Ii!
Ug tff ttyaUfirrrtia,
REFERENCE.
» fKHSSKaTKD TO THE
| Library of tde University of California
33d CONGRESS, ) SENATE. (Ex. Doc.
2d Session. f ( No. 78.
REPORTS
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS,
ASCERTAIN THE MOST PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICAL ROUTE FOR A RAILROAD
Ffe Y * *
*
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
MADE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, IN
1853-6,
ACCORDING TO ACTS OF CONGRESS OP MARCH 3, 1853, MAY 31, 1854, AND AUGUST 5, 1854,
VOLUME IX.
WASHINGTON:
BEVERLY TUCKER, PRINTER.
1858.
IN SENATE— FEBRUARY 24, 1855.
Resolved, That there be printed, for the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of the several reports of surveys for a rail
road to the Pacific, made under the direction of the Secretary of War ; and also of the report of F. W. Lander, civil engi
neer, of a survey of a railroad route from Pugct's Sound, by Fort Hall and the Great Salt lake, to the Mississippi river ; and
the report of John C. Fre'mont, of a route for a railroad from the head-waters of the Arkansas river into the State of Cali
fornia ; together with the maps and plates accompanying said reports, necessary to illustrate the same ; and that five
hundred copies be printed for the use of the Secretary of War, and fifty copies for each of the commandiug officers engaged
in said service.
Attest : ASBURY DICK1NS, Secretary.
THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION— CHAPTER 98.
SECT. 10. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby authorized, under the direction of the
President of the United States, to employ such portion of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, and such other persons as
he may deem necessary, to make such explorations and surveys as he may deem advisable, to ascertain the most practicable
and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, and that the sum of one hundred and fifty-
thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated out of any money in the
treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the expense of such explorations and surveys.
Approved March 3, 1853.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION— CHAPTER CO.
Appropriation : For deficiencies for the railroad surveys between the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean, forty thou
sand dollars.
Approved May 31, 1854.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION— CHAPTER 2C7.
Appropriation : For continuing the explorations and surveys to ascertain the best route for a railway to the Pacific, and
for completing the reports of surveys already made, the Bum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Approved August 5, 1854.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME IX,
PART n.— GENERAL REPORT UPON THE ZOOLOGY OF THE SEVERAL PACIFIC RAILROAD ROUTES.
LETTEB. TO CAPTAIN HUMPHREYS, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, March 1, 1856.
SIE : During the first organization of the parties for the survey of a railroad route to the
Pacific, application was made to the Smithsonian Institution, by the officers in charge, for in
structions and suggestions in reference to the investigation of the Natural History of their
respective lines. These were cheerfully furnished, as in accordance with the objects of an
establishment intended for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The specimens in Zoology,
as collected, were transmitted from time to time to the Institution, and properly preserved
until the return of the parties. A series of special reports was prepared by the naturalists of
the expeditions ; but as these were necessarily disconnected and incomplete, it was deemed
advisable to furnish a general systematic report upon the collections as a whole ; and this being
sanctioned by the War Department, the materials were entrusted to competent individuals for
this purpose, the necessary drawings being made by a skilful artist within the walls of the
Institution.
The first part of the general report having been already furnished, I now transmit the
remainder, with the hope that its execution will be satisfactory to the Department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH HENRY,
Secretary Smithsonian Institution.
Captain A. A. HUMPHREYS, Topographical Engineers,
In charge of Office of Explorations and Surveys, War Department.
PART II
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOE A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
BIRDS:
BY SPENCER F. BAIRD
ASSISTANT SECRETARY SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF
JOHN CASSIN AND GEORGE N. LAWRENCE
WASHINGTON, D. 0.
1858.
b2*
CONTENTS.
Page.
Preface - . xin
Systematic list of the higher groups ... ... xvn
Last of species _ xxv
Introductory remarks .... . .. 1
Order Raptores . . ... 3
Order Scansores .. . ... ... 65
Order Insessores , .... . 126
Order Rasores 593
Order Grallatores . .... .. . .. . 650
Order Natatores 754
Appendix A. Additional remarks on North American birds ........... . .... . 921
Appendix B. Birds found at Fort Bridger, Utah 926
Appendix C. List of authorities . ... . 928
Index of common names . .... . ......... 955
Index of scientific names.. 963
PREFACE.
The present report is a continuation of a systematic account of the vertebrate animals of
North America, collected or observed by the different parties organized under the direction of the
War Department for ascertaining the best route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the
Pacific ocean.
The collections of these expeditions having been deposited with, the Smithsonian Institution
by the War Department, in compliance with an act of Congress, the undersigned was charged
by the Secretary of the Institution with the duty of furnishing the series of general reports
upon them, as called for by the Department. The account of the mammals having been
published in 1857, that of the birds is herewith furnished, prepared according to the plan
announced in the preface to that volume.
As in the volume on the mammals, by the insertion of the comparatively few species not noticed
by the expeditions, this report becomes an exposition of the present state of our knowledge of the
birds of North America, north of Mexico. This addition, while rendering the work more valuable
to the reader, was absolutely necessary for tho proper understanding of the western fauna, the
species of which are generally so closely allied to the eastern forms as to require in most cases
more minute and detailed descriptions of the latter than have been published.
Certain portions of the report have been prepared by Mr. JOHN CASSIN, of Philadelphia, and
Mr. GEORGE N. LAWRENCE, of New York, well known as the leading ornithologists of the United
States. Mr. Cassin has furnished the entire account of the Raptores, from p. 4 to 64, of the
Grallae from p. 689 to 753, and of the Alcidae from p. 900 to 918, in all about 135 pages. Mr.
Lawrence has written the article on the Longipennes, otipalmes, and Colymbidae, from page
820 to 900, making 80 pages.
To Mr. P. L. Sclater, of London, acknowledgments are due for the examination of certain
specimens in European museums, and for other valuable aid in determining points of synonymy ;
some of his notes received too late for insertion in their proper places will be found in
Appendix A. Much assistance has also been rendered in various ways by Dr. J. G. Cooper.
In the introduction to the general report upon the mammals will be found a detailed account
of the different railroad surveying parties from which zoological collections were received,
with their respective routes. For the proper understanding of the subject, however, it will be
necessary to present a brief recapitulation in this place.
1. LINE OF THE 47TH PARALLEL, UNDER GOVERNOR I. I. STEVENS. — This consisted of two principal
parties, one under Governor Stevens, passing from St. Paul, Minnesota, to the Pacific,
accompanied by Dr. George Suckley, U. S. A, as surgeon and naturalist, the other under
Captain G. B. M'Clellan, proceeding from Vancouver to the Cascade mountains, accompanied by
XIV PREFACE.
Dr. J. G. Cooper. After the termination of their official duties with the survey, Dr. Sucldey
made a very extensive collection of birds at the Dalles, and on Puget's Sound, and Dr. Cooper
at Shoalwater bay, on Puget's Sound, and at Santa Clara, California.
2. 38TH AND 39TH PARALLELS, UNDER CAPTAIN J. W. GUNNISON, AND THE 41ST, UNDER CAPTAIN E.
G. BECKWITH. — The duties of naturalist were performed by Mr. Kreuzfeldt until his death,
afterwards by Mr. Snyder, of Captain Beckwith's party.
3. 35TH PARALLEL, UNDER CAPTAIN A. W. WHIFFLE. — This party was at first divided into two,
one under Captain Whipple, starting at Fort Smith, accompanied by Mr. H. B. Mollhausen, as
naturalist; the other under Lieutenant Ives, from San Antonio, Texas, with Dr. Kennerly. Both
parties met at Albuquerque, and proceeded together to the Pacific.
4. CALIFORNIA LINE, UNDER LIEUTENANT WILLIAMSON. — This party, with Dr. Heermann as
naturalist, explored the country from San Francisco to the Tejon Pass and the Colorado river.
5. 32o PARALLEL WEST, UNDER LIEUTENANT J. G. PARKS. — Lieutenant Parke's party, with Dr.
Heermann as naturalist, traversed the route from Fort Yuma to El Paso, and thence through
Texas.
6. 3-2D PARALLEL EAST, UNDER CAPTAIN J. POPE. — From El Paso to Preston, on Ked river.
Captain Pope's collections include the very extensive series of birds gathered by Dr. T. C.
Henry, U. S. A., at Fort Thorn and on the Mimbres.
The preceding lines were organized in 1853 ; the following was sent out subsequently :
7. CALIFORNIA AND OREGON LINE, UNDER LIEUTENANT WILLIAMSON. — This party explored the
Cascade mountains of California and Oregon. The zoological collections were made by Dr. J.
S. Newberry, geologist of the expedition.
In addition to the preceding Eailroad explorations, the results of the following miscellaneous
government expeditions, made under the War Department, have been embodied in the report :
8. EXPLORATION OF THE LLANO ESTACADO, in 1854 and 1856, by Captain POPE.
10. EXPLORATION OF THE UPPER MISSOURI AND YELLOWSTONE IN 1856, UNDER LIEUT. G. K. WAR
REN. — Very large collections of birds were made by this party, of which Dr. F. Y. Hayden was
surgeon and naturalist.
10. EXPLORATION OF THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PLATTE RIVER AND LOUP FORK IN 1857, UNDER LIEUT.
G. K. WARREN.— On this second expedition of Lieut. Warren, (Dr. Hayden naturalist,) large
collections of birds were made, especially on Laramie Peak and Loup Fork.
11. WAGON ROAD FROM FORT RILEY TO BRIDGER'S PASS, UNDER LIEUT. F. T. BRYAN. — This party,
with W. S. Wood as collector and naturalist, was out two seasons, 1856 and 1857, and made
very large collections.
12. SURVEY OF THE COLORADO RIVER IN 1857-8, UNDER LIEUT. J. C. IVES.— H. B. Mollhausen,
zoologist, aided by Dr. J. S. Newberry, geologist. A small portion only of the collections
have yet been received.
The following expeditions, under the Department of the Interior, have also furnished important
materials :
13. SURVEY OF THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN BOUNDARY LINE IN 1851 TO 1855.— The collec
tions of this survey were made while Mr. John R. Bartlett, Mr. R. B. Campbell, and Major W.
H. Emory, U.S.A., were commissioners; and Colonel J. D. Graham, U.S.A., and Major Emory,
U.S.A., were in charge of the scientific department. The collections were made by Messrs.
John H. Clark, Arthur Schott, Charles Wright, Dr. T. H. Webb, and Dr. C. B. Kennerly.
PREFACE. XV
14. FORT KEARNEY, SOUTH PASS AND HONEY LAKE WAGON EOAD, EASTERN DIVISION, UNDER W.
M. F. MAGRAW. — On this route large collections were made by Dr. J. G. Cooper, surgeon of the
party, as far as Fort Laramie, in 1857, and on his return eastward. His assistant, Mr. 0.
Drexler, visited Fort Bridger, Utah, in March, 1858, and mainly through the countenance of
General A. S. Johnston, commander of the United States forces stationed there, was enabled to
make a very large collection of the birds of that region. His collections were received too late
or mention in their proper places, but are given in Appendix B.
Parties fitted out by the State Department :
15. SURVEY OP THE NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY, UNDER ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL. — Occasional refer
ences will be found to collections received from this party, of which Dr. C. B. Kennerly is
surgeon and naturalist, made chiefly at Simeahmoo bay, Puget's Sound, near the mouth of
Fraser's river.
The following less official collections from the west and south have been used in the prepara
tion of the report.
FROM THE PACIFIC SLOPE. — The very large private collections of Dr. Suckley, in Washington
and Oregon Territories, and of Dr. Cooper, in Washington Territory and California, already
referred to.
Also, additional collections of great magnitude made along the whole Pacific coast of the
United States by Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge3 while engaged on Coast Survey duty ; by Mr. E.
Samuels, at Petaluma, California, and by Mr. John Xantus de Vesey, at Fort Tejon.
Likewise collections of greater or less extent made by Dr. John Potts, U. S. A., Mr. A. J.
Grayson, Dr. John F. Hammond, U. S. A., Kichard D. Cutts, Mr. A. Cassidy, Dr. W. F.
Tolmie, Dr. Vollum, U. S. A., and Dr. W. S. King, U. S. A.
FROM THE KOOKY MOUNTAIN REGIONS. — The very complete collection of birds of Fort Thorn and
the adjacent regions, made by Dr. T. C. Henry, U. S. A.; also, collection from Fort Massa
chusetts, New Mexico, made by Dr. D. W. C. Peters, U. S. A.; at Cantonment Burgwyn, New
Mexico, by Dr. W. W. Anderson, U. S. A.; and by Captain K. B. Marcy, near Cochetope pass.
FROM TEXAS AND MEXICO. — The large collection of Lieut. D. N. Couch, U. S. A., in Texas
and northern Mexico ; of Captain S. Van Vliet, U. S. A., at Brownsville ; of Dr. Swift, U. S. A.,
at Fort Chadbourne, Texas, and of Drs. Foard and Crawford, U. S. A.; also, of Mr. Gustavus
Wurdemann, of the United States Coast Survey, on the coast of Texas. The further collec
tions of this gentleman on the coast of Louisiana, of Florida, and among the Florida Keys,
have contained several new species, and many species new to the fauna of the United States.
FROM NEBRASKA, KANSAS, AND ELSEWHERE. — Collections made in Kansas and Nebraska by Dr,
W. A. Hammond, U. S. A., and Mr. John Xantus de Vesey; by Dr. Hayden, Colonel
Alfred Vaughan, Indian agent, and Dr. J. Evans. On Bed river of the North by Donald
Gunn, esq. Also large collections made in Minnesota and Illinois by Mr. K. Kennicott, partly
under the auspices of the Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois ; others made in
Wisconsin by Dr. Hoy and Mr. Barry ; in Ohio by Dr. J. P. Kirtland ; and near Chicago
by Mr. Thomas E. Blackney. Also collections made in Georgia by Professor Joseph Leconte.
A collection of about 150 species received from Mr. John Gould, of London, contains many
rare birds from the northwest and Arctic regions, (some of them types of the " Fauna Boreali-
Americana,") as well as others from Mexico and Guatemala. The latter have proved of great
XVI PREFACE.
service for comparison with closely allied species of the United States, as have also specimens from
Mr. P. L. Sclater, of London, Mr. J. P. Verreaux, of Paris, and Messrs. J. H. Gurney and
Alfred Newton, of Norwich, England.
The types of eastern birds have been furnished by the collection of the author deposited in
the Smithsonian Institution. This consists of a full collection of birds of Central Pennsylvania,
with sex, date, and measurements before skinning. It also embraces a large number of Mr.
Audubon's typical specimens used in the preparation of his "Birds of America," including
many of those from the Columbia river and Eocky mountains, furnished him by Mr. J. K.
Townsend.
In addition to the collections just mentioned, with others not enumerated, all in charge of
the Smithsonian Institution, and amounting to over 12,000 specimens, types have been supplied
for the occasion by Mr. Cassin, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. John G-. Bell, Dr. Michener, and others.
The ornithological gallery of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, believed to be the
richest in the world, has also furnished the means of making many essential comparisons.
The measurements of the specimens have usually been made in hundredth^ of the English
inch1, mostly with the dividers. All the measurements in the list of specimens are as made
before the bird was skinned, each collector being responsible for the accuracy of his work. The
comparative tables of measurements show, in many cases, the change of dimensions produced in
the dried skin.
S. F. B.
WASHINGTON, October 20, 1853.
1 The English inch is about equal to 11. 26 French lines, .9383 French inches, or to 25. 40 millimetres.
I. TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS
Order I. KAPTOKES. (Page 3.)
Family.'
!
OH
Sub-family.
3)
a
Section.
o5
fi
Genus.
i
&
Sub-genus.
i
a
C«
Species examined and
identified.
Species notexaminednor
identified.
Extra limital species.
Current number of first
species mentioned.
1. Vulturidne
l
Cathartinae
4
1
2. Falconidae
Falconinae .....
7
_
Falco ...
5
Hypotriorchis
7
Gennaia
1
10
1
n
Tinnunculus
1
13
14
16
15
19
5. Buteo, Cuv
19
Buteo
1
18
Leucopternis
o
„
21
3d
Poecilopternis
Tachytriorchis
2
3
1
23
29
30
35
33
36
36
34
37
1
35
?7
1
36
?8
1
37
?8
1
38
Aquilinae
41
13. Aquila, Moehr
41
4«>
1
4
39
40
44
1
44
Polybonnae
16. Polyborus, Vieill . . .
45
46
1
1
45
46
47
47
47
1
47
Buboninae
48
19. Bubo, Cuv
49
51
••
1
o
••
48
49
53
1
51
1
53
Syrniinae
55
23. Syrnium, Sav
55
57
2
3
53
55
Atheninae
59^
25. Athene, Boie
59
2
1
••
58
60
Nycteinae
63j
27. Nyctea, Steph
63
1
1
61
62
b3*
XVIII
TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS.
Order II. SCANSOBES. (Page 65.)
Family.
?!
a
Sub-family.
be
PM
Section.
to
»
fn
Genus.
OJ
bfi
&
Sub-genus.
«
1
Species examined and
identified.
Species not examined nor
identified.
0
'5
a;
B.
-^
a
a
W
Current number ot first
species mentioned.
66
i
63
64
65
66
68
69
72
74
78
80
81
82
85
90
91
94
99
5. Trogonidae
69
Rhynchopsitta, Bon .
30. Trogon, Moehr
66
i
1
6. Cuculidae
7. Picidae ..........
71
79
Picinae
79
Piceae •
80
108
117
31. Crotophaga, Linn. ..
1
3
34. Campephilus, Gray.
35. Picus, Linn
81
83
97
1
1
Trichopicus. Bp
Dyctiopicus, Bp .....
Phrenopicus, Bp
83
83
83
83
4
o
1
1
3
101
5
107
1
108
3
112
3
117
3
Order III. INSESSOKES. (Page 126.)
Sub-order A. STKISORES. (Page 128.)
1°9
130
1
100
101
103
105
107
108
109
111
114
140
131
o
133
o
136
o
140
12. Caprimulgidae . .
146
Caprimulginae...
146
142! , -
1
144!
9
19. Antrostomus, Gould.
146
150
3
3
....
Sub-order B. CLAMATOKES. (Page 156.)
13. Alcedinidae
157
161
....
51. Ceryle, Boie ,
157
161
Megaceryle, Rch
Chloroceryle, Kaup . .
157
157
1
;
117
118
119
120
121
122
124
130
134
137
140
147
15. Oolopteridae ....
163
Psarinae
164
166
167
167
53. Pacliyrliamphu*,Gr.
164
i
i
o
Tyrannuli
170
5
1
4
182
3
186
3
191
7
61 Pyrocephalus, Gould
201
1
TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS.
XIX
Sub-order C. OSCINES.
Family.
<a
SB
d
h
Sub-family.
s>
a
S«
Section.
<u
to
C3
OH
Genus.
6£
a
0-
Sub-genus.
a
BO
a
P*
Species examined anu
identified.
Specie.-; not examined nor
identified.
Extra limital species.
Curreut number of first
species mentioned.
207
231
307
316
323
343
372
379
Turdinae
Regulinae
Cinclinae
207
226
229
931
62. Turdus, L
208
aao
Turdus, L
210:
210
210
7
1
1
1
148
155
156
157
158
161
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
174
176
178
180
185
189
211
216
17. Sylv dae....
18 Hirundinidae ....
19. Bombycillidae . .
20. Laniidae
001
T
65. Regulus, Cuv
66. Hydrobata, Vieill...
226
229
0-10
2
1
1
1
Sylvicolinae
Tanagrinae......
Hirundininae
Bombycillinae , .
234
299
307
316
Mniotil ....
Geotlilyp ae
235
240
248
251
259
291
233
1
0?=i
1
1
23y
1
°'10
T
1
°<ifi
o
348
2
Vermivoreae
Sylvicoleae
Setophageae
75. Helmitherus, Raf. . .
76. Helminthophaga,Cab
77. Seiuirus, Sw
251
25:-
259
963
2 ...
6 ...
....
3
20
3
":
1
oqi
80 Cardcllina Dubus
OH*",
898
oq?
9
1
1
217
220
224
225
229
231
232
234
235
236
240
244
248
253
255
256
259
262
263
264
265
268
269
270
273
274
275
277
282
285
289
297
300
82. Pyranga, Vieill
300
1M
....
4
10?
4
?P
9
1
87. Ampelis, Linn
88. Pliainopcpla, Scl...
316
HIS,
2
1
....
Laniinae
323
1-X)
1
90. Collyrio, Moehr....
91. Vireo, Vieill
323
329
343
329
329
329
4
4
4
5
9,
....
....
21. Liotrichidae ....
22. Certhiadae
23. Paridae
92. Mimus, Boie
Campylorhynchi-
nae.
354
1
94. Harporliynchus,Cab
95. Campylorliynchus,
348
354
Harporhynchus, Cab.
Methriopterus, Reich.
348
348
3
3
1
....
1
1
98. Thriothorus, Vieill
99. Cistothorus. Cab..
100. Troglodytes, Vieill
101. Chamaea, Gamb. ..
102. Certhia.Linn
103. Sitta, Linn
104. Polioptila, Sclater
10,r>. Lophopbanes.Kau]
100. Parus,Linn
107. Psaltriparus, Bon.
359
364
366
370
372
374
371
38C
381
3V
3
Chaniaoanae
Certhianae
Sittinae
Polioptilinae
Parinae
370
372
374
379
379
Tclmatodytes, Cab...
Cistothorus, Cab
Troglodytes, Vieill...
Anorthura, Rennie...
...
364
364
366
366
1
1
3
1
1
2
5
3
4
7
9.
1
1
399l..,
1
XX
TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS.
Sub-order C. OSCINES— Continued.
Family.
<u
tc
C2
—
Sub-family.
u>
C.
S ction.
tn
Si
Genus.
i
a
PH
Sub-genus.
5
CO
a*
Species examined and
identified.
Species not examined nor
iflenlified.
; Extra lanital species.
Current number ot first
species mentioned.
Si4. Dacnididae
App
109. Certhiola, Sund. ..
1
301
302
303
304
305
310
313
318
320
322
325
326
330
331
332
337
338
341
344
345
350
355
357
363
368
370
373
374
377
378
380
382
383
388
389
390
391
399
400
401
404
40->
4u6
408
417
419
423
430
431
432
434
437
442
443
444
\[>[l
110. Eremophila, Boie.,
•10"
1 ....
....
26. Fringillidae
27. Icteridae
406
521
556
Coccothraustinae
Spizellinae
Passerellinae ....
406
438
487
490
111. Hesperipliona, Bon
408
409
1 ....
....
113. Carpodacus, Kaup.
114. Chrysomitris, Boie
115. Curvirostra, Scop .
411
418
426
428
1
2
Chrysomitris, Boie...
Astragalinus, Cab
418
419
5
0
....
1
1
1
2
4MO
118. Plectrophanes,Mey
119. Centronyx, Baird..
431
440
Plectrophanes, Meyer.
Centrophanes, Kaup .
1
1 ....
5 ....
447
1 ....
122. Coturniculus, Bon.
123. Ammodromus, Sw.
449
452
455
2 1
3'....
1 ....
5
464
4 ...
1
459!
2 ....
471
6 ...
129. Melospiza, Bd
476
476
477
5
2
3
131. Embernagra, Less.
132. Passerella, Sw
133. Caiamospiza, Bon.
487
483
492
1
3
1
....
....
Agelaiinae
Icterinae
Quiscalinae
521
540
550
.W
2
496
Goniaphoea, Bovvd. . .
497
497
2
1
5
1
138 Pyrrliuloxia, Bon
1
1 ....
8i
141. Dolichonyx, Sw...
522
1
1
143 Agelaius Vieill
3 ....
144. Xantliocephalus,B.
531
1
7 ....
(?)1
2 ....
147. Icterus, Daud
148. Scolccophagus,Svv.
540
551
8 ....
2 ....
4
1
7 ...
Garrulinae
575
....
1 ...
152. Gymnokitta, Max.
1 ....
153. Pica, Briss
154. Cyanura, Sw
576
579
584
2 ....
3 ....
5 . ..
....
1 ....
li ...
591
1 ....
TABLE OF THE HIGHEK GROUPS.
XXI
Order IY. BASQUES. (Page 593.)
Sub-Order A. COLUMBAE. (Page 595.)
•3
5
t
a
IB .
-a
X
•a
•3
S)
o s
~"t
3 -C
a.
Family.
Sub-family.
Section.
Genus.
Sub-genus.
3S
x —
a) 5
"3
~ ii
1 ^
S
S
Z'"
aj
.2
g
so
0>
&
to
SB
eg
u
Q,
£
3
PH
&
OH
£
CLi
11
VJ
y
0
595
•Wfi
5%
596
9
445
596
1
447
599
1
448
7
600
600
601
1
449
602
1
450
603
1
Chamaepelieae . .
164. Scardafella, Bon...
605
1
452
606
1
4V}
Starnoenadeae...
. . . .
166. Oreopelcia, Reich .
607
1
454
608
1
455
Sub-Order B. GALLINAB. (Page 609.)
610
168. Ortalida, Merrem..
610
1
456
457
459
4K2
463
464
465
467
471
473
474
476
477
31. Vliasianidae
613
rjnae
613
613
9
°
170. Tetrao, Linn
6P(I
3
33. Perdicidae.......
638
Ortyginae
638
...
171. Centrocercus, Sw.
624
625
1
1
627
1
6:><l
2
6S°
3
2
1
i
176. Onyx, Steph
639
64"
....
643
a
179. Callipepla Waller
646
i
180. Cyrtonyx Gould..
647
i
i
Order V. GEALLATOEES. (Page 650.)
Sub-Order A. HERODIONES. (Page 651.)
34. Gruidae
652
657
....
;••••
181. Grus, Linn
182. Aramus, Vieill
653
657
3
1
['
18
«
16
18
16
46
49
in
49
49
19
191
19
19
50(
50
50
659
681
686
687
Ardeinae
Tantalinac
Ibinae
659
681
681
Ardeae
•
Botaureae
Nycticoraceae. ..
659
659
660
183. DeiiiiegreUa, Blyth.
184. Garzetta, Bon
660
664
....
3
1
.,.
,...
37. Tantalidae
38. Plataleidae
39. Phounicopteridae
185^ Hcrodias, Boie ....
666'
1
186. Ardea, Linn
667
0
187. Audubonia, lip....
670
1
188. Florida, Bd
671
1
189. Ardetta, Gray
190. Botaurus, Stcph. ..
072
674
1
1
....
191. Butoridcs, Blyth. ..
676
1
678
1
193. Nyctlierodius,Koic.
194. Tantalus, Linn
195. Ibis, Moclir
196. Platalea, L
197. Phoenicoptcrus, L.
679
682
682
686
687
1
1
9
I
....
1 ....
1 ....
XXII
TABLE OF THE HIGHEK GKOUPS.
Order V. GKALLATOKES— Continued.
Sub-Order B. GEALLA.E. (Pcage 688.)
Tribe 1. LIMICOLAE. (Page 688.)
Family.
w
ff
a.
Sub-family.
V
I
Section.
c5
U9
cu
Genus.
&>
be
a
PH
Sub-genus.
o
tx
a
a,
Specius examined and
identified.
1 Species not examined nor
identified.
I Extra limital species.
Current number of first
species mentioned.
198. Charadrius, L
690
1
.... 503
41. Haematopodidae
42. Recurvirostridae.
43. Plialaropodidae..
44. Scolopacidae....
699
703
705
703
199. Aegialitis,Boie....
691
696
Oxyechus, Reich ....
Ochthodromus, Reich.
692
693
2
1
2
.... 504
506
... 507
1
509
1
510
698
.... 511
202. Haematopus, Linn.
69f
701
....
2; 1
2 ....
1 512
.... 515
703
1
.... 517
Scolopacinae ....
708
727
Scolapaceae
708
713
727
727
742
205. Himantopus, Briss.
206. Phalaropus, Br....
704
705
709
1
.... 518
Steganopus, Vieill
705
706
707
1
1
X
1
.... 519
.... 520
Phalaropus, Brisson..
.... 521
.... 522
208 Gallina"o Leach
7101
1
. . 523
.... 524
209. Macrorliamphus,
711
o
210 Trin<*a Linn
714
723
714
714
714
714
714
2
1
1
3
1
.... 526
Arquatella, Bd
.... 528
Erolia, Vieill
.... 529
Schoeniclus, Moehr ..
Actodromas, Kaup...
. . . . 530
.... 531
.... 534
724
1
..«. 535
7"fi
1
.... 536
7oq
1
.... 537
Limoseae
Numcnieae
730
1
.... 538
731
B
.... 539
217. Rhyacophilus, Kp.
733
rw
1
.... 541
1
.... 542
735
1
.... 543
220. Philomaclius,Moeh
736
737
1
. . , 544
1
.... 545
739
1
.... 546
223. Limosa, Briss
224. Numenius, Linn . .
740
742
!
Numenius, Temm....
743
9
1
2
.... 518
... ; 549
550
Tribe 2. PALUDICOLAE. (Page 745.)
45. Rallidae
/45
746
746
746
225. Rallu«, L
3
552
555
555
557
558
Fuliceue
226. Porzana, Vieill
74S
751
Porzana, Vieill
749
749
750
]
1
1
1
Coturnicops, Bon ....
228. Fulica, Linn
229. Gallinula, Briss . . .
751
752
Gallinula, Br
Porphyrula, Blyth...
752
753
1
]
1
559
560
561
TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS.
Order VI. NATATOKES. (Page 752.)
Sub-order A. ANSE11ES. (Page 753.)
XXIII
Family.
OJ
so
St
Sub-family.
a>
CO
a
Section.
0>
tl
_CB
Genus.
bj>
a
CM
Sub-genus.
a>
bi
a
At
Species examined and
identified.
Species not examined nor
identified.
Extra limitiil sp
Current number ot first
species mentioned.
756
Cygninae
757
759
779
Ansereae
Dendrocygneae . .
759
759
230. Cygnus, Linn
231. Anser, Linn
232. Bernicla,Steph....
233. Ch!oephaga,Eyton.
234. Dendrocygna, Svv. .
757
760
763
769
769
773
Olor, Wagler
Chen, Boie
Anser, Linn
Leucoblepharon, Bd.
757
757
757
76c
76 'H
2
2
2
3
2
561
563
565
567
570
572
573
574
576
578
579
581
583
584
585
587
588
591
593
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
604
606
609
611
613
614
761
1
1
2
...
Fuligulinae
Erismaturinae .. .
Merginae ,
786
811
812
....
236. Dafila, Leach
774
1
237. Nettion, Kaup
777
o
238. Querquedula,Steph.
239. Spatula, JBoie
779
781
o
1
240. Chaulelasmus,Gray
782
78tf
1
2
242. Aix, Boie
7R"i
243. Fulix, Sund
790
7P3
3
2
245. Bucephala, Bd....
7%
3
246. Histrionicus, Less.
798
son
1
1
248. Polysticta, Eyton..
801
1
249. Larapronetta, Brdt.
250. Camptolaemus,Gr.
251. Melanetta, Boie. ..
802
803
804
1
1
252. Pelionetta, Kaup..
804
0
253. Oidemia, Flem ....
804
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
254. Somateria, Leach.
255. Erismatura, Bon..
256. Mergus, Linn
257. Lophodytes, Reich
258. Mergellus, Selby..
808
811
813
815
817
1
Sub-order B. GAVIAE. (Page 818.)
Tribe 1. TOTIPALMI. (Page 819.)
47. Pelecanidae
868
259. Pelecanus, L
868
Cyrtopelicanus, Rch . .
868
1
fil"i
Onocrotalus, Wagl...
870
1
616
48. Sulidae
871
260. Sula, Br
Sula, Br
871
1
617
87=>
1
618
49. Tachypetidae.. .
873
.... ,
261. Tachypetes, Vieill.
873
1
619
50. Phalacrocoraci-
dae
875
.. .
262. Graculus,L
875
Phalacrocorax, Br . . . .
876
1
2
620
Graculus, Bon
877
3
....
....
623
880
9
fi"fi
51. Plotidae
883
883
883
1
52. Phaetonidae ....
885
Phaetoninae
885
264. Phaeton, Linn ....
885
1
629
XXIV
TABLE OF THE HIGHER GROUPS.
Tribe 2. LONGIPENNES. (Page 819.)
Family.
0)
60
<5
Bnb-faniily.
ec
(5
Section.
60
(5
Genus.
i
£
Sub-genus.
<u
I
PH
Species examined and
identified.
Species not examined nor
identified.
Extra limital species.
Current number of first
species mentioned.
820
890
89,1
1
fi30
poo
1
631
266. Procellaria, L
894
Thalassarche, Rch...
Phoebetria, Rch
Ossifragus, H. & J....
822
823
R35
1
1
1
....
....
632
633
634
H9S
o
635
Thalassoica, Reich . . .
826
8"7
1
1
637
638
Hop
1
639
268. Thalassidroma,Vig.
828
Oceanodroma, Rch . . .
Thalassidroma, Vig..
829
8;io
811
1
1
1
1
1
640
642
644
811
1
645
P'f)
1
646
270. Puffmus, Briss . .
W
8Yi
1
647
814
1
648
814
0
649
Wi
1
651
54. Laridae
837
Lcstridinae
Larinae
837
840
...
271. Stercorarius, Briss.
272. Larus, Linn
838
841
848
4
9
1
1
652
6,r>6
666
274. Chroicocephalus,
8=)0
5
667
275. Rissa, Leach
276. Pa<*ophila,Kaup
853
8riIi
2
1
2
]
672
676
8W
678
8ri7
1
679
8Y?
]
680
Sterninae
858
...
280. Sterna, L
281. Hydrochelidon,Boie
858
8fi<1
14
1
681
Wi
86*1
1
6%
Ehynchopinae . . .
865
...
283. Rhynchops, L
866
...
1
697
TribeS. BRACHYPTERI. (Page 819.)
55. Colymbidae
50. Alcidae
887
900
Colymbinae
Podicipinae
Alcinae.. .,
Urinae
887
891
900
911
284. Colymbus, L
285. Podiceps, Lath ....
286. Podilyrnbus, Less .
287. Alca, Linn
288. Mormon, 111
289. Sagmatorrhina,Bon
887
891
....
4
6
1
1
....
698
702
709
710
711
712
713
716
717
719
720
722
724
725
720
72.9
732
736
738
900
901
904
901
Chenalopex, Moehr..
Utamania, Leach . . , .
900
901
902
902
1
1
1
3
Fratercula, Briss
1
0
291. Phaleris, Temm...
292. Ptychorhamphus,
906
910
Simorhynclnis,Merr. .
Tylorhamphus,Brandt
Ciceronia, Reich
906
907
908
1
o
2
1
293. Ombria, Eschsch
910
1
294. Uria, Moehring....
295. Brachyrhamplius,
Brandt
911
915
918
911
913
915
916
3
3
1
2
1
Cataractes, Moehr . . .
Apobapton, Brandt...
Synthliborhamphus,
3
296. Mergulus, Ray ....
II. LIST OF SPECIES.1
1. CatJifirtcs aura, (Linn.) Illig. Turkey Buzzard. All of North America, 'except the
Arctic regions
2. CatJiartes californianus, (Shaw,) Cuvier. California Vulture. Western North
America 5
?>. CatJiarf.es atratus, (Bartram,) Less. Black Vulture. Southern North America.
Central America to Chile 5
(4.) Cathartes burrovianus, Cassin. Burroughs' Vulture. Mexico, Vera Cruz, Mazatlan. G
5. Falco (Falco) anatum, Bonaparte. Duck Hawk. North America, east of the Rocky
mountains 7
G. Falco ( 'Falco) nignceps, Cassin. Western North and South America 8
7. Falco (Hypotriorcliis) columbarius, Linn. Pigeon Hawk. Temperate North America,
Mexico, Central America, Northern South America 9
S. Fal.ro (Hypotriorcliis) aurantiw, Gmelin. Mexico, South America 10
9. Falco (Hypotriorcliis) femoralis, Temminck. New Mexico, Mexico, South America- 11
10. Falco ( Gennaia) polyagrus, Cassin. Prairie Falcon. Western North America •••• 12
11. Falco (Hierofalco) candicans, Gmelin. Jer Falcon. Northern North America;
Greenland • 13
12. Falco (Hierofalco) islandicus, Sabine. Jer Falcon. Northern North America;
Greenland 13
13. Falco ( Tinnunculus] sparverius. Linn. Sparrow Hawk. Entire continent of America 13
14. A star ctfricapillus, (Wils.) Bonap. Goshawk. North America; chiefly in the north
western portions • • 15
15. Acdpiter cooperii, Bonap. Cooper's Hawk. All of temperate North America 1G
» 1G. Acdpiter mexicanus. Swains. Western N. America 17
17. Accipiter fuscus, (Gmelin,) Bon. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Throughout North America
and Mexico 18
18. Jhtfeo moaiiisoni, Bonap. Swainson's Buzzard. Northern and Western N. America 19
19. Jluteo bairdii, Hoy. Baird' s Buzzard. Northern and Western N. America - 21
20. Buteo calurus, Cassin. Red-tailed Black Hawk. Western N. America 22
21 . Bnteo (Leu copter nis) insignatus, Cassin. Western N. America 23
22. JJtitco (Leucopternis) liarlani, (Aud.) Bon. Harlan's Buzzard. Western N. America 24
23. Buteo (Poecttopterma) borealis, (Gmelin,) Vieill. Red-tailed Hawk. Eastern North
America; fur countries; Cuba, Jamaica 25
24. Buteo (Poedlopternifs) montanus, Nuttall. Western red-tailed Hawk. Western
N. America 2G
25. Buteo (PoecttopternisJ lineatus, (Gmelin,) Jardine. Red-shouldered Hawk. Eastern
and Northern N. America 28
1Whcn authorities arc enclosed in parentheses it shows that the species was first described under a different genus. A
second authority (or a single one unenclosed) is that of the name as adopted. Extra linutal species have their current
number .similarly enclosed.
4*
XXVI LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
20. Buteo (Poeciloptcrnis) elegans, Cassin. Western North America
27. Buteo (Poecilopte mis) peniwjloanims, (Wilson,) Bonap. Broad-winged Hawk. East
ern North America
28. Buteo (Poecilopterni*) oxypterus, Cassin. New Mexico • • •
29. Buteo (Tacliytriorchis) cooperi, Cassin. California
30. ArcJiibuteolagopus, (Brimnich,) Gray. Rough-legged Hawk. All of temperate North
America and Europe •
31. Arcliibuteo sandi-joJiannis (Gmelin,) Gray. Black Hawk. Eastern and Northern
North America ....
32. Archiluteo ferrugineus, (Licht.) Gray. California Squirrel Hawk. Western North
America
33. Asturina nitida, (Lath.) Bonap. Northern Mexico and South America • 35
34. Nauckrus furcatus, (Linn.) Vigors. Swallow-tailed Hawk. Eastern United States
to the Mississippi, northward to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; ac
cidental in Europe 30
35. Elanus leucuriis, (Vieillot,) Bonap. White-tailed Hawk. Southern and Western
States and South America 37
30. Ictima mississippiensis, (Wilson,) Gray. Mississippi Kite. Southern States, Texas,
and New Mexico 37
37. Rostrlmmus sociaUlis, (Vieillot,) D'Orbigny. Black Kite. Florida and southward • 38
38. Circus hudsonius, (Linn.) Vieillot. Marsh Hawk. All of North America and Cuba- 38
39. Aquila canadensis, (Linn.) Cassin. Golden Eagle; Ring-tailed Eagle. All of North
America 41
40. Haliaetus pelagicus, (Pallas,) Siebold. Northern Sea Eagle. Russian American
Islands ; Japan 42
41. Haliaetus wa&hingtonii, (Aud.) Jard. Washington Eagle. Kentucky 42
42. Haliaetus albicilla, (Linn.) Cuv. Gray Sea Eagle. Greenland : Europe 43
43. Haliaetus leucocephalus, (Linn.) Savigny. Bald Eagle. All of temperate North
America. Accidental in Europe 43
44. Pandion carolinensis, (Gmelin,) Bon. Fish Hawk. Throughout temperate North
America 44
45. Polyborus tharus, (Molina,) Cassin. Caracara Eagle. Southern North America,
Florida, Texas, Mexico 45
46. Craxirex unicinctus, (Temn?.) Cassin. Harris' Buzzard. Southern States, Mexico,
South America 40
47. Strix pratincola, Bonap. Barn Owl. Throughout temperate North America 47
48. Bubo virginianus, (Gmelin,) Bon. Great Horned Owl. The whole of North Amer
ica. Runs into varieties, atlanticus, pacificus, arcticus, magellanicus 49
49. Scops asio, (Linn.) Bonap. Mottled Owl. The whole of temperate America, Green
land 51
^50. Scops m'ccattii, Cassin. Western Mottled Owl. Western and southwestern North
America. 52
51. Otus wttsonianus, Lesson. Long-Eared Owl. The whole of temperate North America 53
52. Bradtyotus cassinii, Brewer. Short-Eared Owl. The whole of temperate North
America: Greenland; Cuba 54
LIST OF SPECIES. XVII
Page.
53. Syrnium cinereurn, (Gmelin,) Aud. Great Gray Owl. Northern North America 50
54. Syrnium nebulosum, (Forster,) Gray. Barred Owl. Eastern North America; Fort
Tejon, Cal. - 56
55. Nyddc ricltardsoni, Bonap. Sparrow Owl. Northern North America; Canada 57
56. Nyctale albifrons, (Shaw, ) Cassin. Kirtland's Owl. Northern North America; Wis
consin; Canada 57
57. Nyctale acadlca, (Gmelin,) Bon. Saw-whet Owl. The whole of temperate North
America; Fort Tejon, Cal 58
58. Athene Uypuyaea, Bonap. Burrowing Owl. From Mississippi river to the Rocky
Mountains 59
59. Athene cunieularla, (Molina,) Bon. Burrowing Owl. North America, west of the
Rocky Mountains ; South America 60
60. Glautidium gnoma, (Wagler,) Cassin. Pigmy Owl. Oregon; California; Mexico- 62
61. Nyctca nivea, (Daud.) Gray. Snowy Owl. Northern regions of both continents;
Canada; Greenland; South Carolina; Bermuda 63
62. Surma ulula, (Linn.) Bonap. Hawk Owl. Northern regions of both continents;
Canada 64
63. Couurm carolinensis, (Linn.) Kuhl. Parakeet. Southern and southwestern States,
as far west as the Missouri 67
(64.) IthyncJiopxittapachyrkyncJia, (Sw.) Bon. Thick-billed Parrot. Rio Grande, Texas ?? 66
65. Troyon mexicanus, Swainson. Mexican Trogon. Northeastern Mexico to Rio
Grande 69
66. Crotopliwja rugirostris, Sw. Black Parrot. Florida to Brazil 71
67. Crotopliaga ani, Linn. Ani. Maritime parts of the southeastern United States and
south to Brazil 72
68. Geococeyx calif ornianus, (Less.) Baird. Chaparral Cock. Middle Texas,- New
Mexico, and California, to Central Mexico 73
69. Coccygus americamis, (Linn.) Bonap. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Eastern United States
to the Missouri plains 76
70. Coccyyus erijiliropldlialmus, (Wils.) Bon. Black-billed Cuckoo. United States to
the Missouri plains 77
71. Coccygw minor, (Gmelin,) Cab. Mangrove Cuckoo. Florida keys to West Indies 78
72. Campcpldlus prindpcdis, (Linn.) Gray. Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Southern At
lantic and Gulf States 81
(73.) Campephilus im.perialis, (Gould, ) Gray. Imperial Woodpecker. Chiefly Central
America and southwestern Mexico 82
74. Picus (Tricliopicus) villosus, Linn. Hairy Woodpecker. Northern and western
regions; var. major, medius, minor 84
75. Piciis (Trichopicus) harrisii, And. Harris' ^Woodpecker. From the Pacific coast to
the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 87
76. Picits (Tricliopiciis) pitbescens, Linn. Downy Woodpecker. Eastern United States,
towards the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 89
77. Picus (Tricliopicus) yairdneri, Aud. Gairdner's Woodpecker. From Pacific coast
to eastern base of Rocky Mountains 91
XXVIII LIST OF SPECIES.
Page .
78. Picus (Dydiopicus) nuttalli, Gambel. Nuttall's Woodpecker. Coast region of
California - 33
71). Picas (Di/cfiopicus) scalaris, Waglcr. Rocky mountains and its slope, south of 35th
parallel, to Yucatan 94
80. Pinm (Pltrenopicxvj Iton'olis. Yicill, Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Southern States 90
81. Pictis (Xenopicus) cdbolarvatw, (C*s$.) Bainl. White-headed Woodpecker. Cas
cade mountains of Oregon, and southward into California 9<>
82. Picoides arcticitis, (Sw.) Gray. Black-backed three-toed Woodpecker. Northern
portions of the United States to the arctic regions, from the At
lantic to the Pacific 98
83. Picoides Idrsittiis, (Yieill.) Gray. Banded three-toed Woodpecker. Arctic regions
of North America 1)8
84. Picoides dorsolis, Baird. Striped three-toed Woodpecker. Laramie peak. Rocky
Mountains 100
85. Sphyrapicus varius, (Linn.) Baird. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Atlantic ocean
to the eastern slopes of Rocky Mountains, Greenland 103
8U. Sphyrapicus michalis, Baird. Red-throated Woodpecker. Rocky mountains •• 1 03. 921
87. Sphyrapicus ruler, (Gm.) Baird. Red-breasted Woodpecker. Pacific slope of the
United States 104
88. Sphyrapicus wittiamsonii, (Newb.) Baird. Williamson's Woodpecker. Rocky Moun
tains to the Cascade mountains 105
89. Sphyrapicus thyroideits, (Cass.) Baird. Brown-headed Woodpecker. Cascade and
coast range of California and Oregon. • • • 106
90. Hylatomm pileatus, (Linn.) Baird. Black Woodcock. North America, from At
lantic to Pacific 107
91. Cent urns caroUnus, (Linn.) Bon. Red-bellied Woodpecker. North America, from
Atlantic coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 109
92. Centurusflaviventrw, Sw. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Rio Grande region of the
United States, south into Mexico 110
93. Centurus uropygialis, Baird. Gila Woodpecker. Lower Colorado river of the west 111
94. Melantrpes erythrocephalus, (Liim.) Sw. Red-headed Woodpecker. North America,
from the Atlantic to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains- • 113
95. Melanerpes formicivorus, (Sw.) Bon. California Woodpecker. Coast region of
California, and south; in northern Mexico, eastward almost to
the Gulf of Mexico ; also on upper Rio Grande 114
96. Melanerpes torqmtus, (Wils.) Bonap. Lewis' Woodpecker. Western America,
from Black Hills to Pacific 115
97. Colaptes auratus, (Linn.) Sw. Flicker. Eastern North America to the eastern
slopes of the Rocky Mountains; Greenland . 118
98. Cdaptes mexicanus, Swain. Red-shafted Flicker. Western North America, from
the Black Hills to Pacific 120
98«, Gdaptes hybridiis, Baird. Cross between two preceding. Upper Missouri. 122
99. ? Colaptes clirysoides, (Malher.) Baird. New Moxico 125
100. Lampornis mango, (Linn.) Sw. Bhick-throated Humming Bird. Florida? 130
LIST OF SPECIES XXIX
Page.
101. Trochiltis colubrw, Linn. Ruby-throated Humming Bird. Eastern North America
to the high central plains; south to Brazil 131
102. Troclciliis akxandri, Bourc. and Mulsaiit. Black-chinned Humming Bird. Coast of
California, southward • • 133
103. Sdaaphoi'HH rttfiiH, (Gin.) Sw. Red-backed Humming Bird. West coast of North
America, and across from Gulf of California to the Upper Rio
Grande Valley . • • 134
104. SdasphwitH platycercus, (Sw.) Gould. Broad-tailed Humming Bird. High lands of
Mexico, through Rocky mountains to Fort Bridger, Utah 135
105. AtthtN iixitu, (Less.) Reich. Anna Humming Bird. Coast region of California- • 137
106. AttliiH custae, (Bourc.) Reich. Southern California and Colorado Basin • • 138
107. Panyptila melanoleitcct, Baird. White-throated Swift. Colorado Basin, New Mexico- 141
108. Neplioecetes idyer, (Gin.) Baird. Northern Swift. Northwestern America (Simi-
ahmoo bay, W. T.) to West India islands 142
109. C /met lira pelavyia, (Linn.) Steph. Chimney Swallow. Eastern United States to
slopes of Rocky mountains- • 144
110. Chactura vauxii, (Towns.) De Kay. Oregon Swift. Pacific coast, from Puget's
Sound to California • • 145
111. Antrostomm carolinensis, (Gm.) Gould. Chuck-will's Widow. South Atlantic and
Gulf States • • 147
112. Antrostomux vociferus, (Wils.) Bonap. Whip-poor-will. Eastern United States to
the Plains • • 148
113. Antrostomus mtttaUi, (Aud.) Cassin. Nuttall's Whip-poor-will. High central plains to
the Pacific coast 149
114. Chorddles popdue, (Vieill.) Baird. Night Hawk. North America generally 151
115. Chordeiles henryi, Cassin. Western Night Hawk. Rocky mountains; north to Fort
Bridger. Fort Laramie - - - - 153, 922
116. CJwrdeiles tcxensis, Lawrence. Texas Night-hawk. Rio Grande valley and south ;
west to Gulf of California 154
117. Cerylc ( Mcgaccryle) cdcyon, (Linn.) Boie. Belted King-fisher. Entire continent of
North America 158
118. Cerylc ( Cltloroceryle) clmericana, (Grn.) Boie. Texas King-fisher. Rio Grande
region of Texas and southward 159
119. Moinotns caeruliceps, Gould. Saw-bill. Mexico to Rio Grande valley • • • 161
120. Pachyrhamplius aglaiae, Lafresnayc. Rose-throated Flycatcher. Mexico to Rio
Grande 64
121. Batlimidurus major, Cab. Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande? 166
122. Milvulus tyrannns, (Linn.) Bon. Fork-tailed Fly-catcher. South America to Vera
Cruz ; accidental in the United States 168
123. Milvnlufiforjicatus, (Gm.) Sw. Scissor-tail. Central Texas to Mexico 169
124. Tyrannus carolincnsis, (Linn.) Baird. King Bird. Eastern North America to
Rocky mountains 171
125. Tyrannns dominicensis, (Briss.) Rich. Grey King Bird. South Carolina coast,
accidental ; Florida Keys and West Indies 172
XXX LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
120. Tyrannm vcrticalis, Say. Arkansas Flycatcher. Western North America, from the
liigh central plains to the Pacific 173
127. Tyrannus vodferans, Sw. Cassin's Flycatcher. Valley of Gila, eastward to Pecos
river, Texas: and from South Pass into Mexico, on table-lands- • • 174
128. Tyrannm couckii, Baircl. Couch' s Flycatcher. Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande • 175
(129.) Tyrannus mdancJiolicHK, Vieill. Southern Mexico, Central and South America ••• 176
130. Myiarcltm criititus, (Linn.) Cab. Great Crested Flycatcher. Eastern North
America to the Missouri and south to eastern Texas 178
131. JJ~i/i«rclm>s incxiainu*, (Kaup.) Baird. Ash-throated Flycatcher. Coast of Cali
fornia and across by Valley of Gila and Rio Grande to north
eastern Mexico 179
(132.) Myiarclm* cooperi, (Kaup,) Baird. Mexico 180
133. Myiarclius laiumidi, (Giraud,) Baird. Lawrence's Flycatcher. Northeastern Mexico
to the Rio Grande 181
134. Say onus niyricans, (Sw.) Bon. Black Flycatcher. California coast and across by
Valley of Gila and upper Rio Grande to New Leon, and south- • 183
135. Sayarnis fiiscus, (Gm.) Baird. Pewee. Eastern North America 184
136. Sayornis say us, (Bon.) Baird. Say's Flycatcher. Upper Missouri river and
Central high plains westward to the Pacific and south to Mexico 185
137. Contopus borcalis, (Swainson,) Baird. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Rare on the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States ; Fort Bridger.
Found in Greenland 188
138. Contopus richardsonii, (Sw.) Baird. Short-legged Pewee. High central dry
plains to the Pacific ; Rio Grande valley southward to Mexico ;
Labrador 189
139. Contopus virens, (Linn.) Cab. Wood Pewee. Eastern North America to the
borders of the high central plains ; south to New Granada 190
140. Empidonax traillii, (And.) Baird. Traill's Flycatcher. Eastern United States,
and south to Mexico 193
141. Empidonax pusillus, (Sw.) Cab. High central plains to the Pacific; Fur countries;
southward into Mexico 194
142. Empidonax minimus, Baird. Least Flycatcher. Eastern United States to Fort
Bridger 195
143. Empidonax acadicus, (Gm.) Baird. Small Green-crested Flycatcher. Eastern
United States to the Mississippi 197
144. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Eastern United States
generally ; perhaps replaced on the Pacific by a closely allied
species, E. diffidli* 198
145. Empidonax liammondii, (deVesey,) Baird. Vicinity of Fort Tejon to Los Angeles, Cal. 199
146. Empidonax obwurus, (Sw.) Baird. Rocky mountains to Fort Bridger, Utah;
Fort Yuma 200
147. Pyrocephaliifi rut/incus, (Bodd.) Gray. Red Flycatcher. Valleys of Rio Grande
and Gila, southward 201
148. Turdus (Turdns) mustdinw, Gm. Wood Thrush. Eastern United States to
Missouri river ; south to Guatemala 212
LIST OF SPECIES. XXXI
Page.
149. Turdus (Turdus) pallasi, Cab. Hermit Thrush. Eastern North America to the
Mississippi river 212
var. silens, Swainson. High lands of Mexico to Fort Bridger 213
150. Turdus (Turdus) nanus, And. Dwarf Thrush. Pacific coast of North America
to Rocky mountains 213
151. Turdus (Turdus) fuscescens, Stephens. Wilson's Thrush. Eastern North America
to the Missouri ; north to fur countries 214
152. Turdus (Turdus) ustulatus, Nuttall. Coast region of Oregon and Washington Ter
ritories 215
153. T ' nrdus (Turdus) s wainsonii, Cab. Olive-backed Thrush. Eastern North America
to Fort Bridger ; south to Mexico and Peru- north to Greenland ;
accidental in Europe and Siberia 216
154. Turdus (Turdus) aliciae, Baird. Gray-cheeked Thrush. Mississippi region to the
Missouri 217
155. Turdus (Planesticus) migratorius, Linn. Robin. Continent of North America to
Mexico 218
15G. Turdus (Ixoreus) naevius, Bon. Varied Thrush. Pacific coast of North America ;
accidental on Long Island and near Boston 219
(157.) Saxicola cenanthe, (Linn.) Bechst. Stone Chat. Greenland ; accidental in
northern part of North America ; common in Europe 220
158. Sialia sialis, (Linn.) Baird. Blue Bird. Eastern North America to west
of Missouri river ; Fort Laramie 222
159. Sialia mexicana, Sw. Western Blue Bird. Pacific coast of North America, and
along Valley of Gila to upper Rio Grande, and south 223
1 60. Sialia arctica, Sw. Rocky mountain Blue Bird. Upper Missouri to Rocky moun
tains range, and south to Mexico; rare on the coast of California 224
161. Begulus calendula, (Linn.) Licht. Ruby-crowned Wren. United States, from
Atlantic to Pacific 226
162. Reyulus satrapa, Licht. Golden-crested Wren. Northern parts of United States;
from Atlantic to Pacific; on west coast only noticed on Puget's
sound 227
163. Begulus cuvieri, Aud. Cuvier's Golden Crest. Pennsylvania 228
164. Hydrobata mexicana, (Bon.) Baird. Water Ouzel. Rocky mountains and west
from British America to Mexico. Fort Tejon 229
165. Antlius ludovicianus, (Gm.) Licht. Tit-lark. North America generally; Greenland;
accidental in Europe * 232
166. Ncocorys spragueii, (Aud.) Sclater. Missouri Skylark. About Fort Union, Nebraska- 234
167. Mniotilta varia, (Linn.) Vieill. Black and white Creeper. Eastern North America
to Missouri river; south to Guatemala. Var. longirostris, Baird.
Florida 235
168. Panda americana, (Linn.) Bonap. Blue yellow-backed Warbler. Eastern North
America to Missouri river; south to Guatemala 238
169. Protonotaria direct, (Bodd.) Baird. Prothonotary Warbler. South Atlantic and
Gulf States to mouth of Ohio north, and the Missouri river west;
West Indies 239
XXXII LIST OF SPECIES.
170. Geotlilypis trichas, (Linn.) Cab. Maryland Yellow-throat, North America from
Atlantic to Pacific 241
(171.) Geotlilypis vclatus, (Vieill.) Cab. Green-headed Warbler. West Indies and South
America 243
172. Geortlypi* phfaddplda, (Wily.) Baird. Mourning Warbler. Eastern North America
as far west as Independence, Mo 243
173. GcotJih/pis macr/illivrayi, (Aud.) Baird. Macgillivray' s Warbler. Pacific coast
of North America, south to Gulf of California, and across to
Monterey, Mexico. In Rocky mountains to Fort Laramie 244
174. Oporornis agilis, (Wils.) Baird. Connecticut Warbler. Eastern United States •••• 24G
175. Oporornis formosn*, (Wils.) Baird. Kentucky Warbler. Eastern United States as
far west as Fort Riley; south to Guatemala • • • • 247
176. Icteria viridis, (Gm.) Bonap. Yellow-breasted Chat. Eastern United States to
the Missouri ; south to Guatemala 248
177. Icteria lonyicmida, Lawr. Long-tailed Chat. High central plains of United States to
the Pacific; south into 'Mexico 249
178. HelmifJierns rermivonis, (Gin.) Bonap. Worm-eating Warbler. Eastern United
States to Missouri river; south to Guatemala • • • 252
179. Hdmitherns swuhmmii, (Aud.) Sw. Swainson's Warbler. South Atlantic States • 252
180. HehmnthopJtfK/a pinus, (Linn.) Baird. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. Eastern
United States to the Missouri; south to Guatemala 254
181. HeJmhit/iopJiftf/d chrysopteiri, (Linn.) Baird. Golden-winged Warbler. Eastern
United States to the Missouri; Bogota 255
182. HeliiiinihopluKjd bac/imanl. (And.) Cab. Bachman's Warbler. South Atlantic
States; Cuba • 255
183. HeJmintliop/inf/ii riifirapMct, (Wils.) Baird. Nashville Warbler. Eastern North
America to the Missouri; Fort Tejon, Cal.; Greenland 256
184. HehninthopJtaga cdata, (Say,) Baird. Orange-crowned Warbler. Mississippi river
to the Pacific; south to northern Mexico 257
185. Hdminthopkaga peregrina, (Wils.) Cab. Tennessee Warbler. Eastern United
States to the Missouri 258
18G. Seiurn.s rnirocapilfas, (Linn.) Sw. Golden-crowned Thrush. Eastern North
America to the Missouri- • 260
187. Seiurus noveboracensis, (Gm.) Nutt, Water Thrush. Eastern United States to
the Missouri, and south to Guatemala, perhaps to Brazil. 261
188. Seiurus ludovicianus, (Vieill.} Bon. Large-billed Water Thrush. Eastern United
States to the Missouri ; south to Mexico. 262
189. Dendroica vircns, (Gm.) Baird. Black-throated Green Warbler. Eastern United
States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala ; Greenland 267
190. Dendroica occidentalis, (Towns.) Baird. Western Warbler. Pacific coast 268
191. Dendroica townse?idii, (Nutt.) Baird. Pacific coast, North America, to the Eocky
Mountains ; south to Mexico" and Guatemala 269
192. Dendroica nigrescent, (Towns.) Baird. Black-throated Gray Warbler. 'Pacific
coast, United States ; Fort Thorn, New Mexico 270
LIST OF SPECIES. XXX II
Page.
193. Dendroica canadensis, (Linn.) Baird. Black-throated Blue Warbler. Eastern
United States to the Missouri ; south to the West Indies 271
194. Dendroica coronata, (Linn.) Gray. Yellow Rump. Eastern North America to the
Missouri plains ; stragglers seen on Puget's Sound 272
195. Dendroica audubonii, (Towns.) Baird. Audubon's Warbler. Pacific coast of United
States to Rocky mountains ; south to Mexico 273
196. Dendroica blackburniae, (Gin.) Baird. Blackburnian Warbler. Eastern North
America to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala. 274
197. Dendroica castanea, (Wils.) Baird. Bay Breasted Warbler. Eastern United States
to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala 276
198. Dendroica pinus, (Wils.) Baird. Pine Creeping Warbler. Eastern United States
to the Missouri 277
199. Dendroica montana, (Wils.) Baird. Blue Mountain Warbler. Blue mountains of
Virginia 278
200. Dendroica pennsylvanica, (Linn.) Baird. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Eastern United
States to the Missouri 279
201. Dendroica caerulea, (Wils.) Baird. Blue Warbler. Eastern United States to the
Missouri river < 280
202. Dendroica striata, (Forster,) Baird. Black Poll Warbler. Eastern North America
to the Missouri high plains ; Cuba ; Greenland 280
203. Dendroica aestiva, (Gm.) Baird. Yellow Warbler. United States from Atlantic
to Pacific ; south to Guatemala and West Indies 282
204. Dendroica maculosa, (Gm.) Baird. Black and Yellow Warbler. Eastern United
States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala 284
205. Dendroica kirtlandii, Baird. Kirtland's Warbler. Northern Ohio 286
206. Dendroica tigrina, (Gin.) Baird. Cape May Warbler. Eastern United States to
the Mississippi ; Cuba 286
207. Dendroica carbonata, (And.) Baird. Kentucky , 287
208. Dendroica palmarum, (Gm.) Baird. Yellow Red Poll. Eastern United States to
the Mississippi, and Red river of the north 288
209. Dendroica superciliosa, (Bodd.) Baird. Yellow-throated Warbler. Eastern United
States as far as Pennsylvania and Ohio to the Missouri ; south to
Mexico 289
210. Dendroica discolor, (Vieill.) Baird. Prairie Warbler. Atlantic States, as far north
as New York 290
211. Myiodioctes mitratus, (Gm.) Aud. Hooded Warbler. Eastern United States to
the Missouri ; south to Guatemala 292
212. Myiodioctes minutus, (Wils.) Baird. Small-headed Flycatcher. Eastern Atlantic
States 293
213. Myiodioctes pusillus, (Wils.) Bon. Green Black-cap Flycatcher. United States from
Atlantic to Pacific ; south to Guatemala 293
214. Myiodioctes canadensis, (Linn.) Aud. Canada Flycatcher. Eastern United States
to the Mississippi ; south to Guatemala 294
215. Myiodioctes bonapartii, Aud. Bonaparte's Flycatcher. Louisiana 295
(216.) Carddttna rubra, (Sw.) Bon. Vermilion Flycatcher. Northern Mexico 296
5 b *
XXXIV LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
217. Setopliaga ruticitta, (Linn.) Sw. Redstart. Eastern United States to Fort
Bridger ; West Indies in winter 297
218. SetopJiaga picta, Sw. Northern Mexico ; Eio Grande valley 298
(219.) Setophaga miniata, Sw. Northern Mexico (Rio Grande valley) to Guatemala 299
220. Pyranga rvbra, (Linn.) Vieill. Scarlet Tanager. Eastern United States to the
Missouri river 300
221. Pyranga aestiva, (Linn.) Vieillot. Summer Red Bird. South Atlantic and Gulf
States, through Texas, and south to Guatemala 301
222. Pyranga liepatica, Sw. Rocky mountains of New Mexico, southward 302
223. Pyranga ludovidana, (Wils.) Bon. Louisiana Tanager. From the Black Hills to
the Pacific ; south to Mexico 303
(224.) Euplionia elegantissima, (Bon.) Gray. Northern Mexico to Guatemala. California? 304
225. Hirundo horreorum, Barton. Barn Swallow. North America from Atlantic to
Pacific 308
226. Hirundo lunifrons, Say. Cliff Swallow. North America from Atlantic to Pacific- 309
227. Hirundo bicolor, Vieill. White-bellied Swallow. North America from Atlantic to
Pacific 310
228. Hirundo thalassina, Sw. Violet Green Swallow. Rocky mountains to Pacific.
South Mexico ; east to Saltillo, Mexico 311
229. Cotyle riparia, (Linn.) Boie. Bank Swallow. North America generally 313
230. Cotyle (Stelgidopteryx) serripennis, (Aud.) Bon. Rough-winged Swallow. United
States from Atlantic to Pacific 313
231. Progne purpurea, (Linn.) Boie. Purple Martin. North America generally •••• 314
k Progne - - ? Indian Key, Florida App. 923
232. Ampelis garrulus, Linn. Wax Wing. Northern parts of both continents. Seen
in the United States only in severe winters, except along the
great lakes. In the Mississippi valley south to Fort Riley.
"Millions'7 seen north of Fort Bridger 317
233. Ampelis cedrorum, (Vieill.) Baird. Cedar Bird. North America generally ; south
to Guatemala 318
234. Phainopepla nitens, (Swainson,) Sclater. Valley of Gila and southern Colorado
to upper Rio Grande ; west to Fort Tejon ; east to Coahuila,
Mexico 320, 923
235. Nyiadestes towmendii, (Aud.) Cab. Townsend's Flycatcher. United States, from
Rocky Mountains and Black Hills to the Pacific ; south to the
borders of Mexico 321
236. Cottyrio borealis, (Bon.) Baird. Great Northern Shrike. Northern regions, from
Atlantic to Pacific ; in winter south, through most of the United
States 324
237. Cottyrio ludovicianus, (Linn.) Baird. Loggerhead Shrike. South Atlantic and
Gulf States 325
238. CoUyrio excutitoroides, (Sw.) Baird. White-rumped Shrike. Missouri plains and
fur countries to Pacific coast ; eastward into Wisconsin, Illinois,
and Michigan (?) 327
LIST OF SPECIES. XXXXV
Page.
239. Collyrio elegans, (S\v.) White-winged Shrike. Western America 328
240. Vireo (Vireosylva) olivaceus, (Linn.) Vieill. Red-eyed Flycatcher. Eastern United
States to Fort Bridger, Utah ; in Texas to Devil's river ; south
to Guatemala ; Greenland 321
241. Vireo (Vireosylva) flavoviridis, Cassin. Northern Mexico to Panama 332
242. Vireo (Vireosylva) viresccns, Vieill. Bartram's Vireo. Central and eastern South
America; Atlantic United States 333
243. Vireo ( Vireosylva) altiloquus, (Vieill.) Gray. Whip Tom Kelly. Coast of southern
Florida and the West Indies 334
244. Vireo pltHaddphicus^ Cassin. Pennsylvania to Wisconsin 335
245. Vireo gilvus, (Vieill.) Bon. Warbling Flycatcher. Atlantic to Pacific coast of
United States ; var. swainsonii ; Columbia river 335
246. Vireo belli, Aud. Bell's Vireo. Missouri and eastern Texas 337
247. Vireo atricapiUus, Woodh. Black-headed Flycatcher. Devil's river, Texas 337
248. Vireo (Lanivireo) noveboracensis, (Gm.) Bon. White-eyed Vireo. Eastern United
States to the Missouri and throughout Texas 338
249. Vireo (Lanivireo) huttoni, Cass. Hutton's Flycatcher. South California, across by
valley of Gila to northeastern Mexico 339
250. Vireo (Lanivireo) solitarius, (Wils.) Vieill. Blue-headed Flycatcher. United States
from Atlantic to the Pacific 340
251. Vireo (Lanivireo) cassinii, De Vesey. Casein's Vireo. Fort Tejon, California 340
252. Vireo (Lanivireo) flavifrons, Vieill. Yellow-throated Flycatcher. Eastern United
States to Missouri ; south to Central America 341
253. Mimus polyglottus, (Linn.) Boie. Mocking Bird. Southern United States from
Atlantic to high central plains. Perhaps replaced by another
species to the Pacific. (M. caudatus) 344
254. Mimus carolinensis, (Linn.) Gray. Cat Bird. Eastern United States to Fort
Bridger 346
255. Oreoscoptes montanus, (Towns.) Baird. Mountain Mocking Bird. Rocky mountains
from Fort Bridger south to Mexico; along valley of Gila and
Colorado; San Diego, California 347
25G. Harporhynchus redivivus, (Gambel,) Cab. Coast of California 349
257. Harporhynchus lecontii, (Lawr.) Bonap. Fort Yuma, California 350
258. Harporhynchus crissalis, Henry. Fort Thorn to Fort Yuma 351
259. Harporhynchus curvirostris, (Sw.) Cab. Lower Rio Grande 351
259. ? Harporhynchus vetula, (Wagl.) New Mexico 352
2GO. Harporhynchus longirostris, (Lafres.) Cab. Lower Rio Grande, south through
eastern Mexico 352
261. Harporhynchus nifus, (Linn.) Cab. Brown Thrush. Eastern North America to
Missouri river, and perhaps to high central plains, unless replaced
by a long-tailed variety, (H. longicauda) 353
2G2. Campylorhynchus brunneicapittus, (Lafres.) Gray. Valleys of Rio Grande and Gila,
southward 355
XXXVI LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
2G3. Catherpcs mexicanus, (Sw.) Baird. White-throated Wren. Valley of Rio Grande,
Colorado, and Gila, (but not on the coast of California,) south
into Mexico 356
264. Salpinctcs obsoletus, (Say,) Cab. Rock Wren. High central plains through the
Rocky mountains to the Cascade range, (but not on the Pacific
coast ?) Fort Tejon 357
265. Thriothorus ludovicianus, (Gm.) Bon. Great Carolina Wren. Eastern United States
to the Missouri ; north to Pennsylvania • in Texas, to upper
Rio Grande < 361
266. Thriothorus lerlandieri, Couch. Northeastern Mexico, towards the Rio Grande - - 362
267. Thriothorus lewickii, (And.) Bon. Bewick's Wren. North America, from Atlantic
to Pacific ; south to Mexico. The western bird possibly distinct,
( T. spilurus) 363
268. CistothorusfTdmatodytesJpalustris, (Wils.) Cab. Long-billed Marsh Wren. North
America, from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to Greenland 364
269. Cistotlwrus (Cistotliorus) stellaris, (Licht.) Cab. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Eastern
United States to the Loup Fork of Platte 365
270. Troglodytes aedon, Yieill. House Wren. Eastern United States to the Missouri,
or to the high central plains 367
271. Troglodytes parkmanni, Aud. Parkman's Wren. Western America, from the
high central plains and upper Missouri to the Pacific 367
272. Troglodytes americanus, Aud. Wood Wren. Eastern United States 368
273. Troglodytes (Anortlmra) hyemalis, (Wils.) Vieill. Winter Wren. North America
generally 360
274. Chamaea fasdata, Gambel. Coast of California - 370
275. Certhia americana, Bonap. American Creeper. Eastern North America 372
276. Certhia mexicana, Gloger. Rocky mountains to Pacific ; Mexico 373
277. Sitta carolinensis, Gm. White-bellied Nuthatch. Eastern North America to the
high central plains. West of this replaced by S. aculeata 374
278. Sitta aculeata, Cassin. Slender-bill Nuthatch. Pacific coast, and east towards the
Rocky mountains 375
279. Sitta canadensis, Linn. Red-bellied Nuthatch. North America to the Rocky
mountains ; probably also to the Pacific 376
280. Sitta pusilla, Latham. Brown-headed Nuthatch. South Atlantic (and Gulf ?) States- 377
281. Sitta pyymaea. Vigors. California Nuthatch. Pacific coast and towards Rocky
mountains ; New Mexico 378
282. Polioptila caerulea, (Linn.) Sclat. Blue- Gray Flycatcher. United States, from
Atlantic to Missouri, and on the southern border from the Gulf
of Mexico to the coast mountains of California, south to Guate
mala 380
283. Polioptila plumbca, Baird. Valley of Colorado and Gila 382
284. Polioptila melanura, Law. Valley of Rio Grande and Gila; west to San Diego- • • 382
285. Loplioplianes bicolor, (Linn.) Bon. Tufted Titmouse. Eastern North America to
the Missouri river, or else replaced there by a L. missuriensis - • 384
LIST OF SPECIES. XXXVII
Page.
286. Lophoplianes atricristatus, Cassin. Black-crested Tit. Valley of Rio Grande and
south 385
287. Lophophanes inornatus, (Gamb.) Cassin. Coast of California and southern Rocky
mountains 386
288. Loplioplmnes wdlweberi, Bon. Southern Rocky mountains, and south into Mexico,
on the table-lands 386
289. Pants septentrionalis, Harris. Long-tailed Chickadee. Missouri river to the
Rocky mountains, or else replaced there by P. albcscens 389
290. Parus atricapillus, Linn. Black-cap Titmouse. Eastern North America, along the
Atlantic border 390
291. Parus occidentalis^ Baird. Western Titmouse. North Pacific coast of United States- 391
(292.) Parus meridionalis, Sclater. Mexican Titmouse. Eastern Mexico 392
293. Parus carolinensis, Aud. Carolina Titmouse. South Atlantic States to Washington 392
294. Parus montanus, Gambel. Pacific coast of United States to the Rocky mountains • 394
295. Parus rufescens, Towns. Chestnut-backed Tit. Pacific coast of the United States • 394
296. Parus Jmdsonicus, Forster. Northeastern portions of North America to the North
Atlantic States 395
(297.) Psaltriparus melanotus, (Hart.) Bon. Black-cheeked Tit. Eastern Mexico to the
Rio Grande 396
298. Psaltriparus minimus, (Towns.) Bon. Least Tit. Pacific coast of United States- •• 397
299. Psaltriparus plumbeus, Baird. Southern Rocky mountains 398
300. Paroides Jlaviceps, (Sund.) Baird. Rio Grande valley of Texas and Mexico. Fort
Yuma 400
301. Certhiola flaveda, (Linn.) Sund. Yellow-rumped Creeper. Indian Key, Florida,
and West Indies 924
302. Eremopliila cornuta, (Wils.) Boie. Sky Lark. Everywhere on the prairies and
desert plains of North America ; Atlantic States in winter. A
smaller variety on the western plains 403
303. Hespcripliona vcspcrtina, (Cooper,) Bon. Evening Grosbeak. Pacific coast to
Rocky mountains ; Northern America east to Lake Superior • • • • 409
304. Pinicola canadensis, (Briss.) Cab. Pine Grosbeak. Arctic America, south to
United States in severe winters 410
305. Carpodacus purpurcus, (Gm.) Gray. Purple Finch. North America from Atlantic
to the High Central Plains 412
306. Carpodacus califormcus, Baird. Western Purple Finch. Pacific coast of United
States 413^
307. Carpodacus cassinii, Baird. Cassin's Purple Finch. Rocky mountains and valley of
the Colorado. Fort Tejon ? 414
308. Carpodacus frontalis, (Say, ) Gray. House Finch. Rocky mountains to the Pacific.
Perhaps several varieties 415
(309.) Carpodacus haemorrkous, Wagler. High lands of Mexico 417
310. Chrysomitris magettantcus, (Yieill.) Bon. Black-headed Gold-finch. South America.
Accidental in United States, (Kentucky) 419
311. Chrysomitris stanlcyi, (And.) Bon. Stanley's Gold-finch. California (?) Proba
bly western Mexico 420
XXXVIII LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
312. Chrysomitris yarrclli, (Aud.) Bon. Yarrell's Gold-finch. California (?) Proba
bly western Mexico 421
313. Chrysomitris tristis, (Linn.) Bon. Yellow Bird. North America generally 421
314. Chrysomitris psaltria, (Say,) Bon. Arkansas Finch. Southern Rocky mountains
to the coast of California 422
315. Chrysomitris mexicana, (Sw.) Bon. Mexican Goldfinch. Mexican side of the
valley of the Rio Grande, southward; Copper Mines of the Gila- 423
316. Chrysomitris lawrencii, (Cassin,) Bon. Coast of California 424
317. Chrysomitris pinus, (Wils.) Bon. Pine Finch. North America, from Atlantic to
Pacific 425
318. Curvirostra americana, Wils. Red Crossbill. North America generally, coming
southward in winter. Resident in the mountains of Pennsylva
nia. Perhaps var. mexicana in Rocky mountains 426
319. Curvirostra kucopter a, (Gm.) Wils. White-winged Crossbill. Northern parts of
North America generally 427
320. Aegiotlms linaria, (Linn.) Cab. Lesser Red Poll. Throughout eastern North
America, coming south in winter; Washington Territory 428
321. Aegiotlms canescens, (Gould.) Cab. Mealy Red Poll. Greenland 429
322. Leucosticte tephrocotis, Sw. Gray-crowned Finch. Northern Rocky mountains;
vicinity of Salt Lake City in winter 430
323. Leucosticte griseinucha, (Brand,) Bonap. Russian America, Aleutians 430
324. Leucosticte arctous, (Pall.) Bonap. Kamtschatka; Russian America 430
325. Plectrophanes (Plectrophanes} nivalis, (Linn.) Meyer. Snow Bunting. North Ame
rica, from Atlantic to Pacific ; south into the United States in
winter 432
326. Plectrophanes (Centroplianes) lapponicus, (Linn.) Selby. Lapland Longspur. East
ern North America into United States in winter. Not yet found
much west of the Missouri. Fort Laramie ? 433
327. Plectrophanes (Centroplianes) pictus, Sw. Smith's Bunting. Prairies of Illinois in
winter ; in summer north to the Saskatchewan 434
328. Plectrophanes (Centroplianes) ornatus, Towns. Chestnut-collared Bunting. Plains
of the Upper Missouri 435
329. Plectrophanes (Centroplianes) melanomus, Baird. Eastern slope of the Rocky moun
tains; Mexico, on the table-lands 436
330. Plectrophanes ( Rhyncliopnanes ) maccownii, Lawr. Eastern slopes of Rocky moun
tains ; from Fort Thorn, N. M., as far east as the Black Hills,
north of the Platte 437
331. Centronyx bairdii, (Aud.) Baird. Mouth of the Yellowstone 441
332. Passerculus savanna, (Wils.) Bon. Savannah Sparrow. Eastern North America to
the Missouri plains 442
333. Passerculus sandwichensis, (Gm.) Baird. Northwestern coast, from the Columbia
river to Russian America 444
334. Passerculus antldnus, Bon. Coast of California, near San Francisco ; Russian
America, Kocliak 445
LIST OF SPECIES. XXXIX
Page.
335. Passerculus alaiidinus, Bon. Coast of California and lower Rio Grande of Texas
and Mexico; Fort Bridger 446
33G. Passerculus rostratus, (Cass.) Baird. Coast of California near San Diego 446
337. Pooecetes gramineus, (Gm.) Baird. Grass Finch. United States from Atlantic to
the Pacific; or else one species to the high central plains, and
another from this to the Pacific 447
338. Coturniculus passerinus, (Wils.) Bon. Yellow-winged Sparrow. Eastern United
States to the high central plains (Loup Fork); also along the
valley of Gila and Colorado 450
339. Coturniculus henslowi, (Aud.) Bon. Henslow's Bunting. Eastern United States as
far north as Washington; westward to the Loup Fork of Platte- 451
340. Coturniculus lecontii, (Aud.) Bon. Leconte's Bunting. Mouth of Yellowstone ••• 452
341. Ammodromus caudacutus, (Gm.) Sw. Sharp-tailed Finch. Atlantic coast of the
United States 453
342. Ammodromus maritimus, (Wils.) S\v. Sea-side Finch. Atlantic coast as far, at
least, as Long Island 454
343. Ammodromus samuelis, Baird. California 455
344. Chondestes grammaca, (Say,) Bon. Lark Finch. From Wisconsin and the prairies
of Michigan to Pacific coast; south to Texas and Mexico, on the
plains 456
345. Zonotricliia leucophrys, (Forster, ) Sw. White-crowned Sparrow. United States
from Atlantic to the Rocky mountains, Avhere they become mixed
up with Z. gambelii; Greenland 458
34G. ZonotricMa gambdii, (Nutt.) Gambel. Rocky mountains to the Pacific coast; Fort
Bridger • • • • 460
347. Zonotricliia coronata, (Pallas.) Baird. Golden-crowned Sparrow. Pacific coast
from Russian America to southern California; Black Hills of
Rocky mountains ? 461
348. Zonotricliia querula, (Nutt.) Gamb. Harris's Finch. Missouri river, above Fort
Leavenworth 462
349. Zonotricliia cillncollis, (Gm.) Bon. White-throated Sparrow. Eastern United States
to the Missouri 463
(350.) Junco cinereus (Sw.) Cab. Mexico 465
351. Junco dorsalis, Henry. Fort Thorn, New Mexico 466
352. Junco oregonus, (Towns.) Sclat. Oregon Snow Bird. Pacific coast of the United
States to the eastern side of the Rocky mountains; stragglers as
far east as Fort Leavenworth in winter, and Great Bend of
Missouri 467
353. Junco caniceps, (Wooclh.) Baird. Rocky mountains, from Black Hills to Fort
Bridger and San Francisco ; mountains of New Mexico 468
354. Junco Jtyemalis, (Linn.) Sclat. Snow Bird. Eastern United States to the Missouri,
and as far west as Black Hills 468
355. Poospiza bilineata, (Cass.) Sclat. Black-throated Sparrow. Valley of Rio Grande
and of Gila. (Big canon of Colorado.) 470
XL LIST OF SPECIES.
Page
356. Poospiza Mil, (Cass.) Sclat. Bell's Finch. Southern California and valley of
Gila and Colorado to Fort Thorn, and north to Fort Bridger,
where very abundant 470
357. Spizella monticola, (Gm.) Baird. Tree Sparrow. Eastern North America to the
Missouri ; also on Pole creek and Little Colorado river, New
Mexico 472
358. SpizeUa pusilla, (Wils.) Bon. Field Sparrow. Eastern North America to the
Missouri river 473
359. SpizeUa socialis, (Wils.) Bon. Chipping Sparrow. North America from Atlantic
to Pacific 473
360. Spizella pallida, (Sw.) Bon. Clay-colored Bunting. Upper Missouri river and
high central plains to the Saskatchewan country. 474
361. Spizella brciceri, (Aud.) Cass. Brewer's Sparrow. Rocky mountains of United
States to the Pacific coast 475
362. Spizella atrigularis, (Cab.) Baird. Black-chinned Sparrow. Mexico just south
of the Rio Grande 476
363. Melospiza (Melospiza) melodia, (Wils.) Baird. Song Sparrow. Eastern United
States to the high central plains 477
364. Melospiza (Melospiza) heermanni, Baird. Heermann's Song Sparrow. Tejon Pass,
California 478
365. Melospiza (Melospiza) gouldii, Baird. California 479
366. Melospiza (Melospiza) rujina, (Brandt,) Baird. Pacific coast of the United States
to Russian America • 480
367. Melospiza (Melospiza) fallax, Baird. Rocky mountain region from Fort Thorn to
the Colorado • 481
368. Melospiza (Helospiza) lincolnii, (Aud.) Baird. Lincoln's Finch. United States
from Atlantic to Pacific, and south through Mexico to Guatemala 482
369. Melospiza (Helospiza) palustris, (Wils.) Baird. Swamp Sparrow. Eastern United
States from the Atlantic to the Missouri
370. Peucaea aestivalis, (Licht.) Cab. Bachman's Finch. Georgia
371. Peucaea cassinii, (Woodh.) Baird. San Antonio, Texas, to Los Nogales, Sonora-
372. Peucaea nificeps, (Cass.) Baird. Coast of California.
373. Embernagra rufivirgata, Lawr. Valley of the Rio Grande and probably of Gila,
southward. Mazatlan, Mexico 487
374. Passerella iliaca, (Merrem,) Sw. Fox-colored Sparrow. Eastern United States
to the Mississippi. 488
375. Passerella toivnsendii, (Aud.) Nutt. Pacific coast of United States as for south as
Sacramento. Fort Tcjon ?? - 489
376. Passerella scMstacea, Baird. Head-waters of Platte and Fort Bridger to Fort Tejon,
California. Perhaps another species, P. megarJiynchus, (App.)-490, 925
377. Calamospiza Hcolor, (Towns.) Bon. Lark Bunting. High central plains to the
Rocky mountains ; southwesterly to valley of Mimbres and Sonora 492
378. Euspiza americana, (Gm.) Bon. Black-throated Bunting. United States from
the Atlantic to the border of the high central plains 494
LIST OF SPECIES. XLI
Page.
379. Euspiza townsemlii, (Aud.) Bon. Townsend's Bunting. Chester county, Pennsyl
vania. But one specimen known 495
380. Gidraca ( Goniapliea) ludovidana, (Linn.) Sw. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Eastern
United States to the Missouri plains ; south to Guatemala 497
381. GnircKa (Goniapliea] melanoccphala, Sw. Black-headed Grosbeak. High Central
plains from Yellow Stone to the Pacific ; Table lands of Mexico 498
382. Gmraca caendea, (Linn.) Sw. Blue Grosbeak, More Southern United States
from Atlantic to Pacific ; south to Mexico 499
383. Cyanvspiza parellina, (Bon.) Baird. Northeastern Mexico to the Rio Grande •••• 502
384. Cyanospiza ciris, (Linn.) Baird. Painted Bunting. South Atlantic and Gulf
States to the Pecos river, Texas ; south into Mexico 503
385. Cyanospiza versicolor, (Bon.) Baird. Northeastern Mexico, probably to the Rio
Grande ; Peru 503
386. Cyanospiza amoena, (Say,) Baird. LazAili Finch. High Central Plains to the
Pacific 504
387. Cyanospiza cyanea, (Linn.) Baird. Indigo Bird. Eastern United States to the
Missouri ; south to Guatemala 505
388. SpermopTiila morelctii, Pucheran. Rio Grande of Texas ; south to Honduras 500
389. PyrrJmloxia sinuata, Bon. Valley of the Rio Grande of Texas 508
390. Cardinalis virginianus, Bonaparte. Red Bird. More southern portions of the
United States to the Missouri ; probably along valley of Rio
Grande to Rocky mountains 509
391. Pipilo erytlirophtlialmufi, (Linn.) Vieill. Ground Robin. Eastern United States
to the Missouri river - 512
392. Pipilo oregonns, Bell. Oregon Ground Robin. Coast of Oregon and Washington
Territories 513
393. Pipilo arcticus, Sw. High Central Plains of Upper Missouri, Yellowstone, and
Platte; Fort Bridger 514
394. Pipilo megalonyx, Baird. Southern coast of California and across through vallies
of Gila and Rio Grande 515
395. Pipilo alertii, Baird. Base of Rocky mountains in New Mexico ; Valley of Gila
and Colorado 516
39G. Pipilo fnscus, Sw. Coast region of California 517
397. PipUo mesoleucus, Baird. Valley of Upper Rio Grande and across to the Gila
river ; East to Santa Caterina, Newr Leon 518
39$. Pipila cltlorurus, (Towns.) Baird. Blanding's Finch. Valley of Rio Grande and
Gila. Rocky mountains north to the South Pass ; south to
Mexico 519
399. Dolichonyx oryzivorns, (Linn.) Sw. Boblink. Eastern LTnited States to Fort
Bridger, Utah 522
400. Molothrus pecoris, (Gm.) Sw. Cow Bird. United States from the Atlantic to
California ; Fort Bridger 524
401. Agdaius phoeniceus, (Linn.) Vieill. Swamp Blackbird. United States from Atlantic
to Pacific 526
b6*
XLII LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
402. Agelalus cjubernator, (Wagl.) Bon. Red-shouldered Blackbird. Pacific coast ol
United States : Colorado river 529
403. Agelaius tricdvr, (Nutt.) Bon. Red and White-shouldered Blackbird. Coast of
California ; Colorado river 530
404. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, (Bon.) Baird. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Western
America, from Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Red river
to California ; south into Mexico ; Greenland 531
(405.) Trupialis militaris, (Linn.) Bonap. Red-breasted Lark. Western coast of South
America ; around to Falkland Islands • perhaps in Brazil ; coast
of California ? 533
406. Sturndla magnet, (Linn.) Sw. Meadow Lark. Eastern United States to the high
central plains ; south to Mexico ; Cuba? 535
407. Sturnella neglecta, Aud. Western Lark. Western America, from high central
plains to the Pacific ; east to Pembina, and perhaps to Wisconsin • 537
408. Icterus vulgaris, (Linn.) Daudin. Troupial. Northern South America and West
Indies ; accidental on the southern coast of United States 542
409. Icterus audubonii, Giraud. Audubon's Oriole. Valley of the Lower Rio Grande
of Texas, southward 542
(410.) Icterus melanocephalus, (Wagl.) Gray. Warm parts of Mexico 543
411. Icterus parisorum, Bon. Valley of the Rio Grande, south to Guatemala; in
Texas, found on the Pecos 544
412. Icterus ivagkri, Sclater. Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande valley ; south to
Guatemala 545
413. Icterus cmuttatns, Swain. Hooded Oriole. Valley of the Lower Rio Grande,
southward 546
414. Icterus spurim, (Linn.) Bon. Orchard Oriole. United States, from the Atlantic
to the high central plains ; probably throughout Texas ; south
to Guatemala 547
415. Icterus bcdtimore, (Linn.) Daudin. Baltimore Oriole. From Atlantic coast to the
high central plains, and in their borders ; south to Guatemala • • 548
416. Icterus tnttiocJrii, (Sw.) Bon. Bullock's Oriole. High central plains to the Pacific ;
rare on upper Missouri ; south into Mexico < 549
417. ScokcopJiagua ferrugineus, (Gm.) Sw. Rusty Blackbird. From Atlantic coast to
the Missouri 551
418. Scolecophagus cyanoceplmlus, (Wagl.) Cab. Brewer's Blackbird. High central
plains to the Pacific ; south to Mexico ; Pembina, Minnesota- • • 552
419. Quiscalus maarourus, S\v. Great-tailed Grakle. Valley of the Lower Rio Grande
of Texas, southward 553
420. Quiscalus major, (Wils.) Vieill. Boat-tailed Grakle. Southern Atlantic and Gulf
Coast ; mouth of Rio Grande, Texas 555
421. Quiscalus versicolor. (Linn.) Vieill. Crow Blackbird. Atlantic to high central
plains ; Fort Bridger 555
422. Quiscalus laritus, (Linn.) Vieill. Florida coast and West Indies 556
423. Corvus carnivorus, Bartram. American Raven. Entire continent of North
America ; rare east of the Mississippi 560
424. Corvns cacaJotl, Wagl. Colorado Raven. Colorado river of California, southward •• 563
LIST OF SPECIES. XLI1I
Page
425. Corvus cryptoleucus, Couch. White-necked Crow. Valley of Rio Grande and Gila ;
abundant on the Llano Estacado 5G5
42G. Corvus americanus, Aud. Common Crow. North America to the Missouri region ;
also on the coast of California? (Not found on the high central
plains ?) . • 566
427. Corvus americanus, var. floridanus, Baird. Florida Crow. Southern peninsula of
Florida 568
428. Corvus caurinus, Baird. Northwestern Fish Crow. Washington Territory and
northwest coast 569
429. Corvus ossifragus, Wilson. Fish Crow. South Atlantic (and Gulf?) coast. 571
430. Picicorvus columbianus, (Wils.) Bon. Clark's Crow. From Rocky mountains to
Pacific ; east to Fort Kearney 573
431. Gymnoldtta cyanocephala, Pr. Max. Maximilian's Jay. Rocky mountains to Cas
cades of California and Oregon. Not on the Pacific coast 574
432. Pica Imdsonica, (Sabine, ) Bon. Magpie. Arctic regions of North America ; the
United States from the High Central Plains to the Pacific north
of California 576
433. Pica nuttalli, Aud. Yellow-billed Magpie. Coast of California 578
434. Cyanura cristata, (Linn.) Sw. Blue Jay. Eastern North America ; west to the
Missouri. 580
435. Cyanura stelleri, (Gm.) Sw. Steller's Jay. Pacific coast of North America ; east
to St. Mary's mission, Rocky mountains • • • • 581
436. Cyanura macrolophus, Baird. Long-crested Jay. Central line of Rocky moun
tains to the table lands of Mexico 582
437. Cyanocitta calif arnica, (Vigors,) Strick. California Jay. Pacific coast from Co
lumbia river, south ; not in the interior 584
438. Cyanocitta woodhousii, Baird. Woodhouse's Jay. Central line of Rocky moun
tains to the table lands of Mexico 585
439. Cyanocitta floridana, (Bartram,) Bon. Florida Jay. Florida 586
440. Cyanocitta sordida, (Sw.) Baird. Mirnbres region of Rocky mountains, and south
to table lands of Mexico 587
441. Cyanocitta ultramarina, (Bon.) Strickl. Ultramarine Jay. South side of valley of
Rio Grande, near the coast and southward - 588
442. Xantlioura luxuosa, (Lesson,) Bon. Green Jay. Valley of Rio Grande of
Texas, and southward 589
443. Perisoreus canadensis, (Linn.) Bon. Canada Jay. Northern America into the
northern parts of United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; farther
south in Rocky mountains 590
444. Psilorliinus morio, (Wagler, ) Gray. Rio Grande valley of Texas, southward ••• 592
445. Columba (Columba) fasciata, Say. Band-tailed Pigeon. Rocky mountains to Pacific
coast; south to New Leon, Mexico 597
446. Columba (Columba) flavirostris, Wagl. Red-billed Dove. Lower Rio Grande •••• 598
447. Columba (Patagiocnas) leucocephala, Linn. White-headed Pigeon. Indian Key and
other southern keys of Florida; not on main land; West Indies
generally 599
LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
448. Ectopistes migratoria, (Linn.) Sw. Wild Pigeon. North America to high central
plains 600
449. Zenaida amdbilis, Bonap. Zenaida Dove. Florida Keys; chiefly on or near Indian
Key and the West Indies . - • • • 602
450. Ndopdia kucoptera, (Linn.) Bon. White-winged Dove. Valley of Rio Grande,
southward ; California; West Indies 003
451. Zenaidura carolinensis, (Linn.) Bon. Common Dove. Throughout United States,
from Atlantic to Pacific; Cuba 604
452. Scardafella squamosa, (Temm.) Bon. Scaly Dove. South side of valley of Rio
Grande, southward; perhaps S. inca, Bon 605
453. Chamaepelia passerina, (Linn.) Sw. Ground Dove. South Atlantic and Gulf
coasts, Lower California; accidental near Washington, D. C - - - 606
454. Oreopdeia mart-mica, (Gm.) Reich. Key West Pigeon. Key West, Florida, and
West Indies 607
455. Starnoenas cyanocephala, (Linn.) Bon. Blue-headed Pigeon. West India islands;
occasionally at Key West, Florida, and other southern Keys - - - 608
456. Ortalida m'c calli, Baird. Chiacalacca. Newr Mexico » 611
457. Mdeagris gallopavo, Linn. Wild Turkey. United States 615
458. Mdeagris mexicana, Gould. Mexican Turkey. Mexico - 618
459. Tetrav obscurus, Say. Dusky Grouse. Black Hills of Nebraska to Cascade mount
ains of Oregon and Washington 620
400. Tetrao canademis, Linn. Spruce Partridge. Spruce forests and swamps of
northern United States to the Arctic seas; west nearly to the
Rocky mountains 622
461. Tetrao franklinii, Douglas. Franklin's Grouse. Northern Rocky mountains, and
west 623
462. Centrocei-cus urophasianus, (Bon.) Sw. Cock of the Plains. Sage plains of the
northwest 624
463. Pedioecetes phasianettus, (Linn.) Baird. Sharp-tailed Grouse. Northern prairies
and plains, from Wisconsin to Cascades of Oregon and Wash
ington 626
464. Cupidonia cvpido, (Linn.) Baird. Prairie Hen. Western prairies and plains,
within the limits of the United States east of the Rocky Moun
tains; southeast to Calcasieu, Louisiana; east to Pocono moun
tains, Pennsylvania, Long Island, and eastern coast. 628
465. Bonasa umMhis, (Linn.) Steph. Ruffed Grouse. Wooded portions of eastern
United States towards the Rocky mountains 630
465.* Bonasa, var. umbdloides, (Douglas,) Baird. Gray Mountain Grouse. Northern
valleys of Rocky mountains 630
466. Bonasa sabinii, (Douglas,) Baird. Oregon Grouse. Rocky mountains, to Pacific
coast of Oregon and Washington 631
467. Lagopus albus, (Gm.) Aud. White Ptarmigan. Northern America; rare in the
northern parts of United States 633
468. Lagopus npestris, (Gm.) Leach. Ptarmigan. Arctic America. 635
LIST OF SPECIES. XLV
Page.
4G9. Lagopus leucurus, Sw. White-tailed Ptarmigan. Northern America to the west;
southward along Rocky mountains to Cochetope pass, in latitude
39°. 636
470. Lagopus americanus, And. American Ptarmigan. Arctic America G37
471. Ortyx virginianus, (Linn.) Bon. Partridge; Quail. Eastern United States, to the
high central plains. 640
472. Ortyx texanus, Lawr. Southern Texas and valley of Rio Grande - G41
473. Oreortyx pictus, (Douglas,) Baird. Plumed Partridge. Mountain ranges of Cali
fornia and Oregon towards the coast 642
474. Lophortyx calif ornicus, (Shaw,) Bon. California Quail. Plains and lowlands of
California and Oregon towards the coast; Mohave river 644
475. Loplwrtyx cjambdii, Nutt. Gambel's Partridge. Upper Rio Grande and Gila, to
the Colorado of California 645
47G. Callipepla squamata, (Vigors,) Gray. Scaled or Blue Partridge. Valley of Rio
Grande of Texas. Not yet detected further west. Most abundant
on the high broken table lands and mezquite plains 646
477. Cyrtonyx massena, (Lesson,) Gould. Massena Partridge. Chiefly on the upper
Rio Grande, from the high plains of the Pecos 647
478. Grus americanus, (Linn.) Orel. Whooping Crane. Florida and Texas; stragglers
in Mississippi valley 654
479. Grus canadensis, (Linn.) Temrn. Sand-hill Crane. Whole of western regions of
United States; Florida, 655
480. Grus fraterculus, Cassin. New Mexico 656
481. Aramus yigantcus, (Bon.) Baird. Crying Bird. Florida and West Indies 657
482. Demiecjrdta pealii, (Bon.) Baird. Peale's Egret. Seacoast of south Florida 661
483. Demiegretta rufa, (Bodd.) Baird. Reddish Egret, Coast of south Florida and
Gulf of Mexico to mouth of Rio Grande; Cuba 662
484. Demiegretta ludoviciana, (Wils.) Baird. Louisiana Heron. Coast of South Atlantic
and Gulf States. 663
485. Garzetta candidissima, (Jacquin,) Bon. Snowy Heron. Coast of middle and Gulf
States, and across to California 665
486. Herodias egretta, (Gmel.) Gray. White Heron. Southern portions of the United
States; straggling to Massachusetts 666
486.* Herodias egretta, var. calif arnica, Baird. Coast of southern California, and per
haps the Rio Grande of Texas = 667
487. Ardca herodias, Linn. Great Blue Heron. Throughout the entire territory of the
United States; West Indies 668
488. Ardea wiirdemannii, Baird. Florida Heron. South Florida. 669
489. Audubonia occidentalis, (Aud.) Bon. Great White Heron. South Florida and
Cuba 670
490. Florida caerulca, (Linn.) Baird. Blue Heron. South Atlantic and Gulf coast to
Mexico. 671
491. Ardetta exilis, (Gmel.) Gray. Least Bittern. Throughout the United States, from
Atlantic to Pacific 673
492. Botaurus lentiginosus, Steph. Bittern. Entire continent of North America • 674
XLVI LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
493. Butorides viresccns, (Linn.) Bon. Green Heron. United States generally 676
494. Butorides brunnescens, (Cab.) Cuba ; Florida ? > 676
495. Nyctiardea gardeni, (Gmclin,) Baird. Night Heron. United States generally •• 678
496. Nyctherodius violaceus, (Linn.) Reich. Yellow-crowned Night Heron. South
Atlantic and Gulf States ; South America 679
497. Tantalus loculator, (Linn.) Wood Ibis. South Atlantic and Gulf States and across
to the Colorado river ; as far north as North Carolina and mouth
of Ohio 682
498. Ibis nibra, (Linn.) Yieillot. Red or Scarlet Ibis. South America and West
Indies. Yery rare or accidental in the United States 683
499. Ibis alba, (Linn.) Yieillot, White Ibis. South Atlantic and Gulf States ;
straggling occasionally northward 684
500. Ibis (Faldnellus) ordii, Bonaparte. Glossy Ibis. Found singly and at inter
vals over the whole United States 685
501. Platulea ajaja, Linn. Rosy Spoonbill. South Atlantic and Gulf States 686
502. Phoenicopterus ruber, Linn. Flamingo. Warm parts of America. Rare on the
Florida Keys G87
503. Charadrius virginicus, Borck. Golden Plover. All of North America, South
America, Northern Asia, Europe = 690
504. Aegialitis (OxyecJius) vociferus, (Linn.) Cassin. Killdeer. North America to the
Arctic regions; Mexico; South America 692
505. Aegialitis (Oxycchus) montanus, (Towns.) Cassin. Mountain Plover. Western
North America ; Fort Bridger, and Fort Tejon 693
506. Aegialitis ( Oclithodromus ) wilsoriius, (Ord,) Cassin. Wilson's Plover. Middle
and Southern States on the Atlantic, and the Atlantic coast of
South America 693
507. Aegialitis (Aegialeus) semipalmatus, (Bon.) Cab. Semipalmated Plover. The
whole of temperate North America. Common on the Atlantic • • 694
508. Aegialitis (Aegialeus) melodus, (Ord,) Cab. Piping Plover. Eastern coast of
North America ; Nebraska ; Louisiana, 695
509. Aegialitis (Leucopolius) nivosa, Cassin. Presidio, (near San Francisco,) California- 695
510. Squatarola helvetica, (Linn.) Cuv. Black-bellied Plover. All of North America.
The seacoasts of nearly all countries of the world 697
511. Aphriza virgata, (Grnelin,) Gray. Surf Bird. Pacific coast of North America?
South America; Sandwich Islands 698
512. Haematopus pattiatus, Temm. Oyster Catcher. Coast of Atlantic ocean; States on
the Pacific? Florida - 699
513. Haematopus nigcr, Pallas. Bachman's Oyster Catcher. Western coast of the
United States; Kurile islands 700
(514)? Haematopus ater, Yieillot. Western coast of the United States? South America;
coast of Chile 700
515. Strepsilas interpres, (Linn.) Illig. Turnstone. Shores of the Atlantic and Pacific,
throughout North America. One of the most widely diffused of
birds, being found in nearly all parts of the world 701
516. Strepvilatt melanocephcdus, Yigors. Black Turnstone. Western North America- •• 702
LIST OF SPECIES. XLVII
517. Recurvirostra americana, Gm. American Avoset. All of temperate North America;
Florida 703
518. Himantopus nigricollis, Yieillot. Black-necked Stilt. United States generally- • • • 704
519. Phalaropus wilsonii, Sab. Wilson's Phalarope. Entire temperate regions of north
America; New Mexico • 705
520. Phalaropus hyperboreus, (Linn.) Temm. Northern Phalarope. The whole of
temperate North America; Europe; Japan; San Francisco, Cal 70G
521. Phalaropus fulicarius, (Linn.) Bon. lied Phalarope. Entire temperate regions
of North America; Asia; Europe • • • 707
522. Philohela minor, (Gm.) Gray. American Woodcock. Eastern North America • • 709
523. Gallinago wilsonii, (Temm.) Bon. English Snipe. Entire temperate regions of
North America; California 710
524. Macrorliamphus griseus, (Gm.) Leach. Red-breasted Snipe. Entire temperate
regions of North America 712
525. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus, (Say,) Lawrence. Entire temperate regions of North
America; Washington Territory; New York 712
526. Tringa (Tringa) canutus, Linn. Gray Back. Eastern North America; Europe • • 715
527. Tringa (Tringa) cooperi, Baird. Long Island 716
528. Tringa (Arquatdla) maritima, Brunnich. Purple Sandpiper. Eastern North
America; Europe - - 717
529. Tringa (Erolia) subarquata, (Gould,) Temm. Curlew Sandpiper. Atlantic
coast of the United States; rare; Europe; Asia; Africa 718
530. Tringa (Schoenidus) alpina, var. americana, Cassin. Red-backed Sandpiper. Entire
temperate regions of North America 719
531. Tringa ( Actodromas ) maculata, Vieill. Jack Snipe. North America generally. South
America. Accidental in Europe 720
532. Tringa (Actodromas} wilsonu, Nuttall. Least Sandpiper. Entire temperate North
America. • 721
533. Tringa (Actodromas} bonapartii, Schlegel. North America east of the Rocky
mounains • 722
534. Calidris arenaria, (Linn.) Illiger. Sanderling. Entire temperate regions of
North America ; South America ; Europe 723
535. Ereunetes petrificatus, 111. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Entire temperate regions of
North America ; South America ; varying much in size 724
536. Micropalama himantopus, (.Sow.) Baird. Stilt Sandpiper. Eastern North America- 726
537. Symphemia semipalmata, (Gm.) Hartlaub. Willet. Entire temperate regions of
North America ; South America 729
538. Glottis floridanus, Bon. Florida Greerishank. Florida 730
539. Gambetta melanoleuca, (Gm.) Bon. Tell-tale. Stone Snipe. Entire temperate
regions of North America. Mexico 731
540. Gambettaflavipcfi, (Gm.) Bon. Yellow Legs. Eastern North America ; western? 732
541. Rhyacophilus solitarius, (Wils.) Bon. Solitary Sandpiper. Entire temperate re
gions of North America. Mexico. 733
542. Heteroscdus brevipes, (Vieill.) Baird. Wandering Tatler. Washington Territory.
Islands in the Pacific. South America. Northeastern Asia.
Japan 734
XLVIII LIST OP SPECIES.
Page
543. Tringoides mandarins, (Linn.) Gray. Spotted Sandpiper. Entire temperate
North America ; Oregon. Accidental in Europe 735
544. Plnlomaclms pugnax, (Linn.) Gray. Ruff. Northern Europe and Asia. Acci
dental on Long- Island 737
545. Aditurus lartramius, (Wils.) Bon. Field Plover. Eastern North America;
South America. Europe 737
546. Tryngites rufcsccns, (Vieillot,) Cab. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. All of North
America ; South America ; Europe 739
547. Limosa fedoa, (Linn.) Ord. Entire temperate regions of North America. South
America. 740
548. Limosa hudsonica, (Lath.) Sw. Northern and eastern North America; New
Jersey 741
549. Numenius (Numenius) longirostris, Wilson. Long-billed Curlew. The entire tem
perate regions of North America. Perhaps two or more species
included 743
550. Numenius (Phaeopus) hudsonicus, Latham. Hudsonian Curlew. Atlantic and
Pacific coasts of North America. California 744
551. Numenius (Phaeopus) borealis, (Forst.) Latham. Esquimaux Curlew. Eastern arid
northern North America 744
552. Rallus elegans, Aud. Marsh Hen. Middle and Southern States on the Atlantic
Ocean ; California 746
553. Rallus crepitans, Gm. Clapper Rail. Middle and southern coast of the States on
the Atlantic Ocean ; South America 747
554. Rallus virginianus, Linn. Virginia Rail. The entire temperate regions of North
America ; New Mexico, California, Oregon 748
555. Porzana (Porzana) Carolina, Vieill. Common Rail. Entire temperate regions of
North America 749
556. Porzana (Creciscus) jamaicensis, (Gm.) Little Black Rail. Middle and Southern
States on the Atlantic Ocean 749
557. Porzana (Coturnicops) noveboracensis, (Gm.) Yellow Rail. Eastern North
America 750
558. Crex pratemis, Bechst. Corn-crake. Europe ; Greenland. Accidental on the At
lantic coast of the United States 751
559. Fulica americana, Gmelin. Coot, Entire temperate regions of North America- • 751
560. Gallinula (Gallinula) galeata, (Licht.) Bon. Florida Gallinule. Southern coun
tries of North America ; accidental in Middle and Northern
States , 752
561. Gallinula (Porphyrula) martinica, (Linn.) Lath. Purple Gallinule, Southern
States of North America, Louisiana, Florida. Accidental in the
middle and northern United States 753
5(51. Cygnus americanus, Sharpless. American Swan. Continent of North America- • • 758
562. Cygnus buccinator, Rich. Trumpeter Swan. Western America, from the Missis
sippi valley to the Pacific 758
563. Anser (Chen) hyperboreus, Pallas. Snow Goose. Whole of North America. Per
haps a second species, (A. albafus) 760
LIST OF SPECIES. XLIX
Page.
564. Anser (Chen) caernlescens, Linn. White-headed Goose. North America 761
565. Anwr (Anser) c/nnibelii, Hartlaub. White Fronted Goose. Whole of North Ame
rica 761
566. Amer frontalis, Baird. Interior of North America 762
567. Bernida ( LeitcoUepharon) canadensis, (Linn.) Boie. Canada Goose. Whole of North
America. Accidental in Europe • 764
568. Bernida (Leucoblepharon) leucopareia, (Brandt,) Cassin. White-cheeked Goose.
West coast of America. Perhaps mixed with B. occidentals • • • • 765
569. Bernida ( Leiicoblepharon) hutchinsii, (Rich.) Bonap. Huctchin's Goose. Northern
and western regions of North America 765
570. Bernida (Bernida) brenfa, Steph. Brant. Eastern or Atlantic coast of North
America ; Europe. Not yet observed on the Pacific side of
the continent 767
571. Bernida (Bernida) nigricans, (Lawr.) Cassin. Black Brant. Pacific coast of North
America. Very rare on the Atlantic coast 767
572. Bernida (Leucopareia) leucopsis, (Linn.) Barnacle Goose. Very doubtful as an
inhabitant of North America 768
573. CJdoephaya canagica, (Sewast.) Bon. Painted Goose. Aleutian Islands 768
574. Dendrocygna -autumnalis, (Linn.)Eyton. Long-legged Duck. Valley of Rio Grande,
Texas ; also in South America and West Indies- 770
575. Dendrocygna fulva, (Gmelin.) Burm. Fort Tejon, California, and south into
Brazil 770
576. Anas 7>o.sr//<7,v, Linn. Mallard. Entire continent of North America and greater
part of Old World 774
577. Anas obm*ura, Gm. Black Duck. Atlantic region of North America. Not yet
detected on the Pacific, nor in Europe 775
578. Dafila acuta, (Linn.) Jenyns. Sprig-tail; Pin-tail. Whole of North America and
Europe 776
579. Nettion carolin&ms, (Gin.) Baird. Green-winged Teal. Whole of North America;
accidental in Europe 777
580. Nettion orrm. (Linn.) Kaup. English Teal. Europe ; accidental on the eastern
coast of the United States- • 778
581. Querquedula discors, (Linn.) Steph. Blue-winged Teal. Eastern North America
to Rocky mountains. Not yet found on the Pacific coast, nor in
Europe 779
582. Querquedula w/anoptera, (Vieill.) Baird. Red-breasted Teal. Rocky mountains
to Pacific j accidental in Louisiana ; spread over most of western
South America 780
583. Spatula dypcata, (Linn.) Boie. Shoveller. Continent of North America ; abun
dant in Europe 781
584. Chaulelasimtfi Ktre-pc.rus, (Linn.) Gray. Gadwall. North America generally, and
Europe 882
585. Marecaamericana, (Gm.) Stephens. Baldpate; American Widgeon. Continent of
North America ; accidental in Europe 783
b7*
L LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
58G. MIMVI penelupe, (Linn.) Bon. English Widgeon. Old World ; accidental on the
Atlantic coast of United States ; Greenland . ................. 784
587. Aix *po-nsa, (Linn.) Boie. Summer Duck. Continent of North America ....... 785
588. Fiilix mania. (Linn.) Baird. Big Black-head. Whole of North America and
Europe. ................................................. 791
589. Fnlix qffinifi, (Forster.) Baird. Little Black-head. Whole of North America ;
accidental in Europe ...................................... 791
590. Fulix cottar-is, (Donovan,) Baird. Ring-necked Duck. Whole of North America :
accidental in Europe ...................................... 792
591. Aytlnja • amencctna, (Byton,) Bon. Red-head. Whole of North America • 75)3
592. Aythya vattisneria, (Wils.) Bon. Canvas-back. Whole of North America ..... 71)4
593. Bucepliala americana, (Bon.) Baird. Golden Eye. Whole of North America- • • • 79G
594. Bucepltola ialwulica, (Gm.) Baird. Barrow's Golden Eye. Iceland and northern
parts of America; in winter, not rare on the St. Lawrence ..... 790
595. Bucepliala albeola, (Linn.) Baird. Butter Ball. Whole of North America ..... 797
590. Hifttrionicus torquatus, (Linn.) Bon. Harlequin Duck. Northern seacoast of north
ern hemisphere .......................................... 799
597. Harelda glacialis, (Linn.) Leach. South Southerly. Near both coasts of North
America; Europe ........................................ 800
598. Polysticta stelleri, (Pallas,) Eyton. Steller's Duck. Northeastern Asia; accidental (?)
on northwest coast of America, and in Europe ................ 801
599. Lampronettafocheri, Brandt. Spectacled Eider. Norton sound, Russian America,
G3i N. L ..... 803
GOO. Camptola&rmis labradorius, (Gm.) Gray. Labrador Duck. Northeastern coast of
North America ............... 803
G01. Melctnetta vdvetina, (Cassin,) Baird. Velvet Duck. Near both coasts of North
America, to the north; perhaps M. carbo, of Pallas ........... 805
G02. Pdionetta perspUcllata, (Linn.) Kaup. Surf Duck. On and near seacoast of North
America : quite far south in winter: accidental in Europe • • • • 80G
G03. PelioneUa trowbridgii, Baird. Long-billed Scoter. Coast of southern California in
winter .................................................. 80G
G04. Oidemia americana, Swains. Scoter. Seacoast of North America. .............. 807
G05. Oidemia (PelioneUa) 'bimaculato.. Baird. Huron Scoter. Lake Huron and adjacent
waters in fall and winter ................................... 808
GOG. Somateria moUissima, (Linn.) Leach. Eider Duck. Atlantic and Arctic coasts of
northern hemisphere: Pacific coast. N. A .................... 809
G07. Somateria V. nigra, Gray. Pacific Eider. Kotzbue sound, N. W. coast of America 810
G08. Somateria spectabilis, (Linn.) Loach. King Eider. Arctic regions of northern
hemisphere; Pacific coast .................................. 810
G09. Erisrncttura rulrida, (Wils.) Bon. Ruddy Duck. Whole of North America; abund
ant throughout the interior ........................... ..... 811
G10. Erismafura dominica, (Linn.) Eyton. Black Masked Duck. West Indies ; accidental
on Lake Champlain ...................................... 811
LIST OF SPECIES. LI
Page.
611. Mergus americanm, Cass. Sheldrake. Whole of North America 813
612. Meryux wrrator, Linn. Red-breasted Merganser. Whole of North America and
Europe 814
613. Ijopliodytva cucullatus, (Linn.) Reich. Hooded Merganser. Whole of North
America ••• 816
614. Merydlus albcllus, (Linn.) Selby. Smew. Northern parts of Old World ; very
accidental in America 817
615. Pelccanufi (Cyrtopekcanus) erythrorhyncJms, Gmelin. American Pelican. Nortli
America generally, on both shores and in the interior 868
616. Pdccanas (OnocrotalusJ fuseus, Linn. Brown Pelican. South Atlantic and Gulf
coasts of the United States ; coast of California 870
617. Sula (Siila) basaana, Briss. Common Gannet : Solan Goose. Atlantic coast of
North America and Europe 871
618. Snlu (Dysporus) Jiber, (Linn.) Booby Gannet. South Atlantic and Gulf coast of
United States 872
611). Tachypetes aqidlus, (Linn.) Vieillot. Frigate Pelican : Man-of-war Bird. South
Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States and southern coast of
California. Generally distributed in tropical regions 873
620. Gmciiluv (Phalacrocorax) carlo, (Linn.) Gray. Common Cormorant. Atlantic
coast of North America to New Jersey, (in winter) and Europe- • 876
621. Gracuhm (Phalacrocorax) perspicillatus, (Pallas,) Lawrence. Pallas' s Cormorant.
Russian America 877
622. Graculiis (Phalacrocorax} cincinnatus, (Brandt,) Gray. Tufted Cormorant. Sitka,
Russian America 877
623. Graci/lxs dilopluis, (Sw.) Gray. Double Crested Cormorant. Arctic North
America ; south to Carolina and California in winter 877
624. Graculus floridanus, (And.) Bon. Florida Cormorant. South Atlantic and Gulf
coasts of United States and some distance inland 879
625. Graculus mexicamis, (Brandt,) Bon. Mexican Cormorant. Coast of Texas and Rio
Grande; Cuba 879
626. Graculus ( Urile) penicillatm, (Brandt,) Bonap. Brandt's Cormorant. West coast
of North America 880
627. Gracnhix (Urilcj violaceiw, (Gmelin,) Gray. Violet Green Cormorant. West
coast of Nortli America 881
628. Plata.* anhin<ja, Linn. Snake Bird : Water Turkey. Fresh waters of South
Atlantic and Gulf States 883
629. Phaeton flavirostrits, Brandt. Yellow-billed Tropic Bird. Tropical regions of the
Atlantic seas 855
630. Diomedca (Diomedea) exulam, Linn. The Wandering Albatros. Pacific ocean- •• 821
631. Uiontcdca (Phodhixtria) br<ir//t/itra. Teinm. The Short-tailed Albatros. North
Pacific ; coasts of California and Oregon 822
632. Diomedea (TJudassarcheJ chlororhyncha, Gmel. The Yellow-nosed Albatross. Pa
cific ocean : coast of Oregon 822
633. Diomedea (Phoebdria)fuliginosa, Gmel. The Sooty Albatross. Pacific coasts of
California and Oregon 823
LII LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
634. Procellaria (Owifragus) gigantea, Gmel. The Gigantic Fulmar. Pacific ocean, off
Columbia river 825
635. Procclfaria (Fdmarus) glacial-is, IAm\. The Fulmar Petrel. Northern Atlantic- • 825
H3<>. Procellaria paafica, And. The Pacific Fulmar. Pacific coasts of North America • 826
637. Procellaria (Thalassoica) tcmdrostris, And. The Slender-billed Fulmar. Pacific
coast : Columbia river 826
638. Procfllarifi ( Aextrclata) meridionalis, Lawrence. The Tropical Fulmar. Atlantic
coast, from Florida to New York 827
639. Daption capensis, (Linn.) Steph. The Pintado Petrel. Off' the coast of California • 828
640. T halassidroma (Oceanodroma) furcata, (Gmel.) Gould. Fork-tailed Petrel. Coasts
of Oregon and Russian America 829
641. Thaldsvidroiiiu ( Oceanodroma) Jtornlyi, Gray. Hornby's Petrel. Northwest coast
of America • 829
642. T halassidroma leackii, Temm. Leach's Petrel. Atlantic coast, from Massachu
setts to Baffin's bay 830
643. T halassidroma melania, Bon. The Black Stormy Petrel. Coast of California ••• 830
644. T halassidroma (Oceanitet) wilsoni, Bon. Wilson's Stormy Petrel. Off the Atlantic
coast, from the Gulf of Mexico to Baffin's bay 831
645. T halassidroma (Procellaria) pdagica, (Linn.) Bon. Mother Gary's Chicken. At
lantic ocean, banks of Newfoundland 831
646. Fregetta lawreimi, Bonap. The Black and White Stormy Petrel. Florida coast- • 832
647. Puflinua (Ardmnv ) major, Faber. The Greater Shearwater. Atlantic ocean.
Florida coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence 833
648. Piiffin-iiH (NcHris) fuliyinosiis, S trick. The Sooty Shearwater. Atlantic coast of
the Northern States. Banks of Newfoundland 834
649. Pi ((fin us anglorum, Temm. The Mank's Shearwater. Coast of New Jersey to
Labrador 834
650. Puffi.)i us obficun.iH, (Gmel.) Lath. The Ducky Shearwater. Southern coast of the
United States ; Gulf of Mexico 835
651. Piiffinus (Adamastor) cinereus, Gmel. The Cinereous Petrel. Pacific ocean, off the
California coast 835
652. Stercorarim catarractes, (Liim.) Temm. The Common Skua. Coast of California- 838
653. Stercorarius pomarinusi Temm. The Pomarine Skua. Labrador; as far south as
New York in Avinter 838
654. Stercorarim parasiticm, (Linn.) Temm. The Arctic Skua. Arctic America; coast
of United States from New York, northwest 839
655. Stercorarius cepphus, (Briinn.) Button's Skua, Arctic seacoasts of America : Baf
fin's bay 840
656. Lams glaucus, Briinn. The Glaucous Gull. Arctic seas, Labrador, New York in
winter, rarely 842
657. Larm glaucesccns, Licht, The Glaucous-winged Gull. Northwest coast of North
America 842
658. Larusleucopterus^aber. The White-winged Gull. Arctic seas; Baffin's Bay; Labrador 843
659. Lams clialcopterm, (Bruch,) Lawr. The Gray-winged Gull. American coast of
Behring's Straits, and Greenland 843
LIST OF SPECIES. LIII
Page.
660. Larus marinus, Linn. The Great Black-backed Gull. North Atlantic, Labrador;
as far south as Florida in winter 844
661. Larus aryentatus, Brunn. The Herring Gull. Atlantic coast, from Texas to New
foundland; western States, Ohio and Mississippi rivers 844
662. Larus occidentalism And. The Western Gull. Northwest coast of America 845
663. Larus ealifo micas, Lawr. The California Gull. West coast of North America- • 846
664. Larus delaicarensis, Ord. The Ring-billed Gull. Arctic America; Texas to La
brador; western rivers; northwest coast 846
665. La i- it 8 sitckleyi, Lawr. Suckley's Gull. Pacific coast, Puget's Sound- 848
666. Blasipus heermanni, (Cass.) Bon. The White-headed Gull. Coast of California • 848
667. Cltrolcocephalus atricilla, Linn. The Laughing Gull. Texas to Massachusetts •••• 850
668. Chroicocephalus franklinii, (Rich.) Bruch. Franklin's Rosy Gull. Missouri river:
interior of fur countries 951
660. Cltroicocephalus cneullatus. (Licht.) Bruch. The Hooded Gull. Panama, Louisiana 851
670. Chroicocephalus Philadelphia, (Ord,) Lawrence. Bonaparte's Gull. Texas to Nova
Scotia; Mississippi river; fur countries, Pacific coast of North
America 852
671. Chroicocephalus minutus, (Pallas,) Bruch. The Little Gull. Arctic America,?
Europe 853
672. Rism tridactyla, (Linn.) Bonap. The Kittiwake Gull. Fur countries, Labrador;
southern coast in winter 854
673. Rissa septentrionalis, Lawr. The North Pacific Kittiwake. Pacific coast of North
America, Puget's Sound 854
674. Rissa brevirostris, Brandt. The Short-billed Kittiwake. Northwest coast of
North America 855
675. Rissa nivca, (Pallas,) Bruch. The Yellow-billed Gull. Russian America 855
676. Pagophila cburnca, (Gin.) Kaup. The Ivory Gull. Coasts of arctic America,
Labrador, Newfoundland 856
677. Pagophila brachytarsi, Hollb. The Short-legged Gull. Greenland 85(5
678. RJiodostethia rosea, (Jard.) The Wedge-tailed Gull. Arctic seas 857
679. Creayrus furcatus. (Neboux,) Bon. The swallow-tailed Gull. California- •• 857
680. Xerna sabinii. (Sabine,) Bon. The Fork-tailed Gull. Nova Scotia, northward;
arctic seas 857
681. Sterna aranca, Wils. The Marsh Tern. Coast of the United States, as far north
as Connecticut 859
682. Sterna caspia, Pallas. The Caspian Tern. Coast of New Jersey, northward .85!)
683. Sterna reyia. Gambel. The Royal Tern. Atlantic coast of the southern and mid
dle States, and California 859
684. Sterna deyanx, Gambel. The Elegant Tern. Coast of South California 860
685. Sterna acuflavida, Cabot. Cabot's Tern. Texas to Florida 860
686. Sterna haveHi, Aud. Ha veil's Tern. Texas to South Carolina 861
687. Sterna trndeauii, Aud. Trudeau's Torn. Coasts of New Jersey and Long Island- 861
688. Sterna fuliyinosa, Gmelin. The Sooty Tern. Texas to Florida 861
689. Sterna wilsoni, Bon. Wilson's Tern. Texas to Labrador 861
LIV LIST OF SPECIES.
Page.
690. Sterna macroi/ru, Nauru. The Arctic Tern. Coast of the New .England States to
the Arctic seas; fur countries 862
691. Sterna forstcri, Nutt, Forster's Tern. Louisiana to Florida; New York; fur
countries, and California 862
692. Sterna paradisea, Briiim. The Roseate Tern. Florida to New York 863
6<);{. Sterna pikei, Lawr. The Slender-billed Tern. Coast of California 863
694. Sterna frenata, Gambel. The Least Tern. Texas to Labrador; western rivers • 864
695. JItjdrocJteUdon plnmh'a, (Wils.) The Short-tailed Tern. Texas to the New England
States: Mississippi rivers and tributaries; fur countries 864
696. Anoiw atolidw, (Linn.) Leach. Noddy Tern. Texas to Florida- 865
697. Bhyneltops itiyra, Linn. Black Skimmer. From Texas to New Jersey 866
698. Cdymbus torquatu*. IJi-iinnic.il. Loon : Northern Diver. Northern regions7 of
northern hemisphere 888
699. Colymbus areticus, Linn. Black-throated Diver. Arctic regions of northern hemis
phere 888
700. Colymbuit padjicus, Lawrence. Pacific Diver. Pacific coast of United States • • • 889
701. Cdymbm septentrionalis, Linn. Red-throated Diver. Northern hemisphere • 890
702. Podiceps (jriwujena, (Bodd.) Gray. Red-necked Grebe. Northern hemisphere.
American bird perhaps distinct 892
703. Podiceps cr {status, (Linn.) Lath. Crested Grebe. Northern hemisphere. Per
haps a second species on Pacific coast, (P. eoopeii.) 893
704. Podiceps occidental!*, Lawr. Western Grebe. Pacific coast of United States • • • 894
705. Podiceps clarkii, Lawr. Clark's Grebe. New Mexico and California- 895
706. Podieeps cornutus, (Gm.) Latham. Horned Grebe. North America 895
707. Podiceps cali/or incus, Hcerinann. California Grebe. Western North America- •• 896
708. Podieeps auritus, (Linn.) Lath. Eared Grebe. Northern Europe; accidental (?)
in North America 897
709. Podylimbus pmliceps, (Linn.) Lawr. North America 898
710. Alca ( Chencdopex) impennis, Linn. Great Auk. Arctic Seas; south to Newfoundland. 900
711. AI<-</ (Utamanw)t<mla, Linn. Ra/or-billcd Auk. Arctic Seas: south to New Jersey • 901
713. Mormon (Lunda) cirrliatn, (Pallas,) Bon. Tufted Puffin. North Pacific Ocean ;
Arctic Seas, south to California • 902
713. Mormon (Fratercula) cornieulata, Naurnami. The Horned Puffin. Northern Seas- 902
814. Mormon (Fratercula) ylacialis, Leach. Sea Parrot; Puffin. Northern Seas 903
715. Mormon (Fratercula) aretiea, (Linn,) Illiger. Puffin. North Atlantic 903
716. Sagmatorrhina labradoria, (Gmelin,) Cassin. North Pacific 904
717. Cerorhina monocerata, (Pallas,) Cassin. North Pacific Coasts; south to California- 905
718. Cerorhina sucUeyi, Cassin. Puget Sound 906
719. Phaleris (Sinwrhynchus) cristatellus, (Pallas,) Bon. Coasts of North Pacific 906
720. Phakris (TylorhampMis) tetracida, (Pallas,) Stephens. Coasts of North Pacific •- 907
721. Phaleris (Tylorhomphm) camtschatica, (Lepechin.) Cassin. Coasts of North America 908
722. Pltalcris (Ciceronia) microceros, Brandt. Coasts of North Pacific 908
723. Phaleris (Ciceronia) pmillitfi, Pallas. Asiatic coast of North Pacific; American do- 909
724. PtycJwrhamphus aleuticus, (Pallas,) Brandt. American Coast of North Pacific, south
to California 910
LIST OF SPECIES. LV
Page.
725. OmJn-ia imttaciila, (Pallas,) Eschsch. Coast of North Pacific 910
720. Uria (Uria) f/rylk, (Linnoms,) Latham. Guillemot. Arctic and Northern Seas.
South to New Jersey 911
727. Urw (Una) columba, (Pallas,) Cassin. Coasts of North Pacific 912
728. Uria (Uria) carlo, Pallas. Northern coasts of North Pacific 913
729. Uria. (Cataractes) lomvia, Briinnich. Foolish Guillemot. Arctic Seas and North
Atlantic 913
730. Uria (Cataractes) ringvia, Briinnich. Murrc. Arctic and Northern Seas; south
to California 914
731. Uria (Cataractcfi) rirra, Pallas. Thick-billed Guillemot. Arctic Seas and North
Atlantic ; south to New Jersey 915
732. Brachyrhamph'us (Apobapton) HifirinoratHx, (Gmelin,) Brandt. Marbled Guillemot.
American coasts of North Pacific. California • 915
733. JBrachyrhamphus (Apobapton) ivrangdii, Brandt. Aleutian Islands 917
734. BrachyrhampJms (Apobapton) braeliypte.ms, Brandt. Unalaschka 917
735. Brachyrhamphus (Apobapton) JcittUtzii, Brandt. Kamtschatka: North Pacific 917
73G. BrachyrhampJws (Synthlilorhamphiis) antiqum, (Gmelin,) Brandt. Gray-headed Auk.
Northwestern coast, America 9 If!
737. Brachyrliamplms (Apobaptori) fcmminckii, Brandt. Coast of North Pacific ; Puget's
sound- 910
738. Merc/id us aUe, (Linnaeus,) Yieillot. Sea Dove. Dove-kie. Arctic Seas and
North Atlantic ; south to New Jersey 918
The following birds are enumerated in the preceding list which are not legitimately entitled
to a place in the fauna of North America, (exclusive of Mexico.) Some of them have been
described in the report for the purpose of comparison with closely allied species of the United
States ; others are mentioned because introduced by previous writers, though probably on
erroneous data. Future investigations will doubtless result in the removal of others from the
list now retained there:
No. 4. Cathartes burrovianus, Ca-ssin. Mexico.
03. Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, Bon. Mexico.
71. "*Campephilus imperialis, Gray. Mexico.
Dryotomus lineatus. (l) Mexico j South America.
129. *Tyrannus melancholicus, Vicill. South Mexico.
132. Myiarchus cooped, Baird. Mexico.
171. '"Geothlypis velatus, Cal. Southern West Indies and South America.
210. Cardellina rubra, Bonap. Mexico.
219. Setophaga miniata, Sw. Mexico.
224. Euphonia elcgantissima, Gray. Mexico.
244. *Vireo virescens, Vicill. (l) South America. (?)
292. Parus meridionalis, Sdater. South Mexico.
297. Psaltriparus melanotus, Bon. Guatemala.
298. Carpodacus hoemorrhous, Sdater. Mexico.
311. *Chrysomitris stanleyi, Bonap. South America.
1 No North American specimens seen.
LVI LIST OF SPECIES.
312. *Chrysomitris yarrelli, Bonap. South America.
350. Jim co cinereus, Sclater. Mexico.
405. Trupialis militaris, Bon. South America.
408. --Icterus vulgaris, D<i>i<L(r) South America.
410. Icterus melanocephalus, Gray. Mexico.
494. Butorides brunnescens, Baird. Cuba.
498. *Ibis rubra, L.(l) West Indies, Cuba, and South America.
514. *Haematopus ater, Vieill. South America.
Total of species, 23 ; of which one is not mentioned in the list, leaving- 22. Of the 23
species, nine marked with an asterisk are given by Mr. Audubon.
The following species, claiming to be actually inhabitants of North America, have not been
described from the specimens, none having been procurable for the purpose. Of several of
them no specimens are known in any collection :
Haliaelitus washingtonii. Thalassidroma hornbyi.
Regulus cuvierii. melania.
Dendroica montana. Lams chalcopterus.
carbonata. Rissa brevirostris.
Myiodioctes minutus. nivea.
bonapartii. Pagophila brachytarsi.
^Egiothus canescens. Rhodostethia rosea.
Leucosticte griseinucha. Creagrus furcatus.
arctous. Xema sabinni.
Lagopus americanus. Chroicocephalus minutus.(l)
Chloephaga canagica. Podiceps auritus. (*)
Polysticta stelleri.^) Sagmatorhina labradoria.
Oidemia bimaculata. Brachyrhamphus kittlitzii.
Somateria v-nigra. wrangelii.
Graculus perspicillatus. brachypterus.
cincinnatus. Total — 31 species.
The following species are probably accidental visitors only, and are not yet entitled to a
permanent place in our fauna :
Milvulus tyrannus. Heliornis surinamensis. (2)
Saxicola cenanthe. Mareca penelope.
Chrysomitris magellanicus. Nettion crecca.
Philomachus pugnax. Erismatura dominica.
Crex pratensis. Mergellus albellus. — Total, 10 species.
SUMMARY.
Species enumerated in the list 738
Of these, extraliinital 22
Total of North American species(3) • 71G
North American birds given by Wilson in 1814 283
North American birds given by Bonaparte, 1838 471
North American birds given by Audubon in 1844 . 506
i No North American specimen seen. * Not enumerated in the list.
3 Of these no specimens at all, of 28 species, were to be procured in this country for examination, and extralimital ones
only of 3 others. Many supposed species are referred to in different parts of the report ; some of which may prove genuine.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
THE classification of birds, both in reference to the higher groups and to their subdivisons, is
a subject which has engaged the attention of a large number of naturalists, although until
within a comparatively short time there has not been any very great difference in the systems
adopted by the leading writers on general ornithology. The more commonly received basis has
been the character of the bill and the shape and general structure of the feet, as expressed in
the terms Raptores, Insessores, Scansores, ffasores, Cursores, Grallatores, and Natatores of most
authors ; the Insessores again divided into Fissirostres, Tenuirostres, Dentirostres , and Coniros-
tres, and, according to some systems, including, also, the Scansores as a subdivision, instead of
that group being of higher independent rank.
Within a few years, however, a great change has taken place in the methods of ornithological
classification, and most continental authorities have abandoned the old arrangement of the non-
rapacious land birds, as based on the shape and character of the bill, and substituted a much
more natural system. The principal agents in this reform have been Nitzsch, * Andreas Wagner,
Sundevall,2 Keyserling and Blasius,3 J. Miiller,4 Cabanis,5 Bonaparte/ Keichenbach,7 Hart-
laub, Burmeister, 8 and several other systematic writers, all contributing more or less to the
final result. The most important step was the discovery announced by Miiller in reference
to the presence or absence of certain peculiar vocal muscles, which proved the key-note to
an entirely new arrangement. In addition to this there has been latterly taken into
account the number of primary quills, (or quills on the first joint of the wing,) whether ten or
nine, and if ten whether the first be about as long as the second, about half as long, or very
rudimentary ; also the character of the feet, whether the toes be three anterior and one pos
terior, or two anterior and two posterior, (and if so, whether the inner or the outer anterior
toe be reversible,) or four more or less anterior. Particular reference is also made to the
peculiarities of the scales on the legs, the position of the hind toe in relation to the plane of
the others, the extent of feathering on the legs, the amount of webbing between the toes, the
number of tail feathers, &c.
In the following report I have followed very closely the outlines given by Cabanis, in the
11 Ornithologische Notizen," already quoted, although obliged, in most cases, to construct the
1 System der Ptcrylographie, verfasst von Herm. Burmeister. Halle, 1840.
2 Konglig. Vetensk. Akad. Handlingar, 1835 and 1843. Stockholm.
3 Wirbelthiere Europas. Braunschweig, 1842.
4 Ueber die bisher unbekannten typische Verschiedenheiten der Stimmorgane der Passerinen. Abhandl. K. Akademie
der Wissenschaften zu Berlin,' for 1845, 321. Berlin, 1847.
5 Ornithologische Notizen, I, II, in Wiegmann's Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 1847.
6 Conspectus generum avium, Leyden, 1850 and 1857, and various papers since 1850, in Comptes Eendus, and elsewhere.
7 Avium systema naturale, and Handbuch der speciellen Ornithologie.
8 Systematische Uebersicht der Thiere Brasiliens ; Dritter Theil. (Vb'gel.) Berlin, 1856.
lb
2 U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
characters of many of the subdivisions for myself. In the discussion of the higher groups I
have however derived invaluable assistance from the work of Burmeister. I have also made
constant use of the diagnoses of Keyserling and Blasius, which are pre-eminent for acuteness
and precision.
The following synopsis of the orders of birds, taken partly from Keyserling and Blasius,
will serve to illustrate the characteristics of the higher groups in American Ornithology.
A. — HIND TOE ON THE SAME LEVEL WITH THE ANTERIOR ONES.
a. — Posterior face or the sides of the tarsus more or less reticulated, granulated, or with
scales more numerous or smaller than in front ; sometimes naked. Anterior face of the tarsus
never in one unbroken plate. Larynx without complex vocal muscles.
Order I. — KAPTORES. Base of the upper mandible with a soft skin or cere. Upper man
dible compressed ; its point curving down over that of the lower, forming a strong,
sharp hook. Claws generally retractile. Toes never two behind. Birds usually of
large size, and of powerful frame, embracing the so-called birds of prey.
Order II. — SCANSORES. Toes in pairs ; two in front and two behind, the outer anterior
being usually directed backwards, (the inner in Trogonidae.} Tail feathers eight to
twelve.
Order III. — STRISORES. Toes either three anterior and one behind, (or lateral) or four
anterior ; the hinder one is, however, usually versatile, or capable of direction more or
less laterally forward. Tail feathers never more than ten. Primaries always ten, the
first long.
Order IV. — CLAMATORES. Toes, three anterior and one posterior, (not versatile.) Pri
maries always ten, the first nearly as long as the second. Tail feathers usually
twelve.
b. — Anterior face of the tarsus in one continuous plate, or divided transversely into large
quadrate scales. Plates on either the posterior serface of the tarsus 'or the sides, without sub
divisions, never both divided together ; when divided the divisions correspond with the anterior
ones. Larynx with peculiar complex singing muscles.
Order V. — OSCINES. Toes, three anterior, one posterior. Primaries either nine only, or
if ten the first usually short or spurious.
B. — HlND TOE RAISED ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE REST.
Order VI. — RASORES. Nostrils arched over by an incumbent thick, fleshy valve. Bill
not longer than the head, obtuse anteriorly. Nails broad, obtusely rounded.
Order VII. — GRALLATORES. Legs lengthened, adapted for walking, naked above the knee.
Nostrils naked. Thighs usually quite free from the body. Toes not connected by a
membrane, or for a short distance only ; sometimes with a lobed margin.
Order VIII. — NATATORES. Adapted for swimming. Legs generally short. Toes united
by a continuous membrane. Thighs mostly buried in the muscles of the body.
Fuller explanations of the characters of these orders will be found under their proper heads
in the following pages.
ORDER I.
RAPTORES.
The peculiarities already given of the order Raptores are sufficient to define it among the
others mentioned, although many additional features might he named. The order embraces
three families, which are characterized by Keyserling and Blasius as follows :
A. — DlURNAL BIRDS OF PREY.
Eyes lateral, with lashes, surrounded by a naked or woolly orbital circle ; the feathers above,
below, and behind the eyes directed backwards, as on the rest of the head ; anterior to the eye
the lore imperfectly clothed with a radiating star of bristles, or with scale-like feathers. The
inner toe without the nail, shorter, or as long as the outer. Nostrils opening in the cere.
VULTURIDAE. Bill contracted or indented on the anterior border of the cere, so that the culnien
is bow shaped, or ascending anterior to it. Eyes lying on a level with the sides of the head.
Head sparsely covered with downy feathers only, or partially naked. Claws weak, rather
slender, and only moderately curved ; the tarsi and bases of the toes reticulated.
FALCOXIDAE. The bill not contracted, nor the culmen ascending anterior to the cere. Eyes
sunken. The head completely covered with compact, perfect feathers. Claws strong.
B. — NOCTURNAL BIRDS OF PREY.
STRIGIDAE. Eyes directed forwards ; more or less completely surrounded by a crown of radiating
bristly feathers. Lores and base of bill densely covered with bristly feathers directed forwards.
The nostrils opening on the anterior edge of the cere. The inner toe without its claw longer
than the outer, which is versatile. A crown of peculiarly formed feathers on the side of the head,
and above the throat. Head fully feathered. Plumage very soft and downy.
The different families of Raptores have much the same character throughout the world, with
the exception of the Tutturidae, in which the species of America or Cathartinae, are distinguish
able from the old world Vulturinae by narrow, elongated, and perforate nostrils, those of oppo
site sides not separated by a partition ; the toes are longer, with a greater extent of web between
the three anterior ones ; the neck shows single patches of perfectly naked skin. The tail con
sists of but twelve feathers, &c. (Burmeister.)
NOTE. — The following article on the rapacious birds has been prepared by Mr. John Cassin. of Philadelphia. — S. F. B.
U. S. T. B. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Family VULTUKIDAE. The Vultures.
CATHARTES, Illiger.
CATHAKTES AURA. (Linnaeus.)
The Turkey Buzzard. —The Turkey Vulture.
Vulturaura, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 122. (1766.)
CatJiartes septenlrionalis, DE WIKD, Reise, I, 162. (1839.)
FIGURES.— Catesby, Nat. Hist. Carolina I, pi. 6 ; Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. 1, pi. 2 ; Wilson Am. Orn. IX, pi. 75, fig. 1 ;
And. B. of Am. pi. 151 : Oct. cd. I, pi. 2.
Entire plumage brownish black, darkest on the back and tail above, and with a purplish lustre, many feathers having
pale borders. Bill yellowish ; head and neck in living bird bright red.
Plumage commencing on the neck with a circular ruff of projecting feathers. Head and upper part of neck naked, or
with a few scattering hair-like feathers, and with the skin wrinkled. Nostrils large, oval, communicating with each other ;
tail ra' her long, rounded.
Total length about 30 inches, wing 23, tail 12 inches.
Hab. All of North America, except the Arctic regions. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
Specimens from the States and Territories on the Pacific are quite identical with the common
bird of the States on the Atlantic. On the Pacific, and throughout a vast extent of the central
parts of this republic, the summer range of this vulture extends northwardly into the British
possessions, though in the northeastern States it is rarely seen north of New York. This
apparent difference of locality, though at present impossible to be accounted for, may be
regarded as fully established by recent observation in the western Territories.
The turkey vulture is, however, well known to be much more of a southern than a northern
species. In the present collection, specimens are from California and Nebraska ; and it appears
to have been observed in abundance in New Mexico by the surveying party in charge of Captain
John Pope, U. S. Army, all the specimens obtained by which are labelled as collected at the
junction of the Pecos and Delaware rivers, New Mexico, June, 1855.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
s
JQ
£
-o
a
"3
£ &
Oc
a
0
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
f
a
Collected by —
o
o .S
00 fe
8
fl
hr
•— * ••"•'
a f
S-tJ
9
a
3 -2
'a ^
2 -1
c?
1
a
0 0
Si O
a> *2
1
x
fl
.ft s
a
a
1 j
O
£
£
3825
1
Eutaw, Alabama
Feb., 1853 ..
Prof A Wlnchell
8498
Bois de Sioux, Minnesota
17
Dr Suckley
4603
Cedar island, Missouri river
May 14, 1856.
Lt. G. K. Warren
Dr. Hayden
26.50
72.00
20.50
Mouth of Delaware creek,
4983
I Texas
June 14, 1855.
Captain J. Pope
98
Mouth of Delaware creek,
4981
j Texas
June 14, 1855.
Captain J. Pope
99
8497
Matamoras, Mexico
Lieut Couch
8499
! Fort Steilacoom, W. T...
Governor Stevens
102
$ Petalnma, California
January, 1856.
E. Samuels
27.00
69.00
21.00
1 Cathartes, Illiger, Prodromus, p. 236. 1811.
BIRDS VULTURIDAE — CATHARTES ATRATUS. 5
CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS, Shaw
The California Vulture.
VuUur californianus, SHAW, Nat. Misc. IX, 1, pi. 301 (1779).
Vultur columbianus, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. II, 315 (1815).
Cathartes vulturinus, TfcMM. Pla. col. I, pi. 31 (1820).
FIGURES. — Aud. B. of Am. pi. 411, Oct. ed. I, pi. 1 ; GRAY, Gen. of Birds, I, pi. 2.
The largest rapacious bird of North America. Head and neck bare, with a semicircular spot of short black feathers at
the base of the upper mandible, and a few straggling, short, or hair-like feathers on other parts of the head. Plumage
commencing on the neck, near the body, with a ruff of long lanceolate feathers continued on the breast.
Entire plumage black, lustrous on the upper parts, duller below ; secondary quills with a grayish tinge ; greater wing
coverts tipped with white, forming a transverse band on the wing. Bill yellowish white ; iris carmine ; head and neck in
living bird orange yellow and red.
Total length 45 to 50 inches, wing 30 to 35, tail 15 to 18 inches.
Hab. Western North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad, Philadelphia.
This large vulture is inferior in size only to the gigantic condor of the mountains of South
America. It appears to be restricted to the countries west of the Rocky Mountains, where it is
occasionally observed in abundance, especially in the vicinity of the rivers. It is represented,
however, as more cautious in its disposition than the smaller vultures of North America, though
much resembling them in its habits.
A single specimen in the National Museum was collected at the mouth of the Columbia river
by J. K. Townsend.
CATHARTES ATRATUS, Bart ram.
The Black Vulture—The Carrion Crow
Vultur atratus, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289. (1791.)
VuUur urubu, VIEILLOT, Ois. d'Am. Septent. I, 53. (1807.)
FIGURES.— Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 2 ; Wilson Am. Orn. IX, pi. 75, fig. 2 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 106 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 3.
Entire plumage deep uniform black, frequently with a bluish gloss on the back and wings. Shafts of quills white above and
below, quills on their under surface pale, in some specimens nearly white. Head and neck brownish or bluish black ; bill dark,
yellowish at the end.
Plumage commencing higher on the back of the neck than on its sides or in front Head and naked portion of the neck vvarted
or corrugated, and with a few hair-like feathers ; bill rather long ; nostrils large and communicating with each other ; tail rather
short, truncate or even at the end, legs rather long.
Total length, about 23 inches ; wing, 16£ inches ; tail, 8| inches.
Hab. Southern North America, Central America, Noit South America, Chile. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and
Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
Abundant in the Southern States and gregarious at all seasons, congregating in large
numbers in the cities, where they are of great service in the destruction of all descriptions of
waste or dead animal substances. Found also in Central and Northern South America. On
the western coast of North America the occurrence of this vulture is doubtful, and no specimens
are in the collections of the surveying and exploring expeditions. The specimens in the
National Museum are from the Southern Atlantic States.
6 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CATHAETES BURROVIANUS, Gas sin.
BurrougJi's Vulture.
Cathartes burrovianus, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Philada. II, 212. (1845.)
The smallest of all vultures. Resembling C. aura, but smaller and without a ruff on the neck, as in that species. Plumage
on the neck ascending behind, as in C. atratus, but rather short, wings long, tail rounded, rather long.
Entfre plumage deep uniform black, deeper and more uniform than in C. aura, shafts of quills white, head and neck red.
Total length, about 22 inches ; wing, 18 inches ; tail 8^ inches.
Hab. Mexico, Vera Cruz ; Mazatlan, Lower California. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
This little vulture, the smallest of the entire group of vultures, is an inhabitant of the coasts
of Mexico and Lower California, of the former both on the Pacific ocean and the Gulf of Mexico,
and very likely extends its range along the shores of the Pacific into the territory of the
United States. It can readily be distinguished by its small size, and the ascending feathers on
the back of the neck, totally unlike the ruff of C. aura, which, in general aspect, it resembles.
The above four species are all the vultures ascertained to inhabit the United States. In
addition to them, it is quite likely that the king vulture of South America, Sarcoramphus
papa, may venture occasionally into the States on the southern frontier, being known to appear
at times in Mexico. The sacred vulture of Bartram, Sarcorhamphus sacer, is a species described
by that author, in the last century, as abundant in Florida, but has not been observed or
identified anywhere since his time. This has tended to throw a doubt on its existence, but
recent information renders it probable that this, or at least a species different from the vultures
just described, is found about Lake Okechobee, in Southern Florida, where it is called king
buzzard. The verification of this statement by actual specimens would be one of the most
important discoveries yet to be made in North American ornithology. The following is
Bartram' s description :
" Bill long and straight almost to the point, where it is hooked or bent suddenly down, and sharp ; the head and neck bare
of feathers nearly down to the stomach, when the feathers begin to cover the skin, and soon become long and of a soft texture,
forming a ruff or tippet, in which the bird, by contracting his neck, can hide that as well as his head ; the bare skin on the neck
appears loose and wrinkled, which is of a bright yellow color, interrriixed with coral red ; the hinder part of the neck is nearly
covered with short stiff hair; and the skin of this part of the neck is of a dense purple color, gradually becoming red as i
approaches the yellow of the sides and fore part. The crown of the head is red ; there are lobed lappets of a reddish orange
color, which lay on the base of the upper mandible. The plumage of the bird is generally white or cream color, except the quill
feathers of the wings and two or three rows of the coverts, which are beautiful dark brown ; the tail, which is rather large and
white, is tipped with this dark brown or black ; the legs and feet of a clear white ; the eye is encircled with a gold colored iris,
the pupil black. ''—Bartram, Travels in Florida, Sfc. 1791, p. 150.
BIRDS FALCONIDAE — FALCO ANATUM. 7
Family FALCONIDAE- The Falcons.
Sub-family FALCONINAE.
FALCO, Linnaeus.
Falco, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 124, (1766.)
General form robust and compact. Bill short, curved strongly from the base to the point, which is very sharp, and near
which is a distinct and generally prominent tooth ; nostrils circular, with a central tubercle. Wings long, pointed, formed for
vigorous, rapid, and long-continued flight ; tail rather long and wide ; tarsi short, robust, covered with circular or hexagonal
scales ; middle toe long ; claws large, strong, curved, and very sharp.
This genus, as restricted, contains species found in all parts of the world, and easily distin
guished from all other birds of this group by the prominent tooth in the upper mandible.
They are justly regarded by naturalists as the typical or most highly or completely organized
of rapacious birds. They are remarkable for exceedingly rapid flight, and great boldness in
the attack and capture of small quadrupeds and birds, on which they subsist.
Sub-genus Falco.
FALCO ANATUM, Bonaparte.
The Duck Hawk.
Falco anatum, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 4. (1838.)
" Falco peregrinus," WILSON, Audubon and other authors.
FIGURES.— Wils. Am. Orn. IX, pi. 76; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 16: Oct. ed. I, pi. 20; Lembeye B. of Cuba, pi. l.fig. 2;
De Kay, Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 3, fig. 8.
Jldu.lt. — Frontal band white. Entire upper parts bluish cinereous, with transverse bands of brownish black, lighter on the
rump. Under parts yellowish white, with cordate and circular spots of black on the breast and abdomen, and transverse bands
of black on the sides, under tail coverts and tibiae ; quills and tail brownish black, the latter with transverse bars of pale
cinereous. Cheeks with a patch of black ; bill light blue ; legs and toes yellow. Sexes alike.
Younger. — Entire upper parts brownish black, frontal spot obscure, large space on the cheeks black. Under parts dull
yellowish white, darker than in adult, and with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; tarsi and toes bluish lead color.
Total length 18 to 20 inches, wing 14 to 15, tail 7 to 8 inches.
Hab. North America, west of the Rocky mountains. Specimens in National Musuem, Washington, and Museum Academy,
Philadelphia.
One specimen of this kind only is in the collections made by the expeditions, the results of
which are embraced in the present report.
This species is apparently restricted to that portion of North America east of the Kocky
mountains, being replaced in the western countries of our continent by the smaller Falco
nigriceps. We have never seen the present bird from any locality on the western coast of the
United States, though on the eastern it ranges throughout the extent of the coast from Green
land to Cuba.
The specimen now before us is of especial interest, having been obtained at the most western
locality yet ascertained for this species, and demonstrating a vast range of longitude, in local
ities which it never before was known to inhabit. It was obtained on the Vermilion river, in
-Nebraska T rritory, by Lieutenant Warren's expedition.
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
o
<z
Catalogue
Locality. '
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
6166
Mouth of Vermilion river, Upper
October 25, 1856.
Lieut. G. K. Warren
Dr. F. V. Hayden
FALOO NIGRICEPS, Gas sin.
Falco nigriceps, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas I, p. 87. (1853.)— IB. in Gilliss' U. S. Astron. Exped. II, 1855
pi. xiv.
ResembHnw the preceding, but smaller and with the bill disproportionately weaker. Mult. — Frontal band white, narrow
Head and neck above black tinged with cinereous ; other upper parts bluish cinereous, with transverse bands of brownish
black. Quills brownish black ; tail bluish cinereous, with transverse bands of black. Under parts reddish white, with circular
spots and transverse bands of black. Cheeks with a large space of black.
Younger. — Upper plumage dark brown ; tail above brown, barred wi rufous on the inner webs of the feathers. Under part
dull reddish yellow, paler on the throat, and with broad longitudinal .tripes of black ; flanks and under wing coverts with
transverse bars and circular spots of reddish white. Bill bluish, legs and toes yellow.
Total length 15 to 17 inches, wing 11 to 12, tail 6 to 6j^ inches.
Hab. Western North and South America. Specimens in National Museum, Washington, and Museum Academy'
Philadelphia.
Like its relative of the eastern States of the Union, F. anatum, this species does not appear
to be abundant on the western coast; or if so, like its eastern congener, it is not easily obtained.
Three specimens only are in the collections made by the expeditions.
This is one of the rather numerous species which bear more or less intimate relationship to
the Falco peregrinus of the old world, arid to Falco anatum of the United States. It is
uniformly smaller than both, though most resembling the former, especially specimens from
Asia. This bird is as yet known only as an inhabitant of the western countries of the continent
f America from Oregon to Chi e.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
1
M
^s
a
qj
J>
§ ft
3
g
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
,0
a
Collected by —
o
-4J
•s .a
% i
o
%
3
a
S.S
f -g
§>
73
,_
«M <+-,
a _a
o
O
OS
a
43
S 5
4
X
bC
.a
-fe %
ce
O
OQ
O
&
A "
4307
^
Puget's Sound, W. T
Sept. 26, 1854.
Dr. Suckley
183
Geo. Gibbs _..
16.50
39.00
8501
Shoalwater Bay, W. T
Mar. 21, 1854.
Governor Stevens
63
Dr. Cooper
17.50
30.50
8500
Q
Bodega, California
Jan., 1855
Lieut. Trowbridge
T. A. Szabo---
Chile
Lieut. Gilliss
BIRDS FALCONINAE FALCO COLUMBARIUS. 9
Sub-Genus Hypotriorchis.
FALCO COLUMBARIUS, Linnaeus.
Pigeon Hawk.
Falco columbarius, LINN. Syst. Nat 1,128, (1766.)
Falco intermixtus, DATJDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, 141, (1800.)
Falco temerarius, ACDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 381, (1831.)
Falco Audub&ni, BLACKWALL, Eesearches, Zool. 1834.
FIGURES — Catesby's Carolina, pi. 3 ; Vieill. Ois. d'Am., Sept. pi. 11 ; Wilson Am. Orn. II, pi. 15, fig. 3 ; Swains. Faun.
Bor. Am. Birds, pi 25 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 75, 92, oct. ed. I, pL 21 ; De Kay Nat. Hist., N.Y., Birds, pi. 4, fig. 9.
Adult Male. Entire upper parts bluish slate color, every feather with a black longitudinal line ; forehead and throat
white, other under parts pale yellowish or reddish white ; every feather with a longitudinal line of brownish black ; tibia)
light ferruginous, with lines of black. Quills black, tipped with ashy white ; tail light bluish ashy, tipped with white and
with a wide subterminal band of black, and with several other transverse narrower bands of black ; inner webs nearly white ;
cere and legs yellow ; bill blue.
Younger. Entire upper plumage dusky brown, quite light in some specimens, and with a tinge of ashy ; head above, with
narrow stripes of dark brown and ferruginous, and in some specimens many irrugular spots and edgings of the latter color
on the other upper parts. Forehead and entire under parts dull white, the latter with longitudinal stripes of light brown ;
sides and flanks light brown, with pairs of circular spots of white ; tibia; dull white, with dashes of brown ; tail pale brown,
with about six transverse bands of white. Cere and legs greenish yellow.
Young. Upper plumage brownish black, white of the forehead and under parts more deeply tinged with reddish yellow ;
dark stripes wider than in preceding ; sides and flanks with wide transverse bands of brownish black, and with circular
spots of yellowish white. Quills black ; tail brownish black, tipped with white, and with about four bands of white ; cere
and feet greenish yellow.
Total length. Female, 12 to 14 inches ; wing, 8 to 9 inches ; tail, 5 to 5| inches. Male, total length, 10 to 11 inches;
wing, 7£ to 8 inches ; tail, 5 inches.
JIab. Temperate North America, Mexico, Central America, Northern South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. , Washington,
and Mus. Acad. , Philadalphia.
Specimens in the present collection show that this little hawk inhabits the entire coast of the
possessions of the United States on the Pacific ocean. Being, also, one of the most abundant
species of its family in the States on the Atlantic, its locality may be stated as the whole of
temperate North America.
This bird presents the usual variations in plumage which prevail in nearly all the birds of
the family Falconidas, and render the determining of species frequently perplexing and difficult.
There are, ^however, three well-defined stages exhibited in a large number of specimens now
before me, including the specimens in the present collection, as given above, and others from
various parts of the United States. Of these the adult is easily distinguished, and is very
nearly as figured by Audubon, under the name Falco temerarius, but of the other two plumages
we cannot at present determine which is the more mature. One of the latter is dull brown, as
figured in Fauna Boreali Americana, as above, and the other much darker and nearly black, as
in the plates of Wilson Am. Orn., and Aud. B. of Am., as above cited.
The darkest colored specimens that we have ever seen are in this collection, and so different
from the adult as to readily suggest doubts of their specific identity. Both males and females
are clear brownish black, and in one specimen, a male obtained by Dr. Cooper, at Shoalwater
bay, Washington Territory, the tail is without a vestige of the spots usually to be noticed, and
there are very few on the primaries. This is probably the youngest plumage.
Another plumage is uniformly dull and frequently pale brown above, with nearly every
2b
10
U. 8. P. R, R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
feather edged with rufous. This stage is represented in Swainson's plate in Fauna Boreali—
Americana. The adult has the upper parts entirely light bluish slate color ; nearly every feather
with a black central line, and is even lighter colored and of more delicate and handsome shades
than as given by Atidubon. Between these well-defined and easily recognized stages there are
other intermediate plumages impossible to describe, except in general terms.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
obtained.
M
O>
^
a
5
°&i
"G
0
Collected by —
Measurements.
Point of bill to end
of tail.
Between the tips o
outstretched wings.
"Is
O<
1
1!
|
%
6009
5170
5171
4130
5505
4476
4459
4477
5831
5829
5828
5633
5832
4588
4500
6875
5483
4475
4615
7998
9
<?
Q
D. Gunn
Mouth Vermilion, on Mo_.
do do
Tamaulipas Mexico
Oct. 25, 1856
do
Lt Warren
Dr. Hay den
12.75
11.75
12.00
26.75
23.75
25.00
9.00
8.00
8.50
do
Lt. Couch
....
do
El Paso Texas
Major Emory ...
J. H. Clark
Puget's Sound "W T
Dr Cooper
Cape Flattery, W. T
Lt Trowbridge
Shoalwater Bay W. T
Dr Cooper
Fort Steilacoom, W. T. .
do do
Oct. 1, 1856
Sept. 1, 1856
_ do
Dr Suckley
*>P8
do
*>4R
do do
do
^49
12.00
13.00
13.50
25.50
26.13
26.25
Q
do do .
do
do
54-6
do. do
do
do
547
do do
do
Dr Potts
<J
&
San Francisco, Cal
Lt Williamson
Dr. Newberry .
California
do
Dr Heerman
Petaluma, Cal
E Samuels
Santa Clara, Cal
Dr Cooper
Colorado river, Cal ..
53
A Schott
i
Mexico
J Gould
FALCO AURANTIUS, Gm.
Fiko aurantius, GM., Syst. Nat. I, 283. (1788.)
Fako rufiffidaris, DAUDIN, Trait d'Orn. II. 131. (1800.)
Falco thoracicus, DONOVAN, Naturalists' Repository, II, (not paged, 1824.)
Fako cucullatiu, SWAINSON, Cab. Cy. p. 340. (1838.)
Fako deiroleuais, TEMMINCK.
FIGUEES.— Temm. PI. Col. 348 ; Donovan, Nat. Rep. II, pi. 45.
About the size of, or rather smaller than F. columbarius. Entire upper parts bluish slate color, many feathers having darker
centres, and concealed transverse bands of black. Throat, neck before, and breast yellowish white ; body beneath, black, with
numerous transverse narrow bands of white ; abdomen, tibuc, and under tail coverts dark rufous. Under wing coverts black,
with numerous transverse bands and circular spots of white ; quills ashy black, with transverse bands of white on their inner
webs ; tail black, the two middle feathers tinged with ashy, narrowly tipped with white, and with about seven irregular
transverse bands of white ; bill horn color ; legs yellow.
Total length-male— 9 J to 10 inches, wing 7J to 8, tail 4 to 4} inches. Female larger.
Hab. Mexico, Texas, South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
BIRDS FALCONINAE — FALCO FEMORALIS.
11
This handsome little hawk was noticed by Lieutenant Couch in the State of New Leon,
Mexico, on the Kio G-rande, and undoubtedly is properly to be regarded as a bird of Texas.
It is well known as a South American species, and is diffused over a vast extent of the continent
of America, having very probably for the most northerly limit of its range the State just
mentioned.
The specimen brought by Lieutenant Couch is in quite mature plumage, and is now in the
National Museum.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
M
<a
•g
"3
•2
£
° So
&1
a
Locality.
Whence and how obtained. ^
Nature of specimen. o .S
S
§
hC
3
S, *
a -w
p
5s
a
•J3 T3
-i *>
§ .2
fcO
^
•a
w ^3
*4-l ^O
o
£H
d
Oi ^j
•
3
«3
H
1 ^
bo
'.2
0
CO
O
« ^ j S?
4129
£
New Leon, Mexico. . _
Lieutenant Couch
145
Eyes, brown ; feet, orange ;
bill, lead and slate 23.00
7.75
FALCO FEMOKALIS, Tern mi nek.
/Wco femoralis, TEMM, PI. col. I. (liv. 21.)
Falco thoracicus, (!LL.) LICHT. Verz. p. 62, (1823.)
Larger than the preceding, but somewhat resembling it in color. Head above, and entire upper parts light cinereous ;
darker, and with transverse bars of white on the upper tail coverts ; front and line over the eye to the back of the neck
white, tinged with orange on the latter ; a wide band under and behind the eye, and another short band running down
wards from the base of the under mandible, dark cinereous. Throat and breast very pale yellowish white ; a wide band
across the body, beneath black, with narrow transverse stripes of white ; abdomen, tibiae, and under tail coverts light
rufous. Under wing coverts pale yellowish white, spotted with black ; primaries ashy black, with numerous transverse
bands of white on their inner webs ; secondaries light cinereous, tipped with white ; two middle feathers of the tail light
cinereous, with transverse bands of ashy white ; other feathers of the tail brownish black, tipped with white, and having
about eight transverse bands of white. Bill yellow at base, tipped with light bluish horn color ; legs yellow.
Total length about 15 inches, wing 10£, tail 7j inches.
Hab. New Mexico, "Mexico, South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
A fine specimen of this species is in the collection made by Dr. A. L. Heermann while
attached to the party in charge of Lieutenant J. Gr. Parke. It is in mature plumage, and is
strictly identical with South American specimens.
This bird was obtained in New Mexico. It is a common species of South America.
12
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Genus Gennaia.
FALCO POLYAGRUS, Gas sin.
Falco polyafjrus, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, p. 88. (1853.)
FIGURES. — CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, pi. 16.
Narrow frontal band, line over the eye and entire under parts white ; stripe from the corner of the mouth running
downwards, dark brown ; breast and abdomen with longitudinal stripes and spots of brown, which color forms a large and
conspicuous spot on the flank. Upper parts brown, paler on the rump ; tail above pale grayish brown, narrowly tipped
with white, and with transverse bands of white ; quills dark greyish brown ; edge of wing at the shoulder and below
•white, spotted with brown. Bill bluish ; under mandible yellow at base ; space around the eye bare, with a narrow edging
of brown on the first plumage around it, the brown of the back extending somewhat on to the breast at the wing.
Younger. Frontal band nearly obsolete ; upper parts uniform pale brown, with narrow rufous stripes on the head ; under
arts white, tinged with dull yellow, nearly every feather having a longitudinal stripe of dark brown ; large spaces on the
flanks brown ; tarsi and toes lead colored.
Total length 18 to 20 inches, wing 13 to 14, tail 7J to 8 inches.
Hab. Western North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
This is exclusively a species of Western North America, but extending its range east of the
Rocky mountains, several specimens having been obtained during the exploration of the upper
Missouri and Yellow Stone rivers by the party commanded by Lieutenant G. K. Warren,
United States army. A specimen of this species has, also, been recently procured in western
Illinois by Mr. J. D. Sergeant, of Philadelphia.
Adults of both sexes are very similar, in fact not differing except in size, and are almost pre_
cisely as described and figured by us as above.
It is possible that this may be the specices described as Falco mexicanus in 1850 by Schlegel,
but I have been unable to make a reference to his article.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
hi
JS
^
•a
c
3 ,;,
° IK
"3
o.
3
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
c
Nature of speci
Collected by —
o
CO
0
so
a
3
B
men.
3 5
•I-S s s
1"
•a
s
"3
s
<*. <~
0 0
C J3
P 0
S
H
tf>
a
fe ^
SB
O
DQ
c
o
PH
M
a
5169
Mouth of Knife river, Mo. river...
Sept. 10, 1856....
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden....
19.00
45.50
13.50
5168
Knife river, Missouri
Sept. 16 1856
do
T ' 1 1 h
5167
9
Fort Randall, Nebraska
Oct. 17,1856....
do
do
19.00
42.00 13.50
5951
d"1
N. Platte, Nebraska
Aug. 20, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
429
W. S. Wood...
8502
o
Dr. T. C. Henry. .
8503
Camp on Little Colorado
Winter, 1853-'54 .
Lieut. Whipple...
38 !
Mollhauscn..
8504
9
Fort Dalles, Oregon Territory
Dr. Suckley
143 '
43.'il
Lieut. Trowbrid"c
5482
9
Petaluma, California
Jan., 1856.. ......
E. Samuela
82
BIRDS FALCONINAE FALCO SPARVERIUS 13
Sub-Genus Hierofalco.
FALCO CANDICANS, Gmelin.
Falco candicans, GM. Syst. Nat. I. 275. (1788.)
Falco groenlandicus, DAUDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, 107. (1800.)
Falco fuscus, FABRICIUS, Fauna Groenlandica, p. 56. (1780)?
Falco arclicus, HOLBOLL, Label in Acad. Mus. Philadelphia.
jjdult. — Entirely white; upper parts with irregular confluent transverse bands, and large subterminal hastate or sagittal s ot
of ashy brown; under parts with a few longitudinal narrow stripes of brown. Primary quills white, with their tips brownish
black ; tail white, with transverse bands of brownish black on the outer webs of the external feathers.
Young. — Upper parts with the brown predominating and of a lighter shade than in the adult, and more or less barred and
spotted with white. Under parts white, tinged with ashy, with longitudinal stripes of brown, especially on the abdomen
Quills and tail ashy brown, with transverse bands of dull white.
Total length about 24 inches, wing ]6, tail 10 inches.
Hab. Northern North America, Greenland. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philad.
A very handsome falcon, almost entirely pure white in its adult plumage. This bird and
the succeeding have been demonstrated by Mr. Holboll and other Danish naturalists to be
resident species in Greenland, and inhabit also other countries of the northern regions of the
continent of America.
FALCO ISLANDICUS, Gmelin.
The Ger Falcon. The Iceland Falcon.
Falco islandicus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 275. (1788.)
Falco islandus, FABRICIUS, Faun. Groenl., p. 58. (1780)?
Jldull. — Entirely white; upper parts with regular transverse and very distinct bands of brown, becoming somewhat crescent,
shaped on the scapulars and rump, and slightly acuminate on the shafts of the feathers. Quills white, brownish black at their
tips ; tail white, with about twelve transverse narrow bands of brow . Under parts with a few longitudinal lines of dark
brown.
Young. — Upper plumage brown, with transverse bands of dull white. Under parts dull white, with numerous circular and
irregular shaped spots of dark brown, largest on the sides, and disposed to form transverse bands. Quills and tail dar rovva
with transverse bands of ashy white.
Total length about 24 inches, wing 16^, tail 10 inches.
Hab. Northern North America, Greenland. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philad.
Nearly allied to the preceding, and only to be distinguished from it by the different shape
and pattern of the darker markings on the upper parts of the body. Like the preceding too,
it inhabits Greenland ; and specimens that we have seen from that country cannot be distin
guished from the well known bird of Iceland and northern Europe.
Sub-Genus Tinnunculus.
FALCO SPAKVEKIUS, Linnaeus.
The Sparrow HaAvk.
Falco sparverius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 12 (17G6.)
Falco dominicensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 2 .(1788.)
Falco gracilis, cinnamominus and isabeUinus, Sw. Cab. Cy. p. 281. (183 .)
FIGURES.— Vieill. Ois. d'Am., Sept., pi. 12, 13 ; Catesby's Carolina, pi. 5 ; Wilson Am. Orn. II, pi. 16, fig. 1, and IV,
pi. 32, fig. 2; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 42, Oct. ed. I, pi. 22; Rich, and Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 24 ; De Kay, Nat
Flist. New York, Birds, pi. 7, fig. 16.
Jldult. — Smaller than any of the preceding. Frontal band and space, including the eyes and throat, white, spot on the.
neck behind, two others on each side of the neck, and line running downwards from before the eye, black. Spot on the top of
14
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the head, the neck behind, back, rump, and tail light rufous or cinnamon color. Under parts generally a paler shade of the
eame rufous as the back, frequently nearly white, but sometimes as dark as the upper parts, and always with more or less
numerous circular or oblong spots of black. Quills brownish black, with white bars on their inner webs. Tail tipped with
white, frequently tinged with rufous and with a broad subterminal band of black, outer frequently white, tinged with ashy and
barred with black. Bill light blue, legs yellow. Back generally with transverse stripes of black, but frequently with very
few, or entirely without ; rufous spot on the head, variable in size, and sometimes wanting.
Younger mall.— Upper parts as above ; wing coverts, and tail ferruginous red, with numerous transverse bands of brownish
black. Under parts with numerous longitudinal stripes, and on the sides with transverse bands of brownish black, external
feathers of the tail palest, broad subterminal band on the tail obscure or wanting.
Young.— All the rufous parts of the plumage with wider transverse bands of brownish black; wing coverts dark bluish
cinereous, with large circular spots of black ; under parts with longitudinal stripes, and large circular spots of black.
Total length 11 to 12 inches, wing 7 to 7|, tail 5 to 5| inches.
H b. The entire continent of America. Specimens in Nat. Museum, Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence.
Original number.
Collected by—
Measurements.
Remarks.
Point of bill to end
of tail.
Between tips of out
stretched wings.
o,
|M
cs
o
s i
2 o
<*. •-->
b«
C
£
6492
6918
8521
5172
5178
5175
5177
5172
6953
5026
5024
4570
8518
8515
5582
6952
5027
5583
5025
5580
8519
6879
4585
8516
5488
4353
Q
Mar. 20, 1857
9
$
Milk river, Neb
Yellow Stone river
Aug. 31, 1853
}ov. Stevens
L,ieut. Warren
do
Dr. Suckley
Dr. Hayden
do
10.75
10.38
22.50
21.50
7.50
7.50
c?
9
Q
$
$
"Q"
(J
3
3
..„.
Wouth Powder river
Forty miles up the Yellow
July 10, 1856
May 30, 1856
Feb. 12, 1855
April 6, 1855
do
do
do
10.13
22.00
7.38
do
Lieut. Bryan
337
4
42
19
6
19
103
389
do
W. S Wood
10.75
23.00
8.00
Medicine Bow creek, Neb.
9.50
11.00
21.00
22.00
6.00
8.00
Eyes light gray. . .
Fifty miles from Indianola.
do
San Elizario, Texas
Cochetope Pass
Platte river, Neb
Dec. 9, 1854
July 14, 1856
Aug. 11, 1857
April 24, 11555
Aug. 14, 1856
Oct. 22, 1855
July 28, 1856
April — , 1856
do
Lieut. Beckwith
Dr. Kennerly
10.50
21.00
8.00
W. S. Wood
. . do
10.50
20.00
Black Hills, Neb
...do
Fort Clark, Texas
North Platte , Neb
W. S. Wood
W S Wood
9.50
10.50
10.00
18.50
22.00
7.50
Eyes brown ; feet
and gums yellow.
Dona Ana, N. M
Capt. Pope
152
168
346
Pole creek, Neb
Fort Thorn, N. M
Fort Steilacoom, W. T . .
do
Dr. Henry
.....
..„.
Bodega, Cal
Petaluma, Cal
Presidio, Cal
Jan. — , 1855
July 4,1853
Lieut. Trowbridge . .
K. Samuels
153
T. A. Szabo
21.58
7.58
4938
6877
6880
8517
4420
7999
San Jose, Cal
Sacramento Valley, Cal.
Tulare Valley, Cal
Lieut. Williamson . . .
do
Dr. Heennan
Camp 105, N. M
Jan. 23, 185
Lieut. Whipple
59
Kennerly and Moll-
Guatemala
J. Gould
BIRDS ACCIPITRINAE A8TUR ATRICAPILLUS. 15
Sub-Family ACCIPITRINAE.
THE HAWKS.
Form rather long and slender, tail and legs long, wings rather short, bill short, hooked,
upper mandible lobed, but not toothed. Very active and vigilant and swift of flight, pursuing
their prey, which consists of birds and small quadrupeds, into the woods and forests.
ASTUR, Lac.
Astur, LACEPEDE, Mem. inst. Ill, p. 506.
The largest birds of this suh-family. General form strong, but rather long and slender ; wing rather short : tail long and
broad ; tarsi long, covered in front with rather wide transverse scales ; toes and claws moderate, the latter fully curved, sharp.
Bill short, curved ; nostrils large, ovate, inserted in the cere. This genus contains about twelve species of all countries.
ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS, Wilson.
The Goshawk.
Falco alricapillus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI. 60. (1812.)
Falco regalis, TEMM. pi. col. 1. (liv. 84, about 1827.)
Dcedalion pictum, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. I, 67. (1831.)
FIGURES— Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 52, fig. 3 ; Rich, and Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 26 ; Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn.
pi. 121 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 141, Oct. ed. I, pi. 23 ; Temm. pi. col. 495.
Mult. — Head above, neck behind, and stripe from behind the eye, black, generally more or less tinged with ashy. Other
upper parts dark ashy bluish or slate color, with the shafts of the feathers black, and frequently with the feathers narrowly
edged with black, presenting a squamate or scale-like appearance. A conspicuous stripe over the eye, and an obscure and
partially Concealed occipital and nuchal band, white. Entire under parts mottled with white and light ashy brown. Every
feather with a longitudinal line of dark brown on its shaft, and with numerous irregular and imperfect transverse lines or
narrow stripes of light ashy brown, more distinct and regular on the abdomen and tibice. Quills brown, with bands of a deeper
hade of the same color, and of ashy white on their inner webs. Tail same color as other upper parts ; under surface very pale,
nearly white, an having about four obscure bands of a deeper shade of ashy brown, and narrowly tipped with white ; under tail
covert white.
Young. — Entire upper parts, including head, dark brown, with the feathers, especially on the head and neck, behind, edged
and spotted with light reddish, or nearly white. Tail light ashy, with about five wide and conspicuous bands of ashy brown,
and narrowly tipped with ashy white ; quills brown, with wide bars of a darker shade of the same color, and wide bands of
reddish white on their inner webs. Under parts white, genearlly tinged with yellowish and frequently with reddish, every
feather with a longitudinal stripe, terminating in an ovate spot of brown. Sides and tibite frequently with circular and lanceolate
spo's, and irregular bands of the same color, the latter (tibiae) generally very conspicuously marked in this manner. Under
tail coverts white, with a few large lanceolate spots of brown.
Total length, female, 22 to 24 inches, wing about 14, tail 10 J to 11 inches. Male, about 20 inches, wing 12 £, tail 9'2 inches.
Hab. North America, chiefly in the northwestern portions.
All the specimens of this fine species in the collections of the expeditions are from Oregon
and Washington Territory, and are of both adults and young birds. It is apparently more
abundant in northwestern America than it is known to be in any other portion of the United
States.
The adult of this species is well known, and is represented in all the plates cited above. It
is one of the most strongly marked and easily recognized of American hawks.
Though confounded with the European goshawk (Astur palumbarius) by Audubon, the
present species is strongly marked, and easily distinguished. The transverse bands on the
16
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
under surface of the body in the present bird never assume that degree of regularity which is
commonly met with in the European bird, and it is in other respects quite distinct, as pointed
out by the distinguished naturalists who have described it, Wilson and Temminck.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
1
IH
01
CO
fcJD
a
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
,0
a
Collected by —
.3
*
a
o>
^
d
CM
§
TJ
-s
^
O
1
6
a
H
a
'So
•B
O
"5)
n
d
1
6906
Nelson river H B _
D. Gunn
6846
Port Townsend W. T.
Jan., 1857
Dr. Suckley
22 00
40 00
5839 (J
FortSteilacoom W. T.
Aug., 1856 ..
.do
528
J 9,9,. fin
38 00
8508 $
do -do
Governor Stevens
101
Dr. Suckley
8509
. do do
Mar. 25, 1856.
Dr. Suckley
306
4365
do do
Dr. Potts.
i
4518
Shoal water Bay, W. T.
Jan. 0, 1855 .
Dr. Cooper
120
8507
....
Dalles, 0. T
Mar.b 1854..
Governor Stevens
141
Dr. Suckley
ACCIPITER, Br isson.
rfccipiter, BRISSON, Orn. I, 310, (1760.)
General form more slender and smaller than Jlslur, but otherwise similar. Wings short, tail long, tarsi long and slender,
frequently with the scales in front nearly obsolete. Contains about twenty species of all countries, several of which intimately
resemble each other. Colors in North American species very similar to each ether, especially in adult specimens, though they
differ materially in size.
ACCIPITEK COOPEKII, Bonaparte.
Cooper's Hawk.
Falco Cooperii, BONAP. Am. Orn. II, 1. (1828.)
Falco Stanleii, ATJD., Orn. Biog. I, 186. (1831.)
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. I, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 36, 141, fig. 3, ct. ed. 1, pi. 24.
Mult.— Head above brownish black, mixed with white on the occiput, other upper parts dark ashy brown, with the shafts of
the feathers brownish black ; an obscure rufous collar on the neck behind. Throat and under tail coverts white, the former with
lines of dark brown, other under parts transversely barred with light rufous and white. Quills ashy brown, with darker bands,
and white irregular markings on their inner webs ; tail dark cinereous, lipped with white, and with four wide bands of brownish
black.
Young.— Head and neck behind yellowish white, tinged with rufous, and with longitudinal stripes and oblong spo of brown;
other upper parts light amber brown, with large partially concealed epots and bars of white; upper tail coverts tipped with white;
under parts white, with narrow longitudinal stripes of light brown, tail as in adult ; bill blueish horn-color ; tarsi yellow.
Dimensions.— Female, total length 18 to 20 inches, wing 10 to 11, tail 8$ inches ; male, 16 to 18 inches, wing 9| to 10, tail
8 inches.
//aft.— All of temperate North America. Chile (Gay). Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
This species, rather common on the coast of the Atlantic, is apparently not so abundant in
the western countries of the United States. Three specimens only are in the present collection,
BIRDS ACCIPITRINAE ACCIPITER MEXICANUS.
17
two of which are from Washington Territory, and one from California. These being, however,
in young plumage, may be regarded as very probably showing conclusively that this bird is
resident in those localities, and is also, in all probability, throughout the temperate regions of
North America. Some authors even, though probably erroneously, assign it to South America
also.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
«
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
^
Collected by —
a
-ti
§'R
1
S
3
obtained.
0
d
be
3
3 £9 5. ^
a *>"
O
3
«
a
-a -2
•£ 13
« d
tc
O
C
cS
"3
a
'o 'o
§ -g
O> -i
J-. O
Vi .^>
H
to
3
^ 2
a
o
£
P
O
(2
^ «2
E
5792
Society Hill, S. C
April 30, 1855.
M. A. Curtis
5578
Republican fork, K. T ...
Aug. 17,1856.
Lieut. Bryan
383
W. S. Wood
18.25
25.00
5846
Fort Steilacoom, W. T ..-
Sept. 1856.
Dr. Suckley . . ...
540
19.00 30.00
8511
£
do do
Oct. 10, 1856
do-
585
I
8512
Yakima river, W. T
Sept. 10, 1856-
Go v. Stevens
585
Dr. Conner
|
4352
Presidio, Cal
Lieut. Trowbridge.
18 00
31 00
6876
9
Sacramento valley, Cal
Lieut. Williamson-
Dr. Heermann
4619
Colorado river, Cal
Oct. 28,1854
Major Emory
B3
A. Schott _.
1
ACCIPITER MEXICANUS, Swain son.
Accipile.r Mexicanus, SWAINS. Faun. Bor. Amer. Birds, p. 45, (1831.)
(Not figured.)
Intermediate between Jlccipiter Cooperi and Jlccipiter fusciis in size, and much resembling both in colors. Form slender and
long, wings short, tail long, legs rather long, slender.
Mult. — Head above bluish black; other upper parts dark brownish black, with a tinge of cinereous, darkest on the back;
throat and other under tail coverts white ; other under parts fine light rufous, darkest on the tibiae, and spotted and barred
transversely with white, which bars and spots are nearly obsolete on the breast and tibite ; longitudinal dark lines on the shafts
of the feathers (conspicuous on the under parts in A. Cooperi) only on the breast; quills dark brown, with their outer edges
cinereous, and with bands of dark brown and white on their inner webs ; lail dark cinereous, tipped with white, and having
four wide bands of brownish black ; bill bluish black ; cere and tarsi yellow; iris yellow.
Young.— Entire upper parts dark brown, every feather on the head above and neck behind edged with yellowish red, which
color predominates on t>.ose parts in some specimens ; under parts white, more or less tinged with dull yellow, every feather
having a narrow longitudinal stripe of brown, and frequently a transverse band of the same near the base of the feather. The
stripes often assume a falchion or imperfectly sagittate shape on the flanks. Under wing coverts yellowish white, with ovate
and cordate spots of brown ; tail as in adult ; upper tail coverts frequently tipped with white ; iris, cere, and tarsi, light
yellow.
Dimensions. — Male, total length, 15 to 16 inches ; wing 9, tail 8 inches. Female, total length, 17 to 18 inches ; wing 9i to 10,
tail 9 inches.
A western species, but not so exclusively so as has been supposed. In the present collection
specimens are from New Mexico and the Yellow Stone river, as well as from Oregon and Cali
fornia, as will be seen in the localities given below.
This bird bears an extraordinary resemblance to both Accipiter Cooperi and Accipiter fuscus,
and, in fact, specimens occasionally occur which cannot be distinguished without difficulty.
3b
18
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
The young male of A. Cooperi may be mistaken for the young female of the present bird. The
three American species of Accipiter, however, may be said to be so much alike in color as to
almost represent different sizes of one species. It is a group in which size is a specific character.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
KM
•
? g «
a) o ex
Q,
E
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
"=
Remarks. Collected by —
3 . o |
a
a
c
tL
•
obtained.
s
s
- c
I
13
O O 0 •=
5j
a
sc
c fe £
o S *^
• •*
co
O
a* O "'
•~
5165
AHC. IP. IS/ifi .... Lieut.. Warrfin ..
Dr. Hayden ....
5164
Mouth of White "Earth river Sept. 6, 1856 rfo
Iris light yellow do
30.2;
10.25
5163
9
Fort Berthold, Nebraska Sept. 16, 1856
do
do do
17.00! 29. 2£
9.00
5579
Bridger's Pass, Nebraska
Aug. 14, 1856
Lieut. Bryan
W. S. Wood . . .
6849
i
5841
Puget'.- Sound, W. T
Oct. 4, 1856 i Dr. Suckley
574
5846
Port Towrisend, W. T Au«., 1856 do
538
i
5847
Fort Steilacoom, W. T j Sept., 1856 do
539
4590
do ...
6848
!
6874
c?
Sacramento valley, California ....
Lieut. Williamson..
Dr. Heermann.
|
ACCIPITER FUSCUS, Gmelin.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Falcofuscus et dulius, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 280, 281, (1788.)
Jlccipiter striatus, VIEILL. Oia. d'Am. Sept. I, 42, (1807.)
Falco velox et penntylvanicus, WILSON Am. Orn. V, 116, and VI, p. 13, (1812.)
Sparvius lineatus, VIEILL. Ency. Meth. Ill, 1266, (1823.)
JVisws Malfini, LESSON. Traite d'Orn. I, 58, (1831.)
FIGURES.— Temm. pi. col. 67; Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. pi. 14; Wilson Am. Orn. V, pi. 45, fig. 1, andVI.pl. 46, fig. 1;
Aud. B. of Amer. pi. 374, Oct. ed. I, pi. 25.
Mult.— Small, tail rather long ; legs and toes slender ; entire upper parts brownish black, tinged with ashy; occiput mixed
with white ; throat and under tail coverts white, the former with lines of black on the shafts of the feathers ; other under parts
fine light rufous, deepest on the tibiae, and with transverse bands of white ; shafts of the feathers with lines of dark brown ; tail
ashy brown, tipped with whi'e, and with about four bands of brownish black ; quills brownish black, with bands of a darker shade,
and of white on their inner webs; secondaries and tertiaries with large partially concealed spots of white.
Young:.— Entire upper parts dull umber brown, tinged with ashy; neck behind mixed with white ; greater wing coverts and
shorter quills, with large partially concealed spots of white ; under parts white, with longitudinal stripes and circular and ovate
spots of reddish brown, changing into transverse bands on the flanks and tibiaj ; under tail coverts white ; bill dark bluish horn-
color ; cere and tarsi yellow.
Total length, female, 12 to 14 inches ; wing 7J to 8, tail 6| to 7 inches. Male, 10 to 11 inches ; wing 6 to 6^, tail 5 to 5| inches.
Hab.— Throughout North America and Mexico. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
Apparently, this handsome little hawk inhabits the whole of North America, from Mexico to
the confines of the frigid zone. Numerous specimens, from various localities, are in the collec
tions of the expeditions.
This little hawk, when in adult plumage, much resembles Acdpiter nisus of Europe ; but the
young are quite different, as is the case with nearly all the species of this family inhabiting
North America, which resemble species of the Old World.
BIRDS — BUTEONINAE BUTEO SWAIXSONI.
19
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how ob
tained.
Oiiginal number.
Collected by —
Measurements.
Point of bill to end
of tail.
Between tips of out
stretched wings.
5575
5990
7599
8632
6908
690 !
6954
5584
58-15
5842
5844
8514
4198
4512
6867
8513
Aug. , 1855
S. F. Baird
Orange, N. J
Washington, D. C ...
Oct. — , 1856
W. Button
C?
Cape Florida, Fla
Nov. 2, 1857
11.50
21.50
Nelson river H B
do
9
c?
9?
Q?
9?
..1..
.......
Black Hill«, Neb
Aug. 11, ia57
Aug. 14, 1856
Aug. — , 1856
Sept. — , 1856
do
Lieut. Bryan
do
b87
262
W. S.Wood
do
11.00
'13.00
13 00
13.50
11.50
18.15
23.00
25.00
25.50
21.50
Fort Steilacoom. W. T
Dr. Suckley
do
do
544
543
541
Shoalwater bay, W. T
Sept. 23, 1854
Winter 1853-54
94
San Francisco, Cal
R. D. Cutts
Lieut. Williamson
do
Dr. J. S. Newberry
Camp Yuma, Cal *.
Dec. — , 1854
23
A. Schott
Sub-Family BUTEONINAE— T he Buzzards.
General form heavy, flight vigorous and long continued, but not so rapid as in the preceding sub-families. Subsist mainly on
small quadrupeds and reptiles.
BUTEO, Cuvier.
Buteo, CUVIER, Regne Animal I, 323, (1817.)
Bill short, wide at base ; edges of upper mandible lobed ; nostrils large, ovate ; wings long, wide, fourth and fifth quills usually
longest ; tail moderate, rather wide ; tarsi moderate, robust, with transverse scales before and behind, laterally with small circular
and hexagonal scales ; toes moderate, or rather short ; claws strong. Contains about thirty species, inhabiting all countries.
Sub-Genus Buteo.
BUTEO SWAINSONI, Bonaparte.
Swainson's Buzzard.
Buteo Swainsoni, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 3, (1838.)
"Buleo vulgaris," RICH & Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 47.
The obtaining of this species is one of the most interesting results in ornithology attained by
the surveying and exploring expeditions. Previously it was entirely unknown to American
naturalists, who for the greater part followed the errors of European ornithologists in mistaking
for it quite a distinct and very different bird, (Buteo montanus, Nuttall.) It possesses additional
interest, too, in being more nearly related to a generic form of the Old World (typical Buteo)
than any bird hitherto discovered inhabiting the continent of America.
All the specimens in the present collection are apparently of mature size, and the plumage is
20 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
invariably one or the other of the three stages described below. The tail is never red, but
uniformly ashy brown, with transverse dark bars.
The first and apparently most adult female is as follows :
Bill wide at base, compressed towards the tip ; edge of upper mandible lobed ; cere large ;
wing long, third quill longest ; tail moderate, rather wide, even at the tip ; tarsus feathered in
front for nearly half its length, naked behind, bare portion in front having about twelve trans
verse scales ; toes rather short ; claws strong.
Entire upper parts dark brown, nearly black in the middle of many feathers, paler on the
edges ; quills brownish black, with wide transverse bands of cinereous on their inner webs,
becoming paler and nearly pure white towards the base of the quill ; tail brown, tinged with
ashy, and having about 10 to 12 narrow transverse bands of a darker shade of brown, the sub-
terminal of which is widest ; tip edged with white.
Throat white, with longitudinal lines of dark brown ; neck before and breast ashy brown,
nearly the same color as the tail ; some of the feathers edged with reddish ; other under parts
white, nearly pure on the under tail coverts, and with transverse irregular bars of^ rufous on
the tibice and flanks, and of darker brownish rufous on the abdomen ; under wing coverts
white, with a few spots and transverse stripes of brown ; bill dark slate color ; tarsi, toes, and
cere, yellow.
The color of the abdomen, tibiae, and inferior tail and wing coverts is very liable to vary in
specimens having the preceding plumage. Other specimens, precisely as just described in
other respects, have these parts with the rufous color predominating, and with more numerous
transverse, irregular, and imperfect bars of a darker shade of rufous, and with some broken
bars and arrow-heads of dark brown. Shafts of tail feathers and quills dark above, white
beneath.
The second plumage is, apparently, that of the younger female. The upper parts are as
decribed above, but darker; throat white, tinged with yellowish, and with the dark lines
scarcely discernible ; breast dark broivn, nearly black ; other under parts pale rufous, with
numerous transverse bars of a darker shade of rufous and of dark brown, the latter more
numerous than in the preceding. Specimens with the breast of this color vary mainly in the
more or less numerous dark brown transverse stripes of the abdomen and flanks.
The third plumage prevails only in specimens labelled as males.
The upper parts are as first above described, though rather lighter, and with some feathers,
especially on the back, edged with rufous ; tail above rather lighter, and more strongly tinged
with cinereous ; throat white, with lines of dark brown ; neck before and breast light rufous,
some of the feathers with lines on the shafts of ashy brown ; other under parts white, nearly
pure and unspotted on the 'lower part of the abdomen and under tail coverts, tinged and
irregularly barred with pale rufous on the flanks, tibice, and upper part of the abdomen ; under
wing coverts nearly pure white. This plumage apparently varies but little, and only in the
greater or less number of the stripes of rufous on the abdomen. The bird in this plumage is
represented in the plate of Fauna Boreali Americana, cited above and in our plate.
Dimensions.— Female, total length, about 21^ inches; wing 16, tail 8| inches; tarsus 2£
inches. Male, total length, about 19£, wing 15^, tail 8 inches.
In all these specimens the color of the neck before and of the breast may be regarded as
forming a wide, uninterrupted transverse belt or band, and is a very conspicuous and apparently
constant character. The difference in the color of this belt or band is, as will be observed from
BIRDS BUTEONINAE BUTEO BAIRDII.
21
the descriptions given above, the principal difference between the specimens before us, and is
very probably dependent on age, and perhaps sex.
This handsome and interesting species appears to be exclusively an inhabitant of western and
northern North America.
The plates represent this bird in the first and third plumages described above.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
.Q
•0
c
0
3 •
= &
a,
hj
3
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
•2
Remarks. Collected by— 2 .
s
EC
3
! ™ C3
— *i
0
3
C
£ C!
C "
£ =
C
1
CO
C
o o
w &
3
H
bfi
5 *"
B
o
CQ
0 | ; | &<
B
^
5154
Jl
Mouth of Yellow Stone river
July 14, 1856 Lieut. Warren. ...
T)r. TTnvden 20.63
48.51
15.50
5156
Mouth of White Earth river
Sept. 6, 1856 do
46.51
15.50
5155
Q
Knife river, Missouri
Sept. 10,1856 do
do 21.25
50 0(
16.00
5157
o
Sept. 21, 1856 do
.. 21.25
51.2.'
15.50
8540
Lieut. Beckwith. . .
24 '' Kreut7.fel(it.
8539
do
do
25
do
8541
do.
13
.... do
4984
22.50
34 5(
16.50
'
BUTEO BAIRDII, Hoy.
Baird'sBuzzard.
Buteo Bairdii, HOY, Proc. Acad. Philad. VI, 451, (1853.)
CASSIN. B. of Cal. and Texas, pi. 41.
Entire upper parts dark brown, with a purplish bronzed lustre, especially on the wings ; plumage of the head and neck behind
edged and tipped with yellowish white ; upper tail coverts yellowish white, with transverse bars of brown ; tail above brownish
cinereous, with about ten narrow bands of brownish black, and tipped with white ; under pans pale yellowish white, or fawn
color, with a few ovate and sagittate spots of dark brown ; a stripe of dark brown running downwards on each side from the
corners "of the mouth ; cere, legs, and irides yellow.
Older ? — Upper parts very dark brown, or nearly black, with a purplish lustre ; under parts with almost every feather having
a large spot of brownish black, which color predominates on the breast, presenting a nearly uniforn color with the upper parts ;
throat with narrow stripes of the same color; flanks and inferior wing coverts with circular and oval spots of white ; tibiae dark
brown, with transverse bars and circular and oval spots of reddish white; upper tail coverts retidish white, with their outer
edges brown, and with transverse stripes of the same ; under tail coverts yellowish white, with transverse stripes of brown;
forehead white ; cheeks yellowish white ; stripes from the corners of the mouth wide and conspicuous.
Total length, 18 to 20 inches ; wing 15, tail 8 inches.
Hub. — Northern and western North America. Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philadelphia and Nat. Mus. Washington.
In the plumage, first described above, this bird bears some resemblance to the young of Buteo
lineatus, but has a much more mature appearance, and is easily distinguished by its smaller
size. It resembles also in colors only the young of Buteo pennsylvanicus, but is much larger.
Though discovered in the State of Wisconsin, specimens from various western localities are in
the collections of the expeditions.
Specimens recently collected by Lieutenant Warren show that the upper figure of our plate,
as cited above, really represents the young plumage. Lieutenant Warren's specimens are
scarcely fully fledged, and yet agree precisely with this figure.
22 U. S. P. R E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
1
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
|
Collected by —
a
o
-t*
o Si
•S -S
1
g
M
H
t — s
/. •;
a
0
1
a
§ 3
f|
gl
p
•d
S3
0 0
D O
H-i -"i
o
c
a
15 "S
bO
3
eS
M
a
'o
QJ CQ
.S
08
O
co
o
PH
eq
^
5152
9
Little Missouri river..
Sept. 12, 1856
Dr. Hayden —
22.00
52.00
16.50
Kl £1
Q do do
. do
do
do
20.50
46.00
15.75
Loup Fork, of Platte. .
1857
do
do
8542
i San Luis valley, Upper
r>- r A
Lieut. Beckwith —
8
Mr. Kreutzfeldt
*
BUTEO CALUKUS, Gas sin.
Red-tailed Black Hawk.
Buteo calurus, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Philada. VII, p. 281, (1855.)
Similar in general form to Buteo vulgaris and Buteo augur. Bill rather strong ; edges of the upper mandible with distinct
rounded lobes ; wings long, fourth and fifth quills longest ; tail moderate, or rather short ; tarsi feathered in front for nearly
half their length ; naked behind, naked portion in front having about ten transverse scales ; claws large, strong, fully curved.
Tail bright rufous above, white at base, with about eight to ten irregular and imperfect narrow bands and one wide sub-
terminal band of brownish black, and narrowly tipped with reddish white ; beneath silky reddifh white.
Entire plumage above and below brownish black, deeper and clearer on the back and abdomen, and paler on the throat and
breast. Plumage of the upper parts with concealed transverse bands of white at the base of the feathers, and of the under parts
with circular spots and transverse bands of the same also at the base of the feathers ; quills brownish black, with a large portion
of their inner webs white, banded and mottled with pale ashy brown ; under tail coverts transversely barred with brownish
black and pale rufous.
Total length, female, about 21 inches ; wing 16£, tail 9 inches. Male rather smaller.
This remarkable buzzard bears a greater resemblance to Buteo augur, Kiippell, an African
species, than to any other with which we are acquainted. It resembles no other American
species except Buteo insignatus, Cassin, but is much larger, and presents other strong points of
difference. To a casual observer this bird would present somewhat the appearance of the black
hawk of the United States, Arcliibuteo sanctrfohannis, with the tail attached of the common
red-tailed buzzard, 'Buteo borealis, a combination hitherto quite unknown in the American
falconidae, but which does exist in the African Buteo augur.
This species was described by us, as above, from a single specimen in the collection brought
by the party in charge of Captain John Pope, United States army, which was obtained by T.
Charlton Henry, M. D., United States army, in the vicinity of Fort Webster, New Mexico.
This able and zealous naturalist is the discover of this curious species, and has added a large
amount of information to the knowledge of the ornithology of western North America. To the
collections of this gentleman we shall have frequent occasions to allude.
One other specimen is in the present collection, and was obtained by Mr. E. Samuels at Peta-
luma, Sonora county, California, who found it breeding, and had the good fortune to obtain the
eggs. These have recently been described by Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, in his very valuable work
on North American Oology, now in the course of publication by the Smithsonian Institution.
BIRDS BUTEONINAE — BUTEO INSIGNATUS.
23
List of specimens.
Measurements.
g
£3
O>
i •
1
a
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how obtained. .0
^0° g
o .^ w
G
O>
<o
he
cS
§3
II 1.1
tc
o
G
'c'o
§ "o
^•S.
cS
"
"a
% £
fee
c
a
EQ
^
M M
£
5481
^
Petaluma California ,
April 25 1856
R. Samuels.- 21. 00
48.00 16.49
8527
Fort Webster New Mexico
Dr. Henry
Sub- Genus Leucoptemis.
BUTEO INSIGNATUS, Gas sin.
Buteo insignatus, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, p. 102, (1854,) pi. 31.
Jldu.ll male. — Under coverts of the wings and tail white ; the former striped longitudinally with pale rufous, and the latter
transversely with reddish brown ; edges of wings at the shoulder nearly pure white ; tibiae rufous irregularly barred with brown ;
throat and a few feathers of the forehead white, each feather having a line of dark brown, or nearly black.
Entire other plumage above and below dark brown, every feather having a darker, or nearly black, central line. Quills
above brown, with a slight purple lustre ; beneath pale cinereous, with their shafts white, and with irregular transverse bands
of white. Tail above dark brown, with an ashy or hoary tinge, and having about ten transverse bands of a darker shade of the
same color ; beneath nearly white, with conspicuous transverse bands of brown, the widest of which is subterminal ; tip paler,
or nearly white ; bill dark ; cere, tarsi, and toes, yellow.
Female, nearly adult.— ;-Like the preceding, but with the upper plumage darker, and the entire under parts dark rufous chest
nut ; darker on the breast, quite uniform on the flanks and abdomen, and every feather having the shaft darker brown, nearly
black. Throat, forehead, under wing coverts, and under tail coverts white. Tail as in the preceding.
Young. — Under parts reddish white ; every feather with a large terminal oblong spot of dark brown, and on the abdomen
and tibiae with numerous transverse stripes of the same color.
Entire upper parts dark brown ; on the back of the head and neck white at base, and edged with reddish ; scapulars and
greater coverts of the wing with large partially concealed rufous spots. Under wing coverts pale reddish white, with large
brown spots ; under tail coverts very pale reddish white, with a few stripes and lines of brown.
Dimensions. — Male adult, total length about 17 inches ; wing 14|, tail 1\ inches. Female, total length about 19| inches;
wing 16, tail 9 inches.
The preceding are the three stages of plumage which characterize specimens brought by
the expeditions. The first is precisely identical with that originally described by us, as above
cited, which was obtained in the vicinity of Montreal, Canada.
The second specimen, above described, was obtained on the North Platte river by the party
commanded by Lieutenant F. T. Bryan, United States army, while engaged in surveying a
route for a wagon road to Bridger's Pass, in the Rocky mountains. In this specimen the under
parts of the body are chestnut rufous, as described above, in which respect it differs from the
presumed and probable adult.
24
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
<u
M
<B
s
0
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
a
Collected by —
bo
w
BO
s
a
M
•<->
d
0
S
"So
oj
"S
X
6
0
cc
6955
Medicine Bow creek, Nebraska
July 26, 1856
333
W. S. Wood
6871
*
Lieut. Williamson —
Dr. Heermann
BIJTEO HARLANI, A u dub on.
Harlan's Buzzard ; The Black Warrior.
Falco Harlani, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 441, (1831, plate published 1830.)
" Buteo Borealls," GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. Accipitres, p. 34.
Buteo Harlani, AUD. Lawrence, Annals N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. V, p. 220.
FIGURE.— Aud. B. of Am., pi. 86, Oct. ed. I, pi. 8.
Mult.— About the size of, or rather smaller than, Buteo borealis. Robust ; bill rather short, strong ; edges of upper mandible
lobed ; wing rather long ; tail moderate ; legs strong ; tarsus feathered in front below the joint, naked behind, in front having
about nine or ten transverse scales, and about fiReon behind ; claws very strong, sharp, fully curved. Entire plumage
brownish black, with a purplish lustre on the back and wing coverts. Front white, and all the feathers of the head above and
occiput white at base, easily observed on the latter. Quills brownish black, with transverse bands of a lighter shade, and with
a portion of their inner webs ashy white, giving a nearly uniform ashy white color to the under surface of the wing ; under wing
coverts brownish black. Tail mottled with brownish black, ashy and white, the former predominating, a rather wide subter-
minal band of brownish black above and below, which are tinges of bright rufous ; tip paler ; under surface of the tail ashy
white, slightly mottled with ashy brown. Bill dark bluish ; legs greenish yellow.
Young. Entire upper parts light brown, dull fulvous, and white ; tips of the feathers generally with a large ovoid spot of
brown, bordered with dull fulvous, and white at base, the fulvous and white predominating on the head and wing coverts ;
rump with nearly regular transverse bands of brown and reddish fulvous ; quills dark brown ; under surface (of quills) white ;
under wing coverts white, spotted with brown, and rufous or reddish fulvous ; tail light ashy, tinged with reddish, and with
about six or seven irregular and imperfect narrow bands of brownish black, all of which are edged with dark reddish fulvous ;
tip white. Under parts white, nearly pure on the throat and breast, with ovate and sagittate large spots on the neck before
sides and abdomen ; tibiae and under tail coverts with nearly regular bands of brown and pale reddish ; under surface of the tail
ashy white. Bill dark bluish ; legs greenish yellow.
Total length (adult) about 21 inches ; wing 16, tail 9}^ inches.
In the collection brought by the surveying party under the command of Captain John Pope,
United States army, are two specimens of the bird which we . suppose to be Buteo Harlani.
These were obtained near Fort Thome, New Mexico, by T. Charlton Henry, M. D., United
States army, and, with that described, as above cited, by Mr. George N. Lawrence, are the
only ones yet detected within the limits of the United States. We have seen other specimens
of the same species from Mexico. One of the present specimens, like that of Mr. Lawrence, is
adult in black plumage ; the other is very probably the young, and in plumage totally different,
as described above.
This bird comes very near the description by Mr. Audubon in his Ornithological Biography,
I, p. 441, and is the same species decided by Mr. Lawrence to be the Buteo Harlani of that
author, and first announced by him as a species of western North America in the Annals of the
New York Lyceum of Natural History, as above cited. In both size and colors, our present
BIRDS BUTEONINAE BUTEO BOKEALIS. 25
adult specimen agrees sufficiently well with Mr. Audubon's description, though a measurement
given in the latter — "tarsus If inches" — is very probably a misprint, though copied into his
octavo edition. A Buteo, with the tarsus of this length, would be about the shortest legged
species known, and rather deviating from the requirements of the genus. In the present bird
the tarsus measures about three inches.
The bird now before us being much like the figure and description given by Mr. Audubon as
pointed out by Mr. Lawrence, we have no scruple in assenting to such designation as applied
to it. The proper identification of the species though can be made only from the original
specimen in the British Museum. To Mr. Lawrence we are also indebted for the recognition of
the young bird of this species, described above, in the collection of the expeditions.
The specimens in the collection of Captain Pope's party were obtained by Dr. Henry in New
Mexico, as above stated. Those described by Mr. Lawrence were from California.
Sub-Grenus Poecilopternis.
BUTEO BOREALIS, Gmelin.
The Red-tailed Hawk.
Falco borealis, Leverianus, and jamaicensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 266, (1788.)
Falco aquilinus, BARTRAM, Trav. p. 290, (1791.)
Buteo ferruginelcaudus, VIEILL. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, 32, (1807.)
Jlccipiter ruficaudus, VIEILL. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, 43, (1807.)
Buteo fulvus and americanus, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. IV, 472, 477, (1816.)
FIGURES.— Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 6, 14 ; Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 52, figs. 1, 2 ; Audubon B. of Am., pi. 51, Oct.
ed. 1, pi. 7 ; Gosse B. of Jamaica, pi. 2 ; Lembeye B. of Cuba, pi. 1.
Mult* — Tail bright rufous, narrowly tipped with white and having a subterminal band of black. Entire upper parts dark
umber brown, lighter and with fulvous edgings on the head and neck ; upper tail coverts yellowish white, with rufous and
brown spots and bands. Throat white, with narrow longitudinal stripes of brown, other under parts pale yellowish white with
longitudinal lines and spots of reddish brown tinged with fulvous, most numerous on the breast, and forming an irregular band
across the abdomen ; under tail coverts and tibiae generally clear yellowish white unspotted, but the latter frequently spotted and
transversely barred with light rufous. Under surface of tail silvery white.
Young. — Tail usually ashy brown, with numerous bands of a darker shade of the same color and narrowly tipped with
white, upper tail coverts white with bands of dark brown ; other upper parts dark umber brown, many feathers edged with dull
white and with partially concealed spots of white. Entire under parts white, sides of the breast with large ovate spots of
brownish black, and a wide irregular band on the abdomen composed of spots of the same color. Under tail coverts and tibire
with irregular transverse stripes and sagittate spots of dark brown.
Total length. — Female, 22 to 24 inches ; wing, 15 to 16 inches ; tail, 8j inches. Male, 19 to 21 inches ; wing, 14 inches;
tail, 7 !2 to 8 inches.
Hob. — Eastern North America, fur countries, (Swainson,) Cuba, (Lembeye,) Jamaica, (Gosse.)
The range of this well known bird covers an extent of longitude from the Atlantic ocean to
the base of the Rocky mountains, and in latitude its locality may be said to be from the West
India islands northward to the confines of the frigid zone. In the countries on the Pacific it is
supplanted by the nearly allied species immediately succeeding, (Buteo montanus.)
In the collections made by the surveying and exploring expeditions, there are specimens of
this bird from the Yellow Stone river, Nebraska Territory, and others from the Pecos river,
Texas. Specimens in immature plumage are also in Dr. T. Charlton Henry's collection made
at Fort Fillmore, New Mexico.
4 b
26
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens
Measurements.
1
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
Collected by —
73
d
(U
° to
a
obtained.
•g .s
fj
j
d
73 Jg
DO £
2 -S
3
bO
•
d
S 3
'-*3 n,
d rCl
o d
£ 'o
1
S
d
O 0
S o
g •§
bO
3
So
•C
d
o
P in
•s -s
o
1
O
PH
pq
^
5153
80 miles above mouth
of Yellowstone
Aug. 11, 1856
Lt. G. K. Warren
Dr. Hayden
22.50
49.25
14.75
5159
(J
Eau qui Court, Neb..
Oct. 20, 1856
do
do
23.00
48.00
16.25
Eire
71
Fort Randall Neb
Oct 11 1856
...do
do
22.00
49.50
16.00
0
Maj Emory
7
A. Schott
?? 8530
—
14
do
BUTEO MONTANUS, Nuttall.
The Western Red-tailed Hawk.
Buteo montanus, NDTT. Manual Orn. U. S. I, 112, (1840.)
Falco buteo, (LINN.) AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 508.
Falco buteo, (LiNN.) RICH, ard Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds.
Buteo borealis, (Gai.) GRAY, Gen. I, p. 11.
" Buteo Sicainsonii, (Bp.)" BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 19.
Buteo Sicainsonii, BONAP. Cassin B. of Cal. and Texas, 1, p. 98
FIGURES.— Aud. B. of Am., pi. 372, Oct. ed., I, pi
Mult female. — Throat and neck before dark brown mixed with white ; the brown color more extended and with the abdomen,
tibiae and under tail coverts much more tinged with rufous than in B. borealis. Tibiae distinctly barred transversely with
rufous. Size rather larger. General appearance similar to Buteo borealis, but rather larger, and with the wings longer ;
throat and neck before brown ; breast and abdomen white, with a very pale fulvous or rufous tinge ; sides with numerous nar
row lanceolate and oblong spots of dark brown and rufous ; abdomen with a broad transverse band composed of spots of the
same description. Tibial feathers pale rufous, with numerous transverse bands of a darker shade of the same color. Under
wing coverts pale yellowish white, with brown spots. Tail above bright rufous narrowly tipped with white, with a subterminal
band of black, and a few indications of transverse stripes near the shafts of the feathers. Upper parts of the body dark umber
brown, with partially concealed ashy white and pale fulvous spots and transverse bands, especially on the scapulars and shorter
quills. Upper tail coverts reddish white, with transverse bands of dark brown. Bill dark bluish ; tarsi and toes yellow.
This plumage can only be distinguished from B. borealis bv its larger size, the greater extent of the dark color of the throat,
and the prevalence of the rufous color of the abdomen and tibise. In some specimens, however, the abdomen is nearly pure
white. Another plumage of this bird, apparently adult, of both sexes is as follows, and is the most easily recognized of any
stage :
Mult male and female. — Like the preceding, but with the under parts pale rufous, lighter on the breast, some feathers,
especially on the abdomen, having longitudinal lines and spots of dark brcwn. Tibiae rufous, with transverse bars of a darker
shade of the same color. Tail bright rufous ; tip paler, with a subterminal band of black. This second plumage, described
above, we have never seen in Buteo borealis.
Young, — Upper parts dark brown, edged and spotted with white tinged with rufous. Under parts white, with large ovate
and sagittate spots of dark brown more numerous on the abdomen. Tibial plumes and under tail coverts white, with transverse
bars and spots of dark brown. Tail above ashy brown, with transverse bands of dark brown, nearly black. Bill dark bluish
black, or slate color ; tarsi and toes dull greenish.
BIRDS BUTEONINAE BUTEO MONTANUS.
27
In this plumage, which is evidently that of the young bird, the dark spots of the under parts are usually much larger and
more numerous than in the young of Buteo borealis, in which we have never seen the tibiae and under tail coverts so strongly
barred as in the present bird.
Dimensions. — Adult female, total length 23 to 25 inches, wing 16| to 17, tail 9 to 10 inches. Male, total length 19 to 22
inches, wing 15 to 16, tail 8% to 9 inches.
This is a species much resembling and nearly related to the red-tailed buzzard (Buteo borealis)
of the States on the Atlantic, and in the examination of collections like the present made during
journeys across the continent, it is not without difficulty that a distinct range of locality can be
assigned to the two species. The most strongly characterized specimens of the bird now before
us are from the countries west of the Rocky mountains, but it is evident from specimens in this
collection that this species is not restricted |p those regions. It not only inhabits the moun
tains, but extends into the countries at their eastern base.
Of this rather difficult and obscure species, we have in the present collection no less than
thirty specimens, which, with several others from the collection of the Philadelphia Academy,
make a series probably representing all the stages of plumage dependent on age, sex, or season.
This series admits of division into the three stages above described.
Our comparisons are made with a series of twenty-eight specimens of Buteo borealis from
various parts of the United States east of the Rocky mountains ; generally, however, from the
vicinity of Philadelphia. The present species appears to be the larger, averaging in total length
about 24 inches in adult females, which, so far as can be determined from prepared specimens,
is nearly two inches greater than the average of the same sex of Buteo borealis. The wing is
about 1^ inches longer. There are in the entire series of both species now before us not more
than three specimens that we have any difficulty in assigning to one species or the other,
though specimens of both constantly occur which cannot be recognized without difficulty, unless
series are at hand for comparison.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how ob
tained.
Original number.
Collected by —
Measurements.
Point of bill to end
of tail.
Between tips of out
stretched wings.
"a
o.
•
0
II
£ .°
be
_n
5836
5834
4581
8531
8538
4372
8535
8534
4416
4621
4611
8536
8533
8549
6957
6956
4986
4985
8532
9
Fort Steilacoom, W. T . ....
Aug. 8, 1856
Sept. —,1856
Dr. G. Suckley ....
527
23.50
24.50
53.00
51.00
16.75
do
do
do
9
......
T'
9
do
do
do
Shoalwater bay, W. T
Oct. — , 1854
March 21, 1854
Aug. 4, 1853
Dec. — , 1854
Nov. 23, 1854
March 16, 1854
Feb. 6, 1854
Au». 1, 1857
. .; dO.
Gov. 1. 1. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
do
Gov. Stevens
do
99
536
8
Dr. Suckley
Dr. Cooper
do
23.00
24.00
22.00
49.00
54.00
48.00
Yakima river, W. T
Fort Dallas, O. T
Santa Clara, Cal ; . .
California
Laguna
Camp 149 N. M ... .
Dr. Cooper
Major Emory
do
14
185
71
371
3G9
A. Schott
do
Camp 114, N. M
North Platte
do
do
W. 3. Wood
do
do
do
Pecos river, Texas
do.
Capt. Pope
22.50
25.00
54.50
53.00
18.00
17.50
Devil's river, Texas
Nov. — , 1855
1
j y
28
U. S. P. R. R. EXP AND SURTEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
BUTEO LINEATUS, Gmelin.
The JRed Sl-ouldered Hawk; The Winter Falcon.
Falco lineatus and hyemalis, GM. Syst. Nat, I, 268, 274, (1788.)
Falco buteoides, NPTT. Man. I, 100, (1st edition, 1832.)
FIGURES. — Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept., pi. 5 ; Wilson Am. Orn., pi. 53, fig. 3 ; Aud. B. uf Am., pi. 56, 71 ; Oct. ed. I, pi. 9 ;
Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 6, fig. 13.
ddult. — Wing coverts from its flexure to the body fine bright rufous ; breast and other lower parts of the body paler orange
rufous, many feathers, with transverse bars and spots of white, which predominate on the abdomen and under tail coverts.
Entire upper parts brown ; on the head mixed with rufous, and with white spots on the wing coverts and shorter quills and
rump. Quills brownish black, with white spots on their outer webs, and with bars of a lighter shade of brown and of white on
their inner webs ; tail brownish black, with about five transverse bhnds of white and tipped with white.
Young. — Entire under parts yellowish white, with longitudinal stripes and oblong spots of dark brown ; throat dark brown.
U per parts lighter ashy brown, with many partially concealed spots and bars of white ; quills dark brown, with wide transverse
bars of rufous and white on both webs. Tail ashy brown, with numerous bands pale brownish and rufous white ; tail beneath
silvery white.
Total length, female, 21 to 23 inches, wing 14, tail 9 inches. Male, 18 to 20 inches, wing 12, tail 8 inches.
Hab. Eastern and northern North America.
This is one of the most abundant of the rapacious birds of the eastern and southern States on
the Atlantic, and appears to be restricted to the countries east of the Kocky mountains. It
presents considerable variation in plumage, the young, as described above, bearing very little
resemblance to the adult. The latter is much the more frequently met with, and is Falco
hyemalis of authors.
In western North America this bird is replaced by the succeeding species, from which it can
be easily recognized in the adult by the different shade of color of the under parts, and by the
different markings of the young.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
•
1
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
T)
a
V
S "
0 bo
73
c
Remarks.
a
3
"S .3
a
a
<o
CO ^
1
to
05
13
z s.
'o *o
a A
8 1
u> O
1 '
fl
& J3
tc
o
O> 00
Cr
PH
m
r
8629 ,
Cape Florida
Nov. 10 1857
G Wurdemann
17 75
40 00
12 00
8630 9
Indian Key, Fla Aug. 31, 1857
do
17. 50
37 00
11 20
8631 $
do do
do
17 50
37 00
11 10
4978 ;
Ft. Chadbourne, TexJ
Dr. Swift
18.00
38.00
11.50
BUTEO ELEGANS, Gas sin.
Buteo elegans, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Philada. VII, 281, (1855.)
Generally resembling Buteo lineatus Bill rather slender ; edges of the upper mandible with a rounded lobe ; wing moderate,
fourth quill longest, first quill short ; tail moderate wide, rounded at tip. Tarsus feathered in front slightly below the joint ;
naked behind ; in front presenting about twelve transverse scales.
JIdult female. -Resembling the adult of Buteo lineatus, but with the breast dark rufous unspotted, (nearly brick red,) and
other under parts, including the under tail coverts, of the same color, with numerous nearly regular transverse bars of reddish
BIRDS — BUTEONINAE BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS
29
white. Under wing coverts dark rufous, transversely barred with reddish white. Throat brownish black, with a few white
feathers. Feathers of the breast having dark lines on their shafts. Upper parts dark brown; on the head and back edged with
rufous ; upper coverts of the tail narrowly tipped with white. Shoulders dark rufous, every feather having a narrow central
stripe of dark brown ; superior coverts of the wing dark brown ; edged on their inner webs with rufous, and with transverse
stripes partially concealed, and with circular spots of white, and tipped with the same. Quills brownish black ; primaries and
secondaries with numerous irregular transverse bands of white, running obliquely on their inner webs ; all the quills tipped
with white. Tail brownish black ; white at base, with four transverse bands of white, and tipped with the same. Bill bluish
black ; tarsi and cere yellow.
Young- female. — Under parts yellowish white ; every feather with wide irregular and confluent bands of dark brown, and at
its end a large arrow head of the same color. These bands and sagittate spots giving the predominating color to the breast and
sides, but less numerous on the abdomen and under tail coverts. Tibial feathers and under coverts of the wings and tail tinged
with pale rufous ; shoulders with a few rufous feathers. Throat dark brown, with longitudinal narrow stripes of white. Upper
parts dull brown ; many feathers edged with reddish white, especially on the back and wing coverts. Quills brownish black,
with their inner webs barred with white. Tail brown, tinged with ashy, with about ten to twelve transverse narrow bars of a
darker shade of the same color, and tipped with \vhite.
Young male. — Similar to the last described, but with the sagittate spots on the under parts more elongated, and the upper
parts and shoulders strongly tinged with rufous. Under wing coverts and tibiae dark rufous.
Dimensions. — Adult female, total length, about 20 inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, 9 inches. Young male, 18^-, wing, 12^; tail, 8 inches.
This very handsome bird is nearly related to Buteo lineatus, as stated above ; but all the
specimens constantly present differences. In the adult of the present species the under parts
are of a much darker red and more uniformly presented than in Buteo lineatus, in which those
parts are orange red, and the abdomen and under tail coverts nearly white.
The young bird of the present species is strongly characterized by the large sagittate spots of
the under parts, which we have never seen in the young of Buteo lineatus.
The plate represents the adult and young of this handsome hawk. Plate II is the fully
mature plumage, and Plate III the young in the plumage invariably presented in all the speci
mens in the collections of the expeditions.
List of specimens.
li
<U
a
0
OJ
bo
O
&>
OS
1
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
obtained.
&
a
3
C
"oS
a
Collected by —
1
O
H
1
6
4520
0
Santa Clara, California
Dr. Cooper ,
Kennerly, and
8524
Camp on Little Colorado, N. Mexico
Nov. 17 1853
Lieut Whipple
i?
Mollhausen
4618
Santa Isabel, California .....
Oct. 29, 1854
Major Emory ..
«3
A. Schott
BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS, Wilson.
The Broad-winged Hawk.
Falco pennsylvanicus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 92, (1812.)
Falco latissimus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 92, (1812, copies printed later than those containing the preceding name.)
Sparvius platypterus, VIEILL. Ency. Meth. Ill, 1273, (1823.)
Falco Wilsonii, BONAP. Jour. Acad. Philad. Ill, 348, (1824.)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 54, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 91, Oct. ed. 1, pi. 10 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds,
pL 5, fig. 11.
Smaller than either of the preceding. Mult. — Entire upper parts umber brown, feathers on the occiput and back of the neck
30
U S P. R. R EXP AND SURVEYS —ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
white at their bases. Throat white, with longitudinal lines of brown, and with a patch of brown on each side running from the
base of the lower mandible ; breast with a wide band composed of large cordate and sagittate spots, and transverse bands of
reddish ferruginous tinged with ashy ; other under parts white, with numerous sagittate spots of reddish on the flanks, abdomen,
and tibise. In some specimens the ferruginous color predominates on all the under parts, except the under tail coverts, and all
the feathers have large circular or ovate spots of white on both edges, under tail coverts white. Quills brownish black, widely
bordered with white on their inner webs ; tail dark brown, narrowly tipped with white, and with one wide band of white and
several narrower bands near the base.
Young. — Upper parts dull umber brown, many feathers edged with fulvous and ashy white ; upper tail coverts spotted with
white. Under parts white, generally tinged with yellowish, and having longitudinal stripes and oblong and lanceolate spots cf
brownish black ; a stripe of dark brown on each side of the neck from the base of the under mandible. Tail brown, with several
bands of a darker shade of the same color, and of white on the inner webs and narrowly tipped with white.
Total length, female, 17 to 18 inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 6£ to 7 inches. Male, total length, 16 to 16| inches ; wing, 10 inches ;
tail 6 to 65 inches.
Hab. — Eastern North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., "Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
In adult plumage this is a very handsome little hawk, and quite different in its color from
any other American species. It appears to be restricted to the States on the Atlantic slope,
more abundant in the north.,
List of specimens.
6
o>
0
bO
cS
H
02
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
"3
_g
o
Collected by —
Measurements.
-G
"Si
a
fl
"0! ^J
s- .a
Q -2,
5574
3844
Saranac lake, N. Y.
Prairie Mer Rouge,
Louisiana.
August, 1855 —
S. F. Baird
3
J. Fairie
BUTEO OXYPTERUS, Gas sin.
Buteo oxypterus, CASSIN., Proc. Acad. P VII, p. 282, (1855.)
About the size of Buteo pennsylvanicus, Wilson. Bill rather long and compressed, edge of upper mandible slightly waved in
its outline, but scarcely lobed ; wing long, pointed, third quill longest ; tail moderate or rather short ; legs rather long, tarsus
feathered in front for about one-third of its length, naked behind, naked portion in front having about fourteen narrow trans
verse scales ; claws large, strong, fully curved.
Young- bird.— Sex unknown. Entire plumage above dark brown, nearly black on the back. Feathers of the head white at base,
and edged laterally with the same ; upper plumage with partially concealed spots and transverse bands of white. Quills nearly
black, with the inner webs dark cinereous barred with brown ; tail above ashy brown, white at base and having about ten trans
verse bands of dark brown, outer feathers ashy white on their inner webs ; tail beneath silky, ashy white, with a bronzed
yellowish olire lustre.
Behind and under the eye a stripe of rufous brown. Under parts pale yellowish white ; throat with lines and narrow stripes
of brownish black, and on other under parts every feather with a large lanceolate, cordate, or circular spot of dark brown, some
feathers on the flanks and sides having also some irregular bands of the same color. Nearly all the feathers on the under parts
with lines of dark brown on their shafts. Quills, with their inner webs on the under surface grayish or dark ashy, and near the
shafts with a bronzed olive lustre ; shafts white, (on the under surface.) Inferior coverts of the wing white, with sagittate spots
of dark brown. Tibial feathers yellowish white tinged with rufous, and having irregular transverse bars of dark brown.
Dimensions.— Total length (sex unknown) about 16 inches ; wing, J3± inches ; tail, 7 inches.
The adult of this bird is unknown, and the only specimen that we have ever seen is that now
described. It is about the size of Buteo pennsylvanicus, and bears some resemblance to the
young of that species, but has the wings and legs much longer and the bill also longer. The
colors, too, are different, and in the present bird the dark cinereous of the inner webs of the
BIRDS — BUTEONINAE BUTEO COOPERI.
quills and the bronzed or silky olive lustre of their inferior surfaces are quite remarkable. The
exposed edges and ends of some of the secondaries in the present specimen have a distinct purple
lustre. On examination and comparison with some black species from Mexico, we are not
without a suspicion that the adult of this bird is of that color.
The only specimen of this species is in the collection made by T. Charlton Henry, M. D.,
United States army, at Fort Fillmore, New Mexico, and is that which is represented in our plate.
List of specimens.
4
Measurements.
*®
0
a
be
o
PI
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
'S
a
Collected by —
A
p
^ ^
'eS
to
to
-2
&1 ^
a
M
co
0
a
X
H
cS o
^ •->
8550
Fort Fillmore, N. M
I)r Henry
Sub-Genus Tachytriorchis.
BUTEO COOPERI, Gas sin.
Buteo Cooperi, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Philad. VIII, 253, (1856.)
About the size of Buteo borealis, but belonging: to the same group as Buteo erythronotus of South America, (genus Tachytri
orchis, Kaup, as restricted by Bonaparte, Conspectus Avium, p. 17.)
Bill strong ; edges of upper mandible lobed ; wings long ; quills very wide and strong, fourth quill longest ; tail moderate ;
legs rather long, tarsus feathered in front slightly below the joint, behind and remaining portion in front naked, with about 13
transverse scales in front and 11 to 13 behind, the latter running into a circular or hexagonal form towards the joint with the
tibia ; claws long, rather slender, very sharp, and strongly curved.
Tail white at its base ; external feathers, with their outer webs cinereous and their inner webs white, mottled with cinereous ;
other feathers of the tail mottled and striped longitudinally with white, bright rufous, dark brown, and cinereous, darker on the
outer web. The rufous color most conspicuous on the two middle feathers and on the outer webs of others. A subterminal
transverse band of dark brown, tipped with reddish and white.
Head above and neck behind having the feathers white at base, tipped and with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; oack
and rump brownish black tinged with cinereous ; upper tail coverts white, transversely barred with dark brown and tinged with
rufous ; wing coverts and quills brownish cinereous, lighter on the quills ; coverts with concealed spots of white at their bases ;
inner webs of quills white, mottled, and irregularly banded with light ashy ; exposed ends of quills light, nearly white. Under
parts white, with narrow stripes of dark brown on the throat, neck and flanks ; (breast, abdomen, and under tail coverts pure
white.) A large spot of brownish black on the under wing coverts next to the upper edge of the wing ; other under wing coverts
white, with a few spots of dark brown. Tibial plumes tinged with reddish yellow. Bill dark bluish ; tarsi and toes yellow.
Total length, about 21| inches ; wing, 15 inches ; tail, 9 inches.
This is the only species yet discovered within the limits of the United States which belongs to
the group above indicated, the species of which, as restricted, are principally South American,
and are, for the most part,, of light colors, as in the present bird. The present bird may be easily
distinguished from any other North American Buteo by its light colors.
One specimen only is in the collection, and was obtained at Santa Clara, California, by J. G-.
Cooper, M. D. It is not in adult plumage, but is very probably sufficiently mature to indicate
the adult plumage, except the colors of the tail. The latter is quite remarkable and peculiar in
its colors, which are disposed in irregular longitudinal stripes, as above described.
This bird is one of the most interesting and valuable of the ornithological discoveries made by
the exploring and surveying expeditions. It is well represented in the plate cited above, but
necessarily the figure is much reduced, and is made from the only specimen that has ever come
under our notice.
32
U. S. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
6
o
Measurements.
o
i
fzi
bo
o
§
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. "^
a
Collected by —
.5
*5
C
"ce ^j
1
K
hC
p
«
S* .3
6
0
02
0
<o
i
u -^
8525
Santa Clara, Cal...
October, 1856...
Dr. Cooper
&M*eo,
ARCHIBUTEO, Brehm.
, Isis, 1828, p. 1269.
Tarsi densely feathered to the toes, but more or less naked behind and then covered with scales. Wings long and wide ; toes
short ; claws moderate ; tail rather short, wide. Other characters very similar to those of Buleo.
This genus contains six or seven species, inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North America, all
birds of heavy, though robust, organization, subsisting mainly on small quadrupeds and
reptiles. The species of this genus are easily recognized by their having the tarsi feathered.
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS, Gmelin.
Rough-legged Hawk.
Falco lagopus, GM._Syst. Nat. I, p. 260, (1788 )
Falco plumipes, DAUDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, p. 163.
Falco pennatus, CUVIER, Reg. An. I, p. 323,( 817.)
Jlrchibuteo alticeps, BREHM, Vog Deutsch. I, . 40.
Jlrchibuteo planiceps, BREHM, Vog. Deutsch. I, p. 40.
FIGURES. — Naumann, Vog. Deutsch. I, pi. 34, (adult and young.) Brehm, Vog. Deutsch. pi. IV, fig. 2, (adult.) Reichenbach,
Deutschland's Fauna, Birds, pi. XIII, fig. 51, (adult.) Korner, Skandinaviska Foglar, pi. V, fig. 15, (adult.) Gould, B. of Eur.
I, pi. 15, (young.) Selby 111. pi. VII, (young.) Wilson, Am. Orn. IV, pi. XXXIII, fig. 1, (young.) Aud. B. of Am. pi. 422,
fig. 2, (adult?)
Tarsus densely feathered in front to the toes, naked behind ; wing long ; tail rather short.
Adult. — Head above yellowish white, with longitudinal stripes of brown tinged with reddish, especially on the occiput. Back,
scapular, and shorter quills pale cinereous, with partially concealed transverse bands of white and dark brown, the latter
frequently predominating and giving the color on the back ; rump dark umber brown ; longer quills, and wing coverts umber
brown ; primaries edged externally with ashy, and with a large space on their inner webs at their base, white, with a silky lustre.
Under parts white ; throat with longitudinal stripes of dark brown ; breast with large spots and concealed stripes of reddish
brown ; abdomen, with numerous transverse narrow bands of brownish black, most conspicuous on the flanks and tinged with
ashy ; tibiae and tarsi barred transversely with white and dark brown, and tinged with reddish ; under tail coverts white.
Upper tail coverts white at base and tipped with brownish black ; tail white at base, with a wide subterminal band of black and
about two other bands of black alternating with others of light cinereous. Cere and toes yellow. Under wing coverts white
with spots of brownish black, and on the longer coverts with a large space of ashy brown.
Young. — Upper parts light umber brown, many feathers, especially on the head and neck behind, edged with yellowish white
and pale reddish. A wide transverse band or belt on the abdomen brownish black ; other under parts yellowish white, with a
few longitudinal lines and spots of brownish black. Quills ashy brown, with a large basal portion of their inner webs white ;
tail at its base white, with a subterminal band of light umber brown, tip white ; tibiaa and tarsi pale reddish yellow, with longi
tudinal stripes and spots of dark brown.
Total length, female, 21 to 23 inches; wing, 16 to 17 inches; tail, 9 inches. Male, total length, 19 to 21 inches ; wing, 15
to 16 inches ; tail, 8 to 8| inches.
//rt4. — All of temperate North America and Europe. Spec, in Mus. Acad., Philadelphia, and Nat. Mus Washington.
BIRDS BUTEOKINAE— ARCIIIBUTEO SANG FI-JOHANN1S.
33
This is one of the few North American birds which appear to be absolutely identical with a
species of Europe. In both adult and young plumage, as described above, there are no char
acters whatever, so far as we can see, by which this bird can be distinguished from A. lagopus
of Europe, and this identity is even more perfect in specimens from western North. America.
We regard the plumage first described above as undoubtedly the adult of this species, though
it has never been given as such by any American author. It corresponds precisely > so far as we
can see, with specimens from Europe in that stage of plumage well understood to be the adult of
A. lagopus by all the German ornithologists, though apparently unknown to those of more
southern and western Europe, and is figured in their works above cited. The regarding of this
species as the young of A. sancti-johannis, which has been done to some extent by American
naturalists, is assuredly erroneous.
The figure in Audubon's plate, cited above, (B. of Am., pi. 422, fig. 2,) may be regarded as
very probably representing the adult of this bird, though so distorted in drawing and exagge
rated in color as to be very difficult of recognition. The best figure that we have seen of the
adult is that in Nauman's work, above cited. The young is well represented- by various
authors, American and European, as given above.
List of specimens.
S5
"a
^3
0
Si-x and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
1
Collected by—
Measurements.
Remarks.
5 S
» , g
iS W
be
c
|e
6853
8549
8545
f :. Ifi
8544
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
Shoalwater bay, W. T
Oct. 20, 1856
Oct. 31, 1854
Or. Suckley
581
109
21.50 52.50
22.00 52.00
16.50
Irids yellowish gray
legs and cere yellow
bill black
Dr. Cooper
Near Zufii, N. M
Mimhres to Rio Grande
Nov. 9, 1853
Lieut. Whipple
as
Kennerly and Miill-
Fort Fillmore, N . M
Dr. Peters
ARCHIBUTEO SANCTI-JOHANNIS, Omelin.
The mark Hawk.
Falco sancti-johannis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 273, (1788.)
Falco spadictus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 273, (1788.)
Falco nova-terra, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 274, (1788.)
Falco niger, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, p. 82, (1812.)
Buteo aler, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. IV, p. 482, (181G.)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 53, figs. 1,2; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 422, fig. 1 ; pi. 166, (young?)
Jldult. — Entire plumage glossy black in many specimens with a brown tinge ; forehead, throat, and large partially concealed
spot on occiput, white. Tail with one transverse well defined band of white, and irregularly marked towards the base with the
same color. Quills with their inner webs white, readily seen from below. Cere and toes yellow. Tarsi densely feathered in
front ; naked behind. Other specimens aie entirely dark chocolate brown, with the head more or less striped with yellowish
white and reddish yellow. Tail with several transverse bands of white, more or less imperfect and irregular.
Young. — Upper parts light umber brown, with the feathers more or less edged with dull white and reddish yellow. Abdomen
with a broad transverse band of brownish black ; other under parts pale yellowish white, with longitudinal stripes of brownish
black, frequently giving the predominating color on the breast and sides; wings and tail brown, tinged with cinereous, the
5 b
34 U. £. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT
former marked with white on their inner webs, the latter white at its tuse. Tarsi and tibiEB pale reddish yellow, spotted with
brown.
Total length, female, 22 to 24 inches ; wing 17 to 17|, tail 9 inches. Male 20 to 22 inches ; wing 16 to 16*, tail 8 to 8| inches.
Hub.— Eastern and northern North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
One of the most abundant of the birds of this family in the eastern States, and in adult
plumage very easily recognized, but very variable in colors of plumage. The dark brown or
chocolate colored plumage is frequently to be met with, and in that stage this bird appears to
be Falco spadiceus, Gmelin. In young plumage, as described above, and especially with the
wide abdominal band well defined, this bird much resembles the young of Archibuteo lagopus,
as described immediately preceding, from which it can be distinguished by its larger size and
the much more numerous dark spots on the under parts in the present bird.
ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, Lichtenstein.
California Squirrel Hawk.
Buteo ferrugineus, LICHT. Trans. Acad. Berlin, 1838, p. 428.
j4rchibuteo regalis, G. R. GRAY, Gen. Birds, I, pi. 6, (plate only.)
Buteo Californicus, Hutchins' California Magazine, March, 1857.
FIGURES — Gray, Genera of Birds, I, pi. 6 ; Cassin, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, pi. 26.
Jidult. — Larger than either of the two preceding ; bill wide at base ; wings long ; tarsi feathered in front to the toes ; naked
and scaled behind, Tibia? and tarsi bright ferruginous, with transverse narrow stripes of black. Entire upper parts dark brown
and light rufous, the latter predominating on the rump and wing coverts ; quills ashy brown, with the greater part of their
inner webs white ; tail above reddish white, mottled with ashy brown ; beneath pale yellowish white. Under parts of the body
white, with narrow longitudinal lines and lanceolate spots on the breast of reddish brown, and narrow irregular transverse lines
of the same color and of black on the abdomen ; flanks and axillary feathers fine bright ferruginous.
Young. — Entire upper parts dark umber brown, slightly mixed with fulvous ; upper tail coverts white, spotted with brown ;
under parts pure white, with a few longitudinal lines of brown on the breast, and sagittate spots of the same color on the sides
and abcomen, larger and more numerous on the flanks ; tibiae white ; tarsi dark brown, mixed with white ; under wing coverts
and edges of wings white.
Total length, female, 23 to 25 inches ; wing 17 to 17^, tail 9 inches.
Hob— Western North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
This is one of the most handsome of the American FalconidaB, and, though known in Europe
for the last twenty years, was unknown to the naturalists of this country until brought to their
notice by Mr. Edward M. Kern, who was attached to Colonel Fremont's expeditions. It is one
of the largest of its group, somewhat exceeding in size both Arckibuteo sancti-johannis and lagopus.
As usual in this family, the adult and young of the present species are quite different, and
in well characterized specimens might readily be regarded as different. Both are described
and figured by us, as above.
This bird is apparently exclusively western, but not restricted to the countries west of the
Rocky mountains. In the present collection specimens are from Nebraska and New Mexico,
as well as from California.
BIRDS - BUTEONINAE — AS TURIN A NITIDA.
List of specimens.
35
Measurements.
be
,®
0
C3
^H
*
1
Locality. \ When collected. Whence obtained.
"3
Collected by—
,-j -^
3
H
;s»
« 8 Sf
o *j .S
6
32 6
45 r fe
6852
o
Bodega Cal February 1855 Lieut. Trow bridge. ...
T. A. Szabo
6883
o
Los Angeles valley, __ . Lt. II. S. William-
Dr. Heermann _ .
California. son.
8543
o
Fort Fillmore, N. M Dr Henry L-
9122
Fort Davis, Texas. Nov 1854 Maj. W. H. Emory. 2
Dr. Kennerly
22
54 17
5577
''
Platte river Sent. Ifi. 185fi Limit. Rrvan 3.'i8
W. S. Wood
21 00 52 00
4544
Q
Little Mo river
Oct 12 1855 Lieut. Warren
25 00 fil.25
Nebraska.
ASTURINA, Vieill.
Jlslurina, VIEILLOT, Analyse, p. 24, (181 f>.)
Size. — Smaller than in the preceding two genera. General form compact, and adapted to greater activity of habits and
swifter flight. Bill rather thick, strong ; cere lirge, extending somewhat into the feathers of the forehead ; wings moderate,
third and fourth quills longest ; tail rather long ; legs rather long ; claws strong, fully curved. This genus contains a few
species, all of which are South American.
ASTURINA NITIDA, Latham.
Falco nilidus, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 41.
Jhlurina cinerea, VIEILL. Anal., p. 68, (1816.)
Jlslw striolatus, Cuv. Reg. An. I, 332
FIGURES.— Temm. PI. Col. 87, 294 ; Vieill. Gal. I, pi. .
Jidult. — Upper parts light cinereous ; darker, and sometimes nearly black on the rump ; upper tail coverts white ; quills ashy
brown, with obscure dark bands, and widely edged with white on their inner webs; tail brownish black, with about three
transverse bands of white. Under parts with numerous narrow transverse bands of cinereous and white, the former predomi
nating and darker on the breast ; under tail coverts white ; cere and legs yellow.
Young. — Entire upper parts umber brown ; darker on the rump, and much mixed with white on the head ; upper tail coverts
white; tail light brown, with about eight bands of brownish black. Under parts white, with longitudinal stripes of umber
brown ; under wing and tail coverts white ; cere and legs yellow.
Total length, female, about 18 inches ; wing 10, tail 7| inches. Male smaller.
Hub. — Northern Mexico and South America.
This handsome hawk was found in the State of New Leon, one of the most northern provinces
of Mexico, by Lieutenant D. N. Couch, United States army, and very probably extends its range
northward into the territory of the United States. It is a well known species of South America.
List of specimens.
1
Q
Measurements.
0
bC
a
fc
«
73
fl
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. "3
Collected by —
^
^
"3
08
|3)
be
q
c
o
bo
_G
0
CO
o
^
W
^
4128
Q
New Leon, Mexico .
1853 Lt. D. N. Couch...
17.25
34 00
10.50
36
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family MILV1NAE.— The Kites.
Size various, usually medium or small. General form usually rather slender and not strong ; wings and tail usually long ; bill
short, weak, hooked, and acute ; tarsi and toes usually slender and not strong, sometimes short. The birds of this group habitually
feed on reptiles and other small animals, and are deficient in the strength and courage of the other groups of the falcons.
NAUCLERUS, Vigors.
Jfauclerus, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. II, p. 386, (1825.)
Wings and tail very long, the former pointed, the lattor deeply forked. Bill short, but moderately strong ; tarsi short ; toes short.
Contains three species — two American and one African.
NAUCLERUS FURCATUS, Linnaeus.
Tne Swallow-tailed Hawk.
Falco furcatus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 129, (1766.)
FIGURES.— Catesby Nat. Hist. Carolina, Birds, pi. 4 ; Buffon PL Enl. 72 ; Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 3 ; Aud. B. of
Am. pi. 72. Oct. ed. I, pi. 18 ; Gould B. of Eur. I, pi. 30 ; De Kay Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 7, fig. 15.
Wings and tail long, the latter deeply forked. Head and neck, under wing coverts, secondary quills at their bases, and entire
under parts, white. Back, wings, and tail black, with a metallic lustre ; purple on the back and wing coverts ; green and blue
on other parts. Tarsi and toes greenish blue ; bill horn color.
Total length, female, 23 to 25 inches ; wing, 16 to 17| inches ; tail, 14 inches. Male rather smaller.
jjab. — Southern States on the Atlantic, and centrally northward to Wisconsin. Texas, (Mr. Audubon,) Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy,)
Pennsylvania, (Mr. Krider.) Accidental in Europe. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
The most handsome of the North American birds of this group,, and possessing very graceful
flight. It is abundant in the southern States, and occasionally strays as far north as the
vicinity of Philadelphia, a very fine specimen having been obtained this year (1857) near that
city by Mr. John Krider.
List of specimens.
i
Measurements.
be
o
o
*
^5
^
73
|
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
"3
Collected by —
.a
^
3
1
o>
°Sp
be
a
a
bd
a
o
CO
<5
$
W
^
3754
Prairie Mer Rouge,
James Fairie
Louisiana.
ELANUS, Savigny.
Elanus, SAVIGNY, Nat. Hist. Egypt I, p. 97, (1809.)
Wings long, pointed ; tail moderate, emarginated ; tarsi short. Bill short, compressed, hooked. Size medium or small, and
general form adapted to the capture of reptiles, insects, and other defenceless animals.
BIKDS BUTEOX1NAE — ICTINIA MISSISSIPPIENSIS.
EL ANUS LEUCURUS, Vieillot.
The White-tailed Hawk ; the Black-shouldered Hawk.
Milvus leucurus, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XX, 563, (1818.)
Falco dispar, TEMMINCK, PL Col. I, (liv. 54, about 1824.)
" Falco melanopterus, DAUDIN.'' Bonap. Jour. Acad. Philada. V, 28.
" Falco dispar, TEMM." Aud. Orn. Biog. IV, 367.
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. II, pi. 11, fig. 1 ; Temm. PI. Col. 319 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 352 ; Oct. ed. I, pi. 16 ; Gay, Nat.
Hist. Chili, Orn. pi. 2.
Mult. — Head and tail and entire under parts white. Upper parts fine light cinereous ; lesser wing coverts glossy black,
which forms a large oblong patch from the shoulder ; inferior wing coverts white, with a smaller black patch. Middle feathers
of the tail light ashy, uniform with other upper parts ; bill dark ; tarsi and toes yellow.
Total length, female, 15| to 17 inches ; wing, 12 inches ; tail, 7 j inches. Male smaller.
Ilab. — Southern and western States and South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
Of this very handsome hawk four specimens are in the collection, two of which are from the
neighborhood of San Francisco, California. These specimens are labelled as having been
collected in the winter of 1853-'54, which fact, with others of a similar character which have
come to our knowledge, show that this bird is one of several now known to inhabit a much
more northern range of locality on the Pacific than on the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Though found in all the States on the southern confines of the United States, the white-tailed
hawk has rarely, we believe, been observed north of South Carolina.
List of specimens.
\ u
to
O cS
£< T3
rjj
-3 *
•s *
c3 o>
0 05
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
d
fc
"3
a
jSp
6
Collected by —
Measurements.
ja
tc
a
A
Extent.
bb
a
£
4199
San Francisco, Cal.
Santa Clara, Cal
Winter 1854 '55
R. D. Cutts
5895
Dr. Cooper
6866
Tularo vallev. Cal
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann ..
ICTINIA, Vieillot.
Ictinia, VIEILLOT, Analyse, p. 24, (1816.)
General form short and compact. Bill short, tip emarginaled ; wings long, pointed ; tail rather short, emarginated ; tarsi
short. Contains two species only — one of North and the other of South America.
ICTINIA MISSISSIPPIENSIS, Wilson.
Mississippi Kite.
Falco mississippiensis , WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, p. 80, (1811.)
Falco ophiophagus, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XI, 103, (1817.)
" Ictinia plumbea, GM." AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 108.
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. Ill, pi. 25", fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 117 : Oct. ed. 1, pi. 17.
Mult. — Upper parts of body dark lead color, nearly black on the rump ; head and under parts cinereous, darkest on the
abdomen ; quills and tail brownish black, the latter with a bluish or purplish lustre ; tips of secondary quills ashy white ; a
longitudinal stripe on each web of the primaries, chestnut rufous.
Fowng-. — Upper parts brownish black mixed with dull rufous and white ; head and under parts dull yellowish white, with
longitudinal stripes of reddish brown, darker and more numerous on the head, lighter and frequently clear rufous on the abdomen.
Total length, female, about 15 inches ; wing, 11 to ll^inches ; tail, 63 inches. Male, total length, about 14 inches ; wing,
11 inches ; tail, 6 inches.
Ilab — Southern States, Texas, and New Mexico, (Woodhouse.)
38 U. S. P. R. R EKP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
Only inhabits the southern States of North America, arid probably Mexico and Central
America. In the southern division of this continent this bird is represented by another species
with which it has been confounded.
ROSTRHAMUS, Lesson.
Rostrhamus, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. I, p. 55, (1831.)
Bill long, very slender, hooked and sharp at the tip ; wings long, pointed ; tail rather long, emarginated ; tarsi and toes
rather long ; claws very long, slender, acute. The present is the only species.
ROSTRHAMUS SOCIABILIS, Vieillot.
HerpeMheressociablHs, VJEILL. Nouv. Diet. XVIII, 318, (1817.)
Cymindis Itucopygius, SPIX, Av. Bras. I, p. 7, (1824.)
Rostrhamus niger, LESSON, Traite, I, 56, Q831.)
Falco hamatus, ILLIGER.
FIGURES.— Temm. PI. Col. 61, 231 ; Spix. Av. Bras. 1, pi. 2.
J}dult. — Tail at base and under tail coverts white, all other parts black. Naked space before the eye yellow ; bill and claws
black ; feet yellow. Quills and tail black, the latter narrowly tipped with ashy white.
Younger. — Throat and line over and behind the eye dull yellowish white ; all other parts brownish black, mixed with dull
yellowish white on the under parts.
Young. — Front stripe behind the eye and throat dull reddish white ; upper parts brown ; many feathers edged with pale
ferruginous ; under parts yellowish, with longitudinal stripes of black ; tail at the tip and at base and under tail coverts dull
yellowish white ; tarsi yellowish green.
Total length, female, about 16 inches ; wing, 14 mches ; tail, 7| inches. Male rather smaller.
Hob. — Florida, (Mr. Edward Harris, Dr. Heermann.) Spec, in Mus. Acad., Philada.
This is a well known South American bird, first ascertained to inhabit Florida by Mr.
Edward Harris, and subsequently by Dr. Heermann and Mr. Krider. It is remarkable for its
very slender and hooked bill, unlike that of any other falcon, and can very easily be identified
by that character.
This bird undoubtedly breeds in Florida, as young specimens were obtained by Mr. Harris.
It has not been ascertained to inhabit any other part of the United States.
CIRCUS, Lacepede.
Circus, LACEPEDE, Mem. d'Inst. Paris, III, CXI, 506, (1803.)
Face partially encircled by a ring or ruff of short projecting feathers, as in the owls. Head rather large ; bill short, com
pressed, curved from the base ; nostrils large ; wings long, pointed ; tail rather long, wide ; tarsi long and slender ; toes mod
erate ; claws rather slender and weak.
This genus embraces about fifteen species, inhabiting all parts of the world, some of which
much resemble each other. One species only is known to inhabit North America.
CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, Linneeus.
The Harrier— The Marsh Hawk.
Falco hudsonius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 128, (1766.)
Falco uliginosus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 278, (1788.)
Falco uropogistus, DAUDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, 110, (1800.)
" Falco uliginosus," WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 67.
" Falco ct/anews," AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. IV, 396.
BIRDS — BUTEON1NAE — CIRCUS HUDSON 1US. 39
FIGURES.— Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. pi. 9 ; Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 2 ; Bonap. Am. Orn. II, pi. 12 ; Aud. B. of Am.
pi. 356 ; Oct. ed I, pi. 26 ; Sw. & Rich. Faun. Bor. Arn. Birds, pi. 29.
Jldult. — Form rather long and slender ; tarsi long ; ruff quite distinct on the neck in front. Entire upper parts, head and
breast, pale bluish cinereous ; on the back of the head mixed with dark fulvous ; upper tail coverts white Under parts white,
with small cordate or hastate spots of light ferruginous ; quills brownish black, with their outer webs tinged with ashy, and a
large portion of their inner webs white ; tail light cinereous, nearly white on the inner webs of the feathers, and with obscure
transverse bands of brown ; under surface silky white ; under wing coverts white.
Younger. — Entire upper parts dull umber brown, many feathers edged with dull rufous, especially on the neck ; under parts
dull reddish white, with longitudinal stripes of brown, most numerous on the throat and neck before ; tibiae tinged with reddish ;
upper tail coverts white.
Young — Entire upper parts dark umber brown ; upper tail coverts white. Under parts rufous, with longitudinal stripes of
brown on the breast and sides ; tail reddish brown, witli about three wide bands of dark fulvous, paler on the inner webs.
Tarsi and toes yellow.
Total length, female, 19 to 21 inches ; wing 15|, tail 10 inches. Male, total length 16 to 18 inches ; wing 14|, tail 8j to 9 inches-
Hob. — All of North America and Cuba, (Mr. Lembeye.)
Of this species, well known as one of the most common hawks inhabiting the States of the
Atlantic, there are no less than fifty specimens in the collections made by the surveying and
exploring expeditions. These were obtained, as will be seen below, at various points in the
western States and Territories of the republic, and other localities in North America, and show
conclusively that this species is equally abundant on the coasts of the Pacific as on those of the
Atlantic ocean. It inhabits also, very probably, the entire intermediate country, and may,
therefore, be regarded as diffused over the whole of North America from Mexico to the Arctic
regions.
Specimens from all parts of the United States are precisely the same specifically, and con
stantly present the entirely different colors of the adult and young birds. Several fine speci
mens of the former are in the present collection, all of which have the under parts nearly pure
white, with more or less cordate and sagittate spots of reddish fulvous, varying considerably in
size and number. One specimen, No. 5161, has those spots so large and numerous on the
breast and sides that they give the predominating color to those parts. This specimen was
obtained at Fort Randall, on the Missouri river, in October, 1856, by Lieutenant G-. K. Warren,
United States army, and is marked as a female. The flanks and under tail coverts have also
large cordate spots of the same color.
40
U, 3 P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
£
3
it
o
to
to
tS
•o
a
oj
H
V
X
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
S
bo
a
a
Extent.
bo
a
S
8633
8634
4429
6911
6862
5162
5160
5161
4502
6958
6962
6960
6961
5586
5585
5588
6860
4126
4125
5548
4990
6858
6859
5851
4373
6861
6869
6868
G. Wiirdemann
20.70
20
43.
45.1
14.25
15.
$1
do
do
E C Bid well . .
S, Ikirk Settlement.
Bois de Sioux river-
Running Water,Mo.
Cedar island, Mo ..
Fort Randall, Neb.
Mouth White river,
Nebraska.
Med. Bow mount
ains, Nebraska.
South Platte, Neb.
do
•
D. Gunn
Gov. Stevens
16
Dr. G. Suckley..
$
$
Q
Oct. 20, 1856 ...
Oct 15 1856
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden.
17.50
38.45
13.50
do
do
do
do
19.13
42.80
14.45
do .
3
8
8
Q
8
8
9
July 27, 1857...
July 7' 1857
Lieut Bryan .....
W. S. Wood ..
do
284
254
256
162
275
208
.do
do
do
. do ..
do
do
do
...do
Pole creek, Neb
Bridger's Pass
July 26, 1856
do
do
20.
20.25
19.50
37.
36.
38.
August, 1856 .
do
do
Right fork Laramie
river.
Fort Conrad, N. M.
Brownsville, Texas.
Matarnoras, Texas
August 4 1856
do
do
October, 1853...
Dr Kennerly
Lieut Couch
do
San Elizario, Texas .
Mouth of Delaware
creek.
Mimbres to Rio
Grande,
Rocky mountains..
December, 1854.
Sept. 7, 1854
Major Emory
4
150
Dr. Kennerly
19.
19.
42.00
40.
14.00
13.50
Captain Pope
E. G. Beckwith ...
Dr. Suckley, .....
4
551
157
Mr. Kreutzfeldt.
Q
8
3
Fort Steijacoom
Ft. Dalles, Oregon.
Bodega, Cal
August, 1856 ...
August 22, 1855.
21.
18.50
47.
42.75
do
13.75
Ljeut. Trowbridge.
B. D. Cutts
T. A Szabo
San Francisco, Cal.
Tulare valley
9
Lieut. "Williamson .
Dr Heermann
BIltDS — AQUILINAE AQUILA. CANADENSIS.
41
Sub-Family AQUILINAE.— T h e Eagles.
Size large, and all parts very strongly organized. Bill large, compressed, straight at base,
curved and acute at tip ; wings long, pointed ; tail ample, generally rounded ; tarsi moderate,
very strong ; claws curved, very sharp and strong. There are about seventy species of eagles,
of all countries.
AQUILA, Moehring.
Jlquila, MOEHRING, Av. Gen. p. 49, (1752.)
General form large and very strong, and adapted to long continued and swift flight. Bill large, strong, compressed, and
hooked at the tip ; wings long, pointed ; tarsi rather short, very strong, feathered to the toes ; claws sharp, strong, curved.
This genua includes about twenty species, whi:h are regarded as the true eagles.
AQUILA CANADENSIS, Linnaeus.
The Golden Eagle ; The Ring Tailed Eagle.
Falco canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 125, (1766.)
Fulco niger, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 259, (1788?)
Aquila nobilis, PALLAS, Zoog. Ross. As. I, 338, (1811?)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. pi. 55, fig, 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 181 ; Oct. ed. I, pi. 12.
Mult. — Large ; tarsi densely feathered to the toes. Head and neck behind light brownish fulvous, varying- in shade in
different specimens, frequently light orange fulvous, generally darker. Tail at base white, which color frequently occupies the
greater part of the tail ; other terminal portion glossy black. All other parts rich purplish brown, frequently very dark, and
nearly clear black on the under parts of the body. Primaries shining black ; secondaries purplish brown ; tibiae and tarsi
brownish fulvous, generally mixed with dark ashy ; cere and toes yellow.
Younger. — Entire plumage lighter, and mixed with dull fulvous ; under parts of the body nearly uniform with the upper
parts
Total length, female, 33 to 40 inches, wing about 25, tail about 15 inches. Male, total length 30 to 35 inches, wing 20 to
23, tail 12 to 14 inches.
Hob. — All of North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
The golden eagle, or ring tailed eagle, as it is more commonly called, inhabits the whole of
North America. It has usually been regarded as the same as the European, but presents points
of difference , which are very probably sufficient to warrant the original distinctive appellation
given by Linnaeus.
List of specimens.
Measurements.
6
$
1
^
1
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
'a
Collected by —
•
"*
OB
.5
•u
bD
d
bb
*
02
'C
0
a
3
&
.5
9124
Fort Thorn, N. M .
Dr. J. C. Henry .
91211
9
Washington, D. C .
Dec. 26, 1857...
Benjamin Cross
36.25
86.00
25.00
6 b
Weight 9 pounds.
42 U. 8. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
HALIAETUS; Savigny.
Haliaetus, SAVIGNY, Hist. Nat. d'Egypt, I, p. 85, (1809.)
Size large ; tarsi short, naked, or feathered for a short distance below the joint of the tibia and tarsus, and with the toes
covered with scales ; toes rather long ; claws veiy strong, curved, very sharp. Bill large, very strong, compressed ; margin of
upper mandible slightly lobed ; wings long, pointed ; tail moderate. General form very robust and powerful; flight very
rapid and long continued.
This genus contains ten or twelve species only, inhabiting various parts of the world, all of
which subsist more or less on fishes, and are designated fishing or sea eagles.
HALIAETUS PELAGICUS, Pallas.
The Northern Sea Eagle.
Jlquila pelagica, PALL. Zoog. Ross. As. I, p. 343, (1811.)
Falco imperator, KITTLITZ, Kupf. Nat. Vog. I, p. 3, (1832.)
Falco leucopterus, TEMM. PI. Col. I, (not paged )
FIGURES.— Temm. PI. Col. I, pi. 489 ; Cassin B. of Cal. and Texas 1, pi. 6.
The largest of all the eagles. Wings rather shorter than usual in this genus ; tail wedge shaped, and containing fourteen
feathers. Mult. — Large frontal space ; greater wing coverts ; abdomen and tail white. All other parts of the plumage dark
brown, or brownish black ; bill and legs yellow.
Younger. — Tail white, more or less marked with brownish black ; quills black ; secondaries and tertiaries white at their bases ;
bill and fe«t yellow. All other parts dull brownish black, lighter on the head and neck.
Total length, female, about 45 inches, wing 26 inches, tail 16 inches.
Hob. — Russian American islands, (Pallas,) Japan, (Temminck & Schlegel.) Spec, in Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
The largest of the eagles. This enormous and powerful bird inhabits the Kussian American
islands and the coasts of the two continents at Behring's straits, and very probably extends its
range southward. It is strictly a fishing eagle, mainly deriving its subsistance from the sea,
but occasionally capturing birds and quadrupeds. It is stated by Pallas to rear its young in
northeastern Asia.
HALIAETUS WASHINGTON!!, Audubon.
The Washington Eagle.
Falco Washingtonii, AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 58, (1831.)
Falco Washingtoniana, AUD. London's Mag. I, p. 115, (1828.)
FIGURES — Aud. B. of Am. pi. 11, (published 1827,) Oct. ed. I, pi. 13.
Rather larger than H. leucocephalus ; bill shorter, and more abruptly curved ; wings long. Entire plumage dark brown,
mixed with dull fulvous ; quills nearly black ; tail dark brown, more or less mottled with white, especially at the base. Bill
dark ; tarsi yellow.
Total length about 43 inches, wing 32, tail 15 inches. " Extent of wings 10 feet 2 inches," (Audubon.)
Hab.— Kentucky. Throughout North America? Spec, in Mus. Acad., Philad. ?
This eagle is stated by Mr. Audubon to have been discovered by himself in Kentucky, and a
figure of the first, and apparently the only, specimen that ever came into his possession is given
in his plate, cited above. In this figure the transverse scales on the front of the tarsi are repre
sented in a manner which has never been observed since in any North American eagle. These
are continued (in the plate alluded to) without interruption to the toes— a character quite
unusual in any rapacious bird.
There are, however, very probably two species of white headed eagles inhabiting North
America, one of which is, we suspect, the bird now under consideration. The larger has the
BIRDS AQUILINAE — HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS. 43
bill much the shorter, and very nearly as represented in Audubon's plate. In fact, we have
seen several specimens, always of large size, which have agreed precisely with his figure in all
respects, except the scales of the tarsi.
Several specimens of the larger hird are now before us, all of which were obtained in New
Jersey, and are described above. It is, we suspect, a more southern bird than the common
white headed eagle.
HALIAETUS ALBICILLA, Linnreus.
The Gray Sea Eagle; The European Sea Eagle.
Vultur albicilla, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 123, (1766.)
Falco ossifraga et melanaetos, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 124, (1766.)
Haliaetus groenlandicus, BREHM, Vog. Deutsch. I, 16, (1831.)
FIGURES.— Selby 111. Brit. Orn. pi. 3 ; Gould B. of Eur. I, pi. 10.
Large; wings long; tail rather short. Mult. — Tail white ; head and neck pale yellowish brown, in some specimens very
light ; all other parts of the plumage dark umber brown ; quills nearly black ; bill, feet, and irides yellow.
Younger. — Bill brownish black ; entire plumage dark brown, with the tail mottled with white, much varying in extent ;
throat paler, frequently nearly white ; irides brown.
Total length, female, 35 to 40 inches ; wing, 25 to 28 inches ; tail, 12 to 15 inches. Male, total length, 31 lo 34 inches ;
wing, 22 to 25 inches ; tail, 11 1 to 13 inches.
Hab. — Greenland. Europe. Spec. Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
This eagle, which is common on the coasts of Europe, and rears its young in cliffs on the sea
shore, we give as an inhabitant of Greenland. It has never been noticed in any more southern
locality on the continent of America. We have had no sufficient opportunity of examining
specimens ; in fact, have seen but a single one represented to be from that country, which was,
unfortunately, that of a young bird.
HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, Linnaeus.
The Bald Eagle ; The White-headed Eagle.
Falco leucocephalus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 124, (1766.)
Falco pygargus, DADDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, 62, (1800.)
Falco ossifragus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 16, (1813.)
FIGURES.— Catesby's Carolina I, pi. 1 ; Vieill. Ois. O'Am. Sept. 1, pi. 3 ; Wilson Am. Orn IV, pi. 36, VII, pi. 55 ; Aud.
B. of Am., pi. 31, 126 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 14.
Large, but smaller than either of the preceding eagles. Bill large, strong, straight at base, rather abruptly hooked ; wings
long ; tarsi rather short.
.'Jdult. — EL>ad, tail, an 1 its upper and under coverts white. Entire other plumage brownish black, generally with the edges
of the feathers paler ; bill, feet, and irides yellow.
Younger. — Entire plumage, including head and tail, dark brown ; paler on the throat ; edges of the feathers paler or fulvous,
especially on the under parts ; tail more or less mottled with white, which color in more advanced age extends over a large
portion of the tail, especially on the inner webs. Bill brownish black ; irides brown.
Total length, female, about 35 to 40 inches ; wing, 23 to 25 incl.es ; tail, 14 to 15 inches. Male, 30 tu 34 inches ; wing, 20
to 22 inches ; tail, 13 to 14 inc'ies.
Hab. — All of temperate North America. Accidental in Europe. Greenland. Iceland. Spec, in Mus. Acad.. Philada. and
Nat. Mus. Washington.
This is one of the most handsome birds of the family of eagles and is the best known,
especially as it has received the high honor of having been adopted as the heraldic represen
tative of the great confederacy of the United States. This eagle possesses extraordinary swift-
44
U. S. P K. R. EXP AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
ness and vigor of flight, and is essentially a fisherman, though not at all exclusively so,
preying for much the greater part on living animals. It inhabits all parts of the United
States, and is apparently common at more northern localities on the Pacific than on the
Atlantic ocean.
List of specimens.
&
1
<S
Q
n
SP
1
H
£
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
d
K
'a
a
!&
6
Collected by —
Measurements.
4
bo
a
43
^
Extent.
tb
a
£
9125
9126
9130
Gov. I. I. Stevens .
do
Dr. Suckley
9
Q
f\n
58
53
do
43.50
37.00
88 00
87.50
24.75
do
Dr. Cooper
PANDION, Savigny.
Pandion, SAVIGNY, Hist. Nat. d'Egypt, I, p. 95, (1809.)
Wings very long ; general form heavy and not adapted to vigorous nor swift flight like the preceding eagles. Bill short,
curved from the base, compressed ; tarsi very thick and strong, and covered with small circular scales ; claws large, curved,
very sharp ; toes beneath very rough ; tail moderate or rather short.
This genus contains three or four species only, nearly allied to each other, and inhabiting all
temperate regions of the world.
PANDION CAROLINENSIS, Gmelin.
The Fish Hawk; The American Osprey.
Falco carolinensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 263, (1788.)
Jlquila piscatrix , VIEILL. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, 29, (1807.)
Pandion americanus, VIEILL. Gal. Ois. I, 33, (1825.)
Falco haliaetus, LINN. WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 14.
Falco haliaetus, LINN. AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 415.
FIGURES.— Catesby's Carolina, I, pi. 2 ; Vieill. Ois. d'Am Sept. I, pi. 4 ; Wilson Am. Orn. V, 37 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 81 :
Oct. ed. I, pi. 15 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 8, fig. 18.
Wings long ; legs, toes, and claws very robust and strong. Mult. — Head and entire under parts white ; stripe through the
eye, top of the head, and upper parts of the body, wings and tail, deep umber brown, tail having about eight bands of blackish
brown ; breast with numerous cordate and circular spots of pale yellowish brown ; bill and claws bluish black ; tarsi and toes
greenish yellow.
Young. — Similar to the adult, but with the upper plumage edged and tipped with pale brownish nearly white. Spots on
breast more numerous and darker colored.
Total length, female, about 25 inches ; wing, 21 inches ; tail, 10£ inches. Male rather smaller.
Hab. — Throughout temperate North America.
Apparently nearly as abundant on the Pacific as on the Atlantic coast of the United States,
but evidently migrating in the summer further north on the former than on the latter. This
occurs, however, in numerous species of birds.
One specimen, obtained by George Suckley, M. D., at Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound,
Washington Territory, is that of a young bird, and is of especial interest, showing that this
species rears its young and is quite at home at the latitude of that locality. There are no
BIRDS AQUILINAE — POLYBORUS THARUS.
appreciable specific differences between specimens from all parts of North America, and \ve may
be allowed to add, very slight between those of this country and of Europe and Asia.
List of specimens.
6
fc
3
d
O
V
$
13
a
a
X
<D
50
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
6
fc
~a
d
*£D
"C
0
Collected by —
Measurements.
£
to
a
,3
Extent.
be
a
f
4366
5837
6872
4616
6844
<J
Ft. Steilacoom,W.T
do
May, 1855
Oct. 2, 1856
Mr. Geo. Gibbs
Dr. Geo Suckley..
Lient. Williamson .
Major Emory. .....
181
589
23.00
22.25
64.50
64.50
1<K50
Sacramento Cal . .
Dr. Heermann
Colorado river, Cal.
Ft. Fillmore, N. M.
Dr. Henry .... . . .
POLYBORUS, Vieillot.
Polyborus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, p. 22, (1816.)
Smaller than in either of the preceding genera of eagles. Bill rather long, compressed ; cere large ; wings long, pointed ;
tail moderate or rather long ; tarsi long, rather slender ; claws long, rather weak, and but slightly curved ; space in front of
and below the eye naked.
Two species only form this genus, both of which, in their habits and manners, show an
approximation to the vultures. They are well known birds of South America.
POLYBORUS THARUS, Molina.
The Caracara Eagle ; The Mexican Eagle.
Falco lharus, MOL. Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, (1732.)
Falco cheriway, JACQUIN, Beyt. Gesch. der Vog. p. 17, (1784.)
Falco brasiliensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 262, (1788.)
Falco plancus, FILLER, Cimelia Physica.
Polyborus vulgaris, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. V, 257, (1816.)
FIGURES.— Vieill. Gal. I, pi, 7 ; Swains. Zool. 111. I, pi, 2 ; Gay's Chili, Orn.pl. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 161 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 4.
Legs rather long, occipital feathers somewhat elongated, ddult. — Head and body above and wide belt on the abdomen and
tibiae brownish black ; neck, breast, upper and under tail coverts yellowish white, on the breast with narrow transverse bands
of black. Tail white at base, with numerous transverse bands of black and widely tipped witli black : bill bluish tipped with
yellowish white ; legs yellow.
Younger. — Head and body above dull brown, darker on the head, and many feathers having paler edgings ; under parts dark
brown, with longitudinal stripes of dull yellowish white ; throat dull white ; tail for the greater part and its coverts above and
below white with numerous transverse bands of ashy brown, and tipped with brownish black.
Total length, female, about 25 inches ; wing, 17 inches ; tail, 10 inches.
Hub.— Southern North America. Florida. Texas. Mexico. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
One of the most abundant of the rapacious birds of South America. It is of frequent
occurrence also in Mexico and Texas, and is found also in Florida. This bird is more sluggish
in its habits than is usual in this family, and may belong more properly to the family of
vultures. It subsists mainly on dead animals, and walks on the ground with facility.
46
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
6
X
i
6
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Origiaal No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
£
"&
0
d
Extent.
bi>
1
4248
41220
9136
9137
7994
Calcasieu , La
Monterey, Mexico.
1854
G \V\irdemann
Lieut. D. N. Couch.
Major Emory
23.50
47.25
15.50
A. Schott
Dr. T. C. Henry
Mexico --
Sept., 1836
J. Gould
J. Taylor
* Iris, light brown ; bill, blue; feet, yellow.
CRAX1REX, Gould.
Craxircx, GOULD, Voy. Beagle, Birds, p. 22, (1841.)
Size smaller than the preceding; legs long ; tarsi and toes strong. Bill rather long, abruptly curved at the tip ; edges of
upper mandible festooned ; winjs and tail long. Tarsi with wide transverse scales in front ; claws moderate.
CRAXIBEX UNICINCTUS, Tern mi nek.
Harris' Buzzard.
Falco unicinctus, TEMM. Fl. Col. I, (not paged, liv. 53 about 1827.)
Buteo Harrisii, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 30, (1839.)
Polyborus taeniurus, TSCHUDI, Fauna Peruana?
Craxircx galapagoensis, GOILD, Voy. Beagle, Birds, p. 23?
FIGURES.— Temm. PI. Col. 313; Aud. B of Am. pi. 392 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 5 •, Tschudi, FaunaPer. Orn. pi. 1? ; Voy. Beagle,
Birds, pi. 2?
Mult. — Shoulders, wing coverts, and tibiae reddish chestnut ; upper and under tail coverts white, tail white at base and
tipped with white, presenting the appearance of a very wide band between of brownish black with a violet tinge. Body above
and below dark brown, in some specimens nearly black on the under parts.
Younger. — Upper parts dull umber brown, much mixed with fulvous ; shoulders chestnut red, spotted with dark brown;
entire under parts yellowish white, with large oblong and circular spots of brown ; upper and under tail coverts white ; tail
brown, with many bands of a deeper shade of the same color, and with the inner webs yellowish and reddish white ; base and
tip of tail yellowish white.
Total length, female, 22 to 24 inches ; wing, 15 inches ; tail, 10 inches. Male, total length, 20 inches ; wing, 13 to 14
inches ; tail, 9 to 9i inches.
Hab. — Southern States, Mexico, South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philada.
The observations of naturalists attached to the late expeditions demonstrate this bird to be of
common occurrence in Texas, on the Rio Grande. It is a dull and heavy bird in its habits,
and subsists for the greater part on dead animals.
This bird appears to belong to the genus Craxirex, as given by Mr. Gould, if not identical
with his species.
BIRDS STRIGINAE — STRIX PRATINCOLA.
47
List of specimens.
d
fc
03
0
to
a
o3
V
cc
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
6
1
4$
6
Collected by —
•
Measurements.
9
be
a
Extent.
fci
c
4123
9135
9134
Brownsville, Texas .
Oyster Point, Texas.
New Mexico
Lieut. Couch......
Sept., 1853
Major Emory. .....
Feb. 27, 1854...
Lieut. Whipple
179
Kennerly and
Mollhausen.
Family STRIGIDAE. The Owls.
Form usually short and heavy, with the head disproportionately large, and frequently furnished with erectile tufts of feathers
resembling the ears of quadrupeds. General organization adapted to vigorous and noiseless but not rapid flight, and to the
capture of animals in the morning and evening twilight.
Eyes usually very large, directed forwards, and in the greater number of species formed for seeing by twilight, or in the
night. Bill rather strong, curved, nearly concealed by projecting bristle-like feathers ; wings generally long ; outer edges of
primary quills fringed ; legs generally rather short, and in all species, except in one Asiatic genus, (Kttupa,} more or less
feathered, generally densely. Cavity of the ear very large. Face encircled by a more or less perfect disc of short rigid feathers,
which, with the large eyes, gives to those birds an entirely peculiar and frequently cat-like expression. Female larger than
the male
There are ahout one hundred and fifty species of owls, which are found in all parts of the
world, of which about forty are inhabitants of the continent of America and its islands. The
larger species subsist on small quadrupeds and birds, but much the majority almost exclusively
prey on insects. Though much the larger number are nocturnal, a few species are strictly
diurnal, and in their habits seem to approach the birds of the preceding family.
Sub-Family STRIGINAE.— T y pi c a 1 Owls.
Size medium, never very large. Head large ; facial disc perfect ; bill rather long ; eyes
rather small for this family ; legs rather long, fully feathered to the toes.
STRIX, Linnaeu .
Strix, LINNAEUS, I, p. 131, (1766.)
Head large, without ear tufts •, eyes rather small ; facial disc perfect, and very conspicuous ; wings long ; tarsi long ; tail
rather short ; toes and claws rather long. This genus contains about twelve species of all parts of the world.
STRIX PRATINCOLA, Bonaparte.
The Barn Owl.
Slrix pratincola, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 7, (1838.)
Strix Americana, AUD. Orn. Biog. TI, p. 421, (1834, not of Gmelin 1788.)
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VI, pi. 50, fig. 2 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 171 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 34 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds,
pi. 13, fig. 28.
48
U. 8 P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Entire upper parts pale fawn color, or tawny brownish yellow, frequently very pale, nearly every feather with a small sub-
terminal black spot succeeded by another of white. Under parts generally pale fawn color, but frequently pure white, with
small lanceolate and circular spots of brownish black ; under coverts of wings and tail white ; quills fawn colored ; primaries
with about five irregular transverse bars of brownish black ; tail with about four or five bands of dark brown. Face white ;
spots of dark chestnut brown around the eyes. Irides brownish black ; bill, toes, and claws light yellowish.
Total length, female, 16 inches, wing 13, tail 5| inches. Male rather smaller.
Hat.— Throughout temperate North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington.
All the specimens in the present collection are from California. They exhibit the variety in
shades of color, especially on the under parts of the body, which is usually to be observed in
this species ; some specimens having these parts perfectly white, and others different shades of
pale buff or fawn color. There is, however, no American species of this family more easily
recognized.
Some specimens from the western countries of North America which have come under our
notice have the greater portion of the quills very pale colored, occasionally nearly white ; and
these specimens have, too, usually the under parts white. This is the case with specimens No.
4349 in Lieutenant Trowbridge's collection, and No. 6885 in that of Lieutenant Williamson.
This bird, in the plumage just referred to, approximates quite closely to Strixfurcata, (Tem-
minck PI. Col, 432,) a species from the West India islands, and cannot readily be distinguished
from it by any character, except a greater degree of whiteness in the West India bird. The
two species, if such they are, will, however, bear careful comparison.
List of specimens.
&
1
03
P
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
A
bO
a
&
Extent.
bC
a
k
4349
4194
4133
6884
4626
4910
6885
5036
8701
9132
8003
Presidio, Cal
Lieut. Trowbridge -
R. D. Cutts ,..
San Francisco, Cal.
Monterey, Mexico _
Tejon valley, Gal..
Winter 1853 '54.
c?
<J
Lieut Couch.. . .
170
17.00
35.00
Lt. R.S Williamson
do
Dr Heermann .
San Miguel, Cal
San Diego, Cal
Dr. J. F. Hammond.
Lt. R.S Williamson
16.75
44.25
12.75
Tejon valley, Cal ..
Dr. Heermann
DoSa Ana, N. M...
Texas
Nov. 9,1855
Capt. J. Pope
Maj. W. H. Emory .
do
A Schott
3
$
Texas
J H Cl k
15.50
45.00
14.00
Mexico
Sept., 1856 .
John Gould
Sub-Family BUBONiNAE.— Th e HornedOwls.
Head large, with erectile and prominent ear tufts. Eyes large ; facial disc not complete
above the eyes and bill ; legs, feet, and claws usually very strong.
This division contains numerous species, some of which are very large, but the greater
number as medium sized or small. They inhabit all parts of the world, except Australia.
BIRDS — STRIGINAE BUBO VIRGINIANUS. 49
BUBO, Cuvier.
Bubo, CUVIER, Regne Animal, I, p. 331, (1817.)
Size large ; general form very robust and powerful. Head large, with conspicuous ear tufts ; eyes very large ; wings long ;
tail short ; legs and toes very strong, densely feathered ; claws very strong ; bill rather short, strong, curved, covered at base by
projecting feathers.
This genus includes the large horned owls, or cat owls, as they are sometimes called. These
birds are most numerous in Asia and Africa, and there are in all countries about fifteen species.
BUBO VIKaiNIANUS, Gmelin.
The Great Horned Owl.
Strix virginiana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 287, (1788.)
Strix pythaules, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289, (1791.)
Bubo ludoviciana, DAUDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, p. 210, (1800.)
Bubo pinicola, VIEILL Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, p. 51, (1807.)
Bubo arcticus, SWAINS. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 86, (1831.)
Bubo sub-arcticus, HOT, Proc. Acad. Philada. VI, p. 211, (1852.)
Bubo septentrionalis, BREHM, Vog. Deutschl. p. 120, (1831?)
Strix scandiaca, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 132, (1766) ?
Strix magellanicus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 286, (1788) ?
Strix nacurutu, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VII, p. 44, (1817) ?
FIGURES.— Edward's Birds II, pi. 60; Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 19 ; Wilson Am. Orn. VII, pi. 50, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of
Am. pi. 61 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 39 ; ]\at. Hist. New York, pi. 10, fig. 22 ; Fauna Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 30.
Jldu.lt. — Large and very strongly organized ; ear tufts large, erectile ; bill strong, fully curved : wing rather long ; third quill
usually longest ; tail short ; legs and toes very robust, and densely covered with short downy feathers ; claws very strong,
sharp, curved. Very variable in plumage, from nearly white to dark brown ; usually with the upper parts dark brown, every
feather mottled and with irregular transverse lines of pale ashy and reddish fulvous, the latter being the color of all the plumage
at the bases of the feathers. Ear tufts dark brown, nearly black, edged on their inner webs with dark fulvous ; a black spot
above the eye ; radiating feathers behind the eye, varying in color from nearly white to dark reddish fulvous, usually the latter ;
feathers of the facial disc tipped with black. Throat and neck before white ; breast with wide longitudinal stripes of black ;
other under parts variegated with white and fulvous, and every feather having transverse narrow lines of dark brown. Middle
of the abdomen frequently, but not always, white. Legs and toes varying from white to dark fulvous, usually pale fulvous ;
in most specimens unspotted, but frequently, and probably always in fully mature specimens, with transvere narrow bars of
dark brown. Quills brown, with wide transverse bands of cinereous, and usually tinged on the inner webs with pale fulvous ;
tail the same, with the fulvous predominating on the outer feathers ; iris yellow ; bill and claws bluish black.
Dimensions. — Female, length 21 to 25 inches, wing 14j to 16, tail 10 inches. Male, 18 to 21 inches, wing 14 to 15, tail 9
inches. The smallest specimen of the variety Pacificus.
Hub. — The whole of North America, and probably South America.
VARIETY. — Bubo virginianus atlanticus, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, p. 178.
Dark colored, as described above. Feathers of the face behind the eye always bright reddish fulvous, and the entire plumage
more marked with that color than in the other varieties below.
This variety is found throughout the temperate regions of North America, and we have never
known any other to be noticed in the States on the Atlantic ocean, though the variety Arcticus
may occur. This is the true B. virginianus of authors, and is figured by Wilson, Audubon,
and others.
VARIETY. — Bubo virginianus pacificus, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, p. 178.
Dark colored, as above. Feathers of the face behind the eye ashy, generally, however, tinged with fulvous. General color
less tinged with fulvous than in the preceding variety, and frequently much paler, and approximating to the variety arcticus.
7b
50 IT. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
This variety appears to be restricted to western North America, and is represented by the
majority of the specimens in the present collection. So far as can be determined from prepared
skins, the average of these specimens would be rather smaller than in the preceding, but there
are some quite as large as we have ever seen of that variety. This variety can readily be
distinguished from the preceding by the facial disk being ashy, instead of fulvous.
VARIETY. — Bubo virginianus arcticus, CASSIN.
Bubo arcticus, SWAINSON, Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 86. (1831.)
Bubo sub-arcticus, HOY, Proc. Acad. Phila., VI. p. 211. (1852.)
Bubo septentrionalis, BREHM?
Strix scandiaca, LINNAEUS?
FIGURE. — Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 30.
Light colored, frequently nearly white. General plumage of a predominating pale yellowish white, or cream color, of
various shades, from nearly pure white to nearly the color of the two preceding varieties. Under parts generally lighter than
the upper, and always throughout the plumage marked and barred with brown, frequently pale and indistinct, but in the same
general manner as in the preceding. Tarsi and toes generally very light, frequently nearly pure white. Size generally about
the same as that of variety atlanticus, and the plumage with more or less of the same reddish fulvous at the bases of the feathers.
Feathers of the face pure white, or pale cream color, sometimes tingf d with fulvous and cinereous.
This variety appears to inhabit the northern and western countries of North America, and
probably occasionally all other parts of that portion of the continent. Mr. Swainson's figure,
above cited, represents an unusually white specimen,, though we have seen such, and from that
shade to but slightly lighter than the common variety. So far as we regard ourselves compe
tent to judge, this variety is better entitled to be regarded as a distinct species than any other.
VARIETY. — Bubo virginianus mageUanicus, CASSIN.
Strix magellanicus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 286. (1788.)
Stria; nacurutu, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VII, I, p. 44. (1817.)
Bubo ludovicianus, DAUDIN, Traite d'Orn. II, p. 210.
FIGURE.— Buffon PI Enl. 385.
Very variable in color, but generally darker than either of the preceding ; plumage at base fulvous. Feathers of the face
usually pale cinereous, more or less tinged with fulvous ; size about the same as the preceding, or rather larger.
This variety inhabits, apparently, South America, and perhaps Mexico, and the extreme
south of the United States. Of this we have seen specimens darker than of either of the
preceding varieties, and more resembling Mr. Audubon's figures than are usually met with in
northern localities.
This fine species is either subject to considerable variety in the color of its plumage, or there
are several species, some of which have been named by naturalists, as cited above, in our syno-
nymes. But with no less than thirty specimens now before us, from nearly all parts of North
America, we confess ourselves quite unable to detect characters sufficient to distinguish more
than one species. We have, therefore, to regard them all as Bubo virginianus, and to attribute
the differences in their colors to variety only, either local or caused by accidental circumstances.
With but a single well characterized specimen each of perhaps four varieties, the inducement would
be strong to regard them as distinct species, so different are their colors ; but with an extended
series, like the present, all the characters exist in such various degrees of modification, and are
so blended that it is to us quite impossible. We have designated the varieties of this species
in Birds of California and Texas, I, p. 1*78, and have no reason to change our views from the
examination of the present collection, except that these varieties are evidently not to be regarded
BIRDS STRIGINAE — SCOPS ASIO.
51
as at all strictly geographical, nor not so much so as intimated in our notice of them alluded to
above. We have, for instance, in this collection the variety Bubo virginianus aflanticus, from
Bodega, California, (in the collection made by the party commanded by Lieutenant W. P.
Trowbridge, United States army,) and the variety arcticus, from various localities in California
and New Mexico. The variety atlanticus, from California, we cannot distinguish from the
common bird of the States on the Atlantic seaboard.
List of specimens.
0
fc
"5
a
O
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
Remarks.
S>
c
<a
H)
Extent.
ei
c
£
9155
9161
5854
9159
4513
8006
4613
4423
9154
5181
5180
5589
9157
9172
9158
4137
8007
3
o
9
9
c?
9
Steilacoom
do
Gov. 1. 1. Stevens..
do
135
136
Dr. Suckley
Do
Var. pacificus
do
.... do
August, 1856
Dr. Geo. Suckley
535
do
do
Fort Reading, Ual
Bodega, Cal
January, 1853
Lt. R.S.Williamson
Lt.W.P.Trowhridge
Lt. R.S.Williamson
Dr. Newberry
do
do
Sacramento
5006
46
Dr. Heermann
Var. atlanticus
9
c?
c?
8
c?
9
Colorado river, Cal
San Diego, Cal
Little Colorado .... ,,...
No. 98
March 31, 1855
Major Emory
Lt. Trowbridge....
Lt. A. W. Wliipple.
do
A. Schott
A. Cassidy...,
Kenn. & Miill
....Do
......
Var. pacificus
do
Iris chrome yellow ;
var. arcticus
New Mexico
Fort Union
Fort Union
Medicine Bow Creek ....
Aug. 25, 1856
Novemb'r,1854
Dec'r 15, 1853
Sept'r, 1836
Lt. G. K. Warren ..
Lt. G. K. Warren..
Lt. F. T. Bryan
Major Emory
Dr. Henry
Lt. Wliipple .
299
3
37
Dr. Hayden
W. S. Wood
Dr. Kennerly
A. Schott
Kenn. & Moll
20.25
21.25
19.00
47.04
51.50
48.00
14.00
14.75
15.00
Iris yellow; var. arc-
do do
do do
Minibres to Ilio Grande ..
6th camp, Little Colorado
Monterey, Mexico
Lt. Couch
J. Taylor
18.00
35.00
9.25
Eyes yellow; var. arc •
SCOPS, Savigny.
SAVIGNY, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I, p. 105, (1809.)
Size small ; ear tufts conspicuous. Head large ; facial disc imperfect in front and about the eyes ; bill short, nearly covered
by projecting feathers ; wings long ; tail rather short, and frequently curved inwards ; tarsi rather long, more or less fully
covered with short feathers ; toes long, generally partially covered with hair like feathers ; head large.
General form short and compact. This genus contains twenty- five to thirty species of small
owls, inhabiting all parts of the world except Australia.
SCOPS ASIO, Linn.
The Mottled Owl ; the Screech Owl.
Strix asio, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 132, (17GG.)
Strix naevia, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 289, (1788.)
Bubo striatus, VIEILL. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, p. 54, (1808.)
FIGURES.— Catesby's Nat. Hist. Carolina I, pi. 7 ; Vicill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 21 ; Temm. pi. col. 80 ; Wilson Am. Orn.
pi. 19, fig. 1, pi. 42, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 97 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 40 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 12, figs. 25, 26.
Short and compact ; ear tufts prominent ; tail short ; tarsi rather long.
Jdult.— Upper parts pale ashy brown with longitudinal lines of brownish black, and mottled irregularly with the same, and
52
U S P R. E EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
with cinereous. Under parts ashy white with longitudinal stripes of brownish black, and with transverse lines of the same
' color ; face, throat and tarsi, ashy white, irregularly lined and mottled with pale brownish ; quills brown with transverse bands,
nearly white on the outer webs ; tail pale ashy brown with about ten transverse narrow bands of pale cinereous ; under wing
coverts white, the larger tipped with black ; bill and claws light horn color ; irides yellow.
younger.— Entire upper parts pale brownish red, with longitudinal lines of brownish black, especially on the head and
scapulars ; face, throat, under wing coverts and tarsi, reddish white ; quills reddish brown ; tail rufous, with bands of brown,
darker on the inner webs.
Young —Entire plumage transversely striped with ashy white and pale brown ; wings and tail pale rufous.
Total length 9| to 10 inches, wing 7, tail 3| inches. Sexes nearly alike in size and color.
Hab.— The whole of temperate North America, Greenland, (Fabricius.) Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad.
Philadelphia.
This is the most abundant of the owls inhabiting the States on the Atlantic, and appears to
inhabit the entire territory of the United States and the more northern countries of this continent
within the temperate zone. In the present collections we find the first specimens that we have
ever seen from western North America. One specimen (No. 4530) from Washington Territory,
and others from California, in the collections made by Mr. Cutts and Mr. Samuels, (Nos. 4195,
5847,) are in the mottled or adult plumage; and one from Sacramento Valley, in Lieutenant
Williamson's collection, is in the red, or that of the immature bird. These specimens differ in
no respect from those of the eastern States.
The two stages of plumage described above have been regarded as characterizing distinct
species, and they do present a problem scarcely to be considered as fully solved. This bird
pairs, and rears young, while in the red plumage ; and it is not unusual to find a mottled male
and red female associated, or the reverse. The two stages of plumage, or varieties, are very
similar to those of the Syrnium aluco of Europe, and of which there are other instances in this
family of birds.
Unlike nearly all other rapacious birds, this owl holds its place throughout the country,
notwithstanding the destruction of the forest, or the denseness of the population ; and, though
well known to our rural population, and scarcely regarded favorably, is seldom molested. Its
food is principally insects.
List of specimens.
6
fc
1
1
V
02
Locality.
When collected.
1
Whence obtained. "3
a
O
Nature of speci
men.
Measurements.
JS
-*->
be
a
Extent.
bb
a
4530
5487
4195
6887
Puget's Sound
Dr Geo Suckley
Mottled
9.00
20.50
6.50
a
Petaluma, Cal
E. Samuels
San Francisco
Sacramento valley .
M. R. D. Cutts
Lieut. Williamson .
Mottled
Red
SCOPS McCALLII, Cassin.
The Western Mottled Owl.
Scops McCallii, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, p. 180. (1854.)
In form and general characters much resembling Scops asio, but smaller ; form, stout and short ; wing rather long, with the
fourth quill longest ; tail short, slightly curved inwards ; tarsi rather long, fully covered ; toes partially covered, with long
hair-like feathers.
Mult — Ashy brown ; darker on the upper parts, and every feather with a longitudinal stripe of brownish black, and with
BIRDS STRIGINAE OTUS WILSONIANUS.
53
numerous irregular transverse lines and points of the same. Under parts paler or ashy white, with longitudinal stripes of
brownish black, and with irregular lines of the same ; flanks and sides, tinged with pale fulvous. Quills brown, with several
transverse bands of pale reddish white, assuming the form of quadrangular spots on the outer webs, and pale reddish ashy on
the inner webs. Tail ashy brown, with about ten narrow transverse bands on all, except the two central feathers, well defined
on the outer webs ; scapular feathers and some of the greater coverts of the wings edged with white ; bill greenish horn color ;
tip yellowish ; irides yellow.
Young. — Entire plumage rufous ; darker on the head, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; middle of the abdomen,
and under tail coverts white ; tarsi rufous.
Dimensions. — Total length 7j to 8 inches, wing 6, tail 3 inches.
Hab. — Western and Southern North America.
This species is not only related to the common Scops asio of North America, but also to Scops
choliba of South America, and other species of this continent. From S. asio, it can readily be
distinguished by its smaller size and the different shade of color and style of markings, being
darker above, and having the transverse lines on the under surface better defined and more
numerous
In the present collection are two specimens only of this interesting species, both from Texas,
and in mottled plumage. In the collection made by the Mexican Boundary Commission there
is a specimen of this bird in red plumage, like that of S. asio, and is that above described.
A red specimen from Florida we doubtfully refer to the same species.
List of specimens.
6
to
3
09
O
o>
SP
T3
i
M
V
CO
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
J3
-«J
60
3
Extent.
bb
a
£
5857
9171
9147
Indian river, Fla_.
G. Wurdemann
Texas
Omn 1 18
Sept. 9, 1853 ...
Feb. 10, 1854...
Major Emory
A. Schott
Lieut. A. Whipple.
Kennerly& Moll-
8.
18.50
6.00
OTUS, Cuvier.
Otus, CUVIER, Regne Animal, 1, p. 327. (1817.)
General form longer and more slender than in the preceding genera. Head moderate ; ear tufts long, erectile ; bill rather
short, curved from the base ; facial disc more perfect than in the preceding. Wings long ; tail moderate ; tarsi and toes covered
with short feathers ; claws long, curved. Eyes rather small, and surrounded by radiating feathers.
This genus contains ten or twelve species of various countries ; all of which are more hand
some birds than are usually met with in this family.
OTUS WILSONIANUS, Lesson.
The Long-Eared Owl.
Otus Wilsonianus, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. I, p. 110. (1831.)
Otus Jlmericanus, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 7. (1838.)
Strix Americana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 288. (1788?)
Strix perigrinator, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289. (1790?)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 383 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 37 : Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi.
11, fig. 24.
Ear tufts long a-nd conspicuous ; eyes rather small ; wings long ; tarsi and toes densely feathered. Upper parts mottled with
54
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
brownish black, fulvous, and ashy white ; the former predominating. Breast pale fulvous, with longitudinal stripes of brownish
black ; abdomen white ; every feather with a wide longitudinal stripe, and with transverse stripes of brownish black ; legs and
toes pale fulvous, usually unspotted, but frequently with irregular narrow transverse stripes of dark brown. Eye nearly
encircled with black ; other feathers of the face ashy white, with minute lines of black ; ear tufts brownish black, edged with
fulvous and ashy white ; quills pale fulvous at their bases, with irregular transverse bands of brown ; inferior coverts of the
wing pale fulvous, frequently nearly white ; the larger widely tipped with black ; tail brown, with several irregular trans
verse bands of ashy fulvous, which are mottled, as on the quills ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length, female, about fifteen inches ; wing 11 to 11| ; tail 6 inches. Male, rather smaller.
Haft.— The whole of temperate North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philada.
One of the most numerous of the owls of the Atlantic States, and not much less so on the
Pacific. It bears a strong resemblance to the European Otus vulgaris, with which it has been
considered identical by some American authors. We find nothing unusual in the specimens of
the present collection, all being quite identical with the well known bird of the eastern States.
List of specimens.
0
"a
«
Sex and age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
Remarks.
1
Extent.
Ml
C
9143
9144
9145
9146
9142
8243
4536
4538
4537
6916
8635
1
John Day's river, W. T ..
Nov'r 12, ISoIl
Gov. 1. 1. Stevens. .
19
Dr. Suckley
do
do
Eye with orange bor-
Camp 107, New Mexico ..
Fort Benton
100 miles E. Ft. Kearney.
White river, Neb
do
Jan'y 28, 1854
Oct'r 28, 1857
Oct'r 8, 1855
Lt.Whipple
Gov. Stevens.
Wm. M. Magraw. ..
Lt. Warren
do
57
225
KennerlyandMoIl-
Dr. Suckley
14.50
37.50
12.00
Iris yellow ; bill bluish;
8
9
Dr. Hayden
do
Fort Pierre
Oct'r 21, 1855
do
Selkirk settlement, H.B.T.
BRACHYOTUS, Gould.
Brachyolus, GOULD, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1837, p. 10.
Ear tufts very short and inconspicuous. General form rather strong ; wings long ; tail moderate ; legs rather long, which,
with the toes, are fully covered with short feathers ; claws long, very sharp, and rather slender. Head moderate ; eyes rather
small, surrounded by radiating feathers ; facial disc imperfect on the forehead and above the eyes ; tail moderate.
This genus contains four or five species only, the two best known of which are the European
Bracliyotus palustris and the succeeding.
BKACHYOTUS CASSINII, Brewer.
The Short Eared Owl.
Brachyotus Cassinii, BREWER, Proc. Boston Soc. N. H.
Strix brachyntus, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. London, LXII, p. 384, (1772.)
Brachyotus palustris amcricanus, BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 51, (1849.)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. IV, pi. 33, fig. 3 ; Aud B. of Am. pi. 410 : Oct. ed. I, pi .38 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds,
pi, 12, fig. 27.
BIRDS SYRNINAK SYRNIUM.
55
Ear tufts very short. Entire plumage buff or pale fulvous ; every feather on the upper parts with a wide longitudinal stripe
of dark brown, which color predominates on the back. Under parts paler, frequently nearly white on the abdomen, with
longitudinal stripes of brownish black most numerous on the breast ; very narrow and less numerous on the abdomen and flanks ;
legs and toes usually of a deeper shade of the same color as the abdomen. Quills pale reddish fulvous at their bases; brown at
their ends, with wide irregular bands and large spots of reddish fulvous ; tail pale reddish fulvous, with about five irregular
transverse bands of dark brown, which color predominates on the two central feathers ; under tail coverts usually nearly white.
Throat white ; eyes enclosed by large spots of brownish black ; ear tufts brown, edged with fulvous ; bill and claws dark ; irides
yellow.
Total length, female, about 15 inches ; wing, 12 ; tail 6 inches. Male, rather smaller.
Ilab. — The whole of temperate North America, Greenland, (Hollboll,) Cuba, (Lembeye.) Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington,
and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
This owl is of frequent occurrence in the Atlantic States, especially in the winter ; and at
that season appears to prefer meadows and marshes in the vicinity of rivers, or other streams
of water. In the present collection the specimens tend to demonstrate that it is equally
abundant on the Pacific, and we detect no differences in specimens from the opposite coasts of
our continent.
List of specimens.
£
o
Measurements.
o
«
•z
Locality.
When collected.: Whence obtained.
a
Collected by —
•
^
Remarks.
3
a
M
'3>
S,
c
S
c
6
OQ
O
r
S
w
is
4539
^
White river, N.T
Oot'r 9, 1855
Lt. G. K. Warren . .
Dr. Haydeii
15.50
42.25
4634 $
Grindstone creek, N. T. ..
February, 1855
Dr. Hayden
4354 ; Q
8791
N. fork Platte river
August 20, 1857
Win. F. Magraw....
164
Dr. Cooper
14.00
41.50
12.00
Iris yellow
9140
9
Decernb'r,1854
Lt. Trowbridge ...
T. A. Szabo
do
9139
9
do
do
do
do
6888
r?
Suisun valley, Cal
Lt. R. S. Williamson1
Dr. Hcermann
5485
9
M. E Samuels
16.00
39.00
12.00
Sub-Family SYRNINAB.— T h e Gray Owls.
Head large, with very small and concealed ear tufts, or entirely without. Facial disc nearly
perfect ; eyes small for the family of owls ; wings rather short, or not so long as in the pre
ceding ; tarsi and toes generally fully feathered. This group contains some of the largest of
owls ; generally, however, the size is medium, and frequently small.
SYRNIUM, Savigny.
Syrnium, SAVIGNY, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I, p. 112, (1809.)
Size usually large ; head large, without ear tufts ; eyes rather small ; facial disc somewhat imperfect in front. Bill strong,
curved from its base ; wings moderate, somewhat rounded ; fourth and fifth quills longest ; tail rather long, wide, and usually
rounded at the end ; legs moderate, or rather long, which, with the toes, are densely covered with short feathers ; claws long,
strong, very sharp.
Species of this genus inhabit principally the northern parts of the world, and are generally
characterized by the prevalence of gray or cinereous of various shades in their plumage.
56
U S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SYRNIUM CINEREUM, G-melin.
The Great Gray Owl.
Strix cinerea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 291, (1788 )
Strix acclamator, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289, (1790.)
FIGURES.— Fauna Bor. Am., pi. 31 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 351 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 35; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 13, fig. 29.
The largest owl of North America. Head very large ; eyes small ; tail rather long. Upper parts smoky, or ashy brown,
mottled and transversely barred with ashy white ; under parts ashy white, with numerous longitudinal stripes of dark ashy
brown predominating on the breast, and with transverse stripes of the same on the abdomen, legs, and under tail coverts.
Quil's brown, with about five wide irregular bands of ashy white ; tail brown, with five or six wide irregular bands of ashy white,
mottled with dark brown. Feathers of the disc on the neck tipped with white ; eye nearly encircled by a black spot ; radiating
feathers around the eye, with regular transverse narrow bars of dark brown and ashy white ; bill pale yellow ; claws pale
yellowish white, darker at their tips.
Total length, 25 to 30 inches ; wing 18 ; tail 12 to 15 inches.
Hab. — Northern North America. Resident in the vicinity of Montreal, (Dr. A. Hall.) Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and
Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
In the western countries of North America the range of this large owl is not well determined,
but the probability is, that it wanders in the winter over nearly the whole of North America.
It appears to be a constant resident of Canada and other provinces of British America, and has
occasionally been noticed as far south as New Jersey. In the present collection, a single
specimen is from Washington Territory. This is the largest owl yet discovered in North
America, and is one of the largest birds of this family.
List of specimens.
OJ
6
Measurements.
o
cS
£5
fe
a
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
-3
a
Collected by —
jg
-4-a
3
H
tJD
a
60
a
o
q>
CO
O
*
£
9138°
Shoalwater bay W 1
June 10 1854
Gov I. I. Stevens
80
Dr Cooper
25
56.00
6917
Selkirk Settlement,
Mr. D. Gunn
H. B.
•Iris, yellow.
SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM, Forster.
The Barred Owl.
Strix nebulosa, FORSTER, Trans. Philos. Soc. London, LXII, pp. 386, 424, (1772.)
Strix varius, BARTON, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penna. p. 11, (1799.)
FIGURE s.—Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. pi. 17 ; Wilson Am. Orn. IV, pi. 33, fig. 2 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 46 : Oct. ed I, pi. 36 ;
Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 10, fig. 21 ; Gould B. of Eur. I, pi. 46.
Smaller than the preceding ; head large, without ear tufts ; tail rather long. Upper parts light ashy brown, frequently tinged
with dull yellow, with transverse narrow bands of white, most numerous on the head and neck behind, broader on the back.
Breast with transverse bands of brown and white ; abdomen ashy white, with longitudinal stripes of brown ; tarsi and toes ashy
white, tinged with fulvous, generally without spots, but frequently mottled and banded with dark brown. Quills brown with
six or seven transverse bars nearly pure white on the outer webs, and ashy fulvous on the inner webs ; tail light brown, with
about five bands of white, generally tinged with reddish yellow. Discal feathers tipped with white ; face ashy white, with lines
of brown, and a spot of black in front of the eye ; throat dark brown ; claws horn color ; bill pale yellow ; irides bluish black.
Sexes alike.
Total length about 20 inches ; wing 13 to 14 ; tail 9 inches. Sexes nearly of the same size.
Hab — Eastern North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
BIRDS — SYRNINAE NYCTALE ALBIFRONS.
57
Though of frequent occurrence in the States on the Atlantic, this species has not yet been
observed in the countries west of the Rocky mountains. The only specimen in the present
collection is from the Territory of Nebraska, and is of especial interest as demonstrating the
most western locality yet determined for this bird.
List of specimens.
M
6
Measurements.
6
a
fc
a
Locality. When collected, wnence obtained.
a
Collected by —
•
Remarks.
i3
a
3>
c
be
^
•—
*j
,s
o
02
0
>J
K
^
4607
9
Missouri river !
Lt. G. K. Warren . .
Dr. Hayden
19.00.
40.75
13.50
8686
9
Independence, Mo. ......
June 22, 1857
Wm. M. Magraw . . .
90 Dr. Cooper
17.00
45.50
13.00 Iris brown, bill and
4357
NYCTALE, Brehm.
Nyctale, BREHM, Isis, 1828, p. 1271.
Size small. Head with very small ear tufts, only observable when erected ; eyes small ; bill moderate or not very strong ;
facial disc nearly perfect. Wings rather long ; tail short ; legs and toes densely feathered.
Contains five species of small and quite peculiar owls, four of which are American and one
European.
NYCTALE RICHARDSONI, Bonaparte.
Nyctale Richardsoni, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 7, (1838.)
" Strix Tengmalmi, GM." Aud. Orn. Biog. IV, p. 559, and other American authors.
FIGURES. — Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, pi. 32 ; AUD. B. of Am. pi. 380 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 32.
The largest of this genus, wings long. Upper parts pale reddish brown tinged with olive, and with partially concealed spots
of white, most numerous on the head and neck behind, scapulars, and rump. Head in front with numerous spots of white ; face
white, with a spot of black in front of the eye ; throat with brown stripes. Under parts ashy white, with longitudinal stripes of
pale reddish brown ; legs and toes pale yellowish, nearly white, sometimes barred and spotted with brown. Quills brown, with
small spots of white on their outer edges and large spots of the same on their inner webs ; tail brown, every feather with about
ten pairs of white spots ; bill light yellowish horn color ; irides yellow.
Total length about 10£ inches ; wing, 7£ inches ; tail, 4£ inches.
Hab. — Northern North America, Canada, (Dr. Hall,) Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy.) Spec, in Mus. Acad. Philada. and Nat. Mus
Washington.
Entirely a northern species, common at Hudson bay, but of rare occurrence within the limits
of the United States. The only notice of it as a western species is by Dr. Townsend, who gives
it as a bird of Oregon
This species is nearly related to the European Nyctale funerea, and both have been called
Strix Tengmalmi by various authors.
NYCTALE ALBIFRONS, Shaw.
Strix albifrons, SHAW, Nat. Misc. V. (not paged, 1794.)
Strix frontalis, LICHTENSTEIN, Trans. Acad. Berlin, 1838, p. 430.
Nyctale Kirtlandii, HOY, Proc. Acad. Philada. VI, p. 210, (1852.)
FIGURES. — Shiw Nat. Misc. V, pi. 171 ; Cassin B. of Cal. and Texas, I, pi. 11.
Small, wing rather long ; tail short. Head, upper portion of breast, and entire upper parts dark chocolate brown ; forehead
and eyebrows white. Throat and a line on each side running downwards from the base of the under mandible white ; other
58
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — /OOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
under parts of the body reddish ochre yellow. Quills dark brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges and large spots
of the same on their inner webs ; tail dark brown, with two transverse bands of white, and narrowly tipped with the same ; bill
and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length about 8 inches ; wing, 5£ inches ; tail, 3 inches.
Hab.— Northern North America, Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy,) Canada, (Dr. Hall,) Western, (Prof. Lichtenstein.) Spec, in Mus.
Acad. Philadelphia, and Nat. Mus. Washington.
This is a species lost sight of by naturalists for upwards of half a century, and until brought
to light through the researches of Dr. Hoy, of Eacine, Wisconsin, who is the only naturalist by
whom it has been obtained within the limits of the United States. It has been noticed also by
Dr. A. Hall in the vicinity of Montreal, Canada. It is given by Professor Lichtenstein in tho
Transactions of the Berlin Academy, as above cited, as a bird of California ; but he regards it
as identical with N. acadica, and with reference to locality may allude only to the latter species.
This bird is about the size of Nyctale acadica, but is quite distinct, and, in fact, bears but little
lesemblance to that species. We have no doubt that it is the true Strix albifrons, Shaw, as
above cited. It is probably a northern and northwestern species.
NYCTALE ACADICA, Gmelin.
Saw-whet Owl.
Strix acadica, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 296, (1788.)
Strix acadiensis, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, pi. 65, (1790.)
" Strix passerina, LINN." Wilson, Am. Orn. IV, p. 66.
Strix dalhousiei, HALL, MSS. Macgillivray ed. of Cuvier's Reg. An. Birds pi. 8, fig. 3, name on plate, (Edinburg, 1839.)
FIGURES.— Lath. Gen. Syn. I, pi. 5, fig. 2 ; Wilson Am. Orn. IV, pi. 34, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 199 : Oct. ed. 1, pi. 33 ;
Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 11, fig. 23.
Small, wings long, tail short. Upper parts reddish brown tinged with olive ; head in front with fine lines of white, and on
the neck behind, rump, and scapulars with large partially concealed tspots of while. Face ashy white ; throat white ; under
parts ashy white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish brown ; under coverts of wings and tail white. Quills brown, with
small spots of white on their outer edges, and large spots of the same on their inner webs ; tail brown, every feather with about
three pairs of spots of white ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length about 7| to 8 inches ; wing, 5£ inches ; tail, 2J to 3 inches ; sexes nearly the same size and alike in colors.
Hub.— The whole of temperate North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
This is the smallest owl found in the eastern and middle States of North America, and is
probably an inhabitant of the entire temperate regions of this division of the continent. Speci
mens in the present collection are from Texas and from Washington Territory. We have
known it to be found also in California, where very probably it is of as frequent occurrence as at
the same latitude on the Atlantic.
List of specimens.
i
1
0
~S Locality.
CO
1
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by—
Measurements.
c
Extent.
UemarKs.
ei
-5
9152
9151
5039
Fort Vancouver, W. T. . .
Fort Dalles, O. T
Fub'ry 3, 1854
Dec'r 7, 1853
Gov. I. I. Stevens.
do
Capt. Pope
do
8.50
20.50
BIRDS ATHENINAE ATHENE HYPUG^SA. 59
Sub-Family ATHENINAE— T h e Bird Owls.
Size small ; facial disc very imperfect, or nearly obsolete ; tarsi generally partially or but
thinly covered with feathers ; head without ear tufts. The birds of this group are generally
small, and are not so nocturnal in their habits as those of the preceding divisions.
ATHENE, Boie.
Athene, BOIE, Isis, 1822, p. 549.
Small ; head moderate, without ear tufts ; wings rather long ; tail rather short ; facial disc nearly obsolete. Bill short ; legs
rather long, thinly covered with short feathers ; toes naked, or with a few hair-like feathers. This genus contains about forty
species of small owls inhabiting all parts of the world.
ATHENE HYPUG^EA, Bonaparte.
The Burrowing Owl.
Strix hypvgcca, BONAP. Am. Orn., 1, p. 72. (1825.)
Athene socialis, GAMBEL, Proc. Acad. Philada. Ill, p. 47. (1846.)
FIGURES. — Bonap. Am. Orn. I, pi. 7, fig. 2 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 432, fig. 1 : Oct. ed. 1, p. 31, (upper figure.)
Tarsi long, slender, thinly covered in front only with short feathers, generally with its lower half nearly bare, and frequently
almost entirely naked, and with small circular scales laterally and posteriorly ; toes with a few hairs.
Adult. — Upper parts light ashy brown, with numerous partially concealed circular, cordate, and ovate spots of dull white,
which spots are enclosed with a narrow edge of dark brown. Throat white ; a transverse band of dark brown and reddish
white on the neck in front, succeeded by a large patch of white ; breast light brown, with large spots of white, like the upper
parts ; abdomen yellowish, with transverse narrow bands of reddish brown ; under tail coverts, feathers of the tibia and tarsus,
and under wing coverts yellowish white. Quills Tght brown, with semi-circular spots of reddish white on their outer webs,
and with oval or irregular spots of the same on their inner webs. Tail light brown, with about five or six irregular transverse
bands of yellowish white. Bill dark blueish at base, yellow at tip and on the ridge of the upper mandible. This is the most
mature plumage, and is that represented in Audubon's figure cited above. The most usual plumage is, however, as follows :
Adult. — Upper parts like the preceding, but lighter colored, and much more tinged with dull yellow, having generally a faded
or bleached appearance. White spots more numerous and irregular in shape, and frequently giving the predominating color
to the head. Rump and tail strongly tinged with reddish. Under parts like the preceding, but lighter, and with the reddish
brown of the abdomen assuming the form of semi circular or hastate spots. This plumage has very nearly thesame characters
as the preceding, but is lighter and has a faded appearance, and is much the most frequently met with in specimens. This
plumage is not figured.
Another plumage is : Upper parts much less tinged with yellow or reddish, being nearly light grayish brown ; white spots
very irregular in shape. Abdomen nearly pure white, or tinged with yellowish, with traces only or but few spots of reddish
brown. This plumage is given in Bonaparte's plate, cited above ; but it is unusual for the abdomen to be so nearly pure white
and unspotted as represented.
Total length, female, (of skin,) about 9| inches, wing 7, tail 3£ inches. Male, total length, about 9 inches, wing 6|, tail
3 inches.
Hab. — From the Mississippi river to the Rocky mountains. Mexico. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad.
Philadelphia.
In this species the feathers on the tarsus are restricted to a narrow longitudinal band or stripe
in front, generally quite imperfect in the lower, half, leaving that portion nearly bare to the
toes, though it is quite unusual to find the tarsus so entirely uncovered, as represented in
Audubon's figure cited above. This bird is rather smaller than the succeeding, and has the
tarsus shorter as well as much less feathered. It inhabits the countries east of the liocky
mountains, while the next species appears to be formed exclusively west of the same range.
The two species are not difficult to distinguish, on comparison.
GO
U. S. P. R. R. EX P. AND SURVEVS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
£
£
6
K
do
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by—
Measurements.
.Remarks.
.£
60
B
3
Extent.
9
£
9166
4651
5183
518-2
'5184
5590
5591
«065
9067
9066
6767
9164
5038
4976
4136
9167
C?
9
£
9
S
c?
oc?
Oc?
9
Fort Beaton
Fort Pieire
. do
Sept. 20, 1853
April 5, 1855
June 25, 1856
June — , 1856
Gov. Stevens
Col. A. Vaughan. .
I.t. G. K. Warren ..
do
Dr. Buckley
Dr. Ha> den
do
do
9.20
9.00
9.00
23.00
2'J.oO
22.50
6.25
6.50
6.50
Iris yellow
do
. do . ...
do
do
do
Platte rivt.T
Lt. F. T.Bryan....
do
351
W. S. Wood
do
9.50
Running Water.
Aug. 14, 1857
Aug. 4, 1857
Aug. 3, 1857
L,t. G. K. Warren ..
do
do
Wni. M. Magraw. . .
Col. Graham
Cant. J. Pone
140
Dr. Ilayden
do
do
9.50
9.00
9.00
9.00
6.50
24.50
23.25
22.25
23.50
9.50
7.25
6.75
6.00
6.75
23.50
do
do
Iris yellow ; bill gray
ish
do
35 miles west of Fort
Kearney.
Fort Dnvisi
J. H. Clark
; Dr. T. C. II«nrv
Fl Pii^o
Col. J. D. Graham.. 25
J. II. Clark
Fort Chadbourne, Texas..
Dr. Swift, U. S. A..
Lt. Couch
Dr. Henry
ATHENE CUNICULARIA, Molina.
Burrowing Owl.
Strix cunicularia, MOLINA, Sagg. Slor. Nat. Chili, (1782.)
Strix californica, AUD. B. of Am. pi. 432, fig. 2, (name on plate.)
Athene pataronica, PEALE, Zool. U. S. Ex. Exp. Vincennes, Birds, p. 78. (1848.)
FIGURES. — Aud. B. of Am. pi. 432, fig. 2 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 31, (lower figure.)
Resembling the preceding, but larger ; tarsus longer, and more fully feathered in front to the toes. Varieties of plumage the
same, but that first described most usually met with and more common than in the preceding.
Mull. — Upper parts light ashy brown, with large spots of dull white enclosed in edgings of brownish black. Throat white ; a
transverse band of brownish black and reddish white feathers across the neck in front, succeeded by a large patch of white.
Breast light brown, with large spots of white like the upper parts ; abdomen yellowish white, with hastate or crescent-shaped
spots of reddish brown disposed to form transverse bands ; under tail covert?, tibise, and tarsus, and under wing coverts
yellowish white ; quills and tail light brown, with spots of reddish white, edged (the spots) with brownish black ; tail wi'Ji
about six transverse bands or pairs of spots of reddish white, enclosed or edged with dark brown. This is the plumage repre
sented in Audubon's plate above cited, and is more commonly met with than the same plumage in the preceding species. It is
very probably the mature plumage. Another plumage is : Adult? Like that just described, but much lighter, and tinged with
dull yellow, or ochre, having a faded or bleached appearance. This plumage is not so frequent as in the preceding species.
Another plumage is : Younger? Upper parts light greyish brown, with white spots very irregular in shape and confused, and
frequently predominating on the head. Abdomen nearly unspotted, yellowish white, or with traces only of spots or bands.
Total length, female, about 10* inches ; wing, 7 to 7| inches ; tail, 3^ to 4 inches. Male rather smaller.
Hab.— North America, west of the Rocky mountains, South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington and Mus. Acad.
Philadelphia.
This owl may be immediately distinguished from the preceding by the more full feathering
of the tarsus, generally continued without interruption to the toes. The tarsus is also longer,
and in size the present bird is rather the larger. All these characters are well given in
Audubon's plate, cited above, though it is not very common to find the present bird with the
BIRDS ATHENINAE GLAUCIDIUM.
61
tarsus so completely covered, nor the preceding with it so bare as represented, in his figures,
which appear, however, to be intended to represent the two species here described.
After careful examination and comparison of the specimens in the present collection with
others from various parts of western South America, we can detect no differences whatever, all
of them being apparently quite identical. The inspection of specimens of the present bird
may have induced the Prince Bonaparte to alter his views respecting the distinctness of the
North American from the South American bird, which he does in Annals of the New York
Lyceum of Natural History, 11, p. 435, (1826,) when he declares his conviction of their
identity, and proposes to withdraw his proposed name, Strix hypugcea. This name is, however,
applicable to the preceding species, which is distinct, though never before so given by any
American author.
Our friend, Colonel George A. McCall, late inspector general in the United States army, has
constantly assured us_, for several years past, that the two species given above were distinct, and
readily distinguished from each other, and he designated the characters of each, and the
difference in their localities. In the present large collection we find the views of this very
accurate naturalist confirmed in the most conclusive manner.
List of specimens.
6
fc
"rt
«->
O
to
T3
C
a
X
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by—
Measurements.
Remarks.
I
Extent
ti
^c
4396
4397
5486
5190
419b
6681
5896
5897
9168
4627
4911
4912
43JO
4614
9169
91U8
Fort Dalles, Oregon
do
Dr. Geo. Suckley...
do
160
9.75
26.00
24.00
7.75
7.27
9
Petaluma, Cal 1
do
do
79
Mr. R. D. Cutls....
o
Lt. R.S.Williamson
Los Angrles, Cal March 4, 1854
San Miguel, Cal
Lt. A. Whipplo....
Lt. Trowbridge
Dr J. F. Hammond.
do
191
KennerlyandMoll-
10.00
10.00
25.00
23.50
7.00
6.75
Iris yellow
do
do
Major Emory
do
A. Schott
do
do
Uncompagre river, Utah . .
Nov'r 9, 1854
do
Lt. E. Beckwith
6
do
GLAUCIDIUM, Boie.
Glaucidium, BOTE, Isis, 1826, p. 970.
Size very small ; head moderate, without ear-tufts ; wings moderate, or rather short ; tail short ; facial disk nearly obsolete
bill short, rather wide, strong ; tarsi fully feathered ; claws rather long, curved, very sharp.
This genus contains a few species only, amongst which are the smallest of known owls.
U. S. P R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT
GLAUCIDIUM GNOMA, Wagler.
The Pigmy Owl.
Glaucidium gnoma, WAGLER, Isis, XXV, p. 275, (1832.)
" Strix passerinoides, TEMM ," AUD. Orn. Biog. V, p. 271.
" Strix infuscata, TEMM.," CASSIV, B. of Cal. & Texas, I, p. 189.
Glaucidium Californicum, SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1857, p. 4.
FIGURES.— Aud. B. of Am., pi. 432, figs. 4, 5 : octavo edition, I, pi. 30.
The smallest owl known to inhabit North America. Wing rather short ; fourth quill longest ; tail rather long ; tarsi densely
feathered ; toes partially covered with hairs. Spot before the eye, and extending over it, white. Entire upper parts brownish
olive, with small circular spots of dull white or pale rufous numerous on the head, and largest on the scapulars. An irregular
and partially concealed band of white on the neck behind, succeeded by another of black. Throat white ; a band of brownish
olive across the neck and breast ; other under parts white, with longitudinal stripes of dark olive brown ; quills dark brown,
with small spots of dull white on their outer webs, and large circular or oval spots of white on their inner webs ; tail dark
brown, with about six or seven pairs of circular or oval spots of white on every feather ; larger on the inner webs. Under wing
coverts white, with black spots disposed to form a longitudinal or oblique stripe; bill light greenish yellow ; claws light horn
color ; irides yellow. Sexes nearly alike ; female with rather larger and more numerous spots of white on the upper parts.
Dimensions. — Female, total length about 7 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 3 inches. Male, total length about 6| inches ; wing 3| ;
tail 2J inches.
//aft. — Oregon, California, Mexico. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Acad. Sci. Philadelphia.
All the specimens of this rare and curious little owl are from Oregon and Washington Terri
tories, and it does not appear to have been noticed in California by either of the surveying
parties. It has, however, previously been obtained in that State, and is also very probably an
inhabitant of Mexico.
In our synopsis of North American owls, (in Birds of California and Texas, I, p. 175,)
we have noticed this bird, under the name of Glaucidium infascatum, regarding it as the Strix
infuscata, Temminck. At the suggestion of Mr. Philip Lutley Sclater, a distinguished orni
thologist, of London, who alludes to this species in Proceedings of the Zoological Society of
London, 1857, p. 4, we find his conclusion quite correct, that the two names Strix infuscata and
Strix passerinoides were applied by Temminck to the same species, which is South American.
The name given by Wagler, however, we regard as undoubtedly applicable to this bird, and
give it accordingly as Glaucidium gnoma, (Wagler,) which had previously cited as a synonyme
in our synopsis alluded to above.
This species very much resembles the South American owl, above alluded to. It appears to
be, however, lighter colored, and, perhaps, rather smaller. In the present bird the spots on the
upper parts of the plumage are smaller and more inclined to be circular, and a black stripe is
quite distinct on the under coverts of the wing, which we have found but very obscurely indi
cated in either of numerous specimens of G. infuscatum, (or G. passerinoides,} now before us.
For the present, we regard the northern and the southern as distinct, but nearly related, species.
This little owl appears to be exclusively western and southern.
List of specimens.
0 !
o K
fc Locality.
i : '
K
O 02
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Origiaal No.
Collected by —
Measurements.
Remnrks.
si
e
3
Extent
6JD
jg
4395 ^ Fort Steilacoom, W. T. ..
Dr. Geo. Sucklcy...
189
585.5 Q ~....do do !
91G2 Q Shoalwater Bay
do
Gov. Stevens
630
111
34
Dr. Coopor
Dr. J. S. Newberry.
7.50
7.50
14.00
14.00
3.80
Iris yellow; bill and
feet pale yellow ....
4515 3* Cascade mountains, Or.
Lt. R. S. Williamson
John Gould
8002 +r-, California !
BIRDS NYCTEININAE NYCTEA NIVEA. G3
Sub-Family NYCTEININAE— T h e Day Owls.
General form compact and robust. Head moderate, without ear tufts; wings and tail rather
long ; tarsi strong, which, with the toes, are more densely covered than in any other division
of this family.
This division embraces two species only, which inhabit the arctic regions of both continents,
migrating southward in the winter.
NYCTEA, Stephens.
Nyctea, STEPHENS, Cont. of Shaw's Zool. XIII, p. 62, (1826.)
Large ; head rather large, without ear tufts ; no facial disc ; legs rather short, and with the toes covered densely with long
hair-like feathers, nearly concealing the claws. Bill short, nearly concealed by projecting feathers, very strong ; wings long ;
tail moderate, or rather long, wide ; claws strong, fully curved. Contains one species only.
NYCTEA NIVEA, Daudin.
The Snowy Owl; The White Owl.
Strix nivea, BAUD. Traite d'Orn. II, p. 190, (1800.)
Strix nyctea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 132, (1766.)
Strix Candida, LATH. Ind. Orn. Supp. p. 14, (1801.)
Strix erminca, SHAW, Gen. Zool. VII, p. 251, (1809.)
Strix arctica, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289, (1791, but not of Sparrman, 1789.)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. IV, pi. 32, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 121: oct. ed. I, pi. 28 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi.
9, fig. 20 ; Gould B. of Eur. I, pi. 43.
Bill nearly concealed by projecting plumes ; eyes large. Entire plamage white, frequently with a few spots, or imperfect
bands, only on the upper parts, dark brown, and on the under parts, with a few irregular and imperfect bars of the same ; quills
and tail with a few spots or traces of bands of the same dark brown. The prevalence of the dark brown color varies much in
different specimens ; frequently both upper and under parts are very distinctly banded transversely, and sometimes this color
predominates on the back. Plumage of the legs and toes, pure snowy white ; bill and claws dark horn color ; irides yellow.
Total length, 24 to 27 inches ; wing 16 to 17 ; tail 10 inches.
Hab. — Northern regions of both continents, migrating southward in the winter. Resident in Canada, (Dr. A. Hall,)
Greenland, (Holboll,) South Carolina, Kentucky, (Audubon,) Bermuda, (Jardine.) Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and
Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
The large size and white plumage of this owl render it a conspicuous species when met with
in the woods, or during its winter wanderings, and also when prepared for the museum. It is
an abundant species in the northern regions, and has been observed at the highest northern
latitude yet attained by voyagers. In the winter it migrates over nearly the whole of Europe
and North America, and is frequently to be met with in the Northern and Middle United States,
varying greatly in numbers in different years. According to Dr. A. Hall, of Montreal, Canada,
this fine species is resident in that province, making its nest on the ground.
This bird presents considerable variety of plumage, according to the greater or less number
of the dark transverse bands which are present, to more or less extent, in the majority of
specimens, sometimes prevailing on the upper parts of the body. Frequently, however, these
bands are so few and indistinct that the bird is almost pure and snowy white. Audubon 's plate
represents this owl unusually dark; Wilson's figure is, in plumage, more usually met with,
and is more truthful.
64
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SURNIA, Dumeril.
Surnia, DUMERIL, Zoologie Analytique, p. 34, (1806.)
General form rather long, but robust ; size, medium. Head moderate, without ear tufts ; facial disc obsolete ; bill moderate,
curved from the base, covered with projecting plumes ; wings long ; tail long, wide, graduated ; legs rather short, and with the
toes densely feathered ; contains one species only, which inhabits the arctic regions of both continents.
SUENIA ULULA, Linnaeus.
The Hawk Owl ; The Day Owl.
Slrix ululft, LIVN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 133. (1766.,
Strix hudsonia, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 295. (J.788.)
Strix doliata, PALLAS, Zoog. Ross. As. I, p. 316. (1811.)
" Slrix funerea, LINN." — AUBUBON.
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Om. VI, pi. 50, fig. 6 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 378 : Oct. ed. I, pi. 27 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi.
9, fig. 19 ; Gould B. of Eur. I, pi.
Wings rather long ; first three quills incised on their inner webs ; tail long, with its central feathers about two inches
longer than the outer ; tarsi and toes densely feathered. Upper parts fuliginous brown, with numerous partially concealed
circular spots of white on the neck behind scapulars and wing coverts. Face grayish white ; throat white, with longitudinal
stripes of dark brown ; a large brown spot on each side of the breast ; other under parts with tran>verse lines or stripes of pale
ashy brown ; quills and tail brown, with transverse bands of white ; bill pale yellowish ; irides yellow. Color of upper parts
darker on the head, and the white markings more or less numerous in different specimens.
Total length, female, 16 to 17 inches ; wing 9, tail 7 inches. Male rather smaller.
#„(,. — Northern regions of both continents ; Canada, (Dr. Hall ;) Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy ;) Massachusetts, (Dr. Brewer.)
Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
This bird inhabits the arctic regions, and has been noticed as far north as explorers or
navigators have penetrated, migrating more southwardly in the winter season. It does not,
however, wander so extensively as the snowy owl, (Nyctea nivea,*) and is rarely seen as far south
as Pennsylvania. From the western countries of North America we have never seen this species.
This remarkable bird partakes of the general appearance and habits also of both an owl and
a falcon, and is represented as being, to a considerable extent, diurnal in its habits, venturing
abroad boldly by daylight. Specimens from northern America and from northern Europe and
Asia are quite identical.
List of specimens.
d
fc
3
cS
O
s
%
'O
a
X
&
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
A
^
a
'M
o
Collected by —
Measurements.
g
to
a
3
Extent.
to
g
£
6912
6913
6914
8000
Nelson river, H.B.T
Red river settlem't.
do
D Gunn
. do
do
Saskatchewan
John Gould
7084
The preceding descriptions embrace all the owls known to inhabit North America, and with
this family we close the order of rapacious birds.
ORDEK II.
The essential peculiarities of the Scansores, as already stated, are to be found in the arrange
ment of the toes in pairs, (called zygodactyle,) two of them anterior and two posterior, although
one of the latter is sometimes wanting. If we include the parrots among the other zygodactyle
birds, there will be found two types of bill : one simple, as in the woodpeckers, the other, as in
the parrots, with a soft skin at the base similar to the cere of the Raptores. The tail usually
consists of twelve feathers, although but ten occur in some forms and eight in others. The
primaries are always ten in number.
There is considerable diversity in the scutellation of the feet and legs. In the parrots, the
whole tarsus is covered with small reticulated plates ; in the other families, however, the
anterior half of the tarsus is usually provided with a series of large transverse scutellae, the
sides and posterior edge with smaller ones, either reticulated, polygonal, or quadrate.
The vocal muscles are but little developed in the Scansores, and the voice, in consequence, is
harsh and without melody.
The North American Scansores are divisible into four families, having the following characters,
as given by Burmeister :
PSITTACTDAE or Parrots. — Bill high, thick, and arched, the tip hooked, and the base with a soft
skin or cere, as in the hawks. The tarsi covered with small granulated plates. Tail feathers
twelve.
TROGONiDAEor Trogons. — Bill short, broad, and encompassed at the base by long, stiff bristles.
Feet very small ; the tarsi with broad plates ; the inner anterior toe turned backwards. Tail
with twelve feathers.
CUCULIDAE or Cuckoos. — Bill thin, usually slender, and rather long ; the tip more or less
decurved ; the base usually without rictal bristles. Tarsi usually rather long, clothed with
broad plates anteriorly. The tail feathers usually ten, sometimes eight or twelve, all long.
PICIDAE or Woodpeckers. — Bill straight, rigid, and chisel-shaped at the tip, the base without
rictal bristles. The feet are stout, and clothed anteriorly with broad plates. Tail feathers
twelve ; the exterior very small and concealed.
66 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Family PSITTACIDAE. The Parrots.
The family of parrots is one so strongly marked as to be familiar to every one. The peculi
arities belonging to it are very many, and the differences from other forms so great as almost to
warrant its erection into a distinct order, as has been done by Bonaparte, who, in addition,
places it at the head of his system, separated from the typical Scansores by the rapacious birds.
The parrots are very extensively distributed throughout the warmer portions of America,
although the United States includes but a single species, as far as known. A second species,
Rliynchopsitta pachyrhyncha,1 inhabits the table land of Mexico, and probably extends to within
a hundred miles of our frontier. The other Mexican species, according to Sclater, (Pr. Zool.
Soc. 1857, 230,) are Ara militaris, Conurus petzii and astec, Pionus senilis, Psittacula lineolata,
and Chrysotis autumnalis, viridigenalis, and ochroptera. Some of these may extend their range
northward, and even occasionally occur within our limits.
CONURUS, Kuhl.
Conurus, KUHL, Consp. Psittac. 4, 1830.— IB. Nova Acta K. L. C. Acad. X, 1830.
Tail long, conical, and pointed ; bill stout; cheeks feathered, but in some species leaving a naked ring round the eye ; cere
feathered to the base of the bill.
The preceding diagnosis, though not very full, will serve to indicate the essential character
istics of the genus among the American forms with long pointed tails, the most prominent
feature consisting in the densely feathered, not naked, cheeks. But one species belongs to the
United States, though, as already stated, two others are found in Mexico, and many more in
South and Central America.
1 The following description of this species, taken from Swainson, will serve to identify it, if ever captured within our limits :
RHYNCHOPSITTA PACHYRHYNCHA, Bon.
Thick-billed Parrot.
Macrocercus pachyrhynchus, Sw. Syn. Birds Mex. in Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 439, No. 79.
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, BON. Tableau des Perroqucts, Rev. et Mag. deZool. 1854, 149.
Psittacus pascha, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 524.
SP. CH.— Green front ; eyebrows and ridge of shoulders red ; cheeks plumed ; tail feathers broad and obtuse. Wing 10
inches ; middle tail feathers 5.25 ; curve of upper mandible 2.00 ; depth of under mandible 1 inch. Hob. — Table lands of Mex.
Sw. Syn. Birds Mex. in Philos. Mag. 1827.
A specimen of this species is in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, labelled Rio Grande, Texas,
J. W. Audubon. If really taken within the limits of the United States, it is probably of very rare occurrence.
BIEDS — PSITTACIDAE CONURUS CAROLINENSIS. 67
CONURUS CAROLINENSIS, Kuhl.
Parakeet; Carolina Parrot.
Psittaca carollnensix, BRISSON, Orriith. II, 1762, 138.
Psittacus carolinensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 97; 1766, 141, (nee SCOPOLI.)— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 89
pi. xxvi, fig. 1.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 135, pi. 26.
Conurus carolinensis, KUHL, Nova Acta K. L. C. 1830. — BON. List. 1838. — PR. MAX. Cabanis Journ. fiir Orn.
V, March, 1851, 97.
Centwus carolinensis, AUD. Syn. 1839, 189.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 306, pi. 278.
Psiltccus ludovicianus, GM. Syst. I, 1788, 347.
Carolina parrot, CATESBY, Car. I, tab. xi . — LATHAM, Syn. I, 227. — PENNANT, II, 242.
Orange-headed parrot, LATHAM, Syn. I, 304.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck all round gamboge yellow; the forehead, from above the eyes, with the sides of the head, pale
brick red. Body generally and tail green, with a yellowish tinge beneath. Outer webs of primaries bluish green, yellow at
the base ; secondary coverts edged with yellowish. Edge of wing yellow, tinged with red ; tibiae yellow. Bill white. Legs
flesh color. Length about 13 inches ; wing 7.50; tail 7.10. Young with head and neck green.
Hab. — Southern and southwestern States, as far west as the Missouri.
In the specimens before me I have been unable to detect any difference between the sexes ;
the young I have not had the opportunity of examining, but Audubon states that the head and
neck are green.
The description by Linnaeus of Psittacus carolinensis presents nothing characteristic of this
species, being based on a defective figure of Catesby. Brisson's indication is, however, unmis
takable. The P. pertinax of Linnreus has usually been considered as the young of the Carolina
parrot, but it proves to be a distinct South American species, without any red on the head.
This species on the Atlantic slope has been seen, at rare intervals, as far north as Pennsyl
vania, though rare at the present day even in South Carolina. Westward they occur high up
on the Missouri, though none have been collected or seen by any recent expeditions much west
of that river. Barton, in his Fragments of the Natural History of Pennsylvania, page 6, says
that a very large flock was met with in January, 1*780, about twenty-five miles northwest of
Albany, and caused great terror in the minds of the Dutch settlers, who imagined that they
portended the destruction of the world.
O. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
3
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•(•_ — —
BIRDS TROGONIDAE TROGON MEXICANUS. 69
Family TROGONIDAE. TheTrogons.
In continuation of the diagnosis already given of this family, it may be stated that the bill is
much shorter than the head, broadly triangular, with the tip hooked and dentate. Nasal fossae
concealed ; the base of both mandibles with long, stiff bristles directed forwards ; the eyelids,
also, with similar bristles. Wings short, rounded ; the quills falcate, much graduated. Tail
elongated ; the feathers broad. Legs very feeble ; the tarsus short, and hidden in the plumage.
The inner anterior toe is versatile, or directed backwards, instead of the outer, as in all other
Scansores.
TROGON, Mo eh ring.
Trogon " MOEHRING, Genera Avium, 1752."
Bill broad, both mandibles with the cutting edge serrated ; plumage soft and lax, the upper tail coverts not reaching beyond
the middle of the tail and but little beyond the tip of the folded wing. The wing coverts are short ; the lateral tail feathers gradu
ated. Anterior toes united beyond the first joint.
The genus Trogon, as above characterized, is distinguished from Calurus (Pharomacrus) by
the short upper tail coverts, which do not project in a long train far beyond the true tail. The
even tail feathers distinguish it from Temnurus, its other American ally.
TROGON MEXICANUS, Swain son.
Mexican Trogon.
Trogon mexicanus, SWAINSON, Syn. Birds Mex. Taylor's Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 440. — WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 524. —
GOULD, Mon. Trogonidae, 1838 ; pi. i, adult male, and pi. ii, female and young male.
Sp. CH. — Golden green above and on the neck all around. Forehead, chin, and side of head, black. Under parts carmine red ;
a narrow pectoral collar and the edges of the wings white. Outer tail feathers white, their middle portion dotted or barred with
black. Middle feathers coppery, with or without a terminal bar of black.
Length, 10.75 ; wing, 5.25 ; tail, 6.75. Hob. — Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande.
4338. — The entire upper parts of this species, with the neck and upper part of the breast,
are of a rich lustrous metallic golden green, with occasional coppery reflections, especially on
the scapulars. The forehead, sides of the head around the eyes, the chin, and upper part of the
throat, are dull black, with perhaps a bluish shade. The wing coverts are finely mottled black
and white ; the quills are brown, with the outer webs edged with white. The entire under
parts are of a rich carmine red; the feathers with concealed white just below the red; a narrow
white collar separates the green of the breast from the carmine. The outer three tail feathers
are white for most of their length, and dusky towards the base, especially on the inner webs.
For about the terminal inch the white is pure, elsewhere it is finely dotted with black. The
two middle feathers are greenish coppery, abruptly tipped for about an inch with black ; the
remaining ones are similar, but with more of a violet tinge. A second specimen (4339) has
rather more white on the breast. The middle tail feathers lack the terminal band of black.
The external tail feathers, (except the second,) instead of being finely mottled, are barred
transversely with black.
The feathers on the rump of this and probably other species of Trogon have the shafts
70
U. S. P. R. K. EXP AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
thickened and stiffened so as even to be spinous, this character perceptible in the feathers on
the back, though diminishing towards the head.
According to Gould, fully adult specimens of this species have the three outer tail feathers
entirely black, with white tips, the narrow bars being characteristic of immaturity, as are also a
greater distinctness of the freckles on the wing and the white edgings to the primaries not
found in the adult.
In the female the green tints are said to be replaced by brownish, as also the upper part of
the carmine ; the hinder portion of the under parts is as in the male. The white pectoral
crescent is also indicated by grayish.
The Trogon elegans is somewhat similar to this species, but has a longer tail.
In the monograph of Trogonidae, Gould figures his Trogon ambiguus from northern Mexico,
distinguished by the finer mottling on the wing and the replacing of the narrow bars on the
tail feathers by black dottings. This is precisely the character of No. 4338, which would,
therefore, if distinct, bear this name. As, however, the other characters are so similar, it
would seem as if the ambiguus were merely another stage of plumage of T. mexicanus, A speci
men labelled Trogcn ambiguus, in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, differs, however,
in having a much greener gloss to the feathers of the body. The black of the forehead extends
further on the crown. The middle tail feathers are more green than coppery ; the carmine of
the belly is less intense. The mottling of the wings and tail is much the same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
0 g-
No.
L'gth.
Ex
tent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tar
sus.
Mid'Io
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Alonjr
gape.
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
4338
6
Boquillo, New
April, 1853
Lt. Couch ...
138
10.75
16.25
5.05
do
Leon, Mex.
11.50
5.10
6 75
.61
.90
.26
.65
85
bill yel'w.
4339
3
do
April, 1853
Lt. Couch . . .
145
11.25
14. 2£
5.00
Fresh . .
do
do
12.00
5.00
6.75
.60
.70
Dry skin.
BIRDS — CUCULIDAE — CROTOPHAGA RUGIROSTRIS. 71
Family CUCULIDAE. The Cuckoos.
Bill compressed, gently curved, sometimes attenuated, and generally lengthened. A few bristles at the base of the bill or
none. Tarsi lengthened ; toes rather short. Tail long and soft, of 8 to 12 feathers.
The preceding diagnosis covers a great variety of forms, although those found within the
United States embrace hut three genera, which may he indicated as follows, each forming the
type of a sub-family :
A. Tail feathers eight ; face naked.
CROTOPHAGA. — Bill shorter than the head. Very high, and much compressed.
B. Tail feathers ten ; face covered with feathers.
GEOCOCCYX. — Bill longer than the head. Loral feathers stiff, bristly. Tarsi much longer
than the toes. Live on the ground.
COCCYGUS. — Bill not as long as the head. Loral feathers soft. Tarsi shorter than the
toes. Live on trees.
CROTOPHAGA, Linnaeus.
Crotophaga, LINNAEUS, Systema Naturae, 1756.
Bill as long as the head, very much compressed; the culmen elevated into a high crest, extending above the level of the
forehead. Nostrils exposed, elongated. Point of bill much decurved. Wings lengthened, extending beyond the base of the
tail, the fourth or fifth quill longest. Tail lengthened, of eight graduated feathers. Toes long, with well developed claws.
The feathers in this genus are entirely black ; those on the head and neck with a peculiar
stiffened, metallic or scale-like border. The species are not numerous, and are entirely confined
to America.
For a number of years the occurrence of specimens of Crotophaga at various points on our
sea border has been recorded, but the genus has never been formally introduced into our fauna.
There is, however, no reason to doubt its existence as a regular summer visitor on the keys
and shores of Florida, as well as at various points on the Gulf of Mexico. In the following
pages I describe two species, and it is quite possible that others may occasionally occur within
our limits.
CROTOPHAGA RUGIROSTRIS, S w .
Ani; Black Parrot, (Florida.)
Crotophaga rugirostra, Sw. 2J^ Cent, in Anim. in Menag. 1838, 321, fig. 65, b. (bill ;) — " JARDINE & SELBT, III.
Orn. pi. 41."
Crotophaga rugiroslris, BURMEISTER, Thiere Bras. II, Vogel, 1856, 255.
Bill with faint wrinkles transverse to the culmen, which is gently decurved from a point above, or a little posterior to the
nostrils. The highest portion of the crest obtusely angular, rounded ; no portion parallel to the commissure. Nostrils situated
nearly in the middle of the lower half of the lateral outline of the upper mandible. Color black, with bluish reflections above.
Pointed feathers of the head and neck with a bronzed metallic border. Length about 15 inches ; wing, 6 ; tail, 8.
Hub.— Florida to Brazil.
Bill at the nostrils nearly twice as high as broad; the nostrils elliptical, a little oblique,
situated in the middle of the lower half of the upper mandible. Gonys nearly straight. In
dications of faint transverse wrinkles along the upper portion of the bill, nearly perpendicular
to the culmen. Legs stout ; tarsus longer than middle toe, with seven broad scutellae anteriorly
72 U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
extending round to the middle of each side ; the remaining or posterior portion of each side
with a series of quadrangular plates, corresponding nearly to the anterior ones, the series
meeting behind in a sharp ridge. The wings reach over the basal third of the tail. The
primary quills are broad and acute, the fourth longest ; the first about equal to the tertials.
The tail is graduated, the outer about one and a half inch shorter than the middle ones.
The color generally is black, with steel blue reflections above, changing sometimes into
violet; duller beneath. The pointed feathers of the head, neck, and breast, with a bronzy
metallic border, appearing also to some extent on the wing coverts and upper part of back.
The determination of the species of Crotophaga is a matter of much difficulty, owing to their
close relationship and the uncertainty as to the permanency of the characters usually assigned.
The present bird, however, agrees most closely with the C. rugirostra of Swainson, in having
indication of transverse wrinklings or grooves, although much less than those given in the
description of this author. It is much smaller than C. major, and lacks the peculiar concavity
of the culmen on the anterior extremity of the vertical crest, which, besides, is distinct only on
the posterior half of the bill. C. major likewise has a long sulcus from the nostril nearly to the
tip of the bill, which is but little decurved. The entire absence of longitudinal grooves along the
side of the crest distinguishes it from C. sulcirostris. In this latter species, also, the nostrils are
situated high up, their upper edge on a line midway between the culmen and commissure. In
C. rugirostris and ani they are considerably below this level, or on the inferior third of the side
of the bill.
The differences between C. rugirostris and ani are more difficult of expression. The bill of the
latter is, however, entirely smooth, and the profile of the crest is more abrupt. Thus a line
from the highest point of the culmen, perpendicular to the culmen, falls considerably anterior
to the nostrils, while in C. rugirostris this line would fall through, or a little behind, the nostrils.
The C. rugirostris of Swainson has usually been considered as the same with C. casosii of
Lesson. A specimen of the latter, in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, is, however,
very different in a much lower bill, with scarcely any crest. The size is much less.
The O. rugirostris probably occurs in other parts of the United States besides Florida. It is
an inhabitant of the West Indies, and appears to extend as far south as Brazil.
List of specimens.
o
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
s.
o
A hr
0
0
C3
75 »
i
1
ft.
[3
So
||
Remarks.
S
H
lected.
BC
C
S '1
be
C
ra
'£.
•o
«
c
S e«
3
QQ
3
02
£
S3
a B
M
1
02 S
8639
3;
Tortugas, Florida
June 24, 1857
13 20
6 04
8 30
1 48
1 30
0 36
1.30
1 10
Skin ....
do
do
do
15.00
18.00
6.00
Fresh . . .
Iris brown.
CKOTOPHAGA ANI, L.
Ani.
Crotophaga ani, L. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 154.— BURMEISTER, Thiere Bras. Vogel, 1856, 254.
Bill smooth ; the culmen abruptly decurved ; the highest point anterior to the nostrils. The highest portion of the crest
nearly straight, and parallel with the commissure. Length, 12 inches ; wing, 6.10 ; tail, 7.75.
Hub . Maritime parts of the southeastern United States, and south to Brazil.
A Crotophaga, killed near Philadelphia, and now in the collection of the Philadelphia
Academy, appears to be a typical G. ani (as described by Burmeister) in the smoothness of the
BIRDS — CUCULIDAE GEOCOCCYX CALIFOKNICUS.
73
bill and other peculiarities. It is decidedly smaller tiianrugiro stris, the culmen straight at its
highest point, the anterior extremities of this nearly straight portion anterior to the nostril.
The colors are, however, almost precisely the same with those of rugirostris. Length, 12
inches: wing, 6.10; tail, 7. 75 ; tarsus, 1.25; chord of culmen, 1.15.
GEOCOCCYX, Wagler.
Geococcyx, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 524.
Leptostoma, SWAIJJSON, Classification Birds, II, 1837, 325.
Bill long and strong, slightly compressed, and at least as long as the head ; head crested; loral feathers, and those at base
ol bill stiffened and bristly. Nostrils elongated, linear. A naked colored skin around and behind the eye; the eyelids
ciliated. Tarsi longer than the toes ; very stout. Wings very short and concave ; the tertials as long as the primries. Tail
Conger than the head and body ; composed of ten narrow, much graduated feathers.
This remarkable genus is represented in the United States by a single species known as the
Paisano, Chapparal Cock, or sometimes Koad Runner, on account of its frequenting public
highways. Its very long legs enable it to run with very great rapidity, faster even than a
very fleet horse. A second species occurs in Mexico, the G. affinis of Hartlaub. This is
smaller and differently proportioned, as shown by the following table of measurement :
Comparative measurements of species.
Catalogue
number.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
6187
*
25 00
6 50
12 55
2 60
1.70
.45
2.00
2.61
Skin
9081
Gr. affini^
O
£
19.20
5.70
11.50
1.80
1.53
.41
1.60
1.93
GEOCOCCYX CALIFORNIANUS.
Paisauo; Road Runner; Chapparal Cock.
Saurothera californiana, " LESSON, Complem. Buff. VI, 1829, 420.— IB. Ann. du Mus, 1835, 121, PL ix."
Geococcyx variegata, WAGLER, Isis, V, 1831, 524.
Saurothera bottae, (BLAINVILLE,) LESSON, Traite d'Orn. I, 1831, 145.
Diplopterus viaticus, (Licur.) BOIE, Isis, 1831, 541. (No description.)
Geococcyx viaticus, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool. 1844, 215.— M 'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, July, 1847, 234.— BON. Consp.
1850, 97.— TB. Consp. Zygod. in Aten. Ital. 1854, 5. — HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d seriesi
II, 1853, 270.— NEWBERRT, Zool. Cal. and Oregon Route, 91, P. R. R. Rep. VI, 1857.
Saurothera marginata, KAUP, Isis, 1832, 991 ; tab. xxvi. (Fig. of head and foot.)
Leptostoma longicauda, SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 325. — GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. S. I, 1843, 263.
Geococcyx mexicanus, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d series, I, 1849, 215, (not of GMELIN.) — CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 213 ;
pi. xxxvi.
Sp. CH. — Tail very long ; the lateral feathers much shortest. An erectile crest on the head. A bare skin around and
behind the eye. Legs very long and stout.
All the feathers of the upper parts and wings of a dull metallic olivaceous green, broadly edged with white near the end.
There is, however, a tinge of black in the green along the line of white, which itself is suffused with brown. On the neck the
black preponderates. The sides and under surface of the neck have the white feathers streaked centrally with black, next to
which is a brownish suffusion. The remaining under parts are whitish, immaculate. Primary quills tipped with white, and
with a median band across the outer webs. Central tail feathers olive brown ; remaining ones clear dark green, all edged, and
(except the central two,) broadly tipped with white. Top of the head dark blackish blue. Length 20 to 23 inches. Wing
about 64. Tail, 12 to 13.
Hal. — Middle Texas, New Mexico, and California to Central Mexico. Seen as far north as Fort Reading, California, and
Fort Chadbourne, Texas.
10 b
74 U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
This species, in addition to the names cited above, is also sometimes called Correo camino.
It is common in Texas and California, and always excites attention by its large size and peculiar
habits. In a very large series of this species I find great variations in size, although but little
in color. As a general rule, however, skins from California are considerably larger than those
from Northern Mexico and Texas.
The difference between this species and G. affinis of Hartlaub are very appreciable. The latter
is decidedly smaller ; the bill is much smaller, shorter, and both culmen and commissure are
curved almost from the base of the bill, instead of straight nearly to the tip. The culmen is
shorter than the head instead of longer, and the nostril is opposite the middle of the commissure
instead of decidedly posterior to the same point. The tarsi are only about two inches long ; the
culmen 1.30 inches. The tertials and outer surface of the wings are glossed with coppery violet
instead of green ; the lateral tail feathers with green instead of blue. The under parts are
nearly uniform brownish yellow or whitish, the sides of the breast alone with a few sharply
defined, longitudinal streaks of black, instead of brownish cinnamon ; breast feathers edged
with hoary white, and much streaked centrally, though narrowly, with black ; the belly dirty
white. The length is about 18 inches ; the wing 5.50 ; the tail 9.75.
If Hartlaub's quotation of 1829, as the date of the Saurotliera californiana, Lesson, be correct,
this name will take precedence among the more modern ones. Should this not be the case, then
the next in order will probably be that of Wagler. I am unable to say what the relationships
of G. velox of Karwinski, (Miinchner Gelehrte Anzeigen, III, 1836, 95,) may be, not having
this volume at hand for reference.
The Phasianus mexicanus of Graelin, I, 1*788, Y41, based on the Hoitlallotl of Hernandez,
(Nova Anim. 1690, app. 25,) in all probability refers to a species of Geococcyx, but it is entirely
impossible to say which. Hernandez was most likely to have met with the southern species, or
affinis. Still, in the entire impossibility of ever coming to a decision, either in reference to
Phasianus mexicanus, or Upupa mexicana of Gmelin, it seems much better to drop the consid
eration of these names and to confine investigations to more modern authors.
BIRDS — CUCULIDAE — COCCYGUS.
75
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
VVlien collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent
Wing.
Remarks.
4973
Dr. Swift, U. S. A
i
C184
Sep. 20 1853
Mr. Schott . .
5068
Au<*. 20,1856
119
23.50
20.
7
Bill light brown with dark
5069
do ... .
Aug. 4, 1855
do
116
24.25
21.
7.
ridge and tips ; eyes light
brown, with light blue
iris ! (pupil); feet, light
blue ; gums, pink.
Bill light blue, with dark
5070
6176
6177
do
Ringgold Barracks, Tex.
Oct. 20,1855
do
Major Emory
do
148
Mr. Clark
23.
20.
6.50
tips ; feet, whitish blue ;
eyes, light brown; gums,
pale blue.
Feet, gray; eyes blue;
gums, white.
4053 ! 9
March, 1853
Lieut. Couch
87
20.
18.
6
4054 c?
do
do . ,
do
79
20.
18
6 25
Eyes, brownish gray; bill,
6178
5067
El Paso, New Mexico..
Nov. 22,1855
Lieut. Whipple. .. .
65
Dr. Kennerly...
20.
20
7 50
slate; feet, lead colored.
Eyes brown, with yellow
6183
Fort Conrad .. ..do ....
October, 1853
54
iris ; feet and gums, pale
blue.
6179
6183 ....
Fort Thorn do
Nov. 2,1853
Dr. Henry, U.S. A..
33
22
18
8
4576 :
Fort Yuma, California. ,
Major Emory
40
4914
6187
do
i
6188 ....
do
Dr.W.S. King, U.S.AJ
6185 c?
6186 ' 9
Los Angelos, Call fornia .
Lieut. Williamson..
do
Dr. Heermann..
do . . .
4565
5946
4487
Calaveras co do ....
Lieut. Williamson..
Dr. Nnwberry..
COCCYGUS, Vieillot.
Coccyzus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816.
Eryth cphrys, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 322.
Head without crest ; feathers about base of bill soft ; bill nearly as long as the head, decurved, slender, and attenuated
towards the end. Nostrils linear. Wings lengthened, reaching the middle of the tail ; the tertials short. Tail of ten graduated
feathers. Feet weak ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe.
The species of Coccygus are readily distinguished from those of Geococcyx by their arboreal
habits, confining themselves mainly to trees, instead of living habitually on the ground. The
plumage is soft, fine, and compact.
The American cuckoos differ from the European cuckoos, (Cuculus,') by having lengthened
naked tarsi, instead of very short feathered ones. The nostrils are elongated, too, instead of
rounded. The habits of the two are entirely different, the American species rearing their own
young, instead of laying the eggs in the nests of other birds, like the European cuckoo and the
American cowbird (Molothrus pecoris).
U. S. P. R. R EXP, AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The following synopsis will serve to distinguish the North American species of Coccygus, all
of them being of a light greenish color, tinged with ashy towards the head :
A. Beneath nearly pure white.
Under mandible yellow. Tail feathers black, broadly and conspicuously tipped with
white ; of which color also is the outer web of outer feather. All the quills with the
concealed portion orange cinnamon G. americanus.
Under mandible black. Tail feathers beneath greyish, narrowly and indistinctly
tipped with white ; the outer web of outer feathers not white, nor the concealed
portion of the quills orange cinnamon C. erythrophthalmus.
B. Beneath strongly tinged with yellowish cinnamon.
Tail feathers black, broadly tipped with white, the outer not margined externally. An
elongated patch of brown behind the eye. Under mandible yellow, except at tip.
C, seniculus.
The following table exhibit the comparative proportions of the three species :
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
5623
Republican river.
rT
12.00
16.50
Fresh . . .
do
do do
do
12.00
5.90
6.64
1.06
0.98
0.30
1.00
1.20
Skin ....
1541
do do
Carlisle, Pa,
3
11.40
16.50
5.15
do
do do
do
10.50
5.44
5.64
0.90
1.00
0.46
1.06
1.24
Skin ....
8981
do., erythrophthalmus.
Platte river
3
12.37
16.25
5.75
do
do do
do
11.66
5.60
6.70
0.96
0.96
0.28
1.00
1.12
Skin ....
8979
do do
do
0
12.00
16.00
5.50
Fresh . . .
do
do do
do
12.00
5.60
6.70
0.96
0.96
0.30
1.00
1.20
Skin ....
391
do do
Carlisle
#
11.30
5 12
6 24
0 90
1 00
0 30
1 00
1 12
Skin ....
1854
do., minor
Key West
12.04
5.00
6.88
1.00
1.00
0.30
1.10
1.20
Skin ....
COCCYGUS AMERICANUS, Bonap.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Cuculus americanus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 170, 10.
Coccyzus americanus, BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 47.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, IV.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 18, V:
520, pi. 2.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 293, pi. 275.
Erythrophrys americanus, Sw. Birds, II, 1837. — BON. List, 1838.
Cureus americanus, BON. List Eur. Birds, 1842.
? Cuculus dominicensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 170, 13.
? Cuculus dominicus, LATHAM, Syst. I, 1790, 221, (considered distinct by Bonaparte.)
Cuculus carolinensis, (BRISSON,) WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 13, pi. xxviii.
Cuculus cinerosus, TEMMINCK, Man. IV, 1835, 277.
Coccyzus pyrrhopterus, VIEILL. Diet.
Sp. Cn. — Upper mandible and tip of lower, black ; rest of lower mandible and cutting edges of the upper yellow. Upper parts
of a metallic greenish olive, slightly tinged with ash towards the bill ; beneath white. Tail feathers, (except the median,
which are like the back,) black, tipped with white for about an inch on the outer feathers, the external one with the outer edge
almost entirely white. Quills orange cinnamon ; the terminal portion and a gloss on the outer webs olive ; iris brown. Length
12 inches ; wing 5.95 ; tail 6.35.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri plains.
This species is easily known by the yellow under mandible, the black under surface of the tail
feathers with the broad and well defined black tip, and the bright orange brown of the covered
BIRDS — CUCULIDAE COCCYGUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS.
77
portions of the quills. The bill is considerably stouter than in 0. erythrophthalmus. There
is no difference between the sexes, except that of size. It goes as far north in summer as
Labrador, according to Mr. Audubon, and stragglers have been occasionally taken in Europe.
Although Townsend says it occurs west of the Rocky mountains, it has not been collected by
any of the recent expeditions.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Grig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1541
*
Carlisle, Pa
May 17, 1844
S. F. Baird
11.55
16.50
5 67
1651
do
July 27, 1844
do
12.00
17 25
5 83
1614
j\
do
July 3, 1844
do
11.17
16.00
5 50
6527
5623
9
51
Tortugas, Fla
Republican, K. T
April 26, 1857
June 30, 1856
G. Wurdemann
Lieut. Bryan, U.S.A..
49
W. S. Wood
12.00
16 50
8 25
5624
j>
Clear creek, K. T
July 1, 1856
do
52
11.50
16.50
86
•a
Elk Horn river
Lieut. G. K. Warren.
Dr. Hayden
12.00
16.50
6.50
8980
9
Fifty miles above mouth
of Platte river
do
do
11 00
15 50
5 50
8985
o
July 3 1856
do
.. do...
12 00
16.50
5 75
8987
9
Fifty miles above mouth
July 2, 1856
do
...do...
11.09
17.25
5 75
8983
o
July 8 1856
do
do
12 25
19 50
5 75
8980
V
o
do. .. .
do
12 00
16 50
6 50
8329
5
Independence, Missouri..
June 3, 1857
Win. F. Magraw
82
11.25
16.25
6 00
8232
3
...do...
May 29, 1857
do
41
do
10.75
14 75
5 75
8315
9
...do...
May 27, 1857
do
18
do
11 50
16 75
5 75
COCCYGUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS, Bon.
Black-billed Cuckoo.
Cuculus erythrophthalmus, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 16 ; pi. xxviii.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 48. — IB. Consp. 1850, IV. — AUD. Orn. Biog. I. 1832, 170:
V. 523, pi. 32.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, 300 ; pi. 276.
Erythrophrys erythrophthalmus, BON. List, 1838.
Coccyzus dominicus (LATH.) NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 556, (not of Latham, which belongs rather to C. americanus, on
account of the red quills and white edge of outer tail feather.)
Sp. CH. — Bill entirely black. Upper parts generally of a metallic greenish olive, ashy towards the base of the bill;
beneath pure white, witli a brownish yellow tinge on the throat. Inner webs of the quills tinged with cinnamon. Under
surface of all the tail feathers hoary ash gray. All, except the central on either side, suffused with darker to the short, bluish-
white, and not well denned tip. A naked, red skin round the eye. Length about 12 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 6.50.
Hob. — United States to the Missouri plains.
This species differs from the C. americanus in the black bill, and the absence of black on the tail
feathers, the white tips of which are much shorter and less abruptly defined. One specimen
(5253) from the Upper Missouri has a much stronger tinge of yellowish cinnamon on the inner
webs of the quills than the others. The sexes are quite similar.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Ro<marks.
391
2660
6149
5233
5232
8980
8979
8981
8982
C?
9
..„..
C?
9
9
C?
9
Carlisle, Pa
May 18, 1841
May 13, 1846
June 4, 1853
July 3, 1856
May 16, 1856
S. F. Baird
do
...do ..
12.
14.50
10.75
12.
11.00
12.00
12.35
12.00
16.00
16.50
14.26
16.25
15.50
16.00
16.25
16.25
5.50
5.50
5.25
5.50
5.50
5.50
5.75
6.00
Lightning lake, M. T. . ,
Moreau river, Nebraska Territory.
Fort Lookout do
50 miles above mouth of Platte . . .
Gov. Stevens
Lt. Warren Dr. Hayden
do | do
Eyes, brown
do
do
do
do
Iri*, yellow
do do
Fremont, on Platte
July 1, 1857
Augusts, 1857
do do
do do
do do
Loup Fork
78
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
COCCYGUS MINOR, Cab.
Mangrove Cuckoo.
? Cuculus minor, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 411.
?Coccyzus minor, GUNDLACH, Cab. Journal fiirOrn. 1856, 104, (Cuba.)
Cuculus smiculus, LATH. Ind. I, 1790, 219.
Coccyzus seniculus, NUTT. Man. 1, 1832, 558.— AUD . Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 390 ; pi. 169.— IB. Birds America, IV,
1842, 303 ; pi. 277.— GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 281. — BON. Conspectus, 1850, III.
Erythrophrys seniculus, BON. List, 1838.
Sp, CH. mandible yellow, except at the tip. Body above olivaceous, strongly tinged with ashy towards and on the
head. Beneath pale yellowish brown, darkest on the legs and abdomen, becoming lighter to the bill. An elongated spot of
dark plumbous behind the eye. Inner edges of the quills and under wing coverts like the belly. Tail feathers, except the
central, black, with a sharply defined tip of white for about an inch, this color not extending on the outer web of the quill.
Length, about 12 inches ; wing, about 5|.
Haft.— Florida Keys to West Indies.
This species is readily distinguishable by its fulvous under parts and dark ear coverts. It
has the yellow bill and dark tail, with broad white tips, of G. americanus, although the white
does not extend along the outer web of the feathers.
According to Mr. Audubon, this species is a regular summer visitor to Key West and the
other Florida Keys.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1854
Florida ?
S. F. Baird . .
E. Harris . . . .
BIRDS PICIDAE. 79
Family PICIDAE. The Woodpeckers.
The diagnosis already given of the Picidae will readily serve to distinguish the family among
the Scansores, although some characteristic features may he properly dwelt upon in more detail.
The wedge-shaped bill is pre-eminently calculated for cutting into bark or wood in search of
food or the construction of a nesting place. The wings are long ; the primaries ten in number,
the first very short ; the secondaries vary from 9 to 12. The tail feathers in the typical sub
families are excessively rigid and cuneate, especially the middle ones ; the outer one on each
side is very short and soft., or without stiffened shaft. It lies concealed between the second (now
outer) feather and the third.
The tarsi are covered anteriorly with large plates, posteriorly with small ones, more or less
reticulated or polygonal. The claws are high, strong, much curved and very sharp. The
tongue is elongated and acute, with short spines or barbs on each side near the point, and
capable of great protrusion.
The Picidae embrace three distinct forms, which constitute as many sub-families, namely,
the Picinae, the Yunginae, and the Picumninae, Of these the Yunginae have no representatives
in America. The Picumninae have soft tail feathers, or without a stiffened shaft, as in the true
woodpeckers, and do not occur in the United States.
Sub-Family PICINAE.
Although all the woodpeckers have a certain resemblance to each other, and agree more or
less in habits, there are distinctions among them which serve readily for division into sub-
genera, genera, or even higher groups. Thus the difference between the ivory-billed woodpecker
and the common flicker, which may be taken as representing the extremes of the scale in
North American species, will be palpable to any observer.
In the woodpeckers inhabiting the United States there are three distinct groups, which may
be taken with some authors as so many sub-families ; or if, with Bonaparte, we unite all
the Picidae with stiffened, acuminate, and pointed tails into a sub-family Picinae, they will
constitute so many separate sections. They may be severally characterized as follows :
PICINAE or Piceae. — Bill more or less long ; the outlines above and below nearly straight ; the
ends truncated ; a prominent ridge on the side of the mandible springing from the middle of
the base, or a little below, and running out either on the commissure, or extending parallel to
and a little above it, to the end, sometimes obliterated or confluent with the lateral bevel of
the bill. Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, more or less linear, and con
cealed by thick bushy tufts of feathers at the base of the bill. Outer posterior toe generally
longer than the anterior.
MELANERPINAE or Centureae. — Bill rather long ; the outlines, that of the culmen especially,
decidedly curved. The lateral ridge much nearest the culmen, and, though quite distinct at
the base,, disappearing before coming to the lower edge of the mandible ; not overhanging the
nostrils, which are broadly oval, rounded anteriorly, and not concealed by the bristly feathers
at the base. Outer pair of toes nearly equal ; the anterior rather longer.
COLAPTINAE or Colapteae. — Bill much depressed, and the upper outline much curved to the
acutely pointed (not truncate) tip. The commissure considerably curved. Bill without any
ridges. The nostrils broadly oval, and much exposed. Anterior outer toe longest.
80 U. S. P. R 11. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The preceding diagnosis will serve to distinguish the three groups sufficiently for our present
purposes, the bill being stronger in the Picinae and best fitted for cutting into trees by its
more perfect wedge shape, with strengthening ridges, as well as by the lateral bevelling of
both mandibles, which are nearly equal in thickness at the base, and with their outlines nearly
straight. The lateral ridge is prominent, extending to the edge or end of the bill, and over
hangs the nostrils, which are narrow and hidden. The Melanerpinae and the Colaptinae have
the upper mandible more curved, (the commissure likewise ;) the lower mandible smaller and
weaker ; the bill with little or no lateral bevelling. The nostrils are broadly oval and exposed.
In the Melanerpinae, however, there is a distinct lateral ridge visible for a short distance from
the base of the bill ; while in the other there is no ridge at all, and the mandible is greatly
curved.
Section Piceae.
With the common characters, as already given, there are several well marked generic groups
in this section of woodpeckers which may be arranged for the United States species, as follows :
A. Posterior outer toe longer than the anterior outer one.
a. Lateral ridge starting above the middle of the base of the bill and extending to the tip.
1. CAMPEPHILUS. — Lateral ridge above the middle of the lateral profile of the bill
when opposite the end of the nostrils, which are ovate, and rounded anteriorly.
Bill much depressed, very long, gonys very long. Posterior outer toe consider
ably longer than the anterior. Primaries long, attenuated towards the tip.
Spurious quill nearly half the second.
2. Picus. — Lateral ridge in the middle of the lateral profile opposite the end of
the nostrils, which are ovate and sharp pointed anteriorly. Bill moderate,
nearly as broad as high. Outer hind toe moderately longer than the outer fore
toe. Primaries broad to the tip and rounded. Spurious primary not one-third
the second quill.
3. PICOIDES. — Lateral ridge below the middle of the profile, opposite the end of
the ovate acute nostrils, which it greatly overhangs. Bill greatly depressed.
Inner hind toe wanting, leaving only three toes. Tufts of nasal bristles very
full and long.
b. Lateral ridge starting below the middle of the base of the bill, and running as a
distinct ridge into the edge of the commissure at about its middle ; the terminal half
of the mandible rounded on the sides, although the truncate tip is distinctly bevelled
laterally.
4. SPHYRAPICUS. — Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, very small,
linear. Gonys as long as the culmen, from the nostrils. Tips of tail feathers
elongated and linear, n,ot cuneate. Wings very long ; exposed portion of
spurious primary about one-fourth that of second quill.
B. Posterior outer toe considerably shorter than the anterior outer one.
5. HYLATOMUS. — Bill depressed. Lateral ridge above the middle of the lateral
profile near the base. Nostrils elliptical, wide, and rounded anteriorly. Tail
as in Picus. Color, black.
The arrangement in the preceding diagnosis is perhaps not perfectly natural, although suffi
ciently so for our present purpose. Thus, Hylalomus, in having the lateral ridge extending to
BIRDS — PICIDAE CAMPEPHILUS PRINCIPALIS. 81
the end of the bill, is like Picus , but the nostrils are broader, more open, and not acute ante
riorly. The tail feathers of Sphyrapicus differ greatly from those of the others in being abruptly
acuminate, the points elongated, narrow, and nearly linear, instead of being gently cuneate at
the ends.
CAMPEPHILUS, Gray.
Campephilus, GRAY, List of Genera? 1840, (typ. C. principalis.)
Megapicus, MALHERBE, Mem. Ac. de Metz, 1849, 317.
Bill considerably longer than the head, much depressed, or broader than high at the base,
becoming somewhat compressed near the middle and gradually bevelled off at the tip. Culmen
very slightly curved, gonys as concave, the curve scarcely appreciable ; commissure straight.
Culmen with a parallel ridge on each side, starting a little above the centre of the basal outline
of the bill, the ridge projecting outwards and downwards, and a slight concavity between it and
the acute ridge of the oilmen. Gonys considerably more than half the commissure. Nostrils
oval below the lateral ridge near the base of the bill ; concealed by the bristly feathers directed
forward. Similar feathers are seen at the sides, and base beneath the lower jaw.
Feet large ; outer hind toe much longest ; claw of inner fore toe reaching to middle of outer
fore claw ; inner hind toe scarcely more than half the outer one ; its claw reaching as far as the
base of the inner anterior claw, considerably more than half the outer anterior toe. Tarsus
rather shorter than the inner fore toe. Tail long, cuneate. Wings long and pointed, the third,
fourth, and fifth quills longest. Color continuous black, relieved by white patches. Head with
a pointed crest.
This genus embraces the largest known species of woodpecker, and is confined to America.
The two usually assigned to the United States may readily be distinguished by the following
diagnosis :
Common characters. — Bill ivory white. Body entirely black. A scapular stripe and under
wing coverts white. Crest scarlet in the male.
A white stripe on each side of the neck. Bristly feathers at the base of the bill
white principatis.
No white stripe on the sides of the neck. More white on the wings. Bristly feathers
at the base of the bill black imperialis.
CAMPEPHILUS PKINCIPALIS, Gray.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Picus principalis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 173. — WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 20; pi. xxxix, f. 6. — WAGLER,
Syst.Avium,1827, No. 1.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 341 : V, 525 ; pi. G6.— IB. Birds America,
IV, 1842,214; Pl. 256.
Dendrocopus principalis, BON. List, 1838.
Campephilus principalis, GRAY, List Genera, 1840.
Dryotomus (Jttegapicus) principal's, BON. Con. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 7.
Dryocopus principalis, BON. Consp. 1850, 132.
White-billed woodpecker, CATESBY, Car. I, 16. — PENNANT, LATHAM.
Sp. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills equal ; third a little shorter. Bill horn white. Body entirely of a glossy blue black,
(glossed with green below ;) a white stripe beginning half an inch posterior to the commissure, and passing down the sides
of the neck. Under wing coverts, and the entire exposed portion of the secondary quills, with ends of the inner primaries,
bristles, and a short stripe at the base of the bill, white. Crest scarlet. L ngth, 21 inches ; wing, 10.
Female similar, without any red on the head, and with two spots of white on the end of the outer tail feather.
Hub. — Southern Atlantic and Gulf States.
11 b
82
U. 8. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
In the male the entire crown (with its elongated feathers) is black. The scarlet commences
just above the middle of the eye, and, passing backwards a short distance, widens behind and
bends down as far as the level of the under edge of the lower jaw. The feathers, which spring
from the back of the head, are much elongated above ; considerably longer than those of the
crown.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
1830
O
Southern States -
S F. Baird
Prairie Mer Rouge, La
J. Fairie
CAMPEPHILUS IMPEEIALIS.
Imperial Woodpecker.
Picus imperialis, GOULD, Pr. Comm. Sc. Zool. Soc. II, 1832, 140.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 313.— IB. Birds Am.
IV, 1842, 213, (no fig.)— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 667.
Dryocopus imperialis, BON. Consp. 1850, 132.
Megapicus imperialis, BONAP. Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital. May, 1854, 7.
Dryotomus imperialis, CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 285 ; pi. xlix.
SP. CH. — Entirely black ; a short scapular stripe, the whole of the tertiaries, secondaries, and the inner primaries, and the
under wing coverts, white. A broad depressed nuchal crest ; red in the male. Bill ivory white ; its bristly feathers black.
Length about 24 inches ; wing, 13.25 ; tail, 9.50.
Hob. — Chiefly Central America and southwestern Mexico.
This species, in form and general appearance, is very similar to the ivory bill woodpecker.
The bill, feet, wings, and tail are much the same. The principal difference, besides the much
greater size, is in the absence of the white line on the side of the neck of P. principalis, which
starts just behind the commissure, and runs into the scapular stripe common to both. The
bristly feathers along the base of the bill are black, instead of white.
The feathers of the crown are black ; the posterior ones elongated, but not reaching back as
far as the elongated depressed occipital crest of scarlet. This color commences just above the
middle of the eye, (the eyelid being black, however,) and widens behind, so as to embrace the
entire back of the head. These feathers are, however, all white just below the scarlet.
I have followed Audubon and Cassin in assigning this species to the United States, but it has
really no claim to being considered as one of our birds, no specimen having been actually taken
in our limits, nor probably coming within hundreds of miles of our southern border. The P.
lineatus given by Audubon I have omitted entirely, as being still less entitled to a place.
Measurements,
Locality.
Sex.
Point of bill
to end of tail.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Remarks.
Mexico1
$
23.50
13 20
9 go
1 From specimen in Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.
BIRDS PICIDAE PIOUS. 83
PICUS, Linnaeus.
Picus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1748.
Bill equal to the head, or a little longer ; the lateral ridges conspicuous, starting about the
middle of the base of the bill ; the basal elongated oval nostrils nearer the commissure ; the
ridges of the culmen and gonys acute, and very nearly straight, or slightly convex towards the
tip ; the bill but little broader than high at the base, becoming compressed considerably before
the middle. Feet much as in Campephilus ; the outer posterior toe longest ; the outer anterior
about intermediate between it and the inner anterior ; the inner posterior reaching to the base
of the claw of the inner anterior. Tarsus about equal to the inner anterior toe ; shorter than
the two other long toes. Wings rather long, reaching to the middle of the tail, rather rounded ;
the fourth and fifth quills longest ; the quills rather broad and rounded.
In the genus Picus, as characterized above, are contained several subdivisions more or less
entitled to distinct rank, and corresponding with peculiar patterns of coloration. Thus, taking
the P. villosus as the type, P. borealis has proportionally much longer primaries ; the spurious
primary smaller ; the bill is considerably more attenuated, and even concave in its lateral
outlines. The wings are still longer in P. albolarvatus.
The species may be arranged as follows :
A. Black above, and white beneath. Two white stripes on the side of the head, with black
ear covers. Wings spotted with white.
TRICHOPICUS, Bp. — Middle of back streaked longitudinally with white. Beneath white,
without spots. A narrow red nuchal band.
1. Outer tail feathers pure white. Length about 10 inches.
Wing coverts and innermost secondaries conspicuously spotted with
white P. villosus.
Wing coverts and innermost secondaries nearly uniform black, without
spots P . harrisii.
2. Outer tail feather tvhite, with Hack transverse bands. Length about 6£ inches.
Wing coverts conspicuously spotted with white P. pubescens.
Wing coverts and innermost secondaries nearly uniform black.. P. gairdneri.
DYCTIOPICUS, Bp. — Middle of back banded transversely with white and black. Beneath
white, with black spots on the side.
Entire crown and nape of male red, spotted with white. Feathers at the
base of bill brown P. scalaris.
Crown black ; nape red ; both spotted with white. Feathers at base of
"bill white P. nuttalli.
B. Black above and white beneath. Sides of body with black spots ; sides of head black,
with a white auricular patch. Wings lengthened.
PHRENOPICUS, Bp. — Back banded transversely with white.
A narrow lateral line of red above the auricular patch P. borealis.
C. XENOPICUS, Baird. — Entirely black, with white head. Wings lengthened.
A white patch at the base of the longer primaries P. albolarvatus.
The following table will serve to exhibit the comparative measurements of the different species
of Picus found in the United States.
84
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
IS'o.
Species.
Locality.
Sex &
age.
Length. Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Tail. Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
806
do
1562
do
2803
2*00
2798
6079
6078
6087
do
6690
876
do
1291
do
3905
6098
6101
do
It78
3057
do
4482
5400
6105
9933
Picus villosus
do
Carlisle, Pa
do
9
8.56
9.00
7.04
8.50
7.28
9.28
8.76
8.72
8.20
4.52
3.72 0.88
0.98
0.40
1.18
1.18
Skin
15.00 4.16
4.24
do
do
Oc?
2.90 0.84
0.88
0.34
1.00
1.00
Skin
do .
do
14.80 4.50
4.06
4.66
4.34
Fresh
Picus (iiudubonii)....
Picus (phillipsii)
Picus (martinae). ...
Picus liarrisii
do .
Louisiana?
Massachusetts . . .
Canada
Little Colorado ..
New Mexico
<?
$
2.78 0.84
3.74 : 0.94
3.88 0 86
4.14 0.90
4.06 0.84
3.50 ; 0.98
0.84
1.00
0.96
1.00
0.84
1.04
0.34
0.40
0.38
0.40
0.34
0.40
0.96
1.26
1.12
1.40
1.12
1.40
0.96
1.30
1.12
1.40
1.14
1.40
Skin
Skin
5.10
4.86
Skin
do
do
do
Picus pubescens
Vancouver
do
Steilacoom
Carlisle, Pa
. .. do
S
9
9
9,28
9.50
8.76
6.14
6.75
5.00
16.50
5.00
3.64 0.90
2.88 0.62
0.92
0,70
0.40
0.30
1.28
0.72
1.28
0.74
Skin
3 86
Skin
12.25 ! 3.75
do
do
3
6.00
6.15
6.00
5.74
5.86
6.75
3.74
2.74 0.64
0.72
0.28
0.72
0.74
Skin
do
do
12.25 3.80
3.74
Fre^h
California
9
<?
2.80 0.68
2.76 0.68
2.54 0.64
0.74
0.62
0.74
0.28
0.28
0.32
0.70
0.7(1
0.74
0.70
0.72
0.76
do
do
Sacramento val..
Shoalwater bay..
3.68
3.86
Skin
Skin
do
do
11.50
Fresh.
S
9
7.20
7.92
8.00
6.64
4 56
3.40 0.74
3.58 0.80
0.84
0.88
0.34
0.36
0.90
0.90
0.98
1.00
Skin
do
...do...
4.70
do
,
do
15.00 4.14
3.94
Fresh
Santa Clara, Cal .
3.08 0.70
2.90 0.72
2.74 0.70
2.72 0.50
4.24 0.86
0.80
0.74
0.84
0.50
0.86
0.32
0.02
0.34
0.32
0.40
0.98
0.90
0,98
0.84
1.16
0.98
0.90
1.00
0.86
1.06
Skin .
do
9
6.26
6.24
4.10
Skin
Picus scalaris
Texas
3 . 90
de ,
do
9
9
6.20
8.58
3 78
Skin
Picus albolarvatus
Spokan river
5.14
Skin
PICUS VILLOSUS, Linnaeus.
Hairy Woodpecker; Sapsucker*
Variety major. — Northern and Western regions.
1 Picus hucomelas, BODDAERT, Tabl. PI. Enl. 1783, (No. 345, f. 1,) (Gray.)
? Picus canadensis, GMEI.IN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 437.
? LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, ]790,2j|l.
AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 188 ; pi. 417.— IB. Syn. 1839, 177.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, 235 ;
pi. 258.— BONAP. Consp. 1850, 137.— IB. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus villosus, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383
Picus (Dendrocopus) villosus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 305.
Picus phillipsii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 186; pi. 417.— IB. Syn. 1839, 177.— IB. Birds Amcr. IV, 1842, 238 ; pi.
259, (immature, with yellow crown.)— NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 686.
Picus septenlrionalis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 684.
Variety medius. — Middle States.
Picus villosus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 175.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 64 ; pi. cxx.— WILSON, Am. Orn.
I, 1808, 150 ; pi. ix.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 22.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 164 ; pi. 416.—
IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 244 ; pi. 2G2.— BONAP Conspectus, 1850, 137.
Picus leucomelanus, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 18, (young male in summer.)
Picus martinae, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 181 ; pi. 417.— IB. Syn. 1839, 178.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 240 ; pi.
260, (young male, with red feathers on crown.)
Picus rubricapillus, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 685, (same as preceding.)
Hairy woodpecker, PENNANT, LATHAM.
BIRDS — PICIDAE PICUS VILLOSUS, 85
Variety minor. — Southern States.
Picus audubonii, SWAINSON, F. B. A. 1831, 306.— TRUDEAU, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, 1837, 404, (very young male,
with crown spotted with yellow.) — AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 194; pi. 417. — IB. Birds Amer. IV,
1842, 259 ; pi. 265.— NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 684.
SP.CH.— Above black, with a white band down the middle of the back. All the larger wing coverts and the quills with
conspicuous spots of white. Two white stripes on each side of the head ; the upper scarcely confluent behind, the lower not at
all so ; two black stripes confluent with the black of the nape. Beneath white. Three outer tail feathers with the exposed
portions white. Length 8 to 11 inches.
Male, with a nuchal scarlet crest covering the white, and interrupted in the middle. Immature bird with more or less of the
crown spotted with red or yellow, or both.
flab. — North America, to the eastern base of the Rocky mountains.
In this species the upper parts are of a glossy black ; the feathers on the middle line of the
back white, usually with a little black on the outer edge. This white stripe thus produced
extends from the upper part of the back to the rump ; the upper tail coverts and tail feathers
black. The under parts are nearly pure white. The scapulars are black ; all the exposed
larger wing coverts, however, have each a rounded spot of white. The outer webs of all the
quills have numerous spots of white, except the first, which is unspotted, and the second, which
has only one spot at the base ; the remaining primaries have six each, except the third and the
three innermost, which have five. The secondaries have four on their exposed portions. The
inner webs of the quills are similarly spotted.
In the male there is a rather narrow nuchal band of scarlet interrupted a little in the middle.
This is about a quarter of an inch long ; all the feathers belonging to it, brown at the base,
white in the middle, and scarlet at the end. The white is continuous with a broad patch on
each side the crown, commencing a little above the anterior canthus of the eye, (rarely con
tinuous with the brownish white bristly feathers at the base of the bill, the shafts of which are
tipped with black.) This white stripe then curves around the occiput to the nape (the two
almost meeting behind) and is seen through the red. In the female, where the red is wanting,
the white is very conspicuous, sometimes appearing almost continuous across the nape. A
second white stripe begins at the commissure, and passing a short distance below the eye, down
on the side of the neck, widens in curving round on its back and lower part. The two stripes
of opposite sides are separated in the lower neck or upper part of the back by a considerable
interval of black.
These two white stripes of nearly equal width on the side of the head leave two black ones —
the upper one rather wider, the lower narrower than the white. The upper passes from the
forehead through the eye, involving considerably more of the lower eyelid than the upper, and
widening behind, passes round into the black of the back of the neck. The lower stripe
proceeds from the commissure downwards along the side of the throat, and widens considerably
on the sides of the lower neck, sending a short branch on to the side of the breast. The sides
of the body under the wings are, however, white, as are the under coverts, except a few black
blotches.
The three outer tail feathers appear entirely white. There is, however, a very small blotch
at the extreme base of the inner web of the first, which in the second is perhaps an inch long,
and on the third leaves only an inch of the end white3 with an area extending obliquely from
this white across the outer web to the base. The other feathers are black.
As already stated, the female differs in the absence of the red crest.
86 U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The bill of the young bird differs considerably from that of the adult. Instead of being
nearly straight in its upper and lower outlines, with the tip compressed, truncate, and wedge-
shaped, it is shorter, sometimes considerably broader, and with the outlines, the upper especi
ally, much curved to a terminal sharp point, instead of wedge. In the immature male (and
female also, probably) the entire crown from the base of the bill to the occiput, has the feathers
sometimes spotted with white, and tipped with orange red or yellow. Sometimes only the
posterior half of the crown is so marked, thus indicating a nearer approach to maturity. The
peculiar spotting is like that of Picus scalaris or nuttalli. The white is sometimes almost
wanting. The shade of red varies with specimens from carmine to orange yellow, sometimes
more decidedly yellow. This is the case in the original of Picus audubonii of Trudeau, now
before me, (2803,) which, besides this character, has every other feature of a young bird, as
shown by the curved broad bill, the loose, woolly texture of the feathers, &c. It is a little
smaller than corresponding specimens from Pennsylvania, a difference perfectly intelligible, in
view of its more southern locality, (Louisiana.) No. 1562, from Carlisle, however, is scarcely
larger.
Specimens vary a little in having the white streak above the eye continuous with the whitish
on each side of the base of the bill. The white of the head and under parts is sometimes more
extensive, and brighter.
As a general rule the specimens of this species from the far west and north are appreciably
larger than those from the more eastern States, in which again southern specimens are con
siderably smaller. I can detect no other difference, except size, in the Picus canadensis, as
established by Mr. Audubon. With his typical specimens before me, I find them not even as
large as the majority of the western skins ; and while Mr. Audubon describes his male Picus cana-
dcnsis as measuring 10.50 inches, the wing 5.08, the tail 3.50, the specimen given in the P.
Bor. Amer., from a still more northern locality, measured 11 inches, the wings 5.38, tail 4.25,
and in no other way different either from them or Pennsylvania ones. It is to the larger variety
from Canada that both Picus pliillipsii and. Picus martinae belong. With the original specimens
of Mr. Aububon before me, I find every characteristic of the young bird in the soft bones, the
woolly, soft feathers of the under parts, &c. In the " P . phillipsii" the characters are precisely
as in the young males described from Carlisle. The top of the head is irregularly spotted with
orange red in one specimen, and orange yellow in the supposed female. In u Picus martinae,"
again, there is rather more of a dull orange yellow patch on the crown, the feathers, even the
black ones, spotted with white, as in 1562 from Carlisle. The immaturity of the red or yellow
markings in all these specimens is clearly shown by their lacking the symmetry seen in known
adults, the outlines being all irregular and the colors more or less interrupted and unsymmetrical
in places. In one specimen from Carlisle, nearly adult, (2423,) the top of the head or crown is
spotted with yellow, the occiput with red.
It may be assumed as a general principle, in reference to the black spotted woodpeckers of
North America belonging to the restricted genus Picus, that whenever the crown is spotted
with red or yellow either partly or entirely, the specimen is immature, and may probably be of
either sex, while the red is found only in the adult male, and confined to an occipital line.
The only exceptions are in Picus scalaris, where the entire upper part of the head is red spotted,
and P. nuttattii, where the posterior half is thus marked. In the young of this last species,
however, the anterior half of the head above is similarly spotted with red.
BIRDS — PICIDAE — P1CUS HARRISII.
87
List of specimens.
Cntal.
No.
dexand
age.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
2798
<J
Toronto, C. W
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon..
2798
9 ?
do
do
do
Aud.
2800
Massachusetts
(Jo
do
2794
9
do
do
do
Aud.
2793
a
do
do
do
Aud.
1583
a
do
do
1612
o
Carlisle, Pa
June 24,1844
do
9 17
16 50
4 83
1764
Q
do
do
9.
14 75
4.67
1132
Or^
do
July 22,1843
do
9
15.
4 58
884
3
do
Dec. 3,1812
do
9 33
15.17
4 42
183
o
do
June 5, 1839
do
1606
09
do
June 10,1844
do
8.92
14.83
4 67
2423
do
do
806
9
do
Oct. 17,1842
do
9.
15.
4 58
1562
o rT
do
May 23,1844
do
8.50
14 83
4.50
2803
0 <?
6075
5880
9
Q
Ft.Leavenworth,K.T.
Fort Ililuy, K. T ...
Nov. 27,1854
1856
Lieut. Coucli
13
6551
9
do
1857
J. X. DeVesey.
6552
<J
do
..do
.. ..do
4638
5227
9
Sioux river, N. T
Fort Lookout, N. T. .
May 3, 1856
July 1856
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Harden ....
do
5228
do
do
do
...do
9 25
14 50
5 25
5226
Powder river, N T..
Au". 3, 1856
do .
do
8293
$
May 26,1857
9.00
14.00
4.75
8805
8806
(J
Black Hillt;, Nebraska
do
Oct. 1,1857
Sept. 7,1857
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden ....
do
10.00
16.25
17.00
5.25
5.25
PIOUS HARRISII, Aud.
Harris' Woodpecker.
Picus harrisii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 191 ; pi. 417.— IB. Syn. 1839, 178.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, £42 ;
pi. 261, (dark-bellied variety.)— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 627.
? Picus inornatus, LICIIT. (Bon. Consp.)
Picus (Trichopicus) harrisii, BP. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Sp. CH. — Size and appearance of P. villosus. Above black, a white stripe down the back. The only white spots on the
surface of the folded wings, are seen on the outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries, (none on tertials.) Beneatli
whitish, with faint streaks on the side of the body. Two white and two black stripes on each side of the head ; the latter
confluent with the black of the neck, the upper white stripe nearly confluent. Three outer tail feathers with the exposed
portions white. Length, 9| inches ; wing, 5 inches. Male, with a nuchal scarlet crest covering the white of the back of the head.
Size and general appearance that of the hairy woodpecker, Picus villosus.
Hob. — From the Pacific coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.
Fourth quill longest ; fifth but little shorter. Upper parts black ; the feathers down the
middle of the back brownish white ; the outer web mostly black. Hump, upper tail coverts,
tail above, scapulars, wing coverts, and tertiary quills black, the larger coverts with only an
occasional white spot. The top of the head is black ; the bristly feathers at the base of the bill
yellowish or brownish white. A white band commencing above the eye and passing round
88 U. S P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
along the side of the head to the nape, where those of opposite sides are confluent, (sometimes
interrupted.) In the male there is a scarlet band on the nape about four-tenths of an inch long,
formed by tips of this color to the feathers composing the white band. A light stripe starts from
the commissure under the eye, and passing downwards, inclines and curves round towards the
back of the neck, where, however, those of opposite sides are separated by an interval half the
width of the head. A black stripe is encircled between these two white ones, confluent with
the black of the nape, and another passes back from the lower mandible along the sides of the
throat and neck, diverging below and confluent with black on the upper part of the back. The
under parts are smoky brown, with perhaps a lilac tinge. A few feathers on the side of the
breast anteriorly are streaked with black, as also are the central lines of a few feathers on the
flanks. There are but few spots visible on the wings, these being only seen on the exposed
webs of the primary and secondary feathers. The first spurious feather is unspotted ; the
second has one spot at the base of the outer web, not exposed, and two on the inner ; the third
has three external and three or four internal ; the fourth and fifth four external ; the seconda
ries have about three external. In all the primaries the terminal half of the inner web is
unspotted. The three external tail feathers are mostly white, the first entirely so, except at
the extreme base ; the second black on the basal half; the third with the inner web black, with
a terminal spot, and the tip whitish.
In the specimens before me there are apparently two series, one larger, with the white parts
throughout tinged with smoke brown ; the flanks faintly streaked with black ; the white spots
on the wings a little smaller. This is most abundant in Washington and Oregon Territories,,
and is the typical P. liarrisii. The other has the white quite pure, the spots on the wing
larger, the streaks on the feathers less distinct. These are most abundant in southern Cali
fornia and in New Mexico. The specimens before me, however, exhibit every gradation
between the two, and I can find no characters to distinguish the species. The color of the
white, too, may have something to do with the character of the trees inhabited.
The smallest specimens I have seen are from Fort Thorn, New Mexico. In some specimens
the nuchal white and red are more decidedly confluent than in others.
This species represents the P. villosus in the west, and closely resembles it. It may, however,
be readily distinguished by the much greater predominance of black above. Thus it is only
occasionally that a greater wing covert is spotted, instead of having a white spot on every one.
The tertiaries, too, are unspotted, and the longest primaries have only four spots externally
instead of six. There is less white on the third tail feather. Both have the same tendency to
obsolete streaks on the sides of the belly ; and the markings about the head appear precisely
the same.
The young of this species exhibit the same differences from the adult as described under P.
villosus. The feathers of the crown almost to the base of the bill, apparently in both sexes, are
tipped with scarlet, with a white spot at the base of the red. In this stage of plumage the bird
might readily be mistaken for a different species, as has been the case with corresponding stages
of P. villosus.
BIRDS PICIDAE PICUS PUBESOENS.
89
List of specimens.
C:.t:il.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col-
lectod.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
5960
6089
Wliitby >s island, W.T..
April — , 1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper...
Dr Suoklcv
85
6U90
6
do
do
96
6091
do
Feb 1856
do . .
^33
10.00
15 50
6092
j*
do
do
do
236
6093
0
ji
do
Mar. , 1856
do
245
6094
Q
. do
May 1 185G
do ....
352
9. tO
15.62
6095
o
do
do
280
6084
6085
V
g
ji
Spokane river, W. T . . .
do
Oct. 27, 1853
Nov. 1 1853
Gov. Stevens
do
15
18
Dr. Cooper.
do
6087
A
Dec. 10 1853
. do
6
9.50
16.50
6066
6088
<$
3
do
Slioalvvater bay, W. T
July — , 1853
Sept. 9, 1854
do
92
Dr. Cooper
9.75
16.00
Iris hazel; bill black;
18C9
Q
Sept 27 1834
S F Baird
J K. Townsend
feet bluish.
6083
n
Fort D.'illcs O T
Dr Suekley
144
9.87
16 00
5.00
4575
Q
do
Mar. 10, 1855
... do
149
10.00
16.00
5.00
Iris brown
4597
g
St. Helen-:, O. T
Jan. 27, 1856
do
202
5498
5961
608-2
(?
A
Santa Clara, Cal
Nov. — , 1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper. ..
6081
J|
do
do
4589
J>
Santa Isabel Cal
Nov 26 IS'54
17
A. Schott
6080
o
do
do
do
17
do
6079
V
<?
Little Colorado Kiver,
Doc 8 1853
35
5071
•j,
Oct 15 1855
145
10.50
15.00
5.00
Eyes black; feet dark
6076
o
•f
gray; gums yellow.
6077
o
... do ...
do
6078
do
do
8489
c?
Ft. Massachusetts, N. M.
Dr. D.C. Peters
PICUS PUBESCENS, L.
Downy Woodpecker; Sapsucker.
Picus pubescens, L. Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 15. — VIEII.LOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, Ie07, 65 ; pi. cxxi. — WILSON, Am. Orn. 1,
1808, 153 ; pi. ix.— WAGLER, Syst. Avium, 1827, No. 23.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 81 : V, 539 ;
pi. 112.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 249 ; pi. 263.
Picus (Dendrocopus) pubescens, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 307.
Picus (Trichopicus) pubescens, BONAP. Consp* Zyg. Aten. and Cal. 1854, 8.
? Picus medianus, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 308.
Picus meridionalis, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 308. (Small southern race.)
Picus lecontii, JONES, Ann. N. Y. Lye. IV, 1848, 489 ; pi. xviii. (Georgia. Three toed variety. Typo of Tridaclylia, Bp.).
Sp. CH. — A minature of P. villosus. Above black, with a white band down the back. Two white stripes on the side of the
head ; the lower of opposite sides always separated •, the upper sometimes confluent on the nape. Two stripes of black on the
side of the head, the lower not running into the forehead. Beneath white ; wing much spotted with white ; the larger coverts
with two series eacli ; tertiaries or inner secondaries all banded with white. Two outer tail {feathers white, with two bands of
black at end ; third white at tip and externally. Length about G| inches ; wing 3J. Male with red, terminating the white
feathers on the nape.
JIab. — Eastern United States, towards the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.
Third and fourth quills equal and longest, second a little shorter, and then the third. Upper
parts black, the middle of the back as far as the rump with a broad stripe of white, the feathers
12 b
90 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
along the central line being white, more or less edged externally with black. The scapulars
are unspotted, but all the greater coverts have about two spots of white, sometimes two on the
outer and one on the inner webs. All the quills except the spurious primary are spotted with
white on both webs. A series of four white bands is seen over the outer webs of the secondaries
when the wing is folded, (one of them at the end.) There is a white band above the eye, and
another below, with two black stripes, all much as in P. uillosiis, the black confluent with the
black of the neck, the white interrupted behind, the upper white stripe sometimes extending to
the whitish feathers of the base of the bill. In the male the posterior portion of the upper
white stripe on the occiput is tipped with scarlet, producing a band about a quarter of an inch
long. The under parts are dirty white. The black of the neck comes a little forward in front
of the wing, producing a black patch on the side of the breast. The first and second tail
feathers are white, their extreme base and the two bands near the end black, the anterior of
these bands interrupted in the middle, the inner portion wanting in the second. The third
feather has the terminal half -inch, and the posterior half of the outer web white, with a round
black spot on the inner web, near the end. The fourth feather is black, with a narrow white
edge externally towards the end. The female differs in the absence of the red band.
The young male has the entire crown spotted with red of varying tint, which is never
perfectly continuous ; the red is sometimes wanting anteriorly, and sometimes the red is also
spotted with white. There is usually more or less of obscure black spots or streaks on the
under parts. The young also have the same curvature of bill, and other characteristics of
immaturity, as described in P. vittosus.
In some specimens (as in 860) the white stripe above the eye extends forward, and involves
the entire space anterior to the eye. There is little difference in the amount of black on the
outer tail feathers. Sometimes the white on the side of the crown is confluent behind, as also
the crimson in the male ; in others, again, both are distinctly separated by black. One speci
men from Ohio (6698) has the bristly feathers of the bill, with the chin and throat, tinged with
reddish. Western specimens are not appreciably different.
This species is much smaller than P. vittosus. The essential differences in coloration are
found in the bands of black on the outer tail feathers, and in having two series of white spots
on the larger wing coverts, instead of one. There is less black in front of the eye ; in fact, the
lower white stripe extends upwards generally to the antero-inferior corner of the eye, so as to
cut off the black behind it from that anterior to it. The wing is spotted near its anterior edge,
the amount of white proportionally greater.
The Picus lecontii of Dr. Jones appears to be precisely like P. pubescens, except that it has
but three toes. It is very probable that this is merely an accidental feature in one specimen,
one toe on each foot not having been developed. Only one specimen of the supposed species
has been seen or obtained ; this was taken near the seacoast of Georgia. The size is rather less
than specimens of P. pubescens from Pennsylvania, as was to be expected, from the more
southern habitat. The missing toe is the short inner posterior one.
BIRDS — PICIDAE — PICUS GAIRDNEKI.
91
List of specimens.
Cat:il.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained. Orig'I
No.
Collected by— Length. Extent. Wing Remarks.
184
ItilO
1291
870
660
1609
15f8
1584
70-18
6698
7049
5878
6550
oc?
<?
<?
9
c?
c?
c?
Oc?
(?
9
O
5
O
Carlisle, Pennsylvania . . .
do
July, 1839
June 19.1844
Mar. 11,1844
Nov. 25,1842
Nov. 17,184:2
S. F. Baird
do !
6.50 12. 3.75
6 67 12 25 3 88 '
do
do
do
... do
G.75 12.25 3.75
fi 95 1 1 R7 a R7
do
do :
do ...
June 18,1844
do
fi fi7 11 75 .'! R7
Boston
T. M. Brewer ..
do
do . .. i '•
St. Louis, Missouri
Fort Lcavcmvorth, K.T.
Salt crock, K.T
Fort Rilev. K. T
May 8, 1857
Nov. 27,1854
May 29,1857
Lieut. Bryan 42
Lieut. Couch ' 12
Lieut. Hryan Ill
W. S. Wood
W. S. Wood !
do
.. .do . .
•1639
4640
4641
8335
(?
o
(?
9
Platte river, K. T
do
April 26,1856 Lieut. Warren ,
do <1 o
Dr. P. V. Haydun..: 6.87 11.50 3.62
do .... 6 50 12 25 3 62
Bonliomme island, N. T
do :
Independence, Missouri.
June 8,1858
W.M. Magraw ;
Dr. J. G. Cooper... 6.50 1200 3.75
PICUS GAIRDNERI, And.
dairdiier's Woodpecker.
Picus gairdneri, Aud. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 317.— IB. Syn. 1839, 180.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 252, (not figured.)
Picus meridionalis, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, (J90, (not of Swainson )
Sp. Cir. — Very similar in size and color to P. pubescens ; darker. Larger wing coverts, and more exposed tertials, either pure
black, or with but occasional spots on the outer web in the latter. Back with a white median stripe. Side of head with two
white and two black stripes. Two outer tail feathers white, with two bands of black at the end. Length 6J inches -, wing 3J,
generally rather less. Male with a scarlet occipital band.
Hab. — With P. har Isii, from Pacific coast to eastern base of Rocky mountains.
This species, which, is about the size of P. pubescens^ and represents it on the western half of
the continent, is very similar in color and pattern of markings, with certain exceptions hereafter
to be pointed out. The upper parts are black, with a white stripe down the middle of the back.
A white stripe commencing above the eye margins the crown, and passes round on the nape,
sometimes apparently confluent. There is a second white stripe from the forehead below the
eye and down on the side of the neck. As in pubescens, this reaches upwards to the edge of
the eye. A distinct white stripe passes from the lower jaw down on the sides of the neck. The
under parts are smoky brownish white, with obsolete short streaks and spots on the sides of the
body and abdomen. The wing coverts are almost unspotted; sometimes they are perfectly black,
at others there is an occasional, mostly concealed spot. The innermost or exposed tertiaries are
sometimes perfectly black, (4374,) usually, however, there are a few spots on them. There are
five rows on the outer webs of the longer primaries. The two outer tail feathers are white,
with the extreme base and two continuous transverse bars at the end black. The third is
obliquely white at the tip and along the terminal portion of the outer web. The white tip has
a black spot, and there is a round white spot on the inner web anterior to the white tip.
The male has the occiput crimson, this color terminating the white feathers ; the color some
times continuous, sometimes interrupted.
There are the same series in specimens of Picus gairdneri that were indicated under P. liarrisii.
Thus the more northern, from Washington Territory and Oregon, have the under parts more
92
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
brown, with faint black streaks, the white spots above smaller, and less numerous. In speci
mens from California and further east the white is purer, the spots more conspicuous.
This species differs chiefly from P. pubescens in the considerably smaller size of the spots on
the wing, and their restricted number. Thus there are none on the wing coverts except very
occasionally, chiefly in the concealed portion. The most exposed tertiaries are entirely black,,
or with one or two spots on the outer webs only, instead of having two or three conspicuous
white bands, or double series of spots. The lowermost black stripe on the cheek is generally
better defined ; the bristly feathers at the base of the bill browner ; the black bands on the tail
feathers more distinct.
A specimen from Sacramento valley, (6098,) labelled P. meridionalis, by Dr. Heermann, is
exactly intermediate between P. pubescens and gardneri, with less white on the wing than the
one, and more on the other.
The almost perfect parallelism, with appreciable differences, between the markings of the
northwestern and southeastern varieties of Picus harrisii and gairdneri, and their relationship
to the eastern P. villosus and pubescens, is a remarkable fact in American ornithology, and
may possibly indicate the necessity either of dividing the dark ones into a Pacific and Rocky
mountain series, or of considering all as varieties of two species, a larger and smaller, changing
their character with longitudinal distribution. Many other supposed species are involved in
the same consideration ; but a larger number of specimens, in better condition than those before
me, and from localities of more equable distribution over the continent, will be necessary to
settle the question in the present instance.
List of specimens.
Ciitiil.
No.
Sox.
Locality. j When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwing-v
Wing.
Remarks.
6101
•$
Shoalwater bay W. T . Oct. 9, 1854
103
6.75
11.50
6100
4574
O
$
^
Steilacoom,W. T Oct. —,1855
Fort Dalles, 0. T Feb. — , 1855
Dr. Suckley
do
132
154
6099
O
o
do Nov. 10, 1854
do
145
7.00
12.00
4.00
4593
V
St. Helen's O. T
do
207
Dr. Suckley
7.00
12.37
3 87
4594
do
do
204
6.75
12.12
3 75
4595
^
do Jan. 27,1856
do
206
6.75
12.12
3.75
4596
o
o
do
do
203
12.12
3 75
4598
V
J'
do Jan. 27,1856
do
205
6.50
12.00
3.75
5499
*
Petaluma, Cal
E. Samuels
162
6098
Sacramento, Cal ]
Lieut. Williamson..
Dr. Heermann
6097
2
R. D. Cutts
Heeiinaiin
3905
o
3898
*
do
..do .
5622
82K
9
...
Larainie river, K. T Aug. — , 1856
Fort Laramie Oct. 28,1857
Lieut. Bryan
VV. M. Magraw
209
214
W. S. Wood
Dr. Cooper
6.37
7.25
12.75
4.40
4.40
BIRDS — P1CIDAE — PICUS NUTTALLI. 93
PICUS NUTTALLI, Garni) el.
oVuttall's Woodpecker.
Picus nultalli, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, April, 1843, 259, (Los Angeles, Cal.)
Picus scalaris, (.WAGL.) GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. Ph., 2d ser. I, Dec. 1847, 55 ; pi. 9, f. 2, 3, (not of Waglcr.)
PICKS wilsonil, MALHEBKE, Rev. Zool. 1849, 529. — BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 138.
Picus (Trichopicus) wilsonil, BONAP. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Sp. CH. — Back black, banded transversely with white ; not, however, as far forward as the neck. Crown black, with
white spots. Occiput and nape crimson. Tufts of feathers at the base of the bill white. Sides of the head black with two
white stripes, one above the eye and passing down on the side of the neck, the other below and interrupted by the black.
Under parts smoky yellowish white, spotted on the sides of the head with black. Predominant character of the three outer tail
feathers white, witli three, two, or one spots on the outer web near the end. Length about 7 inches ; wing, 4g. Female with
the top of the head uniform black.
JIab. — Coast region of California.
Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest ; second intermediate between the
seventh and eighth. General color above black, barred transversely with white on the back,
rump, and flanks ; the upper surface of tail and tail coverts, and a broad patch on the upper
part of the back about half an inch long, pure black. The white bands measure about .12ths
of an inch, the black about twice as much. The top of the head is black, each feather with a
short streak of white ; on the extreme occiput and the nape is a transverse patch of crimson,
each feather having a white spot just below the crimson. The crimson patch is usually as far
from the base of the bill above, as this is from its point. The sides of the head may be described
as black ; a white stripe commences on the upper edge of the eye, and passing backwards
margins the crimson, and extends on down the side of the neck to a patch of white, apparently
connected with its fellow on the opposite side by white spots. Another narrow white stripe
commences at the nostrils, (the bristles of which are whitish,) and passes as far as the occiput,
where it ceases in the middle of the black of the cheeks. There are thus two white streaks on
the side of the head bordering a black one passing through the eye. The under parts generally
are white, with a dirty yellow tinge. The sides of the breast and body are faintly streaked with
black ; the flanks barred with the same. The under coverts are barred with black.
The three outer tail feathers are yellowish white, with two or three interrupted bars of black
on the posterior fourth. The other feathers are black.
The female has the crown entirely black, without red or white spots. In one specimen only,
(4471,) possibly a young male, the black of the crown is spotted with white. In another,
(6116,) doubtless a young male, the whole crown is red, spotted with white.
One specimen (5400,) from Petaluma, has the black of the back and sides of the head much
more intense, encroaching very greatly on the white markings, which are much reduced. The
spots on the sides of the breast are also larger and darker.
Specimens vary a good deal in the length of the wing.
This species has some resemblance to Picus borealis, in the transverse white bands on the
back and the black spots of the breast. The latter is, however, much larger ; the sides of the
head white, with a black stripe from the bill, the crown pure black, with only a slight trace of
crimson on the side of the occiput.
The immature bird, apparently of both sexes, has the feathers of the crown tipped with red,
as in most young woodpeckers, with or without white at the base of the red. In this stage of
plumage it has much resemblance to Picus scalaris, but is otherwise distinct. The light
94
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
yellowish or whitish color of the bristly frontal feathers, in marked contrast with the forehead,
instead of a smoky brown, will readily distinguish them, independently of the loose downy
texture of the belly feathers, so characteristic of young woodpeckers.
This species was first described by Dr. Gambel as P. nuttalli, who subsequently referred it
erroneously to P. scalaris. It appears to be confined to the region in California west of the
coast range, and extending at least as far south as San Diego. In this distribution it rep.
resents the P. borealis of the South Atlantic States.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained, Collected by —
3337
3;
Dr. Wiison Dr. Gambel
3338
o
do
do
4482
X
Nov — , 1855 Dr. J. G. Cooper .
5965
o
Q
do
do do . ..
6116
Jl
R. D. Cutts
5400
o
May — 1856 E Samuels
G117
V
o
Jan — 1855 Lieut. Trowbridge Mr. Szabo .
4472
V
,7
Aug — , 1855 Lieut. Williamson Dr. Newbeny
4471
O
Umpuua river 0 T
do . do do
PIOUS SCALARIS, Wagler.
Picus scalaris, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, V, 511. (Mexico.) — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 138.
Pious (Dyctiopicus) scalaris, BON. Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus gracili^, LESS. Rev. Zool. 1839, 90. (Mexico.)
Picus parvus, CABOT, Boston Jour. N. H. V, 1845, 90. (Sisal, Yucatan.)
SP. CH. — Back banded transversely with black and white to the neck. Crown crimson spotted with white, from the bill to
the nape ; tuft of feathers at the base of the bill brown. A white stripe above the eye, continued on the side of the neck ;
another under the eye, interrupted by the black of the side of the head. Under parts smoky brownish white, spotted on the
sides of the breast, and banded on the flank with black. Predominating color of the three outer tail feathers black, with white
bands chiefly on the outer webs. Length about G'2 inches ; wing 4j. Female without red on the head.
Hub. — Rocky mountains and its slopes, south of 35th parallel, to Yucatan.
This species is among the smallest of all the North American species, and has been but
recently introduced into the fauna of the United States. The wings are long, reaching as far
as the short feathers of the tail. The third and fourth quills are longest, the second and then
the fifth a little shorter. The upper parts generally are black, on the back, rump, and exposed
feathers of the wings, banded narrowly and transversely with white ; the primaries spotted with
the same on both webs. The upper tail coverts and two inner tail feathers on either side are
black. The white bands of the back extend all the way up to the neck, without any interscapular
interruption. The under parts are of a pale smoky brownish white, almost with a lilac tinge ;
on the sides of the breast and belly are a few scattered short, but elongated spots. The posterior
part of the sides under the wing and the under tail coverts are obscurely banded transversely
with black. The top of the head, extending from the very base of the bill to a short, broad
nuchal crest,, is crimson in the male, each feather with a white spot between the crimson and
BIRDS — PICIDAE riCUS SCALARIS.
95
the dark brown of the base of the feather. In the female the top of the head is uniformly black,
with a tinge of brownish anteriorly. The side of the head is black, with two white stripes, the
latter color predominating. One white stripe begins above the eye, and, margining the crown,
passes into a white patch on the lower part of the side of the neck. A second stripe begins at
the posterior portion of the upper mandible, and, passing backwards under the eye, appears to
stop short in the black. The tuft of feathers and bristles over the nostrils, are dirty brown,
scarcely different from the feathers of the crown.
The predominant character of all the tail feathers is black, of which color are the bases of all.
The outer feather has four white bands on the inner web, and a fifth and sixth basal ones on
the outer. The second feather has the same number on the outer web, (six,) besides a white
tip, but only three on the inner on the terminal half. The third has five white spots on the
outer web, with a trace of a second one at the end of the inner.
There is a little variation in the size of different specimens of this species, but no other of
importance. The black spots of the breast are sometimes darker, and more abundant.
This species is closely related to the Picus nuttalli, but may be readily distinguished. Both
have the back banded transversely with black arid white, and the breast spotted, the pattern of
stripes on the side of the head similar, &c. The Picus scalaris is, however, smaller ; the entire
top of the head is crimson, instead of the posterior half only ; the tufts of feathers at the base of
the bill are brown, scarcely different from that which suffuses the forehead, instead of being
clear yellowish white in marked contrast. The white bands of the back come up to the neck,
instead of ceasing on the upper part of the back. The white of the side of the head is in much
greater proportion. The under parts are browner, the spots smaller. The predominating char
acter of the outer tail feathers is black, with six white bands on the outer webs of the first and
second, dividing them nearly equally, and five on the third, and four, three, and one band or
spot respectively on the inner webs of the first, second, and third. In P. nuttalli these feathers
are nearly all white ; the outer webs of the first, second, and third feathers respectively with
three, two, and one black bar towards the end.
This species is confined to the central portions of the western country, from the Kio Grande
to the Colorado, southward along the highlands of Mexico to Yucatan.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sox.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length. : Stretch Wing.
Jot" wings.
Remarks.
4217
o
Oct. 16, 185-1
6100
G107
V
?
Hoca Grande, Mcx
Major Emory
do
35
52
Dr. Kennerly
do
6.50 12.00
6 50 13 00 4 00
4594
o
do
40
A. Schott
4G05
j>
Dec. 21, 18.">4
do
54
do
. . do .
6115
Q
Colorado river, Cal
Feb. 15, 1854
Lieut. Whipple ....
165
Dr. Kennerly
6.50 11 50 4.00
do
6108
J
Dr. T. C. Henry .
6110
,?
do
6114
6113
g
Rio Grande, Texas
Sept. 10, 1853
Major Emory
do .
27
J. H.Clark
7.05 13.25 , 4.00
6103
3
do
19
do
7 50 13 00 3.75
6104
6105
9
3
Texas
Tamaulipas, Mex
Lieut. Parke
Lieut. Couch
Dr. Ileermann
4040
9
do
76
6.00 1-2 00 4.00
Eyes dark purple,
4031)
3
do
6 50 12.00 4.00
bill flnf, feet
lead color
do
96
U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PIOUS BORE ALLS, Vie ill.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
Picus borealis, VIEILLOT, Oss. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 66 ; pi. 122.— STEPHENS in Shaw's Gen. Zoo}. IX, 1817, 174.
Picus querulus, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 103 ; pi. xv, f. 1.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 21.— IB. Isis, 1829,
51-0.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 12 ; pi. 389.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, 254 ; pi. 264.— BP. Consp. 1850,
137.
Picus (Phrenopicus) querulus, BP. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus leucotis, ILLIGER, (fide Lichtenstein in letter to Wagler ; perhaps only a catalogue name.) — LIGHT. Verzeich.
1823, 12, No. 81.
Picus vieillotii, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 20.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest. Upper parts, with top and sides of the head, black. Back, rump, and scapulars
banded transversely with white ; webs of quills spotted with white. Bristles of bill, under parts generally, and a silky patch on
the side of the head, white. Sides of breast streaked with black. First and second outer tail feathers white, barred with
black. Outer web of the third mostly white. A short, very inconspicuous narrow streak of silky scarlet on the side of the
head a short distance behind the eye, along the junction of the white and black ; this is wanting in the female. Length about
7^ inches : wing, 4|.
Hob. — Southern States.
This species is chiefly confined to the southern Atlantic States, being rarely seen as far north
as Pennsylvania.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1878
O
Southern States
S. F. Baird.
511
A
do
do
3057
Q
Libcrtv county, Ga.. -
1846
do.
8.00 15.00
4.58
2392
O
Savannah Ga
do
Jos. Lcconte
PICUS ALBOLARVATUS.
White-headed Woodpecker.
Ltuconerpes albolarvatus, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct. 1850, 106. California.
Melanerpes albolarvalus, CASSIN, Jour. A. N. Sc, 2d series, II, Jan. 1853, 257 ; pi. 22. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal.
and Oreg. Route, 9, Rep. P. R. R. VI, 1857.
Leuconerpes albolarvatus, BONAP. Consp. Zyg. At. Ital. 1854, 10.
Pictts (Xenopicus) albolarvatus, BAIRD.
SP. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Entirely bluish black, excepting the head and outer edges, with
the entire basal portion, of the primaries, which are white. Length about 9 inches ; wing, 5j . Male with a narrow line of red
on the nape.
Hab. — Cascade mountains of Oregon and southward into California.
This woodpecker is more simple in its colors than any other North American species. The
sixth quill is a little shorter than the fifth ; the third again a little less. The second is inter
mediate between the seventh and eight. There is no white on the first primary, except on the
extreme and concealed basal portion. The white on the outer webs does not extend to within
an inch of the end. There is no white whatever on the tail. On the side of the head the
BIRDS PICIDAE PICOIDES.
97
black of the occiput appears to extend to the eye in an angle. The white of the head scarcely
extends down on the neck.
The P. albolarvatus was first described by Mr. Cassin from specimens collected in California
by J. Gr. Bell. It is an exceedingly rare species, not more than three or four skins being known
to exist in collections.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
6041
O ?
Spokan river W T
Sept 28 1853
Gov Stevens ..
1C
Dr. Cooper
4474
V •
Q?
Cascade mountains, 0. T. , fifty
Sept 28 1855
Lieut Williamson
Dr. Newberry
PICOIDES, Lacep.
Picoides, LACEP. Mem. Inst. 1799.
Tridactylia, STEFH. Shaw, Gen. Zool. 1815.
dpternus, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 311.
Bill about as long as the head, very much depressed at the base ; the outlines nearly straight ; the lateral ridge at its base
much nearer the commissure than the culmcn, so as to bring the large rather linear nostrils closeto the edge of the commissure.
The gonys very long, equal to the distance from the nostrils to the tip of the bill. Feet with only three toes; the outer
lateral a little longer than the inner, but slightly exceeded by the hind toe, which is about equal to the tarsus. Wings very
long, reaching beyond the middle of the tail ; 4th and 5th quills longest. Color black, with a broad patch of yellow on the
crown ; transversely banded on the sides. Quills with round spots.
The peculiarities of this genus consist in the absence of the inner hind toe and the great
depression of the bill.
The American species of Picoides (and to a considerable extent the European) agree in being
black above and white beneath ; the crown with a square yellow patch ; a white stripe behind
the eye, and another from the loral region beneath the eye ; the quills (but not the coverts)
spotted with white ; the sides banded transversely with black. The diagnostic characters
(including the European species) are as follows :
A. Middle of back not varied with white.
Back uniformly black P. arcticus.
B. Middle of back varied with white.
Back with transverse bands of white. White stripes on side of head narrow, incon
spicuous. Crissum but slightly banded with black. Two inner tail feathers
hlack P. hirsutus.
Back streaked longitudinally with white. Sides banded with black. Crissum pure whitc0
Two inner tail feathers black P. dorsalis.
Back streaked longitudinally with white, the sides with black. White lines on the side
of head very conspicuous. Three inner tail feathers black. Crissum much varied
with black P. iridactylus.
13 b
98
U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
483
6934
9972
8809
do
Picoides, arcticus...
do
hirsutus..
Canada
Red river, Ark
Hudson's Bay
<?
9
(J
<?
9.50
9.ao
7.58
6.74
9.
5.06
4.84
4-20
4.80
5.
3.78
3.70
3.50
3.50
0.96
0.90
0.80
0.80
0.84
0.92
0.74
0.72
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.42
1.34
1.34
1.10
1.20
1.40
1.34
1.26
1.20
Skin
Skin
Skin ....
Skin
do
do. .
15.75
1
PICOIDES ARCTICUS.
Black Backed Three-toed Woodpecker.
Picus (Jpternus) arcticus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 313.
Jlpternus arcticus, EP. List, 1838 IB. Consp. 1850, 139. — NEWBEKRT, Zool. Cal. and Oreg. Route, 91 ; Rep.
P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Ptcuj arciictw, AUD. Syn. 1839, 182.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 266; pi. 268.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed ,
1840, 691.
Picus tridactylus, BON. Am- Orn. II, 1828, 14 ; pl.xiv, f. 2.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 198 ; pi. 132.
SP. CH. — Above entirely uniform glossy bluish black; a square patch on the middle of the crown, safiron yellow, and a
few white spots on the outer edges of both webs of the primary and secondary quills. Beneath white, on the sides of the
breast longitudinally striped, and on the sides of the belly and on the flanks and tibial region banded transrersely with black.
A narrow concealed white line from the eye a short distance backwards, and a white stripe from the extreme forehead (meet
ing anteriorly) under the eye, and down the sides of the neck. Bristly feathers of the base of the bill brown. Exposed
portion of two outer tail feathers (1st and 2d) white.
Length, about 9£ inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 3.85. Female, without yellow on the head.
Hub. — Northern portions of the United States to the Arctic regions, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
This species differs from the other American three-toed woodpeckers chiefly in having the
back entirely black. The white line from the eye is usually almost imperceptible, if not
wanting entirely.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
4473
Cascade mountains 0 T
Dr J S Newberry
483
New York _. _..
S F Baird
6934
9
Selkirk settlement, H. B. T..
Donald Gunn
7973
S
Hudson's bay .
J. Gould
84
7974
9
do
do
84 A
PICOIDES HIRSUTUS.
Banded Three-toed Woodpecker.
Picus hirsutus, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 68 ; pi. cxxiv.— WACLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 102, (mixed up with
undulatus.) AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 184 ; pi. 417.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, pi. 269.— NUTT. Man.
I, 2d ed. 1840, 622.
Jlplernus hirsutus, BON. List. 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 129.
Picus (Jlpternus) tridactylus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 311 ; pi. Ivi.
Jlpternus americanus, Sw. Class. Birds, II, 1837, 306.
BIRDS PICIDAE — PICOIDES HIESUTUS. 99
Sr. CH. — Black above ; the back with transverse bands of white to the rump. A white line from behind the eye, widening
on the nape, and a broader one under the eye from the loral region, but not extending on the forehead ; occiput and sides of
head uniform black. Quills spotted on both webs with white. Under parts white ; the sides banded transversely with black.
Top of the head spotted with white ; the crown of the male with (i yellow patch.
Length, about 9 inches ; wing, 4.45 ; tail, 3.35.
Ilab. — Arctic regions of North America.
General color black above, white beneath. The crown with a patch of orange yellow forming
the tips of the feathers. The entire top of the head spotted with brownish white, which in the
colored portion of the crown is at the base of the yellow. There is a narrow line of white
(scarcely appreciable) from the upper border of the eye, and another broader one parallel to it
from the loral region below the eye, but not extending on the forehead. The frontal bristly
feathers are smoky brown or black, much like the forehead. They are very full, reaching over
half the culmen. The whole back from near the nape to the rump is distinctly banded trans
versely with white, and there is a tendency to a white patch on the nape, although the occiput
is black. Both webs of all the quills are spotted with white ; the spots on the external webs
small and circular, extending to the tips, those on the inner larger and transverse, and more
confined to the basal portion. The exposed inner webs of tertials or inner secondaries show
these transverse bands quite distinctly. The under parts, as stated, are white ; the sides of
the body banded transversely with black to the tail. There are indications of black bands
also on the under tail coverts. The two outer tail feathers are white, the bases obliquely black ;
the third feather is black, with the tip obliquely white. The remaining feathers are black.
A specimen from New Caledonia, in the collection of the National Institute, differs in having
the white stripes on the side of the head more distinct ; the lower one narrow, and not diffused
over the side of the lower jaw. In both, there is a distinct maxillary black stripe. In the New
Caledonia specimen the outer three tail feathers (including the rudimentary one) are white,
banded with black towards the base ; the median ones black, with faint round spots of white.
This species is readily distinguishable from P. arcticus by having the back banded trans
versely with white to the rump, (but exclusive of the tail coverts,) instead of being uniformly
black. There is also more of the white spotting on the inner webs of inner secondaries. There
is a narrow, scarcely appreciable line of white in both behind the eye, but it extends much further
back in hirsutus. The lower white stripe is better defined in arcticus, and extends forward on
the forehead across the bases of the bristly tufts, (but without meeting on the median line.)
This character is not appreciable in hirsutus.
The female is said to be similar to the male, but wants the yellow patch on the crown, which,
however, is spotted with white.
I have not at hand any good specimen of P. tridactylus of Europe, and am unable to state
with precision in what the distinctions consist. From the indications of descriptions, however,
the differences appear to be that in P. tridactylus the white stripes on the side of the head are
broader, and embrace between them a narrow black malar stripe, instead of being very narrow,
inconspicuous, and less distinct behind. The middle of the back is white, and with the sides
streaked, not banded, with black ; the under tail coverts are thickly banded with black. There
is more black on the tail, the three innermost feathers on either side being entirely black, and
the fourth (from inside) with a little white only at the end ; while in hirsutus the two inner
only are black, the fourth nearly white.
The specimen described was received from Mr. John Gould, and once formed part of the
100
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
collection of the London Zoological Society ; and it is probably the original of the description
and figure of Mr. Audubon, his specimens having been borrowed from the society.
It is with great uncertainty that I admit the name of Vieillot as the proper one for this
species. His description and figure apply almost equally well to this and the true P.
tridactylus of Europe. No mention is made of any white on the back, and but for the amount
of white on the side of the head the description would answer almost as well to P. arcticus.
Vieillot evidently considers the bird described as P. liirsutus as the only one inhabiting northern
Europe and America, and the question can only be settled by knowing exactly what locality
furnished the specimen used in his article.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Remarks.
7972
Ji
J Gould
Supposed type of Au-
National Institute ....
Dr. Leib
dubon's figures.
PICOIDES DOKSALIS, Baird.
Striped Three-toed Woodpecker.
Black above, white beneath. Crown with a patch of yellow. Back strealced longitudinally with white ; upper tail covers
spotted with the same. Innermost tail feather black ; next one with a white spot ; third considerably marked with white.
Quills spotted vvitli white. Under tail coverts uniform white ; sides of body banded transversely with black.
Length 9 inches ; wing, 5 inches ; tail, 3.55 inches.
Hob. — Lararnie peak, Rocky Mountains.
The only specimen of this species which has hitherto fallen under my notice is in very bad
condition, having been shot in the moulting season and at the same time much mutilated.
There is, however, no doubt of its specific distinction from any other known American species,
although it may be difficult to express all its characters.
The upper parts generally are black, but there is a longitudinal stripe of white down the
middle of the back as in Picus villosus and pubescens. This white in the central feathers
occupies the whole of the feather beyond the downy base ; in the adjacent ones, however, it
forms an elongated terminal patch on the end of the inner web, the remainder being black. It
is impossible to say how far forward the white extends, but probably as 1'ar as the nape. The
upper tail coverts have each a white spot at their tips. The wings are black; the quills with a
series of small subcircular white spots on the edges of the outer webs to the tips, (six or seven
on the primaries.) The inner webs are marked on their edges with larger and more transverse
white blotches, commencing at their bases, but not reaching the tips. On the innermost secon
daries these bands are very distinct, and the terminal ones extend nearly to the outer edge of
the feathers.
There is a patch of gamboge yellow on the crown ; the rest of the head is black, with a
distinct white stripe beneath the eye from the angle of the mouth, and extending forward across
the bases of the bristly nasal tufts. Its backward extension cannot be ascertained, nor whether
there is a second white stripe from behind the eye. The bristly feathers of the nostrils are
black, somewhat streaked with white ; they do not reach to the middle of the culmen.
BIEDS — riCIDAE — SPHYRAPICUS.
101
The under parts are white ; the sides along the wings and under wing coverts banded trans
versely with black. The under tail coverts are white without any bands. The two outer
(stiff) tail feathers are white, the basal portion black. There is a black spot in the white of
the inner, and a white one in the black of the second stiff feather. The next feather is black,
spotted terminally with white on the edges ; the next black with a single terminal spot. The
middle feather entirely black.
This species requires no comparison with P. arcticus, which has the entire back uniformly
black. It differs from P. liirsutus in having the middle of the back streaked longitudinally with
white, instead of banded transversely ; the upper tail coverts spotted with white. The white
bands on the inner edges of the inner secondaries are broader, and extend nearly to the outer
web instead of being confined to the inner. The under tail coverts are pure white instead of
banded with black, and the markings of the tail are somewhat different. The size is rather
larger ; the bill longer and narrower.
This species differs from P. tridactylus of Europe in the pure white under tail coverts, and
the more distinctly longitudinal patch of white on the back. The two middle tail feathers on
either side only are black, (and, in fact, the second has a white spot,) while the others are much
variegated with white. The exposed portions of the outer feathers are entirely white, instead
of being conspicuously banded with black. The sides are banded, not streaked, with black.
In the Conspectus Volucrum Zygodactylorum of Bonaparte, mention is made of Picoides
crissoleucos of Brandt, " Kamtschatkensis , Bp.," which may possibly be the present species,
especially as it agrees in the white crissum. I have not been able, however, to find the
original description, nor have I at present access to the figures of Reichenbach in Icones avium.
It is, however, hardly likely that a summer bird, found breeding as far south as the parallel of
42° in the Rocky mountains, should occur also in Kamtschatka.1
List of specimens.
Lucality.
8809 c? LaramiePeak ! August 25,1857
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Lnngtli.
K\t>'ii!. Wing.
II 1.1 irks.
Lt. G. K. Warren..
Dr. F. V. Huyden..
9.00
15.75 | 5.00
Iris, ]i<;lit gray
SPHYRAPICUS, Baird.
Pilumnus, BON. Consp. Zygod. Atcnco Italiano, May, 1854. (P. thyroideus.)
Bill as in Picus, but the lateral ridge, which is very prominent, running out distinctly to the commissure at about its middle,
beyond which the bill is rounded without any angles at all. The cuhnen and gonys are very nearly straight, but slightly
convex, the bill tapering rapidly to a point; the lateral outline concave to very near the slightly bevelled tip. Outer pair of
toes longest ; the hinder exterior rather longest ; the inner posterior toe very short ; less than the inner anterior without its
claw. Wings long and pointed; the fourth longest. Tail feathers very broad, abruptly acuminate, with a very long linear
point.
This genus is very remarkable in the prominence of the lateral ridge, and its termination in
the middle of the commissure, with the narrowness and low situation of the nostrils. I do not
feel exactly satisfied with the position of P. williamsoni in the genus, as, although the bill is
1 As these sheets are passing through the press, I find that P. crissoleucus has the under parts entirely white, without bands
or streaks. The under wing coverts even are white, while in all the other species they are spotted with black. Reichenbach,
Ilandbuch, VI, 1855,362.
102
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the same, the outer anterior toe appears decidedly longer than the posterior. The specimen is,
however, in such a defective state of preservation as to render it almost impossible to ascertain
its true characters.
Picus thyroideus, upon which Pilumnus was founded, differs a little from P. varius in a
longer, more attenuated, and slenderer bill ; more curved culmen ; and less prominent lateral
ridge. The outer toes too are more nearly even.
The genus Pilumnus, originally established by Bonaparte, is used in the Crustacea, and
cannot, of course, be again employed. In supplying a new name, I consider the old Picus
varius as the type instead of thyroideus, which may possibly constitute the type of a distinct
genus. Eeichenbach takes Mr. Cassin quite severely to task for not recognizing a Colaptes in
his Picus thyroideus. There is, however, nothing of the peculiar features of Colaptes in the bill,
and but little in the coloration. In the latter respect it is more like Centurus, but still suffi
ciently different to justify Bonaparte in combining it with the Picus varius and ruber.
The species of Sphyrapicus, in respect to coloration, are divisible into two sections, the one
with S. varius as the type, the other embracing only S. thyroideu*. The following diagnosis
will serve readily to distinguish them. All have the central line of the belly yellow, and the
upper tail coverts white.
A. No transverse bars on the body. Middle of the back longitudinally spotted with whitish.
Upper tail coverts, outer half of middle and greater wing coverts, and line from the nostrils
(including the nasal feathers) under the eye, white ; middle line of the belly yellow.
Crown red, bordered all around with black. A post-ocular white stripe ; chin and throat
broadly red ; a patch of black on the breast ; outer and inner tail feathers varied with
white S. varius.
Head, neck, and sides of breast and body black. A post-ocular white stripe ; nar
row line of chin and throat red. Tail feathers entirely black. Back scarcely
spotted S. williamsonii.
Head, neck, and breast red. No post-ocular white stripe. Innermost tail feathers only
varied with white S. ruber.
B. Everywhere, except on the head and neck, upper tail coverts and middle line of belly,
transversely banded with black and whitish. No white (or red ?) on the head.
Head and neck light brown; a large black pectoral patch ,S. thyroideus.
Comparative measurements.
CiUal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2107
S. varius
Carlisle, Pa
o
7 64
4 90
3 50
0 80
0 84
0 34
1.00
1.00
do.
do
do
V
8.50
14.75
5 00
Fresh
782
do
do
7 44
4 86
3 14
0 86
0 fc'O
0 34
1 00
1 04
Skin
2076
do
do
*
7 52
0 84
0 32
0 96
1 04
Skin
do.
do
do
o
8.25
15.25
4 84
Fresh
60-12
5621
do
do
Fort Thorn, N. M....
Medicine Bow, Cr . . .
7.98
7.40
5.06
4 78
3.56
3 42
0.90
0 84
0.84
0 86
0.32
0 34
0.94
0 90
0.98
0 96
Skin
6038
Sacramento val., Cal
*
8 00
0 96
3899
do
California
o
7.98
4 86
3 44
0 gg
0 88
0 38
1 00
1 06
SKin
8804
S. williamsonii ....
Lararnie Peak
,7
7 64
4 92
3 76
0 84
0 88
0 30
0 98
0 98
Skin
do.
do
do
A
9.00
15.25
5 00
Fre<h
9344
do
Klamath lake, O. T. .
O
7 60
5 24
1 04
3U03
S. tluroideiirf
California
0
8.80
5 36
4 06
0 84
0 86
0 30
1 20
1 90
Skin
8807
do
Laramie Peak
o
7.10
4 32
3 44
0 90
0 96
Skin
do.
do
do
8.75
15.25
4.50
Fresh
BIRDS — PICIDAE — SPHYEAPICUS VAEIUS. 103
SPHYKAPICUS VARIUS, Baird.
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
Picus varius, L. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 176. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. II, 1807, 63 ; pi. cxviii, cxix. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I,
1808, 147; pi. ix, f. 2.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 16,— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 519 : V. 537 ;
pi. 190.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 263 ; pi. 267.— BON. List. 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 138.
Picus (Dendrocopus) varius, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 309.
Pilumnus varius, BON. Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
} Picus atrothorax, LESSON. Traite d'Ornithologie, I, 1831, 229.— IB. PUCHERAN, Rev. Zool. VII, 1855, 21. (Refers it
to Picus varius.)
Yellow-bellied ivoodpecker, PENNANT, LATHAM.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest; third a little shorter; fourth considerably shorter. General color above black, much
variegated with white. Feathers of the back and rump brownish white, spotted with black. Crown scarlet, bordered by black on
the sides of the head and nape. A streak from above the eye, and another from the bristles of the bill, passing below the eye,
and into the yellowish of the belly, and a stripe along the edges of the wing coverts white. A triangular broad patch of scarlet
on the chin, bordered on each side by black stripes from the lower mandible, which meet behind, and extend into a large
quadrate spot on the breast. Rest of uinler parts yellowish white, streaked on the sides with black. Inner web of inner tail
feather white, spotted with black. Outer feathers black, edged and spotted with white. Length 8.25 inches ; wing about 4.75 ;
tail 3.30. Female with the red of the throat replaced by white. Young male without black on the breast, or red on top of
the head.
Hal. — Atlantic ocean to the eastern slopes of Rocky mountains ; Greenland.
VARIETY nuchalis. — The black occipital transverse band succeeded by a nuchal one of scarlet, instead of brownish white
(New Mexico.)
The brownish white stripes behind the eye are confluent on the nape, and are separated by a
black occipital band from the red of the top of head. It then may be traced downwards in two
branches over the scapular region, and meeting on the rump. The feathers involved are
whitish, with spots and transverse bands of black. The feathers of the middle of the back are
somewhat similar, but with more black. The white of the wing coverts is confined to the
outermost middle and greater ones. All the quills are spotted with white on the edges of both
webs, quite conspicuously so on the inner edges of innermost secondaries. The under tail
coverts are whitish, with concealed V-shaped bands of brown. The rump feathers are white,
the lateral ones with outer edges marked with black. The three outer tail feathers (not
counting the spurious one) are black, terminally edged and spotted with white ; the fourth has
a small white spot ; the fifth or innermost is as described. The white cheek stripe extends
along the whole neck, and runs into the yellow of the sides and belly.
There is a very curious variety of this species, which I have only seen from the southern
Eocky mountains, in which the nuchal brownish white band formed by the confluence of the
two post ocular stripes is red, like the crown, and separated from it by the black occipital band.
The yellow bordering the black pectoral patch is also tinged with red. I have never seen more
than a trace of this in eastern specimens, as in 4632 and 2101. The name of nuchalis may be
applied to this variety.
There is an occasional variation in the markings of the tail feathers. Thus in No. 782, from
Carlisle, the innermost one is entirely black, while in 4631, from the upper Missouri, the outer
web of the same feather has nearly, and in 2107, from Carlisle, it has quite, as much white as
the inner web. The outer webs do not appear to vary so much.
With the great variations with age and sex exhibited by this species, it is a little remarkable
that it has so few synonyms. The Picus atrothorax of Lesson, among these, was first shown to
belong to S. varius, by Pucheran, in his critical studies of the types of French zoologists
contained in the Paris Museum of Natural History.
104
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This species is found throughout the eastern portion of North America, from the Atlantic
coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains. The Fort Yuma specimen, (6046,) if no
mistake has been made in the locality, is the only far western point on record. The variety
nuclialis has hitherto only been noticed from New Mexico.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
G935
O
Selkirk settlement. II. B.T.
Dr. IIov
1334
2076
1342
2598
2107
1332
782
1333
2101
4635
4632
4631
4633
4634
4636
4637
5621
8807
60-42
6046
9
c?
9
9
9
cJ
<J
$
S
$
<$
9
9
<J
<?
<J
9
9
Carlisle, Pennsylvania....
do i
April 5, 1844
April —,1845
April 10, 1844
May 8.1846
April 15,1845
May 5, 1844
October?, 1842
S. F. Baird
do
8.33
15.33
15.25
4.92
4.83
(Jo
do
8.25
do .
do
8.33
15 50
5.
do
do
8.33
15.25
5.
do
do
do
8.50
8.25
14.75
15 75
5.
do .,
April 5,1844
April 12,1845
April 26,1856
April 29, 1856
May 3, 1856
do
do
8.67
15.75
5.
do
do
Mouth of Platte river,N.T.
80 nils. ab. Council Blufi's.
Big Sioux river, N. T .....
.do ....
Lt. G. K. Warren..
47
do
7.37
14.
13.
15.25
14.75
4.87
4.75
5.
do
do «
Dr. Hay den 7.75
do 8.37
do
do. .... .
do
do 7.32
' 7 G-'
14
do
May 17, —
August 9,1856
August 24, 1857
... do
14.
13.87
15.25
4.75
5.
4.50
Medicine Bow river, K. T,
Laramie Peak , ....
Mimbres river, New Mex.
? Fort Yuma, California ..
Lieut. Bryan
Lieut. Warren
•flr.T.O.Henrv.TT.S.A.
233
W. S. Wood 7.87
Dr. Hayden j 8.75
Iris, light gray.
9
Lieut. Williamson. .
Dr. Ileermann '
SPHYRAPICUS RUBER, Baird.
Red-breasted Woodpecker.
Picus ruler, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 429.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 151.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 179 ; p!.
416.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 261 ; pi. 266.
Melanerpes ruber, RICH. List, Pr. Br. Assoc. for 1835.— BONAP. List, 1638.— IB. Consp. 1850, 115.
Pdumnus ruber, BON. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus Jlaviventris, VIEILI.OT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 67.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; third intermediate between fourth and fifth. Bill brown wax color. Head and neck all
round and breast carmine red. Above black, central line of back from nape to rump spotted with whitish ; rump, wing coverts,
and inner web of the inner tail feathers white, the latter with a series of round black spots. Belly sulphur yellow, streaked with
brown on the sides. Narrow space around and a little in front of the eye black. A narrow yellowish stripe from the nostrils, a
short distance below and behind the eye. Length about 8.50 inches ; wing, 5 inches ; tail, 3.40 inches.
Hob. — Pacific slope of the United States.
The red of the breast and belly extends over half the distance from chin to end of lower tail
coverts. The tail feathers are immaculate black, except as described. All the wing quills
have both webs spotted with white. The white of the upper tail coverts is streaked with
black. The white spots on the back are elongated, mostly on the end of the inner webs of the
feathers, and are tinged with red.
Specimens vary considerably in size ; one (5959) from Olympia is much larger than the rest,
measuring 9^ inches ; the wing over 5 inches. The colors are unusually bright and pure, but
no other difference is noticeable.
BIRDS PICIDAE — SPHYRAPICUS WILLIAMSON II.
105
The shade of red sometimes varies to a more purplish tinge. The white on the wing is
confined to the outermost middle and greater coverts ; the quills spotted on both webs except
the innermost and outermost ones. The under wing coverts are white, slightly spotted (not
banded) with black.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
5959
Olympia W. T .
Mar. , 1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper
6040
Slioalwater bay, W. T
Oct. — , 1854
do
9.25
15.75
5.37 Iris, bill, and feet
pale brown
2796
2797
3
Columbia river
...do
Oct. 28, 1835
do. ...
S. F. Baird
do
J. K. Townsend
do
1938
Q
do
July 8, 1835
...do . .
3896
*
1853
6038
6039
do
do
do
SPHYRAPICUS WILLIAMSON!!, Baird.
Williamson's Woodpecker.
Picus williamsonii, NEWBERRT, Zool. California and Oregon Route, 89 : P. R. R. Repts. VI, 1857 ; pi. xxxiv,
fig. 1.
Melanerpes rubrigularis, SCLATER, Annals and Mag. N. II. 3d series, I, Feb. 1858, 127.
SP. CH. — Black ; middle line of belly yellow ; central line of chin and throat above red. A large patch on the wing, rump,
and upper tail coverts, a line from the forehead beneath the eye, and another from its upper border, white. Tail entirely black.
Exposed surface of wing without any white, except on the outer primaries. Female with the chin white instead of red. Length
9 inches ; wing, 5 inches ; tail, 4.70 inches.
Ilab. — Rocky mountains to the Cascade mountains.
Head and neck all round, sides of breast and body, upper parts generally, wings, and tail
glossy greenish black. A well defined white stripe from the nostrils, (including the bristly
nasal feathers,) passing backwards under the eye; another nearly parallel starting at the upper
part of the eye, and nearly meeting its fellow on the occiput. Chin and throat red along their
central line. A large patch on the wing, including the exposed portions of the middle and
greater coverts, white, although the anterior lesser coverts are black. The inner face of the
wings is white, banded transversely with white ; the sides of body behind and under tail
coverts white, with broadly V-shaped bands of black, which color on the latter occupies the
whole central portion of the feathers. Rump and upper tail coverts pure white ; back with a
few indistinct and concealed spots of the same. Quills black; the margins of exterior primaries
spotted with white, the inner margins only of the remaining quills, with similar but larger and
more transverse blotches. Middle of the body, from the breast to the vent, sulphur yellow.
Female similar, but with the chin white instead of red.
This beautiful species of woodpecker was first collected by Dr. Newberry, August 23, 1855,
on the shores of Klamath lake, southern Oregon. The specimen — a female — was badly shot,
and thrown into alcohol, which extracted the yellow color of the belly, leaving it a dull white.
In this state it was figured and published in Dru Newberry's report, in 1857, made to Lieutenant
Abbot. A male in good plumage was, however, taken by Dr. Hayden, on the 24th of August,
1857, on Laramie Peak.
14 b
10G
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Mr. Th mas Bridges more recently collected a male specimen in northern California, and
sent it to London, where it was described by Mr. Sclater, in February, 1858, as quoted above.
As Dr. Newberry's report and plate were published in 1857, and the species there named P.
williamsonii by him, he has, of course, the priority.
This one species is so entirely different from any other American bird as to require no special
comparison. It has as yet only been found in the Kocky mountains, about latitude 40°, and
westward.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
9344
8804
9
Shores of Klamath lake, 0. T.
Aug. 23, 1855
Aug. 24, 1851
Lieut. Williamson..
Lieut. Warren
Dr. J. S. Newberry.
Dr. Hayden
9.00
15.25
5.00
Dried entire from
alcohol.
P
-
SPHYRAPICUS THYKOIDEU3, Baird.
Brown-headed Woodpecker.
Picus thyroideus, CASSIK, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Dec. 1851, 349, (California.)— HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d ser. II,
1853,270.
Melanerpes thyroideus, CASSIN, 111. I, 1854, 201 ; pi. xxxii.
PUumnus thyroideus, BON. Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
?? Picus nataliae, MALHERBE, Cab. Journ. f. Ornith. 1854, 171.
SP. CH. — About the size of P. varius. Head dark ashy brown ; rest of body apparently encircled by narrow transverse and
continuous bands crossing the wings, of black and brownish white, except a large, round, black patch on the breast ; and the
central line of the body from the crest to the vent, which is the color of roll sulphur. No red on the head. Female with
rather duller color. Length about 9 inches ; wing, 5 inches ; tail, 4.10 inches.
Ilab. — Cascade and Coast ranges of California and Oregon.
This species, but recently added to our Fauna, is quite different in its colors from the other
North American species. In addition to the characters already assigned, the crown of the head
is obscurely streaked or spotted with black. The transverse and well defined narrow bands on
the back, breast, and sides of the body are very peculiar. The rump and upper tail coverts are
white, with a few spots of black ; the under coverts are barred with black. The tail feathers
are black, the inner and outer barred transversely with white on both webs, the shafts, however,
entirely black. The quills are all spotted with, white on both webs.
The sexes of the specimens collected have not been indicated sufficiently to show whether the
absence of red about the head in all of them applies to the male as well as the female.
List of specimens.
Catal. SC.T.
No.
3903 O
G047
8803 Q
cality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing, j Remarks.
!
Dr. Hecnnann
e, N. M...
... Au". 24, 1857
Dr. Henry, U. S. A
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden
9.00
19.00
5.25 Iris dark brown..
BIRDS — PICIDAE HYLATOMUS PILEATUS,
107
HYLATOMUS, Baird.
Dryotomus, MALHERBE, Mem. Ac. Metz. 1849, 322. (Not of Swainson, 1831.)
Dryopiciis, BONAP. Consp. Zygod. in Aten. Ital. May, 1854. (Not of Malherbe.)
Bill a little longer that the head ; considerably depressed, or broader than high at the base. Shaped much as in Campepldlus,
except shorter, and without the bristly feathers directed forwards at the base of the lower jaw. Gonys about half the length of
the commissure. Tarsus shorter than any toe, except the inner posterior. Outer posterior toe shorter than the outer anterior,
and a little longer than the inner anterior. Inner posterior very short ; not half the outer anterior ; about half the inner
anterior one.
Tail long, graduated ; the longer feathers much incurved at the tip. Wing longer than the tail, reaching to the middle of
the exposed surface of -tail ; considerably graduated, though pointed ; the fourth and fifth quills longest.
Color uniform black, with white patches on the side of the head. Head with pointed crest
This genus is very similar to CampephUus, but differs chiefly in the less development of the
outer hind toe, which is about exactly intermediate between the outer and inner anterior, the
outer largest ; instead of being longest, and having the outer anterior intermediate between it
and the inner. The bill is shorter ; the gonys fully half the length of the commissure.
HYLATOMUS PILEATUS, Baird.
IJlack Wood Cock; Log Cock.
Picuspileatus, LINN. Syst Nat. I, 1766, 173. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 58 ; pi. ex. — WILSON, Am. Orn.
IV, 1811, 27 ; pi. xxix, f. 2.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 2.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 74 : V,
533 ; pi. 111.— IB. Birds Arner. IV, 1842, 266 ; pi. 257.
Picus (Dryotomus) pileatus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 304.
Dryotomus pileatus, Bp. List. 1838.
Dryocopus pileatus, BONAP. Consp. Av. 1850, 132.
Dryopicus pilealus, BON. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Pileated woodpecker, PENNANT. — LATHAM.
Sp. Cri, — Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest ; third intermediate between sixth and seventh. Bill blue black. General
color of body, wings, and tail dull greenish black. A narrow white streak from just above the eye to the occiput ; a wider one
from the nostril feathers (inclusive) under the eye and along the side of the head and neck ; sides of the breast, (concealed by
the wing,) axillaries, and under wing coverts, and concealed bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the head, white,
tinged with sulphur yellow. Entire crown from the base of the bill to a well developed occipital crest, as also a patch on the
ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet red. A few fair t white crescents on the sides of the body and on the abdomen. Length, about
18 inches ; wing, 9|.
Female without the red on the cheek, and the anterior half of that on the top of the head replaced by black.
Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
Specimens of this species from the southern States are considerably smaller than Pennsylvania
and Oregon ones. The wing of a male (4925) from the St. John's river, Florida, is nearly an
inch shorter than the northern average. There is no appreciable difference in western and
eastern ones.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
On*.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wing*.
Wing.
Remarks.
6931
174
1723
4925
5600
8379
6132
4792
6130
6131
cT
9
3
$
$
S
$
Q
<S
Nelson river, 11. li. T
Carlisle I'a
May — , 1639
Oct. 28, 1844
Donald Gunn
S F. liaird . ....
17.67
17.50
28.83
24.00
9.25
8.50
do
do
Kansas
Independence, Mo
Uio Grande N M
June 20, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
W. M. Magraw
I)r Henry USA
W. S. Wood
L)r. Cooper
18.00
28.00
9.25
Iris yellow. ..
May 9, 1835
April — , 185-1
May — , 1855
S. F. Baird
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
95
57
381
J. K. Townsend
Dr. Suckley
18.00
29.00
Fort Steilacoom, \V. T . . .
do
108
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Section Centureae.
The United States genera of this section are very similar to each other, and may be most
easily distinguished by color, as follows :
CENTURUS.— Back and wings banded transversely with black and white. Crown more or less
red ; rest of head with under parts greyish, and with red or yellow tinge on the middle of the
abdomen. Rump white.
MELANERPES. — Upper parts uniform black, without bands, with or without a white rump ;
variable beneath, but without transverse bands.
CENTURUS, Swain so .
Centurua, Sw. Class. Birds, II, 1837, 31 ', (type C. carolinus.)
Zebrapicus, MALH. Mem. Acad. Metz, 1849, 360, (t pe C . coroJinw.)
Bill about the length of the head, or a little longer ; decidedly compressed, except at the
extreme base. A lateral ridge starting a little below the culmen at the base of the bill, and
angular for half the length of the bill, then becoming obsolete, though traceable nearly to the
tip. Culmen considerably curved from the base ; gonys nearly straight. Nostrils very broad,
elliptical ; situated about midway on the side of the mandible, near the base ; partly concealed.
Outer pairs of toes unequal ; the anterior toe longest. Wings long, broad ; third to fifth
primaries equal and longest. Tail feathers rather narrow, stiffened.
The species are all banded above transversely with black and white. The rump white. The
head and under parts are brown. The belly with a red or yellow tinge.
The species of Centurus may be arranged as follows :
A. Middle of belly red.
Crown, nape, and behind the auriculars red. Forehead white, tinged with red. C. carolinus.
B. Middle of belly yellow ; a square patch of red in the middle of the crown.
Forehead yellow ; nuchal collar orange yellow ; a white band between the red of the
crown and the yellow front. Rump white. Middle tail feathers black. — C. flaviventris.
Entire upper parts of head and nape light brownish, except on the crown ; forehead
rather purer. Rump banded with black. Middle tail feathers varied with white and
black C. uropygialis.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length.
Stretch
)f wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
865
Centurus carolinus. . .
Carlisle, Pa ' $
8.84
5 20
3 74
0 84
0 94
0 44
1.26
1 31
Skin
do.
do
do
9.75
17.00
5.18
Fresh
6118
do
Leavenworth O
8 60
5 00
3 70
0.80
0 94
0 44
1.16
1 20
Skin
6121
Centurus flaviventris.
San Antonio, Tex.. $
9 14
5 "4
3 56
0 90
1 00
0 42
1 44
1 46
Skin
9085
do
Mexico ! O
9.00
5 02
3 52
0 90
1 04
0.42
1 30
1.32
Skin
6124
do
Ringgold Barracks
8 22
5 00
3 20
0 94
1 02
0.38
1.26
1.32
Skin
4035
do
Matimoras. Mex. . . O
8.90
5 12
3 38
0 88
0 94
0 38
1.30
1.32
Skin
do.
1256
do
Cen urus flaviventris
do
do O
9.00
9.20
15.50
5.00
5 40
3 76
0 80
1 08
0.40
1.22
1.30
Fresh
Skin
6129
Centurua uropygialis .
8 10
4 82
3 66
0 80
0 99
0 34
1 14
1 14
Skin
4568
do
do
8 50
4 go
3 54
0 88
0 94
0 40
1 18
1 18
Skin
6128
do
...do .., A
8 84
5 20
0 40
1 30
1 32
9087
Centurus striatus ....
10.06
5 08
4 jo
] oo
1 10
0 36
1 40
1 46
SKin
9086
do
do O
9.64
4 84
4 00
0 90
0 90
0 4°
1 10
1 10
Skin
9082
Ccnlurus radiolatus . .
Jamaica
9. OB
4 70
3 72
0 90
1 1°
0 40
1 40
1 40
Skin
BIRDS PICIDAE CENTURUS CAROLINUS. 109
CENTURUS CAROLINUS, Bon.
JRed-bellied Woodpecker
Picus carolinus, LINK. Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 174. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 113 ; pi. vii, f. 2. — AUD. Orn. Biog.
V, 1839, 169 ; pi. 415.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 270 ; pi. 270.
Centurus carolinus, Sw. BP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, av. 1850, 119.
Centurus carolinensis, Sw. Birds, II, 1837, 310 ; (error.)
Picus griseus, VIEILI,. Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 52 ; pi. cxvi.
? Picus erytkrauchen, WAGLER, Syst. Avium, 1827
Picus zebra, BODD.ERT, Tabl. pi. enl. (Gray, genera.)
Sp. Cn. — Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal, and longest ; second and seventh about equal. Top of the head and
nape crimson red. Forehead whitish, strongly tinged with light red, a shade of which is also seen on the cheek, still
stronger on the middle of the belly. Under parts brownish white, with a faint wash of yellowish on the belly. Back, rump,
and wing coverts banded black and white ; upper tail covert white, with occasional blotches. Tail feathers black ; first trans
versely banded with white ; second less so ; all the rest with whitish tips. Inner feathers banded with white on the inner web ;
the outer web with a stripe of white along the middle. Length 9J inches ; wing about 5.
Female with the crown ashy ; fore'iead pale red ; nape bright red.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.
The quills are all tipped and edged with white, and have a white spot near their base. The
white bands on the back are about one-tenth of an inch wide ; the black nearly twice as large.
The under tail coverts are white, streaked with black. The red of the crown becomes rather
lighter on the nape, where theie is sometimes a slight indication of yellowish.
Specimens vary in the depth of color of the red on the belly and its extent. The chin is
sometimes tinged with red.
A specimen from Fort Thorn does not differ appreciably, except in being a little smaller, and
the belly of rather a brighter red. All the western I have seen have the belly more red than
eastern ones.
I do not find any difference in eastern and Missouri specimens, except that none before me
from Pennsylvania show so much red as do western ones.
A skin from Amelia island, (4924) Florida, is considerably smaller than more northern ones,
the wing measuring barely 5 inches. It differs a little in having the white bands above nar
rower than usual, the black ones being at least three times the white instead of only twice. I
am unable to detect any other difference however. Occasionally the breast is tinged with
reddish.
Centurus subelegans, a small species of red bellied woodpecker from Mexico and Lower
California, (1257) is quite a miniature of C. carolinus, the wing measuring only 4^ inches, the
body about 8. The band across the base of the bill is of a purer white ; the white bands of
the back narrower ; the rump and upper tail coverts more spotted ; the white stripe on the
outer web of the inner tail feather broken up into blotches. The tibial feathers and under tail
coverts are strongly banded transversely. The fourth quill is longest ; the third and fifth a
little shorter.
110
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'i
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
865
$
Nov. °°,1842
S. F. Baird
9.75
17.
5.17
813
Q
do
Get 19 1842
do
9 67
5.33
2362
o c?
do
July 4,1845
. . . do
10.25
17.
5.33
280°
2S01
c?
do
do
6528
(J
1857
4924
do
9.
16.
7050
May 13, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
71
W. S. Wood
6118
Q
Oct. 21,1854
Lieut. Couch
1
4623
3
April 22,1856
7
16.50
5 62
8290
May 26,1856
W. M. Magraw ....
3
Dr. J. G. Cooper..
10.75
17.25
5.50
8289
rf
do
do
do
2
do
10.
15.50
5.25
do .
4624
<J
Nemaha Reserve, N. T.
April 23, 1856
Lieut. Warren
23
Dr. Havden
5884
5885
Fort Riley, K. T
do
,1856
do
Dr. Hammond
do
Mr. Do Ve^y
do
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
5620
do
June 13,1856
Lieut. Bryan
9
W. S. Wood
4621
J
Platte river, N. T
April 26, 1855
do
43
Dr. Havden
10.12
15.75
5.25
4622
9
do..
do
do
50
do
8.87
16.
5.12
6119
6120
Rio Grande, New Mex..
Dr. Henry, U. S. A.
CENTURUS FLAVIVENTRIS, Swain son.
Yellow-bellied AVoodpecker.
Centurus flaviventris, SWATNSON, Anirn. in Menag., 1838, (2| centenaries) 354.
Centurus elegans, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 116.
Centurus santacruzii, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1851, 123, (not of Bonap.)
SP. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills nearly equal ; third a little shorter ; longer than the fourth. Back banded transversely with
black and white ; rump and upper tail coverts pure white. Crown with a sub-quadrate spot of crimson, about half an inch wide
and long, and separated from the gamboge yellow at the base of the bill by dirty white ; from the orbit and occiput by brownish
ash. Nape half way round the neck orange yellow. Under part generally, and sides of head dirty white. Middle of belly
gamboge yellow. Tail feathers all entirely black, except the outer, which has some obscure bars of white. Length about 9 k
inches ; wing 5.
Female without the red of the crown.
Hob. — Rio Grande region of the United States, south into Mexico.
This species is nearly as large as the C. carolinus, although differing appreciably in the color
of the crown and nape, the yellow nape, yellow belly, immaculate inner tail feathers, &c. The
hands on the hack are of the same size and general character as in C. carolinus ; the hack has,
however, a brownish yellow wash. The orange yellow of the nape is about half an inch long.
Along the base of the upper mandible the color is gamboge yellow. The under tail coverts are
white with V shaped marks of black.
In the young male the occiput as well as nape are gamboge yellow ; the feathers of the
under parts faintly streaked with black. The iris is red.
Specimens of a Lower California or Mexican Centurus, in the Smithsonian collection, at one
time supposed to be C. flaviventris, have the wing considerably longer, (5£ inches) ; the fourth
and fifth quills longest ; the third but little less. The white transverse marks on the back are
much narrower. The entire crown is crimson red, bordered laterally and behind with orange
yellow ; the white band separating the red of the crown from the yellow of the bill is purer
BIRDS — PICIDAE — CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS.
Ill
and better defined. The white of the under parts is of a more smoky tinge, with a general
yellowish shade. The gamboge of the abdomen is darker. The tibia is finely barred trans
versely with black. The rump and upper coverts are white, the inner web of the inner feather
barred with white. The female is similar, but lacks the anterior half of the crimson of the
crown.
A skin (No. 9085) labelled Centurus hypopolius, (Wagl.) by Yerreaux, agrees perfectly with
the present species. It is, however, very distinct from the true hypopolius of Wagler in the
original description in Isis.
List of specimens.
Catnl. Sex. Locality.
No.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwingj.
Wing.
Remarks.
6121 ,7 • San Antonio Texas. ..
Lieut. J. G. Parke....
Dr. Heerinann ....
3708 Western Texas
J. W. Audubon
6125 ' Ea"le Pa=s Tux .
Major Emory
A. Schott
6126 . do
do
do
6122 Ringgold barrucks
do
J. H. Clarke
10.25
17.50
5.50
6123 do
July 5, 18i3
do
do
6124 do
July 15, 1853
do
do
Mar. 1, 1853
9 00
15 50
5 00
4037 Q i . . do
do
9 50
16 50
5 00
slate, legs lead color.
9085 Mexico
Verreaux
CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS, Baird.
ftila Woodpecker.
Centurus uropygialis, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, June, 1854, 120. (Bill Williams' river, N. M.)
Centurus hypopolius, (Br.) PUCHERAN, Rev. et Mag. J853, 163. (Not Pic us (Centurus) hypopolius, Wagler.)
Zebrapicus kaupii, MALHERBE, 1855? — (Sclater in letter.)
Centurus sulfureiv enter, REICHENBACH, Handbuch, vi, Picinae, Oct. 1854, 410, figs. 4411, 4412.
SP. CM. — Third, fourth, and fifth quills longest, and about equal. Back, rump, and upper tail coverts transversely barred
with black and white, purest on the two latter. Head and neck all round pale dirty brown, or brownish ash, darkest above. A
small sub-quadrate patch of red on the middle of the crown, separated from the bill by dirty white. Middle of the abdomen
gamboge yellow ; under tail coverts and anal region strongly barred with black. First and second outer tail feathers banded
black and white, as is also the inner web of the inner tail feather ; the outer web of the latter with a white stripe. Length,
about 9 inches ; wing, 5.
Female with the head uniform brownish ash, without any red or yellow.
Hub. — Lower Colorado river of the West.
This very distinct species combines the peculiar characteristics of both C. carolinus and
flaviventris. The tail is marked almost precisely like the former, except that the first a id second
outer feathers are banded across with black and white, instead of this being confine 1 to the
outer, and less distinct. It differs in the yellow belly and restricted small patch on the crown.
It agrees vf'ith Jlaviventris in the color of the abdomen and in the small quadrate patch of red
on the crown ; it differs, however, in lacking the orange yellow patch on the nape and the
gamboge band before the eyes. The rump and upper coverts are banded white and black, not
pure white ; the innermost tail feather is banded and streaked with white, not uniform black.
The region about the thighs and arms is much more strongly barred. The head and under
parts are more smoky brown in tinge. The bill is considerably more slender.
Specimens do not vary much. Sometimes there is a smoky brown wash on the back. In one
female from the Gila river the head is considerably lighter, with a tinge of yellow.
112
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
I am informed by Mr. Sclater, "by letter, that Malherbe has recently described this species as
Zebrapicus kaupi. I have not been able to find this description, but it is subsequent to my
own. It is again indicated by Pucheran as Centurus hypopolius of Wagler ; but a comparison
with the description in Isis shows that this is not the case, as there is nothing corresponding to
the black superciliary streak there indicated.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collect- Whence obtain
ed, ed.
Orign'l
No.
Collected by—
Length. | llemarks.
j
(?
c Q
<?
9
9
Bill Williams' Fork, N.M
do
Feb. 1G, 1854 Lt. Whipple...
Feb. 13, 1854 do
171
99
Dr. Kennerly
9.50
Mollhausen
9.50 Eyes, black..
--. Eye* brown
G127
4568
6129
Gila river. do
Lt. Parke
Dr. Heermann...
. ..do do
Maj . Emory
22
A. Schott
Gila river, Fort Yuma..
do
do
MELANERPES, Sw inson.
Melanerpes, SWAINSON, F. B. A. II, 1831, (type J\I. erythrocephalus.)
J\Ielani]ncos, (section 3,) MALHERBE, Mem. Ac. Metz, 1849, 365.
Bill about equal to the head ; broader than high at the base, but becoming compressed imme
diately anterior to the commencement of the gonys. Culmen and gonys with a moderately
decided angular ridge ; both decidedly curved from the very base. A rather prominent acute
ridge commences at the base of the mandible, a little below the ridge of the culmen, and pro
ceeds but a short distance anterior to the nostrils, (about one-third of the way,) when it sinks
down, and the bill is then smooth. The lateral outlines are gently concave from the basal
two thirds ; then gently convex to the tip, which does not exhibit any abrupt bevelling.
Nostrils open, broadly oval ; not concealed by the feathers, nor entirely basal. The outer pair
of toes equal. Wings long, broad ; third and fourth quills longest. Tail feathers broad.
The species all have the back black, without any spots or streaks anywhere.
The species of Melanerpes found in the United States all differ from each other very much in
color — thus, while the M. torquatus \\SLS a much more compressed and curved bill than M. erythro
cephalus, the wings are much longer, reaching to within half an inch of the end of the tail ;
the entire under plumage has the fibrils stiffened and separated, except at the base — a feature
I have never seen in other species. M. formicivorus agrees again with torquatus in length of
wing, but the bill is even stouter than that of erythrocephalus.
The species may be distinguished as follows :
Head and neck all round red ; rump and belly white ; a broad white band across the
middle of the wing M. erythrocephalus,
Crown red. Forehead and rump white. No white on the wings. Sides of head, chin,
and a broad pectoral band black. A collar on the throat, passing up in front of the
eyes into the frontal band white, tinged with sulphur yellow M. formicivorus.
Above greenish black. Forepart and sides of the head, with belly, red; breast hoaiy
gray, extending round on the back of the neck , M. torquatus.
BIRDS PICIDAE MELANERPES ERYTHKOCEPHALUS.
113
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal. , Species.
No.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Us c'aw
alone.
Bill
;ibove.
Along
gape.
Specimen
me isu
Carlisle
o
8 60
5.54
3 6t<
0.84
0 90
0 38
1 12
1 14
Skin .
do do
do
9.15
17.50
5.50
Fresh ....
5615 do
Fo t Uiley
rC
9.46
5.64
3.58
0.91
1.00
0 31
1.20
1.20
Skin
O
8.52
5.48
3 64
0.90
0.94
0 34
1 19
1 19
5495 . . do
*
8.60
5.70
4.10
0.88
0.98
0 38
1.22
1 24
Skin .
j
9.48
6.72
4 52
0.96
1 02
0 40
1 20
1 ^g
Skin ....
3934 do
o
10.00
6.64
4.68
0.98
1 10
0 42
1 16
1 2°
Skin
V
MELANERPES ERYTHKOCEPHALUS, Swainson.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
I'icus erythrocepkalus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 174. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 60 ; pi cxii, cxiii. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1810, 142 ; pi. ix, fig. 1.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 14.— IB. Isis,
1829, 518, (young.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 141 : V, 536, pi. 27.— IB. Birds America,
IV, 1842, 274 ; pi. 271.
J\lelanerpes crythroccphalus, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 316. — BON. Libt, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 115. — GAMBEL, J.
Ac. Nat. Sc. Ph. 2d ser. I, 1847, 55.
Picus obscurits, GM. I, 1788, 429, (young.)
Red-headed woodpecker, PENNANT, KALM, LATHAM.
White-rumped woodpecker, LATHAM.
SP. CH. — Head and neck all round crimson red, margined by a narrow crescent of black on the upper part of the breast.
Back, primary quills, and tail bluish black. Under parts generally, a broad band across the middle of the wing, and the rump
white. The female is not different. Length about 9| inches ; wing, 5|.
Hab. — North America, fiom the Atlantic coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains. (Coast of California, Gambel.)
The crimson feathers on the head and neck all round have the same bristly texture as
described under M. torquatus. The red descends much lower below than above ; its posterior
outline well defined and semi-circular. The white on the wing involves the whole of the
secondaries and tertiaries, except the extreme base ; the shafts are black. There is a yellowish
tinge to the white on the middle of the belly, and the exterior tail feathers are tipped with
whitish. The inside of the wing is white.
I can detect no difference in western specimens. Occasionally the secondaries and tertiaries are
blotched or barred with black near the end, (587.) Immature specimens almost always have this
character. The young lack the red of the head, which is replaced by brown obscurely spotted
and streaked. Dr. Gambel speaks of this species as common in oak timber near the Mission
of San Gabriel, California, but none have been noticed west of the mountains by any one else.
15 b
114
US P. K. K EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2108
883
589
1018
4298
7051
8326
W10
5612
5614
5615
5616
6549
5881
5229
8808
4625
4627
4628
4629
4630
5230
5231
6036
6037
5617
5618
9
9
9
o g
do ....
Dee. 3,1842
Feb. 12, 1842
do
do
9.67
17.50
5.50
do
8.83
17.00
5.33
1S54
CXjCXiOnO CX» O
May 8, 1857
June 3, 1S57
June 19, 1856
June 16, 1856
14
49
32
11
W. S. Wood
Independence, Mo
W. M. Magraw ....
Dr. J. G. Cooper
W. S. Wood
9.00
17.50
5.50
do
.. .do
do
37
do
3
do
June 20, 1856
1857
do
36
... do
do
Dr. Hammond and
S
S
g
g
g
3
0
S
0
9
May 31, 1856
July 1,1857
April 23, 1856
do
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden
do
9.75
9.50
9.25
9.00
9.87
6.00
9.62
17.50
17.00
18.12
17.00
17.00
17.25
18 00
C.OO
5.75
5.75
5.50
5.87
5.25
5.37
Nemaha river, N. T
do
do
do
21
do
do.
Eyes dark
do
do
do
do
do
do
.. do
do ... .
do
do
.. . do
... do
do
Eyes dark
Above Yellowstone R., N.T
do
July 25, 1856
do ....
do
do
do
do
Milk river, N. T
Aug. 25, 1853
do ...
do
. . . do
do
Black Hills, N.T ........
Aug. 3, 1856
Aug. 12, 1856
197
253
W. S. Wood
do
Ho
r
MELANERPES FORMICIYORUS, Bo nap.
California Woodpecker.
Picusformitivorus, SWAINSON, Birds Mex. in Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 439, (Mexico.)— VIGORS, Zoo]. Blossom, 1839,23,
(Monterey.) — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840.
Melanerpes formicivorus, BP. Conspectus, 1850, 115. — HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Phil. 2d series, II, 1853, 270. —
CASSIN, lllust. II, 1853, 11 ; pi. ii.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Oregon Route, 90 ; P. R.
R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Picus melanopogon, TEMMINCK, PI. Color. IV, (1829?) pi. 451 — WAGLER, Isis, 1829, v, 515.
IMdampicusjlavigula, MALHERBE, Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1849, 542.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest, third a little shorter. Above and on the anturior half of the body glossy bluish or greenish
black ; the top of the head and a short occipital crest red. A white patch on the forehead, connected with a broad crcsccntic
collar on the upper part of the neck by a narrow isthmus, white tinged with sulphur yellow. Belly, rump, bases of primaries,
and inner edges of the outer quills, white. Tail feathers uniform black.
Female with the red confined to the occipital crest, the rest replaced by greenish black ; the three patches white, black, and
red, very sharply denned. Length about 9 inches ; wing about 5.
Hal. — Coast region of California and south ; in northern Mexico, eastward almost to the Gulf of Mexico ; also on Upper Rio
Grande.
In most specimens one or two red feathers may be detected in the black of the breast just
behind the sulphur yellow crescent. The white of the breast is streaked with black ; the
posterior portion of the black of the breast and anterior belly streaked with white. The white
of the wing only shows externally as a patch at the base of the primaries.
BIRDS PICIDAE MELANERPES TORQUATUS.
Specimens vary in the gloss on the black of the upper parts, which is sometimes green,
sometimes bluish.
The young male is exactly like the adult ; the only evidence of immaturity being in the
shorter and more curved bill, as well as the smaller size.
Specimens from New Leon are much smaller than those from California, as shown by a male,
(4033,) in which the wring is half an inch shorter than in California specimens. Many speci
mens have a few red tipped feathers in the posterior edge of the pectoral collar, but it is not
found in all. Specimens from the Coppermines are about the size of Californian.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orign'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
4464
Umpqua valley 0. T
1855
Lt. Williamson.
Dr Newberry
4463
Suisun village, Cal. _ .
do
do
5495
$
Petaluma, Cal
May — , 1856
E. Samuels _.
156
5496
Q
do
July , 1856
do.
157
5497
c?
do
do
do
66
6153
San Francisco .
R. D. Cutts .
4211
do
Winter '53-'54
..do
5955
Santa Clara Cal
Nov 1855
Dr Cooper
5956
do.
do
do
6150
0
do
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
6151
$
do
do
do
6152
A
do
do
do
4955
San Jose Cal
A J Gray son
4606
Santa Isabel Cal
Dec 26 1854
Major Emory
Mr. Schott
6147
Los Nogales Mexico
do
Dr. Kennerly .
6149
Copper Mines N M
do
Mr. Clark
6148
... do.. .
do
. ..do
6145
Fort Thorn New Mex
Dr S C Henry
4033
$
New Leon Mexico
1853
Lt Couch
162
8.75
16.
5.25
4034
$
do
. do
196
MELANERPES TORQUATUS, Bonap.
Lewis's Woodpecker.
Picus torquatus, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 31 ; pi. xx.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 82.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
V, 1839, 176 ; pi. 416.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 280 ; pi. 272.
Mclanerpes torquatus, Br. Consp. 1850, 115.— HEERMANN. J. A. N. Sc. Phil. 2d ser. II, 1853, 270.— NEWBERRY,
Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 90 ; in P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Picus montanus, ORD, in Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 316.
Picus lewisii, DRAPIEZ. (Gray.)
SP. CH.— Feathers on the under parts bristle-like. Fourth quill longest ; then third and fifth. Above dark glossy green.
Breast, lower part of the neck and a narrow collar all round hoary grayish white. Around the base of the bill and sides ot
Ihe head to behind the eyes, dark crimson. Belly blood red, streaked finely with hoary whitish. Wings and tail entirely uniform
dark glossy green. Female with the markings more obscure. Length about 10 J inches ; wing 6i.
Hab. — Western America from Black hills to Pacific.
116
IT. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This species differs in one respect from any other of our North American woodpeckers in the
peculiar character of the feathers of the under surface. The fibres of the feathers are longer
than usual, and remarkably stiff. Those on the terminal third of each feather are of the usual
character at the base, or provided with fibrillae, those of opposite sides interlocking as in feathers
generally. The terminal portion, however, of the stem of the fibre is much enlarged, and ex
panded laterally to twice or more the diameter at the root, and converted into quite a stiff
bristle, nearly smooth, or with very slight indications in places of the fibrillae. It is this por
tion of the leather that is colored.
In addition to the characters given in the above diagnosis it may be stated that the narrow
collar around the lower neck is composed of hoary white feathers of the same texture as those
on the belly. On the sides of the neck and throat a black suffusion separates the crimson from
the hoary. This is seldom as pure as on the nape, appearing as if soiled with brownish. On
the upper part of the belly the bright blood red is confined to the central bristty fibres of each
feather, the lateral ones being of a roseate hoary, and imparting the streaked character referred
to ; posteriorly the red predominates. The anal region, the under tail coverts, the tibia, and
the sides of body and under surface of the wing are pure greenish black. The red and hoary
are, therefore, entirely superficial when the wing is closed.
In one specimen there is an occasional feather on the back of a violet tinge, One specimen
(6144) has the red of the belly of an orange red shade, this varying, in fact, to a considerable
degree with different specimens.
A young specimen (5619) lacks the hoary collar entirely, and the red around the bill is
replaced by black. The under parts are dirty grayish, obscurely blotched with greenish brown.
There are scattered indications of red.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6133
Mar. , 1856
243
6134
J
do
do
83
6135
n
do
. . do
84
10 50
20 00
6 75
5954
... do
M'iy , 1855
£953
do
do
Ti'J.VJ
do
do
4376
Fort Dalli-s, O. T
Jan. 9, 1855
Dr. Suckley
4377
do
do ...
do
10 62
20 00
6 75
1909
2795
09
9
Col. river
Ilocky mountains
Sept. 22, 1834
July 9, 1834
S. F. Baird
do
J. K. Townsend.. ..
do
4-213
3933
'?
San Franci>co
California
Winter, 53, '54
U. D. Cutts
6138
6139
<?
Tnlare vulley/Cal
Fort Thorn, N. M
Lieut. Williamson...
Dr. Henry, U. S A
Ur. lleennann ....
5619
9
Pole Creek, N. T
Au". 2, 1856
190
W. S. Wood ....
4ii68
8-11
Cheyenne liver, Neb. . .
Laramie peak
Mar. 12, 1855
Aug. 24, 1857
Dr. Hayden
Dr. H lyden . . .
11 25
22.25
7.75
8812
9
do
do
do
do
10 i!5
20 50
7.00
8315
8814
<?
j
do
do
do
do
do
do
11.25
10 50
20.50
21 00
7.00
7 00
8813
9
do
do
do
11 50
20 00
7 00
8810
$
...do
do
do
do
10.75
21.50
7.25
BIRDS — PICIDAE — COLAPTES.
117
Section Colapteea.
This section, formerly embracing but one genus additional to Colaptes, has recently had
three more added to it, by Bonaparte. The only United States representative, however, is
Colaptes.
COLAPTES, Swain son.
Colaptes, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, Dec. 1827, 353. (type C. auratus )
Geopicos, MALHERBE, Mem. Acad. Metz, 1849, 358. (G. campestris.)
Bill slender, depressed at the base, then compressed. Culmen much curved ; gonys straight,
both with acute ridges, and coming to quite a sharp point with the commissure at the end ; the
bill, consequently, not truncate at the end. No ridges on the bill. Nostrils basal, median,
oval, and exposed. Gonys very short ; about half the culmen. Feet large ; the anterior
outer toe considerably longer than the posterior. Tail long, exceeding the secondaries, the
feathers suddenly acuminate, with elongated points.
The only two well defined species found within the limits of the United States are readily
characterized. They have, as the common character of Colaptes: the back transversely banded
with black and brownish ; the head and neck all round nearly uniform grayish or brownish,
with a short maxillary stripe, and with or without a nuchal patchy a black crescent on the
breast, and the belly marked with round black spots. The most conspicuous features are as
follows :
1. Maxillary stripe black ; a scarlet nuchal crescent ; shafts, and the under surfaces of
wing and tail feathers yellow C. auratus.
2. Maxillary stripe red ; no nuchal crescent ; shaft's", and the under surfaces of wing and
tail feathers brownish orange red C. mexicanus.
A hybrid between the two occurs on the upper Missouri.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catul.
No.
1886
6166
do.
8218
do.
9399
1341
do.
5604
do.
45C9
5214
do.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length. Ex
tent. Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
1.12
1.12
Middle Its claw,
toe.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen mea
sured.
Colaptes mexicanus..
do
do.
do
do
-,
Columbia river | o
Ft. Vancouver.N. T. V
do
Ft. Laramie. ....... V
do :
12.50 i...
. . . . 6 60
5.22
5.90
4.94
1.20
1.16
1.14
0.50
O.£0
0.44
1.60
1.68
1.46
1.64
1.68
1.54
12.90 ...
; 6.50
Skin
13.75 2
12. 50 . .
3.25
! 6.26
Fresh
Skin,(legsbr'kn.)
Fresh
13. 2
1. 6.50
... 5 96
Colaptes mexicanoides
Colaptes auratus
Me \ioo ......
5 38
5.20
1.10
1.01
1.16
1.12
0.46
0.38
1.64
1.42
1.64
1.46
Carlisle : c? 10.96:...
.. fi.10
Skin
do
do
12.50 : 19.50 6.08
ll.,r>0 6.00
Fre<h .
do
do
Col.iptes chrysoides ?.
Colaptes ayrcsii
do
South I'latte, Mo. .. O
do
United States and
Mex. boundary sur.
Farm Island, near o
Fort Pierre.
do
4.66
1.04
1.20 0.42
1.48
1.48
11. 1
10.30 ...
p
Fresh
5 . 38
4.14
5.26
1.02
1 .10
1.16
1.28
0.38
0.44
1.42
1.52
1.44
1.60
Skin
11.80 ...
.. . 6.28
13.05 1
9.50 6.50
118 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEY. ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
COLAPTES AURATUS, Swainson.
Flicker; Yellow Shafted Woodpecker; High Holder.
Cuculus auratus, LIMN. Syst. Nat. ed. x, 1758, I, 112.
Picus auratus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, ed. xii, 1766, 174.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— VIEILLOT, Ois
Am. Sept. II, 1807, 66 ; pi. c.xxiii.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1810, 45 ; pi. iii, f. ].— WAGLER, Syst.
Av. 1827, No. 84.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 191 : V, 540; pi. 37.— IB. Birds Arner. IV, 1842,
282 ; pi. 273.
Colaptes auratus, Sw. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 353.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 314.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus,
1850, 113.
Sp. CH. — Shafts and under surfaces of wing and tail feathers gamboge yellow. A black patch on each side of the cheek. A
red cre?c nt on the nape. Throat and stripe beneath the eye pale lilac brown. Back glossed with olivaceous green. Female
without the black check patch.
Length, 12| inches ; wing, 6.
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS. — A crescentic patch on the breast and rounded spots on the belly black. Back and wing coverts
with interrupted transverse bands of black. Neck above and on sides ashy.
flab Eastern North America to the eastern slopes of Rocky mountains ; Greenland, (Reinhardt.)
In this species the bill is slightly curved ; a little broader than deep. The first quill is very
short • the third, fourth, and fifth about equal, and longest ; the second intermediate between
the seventh and eighth.
The prevailing color of the back of this species is a light olivaceous brown, with a very slight
tinge of green ; each feather with a crescentic band of black near the end ; sometimes with
more. The top of the head and the upper part of the neck half way round are bluish ash ; the
former with a tinge of reddish brown, increasing to the base of the bill. The neck, throat, and
sides of .the breast are of a pale purplish brown ; the sides of the head from the nostrils to
around the eye, and including the ear coverts, are similar, with, perhaps, more of a cinnamon
tinge. There is a black patch or whisker on the cheek, commencing at the base of the lower
mandible, and of that width, and enlarging as it extends backwards to its truncated posterior
extremity, which is nearly twice as high as anteriorly. There is a carmine red crescentic collar
on the nape, (in the ash color described,) the branches coming round to such an extent on the
side of the head that the eye (in the prepared skin) appears to be intermediate between it and
the nostrils. The rump is pure white ; the tail coverts barred transversely with white and
black. The lower parts are yellowish white, tinged with brownish ; each feather with a nearly
circular spot of black near the end ; these spots larger posteriorly and on the tail coverts.
The under surfaces and shafts of the wing and tail feathers are bright gamboge yellow ; the
shafts above yellow on the upper surface. On 'the outer edges of the secondary quills are some
spots of the color of the back, forming a series of bars ; the primaries with only faint traces of
the same. The quills are margined near the basal portion of their edges with pale buff yellow,
of which color are the under wing coverts. The upper surfaces and tips of the tail feathers are
black ; the rest of the under surfaces gamboge yellow. The external tail feather has a few
indentations of paler yellow on the outer edge, and all (excepting the central) are slightly
tipped with the same.
The female is almost precisely similar, except in lacking the black cheek patches ; this is,
however, obscurely indicated. The red nuchal band is persistent.
Specimens vary in size of body and bill, size and exact shape of the spots on the under parts,
which are sometimes larger or smaller, sometimes slightly transverse, circular, or somewhat
BIRDS PICIDAE COLAPTES AURATUS.
119
longitudinal. Western specimens are rather paler above ; occasionally purer ash on the head.
All, too, have the proportions of the quills a little different. Thus, in one the fourth and fifth
quills are equal ; the third shorter than the sixth ; the fifth is, however, in most a little longer.
One specimen from Selkirk Settlement has the belly tinged with pale sulphur yellow ; the back
with a stronger shade of olivaceous green.
This species in general pattern of coloration resembles the C. mexicanus, although the colors
are very different. Thus the shafts of the quills, with their under surfaces, are gamboge
yellow, instead of orange red. There is a conspicuous nuchal crescent of crimson wanting, or
but slightly indicated in mexicanus. The cheek patch is pure black, widening and abruptly trun
cate behind, instead of bright crimson, pointed or rounded behind. The shade of the upper parts
is olivaceous green, instead of purplish brown. The top of the head and nape are more ashy.
The chin, throat, neck, and sides of the head are pale purplish or lilac brown, instead of bluish
ash ; the space above, below, and around the eye of the same color, instead of having reddish
brown above and ashy below. The third quill is longest, the fourth and fifth but little shorter,
instead of having the fifth longest ; the third shorter than the fourth also.
The young of this species is sufficiently like the adult to be readily recognizable. Sometimes
the entire crown is faintly tipped with red, as customary in young woodpeckers.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
oi wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6932
693J
1341
2051
16-27
4435
4620
6158
5605
5606
6553
6554
5609
5608
5G04
5607
4619
5221
8330
8346
8401
8868
8866
8867
8862
BS61
8864
8865
9
9
<?
9
0
o
Nelson river, H. B. T
John Isbister
^
do
Carlisle, Pa
April 10, 1844
April 3, 1845
July 12, 1844
S. F. Baird
. ... do
12.50
12.00
11.67
19.50
19.75
19.00
6.08
6.17
6.50
do
do
E C Bidwell
Fort Leavenworth, K. T. .
April 21, 1856
Lieut. Warren. . . .
2
Dr. Ilavdcn
11.50
16.50
9.00
o
o <?
(J
9
9
<J
Kansas
June 19, 1856
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
do
33
W. S. Wood
do
Eyes blue black.
do
do
1856
1856
Dr. Hammond and
J. X. de Vescy. .
do
115 miles W. of Ft. Rilcy.
South Platte river
July 3, 1856
July 8, 1856
Lieut. Bryan
62
78
W. S. Wood
do
do
do
77
do
o g
3
9
(J
9
o
c? o
9 o
c? o
9 o
9 o
o
9 o
Platte river, Kan
July 14, 1856
do
105
do
8
Fort Lookout....
June 19, 1850
June 3, 1857
June 17, 1857
July 1, 1857
1857
July 1,1857
do
do
W. M. Magraw
do
do
Lieut. Warren
do
do
53
73
111
Dr. Cooper
do
do
Dr. Haydcn
do
do
12.00
12.00
12.00
10.25
11.00
10.75
10.50
10.50
11.10
11.25
10.50
17.50
19.00
18.50
17.50
18.00
18.60
18.60
16.50
18.00
18.50
17 50
6.00
6.00
6.75
5.25
5.00
5.75
5.50
4.50
5.50
5.50
5.50
do
do
50 miles ab. mo. of Flatte.
do
Loup Fork
do
do
do
July
July
July 27, 1857
July 28, 1857
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
120 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
•A
COLAPTES MEXICANUS, Swain son.
Red-shafted Flicker.
Colaptes mexicanus, Sw . Syn. Mex. birds, in Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 440.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 315.—
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 91 ; P. R. R. Rep. VI, 1857.
Picus mexicanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 174 ; pi. 416. — fa. Birds America, IV, 1842, 295 ; pi. 274.
Colaptes collaris, VIGORS Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 353.— IB. Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 24; pi. ix.
Picus rubricates, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, v, May, 516. " (Lichtenstein Mus. Berol.)"
Colaptes rubricates, BON. Pr. Zool. Soc. V, 1837, 108.— IB. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 114.
?Picnscafer, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 431.— LATH. Index Ornith. II, 1790, 242.
? Picus lathami, WAGLER, Syst. 1827, No. 85 (Cape of Good Hope ?)
gp QH< Shafts and under surfaces of wing and tail feathers orange red. A red patch on each side the cheek ; nape without
red crescent • sometimes very faint indications laterally. Throat and stripe beneath the eye bluish ash. Back glossed with
purplish brown. Female without the red cheek patch. Length about 13 inches ; wing over 6| inches.
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS. — Spots on the belly, a crescent on the breast, and interrupted transverse bands on the back, black.
j/aft. — Western N. America from the Black Hills to Pacific.
In describing this species I have taken as types a very fine pair collected on the Columbia
river, by Mr. Towneend, in October, 1834. In size these skins considerably exceed specimens of
C. auratus. The bill is moderately long, a little broader than high, and gently curved. The
wino-8 are long, but do not reach the middle of the tail. The first quill is very short ; the fifth
longest ; the fourth but little shorter ; the third intermediate between the fifth and sixth.
The prevailing color of the back, scapulars, and wings is brownish ash, each feather with
one, two, or three bars of black. These are sub-crescentic, or nearly straight, short and wide,
extending across the feather. The entire head and neck all round may be described as plumbe
ous ash, glossed with dull cinnamon brown above, darkest towards the base of the bill. There
is a decided tinge of cinnamon in an obscure stripe passing from the base of the upper mandible
above, and a little behind the eye, and involving the lower eyelid. There is a very distinct
whisker-like stripe of bright crimson or carmine red passing from the base of the lower mandible,
over and to the posterior extremity of the jaw bone, truncate and rounded behind. This is
never mixed with black. There is a large, broad crescentic spot of velvet black on the upper
part of the breast. The unc'er parts generally are of a dull brownish white, (palest along the
median line,) each feather with a circular sharply defined spot .15 to .20 of an inch in diameter.
On Ihe flanks these spots become larger, more transverse, and sub-cordate, several on a feather ;
on the tail coverts they are more like transverse bars.
The rump is pure white, (in this one specimen with a few short streaks of black on the
middle of some of the feathers ; in most specimens, however, the rump is immaculate.) The
upper tail coverts are white and black in transverse bands, the adjacent black bands sometimes
confluent along the midrib so as to interrupt the enclosed white band.
The shafts and under surfaces of all the quills, both of wing and tail, are of a bright orange
red, the shafts alone of this color on the upper surface in the wing ; in the tail the shafts are
black above, except at the base. The wing quills are dark brown, (except in the outer primaries,)
spotted with series of blotches like the color of the back, producing bauds. The inner webs are
similarly spotted, except that here they are more confluent and have an orange tinge. The longer
primaries are narrowly tipped with brownish white. The tail feathers are black on their upper
.surface and extremity, the first and second only with a few slight indentations of whitish. The
exposed under surface of the outer feather is orange, tipped with black.
BIRDS PICIDAE — COLAPTES MEXICANUS. 121
The female is similar in every way, perhaps a little smaller, but lacks the red moustache.
This is, however, indicated by a brown tinge over an area corresponding with that of the red
of the male.
In the present specimen (1886) there is a slight indication of an interrupted nuchal red band,
as in the common Flicker, in some crimson fibres to some of the feathers about as far behind the
eye as this is from the bill. A large proportion of males before me exhibit the same character
istic, some more, some less, although it generally requires careful examination for its detection.
It may possibly be a characteristic of the not fully mature bird, although it occurs in two out
of three male specimens.
There is a little variation in the size of the pectoral crescent and spots ; the latter are some
times rounded or oblong cordate, instead of circular. The bill varies as much as three or four
tenths of an inch. The rump, usually immaculate, sometimes has a few black streaks. The
extent of the red whisker varies a little. In skins from Oregon and Washington the color of
the back is as described ; in those from California and New Mexico it is of a grayer cast. There
is little, if any, variation in the shade of red in the whiskers and quill feathers.
There is some difference in size of this species, not only in the same locality, but, as a general
rule, the more southern specimens are smaller.
This species is distinct from the C. mexicanoides of Lafresnaye, though somewhat resembling it.
This is, however, a smaller bird ; the red of the cheeks deeper ; the whole upper part of head
and neck uniform reddish cinnamon without any ash, in marked contrast to that on the sides of
the head. The back is strongly glossed with reddish brown, and the black transverse bars are
much more distinct, closer and broader.
16 b
122
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 7OOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing. Remarks.
5948
59-19
5950
5951
6167
6168
6169
6170
6171
6165
6166
1887
1886
4454
6164
4209
4210
4453
3902
6162
6103
6160
6172
5072
5073
5074
6161
6159
4041
5601
5602
£2:36
8217
8218
<J
<J
9
9
..„..
9
<J
cJ
<J
9
9
<J
c?
<?
c?
9
c?
9
<?
9
9
Straits of Fuca, W. T..
April — , 1855
... Jo
Dr. J. G. Cooper.,
do
13.00
12.75
21.00
19.00
.... do
13.00
20.75
do
do
do
Fort Stcilacoom, W. T..
do
do
Feb. 15, 1854
Jan. 15,1&">4
March —,1856
May 10, 1856
May 13,1866
Jan. 9, 1854
do
Gov. Stevens
do
Dr. Suckley
37
15
242
Dr. Suckley
13.00
17.75
7.
do
do
1
do
do
do
Gov. Stevens
386
388
Dr. Cooper
do
12.50
13.25
13.25
13.25
19.75
21.
21.
23.25
do
Fort Vancouver, W. T. .
.... do
Iris brown
Oct. 18,1834
., .. do
S. Ft Baird
J. K. Townsend..
do
do
do
Fort Reading, Cal
Bodega, Cal
San Francisco, Cal
do
Jan. —,1855
Winter of 1853
do
Lt. Williamson...
Lt. Trowbridge...
R. D. Cults
Dr. Newberry
Mr. Szabo
do
do
Lt. Williamson. ..
Dr. Newberry....
do
do
do
Camp 134, N. M
Fort Thorn, N. M
Lt. Whipple
Dr. T. C .Henry..
160
Dr. Kennerly
11.
18.50
7- Young
c?
<?
9
9
<J
9
<J
c?
9
c?
9
Fort Fillmore, N. M
do
do
El Paso, N.M
Oct. 17,1855
Nov. 27,1555
Oct. 17,1855
146
14.
12.50
13.50
18.
22.
20.
do
do
168
147
28
7 do
6.50 Eyes brown, feet gray.
San Elirario, Texas
Dec. — , 1854
May , 1853
16
Dr. Kennerly. ...
11.
11.
18.
18.
6.
Lt. Couch
6. Eyes deep crimson, bill
dark slate, feet lead.
Republican F'k of Platte
river.
Republican F'k of Platte.
Kansas.
FortLaramie
do
October 1,1856
Sept. 24,1856
Sept. 11,1857
do
Lt. F. T. Bryan...
Lt. F.T. Bryan...
W. M. Magraw. . .
do
366
350
W. S. Wood
W. S. Wood
Dr. Cooper
do ....
12.25
13.00
13.00
20.50
21.00
21.00
6.75
7.00
do
do
do
lo
6.50 .
COLAPTES HYBBIDUS, Baird.
Colaptes ayresii, AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1843, 348 ; pi. 494.
? Geopicus chrysoides, MALHERBE, Rev. et. Mag. Zool. IV, 1852, 553. (Differs from C. auratus in wanting red nape )
SP. CH. — Yellow shafts or feathers on wing and tail combined with red or red spotted cheek patches. Orange shafts combined
with a well denned nuchal red crescent. Ash colored throat combined with black cheek patch, or yellow shafts. Shafts and
feathers intermediate between gamboge yellow and dark orange red.
By the above name I intend to cover a remarkable series of woodpeckers from the upper
Missouri and Yellowstone, combining the characteristics of the Colaptes auratus and mexicanus
in proportions varying witli almost each individual, and leading irresistibly to the conclusion
that they are descendants of originals of the species mentioned above, mixed up by inter
breeding of successive generations, to a degree unparalleled in the annals of ornithology. I
have, in the two preceeding articles, gone into much detail in respect to the characters of
Colaptes auratus and mexicanus, and under the first named head have shown the particular
point of difference.
BIRDS PICIDAE COLAPTES HYBRIDUS. 123
The first striking deviation from the characters of the C. auratus is seen in the variety de
scribed by Audubon as Colaptes ayresii. Here (5214, Fort Pierre) the general characters
are those of auratus, the lilac or purplish brown throat, the ashy head, the olivaceous green
shade of the back, the gamboge yellow quills, &c. The cheek patch, however, is bright car
mine red, and the nuchal crescent of much less extent, though quite conspicuous. The fourth
quill is longest ; the fifth and third successively a little shorter. There are, however, faint
indications of black spots in the red of the cheeks.
A previous stage, however, is indicated in 5224, from White Earth river, where the only
aberration from the C. auratus is seen in a faint indication of red in the upper part of the
black cheek patch. The fourth quill is longest ; the third and sixth about equal. No. 5603,
from the Little Blue, has the black and red of the cheek patch so nearly intermixed as to render
it difficult to say which color predominates, the feathers being black, with red tips.
Another variety, but little different, consists in having a bluish ash on the throat and under
the eye as in C. mexicanus, instead of lilac brown. There is only a trace of red on the nape.
(6158, Milk river, Neb.)
In 4639, from Fort Pierre, the nuchal crescent is large, the cheek patch red and black. The
approach to C. mexicanus is shown by the yellow of the quills having an orange tinge almost
intermediate between the two. The throat and under the eye are ash color, not lilac brown.
Other specimens of the same general character have the shafts either more yellow or more
orange.
The variety nearest the C, mexicanus is seen in some specimens, as (5213) from the Yellow
stone, where the shafts and quills are of nearly the typical orange, the cheek patches red. The
back is, however, that of the C. auratus ; the nape has a very distinct band of red ; the red of
the cheeks has a few specks of black. No. 5212 has more black in the cheek patch, and the
whole top of the head tinged with red.
To illustrate more fully this combination of characters of the two species in the numerous
specimens before me, I have prepared the following tables, the first serving as a key to the
second. Thus, by a I refer, in the second table, to the peculiarities of cheek patches ; by 6 to
those of the shafts, &c. Where a letter is found in the column of either species opposite a
particular specimen it shows that this has the particular character of the species. Where
the letters occur in both columns it shows that both characters co-exist in the specimen. Where
figures are combined with the letters it indicates the proportion. Thus 1 a under C. auratus,
and 3 a under C. mexicanus, show that the specimen has three times as much red in the cheek
patches as black.
In a large number of young Flickers, from the upper Missouri, (as 5215, 5216, 5217, 5218.
5220, 5222, 5223) the character of C. mexicanus is seen in the entire absence of red on the
nape. The cheek patches promise to be black ; the shafts mostly yellowish ; some with orange
tinge. In a similar series from Kansas and the Platte (5605 and 5609) the nuchal band and
black cheek patch, with the yellow shafts, are very distinct.
Malherbe describes a Colaptes chrysoides from America as similar to C. auratus, but smaller,
and without a nuchal red collar. This is the characteristic of many immature birds of the
hylridus type from the upper Missouri, and Malherbe's species differs but little from these. If
from a remote locality, however, it may be distinct, and it is not improbable that the bird de
scribed in the next article belongs to it.
124
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
CHAEACTERS OF SPECIES.
C. auratus.
C. mexicanus.
Black -
Red
Gamboge yellow .___..
Orange red ..
Bluish ash
With red crescent
Without crescent
Purplish brown
NUMBER AND LOCALITY OF SPECIMENS.
C. auratus. 0. mexicanus.
5224.
KCftQ
White Earth river, Nebraska. 5225. Fort Pierre. 8863. Loup fork
6<z. 6. c. d. e .. a
R91 A
b c. 2d. e a*, d
£1 so
b. e a*, c. d
Afi^Q
a', b. d. e a b. c
co-io
a. b. d, e - a. 56. c
K01 9
d. e a®.b.c
KOI 1
a. d. e.- a. b. c. 2d.
8258
c. d a. b. e
5601
c a. b. c. d. e
* The slighest possible trace of black on the cheeks.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex and
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
No.
age.
Locality.
lected.
Mo.
of wings.
:
Yellow predominating on shafts.
4638
O
April 10, 1855
4639
c?
do do
do
Col. A. Vauglian
Dr. Hayden
4641
9
do do
April 18, 1855
do
do
5214
>
Fort Pierre
May 30, 1856
do
13.12
19.50
6.50
5225
3
do
do
do
12.50
19.50
6.25
5222
0 r?
July 4 1856
do .
do
5223
o<y
do do
do
do
do
5220
0
. do do
do
do
do
5215
0
Powd r river, Nebraska
Aug. 1, 1856
do
do
5216
0 r?
Fort Union
July 23 1856
(J0
do
13.00
20.50
6.00
5217
0
Yellowstone river
Aug. 19, 1856
do
do
5218
$
do ,
Aug. 22 1856
do ...
do
5219
9
do
Aug. 23, 1856
do
do
5217
9
do
Aug. 19, 1856
do
do
12.25
20.12
6.25
5224
c?
White Earth river
Sept. 6, 1856
do
do
12.00
20.50
7.00
6158
$
Milk river, Nebraska
Au" 31 1853
Dr. Suckley
5603
$
Little Blue, Nebraska
July 7 1856
73
W. S- Wood
8863
9
Loup fork, Nebraska
July 27 1857
12 00
20 50
6.50
8869
O
Fifty miles above mouth of Platte
July 3, 1857
do
do
11.10
17.75
5.50
Orange predominating on shafts.
8258
Fort Laramie
Sept. 1, 1857
W. M. Magraw
Dr. Cooper
5601
$
Republican fork
Oct. 1, 1856
366
4640
Fifty miles west of Fort Pierre
April 10, 1855
Col . A. Vaughan
Dr. Hayden
5211
$
J> ly 19, 1856
(J0
12.50
20.00
6.37
5212
9
July 28,1856
do
do
12.37
20.12
6.37
5213
c?
do
( July 25, 1856
do
do
1J.OO
2.08
6.37
BIRDS PICIDAE COLAPTES CHRYSOIDES. 125
COLAPTES CHRYSOIDES.
Geopims chrysoides, MALHERBE, Rev. ct. Mag. Zool. IV, 1852, 553.
An immature Colaptes (4569) with yellow shafts, no nuchal collar, and ash colored throat,
was collected somewhere on the Mexican boundary line, by Mr. Schott. The precise locality is
not known, and the specimen is not perfect enough to show whether it is a distinct species or a
hybrid. It is much smaller than the corresponding age of C. auratus, the wing measuring but
5^ inches. The probabilities are that it is a permanent and perhaps distinct species. It may
possibly be the C. chrysoides of Malberbe, agreeing with this in the absence of a red nape.
There is a slight tinge of orange in the yellow of the shafts.
NOTE. — The proceeding pages embrace all the Scannores usually assigned to North America,
either as good and distinct species or as synonymes. The only ones not given are : 1st, the
Picus leucurus, Hartlaub, Naumania, II, 1854, 55. This is a species with entirely white tail,
said to have been discovered by Prince Paul of Wurttemberg, in the Rocky mountains. Nothing
further is mentioned concerning it than the color of the tail, as stated in a note from the Prince.
2d, the Dryotomus delattri of Bonaparte, Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854. This, though
assigned to California, appears to be really Central American. 3d, Picus lineatus. This is
given by Mr. Audubon as sent from the Columbia river by Dr. Gairdner, but there is no evi
dence that such was really the case, or that it ever comes within many hundred miles of our line.
Campepliilus imperialis, although given in the preceding pages, has really no claim to a place
in our fauna.
Wb
ORDER II .
INSESSORES.1
In accordance with the views of many systematic writers, it may perhaps be as well to retain
an order Insessores, and to place in it the Strisores, Clamatores, and Oscines as sub-orders. The
characters of the order will then consist chiefly in the possession of three toes in front and one
behind, (or at least never with two toes directed backwards,) as in Scansores. The claws are
not retractile, nor the bill with a cere, as in the Raptores ; nor is the hind toe situated appreci
ably above the plane of the others, as in Rasores, Grallatores, and Natatores.
The hind toe of the Insessores corresponds to the thumb or inner toe of the mammals, and is
usually quite short. The joints of the anterior toes generally follow the law of number charac
teristic of birds, namely, two to the hinder, three to the inner, four to the middle, and five to
the outer toes ; but a deviation is seen in some Strisores where there are sometimes but three
joints each to the anterior toes, and sometimes only four in the outer. The tarsi are generally
covered anteriorly with plates, arid furnished behind with granulations or small scales, or else
with two long plates covering the sides, the latter feature especially characteristic of the
Oscines, or singing birds ; in the latter alone is the tarsus sometimes covered anteriorly with
a single plate. Sometimes the tarsus is entirely or partly naked, or destitute of plates altogether.
The carpal joint or the hand part of the wing is in most Insessores furnished with ten quills*
(primaries,) although the first quill is sometimes very short or even entirely wanting, as in
many Oscines. The fore arm has from six (in the humming birds) to thirteen quills, the
average being eight or nine.
There are certain peculiarities in the arrangement of the wing coverts of the different sub
orders of Insessores, constituting important distinctive features. Some of these will be hereafter
referred to.
The tail of the Insessores exhibits considerable differences. The number of feathers is usually
twelve ; sometimes ten only, as in the Strisores.
The different groups of the order Insessores are subject to considerable variations in respect to
the structure of the lower larynx attached to the trachea or wind pipe just anterior to its division
into the two bronchial tubes. Cuvier long since showed that the true singing birds had the
larynx provided with a peculiar apparatus for the purpose of effecting a modulation of the
voice, composed of five pairs of muscles, of which other birds were destitute in greater part
or entirely. The characteristic of the groups Strisores, Clamatores, and Oscines, and of their
sub-divisions, as will be shown hereafter, depend very much on these peculiarities of the larynx.
The tongue of the Insessores varies to a considerable degree. In the humming birds it is
thread-like and bifurcated. In most other insessorial or perching birds it is long or short, flat,
'The following remarks on the general characters of the Insessores are derived chiefly from Burmeister's Thiere Brasiliens,
Vogel, page 305.
BIRDS INSESSOEES. 127
and triangular, the posterior extremity bilobed, the anterior usually with the tip horny,
serrated, or with fibres ; more rarely smooth. These furnish important characteristics for the
division into families and even genera, the variations being quite considerable.
In dividing the Insessores into JStrisores, Clamatores and Oscines, I have followed Cabanis
instead of Burmeister, who makes Clamatores and Oscines the sub-orders, and gives Strisores
and Tracheophones as tribes of the former. The Strisores of Burmeister are not exactly coequal
with those of Cabanis, as they embrace the Halcedinidae and Prionitidae, which by Cabanis
are placed among the Clamatores. I am not able to say which classification is the more
natural ; that of Cabanis, however, answers all my present purposes, besides having been in
my mind while preparing the present report, and before becoming acquainted with Burmeister 's
valuable work.
SUB-ORDER
STRISORES.
The essential characters of this sub-order are presented in the general table at the beginning
of the report. Cabanis divides the Strisores into the Macrochires, including the Trochilidae,
the Cypselidae, and the Caprimulgidae, and into the Amphibolae, embracing Opisthocomidae and
Musophagidae. The first division is well represented in the United States, the second not at all.
A more recent article by Burmeister includes the Halcyonidae and Prionitidae with the Strisores,
taking them from the Clamatores, where Cabanis placed them. A division of the American
forms might then be made into Macrochires, with the wings long and pointed, the fore arm
shortened ; and into Orthochires, with the wings moderate and the fore arm rather long. They
agree in having the muscles of the lower larynx thin, flat, or entirely wanting, the voice
incapable of modulation, &c. As, however, the precise limits and characteristics, external
and internal, of these families have not yet been fully settled, I prefer to use Cabanis' arrange
ment for the present, at least, and with him shall consider the Anisodactyli as Clamatores
rather than Strisores.
Of the three families of Macrochires, the Trochilidae are easily recognized by the long,
subulate, very slender, and acute bill, but little cleft at the base, and the peculiar tongue, as
well as by the excessively diminutive size and gorgeously metallic plumage. The remaining
families agree in having the bill very short, triangular, and weak ; the gape very long and
wide, extending to beneath the eyes, and the culmen much shorter than half the gape ; the
nostrils opening upwards ; the outer toe usually with an incomplete number of joints. The
Cypselidae, however, have the plumage compact, the bill entirely without bristles, the middle
toe scarcely longer than the lateral, the claw without any serration, the anterior toes all cleft
to the base, the fore arm short, the colors uniform, &c. In the Caprimulgidae the plumage
is soft, loose, and downy, as in the owls ; the bill with bristles, even around the nostrils ; the
middle toe considerably longer than the lateral, and the claw serrated, or at least much
extended, on its inner edge ; the toes with a web at the base, the fore arm long, and the colors
mottled.
The following schemes of the families are taken from Burmeister ; the common characters of
the Macrochires being : wings long and pointed, the arm portion more or less shortened, the
middle and outer toes not closely united :
A. Bill long and thin. Tongue long, divided, thread-like.
TROCHILIDAE. — Secondaries six in number.
B. Bill short, and very broad at the base. Tongue short, flat, three-sided. Secondaries
more than six.
CYPSELIDAE. — Plumage unicolor. Fore arm short.
CAPRIMULGIDAE. — Plumage spotted and marbled. Fore arm moderately long.
BIRDS TROCHILIDAE. 129
Family TROCHILIDAE. The Humming Birds.
There is no group of birds so interesting to the ornithologist or to the casual observer as the
humming birds, at once the smallest in size, the most gorgeously beautiful in color, and almost the
most abundant in species of any single family of birds. They are strictly confined to the con
tinent and islands of America, and are most abundant in the Central American States, though
single species range almost to the Arctic regions on the north and to Patagonia on the south,
as well as from the seacoast to the frozen summits of the Andes. The number of known species
considerably exceeds 300, and new ones are being constantly brought to light ; so that an
estimate of 400 species is, perhaps, not too large. Many are very limited in their range ; some
confined to particular islands, even though of small dimensions.
The bill of the humming bird is awl-shaped or subulate, thin, and sharp pointed ; straight
or curved ; sometimes as long as the head ; sometimes much longer. The mandibles are exca
vated to the tip for the lodgment of the tongue, and form a tube by the close apposition of their
cutting edges. There is no indication of stiff bristly feathers at the base of the mouth. The
tongue has some resemblance to that of the woodpeckers in the elongation of the cornua
backwards, so as to pass round the back of the skull, and then anteriorly to the base of the bill.
The tongue itself is of very peculiar structure, consisting anteriorly of two hollow threads
closed at the ends and united behind. The food of the humming bird consists almost entirely
of insects, which are captured by protruding the tongue into flowers of various shapes without
opening the bill very wide.
The wings of the humming birds are long and falcate ; the shafts very strong ; the primaries
usually ten in number, the first always longest ; there are six secondaries. The tail has but
ten feathers. The feet are small ; the claws very sharp and strong.1
The species now known to inhabit the United States, though few, are yet nearly twice as
many as given by Mr. Audubon. It is probable that additional ones will hereafter be detected,
particularly on our southern borders.
The different authors who have made a speciality of the humming birds have named a great
many sub-families and genera, but there has as yet been no published systematic description of
the higher groups. It is probable that the North American species belong to two different
sub- families — the Lampornitliinae and the Trochilinae — and to at least four genera ; but the
precise character and limits of these I am unable to give. The following remarks, however,
may serve to sketch out the characters of the North American species :
A. Edges of mandible serrated near the end. Throat without metallic scale-like feathers.
LAMPORNIS. — Bill depressed, slightly curved. Tail broad, slightly emarginate ; the
outer feather as broad as the rest. Wings reaching the tip of tail. No metallic
feathers on the throat.
B. Edges of dnandible nearly even towards the tip, without distinct serrations. Throat with
metallic scale-like feathers.
TROCIIILUS. — Feathers of throat but little elongated laterally. Lateral tail feathers but
little narrower than the others, and lanceolate acute. Tail forked.
^-Most of the above general remarks are borrowed from Burmcister, (Thiere Brasiliens, Vogel, 311,) to which I would refer
for an excellent article on the structure and habits of humming birds.
17 b
130
U S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SELASPHORUS. — Feathers of the throat much elongated laterally into a ruff. Lateral tail
feathers much narrower than the middle ones, and linear in shape, or with the sides
parallel to the end, which is rounded. Tail graduated or cuneate. Outer primary
attenuated at the tip. Crown without red metallic scales.
ATTHIS. — Similar to the last, hut the top of the head with metallic scales like the throat.
The outer primary not attenuated. Tail emarginated or deeply forked.
The following table exhibits the comparative measurements of the different North American
species of humming bird :
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Bill
above.
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
523
2697
1843
997
Orig. 563
2896
1943
6058
6057
9007
Orig. 197
6086
5501
6052
6073
6074
7967
Lampornis mango
<J
9
(J
9
4.52
4.46
3.14
3.26
3.75
3.32
3.46
3,54
3.24
3.24
3.32
2.50
2.64
1.56
1.74
1.83
1.64
1.54
1.78
1.60
1.52
1.94
1.70
1.72
1.26
1.16
0.90
0.92
Skin .
do
Skin ......
Trochilus colubris
do
Washington
Carlisle, Pa
0.70
0.80
Skin
Fresh
do
4.17
Trochilus alexandri ....
Selasphorus rufus
do
c?
(J
o <?
<J
1.14
1.32
1.24
1.32
1.24
1.44
0.82
0.68
Skin
Columbia, river
do
Skin
0.80
0.70
0.76
0.80
do
do
Selasphorus platycercus
Steilacoom, W. T
San Francisco, Cal.....
Mexico
Skin
Skin
Atthis anna
do
do
San Francisco
Petaluma, Cal. ,
c?
c?
9
c?
9
c?
3.64
3.60
3.84
3.15
3.05
3.30
1.92
1.96
1.96
1.76
1 80
1.46
1.50
1.31
1.06
0.80
0.82
0.82
0.70
0 73
Skin
Skin
Atthis costae
do
New Mexico
do
0.15
Skin
do
Guatemala
1.78
0.72
LAMPORNIS, Swain son.
Lampornis, SWAINS ON, Zoological Journal, 1827, 358.
The single species of this genus assigned to the United States is readily distinguished by its
generic characters from any other belonging to the same region.
LAMPORNIS MANGO, Swain son.
Black-throated Humming Bird.
Trochilus mango, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 171.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 486 ; pi. 184.— IB. Birds America,
IV, 1842, 186 ; pi. 251.
Lampornis mango, SWAINSON, Zool. Journal, 1827, 358.
Above and on the sides metallic green and golden. Beneath opaque velvety bluish black, this color narrowed on the breast
by the encroachment of the green of the sides. Upper surface of wings and tail purplish black ; the latter with greenish
reflections. All the tail feathers except the innermost purplish violet, abruptly margined with blackish. A tuft of downy
white feathers under the wings, and around the tibia.
Female qu.te similar, the black of the under parts replaced by white, with a narrow stripe of black down the middle of the
hroat and belly. Length 4.50 inches ; wing 2.60 ; tail 1.7
The female of this species is quite similar to the male, except as described. The tail is
BIRDS — TROCHILIDAE TROCHILUS COLUBRIS. 131
much the same, except that the feathers are rather narrower, and less rounded at the tip. They
are also margined more broadly with black.
The claim of the Mango humming bird to a place in the fauna of the United States rests on
the capture of a specimen at Key West, Florida, by Dr. Strobel, many years ago. The speci
mens described here are from South America.
TROCHILUS, Linnaeus.
Trochilus, LINNAEUS, Systema Naturae ,1748. (Agassiz.)
I have nothing to add to the diagnosis of the genus Trochilus already given on a preceding
page, except to remark that in the North American species the female has the outer tail feathers
lanceolate, as in the male, though much broader. The outer feathers are broad to the terminal
third, where they become rapidly pointed, the tip only somewhat rounded ; the sides of this
attenuated portion (one or other, or both) broadly and concavely emarginated, which dis
tinguishes them from the females of SdaspTiorus and Atthis, in which the tail is broadly linear
to near the end, which is much rounded without any distinct concavity.
The following diagnosis will serve to distinguish the species found in the United States.
COMMON CHARACTERS. — Above and on the sides metallic green. A ruff of metallic feathers
from the bill to the breast, behind which is a whitish collar, confluent with a narrow abdominal
stripe ; a white spot behind the eye. Tail feathers without light margins.
Tail deeply forked, (.30 of an inch.) Throat bright coppery red from the chin. Tail
of female rounded, emarginated T. colubris.
Larger. Tail slightly forked, (.10 of an inch.) Throat gorget with violet, steel green,
or blue reflections behind ; anteriorly opaque velvety black. Tail of female graduated ;
not emarginated T. Alexandrl.
TROCHILUS COLUBRIS, Linnaeus.
Ruby-throated Humming Bird.
Trochilus colubris, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 191.— W.ILSON. Am. Orn. II, 1810, 26 ; pi. x.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832,
248 ; pi. 47.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 190 ; pi. 253.
Ornismya colubris, DEVILLE, Rev. et. Mag. Zool. May, 1852, (habits.)
Sp. CH. — Tail in the male deeply forked ; the feathers all narrow lanceolate-acute. In the female slightly rounded and
emarginate ; the feathers broader, though pointed. Male, uniform metallic green above ; a ruby red gorget with no conspicuous
ruff; a white collar on the throat ; sides of body greenish ;^tail feathers uniformly brownish violet. Female, without the red on
the throat ; the tail is rounded and emarginate, the inner feathers shorter than the outer ; the tail feathers banded with black,
and the outer tipped with white ; no rufous nor cinnamon on the tail in either sex. Length 3.25 ; wing 1.60 ; tail 1.25 ; bill .65.
Hab. — Eastern North America to the high central plains ; south to Brazil.
The bill of this species is slightly depressed, subcylindrical, very little decurved, and conically
pointed at the end. Measured along the gape it is about half as long as the wing, which is
falcate. In the male the outer tail feathers are all a little curved, the concavity inward ; the
feathers are narrow and lanceolate-pointed, especially the exterior, which is only .16 of an inch
wide ; the others are successively a little broader. The tail is rather deeply forked ; the
exterior a very little shorter than the second ; the rest becoming rapidly shorter. The longest
132
U S. P. E. K EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT
tail feather exceeds the shortest by about .21 of an inch. The innermost tail feather is
very broad; a little longer than the lower coverts.
In the female the tail feathers are still more curved, and considerably broader, and more
rounded at the end, but still decidedly lanceolate, not linear. The tail, instead of being deeply
forked, is only slightly emarginated ; the outer feather rather shorter than the second. The
greatest width of the outer feather is about .26 of an inch.
In the male the entire upper parts, (including the crown,) with the sides of the body along
the wings, are of a rich metallic green. The metallic scale-like feathers of the chin and throat
are of a bright ruby red. These extend from the base of the bill (where the color is quite dull)
over the throat, the posterior lateral ones not projecting more than .15 of an inch behind the
middle ones. Immediately posterior to the metallic gorget is a rollar of dirty white, which is
continued along the median line, where it is tinged with brown, to the tail coverts, the centres
of which show a little metallic green, and the exterior a little pale rufous. There is a rather,
purer white around the legs, and a very indistinct spot of the same just behind the eye. The
tail feathers are uniform brownish purple ; the wings are similar, with less purple.
The adult female is similar to the male in the colors of the back and wings, with the white
spot behind the eye. The entire under parts are of a dirty white, tinged with brownish on the
throat and sides. The outer three tail feathers on either side have their central third of a
purplish black ; the terminal portion white. The fourth feather is black at the end, with a
very slight white tip. In all, the basal half of the upper surface (and of the lower in the
fourth) is green like the back. The innermost has an indistinct subterminal bar of blackish.
There is no rufous on any part of the tail feathers in either male or female.
The young male is like the female beneath, except that the throat feathers are spotted in the
centre, and some show a trace of the metallic red. Tho tail is mostly like the male.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
997
Q
Carlisle, Pa..
May 20 1843
S. F. Baird
3.75
4. 33
1. 83
1168
0 (?
do
Aug. — , 1843
do
3. 67
4. 25
1. 67
1296
$
Washington
1843
J. K. Townsend.
1100
$
do
1843
do
2713
$
do
1843
do
1297
Q
do
1 i43
do
1101
Q
do
1843
do
6968
$
Salt creek, K. T
May 25, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
104
W. S. Wood ..
5040
<?
Indianola
Feb. 1:', 1855
Capt. Pope
3962
Brownsville, Texas
Lieut Couch
3963
Santa Catarina, Mex..
do
179
5041
9
Devil's river, Texas ..
May 1, 1855
Capt. Pope......
7985
Guatemala
J. Gould
.
.
BIRDS TROCHILIDAE SELASPHORUS. 133
TROCHILUS ALEXANDRA Bourc. & Mulsant.
Black-chinned Humming Bird.
Trochilus alexandri, BOURCIER k MULSANT, Ann. de la Soc. d'Agric. de Lyons, IX, 1846, 330. — HEERMANN, Jour. A.
N. Sc. Phila. 2d ser. II, 1853, 269.— CASSIN, 111. N. Am. Birds, I, v, 1854, 141 ; pi. xxii.— GOULD,
Mon. Trochilidae, xiv, Sepl857. Plate.
SP. Cn. — Very similar to Trochilus celubris. Tail slightly forked; the chin and upper part of the throat opaque velvety
black, without metallic reflections, which are confined to the posterior border of the gorget, and are violet, changing to steel
blue or green, instead of coppery red.
Female without the metallic scales ; the tail feathers tipped with white ; the tail graduated, not emarginat d ; the innermost
feather among the longest. Length of male 3.30 ; wing 1.70 ; tail 1.26 ; bill .75.
Hab. — Coast of California, southward.
This species is very similar in color to the common ruby-throated humming bird of the
eastern United States_, and represents it on the west coast. The upper parts and sides are of the
same metallic golden green, the gorget of much the same extent, bordered behind by whitish,
which (less pure) extends aloniz, the middle of the belly, and involving the crissum, the feathers
of which are greenish in the centre. There is the same white spot behind the eye. T. alexandri
is, however, rather the larger oi the two ; the bill nearly one-tenth of an inch longer. The tail
is much less deeply forked, in £ict the outer feather is a little shorter than the second, and the
innermost broad green one only about .10 of an inch shorter than the longest, instead of
about .30. There is a tinge of metallic green to the tips of the tail feathers much less distinct
in T. colubris. The whitish collar behind the metallic feathers of the throat, usually considered
as a specific character, I find to be shared almost equally well by T. colubris. The chief distinc
tions between the two species are to be found in the violet steel blue or steel green reflections of
the hinder part of the gorget, varying with the situation of the feathers and the specimen, as
distinguished from the bright fiery or coppery red of the other. The chin and upper part of
the throat extending beneath the eyes are opaque velvety or greenish black, without metallic
lustre, while in T. colubris it is only the extreme chin which is thus dull in appearance.
It is exceedingly difficult to distinguish the female of this species from that of T. colubris.
The size is rather larger, and the tail rounded, without any emargination ; the middle feathers
being .15 of an inch longer than the lateral ones, instead of actually shorter. The color is
much the same.
In both species the outer tail athers, though broader than in the male, are quite acutely
pointed on the terminal third, one side or the other of which is slightly concave, instead of
being linear to near the end, and rounded without any concavity, as in Selasphorus and Atthis.
The preceding description of this species is taken from specimens belonging to the very
extensive collection of birds of the vicinity of Fort Tejon, made by Mr. John Xantus de Vesey.
SELASPHORUS, Swain son.
Selasphorus, SWAINSON, Faun. Bor. Amer. II, 1831.
After separating the North American species usually called Selasphorus, with red metallic
scales on the crown, and the outer primary not attenuated at the top, there remainbut two belong
ing to the restricted genus. Even in these there are some differences of form, but they may be
considered in the present instance as specific characters.
134 U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
Tail strongly cuneate, the middle feather much longest and very broad ; the outer very
narrow, one-fifth the width of the middle. Body chiefly cinnamon colored ; throat feathers a
coppery red ; top of head, and an occasional gloss on the hack, green S. rufus.
Tail rounded ; the middle feather a little shorter than the next one ; the outer rather broad,
more than one-half the width of the middle one. Above, and on the sides below, green.
Throat feathers purple. Edges of some tail feathers cinnamon brown S. platycercus.
SELASPHORUS EUFUS, Swainson.
Red-backed Humming Bird.
Trochilus rvfus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 497.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 555 ; pi. 372.
Selasphorus rufus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 324.— IB. AUD. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 200 ; pi. 254.
? Trochilus ruber, L — ORN, I, 1788, 499. (Fide Bonaparte.)
Trochilus collaris, LATH. (Bonaparte.)
Trochilus sitkensis, RATHKE. (Bonaparte.)
Ornysmia sasin, LESSON. (Bonaparte.)
gp> QH- Taii strongly cuneate and wedge-shaped. Upper parts, lower tail coverts, and breast cinnamon. A trace of
metallic green on the crown, which sometimes extends over the back ; never on the belly. Throat coppery red, with a well
developed ruff of the same ; below this a white collar. Tail feathers cinnamon, edged or streaked at the end with purplish brown.
Female with the rufous of the back covered or replaced with green ; less cinnamon on the breast. Traces only of metallic
feathers on the throat. Tail rufous, banded with black and tipped with white ; middle feathers glossed with green at the end.
Tail still cuneate. Length of male, 3.50 ; wing, 1.55 •, tail, 1.30.
ffab. West coast of North America, and across from Gulf of California to the Upper Rio Grande Valley.
This species is about the size of the common ruby- throated humming bird, which it resembles
also in many respects. The bill is rather narrower. The wings are long and falcate ; the two
first primaries elongated and acutely lanceolate, but not attenuated as abruptly as in platycercus ;
the third is also acute. In most of the other species the first quill is much more linear than the
second, and less acute than in this.
The tail is strongly cuneate ; the outer feather .40 of an inch shorter than the middle, which
projects .14 of an inch beyond the rest. The outer feather is very narrow, not exceeding .11 of
an inch in width ; the rest widen and lengthen rapidly to the central one, which is very broad,
(.35 of an inch ;) the central feathers are all ovate acuminate.
In the female the primaries are less acutely falcate than in the male. The tail also, though
cuneate, is less acutely so than in the male ; the outer feathers broader and less acutely pointed.
In the male, in its highest plumage, the entire upper parts, excepting the crown and the wing,
(but including the tail,) the sides of the body under the wings, and a broad band across the
breast and abdomen, with the lower wing coverts, cinnamon brown, rather paler beneath. The
crown is obscurely golden green, not well defined. The entire throat, including a short ruff on
the side of the neck, (about .40 of an inch long,) is metallic red, of the same shade as in the
ruby-throat, although with brassy reflections in some lights. The sides of the neck beneath the
ruff, the upper part of the breast, the anal region, and a small spot behind the eye are dull
white. The wings are violaceous brown, their coverts metallic green. The tail feathers are
cinnamon, with the outer webs near the tips violaceous brown ; this gradually becoming central
instead of on the outer side.
In some specimens, probably immature, the back shows spots of metallic green, while in
others (as 6059) it is entirely covered with this color, except on the tail.
The female is entirely of a metallic green above, with, however, more or less of a cinnamon
BIRDS TROCHILIDAE SELASPHORU8 PLATYCERCU8.
135
shade on the covered edges of the feathers on the lower part of the back and rump. The sides
of the body along the wings and the under tail coverts are pale cinnamon ; the throat with
occasional spots of green and metallic red ; the rest of the under surface dull white tinged with
brown across the breast. The tail feathers are cinnamon at the base, then violaceous black ; all
are tipped with white, except the middle one, on either side, which is golden green to near the
black tip. There is also an indication of green between the black and cinnamon of the other
feathers.
In both male and female there is a concealed tuft of white feathers near the insertion of the leg.
This species is entirely dissimilar from any other North American humming bird, and is
perhaps the only one without indication of metallic green on the belly. The rufous feathers of
both sexes readily distinguish it from any other North American species. There is, however,
a closely allied South Mexican species, Selaspliorus scintilla of Gould, from Veragua, (Proceed
ings Zool. Soc. 1850, 162,) which is very similar, differing chiefly in the smaller size.
I cannot discover in the Trocliilus ruber of Linnaeus the exclusive characters of the present
species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orign'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
6058
3
Steilacoom, W. T
April 26, 1856
Dr. Suckley
332
6059
Q
do
do
6060
<J
do
do
6061
#
...do
April 21,1856
do
333
6062
$
do.
April 28,1856
do
6063
$
do ....
do
do . . .
331
3.87
3. 94:
6064
0
do
do
do
330
3.87
4. 69
6065
$
do
do
311
3.92
4.25
1943
o $
Columbia river .... .
May 29, 1835
J. K. Townsend
2896
$
do
do
do
1198
Q
.. do
do
1268
$
California .....
8. F. Baird
6057
J
San Francisco .... -
Winter '53 '54
R. D. Cutts
Fort Tejon Cal
J. X DeVesey. .
6067
El Paso, Texas . . -
Maj . Emory .
J. H. Clark
7981
0
Mexico
J. Gould
SELASPHOEUS PLATYCERCUS, Gould.
Broad-tailed Humming Bird.
Trochilus platycercus, Sw. Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 441, (Mexico.)
Selasphorus platycercus, GOULD, Mon. Trochilid. or Humming Birds, iii, May, 1852.
Ornismia tricolor, LESSON, Colibris, 125, (no date) ; pi. xiv, (Brazil.) — IB. Trochilidees, 1831, 156 ; pi. Ix, (Mexico.)
JARDINE, Nat. Lib. II, 77; pi. xiii.
Ornismya montana, LES Trochilid. 1831, 161 ; pi. Ixiii, adult, and 163 ; pi. Ixiv, young, (Mexico.)
SP. CH. — Outer primaries greatly attenuated at the end. Outer tail feathers nearly linear, but widening a little from the
base ; its width .20 of an inch. Tail slightly graduated and emarginate. Male above and on the sides metallic green ; chin and
throat light reddish purple, behind which, and along the belly to the tail, is a good deal of white. Wings and tail dusky
purplish ; the tail feathers, excepting the internal and external ones, edged towards the base with light cinnamon.
Length, 3.50 ; wing, 1.92 ; tail, 1.40. Bill, gape, .80.
Hab. — Mexico, as far north as El Paso, Texas, hitherto the only known locality in the United States.
136
U. S. P K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
In this species the metallic scales of the throat extend ahout as far hack as in the Trocliilus
colubris. The tail feathers are all broad ; the outer one ib rounded at the end and widens from
the base ; the next succeeding feathers have the edges parallel at the base, and the tips rather
acute. The innermost feather is a little shorter than the longest (by about .05 of an inch) ;
the outermost about .15 shorter ; and the tail is thus moderately graduated and slightly
emarginate.
The general appearance of this bird is not unlike that of the common ruby-throated T.
colubris, although the two are distinguishable by generic peculiarities. S. platycercus is the
larger bird, although the bill, if anything, is a little smaller. The graduated tail, with the
broad, rounded, almost oblanceolate outer feather, is, however, in strong contrast to the deeply
forked tail, with the acutely tapering outer tail feather of T. colubris.
A remarkable peculiarity in this species (shared by C. rufus) is seen in the outermost primary.
This is narrower and more linear than in most of our other species, as well as straighter or less
falcate. The terminal half inch is abruptly attenuated and linear, so as not to exceed .03 of an
inch in width.
The green of the throat in this species is purer and less mixed with golden than in the T.
colubris. The throat has a violet purple reflection instead of a fiery copper red. The crissum
and breast are of a purer white. All the tail feathers, except the innermost, (which is like the
back,) have a cinnamon edging on the inner edge, except at the extreme tip ; this is seen on
both webs of all, except the first, where it is confined to the inner. This border is very
conspicuous on the outer edge of the fourth feather.
I have no female of this species before me, but a specimen in the collection of the Philadelphia
Academy, supposed to belong here, has no rufous on the tail.
In comparing specimens in the Philadelphia Academy, as well as that from El Paso, with
Gould's figure, this is seen to indicate a much larger bird, (nearly 4| inches long,) with longer
tail and broader feathers, the external more pointed. Whether this would indicate the fact of
a confounding of two species I am unprepared to say. His figure of the female shows very
distinctly a rufous margin to the tail feathers.
For the determination of this species, now for the first time introduced into the fauna of the
United States, I am indebted to Mr. John Gould, who identified it when examining the speci
mens of Humming Birds preserved in the Smithsonian Institution.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Collected by —
6066
c?
El Paso, Texas 1851
Maj W H Einory
J. H. Clark
9007
c?
Mexico
Verreaux
34873
ATTHIS, Reich en bach.
dtthis, REICHENBACH, Cab. Journal fur Orn. Extraheft fur 1853, 1854. App. B. (named only.)
I am not sure that the diagnosis given of this genus is that of its founder, but it will answer
to separate a well marked form from the other North American species. It is most like Sdas-
phorus, and its species have usually been placed in this genus ; it differs, however, in the
BIRDS TROCHILIDAE — ATTHI8 ANNA. 137
absence of attenuated tips to the primaries, and in the presence of metallic scales on the whole
top of the head similar in texture and color to those on the throat. The two North American
species are quite similar, though different in size. The characters are as follows :
Green above and on the sides beneath, as well as on the middle of under tail coverts.
Large. Metallic scales of the head uniform purplish red. Tail quite deeply forked, outer
feather about half as wide as the inner A. anna.
Smallest North American species. Metallic scales of the head purplish violet, with steel
reflections. Tail emarginated only. Outer feather about one-fourth as wide as the
middle A. costae.
ATTHIS ANNA, Reichenbach.
Anna Humming Bird.
Ornismya anna, LESSON, Oiseaux Mouches, 1830, (?) pi. cxxiv.
Trochilus anna, JARDINE, Nat. Lib. Humming Birds, I, 93 ; pi. vi. — AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 428 ; pi. 428 — IB.
Birds America, IV, 1842, 188 ; pi. 252.
Calliphlox anna, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. HI, 1846, 3.— IB. Journ. 2d ser. I, 1847, 32.
Trochilus (Jltthis) anna, REICHENBACH, Cab. Jour. Extraheft for 1853, 1854, app. 12.
Trochilus icterocephalus, NUTTALL, Manual, I, 2d ed., 1840, 712. (Male with forehead covered with yellow pollen.)
Sp. CH. — Tail deeply forked ; external feather narrow, linear. Top of the head, throat, and a moderate ruff metallic red,
with purple reflections. Rest of upper parts and a band across the breast green. Tail feathers purplish brown, darkest
centrally. In the female the tail is slightly rounded, not emarginate ; the scales of the head and throat are wanting. Tail
barred with black, and tipped with white.
Length, about 3.60 inches ; wing, 2.00 ; tail, 1.45.
Hab. — Coast region of California.
This species is considerably larger than the ruby-throated humming bird, but the bill is of
much the same shape. The wings are long and considerably falcated ; the first primary much
the most so ; its sides are nearly parallel to the end, which is rounded or obtusely pointed.
The tail in the male is decidedly forked. The second feather is a little longer than the
first, and is about 0.16 of an inch longer than the third, and about 0.32 longer than the fourth.
The fifth feather (resembling an upper tail covert) is a little longer than the fourth, (by about
0.03.) The exterior feather is narrow and linear to the end, which is rounded ; it is about 0.12
of an inch wide. The next feather is one-half wider ; the others increasing still more. The
feathers are all rather blunt at the end, or obtusely acute, with the point rounded.
In the female the tail feathers are all broader, the outer one especially, although still with
parallel sides ; the tail itself is slightly rounded, all the feathers being of nearly the same
length, except the lateral, which is about 0.10 of an inch shorter.
In this species the top of the head, the chin, and throat, with a conspicuous, though obtuse,
ruff on each side of the throat, (about 0.40 of an inch long,) are of a rich purplish red, with an
occasional violaceous shade, and on some scales of the top of the head and in the ruff, with steel
blue reflections. The remaining upper parts, except the wings, are metallic green, glossed
with gold. The under parts are similar, except that the color is not so continuous, much more
so, however, than in the other American species ; even the centres of the under tail coverts are
green. The lower part of the throat just behind the collar is dirty whitish. The wings and
tail feathers are purplish brown ; the latter darkest centrally, with an occasional gloss of green.
The central feather on either side is golden green, like the back.
The female is entirely metallic green above, with a tinge of dull brownish grey on the head.
Beneath spotted with green, except on the throat, which is brownish white ; the feathers with
18 b
138
U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
darker centres. The tail feathers are black in their middle portion and tipped with white,
this decreasing until there is none in the median ones.
Two males, apparently not quite mature, (3942, 6050,) have the ruff shorter ; the scale
feathers dimmer and more of an orange red. They are also rather smaller than the others.
Sometimes the metallic scales encroach on the sides of the head, so as apparently to cover
them. There is, however, always a narrow plain line behind the eye. The ruff varies consid
erably in length with the specimen. There is no trace of cinnamon or rufous on any of the
feathers in either sex.
The only North American species to which the male of this bird bears any resemblance is the
A. costae, which has the same metallic crown and other generic features. The latter ^ however,
is much smaller ; has the metallic reflections varied chiefly violet, instead of nearly uniform
purplish red. The tail is much less deeply forked, the depth being only about 0.10 of an inch,
instead of 0.32 ; the outer feather is much narrower. The females of the two, however, appear
to be distinguishable only by their relative size. The absence of rufous and the rounded, not
graduated, tail always separates the female of anna from that of S. rufus. The larger size is the
chief distinction from the female A. costae, while the size and less acutely pointed outer tail
feathers distinguish it from the female T. colubris.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orign'I
No.
Collected by —
5501
$
Petaluina, California ....
E Samuels - - - -
282
6051
$
San Francisco ....
Winter of '53 -'54
B D Cutts
6052
o $
do
do ..
. do
6054
o
do
do
.. ..do
6050
$
Cosumnes river, California
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann .
3942
Fort Tejon, California
1857
John Xantus de Vcsey
ATTHIS COSTAE, Reich enbach .
Ornismyacostae, BOURCIER, Rev. Zool. Oct. 1839, 294. (Lower California.) — IB. Ann. Sc. Phys. et d'Hist. Nat.
de Lyon, 1840, 225 ; tab. ii. — PREVOST & DES MURS, Voyage de la Venus, Zool, I, 1855, 194.
Atlas, tab. ii, f. 1, 2.
Selasphorus costae, BON. Conspectus Avium, I, 1850, 82.
Jltthis costae, REICHENBACH, Cab. Jour, fur Orn. Extraheft, 1853, 1854.
Calypte costae, GOULD, Mon. Humming Birds.
Sp. CH. — Tail very slightly emarginated and rounded ; exterior feather very narrow, and linear. A very long ruff on each
side of the throat. Head above and below, with the ruff, covered with metallic red, purple, violet, and steel green. Remaining
upper parts and sides of the body green. Throat under and between the ruffs, side of head behind the eye, anal region and
under tail coverts whitish. Female with the tail rounded, scarcely emarginate ; barred with black, and tipped with white^
The metallic colors of the head wanting.
Length, 3. 20 inches; wing, 1.75; tail, 1.10; bill, .68.
Hob.— Southern California and Colorado Basin, (Monterey, Neboux.)
Of this beautiful humming bird only a single pair has hitherto been collected by any of the
expeditions, and these are not sufficiently perfect to furnish a satisfactory description. The size
is about that of the common ruby-throated humming bird. The bill is, however, longer and
more slender every way. The wings are falcate ; the first quill especially curved, although its
outlines are parallel to near the tip, which is not acuminate. In the male the tail is slightly
BIRDS TROCHILIDAE ATTHIS COSTAE.
139
emarginated ; the first or outer feather very little shorter than the second and third, which are
about equal. The middle feathers are about 0.12 of an inch shorter than the second. The outer
feather is very narrow and linear, about 0.06 wide ; the next is twice as wide ; all are rather
linear rounded, or but little acute at the end. In the female the tail is rounded. The feathers
broader.
The top of the head and the occiput of this species, with the throat and a long ruff on each
side, about 0.60 of an inch long, are covered with brilliant metallic scales, having various
reflections of light purple, violet, and steel blue and green, the steel green predominating on
the points of the ruff. The rest of the upper parts, with the wing coverts, and the sides of the
body and breast, are metallic green. The throat behind the scales and between the ruffs, the
sides of the head behind the eye, the upper part of the breast, the middle of the belly, the
space around the legs, the vent and under tail coverts, are whitish ; the latter with some green
spots. The wings and tail feathers are brown ; the latter darker towards the end. The central
ones are green on their upper surface.
The female is green above and on the sides of the body. The under parts are whitish, with
brownish spots on the throat. The top of the head is likewise tinged with brown. The
tail feathers are black in the middle, all tipped with white, though the amount of white rapidly
decreases from the exterior to the centre.
This species is readily distinguished from the others belonging to the fauna of the United
States, excepting A. anna, by the metallic scales of the tip of the head. It is much smaller
than the last mentioned species ; the ruff is much longer, and with the other scales on the head
of a different color, being purplish violet, not purple red, and the former species being destitute
of the metallic green reflections. The white behind the eye and bordering the ruff is much
less distinct in anna.
The female of this species differs much from the male in the absence of the metallic scales on
the head and throat. It has a close resemblance to the female T. colubris, although the bill is
smaller and narrower. The tail feathers are narrower, more linear, and less acutely pointed
at the tip. The black on the outer tail feathers, instead of extending very nearly to the base,
is confined to the terminal half, the basal portion being green. All the tail feathers are
terminated by white, although that on the fourth and fifth is very narrow. In T. colubris this
color is confined to the three outer ones. The much smaller size alone appears to distinguish
it from the female of A. anna.
The specimen (6073) from New Mexico is decidedly different from others I have seen from
California and Guatemala, in the great length of the ruff, which reaches back 1.66 of an inch
from the base of the bill, instead of 1.45 or 1.50 ; the tips posteriorly having steel blue and green
reflections, instead of being uniform purplish violet. This may, however, be indicative of a
greater degree of maturity.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
OrignT Collected by —
No. !
i
6073
J1
Bill Williams' river camp 117 N M
February 9 1854
L<icut Whipplc
79 Dr. Kennerly and
6074
Q
-....-do... do
do
do
80 H. B. Mollhausen
Fort Tejon California
J X De Vesey
7977
Guatemala
J Gould
140 U. 8. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Family CYPSELIDAE. The Swifts.
Bill very small, without notch, triangular, much broader than high ; the culmen not one-sixth the gape. Anterior toes cleft
to the base, each with three joints, (in the typical species,) and covered with skin ; the middle claw without any serrations ; the
lateral toes nearly equal to the middle. Bill without bristles, but with minute feathers extending along the under margin of the
nostrils. Nostrils elongated, superior, and very close together. Plumage compact. Primaries ten elongated, falcate.
The Cypselidae, or Swifts, are swallow-like birds, generally of rather dull plumage and small
size. They were formerly associated with the true swallows on account of their small, deeply
cleft bill, short feet, and long wings. They are, however, very different in all the essentials of
structure, belonging indeed to a different order, or sub-order. The bill is much smaller and
shorter ; the edges greatly inflected ; the nostrils superior, instead of lateral, and without
bristles. The wing is more falcate, with ten primaries instead of nine. The tail has ten
feathers instead of twelve. The feet are weaker, without distinct scutellae ; the hind toe is
more or less versatile, the anterior toes usually lack the normal number of joints, and there are
other features which clearly justify the wide separation here given, especially the difference in
the vocal organs.
There are some forms of Cypselidae in which the usual proportional length of toes and number of
their joints is as in other birds ; nearly all the typical Old World genera, however, agree with the
diagnosis above given. It is exceedingly probable, however, that the American genera have all
the normal number of joints to the anterior toes, (3, 4, 5,) Panyptila, probably, not even form
ing an exception ; in this case they will be widely separated from the great majority at least, of
the Old World species, which have 3, 3, 3. It may therefore be proper, on account of these
and other differences, to divide the family into Cypselinae, confined to the Old World, and
Chaeturinae, American and Asiatic.
The American Cypselidae are readily distinguished by characters of the legs, and including
the Old World Cypselus, which has no true representative in this country, convenient diagnoses
of the genera will be as follows, without reference to other features :
A. Legs very thick, more or less feathered. Tail forked. Second primary longest. Hind
toe not posterior.
CYPSELUS. — Hind toe directed entirely forward. Legs feathered to the base of the toes.
PANYPTILA. — Hind toe directed laterally. Legs feathered to the base of the claws.
B. Legs slender : naked. Hind toe directed backwards ; first primary longest.
NEPHOCAEIES. — Tail forked ; soft.
CHAETURA. — Tail even, the shafts stiffened and projecting as spinous points.
PANYPTILA, Cab an is.
Panyptila, CABANIS, Wiegm. Archiv, 1847, i, 345. — BURMEUTER, Thiere Bras. Vogel, I, J856, 368.
Pseudoprocne, STREUBEL, Isis, 1848, 357.
Tail half as long as the wings, moderately forked ; the feathers rather lanceolate, rounded at tip, the shafts stiffened but not
projecting. First primary shorter than the second. Tarsi, toes, and claws very thick and stout ; the former shorter than the
middle toe and claw, which is rather longer than the lateral one ; middle claw longer than its digit. Hind toe very short ; half
versatile, or inserted on the side of the tarsus. Tarsi and toes feathered to the claws, except on the under surfaces.
The North American representative of this genus, with a general resemblance to Cypselus
apus in form, is quite different in the structure of the feet These are stouter and shorter,
feathered to the very claws, instead of to the toes only, and the posterior or inferior surface of
BIRDS CYPBELIDAE — PANYPTILA MELANOLEUCA. 141
the tarsus is naked. The greatest difference is in the hind toe, which, instead of being slender
and entirely anterior like the rest, is lateral, and very short and thick. The tail feathers are
much more rigid, the fork not so deep, the outer feather equal to, or a little shorter than, the
second, instead of being considerably longer. The second quill is longest in both. The bills
of both are quite similar.
The feathered legs readily distinguish the genus from the other American swifts.
There appears to be a tendency on the inner toe to a more naked condition than in the others.
According to Burmeister, the numerical proportion of the joints of the anterior toes in this
genus is the same as in most birds, namely, 3, 4, 5, instead of 3, 3, 3. This statement I have
not yet been able to verify in the case of the North American species.
The South American species of this genus, as P. cayanensis, appear to be slenderer in form
than P. melanoleuca, and the tail more deeply forked, approaching in this respect to Hirundo
rufa. The feet, however, are very similar.
PANYPTILA MELANOLEUCA, Baird.
White-throated Swift.
Cypselus melanoleucus, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, June, 1854, 118. (San Francisco mountains, N. M.)—
CASSIV, Illust. I, 1855, 248.
Sp. CH. — Wings very long ; tail forked ; tarsi and feet covered with feathers. Black all over, except the chin, throat, middle
of the belly as far as the vent, a patch on each side of the rump, the edge of the outer primary, and blotches on the inner webs
of the median tail feathers, near the base, which are white, as is also a band across the ends of the secondaries. Length 5.50 ;
wing 5.50 ; tail 2.70.
Hab. — Colorado Basin, New Mexico.
The bill of this species is very small and short, though deep and much curved from the base.
In shape and size it is somewhat similar to that of Chaetura pelasgia. The wings are very long
and falcate, extending more than an inch beyond the tail. This excessive development is,
however, almost entirely in the primaries, which measure nearly four times the secondaries,
starting at the carpal joint. The second quill is longest, the first intermediate between this
and the third ; the remaining primaries decrease rapidly to the last, are elongated acute, with
the points but little rounded. The tail is composed of ten feathers ; it is acutely and quite
deeply forked, the feathers all lanceolate acute, with much stiffer shafts than in the swallows.
The outer feather is a very little shorter than the second, which is longest. The greatest depth
of the fork is about half an inch.
The tarsi and toes are very thick and strong, though short. The anterior faces of both are
covered with broad black feathers. The toes are much united anteriorly. The claws are all
thick and much curved.
The prevailing color of the upper parts is of a sooty black, darker than in Chaetura pelasgia ;
the head is brownish, however, and almost exactly as in the last mentioned species. The whole
under parts as far as the breast, and a median line extending to the arms, are white, as is also
a patch on each side of the rump, mostly concealed by the wings. The remaining under parts,
including the lower coverts, are black like the back, The tail feathers, except the outer, have
an elongated and obscure spot of whitish on the inner web near the base, otherwise they are in
color like the back. The quills are rather more brown. The ends of the secondary quills are
white, forming a conspicuous transverse band. The outer web of the outer primary is also
narrowly edged with white.
142
U. 8. P. E. E, EX P. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
o
o>
c
&
c -a
fe
Locality.
When col
Whence ob
c
r,
Collected by—
£
t»
o
c
B
c
0
a
E 5
Remarks.
"a
M
lected.
tained.
ti
c
6I>
c
JM
•O
•a
rt
*
c
o
i «
O
03
0
i-9
is
s
EH
S
O
«
3
» £
Feb 16 1854
169
•i "^
Fresh
river, N. M.
Mb'llhausen.
6018
<J
New Mexico
Lt J. G. Parke.
Dr. Heermann . 5.50
5.50
2.700.40
0.58
o.ae
0.840.65
|
Skin . . .
NEPHOCAETES, Baird.
CH. — Tail rather less than half the wings ; quite deeply forked ; the feathers obtusely acuminate ; the shafts scarcely stiffened .
First quill longest. Tarsi and toes completely bare, and covered with naked skin, without distinct indications of scutellae.
Tarsus rather longer than middle toe ; the three anterior toes about equal, with moderately stout claws. Claw of middle toe
much shorter than its digit. Hind toe not versatile, but truly posterior and opposite, with its claw, rather longer than the
middle toe without it. Toes all slender ; claws moderate. Nostrils widely ovate, the feathers margining its entire lower edge.
This genus is widely different from Cypsdus in the slender and elongated toes and tarsi,
which are completely bare of feathers. The hind toe is elongated and usually posterior, as in
the Oscines, instead of being directed forward and by the side of the others. The tail feathers
are less deeply forked, the lateral being much less lanceolate and elongated. The bill is more
decurved. The anterior toes probably have 3, 4, 5 joints, as in most birds.
The affinities of this genus to Chaetura, as restricted, are very close, the feet being very
similar. The shafts of the tail feathers, however, are only a little stiffened, and not mucronate.
The tail also is deeply forked ; not even nor rounded. The larger Acanthyli of the older authors
are still more like the present species in generic peculiarities. The tail, however, though some
times forked, has the feathers more or less mucronate ; the legs stouter. The genus Pattene,
in which they have been placed, is pre-occupied according to Gray. Cypsdus senex of Tern-
minck, from Brazil, is very closely allied, the tail feathers not being mucronate. The tail is,
however, even or slightly rounded, instead of forked. A genus Pallenis established for this
species by Keichenbach might, without much violence, be made to include N. niger; but as this
name is pre-occupied for another genus, there seems nothing left but to establish a new one.
The genus Macropteryx of Swainson has naked feet, but the tarsi are excessively short and
thick ; much shorter than any of the toes, even without the claws. The lower part of the
tibia is partly denuded. The tail is very deeply forked, the outer feather having almost the
extension of Hirundo rufa, and extending beyond the tips of the wings. It probably belongs
to the section of Cypselidae with three joints to each of the anterior toes.
NEPHOCAETES NIGER, Baird.
Northern Swift.
? Hirundo nigra, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1025.
Cypselus niger, GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 63.— IB. Illustrati s Birds Jamaica. — GUNDLACH and LAWRENCE,
Annals New York Lyceum, VI, 1858, 268.
Cypselus borealis, KENNERLY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. IX, Nov. 1857, 202.
Hirundo apus dominicensis, BRISSON., II, 17CO, 514 ; pi. xlvi, fig. 3.
Sr. CH. — Wing the length of the body. General color rather lustrous dark sooty brown, with a greenish gloss, becoming
a very little lighter from the breast anteriorly below, but rather more so on the neck and head above. The feathers on the top
of the head edged with light gray, which forms a continuous wash on each side the forehead anterior to the usual black cres
cent in front of the eye. Some feathers of the under parts behind narrowly edged with gray. Bill and feet black. Length
6.75 ; wing 6.75 ; tail 3.00 ; depth of fork .45.
Hab. — Northwestern America to West India islands.
BIRDS CYPSELIDAE NEPHOCAETES NIGER.
143
The coloration of this bird is so simple that there is little to be added in this respect to the
preceeding description, while the peculiarities of form are sufficiently well expressed by the
generic indications already given. The appearance of the bird is that of a large chimney bird,
(Chaetura pelasgia.) The color is much darker, however, nor is there the decided whitening
on the chin and throat. The top of the head is similar, but rather lighter, with the gray on
the sides of the forehead more distinct. In both, as in all swifts, there is a dusky crescent
anterior to the eye formed of feathers standing nearly erect.
This remarkable swift was first indicated as North American by Dr. Kennerly, in the pro
ceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, where it is described as Cypselus borealis. It was ob
tained in the northern part of Puget's Sound, at Simiahmoo bay, the locality of the main camp
of the Northwest Boundary Survey. A large flock was seen one day sailing about the camp,
but, owing to the height at which the birds flew, only one specimen could be procured.
It seems very remarkable that so large a swift could have remained unnoticed in North
America until the present day ; but there is good reason to believe that additional species of
Cypselidae will yet be discovered in the far west, (among them the one with white rump, Acan-
ihylis saxatilis, seen by Dr. Woodhouse at Inscription rock, New Mexico.) It is possible that
it may prove to be the Hirundo niger of Gmelin ; but this, as well as the Hirundo apus domini-
censis of Brisson, applies as well to Progne as to any swift, and at any rate would answer for
several known species. The Cypselus niger of Gosse, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 63, referred to the
Hirundo niger of Gmelin is quite similar to the N. borealis, but, judging from the description,
is smaller, has the tail differently shaped, and the colors are somewhat different. If really
the same it would be somewhat remarkable to find a species to range from almost the north
western corner of North America to the West India and eastern South America islands, and
never observed east of the Kocky mountains.1
List of specimens.
c
'o
0)
o
is
3
6
Q,
g"?
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Collected by — £
JS 6»
•
0
"3 £
0
Ml
§ 3
•3
lected.
;?
in
•o
JS
C
S *
a
0
i>
2
5
H
a
is
S
£
OB" 3
8412
Simiahmoo bay,W. T.
July, 1857
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennedy.. 6.75
17.00
6.75
Fresh
do.
do
.... do....
do
do 6.60
6.75
3.00
.59
.65
.25
.30
.70
Skin.
TV
Cuba.... ,
N. Lawrence ..
Dr. Gundlach.. 6.50
5.90
2.90
.54
.61
.24
.29
.57
Skin.
1 NOTE. — Since writing the preceding article I have received from Mr. Lawrence a skin collected in Cuba, by Dr. Gundlach,
which is exactly like Dr. Kennerly 's bird, except in being smaller, (the wing nearly an inch shorter) and the tail feathers more
rounded. The difference in size is easily explained by the difference of latitude, and I see no reason for separating them. This
extends the known range of the species very largely, and shows an unusual line of geographical distribution. I have not
learned whether Dr. Gundlach 's bird is a summer or a winter visitor in Cuba.
The identification of the species, however, with Hirundo niger of Gmelin, I still consider as very doubtful, though the proba
bilities are increased by the similarity of the two specimens. For the present, however, I think it may be best to take tho
name of Gmelin, leaving Nephocactes borealis to be restored hereafter, if necessary.
144
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CHAETURA, Stephens.
Chaetura, STEPHENS, Shaw's^Gen. Zool. Birds, XIII, 11, 1825, 76, (type, C. pelasgia.)
dcanthylis, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 971, (.#. spinicauda.)
CH —Tail very short, scarcely more than two-fifths the wings ; slightly rounded ; the shafts stiffened and extending some
distance beyond the feathers in a rigid spine. First primary longest. Legs covered by a naked skin, without scutellae or
feathers. Tarsus longer than middle toe. Lateral toes equal, nearly as long as the middle. Hind toe scarcely versatile, or
quite posterior ; with the claw, less than the middle ante rkr without it. Toes slender ; claws moderate. Feathers of the base
of the bill not extending beyond the beginning of the nostrils.
The spinous processes to the nearly even tail readily distinguish this genus from any other of
the North American Cypselidae. The two North American species differ chiefly in size.
I have restored the generic name of Chaetura to this species as being prior to Acanthylis.
There is, indeed, a genus Chaelurus of earlier date in botany, but for all the practical purposes
of synonymy the two names are perfectly distinct ; more so, in fact, than Picus and Pica,
which belong to the same class instead of to different kingdoms.
CHAETURA PELASGIA, Stephens.
Chimney Swallow.
Hirundo pelasgia, LIVN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 345.— Win. Am. Orn. V, 1812, 48 ; pi. xxxix, fig. 1.
Cypselus pelasgia, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 329 : V, 419 ; pi. 158.
Chaetura pelasgia, STEPHENS, in Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds, XIII, n, 1825,76. — IB. Birds America I, 1840, 164 ; pi. 44.
Acanthylis pelasgia, " TEMM."— BON. Consp. 1850, 64.— CAS»IN, 111. I, 1855, 241.
Hemiprocne pelasgia, STREUBEL, Isis, 1848, 363.
dculeated swallow, PENN. Arc. Zool. II, 1785, 432.
Sp. CH. — Tail slightly rounded, of a sooty brown all over, except on the throat, which becomes considerably lighter from the
breast to the bill. Above with a greenish tinge ; the rump a little paler. Length, 5.25 inches ; wing, 5.10 ; tail, 2.15.
Hob. — Eastern United States to slopes of Rocky mountains?
The western range of the chimney bird is not well ascertained, the only specimens brought in
by the expeditions being one from Bijoux Hill, Nebraska, and several from Independence.
List of specimens.
c
fc
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
e
£;
Collected by —
"3
si '&
4>
o
a
s
_o
i
0.
BB
Specimen
"3
.
lected.
t£
CJ c
tr
3
T5
ft
a
ei
E
measured
O
&
5
•3
L. £
W
£
H
H
7.
rt
0
K
0
<
1010
0
Carlisle, Pa.....
May 22, 1843
S F Raird
5 25
12 50
5 17
Fresh.*
6485
Philadelphia
C. Drexler
4.75
5.12
2.20
0.55
0.50
0.20
0.21
0.67
Skin....
4781
Bijoux Hill, N. T
May 15, 1856
Lt. G. K. Warren
Dr. Hayden
4.87
12.51)
5.17
....
....
....
....
7526
Independence, Mo
J857
W. M. Magraw..
Dr. Cooper
....
....
8317.
'e
do
Mar. 29, 1857
do
34
do
5.00
12.25
5.25
....
....
....
....
' Iris dark brown .
BIRDS CYPSELIDAE — CHAETURA VAUXII.
145
CHAETURA VAUXII, DeKay.
Oregon Swift.
Cypselus vauxii, TOWNSEXD, J. A. N. Sc. VIII, 1839, 148, (Col. river.)— IB. Narrative, 1839.
Chaelura vauxii, DEIvAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 36.
Acanthylis vauxii, BOXAP. Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854 ; notes Delattre, 90.— CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 250. —
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 78 ; P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Sp. CH — Light sooty brown; rump and under parts paler ; lightest on the chin and throat. Length, 4.50 inches; wing,
4.75; tail, 1.90.
Hub. — Pacific coast, from Pugot's Sound to California.
This species bears a very close resemblance to the common chimney birds of the eastern
States,, being only readily distinguishable by its much smaller size, less than 4^- inches instead
of 5^-. The wing, too, is nearly an inch shorter. The tarsus and the middle toe, however,
seem absolutely longer. The rump is a little paler than in C. pelasyia, as well as the under
parts, where the chin and throat are lighter, almost dirty white, and gradually becoming a
little darker behind, although even the hinder part of the belly is much lighter than the back,
instead of being of the same color with it.
This species, though probably not rare on the western coast, has only been collected by J. K.
Townsend (his specimen in the Phila. Academy) and by Dr. Kennerly of American explorers.
Delattre, however, brought it from California. It is very closely allied to several small South
American species, and may have been described under another if not a prior name.
List of specimens.
6 1
£
f.
o '
B.
Locality.
When col
Whence ob
"a
Collected by— ! ^ j ^
xr
0
a
tn
Specimen
"3 j ^
lected.
tained.
Zi g
£?
.
3
13
O
a
B
mea.-ured.
•£J
~ x
a
C3
O
J w
E-
h
h
S3
-
ca
<
8411 Q
Siniiahinoo bay, W. T
July 5,1857 A. Campbell...
10
Dr. Kennerly... 4.50 10.75
4.50 ....
Fresh....
do
do
do
do 4.40
4.701.70 .51
.61
.25
.20
.5C
Skin
Oregon. (Specimen of J. K.
4.15
4.75 1.90
.41
.20
.5)
Mounted.
i
Townsend.)
19 b
146 U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family C A P HI M U L G I D A E . The Goat-suckers.
Sub-Family CAPRIMULGINAE.
CH. — Bill very short, triangular, the culmen less than one-sixth the gape. The anterior toes united at the base by a
membrane. The inner anterior toe with three joints, the others with four ; all with distinct scutellae above. The toe much
elongated, its middle claw pectinated on the inner edge. Hind toe directed a little more than half forwards. Tarsi partly
feathered superiorly. The bill more or less bristled ; the nostrils separated, rather nearer the commissure than the culmen.
mage soft, lax, and owl-like.
The Caprimulgidae have quite a close resemblance to the owls in the color and texture of the
plumage, as well as in the broad head, although, of course, readily distinguishable by unmis
takable characters. The closest relationships are to the Cypselidae. The primary quills arc
ten in number, the secondaries eleven or twelve. The latter are much longer than in the
Cypselidae, covering more than half the primaries. The middle toe is much longer than in the
Cypselidae, and its claw is usually provided with a comb-like edge on one side. The anterior
toes are united by a membrane, the inner and middle usually more so than the middle and outer.
The inner toe is small, and the outer is usually so, having generally only four joints instead of
the normal five. The tarsi are covered with short scales anteriorly, their upper portion
generally clothed with feathers.
The Caprimulgidae are divided into two sub-families, the Steatorninae and Caprimulginae, the
former having the inner edge of the middle anterior claw expanded, but not pectinated. A
third sub-family Podagerinae is sometimes added. The Caprimulginae alone are represented in
the United States, and by two genera, Antrostomus and Chordeiles, which may readily be
distinguished as follows :
ANTROSTOMUS. — Bill with conspicuous bristles. Wings short, rounded; tail broad, graduated;
plumage very lax.
CHORDEILES. — Bill without bristles ; wings very long and pointed ; tail narrow, forked ;
plumage compact.
ANTROSTOMUS, Gould.
Antrostomus, GOULD, Icones Avium, 1838, (Agassiz.)
CH. — Bill remarkably small, with tubular nostrils, and the gape with long stiff, sometimes pectinated, bristles. Wings
long, somewhat rounded, second quill longest, the primaries emurginated. Tail rounded. Plumage loose and soft.
The present genus embraces the North American analogues of the European goat-suckers —
namely, the chuck-will's widow and the two species of whippoorwill. Of these, the former, or
A. carolinensis, is much the largest, with the long stiff bristles of the bill provided with lateral
filaments ; these are wanting in the A. vociferus and A. nuttalli. In vociferus, which is much
the larger of the two last, the throat has a narrow white collar, and the lower terminal half of the
tail is white; the head longitudinally streaked. In nuttalli the throat has a large white patch ;
the under surface of the tail a small one, and the crown is banded transversely, not longitudinally.
BIRDS CAPRIMULGIDAE — ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINENSIS.
147
Comparative measurements of species.
Orig.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex. Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape. [ measured.
6493
8636
do.
2144
do.
6963
5491
do.
Antrostomus carolinen.sis,
do do
Tortugas, Fla
Cape Florida
C? : 11.62
9 H.04
12.
8.60
8.30
8 50
6.33
5.84
0.68
0.76
1.02
1.00
0.30
0.30
0.50
0.44
1.72 Skin
1 72 Skin .
do do
do
25.
Fresh
Antrostomus vociferu^. . . .
do do
Carlisle, Penn
do
C? i 9.20
3 \ 9.75
9 9.54
<? 7.20
9 i 7.10
19.25
6.34
6.41
6.22
5.78
5.62
5.08
0.68
0.84
0.24
0.44
1 24 Pkin
Fresh
do do
Antrostomus nuttalli
St. Louis, Mo
Petaluma, Cal
5.(iO
3.84
3.70
0.60
0.76
0.70
0.90
0.84
0.90
0.26
0.20
0.2G
0.44
0.44
0.40
1 16 Skin ... .
1 10 !?kin
do do
1 12 Skin
ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINENSIS,
Chuck-will's Widow.
Caprimulgus carolincnsis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1028— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832,273; pi. Hi, & V, 1839,
401.— IB. Birds Amcr. I, 1840, 151 ; pi. 41.
Antrostomus car oiinensis, GOULD, Icones Avium, 1838? — CASSIN, J. A. N. Sc. II, 1852, 119. — IB. Illust. N. Am.
Birds, I, 1855, 236.
Caprimulgus rufus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 57; pi. xxv, (9-)
Caprimulgus brachyptcrus, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. X, i, 1825? 150.
Skort-winged goat-sucker, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 1785, 434.
SP. CH — Bristles of the bill with lateral filaments. Wing nearly nine inches long. Top of the head reddish brown, longi
tudinally streaked with black. The prevailing shade above and below pale rufous. Terminal two-thirds of the tail feathers
(except the four central,) rufous white ; outer webs of all mottled, however, nearly to the tips. Female without the white patch
on the tail. Length, 12 inches ; wing, 8.50.
Hob. — South Atlantic and Gulf States.
This is the largest of the North American species, and is distinguished from the others
by having very strong bristles along the base of the bill, each with lateral filaments. The
tail is but slightly rounded ; the exterior feathers only about a quarter of an inch shorter
than the middle ones. The wing is long ; the second quill longest. The tip of the third
nearly intermediate between the first and second.
This species is said by Audubon to occur in Texas, but no specimens have been collected west
of the Missouri by any of the expeditious.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
2383
Savannah, Ga
!
1845 S. F. Baird. _
12.00
26.00
7.25
Fresh
Light pur
2382
$
do
1845 do
ple legs.
4916
3
G Wurdcman
6493
0
$
jTo r t u gn,s Fl a
1857 do
8G36
A
Ort 30 IS^T rln
12 00
25 00
8 50
Fresh
8637
0
do
Oct 9 1857 do
11. 00
23. 00
8.00
148 IL S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS.
Whippoorwill.
Caprimulgus vociferus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 71 ; pi. xli, f. 1,2, 3.— Auu. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 443 : V,
405 ; pi. 85.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 155 ; pi. 42.
Jntrostomus vocifcrus, BONAP. List, 1838.— CASSIN, J. A. N. Sc. II, 1852, 122.— IB, 111. I, 1855, 236.
Caprimulgus virginianus, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 55 ; pi. xxv.
" Caprimulgus clamator, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. 1817, 234," (CASSIN.)
SP. CH — Bristles without lateral filaments. Wing about 65 inches long. Top of the head ashy brown, longitudinally
streaked with hlack. Terminal half of the tail feathers (except the four central) dirty white on both outer and inner webs.
Length, 10 inches ; wing, 6.50.
Female without white on the tail.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the plains.
In this species the bristles at the base of the bill, though stiff and long, are without the
lateral filaments of the chuck-will's widow. The wings are rather short ; the second quill
longest ; the first intermediate between the third and fourth. The tail is rounded ; the outer
feathers about half an inch shorter than the middle ones.
The colors of this species are very difficult to describe, although there is quite a similarity to
those of A. carolinensis, from which its greatly inferior size will at once distinguish it. The
top of the head is an ashy gray, finely mottled, with a broad median stripe of black ; all the
feathers with a narrow stripe of the same along their centres. The back and rump are some
what similar, though of a different shade. There is a collar of white on the under side of the
neck, posterior to which the upper part of the breast is finely mottled, somewhat as on the top
of the head. The belly is dirty white, with indistinct transverse bands and mottlings of brown.
The wings are brown ; each quill with a series of round rufous spots on both webs, quite con
spicuous on the outer side of the primaries when the wings are folded. The terminal half of
the outer three tail feathers is of a dirty white.
The female is smaller ; the collar on the throat is tinged with fulvous. The conspicuous
white patch of the tail is wanting, the tips only of the outer three feathers being of a pale
brownish fulvous.
There is a prevalent impression among the unlearned in many parts of the country that the
whippoorwill and the night hawk are identical. They are, however, widely different, both
generically and specifically, as will be evident to any one on a comparison of specimens. Thus
in the whippoorwill the mouth is margined by enormous stiff bristles more than an inch long ;
the wings are short, not reaching the end of the tail, which is very broad and rounded. There
are bars of rufous spots on the wing quills, but no white whatever. The tail is white beneath
for its terminal half. In the night hawk (Chordeiles popetue) the bristles of the bill are
scarcely appreciable ; the wings are sharp pointed, longer than the tail, uniformly brown, with
a broad spot of white across the middle of the long quills, and without any rufous spots. The
tail is rather narrow, forked, or emarginatc, and with only a small square blotch of white near
the end. The most striking feature next to the difference of the bristles of the bill is, perhaps,
the absence of the white wing spot of the one and its presence in the other — characters found in
both sexes.
The precise range of this species to the westward is not ascertained. On the upper Missouri
and westward it is replaced by thoA . nuttalll.
The first name of Vieillot for this species, although actually prior to that of Wilson, cannot be
made use of, as it heads a description and figure relating to both Antrostomus and Chordeiles.
BIRDS CAPRIMULGIDEA — ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI.
149
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No. ,
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. 1 Specimen
measured.
1410 <$
Carlisle, Pa
May 1, 1844
S. F. B:iird
10.00
19.25
6.42 Fresh . ..
2144 $
do
April 2R, 1845
do
9.75
19.25
6.42 Fresh ...
2432 Q
6963 Q
Sept. 6, 1845
May 8 1857
do
W. S. Wood
9.83
18.75
6.25 Fresh...
8382 : J>
June 20, 1857
86
10.00
18.75
6 50 Fre:-li .
Dr. Hny
O
ANTKOSTOMUS NUTTALLI, Gas sin.
Nuttall's Whippoorwill.
Caprimulgus nuttalli, AUD. Birds America, VII, 1843 ; pi. 495 appendix.
dntmtomus nuttalli, CASSIN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. 2d scries, II, 1852, 123.— IB. 111. I, 1855, 237.— NEWBERRY, Zool.
Cal. and Oregon Route, 77 ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv.
SP. CH. — Bristles without lateral filaments ; wing about 5| inches ; top of the head hoary gray, with narrow transverse, not
longitudinal bands. Tail nearly black on the terminal half, the extreme tip only (in the three outer feathers of each side)
being white for nearly an inch. Length 8.00 ; wing 5.50.
Hub. — High central plains to the Pacific coast.
I regret that the materials before me are not such as to admit of a satisfactory description,
especially as in the wide range of localities there are indications of differences which may even
be of specific value. I shall, therefore, be obliged to copy from Audubon the description of the
species as obtained in its original locality — the upper Missouri.1
This species is said to have a note somewhat similar to that of the whippoorwill, except that
the first syllable is omitted, leaving the sound something like that of " poor-will."
The much smaller size of the A. nuttalli will at once distinguish it from the A. voci/erus.
The colors, too, are very different. The general hue is much lighter. The top of the head
lacks the median stripe. The white patch of the throat is much larger. The white of the tail
is confined to a space of less than one inch at the end, &c.
3 The following is the original description of the species by Audubon :
Caprimulgus nuttalli, AUD. Birds America, VI, pi. 493, 2 cd.
Male. — Bill black ; iris dark hazel ; feet reddish purple -, scales and claws darker ; general color of upper parts dark brownish
gray, lighter on the head and medial tail feathers, which extend \ inch beyond the others, all which are minutely streaked and
sprinkled with brownish black and ash gray. Quills and coverts dull cinnamon color, spotted in bars with brownish black ; tips
of former mottled with lighl and dark brown ; three lateral tail feathers barred with dark brown and cinnamon, and tipped
with white. Throat brown, annulated with black ; a band of white across fore neck ; beneath the latter black, mixed with
bars of light yellowish gniy and black lines. Under tail coverts dull yellow. Length, 7.25; wing, 5.73 ; bill, edge, .19;
second and third quills nearly equal. Tail to end of upper feathers, 3.50 ; tarsus, .63 ; middle toe, .63 ; claw, .25 ; strongly
pectinated.
150
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Se.v
„,
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Length.
1
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Specim
;measur
en Remarks.
3d.
8876
5-200
6002
6003
6000
6001
5191
5912
3711
6004
J1 Blackhills
Yellow Stone river
Q Rio Mimbres, N. M
,do
.... Atauam river, W. T...
do
Sept. 7, 1857
Aug. 8, 1856
Aug. 30. 1853
....do
Lt. G. K. Warren.
do
Dr. Hayden ; 7.12
do
17.12
4.50? Fresh.
5 70
. . . Iris brown
Maj. Emory
Dr. T. C. Henry..
Gov. I. I. Stevens.
do
5
6
590
Mr. Clark :
Dr. Henry
Dr. J. G. Cooper..!
5.60
5.90 i
5 80
do !
....
Petaluma, Cal
Santa Clara, Cal
Nov. — , 1855
E. Samuels
Dr. J. G. Cooper..
VV. Button
E. Samuels |
' 8.00
j
17.50
6.10
5 . 50
black, feet gray.
....
Colorado river, N. M.
Camp 130, N. M....
Feb. 23, 1854
...rtn .
Lt. Whipple
... do .
179
177
Kennedy &. Mull-
5.90
.. Eyes black
do. !
CHOKDEILES, Swain son.
SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. A 1831, 496.
CH. — Bill very small, the gape with very short feeble bristles. Wings very long and pointed, with the first quill nearly or
quite equal to the second, and the primaries not emarginated on the inner edge. Tail long ; slightly forked in the North American
species ; plumage rather compact.
The described North American species of this genus are three in number, the smaller readily
distinguishable by the rounded rufous spots on the webs of the quills, (C. texensis.) The others
are larger and more closely related.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
fc
£
Species.
Locality.
M
09
c
o
•^ be
C ^
an
tU>
C
'3
E"
Tarsus
Middle toe.
fc
S
jS
Bill above.
—
SD Specimen
5 measured.
2
Remarks.
1605
Carlisle, Pa
*
8.70
8.10
4 72
0 62
0 80
0 28
0 34
0 98 Skin
do.
do
do
9.50
24.50
8.30
Fresh . . .
1522
do
do
O
8.66
7.80
4.60
0.60
0.74
0.24
0.26
0.94 Skin
do.
do
do
9.50
23.60
8.16
Fresh...
5201
do
Above Fort Pierre..
$
9.10
7.56
4.58
0.52
0.68
0.20
0.80 Skin....
Point of bill broken.
do.
do
do
9.25
22. 2j
7.75
Fresh . ..
6698
Rio Grande valley..
0
7.80
5.18
0.54
0.70
0.20
0.28
1.08 Skin ...
6010
El Paso, Texas
o
8.30
7.54
4.84
0.50
0.68
0.20
0.24
0.82 Skin ....
do
do
do
7.87
19 la
7.87
4578
do
Colorado river, Cal.
8.30
6.90
4.60
0.52
0.64
0.18
0.22
0.84 Skin....
Head off; (very
do.
6011
do
Eagle pass, Texas. .
8.30
6.50
4.16
0.52
0.74
0.19
0.26
0.70 ,....
poor specimen.)
do
3957
do.
do
Sta. Catarina, Mex.
8.22
8.75
19.00
7.00
7.00
4.30
0.52
0.74
0.22
0.24
0.80 Skin ....
BIRDS — CAPKIMULGIDAE — CIIORDEILES POPETUE. 151
CIIORDEILES POPETUE.
Night Hawk ; Bull Bat.
Caprimulgus popetue, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 56 ; pi. xxiv. (Q). — BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, 177, from
J. A.N. So. Phila. VI.
Caprimulgus americanus, WILSON, V, 1812, 65 ; pi. cxl. f. 1, 2.
Chordciles americanus, DE KAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 34 ; pi. xxvii.
Caprimulgus virginianus, BRISSON, II, 1760,477. (In part only.) — BONAP. Synopsis, 62. — AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834,273 ; pi. 147.
Caprimulgus (Chordciles} virginiunus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 62.
Chorddlcs virginianus, BON. List. 1838.— AUD. Birds Am. I, 1840, 159 ; pi. 43.— CASSIJC, 111. I, 1855, 238.— NEW-
BERRY, Zool. Cal. and Oregon Route, 79; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Long-winged goat-sucker, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 1785, 337.
Sp. Cii. — Male, above greenish black, with but little mottling on the head and back. Wing coverts varied with grayish ;
scapulars with yellowish rufous. A nuchal band of fine gray mottling, behind which is another coarser one of rufous spots.
A white V-shaped mark on the throat ; behind this a collar of pale rufous blotches, and another on the breast of grayish
mottling. Under parts banded transversely with dull yellowish or reddish white and brown. Wing quills quite uniformly
brown. The five outer primaries with a white blotch midway between the tip and carpal joint, not extending on the outer web
of the outer quill. Tail with a terminal white patch.
Female, without the caudal white patch, the white of the throat mixed with reddish. Length of male, 9.50 ; ving, 8.20.
Hub. — North America generally.
Specimen from Pennsyvania, (1605.) — Wings long and acutely pointed; within an inch
as long (measured from the carpal joint) as the body itself. First quill longest, the rest
successively shorter. Tail acutely emarginate ; the first outer feather very little longer than the
second ; the remaining ones successively shorter, until the two middle ones are about three
quarters of an inch shorter than the exterior. Bill short ; the bristles simple.
The prevailing color of the upper parts of this species is a lustrous greenish black, with a
little mottling of pale rusty on the head, back, and scapulars, and of gray on the wing coverts.
At first sight the crown seems to have but little mottling, this being apparently confined to
a median line of yellowish rusty edging to the feathers. On raising the ends of these, however,
they are found to be more blotched towards their bases. On the nape the blotches are more
terminal and of a grayish color, forming an indistinct transverse band. Here they are quite
small, and confined to the exterior or extremity of the feathers. Immediately succeeding this,
however, is a second indistinct transverse band in which the blotches are much larger, occupy
ing the median line of the feather, and of a more rusty hue. On the middle of the back again
the blotches are even grayer and less conspicuous than on the nape, while the blotches on the
scapulars are larger and more rusty. The wing coverts are finely mottled with grayish,
especially the innermost ones. The primary coverts have comparatively few blotches.
The sides of the head and lower jaw are like the top, only more blotched, and with yellowish
rusty. There is a pure white V-shaped mark on the throat, commencing about a quarter of an
inch behind the base of the lower mandible, the acute angle anterior, the branches curving
back on each side to a point beneath and posterior to the eye. The angle of this mark is filled
up with rusty-tipped black feathers. Behind it on the upper part of the breast, and extending
to the tail, the feathers begin to be banded transversely several times on their terminal half
with dark brown and dirty yellowish white, much less conspicuous on the upper part of the
breast and lower throat, where the predominant color of the feathers is dark brown, with the
ends grayish.
The quills are throughout of a uniform dark brown, with an obscure lightening on the inner
edges of the innermost primaries towards the ends. The ends of the secondaries are quite
152 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
white, forming a conspicuous band. There is, however, one very decided mark in a white
patch on the five outer primaries situated about half way between the carpal joint and the tip
of the wing. This commences on the inner vane of the first primary, without involving or
crossing the rib, along which it extends for less than half an inch, widening inwards to three
quarters of an inch on the inner edge. On the second primary there is a white blotch on the
outer vane, opposite the large spot on the inner, which involves the rib. The third, fourth,
and fifth primaries have the blotch passing continuously across from inner to outer edge of the
quill.
The tail feathers are dark brown, with about eight or ten transverse and rather irregular
bands of mottling, which below are nearly white, above of a light brownish gray. The termi
nal blotch on all but the two inner feathers (one on each side) is white on both surfaces, larger
and more quadrate, and scarcely reaches to the outer edges of the feathers.
The female is similar in general characteristics, except that the V-shaped mark on the
throat is yellowish rusty instead of white, the white patch on the wing rather less conspicuous,
and the quadrate terminal white spots on the end of the four exterior tail feathers (on either
side) are wanting. There is also appreciably more rusty in all the grayish or light tints.
In a large series of skins before me I find considerable geographical differences when com
pared with the typical Pennsylvania specimens. Thus, in skins from the upper Missouri and
Platte, as also from Bridger's Pass, (5594,) the general colors are lighter, owing to the much
greater amount of grayish mottling on the back and the wing coverts, as well as the scapulars.
The color of the upper parts, in fact, exhibits but little of that decided impression of black pre
viously described. The white spot in the middle of the wing is considerably larger, and in
most cases crosses the midrib to the outer edge of the first primary. The feet appear shorter ;
the wings and tail about the same length. All the eastern specimens before me agree in their
dark colors. Specimens from Steilacoom are as dark, however, as those from Pennsylvania, and
not distinguishable from them. The same may be said of a pair from the Cosumnes river,
California.
Still another series, chiefly from southern Texas and New Mexico, is characterized by a great
preponderance of pale rufous spotting on the back. The characters in this respect are much as
in G. texensis, almost every feather on the back having a reddish spot. The size is rather less
than in more northern specimens. There is, however, so imperceptible a gradation into the
lighter northern series, and from this into the dark eastern ones, that I confess my inability to
define any permanent specific differences. The skin described as (7. lienryi belongs to the
most rufous type, and may possibly be distinct. With reference to the others, however, I feel
in very great doubt.
It is much to be regretted that the name of Vieillot should be of so barbarous a character,
since it is the first one that can be used. The Caprimulgus virginianus of Brisson includes
both this and Antrostomus votiferus, and cannot be retained, and with it fall the names of
Gmelin and others based upon it. The mistake was first committed by Catesby, whose figure
is an unnatural association of the two species.
In two specimens (8224, 8225,) from Fort Laramie, collected by Doctor Cooper, the wing and
tail feathers are not fully grown out ; but independently of this, the size appears much less
than in any others from the same latitude, smaller even than in 0. texensis. The middle toe
and claw measure but .60 of an inch. The color is very gray, without any conspicuous rufous
mottling.
BIRDS CAPRIMULGIDAE CHORDEILES HENRYI.
153
As a summary of the whole subject, I am inclined to think that all the varieties described
belong to one species, varying somewhat with the locality, those from the Atlantic and, perhaps,
Pacific regions being darkest, without much mottling ; those from the interior province, or from
the Missouri to the Rocky Mountains, being much more varied, with, a tendency to pale grayish
tints in northern localities, and reddish in more southern, the latter of smaller size. In this
generalization I would scarcely except the C. Jienryi. The G. texensis is, however, quite
different.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
.Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
4292
Dark variety.
1522
Carlisle, Pa
May 16, 1846
S. F. Baird
9 50
25.67
8.17
1605
do
June 10,1844
do
9 50
24.50
8.33
6964
0
May 13,1857
Lt. Bryan, U.S. A
74
5592
do
8.00
7529
1857
10 00
24.25
8.25
6006
Fort Steilacoom W. T.
Dr Sucklcy,U.S.A.
3
8.20
6007
Lt. Williamson
5
7.50
6008
do
7
do
7.70
6555
5595
......
Pale variety.
FortRilcy
70 miles west of Ft. Riley.
June 30,1856
Dr. W.A.Hammond
Lt. F. T. Bryan
' 48
W. S. Wood.
7.70
5593
3
June 30,1866
....do
51
do.
9
22
8.
5201
5202
$
3
40 miles above Ft. Pierre. .
June 30,1856
May 30,1856
Lt. Warren, U.S.A.
do
Dr. F. V. Hayden..
9.25
9 25
22.25
23 25
7.25
8 25
Eyes black
5203
9
do
do
9.25
23
8.25
Iris brown
5594
a
Bridger's Pass
August 13, 1856
Lt. F. T. Bryan
260
W. S. Wood
9 50
21
8.25
8224
o
Sept. 16,1857
W. M. Magraw
Dr. Cooper
8 40
21 50
7 00
Not full grown.
8228
8877
O
do
Black Hills ' (Camp 4)..
do
Sept. 7, 1857
do
208
do
8.50
9 25
20.75
03 oo
7.25
7 50
do
8878
rj
July 24, 1857
do
9 25
22 25
6013
Los Nogales, Sonora
June — 5 1855
Major Emory
83
7 40
CHORDEILES HENRYI, Gas sin.
Western Night-IIawk.
Chordeiles henryi, CASSIN, Illustrations, I, Jan. 1855, 233.
Sp. CH. — Female similar to C. virginianus, but the upper parts much more mottled and more rufous.
Hab. — Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.
The specimens hitherto collected of this species are not sufficiently perfect to admit of a
satisfactory description. The characteristics can only be given by comparison with O. virginianus,
as already described.
The skin upon which this species was based by Mr. Cassin is a female in very poor condition
(6690,) and much stretched, which may account for its having been described as larger than
C. virginianus. This is scarcely the case, as shown by the comparative measurements of the
two. There is no undoubted specimen of the male bird in the collection before me from Texas,
the only large one, with a decidedly white patch on the throat, lacking the white marks on the
end of the tail.
This species is conspicuously different from Pennsylvania specimens of O. virginianus in the
very great amount of mottling on the upper parts, which exhibit nothing of the dark tones
prevailing in the last mentioned skins. The predominent tint of the mottling is a yellowish
rusty, brightest, and the blotches largest, on the scapulars. The under parts are yellowish
20 b
154
U. S. P R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
white, transversely barred with dark brown. The V-shaped mark on the throat is of a rusty
tinge, and much obscured by having its feathers tipped or spotted at the end with dark brown.
The white patch on the wing is situated nearer the carpal joint than the tip of the primary, and
is rather restricted, not crossing to the outer web of the first and second primaries. It extends
only over the five outer quills. The tail has about ten transverse bands which are conspicuously
yellowish rusty above.
This typical specimen has the second quill rather longest, and all the primaries tipped with
pale rusty, an evident indication of immaturity. In other specimens, apparently the same, the
first quill is longest, the primaries without any paler tips, and the V-shaped mark on the throat
not obscured by the dusky blotches.
As already stated, no undoubted males referable to this species are in the collection before
me, none having the white marks on the tail.
Compared with female specimens of C. virginianus, the upper parts exhibit much more rufous
•mottling above, thus excluding almost entirely the dusky shades. The coverts are tipped with
a much more extended and continuous shade of pale brownish yellow. The white spot of the
wing is smaller and nearer the carpal joint. The tail is much lighter, the dark transverse bars
narrower. The toes and middle claw are shorter, (possibly not fully grown.)
I am by no means satisfied as to the right of this specimen to specific distinction from (7.
virginianus, as it is decidedly immature and is very similar in many respects to rufous varieties
of the latter species. It is barely possible that these varieties may also belong to C. henry i ; if
so, however, I am at present unable to define the two species in any satisfactory manner. A
larger collection, in better condition, may hereafter throw some light on the subject not now
attainable.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Length.
No.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
6G98
Rio Grande valley ......
1853
Capt. Beckwith
8.00
4977
Fort Chadbourne Tex
Dr. Swift
8.00
5046
Crossing of Pecos. - ......
July 11, 1855
Capt. J. Pope . -.-
107 9.50
23.50
8.00
5045
.do
May 9, 1855
do
73
• 6005
Rio Mimbres
Dr T C Henry
8.40
CHOKDEILES TEXENSIS, Lawrence.
Texas Night-Hawk.
Chordeiles brasilianus, LAWREKCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyceum, V, May 1851, 114, (Texas,) (not of Gm.
CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 238.
Chordeiles sapiti, BON. Conspectus Avium, I, 1849, 63.
Chordeiles texensis, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. VI, Dec. 1856, 167.
SP. CH — Much smaller than C. virginianus, but similar. White on the wing extending over only four outer primaries, the
bases of which, as well as the remaining ones, with other quills, have round rufous spots on both webs. Under tail coverts and
abdomen with a strong yellowish rufous tinge. Female more rufous and without the white spot of the tail. Length 8.75; wing 7.
flab. — Rio Grande Valley and south ; west to Gulf of California.
This species in many respects resembles C. virginianus, but some of its markings and its
much smaller size will at once serve to distinguish the two.
Selecting a specimen (3957) from Santa Caterina, Mexico, as a type, the prevailing color
BIRDS CAPRIMULGIDAE — CHORDEILES TEXENSIS.
155
above may be described as a mixed gray, yellowish rusty, black, and brown in varied mottlings.
The top of the head is rather uniformly brown, with a few mottlings of grayish rusty, although
the concealed portion of the feathers is much varied. On the nape is a finely mottled collar of
grayish and black, not very conspicuously defined, and rather interrupted on the median line.
A similar collar is seen on the fore part of the breast. The middle of the back and the rump
exhibit a coarser mottling of the same without any rufous. The scapulars and wing coverts are
beautifully variegated, much as in some of the waders, the pattern very irregular and scarcely
capable of definition. There are, however, a good many large round spots of pale yellowish
rusty, very conspicuous among the other markings. There is quite a large blotch of white on
the wing, situated considerably nearer the tip than the carpal joint. It only involves four
primaries and extends across both outer and inner webs. The four first primaries anterior to
the white blotches, and the remaining ones, nearly from their tips, exhibit a series of large
round rufous spots not seen in the other North American species. The other wing quills have
also similar markings. There is a large V-shaped white mark on the throat, as in C. virginianus,
though rather larger proportionally. Posterior to this there are some rather conspicuous
blotches of rufous, behind which is the obscure finely mottled collar of gray and brown already
referred to. The breast and remaining under parts are dull white transversely banded with
brown, with a strong tinge of yellowish rufous on the abdomen, about the vent, and on the
under tail coverts. The tail is dark brown with about eight transverse bars of lighter ; the
last are white and extending across both vanes ; the others less continuous, and yellowish rufous
beneath as well as above, especially on the inner vane.
There is some variation in different specimens, especially as to the intensity of the rufous
tints. The Santa Caterina specimen is larger than those from the lower Rio Grande^ while
No. 6010, from El Paso, is considerably larger than either, the wing measuring 7^ inches.
There is, however, no other appreciable difference.
The females differ, as far as indicated by the specimens before me, chiefly in lacking the white
spot on the tail. The throat spot is rather smaller, but is almost pure white. The rufous
markings are rather deeper.
This species is readily distinguished from C. virginianus by its much smaller size, four prima
ries crossed with white, instead of five, the round rufous spots on the wing quills, the rufous
tinge on the abdomen, and other characters. It, however, seems to present parallel variations
of color and size with those described under C. virginianus.
I am unable to say whether the subject of the present article be really distinct or not from C.
sapiti, of Bonaparte, and C. brasilianus, of Gmelin. As Mr. Lawrence has given it a new name,
I have adopted it provisionally, leaving the final decision to be made by some one having the
proper materials before him.
List of specimens.
Catal. Locality.
No.
When col- Whence obtained. Orig'l
lectcd. No.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch
:of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
3951 Santa Catarina, Mexico. ..
6C09 Ringgold barracks, Texas.
6810 Eagle Pass, Texas ... .
Aug. —,1853 Lieut. Couch, U.S.A.. 186
July —,1853 Major Emory, U. S. A
: do 1
J. 11. Clark
A Scliolt
8.75 19.00
7.0C Eyes blue black; bill
black ; feet purple.
6.80
6 70
6012 do
do 6
do
6.80
7 70
4578? Colorado river, California.
"°
A. Schott
6.90
SUB-ORDER
CLAMATORES.
In the present state of our knowledge of the subject, it is a matter of some uncertainty
whether the North American Anisodactyle birds, viz: the Alcedinidae and Prionitidae, belong
more naturally to the Strisores or to the Clamatores of Cabanis' arrangement, (Strisores and
Traclieopliones of Burmeister.) However, although in some respects of closer affinities to the
former, I propose to keep them with the Clamatores^ in accordance with the views of Cabanis.
They may be grouped as Anisodactyli, in distinction from the remaining families of the
sub-order, or Traclieopliones , although neither of these names is to be taken in the extended
signification given it by Miiller and others, but merely as having provisional reference to the
North American species alone.
The muscles of the lower larynx, in some families, are weak and simple as in the Strisores ;
in others again they form a powerful fleshy body, which covers the first bronchial ring. These
birds have a harsh voice, capable of but little modulation.
The following schedule will be sufficient to indicate the general characters of the different
families of this sub-order found in North America, although there are many others from other
parts of the world not taken into account :
ANISODACTYLI.
Outer toe much longer than the inner ; united for half its length to the middle so as to
have a common sole to this extent. Sole of the hind toe widened and continuous
internally with that of the inner toe. Tail usually with twelve feathers, sometimes
with ten.
ALCEDINIDAE. — Tongue small, rudimentary. Tarsi very short. Edge of bill plain.
PRIONITIDAE. — Tongue of normal size. Tarsi rather long. Cutting edge of bill
dentated.
TRACHEOPHONES.
Feet and wings much as in the lowest Oscines. Lateral toes usually nearly equal. Tail
generally of twelve feathers.
COLOPTERIDAE. — Tarsus more or less enveloped by scutellae. Posterior portion of
the tarsus with small plates, sometimes partly naked. Wings sometimes with
peculiarly abbreviated primaries. Bill short, conical, and usually depressed,
the tip sometimes abruptly hooked.
BIKDS ALCEDINIDAE.
157
Family ALCEDINIDAE. Kingfishers.
Head large ; bill long, strong, straight, and sub-pyramidal, usually longer than the head. Tongue very small. Wings
short ; legs small ; the outer and middle toes united to their middle. Toes with the usual number of joints, (2, 3, 4, 5.)
The gape of the bill in the kingfishers is large, reaching to beneath the eyes. The third
primary is generally longest ; the first decidedly shorter ; the secondaries vary from twelve to
fifteen in number, all nearly equal. The secondaries cover at least three quarters of the wing.
The tail is short, the feathers twelve in number ; they are rather narrow ; the outer usually
shorter. The lower part of the tibia is bare, leaving the joint and the tarsus uncovered. The
tarsus is covered anteriorly with plates ; behind it is shagreen-like or granulated. The hind
toe is connected with the inner, so as to form with it and the others a regular sole, which
extends unbroken beneath the middle and outer as far as the latter are united. The inner toe
is much shorter than the outer. The claws are sharp ; the middle expanded on its inner edge,
but not pectinated.
The North American species of kingfisher belong to the sub-family Cerylinae, characterized
by the crested head, and the plumage varying with sex and age. The single genus Ceryle
includes two types, Megaceryle and Chloroceryle.
CERYLE, Boie.
Ceryle, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 316, type C. rudis 1
Ispida, Sw. Birds, II, 1837, 336, (type C. alcyon.)
SP. Cn. — Bill long, straight, and strong, the culmen slightly advancing on the forehead and sloping to the acute tip ; the sides
much compressed ; the lateral margins rather dilated at the base, and straight to the tip ; the gonys long and ascending. Tail
rather long and broad. Tarsi short and stout.
This genus is distinguished from the typical Alcedo (confined to the Old World) by the longer
tail, an indented groove on each side the culmen, inner toe much longer than the hinder instead
of equal, &c.
The two species of North American kingfishers belong to two different genera of modern
systematists, the one to Megaceryle, Reich, the other to Chloroceryle, Kaup. The characters of
these sub-genera are as follows :
MEGACERYLE, Reichenbach. — Bill very stout and thick. Tarsus about equal to the hind
toe ; much shorter than the inner anterior ; scarcely as long as the lower jaw is deep.
Plumage without metallic gloss ; the occipital feathers much elongated, linear, and
distinct M. alcyon.
CHLOROCERYLE, Kaup. — Size smaller and shape more slender than in preceding. Bill
long, thin. Tarsi longer than hind toe ; almost or quite as long as the inner anterior.
Plumage with a green metallic gloss above ; the occiput with a crest of rather short,
indistinct feathers. C. americana.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. .
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
along.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
1640
Carlisle
o
11 28
6 16
4 24
0 42
0 84
0 28
o '>o
2 60
Skin ....
do.
do
...do . .
13.25
2-2.00
6.15
Fresh....
617
8410
do
do .
do
Siniiahmoo, W. T
C?
o
13.00
12 36
22.00
6.50
6 44
4.00
4 72
0.40
0 42
0.97
0 90
0.34
0 30
2.16
2 20
2.85
2.52
Skin
Skin
6191
8638
do
do
Bodega, Cal
V
tf
11 18
6.75
6.18
4.25
4 09
0.40
0 40
1.05
0.90
0.40
0 30
2.40
2 42
3.00
2.54
Skin
Skin
do.
do
jo.25
20 00
6 25
Fresh ....
6194
Q
8.04
3 42
2 82
0.38
0 70
0.28
1.72
1.82
Skin
7103
do
Western Texas
3
3.30
2.60
0.38
0.68
9.26
Skin
do
do
do .
8 50
12 00
3 50
Fresh....
7987
do
Guatemala
7.80
3.42
2.48
0.38
0.68
0.24
1.98
1.98
Skin
158
U. S P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CERYLE ALCYON, Boie.
Belted Kingfisher.
Jllcedo alcyon, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 180. — WILSON, Am. Orn III, 1811, 59.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831,
394 ; pi. 77. — IB. Birds America.
Ceryle alcyon, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 316.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 254.— BREWER, N Am. Oology, I, 1857, 110 ; pi. iv,
fig- 52. (Egg.)
Megaceryle alcyon, REICHENB. Handb. Sp. Orn. I, n, 1851, 25 ; pi. 412, fig. 3108- '9.
Ispida ludoviciana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat I, 1788, 452.
" Jllcedo jaguacate, DUMONT, Diet. Sc. Nat. I, 1816, 455," (Cassin.)
" Jllcedo guacu, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XIX, 1818, 406," (Cassin.)
Sp. CH. — Head with a long crest. Above blue, without metallic lustre. Beneath, with a concealed band across the occiput,
and a spot anterior to the eye, pure white. A band across the breast, and the sides of the body under the wings, like the back.
Primaries white on the basal half, the terminal unspotted. Tail with transverse bands and spots of white.
Young with the sides of body and a transverse band across the belly below the pectoral one, light chestnut; the pectoral
band more or less tinged with the same. Length of adult about 12J inches ; wing, 6 or more.
Hub. — The entire continent of North America.
The above diagnosis will serve to identify the present species sufficiently for all practical
purposes. The length of the bill and the other dimensions vary quite considerably, and, as a
general rule, specimens from the Pacific coast are appreciably larger than eastern ones, though I
have been unable to detect any difference of coloration. Mr. Bell, of New York, says that the
difference in size between living birds of New York and California is very striking. The
comparative table of measurements will serve to illustrate these differences.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
69°9
Nelson river, H. B. T
Donald Gunn
6936
do
617
1640
O
Carlisle, Pa
do
April 1?, 1842
July 18, 1844
8. F. Baird
do
12.75
13 25
22.00
22 00
6 17
1641
do
do
do
12 25
20 75
5.92
6520
Key Biscayne, Fla
5234
4657
Yellowstone river, N.T.
July 25, 1856
Lieut. G. K. Warren
Dr. Hayden....
do
5867
Fort Riley, K. T
Dr. Hammond & J.
Xantus de Vesey.
562S
c?
Bryan's fork, 115 miles
we<t of Fort Itilcy, K.T.
July 3, 1856
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
63
W. S. Wood...
11,00
5626
Q
108 miles west of Fort
Riley, K. T
July 2, 1850
do
59
do
11.00
5627
5043
$
do
June 16, 1856
do
17
do
11.00
5044
Ojo del Cuerpo, N. M
Sept. 30, 1856
do
14.50
21.50
6.75
3960
Tamaulipas, Mexico . ..
Mar. — , 1853
12.25
19.75
6.00
9932
4465
6192
9
Russian America
Cape Flattery, W. T....
Aug. 17, 1841
Feb. 15, 1854
S. F. Baird
Lieut. Trowbridge .
Gov. Stevens
38
Wosnesjensky .
Dr. Buckley . ..
11.50
19.00
6.75
bill slate; feet dove
color.
6193
do
Jan. 20, 1854
16
do . .,..
6190
6191
Bodega, Cal
do
Jan. — , 1855
do
Lieut. Trowbridge .
do
T. A. Szabo....
do
6189
San D'cgo, Cal
do
A. Casfidy
12.00
4587
Colorado river, Cal
Major Emory
A. Schott
BIRDS ALCEDINIDAE CERYLE AMERICANA. 159
CERYLE AMERICANA, Boie.
Texas Kingfisher.
JJlcedo americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 451.
Cei-yle americana, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 316. — LAWRENCE, Annals, N. Y. Lyceum, V, 1851, 118. (First introduction
into the fauna of United States.) — CASSIN, Illustrations, I, 1855, 255. — BREWER, N. Am. Oology,
I, 1857, 3 ; pi. iv, f. 53, (Egg.)
Chloroceryle americana, REICHENB. Handb. Sp. Orn. I, n, 1851, 27 ; pi. 413, f. 3112— '15.
Jllcedo viridis, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XIX, 1818, 413, (Cassin.)
Sp. CH. — Head slightly crested. Upper parts with a pectoral and abdominal band of blotches, glossy green, as also a line
on each side the throat. Under parts generally, a collar on the back of the neck, and a double series of spots on the quills, white ;
a chestnut band across the breast in some skins. Length, about 8 inches ; wing, 3^.
Hab. — Rio Grande region of Texas and southward.
This species is very much smaller than the common northern kingfisher, the body scarcely
exceeding in size that of the downy woodpecker.
The third quill is longest ; the second and fourth scarcely shorter. The fifth is intermediate
between the fifth and sixth. The tail is considerably rounded ; the lateral feathers about half
an inch shorter than the middle ones.
The general color of the upper parts in this species is a rich glossy or metallic green ; of the
lower, white. The white of the throat is continued across the back of the neck, and enlarges
somewhat on the upper part of the back. There is a transverse band across the upper part of
the breast formed by crescentic spots of green like that of the back ; there is a second transverse
band with the spots more distinct and rounded ; similar spots are seen on the side of the body.
There is also a line of green commencing on each side of the throat below the eye, and running
into the pectoral band.
The wing when folded exhibits four transverse rows of spots on the outer webs of the wing
feathers, faint traces of a fifth and sixth being visible on the ends of the primaries. The inner
webs of the quills are similarly spotted. The middle tail feathers are like the back ; the rest
have the extremities green, the basal portion white, with various white blotches elsewhere,
especially on the inner webs. The bill and feet are black. There is a good deal of white on
the basal portion of the dorsal and scapular feathers.
The specimens before me do not exhibit much variation. In the most mature the top of the
head is uniformly green ; in the others it is faintly spotted with whitish. In one specimen
there is an indication of white feathers on the lower eyelid.
There is no appreciable difference in color between sexes, as marked on the labels. Two
specimens (7104 and 7102, female) have the bill much shorter than in the adult, the culmen
being not much longer than the head, and the lower mandible yellow at the base and tip,
instead of black. The green of the head above is much duller, and more spotted with brownish
white. I cannot say whether this is indicative of immaturity or of the female.
Of the half dozen specimens before me, only one (7103) has the pectoral chestnut colored
band, described as characteristic of the adult. This is about an inch wide, and replaces the
anterior band of green spots.
A specimen from Guatemala, without chestnut pectoral band, agrees in every respect with
those from Texas.
160
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOKT
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
No.
3951
Q
August , 1853
134
6 75
9 75
3 50
black, feet slate
color.
6194
9
Nueces river, Texas
Lieut. J. G. Parke . .
Dr. Heormann
5042
May 2, 1853
7 50
12 00
green, gums
white.
710°
Q
1851
Col. J. D. Graham. .
9
J. H. Clark
8.75
12 00
3 50
7103
do
do
do
9
do
8.50
12.00
3.50
7987
J. Gould
BIRDS — PRIONITIDAE — MOMOTUS CAERULICEPS. 161
Family PRIONITIDAE. TheSawbills.
The sawbills or motmots have by most authors been placed as a sub-family with the Cora-
cianae of the Ooraciadae, but latterly each has been raised to independent family rank. With
somewhat similar characters, the serration, or rather dentation, of the cutting edges of the bill
and the extent of fusion of the outer and middle toes at once distinguish the Prionitidae.
The bill is as long as the head ; gently decurved near the tip, but not hooked. The nostrils
are small, circular, and close to the frontal feathers. The wings are rather short ; the inner
secondaries in the closed wing reaching the tip of the primaries. Of the ten primaries, the
exposed portion of the first is scarcely more than half that of the fourth or longest. The
secondaries are ten or twelve in number. The tail consists either of ten or twelve feathers ; the
middle feathers are frequently spatulate, or with a portion of the lateral web wanting. The
feet are large ; the middle and outer toes connate for more than half their length, the tip of the
inner claw reaching to the base of the outer. The toes have the normal number of joints,
(2, 3, 4, 5.) The tarsi are clothed anteriorly with short half rings ; the sides with a series of
plates, more or less broken up into smaller ones. The middle claw has its inner face extended
into a sharp but not pectinated edge.
Of the three genera — Crypticus, Momotus, and Hylomanes — constituting this family, only one,
Momotus, has any representative near or within the borders of the United States.
MOMOTUS, Latham.
Momotus, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 110.
Prlonites, ILLIGER, Prodrornus, 1811, 224.
Bill as long as the head, a little higher than broad ; only moderately broad at the base, and tapering gently to a somewhat
rounded tip. Both mandibles with the cutting edges dentated, except at the tip and base. Tail very long.
The preceding diagnosis sufficiently expresses the characters of the genus, although som
others might be added. The connate toes and toothed or dentate bill are characters which
belong to the family.
MOMOTUS CAERULICEPS, Gould.
Sawbill.
Momotus caeruliceps, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1836, 18.— SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 253.
Prionites caeruliceps, Bp. Consp. 1850, 165. — IB. Consp. Vol. Anisod. 1854, 8.
Prionites caeruleocephalus, JARD. & SELBY, 111. Orn. ; pi. 42.
" Momotus subhutu, LESS. Desc. Mammif. et Ois. 1847, 265," (fide Sclater.)
Sp. CH. — General color yellowish green. Top of the head and occipital crest bright blue, encircled with black, of which
color are also the lores, whiskers, and several elongated narrow feathers on the throat. Length, 15 inches ; wing, 5|.
Hob. — Mexico.
The bill of this species is conical, slightly decurved, the upper edge angular. The cutting
edges of the mandibles are provided with rounded notches, except near the tip, which is
without any notch. The tarsi are rather long ; considerably longer than the middle toe and
claw. The anterior three toes are connate at the base ; the outer and middle united as far as
the penultimate articulation of the latter.
The wings are short, broad, and much rounded when closed ; the secondaries as long as the
21 b
U. S. P. E. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
primaries. The first quill is scarcely more than two-thirds the fourth, (which is longest,) both
measured from the carpal joint. It is more than an inch shorter than the second, which, in
urn, is half an inch shorter than the third. The tail is long, but, in the specimen before
me, too much mutilated to furnish a satisfactory description.
The body generally is green, with a yellowish or, perhaps, fulvous shade, especially on the
anterior half of the body. The lower parts are rather paler. The wings and tail are of a
purer green ; the outer webs of the primaries and the ends of the tail feathers with a bluish
shade. The top of the head, with the short occipital crest, are bright blue, most vivid poste
riorly ; anteriorly paler, and on the front and above the eye tinged with greenish yellow. The
forehead along the base of the bill, the lores, region around the eye, and a series of pointed
whisker-like feathers below the eye, are black ; the latter margined above and below by greenish
blue, like that on the top of the head, and separated from it by the color of the back. The
occipital crest is also margined with black. On the middle of the throat are three or four much
elongated compact feathers, which are black, with greenish blue margins near the base. The
inside of the wing, especially the inner webs of the quills, are strongly tinged with yellowish
rufous.
In life the iris was yellow, the bill black, the feet dark chestnut.
List of specimens.
Catal .
Sex.
Locality.
When
Whence ob
Orig'l
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Tarsus.
Middle
Its claw.
Bill
Specimen
Remarks.
No.
collected.
tained.
No.
toe.
above.
measured.
4337
3
Ap'l, 1853
Lt. D.N. Couch
141
15.00
16 25
5 50
Leon, Mexico.
bill black,
feet dark
chestnut.
Do.
do
do
14.20
5.35
1.25
1.00
.40
1.50
Skin
BIRDS — COLOPTERIDAE. 163
Family C OLOPTEMD AE . The Flycatchers.
This family, which connects the non-melodious hirds with the Oscines, or true singers,
embraces rather small and even diminutive species, with a bill variously shaped, but generally
bent down abruptly at the tip, before which is a slight notch. The small circular nostrils are
situated close to the forehead. The gape is usually provided with stiff bristles, which are
sometimes highly developed. The wings are of moderate length ; the first primary always
more than one-half the second, usually nearly as long ; some of the primaries often curiously
attenuated, sometimes abbreviated. The feet are rather strong ; the tarsi covered behind with
small plates, or warts, or granulations in several series, sometimes entirely naked, sometimes
encircled, except on the inner face, by a single series of plates. The tail always has twelve
feathers.
This extensive family contains chiefly genera which have been variously combined with the
singing birds, but have been mainly brought together in their present relationships in conse
quence of the researches of Muller and others. It embraces several sub-families, of which,
however, only two have any reference to the fauna of the United States. The characters of the
sub-families are given by Burrneister at considerable detail. This author divides the American
forms into Ampelinae, Piprinae, Tyranninae, Platyrhynchinae, and Fluvicolinae, to which
Cabanis adds Todinae, Psarinae, Coracininae, and Phytotominae. It is not necessary to give
the characters of all these sub-families here, as we have only to do with the Tyranninae and
PsarinaCj united into one by Burmeister on account of their close relationship and numerous
common characters, the chief of which are the following :
Common characters. — Bill strong and straight, generally almost as long as the head ;
the distance from the nostril to the tip of bill usually not more than that to the anterior
corner of the eye ; bill conical and vaulted, somewhat depressed, the tip abruptly bent
down. Nostrils free, round, and open, nearer the gape than the culmen, not concealed
by the bristles (usually well developed) which line the rictus and base of the bill.
Wing rather long and acute ; the primaries often attenuated or abbreviated. Tail
usually emarginated ; leg rather strong and high, covered behind with several series
of granulations, or with plates nearly encircling the leg. Basal joints of outer and
middle toes more or less united.
PSARINAE. — Second primary in the male much shorter than the first and third ;
anterior face of the tarsus with a row of plates, which do not extend more than
half round the leg. The posterior half covered with a reticulation of small
plates ; sometimes naked internally.
TYRANNINAE. — Outer primaries frequently attenuated at the tips, but the second
never shorter than both the first and third. Anterior and external face of tarsi
covered with plates, which completely encircle the bone, except along or near
the central line of the inner face ; the intervening space either naked or with
small plates, only occasionally a separate series on the posterior face of the tarsi.
Toes, especially the inner, cleft to the base.
164 C. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family PSARINAE.
The characters of this sub- family have already "been sufficiently indicated in the preceding
pages to distinguish it among the other Colopteridae. The genera have heen variously given
by different authors. Cabanis and Burmeister adopt three, Psaris, Pachyrhamphus, and
Bathmidurus, while Sclater, in a recent monograph of the sub-family, (Proceedings Zool. Soc.
1857, 67,) recognizes only the two first as genera, giving Bathmidurus and other groups as
sub-genera. Judging from the North Mexican species before me, however, there appears
abundant reason for keeping PachyrJiampJius and Batlimidurus distinct. These are readily
characterized and distinguished by the slightly rounded tail, with broad feathers of the first men
tioned genus, the second having the tail much graduated. Both differ from Psaris (or Tityra} in
having the sexes dissimilar ; in having bristles at the base of the bill ; the lores well covered ;
the second abbreviated quill in the male broad and notched at tip, instead of narrow and falcate.
PACHYRHAMPHUS, G. R. Gray.
Pachyrhynchus, Spix, Av. Bras. II, 1824, 31. (Pro-occupied in botany.)
Pachyrhamphus, G. R. GRAY, List Genera, 1838.
Head crested. Bill a little broader than high just behind the nostrils. Rictus with rather long bristles, two-thirds
the length of culmen. Posterior portion of tarsus covered with polygonal plates, largest on the sides ; naked inside at the upper
end. First primary shorter than the sixth ; seco d (in the male only) about two-thirds as wide as the first ; emarginated inside
near the end, where it runs out in an acute point. Tail moderately rounded ; the feathers broad.
I have constructed the generic characters as given above entirely from a single species, P.
aglaiae, but they probably apply equally well to all. The bill is strong ; the culmen distinct ;
the bill moderately broad ; the rictal bristles long. The difference in length between the longest
and shortest tail feather amounts to but about .15 of an inch. The legs do not show the scutella-
tion very clearly, but there appear to be a row of large polygonal scales on each side the posterior
half of the tarsus, separated by smaller ones behind, these scales inferiorly being granular and
set in naked skin, while the superior portion of the inner face of the tarsus appears to be naked.
This genus differs from Psaris or Tityra in the broader bill, bristled rictus, feathered lores,
longer tail, different second primary, &c.
But one species has hitherto been detected near the limits of the United States ; the others
belong to more southern localities.
PACHYRHAMPHUS AGLAIAE, Lafresnaye.
Hose-throated Flycatcher.
Pachyrhamphus aglaiae, LAFRESNAYE, Rev. Zool. 1839, 98. — SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 297. — IB. 1857, 74.
Psaris aglaiae, KAUP, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1851, 46.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest; first about equal to the sixth. Tail rounded. Head crested. Above dark plumbeous, becoming
lighter to the tail. Top and sides of head with the crest, glossy black ; the forehead tinged with brown. Beneath pale ash,
tinged with brownish white on the abdomen and crissum. Chin ashy white. Central region of the throat and forepart of breast
rose color. Cheeks dark ash, tinged with purple. Scapular feathers white at the base. Wings and tail dark brown, edged
externally like the back ; the outer primaries and secondaries edged with whitish, the former with a white spot at the base.
Length, 7.50 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 3.10.
Hab. — Mexico to Rio Grande.
This species, according to Mr. Sclater, (to whom I am indebted for the identification of the
present specimens,) is closely allied to P. pectoralis of Cayenne and New Grenada, and P.
BIRDS COLOPTERIDAE BATHMIDURUS MAJOR.
165
roseicollis of Bolivia. The former, however, is of a nearly uniform sooty brown above and
below, with a narrow rosy bar on the throat. The latter also is much darker below, being
ashy black (rather lighter than in P. pectoralis) instead of rather light ash. The rose color of
the throat, too, appears to be narrower. According to Lafresnaye, the roseicollis has a longer
bill.
The abbreviated second primary has the sides parallel to near the acutely pointed tip, which
is internally emarginated. The notch, however, is not so deep as in the figure of P. viridis,
given by Mr. Sclater. It has a slight trace of white on the outer edge.
According to Mr. Sclater, the female is reddish, the wings black internally ; their margins
and the entire tail bright rufous ; the crown black ; the under parts whitish cinnamon ; the
under wing coverts cinnamon.
The specimens of this species collected by Lieutenant Couch are appreciably larger than
those described by Mr. Sclater from southern Mexico.
List of specimens.
6
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
o
0
o
.
s '; s.
0 g,
im en
ured.
Remarks.
-g
lected.
_c
Hi
g
bo
a
•3
cd
V <§
s
«
•c
c
£
j—
CS
M
=: o
o
m
O
>s
W
*
EH
S
« a <
02 C
4024
o
San Diego, New Leon
Lt. D. N. Couch...
126
6.98
3.62
3.12
0.82
0.70
0.24
0.680.84
Skin.
Do.
do
do
7.50 11.0o!3.75
4025
f
do
March, 1853
do
112
7.50
11.00
3.75
........
Fresh.
Eyes brown.
BATHMIDURUS, Cabanis.
Balhmidurus, CABANIS, Wiegm. Archiv, 1847, i, 243.
Head crested ; bill considerably broader than high just behind the nostrils ; rictal bristles short, not half the length of culmen.
Posterior half of tarsus covered externally and behind with angular plates, internally entirely naked. First quill (in female)
about equal to the fifth. Tail much graduated ; the feathers narrow. Male with abbreviated broad second primary.
There are many features in this genus (as far as I have been able to establish its character on
the female of the single species,) to distinguish it from the preceding. The most conspicuous
of these is the much graduated tail, the outer feathers being .65 of an inch shorter than the
inner three on either side which are nearly equal. The feathers, too, are considerably narrower
than in Pachyrliamplius. The bill is shorter and considerably broader and more depressed at
the base ; the culmen not quite so acutely marked ; the bristles short. The nostrils are very
small and much concealed. The edge of the first primary in both genera is emarginated near
the end of the inner web ; the first quill is much longer than in the preceding, being equal to
the fifth, instead of shorter than the sixth. The tarsi are quite different in the complete naked
ness of the entire inner face, and almost so on the posterior edge. The outer side behind is covered
with polygonal plates ; the inferior extremity behind with strong granulations.
BATHMIDURUS MAJOR, Cab an is.
Balhmidurus major, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 246.
Psaris marginatus major, KAUP, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1851, 48.
Pachyrhamphus major, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 78.
FEMALE. — Above light chestnut brown ; the top of the head glossy black mixed with rufous ; beneath light yellowish brown ;
the middle of the belly tinged with greenish yellow. Quills dark brown, edged on both webs with rufous ; tail feathers mostly
black ; the tips, outer edges, and basal portions rufous ; the middle feat1 ers like the back. Length, 6.25 ; wing, 3.25 ; tail, 2.75.
166
U. S. P. R K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
MALE.—" Above ash; the middle of the back black or mixed with black ; a grayish white collar on the nape. Crown lus
trous black, with a frontal whitish line. Scapulars white. Wings black, the coverts and secondaries bordered' with white.
Beneath white, tinged with ash. Tail black, the lateral feathers broadly tipped with white. Bill plumbeous black ; feet black.
Length, 6,00 ; wing, 3.30 ; tail, 2.40."
The preceding description of the male is taken from Mr. Sclater's article, as I have no speci
men of that sex "before me. The single specimen collected by Lieutenant Couch, was supposed
for a time to be the female of Pacliyrliamplius aglaiae, even by Mr. Sclater, whose authority on
these birds is so deservedly high. It is, however, generically distinct in many points of
structure.
The lustrous greenish black feathers of the top of the head are much edged with rufous, which
predominates on the forehead. The neck above is much lighter than the back, rump, and tail,
which are light rusty, or, perhaps, chestnut. In the unexpanded tail no black is visible from
above, except a small dusky speck at the end of the middle feather. The black of the tail
feathers fades in intensity anteriorly and passes into reddish ; posteriorly, however, it is abruptly
bordered by the yellowish rufous tips, (these on the outer feathers are .70 of an inch long.) The
outer webs of all the feathers are rufous excepting on the third and fourth, where the black extends
nearly across. The inner webs of all the feathers, except the innermost, show much black.
There is a strong tinge of greenish yellow on the throat as well as the belly, but the breast
appears to be of the same light rufous as the sides.
This bird is readily distinguished from the female Pachyrhamphus aglaiae by the black on the
graduated tail feathers.
List of specimens.
«M
4
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
o
JS
0
a .
0 g
*
o
0.
& Specimen
Remarks.
"3
K
lected.
I
00
c
2 'i
6B
s
3
>-
•a
13
0
3
c
o
measured.
O
02
0
j
QQ
**
H
H
i
M
-
^
4026
O
April — , 1853
Lieut. D.N. Couch, i ISO
S 95
10.003.25
bluish lead color..
Do.
do
do
do
7.00
3.30
2.86
0.82
0.75
0.22 0.630.80
Skin
Sub-Family TYRANNINAE.— Tyrant Flycatchers.
Bill broader than high at the base, much depressed, more or less triangular. Culmen nearly
as long as the head, or shorter ; straight to near the tip, then suddenly bent down into a con
spicuous hook, with a notch behind it ; tip of lower jaw also notched. Commissure straight to
near the notch ; gonys slightly convex. Nostrils oval or rounded, in the anterior extremity of
the nasal groove, and more or less concealed by long bristles which extend from the posterior
angle of the jaws along the base of the bill, becoming smaller, but reaching nearly to the median
line of the forehead. These bristles with lateral branches at the base. Similar bristles mixed
in the loral feathers and margining the chin. Tarsi short, generally less than middle toe, com
pletely enveloped by a series of large scales which meet near the posterior edge of the inner side,
and are separated either by naked skin or by a row of small scales. Sometimes a second series of
rather large plates is seen on the posterior face of the tarsus, these, however, usually on the upper
extremity only. Basal joint of middle toe united almost throughout to that of the outer toe,
but more thato. half free on the inner side ; outer lateral toe rather the longer. Wings and tail
BIRDS COLOPTERIDAE — TYRANNINAE. 167
variable ; first quill always more than three-fourths the second. The outer primaries sometimes
attenuated near the tip.
The species of this sub-family may, for our present purposes, be divided into Tyranni and
Tyrannuli. The former are large, generally with bright color, pointed wings, with attenuated
primaries and a colored crest in the middle of the crown. The others are plainer, smaller,
without crest ; the primaries not attenuated.
The following schedule may serve to illustrate the genera of North American Tyrant fly
catchers :
Tyranni.
Size large ; colors generally brilliant ; crown with a brightly colored crest, usually concealed ;
outer primaries abruptly contracted or attenuated near the tip ; upper scales of tarsus usually
continuing round on the outside and behind.
MILVULUS. — Tail excessively forked and lengthened ; more than twice as long as
the wings.
TYKANNUS. — Tail moderate ; nearly even or forked ; less than the wings.
Tyrannuli,
Size small ; colors usually plain ; crown without any colored crest concealed by the tips of
the feathers ; primaries normal ; scales of the upper part of the tarsus usually continuing
only to the middle of the outer face, and a second series opposite to them behind.
1. Tail lengthened ; about equal to the wings, which reach scarcely to its middle.
MYIARCHUS. — Tarsus equal to the middle toe, which is decidedly longer than the
hinder one. Tail even or rounded.
SAYOR.NIS. — Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe, which is scarcely longer than
the hind toe. Tail slightly forked.
2. Tail decidedly shorter than the wings.
CONTOPUS. — Tarsus shorter than the middle toe ; hind toe much longer than the
lateral. Tail considerably forked. Wings long, pointed ; much longer than
the tail, reaching beyond the middle of the latter ; first quill about equal
to the fourth.
EMPIDONAX. — Tarsus considerably longer than the middle toe ; nearly as long as
the head ; hind toe much longer than lateral. Tail nearly even or rounded ;
but little shorter than the wings ; first primary much shorter than the fourth.
PYROCEPHALUS. — Tarsus but little longer than the middle toe ; hind toe not longer
than the lateral. Tail broad, even ; first quill shorter than the fifth.
MILVULUS, Swain son.
Milvulus, SWAINS OK, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 165.
Despotes, REICHENBACH, Avium Syst. Naturae, 1850, (in part.)
SP. CH. — Bill shorter than the head, and nearly equal to the tarsus. Tail nearly twice as long as the wing, excessively
forked ; the middle feathers scarcely half the lateral First primary abruptly attenuated at the end, where it is very narrow
and linear. Head with a concealed crest of red.
This group is distinguished from Tyrannus by the very long tail, but the two species assigned
to North America, although agreeing in most respects, differ in others. Thus, in M. forficatus
168
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the tail feathers are narrow linear to near the end, where they are slightly spatulate, while in
M. tyrannus they are broader at the base, and taper gently to the end. The legs of M. forficatus
are larger, and the linear attenuation of the primaries confined to the first one, extending over
an inch.
In M. tyrannus the outer three primaries share a linear attenuation, but this does not amount
to half an inch in length. The colors are very different, M. forficatus being whitish ash above,
the rump black, the tail feathers rose white with black at the tips, the shoulders and belly light
vermilion. M. tyrannus, on the other hand, has a black head and tail, the outer edge of the
latter only white, the back olivaceous, the under parts pure white. The two species differ in
some points of structure, and are separated generically by some authors.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2965
13.86
4.46
10.00
0.68
0.66
0 23
0.68
0.84
Dry
7374
San Antonio, Texas ....
Q
11.60
4.38
7.40
0.74
0.70
0.24
0 74
0.94
Dry
7375
do
do
Ji
12.90
4.80
8.40
0.28
0.74
1.00
Dry.. .
MILVULUS TYRANNUS, Bon.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher.
Muscicapa tyrannus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 325.
Milvulus tyrannus, BONAP. Geog. List, 1838. — AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 38.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 196 : pi. 52.
Despotes tyrannus, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, 1854, 87.
Tyrannus savana, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 72 ; pi. xliii. — SWAINSON, Mon. Ty. Shrikes ; Quarterly Jour.
XX, Jan. 1826, 282.
Muscicapa savana, BONAPARTE, Amer. Orn. I, 1825, 1 ; pi. i, f. 1. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 387 ; pi. 168.
Milvulus savanus, GRAY, List, 1841.
? Tyrannus violentus, VIEILL. Encyc. Meth. II, 853. — BURMEISTER, Thiere Brasiliens, Vo'gel, 1856, 467.
? Tyrannus nunciola, STEPHENS, Shaw Gen. Zool, Birds XIII, H, 1826, 133.
Tyrannus milvulus, NUTTALL, Man. 2d ed. I, 1840, 307.
Fork-tailed flycatcher, PENNANT, LATHAM.
Tyran a queue four chue, BUFFON, pi. enl. 571.
SP. CH. — Outer four primaries abruptly attenuated at the end, the sides of the attenuated portion parallel. Second and third
quills longest ; fourth little shorter, and not much exceeding the first. Tail very deeply forked ; the external feather linear,
and twice as long as the head and body alone. Top and sides of the head glossy black. Rump, upper tail coverts, and tail
almost black ; the outer web of outer tail feather yellowish white for more than the basal half; rest of upper parts ash gray.
Under parts generally pure white. Wings dark brown ; the outer primary and tertials edged with white. Crown with a con
cealed patch of yellow. Length 14 inches ; wing 4.75 ; tail 10 inches ; depth of fork 7 inches.
Hab. — South America. Accidental in the United States.
This species claims a place in the fauna of the United States on account of two specimens
captured in New Jersey, at long intervals, and one or two seen by Mr. Audubon in the south
west.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2965
South America
S.F.Baird
J. G. Bell
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE MILVULUS FORFICATUS.
169
MILVULUS FORFICATUS, Sw.
Scissor-tail ; Swallow-tailed Flycatcher.
JMuscicapa forficata, GMELIN, Syst Nat. I, 1783, 931. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 71. — STEPHENS, in Shaw',
Zool. X, ii, 413; pi. iii.— BONAP. Am. Orn, I, 1825, 15 ; pi. ii, f. 1.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. IV
1838, 426 ; pi. 359, f. 3.
Tyrannus forficatus, SAY, Loner's Exped. II, 1823, 224.— NUTTALL'S Manual, I, 2d ed. 1840, 309.
Milvulusforficatus, " SWAINS." RICH. List, 1837. — AUDITBON, Synopsis, 1839,38. — IB. Birds Amer. 1, 1840, 197; pi. 53
Tyrannus mexicanus, STEPHENS, Shaw Gen. Zool. Birds XIII, ii, 1826, 135.
Moucherolle a queue four chue du Mexique, BUFFON, PL enl. 677.
Bird of Paradise of the Texans.
SP. CH. — Wing with the outer primary only abruptly attenuated, and narrowly linear, (for about .85 of an inch) ; the second
bat slightly emarginate ; second quill longest ; first and third equal. Tail very deeply forked, the lateral feathers twice as
long as the body, all narrow and linear or sub-spatulate. Top and sides of the head very pale ash ; the back a little darker,
and faintly tinged with light brick red ; under parts nearly pure white, tinged towards the tail with light vermilion, rather
more rose on the under wing coverts ; a patch on the side of the breast and along the fore arm dark vermilion red. Tail
feathers rosy white, tipped at the end for two or three inches with black. Rump dark brown, turning to black on the coverts.
Wings very dark brown ; the coverts and quills, excepting the primaries, (and including the outer of these) edged with whitish.
Crown with a concealed patch of white, having some orange red in the centre.
Length, 13 inches ; wing, 4.75 ; tail, 8.50 ; depth of fork, 5.80.
Hob. — Central Texa:* to Mexico.
This exquisitely beautiful and graceful bird is quite abundant on the prairies of southern
Texas, and is everywhere conspicuous among its kindred species. It is usually known as the
ecissor-tail from the habit of closing and opening the long feathers of the tail like the blades
of a pair of scissors. The adult female is very similar, though rather smaller. The young
is not conspicuously different, only lacking the concealed patch of the head.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
5059
4974
4975
7374
7375
7381
7376
7377
7382
7383
7384
3997
9097
29G4
Head of Devil's river.
Ft. Chadbourne, Tex.
do ...
May 2, 1855
Capt. Pope
65
13.50
13.00
5.00
Dr. Swift.
do .. ..
Q
<J
San Antonio Texas
Lt. J. G. Parke
Dr. Heermann
do
do
do
do
July — , 1853
Lt. A.W.Whipple
Major Emory
15
Dr. Kennerly
A. Schott..
14.00
14.00
....
Eagle pass, Texas
do
do
do
9
<J
3
(J
Lower Texas . . _ . . .
.do
12
J. II. Clark
11.25
14.00
13. 00
14.00
15.00
15.00
4.25
4.25
4.25
do
do
do...
do
. .do
12
107
29733
do
Tamaulipas, Mex
Mexico
Mar 1853
M. Vcrreaux
S F Baird
22 b
170 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TYRANNUS, Cuvier.
Tyrannus, C-JVIER, Lemons Anat. Comp. 1799-1800, (Agassiz.)
Tail nearly even, or moderately forked ; rather short erthan the wings ; the feathers broad, and widening somewhat at the
ends. Wings long and pointed ; the outer primaries rather abruptly attenuated near the end, the attenuated portion not
linear, however. Head with a concealed patch of red on the crown.
The species of this genus are especially characterized by their long, attenuated primaries,
their moderately forked or nearly even tail, and the concealed crest in the crown. Their
affinities are nearest to Milvulus, from which the tail, shorter than the wings, instead of twice as
long, or more, will always serve as a point of distinction. The attenuation of the primary
differs in being less abrupt and not truly linear, sloping gradually, and not bounded behind by
a notch. I am unable to appreciate any other differences of importance.
The character and extent of the attenuation of the primaries, the depth of the fork of the tail,
with the size of the legs and bill, all vary considerably, and may, perhaps, serve as ground for
further subdivisions. The bill, in particular, varies much in size in the North American species
from that of T. carolinensis, where the culmen is but little more than half the head, to that of
T. dominicensis, where it is decidedly longer than the head, and almost as stout as that of
Saurophagus, (Genus Melittarclius of Cabanis.)
The North American species of Tyrannus may be arranged by colors, accordingly as they are
white beneath or yellow, in the following manner :
A. — Under parts whitish, without any shade of yellow. A grayish plumbeous pectoral
band.
Tail slightly rounded. Bill much shorter than the head. Above black, shading
into dark plumbeous on the back. Tail abruptly and broadly margined and
tipped with pure white T. carolinensis.
Tail moderately forked. Bill longer than the head. Above gray ; the tail and
wings brownish. The edges and tips of the tail narrowly margined with
soiled white .„ T. dominicensis.
B. — Above ashy olive, becoming purer ash on the head. Tail brown or black. Beneath
yellow ; the chin paler ; the breast strongly shaded with olivaceous or ashy.
a. — Tail nearly black ; the outer edges of the outer webs of the feathers with the fibres
united closely throughout, and similarly colored with the rest of the feather.
Tail slightly forked ; external feather with the entire outer web and the outer
half of the shaft abruptly yellowish white. Pectoral band pale ashy, lighter
than the back T. verticalis,
Tail nearly even or slightly rounded ; external feather with the shaft brown ; the
outer edge of the outer web only obscurely yellowish white. Throat and breast
broadly tinged with dark ashy olive like the back T. vociferans.
5. — Tail brown, scarcely darker than the wings ; outer edges of the outer webs of the
tail feathers olivaceous like the back, in contrast with the brown ; the fibres loosened
externally ; shafts of tail feathers white beneath.
Tail quite deeply forked ; (depth .65 of an inch) ; dark brown; the posterior upper
tail co verts nearly similar. Wing feathers edged with yellowish...^, melancliolicus .
Tail moderately forked ; (depth .30 of an inch) ; light brown ; posterior upper
tail coverts scarcely less olivaceous than the back. Wing feathers edged with
grayish white , T. couchii.
BIEDS TYEANNINAE TYEANNUS CAROLINENSIS.
171
Comparative measurements of the species.
Cntal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
LtTigttl.
Extent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw. Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
8905
Tyrannus carolinensis ...
Fremont, on Platte.
3
8.00
4.64
3.62
0.72
0.66
0.26 0.74
0.98
Dry
1513
do
Carlisle, Pa
9
7 52
4.52
3 66
0.70
0 74
0.26 0 72
0 94
Do.
do
do
8 40
14 50
4 15
Fresh
6518
Tyrannus dominicensis. ..
Indian Key, Fla....
r?
7.80
4.70
4.10
0.72
0.76
0.26 1.14
1.38
Dry
5247
Tyrannus verticalis
Farm Island, Nob
0
8 66
4.92
4.10
0.70
0.70
0.24 0.74
0.94
Dry
Do.
.. . .do
do. .. .
n
8 37
14 50
Fresh
5905
do ...
Steilacoom, VV. T..
V
8.90
5.30
4 40
0.70
0.70
0.28 0.80
0.92
Dry
7390
Tyrannus vociferans
TVjon valley
f?
8.80
5 24
4 21
0.76
0.78
0.30 0.84
1.00
Dry
7389
do
0
8 76
4 90
4.08
0 76
0 82
0.36 0 88
] 08
Drv. .
7939
.do
8 90
5 18
4 08
0 78
0 76
0.28 0 78
1 00
Drv...
8101
r?
8.90
4 44
4 23
0 80
0 60
0 32 0.90
1 02
Drv...
4001
J1
9 40
4 94
4 58
0 7°
0 74
0.30 0.98
1 01
Dry..
Do.
do
do
9.00
15.08
5 00
Drv .
TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS, Baird.
King Bird ; Bee Martin.
Lanius tyrannus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 171)6, 136. This belongs to the Cuban T. matutinus, according to Bonaparte.
J\Iuscicapa tyrannus, (BaissoN ?) W ILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 66 ; pi. xiii. — AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 403 : V, 1639,
420 ; pi. 79.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 204 ; pi. 56.
Lanius tyrannus, var. y carolinensis, <5 ludovicianus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 302.
J\Iuscicapa rex, BARTON, Fragments N. H. Penna. 1799, 18.
Tyrannus pipiri, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 73 ; pi. xliv. — CAB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 478.
Tyrannus intrepidus, VIEILLOT, Gdlerie Ois. I, 1824,214; pi. 133,-SwAiNsoN, Mon. Ty. Shrikes Quart. Jour. 1826,274.
JWuscicapa animosa, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No 558.
Gobe Mouche de la Caroline, BCFFON, Ois. V, 281 ; enl. pi. 676.
Tyrannus leucogaster, STEPHENS, Shaw Gen. Zool. XIII, n, 1826, 133.
Sp. CH. — Two, sometimes three, outer primaries abruptly attenuated at the end. Second quill longest ; third little shorter ;
first rather longer than fourth, or nearly equal. Tail slightly rounded. Above dark bluish ash. The top and sides of the head
to beneath the eyes bluish black. A concealed crest on the crown, vermilion in the centre, white behind, bnd before partially
mixed with orange. Lower parts pure white, tinged with pale bluish ash on the sides of the throat and across the breast; sides
of the breast and under the wings similar to, but rather lighter than, the back. Axillaries pale grayish brown lipped with
lighter. The wings dark brown, darkest towards the ends of the quills ; the greater coverts and quills edged with white, most so
on the tertials ; thu lesser coverts edged with paler. Upper tail coverts and upper surface of the tail glossy black, the latter
very dark brown beneath ; all the feathers tipped, and the exterior margined externally with white, forming a conspicuous ter
minal band about .25 of an inch broad. Length, 8.50 ; wing, 4.65 inches ; tail, 3.70 ; tarsus, .75.
Hab. — Eastern North America to Rocky Mountains. West of this seen only in Washington Territory.
The young of the year is similar ; the colors duller ; the concealed colored patch on the
crown wanting. The tail more rounded ; the primaries not attenuated.
Specimens vary in the amount of white margining the wing feathers ; the upper tail coverts
are also margined sometimes with white.
172
U. S. P. E E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1513
2600
1127
6482
6517
6971
8392
5629
5631
8181
7081
5630
8905
5238
5237
4692
4695
4512
5235
5236
5239
7504
8798
7501
5054
5«09
7507
7508
9
9
0
May 15, 1844
May 8, 1846
July 18, 1844
8.41
8.33
8.50
14.50
14.50
14.50
4 66
4.58
4.50
do
do
do
do
3
......
$
<J
""3"
3
3
Key Biscay ne, Fla
St. Louis, Mo
Independence, Mo
East of Fort Riley, K. T.
April 9, 1844
May 12, 1857
June 26, 1857
June 16, 1856
June 17, 1856
Lieut. Bryan
Wm. M. Maj-raw. ..
Lieut. Bryan
53
100
13
25
W. S Wood
8.75
15.25
5.25
Iris brown, bill and
feet grayish black.
W. S. Wood
do
do
Shawnee reserve, K. T.
Republican river, K. T.
Independence Cr., 130
miles west of Ft. Riley.
Fremont, on Plane
Farm Island, Mo river.
do do. ...
July — , 1857
June 16, 1857
July 4, 1857
July 1, 1857
May 30, 1856
do
Wm. M.Magraw...
8
65
Dr. Cooper
D.AV.A. Hammond
do
Iris brown, bill and
feet black.
.... do
8.00
8.50
8.75
14.00
14.75
14.75
Lieut. Warren
.do
Dr. Raj don
do
4.87
4.78
do
do
9
S
Upper Missouri
. do
May 12, 1856
do
do
... do .
do
do
8.25
8.25
13.62
13.75
4.62
4.75
I'edar island, Mo. river.
40 miles above Ft. Pierre
May — , 1855
May — , 1856
.do
do
9
9
.......
3
do
8.50
8.00
8.00
8.00
14.50
14.25
14.50
14.00
4.75
4.50
4.50
4.50
do
.... do ....
Blackfoot country
July — , 1855
Aug. 28, 1853
Aug. 27, 1857
Dr. Hayden
Gov. Stevens
Win. M. Magraw. . .
7
Dr. Suckley
Dr. Cooper
Fort Laramie
Near 30° L. west, Texas.
Iris brown, bill and
feet grayish black.
Mar. 31, 1857
do
8.75
15.00
do
do
do
do
TYRANNUS DOMINICENSIS, Rich.
Gray King-bird.
Tyrannus dominie ensis, BRISSON, Ois. II, 1760, 394 ; pi. 38, fig. 2. — RICH. List, 1837.
Lanius tyrannus , var /? dominicensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 302.
Muscicapa dominicensis, ACDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 392; pi. 46. — IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 201 ; pi. 55.
Melittarchus dominicensis, CABANIS, Journal fiirOrnith. Ill, Nov. 1855 478.
Tyrannus griseus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 76 ; pi. xlvi. — SWAINSON, Mon Shrikes Quart. Jour. XX,
1826, 276.— Br. Consp. 1850, 192. (Bonaparte makes two species.)
Sp. CH. — Bill very large and short. Tail conspicuously forked. Wings long ; the first six quills attenuated abruptly, much
longer than the seventh. Tertials much developed, nearly intermediate in length between the longest primaries and the shortest
secondary. Above, and on the sides of the head and neck, ash gray, shaded in places with brown, which forms the middle
portion of each feather. Downy portion at the base of each feather above light ash, then light brown, tipped and edged with
darker ash gray. The mottled appearance is caused by the brown showing from under the feathers ; the ear coverts darker. A
concealed colored patch on the crown, formed by the base of the feathers, white before and behind, orange in the middle.
Lower parts grayish white, tinged with ash across the breast, deepest anteriorly. Sides of the breast similar to, but lighter than,
the back. Under wing coverts and axillars pale sulphur yellow. • The wings brown, darker to the tips ; the secondaries nar
rowly, the tertials more broadly edged with dull white. Edges of the coverts paler. Alula dark brown. Tail similar in color
to the quills. Upper tail coverts brown. Bill and feet black. Length, eight inches ; wing, 4.65 ; tail, 4 ; tarsus .76.
Hob. — South Carolina coast, accidental ; Florida Keys and West Indies.
This species, though about the same size as the T. carolinensis, is much more powerfully built,
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE TYRANNUS VERTICALIS.
173
the bill and feet being much stronger, the former considerably longer than the head, and as
large as that of Sauropliagus sulphuratus, though less compressed.
This species is a constant summer visitor to the maritime portions of Florida, and thence to
the West Indies ; and a pair has been observed at Charleston, by Mr. Audubon. It is not well
established whether our species is to be considered the true dominicensis or the griseus, if distinct,
as asserted by Bonaparte in his Conspectus Avium. The specimen described is a Florida one.
Cabanis, as quoted above, has instituted a genus Mdittarchus, with magnirostris as type, for
the tyrants with very large swollen bills, ernarginated tails, and less attenuated outer prima
ries. The gradations, however, in size of bill of the tyrants are so slight, and the other
characters so variable, even in the smaller billed species, that the group seems scarcely of
generic value.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
C518
6519
1881
2963
..!.
May 12, 1857
.. do...
G. Wiirdemann . . .
9.50
15.00
4.70
do
do
Black eyes and tongue
North America
do
S. F. Baird
do
do
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, Say.
Arkansas Flycatcher.
Tyrannvs verticalis, SAY. Long's Exped. II, 1823, CO.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 2d ed. 1840, 306.
Muscicapa verticalis, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 18; pi. xi.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 422; pi. 359.— IB. Birds
America I, 1840, 199 ; pi. 54.
SP. CH. — The four exterior quills attenuated very gently at the end, the first most so ; third and fourth quills longest,
second and fifth successively a little shorter. Tail slightly forked ; bill shorter than the head. Crown, sides of head above the
eyes, nape, and sides of neck pale lead color or ash gray; a concealed crest in the crown, vermilion in the centre, and yellowish
before and behind. Hind neck and back ash gray, strongly tinged with light olivaceous green, the gray turning to brown on the
rump ; upper tail coverts nearly black, lower dusky ; chin and part of ear coverts dull white ; throat and upper part of breast
similar to the head, but lighter, and but slightly contrasted with the chin ; rest of lower parts, with the under wing coverts and
axillars, yellow, deepening to gamboge on the belly, tinged with olivaceous on the breast. Wing brown, the coverts with
indistinct ashy margins ; secondaries and tertials edged with whitish ; inner webs of primaries whitish towards the base. Tail
nearly black above and glossy, duller brownish beneath ; without olivaceous edgings. Exterior feather, with the outer web and
the shaft, yellowish white ; inner edge of latter brown. Tips of remaining feathers paler. Bill and feet dark brown.
Female rather smaller and colors less bright. Length of male, 8.25 ; wing about 4.50.
Hob. — Western North America, from the high central plains to the Pacific.
The young bird is, in general, quite similar, with the exception of the usual appearance of
immaturity, the colored patch on the crown wanting. In one specimen the first primary only
is attenuated, in others none are attenuated.
A specimen of this bird, shot at Moorestown, New Jersey, is in the museum of the Philadelphia
Academy, but this locality can only be considered as very exceptional.
174
U. S. P. K R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
&age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
1852
ion
1843
S. F. Baird
5265
5263
5264
5262
7
Yellowstone river
Yellowstone river, (above
15 miles.)
Knife river, on Mo
Jan. —,1856
Sept. 10,1856
June 22,1856
Lt. G. K. Warren
do
do
do
Dr. Hayden....
do
do
, do
8.12
8.25
8.75
15.
15.25
15.50
4.75
4.50
5.
Iris dark brown ....
5258
9
do
...do.. .
8.75
13 75
4.50
5260
5259
3
9
do
do
May — , 1856
do
do
do
do
do
8.75
8.50
16.50
14 50
5.25
Eyes black
5246
9
May 10, 1856
do
do
8.37
14.50
5240
5243
9
do
May 30,1856
do
........do
do
do
...do.. .
8.75
8 . 75
15.37
15.25
5.50
5 25
5256
9
do
May 31,1856
do
do
8 25
15.25
4 50
5253
May 29,1853
do
do
8.75
15.25
5 25
5252
g
.. do.. .
June 2, 1856
do
do
9.
15.25
5.50
5242
'
do
May 30,1856
do
do
8.75
15.50
5.
5266
5261
Near mouth of Powder
river, Nebraska.
Aug. 1,1856
do
do
do
do
do. , .
8.25
8
14.50
15
4.75
4 75
8896
9
All" 6,1857
do
do
9
15 75
4 75
8t99
9
do
Au". 16, 1857
.... do
8
15
4.50
8797
^
Au". 27,1857
70
Dr. T. G .Coop
8 75
14.75
5.00
5633
July 29, 18"6
173
er.
W. S. Wood
feet grayish black.
7082
9
do
do
do
do
5632
0
do
July 28.1858
do .
169
do
50
5634
o
. do
July 29,1856
do
177
do
8.
5056
May 1,1855
57
9
14
5057
o
Sept. 1,1855
do
135
8 50
14 50
5.
7385
5906
9
8 75
15.00
5907
do
9 50
5905
n
do
9. CO
15.50
5908
do
4378
Fort Dalle*, Oregon
May 2.1855
162
9.
16.
5.37
5506
9
5507
j»
do
675
4214
1853
R. D. Cults
4470
FurtTejon, California
JohnXantus deVesey.
TYRANNUS VOCIFERANS, Swain son.
Cassin's Flycatcher.
Tyrannus vociferans, SWAINSON, Mon. Tyrant Shrikes in Quarterly Journal Sc. XX, Jan. 1826, 273- — IB. Philos.
Mag. I, 1827, 368.
Tyrannus cassinii, LAWRENCE, Ann N. Y. Lyceum, N. H. V, 1852, 39 ; pi. iii, fig. 2, (Texas.)
SP. CH. — Bill from the forehead about as long as the head. Tail even or slightly rounded. Outer five primaries attenuated ;
the first four abruptly nnd deeply emarginated ; third quill longest, second and fourth a little less, first shorter than the sixth,
and half an inch less than the longest. Head and neck above and on the sides rather dark bluish ash ; the throat and breast
similar, and only a little paler. Rest of upper parts olive green tinged with gray, mixed with brown on the rump ; the upper
tail coverts and surface of the tail nearly black ; the outer web of the external feather and the tips of all pale brown. The chin
is white, in strong contrast to the dark ash of the throat ; the rest of the under parts bright sulphur yellow, (the sides olivaceous ;)
palest on the under tail coverts and inside of wing. A concealed vermilion patch in the crown, bordered by straw yellow.
Wing feathers orown, tinged with olive, becoming paler towards the edge. Length, 8.80 inches ; wing, 5.25 ; tail, 4.25.
Ilab. — Valley of Gila, eastward to Pecos river, Texas, and into Mexico, on table lands.
BIRDS TYRANNINAE TYRANNUS COUCHII.
175
This species bears a close relationship to the T. verticalis, although the differences are readily-
appreciable on comparison. The bill is rather larger; the legs considerably more so; the quills
are much more abruptly attenuated, and this near the tip, (within half an inch,) instead of
being gradually emarginated. The tail is more even, and in some specimens slightly rounded.
In respect to coloration, the ash of the head is considerably darker, that of the throat and breast
much more so, making a very conspicuous contrast with the white of the throat and yellow of
the belly ; the yellow beneath is brighter. The shoulders are more olivaceous. A very appre
ciable character is seen in the tail. The whole outer web of the external feather, including the
shaft, in T. verticalis is purely and abruptly yellowish white, the extreme tips of all a little
brownish. In the present species the shaft of the outer tail feather is dark brown, its outer
webs and a rather broad band at the end of the other feathers rather light brown, with the
extreme edges only of this color of a rather pure yellowish white.
The identification of Tyrannus vociferans, Sw., with the present species, rather than with
verticalis, is rendered necessary by the statement of the author, that the bill is larger than that
of the king bird, instead of equal ; the primary quills abruptly pointed, instead of very gradually
attenuated ; the head, neck, and breast pure slate, with the chin white, in decided contrast,
instead of light ash, and the chin scarcely different. The absence of any mention of the white
outer web to the external tail feather is also very conclusive as to the name not being referable
to verticalis. The tail is said to be even. Mr. Swainson's specimen came from Temiscaltepec,
and one from a locality not very remote, presented by Mr. Gould, agrees precisely with skins
from the United States. The only discrepancy in Swainson's description is in speaking of the
tail and covert as deep black, instead of brownish black.
List of specimens.
Catal. SL
No.
x. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
7389 $
7390 c
4579 ...
7204 ...
7337 ...
5055 ...
7938 ...
f .'FortTijon
do
do
... Colorado river, Cal
... Los Nogalcs, Mcx
... Fort Thorn, N. M
Jan. — , 1855
Major Emory
do
Dr. T. C. Henry....
A. Schott
Dr. Kennedy
... Pecos, Texas
April 23, 1856
Capt Pope
191
9.00
15.00
5.00
Eyes brown.. ..
7939
...do...
1
TYKANNUS COUCHII, Baird.
Couch's Flycatcher.
SP. Cn. — Bill as long as the head. Feet stout. Five outer primaries abruptly attenuated at the end ; the third and fourth
longest ; the first a little longer than the sixth. Tail considerably forked ; (depth of fork about .30 of an inch.) Top and sides
of the head and neck light bluish ash ; rest of upper parts olivaceous green, tinged with ash, less of the olive on the rump ; a
concealed patch of red on the crown. Chin white, passing insensibly into an ashy tinge on the fore part of the breast ; rest of
under parts generally bright yellow, almost gamboge on the belly. The quills and t)il feathers are of about the same shade of
brown, not at all black ; in fact, the primaries are darkest ; the upper tail coverts are lighter brown than the tail ; the edges of
the wii'g feathers, except the primaries, are paler ; of the secondaries and tertials almost white. The tail feathers externally
are like the back ; internally and at the tip they are brownish white. The external web of the outer tail feather is like the
internal, the extreme edge only paler. The shafts of all are white beneath.
Length 9.00 ; wing, 5.00 ; tail, 4.70.
Ilab. — Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande.
176
U. S. P. E E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
This species, though otherwise similar, is readily distinguished from T. verticalis and vociferans
by the absence of the very dark brown, almost black, of the tail and its upper coverts, as well
as by the pale external edges to all the tail feathers. The yellow is much brighter ; the chin
and throat with more white, and the ashy tinge on the breast is much lighter than even in T.
verticalis, and does not extend so far down. The inner surface of the wing is very pure yellow.
The red in the crown has more of an orange shade. The bill is much larger and the tail much
more deeply forked than in either of the species mentioned. The shafts of the tail feathers are
white beneath, not brown-. The differences from T. melancholicus will be found detailed under
that species.
A Tyrannus sulphuraceus from Cuba and Hayti is indicated in Naumannia by Hartlaub, from
the MSS. of Prince Paul, of Wtirtemberg, and subsequently referred to by Cabanis, in Journal
fur Ornith. 1855, 479. The T. couchii, however, has no white stripe under the eye ; the crest
is not golden yellow ; the tail feathers not pale yellowish beneath, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch of
wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4001
s
New Leon, Mexico
Lt. D.N. Couch
99
9.00
15.00
5.10
Eyes dark brown, bill and
4002
San Diego, Mexico
March—, 1853
do
111
9.00
15.00
5 00
do
4003
_*
do
April — , 1853
.... do
126
9.50
15 50
5 00
do . .
°
TYRANNUS MELANCHOLICUS, Vieillot.
Tyrannus mel&ncholicus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. N. H. XXXV, 1819, 84.— TSCHUDI, Fauna Per. 1844- '46, 151.—
BURM. Th. Bras. Vogel, 1856, 464.
Muscicapadespotes, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No. 567, a.
Muscicapafurcata, SPIX, Av. Bras. II tab. xix.
Tyrannus crudelis, SWAINSON, Mon. Tyrant Shrikes Quart. Jour. XX, Jan. 1826, 275, (Brazil.)
Sp. CH. — Bill very large. Quills moderately but abruptly emarginate and attenuated at the end ; the third and fourth longest ;
the first rather shorter than the sixth. Tail quite deeply forked, (depth of fork half an inch.) Top and sides of the head and
neck light bluish ash ; rest of upper parts bright olive ; browner on the upper tail coverts. Chin whitish, passing gradually into
pale ash (considerably lighter than above) on the throat, and on the fore part of breast tinged with olive green ; rest of
lower parts bright gamboge yellow. Wing and tail feathers dark brown ; the tips of the primaries and tail almost black ; all,
except the primaries, edged with olivaceous gray, which in the secondaries and tertials has a strong tinge of sulphur yellow ;
edge of outer tail feathers pale brown, and narrow tips of all brownish white. Crown with a vermilion patch encircled by
yellow.
Length, 9.00 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 4.20.
Hab — Southern Mexico, Central and South America.
I have described this species, although as yet not found near our territory, for the purpose of
aiding in the determination of the species of this most difficult group, by showing the peculiar
characteristics of some closely allied species. It has the general appearance of the three species
just described, but the tail is much more deeply forked than in either verticalis or vociferans,
although it is almost as black. It differs from both in the laxly fibred olivaceous outer edges
to the tail feathers, instead of a compact uniform brownish black, without any colored margin.
The ash color does not extend so far on the breast, which is more tinged with olive ; the yellow
is more intense ; the light edgings of the wings are olivaceous, instead of grayish white. The
bill is much larger ; the attenuation of the primaries less. In reality, however, nothing more
BIRDS TYRANNINAE — MYIARCHUS.
177
is needed to separate it from T. verticalis than its brown outer margin to the tail, nor from
vouferans than its deeply forked tail and paler ash of the throat and olivaceous breast.
Its resemblance to T. couchii (4003) is much closer. Both have a deep fork to the tail ; bright
gamboge yellow belly ; the bill of nearly the same size ; the shafts of the tail feathers white
beneath, &c. The tail is, however, more deeply forked, and much darker, nearly black ; the
feathers narrower ; the upper tail coverts darker ; the edgings on the wing yellowish, not
grayish white, &c. It is barely possible that the two may be the same, but at present I see
sufficient differences to distinguish them.
Among a series of specimens otherwise quite similar, I find some difference in the depth of
the fork of the tail, which in one is as much as .80 of an inch. The bills vary considerably,
both in size and proportions. All, however, agree well both with the T. mdancliolicus and T.
crudelis. Should two be distinguished, Swainson's name may be applied to the more northern
one. In my description I have taken the specimen from Vera Cruz as the type.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
8101
Vera Cruz Mexico
S. F. Baird
4524
Panama
Dec 28, 1855
Dr. Suckley . ...
198
8102
S. F. Baird
8103
..do
do
8104
..do
do
MYIARCHUS, Cabanis.
Myiarchus, CABANIS, Fauna Peruana 1844- '6, 152. — BURMEISTER, Thiere Brasiliens, II, Vb'gel, 1856, 469.
Tarsus equal to or not longer than the middle toe, which is decidedly longer than the hinder one. Bill wider at base than
half the culrnen. Tail broad, long, even, or slightly rounded, about equal to the wings, which scarcely reach the middle of
the tail ; the first primary shorter than the sixth. Head with elongated lanceolate distinct feathers. Above brownish olive,
throat ash, belly yellow. Tail and wing feathers varied with rufous.
This genus is well marked among the American flycatchers, and constitutes what Bonaparte
called UUimi Tyrannorum sive Tyrannularum primae. The type is the Muscicapa ferox of
Gmelin, which, as identified by Cabanis and Burmeister as above, appears to resemble our
species very closely. The following analysis exhibits the peculiarities of the latter, including
a closely allied Mexican form :
A. Inner web of tail feathers broadly rufous to the extreme tip. Bill broad ; its width
at base two-thirds the culmen.
Colors darker. Brown stripe along the inside of shafts of tail feathers very
inconspicuous and narrow. Tarsus .84 of an inch M. crinilus.
Colors paler. Brown stripe on inside of shafts of tail feathers very distinct, and on
the outer one broader than the outer web. Tarsus .95 of an inch....M. cooperi.
B. Inner web of tail feathers broadly rufous only to near the tip, which is brown.
Colors pale. Tarsus .90 of an inch. Bill at base little more than one-half the
culmen M. mexicanus,
23 b
178
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
C. Inner web of tail feathers entirely brown, with only a narrow edging of rufous.
Ou.er primary edged with rufous. First primary shorter than secondaries. No
whitish bands on wing M. laivrencii.
Comparative measurements of the species.
<_
&
c
o
0
J5
6
;>
D,
fe
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
s
— be
^
0
C
|
So
fcJD
Specimen
Remarks.
5
c
0
~ —
_c
'3
e
5
•o
c
M
C
_o
measured.
U
M
^
H
&
'•£
-
5
<
1449
Myiarchus crinitus
Carlisle, Pa
3
7.80
4.12
4.06
0.80
0.70
0.26
0 72
0.98
Drv ..
do
do do
do
8.75
13.66
4.25
Fresh . . .
1426
do
o
7 33
3.90
3.82
0.84
0 64
0.24
0.76
1.06
Dry
do
....do do . , ....
do
V
8.75
13.25
4.08
Fresh ...
Q 1 111)
. . . •
Mexico. . ...... ......
8.30
4.06
4.10
0 90
0 70
0.26
0.80
1.12
Dry
y iuu
Mjiarchus mexicanus
Petaluma, Cal
'c?
7.80
4.00
4.24
0.95
0.70
0.24
0.76
1.00
Dry
7940
...do. «..••«••. do ......
4.02
4.16
0.86
0.50
0.20
0.70
0.96
Dry
Head off; feet
broken.
3918
do . . . do
P 1'f 'i
7.64
3.96
4.06
0.90
0.70
0.22
0.74
1.04
Drv . .,
1002&
Myiarchus lawrencii
New Leon,Mex., San
Die"O
9
6.62
3.28
3.50
0.74
0.62
0.24
0.66
0.92
Dry
0
MYIAKCHUS CRINITUS, Cab an is.
Great Crested Flycatcher.
Muscicapa crinita, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17G6, 325. — WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 75 ; pi. xiii. — LICHT. Verzeichniss
Doubl. 1823, No. 559.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 176 : V, 423 ; pi. 129.— IB. Birds Amer.
I, 1840,209; pi. 57.
Tyrannus crinitus, SWAINSON, Mon. Tyrant Shrikes in Quarterly Journal, XX. Jan. 1826, 271. — NUTTALL, Man. I,
2ded. 1840, 302.
J\Iyiobins crinitus, GRAY, Genera, I, 248.
Tyrannula crinila, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 189. — KAUP, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1851, 51.
J\hjiarckus crinitus, CABANIS, Journ. fur Ornith. Ill, 1855, 479.
Muscicapa ludoviciana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 934. — LATHAM Ind.
Tyrannus ludovicianus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807 ; pi. 45.
" Tyrannus irrilabiiis, VIEILLOT."
Muscicapa virginiana cristala, BRISSON, II, 1760, 412.
Crested flycatcher, PENNANT, LATHAM.
FIGURE, Buffon Enl. 569, fig. 1.
Sp CH. — Head with a depressed crest. Third quill longest ; fourth and second successively but little shorter ; first a little
longer than seventh ; much shorter than sixth. Tail decidedly rounded or even graduated ; the lateral feather about .25 of an
inch shorter. Upper parts dull greenish olive, with the feathers of the crown and to some extent of the back showing their
brown centres; upp?r tail coverts turning to pale rusty brown. Small feathers at th • base of the bi'l, ceres, sides of the head as
high as the upper eyelid, sides of the neck, throat, and forepart of the breast bluish ashy ; the rest of the lower parts, including
axillaries and lower wing coverts, bright sulphur yellow ; a pale ring r< und the eye. Sides of the breast and body tinged with
olivaceous. Tlie wings brown ; the first and second rows of coverts, with the secondary and tertial quilis, margined externally
with dull white, or on the latter slightly tinged with olivaceous yellow. Primaries margined externally for more than half their
length from the l.ase with ferruginous ; great portion of the inner webs of all the quills very pale ferruginous. The two middle
tail feathers light brown, shafts paler ; the rest have the outer web and a narrow line on the inner sides of the shaft brown, pale
olivaceous on the outer edge ; the remainder ferruginous to the very tip. Outer web of exterior feather dull brownish yellow.
Feet black. B.ll dark bro.vn above and at the tip below; paler towards the base. Length, 8.75 inches; wing, 4.25; tail,
4.10 ; tarsus, .85.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Missouri and south to eastern Texas, (not yet observed further west.)
The female appears to have no brown on the inner web of the quills alonjj the shaft, or else
it is confined chiefly to the outer feathers.
BIRDS TYRANNINAE MYIARCHUS MEXICANUS.
179
List, of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
1149
J<
May 4,1844 S. F. Baird
1 8.75
13 66
4 25
1523
J>
do
May 16, 1844 i do
9 00
13 50
4 25
2634
J>
do
May 11, 1846 do
9 CO
13.16
4 25
2539
1020
<J
JV
do
do
Miiy 5,1814 do
May 24 1843 do
9 OU
: 8 C8
13.50
13 41
4.25
4 00
1436
O
n
May 2, 1844 do
8.75
13.25
4.08
7414
V
Dr. Kirlland '
o
May 11,1844 R Kennicotl
6970
j>
St. Louis, Mo
May 8,1857 Lieut. F. T. Bryan
33
\V. S. Wood :....
753-2
8398
f?
Independence, Mo
do
Win. M. Magraxv
July 1, 1857 i do
108
Dr. J. G. Cooper 8.25
do 8.60
12.50
12.70
4.00
4.10
7201
Red fork of Arkansas
' Capt. Sitgreares
Dr. Woodhouse
7202
.do
! do
MYIARCHUS MEXICANUS, Baird.
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Tyrannula mexicana, KAUP, Pr. Zool. Soc. Feb. 1851, 51.
Tyranhula cinerascens, LAWRENCE, Annals N. Y. Lye. N. Hist. V, Sept. 1851, 109.
gp. CH. — Bill black, the width opposite the nostrils not half the length of culmcn. Head crested. Tail even, the lateral
feathers slightly thortcr. Secend, third, and fourth quills longest ; first rather shorter than the seventh. At'ove dull greyish
olive ; the centres of the feathers rather darker ; the crown, rump, and upper tail coveits Urged with brownish. The forehead
and sides of the head and neck grayish ash ; the chin, throat, and fore part of vhe breast ashy white ; the middle of the breast
white ; the rest of thj under parts very pale sulphur yellow ; wings and tail brown. Two bands across the wing, with outer
edges of secondaries and tertials dull white ; the outer edges of the primaries light chestnut brown (except towards the tip and
on the outer feather ;) the inner edges tinged with the same. Whole of middle tail feathers, with the outer webs (only) and
the ends of the others brown ; the rest of the inner wtbs reddish chestnut, the outer web of exterior feather yellowish white.
Legs and bill black ; lower mandible brownish at the base. Length about 8 inches ; wing, 4 ; tail, 4.10 ; tarsus, .90.
Hab. — Coast of California, and across by valley of Gila, and Rio Grande to northeastern Mexico. Seen as far north in Texas
as San Antonio.
In a young specimen the crown is more tinged with brown ; the upper tail coverts and the
middle tail feathers are chestnut, and, in fact, all the tail feathers are of this color, except along
both sides of the shaft on the central feathers, and along its outer side in the lateral ones.
The relationships of this species are clearly with M. crinitus, although the differences are
readily appreciable. The size is much the same ; the bill narrower and blacker ; the tarsi much
longer ; the wings not so much pointed. The colors of the upper parts are quite the same ;
beneath, however, the throat and middle of the fore breast are nearly white (quite white behind)
instead of ash, and the sulphur yellow of the remaining under parts is exceedingly pale, instead
of very intense. The wings are similar, but the chestnut brown of the inner web is deeper and
more abruptly defined in crinitus. In the lateral tail feathers of mezicanus the brown does
not cross the shaft from the outer webs, but is continued rather broadly round the tips ; while
in the other the inner side of the shaft is bordered by brown, but the inner web is chesnut to
the extreme end.
This species is but briefly described by Kaup, as quoted above, still his comparisons of size,
&c., with its allies leave no doubt as to the identity with Tyrannula cinerascens of Lawrence. A
Mexican specimen is a little larger than usual, but otherwise the same.
180
US P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
5508
<?
Petaluma, Sonoma Co.,
681
5509
J>
do
April — , 1856
do
663
7207
R. D. Cutts
7209
do
do
4946
2
3720
Q
7210
0 {?
Posa creek
Lt. R.Williamson..
John X. de Vesey. .
Dr. Heermann. ..
4608
Mar. 31, 1854
38
A. Schott... .
4588
G la river N. M ...
Dec. 31, 1854
do
38
7208
7° 11
4>
Los NogaleF, Mex
Jane — , 1853
do
do
32
Dr. Kennerly ....
J. H. Clark
7213
7212
Q
Eagle pass, Texas
May — , 1853
Major Emory
Lt. Couch
221
A. Schott
8.00
11.50
3.62
Eyes dark brown, bill
7940
J. Gould
black, feet dark slate.
MYIABCHUS COOPEBI, Baird.
Tyrannula cooperi, KACP, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1851, 51, (not of Nuttall.)
Sp. CH. — Width of bill above grayish olive. Throat and upper part of breast light ash gray ; rest of under parts pale sulphur
yellow. Two light-colored bands on the wings ; the primaries, except the first, margined externally and internally with rufous.
Tail feathers rufous, the outer webs, and a stripe on the inner side of the shaft extending in a straight line to the tip, brown.
This inner' stripe is a little wider than the outer web on the outer feather, but diminishes somewhat to the central ones.
Length, 8.50 ; wing, 4 ; tail, 3.90 ; tarsus, .95.
Hab. — Mexico.
This species of flycatcher is very similar to M. crinitus, and, in fact, occupies a position inter
mediate in color between it and mexicanus, though larger, perhaps, than either. The superiority
in size over M. crinitus is chiefly noticeable in the tarsus, which is about .12 of an inch longer,
and in the bill ; the wing is, however, shorter. The third quill is longest ; the second and fourth
but little less ; the first a little longer than the seventh. The coloration is much the same
with mexicanus, being considerably paler and grayer than crinitus. The yellow of the breast is
a little deeper than in mexicanus, and the throat a very little darker. The upper parts are like
mexicanus, and there is a decided pure gray shade on the forehead and on the back of the neck,
and to a less extent on the rump.
This species differs from crinitus, as stated, in the larger bill and tarsi, and shorter wings,
with a much paler tint of coloration. Both have the tail similar in the continuation of the
reddish of the tail to the extreme tip, instead of having this tip brown as in mexicanus. The
tail is more nearly even, however, and the brown stripe on the inside of the shaft is wider than
the outer web on the exterior feather, as wide on the second, and gradually diminishing to the
fifth, where it is about one-fourth the width of the outer web. In M. crinitus the brown, stripe
on the inner web is scarcely half the width of the outer web, and quite pale. On the fifth
feather it does not cross the shaft at all ; while in some specimens this color is scarcely appreci
able on the inner webs of any but the exterior feathers. The bill is quite black.
From mexicanus this species is distinguished by the larger size and much broader bill
BIEDS TYRANNINAE — MYIARCHUS LAWRENCII. 181
although the tarsi are the same length. The most striking feature is found in the continuation
of the rufous boundary line on the inner webs of the tail feathers in a straight line to the
extreme tip of the tail, instead of having this to curve abruptly to the inner edge of the feather,
leaving the entire tips brown.
A specimen of this bird, labelled Tyrannula crinita, (to which, indeed, it bears a close resem
blance,) was received from Mr. Verreaux. It is probably the species described by Kaup as
Tyrannula cooperi, though widely different from the real bird. As, however, the two fall, in
different genera, and, especially, as the name of cooperi cannot stand for the other species, I
very gladly retain it for the present one.
In all three species the outer primaries are without any rufous, thus distinguishing them
from M. gossti, which has rufous edging to all the primaries. M. stolidus has the black stripe
on the inside of the shafts of the tail feathers reaching only to the middle of the feathers,
I am under the impression that Kaup is not the first to apply the name of cooperi to the
present species, and that it is also found in Chile. It is probable that the real olive-sided
flycatcher (T. cooperi, Nuttall,) has not been found in South America.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original number.
9100
Mexico ......... .....
M. Verreaux .
29827
MYIARCBUS LAWRENCII, Baird.
Lawrence's Flycatcher.
Tyrannula lawrencii, GIRAUD, Sixteen Sp. Texas Birds, 1841, pi. ii.
SP. CH. — First quill shorter than the secondaries. Female — Above olive green ; lightest on the rump ; the head dusky.
Throat pale ash ; rest of under parts sulphur yellow. Quills and tail feathers brown, edged externally with brownish rufous ;
internally with paler rufous. Rill dark brown ; feet black. Length, (female) 7 inches ; wing, 3.25 ; tail, 3.50.
Hab. — Northeastern Mexico to the Rio Grande.
In this species the wing is short and considerably rounded ; the first quill shorter than the
secondaries ; the second intermediate between fifth and sixth. The tail is slightly emarginated.
There is a wash of rufous on the wing coverts, especially on their edges, but there are no dis
tinct bands. There is a faint trace of rufous only on the outer first primary, and but little
more on the second ; it is distinct on the outer edges of all the other quills, but turns to yellowish
on the innermost ones. The light reddish buff of the inner webs is much more extended
than externally, where the rufous is confined to the extreme edge of the web. The tail feathers
are, for the most part, olive brown ; the edges only rufous, this color only extending to near the
tip ; internally it occupies about one third of the inner vane ; externally it is a mere border.
The outer web of the outer feather is paler than in the rest, but not at all white.
This rare flycatcher is similar in general characters to the M. crinitus and mexicanus, but
readily distinguishable by strongly marked characters. The size is less, and the first primary
shorter than the secondaries instead of longer. The shades of coloration are those of crinitus ;
much darker than in mexicanus. It lacks the two white bands of the wings, and the broad
sulphur yellow edgings to the innermost quills. All the tail feathers are brown on both webs
182
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
to the tips, with a narrow edging only of reddish, instead, as in both the other species, of
having the entire inner wehs of most of these fea'thers light cinnamon. The bill is shaped as
in crinitus, but the edges are slightly convex instead of straight ; it is broader than in mexi-
canus.
It is probable that the male of this species is somewhat differently colored from the female
described above.
It is not improbable that this bird may belong to the genus Blacicus of Cabanis (Journal fur
Ornithologie III, Nov. 1855, 480,) characterized as having the wings shorter than in Myiar-
chus ; the bill much depressed, flat, and broad ; the tail somewhat emarginated. In this event,
and should the genus be considered worthy of retention, the present species will be called
Blacicus laivrencii.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex. j Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Length. Extent. Wing.
Remarks.
10028
Sprin<* of 1853
Ll. Couch
HO
7 00 10 00 3 50
SAYORNIS, Booaparte.
Sayornis, BONAP. ? Ateneo italiano, 1854. — IB. Comptes Rendus, 1854, Notes Orn. Delattre.
slulanax, CABANIS, Journal fur Orn. 1856, 1, (type nigricans.)
CH. — Head with a blended depressed moderate crest. Tarsus decidedly longer than middle toe, which is scarcely longer
than the hind toe. Bill rather narrow ; width at base about half the culmen. Tail broad, long, slightly forked ; equal to the
wings, which are moderately pointed, and reach to the middle of the tail. First primary shorter than the sixth.
This genus agrees with the preceding in the length of the broad tail, but has a longer tarsus
and a different style- of coloration. The species are distinguished as follows :
Sooty black ; belly and edge of the tail pure white S. nigricans.
Brownish olive above ; crown darker ; bemath and edge of tail yellowish../^, fuscus.
Grayish brown ; belly reddish cinnamon S. sayus.
This genus I first find referred to by Bonaparte in the notice of Delattres' collections, in
Comptes rendus, 1854, where he names Sayornis nigricans. I am, however, inclined to believe
that he has given a conspectus of the Tyrants in the Paris Ateneo italiano for 1854, and in it
this genus.
Cabanis calls the supposed " Tyrannula fusca" of Cuba Aulanax fuscus, and claims the " T.
nigricans" as type if Bonaparte's name be untenable.
Comparative measurements of the species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length
Extent. Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle lUclaw.
toe.
Bill
above .
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
7226
3
6.84
4 00
3 46
0.80
0 64 0.22
0.56
0.82
7019
6 8vJ
3 64
3 54
0 74
0 60 0 22
0 60
0 82
Dry
4005
do
9
6.60
3 32
3 06
0 66
0 54 0 20
0.60
0.80
Dry
Poor spe
do.
7943
do
do
do
6.50
6 40
11.75 3.25
3 32
3 22
0 66
0 64 0 24
0.54
0.72
Fresh
Dry ....
cimen.
957
r?
6 04
3 38
3 24
0 70
0 60 0 20
0.54
0 80
do
do .
do
7
11 3 41
Fresh
do
do
o
6 40
3 26
3 16
0 66
0 54 0 2"
0.56
0.82
Dry
do
do ....
do
•*-
6 75
10 83 3 33
2451
do
do
J
5 90
3 30
3 16
0 70
0 58 0.02
0 50
0.74
Dry
9102
do
6.86
3 22
3.30
0.66
0.56 0.20
0.54
0.80
Dry
BIRDS TYRANNINAE — SAYORNIS NIGRICANS.
183
SAYORNIS NIGKICANS, Bo nap.
Black Flycatcher.
Tyrannula nigricans, SWAINSON, Syn. Birds Mex. Taylor's Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 367 — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. &
Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 81.
Muscicapa nigncans, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 302 ; pi. 474— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 218 ; pi. 60.
Tyrannus nigricans, NDTTALL, Alan. I, ed. 1840, 326.
J\hjiobius nigricans, GRAY.
Myiarclms nigricans, CABANIS, Tschudi Fauna Peruan. 1844- '46, 153, (Peru.)
Sayornis nigricans, BONAP. Comptes Rendus XXV11I, 1854, notes Orn. 87.
Jlulanax nigricans, CABANIS, Cab. Journal fur Orniih. IV, Jan. 1856, 2, (type of genus.)
Muscicapa, semi-alra, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey Voy. 1839, 17.
Sp. CH. — Wings rounded ; second, third, and fourth longest ; first rather shorter than sixth. Tarsi with a second row of
scales behind. The head and neck all round, fore part and sides of the breast, dark sooty brown ; the rest of the upper parts
similar, but lighter; faintly tinged with lead color towards the tail. The middle of the breast, abdomen, and lower tail coverts
white; some of the latter with the shafts and the centre brown. The lower wing coverts grayish brown, edged with white.
Wings dark brown; the edges of secondary coverts rather lighter; of primary coverts dull white. Edge of the exterior
vane of the first primary and of secondaries, white. Tail dark brown, with the greater part of the outer vane of the exterior
tail feather white ; this color narrowing from the base to the tip. Bill and feet black. The tail rounded ; rather emarginate ;
feathers broad ; more obliquely truncate than in sayus. The bill slender ; similar to that of S.fuscus.
Length, nearly 7 inches ; wing, 3.60 ; tail, 3.45.
Hob. — California coast, (Umpqua valley, Oregon, Newberry) and across by valley of Gila and upper Rio Grande to New
Leon, and south.
The female appears to differ only in the smaller size. A young bird from San Francisco has
two bands of rusty on the wing ; the shoulders and hinder part of the back tinged with the
same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig. Collected by —
No. |
Length .
Stretch Wing,
of wings.'
Remarks.
7218
R. D. Cutts
7217
7219
r?
Sacramento valley
do
Lt. R. S. Williamson
do
| Dr. Heermann
! do
5911
Santa Clara, Cal
Dr. Cooper
7.00
11.00
3996
do
7214
o
Espia, Mexico
1855 Major Emory
54 Dr. Kennerly
6.12
JO. 00 3.00
Eyes black
7215
Camp 105, Pueblo creek.
Mar. 19, 1854 Lt. Wliipple
189 Ktnnerly and MiJll-
7216
4004
cJ
Cadereita, Mevico .....
Apl. — , 1853 Lt. Couch
4005
0
do
2963
S. F. Baird
7913
J.Gould
9106
17422
184
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SAYOBNIS FUSCUS, Baird.
Pewee; Phoebe Bird.
Muscicapa fusca, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 931 — LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 483— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am.
Sept. I, 1807, 68; pi. 40— BOKAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, no. 115.— IB. Synopsis, 68.— AUDUBON,
Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 122 : V, 1839, 424 ; pi. 120.— IB. Synopsis, 1839, 43.— IB. Birds Amer. I,
1840, 223 ; pi. 63.— GIRAUD, Birds L. Island, 1844, 42.
Tyrannula fusca, RICH. List, 1837.— BONAP. List, 1838.
Tyrannusfuscus, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 312.
? Aulanax fuscus, CABANIS, Cab. Journ. IV, 1856, 1.
Muscicapa atra, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 946.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 278.
Muscicapa phoebe, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 489.
Muscicapa nunciola, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 78 ; pi. xiii.
Myiobius nuncivla, GRAY, Genera,!, 248.
Muscicapa car elinensis fusca, BRISSON, Orn. II, 1760, 367.
Black- headed flycatcher, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 389, 269.
Black-cap flycatcher, LATHAM, Synopsis, I, 353.
Sp. CH. — Sides of breast and upper parts dull olive brown, fading slightly toward the tail. Top and sides of head dark brown.
A few dull white feathers on the eyelids. Lower parts dull yellowish white, mixed with brown on the chin, and in some
individuals across the breast. Quills brown, the outer primary, secondaries, and tertials edged with dull white. In some
individuals the greater coverts faintly edged with dull white. Tail brown ; outer edge of lateral feather dull white ; outer
edges of the rest like the back. Tibiae brown. Bill and feet black. Bill slender, edges nearly straight. Tail rather broad and
slightly forked. Third quill longest ; second and fourth nearly equal ; the first shorter than sixth. Length, 7 inches ; wing,
3.42; tail, 3.30.
Hab — Eastern North America.
In autumn and occasionally in early spring the colors are much clearer and brighter. Whole
lower parts sometimes bright sulphur yellow ; above greenish olive ; top and sides of the head
tinged with sooty. In the young of the year the colors are much duller ; all the wing coverts
broadly tipped with light ferruginous, as also the extreme ends of the wings and tail feathers.
The brown is prevalent on the whole throat and breast; the hind part of the back, rump, and
tail strongly ferruginous.
The tail of this species is quite deeply forked, the external feather being from .35 to .40 of an
inch longer than the middle one.
The general appearance of this species resembles that of the small olive flycatchers, but I do
not observe any generic character in which it differs from nigricans.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
No.
2707
S. F. Baird
2925
Philadelphia
957
^
May 9 1843
....do
7 00
11 00
3 41
1339
0
do
April 5,1844
......do
6 75
10 83
3 33
1074
r?
do
June 19,1843
do
6.00
11 25
3 50
6602
rC
Washington, D. C
March , 1844
Win. Hutton
4697
rf
May 7, 1866
Dr. Hayilen ....
7.12
11.00
3.50
million.
7517
Independence, Mo
W. M. Magraw....
Dr. J. (J. Cooper
7518
do
do
do
400U
Brownsville, Texas
Feb. —,1853
Lieut. Couch
22
6.12
10.50
3.25
Eyes d'k red brown,
bill and feet black.
4008
9
Tamaulipas, Mexico
March — ,
do
92
6.50
10.00
3.12
do
U102
29926
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE — SAYORNIS SAYUS. 185
SAYORNIS SAYUS, Baird.
. Say's Flycatcher.
JUuscicapa saya, EONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 20 ; pi. xi, fig. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 428 ; pi. 359.— IB. Birds
Amer. I, 1840, 217; pi. 59.
Tyrannus saya, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d cd. 1840, 311.
J\lyiobius saya, GRAY, Genera, i, 1844-'9, 249.
Ochthoeca saya, CABAVIS, Wiegmann Archiv, 1847, i, 255, (not type.)
Tyrannula saya, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850.
Jlulanax sayus, CABANIS, Journ. Orn. 1856, 2.
Tyrannula pallida, SWAINSON, Syn. Birds Mex. No. 15, in Taylor's Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 367.
Sayornis pallida, BOVAP.
Sp. CH. — Above and on the sides of the head, neck, and breast, grayish brown, darker on the crown ; region about the eye dusky.
The chin, throat, and upper part of the breast, similar to the back, but rather lighter arid tinged with the color of the rest of the
lower parts, which are pale cinnamon. Under wing coverts pale rusty white. The wings of a rather deeper tint than the back,
with the exterior vanes and tips of the quills darker. Edges of the greater and secondary coverts, of the outer vane of the outer
primary, and of the secondaries and tertials, dull white. The upper tail coverts and tail nearly black. Edge of outer vane of
exterior tail feather white. Bill dark brown, rather paler beneath. The feet brown. Second, third, and fourth quills nearly
equal ; fifth nearly equal to sixth ; sixth much shorter than the fifth. Tail broad, emarginate. Tarsi with a posterior row of
scales. Length, 7 inches ; wing, 4.30 ; tail, 3.35.
Hob. — Missouri and central high plains westward to the Pacific and south to Mexico.
The young of the year have the upper parts slightly tinged with ferruginous ; two broad
(ferruginous) bands on the wings formed by the tips of the first and second coverts. The quills
and tail rather darker than in an adult specimen.
The bill of this species is narrow, similar to that of S. fuscus. Legs and feet large, stout ; a
separate row of about eight or ten nearly rectangular scales behind the tarsus, most conspicuous
in a young specimen. Wings long ; tail nearly square, very little emarginate ; the feathers
broad, the edges nearly parallel ; the tip of the outer one obliquely truncated, with the angles
rounded.
A specimen from California (5510) otherwise similar, has the bill much smaller than the
average, measuring but .43 of an inch from the nostrils, and .75 from the gape.
24 b
186
U. 8. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No,
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Remarks.
1857
1904
5268
5267
5269
8893
8775
8782
5635
8894
6969
7229
7230
7228
7233
5510
7225
7226
7227
4602
3721
4904
4905
7231
9103
C?
o 9
...„..,
9
Fort Union, Mex
do
1843
July 18, 1843
Aug. — , 1%6
S^pt. 11, 1856
Sept. 26, 1856
Sept. 7, 1856
Aug. 15, 1857
Aug. 14, 1857
July 24, 1857
July 16, 1857
July 21, 1857
Feb. 10, 1854
Feb. 16, 1854
S. F. Baird
...do
E. Harris.
Near Fort Union
Knife river, on Missouri
Lt. Warren
do ...
Dr. Hayden
... do
7.00
7.00
7.50
7.50
12.00
12.50
13.25
13.25
4.00
4.25
4.12
4.75
do
do
Camp 4, Black hills
Divide forks, Platte
North Fork, Platte
Mts near Pole creek
do
Wm. M. Magraw . .
148
do
Dr. Cooper
do
......
9
<?
Iris brown, bill and
fuel black.
147
308
88
170
56
W. S. Wood
Dr. Hayden
7.50
7.00
11.25
12.50
Lt. G. K. Warren..
4.00
Iris brown
Western Texas
Copper mines, N. M....
/.iifn
Bill Williams Fork
do
Capt. Pope
Major Emory
Capt. Sitgreaves. ..
Dr. Henry
Mr. Clark
Kenn. and Moll..
do
7.00
7.00
11.00
13.00
4.00
5.00
.......
do
c?
c?
Tejon valley
....do
Lt.R. S.Williamson
. do
Dr. Heermann. ..
do
Santa Isabella
Dec. — , 1854
18
Feb. 7, 1856
Feb. 5, 1856
Dr. J. F. Hammond .
do
7.75
7.50
7.00
13.12
13.37
12.50
4.25
4.25
4.00
Iris color of plumage .
Iris color of plumage.
Eyes dark chocolate. .
do
3
Mar. , 1855
55
17416
Dr. Kennerly ....
CONTOPUS, Cab an is.
Conlopus, CABANIS, Journal fur Ornithologie, III, Nov. 1855, 479. (Type Muscicapa mrens, L.)
Tarsus very short, but stout ; less than the middle toe and scarcely longer than the hinder. Bill quite broad at the base ;
wider than half the culmen. Tail moderately forked, much shorter than the wings, (rather more than three-fourths.) Wings
very long and much pointed, reaching beyond the middle of the tail ; the first primary about equal to the fourth. All the
primaries slender and rather acute, but not attenuated. Head moderately crested. Color, olive above, pale yellowish beneath,
with a darker patch on the sides of the breast. Under tail coverts streaked.
This genus is pre-eminently characterized among North American flycatchers by the very
short tarsi, and the long and much pointed wings. The species are as follows :
Length, 7.50 inches ; wing, 4.40. A concealed silky white tuft on each side of the rump.
No white around the eye or on the wing coverts C. borealis.
Length, about 6 inches ; wing, 3.50. Outer primary edged with whitish. The olive on
the sides of breast paler than on the back, less extended, and separated along the median
line C. virens.
Length, about 6.25 inches ; wing, 3.65. Outer primary without white edge. Breast olive
brown, scarcely paler than the back, not divided in the middle line C. richardsonii.
BIKDS TYRANNINAE — CONTOPUS.
187
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
942
7205
2962
5511
2041
9105
2255
1632
7247
7944
Contopus borealis
do . :
Carlisle, Pa
do
(J
0.80
7.50
6.66
7 75
4.26
4.33
4.20
3.30
0.54
0 64
0.22
0.64
0.90
Dry
13.25
13.00
do
Shoalwater bay,WT
do
3.06
o.sr,
0.64 0.22
0.70
0.94
Hrv
do
Contopus richardsonii. .
do
Colorado river, 0. T.
9
cJ
$
5.86
5.82
6.30
6 02
3.26
3.42
3.51
3.38
3.38
3.50
3.14
3.17
3.34
3.36
2.64
2.70
3.00
2.76
2.86
0.50
0.50
0.51
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.52
0.46
0.50
0.50
0.16
0.20
0.18
0.16
0.20
0.48
0.50
0.52
0.48
0.48
0.70
0.76
0.76
0.70
0.70
Dry .,
Drv
do
do
Platte river
Dry
Drv
Contopus vircns
Carlisle, Pa
5
5.50
6.16
5.20
6.16
5.80
5.90
Drv
do
do
10.73
Fresh
do
do
Q
2.66
0.50 i 0.46 0.16 0.50
0.70
do
do
10.00
do
do
? : Sac. valley
Guatemala
2.76
2.74
0.51
0.50
0.46
0.46
0.20
0.20
0.48
0.48
0.68
0.72
Dry
Dry
GENERAL REMARKS.
There is, perhaps, no group in ornithology, certainly none among American birds, the species
and genera of which are so difficult to determine as those of the small olivaceous flycatchers,
The variations of size, color, and proportions are generally very slight, (though constant,) and
only to be appreciated after a close examination and actual comparison of specimens, as well as
long familiarity with the subject. Very few of the older authors describe the species so that they
can be recognized at all, and the identification is usually made from statement of locality, habit,
or common name. Wilson was the first to give accurate and intelligible descriptions of the
species inhabiting the United States, and it would have avoided much confusion if they had
been actually the first presented to the world.
In comparing the small North American olivaceous flycatchers together, usually known as
species of Tyrannula, I find two well marked groups worthy of generic separation : one with
short legs and pointed wings, the other with longer legs and rounded wings. In this, however,
it becomes a question what is to be done with the old name. The type of Tyrannula, Swainson,
(1827,) is the Muscicapa barbata of Gmelin, a species with a yellow spot in the middle of the
crown, and the rump yellow, the bill very broad and with the bristles equalling it in length.1
All these characters, and others, are entirely different from those attaching to our species, and
the same generic name cannot be used for them without great impropriety.
The same objections apply to Myiobius of Gray, (1838,) this being a simple substitute for the
Tyrannula, supposed to be nullified from its resemblance in sound to Tyrannulus of prior date.
The two names, however, are sufficiently distinct to involve no difficulty in their use.
Reichenbach makes numerous species among the Tyranninae, (Avium Systema Nature, plates
65, 66, 67,) but, as far as I can judge from his figures, none are applicable here. In the
1 TYRANNULA BARBATA, Swainson.
Muscicapa barbata, GM. I, 1788, 933.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 488.
Muscipeta barbata, PR. MAX. Beitrage, III, 934.
Tyrannula barbata, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, Dec. 1827, 359.
Myiobius barbatus, BURMEISTER, Thiere Bras. II, 1856, 501.
Platyrkynchus xanthopygius, SPIX, Av. Bras. II, p1. ix.
Hab. — Coast region of Brazil, according to Burmeister, from whom most of the preceding synonyms and the indications of the
species are cit«d.
188 U. S. P. E. E. EX1». AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
invaluable list of genera and sub-genera of birds, by G. R. Gray, 1855, this section is left
without a name, with Muscicapa nunciola, Wils., ("Tyrannulafusca"') as type, and with Tyran-
nula, Sw., 1831, not of 1827, and Myiolius, Gray, 1847", not 1838, as synonymous. To this
section Cabanis has applied the name of Aulanax, but in giving " Tyrannula nigricans" as the
type, his name becomes a synonym of Sayornis, Bonaparte.
It is possible that, if Bonaparte has presented a conspectus of the Tyrants in the Ateneo
italiano or elsewhere, in 1854, or subsequently, he has not overlooked the present groups, but I
am unable to determine this point. It only remains for the present to take the names of
Cabanis, as quoted, namely, Contopus for the short-legged group, with Muscicapa virens, L., as
type, and including also Muscicapa cooperi, Nuttall, Platyrhynchus cinereus, Spix, and Tyran
nula ardosiaca, of Lafresnaye, and Empidonax for the other one.
CONTOPUS BOEEALIS, Baird.
Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Tyrannus borealis, Sw. & RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 141 ; plate.
Jtfyiobius borealis, GRAY, Genera, I, 248.
Muscicapa cooperi, NUTTALL, Man. 1, 1832, 282.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 422: V, 1839, 4S2 ; pi. 174.— IB. Synopsis,
1839, 41.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 212 ; pi. 58.
Tyrannus cooperi, BONAP. List, 1838. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 298.
Contopus cooperi, CABANIS, Journal fur Ornithol. Ill, Nov. 1855, 479.
Muscicapa inornata, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 282.
SP. CH. — Wings long, much pointed ; the second quill longest ; the first longer than the third. Tail deeply forked. Tarsi
short. The upper parts ashy brown, showing darker brown centres of the feathers ; this is eminently the case on the top of the
head ; the sides of the head and neck, of the breast and body resembling the back, but with the edges of the feathers tinged with
grey, leaving a darker central streak. The chin, throat, narrow line down the middle of the breast and body, abdomen, and
lower tail coverts white, or sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow. The lower tail coverts somewhat streaked with brown in
the centre. On each side of the rump, generally concealed by the wings, is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers. The
wings and tail very dark brown, the former with the edges of the secondaries and tertials edged with dull white. The lower
wing coverts and axillaries greyish brown. The tips of the primaries and tail feathers rather paler. Feet and upper mandible
black, lower mandible brown. The young of the year similar, but the color duller ; the feet light brown. Length, 7.50 ;
wing, 4.33 ; tail, 3.30 ; tarsus, .60.
Hub. — Rare on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Not observed in the interior, except to the north.
Found in Greenland. (Reinhardt.)
This large and powerful " Tyrannula" is eminent for the length of its wings, which reach
beyond the middle of the tail and the coverts to within a little more than an inch of the tip.
The primaries are considerably attenuated, and a little cut out on the inner web, towards the
end. The longest quill exceeds the secondaries by about 1.80 inches. The depth of fork in the
tail is nearly .30 of an inch.
There is a very narrow edging of whitish to the first primary ; the outer web of the outer
tail feather is pale brownish towards the edge.
Specimens sometimes have a little more yellow beneath than that described. In some western
skins the third quill is a little longer than the fourth.
Hartlaub, in his list of the birds of Chile, quotes a Tyrannula cooperi, supposed to be identical
with the present species. If it be the bird described as Tyrannula cooperi by Kaup, it is totally
distinct and belongs to the genus Myiarchus, which see.
BIRDS— TYRANNINAE CONTOPUS RFCHARDSONII.
189
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
ago.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
1949
942
5910
7205
7200
O
c?
<?
1
May 6,1843
do
7.50
7.50
7.75
13.25
12.75
13.
4.33
June — ,1854
do
Iris brown and yellow, bill black.
Fort Ttjon, California
John Xantus de Vesey. .
CONTOPUS KICHAKDSONII, Baird.
Short-legged Pewee.
Tyrannula richardsonii, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 146 ; plate.
Muscicapa richardsonii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 299 ; pi. 434.
Tyrannula phoebe, BON. List. 1838, 24.
Muscicapa phoebe, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 42. — IB. Birds America, I, 1840, 219 ; pi. 61, (not of Latham.)
Tyrannus phoebe, NUT-TALE, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 319.
Tyrannus atriceps, D'ORBIGNY, (fide G. R. Gray.)
gp> CH. — General appearance of C. virens. Bill broad. "Wings very long and much pointed ; considerably exceeding the
tail ; second quill longest ; third a little shorter ; first shorter than fourth, and abeut midway between distance from second to
fifth, (.60 of an inch.) Primaries 1.20 inches longer than secondaries. Tail moderately forked. Above dark olive brown,
(the head darker) the entire breast and sides of head, neck, and body of a paler shade of the same, tinging strongly also the
dull whitish throat and chin. Abdomen and under tail coverts dirty pale yellowish. Quills and tail dark blackish brown ; the
secondaries narrowly, the tertials more broadly edged with whitish. Two quite indistinct bands of brownish white across the
wings. Lower mandible yellow ; the tip brown. Length, 6.20 ; wing, 3.65 ; tail, 3.10.
Hob. — High central dry plains to the Pacific ; Rio Grande valley, southward to Mexico ; Labrador, (Audubon.)
This species has a very close relationship to C. virens, agreeing with it in general shape of
wings and in color. The wings are, however, still longer and more pointed ; the primaries ex
ceeding the secondaries by nearly 1.25 inches. The proportions of the quills are nearly the
same in both ; the primaries too are similarly a little emarginated or attenuated towards the
end. The tail is rather more deeply forked ; the feathers broader. The bills are similar ; the
feet are larger and stouter.
The general colors are almost precisely the same. The outer primary, however, lacks the
decidedly white margin. The under parts are much darker anteriorly, the entire breast being
nearly a uniform olive brown ; but little paler than the back ; the throat, too, in some speci
mens, being scarcely paler. There is little or none of the pale sulphur yellow of G. virens on the
abdomen, and the under wing coverts and axillaries are much darker olivaceous. In G. virens
the middle line of the breast is always paler than the sides, or at least the connecting space is
short.
The lower mandible is generally yellow ; in a few specimens, however, it is quite dusky,
especially on its terminal half.
The young bird has the darker head and broader light edgings, with the ferruginous tinge
usually seen in young of the Tyrannulas.
This appears to be the species figured by Audubon as Muscicapa richardsonii, based probably
on Rocky mountain or Columbia river specimens received from Mr. Townsend, (No. 962, 2042,
&c.) The T. richardsonii of Swainson, however, differs in the proportions of the wings, &c.,
190
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
and in some other points appearing more nearly allied to S. fuscus. Not to multiply synonyms
unnecessarily, however, I have concluded to adopt the name. The discrepancies in the propor
tions of the quills may have been caused by their incomplete growth during the moulting
season. Kichardson's description answers better than the figure, which, with the other on the
same plate, is wrongly colored. Bonaparte committed a mistake (in which he was followed by
Audubon and Nuttall) in referring this bird to the Muscicapa plioebe of Latham, Index Orn.
II, 1790, 489. This is certainly the S. fuscus, as shown by the references, and the statement
that the outer tail feather has the outer web white, which applies only is fuscus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length. Extent. '• Wing.
I i
Bemarks.
5272
2041
2042
8892
7235
7245
2962
£511
7238
7i>48
7239
7251
9105
9098
.......
Blackfoot country
Platta river, (north fork)
July —,1855
June 2, 1854
do
S F Baird .. 23
J. K. Townsend
do
do
Q
Loup Fork of Platte ....
Aug. 24,
Li. G. K. Warren
Dr. Hayden
6.25
9.50
3.25
El Paso, Texas
Mimbres to Rio Grande.
Columbia river, O. T. ..
April —,1856
Col. Graham...
Dr. T. C. Henry
S. F. Baird 15
J. H.Clark
J. K. Townsend
6.
10.75
3.50
Eyes dark brown. . .
0
. do
|
a
May — , 1853
Lt. D. N Couch.... 212
6.25
10.50
3.50
Iris light brown....
'
M Verreaux 29927
...do j
CONTOPUS VIRENS, Cabanis.
Wood Pewee.
Muscicapa virens, LINN. Syst Nat. I, 1766, 327.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 936. LATHAM, Index Orn.— Licht.
Verz. 1823, 563.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 285.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 93 : V, 1839, 425 ;
pi. 115.— IB. Synopsis, 1839, 42.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 231; pi. 64.— GIRAUD, Birds L.
Island, 1844, 43.
Muscicapa querula, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, ]807, 68 ; pi. xxxix, (not of Wilson.)
Muscicapa rapax, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 81 ; pi. xiii, f. 5.
Tyrannula virens, RICH, App. Back's Voyage. — BONAP. List, 1838.
My'wbius virens, GRAY.
Tyrannus virens, NUTTALL, Manual, I, 2d ed. 1840, 316.
Contopus virens, CABANIS, Journal fur Ornithologie, III, Nov. 1855, 479.
St. CH. — The second quill longest ; the third a little shorter ; the first shorter than the fourth; the latter nearly .40 longer
than the fifth. The primaries more than an inch longer than the secondaries. The upper parts, sides of the head, neck, and
breast, dark olivaceous brown, the latter rather paler, the head darker. A narrow white ring round the eye. The lower parts
pale yellowish, deepest on the abdomen ; across the breast tinged with ash. This paie ash sometimes occupies the whole of
the breast, and even occasionally extends up to the chin. It is also sometimes glossed with olivaceous. The wings and tail
dark brown ; generally deeper than in S. fuscus. Two narrow bands across the wing, the outer edge of first primary and of the
secondaries and tertials dull white. The edges of the tail feathers like the back ; the outer one scarcely lighter. Upper mandible
black, the lower yellow, but brown at the tip. Length, 6.15 ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, 3.05.
flab. — Eastern North America to the borders of the high central plains ; south to New Granada.
The young of the year has the colors duller, edges of the upper feathers paler, the white
of the wing tinged with ferruginous ; the lower mandible more tinged with black. The bill
BIRDS — TTBANNINAE EMPIDONAX.
191
of this species is very broad. The tail is moderately forked ; the feathers broad, with sides nearly
parallel, becoming scarcely dilated from the base to the end. The feet are very short. The
wing is very long and pointed, reaching considerably beyond the middle of the tail, and beyond
the tail coverts. The proportions of the quills vary, although the second is always a little
longer than the third. The first is generally a little shorter than the fourth ; sometimes about
equal, and .25 of an inch shorter than the second. The under tail coverts are much tinged
with brown in their median region.
In No. 1632 the first quill is proportionably shorter ; the fourth longer than as described ;
the third quill slightly longest. The relative proportion of the first to the fourth, in fact, varies
a good deal, but the first always considerably exceeds the fifth.
I have seen no specimen of this species from the region west of the Missouri plains, except
two in Lieutenant Williamson's collection marked Sacramento valley by Dr. Heermann. All
those of the same type belong to a different though closely allied species, and it is most proba
ble that some mistake may have occurred in the locality. Dr. Heermann, in his notes on Birds
of California, refers to supposed specimens of Tyrannula virens as being all darker than eastern
ones, evidently having the richardsonii in view.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remaiks.
2969
O
S. F. Baird
2635
$
May 11, 1846
do
6.75
11.00
3.58
2657
A
do
May 12, 1846
do
6.91
11 J6
3 54
2595
$
do
May 6, 1846
do
6.50
10.66
3.50
979
2294
9
Jf
do
do
May 16, 1843
May 20, 1845
do
do
9.25
6.16
10.41
3.25
3.41
1632
o
do
July 12, 1844
do
6 16
10 00
3 17
2354
j
..... do
May 26, 1845
do
6 33
9.66
3 54
1540
do
May 17, 1844
..do
6.66
10 50
3 50
1657
o
do
July , 1844
do
6.33
10.41
3 41
2299
$
do .
May 21, 1845
do
6.16
10.58
3.50
2255
$
do
May 18, 1845
do
6.16
10.75
3 50
2711
7588
9
Washington, D. C
...do
July — , 1843
do
J. K. Townsend
2394
S. F. Baird
6.20
10.2
3.20
A
May 11, - -
7519
Independence, Mo
Dr. Cooper
6.00
10.00
3.50
7521
.... do
do
6.00
9.50
3 50
Red river, M. T
Aug. — , 1857
7246
7247
5
r?
Sac. valley ?
do .. ?
Lieut. R. S. Williamson.
do
Dr. Heermann
9098
Jf
7944
J. Gould
EMPIDONAX, Cab an is.
Empidonax, CABANIS, Journal fur Ornithologie, III, Nov. 1855, 480, (type Tyrannula pusilla .)
Tyrannula of most authors .
CH. — Tarsus lengthened, considerably longer than the middle toe, which is decidedly longer than the hind toe. Bill
variable. Tail very slightly forked, even, or rounded ; a little shorter only than the wings, which are considerably rounded ;
the first primary much shorter than the fourth. Head moderately crested. Color olivaceous above, yellowish beneath ; throat
generally gray.
The lengthened tarsi, the short toes, the short and rounded wings, and tha plain dull
192 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
olivaceous of the plumage, readily distinguish the species of this genus from any other North
American flycatchers. The upper plates of the tarsi in a good many species do not encircle the
outside, but meet there a row on the posterior face.
There are no species of North American birds more difficult to distinguish than the small
flycatchers, the characters, though constant, being very slight and almost inappreciable, except
to a very acute observer. For remarks concerning the genus and its affinities, see page 187
preceding.
The following synopsis may aid in distinguishing the species :
A. Outer tail feather never abruptly margined with white externally.
Tarsus moderate ; but little longer than the middle toe. Claw of hind toe reaching along
the middle of the central anterior claw.
Above rather pure dark olive, not lighter on the rump. Beneath white,
tinged with sulphur behind, and with olive across the breast. Wing
bands tinged with yellow olive. Second, third, and fourth quills
longest; first between fifth and sixth. Length, 6 inches; wing, 2.90.
trailli.
Tarsus lengthened ; decidedly longer than the middle toe, which is scarcely, if any,
longer than the hinder one.
Above dull greenish olive, with a strong tinge of brown, becoming decidedly
lighter on the rump. Throat whitish ; a gray olive band across the breast ;
rest of under parts pale yellow.
Length 5.50 inches ; wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.50. Third and fourth quills
longest ; first shorter than sixth. Culmen .35 of an inch ; under
mandible yellow .pusillus.
Length about 5 inches; wing, 2.65; tail, 2.50. Second and third quills
longest ; first shorter than fifth. Culmen .30 of an inch long ; under
mandible brownish minimus.
Above clear bright olive green, without any brown on the back.
Beneath white, tinged with greenish yellow on the sides and behind.
Wing bands tinged with reddish yellow. Second, third, and fourth
quills much longer than first and fifth. First rather longer than fifth.
Wing, 3 inches ; tail, 2.75 acadicus.
Beneath olivaceous yellow, purest behind ; no white on the under surfaces.
Wing bands greenish white. Length about 5 inches ; wing, 2.80 ; tail,
2.45. First quill much shorter that fifth .flaviventris.
Body olive green above and on the breast ; throat gray ; rest of under
parts sulphur yellow. Wing bands grayish. Length, 5.50; wing,
2.80 ; tail, 2.50. Third quill longest ; first much shorter than fifth.
Bill very slender hammondii.
B. Outer tail feather margined abruptly with white externally. Bill very narrow. Tarsi
unusually long.
Tail even or rounded. Tarsus as long as the head. Lower mandible
whitish ; brown at tip. Body above brownish olive. Beneath whitish,
tinged with yellow behind and with olive on the breast. Wing with
conspicuous whitish bands. Length, 5.75 inches obscurus.
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE EMPIDONAX TRAILLII.
193
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex. Length/ Extent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw.
Hill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2310
do.
1025
do.
693
7252
do.
10077
do.
7244
495
2503
do.
1415
do.
7932
500
9099
do.
2339
985
do.
5920
10079
do.
10080
do.
7237
do.
Carlisle, Pa
9
4.94
5.91
5.04
5.91
5.54
5.06
5.50
2.62
2.75
2.86
2.91
2.84
2.78
3.
2.38
0.62
0.56
0.20
0.44
0.64
do
8.50
do
5
2.62
0.64
0.54
0.18
0.46
0.63
do
9.33
....do do
Empidonax pusillus
do
River Nueces
5
<?
2.68
2.70
0.64
0.64
0.52
0.58
0.20
0.20
0.44
0.50
0.64
0.70
Drv
....do do
FortTejon, Cal....
do
5
5.20
5.75
5.84
5.10
4.46
5.41
4.82
5.58
5.50
5.48
5.20
2.80
3.75
2.56
2.64
2.40
2.50
2.66
2.88
3.00
3.82
2.70
2.74
2.50
2.76
2.83
2.64
2.78
2.56
0.68
0.50
0.16
0.50
0.70
Drv
8.75
Los Nogales, Mex..
Rocky mountains. . .
"F
9
2.54
2.50
2.40
0.68
0-65
0.60
0.5S}
0.52
0.44
0.20
0.20
0.18
0.48
0.48
.038
0.66
0.68
0.54
....do do
Empidonax minimus. .....
Drv
do
8.
Fresh
.... do do
do
do
8
2.54
0.64
0.54
0.20
0.40
0.56
8.58
Empidonax ac adieus
...do do
Pennsylvania
Chester county, Pa..
Coban, Cent. Am . . .
Racine, Wisconsin..
..„..
2.62
2.62
2.38
2.42
2.18
2.42
0.58
0.60
0.66
0.64
0.65
0.66
0.48
0.50
0.52
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.16
0.18
0.16
0.18
0.18
0.18
0.42
0.50
0.40
0.42
0.40
0.42
0.68
0.66
0.55
0.58
0.60
0.60
Dry
Drv ..
Empidonax flaviventris. . .
.... do do
Drv...
Drv . .
....do do
Carlisle, Pa
do
9
<?
4.24
4.86
5.16
4.86
Drv
do
8.83
Empidonax difficilis
Ft. SteiIacoom,W.T.
FortTejon.
do
2.44
2.50
0.63
0.62
0.50
0.50
0.18
0.18
0.41
0.40
0.58
0.52
Dry
Empidonax hammondii. . .
5
4.90
5.50
4.90
5.50
5.14
5.37
Dry
9.
....do do
do
do
9
2.74
2.50
0.64
0.52
0.18
0.43
0.58
Drv...
8.
Empidonax obscurus
El Paso, Texas
....do
5
2.83
2.87
2.76
0.72
0.54
0.16
0.46
0.60
Dry
8.50
EMPIDONAX TKAILLII, Baird.
Train's Flycatcher.
Muscicapa traillii, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 236 : V, 1839, 426 ; pi. 45.— IB. Syn. 1839, 43.— IB. Birds Amer. I
1840, 234 ; pi. 65.
Tyrannula traillii, RICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. List, 1838.
Tyrannus traillii, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 323.
Sp. CH. — Third quill longest; second scarcely shorter than fourth; first shorter than fifth, about .35 shorter than the
longest. Primaries about .75 of an inch longer than secondaries. Tail even. Upper parts dark olive green ; lighter under the
wings, and duller and morte tinged with ash on nape and sides of the neck. Centre of the crown feathers brown. A pale
yellowish white ring (in some specimens altogether white) round the eye. Loral feathers mixed with white. Chin and throat
white ; the breast and sides of throat light ash tinged with olive, its intensity varying in individuals, the former sometimes
faintly tinged with olive. Sides of the breast much like the back. Middle of the belly nearly white ; sides of the belly, abdomen,
and the lower tail coverts sulphur yellow. The quills and tail feathers dark brown, as dark (if not more so) as these parts in
C. wrens. Two olivaceous yellow white bands on the wing, formed by the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by a
brown one ; the edge of the first primary and of secondaries and tertials a little lighter shade of the same. The outer edge of
the tail feathers like the back ; that of the lateral one rather lighter. Bill above dark brown ; dull brownish beneath. Length
nearly 6 inches ; wing, 2.90 ; tail, 2.60.
Hab. — Eastern United States and south to Mexico.
The young bird is similar, but the colors are duller. The markings on the wings are more
ochraceous.
The body in this species is stout ; tail short, very nearly even ; feathers broad, distinctly
25 b
194
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
pointed, and acuminate. Differs from E. minimus in larger size and proportions of the quills.
The middle of the back is the same color in "both, hut instead of becoming lighter and tinged
with ash on the rump and upper tail coverts, these parts very rarely differ in color from the
hack. The markings on the wings, instead of being dirty white, are decidedly olivaceous
yellow. The yellow of the lower parts is deeper. The tail feathers are rather broad,
acuminate, and pointed ; in minima they are narrow and more rounded. Tho bill is larger
and fuller. The legs are decidedly shorter in proportion.
This species is somewhat like E. acadicus in the proportions of the quills, but the wing is con
siderably shorter. The precise differences will be found detailed in the article on acadicus.
The proportions of the quills are generally as detailed under the specific character ; the first
quill .30 of an inch less than the longest, and intermediate between the fourth and fifth ; the
primaries about .70 of an inch longer than the first secondary. In one specimen the second,
third, and fourth are nearly equal ; the other proportions the same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Original
No.
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
2968
1026
1025
2345
433
2310
2347
2340
9104
9
May 26,1843
do
S. F. Baird
5.75
5.91
5.83
5.33
5.91
8.75
9.33
8.41
8.00
8.50
2.66
2.91
2.66
i?
9
do
do
do
May 26,1845
May 31,1841
do . . .
do
do
May 21,1845
May 26, 1845
do
2.75
c?
9
do
do
do
do
do
5.91
8.75
2.75
\
EMPIDONAX PUSILLUS, Cabanis.
? Platyrhynchus pusillus, SWAISTSON, Phil. Mag. I, May, 1827, 366.
Tyrannula pusilla, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 144 ; pi.— RICH. App. Back's Voyage, 1834- '36, 144.— GAMBEL, Pr. A.
N. Sc. Ill, 1847, 156.
Muscicapa pusilla, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,288; pi. 434.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 236 ; pi. 66.
Tyrannus pusilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840.
SP. CH. — Second, third, and fourth quills longest; first shorter than the sixth. Bill rather broad ; yellow beneath. Tail
even. Tarsi rather long. Above dirty olive brown, paler and more tinged with brown towards the tail. Throat and breast
white, tinged with grayish olive on the sides, shading across the breast ; belly and under tail coverts very pale sulphur yellow.
Wings with two dirty narrow brownish white bands slightly tinged with olive ; the secondaries and tertials narrowly and incon
spicuously margined with the same. First primary faintly edged with whitish ; the outer web of first tail feather paler than the
inner, but not white. Under wing coverts reddish ochraceous yellow. A whitish ring round the eye. Length, 5.50 inches ;
wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.75.
Hi.b. — High central plains to the Pacific. Fur countries. Southward into Mexico.
In examining carefully a large collection of skins of the small American flycatchers, I have
found it necessary to separate a western series intermediate between E. traillii and minimus,
typical specimens of the two latter species being without any representatives from the region
beyond the Missouri plains. Although the differences are quite appreciable in the comparison,
I yet find it exceedingly difficult to characterize a species so as to carry the same impression of
diversity to others as I have experienced myself. The bird is about the size of E. traillii, or a
little less, but has more the colors of minimus. It agrees with the latter in becoming lighter
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE EMPIDONAX MINIMUS.
195
towards the rump, but this and the upper tail coverts and, indeed, the upper parts generally,
are of a soiled "brownish tinge, taking considerably from the purity of the olive. The under
wing coverts have also a decided shade of brownish ochraceous in the yellow. There is much
less white in the wing. The tail feathers are narrow and rounded as in minimus. The quills
are broad and rounded; the second, third, and fourth about equal ; the fifth nearly intermediate
between the fourth and sixth ; the first shorter than the sixth ; the primaries are about .65
longer than the first secondary. The legs are of about the same length as in minimus. The
bill is much larger than in minimus, the ridge of the lower mandible measuring .35 of an inch
instead of .30 ; the color yellow instead of brownish.
From traillii it differs in the brownish tinge of the under wing coverts, the browner upper
parts, and the less amount of white on the wings ; the first primary shorter than the sixth
instead of the fifth. The tarsi are longer ; the bill appears rather longer.
This species appears to agree rather better than any before me with the Tyrannula pusilla of
Swainson, in F. Bor. Am., and I have accordingly adopted the name. His figure differs
materially from the description, and is certainly improperly colored, as is also that of
richardsonii of the same plate. In some respects E. minimus, Baird, agrees with T. pusilla of
Swainson, but a female of the species I here describe would answer quite as well in general, and
if, in the present monograph, I have succeeded in fixing the species of small Tyrannulas with
any degree of precision, it may be best to assign the synonymy as I have done. It is not likely
that the E. pusilla of Cabanis belongs here.
Young birds have a good deal of reddish brown on the rump and upper tail coverts, and two
bands of the same across the wings. The inner wing coverts are as in the adult.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
7253
August 1, 1856
510
7254
.... do.
do
505
7243
do
do
105
10076
J1
1857
277
10077
do
623
7244
74
7252
'j
240
5.50
7.25?
3.00'
495
Rocky mountains
May — , 1S55
S. F. Baird
Dr. Trudeau
EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, Baird.
Least Flycatcher.
Tyrannula minima, WM. M. and S. F. BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, July 1843, 284.— IB. Sillim. Am. Jour. Sc. July, 1844.—
AUDUBON, Birds Amer. VJI, 1844, 343 ; pi. 491.
SP. CH. — Second quill longest ; third and fourth but little shorter ; fifth a little less ; first intermediate between fifth and sixth.
Tail even. Above olive brown, darker on the head, becoming paler on the rump and upper tail coverts. The middle of the
back most strongly olivaceous. The nape (in some individuals) and sides of the head tinged with ash. A ring round the eye
and some of the loral feathers white ; the chin and throat white. The sides of the throat and across the breast dull ash, the
color on the latter sometimes nearly obsolete ; sides of the breast similar to the back, but of a lighter tint ; middle of the belly
very pale yellowish white, turning to pale sulphur yellow on the sides of the belly, abdomen, and lower tail coverts. Wings
brown ; two narrow white bands on wing formed by the tips of the first and second coverts, succeeded by one of brown. The
edge of the first primary, and of the secondaries and tertials, white. Tail rather lighter brown, edged externally like the back.
Feathers narrow, not acuminate, with the ends rather blunt. In autumn the white parts are strongly tinged with yellow.
Length, about 5 inches ; wing, 2.65 ; tail, 2.50.
Hub. — Eastern United States to Missouri plains.
196
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
As stated under the head of E. traillii, E. minimus differs from it in its smaller size, and more
ashy tinge on the sides of the head, the nape, and rump. The tail feathers are narrower, more
rounded at the end, and less acuminate. The tarsi are one-tenth of an inch longer, though
the bird is considerably smaller ; the claws also are larger. The second, third, and fourth
quills are generally nearly equal, the latter always considerably exceeding the first, as does the
fifth also ; in trailli the fifth is usually nearly the length of the first, or but slightly different
from it.
One of the most appreciable differences between the two species lies in the two bands of the
wing. These, with the other edgings of the wings in minimus, are dirty grayish white ; in
traillii they are strongly tinged with grayish olive. Both have the outer primary edged with
yellowish white,, and the first tail feather with its outer web paler brownish than elsewhere,
but not approaching to white.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2709
S F Baird
2450
Carlisle, Pa -
Sept 10 1845
do
5.33
8 25
2.50
2274
c?
do
May 17, 1845
. do
5.33
8.25
2.58
2132
do
April 23, 1845
do
5.50
8.25
2.58
3371
<J
do
May 3, 1847
. do
5.50
8.50
2.75
1415
cJ
do
May 1, 1844
do
5.58
8.58
2.66
726
.do
Sept, 16, 1842
do
5.25
8.00
1486
$
do
May 8, 1844
do
...4,
3.50
3.66
2563
Q
.do
May 5, 1846
do
5.41
8.00
2.50
2254
Q
.. . do
May 12, 1845
. ...do
5.58
7.83
2.41
2348
do
May 26, 1845
do
5.16
7.41
2.33
2163
. do
April 29, 1845
do
5.50
8.25
2.58
2133
do
April 23, 1845
do
5 50
8.41
2.50
2624
do
May 11, 1846
do
5.33
8.25
2.58
2650
do.
May 12, 1846
do
5.33
8. 16
2.50
2649
do
do
do
5.50
8.00
2.50
1672
do
Aug. 12, 1844
do . ...
5.41
8.00
2.41
7415
Cleveland, Ohio
Dr Kirtland
Chicago, 111 .. _.
May 2, 1855
Racine, Wis
7415
Cleveland Ohio
Dr Kirtland
5270
$
Near Powder river
Aug. 4, 1856
Dr. Hayden
5.00
7.75
2.50
4700
$
Eau qui court
May 15, 1856
..do
do
5.50
8.25
2.75
4699
Q
do
do
do
do
5.25
7. 62
2.75
4701
3
do
. . do
do .
do... .
5.25
8.50
2.75
4702
3
Vermilion. ....
May 6, 1856
do
do
5.37
8. 00
2. 62
4698
Q
Nebraska
May 11, 1856
do
do
4.87
7.50
2.75
BIRDS — TYRANNINAE — EMPIDONAX ACAD1CUS.
197
EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, Baird.
Small Green-crested Flycatcher.
? Muscicapa acadica, GMELI.V, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 947. — LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 489. — VIEILI.OT, Ois. Am.
Sept. I, 1807, 71, (from Latham).— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 25G : V, 1839, 429 ; pi.
144 —!B. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 221 ; pi. G2.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 208.— GIRAUD, Birds L.
Island, 1844, 40.
Muscicapa querula, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 77 ; pi. xiii, f. 3, (not of Vieillot.)
" Platyrlnjnchus virescens, VIEILLOT."
Tyrannula acadica, RICHARDSON, ? Bon. List.
Tyrannus acadica, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 320.
Sp. Cn. — The second and third quills are longest, and about equal ; the fourth a little shorter ; the first about equal to the
fifth, and about .35 less than the longest. Tail even. The upper parts, with sides of the head and neck, olive green ; the crown
very little if any darker. A yellowish white ring round the eye. The sides of the body under the wings like the back, but
fainter olive ; a tinge of the same across the breast ; the chin, throat, and middle of the belly white ; the abdomen, lower tail
and wing coverts, and sides of the body not covered by the wings pale greenish yellow. Edges of the first primary, seconda
ries, and tertials margined with dull yellowish white, most broadly on the latter. Two transverse bands of pale yellowish
across the wings formed by the tips of the secondary and primary coverts, succeeded by a brown one. Tail light brown, mar
gined externally like the back. Upper mandible light brown above ; pale yellow beneath. In autumn the lower parts are
more yellow. Length, 5. 65 ; wing, 3.00 ; tail, 2.75.
Ilab. — Eastern United States to the Mississip .
In this species the wing is rather long and quite acute, reaching about to the middle of the
tail ; the primaries about .90 of an inch shorter than the secondaries. The proportions do not
vary much from that described, although the third quill is sometimes longest. The tail is
almost exactly even, a little rounded on the sides. The tarsi are rather long, exceeding the
middle toe.
There is generally a tinge of reddish in the yellow bands of the wings, although most marked
in autumn specimens. The under wing coverts are pale sulphur yellow, and the tertials and
secondaries have the basal portion of the inner web entirely sulphur yellow. The yellow edges
to the lesser quills do not extend as far as the wing coverts, but leave a well defined band of
brown just below the yellowish.
This species is very similar to E. traillii, but the upper parts are of a brighter and more
uniform olive green, much like that of Vireo olivaceus. The feathers of the crown lack the
darker centre. There is less of the olivaceous ash across the breast. The bands across the
wing are brighter yellow. There is much more yellow at the base of the lesser quills. The
wings are longer, both proportionally and absolutely. The primaries exceed the secondaries by
nearly an inch, instead of by only about .70 ; the proportions of the quills are much the same.
List of specimens.
Catal. ex n
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained..
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
1824
Philadelphia
S. F. Baird
1089 i
do
Spring of 1843
do
1225
do
do
500 <J
1841
7589
April 29 1845
2395 o Q
Savannali Ga
1845
S F Baird
J. Leconte
5. CO
8.50 J 2.70
2396 <?
7416 .
do
1845
do
Dr J P Kirtland
do
5.90
9.00 2.90
j
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTKIS, Baird.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
Tyrannulaflariventris, WM. M. and S. F. BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. I, July, 1843,283— IB. Am. Journ. Science,
April, 1844. — AUDUBON, Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 341 ; pi. 490.
Tyrannulapusilla, (SWAINSON) REINHARDT, Vidensk. Meddel. for 1853 1854, 82.— GLOGER,|Cab. Jour. 1854, 426.
Empidonax hypoxanthus, BAIRD, (Provisional name for eastern specimens.)
Empidonax difflcilis, BAIRD, (Provisional name for western.)
SP. CH.— Second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal ; first intermediate between fifth and sixth. Tail nearly even, slightly
rounded. Tarsi long. Above bright olive green; (very similar to the back of Vireo noveboracensis ; ) crown rather darker.
A broad yellow ring round the eye. The sides of the head, neck, breast and body, and a band across the breast like the back,
but lighter ; the rest of the lower parts bright sulphur yellow ; no white or ashy anywhere on the body. Quills dark brown ;
two bands on the wing formed by the tips of the primary and secondary coverts, the outer edge of the first primary and of the
secondaries and tertials pale yellow, or greenish yellow. The tail feathers brown, with the exterior edges like the back. The
bill dark brown above, yellow beneath. The feet black. In the autumn the colors are purer, the yellow is deeper, and the
markings on the wings of an ochry tint. Length, 5.15 inches ; wing, 2.83 ; tail,-2.45.
Hob. — Eastern United States generally. Probably replaced on the Pacific by a closely allied species.
This species is thick set in form ; the wings long, reaching as far as the middle of the tail,
or to the end of the upper coverts. The relative proportions of the second, third, and fourth
quills vary somewhat ; the third is, however, mostly a little the longest. The first is generally
a very little longer than the sixth ; considerably shorter than the fifth ; it is about .40 shorter
than the longest, which exceeds the secondaries by about .65 of an inch. The tail feathers are
rather narrow, and rather acute ; the lateral ones a little shortest. The bill is rather broad.
This species is about the size of E. minimus, though rather stouter. The bill is broader ;
the colors are different, minimus not having the bright olive green of the back and yellow of
the under parts, even on the throat, which instead is whitish. In respect to color, flaviventris
differs materially from all our North American species.
This species differs from some North American flycatchers in not having the uppermost tarsal
scutellae to envelope the outside of the bone, but reach only half way round, where the edge of
another series is seen opposite the first. The lower scales, however, follow the usual rule.
There is no naked space on the inner face of the tarsus.
Although the specimens from the west coast are not sufficiently perfect to allow of a full
criticism, I am inclined to think that they are really distinct, and that they will not constitute
almost the single exception to the fact that no flycatcher is common to both east and west
coasts. The colors are lighter, and duller ; the olive more yellowish, and the bands and
edges of the wings narrower and less distinct. The forehead has a peculiar hoary appearance.
The first quill is intermediate between the sixth and seventh, and half an inch less than the
longest ; the second considerably shorter than the fourth. In flaviventris the first is rather
longer than the sixth ; the second and fourth equal. In view of all these circumstances, there
fore, it may be well to give it provisionally a new name, and none would be more appropriate
than that of Empidonax difficilis.
The Muscicapa flaviventris of Vietllot (Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 70) is clearly distinct in the
larger size, rufous tinge above, absence of yellowish on the throat and breast, &c. What the
species really is is not well ascertained, nor whether it actually belongs to this group. It is
spoken of as inhabiting St. Domingo. Should it prove to be of the same genus the present
species may be called hypoxanthus in allusion to the yellow of the under parts.
BIRDS: — TYRANNINAE EMPIDONAX HAMMONDII.
199
That this species is not the T. pusilla of Swainson is sufficiently evident from the fact that
the bands on the wing in the latter are said to be grayish white, the throat ash gray, a whitish
ring round the eye, &c. ; all these parts in flavivenlris being strongly tinged with yellowish.
The proportions of the quills, too, are different.
I have quoted Tyrannula pusilla of Eeinhardt and Gloger, a species captured in 1853 in the
Godthaab district of Greenland, as coming much nearer to the present species than to pusilla
of Swainson.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original Length.
NO. ;
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
1951
An". 4, 1831
S. F. Baird
2339
0
Carlisle, Pa
May 24, 1845
do
985
>
do
May 18, 1843
do
5.16
8.83
2.83
2972
0
do ...
May 18, 1846
.... do
.... ' 5 50
8 25
2 50
2352
A
.. do .
May 26, 1845
do
5.50
9
2 75
2351
o
do . . .
,do
do
.... 5.41
8 08
2 50
2350
J*
.... do
do. , ..
do . .
5.54
8.58
2.75
2428
do
Sept. 4, 1845
do
.... 5.25
8 50
2.58
2302
9
do
May — , 1S45
do
5.25
8.
2.58
West Northfield Illinois
May 19, 1855
do
5920
7243
FortSteilacoom
July 4, 1854
Dr. Cooper
do
5.60
84 5.50
8.50
8.50
Iris Brown
7099
Coban
32613
EMPIDONAX HAMMONDII, Baird.
Tyrannula hammondii, DE VESEY, Pr. A. N. Sc. May, 1858.
Sp. Cn. — Tail moderately forked ; the feathers acutely pointed. Third quill longest ; second and then fourth a little shorter.
First much shorter than fifth, a little longer than sixth. Bill very slender, dark brown. Above dark olive green, consider
ably darker on the head. Breast and sides of the body light olive green, the throat grayish white; the rest of under
parts bright sulphur yellow. A whitish ring round the eye. Wings and tail dark brown ; the former with two olivaceous gray
bands across the coverts ; the latter with the outer edge a little paler than elsewhere, but not at all white. Length, 5.50 ;
wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.50 ; tarsus, .67.
Ilab. — Vicinity of Fort Tejon to Los Angeles.
In this species the olive green on the sides is scarcely distinguishable from that on the back,
although becoming more yellow on the middle of the breast. There is a decided ashy shade on
the whole head. The only light edging to the quills is seen on the terminal half of the
secondaries. The upper mandible and feet are black; the tip of the lower (and in one specimen
the whole) dark brown. The fork of the tail measures a quarter of an inch in depth ; the
longest quill exceeds the first by .40.
This species is at once distinguishable from all the North American Tyrannulas, except
obscurus, by the extreme narrowness of the bill. This is only .25 of an inch wide at the
posterior angle of the mouth, and only .19 at the nostrils. Its colors above are those of
acadicus, while the general effect is much more that of flaviventris, although less brightly
olive. The throat is grayish, not of the same yellow with the belly ; the ring round the eye
white, not yellow ; the olive of the breast much more continuous and distinct ; the bands on
the wings dull grayish instead of clear greenish yellow. The tail, instead of being nearly
even, is quite deeply forked. The bill is scarcely half as wide, and brownish, not yellow,
beneath. The tarsus has the same peculiar scutellation.
The differences from T, obscurus are less easily expressed. It is, however, considerably
200
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
smaller, and more olivaceous above and below ; the tarsi very much shorter ; the most tangible
character is seen in the absence of the white on the outer web of the external tail feather,
which is only a little paler brown than elsewhere.
i
Catal. No. Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
7236
Moiaterey Cal-. ... ------._..---.__-
W. Hutton .
10079 cJ
Fort Tejon, Cal ..
John Xantus de Vesey
803
10080 Q
do
do
652
EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS, Baird.
ITyrannula obscura, SWAINSON, Syn. Mex. Birds, in Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 367.
Sp. CH. — Bill very narrow. Tarsi long. Second, third, and fourth quills longest; first shorter than sixth. Tail rounded.
Above dull brownish olive, paler on the rump, tinged with gray on the head. Loral region and space round the eye whitish.
Throat and fore part of the breast grayish white, slightly tinged with olive across the latter ; the rest of the under parts pale
yelbwish. Wings and tail brown ; the former with two conspicuous bands of brownish white ; the outer primary edged, the
secondaries and tertials edged and tipped with the same. The outer web of the external tail feather white, in strong contrast.
Length, 5.75 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.55 ; tarsus, .70.
Hab. — Rocky mountains of Texas.
In this species the primaries are about .55 of an inch longer than the secondaries ; the first
quill about .35 of an inch shorter than the longest. There is a decided tendency to grayish
white edgings to the quill and tail feathers.
The most decided character of this species is seen in the combination of the narrow bill and
the white outer margin of the external tail feather, together with the long tarsi. The colors
are otherwise much like those of minimus and traillii ; the yellow beneath is, however, more
ochraceous. The bill measured across opposite the middle of the nostrils is less than half its
length from the forehead, instead of being considerably more, as in nearly all the other North
American species, except hammondii.
The only description I can find which applies approximately to this species is that of T.
obscura of Swainson, Syn. birds Mexico, in Philos. Magazine, 1827, No. 10, which is stated to
be : " Above olive gray, beneath yellowish white; wings short, brown, with two whitish bands;
tail brown, even, with a pale yellow margin. Length, 5.25 ; bill nearly .70 ; wings and tail,
2.50 ; tarsi, .60." The present species agrees in the white margin of the tail, but the under
parts are gray anteriorly; the tail slightly rounded; the wings 2.75 inches; the tarsi .70,
and thus much longer ; the bill only .50. The differences of measurement may, however,
be more accidental and real, and the smaller size the result of the more southern locality on
the table lands of Mexico. For the present, therefore, I retain the name obscurus, but should
this prove distinct, shall claim that of E. wrig/itii, the discoverer, by which I had provisionally
designated it.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
7234
$ ? El Paso Texas
Col. Graham
C. Wright
5. 75
8 62
2.75
7237
do
do
5.37
8.50
2.87
BIRDS TYEANNINAE — PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS. 201
PYROCEPHALUS, Gould.
Pyrocephalus, GOULD, Zoo}, of Beagle, 1838, 44.
CH. — Tarsus moderate, very little longer than the middle toe ; hind toe not longer than the lateral. Bill slender, very
narrow at the base. Tail broad, even, considerably shorter than the wings, (about four-fifths,) which reach beyond the middle
of the tail. First quill shorter than the fifth. Head with a conspicuous rounded crest. Sexes dissimilar. Male with the
crown and beneatli red ; tail, back, and wings brown.
This genus is shaped something like Saxicola. Its single North American species is readily
distinguished among other flycatchers by the bright red of the under parts.
PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS, Gray.
Red Flycatcher.
" Muscicapa rubineus, BODDAERT, Tableau des PI. Enl. Buffon, 1783, 42."
Pyrocephalus rubineus, GRAY, Genera, I. 250 LAWRENCE, Annals N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 115 CASSIN, 111 I, iv
1853, 127; pi. xvii.
Muscicapa coronata, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 932. — WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 529.
Pyrocephalus nanus, WOODHOUSE, Sitgreave's Report, 1853, 75.
Sp. CH. — Head with a full rounded or globular crest. Tail even. Crown and whole under parts bright carmine red ; rest of
upper parts, including the cheeks as far as the bill, dull dark brown ; the upper tail coverts darker ; the tail almost black 5
greater and middle wing coverts and edges of secondaries and tertials dull white towards the edges. Outer web of exterior tail
feather and tips of all the tail feathers whitish.
Female similar, without the crest ; the crown brown, like the back ; the under parts whitish anteriorly, streaked with brown ;
behind white, tinged with red or ochraceous. Length of male, about 5.50 ; wing, 3.25 ; tail, 2.75.
Hab. — Valleys of Rio Grande and Gila southward.
In this species the second, third, and fourth quills are longest ; the first intermediate between
the fifth and sixth. The red tipped feathers are all white in their middle portion. The shade
of red varies with specimens, and in winter the red feathers appear to be tipped with grayish.
The shade of red on the belly of the female varies considerably, sometimes being even of an
ochraceous yellow.
The specimen collected at Quihi, Texas, by Dr. Woodhouse, and referred to P. nanus on
account of the very short tail, is moulting, and the tail feathers are not fully grown out.
26 b
202
U. S. P. 11. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
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SUB-OEDER
OSCINES.
Singing Birds.
CH. — Toes, three anterior, one behind ; all at the same level, and none Tersatile, the outer anterior never entirely free to
the base. Tail feathers, twelve. Primaries, either nine only, or else the first is spurious or much shorter than the second, making
the tenth. Tail feathers usually twelve. Tarsi feathered to the knee ; the plates on the anterior face either fused into one, or with
distinct divisions ; the posterior portion of the sides covered by one continuous plate on either side, meeting in a sharp edge behind,
or with only a few divisions inferiorly. Occasionally the hinder side has transverse plates, corresponding in number to the
anterior, but there are then usually none on the sides. Larynx provided with a peculiar muscular apparatus for singing,
composed of five pairs of muscles.
The preceding diagnosis, mainly derived from Dr. Cabanis, expresses the chief characteristics
of such land birds as are provided with a peculiar apparatus for producing song. Birds of other
orders may have more or less agreeable notes, but it is among the Oscines that we find the
delightful and varied melody we are accustomed to consider as the "singing" of birds. It is,
indeed, seldom, as Cabanis justly remarks, that so great a change has been produced in the sys
tematic arrangement of a class by the discovery of a single fact, as has been the case in orni
thology since the announcement that some birds have a peculiar muscular vocal apparatus,
denied to others. It is to Cabanis himself, how?ver, that is chiefly due the merit of having been
among the first to discover appreciable external characters corresponding to these anatomical
peculiarities, and of defining the boundaries of the families as rearranged.
The most natural arrangement of the Oscines, or singing birds, is a matter of much uncer
tainty, and can only be settled by the careful examination, external and internal, of a great
number of types. As the birds of North America lack representatives of many sub-families,
and even of families, I have done little more than to follow Dr. Cabanis in his Ornithologische
Notizen,1 and Museum Heineanum, making here and there a slight transposition where it seemed
necessary. The characters of some of the families, and of nearly all the sub-families, I have
been obliged to work out for myself, owing to the very meagre indications given by the above
mentioned author.
According to Cabanis, the fusion of all the scutellae of the tarsus into one continuous envelope
without indications of division, (called "boot" by the German ornithologists,) is to be con
sidered as indicating the highest type of ornithological structure, and the position of the different
families and genera in the scale, to be mainly regulated by their approach to this character.
With this, however, are to be combined the hints afforded by the greater or less development of
the first primary, the elevation in rank being also, to a considerable degree, proportional to the
tendency to a reduction of this quill in size, and to its gradual suppression entirely.
The families of North American Oscines embrace a large proportion of those that have been
established ; but some have no representatives whatever, such as the typical Muscicapidae, the
Nectarinidae, the Melliphagidae, the Ploceidae, the Sturnidae, and the Paradiseidae. Many
sub-families are wanting, too, of families which have other representatives.
1 Wiegmann's Archiv fur Naturgeschichte 1847, i, 186, 308.
204 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL -REPORT.
In preparing the following diagnoses and descriptions of the families, sub-families, and genera
of American Oscines, I have, as already stated, been mainly obliged to make up the characters
for myself by personal examination of the species. Without the time or the immediate oppor
tunity to extend this criticism to the exotic forms, I have not succeeded as well as I could have
wished, but it cannot be long before some one will take up the subject on the new basis, and
work out the details into an acceptable system. The work of Burmeister on the birds of Brazil,
containing many original and important remarks on the subject, did not reach me until too late
a period to make the use of it I could have wished, although I have derived many valuable hints
from it.
The following synopsis may serve to facilitate the determination of the families, and a conse
quent reference to the page where they are described in rather more detail.
A. Primaries, nine. Outer primary nearly as long as, or more than half, the next. Legs
scutellate anteriorly.
a. Commissure straight.
HIRUNDINIDAE. — Bill very broad, short, and much depressed ; the culmen less than
half the commissure, which opens to beneath the eye. Rictus smooth. Wings
very long, greatly exceeding the tail ; the first primary longest. Tarsi shorter
than the lateral toes.
SYLVICOLIDAE. — Bill usually slender, conical, elongated, and acute ; or, if broad
and depressed, the culmen more than half the gape or commissure, and the rictus
with bristles. Tarsus always longer than the lateral toes. Wings rather short,
never much longer than the tail. First primary generally shorter than second.
b. Commissure angulated at base.
FRINGILLIDAE. — Bill much shorter than the head ; thick, conical, the tip usually
notched, and the rictus with bristles.
ICTERIDAE. — Bill nearly as long as, or longer than, the head, without notch or
bristles.
B. Primaries, ten. First primary very short, (spurious,) the second nearly as long as the
third. Bill, with the culmen gently curved, and the upper mandible notched at tip.
a. Lateral toes about equal. Basal joint of middle toe mostly free internally.
TURDIDAE. — Tarsi encased in one heavy "boot," without scutellae ; posterior
edge acute ; hind claw curved.
ALAUDIDAE. — Tarsi blunt behind ; scutellate anteriorly and posteriorly, but not
laterally. Spurious primary sometimes wanting. Hind claw long, nearly
straight.
b. Outer lateral toe much longest. Basal joint of middle united throughout.
CERTHIADAE. — Legs scutellate anteriorly. Hind toe very long. Claw curved.
C. Primaries, ten. The first spurious, sometimes wanting, or less than half the second. Bill,
with both mandibles, abruptly hooked, and conspicuously notched at the tip, with a tooth behind
the notch above.
BOMBYCILLIDAE. — Bill broad, depressed, weak, moderately hooked. Tarsi shorter
than middle toe.
LANIIDAE. — Bill narrow, much compressed, and very powerful, strongly hooked.
Tarsus longer than middle toe.
BIRDS OSCINES. 205
D. Primaries, ten, the first nearly half as long as the second. The bill gently curved and
moderately notched, or without notch, at the tip.
a. Nostrils uncovered by bristly feathers.
LIOTRICHIDAE. — Bill slender, nearly as long as the head, or much longer, gently or
much curved. First quill more than half the second. Basal joint of middle
toe usually free nearly to the base internally, and halfway externally.
6. Nostrils usually covered with bristly feathers.
PARIDAE. — Base of bill covered with rather broad bristly feathers directed forwards,
with the shaft projecting anteriorly in a simple bristle, or the lateral branches
elongated. Side of tarsi without any groove. Basal joint of middle toe united
to lateral nearly its whole length. Bill mostly without terminal notch. First
primary less than half the second.
CORVIDAE. — Base of bill covered usually with narrow bristly feathers directed for
wards, with short branches to the very tip. Middle of sides of tarsi with a
groove, usually more or less occupied by a row of small scales. Basal joint
of middle toe united halfway only to the lateral. First primary more than
half the second. Bill mostly notched.
The preceding arrangement is not entirely natural, a less exceptionable order, perhaps, being
that adopted in the succeeding pages, namely, Turdidae, Sylvicolidae , Hirundinidae, Borriby-
cillidae, Laniidae, Liotrichidae, Certhiadae, Paridae, Alaudidae, Fringillidae, Icteridae, and
Corvidae. It must be always borne in mind that one set of characters alone is rarely sufficient
to establish zoological rank, but rather the varying combination of several sets. The grouping
of the families of Oscines, as of other orders, will vary greatly with any change in the points of
reference adopted. Tims, as to the character of the tarsus, it is very long in Turdus and Saxi-
cola, and in most Liotrichidae; short in Bombycillidae, and excessively short in the swallows.
The lateral toes are generally nearly equal, but they are very unequal in the Certhiadae. The
basal joint of the middle toe is sometimes nearly free internally, and united externally by the
basal third, as in Turdus, Geothlypis, and the Bombycillidae. In Regulus, Sialia, and Cinclus,
the union externally is about one-half, while in Myiodioctes and Icteria it is nearly complete.
In Toxostoma, Mimus, and Troglodytes, the union of this basal joint externally is about one-half,
internally about one- third. In Campylorhynchus, Catherpes, and Thryothorus, the union is
nearly two-thirds on both sides. In Salpinctes and Lanius it is nearly complete externally.
In the Certhiadae, Paridae, and, to some extent, in Vireo, the union of this basal joint is almost
complete on both sides.
As already stated, the tarsus is entirely without scutellae in the thrushes or in Turdus,
Regulus, Sialia, Cinclus, &c., as also in Myiadestes. In all the others it is scutellate or divided
into broad plates anteriorly ; but in Icteria, Geothlypis, Myiodioctes, and Chamaea, there are no
plates visible on the outer side at all, the division only commencing on the extreme anterior face,
or towards its inner edge. The same is the case in Helmitherus swainsoni, and Seiurus nove-
boracensis, but in S. aurocapillus the plates are more evident. In all the others the scutellae
are well defined externally, near the median line of the outer side. The rest of the surface is
generally undivided, each side being completed by a single plate, the two uniting behind in a
sharp edge. Sometimes there is a tendency to division on the sides of the tarsi below, and in
in Corvidae there is a row of small scales on the middle of one or both sides. In Lanius
borealis and Ampelis garrulus there is a tendency to scales behind and on the sides, inferiorly,
206 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
below. The peculiar condition of the posterior scutellae in Alaudidae will be found detailed
hereafter. In none of these deviations from the highest character in the exhibition of lateral
or posterior scales, however, is there any approach to the peculiarities of the TracheopJiones,
and the first primary is always either short, spurious, or wanting.
It is unnecessary to follow the bill or the tail through its modifications, as the characters of
both are of secondary importance, and only available for purposes of generic distinction.
BIRDS TUBDIDAE. 207
Family TURDIDAE.
Primaries ten, of which the first is always very short, the second nearly equal to the longest, (except in Regulinae.) Wings
r her long. Tarsi usually rather long, without scutellae, or else having them indistinctly visible at the lower end alone.
asal joint of middle toe united by its basal two-tliirds to outer, and by basal half to the inner toe. Lateral toes about
equal. Bill notched at tip.
The chief characteristics of this family are found in the association of a dentirostral bill, with
legs destitute of scutellae or divided scales anteriorly, together with the very short or spurious
first, and the rather long second primary. The North American species all have the tail short
and rather even, or ernarginate.
The following is a synopsis of the sub-families :
TURDLNAE. — Nostrils oval. Bristles along the base of the bill from gape to
nostrils; those of rictus not reaching beyond nostrils. The loral feathers with
bristly points. Second quill longer than sixth. Outer lateral toes longer. Wings
long.
KEGULINAE. — Nostrils oval. The frontal feathers elongated ; their bristl shafts
with the rictal bristles extending beyond the nostrils, the former scale-
like. Points of loral feathers bristly. Second quill shorter than sixth. Size
very small.
CINCLINAE. — Nostrils linear. No bristles whatever about the rictus, nor bristly
points to the loral and frontal feathers. Legs longer than head, reaching
beyond the tip of the tail. Body stout the wings and tail very short.
Sub-Family TURDINAE.
The family of Turdinae, as constituted in the previous synopsis, entirely excludes the
mocking birds belonging to the genera Mimus, Toxostoma, &c. The true place of the last
mentioned forms is very near the wrens, as insisted upon by Cabanis.
The introduction of Sialia and Saxicola into this sub-family, instead of among the Saxico-
linae, is contrary to the usual custom of ornithologists. I, however, am unable to appreciate
any differences between it and Turdus, other than those of generic value, and, at any rate, they
are all sufficiently allied to permit them to be combined.
The genera to be referred to here are Turdus, Saxicola, and Sialia. The chief diagnostic
characteristics of these are as follows :
TURDUS. — Tarsi long, exceeding the middle toe; wings reaching to the middle of
the tail; which is about four-fifths the length of the wings. Bill stout; its
upper outline convex toward the base. Second quill shorter than fifth.
SAXICOLA. — Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe, which reaches nearly
to the tip of the tail. Tail short, even; two-thirds as long as the lengthened
wings, which reach beyond the middle of the tail. Second quill longer than
fifth. Bill attenuated ; its upper outline concave towards the base.
SIALIA. — Tarsi short; about equal to the middle toe. Wings reaching beyond the
middle of the tail. Bill thickened.
208 U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TURDUS, Linn ae u .
Turdus, LINN.EUS, Systema Naturae, 1735. (Type T. viscivorus, fide G. R. Gray.)
Bill rather stout ; commissure straight to near the tip, which is quite abruptly decurved, and usually distinctly notched;
culmen gently convex from base. Bill shorter than the head ; both outlines curved. Tarsi longer than the middle toe. Lateral
toes nearly equal ; outer longer. Wings much longer than tha tail, pointed ; the first quill spurious and very small — not one-
fourth the length of longest. Tail short, nearly even, or slightly emarginate.
The essential characters of the true thrushes appear to consist in the long tarsi, without
distinct scutellae ; the long pointed wings, with rather short second quill and the spurious
primary ; and the moderately short, even tail. There are, however, several distinct groups
among them, of which these in the following synopsis belong to North America.
The Turdus naevius of authors is quite different from the other species in the more slender
bill, longer gonys, and absence of any notch in the bill. The general appearance is, however,
so thrush-like that I cannot see any reason for transferring it to a separate family, as Bonaparte
has done. The structure of its bill assimilates it to Toxostoma ; but it differs in shorter bill,
even tail, booted tarsi, and long wings. The first primary is shorter also, though longer than
in Turdus.
There are few species of North American birds the synonymy of which has been in such a
state of confusion as the small thrushes. Of these there may now be considered as well estab
lished T. mustelinus, fuscescens, ustulatus, sivainsonii, aliciae, pallasii, and nanus, to which may
possibly have to be added T. silens of Swainson, coming between swainsonii and pallasii. In
regard to mustclinus there has been no difficulty, the only synonym of note being melodus of
Wilson. The case is, however, very different with the rest, and a brief sketch of the history
of each species may not be out of place. It will be well to state, as a preliminary, that Turdus
fuscescens and ustulatus have the upper parts throughout of a uniform reddish brown, without
any shade of olive, the throat and breast brownish yellow ; the former species with very
obsolete spots in these regions, lighter than the ground color above ; the latter with the spots
more distinct, and darker than the back. T. swainsonii has the back uniform olive brown, with
a shade of green ; the breast with distinct nearly black spots ; the sides of head and the breast yel
lowish red. T. aliciae similar, but the sides of head gray, the breast white. T. pallasii and nanus
have the back brown, with a faint tinge of reddish ; but the rump, upper coverts, and tail are
quite foxy, considerably different from the back. The under parts are decidedly spotted. T.
nanus is considerably the smaller of the two ; the color beneath purer ; the sides bluish ash, rather
than yellowish bi own. T. aliens, if really distinct from T. pallasii, is larger and more oliva
ceous on the back, with the same contrast of color on the tail. The Turdus fuscescens was
described improperly by Wilson as T. mustelinus. Stephens, in 181*7, first detected the error,
and called the species T. fuscescens, which name, however, remained unnoticed until brought
to light by Gray in the Genera of Birds. Bonaparte, in 1824, gave the name of wilsonii, by
which the species has generally been known. Swainson, in the Fauna Boreali Americana,
calls it T. minor after Gmelin, and applies the name wilsonii erroneously to T. swainsonii.
The Turdus minor of Gmelin, in fact, applies in part to this species, but also includes characters
of T. swainsonii, having been compounded of the descriptions of the little thrush of Latham and
the little thrush of Pennant. He supposed them to be merely two different descriptions of one
species, whereas that of Latham belonged to fuscescens, (" above reddish brown or clay color,
breast yellowish, with dusky spots,") and that of Pennant to T. swainsonii, (" above uniform
BIRDS TURDIDAE TURDUS. 209
brown, breast with large brown spots.") The large brown spots are not found in fuscescens.
Gmelin describes T. minor as "spadiccus, pectoreflavicante, maculis atris," (reddish brown, breast
yellowish with black spots.) His name is, therefore, clearly to be set aside in the further discus
sion of the question.
I have not now the means of verifying the accuracy of the reference of Turdus parvus of
Selgimann to this species, made by me many years ago ; but if correct, then this name may have
to take precedence, unless a true Turdus parvus had been previously described.
Turdus ustulatus of Nuttall has been mentioned alone by him, and has no synonyms, as far
as I can ascertain. By a typographical error the name was printed cestulatus.
By a remarkable oversight the olive-backed thrush, (T. swainsonii ,) though well known to
all of the more recent school of American ornithologists, was not described by either Wilson or
Audubon. It was given by Swairison as Merula ivilsonii, erroneously supposing it to be the
species referred to by Bonaparte under this name. His figure of M. solitaria is very probably
this same species. The figure given by Wilson to accompany his description of Turdus solitarius
(pallasii) unquestionably belongs to T. swainsonii. As previously stated, the T. minor of Gmelin
applies in part to this species ; that of Vieillot to this species, in conjunction with T. pallasii.
In the latter part of 1843 Mr. Giraud, a leading American ornithologist, and author of
several important works, published the species as Turdus olivaceus ; and Dr. Brewer, without
knowing the fact, gave it the same name in 1844. This has really priority, unless the Turdus
Irunneus of Boddaert, based on PI. enlum. 556, fig. 2, be really and incontestibly the present
species, as claimed by Gray in the Genera of Birds. The term olivaceus, however, had pre
viously been used by Linmeus and Boddaert, as well as by Lichtenstein and others, in connexion
with thrushes, and cannot be retained, unless these are shown to belong to genera other than
that of the present species. Not having access at present to the Planches enluminees, I am
unable to discuss the value of Boddaert's name.
In Thchudi's Fauna Peruana, published between 1844 and 1846, Cabanis gives accurate
diagnoses of the American thrushes, showing their relations to each other, although in this he
had been anticipated by Dr. Brewer in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural
History for July, 1844. He there applies the name of T. swainsonii to the olive-backed species,
which, in the present state of our knowledge of the question, must be retained.
The Turdus pallasii of Cabanis — T. solitarius of Wilson — first received a distinctive name in
Wiegmann's Archiv, in 1847. Wilson's name had previously been employed by Linnteus and
others for a different thrush. The species was at first called T. minor by Bonaparte and Audu
bon, erroneously supposing it to be the bird referred to by Gmelin ; in their later works, how
ever, these authors took Wilson's name. In the article already referred to in Fauna Peruana,
Cabanis identified this species with Muscicapa guttata of Pallas, which, however, he afterwards
found to be distinct.
The Merula silens of Swaiuson, if really identical with the present species, will take priority
over Cabanis' name ; but I am inclined to consider it distinct for reasons named elsewhere.
The remaining species was named and described by Audubon as Turdus nanus. In his
article in the Fauna Peruana, Cabanis considered the Turdus aonalaschka of Gmelin and Musci
capa guttata of Pallas as young birds of the Tardus solitarius of Wilson. The locality—
Kussian America — and the small size clearly indicate that the names, if belonging to either,
apply to the dwarf rather than to the hermit thrush. In the Muscicapa guttata of Pallas it is
difficult to recognize even a young bird of this species — in the " body brown above, spotted
2f b
210 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
with yellow ; "beneath pale, variegated with black. Tail rufous. Rump rufous yellow, with
transverse brown bands. Wings sparsely dotted. Breast white, with transverse bands of
black. Length to the rump, 3| inches ; tail, 2 inches 7 lines ; wing, 3 inches 5 lines. Kodiak."
The Turdus aonalaschka of Gmelin, based on a bird the u size of a lark, crown and back brown,
marked with obscure dusky spots ; breast yellow, spotted with black ; wing coverts, prime
quills, and tail dusky, edged with testaceous ; hab. Aonalaschka, cabinet of Sir Joseph Banks,"
of Latham and Pennant might possibly refer to a young bird of the present species ; but in the
entire uncertainty in the case, and the possibility of their having some one of the similarly
colored American sparrows before them, it may be best to retain Mr. Audubon's name.
SYNOPSIS OF SUB-GENERA AND SPECIES.
TURDUS. — Tarsi elongated, considerably longer than the middle toe ; the scutellae not
distinguishable. Tail feathers acuminate. Bill distinctly notched. Above plain olive or
reddish, beneath white ; the breast spotted.
Rufous brown above, much brightest towards the head, becoming olivaceous on the tail ;
pure white beneath, thickly spotted on the whole breast and sides with blackish.
mustelinus.
Yellowish olive above, becoming decidedly rufous on the rump and tail. Beneath white,
scarcely more yellow anteriorly ; breast with well defined spots like the back. Tibiae
and sides yellowish olive brown pallasii.
Similar to the last, but smaller ; the under parts purer white ; the tibiae and sides
grayish olive brown nanus.
Similar to pallasii, but larger ; the back greenish, not yellow olive, passing into reddish
on the tail silens.
Above uniform yellowish red ; throat and jugulum decidedly yellowish, the latter with
very obsolete spots fuscescens.
Similar to the last, but more yellow olivaceous above, and the jugulum distinctly marked
with spots like the back ustulatus.
Above greenish olive, not appreciably lighter on the tail. Sides of the head with the
breast and throat strongly tinged with reddish yellow, and a ring of the same round
the eye. Breast with very distinct spots of dark brown swainsonii.
Above greenish olive, not appreciably lighter on the tail. Sides of the head ashy ; ring
round the eye, with the throat, and breast white. Breast with very distinct spots
of dark brown, almost black aliciae.
PLANISTICUS. — Body stout ; tarsi not much longer than the middle toe, the scutellae somewhat
visible on the inside below. Tail feathers rather truncate. Bill distinctly notched. Above
plain olive ; throat and chin alone white, streaked with black ; breast rufous.
Above grayish olive ; top of head and the tail blackish. Beneath reddish brown ; the
anal region and crissum, with eyelids, white migratorius.
IXOREUS. — Bill slender, elongated, nearly as long as the head ; commissure curved ; tip
without any notch. Scutellae not distinguishable. Claws larger than in Planisticus. First
primary about one-fourth the longest. Tail feathers acuminate. Throat and under parts
entirely unspotted.
Above dark plumbeous ; beneath reddish brown, with a pectoral band of black ; wings
varied with reddish brown, arid a stripe of the same behind the eye naevius.
BIRDS TUEDIDAE T URDUS.
211
Comparative measurements of species.
Cata 1 .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex am:
age.
Length .
1
Stretch
ofwmgs.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Alon-4
gape.
Specimen mea
sured.
15(59
(5s
7 20
4 05
3 06
1 28
1 02
0.24
0.72
1.04
Drv
do
do
do
8 OS
13 41
4 2.")
1570
.... do
do
Q
7.10
4.30
3.20
1.20
0.98
0.24
0.68
0.98
Dry
do.
do
do
8 08
13.58
4.41
Fresh
8388
do
o
4.31
2.93
1.40
1.14
0.90
1.98
0.50
0.6^
Dry
7950
7.11
4.02
3 23
1.18
0.93
0.22
0.60
0.78
Dry
2092
Carlisle, Pa
6 80
3.80
3.26
1.16
0.82
0.22
0.58
0.81
Dry
do
do
.do
7 50
11.83
3 83
Fresh
7591
do .......
W7a-<liin"ton, D C
6 2U
3 70
2 90
1.16
0 88
0.23
0.50
0.80
Dry
1375
do
Carlisle, Pa
0
6.40
3.64
3.02
1.18
0.82
0.22
0.54
0.78
Dry
do
do
do
7 16
11.50
3 66
F.esh
8170
.. do
o
6 5G
3 52
Q 90
1.10
0.84
0.21
0.54
0.82
Dry
do.
do
do
6 53
2 56
Fresh
8168
t?
6.34
3 34
2,90
1.08
0.80
0.22
0.52
0.74
Q145
.J
6 61
4 00
3 24
1 21
0 90
0 22
0 6J
0 84
Drv ..
do.
do ....,,.
do
7 50
12.58
4.25
969
do . .
do
o
6 50
3 68
3 12
1 12
0 78
0.18
0.54
0 80
Dry
do.
do
do
7 08
11.83
3.75
Fresh
2040
980
Turdus u^tulatus ..
Columbia river
*
7.20
6 54
3.70
4 00
3.01
3 16
1.10
1 10
0.98
0 84
0.20
0.22
0.53
0.50
0.83
0.76
Dry
Dry
do.
do
dn
7 00
12.50
4.16
Fresh
981
.... do
do
Q
6 05
3.60
2 90
1.04
0.80
0.20
0.52
0.76
do
do
do
6 50
11 50
3 5(5
Fresh
5657
do
Rep. Fork, 40 miles
$
6 80
3 84
2.88
l.OS
0.81
0.22
0.44
0.74
D.y
do ...
west of Riley.
do ...
7 00
11 00
7918
do
Mexico
6 70
3 74
2.94
1.04
0 89
0.21
0.52
0.74
Ory
10084
W. Nortlifii'ld Cook
7 30
4 14
3 20
1.20
0.92
8 24
0.50
0.76
10083
do
coun'y, III.
7 80
4 ig
8 08
1 10
0 93
0 24
0.56
0 78
Drv.. .
4708
do
Cairo, III.
3;
7 10
4 08
3 28
1.18
0 88
0 22
0.50
0.72
do
do.
do
7 25
12 25
4 25
8141
3
9 04
5 30
4.46
1.30
1.20
0.32
0 84
1.08
853
do
*
9 30
5 3D
4 70
1 24
1 10
0.26
0 78
1.07
do
do
do . .
O
9 75
16.25
5.41
Fresh
Q814
*
9 30
4 9-}
3.9J
1.26
1.16
0.28
0.86
1.04
Dry
do
do
9 00
14 50
4 75
Fresh
8123
do
O ?
8 70
4 83
3 88
1 26
1.16
0.30
0.88
1 16
Dry
V •
212
U. S. P. E. EEXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TURDUS MUSTELINUS, Gmelin.
Wood Thrush.
Turdus mustelinus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1783, 817. — LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 331. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept.
II, 1807, 6 ; pi. Ixii.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 343.— AUDTJBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 372 : V, 1839,
446 ; pi. 73.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 24 ; pi. 144.— BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 270.
Merula mustelina, RICH. List, 1837.
Turdus mdodus, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 35 ; pi. ii.
Tawny thrush, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 337.
Sp. CH. — Above clear cinnamon brown, on the top of the head becoming more rufous, on the rump and tail olivaceous. The
under parts are clear white, sometimes tinged with buff on the breast or anteriorly, and thickly marked beneath, except on the
chin and throat and about the vent and tail coverts, with sub-triangular, sharply denned spots of blackish. The sides of the
head are dark brown, streaked with white, and there is also a maxillary series of streaks on each side of the throat, the central
portion of which sometimes has indications of small spots. Length, 8.10 inches ; wing, 4.25 ; tail, 3.05 ; tarsus, 1.26.
Ilab. — Eastern United States to Missouri river ; south to Guatemala
This species is quite stout in form ; the tail is even or very slightly rounded laterally ; the
feathers acuminate. The third and fourth quills are longest ; the second rather longer than
the fifth. The legs are yellow ; the bill brown, but yellow at the base beneath.
A female specimen has nearly the whole lower parts tinged faintly with buff.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1569
Carlisle, Pa
May 23. 1844
S. F. Baird
8.08
13 43
4 25
1570
do
do
do
8 08
13 25
4 43
7086
Rockport, Ohio ....
do
8390
8388
9
o
Independence, Mo.
June 22, 1857
do
Win. M. .»jagraw
do
96
93
Dr. Cooper
do
7.75
12.50
4.50
Iris brown, bill
black, feet gray.
4650
Fort Pierre
May 3,1855
Col. A. Vaughan
7947
TUKDUS PALL ASH, Cabanis.
Hermit Thrush.
Turdus pallasii, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, I, i, 205.— IB. Museum Heincanum, 1850-1, 5.
Turdus solltarlus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 95, (not of Linnaeus. The figure quoted pi. xliii, fig. 2, belongs to
T. swainsonii.)— AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 29; pi. 14G.— BONAPARTE,
List, 1838.— IB. Consp. Av. 1850, 270.— BREWER, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. H. 1844, 191.
Merula solitaria, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 184. (The figure pi. xxxv, probably belongs to T. swainsonii.*)—
VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 7 ; pi. Ixiii, (in part with swainsonii.)
Turdus minor, BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 72.— IB. Synopsis, 1828, 75.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1830, 346.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 303 : V, 445 ; pi. 58.
Turdus guttatus, CABANIS, Tschudi Fauna Peruana, 1844, 6, 187, (not J\Iusdcapa guttata, Pall.)
? Turdus minimus, SELIGMANN, Samml. II, 177 ; pi. Ixii.
SP. CH.— Fourth quill longest ; third and fourth a little shorter ; second about equal to the sixth ; about ,30 of an inch shorter
than the longest. Tail slightly emarginate. Above light olive brown, with a scarcely perceptible shade of reddish, passing,
however, into decided rufous on the rump, upper tail coverts, and tail, arid to a less degree on the outer surface of the win^s.
Btneath white, with a scarcely appreciable fchade of pale buff across the fore part of the breast, and sometimes on the throat ;
the sides of the throat and the fore part of the breast with rather sharply define J subtriangular spots oi dark olive brown ; the
sides of the breast with paler and less distinct spots of the same. Sides of the body under the wings of a paler shade than the
back. A whitish ring round the eye ; ear coverts very obscurely streaked with paler. Length, 7.50 inches; wing, 3.84 ; tail,
3.25; tarsus, 1.16; No. 2092.
Hab. — Eastsrn North America to the Mississippi river.
BIRDS — TURDIDAE — TURDUS NANUS.
213
Specimens vary somewhat in the intensity of the colors above, hut the upper coverts and tail
are always conspicuously more rufous than the back, especially at the base of the tail. There
is sometimes a faint indication of two lighter bars on the tips of the wing coverts. Sometimes
the under coverts are tinged with huff. A specimen from Washington (7591) has the back
nearly as bright as in T. ivilsojiii, and the bands on the wing unusually distinct, but the tail is
conspicuously brighter, as usual.
A Mexican specimen (No. 7950) received from Mr. Gould, compared with Pennsylvania ones,
is a little more olivaceous on the back, although but little more so than is exhibited by skins
from Carlisle. The wing is longer, however, measuring a little over four inches ; the tail,
3.40; the tarsus, 1.18. The lateral toes are shorter and more unequal. The third quill is
longer than the fifth ; the second .10 of an inch longer than the sixth. I am not prepared to
say whether this is more than an extreme case of T. pallasii. Should this at any time prove a
distinct species from solitarius, as it certainly is from nanus, it might bear Swainson's name of
T. silens1 as best agreeing with it, in spite of some discrepancies.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When, collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2092
April 11 1845
S. F Baird
7.50
11.83
3.83
2146
Q
do
April 26 1845
do
7.25
11.50
3.75
1375
o
do
April 20, 1844
do
7. 16
11.50
3. 66
93
,7
do
April 10 1840
...do
37
7591
Washington DC
Wm. Hutton
7292
J. P Kirtland
TURDUS NANUS, A u d .
Dwarf Thrush.
Turdus nanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 201 ; pi. 419.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 32 ; pi. 147, (Columbia river.)—
GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843, 262.
? Turdus aonalaschka, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 808.
? 1 Muscicapa guttata, PALLAS, Zool. Rosso. As. II, 1811, 465.
? Aonalaschka Thrush, LATHAM, Synopsis II, i, 1783, 23.— PENN. Arc. Zool. II, 1785, 338.
Sp. CH. — Similar to T. pallasii, but smaller. The white of the under parts purer ; the sides glossed with bluish ash instead
of yellowish olive brown. The tail with a purple tinge. Length, 6.50 ; wing, 3.30 ; tail, 2.90 ; tarsus, 1.10.
Hab. — Pacific coast of North America, and along valley of Gila to El Paso.
This species, if really distinct, is so closely allied to T. pallasii as to render a separation of
the two exceedingly difficult. There is the same shade of olive on the back, passing into reddish
on the upper coverts and tail, and to a less extent on the wings ; the pale buff tinge of the fore
part of breast and sometimes of throat ; the distinctly defined triangular dusky spots on the
sides of the throat and across the breast ; the less distinct and more rounded spots on the sides
of the breast behind. Comparing typical specimens of the eastern series (T. pallasii) and
the western (T. nanus) the differences appear to be as follows :
1 Merula silens, SWAINSON, Syn. Birds Mex. in Philosophical Magazine I, 1827, 369. — IB. F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831.
Length, 7 inches ; bill, .75 wings, 3.75; tail, 3 ; tarsi, 1.
214
U, S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The shade of the back is the same, perhaps a little more olive in T. nanus, in which the
centres of the feathers of the crown are a little more dusky. There is also in nanus a slight
purple tinge in the tail. The under parts show a purer white behind, and the sides, axillaries,
and under wing coverts show a bluish gray tinge rather than a pale brownish yellow. The
under tail coverts are pure white, without the usual tinge of buff. There is no essential differ
ence in the proportion of the quills. The tail may possibly be more rounded in nanus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Wing.
3895
California ........
Dr. Hcermann
4483
Santa Clara, Cal
Dr. Cooper
6.50
9 25
5943
do
Nov. 1855
do
7.00
10.50
8168
Sacramento valley . . -
do.
Lt Williamson
Dr Hecrmann
8169
Mimbres to Rio Grande
Dr T C Henry
8170
Q
Frontera, Texas .
May 8, 1851
C. Wright
6.80
2.56
TURDUS FUSCESCENS, Stephens.
Wilson's Thrush.
Turdus fuscescens, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zoo]. Birds, X, i, 1817, 182. — GRAY, Genera, 1849.
Turdus mustelinus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 98 ; pi. 43, (not of Gm.)
Turdus witsonil, BON. Ob*. Wils. 1825, No. 73, (not of Swainson.)— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 271.— NUTT. Man. I,
1832, 349.— AUD. Om. Biog. II, 1834, 362 : V, 446 ; pi. 166.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 27 ; pi.
145.— BREWER, Pr. Bost. N. H. Soc. I, 1844, 191. — CABANIS, in Tschudi Fauna Peruana, 1844-
'46, 205.
Turdus minor, GM. I, 1788, 809. (From Pennant and Latham, compounded of this and T. swainsonii.) — D'ORBIGNY,
De la Sagra's Cuba, Birds, 47 ; pi. v.
Jtterula minor, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 179, (plate that of swainsonii.)
Turdus iliacus carolinensis, BRISSON, II, 1760, 212.
? Turdus parvus, (Edw.) SELIGMANN, Simml. VIII, 1775, pi. Ixxxvi.
Little Thrush, LATHAM, Synopsis II, i, 1783, 20.
SP. CH. — Third quill longest; fourth a little shorter ; second nearly a quarter of an inch longer than the fifth. Above, and
on sides of head and neck, nearly uniform light reddish brown, with a faint tendency to orange on the crown and tail. Beneath,
white ; the fore part of the breast and throat (paler on the chin) tinged with pale brownish yellow, in decided contrast to the
white of the belly. The sides of the throat and the fore part of the breast as colored are marked with small triangular spots of
light brownish, nearly like the back, but not well defined. There are a few obsolete blotches on the sides of the breast (in the
white) of pale olivaceous ; the sides of the body tinged with the same. Tibiae white. The lower mandible is brownUh only
at the tip. The lores are ash colored. Length, 7.50 ; wing, 4.25 ; tail, 3.20 ; tarsus, 1.20.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Missouri ; north to fur countries.
This species is well distinguished among the American thrushes by the indistinctness of
the spots beneath, and their being confined mainly to the fore part of the breast. In some
specimens there is a faint tendency to a more vivid color on the rump, but this is usually like
the back, which is very nearly the color of the rump in T. pallasii.
One specimen (6992) is quite remarkable for the shortness of the bill, which only measures
half an inch above instead of .65 of an inch as in other specimens. I am, however, unable to
ap reciate any other difference.
BIRDS TUKDIDAE TUKDUS USTULATUS.
215
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length. ] Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
989
n
Carlisle Pa
May 18 1843 ' S F Baird .
7.08 11.83
3 75
2145
r*
do
April 1C 1845 do
7.50 11.58
4 25
90
ji
do
May — , 1840 do
69
6919
Red river, H. B
D. Gunn
6992
0
St. Louis, Mo
May 13, 1857 ' Lt. Bryan
75
W. S. Wood
4713
r?
Mouth Vermilion riv
' Lt. Warren
Dr. llayden.
7.25 11.87
4. 00
TURDUS USTULATUS, Nuttall.
Turdus ustulatus, NUTTALL, Man. Orn. I, (2d ed.) 1840, 400. Columbia river ; (printed cestulatus by a typographical
error.)
SP. CH. — Third and fourth quills longest ; second intermediate between fourth and fifth. Tail nearly even. Upper parts
uniform reddish brown, with a faint olivaceous tiage. Fore part of the breast tinged with brownish yellow, becoming paler to
the chin ; the remaining under parts are white. The sides of the throat and the fore part of the breast with small distinct triangular
spots of well denned brown, much darker than the back ; the sides of the breast more obsoletely spotted, and the sides of the
body washed with olivaceous yellow brown. The tibiae are yellowish brown. Nearly the whole of the lower mandible, except
the rami, is brown. Length, 7.50 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 3.00 ; tarsus, 1.12.
Hab. — Coast region of Oregon and Washington Territories.
This species, in the entire uniformity in color of its upper plumage, is related to T. sivain-
sonii and to T. fuscescens. The former, however, has the upper plumage of a perfectly uniform
dull greenish olive, and the spots in the fore breast are larger and better defined. It has much
resemblance to T. fuscescens. The upper parts, however, show less red, having this of a faint
olive shade. The spots on the sides of the throat and on the breast are darker and well defined
instead of being rather obsolete ; they are decidedly darker than the ground color above instead
of lighter. The spots on the hinder part of the breast, too, are more distinct ; the axillaries
brownish yellow instead of ash. The tibial featheis are yellowish brown instead of whitish
ash, and the sides of the body more yellowish brown. The color of the tibiae is a strong feature.
The bill and feet are shorter. The olivaceous spots on the hind part of the breast extend nearly
to the central line, and are otherwise quite conspicuous, while in fuscescens there is little or
nothing of this.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
jWhen collected
Whence obtained. Collected by — , Length.
Stretch
of wings.
2040
8171
iShoul water bay
May 31 1854
Gov. Stevens Dr. Cooper 7.25
11.75
8172
do
do
do ; do 8. 00
12.25
8173
T Au" 2 185G
Dr Suckley : 7. G2
11.00
216
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET
TURDUS SWAINSONII, Cab.
Olive-backed Thrush.
Turdus swainsonii, CAB. in Tschudi F. Peruana, 1844- '46, 168. — IB. in V. Homeyer's Rliea, II, 149. — IB. Mus. Hein.
Ie50, 5. (Siberia.)
? Turdus brunneus, BODDAERT, Tab. PI. enl. 3783, according to Gray in Genera. Based on PI. enl. 556, f. 2.
Turdus minor, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1783, 809. (Combined with T. fascescens.)— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 7 ;
pi. Ixiii. (Mixed with T. pallasii )— BON. List. 1838.— IB. Conspectus 1850, 271.
? ? Turdus fuscus, GMELI.V, Syst. Nat. I, 1783, 817. (Mixed with T. mustelinus?)
Turdus solitarlus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, pi. xliii, fig. 2, (figure only.) — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, pi. xxxvi, (figure
only.)
Merula wilsonii, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, (not the figure.)
Turdus olivaceus, GIRAUD, Birds Long Island, 1843- '44, 92, (not of Linn, or Bodd.) — BREWER, Pr. Bost. Soc. N.
II. July, 1844, 191.
Little Thrush, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 1785, 338.
Sp CH. — Third quill longest ; second and fourth but little shorter, and much longer than the fifth ; (by .35 of an inch.)
Upper parts uniform olivaceous, with a decided shade of green. The fore part of breast, the throat and chin, pale brownish
yellow ; rest of lower parts white ; the sides washed with brownish olive. Sides of the tnroat and fore part of the breast with
sub-rounded spots of well defined brown, darker than the back ; the rest of the breast (except medially) with rather less distinct
spots that are more olivaceous. Tibiae yellowish brown. Broad ring round the eye. Loral region, and a general tinge on the
side of the head, clear reddish buff. Length, 7.00 ; wing, 4.15 ; tail, 3.10 ; tarsus, 1.10.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Black Hills ; south to Mexico and Peru ; north to Greenland. Accidental in Europe
and Siberia.
This species is at once distinguished from the others by the perfectly uniform and pure dull
olivaceous shade of its upper parts, most strongly marked and appreciable on the rump and tail.
The throat and breast are, perhaps, more reddish than in any of our species, and the tinge in
the marking on the side of the head is very much more decided than in any other. The spots
on the breast larger than in T. ustulatus, and rather more numerous than in pallasii.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
981
May 18, 1843
S. F. Baird
6 50
11 50
3.75
2-206
j,
do . ....
May 3, 1845
do
7. 03
12.08
4.C8
980
d
*
do
May 18, 1843
do
7.
12.50
4.16
2203
O
3
do ...
May 16, 1845
do
7.25
12.50
4.08
2639
(?
do.
May 12, 1846
do
6.8,'i
11.91
3.91
388
3;
do.
May, 1841
do
6.75
12.16
666
$
do
May 13, 1842
do
6.50
12.
6993
3
May 15, 1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan
W. S. Wood
6994
3
do ...
...do...
do
7523
May. 26, 1857
Wni. M. Magraw.
Dr. Cooper
7.00
11.25
3.75
8302
. .. do
do
15
do
7.50
12.25
4324
5657
S
Calcasieu I'ass, La
Rep. Fork, 40 miles west
of Fort Riley.
1854
Jan. 25
May 8, 1856
G. Wurdemann ....
Lt. F. T. Bryan....
Lt. Warren
W. S. Wood
7.00
6.75
11.37
4.12
black and yel
low; I'eet brown.
d1
do
... do
7.25
11.87
4.25
d'1
S,-pt. 18
do
do
7 12
11.12
4.12
Iris light brown.
3
Sept. 10, 1857
Dr. J. G. Cooper. .
197
7.37
12.00
4.00
John Gould
BIRDS TURDIDAE TURDUS ALICIAE.
217
TURDUS ALICIAE, Baird.
Gray-cheeked Thrush.
gp. Cn. — Third quill longest; fourth nearly equal; second not much longer than fifth. Above nearly pure dark olive green ;
sides of the head ash gray ; the chin, throat, and under parts, with ring round the eye, white ; purest behind. Sides of throat
and across the breast with arrow-shaped spots of dark plumbeous brown. Sides of body and axillaries dull grayish olivaceous.
Tibiae plumbeous ; legs brown. Length, nearly 8 inches ; wing, 4.20 ; tail, 3.20 ; tarsus, 1.15.
flab. — Mississippi region to the Missouri.
In this species the most striking feature next to the uniformly olivaceous hack is the grayish
ashen character of the head, and the entire absence of any huff tinge of the hreast and sides of
the neck. These parts are not of as pure white as the helly, having the faintest possible shade
of yellowish red, hut it is barely appreciable, nor is it any more distinct in raising the feathers.
There is the faintest possible shade of reddish in the tail and its coverts above, but this is only
to be observed on a close examination.
This species comes much nearest to Turdus swainsonii, the olive-backed thrush, agreeing with
it in the dark greenish olive of the upper surface. This, however, is decidedly darker, and
showing a clearer greenish than usual in the other. The absence of any buff on the throat,
breast, and sides of the head, and the predominating ashy shade on the latter, with a white
ring instead of reddish yellow round the eye,, are strong points of distinction. The slight tinge
of reddish yellow in the olivaceous of the sides, the inner surface of the wings, and the
axi liars of T. swainsonii, are here replaced by grayish olive. The under mandible is blacker,
and the legs are decidedly dusky instead of yellowish. The bill appears more slender, and the
whole bird is larger.
The best specimens of this species before me are from Illinois, but several from the upper
Missouri belonging to Lieutenant Warren's collection agree with them, and I find no difficulty
in distinguishing them at once from any other North American species by more tangible
characters than are usually to be found in the small American thrushes. It is barely possible that
it may constitute a variety only of T. swainsonii, but if so it is a very strongly marked one.
The description by Cahanis of T. swainsonii in Fauna Peruana expressly dwells on the buff
of the sides of the head and the breast, and consequently belongs to the preceding species.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collect- Whence obtained,
eel. |
Collected by—
Extent.
Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
Remarks.
10084
10083
4708
4709
4712
4711
.......
(?
(?
<?
W. Northfield, 111
Near Cairo, 111
Upper Missouri
Mouth of Vermilion
do
Jacques river
i Alice Kennicott. . . .
April 29,1857 R. Kennicott
Lieut. Warren
May 8,1856 do
do do
do do
Dr. F. V. Hayden..
do
do
do
7.25
7.63
7.00
7.50
12.25
12.50
12.50
12. 62
4.25
4.12
4.00
4.25
28 b
218 U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
TUKDUS (PLANESTICUS1) MIGKATORIUS, Linn.
Robin.
Turdus migratorius, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 292.— FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382.— VIEILLOT, Ois.
Am. Sept. II, 1807, 5; pi. lx, Ixi.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 35 ; pi. ii.— DOUGHTY, Cab.
Nat. Hist. I, 1830, 133; pi. xii. — BREIIM, Handbuch Vog. Deutsch. 1831, 388, (European
spec.)— AuDUBON.Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 190 ; pi. 131.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 14 ; pi. 142 —
BONAPARTE, Conspectus, 1850, 272. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 81 ; Rep. P. R.
R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Merula migratoria, Sw. & RICH, Fauna Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 176.
Planesticus migratorius, BONAPARTE. (?)
Turdus canadensls, BRISSON, Orn. II, 1760, 225.
gp. CH. — Third and fourth quills about equal ; fifth a little shorter ; second longer than sixth. Tail slightly rounded. Above
olive gray ; top and sides of the head black. Chin and throat white, streaked with black. Eyelids, and a spot above the eye
anteriorly, white. Under parts and inside of the wings, chestnut brown. The under tail coverts and anal region, with tibiae
white, showing the plumbeous inner portions of the feathers. Wings dark brown, the feathers all edged more or less with pale
nsh. Tail still darker, the extreme feathers tipped with white. Bill yellow, dusky along the ridge and at the tip. Length,
9.75 ; wing, 5.43 ; tail, 4.75 ; tarsus, 1.25.
Hub. — Continent of North America to Mexico.
It is very seldom that specimens exhibit the colors exactly as described. Nearly always in
winter, and in most cases at other times, the rufous feathers are margined with whitish, some
times quite obscuring the color. The black feathers of the head, too, have brownish edgings.
The white spot above the eye sometimes extends forwards towards the nostrils, but is usually
quite restricted. The white patches on the two eyelids are separated from each other, anteriorly
and posteriorly.
The young bird differs in having the back with transverse blackish bars, the underparts
thickly marked with black in transversely elongated blackish spots. The chin and throat are
white, with a maxillary brown streak only. The shafts of the lesser coverts are streaked with
brownish yellow, and the back feathers with white.
Sometimes, especially in winter specimens, the olive gray of the back is much glossed with
yellowish brown. The shade of rufous beneath varies from light cinnamon to. dark chestnut.
I have never seen any approach in any of the many west coast specimens before me to the
Turdus rufopalliatus of Lafresnaye, said to have been collected at Monterey, California, and
suspect that this locality is erroneous, as many of those given for the collections of the "Voyage
de la Venus" certainly are. It probably was really taken at Acapulco or elsewhere, on the
southern Mexican coast.
1 Planesticus, BONAPARTE, Comptes Rendus, 1854, Notes Orn. Delattre, 27. According to Gray synonymous with Cichlopsis,
Cabanis, 1850. (?)
BIRDS TUEDIDAE — TURDUS NAEVIUS.
219
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sox and
ape.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Length.
Stretcli
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
0084
X
Carlisle, Ta
April 11,1845
S. F. Baird
10.58
16.25
5.33
853
1351
$
do
do
Nov. 1C, 1842
April 13,1844
do
do
9.75
10.25
16.25
16 50
5.63
5 16
IG:M
do
July 15,1844
,lo
9.46
16
5 33
7592
O
6383
J(
87 Dr. Cooper
9
15 25
5 25
6," -17
O
and ieet black.
5655
Republican Fork
Oct. 20,1856
Lieut. Bryan
386 W. S. Wood
9.50
5656
0
do
Oct. 21,1856
do
390 do
10.12
5-381
4705
9
Mo. R. Fort Pierre. ..
Blackbird Hill
May 20
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Haydcn
do
9.50
9.12
16
5.50
5 25
5282
5854
9
o
10 miles north of Yel
low Stone.
Black Hills
July —,1856
Aug. 3,1866
do
do
199 W. S. Wood
11.75
9 50
10.75
14
5.75
8492
Fort Mass, N. M
Mar. 30,1856
19
10
15
8146
282
8148
do
do
238
8150
*
8153
o
Fort Vancouver
Feb. 3,1854
do
Dr. Cooper
10.75
16
8154
Bodega, Cal
Jan. — ,1855
'• T. H. Szabo
5522
o
166
4215
8H4
f?
San Francisco
Sacramento Yalluy, Cal
Winter, 1855
R. D. Cults
8145
8155
7947
J. Gould
TURDUS (IXOBEUS1) NAEVIUS, Gmelin.
Varied Thrush.
Turdus naevius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 817.— VIEILI.OT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 10 ; pi. Ixvi.— AUDUBON, Orn.
Biog. IV, 1838, 489 : V, 1839, 284 ; pi. 369 and 433.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 22; pi. 143.—
BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 271.— CABOT, Jour. Bost. Soc. N. H. Ill, 1848, 17. (Spec, shot near
Boston.) — LAWRENCE, Annals N. Y. Lye. V, June, 1852, 221. (Spec, shot near New York.) —
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 81 ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857.
Orpheus naevius, RICH, List, 1837.
Ixoreus naevius, BONAP. Notes Orn. Delattre, in Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1654, 269.
Orpheus meruloides, RICH. Fauna Bor. Amer. II. 1831, 187 ; pi. xxxviii.
Sr. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; third and fifth a little shorter ; second much longer than sixth. Tail nearly even ; the lateral
feather shorter. Above, rather dark bluish slate ; under parts generally, a patch on the upper eyelids continuous with a stripe
behind it along the side of the head and neck, the lower eyelids, two bands across the wing coverts and the edges of the quills,
in part, rufous orange brown ; middle of belly white. Sides of the head and neck continuous with a broad pectoral transverse
band, black. Most of tail feathers with a terminal patch of brownish white. Bill black. Feet yellow. Female more olivaceous
above ; the white of the abdomen more extended ; the brown beneath paler ; the pectoral band obsolete. Length, 9.75 inches ;
wing, 5.00 ; tail, 3.90 ; tarsus, 1.25.
JIab.— Pacific coast North America. Accidental on Long Island and near Boston.
This strongly marked species in general appearance bears a close resemblance to the American
robin, but is readily distinguished by its coloration. In addition to the characters already given,
it may be stated that the axillars are plumbeous, with a white patch at the base ; the under
wing coverts plumbeous, but broadly tipped with white. There is also an obscure whitish patch
1 Ixoreus, BONAPARTE, Notes Orn. Delattre, 1854, 26. (Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854.)
220
U. S P. R. K EXP, AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
at the base of the inner webs of all the quills, except the exterior, corresponding and opposite
to orange brown patches on the outer webs. The sides are tinged with plumbeous ; many of
the feathers margined with this color.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
1
Sex. l Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained. Orig'l
; NO.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
llemarks.
5998
Jan. 8, 1857
Dr. Geo. Siickley .. 597
5997
do
do ....
do 596
5996
do
do
do 598
5941
5940
Q do ...
$ do
March, 1^55
do
Gov. Stevens
do
Dr. Cooper
do
9.00
14.75
Bill black
5942
do
do
do
do
9.25
15.25
8125
Jan. 30, 1854
do 20
.do
9 00
12 75
8126
do
Jan. 12, 1854
do 14
do
9.50
15.00
8122
do 14
do
9.50
15.00
1844
Jan. 18, 1836
S. F. Baird
J. K. Towusend.. .
1883
O .. do.
do
do
4488
Cascade mountains, W. T.
Lieut. Williamson
3916
8124
Calaveias, Gala
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
Fort Tejon..do
J. Xantus de Vesey
SAXICOLA, Bechstein.
Saxicola, BECHSTEIN, Gemeinniitzige Naturg. 1802. (Agassiz.) (Type S. ocnanihe.)
CH. — Commissure slightly curved to the well notched tip. Culmen concave for the basal half, then gently decurving.
Gonys straight. Bill slender, attenuated ; more than half the length of head. Tail short, broad, even. Legs considerably
longer than the head ; when outstretched reaching nearly to the tip of tail. Third quill longest ; second but little shorter. Claws
long, slightly curved ; hind toe rather elongated.
The genus Saxicola^ represented in North America by stragglers of a single European species,
is usually placed far apart from Turdus in ornithological systems, and generally in close
association with Sialia in a sub-family Saxicolinae. As, however, of the numerous other allied
genera of Saxicolinae in the old world, these two are the only ones found in the new, it will
create no confusion to bring them with Turdus into one sub-family, Turdinae, in view of their
really close relationships.
SAXICOLA OENANTHE, Bechst.
Stone Chat.
Motacilla oenanlhe, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766.
" Saxicola oenanthe, BECHST. Gemein. Naturg. 1802," and of European writers, as of BONAP. Consp. 1850, 303.
? Saxicola oenanthoides, VIGORS, Zool. Blossom, 1839, 19, (N. W. coast.) — CASSIN, Illust. I, vu, 1854, 208 ; pi. xxxiv.
(Nova Scotia.)
SP. CH. — (Description from European specimen.) Forehead, line over the eye, and under parts generally, white ; the latter
tinged with pale yellowish brown, especially on the breatt and throat. A stripe from the bill through, below, and behind the
eye, with the wings, upper tail coverts, bill and feet black. Tail white, v/ith an abrupt band of black (about .60 of an inch
long) at the end, this color extending further up on the middle feather. Rest of upper parts ash gray ; quills and greater coverts
slightly edged with whitish. Length, 6.00 ; wing, 3.45 ; tail, 2.50 ; tarsus, 1.05.
Hob. — Greenland. Accidental in northern part of North America. Common in Europe.
The preceding description is taken from a South European skin of this species, which, in all
BIRDS — TURDIDAE SIALIA.
221
probability, is the same with that considered as peculiar to North America under the name of
S. oenantfioidex. The differences are, as far as indicated, merely those of size, the skin described
by Mr. Cassin being G.50 inches long ; the wing 4.12 ; the tail 3.00 ; the tarsus 1.25. This is,
however, by no means an unusual discrepancy in birds of remote localities, and until better
characters can be assigned there would seem little propriety in making two species.
The Saxicola oenantke of Europe is recognized as a regular inhabitant of Greenland, and
those found on the main land of America in all probability reach it from that country.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Len th
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus. Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill Along
above, i gape.
Kurope .......
J Cassin .. C. 00
3. G5
2. 50
1. 05 0. 75
0 20
0. CO 0 80
SIALIA, Swainson.
Sialia, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, Sept. 1827, 173. (S. wilsonii.)
CH. — Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, then compressed ; slightly notched at tip. Rictus with short
bristles. Tarsi not longer than the middle toe. Claws considerably curved. Wings much longer than the tail ; the first
primary spurious ; not one-fourth the longest. Tail moderate ; slightly forked.
The species of this genus are all well marked, and adult males are easily distinguishable. In
all, blue forms a prominent feature.
Above uniform dark blue ; beneath brownish red. Abdomen and crissum white.... sialis.
General color dark blue above and below ; crissum whitish. A broad patch on the
scapular region (on either side) and on the sides of the breast, brownish ied...mexicana.
EveryAvhere greenish blue, becoming whitish on the abdomen and crissum arclica.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw Bill
toe. alone, above.
Alon«,' Specimen
gape, measured.
1269
,?
6 16
3 96
2 88
0 80
0 80 02-2 0 44
0 70 Drv
do.
6 75
12 50
4 08
Fresh
1283
do do
o
6.22
3.78
2.72
0>0
0 82 0.21 0.50
0 76 Dry
do.
....do do
6.50
12 00
3 75
Fresh
3907
X
6 44
4 22
2 80
0 80
0 76 0 22 0 40
0 7() Drv
39(18
Jo do
o
6 40
3 40
2 C6
0 71)
0 78 0 ->6 0 40
0 70 Dry
3700
7604
Sialia macroptera, (Bainl) . . Salt Lake City. . .
*
7.16
6 28
4.78
4 40
3.18
3 04
0.80
0 87
0.82 0.18 0.50
0 76 0 22 0 53
O.H) Dry
0 76 Dry.
8890
do.
Grande.
do '• Black Hills
Q
6.80
7 00
13 25
4.26
4 50
3.50
0.78
0.78 O.C2 0.50
0.74 Dry*
Fresh . . .
' Legs broken ; poor specimen.
222
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SIALIA SIALIS, Baird.
Blue Bird; Red-breasted Blue Bird.
Motacilla sialis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. ed. X, I, 1758, 187.— GMELJN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 989.
Sylvia sialis, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 522.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 40 ; pi. ci, cii, ciii, ($ Q O.) —
WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 56 ; pi. iii.— DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 135 ; pi.
xii.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 84 : V, 1839, 452 ; pi. 113.
Saxicola sialis, BONAP. Synopsis, 1828.
Jlmpclis sialis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 444.
Rubecula carolincnsis caerulca, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 17GO, 423. (Speaks of blue spots on throat.) — BUFFON, Ois. VI,
107; pi. enl. 396, f. 1, 2.
Siulia icilsonii, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 173. — BONAPARTE, List, 1838. — AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 84. — IB.
Birds Amer. II, 1841, 171 ; pi. 134.
Enjthraca (Sialia) u-ilsonii, Sw. &. RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 210.
Sp. CH. — Entire upper parts, including wings and tail, continuous and uniform azure blue ; the cheeks of a duller tint of the
same. Beneatli reddish brown ; the abdomen, anal region, and under tail coverts white. Bill and feet black. Shafts of the
quills and tail feathers black. Female with the blue lighter, and tinged with brown on the head and back. Length, G. 75 ;
wing, 4.00 ; tail, 2.90.
Hub. — Eastern North America to a little west of Missouri river Fort Laramie.
The female is quite similar to the male, only duller above ; the blue tinged with brown,
although the wings, tail, and rump are generally light blue. The young male of the year has
the head and interscapular region, with the lesser coverts dull brown, streaked (except the
head) with white. The throat and fore breast are reddish brown, the feathers streaked with
white ; the remaining colors are much as in the adult male, except that the tertials are edged
with brown.
There is much difference in the size and shape of the bill in specimens from the same locality.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
739
1285
1309
1289
1283
7409
7408
3P19
3865
4920
7616
8391
5636
6560
4723
5288
5290
5289
4722
4658
8884
8880
88fr2
7615
3 0
3
3
"fl
Q
S
Q
Sept. 21,1842
Mar. 9,1844
Mar. 25,1844
Mar. 11,1844
Mar. 7,1844
Ap il 19,1851
April 1,1851
S. F. Baird
6.25
6.83
6.66
6.75
6.50
12.16
12.
12.50
12.50
12.
3.91
3.83
4.08
4.08
3.75
(JO
do ., .
do
do
do
do
do
do
Eutaw, Ala
Prairie Mer Rouge, La....
Nassau county, Fla
Jan. —,1853
A. Winchell i 10
Jas. Fairie
G. Wurdemann....
.......
3
.......
3
$
Ft. Leavenworth .........
Independence, Mo
East of Fort Riley, K. T . .
FortRiley, K. T
Bald island, Ncl)
Jan. 20,1855
Jan. 22,1657
June 17,1856
April 24, 1856
May 31,1856
W. M. Magraw
Lt. F. T. Bryan
Dr. W. A. Hammond
Lt. Warren
do
98
22
Dr. Cooper
VV. S. Wood
6.75
12.25
4.25
Dr. Hayden
do ....
6.62
6.75
C.12
6.75
6.37
7.50
6.75
11.50
11.50
11.50
11.87
11.75
12.50
11.
3.75
4.
4.12
4.25
4.
4.50
3.75
do
do
Near mouth of Powder riv
Nebraska Territory
Aug. 1,1856
May 16, 1856
May 11,1855
do
do
do
do
do
0-i CXj <Xi (Xi Q.J
5 miles above mo. of Platte.
On LoupFork, Platte
Near Loup Fork, Platte. ..
do
July 8,1855
July 3,1855
. . do !
do
do
6.
6.12
11.
12.12
4.
4.25
Capt. Pope 1
BIRDS — TURDIDAB — SIALIA MEXICANA. 223
SIALIA MEXICANA, Swain son.
Western Blue Bird.
Sialla mexlcana, Sw. F. Eor. Am. II, 1831, 202.
Sialia Occident alls, TOWNSEND, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. VII, n, 1837, 188. — IB. Narrative, 1839, 343. — AUD. Synopsis,
1839.— IB. Birds America, II, 1841, 176; pi. 135.— NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 513.—
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 80 ; Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857.
Sylvia occidentalis, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 41 ; pi 393.
Sialia caernlco-collis, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 18 ; pi. iii.
Sp. CH. — Bill slender; head and neck all round, and upper parts generally bright azure blue. Interscapular regions, sides
and fore part of the breast, and sides of the belly, dark reddish brown. Rest of under parts (with tail coverts) pale bluish,
tinged with gray about the anal region. Female duller above ; the back brownish ; the blue of the throat replaced by ashy
brown, with a shade of blue. Length, 6.50 ; wing, 4.25 ; tail, 2.90.
Hab. — Pacific coast North America, and along valley of Gila to upper Rio Grande and south.
In perfectly mature males the blue of the throat is as bright as that on the crown ; otherwise
it is duller. There is generally a blackish shade on the cheeks. The blue on the belly is
always paler. The reddish brown on the back and breast are in the form of lateral patches,
meeting more or less narrowly on the central line. Sometimes on the middle of the back it
does not meet at all, and at others it is quite broadly continuous ; the latter is most frequently
seen in Eocky mountains specimens. The quills and tail feathers are light blue ; the shafts
black. The exposed tips of the folded quills, however, are black. Bill and feet are black.
The female is much duller in colors ; the blue most conspicuous on the rump, tail, primaries,
and wing coverts. The blue of the head is very dull, and there is a broad scapular and inter-
scapular space strongly overlaid with brownish. The throat and sides of the head are of much
this same color, shading very insensibly into the reddish brown of the breast.
The young bird has the tail and wings as in the adult. The head, back, and breast are dull
brown ; each feather, except on the crown, streaked with white.
The shade of blue in this species is much as in the common eastern species — only brighter
and more intense. The bill is more slender, the wings longer ; the combination of the blue of
the under parts with the brown on the back readily distinguishes it. The females of the two
species are very similar. They may be distinguished by the brown tinge on the back and the
blue on the belly and under tail coverts, with the bluish shade on the throat, as well as by the
slenderer and straighter bill of the western species. The spotted young can only be dis
tinguished by the slender bill and bluish belly and under tail coverts.
Specimens from California occasionally have but little brown on the back, but it is almost
always distinctly visible.
224
U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. ; Remarks.
7618
$
Fort Stcilacoom, W. T. . .
April 17, 1856
Dr. Suckley
6.75
J3.0
7621
.*
do
114
Dr. Suckley.... ....
7.75
12 50
4 00
7622
X
do
do
do
4 00
7625
do
274
6.75
12 00
7636
273
7 50
12
7634
1930
2949
..„..
n
Fort Vancouver, W. T. .
Columbia river, 0. T. ...
... do
Dec., 1853
Gov. Stevens..
S. F. Baird
do
Dr. Cooper
J. K. Townsend....
do
5512
V
j
May 9, 1856
772
55J3
o
do
do
do
170
3907
V
£?
3908
O
do
do
5944
4220
7632
7631
"9"
,?
Santa Clara, Cal
San Francisco
Sacramento Valley. ......
Nov., 1855
Winter of '55 & '6
Dr. Cooper
R. D. Cults
Lt. R. S.Williamson
.... do
Dr. Heermann
6.75
12.00
| Iris brown
4575
Gila river, New Mexico..
Major Emory
24
Artbur Schott
7633
do
do ....
24
do
5051
Oct. 21, 1855
151
7 00
12 50
7623
Mimbres to Rio Grande ..
black ; gums
yellowish.
5050
Mar. 9, 1856
178
7.00
13.00
4 25 Bill feet and
7624
do
| eyes black ;
| gums bluish.
7637
7638
Camp 110, New Mexico..
do
Jan. 31, 1854
do
Lieut. Whipplo ....
60
Kenn & Miill
4.00 Eyes black
7635
4020
9"
Fort Conrad, New Mr xico.
Saltillo, Mexico
Oct., 1853
May, 1853
Lieut. Wliipple. ...
Lieut. Couch
52
Dr. Kennerly
6.75
11.50
.75
4.50 Bill & ft. black.
SIALIA AEOTICA, Swain son.
Rocky Mountain Blue Bird.
Erythraca (Sialia) arctica, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 209 ; pi. xxxix.
Erylhraca arctica, RICH. List, 1837.
Sialia arctica, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1832, 573 ; I, 2d ed., 1840, 514.— BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 84.—
IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 178 ; pi. 136.— McCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, June, 1851, 215.
Sylvia arctica, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 38 ; pi. 373.
Sialia macroptera, BAIRD, Stansbury Report Exp. Salt Lake, 1852, 314.
SP. CH. — Azure blue above and below, brightest above ; the belly and under tail coverts white : the latter tinged with blue
at the ends. Female showing blue only on the rump, wings, and tail ; a white ring round the eye ; the lores and sometimes a
narrow front whitish ; elsewhere replaced by brown. Length, 6.25 ; wing, 4.36 ; tail, 3.00. (1875.)
Hub. — High dry central plains ; Upper Missouri Rocky mountains range and south to Mexico. Rare on the coast of
California.
In this species there is none of the reddish hrown of the two other American blue birds, the
color throughout being blue, except as mentioned. The shade of blue is much lighter, with
more green in it, or smalts-color, especially on the crown, instead of the purplish blue of the
others. The shade on the under parts is paler than above ; it extends entirely along the sides
and to the abdomen.
The female has the abdomen and under coverts like the male ; the remaining under parts,
with the head, neck and back, are light brown, although a bluish shade is appreciable on
BIRDS — TURDIDAE — SIALIA AKCTICA.
225
separating the feathers. The quills are much edged with paler. The young birds have this
brown streaked with white, except on the crown ; indeed, the under parts may be described
sometimes as whitish, with narrow brownish edgings to the feathers on the under parts
anteriorly.
The bill of this species is much stouter than in mexicana, as well as longer than in sialis.
The wings also are longer in proportion, reaching nearly to the end of the tail, which is more
deeply forked than in either of the others. The male birds of the three species are readily dis
tinguishable ; the females are all much alike. The greener blue, the absence of rufous brown on
either back or belly, and the longer wings, will serve to separate the latter.
In the zoology of Stansbury's report I characterize a species under the name of Sialia macrop-
tera on the ground of the unusually long wings, the weak claws, and the different shade of
blue. This specimen (3706, Salt Lake, March 21, 1851) still remains quite unique in these
respects. I am, however, now inclined to consider it as only a larger race, because more
northern, of the S. arctica, strengthening the general proposition of the greater size of resident
winter or summer specimens in northern than southern localities. The weak claws may have
been an individual peculiarity. All the specimens before me, nearly thirty in number, agree,
with scarcely an exception, in the smaller size and shorter wings.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex am!
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwiugs.
Wing.
Remarks.
J875
cJ
July 1, 1843
S. F. Baird
88H5
o
Black Hills
Sept. 19,
Lt. G. K. Warren
7.00
13.75
4.75
8888
O
do
Sept. 13,
do
do
7.50
13.50
4.25
8883
do
Sept. 21,
do
do
7.00
13.50
4.50
$
Sept. 7,
do
do
7 25
13.50
4.50
8890
Q
Black Hills
Sept. 18,
do
do
7.00
13.25
4.50
...do. .
8884
<?
do
do
do
do
7.00
13 50
4.50
do
8889
8886
c?
do
do
Sept. 23,
Sept. 20,
do
do
do
.. ..do
7.00
7 50
13.25
13.50
4.50
4 50
do
8887
do
Sept Id,
do
... do
6 50
13 25
4.50
5640
(j
do
Ail". 3,1856
Lieut. F. T Bryan.
196
W. S. Wood
5636
c? o
Am*. 9, 1856
do
232
do
6990
July 20,1857
do
298
do
5639
O
Aug. 6,1856
do
216
.. do
5038
6691
S
o
Medicine Bow creek. . . .
Aug. 9, 1856
July 27,1857
do
do
235
335
do
do
7080
V
July 26, 1857
do
76
37C6
71
Salt Lake City. ....
Mar. 21,1851
7606
0
Cochetope pass
Lieut. Beckwith ....
20
8494
A
Fort Mass. N. M
Mar. 30, 1856
Dr. Peters
20
7.25
10.00
Eyes dark
7609
7612
Near lat. 32° W. Texas.
Mimb es to Rio Grande.
Capt. Pope
7604
$
do
7605
O
do
do
7607
Nov. — , 1853
15
Eyes black
76C8
querque.
Er<pia, Mex
San Diego, Cal
Mar. —,1853
Maj. Emory
Lieut. Trowbridge . .
Dr. Kennerly
A. Cassidy
29 b
226
U. S. P. E. K, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family REGULINAE.
REGULUS,1 Cuvier.
Regulus, CUVIER, Lemons d'Anat. Comp. 1799 — 1800, (Agassiz.) (Type JUotadlla reguius, LINN., Regulus cristatus,
KOCH.)
CH. — Bill slender, much shorter than thn head, depressed at base, but becoming rapidly compressed ; moderately notched
at tip. Culmen straight to near the tip, then gently curved. Commissure straight ; gonys convex. Rictus well provided with
bristles ; nostril covered by a single bristly feather directed forwards. Tarsi elongated, exceeding considerably the middle toe,
and without scutellae. La'eral toes about equal ; hind toe with the claw longer than the middle one, and about half the toe.
Claws all much curved. First primary about one-third as long as the longest ; second equal to fifth or six. Tail shorter than
the wings, moderately forked, the feathers acuminate. Colors olive green above, whitish beneath. Size very small.
I am unable to appreciate any such, difference between the conmon North American Eeguli
as to warrant Cabanis in establishing the genus Phyllobasileus for the calendula. The bristly
feather over the nostril is perhaps less compact and close, but it exists in a rudimentary
condition.
Crown in adult plain olivaceous, with a concealed patch of crimson calendula,
Forehead and line over the eye white, bordered inside by black, and within this again is
yellow, embracing a central patch in the crown of orange satrapa.
Forehead and line through the eye black, bordered inside by whitish, and within this
again by black, embracing an orange patch in the centre of the crown cuvieri.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species. Locality.
.Sex and
age.
Length
Stretch
ofwiiigs.
Wing.
Tail. Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape. measured.
1343
do.
2573
do.
7180
1758
do.
867
do.
Regulus calendula Carlisle, Pa
3
4.00
4 50
3 70
4.25
2.30
2.33
2.22
2.33
1.90 0.70
0.50
0.15
0.32
0 44 Dry .
7.16
6.83
Fresh
do ; do
do do
O 2 yrs.
1.84 0.70
0.50
0.14
0.32
0.42 Dry ....
Regulus satrapa Fort Steilacoom ....
. . ....do : Carlisle, Pa
do ' do
9
9
3.64
3.76
4.16
3.76
3.91
2.04
2.14
2.25
2.3-2
2.37
1.52 0.66
1.90 0.68
..- Jr iji Jj '- . • '.,
0.46
0.50
0.14
0.15
0.33
0.32
0 43 Dry..
0 44 Dry..
6.50
7
Fre^h
do • do
do do
,
$
tf
1.92 0.70
0.54
0.14
0.36
0.50 Dry
BEGULUS CALENDULA, Licht.
Ruby-crowned Wren.
Motacilla calendula, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 337.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I,
1788, 994.
Sylvia calendula, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 549. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 83 ; pi. v, f 3.— DOUGHTY, Cab. N.
H.II, 1832, 61; pi. vi.
Regulus calendula, LIGHT. Verzeich. 1823, Nos. 408-'9. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 415. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 546 ; pi. 195.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 168 ; pi. 133.
Reguloides calendula, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 292.
Phyllolasileus calendula, CABANIS, Mus. Ilein. 1850-'!, 33.
Regulus rubineus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 49 ; pi. civ, cv.
? Parus griseus, GMELIN, LATHAM.
Calendula pennsylvanica, BRISSON, III, 1760, 584.
1 Cabanis makes a genus Phyllobasileus for our R. calendula, replacing by it Reguloides of Blyth. — (Museum Heineanum,
1850,
BIRDS TURDJDAE REGULUS SATRAPA.
227
Sp. Cn. — Above dark greenish olive, passing into bright olive green on the rump and outer edges of the wings and tail-
Crown with a large conrealed patch of scarlet feathers, which are white at the base. The under parts are grayish white tinged
with pale olive yellow, especially behind. A ring round the eye, two bands on the wing coverts, and the exterior of the inner
tertials white. Young without the red on the crown. Length, 4.50 ; wing, 2.33 ; tail, 1.85.
flab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific.
The female differs very little in color. It is quite probable that the species does not attain
the red patch in the crown until the second year, as the spring migrations of the species always
embrace a considerable number with the head perfectly plain.
The autumnal plumage differs from the vernal in a lighter olive tinge to the feathers of the
back, while the under parts are of a pale brownish yellow, brightest on the belly.
There is a concealed yellowish bar across the quills immediately beneath the tips of the
greater coverts, succeeded by an exposed bar of blackish, more or less conspicuous in different
specimens. There is also some concealed white on the feathers of the rump.
I am unable to perceive any tangible difference between eastern and western specimens.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No
Sex am.
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — ; Length.
Stretcli
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
13^
78-4
2115
959
2573
4085
4683
4G84
4686
71G6
71G8
7169
7170
7171
7173
7165
4391
4389
5921
4504
7i72
7174
7177
7167
3
S
Carlisle, Pa . ,,
. do
April 10,1844
Oct. 10,184-2
S. F. Baird
do
4.50
4.25
4.63
4.25
4.25
4.00
4.25
4.37
3.75
4.25
4.50
4.50
4.37
7.25
7.33
6.91
6.83
6.83
6.62
7.37
6.75
6.50
6 50
6.75
7 50
7.25
2.33
2.25
2.25
2 25
2.33
2.25
2.37
i!.-J..
2.25
....do
April 15,1845
May 3.1843
May 5, 1846
April 24,1856
May 4,1856
do ;
9
o
do
do
do
do
Mouth of Bi" Sioux
Lt. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden
do .
Eyes black
do
do
do
do
. do
....do
9
May 5,1856
Mar. 25,1856
April 8, 185G
April 18,1856
do
do .
. ... do
Ft. Steilacoom
do
Dr. Suckley
279
do
Ui
315
do
...(in . .
314
$
3
......
do
79
do
May 3,1856
Dec. 29,1853
May 4.1855
May 6, 1855
do
301
4.37
5.50
Ft. Vancouver, VV. T
Ft. Dalles, Oregon
Gov. I. I. Stevens...
164
Dr. Cooper
do
do
166
4.50
7.00
FortTcjon
1
Espia, Mex , ,,
Boca Grande, Mex
Camp 105, N. M
CampllG,N. M
Miir. — , 1855
...do
Jan. 24,1854
Feb. 8, 1854
Maj. Emory
do
Lt. Whipple
63
43
55
75
Dr. Kunnerly
do
Kennerly & Miill-
4.00
6.50 2.25
do
do
Eyes black
REGULUS SATRAPA, Licht.
Goldeii-crested Wren.
Reguius satrapa, LICHTENSTKIK, Verzeich. Doubl. 1823, No. 410. (Quotes Partis satrupa, Illiger, probably a museum
name.)— BONAI>. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 291. — AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 82.— IB. Birds
Amer. II, 1841, 1G5 ; pi. 132.
Sylvia regulus, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 12G ; pi. viii, f. 2. (Not of Latham.)
Reguius cristatus, VIEILI.OT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 50 ; pi. cvi. (Not of Ray.) BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825.—
In. Synopsis. 1828, 91.
Reguius tricolor, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 420.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 476 ; pi. 183.
228
U. S P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SF. CH. — Above olive green, brig-litest on the outer cdses of the wing ; tail feathers tinged with brownish gray towards the
head. Forehead, a line over the eye and a space beneath it, white. Exterior of the crown before and latera'ly black, embracing
acentral patch of orange red ..encircled by gamboge yellow. A dusky space around the eye. Wing coverts with two yellowish
white bands, the posterior covering a similar band on the quills, succeeded by a broad dusky one. Under parts dull whitish.
Length under 4 inches ; wing, 2.25 ; tail, 1 .80.
7/a6. — Northern parts of United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; on west coast only noticed on Puget's Sound.
The black of the head immediately succeeds the white frontal band as one of about the same
width, passing behind on each side. Generally the white line over the eye is separated from
the white forehead by a dusky lore. There is also a dusky space beneath the whitish under the
eye. The yellow of the crown generally overlies and conceals the orange. The orange is
wanting in the female. The young birds always appear to have at least the yellow and black
of the crown.
In the specimens before rne I am unable to perceive any difference between eastern and
western specimens. One from Puget's Sound (9819) is smaller, (wing, 2.20,) the crown redder,
and the superciliary stripe more white.
According to Audubon, this species differs from the European R. cristatus in being considerably
longer, with the bill decidedly shorter ; the flame-colored patch on the head more extended ;l
with R. calendula it agrees very well in markings, except in those of the head, which are very
different. It is, however, of decidedly smaller size.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Length.
No.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
828
<J
Carlisle, Pa.
Oct. 22, 1842
S.F. Baird
3.91
6.91
2.25
1736
$
0
do
Oct. 29, 1844
do
4. 16
7.00
2.33
867
3
do
Nov. 22, 1842
do
3. 91
7. 00
2. 33
758
0
do
Jan. , 1845
do
4. 16
6. 50
2. 25
7564
Washington city
W. Hutton
7179
Fort Steilacoom, W. T. .,
March 24, 1856
Dr Suckley
294
7186
0
do
March 3, 1856
do
367 '• 4 25
6. 25
7184
do
do
289 ''' 4. 50
6. 75
REGULUS CUVIERI, Audubon.
Cuvier's Golden Crest.
Regulus cuvieri, AUDCBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 288 ; pi. 55.— IB. Syn. 1839, 82.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 163 ;
pi. 131.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 416.
SP. CH. — Size and general appearance probably that of R. satrapa. A black band on the forehead passing back, through
and behind the eye, separated by a grayish band from another black band on the crown, which embraces in the centre of the
crown an orange patch. Length, 4£ inches ; extent of wings, 6.
I have introduced the diagnosis of this species from Audubon for the sake of calling
attention to it and of completing the account of the genus. It is only known by the figure and
1 Since writing the above, I have received a specimen of the European species, and a comparison shows that the wings are
rather longer, but the bill considerably shorter. '1 he black border to the bright colors of the top of the head, both laterally and
in front, is much more distinct ; indeed it is wanting anteriorly almost entirely in the European bird. There is also less yellow
on the back and rump.
BIRDS TURDIDAE HYDEOBATA MEXICANA. 229
description of Audubon, being one of several other species not found in the United States by
any one else. It differs mainly from R. satrapa in having two black bands (not one) on the
crown anteriorly, separated by a whitish one ; the extreme forehead being black instead of
white, as in satrapa. The specimen was killed in June, 1812, on the banks of the Schuylkill
river, in Pennsylvania.
Sub-Family CINCLINAE.
HYDROBATA, Vieillot.
Hydrobala, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 181G, (Ag.)
Cinclus, BECHSTEIN, Gemein. Naturg. 1802, (Agassiz. Not of Moehring, 1752.) (Typo Sturnus cinclus, L.)
CH. — Bill without any bristles at the base; slender, subulate; the mandible bent slightly upward; the culmun slightly
concave to near the tip, which is much curved and notched ; the commissural edges of the bill finely nicked . Feet large and
stronor, the toes projecting considerably beyond the tail ; the claws largo. Lateral toes equal. Tail very short and even ; not
two-thirds the wings, which are concave and somewhat falcate. The first primary is more than one-fourth the longest.
The tomia of this genus are nicked on the terminal half, a character I have only noticed in
specimens of the robin, and possibly not permanent in the latter. The slightly upward bend of
the bill, somewhat as in Anlhus, renders the culmen concave, and the commissure slightly
convex. The maxilla at base is nearly as high as the mandible ; the whole bill is much
compressed and attenuated. The lateral claws barely reach the base of the middle one, which
is broad ; the inner face extended into a horny lamina, with one or two notches or pectinations
somewhat as in Caprimulgidae. The stiffened sub-falcate wings are quite remarkable. The
tail is so short that the upper coverts extend nearly to its tip.
If the genera of Moehring are to be retained and used in ornithology, there is no reason why
his Cinclus should not be used for a grallatorial genus, and that of Bechstein be superseded by
Hydrobata of Vieillot.
HYDROBATA MEXICANA, Baird.
American Dipper; Water Ouzel.
Cinclus pullasii, BONAP. Zool. Jour. II, Jan. 1827, 52. — IB. Amer. Orn. II, 1828, 173; pi. xvi, f. 1. (not the As.atic
pallasii.)
Cinclus mexicanus, SWAINSON, Syn. Mex. Birds, in Phil. Mag. I. May, 1827, 3G8.
Cine/us amer'.canus, Sw. & RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 173.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 569 — Aun. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838,493: V, 1839,303; pi. 370, 435— IB. Synopsis, 1839, 86.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841,
182 ; pi. 137.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route 80 ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857.
Cinclus unicolor, BONAP. List, 1838.
Cinclus mortoni, TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 337.
Cinclus townsendii, " AUDUBON," TOWNSEND, Narr. 1839, 340.
SP. CH. — Above dark plumbeous, beneath paler ; head and neck all round a shade of clove or perhaps a light sooty brown ;
less conspicuous beneath. A concealed spot of white above the anterior corner of the eye and indications of the same sometimes
on the lower eyelid. Immature specimens usually with the feathers beneath edged with grayish white ; the greater 1 mi Je
wing coverts and lesser quills tipped with the same. The colors more uniform. Length, 7.50 ; wing, 00; tail, 2.55.
Hab. — Rocky mountains from British America to Mexico.
With a large number of specimens of the American Dipper before me, I find considerable
variations, without being at all satisfied of the existence of more than one species. In all, the
white spot above the eye is evident, though its extent varies. Sometimes the brown of the
head and neck is but slightly different from the plumbeous of the back.
230
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
One specimen, 4469, differs in a decided tendency to white about the throat and neck ; the
feet are darker, the claws shorter, stouter, and more curved. The specimen is not in suffi
ciently good order to show whether this whiteness of the throat is characteristic or an indica
tion of a tendency to alhinism. It may be proper to remark, however, that most of the Old
World species are characterized by the white throat.
Skins from Fort Massachusetts differ from the others in having the bill entirely black ; the
other characters are very similar; the colors generally are purer, the feathers being less edged
with paler.
List of specimens.
1
o
fe
<C
o
S3
Locality. 1 When col-
Whence ob- 1 Collected by — ) ^
n 2°
c
a
> ] &
Specimen
"5
. j lecied.
tained. tb
c
3 '*
HD
_:
5 ^
c
« c
mta ured.
B
* i
<v
H
.^
a
a
«f-
+•> ^
^ i -2
: ! "1
03
12
^
H
^
_ aa <
2841
.... N.W. coast Oregon !
S. ¥. Baird ' J. K. Townsend
•
2882
do
8121
O > St. Mury'sR. mountains.... Oct. 13,1853
Gov. Stevens.. Dr. Geo. Buckley... 8.50
12.50
3.75
7099
4469
... Cascade mountains, O. T. . .
Lt. Williamson. Dr. Newherry
. - . .
8130
(J i Tejon Pass
do
8496
J Fort Mass. N. M Mar. 31,1836
Dr. Peters 7.50
3.8s
J.44
1.181.10
0.26,0.740.96: Dry
8495"
g ' do Mar. 27,1856
do 8.00
11.00
....
6117
. . . . j Fort Thorn
Dr. Henry 7.01
3.90
•2.40
1.20)1.10
0.28J0.76 1.04! Dry
Eyes light brown.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE. 231
Family SYLVICOLIDAE.
Primaries nine; the first quill nearly as long as the second or third. Tarsi distinctly scutellate the whole length ante
riorly. Bill conical, slender, or depressed, usually half the length of head ; more or less bristled or notched. Nostrils oval or
rounded. Lateral toes nearly or quite equal, and shorter than the middle ; the basal joint of the middle free nearly to its base,
externally; united for about half, internally.
This family is well marked by its scutellate tarsi in front, the absence of any spurious or
short first primary, and the rather weak, slender, conical, or depressed, sometimes decurved
bill. The base of the bill, with the nostrils, is not covered in any genera by setae, as in Parus,
Alauda, &c. In many respects there is a close relationship to some Fringillidae, and there are
some forms, such as the Tanagridae, which it is difficult to assign to the one family rather
than to the other. The chief difference, however, is to be found in the longer, slenderer, and
less abruptly conical bill of the Tanayers.
The following synopsis will serve to point out the sub-families of the Sylvicolidae:
MOTACILLINAE. — Bill slender. Culmen slightly concave at base. Legs long ; claws but
little curved. Hind toe considerably longer than the middle one; its claw much longer (twice)
than the middle claw ; all the claws but slightly curved. Tertials elongated ; much longer
than the secondaries.
SYLVICOLINAE. — Bill rather slender, conical, or depressed. Culmen straight or convex.
Hind toe shorter than the middle ; the claws all much curved. Hind claw not conspicuously
longer than the middle one. When the hind toe is lengthened, it is usually in the digit,
not the claw. Tertials generally not longer than the secondaries.
TANAGRINAE. — Bill very stout, conical, as high as broad; or considerably broader than high.
Tarsi short, not exceeding the hind toe. Claws much curved; the hinder scarcely larger than
the middle anterior.
Sub-Family MOTACILLINAE.
Cn. — Bill slender, shorter than the head, notched at tip; rictus without bristles. Basal joint of middle toe entirely free
externally. Tarsi distinctly scutellate, longer than the middle, but nearly equal to the hind toe, which is very long, exceeding
all the others ; the claw slightly curved. Wing very long, pointed. First quill almost the longest ; the tertials considerably
longer than the secondaries. Tail emarginate.
The colors are dull, generally brownish above, whitish beneath; the breast spotted; the outer
tail feather white. The species are readily distinguished from the larks (Alaudidae) by the tarsi
being acute behind and destitute of scutellae. The bill is longer, slenderer, and more depressed,
without any setae covering the base.
ANTHUS. — Bill slender, nearly as long as the head. Toes not reaching the tip of tail. Legs
weak ; hind toe rather shorter than the tarsus, its claw more than half the total length. Tertials
longer than the fifth primary. Tail feathers broad.
NEOCORYS. — Bill stouter at base and shorter. Toes reaching nearly to tip of tail. Legs stout ;
hind toe as long as tarsus, much longer than in antlius, its claw half the total length. Tertials
rather shorter than the sixth primary. Tail feathers narrow.
U. S. P. K. K. EX P. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
ANTHUS, Bechstein.
Jlnthus, BECHSTEIN, Gcmein. Naturg. Deutschl. 1802, (Agassiz.) Type, Jllauda spinoletla.
CH. — Bill slender, much attenuated, and distinctly notched. A few short bristles at the base. Culmen concave at the base.
Tarsi quite distinctly scutellate ; longer than the middle toe ; inner lateral toe the longer. Hind toe rather shorter than the tarsus,
but longer than the middle toe, owing to the long attenuated and moderately curved hind claw, which is considerably more than
half the total length of the toe. Tail rather long, emarginate. Wing very long, considerably longer than the lengthened tail,
reaching to its middle. The first primary nearly equal to the longest. The tertials almost as long as the primaries.
Of this genus but one species is well established as belonging to North America. Others
occur in South America, and the rest of the world.
The following table of measurements shows the proportions of the North American species
compared with the allied Neocorys :
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
7926
J
6.06
3.26
2.76
0.84
0.74
0.16
0.51
0.68
Dry
328
J
6.58
3.38
2.88
0.91
0.70
0.18
0.51
0.70
Dry
10087
do
6 70
3.30
2.76
0.88
0.76
0.20
0.50
0.70
Dry
1884
9
5.44
3.12
2,50
0.89
0.84
0.20
0.48
0.66
Dry. . . ,
ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, Licht.
Tit Lark.
Jllauda ludoviciana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 793.
Jlnthus ludovicianus, LICHT. Verz. 1823, 37, no. 421. — RICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus,
1850, 249.— AUDDBON, Synopsis, 1839, 94.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 40 ; pi. 150.
Jllauda rubra, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 794.
Jllauda rufa, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 89; pi. Ixxxix.
Jlnthus spinoletta, BONAP. Synopsis, 1828, 90, (not of Linnaeus.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 408 : V, 1839, 449 ;
pi. 80.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 450.
Jllauda pennsylvanica, BRISSON, Orn.
Jlnthus pennsylvanicus, ZANDER, Cab. Journ. Orn. Extraheft, I, for 1853, 1854, 63.
Jlnthus aquaticus, AUD. Name on PI. x, folioed.
Jlnthus piplens, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 408 : V, 1839, 449 ; pi. 80. (Young?)
Jlnthus rubens, MERREM. (Gray.)
Sp. CH. — (Female, in spring.) Above olive brown, each feather slightly darker towards the central portion ; beneath pale
dull buff, or yellowish brown , with a maxillary series of dark brown spots and streaks across the breast and along sides . Ring round
the eye, and superciliary stripe yellowish. Central tail feathers like the back, others dark blackish brown ; the external one
white, except at the base within ; a white spot at the end of the second. Primaries edged with whitish, other quills with
pale brownish. Length, 6.50 ; wing, 3.45 ; tail, 2.95.
J/a&. — North America generally. Greenland, (Reinhardt.) Accidental in Europe.
I have no authentic male of this species from the Atlantic States before me, but I am inclined
to think that it is not materially different. It may possibly be paler and more streaked. The
second and third quills are longest and equal, the first and fourth little shorter, and about equal
to the tertials. The tail varies somewhat as to the amount of white, in one specimen the second
feather having nearly as much as the first. Specimens from the west appear smaller and paler
than eastern ones, and to have the breast much more streaked, but the materials before me are
not sufficient to determine whether we have more than orre species.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE — NEOCORYS.
233
A specimen (7928) from Shoal water Bay has a greenish olivaceous gloss, not noticed in others.
This species is closely related to the Anthus spinoletta and obscurus of Europe, but, according
to Zander, (Cabanis' Jour, fiir Ornithologie, 1853, Extra Heft, p. 63,) while it agrees with the
former in the black bill, it is distinguished from it by a much darker and more olive green color
above, a much greater extent and purity of white in the tail, by the tarsus, one to two lines
shorter, and by a different relative proportion of the primaries. From the latter it is known
by the darker bill, feet, and upper parts generally, and by the pure lustrous white of the tail
feathers. It is smaller than either species, has a proportionally longer tail, yellowish lore,
and a totally different coloration beneath ; the ground color being rusty or reddish yellow, with
dark brown narrow spots across the breast.
The following diagnosis is given by Zander to distinguish the A. ludovicianus from its Euro
pean analogues :
Sp. CH. — Bill and feet blackish ; the longest tertial (?) one line shorter than the longest primary. The light marking on the
outer tail feathers shining white ; and on the outermost one, involving the half of the feather, its shaft for the most part white.
Body above olive green, the superciliary stripe yellowish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch Wing. Remarks,
ofwings.
328
Q Carlisle
May 8, 1841
6 50
1
11 00 •
10099
i
Sept. 20
do
10087
April 8
do
6 50
10 75 '
8844
O Black Hills
Sept. 16
Lieut. Warren
•
Dr. Hayden
6.00
10 25 CJ.OO '• Iris whitish gray..
7927
O St. Mary's, Rocky Mount's
Oct. 12, 1853
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
6.50
10.50 3.50
7929
Slioalwater Bay, W. T....
Sept. 12, Ib54
do
95
Dr. Cooper
6.00
10.25
7928
do
do
95
. . do . ....
6 50
10 00
5514
O PetiiluiiKi, Cal
7926
f? Tularo Valley
7931
Q Espia, Mexico
Mar. 1855
Major Emory
57
7930
Mimbres to Rio Grande. ..
Dr. T. C. Henry
NEOCORYS, Sclater.
Aeocori/s, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1857, 5.
CH. — Bill half as long as the head; the culmen concave at the base, slightly decurved at the tip. Rictus without
bristles. Legs stout ; tarsi distinctly scutellate, longer than the middle too. Hind toe very long, equal to the tarsus, much
longer than the middle toe ; its claw but slightly curved, and about half the total length. Inner lateral too rather longer than
outer. Wings much longer than the tail ; first quill longest. Tertials considerably longer than secondaries. Tail rather short,
emarginate.
This genus is closely related to Anthus, but is stouter, with shorter tail, a shorter and stouter
bill, larger feet, &c. The hind toe is much larger, the claw larger and less curved, and occupies
only half instead of more than half the total length.
The coloration is quite similar, but the edges of the feathers above are lighter, the spots or
streaks confined to the breast, and sparser.
The detailed measurements of the single species will be found with Anthus.
30 b
234 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
NEOCORYS SPRAGUEI, Sclater.
Missouri Skylark.
Jllauda spraguei, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 335; pi. 486.
JJgrodoma spraguei, BAIRD, Stansbury's report G. Salt Lake, 1852, 329. — BONAP. Notes Delattre, 1854.
Aeocorj/s spraguei, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857,5.
Sp. CH. — Above wood brown, all the feathers edged with paler, especially on the neck, where there is a brownish yellow
tinge. The under parts are dull white, with a collar of sharply denned narrow brown streaks across the fore part and along
the sides of the breast. Lores and a superciliary line whitish. Tail feathers, except the middle ones, dark brown ; the outer
one white, the second white, with the inner margin brown. The outer primary is edged with white, and there are two dull
whitish bands across the wings. Bill and feet yellow, the former brown above. Length, (female,) 5.75 ; wing, 3.35 ; tail, 2.50.
JIab. — About Fort Union, Nebraska.
This little known species has the general appearance of a titlark, but is readily distinguished
from Antlms ludovicianus by the purer white of its under parts ; the much paler margins to the
feathers above, the entirely white external tail feather, the yellow legs and bill, as well as by its
general peculiarities. In its song and general habits it approaches nearer the European sky
lark than any bird belonging to our fauna.
This species has thus far been seen only in the vicinity of Fort Union.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1854
o
Fort Union Nebraska
1813
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
V
Sub-Family SYLVICOLINAE.
The characters of this extensive sub-family are sufficiently expressed in the synopsis on
page 231. The variety of form is very great, but the transitions are so imperceptible as to
render it a matter of much difficulty to define the genera with precision. The entire group
appears to be wanting in the Old World. It may be conveniently divided into the following
sections :
A. — Eictus w'ltli short bristles or none.
MNIOTILTEAE. — Bill notched. Hind toe longer than the lateral ones, its claw shorter than
the digit. Wings pointed. Tail nearly even, spotted.
GEOTHLYPEAE. — Bill notched. Legs very stout. Hind toe longer than the lateral; its claw
equa) to the digit. Tail unspotted.
ICTEKIEAE. — Bill without notch, very stout, much compressed. Commissure and culmen both
much curved.
VERMIVOREAE. — Bill entirely without a notch; conical, slender, weak, acutely pointed.
SYLVICOLEAE. — Bill notched. Wings pointed. Hind toe equal to the lateral.
B. — Eictus with well developed bristles.
SETOPHAGEAE. — Bill depressed, broad, notched at tip.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE MNIOTILT i VAKIA.
235
Section Mniotilteae.
Bill slightly notched some distance from the tip. Rictus without hristles. Hind toe considerably developed, longer than
the lateral toe ; its claw decidedly longer than its digit. First quill nearly or quite as long as the second. Wings long,
pointed ; much longer than the tail, which is nearly even. Tail feathers with white spots.
The following genera belong to this section :
MNIOTILTA. — Bill from the base nearly as long as the skull, compressed. Tarsus rather
short, but little longer than the hind toe, which is very long, its digit nearly twice as long as
the claw alone; middle toe (and claw) fully as long as the tarsus.
PARULA. — Bill shorter; depressed at base and attenuated at tip; considerably shorter than
the head, or than the middle toe. Hind claw nearly two-thirds its digit; the middle toe and
claw nearly as long as the tarsus.
PROTONOTARIA — Bill conical, compressed towards the end. Measured from the extreme base,
as long as the head, and longer than the middle toe; hind claw but little shorter than its
digit; the middle toe and claw only three-fourths the tarsus.
MNIOTILTA, Vie i Hot.
Mniotilta, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. (Agassiz.)
CH. — General form sylvicoline ; bill rather long, compressed, shorter than the head, with very short rictal bristles, and a
shallow notch. Wings considerably longer than the tail, which is slightly rounded ; first quill shorter than second and third.
Tarsi rather short ; toes long, middle one equal to the tarsus ; hind toe nearly as long, the claw considerably shorter than its
digit. Color white, streaked with black.
This genus differs from other sylvicolines in the elongation of the toes, especially the hinder
one, by means of which the species is enabled to move up and down the trunks of trees, like
the true creepers. But one species is recognized as North American, although Nuttall describes
a second.
Measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
1
Species. Locality.
Sex and Length
age.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
7496
956
do.
8672
do.
Mniotilta varia Eastern U. States..
do Carlisle, Pa
S ? 5.00
Q 4.50
4 66
2.88
2.54
2.58
2.63
2.75
2.28
3.12
0.70
0.64
0.64
0.66
0.16
0.18
0.46
0.46
0.60
0.52
Dry
Iirv .
8.00
8.C5
do Florida
do do
4.50
4.75
|
2.14
0.64
0.68 0.18
0.52
0.64
Dry
1
MNIOTILTA VARIA, Vieillot.
Black and White Creeper.
Motacilla varia, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 333.
Certlna varia, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 69.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 452 : V, 1839, 471 ; pi. 90.
Mniotilta varia, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816.— IB. Galerie Ois. I, 1834, 276 ; pi. 169.— AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 71.
IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 105 ; pi. 114.—? GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 134.
Syhia varia, BON. Synopsis, 1828, 81. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 384.
Sylvicola varia, RICH. List, 1837.
Certhia maculata, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 22 ; pi. xix.
'Mniotilta borealis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 704.
236
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SP. CH. — Bill witli the upper mandible considerably decurved, the lower straight. General color of the male black, the
feathers broadly edged with white ; the head all round black, with a median stripe in the crown and neck above, a superciliary
and a maxillary one of white. Middle of belly, two conspicuous bands on the wings, outer edges of tertials and inner of all
the wing and tail feathers, and a spot on the inner webs of the outer two tail feathers, white. Rump and upper tail coverts
black, edged externally with white. Female similar ; the under parts white, obsoletely streaked with black on the sides and
under tail coverts. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.85 ; tail, 2.25.
//aft. — Eastern North America to Missouri river ; south to Guatemala.
The lores are rather dusky ; the ear coverts black. The black of the chin and throat is con
tinuous, but is streaked on the breast with white. The greater quills and tail feathers are
edged externally with lead gray.
The colors of this species are something like those of Dendroica nigrescens, although the latter
is much less streaked with black, and the crown is without the median white stripe. The same
character distinguishes it from D. striata, in which the superciliary stripe is wanting.
Specimens vary somewhat as to the amount of black on the throat. The bill also varies
materially in length, curvature, and color. I have not been able in a large series of specimens
before me to detect any strong indications of a second species, although some have more or less of
the characters assigned to M. borealis by Mr. Nuttall. A skin, probably female, from Cape Florida,
]ias the bill unusually long (.51) and the under mandibles white, except towards the tip. Another
from the same locality has the bill as long, but the under mandible is darker. The specimens
from the north and west seem to have the bill shorter, straighter, and blacker, and the claws,
perhaps, darker, corresponding with what Nuttall calls M. borealis. The only very long billed
specimens are from Florida and the vicinity of Washington. I cannot from the skins before
me give any other characters, although, if there be two species, it will probably be necessary to
consider the shorter billed one as the true M. varia.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wing?.
Wing.
Remarks.
68
956
1643
7555
8673
6504
4680
4681
4677
4679
4676
4678
7990
(?
9
9?
<?
.....
3
.....
c?
..1
Carlisle Pa . .
May — , 1839
May 9,1843
July 18,1844
do
do
4.66
5.37
8.00
8.33
2.58
2.56
do
do ....
Racine, Wis
R. Kennicott
do
Cape Florida
Sept. 25,1857
April 7, 1857
5.00
8.50
2.50
Dark legs, yellow feet,
upper m'd black.
do
Mouth of Vermilion....
do
do
do
Mouth of Big Sioux
Nebraska
May 5, 1857
do
May 8,1857
May 5, 1857
May 4,1856
May 15,1856
Lt. Warren
do
do
do
do
Dr. Hayden
do
do
do
io
5.37
5.12
5.PO
4.62
4.75
8.00
8.50
8.50
8.00
8.50
2 75
2.75
2.86
2.75
2.75
Eyes black ,
do
do
do
do ....
J. Gould
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE PARULA.
237
PARULA, Bo nap.
Clitoris, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 972, (not of Moehring, 1752.) Type, Parus amcricanus.
Sylvicola, SWAINSON, Zool. Journ. Ill, July, 1827, 1G9. (Not of Humphrey, Mus. Calonnianum, 1797, 60 ; genus
of land mollusks.) Same type.
Panda, BONAP. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. Same type.
Compsothlypis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850-51, 20. Same type.
CH. — In the species of this genus the bill is conical and acute ; the culmen very gently curved from the base ; the commissure
slightly concave. The notch when visible is further from the tip than in Dehdroica, but usually is either obsolete or entirely
wanting. Bristles very short. The tarsi are longer than tho middle toe. The tail is nearly even, and considerably shorter
than the wing.
The genus Sylvicola of Swainson was established on the Parus americanus in 1827, but both
this nameand Clitoris of Boie, 1826, were pre-occupied. Parula of 1838 has been changed by
Gray and Cabanis onaccount of the similarity in sound to Parulus of Spix, 1824 ; but, considering
this difference of termination as sufficient for distinguishing the two names, I do not follow
these authors in dropping the former.
The species of this genus have somewhat the habits of titmice, one only however is found
in the United States. The following synopsis will serve to distinguish them :
Above blue, with a dorsal patch of yellowish green ; yellow beneath.
Patch confined to middle of back. Throat pale yellow, with a brown patch. Rest of
under parts white ; lower eyelid white P. americana.
A small dorsal patch. Under parts reddish yellow. No patch on the eyelid. ..P. pitiayumi.1
Entire back yellowish green. Throat and breast yellow, with a brown bar across the
former. Tail unspotted. Belly and superciliary stripe white P. mexicana.2
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw Bill Along
toe. alone, above, gape.
Specimen mea
sured.
750
4.70
2 48
2.02
0.66
0.56 0.16 0.38 0.50
Dry . . .
do
dO
do
4.75
7.66
2.50
21GO
do
. ,. .do 9
3.94
2.38
1.90
0.64
0.50 0.14 0.42 0.50
Dry ..<
do
do
do
4.50
7.50
2.41
Fresh
10155
Mexico
4.80
2.58
2.20
0.60
0.50 0.16 0.44 0.51
Dry
1819
Brazil
3.54
2.02
1.66
0.60
0.44 0.1G 0.40 0.50
Dry
1 PAIUTLA PITIATUMI, Baird.
Sylvia pitiayumi, VIEILLOT, Xouv. Diet. II, 1816,276.
Compsothlypis pitiayumi, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 21.
Sylvia venusta, TEMM. pi. col. 293, f. 1.
Sylvia plumbea, SWAINSON, Zool. 111. II. 1821-'2 ; pi. cxxxix.
Parula brasiliana, BON. Consp. 1850, 310.
3 PARULA MEXICANA, Bonap.
Parula mcxicana, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 21.
Compsothlypis mexicana, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 21.
23$ U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PABULA AMEKICANA, Bonap.
Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.
Pants americanus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, I, 1758, 190.— GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1007. — LATH. Ind. Orn. II,
1790,57].
Motadlla americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 960.
Sylvia americana, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 520. — BONAP. Syn. 1828, 33. — Aim. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 78 ; pi. 15.
Sylvicrla americana, RICH. List, 1837.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 59.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 57 ; pi. 91.
Parula americana, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 310. — GOSSE, Jamaica, 1847, 154.
Compsotklypis americana, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 20, (Type.)
Ficedula ludoviciana, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 1760, 500 ; pi. xxvi.
Moladlla ludoviciana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat I, 1788, 983.
Motadlla eques, BOUDAERT, Tabl. pi. enl. 1783, (Gray.)
Sylvia torquata, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 38 ; pi. xcix.
Thryothorus torquata, STEPHENS, Shaw Zool. XIV, i, 1826, 194.
Sylvia pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 17 ; pi. xxviii.
Sylvicola pusilla, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 169. (Type of genus.)
BUFFOV, PI. enl. 731, f. 1 ; 709, f. 1. (?)
Sp. CH. — Above blue, the middle of the back with a patch of yellowish green. Beneath yellow anteriorly, white behind.
A reddish brown tinge across the breast. Lores and space round the eye dusky ; a small white spot on either eyelid ; sides of
head and neck like the crown. Two conspicuous white bands on the wings. Outer two tail feathers with a conspicuous spot
of white. Female similar, with less brown on the breast. Length, 4.75; wing, 2.34 ; tail, 1.90.
Hob. — Eastern North America to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala.
MALE IN SPRING. — Upper parts, scapulars, sides of the neck and head, edges of the quills
and tail feathers bluish ash. A triangular spot of yellowish green between the wings ; (this
i s slightly tinged in the middle of each feather with reddish brown.) The tips of the bluish
feathers above very faintly tipped with greenish yellow, indicating the changes in the fall.
Lore dusky ; a spot on the upper and under eyelids white. Individuals differ in the coloring
of the throat. In one the chin is yellowish ; across the throat a band of dark reddish brown ;
each feather tipped and edged with yellow. Fore part of the breast lighter reddish brown,
approximating to chestnut, this on a ground of yellow ; sides of the breast also with traces of
this chestnut. In another individual the dusky of the throat is extended more towards the
chin, and more decided. Sides under the wing light bluish ash. Traces of reddish brown under
the edge of the wing when closed. Abdomen, lower coverts, and vent white, with occasional
traces of pale yellow. Two broad bands of white on the wings. Large patch of white on the
inner webs of the outer two feathers near the end ; on the third a white spot on the inner vane,
and the inner edge of this and the two next margined with the same. Feet dusky ; upper
mandible dark brown, lower yellowish.
FEMALE IN SPRING. — Upper parts similar to the male ; white bands on the wings somewhat
narrower. Two specimens differ in the color beneath. One specimen is very similar to the
male, with the dark reddish brown across the throat very decided. Lores also blackish. This
specimen (No. 628) is marked "female;" it may possibly be male. Another, certainly a
female, No. 338, has the throat, chin, and fore part of breast yellowish, very faintly tinted
with brownish red across the throat. Lores not dusky ; eyelids faintly white. Tail with less
white, and wanting the white spot on the third feather.
MALE IN FALL. — Similar generally to the male in spring. Chin tinged with brownish ; more
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — PROTONOTAEIA CITREA.
239
yellow on the throat and fore breast. Feathers of the head strongly tinged with greenish ;
secondaries, or some of them, edged with greenish yellow ; sides tinged with brown.
FEMALE IN FALL. — Whole upper parts light greenish olive, strongly marked with yellowish
green between the wings. Throat, chin, and fore part of breast yellow ; across the throat
slightly tinged with reddish brown. Lower parts dirty white, passing to pale yellow about the
vent ; edges of secondaries like the head.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ol wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2219
Carlisle, Pa
May 3 1845
S F. Baird ....
4.75
7.43
2 33
7,r>0
O
•ft
do
Sept. 23, 1842
do
4.75
7 66
2.50
725
2160
o
0
do
do
Sept. 16, 1842
April 28, 1845
do
do
4.50
4.50
6.37
7.50
2.43
10101
7489
J. P Ki Miami
j
May 14
Q
May 15
do
6974
May 8, 1857
46
W. S. Wood...
8649
Sept. 27, 1857
6497
April 10
do
lower, yellow ; legs,
light green.
4671
O
Mouth of I'latte river .
April 27, 1850
Lieut. Warren. ...
Dr. Hayden....
4.12
6.62
2.00
7991
J.Gould
PROTONOTARIA, Baird.
The diagnosis of this section will be found in the synopsis of the genera under the head of
Mniotilteae. It is well characterized by its long, distinctly notched bill, and long wings, which
are an inch longer than the slightly graduated tail, (the lateral feathers about .12 of an inch
shorter.) The under tail coverts are very long, reaching within half an inch of the tip of the
tail. The tarsi and hind toe are proportionally longer than in the true warblers. The notch
and great size of the bill distinguishes it from the swamp warblers.
The only North American species belonging to the group appears to be the old Sylvia
protonotaria of Gm.
PROTONOTARIA CITREA, Baird.
Prothonotary Warbler.
"Motacilla citrea, BODDAERT, Tabl. pi. enl. 704, f 2, 1783," (G. R. Gray.)
Mniotilla cilrea, GRAY, Genera.
Motacilla protonotarius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 972.
Sylvia protonotarius, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 542. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. II, 1807, 27; pi. Ixxxiii. — WILSON, Am.
Orn. Ill, 1811, 72 ; pi. xxiv, f 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 22 : V, 1838, 460 ; pi. 3.
Sylvia (Dacnis) protonotarius, BON. Obs. Wils. J. A. N. S. IV, 1825, 196. — AUD. Orn. Biog. pi. 3, name on plate.
Vermivor a protonotarius, BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaia protonotarius, AUD. Syn. 1839, 67.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 89; pi. 106.
Ilelmilherus protonotarius, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 314.
Compsothlypis protonotarius, CAB. Mus. Hein, 1850, 20. (Not type.)
Ficedula canadensis major, BRISSON, Ois. Ill, 1760, 308 ; pi. xxvi, f. 1.— BUFFON, V, 316 : VI, 191 ; enl. 704, f. 2.
Sp. CH. — Bill very large ; as long as the head. Head and neck all round, with the entire under parts, including the tibiae,
rich yellow, excepting the anal region and under tail coverts, which are white. Back dark olive green, with a tiniro of yellow ;
240
U. S. P. R E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
rump, upper tail coverts, wings, and tail above, bluish ash color. Inner margin of quills and the tail feathers (except the
innermost) white, the outer webs and tips like the back. Length, 5.40 ; wing, 2.90 ; tail, 2.25.
Hab. — South Atlantic and Gulf States to mouth of Ohio north, and the Misorui river west. West Indies.
The wings are long and pointed; the first quill longest; the tail is moderately rounded.
The outer primary and alula are also edged with white.
The female has the yellow of the head more glossed with olivaceous.
A specimen from South Illinois (10111) has the yellow glossed in patches with red.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
Collected by—
Length.
j
Wing. Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
[ts claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Alonjr
gape.
Specimen
measured.
19-27
2393
10112
10111
10110
7516
S, F. Baird...
do
South Illinois
do
May 9
April 23 ...
N. W. Univ..
do
R. Kennicott...
do
5.30
2.92 2.12
0.72
0.62
0.16
0.56
0.64
Dry
3
... do
May 15....
do
do
Independence, Mo
1857
W. M. Magraw
Dr. Cooper..... 5.10
2.74 2.04 , 0.78
0.64
0.20
0.56
0.66
Dry
Section Geothlypeae.
Bill distinctly notched but without bristles. Hind toe considerably longer than the lateral. Legs long and stout, consider
ably exceeding the middle toe, and as long or decidedly longer than the skull. Under tail coverts long. Legs yellow; tail
unspotted. Color olive above, belly yellow, unspotted.
The North American genera of this section are as follows :
GEOTJILYPIS. — Wings rounded, scarcely longer than the considerably graduated tail ; first
quill shorter than fourth.
OPORORNIS. — Wings pointed, much longer than the nearly even tail. First quill almost
longest.
GEOTHLYPIS, Cab an is.
Trichas, SWAINSOV, Zool. Journ. Ill, July, 1827, 167, (not of Gloger, March, 1827, equal to Criniger, Temm.)
Geothlypis, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 316, 349. — IB. Schomburgk's Reise Guiana, 1848.
Bill sylvicoline, rather depressed, and distinctly notched ; rictal bristles very short or wanting. Wings short, rounded,
scarcely longer than the tail ; the first quill shorter than the fourth. Tail long; much rounded or graduated. Legs stout;
tarsi elongated as long as the head. Olive green above, belly yellow. Tail feathers immaculate. Legs yellow.
The species of this genus all agree in general external appearance, and are more terrestrial
than other sylvicolines. They constitute two well marked sections, the first having shorter
wings and more graduated tail, (about .40 of an inch,) with longer legs than the second, which
is more like the typical sylvicolas.
According to Cabanis, Gloger used the name Trichas , in March, 182*7, for what Temminck
had previously called Criniger. As Swainson's name was published in the number of Zoo
logical Journal for April — July, 182'7, it of course loses priority. The date of Gloger's article
I take on the authority of Cabanis, as I have not been able to find it myself.
The following is a synopsis of the species :
A. — Tail graduated. Throat and breast yellow, sides of the head black.
A broad frontal band of black, bordered behind by hoary white ; rest of crown
like the back G. Iriclias.
A narrow frontal black band, the crown dark ash O. velalus.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE GEOTIILYPIS TRICIIAS.
241
B. — Tail rounded. Head all round ash ; the leathers of the chin and throat black with ashy
margins.
A black patch on the fore part of breast ; lores dusky ; no white about the
eye G . Philadelphia.
Fore part of breast like throat ; forehead and lores black ; eyelids with a white
patch G. macgiUivrayi.
Comparative measurements of species.
Cntal. i Species.
No.
Locality.
Sux.
Length St
ofi
retch Wing,
rings.
Tail.
Tarsus. Middle
toe.
Its claw. Bill
alone. 1 above.
Along Specimen
gape, measured.
2535 G'-otlilypis trichas
do. do
Carlisle. Penn
do
C?
4 GO ...
; 2 30
2.30
0.76 0.70
0.20 0.44
0.60 Dry
5.50
4 50 ...
7.41 2.41
.... 210
Fresh
2363 ! do
do
9
2.10
0.78 0.68
0.19 0.40
0 54 Dry
do
5. OS
5 22
6.83 2.16
2 30
Fresh
7922 do
2.38
2.30
0.78 0.68
0.78 0.68
0.20 0.40
0.16 0.41
0 56 Dry
7918 '. do
do. do
Fort Stcilaeoom....
do
'$
5 00
2 16
0 52 Dry ...
5.37
4 96
C 75
79-20 , do
3
$
c?
3
2 20
2.24
2.24
2.20
2.28
0.80 0.67
0.70 '. 0.60
0.86 0.70
0.84 , 0.70
0.18 ; 0.48
0.16 0.42
0.18 0.42
0.18 0.42
0.54 Dry
ioiu7 : do
08'J Geothlypis Philadelphia.
J6'J7 | do
do do
Washington, D. C..
4 36 ...
2 . 00
0.54 Dry
0.56 Dry
.... 2.38
do
do
4.80 ...
5.75
4 5rj
2.42
8.00 2.50
2 30
0.56 Dry
K)3; do
do
Q
2.14
0.82 0.6'J
0.20 0.41
0.54 Drv
do. do
do
5.33 !
5 04 ...
a. 66 2.17
2.38
Fresh
1861 i Guothlypis maegillivrayi
Columbia river
$
2.32
0.78 0.66
0.18 , 0.42
0.56 Dry
GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS, C a b a n i s .
Maryland Yellow-throat.
Turdus trichas, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 293.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788.
Sylvia trichas, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 28 ; pi. xxviii Sc xxix.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. I, 1832, 120 : V, 1838, 463, pi. 23 & 240.
Ficedula trickas, BRISSON, Orn.
(leothlypis trickas, CABANIS, Mus. Ilcin. 1850, 16.
Ficedula marilandica, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 1760, 506.
Sylvia marilandica, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 88 ; pi. vi, f. 1.
Trickas marilandica, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 310.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 65. — IB. Orn. Biog. II, 1841, 78; pi. 102.
liegulus myslaceus, STEPHENS, Shaw, Zool. Birds, XIII, n, 1826, 232.
Trichas personatus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 167.
Sylvia roscoe, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 124 ; pi. 24. (Young male.)
Trichas roscoe, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 457.
Trickas brachydactyla, SWAINSON, Anim. in Menag. 1838, 295.
BUFFON, PI. enl. 709, f. 2.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts olive green, tinged with brown towards the middle of the crown ; chin, throat, and breast as far as tho
middle of the body, with the under tail coverts blight yellow. Belly dull whitish buff. Sides of body strongly tinged with
light olive brown ; under coverts glossed with the same. A band of black on the forehead, (about .20 of an inch wide in the
middle,) passing backward so as to cover the cheek and ear coverts, and extending a little above the eye ; this band bordered
behind by a suffusion of hoary ash, forming a distinct line above the eye, and widening behind the ear coverts into a larger
patch, with a yellow tinge. In winter dress, and in the female, without the black mask, the forehead tinged with brown,
the yellow ofthe throat less extended, the eyelids whitish, and an indistinct superciliary line yellowish. Length of male,
5.50; wing, 2.40 ; tail 2.20.
Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
The wings of this species are short and much rounded ; they reach a little beyond the basal
third of the tail. This is considerably graduated, the outer feather about .40 of an inch
:u b
242
U. S P. It. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
shorter than the middle ones. The fourth quill is longest ; the first shorter than the fifth.
The legs are long and of a yellow color.
I have not found any specimens of this species agreeing with the Trichas personatus of Swainson
as distinguished from his T. brachydactylus. All before me have the short lateral toes dis
tinguishing the latter species. Should, therefore, there he really two, as suggested by Swainson,
the new one will be that to which he has assigned the name of personatus.
Among the specimens before me are several males in autumnal or winter dress in which the
entire crown is pale reddish olive, except a very narrow black frontlet. The black of the cheeks
is also considerably obscured. This agrees with the Sylvia roscoe of Audubon. There is a
slight trace only of the conspicuous white ring round the eye, shown in the figure of roscoe,
this is characteristic of the female ; nor is the olive of the back so dark.
Specimens from the west appear larger than eastern ones, and the hoary suffusion back of
the black on the head is more sharply defined and whiter. One skin from Racine has the
belly yellower than usual, and thus more like G. velatus.
This species is readily distinguishable from G, macgillivrayi and Philadelphia in the adult
dress. The female and immature specimens of the latter may be distinguished by the bright
yellow of the whole under surface of body and tail coverts, and the gray tinge on the neck and
throat without the decided yellow of G. trichas.
List of specimens.
Catal. , iSt-x and
No. 1 age. !
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2178
2293
2372
2656
2535
2215
385
2303
1105
703
8655
7370
7922
5825
10152
8313
3990
3992
4674
4675
8836
8834
8837
8835
5304
8227
791.r)
7916
7917
7921
4566
7920
<J
(J
<?
(J
(?•
(J
9
9
9
cJ
Carlisle, Pa
do..
April 30, 1845
May 20, 1845
May 4, 1846
May 12, 1846
April 30, 1846
April 3, 1646
S. F. Baird
do
4.75
5.C8
5.16
5.08
5.50
5.08
5.00
5.08
4.75
6.91
6 66
7.08
7.08
7.43
7.25
6.91
6.91
6.50
2.25
2.25
2.17
2.17
2.43
2.25
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
April 15, 1846
May 21, 1845
July 5, 1843
April 25, 1842
.... do
do
do
2.16
2.00
do
Washington. D. C
do
do
5.25
7.00 2.25
'$
S
<?
<J
do
Dr. P. It. Hoy
West Northficld, III
Independence, Mo
May 15, 1857
May 27, 1857
Win. M. Magraw...
30
Dr. Cooper ....
5.00
4.50
4.50
5.37
4. '5
2.25
5.25
5.00
4.75
6.37
6.25
6.50
7.00
7.00
7.12
7.00
7.00
6.75
2.12
2.00
2.00
2.50
Iris brown ; bill black;
feet flesh color.
do
do
$
Nebraska
do
May 15
May 12
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Iliiydcn....
do. .
$
S
S
3
Loup Fork..
do
Aug. 6
Au<'. 3
do
do
do
do
2.25
2.25
2.25
2.25
Iris dark brown
do
.... do
do
do
Iris dark brown
do
do
Blackfoot country
Fort Laramie, Neb
.... do
Aug. 1, 1855
Sept. 17, 1855
April 25, 1856
April 2G, 1856
do
do
do
0
3
9
Win. M. Magra\v..
Dr. Buckley. . . .
209
327
Dr. Cooper ...
4.75
5 . 87
6.75
7.2.:
2.25
2.50
Iris brown ; feet pale
brown.
do
do
328
Shoal water bay
ilo ....
Aug. 30, 1854
,lo
Gov. Stevens
do
87
Dr. Cooper
do
5.37
r> 50
C.75
7 °5
San Jose, ;il
A. J. Graynon
H. S. Williamson..
6
rf
J. Xantus dc Vcsey
BIRDS 8YLVICOLIDAE — GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA. 243
GKOTHLYPLS VELATUS, Cab.
Gray-headed Warbler.
Sylvia velata, VIEILI.OT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 22 ; pi. Ixxiv.
Trichas vtlata, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 247. — NUTTALI,, Man. 1, 2d ed. 1840, 458.
Geothlypis velata, CAB. Mas. Hein. 1850, 16.
Sylvia cucullata, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 528. (Not of Wilson.)
" Sylvia caniicapilla, PR. MAXIM."
" Tanagra caniicapilla, SWAINSON, Zool. 111. Ill, 174."
Sylvia delafiddii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 307.
Trichas delafieldii, AUD. Syn. 1839, 65.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 81 ; pi. 103.
Trichas caniiccphala, LESSON, Rev. Zool. Ill, 1840, 13.
SP. CH. — Upper parts and sides dark olive green. Crown ash color. A narrow frontal band passing backwards on the cheeks
and ear coverts, and extending a little above the eye. Beneath bright yellow. Length, 4.75 ; wing, 2.55 ; tail, 2.40.
I fab. — West Indies and South America. Oregon?
It is scarcely certain that the present species really belongs to the fauna of the United States.
Its occurrence in the West Indies (where it really belongs) and in Oregon, without being
found in any intermediate locality, would seem very improbable. Mr. Audubon received his
specimen (No. 2905 of the accompanying list) from Mr. Townsend who probably procured it
somewhere else than in the assigned locality.1
This species is readily distinguishable from the Geotlilypis trichas by its larger size, bright
yellow of the entire under parts, (without any brown,) and the ashy crown, without any lighter
space separating it from the black of the forehead. The tail is broad and much graduated ;
the lateral feathers .45 of an inch the shortest. The wings are much rounded ; the first quill
shorter than the sixth.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2905 ! c?
Oregon ?
S. F. Baivcl
J J. Audubon. _
2367 $
Trinidad
do
John Ciissin
562 $
Mexico ? ...
do
John G Bell
1 Nuttall states that Townsend's specimen was taken near Fort Vancouver, O. T., not in California, as <riven by Audubon.
GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, Baird.
Mourning Warbler.
Sylvia Philadelphia, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 101 ; pi. xiv. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 78, (not figured.) —
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 404.
Trichas Philadelphia, JARD. Wilson, 1832.— RICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. List, 1838. — AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 64. —
IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 76; pi. 101.— REINHARDT, Vidensk. Meddel. for 1853, 1854, 73.
(Greenland.)
SP. CH. — Wings but little longer than the tail, reaching but little beyond its base. Head and neck all round with throat and
fore part of breast ash gray, paler beneath. The feathers of the chin, throat, and fore breast in reality black, but with narrow
ashy margins, more or less concealing the black, exeept on the breast. Lores and region round the eye dusky, without any
trace of a pale ring. Upper parts and sides of the body clear olive green ; the under parts bright yellow. Tail feathers
uniform olive ; first primary, with the outer half of the outer web, nearly white. Female with the gray of the crown glossed
with olive ; the chin and throat paler centrally, and tinged with fulvous ; a dull whitish ring round the eye. Length, 5.50
inches ; wing, 2.45 ; tail, 2.25.
Hab. — Eastern Keith America, BB far wcet ae Independence Mo. Greenland, Remhardt.
244
U. S P R R. EXP AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
In this species the wings are short and broad ; the tertials in the closed wing longer than
the secondaries, and about .45 of an inch shorter than the primaries ; the wing considerably
rounded, the first quill intermediate between the fourth and fifth, the second longest. The tail
is moderately graduated, the lateral feathers .15 of an inch shorter than the middle one.
It is quite possible that in the full plumaged male the entire throat may be black, as there
iS a tendency to this in some specimens. A fall male (1G97) shows the black only on the fore
breast.
Authors describe the black feathers of the throat as crenulated (margined) witli white. 1
have never seen any specimens (out of about twenty) in which these margins were other than
ash color.
The mourning warbler is very similar to the Oporornis agilis, and is only to be distinguished by
the smaller size, much shorter, and more rounded wings, longer legs, and shorter toes, and other
generic characters. The adult males are easily separated by the decided black of the throat
and absence of white ring round the eye in G. Philadelphia. The females are much more closely
related, both having the pale ring round the eye. The longer and more pointed wings of
agilis will distinguish them ; the relations to G. macgillivrayi will be pointed out under that
species.
A female (21)06) has a strong tinge of buff yellow on the throat.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.: Orig.
No.
Length. ; Stretch
:of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
1499
May 26 1844
S. F. Baird
5.50 7.75
2.41
1697
rC do
Sept. 6, 1844
do i
5. 75 i 8. 00
2.50
1011
$ do
Sept. 24, 1843
do
5.33 8.16
2.58 .. ..
1024
Q do
May 26 1843
do. ..
5.25 7.75
2. 41
103'
Q do
May 30, 1843
do
5. 33 7. 66
2. 16
2273
Q : do
May 17, 1845
do 1
5. 16 7. 75
2.41
427?
Q . ..do..
May 28, 1841
do j
5.41 7.66
O South Illinois .
May 11, 1841
R. Kennicott ......
7515
Independence, Mo .
j
Dr. Cooper 45
5.00 6.00
2. 50 Iris and bill brown,
feet pale brown..
GEOTHLYPIS MACGILLIVRAYI, Baird.
Macgillivray's Warbler.
Sylvia macgillivrayi, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 75 ; pi. 399. (Sylvia Philadelphia on plate.)
Trichas macgillivrayi, AUD. Syn. 1839, 64.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 74 ; pi. 100.
Sylvia tolmioel, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VIII, 1839, 149, 159. (Read April, but the volume really not published
till 1840.)
Sylvia tolmiei, TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 343,
Trichas tolmiaei, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 4GO.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck all round, throat and fore part of the breast dark ash color ; a narrow frontlet, loral region and space
round the eye (scarcely complete behind) black. The eyelids above and below tbe eye (not in a continuous ring) white. The
feathers of the chin, throat, and fore breast really black, with ashy gray tips, more or less concealing the black. Rest of upper
parts dark olive green, (sides und«r the wings paler ;) of lower, bright yellow. Female with the throat paler and without any
black. Lergth of male, 5 inches ; wing, 2.45 ; tail, 2.45.
Hab. — Pacific coast of North America, south to Gulf of California and across to Monterey, Mexico. In Rocky mountains to
Fort Laramie ? (Dr. Cooper.)
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — GEOTHLYP1S MACGILLIVRAYI.
245
In this species the wings are short and rounded, about as long as the tail, and reaching only
over its basal third. The primaries are about half an inch longer than the tertials, the first
quill intermediate between the fifth and sixth. The tail feathers are moderately graduated.
This species bears a most remarkable resemblance to the T. Philadelphia, of which it is the
western representative ; the only prominent distinction is in the white spots on the eyelids.
The size and general proportions are much the same ; but the ash and black of the breast do
not come so far down in the western species, the loral region is much blacker, and the black
frontlet is wanting in Philadelphia. The bill is more slender, the wings more rounded, the
legs shorter. The females are only distinguishable by the slenderer bill and more rounded
wings of G. macgillivrayi, in which the first quill is intermediate between the fifth and sixth,
instead of being considerably longer than the fifth.
The peculiarities of wing will serve to distinguish this species from Oporornis agilis in
autumn and winter. The crown then is probably tinged with olive.
The selection of a specific name for this bird from the two at our command is a matter of
much perplexity. Both were apparently published in 1839, and without indication of the
month. Mr. Townsend's article was read before the Academy at Philadelphia, April 2, 1839,
(Journal VIII, II,) and printed on page 149. The next sheet contains a note dated September
10, 1839, in which he refers to the article and page of Audubon, and claims priority of pub
lication for his Narrative of Travels.
A few pages further on, and on the penultimate page (170) of Part I, is an article on
Fullgula grisea by Dr. Leib, " read January 7, 1840." This evidently shows that the volume
was not issued till 1840, as it could not otherwise have contained a paper read January 7, 1840,
only 21 pages later than where Townsend's species is described.
This clearly settles the question of priority in favor of Vol. V of the Ornithological Biography.
Although Townsend claims precedence of the description in his Narrative, yet as the one work
was published in Edinburgh, and the other in Philadelphia, the former might have been issued
first without the knowledge of the latter. The article in the Journal of Academy does not
quote the Narrative, while that in the Narrative quotes the volume of the Journal, (not the
page, however.) The inference would, therefore, be that the latter appeared first of the two.
Under the circumstances, then, I think it proper to retain the better known name of Audubon,
and accordingly adopt that of G, macgillivrayi.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained. I Orig. Collected by Length.
No.
Si retch Wing. Remarks.
ot'wings.
7905
7907
7911
7910
2907
1910
1861
4947
7912
7913
3939
3988
<?
c?
3
Q
o<?
$
3
..._..
?
}
Q'
Fort Steilacoom, W. T. .
do
May 3, 1856
.... do
Dr. Suckley 356
do 385 5 50
7 50
do
Jan. 25, 1855
do ...
7 05 . .
do
do 5 12
7 00
May — , 1835
do
J. K. Townsend
do
do
do
.... do
San Jose, California....
Mimbres to Rio Grande.
Frontera
May 5,1852
Aug. 31, 1857
do
May — , 1853
do
A. J. Grayson .... 3
Dr. Henry •.
Chas. Wright 5. 50
Wm.M.Magraw.. 179 Dr. Cooper. 5.50
do 180 lo 5.25
Lieut. Couch 213 5.00
do 205 5.50
7 00 2 50
Monterey, Mexico
do
7 37 2 50 Iris black, fert giay
7.00 2.50 Eye brown, feet dull white.
7.25 2.50
246
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
OPORORNIS,1 Baird.
CH. — Bill sylvicoline, rather compressed ; distinctly notched at tip ; rictal bristles very much reduced. Wings elongated,
pointed, much longer than the tail ; the first quill nearly or quite the longest. Tail very slightly rounded ; tail feathers
acuminate, pointed ; the under coverts reaching to within less than half an inch of their tip. Tarsi elongated, longer than
the head ; claws large, the hinder one as long as its digit, and longer than the lateral toes. Above olive green ; beneath
yellow ; tail and wings immaculate. Legs yellow.
This group of American warblers is very distinct from any other. The typical species is
quite similar in color to Geothlypia Philadelphia, but is at once to be distinguished by much
longer wings, more even tail, and larger toes and claws. It is also very similar to Seiurus,
differing chiefly in the longer wings, larger cUws, and absence of spots beneath.
Throat and crown ash color ; a white ring round the eye. No black on the side of
the head 0. agilis.
Throat and superciliary stripe yellow ; top of the head and a streak beneath the eye
black 0. formosas .
Comparative measurements of species.
Cntal.
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex. j Length. ' Stretch
of wings
Wing. I Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2.309
£ ; 5.20 i
2.86 2.28
0.80
0.76
0.18
0.48
0 63
Dry
do.
5.91 : 9.00
3.00
1239
do Philadelphia
5.00
C? 4.76 ....
2.74 2.30
2.86 2.20
0.80
0 82
0.70
0 72
0 16
0 18
0.43
0 40
0.56
0.54
Dry
Drv
10153
9 : 5.36
2 60 2 10
0 93
0 74
0 18
0 44
0 58
Drv. . .
|
OPORORNIS AGILIS, Baird.
Connecticut Warbler.
Sylvia agilis, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 64 ; pi. xxxix, f. 4.— BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, no. 163.— Aim. Orn. Biog.
II, 1834,227; pi. 138.
Sylvicola agilis, JARDINE ed. Wilson, 1832.— RICH. List, 1837.— AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 63.— IB. Orn. Biog. II, 1841,
71 ; pi. 99.
Trichas agilis, NIITTAI.L, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 403.
Trichas tephrocotis, NUTTALI,, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 462, (Chester county, Penn., adult with whole head ash.)
Sp. CH. — Upper parts and sides of the body uniform olive green, very slightly tinged with ash on the crown. Sides of the
head ash tinged with dusky beneath the eye. (Entire head sometimes ash.) Chin and throat grayish ash, gradually becoming
darker to the upper part of the breast, where it becomes tinged with dark ash. Sides of the neck, breast, and body, olive, like
the back ; rest of under parts light yellow. A broad continuous white ring round the eye. Wings and tail feathers olive,
(especially the latter,) without any trace of bars or spots. Bill brown above. Feet yellow. Length, 6 inches ; wing, 3 ;
tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Eastern United States. (Very rarely seen.)
In this species the wings are long and pointed, reaching beyond the middle of the tail or
within an inch of the end, (in the fresh specimen.) The primaries are .85 of an inch longer
than the secondaries. The primaries become successively and decidedly shorter than the first,
which is longest. The tail feathers are broad, acuminate, and slightly graduated.
A second specimen (2939) is similar, but differs in having the crown dark plumbeous ash.
Both of these are spring specimens. In fall, when the species is much more frequently seen,
1 The name is used in reference to the abundance of 0. agilis in autumn, compared with its excessive rarity in spring.
BIRDS — SVLVIOOLTDAE — OPORORNIS FORMOSUS.
247
the asli of the throat is so strongly tinged with brownish (with perhaps a tinge of olive) as to
obscure the ash. The crown also is like the back.
The Trichas tephrocotis of Nuttall appears to be only an adult in very full plumage, with the
entire head above clear bluish ash, (as just referred to in No. 2939,) instead of glossed with
olivaceous, as in most specimens.
List of specimens.
Catal Sux.
No.
2939
2309
1235
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Collected by — ; Length. Stretch ; Wing.
of wing?
J. J. Audubon |
S. F. Baird.. 5.91
Eastern U. States
Carlisle, Pa May 20, 1845
Philadelphia, Pa... Oct. 3, 1843 I do
South Illinois May 15, 1855 N. W. University..; R. Kennicott
9.00
3.00
OPORORNIS FORMOSUS, Baird.
Kentucky Warbler.
Sylvia formosa, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 85 ; pi. xxv, f. 3.— BONAP. Obs. Wils. J.825-6, 156.— NUTTAI.L, Man.
I, 1832, 399.— ATJDUBON, Orn. Biog I, 1832, 196; pi. 38.
Sylvicola formosa, JAHDINE ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. List, 1838.
J\Iylodioctesformosus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 50. — IB. Birds America, II, 1841, 19 ; pi. 74. — BONAP. Conspectus, 1850,315.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts and sides dark olive green. Crown and sides of the head, including a triangular patch from behind
the eye down the side of the neck, black, the feathers of the crown narrowly lunulated at tips witli dark ash. A line from
nostrils over the eye and encircling it (except anteriorly) with the entire under parts, bright yellow. No white on the tail.
Female similar, with less black on the head . Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.95 ; tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Eastern United States as far west as Fort Riley, south to Guatemala.
The wings of this species are long and pointed ; the first three nearly equal and considerably
longer than the rest. The tail is slightly rounded.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Len<!th.
Stretch Wing. Remarks.
of wings.
2373
S. *\ Baird
10154
10153 Q
6985 ^
"520
5889
7988 ...
South 111 ....
... M.'iy 15,
do
May 13,1857
79
25
W. S. Wood
Independence, Mo....
Fort Riley, K. T
Dr. Cooper
iDr. lliiinmond &.
5.50
8.00 i 3.00 Iris brown, feet flesh.
J. Gould
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Section Icterieae.
1CTERIA, Vieillot.
Icteria, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1790, iii and 85.
Bill shorter than the head ; broad at the base, but rapidly becoming compressed or much higher than broad, with the ridge
elevated and sharp from the very base of the bill ; the upper outline much curved throughout ; the commissure less curved but
strongly concave ; the gonys nearly straight, the upper edge of the lower jaw as convex as the commissure is concave. No
notch in the bill and the rictal bristles small. Tarsi longer than the toes, without scutellae, except faint indications on tho
inner side. Lateral toes about equal : shorter than the hinder. Wings about equal to the tail, rounded ; the first quill longer
than the secondaries. Tail graduated; above olive; beneath yellow. Abdomen, eyelids, maxillary patch, and line to tho
bill, white.
The } roper position of this genus has always been a matter of much uncertainty, but I see
no reason why it may not legitimately be assigned to the Sylvicolinae, possessing, as it does, so
many of their characteristics. The bill is stouter and more curved than in the rest, but the
other characters agree very well. It cannot properly be placed Avith the vireos and shrikes on
account of the absence of a spurious primary, as well as of a notch in either mandible.
The two species are best distinguished by the relative length of the tail.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal. Species.
No.
Locality.
Sex. Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
i j
Its clau Hill Along
alone, above gape.
Specimens mea
sured.
£602 , Icteria longicauda*. . .
5520 do ....
California
Petaluina, Cal
...... do
8.00
C? 7.04
7 50
9 16
3.14
3.14
3 16
3.92
3.80
1.00
1.04
0.80
0.86
0.21
0.20
0.58
0.60
0.74
0.72
Dry
Dry
Fresh
3978 do
New Leon,Mex
do
$ 6.90
' 6.75
3.10
3.25
3.02
3.25
2.93
3.00
3.70
1.00 0.84
0.24
O.(i0
0.80
Dry
9.75
Fresh
2260 Icteria viridis
do. do
Carlisle, Pa
do
$ 6.70
1 7.41
3 28
1.02
0.80
0.22
O.fiO
0.76
Dry
10 00
2312 do
do
Q ' 6.20
: 7 00
3.10
1.00 0.84
0.21
0.58
0.68
Dry
do
9.50
Fresh
!
* The original of Mr. Lawrence's Icteria longicaiulj..
ICTERIA VIRIDIS, Bo nap.
Yellow Breasted Chat.
Muscicapa virldis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 936.
Icteria viridis, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1826, No. 163.— IB. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 331.— NUTTALL, Man. I,
1832, 299.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 223 : V, 433 ; pi 137.— ID. Syn. 1839, 163.— IB. Birds Am.
Icteria dumecola, VIEILLOT, Ois Am. Sept. I, 1807, 85 ; pi. Iv.
Piprapolyglotta, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 90.
" Tanagra olivacea, DESMAREST, Tangaras, (<?, not the Q or o.)"
" Jlmpdis luteus, SPARRMANN, Mus. Carls, tab. Ixx," (Bonap.)
? Icteria velasquezii, BONAP. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 117.— IB. Consp. 1850, 331.
Merula viridis carolinensis, BHISSON, II, 1760, 315.
Yellow breasted chut, CATESBY, Carol. I, 1730, tab. I.
Chattering Jly catcher, PENNANT, II, 388. — LATHAM, Syn. II, i, 360.
SP. CH. — Third and fourth quills longest ; second and fifth little shorter ; first nearly equal to the sixth. Tail graduated.
Upper parts uniform olive green ; under parts, including the inside of wing, gamboge yellow as far as nearly halfway from the
point of the bill to the tip of the tail ; rest of under parts white, tinged with brown on the sides ; the outer side of the tibia
plumbeous ; a s.ight tinge of orange across the breast. Forehead and sides of the head ash, the lores and region below the eye
blackish. A white stripe from the nostrils over the eye and involving the upper eyelid; a patch on the lower lid, and a short
stripe from the side of the lower mandible, and running to a point opposite the hinder border of the eye, white. Bill black ;
feet brown. Female like the male, but smaller ; the markings indistinct ; the lower mandible not pure black. Length, 7.40 ;
wing, 3.25 ; tail, 3.30.
IJnh. — Eastern United States to the Missouri, south to Guatemala.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE ICTERIA LONGICAUDA.
249
The graduation of the tail in this species amounts to about .40 of an inch or less. There is the
faintest possible trace of a whitish tip to the inner webs of the lateral tail feathers.
The female is smaller than the male, the markings less distinct, and the under mandible,
instead of being entirely bluish black, is brownish white, the edges darker. A specimen from
Guatemala agrees exactly with females from the Atlantic States, except in having the lower
mandible rather purer white than in those before me, but the difference is not very great.
This character of bill corresponds with that of Icleria velasquezii of Bonaparte, but as the long
tailed western species or race lias the bill light colored also in the female and young, it is
difficult to say to which Bonaparte's species should be referred. It is possible that Guatemala
winter specimens belong to J. viridis, and Mexican summer ones to J. longicauda.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2311
J>
Carlisle, Pa
May 23, 1845
S. F. Biird
7.33
10 00
3 03
2260
do
May 14, 1845
do
7.41
10 00
3.23
2i>92
3
do
May 20, 1845
do
7 08
9 66
3 00
2.'} 12
0
do
May 23, 1845
do
7.00
9.50
3.00
7578
Washington, D. C
VV. Mutton ....
753.5
6997
West Nortlifield, III
May 17, 1855
Mav 11, 1855
R Knunicott
do
J>
8397
69U8
5547
.„..
.„..
.... do
Independence, Mo. ....
Leaven worth, K. T
East of Fort Riley
May — , 18)7
Jan. 29, 1857
May 28, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
Win. M. M;igraw ..
Lifu . Bryan
do
VV. S Wood...
107 Dr. Cooper
VV. 8. Wood...
10 do
7.20
9.00
3.00
Iris brown, feet load.. ..
5618
3
do
June 20, 1856
do
31 do
8195
Q
Nemaha river, K. T....
July 16, 1*57
Win. M. Mag. aw. ..
131 Dr. Cooper ....
7.00
9.00
2.75
Iris brown, bill black and
7954
o
ICTERIA LONGICAUDA, Lawrence.
Long-tailed Chat.
Icleria longicauda, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. VI, Ap. 1853, 4.
? Icleria auricollis, (Liciir. Mus. Ber.) BOXAP. Consp. 1850, 331.
Sp. CH. — Similar to /. viridis. Fourth quill longest ; third and fifih shorter ; first shorter than the seventh. Above ash
color, 'inged with olive on the back and neck ; the outer surface of the wings and tail olive. The under parts as far as the
middle of the belly bright gamboge yellow, with a tinge of orange ; the remaining portions white. The superciliary and
maxillary white stripes extend some distance behind the eye. Outer edge of the first primary white. Length, 7 inches ; wing,
3.20; tail, 3.70.
Hub. — High central plains of the United States to the Pacific ; south into Mexico.
This Ideria appears to differ in some appreciable points from the common species of the
United States. The upper parts are less olivaceous, the forehead and even the crown decided
ash color, instead of olive. The white marks on the head are more extended, the superciliary
stripe broader and extending a quarter of an inch behind the eye. The maxillary white stripe
is broader, and reaches back to a distance equal to the length of the lower mandible, instead of
little more than half as far. The outer edge of the first primary is pure white instead of
olivaceous. The yellow of the breast is more orange. The proportions of the quills are
different, in having the fourth quill longest, ttie first shorter than the seventh. The tail also
is nearly half an inch longer.
This description, based on No. 3978, from New Leon, agrees in the main with nearly all the
32 b
250
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
specimens from the Missouri plains and westward. Some of these vary, however, and in most
cases the characters of wing are more like those of /. viridis, from Pennsylvania. The only
constant feature is the greater length of tail in western specimens, which prevails throughout.
If there he a specific difference, it will he based essentially upon the latter feature, upon which
the Icteria longicauda of Mr. Lawrence was founded. His specimen, now "before me, has the tail
rather longer than in any other I have seen, measuring 3.90 inches. A California specimen
from Petaluma measures 3.60, or a little less than in No. 3978. Mr. Lawrence's specimen is
in other respects much like the eastern ones, having less white about the sides of the head, less
gray on the crown, and less white on the outer margin of first primary than in No. 39*75.
The determination of the name of this long-tailed species (if it be really one) of Icteria is a
matter of much uncertainty. There are three from which to choose: I. velasquezii of Bonaparte,
1837j auricollis of 1850, and longicauda, Lawrence, of 1853. Neither velasquezii nor auricollis
are described in a way to indicate any material difference from I. viridis. The former is said to
have the under mandible white. If this be found to be a constant character in adult males, it is
probable that none of the specimens in the Smithsonian collection belong to it. The description
of auricollis, though not distinctive, will answer very well, especially as the white about the
head is mentioned so particularly as to render it probable that it appeared more conspicuous
than in the /. viridis, which is really the case in the subject of the present article. As based on
a Mexican specimen, it in all probibilit}'- is the same with those from New Leon — 3978 — and
these identical, as far as I can see, with Nebraska and California ones. Still, as Mr. Lawrence's
description is positively applicable to the one bird only, and Bonaparte's answers almost equally
well for both, I prefer to adopt the name of the former, leaving a further examination of the
type of auricollis in the Berlin Museum to settle the question.
Specimens from Loup Fork, apparently young, (8841-' 2,) differ in having the upper parts of
a c'.ull brownish yellow, occasionally touched with olivaceous. The under mandibles are whitish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
8602
5520
Petaluma, Cal
April — , 1856
7 50
9 16
3 16
8175
Fort Tejon, Cal
Frontera
May 10, 1852
J. Xantus de Vesey.
Chas. Wright
8174
4725
s"
Fort Thorn, N. M
May 17, 1856
Dr. Henry
Lt. Wairen
Dr. Haj den
7.75
10.00
3.25
4724
5307
..„..
Moulh White river
Ft. Lookout, Neb
May 21,
May 31,
do
do
do
do .....
7.25
7 50
9.75
10 00
3.25
3 00
5310
0
do
June 17, 1856
do
do
7 00
9.50
3.25
do
5011
(j
do
do
do
do
7 25
9.75
3 25
5308
do
do
do
do
7.25
10.00
2.00
Eyes black
5304 ?
r?
do
June 21, 1856
do .,
do
7 °5
9 50
3 25
do
4647
4648
r?"
Ft. Pierre, Neb
do
.lune 12, 1855
May 12, 1855
Col. Vaughan
do
do
do
5306
9
June 1, 1856
Lt. Warren
do .. .
7 00
9 62
3.00
5649
<-?
I'lauo
Aug. 21, 1856
292
W S Wood
8841
881-2
6
,?
Loup Fork
do
Aug. 5,
do
Lt. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden
do
7.00
6 75
9.50
8 12
2.75
3 25
Iris gray
8778
4971
3978
tj
Forks of Platte river
Ft. Chadbourne, Tex...
New Leon, Mex
Aug. 13, ie.07
Mar. — , 1853
W. M. Magraw
Dr. Swift
Lt. Coueh
151
Ur. Cooper
6 75
9 75
3 25
3979
;?
do
do
121
7 25
9 50
3 25
Bill b'k; ft. dark lead
9109
34716
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE HELMITHEKUS.
251
Section Vermivoreae.
Bill entirely without notch, and with no rictal bristles. Legs variable.
The following genera compose this section :
HELMITHERUS. — Bill stout, only moderately acute, nearly as long as the head, and on a line
with the forehead. Middle toe as long as the short tarsus. Colors plain ; no white on the tail.
HELMINTHOPIIAGA. — Bill slender, excessively acute, shorter than the head. Tarsus considerably
longer than the middle toe. Tail feathers sometimes with a white patch.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length. Stretch ,\
of wings. |
ring. Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2148
do,
290 1
2229
408
10156
1917
2903
10158
2929
2238
2237
Helmitherus vcrmivorus .
do do
Carlisle, Pa
S
4.74
2.84 2.30
2.92
0.72
0.64
0.20
0.56
0.62
do
5.41 9 25
5.50
4 04 •
Fresh
do swainsoni. . .
Helminthophaga solitaria.
do do....
do chrysopterus .
Charleston, S. 0..
Carlisle, Pa
do
Union county, 111.
......
9
......
C?
......
$
9
2.74 2.24
2.38 2.00
2.30 1.96
2.54 2.16
2.34 1.96
2.46 2.06
2.50 1.83
2.48 2.04
2.46 2.00
2.31 1.90
0.68
0.66
0.65
O.",0
0.60
0.70
0.66
0.72
0.64
0.63
0.62
0.52
0.50
0.52
0.48
0.50
0.56
0.58
0.52
0.54
0.20
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.14
0.16
0.14
0.16
0.16
0.14
0.64
0.46
0.46
0 46
0.42
0.46
0.42
0.40
0.40
0.39
0.68
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.48
0.46
0.44
Dry
Dry. . . .
4 50 ....'
5.08
4. 46
Dry
Drv
do bachmani.. . .
do peregrina.. ..
do celata
do ruficapilla.. . .
do. do
Charleston, S. C.
Cairo, 111
Columbia river.. .
4.50
4 82 ''
Dry
Dry
Drv. .
5 06
4 04
Ho. . .
4.06 :
Drv. .
HELMITHERUS, Raf.
Helmitherus, RAFINESQUE, Journal de Physique, LXXXV1II, 1819, 417. Type Motacilla vermivora.
Vermivora, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. IV, 1827, 170, (not of MEYER, 1822.)
Helinaia, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 66. Type Sylvia swainsoni, Aud.
CH. — Bill large and stout, compressed, almost tanagrine ; nearly or quite as long as the head. Culmenvery slightly
curved ; gonys straight ; no notch in the bill ; rictal bristles wanting. Tarsi short, but little longer, if any, than the middle
toe. Tail considerably shorter than the wings ; rather rounded. Wings rather long, the first quill a little shorter than the
second and third.
The birds of this division are very plain in their colors, more so than any other American
warblers. There are but two species referrible to the genus, of which the H. swainsoni differs from
the type in having a considerably longer and more compressed bill, the ridge of which is com
pressed, elevated, and appears to extend backwards on the forehead, as well as to be in a straight
line with the upper part of the head. The wings are longer ; the tail forked, not rounded ; the
feathers narrower and more pointed ; the tarsi shorter than in the type. It is quite possible that
systematic writers may hereafter find it necessary to erect this form into a distinct genus or
sub- genus to be called Helinaia.
Synopsis of the species.
Colors plain. Above olivaceous, beneath nearly white. No spots or bands on wing or tail.
Above olive green. Head yellowish, with two black stripes above and one behind the
eye. Tail rounded H. vermivorus.
Above dull olive green, tinged with brown. Stripes on the head somewhat as in the last,
but reddish brown ; the median light stripe on the crown scarcely visible. Tail
slightly forked H. swainsoni.
252
U. 8. P. R. K EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
HELMITHEKUS VERMIVORUS, Bonap.
Worm-eating Warbler.
? JWctacU'a vermivora, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 951.
Sylria vermivora, LATHAM, lud. Orn. If, 1790, 499. — WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 74 ; pi. xxiv, f. 4. — BONAP, OLs.
WILSON, 1826.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 177 : V, 460; pi. xxxiv.
Sylvia (Dacnis} vermivora, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 409.
Sylviccla vermivora, RICH. List, 1837.
Ilelinaia vermivora, AUD. Syn. 1839, CO.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 86 ; pi. 105.
Htlmitherus vermivorus, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 314.— CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.
Ficedula. pennsylvanica, BRISSON, Orn. VI, 1760, app. 102.
Vermivora pennsylvanica, " SWAINSON," BONAV. List, 1838. — GOSSE, Birds, Jam. 1847, 150.
Helmitheros migratorius, RAFINESQUE, Jour. d« Phys. LXXXV1II, 1819, 417. — HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool. 1845, 342.
Vermivora fatvicitpilla, SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 245.
Sp CH — Bill nearly as long as the head ; upper parts generally rather clear olive green. Head with four black stripes and
three brownish yollow ones, natr.ely, a black one on each side of the crown and one from behind the eye, (extending, in fact, a
little anterior to it,) a broader median yellow one on the crown, and a superciliary from the bill. Under parts pale brownish
yellow, tinged with buff across the breast, and with olivaceous on the sides. Tail unspotted. Female nearly similar. Length,
5.5U ; \ving, 3.00 ; tail, 2. 35.
Hab. — Eastern United States to Missouri river ; south to Guatemala.
The first three quills are about equal and decidedly longer than the fourth. The tail is
slightly rounded. A specimen from Florida is brighter olive above.
List of specimens.
Catal .
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
iifwings
2148
3
Carlisle, Pa
April 26, 1845
S F. Buird
25B
O
May 12, 1841
do
Wa-liin"ton
W. II III Kill
10116
;?
do
8670
Cape Florida
Sept. 25, 1£57
G. VVurdemaiin ...
5.75
8.75
2.75
Upper mandible black
ish, lower black, very
light legs.
8309
Independence. Mo. ...
May 27, 1857
Win. M. Magraw . .
26
Dr. Cooper
5.75
9.00
3.00
Iris brown, bill brown,
feet flesh color.
8014
Guatemala
J.Gould
HELMITHEKUS SWAINJSONII, Bonap.
Swainson's Warbler.
Sylvia swainsonii, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 563 : V, 462 ; pi. cxcviii.
Sylvicola swainsonii, RICH. List, 1837.
Vtrmioora swainsonii, BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaiu sivainsonii, AUD. Syn. 1839, b'6. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 83 ; pi. civ, (type of genus.)
lhlmitkeru<t swainsonii, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 314. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.
Sr. CH.— Bill as long as the head. Upper parts dull olive green, tinged with reddish brown on the wings, and still more on the
crown and nape ; a superciliary stripe and the under purls of the body are while, tinged with yellow, but paltst on the tail
coverts ; the sides pale olive bruwn. There is an obs-cure indication of a median yellowish stripe on the forehead. The lores
are dusky. No spots or bands on wings or tail. Length, 5.60 ; wing, 2.85 ; tail, 2.20.
Hab.— South Atlantic States.
The bill of this species is on a line with the forehead, the upper outline nearly straight
almost to the tip, the lower quite so. The wings are long, the quills attenuated at tip ; the
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE HELMINTHOPHAGA.
253
first three longest, (first rather shorter,) and abruptly longer than the fourth. The tail is
moderately forked. The tarsi are quite short.
This species is very seldom seen in collections, though probably not rare in Georgia and
Florida. It is said to have been shot in Massachusetts, though this seems hardly probable.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
2901
Charleston, S. C
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon .. . .
3319
Libeity county, Ga
... .do ....
W L Jones
HELMINTHOPHAGA, Cabanis.
Helminthophaga, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850-1851, 20. Type Syhiarvficapilla.
CH. — Bill elongated, conical, very acute ; the outlines very nearly straight, sometimes slightly decurved ; no trace of notch
at the tip. Wings long and pointed ; the first quill nearly or quite the longest. Tail nearly even or slightly emarginate ;
short and rather slender. Tarsi longer than the middle toe.
The species of this section are well characterized by the attenuation and acuteness of the bill,
and the absence of any notch. There are, however, considerable subordinate differences in the
different species. In some the bill is larger and more acute than others ; in one species, the
H. peregrina, the wings are unusually lengthened, the tail being only about seven-twelfths as
long.
The following synopsis will serve to distinguish the species. Their measurements will be
found on page 251.
A. — A distinct patch of white on the outer tail feathers ; wings varied with white or yellow.
Olive green above ; forehead, vertex and beneath yellow ; lores black ; wings and tail
blue ; two bands on the wing and crissum white pinus.
Above and on sides of body blue ; forehead, vertex, and a large patch on the wings
yellow. Throat and cheek patch black. Kest of lower parts and maxillary stripe
white » clirysoptera .
Above olive green ; throat, fore part of breast, and band across the crown black ; forehead,
lesser wing coverts, chin, and under parts yellow bachmani.
B. — Tail without any conspicuous patch ; wings not varied. Above olive green.
Crown and nape ash, with a concealed patch of brownish orange. A white ring round
the eye. Beneath bright yellow ruficapilla.
Above uniform olive green. Crown with a concealed patch of brownish orange.
Eyelids and obscure superciliary line yellowish. Beneath greenish yellow celata.
Crown ash gray, without any patch. Beneath olivaceous white, as are also the eyelids
and a superciliary line .peregrina.
254
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
HELMINTHOPHAG A PINUS, B a i r d .
Blue-winged Y ellow Warbler.
Certhia pinus, LINV. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 187.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 478.
Sylvia pinus, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 537.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 44. (Not of Wilson.)
Sylvia solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 109 ; pi. xv.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1832, 102 ; pi. .
Sylvia (Dacnis) solitaria, BONAP. Obs. Wils. J. A. N. S. IV, 1826, 490.— AUDUBON (name on plate ,) pi. 20. —
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 410.
Syhicola solitaria, RICH. List, 1837.
Vermivora solitaria, "SWAINSON," JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832. — BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaia solitaria, AUD. Syn. 1839, 69.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 98 ; pi. 111.
Helmitheros solitarius, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 315.
Hehninthophaga solitaria, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850- '51, 20.
SP. CH. — Upper parts and cheeks olive green, brightest on the rump ; the wings, tail, and upper tail coverts, in part, bluish
gray. An intensely black patch from the blue-black bill to the eye, continued a short distance behind it. Crown, except
behind, and the under parts generally, rich orange yellow. The inner wing and under tail coverts white. Eyelids, and a short
line above and behind the eye, brighter yellow. Wing with two white bands. Two outer tail feathers with most of the inner
web, third one with a spot at the end white. Female and young similar, duller, with more olivaceous on the crown.
Length, 4.50 ; wing, 2.40 ; tail, 2.10.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala.
The bill in this species is conical and very acute3 shorter than the head. The first four quills
are nearly equal and considerably longest. The tail is emarginate and slightly rounded.
This species is somewhat like Protonotaria citrea, though much smaller. The yellow of the
head is limited to the fore part of the crown. The black band to the eye and the white on the
wing are not found in the other species.
The summer or autumnal plumage of this species agrees quite well with the description of
Sylvia montana of Wilson, in everything but the streaks on the sides of the body.
As this species is unquestionably Certhia pinus of Linnaeus, it becomes necessary to restore
his specific name, instead of using solitaria of Wilson.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
2229
3
Carlisle Pa ...__....._.
May 6, 1845
S. F. Baird
408
0
do
May 20, 1841
do
1131
o
do
Julv 22 1843
do
6983
$
St. Louis .
May 12, 1857
Lt. Bryan _.._..
61
W S Wood
Creek Nation.
Capt. Sitgreaves
Dr. Woodhousc
8015
Guatemala .
J. Gould .
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — HELMINTHOPHAGA BACHMANI.
255
HELMINTHOPHAGrA CHRYSOPTERA, Cabanis.
Golden-winged Warbler.
Motacilla chrysoptera, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 17(56, 333.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 971.
Sylvia chrysoptera, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790. — WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 113 ; pi. xv, f. 5. — BONAP. Am Orn.
I, 1825, 12 ; pi. i, f. 3. (Q)— IB. Synopsis, 1828, 87.
Sylvicola chrysiptera, RICHARDSON, List, 1837.
Vermivora chrysoptera, (SWAINSON) BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaia chrysoptera, AUD. Syn. 1839, 67.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 91 ; pi. 107.
Helmitheros chrysoptera, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 315.
Helminthophaga chrysoptera, CABANIS, Mus. Hcin. 1850- '51, 20.
Motacillaflavifrons, GMELIN, Syst. Nat, I, 1788, 976.
Sylvia Jlavifrons, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 527.
SP. CH. — Upper parts uniform bluish gray ; the head above and a large patch on the wings yellow. A broad streak from the
bill "through and behind the eye, with the chin, throat, and fore part of the breast, black. The external edge of the yellow
crown continuous with a broad patch on the side of the occiput above the auriculars, a broad maxillary stripe widening on the
side of the neck, the under parts generally, with most of the inner webs of the outer three tail feathers white ; the sides of the
body pale ash color. Female similar, but duller. Length, about 5 inches ; wing, 2.65 ; tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the Missouri. Bogota. (Sclater.)
The bill is rather shorter than the head, and black ; the feet brown. The edges of the
secondaries and tertials are olive green. There is a small white patch on the fourth tail feather.
A summer male has the back and belly strongly tinged with olive.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2365
•A
Carlisle Pa
July 8, 1845
S. F. Baird
1242
3
Philadelphia . ......
...do
1917
o
United States
-do
6982
•f.
St. Louis ..
May 13, 1857
Lt. Bryan ...
W. S. Wood
10156
2
Union county Illinois .
May 11, 1857
N, W. University
Robt. Kennicott . _
HELMINTHOPHAG-A BACHMANI, Cabanis.
Bachman's Warbler.
Sylvia bachmani, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 483 ; 183.
Sylvicola bachmani, RICH. List, 1837.
Vermivora bachmani, BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaia bachmani, AUD. Syn. 1839, 68.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 93 ; pi. 103.
Helmitheros bachmani, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 315.
Helminthophaga bachmani, CABANIS, Journ. f. Orn. Ill, 1855, 475. (Cuba.)
SP. CH. — Above olive green, as also are the sides of the head and neck. Hind head tinged with ash. A broad patch on the
forehead, bordered behind by black ; chin, stripe from this along the side of the throat, and the entire under parts deep yellow
Throat and fore part of breast black. A patch on the inner web of the outer two tail feathers near the end white. Length,
4.50; wing, 2.35 ; tail, 2.05.
Hab. — South Atlantic States. Cuba ; (Cabanis.)
The bill of this species is much attenuated and considerably decurved. The tail is nearly
256
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
even and slightly emarginate. The outer primaries are faintly margined with white. The
female is said to have less black on the head and throat.
This species is exceedingly rare, and very seldom seen in collections.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
2903
A
Charleston, S. C- .-
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon ..... .....
HELMINTHOPHAGA KUFICAPILLA, Baird.
Nashville Warbler.
Sylvia ruficapilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 120 ; pi. xxvii, f. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 450 ; pi. 89.
Sylvia rubricapil'a, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 15. (General Index.)— BON. Obs. 1826, No. 159
Sylvia (Dacnis) rubricapilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 412.
Sylvicola rubrieapilla, RICH. LIST', 1837.
Vermivora rubricapilla, BOMAP. List, 1838. — REIVUARDT, Vid. Mecl. for 1853, 1854, 82. (Greenland.)
Helinaia rubricapilla, AUD. Syn. 1839, 70.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 103 ; pi. 113.
Ihlmither os rubricapilla, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 315.
Helminthophaga rubricapilla, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.
Sylvia leucogastra, SHAW, Gen. Zool. X, n, 1817, 622.
" Sylvia nashvillei, VIEILLOT. " (Gray.)
Sylvia mexicana, HOLBOLL.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck above and on sides ash gray, the crown with a patch of concealed dark brownish orange hidden by
ashy tips to the feathers. Upper parts olive green, brightest on the rump. Under parts generally, with the edge of the wing
deep yellow ; the anal region paler ; the sides tinged with olive. A broad yellowish white ring round the eye ; the lores
yellowish ; no superciliary stripe. The inner edges of the tail feathers margined with dull white. Female similar, but duller ;
the under parts paler ; but little trace of the red of the crown. Length, 4.65 ; wing, 2.42 ; tail, 2.05.
Hab. — Eastern North America to the Missouri ; Greenland. (Remhardt.)
The bill is very acute ; the wings long and pointed ; the tail emarginate, not rounded.
In autumn the entire upper parts are olive green, tinged with yellowish on the rump, some
times with brownish on the head ; the patch on the crown more or less concealed. The female
has the white on the middle of the belJy more extended.
This species is distinguished from cdata, by the ash of the head, and the much purer and
more vivid gamboge (not greenish) yellow of the under parts. Although a smaller bird the
wings are proportionately longer. The continuous yellowish ring round the eye and the
absence of the superciliary stripe distinguish the species from both cdata and peregrina. The
latter, besides being larger, never has any approach to the bright yellow under parts, and more
over, has no concealed patch on the crown.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE — HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA.
257
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2150
$
Carlisle, Pa ......
April 26, 1845
S. F. Buird
4. 66
7.50
2.41
958
791
3
A
do
do.
May 3, 1843
Oct 10 1842
do
do
4.66
4.58
7.75
7.08
2.33
2. 33
1699
.. do
Sept 6 1844
do..
4.83
7.50
2.41
768
do
Sept 30 1842
do
4.50
7.41
2. 33
2287
o
do
May 6 1845
do
2457
o
do
Sept. 12 1845
do
7557
,*
Washington, D. C
W. Hutton
Racine, Wisconsin.
II. Kennicott
10157
,2
Cairo Illinois
April 29, 1845
do ...
HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, Baird.
Orange-crowned Warbler.
Sylvia celata, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mis. I, 1823, 169.— BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 45 ; pi. v, f. S.— BON. Syn.
1828, 38— NDTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 413, (Dacnis.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 449 ; pi. 178.
Sylvicola celata, RICH. List, 1837.
Vermivora celata, (JARDINE,) BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinuia celata, AUD. Syn. 1839, 69.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 100 ; pi. 112.
Helmitheros celata, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 315.
SP. CH. — Above olive green, rather brighter on the rump. Beneath entirely greenish yellow, except a little whitish about
the anus ; the sides tinged with olivaceous. A concealed patch of pale brownish orange on the crown, hidden by the olivaceous
tips to the feathers. Eyelids and an obscure superciliary line yellowish, a dusky obscure streak through the eye. No white
spots on wings or tail of female, with little or none of the orange on the crown. Length, 4.70 ; wing, 2.25 ; tail, 2.00.
Hub. — Mississippi river to the Pacific ; south to northern Mexico,
In some specimens there is a narrow margin of whitish along the inner webs of the tail
feathers. Sometimes, too, (3993,) the outer primary is edged with white. Some specimens
appear to be without the orange crown. Occasionally there is a faint trace of obsolete olivaceous
streaks on the breast.
An immature specimen (10159) from Fort Umpqua, referred to this species, is much duller
in plumage, and shows a trace of two brownish bands on the wings.
33 b
258
U. S, P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
A age
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. , Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
7925'
o
4672
4673
7697
S
Mouth of Big Sioux ....
W Texas
May 4, 1856
do
do
5.12
8.00
2.50
Eyes dark, bill blue
3994
4.50
6.75
2 00
3995
do 50
3993
do 41
769°
April 28
Dr Suckley 347
4 62
7 00
lead color.
7693
do
May 3
do 362
7694
do
April 11
do ' 300
5 00
7 50
7695
$
. do
May 2, 1856
do 355
7696
do ...
April 25, 1856
do 316
5.00
7.37
2929
A
May 15, 1835
S. F. Baird 99
J. K. Townsend .
1912
4392
9
do
May 16, 1835
May 4 1855
do i 99
Dr Suckley 163
do
;;;;;;;;;;
10159'
o
7.37
..........
2 50
42-71
San Francisco, Cal
Winter '53-'4
R. D. Cults
HELMINTHOPHAGA PEREGRINA. Cab an is.
Tennessee Warbler.
Sylvia peregrin*, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811,83; pi. xxv, f. 2.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, 87.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 307; pi. 154.
Sylvia (Dacnis) peregrina, BO.VAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 155. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 412.
Sylvicola peregrina, RICH. List, 1837.
Vermivora peregrina, BONAP. List, 1838.
Helinaia peregrina, AUD. Syn. 1839, 68.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 96 ; pi. 110.
Helmitheros peregrina, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 315.
Helminthophaga peregrina, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 20.
11 Sylvia tennessaei, VIEILLOT," GRAY.
SP. CH.— Top and sides of the head and neck ash gray ; rest of upper parts olive green, brightest on the rump. Beneath
dull white, faintly tinged in places, especially on the sides, with yellowish olive. Eyelids and a stripe over the eye whitish ; a
dusky line from the eye to the bill. Outer tail feather with a white spot along the inner edge near the tip. Female with the
ash of the head less conspicuous ; the under parts more tinged with olive yellow. Length, 4.50 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 1.85.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri.
In this species the bill is small and quite acute. The wings are long, reaching beyond the
middle of the tail, which is slightly emarginate. The second and third quills are longest ; the
first but little shorter, and longer than the fourth.
It is very seldom that specimens are found with the gray neck and crown, this being gen
erally, especially in winter dress, of the same olive as the back, and the greenish yellow of the
under parts much more conspicuous and extended. In this dress it becomes very difficult to
distinguish it from autumnal specimens of H. celata. The under parts of the latter species are,
however, generally of a brighter yellow, especially on the tail coverts, and the wing is consid
erably shorter ; the superciliary stripe, too, is less distinct.
Specimens from Pennsylvania appear to have the bill larger than more western ones. The
Sylvia Hector of Vieillot (Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 32 ; pi. xc, bis) cannot belong to the Sylvia
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — SEIURUS.
259
peregrina of Wilson, as intimated by Bonaparte, since the former is stated to have the upper
parts, including the rump, pale hlue. This is never the case in the latter species, where the
rump is always green. The absence of white bands on the wing shows that it is not S. coerulea
of Wilson. The Helinaia brevipennis of Giraud is quite similar, but has a much shoiter wing.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by — Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
752
O
Carlisle Pa.
Sept. 23, 1842
S. F. Baird
! 4.50 I 7.25
2. 50
412
O
do
May 21, 1841
do
4.75 ' 7.50
790
,?
do
Oct. 10 1842
do
4. 83 ' 7. 75
2. 50
7399
Cleveland, Ohio
Dr. Kirtland.
Cairo, Illinois
April 22, 1842
N. W. University
liobt. Kennicott..
1879
$
Fort Union, Neb . .
1843
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
Section Sylvicoleae.
Bill distinctly notched ; rictal bristles short or small, or wanting. Hind toe short, equal to the lateral ; the claw as long as
its digit. First quill scarcely shorter than longest.
The following genera compose this section :
SEIURUS. — Legs stout, elongated ; tarsi longer than the skull. Colors olive above ; streaked
beneath. Tail feathers unspotted. Legs yellow.
DENDROICA. — Legs slender ; tarsi scarcely equal to the skull. Bill variable. Colors of body
brilliant and varied. Tail feathers always with a white patch on the inner web. Legs usually
dusky.
SEIURUS, Swain son.
Seiurus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 171. (Sufficiently distinct from Sciurus.) Type Motaeilla aurocapilla, L.
Henicocichla, GRAY, List of Genera, 1840.
CH. — Bill rather sylvicoline, compressed, with a distinct notch. Gonys ascending. Rictal bristles very short. Wings mod
erate, about three-quarters of an inch longer than the tail ; first quill scarcely shorter than the second. Tail slightly rounded ;
feathers acuminate. Tarsi about as long as the skull, considerably exceeding the middle toe. Under tail coverts reaching
within about half an inch of the end of the tail. Color above olivaceous ; beneath whitish, thickly streaked on the breast and
sides. Wings and tail immaculate.
This genus is decidedly sylvicoline in general appearance, although the spots on the breast
resemble somewhat those of the thrushes. The three species may be grouped as follows :
A. Middle of crown brownish orange, bordered by blackish. No white superciliary
streak S. aurocapiUvs.
B. Crown like the back. A well defined superciliary light stripe.
Thickly streaked beneath, including crissum. Ground color and superciliary
stripe yellowish. Bill small S. noveboracensis.
Sparsely streaked beneath ; throat and crissum immaculate. Ground color and
superciliary stripe white. Bill very large S. ludovicianus.
260
U. S. P. K, E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Oatal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sox and
age.
Length.
Stretch
of'wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw Bill
alone. ; above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
1433
o
5.10
2 74
2 22
0 91
0 68
0 16 0 48
0 58
Drv
...do..
do
do
V
5.75
9.16
2 75
Fresh . .
6995
do
3
6 02
3 06
2 44
0 86
0 71
0 16 0 44
0 54
1502
Carlisle, Pa....
3;
5.40
2.96
2 36
0 82
0 72
0 19 • 0 46
0 66
Dry .
...do..
do
do
6.16
9.75
3.08
Fresh .
10169
964
do
Northern 111....
Carlisle, Pa....
A
6.14
5.38
3.10
3.30
2.48
2 38
0.82
0.90
0.66
0 72
0.18 0.50
0 16 0 57
O.b4
0 70
Dry
Drv .
...do
do
do
6 33
10 75
3 25
9108
do
3
5 40
3 26
2 40
0 90
0 74
0 16 0 56
0 72
Drv
SEIUBUS AUROCAPILLUS, Swain son.
Oven bird ; Golden-crowned Thrush.
Motacilla aurocapilla, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 334.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 982.
Turdus aurecapillus, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. 1, 1790, 328 — WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 88 ; pi. xiv, f. 2.— LIGHT. Verzeich.
1823, No. 424.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 253 : V, 1839, 447 ; pi. cxliii.
Sylvia aurocapillus, BONAP. Obs. Wils. J. A. N. S. IV, 1826, 35.
Seiurus aurocapillus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 171.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 247.— BON. List, 1838.—
IB. Conspectus, 1850, 306.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 93.— IB. Birds Amer.
Turdus (Seiurus) aurocapillus, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 355.
Accentor aurocapillus, RICH. List, 1837.
Enicocichlu aurocapilla, GRAY, List Genera, 1840.
Henicocichla aurocapilla, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 15.
Turdus coronatus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 8 ; pi. Ixiv.
Sp. CH. — Above uniform olive green, with a tinge of yellow. Crown with two narrow streaks of black from the bill, enclosing
a median and much broader one of brownish orange. Beneath white; the breast, sides of the body, and a maxillary line
streaked with black. The female and young of the year are not appreciably different. Length, 6.00 ; wing, 3.00 ; tail, 2.40.
Hab . — Eastern North America to the Missouri.
The sides of the head are olivaceous, paler than the hack, with a superciliary hand of the same
color outside the black. The loral space and a ring round the eye are whitish, the latter with
a little yellow. The feet and maxilla are yellow; the mandible brownish. The brownish orange
of the crown is usually obscured by olivaceous tips to the feathers, sometimes to such an extent
as to hide it almost entirely from view, (4719.)
A specimen of this species (8387) from Independance is larger with longer wings than any
others in the collection.
BIRDS — SYLVLCOLIDAE — SEIUEUS NOVEBOKACENSIS.
261
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ot'wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
Mi 9
<$
Carlisle, Pa
May 1, 1844
6,00
9.50
3.00
1433
Q
do
May 3,1844
do
5.75
9.16
2.16
1134
o
do
July 2-1,1843
do
7542
Cook county, 111
August
f?
May 6
do
6995
ft
St. Louis, Mo
May 15,1857
W. S. Wood....
8665
Q
Cape Florida
Sept. 24,1857
G. Wurdemann ..
5.75
9.50
3.00
8666
do
Sept. 25, 1857
do
6.00
9.50
3.00
8387
5287
9
c?
Independence, Mo. ...
Medicine river, on Mo..
Jan. 20,1857
July 3,1856
Wm. M. Magraw...
Lieut. Warren
83
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Haydcn....
6.50
6.25
10.00
8.75
3.25
2.75
Iris brown; bill brown;
feet flesh.
4720
<$
Vermilion river, Neb. . .
May 6 ...
do
do
6.25
9.00
3.00
4719
Q
do
May 11
do
do
5.87
9.37
2.87
4718
3
.. do
May 6
do
....do
5 37
9 50
3 00
4716
rf
May 8
do
. ...do
6.00
9.87
3.25
4717
X
Mouth of Platte
April 27 .....
do
do
6.25
9.62
3.12
Eyes blue black
4714
f.
do
. do...
do
do
6.50
9 00
3 00
do .
4715
O
f
Bald island
April 25, 1856
do
do
6.00
9.75
3 12
Eyes black , ..
O
SEIUEUS NOVEBORACENSIS, Nut tall.
Water Thrush.
Motadlla, noveboracensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 958.
Sylvia noveboracensis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 518. — VIEILLOT, Ois. II, 1807, 26; pi. Ixxxii. — BON. Syn.
1828, 77.
Turdus (Seiurus) noveborace nsis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 353.
Seiurus noveboracensis, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 306. — AUD. Syn. 1839,63.
Henicocichla noveboracensis, CABANIS, in Schomburgk's Reise Guiana, III, 1848, 666, (Caraccas, Oct. 20.) — IB. Mus.
Hein. 1851, 16.
Mnlolilta noveboracensis, GRAY .
? Sylvia tigrina, var. /3, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 537.
Turdus aquations, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 66 ; pi. xxii, f. 5.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 284; pi. 433.
Turdus uquaticus, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, J. A. N. S. IV, 1826, 34, (error.)
Sylvia anthoides, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XI, 1817, 208.
Seiurus tenuirostris, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 369. — GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843, 261.
? Seiurus sulfurascens, D'ORBIGNY, in De la Sagra Cuba, Ois. 1840, 57 ; pi. vi.
SP. CH. — Bill, from rictus, about the length of the skull. Above olive brown, with a shade of green ; beneath pale sulphur
yellow, brightest on the abdomen. Region about the base of the lower mandible, and a superciliary line from the base of the
bill to the nape, brownish yellow. A dusky line from the bill through the eye ; chin, and throat finely spotted. All the
remaining under parts and sides of the body, except the abdomen, and including the under tail coverts, conspicuously and thickly
streaked with olivaceous brown, almost black on the breast. Length, 6.15 ; wing, 3.12 ; tail, 2.40. Bill, from rictus, .64.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the Missouri, and south to Guatemala, perhaps to Brazil.
In this species the second and third quills are about equal, and a little longer than the first,
which exceeds the fourth. The tail is slightly rounded, the feathers acuminate-acute. The
feathers of the chin and throat have each a small triangular spot, the middle of the abdomen
being the only immaculate region.
In nearly all specimens there is a trace of a median light stripe on the crown, visible at the
base of the bill ; sometimes this being more or less distinctly traceable half way along the crown,
262
U. S. P, R E. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
(2159.) It is especially noticable in No. 8020, from Guatemala. This is also of an unusually
dark olive above.
The female differs only in "being a little smaller, and perhaps in having the spots beneath
more restricted. Autumnal and winter specimens are decidedly more sulphury yellow beneath,
and the spots less sharply defined. There is little variation in the size of bill and feet in individuals
of the same sex.
It is somewhat a question whether the Seiurus sulfurascens of authors be not merely the winter
plumage, as observed in South America. This conclusion can only be avoided by showing that
the sulphur-bellied bird breeds in South America in this plumage.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When Whence obtained,
collected.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2668
2531
1501
1502
2431
2159
3317
4304
8669
8668
8667
7358
10169
4721
4818
8020
7639?
May 14, 1846 S. F. Baird
5.25
6.25
6.25
6.16
5.91
5.50
6.00
9.33.
9.66
9.83
9.75
9.41
8.75
9.50
3.00
3.50
3.16
3.08
3.00
2.75
3.00
9
9
O
(JO
Apl.30, 1846 do
May 10, 1844 do
do
May 10, 1844 do
do
do
Sept. 8, 1845 do
Apl.28, 1845 do
1846 do
9
Sept. 24 1857 do
6.00
6.00
5.25
10.00
9.00
9.50
3.00
3.00
3.00
Black bill
do
Sept.25,1857 : do
Sept. 26, 1857 do
Brown bill li»ht feet
Light brown legs, black eyes.
_*
S
do .
6.12
10.50
3.12
J. Gould
S. F. Baird
SEIURUS LUDOVICIANUS, Bo nap.
Large-billed Water Thrush.
?? Turdus motacilla, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 9 ; pi. Ixv.
Turdus ludovicianus, ACD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 99 ; pi. 19.
Seiurus ludovicianus, BONAP. List, 1838.
Seiurus motacilla, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 306. (Not of Vieillot.)
Henicocichla major, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 16. (Xalapa.)
gp CH gin longer than the skull. Upper parts olive brown with a shade of greenish. A conspicuous white superciliary line
from the bill to the nape, involving the upper lid, with a brown one from the bill through the eye, widening behind. Under
parts white, with a very faint shade of pale buff behind, especially on the tail coverts. A dusky maxillary line ; the fore part
of breast and sides of body, with arrow shaped streaks of the same color. Chin, throat, belly, and under tail coverts entirely
immaculate. Length, 6.33;-, wing, 3.25 ; tail, 2.40 ; bill from rictus, .75.
Hal Eastern United States to the Missouri. South to Mexico.
This species may be readily distinguished from the S. noveboracensis by its larger size,
especially of bill and tarsi, which are very conspicuously larger, the former especially. The
color above is of perhaps a lighter olivaceous. The stripe over the eye, besides being more
conspicuous, is, with the under parts, of a decided white, instead of brownish yellow; the spots
beneath are paler and much fewer in number ; the chin and throat, the middle of the posterior
portion of the breast, the sides of the body behind, and the under tail coverts, being entirely
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE DENDRO1CA.
263
immaculate instead of conspicuously spotted. In both species there is a trace towards the base
of the bill of a median light stripe, varying in extent with the specimen.1
The precise name of this large-billed species is a matter of uncertainty. The Tardus mota-
cilla, of Vieillot, has, as its chief distinguishing feature, a white lateral band from the bill
involving the eye, or passing above and below it, and with a dusky island anterior to the eye.
This is distinctly indicated both in the figure and description, and is so dissimilar in this
respect from specimens of the allied species known in the United States, as to render it almost
necessary to pass by Vieillot's species at once. He further mentions that the under parts are
whitish anteriorly, reddish posteriorly, and throughout, including the forepart of the throat^
spotted with brown. The size of the bill, as given in this figure, and the under parts agree
best with the slender-billed species, although differing in the color and character of the eye
stripe ; if a synonym of either species, I should rather refer it to the S. noveboracensis.
The description, by Cabanis, of Henicocichla major, from Xalapa, agrees very well with this
species, although I do not exactly comprehend the force of the statement that it has a "broader
whitish eyelid" than the other species ; although he probably refers to the superciliary stripe.
There is, however, little doubt that the Seiurus ludovicianus, of Audubon, was based on an
individual of the same species ; although the description is not very minute, yet the yellowish
white colors, instead of pale yellow, the connection of the white superciliary and maxillary
stripes behind the ear coverts, and the greater size, show this, as indicated still more satisfac
torily by the figure.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
964
A
Carlisle, Pa
May 12, 1843
S. F. Baird
6 40
10 75
3 25
3318
o
Liberty county, Gi.
1846
do
W L. Jones. 6 30
10 16
3 20
TJ;>7
Ann Arbor, Mich. .
C Fox ....
7522
0
Independence, Mo. .
Spring, 1857
Dr. Cooper
97
5 75
9 25
3 75
Iris brown, bill dark brown,
40S1
0
Tamaulipas, Mex.
March, 1853
Lieut. Couch
93
j
5 75
10.00
3.50
feet black.
Eyes dark, bill dark slate,
9108
$
Mexico
34420
feet light brown.
DENDROICA, Gray.
SyMcola, GRAY, Genera Birds, 2d ed., 1841, 32. (Not of Humphreys nor Swainson.)
Dendroica, GRAT, Genera Birds, Appendix, 1842, 8.
Rliimamphus, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool. 1845, 342. (Not of Rafinesque, Am. Monthly Mag. 1818 and Jour, de Phys. 1819.)
CH. — Bill conical, attenuated, depressed at the base, where it is, however, scarcely broader than high, compressed from
the middle. Culmen straight for the basal half, then rather rapidly curving, the lower edge of upper mandible also concave.
Gonys slightly convex and ascending. A distinct notch near the end of the bill. Bristles, though short, generally quite
distinct at the base of the bill. Tarsi long ; decidedly longer than middle toe, which is longer than the hinder one ; the claws
rather small and much curved ; the hind claw nearly as long as its digit. The wings long and pointed ; the second quil
usually a very little longer than the first. The tail slightly rounded and emarginate.
Colors. — Tail always with a white spot ; its ground color never clear olive green.
The name Sylvicola, which has until recently been assigned to the present genus, cannot longer
' In the present species the bases of the feathers behind the ear coverts are whitish, thus connecting the superciliary stripe
with the maxillary white stripe. In noveboracensis the dusky line through the eye is continuous with the olive of the side of the
neck.
264 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
be employed on account of prior use in conchology by Humphreys, In any event, as used
first for what was subsequently called Parula by Bonaparte, it cannot refer to this section.
Gray, in his "Genera," throws all the American warblers under Mniotilta. This, however,
belongs to a more restricted group with features very distinct from those of the great majority
of thespecies.
The only selection to be made is between fikimamphus "Rafinesque" of Hartlaub, 1845,
and Dendroica of Gray. Kafinesque, in Jour, de Physique, makes several generic names
for North American birds, two of which, Helmitheros and Symphemia, as referred to species of
Wilson, are readily identified. It is quite otherwise with Rliimamplius , which has nothing
whatever to do with any known warbler, as may easily be seen by the reference to his article.
The description of Rhimamphus, however, was published in the American Monthly Magazine
prior to its appearance in Journal de Physique,1 and in somewhat more detail, and an exami
nation of the diagnosis2 will sufficiently show that it not only has no relation to the common
D. aestiva, but that the entire paragraph is a pure fabrication, and the Rimamphus citrinus an
entirely imaginary bird. Whatever may be the case elsewhere, North America certainly con
tains no bird five inches long, with the upper mandible curved, not notched, and the lower
straight, leaving an opening between them ! Neither does the D. aestiva have five raised feathers
on the bend of the wing, with a tail one and a half inches long and a flesh colored bill. The
same article describes one rattlesnake with blue tail, another green above, white beneath ; not
to mention, in other places, a swallow with scarlet head, black and white striped lemmings,
and other wonderful animals, all from Kentucky ! !
It only remains, therefore, to use the name given by Gray.
In the examination of a full series of American Sylvicolinae, it will be found almost impossible
to divide them into well defined groups, based on peculiarities of structure. The precise extent
and character of the groups will vary with the point in external anatomy selected as the basis
of classification. Thus, we find bills approaching to those of the flycatchers associated with the
long pointed sylvicoline wings ; short wings with sylvicoline bills ; legs sometimes long,
sometimes short, other features remaining the same, &c., &c. In some species the rictal
bristles are distinct, in others they are scarcely appreciable.
In order to facilitate the determination of the species, I have arranged them in sections,
based chiefly on color, with which the other characters range to some extent. There is no very
striking difference in form among the first fifteen species ; D, castanea and icterocephala alone
having much depressed bills, well provided with bristles as in Myiodioctes mitratus, differing,
however, in the shorter tarsi, more even tail, longer wings, and different ground color ; D.
striata, on the other hand, has a narrow bill, and almost no bristles at all ; the legs and wings
long. The D. Jcirtlandii and palmarum agree in having short wings., scarcely longer than the
tail, (.20 of an inch.) The bills, however, are very different, that of the former, being rather
1 Journal de Physique, LXXXVIII, 1819, 418. Prodrome de 70 Nouveaux Genres d'Animaux decouverts dans 1'interieur
des Etats-Unis d'Amerique, durant 1'annee 1818. Par C. S. Rafinesque.
2 American Monthly Magazine, IV, Nov. 1818, 39. Further account of discoveries in Natural History in the western States,
by C. S. Rafinesque.
N. G. Rimamphus, a bird. Natural family of Leptoramphous. Bill subulate, mandibles convex, leaving an opening between
them; the lower one straight, the upper one longer, curved, and not notched, nostrils naked, Rimamphus citrinus, (Citron
Open-bill.) General color of a citron yellow, back rather olivaceous, five brown and raised feathers on the bend of the wings,
quills tipped with brown, bill and feet flesh colored. A beautiful little bird, about five inches long; the tail, which is truncate,
is one incli and a half; the wings are short. It is a native of the south and was shot near the falls of Ohio, in Indiana, in the
month of July; very scarce. It lives on insects, and darts on them from the trees. It does not sing.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAK DENDROICA. 265
broad and depressed at base, the latter compressed and attenuated. The attenuation of the bill
is much marked in D. tigrina. Here the culmen and commissure are gently decurved ; the
gonys even slightly concave, instead of convex as in all other species. Both mandibles are
exceedingly acute, as in the worm-eating warblers. The wings are long, the first quill longest.
The Dendroica superciliosa is quite remarkable for the size of its bill, which, measured from the
extreme base, is as long as the head. It is much compressed, or higher than broad, almost
from the very base. The legs are rather short, though longer than the middle toe. It is not
improbable that this may be the form of Aegithina, Vieillot.
The Sylvia protonotarius of authors is a peculiarly formed species, characterized by its very
large bill, as long as the head. In many respects the bill resembles that of Helmitherus, but
is less acute, and has u distinct notch. The wings are very long, the first quill longest ; the
folded wing reaches within an inch of the tip of the tail, which is rounded. The lower coverts
are very long, reaching within .30 of an inch of the tip of the tail, as in Oporornis formosus
and agilis, to which there is otherwise quite a resemblance. The tarsi are unusually long,
(.85 of an inch,) much longer than the middle toe. This I have placed under Mniotilteae.
Synopsis of species.
A. Chin, throat, and fore part of the breast black, bordered by lighter ; two white bands on
the wing. Back streaked. Outer tail feathers almost entirely white.
Crown and back olive, forehead, superciliary, and maxillary stripes yellow D. virens.
Top and sides of head yellow ; back ash, conspicuously streaked D. occidentalis.
Crown blackish ; back olive ; superciliary and maxillary stripe yellow D. townsendii.
Crown black ; back ash color ; superciliary and maxillary stripe white D. nigrescens.
B. Sides and under parts of the head black.
Above uniform blue, beneath white ; primaries with a white patch at the base. Outer
tail feathers with a white patch on the inner web D. canadensis.
C. Crown with a central longitudinal yellow patch. (In this group only.)
Throat white ; breast blackish ; the sides and rump with a yellow patch ; white spots of
the tail on the terminal half. Slate blue above. A white superciliary stripe and two
patches on the wing D. coronata.
Similar to the last ; the throat yellow ; no superciliary stripe, and one large white patch
on the wing D. audnbonii .
Throat bright orange ; back black ; a patch on the wing and the outer tail feathers
(except at the tip) white D. blackburniae.
D. Throat and sides chestnut ; back streaked.
Crown chestnut ; sides of head black ; belly white D. castanea.
E. Throat and under parts white. Back streaked with black. Wings with white bands.
Crown yellow, encircled with white ; sides of head black, enclosing a white patch behind ;
sides of body chestnut D. pennsylvanica.
Blue above and across the breast ; sides of crown and of body streaked with black.
D. ccendea.
Crown black ; cheeks below the eye white ; maxillary stripe and streaks on the sides
black D. striata.
34 b
266 U. S. P. E. K. EXP. AND SUKVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
F. Throat immaculate yellow, cut off from the belly by a series of pectoral streaks. The
sides streaked.
Above olive green ; beneath yellow. Crissum and belly whitish ; two dull white bands
and white edgings on the wings. Pectoral and lateral streaks very faint, the former,
perhaps, wanting ,.., D, pinus.
Above uniform olive green ; forehead and beneath all yellow, deepest on the throat. Two
white bands on the wings. Breast and belly distinctly streaked with dusky. Two
outer tail feathers white from the terminal half of inner web D. montana.
Yellow, without any white ; the back olivaceous ; the ventral streaks (and sometimes a
tinge on the top of head) brownish red D. aestiva.
Crown uniform blue ; rump yellow ; back and sides of head black ; white spots on the
central third of the tail ; large white patch on the wing ; inferior streaks large, black ;
crissum white D. maculosa.
Wing scarcely longer than tail. Above blue, streaked with black ; inferior streaks black,
small, especially across the breast ; sides of head black ; white tail patch at the end of
the tail ; crissum white D. kirtlandii.
Wing scarcely longer than tail ; crown, sides of head, and inferior streaks rufous ; rump
greenish yellow ; white spot on the end of the tail. A superciliary streak and whole
under parts, including crissum, yellow D. palmarum.
Bill acute and decurved ; olive above, rump and beneath yellow ; crown blackish ; sides
of head chestnut ; breast witu narrow streak of black ; wings longer than tail.
D. tigrina.
G. Throat immaculate yellow, not separated from the belly by pectoral bands or streaks ;
sides streaked with black.
Olive green above and on the sides of body, spotted with black ; rump and tail lighter ;
beneath dull yellowish, including a line from the lore over the eye ; top of head black ;
a band on wing and the edge of tail whitish D. carbonata.
Belly white ; a yellow superciliary stripe changing behind to white ; crown and sides of
head and neck black ; back uniform slate D. superciliosa.
Belly and throat uniform yellow ; above olivaceous, the back streaked with red ; a yellow
superciliary stripe, and a V-shaped black mark on the sides of the head D. discolor.
As a further analysis of the colors of the species it may be stated, that Section C is the only
one with a central patch of yellow on the crown ; Sections A and B have the throat black ; F
and C in part have it white. It is chestnut brown in D ; orange red in 0 in part ; yellow with
streaks on the breast in F, and yellow without streaks in G-. The entire under parts, excepting
perhaps the crissum, are yellow in members of F and G.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE — DENDEOICA VIRENS.
267
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
9-11
Carlisle, Pemi
£
4 62
2 56
2.24
0.70
0.54
0.15
0 43
0 50
Drv
do.
do
do
O
5.00
8.00
2 75
Fresh....
5518
Dendioica occidentals .
Petaluma, Cal
,7
4.70
2.63
2.24
0.70
0.58
0.16
0 40
0.50
I Dry
do.
do
do
4 66
7.00
2.P6
o:i9
Dendroica blackburniac .
Carlisle
$
4 60
2.76
2.20
0 71
0.54
0.14
0.42
0.55
i Dry
do.
...... do
do
5.50
8.50
2.83
Fresh ....
4<)2
Di'ndroica townsemlii. . .
Northern Mexico. . .
5.20
2.64
2.32
0.76
0.64
0.18
0 40
0.50
Dry
2909
Oetulroica nuilubonii...
Columbia river. . .
A
5.30
3.10
2 47
0.76
0.62
0.16
0 41
0.50
Dry
3384
^
5.10
2 86
2 46
0 76
0 62
0 19
0 38
0 52
Drv
3119
do
3
4 64
2.52
2 16
0 74
0 58
0 16
0 40
0 50
Drv
1908
2
4 68
2.28
2 04
0 66
0 50
0 16
0 40
0 54
Drv.. .
2231
Dendroica castanea ....
Carlisle, Penn
.?
4.82
2.98
2 34
0 68
0.58
0 18
0 42
0 56
Drv...
7902
do
do
5.10
2.74
2 28
0 68
0.56
0 16
n 38
0 52
Drv...
2459
do
£
5 10
2.94
2 40
0 74
0.70
0 18
0 46
0 60
2430
do
do
n
4 80
2 78
2 28
0 70
0 66
0 19
0 42
0 56
2-233
do
V
3
4.40
2 54
2.08
0 68
0 54
0 18
0 40
0 54
970
do
do
4 40
2 40
2 14
0 70
0 54
0 16
0 40
0 5°
Drv
do.
do
do
5.00
7.50
2.50
Fresh....
10103
South Illinois
*
4.60
2.40
1.82
0 64
0 52
0 1°
0 40
0 48
Drv
7319
do
Ohio
4.20
2.54
1.96
0.60
0 50
0.14
0.38
0.50
Dry
10165
West Northfield 111
3
6.00
3 08
2 32
0 78
0 04
0 19
0 44
0 56
Drv.
1545
do
4.84
2.86
2.24
0.74
0.60
0.18
0.44
0.52
Dry
do.
do
do
5.75
9.00
3.00
Fresh ....
978
do
do
o
4.70
2 80
2 16
0 74
0 62
0 18
0 38
0 53
Dry . . .
do.
do
do
V
5.17
8.33
2 92
Fresh....
910
-A
4 56
2 54
2 20
0 72
0 60
0 18
0 46
0 56
do.
do
do
o
5 25
8 17
2.66
917
do
.„ do
o
4.10
2 36
1.84
0 68
0 54
0 16
0 40
0 52
Dry
do.
do
do
V
4 91
7 50
2.33
Fresh
10211
Cartha^ena, N. G
3
5.00
2.72
2.32
0 80
0 66
0 18
0 48
0 62
Dry
10212
do
do
o
4.86
2.46
2 00
0.80
0 64
0 18
0 44
0 56
Dry
2212
Dendroiea maculosa... .
Carlisle, Penu
V
-p
4.56
2.42
2.10
0.68
0.52
0.16
0.40
0.58
Dry
do.
do
do
o
4.75
7.75
2.42
Fresh....
2278
do
do
o
3.94
2.24
1.98
0.06
0 50
0 16
0.38
0.48
Dry
do.
do
do
V
4.50
7.17
2.25
Fresh ....
4363
Dendroica kirtlandii.. ..
Cleveland, Ohio
5.50
2.78
2.56
3.82
0.00
0.16
0.44
0.56
Dry
783
962
Dendioica palinariim. ..
Carlisle, Penn
do
<?
5.22
4 60
2.72
2 60
2.42
2 06
0.78
0 72
0.66
0 62
0.18
0 18
0.42
0.42
0.53
0 50
Dry ......
Dry. .. .
do
.. (Jo
,Io
a
5 00
8 33
2 66
Fresh....
251 1
.. clo
do
o
4 10
2 52
2 04
0 70
0 60
0 16
0 38
0 44
Drv...
1091
Uendroica discolor
Philadelphia
A
4.30
2 20
2.04
0.70
0.58
0.16
0.41
0.52
Dry
2386
1098
Dendroica pensilis ....
do
Savannah, Ga
Washington, D. C..
9?
4.94
5.32
2.66
2.56
2.24
2.30
0.68
0.67
0.58
0.52
0.16
0.16
0.46
o.sr
0.56
0.68
Dry
Dry
DENDROICA VIRENS, B a i r d .
Black-throated Green Warbler.
Motacilla virens, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 985.
Sylvia virens, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 537. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 33 ; pi. xciii. — WILSON, Am.
Orn. II, 1810, 127 ; pi. xxvii, f. 3.— BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 146.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832,
376 — AUD. Orn. Biog-. IV, 1838, 70 ; pi. 399.
Sylvicola virens, " SWAINSON," JARD. ed. Wils. 1832.— BONAP List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 55.— IB. Birds Amor.
II, 1841, 42 ; pi, 84 — REINHARDT, Vid. Med. for 1853, 1854, 72, 81.
Rlrimanphus virens, CABANIS, Mas. Hein. 1851, 19. — IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 474.
Sp. CH. — Male — Upper parts, exclusive of wing and tail, clear yellow olive green, the feathers of the back with hidden
streaks of black. Forehead and sides of head and neck, including a superciliary stripe, bright yellow. A dusky olive line
from the bill through the eye, and another below it. Chin, throat, and foro part of breast, extending some distance along on
268
(J. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the sides, continuous black ; rest of under parts white, tinged with yellow on the breast and flanks. Wings and tail feathers
dark brown, edged with bluish gray ; two white bands on the wing ; the greater part of the three outer tail feathers white.
Female similar, but duller ; the throat yellow ; the black breast much concealed by white edges ; the sides streaked with
black. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.58 ; tail, 2.30.
Hub Eastern United States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala. Greenland. (Rcinhardt.)
Nearly all the feathers of the upper parts show dusky centres. The forehead is yellowish,
the color extending sometimes along the median line of the crown. There is a dusky spot
"behind the ear coverts. There is a decided tinge of yellow on the breast just below the black,
and on the sides of the anal region. The upper tail coverts are bluish gray streaked with
brown. The brown of the three outer tail feathers is confined mainly to the inner portion of
the outer web, though extending to the inner web at the tip; the middle tail feathers are brown,
with a narrow internal margin of white. The quills are margined internally with white ; the
lesser coverts are like the back. The bill is black, the feet brown.
The male in autumn is quite similar ; the black of the throat and breast obscured by yellowish
white tips. The female is pale yellowish white beneath, tinged with grayish towards the tail.
There is less white on the tail.
In one specimen of the species the third quill is longest ; next the second ; the first and
fourth about equal ; the tail is slightly rounded and emarginate.
A specimen from China, Tamaulipas, is like Pennsylvania ones, but smaller.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected ! Length. Stretch
by — of wings
Wing.
941
J1
Carlisle Pa
May 5, 1843
S. F. Baird
i
5.00 8.00
2. 16
2578
do
May 5, 184G
do
5.33 7.83
2.50
789
_ do .
Oct. 10, 1842
do
! 4.75 8.25
2.50
724
do
Sept. 16, 1842
do
5. 1G 8.00
7572
Washington D. C
Wm. Button..
7500
Cleveland, Ohio
Dr. Kirtland
10161
West Northfield, 111
May 13
R. Kentiicott
6975
#
St. Louis, Mo.
May 12, 1857
Lt. Bryan
49
W. S Wood
3987
China, Tamaulipas, Mux..
Mar. — , 1853
Lt. Couch
8018
G uatemala .
J. Gould
:
DENDEOICA OCCIDENTALIS, Baird.
Western Warbler.
Sylvia occidentalis, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VII, H, 1837, 190.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 340. — AUDUBON, Orn. JBiog. V,
1339, 55 ; pi. 55.
Sylcicola occidentalis, BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 60.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 60 ;
pi. 93.
J\Iniotilta occidentalis, GRAY, Genera.
SP. Cii. — Crown, with sides of the head and neck, continuous bright yellow, feathers of the former edged narrowly with black ;
rest of upper parts dark brown, edged with bluish gray, so much so on the back and rump feathers as to obscure the brown, and
wilh an olivaceous shade. Chin, throat, and fore part of breast, (ending convexly behind in a sub-crescentic outline,) black ; rest
of under parts white, faintly streaked on the sides with black. Two white bands on the wirg, two outer tail feathers, and
the terminal portion of a third, white, the shafts, and an internal streak towards the end, dark brown. Bill jet black ; legs
brown. Length, 4.70 ; wing, 2.70 ; tail, 2.30.
Hub. — Pacific coast.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA TOWNSENDII.
269
This species resembles somewhat the Dendro-ica virens, but lacks the continuous olive of the
back and crown, the former being greatly streaked with black, the latter yellow all round. The
outline black of the breast, instead of extending backwards along the sides, is rounded off on
the side, (the convexity posterior,) and transverse on the breast.
The female is said to have the yellow of the head less extended ; the throat white, spotted
with black.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings
5578
J1
Pctaluma, Cal
April 1, 1856 ..
E. Samuels
703
4 C6
7 00 2 6(J
DENDROICA TOWNSENDII, Baird.
Sylvia townsendii, (" NUTTALL,") TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, n, 1837, 191.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 341.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 36 ; pi. 393.
Sykicola townsendii, BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 59. — IB. Birds Am. II, 184],
59 ; pi. 92.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 446.
Sr. Cn. — Above bright olive green ; the feathers all black in the centre, showing more or less as streaks, especially on the
crown. Quills, tail, and upper tail covert feathers dark brown, edged with bluish grey ; the wings with two white bands on the
coverts ; the two outer tail feathers white, with a brown streak near the end ; a white streak only in the end of the third feather.
Under parts as far as the middle of the hody, with the sides of head and neck, including a superciliary stripe and a spot beneath
the eye, yellow ; the median portion of the side of the head, the chin and throat, with streaks on the sides of the breast, flanks,
and under tail coverts black ; the remainder of the under parts white. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.65 ; tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Pacific coast, North America ; south to Mexico and Guatemala.
I have no full plumaged male before me, all being in autumnal dress, the black of the throat
and breast obscured by yellow borders. There is, however, a pure yellow superciliary stripe
from the nostrils to the nuchal region, confluent behind with another from the base of the lower
jaw ; these embrace between them an elongated patch of black from the commissure to behind
the auriculars, broken by a yellow spot beneath the eye. It is probable that the spring male has
the entire crown, as well as the chin and throat, black. The greater and median coverts
exhibit each a broad bar of white, the feathers, however, with a central black streak. The
black appears to be continuous only as far as the breast ; the sides of this streaked only with
this color.
A specimen, probably female, is quite uniform greenish yellow above and dull yellow on the
throat, without any distinct black beneath.
The tail of this species is rounded, emarginate. The second and third quills are equal, and
longest ; the first equal to the fourth.
This species is quite similar in markings to D. virens. It is, however, considerably larger,
has the yellow on the breast much deeper, and lacks that near the lower tail coverts. It has well
defined black markings on the side of the head, instead of obscure olivaceous ones, although the
pattern is the same ; has a black head, and black streaks in the white of the wing coverts. D.
ocddentalis is blacker on the back and lacks the dark cheek patch, as well as the yellow of the
breast.
270
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
"When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2918
J1
Columbia river
Oct. 28, 1835
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend ._
44801
1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper __ .
44812
do
1855
do
492
North Mexico .
S. F. Baird ...
8017
Guatemala
J, Gould
1 Length. 5.25 ; Extent, 8.12.
2Length, 5.12 ; Extent, 7.75. Iris, bill, and feet brown.
DENDROICA NIGRESCENS, Baird.
Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Sylvia nigrescens, TOWNSEVD, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, H, 1837, 191. -!B. Narrative, 1839, 341. — Aur>. Orn. Biog. V,
1839, 57 ; pi. 395.
Fermivora nigrescens, BONAP. List, 1838. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 471.
Sylvicola nigrescens, AUD. Syn. 1839, 60. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 62 ; pi. 94.— BONAP. Consp. 1850, 308.
Rhimanphus nigrescens, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.
SP. CH. — Head all round, fore part of the breast, and streaks on the side of the body black ; rest of under parts, a stripe on
the side of the head, beginning acutely just above the middle of the eye, and another parallel to it, beginning at the base of the
under jaw (the stripes of opposite sides confluent on the chin,) and running further back, white. A yellow spot, in front of the
eye. Rest of upper parts bluish gray. The interscapular region and upper tail coverts streaked with black. Wing coverts
black, with two narrow white bands ; quills and tail feathers brown, the two outer of the latter white, with the shafts and a
terminal streak brown ; the third brown, with a terminal narrow white streak. Bill black ; feet brown. Length, 4.70 ;
wing, 2.30; tail, 2.10.
Hab. — Pacific coast, United States ; Fort Thorn, New Mexico.
Winter specimens have the black of the crown obscured by gray ; that of the throat by white.
A specimen, supposed to be a female, is smaller, but somewhat similar to this ; the chin and
throat white, with slight indications of black ; more of this on the side of the breast.
This species scarcely needs comparison with any other North American one, except, perhaps,
D. striata, which, however, is entirely distinct ; lacking the black throat, the two white stripes
on the side of the head, the yellow spot in front of the eye, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
7686
FortSteilacoom,W.T.
May 6, 1856
Dr. Suckley.
378
7687
do
do .
74
7688
do
do
106
7691
7\
do
May 4, 1856
...do
5. 25
7 12
2 50
1908
-fl
Columbia river
June 16, 1835
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend
2915
J
do
May 14, 1835
do
do
7690
Calaveras river
R. S. Williamson .
Dr. Newberrv
7689
Fort Thorn, N. M
Dr. Henry
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA CANADENSIS.
271
DENDROICA CANADENSIS, Baird.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Molacilla canadensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 17G6, 336. — GMELIN, 1, 1788, 991.
Sylvia canadentis, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 539. — WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 115 ; pi. xv, f. 7. — BONAP. Obs.
1826, No. 145.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 398.— AUDUBOY, Orn. Biog II, 1834, 309 ; pi. cxlviii,clv
Sylvlcola canadensis, "SWAINSON," JARD. Ed. Wilson, 1832 — RICH, List, 1837. — BON. List, 1838 IB. Consp. 1850,
308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 61.— IB. Birds Arn. II, 1841, 63 -,'pl. xcv.
Rliimamphus canadensis, CAB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 473.
Motacilla caerulescens, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 960.
Sylvia ctsrulescens, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 520. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 25 ; pi. Ixxx.
Sylvia pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 100 ; pi. xliii, f. 4, (young.)
Sylvia Icucoptera, WILSON, Index and 2d ed. (Hall's ed.) II, 390.
Sylvia palustris, STEPHENS, Shaw Zool. X, 11, 1817, 722.
" Sylvia macropits, VIEILLOT," Gray.
Sylvia sphagnosa, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 164, (female.)— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 406.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 279.
Sylvicola pannosa, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 162, (female.)
Sp. OH. — Above uniform continuous grayish blue, including the outer edges of the quill and tail feathers. A narrow frontal
line, the entire sides of head and neck, chin and throat, lustrous black ; this color extending in a broad lateral stripe to the tail.
Rest of under parts, including the axillary region, white. Wings and tail black above, the former with a conspicuous white
patch formed by the bases of all the primaries, (except the first ;) the inner webs of the secondaries and tertials with similar
patches towards the base and along the inner margin. All the tail feathers, except the innermost, with a white patch on the
inner web near the end. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.25.
Female, olive green above and dull yellow beneath. Sides of head dusky olive, the eyelids and a superciliary stripe
whitish. Traces of the white spot at the base of the primaries and of the tail.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri, south to the West Indies.
The male and female of this beautiful species are very dissimilar, though the species may
always be recognized by the white patch at the base of the primaries, which I do not think
exists in any other Dendroica. The extent of this patch, however, in both male and female,
varies considerably. The colors of the female are strikingly similar to those of the female
Spiza ciris, or Nonpareil.
The autumnal or young male has the back clouded with greenish olive, and the black feathers
of the throat much margined with whitish. There is also a white line over the eye, as in the
female.
A skin (10102) from Washington, in high spring plumage, has the feathers in the middle of
the back bluish black, margined with blue, giving rise to conspicuous spots.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2577
788
2305
2429
8645
8646
7307
3795
<?
c?
9
Carlisle, Pa.............
May 5, 1846
Oct. 12, 1842
S. F. Baird
do
5.41
4.83
5. 16
5.00
4.75
5.00
8.00
7.83
7.83
7.66
7.75
7.00
2.58
2.58
2.41
2.41
2.50
2.50
do
do
Oct. 10, 1842
_ do
do
Sept. 5, 1845
do
Cape Florida. ..... --
G. Wurdemann
do
do
3
J P Kirtland.
Dr Hoy - -
$
72 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DEKDKOICA CORONATA, Gray.
Yellow-ramped Warbler.
Molacilla coronata, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat I, 1766, 333— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 974, (male.)
Sylvia coronata, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 538. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 24 ; pi. Ixxviii, Ixxix. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 138; pi. xvii, f. 4, (summer)— II, 356; pi. xlv, f. 3, (winter.)—
NTTTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 361.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 303 ; pi. cliii.
Syli-icola coronata, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 216.— BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 307.— AUD.
Synop. 1839, 76.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 23 ; pi. Ixxvi.
Dendroica coronata, G. R. GRAY, Genera, 2d ed. Suppl. 1842, 8.
Rhimanphus coronatus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 19. — IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 473, (Cuba.)
Partis virginianus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17(16, 342, (winter.)
J\Iotacilla umbra, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 959.
Motacilla cincta, GMELIN, Syst. 1, 1788, 980.
JWotacilla piiiguis, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 973.
" Sylvia xantkoroa, VIEILLOT," (Gray.)
SP. Cn. — Above bluish ash, streaked with black. Under parts white. The fore part of breast and the sides black, the
feathers mostly edged with white. Crown, rump, and sides of breast yellow. Cheeks and lores black. The eyelids and a
superciliary stripe, two bands on the wing and spots on the outer three tail feathers, white. Female of duller plumage and
browner above. Length, 5.65; wing, 3.00; tail, 2.50.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Missouri plains. Stragglers seen on Puget'u Sound.
Second quill longest, third scarcely shorter ; first longer than fourth. Tail slightly rounded,
emarginate, suhspatulate.
Male, in spring. — Upper parts hluish gray, broadly streaked with black on the back, less so
on the crown and rump ; middle of crown, rump, and a patch on the side of the breast bright
yellow. Secondary and first row of smaller coverts tipped with white, forming two bands on
the wings. Quills and tail dark brown, margined with bluish gray ; the latter with the inner
webs of the outer three having a white patch near the end, largest on the outer feathers. Eyelids
and a superciliary stripe white. Lores and cheeks black. Lower neck and fore part of breast
and sides black, the feathers often tipped with white, giving the whole a lunulate appearance.
Throat and rest of lower parts white. Bill and feet black.
Female, in spring. — Upper parts dirty light brown, slightly streaked with black. Crown,
sides, and rump not so bright a yellow. The other markings as in the male, though much
duller, (622.)
Male, in foil. — Upper parts as in the female in spring. Eyelids white. Lores dusky ; this
color reaching round the lower eyelid. Side of breast dirty yellow. The fore part of breast
and throat tinged with pale light brown. Lower parts slightly streaked with brown, very faint,
however. (No. 829.)
The superciliary white stripe in the adult male does not always extend continuously from the
bill, but is interrupted just above the anterior extremity of the eye ; the eye too is only bordered
above and below by white, not anteriorly and posteriorly. The feathers of the nostrils, and a
very narrow frontal band, are black.
It is possible, in high latitudes and during the breeding season, that the fore breast and
anterior portion of sides may be pure black, (except the yellow patch.)
A single but unquestionable specimen of this species (7671) has been found west of the Kocky
Mountains ; collected at Steilacoom by Dr. Suckley. Dr. Cooper has also seen specimens in
Washington Territory.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA AUDUBONIT.
273
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
14GO
3
Carlisle, Pa
May 4 1844
S F Baird
5. 66
9. 00 3 00
,S29
r?
do.
Oct 22 1842
do
5. 25
8. 83 2 75
1417
3
do
April 30 1844
do
6. 00
9. 33 3 00
2550
9
do...
May 5, 1846
do
5.08
8.83 2.83
2179
9
do
April 30, 1845
do
5.08
8. 25 2. 56
10113
9
Washington D. C
J. C. McGuire...
7440
J P. Kirtland...
!
6503
Indian Key, Fla . .
Mar. 20, 1857
G. Wurdemann..
4G52
Mouth Vermilion riv.
May 5, 1856
Lieut. Warren ..
Dr. Hayden
4.00
6. 62 1 2. 25
4655
3
do
do „„-.
. . do
4654
Mouth Big Sioux
May 3, 1856
do
do
5. 75
9.00 • 3.00
4G51
3
Mouth Platte river
April 20, 185G
do
do
5300
3
Medicine creek, Mo..
Oct. 8, 1856
do.
do.. . .
5.50
8. 87 3. 00
50G1
9
Indianola
Feb. 26, 1856
Capt. Pope
26
5. 00
8 50 2 50
7C50
Fort Leaven worth
Dec. 20, 1854
Lieut. Couch
16
7G71
3
FortSteilacoom, W. T.
May 1, 1856
Dr. Suckley
351
6.00
9. 00
DENDROICA AUDUBONII, Baird.
Auduboii's Warbler.
Sylvia audubonii, TOWNSEND, J. A, N. Sc. Ph. VII, n, 1837. — IB. Narrative, 1839, 342. — AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,
52; pi. 395.
Sylvicola audubonii, BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 52.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 26 ; pi. 77.
Sr. CH. — Above bluish ash, streaked with black, most marked on the middle of the back; on head and neck bluish ash.
Middle of crown, rump, chin, and throat, and a patch on the side of the breast, gamboge yellow. Space beneath and anterior
to the eyes, fore part of breast and sides, black; this color extending behind on the sides in streaks. Middle of belly, under
tail coverts, a portion of upper and lower eyelids, and a broad band on the wings, with a spot on each of the four or five exte
rior tail feathers, white; rest of tail feathers black. Female brown above; the other markings less conspicuous and less
black. Length, 5.25; wings, 3.20; tail, 2.25.
Hab. — Pacific coast of United States to central Rocky mountains. South to Mexico.
This species is very closely allied to D. coronata, the upper parts being almost precisely
similar. They may be most readily distinguished, however, by the yellow chin and throat of
the one, instead of the white of the other. In D. audubonii, the black of the side of the head
is confined to the lores, and a suffusion around the eye, especially anteriorly, instead of the
conspicuous auricular patch ; the only white, too, is the spot on either lid, the interrupted
superciliary stripe being wanting. The black on the breast is more uniform and continuous,
and there is one broad white patch on the wing formed by white margins to the greater coverts,
as well as the tips to these and the lesser ones ; in the other species there are two. The white
on the tail is more extended, the white edging to the quills is more conspicuous, and the wings
are longer. The tail is much blacker.
In a specimen from Janos, Mexico, (7651,) the black of the breast is anteriorly much shaded
with the color of the back, and the interscapular feathers are edged with yellow. I am, how
ever, unable to detect any other differences.
35 b
274
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
As stated, the female is considerably duller, showing traces only of the black on the breast ;
the upper parts dull brownish, with darker streaks. Young birds are brown above, with
dusky streaks ; beneath white, the breast and sides streaked with brown ; the yellow of the
crown and rump distinct, that of the breast barely appreciable. A winter specimen, (7661,)
marked male, has the under parts almost pure white, very obsoletely streaked with brown on
the breast and sides ; the yellow of throat and breast rather distinct ; two bands of white on
the wings instead of one.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Local tity.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2910
A
April 24 1836
J K Townscnd.
2911
O
do
do
do
5. 12
8.75
2909
ff
. do
May 31, 1835
do
7656
A
Ft Steilacoom W T
April 20 1856
209
6. 00
9.00
7654
Q
do
do
5.87
9.00
7658
o
do
July 28 1856
..do
504
7670
' f?
. do
Gov. Stevens....
81
Dr. Suckley
5.75
9.50
3. 75
7671
o
do
May 1 1856
-.do.. .
351
do
6.00
9.00
7672
Shoalwater bay
June 20, 1854
82
5. 25
8.50
7673
do
Aug. 30, 1854
do
86
5. 12
8.75
7674
do
do...
.. .do
86
5. 75
9,00
7662
Q
California
Dr. Ileermann
3728
do
Wm. Hutton.
7660
O
Sacramento valley
Lt. Williamson
Dr Heermanu
7661
A
. .do ...
do
do.. ._• .
7651
Janos, Mex
April — , 1855
Maj . Emory
67
Dr. Kenncrly
7652
Boca Grande, Mex.
Mar 1855
do
34
do
7653
San Bernardino
do
69
do
7663
Cocomongor'ch, Cal
Mar. 19, 1854
Lt. Whipple
190
. do
8826
Laramie peak
Lt. Warren
Dr Hayden
8016
Mexico
John Gould. ..
DENDROICA BLACKBURNIAE, Baird.
UlackbnrniuH Warbler.
Motacilla blackburniae , GMELIN. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 977.
Sylvia blackburniae, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 527. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 36; pi. xcvi. — WILSON,
Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 67; pi! xxiii.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 379.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,
208: V, 73, pi. 135, 399.
Sylvicola blackburniae, JARDINE, Ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List, 1837. — BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850,
307.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 57.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 48 ; pi. 87.
Rhimanphus blackburniae, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 19.
Sylvia parus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 114 ; pi. xliv, f. 3 — AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 205 ; pi. 134.
Sylvicola parus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 55.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 40 ; pi. 83.
Sylvia lattralis, Steph. Shaw's Zool. XII, 1817, G59.
IHackburnian 11 a-l>ler, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 412. — LATHAM, Synopsis II, 4G1 .
Hemlock ivarbler, AUTHORS.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA BLACKBURNIAE.
275
SP. Cn. — Upper parts nearly uniform black, with a whitish scapular stripe and a large white patch in the middle of the wing
coverts. An oblong patch in the middle of the crown, and the entire side of the head and neck, (including a superciliary stripe
from the nostrils,) the chin, throat, and fore part of the breast, bright orange red. A black stripe from the commissure passing
over the lower half of the eye, and including the ear coverts ; with, however, an orange crescent in it, just below the eye, the
extreme lid being black. Rest of under parts white, strongly tinged with yellowish orange on the breast and belly, and streaked
with black on the sides. Outer three tail feathers white, the shafts and tips dark brown; the fourth and fifth spotted much with
white; the other tail feathers and quills almost black. Female similar; the colors duller; the feathers of the upper parts with
olivaceous edges. Length, 5.50; wing, 2.83; tail, 2.25.
Hab. — Eastern North America to the Missouri. South to Guatemala.
This is, perhaps, the most beautiful of the American warblers ; none certainly can show any
color to compare with the delicate orange of the throat. The precise shade of this, however,
varies a good deal in different specimens.
The black ear patch sends a short branch down on the side of the throat, so as to connect
with the series of short black stripes on the sides. The under tail coverts are pure white.
The female exhibits a much more striated appearance above, and the orange is much more
yellowish ; the black of the cheeks is replaced by grayish. An autumnal male is like the
female, the single white band on the wing replaced by two ; the black stripes on the sides
much larger and more conspicuous ; the upper parts glossed with yellowish ; the throat orange
yellow, passing insensibly into purer yellow behind. In this condition it is much like an
autumnal D. townsendii, the top and sides of the head being exactly the same, except the yellow
patch on the crown of the former. The throat, however, is more orange, and with no trace of the
black. The pure white bases of the outer tail feathers are a strong distinctive mark of D.
blackburniae. It is this plumage that I consider to be the Sylvia parus of Wilson and Audubon,
their descriptions agreeing exactly with specimens before me of summer D. blackburniae.
A specimen from Calcasieu, La., (4305,) is considerably smaller, though otherwise similar,
the wing measuring only 2.50 inches, instead of 2.80.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
1693
r?
Carlisle, Pa.
Aug. 30, 1844
S. F. Baird
5. 33
8. 50 2 75
944
0
do
May 6, 1843
do
4.75
2.58
740
do
Sept. 21, 1842
do . ..
4.91
8. 41 2 75
1160
do
Aug. 16, 1843
do
5 08
g 33 2 83
7350
Cleveland Ohio. ....
J. P. Kirtland.
3793
Dr. Hoy....
0
West Northfield, 111
May 3, 1855
6972
r?
St. Louis, Mo....
May 12, 1857
Lt. Bryan .
62
W. S. Wood
6973
r?
... do
May 8, 1857
do
39
do
4305
#
Calcasieu pass, La.
1854
G. W^irdemann
8008
1
276 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DENDKOICA CASTANEA, Baird.
Bay Breasted Warbler.
Sylvia castanea, WILSON, Am. Orn. IF, 1810, 97; pi. xiv, f. 4.— EONAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, Xo. 139.— NUTTALL, Man.
I, 1832, 382.— AUDUBOV, Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 358 ; pi. 69.
Sylvicola castanea, "SWAINSON," JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List, 1837. — BON. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850,
308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 53.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841,34 ; pi. 80.
Rhimanphus castaneus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 19.
Sylvia autumnalis, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 65 ; pi. xxiii, f. 3.— BON. Obs. 1826, No. 152.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I,
1832, 447; pi. 88.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 390. (Female or young in autumn.)
gp> CH. Male. Crown dark reddisb chestnut ; forehead and cheeks, including a space above the eye, black ; a patch of buff
yellow behind the cheeks. Rest of upper parts bluish gray streaked with black, the edges of the interscapulars tinged with
yellowish, of the scapulars with olivaceous. Primaries and tail feathers edged externally with bluish gray; the extreme cuter
ones with white; the secondaries edged with olivaceous. Two bands on the wing and the edges of the tertials white. The
under parts are whitish with a tinge of buff ; the chin, throat, fore part of breast, and the sides, chestnut brown, lighter than
the crown. Two outer tail feathers with a patch of white on the inner web near the end ; the others edged internally with
tl-e same. Female with the upper parts olive, streaked throughout with black, and an occasional tinge of chestnut on the
crown. Lower parts with traces of chestnut, but no stripes. Length of male, 5.00; wing, 3.05; tail, 2.40.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri. South to Guatemala.
The female appears not to be very constant in her markings ; sometimes the trace of chestnut
on the crown is conspicuous ; sometimes it is entirely wanting. The extent, too, of the chest
nut beneath is subject to considerable variation.
In the young bird and possibly in the adult in autumn, the upper parts and sides of the head
and neck are of a bright though light olive green, obsoletely streaked with black, chiefly in the
middle of the back, the rump with an ashy tinge. Beneath buff white, the sides tinged with
brown, sometimes showing a trace of the chestnut of spring. Sometimes there is a greenish
yellow tinge on the throat and breast. There is a pale line over the eye, and the eyelids are
yellowish, the eye cut by a faint dusky bar from the base of the bill.
This species is in many respects very closely allied to D. striata, and although the adults in
spring are readily distinguishable, it becomes very difficult to separate them when in autumnal
or immature plumage. They are of about the same size ; the upper parts would be almost
precisely the same, if the chestnut crown of D. castanea were replaced by black ; the back of
ihe neck in striata is streaked with white, and the back has a less yellow tinge. The females
are still more similar above. The absence of streaks, however, on the under parts of S. castanea
would separate them in all cases, but for the fact that these sometimes are' obsolete in young of
D. striata. The bill of D. castanea is broader at the base and more bristled ; the tails are
almost precisely the same ; the inner borders of the quills of D. castanea are abruptly pure
white, instead of gradually becoming lighter, as in the other.
A careful comparison of an extensive series of immature specimens of the two species shows
that in castanea the under parts are seldom washed uniformly on the throat and breast, with
yellowish green ; but while this may be seen on the sides of the neck and breast, or even across
the latter, the chin and throat are nearly white, the sides tinged with dirty brown, even if the
(generally present) trace of chestnut be wanting on the sides. There is a buff tinge to the
under tail coverts ; the quills are abruptly margined with white, and there are no traces (how
ever obsolete) of streaks on the breast. In D. striata the under parts are quite uniformly
washed with greenish yellow nearly as far back as the vent, the sides of the breast and some
times of belly with obsolete streaks ; no trace of the uniform dirty reddish brown on the sides
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDEOICA PINUS.
277
"behind and under tail coverts are pure white. The quills are only gradually paler towards the
inner edge, not rather abruptly white.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2231
950
748
993
949
7443
8013
9
9
9
Carlisle, Pa
do
May 6, 1845
May 8, 1843
S. F. Baird
do
5.25
5.25
5.00
5.08
8.75
8.00
8.66
8.41
2.75
2.91
2.75
2.75
do
do
do
Sept. 23, 1842
May 19, 1843
May 8 1843
do
do.
do
Cleveland, Ohio
Autumn Dr. Kirtland
9
Union county, 111
May 12
II. Kennicott
Guatemala
J.Gould .,,_
DENDROICA PINUS, Baird.
Pine Creeping Warbler.
Sylvia pinus, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 25 ; pi. xix, f. 4. (Not Certhia. pinus, L ; Motacilla pinus, Gm. ; Sylvia
pinus, Lath.)— BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 149.— NCTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 387.— Aun. Orn. Biog.
II, 1834,232; pi. 111.
Thryothorus pinus, STEPHENS, in Shaw's Gen. Zool. XIV, i, 194.
Sylvicola pinus, JAUD. ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List, 1837.— BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 54.— IB. Birds
Amer. II, 1841,37; pi. 82.
Rhimamphus pinus, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 311.
Sylvia vigorsii, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 153 ; pi. 30. (Young )
Vireo vigorsii, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 318.
SP. CH. — Upper parts nearly uniform and clear olive green, the feathers of the crown with rather darker shafts. Under
parts generally, except the middle of the belly behind, and under tail coverts, (which are white,) bright gamboge yellow, with
obsolete streaks of dusky on the sides of the breast and body. Sides of head and neck olive green like the back, with a broad
superciliary stripe ; the eyelids and a spot beneath the eye very obscurely yellow ; wings and tail brown ; the feathers edged
with dirty white, and two bands of the same across the coverts. Inner web of the first tail feather with nearly the terminal
half, of the second with nearly the terminal third, dull inconspicuous white. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 3 ; tail, 2.40. (1356.)
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri.
The markings of this species are not very distinct or well defined ; less so, perhaps, than any of
our warblers, except possibly D. palmarum. The amount of white on the tail varies somewhat,
occasionally the entire outer web of the exterior feather and a larger portion of the inner being
of this color. The female is similar to the male, but of duller plumage. In autumn the colors
are as in spring, the yellow rather lighter and brighter ; the olive above glossed with reddish
brown. The yellow of the under parts is sometimes much obscured by pale margins to the
feathers. The young are brown above, whitish beneath, tinged with brown before.
This species appears to differ from the /Sylvia montana, Wilson, chiefly in the absence of a
yellow frontlet, in having a greener back, and less distinct streaks beneath ; as also in the white
anal region.
278
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT,
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
1336
J>
April — , 1844
S. F. Baird
5. 50
9 00
2. 91
307
J>
do
April 24, 1841
do
5.41
8. 25
736
do
Sept. 21. 1842
do
5.41
9.33
3.00
2430
Q
do
Sept. 5, 1845
do
42
do
Juno 19, 1840
do
6484
Philadelphia. __.. ...
C. Drexler
699
Washington D C
June 7, 1842
S. F. Baird
10162
Northern 111 . ..........
R. Kennicott
DENDROICA MONTANA, Baird.
Blue Mountain Warbler.
Sylvia montana, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 113 ; pi. xliv, f. 2.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 294.
Sylmcolamontana, JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 62.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, G9 ; pi. 98.
Sylvia tigrina, VrEiLLor, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807,34; pi. xciv.— BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 165. (Not of
Latham.)
" This species is four inches and three-quarters in length; the upper parts a rich yellow olive; front, cheeks, and chin
yellow, also the sides of the neck ; breast and belly pale yellow, streaked with black or dusky ; vent plain pale yellow. Wings
black ; first and second rows of coverts broadly tipped with pale yellowish white ; tertials the same ; the rest of the quills edged
with whitish. Tail black, handsomely rounded, edged with pale olive ; the two exterior feathers on each side white on the
inner vanes from the middle to the tips, and edged on the outer side with white. Bill dark brown. Legs and feet purple
brown ; soles yellow. Eye dark hazel.'* — (Wilson.)
Hob. — " Blue mountains of Virginia."
The essential features of this bird, tc yellow olive above, front and beneath yellow to the vent,
(paler behind,) the breast and belly streaked with dusky or black ; wings and tail black, the
former with two white bands, the latter with the outer feathers white within from the middle
to near the tip/' are not shared by any other known North American species in adult spring
plumage. The relationships, however, to the pine creeping warbler are very close, and it is
not unlikely that some states of autumnal plumage in this, or even in the black poll warbler,
may furnish a clue to the species.
A single specimen was taken in the Blue mountains of Pennsylvania by Wilson, and is the
only one described from the limits of the United States. Audubon figures a skin in the
Museum of the Zoological Society said to have been brought from California.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — DENDROICA PENNSYLVANIA.
279
DENDROICA PENNSYLVANIA, Baird.
Chestnut-sided warbler.
Motacillapennsylvanica, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 333, No. 19.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 971, No. 19.
Sylvia pennsylvanica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 540. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 99 ; pi. xiv, f. 5.
Motacilla icterocephala, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 334, 25.— GMEI.IN, Syst. I, 1788, 980.
Sylvia icterocephala, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 538. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807,31; pi. xc — BON.
Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 140.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 306; pi. 59.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832,
380.
Sijlvicola icterocephala, " SWAINSON," JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List. 1837.— >BONAP. List. 1838. — IB.
Conspectus, 1850, 308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 54.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 35; pi. 81.
Sp. CH. — Male. — Upper parts streaked with black and pale bluish gray, which becomes nearly white on the fore part of the
back ; the middle of the back glossed with greenish yellow. The crown is continuous yellow, bordered by a frontal and super
ciliary band, and behind by a square spot of white. Loral region black, sending off a line over the eye, and another below it.
Ear coverts and lower eyelid and entire under parts pure white, a purplish chestnut stripe starting on each side in a line with
the black moustache and extending back to the thighs. Wing and tail feathers dark brown, edged with bluish gray, except
the secondaries ana tertiids, which are bordered with light yellowish green. The shoulders with two greenish white bands.
Three outer tail feathers with white patches near the end of the inner webs.
Female like the male, except that the upper parts are yellowish green, streaked with black ; the black moustache scarcely
appreciable.
Length, 5 ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.20.
Jlab, — Eastern United States to the Missouri.
The greenish white of the wing is rather in one band in the male than in two, the greater
coverts being edged as well as tipped with this color.
The male (possibly of the first year) in autumn is very different from either male or female
in spring. The entire upper parts are of a continuous light olive green ; the under parts
white ; the sides of the head, neck, and breast ash gray, shading insensibly into and tinging
the white of the chin and throat. No black streaks are visible above nor on the cheeks, and
the eye is surrounded by a continuous ring of white, not seen in spring. The wings and tail
are much as in the female.
In one specimen from St. Louis (6977) the black completely encircles the eye, and the bill is
entirely bluish black, instead of being brown beneath.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1694
J
Carlisle, Pa.....
Sept. 4, 1844
S F Baird
5. 25
7.41
2.75
2570
<J
do
May 4, 1844
do .
5. 16
8.00
2. 08
2664
J
do
May 18, 1844
do
5. 08
7.83
2. 08
943
J
do
May 6, 1844
do
5.00
7.75
2. 50
97G
0
do
May 16 1844
do
5. 00
7.50
2. 50
73G1
J. P. Kirtland
West Nortlifield 111
May 15 1855
11. Kennicott
South Illinois
May 12
do
6976
c?
St Louis Mo
May 12 1857
Lieut Bryan
61
W. S. Wood
6978
...do
May — 1857
do
do
6977
$
do
May 12, 1857
do
58
do
4070
Mouth of Platte river.
April 2(j.
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Iliiydon
5.00
7. 75
2.50
280
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DENDEOICA O^RULEA, Baird.
Blue Warbler.
Sylvia ccerulea, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 141 ; pi. xvii, f 5.
Sylvicola ctzrulea, " SWAINSON," JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832, — RICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850,
308.— AUD. Synop. 1839, 56 — IB. Birds Amcr II, 1841, 45 ; pi. 86.
Sylvia rara, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 119; pi. xxvii, f. 2, (young or female.) — BONAP. Obs. 1826, No. 158. —
AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 258 ; pi. 49.— NUTTALL, I, 1832, 255.
Vermivora rara, JARDINE, Ed. Wilson, 1832.
Sylvia azurea, STEPHENS, in Shaw's Zool. Birds, X, n, 1817, 653.— BON. Obs. 1826, 148.— IB. Am. Orn. II, 1828 ;
pi. xxvii, (female.) — AUD. Orn Biog. I, 1832, 255 ; pi. xlviii, xlix. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 407.
Sylvia bifasciata, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 170.
Sp. CH. — Male — Above bright blue, darkest on the crown, tinged with ash on the rump ; middle of back, scapulars, upper
tail coverts, and sides of the crown streaked with black. Beneath white, a collar across the breast, and streaks on the sides
dusky blue. Lores, and a line through and behind the eye, (where it is bordered above by whitish,) dusky blue ; paler on the
cheeks. Two white bands on the wings. All the tail feathers except the innermost, with a white patch on the inner web near
the end. Female greenish blue above, brightest on the crown ; beneath white, tinged with greenish yellow, and obsoletely
streaked on the sides ; eyelids and a superciliary line greenish white. Length, 4.25 ; wing, 2.65 ; tail, 1.90.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri river.
This species is sufficiently dissimilar from any other not to require a more minute description
than the above.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Orig.
No.
Collected by —
645
#
Carlisle, Pa .. ...
May 9, 1842
S. F. Baird
7346
3
Ilockport Ohio
May 15 1852
J P. Kirtland
7345
0
Cleveland, Ohio
do
10163
0
South Illinois.
May 9
K. Kennicott .._.__
10164
$
do
May 9
_do
6980
Q
St. Louis, Mo
May 15, 1857 .
Lieut. Bryan. ...... .... 96
W. S. Wood
6979
3
do
May 12 1857
. do 52
do
DENDROICA STRIATA, Baird.
Black Poll Warbler.
Muscicapa striata, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383, 428.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I. 1788, 930.
Motacilla striata, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 976.
Sylvia striata, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 527. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 22 ; pi. Ixxv, Ixxvi. — WILSON, Am.
Orn. IV, 1811, 40 ; pi. xxx, f. 3 : VI, 1812, 101 ; pi. liv.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 162.— NUTTALL,
Man. I, 1832, 383.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 201 ; pi. 133.
Sylvicola striata, SWAINSON, F. B. Am. II, 1831, 218.— BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 308.— AUD. Birds
Am. II, 1841, 28 ; pi. 78 — REINHARDT, Vid. Med. for 1853, 1854, 73. (Greenland.)
Rhimanphus striatus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 20. — IB. Journ fur Orn. Ill, 1855, 475, (Cuba.)
Sp. CH. — Male — Crown, nape, and upper half of the head black ; the lower half, including the ear coverts, white, the
separating line passing through the middle of the eye. Rest of upper parts grayish ash, tinged with brown, and conspicuously
streaked with black. Wing and tail feathers brown, edged externally (except the inner tail feathers) with dull olive green.
Two conspicuous bars of white on the wing coverts, the tertials edged with the same. Under parts white, with a narrow line
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA STR1ATA.
281
on each side the throat from the chin to the sides of the neck, where it runs into a close patch of black streaks continued along
the breast and sides to the root of the tail. Outer two tail feathers with an oblique patch on the inner web near the end ; the
others edged internally with white. Female similar, except that the upper parts are olivaceous and, even on the crown, streaked
with black ; the white on the sides and across the breast tinged with yellowish ; a ring of the same round the eye cut by a dusky
line through it. Length of male, 5.75 ; wing, 3 ; tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Missouri high plains. Cuba, (Gundlach.) Greenland, (Reinhardt.)
The wings are long and pointed ; the second longest ; the first a little longer than the third.
The tail is slightly emarginate and scarcely rounded. The size of specimens varies considerably ;
thus, in one (4645) the wing measures .40 of an inch more than the type selected, (1545.)
Specimens generally from the Mississippi valley appear larger than more eastern ones.
The young birds in the autumnal dress are very different from the spring. The upper parts
are light olive green, obsoletely streaked with brown ; beneath greenish yellow, obsoletely
streaked on the breast and sides, the under tail coverts pure white, a yellowish ring round the
eye, and a superciliary one of the same color. In this dress it is scarcely possible to distinguish
it from the immature D. castanea. The differences as far as tangible will be found detailed
under the head of the latter species.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality. ! When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1545
3
Carlisle Pa May 17,1844
S. F. Baird
5 75
9.00
3.00
723
$
do . . Sept. 16,1642
do
5 50
8.75
<J78
o
do : May 17,1843
do
5 58
8.33
2 91
916
O
do
702
o
Washington May 23,1842
do
Win. M. Baird..
7445
V
Cleveland, Ohio Autumn
West Northfield 111 May 16, 1855
Dr. Kirtlarid
34
•
A
do
8310
Wm. M. Sta"raw. . .
27
Dr. Cooper
5.50
9.00
3.00
Iris brown; bill bl'k &
8300
do May 26,1857
do
13
do
5.50
9.12
3.00
lead color; feet yel.
Iris brown ; bill black ;
4648
3
5.50
9.00
3.12
feet brownish.
4650
3
do
do . ...
5 00
8 62
2.75
4644
-f-
do
do ....
5 25
9.00
3 12
4646
o
Jl
do
5 25
8 75
3 00
464D
o
*
do
do
5 25
8 37
3 25
4847
o
•f
do
do
5 50
9 25
3 25
o
-f,
do
do
5 75
9 25
3 25
6501
5503
6
c?
$
Tortugas, Fla April 26,
G. Wurdemann,...
. do
36 b
282 U. S. P. R. II. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL KEPOKT.
DENDROICA AESTIVA, Baird.
Yellow Warbler.
Motacilla aestiva, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 996.
Syleia aestiva, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 551 .— VIEILLOT, Ois Am. Sept. II, 1807, 35; pi. xcv.— BONAP. Obs.
Wils. 1826, No. 144 — AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 476 ; pi. 95, 35. — NUTT. Man. I, 183-2, 370.
Sylvicola aestira, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 211.— BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 57.— IB. Birds
Amer. II, 1841, 50 ; pi. 88.
Rltimamphus aestivus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 311. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 19.— IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 472,
(Cuba.)
?J\Iolacilla albicollis, GMEL:N, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 983.
? Sylvia albicollis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 535.
? Sylviaflava, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 31 ; pi. Ixxxi.
Sylvia cilrinella, WILSON, Am. Orn. 11, 1810, 111 ; pi. xv. f. 5.
?? Rhimamphus citrinus, RAF. Journ. de Phjs. LXXXVIII, 1819, 417. (Very doubtful if this or any other existing
species be referred to.)
Sylvia childreni, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 180; pi. 35. (Immature.)
? Sylvia rathbonia, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 333 ; pi. G5.
? Sylvicolarathbonia, AUD. Syn. 1839, 58.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 53 ; pi. 89.
Motacilla petechia, LINK. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 334. — GMELIN, I, 1788, 983.
Sylvia pttechia, LA.THAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 535.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 32 ; pi. xci.
Motacilla ruficapilla, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 971.
?? Sylvia ruficapilla, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 540.— STEPHENS, Shaw, Gen. Zool. X, n, 1817, 699.
Sp CH. — Bill lead color. Head all round, and under parts generally bright yellow ; rest of upper parts yellow olivaceous,
brightest on the rump. Back with obsolete streaks of dusky reddish brown. Fore breast and sides of the body streaked with
brownish red. Tail feathers bright yell >w ; the outer webs and tips, with the whole upper surfaces of the innermost one,
brown; extreme outer edges of wing and tail leathers olivaceous like 'he back; tne middle and greater coverts and tertials
edged with yellow, forming two bands on the wings. Female similar, with the crown olivaceous like the back, and the streams
wanting on the back, and much j-estricted on the under parts. Tail with more brown. Length of male, 5.25 ; wing, 2.66 ;
tail, 2.25. (940 )
Hab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; south to Guatemala and West Indies.
The first, second, and third quills are successively a little shorter, though nearly equal, and
longer than the fourth. The shafts of the wing and tail feathers are white beneath, and
brown above. The quills, except as mentioned, are of a darker brown than that of the tail.
The inner edges of the quills are yellow. The yellow on the tail is sulphur color, and lighter
than that on the rest of the body, which exhibits an almost imperceptible trace of red. There
are no markings on the head in the male. In the female, however, the extension of the
olivaceous yellow over the crown gives rise to a yellow superciliary line. A young bird of the
year is similar to the female, although duller, and lighter beneath.
A female bird (758) killed in autumn is darker olivaceous above, the color extending over
the sides of the head, neck, and body. The yellow margins of the wing feathers are much
more restricted. There is more brown on the tail, this color invading the inner webs to a
considerable extent.
Specimens from the Pacific coast appear rather smaller, with less conspicuous streaks than
eastern, but no other differences are appreciable.
The Sylvia ratlibonia of Audubon is known only by his description of a pair killed in
Mississippi. Its essential character seems to be in the nearly even tail, with the feathers
brown and edged externally with yellow, instead of yellow edged with brown.
In a number of specimens before me I find considerable variation in the extent of brown on
outer tail feathers. In all very young birds this crosses the shaft to the inner webs, which in
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA AESTIVA. 2 S3
several cases are almost entirely brown, excepting on the inner edge. Such is the case in
10170, from Fort Tejon, 5295, Yellowstone, and 758, Carlisle, all apparently young of the
year. Some adult females, too, have more or less of a brown margin on the inner side of the
shaft towards the base.
In nearly all full plumaged males of this species from the Missouri plains there is a strong
indication of a brownish orange (like the pectoral spots) on the top of the head, especially along
the shafts of the feathers. It is this plumage, with perhaps a lit le greater intensity of red on the
crown, which I consider to be the Motacilla petecliia of Linnaeus, as stated further und/jr the
head of Dendroica pahnarum, arid as the former name has priority over aestiva, it is a question
whether it should not be used for the present species. By some authors the two states of
plumage are considered distinct, in which case both names could be used. I agree with
Bonaparte, however, (Notes Orn. Delattre,) in considering them the same, but as indicating a
variety, not the average of the species ; and in view of there being after all some doubt as to
what Motacilla petecliia really is, I have retained the name of aestiva. The same objections
apply to the use of Gmelin's name of ruficapilla.
The Motacilla albicollis of Gmelin answers tolerably well to this species, and the nama woull
have priority over aestiva. As, however, the neck is not white, but yellow, the term albicollis
would convey a false idea of the species, and to be rejected.
The Sylvia flava of Vieillot comes nearer this species than any other North American, but
does not exactly agree with it.
There is a South American species to which this is closely related, differing in larger ize,
and in having the entire head all round of a brownish orange. The quills and tail feathers
are much darker, showing a more vivid contrast with the yellow. This is called "Sylvia
ruficapilla, Latham," by Vieillot, in Nouv. Diet. XI, 1817, 228, but is not Latham's species, nor
is it the " Sylvia ruJicapiUus" of Vieillot on a preceding page, (187.) He quotes for it a name
of Feuillee in " Observations Physiques, 1714—1725," of Clitoris erithachorides, and its descrip
tion, referring evidently to the bird before me. Should the species, therefore, have received no
better name it may be called Dendroica erihtachorides.
284
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex an
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
1
Stretch
of wings
; Wing. Remarks.
940
947
758
1656
10104
10103
4300
4301
8301
5293
5291
5295
5298
4665
4660
4658
4661
4656
4668
4662
4669
5642
5292
5294
8825
7648
7647
7643
5519
7645
7646
4474
7644
10170
8010
9
9
9
May 5, 1843
do
1 S F. Baird
5.25
4.91
4.58
5.08
8.16
7.50
7.50
8.00
2 66
...rio...
2.33
2 05
do
do
Sept. 20, 1842 : do
July 30, 1844 do
.T. f!. Mcfiuire
2 66
do
do
Calcasieu Pa??, La
... . do
1854
1854
G. Wurdemann....
do
9
9
"'.?".
May 12
' 1
Independence, Mo
Ft. Lookout, Neb
Little Sheyenne river . .
Yellowstone river
Blackfoot country
Near Ft. Lookout
May 26, 1857
June 1, 1856
do
June 25, 1856
July — , 1855
May 15
July 12, 1855
May 17
May 11
Wm. M. Magraw. . .
Lieut. Warren
do
do
do
. ...do
14
Dr. Cooper ....
Dr. II ay den....
.......do
do
do
do
do
4.50
4.25
4.50
4.87
5.50
7.37
6.75
7.00
7.37
7.62
2.00 Iris brown, bill black,
feet yellow.
2.00 Eyes black
2.25 do
2 25 ....
2 75
c?
<J
c?
Lieut. Warren
do
do
do
4.50
4.87
4.75
4.37
4.75
5.12
4.00
7.50
8.25
7.75
7.50
7.87
7.75
2.50
do
2.62 : Eyes black
Mouth of White river...
May 2^
May 17 .
do
do.
do
do
2 50 :
2.50
Mouth of Platte river. . .
April 27, 1856
do..
do
do
3.50 '
2.75 Eyes black
c?
9
3
c?"
East of Ft. Riley, K. T.
June 17, 1856
June 4, 1856
Aug. 1, 1856
July 29
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
Lieut. Warren
do
do
21
W. S. Wood.
1
Dr. Hayden....
do
......do
4.2.3
4.50
4.75
7.25
7.62
8.00
2.25 i
2.50 Eyes black
1.50
Near mouth of Powder,
Loup Fork
Ft. Steilaeoom, W. T..
do
July 31
Gov. Stevens
512
Dr. Suckley
9
0
do
May 3
May 7, 1856
Gov. Stevens ,
Dr. Siickley
5.25
7.75
do
do
Shoal water bay,W. T..
Frontera, Tex
Fort Tejon, Cal
May — , 1854
May — , 1852
Dr. Cooper
0. Wright
5.00
7.25
1 Feet pale lemon....
!
DENDKOICA MACULOSA, Baird.
Black and Yellow Warbler.
Molacilla maculosa , GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 984.
Sylvia maculosa, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 536. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1&07 ; pi. xciii. — BONAP. Obs.
Wils. 1826, No. 150.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 370.— AUD. Orn. Bicg. I, 1831, 260.— II,
1834, 145 : V, 1839, 458 ; pi. 1, cxxiii.
Sylvicola maculosa, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831.— BO.VAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 307.— AUD. Syn. 1839,
61.— IB. Birds A-iier. II, 1841, 65 ; pi. xcvi.
Rhimunphus maculosus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 20.— IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 474, (Cuba).
Sylvia magnolia, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 63 ; pi. xxiii, f. 3.
SP. CH. — Male, in spring. — Bill dark bluish black, rather lighter beneath. Tail dusky. Top of head light grayish blue.
Front, lore, cheek, and a stripe under the eye, black, running into a large triangular patch on the back between the wings,
which is also black. Eyelids and a stripe from the eye along the head white. Upper tail coverts black, some of the feathers
tipped with grayish. Abdomen and lower tail coverts white. Rump and under. parts, except as described, yellow. Lower
throat, breast, and sides streaked with black ; the streaks closer on the lower throat and fore breast. Lesser wing coverts, and
edges of the wing and tail bluish gray, the former spotted with black. Quills and tail almost black ; the latter with a square
pateh of white on the inner webs of all the tail feathers (but the two inner) beyond the middle of the tail. Two white bands
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — DENDR01CA MACULOSA.
285
across the wings, (sometimes coalesced into one,) formed by the small coverts and secondaries. Part of the edge of the inner
webs of the quills white. Feathers margining the black patch on the back behind and on the sides tinged with greenish.
Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.25.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri river ; south to Guatemala.
Second and third quills longest ; first shorter than fourth. Tail rounded, emarginate.
Female, in spring, — In general appearance like the male, but with the corresponding colors
much duller. The black on the back reduced to a few large proximate spots. The spots on the
under parts much fewer. Upper parts dirty ash, tinged with greenish on the lower back ; on
the rump dull yellow.
Male, in autumn. — Bill brown, lighter along the edges and base of lower mandible. Head and
hind neck dirty ash, tinged above with green. Back greenish yellow, obsoletely spotted with black.
Hump yellow. Throat and breast yellow, obsoletely spotted with black ; strongly tinged with
light ash on the lower throat. Eyelids dirty white. Differs from the spring plumage in being
without the black on the back, front, sides of the head and cheeks, and in a great degree on the
under parts. Much less white on the wing and side of the head. The colors generally also
are duller.
Female, in autumn. — Similar, generally, to the male in fall. Back greenish yellow, brighter
on the rump ; rest of upper parts deep ash. Lower parts yellow, obsoletely streaked with black ;
the light ash on the lower throat decided. The white on the wings reduced to two narrow bands.
There is a continuous white ring round the eye. Bill light brown. Basal part of lower man
dible dirty white. Feet lighter brown.
Specimens vary somewhat in the amount of black on the under parts.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex &
age.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
I
Stretch : Wing.
of winge.
760
2276
2212
761
2671
2278
2462
7333
10166
6981
4643
8012
9
9
9
0
Carlisle Pa
Sept. 26, 1842
May 17, 1815
May 3, 1845
Sept. 26, 1842
May 14, 1846
May 17, 1845
Sept. 12, 1845
S. F. Baird
4.83
5.00
4.75
4.66
5.00
4.50
7.50 ! 2.41
7.50 2.41
7.75 ; 2.41
7. 25 2. 25
7. 33 2. 33
7.16 2.25
do
do
do
do -
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Rockport Ohio
J. P. Kiitland
Northern Illinois
R Kcnnicott
(J
May 1 1
do
St. Louis, Mo
M'th Vermilion riv.
G uatemala
May 12, 1857
May5, 1856..
T , -,-.
68
W. S. Wood
Lt. AYarren.
Dr. Harden
J. Gould
286 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DENDROICA KIRTLANDII, Baird.
Kirtland's Warbler.
Sylricola kirtlandii, BAIRD, Annals N. Y. Lye. V7, June 1852, 217 ; pi. vi, (Clevelind, Ohio.) — CASSIA, Illust.
I, 1855, 278 ; pi. xlvii. (Both figures from the single specimen here described.)
Sp. Cn.— Above slate blue, the feathers of the crown with a narrow, those of the middle of the bick with a broader streak
of black ; a narrow frontlet involving the lores, the anterior end of the eye, and the space beneath it, (possibly the whole
auriculars,) t'lack ; the rest of the eyelids white. The under parts are clear yellow, (almost white on the under tail coverts ;)
the breast with small spots and sides of the body with short streaks of black. The greater and middle wing coverts, quills, and
tail featlurs are edged with dull whitish. The two outer tail feathers have a dull white spot near the end of the inner web,
largest on the first. Length, 5.50 ;-wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.70, (43C3).
Hub. — Northern Ohio.
Of this species but a single specimen is known to be extant. It was killed by Dr. Kirtland,
near Cleveland, in May of 1851, and its description kindly entrusted to me. No other has been
obtained, though Dr. Hoy is under the impression that he has seen the species at Racine.
The specimen is not quite mature, though the markings would not be materially different in
the perfect plumage from that above described. There is a brownish tinge on the upper parts
which probably change to pure plumbeous.
In size this species appears to exceed any of its North American congeners, while its other
markings prevent its being confounded with any of them.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. i Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by—
43C3 c?
Cleveland , Ohio
May—, 1851
S. F. Biird
Dr. J. P. Kirtland
DENDROICA TIGRINA, Baird.
Cape May Warbler.
Molacilla tigrina, GMELIV, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 985.
Sylvia tigrina, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 537. (Not of Vieillot.)
Sylvia maritima, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 99 ; pi. liv, f. 3.— BOVAP. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 157.— IB. Am. Orn.
I, 1825 ; pi. iii, f. 3.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 156.— ADD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 156 ; pi. 414.
Sylvicola maritima, JARDINE, Ed. Wilson, 1832. — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 307. — AUD. Syn. 56. —
IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 44 ; pi. Ixxxv.
Certhiola maritima, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847,81.
Rhimamphus maritimus, CAB. Jour. Orn. Ill, 1855, 474. (Cuba.)
SP. CH. — Bill very acute, conical, and decidedly curved. Bill and feet black. Upper part of head dull black, some of the
feathers faintly margined with light yellowish brown. Collar scarcely meeting behind ; rump and under parts generally rich
yellow. Throat, fore part of breast, and siues, streaked with black. Abdomen and lower tail coverts pale yellow, brighter
about the vent. Ear coverts light reddish chestnut. Back part of a yellow line from nostrils over the eye, of this same color ;
chin and throat tinged also with it. A black line from commissure through the eye, and running into the chestnut of
the ear coverts. Back, shoulder, edges of the wing and tail yellowish olive ; the former spotted with dusky. One row of small
coverts, and outer bases of the secondary coverts, form a large patch of white, tinged with pale yellow. Tertials rather broadly
edged witli brownish white. Quills and tail dark brown, the three outer feathers of the latter largely marked with white on
the inner web ; edge of the outer web of the outer feathers white, more perceptible towards the base. Length, 5.25 ; wing,
2.84 ; tail, 2.15.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Mississippi. Cuba. (Gundlach.)
B1EDS — SILVICOLIDAE — DENDROICA CARBONATA.
287
The female in spring differs somewhat from the male in having the upper parts dusky, tinged
more or less in different individuals with greenish yellow. Rump decided greenish yellow.
Head spotted with black. The yellow line from the nostrils over the eye, and the yellow on the
sides of neck and breast faintly indicated. In some individuals the whole lower parts are dirty
white, tinged with yellowish on the breast. In others, the throat and breast are more strongly
marked with yellowish stripes beneath, as in the male, but fainter. The yellowish red of ear
coverts wanting, that part being dirty ashy brown. In two specimens the white on the wings
is not at all conspicuous, in another more so. The white spots on the tail are less distinct than in
the male.
Male in autumn, (147.) Tail feathers pointed. Tail emarginate, outer feather slightly shorter
than the next. Third quill longest, second scarcely shorter, first longer than fourth. It resembles
the spring male in the distribution of its coloring, but is duller, and with some colors wanting,
in fact, more like the female. Like the female as to the back, head, yellow from nostril over
eye and sides of head and throat ; yellowish red of ear coverts wanting, that part being yellowish
spotted with light dusky. Lower parts strongly yellow, streaked with brown. Abdomen and
tail coverts paler. The white on wing coverts rather duller than in spring. Outer edge of the
ends of the primaries margined with whitish. Under part of the base of lower mandible light
yellowish brown, (747. )
The Motacilla tigrina, of Gmelin, and Sylvia tigrina, of Latham, are, without doubt, the
same as Sylvia maritima, of Wilson. The S. tigrina, of Vieillot, appears to be the same as S.
montana, of Wilson, agreeing in the two white wing bands, (not one,) and other characters.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected.
"Whence obtained.
Length. , Stretch
of wings
Wing.
962
g
Carlisle, Td May 12 1843 .
S. F. Buird
5.00 8.33
2. 66
747
$
do Sept 23 18 i2
do
5.00 8.00
2. 91
678
0
do M;iv 17 Is42 .-
do
10167
Q
Racine Wis ------
11 Keiinicott
j I
DENDROICA CARBONATA.
Sylvia carbonata, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 308; pi. lx.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 405.
Sylvicola carbonala, RICH. List, 1637.
Vermivora carbonata, BONAP. List, 1838.
Htlinuia carbonala, AUD. Syn. 1839, 68. — Iu._Birds Amer. II, 1841, 95 ; pi. cix.
" Bill brownish black above, light blue beneath. Iris hazel. Feet light flesh color. Upper part of the head black. Fore
part of the back, lesser wing coverts arid sides dusky, spotted with black. Lower back dull yellowish green, as is the
tail, of which the outer web of the outer feather is whitish. Tip of the second row of coverts white, of the first row yellow ;
quiils dusky, their outer webs tinged with yellow. A line from the lore over the eye ; sides of the neck and the throat, bright
yellow. A dusky line behind the eye. The rest of the under parts dull yellow, excepting the sides. Length, 4.75 inches;
bill above, 4.42; tarsus, .75." (Audubon.)
Ilab. — Kentucky.
Judging from the description, this species is closely related to D. tigrina, but seems to be
distinct in the pure black of the top of the head, the absence of orange brown on the cheeks,
the white of the wing being on the middle coverts instead of the greater, and the tail feathers
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
yellowish green ; the outer web of outer feather white instead of a large spot on the inner web.
The back appears more distinctly streaked.
The Carbonated Warbler is only known by the description and figure of Mr. Audubon, taken
from two specimens killed at Henderson, Kentucky, in 1811. The indications are not sufficient
to show in what particular group of warblers it is to be placed.
DENDROICA PALMARUM, Baird.
Yellow Red Poll.
Motacilla palmarum, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 951.
Sylvia palmarum, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 544. — VJEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 21 ; pi. Ixxiii. — BONAP. J. A.
N. S. V, 1826, 29.— IB. Am. Orn.
Sylvia petechia, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 19 ; pi. xxviii, f. 4, (not of Latham.)— BOXAP. Obs. 1826, No. 61.—
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 364.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 259, 360 ; pi. 163, 164.
Sylvicola petechia, SWAINSON, P. Bor. Am. II, 1831. — AUD. Birds Am. II, 1841, 55 ; pi. 90.
Seiurus petechia, McCuLLOH, Bost. Jour. N. H. IV, 406.
Sylvicola rvficapilla, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 307. (Not JMotacilla ruficapilla, Gm.)
Rhimamphus rvficapillus , CABANIS, Journ. fur Orn. Ill, 1855, 473, (Cuba in winter.)
SP. CH. — Head above chestnut red ; rest of upper parts brownish olive gray ; the feathers with darker centres, the color
brightening on the rump, upper tail coverts, and outer margins of wing and tail feathers to greenish yellow. A streak from
nostrils over the eye, and under parts generally, including the tail coverts, bright yellow ; paler on the body. A maxillary
line ; breast and sides finely but rather obsoletely streaked with reddish brown. Cheeks brownish, (in highest spring plumage,
chesnut like the head) ; the eyelids and a spot under the eye, olive brown. Lores dusky. A white spot on the inner web of the
outer two tail feathers at the end. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.42 : tail, 2.25.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Mississippi, and Red river of the North.
Without a very good series of specimens before me, I am unable to give a complete
description of the species. None are marked for sex, but skins supposed to be females differ
chiefly in a less amount of chestnut on the crown. There is no clear indication of any bands
on the wing, although the edges of the coverts are slightly paler.
An autumnal male (783) shows a strong tinge of reddish in the olive brown of the back, and
the chestnut of the crown is much concealed. The under parts are of a very vivid yellow
throughout, obscured by brown. The axillaries are yellow. As in other specimens, the outer
web of the first tail feather is whitish on the under surface. In this the tail is nearly even,
slightly emarginate ; the second and third quills longest ; the first shorter than the fourth.
The size appears unusually large. Length of skin, 5.20 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.50.
In one specimen there is scarcely any yellow about the head and neck, this color being replaced
by dirty white ; the crown streaked with brown.
This species in its immature state bears some resemblance to D. tigrina, but is distinguishable
by the chestnut crown, browner back, less vivid yellow of the rump, much brighter yellow of
under tail coverts, smaller blotches on the tail feathers, absence of white bands on the wings, &c.
It is almost certain that the present species is not the Motacllla peiechia of Linnaeus, as quoted
by authors. The diagnosis of Linnaeus, M. olivacea, subtus flava rubro guttata, pileo rubro,
applies much better to the red crowned variety of D. aestiva than to the present bird. The
fuller description of Pennant (Arctic Zool. II, 401) says, " crown scarlet, cheeks yellow, hind part
of neck, back, and rump olive green ; wings and tail dusky, edged with yellow ; beneath rich
yellow speckled with red, except the vent, which is plain." Vieillot describes Sylvia petechia in
much the same words, and adds that the tail feathers are brown, margined with yellow, which
extends furthest in on the inner web. This totally ignores the white terminal spots. The
S. palmarum is described in detail by Vieillot, and is undoubtedly the present bird.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE DENDROICA SUPERCILIOSA.
289
Motacilla ruficapitta of Gmelin very probably refers to the same plumage of D. aestiva. At
any rate, it cannot interfere with Motacilla palmarum, which has priority, and is undoubtedly
the present bird.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
j
Wing. ' Remarks.
783
(J ! Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 7, 1842
S. F. Baird
5. 12
7. 25
2.49
10100
W;ishin<rton D C
J. C. McGuire
7351
Rockport Ohio
J. P. Kirtland...
Red River Settlement
Sept. 10
R. Kennicott
i
Racine, Wis.
do
West Northfield 111
May 4, 1855
do
O Union county 111
May 12
do
8G47
' Cape Florida
Oct. 27, 1857
G. Wurdeiuunn . .
5. 00
8.00
2. 50 Black eye, bill, and feet.
6494
Indian Key
March 23
do...
6496
Q Tortugas, Fla
April 30
do
i
DENDROICA SUPERCILIOSA, Baird.
Yellow-throated Warbler.
Moiacilla superciliosa, BODDAERT, Tableau PI. enl. 686, f. 1, 1783, (fide G. R. Gray.)
Molacilla Jlavicollis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 959, No. 71.
Sylvia Jlavicollis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. 11, 1790. — WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 64 ; pi xii, f 6.
Motacilla pensilis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 960,76.
Sylvia pensilis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 520.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 11 ; pi. Ixxii.— BON. Obs.
Wils. 1826, No. 138.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 434 ; pi. 85.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 374.
Sylvicola pensilis, RICH. List, 1837.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 307.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 53.— IB. Birds Amer.
II, 1841, 32; pi. 79.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 156.
Rhimamphus pensilis, CABANIS, Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 474, (Cuba in winter.)
Ficedula dominicensis cinerea, BR. Ill, 1760, 520 ; pi. xxvii, f. 3.
La Gorge Jaune de St. Domingue, BUFFON, Ois. VI, 70 ; pi. enl. 686, f. 1, (Male.)
Sp. CH. — Upper parts uniform grayish blue. Chin and throat orange yellow ; under parts white. Forehead and sometimes
most of crown, lore and cheeks, sides of the throat, and numerous streaks on the sides of the breast, black. A stripe from the
nostrils over and behind the eye, a crescent on the lower eyelid, the sides of the neck behind the black cheek patch, and two
conspicuous bands on the wings, white. Terminal half of the outer webs of the outer two, and terminal third of the third tail
feathers, white. Female similar, but duller. Length, 5.10 ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.30, (3322.)
Hub. — Eastern United States as far as Pennsylvania and Ohio to the Missouri ; south to Mexico.
This species appears subject to considerable variation. The bill varies greatly in length,
curve, and proportion, as does the size of body. Sometimes the forehead alone is black, at
others, as in 2386, 2913, almost the entire crown is black. The whole superciliary lioe is often
yellow anterior to the eye ; the forehead is sometimes divided by a short whitish line. In one
specimen from Washington, the black of the forehead is wanting ; the upper parts have a
brownish shade ; the under surface tinged with brown behind. It is considerably larger than
any other I have seen.
As a general rule in the specimens before me, those from Georgia have the superciliary stripe
anterior to the eye yellow instead of white, as is the case in those from Ohio and Illinois.
37 b
290
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1098
2390
2386
3322
7700
3986
Q?
Washington, DC... 1842.
Savannah Ga 1845
S. F. Baird
do
J. C. McGuire. ..
Jos Leconte
do . .. 1845
do
do
(J
9
Ricoboro' Ga . 1846 ..
do
W. L. Jones
R. Kermicott
5. 10
8.30
2.60
Dr. J. P.Kirtland.
N. W. University
do
do
Cairo 111 April 29
Tamaulipas, Mex 1845
Lt Couch
74
4.25
7.75
2.50
DENDKOICA DISCOLOK, Baird.
Prairie Warbler.
Sylvia discolor, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. IT, 1807, 37 ; pi. xcviii. (No mention ot cliesnut of back.) — BON. Obs.
Wils. 1826, No. 157.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 76 ; pi. 14.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 294.
S Ivicola discolor, JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832.— RICH, List, 1837.— BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 309.—
AUD. Syn. 1839, 62.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 68 ; pi. 97.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 159.
Rhimamphus discolor, CABANIS, Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 474. ^Cuba in winter.)
Sylvia minuta, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 87 ; pi. xxv, f. 4.
Sp. CH. — Above uniform olive green ; the middle of the back streaked with brownish red. Under parts and sides of the
head, including a broad superciliary line from the nostrils to a little behind the eye, bright yellow, brightest anteriorly. A well
denned narrow stripe from the commissure of the mouth through the eye, and another from the same point curving gently
below it, also a series of streaks on each side of the body, extending from the throat to the flanks, black. Quills and tail feathers
brown, edged with white ; the terminal half of the inner web of the first and second tail feathers white. Two yellowish bands
on the wings. Female similar, but duller. The dorsal streaks indistinct. Length, 4.86 ; wing, 2.25 ; tail, 2.10.
Hob. — Atlantic States, as far north as New York.
The streaks on the back appear to be in four series. There is a yellow crescent under the
eye, and below this the black one already mentioned. After a slight interval the stripes on the
side of the throat begin, in one series on each side ; two, however, starting on the breast. The
yellow superciliary stripe extends to the base of the bill, although those of opposite sides do
not coalesce. Sometimes there is a black line, bordering the olivaceous of the crown, anteriorly.
In this species the second, third, and fourth quills are longest ; the first rather longer than
the fifth. The tail is considerably rounded, in fact, almost graduated. The bill is dark brown.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wings.
Remarks.
6483
Philadelphia
1051
3
May :«), 1843
Win M Baird
4 87
7 00
2 25
1095
Q
do
June 12, 1843
do
6 87
9 19
i,\i
7374
do
509
1091
3
New York
Philadelphia
Spring, 1843..
S. F. Baird
do
8676
Capo Florida
Sept. 24, 1843
4 75
7 30
2 30
8677
8678
Q?
C??
Indian Key
...do...,
Sept. 2, 1857
...do...
do
...do ..
4.50
4.50
7.00
6.50
2.20
2.00
Bill and feet blackish, with yellow soles.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE MYIODIOCTES MINUTUS.
231
Section Setophageae.
CH. — Bill usually distinctly notched at tip ; decidedly broader than hign at the base, though thick. Rictus well pro
vided with bristles, the longest nearly equal to tho bill. Tail nearly equal to the wings, or longer. Wings rounded ; first
quill nearly equal to fourth.
The following genera compose tliis section :
MYIODIOCTES. — Bill muscicapine. Feet stout. Tarsus longer than the head. Toes developed ;
hind toe considerably longer than the lateral. Tail about equal to the wings; slightly rounded.
CARDELLINA. — Bill parine ; as high at base as broad ; scarcely deflected at tip. Tail nearly
even ; first quill equal to the sixth. Hind toe longer than the lateral.
BASILEUTERUS. — Bill stout, but rather depressed at base. Wings very short ; the first quill
shorter than the secondaries. Tail considerably graduated. Hind toe longer than the lateral.
SETOPHAGA. — Bill muscicapine. Feet slender. Tarsus scarcely equal to the head. Hind toe
not longer than the lateral. Tail usually longer than the wings ; considerably rounded, or
even graduated.
MYIODIOCTES, Aud.
J\hjiodioctes, AUD. Syn. 1839, 48. (Type Motacilla mitrata.)
Wilsonia, BONAP. List, 1838. (Preoccupied in Botany.)
J\lijioctonus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 18.
CH. — Bill depressed, flycatcher like ; broader than high at the base ; gape with bristles nearly as long as the bill, which
is distinctly notched at tip ; both outlines gently convex. Tarsi longer than the head ; considerably exceeding the middle toe ;
claws all considerably curved. Tail decidedly rounded or slightly graduated ; the lateral feathers .20 of an inch shorter.
Wing very little longer than the tail ; the first quill decidedly shorter than the fourth ; colors yellow.
The species of this genus are decidedly muscicapine in general appearance, as shown by the
depressed bill with bristly rictus. The type M. mitratus is very similar in character of bill to
Sylvicola castanea, but the wings are much shorter ; the tail longer and more graduated ; the
legs and hind toe longer, and the first primary shorter than the fourth, (.15 of an inch less
than the longest,) not almost equal to the longest. The species are plain olive or plumbeous
above, and yellow beneath. They may be grouped as follows :
A. Tail with white patches on the outer feathers.
Head and neck black. Front, cheeks and under parts yellow. Back olive green. M. mitratus.
Olive above ; yellowish beneath. Two white bands on the wings f M. minutus.
B. Tail without white patch on the outer feathers.
Crown black. Forehead, cheeks, and under parts, yellow. Back olive M. pusillus.
Streaks on the crown, stripe on sides of head and neck, with pectoral collar of streaks,
black. Eest of under parts, and line to and around the eye, yellow. Back bluish.
(Eutldypis, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 18.) M. canadensis.
Comparative measurements.
Cat.
No.
Species,
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Rill
above.
Along
gape.
Remark:*.
2226
Myiodiocios mitnitus. . . .
Carlisle, Pa
rC
5.00
2.70
2 58
0 78
0 64
0 18
0 40
0 55
Drv
2245
do
do
3
4 62
2 58
2 42
0 77
0 61
0 19
0 38
0 52
2228
do
do
o
4 70
2 50
o 36
0 76
0 61
0 16
0 38
0 5°
990
Myiodioctes pusillus ....
do
V
3
4.60
2.24
2.26
0.70
0.56
0.14
0 33
0.44
Drv
do.
do
do
4 75
7.00
2 25
Fresh
2:«.->
do
do
o
4 l'>
0 Qg
o 06
0 7°
0 5°
0 14
0 33
0 44
Dry
945
Mviodioctcs r;in:id(!iisis.
.... do
,7
4.88
2 64
2 50
0 74
0 56
0 10
0 43
0 50
Drv
do.
do ,. ...
do
5.33
8 33
2 66
Fresh
10-21
do
do .. .
o
4 86
2 44
2 34
0 71
0 58
0 17
0.38
0 56
Drv
(Jo.
do
do
V
5.25
7.75
2.50
'
Fresh
292
U. S. P. E. E. EXP AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL EEPORT.
MYIODIOCTES MITKATUS, A u dub on.
Hooded Warbler.
Motacilla mitrata, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1783, 977.
Sylvia mitrata, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 528. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 23 ; pi. Ixxvii. — BONAP. Obs,
1826, No. 125.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 373.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog, II, 1834, 68; pi 110.
Siilvania mitrata, NDTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 333.
Selophaga mitrata, JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832. — GRAY, Genera, 28.
Wilsoni'a mitrata, BONAP. List, 18'i8.
Mijiodioctes mitratus, AUD, Syn. 1839, 48, (type.)— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 12; pi. 71.— BONAP. Consp. 1850, 315.
Myioctonus mitratus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein, 1851, 18. (Type.) — IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855,472, (Cuba.)
Muscicapa cucullata, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 101 ; pi. xxvi, f. 3. (Not Sylvia cucullata, Lath.)
Muscicapa selbiji, AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831, 46 ; pi. 9. (Young.)
Sp. CH. — Male. — Bill black ; feet pale yellow. Head and neck all round and fore part of the breast black. A broad patch
on the forehead extending round on the entire cheeks and ear coverts, with the under parts bright yellow. Upper parts and
sides of the body olive green. Greater portion of inner web of three outer tail feathers white.
Female similar ; the crown like the back ; the forehead yellowish ; the sides of the head yellow, tinged with olive on the
lores and ear coverts.
Length, 5 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.55. (Skin.)
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala.
The bill, though sylvicoline, is broad at the base and depressed, with prominent bristles.
The wings are long and pointed, though the first primary is nearly .15 shorter than the second
or longest. The tail is slightly graduated.
An immature male differs from that described above by having the black of the head restricted
to a margin of the yellow on the top and sides, and a faint indication of the same on the throat.
As a general thing the yellow of the under coverts is not so intense as that of the belly, and
the feathers of the lores are tipped with black. The width of the yellow forehead varies, being
sometimes nearly equal to the black, sometimes one-half only.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
2246
r?
Carlisle Pa .
May 7,1845
S F. Baird
2223
0
St. Louis, Mo
Alay 12,1857
Lieut Bryan
Wm. S. Wood.
7921
7493
<J
Society Hill,S. C
Itockport, Ohio
May 20,1852
M. A. Curtis
Dr. J. P. K inland ..
6984
£?
May 12,1857
W S. Wood
8025
9
Fort Leavenworth
July 13,1857
Win. M. Magraw..
128
Dr. Cooper
5.25
8.00
2.62
Iris brown; bill brown
ish ; feet pale brown.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS. 293
PMYIODIOCTES MINUTUS.
Small-headed Flycatcher.
Muscicapa minuta, WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 62 ; pi. 1, f. 5.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 291 ; pi. 434, f. 3.— IB.
Syn. 1839, 44.— In. Birds Arner. I, 1840, 238 ; pi. 67.
Sylvia minuta, BONAP. Obs. "VVils. 1826, No. 128.
Wilsonia minuta, BONAP. List, 1838.
Sijlvaniapumilia, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d cd. 1840, 334 (Not Sylvia pumilia, Vieillot.)
gi>. CH. — " Wings short, the second quills longest. Tail of moderate length, even. General color of upper parts light greenish
brown ; wings and tail dark olive brown, the outer feathers of the latter with a terminal white spot on the inner web ; a narrow
white ring surrounding the eye ; two bands of dull white on the wings ; sides of the head and neck greenish yellow ; the rest
of the lower parts pale yellow, gradually fading into white behind. Male, 5 inches long ; extent 8| inches."
Hab. — Eastern Atlantic States.
I have never seen a specimen of the small-headed flycatcher, and copy the preceding descrip
tion from Audubon. It seems to be a perfectly distinct species from any other I have described,
and evidently belongs to the Oscines rather than to the Tyrannulas (Clamatores.) Audubon
expressly mentions that it has several rather pleasing notes. The white spots on the tail dis
tinguish it readily from any of our true tyrant flycatchers. The introduction of the bird into
the genus Myiodioctes is purely conjectural, although its affinities seem nearest to the hooded
warbler.
MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS, Bo nap.
Green Black-cap Flycatcher.
Muscicapa pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 103 ; pi. xxvi, f. 4.
Wilsonia pusilla, BONAP. List, 1838.
Sylvania pusilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840,335.
^jyiodiectes pnsillus, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 315.
Myioctonus pusillus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 18.
Sylvia wilsonii, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1826, No. 127.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 408.
J\Iuscicapa wihonii, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 148 ; pi. 124.
Setophaga wilsonii, JARD. ed. Wilson, 1832.
Myiodioctes wihonii, AUD. Syn. 1839, 50.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 21 ; pi. 75.
" Sylvia petasode ? LICHT." (Bonap. Consp.)
Sp. CH. —Forehead, line over and around the eye, and under parts generally bright yellow. Upper part olive green ; a
square patch on the crown lustrous black. Sides of body and cheeks tinged with olive. No white on wings or tail. Female
similar ; the black of the crown obscured by olive green.
Length, 4.75 ; wing, 2.25 ; tail, 2.30.
Hub. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; south to Guatemala.
The wings are moderate ; the second, third, and fourth quills considerably longest and nearly
equal ; the first longer than the fourth. The tail is rather long and graduated ; the lateral
feathers .25 of an inch shorter than the middle.
Specimens differ in some respects. Thus, among those from the Pacific coast, some, as 7678,
have longer wings than those before me from the Atlantic States. No. 7683, from California,
has a broader frontlet of yellow, a richer yellow beneath, a lighter olive of the back, and a con
siderably smaller and slenderer bill. Other specimens, however, from the same localities agree
precisely with Pennsylvania ones.
294
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
990
2307
2270
7314
7537
8799
82io
5052
7675
7676
7677
7685
3982
3981
3980
7678
7681
7683
7684
8023
3
9
9
May 18,1845
May 20,1845
4.75
7.00
2.25
2.25
2.08
do
do .
do
4.75
4.50
6.58
6.33
. '
do
do
.......
$
9
g>
9
9
Q
3
S
Fort Laramie, Neb
do
Pecos Crossing
Frontera
.... do
Aug. 27,1857
Sept. 8
Sept. 18,1855
Win. M. Magi aw ..
do
Capt. Pope
Charles Wright
do.
172
192
136
Dr. Cooper
5.00
5.00
5.00
4.16
5.12
7.PO
7.00
6.50
6.37
8.16
2.25
2.25
2.00
2.00
2 75
Iris brown; bill brown;
feet flesh color.
Iris brown ; feet yel
lowish brown.
do
May 5, 1852
do
Maj. Emory
207
J. 11. Clark....
2.12
4.25
4 50
5.00
6.25
7.00
6.75
7.00
7.00
6.87
2.25
2.50
2.25
2.70
. do
do
214
do
May —,1853
April 28, 1856
May 3, 1856
do
4.75
5.19
5.25
do
do
360
MYIODIOCTES CANADENSIS, Aud.
Canada Flycatcher.
Muscicapa canadensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 327.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. T, 1788, 937.— WILSON, Am. Orn.
Ill, 1811, 100 ; pi. xxvi, f. 2.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 17 ; pi. 103.
Setophaga canadensis, " SWAINSON," Jard. ed. Wilson, 1832. — RICH. List, 1837. — GRAY, Genera.
Myiodioctes canadensis, AUD. Syn. 1839, 49. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 14 ; pi. 72.
Euthlypis canadensis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 18.
Sylvia pardalina, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1826, No. 126.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 372.
Sylvicola pardalina, BON. List, 1838.
Myiodioctes pardalina, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850,315.
" Setophaga nigricincta, LAFRESNAYE,Rev. Zool." (Bp.)
SP. CH. — Upper part bluish ash ; a ring around the eye, with a line running to the nostrils, and the whole under part (except
the tail coverts, which are white,) bright yellow. Centres of the feathers in the anterior half of the crown, the cheeks, con
tinuous with a line on the side of the neck to the breast, and a series of spots across the fore part of the breast, black. Tail
feathers unspotted. Female similar, with the black of the head and breast less_distinct. In the young, obsolete.
Length, 5.34; wing, 2.67 ; tail, 2. 50.
flab. — Eastern United States to the Mississippi ; south to Guatemala.
The precise extent of the black on the breast varies a good deal in different specimens. The
quills vary in length ; sometimes the second is longest, (945 ,) sometimes the third. In some
specimens the outer primary is edged with white.
I cannot find any tangible difference between the young bird or female of this species and the
M, bonapartii of Audubon. Thus, in No. 2438, (female in autumn,) there is no black on the
head, and scarcely any light line over the eye ; the first primary is conspicuously edged with
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE CARDELLINA.
295
white. The color of the back, as given in the figure of bonapartii, is much more like the usual
average of specimens of canadensis than as figured for the latter species.
List of specimens.
Cutal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
945
3
Carlisle, Pa
May 6, 1843
S. F. Baird
5.33
8.33
2. GG
2 1 55
0
do
April 26, 1845 ...
do
5.41
7. 75
2. 50
1021
0
do
May 24, 1845
do
5. 25
7.75
2. 50
2669
0
do
May 14, 1846
do
5.50
8. 00
2. 16
7558
3
Washington, D. C
Win Hutton
Union county, Illinois
May 11
8022
Guatemala.
J. Gould
8024
do
do.....
MYIODIOCTES BONAPARTII, And.
Bonaparte's Flycatcher.
Muscicapa bonapartii, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 27; pi. 5.
Setophaga bonapartii, RICH. List, 1^37.
Wilsonia bonapartii, BONAP. List, 1838.
J\hjiodioctes bonapartii, AUD. Syn. 1839, 49. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 17 ; pi. 73.
Sylvania bonapartii, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 332.
" Bristles longer than in the last, second quill longest; tail very long, nearly even; upper parts light greyisli hlue ; quills dusky
brown, their outer webs greyish blue, the two outer margined with white ; middle tail feathers and edges of the re^t like the
back ; lower parts and a band on the forehead ochre yellow, with a few faint dusky spots on the lower part of the fore neck.
This species differs from the last chiefly in being of a more elongated form, in having the bristles much longer, the upper
parts of a much lighter tint ; in wanting the black band down the sides of the neck, and the yellow band over the eye ; the bill
is straighter and more pointcJ, and the outer primaries are edged with white. Male, 5.4 inches."
Hub.— Louisiana .
To complete the history of the species of Hyiodioctes, I copy the description from Mr.
Audubon of the M. bonapartii ; as already stated, however, it is quite likely that it may prove
to be only an immature M. canadensis.
CARDELLINA, Dub us.
Cardellina, DUBUS, Bp. Consp. Av. I, 1850, 312.
CH. — Bill short, compressed ; higher than broad at the base. Culmen gently convex; tip not decurved ; notch not very
prominent. Tail nearly even, about equal to the wings, which is considerably rounded; the first quill about equal to the sixth,
the third longest. Colors partly red.
This genus, in the shortness and compression of its bill, resembles Parus to a considerable
degree. The only species I have occasion to mention is entirely red, with white ear patches.
296 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
CARDELLINA RUBRA, B o n a p .
Vermilion Flycatcher.
Setophaga rubga, SWAINSON, Syn. Mex. Birds, in Pliilos. Mag. I, 1827, 368.
Cardtllina rubra, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 312.— CASSIN, 111. I, 1^54, 2GG; pi. xliii.
Basileuterus ruber, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 18.
Sylvia miniata, LAFRESNAVE, Mag. Zoo\. 1836, pi. liv. (Not of Swainson.)
Parus leucotis, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841, plate.
" Sylvia argyrotls, LIGHT." BONAP. Consp.
gPg CH. — Entirely of a dark crimson red ; darker above and a little brighter on the rump. Quills and tail feathers brown,
edged with brownish red. Ear coverts silky grayish white. Length about 5.60 ; wing, 2.45 ; tail, 2.55.
Hub. — Northern Mexico.
The wing is considerably rounded ; the first quill shorter than the sixth ; the fourth quill
longest ; the third, second, and fourth, successively shorter. The tail appears nearly even.
The propriety of introducing this species into the fauna of the United States is questionable.
No specimens have as yet been found, even as far north as northern Tamaulipas, in Mexico.
As one of the birds described in Mr. Giraud's work, however, it is entitled to a notice.
The measurements of the species will be found on the next page.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Locality.
Whence and how obtained.
Collected by —
561 Northern Mexico . ...
S. F. Baird
J. G. Bell
BASILEUTERUS, Cab an is.
Basileuterus, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 316. — IB. Schomburgh's Reise Brit. Guiana, 1847. Type,
Sylvia vermivora, Vieillot.
CH. — Bill stout, triangular ; broader than high ; the vertical outlines considerably convex. Rictus strongly bristled. Wings
very short and much rounded ; considerably less than the tail ; first quill shorter than the secondaries. Tail long, much
graduated; the feathers narrow ; the lateral ones about .40 of an inch shorter. Tarsi rather long ; toes short.
This genus bears some resemblance to Geotlilypis; the tail is, however, longer, the feathers
narrower and more graduated. The wings are much shorter and more rounded ; the bill stouter,
deeper, and thicker towards the end ; the rictus with bristles instead of without them. The
toes are considerably shorter. Although not represented in the United States, I introduce it
here for the fuller illustration of the Setophageae, and because Mr. Giraud describes several
species, in his work on Texas birds, which are probably to be referred to here.1
1 The only species of the genus before me is —
BASILEUTERUS RUFIFRONS, Cabanis.
Setophaga rujifrons, SWAINSON, Anim. in Menag. 1838, 294.
Banleuterus rufifrons, " CABANIS," Bonap. Conspectus, 1850, 314.
SP. CH. — Top and sides of the head chestnut ; the rest of upper parts olive green ; the throat and fore part of breast yellow;
the rest of under parts white, tinged on the side with brown. A well marked white superciliary stripe from the bill to the nape.
Length aboi t 5 inches ; wing, 2.15 ; tail, 2.50. For detailed measurements see next page.
Ilab. — M( xico. A specimen (No. ) received from Mr. Gould. An allied species from Nicaragua is given by Bonaparte,
(B. dtlattrii, Comptes Renduw ; Notes Orn. Delattre, 1854, 62,) differing in buing entirely yellow beneath.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLJDAE — SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA.
297
SETOPHAGA, Swain son.
Setnphaga, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. IH, Dec. 1827, 360. Type Muscicapa ruticilla, Linn.
Sylvama, NUTTALI., Man. Orn. I, 1832. Type JIuscicapa ruticilla.
CH. — Bill depressed ; broader than high ; rictus with long bristles. Wings rounded, equal to or shorter than the tail ; first
quill sir rter than the fourth. Tail long; somewhat graduated, the outer feathers about .20 of an inch or more shorter; all the
feathers unusually broad, and widened at the end. Feet short; tarsus shorter than the head. Hind toe equal to the lateral.
Coloration embracing more or less of red in northern species.
This genus differs from Myiodioctes chiefly in the longer broader tail, and rather shorter tarsi
and toes, the hinder especially. The bill is more muscicapine ; the culmen nearly straight to
the abruptly decurved and much notched tip ; the gonys straight. In Mtjiodioctes the vertical
outlines are more convex ; the gonys more ascending ; the tip gently and but slightly
decurved.
The species of this genus are all characterized by the brilliant red, yellow, black, &c., of
their plumage, and, according to Kaup, (Pr. Zool. Soc. 1851, 49,) may be divided into
geographical groups, characterized by the prevalence of particular colors. The South American
species have more or less of yellow. The Mexican are usually black and red, without any pure
yellow.
Synopsis of species.
Black : base of the quills and tail, and sides of the breast reddish orange. Abdomen
white , S. ruticilla.
Black : belly red, broad patch on the wings, and outer tail feathers white S. picta.
Ash color : forehead, throat, and tail, black ; breast and belly, red ; a chestnut spot on
the crown. Three outer tail feathers tipped with white S. miniata.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal. ! Species.
No.
Locality.
Sex and
age.
Length. Stretch ! Wing.
;of wings ;
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape, measured.
981 Setophaga ruticilla
Carlisle, Pa
g
4.78 2.50
2 46
0.64
O.C2
0 14
0.36
0 46 Drv
do
5 25 7 6G ' 2 58
Fre<h
2281 do
do
do
Q
4.50 ! 2.50
5 16 7.75 ' 2.50 •
2.44
0.64
0 55
0.16
0.33
0.50 Dry
Fro«h
4014 Sctophaja piota
New Leon, Mex..
3
5 00 2 70
2 50
0.62
0.58
0 16
0 39
0 46 Drv*
do do
do
5 25 7 25 1 2 50
Fresh
5.)8 Setophaga miniata
8021 do
Texas
Guatemala. ......
5.58 ; ' 2.52
4.96 ; 2.26
3.00
2. 50
2 54
0.72
0.70
0.73
0.60
0.56
0 56
0.16
0.16
0 14
0.34
0.38
0 33
0.48 Dry
0.48 Dry
Basileuterus rufifrons. ..
Mexico
4.92 ! i 1.90
': \
2.54
0.74
0.56
0.16
0.40
0 59 Dry
* Very much stretched.
SETOPHAGA RUTICILLA, Swain son.
Red Start.
Muscicapa ruticilla, LINKAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 326.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 935 — VIEII.LOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807,
66 ; pi. xxxv, xxxvi.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 103 ; pi. vi, f. 6.— BON. Obs. 1826. 118.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831,^202: V, 1839, 428 ; pi. xl.
Setophaga ruliciUa, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 358.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 223.— BON. List, 1838.— IB.
Consp. 1650, 312.
Sylvani a ruticilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 291. (Type of genus.)
Motacillaflavictuda, GMELIN, Syst. N t. I, 1788, 997. (Female.)
38 b
298
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Sp. Cn. — Male. — Prevailing color, black. A central line on the breast, the abdomen and under tail coverts white ; some
feathers in the latter strongly tinged with dark brown. Bases of all the quills, except the inner and outer, and basal half of all
the tail feathers, except the middle one, a patch on each side of the breast, and the axillary region orange red, of a vermilion
shade on the breast. Female with the black replaced by olive green above, by brownish white beneath ; the head tinged with
ash ; a grayish white lore and ring round the eye. The red of the male replaced by yellow. L( igth, 5.25 ; wing, 2.50 ;
tail, 2.45.
Hal). — Eastern United States to the Missouri plain ; West Indies in winter. Fort Laramie, Dr. Cooper.
The second, third, and fourth quills are longest, considerably exceeding the first, which is
intermediate between the fourth and fifth. The tail feathers are broad, and widening towards
the tip ; considerably graduated laterally.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
a?e.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
)f wings.
Wing.
Kemarks.
• f?
Carlisle Pa
May 18 1843
S. F. Baird
5.16
7 66
2 58
O
do
May 20 1843
do
5 16
7 50
o 33
2281
o
do
May 17 1845
do
5 16
7 75
2 50
7575
o
May 1 1815
Win. Hutton
101 14
V
n/?
do
5826?
O
Cleveland, Ohio
May—, 185-2
Dr. Kirtland
6986
^
May 12, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
W. S. Wood
4306
o
1854
6510
o
April 10.. ..
do
6511
May 12 ...
do
5 25
6 00
2 00
6508
Mav 12
do
5 50
7 50
2 50
6509
do
May 13
do
5 00
7 00
2 10
8653
do
5 75
8 00
2 50
fc'651
do
Sept. 27, 1857
do
Bill liglit brown, feet black
8G54
6507
*
do
Sept. 27, 1857
April 27..
do
do
5.-J5
6.25
2.50
ish.
Bill liglit brown, feet black
ish.
4691
4687
o
(?
Nebraska
Upper Missouri
May 13
Lieut. Warren....
do
Dr. Hayden..
do
4.87
5.37
6.50
7 87
2 50
2.50
4688
do
do
5 00
7 25
2 62
8843
^
do
do
5 00
7 25
o 50
4690
°
do
Mav 12
do
do
4 75
7 50
2 50
5271
do
do
5.25
7 00
2 12
4689
Mouth of Platte river
April 26
do
do
5577
Fort Riley, K. T -
Hammond &. Do
1863
;
Vesey.
S. F. Baird
SETOPHAGA PICTA, Swainson.
Setophaga picta, SWAINSON, Zool. 111. 2d Series, I, 1829 ; pi. iii. — IB. Anim. in Menag. 1838, 293. — BONAP. Consp.
1850, 312.
Muscicapa le.ucomus, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841 ; pi. vi. f. 1.
Sp. CH. — Male. — Above, with the head and neck all round, and sides of the breast, black; rest of under parts dark crimson red.
The under tail and wing coverts, the outer two, and most of the third tail feathers, and a broad patch on the wing, white.
Length, 5.25 ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.60.
jjab, — Northern Mexico.
The specimen before me of this beautiful species is not sufficiently perfect to admit of a satis
factory description. The form appears to be much like that of S. mi-niata.
BIRDS SYLVICOLIDAE — TANAQRINAE.
299
Lixt of specimens.
Caul. S;'.\.
No.
Locality. When col- Whence obtaini-d.
lected.
Orisinal
No.
Length
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
41H-1 c?
144
5 25
7.25
2.50
dish slate.
SETOPIIAGA MINIATA, Swainson.
Setophaga miniata, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827,368. — IB. Anim. in Menag. (2| centenaries,) 1838, 293. (Not
of La resnaye.)
•Musci ~apa vulnera'.a, WAGLER. Isis, 1831,529.
Setophaga vulnerata, GRAY, Genera. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 313. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 18.
Setophaga castanea, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 42.
•Miifdcapa derhami, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841 ; pi. iii, f. 2.
Sp. Cn. — Upper parts, with head and neck all round, dark plumbeous; beneath, carmine red. A dark brownish chestnut
patch on the forehead. Throat tinged with black. Under wing coverts white. Tail black ; the outer two feathers, with the
outer web, the four outer, with the tips, white. Length about J.25 ; wing, 2.55 ; tail, 3.05.
flab. — Northern Mexico to Guatemala.
This species is larger though somewhat similar in shape to S. ruticilla, and has a proportionally
broader tail. The wing is much rounded ; the first quill equal about to the seventh.
A specimen from Guatemala differs in having the middle tail feathers narrower, (the others
lost.) The black of the throat is purer and more continuous. The crown is occupied by a sub-
quadrate patch of orange chestnut ; the front and sides of the crown quite pure black. The
size is considerably less.
List of specimens.
Catal. Xo.
Sex.
Locality.
•
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
558
Northern Mexico
H. F. Baird
J. G. Bell
8021
$
Guatemala .
J. Gould
Sub-Family TANAGRINAE.
The precise position of the tanagers is a matter of much uncertainty, the relationship to the
Frinyillidae being very close. Both have the nine primaries and the scutellate tarsi, and the
bill in some genera resembles that of unquestionable finches ; it is, however, usually longer,
and though stout at the base is not strictly conical, and lacks the great strength necessary for a
hard vegetable instead of soft animal diet, or one of berries and fruits.
Of the large number of known tanagers but two genera are found in the United States —
Pyrangu and Euphonia. These maybe readily distinguished by the large bill, higher than broad
at the base, with a distinct tooth in the middle of the commissure in Pyranga, and the broad,
short, depressed bill, with a double notch near the tip, of Euphonia.
The characters of the genera are chiefly taken from Mr. Sclater's masterly monograph, as
more accurately expressing their distinctive features than the examination of the North American
species alone can furnish.
500
U. S P. E. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
PYRANGA, Vieill.
Pyranga, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, iv. — IB. Analyse, 1816, 32. — SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 123.
Phoenisoma, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 284.
CH. — Bill somewhat straight ; sub-conical, cylindrical, notched at tip ; culmen moderately curved ; commissure with a median
acute lobe. Wings elongated ; the four first primaries about equal. Tail moderate, slightly forked. Colors of the male chiefly
scarlet, of the female yellowish.
The rictus is well provided with "bristles, which Lend downwards, but if brought forward
would reach the nostrils. These are rounded, and are closely crowded by the frontal feathers.
The tarsus is shorter than the middle toe, scutellate anteriorly, and smooth on the sides behind.
The lateral toes are about equal ; the basal joint of the middle toe united for half its length to
the inner toe, and by almost the whole length to the outer.
The species may be distinguished by the following diagnoses, borrowed from Mr, Sclater:
Male. Bright scarlet red. Wings and tail black rubra.
Male. Light red ; back a little more dusl:y. Bill light horn color, the edges and tips
paler „ ...aestiva.
Male. Dark scarlet red, tinged with ashy on the back and sides. Bill plumbeous black.
Feet brownish black c hepatica.
Male. Yellow ; The interscapu'ar region, wings, and tail, black. Wings with two
whitish bands. Head and throat tinged with isc.rlet ludoviciana.
Comparaliv ; meet: urements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex. Length.
Stretch Wing,
ofwings.
T 1.
Tarsus. Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimens Remarks,
gape. , measured. |
1566
do.
1425
do.
8266
do.
8->67
8272
8259
8260
8272
560
3
6.32
7.41
6.08
7.00
6.30
7.00
7.20
7.60
6.62
6.54
7.5!)
4.88
I 3 68
3.00
0.74 0.73
0.22
0.63 0.76
Dry ' ,
11.75 3.91
! 3 70
do ; .... do
do i do
Py ranga aesuva ........ Texas
do do
do do
do Zuni nits
Pyranga ludoviciana . . . Po.a creek. . .
do : Ttjon valley..
Pyranga hepatica j Zuni ruts
Euphonia elegantissima. j Texas
9
1!
I
3
T
2.90
0.70 0.72
0.24
0.60
0.73
Dry
11.25 3.75
3 68
Fresh ...
3.20
0.76 : 0.76
0.22
0.70
0.84
Itry
11.25 3.75
3 81
Fresh....i
3.38
3.62
3.06
3.00
3.64
1.86
0.78 : 0.76
0.80 0.72
0.80 i 0.75
0.76 : 0.76
0.82 0.72
0.54 : 0.60
0.22
0.24
0.20
0.22
0.24
0.16
0.78
0.72
0.63
0.60
0.72
0.27
0.83
0.81
0.77
0.68
0.78
0.44
Dry
i 3 96
Dry Mounted ....
3 70
3.50
3.96
2.70
Dry
PYBANGA RUBRA, V i e i 1 1 o t .
Scarlet Tanager.
Tanagra rubra, LINN. I, 1766, 314.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 889.— WIL..ON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 42 ; pi. xi, f. 3, 4.— AUD
Orn. Biojr. IV, 1838, 3t8 ; pi. 354.
Pyranga rubra, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 18U7, i/ ; pi. i, f. 12. (Head.)— SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 273. —
BON. List. 1833.— IB. Conspectus, I8o .— AUD. Syn. 1839, 136.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 226 ;
pi. 209.- SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Sj . 1855, 15 .— IB. 1856, 123.
Phoenisoma rubra, Sw. Birds, II. o 7,284.
Phoenicosoma rubra, CAB Mus. Hcin. 1851, 24.
Pyranga erylhromelas, VIEILLOT, " Encyc. Meth. 800."— IB. Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1817, 293.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE PYEAJS'GA AESTIVA.
301
Sp. CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Second quill longest: first and third a little shorte'-. Till moderately forked. Genenl
color of male bright carmine. Wings and tail velvet black the quills internally ed^ed with white towards the bas^e. Female
olive green above, yellowish beneath. Wing and tail fe ithe brown, edged with olivaceous. Length, 7.40 ; wing, 4.00 ; tail
3.00.
Ilab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri river.
The young males are colored like the females, but generally exhibit more or less of red
feathers among the greenish ones. Sometimes the full plumage is varied by a few yellow
feathers, or by olivaceous edges to the wings. Not unfrequently there is a partly concealed bar
of red or yellow (156C) on the wing, across the median coverts. Young males are sometimes
seen with the body like the female, the wings and tail like the male.
List of specimens.
fatal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Length-
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
1G85
^
Carli.-le, 1'a
June 30, 1843
S. F. Baird
7.25
12 00
4 50
1-193
A
do
May 10, 1844
do
7 08
1 1 r>0
3 83
I'.GS
3
do
May 22, 1844
do
7 41
11 75
3 91
1425
o
do
May 2, 1844
do
7.00
11.25
3.75
74G3
5
Ohio
V
Union couritv, III. ...
April 30
It. Kcnnicott
8306
83:* 1
'e
j
Independence, Mo. . .
May 27, 1857
Win. M. Ma^raw.
21
54
Dr. Cooper. . . 7.25
do 7.50
11.25
12 03
4.00
4 00
Iris brown, bill olive, feet gray.
do do
83U5
$
do
May 27, 1857
do
20
do 7.25
11.25
4 00
do do
8.J33
A
do
A! ay 29, 1857
44
....do ... 6 75
11 25
4 00
8380
0
do
June 20, 1857
do
84
do .. 7 25
11 50
3 75
8398
O
do
May 23, 1857
do
H
do .... 7 50
12 00
4 00
8377
8304
c?
$
do
do
June 20, 1857
May 27, 1857
do
do
79
19
do 7.12
do 7.25
11.75
12.25
4.00
4.25
Iris brown, bill black, feet I.jad.
Iris brown, bill black and yel-
8347
*
do
June 18, 1857
do
74
do 7 00
11 °5
4 00
7026
_?
St. Loui , Mo
May 8, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
VV. S. Wood
PYBANGA AESTIVA, Y i e i 1 1 o t .
Summer Red Bird.
Muscicapa, rubra, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 326.
Tanagra acstha, GMELIN, I, 1788, 889.— WILSON, I, 1810, 95 ; pi. vi, f. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 232 : V, 1839,
518 ; pi. 41.
Pyranga aestiva, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 291.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850.— Aun. Syn. 1839,
136-— IB. Birds Atner. Ill, 1841, 222 ; pi. 2Ub'.— SJLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 156.— IB. 1856, 123.
Phoenisoma aestiva, Sw. Birds, II, 1837, 284.
Phoen'icosoma aestira, CABANIS, Mas. Hein. 1851, 25.
1 Loxia virginica, GMELIN, I, 1788, 849. Male changing.)
? Tanagra rnississippicnsis, GMELIN, I, 1788, 889.
'lanagra variegata, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 422. (Male changing.)
Tangare du Mississippi, BUFFON, Ois. V, 63 ; pi. enl. 741.
SP. CH. — Bill nearly as lon^ as the head, without any me ian tooth. Tail nearly even, or slightly round d. Male, ver-
rnilion red ; a little darker above, arid brightest on the head. Quills brown, the outer webs like the back. Shafts only of the
tail feathers brown. Bill l:ght horn color, more yellowish at the edges. Female, olive above, yello«v beneath, with a tinge of
reddish. Length, 7.20 ; wing, 3.75 ; il, 3.00.
Hab. — South Atlar.tic and Gulf States, throug Texas, and south to Guatemala.
The shade of red varies somew' at in the specimen, the shade b ing sometimes more rose. It
is always quite different from that of P. rubra. The female lacks the pure olive and yellow
302
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
tints of rubra, having them duller above, and slightly tinged with reddish beneath. The bill
is much larger than in rulra, nearly equalling the head ; quite so in some specimens, varying
considerably in size, as it does. Texas specimens generally appear to have larger bills than
those farther east.
The young male is like the female. Immature males, however, exhibit every gradation
between the perfect colors of both sexes.
List of specimens.
Catal.i Sex. Locality.
No. |
When col Whence obtained
lected.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length. Stretch i Wing. ! Remarks,
of wings.
1050 I c?
4i!SO O
8298 J
8204 $
8QQ6 9
8297 9
8267 (j
8268 J
8266 9
8269 <$
4972 J1
4071 9
4073 $
4072 9
4070 9
79 6 S
7957 9
... N. W. Un versity
R. Kennicott
Independence, Mo...
do
May 26, 1857 Win. M. Majraw..
8
9
Dr. Cooper .... 7.^5 10 62
do 7.62 12.00
4.00 Iris brown, bill olive,
feet crav
4.00 do
do
do 7 25 11.00
3.02 do
do ...
10
do 7.00 11.00
3.50 : ., ..du
Lieut. J. G. Parke. .
Hr. Ileennann
do
'' do
. T
J II. ClarK
do
7.00 11.25
3.75
Ft Cliadbourne, Texas.
.
.,... ! ; fi 50 ii.no
3.75
do
7.50 11.75
4.00 Eyes light brown, bill
do
\pril 1853 do
7.25 11.25
3.75
June 1853 do.
! i 7 00 ia.00
4.00
! do
PYRANGA HEPATICA, Swain son.
Pyranga hepatica, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 124.— SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 124.
Pkoenicosoma hepatica, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 25.
Pyranga azarae, WOODHOUSE, Sitgreave's Expl. Zuni, 1853. 82. (Not of other authors.)
Sp. Cn. Bill sliortcr than the head. Tail nearly even. Above ashy red ; the crown and under parts scarlet ; sides ashy.
Bill plumbeous black ; feet brownish black. Female, olive above ; yellow beneath, tinged with olive on the sides ; the fore
head tinged with yellow. Wings brown, the olive edges of the quills becoming grayish towards the tips. Young male like the
female. Lerigih, 8 inches ; wing, 4.00 ; tail, 3.50.
Hah. — Rocky mountains of New Mexico southward.
I have at hand no full plumaged male of this bird, and have been obliged to borrow the
description from Sclater, as cited above. The species is considerably larger than P. aestiva,
with which it agrees somewhat in characters. The bill, however, is proportionally smaller,
with more of a tooth on the commissure. The color, too,, is bluish black, instead of light horn
color, with yellowish margins. The sides are tinged with ashy instead of being like the belly.
The red is of a different shade, duller above, and the forehead conspicuously brighter than the
back, instead of a meie shade lighter.
According to Sclater the P. saira, (P. azarae, Atict.,) to which this bird was referred by Dr.
"Woodhouse, differs in being smaller, the bill bluer, the feet black, not brown, the red colors
different. The female is also said to have a yellowish superciliary stripe.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA.
303
Catal. No. Sex.
8272
List of specimens.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by-
Zufii mountai i. N. M Aug. 31, 1851.
Fort Thorn. .
...I Capt. Sitgreaves _ Dr. Woodhouse.
. ..1 Dr. Henry
PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA, Bo nap.
Louisiana Taiiager.
Tanagra ludoviciana, WILSON, Am. Orn. Til, 1811,27; pi. xx, f. 1. — BON. Obs. 182C, 95.— ADD. Orn. Biog.
IV, 1838, 385 : V, 1839, 90 ; pi. 354, 4CO.
Tanagra (Pyranga) ludoviciana, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 105. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 471.
Pyranga ludoviciana, RICH. Lis', 1837 — BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 137.— IB . Birds Amer. 111,1841,
ail/, pi. 210.— SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 185G, 125.
Pyranga erythropis, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 291.
" Tanagra columbiana, JAHD. ed. Wilson, I, 317." According to Sclater, but I cannot find such name.
Sp. CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Tail slightly forked ; first three quills nearly equal. Male, yel'ow ; the middle of the
back, the wings, and the tail, black. Head and neck all round strongly tinged with red ; least so on the sides. A band of
yellow across the middle coverts, and of yellowish white across the greater ones ; the tertials more or less edged with whitish.
Female, oiive green above, yellowish beneath ; the feathers of the interscapular region dusky, margined with olive. The wings
and tail rather dark brown, the former with the same marks as the male. Length, 7.25 ; wing, 3. GO ; tail, 2.85.
Hab. — From the Black Hills to the Pacific ; south to Mexico.
It is not often that the male of this species is found in the highest state of plumage. Generally
the feathers of the back are margined with olive, this color also tinging the yellow of the back,
and the edges of the quills. The red of the head varies in intensity. The bill is rather smaller
and slenderer than in P. rubra, although it varies considerably with the specimen.
The female can always be distinguished from that of rubra by the slenderer bill. The bill is
much smaller than in P. aestiva. From both it differs in the whitish or yellow bands on the
wings, and the back being duskier than the remaining upper parts.
A young bird exhibits traces of brown in the yellow, and some faint dusky streaks. Young
males have the general plumage of the female.
The black back distinguishes this species from the somewhat similar P. erythrocephala and
rubriceps.
304
U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Se.i and
No. age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Length. Stretch Wing,
ofwings.
Remarks.
5658 $
5661 O
8822 9
S8-23 9
8207 J
8>29
5660 9
8264
5927 C?
5928 C?
5929 c?
8262 <?
8CG1 9
1881 c?
55 H $
8260 . 0
8259 (?
4907 (51
Blick HilU K T
Aug. 3,1856
Aug. 4,1856
195 ' VV. S. Wood..
do
204 do
! Black Hills
Sept. 13, 1857
Aug. 24,1857
Sept. 8,1857
Sept. 17,1857
Aug. 25.1856
May —,1855
do
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. llayden
7.25 11.75 3.50
7.00 ! 11.00 3 50
7.25 ! 11.50 4.00
7.75 11.50 3.50
Iris l>ro\vn
Fort Laramie, Neb
do
Medicine Bow river —
Mimbres to Uio Grande.
Dr. Cooper
188
fri.s brown ; bill Mack
and yellow; feet bl'k.
do..... .do
do
1
211 !
300 ' W. S. Wood...
Dr. T. C. Henry....
"
7.00 11 "5
do
do
do
do
do
i
,.. do
i£56
98
do ...
Au". ,1854
do
S. F. Baird
J.K. Townsend.
Potaluma, Cal
May 13,1856
Lieut. Williamson.
do
Dr. Hcermann..
!
! do
San Diego, Cal. . ....
EQPHONIA, Desm.
Euphonia, DESM. Hist. Nat. des Tangaras, 1805.— SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, §71.
CH. — Bill short, widened or depressed ; the culmen curved ; gonys ascending ; commissure notched at tip, and somewhat
serrate. Wings long ; tail short, quadrate. Colors black, blue, and yellowish.
The bill of Euphonia is much shorter than the head, and very broad at the base. The two
or three toothed lobes near the tip of cutting edge of the upper mandible are very distinct. The
rictal bristles are very short. The tarsi are much shorter than the middle toe. The tail is very
short, the feathers narrow.
EUPHONIA ELEGANTISSIMA, Gray.
Pipra elegantissima, BOKAP. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 112.
Euphonia elegantissima, GRAY, Genera, App. 17. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 232. — DUBTJS, Esq. Orn. — SCLATER, Cont.
Orn. 1851, 83.— IB. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 273.
Euphonia coelestis, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 39.
Pipra gulericulata, GIRAUD, 16 Sp. Birds Texas, 1841.
SP. CH. — Top of head and a half collar on the neck behind opaque blue. Sides of head and neck, chin, throat, and upper
parts generally, steel bluish black. Beneath yellow brownish fulvous, tinged with dark brownish chestnut, especially on the
forepart of the breast and towards the tail. Forehead dark chestnut, margined behind by black. Length, 4.70 ; wing, 2.75 ;
tail, 1.80.
Hob. — Northern Mexico to Guatemala. California?
This is one of the species (Pipra galericulata) described by Mr. Giraud in his " Sixteen New
Species of Texas Birds," and the specimen 560 was obtained in the same locality with Mr.
Giraud's. It is, however, very probable that the sixteen were actually collected some distance
to the south of the Texas border, probably in the southern portion of the State of Tamaulipas.
I am informed by Dr. Cooper that the same bird has been captured near San Francisco, and
that the specimen is now in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of that city.
BIRDS — SYLVICOLIDAE CONCLUDING REMARKS. 305
The specimens before me differ a little from Mr. Sclater's description of Euphonia elegantissima.
Thus, the throat is of the same dull steel blue color with the back ; the under parts have a
strong tinge of chestnut.
According to Mr. Sclater, the female is olive green, paler beneath ; the crown blue ; the
forehead chestnut, margined behind with black, or much like the male.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
5GO
Texas? (Northern Mexico)
S. F. Baird
J. G. Bell .
7958
Guatemala .._.__...
J. Gould
CONCLUDING EEMAEKS.
Having thus passed in review the well established species of North. American Sylvicolidae, it
may be well to mention those which claim such a place with greater or less propriety. Chief
among these are the species described by Mr. Giraud as having been received from Texas, but
which were probably taken in a more southern latitude, possibly about that of Tampico. Most
of these doubtless at times wander as far as the Rio Grande, and several are described in the
present report as having been taken on or near that river.
1. DENDROICA OLIVACEA, Baird.
Sylvia olivacea, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841 ; pi. vii. — SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc.
1855, 66.
Sylvicola olivacea, CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 283 ; pi. xlviii.
Sylvia taeniata, DUBUS, Bull. Acad. Brux. XIV, 1847, 104. — IB. Rev. Zool.
1848, 245.
Sylvicola taeniata, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 309.
2. AEGITHINA LEUCOPTERA, Vieillot.
Sylvia leucoptera, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 28 ; pi. Ixxxiv, (N. America.)
Aegithina leucoptera, " VIEILLOT," SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 246. — BON. Consp.
1850, 311.
Mniotilta leucoptera, GRAY, Genera.
3. PACHYSYLVIA DECURTATA, Bo nap.
Sylvia decurtata, BON. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 118, (Mexico.)
Pacliysylvia decurtata, BON. Conspectus, 1850, 309.
Helinai brevipennis, GIRAUD, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1852, 40 ; pi. iii, f. 1. Texas ?
and Mexico.
4. BASILEUTERUS BELLI, Sclater.
Muscicapa belli, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841, pi. iv, f. 1.
Basileuterus belli, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 65.
Basileuterus chrysophrys, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 314.
39 b
306 U. S. P. B. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS - ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
5. BASILEUTERUS BRASIERI, Sclater.
Muscicapa brasieri, GIRAUD, Texas Birds, 1841 ; pi. vi, f. 2.
Basileuterus brasieri, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 66.
" Basileuterus culicivorus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 66," (Sclater.)
6. CARDELLINA RUBRIFRONS, Sdater.
Muscicapa rubrifrons, GIRAUD, Tex. Birds, 1841, pi. vii, f. 1.
Cardellina rubrifrons, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 66.
CardeUina amicta, DUBUS, Esq. Orn. 1850 ; pi. xxv.— BONAP. Consp. 1850, 312,
(Sclater.)
The following suppos'ed Sylvicolinae, described by the older authors as North American,
have not been fully identified, although most of them doubtless belong to species already
referred to :
1. Motacilla auricollis, GMELIN, Syst. I, 984.
Sylvia auricollis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 536.— STEPHENS in Shaw's Gen, Zool. X,
ii, 1817, 735.— NUTT. I, 1832, 380.
Sylvicola auricollis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 431.
2. Sylvia carolinensis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 551.— STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. X, n,
1817, 752.
Mniotttta carolinensis, GRAY, Genera.
" Motacilla rubiginosa, PALLAS."
3. Motacilla fulva, GMELIN, I, 1788, 973.
Sylvia fulva, LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790, 542. — STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. X, 11, 1817, 726.
(Louisiana.)
4. Sylvia griseicollis, VIEELLOT, Ois. Am. II, 29. — STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. X, n, 1817, 685.
5. Motacilla incana, GMELIN, I, 1788, 976.
Sylvia incana, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 527. — STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. X, n, 1817,
628. (New York.) (Dendroica Blackburnia f)
6. Motacilla ludoviciana, GM. I, 1788, 983.
Sylvia ludoviciana, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 535. — STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. X, n, 1817,
713. (North America.)
7. Sylvia ocliroleuca, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XI, 1817, 187. United States. Dull olive above^
golden 3rellow on throat and side of head ; breast beneath yellowish
white.
8. Sylvia pumila, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. II, 1807 ; pi. c.
Sylvicola pumila, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 308.
9. Sylvia russeicauda, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 17 ; pi. 71. — STEPHENS in Shaw's Gen.
Zool. X, n, 1817, 675. (North America.)
10. Sylvia semitorquata, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 542. — STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. X, n,
1817, 594, (Louisiana.)
BIRDS HIRUNDINIDAE HIRUNDO.
307
Family HIRUNDINIDAE.
Sub-Family IIIRUNDININAE.
Bill triangular, very short and broad, much depressed ; the ridge much less than half the head ; the gonys two-thirds this
jength; the gape extending to below the eye. Primaries nine; the first longest, and, with the second, considerably longer
than the others ; the secondaries and tertials not reaching the middle of tlie primaries ; the secondaries deeply emarginate
Wings very long, reaching beyond the commencement of the fork of the tail, which is generally more or less deep. Tarsi
scutellate, very short, less than the lateral toes, the inner of which is more deeply cleft than the outer.
The feet of the true swallows follow the general insessorial type in having three anterior toes
and one posterior, none capable of being moved much from their normal position. This, with the
much larger and differently shaped bill, as well as the nine primaries, instead of ten, readily
distinguish them from the Cypselidae.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal,
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing. Tail.
Tarsus. Middle
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
6019
2281
2284
2197
2197
5494
1895
2209
5597
1692
1692
1501
5493
5493
9112
Hirundo horreorum ....
Hirundo lunifrons
Sacramento valley . $
Carlisle, Pa Q
do
6.90
4.86
5.66
5.48
6.25
5.00
4.78
4.52
5.04
4. 40
4.7.".
7.30
7.44
8.25
8.20
5.03 4.52
4.33 2.20
4 41
0.44 0 68
0.50 0.64
0.20
0.21
0.36
0.2G
0.62
0.55
Dry
12.25
Dry
Fresh ....
do $
4.92 2 66 0.49 0.63
5,00
0.19 ; 0.32
0.54
Dry
do
do
12.25
Fresh
do
Hirundo thalassina
Petaluma, Cal o
Columbia river £
Carli-ile Pa <§
4.75 2.55
4.43 2.08
4.28 2.23
3.96 ' 2.31
3.98 2.00
4 . 00
46
.25
.44
Dry
0.46 0.60
0.40 0.58
0.44 0.62
0.41 0.56
0.18
0.20
0.22
0.19
0.24
0 2b
0.28
0.27
0.50
0.50
0.46
0.44
Dry
Cotyle riparia....
do
. do. . . .
E. ofRiley's Q
Carlisle, Pa
10.83
Dry
Fresh
5.84 3.40
0.04 3.66
5 54
O.GO 0.84
0.58 0.92
0.25
0.26
0.50
0.52
0.92
0.90
Dry
Petaluma, Cal $
do
do
15.66
Fresh
Chili $
5.48 3. 70
0.58 0.92
0.25
0.46
0.84
Dry
HIRUNDO, Linnaeus.
Hirundo, LIKN. Syst. Nat. 1735. — GRAY, Genera, I, 1845.
CH. — Nostrils basal, small, oblong, and covered partly by a membrane. Tail more or less forked ; the outer lateral feather
sometimes greatly lengthened. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and scutellated. Tarsi naked. Toes long, slender, the
lateral ones unequal. C'.aws moderate, curved, acute.
Of this genus there are two well marked sections among the United States species — one with the
tail excessively forked, owing to the great elongation of the lateral tail feathers ; the other with
the tail nearly square, or but slightly forked. The species will range as follows :
HIRUNDO. — Tail excessively forked.
Steel blue above ; forehead and throat chestnut brown ; belly reddish white... H. horreorum.
PETROCHELIDON. — Tail nearly even, or moderately forked.
Tail emarginate. Forehead, throat, and rump reddish brown ; throat with a large black
spot P. lunifrons.
Tail moderately forked. Beneath entirely white ; above opaque green ; upper tail coverts
purple P' thalassina.
308 U. S. P. 11. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Tail moderately forked. Beneath entirely white. Above uniform lustrous green.
P. bicolor.
Hirundo licolor has by some authors been placed under Chelidon, but is readily distinguished
by having the tarsi and toes smooth, instead of feathered.
Cabanis has established a genus, Tachycineta,1 for the violet green swallow, H. thalassina, on
account of its rather forked tail and small bill, and the entire absence of gloss on the feathers.
He, however, includes in it the H. licolor, which is remarkable for the lustre of its dorsal
plumage. For the purposes of the present report it will be sufficient to consider them under
the same head.
HIRUNDO HOKREOKUM,8 Barton.
Barn Swallow.
Hirundo horreorum, BARTON, Fragments N. H. Penna. 1799,17.
Hirundo rvfa, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 60; pi. xxx. (Not of Gmelin.) — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855,243. —
BREWER, N. Am. Ool. I, 1857, 91; pi. v, f. 63—67, eggs.
Hirundo amcricana, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 34; pi. xxxviii, f. 1, 2. (Not of Gmelin.) — RICH. F. B. A. II,
1831,329.
Hirundo rustica, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 413; pi. 173.— IB. Syn. 1839, 35.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 181; pi.
48. (Not of Linnaeus.)
SP. CH. — Tail very deeply forked ; outer feathers several inches longer than the inner, very narrow towards the end. Above
glossy blue, with concealed white in the middle of the back. Throat chestnut ; rest of lower part reddish white, not conspicu
ously different. A steel blue collar on the upper part of the breast, interrupted in the middle. Tail feathers with a white spot
near the middle, on the inner web. Female with the outer tail feather not quite so long. Length, 6.90 inches ; wing, 5.00;
tail, 4.50.
Hub. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
Specimens from the far west have the same general appearance as eastern ones, except that
one (6619) from the Sacramento valley is the largest I have seen, with the tail half an inch
longer than in Carlisle specimens.
There is not much variation in skins of this species, except, perhaps, in the intensity of the
coloration on the belly. In some specimens (1452) there is very little difference between the
throat and abdomen, the former a little more chestnut. Sometimes the belly is nearly white
with a slight tinge of brown. Occasionally the black collar on the throat is continuous across,
along a single line of feathers. In one (2191) there is a broad collar across the throat as wide
as in the European species, interrupted, however, in its central portion by dull chestnut.
The female is much like the male, but has the external tail feathers less elongated. In the
young the tail is simply deeply emarginate, not forked as in the adult.
Specimens from Texas and northern Mexico are smaller than those found further north.
This species resembles the European Barn Swallow ; in which, however, the pectoral collar
is continuous across and quite broad, and the belly more rufous, with other differences.
The determination of the true specific name of this species is a matter of some uncertainty,
depending upon whether the South American bird be distinct from the North American or not.
1 Museum Heineanum, 1850, 48.
2 The following synonyms refer to the South American species :
Hirundo erythrogaster, BODDAERT, Tableau PI. enl. 724, f. 1, 1783, 45.
Hirundo rufa, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1018.
Hirundo cyanopyrrha, VIEII.LOT, Nouv. D.ct. XIV, 1817, 510.
Hirondelle a ventre reux de Cayenne, BUFFON, Ois. VI, 607. — IB. pi. enl. 724, f. 1.
BIRDS — HIRUNDINIDAE — HIRUNDO LUNIFRONS.
309
The names both, of Boddaert and Gmelin appear to have been based chiefly upon the Hirondelle
a venire roux de Cayenne of Buffon, PI. enl. 724, f. 1, the former having priority. Should
this species, therefore, as is probable from its much smaller size and more intensely rufous
under parts, not be the North American one, the next in order will be Barton's H. horreorum.
Burmeister (Thiere Brasiliens, Vogel, II, 1856, 149) makes two species, retaining H. rufa
for the South American one. He is mistaken in saying the North American bird differs in
having the belly white, and the tail not so deeply forked. The difference appears to lie in the
much larger size, and less uniformly rufous belly. According to Burmeister, the length of a
Brazilian species is 5.66 inches, (German); the culmen, .18; the wings, 4.25; the tail, 2.67;
differences readily appreciable. He gives H. americana, Gmelin, 1017, for the North American
bird ; but this cannot be the case, since this species is described as having a rufous rump and
even tail ; locality, the La Plata.
List of specimens.
Catal .
Sex and
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
age.
lected.
No.
ot'wings.
1163
Carlisle, Pa
Aug. 21,1843
S. F. Baird
5.92
13
4 67
Fris lintel
1122
o
do
do
!
2191
O
do
May 1,1845
do
6 75
13.25
4.75
1452
do
May 4, 1846
do
7 . 25
12.83
4.83
8640
9
Aug. 28,1857
G. Wurdamann ..
6.10
12.10
4.50
5206
July 23,1856
Lt. G. K. Warren.
Dr. Haydcn
6.75
12.62
4.75
5°07
do
July 2,1857
do
.do
7 7n
12 75
4. 51) F.VP* hhirk ..
5208
do
July —,1856
do
do 6.50
12.25 4.50 do
4965
Fort Chadbourne, Tex
Dr. Swift, U. S. A.
5047
July 11,1850
Cnpt. J. Pope. . .
108
7
12
4.50 Bill black: sums bluish
yellow ; eyes brown ;
feet yellow.
5048
do
Aug. 20,1855
do
123
7
12 4.50 Feet gray ; gums yellow..
3956
Au». 1, 1853
124
Texas.
bill black; feet slate
color.
6019
•f
6020
3
'
HIRUNDO LUNIFKONS, Say.
Cliff Swallow.
Hirundo lunifrons, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 47.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 243. — BREWER. N. Am. Ool.
I, 1857, 94 ; pi. v, no. 68—73, egg.
Hirundo opifex, DEWITT CLINTON, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1824, 161.
Hirundo respublicana, AUDUBON, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1824, 164.
Hirundo fulva, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 63; pi. ii. (Not of Vieillot.)— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 353; pi. 58 —
IB Syn. 1839, 35.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 177; pi. 47.
Hirundo melanog aster, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 366.
Petrochelidon melanogastra, CABAXIS, Mas. Hu;n. 47.
gp. CH. — Crown and back steel blue ; the upper part of the latter with concealed pale edges to the feathers. Chin, throat,
and sides of the head dark chestnut ; breast fuscous ; be'ly white. A steel blue spot on throat. Rump light chestnut; fore
head Lrownish white ; a pale nuchal band. Tail slightly emarginate. Length about 5 inches ; wing, 4.40 ; tail, 2.20.
Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
Entire crown of the head and the back steel blue, separated more or less broadly by a grayish
collar. Chin «nd throat, with sides of the head below the eyes, dark purplish chestnut, this
310
U. S. P. E. B. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPORT.
color extending a short distance around towards the nape. Kump light chestnut. Forehead
and middle of belly brownish or dull yellow brownish white ; the upper part of the breast and
the sides of the body light grayish brown. A large spot on the throat crossing the line of
separation between the chestnut and brown, steel blue ; this sometimes seen in the chin.
The lores and a very narrow line along the base of the bill are black. The feathers on the
middle of the back exhibit whitish edges, more or less conspicuously. Wings and tail brown3 the
secondaries with lighter margins.
The female is not appreciably different in color.
The young lacks the frontal band, and the gray collar on the nape is only faintly indicated.
There is usually a good deal of white on the throat, on the lower part of which the black spot
is more extended and less distinct than in the adult.
Specimens vary in the extent of chestnut on the rump, in the width and precise shade of the
frontal patch, &c.
This species differs from the true Hirundo fulva, Vieillot Encyclop. 527, of the West Indies,
in the larger size, lighter colored rump, and in the presence of a black spot on the throat.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. Original
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
443
2358
2284
2617
1565 *
685
1623
2616
6487
4776
4777
4778
4779
4780
5598
5599
7079
4394
6021
6022
6023
"T"
9
1
9
9
Carlisle, Pa
do
Aug. 31, 1841
May 26, 1845
May 17
S. F. Baird
5.75
5.92
5.67
5.67
5.83
12.50
12.50
12.25
12.25
12.08
4.50
4.42
4.50
4.92
do
do
do
May 11, 1846
May 22, 1844
Aug. 21, 1842
July 9, 1844
May U, 1846
do
do
do
do
5.92
5.75
12.92
12.33
4.33
4.33
do
C. Drexler
3
Bijoux Hill, N. T
do
May 20, 1856
do
Lieut G. K. Warren ...I
...do...
Dr. Hayden
do
5.87
12.25
4.50
9
9
'"if"
o
3
<J
do
do
.do !
...do...
5.50
5.75
5.75
5.50
5.50
12.25
12.25
12.25
4.50
4.50
4.50
4.75
4.50
.... do
May 10
do
Mav2C ...
L ! Hn
Pole creek, Neb July 26,1850
Lieut. Bryan [ 159
do 158
W. S. Wood
do
July 22, 1857
May — , 1855
Dr. W. A. Hammond. .. 58
Fort Dalles, O. T
Dr. Suckley,U.S. A.... 178
5.62
4.37
do
San Francisco
May 8, 1855
HIRUNDO BICOLOR, Vieillot.
White-bellied Swallow.
Hirundo bicolor, VIELLIOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 61; pi. xxxi. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. 1831,491; pi. 98. — IB. Sjn.
1839, 35.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 175 ; pi. 46.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 244.— BREWER, N. Am.
Oology, I, 1857, 100 ; pi. iv, fig. 47. (Egg.)
Tachycineta bicolor, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850- '51, 48.
Herse bicolor, BO.VAP. Conspectus, 1850, 341.
Hirundo mridis, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 49 ; pi. xxxviii.
Hirundo leucogaster, STEPHENS, Shaw, Zool. X, 1817, 105.
gp. CH. Glossy metallic green above ; entirely white beneath. Female much duller in color. Wing 5 inches.
Length, 6.25 inches; wing, 5.00 ; tail, 2.65.
Hab.— North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
BIRDS HIRUNDINIDAE — HIRUNDO THALASS1NA.
311
As a general thing specimens of this species from the extreme south of the United States, as
Brownsville, Texas, and those from the western coast are considerably smaller than those from
Pennsylvania.
The female is duller in color than the male ; the metallic tints of the back much more obscure
and less continuous. The shade is rather more violet.
The young male of the year (164,) is entirely of a sooty grayish brown above and on the
wings, with the faintest possible trace of purplish reflection on the head and back. The color is
somewhat like that on the back of Cotyle riparia, but darker.
It is not at all improbable that careful comparisons of many specimens may ultimately prove
the existence of distinct species of white-bellied swallows on the two sides of the continent.
The difference in size will be shown by the table of measurements. In two California specimens
before me, one has the same greenish gloss as Pennsylvania skins ; in the other the lustre is
more of a steel blue.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2097
$
Carlisle, Pa.
April 12, 1845 ..
S. F. Baird
6.25
12.25
5 00
2341
O
do ...
May 24 1845
do
5. 33
12.25
4 25
1164
2342
oc?
O
Aug. 22,1843...
May 24, 1845..
5.83
12.50
4.67
Northern Illinois
K. Kennicott . ....
4C63
3
Matamoras, Mex
Lieut. Couch....
4064
do
do
4665
<$
.. do .
do
4666
j
do
do
4667
3
.do
.do
5913
3
Steilacoom, W. T
June, 18 35
J. G. Cooper.
6.00
12.50
6016
3
_ do...
1854
Dr. Suckley, U. S. A.
88
5.00
12.50
4.75
6015
3
Shoalwater bay, W. T.
May 2, 1854 . .
J. G. Cooper.........
76
5.00
12.50
4.75
5494
3
Petaluma Cal ..
K. Samuels
712
4200
San Francisco Cal
Winter, 1854
R. D Cutts
HIEUNDO THALASSINA, Swain son.
Violet-Green Swallow.
Hirundo thalassina, SWAINSON, Taylor's. Philos. Mag I, 1827, 365.— ACD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 597; pi. 385.—
IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 186; pi. 49.— CASSIN, lllust. I, 1855, 245.— BREWER, N. Am. Oology,
1, 1857, 102; pi. v, f. 74. (Egg.)
Chdidon tkalassina, Boie, Isis, 1844, 171.
Tachycincta thalaisina, CABANIS, Mus. llein. 1850,48. (Type.)
Sp. CH. — Tail acutely eiiarginate. Beneath pure white. Above soft velvety green, with a very faint shade of purplish
violet concentrated on the nape into a transverse band. Rump rather more vivid green ; tail coverts showing a good deal of
purple. Colors of female much more obscure.
Length, 4.75 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 2.
Ilab. — Rocky Mountains to Pacific ; south to Mexico ; cast to Saltillo, Mexico.
312
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
In examining an extensive series of specimens I find some differences which may be of
importance. Thus, in the Columbia river specimens the entire back and scapulars are nearly
pure uniform green, with the faintest possible wash of purplish brown. The feathers on the
rump are purplish violet, slightly glossed with green. In 6625, from the Copper mines, the
back is purplish brown, with only a trace of green ; the rump nearly pure bluish green, with
the merest trace of violet. In a specimen from Agua Nueva the colors are much as in the last,
except that the purplish brown is more confined to the scapulars and the middle of the back, as
in the Columbia river specimens. The wing is longer than in any I have seen, (4f inches.)
In one specimen from Tejon Pass, apparently immature, the tertials are terminated broadly
with pure white.
The female differs in the much less brilliancy of color, especially that on top of head and
rump, the former more brown. The under parts are dirty white.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
ofwing.-i.
Wing.
Remarks.
3954
J>
Saltillo Mex
Sprin<*of 1853.
Lt. Couch
229
Lt. Couch ' 5.00
12.00
I
black; feet light
3955
Ji
do
do
do
230
do 5.00
12.00
4.75
do . . , .
6024
0
Dr. Henry, U. S. A.
6025
3
do
do
6965
O
July 25, 1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan....
330
W. S. Wood
6966
o
Brid"er's Pass, Utah
July 29, 1857
do
354
6026
1895
3
July 12, 1835
1945
A
do
do
do
5914
$
Stcilacoom, W. T
June — , 1855
Dr. J. G. Coopor. ..
i 5.00
12.25
6027
$
do
Dr. Suckley, U.S.A.
110
6028
$
do
Mar. 1, 1854
do
43
6029
9
Aug. 3, 1854
45
COTYLE, Boi
Cotyle, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 550. (Type //. riparia.)
CH. — Bill very flat, extremely broad at the base, and gradually narrowed towards the tip ; nostrils prominent and rounded.
Tail moderate, nearly straight or somewhat emarginated. Tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe, slender and scutellated.
Toes very slender, the claws slightly curved. < -'olors generally dull brown above, without gloss.
This genus is distinguished from Hirundo by the slightly forked tail, rather long tarsi, very
slender toes, and extremely dull colors. The two United States species are the smallest we
have. Each will form the type of a special division, of at least sub-generic value, with the
following characters :
COTYLE, Boie. — Tarsi with a tuft of feathers near the toes, on the posterior face. Edges of
outer primaries normal.
Above grayish brown ; beneath white, with a well defined pectoral band C. riparia.
STELGIDOPTEKYX, Baird. — Tarsi naked. Edge of outer primary with the fibrillae converted
into a series of stiffened recurved hooks.
Above light sooty brown ; the under parts brownish ash, fading behind into white.
S. serripennis.
BIRDS HIRUNDINIDAE — COTYLE SERRIPENNIS.
313
COTYLE RIPARIA, Boie.
Bank Swallow.
Hirundo riparia, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 344. — WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 46 ; pi. xxxviii. — AUDUBON, Orn Biog.
IV, 1838, 584 ; pi. 385.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 187 ; pi. 50.
Cotyle riparia, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 550.— Bov. List, 1838.— CASSIN, Illust. 1, 1855, 247.— BREWER, N. Am. Ool. I, 1857,
105 ; pi. iv. fig. 49, (egg.)
"Hirundo cincrea, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XIV, 1817, 526."
SP. CH. — Smallest of American swallows. Tail slightly cmarginate. Outer web of first primary soft, without hooks. Lower
part of the tarsus with a few scattered feathers. Ahove grayish brown, somewhat fuliginous, with a tendency to paler margins
to the feathers. Beneath pure white, with a band across the breast and sides of the body like the back. Length, 4.75 ; wing,
4.0 ; tail, 2.00.
Hob. — North America generally.
A specimen collected by Dr. Heermann in the Sacramento valley is rather smaller than Penn
sylvania ones, and the brown band across the throat is broader and more continuous. Skins
from the Upper Missouri are rather larger than from either side of the continent, and the colors
purer and more continuous ; the tail and wing feathers without the white edging.
The young of the year are not conspicuously different from the adults, save in the greater
amount of light edging to the feathers on the back. The tail is less emarginate.
This species is supposed by most authors to be identical with the European bank swallow,
careful comparisons having hitherto failed to exhibit any tangible difference. It furnishes
almost a solitary instance, among land birds, of the same species inhabiting both continents
permanently, and not as an accidental or occasional visitor on either.
List of specimens.
Catal.
' No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whon col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. ! Remarks.
1692
3
Au«. 30,1844
S. F. Bainl
4.75
10.83
4.00
1165
o
do . ...
Au". 22,1844
4.67
10.67
3 83
1124
V
do
July 18,1843
do
4 83
10.42
3 83
5009
n
Aug lfcS6
5 00
11 2")
4.00 Eyes black .
5210
do .
July 23, 1850
do
....do
5.12
10.12
5597
9
East of Ft. Riley
June 13,1856
Lt. F. F. Bryan
24
W. S. Wood
4.75
8.50
of mouth yellow..
6030
•j.
Sacramento, Cal
Lt. Williamson ....
Dr. Heermann
COTYLE SERRIPENNIS, Bonap.
Rough- winged Swallow.
Hirundo scrripennis, AUD. Orn. Bi g. IV, 1838, 593. — . Birds America, I, 1840, 193 ; pi. 51.
Cotyle serripennis, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 342. — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855,247. — BREWER, N. Am. Oology, I, 1857,
106 ; pi. iv, fig. 50, (egg.)
SP. Cn. — Tail slightly emaraunate ; first primary with the pennulae of the outer web much stiffened, with their free extremities
recurved into a hook very appreciable to the touch. No feathers on the tarsus and toes. Above rather light sooty brown,
beneath whitish gray, or light brownish ash, becoming nearly pure white in the middle of the belly and on the under tail
coverts. Length, 4.50; wing, 4.28 ; tail, 2.23.
Hub. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific.
Specimens vary in having the belly of a purer white, and in the greater or less intensity of
the ashy brown of the throat and breast.
40 b
114
U S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
In a female from New Leon the wing is half an inch less than in females from Carlisle. In a
specimen from Charleston the colors of the throat and hreast extend farther down on the belly.
In the young of the year the wing feathers above are edged quite broadly with pale brownish
rusty, the throat and breast are also tinged more or less with the same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
.Orig'l Collected by —
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2116
2G21
2634
2209
3370
1480
2619
1120
2620
1638
2899
8385
8384
8179
3957
6033
6034
6035
6032
6031
9
9
9
$
9
9
9
o
3
0
Carlisle Pa
April 16,1845
May 11,1846
May 24,1815
May 3, 1845
May 3, 1847
S.F. Baird
5.17
5.33
11.50
11.50
4.08
4.08
do
do
. Jo
....do
.... do
....do
do
do
May 8,1844
May 11,1846
July 15,1813
May 11,1846
July 16,1844
....do
5.58
12.00
4 42
do
do
....do
....do
5.58
12.50
4.50
do
do
5.17
12.50
4.50 i -
do
....do
5.42
11.50
4.50
""$"
o
9
Charleston, S. C
Independence .Mo
do
Shawnee Mission, Kan.
New Leon, Mex
June 20,1857
June 22,1857
July 3,1857
April —,1853
Win. M. Magraw.
do
do
Lieut. Couch ....
89
88
115
131
82
Dr. Cooper ....
do
5.1'i
5.75
5.50
5.25
12.00
12.50
12.12
11.00
4.63
4.62
4.50
4.00
Iris brown
....do
do
....do
Eyes brown; bill black;
feet reddish-slate color.. .
Shoalvvater bay, W. T. .
do
June — ,1854
do
Dr. Cooper
.. do...
81
81
176
5.42
5.42
5.25
12.50
12.50
11.00
Iris br'n ; bill and feet bl'k.
....do do .......
Dr. Heermann .
Dr. Kennerly...
4.37
3
Sacramento, Cal
Camp 124
Feb. 21,1854
Lt. Williamson..
Lt. Whipple
PROGNE, Boie.
Prague, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 971. Type Hirundo purpurea, L.
CH. — Bill strong, short ; the gape very wide ; the sides gradually compressed, the culmen and lateral margins arched to the
tip ; the latter inflected ; the nostrils basal, lateral, open and rounded. Tail considerably forked. Tarsi shorter than the middle
toe and claw, about equal to the toe alone. Toes long, strong ; lateral ones equal.
The large size, very stout bill and feet, (for this family,) with the usually uniform black
glossy plumage, readily distinguish this genus among the swallows. But one species is well
established as North American.
PROGNE PURPUREA, Boie.
Purple Martin.
Hirundo purpurea, LINN. Syst, Nat. I, 176G, 344. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 115; pi. xxiii. — IB. Birds Am. I,
1840, 170; pi. xlv. •
Progne purpurea, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 971. — BONAP. List, 1838. — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855,245. — BREWJSR, N. Am. Oology,
I, 1857, 103 ; pi. iv7 fig. 47, (egg.)
Hirundo subis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 17C6, 344, (second year.)
Hirundo riolacea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1026.
Hirundo acrulea, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 57; pi. xxvk
" Hirundo versicolor , VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XIV, 1817, 509."
" Hi' undo ludomciana, CUVIER, R, An. I, 1817,
BIRDS HTRUNDINIDAE PROGNE PURPUREA..
315
Sp. CH. — Largest of N. American swallows. Closed wings rather longer than the deeply forked tail. Tarsi and toes naked.
Color, in the old male, everywhere glossy steel hlue, with purple and violet reflections. Female and immature male less
brilliant above, pale brownish beneath, blotched with darker or with bluish. Length, 7.30 ; wing, 5.85 ; tail, 3.40.
Hob, — North America generally.
Specimens of this species from Petaluma, California, are not appreciably different. The gloss
of the upper as well as the lower parts is rather more greenish, and less purple. The bills are
the same, as well as the size every way. Specimens from Coahuila, Mexico, are more like
Pennsylvania ones. In those from the Upper Missouri the gloss is more like that of the
Petaluma specimen. In one from Sacramento city again the colors have the usual purplish
gloss.
A female from Petaluma has a very distinct grayish white collar across the nape, and the
entire forehead is of a similar color.
I have never seen any specimens from the west coast agreeing with Mr. Cassin's description
of P. chalybea, in the larger and longer bill and smaller size. An adult Progne, from Chili,
labelled P. chalybea, by Mr. Verreaux, is exactly like the North American P. purpurea in size,
lustre, &c ; the only difference being, apparently, a narrower bill. Number 4773, from the
Upper Missouri, is, however, like it in this respect.
List of specimens.
V JL
Catal.
No.
Sox
&age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
1561
J
May 22, 1844
1596
1
do
June 5, 1844
do
8.17
16.58
6
1607
*
do
June 15, 1844
do
8.08
16.25
5.83
1636
do.
July 16, 1844
do
7.75
15.75
5.59 ...
1129
do
Julv, 1843
do
7.83
16.50
5.92
4505
Mav, 1854....
Col. A. Vaughan..
4506
do
....do
do
do
4507
do.....'
....do
do
do
4508
do
....do
do
do
4769
do
May 19, 1854
Lt. G. K. Warren .
do
8.
16.12
4770
4771
3
•A -
Vermillion River. Neb.
May 8, 1854
May 15 1854
do
do
18
do
do
7.62
7.87
15.37
15.
4772
o
3>
Cedar Island. Neb....
do
do
do
8.
16.
4773
o
•*
April 23
do
Lt. Warren . .
7.50
16.
5.75 Eyes dark
4774
o
o
do
17
do
7.75
15.25
6.
4775
5204
V
9
5
Iowa point
Fort Union, Neb
April 23
July, 1856....
do
do
do
Dr. Hayden . .
7.50
8.
16.
16.25
5.75 Eyes dark
5.25 do
5205
0
July, 1855....
do
do .
5596
>
Fort lliley, K. T
June 20, 1856
Lt. F. T- Bryan..
35
W. S. Wood.
8.25
14.
5049
3952
3
•j.
Indianola, Texas
•
Mar. 12, 1J55
May, 1853....
Capt. J. Pope
Lt. Couch
28
231
Capt. Pope...
6.
16.
6 . Eyes dark ; gums rose-colored ;
feet black ; bill black.
3953
5492
5493
o
<?
9
A
do
Petaluma, C.il
do
....do
April, 1856...
,...do
do
E. Samuels
do
232
607
576
7.75
8 25
15.
15.23
feet very dark chestnut.
5.87 Eyes dark brown ; bill black;
feet very dark chestnut.
5 50
6014
$
Sacramento
Lt. Williamson. ..
Dr. IlPermann
3lb' U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEKAL KEPOKT.
Family BOMB YCILLIDAE .
Primaries ten ; the first very short or moderate, always less than half the second. Bill short, broad, triangular, much
depressed ; gape opening nearly to the eyes; twice the length of the culmen. Both mandibles notched, the upper with a tooth
behind the notch. Tarsi scutel'ate anteriorly, with indications also of scales inferiorly on the sides, (except in Myiadcstes?) ;
shorter than the middle toe. Outer lateral toe longest. Toes unequally cleft . Head generally crested.
The wax wings and their natural allies, the Ptiliogonidinae, have been variously placed by
different authors, Cabanis constituting them a sub-family of Muscicapidae. The differences
from the typical muscicapas are very great however, and as none of the latter are found in the
United States I have thought it best to raise them to the rank of a distinct family, for the present
at least.
The relationships of the group to the Laniadae are very close, and if it be a sub-family merely
it would seem to go more appropriately there than in Muscicapidae. Both have the notch at
the tip of the lower mandible very distinct.
The two sub-families are known by the long pointed wings, much longer than the even tail ;
the very rudimentary first primary and the horny tip to the tertials of Bombycillinae, are
distinguished from the much longer forked or rounded tail and the shorter wings with longer
first primary and plain tertials of Ptiliogonidinae.
Sub-Family BOMBYCILLINAE.
Wings very long and pointed, reaching nearly to the tip of the short tail. First primary excessively rudimentary, scarcely
appreciable ; second about the longest. Rictus without bristles. The frontal feathers extending forward on the bill beyond
the nostrils.
Of this sub-family there is but a single representative in the United States, with the
following characters :
AMPELIS. — Tail even. Tertials with horny appendages, like red sealing wax.
AMPELIS, Linnaeus.
Jlmpelis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Jl garrulus.
Bombycilla, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 88. Type B. cedrorum.
CH. — Head with a broad depressed crest. Bill very broad, opening nearly to the eye ; a series of short velvety feathers at
the base of the bill, with bristles directed forwards and covering the nostrils, but none along the rictus. Commissure straight.
Culmen and gonys curved, convex ; both mandibles notched at tip. Legs stout ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe ; scutellate
anteriorly, and slightly on the lower half on the sides behind; slightly feathered above. Hind toe shorter than the lateral,
which are equal. Wings very long, pointed, reaching almost to the tip of the nearly even tail. First primary so short as to be
with difficulty discernible ; the second quill longest. Tips of secondary quills with horny appendages, like sealing wax.
The most essential characters of the genus are to be found in the short, even tail, and the red
horny appendages to the tips of the tertials. The two species found in North America have
the body of a tint approaching to yellowish cinnamon, becoming plumbeous behind ; the tail
tipped with yellow ; the chin, forehead, and a band from this above and behind the eye, black.
There is also. a white maxillary patch. The specific characters are as follows :
Large ; chin and throat black ; crissum orange brown ; two white bands on the wing, and a
white line along the tips of the primaries garrulus.
Small ; chin only black ; crissum whitish ; no white on the wing cedrorum.
BIRDS BOMBYCILLIDAE AMPELIS GARRULA.
317
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ot' wings.
Wing.
'Jail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Us claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured
1617
Ampelis cedrnrum
Carlisle, Pa
*
5.82
3.80
2.59
0.68
0.80
0.22
0.44
O.GG
Drv
do.
, do
do
7.25
12.00
4.00
Fresh . . .
3958
do
Tamaulipas
O
6.10
3 64
2.58
0.64
0.70
0.2C
0.39
0.64
Dry
do.
do
,(]o
6.00
11 00
3 75
Freeh
5818
Ampelis garrulus
Racine, Wis
6.78
4.68
3.10
0.76
0.90
0.27
0.46
0.76
Dry
AMPELIS GARRULUS, Linn.
Wax-wing ; Bohemian Chatterer.
" Lanius garrulus, LINN. Fauna Suecica, 2, No. 82."
Jlmpdis garrulus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 297.— BONAP. 2d List, 1842. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 336.
Bombycilla garrula, BONAP. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 50. — IB. Synopsis, 1828, 438. — IB. Am. Orn. Ill, 1828, pi. xvi. —
RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 237.— AUD. Orn. Biog IV, 1838, 462; pi. 363.— IB. Birds Amer. IV,
1842, 169 ; pi. 246.— KEYS, and BLAS. Wirb. Europas, I, 1840, 167.
Sp. CH. — Highly crested. General color brownish ash, with a faint shade of redd sh, especially anteriorly ; the forehead,
sides of the head, and under tail coverts, brownish orange ; the hinder parts purer ash ; the region about the vent white.
Primaries and tail feathers plumbeous black, especially towards the tips ; the tail with a terminal band of yellow. A narrow
frontal line passing backward and involving the eye, and extending above and behind it. Chin and upper part of throat black.
Tips of the secondary coverts, and a spot on the end of the outer webs of all the quills, white ; those on the inner primaries
glossed with yellow. Secondaries with red horny tips, like sealing wax. Side of the lower jaw whitish. Length, 7.40 ;
wing, 4.50 ; tail, 3.
Hab. — Northern parts of both continents. Seen in the United States only in severe winters, except along the great lakes .
In the Mississippi valley south to Fort Riley.
This species, with the general appearance of the cedar bird, is readily distinguished by its
superior size ; much larger crest ; black chin and throat, instead of chin alone ; brownish
chestnut under tail coverts, instead of white, and the white marks on the wing not found at all
in the other. In the closed wing, the white on the ends of the primaries forms a continuous
narrow stripe nearly parallel with the outer edge of the wing.
The specimen from Fort Kiley is probably the most southwestern one on record in North
America.
I have no authentic skins of the European Bombycilla garrula before me, but as many
careful comparisons have been made between specimens from the two continents, they may
be pretty fairly considered as identical.
List of specimens.
\
Catal. No. ! Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
5810 r?
Racine Wib ............
1
November 10, 1852 Dr
P. R. Hoy
5791
Cleveland, Ohio .... ..
1856 Dr
J. P. Kirthind
5875 j.
Fort Riley K. T
1857 Dr.
W. A. Hammond . .
1871 |
-J S. 1
?.Baird
318
U. S P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
AMPELIS CEDROKUM, Baird.
Cedar Bird.
Jmpelis garrulus, Var. 0 , LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 297.— GM. I, 1788, 838.
dmpelis carolinensis, GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 197. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 336.
Bombycilla carolinensis, BRISSON, Orn. II, 1760, 337.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 227 : V, 494 ; pi. 43.— IB. Syn. 1839,
165.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 165 ; pi. 245.— WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 528.
Bombycilla cedrorum, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 88 ; pi. Ivii. — IB. Galerie Ois. 1, 1834, 186 ; pi. cxviii.
Jlmpelis americana, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1S08, 107 ; pi. vii.
Sp. CH. — Head crested. General color reddish olive, passing anteriorly on the neck, head, and breast into purplish cinna
mon ; posteriorly on the upper parts into ash ; on the lower into yellow. Under tail coverts white. Chin dark sooty black,
fading insensibly into the ground color on the throat. Forehead, loral region, space below the eye, and a line above it on the side
of the head, intense black. Quills and tail dark plumbeous, passing behind into dusky ; the tail tipped with yellow ; the
primaries, except the first, margined with hoary. A short maxillary stripe, a narrow crescent on the infero-posterior quarter
of the eye, white. Secondaries with horny tips, like red sealing wax. Length, 7.25 ; wing, 4.05 ; tail, 2.60.
Hub. — North America generally ; south to Guatemala.
I have found it impossible to describe satisfactorily to myself the peculiar tint of color pre
vailing on the anterior half of this beautiful bird. Mr. Audubon speaks of it as light grayish
brown, passing anteriorly into light brownish red. Immature specimens lack the sealing wax
tips. The young have the upper parts more ash above, the lower streaked with dusky reddish
ash and white, except on the abdomen and under coverts.
I am unable to discern any differences in specimens from western portions of the United States,
California, Mexico, or Guatemala.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex
Locality. . When col
Whence obtained
Orig'l
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
&age.
lected.
No.
ofwings.
1617
£
S. P. Baird
7.25
12 00
4.00
'2446
Q 1 Hn ..... Seot. 9.1845
do
7577
Washington, D. C
Wm. Hutton
7260
Rockport, Ohio
J. P. Kirtland....
4918
f? An l'i Islinrt Pli
6 50
11 50
3 50
5318
C? Yellowstone river, Neb... July 24,1856
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden....
6.50
11.50
4.25
Bill black, iris dark
5319
Q do do
do
do
7.12
12. ]2
4.00
.... do do
3958
Q
Tamaulipas Mcx Mar. 20, 1853
Lt. Couch ....
89
6.00
11.00
3.75
Eyes dark, bill and feet
black.
3959
New Leon, Mex April— ,1853
do
155
7.00
11.25
3.75
....do do
4q36
7952
J. Gould .
7953
do
do
Sub-Family PTILIOGONIDINAE.
Rictus with bristles. Tail long. Wings graduated ; the first primary always half or one-third the second, which is consid
erably less than the third. Nostrils entirely anterior to the frontal feathers.
PTILIOGONYS. — Head with a broad short crest. Culmen considerably curved from the base.
Bill broad. Tarsi slightly feathered at the upper extremity ; scutellate. Wings shorter than
the tail ; the first primary very short ; the second and third much graduated, acuminated. Tail
forked, the lateral feather graduated. Feathers narrow, linear.
CICIILOPSIS. — Head with a long narrow crest. Culmen moderately curved from the base.
BIRDS — BOMBYCILLIDAE CICHLOPSI8.
319
Bill rather narrow. Tarsus bare above, scutellate. Wings shorter than the tail ; first quill
scarcely spurious, half the second, which is much graduated ; the third to sixth slightly grad
uated. Tail rounded, graduated. Feathers broad, widening to the tip.
MYIADESTES. — Head scarcely crested. Culmen straight to near the tip. Bill moderately
broad. Tarsi without scutellae, (except in the young ?) Wings very long, longer than the
tail ; the first quill very short ; the second, but not the third, graduated. Tail forked, the
lateral feather graduated ; feathers broad, tapering to the tip.
Comparative measurements.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
length.
Wing.
Tail. Tarsus.
Middle
e.
Its claw] Bill
alone, above.
Along
gape.
Remarks.
8275
Ji
7 50
3 63
4 36 0 68
0.70
0.20 0.40
0.64
Dry
8274
do
do
o
7 50
3 52
4 04 0 70
0.72
0.20 0.42
0.62
Drv
2966
V
7 60
3 56
4 15 0 67
0.74
0.20 0.42
0.70
Dry ...
7 62
3 88
4 10 0.82
0.80
0.20 0.44
0.70
Drv
4451
My iadestcs to wnsendii
8 00
4 60
4.46 ! 0.82
0.84
0.26 0.42
0.70
Dry
1 Belonging to Mr. George N. Lawrence.
PTILOGONYS, Swain son.
Ptilogonys, SWAINSON, Catal. Mex. Museum, 1824.
Ptiliogonys, SWAINSON, Philosophical Mag. I, May, 1827, 368.
Ptiliogonatus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, July, 1S275 164.
CH. — Head with a full though short depressed occipital crest. Bill broad, much depressed ; sides nearly straight ; greatest
width equal to the length of culmen. Rictus with short bristles. Nostrils oval, margined by membrane, except below. Tarsug
shorter than the middle toe, scutellate ; a few feathers on its upper extremity anteriorly ; outer toe a little longer than inner,
about equal to the hinder ; hind claw not half the total length of the hind toe. Tail longer than the wings ; slightly forked,
but the lateral feather nearly .20 of an inch shorter than the next ; the feathers narrow linear. First primary about one fourth
the longest ; the second and third much graduated and acuminate ; the fourth longest and rounded.
I introduce the description of the genus Ptilogonys here to show its relationship to the United
States species, especially, too, as the P. cinereus, the type, will most probably be found within
our own territories.3
CICHLOPSIS, Cab an is.
Cichlopsis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850- '51. Type C .leucogenys .
CH. — Head with an occipital crest of long narrow feathers. Bill weak, depressed, decidedly narrower than the length of
culmen. Base of bill with short bristles. Tarsi scutellate, bare above ; shorter than the middle toe ; outer lateral toe rather the
longer ; equal to the hinder. Wings and tail rather long ; the former shortest ; the first quill half the length of the second, and
two fifths the fifth, or longest. Tail feathers broad, widening to the rounded tip ; the tail moderately graduated; the middle
ones longest.
PTLIGONYS CINEREUS, Swainson.
"Ptilogonys cinereus, SWAINSON, Catal. Mex. Mus. 1824, App. page 4." — BON. Consp. 1850, 335. — CABANIS, Mus.
Hein. 1851, 55.
Ptiliogonatus cinereus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, July, 1827, 164. — IB. Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 368. — IB. Zool. 111. ; pi.
Ixiv.
Ptiliogonys cinereus, SWAINSON, Zool. 111. tab. Ixii.
" Hypothymis chrysorrhaea, LICHT." TEMM. PI. Col. 452.
General color light plumbeous grey, becoming whitish on the forehead and chin. Sides of head light smoke brown, with a
white ring round the eye. Quills and tail greenish black, edged with plumbeous, the former margined internally with white ;
the till feathers with a large white patch on the inner webs on the middle third. Sides of body and belly behind greenish
yellow, becoming clear yellow on the under tail coverts. Bill and feet black. Length, 7.60 ; wing, 3.56 ; tail, 4.51 .(No.
29G6, Mexico.)
320
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This genus has a much narrower and more depressed bill than Ptilogonys. The feet are
similar, but^with more curved claws, and with no feathers on the upper part of the tarsus. The
first quill is much larger ; indeed it can scarcely be called spurious ; the fourth, fifth, and sixth
are successively a little longer than the third ; the outer primaries not acuminate. The tail is
much broader, widening to the tip ; it is rounded, or graduated, instead of forked. The head has
a crest of narrow linear feathers, instead of a short, broad, and full one.
CICHLOPSIS NITENS, Baird.
Ptilogonys nitcns, SWAINSON, Anitn. in Menag. 2£ Cent. 1838, 285. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 335 HEERMANN, J. A. N
Sc. II, Jan. 1853, 263.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1854, 169 ; pi. xxix.
Lepturus galeatus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1849, 4 .
" Hypothymys nitens, LAFR. "
Sp. CH. — Head with an elongated occipital crest. Exposed portion of spurious quill about half the length of the second,
which equals the secondaries ; sixth quill longest. Tail graduated. Male throughout of a uniform lustrous black, glossed with
green. Inner webs of the primaries white, except at the base, tips, and margins. Female, ash color, paler beneath ; the quills,
wing, and lower tail coverts and outer tail feathers edged with whitish ; rest of tail feathers blackish. Length of male, 7.75 ;
wing, 3.90; tail, 4.30.
Hob. — Valley of Gila and southern Colorado to upper Rio Grande ; west to Fort Tejon ; east to Coahuila, Mexico.
There is some difference in the size of specimens, one from the Colorado desert being con
siderably smaller than 3964 from Coahuila. The female has the crest rather less conspicuous
than the male.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. X. DeVesey . .
8273
9
Fort Yuma
Nov. 25
Major Emory
27
A. Schott
8281
8282
Camp 120 N. Mexico.
Camp 113 N. Mexico-
Feb. 12, 1854
Feb. 5, 1854
Lt. Whipple
. ,-do
96
69
Kenn. and Moll..
do
7.00
11.00
5.00
8279
Fort Yuma.
Major Emory
A Schott
8274
9
Colorado desert
Lt. Williamson. .
Dr. Heermann _.
8275
do
do
.do ..
4591
Gila river, N. M
27
A. Schott
8280
Los Nogales, Mex
do
Dr. Kennerly
4592
o
Gila river, N. M . ,
do
22
A. Schott
4564
Cook's well, Cal
do
21
..do
8276
Mimbres to Rio Grande
Dr. Henry
3964
tf
Coahuila, Mex ,
Lt. Couch
MYI ADESTES, S w a i n s o n .
Myiadestes, SWAINSON, Naturalist's Library. Flycatchers, 1838. Type Muscicapa armillata, Vieill.
CH. — Head not crested. Bill rather narrower than the length of the culmen ; much depressed ; somewhat attenuated at
the end ; lateral outline rather concave. Tarsi without feathers above or scutellae ; shorter than the middle toe. Hind toe
rather shorter than the outer lateral toe, which barely reaches the base of the middle claw. Tail and wings very long; the
former shorter, quite deeply forked, but the outer lateral feather abruptly graduated, and a little longer than the innermost ;
the feathers all broad at the base, and tapering to the tip. Spurious primary nearly one-fourth the longest, (third ;) the second
a quarter of an inch less than the longest.
BIRDS — BOMBYCILL1DAE MYIADESTES TOWSENDII. 321
This genus differs from Ptilogonys in having the bill narrower and much more depressed ; the
culinen nearly straight to the decurved tip ; the nostrils smaller. The tarsus is without
scutellae or feathers. The wings are much longer, more pointed, and much less graduated.
The tail well forked, and the lateral feathers is graduated ; all broader at the base, and
tapering towards the end.
I describe this genus from M. townsendii, which belongs to it according to Cabanis, not
having a specimen of the type at hand. Its affinities are with Ptilogonys and Cichlopsis in many
respects. It differs in the tarsi without scales, the very short first, and the long second primary,
&c. In many respects it has relationship with the Turdidae, but I am not sufficiently familiar
with exotic forms of the last mentioned family to come to any conclusion at present on the
subject.1
MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Cabanis.
Townseivd's Flycatcher.
Ptiliogonys townsendii, Aun. Orn. Biog. V, May, 1839, 206 ; pi. 419, f. 2.— In. Syn. 1839, 46.— IB. Birds Airier. I,
1840, 243 ; pi. 69.— TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 338.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840,
361.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843, 261.
Culicivora townsendii, DE!YAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 110.
JMyiadestes townsendii, CABANIS, Wiegm. Arch. 1847, i, 208.
? Jlyiadcstes unicolor, SCLATER, I'r. Zool. Soc. 1856, 299 ; 1857, 5. (Is very closely allied. Cordova, Mexico )
Sp. CH. — Tail rather deeply forked. Exposed portion of spurious quill less than one-third that of the second ; fourth quill
longest ; second a little longer than the sixth. Head not crested. General color hluish ash, paler beneath ; under wing coverts
white. Quills with a brownish yellow bar at the base of both webs mostly concealed, but showing aliltle below the greater
coverts and alulae ; this succeeded by a bar of dusky, and next to it another of brownish yellow across the outer webs of the
central quills only. Tertials tipped with white] Tail feathers dark brown ; the middle ones more like the back ; the lateral
with the outer web and tip, the second with the tip only, white. A white ring round the eye.
Length, 8 inches ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 3.85. (8234.)
Ilab. — United States from Rocky Mountains and Black Hills to the Pacific ; south to the borders of Mexico.
In the series of specimens before me I can find none marked male ; they all, however,
agree very well in color, and it is probable that there is but little difference in the sexes.
In some specimens there is a white bar across the ends of the greater wing coverts.
In an immature specimen (8899,) from the Black Hills, the tarsus is distinctly scutellate, but
the external scales appear thin and very deciduous. It is quite possible that this species forms
no exception to the rule of the family in respect to the possession of scutellate tarsi, but that the
scutellae peel off in time, leaving a continuous plate beneath.
This species is referred by Bonaparte, Cabanis, and other authors to the Myiadestes obscurus
of Lafresnaye. This is, however, a different bird, though closely allied, having a brownish olive
wash on the back and wings not seen in toiunsendii, and showing only very faintly the rusty
yellowish bases of the quills. The bill is broader and heavier, but the size, as shown in the
table of comparative measurements, is considerably smaller.
The M. unicolor of Sclatcr, (Pr. Zool. Soc. 1S56, 299, Cordova, Mexico,) is more nearly allied,
but is smaller, and appears to lack the rusty yellowish bases of the quills.
1 Since writing the preceding paragraph I have detected scutellae in a young .17. townsendii, which peelod off at touch, leaving
the tarsi smooth. This fact, therefore, ows the separation from the other genera to be not so groat as was supposed.
41 b
322
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch ! Wing,
of wings.
8285
Q Ft Steilacoom W. T
Dr. Suckley
8 75
12 87 ' 4. 50
2922
Colorado river
S. F. Baird
J. T\. Townsend
4451
Lt. Williamson .
Dr Newberry
8286
Near Zufii
Lt. Whipple
Kenn and Moil
8. 00
13. 00
8287
! 90 miles we^t of Al
buquerque
do
do '
8. 00
11.50 4.00
8283
Mimbres to Rio Grandt
Dr Henry
8900
8234
Larami <; Peak
Fort Laramie
Aug 24
Oct. 5, 1857 ..
Lt. Warren
Dr. J. G. Cooper
21C
Dr. Hay den
9.50
8 00
14.00 5 00
13. 25 ! 4. 50
8899
Black Hills
Sept. 15
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden
8.00
13.75 4.25
BIRDS — LANIIDAE — COLLYRIO. 323
Family LANIIDAE.
Bill strong and compressed, the tip abruptly hooked ; both mandibles distinctly notched, the upper with a distinct tooth
Dchind, the lower with the point bent up. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, strongly snutellate Primaries ten ; first primary
half the second, or shorter, (occasionally wanting.)
The typical species of this family are provided with a bill almost as formidable as that of
the Qaptores themselves. There are many sub-families in various parts of the world, only two
of which, however, are found in the United States.
An exception to the usual rule in the Oscines is seen in the Laniinae, where the lower part of
the sides of the tarsi behind is divided into scutellae. In C. borealis this same character extends
over the whole of the outer side of the tarsus, but not on the inner.
The sub-families of Laniidae belonging to the United States are as follows :
LANIINAE. — Bill very powerful, much compressed, and abruptly hooked, with a very promi
nent tooth behind the notch. Wings considerably rounded. Tail rather long and graduated.
Sides of the tarsi scutellate behind.
VIREONINAE. — Bill moderate, cylindrical, somewhat compressed. Wings long, the first
primary sometimes wanting. Tail short and nearly even. Sides of the tarsi behind not
scutellate.
COLLYRIO, Moehri
Collyrio, MOEHRING, Genera Avium, 1752, 28. Type Lanius excubitor, L.
Lanius, of AUTHORS.
Feathers of forehead stiffened ; base of bill, including nostrils, covered by bristly feathers directed forward. Bill shorter than
the head, much compressed, and very powerful. Culmen decurved from base, the mandible abruptly bent down in a powerful
hook, what in acute lobe near the tip. Tip of lower mandible bent upwards in a hook ; the gonys very convex. Rictus with
long bristles. Legs stout ; the tarsi are rather short, longer than the middle toe ; the lateral equal ; the claws all very sharp
and much curved. Wings rounded; the first primary about half the second, which is equal to the sixth or seventh, Tail
longer than the wings, much graduated, the feathre sbroad.
As already stated, the posterior lateral sides of the tarsus inferiorly exhibit two or three
small plates, while in C. borealis these occupy the entire outer side, corresponding in number
and position with the anterior ones. The inner lateral plate, however, is undivided, except at
the lower end.
It is with great reluctance that I adopt another name instead of Lanius for the present genus ;
but a strict adherence to the law of priority renders this necessary. The genus Lanius was first
used by Lirnaeus in the tenth edition of the Systema Naturae, (1758,) with L. cristatus as the
type. The twelfth edition has as its type of Lanius the L. forficatus, now Edolius forficatus.
According to the rules of synonymy, the name must be kept for the species with which it was
first used, which in this case was L. cristatus, a form which is not represented in North
America.
The name of Moehring is next in order and is based by him on the "Falconis species" of the
first edition, 1735, and the Ampelidis species" of the sixth edition of the Systema Naturae, 1748,
genus 78. This has for its type the Lanius excubitor of subsequent editions, and includes also
the American species. To G. K. Gray is due the merit of first restoring for this, as well as
many other names of Moehring, the priority to which they are entiled.
324
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The following is a synopsis of the North American species :
Common characters. — Color above bluish ash. Beneath white ; scapulars whitish along the
wing. A black patch from the bill through and behind the eye. A white patch at the base
of the primaries, and on the tips of the secondaries. All the tail feathers, except the median,
tipped with white, and with a basal patch of the same.
A. — Distinctly banded beneath. Black of eye stripe interrupted below the eye by a white
crescent. No black at the base of the bill above.
Above soiled light bluish ash. Upper tail coverts, forehead, and side of crown hoary.
C. borealis.
B. — Uniform white (or very obsoletely banded in the young) beneath. A continuous patch
through the eye from the bill. A narrow frontal line of black.
Above dark bluish slate. Forehead, sides of crown, and upper tail coverts nearly uniform
with the back 0. ludovicianus.
Above light bluish ash. Forehead, sides of crown, and upper tail coverts, hoary white,
the latter sometimes glossed with ashy... C. excubitoroides.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length.
Stretch ; Wing,
of wings.
Tail. Tarsus
Middle
toe.
fts claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
g'M>e.
Specimen
measured.
907
do.
7196
do.
3054
3050
do.
10172
8720
Collyrio borealis
do
Carlisle, Pa ;
do 1
9.20
9.83
9,80
10.75
8.50
14.50
14 50
4.36
4.50
4.58
4.88 • 1.02
0.83
U.30
0.60
1.10
Dry
Fresh
do
do
Shoahvater bay, W. T.
do . !
4.88 1.02
0.82
0.30
0.58
1.02
Drv
Fresh ....
Collyrioludovicianua.
do
3.72
3.76
3.75
3.92
4.08
4.24 1 04
4.42 j 1.06
0.85
0.86
0.30
0.26
0.62
0.62
0.92
0.92
Dry
Dry
Fresh ....
do... ' Q
8.20
8.80
8.80
8.64
, do
do
12.00
Collyrio excubitoroides
do
Marion Co., Illinois..; £
Fort Yuma, Cal
4.26 1.05
4.58 1.06
0.86
0 86
0.26
0.30
0.63
0.63
0.92
0.92
Dry
Drv...
COLLYRIO BOREALIS, Baird.
Great Northern Shrike ; Butcher Bird.
Lanius septentrionalis, BON. Syn. 1828, 72.— BOM. List, 1838.— IB. Rev. ct Mag. Zool. 1853, 294.— NUTTALL, Man.
I, 1832, 258.— IB. I. 2d ed. 1840, 285. (Not of Ginelin.)
Lanius borealis, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sep. I, 1807,90 ; pi. 1.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 111.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 157.—
In. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 130 ; pi. 236.
Lanius excubitor, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382.— WILSON, I, 1808, 74; pi. v. f. 1.— BON. Obs. 1826 —Aim.
Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 534 ; pi. 192.
Sp. CH. — Above light bluish ash, obscurely soiled with reddisli brown. Forehead, sides of the crown, scapulars, and upper tail
coverts hoary white. Beneath white, the breast with fine transverse lines. Wings and tail black; the former with a white
patch at base of primaries and tips of small quills ; the latter with the lateral feathers tipped with white. Bill bluckish brown ;
considerably lighter at the base. Black stripe from the bill through and behind the eye, but beneatli the latter interrupted by a
whitish crescent. Female and young with the gray soiled with brownish. Length, 9.85 ; wings, 4.50 ; tail, 4.80 ; its gradua
tion .90.
Hal). — Northern regions from Atlantic to Pacific ; in winter south, through most of the United States.
Upper parts of head and body pure clear bluish ash, soiled in the slightest possible manner ;
changing on the rump and scapulars to ashy white ; nearly pure white on the outer edge of the
latter, behind. Tips of upper coverts like the back. Forehead, and a stripe from the nostrils
BIRDS — LANIIDAE — COLLYRIO LUDOVICI ANUS.
325
over and a little behind the eye, purer whitish and more distinct behind. Spot in front of the
eye, narrow ring round it, (interrupted above by the superciliary band,) a narrow line from
the side of the mandible beneath the eye, and widening behind it so as to include the ear
coverts, the wings and tail black. A whitish crescent immediately below the eye. Lesser
wing coverts like the back. Tips of the tertiaries and secondaries, the outer webs of the longer
primaries at the base, as also the inner webs opposite the same point, and the terminal portion
of the four lateral tail feathers, white ; the entire outer web of the exterior also white, except
a narrow strip along the basal portion of the shaft ; the extent of the white tip decreasing from
about 1.50 inches on the exterior, to about .35 on the fourth. Under parts generally soiled
white ; the feathers on the breast and belly in each faintly marked with two or three narrow
crescentic bars of blackish, scarcely appreciable on the throat, and not at all on the abdomen
and under coverts.
Younger or more immaturely plumaged birds, and perhaps the females generally, have the
upper parts more or less soiled with a wash of rufous brown, the bands beneath more distinct,
and extending further forward to the bill ; this rufous sometimes tinges the sides, the rump,
the under parts, and the back of the head. A rufous tinge is very decided in nearly all the
specimens from the upper Missouri and westward, which are also apparently a little larger than
in those from Pennsylvania and New York. It is possible that the former may be a distinct
though closely allied species.
The Lanius septentrionalis of Gmelin, (Syst. Nat. I, 1T88, 306,) based on the Northern Shrike
of Latham, (Syn. I, I, 165,) from the northern parts of America, cannot, by any possibility,
be referred to the present species. The first distinctive name is that of Vieillot, who apparently
describes a female.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality,
1 t
When col- Whence obtained. Collected by — i Length. Stretch
lected. ofwings.
Wing. Remarks.
907
.... Carlisle, Pa
Nov. —,1642 S. F. Baird 910 1450
4.50
540
7199
Eastern United States
Jan. —,1841 do
4552
$ Fort rierrc, N. T
Oct. 21,ia55 ! G. K. Warren . ...
7195
St. Mary's, U. mountains.
Oct. 10,1853 Gov. Stevens Dr. Pnckley 11.37 1475
4.75
7197
7196
7198
Fort Vancouver, W. T. . .
Shoalvvater hay
do.. .
Feb. — , do Dr. Cooper
Nov. 18, 1854 do \ do 10.75 14.50
; Iris brown
COLLYRIO LUDOVICI ANUS, Baird.
Loggerhead Shrike.
Lanius ludovicianus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 134.— IB. GMEI.IN, I, 1783, 293.— BON. Syn. 1823, 72.— IB. List,
1838.— IB. Consp. Av. 1850, 363.— IB. Rev. et Mag. Zool. V, 1853, 294.— NUTTALL, Man.
1. 261.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 300 : V, 1839, 435; pi. 37.— IB. Syn. 1839, 72.— IB. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 135; pi. 237 — ? BREHM, Cabanis, Journ. II, 1854, 145. (Not of Latham,
whose bird has a black crown.)
Lanius ardoslaceus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. I, 1807, 81; pi. li.— BON Obs. Wils. 1825, No 34.
Lanius carolinensls, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 57; pi. xxii, f. 5. — LICHT. Verzeichmss, 1823, No. 505.
Louisiana shrike, LATHAM, Syn. I, i, 162.
Sp. CH.— Above dark pure bluish ash ; forehead, sides of crown, and upper tail coverts scarcely paler. Scapulars whitish.
Beneath plain whitish. Wings and tail black ; the former with a white patch at base of primaries and tips of lesser quills ;
326
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the latter with the lateral feathers broadly tipped with white ; but this color restricted at the base. A continuous black stripe
from the bill through and behind the eye. Length, 9.00 ; wing, 3.90 ; tail, 4.20.
Hab.~ South Atlartic and Gulf States.
No. 3054 is above rather dark slate blue, almost or quite inappreciably lighter on the rump,
the outer scapulars shading behind into whitish on their outer webs. Beneath clear white,
purest on the throat ; the sides of the body almost to the median line tinged with bluish ash,
much lighter than the back ; the feathers of the breast with the most obsoletely possible indi
cations of narrow transverse bars. The wings and tail are black ; the primaries all white at
the base, forming a conspicuous patch ; the secondaries and tertials tipped with the same.
The outer four tail feathers tipped with white, (the first for an inch ;) this color extending
along the outer web, most so in the outer, where it occupies it almost entirely. The forehead is
inappreciably lighter than the crown, which, however, is bordered laterally from the bill to
above the eye with whitish. The side of the head, including the border of the upper jaw, the
lores, region round the eye, and the ear coverts behind it, black. Axillaries dark plumbeous.
There is some difference in specimens as to the color of the scapulars. Occasionally these
are whiter than as described, forming a conspicuous band along the black of the wing, almost
from the bend. The upper tail coverts are sometimes of a slightly paler ash than the back,
but never whitish ; the difference always very slight. There is frequently no trace whatever
of bars on the breast. The axillaries, too, are sometimes for the most part white, sometimes
dark ash.
The female is of duller plumage than the male. The young is lighter gray above than the
adult ; more or less tinged with brown ; all the feathers waved obscurely and finely with dusky.
The under parts are white, waved obscurely with dusky on the breast and sides.
The unhanded white color beneath, and the continuous black stripe through the eye, as well
as the smaller size, distinguish this species from the Northern Shrike, ((7. borealis.)
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality. When collected.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
3053
o
Georgia 1840
S. F Baird
W L Jones 8. 00
11. 50
3. 70
2420
o
Savannah, Ga._ 1845..
do
do 8. 80
12.50
3. 80
2419
do 1845
do..
do
3050
Q
Liberty county Ga 1846 ........
...do
Jos. L. Leconte 8. 83
12. 00
3. 75
3054
do . 1846
do
... do
BIRDS— LANIIDAE COLLYRIO EXCUBITOROIDES. 327
COLLYKIO EXCUBITOKOIDES, Baird.
White-rumped Shrike.
Lanius excubitoroides, SWAIN-SON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 115.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 1847, 200.
Sp. CH. — Above rather light pure bluish ash. Forehead, sides of crown, scapulars, and upper tail coverts, hoary whitish
Beneath plain whitish. Wings and tail black ; the former with a white patch at base of primaries airl tips of small quills ; the
latter with the lateral feathers tipped with white, and this extending broadly at the base. Bill throughout pitch black. A
continuous black stripe from the bill through and behind the eye. Length, 8.75 or 9 inches ; wing, 3.95 ; tail, 4.35.
Hob. — Missouri plains and fur countries to Pacific coast. Eastward into Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.(?)
Head and body above ashy blue, the forehead slightly hoary ; the lower part of rump and
upper tail coverts, with the outer scapulars, almost white. Beneath pure white without bands ;
the sides very slightly touched with ashy. Wings and tail black ; the primaries with a band of
white at the base, showing externally as a patch in the wing ; the white extending obliquely a
little further on the inner than the outer web. The tertiaries and secondaries are paler on the
outer portion of the inner web towards the base, but not abruptly white. The secondarec,
tertials, and inner primaries tipped with white. All the feathers of the tail, except the
innermost, are tipped with white, the amount diminishing from the exterior ; the outer feather
is, in fact, entirely white, except a patch an inch long on the inner web covered by the tail
coverts, and there is a white patch at the base of all the others, except the middle. A narrow
band on the forehead, including the feathers along the base of the bill, and passing backwards
over the lores, eyes, and auriculars, black, this color involving the upper eyelid. This is
bordered above by a hoary tinge in the gray of the crown.
The young differ chiefly in a strong tendency to waved, dark lines in the plumage of the
upper and under surfaces. There is also a decided indication of reddish brown in the ground
color. The female is smaller, and sometimes has the under mandible paler at the base.
This species is similar in appearance to C. ludovicianus , but differs in several points. The
ash of the upper parts is decidedly lighter, the rump generally almost white, instead of nearly
like the back. The white at the base of the tail feathers is much more extended, reaching
within half an inch or less of the tips of the coverts. There is also a good deal of white on
the secondaries, visible from below, not seen in ludovicianus.
In a large series of specimens I find differences, which, however, I can scarcely consider as
specific. There is some variation in the ground color, but this is almost always lighter than
in C. ludovicianus. The hoary tinge on the forehead and alongside the crown is sometimes
entirely wanting ; and in the most strongly marked specimen (from Presidio) the under parts
are strongly tinged with ash. The amount of black on the outer tail feather is sometimes but
little more than in ludovicianus. Sometimes the black band across the base of the bill is
distinctly visible, at others it is wanting, leaving the hoary bluish of the head.
The specimens before me from Wisconsin and Michigan are all immature and not well
characterized ; I am, however, inclined to refer them to C. exciibitoroides. An adult, No. 10172,
however, from south Illinois, is exceedingly like specimens from the plains, except that the
rump is not quite so whitish.
In the collection of the Philadelphia Academy is a shrike collected in California by Dr. Gambel,
which exhibits some peculiarities. The ash color above is darker than in excubitoroides, and there
is no hoaiy on the forehead and sides of the crown at all. The tail coverts are very nearly the
color of the back, not whitish. The black of the sides of the head extends further down, to a
323
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
point as far from the eye as this is from the tip of the lower mandible. The under parts are
more bluish on the sides. There is a white patch on the inner web of the secondaries at the
base, which extends nearer the margin along the inner towards the tip, and is distinctly and
sharply visible from above. In excubitoroides this is seen on the under surface only ; in
ludovicianus not at all. The most striking difference is in the much larger bill, which measures
.75 of an inch in a straight line from base above to point, instead of .60. The nostril is .60 of
an inch from the tip, not .46. This bird has been referred to L. elegans of Swainson,1 but
seems to differ in some appreciable points.
The Lanius mexicanus of Brehm, (Cabanis' Journal, II, March, 1854, 145,) though similar
to the excubitoroides, yet appears to differ specifically both from this and elegans. Lanius
nootka (Gmelin, I, 309) has not been identified in later times. It evidently is not a true
shrike, however.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col- Whence obtained,
lectcd.
i
Orig'l .Collected by-
No. 1
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
10172? S
If Kpnnirntt
3782
Dr. Hoy.
8.62
8.50
8.25
12.50
12.50
12.25
4.00
7512 ; 0
6904 S
8902 : (J
5312
4649
Independence, Mo
A us 19, 1857
do
Aug. 22, 1856
May 8, 1855
Aug 16, 1857
.do
Win. M. Magraw.
Lieut. Warren . . .
do
do
Dr. Cooper . .
Dr. Hayden..
do
4.00 Iris brown
do
Yellowstone
White river
4.00 Iris light brown
Col. Vaughan....
Lt. G. K. Warren.
do
do.
do
9.00
9. tO
9.25
8.50
13.50
12.50
12.50
12.00
8703 3
8901 (J
8795
8779 ; Q
.. do
do
15 miles E. of Laramie.
Forks of Platte river. . .
Aug. 26, 185"
Aug. 13, ll?57
Sept 1857
Win. M. Magraw
do
...An...
168 ! Dr. Cooper . .
150 do
do
4.00 Iris brown, bill bl'k,feetgray
4.00
8214
do
do
Sept. 9, 1857 do
196 do
do
9.25
12.25
4.00
7001
5065
8718
8716
5066
8717
4190 3
8715
5503 $
5505 ; Q
8721 •
5947
North Fork of Platte R.
Crossing of Pccos river.
San Klizario, Texas...
Aug. 1, 1857
July 7, 1855
Dec. 15
Lieut I'ryan ....
372 W. S. Wood..
1 05
10.00
9.50
12.25
8.50
11.00
11.00
9. GO
11.00
4.00
Maj. Emory
do
J. H. Clark..
. ..do...
3.50 : Eyes brown, gurus light blue.
4.12 *,
Dona Ana, N. M
Mimbrcs to Rio Grande.
Charco Escondido, N. M.
Camp 130, N. M
Nov. 14, 1.H55
Mar. — , 1853
Feb. 23, IK>4
Mar. , 1856
Capt. Pope ! 159
Dr. Henry i
Lieut. Couch
' Bill, feet, and eyes black. ..
i
4. CO Eyes dark brown, feet lead..
Lieut. W nipple ..
Kenn Si. Miill.
do
May , 1856
do
743
Presidio, Cal
Santa Clara, Cal
do
Lt. Trowbridge. ..
Gov. Stevens....
do
Dr. Cooper . .
' do
4910
fc719 ^
]2
Tulare valley
Lt. Williamson. ..
• Dr. llcennann
4572 Gila river, N. M
Maj. Emory. ...
do
A. Schott
25 do
ELEGANS, Sw. — White-winged Shrike.
Lanius cleans, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 122.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 287.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843,
261.— BONAP. Rev. et Mag. Zool. V, 1853, 29.').
Clear bluish gray beneath unspotted white, with a frontlet of the same color with the head ; a broad white band across the
wing ; a slender and very cuneiform tail, entirely bordered with white ; the second quill feather longer than the sixth, the
ourth the longest ; and tarsi exceeding the length of the bill, (measured from the angle of the mouth.)
BIRDS — LANIIDAE — VIREO. 329
Sub-Family VIREONINAE.
The characters of tlie Vireoninae, as already given, will serve to distinguish them from the
other North American Laniidae. The bill, though slenderer and more cylindrical, has the
same abrupt and lengthened hook at the tip.
The association of Icteria with Vireo, as made by most ornithologists, appears to me highly
unnatural, its place being more appropriately among the Sylvicolidae.
VIREO, Vie ill.
Vireo, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 83. Type Mnscicapa noveboracensis, Gm.
CH. — Bill short, strong, straight ; the culmen slightly curved ; the sides much compressed to the tip, which is rapidly curved
and deflected ; the gonys long and ascending ; the gape with short weak bristles ; the nostrils basal, rounded, and exposed, the
feathers of the head advancing forward on the bill to the nostril. Wings variable, rather long, and pointed ; the first quill
sometimes spurious, the larger outer one always graduated a little. Tail nearly even, and rather short. Tarsi longer than the
middle toe. Outer toe a little longer than the inner ; hind toe rather shorter than the middle one.
I have found it very difficult to arrange the North. American Vireos satisfactorily by dividing
into Vireo and Fireoaylvia, according as there is a spurious first primary or none. This char-
acter3 though strongly marked, combines species which otherwise appear quite dissimilar, and
separates some which seem very closely related. Thus Vireo gilvus and philadelphicus are in
some stages of plumage hardly to be distinguished, except by the spurious primary of the
former ; while the V. flavifrons, without this spurious primary, is in other essentials very near
noveboracensis and solitarius, which possess it.
In the difficulty of establishing any trenchant lines of distinction, I have concluded to con
sider all the species as Vireo, and to divide them into the following sections :
VIREOSYLVIA. — Bill long, rather slender, light horn color. Wings long ; no spurious pri
mary. Body slender. Top of the head plumbeous, very different from the back, bordered by
a line of black.
V. oil aceus,flavoviridis, aliiloquus, virescens. Type V. olivaceus.
VIREO. — Bill shorter, rather slender, light horn color, (except in atricapillus .} Wings
shorter. First primary spurious, except in pliiladelphicus. Body slender. Top of the head
scarcely different from the back, (except in atricapiUus.)
V. philadelphicus, gilvus, belli, atricapillus. Type V. gilvus.
LANIVIREO. — Bill rather stout and short, dark plumbeous in color. Wings moderate. Body
stout. First primary spurious, except in flavifrons.
V. noveboracensis, liuttonii, solitarius, cassini, flavifrons. Type V. flavifrons.
The following synopsis, though its arrangement is not perfectly natural, may yet aid in a
ready identification of the species :
A. NO SPURIOUS QUILL.
Crown ash colored, very different from the neck, bordered on each side by a dusky line within
a white superciliary one. No black line on the side of the throat, except in alliloquus.
Nearly pure white beneath ; the under tail coverts with the faintest tinge of sulphur.
First and fourth quills nearly equal V- olivaceus.
Sides greenish yellow; under tail coverts bright gamboge yellow. First quill longer
than the fifth and sixth 7. flavoviridis.
42 b
330 U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Somewhat like olivaceus. A short black line on each side the chin V. altiloquus.
Sides yellowish green ; under tail coverts greenish yellow. First and sixth quills nearly
equal, the former much shorter than the fifth V. virescens.
Head scarcely, or not at all, different from the back. No dusky line on the sides of the
crown.
Above dull olive, tinged with ash on the head. Beneath yellowish white. A white
superciliary line V. pliiladelpliicus.
Brightolive green above; throat and breast yellow ; belly white; rump ashy... V. flavifrons.
B. FIRST QUILL SPURIOUS ; EXPOSED PORTION ABOUT ONE-FOURTH OF THE SECOND.
Bill stout ; color above olive ; beneath white. A ring round the eye, extending to the bill,
two bands on the wing, and edges of inner secondaries white. Outer tail feathers margined
with white all round ; first primary one-fourth the second.
Top and sides of head sharply defined ash gray ; beneath pure white, abruptly tinged
with greenish yellow on the sides and on the under tail coverts V. solitarius.
Top and sides of head faintly defined brownish olive ; beneath tinged with pale fulvous.
Sides obscurely tinged with yellowish green V. cassinii.
Bill slender. No white on the wings.
Above dull olive, tinged with ashy on the crown. Sides brownish white V. gilvus.
C. FIRST QUILL SPURIOUS ; EXPOSED. PORTION ABOUT TWO-FIFTHS OF THE SECOND.
Back olive. Beneath white, tinged with yellow on the sides.
Top of head ashy olive, little different from the back V. belli.
Top of head pure black V. atricapillus.
D. FIRST QUILL SPURIOUS J EXPOSED PORTION ABOUT ONE-HALF OF THE SECOND.
Above olivaceous. Two white bands on the wings.
Forehead with sides of the head and breast strongly tinged with yellow... V. noveboracensis.
No decided yellow on the head or sides of body V. Jmttonii,
BIRDS — LANIIDAE VIREO OLIVACEUS.
331
Comparative measurements of the species.
Catal. Species.
No.
Locality. Sex. Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail. Tarsus. Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
3.28
3.33
3.04
2.16
3.12
3.25
2.70
3.20
2.56
2.76
2.83
2.72
2.83
2.71
2.25
2.46 0.73 ! 0.66
0.18
0.54
0.80
do.. ... ..do ...
.. do 6.33
10.25
1410 do ...
...do... , O 5.22
2.28 0.68 0.60 | 0.18 0 48 0.70
Drv
...do 6 00
9 75
3976 Vireo flavoviridis ; M
nnterey, Mexico... $ 5.90
2.66 0.70 0.53 0.16 0.58 0.78
Drv
9 75
80CO Virco virexcciK Gi
2.40 0.70 0.56
2 50 0.70 0.62
1.92 i 0.66 0.57
2.28 0.70 0.58
0.10
0.20
0.17
0.16
0.50
0.60
0.33
0.46
0.72
0.87
0.64
0.68
Mounted..
Dry
4333 Vireo philadulphicus Dane county, Wis 4.70 ,
983 Vireo "ilvus • Cinli-lo. P.i r? 5.04
Drv
do do
do <$ • 5 33
8.91
1017 do...
.do Q 4,80
2.22 O.C4 0.53
0.16
0.40
0.60
Drv...
..do ... 5.33
8.83
Fresh
taluina, Cal $ 4.64
2.40 0.68 0.54
0.16
0.40
0.60
Drv. ..
..do 5.25
6.08
Fresh... .
1926 Vireo belli Fo
8197 do Ne
rt Union 4.30
maha, K. T $ 4.26
2.18
2.16
2.37
2.20
2.50
2.16
2.12
2.40
2.74
2.44
2.84
2.41
2.90
1.90 ; 0.74 0.52
1.94 j 0.73 0.54
0.16
0.18
0.30
0.40
0.55
O.E8
Dry
Dry
do do j...
..do 4.87
6.87
8187 do ,. Sh
a wnee Mission ,KT. o 4.20
rill 5. CO
2.00 0.72 0.56
I
0.16
0.42
0.58
Drv ..
do. ! do
7.25
Fresh
1.92 0.75 0.56
0 17
0.44
0.55
do do..
7.25
Fresh
2.16 0.74 0.52
2.28 0.74 i 0.62
2.18 0.74 0.52
2.30 ' 0.78 i 0.63
0.16
0.20
0.16
0.18
0.40
0.47
0.47
0.42
0.54
0.58
0.57
0.59
Drv. ....
1022!) Vireo cassinii Fort Tej on, Cal 4.78
10193 Vireo novcboracensis Union county, 111.... 4.82
929 Vireo solitaries Carlisle, Pa Q 5.00
do.. ,.c do ,..rln . 5 41
Dry
Dry
Dry
9.00
3(!0 do !...
..do (^ 5.30
2 30 0.69 0.62
0.18
0.44
0.63
do 5 41
9.00
Fresh
2591 , Virco flavil'rons
..do $ 4 fcO
3.00
3.16
3.08
3.16
2.00 0.73 0.63
0.16
0.50
0.66
Dry
do . do ...
do 5. 83
9.75
Fresh
2217 ' do
..do i Q 4.83
2.36 | 0.72 0.64
0.18
0.48
0.60
Dry
do 5 33
9.50
VIREO OLIVACEUS, Vieill.
Red-eyed Flycatcher.
Muscicapa olivacea, LIJCN. Sjsl. Nat. I, 17GG, 327.— GM. I, 1788, 938.— WILSON, Am.Orn. II, 1810, 55; pi. xii, f. 3.
Lanius olivaceus, LIGHT. Verzeich. 1823, 49, No. 525.
Vireo olivaceus, " VIEILLOT," BON. Obs. Wilson, 1826, No. 121.— S\v. F. B. A. II, 1831, 233.— NUTTALL, Man. I,
1832, 312.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 287 : V, 430 ; pi. 150.— IB. Syn. 1839, 162.— IB. Birds Amer.
IV, 1842, 155 ; pi. 243.
Vireosylvia olivacea, BON. Geog. & Cornp. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 329. — REINIIARDT, Vid. Mod. f. 1853,
1854, 82.
Phyllomanes olivaceus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850- '51, 63.
Red-eye flycatcher, PENNANT, CATESBY, LATHAM.
Sr. Cn. — Second and third quills about equal, and longest ; first a little shorter than the fourth, but considerably longer than
the fifth. Back, rump, and edges of wing and tail feathers, bright olivaceous green. Side of head and neck paler. Crown
dark ash, sharply defined. A well defined whitish line from the bill over the eye, nearly to the occiput ; a dark line separating
it above from the ashy crown. A dusky line through the eye. Beneath white : under tail coverts pale sulphur yellow. Length,
about 6.50 inches ; wing, 3.50. Iris red.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; in Texas to Devil's river ; south to Guatemala. Greenland, (Reinhardt.)
This is among the largest of the North American Vireos, and is of very plain colors. The hill
is long and nearly straight to the abruptly curved tip. There is no spurious primary ; the second
332
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
quill is longest ; the third, fourth, and first, successively, shorter. The tail is slightly emar-
ginate ; the lateral feathers very little shorter. The ash color of the crown does not extend
beyond the occiput. The sides of the head and neck are lighter olivaceous than the back. The
space around the lower eyelid is very little paler. The sides of the body are light olivaceous
green ; the under wing coverts and axillaries sulphur yellow. There are no whitish edgings
whatever on the wings and tail ; externally they are margined with the green of the back ; the
inner margins of the tail feathers similar, but lighter. There is no indication of a line of black
feathers on each side of the chin.
Specimens from Texas are smaller, but otherwise similar. The female is smaller than the
male.
There is a slight difference in the colors of the under tail coverts. These, sometimes, are
almost entirely white, at other times with decided tinge of greenish yellow, as in T'STO. In
no North American specimens before me_, however, are there any of the characters of Vireo
bartramii, as given by Swainson. The proportions of the quills vary somewhat ; the first quill
sometimes equal to and sometimes a little shorter than the fourth, but it is always decidedly
longer than the fifth. The second and third quills are generally nearly equal ; the former is
sometimes the longer.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1418
1135
1440
4325
6847
5650
7510
7511
6814
6815
6813
8049
$
3
9
Carlisle, Pa
May 1 1844 S. F Baird --- -
6.33
6.50
6.00
10. 25
10.50
9.75
3.33
3.50
2.17
do
May 3, 1844 do
do
do...... . _.do
Calcasieu , La ...
...... G. Wurdemann . .
—
Rockport Ohio
J p Kirtland - -
Kansas _
Independence Mo
Lt. Bryan
-...---.-..... Wm M Ma-Taw
74
106
W. S Wood.
Dr. Cooper.
do
6.25
5.90
9.90
9. 60
3.50
3.00
do
do
—
Western Texas . . .
,__. ..... Capt Pope
do
. . do 1
t?
Devil's river, Texas..
Col. J. D. Graham
16
J II Clark
6.00
9.50
2.75
Guatemala
J. Gould . ..
VIREO FLAVOVIRIDIS, Cassin.
Vireosylviajlavoviridis, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Feb. 1851, 152. — IB. VI ; pi. ii. (Panama.)
SP. CH. — Second and third quills decidedly longest — equal ; first about intermediate between fourth and fifth, but considerably
longer than the latter. Above very light yellowish green. The sides of the body greenish yellow, in strong contrast to the
almost pure white of the under parts. The under tail and wing coverts and axillaries bright sulphur yellow. Crown ash color,
bordered on either side by a brown line, below which is a bluish gray line from the bill over the eye to the side of the occiput ;
a dusky line from the bill through and behind the eye. Length, G inches ; wing, 3.25.
Hob. — Northeastern Mexico to Panama.
This species is of the same size with and somewhat similar to V. olivaceus, but may be readily
distinguished by the much brighter and more sulphur green colors of the upper parts ; the
BIRDS — LANIIDAE VIREO VIRESCENS.
333
strongly marked greenish yellow of the sides in strong contrast to the white, which, on the
breast, is only half an inch wide ; the bright sulphur yellow of the under wing instead of very
pale sulphury white ; the color of the tail coverts is also characteristic. The whitish line over
the eye has a much grayer cast.
The resemblance to V. virescens is closer than to olivaceus ; it is, however, considerably
larger ; the dark and light lines over the eye less sharply denned. The shade of green above
is much the same in both. The under parts, from bill to vent, are purer Avhite and more strongly
marked against the greenish yellow not yellow green sides. The under wing and tail coverts
are bright sulphur yellow, without any tinge of green. The quills are very different.
As in V. olivaceus, virescens, pliHadelphicus, and ftavifrons, this species has no spurious
primary.
The specimens are marked as having the iris yellow ; the bill lead color.
List of specimens.
Cfital.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Eemarks.
377(5
3977
$
Monterey, Mex
Lieut. Couch
\ 5. 75
9.75
9. 25
3.25
3.25
Eyes yellow
Bill slate, fi.
, bill and
et lead
feet lead.
do
do
6. 00
VIREO VIRESCENS, Vieillot.
IJartram's Vireo.
? Vireo virescens, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 84 ; pi. liii.
?? Sylda chivi, VIEILL. " Encyclop. 437"— Nouv. Diet. XI, 1817, 174.
? Phijlt .tanes chivi, CABANIS, Mas. Hein. 1850- '51, 63.
Law, sagilis, LIGHT. Doubl. 1823, No. 526.
T ainnophilus agiiis, Srix, Av. Bras. II, tab. xxxiv,f. 1.
Pkyllomanes agilis, BURM. Th. Bras. Vogel, II, 1856, 108.
Vireo bartntmii, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 235.—?? AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,296 ; pi. 434, f. 4.— IB. Syn. 1839, 161.—
IB Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 153 ; pi. 242.— NUTTALL, Man. Orn. I, (2d cd ) 1840, 358.
Sp. Ca. — Second, third, and fourth quills about equal ; first intermediate between fifth and sixth decidedly shorter than the
former. Smaller than V. olivaceus. Above bright olive green. Crown ash. A greenish white line from the bill over the eye
to the side of the occiput, bordered by a dark brown line above. A dusky line from the bill through and behind the eye. Under
parts whitish ; the sides strongly yellowish green ; the under tail coverts greenish yellow. Length, 5.25 ; win"-, 2.75.
Hal). — Central and eastern South America ; Atlantic United States?
The specimen before me comes from Brazil, and may, possibly, not be the true V. bartramius,
although resembling it very closely. The bill is gently curved from the base, not so straight in
its uppei outline as in olivaceus. The second and third quills are longest; the fourth scarcely
shorter ; the first considerably shorter than the fifth. There is no spurious primary.
This species is smaller than V. olivaceus, but very similar. The colors are much brighter
green, however. The ash of the nape has a browner tinge. The light line over the eye is
narrower, and more greenish white than white ; the dark line above it more distinctly marked.
The white of the under parts is more restricted, and the strongly marked yellow olive of the
sides is scarcely seen in V. olivaceus. The under coverts and inner edges of the tail feathers are
much deeper greenish yellow. The sides of the neck and outer margins of the wings and tail
are purer olive greenish.
334 U. S, P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
The upper outlines of the bill is considerably more curved. The first primary is a good deal
shorter, The tail feathers are more acuminate, the inner webs slightly concave at the ends.
The differences most strongly insisted on by Swainson are in the wings, which here are shorter
and more rounded ; the first quill considerably shorter instead of decidedly longer than the
fifth.
Specimens labelled Phyttomanes chivi, (Lanius agilis, Licht.) by Cabanis, and received from
him, appear precisely the same in every respect.
This species, if found in the United States, is certainly very rare. I have never seen a speci
men, nor do I know of any preserved in any cabinet. It is not impossible, but, on the contrary,
very likely, that the "young bird" mentioned by Swainson as found on the banks of the
Columbia may have been the V. gilvus which occurs there, and which was otherwise unknown
to the author. The description is made from his Brazilian specimen.
It is quite difficult to say which is the proper name of the present species, before ascertaining
whether more than one species be contained in the synonymy quoted above. The descriptions
of neither V. virescens nor chivi contain any positive specific indications, while agilis seems
unquestionably the same with the bartramius, of Swainson, from Brazil, and in any event will
have priority over it.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Locality. Whence obtained.
2034 'Brazil Jas. Taylor.
10174 j Southern Brazil Dr. J. Cabani's
10173 ' Bahia do
8050 '• Guatemala.. J J. Gould. .
VIKEO ALTILOQUUS, Gray.
Whip Tom Kelly.
Muscicapa ulliloqua, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 67; pi. xxxviii.
Vireo altiloquus, GRAY, Genera. — GAMDEL. Pr. A. N. Se. IV, 1848, 127. (Florida.)
VireosyMa altilcqua, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 330.— CASSI.V, Pr. A. N. S. V, Feb. 1851, 152.— IB. 111. N. Am. Birds, I,
1853, 8 and 221, pi. xxxvii.
Virco longirostris, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 237.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840,359.
? Phyllomanes mystacalis, CABANIS, Ornith. Not. in Wiegrnann's Archiv, 1847, i, 348.
? Vireonylvia olivacea, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 194.
? Vireosylviafrenala, DUBUS, Bull. Acad. Bclg. XXII, i, 1855, 150.
Sp. CH. — Very similar to V. olivaceus, but witb a short dusky maxillary line. Bill longer.
Hub. — The coast of Southern Florida and the West Indies.
This species is very similar to the V. olivaceus in the olivaceous upper parts, and ashy crown
bordered on each side by a darker shade along the whitish superciliary stripe ; the plumbeous
stripe from the bill through and behind the eye ; the under parts white, with a faint tinge only
of yellow on the under tail coverts, and a stronger tinge of olivaceous on the sides. There is,
however, in addition to this, a narrow line of dusky ash or plumbeous, continuous with the
under side of the rami of the lower jaw, and extending back as far as the somewhat similar
stripe through the eye does. The tail is nearly even ; the second quill appears to be the
BIRDS LANIIDAE — VIREO GILVUS. 335
longest The bill is decidedly longer and stouter than that of V. olivaceus, measuring above
about .61 of an inch instead of .54. It is also narrow towards the end. The size, however, is
considerably less, the wings being a quarter of an inch shorter. The ash of the crown is not
so well defined.
The Phyllomanes barbatulus of Cabanis, from Cuba, (Journal fur Ornithologie, 1855, 467,) is
very closely allied to the present bird.
VIREO PHILADELPHICUS, Cassin.
Vireosylvia philadelphica, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. V, Feb. 1851, 153.— IB. VI ; pi. i, f. 1, Philadelphia.
SP. Cir. — Without any spurious primary. Second and third quills longest; fourth a little shorter; first about .20 of an
inch shorter than second, and about equal to the fifth. Above dark olive green, slightly inclining to ashy on the crown ;
beneath pale sulphur yellow, brightest on the throat and breast. A white line from the bill over the eye, and an obscure white
spot below it. A dusky line from the commissure through and behind the eye. Length about 5 inches; wing, 2.75; tail,
2.10; tarsus, .65.
Ilab. — Pennsylvania to Wisconsin.
This rare species resembles very closely in size and general appearance the V. gilvus,
especially those with a decidedly yellow tinge beneath. It will be, however, at once distin
guished by the absence of the spurious primary. The under parts are very strongly sulphur
yellow instead of almost white ; the upper are darker and purer green ; the markings about
the head are better defined. The bill is smaller.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Bex.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
4364
Cleveland Ohio
4333
Dane county Wis 1 1854 .. -
T M Brewer
4334
. do 1854
do
6842
do
. do
6841
3
do
Th Tlmmlien
VIREO QILVUS, Bonap.
Warbling Flycatcher.
Muscicapa gilva, VIEILLOT, Ois. I, 1807, 65 ; pi. xxxiv.
Vireo gilvus, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 18:25, No. 123.— NUTT. I, 1832, 309.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 114: V.
1839, 433 ; pi. 118.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 149; pi. 241.
Muscicapa melodia , WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 85; pi. 42, fig. 2.
Sp. CH. — Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal ; second and sixth usually about equal, and about .25 of an inch shorter
than third ; the exposed portion of spurious quill about one-fourth the third. Above greenish olive ; the head and hind neck
ashy, the back slightly tinged with the same. Lores dusky; a white streak from the base of the upper mandible above and a
little behind the eye ; beneath the eye whitish. Sides of the head pale yellowish brown. Beneath white, tinged with very pale
yellow on the breast and sides. No light margins whatever on the outer webs of the wings or tail. Length about 5^ inches ;
wings nearly 3. Spurious primary one-fourth the length of second.
Hab. — Atlantic to Pacific coast of the United States.
In this species the bill is slender ; nearly straight to the tip, which is suddenly deflexed.
The spurious primary is very short and slender ; its exposed portion about one-fourth that of
336
U. S. K E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
the second quill. The third quill is longest ; the fourth and fifth successively a little shorter ;
the second a little longer than the sixth, about .25 of an inch shorter than the third, much
longer than the secondaries. The tail is slightly emarginate and rounded.
The contrast between the ashy of the head and the ashy olive is very little marked, the colors
not separated by any well defined line. The white stripe on the side of the head is not well
defined ; anteriorly it has a yellowish tinge ; the dusky of the lore is not very decided. The
dusky of the lore is continued through, and a little behind the eye. The sides of the neck
along the throat have rather more yellowish in their brown. There is a brownish tinge in the
yellowish on the side of the body. The under tail coverts are faintly tinged with yellowish.
Specimens vary a little in the amount of yellow beneath, which, however, very seldom be
comes conspicuous ; it is usually brightest on the abdomen.
This species is readily distinguished from all the other American Vireos with spurious first
primary, by the plain colors and absence of pale margins to the outer webs of the quills.
Some Vireosylvas have no more white in the wings, but these lack the spurious primary.
While all the specimens of Vireo gilvus from the Eastern States have the proportions of the
quills nearly as described, all from the Pacific coast (five) agree in having the wings more
rounded, the third and fourth about equal, the fifth a little shorter, the second about equal to,
or only a little longer than the seventh, .15 of an inch shorter than the sixth, and .30
shorter than the third. The bill is smaller, more depressed, and darker above. It is probably
to a specimen of this bird that Swainson alludes in his article on Vireo bartramii, as having
been taken on the Columbia river by Douglass, but immature and injured by insects. The
proportions of the quill are the same, if the spurious quill be taken into the account, which
would advance his numbers by one throughout, (second and seventh about equal instead of first
and sixth, &c.) The description, however, is really based on the Brazilian specimen referred
to, which is entirely distinct.
Should the western specimens really prove distinct, they may appropriately bear the name of
Vireo swainsonii.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex. 1 Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ot'wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1017
988
1082
1016
1237
10115
4729
5305
6825
6826
5915
6824
5521
9 Carlisle, Pa
c? l'°
May 21,1843
May 19,1843
May 21,1843
May 24,1643
S. F. Baird
do
5.33
5.33
5.67
5.42
8.83 2.83
8.92 2.88
9.25 2.92
9.17 , 2.83
<? : do
c? ! do
do
do
{§ ! Missouri river
Q Fort Lookout
May 9,1857
June 15,1856
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Haydcn
5
4.75
9
8
3
2.50
Iris dark brown....
Eyes black
Steilacoom
do
Gov. Stevens
do
do.
96
747
Dr. Suckloy
Dr. Cooper
5.00
8 50
O | Petal uma, Cal
May —,1856
E. Samuels
5.25
6.08
2.25
BIRDS LANIIDAE — VIREO ATRIC AP1LLUS.
VIREO BELLI, Aud.
Bell's Vireo.
reo belli, Auv. Birds Amer. (8vo.) VII, 1844, 333 ; pi. 485, (Missouri.)— CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Feb. 1851, 150.
Sp. CH.— Similar to V. gilvus, but smaller. Olive green above, tinged with ashy on the top and sides of head. A short line
from the bill over the eye , and region around lower eyelid white ; lores dusky. Beneath yellowish white ; on the sides of body and
posteriorly, sulphur yellow. Two faint bars of whitish across the wing coverts ; inner tertiaries edged broadly with whitish.
Third quill longest. ; the rest successively shorter, except the second, which is a little shorter than the seventh. Spurious
primary about two-filths the second, and more than one-third of the third. Length about 4.25 inches; wing, 2.25.
Hub. — Missouri river and eastern Texas.
In this diminutive species the bill is shaped much as in V. gilvus. The spurious primary is
large, its exposed portion about two-fifths that of the second primary. The third primary is
longest ; then the fourth, fifth, and sixth ; the second is a little longer than the seventh, and
about .24 of an inch shorter than the third. The tail is slightly emarginate and rounded ; the
feathers are quite narrow.
The sulphur yellow is strongest about the tibia and on the under tail coverts. The whitish
bands are along the edges of the greater and middle coverts. The outer web of the first tail
feather is, however, not lighter than the rest.
Specimens vary somewhat, the more southern ones being rather smaller. Sometimes there is
a faint tinge of brown on the breast, and of lilac in the white of the belly. There is a tinge
of yellow on almost all the under parts. The third quill is sometimes a little shorter than the
fourth. This species is a miniature of V. gilvus, but may be readily distinguished by its smaller
size, by the much larger spurious primary, the exposed portion of which is two-fifths of that of
the second quill, instead of one-fourth. The sides of the belly and under tail coverts are
bright, though pale, sulphur yellow, instead of faint sulphury white. The white bands on the
wing and that on the tertiaries are absolutely wanting in V. gilvus. The external edging to the
quills and tail feathers is of a brighter olive green.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
[
When col- ;When
leeted.
ce obtained. ; Grig.
. No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch ; Wing. Remaiks.
ofwings.
6S16
fi8t7
4979
8197
8196
8187
19:,6
Western Texas
Capt.
J1 do
Col J
. L>. Graham. '
J. II. Clark... 4.50
7 2 .... .
Fort ( 'hudbourne, Tex.
Dr. S
Q Neniiiha river, K. T..
c? : «io
£ Shaxvnee Mission, K.T.
Fort Union, Nebraska.
July 10, 1857 , W. M
do i
July 4,1857
1843 ; S. F.
1
. Mugr.iw. ..
do
do
Baird
133
132
123
Dr. Cooper... 4.90
do 5.00
do 5.00
6.90 2.38 iris brown; bill brown; feet
blue.
7 50 2 50
7.00 2.38 i
VIREO ATRICAPILLUS, Woodh.
Black-headed Flycatcher.
Vireo alricapillus, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Ap. 1852, 60, San Pedro, Tex. — IB. Sitgreave's Report on Zuiii,
1853, 75 ; pi. i, Birds.— CASSIN, 111. I, No. 5, 1854, 153 ; pi. xxiv.
Sp. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills longest ; second little longer than secondaries. Head and neck above and on the sides black.
Back olive green, lighter towards the tail. Beneath white, the sides of body greenish yellow. A white ring round the eye
interrupted by the black of the head above, and extending in a broad line to the base of the upper mandible. Two bands of
greenish white across the wing coverts. Bill black. Length, 4.75 ; wing, 2.12.
Hab. — Devil's river, Texas.
43 b
338
U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
In this species the spurious quill is about half as long as the longest primary, both measured
from the carpal joint. The fourth and fifth quills are longest ; the third and sixth but little
shorter ; the second but little longer than the secondaries, and about .26 of an inch shorter than
the third quill.
The bill is slender for a Vireo, broad at base, and considerably depressed. The tail feathers
are narrow, rounded at the end ; the tail very slightly rounded. The quills and tail feathers are
edged externally like the back. The bill appears black, the feet lead color. In its black head
this differs so decidedly from any other North American species as to render any comparisons
unnecessary.
The only specimens of this species hitherto collected were taken at the same time on the San
Pedro or Devil's river, of Texas, by J. H. Clark and Dr. S. W. Woodhouse.
List of specimens.
Cutal Sex
No.
Locality. Whence obtained. -
Orig. Collected by —
No.
1
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
6818 c?
San Pedro river, Texas. Col. J. D. Graham
21 J H Clark
4. 75 7. 25
2. 12
VIREO NOVEBORACENSIS, Bo nap.
White-eyed Vireo.
Muscicapa noveboracensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 947.
Vireo noveboracensis, BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 122. — AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831,328: V, 431, 433 ; pi. 63.— IB.
Birds Am. IV, 1842, 146; pi. 240.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 306.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 192.
Vireo musicus, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 83 ; pi. 52.
Muscicapa cantatrix, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 266 ; pi. 18.
Green fly catcher, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 389, 274.
SP. CH. — Spurious primary about half the second, which is about equal to the eighth quill. Entire upper parts bright
olivaceous green ; space around the eyes and extending to the bill greenish yellow, interrupted by a dusliy spot from the anterior
canthus to the base of the gape. Beneath white ; the sides of the breast and body well denned, almost gamboge, yellow. Edges
of greater and middle wing coverts (forming two bands) and of inner tertiaries greenish yellow white. Iris white. Length, 5
inches ; wing, 2.50.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri and throughout Texas.
The bill is short, thick, and curved, shaped like that of V. solitarius. The spurious first
primary is large and linear ; its exposed portion is half that of the second quill, and about
two-thirds the length of the same quill, both measured from the carpal joint. The fourth quill
is longest ; the fifth and third successively a little shorter ; the second is about .35 of an inch
shorter than the third. The tail is slightly emarginate and rounded.
On the front of the head the olivaceous lightens into a yellowish tinge. The sides of the
neck are olivaceous, tinged with ashy, which also occasionally glosses the olivaceous of the back.
The yellow on the sides of the breast sometimes exhibits a tendency to meet in the middle. The
tips of some feathers on the sides are olive green. The under wing coverts and axillaries are
sulphur yellow. The bill is black, the cutting edges abruptly horn white.
One specimen (3972) from Brownsville, Texas, is marked as having the iris black instead
of white.
BIEDS — LANIIDAE VIREO HUTTONI.
339
List of specimens.
Calal.
No.
Sox.
Locality. When col-
lected.
Whore obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch , Wing. Remarks,
of'vritifis.
1030
loy.-i
499
10193
397:2
6837
68^6
9
Washington, I). 0 May 28,1843
do . June 12 1843
S. F. Baird
do
Wm. M. Baird. 5.00
.do. . 5 ly
8.00 ' 2.50
9.75 2.50
*
N. W. University.
4.50
6.50 - 2.12 Eyes black; bill dark slate...
7.50 2.25
-H
Col. Graham
7
J. H. Clark 5.00
VIREO HUTTONI, Gas sin.
Hutton's Flycatcher.
Vireo Imttoni, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. V, Feb. 185 — IB. VI, pi. i, f. 1.
SP. CH. — Fourth, fifth, and sixth quills about equal and longest ; third and seventh equal, and .10 of an inch shorter ; second
quill not longer than secondaries ; spurious primary large, broad, about half the second. Above olive green, becoming
considerably darker towards the bill and on sides of head. Beneath dirty greenish white, tinged with greenish yellow
posteriorly. A paler ring round the eye. Two broad bands across the wing coverts and edges of inner tertiaries, with greater
portion of outer web of the outer tail feather greenish or olivaceous white. Length about 4.75 inches ; wing, 2.35.
Hob. — South California, across by valley of Gila, to northeastern Mexico.
The yellowish, riug round the eye is very narrow. The space between the upper edge of the
eye and the bill is yellowish, but not well defined. The rest of the sides of head and neck are
dark olivaceous, like the back. There is no white whatever in the under parts or elsewhere, the
lightest tints beneath being yellowish, with a brownish tinge. The sides of the body are
olivaceous yellowish.
This species differs from V. gilvus in its large first primary, the whitish bands and edgings of
the wings and tail, and in the more olivaceous colors generally. It is of rather smaller size.
It is about the same size as V. noveboracensis, but has a much more slender bill, which is horn
color instead of blue black ; it lacks the vivid yellow on the forehead and in front of the eye ;
the head is darker ; the outer tail feather paler on its outer edge. It lacks the pure white of
the throat and the vivid contrast in color between the sulphur yellow of the sides and the
whitish of the middle of the body. Both species have concealed whitish on the rump. It is
larger than V. 'belli, although the bill is the same size ; it has the sides of the head and neck
much darker ; there is more whitish on the wing and outer tail feather ; the inferior colors are
much browner, with less of the vivid sulphur yellow.
The differences between the present species and the closely allied V. cassinii will be pointed
out in the description of the latter species.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained. Length.
Stretch Wing.
of wings.
i
Remarks.
3725
Monterey, C<il
W Ilutton
3724
do June 1847
do
3973 <?
Monterey, Mcx. -. .....
Lt Couch 4. 25
7.50 i 2.25
Eyes dark brown ; bill
1
|
and feet lead color.
U. S. P. E. K EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
VIREO SOLITARIUS, Vieillot.
Blue-headed Flycatcher.
Muscicapa solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 143; pi. 17, f. G.
Vireo solitarius, VJEILL. Nouv. Diet. 1817.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831, 147 : V, 1839, 432 ; pi. 23.— IB. Syn. 1839.—
IB. Birds Arncr. IV, 1842, 144 ; pi. 239.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 305.
Sp. CH. — Spurious primary very small, not one-fourth the second, which is longer than the sixth. Top and sides of the head
and upper part of neck dark bluish ash ; rest of upper parts clear olive green. A white ring round the eye, interrupted in the
anterior canthus by a dusky lore, but the white color extending above this spot to the base of the bill. Under parts white ; the
sides under the wings greenish yellow. Two bands on the wing coverts, with the edges of the secondaries, greenish white.
Outer tail feather with its edge all round, including the whole outer web, whitish. Length about 5| inches ; wing, 2.40.
Hob. — United States from Atlantic to the north Pacific, (Washington Territory only?)
In this species the bill is short, broad, and much curved above. The spurious quill is very
short and narrow ; the exposed portion less than half an inch ; less than half the second quill
(both measured from the carpal joint) by .30 of an inch. The third quill is longest ; the fourth
very little shorter ; the second about .30 of an inch shorter than the third and considerably
shorter than the fifth, but much longer than the secondary quills.
The white rings round the eye are not continuous anteriorly ; the extensions of the upper
portions to the base of the bill are separated on the forehead by a very narrow interval. The
whitish margin to the quills is seen only on the two innermost feathers. The bands on
the wing cross the ends of the greater and middle coverts. The wing and tail feathers, except
as described, are margined with the color of the back. The back is sometimes tinged with
ashy. The under tail coverts are tinged with sulphur yellow. The feathers on the sides of the
body are yellow towards the base ; the tips olive green ; lighter than the back.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Where obtained.
Orij;. Collected by—
No.
Length. Stretch Wing. Kernarks.
of wings.
741
Carlisle
Sept. 20,1842
S. F. Baird
393
$
do
Apiil 22,l?4l
784
do
Oct. 7, 1842
do
5 50 9.25
929
9
.. .do ...
April 28, 1843
do
5 41 9 00 2 41
SCO
$
do
Illinois
April 21,1841
do
R Kennicott
5.41 9.00
4727
4728
Mouth of Vermilion. . . .
do .
May 6,
Lt. Warren
.... do
Dr. Hayden
do
5 "iO 9 00 3 12 Iris reddish hazel
5916
6819
Ft. Steilacoom, W. T...
do
May, 1855
May 3, 18c6
Gov. Stevens
; Dr. Cooper
357
5.25 9.00 :
5 75 9 00
6824
do
Gov. Stevens
126 Dr. Suckley
6821
9
do
....do
do
6822
6823
<?
$
do
May 13,1856
May 30,1856
Dr. Suckley
do
382
358
5.50 9.00 Iris hazel
5 12 8 25 3 00
VIREO CASSINII, De Yesey.
Cassin's Vireo.
Vireo cassinli, DE VESEY, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. May, 1858.
Sp. CH. — Third and fourth quills nearly equal, fifth shorter, second longer than seventh. Spurious primary very narrow,
falcate acute ; less than one-third the second quill, and a little more than one-fourth the third. Above, including edges of wing
and tail feathers, clear olive green, becoming dusky ashy on the top and sides of head. Beneath fulvous white, tinged with
ill-defined olive grern on the sides, (scarcely on the crissum.) Two broad bands on the wing coverts and the outer edges of
the innermost secondaries greenish white ; the outer edge of outer tail feather, with a broad ring round the eye, extending to a
rental band, dull white. Length about 5 inches ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.30. Hab. — Fort Tejon, Cal.
BIRDS — LANIIDAE VIREO FLAVIFRONS. 341
The outer primaries are edged externally with grayish white ; the inner and secondaries with
yellowish green, (extending fully to the lower wing band,) which gradually changes to broad
yellowish white on the innermost quills. The under parts are white, tinged with fulvous,
least so on the chin and abdomen. The sides are yellowish olive, lighter than the back, and
fading gently into the brownish white under parts ; the under tail coverts have only a trace of
greenish. The quills and tail feathers are dark brown ; the outermost of the latter edged ex
ternally with white on half the web. The ring round the eye is much broader above than
below ; the lores and feathers at the base of the bill also dull whitish.
This species bears so close a relationship to Vireo huttoni, Cassin, as to render it quite difficult
to distinguish them apart by color alone. The size, however, is considerably greater, the bill
much larger, the culmen and commissure much more curved and more equably, the gonys
straighter. The most striking difference is in the wing, which is much more pointed ; the
primaries .TO of an inch longer than the secondaries, instead of about .45. The spurious primary
is very slender and short, not one- third the second, instead of large, broad, and nearly half the
second. The second quill is about equal to the sixth, instead of not longer than the secondaries.
The colors are much the same ; the under parts with less olive, none on the breast and under
tail coverts, as in huttoni. The ring round the eye has none of the greenish yellow tinge of the
latter species. The olive green edgings of the secondaries extend to the lower wing band,
instead of ceasing below it, leaving a dusky spot.
This species is about the size of V. noveboracensis, and has a somewhat similar bill, but
larger. The wings are much longer and more pointed, the spurious quill smaller. There is
nothing of the sharply defined light greenish yellow of the sides and ophthalmic and frontal
region. The outer tail feather is edged with white.
In external form the relationship is closest to V. solitarius, which has the wing almost pre
cisely similar. It, however, lacks the pure white of the chin and throat, the clear ash of the
top and sides of the head, and the bright, sharply defined light greenish yellow of the sides of
body and the under tail coverts. The white bands on the wings, too, are much broader.
List of specimens.
Ciitul. Xo.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Grig. No.
Collected by—
1022'.l
Fort Tejon, Gal.
J. Xantus de Vesey - -
479
VIREO FLAVIFRONS, Vieill.
Yellow-throated Flycatcher.
Vireo flavifrons, VIEILL. Ois. Am. I, 1807, 85 ; pi. liv — AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 119 : V, 428; pi. 119.— IB. Syn.—
IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 141 ; pi. 238.
Muscicapa sylvicola, WILS. Am. Om. II, 1810, 117; pi. vii, f. 3.
Sp. Cii. — No spurious quill ; the first arid fourth equal. From bill to middle of back, sides of head, neck, and fore part of
breast olive green ; beneath, from bill to middle of belly, with a ring round the eyes, sulphur yellow. Lores dusky ; rest of
under parts white ; of upper, ashy blue, tinged with green. Two white bands on the wing ; tertiaries edged with white,
other quills with greenish ; outer tail feathers edged with yellowish white ; the outer web of first feather entirely of this color,
except near the end. Length, nearly 6 inches ; wing, 3.20.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; soutli to Central America.
Second and third quills longest; first and fourth about equal, and almost .20 of an inch
shorter.
342
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2216
J
Carlisle, Pa
May 3,1845
S. F. Baird ........
5.50
10 00
3.25
2591
•f
do
May 6,1 84C
do
5.83
9.75
3 10
3397
O
do .. .
May 7, 1847
do
2217
O
do
May 3,1845
do
5.33
9 50
3. 16
7571
W. Mutton
7423
8342
Ji
June 13,1857
67
5 12
8 25
2 75
8340
O
J>
do
do
do
65
do
5.50
9 00
3 00
feet lead color,
do
8048
9113
'$
32614
BIRDS — LIOTRICHIDAE MIMUS 343
Family L I 0 T1UC II ID AE .
Wings short, concave, and rounded, the outer four or five primaries graduated ; the first usually more than halt* the second.
Tarsi long and generally very strongly scutellate ; the basal joint of the middle toe free nearly to the base internally, and half
way externally. Bill slender, straight or curved, generally as long as or longer than the head ; but little notched, or not at all.
This extensive family embraces many forms highly varied in character, and distributed
originally very widely in ornithological systems. The credit of rearranging these in a natural
series is, in a great measure, due to Dr. Gabanis.
The following sub-families are included in the North American species of this family :
MIMINAE. — Tail long, vaulted at the base ; the feathers more or less graduated. Size large ;
general appearance Thrush-like. Rictus with distinct bristles. Frontal feathers normal,
directed backwards. Anterior half of outer side of tarsi distinctly scutellate.
CAMPYLOHHYNCIIINAE. — Size medium. Tail feathers broad, plane ; tail rounded ; rictus without
bristles.
TROGLODYTINAE. — Size very small. Tail graduated, convex above. Rictus without bristles.
CIIAMAEANAE. — Size small. Tail very greatly graduated, much longer than the wings.
Rictus with long bristles ; frontal feathers bristly, directed forward. Whole outer side of tarsi
continuous and undivided.
Sub-Family MIMINAE.
The Miminae are all of large size, and, as already stated, have a Thrush-like appearance,
which has caused them to be placed by most authors among the Turdidae. From these, how
ever, they are readily distinguished by the usually much longer, or decurved bill, the short and
graduated wings, the long graduated tail, and the strongly scutellate legs. The frontal
feathers, and, to a certain extent, the loral, are all soft, compact, and, like the rest, without any
inversion or extension into bristly points. As in the wrens (but not in Chamaea,) the entire
anterior half of the tarsi is embraced by a succession of scutellae which bend round to the
middle of the sides, where their lateral margins are distinctly defined.
It is very difficult to draw the line between this sub-family and the wrens ; the chief difference
lies in the larger size and bristled gape. The nostrils are round or broadly oval, with but little
of a membrane above them, such as is seen in the wrens, where the nostrils are more linear.
Of the subdivisions of this group, Mimus has a bill shorter, or not longer than the head, and
distinctly notched ; while in Harporhynchus and its sub-genera the bill is longer, more decurved,
and without notch. Oroscoptes differs from both in the longer and more pointed wings, and
much less graduated tail.
MIMUS, Boie
JUimtcs, BOIE, Isis, Oct. ItiiG, 012. Type Turdus polyglottus .
O'j>kcus, SVVAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 1(!7. Same type.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, decurjfed from the base; distinctly notched at tip. Tarsi longer than the middle toe ;
lateral toes equal, not reaching the base of the middle cl'iw, and shorter than the hind toe, the claw of which is half the total
length. Tail variable ; equal to or longer than the wings, moderately graduated. Wings rounded ; the exposed portion of tho
fust nearly or quite half that of the second, which is considerably shorter than the third.
This genus is distinguished from Harporliynchus by the shorter bill, (less than the length of
the head,) and with a more distinct notch. The lower jaw is smooth, without the distinct
344
U. S. P. E. K EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
longitudinal ridges seen in most of the species of Harporlnjndius. The tail is less graduated
and shorter ; the feet appear less stout ; the wings are rather longer.
The sub-genera are as follows :
MIMUS. — Culmen much curved from the base. Wings considerably shorter than the tail,
which is a good deal graduated. First primary half the second.
Olive «ray above ; beneath whitish ; wings and tail black; the base of primaries and the
tips of the tail white polyglottus.
GALEOSCOPTES. — Much like Mimus. Wings a little shorter than the tail.
Plumbeous, paler beneath ; crissum brownish orange. Top of head and tail blackish
brown caroiinensis.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex.
Length. Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Tail. Tarsus.
Middle Its claw
toe. j alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape, ineasured.
3867
8167
6516
6159
8129
8143
2596
Do..
2243
Mimus polyglottus Louisiana
do do ! Washington, D.C.
do do Indian Key, Fla..
....do do Los Angeles val..
do., montanus San Diego
do do Los Angeles val. .
.. ..do. . caroiinensis Carlisle, Pa
....do do do
... do do do..
......
$
S
S
9
S
"Q
9.16 :
8 76 ...
4.30
4.00
3.90
4.58
4.06
3.82
3.62
3.66
3.40
5.14 . 1.18
4.52 1.22
4.72 1.18
5.78 ; 1.30
4.08 1.13
3.80 1.17
4.16 1.06
1.08 0 28
l.(8 0.27
1.04 0.24
1.14 0.30
0.92 0.24
0.94 0.24
1.00 0.25
0.72
0.68
0.68
0.72
0.68
0.64
0.70
0.94 Dry
0.96 Dry
8 10
0 90 Drv
10 10
1 00 Dry
7 90
0.96 Drv
8 00
0 96 Dry
8 06
0.92 Dry
8.83 11,58
7 50
Fresh ...
4.08 1.02
1.00 0.23
0.66
0.91 Drv
MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS, Boie.
Mocking Bird.
Turdus polyglottus, LINNAEUS, Byst. Nat. I, 17G6, 293.— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 14 ; pi. x, f. 1.— BON. Syn.
1828, 76.— Auu. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 108 : V, 1839, 438 ; pi. 21.
Mimus polygloltus, BOIE, Ibis, Oct 1826, 972. — BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 276.
Orpheus polyglottus, SWAINSON, Zool Jour. Ill, 1827, 167.— A D. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 187 ; pi. 137.
? Orpheus leucopterus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839.
SP. Cn. — Third to sixth quills nearly equal ; second shorter than seventh. Tail considerably graduated. Above ashy brown,
the feathers very obsoletely darker centrally, and towards the light plumbeous downy basal portion, (scarcely appreciable,
except when the feathers are lifted.) The under parts are white, with a faint brownish tinge, except on the chin, and
with a shade of ash across the breast. There is a pale superciliary stripe, but the lores are dusky. The wings and tail are nearly
black, except the lesser wing coverts, which are like the back ; the middle and greater tipped with white, forrnino- two bands ;
the basal portion of the primaries white ; most extended on the inner primaries. The outer tail feather is white ; the second is
mostly white, except on the outer web and towards the base ; the third with a white spot on the end ; the rest, except the
middle, very slightly tipped with white. The bill and legs are black. Length, 9.50 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 5.00
IJab. — Southern United States from Atlantic V> high central plains. Perhaps replaced by another species to the IVicinc.
This spjecies varies somewhat in color with the specimen. The white at the base of the quills
shows only on the more exterior primaries in the closed wing. The tertials are sometimes
edged with white. The inner tail feathers are edged externally with the color of the back, but
this is not conspicuous. There are some very obsolete streaks on the sides.
The female bird is distinguished by the less extent of the white at the base of the primaries.
In the male the white on the inner primaries occupies more than one-half of the free portion of
the quill ; in the female it is much less extensive.
Sometimes there is a strong tinge of brownish yellow on the posterior portion of the body
beneath. One male specimen, probably immature, has faint and obsolete transverse bars on
BIRDS — LIOTRICH IDAE — MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS.
345
the breast, somewhat as in Lanius. The purity of white in the outer tail feather, too, is often
impaired by blotchings of brown.
In a considerable series of specimens before me, I find two from California (8159, 8165) which
differ from the rest in having a considerably longer tail, measuring 5| inches. The graduation
is much greater, the lateral feathers being 1.20 inches shorter than the middle, instead of about
.75 ; the ends of all the feathers distinctly visible from below. The coloration of the tail
differs a little in having the third black, with a dull white tip, and not the elongated spot in
the end, running up sometimes as far as the middle of the feather. There is less white in the
two bands on the wing coverts ; the bill and feet are larger. I cannot satisfy myself, however,
that they are distinct, in the absence of a sufficient series of good specimens from the east, and
therefore merely call attention to the facts as stafed. It may be that they are only a more
northern and larger race than the rest before me. It is probably this variety that Vigors had
in view when describing Orpheus leucoplerus from the west coast of America, (Zool. Beechey,
1839, 18,) although this has the wing 5.75 inches long, instead of 4.50. Should further
researches substantiate a specific distinction from both the polyglottus and Vigors' bird, the
name of Mimus canadatus would be very appropriate, in view of the lengthened tail.
Young birds from California, of the long-tailed variety, have the feathers of the breast and
the sides of body conspicuously marked terminally with a round dusky spot. There are also
faint dusky markings on the sides of the throat.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex &
No, age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
8167
(5516
3867
G515
8161
5064
5063
4961
50G2
4017
8163
8166
8160
81C4
4561
8165?
8158
8159?
Washington, D. C
Indian Key, Fla
Mar. 25, 1842
Mar. 17, 1857
Sept. , 1853
S. F. Baird
G. Wurdemann .
J. Fairie
W. M. Baird
<J
Prairie Mer Rouge, La.
Indian Key, Fla
9
Mar. 20, 1857
G. Wurdemann .
Capt. Pope
Western Texas
Texas
.. .. do
Pecos river
Ft, Chadbourne, Tex.
Indianola
Brownsville. Texas ..
May 22, 1855
do
Dr. Swift .. ..
Feb. 21, 1855
Capt. Pope
25
Lt. Couch
2
9. 00 13. 00
4.00
Eagle pass, Texas
1852
Major Emory
A. Schott
do
do
do
Fort Thorn
Bill Williams' fork..
Ft. Yuma, Cal
Gila river
Posa creek
Los Angeles valley
Feb. 9, 1854
Dec. — , 185i
Dr. T.C.Henry..
Lt. Whipple
Major Emory
do
Lt. Williamson.,
do
83 i Kennerly & Moll-
hausen
9.50 13.50
3
26 A. Schott
do
Dr Hecrmann
do
0
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. X de Vcscy
i
44 b
346
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
MIMUS CABOLINENSIS, Gray.
Cat Bird.
Muscicapa carolinensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 328.
Turdus carolinensis, LIGHT. Verz. 1823, 38. — D'ORBIGNY, in Do La Sacra's Cuba, 51.
Orpheus carolinenns, AUD. Syn. 1839, 88. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 195 ; pi. 140.
Mimus carolinensis, GRAY, Genera, 1844-'49.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 82.
Fellvox carolinensis, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1853 : Notes Orn. Delattre, 39. Type.
Turdus fellvox, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 10; pi. Ixvii.— BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, J. A. N. S. IV, 30.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1831, 171 : V, 1839, 440 ; pi. 128.
Orpheus fellvox, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 192.
J\Ilmusfelivox, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 276.
Turdus llvldus, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 90 ; pi. xiv, f. 3. (Not of Lichtenstein.)
? Spodesilaura, REICHENB. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850 ; pi. liii. (According to Gray the figure belongs to the present species,
which, however, lacks the notch of bill shown in the plate. According to Bonaparte, Pyrrocheira,
Reich, pi. liii, represents carolinensis, which seerns more probable.)
Sp. CH. — Third quill longest; first shorter than sixth. Prevailing color dark plumbeous, more ashy beneath. Crown and
nape dark sooty brown. Wings dark brown, edged with plumbeous. Tail greenish black ; the lateral feathers obscurely tipped
with plumbeous. The under tail coverts dark brownish chesnut. Female smaller. Length, 8.85 ; wing, 3.65; tail, 4.00 ;
tarsus, 1.05.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the Missouri.
The tail is considerably graduated ; the lateral feathers .60 of an inch shorter than the middle.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Grig.
Collected by— '• Length.
Stretcli
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
of wings.
1123
g
Carlisle Pa . .
July 15 1843
S. F. Baird
.1 9.00
11.50
3.50
1635
TV
July 16 1844
do
.... 9.00
11 75 3.75
2596
-f.
do
May 6, 1846
lo
i 8.83
11.58 3.66
2243
0
.. do
May 7, 1845
...do...
10119
i
6513
$
Indian Key, Fla
March 24....
G. VVurdemann....
6514
Key Hiscayne, Fla
do
Bill black
7450
Rockport, Ohio
J. P. Kirtland
;
8344
Independence, Mo
June 17, 1857
Will. M. Magraw ..
71
Dr. Cooper .... 9.00
11.25
3.75
Iris brown, bill black,
i
feet brown.
5°85
y,
June 4, 1857 i T,t. Warren . .
Dr. Tlavrlnn... 8.-Ti
11.00
3.50
Eye blue black
5286
c?
do
June 22, 1857
do
do 8.00
11.00
3.00
4704
<J
do
i ... .do 8.12
11 37
3.75
i
OROSCOPTES, Baird.
CH. — Culmen only slightly curved towards the tip. Bill longer and slenderer than in Mimus ; nearly equal to the head.
Wings decidedly longer than the tail ; rather pointed ; the first primary less than half the second, which is a quarter of an inch
shorter than the third. Tail rounded ; scarcely graduated.
In general appearance the species resembles Toxostoma rufitm, though the longer and
more pointed wings, shorter and scarcely graduated tail, and rather shorter bill, which is
rather more notched, will at once distinguish them. The shape of the bill is almost precisely
the same. In the long, pointed, and little concave wings, with the but slightly graduated tail,
there is an approach to the true thrushes. The notch of the bill, however, is less distinct.
BIRDS LIOTRICIIIDAE — OROSCOPTES MONTANUS.
347
The exposed portion of first primary is two-fifths that of the longest one, and the tarsus is very
distinctly scutellatc. It is very different from the typical Mimus in the tail and wings,
as well as the longer, slenderer, and straighter hill. Its characteristic color consists in the
following points : Above, grayish brown ; beneath, white, with arrow-shaped brown spots,
Tail feathers blotched at the end with white.
OROSCOPTES MONTANUS, Baird.
Mountain Mocking Bird.
Orpheus montanus, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VII, n, 1837, 192.— AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 87.— IB. Birds Amer. II,
1841, 194; pi. 139.
Turdus montanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 437 ; pi. 369, f. 1.
JUimus montanus, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 276.
SP. CH. — First quill rather shorter than the sixth. Tail slightly graduated. Above brownish ash ; each feather obso-
letely darker in the centre. Beneath dull white, thicky marked with triangular spots, except on the under tail coverts
and around the anus, which regions are tinged with yellowish brown. Wing coverts and quills edged with dull white. Tail
feathers brown ; the outer edged, and all (except, perhaps, the middle) tipped with white. Length, 8 inches; wing, 4.85;
tail, 4.00; tarsus, 1.21.
Hob. — Rocky mountains ; south to Mexico, and along valley of Gila and Colorado and to San Diego, California.
In this species the lateral tail feathers are about .25 of an inch shorter than the middle ones;
all are rather attenuated and rounded at the tip. The under parts are sometimes strongly
tinged with brownish yellow, most visible in raising the feathers of the breast. The spots on
the throat are arranged in two maxillary series, being otherwise sparse and small. There is a
faint indication of a pale superciliary stripe and of a whitish ring round the eye. The white
tip to the outer tail feather is about half an inch long ; in the others less. This white is
sometimes quite obscure. All the tail feathers are narrowly edged with the color of the back ; the
exterior one with white. The bill is black, the feet dusky.
An immature bird (8821) has the spots beneath larger ; the under parts tinged with brown ;
the upper parts quite conspicuously streaked.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. | Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. 1 Orig'l i Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wins. Remarks .
8251
8250
Fort Laramie, Neb. ...
... do. .
Sept. 23, 1857
do .
Dr. Cooper I 213
do
8.75
12.75
4.50 Iris brown, bill br'vvn
and w'te, feet ^late
and yellow.
8821
8134
Q Black Hills, Neb
W. Texas, near 32° L
Lt. Warren Dr. Hajden
8.75
13.25
4.25
8131
Dr. T. C. Henry
4019
11 00
3 75
4018
do
8 00
11 00
3 75 Bill slate feet "reen-
8136
8137
Near Zuni, N. M
Hill Williams' Fork,
Camp 120
Nov. 26, 1S53
Feb. 12, 1854
Lt. Whipple 31 Kenn. and Moll.,
do <>3 do ...
8 50
11 50
isb lead color.
4 00
8138
Camp 119
Feb. 11 1854
do . 90
8 00
11 50
4 00
8132
8133
9 Espia, Mex
3- l ...do...
March—, 1855
.... do
Major Kmory 50 Dr. Kcnnerly ....
do . 49 do.
8.00
8 00
11.75
1 1 . 75
3.75 Eyes yellow?
3.50
4562
4899
San Die»o, Cal
12 50
3.62
8129
8143
348 U. S, P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
HARPGRHYNCHUS, Cab an is.
Harpes, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. II, 1845, 264. (Not of Goldfuss, 1839.)
Harporhynchus, CABANIS, Wiegmann's, Archiv, 1848, I, 98. (Type Harpes redivivus.')
Toxostoma, WAGLER, Isis, 183), 528. Type T. vetula. (Not Toxostoma, Raf. 1816.)
J\Ielhriopterus, REICH. Avium Syst. Nat. 1850 ; pi. Iv. (No type mentioned here. Turdus rvfus, according to
Gray.)
Bill from front as long or longer than the head ; nearly straight to near the tip, or bow shaped, without any notch. Tarsus
as long or longer than the middle toe, conspicuously scutellate ; outer lateral toe a little the longer, not reaching the base of
the middle claw. Hind toe longer than lateral ; its claw equal to its remaining portion. Wings short, rounded ; the fourth or
fifth longest ; the exposed portion of the first about half that of longest. Tail longer than the wings, broad, more or less
graduated.
It is very difficult to establish any very precise characters for this genus, as species evidently
very closely allied in some features differ considerably in others. The transition from the one
extreme of structure in N. redivivus to the other in T. rufus is so gradual as to render it very
difficult to separate them ; T. curvirostris has a shorter tarsus (about equal to the middle toe)
than the others, and the graduation of the tail is less. It is very difficult to say whether it
should more properly be assigned to the first section or the second. In the character of the
bill there is the most gradual transition from its very long and greatly curved shape in H.
redivivus to the straight and short one of H. rufus.
Synopsis of the species.
HARPORHYNCHUS, Cab. — Bill much longer than the head, with both mandibles greatly decurved,
or bow shaped. Tail much longer than the wings, broad, much graduated. No spots on the
breast, which is brownish.
Above and on the jugulum olivaceous brown ; beneath pale cinnamon, but little darker
to the crissum. Cheeks uniform dusky redivivus.
Above very light ash gray ; beneath paler, unspotted ; sides of head plain. Crissum pale
brownish yellow. Tips of tail feathers obsoletely lighter lecontii.
Above and below olivaceous brown ; lighter on the belly and throat. Crissum abruptly
orange brown. Cheeks with a light and a dark stripe crissalis.
METHKIOPTERUS, Reich. — Bill about as long as the head, or but little longer ; moderately
decurved, or nearly straight. Tail somewhat longer than the wings. Breast whitish, spotted.
Above grayish ash ; the under parts with obsolete spots of the same. Tail and greater
wing coverts tipped with white. Bend of wing white. Gonys much decurved,
concave curvirostris.
Above reddish brown ; beneath thickly streaked with black. Two white bands on the
wings. Gonys moderately decurved, concave longirostris.
Above brownish red ; beneath thickly streaked with dark brown tinged anteriorly with
reddish. Two white bands on the wings. Gonys quite straight rufus.
BIRDS LIOTKICHIDAE — HARPORHYNCHUS REDIVIVUS.
319
Comparative measurements of species.
Ciital.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
' toe.
Its claw-
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
3930
11 50
4 20
6.06
1.54
1.38
0.40
1.66
1.78
Dry
814°
jo
10 90
3 68
5.48
1.33
1.16
0.30
1.33
1.50
Dry
Francisco,) Cal.
10 00
3.60
4.86
1.20
1.14
0.30
1.21
1.40
Dry
81->7
10 74
3 85
6 12
1 26
1.13
0.28
1.54
1 68
Dry ..
8l2rf
rC
10 80
4 24
5 42
1.30
1.32
0.30
1.26
1 50
Dry...
7-JOO
rostris.
.do
10 62
4 30
4.84
1 33
1.34
0.32
1.22
1.50
Dry
do.
. do . .. .
do .
11 50
14.50
4 50
Fresh ...
4023
do
10.30
3.94
4.68
1.24
1.20
0.34
1.14
1.3G
Dry
<to
do
do
10 00
12 50
4 12
Fresh . . . .
1377
Carlisle, Pa
r?
9 90
3.98
5.30
1.28
1.14
0.30
1 04
1.32
Vfv ......
do.
do
do
11 in
13.16
4 16
Fresh
2-61
d«
.... do. '. ..
O
9 80
4.00
5.30
1.30
1 18
0.30
1 00
1 26
Dry . .
do.
do
do
9 75
13.41
4.16
5002
... .do
r?
11 40
4.40
5.76
1 30
1.20
0.31
1 08
1 36
Drv...
5(>M
do .
O
11 .10
4 18
5 00
1 28
1 24
0 28
0 98
1 ''8
Drv
du
do
do
11.50
12 50
Fresh
4U16
tf
10.10
3 84
5.20
....
1.34
1.16
0,26
1.08
1.30
Dry.....
do.
rostris.
do
do
10.25
12.00
4.00
Fresh....
HARPORHYNCHUS REDIVIVUS, Cabanis.
Hurpes rediviva, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. II, Aug. 1845, 2G4.
Toxostoma rediviva, GAMBEL, J. A. N Sc. Phil., 2d ser. I, Dec. 1847,42. — BONAP. Conspectus, 1850,277. — CASSIN,
Illust. I, ix, 1855, 260 ; pi. xlii.
Harporhynchus redivivus, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1848, i, 98. — IB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 81.
" Promerops de la Calif ornie septentrionale, LA PEYROUSE, Atlas Voyage, pi. xxxvii," Garnbel.
Si>. Cn. — Wing much rounded ; the second quill shorter than the secondaries. Tail much graduated. Bill much dccurved,
jonger than the head. Above brownish olive, without any shade of green ; beneath pale cinnamon, lightest on the throat,
deepening gradually into a brownish rufous on the under tail coverts. The fore part of the breast and sides of the body brown
olive, lighter than the back. An obscure ashy superciliary stripe, and anoiher lighter beneath the eye. Ear coverts and an
indistinct maxillary stripe dark brown ; the shafts of the former whitish. Ends and tips of tail feathers obsoletely paler.
Length, 11. 50 inches; wing, 4.20; tail, 5.75 ; tarsus, 1.55.
Hub. — Coast of California.
The curvature of the bill of this species is very great, the chord of the lower jaw measuring
1.G5 inches; the ordinate is .25 of an inch. The outer tail feathers are about 1.30 inches
shorter than the middle. There is no line of demarkation between the colors of the belly and
under tail coverts. There is a slight rufous tinge on the upper tail coverts and outer margins
of the tail feathers, which are darker than the back, with, perhaps, a faint purplish tinge.
The outer webs and tips of the tail feathers are lighter brown than the remaining portion,
though the difference is scarcely appreciable. There are no spots on the breast, but cinnamon
edgings to some of the brown feathers on the breast impart a waved appearance.
A specimen (4902) from San Diego, California, has a more rufous tinge in the upper parts.
There is a faint indication of paler edges to the tertial and wing coverts, forming bands, but
this may be merely an immature condition.
In the entire series the differences in length of the bills amount to as much as half an inch.
Young birds differ only in a duller plumage. The under parts do not exhibit any indications
of spots.
350
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. |Age.
No.
i
Locality. When coll
jeted. W hence obtained. Grig.
No.
Collected by — : Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
4217
4218
8142
3932
5966
4478
4562
4948
8141
10191
4902
San Francisco, Cal — ; Winter 18
. do i do.
53-'4 R D Cutts
do
Prcsidio . Cal ... '-._--.
Lt. Trow bridge..
California ........ — .
' Dr. Heermann ;
Santa Clara, Cal Got. 29,
do do.
1855 Dr. Cooper \
13
13
.. do._
....
San Jose, Cal.
...do ;
A. J. Grayson
do i
j
0
Sacramento valley. _.'
Lt. Williamson..!
Dr. Heermann __ ......
FortTejon, Cal
J. X. de Yesey.J 52
San Diego, Cal !
1 Dr.J.F Hammond;
12.25
12. 62
HAKPORHYNCHUS LECONTII, B o n a p .
Toxostoma lecontii, LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, Sept. 1851, 109. (Fort Yurna.)
Harporhynchus lecontii, BONAP. Comptes llendus, XXVIII, 1854, 57 ; Notes Orn. Delattre, 39.
SP. CH. — Bill much curved. Second quill about equal to the tenth ; exposed portion of the first more than half the longest ;
outer tail feather an inch shortest. General color above light grayish ash, beneath much paler; the chin and throat above
almost white ; the sides behind brownish yellow or pale rusty yellow ash, of which color is the crissum and anal region. Tail
feathers rather dark brown on the under surface, lighter above ; the outer edges and tips of exterior ones obscurely paler.
Quills nearly like the back.
Hub. — Frot Yuma, California.
This species in form, shape, and curvature of bill and general appearance, is so much like
the H. redivivus as to render it extremely likely that it will prove only one of those light
races or varieties so often met with in birds of the lower G-ila river. The size is smaller, but this
might be merely the result of its more southern habitat. The colors above are much lighter than
in H. redivivus. The contrast between the body of the tail feathers and their obsoletely lighter
edges is rather more decided than in the other species. The second quill is longer, and the first
is fully half the longest instead of less than half. The bill in curvature and general shape is
exactly like that of H. redivivus.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Fort Yurna, Gila river.
Whence obtained .
George N. Lawrence
BIRDS — LIOTRICII1DAE HARPORHYNCHUS CURVIROSTRIS. 351
HARPORHYNCHUS CRISSALIS, Henry.
Ilarporhynchus crissalis, HENRY, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. May, 1858.
Sp. CH. — Second quill about as long as the secondaries. Bill much curved; longer than the head. Above olive brown,
with a faint shade of gray ; beneath nearly uniform brownish gray, much paler than the back, passing insensibly into white on
the chin ; but the under tail coverts dark brownish rufous, and abruptly defined. There is a black maxillary stripe cutting off
a white one above it. There do not appear to be any other stripes about the head. There are no bands on the wings, and the
tips and outer edges of the tail feathers are very inconspicuously lighter than the remaining portion . Length, 11 inches ; wing,
4.00 ; tail, 5.80 ; tarsus, 1.25.
Hob. — Southern Rocky Mountains.
This species in general appearance resembles the H. redivivus, "but is smaller, and may be at
once distinguished by the chestnut under tail coverts in marked contrast with the brownish gray of
the under parts. The contrast is nearly as marked as in Mimus carolinensis, or the cat bird, and
the shade of color only a little lighter. The upper parts are paler than in the other species, and
the tail and upper coverts are uniform with the back. There is no pectoral band, but the entire
under parts are uniform, without any trace of the cinnamon color. The black maxillary stripe
cuts off a white one, which is not the case in the other species, where the whole maxillary space
is dusky. The character of margination in the tail is very similar. The bill and feet are black.
The lateral tail feathers are about 1.35 inches the shortest.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number. Locality.
Whence obtained.
8127 i Mimbres to Rio Giancle Dr. T. C. Henry U. S. A.
HARPORHYNCHUS CURVIROSTRIS, Cab an is.
Orpheus curvirostris, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 369. — M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. IV, May, 1648, 63.'
JYlimus curvirostris, GRAY, Genera, 1844-'49.
Toxostoma curvirostris, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 277.
Harporhynchus curvirottris , CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 81.
1 Toxostoma vetula, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 528.
? " Pomatorhinus lurdinus, TEMM. PI. Col. 441."
Sp. On. — Second quill equal to the eighth ; considerably longer than the secondaries. Exposed portion of the bill about as
long as the head ; considerably decurved. Above uniform grayish brown, or light ash ; beneath dull whi:e ; the anal region
and under tail coverts tinged with brownish yellow. The under parts generally, except the chin, throat, middle of the belly
arid under coverts, with rounded sub-triangular, quite well defined, spots, much like the back. These are quite coniluent on
thebreast. Two narrow bands on the wing coverts, and the edges of primaries and alulae, are white. The tail feathers,
except the middle, are conspicuously tipped with white. Length of female, 10 inches ; wing, 4.00 ; tail, 4.55 ; tarsus, 1.20.
Hab. — Lower Rio Grande.
This species, with some relationships to the H. redivivus, is readily distinguished by its smaller
size, shorter tail, and white under parts, with distinct spots ; these, anteriorly, are rather arrow-
shaped, but become more rounded behind, and exhibit a tendency to confluence on the breast.
The sides are tinged with brown. The chin is white. The sides of the head ash color, without
stripes, although the feathers of the cheeks arid before the eye are whitish. The edge of the shoulder
is white. The bands on the wing vary in extent, though that on the lower coverts is generally
most distinct. The white tips to the tail feathers are very conspicuous, compared with H.
352
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
redivivus ; the outer tail feather is also narrowly margined with white. The difference in
length of the second quill in "being decidely longer than the secondaries instead of shorter, is
very conspicuous.
In the collection before me is a specimen (8128) which I find it difficult to refer to any of the
species here described. The upper parts are most like those of curvirostris, being of the same
grayish brown ; there is, however, a very faint trace of the white bands on the wings. The
under parts, however, show more of the decided whitish of curvirostris, the breast being strongly
tinged with ash as far as the belly, which is lighter, and shows some obsolete rounded spots.
The under tail coverts and anal region are darker than in curvirostris, but less rufous than in
redivivus. The tail lacks the white tips of curvirostris, although absolutely lighter at the
end. The wings are, however, similar, even to the whitish flexure and tips of coverts. It is
possible that this specimen may belong to a different species from any I here describe. The
bill has the moderate curvature of T. curvirostris. In general characters it comes nearest to the
Toxostoma vetula, of Wagler, Isis, 1831, 528. The diagnosis would be as follows :
Above ash gray; sides and beneath, similar, but a little paler. Throat whitish. Crissum brownish yellow, becoming lighter
on the abdomen. Belly with very obscure spots. Tail with indistinctly lighter tips. Bend of the wing and narrow tips to
greater coverts whitish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex and
Locality.
When
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by—
Length.
;
Stretch ! Wing.
Remarks.
No.
age.
collected.
No.
ofwings.i
7101
Eagle pass, Texas
Maj. Emory
A. Schott....
......
7200
£
Ringgold barracks, Tex.
do .........
J. H. Clark ..
11.50
14.50 ; 4.50
4023
Q
Brownsville, Texas ....
Feb. — , 1853
24
10.00
12.50 4.12
Eves yellow, hill dark lead,
feet lead color.
402°
do
10 00
11 75 ' 3 75
'8128
HARPORHYNCHUS LONGIROSTRIS, Cab.
Orpheus longirostris, LAFRESNAYE, R.ev. Zool. I, April, 1838, 55. — IB. Mag. de Zool. 1839 ; Oiseaux, pi. i.
Toxostoma longlrostre, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 207. — (longirostris) Bonap. Consp. 1850, 277.
Mimus longirostris, GRAY, Genera, 1844- '49.
Harporkynchus longirostris, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 81.
SP. CH. — Similar to H. rvfas. Wings much rounded ; second quill shorter than the secondaries. Exposed portion of the
bill as long as the head ; the lower edge decidedly decurved or concave. Above rather dark brownish rufous; beneath pale
rufous white; streaked on the sides of the neck and body, and across the breast, with very dark brownish black, nearly
uniform throughout. Two rather narrow white bands on the wings. The concealed portion of the quills dark brown.
Length, 10.50 ; wing, 4.00 ; tail, 5.00 ; tarsus, 1 .40.
I lab. — Lower Rio Grande. South through Eastern Mexico.
This species is very similar to the H. rufus, but may be readily distinguished by well marked
characters. The feet and bill are decidedly longer ; the latter measuring 1.15 inches
instead of about .95 ; it is also much more curved, the lower edge being concave or bow shaped,
instead of straight. The wings and tail, on the other hand, are shorter ; the former much
more rounded. The rufous of the back is considerably darker ; the stripes beneath are larger
and almost uniform black, instead of partly rufous. The hinder part of the breast and the
central portion of the abdomen are much more unspotted.
A specimen of this species from Xalapa, belonging to Mr. Lawrence, is very similar to those
from Brownsville, the bill perhaps a little longer ; the white bands on the wings narrower.
BIRDS — LIOTRICHIDAE — HAKPOREYNCttUS RUFUS.
353
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Eemarkg.
4016
$ Brownsville, Tex_.
Lt. Couch
1
10.25
12.00
4.00
Eyes br'nish yellow.
8139
.... Lower Rio G rnnde
Ma j or Emory .
A. Schott
Xalapa, Mexico
G. N. Lawrence.-
HAKPOKHYNCHUS KUFUS, Cab.
Brown Thrush.
Turdus rvfus, LINKAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 293.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 4 ; pi. lix. — WILSON, Am.
Orn. II, 1810, 83 ; pi. xiv.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 102: V, 1839, 441 ; pi. 11G.
Orpheus rufus, SWAINSOV, P. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 187.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 328.— AHD. Syn. 1839, 88.— IB.
Birds Amer.
Mimus rvfus, GRAY, Genera, 1844- '49.
Toxostomn rvfum, CAB AXIS, Wiegm. Archiv, 1847, i, 207.
Methriopterus, REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, pi. Iv. (Figure taken from this species according to Gray.)
Harporhynchus rufus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 82.
Thrasher; Sandy Mocker ; French Mocking Bird ; VULGO.
SP. CH. — Fifth quill longest ; the third, fourth, and sixth, little shorter ; second equal to ninth. Exposed portion of the bill
shorter than the head. Outline of lower mandible straight. Above light cinnamon red; beneath pale rufous white with
longitudinal streaks of dark brown, excepting on the chin, throat, middle of the belly, and under tail coverts. These spots ante
riorly, are reddish brown in their terminal portion. The inner surface of the wing and the inner edges of the primaries are
cinnamon ; the concealed portion of the quills otherwise is dark brown. The median and greater wing coverts become blackish
brown towards the end, followed by white, producing two conspicuous bands. The tail feathers are all rufous, the external
ones obscurely tipped with whitish; the shafts of the same color with the vanes. Length, 11.15; wing, 4.15; tail, 5.20 ;
tarsus, 1.30.
Hab. — Eastern N. America to Missouri river, and perhaps to high central plains.
Among the series before me are several specimens (5651, 5652, 4703) differing in some notice
able points. They are considerably larger than Pennsylvania ones, with decidedly longer tail
and wings. The under parts are more decidedly rufous white ; the white band on the wings
tinged with the same. The concealed portion of the quills (including the shafts) is much
darker brown, and the shafts, of the tail feathers are dark brown, conspicuously different from
the vanes. The spots on the breast are considerably darker, showing little, if any, of the
reddish brown. Length, 11.50; wing, 4.50; tail, 5.*75 ; tarsus, 1.35.
These specimens are associated with others from the same locality, precisely similar to Penn
sylvania ones. They are different from H. longirostris, though intermediate between this and
rufus. Whether it be proper or not to erect them into a different species from the latter, as
they certainly are from the former, is a question that I am not prepared to decide. A similar
relation between eastern and western races is referred to under the head of the mocking bird,
(Mimus polyglottus.} As a strongly marked variety, at least, it may be well to call it H. longi-
cauda.
Young birds are much as in the adult, the back sometimes streaked obsoletely with dusky.
45 b
354
U. 8. P. E. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL KEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by—
Length .
Stretch Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
of wings.
2261
9
Carlisle, Pa
May 16, 1845
S. F. Baird
9.75
13.43 4.25
1377
j>
do
April o:> 1844
do
11 16
13 16 3 16
4-133
Quasqueton, Iowa . . .
E. C. Didwell
6948
Red river H B .
8292
Independence, Mo. ..
May 26, 1857
VVin.M.Magraw..
5
Dr. Cooper ....
12.75
13.00 | 4.50
Iris orange, feet pale gray.
8231
r?
. . . do
May 29, 1857
lo
do
4553
0
June 8, 1857
5°S4
J>
June 18, 1856
do
do
11 25
12 25 i 4 50
5283
Ji
... do
June 22. 1856
do
do
9.75
13.50 4.25
4703
May , 1856
do
. . , do . .
8819
An". 6, 1857
do
do ,
12 00
14.00 4.50
8820
do
do
do
do
9.50
12.25 3.50
do
5652
C?
Republican Fork
Sept. 26, 1856
Lieut, liryan
351
W. S. Wood . . .
5651
o
do
do
do
358
5653
V
o
July 14, 1856
do
67
do
V
130 miles west of
[
Fort Riley, Neb.
Sub-Family CAMPYLORHYNCHINAE.
Tail plane ; nearly even or slightly rounded ; the first and second feathers slightly graduated ; the feathers very broad, the longest
with the width about one-fifth the length. Size medium.
The following genera are included in the sub-family :
A. — Hind toe and claw much longer than the outer lateral, shorter than the middle. Feet
stout.
CAMPYLORHYNCHUS. — Bill about equal to the head. Lateral toes nearly equal ; their
claws reaching to the base of the middle claw. Tarsus longer than the middle toe.
Wings as long as the tail. Back brown, streaked with Avhite.
CATHERPES. — Bill longer than the head. Outer lateral toe much longer than the inner,
reaching the base of the middle claw. Tarsus short, equal to the middle toe. Wings
a little longer than the tail. Back brown, spotted with white.
B. — Hind toe and claw about equal to the outer lateral, shorter than the middle toe. Feet
weak.
SALPIXCTES. — Bill as long as the head. Outer lateral toe considerably longer than the
inner. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Wings rather pointed ; decidedly longer
than the tail. Back brown, spotted with white.
CAMPYLORHYNCHUS, Spix.
Campylorhynchus, SPIX, Av. Bras. 1824. (Agassiz.)
CH — Bill as long as the head; not notched; compressed. Culmen and commissure both gently decurved ; gonys nearly
straight. Tarsus longer than middle toe, distinctly scutellate ; inner lateral too a little ihe longer ; hind toe reaching nearly to
the middle of the middle claw ; shorter than its digit. Wings about as long as tail ; exposed portion of first quill about two-
thirds that of second, and rather more than half the longest, or fourth. Tail feathers very broad, plane ; the longest, nearly
even, with the width about one-fifth its length ; the two lateral graduated ; the outer about five-sixths the middle. Plumage
soft and loose. Color brown ; streaks on the body. Wings and tail transversely barred.
Of this genus the United States possesses but a single species, as far as known, confined to
the southern borders.
BIRDS LIOTRICHIDAE CAMPYLORHYNCIIUS BRUNNE1CAPILLUS.
355
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
Its claw Bill Along
Specimen
No.
toe.
alone. • above, gape.
measured.
7149
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus.
Mohave desert. . .
(J
7.90
3.24
3.52
1.16
1.00
0.2G 0.96 1.20
Skin ...
7150
do do
O
7 50
3 30
3.60
1 08
0.92
0.24 j 0.86 : 1.02
Skin ....
CAMPYLORHYNCHUS BBUNNEICAPILLUS, Gray.
Picolaptes Irunneicapillus, LAFRESNAYE, Guerin Mag. de Zool. 1835, Gl ; pi. xlvii. California. — LAWRENCE, Annals
N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 114. Texas.— HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d ser. II, Jan.
1853, 263.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1854, 156 ; pi. xxv.
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, GRAY, Genera, I, March, ]847, 159. — BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 223.
Sp. CH. — Bill as long as the head. Above brown ; darkest on the head, which is unspotted. Feathers on the back streaked
centrally with white. Beneath whitish, tinged with rusty on the belly ; the feathers of the throat and upper parts, and under tail
coverts, with large rounded black spots ; those of the remaining under parts with smaller, more linear ones. Chin and line over
the eye white. Tail feathers black beneath, barred subterminally (the outer one throughout) with white.
Length, 8 inches ; wing, 3.40 ; tail, 3.55 inches.
Hub. — Valleys of Rio Grande and Gila. Southward.
(I7149.) This, the largest wren found in the United States, bears a slight resemblance to
the common creeper, Certliia americana, but differs greatly in all essential features. The bill,
from the base of the skull, is about the length of the latter, and is considerably compressed and
slightly decurved. The tail is long and broad, about equal to the wings. The black spotting
on the throat is very conspicuous, relieved only slightly by the white edges of the feathers.
There is a black maxillary stripe. Each feather on the back, including the wing coverts, may
be said to have two whitish spots strung along the white midrib, the light portion bordered by
a duskier shade than the extreme margin of the feather.
The outer edges of the quills are indented by triangular spots of whitish ; the basal portion
of the inner webs somewhat similarly marked. The two middle tail feathers are brown, some
what like the crown, but with indistinct bands of darker ; the others are as described.
Specimens vary considerably in the length of the bill, and in the amount of black spotting on
the throat. In a female, 7150, the white streaks on the back are somewhat wider. The second
tail feather is sometimes banded almost as much as the first, and the inner tail feathers are
distinctly and narrowly banded with whitish and black, instead of dark brown, and lighter.
Lint of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by-
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
of wings.
7148
Ringgold barracks, Texas...
Major Emory
Mr. Clark
t ,
3966
$
Monterey, Mexico
Lieut. Couch
8.00
10.75
3.50
Bill slate, eyes reddish yellow, feet lead.
7151
Fort Yuma, California
Major Emory
A. Schott
7150
7149
..„..
Los Angeles valley
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Hcermann.
356
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CATHERPES, Baird.
CH. — Bill longer than the head, slender ; all the outlines nearly straight to the tip, then gently decurved, gonys least so ; nostrils
linear ; tarsus short, about equal to the middle toe, which reaches to the middle of the middle claw. Outer toe considerably
longer than the inner, reaching beyond the base of the middle claw. Wings a little longer than the tail ; the exposed portion
of the first primary about half that of the fourth and fifth. Tail feathers v^ry broad and perfectly plane ; tail nearly even ; the
two lateral graduated ; the outer about eleven-twelfths of the middle.
This genus agrees with Salpinctes in the broad, plane tail feathers, "but the "bill is much
longer, the nostrils linear, not oval, the feet much stouter, the outer toe rather longer ; the
tarsus shorter, being equal to the middle toe, not longer ; the hind toe much longer than the
outer lateral, instead of equal to it. The wings are but little longer than the tail, and less
pointed and shorter than in Salpinctes.
Cabanis, in establishing this genus on the broad tail feathers and long wings, includes S.
dbsoletus and mexicanus. In this, however, he overlooks the remarkable differences in the feet
and wings of the two species. His type being obsoletus, the new genus belongs to mexicanus.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw Bill
alone. ; above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
3969
Catherpes mexicanus.
New Leon, Mex ...
r?
5.70
2 48
2 38
0 74
0 74
0.20 | 0.92
1,20
Skin ....
do.
do
do
775
39C8
do.
do
do
Patos,Coahuila,Mex
do
5.00
5 75
7 37
2.36
'2.40
0.70
0.70
0.20 1 0.80
0.9G
Skin ...
7157
Salpinctes obsoletus..
Tejon Valley
$
5.76
2.74
2 36
0 85
0.78
0.18 ! 0.72
0 92
7158
do.
do
El Paso, Mex
do
Q
5.74
5 12
8 00
2.78
3 00
2.24
0.79
0.70
0.18 0.70
0.8B
Skin ....
Fre*li
CATHERPES MEXICANUS, Baird.
White-throated Wren.
Thryothorus mexicanus, SWAINSON, Zool. Illustrations, 2d series, I, 1829, pi. xi. Real del Monte.
Salpinctes mexicanus, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, r, 323. — IB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 78. — BON. Consp. 1850,224.
Troglodytes mexicanus, GRAY, Genera, I, 1847, 159. — HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. 2d ser. II, 1853, 263. — CASSIN,
Illust. I, vi, 1854, 173 ; pi. xxx.
"Troglodytes albicollis, CUVIER, Gal. de Paris, Cah. No. 3." — "LESSON, Compl. VI, 1829, 188."
? " Troglodytes murarius, LICIIT. Deppe & Schiede, Preis Verz. " (I cannot find that any description was published.)
? Salpinctes murarius, CABANIS, Nomenclator A.V. Mus. Berol, 1854, 35.
Certhia albifrons, GIRAUD, 16 Sp. Texan Birds, 1841 ; pi. viii.
Thryothorus guttulatus, LAFRESNAYE, Rev. Zool. 1839,99.
SP. CH. — Bill considerably longer than the head ; claws largo. Head and neck above dark ashy brown, passing gradually
into light rusty brown on the rump ; the sides of the body, belly, and under tail coverts similar, all these regions marked with
small rounded white and dusky spots, the latter in the form of waved bars on the feathers of the back ; an obscure white line
over the eye. Chin, throat, and upper part of the breast pure white. Tail feathers rusty red on both sides, with six or eight
narrow transverse bars of black.
Length, 6.50 ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.50. (3969.)
Hob. — Valley of Rio Grande, Colorado, and Gila, (but not on the coast of California ?) South into Mexico.
This species, first added to the fauna of the United States by Dr. Augustus L. Heermann,
is the most handsomely marked of all the American wrens. In addition to the characters given
above, it may be stated that the rufous color of the upper and under tail coverts is of about the
BIRDS — LIOTRICHIDAE SALPINCTE8 OBSOLETUS.
357
same shade ; the tail rather lighter ; the latter nearly similar on both sides, the bars showing
with eqnal distinctness. The dark spots on the feathers are just anterior to the light ones ;
sometimes they follow as well as precede the white ones. The reddish outer surface of the
wings is about the shade of the middle of the back. There are no transverse dusky bars across
the quills, the outer webs only showing an alternation of dusky and reddish spots.
The wing is rather short ; the first and second quills are graduated, the latter about equal to
the secondaries ; the third is but little shorter than the fourth, fifth, sixth, all nearly equal.
The tail feathers are very broad (half an inch,) the tail plane, and moderately graduated (on the
sides only ;) the lateral feathers about .20 of an inch less than the longest.
Different specimens vary a little in the width of the black bars of the tail feathers ; those on
the inner feathers are usually narrower than on the outer, where they are about .05 of an inch
broad.
A specimen, 3968, probably a female, is smaller, with the bill appreciably shorter.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. i Locality.
When Whence obtained,
collected.
i
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks,
3968
Patos,Coahuila,Mex.
236
7.62
2.37
3969
do
175
6.50
7.75
2.50
7116
CampH2,onBillWil-
Feb. — , 1 Lieut Whipplo
66
Kenn &. Moll.
; Hums' Fork, N. M..
Fort Tejon, Cal ....
|
t J. Xant deVusey.
SALPINCTES, Cab an is.
Salpinctes, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 323.
CH. — Bill as long as the head ; all the outlines nearly straight to the tip, then decurved ; nostrils oval. Feet weak ; tarsi
decidedly longer than the middle toe ; outer lateral toe much longer, reaching to the base of the middle claw, and equal to the
hinder. Wings about one-fifth longer than the tail ; the exposed portion of the first primary about half that of the second, and
two-fifths that of the fourth and fifth. . Tail feathers very broad, plane, nearly even or slightly rounded ; the lateral moderately
graduated.
Of this genus but one species is hitherto known in the United States, the rock wren of the
earlier ornithologists.
SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS, Cab.
Rock Wren.
Troglodytes obsoletus, SAY, in Long's Exped. II, 1823, 4. S. Fork of Platte.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 435.— Arm
Synopsis, 1839, 73.— IB. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 413 ; pi. 360.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 113 ; pi.
11G.— NEWBERRY, Zool. P. R. R. Hep. VI, iv, 1857, 80.
Mijothera obsoleta, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, G ; pi. i, f. 2.
Tlmjolherus obsoletus, BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Rev. Zool. II, 1839, 98.
Salpinctes obsoletus, CABANIS, Wifgmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 323, (type obsoletus.} — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 224.
?" Tltryothorus latifasciatus, LICIIT. Preis Verzeichniss." — BONAP.
Sp. CH. — Plumage very soft and lax. Bill about as long as the head. Upper parts brownish gray, each feather with a
central line and (except on the head) transverse bars of dusky, and a small dull brownish white spot at the end, (seen also on
the tips of the secondaries.) Rump, sides of the body, and posterior part of belly and under tail coverts dull cinnamon, darker
above. Rest of under parts dirty white ; feathers of throat and breast with dusky central streaks. Lower tail coverts banded
358
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
broadly with black. Inner tail feathers like the back ; the others with a broad black bar near the end ; the tips cinnamon ; the
outer on each side alternately banded with this color and black. A dull white line above and behind the eye. Length, 5.70 ;
wing, 2.82 ; tail, 2.40 ; (7159.)
Hub. — High central plains through the Rocky mountains to the Coast and Cascade ranges, (but not on the Pacific coast?)
The name obsoletus applies well to this species, the feathers all having a faded appearance
very difficult to define. Very few specimens in collections possess distinctly the markings
mentioned above, especially the small whitish spots of the upper parts, the brown of the back
having generally a more reddish appearance, the dark bars and lines more indistinct. In one
specimen (1857) from Fort Union there is no reddish on the abdomen and under tail coverts,
which are nearly white ; the bands on the latter too are much less distinct. This agrees better
with Say'e description, but appears to be of the same species.
In young or immature specimens, which are much oftener seen in collections than adults,
there are neither light spots nor dusky lines above, the color being uniform brownish, passing
into pale dull cinnamon on the rump. The breast too is unspotted. The bill does not attain
its full length until maturity.
This species has some resemblance in form to the C. mexicanus ; the bill, however, is
considerable shorter, being only equal to the head. The wings are rather longer and perhaps
more pointed, and reach nearly to the middle of the tail. The claws are considerably smaller.
There is also some similarity in the color, but the reddish is paler in obsoletus, and the inner
tail feathers are brown like the fore part of the back, with crowded bars ; the basal half of all
except the exterior, similar, instead of all being uniform reddish brown, with six or eight
narrow black bars. The comparative diagnoses of the two species, without reference to their
generic distinctions, will be as follows :
C. mexicanus. — Bill considerably longer than the head ; claws very large. Throat pure
unspotted white ; posterior part of body all round dark reddish brown ; tail feathers nearly
similar, all with equidistant bars of black.
S. obsoletus. — Bill as long as the head. Claws moderate. Throat with dusky streaks.
Posterior parts of body pale cinnamon. Middle tail feathers much like the back.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1857
1917
8830
5277
5279
5278
8832
6831
8780
6781
8779
5045
7158
7162
3967
7160
7157
7159
S
0
Fort Union, Neb
do
Running Water, Neb...
Blackfoot country
Powder river
do
July 8,1843
July 18,1843
Aug. 15,1856
July —,1855
Aug. 4, 1856
,. do
S. P. Baird
do
do
Lieut. Warren
Col. Vaughiin
Dr. Hayden.... 5.37
do
do
9.25
2.50
[ris light gray
do -
""$'
Black Hills, Neb
do
Forks of Platte river. ..
rln.
Sept. 19,1857
Aug. 18,
Aug. 13,1857
....do .
do
do
Win. M.Magraw...
..do. .
153
......do 5.75
do 5.50
8.50
8.50
2.75
2.50
Iris light brown
. rin.
do
do.
15°
do
OOfX)
Pole creek
El Paso, Mex
do
Patos, Coahuila
Camp 113, Bill Williams'
Fork.
Tejon valley.
do
July 25,1856
Dec. —,1854
May —,1852
Feb. 5, 1854
Lieut. Bryan
Maj. Emory
do
Lieut. Couch..... .
Lieut. VVhipple....
Lieut. Williamson.
..do...
153
15
238
68
W. S. Wood....
Dr. Kennerly .. 5.12
do • 5.12
5.50
8.00
8.87
8.75
3.00
2.75
2.75
Eyes chocolate brown.
Eyes dark brown ; feet
lead
C?
c?
Dr. Ilecrmann
do
Fort Tejon
; J. X. dc Vcsey
BIRDS — LIOTRICH1DAE — THRIOTHOEUS. 859
Sub-Family TROGLODYTINAE.
Tail feathers rather narrow ; the middle ones less than one-sixth as wide as long. Tail more or less vaulted or concave
below ; usually considerably graduated. Tarsus longer than the middle toe, which exceeds the hinder ones ; the lateral toes
generally equal, and reaching the base of the middle claw. Hind toe much longer than the lateral. Size diminutive.
The sub-divisions are as follows :
THIUOTIIORUS. — Wings equal to or shorter than the tail, which is nearly even, the lateral
feathers only graduated. Bill nearly equal to the head, decurved. Toes not reaching to the end
of the tail. Color uniform brown on the back.
CISTOTIIORUS. — Wings longer than the tail, which is short, and all the feathers much.
graduated. Toes reaching to or beyond the tip of the tail. Feet large ; hind claw at least
equal to the rest of the toe. Back black, streaked with white.
Telmatodytes. — Bill nearly as long as the head. Hind claw longer than the rest of the toe.
Cistothorus. — Bill much shorter than the head. Hind claw equal to the rest of the toe.
TROGLODYTES. — Wings longer than the tail or nearly equal. Tail rounded ; the lateral
feathers graduated. Hind claw shorter than the rest of the toe. Back brown, obsoletely
waved with dusky.
Troglodytes. — Wings about equal to the tail. Toes reaching to the tip of the tail. Bill
nearly as long'as the head, compressed, decurved.
Anorthura. — Wings much longer than the very short tail. Bill shorter than the head,
slender, nearly straight. End of tarsus reaching to the tip of the tail.
THRIOTHORUS, Vieillot.
Thriothorus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816.
Tliryothorus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 55.
Thryolkurus, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 319.
CH. — Bill about as long as the head ; nearly straight to near the tip, which is abruptly decurved, with an obsolete notch.
Gonys nearly straight. Hind toe nearly equal to the middle ; the lateral toes equal, reaching to the base of the middle claw.
Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Wings about equal to the tail, which is arched, and nearly even ; the first or second
lateral feathers moderately graduated ; the feathers narrow ; the width of longest about one-tenth its length.
This genus is apparently related to Campylorhynchus in almost every respect, the chief
difference being in the tail, which is rather shorter, being equal to the tail instead of less, and
the feathers much narrower, and more vaulted ; the width of the longest is about one-tenth the
length, instead of one-fifth or sixth. The bill is straighter to the tip, which is more abruptly
decurved.
In Tliryothorus maculipectus the inner lateral toe is a little shorter than the outer ; the other
characters are much the same.
I have associated in this division the T. bewickii, which differs in longer tail, the lateral
feathers of which are more graduated. The other differences are not important. It is at any
rate more naturally placed here than in Tdiiialodytes, where Gabanis has assigned it.
The precise determination of the section of American wrens to which Vieillot's name should
belong is a matter of much uncertainty. I have not Vieillot's Analyse at hand to know what
species he considers as type, but Gray quotes as such, Tliryothorus arundinaceus, Vieillot. In
the article on ThryotJtorus, in Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1811), 55, Vieillot says that when he
established the genus he knew of but one species, the " Thryothore des roseaux." The bird of
360
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
this name described on page 59, and there called likewise Thryothorus arundineus, is the Certhia
palustris of Wilson. The bird he described in 1807 as " Troglodyte des roseaux," or Troglodytes
arundinaceus , is as certainly Sylvia ludoviciana of Latham. Vieillot unquestionably knew the
latter species in 1816, as he had described it in 1807, although its biography of that date
belonged to the first mentioned bird. For this reason, therefore, in the necessary uncertainty
of the case, I am inclined to differ from Gray, and to consider the Sylvia ludoviciana as the
type, especially as the necessity of a new generic name will thereby be avoided.
Synopsis of species.
Tail feathers light brown, with bars of black. Superciliary stripe extending far back on the
neck, and spotted with black. Tail about equal to the wings.
Lateral tail feather a quarter of an inch shorter than longest. Above, reddish brown ;
beneath, pale yellowish rusty; sides plain T. ludovicianus.
Lateral tail feathers half an inch shorter than longest. Above, reddish brown ; beneath
bright reddish brown on the sides and behind ; sides obsoletely barred... T. berlandieri.
Lateral tail feathers black, varied with white. Superciliary stripe confined to the neck. Tail
longer than the wings T. Ijewickii.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
•Specimen
measured.
7113
10204
Tliriothorus ludovicianus .
do.
Philadelphia
5.40
5.70
2.36
2.34
2.36
2.10
0.80
0.84
0.78
0.7G
0.20
0.20
0.66
0.64
0.86
0.80
Skin.....
Skin
7123
A
4.80
2 20
2 14
0.84
0.74
0.22
0.74
0.84
Skin
do.
do
do
5.52
,0,
2.25
Fresh....
7122
do
do
Q
5.20
2.16
2.22
0.78
0.72
0.20
0.64
0.76
Skin. ....
do.
do.
5.25
7 25
2 25
Fresh....
2047
Thristhorus maculipectus1
Guatemala
Carlisle, Pa..., ,..
ft
5.54
5.00
2.34
2.18
2.14
2 44
0.86
0.71
0.76
0.68
0.20
0.20
0.70
0.5G
0.78
0.68
Skin. ....
Skin
do.
7132
do
do
do
5.50
5.10
7.33
2.25
2 08
2 32
0 73
0 66
0 18
0 60
0.74
Fresh....
Skin
9fl9
1084
Tliriothorus leiicogastra . .
Mexico
Carlisle, Pa
A
4.80
4.50
2.12
2.00
2.22
1 94
0.73
0.08
0.68
0.64
0.18
0.14
0.58
0.50
0.72
0.64
Skin
Skin
do.
do
do
4.92
6.83
2.08
8643
do.
do
. . do
Cape Florida
. .. do
4.10
4 75
5.75
1.88
1 75
1.90
O.C6
0.58
0.15
0.51
0.64
Skin
7135
o
4.44
2 04
2 10
0 66
0 63
0 16
0.44
0.56
Skin.. ..
7136
do
do
•71
4.90
2 00
2 12
0.66
0.64
0.16
0.54
0.70
Skin
do.
do
do
O
5 50
7.00
2951
4.56
1.92
1 88
0.66
0.62
0 16
0.52
0.62
Skin
1379
Troglodytes liyeraalis
Carlisle, Pa
o
3.50
1.78
1.26
0 64
0.58
0.14
0.42
0.56
Skin
do.
do
do
3 92
5 92
1.66
Fresh....
10206
do
We»tNorthficld,Ill
3.98
1.76
1.32
0.66
0.60
0.16
0.40
0.55
Skin.....
9216
Troglodytes europacus . .
o
3.70
1 82
1 38
0 68
0.62
0.16
0.44
0.54
Skin
1556
Cistothorus palustris
Carlisle, Pa
V
n
4.40
1 80
1.74
0.76
0.66
0.20
0.52
0.70
Skin
do.
1454
do
do
do
do
J?
4.92
4.90
6.00
1.92
2 06
2.00
0 80
0.72
0.21
0.62
0.76
Fre.sh ....
Skin....
do.
.do
do
5 50
6 75
2 08
Fresh..,.
1510
Cistothorus stellaris
: ... .do
o
4.12
1.72
1.70
O.G4
0.56
0.14
0.40
0.50
Skin
do.
do
1 do
4 42
5 83
1 75
Fresh ....
1 Thryothorus maculipectus, LA.FR. Rev. Zool. 1845, 338.
BIRDS — LIOTRICIIIDAE — THRIOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS. 361
THRIOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS, Bo nap.
Great arolina Wren.
Motacilla troglodytes, Var. y, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 994.
tiyiiia ludouiciana, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 548, No. 150.
Troglodytes ludovicianus, LIGHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, 35. — BON. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 65. — ADD. Orn. Biog. I,
1831, 399 : V, 1839, 4G6 ; pi. 78.— IB. Syn. 1839, 74.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 116 ; pi.
117.
Thryothorus ludovicianus, BOVAF. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 220. — IB. Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854, 57 : Notes
Delattre, 41.
Troglodytes arundinaceus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 55 ; pi. cviii. The habits as detailed are those of T.
palustris. Description certainly refers to the present species.
Thryothorus arundinaceus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1840, 263, (but not his synonymes.)
Certhia caroliniana, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 61 ; pi. xii, f. 5,
Thryothorus littoralis, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 56.
Thryothorus louisianae, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1840, 262.
SP. CH — Exposed portion of the bill shorter than the head. Above reddish brown, most yivid on the rump. A whitish streak
over the eye, bordered above with dark brown. Throat whitish ; rest of under parts pale yellow rusty, darkest towards the
under tail coverts, which are conspicuously barred with black. Exposed surface of the wings and tail (including the upper
coverts) barred throughout with brown, the outer edges of tail feathers and quills showing series of alternating whitish and
dusky spots. Legs flesh colored. Length, 6 inches ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.45.
Ilab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; north to Pennsylvania. In Texas to upper Rio Grande.
The bill, measured to the forehead, is about as long as the head ; the culmen moderately
curved ; the inferior outline nearly straight. The wings are short, reaching over the posterior
third of the tail, but not to the ends of the coverts. The under parts are entirely destitute of
any trace of bars except on the tail coverts. The brown of the back assumes rather a grayish
shade on the crown. As usual there is a good deal of concealed white on the rump. The tail
feathers are all similar in color and uniform close barring, the exterior only having rather more
dusky and whitish. The middle and secondary coverts have each a light spot at the end, said
to be wanting in the female. The shafts of the interscapular feathers are paler than the
remaining portion. The white streak over the eye is very conspicuous, and extends down the
side of the neck ; beneath this streak and behind the eye is a patch like the back ; the rest of the
side of the head is grayish white, streaked with dusky.
Specimens vary considerably in the intensity of color, the under parts being sometimes but
little tinged with the pale rusty, except on the sides and towards the tail. The under tail
coverts are frequently almost pure white, conspicuously barred with black ; generally, however,
they have a rusty tinge. In one specimen (7124) the under coverts are without any bars.
The only specimen I have seen from regions west of the Missouri is that collected at Fort
Thorn by Dr. Henry.
46 b
362
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of Avings.
Wing.
7114
John Cassin .
1785
Maryland
S. F. Baird
John Krider .
1097
7120
<J
Washington, D. C...
Rockport Ohio
June 12, 1843
J.m. 3, 1852
do
Dr. Kirtland
AY. M. Baird
C. 00
8.25
2.50
10204
A
South Illinois
May 9
R. Kennicott
7118
3
Fort Leaven worth ...
Jan. 20, 1855
Lieut. Couch
7119
. do
Dec 20, 1854
do.
7117
Fort Thorn, N. M
Dr. T. C. Henry ...
THRIOTHORUS BEKLANDIERI, Couch.
Sp. CH. — Exposed portion of bill nearly as long as the head. Above, dark rusty brown, most vivid on the rump. A whitish
streak over the eye, bordered above with brown. Chin white ; rest of under parts dark brownish red ; the under tail c averts
and sides of the body barred with dusky. Exposed surface of wings and tail barred throughout with dusky. Legs flesh color.
Length, 5.25 ; wing, 2.25 ; tail 2.12.
Hob. — Northeastern Mexico towards the Rio Grande.
This species bears a very close resemblance to the T. ludovicianus. It is, however, smaller,
the bill longer and more slender, the notch more conspicuous. The wings are proportionally-
shorter and more rounded, the primaries projecting less beyond the secondaries ; the first quill
is larger. The tail is shorter and considerably more graduated. The colors above are darker,
especially the reddish of the rump. The under parts are of a much deeper reddish brown,
nearly as dark as the rump of ludovicianus and almost as deep as in Catherpes mexicanus ; the
sides under the wings in two specimens exhibit distinct, though distant bars of dusky, not seen
in any skins of the other species before me.
The lateral tail feathers are nearly half an inch less than the others, nearly twice as great a
difference as in ludovicianus.
This species has been named by its discoverer, Lieut. Couch, after Dr. Berlandier, late of
Matamoras, Mexico.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Bex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Len h.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
7122
7123
9
Boquillo, New Leon, Mexico.
do
April — , 1853
do
Lieut. D. N. Couch.
do
142
143
5.25
5.25
7.25
7.25
2.25
2.50
Eyes brown, bill slate, feet light brown.
7121
Mar. — , 1853
... do ....
123
5 25
7 50
2 50
— ~— —
BIRDS LIOTEICHIDAE — THRIOTHORUS BEWICKII. 363
THRIOTHORUS BEWICKII, Bonap.
Bewick's Wren.
Troglodytes bewickii, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 96 : V, 1838, 4G7 ; pi. 18.— IB. Syn. 1839, 74.— IB. Birds Amer. II,
1841, 120 ; pi. 118.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 434.— LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1840, 264.— NEWBERRY,
Zool. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 80.
Thryothorus bewickii, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 221.
Tclmatodytcs bewickii, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 78. (Not type.)
Troglodytes leucogastra, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1836, 89. (From Tamaulipas, Mex.)
Thryothorus leucogastra, BON. Consp. 1850, 222.— IB. Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854, 57 ; Notes Orn. Delattre, 43.
Troglodytes spilurus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 18 ; pi. iv. f. 1. (California.)
SP. CH.' — Bill shorter than the head. Tail longer than the wings; much graduated. Upper parts rufous brown ; beneath
plumbeous white. A white streak over the eye, the feathers edged above with brown. Exposed surface of the wings and the
innermost tail feathers closely barred with dusky ; the remaining tail feathers mostly black, barred or blotched with white at
the tips, and on the whole outer web of the exterior feather, and on the under tail coverts. Length, 5.50; wing, 2.25;
tail, 2. 50. (2047.)
Var. spilurus, with longer bill ; purer white beneath. Colors more grayish olivaceous above.
Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific ; south to Mexico.
This species is very strongly marked among all the North American wrens by the very long
Mack tail, varied only on the exterior with whitish. The rump is very little brighter than the
rest of the back. The upper and under tail coverts are conspicuously barred. When the tail
is closed its entire upper surface appears rather grayer than the back, and uniformly barred
from base to tip ; the concealed portion, however, is found to be nearly uniformly black, the
white only visible on the exterior when viewed from below. The sides of the body are
tinged with brown, but no bars are visible ; perhaps an occasional dusky streak.
The color of the under parts varies considerably. In one (2532) it is of a sooty brown,
scarcely lighter along the median line ; the colors above, too, are unusually dark. Generally,
however, it is of a dull soiled plumbeous white, darker, perhaps, across the breast. The female
is smaller than the male, but otherwise not different. The young is obscurely blotched beneath,
with dusky.
The tail is so long thai, tft^ ^TH stretched hind feet do not reach to the end of it. The wings
do not quite reach over the posterior third of the tail, nor to the ends of the coverts. The
outer feathers are about .65 of an inch shorter than the middle ones.
All the western specimens with which I have compared series from Pennsylvania agree in
having a longer and more gently curved bill, the tail feathers apparently broader, and in being
less rufous and more olivaceous above ; the bars on the wings more obsolete. The under parts
are of rather a purer white. I am not prepared to say that these differences are constant or of
specific value ; if this should be established, Vigors' name of spilurus would be very appro
priate. The skins from the Eio Grande are paler and grayer above ; the belly is still purer
white. It is this plumage which Gould has described as Troglodytes leucogastra in Pr. Zool.
Soc. 183G, 89. His specimen from Tamaulipas agrees perfectly with others in the Smithsonian
Museum from the same locality.
364
U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS*— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT,
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2562
2047
1061
1104
1103
7126
7128
7129
7134
4541
5516
7133
7132
7127
7131
7130
3970
3971
9119
(J
<J
9
CO
CO
Carlisle, Pa
April 30, 1846
Mar. 29, 18-15
S.F. Baird
do
5. 16
5.50
4.91
4.91
7.16
7.32
6.75
6.75
2.32
2.25
2.16
2.08
do
June 14, 1843
July 5, 1843
do
do
do
do
do
For t Stcilacoom
Feb. — , 1856
253
do
251
3
Slioalwater bay, W. T .
Fort Vancouver, W. T.
Washington Territory..
June — , 1855
Dec. 29, 1853
Dec. 29, 1856
May 8,1856
Gov. Stevens
do
Dr. Cooper ....
do
5.50
6.50
7.00
Iris brown. Ings gray, bill
black and white.
do
Dr. Suckley...
9
<y
R. S. Williamson.
.. do
Dr. Heermann .
do
4.66
5.25
2.00
Los Nogales, Mexico. ..
Jan. — , 1855
Major Emory ....
do..
77
18
9
J. H. Clark ....
do
5.00
5.00
4.75
6.75
6.75
6.50
6.50
1.75
2.12
2.25
2.00
Ringgold Barracks, Tex.
New Leon, Mex
Santa Rosalia, Mex
Jan. 15, 1853
April — , 1853
Mar. — , 1853
do :...
Lieut. Couch ...
do
158
29906
Eyes brown, feet light
brown.
Eyes brown, feet lead..
Q
CISTOTHORUS, Cabanis.
Cistothorus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850-'!, 77. Type Troglodytes stellaris.
Telmatodytes, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850-'!, 78. Type Certliia palustris,
Thriothorus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816, according to G. R. Gray. See article on genus Tliriothorus.
CH. — Bill about as long as the head or much shorter, much compressed, not notched, gently decurved from the middle ; thegonys
slightly concave or straight. Toes reaching to the end of the tail. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Hind toe longer than
the lateral, shorter than the middle. Lateral toes about equal. Hind toe longer than or equal to its digit. Wings rather
longer than the tail, all the feathers of which are much graduated ; the lateral only two-thirds the middle. The feathers
narrow. Back black, conspicuously streaked with white.
The excessive graduation of all the feathers of a tail shorter than the wings, in connexion
with stout feet and a hind toe as long as or longer than its digit, appears to characterize this
group. I have drawn the characters to include both Cistothorus and Telmatodytes of Cabanis,
as they are very closely related. The characters of these will be found under the sub-family
Troglodytinae.
CISTOTHORUS (TELMATODYTES) PALUSTRIS, Cabanis.
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Certhia palustris , WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 58 ; pi. xii, f. 4.
Troglodytes palustris, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 66.— SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1832, 319.— AUDUBON, Orn.
Biog. I, 1831, 500: V, 1839, 467; pi. 100.— IB. Birds Amor. II, 1841, 135; pi. 123.— NEW-
BERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 80.
Thryothor us palustris, NUTTALL, Man, I, 1832, 439. — BON. List, 1838.
Thryothorus arundineus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 58. (Not Troglodytes arundinaceus, Vieillot, Ois.
Am. II, pi. cviii.)
Thryothorut arundinaceus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 220.
Telmatodytes arundinaceus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 78. (Type.)
BIRDS LIOTRICHIDAE CISTOTHORUS STELLARIS.
365
Sp. CH. — Bill about as long as head. Tail and wing nearly equal. Upper parts of a dull reddish brown, except on the
crown, interscapular region, outer surface of tertials, and tail feathers, which are almost black : the first with a median patch
like the ground color ; the second with short streaks of white, extending round on the sides of the neck; the third indented
with brown ; the fourth barred with whitish, decreasing in amount from the outer feather, which is marked from the base, to the
fifth, where it is confined to the tips ; the two middle feathers above like the back, and barred throughout with dusky. Beneath
rather pure white, the sides and under tail coverts of a lighter shade of brown than the back; a white streak over the eye.
Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.08 ; tail, 2.00. (J454.)
Hub. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to Greenland. (Reirihardt.)
There is only a slight tendency to paler bars on the under parts, these being broad, very
obsolete, and confined to the sides. The under tail coverts are moderately spotted in a male.
In a female (1556) they are immaculate, and the black of the tail is less distinct ; the size is
considerably smaller ; the colors of the back brighter and more rufous.
Specimens vary in the greater or less intensity of the lighter patch on the head, the crown
sometimes appearing nearly black. The rump is generally a little brighter than elsewhere ;
the upper tail coverts more or less distinctly barred. There is but little marking on the
primaries.
In some western specimens there is a brownish tinge across the breast, but otherwise there is
but little difference. No. 7141, from Shoalwater bay, has a shorter bill than any others in the
series before me.
Keinhardt (Vidensk. Meddel. for 1853, 81,) quotes "Troglodytes arundinaceus , Vieillot," as
found in Greenland. Vieillot' s species of 1807 is really Thryothorus ludovicianus, but reference is
probably meant to his Thryothorus arundineus, which, as stated below, is the present species.1
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. Orig.
i No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ol' wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1455
155:i
4744
8838
714-2
7141
7J40
S
9
Carlisle, Pa
May 4, li-14
S. V. Cainl
5.50
6.75
2.50
Vl'iy 20
4.91
4.50
5.00
6.00
G.25
6.50
1.91
2.00
2.00
Mouth Big Sioux, Neb. .
Sand Hills . ...
May 4,1656 Lieut. Warren ;
Aug. 12 dc
Dr. Hayden....
do
Iris dark brown .... ....
o
..„..
Shoalwater bay, W. T..
Oct. 31, 1854
G<;v. Stevens \ 110
Lieut. Williamson..1
5.25
6.75
Dr. Ileermann.
CISTOTHORUiS STELLAEIS, Cabanis.
Short-billed Marsh Wren.
Troglodytes stellarls, " LIGHT." NATJMANN, Vogel Deutschl. Ill, 1823, 724. (Carolina.)
Cistolhorus sldlaris, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 77. Type.
Troglodytes &rm?-os/ris,NuTTALL, Trans. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sc.New Ser. 1, 1833., 98, with figure. Quoted in Manual,
though date of volume is subsequent to 1832. — IB. Manual, I, 1832, 436. — ACD. Orn.
Eiog. II, 1834, 427 : V, 1839, 469 ; pi. 175.— IB. Syn. 1839, 76.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841,
138 ; pi. 124.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 220.
SP. CH. — Bill very short, scarcely half the length of the head. Wing and tail about equal. Hinder part of the crown and
the scapular and interscapular region of the back and rump almost black, streaked with white. Tail dusky, the feathers barred
1 Most recent authors erroneously refer the Troglodytes arundinaceus of Vieillot in Ois. Am. Sept., to the present species.
The Thryothorus arundlneus, or " Thryothore des Roseaux" of Vieillot, (Nouv. Diet.,) is really the same ; but on the same
page he expressly states that the Troglodytes arundinaceus, or " Troglodyte des Itoscaux" of the Ois. Am. Sept., is identical
with Sylvia ludoviciana of Latham, as would readily be inferred from tlio description and figure. The habits, as indicated,
wore, however, probably based on palustris.
366
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOET.
throughout with brown, (the color grayish on the under surface.) Beneath white, the sides, upper part of breast, and under
tail covers reddish brown. Upper parts, with the exceptions mentioned, reddish brown. Length, 4.50 ; wing, 1.75 ; tail, 1.75.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Loup Fork of Platte.
The series before me is not sufficiently full to say if the sexes differ in color. The dusky Lars
on the wing and tail are broad and conspicuous. The under tail coverts are faintly barred with
lighter. There are also obsolete streaks of whitish on the sides of the neck. The forehead is
brownish, not dusky.
This species differs in its white streaks on the back from all other North American wrens,
excepting T. palustris. In this there are no streaks on the head or rump ; the tail is blacker,
the bill much longer, the size much larger every way. I have not yet seen any specimens from
the regions beyond the Missouri, except that collected by Lieut. Warren's expedition on the
Loup Fork of the Platte, probably near the eastern limit of the high central plains.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2510
Sept. 20, 1848
S. F. Baird
4. 41
5. 83
1. 75
3073
Liberty county, Ga
1846
do . J. Leconte ......
9217
Loup Fork, Neb
Aug. 30, 1857
Lieut. Warren Dr. Hay den
3 75
5 37
1 50
1916
Unknown .
S. F. Baird
TROGLODYTES, Vieillot.
Troglodytes, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 52, type T. aedon.
" Jlnortliura, RENNIE, 1831 ;" (in Montague's Ornithological Dictionary?) Type Motacilla troglodytes.
The characters of this section will be found sufficiently indicated in the synopsis of the genera
on a preceding page. It comes nearest to Cistothorus, but is distinguished by weaker feet and
much smaller hind claws, which, instead of being equal to or longer than the remaining portion
of the toe, is decidedly shorter.
The propriety of keeping the Troglodytes aedon in the same section with T. liyemalis may,
perhaps, be questioned, as the latter differs essentially in the slender and nearly straight bill,
and the very short tail, which is surpassed by the whole of the toes when outstretched. These
differences I have indicated by the sections mentioned in the synopsis.
Of the first section, Troglodytes, there are possibly three species. Two of these have a lighter
superciliary line ; one is the well known house wren, T. aedon. The other, its western repre
sentative, differing in the grayer color, without any rufous beneath. The third species, T.
americanus, has no superciliary stripe.
In the second section, Anorthura, there is but one species in this country, T. liyemalis , closely
related, however, to the European T. parvulus.
BIRDS LIOTRICHIDAE TROGLODYTES PARKMANKI.
367
TROGLODYTES AEDON, Vieillot.
House Wren.
Troglodytes aedon, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 52; pi. cvii, (type of genus.) — IB. Nouv, Diet. XXXIV,
1819, 506.— BOVAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 136.— RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 316. —Aim.
Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 427 : V, 1839, 470 ; pi. Ixxxiii — IB. Syn. 1839, 75.— IB. Birds Amer. II,
1841, 125; pi. cxx.
Sylvia domestica, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1803, 129 ; pi. viii.
Troglodytes fulvus, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 422.
Troglodytes furvus, RICH. List, 1837. (Not Motacilla furva, Gmelin.)
SP. CH. — Tail and wings about equal. Bill shorter than the head. Above reddish brown, darker towards the head, brighter
on the rump. The feathers everywhere, except on the head and neck, barred with dusky ; obscurely so on the back, and still
less on the rump. All the tail feathers barred from the base ; the contrast more vivid on the exterior ones. Beneath pale
fulvous white, tinged with light brownish across the breast ; the posterior parts rather dark brown, obscurely banded. Under
tail coverts whitish, with dusky bars. An rhdistinct line over the eye, eyelids, and loral region, whitish. Checks brown,
streaked with whitish. Length, 4.90 ; wing, 2.08 ; tail, 2.00.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri, or to the high central plains.
The bill of tliis species, even from the extreme base, is shorter than the head. The wing is
very nearly equal to the tail, and reaches over its basal fourth. The tail is moderately graduated,
the lateral feather about .32 of an inch shorter than the middle. The outstretched feet reach
about to the end of the tail.
There are a few whitish spots on the wing coverts.
List of specimens.
dual.
Sex and Locality.
When
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
age.
collected.
of wings.
1084
(-? | Carlisle, Pa
June 14 1843
S. F. Baird
4.91
6 83
2 08
728
: do
gtpt 16 1842
do
4.91
6.83
1G55
O do
July 30 1844
do
5.08
6.75
2 00
1646
O do
July 23 1844
do
5.00
6.50
2.00
2443
3 do
Sept. 9, 1845
do
7576
Washington, D. C
8641
r? Cape Florida Fla
Oct 23 1857
4.50
5.75
\ 75
8642
do
Oct. 30, 1857
do
4.75
6.75
2.00
Black eyes and bill.
6643
do
Oct. 23
do
4.75
5.75
1.75
Brownish legs, bill and eyes
8644
! do .
do
4.50
6.25
2.00
brown.
6512
do
8846
July 3
4 75
6.50
2.00
TROGLODYTES PARKMANNI, Aud.
Parkmann's Wren.
Troglodytes parkmanni, Aim. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 310, not figured.— IB. Syn. 1839, 76.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841,
133 ; Pl. 122.
SP. CH. — Similar in size and general appearance to T. aedon, with light line over the eye, &c ; the colors, however, grayer,
the upper parts dark brown, the lower grayish white, with little or none of the rufous tinge of particular regions, as seen in T.
aedon.
JIab. — "Western America, from the high central plains and Upper Missouri, to the Pacific.
All the specimens of the house wren type from the western regions appear to differ from eastern
ones in a grayer tinge of coloration, both above and below, the reddish brown of the rump and
368
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
under parts being little if at all appreciable. There is, perhaps, a stronger tendency to bars on
the upper parts and sides. Whether these features should be considered as establishing a dis
tinct species I am not prepared fully to admit, but adopt Audubon's name as a provisional one
for the western form.
Audubon compares his T, parkmanni with T. Jiyemalis. The differences are, however, very
great, and the comparison should be made much rather with aedon.
List of specimens.
Cat. !Sf-
No. a
v &| Locality.
rp !
;e. |
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
... Blackfoot country....
July — ,1855
do .
do
4734 C
4737 (
5376 (
4739 (
4740 ..
4735 ..
4741
5 Upper Missouri
? do
$ Fort Lookout, Neb...
May 11,1856
May 15,1856
July —,1856
do
do
do
do.
do
do
do
* 4.50
4.75
4.50
6.50
6.87
6.00
2.00
2.12
2.00
... Bald island, Neb
... Upper Missouri
do ,,,>
Ap.il 25,1856
May 14,1856
May 15,1856
May 15,1856
May 12,1856
April 2G, 1856
Sept. 18,1857
April 24, 1856
July 7, 1856
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
4.87
5.12
5.00
4,37
6.50
6.75
6.50
6.75
6.75
6.25
6.87
6.50
2.12
2.25
2 50
2.25
2.12
2.25
2.12
2.00
Iris hazel
4738
4742 (
4736 ; (
8211 :..
4743 ...
5646 (
7139 (
7135
7136 I (
? do
J North Plane
... Fort Laramie
... Upper Missouri
. . do
do
W. M. Magraw...
Lt. Warren
193
do
Dr. Cooper ....
Dr. Hayden....
W. S. Wood . . .
4.25
5.00
4.75
Iris brown, bill flesh, feet light
brown.
Eye light brown
j CharcoEscondido, MX
Lt. Couch...
Dr Sucklev
76
127
363
330
4.50
6.00
2.00
Bill slate, eyes dark brown, .
? ' do
May 3, 1850
do
do
5517 C
7138 (
May 25,1856
E. Samuels
Lt. Williamson...
887
? Sacramento Valley . . .
Dr. tleermann.
' '
tTROQLODYTES AMERICANUS, Aud.
Wood Wren.
Troglodytes americanus, Aun.Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 452: V, 1839, 469 ; pi. 179.— IE. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 123; pi. 119.
Troglodytes sylvestris, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 184b, 113, (actually refers to T. pat kmanni ^though quoting Audu
bon as above.)
gp. CH. — Similar in size and color to the T. aedon ; the bill shorter, the tail more graduated. Colors throughout much
darker ; no light line over the eye, but the sides of the head and neck much like the crown. The lores and ear coverts with
the shafts of the feathers scarcely lighter. Length, 4.50 ; wing, 2.00 ; tail, 1.85.
jjab. — Eastern United States.
If I am correct in the reference of No. 2951 to this supposed species of Mr. Audubou, it is
very similar to T. aedon, but appears to have a shorter and stouter bill. The size and propor
tions are very nearly the same, though given by Audubon as considerably larger. The colors
generally are considerably darker, with very little reddish : most distinct on the rump. There
is no light line over the eye ; in fact the sides of the head and neck are almost uniform brown,
with their upper parts being slightly relieved only by pale shafts to the ear coverts, and perhaps
to the loral feathers. The under parts are considerably darker, the throat and breast almost
brownish ash, the middle of the belly only whitish.
BIRDS LIOTRIC1 IIDAE TROGLOD Yl ES HYEMALIS.
3G9
List of specimens.
Catal. No. ' Ago.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Collected by —
2951
Eastern United States
S F Baird . . J. J. Audubon . ._...
1906
. do
do
7255 o
do
J Cassin . - - -
TROGLODYTES (ANORTHUKA) HYEMALIS, Vieillot.
Winter Wren.
Sylvia troglodytes, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 139 ; pi. viii, fig. G.
Troglodytes hy emails, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 514.— BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 222 —
Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831,; 318.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 430; pi. 3GO.— In. Syn. 1&39,
76.— IB. Birds. Am. II, 1841, 128; pi. 121.
Troglodytes europaeus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825 ; No. 137.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 427.
Sp. CH. — Bill very straight, slender, and conical ; shorter than the head. Tail considerably shorter than the wings, which
reach to its middle. Upper parts reddish brown ; becoming brighter to the rump and tail ; everywhere, except on the head and
upper part of the back, with transverse bars of dusky and of lighter. Scapulars and wing coverts with spots of white.
Beneatli pale reddish brown, barred on the posterior half of the body with dusky and whitish, and spotted with white more
anteriorly ; outer web of primaries similarly spotted with pale brownish white. An indistinct pale line over the eye. Length,
about 4 inches ; wing, l.GG ; tail, 1.2G.
Hab. — North America generally.
Western specimens of this species appear to be of a darker reddisli brown generally than in
the eastern, and perhaps a little larger. Northern ones are decidedly largest.
This wren is so exceedingly like the European Troglodytes parvulus ,x that I candidly confess
my inability to distinguish the single specimen of the latter before me (921G from Niirnberg,)
from American skins.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch Wing.
of wings.|
127
Carlisle, Pa Oct. 13, 1840
S. F. Baird
1379
Q do . April 22 1844
do
3.83 5. 83 1 66
Cairo Illinois April 24.
II . Kennicott. .
1020C
j West Northfiekl 111
do
7143
Ft. Steilacoom, W. T Mar. — , 1856
Gov. Stevens... .
267
Dr. Suckley
7144
do . J Dec. 23, 1853
do
. do
7145
do Feb. —
do
254
do
j
714G
do Mar. — , 1856
do
261
do
i
7147
Shoal water bay, W. T. May, 22, 1854
do
75
Dr. Cooper
3. OS 5. 25 ]
4C01
Columbia river Jan. 27 1856
do
208
Dr. Suckley
4. 25 6. 25 1 91
1 The synonymed of the European wren are —
TROGLODYTES PARVULUS, Koch.
Motacilla troglodytes, LINN. Syst. Nat.
Jlnorthura troglodytes, RENNIE .
Troglodytes parvulus, Kocn .
Troglodytes europaeus, Cuv. Vieillot.
Troglodytes regulus, MEYER.
47 b
370
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The preceding pages include all the wrens assigned by more recent writers to the United
States, with the exception of T. macidosa, Nuttall, described from a specimen seen in a thicket
in Oregon. There is no known species to which this can be is assigned, unless the description
is erroneous, as might readily be the case under the circumstances of observation.1
Sub-Family CHAMAEANAE.
CHAMAEA, Gambel.
Chamaea, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 1847, 154. (Type Parusfasciatus.)
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, much compressed. Rictus with long bristles. Tarsus much longer than the toes ; without
well marked scales . Lateral toes equal . Wings short, much rounded ; two-thirds the length of the tail, which is much graduated ;
the lateral feathers two-thirds the longest. Plumage very soft and lax.
In this genus the bill is short and much compressed from the middle, broader than high at
the base. The culmen is straight half way, then considerably curved ; the gonys nearly
straight, but ascending. The bill is not notched ; nor are the nostrils concealed by incumbent
bristles, though a few of these, of large size, with lateral setae, are directed forward. The
nostrils are elongated and narrow, though short and overhung by a scale. The bristles at the
base of the bill are quite long and conspicuous, measuring a quarter of an inch. The tarsi are
very long, and exhibit no divisions of scutellae (except obsoletely) on the inner side. The
claws are moderate ; the hinder as long as the rest of the toe. The wings are short and much
rounded; the first five primaries much graduated; the third scarcely longer than the primaries.
The tail feathers are very long and subtruncate.
I am not sure that I have correctly indicated the place of Chamaea, though there is no other
family to which it could so readily be referred. The strongly bristled rictus separates it widely
from the wrens, as does also the broad depressed character of the base of the bill. The bristly
character of the frontal feathers is quite peculiar in the group. It has been placed among the
titmice, but is easily distinguished from them by the free character of most of the basal joints
of the middle toe, the absence of a sheath of bristly feathers around the base of the bill, &c.
It is, however, very similar, and probably connects the two families.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.i Species. Locality.
No.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Fts claw
alone.
Rill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen mea
sured.
71G3 Qhamaea fasciata.... Sacramento valley .
<J
5.90
2 20
3 40
0 92
0 70
0 18
0 42
0.52
Skin
5924 do Santa Clara, Cal
6.20
2.34
3.42
1.02
0.7G
0.22
0.4G
0 54
Skin
CHAMAEA FASCIATA, Gambel.
Partis fasciatus, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. S. II, Aug. 1845, 265.
Chamaea fasciata, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. S. Ill, Feh. 1847, 154. (Type of genus.)— IB. J. A. N. S. 2d Series, I, 1847,
34; pi. viii, f. 3.— CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1S48, i, 102— BP. Consp. 1850, 20G.— CASSIN,
111. I, n, 1853, 39; pi. vii.
Sp. CH. — Wings scarcely two-thirds the length of the tail; both very much graduated. Upper and outer parts generally
(including1 the whole tail) olivaceous brown, tinged with gray on the head ; beneath pale brownish cinnamon, with obsolete
1 Troglodytes maculosa, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 492. — Above cinereous gray side of the throat and breast with whitish
spots. Mouth of the Columbia and near Santa Barbara.
BIRDS — LIOTRICIIIDAE — CHAMAEA FASCIATA.
371
streaks of dusky on the throat and breast. Sides and under tail coverts tinged witli olive brown. Lores and a spot above the
eye obscurely whitish. Tail feathers with obsolete transverse bars. Length, 6 inches ; wing, 2.25 ; tail, 3.50. (5924.)
Hub. — Coast of California.
This curious species is very different in appearance from the North American wrens. The
colors are very simple, and the female differs from the above description only in being rather
smaller and with the reddish of the under parts less distinct ; the whitish spot over the eye
scarcely recognisable.
List of specimens.
Catal.No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
3339
California .
S. F. Baird
Dr Gambel
5924
c?
Santa Clara, Cal
Dr. Cooper ....
7163
A
Sacramento valley, Nov. 1855 -1
lit. Williamson. _.__-_
Dr Heermann ... -------
7164
Q
do . ...
do
do
Fort Tej on Cal
John Xantus de Vesey
Length, 6.75 ; Extent, 7.00 ; Iris, white.
372
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family CEHTHIADAE.
First primary very short, less than half the second ; outer lateral toe much longest ; hind toe exceeding both the middle toe
and the tarsus, which is scutellatc anteriorly, and very short. Bill slender, as long as or longer than the head, without any
notch. Entire basal joint of the middle toes united to the lateral.
This family in the United States embraces hut two genera, each the type of a sub-family, and
so widely different from each other as not to require any comparison. The characters of the
sub-families are as follows :
CERTIIIANAE. — Bill much compressed and greatly decurved ; gonys concave. Tail long,
cuneate ; the feathers stiffened at the tips.
SITTINAE. — Bill straight ; gonys ascending, convex. Tail short, soft, and even.
Sub-family CERTHIANAE.
CERTHIA, Linnaeus.
Certhia, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735, (Gray). Type C. familiar is.
CH. — Bill as long as the head, slender, much compressed and decurved from the base ; without notch or rictal bristles. Tarsi
distinctly scutellate ; very short ; not longer than the outer lateral toes, which much exceeds the inner, reaching nearly as far
as the middle toe. Hind toe longer than the middle one ; its claw more than half the total length. Claws all very long and
acute. Tail rather longer than the wings, arched or vaulted, graduated or cuneate ; the feathers very acute at the tips, the
shafts stiffened. First primary rather more than one-third the fourth or longest one. Color above brown, streaked with white ;
beneath white.
This genus embraces species which resemble each other so closely as to render it a matter of
much uncertainty how many really exist.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal. Species.
No. |
Locality. Sex.
Length
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus, i Middle
i toe.
[ts claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape. ! measured.
Carlisle, Pa $
5.26
2.52
2.58
2.46
2.50
2.42
2.62
2.75
2.44
2.84
0.56 0.64
0.22
0.58
0.66 Skin
7.83
1337 do
do Q
5.00
5.00
5. (10
4 80
2.46
0.56 0.62
0.22
0.54
0.66 Skin
Fresh
. .do . .
7.58
7154 Certhia anicricana: Camp 110, Pueblo c'k,N.M
9y)() do Siniiahmoo bay, l'u"et S'd
2.66
2.30
0.56 0.62
0.58 : 0 66
0.20
0.20
0.68
0.60
0.76 Skin
0.68 Skin
.... Fru-Oi
4.75
5.14
7.50
8176 Certhia mexicana?. Mexico
2.73
0.56 0.52
0.20
0.62
0.70 Skin
CERTHIA AMERICANA, B o n a p .
American Creeper.
Certhia americana, BONAP. Consp. List, 1838. — REICH. Handb. I, 1851, 265 ; pi. dcxv, fig. 4102, 3.
Certhia familiiirls, VIEII.LOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 70. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 122; pi .viii. — AUD. Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, 158 : pi. 415.— IB. Syn. 1839, 73.— IB. Birds Amcr. II, 1841, 109 ; pi. 115.
? Certhia mexicana, " GLOGER, Handbuch," REICHENBACH, Handhuch Spec. Orn. I, 1851, 265 ; pi. dlxii, fig. 3841,
2.— IB. SCI.ATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 290.
SP. CH. — Bill about the length of the head. Above dark brown, with a slightly rufous shade, each feather streaked centrally
but not abruptly with whitish ; rump rusty. Beneath almost silky white ; the under tail coverts with a faint rusty tin<ro. A
white streak over the eye ; the ear covurts streaked with whitish. Tail feathers brown centrally, the edges paler yellowish
brown. Wings with a transverse bar of pale reddish white across both webs.
Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.90. (No. 827.)
JIab. — North America generally.
The wings of this species are greatly variegated. Thus, when closed, the outer edges and
BIRDS — CERTIIIADAE — CERTIIIA AMERICANA.
373
tips are seen to be pale fulvous, with a continuous dark line running along the tips. The two
outer primaries are unicolor ; the rest have the hand of fulvous white on the middle across both
webs ; and there is a similar band on the secondaries, the line continuous in the outstretched
win<Ts. There are also two bands of white across the coverts.
O
The female is quite similar to the male, and I have not seen any American specimens with
the strong rufous tinge above, indicated by Audubon. The under parts, excepting the tail
coverts, are, in perfect specimens, nearly pure white, with, perhaps, a faint tinge on the breast;
in No. 1337, however, the body is strongly plumbeous white beneath.
The tail in 827, from Carlisle, is considerably longer than in any other American specimens
I have seen, even from the same locality.
There appears to be very little difference between the American creeper and the European
C.familiaris, although I have not at hand the means of making the comparison. Eeichenbach,
in his carefully prepared monograph of the genus Certliia, (Handbuch Speciellen Ornithologie,
L, 2G53) gives nothing tangible on the subject, although referring the American form to Brehm's
sub-species, C. septentrionalis .
Young birds from Washington Territory, 5945 and 7132, are like the adult, with the
markings less distinct.
A Certliia from Mexico (8176) differs from Carlisle specimens in being darker above, the
rufous of the rump considerably deeper and of a brownish orange shade. The light bars on the
wings are narrower and less prominent. The under parts are of a duller white ; the
throat is similar. The bill is considerably longer, but shorter than in 7154, from New Mexico,
which again is lighter above. No. 10208, from Fort Tejon, is, however, precisely identical in
all these features. All the west coast specimens agree in rather darker colors above and a
darker rufous on the rump, intermediate in this respect, as well as in length of bill, between
8170 or 10208 and Pennsylvania skins. I can hardly see good grounds, however, for making a
second species with the insensible gradations visible in the series. The peculiarities of color
correspond to those of Certliia mexicana of Gloger, which is said to be darker than the common
species, but is also said to be smaller, which is not the case with western skins, and the bill is
absolutely longer, instead of shorter, as indicated by Eeichenbach' s measurements.
List of specimens.
Catul.
No.
Sex &
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. ! Collected by —
0.
Length.
Stretch Wing.
of wings.
827
<J
Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 22,1842
S. F. Baird
5 41
7 83 2 58
1337
0
.do
April 5, 1844
do
5. 00
7 58 2 50
1707
do
Jan. — , 1845
do
5 25
7 58 2 50
West Northfield, 111..
April 18
R, Kennicott
7152
O
Fort Steilacoom, \V. T.
Aug. 2, 185C
Dr. Suckley
514
715G
do
do
256
7125
do...
do
59451
o
do -.
Dr. Cooper
5 00
7 00
7155
do
do .. .
:JG9
7153
10208
$
Sacramento valley
Fort Trjon.
Lt. Williamson..
Dr. Heennann ..
7154
Puebl.) creek, N. M...
Jan. 22, 1854
Lt. Whipple .
47 IvutiQ. and Moll.
817G
i
Mexico
J. Gould
LFeet white; Iris and bill, brown.
374
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family SITTINAE.
SITTA, Linnaeus.
Sitta, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Agassiz.)
CH. — Bill subulate, acutely pointed, compressed, about as long; as the head ; culmen and commissure nearly straight ;
gonys convex and ascending ; nostrils covered by a tuft of bristles directed forward. Tarsi stout, scutellate, about equal to the
middle toe, mucli shorter than the hinder, the claw of which is half the total length. Outer lateral toe much longer than
inner, and nearly equal to the middle. Tail very short, broad, and nearly even ; the feathers soft and truncate. Wings reach
ing nearly to the end of the tail, long and acute, the first primary one-third of (or less) the third, or longest.
This genus differs from Sittella in having the hill entire, not notched, the tail longer, &c.
There are several species in the United States, which may be arranged as follows :
a. Crown MacJt.
Pure white "beneath. Bill stout 8. carolincnsis.
Similar. Bill slender S. aculeata.
Brownish rusty beneath, a black stripe through the eye , S. canadcnsis.
b. Crown not Hack.
Crown light brown. Hind toe much longer than the middle one S. pusilla.
Crown greenish plumbeous. Hind toe about equal to the middle one ..S. pygmaea.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw Bill
toe. alone. ; abovo
|
Along
gape.
Specimens mea
sured.
176-2
do.
1761
do.
10209
10210
818
do.
2073
do.
1925
3342
Sitta carolinensis
do ....
Carlisle, Pa ^
do '
5.40
6.50
3.55
2.20
0.70
0.86 0.24 0.70
0.88
Skin
Fresh
do
do . ... ' O
5.36
6.00
5.42
5.32
4.20
4.58
4.10
4.58
4.00
4.00
3.58
3.75
3.40
3.43
2.68
2.66
2.60
2.58
2.60
2.40
2.02
0.73
0.90 0.26 0.76
0.84
Skin
do
do
11.25
Fresh
Fort Tcjon, Cal.... <$
do Q
Carlisle,Pa £
do
do p
do
Georgia
Upper California. . .
2 10
2.12
1.70
1.56
0.69
0.70
0.60
0.62
0.78 0.24 0.76
0.80 0.25 0.76
0.68 0.22 0.58
0.70 0.22 0.56
0.90
0.93
0.64
0.66
Skin
do
Sitta canadcnsis
do
do
do
Sitta pusilla
Sitta pygmaea
Skin
Skin
8.50
8.08
Fresh
1.52
1.44
0.56
0.58
0.64 0.20 0.54
0.62 0.20 0.50
0.68
0.62
Skin
SITTA CAKOLINENSIS, Grmelin.
White-bellied Nuthatch.
Sitta europuea, var. y, carolinensis, GMELIN, I, 1788, 440.
Sitta carolincnsis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. 1, 1790, 262.— WILSON, Am. Orn. 1, 1808, 40 ; pi.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825.— IB.
List 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 227.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 581. — AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 299 : V, 1839, 473 ; pi. 152.— IB. Birds Amor. IV, 1842, 175 ; pi. 247.
Silta melanocephala, VIEILLOT, Gal. I, 1834, 171 ; pi. clxxi.
gp_ CH. Above ashy blue. Top of head and neck black. Under parts and sides of head to a short distance above the eye
white. Under tail coverts and tibial feathers brown ; concealed primaries white. Bill stout.
Length, about 6 inches ; wing, about .TJ.
Halt. — Eastern North America to the high central plains. West of this replaced by S. acuhala.
BIKDS CERTIIIADAE SITTA CAROLINENSIS.
375
Third and fourth quills about equal ; fifth a little shorter ; second intermediate between fifth
and sixth. Top of the head and back of the neck, with upper part of back, lustrous greenish
black ; rest of upper parts ashy blue. Under parts generally, with sides of head and neck,
white, this color extending from the base of the upper mandible over the eye ; tibial feathers,
with inner webs of under tail coverts, light rufous brown. Quills white at the extreme base
and on the basal portion of the inner webs. Wing feathers dark brown above, except the
coverts, the tertiaries, and the ends of primaries and secondaries, which are nearly black, all
edged more or less with the color of the back, which becomes more whitish on the tips of the
quills and the edges of the outer primaries. Under wing coverts black. Central tail feather
like the back ; the rest black, with a broad subterminal band and more or less of the outer web
white.
The female differs only in having the black of the head with an ashy gloss.
In comparing a large series of specimens together, (about thirty in each,) from the two sides
of the continent, the western, as a general rule, have more slender bills than the eastern. I
can detect no other difference whatever. This constitutes the character of Mr. Cassin's species,
S. aculeata.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
Wlien col
lected.
Whence obtained .
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
1615
Carlisle, Pa
July 18, 1844
S. F. Caird
6 08
10 83
3 58
1761
O
do
Jan. , 1845
do
6 00
11 25
3 75
1762
A
do
do
do
6.50
68U2
Ft. Leaven worth, K. T...
do
Lieut. Couch
17
8337
8336
O
Q
Independence, Mo
do
Dec. 24, 1854
June 6, 1857
Win. M. Magraw .. ..
do
62
Cl
Dr. Cooper ....
do
5.90
6 00
10.50
10 °5
3.37 ; Iris and bill black, feet
gray.
3 75
5628
A
East of Fort Riley
do
Tit. Bryan
28
W. S. Wood.
!
5871
Fort Riley, K. T
June 18, 1856
Hammond & DeVesey.
5870
do
do
SITTA ACULEATA, Cassin.
Slender-bill Nuthatch.
Sitta aculeata, CASSIK, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, Oct. 1856, 254.
SP. CH. — Precisely similar to S. carolinensis, but the bill slenderer and more attenuated.
Hub. — Pacific coast, and east towards the Rocky mountains.
It is a very difficult matter to decide whether the western white-breasted nuthatches are to be
considered merely as varieties of S. carolinensis or as distinct species. The only difference I can
discern is the much slenderer bill, a character, however, which is constant in all before me, (about
thirty specimens,) while the stout bill is seen in all east of the Missouri plains. Thus, the
depth of the bill opposite the base above is .14 of an inch ; the width at same point is .17,
instead of .17 and .22, respectively. Specimens from Washington Territory, however, appear
to be intermediate in this respect between more southern and eastern ones.
The young bird is similar, but duller, the under parts tinged with reddish brown.
376
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When Whence obtained,
collected.
Orig. Collected by— j Length.
No.
Stretch
of wings.
6808
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
May 1,1856 Dr. Suckley
353 , C. 00
10. 50
6809
do
1854 Gov. Stevens.
104 Dr Suckley
6810
.. do
Dr Suckley
i 4. 87 ?
9 50
6811
do
....... do
258 ..
6812
do
do
208 . : 6. 00
10.00
5502
C80C
Pctaluma, Cal
San Francisco
E. Samuels
R. D. Cutts
280 :
4944
San Jose, Cal
.. A. J. Gravson
4492
do
10209
<J
Fort Tejon
J. X. de Vesey
1268
10210
0
do
875
6807
100 miles W. of Al nquerque
. . Lt. Whipple... .
26 Kenn. & Mb'll..
SITTA CANADENSIS, Linn.
Red-bellied Nuthatch.
Sitta canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 177.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 583.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 24 : V,
474 ; pi. 108.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 179 ; pi. 248.— BON. Consp. 1850, 227.
Sitla varia, WILS. Arn. Orn. I, 1808, 40 ; pi. ii.
Sitta stulta, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict.(?)
Sr. CH. — Above ashy blue. Top of head black ; a white line above and a black ono through the eye. Chin white ; rest of
under parts brownish rusty. Length about 4| inches ; wing, 2§.
flab. — North America to the Rocky mountains. Probably also to the Pacific.
Fourth quill longest ; third a little shorter, "but longer than fifth ; second intermediate
between sixth and seventh. Above ashy blue. Top of head from bill to occiput deep black ;
sides of head and chin white, with a narrow black band from the bill through the eye ; under
parts generally yellowish rusty, deepest towards the tail. Under wing coverts tinged with
black. Wing feathers brown, edged with the color of the back, and without white or black
marking. Tail feathers narrowly tipped with bluish ; central one like the black ; rest of
feathers black ; the first and second with a subterminal, the third with a terminal bar of white.
The female has the black of the head tinged with dark ash ; the under surfaces lighter, more
of a muddy white.
I am unable to detect any difference between eastern and western specimens. One of the latter
(6839) has the bill much stouter than any others I have seen from either side of the continent,
being quite as broad at the base as in a much larger S. carolinensis from Pennsylvania.
The rusty belly and white streak over the eye, with the black one through it, will readily
distinguish this from any other North American species.
BIRDS — CERTHIADAE — SITTA PUSILLA.
377
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch ; Wing.
' if wings.
6937
Selkirk Settlement
Dr Gunn
818
;?
Carlisle Pa
Get. 19 1842
S. F Baird -
4. 16
8.50 2.66
2073
do
April 5 1845
do
4.58
8.12 2.58
5280
r?
Cedar island Mo
1856
Lieut Warren
Dr. Hayden ...
8890
Black Hills Neb
Sept 30 1857
do
do
4.50
8. 38 | 2. 50
8889
do
do
do
. do
4.25
7.50 2.57
6838
Saeramento valley
Lieut. Williamson.
6839
. do
do
do
SITTA PUSILLA, Latham.
Brown-headed Nuthatch.
Sitta pusilla, LATH. Index Orn. I, 1790, 263.— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 105 ; pi. xv.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832,
584.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 151 ; pi. 125.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 181 ; pi. 249— BON. Obs.
Wilson, 1825, No. 61.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 227.
Sp. CH. — Above ashy blue ; top of head and upper part of neck rather light hair brown, divided on the nape by white. Eye
involved in the brown, which is deeper on the lower border. Beneath muddy whitish ; sides and behind paler than the back.
Middle tail feathers almost entirely like the back. Length of female 4 inches ; wing, 2|.
Ilab.— South Atlantic (and Gulf?) States.
Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal, although the fourth is longest ; second shorter
than seventh. Above ashy blue; the top of the head and upper part of nape brown, the
middle of the latter interrupted by a large whitish spot ; the lower edge of the brown involving
the lower edge of the eye, and of a darker color than elsewhere. Chin and sides of head and
throat below the brown white. Kest of under parts pale bluish ash, lighter than on the back,
and tinged with dirty white on the throat, breast, and middle of abdomen. No white markings
on the wings. Feathers of tail tipped with bluish ; innermost feather like the back ; others
black ; the two outer with a subterminal bar of pale whitish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch
lof wings.
Wing.
2398
Savannah, Ga _ .
S. F. Baird
Jos. Leconte .
3086
Q
Liberty county, Ga _J 1846
do
W. L. Jones
4.00 i 7.50
2 50
3090
$
do ' 1846
. ..do
do
4. 40 8. 00
2. 75
3091
$
do ! 1846
.do
... do
4. 20 ' 8. 50
2. 70
48 b
378
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SITTA PYGMAEA, Vigors.
California Nuthatch.
Sitta pygmaca, VIGORS, Zoo}. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 25 ; pi. iv.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1339, C3 ; pi. 415.— IB.
Syn. 1839, 168.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 184 ; pi. 250.— NEWBERRT, Zool. Cal. Or. Route ; P. R. R.
Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 79.
gp_ QH Above ashy blue; head and upper part of neck greenish ashy brown, its lower border passing a little below the eye,
where it is darker ; nape with an obscure whitish spot Chin and throat whitish ; rest of lower parts brownish white ; the sides
and behind like the back, bat paler. Middle tail feather like the back ; its basal half with a long white spot ; its outer web
edged with black at the base. Length about 4 inches ; wing, 2.40.
Hab. — Pacific coast and towards Rocky mountains.
Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest. General color above ashy blue.
Top of head and nape and sides of head ashy brown, with a greenish tinge, the lower portion
(passing through the eye) of a purer brown and darker. Chin, upper part of throat, sides of
head, and an obscure spot on the nape dividing the brown, white ; sides of body like the back,
but paler ; rest of under parts pale rusty or brownish white. Inner tail feathers like the back,
but with a long white spot at the base ; all the feathers tipped with ashy blue ; rest of feathers
black ; the first and second with a subterminal oblique bar of white.
This species is closely related to Sitta pusilla of the southern States. The brown of the head
has, however, an olivaceous green tinge not seen in the other ; the white spot on the nape less
distinct. The middle tail feather has its basal half white and the outer web edged with black
at the base. This black edging is never seen in the other, and the white patch reduced to a
faint trace, only visible in very high plumaged specimens.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
3312
California - -
S. F. Baird
Dr Ganibel
3729
do
W. Hutton
do
6840
Ft. Colville, W. T.
Oct. — , 1853 ...
I. I. Stevens
Dr Cooper
6804
Cold Spring, R. Mts
Nov. 17, 1853. _.
Lieut. Whipple
22
6803
San Francisco Mts
Dec. 27, 1853...
do...
do
BIRDS PARIDAE POLIOPTILA. 379
Family PARIDAE.
First primary very short, generally less than half the second, which is considerably less than the third. Tarsus longer than
the middle toe, strongly scutellate anteriorly ; hind toe rather shorter than the middle. Entire basal joint of middle toe united
to the lateral toes. Bill short, straight, conical, usually without notch. Wings short ; tail rather long, rounded, or graduated.
In the limited number of forms of this family in North America, I am unable to define the
sub-families with any degree of precision, except to state that Polioptila appears to belong to
one, and the true titmice to another. In Polioptila the bill is long, slender, and distinctly
notched, the nostrils open, while in the titmice the bill is shorter, more conical, entirely without
notch, and the nostrils concealed by feathers. Other differences will be found mentioned under
the respective genera.
POLIOPTILINAE. — Bill slender, elongated, distinctly notched ; nostrils not covered by bristly
feathery, but exposed ; nostrils elongated.
PARINAE. — Bill short, conical, without indication of notch ; nostrils rounded, completely
concealed by elongated bristly feathers directed forwards.
POLIOPTILA, Sclater.
Polioptila, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 11. Type Motacilla caerulea.
Culicivora, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 243. ype C. atricapilla. Not Culicivora (type sfenura) of Swainson's
Zool. Jour. IK, 1827, 359.
CH . — Bill slender, attenuated, but depressed at the base; nearly as long as the head, distinctly notched at the tip, and
provided with moderate rictal bristles. Nostrils rather elongated, not concealed, but anterior to the frontal feathers. Tarsi
longer than the middle toe, distinctly scutellate ; the toes small ; the hinder one scarcely longer than the lateral ; its claw
scarcely longer than the middle. Outer lateral toe longer than the inner. First primary about one-third the longest ; second
equal to the seventh.* Tail a little longer than the wings, moderately graduated ; the feathers rounded.
The species all lead color above ; white beneath, and to a greater or less extent on the exterior of the tail, the rest of which
is black. Size very small.
Two species of this interesting genus are now known to belong to the United States in
addition to the one described by Wilson and Audubon.
Synopsis of species.
Two outer tail feathers entirely white. A narrow frontal line, extending back over the eye,
black 'P. caerulea.
Outer tail feather, with the whole of the outer web (only) white. No black on the forehead,
but a stripe over the eye above one of whitish , P. plumbea.
Edge only of outer web of outer tail feather white. Entire top of head from the bill black.
P. melanura.
380
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT
Comparative measurements of species.
Cat.il.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length. i Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw Bill
toe. alone, above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
10214
616
7191
7192
7187
do.
71?9
do.
9110
Polioptila caerulea
do
do
South Illinois..,.
War-hington, U.C.
do
S
Q
cT
3
Q
4 60 2.06
2.10
2.38
2.26
2.04
2.18
2.20
0.62
0.68
0.67
0.70
0.71
0.64
0.44 0.12 0.38
0.46 0.14 0.43
0.48 0.14 0.42
0.44 0.13 0.38
0.47 0.12 0.42
0.43 0.13 0 40
0.52
0.54
0.50
0.50
0.52
0.40
Skin
Skin
Fresh ....
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh....
4 50 , ; 2 10
4.60 6.50 , 2 10
4.16 j 1.84
Polioptila melanura
do
San Diego
4.20 1.80
Polioptila plumbea
Boca Qrande,Mux
do
4.50 1.83
5.00 8.00 2.00
4.40 1.80
4.00 5.00 2.00
4.44 i 1.91
Camp 119
do
o
2.14
0.65
0.44 0.12 0.38
0.45
Skin
Fresh
1.97
0.71
0.47 0.11 0.44
0.56
Skin
POLIOPTILA CAEPOJLEA, Sclater.
Blue-Gray Flycatcher.
Motacilla caerulea, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 43. — GMELIN, I, 1788, 992.
Sylvia caerulea, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 30; pi. Ixxxviii.— BON. Obs. Wils.
1825, No. 119.
Muscicapa caerulea, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 164; pi. xviii, f. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 431 ; pi. 84. —
NUTTALL, I, 183-2, 297.
Culicivora caerulea, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850 — AUD. Syn. 1839, 42.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 244 ; pi. 70.
Sylvania caerulea, NUTTALL, Man. I. 2d ed. 1840, 337.
Polioptila caerulea, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 11.
Motacilla cana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 973.
Sylvia cana, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 543.
? Culicivora mexicana, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 316. Female. (Not of Cassin.)
Sp CH. — Above grayish blue, gradually becoming bright blue on the crown. A narrow frontal band of black extending
backwards over the eye. Under parts and lores bluish white tinged with lead color on the sides. First and second tail feathers
white except at the extreme base, which is black, the color extending obliquely forward on the inner web ; third and fourth
black, with white tip, very slight on the latter ; fifth and sixth entirely black. Upper tail coverts blackish plumbeous. Quills
edged externally with pale bluish gray, which is much broader and nearly white on the tertials. Female without any black
on the head. Length, 4.3d ; wing, 2.15 ; tail, 2.25. (Skin.)
Hob. — United States from Atlantic to Missouri, and on the southern border from the Gulf of Mexico to the coast mountains
of California. South to Guatemala.
In addition to the above characters there is a narrow white ring round the eye. The lores
are rather paler than the cheeks. The black above the eye runs out into a point a little
behind it.
The exposed portion of the first or spurious quill is less than half that of the second. This is
intermediate between the seventh and eighth. The fourth quill is rather longer than the third
and fifth. The narrow tail feathers are long and linear. They are moderately graduated; the
outer about a quarter of an inch less than the middle.
Specimens vary somewhat in the amount of black on the forehead, as well as the purity of
the whitish on the tertiaries. All the white feathers of the tail have black shafts, sometimes
the white tip of the fourth feather is wanting. The feathers of the rump are decidedly whitish
towards their base, though this is not visible except when they are separated. Some entirely
white are concealed by the others.
Specimens from Tamaulipas differ in a more attenuated bill, and in having the black super
ciliary line bordered below on the lores and before and above the eyes by bluish white, rather
BIRDS — PARIDAE POLIOPTILA CAERULEA.
381
more conspicuous than in eastern specimens, although some from Illinois come quite near to
it. Skins from the Mimbres, however, appear precisely similar to eastern ones. Occasionally,
especially in winter skins, (7194,) the black advances further along the inner web of the second
tail feather, and has a more transverse outline. This is the case in one specimen from Fort
Thorn, while another is like eastern ones. The same is the case in Nos. 7193 and 7194, from
the Organ mountains. These specimens are smaller than usual, with shorter wings; but I
am unable to observe any other characters of difference.
In the collection before me is a specimen from the Colorado river, California, (4593,) which
is very similar to eastern specimens, although it is of large size, and has rather more black on
the tail. It is, however, in too imperfect condition (in addition to being probably a female) to
exhibit its complete characteristics.
A female Polioptila, probably P. bilineata of Bonaparte/ labelled, by Mr. Verreaux, P.
mexicana, Bonap., and atricapilla, Vieill., and received from him, is very similar to the female
of P. caerulea, but differs in having the sides of the head as white as the throat; this color
seen above the eye as a well marked line. Nothing like it is seen in the female of the other
species, where there is a narrow whitish ring round the eye but no superciliary white, the
whole sides of the head plumbeous, nearly as dark as the crown. The outer two tail feathers
are white, as in caerulea. The spurious primary is much larger than in caerulea, being more
than half the second quill. It is unquestionably distinct from any of the known species of the
United States. It differs from P. melanura and plumbea in the white outer tail feathers, and
from caerulea in the white cheeks and large first primary. It agrees pretty well with G, bill-
neat a of Bonap.
Gundlach describes a Oulicivora (Polioptila) lembeyi from Cuba, (Annals N. Y. Lye. Feb.
1858,) differing from the caerulea, in having a black line extending from behind the eye around
the ear coverts. The outer tail feathers have more black on them.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sf\. Locality.
When col
Whence obtained. Orig'l
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
Wing
Remarks.
No.
lected.
1 No.
of wings.
616
Q Washington, D. C
April 5, 1842
S. F. Baird i
Wm. M. Baird...
615
*
.. do. .. . . do
do
do
Win. Ilutton i
KI213
Union county, 111
April 20, 1857
N. W. University
R. Kennicott
lO'JH
J^
South Illinois
May 15, 1857
do
2401
•*
Savannah. Ga
1845
S. F. Baird
TV
Indian Key, Fla
Aug. 27, 1857
G. Wurdemann |
5.50
6.50
2.00
Black eyes A legs ;
bill blackish....
4Gb2
C?
Bald island, \"eb
April 25, 1856 Lieut. Warren !
Dr. 11 ay den
4.50
C.50
2.25
Eyes black
5641
$ •
East ft' Fort Riley June 16, 18 j6 Lieut. Bryan 15
VV. S. Wood
719.3
9
Organ mountains, Tex Major Emory ;
J. H. Clark
5.00
6.50
2.04
7ia-i
O do do
do
5.00
6.50
2 04
7188
Fort Thorn, N. M Dr. T. C. Henry
•Mf-,
(J i Tamaulipas, Mex
•
3!)b4
9
. do . . 1853 . do.
4. (10
2.00
Eyes dark brown.
4593
9
Colorado river, Cal Major Emory
A. Schott
9223
Mexico Iiihu (innld :
9222
1 POLIOI'TILA BILINEATA, SclatCF.
Culiciwra bilineuta, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 3!G.
Polioptila bilineatu, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 12.
382
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SUKVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
POLIOPTILA PLUMBEA, B a i r d .
Culidvoraplumbea, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. VII, June, 1854, 118.
Sp. CH. — Above bluish gray ; the forehead uniform with the crown. Eyelids white. A pule grayish white line over the eye ;
above which is another of black, much concealed by the feathers, and which does not reach to the bill. Under parts dull
white, tinged with bluish on the sides, and with brownish behind. Tail feathers black ; the first and second edged and tipptd
with white ; involving the entire outer web of the first, and most of that of the second ; the third with only a very faint edging
of the same. Female without the black superciliary line. Length, 4.40 ; wing, 1.80; tail, 2. 30. (7189.)
Ilab, — Valley of Colorado and Gila.
The lail of this species is considerably graduated, the outer feather being nearly .40 of an inch
shorter than the middle one. The bill is rather short and broad at the base. The wings are
short ; the exposed portion of the first primary more than half as long as the second, which is
rather shorter than the secondary quill ; the third quill is about equal to the sixth, and con
siderably shorter (.14 inch) than the fourth and fifth, which are equal.
There is a good deal of brown in the bluish of the back ; the quills are all margined with
paler blue, which becomes whitish on the tertiaries.
This species is about the size of P. caerulea, but rather larger. The bluish above is not so
pure, having a dirty olivaceous tinge. Both have the black streak over the eye ; but this in
caerulea is continuous with a black frontal band, while in plumbea the forehead is like the
crown, and the superciliary line does not extend over the lores. The light superciliary line is
also more distinct. The under parts are of about the same color in both species. The tail is
very different, the feathers being entirely black, the exterior edged only with white instead of
having the two outer almost entirely white, as in caerulea.
From P. melanura this species differs in lacking the black crown. It is larger, the under
parts are purer white. The tails are somewhat alike, but the entire outer web of the first and
generally the second feather in plumbea are white, instead of being only narrowly edged with
this color.
List, of specimens.
Catal.
Sex&
Local tity. iWhen collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by — i Remarks.
No.
age.
No.
!
7189
C?
Camp 119, Bill Williams' Fork.1 Fob. 11, 1854
Lt. Whipple
91
Kcnn. and Moll . 1 Eye black ..
<$
Camp 113 Feb. 5 1854
do
70
do
7187
9
Boca Grande, Mex ' Mar. — , 1855
Maj. Emory
38
Dr Ivenncrly
POLIOPTILA MELANURA, Lawrence.
CuZicirora ntncapilla, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyceum, V, Sept. 1851, 124. Not of Swainson.
Culicivora mexicana, CASSIN, Illust. I, vi, 1854, 164; pi. xxvii. Not of Bonaparte.
1'olloptila melunura, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. VI, Dec. 1856, 1G8.
SP. CH. — Above ashy blue ; whole crown to bill and eyes, and tail feathers lustrous greenish black. Beneath pale bluish
gray, almost white in the middle of the belly ; the sides behind, with anal region'and under coverts tinged with brown. Edge
of eyelids and the margin and tip of the outer web of first and second tail feathers white. Female without the black head.
Length, 4.15 ; wing, 1.85 ; tail, 2.10.
//«&. — Valley of the Rio Grande and Gila. West to San Diego.
BIRDS — PARIDAE — LOPHOPIIANES. 3 83
The tail feathers of this species are entirely black except as stated, and exhibit a crimped
appearance. The size of the species is decidedly less than in P. caerulea. The tail is more
graduated, the outer feathers being about .35 of an inch shorter than the middle. The wings
are more rounded ; the second quill considerably shorter than the secondaries, the third scarcely
longer ; very different from caerulea. The exposed portion of the first primary is half that of
the second.
The edges of the quills are paler than the ground color, but the tertials do not have the
decided white of caerulea.
The synonymy of Swainson's species will be found in the accompanying foot note.1
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and Locality,
age.
Whence and how obtained.
Collected by —
7191
(J San Diego, Cal . _ . ..
Lieut. Williamson
Dr Heennann
7192
Q Fort Yuma, Cal ..
do
do
Sub-Family PARINAE.
LOPHOPHANES, .Kanp.
Lophophanes, KAUP, Entw. Gescli. Europ. Thierwelt, 1829, (Agassiz.) Type Parus cristatus.
Baeolophus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850- '51, 91. Type Parus bicolor.
CH. — Crown with a conspicuous crest. Bill conical ; both upper and lower outlines convex. Wings graduated ; first quill
very short. Tail moderately long and rounded.
Of this genus there are several North American species, all agreeing in general characters.
One of these, the L. ivolhveberi, is given by Cabanis as typical, while he separates the L. bicolor
generically under the name of Baeolophus^ as having a rather different form of crest, stouter
bill and feet, and longer wings. All of our species, however, vary in these characters, each one
showing a different combination, so that I prefer to consider all as belonging to the same genus
with P. cristatus.
The species, all of which have the under parts uniform whitish; may be arranged as follows :
Above plumbeous ; forehead black ; crown much like the back L. bicolor.
Above plumbeous j forehead whitish ; crown black , L. atricristatus.
Above olivaceous; forehead and crown like the back L. inornatus.
Sides of head banded black and white ; crown ash ; throat black L. wolliueberi.
1 The following is the synonymy of Swainson's species which has the two outer tail feathers white :
POLIOPTILA LEUCOGASTRA, Sclater.
Sylvia leucogastra, MAXIM. Beitrage, III, 1830, 710.
Polioptila leucogastra, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 12.
Culicivora leucogastra, BURMEISTER, Th. Bras. Vogel, 1856, 111.
Culicivora atricapilla, SWAINSON, Zool III. N. Ser. pi. Ivii. (Not of Lawrence.)
Culicivora dumecola, Br. Conspectus. 1850, 316. Not Syleia dumecola of Vieillot.
384
II. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Cutal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex. Length
Stretch of
wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw
toe. alone.
Bill
above.
0.46
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
823
do.
10118
6752
6757
5515
do.
3340
9220
9221
6797
Lophoplianes bicolor
do
Carlisle, Pa
do
$ 5.92
.. . 6.25
10.00
3.12
3.16
3.00
3.32
2.80
2.55
2.75
2.56
2.52
2.54
2.52
3.20
0.82
0.76 0.24
0.52
Skin ....
do
. do
Washington, 1). 0
Q 5.60
6.60
2.90
3.30
2.80
2.46
0.80
0.82
0.76
0.80
0.66 0.20
0.74 0.24
0.66 0.22
0.74 0.22
0.46
0.49
0.40
0.44
0.50
0.54
0.52
0.46
Skin ....
Skin ....
Skin ....
Skin ....
Fresh , . .
Skin
Skin ....
Skin ....
Skin ....
Lophophanes atricrislatue
Lophophanes inornatus..
do
Fort Clarke, Texas
Petaluina, Cal
do
5.30
S I 5-°°
5.54
7.00
do
! 5.04
2.52
2.20
2.48
2.43
0.78
0.71
0.63
0.67
0.70 0.23
0 52 0.16
0.50 0.18
0 58 0.18
0.42
0.36
0.35
0.34
0.48
0.40
0.37
0.35
<? 4.70
4.80
Lophophanes wollvvebi-ii.
do
Fort Thorn
: 4.40
LOPHOPHANES BICOLOR, Bon.
Tufted Titmouse.
Parus bicolor, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 340 — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 137 ; pi. viii, f. 5.— BONAP. Obs. Wils.
.1. A. N. S. IV, 1825, 225.— IB. List, 1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 199 : V, 1839, 472 ; pi.
301.— IB. Birds America, II, 1841, 143 ; pi. 125.
Lophophanes bicolor, Bp. List Birds Europe, 1842. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 228. — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1853, 18.
Baeclophus bicolor, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 91. Type.
Sp. CH. — Above ashy black ; a frontal band. Beneath dull whitish ; sides brownish chestnut, of more or less intensity.
Length, 6.25 inches ; wing, 3.17.
Hab. — Eastern North America to the Missouri river.
Feathers of the crown elongated into a flattened crest, which extends back as far as the
occiput. Bill conical ; lower edge of upper mandible nearly straight at the base. Fourth and
fifth quills equal ; third a little shorter than seventh; second rather shorter than the secondaries.
Tail nearly even, the outer about .20 of an inch shorter than the longest. Upper parts ash
color, with a tinge of olivaceous. Forehead dark sooty brown. The feathers of the upper part
of the head and crest obscurely streaked with lighter brown. Under parts of head and body,
sides of head, including auriculars, and a narrow space above the eye, dirty yellowish white,
tinged with brown ; purest on the side of head, the white very distinct in the loral region, and
including the tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils, excepting the tips of those in contact
with the bill, which are blackish. The sides of the body and the under tail coverts are tinged
with yellowish brown. The quills and tail feathers are edged with the color of the back, without
any whitish. Bill black. Feet lead color.
Specimens from the west differ from eastern ones almost enough to constitute distinct species.
They are considerably larger ; the crest longer. The bill is blacker and more sinuate along the
cutting edge of the upper mandible. The black of the forehead is deeper and more sharply
defined. The brownish rusty of the sides is much more conspicuous, while the under tail coverts
are much lighter, almost pure white. Should these be considered as sufficiently distinctive
characters by ornithologists, the species might bear the name of Lophophanes missouriensis, from
the river on or near which all the specimens before me were collected.
BIRDS PAEIDAE LOPHOPHANES ATRICRISTATUS.
385
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No. ;
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch ! Wing,
of wings, i
7579
Washington, D. C__-
Wm. Hutton.
823 $
Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 2, 1842
S. F Baird
6 30
10 00 3 17
1292 Q
do
Mar. 11, 1844
do
5 67
9 67 3 08
6987 (?
St. Louis, Mo
May 13, 1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan .
83
W. S. Wood
4731
St. Joseph, Mo
April 22, 1856
Lt. Warren. .
6 37
10 50 3 25
4730
Fort Leaven worth
April 21, 1856
Lieut Couch
5
6752
do
Jan. 20, 1855
do.
7514 ....
j
Independence, Mo
Northern Illinois
June — , 1857
Winter
W M. Magraw . .
R Kennicott
60
Dr. Cooper .
6.25
10.00 3. 25
' 3
Union county, 111
April 8, 1857
N. W. University
R. Kennicott-.
1
LOPHOPHANES ATRICRISTATUS, tlassin.
Black-crested Tit.
Parus atricristalus, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. V, Oct. 1850, 103 ; pi. ii. Texas.
Lophophanes atricristatus, CASSIX, Illust. I, 1853, 13 ; pi. iii.
Sp CH — Crest very long and pointed, (1.25 inches). Above ash colored. A broad band on the forehead dirty white, rest
of head above, with crest, black, tinged with ash on the sides. Color of the back shading insensibly into the dull ashy white of
the under parts. Sides of body pale brownish chestnut. Female with the crest duller black. Iris dark brown. Length, about
5.25 inches ; wing, 3.00.
Hah. — Valley of the Rio Grande and south.
This species is smaller than L. bicolor, but the ashy of the back is of much the same shade.
The frontal white band is quite conspicuous. The tail is a little rounded. The bill is a good
deal sinuated on the edge of the upper mandible ; its color is black ; the legs dark plumbeous.
This species is easily distinguished from L. bicolor by the white forehead and black crest. It
has the same rusty sides. L. inornatus differs in the plain crest, and less conspicuous frontal
light band, the more olivaceous tinge above, and the absence or mere trace of the brownish rusty
of the sides. The crest of atricristatus is much longer, narrower, and more pointed than in
the other two species. The bill is black, not horn color.
As usual the southernmost specimens are smallest.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch of
wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
3974
_7\
Lieut. Couch
96
5.25
8.00
3.00
Eyes dark br'n ; bill black.
3975
o
do
do
97
4.75
7.50
2.50
do do
6"56-
6757
do
do
do
9111
49 b
386
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS, Gas sin.
Parus inornate, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. II, Aug. 1845, 265, (Upper California.)— IB. HI, Feb. 1847,
154.— IB. Jour. Ac. N. Sc. Phila. 2d Series, I, Dec. 1847, 35 ; pi. viii.
Lophophanes inornntus, CASSIV, 111. I, 1853, 19.
Sp. CH . Crest elongated. Color above olivaceous ashy, beneath whitish. Sides of body and under tail coverts very faintly
tinged with brownish, scarcely appreciable. Sides of head scarcely different from the crown. Forehead obscurely whitish.
Length, 5 inches ; wins;, 2.55.
Hah, — Coast of California and southern Rocky Mountains.
The bill and feet of this species are lead color. The third, fourth, and fifth quills are longest;
the third and eighth about equal ; the second is shorter than the shortest primaries. The lateral
tail feathers are a little shorter than the others.
A specimen from Fort Thorn has the crest longer than in other specimens before me, measuring
1.35 inches from base of bill to its tip. This may be a characteristic of the male, the sexes
being otherwise alike.
This species differs from L. bicolor in having a whitish instead of black front, a more oliva
ceous back, and in lacking the ferruginous tint of the sides. The size is considerably less.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
3923
California .
Dr. Heermann
3340
do
S. F. Baird
Dr Gambel
55151
3
Petaluma Cal
E. Samuels ._
59252
Santa Clara Cal - - - - -
Gov. Stevens ..
Dr. Cooper
5923
do
do
do
4951
San Jos Cal-
A. J . Grayson
18
6754
Tejon v ley.. .
Lt. Williamson .
Dr. Heermann
Fort Te m
John Xanthus de Vesey
6755
$
Sacramento valley
do
6753
Mimbres to Eio Grande
Dr Henry
1 Shot October, 1855. Length, 5.12; extent, 8.50,
° Length, 5.60 ; extent, 8.50. Feet pale blue.
LOPHOPHANES WOLLWEBERI, Bon.
Lophophanes wollweberi, BON. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, Sept. 1850, 478. — WESTERMANV, Bijdragen tot de Dier-
kunde, III, 1851, 15, Plate.— CASSIV, 111. I, 1853, 19.
Pants annexus, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. V, Oct. 1850, 103 ; pi. i. (Texas.)
Lophophanes galeatus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850-'!, 90.
Sp. CH. — Central portion of crest ash, encircled by black, commencing as a frontal band, and passing over the eye. Chin,
throat, and a line from behind the eye and curving round the auriculars to the throat, (bordered behind by white,) as also
some occipital feathers, black. A white line from above the eye margining the crest, with the cheeks below the eye and
under parts generally white. A black half collar on the nape. Upper parts of body ashy. Length, about 4.50 ; wing, 2.50.
Hal. — Southern Rocky mountains, and south into Mexico on the Table lands.
This is the most variegated species of its genus in North America, and is readily distinguished
from the others. I regret, however, that none of the specimens before me exhibit the bird
in its perfect plumage.
The elongation of the feathers of the head extends quite to the occiput. The feathers on the
anterior half of the crown are ashy ; their extreme base black. The feathers composing the
BIRDS PAE1DAE PARUS.
387
black frontal band, too, have a few of these short, pale, ashy white tips. The posterior elongated
feathers of the crown and the short feathers of the occiput are black. The lateral feathers
behind, however, are white, in continuation of the streak over the eye. In most specimens the
black crescentic line behind the eye is much broken by white. There does not appear to be
any rusty tinge on the sides, as in L. bicolor.
The black post-auricular crescent is bordered behind by white, running into a whitish collar
just behind the black of the throat. The nape below the crest is black, this dividing and
passing around the upper half of the neck as a half collar posterior to the white.
The bill is very short and conical. The second primary quill is longer than the secondaries ;
the third is intermediate between the eighth and ninth.
The upper parts are of much the same tinge of olivaceous as in L. inornatus.
The young birds differ in having the black less intense, especially on the throat.
Poor specimens have a slight resemblance to Parus montanus. This, however, lacks the
crest ; the forehead is white, not black ; the middle of the crown is black, not ash colored ; the
white of the cheeks is not bordered behind by a black crescent, connecting the stripe behind the
eye with the throat.
This species is much more like the European L. cristatus than any other American titmouse.
It differs in the much stouter bill, absence of rufous on the eides, more black on the throat, the
feathers of the crown ash, like the back, instead of being black, edged with whitish. The
black crescent behind the eye runs into the black of the throat, instead of stopping in the white
cheeks. The posterior cervical half collar of black is cut off from that of the throat, instead of
being continuous with it. The resemblance of the two species would be much strengthened if
the posterior black collar were made to run into the neck, and the crescent on the cheeks inter
rupted below.
Cabanis, in Mus. Heineanum, places this species in the same genus with the typical L.
cristatus, and separates the L. bicolor, as type of a new genus, on account of the stouter bill,
difference in character of crest, longer wings, &c. The other American crested titmice, how
ever, exhibit a very gentle gradation between the two, while the bill of L. wollweberi is even
stouter in proportion than in L, bicolor.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
1
Length. : Stretch
•of wings.
Wing.
6794 '•• Q
Copper mines
. . ..... .. Col Graham
3 ; J. H Clark
5.00 | 8.00
2. 50
679(i I
do
do
6797 I ...
Mimbres to R Grande
....... .. Dr Henry
j
6795
Pueblo creek N. M .
Jan 22 1854 Lt Whipple
50 Keun and Moll
1
Mexico
. . _ ... J. Gould
j
PARUS, Linnaeus.
Parus, LINNAKUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Agassiz.) Type P. major.
Cn — Head not created. Body and head stout. Tail moderately long, and slightly rounded. Bill conical, not very stout ;
the upper arid under outlines very gently and slightly convex. Tarsus but little longer than middle too. Crown and throat
generally black.
388
U. S P E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
In the group, as defined above, are embraced several genera of modern systematists. Thus
the true black-capped American titmice are placed under Poecile of Kaup, where possibly they
belong. The species may be arranged as follows :
A. Head and neck above and below entirely black ; their sides white. (Poecile.')
Outer tail feathers and the tertiaries conspicuously edged with white. Outer edges of
greater wing coverts also nearly white.
Largest. Wing, 2.70 inches; tail much rounded, or even graduated, exceeding 3.00,
or longer than wings P. septentrionalis.
Wing and tail about 2.50 inches, and nearly equal. Tail nearly even. Body
beneath white, tinged on the sides with brownish yellow P. atricapillus.
Size and shape much like the last. Tail more rounded. Beneath pale yellowish
rufous brown, lighter only along the median line P. occidcntalis.
Outer tail feathers and the tertiaries pale grayish, not white. Greater wing coverts
without paler edges. Tail nearly even, shorter than the wing.
Wing, about 2.60 inches; tail, 2.45. Beneath plumbeous; similar to the back,
only paler P. meridionalis.
Smaller. Beneath white, faintly tinged with reddish brown, conspicuously
different from the back P. carolinensis.
B. Crown and throat black, with white frontal and superciliary stripe.
Above plumbeous; beneath white P. montanus.
C. Throat sooty brownish ; sides of body bright reddish brown.
Back and wing coverts chestnut brown ; crown not very different from the
throat P- rufescens.
Back grayish olive brown. Crown similar P. liudsonius.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catnl.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length .
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape
Specimen
measured.
3704
6766
Parus septeritrionalis. ..
do
Salt Lake city
;».40
5.80
2.72
2.5-2
2.96
3.00
0.68
Lc«s
0.58
broken.
0.18
0.34
0.40
0.40
0.42
Skin
Skin*
8827
... do
Black Hills, Neb .. .
5.30
2.64
2.86
0.61
0.60
0.22
0.33
0.46
Skin
do
do
do
8 25
2 75
Fresh
8493
do
Fort Mass., N. M...
0
5.32
2.6-2
2.98
0.64
0.58
0.18
0.34
0.40
Skin
830
Carlisle, Pa
o
4.80
2 50
2.50
0.62
0.55
0.18
0.36
0.40
Skin
do
do
do
V
5 00
7 75
2 50
Fresh....
803
do
do
do ..
do
do
4.74
4 91
7 75
2.50
2 41
2.44
0.60
0.56
0.20
0.36
0.42
Skin
Fresh....
676-2
do.
Parus occidentalis
do
Fort Vancouver. . . .
do . .
5.00
4 50
7 50
2.46
2.50
0.64
0.56
0.20
0.36
0.42
Skin
Fresh....
6703
do
Shoal water bay ....
5.00
2.42
2.52
0.66
0.60
0.20
0.36
0.44
Skin
do
do ....
do
5 00
7 50
Fresh ...
10203
Parus meridionalis ....
Mexico
5.00
2.60
2.54
0.68
0.56
0.18
0.36
0.42
Skin
706
Washington, D. C.
J>
4.60
2,50
2 50
0.60
0.54
0.20
0.32
0.38
Skin
do
do
... do
4 62
7 00
Fresh....
5643
Parus montanus
Medicine Bow cr'k
o
5.50
2.90
2.90
0.78
0.58
0.20
0.44
0.50
Skin
3894
962
do
do
California
Fort Tejon
5.00
4.80
2.58
2.70
2. 41
2.58
0.64
0.72
0.64
0.60
0.21
0.22
0 42
0.42
0.42
0.44
Skin
Skin
do
do
. do
5 00
8 00
Fresh
6786
Fort Vancouver...
4.46
2.36
2.16
0.64
0.60
0.18
0.35
0.40
Skin. ...
do
do
do
4 75
7.50
Fresh....
6784
2926
do
Parus hudsonicus
San Francisco ....
Canada i
4.44
5.14
2.42
2.40
2.30
2.66
0.64
0.70
0.56
0.55
0.18
0.19
0.40
0.38
0.44
0.44
Skin ,
Skin
* Very poor specimen.
BIRDS — PARIDAE — PARUS SEPTENTRIONALIS. 389
PARUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, Harris.
Lons-tailed Chickadee.
Pants septentrionalix, HARRIS, Pr. A. IS1". Sc. Phila. II, 1845,300. (Upper iVlissouri.)— CASSIN, Illust. I, i, 1853,
17.— IB. I, 111, 18f>2, 80 ; pi. .\iv.
Sp. CH — Length, about 5.50 inches ; win<r, 2.70 ; tail, about 3 inches. Head above and below black, separated by white on
the sides of the head , back brownish ash. Beneath white, tinged with pale brownish white on the sides. Outer tail feathers,
primaries, and secondaries broadly edged witii white, involving nearly Uie wl'ole outer web of outer tail feather. Tail much
graduated ; the outer feather about .30 of an inch shorter than the middle. Second quill about as long as the secondaries.
Hub. — Missouri river to the Rocky mountains
This species is similar in general characters to the P. atricapillus, but is considerably larger,
with proportionately longer tail. The fifth and sixth quills are equal, the fourth scarcely
shorter, the third about equal to the seventh, the second about the length of the secondaries.
The tail is long, considerably rounded ; the outer abruptly shorter than the second. The
greatest difference in the length of the tail feathers is .30 of an inch ; in some specimens almost
half an inch. The difference between primaries and secondaries amounts to .41 of an inch.
The top of the head and nape, with the chin and throat, are black ; the space between the
two white. The middle of breast and belly are dirty white. The sides strongly tinged with
yellowish brown, as are also the under tail coverts. The upper parts, except as described, are
grayish ash, washed with yellowish browa, especially on the rump. The third to the seventh
primaries and the inner secondaries are edged with ashy white ; the latter conspicuously so.
The outer webs of the outer three tail feathers edged with whitish, almost white on the first
one, where the line of demarkation is quite distinct. All the tail feathers, indeed, have more
or less of a light edging, which on the outermost edge of the inner is plumbeous.
In a considerable series of specimens before me of this species, all agreeing very nearly in
size, there is one (67 76) from New Mexico possessing all the characteristics of the species in
an exaggerated degree, even more so than Mr. Harris' typical specimen. It is larger ; the tail
more graduated ; the upper parts are more yellowish ; the black of head and neck is less exten
sive. The white margins of the primaries and secondaries are very conspicuous, and the entire
outer web of the exterior tail feather is white, except towards the base.
Tins species is very similar to the P. atricapillus, but differs from it somewhat as alricapillus
does from carolinensis. Its size is much greater ; the tail proportionately longer, and much
more graduated ; the white of wing and tail purer and more extended. The bill appears to be
stouter and more conical. The back has, perhaps, a little more yellowish. The spurious or
first primary is larger.
A specimen from Fort Massachusetts (8493) agrees in general characteristics of form, but
differs in having a sooty tinge in all the white parts, above and below. This is analogous to
conditions frequently seen in other species, and may be either an actual tendency to melanism,
or the result of actual soiling of the feathers wich the carbonaceous matter of burnt trees, or
from other causes.
390
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Oris'l Collected by— Length.
No.
1
Stri tch
>f wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
N. W. University..
Dr. Hoy
7513
,?
June, 1857...
Dr. Cooper
43 i 5.50
8.00
Feet black
4732
April 21, 1856
Lieut. Warren
l Dr. Hayden 5.50
7.50
2.75
6765
do. ...
Nov. 27, 1854
Lieut. Couch
5574
Fort Riley, K. T
Dr. Hammond . ...
5873
do
1856
5872
do
1856
5641
3
E!i"t of Fort Riley
June 18, 1856
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
29 W. S. Wood
4733
*
Mouth ot Bin Nemaha. . . .
April 2, 1856
Lieut Warren
Dr. Havden ! 4.37
8.00
2.75
6766
R. H. Kern
6769
Capt. Pope
88as
8827
Black H.lls, Neb
do
Sept. 15, 1857
do
Lieut. Warren. ...
do
Dr. Hayden 5.50
do . . . 5 75
7.75
8 37
2.75
2 75
8493
Q
Fort Massachusetts, N. M.
Dr. Peters
Salt Lake Citv
Capt. Stansbury.. ..
i
PARUS ATRICAPILLUS, Linn.
Black-cap Titmouse.
Parus atricapillus, LINN. Syst. Nat I, 1766, 341.— GM. I, 1788, 1008.— FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.—
WILSON, Am. Orn. \, 1808, 134 ; pi. viii, f. 4.— BON. Obs. Wilson, J. A. N. S. IV, 1825, 254.
(Differences from P. pahistris.) — AUPUBON, Orn. Biog. IV, 1838 ; pi. 353, f. 3 — IB. Birds Amer.
II, 1841, 146 ; pi. 126.— CASSIN, 111. I, i, 1853, 17.
Poecila atricapilla, BON. Consp. 1850,230
Parus palustris, NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 79
Sp. <^H. — Second quill as long as the secondaries. Tail very slightly rounded ; lateral feathers about .10 shorter than middle.
Buck brownish ashy. Top of head a"d throat black, sides of hea'l between them white. Beneath whitish ; brownish white
on the sides. Outer tail feathers, some of primaries, and secondaries conspicuously margined with white.
Length, 5 ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.50.
Hab. — Eastern North America along the Atlantic border.
In this species the first quill is spurious ; the fourth quill is longest ; the fifth and sixth
successively a little shorter ; the third is about equal to or a little shorter than the eighth ; the
second is a very little longer than the secondaries. The tail is a little rounded, the innermost
feather longest, the rest successively a little shorter. The greatest difference in length of tail
feathers amounts to .10 of an inch.
The entire crown, from the bill to the upper part of the back, coming down on the sides to
the lower level of the eye, is pure black, although the edge alone of the lower eyelid is of this
color. A second black patch, begins at the lower mandible and occupies the entire under
surface of the head and throat, but not extending as far back within a quarter of an inch as
that on the upper part of the neck. The space between these two patches, on the sides of the
head and neck, white, this color extending along the black of the back of the neck as far as its
truncated extremity, but not bordering it behind. The middle of the breast and belly, as far
as the vent, are dull white, that immediately behind the black of the throat a little clearer.
The sides of the breast and body under the wings, with the under tail coverts, are pale, dull
brownish white. The back, rump, and upper tail coverts are of a dirty bluish ash, washed with
yellowish brown, especially on the rump. The wings are brown ; the outer edges of the third
to the seventh primaries narrowly edged with whitish ; the innermost secondaries more broadly
BIEDS PARIDAE PAEUS OCCIDENTALS.
391
and conspicuously edged with the same ; larger coverts edged with dirty whitish. Outer webs
of tail feathers edged with white, purest and occupying half the weh in the external one, nar
rowing and less clear to the central feathers, the basal portions, especially, assuming more the
color of the back.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
8.'JO Q
Carlisle Pa
Oct. 22 1842
S F Baird 5.00
7.75
2. 50
803
. .do .
0 t. 14, 1842
.do 4.92
7.75
2.42
PAKUS OCCIDENT ALIS, Baird.
Western Titmous •
Sp CH. — Tarsi lengthened. Tail graduated ; outer feather about .25 of an inch shorter than the middle.
Above dark brownish ash ; head and neck above and below black, separated on the sides by white ; beneath light dirty, rusty
yellowish brown, scarcely whiter along the middle of body. Tail and wings not quite so much edged with whitish as in
P. atricapillus.
Length, about 4. 75 ; wing, 2.40 ; tail, 2.40.
Ilab. — North Pacific coast of United States.
This species is of the same size as P. atricapillus, and resembles it in its markings ; the ashy
of the back is, however, washed with a darker shade of yellowish brown. The brown of the
under parts is so much darker as to cause the predominant color there to be a pale yellowish
brown, instead of brownish white. The fourth quill is longest; the fifth and sixth a little shorter
than the third ; the second is about as long as the secondaries. The tail is rounded, rather
more so than in atricapillus, the difference in the lengths of the feathers amounting to about
.25 of an inch. The amount of light margining to the quills and tail feathers is much as in
atricapillus, but rather less, perhaps, on the tail.
It is rather a hazardous undertaking to add another to the list of North American black-
capped and throated titmice ; but if we have three good species now, instead of one, then the
present is equally entitled to specific distinction with carolinensis and septentrionalis. In
external form it resembles the typical atricapillus, as to average size, length of wing and tail,
and general amount of white, differing in all these appreciably from septentrionalis. It is,
however, more different from it, in its dark colors, almost brown beneath, than any of the others
are among themselves, while the tarsi are even larger than in septentrionalis.
This species seems to be the Pacific representative of the American black-capped titmice, as
septentrionalis belongs to the middle region.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained. ! Orig'l i Collected by — Length.
No.
Stretch
ofwingg.
Wing.
Remarks.
6763
6768
676-2
4r>38
6767
9211)
Slionl water bay Sept 12, Ib51
Dr. Suckley ; Dr. Cooper 5.00
Gov. Stevens. ... do .... 5 12
7.50
7.62
7.50
Iris brown
Port Vancouver, W. T Feb. 4, 1854
do 25 do 4.50
Dr Suckley ....
Iris black
St. Helen's, Columbia river Jan. 27,1856
do 209 , 5.515
7.EO
2.50
392 U. S. P. R. R EXP AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PAKUS MEBIDIONALIS, Sclater.
Mexican Titmouse.
Parus meridionalis, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 293.— IB. 1857, 81. (El Jacale, Mex.)
SP. CH. — Generally similar to P. atricapillus. Tail nearly even ; second quill rather shorter than the secondaries ; first not
quite half as long as second. Head and neck above and below black ; their sides white ; rest of upper parts soiled ash ; beneath
a rather palrr tint of the same ; lighter, almost whitish, along the middle of the belly, and behind the black of the throat. No
whitish on the wing coverts or tail feathers. The quills edged externally with dull bluish white, most conspicuous on the inner
most. Length, 5.00 ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.45.
Hab — Eastern Mexico.
This species appears to be perfectly distinct from any of the North American titmice, as
shown by the examination of the typical specimen, received from Mr. Gould. The size of body
and character of wing and tail are much as in P. atricapillus, from which it differs in the entire
absence of whitish edgings on the coverts and tail feathers. The extreme outer edge of the
outer tail feather indeed is of a very dull whitish, but even this is not seen on the others.
There is almost no white on the under parts, which are of the same shade with the back, only
paler, and with a lightening along the median line. There is nothing of the reddish brown or
rusty whitish wash on the side seen in nearly all the North American titmice. The second and
third quills are decidedly shorter than in atricapillus.
In the absence of light edgings to the wing coverts, and in their reduction to a minimum on
the quills and tail feathers, there is a close resemblance to P. carolinensis. This, however, has
more whitish on the edges of quills and tail feathers, and the under parts are tinged with a
very pale reddish brown, instead of the decided soiled ash of the other. The proportions of
the quills are similar.
From P. occidentalis this species differs in the ashy tinge of the under parts, instead of the
rather deep reddish brown, these colors in both encroaching greatly on the median whitish so
conspicuous in the other species. The tail feathers are not so black, nor have they nor the quills
edgings quite so light. The tail is more nearly even.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
!
Collected by —
10203
El Jacalo, Mexico --
. _ John Gould (type specimen)
A. Salle „-
PAKUS CAEOLINENSIS, Audubon.
Carolina Titmouse.
Parus carolinensis, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 341 : V, 474 ; pi. 160.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 152 ; pi. 127.— CASSIN,
Illust. 1, 1853, 17.
Poecila carolinensis, BP. Consp. Av. 1850, 230.
SP. CH. — Second quill appreciably longer than secondaries. Tail very little rounded. Length about 4.50 inches ; wing less
than 2.50 ; tail 2.40. Back brownish ash. Head above, and throat, black, separated on sides of head by white. Beneath
white ; brownish white on sides. Outer tail feathers, primaries, and secondaries, not edged with white.
Hab. — South Atlantic States to Washington.
This species is very similar to the P. atricapillus, but is smaller. The first quill, as in all the
titmice, is spurious ; the fourth and fifth are equal ; the sixth a little shorter than the third
BIRDS PARIDAE PARUS CAROLTNENSIS.
393
and seventh, which are equal ; the second quill is appreciably longer than the longest second
aries. The tail is slightly rounded, the greatest difference in length of the feathers being .15
of an inch.
The top of the head and upper part of the neck are black, this color coming down to the
lower edge of the eye. The under part of the head and the anterior part of the throat are
also black, this color not extending as far back below as above. The space between the black
patches is white, which borders the upper one obscurely on the posterior portion of the side,
but not on the posterior extremity. It also suffuses the posterior portion of the black of the
throat. The under parts are dirty white, on the sides and posteriorly tinged with pale brownish.
The upper parts are of a dirty bluish ash, tinged with yellowish brown, especially on the rump.
The quills are all margined with bluish ash, like the back, which is a little paler on the inner
most secondaries, and third to seventh primaries, but not conspicuously so ; not at all white.
Outer webs of tail feathers all edged with the color of the back, becoming rather lighter from
the central to the external ones ; never white, however, nor with a well defined line of demark-
ation on the outer web of the outer tail feather.
This species is very similar to the P. atricapillus , and were they to be separated by a wide
interval of locality it might be a question whether it might not be a mere variety. As, however,
both are found together in the middle States, and preserving their characteristics, there will be
little risk in considering them distinct.
This species is, in general, rather smaller than P. atricapittus, although the tail and wing
appear of much the same size. The body and feet are, however, smaller, the extent of wing
three-quarters of an inch less. The bill is apparently shorter and stouter. The difference in
size is, perhaps, even greater than that given by the measurement, as, without a male P. atri-
capillus or female carolinensis before me at the time of writing, I am obliged to compare males
of the smaller kind with the female of the larger.
The primaries are proportionally and absolutely considerably longer than the secondaries in
the present species, the difference being .55 of an inch, instead^of .45. The tail is rather more
rounded, the feathers narrower.
The only difference in color appreciable in the specimens before me is the absence of the
strongly whitish edgings to the outer tail feathers, the third to the seventh primaries, and the
secondaries, the latter especially. There is a lighter shade on these parts, but never of the
almost white and well defined character seen in P. atricapillus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. ! hence obtained.
Collected by —
Length. ! Stretch
'of wings.
COT
^
Washington D C
Fob 22 1842 S F Baird
Wm M Baird
4. 25 C. 50
706
do . .
April 5, 1842 ! do
do
4.62 7.00
.
50 b
394
U. S. P. R« R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PARUS MONTANUS, Gam Lei.
Parus montanus, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, April, 1843, 259, (Santa Fe.)— IB. Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, Feb. 1847,
155.— IB. Jour. A. N. Sc. 2d series, I, Dec. 1847, 35; pi. viii, f. 1.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1853,18.
SP. CH. — Head ami neck above, with under part of head and throat, glossy black ; forehead, line above the eye and one
below it, involving the auricular?, white. These stripes embracing between them a black line through the eye and confluent
with the black of the head. Above ashy ; beneath similar, but paler ; the upper part of breast and middle line of belly white.
Length about 5 inches ; wing, 2. GO ; tail, 2.40.
Jlab. — Pacific coast of United States, probably to the Rocky mountains.
In tliis species the tail is nearly square ; the outer feather a very little shorter. The fourth,
filth, and sixth quills are equal ; the third less than the seventh ; the second rather shorter
than the secondaries. The whole side of the head from the bill is whitish ; this color margins
the black of the neck all the way to its extremity on the upper part of the back, where it is
duller. A black line commences within the white just anterior to the eye, in a line below with
the lower eyelid and above a little above the upper lid. The quills and tail feathers are
margined paler, but there is no white, especially on the secondaries.
This species may be very readily distinguished from P. atricapillus by the white front and
the white line over the eye cutting off a black one through it. The general colors above are
purer ash ; below the sides are ashy instead of yellowish brown white. The white on the head
has rather a bluish tinge.
A specimen, apparently of this species, from Medicine Bow creek, (5G43,) though marked
female, is larger than those from California, as shown by the measurements. I can detect no
other difference, except that the black on the neck appears more restricted. A female from
Fort Tejon lacks the whitish of the forehead, the black of the crown coming down to the bill.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. •
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. ! Collected by —
No.
4390
Fob 1855
Dr Suckley
171 .. ..
3894
California
Dr Heermann
6800
''
TejoQ pass
Lieut. Williamson . .
..... Dr. Heermann . ....
6801
-
do
do.
FortTejon
J. X. de Vesey
6798
6799
Mimbres to Eio Grande
do
Dr. T. C. Henry
..do
5643
o
Aug 7 1856
222 W S. Wood
PAKUS KUFI^CENS, Towns.
Chestnut-backed Tit.
Parus rvfescens, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, 11, 1837, 190.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 371 ; pi.
353.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 158; pi. 129.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1853, 18.
Poecila rufescens, BON. Consp. 1850, 230.
SP. CH. — Whole head and neck above, and throat from bill to upper part of breast, sooty blackish brown. Sides of head
and neck, upper part of breast, and middle of body, white ; back and sides dark brownish chestnut. Length, 4.75 inches;
wing, 2.36; tail, 2.16.
Hab.— Pacific coast of the United States.
BIRDS PARTDAE PSALTRIPARUS.
395
The brown cap passes through, the lower eyelid as far as can he detected, and its lateral edge
and the throat are darker than the top of the head. The third, fourth, and fifth primaries
have their edges rather whiter than elsewhere.
The female has the colors rather duller.
List of specimens.
CaMl.
No.
Sex. 1 Locality.
When collect- Whence obtained,
ed.
Orig'I
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Remarks.
6778
Fort Steilacoom VV. T
March 18">6 Dr. Suckley
283
5 00
7.50
6779
do
April 16, 1856 . ... do
310
5 00
7.75
6789
$ .... do
May 2,1856 do
354
5 00
8.00
6790
.... ....do
295
5 00
7.50
G791
do
March, 1856 do
263
6792
...do.. .
do
248
4.50
6.50
2931
Columbia river
S. F. Baird
1924
do
...do..
do
1926
Fort Vancouver, VV. T. ..
Dec. 29, 1853 Gov. Stevens ......
41
Dr. Cooper
4.75
7.50
Iris brown, legs gray, bill
1927
252
4.50
6.50
black.
1921
19-25
San Francisco
Q ....do
Lt. R. S. Williamson .
do
Dr. Heermann
PAKUS HUDSONICUS, Forster.
Parus hudsonicus, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383, 430. — LATHAM, Index Ornith. I, 566. — "MILLER,
Cimel. Phys. 1796 ; pi. xxi, A," (Gray.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 543; pi. 194.— IB. Birds
Amer. II, 1841, 155 ; pi. 128.— CASSIN, 111. I, 1853, 18.
Sp. CH. — Above yellowish olivaceous brown ; ton of head purer brown, not very different in tint. Chin and throat dark sooty
brown. Sides of head white. Beneath white ; sides and anal region light brownish chestnut. No whitish on wings or tail.
Tail nearly even, or slightly emarginate and rounded. Lateral feathers about .20 shortest. Length about 5 inches ; wing,
2.40 ; tail, 2.66.
Hub. — ^Northeastern portions of North America to the north Atlantic States.
This species is quite different from, the other North American titmice, though most
resembling P. rufescens.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2926
Eastern North America __
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon ....
PSALTRIPARUS, Bon.
Psaltriparus, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, 1850, 478. Type P. melanotis.
Jlegitlialiscus, CABANIS, Museum Heincanum, 1851, 90. Type Parus erythrocephalus .
Psaltria, CASSIN, 111. N. Am. Birds, 1853, 19.
CH. — Size very small and slender. Bill very small, short, compressed, and with its upper outline much curved for the
terminal half. Upper mandible much deeper than under. Tail long, slender, much graduated ; much longer than the wings ;
the feathers very narrow. Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe. No black on the crown or throat.
This group of titmice is very well marked among the American species, and is closely allied
to the genus Psaltria of Temminck. A comparison with a typical specimen of P. exilis from
396
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Java, in the collection of tlie Philadelphia Academy, shows that the bill in the last mentioned
genus is much shorter, deeper, and with the vertical outlines more curved. The wings are
longer, being nearly equal to the tail. The hind toe is a little longer than the middle anterior
one, not shorter ; the outer lateral claw reaches to the middle of the central one instead of only
to its base. The legs are yellow instead of black. P. exilis is much smaller than any American
titmice, measuring but little over three inches. The American species of Psaltriparus are,
however, the smallest of our Parinae.
The species may be arranged as follows :
a. Head striped ivilh black on the sides.
The stripes passing under the eye and uniting on the occiput.
.P. melanotis.
b. No stripes on the head,
Back ashy ; crown light brown P. minimus.
Back and crown uniform ashy P. plumbeus.
The first mentioned species differs in longer and more compressed bill from the others, and
may stand alone in the genus, and the others be referred to Psaltria or elsewhere.
Comparative measurements of species.
Ciital.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Lengtl).
Stretch
of wings
U'ing. ' Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw Bill
alone, above.
Along
gape.
Specimens
measured .
Psaltriparus plumbeus
Little Colorado
4.20
2.03 2.62
0.66
0.41
0.14 ' 0.26
0.32
Skin
6774
do ,
Camp 120
4.44
1.92 ! 2.50
0.64
0.44
0.14 0.26
0.33
Skin
0922
Simla Clara
4.00
1.86 [ 2.26
0.60
0.46
0.13 0.27
0.30
Skin
6758
Fort Stcilacoom
4.10
1.84 ! 2.38
0.60
0.44
0.12 0.28
0.32
Skin
3718
do
California
3.62
1.76 ! 1.98
0.66
0.44
0.12 j 0.29
0.32
Skin
4 25
1.95 : 2.40
.61
.43
do
3.52
1.90 ! 2.30
56
.47
.14 .19
PSALTRIPAEUS MELANOTIS, B o n a p .
Black-cheeked Tit.
Parus melanotus, SANDBACH, Pr. Brit. Ass. VI, 1837, (1838,) 99, (only named.) — P. melanotis, HARTLAUB, Rev.
Zoo\. 1844,216.
Poecila melanotis, Bp. Consp. Av. 1850, 230.
Jlegithaliscus melanotis, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850-1, 90.
Psaltria melanotis, WESTERMANN, Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde, 1851. — CASSIN, 111. I, 1853, 20.
Psaltriparus melanotis, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXIII, 1854.
Psaltriparus personatus, Bp. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, Sept. 1850, 478.
Psaltria personata, WESTERMANN, Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde i, 1851, 16; plate.
SP. CH. — A black patch on each cheek nearly meeting behind. Crown and edges of the wing and tail ash gray ; rest of
upper parts yellowish brown, lighter on the rump. Beneath whitish; anal region tinged with yellowish brown. Length
about 4 inches ; wing, ] .90 ; tail, 2.30.
Hab. — Eastern Mexico to the Rio Grande.
In this species the bill is moderately long and considerably compressed ; the culmen straight
at the base, then rapidly curving to the tip which slightly overhangs the lower jaws; the gony
also is decidedly curved, less so than the culmen. The tarsus is much longer than the middle
toe ; the outer lateral toe rather the longer, and reaching the base of the middle claw ; the hind
BIRDS PARIDAE PSALTRIPARUS MINIMUS. 397
too nearly or quite equal to the middle. The wings are short ; the primaries, however, con
siderably exceeding the other qnills ; the exposed portion of the first quill nearly half that of
the second, which is shorter than the secondaries ; the outer primaries much graduated to the
filth, (longest.) The tail is long (much longer than the wings) and considerably graduated
laterally ; the outer feather about half an inch shortest.
The back and rump with tail coverts of this species are of a dirty yellowish brown. The
sides of the head starting at the base of the bill, passing through and a little above the eyes,
and passing backwards around on the nape, where it narrows to a line and almost or quite
meets its fellow, are of a lustrous greenish black. The crown as enclosed by the black, the
edges of the quills and tail feathers are ash gray^ the forehead rather lighter. The whole
under parts, including the lower tail coverts, are dirty white ; the region back of the thighs
and about the anus tinged with yellowish brown. The outer tail feather is edged with whitish.
Bill and feet black.
The species is described from specimens in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy, from
Guatemala. It should really be credited to Hartlaub, 1844.
PSALTRIPARUS MINIMUS, Bonap.
Least Tit.
Pants minimus, TOWNSEXD, Jour. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, n, 1837, 190.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 382 ; pi. 353, fig.
5, 6.— IB. Birds Arnor. II, 1841, 160 ; pi. 130.
Poecila minima, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 230.
Psaltria minima, CASSIN, Illust. I, 1853, 20.
Psaltriparus minimus, BONAP. Comptes Ilendus, XXXVIII, 1854 ; Notes Orn. Delattre, 45.
Sp. CH. — Tail long, feathers graduated. Above rather dark olivaceous cinereous; top and sides of head smoky brown.
Beneath pale whitish brown, darker on the sides. Length, about 4 inches ; wing, 1.90 ; tail, 2.25.
Hub. — Pacific coast of United States.
The bill of this species is slender, the upper mandible not twice as large as the lower; gently
but considerably curved to the tip without any notch. The wings are short and concave, the
exposed part of the first or spurious quill about half as long as that of the second primary,
which is shorter than the secondaries. The wing is much rounded, the primary quills
increasing successively to the sixth, the seventh a little shorter, the fourth longer than the
eighth. The tail is long, the feathers very narrow; it is considerably rounded or wedge-
shaped, a little emarginate in the middle, the exterior feather abruptly shorter than the second,
the rest increasing gradually to the fourth, which is longest. The greatest difference in the
length of the feathers is about .45 of an inch. The tarsi appear unusually long compared with
those of other titmice.
The upper parts are of an ashy gray, with a dull olivaceous tinge. The top and sides of the
head arc of a pale smoky brown, almost with a purplish tinge ; the head in decided contrast to
the back. The under parts generally are whitish brown, or brownish white with a tinge of
yellowish on the abdomen, the sides more strongly of a pale smoky brown, somewhat similar
to that on top of the head, but paler. The tail and wing feathers are edged with the color of
the hack except the third to the seventh primaries, Avhich are margined whitish ash. Bill
and legs blackish in the dried specimen.
There is quite an appreciable difference between specimens of this species from Washington
Territory and California; the latter are smaller, the under parts paler. In the specimens before
me, however, I see no grounds for specific distinction.
3t)8
U. S. P. R R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Sex. Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by—
67 Cl Fort Steilacoom W. T
Dr. Suckley
302
6758 (J do
...... do ....
336
6759 ' do
do
327
3924 California
Dr Heermann
59221 Santa Clara, Cal
Gov Stevens
Dr. Cooper
6760 $ I Sacramento valley
Lt R S. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
3715 Los \ngeles Cal
Wm. Hutton
Fort Tejon Cal
J. X. de Vesey._ . . .. -
Length, 4.25; extent, 5.75. Iris brown ; bill black ; feet lead color.
PSALTBIPABUS PLUMBEUS, Baird.
Psaltria plunibea, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, June 1854, 118. Little Colorado.
Sp. CH. — Tail long, feathers graduated. Above rather light olivaceous cinereous. Top of head rather clearer ; forehead,
chin, and sides of head, pale smoky brown. Beneath brownish white, scarcely darker on the sides. Length, about 4.20 inches ;
wing, 2.15 ; tail, 2.50.
Hal. — Southern Rocky mountains.
This diminutive species has the bill slender, the point of the upper mandible elongatee and
gently curved. The tail is long, slightly emarginate, but graduated on the sides ; the exterior
abruptly shorter than the rest, which are rounded more regularly. The greatest difference
between the longest and shortest feathers is .45 of an inch. The fifth quill is longest, the
sixth and fourth barely and successively shorter ; the third and eighth about equal ; the second
shorter than the secondaries. The entire upper parts are of a bluish ash with an olivaceous
shade, rather clearest on the head. The sides of the head and the chin are pale smoky brown ;
the forehead is tinged with the same. The under parts are dirty brownish white, lightest on
the throat, a little more brown on the sides of the body. The tail feathers and quills are edged
externally with the color of the back ; the edges of the third and seventh primaries slightly
paler.
Specimens vary somewhat in the clearness of their tints, which are sometimes a little darker,
sometimes lighter.
This species is very similar to the Psaltriparus minimus of the west coast, which it represents
in the Kocky mountain region. It is, however, appreciably larger, the wings and tail propor
tionally longer. The top of the head is plumbeous, uniform with the back, instead of smoky
brown. The back is a paler ash, the under parts darker.
The specimens collected by Messrs. Kennerly and Mollhausen are labelled differently as
respects the color of the iris, some being marked as yellow, others as black. I find no other
appreciable difference, however, between them.
BIKDS— PARIDAE — PAROIDES.
399
List of specimens.
Catal.
No. ,
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by— Length. Stretch
No. of wings
Wing. Remarks.
6770
Fort Thorn N VI
Dr Henry
Little Colorado N M
Nov 185'?
6775
Dee 18 1853
do
...: .... do ' 4.50 ' 5.50
6770
Gimp 111 Bill Williams' fork
Feb 1 1854
do
62 do
(5777
6774
Camp 1°0 Bill Williams' fork
Feb. 1,1854
Fob 1° IfYl
do
do .
63 do 4.12 6
9J . .do
Eyes black...
Eyes yellow .
do
Fob 12 18~>4
do
; 95 do
do
PAROIDES, Kaup.
Paroides, KAUP, Entw. Gesch. Europ. Thierw. 1816. (Gray.) Type P. pendulinus.
*1cgithalus, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 556. Same type.
CH. — Form sylvicoline. Bill conical, nearly straight, and very acute ; the commissure very slightly and gently curved.
Nostrils concealed by decumbent bristles. Wings long, little rounded ; the first quill half the second ; third, fourth, and fifth
quills nearly equal, and longest. Tail slightly graduated. Lateral toes equal, the anterior united at the extreme base. Hind
toe small, about equal to the lateral. Tarsus but little longer than the middle toe.
Tliis genus differs from all other North American titmice in the greater length of the quills,
the third heing the longest, or very nearly so, instead of the fourth or fifth. The hind toe is
rather short, the claw scarcely larger than that of the middle toe. In this respect, and the
shorter tarsi, it differs from Psaltriparus, (minimus,*) and its bill is much more straight and
acute than this, or any other United States species.
Comparing the single American species with the type of Paroides, (pendulinus,') the bill,
though much elongated, is not quite so conical and acute, the upper outline being slightly
convex instead of perfectly straight, or even concave. The legs are much longer, the tarsus
measuring (the skins of nearly the same size) .60 of an inch instead of .54. The claws are
much smaller and more delicate, which makes the lateral toes shorter as well as the hinder one,
which does not exceed the middle toe without the claw, instead of being almost as long as middle
toe and claw together. The tail is slightly graduated, instead of nearly even. The spurious
primary is longer ; the second quill shorter.
While it is thus similar to Paroides, it is totally distinct from Psaltria, (with exilis as the
type.) This differs entirely in the much shorter and more curved bill, longer legs,, shorter
wings, longer and more graduated tail, and dull plumage generally.
Although different from Paroides, as shown above, I prefer to continue it in this genus where
it was originally placed, being unwilling to create a new one for it, in my ignorance as to
whether some one already constructed upon foreign types may not include it.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality. Length. Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail. Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape. : measured.
6764
El Paso, Mex 4.60
2 19
2 20 0 62
0 50
0 16
0.35
0.34 Skin
do.
do 4.25 6.00
Fresli
10210
Paroides pcndulinug
Europe 4.42
2.23
1.94 0.56
....
0.50
0.20
0.36
0.40 Skin
400 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PABOIDES FLAVICEPS, Baircl.
Jlegithalusflaviceps, SUNDEVALL, Ofversigt af Vet. Ak. Forhandl. VII, v, 1850, 129. "Sitka or California."
Psaltria flaviceps, SCLATER, Pr. Z.^ol. Soc. XXIV, Mar. 1856, 37.
Conlrostrum ornatum, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyceum, V, May, 1851, 113 ; pi. v, fig. 1. Texas. (First introduction
into fauna of U. S.)
Sp. CH. — Above, cinereous ; head, all round, yellow : lesser wing coverts chestnut ; beneath brownish white. Length, 4.50
inches ; wing, 2.16 ; tail, 2.35.
Ilab. — Rio Grande. Valleys of Texas and Mexico.
In this species the bill is conical ; the outlines of the upper mandible very gently and uni
formly curved from the base, with an almost inappreciable downward bend near the tip. In
one specimen the lower edge of the lower jaw is curved slightly downward ; in another it is still
curved, but almost straight. The ridge is rounded ; the nostrils covered with superincumbent
leathers. The feet are stout and strong, but rather short ; the hind claw is short. The wings
are moderate ; the exposed part of the first or spurious quill is contained about two-and-a-half
times in the second primary, which is considerably longer than the secondary quills, and barely
shorter than the second primary ; the third, fourth, and fifth quills are equal, and longest.
The tail is rather short, slightly rounded ; the feathers moderately broad.
The upper parts in this bird (excepting the head) are of a light brownish plumbeous, tinged
with greenish yellow ; this color quite distinct at the junction of the downy and hairy portions of
the feathers, or across their middle line. This yellow is most evident on the rump, but here, as
elsewhere, is only appreciable when the feathers are raised. The head all round, and the upper
part of the throat, are greenish yellow ; the feathers on the crown more olivaceous green at their
tips ; those on the front with a tendency to orange at their bases. The under parts are dull
brownish white, slightly tinged with greenish yellow on the abdomen. The wings and tail are
brown, edged with the color of the back ; the edges of the outer tail feathers and of the prima
ries, rather paler. The lesser wing coverts are chestnut.
The specimen described is a winter specimen ; the spring plumage may be brighter. A spe
cimen from Saltillo, Mexico, is smaller than one from El Paso.
This bird differs very much in external form from PsaMriparus minimus, and if the latter really
belong to Psaltria, then the subject of the present article is erroneously assigned to Psaltria by
Mr. Sclater. In form it is much more like the sylvicolas, or even the typical titmice ; the bill is
broader, longer, more conical, and much less curved above than in P. minimus ; the outline of
the lower jaw also is slightly concave, instead of convex. The wings are larger ; the secondary
and tertials more nearly of a length ; the outer primaries much less graduated ; the spurious
first primary smaller. The tail feathers are proportionally broader, shorter, and more nearly
of a length ; the greatest difference being .16 of an inch instead of .45. The tarsi, toes, and
claws are shorter and stouter.
In reality this species has a close resemblance of form to the species of black-capped Parus,
with graduated tails, as P. septentrionalis. It differs from them, however, in a more elongated
and pointed bill, less curved above ; the outline of the lower mandible concave below ; the claws,
especially the hinder one, shorter. The primaries are less graduated, the third being longest,
(with the fourth and fifth,) instead of being nearly .15 of an inch shorter than the fourth.
BIRDS — PARIDAE — PAROIDES FLAVICEPS.
401
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Locality. When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Extent.
Stretch Wing.
of win:;.
Remarks.
0764
Kl Paso, Mex Dec. 26, 1S54
24
Dr. Kennedy 4.25
6.00 i
4015
Saltillo, Mex i
218
3.50
6.00 i 2.12
Eyes dark brown, feet
do
bluish, bill dark slate.
51 b
402 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family ALAUDIDAE.
First primary very short or wanting. Tarsi scutcllatc anteriorly and posteriorly, with the plates nearly of corresponding
positioned number. Hind claw very long and nearly straight. Bill short, conical, frontal feathers extending along the side
of the billj; the nostrils usually concealed by a tuft of bristly feathers directed forwards. Tertials greatly elongated beyond the
secondaries.
Of the family of Alaudidae but a single genus, EremopJtila, is found in North America. The most
characteristic feature of the larks, among the other Oscines is seen in the structure of the tarsus.
The anterior half of this is covered by divided scales lapping round on the sides, but instead of
the two plates which go one on each side of the posterior half, and uniting ultimately behind as
an acute ridge, there is but one which laps round on the sides anteriorly, and is divided into
scales like the anterior ones, but alternating with them. The posterior edge of the tarsus is as
obtuse as the anterior, instead of being very acute. There is a deep separating groove on the
inner side of the tarsus, and there may really be but one plate divided transversely, the edges
meeting at this place.
The other characters of the Alaudidae, the long, straight, or slightly curved hind claw, the
elongated tertials, and, to some extent, the shape of the bill, are shared by the Antldnae or
Motacittinae. Here, however, the posterior edge of the tarsus is sharp and undivided trans
versely, the toes more deeply cleft, the bill more slender, &c.
There are two very distinct groups among the larks, possibly entitled to rank as sub-families.
In the one the bill is stout, short, and conical. The nasal fossae transverse and completely
filled by the thick tuft of bristly feathers, and perforated anteriorly by a circular nasal opening.
In the father the bill is broader, more depressed, and straighter at the base. The nasal fossae
are large, elongated, their axis parallel to the commissure, with rather linear nasal openings,
not covered by feathers, but with merely a few bristles which do not conceal the nostrils. The
type of the former may be considered as the European skylark, to which our Neocorys spraguei
bears so much resemblance in habit, but there is no American representative in form, the species
all belonging to the other group, the Calandritinae of Cabanis, as distinguished from the
Alaudinac.1
EREMOPHILA, Boie.
Eremophila, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 322. Type Mauda alpestris. Sufficiently distinct from Eremophilus, Humboldt,
(Fishes,) 1805.
Pliileremos, BREIIM, Deutschl. Vogel, 1831.
" Otocoris, BONAPARTE, 1839. Type Jllauda alpestris." (Gray.) lam unablo to find where the genus is named.
CH. — First primary wanting ; bill scarcely higher than broad ; nostrils circular, concealed by a dense tuft of feathers ; the nasal
fossae oblique. A pectoral crescent and cheek patches of black.
This genus differs from Melanocorypha in having no spurious first primary,, although the other
characters are somewhat similar. Calandritis of Cabanis, with the same lack of first primary,
has a much stouter bill. The spurious primary, more depressed bill, and differently constituted
nostrils and nasal fossae of Alauda are readily distinctive.
1 The Melanocorypha calandra of Boie, (Alauda calandra,} is doubtfully referred to by Richardson, F. B. Am. II, 244, as found
in tho fur countries.
BIRDS ALAUDIDAE EREMOPHILA CORNUTA .
403
Comparative measurements of species.
Caial.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwin;;s.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw,
tou.
I!il
ahove.
Alonsr
gape.
Specimen
measured.
1190
I-'remophila coruuta
Carlisle, Pa
$
7 00
4 35
3.34
0 93
0.80 0.28
0.52
0 . 65
do.
ilo
do
7 75
14 75
4 50
8191
F.remophila occidentals ?
Fort Massachusetts.
3
7 -20
4 32
3.30
0.82
0.81 0.34
0.4S
0.62
3702
( O
Salt Lake (Jity . ...
6.60
4.10
2.81
0.88
0.76 0.30
0.40
0.51
Skin
8726
87JH
(i) (chrysolaema) ....
do
Frontera
6.40
5 83
4.00
3 83
•2.93
2 83
0.84
0 80
0 66 0.23
0.72 0 28
0.51)
0.40
0.56
0 52
Skin
(li>.
do
7 CO
11.00
4 00
Fresh .
9115
3
6 76
3 98
3.08
0.86
0.66 ' 0.22
0.48
0 6i)
Skin
8732
do
Q
6 70
3.68
2.70
0.78
0.73 0.24
0,44
0.66
Skin
EREMOPHILA COENUTA, Boie.
Sky Lark ; Shore Lark.
Eastern and Northern variety.
Mauda cornuta, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 85, (in text.) — RICH. F. Bor. Am. II. — MAXIM. Rcise Nord. Am. J,
1839, 367.
Eremephila cornuta, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 322.
Pkilerenios cornutus, BONAP. List, 1838.
Otocoris cornutns, of authors.
Jllaudaalpestris,FoR&TER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 85 ; pi. v, f. 4.— BON. Obs.
1825, Xo. 130.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 455.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 570; V. 448 ; pi. 200.—
IB. Syn. 1839, 97.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 44 ; pi. 151.— JARDINE, Br. Birds, II, 329, (Am. sp.)
Western and Southern variety.
Mauda chrysolaema, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 350.— Bp. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 111.
Mauda minor, GIRAUD, 16 sp. Texas Birds, 1841.
Mauda rufa, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 353 ; pi. 497.
Otocoris occidentalis, M'CALL, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. V, June 1851, 218, Santa Fe— BAIRD, Stansbury 's Report, 1852, 318.
SP. Cn. — Above pinkish brown, the feathers of the back streaked with dusky. A broad band across the crown, extending
backwards along the lateral tufts ; a crescentic patch from the bill below the eye and along the side of the head ; a jugular
crescent, and the tail feathers, black ; the innermost of the latter like the back. A frontal band extending backwards over the
eye, and under parts, with outer edge of wings and tail white. Chin and throat yellow.
Length of Pennsylvania specimens, 7.75; wing, 4.50; tail, 3.25 ; bill above, .52.
VAR. chrysolaema, smaller and lighter colored.
Hub. — Everywhere on the prairies and desert plains of North America. Atlantic States in winter.
Second quill longest ; first and third a little shorter. Above pinkisli brown, brightest on
the back of the neck, the wing coverts, and rump; a brownish tinge on the interscapular region,
eacli feather obscurely dusky centrally. There is a black band from the nostrils, to and beneath
the eye, curving down towards the throat a short distance behind the eye. A broad band of
black across the forehead extending backwards over the tufts alongside the vertex. A short'
broad jugular collar ; the rest of the under parts white, with a brownish tinge behind th
of the breast ; the sides, especially along the thighs and breast, like the back. A front band,
superciliary stripe from the bill, and throat anterior to the pectoral collar, yellow in winter.
Tail black, the outer feather edged with white, the innermost colored like the back and resem
bling an elongated upper tail covert. Wing quills brown, darker at the tips, the outer edged
with white.
In summer the yellow tints disappear in great measure, leaving a white frontal band succeeded
404 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
by a black one of about the same length which extends over the lateral tufts. The white of the
forehead, however, is continued through the upper half of the eye and under the black tuft.
The side of the head and neck behind the black is white, interrupted by a crescentic patch of
brownish ash bordering the ear coverts behind. The throat, however, usually remains yellow.
The very young bird is dusky brown, spotted with whitish above ; beneath white, with an
indication of the black pectoral and cheek patches.
The preceeding description is taken from specimens collected in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin,
the former being winter visitors only in that State. They breed in Wisconsin and, perhaps,
fuither south on the same meridian.
After a protracted examination of a large number of specimens, I have found it impossible
to detect any tangible differences between the shore larks of the east and the west, and am very
much inclined to consider them as the same species. There are the same proportions, the same
colors, and nearly the same size ; in fact, the differences which exist are not more than might
readily be found in the same species. As a general rule, western specimens are paler in color, with
the exception of those from Washington Territory, and those from New Mexico and Texas are
smaller than Pennsylvania ones. There is, perhaps, a longer, slenderer bill with the smaller
size, and the frontal white band is narrower, the black band on the crown broader than in some
Wisconsin summer skins, though No. 4329 agrees with them in this respect. The quills and
middle tail feathers are lighter brown. They vary among themselves, however, and specimens
are occasionally found as large and dark as eastern ones. The skins from California, in reality,
are of a darker shade of reddish above than in eastern ones, decidedly more than in the Texan.
Specimens from Washington Territory differ again from all other western ones in having the
feathers of the back conspicuously streaked with dark brown, instead of the usual obsolete tinge
of this color. The same difference, however, is seen in eastern specimens, as 7429, from
Cleveland.
Upon the whole, therefore, in the absence of perfect spring specimens of the eastern form, I
must confess my inability to give reliable distinctive characters of two or more species, the
differences being only such as might be found in a wide range of the same species. The question
as to the much more southern breeding range of the bird westward than to the east, may be
answered by the suggestion of Dr. Cooper, that they there alone find the peculiar prairies or
the desert region which they frequent.
The difference insisted on by Mr. Audubon, in reference to the tail feathers of two species,
has no real existence in nature.
There is a great diversity of plumage in the western shore larks, varying with the sex, age,
and season.
Without specimens at hand, I am unable to state the difference between the American
Eremopliila cornuta and the European E. alpestris.
BIRDS — ALAUDIDAE — EREMOPHILA CORNUTA.
405
List of specimens.
Catal. ricx and Locality.
No. age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1190
815
7427
10217
3780
4329
8191
6562
5318
5313
5317
9246
924-2
9241
9245
9244
9243
9240
<J239
8241
824-2
8198
8199
569G
5099
5098
5097
7091
5314
3702
8491
8724
872G
8727
8728
8729
8732
8733
8734
8730
8735
8736
490G
4097
503-1
9115
$ Carlisle, Pa
Nov. 4, 1844
Oct. 29,1842
S. F. Baird ....
7 75
14 75
4.50
do..
do
F ~H
13.08
4.00
Cleveland, Ohio
\V. Northlield, III . , ....
April 1,1851
March 30 ....
D;me county, Wis
Q Near Fort Lcuvenworth....
Fort Rilcv, K. T
Spring '54..
July 12,1857
T. M. Brewer
Win. M. Magraw . .
121
Th. Ktimlien
Dr. Cooper 7.50
13.25
4.37
Yellowstone river
Lt. Warren
do
...
Dr. Hayden 7.50
.... do 7.25
12. -75
13.00
3.87
4.12
.... do
$ Black Hills, Nebraska
9 do
9 I do
O ...do..
Sept. 29,1857
Sept. 14,1857
Sept. 2^,1857
do
do
do
do
do
do 6.75
do 7.50
do 6.50
do 6.50
12,25
12.50
12.50
13.50
13.00
12.75
12.00
12.50
14.00
13.25
13.00
12.25
3.75
4.00
3.12
4.00
4.12
4.50
4.00
4.00
4.75
4.50
4.50
4.00
Iris light brown.
....do
....do
....do
y
> do
do ..
do 7.75
....do
....do
do
Near Bear Bute
do
Oct. 3,1857
Oct. 2,1857
do
do 6.75
....do 6 50
....do
do
.... do 6 50
....do
j 30 miles east of Ft. Kearney.
Oct. 24,1857
.do
Win. M. Magraw. ..
223
224
134
135
171
114
Dr.Cooper 8.00
do ! 7.25
do
Big Blue river ,
do
July 19,1857
do
do
do
do j 7.50
do 6.75
W. S. Wood
...do
July 28,1856
July 16,1856
do
Lt. Bryan
do
do
A ...do...
do
90
,do
August 9
do
234
do
505 nules from Fort Riley . . .
July 15,1856
June 24,1856
Mar. 18, 1850
Mar. 15,1856
do
41
do
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden 6.87
12.00
4.00
Salt Lake City
$ Fort Mass N. M
Frontera
Near Zufii, N. M
do
May, 1852....
Nov. 19,1853
do
Maj. Emory,
Lt. Whipple
27
2fi
C.Wright ,
Kenn. & Moll.... 6.50
do 7.00
11.00
11.00
11.75
Ft. Stcilacoom
Mar. 31,1854
-do.
Qov. Stevens 39
Dr. Buckley • 6.50
4.50
do
Mar. 31,1856
April 15,1856
Sept. 8,1854
Dr. Suckley .
285
....do .
299
Shoalwatcr Bay, VV. T
Gov. Stevens
Lt. Trowbridge
90
Dr.Cooper 7.25
6.00
12.75
10.00
12.12
11.00
5.50
3.87
4.00
$ Sacramento valley
San Diego, Cal
C? Saltillo, Mexico
Feb. 5,1856
May, 1853
Feb. 14,1855
Lt. Williamson ....
Dr. J. F. Hammond.
Lt. Couch
Dr. Heermann
9 50
406 U. S. P. K. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Family FEIN GILLID AE .
Primaries nine. Bill very short, abruptly conical and robust. Commissure strongly angulated at base of bill. Tarsi
scutellate anteriorly, but the sides with two undivided plates meeting behind along the median line, as a sharp posterior ridge.
The systematic arrangement of the fringilline birds of the United States is more difficult than
that of any other group, owing to the large number of species closely related to each other and
exhibiting endless though minute variations in structure and form. Nearly all authors regu
larly avoid committing themselves by an attempt at the definition of their different divisions,
giving only the names of types as indicative of their meaning. I have, therefore, been able to
derive no aid from ornithological publications in arranging the species, and have been obliged
to work out the whole subject anew from the beginning, as far as North American species are
concerned.
In the system adopted I do not claim any very natural combination of species into genera,
nor of genera into sub-families ; all I have aimed at is to present a convenient artificial scheme
by which the determination of the species may be facilitated. The means at my command are
manifestly insufficient for the satisfactory solution of a problem which has puzzled the best
ornithologists of the day, with all possible resources at their command in the way of specimens
and books.
I divide all the United States species into four sub-families, briefly characterizablo as follows :
COCCOTHRAUSTINAE. — Bill variable, from enormously large to quite small ; with the base of the
upper mandible almost always provided with a close pressed fringe of bristly feathers (more or
less conspicuous) concealing the nostrils. Wings very long and pointed, usually one-half to
one-third longer than the forked or emarginate tail. Tarsi short.
SPIZELLINAE. — Embracing all the plain colored sparrow-like species marked with longitudinal
stripes. Bill conical, always rather small ; both mandibles about equal. Tarsi lengthened.
Wings and tail variable. Lateral claws never reaching beyond the base of the middle claw.
PASSERELLINAE. — Sparrow-like species with triangular spots beneath. Legs, toes, and claws
very stout ; the lateral claws reaching nearly to the end of the middle ones.
SPIZINAE. — Brightly colored species usually without streaks. Bill usually very large and
much curved; lower mandible wider than the upper. Wings moderately long. Tail variable.
Sub-Family COCCOTHRAUSTINAE.
Wings very long and much pointed ; generally one-third longer than the more or Jess forked tail ; first quill usually nearly
as long, or longer than tho second. Tertiaries but little longer, or equal to the secondaries, and always much exceeded by the
primaries. Bill very variable in shape and size, the upper mandible, however, as broad as the lower; nostrils rather more
lateral than usual; and always more or less concealed by a series of small bristly leathers applied along the base of the upper
mandible ; no bristles at the base of the bill. Feet short and rather weak. Hind claw usually considerably longer than the
middle anterior one ; sometimes nearly the same size.
In the preceding paragraph I have combined a number of forms, all agreeing in the length
and acuteness of the wing, the bristly feathers along the base of the bill, the absence of con
spicuous bristles on the sides of the mouth, and in the shortness of the feet. They are all
strongly marked and brightly colored birds, and usually belong to the more northern regions.
The species of the genera all vary remarkably in the shape and size of the bill, which here
is of secondary importance to the character of the wing, tail, and feet. Indeed, I am inclined
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE COCCOTHRAUSTINAE. 407
to think that this is the case throughout the Fringillidae. Thus, in the genus Carpodacus, one
species, C. frontalis, has the bill so short and much curved as to resemble Pinicola or Pyrrhula,
while the C, cassinii has a bill which, in its elongation, size, and general shape, is nearer to
that of Hesperipliona than any other of our birds, except, perhaps, Cardinalis. The same is
true of Plectropkanes, Chrysomitris , &c.
None of the species of Plectroplianes , excepting P. nivalis, exhibit the peculiar series of
feathers along the base of the upper mandible, or else in very limited extent ; but, as the other
characters are as described, I have thought it best to continue them in their present association,
notwithstanding this deviation in one character. As already stated, I do not pretend to any
tiling more than a convenient artificial arrangement by which the species may be found, and at
present see no more eligible place for the species without dividing P. nivalis from all the rest,
which I am not willing to do.
At the head of the series I place HesperipTiona, as combining the most typical features of the
insessorial conirostres, in the enormous bill, long wings, and perching feet, &c. The other
genera may be arranged in groups, as follows :
SYNOPSIS OF GENERA
A. — Bill enormously large and stout ; the lateral outline as long as that of the skull.
Culnien gently curved.
HESPERIPHONA. — First quill equal to the second. "Wings one-half longer than the
tail. Lateral claws equal, reaching to the base of the middle claw. Claws
much curved, obtuse ; hinder one but little longer than the middle. Colors
green, yellow and black.
B. — Bill smaller, with the culmen more or less curved ; the lateral outline not so long as the
skull. Wings about one-third longer than the tail or a little more ; first quill shorter than the
second. Claws considerably curved and thickened ; hinder most so, and almost inappreciably
longer or even shorter than the middle anterior one. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe.
Lateral toes unequal.
a. Colors red.
PINICOLA. — Bill short, much curved above. Tail nearly even. Middle fore claw
much straighter, and decidedly longer than the hinder. Outer lateral toe, with
its claw, reaching beyond the base of the middle claw ; a little longer than the
hind toe.
CARPODACUS. — Bill variable, more or less curved above. Tail forked. Middle fore
claw scarcely longer than hinder one. Outer lateral toe with its claw, falling
short of the base of the middle claw ; equal to the hinder toe.
b. Colors black and yellow.
CHRYSOMITRIS. — Bill nearly straight. Hind claw stouter and more curved, but
scarcely longer than the middle anterior one. Outer lateral toe reaching a
little beyond the base of the middle claw ; shorter than the hind toe. Wings
longer and more pointed. Tail quite deeply forked.
C. — Hind claw considerably longer than the middle anterior one, with about the same curva-
408
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
ture ; claws attenuated towards the point and acute. Lateral toes about equal. Wings usually
almost one-half longer than the tail, which is deeply forked.
a. Points of mandibles overlapping.
CURVIROSTRA. — Tarsi shorter than middle toe. Bill much compressed, elongate
falcate, with the points crossing like the blades of scissors. Claws very large ;
lateral extending beyond the base of the middle. Tarsi shorter than the middle
toe. Colors red.
b. Points of mandibles not overlapping.
AEGIOTHUS. — Tarsi equal to the middle toe. Bill very acutely conical ; outlines
with commissure perfectly straight. Lateral toes reaching beyond the base of
the middle one. No ridge on the side of the lower mandible. Colors reddish.
LEUCOSTICTE. — Culrnen slightly decurved ; commissure a little concave. Bill
obtusely conical ; not sharp pointed. A conspicuous ridge on the side of the
lower mandible. Claws large ; the lateral not reaching beyond the base of the
middle one. Colors red and brown.
D. — Hind claw much the largest ; decidedly less curved than the middle anterior one. Tarsi
longer than the middle toe. Lateral toes equal; reaching about to the base of the middle claw.
Hind toe as long or longer than the middle one. Bill very variable ; always more or less
curved and blunted. Tail slightly emarginate or even. Wings one-half longer than the tail.
First quill as long as the second.
PLECTROPHANES. — Colors black and white. With or without rufous nape or elbows
HESPEBJPHONA, Bonaparte.
Hesperiphona, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, Sept. 1850, 424. Type Fringilla vesperhna.
Cn. — Bill largest and stoutest of all the United States fringilline birds. Upper mandible much vaulted ; culmen nearly straight,
but arched towards the tip ; commissure curved. Lower jaw very large, but not broader than the upper, nor extending back, as
in Guiraca ; considerably lower than the upper jaw. Gonys unusually long. Feet short ; tarsi less than the middle toe ; lateral
toes nearly equal, and reaching to the base of the middle claw. Claws much curved, stout, and compressed. Wings very long
and pointed, reaching beyond the middle of the tail. Primaries much longer than the nearly equal secondaries and tertial ; outer
two quills longest ; the others rapidly graduated. Tail slightly forked ; scarcely more than two-thirds the length of the wings.
The essential character of the genus among its allied North American forms consists, chiefly,
in the enormous vaulted bill, .85 of an inch long and half of an inch broad. The wings lack
the curious expansion of the tertiaries seen in the European Coccothraustes. The secondaries are
em.;rginated at the end, and in some of them there is seen a short thread projecting from the
bottom of the notch. This, at first, appears like the mucronate tip of the shaft, but it is, really,
a supplementary pennule springing from the under surface of the wing, a short distance from
the end.
Species of the genus are said to occur in Asia.
Comparative measurements of species.
Cat'l
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex.
Length. Stretch
of wings
Wings.
Tail.
Tarsus. Middle
too.
Us claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimens
measured.
6371
Hesperiphona vespertina ... Fort Vancouver. .
9
7.20
4.08
2 86
0 84 i 0 88
0 24
0.80
0 7f>
do.
do do
7.25 12.75
Fresh .
1874
7 10
•4 25
<* 7fi
0 80 0 88
0 °4
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — PINICOLA.
HESPERIPHONA VESPEBTINA, B o n a p .
Evening Grosbeak.
Fringilla vespertina, COOPER, Annals New York Lyceum N. II. I, n, 1825,220. (Sault St. Marie.) — AUD. Orn.
Biog. IV, 1833, 515 : V, 235 ; pi. ?73, 424.
Fringilla (Coccothraustes} vespertina, BON. Syn. 1828, 113. — IB. Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 2. — IB. Am. Orn. II ; pi. xv.
Coccothraustes vespertina, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 2(i9.— AUD. Syn. 134.— In. Birds Amor. Ill, 1841,217; pi. 207.
Ileaperiphona ve^pertina, BON. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, Sept. 1850, 424. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 505.
Coccothraustes bonapartii, LESSON. Illust, do Zool. 1834 ; pi. xxxiv.
SP. CH. — Bill yellowish green, dusky at the base. Anterior half of the body dark yellowish olive, shading into yellow to the
rump above, and the under tail coverts below. Outer scapulars, a broad rental band continued on each side over the eye, axilla-
ries, and middle of under wing coverts, yellow. Feathers along the extreme base of the bill, the crown, tibiae, wings, upper tail
coverts, and tail, black ; inner greater wing coverts and tertiaries white. Length, 7.30 ; wing, 4.30 ; tail, 2.75.
Hob. — Pacific coast to Rocky mountains ; northern America east to Lake Superior.
In this species the bill is very large and thick at the base ; the upper outline nearly straight,
most curved at the tip. The bill resembles that of Cardinalis virginianus more than Quiraca.
The wing is very long and much pointed; the outer three primaries nearly equal, and the others
graduating rapidly to the secondaries. The tail is short and slightly emarginate ; the feathers
narrow.
The female differs in having the head of a dull olivaceous brown, which color also glosses the
back. The yellow of the rump and other parts is replaced by a yellowish ash. The upper
tail coverts are spotted with white. The white of the wing is much restricted. There is an
obscure blackish line on each side of the chin.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex
No.
Locality. When cc
Elected. Whence obtained. Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
1874
(i.",71 Q
€372 r?
6373 Q
fi374 J
6375 <J
Columbia river .._.
S. F. Baird __ J K. Townsend .
7. 25
7.50
7.25
12.75
13.00
12.75
Ft. Vancouver, W.T Jan. 1,
do (1
5, 1854 ! Gov. Stevens > Dr. Cooper
3 do - do .
do i d
L>... do .- . i .- do
Ft, Thorn, N.M '
. ..do ...
Dr. T. C. Henry ;
! do -
i
PINICOLA, Vieillot.
Pinicola, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, page iv; pl.i, f. 13.
" Strobilophaga, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816."
" Conjthus, CUVIER, R. An. 1817."
CH. — Bill short, nearly as high as long ; upper outline much carved from the base ; the margins of the mandibles rounded ;
the commissure gently concave, and abruptlv deflcxed at the tip ; base of the upper mandible much concealed by the bristly (bathers
covering the basal third. Tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe ; lateral toe short, but their lon» claws reach the base of
the middle one, which is longer than the hind claw. Wings moderate ; the first quill rather shorter than the second, third, and
fourth. Tail rather shorter than the wings ; nearly even.
But one species of this genus belongs to the American fauna, and is closely allied to if not
identical with that belonging to the northern portions of the Old World.
52 b
410
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
; 1
Sex. Length. Wing.
1
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill above. Along
gape.
Specimens
measured.
543
8.00 4.36
4.06
O.S8
0.9G
0.34
0.58 0.60
1208
do
cf 9.00 4.52
4.08
0.86
0.94
0.34
0.58 0.56
Skin
PINICOLA CANADENSIS, Cabanis.
Pine Grosbeak.
Coccothraustes canadensis, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 1760, 250 ; pi. xii, f. 3.
" Corythns canadensis, BREHM, Vb'gel Deutschlands," (1831?)
Pinicola canadensis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 167.
Pinicola americana, (CAB. MSS.) Bp. Consp. 1850, 528.
Loxia enucleator, FORST. Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— WILS. Am. Orn. I, 1S08, 80 ; pi. v.
Pyrrhula enucleator, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 414 ; pi. 358.
Corythus enucleahr, BONAP. List, 1838.— ADD. Syn. 127.— IB. Birds Amor. Ill, 1841, 179 ; pi. 199.
SP. CH. — Bill and legs black. General color carmine red, not continuous above, however, except on the head ; the feathers
showing brownish centres on the back, where, too, the red is darker. Loral region, base of lower jaw all round, sides and
posterior part of body, with under tail coverts, ashy, whitest behind . Wing with two white bands across the tips of the greater
and middle coverts ; the outer edges of the quills also white, broadest on the tertiaries.
Female ashy, brownish above, tinged with greenish yellow beneath ; top of head, rump, arid upper tail coverts, brownish
gamboge yellow. Wings as in the male. Length about 8.50 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 4.00.
Hub. — Arctic America. South to United States in severe winters.
In comparing an American specimen of the Pine grosbeak (1208) with a European, (P. enu
cleator,) in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, I find the former considerably larger,
(wing 4.76, instead of 4.40,) the bill much stouter and more bulging at the sides, the tip of
the upper mandible much less decurved and less projecting over the lower. The tail feathers
are much broader. The legs are black, the bill dark brown, instead of both being horn color.
There is little difference in the character of the red ; there is, however, much more white on
the wing in very broad and sharply defined pure white external edgings of the quills, especially
on the tertials, secondaries, and greater coverts, instead of having these narrower, less conspicu
ous, and tinged with rose. Without being sure that these differences of the two skins are either
constant or characteristic, I think it proper to quote such references only as belong to American
specimens.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
543
New York
S F Baird
554
do
do
2866
1208
<$
Unknown
Philadelphia
do
do
13IKDS FKINGILLIDAE — CARPODACUS. 411
CARPODACUS, Kan p.
Carpodacus, KAUP, "Entw. Europ. Thierw. 1829." Type Loxia erythrina, Pall.
Erythrospiza, BONAPARTE, Saggio di una dist. met. 1831.
lltumorrlious, SWAIVSON, Class. Birds, 11, 1K37, 295. Type Fringilla purpurea, Gmelin.
CH. — Bill short, stout, vaulted ; tlie culincn dccurved towards the end ; the commissure nearly straight to the slightly dccurved
end. A slight development ol' bristly feathers along the sides of the hill, concealing the nostrils. Tarsus shorter than the
middle toe ; lateral claws reaching to the hase of the middle one. Claw of hind toe much carved, smaller than the middle
one, and rather less than the digital portion. Wings long and pointed, reaching to the middle of the tail, which is considerably
shorter than the wing, and moderately forked. Colors red, or red and brown.
The genus Carpodacus, including the American purple finches, is composed of species, the
males of which are more or less red in full plumage, while the females are brown. They are
spread over North America, and species also occur in considerable numbers in northern Europe
and Asia.
In addition to the generic names mentioned above, there have been proposed for the group
ErytJirina, Brehm. 1828, pre- occupied in Botany, Erythrothorax, Brehm, 1831, and Pyrrhulinota,
Hodgson, 1844. Should it become necessary to subdivide the genus, there will be no difficulty
in finding names already established for the different sections.
The following diagnoses may serve to distinguish the North American species of Carpodacus.
A. Tail and wing feathers edged with reddish.
Quite uniformly crimson on the head, neck, breast, and upper parts ; darker across the
back. Wing coverts and quills margined with reddish. Belly white, faintly streaked
with black. First quill longer than fourth C. purpureus.
Similar to last. Purple of head and rump darker. A light purple supraorbital line.
First quill shorter than fourth C. calif ornicus.
Bill very long. Crown continuously crimson ; chin, throat, upper part of breast, and rump,
rose red. Back grayish brown, streaked conspicuously with dark brown. Belly white,
scarcely streaked C. cassinii.
B. Tail and wing feathers edged with grayish ivhite.
Bill short, very convex. Forehead, superciliary stripe, chin, throat, breast, and rump
crimson. Back brown, not streaked. Wiogs brown. Belly white, strongly streaked ;
outlines of red not very sharply defined C. front alis.
Bill very convex. Forehead, superciliary stripe, chin and throat, with rump, all
uniform bright crimson. Back dull brown, not streaked. Breast and belly white,
much streaked. All the colors very sharply defined G. haemorrhous.
412
C. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Cat;il.
No.
Species. Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
5.80
3.20
2.56
0.62
0.72
0.20
0.44
0.48
Skin*
796
'3
5.52
3.10
2.50
0.65
0.72
0.20
0.40
0,50
Skin
do
5.83
9.8.'i
3.16
Fre<h
1380
o
5.50
3.25
2.5U
0.72
0.79
0.24
0 45
0 56
Skin
do
6 41
10.33
3.16
10:)30
J
5.50
3.20
2.68
0.70
0.76
0.19
0.43
0 48
Skin
10231
9
5,44
3.00
2.46
0.72
0.77
0.20
0.40
0 50
Skin
64°0
c?
6 02
3.56
2 52
0 74
0 70
0 20
0 50
0 r>8
S'iin
do
creek, N. M.
5 50
10 00
7 00
6421
do
6.10
r> r>0
9 00
3.56
3 00
2.72
0.74
0.76
0.20
0.50
0.50
Skin
Fre«h
6422
do 16 miles west nf Al
0
5.10
3.:>!>
2.40
0.68
0.78
0.20
0.48
0.53
Skin
4508
5547
buquerque.
Carpoducus hacmorrlious. Mexico
......
5.60
5 40
3.10
3 08
2 . 7.*
2 74
0.68
0 08
0 68
0 60
0.16
0 18
0.40
0 38
0.50
0 50
Skin}
Skin
8548
do do
$
5.50
3.10
2.78
0.68
0.74
0.18
0 . 39
0.48
Skin
6429
0
5.40
2.92
2.54
0.09
0 68
0 18
0.40
0 47
Skin
2886
A
6.00
3.14
0.68
0.72
0.17
0.41
0 . 50
h No label.
f Mounted.
\ Mounted ; wings broken oiF.
CARPODACUS PURPUREUS, Gray.
Purple Finch.
Fringilla purpurea, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 923. — LA H. Ind. I, 1790, 446. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 119 ;
pi. vii, f. 4.— IB. V, 1812, 87 ; pi. xl i,f. 3.— Am. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 24 : V, 200 ; pi. 4.
Haemorrhous purpurea, SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 295.
Erythrospiza purpurea, B . L st. 1838.— \ ID. Syn. 1839, 1 .— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 170 ; pi. ]9G.
Carpodacus purpurea, GRAY'S Genera, 1844-'49. — p. Conspectus, 1850, 533. — BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mon. of Loxiens,
14, tab. xv.
? Loxiaviolacea, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 306, 43. (Very uncertain.)
Purple finch, CATESBY, PENNANT, LATH. Hemp-bird, BARTRAM.
SP. CH. — Second quill longest ; first shorter than third ; considerably longer than the fourth. Body crimson, palest on the
rump and breast, darkest across the middle of back and wing coverts, where the feathers have dusky centres. The red extends
below continuously to the lower part of the breast, and in spots to the tibiae. The belly and under tail coverts white, streaked
faintly with brown, except in the very middle. Edges of wings and tail feathers brownish red ; lesser coverts like the back.
Two reddish bands across the wings, (over the ends of the middle and greater coverts.) Lores dull grayish. Length, 6.25
inches ; wing, 3.34 ; tail, 2 50 ; bill above, .46.
Female olivaceous brown ; brighter on the rump. Beneath white. All the feathers everywhere streaked with brown, except
on the middle of the belly and under coverts a superciliapy light stripe.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic to the high central plains.
BIKDS FKINGILLIDAE — CARPODA CUS CALIFOENICUS.
413
List of specimens.
Catil.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected bv — Length.
Stretch
of winzs
Wing.
1353
c? Carlisle Pa
April 13, 1844
S. F Baird
0.17
10. 50
3. 33
796
c? do
Oct. 14, 1842
. do
5.83
9.83
3. 17
13SO
O do
April 22 1844
do
6. 42
10. 33
3. 17
2138
$ do
April 23, 1845
. do.
6.17
9.83
3. 17
797
do
Oct. 14, 1842
do
5.83
10. 17
3. 17
213!)
$ do
April 23, 1845
do
6.42
10. 17
3. 17
309
r? . ..do..
April — , 1841
do
C. 00
10. 00
931
O - ..do..
April 28, 1843
do
7010
<$ St. Louis, Mo
May 15, 1857
Lieut. Bryan.
W. S. Wood .
4853
O Vermilion river. Neb .
May 8, 1856
Dr. Harden..
Lt. Warren 1 6.00
10. 00
3. 62
CARPODACUS CALIFORNICUS, Baird.
Western Purple Finch.
Sp. CH. — Similar to pwpureits. Third quill longest; first shorter than the fourth. Purple of head and rump much
darker than in C. purpureus ; the head with a broad supraorbital lateral ba lighter purple. Length, 6.2 ; wing, 3.20 ;
tail, 2.60.
Hub. — Pacific coast of United States.
In the examination of a large series of skins (over sixty in number) of the western purple
finch, I have found differences which indicate either a decided geographical variety, or a distinct
species from the typical eastern C, purpureus. The size appears somewhat less. The upper
mandible appears lower in proportion to the inferior one, and is darker than in eastern
specimens. The culmen is more curved, and lacks the gentle concavity on the basal portion.
The male is of a considerably darker purple, especially on the head and the rump ; that on the
former in quite strong and abrupt contrast to the back, instead of fading gently into it.
The sides of the crown are of a lighter purple than elsewhere, giving rise to quite a conspicuous
supraorbital stripe, scarcely or not at all appreciable in eastern skins.
The female of the western type diifers from that of the eastern in being more olivaceous above,
and in having the streaks below rather larger, and not so well defined. There appears to be a
difference in the marking of the wings. In eastern C. purpureus there is usually a well marked
whitish band across the ends of the middle coverts, while the greater coverts, though margined
externally by paler, have a still lighter bar across the posterior extremity, which is not seen in
the western bird.
The wing formula of the two species differs very greatly, the third quill in the western bird
being generally longest, instead of the second ; the first shorter than the fourth, instead of
much longer, and shorter than the third.
414
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Ciital.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length. Stretch Heinarks.
ofwings.
4488
0
March, 1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper
6.00 U.50
4481)
>
('()
do
do
: 6.25 9.75
4490
Q
do
do
6412
64] 3
<J
Ji
Fort Steilacoom
April, 1854...
Dr. G. Suckley. ...
do
72
GO
"••
6414
o
do
80
6415
V
do
April 10, 1856
do
291
6.50 10.00
6416
*
....do
do
294
> 6.23 10.12
6417
O
do
do
516
4536
3
1856
do.
4537
5
do
do
4535
$
...do...
do
do
6411
6418
S
*
Fort Vancouver, W. T. .
Jan. 18, 1854
Gov. Steven?
13
Dr. Cooper ; 6.50 9.50 Iris brown, bill and feet paler.
6419
X
do
do
4491
449°
V
Santa Clara
do
Nov. 1855....
do
Dr. J. G. Cooper. ..
do
4493
do
do
4494
. .Jo
do
do
4495
do
do
do
4496
do
do
do
3731
c?
Jan. -2-2
VV. Hutton
J. X. do Vesey ...
CARPODACUS CASSINII, Baird.
Cassin's Purple Finch.
Carpodacus cassinii, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. VII, June, 1854, 119. Colorado River.
SP. CH. — Larger than C. purpureus. Bill .55 of an inch above. Second and third quills longest ; first longer than fourth.
Above pale grayish brown, the feathers streaked with darker brown, and with only an occasional gloss of reddish, except on
the crown, which is uniform deep crimson, and on the rump. Sides of the head and neck, throat and upper part of breast with
rump, pale rose color ; rest of under parts white, very faintly and sparsely streaked with brown. Female without any red,
and streaked on the head and under parts with brown. Length, 6.50 ; wing, 3.60 ; tail, 2.60.
flab. — Rocky mountains and valley of the Colorado.
This is the largest of the American purple finches, and is conspicuously different from the
others in the size and unusual elongation of the bill. This is very nearly straight above to
within one-third or fourth of the end, and then curves gently to the tip ; the cutting edge of
the mandible is sinuated in the middle. The proportions of the quills, as given above, are
pretty constant, although sometimes the second quill is longest, and sometimes the first as long
as the second. The tail is moderately forked ; the feathers broad.
There is rather more of red on the nape than on the back, where this color is only occasionally
visible. The rose of the breast is not abruptly defined, but passes gradually into the white of
the belly.
This species is more like C. purpureus than the other North American purple finches, but is
larger and otherwise easily distinguished. The bill is much larger, and longer proportionally.
The proportions of the quills are different; the tail less deeply forked, and the feathers broader.
The crimson of the head is brighter ; there is much less red on the back, although the crown and
rump patches are not abruptly defined. The streaks on the back are darker und more conspic
uous. The red of the throat and breast is much paler and does not extend so far back ; there
BIRDS FJRIXGILLIDAE CARPODACUS FRONTALIS.
415
is no red at all on the belly. The under tail coverts are white, with narrow dark streaks.
There are two pale bands across the wings, rather more distinct than in purpureus. The loral
region is grayish.
The females of the two species are very similar, that of C. cassinii only to be readily distin
guished by the larger size and larger and longer bill. The streaks on the breast appear to be
rather narrower and better defined.
List of specimens.
Ciitiil.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length, i Stretch
iof wings.
Wing.
G420
tJ
Pueblo creek, N. M..
Jan. 22, 1854
Lt. Wlnpple
48
Ur. Kennerly
5.50 ; 10,00
6421
,f
do . .
do.
do
52
do
5 50 • 9. 00
6422
Alberquerque, N.M..
Nov. 15,1855
do
16
. do
6123
Fort Thome N. M
Dr T C Henry
6424
do
do
6425
do
do ..
!
CARPODACUS FRONT ALIS, Gray.
Billion ; House Finch.
Fringilln front alls, SAY, Long's Expcd. II, 1824, 40.— (?) AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 230 ; pi. 424.
Pyrrhula front alls, BON. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 49 ; pi. vi.
Erylhrospizafrontalis, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 112.— ?Auo. Syn 1839, 125.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill,
1841, 175 ; pi. 197.— GAMBEL, Jour. A. N. S. 2d Series, I, 1847, 53.
Fringilla (Pyrrhula') frontalis, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843, 262.
Carpodacusfrontalis, GRAY, Genera, 1844- '49.— M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 219.
? Carpodacus obscurus, M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V June 1851, 2 . te Fe.
CarpodacusfamUlaris, M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI f, April 1852, 61 . Santa Fe.
Red-breasted variety.
? Pyrrhula cruenlala, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 101.
? Carpodacus rhodocolpus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 166. — SCLATER. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 304.
Carpodacusfrontalis, BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mon. of Loxiens, 1850, tab. xvi, f. 1. — IB. Consp. 1850, 533.
SP. CH. — 6426. — Bill short, much curved. Forehead f.,r nearly the length of the bill, a broad superciliary stripe extending
to the nape, side of lower jaw, chin, throat, and upper part of the breast, crimson red ; rump, paler. Rest of upper parts with
sides of neck grayish brown, with an occasional gloss of red externally on the crown, and, with scarcely appreciable darker
brown towards the centres of the feathers. Belly, under tail coverts, and sides, whitish, conspicuously streaked with lio-ht
brown ; sometimes red to the middle of the former. Length, 5.75 ; wing, 3.25 ; tail, 2.80.
Hab. — Rocky mountains to the Pacific.
This species is quite remarkable for the very great variation in the shade of red in the
different regions of the body. Thus the specimen selected as the basis of the description (6426,
May 4, El Paso) has this color a bright crimson red ; the rump scarcely different ; the throat
and breast almost as bright as the head. The lower part of the red on the breast is tinged
with orange — a character seen also in 6431. The red does not extend beneath the closed
wings, (the entire sides of body being like the belly,) and fades rather gradually into the white
belly ; it extends about as far as the end of the breast bone. The upper tail coverts are like the
back ; the back cannot at all be called streaked, the feathers being merely brown, fading very
416 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
slightly to the exterior. There is no indication of red on the edges of wing and tail, which are
pale whitish brown. There is a faint trace of narrow lightish hands across the wings. The
streaks on the belly, sides, and under tail coverts are narrow, long, and well defined. The red
gloss on the back is confined to the middle of the interscapular region ; the middle of the crown
and the nape have the feathers tipped with crimson like the crown, obscuring the outline of the
frontal and superciliary band. The loral region, space immediately around and under the eye,
the ear coverts, and thence along the sides of the neck, are grayish brown, the lores lighter.
The red extends for about .15 of an inch along the upper edge of the lower jaw, then passes
obliquely to the throat, leaving the ear coverts untouched.
In 6432 the red on the rump is wanting ; the superciliary stripe better defined, owing to the
greater lack of red tips to the feathers of the crown. In G434 the shade of red in the crown is
the same, that on the throat paler, that on the rump entirely different, being more of a rose
color. In 6433 the red on the head and throat is much more orange. In No. 4085 (Monterey,
Mexico, April 16, spring plumage) the red, instead of being bright crimson, is almost a dark
purple red ; every where of the same tint. No. 5547, from Petaluma, California, is precisely
similar in color.
In some full winter specimens the rump is more rosy ; the crown more mixed with red ; the
back considerably glossed with the same.
I have been a good deal perplexed in the determination of the small California Carpodaci in
the series before me. These, as a general rule, have the middle of the crown rather more
thickly filled with red ; in one, indeed, (6428, from Los Angeles,) this color is almost as con
tinuous as in C. purpureus. No. 5547, from Petaluma, California, is somewhat similar in this
respect, but the red is much more purple. In both there is a strong tendency to red on the side
of the head and neck. In one specimen (5548) there is a very close resemblance to C. purpureus
in the shade of red, and this extends to the upper part of the belly. The middle of the crown
is strongly tinged with red ; the entire sides of the head, too, are as red as in C. purpureus.
The bill, wings without any reddish, &c., are those of C.frontalis. Other specimens, from
Santa Clara, California, are similar, but the red does not extend as far on the belly ; nor is it
seen on the sides of the head.
It would seem very probable that in the gradual transition in California specimens from the
peculiar characters of C. purpureus or C. californicus to those of C. frontcdis, we may have
hybrids between the two, where they are associated, like those ef Colaptes auratus and mexicanus,
on the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone. If there be a third permanent species, I am unable
to fix its characters.
The Erythrospiza frontalis of Audubon seems larger than that from the upper Kio Grande,
and I am inclined to think that his figure and description were taken from a specimen now
before me, (2886,) marked as received from Mr. J. Gould, probably from Mexico. This lacks
the wings, but the tail is much longer, measuring 3.30 inches instead of less than three ; the
feathers, too, are considerably broader. It resembles California more than New Mexican skins.
A specimen from the city of Mexico (2706) is larger than New Mexican ones, and has the red
more restricted to the upper part of the breast. The red of the frontal and superciliary stripes is
better defined, as also that of the rump, which is unusually extended. A skin (4568) received
from Dr. Ilartlaub, of Bremen, as the Fringilla haemorrhous of Lichtenstein, from Mexico, has
the red of the crown, throat, and rump, much brighter, deeper, and very sharply defined and
restricted. That on the throat is confined to it, and does not extend at all on the breast. The
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — CARPODACU8 FRO5TALIS. 417
under parts are much more streaked. These two specimens I am inclined to consider as distinct
iroin C. frontalis, and probably entitled to the name of haemorrhous, Wagler.1
The Carpodacus rliodocolpus of Cabanis resembles very closely some of those California speci
mens mentioned as so similar to C. purpureus. Should they be distinct, Cabanis' name might
with propriety be applied to them. I scarcely think, however, that the name can stand.
The Carpodacus frontalis of New Mexico is readily distinguished from C. purpureus, by the
fact that the middle of the crown is not continuously red, the ear coverts and under the eye
brown, not red ; the back and wings are uniform brown, the feathers with lighter edges, the
red of the rump quite sharply defined, instead of having the red over the back and wings The
belly is strongly streaked with brown, instead of being nearly white. The size is considerably
less ; the bill shorter, broader, and considerably more convex and curved.
C. cassinii has the back more glossed with red and strongly streaked with dark brown, instead
of being nearly uniform ; the belly is very little streaked, instead of strongly so. The size is
much larger ; the bill larger, and straighter.
NOTE. — A series of Carpodacus frontalis recently collected at Fort Tejon, by Mr. Vesey,
strengthens the impression that there is really but one species from the Rocky Mountains to the
Pacific, and that this varies greatly in the tint and extent of the red with age and season.
Thus, in the most highly colored specimen, 10219, the back is so much tinged with red as to
connect that on the head and rump, the centre of the crown being scarcely less intense than
the sides and front. Beneath, the bright red extends to the middle of the belly, and farther
back on the sides. In 10220 the back has only the faintest possible gloss of red ; the middle
of the crown less deeply colored. No. 10221 has the red of the under parts restricted rather
abruptly to the fore part of the breast. In 10222, a young male, the red extends further
behind, but there is none on the rump. All these are summer skins. No. 10223, an autumnal
skin, has the same distribution of red as in 10219, but it is as uniform and continuous to the
middle of the belly as in the purple finch. The colors are duller, however, and the whole
plumage has a softened character ; 10224 has the red on the belly more restricted, and
almost none on the rump.
1 CARPODACUS HAEMORRHOUS, Sclater.
Fringilla kacmorrhoa, "Licnr." WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 525. LICHT. Preis-Verzeich. 1831, sp. 57.
Pyrrhulinota haemorrhoa, UP. Comptcs Rendus, 1856.
Carpodacus haemorrhous, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 185(i, 304.
Several specimens of Carpodacus in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, probably from Mexico or Lower California,
although labelled North America, agree with numbers 270G and 4568 in the very precise and sharp definition of the red colors.
The forehead for less than the length of the bill, a broad superciliary stripe extending as far behind the eye as the tip of the bill
is in front of it, the base of the lower jaw, and the chin and throat, but not the breast, with the rump but not the upper tail
coverts, are crimson. And no where else (in five specimens) is there any indication of a reddish gloss, not even in the middle*
of the crown, on the neck, or back. The width of the red on the throat is scarcely one-fourth the circumference of the neck.
Upon a re-examination of the subject, I am by no means sure that tho bird just referred to is the true Fringilla haemorrhous
of Wagler, which seems nearer to the true frontalis. It may possibly not yet have received a name.
53 b
418
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
5038
Doiia Ana N M
Nov. 20 1855
163
6 25
9 50
300 Bill light hr'n ; eyes dark br'n ;
6430
6426
6407
'"'<?'"
Fort Thorn, N. M..
Frontera, Mcx
Camp 118 N. M
May 6,
Feb. 10, 1854
Dr. T. C.Henry..
Maj. Emory
86
C Wright...
5.75
5.50
8.75
9.00
2.25
3 50 Eyes "ray (')
4084
Q
April 1853
186
6.00
9.00
3.00 Eyes brown; bill and reel Ii"lit
4085
r?
do
do
do
169
5.50
9.00
3.00 .... do do
6428
$
6429
Q
do
do
4484
$
Santa Clara Cal.
Nov. 1855
Dr. J G. Cooper
6.25
9 75
j
4485
$
do
do ...
do.
6 00
9.38
4486
Q
do
do
do
4487
g
. ... do
do
do
5547
$
Petaluma, C«l .
473
5548
X
do
10219to
Fort Tejon, Cal
10224
CHRYSOMITRIS, Boie.
Chrysomitris, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 322. Type Fringilla spinus, Linn.
Jlstragalinus, CAB. Mus. flein. 1851, 159. Type Fringilla tristis, Linn.
Hypacanthus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. Typo Carduelis spinoides,
CH. — Bill rather acutely conic, the tip not very sharp ; the culmen slightly convex at the tip ; the commissure gently curved.
Nosirils concealed. Obsolete ridges on the upper mandible. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe ; outer toe rather the longer,
reaching to the base of the middle one. Claw of hind toe shorter than the digital portion. Wings and tail as in rfegiothus.
The colors are generally yellow, with black on the crown, throat, back, wings, and tail, varied sometimes with white.
This genus differs from Aegiothus in a less acute and more curved bill, a much less develop
ment of the bristly feathers at the base of the bill, the claw of hind toe shorter than its digital
portion, the claws shorter and less curved and attenuated, and the outer lateral toes not extending
beyond the base of the middle claw.
The species exhibit many differences among themselves, especially in the size and shape of
the bill, which have been made the basis of generic distinctions.
The North American species of Chrysomitris are all readily distinguishable from each other.
Setting aside the Cli, pinus, in which all the feathers have brown centres, those of the head and
crown included, we find the crown in all is black. They may, however, be first arranged into
those with white bands or edgings on the wings, and those with yellow.
Top of head more or less Hack.
A. CHRYSOMITRIS — Bill very large. Entire bases of tail feathers and of quills yellow.
Head all round black. Edges of greater wing co verts and of tertials yellow.. (7. magellanicus.
Head all round black. Wing coverts and tertials black C. notatus.
Crown and throat black .C. stanleyi.
Crown alone black C. yarrelli.
BIRDS — FR1NGILLTUAE — CHRYSOMITKI8 MAGELLANICUS.
419
B. ASTRAQALINUS, Cabanis. — Wings black ; tbo bases of the primaries and edgings white ;
tail white, blotched. No black on throat.
Body entirely yellow above ; lesser wing coverts white C. tristis.
Body olivaceous above ; lesser wing coverts black C. psaltria.
Body entirely black above ; lesser wing coverts black. Tail with white spots.. Gmexicanus.
Similar to the last ; the tail without white spots C. columUanus.
C. Wings black, edged with yellow, but none at the base of the quills. Tail spot white.
Crown, chin, and throat black C. lawrencii.
No black on the head.
D. Feathers of the head and body all streaked with brown. Bases of the quills and tail
feathers yellow C. pinus.
Comparative measurements of species.
Uatal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus .
Middle
toe.
Its claw.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2863
9226
2035
2036
2037
8339
8339
1521
1521
6101
3930
4077
4077
C396
0396
1818
6405
3923
836
836
837
837
9524
Chry.-oinitris magellanicus
Chrysomitris notatus....
Chrysomitris stanleyi ....
C?
..„..
Q?
4.60
4.22
4.70
4.60
2.73
2.50
2.82
2.84
2.40
2.88
3.00
1.96
1.86
2.10
2.24
1.62
2.24
0.54
0.48
0.64
0.64
0.50
0.52
0.59
0.58
0.72
0.72
O.E4
0.58
0.21
0.20
0.22
0.20
0.18
0.20
0.40
0.42
0.42
0.42
0.36
0.40
0.42
0.43
0.44
0.42
0.50
0.42
Skin
Guatemala
Skin
Skin
do
do
Skin
Chrysomitris yarrelli.
...do
C?
3.86
4 44
Skin
Chrysomitris tristis
Independence, Mo.
do
Skin
do
5 25
8.75
Fresh
do
Carlisle, Pa
9
4.30
5.25
4.02
4.20
4.00
4.00
3.90
4.00
4.37
8.82
2.84
2 90
2.54
2.48
2.40
2.50
2.45
2.36
2.46
2.68
2.54
2.90
2.80
2.70
2,75
2.80
2.13
0.52
0.60
0.20
0.38
0.40
Skin
do
do
Fresh .
Chrysomitris psaltria
do
Chrysomitris mexicanus. .
do
Cosumnes river
California
New Leon, Mex . . .
C?
§
1.90
1.78
1.70
0.48
0.49
0.48
0.50
0.52
0.54
0.18
0.18
0.18
0.36
0.34
0.38
0.38
0.40
0.34
Skin
Skin
Skin
7.50
Fresh
do
9
1.77
0.50
0.51
OJ7
0.34
0.36
Skin
do
6.75
Fresh
Chrysomitris Columbians
Chrysomitris lawrencii ..
,do..
1.74
2.22
2.08
2.06
0.46
0.50
0.48
0.56
0.54
0.60
0.56
0.60
0.18
0.20
0.18
0.20
0.40
0.32
0.32
0.42
0.38
0.36
0.33
0.48
Skin
Cosumnes river. . . .
C?
9
$
4.40
4.40
4.80
4.80
4.60
4.66
4.82
Skin
Skin
Carlisle, Pa
Skin
do
do
9.00
Fresh
do
do
do
do
9
1.95
0.56
0.61
0.17
0.40
0.42
Skin
8.50
Fresh
Simiahmoo bav.W.T.
2.12
0.56
0.63
0,18
0.42
0.46
Skin
CHRYSOMITEIS MAGELLANICUS, Bonap.
Black-headed Goldfinch.
Fringilla magellanica, VIEILL. Diet. XII, 1819, 168.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 46 ; pi. 394.
Carduelis magellanicus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 116.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 133 ; pi. 182.
Chrysomitris magellanica, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 516. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 160.
Fringilla ictcrica, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, 26.
'' ? Fringilla campestris, SPIX. Av. Bras. II, , tab. Ixi, f. 3."
SP. Cu. — Head all round and extending below over the lower throat, wings, and tail, (except as hereafter described,) black.
Lower part of neck, back to the rump, scapulars, and lesser wing coverts, olive green. Under surfaces generally of the body,
rump and upper tail coverts, basal half of all the tail feathers, bases of all the wing feathers, except inner tertials and outer web
of first primary, with ends of greater coverts and edges of tertials towards the end, yellow, tinged with greenish below.
Bastard feathers black. Length, 4.50 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.
Hub. — South America. Accidental in the United States, (Kentucky. )
420
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS - ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
In the preceding diagnosis I have described a specimen from Mr. Audubon's cabinet, and
probably one of those mentioned by him as having been obtained at Henderson, Kentucky.
There is no authentic instance on record of its Laving been obtained elsewhere in the United
States. Its black head will readily distinguish it from the other species. The first and second
quills are equal and longest ; the third very little shorter.
The C. notatus of Dubus differs in having a slender and more attenuated bill, the black of the
throat coming further on the breast. The wing coverts entirely black, excepting a band of
yellowish on the tips of the greater ones, and the secondaries without any yellowish edging.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number. Sex
2883
Locality.
United States.
Whence obtained.
J. J. Audubon .
CHBYSOMITKIS STANLEYI, Bonap.
Stanley's Goldfinch.
Carduelis stanleyi, AUD. Synop. 1839, 118. — IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 137 ; pi. 185. (Not given in Orn. Biog.)
Chrysomitris stanleyi, BP. Consp. 1850, 515.
Hypacanthus stanleyi, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 161.
Sp. CH. — Above, with scapulars and ends of lesser wing coverts dark olive green, brightening on the rump ; the feathers of
the back obscurely streaked with brown. Posterior upper tail coverts dusky. Crown and chin black. Forehead, sides of
head, under parts generally and sides, greenish yellow, turning to white posteriorly. Wings and tail dark brown ; the tail
feathers, excepting the central, yellow at the base, as are the quills, excepting the first two primaries and the inner tcrtiaries.
The edges and tips of the greater coverts are also yellowish.
Female without the black on head and throat. Length of male, 5.75 ; wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.20.
Hob. — California, (?) probably western Mexico.
This species is so similar in all essential features to the G. magdlanicus as almost to indicate
that it is only an immature stage of plumage. The crown and chin only are black, instead of
the entire head all round ; the black of the chin, however, is edged with yellowish, and there
are indications of black on the sides of the head near the bill, showing an immature condition.
The upper parts are similar in their shade of green ; the rump is not nearly so bright yellow,
and the longer upper tail coverts are not yellow but brown. The middle of belly and thence to
the tail coverts are whitish, the latter streaked with brown instead of uniform unspotted yellow.
The markings on the wing are very similar, except that the bases of the first two primaries are
not marked with yellow as they are in the other, excepting on the outer web of the fir&t. The
middle tail feather appears to be brown to the very base instead of yellow.
The feet are, however, much larger ; the toes longer. The bill is larger and more curved
above. The proportions of the two quills are much the same.
The pair- 1 here describe are from Mr. Audubon's collection. The draggled appearance of the
wings and tail appear to indicate that they had at one time been kept alive in a cage.
This species has somewhat the appearance of Ch. psaltria, but is much larger ; has a black
chin ; the quills and tail with yellow instead of white markings, &c.
BIRDS — FRINGILLTDAE CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS.
421
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2035
r?
California- ' ......
J. J. Audubon .
2036
O?
do
do
CHKYSOMITEIS TABEELLI, Bonap.
Yarrell's Goldfinch.
Carduelis yarrelli, AUD. Syn. 1839, 117.— In. Birds Am III, 1841, 136 ; pi. 184.
Fringilla mexicana, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 283 ; pi. 433, fig. 4. (Not of Swainson.)
Chrysomitris mexicana, Bp. List, 1838. (Not of Conspectus.)
SP. CH. — Bill very large. Head above to middle of e/tes and to the rictus, black. Body generally bright yellow ; back and
wing coverts olive green. Wings and tail black ; the bases of the tail feathers and of quills, except the inner tertials and outer
web of first primary, yellow. Length, 4 inches ; wing, 2.40 ; tail, 1.65.
Hab. — California, (?) probably from western Mexico.
The bill of this species is enormously large and full for the genus. The second quill is
longest ; the first and third but little shorter. The markings of the wings and tail are almost
exactly as in C. magellanicus ; the difference between the two is in the smaller size, brighter
nape, and black crown only, instead of an entirely black head.
The specimen described is Mr. Audubon 's original, and appears to have been kept for a time
in a cage.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2037
(51
California
J. J. Audubon ...
CHEYSOMITEIS TKISTIS, Bon.
Yellow Bird; Thistle Bird.
la, tristis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 320.— GM. I, 907.— WILS. Am. Orn. I, 1808, 20 ; pi. i, f. 2.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. I, 1831, 172 : V, 510 ; pi. 33.
Cardueles tristis, BON. Obs. Wils, 1S85, No. 96.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 116.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 129 ; pi. 181.
Chrysomitris tristis, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 517. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. R.
R. Surv. VII, iv, 1857, 87.
rfstragalinus tristis, CABANIS, Mus. Hcin. 1851, 159, (type.)
Carduelis americana, (EDWARDS,) Sw. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 268.
Golden Finch, PENNANT. — American Goldfinch, EDWARDS. — Chardonneret jaune ; Chardonneret du Canada. — Tarin de
la Mouvellc Yorck, BUFFON.— IB. PI. enl., pi. 202, f. 2 ; pi. 292, f. 1, .
SP. CH. — Bright gamboge yellow ; crown, wings, and tail black. Lesser wing coverts, band across the end of greater ones,
ends of secondaries and tertiaries, inner margins of tail feathers, upper and under tail coverts, and tibia, white. Length, 5.25
inches ; wing, 3.
Jfab. — North America generally.
422
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
In winter the yellow is replaced by yellowish brown ; the black of the crown wanting ; that
of wings and tail browner. The throat is generally yellowish ; the under parts ashy brown,
passing behijid into white.
In No. 8339 the white on the inner edge of the tail feathers, instead of passing obliquely in a
straight outline to the inner edge of the feather, constitutes a quadrate blotch in the terminal
fourth. There is less white on the wing coverts.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1349
(J
April 12, 1844
S. F. Baird
5.08
9 00
3 00
16-14
J
do
July 18, 1844
do
4.92
8.75
9 83
1521
9
do
May 14, 1844
do
5 25
8 83
2 92
1637
;?
do
July 1C, 1844
do
4.92
8 67
2 75
2205
o
do
May 2, 1845
do....
4.83
8 50
2.75
868
o
do
Nov. 22, 1842
do
4.75
8.50
2 ~5
]19
j
do
Jan. 27, 1841
do
1318
do
April 12, 1844
4.75
8.42
2.75
7041
$
St. Louis
May 15, 1857
Lt. Bryan
36
W. S. Wood
6390
Ft. Leavenworth, K. T.
Oct. 23, 1824
Lt. Couch
8
6391
do
do
23
8339
5876
Independence, Mo....
Fort Riley, K. T
June 6, 1857
W. M. Magraw. ..
64
Dr. Cooper...
5.25
8.75
3.00
Iris, bill, and feet dark brown.
4824
3
Running Water, Neb . .
May 14, 1856
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden. .
5.00
8.50
2 87
Eyes black ?
4825
cJ
do
May 16, 1856
do
do
4.75
8.75
3.25
Iris ash color
5391
3
Fort Lookout, Neb...
June 20, 1856
do
do
4.75
8.75
2.50
4659
a
June 12, 1836
do
do
539.2
Blackl'oot country, Neb
....do
do
do....
4.75
8 75
2 50
8209
4470
Fort Laramie
Slioalvvater Bay, K. T.
Sept. 8, 1857
W. M. Magraw...
Dr. J. G. Cooper..
191
Dr. Cooper. ..
4.50
5.00
8.58
8.75
2.87
Iris, bill, and feet dark brown.
Bill black, feut flesh color.
C392
R. D. Cults
6393
do
do
6394
3
Lt. Williamson.
6395
A
do
do
do
CHBYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA., Bo nap.
Arkansas Finch.
Fringilla psaltria, SAY, Long's Exp«d. R. Mts. II, 1823, 40.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 85 ; pi. 394.
Fringilla (Carduclis) psaltria, EON. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 54 ; pi. 6, f. 3.
Carduelis psaltria, Aun. Syn. 1839, 117.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 134 ; pi. 183.
Chrysomitris psaltria, Bp. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 516 — GAMBEL, Jour. A. N. S. 2d series 1, 1847, 52. (Female.)
Sp. CH. — Upper parts and sides of head and neck olive green. Hood, upper tail coverts, wings, and tail black. Beneath
bright yellow. A band across the tips of the greater coverts, the ends of nearly all the quills, the outer edges of the tertiaries,
the extreme bases of all the primaries, except the outer two, and a long rectangular patch on tho inner webs of the outer three
tail feathers near the middle, white. Female with the upper parts generally, and sides, olive green ; the wings and tail brown,
their white marks as in the male. Length, 4.25 ; wing, 2.40 ; tail, 1.85.
JIab. — Southern Rocky mountains to tho coast of California.
This goldfinch is more like 0. tristis than any other of our species. The upper parts arc,
however, olive green, instead of yellow. The whole under parts are yellow, even including
the under tail coverts. There is no white on the lesser wing coverts. The bill is slenderer
and more curved. The third quill is longest ; the first, second, and fourth successively a little
shorter. The tail is less deeply forked than in 0. tristis.
BIliDS FRING1LLIDAE CHRYSOMIT1US MEXICANUS.
423
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality. Wen collected.
Whence ob
tained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by — ; Length.
Stretch Wings,
of wings.
Remarks.
6397
' Williams' river, N. M.. Feb. 12, 18f>4
Lt. VVhipple.
97
Dr. Kennerly. . 4
5.50 2
6308
6390
' do Feb. 8,1854
do
... do ...
78
74
do
do 4
7 2.50
Eyes gray (?)
6400
do.
76
., do 4
6 2.50
31 °2
(J Monterey, Cal June 20 1848
Win. Ilutton.
Iris very dark, bill and feet
6401
flesh color, dark gray above
6402
do
3920
3930
g do
do
.. Fort Tejoiij Cal
CHEYSOMITEIS MEXICANA, Bo nap.
JJlack Goldfinch; Mexican Goldfinch.
Carduelis mexicanus, SWAINS. Syn. Birds Mex. Phil. Mag. 1827, 435. — WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 525.
Chrysomitris mexicanus, BP. Consp. Av. 1850, 516. (Quotes Aud. tab. 427.)
Jlstragalinus mexicanus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 159.
FnngiUa melanoxantha, (Licnr.) WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 525.
? FnngiUa, catotol, GM. Syut. Nat. I, 1788, 914.
Fringllla texensis, GIRAUD, 16 Sp. Birds Tex. 1841 ; pi. v, f. 1. (Gives ... elly.)
Sp. CH. — Upper parts continuously and entirely black; the feathers of the rump white subterminally, and showing this
through the black ; a few of the feathers with greenish yellow between the white and black ; a few, perhaps, without black
tips. The bases of the third to seventh primaries, and the ends of the tertiaries externally white. The tail is black, except
the outer three feathers, in which the outer webs and tips only arc this color ; the rest white. Inside of wino- black. Under
parts of body pale yellow. Female with the black of the head and body replaced by olive green. Length, 4.12 inches ; wino-,
2.25; tail, 2. 00.
I lab. — Mexican side of the valley of the Rio Grande, southward ; Copper Mines of the Gila.
All our Chrysomitris have the concealed white on the rump, but it is more hidden ; where
the black tips are wanting, the greenish is broader, and comes to the surface. There is a little
black on the side of the breast under the wings ; the axillaries also are mostly black. The
black of the nape and neck is first greenish and then whitish within the black tip. There is
a yellow spot below the eye.
The bill of this species is stouter than in C. tristis, the wing shorter and more rounded, the
tail less deeply forked. The third quill is longest ; then the second and fourth ; the first is
appreciably shorter.
The female of this species resembles very closely that of 0. psaltria ; the bill is shorter and
more obtuse, however ; the white spot at the base of the primaries more conspicuous. In the
imperfect character of the specimens before me I am not prepared to state the differences in
coloration, although the under parts appear of a brighter yellow.
There is a closely allied species from South America (G. columbianus1) which is larger, the
bill especially. There is, however, no white on the tail nor on the wing, except at^the base of
the primaries. The yellow of the under parts is much deeper.
'CHRYSOMITIUS COMJMBIANUP, Baird .
Jlstragalinus columbianus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 159.
Chrysomitris xanthogastra, DUBUS, Bull. Acad. Belg. XXII, i, 1855, 150.
424
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
A specimen from the Copper Mines (6404) differs in having the feathers of the back olive
green, tipped occasionally with black. Instead of the one or two spots of white on the tips of
the greater wing coverts there is a continuous band. The axillaries are olive green, instead of
black. None of these differences^ however, are inconsistent with a not quite mature specimen
of the C. mexicanus.
List of specimens.
Catul .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected
by-
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wings
Tail.
Remarks.
4077
6396
4078
6403
6404
9
<J
Santa Catarina, New Leon,
Mex.
Agua Nueva, Coahuila, Mex .
Lt. Couch..
....do
do
183
234
4
7.50
4
4 12
2,50
6.37
7.25
Eyes dark brown, bill bluish lead
color, feet light brown or slate.
Bill olive, feet lead
May —,'53
June 1,'53
2.37
2 25
J. G. Bell..
! Mr. Clark
CHBYSOMITBIS LA WRENCH, Bo nap.
Carduelis lawrencii, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct. 1850, 105 ; pi. v, (California.)
Chrysomitris lawrencii, BON. Cotnptes Rendus, Dec. 1853, 913.
Sp. CH. — Hood, sides of head anterior to the middle of the eye, chin, and upper part of throat, black. Sides of head, neck,
and body, upper part of neck and the back, and upper tail coverts, ash color. Rump and lesser wing coverts yellowish green.
Throat below the black, breast, and outer edges of all the quills, (except the first primary, and passing into white behind,)
bright greenish yellow. Wings black. Tail feathers black, with a white square patch on the inner web, near the end ; outer
edges grayish ; quills black. Female similar, with the black of the head replaced by ash. Length, about 4.70 ; wing, 2.75 ;
tail, 2. 30.
Hab. — Coast of California.
In this species the second quill is longest; the first intermediate between the third and fourth.
The tail is quite deeply forked. There is a slight tendency to olive green in the middle of the
back. The yellowish green may be said to cover the whole wing coverts, although the black
bases of the greater coverts are. somewhat exposed ; the green on these passes into yellowish;
their extreme tips grayish. The axillaries and under wing coverts are white.
The young bird is like the female, with obscure blotches beneath ; the yellow margins of the
wing coverts and secondaries brownish.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
3927
c?
California
Dr. Heermann
3928
0
do
do
6405
$
Cosumnes river
Lieut. Williamson
Dr Heermann
10225
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. X. deVesey
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE — CHRYSOMITRIS PINUS.
425
CHRYSOMITRIS PINUS, Bo nap.
Pine Finch.
Fringilla pinus, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 133 ; pi. xvii, f. 1.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 455 : V, 509 ; pi. 180.
Fringilla (Carduelis) pinus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 103.
Linaria pinus, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 115. — IB. Birds Amor. Ill, 1841, 125 ; pi. 180.
Chrysomitris pinus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 515.
?? Chrysomitris macroptera, DUBUS, Esq. Orn. tab. 23, (Mexico.) — BP. Conspectus, 1850, 515.
Sr. CH. — Tail deeply forked. Above brownish olivo. Beneath whitish, every feather streaked distinctly with dusky. Con
cealed bases of tail feathers and quills, together with their inner edges, sulphur yellow. Outer edges of quills and tail feathers
yellowish green. Two brownish white bands on the wing. Length, 4.75 ; wing, 3.00 ; tail, 2.20.
Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
The lower part of the belly is less spotted than elsewhere.
In winter the yellow colors are much less distinct, scarcely appreciable on the body, in fact ;
the brown streak less sharply defined. In young specimens it is scarcely appreciable, even on
the wings and tail.
The extent of the yellow at the base of the quills and tail feathers varies with the individual.
Sometimes it is visible more or less distinctly beyond the wing coverts and spurious quills.
Sometimes the streaks beneath are less distinct, leaving the under parts almost white. Some
times the upper parts, the rump especially, are tinged with yellow.
I do not find before me any North American specimens differing from types in the greater
length of quills and tarsus, as is said to be the case in Q. macroptera, Dubus, (Bonap. Consp.
1850, 515.) The yellow of the wings and tail given as peculiar to macroptera is found in all
full plumaged specimens of pinus.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
25-23
J
Oct. 16, 18-lj
S. P. Baird
•126
Q
do
May 28, 1841
....do
4.83
8.50
838
J>
do
Oct. 26, 1842
....do
4.75
9.
2.83
837
do
... do
....do
4 67
8.50
2 75
425
ji
do
May 28, 1841
...do
4 83
9.25
836
O
•f:
do
Oct. 26, 1842
do
4 83
9
2 83
2887
0
S. F. Baird
6783
Rockport, Ohio
July, 1849....
5393
Sept 15, 1856
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden
5394
do
do
....do
do
6410
10225
Fort Tliorne, N. M
Fort Tejon, Cal
Dr. T. C. Henry
J. X. de Vesey
727
6409
6406
G407
$
Sacramento, Cal
Shonlwater Bay, W. T.
do
Oct., 1854 ....
....do
Lt. Williamson
Dr. J. G. Cooper
,...do
Dr. Heennann . ..
6408
do
....do
....do
5.25
8.50
Iris, bill, and ft. brown.
54 b
426
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
CURVIROSTRA, Scopoli.
Loxia, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1758. Typo Loxia curvirostra,!^. Not of 1735, which has for type Loxia coccothraustes, L.
Curvirostra, " SCOPOLI, 1777." Type L. curvirostra.
CH. — Mandibles much elongated, compressed and attenuated ; greatly curved or falcate, the points crossing or overlapping to
a greater or less degree. Tarsi very short ; claws all very long, the lateral extending beyond the middle of the central ; hind
claw longer than its digit. Wings very long and pointed, reaching beyond the middle of the narrow, forked tail.
Colors reddish in the male.
The elongated, compressed, falcate-curved and overlapping mandibles, readily characterise
this genus among birds.
The United States species of Curvirostra are readily distinguished by the presence of white
bands on the wing in leucoptera and their absence in americana.
As Loxia was first assigned by Linnaeus, in 1735, to his L. cocothraustes, I do not understand
why Gr. E. Gray and Cabanis have not retained the genus for the last named type.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length. Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
5801
9
5.80 3.34
2.56
0.62
0.68
0 24
0 64
0 64
1215
do
do
,?
6.80 3.70
2.76
0.64
0.7d
0.32
0 64
0 66
Skin .
5803
Curvirostra americana
do
A
5.34 3.26
2.32
0.62
0.78
0 24
0.58
0 54
Skin . .
6441
do
Shoal water bay ....
o
5.10 3.22
2.28
0.62
0.78
0.25
0.54
0 56
do.
do
do
V
5.75 10.25
3727
do
5.70 ! 3.66
2 56
0.70
0 88
0 30
0 70
0 70
8962
do
6 00 3.66
2.50
0 70
0 82
0 30
0 82
0 76
Skin
6440
do
5.50 3.50
2.38
0.7U
0 85
0 30
0 62
0 64
Skin
4485
do
Des Chutes basin...
6.16 3.38
2.30
0.64
0.74
0.26
0 63
0.64
Skin
CUEVIEOSTEA AMEEICANA, Wilson.
Red Crossbill.
Curvirostra americana, WILS. Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 44 ; pi. xxxi, f. 1, 2.
Loxia americana, BON. List, 1838 — IB Conspectus, 1850, 527. — BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mon. Loxiens, 5, tab. vi. —
NEWBERRY, Zool. California and Oregon Route, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 87.
Loxia curvirostra, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, No. 23.— AUD. Biog. II, 1834, 559: V, 511 ; pi. 197.— IB. Birds
Amer. Ill, 1841, 186 ; pi. 200.
" Loxia pusilla, ILLIGER." (Bp.)
" Loxiafusca, VIEILLOT." (Bp.)
SP. CH. — Male dull red ; darkest across the back ; wings and tail dark ackish brown.
Female dull greenish olive above, each feather with a dusky centre ; rump and crown bright greenish yellow. Beneath
grayish ; tinged, especially on the sides of the body, with greenish yellow. Young entirely brown ; paler beneath.
Male about 6 inches ; wing, 3.30 ; tail, 2.25.
Hob.— North America generally, coming southward in winter. Kesident in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
The immature and young birds exhibit all imaginable combinations of the colors of the male
and female. They all agree in the entire absence of white bands on the wings.
I have not enough materials before me to determine whether western specimens differ from
eastern. One (4476) has a larger bill and longer, more pointed wings than any eastern skin I
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE — CURVIROSTRA LEUCOPTERA.
427
have at hand, (wing 3.65 inches.) No. 8902 has a still larger bill. In fact, there appears to be
a great difference in the size of the bill in different specimens, and this indiscriminately in
both eastern and western skins.
The difference between the European and American Crossbills appears to consist chiefly in the
larger size, with larger and stouter bill of the former.
A Loxia mexicana, described by Strickland, is said by Bonaparte to have the same relation
ship to the americana that pytiopsittacus has to curviroslra, namely, a larger bill. I cannot
now lay my hand on Mr. Strickland's article, but I doubt whether the characters furnished by
a comparison of a small number of specimens will lead to very satisfactory results, in view of
the great differences observable in size of bill in specimens from the same locality.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex. Locality. When collected.
No.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6702 ;
3374
i
Carlisle, Pa June 18,1848
S. F. Baird
do
.5803 c?
5804 J1
58U5 Q
Pliilada , Pa Jan. — ,1856
Acad. Nat. Sciences
...do...
...! C. Drexler
do do
do
do
507 0
6435
Fort Steilacoom, VV. T. Aug. 1,1856
do Mar 30 1854
Dr. G. Suckley
573
...Ho...
58
do. .April 1, 1854 i do
56
6.25 ; 9.50
3.37
64
6439
.. . do
75
6440 ; c?
Slioal water bay, W. T. . Mar. 4, 1854
Dr. J. G. Cooper...
do
6.00
5.75
5.75
10.50
10.25
10.25
Iris bill and feet
brown.
G,I.(O
do
4476
Des Chutes river, 0. T.. 1855
do. Mar. , 1854
Lieut. Williamson..
do
Dr. Newberry ....
' do
37:27
8962
89ft 3
California
Laramie peak, Neb ?. .. 1857
<tn... . 1857...
Lieut. Warren
do
CURVIROSTKA LEUCOPTEBA, Wilson.
White-winged Crossbill.
Loxia leucoptera, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 540.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 467 ; pi. 364.— IB. Birds Amer.IIl, 1841,
190; pi. 201. — BONAP. Conspectus Av. 1850, 527. — EON. & SCHL Mon. Loxiens, 1850, 8; pi. ix.
Curvirostra leucoptera, WILS. Am. Orn. IV, 1811. 48; pi. xxxi, f. 3.
Crucirostra leucoptera, BREHM, Naumannia, I, 1853, 2T»4, fig. 20.
Loxiafalciroslra, LATH. Index Orn. I, 1790,371.
Sp. CH. — Bill greatly compressed, and acute towards the point. Male carmine red, tinged with dusky across the back ; the
sides of body under the wings streaked with brown ; from the middle of belly to the tail coverts whitish, the latter streaked with
brown. Scapulars, wings, and tail black ; the broad bands on the wings across the ends of greater and median coverts ; white
spots on the end of the inner tertiaries.
Female brownish, tinged with olive green in places; feathers of the back and crown with dusky centres; rump bright brownish
yellow.
Length, about 6.25 ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, 2.60.
Hab. — Northern parts of North America generally.
428
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Immature and young specimens are intermediate in color.
The bill of this species is much more compressed and slenderer than in C. americana. The
wings are more pointed ; the claws larger. The white bands on the wing distinguish the two
in all stages.
List of specimens.
Ciital.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Wken collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
5793
5802
2882
10228
8965
8964
$
Q
9
Jan. —,1856
Acad. Nat. Scien.
do
C Drexler.
do
do.-
do
Nelson river, IT. 15. T.
Laranrie peak, Nel>_-
Donald Gunn
Aug. 25, 1857
Lt Warren
do
Dr. Hay den
do
G. 50
10. 25
3.88
AEGIOTHUS, Cab an is.
Jlcanthis, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, not of Bechstein, 1802, nor Keys. & Bias. 1840.
Jlegiothus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. Type Fringilla Knaria, Linn.
Bill very short, conical, and aeutely pointed, the outlines even concave ; the commissure straight ; the base of the upper
mandible and the nostrils concealed by stiff, appressed bristly feathers ; middle of the mandible having several ridges parallel with
the culmen. Inner lateral toe rather the longer, its claw reaching the middle of the middle claw ; the hind toe rather longer,
its claw longer than the digital portion. Wings very long, reaching the middle of the tail ; second quill a little longer than the
first and third. Tail deeply forked.
The specimens before me do not indicate more than one species, A. linaria, although the A.
canescens of Greenland, in all probability, is found in Northern America.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
9224
Lcucosticte arctous ?. . .
Siberia ;
6.20
4.50 3.36
0.84
0.82
0.24
0.46
0.54
Skn
3701
Lcucosticte tephrocotis.
Salt Lake city
7.10
; 4.28 ! 3.04
0.80
0.82 0.24
0.44
0.54
Skin
900
Carlisle, Pa
•t
5.20
3 04 Q.72
0 55
0 56 0 22
0.34
0 44
Skin
do.
do
do....
5 50
9.00 3 08
7109
do
Philadelphia, Pa
5.12
2.94
2.49
0.58
0.56 0.24
0.36
0.44
Skin....,
912
do
Carlisle, Pa ' O
4.90
9 79
2 38
0 54
0 50
0 21
0 35
0 42
Skin
do.
do
do
5.00
8.42 2.75
821
do
do
C?
'4.92
' 2.82
2.58
0.54
O.SO
0.20
0.33
0.38
Skin
do.
do..,.
do
5.50
8.50
2.83
Fresh
8883
do
Ann Arbor, Mich. ..
5.00
2.86
2.58
0.60
0.50
0.20
0.38
0.40
Skin
AEGIOTHUS LINAKIA, Cabanis.
Lesser Red Poll.
Fringilla linaria, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 322— AUD. Orn Biog. IV, 1838, 538 ; pi. 375.
Fringilla (Jlcanthis) linaria, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 1840, No. 115, page 161.
Jlcanlhis linaria, BP. Conspectus, 1850, 541.
Jlegiothus linaria, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161.
Linaria minor, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 267.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 114.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 122; pi. 179.
BIRDS FRIN GILLID AE AEGIOTHUS CANESCENS.
429
gp. CH. — Above light yellowish, each feather streaked with dark hrown. Crown dark crimson. Upper part of breast and
sides of the body tinged with a lighter tint of the same ; the rump and under tail coverts also, similar, but still Irss vivid, and
witli dusky streaks. Rest of under parts white, streaked on the sides with brown. Loral region and chin dusky; cheeks,
(brightest over the oye,) and a narrow front, whitish. Wing feathers edged externally, and tail feathers all round with white.
Two yellowish white bands across the wing coverts ; secondaries and tertiarics edged broadly with the same. Bill yellowish,
tinged with brown on the culmen and gonys ; the basal bristles brown, reaching over half the bill. Length, 5 50; wing, 3.10 ;
tail, 2.70.
Hob. — Throughout eastern North America, coming south in winter. Washington Territory. — (Cooper.)
The specimen described above is a male, (900) in winter dress. The spring plumage has much
more of the red. The female winter specimens lack the rose of the under parts and rump ; the
breast is streaked across with dusky.
I have not met with any specimens apparently indicative of more than one North American
species, although the A. canescens, of Greenland, may possibly be found within our limits. This
is much larger, has the tail 3-J- inches long instead of 2£ ; the rump never with dusky streaks.
The A. rufescens, of Europe differs in the smaller size, the tail scarcely two inches long, the
rump tinged with rufous. The A. holbolli, of Europe, has a very large yellow bill, a large
gular patch and the lores, black.
List of specimens.
Catal. i S
No.
ex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
902
Q ; Carlisle, Pa
Dec. 6, 1842 .
S. F. Baird
5.00
8.42
2.75
821
$ do..
Oct. 20, 1842
.do
5.50
8.50
2.83
900
S ! do
Dec. 6, 1842
do
5.50
9.00
3.08
494 ...
New York
do
1588 ..
Boston .
T M Brewer
7119 ...
. Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr J P Kirtland
5824 ...
Racine, Wis
1852
Dr. P. R. Hoy
9225 ...
England .
S F. Baird
AEGIOTHUS CANESCENS, Cab an is.
Mealy Red Poll.
Linaria canescens, GOULD, " Birds Europe, Tab. 193."
Linota canescens, BOKAP. List, 1838.
Jlcanthis canescens, BON. Conspectus, 1850, 541. — BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mon. Loxiens, Tab. li.
•ftegiothus canescens, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161.
"Fringilla borealis, TEMMINCK, 1835. Not of Vieillot." Bonaparte.
fFi-ingilla borealis, Auu. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 87 ; pi. 400.
?Linaria borealis, AUD. Birds Amer III, 1841, IxJO ; pi. 178.
"Linaria hornemanni, IloLiiOLL, Kroycr Nat. Ticlskr. 1843."
Sp. CH. — Size large. Bill short. Claws elongated. Rump white, (in the spring male tinged with rose,) never streaked ; the
quills broadly margined with white. Tail lengthened. Length, 6 inches ; tail, 3.17.
Hab. — Greenland.
The preceding description, taken chiefly from Bonaparte, is of a species which doubtless occurs
in the northern portion of our continent, and is introduced for the purpose of completing the
430 U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEBAL EEPOET.
history of the genus, though I have never seen a specimen. It differs from the other in the
larger size, generally hoary appearance, and the pure white or rosy rump, never with dusky
streaks, as in the female and young of A. linaria.
LEUCOSTICTB, Swainson.
Leucosticte, SWAINSON, Fauna Bor. Amor. II, 1831, 265. Type Linaria tephrocotis, Sw.
CH Bill conical rounded, rather blunt at the tip ; the culmen slightly convex ; the commissure slightly concave ; the nostrils
concealed by depressed bristly feathers ; a depressed ridge extending about parallel with the culmen above the middle of the bill.
Another more conspicuously angulated one, extending forward from the lower posterior angle of the side of the lower
mandible, nearly parallel with the gonys. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. Inner toe almost th« longer, its claw not
reaching beyond the base of the middle one. Hind toe rather longer, its claw longer than the digital portion. Wings very
long ; first quill longest. Tail forked.
This genus differs from Aegiothus in the more obtuse and curved bill, the ridge on the lower
mandible, the lateral toe not reaching beyond the base of the middle one, and possibly a longer
hind toe. The measurements will be found with Aegiothus.
Several species are indicated as North American ; only one, however, L. tephrocotis, seems
to have been found in the United States. The others belong to the Aleutian Islands, but without
specimens I cannot introduce them here.1
LEUCOSTICTE TEPHROCOTIS, Sw.
Gray-croAvned Finch.
Linaria (Leucoslicte) tephrocotis, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 255 ; pi. 1.
Leucosticte tephrocotis, Sw. Birds, II, 1837. — BON. Consp. 1850, 536. — BAIRD, Stansbury's Salt Lake, 1852, 317.
Erythrospiza tephrocotis, BON. List. 1838.— ACD. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amor. Ill, 1841, 176 ; pi. 198.
Fringilla tephrocotis, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 232 ; pi. 424.
Sr. CH. — Head above and nape bounded below by a line from the commissure a little below the eyes, light ashy ; dusky in
the loral region. Crown with a distinct patch of sooty black, reaching nearly to the base of the bill. Lesser wing coverts and
axillaries, outer edges of primaries and tail feathers, with ends of the feathers of the posterior half of body all round, pale rose
red. Rest of body dark umber brown, tinged with dusky on the chin and throat. Wings and tail feathers blackish. The
greater coverts are tipped, and the secondaries edged, with white. Length, 7.10 inches ; wing, 4.30 ; tail, 2.90.
Hab. — Northern Rocky mountains. Vicinity of Salt Lake City in winter.
1 The following are the diagnoses of the species said to belong to the northwest coast of America :
JLEUCOSTICTE GRISEINUCHA, Bonap. — Russian America and the Aleutian Islands.
Linaria griseinucha, BRANDT, "Orn. Ross. 1842 "
Leucosticte griseinucha, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 537.
Leucosticte griseogenys, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. July, 1843, 104.— IB. Voyage of Sulphur, I, 1844, 42; pi. xxii.
Sp. CH. — "Brown. Forehead and throat blackish. Nasal feathers always whitish. Cheeks and back of the neck gray.
Interscapular region and breast chestnut brown, the feathers narrowly bordered with ferruginous. Feathers of sides and abdomen,
wing coverts and tail, broadly margined with rose. Bill yellow ; blackish at tip.
" Female entire olivaceous ferruginous. Quills and tail feathers brown, bordered with pale rosy. Wing coverts and scapulars
with a broad ferruginous margin.
" Similar to L. tephrocotis, but duller, and beneath more tinged with rosy. Cheeks and neck above distinctly gray. Length,
7.66 inches." — Bonaparte.
LEUCOSTICTE ARCTOUS, Bonap. — Kurile Islands and Kamtschatka. Russian America. (Cabanis.)
Passer arctous, var. a, Pallas, Zoog. Rosso- As. II, 1811, 21.
Leucosticte arctoa, BON. Consp. 1850, 537. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 154. — BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mon. Loxiens, 1850,
tab. xlv.
Sp. Ch. — "Dusky purplish. Neck above pale yellowish. Forehead and nasal feathers blackish (scarcely tinged with purple).
Outer web of the quills and greater wing coverts, the tail feathers, the feathers of the rump and crissum, silvery gray, with a
very narrow outer margin of rosaceous, and the shafts black. Bill small, blackish at tip. Length, 6 inches." — Bonaparte.
BIRDS — FEINGILLID AE — PLE CTROPHANES. 431
The only specimen before me of this excessively rare species was taken in winter, when the
colors may be less brilliant than in spring. The wing is very much pointed ; the first three
primaries considerably longer than the fourth.
List of specimens.
fatal. No.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
3701
Salt Lake Cit v, Utah
March 21, 1850 ! Captain Stansbury
PLECT110PHANLS, Meyer.
Plectrophanes, METER, " Taschenbuch, 1810." Agassiz. Type Emberiza nivalis.
Centrophanes, KAUP, " Entw. Gesch. Europ Thierwelt, 1829," Agassiz. Typo E. lapponica.
CH. — Bill variable ; conical ; the lower mandible higher than the upper ; the sides of both mandibles (in the typical species)
guarded by a closely applied brush of stiffened bristly feathers directed forwards, and in the upper jaw concealing the nostrils ;
the outlines of the bill nearly straight, or slightly curved ; the lower jaw considerably broader at the base than the upper, and
wider than the gonys is long. Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe; the lateral toes nearly equal, (the inner claw
largest,) and reaching to the base of the middle claw. The hinder claw very long; moderately curved and acute ; considerably
longer than its toe ; the toe and claw together reaching to the middle of the middle claw, or beyond its tip. Wings very long
and much pointed, reaching nearly to the end of the tail ; the first quill longest, the others rapidly graduated ; the tertiaries a
little longer than the secondaries. Tail moderate, about two-thirds as long as the wings ; nearly even, or slightly emarginated.
In this group there is considerable diversity in the species as respects the size and shape of
the bill and claws. In the P. nivalis the bill is very small and short, the lower mandible
higher than the upper, the sides of the bill conpicuously margined by appressed bristly feathers ;
the hind toe with its claw is rather shorter than the middle one. In P. lapponicus the bill is
larger and longer ; the hind claw much longer than its toe, and with it reaching beyond the
middle claw. P. ornatus has the hind toe (without the claw,) proportionally longer than in the
last ; the claw rather shorter; the two together, however, longer than the middle toe and claw.
In P. maccownii again the bill is much larger and stouter ; the hind toe and claw rather shorter
than in the latter, and about as long as the middle one. Unless all be thrown into one genus,
it will be difficult to get along with less than three, instead of the two hitherto adopted by
systematic writers.
The males of the species are all strongly marked, but the females resemble the streaked
sparrows very closely. They are either white, with black back, as in P. lapponicus, or else
streaked on the back ; the head striped with white and black ; the under parts white with a
large black patch on the throat or breast. All have the outer tail feathers white. The species
may be arranged as follows :
A. PLECTROPHANES, Meyer. — Bill very small. Hind toe not longer than the middle one.
White; middle of back, inner tail feathers, and ends of wing quills, black.... P. nivalis.
B. UENTROPHANES, Kaup. — Bill more elongated but rather slender. Hind toe longer than
the middle one. Neck with a chestnut collar behind ; hood black.
Chin and throat black; belly white; legs black P. lapponicus.
Entirely buff beneath ; legs flesh color P- pictus.
Bill slenderest; chin and throat white; entire breast black; shoulders brown.. P. ornatus.
Similar to the last ; shoulders black P. melanomas.
U. S. P. K. B. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
C. KHYNCHOPHANES, Baird.1 — Bill very large at the base ; hind claw shorter. No rufous
nuchal collar.
Crown black ; shoulders chestnut ; beneath white, with a black pectoral crescent.
P. maccoivnii.
The essential characters of the genus, as usually understood, consist in the very long and
pointed wings ; the moderate, nearly even tail ; the very long, little curved, hind claw.
Whether the elongated and nearly straight hind claw be not an arbitrary character embracing
species otherwise dissimilar I do not pretend to decide. Bonaparte considers the P. maccownii,
so totally distinct from the other species, as to warrant a place in a different family.
Comparative measurements of species.
Calal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex and age.
JO
o
J
j- SO
I1 !
H
w
1
Middle toe.
1 .
« a
Jx
M "*
h- 1
2 i
rt
|
•3 S)
|l
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
1889
7107
6701
8246
8246
1941
10054
1907
Plcctrophanes nivalis ..
do
North America
Philadelphia
Dane county, Wis..
50 miles west Fort
Leavcnworth
"s
6.70
6.10
6.20
5.60
6.12
4.24
4.14
3.81
3.78
10 75 'J 75
3.07
2.84
2.73
2.85
0.81
0.79
0.86
0.85
0.75
0.86
0.80
0.85
0.25
0.28
0.26
0.29
0.58
0.66
0.76
0.79
0.34
0.36
0.44
0.46
0.43
0.40
0.44
0.43
0.43
0.51
0.52
0.49
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fre-^h
Plectrophanes lapponicus
do
do
Plectrophanes pictus. . .
do
Plectrophanes ornatus. .
Fort Union, N. M ....
Pembina, Minn ....
Fort Union
o
5.50
6.60
5.10
3.40
3.42
3. 14
2.50
2.73
2.14
0.85
0,81
0.76
Feet
0.78
0.74
broke
0.20
0.19
n off..
0.64
0.72
0.33
0.36
0.45
0.40
0,44
0.50
0 47
0.46
Skin ......
Skin
Skin
4827
9218
do
Bijou Hill
C?
5.10
3.26
2.59
0.73
0.72
0.21
0.72
0.39
0.39
0.54
Skin
Plectrophanes melano-
111 IIS ,
Mexico
5.50
3.2G
2.58
0.73
0.74
0 23
0.41
0.44
Skin ......
6292
6290
6793
6282
6283
. (Jo
C?
.....
C?
Q
5.42
5.32
5.40
5.50
5.42
3.27
2.36
0 73
0 64
0 16
0 68
0 36
0 40
0.48
Skin
do...
do.
Plectrophanes maccow-
Mimbres to RioGrande
New Mexico
do
3.40
3.24
2,62
2.41
2.47
2.27
0.75
0.74
0.81
0.76
0.74
0.71
0.74
0.69
0.20
0.18
0.20
0.18
0.65
0.66
0.60
0.64
0.32
0.32
0.26
o.a->
0.37
0.40
0.44
0.43
0.41
0.45
0.62
0.53
Skin
Skin . .
3.58
3. 36
Skin
do..,
do
Skin
PLECTKOPHANES NIVALIS, Meyer.
Snow Bunting.
Emberiza nivalis, L. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 308. (Not Fringilla nivalis, L.)— FORSTER, Phila. Trans. LXII, 1772, 403.-
WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 86 ; pi. xxi.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 575 : V, 1839, 496 ; pi. 189.
Emberiza (Plectrophanes) nivalis, BON Obs. 1825, No. 89.
" Plectrophanes nivalis, MEYER."— BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 103.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 55 ; pi. 155.
Emberiza montana, GMELIN, Syst I, 1788, 867, 25.
Emberiza mustelina, GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 867, 7.
Emberiza glacialis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 398.
SP Cu. — Colors, in full plumage, entirely black and white. Middle of back between scapulars, terminal half of primaries and
tertiaries, and two innermost tail feathers, black ; elsewhere pure white. Legs black at all seasons. In winter dress white beneath ;
the head and rump yellowish brown, as also some blotches on the side of the breast ; middle of back brown, streaked with black ;
white on wings and tail much more restricted. Length, about 6.75 ; wing, 4.35 ; tail, 3.05 ; first quill longest.
//a& — Northern America from Atlantic to Pacific ; south into the United States in winter.
This species varies much in color, and the male in full plumage is seldom if ever seen within
the limits of the United States.
1 It is my impression that Bonaparte has proposed a name for this section in removing it to another family, but
to find it.
1 am unable
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE PLECTROPHANES LAPPONICUS.
433
List of specimens.
fatal. No.
1889
7107
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Unknown j
I
ila, Pa |
Collected by — -
S. F. Baird J. J. Audulxm.
John Cassia - \
7425 i Cleveland, Ohio ! -j Dr. Kirtland.
Illinois.
9530 j Simiahmoo bay, W. T November 9, 1857
II. Kennicott.
A. Campbell | Dr. Kennedy ...
PLECTKOPHANES LAPPONICUS, Selby.
Lapland Longspur.
" FringiUa lapponica, LINN. Fauna Suecica, 1761, sp. 235" — IB. Syst. Nat. I, 17G6, 317. — FORSTER, Phil. Trans.
LXII, 1772, 404.
Einberiza (Plcctrophanes) lapponica, Sw, F. B. Am. II, 1831, 248 ; pi. xlviii.
Embcriza lapponica, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 473 ; pi. 365.
Plcctrophancs lapponicus, " SELBY." BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 98.— IB. Birds Amcr. Ill, 1841, 50 ; pi 152^
" Centrophanes lapponicus, KAUP, F.ntvv. Gesch. Europe Thierw. 1829." — CABANIS, Mus. Ilein. 1851, 127.
" Fringilla calcarata, PALL. Itin. 710, Sp. 20."— French ed. Ill, 1793, 464; pi. i.
Centroplianes calcaratus, GRAY, List, Gen. 1841, app. 1842, 11.
SP. Cn. — First quill longest. Legs black. Head all round black, this extending as a semicircular patch to the upper part of
breast ; sides of lower neck and under parts white, with black streaks on. the sides, and spots on the side of the breast. A short
brownish white streak back of the eye. A broad chestnut collar on the back of the neck. Rest of upper parts brownish yellow
streaked with dark brown. Outer tail feathers white, except on the basal portion of the inner web. Length, about 6.25 inches ;
wing, 3.90 ; tail, 2.8 .
llab. — Eastern Northern America into the United States in winter. Not found much west of the Missouri.
This species is very seldom seen in full spring plumage in the United States. In perfect
dress, the black of the throat probably extends further down over the breast. In winter the
black is more or less concealed by whitish tips to the feathers beneath, and by yellowish
brown on the crown. Some fall specimens, apparently females, show no black whatever on the
throat, which, with the under parts generally are dull white, with a short black streak on each
side of the throat.
Lint of specimens.
Ci'tal.
,,„.
Sex. Locality. ' When col-
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected Iiy—
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4345
Racine, Wis Spring. ......
A. 0. Barry
0701
Tli. Kumlien
2714
, Boston
S. F. Haird
S. ( 'aiiot
53ti
New York
do
G. N. Lawrence ..
8215
^ I'cinbina, Minn Sept. 26, 1857
i ,r>() miles west of Lcav- Nov. f>, 1857
\. W. Univvrsily ..
Dr. J. G. Cooper . .
207
1!. Kennieott
G.I -.3 10.75
824G
en worth, K.
do do
do
G.U 10.75
3.75
brown, feet black.
55 b
434
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PLECTROPHANES PICTUS, Swain son.
Smith's Bunting.
Emberiza (Plectrophanes) picta, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 250 ; pi. , (spring. )—NUTT. Man. II, 589,
Plectropiianes pictus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 99. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 52; pi. 153, (Richardson's specimen,)
Emberiza picta, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 91 ; pi. 400.
Centrophanes pictus, CAB. Mus. Hein, 1851, 127.
Plectrophanes smithii, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 337 ; pi. 4^7, (winter.)
gp. CH. — Hood black ; a iim passing over the eye, a small spot on the nape, another on the ears, and a large patch on the
wings, white; nuchal collar and the whole under plumage brownish buff yellow. Legs flesh color. Length, 5.50 inches;
Wing, 3.50 ; tail, 2.75 ; bill, 45.
Hab. — Prairies of Il'inois in winter ; in summer north to the Saskatchewan.
In the absence of fully plumaged specimens of this bird, I have borrowed the above diagnosis
from the Fauna boreali-americana, based on Saskatchewan specimens. As far as I know, none
in this plumage have ever been taken in the United States, although immaturely marked ones
are not unfrequent in early spring throughout Illinois.
The specimen before me has the bill of the size and shape of that of P. lapponica ; the hind
claw is, however, considerably smaller. The upper parts are yellowish brown, broadly streaked
with dark brown ; there is a trace of a light line on the middle crown, and another on each side
of it, as of a light spot on the nape ; the light spot on the ear covers is also obscurely indicated.
There is also a trace of a light line along the scapular region. There is a maxillary row of
spots ; the under parts generally are pale brownish yellow, streaked on the breast and sides
with brown. The lesser wing coverts have the feathers partially tipped with white. The tail
feathers are brown, except the outer, the exposed portion of which is white, with a brown
streak on the outer web towards the end, and a narrow edging on the inner web at the base ;
the second has a long narrow stripe of white along the inner border of the shaft. This
character will distinguish the species from P. ornatus and maccoivnii, although something
similar is seen in P. lapponicus . Its relationships generally are much closest to the latter species.
The hind claw, however, is scarcely more than half as long ; the others also shorter. The bill
is smaller. The covered portions of the jugular feathers show no black whatever ; the sides of
the throat and the breast show short streaks of brown ; the under parts are more fulvous. The
outer tail feathers show more white, there being as much on the second of pictus as on the first
of lapponicus, the second oflapponicus having almost none at all, instead of most of the feathers
being white. The light brownish flesh color of the legs instead of nearly black, is an important
feature.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. | Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1941 i Edwardsville, Illinois
1843..
S. F. Baiid.
J. J. Audubon ..
.do.
1843.
1862 .
10251- Salem, Illinois April 7, 1857
10255 Pcmbina, Minn Sepu. — ,1857
I Ed. liar)
Northwestern University..' II. Kennicott.
do... ..do..
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE PLECTROPHANES ORNATDS.
435
PLECTROPHANES ORNATUS, Towns.
Chestnut-collared Bunting.
Plectrophanes ornalus, TOWNSEND, J. Ac. Nat. Sc. VII, 1837, 189.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 344.— AUD. Syn. 1839,
99.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 53 ; pi. 154.— NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 537.
Emberiza ornala, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 44 ; pi. 394, f. 1.
Centrophanes ornatus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 127. !'
Sp. CH. — Bill dark plumbeous. Crown, a narrow crescent on the side of the head, with a line running into it from behind the
eye, entire breast and upper part of belly all round, black ; throat and sides of the head, lower part of belly and under tail
coverts, with bases of the tail feathers, white. The white on the tail feathers runs forward as an acute point. A chestnut band
on the back of the neck extending round on the sides. Rest of upper parts grayish brown, streaked with darker. Lesser wing
coverts like the back. Length about 5.25 inches ; wing, 3.20 ; tail, 2.30 ; tarsus, .75.
Hab. — Plains of the Upper Missouri.
In this species the line of demarcation "between the white of the throat and the black of the
breast is very strongly marked. The black of the crown is margined on the sides by the white
of the head, and in some specimens there is an indication as if a narrow white line were
continued round on the occiput so as to margin the black ; the black crescent may possibly be
continued forward to near the base of the lower jaw, making the markings of the head very
similar to those of P. pictus. There is a very faint indication of a white band along the edges
of the lesser coverts, which, towards the elbow joint, increases considerably, but by its position
is more or less concealed. There is, however, no tendency to black. The first and second tail
feathers are entirely white, the latter with a faint trace only of brownish near the end
externally ; the third, fourth, and fifth have the tips and sides near the end brown ; the
innermost feather is white only near the basal portion of the inner edge. The white runs out
to an elongated acute point in the feather. The wing feathers are edged with paler, but there
is no white.
Specimens not in full breeding plumage have the black feathers margined more or less with
brownish white.
A young bird probably of this species has the top of the head streaked like the back, and
concealed traces only of the black of the breast. The female shows no black ; this is replaced
below by brown streaks on brownish yellow ; there is a row of streaks on each side the throat.
The top of the head is streaked like the back.
The black breast, white throat, and chestnut collar sufficiently distinguish this species from
its congeners, except P melanomus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
•$
June 21, 1843
S F Baird
J. J. Audubon
A 897
o
A
Bijou Hills Xeb
May 14, 1856
Lt "Warron . .
Dr. Haydcn
5917
r4Q7Q
o
Q
j<
Fort Pierre
June 2G, 1856
June 23, 1856
do
do
do
do
5.50
5.75
10. 12
9.87
5.00
3.25
r,Q77
o
*
do
do
do
5.37
10.00
3.12
5379
$
Medicine creek, Neb..
June 12,1856
do
do
6.25
10.50
3.25
436 U. S. P. K. K. EXP. ASD SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEKAL KEPOKT.
PLECTROPHANES MELANOMUS, Baird.
Sp. CH. Bill yellowish, dark brown along the culmen. Crown, a short stripe hehind the eye, and a short crescent behind
the ear coverts, entire breast as fur back as the thighs, and the lesser wing coverts, black. The black on the breast margined
with dark cinnamon. Sides of head, chin, throat, and region behind the black of the belly, white. A broad half collar of dark
cinnamon brown on the back of the neck. Tail feathers mostly white ; the innermost tipped with dark brown ; the white ending
in an acute angle. Length, 5.30 ; wing, 3.40 ; tail, 2.60. (No. 6290.)
Hub. — Eastern slope of the Rocky mountains, Mexico, on the table lands.
This species is exceedingly similar in size and color to the Plectroplianes ornatus, although
readily distinguished by certain characteristics. The bill, though slender, is rather short ; the
culmen and gonys gently curved. The tarsi are considerably longer than the middle toe ; the
hind claw is gently curved, and rather longer than its toe ; the two about equal to or even a
little longer than the middle toe. The wings are long and pointed, and reach about to the
middle of the exposed portion of the tail ; the second quill is longest ; the first about equal to
the fourth. The tail is considerably shorter than the wings and very nearly even ; the
feathers rather acute towards the ends, but rounded off at the tips.
In addition to the colors already mentioned, there is a square white spot on the back of the
head in the middle of the posterior edge of the black of the crown, as in most Plectrophanes.
The white on the sides of the head is interrupted by the dark line behind the eye and the short
crescent behind or a little below the ear coverts. There is a tinge of dirty brownish yellow on
the white of the chin and upper part of the throat ; on the lower part, however, the color is
more pure, and occupies the inferior half of the neck, the chestnut half collar completing the
zone. The black feathers on the middle region of the under surface of the body are all much
margined and tipped with dark cinnamon brown, darker than that on the back of the neck ;
the external black feathers all round are more or less margined with whitish, though this may
be indicative of immaturity. There is a whitish patch on the side of the breast, covered by
the bend of the wing. The lesser and middle wing coverts are black, although the posterior
row of the former is white internally, or towards the back ; some of the innermost of the middle
coverts, too, are edged with white. The general color of the upper parts is dirty brownish
yellow, streaked centrally with dark brown. A considerable portion of the inner webs of the
tertiaries and inner secondaries, with their tips, is white ; the outer edges of the primaries, with
nearly the whole outer web of the first quill, are sharply white ; the tertials just beyond the
greater wing coverts are pale rufous. The outer two tail feathers on each side are entirely
white, with a faint trace of dusky along the midrib near the end, most distinct on the upper
surface. The rest are margined terminally and tipped with brown, the amount of this increasing
towards the innermost feathers.
As already stated, this species is very similar ot P. ornatus. It is, however, a very little
larger, or, at any rate, with considerably longer wings. The bill, however, is shorter and
stouter ; the hind claw decidedly longer. The chestnut of the back of the neck is darker. The
white on the outer web of the tertiaries and secondaries is much purer and wider. The
rufous margins of the pectoral feathers I have never seen in ornatus. The most striking
peculiarity, however, is in having the shoulders black, instead of brown like the rest of the wing
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE PLECTROPHANES MACCOWNII.
437
feathers, edged with, paler. Both have the white posterior row of lesser wing coverts. The
color of bill differs in each.
An immature male (6291) has the black of the head mixed with brown, and a maxillary
series of spots on each side the throat. A female has a similar series of spots ; the under parts
generally being brownish white, the shafts across the breast and along sides streaked with
brown, the concealed portions of the feathers light brown, fading out to the whitish exterior.
There is no black on the shoulder, nor chestnut on the nape.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex and
No. age.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings'.
Win . | Remarks.
9115
Mexico
29951
9218
do
6290
Dr. Henry
6292 ' c?
6293 Q
do 1854
do
5717 £
Pole creek , ... Aug. 1.1856
Lieut. Brvan
187
W. S. Wood
i
8924
8926
Black Hills Sept. 20, 1857
Lii'ut Warren....
do
Dr. Haydcn
do
6.00
6.50
10.75
10. SO
3.50 Iris dark brown....
3.50 ' do
8925 O
Kunning water Aug. 14, 1857
do
do
6.00
10.50
t
PLECTKOPHANES MACCOWNII, Lawrence.
Plcctrophanes maccoicnii, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, Sept. 1851, 122. Western Texas. — .CASSIN, Illust. I, vm,
1855, 228 ; pi. xxxix.
SP. CH. — Bill very stout and large. Head abope, a sharply defined semi-lunar crescent on the upper part of the breast, and
probably a short maxillary line on each side of the chin and throat, black ; rest of under parts, with a superciliary stripe, white;
shoulders chestnut. Rest of upper parts yellowish brown, streaked with darker. External tail feather white ; the rest white,
tipped and margined externally with brown, the white line of separation going almost transversely across the whole of the inner
web, instead of running forward in an acute point. The innermost leather like the back.
Length, about 5. 50 ; wing 3. 60 ; tail, 2.50; bill above .46.
Hub. — Eastern slopes of Rocky Mountains ; from Fort Thorn, N. M., as far east as the Black Hills north of Platte.
In this species the bill is considerably larger and stouter than in any other I have seen. It
measures .46 of an inch above, and the distance between the basal portions of the upper and
under outlines amounts to .31 of an inch. The tail is quite deeply forked. The claws appear
to be straighter than in the other species ; the hinder one unusually short, measuring only .36
of an inch.
The most perfect specimen before me does not appear to be quite mature, although the
markings are pretty well indicated. There is only a faint trace of a black maxillary line.
There is no trace of the chestnut or rufous collar seen in all the other North American species,
excepting P. nivalis. The loral region and line over the eye are brownish white, purer behind.
The upper rows of lesser coverts immediately along the edge of the wing are like the back, not
chestnut, like the rest of these coverts. The peculiarity of the transverse termination of the
white in the exterior tail feathers, I have seen in no other species. The innermost feather has
438
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
no white at its base ; the next has the outer web and tip brown ; in all the rest the whole
feather is white, the terminal half, or three quarters of an inch, alone being brown, this color
extending furthest back on the outer web.
A female specimen agrees in the characters of bill and tail. The black crown and pectoral
crescent, with the chestnut shoulders, are wanting. The whole upper parts are brownish yellow,
streaked with darker. There is a short maxillary stripe of brown dots. The chin, throat, and
upper part of the breast are tinged in places with brownish. There are no brown streaks on
the breast.
The combination of the black pectoral crescent and crown, with the absence of a chestnut
collar, and the chestnut shoulders will readily distinguish this species from any other. The
female will be best known by the stout bill and transverse outline of the white on the tail feathers.
The Plectrophanes maccownii is quite different from the other species of the genus in the
enormously large bill and much shorter hind claw, so much so, in fact, that Bonaparte places it
in an entirely different family. As, however, many of the characteristics are those of Plectro-
phanes, and the general coloration especially so, I see no objection to keeping it in this genus
for the present.
List of specimens.
Ciital.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by— Length. Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Remarks.
5039
6282
(J
C?
Organ mountains, N.M.
Capt. J. Pope
Lt. J G. Parkc.
179
6.25 11.50 3.50
Bill light br'n, eyns gray, ft
reddish gray,gums yellow.
6283
o
do
....
0284
Or. T. C. Henry.
6288
$
do
8237
Oct. 19, 1857 Wrn. M. Magraw.
219
Dr. Cooper. 6.25 11.50 3.75
8954
Kearney.
Sept. 29, 1857 Lt. \Varron,U S.A.
Dr. Hayden . . . . 5.12 11.75 3.50
white, feet dark brown.
8955
do
Sept. 20, 1857 do
6.00 11.75 3 50
do
895S
do
6.50 12.00 i 3.75
Sub-Family SPIZELLINAE.
CH. — Bill variable, usually almost straight ; sometimes curved. Commissure generally nearly straight, or slightly concave.
Upper mandible widsr than lower. Nostrils exposed. Wings moderate ; the outer primaries not much rounded. Tail variable.
Feet large ; tarsi mostly longer than the middle toe.
The species are usually small, and of dull color. Nearly all are streaked on the back and
crown ; often on the belly. None of the United States species have any red, blue, or orange,
and the yellow, when present, is as a superciliary streak, or on the elbow edge of the wing.
In the arrangement of this sub-family, as of the others belonging to the Fringillidae, I do
not profess to give anything like a natural system. The species belonging to it at my com
mand are too few, and my knowledge of exotic forms too limited to permit anything more than
an attempt at a convenient artificial scheme by which the determination of the genera may be
facilitated.
A. — Tail small and short ; wings considerably or decidedly longer than the tail, owing either
to the elongation of the wing or the shortening of the tail. Lateral toes shorter than the middle
without its claw. Species streaked above and below.
BIEDS — FRINGILLIDAE — SPJZELLINAE. 43 9
a. Thickly streaked everywhere above, on the sides, and across the breast. Wing pointed ;
longest primaries considerably longer than the secondaries. Tail forked.
CENTRONYX. — Hind claw very large ; rather longer than its digit. The hind toe
and claw, together, as long or longer than the middle toe and claw. Other toes
as in Passerculus. Claws gently curved. Tertials shorter than the secondaries.
Tail forked, but the lateral feathers shorter.
PASSERCULUS. — Hind claw as long as its digit ; the toe equal to the middle one
without its claw ; lateral toes falling considerably short of the middle claw.
Wings very long ; first primary longest. Tertials as long as the primaries.
Tail forked ; feathers acute.
POO<L£TES. — Hind claw shorter than its digit ; the whole toe less than the middle
toe without its claw. Lateral toes nearly equal to the middle one3 without its
claw. Tertials but little longer than secondaries. Tail stiffened, forked ;
feathers acute, outer ones white.
b. Moderately streaked above, on the sides, and on the breast ; the dorsal streaks
broader, the others fainter than in the last. Wings short, reaching a little beyond the
base of the tail. Not much difference between the primaries and secondaries. Tail
short, graduated, and the feathers lanceolate, acute.
COTURNICULUS. — Bill short ; thick. Tertials almost equal to the primaries ; trun
cate at the end. Claws small, weak ; hinder one shorter than its digit. Out
stretched feet not reaching the tip of the tail. Tail feathers not stiffened. (In
one species tail nearly equal to the wing.)
AMMODRAMUS. — Bill slender, small at base, and elongated. Tertials not longer
than the secondaries ; rounded at the tip. Claws large, hinder one equal to its
digit. Outstretched toes reaching considerably beyond the end of the stiffened,
almost scansorial tail.
B. — Tail longer and broader ; nearly or quite as long, sometimes a very little longer than
the wings, which are rather lengthened. The primaries considerably longer than the secondaries.
None of the species streaked beneath, and the back alone streaked above.
a. Tail rounded or slightly graduated.
CHONDESTES. — Tail considerably graduated, not emarginated. Lateral toes con
siderably shorter than the middle toe, without its claw. Wings very long,
decidedly longer than the tail, reaching the middle of the tail. First quill
longest. Head striped. Back streaked. White beneath. A white blotch on
the end of the tail feathers.
ZONOTRICHIA. — Tail moderately graduated. Wings moderate, about as long as the
tail, reaching about over the basal fourth of the tail ; first quill less than the
second to fourth. Feet large. Head striped with black and white. Back
streaked.
440 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
JUNCO. — Tail very nearly equal to the wings, slightly emarginate, and decidedly
rounded. Outer toe rather longer than inner, reaching the middle claw. No
streaks anywhere ; hlack or ash color ahove ; belly white ; with or without a
rufous back and sides. Outer tail feathers white.
POOSPIZA. — Tail lengthened, slightly graduated ; the feathers unusually broad to
the end. Bill slender. Wings about as long as the tail, reaching but little
beyond its external base. Tertials broad, and, with the secondaries, rather
lengthened. Second to fifth quills nearly equal, and longest. Bill dark lead
color. Tail black. Uniform brown above; white beneath. Sides of head with
stripes of black and white.
I). Tail decidedly forked ; a little shorter than the wing, sometimes a little longer.
SPIZELLA. — Size rather small. Wings long. Lower mandible largest. Uniform
beneath, or with a pectoral spot or black chin.
C. — Tail lengthened and graduated ; decidedly longer than the wings, which are very short,
scarcely extending beyond the external base of the tail. Feet reaching but little beyond the
middle of the tail. Species all streaked above ; streaked or nearly unicolor beneath. No white
on wings or tail. Outer lateral toe the longer. First quill not the shortest of the primaries.
MELOSPIZA. — Culmen and commissure nearly straight. Claws stout ; hinder one
as large as its digit. Tail feathers rather broad. Body streaked beneath.
PEUCAEA. — Culmen and commissure curved. Claws weak ; hinder one not much
curved, decidedly shorter than its digit. Tail feathers narrow. Without streaks
beneath, excepting a narrow maxillary stripe.
D. — Tail rather short, and much graduated ; longer than the wings ; the midrib more median.
Culmen curved. Tarsus considerably longer than middle toe. Outer toe longer. But little
difference in the length of the quills ; the outer ones much rounded ; even the second quill is
shorter than any other primary except the first.
EMBERNAGEA. — Color, olive green above.
CENTRONYX, Baird.
CH. — Bill elongated ; the lower mandible smaller ; outlines nearly straight. Tarsus lengthened, considerably exceeding the
middle toe. Lateral toes equal, not reaching the base of the middle claw. Hind toe very large ; the claw rather longer than
its digit, and in its elongation resembling Plectrophanes, but more curved ; the digit and claw together rather longer than the
middle toe and claw. Wings very long, reaching beyond the middle of the tail, and beyond the end of the coverts. Tertials
shorter than the primaries, and but little longer than the secondaries. Tail short, much less than from the carpal joint to end
of secondaries ; little more than two-thirds the entire wing. It is slightly forked, and moderately rounded laterally; the
feathers all acute. Color somewhat as in Passerculus.
This genus differs from Passerculus, as stated in the description of the species further on. It
would be taken for Plectrophanes on account of its lengthened hind claw, which, however, is
more curved than in that genus ; the tarsi are much longer, the tertials less elongated, and the
coloration different, though closely resembling that of the female Plectrophanes.
BIEDS — FRINGILLIDAE — PASSERCULUS.
441
CENTRONYX BAIRDII, Baird.
Emberiza bairdii, AUDUBOV, Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 359 ; pi. 500.
Ctturniculus bairdii, BON. Syn. 1850, 481.
SP. Cn. — Somewhat similar in general appearance to Passerculus savanna. Back grayish, streaked with dusky. Crown
nearly covered by black streaks, but divided by a broad median band of brownish yellow. Eyelids and a faint superciliary
stripe yellowish white. Beneath white, with a maxillary blackish stripe and some narrow streaks on the upper part of the
breast, and sides of the throat and body. Outer edges and tips of tail feathers white ; the two outer feathers obsoletely white.
Bend of wing white. Length, 4.75 ; wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.20.
Hab. — Mouth of the Yellowstone.
This species lias somewhat of the general appearance of Passerculus savanna, but with im
portant differences both of form and color. The bill is much longer, and more slender in
proportion. The wings are quite unusually long ; the primaries more than half an inch longer
than the tertiaries ; the first quill as long as the fourth, and but little less than the second and
third. The tail is very short ; the feathers narrow and pointed. The feet are large ; the hind
claw very long, and considerably curved, as are the other claws generally.
The yellow patch on the crown ; the longer bill, hind claw, and wings ; the absence of yellow
over the eye and on the wing ; the much less amount of spotting on the breast ; the white of the
outer tail feathers, &c., all distinguish this species very readily from P. savanna and its allies.
This species appears closely related to some Pledroplianea in the lengthened wings and very
long hind claw. This, however, as well as all the claws, are considerably curved; the legs are
much larger and stouter, and the tertials and inner secondaries are shorter. The coloration is
that of female Plectrophanes, especially P. pictus.
List of specimens.
oi
o
= >
&
<B
0,
Catal.
Locality.
When col
Whence ob- . Collected by —
a
to
0
3
^ Specimen
No.
lected.
tained. j
GJ3
1 ' I
a
1
c
i
5 3
.5 "^
S
g measured.
18S5 Fort Union, Nel> .
1813
S. V. liaird .... J. J. Audubon.. 4.64
2.77 2.10
0.84
0.73
0.18
0.72
0.34
0.49
0.50 Skin ....
PASSERCULUS, Bonaparte.
Passerculus, BGXAP. Comp. List Birds, 1833. Type Fringilla savanna,
Bill moderately conical ; the lower mandible smaller ; both outlines nearly straight. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe.
Lateral toes about equal, their claws falling far short of the middle one. Hind toe much longer than the lateral ones, reaching
as far as the middle of the middle claw ; its claws moderately curved. Wings unusually long, reaching to the middle of the
tail, and almost to the end of the upper coverts. The tertials nearly or quite as long as the primaries ; the first primary
longest. The tail is quite short, considerably shorter than the wings ; as long as from the carpal joint to the end of the
secondaries. It is emarginate, and slightly rounded ; the feathers pointed and narrow.
Entire plumage above, head, neck, back, ttmp streaked. Thickly streaked beneath.
The essential characters of this well marked genus lie in the elongated wings, longer than
the tail, the tertiaries equal to the primaries, the first quill almost longest. The legs are
long, the outstretched toes reaching to the end of the tail; the lateral considerably shorter than
the middle, which is not much longer than the hinder. The tail is short, narrow, and emargi
nate ; the feathers acute.
1 have, with some hesitation, referred the Emberiza roslrata of Cassin to this genus. It
agrees in most respects, but the bill is much larger, the upper outline decidedly convex
56 b
442
U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
throughout, the commissure concave arid slightly sinuated, the gonys straight. The claws are
straighter, or less curved. In other respects of form, &c., there is a ver close relationship.
Synopsis of the species.
Back with well defined dark brown streaks. A yellowish superciliary streak from the bill,
and a distinct median light line along the top of the head. Bill moderate.
Superciliary stripe decided yellow throughout.
Fore part of breast only streaked. Bill above, .40 ; wing, 2.65 P. savanna.
Similar to last, but larger and darker. Bill above, .50 ; wing, 2.95.
P. sandwichensis.
Breast and fore part of belly thickly streaked. Under parts with a reddish tinge.
Bill, attenuated, .42; wing, 2.6G P. antliinus.
Superciliary stripe pale, with little or no yellow.
Fore part of breast sparsely streaked. Bill slender, elongated P. alaudinus.
Back grayish brown, with very obsolete and rather darker streaks. No distinct median light
line on the crown, Bill enormously large P. rostratus.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
6339
Species.
Locality.
tn
A
'o
'jQ
bi
C
is
H
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
" 8.
»
Hind toe
and claw.
0)
o
*"" o
~s S.
& ' CJ>
"rt SP
— o
3 <
Specimen
measured.
Passerculus rostratus
San Diego
S
5.30
2.62
2.27
0.85
0.79
0.20
0.60
0.29
0.50 0.54
Skin
6340
10145
10280
780
780
781
10263
do
S
S
9
o
5.30
5.40
5.40
4.84
5.25
8.57
2.82
2.77
2.65
2.53
2.64
2.36
2.29
2.13
2.14
0.89
0.84
0.78
0.76
0.84
0.80
0.70
0.73
0.20
0.19
0.21
0.17
0.61
0.64
0.61
0.60
0.28
0.30
0.30
0.30
0.52 0.50
0.40 0.48
0.41 0.46
0 39 0 44
Skin
do savanna . . . .
do do
do . . ....do
Washington, D. C....
Skin
Skin
Skin
Carlisle, Pa
do do
do. .. .sandwichensis
do
Russian America
S
5.06
5.30
2.65
2.S9
2.12
2.37
0.78
0.83
0.78
0.78
0.18
0.18
0.62 0.28
0.66 0.29
0.40 0.56
0.39 0.52
Skin
6343
6343
do do
do do
Shoalwater bay
do
L.
5.60
6.12
9.25
2.80
2.33
0.86
0.66 0.24
0.50 0.52
Skin
Fresh
63 15
do do
Fort Fteilacoom
5.64
2.85
2.57
0.85
0.82 i 0.22
0.66 0.34
0.43 0.48
Skin
6315
do do
do
6.12
9.37
........
Fresh
4311
4341
5554
4342
4342
do.. ..alaudinus ....
do ...... do
do do
do do
do do
Tamaulipas, Mo.x....
do
Petalurna, Cal
Tamaulipas, Mex ....
3S
5.00
5.25
5.14
5.00
9.00
2.76
2.25?
2.90
2.50
2.50
2.30
0.81
0.78 0.22
0.62 0.31
0.42 0.44
Skin
2.37
2.03
0.84
0.77
0.77
0.72
0.18
0.19
0.63
0.59
0.30
0.28
0.40 0.45
0.40 0.44
Skin
Skin
Fresh
do
......
5.00
8.50
5555
do anthinug
Petaluma, Cal
$
5.00
2.66
2.24 0.79
0.76 0.20
0.62 0.30
0.42 0.45
Skin
6330
do do?
Benicia, Cal .
3
4.90
...
8.56
2.00
0.80
0.78
0.20
0.62 0.27
0.42 0.50
Skin
PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, Bo nap.
Savannah Sparrow^
Fi-ins'illa savanna, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 55 ; pi. 22, f. 2.— IB. IV, 1811, 72 ; pi. 34, f. 4.— Auu. Orn. Biog.
II, 1834, 63 : V, 1835, 51G ; pi. 109.
Passerculus savanna, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 480. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 131.
Emlieriza savanna, AUD. Syn. 1839, 103.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 68; pi. 160.
? Fiing'tlla lujemalis, G.M. I, 1788, 922.— LICHT. Verzeichniss, 1823, No. 250. Gmelin's description, based on
Pennant Arctic Zool. II, 376, (winter finch,) applies equally well to a large number of species.
Llnaria savanna, RICHARDSON, List, 1837.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE PASSERCULUS SAVANNA. 443
gp. Cn. — Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish brown ; the streaks of the back with a
slight rufous suffusion laterally ; the feathers edged with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars. Crown with a broad median
stripe of yellowish gray. A superciliary streak from the bill to the back of the head, eyelids, and edge of the elbow, yellow.
A yellowish white maxillary stripe curving behind the ear coverts, and margined above and below by brown. The lower
margin is a series of thickly crowded spots on the sides of the throat, which are also found on the sides of the neck, across the
upper part of the breast, and on the sides of body. A few spots on the throat and chin. Rest of under parts white. Outer
tail feather and primary edged with white. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.70 ; tail, 2.10.
Hub. — Eastern North America to the Missouri plains,
In this species the bill is rather short ; the tarsus and middle toe with its claw about equal.
The wing is acute ; the first quill longest ; the tertiaries as long as the primaries. The tail is
short and somewhat forked ; the feathers narrow and r ther acute, but rounded at the tips.
The spots on the under parts of the body have a rufous suffusion externally, scarcely appre
ciable on the breast in spring specimens. The outside edges of all the wing feathers, excepting
the primary quills have a yellowish rufous tinge more conspicuous than elsewhere on the body.
There is sometimes a tinge of greenish on the smaller wing coverts.
With a considerable number of specimens from the western coast at hand I have been much
puzzled to decide how many species there are, and upon their relationship to P. savanna. One
series from Oregon and Washington Territory is much the largest, considerably exceeding the
P. savanna of the east. These agree exactly with a specimen from Sitka, collected by
Wosnessjensky, the taxidermist of the St. Petersburg Academy, and labelled Zonotricliia
cJirysops, Pallas, probably by Brandt. Another series is composed of specimens that are smaller,
though varying considerably in size, and the bill is generally slenderer. In one (5554) the
superciliary stripe has only a faint tinge of yellow, and the colors are rather paler than common.
The spots on the breast are rather sparser than usual. The bill is rather slenderer than in
eastern specimens, but instead of being shorter is actually longer. This agrees with specimens
from Northeastern Mexico in Lieutenant Couch's collection. Other specimens have the yellow
as bright, that on the axillaries even brighter, than in any eastern ones ; the spots blacker and
more numerous, extending over the whole breast. In another, otherwise similar, the bill is
unusually long, and the spots on the middle of the breast are aggregated into a larger one.
Without feeling assured of an actual specific difference I shall follow Bonaparte in referring
the large billed series to P. cJirysops of Pallas, (sandwichensis ;) that with the gray colors, few
pectoral spots, whitish superciliary stripe, and attenuated bill to P. alaudinus ; and that with
dark colors, yellow superciliary stripe, and numerous pectoral spots to P. anthinus.
444
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length. ' Stretch , Wing. Remarks.
.ol wings. |
10241
; !
10145
A
Wa«liin<<ton D. C
J. C. McGiiire
946
780
3
o
Carlisle, Pa
do
May 6, 1843
Oct. G, 1842
S. F. Buird
...do....
5.50 9.17 ! 2.83
5 25 : 8, 58 2 67
781
V
*
do
Oct. 7, 1842
do
449
o
do
Sept. 18, 1841
448
(JO
do
5.25 875
7103
4323
1854
10260
10261
O
South Illinois
May 13, 1857
April 22, 1855
N.W. University
do
R. Kennicott
do
10262
Sept. 10, 1857
do
...do..
6556
1857
Dr. Vf. A. Hammond
i ;
4307
J
May 8, 1856
Lieut. G. K. Warren
4808 ?
Mouth of B i" Sioux, Neb ...
May 3, 1856
do
do
5.50 ' ' 2.50
*8956 '
Black Hill*, Neb
Sept. 20, 1857
do
do
5 25 8 50 250! Iris brown
8957 :
do
Sept. 11, 1857
do
do
5.50 9.00 ' 300 i do
8968 r
do
Sept. 10, 1857
do
5 00 8 50 2 50 i
878R ?
North fork of Platte
Au". 19, 1857
Dr. J G. Cooper .
5 25 9 00 i 2 75
* These specimens, in autumnal plumage, scarcely admit of an accurate determination.
PASSERCULUS SANDWICHENSIS, B a i r d .
Emberiza sandicichensis, GM. I, 1788, 875.
Emberiza arctica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 414.
Fringilla arctica, VIGORS, Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 20, (perhaps one of the smaller species.) — "BRANDT, Icon. Ross.
2, G."
Euspiza arctica, BP. Conspectus, 185 469.
Emberiza chrysops, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso- As. II, 1811, 45 ; tab. xlviii ; fig. 1, (Unalaschka.)
Sandwich Bunting, LATH. Syn. II, 1783, 202.
Unalascha Bunting, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 363, 320, No. 229. (Not of p, 364, No. 233.)
SP. Cn. — Almost exactly like P. savanna, but half an inch larger, with much larger bill. Length, 6.12 inches : wing, 3.00 ;
ta ,255.
Hob. — Northwestern coast from the Columbia river to Russian America.
This species is extremely similar to the P. savanna, and is only distinguishable by its greater
size, and more western locality. The tail feathers also are rather more acutely pointed. There
is also a greenish yellow shade on the top and sides of the head, brighter than that seen in P.
savanna. The bill is considerably larger and longer, measuring .51 of an inch above instead
of .44.
The Sandwich Bunting of Latham (Synopsis of birds) and the Unalascha Bunting of
Pennant (page 363, No. 229) seem to belong unquestionably to this species, and as G-nielin
bases his sandioichensis upon these descriptions, it must be retained. The name has no refer
ence to the Sandwich Islands but to Sandwich Sound, on the northwest coast. The Unalascha
Bunting of Pennant, page 364, No. 233, is a different species.
The "temporilus atris" is not a very accurate expression in the species, but sufficiently near
not to be inconsistent with it. At any rate, as the descriptions of sandwicliensis , arctica, and
clirysops, all seem to apply equally well, it will be best to take the oldest name as a provisional
one at least.
BIRDS FRINGILL1DAE PASSERCULUS ANTHINUS.
445
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
Locality.
When col
Where obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
of wings.
10:203 j c?
Russian America
Mar. 12, 181-J
S. F. Baird .....
Wosness-jeiisky.
,
6345 '
Fort Steilacoom, W. T. .
April—, 1856
Dr. G. Suckley...
308
6.12
9.37
63-10 ' Q ?
Shoalwater bay, VV. T. .
May 15, 1854
Dr. J. G. Cooper.
73
6.12
9.25
Iris brown ; feet brownish white. .
6343 ,? ?
do
do
do
73
6.12
9.25
6U44
do
Oct. 15, 1854
do
PASSEECULUS ANTHINUS, B o n a p .
Passerculus anthinus, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXVII, Dec. 1853, 919, Russian America. — IB. Notes Ornith.
Delattre, 1854, 19.
Sr. CH. — Similar to P. savanna, but smaller. Beneath tinged with reddish. Breast and upper part of belly thickly spotted
with sharply defined sagittate brown spots, exhibiting a tendency to aggregation on the middle of the belly. Superciliary stripe
and one in the middle of the crown decided greenish yellow, the head generally tinged with the same ; as also the back and
sides of the neck. Length, 5.00 ; wing, 2.66 ; tail, 2.24.
Hub. — Coast of California, near San Francisco ; Russian America ; Kodiak. (Bonaparte.)
This species is the smallest of its group, and differs from all in the much greater amount of
spotting on the under parts. The streaks, indeed, extend over the whole breast and upper part
of the abdomen, instead of being mainly confined to the jugulum. They are dark brown, well
defined., and unusually sagittate. The superciliary stripe is bright greenish yellow, as is also
a stripe along the median line of the head above. The feathers on the sides of the head behind
the auriculars, are strongly tinged with the same color. There is an indication of a brown
tinge around the lower part of throat, as in Lincoln's finch. The feathers in the middle of the
back are darker than usual.
This species differs from alaudinus in the strong shade of yellow on the head, the much
darker tints above, and the thick crowding of larger and better defined spots beneath, with a
faint tinge of reddish. The under tail coverts are more distinctly streaked.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. ! Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
6331
6331
San Francisco, Cal
Q Benicia, Cal
May8, 1854 ..
do
Lt. Trowbridgc
Lt. Williamson
Dr lleermann - ...
5555
Q Petaluma Cal . .
March, 1856
E. Samuels
143
446
U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PASSEKCULUS ALAUDINUS, Bonap.
Passerculus alaudinus, BP. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, Dec. 1853, 918, California. — IB. Notes Ornithologiques
Delattre, 1854, 18. (Reprint of preceding.)
Sr. CH. — Similar to P. savanna, but smaller ; the bill ratber slenderer and elongated. Little of yellow in the superciliary
stripe, (most distinct anteriorly); the rest of the head without any tinge of the same. General color much paler and grayer
than in P. savanna. Breast with only a few spots. Length, 5.25 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.30.
Hob. — Coast of California, and Lower Rio Grande of Texas and Mexico.
This species, if really distinct from P. savanna, differs in the rather smaller size, although
the difference is not great, and in the considerably paler colors. The superciliary stripe shows
a very faint trace of yellow, especially anteriorly, near the bill. In some specimens, as 4342,
ere is none at all. The spots on the fore part of the breast are rather few and not large. The
bill is slenderer and more attenuated.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Length. Stretch
No. ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6332
Shoalwater bay W. T.
Aug. 30 1854
Dr. 3. Gr Cooper.
88 5.50 8.50
Iris brown ; bill and feet brownish flesh color.
Ji
1856
124
4340
4311
4314
<?
Brownsville, Texas ....
Tamaulipas, Mexico....
do
Feb. — , 1853
Mar. — , 1853
.do .. .
Lieut. Couch....
do
ilo ....
'' 4.75 7.75
80 5.25 9.00
| 5.00 ! 8.50
2.50
2.25
2.50
Eyes dark brown ; bill and legs light brown..
Eyes dark brown ; bill slate ; feet whitish . ..
PASSERCULUS ROSTPvATUS, Baird.
Emleriza rostrata, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, 1852, 348,
Jtmrnodramus rostralus, CASSIN, III. I, 1855, 226 ; xxxviii.
SP. CH. — Bill very long, (.55 of an inch above). Whole upper parts and sides of ead and neck pale grayish brown, nearly
every feather with a darker cejitral blotch, darkest along the . A scarcely appreciable central stripe in the crown, and an
obscure yellowish white superciliary, and a whitish maxillary one. Under parts pure white ; streaked on the breast and
the sides of throat and body with dark brown, (the streak paler externally). Under tail coverts unspotted white. Tail and
wing feathers and wings margined with the color of the back ; the edges of tertiaries rather paler. Length, 5.30 ; wing, 2.90 ;
tail, 2.30.
Hab. — Coast of California, near San Diego.
The bill of this species is very long and conical, the cutting edge nearly straight. The wings
are rather long, the tertiaries nearly as long in the closed wing as the primaries ; the second,
third, and fourth quills longest, the first rather longer than the fifth. The tail is short and
emarginate, the feathers narrow, acute, and moderately stiff. The tarsi are long ; the claws
little curved.
This species resembles the Passerculus savanna rather more than any of the other sparrows
with spotted breasts ; the bill is, however, very much longer and larger, exceeding any of our
American species of its size. Its colors are much paler, and it lacks the yellow on the head
and wing. The much shorter tail and entire absence of rufous distinguish it from the spotted
Melospizas. The shape of the bill is like that of Ammodramus caudacutus, but larger ; the
head lacks the yellow, &c.
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE POOC^ETE
447
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
6339
J1
San Diego, Cal
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann. . . .
6340
f?
do
. . . do
do
POOOETES, Baird.
CH. — Bill rather large; upper outline slightly decurved towards the end, lower straight; commissure slightly concave.
Tarsus about equal to the middle toe ; outer toe a little longer than the inner, its claw reaching to the concealed base of the
middle claw ; hind toe reaching to the middle of the middle claw. Wings unusually long, reaching to the middle of the tail, as
far as the coverts, and pointed ; the primaries considerably longer than the secondaries, which are not much surpassed by the
tertiaries; second and third quills longest ; first little shorter, about equal to the fourth, shorter than the tail ; the outer feathers
scarcely shorter ; the fe ers rath rs stiff ; each one acuminate and sharply pointed ; the feathers broad nearly to the end when
they are obliquely truncate. Streaked with brown above everywhere ; beneath, on the breast and sides. The lateral tail
feather is white.
The essential character of the genus consists in the long and pointed wings, longer than the
tail and without long tertials ; and the rather stiff, forked tail, with its acute feathers.
In the long wings and short forked tail this form differs from our other plainly colored and
streaked sparrows. It comes nearest to Passerculus, but the tail is stiffer and more forked ; the
feathers more acute. The tertiaries are but little longer than the secondaries, instead of nearly
or quite equal to the primaries. The middle toe is considerably shorter.
Comparative measurements.
c
c
&
•^ .
a
a)
S,
c .
S3
Species.
Locality.
« : * 5,
*""* ^ c;
'o 2
cl
§
£
a
to
|1
2
3 s £ £
c
»j
i •=
5 ~
.5 "
c
4, n
o
'
2 i-1 .7.
^
EH
E-i S
-<
S «
3
5
* £
10147
PooccL'tes gramineus. ..
Washington, D. C. .. C
? 5.74
3.07
2.58
0.8-2 0.70
0.18
0.53
0.23
0.45
0.47
Skin
10146
.... do
do - (
2 5.78
3.10
2.64
0.81 0.76
0 23
0.56
0 25
0 43
0 45
Skin
8945
do
} ! 5.81 .
3.37
3.10
0.89 0.79
0 24
0 55
0 26
0 49
0 50
Skin
8945
do
do ''...
... 6.75 10.75
3.75
POOCJETES GRAMINEUS, Ba rd.
Grass Finch; Bay-winged Bunting.
Fringilla graminea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 922.— A D. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 473 ; V. 502 ; pi. 90.
Emberiza graminca, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 51 ; pi. xxxi, f. 5. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 102. — IB. Birds Amer.
Ill, 1841, G5; pi. 159.
Fringilla (Zonotrichia') graminca, SWAINSOK, F. B. Am. II, 1831, 254.
Zonotrichia graminea, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 478.
SP. CH. — Tail feathers rather acute. Above light yellowish brown ; the feathers everywhere streaked abruptly with, dark
brown, even on the sides of the neck, which are paler. Beneath yellowish white ; on the breast and sides of neck and body
streaked with brown. A faint light superciliary and maxillary stripe ; the latter margined above and below with dark brown ;
the upper stripe continued around the ear coverts, which are darker than the brown color elsewhere. Wings with the shoulder
light chestnut brown, and with two dull whitish bands along the ends of the coverts ; the outer edge of the secondaries also
is white. Outer tail feather, and edge and tip of the second white. Length, about 6.25 ; wing, 3.10.
Hub. — United States from Atlantic to the Pacific ; or else one species to the high central plains, and another from this to the
Pacific
448
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
In autumn the dark streaks are less sharply defined, and there is a tinge of very pale cinna
mon on the breast.
The form of this species differs considerably from that of Melospiza melcdia. The bill is less
sinuated along the edge of the mandible. The wing is much longer, and more pointed ; the
first quill nearly as long as the fourth ; the second and third equal, and longest. The tail
feathers are acuminate, pointed, and quite stiff; the toes are shorter ; the claws rather straighter.
I find a good deal of difference in specimens before me, but I am unable to say how important
these are for want of a sufficient number of eastern skins to determine the limits of variation
in the species. Western specimens, however, appear larger, grayer, and with fewer and
narrower streaks on the breast ; the legs in some appear longer ; the bill more slender. The
colors generally are more gray. Young birds of the western variety are marked almost exactly
like the adults, except that they are paler above ; the feathers edged broadly with light grayish.
Without being assured that there is a difference of species, it may be as well to recognize a
western variety confaiis, characterised as grayer than the eastern species, legs and wings longer,
bill more slender and straighter, streaks on the breast narrower.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10264
lied river, Min
N. W. University..
do
R. Kennicott
713
o
Sept. 8,1842
S. F. Baird
1047
OO Q
do
June 3, 1843
do
19
April 15 1842
Win. M. t>a;rd . ..
J. C McGuire .
10147
j>
...do
do
10146
do
do
July 19 1854
Lt. G K. Wanen
5407
£•
do .....
do
do
4 50
9 00
2.87
6°19
O
An<*. 11,1853
5406
o
do . t
July 19,1856
Lt. G. K. Warren..
6.00
10.37
3.25
Iris dark brown ....
•71
do . ....
do
do
do
6 50
10 87
3 50
5405
o
•*
Yellowstone river, Neb.
do
do
. . do
6.00
10.50
3.25
Iris dark brown ....
o
Pole creek, K. T.
Aug. 4, 1856
191
W S Wood
5713
Q
do
.. do...
do
280
do
571°
V
o
Medicine Butte c'k, K.T.
Ail" 7, 1856
do
223
do
5711
j\
do.
Aug 25 1856
do
303
do...
6 25
o
Bl?ck Hills
July 21,1857
54
8943
Black Hills, Neb
Sept. 24,1857
Lt. Warren
Dr. Haydcn
6.25
11.50
3.25
Iris brown
8944
8945
894°
9
9
*
do
Loup fork of Platte....
do
Aug. 18,1857
July 29,1857
do
do
do
.. , do
do
do
... do
6.75
6.75
6.00
10.50
10.75
10.25
2.75
3.75
3.25
....do
o
do
do
do
do
6 40
10 75
3.25
8796
Near Laramie
Aug. 26,1857
W. M. Magraw ....
1C9
Dr. J. G. Cooper.
6.50
10.50
3.50
Iris br'n ; bill black
and flesh color ;
8208
4343
f*
Fort Laramie
Sept. 8,1857
Au". ,1853
do
190
56
do
7.25?
5.75
10.12
9.00
3.25
3.00
Iris brown ; bill and
feet flesh color.
Eyes dark ; upper
4344
9
Mar. —,1853
Mar ,1855
do
44
37
5.00
8.75
3.75
mandible slate co
lor ; lower lighter ;
feet light brown. .
. . ..do do ....
do
61
6223
do
... do
'
do
6224
Fort Steilacoom, W. T.
Dr. G. Suckley
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE COTURNICULUS.
449
COTURNICULUS, Bonaparte.
Coiurniculus, BONAPARTE, Geog. List, 1838. Type Fringilla passer ina, Wils.
Bill very large and stout ; the under mandible broader, but lower than the upper, which is considerably convex at the basal
portion of its upper outline. Legs moderate, apparently not reaching to the end of the tail. The tarsus appreciably longer
than the middle toe ; the lateral toes equal, and with their claws falling decidedly short of the middle claw ; the hind too
intermediate between the two. The wings are short and rounded, reaching to the base of the tail ; the tertiaries almost as long
as the primaries ; not much difference in the lengths of the primaries, although the outer three or four are slightly graduated.
The tail is short and narrow, decidedly shorter than the wing, graduated laterally, but slightly emarginate ; the feathers all
lanceolate and acute, but not stiffened, as in Jlmmodromus.
The upper parts generally are streaked ; the blotches on the interscapular region very wide. The breast and sides are gen
erally streaked more or less distinctly. The edge of the wing is yellow.
This genus agrees with Passerculus in the short and narrow tail. The wings are much
shorter and more rounded ; the feet shorter, especially the middle toe, which is not as long as
the tarsus. The tail feathers are more lanceolate. The bill is much larger, and more swollen
at the base.
The essential characters of this genus consist in the swollen convex bill ; the short toes com
pared with the tarsus ; the short and rounded wings ; and the very small, narrow, slightly
graduated tail, with its lanceolate acute feathers.
In some respects there is a resemblance to Ammodromus, in which, however, the bill is very
much more slender ; the wings still shorter, and more rounded ; the tail feathers much stiffer,
and even more lanceolate ; the toes extending beyond the tip of the tail ; the middle toe rather
longer than the tarsus, instead of considerably shorter.
Synopsis of species.
Head without a median stripe above ; body beneath whitish ; the sides and across the breast
light brownish, without any streaks. Sides of head ashy C. manimbe.1
Head with a median light stripe. Breast and sides of head and body yellowish brown, with
obsolete streaks of darker. Neck above streaked with rufous C. passerinus.
Head with a median light stripe. Under parts reddish white, conspicuously streaked on the
breast and sides with black. Head and neck above tinged with greenish yellow C. henslowi.
Head with a median light stripe. Under parts fine buff, with a yellowish white median line.
Sides streaked, but not the breast. Above light yellowish red, streaked with brownish
black (7. lecontii.
Comparative measurements of the species.
6
o
0
o
5
g -
i i i
O d>
Species.
Locality.
8)
•o H"
bo
3
1
"u £
0
-3 ""
•o o
C , bn
•= : tD
= s
o x
a
O
K
<f
DO
3
1 *
>
I
&
1
2
3 3
.5 a
= '• 0
3 <
M £
1807
Coturnioulus manimbe...
South America
5.52
2.27
2.03
0.77
0.69
0.18
0.58
0.24
0.44 0.49
Skin
"31
Coturuiculus passerinus..
Carlisle, Pa
3
5.00
2.51
2.13
0.71
0.68
0.14
0.50
0.22
0.42 0.48
Skin
do.
do
do
4.37
8.00
2.62
Fresh
1728
do
do
9
4.80
2.34
1.96
0.74
0.66
0.14
0.57
0.24
0.43 0.49
Skin......
do.
do
do
5.16
8.16
2.42
Fresh
10242
Coturniculus lienslowi . . .
Liberty county, (Ja...
4.78
2.05
2.14
0.63
0.64
0.12
0.67
0.23
0.46 0.43
Skin
1897
do
Washington, D. C
f
4.92
2.22
2.29
0.66
0.73
0.14
0.60
0.25
0.47 0.48
Skin
1 COTURNICULUS MANIMBE, Cabanis. — South America, Brazil.
Fringilla manimbe, LICHT. Verz. 1823, 25.
Coiurniculus manimbe, CABANIS, Mus. Ilein. 1851, 133.
57 b
450 U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS, B o n a p .
Yellow-winged Sparrow.
Tnngilla passerina, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 76 ; pi. xxvi, f. 5.— AUDUB. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 180: V, 497 ;
pi. 130.
Fringilla (Spiza) passerina, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 111.
Coturniculus passerina, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 481.
Einberiza passerina, AUD. Syn. 1839. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 73 ; pi. 162.
Fringilla saoanarwn, (G»i.) NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 494.— IB. 2d ed. 1840, 570.— (An GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788,
921.)
?? Fringilla caudacuta, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 459.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 505.
? Passerina pratensis, VJEILLOT.
SP. CH. — Feathers of the upper parts brownish rufous, margined narrowly and abruptly with ash color ; reddest on the lower
part of the back and rump ; the feathers all abruptly black in the central portion ; this color visible on the interscapular region
where the rufous is more restricted. Crown blackish, with a central and superciliary stripe of yellowish tinged with brown,
brightest in front of the eye. Bend of the wing bright yellow ; lesser coverts tinged with greenish yellow. Quills and tail
feathers edged with whitish ; tertiaries much variegated. Lower parts brownish yellow, nearly white on the middle of the
belly. The feathers of the upper breast and sides of the body with obsoletely darker centres. Length, about 5 inches ; wing,
2.40 ; tail, 2.
flab. — Eastern United States to the High Central plains, (Loup Fork.) Also, along the valley of Gila and Colorado.
The young of this species has the upper part of the hreast streaked with black, much more
distinct than in the adult, and exhibiting a close resemblance to C. henslowi.
Specimens from the far west have the reddish of the back considerably paler ; the light stripe
on the head, with scarcely any yellow ; a decided spot in front of the eye quite yellow.
This species is not dissimilar in general appearance to Peucaea bachmani ; it is, however,
smaller, tail much shorter, &c.; the marking also difiers considerably. It is distinguished from
liensloivi by the absence of distinct spots on the breast. C. manimbe, of South America, lacks
the red of the rump, and the median stripe on the head ; the sides of the head are more ashy ;
the breast is tinged with brownish ash, but there are no indications whatever of even obsolete
streaks.
The Savannah finch, of Latham, II, 270, from Jamaica, (upon which Gmelin's Fringilla
savannarum is based,) answers in a general way, and may, possibly, be the same species, but in
the great uncertainty on the subject I do not follow Nuttall in adopting the name. The Frin
gilla caudacuta, of Latham, also has some relationship to this species, but is equally indefinite.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — COTURNICULUS HENSLOWI.
451
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
dex and Locality,
age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
731
1728
1121
8183
8188
8184
8972
8971
8974
8973
8978
8969
8970
8977
8966
8976
8975
6334
6333
C? Carlisle, Pa
Q do
Sept. 20, 1842
Oct. 23, 1844
July 15, 1843
July 3, 1857
July 4, 1857
July — , 1857
July 27. . .
S. F. Baird
do
4.37
5.16
8.00
8.16
2.62
2.43
O . . do
do
$ Shawnee Mission, K. T.
r? ...do...
Win. M. Magraw..
do
119 Dr. Cooper ..
122 .... do
5.25
5.00
5.25
5.25
5.12
4.67
4.75
5.50
5.12
4.87
4.75
4.75
5.12
4.87
8.25
8.25
7.87
8.50
8.25
7.75
8.25
9.00
8.37
8.00
8.50'
8.00
8.62
8.25
2.62
2.62
2.25
2.50
2.37
2.75
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.62
2.50
2.62
2.25
Iris brown ; bill slate and
do do
do do
g ... do
Lieut. Warren . . .
do
120 ' Dr. Hay den..
! . , do
O do
July 21
... do
do
I ' T ht bro
Q do
July 27
do
do
g
Q do
c? : do
g do
July 24
Aug. 3
July 3
do
do
do
; do
; do
do
S do
3- ...do...
July 27
July 28 ...
do
do
i do
... do
July 3 ....
.. do. ...
... . . do ...
o
July 27
do
do
Bill Williams' Fork, N M
Lieut. Whipple..
175 Dr. Kennedy.
85 .... do ..
Eyes black
June — , 1855
COTURNICULUS HENSLOWI, Bo nap.
Henslow's Bunting.
Emberiza henslowi, Arm Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 360 ; pi. 77.— IB. Syn. 1839, 104.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 75 ; pi.
163.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832. App.
Coturniculus henslowi, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 481.
Fringilla henslowi, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.) 1840, 571.
SP. CH. — Upper parts yellowish brown. The hood, neck, and upper parts of back tinged with greenish yellow. Inter-
scapular feathers dark brown, suffused externally with bright brownish red ; each feather with grayish borders. Tertiaries,
rump, and tail feathers abruptly dark brown centrally, the color obscurely margined with dark red. Crown with a broad black
spotted stripe on each side ; these spots continued down to the back. Two narrow black maxillary stripes on each side the head ,
and an obscure black crescent behind the auriculars. Under parts light brownish yellow, paler on the throat and abdomen.
The upper part of the breast, and the sides of the body, conspicuously streaked with black. Edge of wing yellow. A strong
tinge of pale chestnut on the wings and tail. Length, 5.25 ; wing, 2.15 ; tail, 2.15.
Hob, — Eastern United States as far north as Washington ; westward to the Loup Fork of Platte,
There are few birds whose colors are more difficult to describe than those of Coturniculus
henslowi and passerinus. Far frorn having exhausted all the varied patterns and tints'of the
present species, I have, however, given enough to show the principal differences from its allies.
The bill is very thick and large ; the wings very short ; the tertiaries as long as the primaries ;
the first five primaries nearly equal. The tail feathers are stiff, very narrow, and acute ; pointed
on both webs ; the tail itself considerably graduated.
A specimen from Kansas (5716) has the under part dirty white ; the spots smaller, fewer, and
more sharply defined. The distinct spots on the breast, and the yellowish head and neck above,
without ashy margin, will readily distinguish this species from 0. passerinus; the reddish being
also confined to the interscapular region. The form of the two is, however, much the same.
Western specimens are paler in tint, with the streaks on the under parts smaller and narrower.
452
U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL REPOKT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10243
1897
S. F. Baird ....
1111
,?
Prince George'** Mil.... July 4,1843
do
W. M. Baird ....
5.25
7.12
2.17
5716
o
East of Fort Riley, K. T. June 13, 1856
Lieut. F T. Bryan.
7
W. S. Wood
8968
V
Loup Fork of Platte . . . June 10, 1857
Lieut. Warren
4.75
6.88
2.12
COTUKNTCULUS LECONTII, B o n a p .
Leconte's Bunting.
Embcriza lecontii, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 338 ; pi. 488.
Coturniculus lecontii, BON. Conspectus, 1850, 481.
SP. CH. — " Bill much more slender than in Emberiza henslowi. First quill the longest, the rest diminishing rapidly. Tail
emarg-inate and rounded, with the feathers acute. Upper parts light yellowish red, streaked with brownish black ; the margins
of the feathers and scapulars pale yellowish white. Tail feathers dusky, margined with light yellowish. Lower parts, with
the cheeks and a broad band over the eyes, fine buff. Medial line yellowish white. The buff extending to the femorals and
along the sides, streaked with brownish black. Throat, neck, and upper parts of the breast without any streaks, and plain
buff."
Hab. — Mouth of Yellowstone.
11 Length, 4.40 ; wing, 2.13, first quill longest ; tail, 1.90 ; bill along ridge, .37, along edge,
nearly .50 ; both mandibles dark blue, lighter along the edges. Eyes brown. Legs, feet, and
claws dull flesh color. Tarsus, .56; middle toe, .50; its claw, .12; hind toe, .24, its claw
rather more than .25."
I am obliged to copy the description of this rare sparrow from Mr. Audubon, as I have no skin
at hand. The type of the species was presented to me many years ago by Mr. Audubon, but
it has somehow been mislaid. I do not feel sure that it is not an Ammodramus rather than a
Coturniculus.
AMMODROMUS, Swain son.
Jlmmodramus, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827. Type Oriolus caudacutus, Gm.
CH. — Bill very long, slender, and attenuated, considerably curved towards the tip above. The gonys straight. The legs
and toes are very long, and reach considerably beyond the tip of the short tail. The tarsus is about equal to the elongated
middle toe ; the lateral toes equal, their claws falling considerably short of the base of the middle one ; the hind claw equal
to the lateral one. Wings short, reaching only to the base of the tail ; much rounded ; the secondaries and tertials equal, and
not much shorter than the primaries. The tail is short, and graduated laterally ; each feather stiffened, lanceolate, and acute.
Color. — Streaked above and across the breast ; very faintly on the sides.
The essential characters are the slender and elongated bill, more so than in any other North
American sparrows ; the long legs reaching considerably beyond the tail, with the lateral claws
falling considerably short of the middle one ; the very short rounded wings, and the cuneate
tail, with its stiffened and lanceolate feathers.
A species, A. samuelis, is closely related^ although more densely streaked below, and with
less stiffened arid lanceolate tail feathers. It is, in some points,, more like Fringilla palustris.
Synopsis of species.
Bill blue ; a yellow spot in front of the eye ; above nearly uniform olivaceous ; a white max
illary stripe, with a black one below it ; breast with obsolete plumbeous streaks.... A maritimus.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE — AMMODROMUS CAUDACUTOS.
453
Under mandible yellowish ; a superciliary and maxillary stripe light chestnut, the latter
bordered below by black ; feathers of back sharply edged with yellowish ; breast and sides tinged
with brownish yellow with very distinct streaks A. caudacutus.
Back with distinct dusky streaks, but without well defined light edges; beneath white ; sides
of neck and body, and across the breast, with black streaks ; maxillary stripe white ; wing
coverts orange rufous, and no yellow on the edge of the wing A. samuelis.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
^
O
a
o
a •
u .
O S{
o
«
D
O.
si
Species.
Locality.
-C
•« a
n
9)
0 c
C3
^
64
S S
&
.-> c
to
jj
13
o
03
§
§ i
a
«
T3
n a
C ^
S a
fi
0
cL 2
O
m
^
32
^
h
s
B B
53
OQ
5
t/J 5
7111
Ammodranius niaritimus, ..
Philadelphia
5.74
2.47
2.55
0.90
0 90
0.20
0.66
0 30
0.57
0 60
Skin
609
Ainmodranius caudacutus . .
Cape May, N. J....
$
4.94
2,30
2.07
0.80
0.79
0.19
0.58
0.26
0.50
0.56
Skin
7098
Ainmodramus samuelis ....
Petaluma, Cal
-A
5.30
2.4-2
2.56
0.82
0.76
0.20
0.58
0.26
0.50
0.54
Skin
do.
...do ..
...do ..
5 50
6.75
2 56
Fresh
5553
do
do
•fl
5 08
2.20
2 50
0.76
0.74
0 18
0 52
0.25
0.51
0 52
Skin
AMMODROMUS CAUDACUTUS, Swains on.
Sharp-tailed Finch.
Oriolus caudacutus, GMELI.NT, I, 1788, 394. — LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 186. (Not Fringilla caudacuta, LATH.)
Fringilla caudacuttt, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 70 ; pi. xxxiv, f. 3.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 281 : V, 499 ; pi.
149.
Fringilla (Spiza) caudacuta, BON. Syn. 1828, 110.
Passerina caudacuta, VIEILLOT.
Jlmmodromus caudacutus, SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 289.— AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 111.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841,
108 ; pi. 174.— BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 482.
Fringilla littoralis, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 504. (2d ed. 1840, 590.)
Sliarp-tailed oriole, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 261. New York.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts brownish olivaceous. Head brownish, streaked with black on the sides, and a broad central stripe of
ashy. Bach blotched with darker. A broad superciliary and maxillary stripe, and a band across the upper breast buff yellow.
The sides of the throat with a brown stripe ; the upper part of the breast, and the sides of the body streaked with black ; rest
of under parts white. Edge of wing yellowish white. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.30.
Hab. — Atlantic coa.st of the United States.
The young is of a more yellowish tinge above and below ; the streaks on the back more
conspicueus ; the scapular feathers without the whitish edging.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1954
o
Rayner S. Long Island
Aug. 4, 1831
S. F. Baird
496'
New York
do
John G Bell
C09
J1
Cape May , N. J
June — ( 1840
do .
W. M Baird
454
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
AMMODKOMUS MARITIMUS, S w a i n s o n .
Sea-side Finch.
Fringilla maritima, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 68 ; pi. xxxiv, f. 2.— Acn. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831 ; pi. 93.
Jlmmodramus maritimus, Sw. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 328. (Type.} — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 482. — AITD.
Synopsis, 1839, 110.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 103 ; pi. 172.
Fringilla (Jlmmodramus) maritima, NUTT. Man. I, (2d ed.) 1840, 592.
Fringilla macgillivrayi, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 285 : IV, 1838, 394 : V, 1839, 499 ; pi. 355.
Jlmmodramus macgillivrayi, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850,482. — AVD. Syn. 1839. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill,
1841, 106; pi. 173.
Fringilla (dmmodromus} macgillivrayi, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 593.
SP. CH. — Above olivaceous brown ; beneath white ; the breast and sides of body yellowish brown, obsoletely streaked with
plumbeous. Sides of head and body, a central stripe on the head above, a maxillary stripe, and indistinct longitudinal streaks
on the breast, ashy brown ; the sides and the breast tinged with yellowish. The maxillary stripe cuts off a white one
above it ; a superciliary stripe is bright yellow anterior to the eye, and plumbeous above and behind it. Edge of wing
yellow ; bill blue. Length, about 6 inches ; wing, 2.50.
Hob. — Atlantic coast as far at least as Long Island.
The appearance of streaks on the breast is caused by the feathers being plumbeous, and edged
with dirty brownish yellow. The scapular feathers are edged with grayish, the wing coverts
and tertial with rufous. The region around the eye is dark brown ; the sides of the head above,
and the back of the neck faintly streaked with blackish.
A bird in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, labelled Ammodramus macgillivrayi,
has much the appearance of a young bird of A. maritimus. The bill, feet, wings and tail
are almost exactly the same. The chief differences are in the less distinctness of the yellow at
the base of the bill, the edge of the wing being white, instead of yellow ; the under parts dirty
white, with sharply defined narrow dusky streaks across the breast, instead of the obscure
dusky broad centres of maritimus. This, however, is common in young sparrows, even where
the adults are unspotted beneath, and the looseness of the plumage, and its downy character
are such as to render it very probable that the full plumage has not been attained. It is
different from A. caudacutus in the larger size, especially of the bill, and the lack of the brownish
yellow on the sides of the head, as of the light edges of the doisal feathers. Another specimen,
(4362,) from Beesley's Point, New Jersey, and unquestionably very young, as the bill is not
fully grown, has the back and head conspicuously streaked with dark brown, without lighter
edges ; the streaks on the breast and sides as well defined as those of A. caudacutus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1153
$
Cape May, N. J
Julv 20, 1843
S. F Baird .
W. M. Baird
5,, 75
8. 17
2.42
608
<$
do.
June — , 1840
...do..
do
2894
o
Unknown
do
4362
o
Beesley's point, N. J.
Aug. — , 1856
do
7497
New Jersey
Acad. Nat. Sciences
BIRDS — FRINGILUDAE — AMMODROMUS SAMUELIS CHONDESTES.
455
AMMODROMUS SAMUELIS, Baird.
limmodromus samuelis, BAIRD, Pr. Boston Soc. N. H. for June, 1858-
SP. CH. — Somewhat like Melospiza melodia, but considerably smaller and darker. Bill slender, attenuated, and acute.
Tarsus not longer than middle toe and claw. Above streaked on the head, bsck, and rump with dark brown, the borders of
the feathers paler, but without any rufous. Beneath bluish white ; the middle of the breast, with sides of throat and body,
spotted and streaked with blackish brown. Wings above nearly uniform dark brownish rufous. Under tail coverts yellowish
brown, conspicuously blotched with blackish. An ashy superciliary stripe, becoming nearly white to the bill, and a whitish
maxillary one ; the crown with faint grayish median line. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.20 ; tail, 2.35.
This species is somewhat similar in pattern of coloration to the Melospiza melodia, but is
readily distinguished on comparison. It is much smaller, the bill longer and much more
slender, attenuated and acute. The wing is more rounded ; the first primary is shortest of all,
and less than the secondaries. The middle toe appears unusually long. The colors throughout
are much darker than in Melospiza melodia, the streaks blacker, more abrupt and numerous,
and without the light reddish brown margins. The rump, and upper and under tail coverts
are strongly streaked with blackish, instead of being nearly immaculate. The wings appear
more conspicuously and darkly rufous.
The abrupt blackish spots and streaks will readily distinguish this species from the Cali-
fornian spotted Melospizas, except hermannii, but it is smaller, with much shorter wings and
slenderer bill.
There is a considerable difference in the proportions of the feet compared with M. melodia.
Thus the middle toe is so much elongated that, with its claw, it is as long or even longer than
the tarsus, instead of shorter.
The precise position of this species in the series is a matter of uncertainty. It appears to
connect Ammodromus and Melospiza. The bill and wings are those of the former, while in
general coloration it is most like the Melospiza melcdia. It is not unlikely, in fact, that it may
be quite properly placed in the latter genus, and be called M. samuelis.
The spots on the breast appear farther back than in other spotted species, leaving a greater
extent of throat without marking. The pectoral spots exhibit a tendency to aggregation in
the middle of the breast.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
5523
<$
1
Petaiuma, Cal May 9, 1856
E. Samuels .
7098
c?
do. do
do
5. 50
6.75
2.50
CHONDESTES, Swain son.
Chondesles, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 435. — IB. Fauna Bor. Amer. II, 1831. Type Chondestes stngatus, S\v.t
equal to Fringilla grammaca, Say.
CH. — Bill swollen ; both outlines gently curved ; the lower mandible as high as the lower; the commissure angulated at
the base, and then slightly sinuated. Lower mandible rather narrower at the base than the length of the gonys ; broader than
tho upper. Tarsi moderate, about equal to the middle toe ; lateral toes equal and very short, reaching b»t little beyond the
456
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
middle of the penultimate joint of the middle toe, and falling considerably short of the base of the middle claw. Wings long,
pointed, reaching nearly to the middle of the tail ; the tertials not longer than the secondaries ; the first quill shorter than the
second and third, which are equal. The tail is moderately long, considerably graduated, the feathers rather narrow, and
elliptically rounded at the end.
Streaked on the back. Head with well denned large stripes. Beneath white, with a pectoral spot.
But one species of this genus is at present known. The comparative measurements of
different specimens are as follows :
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tar
sus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Hind toe
&claw.
Hind toe
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape, measured.
1903
10267
1902
.5557
Chondestes grammaca .
...do .
Fort Union
9
<J
<J
*
5.40
6.84
5.70
6.10
3.25
3.69
3.26
3.37
2.69
3.54
2.80
3.23
0.81
0.77
0.78
0.80
0.80
0.77
0.78
0.80
0.19
0.20
0.22
0.22
0.54
0.51
0.56
0.56
0.24
0.24
0.25
0.26
0.48
0.48
0.46
0.49
0.53 : Skin ....
0.53 Skin ....
0.53 Skin...,
0.52 Skin....
North Illinois ,...
Fort Union, Neb..
Pctaluma, Cal
do
do
CHONDESTES QRAMMACA, Bo nap.
Lark Finch.
Fringilla grammata, SAT, in Long's Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 139.— BON. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 47 ; pi. v, f. 3.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 17 ; pi. 390.
Chondestes grammaca, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 479.
Emberiza grammaca, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 101. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 63 ; pi. 158.
Cliondestes strigatus, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag, I, 1827, 435.
Sp. CH. — Hood chestnut, tinged with black towards the forehead, and with a median stripe and superciliary stripe of dirty
whitish. Rest of upper parts pale grayish brown, the interscapular region streaked witli dark brown. Beneath white, a round
spot on the upper part of the breast, a maxillary stripe and a short line from the bill to the eye, continued faintly behind it,
black. A white crescent under the eye, bordered below by black and behind by chestnut. Tail feathers dark brown, tipped
broadly with white. Length, 6 inches ; wing, 3.30.
Hob. — From Wisconsin and the prairies of Illinois (also in Michigan ?) to the Pacific coast ; south to Texas and Mexico.
The black maxillary stripe does not reach quite to the base of the bill ; it cuts off above a
white band, that curves round back of the chestnut colored auriculars^ which turn into black
anteriorly under the eye. The entire outer web of the first tail feather and about an inch of
the tip are white ; the white of the other feathers decreases to the one next the innermost,
which is like the back. The outer edges of the primaries are white, the color widening
towards the base. The other wing feathers also have paler margins. There are two whitish
bands across the coverts.
The colors of the female are duller than in the male ; the black markings very indistinct.
The young bird has the breast and throat with a good many spots of dark brown instead of
the single large one on the breast. The other markings are more obscure.
Specimens vary considerably in size, as will be seen by reference to the table of measurements.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE ZONOTRICHIA.
457
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When eol-
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10267
West Nortlificld, 111
April 28, 1855
10266
Cairo, III
May 9, 1857
do
do ,
4820
4821
$
3
Upper Missouri .
do
May 14, 1856
do
Lt. G. K. Warren . .
do
Dr. Hayden....
do
6.50
6.37
11.00
9 75
3.50
3.50
Iris light brown; pupil
black,
do
4822
$
do
,.. .do
6 50
11 00
3.50
4823
3
do
May 14
do
6 37
10.62
3.75
5384
3
June 22
do
do
6.50
11.12
3.62
5385
tf
do
do
do
do
6 75
11 00
2.75
black.
do
5382
3
1'owder riven Neb
Aug. 1,1856
do
......do
6 50
10.75
3.50
do
5383
X
do
Aug. 4, 185G
do
do
6.50
11.00
3 00
do
1902
A
june — } J84y
S. F. Baird
1903
O
fl
do
do
5890
V
Fort Rilcy, K. T
Dr. Hammond
Mr. De Vesuy ..
5701
0
Repub Fork, K. T
Oct. 18, 1856
385
W. S. Wood.
5700
O
Platte river, K. T ... .
July 19, 1856
do
123
do . ...
8333
8328
$
o
Independence, Mo
do
May 6, 1857
June 3, 1857
Wm. M. Magraw . . .
do
56
51
Dr. Cooper
do .. . ,
6.75
6 75
11.00
11 25
3.50
3 25
Iris brown ; bill black ;
feet grayUh.
do
8376
J?
do
Jan. — , 1857
do
do ....
7.00
10.50
3.25
do
7531
do
do .. ..
9228
9229
9238
3
9
o
Loup Fork
do
do. . ..
August 5
August 4
do.. ..
Lt. Warren
do
do
Dr. Hayden
do
do . .
7.12
5.75
7.00
11.25
10.25
10.75
3.75
3.25
3.50
Iris dark brown
Jris gray ?
9234
j>
do
July 30, 1857
do
do
6.75
10.75
3.50
9230
9233
9
-A
do
do
August 6
July 28
do
do
do
do
7.00
6.25
10 50
3.50
3.25
Iris brown
923G
9235
O
9
do
do
August 5
July 27
do...
do
do
do
6.75
G.75
10.75
11.00
3.50
3.50
Iris brown
9231
•f
do ,
do . .
do
6 50
11 25
3 75
9232
a
July 1
do
do .
6 75
10 25
3 25
9237
Q
Sand Hills
An"ust 12.. .
do
do
7 00
11.00
3 50
5031
Q
4968
4083
6295
4590
*Q
Fort Chadbourne, Texas.
New Leon, Mexico ....
Fort Thome, N. M
Dec 30 1854
Dr. Swift, U. S. A..
Lt. Couch
Dr. T. C. Henry....
147
31
6.00
10.00
3.25
Eyes brown ; bill bluish
lead color ; feet dark
flesh color.
6299
5557
$
3
Tcjon Valley, Cal
Lt. Williamson
289
Dr. Heermann..
5558
9
do
April 1856
do
674
4393
0
Fort Dalles, O. T
May 21 1855
Dr G Suekley
176
6 75
10.87
3.50
ZONOTRICHIA, Swain son.
Zonotrichia, SWAINSON, Fauna Ber. Am. II, 1831. Type Emberiza leucophrys.
CH. — Body rather stout. Bill conical, slightly notched, somewhat compressed, excavated inside ; the lower mandible
rather lower than the upper ; gonys slightly convex ; commissure nearly straight. Feet stout ; tarsus rather longer than
middle toe ; the lateral toes very nearly equal. Hind too longer than the lateral ones ; their claws just reaching to base of
middle one. Inner claw contained twice in its toe proper; claws all slender and considerably curved. Wings moderate, not
reaching to the middle of the tail, but beyond the rump ; secondaries and tertials equal and considerably less than longest
primaries ; second and third quills longest ; first about equal to the fifth, much longer than tertials. Tail rather long, moderately
rounded ; the feathers not very broad.
Back streaked. Rump and under parts immaculate. Head black, or with white streaks, entirely different from the back.
This genus embraces the most beautiful of American sparrows, all of the largest size in their
sub-family.
June 15, 1858.
58 b
458
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Synopsis of the species.
Feathers of intcrscapular region blackish centrally, passing into rufous "brown and edged
with paler. Hump and upper tail coverts uniform olivaceous ashy brown. Two white Lands
on the wings ; the tertials edged with rufous. Beneath without streaks. Head above marked
with black, and generally with white. Cheeks plumbeous.
a. Median light stripe on the top of the head.
Chin, throat, and breast nearly uniform ashy. Head above black. Median and
superciliary stripe pure white. A narrow black line from the black lores,
through and behind the eye, cutting off the superciliary stripe anteriorly.
Z. leucophrys.
Similar to the last, but the lores ashy and continuous with the white superciliary
stripe Z. gambelii.
Chin ashy like throat and breast. Top of the head black ; the median stripe yellow
anteriorly, ashy posteriorly. A little yellow above the eye Z. coronata.
Chin abruptly white ; median head stripe white. A broad superciliary stripe,
yellow anteriorly, white behind Z. albicollis.
&. Head above entirely black.
Head all round, neck above and throat, black. Cheeks behind gray. Breast and
belly pure white, with a few black streaks on the sides of the breast.. Z. querula.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
0
c
0
~ 8>
I '£
ti
c
=
rt
EH
Middle toe.
Ji aj
« c
Hind toe
and claw.
I . i
o * o
~ " j 3
a.
to
Specimen
measured.
1506
Carlisle, Pa
J,
6.50
3 12
3 23
0 91
0 88
0 24
0 64
0 30 ' 0 46
0 50
do..
, do do
do
7.08
10.50
3.25
Fresh . .
6199
6205
6198
2780
......do do
do....gamhelii . ..
...... do do
Mimbres to RioGrande
Sacramento valley . . .
Mimbres to RioGrande
y
5.70
6.24
5.60
7.06
3 29
2.83
2.90
3 26
3.33
3.08
3.02
3 52
0.97
0.86
0.83
0 94
0.92
0.8.U
0.81
0 89
0.24
0.21
0.24
0 24
0.63
0.53
0.58
0 64
0.31 0.47
0.25 . 0.43
0.29 . 0.42
0 31 0 46
0.47
0.45
0.42
0 49
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
1940
1434
do .... querula ....
Kickapoo Country ....
"x"
6.80
6.30
3.36
3.01
3.32
3 13
0.95
0 90
0.90
0 90
0.24
0 25
0.60
0 60
0.31 0.50
0 30 0 45
0.56
0 50
Skin
Skin
do..
do do
do
7.00
9.75
3.08
ZONOTBICHIA LEUCOPHRYS, Swain son.
White-crowned Sparrow.
Emberiza leucophrys, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382, 426. — GMEHN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 874.— WILSON,
Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 49 ; pi, xxxi, f.4.
Fringilla (Zonotrichia') leucophrys, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 255.
Zonotrichia leucophrys, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 478.
Fringilla leucophrys, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 88 : V, 515 ; pi. 114.— IB. Syn. 1839, 121,— IB. Birds Amcr. Ill, 1841,
157 ; pi. 192.
White-crowned Sparrow, PENNANT.
Figured in BUFFON, Ois. IV, 192, pi. 223, f. 2. Winter.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE ZONOTRICHlA LEUCOPHRYS. 459
Sr. Cu. — Head above, upper half of loral region from the bill, and a narrow line through and behind the eye to the occiput,
black ; a longitudinal patch in the middle of the crown, and a short line from above the anterior corner of the eye, the two confluent
on the occiput, white. Sides of the head, fore part of breast, and lower neck all round, pale ash, lightest beneath and shading
insensibly into the whitish of the belly and chin ; sides of belly and under tail coverts tinged with yellowish brown. Interscapular
region streaked broadly with dark chestnut brownish. Eciges of the tertiaries brownish chestnut. Two white bands on the
wing.
Female similar, but smaller ; immature male with the black of the head replaced by dark chestnut brown, the white tinged
with brownish yellow.
Length, 7.10 inches; wing, 3.25.
Hab. — United States from Atlantic to the Rocky mountains, where they become mixed up with Z. gambeiii. Greenland,
Rcinhardt.
The white of the crown separates two black lines on either sides, rather narrower than itself.
The black line behind the eye is continued anterior to it into the black at the base of the bill.
The lower eyelid is white. There are some obscure cloudings of darker on the neck above. The
rump is immaculate. No white on the tail, except very obscure tips. The white crosses the
ends of the middle and greater coverts.
Eastern specimens of this species vary considerably in size, while the smallest are from
southern Texas and California. Even here, however, specimens are occasionally as large as
those from Pennsylvania. Oregon skins are generally as large as those from the last mentioned
State.
The only difference I can detect between eastern and western skins is, that in the former there
is a short black line from the upper side of the anterior canthus of the eye to the black stripe on
each side of the crown, the white superciliary stripe being cut off by this from the whitish gray
of the lores, while in all from the Pacific coast the superciliary white is continuous with the
grayish lores. Whether this is constant throughout I cannot say. The specimens from Texas
and east of the Kocky Mountains are like those from Pennsylvania. Of two specimens from the
Mimbres, one (6199) has this line ; the other (6198) is without it. A specimen from San
Elziario, Texas, is also without it. Some California specimens appear to have the tarsus yellower,
and a little longer.
The specific name of gambeiii has been assigned to the western white-crowned sparrow, on the
strength of its inferior size, and will answer very well for it, if really distinct.
NOTE. — Since writing the preceding paragraph, the examination of many additional specimens
has substantiated the indications of differences between eastern and western birds. Of fifty
specimens from the west, all have the superciliary stripe continuous from the bill, while all the
eastern have it interrupted. Immature specimens, however, can only be distinguished by the
more hoary lores.
460
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
817
1506
1507
2643
7L97
6196
6197
4794
5403
5709
9283
5708
7034
4080
4082
4081
6195
6199
o
O
$
Carlisle, Pa
do
Oct. 19,1842
May 11, 1844
do
S. F. Baird
.... do
6.75
7.08
7
7.17
10
10.50
10.42
10.33
3.17
3 25
do
3.33
3.17
do
May 12, 1846
Oct. 23, 1854
Oct. 21, 1854
do
East Kockport, Ohio...
Fort Leavenwortli
do
Dr. Kirtland
Lt. Couch
do
7
5
•
$
Q
<J
..„..
<J
(J
Vermilion river, Neb...
May 8, 1856
Lt. G. K. Warren,
do
Dr. Ilayden
7
6.87
9.75
9.87
3.50
3.25
Iris haze! •
Republican river, Neb..
Black Hills, Neb
Pole creek, Neb
Sept. 20, 1856
Sept. 19, 1857
July 28, 1856
July 20, 1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan. . .
Lt. Warren
Lt. F. T. Bryan..
do
359
170
300
W. S. Wood
Dr. llayden
W. S. Wood.
G.OO
9.25
3.00
do
Tamaulipas, Mex
do
Lt. Couch
... do
48
68
6.25
6
6.75
9.50
9
10
9.50
3.25
3
3.25
3.25
Eyes dark brown, bill and
feet reddish brown.
do
Q
<J
do. .
4
do
May 4,
6.50
Fort Thome, N. M
Dr. T. C. Henry..
ZONOTEICHIA GAMBELII, Gambel.
Fringilla gambelii, NUTT. Man. (I, 2d ed.) 1840, 556.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N . Sc. Phila. I, 1843, 262. (California.)
Zonotrichia gambelii, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d series, I, Dec. 1847, 50.
Zonotrichia leucophrys, NEWBERRT, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route : Rep. P.R.R, VII, iv, 1857, 87.
SP. CH. — Precisely similar to Z. leucophrys, but rather smaller ; the lores are gray throughout, this color continuous with a
white superciliary stripe along the side of the head.
Length, 6.25 ; wing, 2.83; tail, 3.08.
Hub. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast.
As stated in the previous article, the only appreciable and constant difference between this
species and the preceding is found in the character of the black stripe on the side of the crown.
In leucophrys the black passes-down over the upper half of the lores, and in front of the eye, to a
line continuous with the cutting edge of the bill, and sends back a short branch to the eye
which cuts oif the white superciliary stripe. In gambelii the superciliary stripe passes continu
ously forward to the ashy lores, cutting off the black from the eye. The lower edge of the black
anteriorly is much higher than in leucoplirys, and nearly on a line with the nostrils.
The difference of size, supposed to establish this species, is hardly characteristic, but depends
mainly on the latitude of the specimen,
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE — ZONOTRICHIA CORONATA.
461
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
& age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
?4795
Opposite Vermillion river.
May 7, 1856
Li. Warren
Dr. Hayden
7.00
10.12
3 25
>4793
May 9, 1H56
do
... do
6 37
9 12
3.00
6200
San Elizario, Texas
Dec. — , 1854
Major Emory
9
Dr. Kennerly
6.
9.50
3 25
6198
Fort Thorn, N. M
do
l>r. Henry
6
9
3
6201
White Cliff Creek
Feb. , 1854
Lt. A. W. Whipple.
65
Kenn. & Mollh
6202
do
do
do
64
do
6203
do
do
do
61
do
6204
6205
0
J-
Tejon Valley, California. .
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
do
3311
Pi
Winter '53 \
Dr. Wilson
4234
6206
San Francisco
do
Jan., 1853....
May, 1853....
R. D. Cutts
Lt. Trowbridge
6207
do
May, 1855....
do
5551
$
.... do
293
5552
0
do
April 27, 1855
do
608
7.17
10
3.25
4337
Fort Dalles, O. T
Dr. Buckley
158
6.75
9.50
3
6208
tf
Fort Steilacoorn, W. T. ..
March, 1856..
do
87
6209
do
do
do
278
6211
do
April 19, 1856
...do...
313
6 50
10 75
6210
do
March, 1856..
do
284
6212
Shoalwater Bay, W. T. ..
June 16, 1654
Dr. Coooer
76
6.62
9 37
6213
do
do ....
. . do
6 25
g
with brown ; iris
brown : legs yel
low.
5978
5979
Straits of Fuca, W.T
do
April, 1855...
do
do
ZONOTKICHIA CORONATA, Baird.
Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Emberiza coronuta, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 44 ; plate.
Emberiza atricapilla, AUD. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 47 ; pi. 394 ; (riot of Gmelin.)
Fringilla atricapilla, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 122.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 162; pi. 193.
Fringilla aurocapilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d cd.) 1840, 555.
Zonolricliia aurocapilla, Bern. Consp. 1850, 478. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P.R.R.VI, iv, 1857,
88.
Emberisa atricapilla, GM. I, 1788, 875, in part only. — LATH. Ind. 415.
Black-croivned Bunting, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 364. — LATH. II, i, 202, 49 ; tab. Iv.
Sp. CH. — Hood, from bill to upper part of nape, pure black, the middle longitudinal third occupied by yellow on the anterior
half, and pale ash on the posterior. Sides and under parts of head and neck, with upper part of breast, ash color, passing
insensibly into whitish on the middle of the body ; sides and under tail coverts tinged with brownish. A yellowish spot above
the eye, bounded anteriorly by a short black line from the eye to the black of the forehead. This yellow spot, however, reduced
to a few feathers in spring dress. Interscapular region, with the feathers, streaked with dark brown, suffused with dark rufous
externally. Two narrow white bands on the wings.
Length, about 7 inches ; wing, 3.30.
Ilab . — Pacific coast from Russian America to southern California ; Black Hills of Rocky Mountains. ?
In the Oregon specimen described above, (2780) and which served as the original of Mr.
Audubon's description and figure, the black stripes on the crown extend down as far as the pos
terior canthus of the eye, obliterating any black line behind it. In 5550, from Petaluma, Cali
fornia, however, there is an ashy streak above the eye bqrdering the black, similar to the pattern
U. S. P. E. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
in Z. leucoplirys, which, like the median stripe of the crown, is yellow anteriorly. There is a
dusky line back of the eye. The dark stripes on the crown are more brownish than black, and
considerably narrower. An immature specimen (5980) has each feather of the crowa streaked
with blackish ; the forehead blackish ; the whole anterior portion of the crown yellowish,
brightest over the eye.
This species is very closely related to the Z. leucoplirys, which it slightly exceeds in size. It is
a little more rufous on the back, and has less ash on the nape. The pattern of coloration of the
Petaluma specimen is precisely the same, the median stripe on the head being yellow anteriorly
and grayish posteriorly, instead of pure white ; in the one from Columbia river, the black on
the sides of the crown passes outward so as to obliterate the light superciliary stripe, except in
its anterior yellowish portion, as also the dark line behind the eye. This, however, is, I suspect,
rather a question of coloration with season, the black in full spring dress being broader and
purer, extending down to the eye, while in other seasons it is narrower, leaving a superciliary
ashy streak. This is the case with all the California specimens before me, (amounting to over
thirty, all in summer or fall dress,) while all those from Washington Territory have the purer
and more extended black.
In Lieutenant Bryan's collections are two young sparrows (7032, 7033,) which I am inclined
to refer to this species. The back is more broadly streaked with black, the throat, breast, and
sides beneath with distinct dusky streaks. The head above shows an obscure median whitish
stripe and another superciliary one from above the eye ; the rest of the head above is spotted
with blackish and brown.
Latham (Synopsis II, 202,) describes a black-crowned Bunting from the Sandwcih Islands, and
incidentally mentions the present species as a variety from Nootka Sound. Gmelin bases an
Emberizo, atricapilla upon that name, and includes both original and variety. If his name
can be retained for either one, however, it must be for the Sandwich Island species, which is
very different from ours.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex and
No. age.
Locality. When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— i Length. Stretch
: of wings.
Wing. : Remarks.
6216
6217
2780
4388
5550
6214
6215
5980
7032?
7033?
3
'3
Q
3
3
3
o
o
o
Fort Stcilacoom, W. T ' .... .,
do : April 26, 1856
Dr. Sucklcy
do
S. F. Uaird
Dr. Suckley
00
344
174
9S1
7.00 16.50
3.25
J. K. Townsend..
7.00 9.75
3.25 Iris dark ha/,el...
Fort Dalles, O. T May 11,1855
ilo
do
do
Santa Clara, Ual NOT. — , 1855
Dr. .1. G. Cooper .
7.25 9.75
j Bill, brown and
j Hush color.
W. Fork Mud. Bow mount's.; Aug. 5, 1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan.,
do
377
373
VV. S. Wood. ...
do
ZONOTRICHIA QUERULA, Garni) el.
Harris's Finch-
Fringilla querula, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.) 1840, 555. (Westport, Mo.)
Zonotrichia querula, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d Ser. 1, 1847, 51.— BONAP. CoiiKp. 1850, 4"
Fringilla harrisii, AUD. Birds Ainer. VII, 1843, 331, pi. 484.
Fringilla comata, PR. MAX. Reiso II, 184 J.
Zvnotrichla comata, Br. Consp. 1850, 479.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS.
463
Sp. Cn. — Hood and nape, sides of head anterior to and including the eyes, chin, throat, and a few spots in the middle of
the upper part of the breast and on its sides, black. Sides of head and neck ash gray, with the trace of a narrow crescent back
of the ear coverts. Interscapular region of back, with the feathers reddish brown streaked with dark brown. Breast and belly
clear white. Sides of body light brownish, streaked. Two narrow white bands across the greater and middle coverts. Length,
about 7 inches ; wing, 3.40 ; tail, 3.65.
Ilab. — Missouri river, above Fort Leavemvorth .
The bill of this species appears to be yellowish red. More immature specimens vary in having
the black of the head above more restricted. The nape and sides of the head to the bill pale
reddish brown, lighter on the latter region. Others have the feathers of the anterior portion
of the hood edged with whitish. In all there is generally a trace of black anterior to the eye.
This species has a considerably larger bill than Z. leucojohrys, the mandible especially.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
rfo.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing. Remarks.
6218 $
4797
4798
19-10 c?
4799
5400 $
Fort Leaven worth,K.T.
do
Upper Missouri
Kickapoo Co., Mo. U.
Bald Island
Medicine Creek, K.T.
Oct. 21, 1854
April 21, 1856
May 5, 1843
April 24, 1856
Oct. 8
Lt. Couch
o
Lt. Warren
do
3. F. liaird
Dr. Hayden ..
do
J. J. Audubon
Dr. Hayden . .
do
7.59
7.25
10. So
10.37
3.37 ' Eye hazel
3.12 Iris brown
L . Warren
... .do
7.50
10.75
3 25
ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS, B o n a p .
White-throated Sparrow.
Fringilla albicollis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 926.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 51 ; pi. xxii, f. 2.— LIGHT. Verz.
Doubl. No. '247, (1823.)
Zonotrichia albicollis, Bp. Consp. 1850, 478. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 132.
Passer pennsylvanicus, BRISSON, 1760. Appendix 77.
F, ingilla pennsyhanica, LATH. Index, I, 1790, 445.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 42 : V. 497 ; pi. 8.— IB. Syn. 1839,
121.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 153 ; pi. 191.
Fringilla (Zonotrichia) pennsylvanica, Sw. F. B. Am II, 1831, 256.
Zonolrichia pennsylvanica, Box. List, 1838.
Sp. CH. — Two black stripes on the crown separated by a median one of white. A broad superciliary stripe from the base of
the mandible to the occiput, yellow as far as the middle of the eye and white behind this. A broad black streak on the side of
the head from behind the eye. Chin white, abruptly defined against the dark ash of the sides of the head and upper part of
the breast, fading into white on the belly, and margined by a narrow black maxillary line. Edge of wing and axillaries
yellow. Back and edges of secondaries rufous brown, the former streaked with dark brown. Two narrow white bands across
the wing coverts. Length, 7 inches ; wing, 3.10 ; tail, 3.20.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri.
Female smaller, and the colors rather duller. Immature and winter specimens have the
white chin patch less abruptly defined ; the white markings on the top and sides of the head
tinged with brown. Some specimens, apparently mature, show quite distinct streaks on the
breast and sides of throat and body.
As Brisson's nomenclature is not binomial, and his names merely literal translations into
Latin from the French vernacular, consisting usually of three or more words, rather than two, I
have followed Cabanis, Bonaparte, and most modern authors in rejecting them altogether.
464
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing. Remarks.
1434
1388
765
310
859
7544
5893
7391
4790
4791
4788
4787
4785
4782
4783
4789
4784
4786
4796
5402
5401
CXj CXj CXj Oy O-j
May 3, 1844
April 24, 1844
Sept. 28, 1842
April 26, 1841
Nov. 15, 1842
S F Baird
7.00
6.25
6.42
6.80
6.67
9.75
9.42
9.50
9.42
9.17
3 08 : . ..
do
do
2.92 !
do
do ....
do
do
3.00 ;
do
do
W. Ilutton
2.67
S
S
S
S
$
$
S
$
S
S
......
BigNemahaR.,Neb..
do
April 23, 1856
....do
Lt. G. K. Warren
do
Dr. Hayderi
do
6.75
6.75
6.50
6.50
6.00
7.37
6.50
6.87
7.00
7.62
7.37
7.50
6.50
9.62
9.62
9.50
9.50
10.00
9.75
7.50
9.50
9.62
9.50
9.50
8.25
9.
2.87 Iris brown
2.87 do
3 12
Wood's Bluff, Neb....
Black Bird Hill, Neb.,
do
May 1, 1856
May 2, 1856
May 2, 1856
May 3, 1856
May 8, 1856
do .
Jo .
. . do
do
. do.
3 25 ...
do .. . .
do
3 25
Big Sioux river, Neb..
Vermilion river, Neb.,
do
do
do .
. ...do
3.25
3 00 Iris hazel
do .... ....
. do
3 . 00
do
do
.... do
2.87
do
do i
do
3 00
Big Sioux river, Neb..
Cedar Island
White Earth river
....do
Oct. 14
Sept. 6
do
do
do
do
do
do
3 00
3.00 Iris gray
JUNCO, Wagler.
Junco, WAGLER, Isis, 1831. Type Fringilla cinerea, Sw.
Niphoea, AUDUBON, Syn. 1839. Type Emberiza hyemalis, Gm.
Bill small, conical ; culmen curved at the tip ; the lower jaw quite as high as the upper. Tarsus longer than the middle toe ;
outer toe longer than the inner, barely reaching to the base of the middle claw ; hind toe reaching as far as the middle of the
latter : extended toes reaching about to the middle of the tail. Wings rather short ; reaching over the basal fourth of the
exposed surface of the tail ; primaries, however, considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries and tertials. The
second quill longest, the third to fifth successively but little shorter ; first longer than sixth, much exceeding secondaries. Tail
moderate, a little shorter than the wings; slightly emarginate and rounded. Feathers rather narrow; oval at the end. No
streaks on the head or body ; color above uniform on the head, back, or rump, separately or on all together. Belly white ;
outer tail feathers white.
The essential characters of this genus are the middle toe rather shorter than the short tarsus ;
the lateral toes slightly unequal, the outer reaching the base of the middle claw ; the tail a
little shorter than the wings, slightly emarginate. In Junco cinereus the claws are longer ; the
lower mandible a little lower than the upper. The species have the upper parts ashy or
plumbeous, the belly and lateral tail feathers white.
SYNOPSIS.
A. — Interscapular region, greater wing coverts, and tertials reddish.
Head and neck all round black,, the color not extending along the sides J. oregonus.
Head light plumbeous above. Lores abruptly black. Beneath very pale ashy, much
lighter than the head. Whitish on the belly J. cinereus.
B. — Interscapular region alone reddish.
Above light plumbeous ; beneath nearly white tinged with ash. Lores abruptly
black J> dorsalis.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — JUNCO CINEREUS.
465
Above darker plumbeous, this continued around the head and neck, and extending along
the sides, although a little paler than above." Lores darker J. caniceps.
C. — Interscapular region ivithout any red.
Body throughout nearly uniform dusky plumbeous, the belly and crissum beneath
abruptly white. Claws rather shorter , , J. hyemalis.
Comparative measurements of species.
0
o
0
c.
.
Species.
Locality.
a
"5 *»
3
W
« c
"3 £2
0
M
Specimen
3
c
S •-
_4
•2 ^
C
measured.
3
V
•n
V
02
£
rt
EH
EH
2 *
ffl rt
33
»
3
8060
Junco cinereus.....
Mexico
6.40
3.15
3.26
0.82
0.76
0.23
0.58
0.30
0.45
0.45
Skin
1947
Junco oregonus ....
-A
6 32
2 95
2 76
0.79
0 80
0 21
0 56
0 27
0 44
0 50
Skin . ..
3920
do
California
•*
5 60
3 04
2 85
0.82
0 75
0 19
0.53
0 26
0 42
0 46
Skin ......
3921
do
o
5 60
2.79
2.78
0.78
0 72
0 18
0.52
0 26
0 43
0 4f>
Skin
9270
Junco dorsalis
Fort Thorn, N. M
6 00
3 00
3.02
0.85
0.76
0.20
0.62
0 30
0.48
0 48
Skin
9272
do
do
6 30
3 35
3 53
0 86
0 78
0.22
0.60
0.28
0 46
0.49
9281
Junco caniccpg ....
San Francisco mountains. ..
9
5.94
3.12
3.03
0.79
0.70
0.17
0.50
0.23
0.40
0.40
Skin
7036
do
Black Hills
6.00
3 23
3 04
0 84
0.74
0 17
0.59
0.28
0.44
0 48
1287
Carlisle, Pa....
_*
5 80
3 12
2 94
0 84
0 73
0 20
0 56
0 25
0 43
0 46
Skin
do.
do
6.25
9.25
3.08
JUNCO CINEREUS, Cabanis.
Fringilla cinerea, Sw. Syn. Birds Mex. in Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 435.
Junco cinereus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 134.
" Fringilla rufidorsis, LICHT." BONAPARTE ; probably a catalogue name.
Junco phaconotus, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 52G. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, 518.
Sp. CH. — Bill black above, bright yellow below. Feet yellow. Above, including the outer edges of the primary and secondary
quills, grayish ash or plumbeous. Entire interscapular region, scapulars, greater wing coverts, and outer webs of tertials
reddish chestnut. Lores abruptly blackish. Under parts generally pale ashy white ; purest on the middle of the belly. Two
outer tail feathers white, the basal portion dark brown ; the third with a white spot at the end. Length, 6.40; wing, 3.15 ;
tail, 3.26.
Hab. — Mexico.
In this species the bill is quite elongated and rather slender. The outer tail feather is brown
for the basal third, this color extending obliquely forward along the inner edge. The brown is
more extended on the second feather, and it covers the entire outer web. The white of the
third feather is confined to a stripe on the end.
Although the Junco cinereus has not yet been found within the limits of the United States, it
yet occurs on the table lands of Mexico. I describe it here, however, chiefly to serve as an
illustration of the other closely allied species of the United States. The specimens before me
are both Mexican; one, No. 8060, received from Mr. John Gould; the other, 9117 <? , from Mr.
Verreaux.
June 16, 1858.
59 b
466 U. S. P. R. E, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL EEPORT.
JUNCO OREGONUS, Sclater.
Oregon Snow Bird.
Fringilla oregona, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VII, 1637, 188. — IB. Narrative, 1839, 345. — AUDCBON, Orn. Biog. V,
1839, 68; pi. 398.
Struthus oregonus, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850,475. — NKWBERRT, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Hep. P. R.
R. VI, iv, 1857, 88.
Niphoea oregona, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 107. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 91; pi. 168. — CAB. Mus. Heia.
1851, 134.
/unco oregonus, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7.
Fringilla hudsonia, LIGHT. Beit. Faun. Cal. in Abh. Akad. "Wiss. Berlin, for 1838, 1839, 424. (Not F. liudsonia,
Forster.)
"Fringilla atrata, BRANDT, Icon. Rosso-As. tab. ii, f. 8." (CAB.)
Sp. CH. — Plead and neck all round sooty black ; this color extending to the upper part of the breast, but not along the sides
under the wings. Interscapular region of the back and exposed surface of the wings dark rufous brown. A lighter tint of the
same on the sides of breast and belly. Rump brownish ash. Outer two tail feathers white; the third with only an obscure
streak of white. Length, about 6.50 inches ; wing, 3.00.
Hub. — Pacific coast of the United States to the eastern side of the Rocky mountains. Stragglers as far east as Fort Leaven-
worth in winter and Great Bend of Missouri.
In this species the wing is rather pointed ; the second and third quills equal, and longest ;
the fourth appreciably shorter ; the first intermediate between the fourth and fifth.
Oregon specimens have the back of a darker rufous than California ones, in which this region,
as well as the sides of the body are considerably paler.
Immature, and most winter specimens do not have the black of the head and neck so well
defined, but edged above more or less with the color of the back ; below with light ashy.
The Oregon snow bird in full plumage is readily distinguishable from the eastern species by
the purer white of the belly ; the more sharply defined outline of the black of the head passes
directly across the upper part of the breast, and is even convex in its posterior outline, without
extending down the side of the breast, with its posterior outline strongly concave, as in
liyemalis. The absence of black or ashy brown under the wings, with the rufous tinge, are
highly characteristic of oregonus. The head and neck are considerably blacker ; the rufous of
the back and wings does not exist in the other. The wings and quills are more pointed ; the
second quill usually longest, instead of the third, &c. The dusky of the throat reaches in 8.
oregonus only to the upper part of the breast ; to its middle region in Tiyemalis.
BIKDS — FRINGILLIDAE JUNCO DORSALIS.
467
List of specimens.
Cat.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by —
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wingr-
Wing. Remarks.
6251
1 Fort Steilacoom
Jan. — ,' 1854
Gov. Stevens ...
23 Dr. Suckley . ..
625°
Feb. 1854
do
do
6253
do
Dr. G. Sucklcy. ..
95
9.25
3.25
6254
.. do
.... do
250
6255
do
Mar. , 1858
do
261
6 00
9.00
6256
do
do
do
234
6.00
9.00
6257
| do
Feb
do
270
6.00
9.00
6259
do
Mar. — , 1856
. ...do
273
6.00
9.00
6261
Dec. 29, 1853
1 Dr. Cooper ....
6 00
9.00
6262
J' i '•• do ....
do-
do
do
6 00
9.00
brown.
1948
Oct. 16, 1834
S. F. Baird ...
• j K.Townsend
1947
Oct. 5, 1834
do
do
4592
i St. Helens, O. T
Jan. 26, 1856
200
6.50
9.87
3.25
6263
39^0
San Francisco
Winter 1854..
R. D. Cutts
Dr. Heerrnann
39-21
9 do
do
6264
6265
$ Sacramento, Cal
Q Tejon Pass, Cal
Lt. Williamson.. .
do
Dr. Ueertnann.
do
Fort Tejon
j. x. De Vcsey
6266
Zufii, N. M
Lt. Whipple
30 Dr. Kennerly . .
6250
Fort Thome, N. M
Dr. Henry
5888
Fort Riley, K. T .
6564
do
do.
6249
Oct. 21, 1854
Lt Conch
5372
Oct. 8, 1856
Lt G. K Warren
5 87
8 50
5374
do.
...do
do
5.62
9.
3 25
JUNCO DOBSALIS, Henry.
Junco dorsalis, HENRY, Pr. A. N. Sc. X, May, 1858, 117.
Sp. CH. — Bill black above ; light brownish below. Above, including the entire upper surface of the wings and scapulars,
light grayish ash ; the interscapular region reddish chestnut brown. Beneath ashy white ; the middle of the belly almost pure
white. Lores abruptly black ; quills and tail feathers nearly black. Three outer tail feathers white ; two entirely so, the
third with brown on the inner edge. Length, 6.25 ; wing, 3.05 ; tail, 3.10.
Hub. — Fort Thorn, New Mexico.
In this species the wing is rounded ; the third and fourth quills longest ; the second and fifth
very little shorter ; the first about equal to the sixth. The tail is very slightly rounded.
The bill of this species is considerably larger than that of Junco liyemalis, and is black
above, instead of red ; the claws, too, are larger.
This species differs from Junco cinereus in having the chestnut of the back restricted to the
interscapular region, instead of having it to extend over the scapulars, wing coverts and
outer webs of the tertials.
The closest relationships are to J. caniceps. The plumbeous of the back is, however,
much lighter ; the under parts generally are nearly white, instead of plumbeous anteriorly
this color extending backwards on the sides in marked contrast with the white belly. The lores
are much more abruptly blackish. The bill is larger ; the upper mandible black instead of
yellowish ; the white of the tail is much the same.
The only specimens yet known of this species are those collected at Fort Thorn by Dr. Henry.
468
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
9270
Fort Thorn, New Mexico
Dr. T. C. Henry
JUNCO CANICEPS, Baird.
Struthus can'iceps, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VI, Dec. 1852, 202. (New Mexico and Texas.)— IB. Sitgreave's
Report Zuiii & Colorado, 1853, 83 ; pi. iii.
Sp. CH. — Bill yellowish ; black at the tip. Above dark plumbeous, the head and neck all round of this color, which extends
(paling a little) along the sides, leaving the middle of the belly and crissum quite abruptly white. Lores conspicuously, but
not very abruptly darker. Interscapular region abruptly reddish chestnut brown, which does not extend on the wings, except
perhaps a faint tinge on some of the greater coverts. Two outer tail feathers entirely white ; third with a long white terminal
stripe on the inner web. Length, 6.00 ; wing, 3.23 ; tail, 3.04.
Hab. — Rocky mountains ; from Black Hills to San Francisco mountains, New Mexico.
This species is very similar to the common J. liyemalis in color, except that the plumbeous of
the under parts and sides is not quite so dark and less abruptly defined against the white. The
conspicuous chestnut patch on the back will distinguish them. The outer web of the third tail
feather is brown, not white. It differs from oregonus and cinereus in having no chesnut on the
wings, especially the tertials, and from the former in the extension of the ash of the neck along
the sides. It is darker above than J. dorsalis, which also lacks the distinct plumbeous of the
throat and sides, has the bill blacker, the lores more abruptly darker, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal,
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
7036
£
Black Hills, Cheyenne riv.
July 21,1857
Lt. F. T. Bryan .
W. S. Wood
89GO
Laramie peak.
Aug. 25 1857
Lt Warren
6 25
9 00
9 7^
8961
do
do
do
do
9281
San Francisco mountains. .
Oct. 14, 1857
Capt. Sitgreaves -
Dr. Woodhouse
JUNCO HYEMALIS, Sclater.
Snow Bird.
Fringilla hyemalis, LINN. Syst. Nat I, 10th ed. 1758, 183. (Not of Gmelin or Latham.)— ATTD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831,
72: V, 505; pi. ]3.
Fringilla (Spiza) hyemalis, BON. Syn. 1828, 109.
Emberizu hyemalis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 308.
Struthus hyemalis, BON. List 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 475.
Niphoea hyemalis, AUD. Synoj/sis, 1839, 106.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 88 ; pi. 167.
Junco hyemalis, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7.
Fringilla hudsonia, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 428.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 926.— WILSON'S Index, VI, 1812,
p. xiii.
Fringilla nivalis, WILSON, II, 1810, ]29 ; pi. xvi, f. 6.
SP. CH.— Everywhere of a grayish or dark ashy black, deepest anteriorly ; the middle of the breast behind and of the belly,
the under tail coverts, and first and second external tail feathers, white. The third tail feather white, margined with black.
Length, 6.25 ; wing, about 3.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri, and as far west as Black Hills.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE POOSPIZA.
469
The wing is rounded ; the second quill longest, the third, fourth, and fifth,, successively, a
little shorter ; the first longer than the sixth. Tail slightly rounded, and a little emarginate.
In the full spring dress there is no trace of any second color on the hack, except an exceedingly
faint and scarcely appreciable wash of dull brownish over the whole upper parts. The markings
of the third tail feather vary somewhat in specimens. Sometimes the whole tip is margined
with brown ; sometimes the white extends to the end ; sometimes both webs are margined with
brown ; sometimes the outer is white entirely ; sometimes the brownish wash on the back is
more distinct.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1387
J*
Carlisle, Pa
Mar. 9, 1844
S F. Baird ....
6.25
9.25
3.08
276
Ji
do
Mar 1 1841
do
10138
O
6248
O
•f
Oct 21 18.">4
3
4816?
0
May 6, 1856
Lieut. G. K Warren
... .
5.50
9.50
3.25
5700
A
Repub Forks K T
Oct 20 1856
389
W S. Wood . .
5707
o
do
do
do
387
do.
8959:
5373
V
Black Hills
Sept. 14, 1857
Lieut. Warren.
do
Dr. Hayden....
do
POOSPIZA, Cab an is.
Poospiza, CABANIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, i, 349. (Type Eniberiza nigro-rufa, Orb., or Pipilo personala, Svv.)
CH. — Bill slender, conical, both outlines gently curved. Under jaw with the edges considerably inflected ; not so high as the
upper. Tarsi elongated, slender ; considerably longer than the middle toe. Toes short, weak ; the outer decidedly longer than
the inner, but not reaching to the base of the middle claw. Hind toe about equal to the middle without its claw. All the claws
compressed and moderately curved. Wings rather long, reaching about over the basal fourth of the exposed portion of the
rather long tail. Tertiaries and secondaries about equal, and not much shorter than the lengthened primaries ; the second to
fifth about equal and longest; the first considerably shorter, and longer than the seventh. Tail lonjr, slightly cmarginate,
graduated ; the outer feather abruptly shorter than the others. Feathers broad, linear, and rather obliquely truncate at the
ends, with the corners rounded.
Color. — Uniform above, without streaks. Beneath white, with or without a black throat. Black and white stripes on the
head.
In the selection of Cabanis's genus Poospiza, for the present group, I follow Mr. Sclater.
One of the species has the throat white, the other black.
Comparative measurements of species.
c
0
0
*
= *
fe
o
>
V
Q.
*
Species.
Locality.
5
~ eo
3
£
— V
JS
43
BJD
be
Specimen
ci
H
"
£ 'g • ;5
-
s
•3
.5 ?
.5 "3
—
0
measured.
O
01
^
» ' .»
H
£
-
— CO
a
CQ
<
6338
5 74
2 77
3 05
0 8°
0 75
0 22
0 53
0 28
0 41
0 44
Skin
do.
do
Camp 6, Little Colorado..
..„..
6.20
3.13
3.25
0.84
0.74
0.20
0.57
0.30
0.40
0.45
Skin
6324
A
5 30
... 2 67
2 83
0 70
0 66
0 17
0 50
0 24
0 43
0.50
Skin
6318
do .
"' o
5 20
2 55
2 50
0 74
0 65
0 16
0 47
0 °0
0 40
0 48
Skin
V
do.
do
do
5 12
8 00 2 75
Fresh
6320
do
4 30
2 33
2 30
0 63
0 62
0 16
0 43
0 21
0.40
0 43
Skin
470
U. S P. E. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
POOSPIZA BILLNEATA, Sclater.
Black-throated Sparrow.
Emberiza bilineata, CASSIV, Pr. A. N. Sc, Ph. V, Oct. 1850, 104, pi. iii, Texas.— IB. Illust. I, v, 1854, 150 ; pi. xxiii.
Poospiza bilineata, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7.
Sp. CH. — Above uniform unspotted ashy gray, tinged with light brown ; purer and more plumbeous anteriorly. Under parts
white, tinned with plumbeous on the sides, and with yellowish brown about the thighs. A sharply defined superciliary and
maxillary stripe of pure white, the former margined internally with black. Loral region black, passing insensibly into dark
slate on the ears. Chin and throat between the white maxillary stripes black, ending on the upper part of the breast in a
rounded outline. Tail black, edged externally with white. Bill blue. Length, 5.40 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.90.
Hab. — Valley of Rio Grande and of Gila. (As far west as Janos and the Mohave villages.)
This species in external form is very similar to P. belli, and will probably fall in the same
genus. The cutting edges of the bill are much inflexed. The first quill is shorter than the
sixth. The tail is a good deal rounded ; the feathers broad.
The white maxillary stripe does not come quite to the base of the under jaw, which there is
black. There is a hoary tinge on the forehead. The white superciliary stripes almost meet on
the forehead.
In the immature bird the throat is white, the upper part of the breast streaked with brown.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex and , Locality. When col-
age. , lected.
i
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected l»y —
Length. Stretch Wing. ] Remarks,
ofwings. •
4088
6320
Q Tamaulipas, Mexico Mar. — , 1853
Ringgold Barracks, Tex. July , 1853
Lieut. Couch . . .
77
J. H. Clark ....
J. H. Clark
5.25 7.50 2.50 | Eyes dark brown; bill
black ; feet lead color.
6321
6322
$ Texas
do
Lieut. J.G. Parke
do
Dr. Hoermann .
; !
6317
J. H. Clark
6318
Q do May 5 1852
do .
do
512 8.00 2.75
6319
Q ! do do
do
do
500 7.G2 2.50
6323
6324
New Mexico
r? ...do...
Lieut. J. G. Parke
do
Dr. Heerniann.
do
6316
$ El Pa*o, N. M Dec. ,1854
17
J. H. Clark ...
5.50 8.00 2.50 Eyes black. (?)
6315
Boca Grande, N. M.... Mar. — , 1855
do
42
Dr. Kennedy..
POOSPIZA BELLI, Sclater.
Bell's Finch.
Emberiza belli, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. V, Oct. 1850, 104 ; pi. iv. San Diego, Cal.
Poospiza belli, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts generally, with sides of head and neck, uniform bluish ash, tinged with yellowish gray on the crown
and back, and with a few obsolete dusky streaks on the interscapular region. Beneath pure white, tinged with yellowish brown
on the sides and under the tail. Eyelids, short streak from the bill to above the eye, and small median spot at the base of bill,
white. A stripe on the sides of the throat and spot on the upper part of the breast, wiih the loral space and region round the
eyes, plumbeous black. Tail feathers black ; the outer edged with white. Wing feathers all broadly edged with brownish
yellow ; the elbow joint tinged with yellowish green. Bill and feet blue. Length, 6.25 ; wing, 2.90.
fjab. — Southern California and valley of Gila and Colorado to Fort Thorn.
This remarkable sparrow needs comparison with no other known North American species for
its identification. The tail is very long and considerably emarginated, and the outer feather
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE SPIZELLA.
471
quite abruptly shorter ; the feathers are unusually broad to near the end. The wings are short
and considerably rounded ; the second, third, fourth, and fifth nearly equal ; the first rather
shorter than the sixth. The bill is rather small.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Collected by —
6237
Posa creek Cfil
Lt Williamson
Dr. Heermann
6338
$
Cosumnes river -
do
do
6335
Fort Thorn, N. M
i Dr. T. C. Henry
6336
Colorado river
Dec. 15,1853 .. Lt. Whipple
Kennedy and Mollhausen..
SPIZELLA, Bonaparte.
Spizella, BONAP. Geog. and Comp. List, 1838. Type Fringilla canadensis, Lath.
Spinites, CABANIS, Mus Hein. 1851, 133. Type Fringilla socialis, Wils.
CH. — Bill conical, the outlines slightly curved ; the lower mandible decidedly lower than the upper ; the commissure
gently sinuated ; the roof of the mouth not knobbed. Feet slender ; tarsus rather longer than the middle toe ; the hinder toe
a little longer than the outer lateral, which slightly exceeds the inner ; the outer claw reaching the base of the middle one, and
half as long as its toe. Claws moderately curved. Tertiaries and secondaries nearly equal ; wing- somewhatpointed, reaching
not quite to the middle of the tail. First quill a little shorter than the second and equal to the fifth ; third longest. Tail rather
long, moderately forked, and divaricated at the tip ; the feathers rather narrow. Back streaked ; rump and beneath immaculate.
Hood generally uniform.
This genus differs from Zonotrichia in the smaller size and longer and forked, instead of
rounded tail.
Synopsis of the species.
Inter scapular region with the feathers streaked centrally with black. Rump and back of
the neck without streaks. No spots or streaks beneath.
A. Head above and back chestnut. Two white bands on the wings. A light super
ciliary stripe.
A chestnut streak behind the eye, and a dull rufous spot in the middle of the breast.
Rump yellowish brown. Tail feathers edged with white. Bill black above ;
under mandible chiefly yellow S. monticola.
Smaller ; a chestnut streak behind the eye. No spot on the breast. Rump
yellowish brown. Tail feathers edged with ash. Bill red S.pusitta.
Forehead and a line from the bill through and behind the eye black. Superciliary
streak white. Rump bright ash. Bill black S. socialis.
B. Head above streaked with black and gray, a light superciliary stripe. Beneath
dirty white.
Head above with a broad median light stripe and a conspicuous superciliary
one S. pallida.
Head above without median stripe .S. breweri.
C. Body generally plumbeous, except the wings and interscapular region ; becoming paler
on the middle ofthe belly. Forehead, lores, chin, and throat, black. Bill red.
S. atriffularis.
472
U. S. P. K. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
cs
O
Species.
Locality.
H
OJ
a
to
c
J
0
•g "
S ^
02
tb
c
'«
H
|
Middle toe.
fe
42 •
Hind toe
and claw.
a
•= 2.
5 «
33
Bill above.
c.
tn
tc
c
_o
Specimen
measured.
871
do.
Spizella monticola. . ..
Carlisle, Penn
do
c?
5.80
6.25
9.66
3.02
3.08
3.04
0.79
0.74
0.20
0.54
0.24
0.35
0.41
Skin
Fre^h
10151
71
5.30
2.61
2.93
0.67
0.66
0.18
0 48
0.21
0 39
0 40
824
do.
do
do
Carlisle, Penn
do
Q
5.16
5.25
7.75
2.43
2.42
2.66
0.69
0.67
0.18
0.43
0.20
0.35
0.36
Skin.
Fresh .
10150
Spizella socialis
Washington, D. C
g
5.14
2.71
2.41
0.65
0.60
0.15
0.46
0 20
0.36
0.40
Skin
5556
do
Petaluma, Cal
^
5.14
2 74
2.60
0.62
0.62
0.17
0 44
0.20
0 48
0.42
Skin
10269
do (?)•••
Red river, Pembina. .... .
5.70
2.90
2.69
0.64
0 65
0.16
0.44
0.21
0.38
0.44
Skin
1937
Spizella pallida
Fort Union, Neb
4.90
2.46
2.53
0 67
0.67
0.16
0.46
0.20
0.36
0.40
Skin
2890
•A
5.10
2.46
2.64
0.69
0.63
0 16
4.40
0.18
0.32
0 39
Skin. ,
1905
do
... . do
o
5.04
2.53
2 62
0 70
0 60
0 14
0 42
0 17
0 35
0 34
Skin
4335
do.
Spizella atrigularis . . .
do
Agua Nueva, Coahuila . . .
do
C?
5.50
5.42
7.75
2.51
2.50
3.07
0.76
0.72
0.18
0.48
0.22
0.38
0.46
Skin
Fresh
SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, Baird.
Tree Sparr w.
Fringilla monticola, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 912.
Zonotrichia monticola, GRAY, Genera.
Spinites monticolus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 134.
Passer canadensis, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 1760, 102.
Fringilla canadensis, LATH. Index, I, 1790, 434.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 511 : V, 504 ; pi. 188.
Emberiza canadensis, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 252.— AUD. Syn. 1839— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 83 ; pi. 166.
Spizella canadensis, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 480.
Fringilla arborea, WILS. Am. Orn II, 1810, 12 ; pi. xii, f. 3.
Moineau du Canada, BUFFON, PI. Enl. 223, f. 2.
" Mountain Finch, LATH. Syn. II, i, 265."
Sp. CH. — Middle of back with the feathers dark brown centrally, then rufous, and edged with pale fulvous, (sometimes with
whitish.) Hood and upper part of nape continuous chestnut; a line of the same from behind the eye. Sides of head arid
neck ashy. A broad light superciliary band. Beneath whitish, with a small circular blotch of brownish in the middle of the
upper part of the breast. Edges of tail feathers, primary quills, and two bands across the tips of the secondaries, white.
Tertiaries nearly black ; edged externally with rufous, turning to white near the tips. Lower jaw yellow ; upper black.
Length, 6.25 inches ; wing, 3.
Hob. — Eastern North America to the Missouri ; also on Pole creek and Little Colorado river, New Mexico.
This species varies in the amount of whitish edging to the quills and tail.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
1280
860
871
7561
1591
16230
6332
6353
5409
6410
3710
6354
6355
3
9
3
..„..
c?
Feb. 28, 1844
Nov. 22, 1842
do
S. F. Baird
6.25
6.00
6.25
9.50
8.83
9.67
3.00
2.75
3.08
do
do
do
do
A. S. Babcock. ...
Fort Leaven worth.. . .
do
Cedar Island, Neb. . . .
Medicine river
Pole Creek, K. T
Little Col'do river,N.M
do
Nov. 27, 1854
Jan. 20, 1855
Oct. 15, 1856
Oct. 8, 1856
Aug. 2, 1856
Dec. 18, 1853
Dec. 20, 1853
11
do
Lieut. Warren
do
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
Lieut. Whipplc....
do
22
192
39
Dr. Ilayden
do
5.87
6.12
6
8.50
9.25
9.
3
3.25
"
Kennerly and
Miilhausen.
do
5.50
5.50
8.50
8.50
3
•J
B IRDS — FRINGILLID AE SPIZELL A. SOCIALIS.
473
SPIZELLA PUSILLA, Bo nap.
Field Sparrow.
Fringilla pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 121 ; pi. xvi, f. 2.— LICHT. Vcrzeiclm. Doubl. 1823, No. 252.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 299 ; pi. 139.
Spizella pusilla, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Corispec. 1850,480.
Emberiza pusilla, AUD. Syn. 1839, 104.— IB. Birds Amcr. Ill, 1841, 77 ; pi. 1G4.
Spinites pusillus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 133.
Fringilla juncorum, NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 499; 2d ed. 1840, 577. (Supposed by him to be Motacilla juncorum,
GMELIM, I, 952; Sylvia juncorum, LATHAM, Ind. 11,511; Little Brown Sparrow, CATESBY,
Car. I, 35.)
Sp. CH. — Bill red. Crown continuous rufous red. Back somewhat similar, streaked with blackish. Sides of head and neck
(including a superciliary stripe) ashy. Ear coverts rufous. Beneath white, tinged with yellowish anteriorly. Tail feathers and
quills faintly edged with white. Two white bands across the wing coverts. Length, about 5.75 ; wing, 2.34.
Hab. — Eastern North America to the Missouri river.
This species is about the size of S. socialis, but is more rufous above ; lacks the black forehead
and eye stripe ; has chestnut ears instead of ash ; has the bill red instead of black : lacks the
clear ash of the rump ; has a longer tail, &c. It is more like monticola, but is much smaller;
lacks the spot on the breast, and the predominance of white on the wings, &c. The young have
the breast and sides streaked.
Although it is quite possible that the " little brown sparrow," of Catesby, refers to the
present bird., yet "small sparrow, entirely brown," is scarcely a sufficient diagnosis upon
which to found a species.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
of'wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
436
C? Carlisle Pa
May 31 1841
S F Baird
5 25
8 00
1378
Q ..do.
April 22, 1844
do
5.17
7.75
2.33
824
. .do
5.2.5
7.75
2.42
137-1
f? l'°
April 19 1844
do
5.75
8.17
2.33
730
O do
Sept. 20, 1842
.. do
5.25
7.50
10151
v u
1592
82^)4
Boston, Mass
June 6, 1857
8. F. Baird
W. M. M:i«raw. ..
T. M. Brewer....
57 Dr. Cooper
5.75
8,50
2.75
480°
April 21, 1856
Lt. G. K. Warren.
4800
May 3, 1856
do
' do
5.87
8.25
2.75
4801
do
May 24, 1856
do
do
5.50
S.12
2.50
5-113
5412
Q Fort Lookout, Neb
$ Knife river, Neb
June 21, 1856
Sept. — , 1856
do
do
do
do
5.50
5.25
8.00
8.50
2.75
2.75
Eye black (?)
SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, B o n a p .
Chipping Sparrow.
Fringilla socialis, WILSON, Am. Orn. IT, 1810, 127; pi. xvi, f. 5.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 21 : V, 517 ; pi. 104.
Si>iz(lln soditlls, HON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 480.
Enberiza socialis, AUD. Syn. 1839.— In. liirds Arner III, 1841, 80; pi. 165.
Spinites socialis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133. (Type.)
Sp. CH. — Rump, back of neck, and sides of neck and head, ashy. Interscapular region with black streaks, margined with
pale rufous. Crown continuous and uniform chestnut. Forehead black, separated in the middle by white. A white streak
over the eye, and a black one from the base of the bill through and behind the eye. Under parts unspotted whitish, tinged
with ashy, especially across the upper breast. Tail feathers and primaries edged with paler, not white. Two narrow white
bands across the wing coverts. Bill black. Length, 5.75 ; wing, nearly 3.00.
Hub.— North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.
June 17, 1858.
GO b
474
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The young have the chestnut of the crown varied with narrow blackish lines, sometimes the
chestnut little appreciable. The upper part of the breast and sides streaked with brown.
This species is readily distinguished from S. monticola by its black bill and forehead ; black
line behind the eye instead of chestnut ; absence of black spot on the breast, and of white on
the tail, &c., as also by the much smaller size.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex arid Locality,
age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
10150
1424
<$ Carlisle, Pa
May 2, 1844
S. F. Baird
5.07
8.75
2 92 :
721
Sept. 16, 1842
do
| 5.50
8.50
1106
O o do
July 5 1843
. ... do
10269?
4805
Pembina
Bald Island, Neb
Sept. 26, 1857
April 25, 1857
N. W. University . .
Lt. G. K. Warren..
R. Kennicott
Dr. Hayden.... 5.00
8.00
2.62 Eyes dark
5411
(J Fort Lookout, Neb.....
June — , 1856
do
do 5.25
8 50
2.75 do
57)5. :
6348
Pole creek
<$ Fort Steilacoom, W.T. .
Aug. — , 1856
.... 1854
Lt. Bryan
92
VV. S. Wood
6349
Q do
1854
do
93
6350
O ...do....
1854
do
94
6351
do
April — , 1856
do
298
5.50
9.00
5981
do
May — , 1855
Dr. J. G. Cooper
5 50
8 50
1
4417
Q Fort Dalles, 0. T
May 5, 1855
165'
4383
$ do
May 2, 1855
do
161
....
5.87
9.00
2.83
4384
^ do
May 4, J855
do
165
5. 62
8.75
5556
ff Petaluma, Cal. ..
May 24, 1855
869
6346
6347
[ Sacramento, Cal
Tejon Pass, Cal
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann .
do
Fort Tejon
8054
J. Gould
!
SPIZELLA PALLIDA, B o n a p .
Clay-colored Bunting.
Embtriza pallida, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 251. (Not of Audubon.)
Spizella palllda, BONAP. List, 1838.
Spinites pallidus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133.
Emberiza shattuckii, AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1843, 347 ; pi. 493.
Spizella shaltuckii, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 480.
Sp. CH. — Smaller than S. socialis. Back and sides of hind neck ashy. Prevailing color above pale brownish yellow, with a
tinge of grayish. The feathers of back and crown streaked conspicuously with blackish. Crown with a median ashy and a
lateral or superciliary ashy white stripe. Beneath whitish, tinged with brown on the breast and sides, and an indistinct narrow
brown streak on the edge of the chin. Ear coverts brownish yellow, margined above and below by dark brown. Length,
4.75 ; wing, 2.55.
Hab.— Upper Missouri river and High Central plains to the Saskatchewan country.
The ashy collar is quite conspicuous, and streaked above with brown. The rump is immacu
late. The streaks on the feathers of the crown almost form continuous lines,, about six in number.
The brown line above the ear coverts is a post ocular one. The brown line on the side of the
chin forms the lower border of a white maxillary stripe which widens and curves around behind
the ear coverts, fading into the ashy of the neck. The wing feathers are all margined with
paler, and there is an indication of two light bands across the ends of the coverts.
The young of this species is thickly streaked beneath over the throat, breast, and belly, with
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE — SPIZELLA BREWERI.
475
brown, giving to it an entirely different appearance from the adult. The streaks in the upper
parts, too, are darker and more conspicuous. The margins of the feathers rather more rusty.
This species is readily distinguishable from the other American Spizellas, excepting S. breweri,
(which see,) in the dark streaks and median ashy stripe on the crown, the paler tints, the dark
line on the side of the chin, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
"rig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
1858 .
Fort Union, Neb 1843
S. F. Baird
Ed. Harris
1937
do 18-13 .
. ... do
5114
do July IB 1843
Lt. G. K. Warren
5.00
7.50
2.50
do
£S>4
Cheyenne river .... i Sept. 10, 1857
do
do
5.00
7.00
Iris dark brown
4804
4803 ,-?
Bijoux Hills i May 14, 1857
do
do.
do
do
5.6-2
5.37
7.75
7.50
2.50 Iris hazel
2.25
5715 $
63f>9 . .
Pole Creek, K. T Aug. 1, 1858
Lt. F. T. Bryan
184
W. S. Wood....
4091 .
Tainaulipa5!, Met.... Mar. ,1855
Lt. Couch
73
4.75
7.25
2.25 Eyes dark brown ; feet light
brown ; bill slate.
SPIZELLA BREWEEI, C a s s i n .
Brewer's Sparrow.
Emberiza pallida, Aim. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 66; pi, 398, f. 2.— IB. Synopsis, 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841,
71 ; pi. 161. (Not of Swainson, 1831.)
Spizella breweri, CASSIW, Pr. A. N. Sc. VIII, Feb. 1856, 40.
Sp. CH. — Similar to S. pallida; the markings more obsolete ; no distinct median and superciliary light stripes. The crown
streaked with black. Some of the feathers on the sides with brown shafts. Length, 5 inches ; wing, 2.50.
Hab. — Rocky mountains of United States to the Pacific coast.
This species, if really distinct, is so very similar to the S. pallida as to require very close and
critical comparison to separate it. One feature is the more obsolete character of the markings,
which have not the sharpness and definition of pallida. The streaks on the back are narrower,
and the central ashy and lateral whitish stripes of the crown are scarcely, if at all, appreciable.
The clear ash of the back of the neck, too, is mostly wanting. The feathers along the sides of
the body, near the tibia, and occasionally elsewhere on the sides, have brownish shafts, not
found in the other.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2890
3
Rocky mountains
June 15, 1834
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend.
1905
do
.. do
do
6361
63CO
S
$
Tt-j on val Icy
do
Lt. Williamson. .
do
Dr. Heermann ..
do
6357
Boca Grande Mex
Mar. , 1855
Major Emory
40
Dr Kcnncrly
6358
....
Camp 127, N.M., Bill
Williams' Fork
Feb. 26, 1854
Lt Whippplc
174
do
6356 ?
0
El Paso, Texas
May 4, 1852
Col Graham
C Wright
5.25
7.25
2.25
476
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SFIZELLA ATRIGULARIS, Baird.
Black-chinned Sparrow.
Spinites atrigularis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133.
Stiutlius atrimentalls, COUCH, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, April, 1854, 67-
SP. CH. — Tail elongated, deeply forked and divaricated. General color bluish ash, paler beneath, and turning to white on
the middle of the belly. Interscapular region yellowish rusty, streaked with black. Forehead, loral region, and side of head
as far as eyes, chin, and upper part of throat black. Quills and tail feathers very dark brown, edged with ashy. Edges of
coverts like the back. No white bands on the wings. Bill red. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 3.00.
Hub. — Mexico just south of the Rio Grande.
This species is about the size of S. pusilla and socialis, resembling the former most in its still
longer tail. This is more deeply forked and divaricated with broader feathers than in either.
The wing is much rounded ; the fourth quill longest ; the first almost the shortest of the
primaries.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex. Locality. When
No. collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
!l'wiiii.'>.
Wing.
Remarks.
4335 g Agu.i Nueva, Coahuila, Mex . May, 1853. . . .
Lieut. D. N. Couch
5.62
7.75
2.50
Eyes and feet dark brown ; liill light
red brown.
MELOSPIZA, Baird.
CH. — Body stout. Bill conical, very obsoletely notched, or smooth ; somewhat compressed. Lower mandible not so deep
as the upper. Commisure nearly straight. Gonys a little curved. Feet stout, not stretching beyond the tail ; tarsus a little
longer than the middle toe ; outer toe a little longer than the inner ; its claw not quite reaching to the base of the middle one.
Hind toe appreciably longer than the middle one. Wings quite short and rounded, scarcely reaching beyond the base of the
tail ; the tertials considerably longer than the secondaries; the quills considerably graduated ; the fourth longest ; the first
not longer than the tertials, and almost the shortest of the primaries. Tail moderately long, and considerably graduated ; the
feathers oval at the tips. Crown and back similar in color and streaked ; beneath thickly streaked. Tail immaculate.
This genus differs from Zonotrichia in shorter, more graduated tail, rather longer hind toe,
much more rounded wing, which is shorter ; the tertiaries longer ; the first quill almost the
shortest, and not longer than the tertials. The under parts are spotted ; the crown streaked
and like the back.
I have placed in this section, which has the Fringilla melodia as its type, the Fringilla palus-
tris of Wilson. This differs in the uniform rufous crown of the male, streaked, however, in the
female, and in having only obsolete streaks on the breast. The Fringilla lincolnii is more
aberrant ; it is spotted beneath, but the wing and first primary are a little longer. These two
might form a separate section, Helospiza, agreeing in the narrower and shorter tail, smaller
and more slender bill, more slender toes, &c., with the Fringilla palustris as type.
SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES.
Melospiza, Baird.
A. Beneath uniform whitish from chin to anus, thickly streaked on the breast and sides.
Head streaked.
Streaks of back and under parts distinctly black in the central portion. Bill stout.
Prevailing color light reddish gray. Feathers of back edged with gray. Stripes
of breast with distinct rufous suffusion externally. Wing 2.68 inches.. melodia.
BIKDS — FRINGILL1DAE MELOSPIZA MELODIA.
477
Prevailing color above olivaceous gray. Stripes of breast purer black, with, little
or no rufous suffusion externally. Wing 2.50 inches heermanni.
Similar to the last but much smaller. Wing 2.10 inches ..Var. gouldii.
Streaks above and below dark rufous, without black centres. Bill slender.
Above decidedly rufous brown, the streaks very obsolete, without gray edges.
Beneath thickly streaked rufina.
Above brownish gray. Streaks distinct ; feathers with gray edging. Beneath
rather sparsely streaked , .fallax.
Helospiza, Baird.
B. Under parts white ; breast reddish yellow, with distinct, well defined streaks. Head
streaked „ lincolnii.
C. Head above uniform reddish. Beneath white, without streaks, or with very obsolete ones,
except on sides of breast. Breast tinged with plumbeous., .palustris.
Comparative measurements of species.
c
a
Species.
Locality.
M
41
OQ
a
,
0
~Z _c
bb
~
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
C3
"3 c
_o
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
c.
M
C
_c
Specimen
measured.
1590
SOS
Melospiza melodia . ..
do
Boston, Mass
o
6.42
5.70
2.62
2.50
3.08
2.76
0.84
0.83
0.80
0 85
0.20
0.23
0.54 : 0.36
0 58 0 28
0.47
0 44
0.45
0.50
Skin
Skin
do.
do
6.08
8.33
2.43
2637
do
do..
•*
5.20
2.68
2.88
0.80
0 77
0 20
0 56 0 26
0 48
0.54
Skin ..
do.
9528
do
do
Puget Sound. ....
0
6.16
6.40
8.84
2.75
2.60
2 93
0 89
0 83
0 20
0.60 0 30
0 47
0.51
Fresh
Skin
6227
Tejon Valley
6 22
2.54
2.94
0 92
0 87
0 23
0 66 0 30
0 49
0.50
Skin
10274
do
Fort Tejon, Cal
-*
5.00
2.42
2.78
0.86
0 82
0 °4
9 64 0 31
0 44
0 51
8053
4.70
2.10
2.38
0.79
0 79
0 18
0 54 0 26
0 44
0.50
Skin
10281
Melospiza fallax
Camp 106, Pueblo cr., N.M.
6.46
2.76
3.18
0.78
0.78
0.20
0 62 0.28
0.40
0.44
Skin
6225
934
do.
do
Melospiza palustris. ..
do
Mimbrcs to Rio Grande ,.
Carlisle, Penn
do
:::::
5.50
5.26
5.66
8.93
2.71
2.33
2.42
3.24
2.54
0.86
0.82
0.82
0.78
0.22
0.18
0.58 0.26
0.62 , 0.28
0.44
0.44
0.46
0.47
Skin.
Skin
Fresh
375
.do
do
Q?
5.30
2.20
2.41
0.79
0.74
0.17
!
0.56 0.25
0.41
0.44
Skin
do.
do
do
5.50
9 50
937
do
-K
5.24
2.60
2.42
0 76
0.82
0.20
0.£8 0 26
0 44
0.48
Skin
do.
972
do
do
do
0
5.58
4.84
8.35
2.58
2.34
2 32
0.80
0.74
0.18
1
0 52 0.25
0.43
0.48
Fresh
Skin
do.
do
do
5.57
8.00
2.33
j
Fresh
MELOSPIZA MELODIA, Baird.
Song Sparrow.
Fringilla melodia, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 125 ; pi. xvi, f. 4.— LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 249.— AUD. Orn. Biog
I, 1832, 12G : V, 507 ; pi 25.— IB. Syu. 1KW, 120.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 147 ; pi. 189.
Zonotrichia melodia, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 478.
?? Fringilla fasciata,1 GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 922.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 562.
?? Fringilla kyemalis, GMEMN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 922.
Sp. CH. — General tint of upper parts rufous brown, streaked with dark brown and ashy gray. The crown is rufous, with a
superciliary and median stripe of dull gray, the former lighter ; nearly white anteriorly, where it has a faint shade of yellow ; each
feather of the crown with a narrow streak of dark brown. Interscapulars dark brown in the centre, then rufous, then grayish
1 The fasciated sparrow of Pennant, Arctic Zool. II, 375, upon which Gmelin's name is based, answers pretty well for our
species, but the tail is said to be crossed by numerous dusky bars, which is not the case with melodia. The winter sparrow of
Pennant, II, 376, Frin^illa hyemalis, Grnelin, is equally uncertain.
478
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
en the margin. Rump grayer than upper tail coverts, both with obsolete dark streaks. There is a whitish maxillary stripe,
bordered above and below by one of dark rufous brown, with a similar one from behind the eye. The under parts are white ;
the breast and sides of body and throat streaked with dark rufous, with a still darker central line. On the middle of the
breast these marks are rather aggregated so as to form a spot. No distinct white on tail or wings. Length of male, 6.50 ;
wing, 2.58; tail, 3.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Pligh Central Plains.
Specimens vary somewhat in having the streaks across the breast more or less sparse ; the
spot more or less distinct. In autumn the colors are more blended, the light maxillary stripe
tinged with yellowish, the edges of the dusky streaks suffused with brownish rufous.
The young bird has the upper parts paler, the streaks more distinct ; the lines on the head
scarcely appreciable. The under parts are yellowish ; the streaks narrower and more sharply
defined dark brown.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained. ' Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1294
122
2637
1080
808
1147
1590
4817
8750 ?
6226?
S
Carlisle, Penn
do
Mar. 9, 1844
Oct. 13, 1840
S. F. Baird
do
6. 08
8.25
2.58
0
9
do
May 11, 1846
June 2, 1843
do
6.17
8.83
2.75
do
Cape May, N. J
Oct. 17, 1842
July 19, 1843
do
W. M. Baird .
6.08
8.33
2.42
9
o
Bald I., Neb April 25, 1856
Loup Fork of Platte. Sept. 11, 1857
Boca Grande, Mex.i Mar. — , 1855
Lt. G. K. Warren
do
Dr. Ilayden..
do
6
8.50
2.50
Iris brown; pupil bluish ....
Major Emory 39
Dr. Kennerly.
5.50
7.50
2.50
MELOSPIZA HEERMANNI, Baird.
Heermann's Song Sparrow.
Sp. CH. — Somewhat like mclodia. The streaks on the back and under parts blacker, broader, more distinct, and scarcely
margined with reddish, except in winter plumage. General shade of coloration olivaceous gray rather than rusty. Length,
6.40; wing, 2.56 ; tail, 3.
flab. — Tejon Pass, California.
In the collection of sparrows before me is a Melospiza from the Tejon valley (6227) (winter)
labelled Zonotricliia guttata by Dr. Heermann, and resembling it somewhat, but differing very
appreciably from a large number of specimens from Washington and Oregon Territories. It
differs in having the bill considerably larger, broader, and more convex, and bulging laterally
at the base ; the commissure more sinuated ; the tarsus shorter. The under parts are of a
purer white ; the streaks are less numerous, but larger and more sharply defined, being
blackish brown anteriorly, with a slightly rufous edging in places. The sides and under tail
coverts are yellowish brown, as in rujina, but with darker streaks. The ground color of
the upper parts is nearly the same, (darker than in melodia^) but the streaks and blotches,
instead of being obsolete, are strongly marked. The blotches on the upper surface are even
darker than in melodia and more extended ; they are margined with darker and more brownish
rufous, and lack the well defined grayish edges to the feathers. The spots on the under parts,
too, are blacker and larger than in melodia, with less rusty brown on the sides ; the sides of
body and tinder tail coverts are darker and more blotched. The black blotches on the breast
distinguish this species from Z.fallax.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE MBLOSPIZA GOULDII. 479
Although it is very difficult to express the characters of this sparrow by an absolute diagnosis,
yet it will most probably prove permanently and specifically different from the more northern
and typical guttata. The latter appears to be a northern species, several of the specimens
having been collected on the Columbia river and northward in January and February, and con
sequently winter residents, while the locality of the other at Tejon Pass is nearly twelve degrees
(or more than eight hundred miles) further south, with no intermediate localities recorded.
After carefully considering the circumstances of the case, I have come to the conclusion that
the species is worthy of specific separation, and have accordingly named it Melospiza heermanni,
after its accomplished collector and discoverer.
Since writing the preceding article, I have had the opportunity of examining a large collection
of this same species made at Fort Tejon by Mr. De Vesey, and am still better satisfied of its claim
to a specific separation. A spring bird has the spots on the breast and sides entirely black,
without any rufous edging, as is also the case with those on the back. The feet are larger and
the claws longer than in melodia. The tail feathers are much darker, and the tints above,
instead of being light rufous, are decidedly grayish olivaceous. The differences from rufina
consist in the much stouter and thicker bill, and the very distinct dark, usually black, streaks,
instead of rufous brown.
The colors of the winter specimens have the usual soft blended appearance peculiar to this
season, but the spots still retain their well defined blackness, with only a slight tendency to
passing externally into dark rufous.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by—
6127
r?
Tejon valley, Gal
Lt Williamson
T)r. TTpermn.rm
10274
;?
Fort Tejon - - . . . ---
J. X. do Vcscy
38
10273
O
do
do
MELOSPIZA GOULDII, Baird.
Sp. Cn. — Similar to M. melodia, still more so to M. heermannl, but very much smaller. Breast and sides conspicuously
streaked with black ; back and head above distinctly streaked. Length, 4.70 ; wing, 2.10 ; tail, 2.38.
Hab. — California.
In a collection of birds presented by Mr. John Gould to the Smithsonian Institution is a
perfectly adult specimen (No. 8053) marked " California," which has a certain resemblance to
the song sparrow, but differs in being very much smaller, much less, in fact, than any other
known species of the group. The difference in size is much greater than is usually allowed to
exist in the same species. The wing measures only 2.10 inches, or less than in Ammodromus
samudis.
The bill is a little more slender than in melodia, the legs much the same size, the wings and
tail much shorter. The sides of the throat and body with the breast are distinctly streaked with
black, which has a slightly rufous suffusion externally. The black streaks on the back are also
well defined as in M. licermanni. The bill and feet are nearly as large as in this species, but
the wings and tail are very much shorter. This disproportion of feet, with the difference in
480 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
size, leads me to consider the species as a good one, as, if it were merely a smaller race of another
species, the general proportions would be retained.
MELOSPIZA KUFINA, Baird.
11 Einberiza rufina, BRANDT, Desc. Av. Rossic. 1836, tab. ii, 5, Sitka." Bonaparte.
Passerella rufina, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 477.
Fringilla cinerea, (Gui.) AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 22; pi. 390.— IB. Syn. 1839, 119.— IB. Birds America, III, 1841,
145; pi. 187.
Passerella cinerea, Br>. List, 1839.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 477.
? Zonotrichia cinerea, Bp. Conspectus, 1850, 478.
?? Fringilla cinerea, GMELIN, I, 1788, 922.
Fringilla (Passerella) guttata, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 581.
Zonotrichia guttata, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. I, Dec. 1847, 50.
SP. CH. — Bill slender. Similar in general appearance to M. melodia, but darker and much more rufous, the colors more blended.
General appearance above light rufous brown, the interscapular region streaked very obsoletely with dark brownish rufous,
the feathers of the crown similar, with still darker obsolete central streaks. A superciliary and very obscure median crown
stripe, ashy. Under parts Iroicnish whitish; the breast and sides of throat and body broadly streaked with dark brownish
rufous; darker in the centre. A light maxillary stripe. Sides of the body tinged strongly with the colors of the rump,
and leaving only a narrow space of the belly white. Under coverts brown. Length, G.75 ; wing, 2.70 ; tail, 3.00.
Hab. — Pacific coast of the United States to Russian America.
This species appears larger than M. melodia, and will he readily distinguished by the absence
of the blackish brown centres to the brown streaks, and of any marked contrast of color in
different parts of the feathers, as well as by the general dark rufous shades of color. There are
no grayish edges to the feathers of the back, nor blackish streaks. The spots beneath are
broader, more blended, and more thickly crowded ; the sides and under tail coverts much
darker. The bill is smaller and considerably more slender and conical. The light and dark
markings about the head are less strongly contrasted.
The color of the spots on the breast is much as in M. fallax ; they are broader and much
more numerous, however; the sides and under tail coverts much darker. The upper parts, too,
are much darker and more rufous ; the feathers lacking the grayish edges, so conspicuous in
fallax as well as in melodia. In fact, the upper parts are frequently so uniform as almost to
resemble Passerella townsendii, there being only a faint trace of darker centres.
The bill is more slender and attenuated than in any of our large song sparrows.
The young has the head above olivaceous rufous without any streaks ; the feathers of the
back are brownish rufous with obsolete central blotches. The spotting is thus much less than
in melodia.
I do not agree with Nuttall in considering Fringilla cinerea of Gmelin so far removed from
the present species; in fact, it is quite possibly the same, as based on the cinereous finch of
Pennant. — (Arctic Zool. II, 378.) Still, as the species is not cinereous and there is yet much
uncertainty about it, it may be best not to take Gmelin's name.
The next name in order appears to be rufina of Brandt, which I identify from Bonaparte's
description, not having the original reference at hand.
There is yet much to be done in the determination and identification of the numerous spotted
sparrows from the northwest coast, described by Pennant, Gmelin, and other authors.
1URDS — FRINGILLIDAE MELOSPIZA FALLAX.
481
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
| -5ex and Locality,
age.
When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Length
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
5977
4540
Straits of Fuen, W. T..
Mar. — , 1855 Dr. J. G. Cooper. ..
, 1856 i Dr. G. Sucklev .
4599
, Steilacoom, VV. T
Feb. 5,1856; do. .. .
218
6 50
8.75
2.62
<i-23i
do
do
247
7 00
9.00
6-232
do
do
249
7 00
9.00
6233
do
... '• do
2)5
. 7 00
9 00
G234
do
Mar. — , 1856 '. do
259
7.00
9.00
6235
do
do
262
6228
Shoalwater hay, \V. T. .
July 5, 1854 ! Dr. J. G. Cooper...
85
6.75
8.75
Iris brown
f!229
6.75
8.75
do
6Q30
O do
Sept. — , 1854 ..... .do
6 75
8 75
I860
Jan. 18, 1836 S. F. Baird
59
J. K. Townsend
feet the same.
1942
do
! .. do
do.
10275?
Q Fort Tejon, Cal
861
MELOSPIZA FALLAX, Baird.
Zonotrichiafallax, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, June, 1854, 119. (Pueblo creek, New Mexico.)
? Zonotrichiafasciata, (Gn.) GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d Series, I, 1847, 49.
Sp. CH. — Similar to Z. melodla, but with wings and tail longer, and bill smaller. Dark centrts to the brownish streaks of the
feathers of upper and under surfaces obsolete or wanting. Superciliary light stripe ash color anteriorly. Length, 6.65 ; wing,
275; tail, 3 36.
Hab. — Rocky mountain region from Fort Thorn to the Colorado. Fort Tejon?
Although this species is very similar to the M. melodia, yet, when specimens are compared
with an extensive series of the last mentioned species, an impression of difference will at once
be conveyed. The bird is rather larger, especially the tail, as shown by the accompanying
table, while the feet and especially the bill are smaller. The line above the eye is grayish ash
throughout, without the whitish immediately at the base of the bill. The dark brown centres
in the brownish rufous streaks of the head, back, and under parts, are almost entirely wanting
or very obsolete ; the color of the rufous streaks, too, is paler.
I do not, however, feel sure that this species will stand as perfectly satisfactory, as there is a
specimen (6226) from Boca Grande, Mexico, before me which has all the dark markings of eastern
specimens, with a decidedly inferior bill. At any rate, I consider it as less strongly established
than any of the others before me. It has certain relationships of coloration to the M. guttata,
but is much grayer.
As far as I can judge the middle toe and claw are proportionally longer than in M. melodia.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
Pueblo creek Camp 106 N M Jan 22 1854
Lieut Wliipple .----.»--
51
Kennedy and Mo'llhauseu.
6225
10271 f
Fort Thorn, N. M
Fort Tejon Cal
Dr. T. C. Henry
656
June 17, 1856.
61 b
482
U. S, P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
MELOSPIZA LINCOLNII, Baird.
Lincoln's Finch.
Fringilla lincolnii, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 539, pi. 193.— NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 569.
Linaria lincolnii, RICH. List, 1837.
Passerculus lincolnii, BONAP. List, 1838.
Peucaea lincolnii, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 113.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 116, pi. 177. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 481. —
IB. Comptes Rendus XXVII, 1854, 920.
Passerculus zonarius, (Bp.) SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 305.
Sp. CH. — Crown chestnut, with a median and two lateral or superciliary ash colored stripes ; each feather above streaked
centrally with black. Back with narrow streaks of black. Beneath white, with a maxillary stripe curving round behind the
ear coverts, a well defined band across the breast, extending down the sides, and the under tail coverts, brownish yellow.
The maxillary stripe margined above and below with lines of black spots. The throat, upper part of breast, and sides of the
body, with streaks of black, smallest in the middle of the former. There is a chestnut stripe back of the ear, streaked witli
black. The pectoral bands are sometimes paler. Length, 5.60 ; wing, 2.60.
Hob. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific, and south through Mexico to Guatemala.
This species is easily known among the American sparrows by the well marked yellowish
hand across the breast and the maxillary stripe of brownish yellow relieved against the white
of the under parts generally. Ammodromus caudacutus has these stripes somewhat similar ;
but the superciliary stripe is also yellowish, not ash color, and the middle of the throat is
unspotted. The bill is much longer, and the generic characters otherwise different.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
937 $
Carlisle, Pa
May 4, 1843
S. F. Baird ......
5 58
8 33
2.58
9T2 Q
. ...do
May 16, 1843
do
5 58
8 00
2 33
481]
Iowa Point, Neb
April 23, 1 856
Lt. G. K. Warren.
16
5 37
7.62
2.37
Iris very dull brown ....
4898
April 25. 1856
.... do
do.
5 50
8 00
2 62
4809 c?
April 26, 1856
do
52
. do
5 75
8 37
2 62
4814 <J
April 5, 1856
do
do
5 50
9 50
3 00
4815 (51
April 8, 1856
do
do
5 37
8 00
2 50
do
May 8 1856
do
do
6 00
8 00
2 50
4813 \ $
4810 A
do
do
May 6, 1856
May 8, 1856
do
do
do
do
5.50
6 00
8.12
9 50
2.75
3.12
do
5416
July — , 1855
do
do..
1864 '.
1843
S. F. Baird
8°18
Sept 10 1857
W. M. Ma^raw
198
5 25
7 50
2.50
3703 . . .
Salt Lake city
Mar. 21, 1850
4090 $
4089
Tamaulipas, Mcx
Mar. — , 1853
Lt. Couch
do
55
7
5.50
4 87
7.50
8 00
2.50
2 50
Eyes dark br'n, bill slate
color, yellow at base.
4090
do
do
9
4 75
6.50
2.50
6325
New Mexico, (Camp 121 )
Feb. — , 1854
Lt. Whipple ..
100
6700
Tejon Pass
Lt. Williamson. ..
3904
6326 $
8051
do
Lt. Williamson...
Dr. Heermann . . .
8052
do
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — MELOSPIZA PALUSTRIS.
483
MELOSPIZA PALUSTRIS, Baird.
Swamp Sparrow.
Frlngilla palustris, WILSON, Am. Orn. ill, 1811, 49; pi. xxii, f. 1. — ACDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 331 : V, 508;
pi. 64.
Fringilla (Spiza) palustris, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 105.
Passerculus palustris, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 481.
Jlmmodromus palustris, AUD. Syn. 1839. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 110; pi. 175.
? Fringilla georgiana, LATH. Index Orn. I, 1790, 460. (.May Peuccca aestivalis.) — LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 251.
Fringilltt (Jlmmodromus) georgiana, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 588.
Sp. CH. — Middle of the crown uniform chestnut ; forehead black ; superciliary streak, sides of head and back and sides of
neck, ash. A brown stripe behind the eye. Back broadly streaked with black. Beneath whitish, tinged with ashy anteriorly,
especially across the breast, and washed with yellowish brown on the sides. A few obsolete streaks across the breast, which
become distinct on its sides. Wings and tail strongly tinged with rufous ; the tertials black, the rufous edgings changing
abruptly to white towards the end. Length, 5.75; wing, 2.40 inches.
Female with the crown scarcely reddish streaked with black, and divided by a light line.
flab. — Eastern United States from the Atlantic to the Missouri.
In autumn the male of this species has the feathers of the crown each with a black streak ;
and the centre of the crown with an indistinct light stripe, materially changing its appearance.
The forehead is usually more or less streaked with black.
A supposed young of this species from the Missouri plains has the head above nearly uniform
blackish ; the back pale yellowish brown streaked conspicuously with black, the under parts
dirty white, the breast and sides distinctly streaked with black.
In the uncertainty whether the Fringilla georgiana of Latham be not rather the Peucaea
aestivalis than the swamp sparrow, I think it best to retain Wilson's name. It certainly
applies as well to the latter, which has the black sub-maxillary streak, and the chin and
throat more mouse colored than in palustris.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
809
Carlisle Pa Oct. 17,1842
S. F. Baird
5 25
7 75
2 33
375
9
do May 13, 1841
do
5.50
7.50
810
<?
do Oct. 17,1842
do
6 00
8. 00
2.42
776
u
do Oct. 3, 1842
_.do
5 58
8 00
2 42
934
3
May 2 1843
do
5 67
8 83
2 42
10277
Union county, 111 April 20, 1857
N. W. University..
R. Kennicott
4806
o
Vermilion river, Neb.. . _
Lt. G. K. Warren
Dr Hayden
5 62
7 75
2 50
484
U. S P. K. K. EXP. AND SU11VEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL EEPOKT.
PEUCAEA, Aii dub on.
Peucaea, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839. Type Fringilla aestivalis.
CH. — Bill moderate. Upper outline and commissure decidedly curved ; gonys nearly straight. Legs and feet small ; the tarsus
about equal to the middle toe ; the lateral toes equal, their claws falling considerably short of the middle one ; the hind toe
reaching about to the middle of the latter. The outstretched feet reach only to the middle of the tail. The wing is very short,
reaching only to thu base of the tail ; the longest tertials do not exceed the secondaries, while both are not much short of the
primaries ; the outer three or four quills are graduated. The tail is considerably longer than the wings ; it is much graduated
laterally ; the feathers, though long, are peculiarly narrow, linear, and elliptically rounded at the ends.
Color beneath plain whitish or brownish, with a more or less distinct dusky line each side of the chin. Above with broad obso
lete brown streaks or blotches. Crown uniform, or the feathers edged with lighter. Inner tail feathers with obsolete transverse
dusky bars.
This is a very well defined group, with a curved upper mandible ; short toes ; very short and
much rounded wings, less than the tail ; a long, much graduated tail, with the feathers narrow,
linear, and elliptical at the end. This character of the tail, with that of the unspotted under
parts and black streak on each side of the chin, and the yellow edge to the wings in two of the
species, are all strong distinctive features.
Synopsis of species.
A. Maxillary black streak narrow; edge of wing yellow (inconspicuously.) Head above streaked,
Feathers above with the central portion dark chestnut ; those of the back with broad
streaks of brown. Throat, breast., and sides tinged with yellowish ash.... P. aestivalis,
Feathers above paler ; those of back with narrow central streaks of brown, or else
wanting. Beneath paler ; throat nearly white P. cassinii.
B. Maxillary stripe very distinct. Head above nearly uniform reddish. Edge of wing
grayish white P. ru/iceps.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
o
o
a
£ sf
*
»
a
D.
5
Species.
Locality.
t
~ c
s
« c
^
"3 B
XI
U
en
Specimen
s
H
c
- %
•— «*
c
~
•c
"*
"= •=
S
measured.
o
111
J
w
£
H
CH
S
«
a a
a
a
•3
3631
Peucaea ruflceps
California
5.48
2.30
2.8!)
0.77
0.72
0.17
0.50
0.23
0.42
0.47
Skin
6328
Texas
$
5 82
2 64
3 05
0.73
0 6!)
0 17
0 56
0 26
0 46
0 50
Skin
63-27
do
Los Nogales, Mex
6.10
2.56
3 12
0.84
0.79
0.18
0.64
0.28
0.49
0.48
Skin
3070
Peucaea aestivalis
Georgia
9
5.10
2 24
2 50
0.72
0.70
0.16
0 55
0.24
0.45
0.50
Skin
do.
do
do
5.70
7.50
10244
do
_*
6 00
2 36
2 78
0 76
0 74
0.14
0 60
0 24
0 44
0 52
Skin
do.
6.50
8.00
2.50
PEUCAEA AESTIVALIS, Cab an is.
Bachman's Finch.
Fringilla aestivalis, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, 25, No. 254. — BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 481.
Peucaea aestivalis, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 132.
Fringilla bachm-ani, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 366; pi. 165.
Jlmmodromus bachmani, BON. List, 1838.
Peucaea bachmani, AUD. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 113; pi. 176.— BON. Consp. 1850, 481. (Type.)
Fringilla aestiva, NUTT. I, 2d ed. 1840, 568.
" Summer finch, LATHAM, Synopsis, 2d ed. VI, 136." Nuttall.
BIRDS FRINGILLIDAE PEUCAEA CASSINII.
Sp. CH. — Feathers of the upper parts rather dark brownish red or chestnut, margined with bluish ash, which almost forms a
median stripe on the crown. Interscapular region and upper tail coverts with the feathers becoming browner in the centre.
An indistinct ashy superciliary stripe (yellowish anteriorly ?) Under parts pale yellow brownish, tinged with ashy on the sides,
and with darker brownish across the upper part of the breast. A faint maxillary dusky line. A few obsolete small spots across
the breast. Edge of wing yellow ; lesser coverts tinged with greenish.
Length, 6.25; wing, 2.30; tail, 2.78.
Hab . — Georgia .
The female does not differ, except in the smaller size. Specimens, probably not quite mature,
have the breast and sides distinctly streaked with dark brown. The maxillary dark line is very
distinct.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
i
1
Locality. |When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
10245 $
Indian Springs, Ga
Prof. Jos. Leconte.
10244 $
Savannah, Ga
S. F. Baird
Jos. Leconte
2404 -
.-do..
do
do
2407 $
|
do . ..
do
do..
6.25
7.75
2. 30
3311
Liberty county Ga 1846----.
do..
W. L. Jones
5 70
7.80
2 03
3J62 $
do 1846
do
do
5.80
8.00
2 50
3310 $
do 1846
do
5.70
7. 60
2 50
3316 Q
do . 1846
do
do
5. 30
7.80
2. 30
3065 $
do
do
do
5.70
7.80
2 40
3071
do 1846
W. L. Jones
do
3068 $
do '''' 1846
do
do
6.00
8.00
2. 30
3070 Q
do ' 1846
do
. do
5.70
7.50
2. 00
3314 c?
do ; 1846
do
do
5.80
7.80
2.20
3066 $
do 1846
do
do
5.62
7.50
2.25
3316 Q
do 1846
do
do . ..
5.30
7.80
2. 30
PEUCAEA CASSINII, Baird.
Zonotrichia cassinii, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VI, April 1852, 60. (San Antonio.)
Passerculus cassinii, WOODHOUSE, Sitgreaves' Rep. Zuiii and Colorado, 1853, 85 ; Birds, pi. iv.
(Apparently related to Zonotrichia botleri, Sclater, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 214, Orizaba?)
Sp. CH. — Similar to P. aestivalis, but paler; wings and tail longer. Above light chestnut, all the feathers margined and
tipped with bluish gray. Interscapular and crown feathers with a narrow streak of brown. Beneath white, tinged with ash
across the breast, and with brown towards the tail. An obsolete light superciliary, and narrow dusky maxillary stripe. Tail
feathers obsoletely blotched with bluish white at the end . Bend of wing yellow ; lesser coverts tinged with greenish yellow.
Length, 6 inches ; wing, 2.65; tail, 2. 75.
Hak. — San Antonio, Texas, to Los Nogales, Sonora.
This species has a considerable resemblance to P. aestivalis, but differs in some appreciable
points. The brown of the upper parts is paler, and the ashy edging to the feathers appears
rather more extensive. The dark brown blotches on the back are of much less extent, being
confined to a mere streak along the shaft, widening a little at the end, instead of occupying
nearly all the feather. The upper tail coverts have a distinct subterminal black bar, and are
tipped with bluish white ; the tertiaries are margined all round with white, much lighter than
in aestivalis. The middle tail feathers are dusky in the centre, with obsolete dentations of the
same color on either side. This I have not noticed in the other species. The sides of the head
486
• U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
are lighter, the superciliary stripe scarcely appreciable. The under parts are much whiter and
without any of the yellowish brown ; the breast tinged with pale ash. The obsolete blotches
at the tip of the tail feathers are more distinct. The wing appears a good deal longer.
A skin from Los Nogales (6327) if still more similar to P. aestivalis, and if of the same
species as those first described, is probably considerably older. The back is, however,
lighter than in aestivalis, the interscapular blotches narrower and more restricted to the very
middle of the back. The under parts are paler. The resemblance is, however, so close, that if
the specimen were from Georgia it would be considered merely as a slight variation from
the type. This specimen measures 6.20 inches ; the tail, 3.15 ; the wing, 2.60. It has a
certain resemblance to the Zonotrichia botteri of Sclater, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 214, from Orizaba,
but is probably sufficiently distinct.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
Capt. Sitgreaves. . . .
Dr. Woodhouse
6328
Lt. J. G. Parke
5035
6327
Camp on Pecos river, Tex..
Los Nogales, Mex
July 7, 1855
June — , 1855
Capt. J. Pope
Major Emory
104
84
e.oo
7.50
2.50
Eyes brown ; feetyellow..
PEUCAEA KUFICEPS, Baird.
Ammodromus ruficeps, CASSIV, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Oct. 1852, 184. (California.)— IB. Illust. I, v, 1854, 135 ; pi. xx.
Sp. CH. — Above brownish ashy, The crown and nape uniform brownish chestnut. The interscapular region and neck with
the feathers of this color, except around the margins. A superciliary ashy stripe, whiter at the base of the bill. Beneath pale
yellowish brown, or brownish yellow, darker and more ashy across the breast and on the sides of body ; middle of belly and
chin lighter ; the latter with a well marked line of black on each side. Under tail coverts more rufous. Length, 5.50 ; wing,
2.35; tail, 2. 85.
Hab. — Coast of California.
This plainly-colored species has the bill rather slender ; tail rather long, and considerably
rounded ; the outer feathers .40 of an inch shorter than the middle ; the feathers soft, and
rounded at the tip. The wing is short ; the primaries not much longer than the tertials ;
the second, third, fourth, and fifth, nearly equal ; the first scarcely longer than the secondaries.
There is a blackish tinge on the forehead, separated by a short central line, as in Spizella
socialis. The eyelids are whitish, and there is a short black line immediately over the upper
lid. There is a faint chestnut streak back of the eye. The chestnut of the nape is somewhat
interrupted by pale edgings. The blotches on the back melt almost insensibly into the colors
of the margins of the feathers. The outer edges of the secondaries and tertials, and the
outer surface of the tail, are yellowish rusty. The middle tail feathers show obsolete narrow
transverse dusky bars.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
3831
California
Dr. Heermann
6341
47296
c?
Calaveras county, Cal
San Francisco, Cal-.
Lieut. Williamson. _
R. D.Cutts
Dr. Heermann
FortTejon, Cal
J. X. de Vesey
BIRDS FR1NGILLIDAE PASSERELLINAE.
487
EMBERNAGRA, Lesson.
Embernagra, LESSON, Traite d'Ornith. 1831. (Agassiz.) Type Solicitor viridis, Vieillot.
CH. — Bill conical, elongated, compressed ; the upper outline considerably curved, the lower straight ; the commissure slightly
concave, and faintly notched at the end. Tarsi lengthened ; considerably longer than the middle toe. Outer toe a little longer
than the inner, not reaching quite to the base of the middle claw. Hind toe about as long as the middle without its claw.
Wings very short, and much rounded ; the tertials nearly equal to the primaries ; the secondaries a little shorter ; the outer
four primaries much graduated, even the second shorter than any other quill. The tail is moderate, about as long as the wings,
much graduated ; the feathers rather narrow, linear, and elliptically rounded at the end ; the outer webs more than usually
broad in proportion to the inner, being more than one-third as wide. The upper parts are olive green, the under whitish.
The position of this genus is a matter of considerable uncertainty. On some accounts it
would be better placed among the Spizinae.
EMBERNAGRA RUFIVIRGATA, Lawrence.
Embernagra rufivirgata, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 112; pi. v, f. 2. Texas. — SCLATER, Pr. Zool.
Soc. 1856, 306.
Sp. CH. — Above uniform olivaceous green. Sides of the hood, and a stripe behind the eye, dull brownish rufous, not very
conspicuous ; an ashy superciliary stripe rather yellowish anteriorly. Under parts brownish white, tinged with yellowish
posteriorly, and with olivaceous on the sides ; white in the middle of the belly. Edge of wing, under coverts, and axillaries,
bright yellow. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.60 ; tail, 2.70.
Hab. — Valley of the Rio Grande, and probably of Gila, southward ; Mazatlan, Mexico.
In this species the bill is rather long ; the wings are very short, and much rounded ; the
tertials equal to the primaries ; the secondaries rather shorter ; the first quill is .65 of an inch
shorter than the seventh, which is longest. The tail is short ; the lateral feathers much grad
uated ; the outer half an inch shorter than the middle.
A specimen of this species from Mazatlan, in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy,
has the bill rather stouter at the base, and the stripes on the head much better defined. Those
on the crown are continued, though less distinctly, down the back of the neck to the upper part
of the back. This is probably a male, and No. 6246 a female.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
No.
of wings.
6246
New Leon^Iexico
Lieut. Couch
5.50
8.00
2.75
6247
Rin(rgold barracks, Texas _.
Major Emory. .
J. H. Clark
6.25
8.50
2.62
Sub-Family PASSERELLINAE.
CH. — Toes and claws very stout ; the lateral claws reaching beyond the middle of the middle one ; all very slightly curved.
Bill conical, the outlines straight; both mandibles equal ; wings long, longer than the even
tail, reaching nearly to the middle of its exposed portion. Hind claw longer than its digit ; the
toe nearly as long as the middle toe ; tarsus longer than the middle toe. Brown above, either
uniformly so or faintly streaked ; triangular spots below.
488
U. 8. P. R, R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
This section embraces a single North American genus, chiefly characterized by the remarkable
elongation of the lateral toes, as well as by the peculiar shape and great size of all the claws ;
the lateral, especially, are so much lengthened as to extend nearly as far as the middle. The
only approach to this, as far as I recollect, among United States Conirostres, is in Pipilo mega-
lonyx, and Agelaius icterocephalus.
PASSERELLA, Swain son.
Passerella, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 288. Type Fringilla iliaca, Merretn.
CH. — Body stout. Bill conical, not notched, the outlines straight ; the two jaws of equal depth ; roof of upper mandible
deeply excavated, and vaulted ; not knobbed. Tarsus scarcely longer than the middle toe ; outer toe little longer than the
inner, its claw reaching to the middle of the central one. Hind toe about equal to the inner lateral ; the claws all long, and
moderately curved only ; the posterior rather longer than the middle, and equal to its toe. Wings long, pointed, reaching to
the middle of the tail ; the tertials not longer than secondaries ; second and third quills longest ; first equal to the fifth. Tail
very nearly even, scarcely longer than the wing. Inner claw contained scarcely one-and-a-half times in its toe proper.
Color. — Rufous or slaty ; obsoletely streaked or uniform above ; thickly spotted with triangular blotches beneath.
The following species constitute the known members of the genus from the United States :
Back, breast, and sides of neck and body streaked distinctly with light brownish red ; of
which color are the wings and tail , P. iliaca.
Wings and tail dark brownish rufous; rest of upper parts uniform olivaceous rufous. Under
parts with thickly crowded, more or less confluent, spots of the same P. toiunsendii,
Wings and tail dark brownish rufous ; rest of upper parts uniform slate gray. The under
parts with distinct triangular spots of the same P. schistacea.
Comparative measurements of species.
0
IM
O
v
fc
<D .
£ .
<D*
09
a,
£
Species.
Locality.
£
js So
ri
S*
— ai
2 1
Is
O
£
&
Specimen
1
M
M)
*> 'i
g
~
B
•3
2
"c "0
"a ^
19
c
measured.
O
U
m
31
&
fe
'a
£
i
£ rt
HH
£ 3
£ «
«
^
831
Passerella iliaca
Carlisle, Pa
O
6.34
3 32
3.00
0.89
0.90
0 28
0.70
0.34
04O
0 53
Skin
do.
do
do
¥
..„..
6.82
11.00
3.42
.%•
Fresh
J323
do
do
6.50
3.46
3.10
0.96
0.92
0.28
0.70
0.36
0,47
0.50
Skin
do.
do
do
7.42
11.25
3.50
Fresh
2874
Passerella townsendii..
O
6.70
2.94
3.04
0.91
1. 95
0.32
0 78
0.42
0 46
0.51
Skin
6241
do
Sacramento valley
¥
3
6.76
. ...
3.58
3.24
1.00
1.01
0.38
0.83
0.47
0.50
0.61
Skin
10277
Passerella schistacea? .
Fort Tejon, Cal
,?
6.90
3.46
3.38
1.02
1.00
0.35
0.79
0.42
0.50
0.60
Skin
10280
Passerella schistacea...
do
9
6.82
3.26
3.66
0.90
1.00
0.40
0.83
0.50
0.50
0.56
Skin
10279
do
do
8
6.80
3.08
3.40
0.94
0.87
0.26
0.73
0.38
0.50
0.56
Skin
PASSERELLA ILIACA, Swain son.
Fox-colored Sparrow.
Fringilla iliaca, MERREM. " Beitr. zur besond. Gesch. der Vogel, II, 1786- '87, 40 ; pi. x."— GM. Syst. Nat. I,
1788, 923.— ATJD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 58 : V, 512 ; pi. 108.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer.
Ill, 1841, 139 ; pi. 186.
Passerella iliaca, Sw. Birds, II, 1837, 288.— Bov. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 477.
Fringilla rvfa, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 53 ; pi. xxiv, f. 4.— LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 248.
Fringilla ferruginea, WILSON, Catalogue, VI, 1812.— Hall's ed. Wilson, II, 255.
" Emberiza pratensis, VIEILL." Giay.
SP. CH.— Middle of the back dull ash, each feather with a large blotch of brownish red ; top of head and neck, with rump
similar, but with smaller and more obsolete blotches. Upper tail coverts, with exposed surface of wings and tail, bright rufous.
BIRDS FRINGTLLIDAB PASSERELLA TOWNSENDII.
489
Beneath white, with the upper part of the breast and sides of throat and body with triangular spots of rufous, and a few smaller
ones of blackish on tho middle of the breast. Inner edges of quills and tail feathers tinged with rufous pink. No light lines
on the head, but a patch of rufous on the cheeks. First quill rather less than the fifth. Hind toe about equal to its claw.
Length, about 7.50 ; wing, 3.50.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Mississippi.
Sometimes the entire head above is reddish like the back.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1323
3
April 2, 1846 ...
S F. Baird
7.42
11.25
3.08
846
831
Q
do
Oct. 29,1842
Oct. 22 1842
do
...do
7.17
6.83
11.58
11.00
3.42
3.42
10134
,*
Washington D. C ...
J. C. McGuire
10133
Q
..do
do
7276
Cleveland Ohio
May ,1852
J. P. Kirtland
PASSERELLA TOWNSENDII, Nuttall.
Fringilla townsendii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 236 ; pi. 424, f. 7.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 43 ;
pi. 187.
Fringilla (Passerella) townsendii, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 533.
Passerella townsendii, BON. Conspectus, 1850, 477.
Fringilla meruloides, Via. Zool. Blossom, (Monterey,) 1839, 19.
Emberiza unalaschensis, GM. I, 875, probably has some relation to the present species. It is based on the Unalascha Bunting of
Pennant Arctic Zool. II, 364.
Sp. CH. — Above very dark olive brown, with a tinge of rufous, the color continuous and uniform throughout, without any
trace of blotches or spots ; the upper tail coverts and outer edges of the wing and tail feathers rather lighter and brighter. The
under parts white, but thickly covered with approximating triangular blotches like the back, sparsest on the middle of the body
and on the throat ; the spots on the belly smaller. Side almost continuously like the back ; tibiae and under tail coverts similar,
the latter edged with paler. Claws all very large and long ; the hinder longer than its toe. First and sixth quills about equal.
Length, about 7 inches ; wing, about 3.00.
Hob. — Pacific coast of United States as far south as Sacramento. Fort Tejon ??
This species differs a good deal in form from P. iliaca. The claws are much larger and
stouter, the wing a good deal shorter and more rounded. The differences in color arc very
appreciable, the tints being dark olivaceous brown instead of red, and perfectly uniform above,
not spotted ; the under parts much more thickly spotted.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Extent. Wing.
Remarks.
5975
5976
6236
6-237
6238
2874
6239
6240
6241
......
Straits of Fuca,W.T
March, 1855...
April, 1855
February, 1856.
April, 1856
Dr. J. G. Cooper. ..
7.00
7.35
10.12
10.38
Bill bl'k and yellow.
do
Dr. Suckley, U.S.A.
do
do
235
296
317
do
7.50
7.00
7.50
7.25
9.50
9.00
11.00
9.50
3.00
9
Feb. 15,1836...
January, 1854..
do
8. F. Baird
Qov. Stevens
do
1 A. Williamson ....
12
15
J.K.Townsend.
Dr. Cooper... .
do
Dr. Heermann.
Feet and iris brown.
do
Ft. Vancouver,W.T
do
Sacramento, Cal
62 b
490
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PASSERELLA SCHISTACEA, Baird.
SP. CH. — Bill very thick ; the upper mandible much swollen at the base ; under yellow. Above and on the sides uniform
slate gray ; the upper surface of wings, tail feathers, and upper coverts dark brownish rufous ; ear coverts streaked with white.
Beneath pure white, with broad triangular arrow-shaped and well denned spots of slate gray like the back everywhere, except
along the middle of the beliy ; not numerous on the throat. A hoary spot at the base of the bill above the loral region. Length,
6.80 ; wing, 3.08 ; tail, 3.40.
Hab. — Head waters of Platte to Fort Tejon, California.
This species is readily distinguished from P. iliaca by the slate back and spots on the breast,
without any streaks above. The bill is much stouter and the claws longer. From townsendii it
differs in having the head, back, sides, and spots beneath slate colored, instead of dark reddish
brown. The spotting beneath is much more sparse, the spots smaller, more triangular, and
confined to the terminal portion of the feathers, instead of frequently involving the entire outer
edge. The bill is stouter. The wings and tail are the same in both species.
The essential characters of the preceding diagnosis are based on a specimen (5118) from the
head of the Platte, and collected by Lieutenant Bryan, in 1856. Since then I have had the
opportunity of examining a large number of Passerellas collected at Fort Tejon, by Mr. Vesey,
and among them skins in the pure slate colors just described. Others, however, have this
tinged, both above and on the spots below, with reddish brown, and there is a gentle grada
tion to what appears to be the true P. townsendii. I still think, however, that the species as
described is distinct, even though in some stages of plumage it is difficult to draw the line, as
in a large number of specimens, both of winter and summer, from Washington Territory, there
is not the very slightest trace of the slate, the entire upper parts being of a uniform reddish
brown, only a little brighter on the tail.
One specimen, No. 10279, is remarkable for the unusual shortness of the claws, as shown in
the table of measurements.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
"When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
'5718
Q
Platte river, K.T
July 19,1856...
Lt. F. T. Bryan .
131
W S Wood
10278
<J
Fort Tejon, Gal
J. X. de Vesey
1408
10279
<?
do
do.
1299
10280
0
do
do
1397
Sub-Family SPIZINAE.
CH. — Bill variable, always large, much arched, and with the culmen considerably curved ; sometimes of enormous size, and
with a great development backwards of the lower jaw, which is always appreciably, sometimes considerably broader behind
than the upper jaw at its base ; nostrils exposed. Tail rather variable. Bill generally black or red. Wings shorter than in
the first group. Gape almost always much more strongly bristled. Few of the species sparrow-like or plain in appearance ;
usually blue, red, or black and white ; seldom (or never ?) streaked beneath.
The preceding diagnosis is intended to embrace the brightly colored passerine birds of North
America different in general appearance from the common sparrows. It is difficult to draw the
line with perfect strictness so as to separate the species from those of the preceding group, but
the bill is always more curved and larger, and the colors brighter. The shorter wings, and the
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE — SPIZINAE. 49 1
absence of the stiff bristly feathers concealing the nostrils distinguishes them from the first
section. The rictus, however, is' almost always very strongly bristled.
The species may be conveniently divided, however artificially, by the proportional length of
the tail, as follows :
A. — Tail decidedly shorter than the wings; nearly even.
a. Bill elongated ; upper mandible rather deeper, or as deep as the lower. Feet large and
strong.
CALAMOSPIZA. — Bill moderate ; slightly convex above. Outer lateral toe rather
longer, but falling considerably short of the middle claw. Hind toe large ;
equal to the middle, without its claw. Claws large, with an indented groove
on each side. Outer four primaries equal and abruptly larger than the rest ;
tertials as long as the primaries. Color black, with white on the wings.
EUSPIZA. — Bill rather more slender ; commissure distinctly sinuated. Tertials
little longer than secondaries ; first quill longest, the others regularly gradu
ated. Lateral toes reaching nearly to the base of the middle claw. Back
streaked. Crown and rump nearly uniform. No streaks below, where the
colors are white, black, and yellow.
b. Bill stouter, and more curved above; upper mandible generally not so deep as the lower.
Feet smaller.
GUIRACA. — Bill enormously large ; the lower mandible wider at base than the
length of gonys. Outer web of external tail feather considerably expanded towards
the end. Tail even. Hind claw much curved ; decidedly longer than the middle
anterior one. Second quill longest. Wings reaching to middle of the tail.
Size large. Color blue, or with black head.
CYANOSPIZA. — Size very small. Outer web of exterinal tail feathers narrow ; but
little expanded at the end. Claws all about equal. Both culmen and commis
sure gently curved. Color more or less blue.
B. — Wings and tail of the species about equal in size.
SPERMOPHILA. — Smallest of American Oonirostres. Bill greatly curved above and
very short, scarcely longer than high. Tail feathers widened at the end ; acu
minate, mucronate. Wing broad, short ; quills all nearly equal. Claws long,
not much curved ; hinder considerably longer than anterior. Color black, or
brown and white.
C.- — Wings much shorter than the tail, which is broad and graduated ; primaries graduated ; the
first seldom longer than the secondaries.
a. Head crested. Prevailing color red. Bill red.
PYRRHULOXIA. — Bill pyrrhuline, very short, and greatly convex; shorter than high.
Hind claw less than its digit ; not much larger than the middle anterior one.
Tarsus equal to the middle toe.
CARDINALIS. — Bill coccothraustine, very large ; culmen very slightly convex.
Wings more rounded. Feet as in the last, except that the tarsus is longer than
the middle toe.
C. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
b. Head not crested. No red. Bill dusky.
PIPILO. — Bill moderate ; culruen and commissure curved. Hind claw very large
and strong ; longer than its digit. Tarsus less than the middle toe.
CALAMOSPIZA, Bonaparte.
Calanwspiza, BONAP. List, 1838. Type Fringilla bicolor, Towns.
Corydalina, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1859. Same type.
CH. — Bill rather large, much swollen at the base ; the culmen broad, gently but decidely curved ; the gonys nearly
straight ; the commissure much angulated near the base, then slightly sinuated ; lower mandible nearly as deep as the upper,
the margins much inflected, and shutting under the upper mandible. Nostrils small, strictly basal. Rictus quite stiffly bristly.
Legs large and stout. Tarsi a little longer than the middle toe ; outer toe rather longer than the inner, and reaching to the
concealed base of the middle claw ; hind toe reaching to the base of the middle claw ; hind claw about as long as its toe. Claws
all strong, compressed, and considerably curved. Wings long and pointed ; the first four nearly equal, and abruptly longest ;
the tertials much elongated, as long as the primaries. Tail a little shorter than the wings, slightly graduated ; the feathers
rather narrow and obliquely oval rounded at the end.
Color. — Black, with white on the wings.
This genus is well characterized by the large swollen bill, with its curved culmen ; the large
strong feet and claws ; the long wings, a little longer than the tail, and with the tertials as
long as the primaries ; the first four quills equal, and abruptly longest ; the tail short and
graduated.
The only group of N. American Spizettmae, with the tertials equal to the primaries in the
closed wing, is Passerculus. This, however, has a differently formed bill, weaker feet, the inner
primaries longer and more regularly graduated, the tail feathers more acute and shorter, and
the plumage streaked brownish and white instead of black.
Comparative measurements of species.
1 |
1
Catal.
Species. Locality.
Sei. Length. Wing. Tail.
Tarsus.
;Middle
Its claw Bill
Along Hind toe
Hind claw
Specimen
No.
!
toe.
alone.
above.
gape, and claw.
alone.
measured.
2869
$ i a. as
2 95
1 00
0 98
0 24
0 56
0 58 0 72
0 32
<5lrin
630f,
do New Mexico..., .
$ 6.40
3.55
2.96
0.92
0.90
0.20
0.54
0.58 • 0.66
0.32
Skin
6306
do do
Q 6.24
3.36
2.96
0.98
0.88
0.19
0.54
0.56 0.62
0.28
Skin
CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOB, B o n a p .
Lark Bunting; White-winged Blackbird.
Fringilla bicolor, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, 1837, 189.— IB. Narrative, 1839,346.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,
19; pi. 390.
Calamospiza bicolor, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 475.
Corydalina bicolor, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 130.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 195; pi. 201.
Dolichonyx bicolor, NUTTALL, Manual, I, 2d ed. 1840, 203.
Sp. CH. — Male entirely black ; a broad band on the wing, with the outer edges of the quills and tail feathers, white.
Female pale brown, streaked with darker above ; beneath white, spotted and streaked rather sparsely with black on the breast
and sides. Throat nearly immaculate. A maxillary stripe of black, bordered above by white. Region around the eye, a faint
stripe above it, and an obscure crescent back of the ear coverts, whitish. A broad fulvous white band across the ends of the
greater wing coverts. Tail feathers with a white spot at the end of the inner web. Length, about 6.50; wing, 3.50 ; tail,
3.20; tarsus, 1.00; bill above, .60.
PTab. — High Central Plains to the Rocky mountains ; southwesterly to vallev of Mimbres and Sonora,
BIRDS — FRIN GILLIDAE — E U SPIZ A.
493
In this species the bill is large and much swollen. The tail is slightly emarginate, and a
good deal rounded. The second quill is longest; the third, fourth, and first are scarcely shorter.
The tertiaries are much elongated, within a quarter of an inch as long as the primaries. The
claws are large ; moderately curved. The tarsi are large and strong.
The white patch on the wing is confined to the greater and middle coverts. The elongated
tertiaries are conspicuously edged with white. Some of the feathers on the posterior part of
the body have white margins.
A young male is similar to the female, but the chin and quills, with the lesser wing coverts,
as also the tail, are black. There is also a tendency to black in the anterior part of the belly.
Very young birds have the characters of the female, the white patch on the wing usually quite
distinct, sometimes wanting.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2869
<J
S. F. Baird
5378
Q?
June 30, 1656
Lt. G. K. Warren..
Dr. Hayden....
7.25
12.00
4. CO
5375
<?'
70 miles above Yellow
stone River, Neb
July 29, 1856
do
6.75
11.00
3.37
do
5724
$
Platte river
July 19
127
W. S. Wood
5728
9
do
do
...do...
5722
Q ?
S. Fk. Platte
July 19
do
129
...do...
8929
3
Loup Fork
Aug. 6
Lt. Warren
146
Dr. Hayden ....
7.50
12.00
3.50
Iris brown
8928
$
do
Aug. 1
do
do
8.75
12.00
3.25
8931
o
do
Aug. 17
do
do
7.00
10.75
5.00
8773
8990
(J
Q?
Divide Fks. Platte
N. Fk. Platte river
Aug. 13, 1857
Aug. 20, 1857
Wm. M. Magraw . .
do
146
163
Dr. Cooper
7.00
7 25
11.25
12.00
3.50
4 00
Iris brown; bill black;
feet pale.
5720
•A
July 25
152
W. S. Wood....
white ; feet brown.
7038
O
alack Hills
July 21, 1857
do
do
5721
^ t
Aug. 13, 1856
do
258
...do...
7.00
11.50
6313
0 •
Texas
7.00
11
3 50
5032
#
May 13, 1855
do
80
6305
6306
(J
Q
New Mexico
do
Lt. J. Or. Parke
do
Dr. Heermann..
do
6307
j»
Fort Thorn, N. M
Dr. T. C. Henry....
6301
6302
Soiiora, Mexico
do
Major Emory
do
....
Dr. Kennerly ..
do.
6303
r?
Espia, Mexico
March, 1855..
do
do
6304
9
do
do
do
.... do
EUSPIZA, Bonaparte.
Euspiza, BONAPARTE, List, 1838. Type Emberiza americana, Gmelin.
Euspina, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133. Same type.
CH. — Bill large and strong, swollen, and without any ridges ; the lower mandible nearly as high as the upper ; as broad
at the base as the length of the gonys, and considerably broader than the upper mandible ; the edges much inflexed, and shut
ting much within the upper mandible ; the commissure considerably angulated at the base, then decidedly sinuated. The tarsus
barely equal to the middle toe ; the lateral toes nearly equal, not reaching to the base of the middle claw ; the hind toe about
equal to the middle one without its claw. The wings long and acute, reaching nearly to the middle of the tail ; the tertials
decidedly longer than the secondaries, but much shorter than the primaries ; first quill longest, the others regularly graduated.
Tail considerably shorter than the wings, though moderately long ; nearly even, although slightly emarginate ; the outer
feathers scarcely shorter. Middle of back only striped ; beneath without streaks.
494
U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This genus comes nearer to Calamospiza, but has shorter tertials, more slender bill, weaker
and more curved claws, &c.
Synopsis of species.
Top and sides of head light slate ; forehead tinged with greenish yellow. A superciliary-
stripe, a maxillary spot, sides of breast, and middle line of breast and belly, yellow. Chin
white, throat black, shoulders chestnut. Female with the black of the throat replaced by a
crescent of spots E. americana.
Body throughout, (including the jugulum3) dark ash, tinged with brownish on the back and
wings. Superciliary and maxillary stripe, chin, throat, and middle of belly, white. A maxil
lary line and a pectoral crescent of black spots. No chestnut shoulders E. toivnsendii.
Under the head of Oyanospiza, page 500, will be found some remarks upon the genera Euspiza
and Spiza, of Bonaparte. The name of Spiza was first used in connexion with the Ember iza
americana, but so mixed up with types of several other modern genera as to render it uncertain
whether to apply it to one rather than another. Under the circumstances, therefore, it may be
best to retain Euspiza, although if Spiza pointed more unmistakeably to the E. americana it
might, perhaps, be necessary to adopt it.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
IM
O
0
S 4
fe
>
1
.
Species.
Locality.
a
JS tt
•
V
J«
o S
o
,0
tJ3
Specimen
3
H
be
C
1 '%
c
£
•3
•o
2 a
ll
T3 0
S B
C
o
measured.
o
OQ
3
QQ
^
H
EH
z
S *-
n
S
<
1459
Euspiza americana
Carlisle
$
6.06
• . • • •
3.26
2.80
0.90
0.90
0.26
0.67
0.30
0.53
0.60
Skin
do..
do
do
6.66
10.75
3.42
9266
do
Fremont on Platte..
_*
5.84
3 34
2 68
0 90
0 90
0 24
0 66
0 30
0 57
0 66
Skin
do..
do
do
6.50
10.50
3.50
Fresh
10133
do
Washington, D. C
0
5.52
2.98
2 50
0 80
0 80
0 23
0 60
0 28
0 52
0 56
Skin
10282
Chester county, Pa. . .
5.40
2.86
2.56
0.80
0 80
0.23
0 53
0 24
0 48
0 56
Skin
do..
do
do
5.75
9.00
EUSPIZA AMEEICANA, B o n a p .
Black-throated Bunting.
Emberiza americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 872. — WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811,86; pi. iii, f. 2.— AUDUBON,
Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 579 ; pi. 384.— IB. Syn. 1839, 101.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 58 ;
pi. 156.
Fringilla (Spiza) americana, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 85.
Euspiza americana, BONAP. List. 1838. (Type.) — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 469.
Euspina americana, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133. (Type.)
Fringilla flavicollis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 926.
"Emberiza mexicana, LATHAM," Syn. 1, 1790, 412. (Gray.)
Passerina nigricollis, VIEILLOT.
Yellow-throated finch, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 374.
Sp. CH. — Male. Sides of the head, and sides and back of the neck ash; crown tinged with yellowish green and faintly
streaked with dusky. A superciliary and short maxillary line, middle of the breast, axillaries, and edge of the wing yellow.
Chin, loral region, spots on sides of throat, belly, and under tail coverts white. A black patch on the throat diminishing to
the breast, and a spot on the upper part of the belly. Wing coverts chestnut. Interscapular region streaked with black ; rest
of back immaculate. Length, about 6.70 ; wing, 3.50.
Female with the markings less distinctly indicated ; the black of the breast replaced by a black maxillary line and a streaked
collar in the yellow of the upper part of the breast.
Hob. — United States from the Atlantic to the border of the High Central Plains,
BIRDS FRINGJLLIDAE EUSPIZA TOWNSENDII.
495
In specimens from the border of the plains the black on the throat is restricted to the upper
portion, immediately under the head. The streaks on the back are broader and less distinct.
The first quill is longest, as in most specimens.
In a young male, from Carlisle, the tail feathers are all acute and acuminately pointed.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
$
Au<*. 22,1843
S. F. Baird
6 75
11 00
3.42
o
do
Jan 19 1843
... do. ...
6 08
8 33
3 00
5
.do
May 6 1844
do.
6 66
10 75
3 42
West Northfield, 111....
May 19
April 20
N. W. University
do
R. Kennicott ....
do
3
May 6, 1857
Win. M. Magraw.
55
Dr. Cooper
7.00
10.50
3 37
8178
818^
3
9
Shawnee mission, K. T.
do
July -,1857
July 3,1857
do
do
114
118
do
do
6.75
6.25
10.62
9.75
3.50
3.25
grayish.
Iris br'n, bill bl'k, and
flesh color, feet brown.
j
June 18,1856
Lieut. Warren. .
Dr. Hayden
6 00
9 75
3 37
•p
June 11,1856
do
do.
6 25
10 00
3 00
6
^
do
July 10
do
do
6.25
9.75
3.00
9°61
o
*
Aug 30 ..
do
do
7.00
10 50
3 37
9265
*
do
Aug. 3
do
do
6.75
10 25
3.25
9258
do
July 29
do
do
6 00
10.00
3.25
9263
•f
. . do
do...
do
6.75
10.00
3.50
o
A
do
July 10
do
do
7 00
10 25
3 37
*
....do
do
do
6 37
10 00
3 25
9248
o
o
do
July 24
do
do
6.00
9 75
3 00
9270
o
do
July 3
do
do
6.37
9.50
3 00
9269
V
do
July 1
do
do ,
6.62
10 50
3 50
9256
^
June 30
do
do
C.62
10.87
3 50
9053
>
do
....do
do
do
6.75
10.62
3.37
9264
do
....do
do
do
6.37
10.75
3.50
9249
,?
.... do
....do
do
do
6.37
10.50
3.37
Iris dark brown
9257
July 1 . .
do
do
6.12
10.50
3 37
5702
c?
East of Fort Riley, K. T.
June 16,1856
Lieut. Rrvan ....
14
W. 8. Wood
5704
rf
July 2, 1856
do
54
do
7087
5705
3
o
do
June 12,1857
July 19
Dr. Hammond. ..
Lieut. Bryan
1
124
W. S. Wood ....
6281
3
EUSPIZA TOWNSENDII, Bo nap.
Townsend's Bunting.
Emberiza townsendii, Aim. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 183: V, 90 ; pi. 400.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 62;
pi. 157.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 528.
Euspiza townsendii, BON. List, 1838.
SP. CH. — Male. Upper parts, head and neck all round, sides of body and fore part of breast slate blue ; the back and upper
surface ofwings tinged with yellowish brown ; the interscapular region streaked with black. A superciliary and maxillary line,
chin and throat, and central lino of under parts from the breast to crissum, white ; the edge of the wing, and a gloss on the breast
and middle of belly, yellow. A black spotted line from the lower corner of the lower mandible down the side of tlio throat,
connecting with a crescent of streaks in the upper edge of the slate portion of the breast.
Length, 5.75; wing, 2.86; tail, 2.56.
Hob. — Chester county, Pennsylvania. But one specimen known.
This curious bird has long been a puzzle to ornithologists in the uncerlainty whether it is
only a variety of the Euspiza americana or a distinct species. Thus far but one specimen is
496 U. 8. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
known, the one before me, kindly lent to the Smithsonian Institution by Doctor Michener, and
previously figured and described by Mr. Audubon. I do not feel able to decide the question of
its true relationships to E. americana, but will merely remark that the fact of the original of
Mr. Audubon 's description being unique is no argument against its being a true species, as
several other unquestionable species of even the best known portions of the United States, as
Dendroica lartlandii and carbonata, Eegulus cuvieri, &c., are in the same category, while several
others are not much better known.
The first quill is longest, the others successively shorter. The plumbeous of the rump and
upper coverts is glossed with yellowish brown like the back. - The streaks on the back are very
narrow and inconspicuous, much less distinct than in americana.
The peculiarities of this bird, compared with E. americana, consist in an extension of the
slate of the sides and back of the neck over the entire head above, and to a less degree on
the back, across the breast, and along the sides. The yellow of the head is wanting entirely ;
the superciliary stripe narrower, not passing so far backward, and white. The white maxillary
stripe is very distinct, and linear, for a greater distance than in the other species. There is
none of the chestnut red on the shoulders, these parts being yellowish brown like the rest of the
wing.
The pattern of coloration in this bird (though marked male,) is much like that of the
female americana in the black maxillary line, the spots across the breast, and the absence of
black on the throat. The female americana, however, never has the pure slate of the sides and
top of the head, as well as across the breast ; the maxillary light stripe is much less distinct,
and, with the superciliary, is strongly tinged with yellow.1
GUIR1CA, Swainson.
Guiraca, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, Nov. 1827, 350. Type Loxia ccerulea, L.
Coccoborus, SWAINSON, Class. Birds, II, 1837, 277. Same type.
? Goniaphea, BOWDICH, " Excursions in Madeira, 1825," Agassiz. Type Loxia ludoviciana, L. according to Gray.
Habia, REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. Nat. 1850 ; plate xxviii. Type Loxia ludoviciana, L.; not Habia, Lesson, 1831.
Hedymeles, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 153. Same type.
Bill very large, nearly as high as long; the culmen curved, with a rather sharp ridge; the commissure conspicuously
angulated just below the nostril, the posterior leg of the angle nearly as long as the anterior, both nearly straight. Lower jaw
deeper than the upper, and extending much behind the forehead ; the width greater than the length of the gonys, considerably
wider than the upper jaw. A prominent knob in the roof of the mouth. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe; the outer toe a little
longer, reaching not quite to the base of the middle claw ; hind toe rather longer than to this base. Wings long, reaching the
middle of the tail ; the secondaries and tertials nearly equal ; the second quill longest ; the first less than the fourth. Tail very
nearly even, shorter than the wings.
i The following extract from a letter received from Doctor Michener, dated December 23, 1857, contains some interesting
details respecting this species :
11 The accompanying paragraph, taken from my note-book, contains the information you desire respecting Townsend 'shunting.
The bird was killed by Mr. Townsend himself, in an old field grown up with cedar bushes, near New Garden, Chester county,
within half a mile of the New Garden meeting house :
" May 11, 1833. — This morning J. K. Townsend, in company with John Richards, shot a bunting in Wm. Brown's cedar
bushes, which is believed to be a nondescript. We have given it the provisional name (until further examined) of Emberiza
albigula, or White-throated Bunting. The following brief description was drawn up from the recent bird :
" Male. — Upper mandible black, middle edge white, lower light blue with a longitudinal stripe extending from the point half
way to the base ; head dark plumbeous, cheeks and breast lighter plumbeous, line over the eye white ; back varied with black
and brown ; wings brown, the first and second primaries equal and longest, the two lesser coverts edged with paler ; the throat
white, margined with black extending down upon the breast, beneath which is a small spot of ochreous ; sides light plumbeous ;
bellv and vent brownish white. Length, 5J inches ; extent, 9 inches."
BIRDS — FRINGILLTDAE GUIRACA LUDOVICIANA.
497
The essential character of the genus, as here established, lies in the very thick, slightly arched
bill, the pointed wings, longer than the even tail, and the tarsi shorter than the middle toe.
Taking G. ccerulea as the type of the genus, it differs from ludoviciana and melanocephala
in having a larger and deeper lower jaw, in proportion to the upper ; the commissure more
abruptly angulated ; a more distinct ridge ; the lateral toes rather shorter. The Cyanoloxia
parellina of Bonaparte, assigned to the same genus by him, is radically different, the bill being
more like Cyanopiza in the comparative weakness of the lower jaw ; the feet are much more slender,
the tail shorter and much more rounded. According to G. R. Gray, the genus Goniaphea o f
Bowdich, has the Loxia ludoviciana as type.
The species may be grouped as follows :
GUIRACA.
Blue ; wings banded with chestnut brown G. ccerulea.
GONIAPHEA.
Black ; breast rose colored ; belly white. Under wing coverts of female saffron yellow or
fulvous G. ludoviciana.
Black ; median band on the crown, nuchal collar, rump and under parts yellowish cinnamon ;
central line of belly yellow. Under wing coverts of female clear lemon yellow... G. melanocephala.
Comparative measurements of species.
1
1
o
Species.
Locality.
M
&
js
5)
c
0
tl
o
.= Sr>
i) C
c ?
02
ejo
a
>
1
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
I i
« c
0
S "
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimens
measured.
1496
Guiraca ludoviciana....
Carlisle, Pa
3
7.20
4 13
3 48
0 87
0 92
0 28
0 61
0 36
0 64
0.73
Skin
do.
do
8 41
13 08
4 16
7018
....do do
St. Louis
9
7.10
3.82
3 21
0 87
0 91
0.25
0.60
0 24
0.60
0 66
Skin . . .
1867
Guiraca melanocephala.
8
7 40
4 14
3 64
0 96
0 94
0 28
0 65
0 28
0 73
0.76
Skin
1868
do
0
7 20
4 10
3 46
0 91
0 94
0 25
0 60
0 26
0 64
0 75
Skia
1484
Guiraca caerulea
Carlisle, Pa
Jf
6.20
3 33
2 79
0 80
0 84
0 20
0 57
0 23
0 63
0 69
Skin
do.
do
7.16
11 32
3.50
10139
do do
Washington, D. C
9
5.90
3.15
2.75
0.80
0.90
0 30
0 60
0 28
0 59
0 60
Skin
GUIRACA LUDOVICIANA, Swainson.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Loxia ludoviciana, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 306.— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 135 ; pi. xvii, f. 2.
Guiraca ludovinana, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag I, 1827, 438. — BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 501.
Fringilla ludoviciana, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 166 : V, 513 ; pi. 127.
Pyrrkula ludoviciana, SAB. Zool. App. Franklin's Narr.
Ceccothraustes ludoviciana, RICH. List, Pr. Br. Ass. 1837.
Coccoborus ludovicianus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 133.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 209 ; pi. 205.
" Goniaphea ludoviciana, BOWDICH."
Hedymeles ludoviciana, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 18oi, 153.
Fringilla punicea, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 921. (Male.)
Loxia obscura, GMELIN, I, 1788, 862.
Loxia rosea, WILSON, Am. Orn. pi. xvii, f. 2.
Coccothraustes rubricollis, VIEILLOT, Galeri des Ois. I, 1824, 67; pi. Iviii.
SP. CH. — Upper parts generally, with head and neck all round, glossy black. A broad crescent across the upper part of the
breast, extending narrowly down to the bellv, axillaries, and under wing coverts, carmine. Rest of under parts, rump and upper
tail coverts, middle wing coverts, spots on the tertiaries and inner great wing coverts, basal half of primaries and secondaries,
and a large patch on the ends of the inner webs of the outer three tail feathers, pure white.
June 10, 1858.
63 b
498
U. S P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Female, without the white of quills, tail, and rump, and without any black or red. Above yellowish brown streaked with
darker ; head with a central stripe above, and a superciliary on each siae, white. Beneath dirty white, streaked with brown on
the breast and sides. Under wing coverts and axillars saffron yellow. Length, 8.50 inches ; wing, 4.15.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri plains, south to Guatemala.
In the male the black feathers of the back and sides of the neck have a subterminal white bar.
There are a few black spots on the sides of the breast just below the red.
The young male of the year is like the female, except in having the axillaries, under wing
coverts, and a trace of a patch on the breast, light rose red.
The tint of carmine on the under parts varies a good deal in different specimens.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — I Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6945
2425
13(3
722
2157
1496
8348
8318
7013
4849
4848
4851
4852
8061
9
c?
o
S
$
S
S
$
S
<$
9
9
Selkirk Settlem't, H.B.T.
Sept. 3,1845
Sept. , 1840
S. F. Baird
do
do . .
Sept. 16,1842
April 28, 1845
May 10,1844
June 18,1857
May 29,1857
May 12,1857
Sept. 8,1856
May 10,1856
May 12,1856
May 16,1856
do
8,00 12.75
8.00 12.75
8.42 13.08
8.00 12.25
7.37 12.00
7.37 12.12
7.87 12.50
8.12 12 50
8.25 12.62
do
do
4.00
4.17
4.25
4.00
3.12
3.87
3.50
4.13
do
Independence, Mo
do
do
Win. M.Magraw...
do
35
Dr. Cooper
Iris brown ; bill black
and white; feet gray.
St. Louis, Mo
Lieut. F. T. Bryan..
Lieut. G. K. Warren
do
do
W. S. Wood....
Dr. F.V. Ilayden
do
do
Ponka Island, Neb
Bijou Hill, Neb
do
J. Gould
do
GUIRACA MELANOCEPHALA, Sw.
Black-headed Grosbeak.
Guiraca melanocephala, Sw. Syn. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 438.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 502.
Coccothraustes melunocepkala, RICH. List, Pr. Brit. Ass. for 1836, 1837.
Fringilla melanocephala, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 519 ; pi. 373.
Coccoborus melanocephalus, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 133.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 214 ; pi. 206.
Goniaphea melanocephala, SCLATER?
Hedymeles melanocephala, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 153.
Fringilla xanthomaschalis, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 525.
Pitylus guttatus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. II, 1839, 102.
? Guiraca tricolor, LESSON, Rev. Zool. II, 1839, 102.
Sp. CH. — Head above and on the sides, with chin, back, wings, and tail, black. A broad median stripe on the crown, a stripe
behind the eye, a well marked collar on the hind neck all round, edges of interscapular feathers, rump, and under parts generally
pale brownish orange, almost light cinnamon. Middle of belly, axillaries, and under wing coverts, yellow. Belly just anterior
to the anus, under tail coverts, a large blotch at the end of the inner webs of first and second tail feathers, a band across the
middle and greater wing coverts, some spots on the ends of the tertiaries, the basal portions of all the quills, and the outer
three primaries near the tips, white.
Female similar, with less black ; wings and tail more olivaceous, the latter unspotted ; the black of the head anteriorly
replaced by whitish. The under wing coverts bright yellow. Length of male, nearly 8 inches ; wing, 4.25 ; tail, 3.50.
Hab. — High Central Plains from Yellowstone to the Pacific. Table lands of Mexico.
This species has the bill similar to that of G. ludoviciana, a little more swollen, perhaps, and
of a blackish color. The second quill is longest, then the third, fourth, and first. The tail is
slightly emarginate and rounded.
BIRDS — FJRINGILLIDAE GUIRACA CAERULEA.
499
The female is readily distinguishable from that of G. ludovidana by the shade of light
cinnamon brown beneath, without streaks or spots, (or else very obsolete,) and the existence of
the same color on the back. The tail is more olive green, and the quills are white at their
bases. An unmistakeable character is found in the under wing coverts and axillaries, which,
in the female ludoviciana, are saffron or orange yellow instead of the clear lemon or gamboge
yellow of melanocephala.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex
&age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remark?.
.1867
1868
5586
4850
2873
4851
4550
4852
8205
8206
8251
6378
6379
6380
5545
5546
3
9
3
Fort Union, Neb
June 26,1843
1843
J. J. Audubon . .
do
do
Aug. 1,1856
Lt. G. K. Warren.
Dr. Hay den...,
do
7.87
8 25
12.75
12 75
4.37
4.35
3
9
3
9.
3
July 28,1835
May 17,1856
.. .do
S. F. Baird
Lt. G. K. Warren.
do
Dr. Haydon ....
do
8.87
8.25
8.25
8.50
8.00
12.50
12.75
12.62
12.75
12.00
3.25
4.25
4.12
4.75
4.00
do
Fort Larnmie
do .
May 16,1856
Sept. 8,1857
.... do
Dr. Cooper
do
187
188
do
Eyes dull brown
Iris brown ; bill brown.
do
.... do
do
..„.
0
3
3
Fort Thorn, N. M
Dr. T. C. Henry..
Posa Creek, Cal
May 11,1856
May 24,1856
842
8.00
11.00
4.00
do
do
888
GUIKACA CAEEULEA, Swainson.
Blue Grosbeak.
Loxia caerulea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1706, 306.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 78; pi. xxiv, f. G.— ? WAGLER, Isis,
1831,525.
Gwiraca caeivlca, SWAINSON, Birds Mex. in Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 438.
Fringilla caerulea, AUD. Orn. Biog. 11, 1834, 140 : V, 508 ; pi. 122.
Coccoborus caeruleus, Sw. Birds II, 1837, 277.— AUD. Syn. Ib39.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841,204; pi. 204.— CABANIS,
Mus. Hein. 1851, 152.
Cyanoloxia caerulea, Bp. Conspectus, 1850, 502.
Goniaphoea caerulea, BP.
Blue grosbeak, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 1785, 351.
Sp. CH. — Brilliant blue ; darker across the middle of the back. Space around base of the bill and lores, with tail feathers,
black. Two bands on the wing across the tips of the primary and secondary coverts, with outer edges of tcrtiaries, reddish
brown. Feathers on the posterior portion of the under surface tipped narrowly with grayish white.
Female yellowish brown above, brownish yellow beneath ; darkest across the breast, and lightest on the throat. Wing
coverts and tertials broadly edged with brownish yellow. A faint trace of blue on the crown. Length of male 7.25 ; wing,
3.50; tail, 2.80.
Hab. — More southern United States from Atlantic to Pacific, south to Mexico.
This species exhibits but little variety of coloration, except in the purity and intensity of its
blue.
500
TL S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
& as>e.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1484
C?
May 8, 1844
S. F. Baird
7.25
11.50
3.50
969
O
...do
May 16, 1843
do
6.50
10.37
3 17
135
>
do
Aug. 29, 1840
do
671
O
do.....
May 17, 1842
do
1400
o
do
April 29, 1844
do
6.50
10.50
3.17
2417
V
1845
do
4092
ji
April — , 1853
Lieut. Couch
146
7.25
11 25
3 75
E es bro v • b 11 slite lo
4093
o
o
...do
do
do
187
6.00
10.00
3 25
and blue ; feet slate col'd.
6384
J»
bill lead and dove color.
5033
J>
May 2, 1855
Capt. 3. Pope ....
93
8 00
11.00
3.00
6382
J7>
May , 1853
6385
o
•fl
Dr. T. C. Henry..
6383
o
o
3. H. Clark.
6381
j
Los No"ales, Mexico. . .
June — , 1855
do
80
Dr. Kennerly.
6388
6359
3
Posa creek, Cal
....do
Li. Williamson ..
do
Dr. Heermann
..do
4467
do
9285
X
Loup Fork, Platte
Aug. 5, 1857
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden .
7.50
11.50
9286
9289
S
do
do
Aug. 4, 1857
do
do
do
do
do
7.25
7.12
11.50
10.75
3.75
3.25
do
do
8062
3
Sept , 1836
3. Gould
3. Taylor ....
CYANOSPIZA, Baird.
Passerina, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. Not of Linnaeus, used in Botany.
Spiza, BONAPARTE, Synopsis, 18:28. Not of 1825.
Cyanospiza, BAIRD. Type Tanagra cyanca, L.
CH. — Bill deep at the base, compressed ; the upper outline considerably curved ; the commissure rather concave, with an
obtuse, shallow lobe in the middle. Gonys slightly curved. Feet moderate ; tarsus about equal to middle toe ; the outer lateral
toe barely longer than the inner, its claw falling short of the base of the middle ; hind toe about equal to the middle without
claw. Claws all much curved, acute. Wings long and pointed, reaching nearly to the middle of the tail ; the second and third
quills longest. Tail appreciably shorter than the wings; rather narrow, very nearly even.
The species of this genus are all of very small size and of showy plumage, usually blue, red, or green, in well denned areas.
The species usually associated in this genus vary somewhat in certain points. Thus, in O.
amoena, the bill is moderately curved, and distinctly sinuated ; the tertials not longer than the
secondaries, the first primary a little shorter that the fourth; the lateral claws falling consider
ably short of the base of the middle one. In C. cyanea, with the bill somewhat similar, the
tertials are much longer than the secondaries, equal to the sixth primary, the lateral toes rather
longer. In C. ciris the bill is larger and more curved, the lateral toes reaching nearly to the
base of the middle claw ; the wing more rounded, the first primary shorter than the fifth ; the
tertials a little longer than the secondaries.
In the so called Spiza versicolor the upper mandible, the commissure especially, is more
curved ; the latter without any sinuation ; the wings are shorter ; the first primary shorter
than the seventh ; the tertials a little longer than the secondaries.
The Cyanoloxia parellina of Bonaparte is sufficiently similar to species of Cyanospiza to be
placed among or at least near them. The bill, larger, more swollen, and much curved, though
differing from Guiraca in having the under jaw much weaker, shorter, and scarcely wider than
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE — CYANOSPIZA. 50 1
the upper. The three first quills are considerably graduated, the second a little longer than
the sixth, the first about equal to the secondaries. The wing is but little longer than the tail.
The hind claw is not longer than the middle anterior, but a little stouter. The tail feathers are
as in Guiraca. Bonaparte places this species under Cyanoloxia or Guiraca, and it may be
entitled to generic separation both from this and Gyanospiza, but I prefer retaining it with
the latter, which it connects with Guiraca.
The following sketch may serve to distinguish the species of Cyanospiza, as far as color is
concerned :
Dark dull indigo blue ; brightest on the forehead, rump, and elbow G. parellina.
Eump, forehead, and beneath towards the tail, blue. Back part of crown, back, throat,
and breast, reddish. Forehead and lores, black C. versicolor.
Head and neck (except below) blue; back green; rump and beneath, red C. ciris.
Bright ultramarine blue, darkest on head and belly , C. cyanea.
Head and neck all round, and back blue ; breast rusty ; belly white ; a white band on
the wing G. amoena.
It is with much reluctance that I find it necessary to abandon the name of Spiza for this
group, after it had been so well established by general consent, but a strict adherence to the
rules of ornithological systematists renders this necessary. The usual date given for Spiza,
Bonaparte, is 1828, as published in the Annals of the New York Lyceum, with the Emberiza
amoena of Say as type. His first mention of it, however, is in his observations on the nomen
clature of Wilson's ornithology, published in Vol. IV, I, August, 1824, Journal Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Sciences, under the head of Emberiza americana, Gmelin, No. 85. Here he
states that "the americana (Euspiza americana of 1838) is certainly not an Emberiza, and is
evidently congeneric with some of Wilson's FRINGILLAE ; such as F. melodia, savanna, socialis,
passerina, &c. For these birds I was about to propose the adoption of a new genus under the
name of SPIZA, (Greek appellation of the FRINGILLA coelebs,*) intermediate between FRINGILLA
and EMBERIZA, but much more closely allied to the former. After an attentive examination of
the intermediate species, I shall, however, consider it a sub-genus under FRINGILLA." * * *
"The bird under consideration must, according to this innovation, be ranged under the sub-
genus Spiza, and be called FRINGILLA americana."
None of the species of modern Spiza are mentioned on this page. On a subsequent one, No.
90, speaking of Emberiza ciris, he says: "This bird and the one that Wilson so accurately
called Fringilla cyanea belong not only to the same genus, but are very closely allied, and may
be placed under the sub-genus Spiza, if they will not constitute a small one of themselves."
In the American Ornithology, vol. I, 1825, 61, in the article on Fringilla amoena, after
referring to his remarks on the nomenclature of Wilson's Ornithology, published the previous
year, Bonaparte says: "As a species it (Fringilla amoena) is more intimately allied to Fringilla
ciris and F. cyanea, which I stated in that paper (observations on WTilson) to differ so much
from their congeners, (i. e., the sub-genus Spiza,) particularly in the greater curvature of the
upper mandible, as to deserve perhaps a separation into a small sub-genus by themselves, (i. e.,
distinct from Spiza); this would unite Fringilla to Tanagra, as Spiza, on the other hand, shows
its transition to Emberiza."
I do not know what species Vieillot gives as type for his Passerina in "Analyse," but in the
Nouv. Diet. XXV, 181*7, 3, the first species mentioned is P. oryzivora (Doliclionyx) .
For these reasons, whatever may be the propriety of restoring the name of Spiza to Euspiza,
502
U. S P. E R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOET.
there seems little doubt that the former name cannot be retained for the present group.
Passerina of Vieillot, if otherwise applicable, is preoccupied in Botany.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
X
01
09
JB
So
H
o
•C &JB
0 f
60
_c
1
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
et .
"3 g
0
J2 rt
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
4076
do..
4075
do
Cyanospiza parellina...
do do
Sierra Madre, N. Leon .
do
.!...
5.00
5. CO
5.00
5.50
8.00
8.25
2.76
2.75
2.64
2.75
2.43
2.38
0.73
0.60
0.66
0.67
0.19
0.18
0.44
0.44
0.20
0,20
0.42
0.40
0.44
0.43
Skin
Fresh
Skin
do
Fresh
2645
do..
416
3085
do
do....cyanea
do do
do do. ......
Carlisle, Pa ,
do
do
San Antonio, Texas....
......
a
4.80
5.66
4.74
5.40
5.30
5-50
5.00
5.10
9.08
8.60
2.77
2.90
2.52
2.79
2.70
3.80
2.90
2.69
2.36
2.12
2.37
2.41
0.69
0.69
0.73
0.73
0.69
0.69
0.70
0.70
0.20
0.17
0.20
0.20
0.46
0.46
0.46
0.50
0.21
0.18
0.20
0.20
0.41
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.44
0.45
0.44
0.40
Skin
Fresh
Skin
do do
Skin
do
Fresh
1898
6267
do....amoena
9
2.41
2.32
0.69
0.68
0.69
0.68
0.19
0.19
0.46
0.44
0.18
0.20
0.43 ' 0.46
0.43 0.48
Skin
Skin
CYANOSPIZA PAKELLINA, B a i r d .
Cyanoloxia parellina, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850,502.
? Pitylus lazulus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1842, 174. Speaks of chestnut.
SP. CH. — General color dark blue, almost uliramarine, brightest on the rump, lessor wing coverts and top of head, shading
on the hood to whitish blue on the forehead. Sides of head, including lores, and chin, with tail black. A few blue feathers
on the lower jaw below the eye. Bill black. Length 5 inches ; wing, 2.50 ; tail, 2.50 ; tarsus, .75 ; bill about .45.
Hub. — Northeastern Mexico to the Rio 'Grande.
The bill of this species though full and turgid, is not as deep as that of Guiraca coerulea,
the lower not larger than the upper. The wing is much rounded ; the fourth quill longest, the
third and fifth little shorter ; the second and sixth about equal ; the first not longer than the
secondaries. In Guiraca coerulea the second is longest, the first rather shorter than the fourth.
The tail is nearly even ; very slightly emarginate and rounded.
A specimen received from Mr. Gould has the bill longer and not so black as that of Lieut.
Couch.
This species connects Cyanospiza with Guiraca, and may possibly be entitled to separate
generic rank.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
4076
Sierra Madre, New
April—, 1853
Lt. Couch
154
5.00
8. 50
2.75 Eyesbr'wn billbl'k
8059
Leon, Mexico.
Tamaulipas, Mex
J. Gould
feet slate color.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE CYANOSPIZA CIRIS.
503
CYANOSPIZA VEES1COLOB, Baird.
Spiza versicolor, BON. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 120. — IB. Conspectus Av. 1850, 475. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 148.
Carduelis luxuosus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 41.
Sp. CH. — Posterior half of hood, with throat dark brownish red; interscapular region, similar but darker. Fore part of
hood, lesser wing coverts, back of the neck, and rump, purplish blue ; the latter purest blue ; the belly reddish purple, in places
tinged with blue, more obscure posteriorly. Feathers of wing and tail dark brown, edged with dull bluish. Loral region and
narrow frontal band black. Length, 5.50 ; wing, 2.75 ; tail, 2.38.
Hob, — Northeastern Mexico, probably to the Rio Grande. Peru, Bonaparte.
This beautiful Spiza is sufficiently distinct from the other North American species not to
require any comparison between adult males; the female I have never seen. The bill is
stouter and more swollen to the end, and the mandible is much more curved than that of
C. cyanea, and its perfectly concave commissure, without any shallow lobe in the middle,
and the much more arched ridge, would almost separate the two generically. The wing is
shorter and more rounded, the fourth quill longest, then the third, second, and fifth. The first
is only a little longer than the seventh. The tail is decidedly rounded; rather more so than in
C. cyanea.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
>f wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4075
3
Boquillo, New Leon,
Lt. Couch ......
151
5.50
8 25
2.75
Eyes br'n lull dark purplish
Mexico.
feet very dark purple.
CYANOSPIZA CIEIS, Baird.
Nonpareil—Fainted Bunting.
Emberiza ciris, LINN. Kong. Sv. Vet. Akad. Hand. 1750, 278 ; tab. vii, f. 1.— IB. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 313.— WILSON,
Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 68 ; pi. xxiv, f. 1, 2.
Passerina ciris, VIEILLOT, Gal. Ois. I, 1824, 81 ; pi. Ixvi.
Fringilla ciris, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 279 : V. 517 ; pi. 53.
Spiza ciris, BON, List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 476.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 108.— IB. Birds Arner. Ill, 1841, 93 ;
pi. .169.
Painted finch, CATESBT, PENNANT.
SP. CH. — Male. Head and neck all round ultramarine blue, excepting a narrow stripe from the chin to the breast, which,
with the under parts generally, the eyelids, and the rump, (which is tinged with purplish,) are vermilion red. Edges of chin,
loral region, greater wing coverts, inner tertiary and interscapular region, green ; the middle of the latter glossed with yellow.
Tail feathers, lesser wing coverts, and outer webs of quil's, purplish blue. Length, about 5. 50 inches ; wing, 2.70.
Female. — Clear dark green above ; yellow beneath. Young, intermediate.
Hab. — South Atlantic and Gulf States to the Pecos river, Texas. South into Mexico. •
Tail very slightly emarginate and rounded ; second, third, and fourth quills equal ; first
rather shorter than the fifth.
The female is readily distinguishable from that of C. cyanea by the green instead of dull
brown of the back, and the yellow of the under parts.
Specimens from southern Texas are smaller than those of Georgia.
504
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SUKVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex &
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1953
J«
Southern States
S. F. Baird
Jos Leconte
2409
3
S&vftBUfth Ga.-.--
1845
do
do .
2413
Q
do
1845
do
W. L. Jones
3080
o
Liberty county, Ga.
1846
do
do
5.40
8. 00
2.80
3077
,*
__do
1846
do
do
5.30
8.50
2.80
3081
f?
do
1846
do
Jos. Leconte
5. 62
8.30
2.70
3075
rf
do
1846
do
W. L Jones
5. 50
8.75
2.75
3324
A
do
1846
do . .
Jos. Leconte
5. 60
8. 60
2.30
3083
O
do
1846 . .
do
do
5. 25
8 37
• 2. 75
3085
Q
do.
1846
. do ...
5.50
8. 60
2.80
4310
O
Calcasieu La
Spring of 1854
6271
V
(f
San Antonio, Tex
Lt. J. G. Parke..
Dr. Heermann
6272
ft
do
J. H. Clark
5. 25
9 00
3. 00
6273
o
do
10
do
5. 50
8 25
2 25
6277
3
San Antonio, Tex..
July — , 1853
Lt. Whipple
14
Dr. Kennerly
6278
n
do
do. .
do
17
do..
6279
3
Texas _
Capt. Pope
6280
X
do .
... do
5034
3
River Pecos .....
May 25, 1855
do
94
6. 25
9. 00
2. 50
6274
o
San Pedro, Tex
Col. Graham..
20
J. H. Clark
2.50
6. 00
8. 50
6275
o
do
do
6276
$
San Elizario, Tex._
May
Maj . Emory
do
5.87
8.50
2. 12
6270
Q
Montcrey Mex
May 1853
Lt. Couch
204
4. 75
8. 00
2.50
CYANOSPIZA AMOENA, Baird.
Lazuli Finch.
Emberiza amoena, SAY, Long's Exped. II, 1823, 47.
Fringilla (Spiza) amoena, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 61 ; pi. vi, f. 5.
Fringilla amoena, AUD . Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 64, 230 ; pis. 398 and 424.
Spiza amoena, BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 109.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 100; pi. 171.
Sp. CH. — Male. Upper parts generally, with the head and neck all round, greenish blue ; the interscapular region darker.
Upper part of breast pale brownish chestnut, separated from the blue of the throat by a faint while crescent ; rest of under
parts white. A white patch on the middle wing coverts, and an obscurely indicated white band across the ends of the greater
coverts. Loral region black. Length, about 5.50; wing, 3.90; tail, 2.60.
Female. Brown above ; whitish beneath, with a trace of a buff pectoral band.
Hub. — High Central Plains to the Pacific.
This species is about the size of Q. cyanea ; the bill exactly similar. The females of the two
species are scarcely distinguishable, except by the faint traces of one or two white bands on the
wings in amoena. Sometimes both the throat and upper part of the breast are tinged with
pale brownish buff.
BIRDS — FKINGILLIDAE — CYANOSPIZA CYANEA.
505
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1893
J>
June 26 1843
S F. Baird
5.'i99
5395
-*.
Ji
Fort Pierre, Neb
June 26, 1856
June 22
Lt. Gr. K. Warren..
... do. ...
Dr. Hayden
do
5 50
8.75
2.50
5396
,?
do
....do
do
do
5397
o
do
do
do
do
5.00
9.00
2.75
do
5398
do. ...
do
do
...,do
5.75
9.00
3.00
8948
o
Au™ 24
do .
do
5 50
8 25
2 75
5982
'3
Fort Steilucoom, W. T.
May 15, 1855
5.60
8.75
Bill bluish below...
2870
o
June 3, 1836
S. F. Baird
4385
j
Fort Dulles, W. T
Dr. Suckley.. ......
173
6.25
9.50
2.92
3897
.?
5549
j>
896
62(59
o
R. D. Cutts
6267
V
6268
do
do ,
do
CYANOSPIZA CYANEA, Baird.
Indigo Bird.
Tanagra cyanea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 315.
Emberiza cyanea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 876.
Fringilla cyanea, WILSON, I, 1810, 100 ; pi. vi, f. 5.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 377 : V, 503 ; pi. 74.
Passerina cyanea, VIEILL. Diet.
Spizacyanea, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 474.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 109.— IB. Birds Amor. Ill, 1841, 96 ; pi.
170.
lEmberiza cyanella, GM. I, 1788, 887.
': Emberiza caerulea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 876.
Indigo bunting, and Blue bunting, PENNANT and LATHAM.
SP. CH. — Male. Blue, tinged with ultramarine on the head, throat, and middle of breast; elsewhere with verdigris green.
Lores and anterior angle of chin velvet black. Wing feathers brown, edged externally with dull bluish brown.
Female. Brown above ; whitish, obscurely streaked or blotched with brownish yellow, beneath. Immature males similar,
variously blotched with blue.
Length, about 5.75 inches ; wing, nearly 3.00.
Hob. — Eastern United States to the Missouri ; south to Guatemala.
In this species, which may be considered the type of the genus, the tail is slightly emarginate;
the second quill is longest, the first shorter than the fourth.
One specimen before me has the primary quills white. This is, however, merely an indication
of albinism.
June 19, 1858.
64 b
506
U. S. P. K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
i
-iex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
7538
5738
St. Louis, Mo
$ i E of Ft Riley K. T
May, 1857
June 16 1856
W. M. Magraw -.
Lt Bryan ......
12
Dr. Cooper
W. S. Wood
7024
May 12 1857
60
do ..
5. 50
2645
May 12 1846
S F Baird
5. 67
9.50
2. 92
1479
r? do
May 8 1844
do .. .
5.42
9.00
2. 67
429
r? do
Alay 28 1841
do
5.42
8.50
1040
Q .... do
May 30 1843
...do
5.42
8.33
2. 67
777
do
Oct 3 1842
do
5 33
8. 00
2.33
732
^ ... do ... -
Sept 20 1842
do
5.00
8.25
2.75
8057
1 Gvfateinala
J Gould
SPERMOPHILA, Swainson.
Spcrmophila, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. IIT, Nov. 1827, 348. Type Pyrrhulafalcirostris, Temm. (Sufficiently distinct
from Spermophilus, F. Cuv. 1822.
Sporophila, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 148. Type Fringilla hypoleuca, Licht.
CH. — Bill very short and very much curved, as in Pyrrhula, almost as deep as long; the commissure concave, abruptly
bent towards the end. Tarsus about equal to middle toe ; inner toe rather the longer, (?) reaching about to the base of the
middle one ; hind toe to the middle of this claw. Wings short, reaching over the posterior third of the exposed part of the
tail ; the tertiaries gradually longer than the secondaries, neither much shorter than the primaries which are graduated, and
but little different in length, the first shorter than the sixth, the second and fourth equal. The tail is about as long as the
wings, rounded, all the feathers slightly graduated, rather sharply acuminate and decidedly mucronate. Smallest of American
passerine birds.
The essential characters of this genus are the small, very convex bill, as high as long ; the
short broad wings, with the quills differing little in length, the outer ones graduated ; the tail
as long as the wings, widened towards the end, and slightly graduated, with the acuminate and
mucronate tip to the feathers.
As the name of Spermophila is sufficiently distinct from Spermophilus, of prior date, I see no
necessity for the change of name with Cabanis to Sporophila.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
o
g
*
& £
V
S,
*
Species.
Locality.
A
_, w
— tu
0 c
0
ft ,;
V -
£ « « i
o a o S
o
J
rt
U
Specimen
S
M
a
>~ z
q
"?.
7 T3
"5
-a o T3 o
5 «= .S 'to
c
0
measured.
0
02
m
is
h
£ s
h-l
X 3
P
•<
4095
J
4.00
1 93
1 96
0 60 0 60
0 20
0 48 0 20
0 33
0 30
Skin
tto.
do
do
o
4.50
6.25
2.00
Fresh
4096
... do
New Leon, Mex
,7
4 00
2 05
2 00
0 62 0 60
0 19
0 46 0 21
0 32
0 30
Skin
do.
do
do
3.75
5.00
2.00
Skin
do
Honduras
4.04
2.04
1.98
0.60 0.64
0.21
0.50 0.43
0.33
0.32
Skin
SPERMOPHILA MORELETII, Pucheran.
Spermophila moreletii, (PUCHERAN,) BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 497.— SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856,302.
Sporophila moreletii, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 150.
Spermoplnla albigularis, (,Si-ix,) LAWRENCE, Aim. N. Y. Lyceum, V, Sept. 1851, 124. Texas. (Not of Spix.)
BI RDS — FRTNGILLID AE PYRRHULOXI A .
507
SP. CH. — The top and sides of the head, back of the neck, a broad band across the upper part of the breast extending all
round, the middle of the back, the wings and tail, with the posterior upper coverts, black. The chin, upper throat and neck
all round, but interrupted behind, the rump, with the remaining under and lateral portions of the body, white ; the latter tinged
with brownish yellow. Two bands on the wing, across the greater and middle coverts, with the concealed bases of all the
quills, also white. Length, about 4 inches; wing, 2.05; tail, 1.90.
Female, dull yellow ; olivaceous above, brownish yellow beneath. Wings and tail somewhat as in the male.
Hob. — Rio Grande of Texas ; south to Honduras.
The specimen upon which the preceding description of the male has been based is the only
one in full plumage I have seen, and was kindly lent by Mr. P. L. Sclater. It was collected in
Honduras. Some of the feathers of the back have grayish tips. The specimen described by
Mr. Lawrence as S. allogularis, though male, is, in most respects, like the female, except that
the wings and tail are darker, the color of the upper part grayer, and the interscapular feathers
blotched with black. The black of the head is strongly indicated, the feathers, however, all
with gray margins. In this and another, a little further advanced, from San Diego, Mexico,
(4096,) there is a very faint indication of the black pectoral band, and there is no trace of the
whitish of the rump.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When
Wlience obtained.
Original
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
collected.
No.
of wings.
4096
3
Mar 1853
Li D N Couch
113
3 75
5 00
2 00
4095
(??
Monterey, Mex
April — , 1853
do
163
4.50
6.25
2.00
Bill reddish slate, lighter beneath;
eyes brown.
9118
PYRRHULOXIA, Bonaparte.
Pyrrhuloxia, BONAPARTE, Conspectus, 1850, 500. Type Cardinalis sinuatus, Eonap.
CH, — The bill is very short and much curved, the culmen forming an arc of a circle of 60 degrees or more, and ending
at a right angle with the straight gonys ; the commissure abruptly much angulated anterior to the nostrils in its middle point ;
the lower jaw very much wider than the upper, and wider than the gonys is long ; anterior portion of commissure straight. Tarsus
longer than middle toe ; outer lateral toes longer, not reaching the base of the middle ; wing considerably rounded, first quill
longer than secondaries. Tail much longer than the wing, graduated ; the feathers broad, truncate. Head crested.
Color. — Gray, with red feathers and patches.
The essential character of this genus lies in the greatly curved, very short, and broad bill,
something like that of Pyrrliula. In other respects like Cardinalis, but with less graduated
wing, and longer and broader tail.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
g5
0
3 ! « 6
5)
2 *
fe
a •
i
OJ
O.
Species.
Locality.
J= \CW
*-" o s
5
o £
jg
til
Specimen
s
* 1 ! £ fe
c
d
£.
T3 1 X
"° '• » a
1-2
- a
*
c
O
measured.
0
01 — 7j
is
£-,
H
is is
5 *
X
(0
-<
6370
I'yrrhuloxia sinuata...
Texas
$ ' 8.00
3.79
4.66
1.00
0.98 0.27
0.64
0.29
0.62
0.52
Skin
6369
do
El Paso Texa«
Q 7 70
3.66
4.34
0 96
0 94 0 30
0 04
0 30
0 59
0 55
Skin .
10283
Cardinally Virginian us.
Union co., Ill
J 8.90 !.,
3.76
4.68
0.97
0.90 0.22
0.60
0.26
0 68
0.74
Skin
O i
4030
do
Brownsville, Texas
:? ! 7.70 ..
3.54
4.24
0.99
0.80 0.24
0.60
0.26
O.G6
0.74
Skin
O
do.
do
do
..,,..! 8.50 11.25
3.50
Fresh
4032
do
do
Q 8 60
3 59
4.49
0 84
0 90 0.26
0.58
0.28
0.70
0.72
Skin
do.
do.
do
7.75 10.00
3.50?
Fresh
508
U. S. P. R. R EXP AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PYRKHULOXIA SINUATA, B o n a p .
Cardinalis simiatus, BP. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. V, 1837, 111. (Mexico.)— LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1851, 116. —
CASSIN, Illust. I, vn, 1854, 204 ; pi. xxxiii.
Pyrrhuloxia sinuata, BON. Consp. 1850, 500.
SP. CH. — Head with an elongated, pointed crest, springing from the crown. Upper parts generally pale ashy brown ; hood,
sides of neck, and under parts of body, rather paler. Long crest feathers, bill all round including lores and encircling the
eye, wing and tail dark crimson. Chin and upper part of throat, breast, and median line of the belly, under tail coverts,
tibia, edge and inner coverts of the wings, bright carmine red. Bill yellowish.
Female similar with the under part brownish yellow ; middle of belly and throat only tinged with red.
Length about 8.50 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 4.50.
Hab.— Valley of the Rio Grande of Texas.
In this species the bill is very short and greatly curved, much higher than long. The upper
outline almost forms the quadrant of a circle, the commissural outline abruptly bent at an
angle of about sixty degrees in its middle. In this respect it diifers greatly from Cardinalis
virginianus, in which the bill is much longer, straighter, and with the angle of the commis
sural outline much further back.
The wing is considerably rounded, the fourth and fifth quills longest; the first as long as the
secondaries, the second longer than the seventh. The tail is long, graduated on the sides ; the
outer about half an inch shorter than the middle. The feathers are very broad to the end and
obliquely truncate. They are rather broader than in Cardinalis virginianus. The crest is
narrower and longer, confined to the middle of the crown; it extends back about 1.80 inches
from the base of the bill.
The carmine of the breast is somewhat hidden by grayish tips to the feathers ; that of the
throat is streaked a little with darker. The exposed surfaces of the wing coverts and of second
aries and tertials are like the back. The tail feathers are tipped with brownish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality. When
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
collected.
No.
of wings.
4027
<J
New Leon, Mexico May — , 1853
Lt. Couch
209
,
8.00
11.50
3.50
Eye brown ; bill orange ;
feet dove color.
4028
r?
do Mar. ,1853
do
47
7 50
10 50
3 50
E • b • b'll d 11 1
-
low ; feet lead.
4029
9
do do
do
59
8.75
10.50
3.25
The same
6366
Q
Kinggold Barracks, Tex. July — , 1853
6367
do
do
6368
El Paso, Texas Jan. —,1855
do
26
Dr. Kennerly. .
6369
9
Lt. J. G. Parke...
Dr. Heermann..
6370
j
do
do
8056
J. Gould
CARDINALIS, Bonaparte.
Cardinalis, BONAPARTE, Saggio di una distribuzione metod. dei Animagli Vertebrati, 1831, (Agassiz).
Loxia cardinalis, Linn.
Type
CH. — Bill enormously large; culmen very slightly curved, commissure sinuated ; lower jaw broader than the length of
the gonys, considerably wider than the upper jaw, about as deep as the latter. Tarsi longer than middle toe ; outer toe
rather the longer, reaching a little beyond the base of the middle one ; hind toe not so long. Wings moderate, reaching over
the basal third of the exposed part of the tail. Four outer quills graduated ; the first equal to the secondaries. Tail long,
decidedly longer than the wings, considerably graduated ; feathers broad, truncated a little obliquely at the end, the corners
rounded. Colors red. Head crested.
BIRDS FRING1LLIDAE CARDINALIS VIRGINIANUS. 509
The essential characters of this genus are the crested head ; very large and thick bill extend
ing far back on the forehead, and only moderately curved above ; tarsus longer than middle
toe ; much graduated wings, the first primary equal to the secondary quills ; the long tail
exceeding the wings, broad and much graduated at the end.
CAEDINALIS VIRGINIANUS, Bonap.
Red Bird ; Cardinal.
Coccothraustes virginiana, BRISSON, Orn. Ill, 1760, 253.
Loxia cardinal™, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176G, 300.— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 38 ; pi. vi, f. 1, 2.
Coccothraustes cardinalis, VIEILL. Diet.
Fringilla (Coccothraustes) cardinalis, BON, Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 79.
Fringilla cardinalis, NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 519.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 336 : V, 514 ; pi. 159.
Pitylus cardinalis, AUD. Syn. 1839, 131.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 198 ; pi. 203.
Cardinalis virginianus, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. 1850, 501.
Grosbcc de Virginie, BUFF. PI. enl. 37.
Sp. CH. — A flattened crest of feathers on the crown. Bill red. Body generally bright vermilion red, darker on the back,
rump, and tail. Narrow band around the base of the bill, with chin and upper part of the throat black.
Female of a duller red, and this only on the wings, tail, and elongated feathers of the crown. Above light olive ; tinged
with yellowish on the head ; beneath brownish yellow, darkest on the sides and across the breast. Black about the head only
faintly indicated.
Length, 8.50 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 4.50.
Hab. — More southern portions of the United States to the Missouri. Probably along valley of Rio Grande to Rocky moun
tains.
The bill of this species is very large and shaped much like that of Guiraca ludoviciana.
The central feathers of the crest of the crown are longer than the lateral ; they spring from
about the middle of the crown and extend back about an inch and a half from the base of the
bill. The wings are much rounded, the fourth longest, the second equal to the seventh, the
first as long as the secondaries. The tail is long, truncate at the end, but graduated on the
sides ; the feathers are broad to the end, truncated obliquely at the end.
Some males, probably immature, have the vermilion replaced by a pale rose color, the back
strongly tinged with olivaceous.
510 U S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.; Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6479 c?
2690 c?
1096 J
610 <J
613 Q
4919 J1
6526 J1
4854 $
4855 : £
6365 g
8381
C. Drexler
S. F. Baird
Washington
do
June 12, 1843
Feb. — , 1842
do
do
Win. M. Baird
do
8.50
U.OO
3.75
do
Mar. 26, 1842
do
do
Amelia Island, Fla.
Key Riscayne,Fla..
Iowa Point, Neb. ..
Ft Leavenworth,K.T
do,...
May 9, 1856
April 23, 1856
April 21, 1856
Nov. . 1854
G. Wurdemann
do
7.50
11.50
3.50
Lieut. Warren.
14
1
Dr. Hayden..
7.37
8.50
14.50
12.00
4.50
3.S7
Eye dull brown
....do ,
do
9
Independence, Mo. June 2,1857
W. M. Magraw.
Dr. Cooper..
W. S. Wood.
9.00
12.25
4.00
5731 c?
7031 $
5029 Cj
3947 : $
4030 $
S02B ' $
4032 ; g
4031 ;
4364 c?
St. Louis
May 8, 1857
do
23
do
Mar. , 1855
Brownsville, Texas.
do
Feb. — , 1853
April 19, 1855
April — , 1853
Lieut. Couch . .
23
8.50
9.00
7.75
9.00
11.25
12.50
10.00
11.00
3.50
4.00
3.50
3.75
Bill light scarlet, feet reddish brown.
Rio Seco, Texas. . . .
Brownsville, Texas.
New Leon, Mexico.
Fort Thome, N. M.
Capt. J. Pope
44
Lieut. Couch . .
do
Dr. T. C.Henry.
12
127
Bill light scarlet, eye reddish brown.
Bill scarlet, feet light brown, eye
brown.
PIPILO, Vieillot.
Pipilo, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816, (Agassiz.) Type Fringilla erythrophthalnia, Linn.
Kieneria, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XL, 1855, 356. In part.
CH. — Bill rather stout; the culmen gently curved, the gonys nearly straight; the commissure gently concave with a
decided notch near the end ; the lower jaw not so deep as the upper ; not as wide as the gonys is long ; but wider than the base
of the upper mandible. Feet large, the tarsus as long or a little longer than the middle toe ; the outer lateral toe a little the
longer, and reaching a little beyond the base of the middle claw. The hind claw about equal to its toe ; the two together
about equal to the outer toe. Claws all stout, compressed, and moderately curved. Wings reaching about to the end of the
upper tail coverts ; short and rounded, though the primaries are considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries and
tertials ; the outer four quills are graduated ; the first considerably shorter than the second, and about as long as the secondaries.
Tail considerably longer than the wings ; moderately graduated externally ; the feathers rather broad ; most rounded off' on the
inner webs at the end.
The colors vary ; the upper parts are generally uniform black or brown ; the under white or brown ; no central streaks on
the feathers. The hood sometimes differently colored.
The essential characters of the genus are in the curved culmen and commissure ; the strong
feet ; the outer toe rather longer than the inner ; the wings rounded, but the primaries decidedly
longer than the others ; the outer four quills considerably graduated, but the first usually not
shorter than the secondaries. The graduated tail longer than the wings.
Of this genus there are three sections well marked by color in the United States species.
In the examination of a large series of specimens of Pipilo, belonging to section A, from
different parts of North America, I found it very difficult to assign all of them satisfactorily to
their respective species. It was quite possible to select typical specimens of the four black
ones described, but there were intermediate forms which connected the extremes. I am,
however, satisfied that we have these four, and am inclined to believe that many of the uncer
tain specimens are really hybrids, as appears to be certainly the case with No. 8193.
In the following synopsis I have been obliged to go into more detail than usual with section
A, in order to show the exact relationship of the new P. megalonyx to its allies.
BIRDS — FEINGILLIDAE PIPILO. 511
A. First primary nearly equal to the secondaries. Tail moderately graduated, outer featlier
about a quarter of an inch shortest. Above, with head and neck, black; middle of belly white;
sides chestnut brown. Tail feathers with white patches.
Hind claw scarcely longer than its digit, the toe and claw as long as the middle toe
without its claw. Inner lateral claw reaching the base of the middle one. Middle toe
and claw as long as the tarsus.
White of tail occupying nearly the terminal half. Outer web of exterior tail
feather almost entirely white> a black streak usually at the end. No white on
the wing coverts and scapulars. Outer primaries edged with white through
out, this sometimes interrupted in the middle P. erytlirophtlialmus.
Wing coverts with rounded, and scapulars with elongated oval spots of white on
the tip of outer webs of the feathers, the white rarely extending to the edge of
the feather. Outer web of exterior tail feather entirely black ; the terminal
white inner spot short. Primaries without white edges towards the base.
Throat feathers without concealed white spot P. oregonus.
Hind claw a little longer than its digit ; the toe and claw together a very little longer
than the middle toe without it. Inner lateral toe and claw reaching a very little be
yond the base of the middle claw. Middle toe and claw a little longer than the tarsus.
Wing coverts and scapulars with spots at the ends of outer webs extending to the
tip, and without black border on the edge. Outer web of external tail feather
white, this entirely confluent with the extended terminal spot. Outer primaries
broadly edged with white throughout. Throat feathers with concealed white
spots P. arcticus.
Hind claw much larger than its digit ; hind toe and claw reaching nearly as far as the
middle of its middle claw ; the inner lateral claw reaching nearly as far ; the middle
toe and claw longer than the tarsus.
Wing coverts and scapulars with large sub-rounded and elliptical white spots.
Scapular spots with a narrow edging of black externally ; the covert spots
generally white to the edge, but not extending to the extreme end of the outer
web. Primaries edged externally with white towards the end. Throat feathers
with concealed white spots.... P. megalonyx.
B. Tail more graduated ; outer feather half an inch shortest. First primary mostly less
than the secondaries. Above light brown; beneath similar but lighter. No white on wings or
tail.
Hood tinged with chestnut. Middle of belly white ; a dusky spot on the middle
of the breast. Chin and throat lighter, encircled by spots P. mesoleucus.
Hood almost like the back. Beneath uniform light brown, without the spot.
Chin and throat much as in the last P.fuscus,
Nearly uniform yellowish brown, paler beneath. Lores and chin dusky. P. aberti.
C. Tail intermediate. First quill longer than the secondaries. Upper parts, with wings and
tail olive green.
Hood chestnut. Chin and throat abruptly white, surrounded by dark ash.
P. cldorurus.
I do not venture to give names to sections B and C in my ignorance of the numerous allied
genera of South America and Mexico. Bonaparte makes a genus, Kieneria, (Comptes Reudus,
512
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
XL, 1855, 356,) with Pyrgisoma kieneri, of Conspectus, 186, as type (Pyrgisoma is based upon
Arremon biarcuatus, of Lafresnaye, figured in Voyage de la Venus, tab. vi, and erroneously
assigned to California.) The other species given as belonging to the genus are Pipilo rufipileus,
(chlorurus) torquattis, rufescens, fuscus, and aberti. It is probable that the P. chlorurus would
be our North American type of Kieneria. I am not prepared to suggest a name for section B.
Gray gives Melozone (not Meloxene) of Reichenbach, Av. Syst. Nat. pi. Ixxix, 1850, as ante
dating Pyrgisoma of Pucheran, 1851. The name, however, is given in Conspectus Avium, 20
July, 1850, although according to the title page, pi. 79 of Eeichenbach was published June
1, 1850.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
9)
CO
4
M
OJ
02
£
S5
J
0
•— bi>
1 1
BO
bjo
£
H
Tarsus.
0
T3
§
^
a
T; »
c
o
x "3
£1
<D
21
T3
£ c
HH rt
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
°135
Carlisle, Pa
3
7.70
3 £4
I 30
1 08
1 1°
0 30
0 76
0 40
0 54
0 69
8 75
8194
do
Fort Leavenworth,K. T.
Q
6.84
3.08
3.70
1.07
1 01
0.30
0.71
0.36
0.56
0 62
Skin . ...
do
do
do
7.25
10.25
3.37
8193
..do
do
;?
7.50
3.45
4.14
1.00
1.02
0.30
0.72
0 35
0.58
8.68
Skin
do
do
do
8.25
11.25
3.56
Fresh .
1944
$
7.50
3.39
3.99
1.05
1.08
0 31
0.74
0.39
0.55
0.66
Skin
5736
... do
Republican Fork
$
8.00
3.36
4.44
1.06
1.06
0.31
0.74
0.41
0.55
0.66
Skin
do
do
do
8.25
10.25
Fresh
4845
do
Bon Homnie island
Q
7.20
3.08
3.86
1.04
1.06
0.30
0.74
0.38
0.55
0 61
Skin
do
do
do
7.75
10.00
3.25
2867
3910
Pipilo oregonus
Colorado river
3
Q
8.00
7.52
3.32
3.24
4.04
4.14
1.10
1 08
1.02
1 06
0.27
0 36
0.74
0.86
0.37
0 50
0.56
0.60
0.70
0 68
Skin
Skin
10284
do
Fort Tejon
3
7.62
3.39
4.24
1.08
1 10
0.38
0 90
0 53
0.56
0 68
Skin
6717
do
Fort Thorn
*
8 00
3.46
4.46
1 08
1 12
0 30
0 86
0 40
0.54
0 69
Skin
5559
Petaluma, Cal
>
8 90
3 86
4.90
1.10
1 12
0 30
0 79
0 40
0.62
0 67
Skin
3710
. do
Monterey
Q
7.84
3.42
4.38
1.12
1.09
0.32
0.80
0.44
0.56
0.63
Skin
6830
6245
1896
Pipilo me.soleucus
Pipilo chlorurus
do. ...
Los Nogales, Mcx
Ttjon valley, Cal
..„..
or?
8.60
6.72
6.80
3.77
3.00
3 05
4 58
3.70
3 30
1.01
0.96
0 96
1.00
0.90
0 92
0.30
0.28
0 28
0.70
0.66
0 66
0.32
0.37
0 36
0.64
0.44
0 47
0.66
0.48
0 54
Skin
Skin
Skin
PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS, Vieillot.
Ground Robin ; Tovyhee 5 Chewiiik.
Fringilla erylhrophthalma, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 318.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 151 : V, 511 ; pi. 29.
Embe.riza erythrophthalma, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 874. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 90 ; pi. liii.
Pipillo erythrophthalmus, VIEILL. Gal. Ois. I, 1824, 109 ; pi. Ixxx.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, BON. List, 1838 —Is. Conspectus, 1850, 487. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 124.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill,
1841, 167 ; pi. 195.
Pipilo ater, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 292.
Towhee Bird, CATESBT, Car. I, 34. — Teivhee Bunting, LATHAM, Syn. II, i, 1783, 199. — PENNANT, II, 1785, 359.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts generally, head and neck all round, and upper part of the breast, glossy black, abruptly defined against
the pure white which extends to the anus, but is bounded on the sides and under the wings by light chestnut. Under coverts
similar to sides, but paler. Edges of outer six primaries with white at the base and on the middle of the outer web ; inner
two tertiaries also edged externally with white. Tail feathers black ; outer web of the first, with the ends of the first to the
third white, decreasing from the exterior one. Iris red. Length, 8.75 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 4.10.
Female with the black replaced by brown.
flab. — Eastern United States to the Missouri river.
In this species the cutting edge of the mandible is slightly concave, and not sinuated. The
wing is short and rounded ; the fourth quill longest ; the first about equal to the secondaries.
BIEDS — FEINGILLTDAE PiriLO OKEGONUS.
513
The tail feathers are only moderately graduated on the sides ; the outer about .40 of an inch
shorter than the middle. The outer tail feather has the terminal half white, the outline
transverse ; the white of the second is about half as long as that of the first ; of the third half
that of the second. The chestnut of the sides reaches forward to the black of the neck, and is
visible when the wings are closed.
A young bird has the prevailing color reddish olive above, spotted with lighter ; beneath
brownish white, spotted thickly with brown.
In most western specimens the white of the base of primaries is connected with that on the
middle so as to have the entire edge of these quills white. One specimen, 8193, from Fort
Leavenworth, has a few white spots on the scapulars only, the wing coverts without them,
exhibiting an approach to P. arcticus. This is probably a hybrid between the two.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex &
ago.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6938
3
Selkirk Settlem't, H B.T
820
3
Oct. 19, 1842
S. F. Baird
8.50
11.50
3.33
3374
A
do
May 4, 1847
7.75
10.07
3.33
2135
-7
April 23. 1845
do
8.75
11.50
3.58
1652
o
July 27, 1844
do
8.42
11.00
3.42
4835
April 22, 1856
Lt. O.K. Warren.
10
Dr. F.V. nayden
8.12
10.75
3.37
4833
Bald Island, Mo. river
April 25, 1856
do
do
8
11.00
3.50
4832
do
do
do
90
do
8.75
11.50
3.87
Eye reddish brown
4828
3
....do
April 24 1856
do
do
7.75
10.50
3.25
483G
. . .do
April 25, 1856
do
41
do
10.62
3.75
4829
do
do
do
42
do
8.02
ll.Od
3.50
4832
4834
rC
Iowa Point.
Wood's Bluff
April 23, 1856
do
do
17
do
do
7.50
7.75
10.75
11.00
3.12
3.62
4835
Q
May 8
do. ....
do
5735
>
Lt. F. T. Bryan. . .
60
W. S. Wood....
8350
o
June 18, 1857
W. M. Ma«ra\v...
77
Dr. Cooper
10.75
3.50
8349
....do
do
do
76
do
11.00
3.75
yellow ; feet flesh color.
do do
8327
do
June 3, 1857
do
56
do
8.00
11.25
3.50
Iris red; bill bl'k; ft. brown.
8174
Q
Leavenworth.
July 13, 1857
do
130
do
Iris red; bill bl'k; ft. brown.
8193'
r?
do . . .
do
do
129
do
8. 25
11.25
3.87
PIPILO OREGONUS, Bell.
Oregon Ground Robin.
Pipllo oregonus, EELL, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1852, 6. Oregon. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, Doc. 1853,
922.— IB. Notes Orn. Delattre, 1854, 22, (same as prec.)
Fringilla arctica, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 49 ; pi. 394.
Plpilo arclica, AUD. Syn. 1839, 123.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 164 ; pi. 194, (not of Swainson.)
SP. CH. — Upper surface generally, with the head and neck all round to the upper part of the breast, deep black ; the rest of
lower parts pure white, except the sides of the body and under tail coverts, which are light chestnut brown ; th^ latter rather
paler. The outer wobs of scapulars (usually edged narrowly with black) and of the superincumbent feathers of tiie back, with
a rounded white spot at the end of the outer webs of the greater and middle coverts ; the outer edges 'of the innermost tertials,
white ; no white at the base of the primaries. Outer web of the first tail feather black, occasionally white on the extreme
edge ; the outer three with a white tip to the inner web. Length, 8.25 ; wing, 4.40 ; tail, 4. Female with the black replaced by
brownish.
//«6.— Coast of Oregon and Washington Territories.
June 10, 1858.
65 b
514
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS— ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This species is readily distinguished from P. erythrophthalmus by the white on the scapulars
and wing coverts. Its relationships to arcticus are much closer. There is not much difference
between the two in the white of the scapular region, except that the white marks here, as
elsewhere on the wing, are rounded, the extreme end of the outer web of the feather being black
instead of running out acutely white to the very tip of the outer webs of the feathers. This
gives rather less extension to the white. In fact, most of the white marks are edged externally
with black, converting them into spots. There is no white whatever at the exposed base of the
outer web of the second to fifth primaries, and there is only a trace of white near the end,
instead of having a conspicuous white edging from base to near the tip.
The outer web of the outer tail feather, instead of being entirely white for the exposed
portion, is only very slightly edged with white ; usually entirely black. The white at the end
of the feathers is much more restricted, and extends only over the three outer feathers ; usually
not reaching to the shaft.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When
Whence obtained.
.Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
collected.
No.
8416
. • • < .
Siniiahmoo Bay
Sept. 17, 1857
A. Campbell
• •• • • i
Dr. Kennerly
5973
Whitby island, W.T
Gov. Stevens....
Dr.- Cooper
8.00
10.25
Iris red, bill slate
5974
o
do
Dr. J G. Cooper
do.
8 60
10 50
V
****** •••••••!
• • • • •
4532
Washington Territory...
1856
Dr. Suckley
....
5974
o
... do
6739
June 25, 1856
8.00
' 9.75
4531
4553
Washington Territory. . . .
.... do
1856
1856
Dr. Suckley
do
2867
Jl
May 27, 1835
S. F. Baird
6737
Jan 19 1854
8.25
10.25
4386 ?
Fort Dalles, Oregon
Dr. Suckley
156
8.25
10.00
3.50
Iris orange, bill black.
PIPILO AKCTICUS, Swainson.
Pyrgita (Pijyilo) arctica, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 260.
Pipilo arcticus, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 589.— IB. 2d ed. 1840, 610.— BELL, Ann. Now York Lye. V, 1852, 7.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts generally, with head and neck all round to the upper part of the breast, black. Middle of breast and
of belly white ; sides chestnut ; under tail coverts similar, but paler. Outer webs of scapulars and of dorsal feathers immedi
ately above them, ends of primary and secondary coverts, (on the outer web,) outer edges of three innermost tertials, and of
the second to the fifth primaries, conspicuously white. Outer web of the first and ends of the first to the fourth tail feathers,
white, the amount diminishing not very rapidly. Length about 8 inches ; wing, 2.40 ; tail, 4.10 ; hind toe and claw, .74.
Female brown instead of black.
Hub. — High Central Plains of Upper Missouri, Yellowstone, and Platte.
This species is similar in form to the P. erythropJithalmus, which, however, is readily distin
guished by the entire absence of white on the scapulars and wing coverts. The amount of white
on the tail decreases much less rapidly. The differences between it and P. oregonus will be
found detailed under, the head of the latter species.
One specimen (8193) from Fort Leavenworth, with a few white spots only on the scapulars,
may perhaps be considered a hybrid between arctica and erythrophtlialmus.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE — FIPILO MEGALONYX.
515
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1944
5389
5388
5390
4847
4846
4843
4812
4839
4840
4845
4838
5736
8219
5387?
4844*?
4841 ?
5736?
(J
"g"
61
Q
Q
9
.....
<J
Q
(J
t?
Q
<J
Fort Union, Neb
Yellowstone
Fort Lookout
do
August, 1856
June 22, 1856
.... do
S. F. Baird
Lt. G. K. Warren.
do
do....
do
do
7.50
8.25
7.37
8.00
8.00
7.62
8.00
7.62
7.75
8.62
8.25
8.75
5.37
8.25
8.12
8.25
10.25
11.25
10.50
10.75
10.37
11.25
10.25
9.75
10.00
11.50
10.00
11.25
9.37
10. b7
10.75
10.25
3.50
4.00
3.50
3.50
3.25
3.50
3.75
3.50
3.25
3.50
May 1
do
... .do
do
May 15
do
do
.• do
May 15
do
do
May 14
May 9
do
do
14
do
do
....do
do
do
do
do
.... do., ..
do
do..
do
do
do
do
Republican Forks
Sept. 25
Sept. 12,1857
June 26, 1856
May 15
May 11
Sept. 25, 1856
Lt. F. T. Bryan..
355
do
3.75
2.87
3.87
3.50
Variety sub-arcticus.
Lt. G. K. Warren.
do
.do
Lt. F. T.Bryan...
356
Dr. Hayden
do
dj
W. S. Wood
Iris dark brown .....
Bijou Hills
The Tower
<?
(?
PIPILO MEGALONYX, Baird.
SP. CH. — Similar to P. arclicusin amount of white on the wings and scapulars, though this frequently edged with black. Outer
edge of outer web of external tail feather white, sometimes confluent with that at tip of tail. Concealed white spots on feathers
of side of neck. Claws enormously large, the hinder longer than its digit ; the hind toe and claw reaching to the middle of the
middle claw, which, with its toe, is as long, or longer, than the tarsus. Inner lateral claw reaching nearly to the middle of
middle claw. Length, 7.60 ; wing, 3.40; tail, 4.25 ; hind toe and claw, .90.
Hab. — Southern coast of California and across through vallies of Gila and Rio Grande.
This form, if not a distinct species, constitutes so strongly marked a variety as to be worthy
of particular description. The general appearance is that of P. arcticus, which it resembles in
the amount of white spotting on the wings. This, however, does not usually involve the whole
outer web at the end, but, as in oregonus, has a narrow border of black continued around the
white terminally and sometimes externally. There is not quite so much of a terminal white
blotch on the outer tail feather, this being but little over an inch in length, and the outer web
of the same feather is never entirely white, though always with an external white border,
which sometimes is confluent with the terminal spot, but usually leaves a brown streak near the
end never seen in arcticus, which also has the whole outer web white except at the base. From
oregonus the species differs in the much greater amount of white on the wings and the less
rounded character of the spots. Oregonus, too, has the whole outer web of external tail feather
black, and the terminal white spot of the inner web less than an inch in length . I have never
seen in oregonus any of the concealed white spotting on the sides of the head.
The greatest difference between this species and the two others is in the stout tarsi and
enormously large claws, as described, both the lateral extending greatly beyond the base of
the middle one, the hinder toe and claw nearly as long as the tarsus. The only North American
Passerine birds having any approach to this length of claw are those of the genus Passerella.
A Pipilo macronyx of Swainson appears to have a similar development of claws, but is
described as olive with black head and throat, the light marks on the wings and tail yellow.
The P. maculatus has the body olivaceous ; the head and throat black.
516
U. S. P. R, E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The specimens exhibiting the highest development of claw are from Fort Tejon, but the other
localities mentioned illustrate the same peculiarity very readily. Specimens frequently occur,
however, which it is difficult to refer positively to any one of the three species with spotted
scapulars ; some of them may possibly be hybrids.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing
Remarks.
•
6736
R. D. Cults
4235
Francisco county, Cal..
Winter, 1853
do
6740
Presidio, Cal
April 25, 1854
Lt. Trowbridge
6734
5972
Benicia
Santa Clara
Lt. R. S. Williamson.
Dr. J. G. Cooper
Dr. Heermann...
8.25
10.50
5971
o
do
do
6730
V
do
do
. .
6731
6738
Sacramento valley
Lt. R. S. Williamson.
do
Dr. Heermann. ..
do
3910
o
.
3909
V
*
do
do
4603
o
Heights of San Pasqual
12
6741
San Diego, Cal
8.75
10.75
3 00
4042
FortTejon, Cal
Saltillo, Mcx
J. X. de Vesey
7.50
10.25
3 25
5036
5037
6
Organ mountains, N. M.
Mar. 10,1855
do
181
feet dark brown.
6732
Q
Copper mines, Miii
J. H. Clark
8.50
10 12
2.37
6717
Fort Thorn
do
do
6719
do
do
6720
do
do .'.
6733
Pueblo c'k, Cp. 104, N.M.
Jan. 22,1854
Lieut. Whipple
49
Kenn.& MiJllhaus.
Eyes reddish yel.
PIPILO ABEKTII, Baird.
Pipilo abertii, BAIRD, Stansbury's Rep. Great Salt Lake, Zoology, June 1852, 325. (New Mexico.)
Kieneria abertii, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XL, 1855, 356.
SP. CH. — General color of upper parts pale brownish yellowish red ; beneath brighter, especially on the under coverts, palest
on the middle of the belly. Sides of head anterior to eyes', and chin dark brown. Bill yellowish.
Length, 9 inches ; wing, 3.70; tail, 4.85.
Hob. — Base of Rocky Mountains in New Mexico. Valley of Gila and Colorado.
This plainly colored bird is among the largest of the North American species, and is without
any blotches, spots, or variations of importance from one color, except on the chin and sides of
the head. The bill is similar to that of P. erytJwophthalmus, but the cutting edge is less concave
and more sinuated. The tail is more graduated ; the claws thicker and stronger. The wings
are short and much rounded ; the first quill shorter than the secondaries.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE PIPILO FUSCUS.
517
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by—
Lt. Abert
6751
Camp 120 Bill Williams'
Fork N. M
Feb. 12, 1854...
Lt. Whipple
92
Kenn. and Moll
6750
Camp 114 N Mexico
Feb. 6, 1854
do
72
do
6749
do
Feb. 13,1856 .
do
101
do
6747
Ji
Gila river N M
Lt J G. Parke
Dr. Heermann
6748
A
do
do
do
4604
Fort Yuma Cal
Major Emory .
30
A. Schott
4578
Colorado river Gal
.do
do
PIPILO FUSCUS, Swain son.
Pipilo fusca, Sw. Philos. Mag. I, 1827," 434— ? IB. Anim. in Menag. 1838, 347.— BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 487.—
CASSIN, Illust. I, iv, 1853, 124 ; pi. xvii. (The figure seems to be of the California species, the descrip
tion more like mesoleucus.) — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P.R.R. VI, iv, 1857, 89.
Kieneria fusca, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XL, 1855, 356.
Fringlllacrissalis, VIGORS, Zool. Blossom, 1839, 19.
SP. CH. — Above dark olive brown, the crown with a very slight tinge of scarcely appreciable dark rufous. Under parts with
the color somewhat similar, but of a lighter shade, and washed with grayish ; middle of the belly ashy white ; the under tail
coverts pale rufus, shading into lighter about the vent and sides of lower belly ; chin, and upper part of throat well defined
pale rufous, margined all round by brown spots, a few of them scattered within the margin. Eyelids and sides of head, anterior
to the eye, rufous like the throat. One or two feathers on the lower part of the breast with a concealed brown blotch. Outer
primary not edged with white.
Length, 9 inches; wing, 4 ; tail, 5.
Hab. — Coast region of California.
In this species the bill is sinuated as in P. abertii, differing from that of P. erytJirophthcdmus.
The wing is much rounded ; the fourth quill longest ; the first shorter than the secondaries.
The tail is considerably graduated ; the feathers broad; the outer about .TO of an inch shorter
than the middle ones.
This species is much darker than P. abertii, and lacks the black on chin and side of head ;
the chin and throat are abruptly different from the breast ; the light patch margined with
black spots.
I do not feel sure that this species is really the P. fuscus of Swainson. His description of
" Gray, beneath paler ; throat obscure fulvous, with brown spots ; vent ferruginous. Length,
8; bill, .70; wings, 3.50; tail, 4 ; tarsi, .90; hind toe and claw, .70," as given in 1827,
differs from that of 1838. "Grayish brown above; beneath white; chin and throat fulvous,
with dusky spots ; under tail coverts fulvous ; tail blackish brown, unspotted. Bill and legs
pale, the latter smaller, and the claws more curved than in any other known species ; crown
with a pale rufous tinge. Length, 7.50 ; wings, 3.50 ; tail, 4 ; tarsus, .90 ; middle toe and
claw the same ; hinder toe, .65." These proportions are certainly quite different from those of
the California species, nor are the colors of either paragraph the same. It is possible that the
first description is that of the present bird, and the second that of a species allied to P. meso-
leucus, but it is quite as likely that both of these are entirely different from Swainson's P. fuscus.
518
U S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REEORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
6744
6745
6742
5559
4943
59701
5968
5967
6746
3710
6743
3911
R. T). ditts-
o
do
_ J do
Lt. Trowbridge
<J
April 1856
E Samuels. .
653
4
San Jose" Cal
A. J. Grayson .
Santa Clara Cal
Gov Stevens ....
Dr. Cooper.
do
do
do
do
. do
do
3
9
S
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
June 22, 1848. ._
Wm Hutton ...
Fort Teion Cal
Lt. Williamson '.
Dr. Heerman. .
1
1 Length, 9.00 ; Extent, 12.50 ; Iris redish brown.
PLPILO MESOLEUCUS, Baird.
Pipilo mesoleucus, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, June 1854, 119. (Rocky Mountains.)
gp. CH. — Above olivaceous brown, with a grayish tinge ; hood dull chestnut, conspicuously different from the back. Sides
beyond the edge of the wing like the back, but pajor ; posteriorly, and about the vent and under tail coverts, pale brownish red.
The ashy olive brown of the sides scarcely meeting across the breast, the lower portion of which, with the upper belly, is rather
pure white. The chin, throat, and upper part of the breast pale yellowish rufous, spotted on the sides and across the breast
with brown ; an obscure spot in the middle of the breast ; edge of outer primary white.
Length 8-50 inches ; wing, 3.80 ; tail 4.70.
£fa&, — Valley of upper Rio Grande and across to the Gila River. East to Santa Caterina, New Leon.
This species is similar in general appearance to the P. fuscus, hut the olive brown and rufous
are both of a lighter shade. The crown is of a decided chestnut, conspicuously different from the
back, instead of nearly the same tint. The light reddish under the head is wider throughout
and extends down to the upper part of the breast, blending with the colors of the breast and
belly, instead of being narrower, more sharply defined, and restricted to the chin and throat.
The isolated larger spot on the breast is more conspicuous ; the breast and belly are quite pure
white, shaded with obsolete brownish blotches, instead of being uniform grayish brown, with
only an approach to whitish in the very middle. The edges of the wing and tail feathers are a
good deal lighter, the outer web of the first primary being sharply edged with pure white,
instead of obscure grayish brown. The size generally is rather smaller.
BIRDS — FRINGILLIDAE PIPILO CHLORURUS.
519
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
' 6834
3
Sta. Catcrina, Mex . . .
April — , 1853
Lt. Couch
7.50
10.50
3 50
6835
O
o
Copper mines, N. M. .
Col. Graham
5
1
J. H. Clark 8.00
11.00
3.62
dark flesh.
6828
do
do
6831
6832
Fort Thorn, N. M....
do
Dr. Henry
6827
Bill Williams' Fork...
Fob 5,1854
Lt. A. W. Whipple.
67
Kenn. and Moll
6830
Los Nogales, Mcx....
June —,1855
6829
$
. !
PIPILO CHLOKURUS, Baird.
Blanding's Tinch.
Fringilla chlorura, (TOWNSEND,) AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 33G. (Young.)
Zonotrichia chlorura, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d Series, I, 1847, 51.
Embernagra chlorura, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 483.
Fringilla blandingiana, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. I, April, 1843, 260.
Embernagra blandingiana, CASSIN, Illust. I, HI, 1853, 70; pi. xii.
Pipilo rvfipileus, LAFRESNAYE, Rev. Zool. XI, June 1848, 176, — BP. Conspectus, 1850, 487.
Kieneria rufipileus, BON. Comptes Rendus, XL, 1855, 356.
SP. CH. — Above dull grtiyish olive green. Crown uniform chestnut. Forehead with superciliary stripe, and sides of the
head and neck, the upper part of the breast and sides of the body, bluish ash. Chin and upper part of throat abruptly defined
white, the former margined by dusky, above which is a short white maxillary stripe. Under tail coverts and sides of body
behind brownish yellow. Tail feathers generally, and exterior of wings bright olive green, the edge and under surface of the
'atter bright yellow ; edge of first primary white. Length, about 7 inches ; wing, 3.20 ; tail, 3.65.
Ilab. — Valley of Rio Grande and Gila ; Rocky mountains north to the South Pass ; south to Mexico.
In this species the wing is considerably rounded, the tertials considerably shorter than the
primaries, and not exceeding the secondaries ; the fourth quill longest, the first shorter than
the sixth, the second and fifth quills considerably longer than the rest. The tail is long and
considerably graduated, the outer feather half an inch shortest ; the feathers broad and obtusely
pointed, the corners rounded.
The extent of the chestnut of the crown varies somewhat ; more extended probably in the
males. The region on the side of the head, adjoining the nostrils, is whitish; the small feathers
under the eye are spotted with the same. The posterior outline of the ash of the breast is much
less sharply defined than the anterior.
Specimens vary in the brightness of the olive above, which is never as pure as that of the
wings and tail. The olive of the tail, too, is darker than that of the wings.
A very young bird (1896) has the whole under parts dull white, streaked and spotted on the
sides of the throat, and on the breast, with dark brown. The crown and back are also thickly
spotted. In 5734 the ash of the breast has made its appearance ; the middle of the belly is
white, spotted ; the chin white, encircled by spots. The spots above are restricted to near the
head, and there is a small central patch of chestnut on the crown.
No. 1896 is the original green-tailed sparrow killed July 12, 1831, by Townsend, and described
iii an extract of a letter to Mr. Audubon, published page 336 of volume V, Oru. Biog. It is
520
U. S P. E R. EXP. AND SERVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
unmistakeably the Pipilo here described, and settles the question in favor of the priority of the
name chlorurus.
List of specimens
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6745
4609
$
rTejon Valley, Cal
Colorado River, N. M...
April 10, 1855
Lieut. Williamson..
60
Dr. Heermann .
624°
Dec. 16, 1854
do
23
6243
Fall of 1852
do
6244
3
Lieut. J. G. Parke.
7086
O O
Black Hills
July 21, 1857
55
5732
*
Medicine Bow Creek . .
Ail". 25 1856
Lieut. F. T. Bryan.
264
W. S Wood . . .
5734
.f
do
...do
do.,,...
301
do
5733
1896
Q
0^
Bridger's Pass, K. T ...
Rocky Mountains
Aug. 15, 1856
July 12, 1834
do
S. F. Baird
264
do
J. K.Townsend
Type of Fr. chlorura..
9278
°o
Jfl
Aug. 24 1856
Lieut G K. Warren
7.50
9 25
9 75
9277
9270
o
9
do
do
Aug. 2, 1856
Au". 24, 1856
do
do
do
do
7.00
7.50
9.25
10.00
2.25
3.50
do
do
9276
J. Gould
BIRDS ICTERIDAE — AGELA1NAE. 521
Family ICTERIDAE.
CH. — Primaries nine. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly ; plated behind. Bill long, generally equal to the head or longer, straight
or gently curved, conical, without any notch, the commissure bending downwards at an obtuse angle at the base. Gonys
generally more than half the culmon. Basal joint of the middle toe free on the inner side ; united half-way on the outer.
Tail rather long, rounded. Legs stout.
This family is strictly confined to the New World, and is closely related in many of its
members to the Fringillidae. Both have the angulated commissure and the nine primaries ;
the bill is, however, usually much longer ; the rictus is completely without bristles, and the
tip of the bill without notch.
The affinities of some of the genera are still closer to the family of Slurnidae or Starlings, of
which the Sturnus vulgaris may be taken as the type. This family is, however, exclusively
Old World, and readily distinguished by the constant presence of a rudimentary outer primary,
making ten in all.
There are three sub-families of the Icteridae — the Agelainae, the Icterinae, and the Quiscaiinae.
Sub-Family AGELAINAE.
CH. — Bill stout, conical, and acutely pointed, not longer than the head ; the outlines nearly straight, the tip not decurved.
Legs adapted for walking, longer than the head. Claws not much curved. Tail moderate, shorter than the wings ; nearly even.
The Agelainae, through Molothrus and Doliclionyx, present a close relation to the Fringillidae
in the comparative shortness and conical shape of the bill, and, in fact, it is very difficult to
express in brief words the distinctions which evidently exist. Dolichonyx may be set aside as
readily determinable by the character of the feet and taiL The peculiar sub-family character
istics of Molothrus will be found under the generic remarks respecting it.
The following diagnosis will servo to define the genera :
A. Bill shorter than the head.
DOLICHONYX. — Tail feathers with rigid stiffened acuminate points. Middle toe very long,
exceeding the head.
MOLOTHRUS. — Tail with the feathers simple ; middle toe shorter than the tarsus or head.
13. Bill as long as the head. Feathers of crown soft. Nostrils covered by a scale which is
directed more or less downwards.
AGELAIUS. — First quill shorter than the second and third. Outer lateral claw scarcely
reaching to the base of middle ; claws moderate.
XANTIIOCEPIIALUS. — First quill longest. Outer lateral claw reaching nearly to the tip of
the middle. Toes and ulaws all much elongated.
C. Bill as long as, or longer than, the head. Feathers of crown with the shafts prolonged
into stiffened bristles. Nostrils covered by a scale which stands out more or less horizontally.
STUHNELLA. — Tail feathers acute. Middle toe equal to the tarsus.
TRUPIALIS. — Tail feathers rounded. Tarsus longer than the middle toe.
June 21, 1858.
(JG b
522
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DOLICHONYX, Swainson.
Dolichonyx, SWAINSON, Zool. Journ. Ill, 1827, 351. Type Emberiza oryzivora, L.
CH. — Bill short, stout, conical, little more than half the head ; the commissure slightly sinuated ; the culrnen nearly straight.
Middle toe considerably longer than the tarsus (which is about as long as the head) ; the inner lateral toe longest, but not
reaching the base of the middle claw. Wings long, first quill longest. Tail feathers acuminately pointed at the tip, with the
shafts stiffened and rigid, as in the woodpeckers.
The peculiar characteristic of this species is found in the rigid scansorial tail and the very long
middle toe, by means of which it is enabled to grasp the vertical stems of reeds or other slender
plants. The color of the known species is black, varied with whitish patches on the upper
parts.
In coloration, this genus bears a close relation to Calamospiza, although the other differences
are very decided. Both are black, with white patches on the wings. Dolichonyx has, in
addition, a white patch on the rump and a yellowish one on the nape.
But one species is at present known to naturalists.
Comparative measurements.
tc
a
o
s .
tu .
2 £
1
w
D,
Caial .
Species.
Locality.
•a
o
J3 ®>
03
5
v aj
c
U
Specimen
No.
C3
M
s>
a
*- 'S
BE
^C
~
3
•o
T3
"3
•si
c "3
rt
BI
C
O
measured.
aa
^
00
>
£
H
s
a
is
—
<
977
Carlisle, Pa
C?
6.70
3.76
3.12
1.03
1.10
0.29
0.84
0.40
0.59
0.60
Skin
do.
do
do
7.25
12.00
3.90
Fresh
6522
do
Indian Key, Fla
J
6.30
3.90
3.10
1.02
1.07
0.30
0.85
0.42
O.GO
0.62
Skin
do
do
do
7 08
12 00
4 00
Fn-sh
6524
do
Q
6.00
3.52
2.96
0.94
1.00
0.26
0.78
0.40
0.56
0.60
do
. .. do. ...
7.50
10.50
3.50
Fresh
4582
_*
6.90
4.02
3 18
0.94
0,89
0.28
0.75
0.34
0.66
0.64
Skin
6486
do
s
6 84
4 34
3 38
1 02
0 90
0 22
0.72
0.31
0.66
0.69
Skin
611
.. .. do
o .
6 60
3 70
2.98
0.94
0.86
0.24
0 65
0.30
0.58
0.61
DOLICHONYX ORYZIVOKUS, Swainson.
Boblink : Reed Bird ; Rice Bird.
Emberiza oryzivora, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 311.— GM. I, 1788, 850.— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 48; pi. xii ;
f. 1,2.
Passerina oryzivora, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXV, 1817, 3.
Dolichonyx oryzivora, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 351.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 278.— BON. List, 1838.— IB.
Conspectus, 1850, 437.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 139.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,10; pi. 211.—
GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 229.
Icterui agripennis, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 87.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 283 : V, 1839, 486 ; pi. 54.— NUTT.
Man. I, 1832, 185.
Icterus (Emberizoides) agripennis, BON. Syn. 1828, 53.
Dolichonyx agripennis, RICH. List, 1837.
Psarocolius caudacutus, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, 32.
Sp. CH. — General color of male in spring black ; the nape brownish cream color ; a patch on the side of the breast, the
scapulars and rump white, shading into light ash on the upper tail covers and the back below the interscapular region. The
outer primaries sharply margined with yellowish white ; the tertials less abruptly ; the tail feathers margined at the tips with
pale brownish ash.
Female yellowish beneath ; two stripes on the top of the head, and the upper parts throughout, except the back of the neck
and rump, and including all the wing feathers generally, dark brown, all edged with brownish yellow, which becomes whiter
near the tips of the quills. The sides sparsely streaked with dark brown, and a similar stripe behind the eye. There is a
superciliary and a median band of yellow on the head.
Length of male, 7.70 ; wing, 3.83 ; tail, 3.15.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the high central plains. Seen 50 miles east of Laramie.
BIRDS — ICTERIDAE MOLOTHRUS.
523
This well known bird varies considerably in color, with differences in the maturity of plumage.
Sometimes the black feathers generally have yellowish margins both above and below. The
bill is generally bluish bh\ck, but in the specimens from Florida the lower mandible is white.
The male maintains the black plumage for a comparatively short time. Shortly after mid
summer the female dress is assumed and kept until the ensuing spring.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1477
977
(J
3
Carlisle, Pa
do
May 8, 1844
May 17,1843
S. F. Baird
do
7.66
7.25
12.41
12.00
3.91
3 91
1517
3
do
May 15,1844
do
7.33
12.25
3 83
1174
o
do
Sept. 8, 1843
do
6 58
11 00
3 41
6521
J>
May 9, 1857
7 50
12 00
4 00
652-2
(J
do
do
do
7 08
12 00
4 00
6523
O
do
do
do
7.50
10.50
3.50
6524
o
do
do
do
7.50
10.50
3.50
tf
5360
June 25, 1856
7 12
12 12
3 75
8951
8952
$
$
Red river, Minn
Loup fork of Platte....
do
July 11
July 20
N. W. University..
Lieut. Warren
do
R. Kennicott
Dr. Ilayden
do
7.00
7.25
12.00
13.00
4.00
3.75
Iris brown
....do
8990
50 miles E of Ft.Laramie
Aug. 20 ....
Wm. M. Ma<"raw ..
163
7.25
12.00
4 00
MOLOTHRUS, Swain son.
Molothrus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 277; supposed by Cabanis to be meant for Molobrus. Type Fringilla
pecoris, GM .
CH. — Bill short, stout, about two-thirds the length of head ; the commissure straight, culmen and gonys slightly curved, convex,
the former broad, rounded, convex, and running back on the head in a point. Lateral toes nearly equal, reaching the base
of the middle one, which is shorter than tarsus ; claws rather small. Tail nearly even ; wings long, pointed, the first quilj
longest.
The genus Molothrus has the bill intermediate between Dolichonyx and Agelaius. It has the
culmen unusually broad between the nostrils, and it extends back some distance into the fore
head. The difference in the structure of the feet from Dolichonyx is very great.
The genus Molothrus resembles some of the Fringillidae more than any other of the Icteridae.
The bill is, however, more straight, the tip without notch ; the culmen running back further
on the forehead, the nostrils being situated fully one-third or more of the total length from its
posterior extremity. This is seldom the case in the American families. The entire absence of
notch in the bill and of bristles along the rictus are strong features. The nostrils are perfectly
free from any overhanging feathers or bristles. The pointed wings, with the first quill longest,
and the tail with its broad rounded feathers, shorter than the wings, are a dditional features to
be specially noted.
Of several species of the genus found in the New World, but one belongs to the United States.
This, the well known cow bird, never incubates, but deposits its eggs in the nests of others,
usually smaller birds, to be hatched out by them, as is done also by the European cuckoo. One
at least of the South American species is known to possess the same habit, and it is probably
the same with all of them.
The measurements of M. pecoris will be found with Dolichonyx.
524 TT. g. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT,
MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, Swain son.
Cow Black bird; Cow bird.
Fringilla pecoris, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 910, (female). — LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 443. — LICHT. Verzeich. 1823,
Nos. 230, 231.
Embetiza pecoris, WILS. Am. Orn. II, 1810, 145; pi. xviii; f. 1, 2, 3.
Icterus pecoris, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 88.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831, 493 : V, 1839, 233, 490; pi. 99 and 424.
Icterus (Emberizoides) pecoris, BON. Syn. 1828, 53. — IB. Specchio comp. No. 41. — NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 178; 2d ed.
190.
Passerinu pecoris, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XXV, 1819, 22.
Psarocolius pecoris, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 20.
J\Iolothrus pecoris, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 277.— RICH. List, 1837.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850,
436 — AUD. Syn. 1839, 139.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 16; pi. 212.— CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851 ,
193.
? Oriolusfuscus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 393.
? Sturnus obscurus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 804. Evidently a Molothrus, and probably, but not certainly, the
present species.
l'Icterus emberizoides, DAUDIN."
? Sturnus junceti, LATH. Ind. I, 1790, 326, (same as Sturnus obscurus, GM.)
? Fringilla ambigua, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 484, (young).
SP. CH. — Second quill longest ; first scarcely si lorter. Tail nearly even, or very slightly rounded. Male with the head,
neck, and anterior half of the breast, light chocolate brown, rather lighter above; rest of body lustrous black, with a violet
purple gloss next to the brown, of steel blue on the back, and of green elsewhere. Female light olivaceous brown all over,
lighter on the head and beneath. Bill and feet black. Length 8 inches; wing, 4.42; tail, 3.40.
Hob. — United States from the Atlantic to California; not found immediately on the coast of the Pacific ?
The young bird of the year is brown above, brownish white beneath; the throat immaculate.
A maxillary stripe and obscure streaks thickly crowded across the whole breast and sides.
There is a faint indication of a paler superciliary stripe. The feathers of the upper parts are
all margined with paler. There are also indications of the light bands on the wings. These
markings are all obscure, but perfectly appreciable, and their existence in adult birds may be
considered as embryonic, and showing an inferiority in degree to the species with the under
parts perfectly plain.
The Fringilla pecoris of G-melin, from which the specific name of the bird is usually derived^
is based essentially on the Fringilla virginiana of Brisson. The description is " brown, beneath
paler, tail sub-bifurcated." This is scarcely a satisfactory diagnosis, although the descriptions
of Pennant and Latham, likewise quoted by G-melin, are very accurate. The Sturnus obscurus
of G-melin is evidently a Molothrus, but described from Mexico, and may possibly not be the
present species, although the chances are in its favor. The Oriolusfuscus of Gmelin is probably
the present bird, but may be a Seolecophagus. Under the circumstances, therefore, it may be as
well to retain the name of pecoris, about which, from the context there can be no doubt, in pre
ference to using any of the really prior names of fuscus or obscurus.
BIRDS ICTERIDAE AGELAIUS.
525
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Remarks.
1405
1559
611
6486
8341
8378
5808
9337
9336
9334
4365
5368
4655
5327
5681
5681
5678
SOU
5009
5013
4967
4966
8759
8761
8763
4580
4585
4582
(10.
4584
8764
T\
<J
Q
(J
$
O
(J
9
Q
<?
'c?
9
(J
9
9
(J
1
*
9
Q
C?
Carlisle, Pa
April 30, 1844
Miiy 20,1844
April 2,1842
S. F. Baird
8.00
8.00
13.66
13.50
4.41
4.41
do
do
do
do
Independence, Mo
do
Fort Riley, K. T
June 30, 1857
June 20,1857
Win. M. Magraw. . .
do
Dr. Hammond and
J. X. de Vesey.
Lt. Warren
do
66
81
Dr. Cooper ....
do
8.00
7.75
13.75 4.50
13.00 4.25
Loup fork
Aug. 3, 1857
do
Dr. Ilayden....
do
7.50
6.75
7.12
8.00
13.75
12.62
12.25
13.50
4.25
3.87
4.00
4.37
Iris dark brown
do i
do
do
Mouth of Yellowstone
do
Aug. 1, 1857
July 23,1856
July 2-3,1856
do
do
.... do
(JO
do
...do.. ,
Fort Pierre
Medicine Hill
May 2,1855
June 24, 1856
July 16,1856
..do
Col. Vaughan
Lt. Warren
do
do
7.75
12.75
4.00
Platte river
Lt. Bryan
117
115
W. S. Wood...
do
do
. tin. .
Pole creek, Neb. T
Pecos crossing, Texas. .
July 24,1856
May 8,1855
do
149 do
106 1
i
Eyes dark br'n ; gums
yellow ; feet gray.
Eyes bl'k ; gums blue ;
feet gray.
do
69
Rio Frio, Texas
April 21,1855
do .
49
do
do
Los Nogalos, Mexico. ..
C? Fort Yuma, Cal
do
Lt. Williamson
82
Dr. Kennedy..
Dr. Heermann .
.. .. do.. .
Jan. 28,1855
,\n
j
9
Gila river, N. M
Sacramento valley
Dec. 6,1854
do
Lt. Williamson
28
do
Dr. Heermann.
AGELAIUS, Vieillot.
Jlgelaius, VIEILLOT, "Analyse, 1816." Type Oriolus phoeniceus, L.
CH. — First quill shorter than second ; claws short ; the outer lateral scarcely reaching the base of the middle. Culmen
depressed at base, parting the frontal feathers ; length equal to that of the head, shorter than tarsus. Both mandibles of equal
thickness and acute at tip, the edges much curved, the culmen, gonys, and commissure nearly straight or slightly sinuated ; the
length of bill about twice its height. Tail moderate, r ounded, or very slightly graduated. Wingspointed, reaching to end of
lower tail coverts. Colors black with red shoulders in North American species.
The nostrils are small, oblong, overhung by a membranous scale. The bill is higher than
broad at the base. There is no division between the anterior tarsal scutellae and the single
plate on the outside of the tarsus.
The Agelaius icteroceplialus of North America (type of genus Xanthoceplialus) differs from true
Agelaius in a nearly even tail. The claws are considerably larger, and the inner lateral reaches
to the middle of the middle claw. The first primary is longest.
526
U. S. P. K. H. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of the species.
6
"3
ed
O
Species.
Locality.
H
02
So
CJ
o
^ 5
02
_g
'3
EH
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
« QJ
0
•r. -
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gap«.
Specimen
measured.
5531
Agelaius gubernator
Petaluma, Cal
3
8.70
4.96
4.00
1.20
1.15
0.34
0.89
0.43
0.85
0.86
Skin
5530
do
do
o
7.00
4.16
3.26
1.04
1.00
0.33
0.80
0,38
0.73
0,76
Skin
do.
do
do
7.75
11.50
4.75
Fresh
1386
Agelaius phoeniceus
Carlisle, Pa
S
8.60
4.84
4.06
1.14
1.08
0.31
0.84
0.38
0.94
0.94
Skin
do.
do
do
9.50
15.50
5.00
Fresh
7002
do
St. Louis, Mo
Q
7.40
3.83
3.18
1.02
0.96
0.28
0.74
0.34
0.74
0.78
Skin
2174
.. .do ....
Carlisle, Pa
O
7.10
3.96
3.40
1.05
1.00
0.29
0.80
0.40
0.76
0.80
2836
Agelaius tricolor
Smta Barbara, Cal...
9.04
4.82
3.78
1.18
1.10
0.34
0.87
0.40
0.94
0.98
Skin
8596
do
Sacramento Valley...
9
7.20
4.24
3.44
1.04
0.98
0.28
0.76
0.34
0.80
0.88
Skin
3912
Agelaius ictorocephalus . .
California
S
9.80
5.58
4.46
1.33
1.30
0.41
1.04
0.48
0.98
1.00
Skin
8555
do
Jano, Mexico
10.30
5.50
4.56
1.40
1.32
0.38
1.04
0.50
0.89
0.88
Skin
6557
do
Fort Riley, K. T
7.20
4 49
3.60
1.16
1.14
0.38
O.S6
0.44
0.70
0.72
Skin
SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES.
Tail rounded, or graduated; height of bill half or more than its length. Shoulders and lesser
coverts bright crimson.
Median wing coverts brownish yellow to the end. Bill with longitudinal wrinkles on
bol ] i mandibles A . phoeniceus .
Median Aving coverts black for the exposed portion, brownish yellow at the base. Lower
jaw with transverse wrinkles A. gubernator.
Tail nearly even ; height of bill at base less than half its length. Shoulders and lesser
coverts dark brownish orange ; median coverts white A. tricolor.
AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS, Vieillot.
Swamp Blackbird; Red-wiiig Blackbird.
Oriolus phoeniceus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 161.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 386.— LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 428.
Agelaius phoeniceus, "VIEILLOT, Anal. 1816." — SVVAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 280. — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB.
Consp. 1850, 430.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 141.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 31 ; pi. 216.
Icterus phoeniceus, LIGHT. Verz. 1823, No. 188.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 68.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 318 : V,
1839, 487; pi. 67.
Psarocolius phoeniceus, WAGLER, Syst. Nat. 1827, No. 10.
Icterus (Xanthornus) phoeniceus, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 52. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 167 ; 2d ed. 179.
Sturnus praedatorius, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 30 ; pi. xxx.
Red-ivinged oriole, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 255.
SP. CH. — Tail much rounded ; the lateral feathers about half an inch shorter. Fourth quill longest ; first about as long as the
fifth. Bill large, stout ; half as high, or more than half as high as long.
Male. — General color uniform lustrous velvet black, with a greenish reflection. Shoulders and lesser wing coverts of a bright
crimson or vermilion red. Middle coverts brownish yellow, and usually paler towards the tips.
Female. — Brown above, the feathers edged or streaked with rufous brown and yellowish ; beneath white, streaked with brown =
Fore part of throat, superciliary, and median stripo strongly tinged with brownish yellow. Length of male, 9.50 ; wing, 5 ; tail, 4.15.
Hub. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific.
The bill is nearly straight in its outlines ; the commissure, except at base, perfectly so ; the
thickness of both mandibles the same, measured at the bend of the commissure, and perpendicular
to the upper and lower outlines. There are faint indications of striae on the bill proceeding
BIRDS ICTERIDAE AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS. 527
from the nostrils and parallel with the upper outline, as well as at the base of the lower jaw
nearly parallel with the gonys. The greatest depth of the bill, measured at the base of, and
perpendicular to the lower outline, is just half the length of the culmen, which is about as long
as the skull. The third and fourth quills are longest ; the first about equal to the fifth. The
tail is considerably rounded, the lateral ones about .30 to .50 of an inch shorter. The tarsus is
about equal to the middle toe.
The female differs greatly in appearance. The prevailing color above is brownish black, all
the feathers margined with reddish brown ; some of those on the back with brownish yellow,
which on the median and greater wing coverts forms two bands. The under parts are dull
whitish, each feather broadly streaked centrally with dark brown; the chin and throat
yellowish and but little streaked. There is a distinct whitish superciliary streak alongside the
head tinged anteriorly with brownish yellow, and another less distinct in the median line of the
crown. There is usually no indication of any red on the wing, but in one specimen, (2174,)
marked barren female, the plumage generally is darker and approximating to that of the male;
the shoulders red, streaked with black ; the light markings about the head tinged with rose
color. The immature males exhibit every possible condition of coloration between that of the
old male and of the female.
There is some variation in the shade of red on the shoulders, which is sometimes of the color
of arterial blood or bright crimson. It never, however, has the haematitic tint of the red in
A. tricolor. The middle coverts are sometimes uniform brownish yellow to the very tips ;
sometimes some of these middle coverts are tipped at the end with black, but these black tips
are usually of slight extent.
There is some variation in the size and proportions of the bill. The most striking is in a
series of three from the Eed Eiver settlement, decidedly larger than more southern ones, (wing,
5.15 ; tail, 4.40.) The bill is about as long as that of Pennsylvania specimens, but much
stouter, the thickness at the base being considerably more than half the length of the culmen.
One specimen from San Elizario, Texas, has the bill of much the same size and proportions.
A specimen (4050) from Saltillo has the lobe in the commissure larger, and the terminal
portion of the commissure much emarginated.
528
U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1367
rf
Ca li e Pa
April 17,1844
S.F.Baird
8 91
14.66
4 66
1386
3
April 21,1841
do
9.50
15.50
5 00
816
Q
(]o
Oct. 19,1642
do
7.50
12.50
3 75
10138
>
J. C. McGuire ...
6941
Red river, H. B. T
D. Gunn
6942
do
do
8589
Sauk Ford, Min
1853
Gov. Stevens....
Dr. Suckley.
8590
do
1853
do
... .do
April 23,
N. W. University
R. Kennicott
7002
o
May 8,1857
40
W. S. Wood
8338
*
June 6, 1857
9.25
14.75
5 12
4644
J|
April 27, 1855
53-'5
Lt. Warren
do
9.25
15 75
5.00
5326
O
June 25,1856
do
do
7.25
12.50
4.00
4757
J"
Big Neinaha, K. T
April 23, 1856
do
do
9.25
15 00
4 75
9332
;?
July 1,
do
do
8.37
15.12
5.00
Iris dark brown
9331
J>
Sand Hills of Platte
do
do
8.75
15.00
4 75
9329
,7
do
Au". 10, •
do
do
9.25
15.25
4.87
9330
X
Loup Fork of Platte
July 35
do
do
9.50
15.25
5.00
9333
X
do
July 1,
. ... do
do
8.50
15.75
5.00
5670
J>
July 14,1856
104
W. S. Wood.
8244
7092
8
3
100 miles E. of Ft. Kearney
Oct. 25,1857
June 12,1857
Wm. M. Magraw.
226
34
Ur. Cooper..
9.62
15.75
5.25
5000
j>
Mar. 29,1855
Capt. Pope
40
9 50
13.50
4 50
4048
o
Feb. 11,1853
Lt. Couch
20
7.00
11.75
4 00
4049
V
x
Mar. —,1851
do
170
8.50
13.50
4.75
4047
4050
Q?
do
Saltillo, Mex
April —,1853
May — , 1853
do
do
182
17
6.50
8.00
11.50
13 00
3.75
4.75
8591
Dec. — ,1854
7
Dr. Konncrly.
5004
r?
Doila Ana, N. Mex
Nov. 11,1855
Capt. Pope
155
9.00
15.50
5.00
5003
,?
.. ..do
Nov. 3, 1855
do
153
9.25
16.00
5.25
8579
Fort Thorn, N. M
8574
(7
Fort Conrad, N. M
Oct. — ,1853
Lt. Whipple
8576
Cold Spring, N. M
Nov. 17,
do
23
do
8578
Mar. 19,1854
. do
187
do
8 50
15.00
5.50
8573
Cal.
Er>-pia, Mex
45
....do
4952?
San Jose, Cal
14
8582
g
Ft. Vancouver, O. T
Jan. 20,1854
19
8 25
12 75
8583
g
Ft. Steilacoom, W. T
April
Dr. Suckley
342
8 00
12 GO
8584
<j
do
April 25, 1856
do
341
10.00
14.00
8585
$
do
do
do
339
9 50
14.00
8586
do
do ....
do
340
9 50
13 00
BIRDS — ICTERIDAE AGELAIUS GUBERNATOR. 529
AGELAIUS GUBERNATOR, Bon.
Red-shouldered Blackbird.
Psarocolius gubernalor, WAOLER, Tsis, 1832, iv, 281.
Jlgelaius gubernator, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1S50, 430.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 141.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,
29 ; pi. 215.— NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 86.
Icterus (Zanthornus) gubernator, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 187.
Sp. CH. — Bill rather shorter than the head, without any longitudinal sulci, but with faint traces of transverse ones at the
base of the lower jaw. Tail rounded. First quill nearly equal to the fourth.
Male. — Throughout of a lustrous velvety black, with a greenish reflection. The shoulders and leaser coverts rich crimson ;
the middle coverts brownish yellow at the base, but the exposed portion black.
Female. — Dusky, varied with paler. Length, 9 ; wing, 5 ; tail, 3.80.
Hub. — Pacific coast of the United States. Colorado river?
The bill of this species is rather small, being scarcely as long as the head. It is about half
as high at the base as long, and exhibits no sulci on the upper mandible. At the base of the
lower jaw are some sulci or wrinkles perpendicular to the commissure. The second, third, and
fourth quills are nearly equal ; the first between the fourth and fifth. The tail is considerably
rounded ; the lateral feather about .30 of an inch shortest. The feet are rather slender.
A female is throughout of a dark brownish black, scarcely varied at all, except on the chin
and throat, which are reddish white streaked with brown. There is a rather distinct super
ciliary stripe of reddish white. The shoulder feathers are edged with darkish rose color.
I find it exceedingly difficult to distinguish satisfactorily this species from the A. phoeniceus
in certain stages of plumage. The bill is a little smaller, with a tendency to transverse
sulcations on the lower mandible ; the proportions are much the same ; stouter than in tricolor.
The tail is almost as much rounded ; much more so than in A. trico7or. The red on the
shoulder is of much the same brilliant crimson, but it is confined to the lesser coverts ; the
bases of the middle row of coverts are brownish yellow, but the exposed portion is black instead
of being brownish yellow as in phoeniceus, or white as in tricolor. Sometimes, however, by the
elongation of the yellowish basal portion, some of this color shows beyond the red as in
phoeniceus. Wherever, however, these middle coverts were all tipped with black, even if
not very broadly, 1 have referred the species to gubernator, as in a large series of phoeniceus I
have seen but one or two with a black tip to even some of these coverts.
The females are scarcely to be distinguished from those of A. tricolor, except possibly by the
more rounded tail, and stouter, shorter bill. It was at one time supposed that the female of
gubernator was the darker, but there are three specimens before me, (4598 — 4600,) which, in
the amount of light color beneath, approximate to A. phoeniceus. It is quite possible that there
may be another species mixed in with the supposed tricolor and gubernator, and distinct from
phoeniceus, but the specimens before me are not sufficient to decide the question.
The transverse striae or wrinkles at the base of the lower jaw, and the absence of any on the
upper, appear in most cases to be quite characteristic and appreciable, (in the adult males at
least,) as compared with the longitudinal wrinkles on both mandibles of A. phoeniceus and
tricolor.
The females of both A. tricolor and gubernator appear to lack the trace of a median stripe on
the crown seen in phoeniceus.
June 25, 1858.
G7 b
530
U. S. P. B. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — -
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
2835
2
S F. Baird
J. K.Tovrasend .
KKQ1
^
Pnf.jlnmsj Pal
Feb — , 1856
E Samuels
195
5526
J?
do
do
183
5530
o
do
May 14, 1856
do
839
7.75
11.54
4.33
S'V)1
¥
K D. Cutts
KOQ9
3
Santa Clara Cal
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Cooper
8.00
13.00
5935
o
do
do.
..do
8. 12
13.50
RfiOT
V
Lt. Williamson..
Dr He-ermfinn
QCQ7
Camp 150 Cocomongo
May 19 1854
Lt Whipple
188
Kenn & Moll
4599 '
ranch, Cal.
Colorado river, Cal
Major Emory
50
A. Schott
4600 '•
do
do
do
AKQQ '<
do
' Mar 1851
do
50
do
AGELAIUS TRICOLOR, Bon.
Red and white-shouldered Blackbird.
Icterus tricolor, " NUTTALL," AUD. Orn. Bio?. V, 1839, 1 ; pi. 388.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 186.
Jlgelaius tricolor, BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 141.— IB. Birds Ainer. IV, 1842, 27 ; pi. 214.
SP. CH. — Tail nearly even. Second and third quills longest ; first a little shorter than the fourth. Bdl slender, not half as
high as long.
Male — General color uniform lustrous velvet black, with a decided greenish reflection. Shoulders and lesser wing coverts
brownish red, of much the color of venous blood -, the median coverts of a well-defined and nearly pure white, with sometimes
a brownish tinge.
Female. — Dark brown, variegated with dark grayish ash. No median stripe on the crown, nor any maxillary one, and scarcely
a superciliary.
Length, 9.20 ; wing, 4.85 ; tail, 3.90.
Hab. — Coast of California. Colorado river ?
The bill of this species is about the length of that of A. phoeniceus, it is, however, lower ; the
greatest height perpendicular to the base of the gonys being considerably less than half the
culmen. There are distinct wrinkles or striae extending from the nostrils parallel with the
culmen, and sometimes on the lower jaw nearly parallel with the gonys. Tail very nearly even,
or slightly rounded. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. The second and third quills are
longest ; the first much longer than the fifth.
The female of this species is dark brown above, the feathers margined with brownish gray ;
the under parts dark gray, the feathers broadly streaked with dark brown. The throat is con
spicuously streaked, its ground color lighter than on the belly. There is a faint indication of a
paler superciliary stripe, most distinct behind the eye. In one specimen there is no red on the
wing ; in another it is quite distinct. The under surface of the wing and the axillaries are
sooty plumbeous brown.
Immature males sometimes have the white on the wing tinged with brownish yellow, as in
A. plioeniceus. The red, however, has the usual brownish orange shade so much darker and
duller than the brilliantly scarlet shoulders of the other species. The relationships generally
between the two species are very close, but the bill, as stated, is slenderer and more sulcate
in tricolor, the tail much more nearly even ; the first primary longer, usually nearly equal to or
longer than the fourth instead of the fifth.
BIRDS ICTERIDAE XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEPIIALUS.
531
The female of A. tricolor is much grayer than phoeniceus, lacking the yellow and reddish brown
margins to the feathers of the latter. The light margins beneath are gray, not white ; besides,
being narrower. There is no median stripe on the head ; and the superciliary stripe is scarcely
visible. There is none of the yellow about the head seen in phoeniceus; the throat is more
streaked, and there is no light maxillary stripe cut off by an inferior one of black.
The relationships of the female to that of A. gubernator are, however, very close ; so much
so that, in the absence of a sufficiently large series of well established specimens, I can only
refer to the usually slenderer and longer bill and more even tail of tricolor, to distinguish them.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
4601
Colorado liver, Cal.
Dec. , 1854..-
Major Emory
19
Dr. Kennerly
2836
A
Santa Barbara Cal
S. F. Baird.
Thomas Nuttall (Type)
5934
Santa Clara Cal
Governor Stevens
Dr. Cooper
59361
0 ?
do
...do
do . .
8595
J
Lieut. Williamson
Dr Heermann
8596
Q
do
do
do
8593
+
Presidio, Cal
July 9, 1853
Lieut. Trowbridi^e
147
5532
O
Petaluma, Cal
E. Samuels
1 Length, 8. 00 ; Extent, 13 inches.
XANTHOCEPHALUS, Bo nap.
Xanthocephalus, BONAF. Conspectus, 1850, 431. Type Icterus icterocephalus, Bonap.
CH. — Bill conical, the length about twice the height ; the outlines nearly straight. Claws all very long ; much curved ; tho
inner lateral the longest, reaching beyond the middle of the middle claw. Tail narrow, nearly even, the outer web scarcely
widening to the end. Wings long, much longer than the tail ; the first quill longest.
This genus differs from typical Agelaius in much longer and more curved claws, even tail, and
first quill longest, instead of the longest being the second, third or fourth. The yellow head
and black body are also strong marks. The measurements will be found in the table with
Agelaius.
XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEPHALUS, Baird.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Icterus icterocephalus, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 27 ; pi. iii. — NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 176. — IB. 2d ed. 187. Not Oriolus
icterocephalus, Linn.
Jlgeluius icterocephalus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 188.
Icterus (Xanthormts) xanthocephalus, BONAP. J. A. N. Sc. V, n, Feb. 1826, 222.— IB. Syn. 1828, 52.
Icterus xanthocephalus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 6 ; pi. 388.
Jlgelaius xanthocephalus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 281.— BON. List, 1838-— AUD. Syn. 1839, 140.— IB. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 24 : pi. 213.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route; Rep. P. R. R.
Surv. VI, iv. 1857, 86.
Jlgelaius longipes, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 436.
Psarocolius perspicillatus, " LIGHT." WAGLER, Isis, 1829, vn, 753.
Icterus perspicillatus, " LICHT. in Mus." WAGLER, as above.
Xanthocephalus perspicillatus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 431.
Icterus frenatus, LICHT. Isis, 1843, 59. — REINHARDT, in Kroyer's Tidskrift, IV.— IB. Vidensk. Meddel. for 1853,
1854, 82. Greenland.
£p. CH. — First quill nearly as long as the second and third, (longest,) decidedly longer than the third. Tail rounded, or
slightly graduated. General color black, including the inner surface of wings and axillaries, base of lower mandible all round,
leathers adjacent to nostrils, lores, upper eyelids, and remaining space around the eye. The head and neck all round ; the fore
532
U. S. P. K. B. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
part of the breast, extending some distance down on the median line, and a somewhat hidden space round the anus, yellow. A
conspicuous white patch at the base of the wing formed by the spurious feathers, interrupted by the black alula.
Female smaller, browner ; the yellow confined to the under parts and sides of the head, and a superciliary line. A dusky
maxillary line. No white on the wing. Length of male, 10.00 inches ; wing, 5.60 ; tail, 4.50.
ffab. Western America from Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Red river, to California, south into Mexico. Green
land, Reinhardt.
The color of the yellow in this species varies considerably ; sometimes being almost of a lemon
yellow, sometimes of a rich orange. There is an occasional trace of yellow around the base of
the tarsus.
The female differs considerably in appearance, as above mentioned. Sometimes the superciliary
stripe is broader, and involves much of the side of the neck. The feathers on the middle of the
breast are sometimes edged with whitish. The young male of the year is like the female, but
larger, and likewise lacks the white of the wing. Immature males of more adult condition
have the yellow of the head and neck variously clouded with black margins, especially on the
upper surface.
A very young bird has the head and back brownish yellow, the wing coverts with a broad
bar of white.
This species is very widely distributed throughout the North American continent, having
even been found in Greenland. Its eastern limit in the United States appears to be Illinois. It
is essentially a prairie bird.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
4332
6943
1873
1872
2840
4653
5323
7003
8220
8221
5674
8792
8794
5671
6556
4962
4045
4046
4996
4997
4998
8564
8570
8554
4594
8572
4561
8571
5534
4475
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
0
Racine, Wis
April
1854
N. W. University.
Dr. Hoy
D. Gunn
O-i O O-i O-j a* OyO-i-tO
Fort Union, Neb
do.... ....
S. F. Baird
do
J. J. Audubon..
do
do
K. Harris
Fort Pierre, Neb
15 miles below Ft. Pierre
South Platte River
April 25, 1855
June 28, 1856
Aug. 25, 1857
Sept. — , 1857
Sept. 12, 1857
July 15, 1856
Aug. 20
Aug. 26, 1857
Sept. 25, 1856
Lieut. Warren . . .
do
Lieut. Bryan
Wm. M. Magiaw..
do
Lieut. Bryan
Wm. Magraw....
do
Lieut. Bryan
Dr. Wm. A. Ham
435
203
204
113
65
167
354
W. S. Wood...
Fort Laramie, Neb
do
Forks of Platte River. . .
North Fork Platte
15 miles east Ft. Laramie
Dr. Cooper ...
do
W. S. Wood...
10.50
10.00
17.25
17.00
5.50
5.50
Feet black
Iris brown ; bill and feet
black
do
W. S. Wood...
10.50
17.25
6.00
do do
9
S
Fort Chadbuurne, Tex .
mond.
Dr. Swift
3
9
........
'"(?'"
(?
May —,1853
... do
do
do
Del. Creek and Pecos..
Pecos R, Texas
Devil's Kiver, Texas....
Mirnbres to Rio Grande.
El Paso
Sawatch Pass
Colorado River, Cal
July 16, 1856
April 26, 1856
May 2, 1855
109
10.00
10.00
15.50
16.50
5.00
5.25
Eyes dark brown ; gums
yellow.
Bill and feet black
do
do
193
63
Bill brown ; feet gray.
Dr. Henry
iMajor Emory
Lieut. Beckwith..
Major Emory
15
55
A. Schott
Mr. Kreutzfeldt.
A. Schott
Lieut. Williamson
A. J. Grayson... .
Dr. Heermann .
San Jose Cal
c?
466
Rhett Lake, Cal
Lieut. Williamson
1 Dr. Newberry. .
BIRDS ICTERIDAE — TKUPIALIS MILITARIS.
533
TRUPIALIS, Bonaparte.
Trupialis, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 429. Type Sturnus militaris, L.
Pezites, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 191. Type Sturnus loyca, Mol.
CH. — Form of Sturnella. Bill elongated ; length about two and a half times the height. Feathers on top of head with bristly
shafts. Tail feathers broad, widening at the ends ; the inner corner rounded off. Hind toe nearly as long as the middle.
Above banded ; throat and beneath red, without any crescent.
This genus, formerly united with Sturnella, is very similar, having the same general appear
ance The bill is higher at the base, and more like Agelaius; it is longer than the head, and
about equal to the tarsus. The tarsus is longer than the middle toe, which is scarcely longer
than the hinder. The toes are much shorter, the claws sharper and more curved, than in Stur
nella. The tail is differently formed, being rather broad and rounded, with feathers widening
externally at the tip, instead of being formed of narrow, lanceolate, acute feathers, with the
outer web the same throughout. •
•
Comparative measurements of species.
6
X
£
«
O
Species.
Locality.
H
VI
SD
c
J
o
r- &
"5 **
<= .5 tL
Is ^ i
1
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
£
CC •
0 C
c
•r. «
Hind toe
and claw.
V
c
*" aj
•a c
= 7=
ffi
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
1303
Carlisle, Pa
3
9 10
4 79
3 60
1 60
1.-16
0.32
1.22
0 54
1.32
1.48
Skin
do.
do
10.58
16.08 4 91
1555
do
do
O
7.60
4.28
2 80
1.57
1.38
0.33
1.12
0.47
1.12
1.21
Skin
do.
do
do
9 00
14.50 i 4.41
8614
J>
9.50
4.81
3.28
1.47
1.40
0.33
1.13
0.46
1.38
1.46
Skin
do.
do
do
10.00
15.50 4.75
Fresh
5336
do
Mouth of Yellowstone
Q
8.00
4.36
2 79
1.45
1.18
0.32
1.07
0.47
1.12
1.23
Skin
do.
do
do
8.50
14 50 4 50
Fresh
105292
do
Fort Tejon, Cal
;?
8.70
.... ! 4.88
3 88
1.58
1.20
0.26
1.00
0.40
1.32
1.40
Skin
10316
do.
9 00
4 96
3 3.i
1 46
1 36
0 33
1 09
0 48
1 28
1 40
Skin
9€93
1950
Sturnella hippocrepis. . .
Mexico
Brazil
7.50
8.90
' 4.16
4.29
2.95
3.21
1.66
1.62
1.45
1.40
0.38
0.33
1.28
1.22
0.55
0.53
1.16
1.58
1.15
1.66
Skin
Skin
4230
1794
Trupialis militaris
Trupialis brevirostris. ..
San Francisco, Cal. ..
Mexico?
9.30
8.62
i 4.74
4.22
3.98
2.80
1.40
1.22
1.16
1.28
0.32
0.32
1.18
1.00
0.46
0.43
1.27
1.13
1.24
1.10
Skin
Skin
TRUPIALIS MILITARIS, Bonap.
Red-breasted Lark.
Sturnus militaris, LINN. Mantissa, 1771, 527.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 803- (Falklands.)
Trupialis militaris, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 429.
Pezites loyca, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 191.
SP.CH. — Bill lunger than the head ; shaped like Sturnella. First quill between fourth and fifth in length. Tail slightly
graduated ; the lateral feathers about .20 of an inch shorter. Above dark brown, each feather edged with yellowish brown ;
the exposed surfaces of wings, tail coverts, and tail almost an olive brown ; the rump grayer ; all banded narrowly and trans
versely with dark brown, of which color are the concealed portions of wing and tail. A spot in front of the eye, bend of
•wings, extreme shoulder, with the under parts, red. The sides of the head, neck, and body, with the hinder part of the
abdomen and under tail coverts, black, the feathers edged with gray, and showing indistinct transverse bands. The red of the
chin passing up on the side of the lower jaw. A faint median, and conspicuous superciliary stripe, with the under wing coverts,
white. Tibia brown. Length, 9.50 ; wing, 4.90 ; tail, 4.10.
Hab. — West coast of South America, around to Falkland Islands. Perhaps in Brazil. Coast of California?
In this species the blackish on the side of the neck extends inwards so as to leave a very narrow
streak of red just on the upper part of the neck. The red extends nearly as far back as the
534
U. S P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
anus. There is a strong shade of gray on the feathers of the sides of the body and the rump.
The exposed surface of the closed wing and tail exhibits transverse bars going entirely across
the web of the feathers ; most distinct on the upper tail coverts. The bars on the tail are
mainly confined to the two median feathers, but may be seen on the tips of the others. The
outer edge of the first primary is broadly white ; a less pure shade of the same on the others.
The white superciliary stripe on the side of the head and nape is very distinct, and changes
anteriorly to red. The lower eyelid and a small maxillary spot are white.
A single specimen of this species (4230) was obtained in San Francisco by Mr. E. D. Cutts
of the Coast Survey, from a collector, who asserted positively that it had been shot by him in
San Francisco county. It is mentioned in the " Voyage de la Venus" (Zoologie, I, 1855, 203)
as having been shot at Monterey by Dr. Neboux, surgeon of the expedition. There is still
some uncertainty, however, as to whether it be really entitled to a place in the fauna of the
United States, as Mr. Cutts may have been deceived by his informant, and the indications of
the Zoologists of the Venus as to the existence of other species of Vertebrata in California are
certainly erroneous, owing doubtless to accidental transposition of labels.
The specimen sent in by Mr. Cutts agrees perfectly with those collected in Chile by Lieutenant
Grillis, and which are considered by some to be the true Sturnus loyca of Molina. Cabanis considers
the S. militaris of Linnaeus to be the S. defillippii of Bonaparte, a species found in Brazil,
Paraguay, Montevideo, &c., similar in other respects, but with the under wing coverts blackish,
not white. Another species from Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, (?) (1794,) has the bill much
shorter and higher at the base, (nearly half as high as long, and more like that of an oriole.)
The red of the breast does not pass on to the belly at all, nor that of the chin on the side of the
jaw. The white on the inside of the wing is purer. There is no median stripe on the crown.
There are no transverse bars on the tail and its upper coverts, except faint indications on the
edges and tips. The tibia are pure white instead of brown, and the black of the under parts is
clearer. This is described by Cabanis as Pezites brevirostris, and referred by him in part to the
Trupialis loyca of Bp. Conspectus, 429. Cabanis also considers the true S. militaris of Linnaeus
to be the one with the black under wing coverts. It is difficult to say whether Cabanis or
Bonaparte be correct in their determinations, but there is no question that the subject of the
present article is found as far north on the east coast of South America as the Rio Negro,
whence specimens were brought by the United States Exploring Expedition. There is no
evidence that the black-winged species occurs as far south as the Falkland Islands or the
Magellan region, from which it appears that the specimens of Linnaeus and of Buffon were obtained.
The short-billed species is also found in Chile, as shown by the collections of the United States
Exploring Expedition. The bird described by Gay as Chilian., under the name of Leistes
americanus (on the plate as Sturnus militaris') is said to have black under wing coverts, and
thus referrible to S. defillippii of Bonaparte. As, therefore, all three species appear to be found
in Chile, it is impossible to say what is the true S. loyca of Molina, and it may be best to follow
Bonaparte in his identification.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
4230
San Prancisco Cal
1853 '54
R. L>. Cutts
8627
rf
Chile
Lieut. G illis
8628
Q
do ..
do
BIRDS ICTERIDAE 6TURNELLA MAGNA. 535
STURNELLA, Vieillot.
Sturnella, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. Type *1lauda magna, L.
CH. — Body thick, stout; legs large, toes reaching beyond the tail. Tail short, even, with narrow acuminate feathers. Bill
slender, elongated ; length about three times the height ; commissure straight from the basal angle. Culmen flattened basally,
extending backwards and parting the frontal feathers ; longer than the head, but shorter than tarsus. Nostrils linear, covered
by an incumbent membranous scale. Inner lateral toe longer than the outer, but not reaching to basal joint of middle; hind
toe a little shorter than the middle, which is equal to the tarsus. Hind claw nearly twice as long as the middle. Feathers ot
head stiffened, and bristly ; the shafts of those above extended into a black seta. Tertials nearly equal to the primaries.
Feathers above all transversely banded. Beneath yellow, with a black pectoral crescent.
The two species will be best distinguished by the following diagnoses :
Yellow of chin and throat not extending on the side of the lower jaw. Tail feathers and
tertials with the centres dusky, and sending out scollops or dentations of the same color towards
the margins S. magna.
Yellow of chin and throat extending on the side of the lower jaw. Tail feathers and tertials
with a tendency to transverse isolated bands ,,, S. neglecta.
STURNELLA MAGNA, Sw.
Meadow Lark ; Old Field Lark.
Jllauda magna, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 167, ed. 10 ; (based on Jllauda magna, Catesby, tab. 33.) — IB. 12th ed.
1766, 289.— GM. I, 1788, 801.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 20 ; pi. xix.— DOUGHTY, Cab. I,
1830,85; pi. v.
Sturnella magna, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 436.
Sturnus ludovicianus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 290. — GM. I, 802. — LATH. Ind. I, 1790, 323. — BON. Obs.
Wils. 1825, 130.— LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 165.— AUD. Orn. Biog, II, 1834,216 : V, 1839,
492 ; pi. 136.
Sturnella ludoviciana, SWAINSON, P. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 282.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 147. — BON. List, 1838. —
IB. Conspectus, 1850, 429.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 148.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 70; pi. 223.—
CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851,192.
Sturnella collaris, VIEILL. Analyse, 1816. — IB. Galerie des Ois. I, 1824, 134 ; pi. xc.
Sturnus collaris, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, 1. — IB. Isis, 1831, 527.
" Cacicus alaudarius, DAUDIN," Cabanis.
Sp. CH — The feathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, and with a terminal blotch of pale reddish brown.
Exposed portions of wings and tail with transverse dark brown bars which on the middle tail feathers are confluent alono- the
shaft. Beneath yellow, with a black pectoral crescent, the yellow not extending on the side of the maxilla ; sides, crissum, and
tibiae pale reddish brown, streaked with blackish. A light median and superciliary stripe, the latter yellow anterior to the eye ;
a black line behind.
Length, 10.60; wing,5; tail, 3. 70; bill above, 1.35.
Hab. — Eastern United States to the High Central Plains. South to Mexico? Cuba?
In this species all the feathers of the upper parts have a border of brownish white tinged with
yellow in moderately distinct contrast, (except on the sides of the head,) a broad stripe from the
bill along side the head, (yellow anterior to the eye,) and a median stripe on top of the head,
which are entirely of this color. The feathers of the back are dark brown, passing rather
abruptly through reddish brown to the light margins described ; they are also tipped with the
same, or, perhaps, barred subterminally. The primary quills are ashy brown externally, plain
brown on the inner web, this color entering the pale tints of the outer web in obtuse dentations
not quite reaching to the outer margin. The secondaries and tertials are somewhat similar ; the
ground color of the outer web rather more rufous, the intrusion of the brown more linear. In
536 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
many of these feathers there are corresponding, but very obsolete, indentations of dark brown in
an obscure shade of reddish brown, but this is evident only in the uppermost quills towards the
inner margin, the central portion inside the rib being continuously brown. The dentations on
the outer web are connected also by a narrow stripe of brown along the outer edge of the shaft.
The outermost tertials and the exposed tips of the others have dark bands going entirely
across, and separated entirely by broader ones of dull light rufous brown. The tail feathers are
somewhat similarly marked with the wings, but the brown is always continuous on both sides
the shaft, extending outward in toothed angular lobes, but not reaching the margin ; the inner
webs, except on the innermost feathers, being continuously brown, except near the tip, where
are some obsolete fasciae. The shafts of the four outer feathers are white and bordered through
out the whole length with white, which, though narrow on the fourth feather, widens succes
sively on the rest until the outer feather is entirely white, with a small dusky streak at the end.
The upper tail coverts are streaked centrally with black, with indistinct bands at the ends.
The under parts are bright yellow (much like the yolk of an egg) from the bill to the anus ;
the sides, under tail coverts, and tibiae are dull brownish rufous white, the two former broadly
streaked with blackish brown. The larger blotches on the sides have a terminal spot of lighter.
There is a rather broad crescent of black, the horns of which go half way up the side of the
neck ; there is also a black stripe behind the eye, and a fine streak above it caused by the black
eyelashes. The yellow on the chin and upper throat is confined strictly within the rami of the
lower jaw and does not pass round on the side of the maxilla. The bill is blue, becoming
almost black on the ridge, and towards the tips ; the legs are yellowish.
The edge of the shoulder is yellow ; the axillars white ; the under wing coverts grayish white.
There is a strong shade of bluish ash on the lesser coverts.
The specimen which I have described above is a very perfect male from Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
(1303) in which the continuity of the transverse bars on the exposed surface of the tertials is
remarkably distinct. It is more the rule that these brown bars are confluent along the shaft.
The female is similar, but smaller.
A young bird, likewise from Carlisle, (1629,) has the under parts yellowish, tinged with
brownish on the sides and across the breast ; the pectoral crescent entirely wanting, and the
sides of the breast thickly streaked with blackish, with a slight pectoral band of the same. The
feathers above are brownish, with a well defined and continuous border of brownish yellow, and
with one rather large terminal spot on the back and a series on each web of the tertials of dull
light reddish brown, all within the brownish ground color. In the larger quills and tail
feathers these light spots are confluent externally and extend entirely to the lighter exterior.
The yellow spot in front of the eye is wanting.
Specimens vary considerably in the extent and intensity of the dark markings above, as well
as in size and length of bill.
Through the kindness of Dr. Hartlaub, of Bremen, I have had the opportunity of examining
a specimen of Sturnella hippocrepis, Wagler, from Cuba. According to Wagler, this differs
from S. magna in smaller size, different tail, more curved bill, and absence of the black
streak behind the eye. The skin at my command is not perfect enough to admit of a very just
comparison, but I see little that is different from continental specimens, except a narrower
pectoral collar.
A skin from Brasil (1956) differs in having a longer bill than in any other that has fallen
under my notice, measuring above 1.60 inches. The size is smaller, the color darker above.
BIRDS — ICTEEIDAB — ST URN ELL A NEGLECTA.
537
In other respects there is a great similarity. The species may, however, prove to be distinct.
The American meadow lark was first named by Linnaeus in the tenth edition of Syst. Nat.
1*758, and called Alauda magna, after Catesby's unmistakeable figure. In the twelfth edition
" Sturnus ludovicianus" makes its appearance from Brisson. The second description is absolutely
inaccurate, (" throat black,") and there is no mention of the yellow under parts. As there is a
decided priority for the name of magna, therefore, and the description accompanying it is
sufficiently accurate, while that of ludoviciana is not so, I restore the former, as used by
Wilson and Swainson.
List of specimens.
C;ital .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1303
3
Carlisle, Pa
Mar. 21, 1844
S. P. Baird ....
10.58
16 08
4 91
1613
$
do
June 24, 1844
do
9 75
15 50
4 66
1555
o
do
May 20, 1844
do
9.00
14.50
4 41
4545
Q
do
7.25
14.00
4.58
7584
do
Salem, III
April 7
N.W. University...
do
R. Kennicott
....do
2G89
A
Mar. , 1844
S F Baird
4294
1854
8190
$
July 12 1857
1^6
9 75
4 75
8177
3
July 3, 1857
do
113
do
10 25
16 00
4 87
Feet flesh
8180
do..
do
do
116
do
10.00
15.25
4 75
do
5687
X
East of Fort Riley, K. T.
June 13, 1856
5
6555
Fort Riley, K. T
9327
93-26
'$
$
Loup Fork....
do
July
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Ilaydcn
do
10.25
10 00
16.00
15.50
5.00
4.50
Iris dark brown....
Iris light yellow....
'J325
8621?
$
do
Aug. 13......
do
do
9.75
15.75
4.75
Iris dark brown....
STUENELLA NEGLECTA, Aud.
Western Lark.
Slurnella neglccta, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 339 ; pi. 487.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. H. R.
Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 86.
? Sturnella hippocrcpis, )WAGNER,) HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d series, II, 1853, 269, Suisun.
Sp. CH. — Feathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, with a terminal blotch of pale reddish brown. Exposed
portion of wings and tail with transverse bands, which, in the latter, are completely isolated from each other, narrow and
linear. Beneath yellow, with a black pectoral crescent. The yellow of the throat extending on the side of the maxilla. Sides,
crissum, and tibia very pale reddish brown, or nearly white, streaked with blackish. Head with a light median and superciliary
stripe, tb.e latter yellow in front of the eye ; a blackish line behind it. The transverse bars on the feathers above (less so on the
tail) with a tendency to become confluent near the exterior margin. Length, 10 inches ; wing, 5.25 ; tail, 3.25 ; bill, 1.25.
Hab. — Western America from High Central Plains to the Pacific ; east to Pembina, and perhaps to Wisconsin.
This species is so very closely related to the S. magna as to render it very difficult to
distinguish them. The same description as to pattern, colors, size, &c., will apply almost
equally well to both. The prevailing shade of color is, however, decidedly paler in negleda,
the light margins to the feathers being purer, the intervals of the dark markings being not
reddish brown so much as olivaceous, with a faint trace only of chestnut. As a general rule
where the dark brown in S. magna margins the shaft of the feather and sends off angular
dentations towards the exterior, in S. ncglecta it is thrown into separate narrow transverse
bauds going entirely across, and not connected by brown along the shalts. This is most
June 25, 1858.
08 b
538 U. S. P. R. R. EXF. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
particularly the case on the outer webs of the tertials and of the middle tail feathers, and to a
less marked extent on the inner webs. In some specimens of S. magna the dark bands are
entirely transverse on the exposed part of the tertials, but in the concealed portions they are
more or less confluent, and in all cases they are broader. The tip of the middle tail feathers of
S. magna very rarely shows a few completely transverse bands, but they become confluent
towards the middle, and exhibit a general tendency to angularity, whereas in S neglecta the
sides of the bands are more or less parallel and, in fact, often widen at the exterior, and become
nearly or quite confluent.
There is no difference observable in the under parts, except that, as a general thing, the sides,
tibia, and crissum are whiter, although this is not constant. There is, however, a slight tinge
of reddish in the white of S. magna scarcely found in neglecta. The yellow is rather lighter.
There seems to be a constant tendency in neglecta to an extension of the yellow of the throat
over on to the side of the lower mandible, instead of being confined strictly to the inferior surface
of the head and neck.
To sum up the preceding remarks it may be stated that the real difference between the
species lies in the greater tendency to narrow transverse bands on the upper surfaces, especially
of the middle tail feathers. Although there is an average difference in the paler tone of color
above and below, yet there are specimens, especially from Washington Territory, in which such
difference does not exist.
The yellow on the side of the lower mandible appears to be a pretty good mark. It is
not to be denied, however, that the difficulties of separating the specimens of the two species
are exceedingly great, and that in many cases it is necessary to take an average of characters,
no single one furnishing a sufficiently permanent peculiarity, and for quite a number of
western specimens, as 8621, from Fort Thorn, 8604, 8608, 8610, from Fort Steilacoom, and 8624,
from Presidio, California, I am entirely at a loss which name to assign. No. 8608, in fact, agrees
in every respect with eastern specimens.
In discussing the question of specific distinction between the two birds, the remarkable
difference in their notes, as attested by all observers from Lewis and Clarke down to the present
day, must be kept in mind.
BIRDS ICTERIDAE STURNELLA XEGLECTA.
539
Lint of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex and Locality,
age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig
No.
Collected by—
Length
. Stretcl
of wing
Wing.
Remarks.
1 939
5338
5334
534 1
53Jfi
8603
5235
4749
5339
5329
5330
4748
4752
4751
5688
9322
9321
9316
9314
9318
9319
9307
9317
9315
9312
5689
7094
5690
5020.'
8611
4064
SO 16
5018
8613
8616
5015
3705
8611
8612
8614
8615
4573
8624
8625
4939
4455
8620
8623?.''
8618
5537
8609
860.5
8604
8606
8610
5937
9324
"T
3
. Pembina, Minn
: Fort Union, Neb
Sept. 24
June 30, 1843
N. W. University.
S. F. Baird
R. Kennicott. ..
do
do
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden
9.25
8.50
8.62
8.50
9.50
10.00
9.62
8.37
9.25
9.87
10.12
9.25
14.00
14.50
13.00
14.50
14.50
15.62
16.37
13.75
15.50
16.12
16.25
15.25
4.50
4.50
4 37
4.50
4.50
5.00
5.25
4.50
4.50
5.25
4.75
5.25
""3"
Yellowstone
do
July 25,1856
July 23, 1856
Sept. 5,1853
Oct. 4,1856
! May 11
June 25, 1856
July 1,1856
July 17,1856
May 15,1856
do
do
do
| Fort Berilon
Fort Pierre, Neb
He Tower
Fort Pierre
Gov. Stevens
Lt. Warren
do
do
do
Dr. Suckley....
Dr. Hayden ....
do
do
do
3
3
Eyes brown. .
9
3
Fort Lookout
do
do
do
3
$
9
3
3
9
9
9
9
9
9
do
do
do..
Little Powder
50 miles above mouth of Platte.
Sept. 4
Lt. Bryan
Lt Warren
do
320
W. S. Wood....
Dr. Hayden....
...do...
9.00
9.50
9.75
10.00
13.75
17.00
16.75
4 12
5.25
5.00
5 00
do
July 11
do
.... do
do
....
do
...do...
do
do
July 28
Aug. 3
do
.....do
do
8.50
8.75
9.00
9.75
8.50
9.25
13.50
14.00
14.25
15.50
14.50
14.50
4.25
4.25
4.00
4.00
4.50
4.50
do
July 3
do
do
do
Aug. 3
do
do
do ...
July 22 ....
do
do..
do
July 13,1857
July 12,1856
July 18,1857
Aug. 25,1856
Feb. 19,1855
do
do.. ..
Lt. Bryan
25
48
298
19
W. S. Wood
Pole creek. Neb
.. ..do
do
Capt. Pope
do '
O '< W. Fork Medicine Bow
Indianola, Tex ,
do
10.00
13.00
4.25
9
do
8.50
13.50
4.50
Pccos Crossin"
June 22, 1855
Sept. 27, 1855
Dec., 1855...
Oct., 1853....
Oct. 11,1855
Mar. 21,1857
Feb. 9,1854
Feb. 19,1854
March, 1855
Nov., 1854...
100
138
19
Guadeloupe Mountains
San Elizario, Texas
Forl Conrad, N. M
Fort Fillmore, N. M
Salt Lake, Utah
Camp 117, N. M
do
Major Emory
Lt. Whipple
do
Capt. Pope
Capt. Stansbury....
144
Kenn. &. Moll
3'"
Camp 126, N. M
do
173
do.
Fort Yunia, Cal
Fort Tejon, Cal
do
J. X. de Vesey.. ..
A Schott
:::':::
3-
Lt. Williamson....
Dr Heermann
do
do
19
Vacaville, Cal
jt. Williamson....
R.. D. Cutls
)r. Newberry..
Bodega, Cal
Petal u ma, Cal
Ft. Vancouver, W. T
Shoal water bay,W. T
Fort Steilacoom
Dec., 1854. ..
April 19, 1856
Jan. 30,1854
Sept. 23, 1854
May 13, 18.';6 '
do
3. Samuels
}ov. Stevens
do
Dr. Suckley
do
22
97
387
T. A. Szabo
8,33
)r. Cooper.... 10.00
do 11.25
11.16
16.00
16.75
4.33 ' Eyes brown. .
3
9
15 00
3
$
do
May 3
do
3(55
9.87
10.00
16.00
16.25
VVhitby's inland W. T
March, 1855
N.W.America
J. Gonld
Capt. Beceliey .
540 U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family ICTERINAE.
CH. — Bill slender, elongated, as long as the head, generally a little dccurved, and very acute. Tarsi not longer than the
middle toe, nor than the head ; claws short, much curved ; outer lateral toe a little longer than the inner, reaching a little
beyond base of middle toe. Feet adapted for perching. Tail rounded or graduated. Prevailing colors yellow or orange, and
black.
The species of this sub-family are all as strikingly characterized by diversity and brilliancy
of plumage as the others are (with few exceptions) for their uniform sombre black, scarcely
relieved by other colors. In certain respects there is a decided resemblance to some of the Sylvi-
colidae, from which, in fact, the much larger size is, in some cases, the chief apparent distinc
tion.
In studying the North American Orioles I have found it exceedingly difficult to arrange them
in any sharply defined sections, as whatever characters be taken as the basis of classification, the
other features, will not correspond. Thus, species with the bill of the same proportions and
amount of curvature differ in the shape and graduation of the tail, while tails of the same form
are accompanied by entirely dissimilar bills and wings. The bill is sometimes much attenuated
and decurved, as in /. cucullatus, while in melanocephalus and Baltimore it is stouter and straighter.
The tail is usually much graduated ; in I. Baltimore and bullocki it is only moderately rounded.
These last mentioned species constitute the genus Yphantes. Many of the species have a naked
space round the eye ; very evident in 2. vulgaris, less so in melanocephalus. I. vulgaris is
peculiar in having the feathers of the throat pointed and lanceolate as in the ravens.
In view of the difficulties attendant upon the definition of subordinate groups among the
United States Icterinae, I propose to consider them all under the single genus Icterus, leaving
it for some one with a fuller series of specimens at his command to establish satisfactory divisions
into genera.
The colors of the Orioles are chiefly black and yellow, or orange, the wing sometimes marked
with white. The females are much duller in plumage, and the young male usually remains in
immature dress till the third year. In^all the North American species the rump is of the same
color with the belly ; the chin, throat, and tail, black.
The following synopsis may serve to distinguish the species as far as color is concerned.
A. Head and neck all round black.
Back black, separated from that of the head by the color of the belly.
Orange, yellow, and black. Greater wing coverts and edges of secondaries, white ; lesser
coverts and tail black, the latter white at the extreme base I. vulgaris.
Back greenish yellow ; wings and tail black ; the lesser coverts yellow. Colors yellow and
black.
Greater coverts and quills edged with white I. audubonii.
No white edges whatever on the wings and tail. Smaller size aad stouter bill.
/. melanocephalus.
Back black, continuous with that of the neck. Lesser coverts like the belly.
Yellowish orange and black. Entire tail, with ends of upper and lower coverts, black.
No white on the wings t 7. ivagleri.
Yellow and black. Edges of greater coverts and of quills white. Tail yellow ; middle
feathers and terminal third, with all of upper and under coverts, black... I.parisorum.
BIRDS ICTER1DAE — ICTERINAE.
541
Chestnut and black. Tail black, except at extreme base ; a slight^edging of white on
the quills and greater coverts /. spurius.
Brilliant orange, red, and black. Greater coverts and quills edged with while. Tail
orange ; the middle feathers, and basal half of all the rest, black I. baltimore.
B. Sides of head and neck like the belly.
Orange and black. Forehead, sides of the throat, and tail, orange ; the innermost tail
feathers, and median spots on the others, black. Coverts continuously white ; edges
of quills white I. bullockii.
C. Top of head and neck like the belly.
Forehead, lores, and whole throat, with the interscapular region, black.
Orange and black. Lesser wing coverts and tail, except at extreme base, black. Two
bands on wing, and edges of quills, white I. cucullatus.
Yellow and black. Lesser and middle coverts, and tail, yellow ; middle tail feathers,
and bases of the rest, black; quills slightly edged with white I. mesomelas.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex and age.
JS
3>
c
0)
(M
O
ft
s ^
OB
si
£
'5
H
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
£
£ »
« c
_o
CO
M
Hind toe
and claw.
w
0 .
** 4)
•« 1
5
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
25°7
J<
9.10
4 86
4 43
1.36
1.30
0.38
0 96
0.42
1 37
1 35
Skin
4063
O
ji
9.00
3,96
4.54
1.10
1.01
0.29
0 76
0.32
0.97
0 96
Skin.. .
do.
do ,
do
a
9.25
12.25
4.00
Fresh
10202
do
9.34
4.04
4.45
1.03
1.00
0.29
0.77
0.30
1.06
1.04
Skin
6713
. ... do
$
8.70
3.90
4.46
1.06
0.95
0.30
0.73
0.32
0.86
0.90
do.
do
do
9.37
12.25
4.00
Fresh
4062
do
0
8.70
3.84
4.51
1.04
1.00
0.30
0.78
0.35
1.02
1.00
Skin .. ..
do.
.. do
do
8.75
11.50
3.75
Fresh
10201
7.70
3.75
4.18
1.00
0.90
0 24
0.60
0.30
0.92
0.88
Skin
10293
Icterus parisoruni
Pecos ?
8.50
4.20
4.12
0.90
0.90
0.26
0.67
0.29
0.89
0.90
Skin
4056
do
A
7.70
4.02
3,70
0.93
0.92
0.24
0.67
0.31
0 85
0 92
Skin
do.
.. do
do
8.25
11.75
4.00
4057
do.
do
do
do
do ..
o"<j
7.20
8 00
12 00
3.90
4 00
3.54
0.92
0.94
0.26
0.66
0.31
0.90
0.93
Skin.. .,..
4053
rT
8.80
4.16
4.60
1.02
0.96
0.27
0.72
0.35
0.96
1 02
Skin
do.
do
do
9.50
32.00
4.50
Fresh . ..
8089
1542
do
Guatemala
Carlisle, Pa
$
8.20
6.50
3.75
3.22
4.40
3 23
0.98
0.88
0.82
0.80
0.22
0.22
0.62
0.57
0.25
0.25
0.87
0.71
0.85
0.75
Skin
Skin
do.
do
7.25
11.33
3.25
150
do
do
Q
6.40
2.98
2.92
0.86
0.80
0.22
0.62
0.26
0 70
0 75
Skin
4286
.... do
Calcasieu Pass, La.
c?
6 20
3.00
3.13
0 86
0.84
0.21
0.62
0.30
0 67
0 70
Skin
6711
.... do •?
San Antonio, Tex ....
$
6.12
2.93
2.86
0.79
0.75
0.21
0.56
0.23
0 64
0 69
Skin
6708
do .
.... do
O
5.92
2.88
2.80
0.80
0.73
0.20
0.56
0 24
0 62
0 67
Skin
4066
[ctorus cucullatus
Tamaulipas, Mex
$
7.60
3.42
4,06
0.87
0.81
0.21
0.60
0.27
0.77
0.86
4066
do
do
7.50
10.00
3.25
do.
do
.. ,do
Q
6 90
3 19
3.74
0 89
0.83
0 26
0 61
0 29
0 72
0 80
Skin
4069
do
do
7.50
10.00
3.25
Fresh
do.
3
7 40
3 49
4.32
1 10
0.90
0 27
0 68
0 30
0 81
0 83
Skin
67-21
Carlisle, Pa
$
7 00
3.82
3.26
0 92
0 85
0 27
0 66
0 28
0 73
0 76
Skin
7596
do
Q
7 30
3 64
•i 17
0 90
0 64
0 %
0 72
0 80
9092
*
8 06
4 02
3 58
0 94
0 87
0 25
0 66
0 31
0 78
0 84
Skin . ...
5354
do
Farm Inland, Neb
*
7.70
4.10
3.54
1.00
0.80
0.23
0.63
0.27
0.74
0.78
Skin
do .
55-24
do
do
do
..„..
7.62
7 34
13.00
4 2,3
3 84
3 42
0 96
0.80
0.21
0.65
0.28
0.75
0.77
Fresh
Skin
3900
do
O
6 90
3 5b
2 96
0 92
0.84
0.25
0 60
0.27
0.71
0.78
Skin
542
U. S. P. E. R. EXP AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ICTERUS VULQARIS, D a u d i n .
Troupial.
Oriolus icterus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 161.
Icterus vulgaris, " DAUDIN."— AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 357 ; pi. 499.— Bp. Conspectus Av. 1850, 434.
Le troupiale vulgaire, BUFFON, PI. enl. " 532." (535, Bp.)
Sp. CH. — Bill curved. Throat and chin with narrow pointed feathers. A naked space around and behind the eye. Tail
feathers graduated. Head and upper part of neck all round, and beneath from tail to upper part of breast, interscapular region
of back, wings, and tail, black. Rest of under parts, a collar on the lower hind neck, rump, and upper tail coverts, yellow
orange. A broad band on the wing and outer edges of secondaries, white. Length, 10 inches ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 4.50; bill
above, 1 .35.
Hub. — Northern South America and West Indies. Accidental on the southern coast of the United States.
This is the largest of the Orioles found in the United States, and differs from the rest in its
longer bill, and pointed, elongated feathers on the throat. The bill is attenuated and somewhat
decurved. The third quill is longest ; the first quill almost the shortest of all the primaries.
The outer tail feather is about .60 of an inch less than the middle.
There is only a trace of whitish on the edges of the primaries. The broad white edges to the
secondaries are continuous in the folded wing with the white on the greater coverts, the lowest
row of which, however, is black. The extreme and concealed base of the tail is white.
One specimen has the light markings yellow instead of orange.
This species is given by Mr. Audubon as North American, on the strength of occasional
stragglers from the West Indies to the southern coast. One of the specimens described was
received from Mr. Audubon, (2842,) and is, possibly, North American ; the other was a cage
bird.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Remarks.
2842
Unknown. .._....
S F Baird
2527
c?
do
April — , 1846
-do
Laguayra
C. W. Welch .
In alcohol
ICTERUS AUDUBONII, G- i r a u d .
Audubon's Oriole.
Icterus audubonii, GIRAUD, sixteen new species Texas birds, 1841. (Not paged )
Xanthornus melanocephalus, BON. Consp. 1850, 434. (Not the description of the young.)
Icterus melanocephalus, CASSIN, 111. I, v, 1854, 137 ; pi. xxi. (The description, but perhaps not the figure.)
Sp. CH. — Bill stout ; upper and lower outlines very little curved downwards. Tail much graduated. Head and neck all
round, (this color extending down on the throat,) tail, and wings, black ; rest of body, under wing coverts, and middle and
lesser upper coverts, yelluw ; more olivaceous on the back. An interrupted band across the ends of the greater wing coverts,
with the terminal half of the edges of the quills, white.
Supposed female similar, but the colors less vivid.
Length, 9. 25; wing, 4.00; tail, 4.65; tarsus, 1.10.
Hal). — Valley of the Lower Rio Grande of Texas, southward.
BIRDS ICTEKI DAE— ICTERUS MELANOCEPHALUS.
543
The bill of this species is shaped very much as in /. baltimore^ a little more attenuated at the
tip, but not more decurved. The tail is long and much graduated; the outer feather 1.10 of an
inch shorter than the inner.
In this species there is no yellow below the black of the feathers of the head, the basal portion
being plumbeous. The outline of the black on the upper neck is at the same distance from the
bill all round, except on the throat, where it extends three quarters of an inch further back as
a semicircular patch on the upper part of the breast. There is a slight orange tinge on the
breast ; the sides under the wings, and back, more greenish. The tail feathers are entirely
black to their bases ; some of them tipped with whitish. Females and immature males have,
sometimes, an elongated patch of dusky greenish yellow on the exterior of some of the tail
feathers. The white outer edges of the wings are seen only on the terminal half of the prima
ries and secondaries ; the band across the wing is scarcely continued to its external edge.
The third quill is longest ; the fourth and fifth, successively, a very little shorter than the
second ; the first shorter than the seventh.
From an examination of the description of Wagler it is, I think, clearly evident that he had
in view the smaller species of the Black-headed Oriole. (See the next article.) The measure
ments are exactly the same, and the narrow grayish margins of the quills and the greenish
edges of the tail feathers, are merely indicative of immaturity. No mention is made of the
broad white or yellowish white borders of the coverts and quills. The dimensions given,
(Length, 8 inches ; bill from forehead, .75 ; tail, 3.88 ; wings, 3.38 ; tarsi, 1.00,) allowing for
the larger size of the German inch, will be almost exactly those of the smaller bird, and neces
sarily much inferior to that from the Eio Grande.
As far as I can judge, the Icterus graduacauda of Lesson, (alls caudaque nigerrimis,') belongs
to the smaller bird. The I. audulonii of Giraud, on the other hand, has the white edges
of the wings and is large enough to belong to the more northern species, which, accordingly,
should take its name.
The Xantliornus melanocephalus of Bonaparte probably refers to the northern bird, but the
description of the young is probably that of true melanocephalus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
WIiun col
Whence ob
Ofig'l
Collected
Length.
Stretch
Wings
Remarks.
No.
lected.
tained.
No.
by-
of wings.
4003
<J
Cliarco Escondido, Tainaul-
May
Lt. Couch
64
9.25
12.25
4.00
Eyes dark brown ; bill dark slate.
ipas, Mex.
406:2
O
do
63
8.75
11 50
3.75
lower mandible light blue, lead
405 i)
do
<>713
J. H. Clatk
9.37
12 25
4.00
10:>02
ICTERUS MELANOCEPHALUS, Gray.
Psarocolius Diclcmoccplndus, \VAGLER, Isis, 1829, 75G.
Icterus melanocephalus, GRAY, Genera. — SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1858, 97.
Xantliornus melanocephalus, BON. Consp. 18oO, 434. Description oi' young only.
? Icterus graduucauda, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 105.
Sr- CH. — Similar to J. audubonii, but without any white whatever on the wing. Head and neck all round, wings, scapulars,
and tail, uniform pure black. Rest of body, including beneath the wing and tibia and the lesser wing coverts, orange yellow ;
544 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS- -ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
clouded with olivaceous green on the back, less so on the rump. Bill and legs plumbeous, the former whitish at base. Length
7.70; wing, 3.75; tail, 4.80.
Hab. — Warm parts of Mexico.
A specimen of this species, (No. 10201), a native of the warmer parts of Mexico, was presented
to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr. Sclater, and I introduce it here to show its near relation
ship to the I. audubonii. It is very like the audubonii, but is smaller, the bill much stouter,
shorter, and the culnien more curved. The third quill is longest ; the fourth, fifth, and second
successively a little shorter ; the first and seventh about equal. The black of the head and
neck comes further behind and on the sides than in audubonii. The wings are totally destitute
of the white edges of quills and coverts as seen in audubonii. The tail, too, is entirely black.
A criticism of the diiferent names applied conjointly to this species and the I. audubonii will
be found in the preceding article.
ICTERUS PAKISORUM, Bo nap.
Icterus parisorum, (" BON. Acad. Eonon. 1836.") BP. Pr. Zool. Soc. V, 1837, 109.
Xanthornus parisorum, IB. Conspectus, 1850, 434.
Icterus melanochrysura, LESSON, Rev. Zool. 1839, 105.
Icterus scottii, COUCH, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, April 1854, 66. (Coahuila.)
SP. CH. — Bill attenuated ; not much decurved ; tail moderately graduated. Head and neck all round, breast, interscapular
region, wings, and tail, black. Under parts generally, hinder part of back to the tail, middle and lesser upper, and whole of
lower wing coverts, and base of the tail feathers, gamboge yellow ; a band across the ends of the greater coverts, with the edges
of the inner secondaries and tertiaries, white. Length 8.25 ; extent, 11.75 ; wing, 4 ; tail, 3.75 ; tarsus, .95.
Hab. — Valley of the Rio Grande; south to Guatemala. In Texas, found on the Pecos.
The bill is slender and attenuated, very little decurved, much less than in I. cucullatus.,
slenderer and a little more decurved than in /. baltimore. The tail is moderately graduated,
the outer feather .45 of an inch less than the middle.
In this species the black feathers of the neck, except below, have a subterminal bar of yellow ;
elsewhere it is wanting. The black of the breast comes a little posterior to the anterior
extremity of the folded wing. The posterior feathers in the yellow patch on the shoulders are
tinged with white. The white in the bar across the ends of the greater coverts is confined
mainly to the terminal quarter of an inch of the outer web. In the full plumage, there is only
a faint trace of white on the edges of the primaries. The yellow of the base of the tail only
extends on the middle feather as far as the end of the upper tail coverts ; on the three outer it
reaches to within an inch and a quarter of the end of the tail.
An immature male has the yellow more tinged with green, the black feathers of the head and
back olivaceous with a black spot.
In this species the second and third quills are equal and longest ; the first intermediate
between the fourth and fifth.
A specimen of this species collected in western Texas by Captain Pope, and the only one yet
found within the limits of the United States, differs from those of Lieutenant Couch in being
considerably larger ; the black feathers of the neck lacking entirely any subterminal yellow.
The outer tail feather is proportiouatelly a little longer. There is, however, nothing upon which
to found a specific distinction, the difference in size being in accordance with what is usually
seen between specimens of the same species from northern and southern breeding localities.
BIRDS — ICTERIDAE — ICTERUS WAGLERI.
545
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex & Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
Age.
No.
of wings.
405«
$ Sta. Catarina, New
April — , 1853
Lt. D. N. Couch.
185
8.25
11.75
4.00
Eyes brown, bill
Leon, Mex.
black and blue,
feet blue lead.
4057
o $ do
do
do
191
8 00
12. 00
4. 00
10293
Pecos river, Tex
1856
Capt. J Pope
ICTEKUS WAGLERI, S c 1 a t e r .
Icterus wagleri, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7.
Psarocoliusflavigaster, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 756. (Not of Vieillot.)
Pendulinus domincensis, Bp. Consp. 1850, 432. (Not of Linn.)
Sp. CH. — Bill much attenuated and considerably decurved. Tail considerably graduated. Head and neck all round, back,
(the color extending above over the whole interscapular region,) wings, and tail, including the whole of the lower coverts and
the tips of the upper, black. Lesser and middle upper, with lower wing coverts, hinder part of back, rump, and under parts
generally, (except tail coverts,) orange yellow. Lengtli 9.50 inches ; extent, 12 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 4.25 ; tarsus, 1.15.
flab. — Northeastern Mexico to Rio Grande valley ; south to Guatemala.
In this species the bill is slender, and very similar to that of I. cucullatus. The tail is long,
much graduated ; the outer feather an inch shorter than the inner. The feathers are very
broad, measuring three-quarters of an inch ; the difference in this respect, when compared
with /. audubonii, is very striking.
There is no yellow on the black tipped feathers. The orange yellow varies very little in
different parts of the body. The quills and tail feathers are entirely black to their bases. The
whole outer surface of the wing is pure black, except the yellow coverts. The tips of the
posterior upper tail coverts are black ; the whole of the lower are black except for a short dis
tance behind the anus.
This species is quite similar in external form and size to Icterus audubonii, but the bill is
much more slender and decurved.
The third and fourth quills are longest ; the second longer than the fifth ; the first interme
diate between the fifth and sixth.
A specimen from Guatemala (8089) is considerably smaller than that described, though other
wise similar.
The rectification of synonymy, as quoted above, I borrow from Mr. Sclater's article.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
\
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
No.
of wings.
4058
3
Saltillo, Coahuila, \ May — , 1853
Lieut. Couch
3
9.50
12.00
4.50
Eyes dark brown.
Mex.
8089
Guatemala
J Gould
1
Juue 25, 18 8.
69 b
546
U. S. P. E. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ICTERUS CUCULLATUS, Swainson.
Hooded Oriole.
Icterus cucullatus, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 436 — LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 11C, (first
introduced into fana of United States.) — CASSIN, 111. I, H, 1853, 42 ; pi. viii.
Pendulinus cucullatus, BON. Consp. 1850, 433.
SP. CH. — Both mandibles much curved. Tail much graduated. Wings, a rather narrow band across the back, tail, and a
patch starting as a narrow frontal band, involving the eyes, anterior half of cheek, chin, and throat, and ending as a rounded
patch on the upper part of breast, black. Rest of body orange yellow. Two bands on the wing and the edges of the quills
white.
Female without the black patch of the throat ; the upper parts generally yellowish green, browner on the back.
Length, 7.50 ; wing, 3.25.
Hob. — Valley of Lower Rio Grande, southward.
In this species the bill is slender towards the attenuated acute tip ; both mandibles consider
ably curved downwards. Third and fourth quills longest ; fifth scarcely shorter ; first less
than the sixth. Tail rather long, cuneate, the feathers much graduated; the outer an inch
shorter than the inner.
The orange color varies in different parts of the body, being much redder on the head and
breast ; the orange feathers are white towards the base, and pass through yellow to the tints at
the tip. The tibia and under wing coverts are yellow. The tail feathers are black, though
their extreme concealed bases are light yellow ; each one has a slight brownish white tip. The
upper white band on the wing is formed by the lower series of secondary covert feathers,
which are white to their bases ; the second band across the edges of the greater coverts is much
narrower. The quills are entirely black. The black mark on the head has the eye in its
posterior upper corner. The black band on the back is about an inch long. The bill is black,
but plumbeous at the base of the lower mandible. The eye is said to be brown.
This species somewhat resembles I. mesomelas, (Psarocolius mesomelas, Wagler, Isis, 1829,
755) ; the latter, however, has a much stouter bill ; the colors clear yellow instead of orange,,
except on the head ; the wing coverts yellow, not black, and the wings without white ; the tail
feathers chiefly yellow, not black, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4067
c?
Charco Escondido,
Mar. — , 1853
Lt. Couch
83
8.00
10.00
3.25
Eyes dark brown.
4066
$
Tamaulipas, Mex.
Tamaulipas
do
do
91
7.50
10.00
3.25
4068
o $
do
April .
do
159
7. 75
9.75
3. 00
4069
Q
do
Mar. — , 1853
do
90
7.25
10.00
3.25
9091
3
Mexico ...
M. Verreaux. .
BIRDS ICTERIDAE — ICTERUS SPURIUS 547
ICTERUS SPURIUS, Bon.
Orchard Oriole.
Oriolus spurius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176G, 162. — GM. I, 1788, 389. (Very inaccurate description ; only identified by
the references.)
Icterus spurius.'Box. Obs. on Norn. Wils. 1825, No. 44.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 221 : V, 485 ; pi. 42.— IB. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 46 ; pi. 219.
Oriolus variuSf GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 390.
Turdus ater, GM. Syst. 1788, I, 1788, 831.
Oriolus castaneus, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 181. (Same citations as 0. varius, Gm.)
Turdus jugularis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 361. (Same citations as Turdus ater, Gm.)
Yphantes solitaria, VIEILL. c?.
" Pendulinus nigricollis, VIEILL. o. — viridis, IB."
Oriolus mutatus, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 64 ; pi. 4, f. 1 — 4.
Xantfiornus affmis, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. N. H. V, May, 1851, 113. (Small race from Texas.)
SP. CH. — Bill slender, attenuated, considerably decurved ; tail moderately graduated.
JV/u/e. — Head and neck all round, wings, and interscapular region of back, with tail feathers, black. Rest of under parts,
lower part of back to tail, and lesser upper wing coverts, with the lower one, brownish chestnut. A narrow line across the
wing, and the extreme outer edges of quills, white.
Female. — Uniform greenish yellow beneath, olivaceous above, and browner in the middle of the back ; two white bands on
the wings. Young male like the female, with a broad black patch from the bill to the upper part of the breast, this color
extending along the base of the bill so as to involve the eye and all anterior to it to the base of the bill.
Length of Pennsylvania male specimens, 7.25 ; wing, 3.25.
Ilab. — United States from the Atlantic to the High Central Plains, probably throughout Texas ; south to Guatemala.
In this species the bill is slender, attenuated, and a good deal decurved to the tip. The
second and third quills are longest ; the first intermediate between the fourth and fifth. The
tail is rather long; the feathers moderately graduated, the greatest difference in length
amounting to half an inch.
The black of the throat extends backwards as far as the bend of the wing, and ends as an
obtuse angle. The tail feathers are entirely black, with dull whitish tips when not fully mature.
Specimens are found in all stages between the characters given above. When nearly mature,
some yellowish feathers are found mixed in with the chestnut ones.
As in most birds with an extensive summer range, the specimens from southern limits are
smaller than from northern. The difference is more strongly marked between skins from the
lower Rio Grande of Texas and New York or Pennsylvania, and upon the former Mr. Lawrence
has founded his Xanthornus affinis. The difference is not greater, however, than in nearly every
other species of similar habits as to summer range. The table of measurements of species
will illustrate the variations in size.
The pattern of coloration in this species resembles that of I. Baltimore, but the orange red is
replaced by dark chestnut ; there is less white on the wing, and the tail is entirely black. The
bill is considerably slenderer and more attenuated and curved. The tail also is more graduated.
548
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex
and age
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4286
$
1854
3813
$
1542
tf
May 17, 1844
S. F. Baird
7 25
11.33
3.25
162G
o
do
July 9. 1844
do
7.00
9.75
3.17
150
n
do
Sept. 7, 1840
do
1475
j»
do
May 8, 1844
do
7.25
10.33
3.33
1437
*
do
May 3 1844
do. ....
6.83
10.08
3.83
7012
ji
May 15 1857
72
Win. S. Wood
5695
o
j>
Eapt of Fort Riley, K. T
June 14, 1856
Lieut. F T.Bryan.
9
.do.,
5351
o
ji
June ^1 1856
6 50
9.25
3 25
5348
o
_J\
do. . ..
May 29 185C
do .
do
6.50
9.75
2.25
5349
O
do
June , 1856
do
..do
51136
do
May 29, 1856
do
. do ..
6 75
9 50
3.25
5352
2
do
May 30, 1856
do
.do . .
6.75
9.50
3.03
5344
*
do
do
.do ....
6.75
9.50
3.00
Iris dark brown
5353
O
do
1856
.do
. do
6.75
9.50
5345
A
Fort Lookout, Neb
June 15, 1856
. do
5.50
9.50
3,00
5347
f
. .. do
June 21 1856
do
do
7 25
9.50
3.00
... .do
5346
Jl
do
. .. .do ..
do
. do
6.00
9.50
3.00
.do
5343
o
do
June 1856
. .. do
.do . .
6.00
9 50
3 25
do
£694
f?
July 2, 1856
58
W. S. Wood
5.50
6.50
9339
J>
Aug. 5, 1857
6.50
9.25
2 75
4957
Dr Swift ....
6706
July — } 1855
Lt. A. W. Whipple
6711
do
6707
0
J H Clark...
6.50
9 00
2.50
6708
o
do
. . do
do
6712
>
do
do
..do
6.75
9.25
2.75
6710
.... do. .
do
6 75
9.62
3 75
6709
Dr T C Henry
6704
5033
Pecos Kiver
May 12, 1855
do
78
6.75
9 50
3.00
Gums and feet yellow ; bill
8090
Guatemala
J. Gould
black.
Eyes dark brown
ICTERUS BALTIMORE, Daudin.
Baltimore Oriole ; Golden Robin ; Hang Nest.
Oriolus baltimore, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 162.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 23 ; pi. i.— IB. VI, 1812 ; pi. liii.
" Icterus baltimore, DAUD."— ATJD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 66 : V, 1839, 278 ; pi. 12 tnd 423.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842,
37 ; pi. 217.
Yphantes battimore, VIEILLOT, Gal. des Ois. I, 1824, 124 ; pi. 87.
Psarocolius baltimore, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1825, No. 26.
Le Baltimore, BUFF. PI. Enl. 506, f. 1.
SP. CH. — Tail nearly even. Head all round and to middle of back, scapulars, wings, and upper surface of tail, black ; rest
of under parts, rump, upper tail coverts, and lesser wing coverts, with terminal portion of tail feathers, (except two innermost,)
orange red. Edges of wing quills, with a band across the tips of the greater coverts, white. Length, 7.50 inches ; wing, 3.75.
Hab. — From Atlantic coast to the High Central Plains, and in their borders, south to Guatemala.
The female is much less brilliant in color ; the "black of the head and back generally replaced
by brownish yellow, purer on the throat ; each feather with a black spot.
BIRDS ICTERIDAE ICTERUS BULLOCKII.
549
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Win .
Remarks.
1529
Carlisle, Pa
S. F. Baird
877
$
do
Nov. 2c*, 1842
do
7.50
12.00
3.75
1443
X
do
May 4, 1844
do
7.92
12.50
4.00
1653
do
July 27,1844
7 50
12.00
3.58
7(105
7.
.May 8, 1857
28 W. S. Wood....
5355
6
j*
May 31,1856
Lt. G. K. Warren.
8.25
11.75
3.75
5356
3
do
do
do
7 37
11.50
4.00
4745
o
May 17
do
do
8.00
12.25
4 25
6715
V
n
do
do
5357
V
do
do. .
8 25
12.12
4 00
5358
$
.... do
do. .. .
8 00
12 00
4 00
5359
O
do
do
7 25
11 50
3.12
5692
>
East of Fort Riley ....
June 17,1856
Lieut. F. T. Bryan
23 W. S. Wood
5693
$
Clear creek, K. T
June 31,1856
do
50 do
7.62
11.50
9342
$
June 30, 1857
7.75
11.75
9341
A
July 25 1857
do . .
do.
7 50
11.75
3.50
83-'7
May 27,1857
W. M. Ma"ra\v....
23 Dr. Cooper
7.75
11.75
4.00
Iris brown
6714
J. H. Clark
7.62
11.50
8091
ICTEEUS BULLOCKII, Bon.
Bullock's Oriole.
Xanthornus bullockii, Sw. Syn. Mex. Birds, Taylor's Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 436.
rfgclaius bullockii, RICH. Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.
Icterus bullockii, BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 9 ; pi. 388 and 433.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 43 ;
pi. 218.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 87.
Psarocolius auricollis, MAXIM. Reise Nordam. I, 1839, 367. (Fort Pierre, Neb.)
Sr. CH. — Tail very slightly graduated. Upper part of the head and neck, back, wings, two central tail feathers, line from
base of bill through the eye to the black of the nape, and a line from the base of the bill running to a point on the throat,
black. Under parts generally, sides of head and neck, forehead and line over the eye, rest of tail feathers, rump, and upper
tail coverts, yellow orange. A broad band on the wings, involving the greater and middle coverts, and the outer edges of the
quills, white. Young male with the black replaced by greenish yellow, that on the throat persistent; female without this.
Length, about 7.50 inches ; wing, 3.80.
Hab. — High Central Plains to the Pacific ; rare on upper Missouri ; south into Mexico.
The subterminal portion of all the feathers in the black of the head above and back, (except
on the posterior portion of the latter) is yellow. The black on the throat is as wide as the base
of the bill, and extends along the sides of the bill to the black in the loral region. The rump
is olivaceous yellow, the tail feathers brighter yellow. All the tail feathers are yellow at the
base ; the exposed portions of the two inner are black ; the rest with a blackish tip, diminishing
from the fourth to first. The shafts of all are black above towards the base. The under surface
of the wings is orange yellow.
In the female and young male the upper surface is olivaceous yellow, browner on the middle
of the back. The black band through the eye is faintly indicated. Nearly mature males have
a much broader orange frontal band ; the top of head is much spotted with the same.
The bill and tail are shaped very much as in /. Baltimore. It is a larger species, and is
readily distinguished by the yellow of the front and sides of the head and neck, witli a black
line through the eye, instead of having the whole head and neck black ; lesser wing coverts
black, not yellow ; a much broader white band on the wing, &c.
550
U. 8. P. R R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The Pendulinus abeillii of Lesson, according to Bonaparte, differs from bullockii in having the
flanks black ; it is stated to occur in California.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretcli
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
5930
Fort Steilacoom W. T
Dr. Cooper
7.25
12 00
6726
do
June 5, 1855
7 25
12 00
6728
o
do
June 6, 1855
do
7.12
11.50
4379
3900
V
3
Fort Dalles, O. T
May 7, 1855
Dr. Geo. Suckley.
168
8.08
12.25
4.00
3901
*
do
1253
...do...
S. F. Baird
1891
...do
do
5525
o
May 11, 1856
815
5524
V
>
do
April , 1856
do
591
5523
A
. ... do
do
6724
2844
Sacramento, Cal
Lt. Williamson ..
S. F. Baird
Dr. Heermann
J. K. Townsend
2843
J»
do
do
6727
1855
Major Emory ....
68
6725
D. T.C.Henry....
6723
A. Schott
5354
9092
2
Farm Island, Neb
1856
G. K. Warren
29891
Dr. Hayden
7.62
13.00
4.25
Iris brown
The following Icterinae, not embraced in the preceding pages, are said, though probably
without foundation, to occur in the United States.
1. Xanthornus mexicanus, (Brisson) VIGORS, Zool. of Blossom, 1839. Pacific coast of (North ?)
America.
2. Pendulinus abeillii, LESSON, Eev. Zool. Bonap. Comptes Kendus, 1853, 834. California.
Said to differ from Icterus bullockii in black flanks, and to be the Oriolus costototl of Grmelin.
3. Icterus calif ornicus. LAFRESNAYE.
Pendulinus calif ornianus, LESSON, Rev. Zool. VII, Dec. 1844, 436, California. — BONAP.
Conspectus, 1850, 433.
4. Icterus pustulatus, LIGHT. Bonaparte, Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, 1853, 835. Notes
Delattre, 12.
Sub-Family QUISCALINAE.
CH. — Bill rather attenuated, as long or longer than the head. The culmen curved, the tip much bent down. The cutting
edges inflected so as to impart a somewhat tubular appearance to each mandible. The commissure sinuated. Tail longer than
the wings, usually much graduated. Legs longer than the head, fitted for walking.
The bill of the Quiscalinae is very different from that of the other Icteridae, and is readily
recognized by the tendency to a rounding inward along the cutting edges, rendering the width
in a cross section of the bill considerably less along the commissure than above or below. The
culmen is more curved than in the Agelainae.
The only genera in the United States are as follows :
SCOLECOPHAGUS. — Tail shorter than the wings ; nearly even. Bill shorter than the head.
QUISCALUS. — Tail longer than the wings ; much graduated. Bill as long as or longer than
the head.
BIRDS JCTERIDAE — SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRUGINEUS.
551
SCOLECOPHAGUS, S a in son.
Scolecophagus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831. Type Oriolus ferrugineus, Gmelin.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, rather slender, the edges inflexed as in Quiscalus, which it otherwise greatly resembles ; the
commissure sinuated. Culmen rounded, but not flattened. Tarsi longer than the middle toe. Tail even, or slightly rounded.
The above characteristics will readily distinguish the genus from its allies. The form is
much like that of Agelaius, The bill, however, is more attenuated, the culmen curved
and slightly sinuated. The bend at the base of the commissure is shorter. The culmen is
angular at the base posterior to the nostrils, instead of being much flattened, and does not
extend so far behind.
Comparative measurements.
0
o
0
*
3 i
V
o
c
>
CJ
a.
.
Species.
Locality.
J3
•g |
a
"o °
1
** g
o
Si
Ml
Specimen
5
a
M
a
£ ;£
c"
=
S
a: "S
.5 ?
T3 0
.5 «
C
O
measured.
O
cc
^
OQ
£
H
H
^
«
8
5
"*
1322
(J
8.60
4.62
4.03
1.24
1.11
0 25
0.80
0.34
0.78
0.94
Skin ....
[do.
do
... do
9 32
14 75
4.72
Fresh.. ..
5322
do
u
8.20
4.58
3 72
1 20
1.11
0 28
0.82
0.36
0.80
0.89
Skin ....
Sioux City.
do.
do
do
9.12
15.25
4.25
1358
do
o
8.10
4 26
3.65
1 16
1.10
0.28
0.74
0 40
0.78
0.92
Skin ....
do.
do .. . .
do
9 00
13 75
4 25
Fresh . .
8706
rf '
9 26
5,23
4 46
1 30
1.06
0 27
0.85
0 38
0 84
0.90
Skin
phaliis.
do.
Jo
do
9.75
16.25
Fresh . .
3915
do
Q
8.64
4 68
3 90
1.22
1.06
0.27
0.82
0.33
0.70
0.60
Skin ....
10294
do
Pembina, Minn
8.52
4.66
3.94
1.19
1.05
0.28
0.80
0.40
0.75
0.78
Skin....
SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRUGINEUS, Swain son.
Rusty Blackbird.
Oriolus ferrugineus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 393, No. 43.— LATH. Ind. I, 1790, 176.
Graculaferruginea, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 41; pi. xxi; f. 3.
Quiscalus ferrugineus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 46.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 199.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,315:
V, 1839, 483; pi. 147.— IB. Synopsis, 1839, 146.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 65; pi. 222.
Scolecophagus ferrugineus, SWAINSON, P. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 286. — BON. List, 1838.
?? Oriolus niger, GMELIN, I, 1788, 393, No. 4, 5, (perhaps Ojuiscalus.)
Scolecophagus niger, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 423. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 195.
?? Oriolus fuscus , GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 393, No. 44, (perhaps Molothrus.}
Turdus hudsonius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 818. — LATH. Ind.
Turdus noveboracensis, GMELIN, I, 1788, 818.
Turdus labradorius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 832— LATH. Ind. I, 1790, 342, (labradorus).
" Pendulinus ater, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet."
Chalcophanes virescens, WAGLER, Syst. Av. (Appendix Oriolus 9).
? Turdus No. 22 from Severn river, Forster, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 400.
Sp. CH. — Bill slender ; shorter than the head ; about equal to the hind toe ; its height not quite two-fifths the total length.
Wing nearly an inch longer than the tail ; second quill longest ; first a little shorter than the fourth. Tail slightly graduated ;
*-he lateral feathers about a quarter of an inch shortest. General color black, with purple reflections ; the wings, under tail
coverts, and hinder part of the belly, glossed with green. Female dull brown. Length 9.50 ; wing, 4.75 ; tail, 4.00.
Hub. — From Atlantic coast to the Missouri.
The female of this bird is of a dull plumbeous brown beneath, blacker above, the feathers
552
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
faintly margined with brownish rusty ; the wings and tail purer. In autumn both sexes have
the black on the body, and on the edges of the wings more or less concealed (sometimes entirely
so) by yellowish brown margins to the feathers ; the shade lighter below. There is also a lighter
superciliary stripe over the eye and a darker one through it.
The Oriolus niger of Gmelin is based upon the Icterus niger of Brisson, from Jamaica, and the
Black oriole of Pennant, from North America. The latter two are probably distinct and
possibly refer to Quiscali, but to different species ; the one to bariius, the other to versicolor ;
possibly, however, to Sc. ferrugineus.
A specimen of this bird in the collection of the exploring expedition is labelled Columbia
river, Oregon. This is the only one I have ever seen said to be from the Pacific coast.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1322
Carlisle, Penn ...
April , 1844
S. F. Baird
9.33
14.75
4.75
1314
<J
do
Mar. 28, 1844
do
9. 17
14.50
4.75
1369
$
do
April 17, 1844
do
9.25
14.00
4.50
1358
0
do
April 13, 1844
...do
9. 00
13.75
4.25
1356
Q
.do-
.do
do
8.75
13. 58
4. 25
2^81
o
do
April 8 1845
do
9. 08
14. 00
4. 33
5322
20 miles below Sioux City
Oct. 28
Lieut. Warren .
Dr. Hayden
9. 12
15. 25
4.25
SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS, Cab.
Brewer's Blackbird.
Psarocolius cyanocephalus, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 758.
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 193.
Scolecophagus mexicanus, SWAINSON, Anim. in Men. 2| cent. 1838, 302. — BON. Conspectus, 1850, 423. — NEWBERRY,
Zoo]. Cal. and Or. Route ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 86.
Quiscalus breweri, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 345 ; pi. 492.
SP. CH. — Bill stout, quiscaline, the commissure scarcely sinuated ; shorter than the head and the hind toe; the height
nearly half the length above. Wing nearly an inch longer than the tail ; the second quill longest ; the first about equal to the
third. Tail rounded and moderately graduated; the lateral feathers about .35 of an inch shorter. General color of male
black, with lustrous green reflections everywhere except on the head and neck, which are glossed with purplish violet. Female
much duller, of a light brownish anteriorly ; a very faint superciliary stripe. Length about 10 inches ; wing, 5.30 ; tail, 4.40.
Hah. — High Central Plains to the Pacific ; south to Mexico. Pembina, Minn.
There are considerable differences in the bills of different specimens of this bird. The culmen
is sometimes much curved from the very base, sometimes quite straight ; the size of the bill
varies considerably. The third quill is sometimes longest, the first nearly equal to or
shorter than the fourth. The graduation of the tail, too, differs by a quarter of an inch in
specimens.
The females and immature males differ from the adult males in much the same points as
S. ferrugineus, except that the "rusty" markings are less prominent. The differences gene
rally between the two species are very appreciable. Thus, in S. cyanocephalus , the bill, though
of the same length, is much higher and broader at the base, as well as much less linear in its
upper outline ; the point, too, is less decurved. The size is every way larger. The purplish
gloss, which in ferrugineus is found on most of the body except the wings and tail, is here
BIRDS ICTERIDAE QUISCALUS.
553
confined to the head and neck, the rest of the "body being of a richly lustrous and strongly marked
green, more distinct than that on the wings and tail of ferrugineus. In one specimen only,
from Santa Rosalia, Mexico, is there a trace of purple on some of the wing and tail feathers.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10-296
Sept. 20,1857
N. W. University.
4754
;?
April 23, 1856
Lieut. Warren. . .
Dr. Hayden. . .
10.00
16.37
5,25
5320
r?
Fort Kaiulall, on Mo.. . .
Oct. 18, 1856
do
do
10.25
16.50
5.37
4753
do
do
9.25
14.87
5.25
4755
jj
do
do
9 00
15 87
5.25
4756
do
21
do
5663
jj
Julv 22,1856
Lieut. Bryan ....
138
W. S. Wood...
8°53
.-?
Sept. — ,1857
W. M. Magraw...
157
Dr. Cooper....
82 -'2
Q
do
Sept. 12,1857
do
205
do
9.25
14.50
Iris brown
8255
n
do. ...
do
.... do
9.15
14 50
5 00
do.
8254
rO
ilo
do..
do
517
do
10.50
16.75
5.50
8256
$
do
do.
do .
37
,.. .do
8212
*
do
Sept. 8, 1857
do
194
.....do
10.00
16.00
5.50
black.
do
8257
o
O
do
do
do
157
do
8704
5006
41
10 50
15.50
5 00
5007
April 29, 1855
do
8712
A. Schott
8713
Mar. ,1853
10 25
16 25
5 50
5005
Nov 10,1855
156
9 50
16 09
5 50
8705
o
4942
8711
870 9
San Francisco, Cal
Lt. Williamson ..
Dr. Heermann.
5538
*
Pctaluma Cal
125
11 00
15.00
5 00
8710
o
do
Feb. —,1856
do
173
5.66
12.54
4.54
5539
V
. .. do
May 10, 1856
do
797
4381
0
Fort Dalle« O. T
May 9, 1855
172
9.62
14.83
4.75
4382
do
Dec. 29.1854
do
148
9.50
15.50
5.25
8706
5
Fort Vancouver, W. T. .
Jan. 23,1854
Gov. Stevens....
17
9.75
16.25
8707
0
do
Jan. 20,1854
do
18
...do —
9.50
14.75
8708
Q
do
do
do.
18
do
9.50
14.75
QUISCALUS, Vieillot.
Quiscalus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. (Gray.) Type Gracula quiscala, L.
CH. — Bill as long as the head, the culmen slightly curved, the gonys almost straight; the edges of the bill inflected and
rounded-, the commissure quite strongly sinuated. Outlines of tarsal scutellae well defined on the sides; wings shorter than
the tail, sometimes much more so ; tail long, the feathers conspicuously and decidedly graduated. Colors black.
The excessive graduation of the long tail, with the perfectly black color, at once distinguish
this genus from any other in the United States. The species are best known by the compara
tive size and length of the tail, as shown in the following table of measurements.
June 28, 1858.
70 b
554
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
o
VI
C
"c
— ti
5+
tt
EH
3
rt
0
:i
£ £
£
— c
=
C. '•.
jjj Specimen
§ measured.
3948
Quiscalus macrourus. . .
Brownsville, Texas . .
J
18.20
7.48
9.26
1.92
1.80
0.45
1.30
0.55
1.58
1.74 Skin....
do.
do
... .do
18.00
21.50
7.50
8088
do
Mexico
g?
16.00
6.96
8.10
2 03
1.88
0.48
1.44
0.62
1.60
1.7G Skin....
3949
Fort Brown, Texas
o
12.80
5 68
6.32
1 54
1 50
0 47
1 13
0 56
1 °6
do.
do
do
13 00
17 00
5 50
4923
Amelia Island, Fla. . .
-A
14.10
6.94
7.34
1.98
1 82
0 46
1 34
0 59
1 52
1 64 Skin
do.
do
do
15 00
22.00
7.00
i Fresh
2104
Uuiscalus versicolor . . .
Carlisle, Perm
$
11.10
5.70
5.72
1.34
1.30
0.37
0.98
0.46
1.24
1.36 Skin ....
do.
do
13.00
18.00
6.00
F 1
1363
do
do
*
11.40
5 60
5 54
1 46
1 39
0 34
1 00
0 48
1 24
1 31 ^kin
1364
do
do. ..
o
10 04
4 96
4 86
1 28
1 14
0 30
0 88
0 42
1 12
1
V
6529
Quiscalus baritus
^-y
10.40
5 08
5 24
1 38
1 27
0 38
0 98
0 45
1 35
1 48 Skin
QUISCALUS MACROURUS, Sw.
Great-tailed Grakle.
Quiscalus macrourus, SWAINSON, Anim. in Menag1. 2^ centen. 1838, 299, fig. 51, a.
Chalchophanes macrourus, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 196.
SP. CH. — Bill longer than the head, edge slightly sinuated. Feathers of the crown short, close, and velvet-like. Tail very long,
equaling the head and body, the lateral feathers 3i inches the shortest. Wing considerably shorter than the tail ; third quill
.'ongest ; first longer than the fifth. General color a lustrous black ; the head and neck, fore part of back, and under parts with
a purple violet gloss ; the rest of back, wings, and tail, including under coverts, glossed with green, the colors blending insen
sibly. Length 18 inches ; wing, 7.50 ; tail, 9.30 ; bill above, 1.70.
Hob. — Valley of the lower Rio Grande of Texas, southward.
The graduation of tail in this species is very great, the distances between the tips of the outer
tail feather and the next being 1.30 inches, and decreasing successively with the rest. There is
something quite peculiar in the softness and closeness of the feathers on the head, which stand
almost erect like the pile of velvet.
The female is much smaller and of a dark olive brown, lightest on the head and beneath.
There is a strong tinge of brownish yellow in the throat ; rather less of it on the side of the
head, where there is a faint indication of a dusky streak behind the eye.
This species is somewhat like the Quiscalus major of the southern States, but is much larger ;
the tail especially is more highly developed, being nearly two inches longer than the wing
instead of nearly the same size. The soft velvety feathers of the head are quite peculiar. The
feet are of nearly the same size. The first primary is shorter in proportion. The color is quite
different ; the purple gloss extending further down the back, and the entire under parts being
purple instead of green.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex. Locality.
No.
When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig'l
No.
1
Collected by— Length. Stretch
of wings
Wing. Remarks.
•J94S J1 Brownsville-, Tex....
M;ir. 28, 1 853 Capt. Van Vliet
. 23
21
18.00 21.50
13.00 : 17.00
7. 50 Eyes yellow .
5.50
A. Schott
i.-.^j Fpi"Ic Pa"-! Tet
... .do
...do...
B552 do
do
do
Sept .1836 John Gould
BIRDS — 1CTERIDAE QUISCALUS VERSICOLOR.
555
QUISCALUS MAJOR, Vieill.
Boat-tailed Grakle ; Jackdaw.
Gracula barita, WILSON, Index Am. Orn. VI, 1812, (not of Linnaeus.)
Gracula quiscala, ORD. J. A. N. Sc. I, 1818, 253, (not of Linnaeus.)
Quiscalus major, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 487.— BON. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 35 ; pi. iv.— IB. List, 1833.—
IB. Consp. 1850, 424.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 504: V, 1838, 480; pi. 187.— IB. Syn. 1839,
146.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 52 ; pi. 230-
Clialcophanes major, " TEM.M." CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 196.
Sp. CH. — Bill longer than the head. Feathers of the crown stiff and coarse. Tail moderate, about equal to the wing, much
graduated, the lateral feathers about 2.50 inches shortest. General color lustrous black ; the head, neck, and fore part of the
breast glossed with purple, passing insensibly on the rest of the body to green.
Length, about 15 inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 7.25. Bill above 1.55.
Hab. — Southern Atlantic and Gulf coast. Mouth of Rio Grande, Texas.
A specimen from Brownsville, Texas, though associated there with M. macrourus, appears to
possess all the characters of major. The loral region and space around the eye are quite bare of
feathers.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1932
. Southern U. S.
S. F. Baird . . .
2381
(J Savannah Ga
1845
do
4923
$ Amelia island Fla_
G. Wurdemann..
15.00
22. 00
7. 00
404-i '
Brownsville, Tex. _.
Lt. Couch .
6
13.00
19. 50
6.75
Iris yellow
QUISCALUS VERSICOLOR, Vie i Hot.
Crow Blackbird ; Purple Grakle.
Gracula quiscala, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 165.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 397.— LATHAM, |Ind. I, 1790, 191.— WILSON,
Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 44 ; pi. xxi, f. 4.
Chalchophanes quiscalus, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, (Gracula.} — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 196.
? ? Oriolus ludovicianus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 387 ; albino var.
? 1 Oriolus niger, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 393.
? Gracula purpurea, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 290.
Quiscalus versicolor, VIEILLOT, Analyse? 1816.— IB. Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 488.— IB. Gal. Ois. 1,171; pi.
cviii.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 45.— IB. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 45 ; pi. v.— IB. List, 1838.—
IB. Conspectus, 1840, 424.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 485 — NUTTALL, Man. 1, 1832, 194.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 35 : V, 1838, 481 ; pi. vii.— IB. Syn. 1839, 146.— IB. Birds Amer.
IV, 1842,58; pi. 221.
Gracula barita, ORD, J. A. N. Sc. I, 1818, 253.
" Quiscalus purpureus , LICHT."
Quiscalus nitens, LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 164.
Quiscalus purpuratus, SWAINSON, Anim. in Menag. 1838, No. 55.
Purple Grakle, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II.
SP. CH. — Bill above, about as long as the head, more than twice as long as high ; the commissure moderately sinuated and
considerably decurved at tip. Tail a little shorter than the wing, much graduated, the lateral feathers 1.10 inches shorter.
Third quill longest ; first between fourth and fifth. Head and neck all round well defined steel blue ; the rest of the body with
556
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
varied reflections of bronze, golden, green, copper, and purple, the latter most conspicuous on the tail, the tail coverts, and
wings. The edges of primaries and of tail greenish. Female similar, but smaller and duller, with, perhaps, more green on the
head.
Length, 13 inches ; wings, 6 ; tail, 5.80; bill above, 1.25.
Hab. — From Atlantic to the High Central Plains.
In No. 2104, as in other Pennsylvania specimens, there is a strong shade of violet just above
the steel blue on the feathers of the neck. Specimens from the west have a more brassy shade
on the blue of the neck, and the back is of a nearly uniform shade of greenish bronze. These
differences appear to be nearly constant with the two localities. One specimen from Carlisle
has the steel blue ou the k-ead replaced, in a great measure, by purple and violet, owing to the
extension of this latter color to the tips of the feathers. It is probably to a specimen of this
variety that Swainson applied the name of Quiscalus purpuratus.
In a series of about thirty specimens there are two males, the bills of which are much shorter
than in the majority, measuring barely over an inch, and shorter than the head, (Nos. 6558,
4763.) I find a somewhat similar condition in a specimen from Carlisle, (833,) and as the
difference is unaccompanied by any other tangible character, I see no ground for specific
distinction.
The young of the year are throughout of a dull brown.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
2104
,?
Carlisle, Pa . .
April 12, 1845
g. F. Baird
13.00
18 00
6.00
1363
1364
3
o
do
do
April 16, 1844
...do
do
12.75
18.00
5.65
833
V
do
Oct. 24, 1842
fro
11.40
16.00
5.00
7581
Washington DC . ...
1857..
W . Hu tton
4432
E. C. Bidwell
6944
4761
(J
April 23, 1856
Dr. Hayden
12.75
18.12
5.75
4762
3;
April 25 1856
. do
39
12 50
17.12
4766
O
do do
do
do
do
11.12
16.00
5.25
4758
J>
. do. ...
do
12.25
17.25
4760
O
Ji
do do
do
do
36
do
4767
4513
do do
April — , 1856
do
do
do
11.50
16.50
5.25
8312
J>
Independence
May 27, 1857
Wm. M. Ma<*raw
29
Dr. Cooper
12.50
18.00
5.75
6558
5666
r?
Fort Riley, K. T
Little Blue river K. T . . ..
Julv 4, 1846
Dr. W. A. Hammond ..,..
68
W. S. Wood
5665
o
July 2, 1856
do
do
QUISCALUS BAKITUS, Vieillot.
Gracula barita, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 165, (based on Icterus niger, Br ) — GMELIN, I, 1788, 396. — LATH. Ind. I,
1790, 191.
QuiscaZus baritus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 487. — D'OriB. De la Sagra Cuba, Aves, 95.
Chalcophanes baritus, WAGLER, Systema Avium, 1827, Gracula Expos. No. 4. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 197.
? Qtusca/us crassirostris, SWAINSON, Anim. in Menag. 1838, 355. — GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 217.
SP. CH. — Bill about three times as long as high, much longer than the head or the tarsus ; the commissure scarcely sinuated ;
t-he tip lengthened and decurved. Tail about as long as the wing, considerably graduated ; the lateral feathers about .85 of an
inch shorter. The second quill longest ; first shorter than the fourth. The head steel blue, passing on the neck into decided
purplish ; the body, wings, and tail bronze green, with a purplish violet shade on the tertials and rump.
Length, 10.60 ; wing, 5 ; tail, 5 ; bill above, 1.40 ; tarsus, 1.40.
Hab. — Florida coast and West Indies.
BIRDS ICTEEIDAE QUISCALUS BARITUS.
557
This species, now for the first time introduced into the fauna of the United States, from
specimens collected at Key Biscayne by Mr. Wurdemann, in of April 1857 and '58, is the smallest
ofthe genus within our limits. The wing and tail each are about an inch shorter than in Q.
versicolor. The bill, however, is much longer and more slender, and the tip considerably more
produced and decurved. The feet are stouter and much coarser, the pads of the toes very
scabrous as if to assist in holding slippery substances, a feature scarcely seen in versicolor.
The second and third quills are longest ; the first a little shorter only than the fourth.
The colors are quite dissimilar to those of versicolor, a purplish violet predominating on the
neck. The green of the back and belly is more decided as well as duller and darker than even
in western specimens of versicolor. The gloss on the tail and most of the wings is green, not
purplish violet. The general style of coloration is most like that of Quiscalus major, although
the bird is much smaller.
This species does not appear to be the Quiscalus baritus of the earlier authors, which is stated
by Latham to be 13 inches long, the bill 1| inches, consequently much larger. The colors, too,
are chiefly purple, not green. Q. lugubris is smaller, the bill especially ; the lustre purple, not
green. Q. minor of Cabanis is smaller still, with a violet blue lustre. The Quiscalus baritus of
Vieillot comes nearer to it in size of body and bill, but is also said to have the body purplish
instead of greenish, the wing coverts greenish instead of steel blue.
It is possible that the species may really be the Q. crassirostris of Swainson, (2£ cent. 355,)
but I cannot identify it from, his description. The size is considerably smaller, while the bill is
larger than in the Florida bird.
The female is smaller and rather duller in plumage.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wings.
Remarks.
6529
10335
(?
<?
Key Biscayne, Fla
Cape Florida
April 8,1857
Mar. 31,1858
G. Wurdemann
do
G. Wurdemann....
11.50
16.00
5.50
Bill and feet black ; iris light
10336
do
April 15,1858
do
11.50
15.25
5.00
10337
•r,
do
do
do
12.00
15.50
5.00
10340
3
April 22,1858
do
12.00
16 £0
5 12
10341
A
do
April 9,1858
do .
11.09
15.25
5 25
10342
J>
do
May 18,1858
do .
11.75
16.25
5 00
10339
o
do
Mar 31,1858
do . . . , . .
10.25
13.75
4.75
10338
V
Q
do .
April 22,1858
do
11.12
14.50
4 75
558 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family COBVIDAE.
CH. — Primaries ten ; the first short, generally about half as long as the second (or a little more) ; the outer four sinuated on
the inner edge. The nasal fossae and nostrils usually more or less concealed by narrow stiffened bristles, (or bristly feathers,)
with short appressed lateral branches extending to the very tip, all directed forwards. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly, the sides
undivided (except sometimes below) and separated from the anterior plates by a narrow naked strip, sometimes filled up with
small scales. Basal joint of middle toe united about equally to the lateral, generally for about half the length. Bill generally
notched.
The preceding characters distinguish the family of crows quite markedly from all others. In
some respects there is a resemblance to the Paridae or Titmice, especially among the garruline
birds ; the nature of this relationship will hereafter be adverted to. The features of the
bristles of the bill, and the separation of the lateral and anterior scales by a narrow interval,
are worthy of particular attention. The commissure is without the obtusely angular bend near
the base, seen in the Icteridae.
There are some genera of Corvidae with the nostrils not covered by bristly feathers, such as
Psilorhinus, Gymnorhinus, Gymnokitta, &c.
There are two sub-families of Corvidae represented in America, one embracing the true crows,
the other the jays. They pass very insensibly into each other, and it is difficult to mark the
dividing line. We may, perhaps, restrict the Corvinae to such forms as have a long bill, equal
to the head ; the tail short, and nearly even ; the wings long and pointed, considerably longer
than the tail, the tip formed by the third, fourth, and fifth quills. The Garrulinae are birds of
smaller size, shorter wings, which do not exceed the graduated tail, and are sometimes much
shorter ; the tip of the wing formed by the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills. Where Gymnoldtta
should come is a little uncertain, but probably among the true crows.
In most genera of Corvidae the inner lateral claw is a little larger than the outer, and pro
jects beyond it ; in the true crows they reach about to the same point ; generally the lateral
claws extend as far as the base of the middle one ; the hinder is longer.
The row of small scales is usually present on both sides of the tarsi in the Corvinae, but in
the jays is generally restricted to the inner face.
Sub-Family CORVINAE.
CH. — Wings long and pointed ; longer than the tail, and, when closed, reaching nearly to its tip, extending far beyond the
under tail coverts ; the third, fourth, and fifth quills forming the tip of the wing.
The character given by Swainson of lateral toes equal in Corvinae and unequal in Garrulinae,
is subject to much uncertainty of determination. The features mentioned above, if not defining
a natural sub-family, at least apply well to three genera of North American Corvidae. The
following diagnosis may serve to distinguish them.
A. Nostrils large, covered by bristly feathers ; wings reaching the tip of the rounded tail.
CORVUS. — Color throughout black. Bill thickened ; culmen very much curved. Bristly
feathers at base of bill half as long as culmen.
PICICORVUS. — Color, grayish. Wnigs and tail above, black ; lateral feathers white. Bill
slender, attenuated, decurved. Bristly feathers at base of bill one-fourth the culmen.
B. Nostrils small, completely exposed ; wings reaching to the posterior fourth of the nearly
even tail.
GYMNOKITTA. — Color, nearly uniform dull blue.
BIRDS CORVIDAE — CORVUS. 559
CORVUS, Linnaeus.
Corvus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Corvus corax, L.
CH. — The nasal feathers lengthened, reaching to or beyond the middle of the bill. Nostrils large, circular, overhung behind
by membrane, the edges rounded elsewhere. Rictus without bristles. Bill nearly as long as the tarsus, very stout ; much higher
than broad at the base ; culmen much arched. Wings reaching to or nearly to the tip of the tail. Tarsi longer than the middle
toe, with a series of small scales on the middle of each side separating the anterior scutellate portion from the posterior con
tinuous plates. Side of the head occasionally with nearly naked patches. Tail graduated or rounded ; the outer four primaries
sinuated internally.
The true crows are readily distinguished from the other Corvidae by the characters assigned
above, the Garruline forms, with long wings, being distinguishable by other characters. The
feathers at the base of the bill completely conceal the nostrils, and extend over the basal half
of the bill, or even more. The lateral toes are equal, and reach nearly to the base of the middle
claw ; the hind toe a little further. The hind claw is a little shorter than its digit, but larger
than the middle anterior claw. The lower parts of the postero-lateral plates of the tarsus
exhibits a few transverse scutellate divisions.
The determination of the species of crows is a matter of much uncertainty, owing to the
uniformity of their plumage, and the fact that it is difficult to find them with the feathers
all fully developed at the same time. Nearly one half of all the specimens in the collection
before me have some of the quills only partly grown out. There also appears to be much vari
ation in size with age and with locality, as well as in proportions, and I am inclined to
think that, contrary to what has been observed to be the case in other families, the Corvidae of
the same species in southern localities are larger than those from points further north. Should
this be substantiated it may tend materially to reduce the number of North American species.
Thus the Corvus cacalotl may be only a large southern carnivorus, the caurinus a northern, and
VB.T . floridanus a southern americanus. Four species are certainly permanently distinct : C.
carnivorus, G. cryptoleucus . C. americanus, and C. ossifragus, whatever be the fate of the others.
The following diagnosis may serve to distinguish the American crows from each other.
A. RAVENS. — Feathers of the chin and throat stiffened, elongated, narrow, lanceolate, and
with their outlines very distinct.
Length about 24.50 inches ; wing about 17; tail, 10. Outer tail feathers about 1.60
to 1.90 inches shorter than the central one C. carnivorus.
Length about 24 inches ; wing near 18 ; tail, 10.50. Outer tail feather about 2.30 inches
shorter than the central C. cacalotl.
Length about 21 inches; wing, 14; tail, 8.50. Outer tail feather about 1.25 inches
shorter than the middle one. Feathers of the neck and breast pure snowy white at
the base C. cryptoleucus.
B. CROWS. — Feathers of the chin and throat short, soft, broad, obtuse, and with the webs
blended.
Middle toe and claw rather shorter than the tarsus measured from the beginning of scu-
tellae. Inner lateral claw reaching to the base of the middle. Black, with violet
reflection on the belly. Length, 19.20 inches ; wing; 13 to 13.50 ; tail, 8 inches.
C. americanus.
Similar to the preceding, but smaller. Length, 1C to 17 inches; wing, 11 to 11.50.
tail about 8 inches.., ...C. caurinus.
560 U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
About the size of C. americanus of the north ; the tarsus much longer ; bill larger.
Q. var. ftwidanus.
Middle toe and claw decidedly longer than tarsus measured from the beginning of the
scutellae. Inner lateral claw not reaching to the base of the middle. Black, with
greenish reflection on the belly. Length 14 to 15 inches ; wing, 10.50 ; tail, less
than 7 inches Q. ossifragus.
COEVUS OAKNIVORUS, Bar tram.
American Raven.
Corvus carnivorus, BARTRAM, Travels in E. Florida, 1793, 290
Corvus corax, WILSON, Am. Orn. IX, 1825, 136 ; pi Ixxv, f. 3 — BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 36.— IB. Syn. 1828,
56.— DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 270; pi. xxiv.— RICH. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 290.—
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 202.— AUD Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 476; pi. 101.— IB. Syn. 1839, 150.—
IB. Birds Amer, IV, 1842, 78 ; pi. 224.
Corvus cacalotl) " WAGLER," ? BONAP. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 115. (Perhaps true cacalotl.) — IB. List, 1838. Probably
not of Waglcr. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 387. — MAXIMILIAN, Reise innere Nord Amer. II, 1841,
289. Does not consider it different from European. — NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 82.
Corvus lugubris, AGASSIZ, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. H. II, Dec. 1846, 188.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; third and fifth about equal ; second between fifth and sixth ; first nearly equal to the eighth.
Length, about 24 or 25 inches ; extent, 50 to 51 ; wing, about 17 ; tail, 10. Tail moderately graduated ; the outer about 1.60
to 1.90 of an inch less than the middle. Entirely glossy black, with violet reflections.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America. Rare east of the Mississippi.
In this species the feathers of the head above and body are compact and blended ; those of the
back of the neck are very smooth and even, but do not show the outlines of each separately as
elsewhere. On the chin and throat the feathers are elongated and lanceolate, each one more
or less pendent or free, with the outlines distinct to near the base. The bill is very long, (3
inches,) and considerably curved, the upper mandible extending considerably over the upper at
the end.
The feet appear very short and stout ; the tarsi with but seven scutellae ; rather longer than
the middle toe and claw ; the lateral claws about equal, and extending to a little beyo'nd the
base of the middle claw. The fourth quill is longest ; the third about equal to the fifth ; the
second considerably longer than the sixth ; the first about equal to the eighth primary. The
distances in inches from the end of the longest primary to the tips of the others are as follows :
1st.
2d.
3d.
4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
5186
Upper Missouri
5. 65
1. 60
. 25
. 25
2. 80
4.35
5. 45
6 40
5865
lUley
5.30
1. 50
.25
.29
2. 30
3. 85
5. 00
5 70
The tail is quite considerably graduated, the ends of all the feathers being visible from below.
The outer is about 1.66 inches shorter than the inner, in one specimen, (5865,) in another, it
is 1.90, (5186.)
The color is everywhere lustrous black, dullest on the belly and top of the head. There is
generally a strong violet reflection on the lustrous feathers, more greenish on the outer primaries.
In the series before me I find considerable variation in size and proportions, even in specimens
from adjacent localities. Thus No. 5865, from Fort Biley, has the bill 1.08 inches high or
BIRDS— CORVIDAE — CORVUS AMERICANOS. 561
deep, while 5186, from the upper Missouri, has it only .97 of an inch. The amount of gradua
tion in the tail varies from 1.60 to 1.90 inches.
A male bird, 5543, from Petaluma, California, compared with 5186, from Fort Randall, has
a shorter wing, (one inch,) the first quill a little longer (equal to instead of a little shorter than
the eighth.) In 5185, from the upper Missouri, however, the first quill is nearly a quarter of an
inch longer than the eighth ; 6857, again, from Utah, has the first quill but little shorter than the
seventh. In 4563, from Jamacha Ranch, California, the first quill is equal to the seventh. In
fact, very few specimens exhibit precisely the same proportions of the quills.
The southern specimens, upon the whole, appear smaller than northern, as will be seen by
the table of measurements.
No. 6856, from Steilacoom, has a curious attachment to the chin in the form of a curved horn,
about an inch long, pendent from the middle of the chin between the rami of the maxilla, and
about If inches from its point.
As a general thing the thickness of the bill varies considerably ; the stoutest before me is from
Fort Riley. Sometimes it is quite slender, especially in specimens from Oregon, where the
upper mandible is more decurved, and its inferior edge much more concave than usual. This
feature, however, is not seen in all, some being like the average of eastern specimens. I find
it impossible to detect any tangible differences between the Pacific coast series and those from
the Missouri, though it should be remarked that no comparisons are made with any from the
Atlantic States, owing to the want of specimens, and that it is quite possible that the latter
may be entirely distinct.1
In the next article I have separated a raven from Bill Williams' Fork of the Colorado of the
west on account of its longer wings and more graduated tail. I am not very decided in the
opinion that this is really distinct, and wait for further material to settle the question.
In the accompanying table of measurements of the three ravens here described are columns
numbered, successively, one to eight, and showing the progression of size of the different quills.
Where two are in the same column it indicates that they are about equal. Thus No. 5185 has
the third and fourth quills equal and longest, then, successively, come the fifth, second, sixth,
seventh, first, and eighth. The second is thus shorter than the fifth, but longer than the sixth ;
the first shorter than the seventh, but longer than the eighth. The measurements of tarsus
and middle toe cannot be regarded as very precise, the stiffness of the dried leg and the shortness
of the basal joint of the toe, with its large overlapping scales rendering it very difficult to say
where the tarsus ends and the toe begins.
According to Prince Maximilian the only difference discernable to him between the European
and* American ravens is in the more slender bill of the latter. He finds the size, proportions,
notes, and habits quite the same.
I have not at hand specimens of the European raven for the purpose of making a critical
comparison with our own, but most recent authors agree in considering them distinct, although
Mr. Audubon maintained the contrary opinion.
Bonaparte (though possibly with a Guatemala skin before him) states that in cacalotl the
first quill is shorter than the seventh, the second and sixth equal, the third shorter than the
'Since writing the preceding remarks I have had the opportunity of examining a skin of a raven from the coast or New
Jersey, belonging to Mr. Lawrence. This is not in high plumage, the feathers without much lustre, and the indications
generally are that it is a young bird just attaining maturity. Under the circumstances a fair comparison cannot readily be
made. The first primary appears to be longer in proportion to the others ; the primaries generally broader, and more acutely
pointed at the end.
June 28, 1858.
71 b
562
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPOET.
Comparative measurements of species.
C "3
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. . . . L'eau qui Court, Neb. . .
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BIRDS — CORVIDAE — CORVUS CACALOTL.
563
fifth, the fourth longest, the second much shorter than the fourth, which is longer than the
third and fifth. In the European bird the second quill is longer than the fourth, the third
longest of all.
The first distinctive name for the common North American raven seems to be that of Bartram.
The C. cacalotl of Wagler, from Mexico, is probably a different species, as described further
on. Prof. Agassiz named our bird C. lugubris in 1846.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
5865
5166
4546
5787
5785
8213
10296
6857
0
6856
5543
4563
10298
9083?
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
C?
Q
C?
(J
Great Egg Harbor, N. J.
Fort Riley, K. T
Fort Randall, K. T
Head of Little Mo
1857
Oct. 18, 1856
Oct. 18,1855
Oct. 5,1856
Oct. 20,1856
Sept. 13,1857
Oct. 15,1853
Mar. 20,1856
April 1854
Dr. \V. A. Hammond
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden
25.50
51.50
17.50
1» primary, not grown
out.
....do. .... ....do....
Fort Pierre, Neb
L'eau qui Court, Neb..
Ft. Laramie
St. Mary's, Rocky mts..
San Rafael, Utah
Fort Steilacoom
do
do
do
Dr. Hayden
do
25.50
24.00
25.00
50.00
50. on
46.00
17.50
17.00
16.25
W. M. Ma»raw ...
Gov. Stevens
Capt. Beckwith...
Dr. G. Suckley ....
...rfo
29
305
51
Dr. Suckley
Mr. Kreuzfeldt...
1* primary not grown
out.
With horn on chin. ..
C?
......
299
Jamacha Ranch, Cal . . .
Espia, Sonora
Maj. Emory
do
9
51
17212
A. Schott
Dr. Kennerly....
22.00
46.50
16.50
CORVUS CACALOTL, Wagler.
Colorado Raven.
PCoruus cacalotl, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 527, Mexico.
SP. CH. — Wing formula as in the other species. Length about 25 inches ; wing, 18 ; tail, 10.50. Tail much graduated ; outer
feather about 2.30 inches shorter than the middle. Color glossy black, with violet reflections. Tarsus rather shorter than the
middle toe and claw?
Hob. — Colorado river of California, (southward r)
In this beautiful raven, which is very similar to the common species (the bill very much so),
the fourth quill is longest, then the third, fifth, second, sixth, and seventh. The first and eighth
are about equal. The distances from the tip of the longest quill to that of the others is as
follows :
1st. 2d.
3d.
4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
No. 6855, Camp 115
5. 30 1. 30
. 15
0.
. 20
2.20
4.40
5. 60
6.50
No. 10297, Camp 110
4.76 1.26
0.
.50
3.80
4.20
5. 10
6.
1
The tail is rather long, and the feathers more graduated than in the other species, obtusely
acuminated, or mucronate, the outer 2.26 inches shorter than the middle. They are also
rather broader than in the other species.
The feet are short and stout ; the tarsus a little longer than the middle toe and claw ; the
lateral claw reaching to the base of the middle one.
564 U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
A second specimen of this species is a good deal smaller and has the third quill longest.
This I am, however, inclined to consider a monstrosity, as I can find but eight primaries, the
fourth, at least, probably wanting. In this skin the outer tail leather is 2.30 inches shorter than
the middle.
Number 10295, from the Colorado desert, I am inclined to consider the same, although the
very great amount of graduation in the tail is owing partly to the fact that the feathers have
not fully grown out. The tail feathers are very broad ; the inner ones fully two inches wide.
In comparing a skin of this species (No. 6855) with a typical one of C. carnivorus from Fort Ran
dall, 5186, almost no difference is appreciable in the bill ; the wing is a little longer, with much
the game proportion of quills, the first intermediate between the seventh and eighth, instead of
equal to the seventh, (a proportion rather peculiar to 5186.) The tail is much more graduated,
the difference amounting to near half an inch. The colors of the two, as far as I can judge, are
precisely the same. It is, perhaps, a question, whether it be really different from the eastern
bird, but as the wings are longer, the tarsi shorter, and the tail rather more graduated, I shall,
for the present, separate them.
In looking out for a name to give this more southern species, if really distinct, I find that of
Corvus cacalotl, Wagler,1 to answer best. This is described as being 25^ inches long ; the
wing, 17 ; the tail, nearly 10 ; the tarsus, 2^ ; bill along the rictus, 3|- ; circumference of bill
in the middle, 2^ ; height, 11 lines. " It is similar, in general, to the European ravens, but
with longer, more slender tarsi, more compressed and slender bill, and longer, more cuneate
tail, &c." Allowing for the greater size of the German foot, the description would come
sufficiently near to that of the skin from Bill Williams' fork, and I shall therefore adopt this
name.
The Corvus sinuatus of Wagler is said to have the tomia sinuated and bent outwards, the nostrils
concealed posteriorly only ; the region beneath the eye somewhat naked, &c. The length, 25
inches; wing, 16T2Y; tarsi, 2^; middle tail feather, 9^; outer, almost 7; bill from forehead, 3£.
Hab., Mexico.
I owe to Mr. Lawrence the opportunity of examining a raven from Texas, which is even
larger than that from the Colorado. It is unfortunately moulting some of its quills and tail
feathers and its full characters cannot be ascertained. The bristly feathers of the nostrils are
growing out, their basal portion still enveloped in its sheath, leaving the nostrils exposed.
This may have been the case in the specimen of Corvus sinuatus described by Wagler.
The general appearance is that of the Colorado raven, although it is rather larger, and
the middle toe is shorter in proportion. The lustre is much the same. The size is every way
greater than that of the North American raven.
In the uncertainty as to what limits of variation may be allowed to the North American
Corvidae, and in the imperfect condition of Mr. Lawrence's specimen, I shall not venture to
make it distinct from cacalotl, which itself is perhaps very uncertain. Should it be different, it
may properly be called C. nobilis, Gould, unless the C. sinuatus of Wagler should prove to be
J Other references to Mexican species of ravens are as follows :
Corvus sinuatus, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, VII, 748. Mexico.
Corvus cacalotl, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 527. Mexico.
Corvus nobilis, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 79. — BON. Conspectus, 1850, 386.
Corvus splendens, " GOULD." — BON. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 115. (Not of Vieillot.) An erroneous quotation of Gould,
by Bonaparte.
BIRDS CORVIDAE CORVUS CRYPTOLEUCU8
565
the same. The Corvus nobilis, according to Gould, is distinguished from both the European bird
and that of the United States by more metallic lustre of plumage, more lengthened and slender
bill, longer primaries, and more cuneate tail. The length is given at 25 inches ; wing, 18 ;
tail, 11 ; tarsi, 3 ; bill, 3£.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
6855
Bill Williams' fork, Camp
115, N. M_
Feb. 7, 1854
Lieut. Whipple
73
Kennerly and M6llhausen.
10297'
Camp 110
Jan. 31 1854
do
54
do
10295?
Colorado Desert . _ ....
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
CORVUS CRYPTOLEUCUS, Couch.
White-necked Crow.
Corvus cnjptoleucus, COUCH, Pr. A. N. Sc. VII, April, 1854, 66. Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Sp. CH. — The fourth quill is longest ; the third and fifth equal ; the second longer than the sixth ; the first about equal to the
seventh. Glossy black, with violet reflections ; feathers of neck all round, back, and breast, snow white at the base. Length,
about 21 inches ; wing, 14.00 ; tail, 8|. Feathers of throat lanceolate ; bristly feathers along the base of the bill covering it for
nearly two-thirds its length.
Hob. — Valley of Rio Grande and Gila. Abundant on the Llano Eetacado.
In describing this curious raven, the smallest of our North American species with pointed
feathers on the throat, I have selected a specimen (10300) which is rather larger than the Texan
ones, but is otherwise much the same. Considerably smaller than the common raven, the bill
is also smaller ; the incumbent feathers of the nostrils reach over the basal two-thirds of the bill
instead of over one-half only as in the other species. The tarsus is a very little longer than
the middle toe and claw ; there are eight scutellae in front.
The porportions of the quills are expressed in the following table of distances from the tip of
the longest to the tip of each primary :
1st.
2d.
3d. 4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
No 10300 -
4.45
1. 10
.05 0.
50
2 30
3 90
4. 7A
K OK
The first primary is thus intermediate between the seventh and eighth.
The tail is moderately long, and not much graduated ; the outer feathers about 1| inches
shorter than the inner. The middle feathers have nearly parallel outlines. The lanceolate
feathers on the throat are quite distinct, though possibly not so long proportionately as in the
common raven.
The general color of this raven is a lustrous black, with violet reflections, almost exactly as
in the common species. Its most striking distinctive feature, however, is seen in the feathers
of the neck all round, upper part of the back, and the whole breast, which are pure snowy
566
U. S. P. R, R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
white for about their basal half. The feathers of the head are plumbeous at the base ; the
greatest intensity of white is on the lower part of the neck ; the color fades out on the back and
belly into plumbeous. In no other North American crow is there any approach to this cottony
whiteness.
This character, with its smaller size, will at once serve to distinguish this species from any
other ravens in the United States.
As already stated, No. 10300 is rather larger than skins from Texas, the largest of which
(4995) measures a little less in the body; the bill, too, is smaller, measuring 2.20 inches from
the rictus. The others are all decidedly smaller.
The Corvus jamaicensis of Gmelin is said to have the downy portion of the feathers white.
The size is much less, however; the measurements, as given by G-osse, being: Length, 16.50;
extent, 28; wing, 9.50; tail, 5.75; rictus, 2; tarsus, 2; middle toe, 1.50. Bonaparte,
in notes on Delattre's Collection, page 7, says that C. leucognaphalus of Vieillot likewise has
white down ; but that the skin is naked at the angle of the bill, and the nostrils but little
covered, very different in this from 0. cryptoleucus.
List of specimens.
fatal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10300
April , 1855
64
Dr. Kennerly . .
4995
4994
Pecos river, Tex
do ,
April 14, 1856
May 23, 1855
Capt. J. Pope
do
190
90
21.00
20.00
43.00
40.50
12.50
14 00
Eyes dark brown. . .
4993
....do
May 25, 1855
do
92
19.00
36.50
13 00
do ....
4118
6
Charco Escondido
May , 1853
Lieut. Couch
18.75
33.00
13.50
COBVUS AMEKICANUS, And.
Common Crow.
Corvus corone, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 79 ; pi. xxv, f. 3.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 37.— IB. Syn. 1828, 56.—
RICH. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 291.— NDTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 209. Not Corvus corone of Linn.
Corvus americanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 317 : V, 477 ; pi. 156.— IB. Syn. 1839, 150.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,
87; pi. 225.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 385.— NOTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840,221.—
MAXIM. Reise, 1, 1839, 140.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 82.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; second shorter than sixth ; first shorter than ninth. Glossy black with violet reflections, even
on the belly. Length, 19 to 20 inches ; wing, 13 to 13.50 ; tail about 8. Tarsus longer than the middle toe and claw.
Hob. — North America to the Missouri region ; also on the coast of California. (Not found on the High Central Plains?)
(4538 $ Washington, D. C.) The bill of this species is considerably narrower than high
or much compressed. It is gently curved from the very base ; rather more rapidly towards the
tip. The incumbent feathers of the nostril reach half the distance from the base of the bill to
the end of the lower jaw, and not quite half way to that of the upper.
The tarsus has eight scutellae anteriorly, and is rather longer than the middle toe and claw ;
the lateral toes are very nearly equal ; the inner claw the larger, and reaching to the base of
the middle claw.
The webs of the throat feathers are a little loose, but lie quite smoothly, without the pointed
lanceolate character seen in the ravens.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE COEVUS AMERICANUS.
567
The wings are elongated ; the fourth quill is longest ; then the fifth and the fourth, which
are successively a little shorter ; the fifth to the ninth are graduated rapidly, the diminution in
length becoming successively less. The second quill is, however, about intermediate between
the sixth and seventh ; the first is about the length of the first secondary, shorter than the last
primary. The comparative lengths of the quills will be expressed by the following table of
distances from the tip of the longest primary to each one in succession :
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Longest
primary.
1st.
2d.
3d.
4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
Second
ary.
4358
<?
Washington ..
4
5.85
1.75
.35
0.
.15
.90
2.40
3.40
4.05
4.60
The tail is rounded, the feathers graduated ; the lateral 1.20 of an inch shorter than the
middle one. They are rather truncate at the end ; the outer webs most rapidly rounded ; the
outer and inner webs of the innermost feathers very nearly equal.
The color everywhere is black ; lustrous above ; duller on the head and beneath. There is a
violet gloss above, except on the primaries, where it is green.
Specimens vary somewhat in the length of the bill and other dimensions. California skins
appear to have the tail rather less graduated ; the middle toe proportionately shorter, the size
less. In a skin from the Upper Missouri (5191) the bill is rather more slender and less high,
although this is probably an indication of immaturity.
According to Mr. Audubon, the chief difference between the European Oorvus corone and
American crow consists, in the first place, in the smaller size of the latter, measuring 18
instead of 20 inches ; the wings 12 instead of 13£. This difference, however, is not very
decided, as will be seen from the table of measurements, where some s-kins are as large as in
C. corone. The bill and feet are also said to be weaker. The most important feature of
distinction appears to lie in the structure of the feathers of the head and neck, which in O.
corone are narrow, with the tips distinct, while in the American bird these tips are blended
together and do not maintain their individuality. The feathers on the fore neck in corone
are also lanceolate and distinct, showing the outline of each one as in the raven, while in the
American crow they are three times as broad, rounded, and entirely blended. Mr. Audubon
further remarks, that the neck of the European bird is glossed with green and blue, while that
of the American has a decided purplish brown tinge.
Prince Maximilian states, in addition, that the note differs in the two species.
568
U. S P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOET.
Detailed measurements of species.
Bill—
Succession of quills from longest.
s
•a
.
i
£
s
Locality.
c
'S
£
c
e
o
a
S
0
a
>
a
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
5
a
o
a
£
ti
3
—
a
o
w
1
o
s
B
V
S
1
X
c
0)
•5
«
!H
o
c
i
a
'v
S
02
m
^
EH
S
IH
"2
O
S3
B
02
10092
Washington, D. C.
$
18.80
12.60
7.81
2.38
2.04
0.57
1.97
1.89
2.09
0.83
4
3,5
6
2
7
Q
9
1
Dry . . .
4358
do
r?
18.50
12.90
8.38
2.32
1.99
(» 6-7
1.97
1.87
2.10
0.78
4
6
0
7
8
9
1
Drv
do
,.. do
20.00 39.50
11.00
Fresh
9994
Tre'mont, III
18.20
11.70
7.96
2.42
2.12
0.60
1.97
1.82
2.06
0.78
4
3,5 6
3
7
8
9
1
Dry ...
6559
Fort Riley, K. T...
....
19.10
13.30
8.28
2.44
2.02
0.54
2.02
2.04
2.24
0.74
4.5
3
6
2
7
8
9
1
Dry...
5191 Fort Union. Neb. ..
17.20
12.40
7.83
2.34
1 93
0 5fi
1.84
1.72
2.04
0.68
Dry ...
do
... , do ....
19 50 3fi-00
13.00
Fresh
10305?
Tulare Valley <$
18.30
12.72
7 83
2.33
1.86
0.54
2.10
2.02
2.08
0.80
4
3,5 6
2
7
8
9
1
Dry...
10303? Ft.Vancouver,W. T. ....
17.10
12.10
7.74
2.25
1.90
0.56
1.80
1.73
1.99
0.72
4.5
3
6
2
7
8
9
1
Dry ...
10304?
Presidio, Cal
18.20
11.64
7.48
2.18
1.82
1.60
1.80
1.76
2.08
0.75
4
3,5
6
2
7
8
9
1
Dry ...
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
4358
A
Washington, D. C
Feb. 13, 1855
Market
20
39 50
10092
do
9994
W. J. Shaw
6919
Nelson river, H.B.T
6559
5192
O
Fort Riley, K. T
1857
Oct. 25, 1856
Dr. W. A. Hammond
Dr. Hayden
19
37 00
12 50
5191
July 19, 1856
.... do
do.
IQ 50
36 00
13 00
5190
o
do..
do
do
do
5189
0
do
do
do
.do
5188
0 r?
Aug. 1, 1856
do
do
10305
10304
S
Tulare Valley, Cal
Presidio, Cal
June C, 1853
Lieut. R. S. Williamson ..
Dr. Heermann
6854?
Fort Vancouver, W. T
July 15, 1853
1
Dr. J. G. Cooper
COKVUS AMERICANUS, var. FLORID ANUS, Baird.
Florida Crow.
Sp. CH — About the size of C. americanus, but bill and feet larger. Tail less rounded. Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly
equal ; third rather longer than fifth. Color less violet above. Length, 19.50 ; wing, 12 ; tail, 7.70 ; tarsus, 2.60.
Hab. — Southern peninsula of Florida.
The reception of this bird, as the article on Corvus is going through the press, prevents any
very elaborate criticism of its characters, but there are so many peculiarities in it as clearly to
show that it is, if not a distinct species from the common crow, at least a very remarkable
variety. Although perhaps rather smaller than the (J. americanus, the bill and feet, especially
the latter, are very considerably larger. The nasal feathers extend over the basal two-fifths of
the bill instead of the half. The proportions of the bill are about the same ; in the Florida bird
it is rather the longer. The greatest difference is in the feet. The tarsal joint of the tibia is
bare, the feathers scarcely coming below it, even anteriorly, instead of projecting some distance.
The tarsus is almost a quarter of an inch longer ; covered anteriorly by nine scutellae instead of
BIRDS — CORVIDAE — CORVUS CAURINUS.
569
eight. The outer lateral toe is shorter, not reaching the base of the middle claw. The middle
toe and claw are considerably shorter than the tarsus ; the middle claw is shorter than in the
northern bird.
The wings formula differs somewhat; the third, fourth, and fifth quills are nearly equal, the
third even longer than the fifth instead of shorter. The tail is short and very nearly even, the
difference in length of feathers being less than half an inch instead of an inch. This, however,
may in part be owing to the absence of the middle pair.
The colors differ somewhat from those of the common crow. There is less violet, and the
feathers of the back have almost a brassy gloss on their margins, as in Crotophaga.
The specimen upon which these remarks are based, though apparently perfectly mature, is
changing some of its feathers, such as the inner primaries, the middle tail feathers, and the greater
coverts. The long primaries and ten tail feathers, however, are of full length. It is possible
that the bird is really as large as the northern crow, although this is hardly probable. It was
killed on the main land of the extreme southern portion of Florida, not far from Fort Dallas.
No comparison of this bird is required with the fish crow, which has the middle toe and claw
longer than the tarsus, not shorter, and the proportions much less. It is much larger than the
curious little Corvus minutus of Cuba, a specimen of which has been supplied by Mr. Lawrence.
The Corvus minutus1 is, of course, still smaller than the O. americanus, the bill stouter at the
base ; the third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest. The chin is more bristly,
the feathers of the throat more distinctly defined. Although about the size of the fish crow, it
has much stouter bill and legs, and the tarsus is much longer than middle toe and claw, not
shorter. The Corvus minutus and var. floridanus are more nearly allied in every respect than
either is to C. americanus. Their measurement will be found in the accompanying table, the
first specimen referring to the Florida bird, the second to the minutus.
Bartram, in his list of North American birds, (Travels in Florida,) mentions a "Corvus
maritimus, Great Seaside Crow," but without specifying locality or giving any description. If
a Florida bird, it quite probably refers to the present species, which is doubtless quite maritime
in its habits.
Detailed measurements of species.
c
Bill—
Succession of quills from longest.
T3
a>
E
BC
B
»
V
6
c
Locality.
&
o
01
^
a
jO
a
3
ex
0
o
3
%
a
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
c
V
£>
0
euo
3
•3
cs
M
B
i:
V
•3
as
m
c
^
QQ
1
1
CS
EH
T3
s
3
_O
c
H-t
a
0
s
£
10374
r?
12.30
7.68
2.60
1.90 0.52
2.10
1.94
2.22
0.80
4
3 ft
3
7
8
1
q
Dry . . .
do..
....do
19.50
36.00
12.00
Fresh..
Cuba, (minutus) .
c?
15.10
10.00
6.56
2.12
1.70
0.52
1.90
1.76
1.86
0.76
4
3.5
6
2
7
8
9
1 Dry....
CORVUS CAURINUS, Baird.
Northwestern Fish Crow.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; fifth arid third ahout equal ; second longer than sixth ; first shorter than ninth. Color black,
glossed with purple. Tail nearly even. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Length about 16.50 inches ; wing about 11 ,
tail about 7.
Hob. — Washington Territory and northwestern coast.
By the above name I wish to indicate a small crow from the northwest coast, which, though
1 Corvus minutus, GUNDLACH, Cabanis Journal fur Ornithologie, IV, March, 1856, 97. Cuba.
June 20. 1858.
72 b
570
U. S P. K. K, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
not much like the eastern fish crow, appears to possess its peculiar habits. In all essential
features it is like the common Corvus amvricanus; so much so, indeed, that but for the slight dif
ference in size it would be difficult to tell skins of the two apart. According to Drs. Cooper and
Suckley, they are maritime, feeding on the sea beach at low tide, and coming about the settle
ments with considerable familiarity, being much less shy and suspicious than the common crow.
The note, too, is said to be a little different.
The species is readily distinguished from the eastern fish crow by the larger size, the absence
of green gloss on the belly ; the tarsi longer than the middle toe and claw instead of shorter,
and the second quill being generally shorter than the sixth instead of longer. It is so much
like the Corvus americanus as to be only distinguishable by its inferior size and habits. Indeed,
it is almost a question whether it be more than a dwarfed race of the other species.
Crows from California and one from Vancouver (10303) agree, by their larger size, with the
eastern Corvus americanus, and may thus be distinguished from the C. caurinus.
Detailed measurements.
Bill—
Succession of quills from longest.
•a
1
bo
C
|
oi
a
1
c
o
Locality.
i
g
a
a
a
t
••=
1
£
3
g
a
00
3
V
«
V
•jf
a
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 7.
8.
a
M
V
c
q
•a
o
*j£
a>
p.
bB
l
0
a
a
O
m
iS
OQ
^
SH
H
^
h-t
<
"-1
0
U
02
9811
Puget Sound
• •••
17.70
11.32
7.06
2.01
1.80
0.50
1.84
1.80
2.03
0.82
4
5.3
6
2
7
8 ; 9
1
Dry....
10310
Fort Steilacoom..
16.00
11.33
7.08
2.13
1.84
0.50
1.59
1.53
1.73
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 9
1
Dry. . . .
10211
do
17.00
11.00
6.92
2 06
1.75
0.52
1.72
1.58
1.81
0.62
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 ; 9
1
Dry....
10309
do
....
16.30
10.92
6.82
2.00
1.78
0.53
1.68
1.60
1.90
0.66
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 9
l
Dry. . . .
10315
do
ji
10 90
6 70
2 10
1 88
0 53
1 78
1 70
1 98
0 70
4
3 5
g
2
7
8 9
l
do..
do
16.50
32 00
10306
Shoal water bay..
....
16.10
10.72
6.80
2.12
1.98
0.56
1.60
1.56
1.90
0.64
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 9
1
Dry. . . .
do..
do
16.50
33 00
!
Fresh..
10308
Fort Steilacoom. .
16.40
10.90
T.34
1.96
1.71
0.52
1.85
1.69
2.00
0.66
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 ! 9
1
Dry....
10307
do
....
17.20
10.70
6.78
1.96
1.72
0.51
1.80
1.69
1.95
0.70
4
3.5
6
2
7
8 ' 9
1
Dry. . . .
1
1
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Wben collected.
Wbence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
9811
Simiahruoo bay W. T
Dec 20 1857
A Campbell
87
Dr Kennerly
10310
Steilacoom, W. T .
Feb. 1856
Dr. Suckley . ......
230
10311
do. ..
April 25 1856
do
322
10308
do
Marcb
do
241
10309
do
February
do
231
10307
do
April 25 1856
do
324
10312
J
do
do
do
324
16.50
32. 00
10306
Shoalwater bay, W. T.
Sept. 14, 1854
Dr Cooper
96
16.50
33.00
BIRDS — CORVIDAE — CORVUS OSSIFRAGUS.
571
. CORVUS OSSIFRAGUS, Wilson.
Fish Crow.
Corvus ossifragus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 27 ; pi. xxxvii.f. 2.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 39.— IB. Syn. 1828,
57. — IB. Conspectus, 1850,385. — WAGLER, Syst. Avium, 1827, Corvus, No. 12. — NUTTALL, Man.
I, 1832, 216.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,268: V, 479 ; pi. 146.— IB. Syn. 1839, 151.— IB. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 94 ; pi. 226.
Sr. CH. — Fourth quill longest ; second rather longer than seventh ; first shorter than the ninth. Glossy black, with green
and violet reflections ; the gloss of the belly greenish. Length, about 15.50 inches ; wing, 10.50 ; tail, less than 7 inches ;
tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw.
Hub. — South Atlantic (and Gulf?) coast.
In this species the bill is shaped much as in the common crow, the upper outline perhaps a
little more convex. The bristly feathers at the base of the bill reach nearly halfway to the tip.
I find no bare space at the base of the lower mandible, although the feathers are not quite so
thick there as in the common crow. The tarsus has eight transverse scutellae, and is decidedly
shorter than the middle toe with its claw. The lateral claws do not reach within one-tenth of
an inch of the base of the middle claw.
The wings are long and acute ; the fourth is longest ; next the third, fifth, second, and sixth;
the first is about as long as the secondaries. The distances from the tip of the longest quill to
each primary are as follows :
Longest
quill.
1st.
2d.
3d.
4th.
5th. 6th.
7th.
8th.
9th.
4515 Washington 4th.
3.55
1.05
.15
0.
.25 1.10
2.10
2.85
3.00
The four outer primaries are cut out on the inner web as in G. americanus.
The tail of the fish crow is nearly even, or only slightly rounded, the outer feathers about
.40 of an inch less than the middle ones. The innermost tail feather has the webs on both sides
nearly equal.
This species is everywhere lustrous black, with a partly violet and partly green gloss on the
back ; a decidedly green gloss on the belly.
The fish crow of the Atlantic States is readily distinguishable from the common crow by the
much smaller size, (16 inches instead of 20 ; wing about 11 inches instead of 13 ;) the bill is
broader at the base and tapers more rapidly to the end ; the middle toe and claw are longer than
the scutellate portion of the tarsus, not shorter, the inner claw not reaching to the base of the
middle one. The tail is less rounded. The gloss on the belly is green instead of violet ; that
on the back is mixed \vith green, not entirely violet.
Audubon and Wilson describe the fish crow as having a space bare of feathers at the base of
the bill. This I have not found in any of the specimens before me, (all adult,) and am inclined
to consider it a feature of the young, as shown in Mr. Audubon's plate. In these adults the
face is quite as fully feathered as ever in our common crow, which itself sometimes has the
feathers in front of the eye, thickened and sparse.
572
U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Detailed measurements.
C
Bill
Succession of quills from longest.
-a
S
\ .5
i
e
0
01
a
8
0)
C
Locality.
^
«
3
s'
~
e
3
i 0
|
3
O
SB
CO
1.
2.
3.
4
5.
e. : 7.
8.
e
C
I
.
S S
be
•
1 ! 1
0
CD
SB
a
i
1
1
8
a
! 02
HI £
£
E-i
IS : s
&
o
O
H
a,
02
4515
Washington. D. C. c?
15.50
10. 5S
6.88
1.84 1.84
0.53
1.52
1.42
1.61
0.56
4
3.5
6.2
7
8
9
1
Dry . . .
do
...do. .
15.56 31.50
10.51
Fresh .
10314 New Jersey
14.50
10. 3(,
6.72
1.86 1.93
0.59
1.64
1.56
1.80
0.59
3
4.5
o
6
7
8
1
9
Dry ...
103J3 rfo
14.80
10. 7(
6.45
1.84
0.58
1 73
1 60
1 80
0 57
3 4
5
2
6
7
g
9
1
Drv.
3049
Liberty county, Ga
15.60
10.44
6.42
1.82 1.90
0.63
1.76
1.60
1.78
0.58
4
3.5
2
6
7
8
9
1
Dry . . .
2849
.....do
Q
14.10
9.91
6.00
1.71 1.84
0.54
1.50
1.42
1.66
0.57
3.4
5
2
6
7
8
9 1
Dry . . .
6530 Indian Key, Fla..
S
15.20
10.40
6.73
1.80 1.94
0.64
1.66
1.58
1.90
0.57
4
3.5
2
6
7
8
9
1
Dry . . .
do.
do
33.00
10.00
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
4515
,?
Washington D. C .
Feb. 1855
Market
10313
r?
New Jersey. ....__• . .
J. Cassin
10314
do
do
3049
Liberty county, Ga ......
S. F. Baird
2849
Q
.do
do
6530
f?
Indian Key, Florida. .
Feb. 3. 1857
G. Wurdemaun... ..
33. 00
10. 00
PICICORVUS, Bonaparte.
Picicorvus, BONAPARTE, Consp. Av. 1850, 384. Type Corvus columbianus, Wils.
CH. — Lead color, with black wings and tail. Bill longer than the head, considerably longer than the tarsus, attenuated,
slightly decurved ; tip without notch. Culmen and commissure curved ; gonys straight or slightly concave, as l»ng as the tarsi .
Nostrils circular, completely covered by a full tuft of incumbent white bristly feathers. Tail much shorter than the wings,
nearly even or slightly rounded. Wings pointed, reaching to the tip of tail. Third, fourth, and fifth quills longest. Tarsi
short, scarcely longer than the middle toe, the hind toe and claw very large, reaching nearly to the middle of the middle claw,
the lateral toe little shorter. A row of small scales on the middle of the sides of tarsus.
Without a specimen of Nucifraga conveniently at hand I cannot express exactly the difference
between it and the present genus. Judging from descriptions, however, the bill is more
curved,- the culmen being decidedly convex ; the nasal feathers are longer ; the wings extending
only to the middle of the tail, instead of near the tip. The very long wings distinguish it from
all other American genera, except Corvus, which has a much thicker bill, &c., and is entirely
black. The short tarsi and lengthened lateral and hinder toes are quite remarkable. The hind
claw is rather longer than its digit. The sides of the tarsi exhibit the row of small scales seen
in Corvus. The commissure is considerably curved, more convex than the culrnen, which bends
very gently throughout from the very base. There is a general approximation to the Sturnella-
like bill more decidedly visible in Gymnokitta. The nostrils are small, with the anterior portion
less deeply bevelled off than in Corvus.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE — PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS.
573
Comparative measurements of species.
o
<s
1
£, •
to .
2 fe
fc
_a
<a
1
.
Species.
Lecality.
•s
•g 2>
.
3
-
1
M
Specimen
"5
M
a
QJ '> G"
— •
*o
•|
"c "°
.S "3
_0
measured.
O
02
j
VI
5
H
H
S
M
£ §
33
H
^
4461
Picicorvus columbianus .
Cascade mountains
12.60
7.70
5.16
1.36
1.S4
0.51
1.73
1.80
1.03
0.56
Skin
8895
do . . . . , do
Rawhide peak, Neb..
9
11. 3e
7.03
4.73
1.42
1.46
0.52
1.68
1.73
1.06
0.60
Skin
do.
do do
do
12.50
21.50 7.12
Fresh
8468
Gymnokitta cyanocephala
75 miles west of Al
9.66
5.88
4.70
1.46
1.12
0.36
1.34
1.40
0.84
0.44
Skin
buquerque.
do.
do do
do
10.00
18.00
6.00
Fresh
PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, Bon.
Clarke's Crow.
Corvus columbianus, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 29 ; pi. xx.— BON. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 38. — IB. Syn. 1828,
57.— NUTTALL, I, 1832, 218.
Nucifraga columbiana, Aun. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 459 ; pi. 362.— IB. Syn. 1839, 156.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,
127 ; pi. 235.— BON List, 1838.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed 251.
Picicorvus columbianus, BONAP. Consp. 1850,384. — NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1837, 83.
" Corvus megonyx, WAGLER. "
SP. CH. — Tail rounded or moderately graduated, the closed wings reaching nearly to it<fcip. Fourth quill longest ; secon
considerably shorter than the sixth. General color bluish ash, changing on the nasal feathers, the forehead, sides of head,
(especially around the eye,) and chin, to white. The wings, including their inner surface, greenish black, the secondaries and
tertials, except the innermost, broadly tipped with white ; tail white, the inner web of the fifth feather and the whole of the sixth,
with the upper tail coverts, greenish black. The axillars plumbeous black. Bill and feet black.
Length of male, (fresh,) 12 inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 4.30 ; tarsus, 1.20.
Hab. — From Rocky mountains to Pacific. East to Fort Kearney.
The tail of this species is nearly even, or but slightly rounded, the lateral feathers being
about .20 of an inch shorter than the other white ones. Sometimes, however, the middle black
feathers project beyond the rest for nearly half an inch.
There is considerable variation in the size of this species, as well as a striking difference in the
length of the bill. Thus, in 4460, from the Cascade mountains, the bill is nearly two inches long,
slender and attenuated, exceeding by half an inch that of 8239. The length is 12.50 inches ;
wing, 7.50 ; tail, 4.65. The general color is sometimes quite pale bluish ash, becoming appre
ciably lighter on the head. The female is quite similar.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
8472
A
Sept 2. 1853
11 75
21 50
7.12
8240
8239
8878
Q
3
30 miles east of Ft. Kearney.
do
Black Hill*, Neb
Oct. 24,1857
do
Sept. 15. ...
W. M. Magraw... 222
do ; 5221
Dr. Cooper
do
12.25
12.00
11.00
22.00
22.00
20.00
7.75
7.75
7.00
Bill and feet black.
do
8870
do
do
do
do
11.00
21.50
7.00
8871
.... do
June 29
do
do
11.25
21.50
7.25
8872
jj
do
Sept. 12 ....
do . ...
do. .
12 00
24 00
7 50
8874
do
Sept. 14
do. . .
do.
8875
0
Raw Hide Peak Neb
Sept 6
do
do
12 50
21 50
7 19
1929
cj
Kocky moan tains
June 16,1834
S. F. Baird '
6999
6
Medicine Bow, Neb
July 2G, 1857
Lt Bryan .... 334
W. S. Wood.
8473
8475
Nov 15 1853
8474
4460
4461
95 do
Cascade mountains, O.T ....
do
Nov. 16,1853
do....
Lt. Williamson
do
Dr. Newberry....
8470
Yakima river, W. T
Aug. 5 1853
Gov Stevens i 29
8471
do
Sept 1 1853
574 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
GYMNOKITTA, Pr. Max.
Gymnorhinus, PR. MAX. Reise Nord. Amer. II, 1841, 21. Type G. cyanocephala.
Gymnokitta, PR. MAX. " 1850," Gray.
Cyanocephalus, BONAP. " 1842," Preoccupied in Botany.
CH. — Bill elongated, depressed, shorter than the tarsus, longer than the head, without notch, similar to that of Sturnella
in shape. Cuhnen nearly straight ; commissure curved ; gonys ascending. Nostrils small, oval, entirely exposed, the bristly
feathers at the base of the bill being very minute. Tail short, nearly even, much shorter than the pointed wings, which cover
three-fourths of the tail. Tarsi considerably longer than the middle toe.
This is a very remarkable genus of Corvidae, and is readily distinguished among North
American forms by the naked nostrils, and short, even tail. The nostrils are small and oblong,
not circular, the anterior wall scooped out. There is a striking likeness in the shape of the
bill to that of Sturnella ludoviciana, even to the depressed culmen at the base, extending back
into the forehead. With a general resemblance to Picicorvus in the attenuation of the bill, the
culmen is nearly straight to near the tip ; the gonys convex at the base, then straight, and
ascending ; the tip of the bill in both is broad, flat, and without notch. The edges of the bill
are not inflected towards the base, as in Picicorvus. The tarsi are proportionately longer, the
lateral toes shorter.
In both genera there is a slight indication of a row of small scales along the posterior edge
of the tarsi on the inner edge.
The proper generic name for this species is a matter of some uncertainty. In the first edition
of Gray's list of genera, in 1840, Gymnorhina was proposed for a genus of Corvidae, which,
according to his views, prevented the subsequent use of Gymnorhinus of Prince Maximilian.
The year quoted for the latter name is 1843, but this is the date of the French translation, the
original German work bearing the imprint of 1841. It is a question whether both names cannot
be used, as I have contended in other instances. In the present case, however, as the new
appellation for the group is by the same author as the old one, and the conflicting names are in
the same family, it may, perhaps, be as well to accept Gymnokitta. I have not been able to lay
my hand on the place where this genus is first introduced.
GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA, P r . Max.
Maximilian's Jay.
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, PR. MAXIMILIAN, Reise in das innere Nord Amerika, II, 1841, 21. — IB. Voyage dans Am.
du Nord, III, 1843, 296.
Gymnokitta cyanocephala, " PR. MAP." 1850," Bp. Conspectus,I1850, 382.— CASSIN, Illust. I, vi, 1854, 165 ; pi. xxviii. —
NKWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 83.
Psilorhinus cyanocephalus, GRAY, Genera.
Cyanocorax cassinii, M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, June, 1851, 216.
SP. CH. — Wings considerably longer than the tail, and reaching to within an inch of its tip. Tail nearly even. General
color dull blue, paier on the abdomen, the middle of which is tinged with ash ; the head and neck of a much deeper and more
intense blue, darker on the crown. Chin and fore part of the throat whitish, streaked with blue. Length, 10 inches ; wing,
5.90 ; tail, 4.50 ; tarsus, 1.50.
Hob. — Rocky mountains to Cascades of California and Oregon. Not on the Pacific coast.?
The bill of this species is longer than the head. The wings are long and pointed ; the third,
fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal, the second a little longer than the seventh, but half an inch
less than the longest ; the exposed portion of the first about half that of the longest.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE GARRULINAE.
575
Specimens vary considerably in size. Thus No. 8488, from Fort Massachusetts, marked
female, is 11.50 inches long ; the wing 6 ; the tail 4.80. The color, too, is of a more intense
blue throughout.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
8488
o
Fort AIas« N M
Mar 28 1856
Dr. Peters
14
11.25
8466
V
Dr T. C. Henry
8468
Nov 16 1853
Lt. Whipple ..
Kenn. & Moll
4466
Des Chutes basin 0 T
J. S. Newberry
Sub-Family GARRULINAE.
CH. — Wings short, rounded ; not longer or much shorter than the tail, which is graduated, sometimes excessively so. Wings
reaching not much beyond the lower tail coverts. Bristly feathers at base of bill variable. Bill nearly as long as the head, or
shorter. Tarsi longer than the bill or than the middle toe. Outer lateral claws rather shorter than the inner.
The preceding diagnosis may perhaps characterise the garruline birds, as compared with the
crows. The sub-divisions of the group are as follows :
A. NOSTRILS MODERATE, COMPLETELY COVERED BY INCUMBENT FEATHERS.
a. Tail very long.
PICA. — Tail excessively graduated ; nearly twice as long as the wings. First primary
attenuated, falcate. Head without crest.
b. Tail about as long as the tving, or a little longer.
CYANURUS. — Head crested. Colors of wing and tail blue, banded with black.
CYANOCITTA, — Head without crest. Color above blue, with a grey patch on the back.
PERISOREUS. — Bill scarcely half the head, with white feathers over the nostrils. Plumage dull.
XANTHOURA. — Head without crest. Color above greenish ; the head blue ; lateral tail feathers
yellow.
B. NOSTRILS VERY LARGE, NAKED, UNCOVERED BY FEATHERS.
PSILORHINUS. — Head smooth ; tail broad ; wings two-thirds as long as the tail.
CALOCITTA. — Head with a recurved crest ; wings less than half as long as the tail.
There is a very close relationship between the jays and the titmice, the chief apparent difference
being scarcely anything else than in the size. The feathers at the base of the bill, however, in
the jays are bristly throughout, with lateral branches reaching to the very tip. In Paridae
these feathers are inclined to be broader, and the shaft projecting considerably beyond the basal
portion, or the lateral branches confined to the basal portion, and extended forwards. There is
no naked line of separation between the scutellae on the outer side of the tarsi. The basal joint
of the middle toe is united almost or quite to the end to the lateral, instead of half way. The
first primary is usually less than half the second, instead of rather more ; the fourth and fifth
primaries nearly equal and longest, instead of the fifth being longer than the fourth.
57t>
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT/
PICA, Brisson.
Coracias, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Gray.
Pica, BRISSON, Ornithologia, 1760, and of Cuvier, (Agassiz.) Type Corvus pica, L.
Cissa, BARRERE, " Orn. Spec, novum, 1745."
Cleptes, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d Ser. I, 1847, 47.
CH. — Tail very long, forming much more than half the total length ; the feathers much graduated ; the lateral scarcely
more than half the middle. First primary falcate, curved, and attenuated. Bill about as high as broa«k at the base ; the
culmen and gonys much curved, and about equal ; the bristly feathers reaching nearly to the middle of the bill. Nostrils nearly
circular. Tarsi very long ; middle toe scarcely more than two-thirds the length. A patch of naked skin beneath and behind
the eye.
The peculiar characteristic of this genus, in addition to the very long graduated tail, lies in
the attenuated, falcate first primary. Calodtta, which has an equally long or longer tail, has
the first primary as in the jays generally, (besides having the nostrils exposed.)
A specimen of P. nuttalli has the lateral tarsal plates with two or three transverse divisions,
on the lower third. This does not occur in P. hudsonica.
The bill of Pica, in every respect, is very similar to that of Corvus, except that it is shorter.
The bristly feathers are also alike. The nostrils are smaller, more nearly circular; the axis not
oblique, nor the anterior margin scooped out, as in Corvus.
The two North American species are readily distinguished by the black bill in hudsonica,
and the yellow one of nuttalli.
The first distinct name applied to the magpies is Coracias, LINNAEUS, in 1735. Both this and
Cissa, of Barrere, appear to have been proposed before Pica, of Brisson. Why Mr. Gray has
passed by both these names I do not know, but presume he had some good reason for so doing.
He rejects Pica, on account of its similarity to Picus, and takes Dr. Gambol's name of Cleptes,
1847.
Without the original references before me, I follow Mr. Gray in passing over Coracias and
Cissa, but retain Pica, as sufficiently dissimilar from Picus,
Comparative measurements of species.
0
o
o>
*
S fe
S
0
0)
a.
fc
Species.
Locality.
g
.£ S)
•
** 42
o
§>
Specimen
1
c
I *
.5
£
•o
•c
•a o
.S «
c
0
measured.
O
3
02
^
EH
£
s
2
S §
X
0)
•<
3938
Pica i m ttalli i
California.
17.30
7.42
10.26
1.95
1.43
0.45
1.00
0.49
1.26
1.53
Skin
1922
16.90
6.97
9.20
1.93
1.42
0.40
1.02
0.50
1.28
1.50
Skin
4547
Pica hudsonica
Fort Pierre
18.50
8.08
11.20
1.90
1.42
0.46
0.97
0.50
1.30
1.54
Skin
do.
do .
do .
18 75
24.25
8.50
PICA HUDSONICA, Bo nap.
Magpie.
Corvus pica, FORSTER, Phil. TrunH. LXXII, 1772, 382.— WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 75 ; pi. xxxv.— BON. Obs.
Wils. 1825, No. 40.— IB. Syn. 1828, 57.— NCTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 219.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,
408 ; pi. 357. Not of Linnaeus.
Corvus hudsonica, Jos. SABINE, App. Narr. Franklin's Journey, 1823, 25, 671.
Picus hudsonica, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 383. — MAXIM. Reise Nord. Amer. I, 1839, 508. — IB.
Cabanis' Journ. 1856, 197. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R, VI, iv, 1857,
Cleptes hudsonicus, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d Ser. I, Dec. 1847, 47.
Pica melanoleuca, " VIEILL." AUD. Syn. 1839, 157.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 99 ; pi. 227.
BIRDS — COEVIDAE PICA HUDSONICUS. 577
gp. CH. — Bi-11 and naked skin behind the eye, black. General color black. The belly, scapulars, and inner webs of the
primaries white ; hind part of back grayish; exposed portion of the tail feathers glossy green, tinged with purple and violet
near the end ; wings glossed with green ; the secondaries and tertials with blue; throat feathers spotted with white. Length,
19.00 ; wing, 8.50; tail, 11.00.
Hub. — The Arctic regions of North America. The United States from the High Central Plains to the Pacific, north of
California.
The tail feathers are brilliant lustrous" green, interrupted, however, a few inches from the tip
by a shade of* golden, which passes into violet, then into bluish, the extreme tip greenish again.
This prevails on both webs of the middle feathers, but on the others is confined to the outer ;
the inner webs dull blackish, with a shade of indigo. On the wings the prevailing shade is a
beautiful blue on the exposed surfaces, this color margining the greenish of the secondaries
rather abruptly.
Bill and feet black. Head and neck all round, fore part of breast, interscapular region, rump,
base of the tail all round, under wing coverts, axillars, and tibia, dull black, with a shade
of very dark blue, except the interscapular patch, which is greenish. Feathers of the hood
stiffened, and tipped with metallic greenish. Under parts, inner web of primaries, (except at
tips,) scapulars, and tips of the feathers on the hind part of the back, white. Bases of the
feathers on the middle of the throat with a spot of white. "Wings and tail glossy green, the
latter tinged subterminally with purple, violet, and golden, the latter glossed with blue.
Exposed portion of the first primary falcate, half as long as that of the second ; fifth quill
longest ; second between eighth and ninth. Tail much graduated ; lateral feather rather more
than half the longest, 5.25 inches shorter than the longest; the tips about equidistant, except that
of the terminal one, which is about one and a half times more remote from the penultimate.
The American magpie is very closely related to the European, but differs in a much longer
tail, and in the white spots on the feathers of the throat. The voice and habits are said to be
entirely different.1
1 In an elaborate article on the American magpie in Cabanis' Journal fur Ornithologie, Prince Maximilian takes strong ground
in relation to its specific distinction from the European species, and sums up the argument as follows :
1. The American magpie is the larger.
2. Its iris has a grayish blue outer ring, while that of the European magpie is altogether dark.
3. The bill of the American bird is proportionally larger and thicker.
4. The feathers on the lower neck are spotted with white in the American bird, while they are entirely black in the European.
5. The voice is totally distinct in the two.
6. The American bird has but two young.
7. The eggs are differently formed, and a little differently colored.
June 30, 1858.
73 b
578
U. 8. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
8477
Mil k river, Neb
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley ...
18.75
23.25
8.00
5198
3
Fort Berthold, Neb
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden...
19.00
24.50
7.50
4547
Fort Pierre
Oct. 27,1856
do
do
18.75
24.25
8 50
5193
o
Running Water, Mo
Oct. 20,1856
do
do
19.50
25.00
8.37
5197
A
Great Bend of Missouri
Oct. 10, 1856
do
do
18.50
24.50
9 75
5196
Oct. 8, 1856
do
do
21.25
25 25
8 25
5194
5195
a
$
Ft. Randall, on Missouri....
do
Oct. 15, 1856
Oct. 16, 1856
do
do
19
do
do
23.25
20.00
25.75
7.75
8.50
5199
do
Oct. 17, 1856
do
do
19.75
25.25
7.75
9060
N branch Fork of Cheyenne
Oct. 3, 1850
do
do
19.00
24. CO
8 00
9058
Black Hills Neb ..
Sept. 24, 1856
. do.
do
16 50
03 75
8 50
9063
9057
9059
$
do
do
Sept. 25, 1856
Sept. 13, 1856
do
do
do
do
18.00
20.50
22.75
24.75
7.50
8.75
9062
, ... do.
U067
.. Jo
Sept. 29, 1856
do
do
20.50
25 00
8 50
8233
8238
Fort Kearney
30 miles west of Ft. Kearney
Oct. 5, 1857
Oct. 20, 1857
Dr. Cooper
do
215
87
18.50
21 00
23.50
26 00
8.50
8 50
Bill and feet black.,
do ...
5663
r?
North Platte
Aug. 12, 1857
255
W. S. Wood...
5664
O
Aug. 9, 1857
do
231
do
8485
Fort Massachusetts, N. Mex.
Feb. 4, 1856
3
8481
do
Lieut. Beckwith. ..
7
Mr. Kreutzfeldt
7100
do
14
do
8480
4th camp, Little Colorado. ..
Dec. 8, 1853
17.00
19 00
6.00
8478
St. Mary's, Rocky mount's.
Oct. 12, 1853
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley ...
21.50
25.50
8483
Aug. — , 1856
533
8479
Yakima river, W. T
Aug. 4, 1853
Gov. Stevens
7
8482
Bellingham Bay
Sept.—, 1856
Dr. Suckley
534
8417
Puget Sound .....
Aug. 2
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennedy...
PICA NUTTALLI, Aud.
Yellow-billed Magpie
Pica nuttalli, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 450; pi. 362.— IB. Syn. 1839, 152.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 104 ;
pi. 228.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 383.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2ded. 1840,236.—
NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 84.
Cleptes nutlalli, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. 2d Series, I, 1847, 46.
Sp. CH. — Bill, and naked skin behind the eye, bright yellow ; otherwise similar to P. hudsonica. Length, 17 ; wing, 8 ;
tail, 10.
Hab . — California .
This species, in every appreciable respect, is precisely similar to the common magpie, with
the exception of the bill and naked skin around and behind the eye, which are bright yellow.
Sometimes this is rendered darker from the fact that the transparency of the horny covering of
the bill allows the bone to be seen through it. The size is rather smaller, but this may be the
result of its more southern locality. It is a very serious question, whether the bird is anything
more than a permanently yellow-billed variety of the common bird. It is well known that in
Psttorhinue morio, and other garruline birds, the bill may be either yellow or black, almost in
the same brood of young ; and if magpies with these differences were habitually associated
throughout the continent, there would probably be no hesitation in combining them. The
restriction of the yellow billed magpie to the coast region of California, where it is unmixed
with black billed individuals, except in the northern portion of the State, is an interesting fact.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE — CYANURUS.
579
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Collected by —
8476 San Francisco, Gal
R. D. Cutts
5899 Santa Clara, Cal
1855 .. . Dr. Cooper..
2845 Santa Barbara Cal
r
! S F. Baird
J J Audubon
4937 San Jose", Cal
4567 San Diego, Cal
........ Dr. Hammond .
I
CYANURA/S wain son.
Cyanurus, SWAINSOV, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 495, Appendix. Type Corvus cristatus, Linn.
Cyanocitla, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851. Not of Strickland, 1845.
CH. — Head crested. Wings and tail blue, with transverse black bars ; head and back of the same color. Bill rather slender,
somewhat broader than high at the base ; culmen about equal to the head. Nostrils large, nearly circular, concealed by bristles.
Tail about as long as the wings, lengthened, graduated. Hind claw large, longer than its digit.
The culmen is straight to near the tip, where it is gently decurved ; the gonys is convex at
the base, then straight and ascending. The bill has a very slight notch at the tip. The
nostrils are large, nearly circular, or slightly elliptical. The commissure is straight at the
base, then bending down slightly near the tip. The legs present no special peculiarities. The
crest on the head consists of a number of elongated, narrow, lanceolate occipital feathers.
The C. cristata differs from C. stelleri, and still more from C. macrolophus, in having a shorter,
stouter, and more convex and curved bill ; the nasal bristly feathers with black shafts, and the
lateral branches ash color, instead of the whole being black. The tarsi are shorter, the colors
quite different.
Synopsis of species.
Common characters. — Wings and tail blue, conspicuously banded with black. Head with a
prominent crest.
Bill short. Lateral tail feathers tipped with white. Under parts whitish ; breast with,
a crescent of black connected with a half collar on the neck above C. cristata.
Bill longer. Body blue. Head, neck, and upper part of back dull sooty black.
Occipital crest rather short. Frontal feathers slightly glossed with dull blue.
No white about the eyes 0. stelleri.
Occipital crest very long. Frontal feathers conspicuously streaked with bluish
white. A white streak above the eye 0. macrolophus.
580
U. S. P. E. B. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
c
I
o
Species.
Locality.
f
to
1
4
oa
a
c
3
» •„
o
.E ?
2 B"
I *
02
M
c
S
'rt
Ei
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
&
— Q^
u B
O
; CS
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
1-107
do
1423
do
8376
8372
8486
8352
do
4419
1919
5903
8455
9345
8465
8484
9095
8469
do
4112
do
9096
8452
4052
do
9094
Cyanura cristata. . ......
do
Carlisle, Pa
. Hr.
9
10.12
11.00
11.02
12.25
16.00
5.02
5.17
5.62
5.66
5.22
1.22
1.04
0.34
0.80
0.40
1.01
1.12
Skin
Fresh
c?
5.84
1.36
1.16
0.36
0.86
0.40
1.18
1.20
Skin
do
17.75
Cyanura stelleri
do
California
10.90
12.80
5.34
5.71
5.92
6.00
5.18
6.10
5.90
6,10
1.60
1.82
1.65
1.66
1.18
1.36
1.16
1.28
0.36
0.44
0.32
0.38
0.88
1.02
0.90
0.96
0.43
0.50
0,46
0.46
1.13
1.18
1.10
1.24
1.18
1.40
1.25
1.38
Skin ......
Skin
Cyanura macroloplms..
... do
Fort Mass, N. M....
Camp 105, N. M..
do
Q
11.30
11.70
12.00
11.20
10.30
11.26
10.44
10.70
11.10
11 70
17^0
Skin
Skin
do
do
City of Mexico ....
Santa Clara, Cal....
Tcjon Pass
San Francisco
Mexico.!
..„..
9
5.46
4.43
4.75
4.65
4.82
5.31
5.20
6.54
6.33
6.50
5.82
6.00
6.52
5.78
4.71
4.75
4.58
5.70
5.91
5.65
5.64
5.54
5.96
6.08
6.54
6.28
1.58
1.44
1.52
1.60
1.47
1.60
1.64
1.70
1.64
1.10
1.10
1.24
1.20
1.16
1.12
1.16
1.28
1.30
0.38
0.30
0.40
0.37
0.33
0.34
0.34
0.41
0.36
0.90
0.83
0.84
0.90
0.72
0.80
0.77
0.94
0.90
0.47
0.34
0.44
0.41
0.30
0.38
0.40
0.44
0.44
1.10
0.98
1.14
1.10
1.10
0.94
1.10
1.12
1.10
1.26
1.10
1.20
1.22
1.25
1.08
1.21
1.32
1.30
Skin
Cyanocitta floridana —
Cyanocitta californica . .
do
do
do
Cyanocitta woodhousii .
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin *.....
Skin
3
o<$
12.80
12.10
13.00
10.70
11.50
13.10
10.90
10.50
11.00
10 90
Skin
do
Copper Mines, N. M
do
Skin
do ....
19.00
18.00
Fresh
Cyanocitta ultramarina.?
do
Monterey, Mex
do
3
<$
c?
5.43
6.94
5.94
5.62
1.59
1.32
1.60
1.22
1.27
0.98
1.12
0.43
0.40
0.34
0.36
0.94
1.00
0.74
0.89
0.47
0.48
0.40
0.41
1.15
1.10
0.87
1.06
1.33
1.33
0.94
1.16
Skin
Fresh
Skin
Perisoreus canadensis..
Xar.thoura luxuosa
do
Sangre Cristo Pass.
New Leon, Mex.. ..
do
Skin
Skin
14.25
Fresh
do
5.12
1.48
1.12
0.35
0.85
0.41
1.04
1.16
Skin
* Mounted.
CYANUKUS CRISTATUS, Swainson.
Blue Jay.
Corvus cristatus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 10th ed. 1758, 106; 12th ed. 1766, 157.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788,369.—
WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 2 ; pi. i. f. 1.— BON. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 41.— DOUGHTY, Cab.
N. H. II, 1832, 62 ; pi. vi.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 11 : V, 1839, 475 ; pi. 102.
Garrulus cristalus, " VIEILLOT, Encyclop. 890."— IB. Diet. XI, 477.— BON. Syn. 1828, 58.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II,
1831, 293.— VIEILLOT, Galerie, I, 1824, 160 ; pi. cii.— AUD. Birds Am. IV, 110 ; pi. 231.
Pica cristata, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827. Pica, No. 8.
Cyanurus cristatus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, App. 495.
Cyanocorax cristatus, BON. List, 1838.
Cyanocitta cristata, STRICKLAND, Ann. Mag. N. H. 1845, 261. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851,221.
Cyanogarrulus cristatus, BON. Consp. 1850, 376.
SP. CH. — Crest about one-third longer than the bill. Tail much graduated. General color above light purplish blue ; wings
and tail feathers ultramarine blue ; the secondaries and tertials, the greater wing coverts, and the exposed surface of the tail,
sharply banded with black, and broadly tipped with white, except on the central tail feathers. Beneath white ; tinged with
purplish blue on the throat, and with bluish brown on the sides. A black crescent on the fore part of the breast, the horns passing
forward and connecting with a half collar on the back of the neck. A narrow frontal line and loral region black ; feathers on
the base of the bill, blue like the crown. Female rather duller in color and a little smaller. Length, 12.25 ; wing, 5.65 ; tail,
5.75.
Hub. — Eastern North America, west to the Missouri.
In addition to what has been already stated, there is a narrow black line behind the eye
running into the cervical collar, which is overhung by the feathers of the crest ; the posterior
concealed ones of these also black. The amount of white on the tail decreases from the exterior.
BIRDS CORVIDAE CYANURUS STELLERI .
581
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1582
Washington, D. C
Wm.Hutton
1407
O
April 30, 1844
S. F. Baird
11.00
16 00
5.16
1423
3
do
May 2, 1844
do
12.25
17.75
5 65
7000
o
May 8, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
W. S. Wood.
6946
Red River, H. B
8450
Fort Leaven worth
Oct. 23, 1854
Lieut . Couch
6
8324
J>
Independence, Mo. ...
May 27, 1857
W. M. Magraw
47
12.50
16.50
5.50
8325
o
do
May 29, 1857
do
48
do .
12 50
16 50
5 50
feet black.
5866
Fort Riley, K. T
Hammond & DeVesey
CYANURA STELLERI, S w a i n s o n .
Steller's Jay.
Corvus stelleri, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 370.— LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 158.— PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. I, 1813,
393.— BONAP. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 49.— IB. Suppl. Syn, 1828, 433.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,
453; pi. 362.
Garrulus stelleri, VIEILLOT, Diet. XII, 1817, 481.— BONAP. Am. Orn. II, 1828, 44; pi. xiii. — NUTTALL, Man. I,
1832, 229.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 154.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 107; pi. 230. Not of Swain-
son, F. Bor. Amer.?
Cyanurus stelleri, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 495, App.
Pica stelleri, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Pica, No. 10.
Cyanocorax stelleri, BON. List, 1838.
Cyanocitta stelleri, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 221.— NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 85.
Cyanogarrulus stelleri, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 377.
Sleller's crow, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, Sp. 139. — LATH. Syn. I, 387. •
Sp. CH. — Crest about one-third longer than the bill. Fifth quill longest ; second about equal to the secondary quills. Tail
graduated ; lateral feathers about .70 of an inch shortest. Head and neck all round, and fore part of breast, dark brownish
black. Back and lesser wing coverts, blackish brown, the scapulars glossed with blue. Under parts, rump, tail coverts, and wing,
greenish blue ; exposed surfaces of lesser quills dark indigo blue ; tertials and ends of tail feathers rather obsoletely banded
with black. Feathers of the forehead streaked with greenish blue. Length, about 13 inches ; wing, 5.85 ; tail, 5.85 ; tarsus,
1.75, (1921).
Hob. — Pacific coast of North America ; east to St. Mary's Mission, Rocky mountains.
In many specimens there is an appearance of greyish on the chin, owing to the exposed hases
of the feathers. There is a faint gloss of bluish gray on the blackish or dark brown of
the back, but it is scarcely appreciable. The shafts of the quills and tail feathers are black.
The upper surfaces of the tail feathers are blue, not so dark as the secondaries and tertials ; the
inferior surfaces brownish black. Bill and feet black. The wings reach about to the end of the
upper tail coverts.
There is some difference in specimens as to the shade of blue, which sometimes has much less
of green in it than as described. The black bands on the wings and tail also vary in extent and
intensity. The sexes do not differ appreciably in color.
The specimens in the collection before me are all from the regions of the Pacific towards the
coast, except one* procured at the Catholic Mission of St. Mary's, among the Flatheads. This,
however, is on the western slope of the mountains. The bird figured by Richardson appears to
582
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
be the C. macrolcpJms, as shown by the whitish on the forehead and over the eye ; the description,
however, answers sufficiently well to C. stelleri.
The Pica cyanochlora of Wagler, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 9, Pica, and the Graculus (error for
Garrulus) melanog aster, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. XII, 1817, 478, referred to this species by authors,
do not answer at all to it.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
844
4448
3
Russian America
1841
S. F. Baird
Wosnesjensky
5901
8369
8370
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
Dec. 26, 1854
Feb. — , 1854
Gov. Stevens
do
30
Dr. Suckley
do
13.00
19 00
6 50
8373
j
do
April 28, 1856
350
12.00
17.00
8374
do ....
do
244
13.00
17.50
8375
do
April 25, 1856
do
326
4583
8366
8367
....
Fort Vancouver, W. T
Jan. 31, 1854
Gov. Stevens
do
23
Dr. Cooper
do
12 25
18 00
8368
do
Jan. 30, 1854
do
21
do
12.25
18.00
1921
4360
'$
Columbia river
1834
Jan. 7, 1855
S. F. Baird
Dr. Suckley
167
J. K. Townsend
4449
4447
Cascade mountains
Lieut. Williamson
do
Dr. Newberry
do
5541
,*
680
4223
Winter '53-54
R. D. Cutts
3717
.f
Sept. 4
W. Hutton
3718
May 12, 1847
do
8371
St. Mary's Mission, R. mountains
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
13.00
18.00
5.75
CYANURA MACROLOPHUS, Baird.
Long-crested Jay.
Cyanocitta macrolopha, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, June, 1854, 118. Albuquerque.
? Garrulus stelleri, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 294 ; pi. liv. The plate, probably, if not the description. Head
waters of Columbia. Not Corirus stelteri of Gmelin. •
Sp. CH. — Crest nearly twice the length of the bill. Tail moderately graduated ; the lateral feathers about .60 of an inch
shorter than the middle. Fourth and fifth quills longest ; second shorter than the secondaries. Head all round, throat and fore
part of the breast, black, the crest with a gloss of blue ; rest of back dark ashy brown with a gloss of greenish. Under parts,
rump, tail coverts, and outer surfaces of primaries, greenish blue ; greater coverts, secondaries, and tertials, and upper surface
of tail feathers, bright blue, banded with black ; forehead streaked with opaque white, passing behind into pale blue ; a white
patch over the eye. Chin grayish. Length, 12.50 ; wing, 5.85 ; tail, 5-85 ; tarsus, 1.70, (8351.)
Hob- — Central line of Rocky mountains to table lands of Mexico.
This species is very similar to the C. stelleri, but is readily distinguishable on comparison
The most striking peculiarities are the much longer and fuller crest, the streaks on the forehead
white, not blue ; and the white patch over the eye, not found at all in stelleri. The head is
much blacker; the crest feathers having also a gloss of blue, instead of opaque dark brown.
The back is dusky bluish ash, not opaque brown. The chin is more gray; the blue of the
breast extends further forward and is much less abruptly defined. The black bands on the
wing feathers are more distinct, especially those on the greater coverts, which, obsolete in
stelleri, are very conspicuous in the other.
BI RDS CORVIDAE — CYANURA MACROLOPHUS.
583
In addition to the peculiarities of coloration, the bill is much more slender, and the tail less
rounded.
The bird figured by Richardson in Fauna Boreali Americana appears to be this species, from
the white forehead and patch above the eye ; the description, on the contrary, applies pretty
well to stelleri.
Kecognizing fully the close relationship which the present species bears to C. coronata1 of
Swainson, I am yet inclined to consider it as distinct, notwithstanding a previous impression to
the contrary. Swainson's species appears to have the same long crest and the white superciliary
patch, but it is described by him as blue, the sides of the head blackish, the wing coverts
and tertials with blackish lines. As no mention is made of such lines on the tail, it is presumed
that they are wanting. Bonaparte says the bird is entirely blue, the head duller, but with a
bluer crest, the quills and tail feathers obsoletely banded. He adds that the adult has the head
blackish ; the young with the head blue. Cabanis says that the crest is blackish blue, the rest
of the head and fore neck more or less^lackish according to age. In the present bird the head
and neck all round are black, and the crest having only a gloss of blue, scarcely appreciable,
and the tail is very distinctly banded with black.
There seems to be a regular succession of jays of the present group between two extremes of
color. Thus, the C. stelleri has the head and neck opaque black, with a frontal wash of dark
blue. C, macrolophus has the head even blacker, the crest only glossed with blue terminally,
the frontal wash and a superciliary spot whitish ; the tail and wings strongly banded with
black. C. diademata, Bonap., from southern Mexico, apparently lacks the superciliary white
spot, the general color is ashy, the rump and abdomen blue. The quills and tail feathers are
conspicuously banded. It differs from macrolophus in having the crest only black, and the color
more ashy. C. coronata has the head and neck with the crest bluish, the sides of the head black,
a whitish frontal and superciliary spot; and finally C. galeata, Cab., (Mus. Hein, 222,) from
Bogota, has the head entirely blue, the borders of the crest only blackish.
The Garrulus stelleri of the F. B. A. appears to be the present species, and one strong reason
for believing it distinct from the coronata is the fact, that Swainson did not identify his supposed
stelleri with the bird he had described only a few years before as Garrulus coronatus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
8856
c?
Laramie Peak i Aug. 27
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden ....
12.00
18.25
6.25
8857
do '• Aug. 26
do
do
11.75
21.75
7.00
8486
Q
Fort Mass. , N. M Feb. 9,1856
Dr. Peters
6
11.75
8487
835fi
8351
(J
do do
Fort Thorn, N. M
100 miles west of Albuquerque.. Nov. 17.1853
do
Dr. T. C. Henry....
Lt. Whipple
4
20
Kenn. & Moll..
11.75
11.00
18 00
7.00
8352
4419
Camp 105 Jan. 23,1854
do
J. Potts
5J
do
12.00
17.00
7.00
do
1 CYANURA CORONATA, Swainson.
Garrulus coronatus, SWAINSON, Phil. Mag. I, 1827, 437. Table lands Mex. — JARDINE fir. SELBY, III. tab. Ixiv.
Pica coronata, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 750. Possibly C. macrolophus.
Cyanurus coronatus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 495.
Cyanocorax coronatus, BONAP. Pr. Zool. Soc. V, 1837, 115.
Cyanogarrulus coronatus, BON. Conspectus, 1850, 377.
Cyanocitta coronata, CAB. Mus. Hein, 1851, 222.
584 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CYANOCITTA, Strickland.
Cyanocitta, STRICKLAND, Annals and Mag. N. H. XV, 1845, 260. Type, Garrulus californicus, Vigors.
Jlphelocoma, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 221. Safhe type.
CH. — Head without crest. Wings and tail blue, without any bands. Back with a gray patch, different from the head. Bill
about as broad as high at the base, and the culmen a little shorter than the head . Nostrils large, nearly circular, and concealed .
Tail shorter or nearly equal to the wings, lengthened, graduated.
This genus has much the general character of Cyanura or the hlue jays, but is readily
distinguished by the absence of a crest and of black bars on the wings and tail. The wings
generally are shorter ; the general characteristics, however, appear much the same.
The C. ultramarina differs from the other species in having the wings considerably longer, or
fully equal to the tail, which also is nearly even, instead of considerably graduated.
Synopsis of species.
Blue of sides of head extending over the sides of the breast to its middle. Chin, throat,
and breast white ; the feathers of the latter margined with blue. Interscapular gray patch
conspicuously different from the head. A superciliary streak of white.
Belly and under tail coverts dull white. Forehead blue. A well marked superciliary
stripe C. calif ornica.
Belly light brownish ash ; under tail coverts blue. Forehead blue like the crown.
Interscapular region glossed with blue. Superciliary stripe distinct C. woodhouseii.
Belly brownish ash ; under tail coverts blue. Forehead and sides of crown bluish hoary,
conspicuously different from the blue crown, the superciliary stripe not well marked.
C. ftoridana.
Under parts without any bluish edges to the pectoral feathers ; breast bluish ash ; belly and
crissum pure white. Interscapular region scarcely different from the remaining upper surfaces.
Tail nearly even, considerably shorter than the wing C. ultramarina.
Tail rounded, nearly as long as the wings C. sordida.
CYANOCITTA CALIFOBMCA, Strickland.
California Jay.
Garrulus californicus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 21 ; pi. v.
Cyanocitta californica, STRICKLAND, Ann. Mag. XV, 1845,342. — GAMBEL, J. A. N. So. 2d series, I, Dec. 1847,
45.— BON. Conspectus, 1850, 377.— NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 85.
Cyanocorax californicus, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, Ap. 1847, 201.
Jlphelocoma californica, CABANIB, Mus. Hein. 1851, 221.— BON. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, Nov. 1853, 828 ; Notes
Orn . Delattre .
Corvus ultramarinus, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 456 ; pi. 362. Not Garrulus ultramarinus, Bon.
Garrulus ultramarinus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 154. — IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 115 ; pi. 232. Not of Bonaparte.
Cyanocitta superciliosa, STRICKLAND, Ann. Mag. XV, 1845, 260. Type of genus Cyanocitta.
" Corvus palliatus, DRAPIEZ," BONAP.
SP. CH. — Width of bill at base of lower mandible rather more than half the length of culmen. Lateral tail feathers about
an inch shortest. Tail an inch longer than the wings. General color above, including the surface of the wings, brio-lit blue,
without any bars. The whole back, including to some extent the interscapulars, brownish ash, very faintly glossed with blue
in the adult. A streaked white superciliary line from a little anterior to the eye as far as the occiput. Sides of the head and
neck blue, the region around and behind the eye, including lores and most of ear coverts, black. The blue of the sides of the
neck extends across the fore part of the breast, forming a crescent, interrupted in the middle. The under parts anterior to the
BIRDS CORV1DAE — CYANOCITTA WOODHOTJSEII.
585
crescent, white streaked with blue ; behind it dull white; the sides tinged with brown. Length, 12.25 ; wing, 5 ; tail, 6.15 ;
tarsus, 1.55. (2841.)
flab. — Pacific coast from Columbia river south. Not in the interior.
The forehead and nasal feathers are uniform blue with the crown. The blue extends on the
fore part of the back ; it is scarcely found on the rump, although the upper tail coverts are like
the crown. There is no trace of blue on the belly, although a very faint wash is perceptible on
the lower tail coverts. The blue streaks on and anterior to the pectoral collar are on the edges
of the feathers, not the centres.
I find considerable differences in size in different specimens of this bird. Thus, No. 8456,
from San Francisco, measures nearly 14 inches; the wing, 5.25; the tail, 6.40. No. 8455,
(male,) from Tejon Pass, on the contrary, measures 10.40 inches; the wing, 4.65; the tail,
5.50. The more southern specimens are smaller, and have the ashy brown of the back less
glossed with blue. In most specimens the tail feathers are nearly truncate ; in 2841, however,
they are quite acute.
In young birds the head is generally like the back, with only a faint shade of blue. There
is a brownish pectoral collar, but no streaks of blue.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. , Collected by —
No.
2641
$
Columbia river, 0. T
Oct. 11, 1834
S. F. Baird
! J. K. Townsend .._.
8458
Bodega Cal ... ....
Jan. • — •, 1855
Lt. Trowbridgc
' T. A. Szabo
5542
3
Petaluma, Cal.. .
E. Samuels.
169
4225
San Francisco, Cal.
Wint. 1853-'4
R. D. Cutts
5902
Santa Clara Cal . .
Ur. Cooper
5903
do
do
4949
San Jose, Cal. . _..
A. J. Grayson
6
8457
Presidio, Cal
July 27, 1853
Lt. Trowbridge .
3716
Monterey, Cal
Aug. 24, 1857
W. Hutton
4565
San Pasqual, Cal
Maj or Emory .
i - - ~ .....-.--.-..-- . -
13 i A. Schott
8455
A
Tejon pass
Lt. Williamson
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. X. de Vesey
8461
San Felipe, Cal
Major Emory
A. Schott
8462
Camp 149, Cal
Mar. 16, 1854
Lt. Whipple.
186 1 Kenn and Moll
CYANOCITTA WOODHOUSEII, Baird.
Woodhouse's Jay.
Sp. CH. — Size and general appearance of C. californica. Graduation of tail one inch. Blue, with a very obscure ashy
patch on the back. Sides of the head and neck and incomplete pectoral collar, blue ; throat streaked with the same. Breast
and belly uniform brownish ash glossed with blue ; under tail coverts bright blue. Sides of head, including lores, black, glossed
with blue below ; a streaked white superciliary line. Length, 11.50 ; wing, 5.35 ; tail, 6.10 ; tarsus, 1.60.
Hab. — Central line of Rocky mountains to table lands of Mexico.
This species has so close a relationship to 0. californica that it may not seem proper to separate
them, but the differences are readily perceptible in large series. All of the Rocky mountain
July 1, 1858.
74 b
586
U. S. P. E. R. EXP AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT
specimens have common characters in which they differ from California jays. The most
striking of these differences is in the much darker shade of the under parts, in which there is no
white at all, except perhaps immediately around the anus. The under tail coverts are of a clear
blue, almost as bright as that on the upper coverts, and there is a general faint gloss of blue
beneath, especially along the middle of the body, while in californica there is only a faint trace of
blue on the under coverts. The back is more strongly glossed witb blue ; so much so as almost
to take away the impression of any gray patch at all. The lores are quite black, without the
mixture of hoary, seen in californica. The wing is rather longer in proportion ; the tail rather
less graduated. The bill is more slender.
A specimen, 8465, from Mexico, doubtfully referred here, is quite similar to those from the
Kocky mountains ; the tail is, however, rather less graduated, and the under tail coverts are
white. There is little or no trace of the superciliary line of white spots. The bill is much
shorter, broader, and more obtuse.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Extent.
Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
Remarks.
5035
Independence Springs,
Sept. 27, 1855
Capt. J. Tope...
137
13.00
15.00
5.00
Bill and feet black ; eye
N. M.
8484
Fort Thorn, N. M
9345
8465?
9
San Francisco Mts.,N. 11
Oct. 11,1851
Sept. — , 1836
Capt. Sitgreaves..
Dr. Woodliouse.
CYANOCITTA FLOBIDANA, B o n a p .
Florida Jay.
Corvusjloridanus, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 291.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 444 ; pi. 87.
Garrulus jloridanus, BON. Am. Orn. II, 1828, 11 ; pi. xi.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 230.— AUD, Syn. 1839, 154.— IB.
Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 118 ; pi. 233.
Cyanurus Jloridanus, SWAINSOK, F. B. A. II, 1831, 495.
Cyanocorax jloridanus, BON. List, 1838.
Cyanocitta floridana, BON. Consp. 1850, 377.
Jlphelocomafloridana, CABANIS, Mus Hein. 1851, 22.
Garrulus cyaneu.i, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XII, 1817, 476. (Not described.)
? Garrulus caerulescens, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XII, 1817, 480.— ORD. J. A. N. Sc. I, 1818, 347.
Pica caerulescens, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Pico, No. 11.
Sp. CH. — Tail much graduated ; lateral feathers more than one inch shortest Tail an inch longer than the wings. Above
blue ; middle of the back brownish ash. Forehead and sides of the crown, including the nasal feathers, hoary white. Sides
of head and neck, blue ; the former tinged with blackish, the latter sending a streaked collar of the same across the breast ;
region anterior to this collar dirty white streaked on the edges of the feathers with blue ; rest of under parts dirty whitish
brown ; under tail coverts blue, the tibia tinged with the same. Length, 10.50 ; wing, 4.40 ; tail, 5.70 ; tarsus, 1.45.
This species is very similar to the Rocky mountain C. woodliouseii in the color of the under
parts, including the brown belly, tbe blue crissum, the pectoral band, &c. The back, however,
is much lighter and better defined grey, more so even than in G '. californica. It differs from
both species in the hoary on the forehead and sides of the crown, and in the absence of the
superciliary line of white spots, as also in being considerably smaller.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE CYANOCITTA SORDID A. 587
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
1919 ; Florida.. . S. F. Baird
CYANOCITTA SORDIDA, Baird.
Garrulvs sordidus, SWAINSON, Philos. Mag. I, June, 1827, 437. — IB. Zool. 111. N. S. tab. Ixxxvi.
Cyanogarrulus sordidus, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 378.
Jlphelocoma sordida, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 221.
Pica sieberi, WAGLER, Syst. Avium 1827, Pica, No. 23.
SP. CH. — Bill short ; thick ; half as high as long. Wings about as long or but little longer than the tail, which is graduated
.85 of an inch. Above and on sides of head and neck bright blue, scarcely duller in the middle of the back. Beneath
white ; the throat and breast tinged with very faint bluish, especially across the latter. Tibial feathers dull bluish ash ; crissum
white, the tips of posterior feathers very faintly tinged with bluish grey. Length, 13 inches ; wing, 6.60 ; tail, 6.60 ; tarsus,
1.65 ; culmen, 1.00; height of bill at base .45.
Hub — Mimbre*"' ^gion of Rocky mountains, and south to table lands of Mexico.
Fourth and fifth quills longest, sixth little shorter ; second quill a little longer than the
secondaries. Tail lengthened, about equal to or a little shorter than the wings. Lateral
feathers about .85 of an inch shorter than the middle.
This species is very much like the C. ultramarina, having precisely the same coloration,
except that the upper surface of the tail is more blue, and the middle of the back more like the
rest of the upper surface. The form is, however, very different ; the bill is much thicker at the
base and the gonys curved nearly as much as the culmen, instead of much less. The size is
larger, and while the wings are nearly the same length, the tail is an inch longer, and is
decidedly graduated by almost an inch, instead of not more than one-fourth as much.
The adult specimen described above is from Mexico, kindly furnished by Mr. Jules Verreaux,
the only government skin before me being an immature bird from Fort Webster. This
measured when fresh 13 inches; extent, 19; wing, 6.50; the tail about the same. The general
style of coloration when mature is doubtless that of C. ultramarina, -in the continuous blue of
the upper surface, slightly duller on the back. The under parts are equally destitute of a
pectoral collar or stripes; but the entire anterior half gives promise of being light blue, passing
behind into pale ashy blue, more whitish about the anus. It differs from C. ultramarinus in
the more graduated tail, the lateral feathers .75 of an inch shorter, larger size, especially of the
tail ; which is equal to the wing instead of shorter. There is more blue on the throat and
breast, and a decided tinge of the same behind and under the wings. The lower mandible is
yellowish at the base, bluish toward the tip.
This bird appears to be the same with that described by Swainson as Garrulus sordidus, and
by Wagler as Pica sieberi, apparently from the same specimen. I do not understand why .the
latter name should be preferred by some authors, as the date of publication is the same (182*7 ;)
while Swainson made his description irom the specimen while in Bullock's Museum of Mexican
curiosities, before its dispersion, and Wagler after the collection in question had been broken
up, and the specimen passed into Mr. Leadbeater's hands.
588
U. 8. P. R. R EXP AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. ;Sex.
No.
Locality.
When collected.! Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch | Wing.
of wings.
8469 (J
Copper Mines N. M
1851 '' Col Graham
8
J H. Clark
13 00 19 00 6 50
9095 $
Mexico
... M. Verreaux .
17237
CYANOCITTA ULTKAMARINA, Strickl.
Ultramarine Jay.
Garrulus ultramarinus, BONAP. J. A. N. Sc. IV, 1825, 386. Not of Audubon.
Cyanocitta ultramarina, STRICKLAND, Ann. & Mag. XV, 1845, 260. — GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d Ser. I, 1847, 45.
Cyanogarrulus ultramarinus, BON. Consp. 1850, 378 ; quotes PI. Col. 439.
SP. CH. — Tail rounded, but little graduated ; lateral feather about a quarter of an inch shortest. Wings longer than the tail,
when closed reiching nearly to its middle. Above and on sides of head and neck bright blue ; the lores blackish ; the middle of
the back slightly duller, the tips of some of the feathers dark brown. Beneath brownish ash, paler on the chin and
towards the anal region, which, with the crissum, is white. No trace of white or black on the sides of the head, nor of any
streaks or collar on the breast. Length, (fresh,) 11.50 ; wing, 6 ; tail, (dried,) 5.40 ; tarsus, 1.50,
Hab. — South side of valley of Rio Grande, near the coast, and southward.
This well marked species is quite different in form from the C. californica, having a shorter,
more even tail, much longer wings, and stouter feet. The absence of any collar or streaks on
the breast and throat, of black or white on the side of the head, and of decided ash on. the back,
are very well marked features. There is also much more green in the blue of the head.
I am in considerable doubt whether this is the original Garrulus ultramarinus of
Bonaparte, as the latter appears to be much larger than Lieut. Couch's bird ; the length
amounting to 13 inches; the tail, 7 inches; the bill, 1.50 inches. The closed wings reach
almost to the middle of the tail, which is perfectly even at the tip. Gambel says the wing is
7 inches long ; the tail, 6.75 ; tarsus, 1.75. The measurements given in Conspectus Avium, o*
length 11 inches, wing 5f , answer much better to the species here described. Should there be
two species, therefore, and the smaller be not named, I shall propose to call it C. couchii, in
honor of its indefatigable discoverer, Lieut. D. N. Couch, of the United States army, who, at
his own risk and cost, undertook a journey into northern Mexico when the country was
swarming with bands of marauders, and made large collections in all branches of zoology,
which have furnished a great amount of information respecting the natural history of our
borders and the geographical distribution of the vertebrata generally.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
[
Whence obtained. ! Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4112
$
Monterey, Mex
Lt Couch 156
11 50
18. 00
6 00
4118
$
do .
April , 1853
do 157
11.50
18. 00
6.60
bill and feetbl'k.
BIRDS CORVIDAE — XANTHOURA LUXUOSA. 589
XANTHOURA, Bonaparte.
Xanthoura, BONAPARTE, Consp. Av. 1850. Type Corvus peruvianus, GM.
CH. — Head without crest. Throat black. Lateral tail feathers bright yellow. Bill very stout ; rather higher than broad ;
culmen curved from the base. Nostrils rather small, oval, concealed. Tail longer than the wings ; graduated. The wings
concave, rounded ; the secondaries nearly as long as the primaries. Legs very stout ; hind claw about hajf the total length of
the toe.
This genus is most easily to be recognized by the prevailing green color of the body, the blue
head, black throat, and yellow outer tail feathers. The bill is stouter and larger than in any of
our other jays, and the culmen more curved. The chief peculiarity of form is seen in the wings,
in which the primaries are remarkably short, scarcely longer than the longest secondaries and
tertials. They thus reach only about as far as the end of the upper tail coverts instead of much
beyond them, a character quite peculiar among American Corvidae, except approximately in
Psilorhinus.
XANTHOURA LUXUOSA, Bonap.
Rio Grande Jay.
Garrulus luxuosus, LESSOV, Rev. Zool. April 1839, 100.
Cyanocorax luxuosus, DUBUS, Esquisses Ornithologiques, iv, 1848 ; pi. xviii. — CASSIV, lllust. I, 1853, I ; pi. 1.
Xanthoura luxuosa, BON. Consp. 1850, 380. — CAB AXIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 224.
Pica chloronota, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 750. Young male. Name belongs to Corvus peruvianus, Grn.
Cyanocorax cyanicapillus, CABANIS, Fauna Peruana, 1844-'46, 233. (Note.)
Cyanocorax yuca-s, " BODDAERT," Lawrence, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, April, 1851, 115. First added here to fauna o
United States. Name belongs to the C. peruvianus.
Sp. CH. — Wings shorter than the tail, which is much graduated, the lateral feathers 1.25 inches shorter. Above green ;
beneath yellow, glossed with green ; inside of wings arid outer four tail feathers straw yellow ; rest of tail feathers green,
glossed with blue. Sides of the head, and beneath from the bill to the fore part of the breast, velvet black. Crown, nape, and
a short maxillary stripe running up to the eye and involving the upper eyelid, brilliant blue ; the nostril feathers rather darker ; the
sides of the forehead white. Bill black ; feet lead color. Length, 11 inches ; wing, 4.75 ; tail, 5.40 ; tarsus, 1.65.
Hob. — Valley of Rio Grande, of Texas, and southward.
The blue maxillary patch is broadly truncated behind. The feathers of the forehead are
yellowish at base. The green of the back is not uniform, but is glossed in the middle of the
back with blue ; not so deep as that of the middle tail feathers. The feathers of the under
parts are all yellow at base, which shows through the green, and is particularly distinct on the
middle of the belly, and just below the black of the jugulum. The tibia are chiefly yellow.
The white of the forehead borders the black as far as above the eye ; that of opposite sides
meets along the middle of the forehead, but is there less conspicuous.
Another specimen, 8365, is of a bright yellowish green above, with less blue on the tail.
The blue of the head is much lighter, without any purplish shade ; the light frontal bar is
yellowish rather than white. There is more yellow visible beneath. In all the specimens I
have seen, however, the green of the under parts is very decided.
The description of Garrulw luxuosus by Lesson omits mention of the white frontal band.
This species is closely related to Xanthoura peruviana, which, however, is pure yellow beneath,
has a white patch on the crown, and is, besides, considerably larger. The X. guatemalensis ,
with a somewhat similar crown, has the abdomen bright yellow.
590
U. S. P. R K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex
No.
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained. Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
8365
Rio Grande Tex Oct 2 1855
A Schott . ..
8357
L. Beriandier _ .........
4052 cJ
N Leon San Diego Mar — 1853
Lt. Couch .. 118
11.00
14.25
4.75
Eyes dark brown ;
9094
!
M Verreaux 29883
feet lead color.
PERISOREUS, Bonap.
Perisoreus, BONAP. Saggio di una dist. met. 1831. Type Corvus canadensis ?
Dysornithia, SWAINSON, F. B. Am. II, 1831, 495. Same type.
CH. — Feathers lax and full, especially on the back, and of very dull co'ors, without any blue. Head without distinct crest.
Bill very short ; broader than high. Culmen scarcely half the length of the head ; straight to near the tip, then slightly
curved ; gonys more curved than culmen. Bill notched at tip. Nostrils round, covered by bristly feathers. Tail about equal
to the wings ; graduated. Tarsi rather short ; but little longer than the middle toe.
This genus includes the species of dullest colors among all of our jays. It has, too, the shortest
bill, and with this feature bears a very strong resemblance in many respects to some of the
titmice.
The dates of the two names mentioned above are the same, but as Gray finds Perisoreus to
possess actual priority I follow him in this, not having a copy of the " Saggio" at hand.
PERISOEEUS CANADENSIS, Bonap.
Canada Jay.
Corvus canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 158. — FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill,
1811, 33 ; pi. xxi.— BON. Obs. 1824, No. 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 53 : V, 1839, 2U8 ;
pi. 107.
Garrulus canadensis, BON, (Saggio, 1831?) Syn. 1828, 58. — SWAINSON, F.JBor. Am. II, 1831, 295. — NUTTALL, Man.
I, 1832, 232.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 155.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 121 ; pi. 234.
Dysornilhia canadensis, SWAINSON, F. Bor Am. II, 1831. Appendix.
Perisoreus canadensis, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 375. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 219. — NEWBERRY, Rep.
P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 85.
Garrulus fuscus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XII, 1817, 479.
Pico nuchalis, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827. Pica No. 14.
Garrulus trachyrrhynchus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Arn. II, 1831, 296 ; pi. Iv. Young.
" Coracias mexicanus, TEMMINCK," GR*Y.
Sp. CH. — Tail graduated ; lateral feathers about one inch shortest. Wings a little shorter than the tail. Head and neck,
and fore part of breast white. A plumbeous brown nuchal patch, becoming darker behind, from the middle of the crown to
the back, from which it is separated by an interrupted whitish collar. Rest of upper parts ashy plumbeous ; the outer primaries
margined, the secondaries, tertials, and tail feathers obscurely tipped with white. gBeneath smoky gray." Crissum whitish .
Bill and feet black. Length, 10.70 ; wing, 5.75 ; tail, 6.00 ; tarsus, 1.40.
Hob. — Northern America into the northern parts of United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; more south in Rocky mountains.
The young of this species are everywhere of a dull sooty brown, lighter on the middle of the
belly, and more plumbeous on the wings and tail. With increasing age the region about the
base of the bill whitens, and this color gradually extends backwards until the whole head,
excepting the occiput and nape, is white. The under parts are sometimes whiter than in the
typical specimens.
BIRDS — CORVIDAE — PSILORHINUP
£91
List of specimens.
frital.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
>fwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
530
S. F. Baird
1920
Q
.. do
do
Oct. 6
8850
n
Black Hills
Sept. 13
Dr. Hayden....
10.25
16.25
5 50
8854
o
do
Oct. 1
do
do
10.25
17.00
5.50
8818
V
o
....do.
Sept. 13
do
11.25
18.58
6 00
8852
V
do
Sept. 27
do
do
11.00
16.50
5.50
Eye black
8849
do
Oct. 1
do
do
11.00
17.12
5 75
8851
do
Sept. 27
do
do
11.25
17.50
5.50
8855
8858
do
do
Oct. 1
do
do
do
do
10.75
15.50
5.50
.;
8847
Jl
do
do
12.00
18 50
6 00
845-2
8451
Sangre del Cristo Pasa, Utah.
Port Townsend, W. T
Aug. 26,1856
Capt. Beckwith..
5
554
11.25
17.25
8453
8454
Shoal water bay
rlo
Mar. 10, 1854
do
Gov. Stevens. ....
do
61
61
Dr. Cooper
do
10.50
10.50
16.50
16.75
Bill and feet black.
do
5904
do
446:2
Cascade mountains, W. T..
Lt. Williamson. ..
Dr. Newbcrry..
PSILORHINUS, Ruppel.
Psilorhinus, RI.PPEL, Mus. Senck. 1837, 188- Type Pica inorio, Wagler.
CH. — Color very dull brown above. Bill very stout, compressed, without notch ; higher than broad at the nostrils ; culmen
curved from the base. Nostrils rounded ; the anterior extremity rounded oft" into the bill ; not covered by bristles, but fully
exposed. Tail rather longer than the wings, graduated ; the lateral feather three-fourths the longest ; secondaries and tertials
nearly as long as the primaries. Logs stout and short, not equal to the head, and little longer than the bill from base.
This genus embraces jays of large size and very dull plumage. The thick bill, with the much
curved culmen, the moderate tail, and the open nostrils, may serve to distinguish it from its
allies. The nostril is very large, and its anterior portion is bevelled off to a greater degree than
in any genus, except in Calocitta. This last mentioned genus has the same form of bill and of
nostrils, but the head has a long recurved crest ; the tail is twice as long as the wings ; the
lateral feather nearly half the middle ; the lateral tarsal plates scutellate for the inferior
half, &c.
In the shape of the bill and the shortness of the primaries, compared with the broad tertials
and secondaries, there is much resemblance to Xanthoura. The nostrils are, however, uncovered,
the legs much stouter and shorter, being shorter than the head instead of longer ; the tail
feathers are broader, &c.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
0
2 « •
8 ^
as •
i
i
fc
Species.
Locality.
•5
-3 tl
O C
•n
o c
*"* JO
"o
° C
o
60 Specimen
tc
1
! ^
q
si
c
-:
£
i
o
1 -2
•a .£
~ a
CO
g i measured.
0
92
J
92
is
H
&
s
5
5 5
33
£
< \
4114
Psilorhinus inorio
China, New Leon
9
15. iO
7.16
8.53
1.80
1.48
0.44
1.42
1.48
1.20
0.56 Skin
do.
do
do I 15.17
22.01
7.12
Fresh
4110
do
Boquillo, Mexico $
16.60
7.70
8.37
1.81
1.50 0.46
1.47
1.50
1.24
0.56 Skin
do.
do
do
16.0(1
24.01
8.00
Fresh
4115
do
San Diego, New Leon. .
15.70
7.56
8.54
1.82
1.50 0.46
1.46
1.48
1.17
0.56 Skin
1254
Calocitta bullockii* ....
Lower California
20.20
7.23
12.50
1.72
1.50 0.52
1.45
1.60
1.14
0.54 Skin
Not of Audubon.
592
U. 8. P. R. R. EX P. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PSILOKHINUS MORIO, Gray.
Pica mono, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, vn, 751.— IB. Isis, 1831, 527.— VOYAGE de la Favorite, V, 1839, 54. Said to have
been killed at San Francisco, Cal. by Botta.
Psilorhinus morio, GRAY, List, genera, 1841, 51. — BONAP. Consp. 1850, 381. — CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 226.
" Picafuliglnosa, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. 1831, 333."
Psilorhinus mexicanus, Ri PPELL, Mus. Senck. 1837 ; pi. xi, f. 2.
SP. CH. — Tail much graduated ; the lateral feathers about two inches shortest. Second quill equal to the secondaries ; third
and fourth longest. General color dark smoky brown, becoming almost black on the head ; the breast brownish gray ; nearly
white about the anus ; under tail coverts t;nged with brown; the exposed portion of the tail with a decided glo?s of blue ; bill
and feet, in some specimens, yellow, in others black. Length, 16.00 inches ; wing, 8.00 ; tail, 8.25 ; tarsus, 1.80.
Hab. — Rio Grande valley of Texas southward.
The difference in the color of the bill appears to be independent of sex. The feet of the
yellow-billed birds are not of the same pure yellow.
The Psilorhinus mexicanus of Eiippel is described as having white tips to the tail feathers ;
of these there is no trace in the adult specimens, male and female, before me. He speaks of a
supposed young bird sent from Tamaulipas, by Lindheimer, as being without these white tips.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Orig
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4116
rf
Coquillo, Mcx
Lieut. Couch
4117
Q
do
. do 140
16.75
24.00
7.75
Bill and feet yellow ...
4118
San Diego, Cal
do 109
4114
0
China, N. Leon, Mex_.
do 98
15.25
22.00
7.25
Eye black, bill slate, feet slate.
The following species of jay have been improperly assigned a place in the fauna of the United
States.
1. CALOCITTA COLLIAEI, Gray.
Pica colliaei, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 353. — IB. Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 22 ;
pi. vi.
Corvus bullockii, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 483 ; pi. xcvi. Not Pica buttockii of Wagler.
Pica MlocJcii, AUD. Syn. 1839, 152.— IB. Birds Am IV, 1842, 105 ; pi. 229.
This species belongs to the west coast of Mexico, and is erroneously credited to California and
Oregon.
2. CYANOCORAX GEOFFROYI, Bonap.
Cyanocorax geoffroyi, BON. Rev. et Mag. Zool. II, 1850, 564. California. Not of United
States.
3. ClSSILOPHA SANBLASIANA, Bon.
Garrulus sanblasianus, LAFII. Mag. Zool. 1842, Ois. tab. xxviii. Voyage de la Venus.
Cissilopha sanblasiana, BON. Consp. 1850, 380. Belongs to San Bias, Mexico.
4. CYANOCITTA BEECHEYII, BON.
Pica beecheyii, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 352. — IB. Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 22;
pi. vi. — Voyagede la Favorite, V, 1839, 52 ; pi. xx. Said to have
been collected in California by Botta.
Cyanocitta beachii, BON. Consp. 1850, 378. Collected on the west coast of Mexico.
(Montereale.)
ORDER IV.
RASORES.
CH. — Bill not longer than tlie head ; the terminal portion more or less vaulted, hard, with or without a soft skin intervening
between it and the head. Nostril with an overlapping fleshy or leathery scale or valve extending over its upper edge.
In the table on page 2 of the present report I have given a synoptical view of such orders
as belong to the United States, borrowed chiefly from Keyserling and Blasius. This, however,
will be found to contain several important errors, especially in reference to the position of the
hind toe. This is stated to be raised above the level of the rest in Rasores, Grallatores, and
Natatores, and such is generally the case ; but in the Columbae and Penelopidae, of the first
order, and the Ardeadae, of the second, it is inserted either nearly or quite opposite the others.
This is only one of the many illustrations of the difficulty of expressing the characters of the
primary groups in ornithology by a single concise phrase, the transition from one to the other
being so gradual as to render it almost impossible to say where one ends and another begins.
In the table just referred to, and in the arrangement and succession of the higher divisions
of the volume. I have not pretended to follow the more recent ideas of Bonaparte and others.
My object was merely to indicate the North American species of birds, especially those collected
by the government expeditions, with their range and distribution, and not to attempt any of the
higher generalizations. For this reason I have followed the older division into orders, although
that of Bonaparte in many respects is more philosophical. This author arranges birds into two
sub-classes, called Altrices and Praecoces, accordingly as their young require to be brought up in
the nest, or are able to run about immediately after birth and gather food for themselves.
Each of these sub-classes is divided into orders, which range in parallel series, as shown in
the accompanying table, taken from volume XXXVII of Comptes Rendus, for October 31, 1853.
It will be seen from the table that the Inepti (dodo, &c.,) of the Altrices represent the Stru-
tliiones (ostriches) of the Praecoces; the Gyrantes, or true doves, the gallinaceous birds ; the
Herodiones, or herons, &c., the Grallae (sandpipers, snipes, &c.); the Gaviae, or gulls, pelicans,
&c., the Anseres, (ducks, grebes, penguins, &c.) The parallelism in this case corresponds, to a
certain degree, with that which prevails in the mammals between the Marsupiata and the
Placentalia, and the time will probably come when naturalists will as little think of mixing up
the Altrices and Praecoces in the same order, as they now do a similar combination of the
marsupial and non-marsupial mammals.
The position of the hind toe seems to have a direct relationship to the mode of life of the
bird. Those species which live on or among trees, and especially which riest and bring up their
young there, have the hind toe elongated, and placed low down more or less on a level with the
anterior ones, apparently to facilitate prehension. Such we see to be the case in the herons, and
a few other arboricole waders, and in the Penelopidae and Megapodidae of the gallinaceous
birds. Some of the doves exhibit a tendency to an elevation of the hind toe ; this, at any rate,
appears to be the case in Starnoenas.
July 1, 1858.
75 b
594
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
As already remarked, however, I shall not attempt to introduce any special innovation in the
usual arrangement of the orders of American birds, but merely indicate what has been done by
more modern writers. The combination of Columbae and Gallinae in one order, (after Keyserling
and Blasius,) is an unnatural one in some respects, but it makes little difference in the present
case. Both have a peculiar character of plumage ; the feathers large and coarse, the shafts
thickened, and inserted by a fine point, so as to be easily detached. Both have the short bill ;
the hard vaulted apex of the bill, with its blunt point, and the nostril protected by a fleshy
or leathery, sometimes tumid, scale, projecting over its upper edge, except in the Crypturidae
and Megapodidae, where the nostrils are elongated and open. This latter exception is another
instance of the difficulty of expressing the peculiarities of a group by a single character.
The following characters will serve, in a general way, to distinguish the Columlac from, the
Gallinae.
COLUMBAE. — Hind toe on the same level with the rest, and short. Toes free, or the membrane,
when present, extending only between the middle and outer toes. Legs weak. Nasal valve
and skin at base of bill soft. Feathers of forehead extending in a point on the base of bill
along the culrnen.
GALLINAE. — Hind toe usually elevated above the level of the rest ; when on the same level
much lengthened. Toes generally connected at base by a membrane. Legs very stout, and
sometimes greatly lengthened. Nasal valve and base of bill hard. Feathers of forehead parted
by the backward extension of the culmen.
Table of orders of birds, witli their parallelism, according to Bonaparte.
ALTRICES.
I. PSITTACT.
American, Old World.
II. AcciriTRES.
III. PASSERES.
Oscines, Volucres.
IV. COLUMBAE.
Inepti.
Gyrantes.
V. HERODIONES.
VI. GAVIAE.
Totipalmi, Longipennes.
PRAECOCES.
VII. STEUTHIONES.
VIII. GALLINAE.
Passeripedes, Grallipedes.
IX. GRALLAE.
Cursoies, Alectorides.
X. ANSEUES.
Lamellirostres, Urinatores, Ptilopteri.
SUB-OKDER
COLUMBAE.
CH. — The basal portion of the bill covered by a soft skin, in which are situated the nostrils, overhung by an incumbent fleshy
valve, the apical portion hard and convex. The hind toe on the same level with the rest ; the anterior toe without membrane
at the base. Tarsi more or less naked ; covered laterally and behind with hexagonal scales.
The preceding diagnosis expresses sufficiently the chief characters of this sub-order, or rather
order, divided by Bonaparte into two tribes, one Pleiodi, including Didunculus, of Peale, the
other Gyrantes, or true doves. The Gyrantes are divided by the same author into Treronidae,
Columlidae, Caloenidae, and Gouridae, characterized as follows :
TKERONIDAE. — Bill robust, tumid ; rictus ample. Feet short, thick, half feathered ; toes
fleshy ; claws strong, hooked. Tail feathers, 14. Feathers soft, without metallic lustre ;
prevailing color green ; wing with a yellow band. The species are frugivorous and arboreal.
They are confined entirely to the old world, and are especially abundant in the islands of the
Pacific.
COLUMBIDAE. — Bill horny at the tip. Tail feathers 12 ; only occasionally 14. Head smooth.
Universally distributed.
CALOENIDAE. — Bill lengthened ; cere swollen ; cervical feathers elongated, acute, pendulous.
Dorsal accuminate. Tail feathers 12. The single species, Caloenas nicobarica, confined to the
East India islands.
GOURIDAE. — Head conspicuously crested ; tail feathers 16. The two species confined to
New Guinea.
The bill of the Colunibae is always shorter than the head,, thinnest in the middle ; the basal
half covered by a soft skin ; the apical portion of both jaws hard ; the upper very convex,
blunt, and broad at the tip, where it is also somewhat decurved. There is a long nasal groove,
the posterior portion occupied by a cartilaginous scale, covered by a soft cere-like skin. The
nostrils constitute an elongated slit in the lower border of the scale. The culmen is always
depressed and convex. The bill is never notched in the true doves, though Didunculus shows
well defined serrations. The tongue is small, soft, and somewhat fleshy.
The wing has ten primaries, and eleven or twelve, rarely fifteen, secondaries, the latter
broad, truncate, and of nearly equal length. The tail is rounded or cuneate, never forked.
The tarsus is usually short, rarely longer than the middle toe, scutellate anteriorly, and with
hexagonal plates laterally and behind ; sometimes naked. An inter-digital membrane is
either wanting entirely, or else is very slightly indicated between the middle and outer toes.1
The valuable monograph of Bonaparte in the second part of Conspectus Avium renders the
task of arranging the American Oolumbae in proper sequence and of determining their synonomy
comparatively easy. He divides the family Columbidae, the only one with representatives in the
new world, into Lopkolaeminae, Columbinae, Tarturinae, Zenaidinae, and Phapinae, the second
and fourth alone occurring in North America. They may be briefly distinguished as follows :
COLUMBINAE. — Tarsi shorter than the lateral toe ; feathered above.
ZENAIDINAE. — Tarsi stout, lengthened, longer than the lateral toes ; entirely bare of feathers.
'The preceding general remarks are taken chiefly from Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, Vogel, II, 289.
596
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SUKVETS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family COLUMBINAE.
Tarsi stout, short, with transverse scutellae anteriorly ; feathered for the basal third above, but not at all behind. Toes
lengthened, the lateral decidedly longer than the tarsus. Wings lengthened and pointed. Size large. Tail feathers 12.
This section of doves embraces the largest North American species, and among them the
more arboreal ones. The genera are as follow :
COLUMBA. — Head large ; tail short, broad, and rounded.
Columba. — Lateral toes equal ; bill rather short, stout.
Patagioenas. — Inner lateral toe the longer ; bill lengthened, compressed.
ECTOPISTES. — Head very small ; tail much lengthened, cuneate.
Comparative measurements of species.
Cat'l
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wings.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimens
measured.
8423
rC
14 40
8.58
6 56
1.04
1.61
0.44
0.76
1.06
do
do ....
do
14.00
25 00
8 50
Frp«b
8421
do ....
do
15 30
8 20
6 23
1 10
1 70
0.46
0.78
1.04
Skin
do.
do.
do
25.00
8.25
Fre«h....
8730
87-11
4111
do
do
Miinbres to Rio Grande
Los Nogales, Mexico .
J1
12.6-1
13.80
12.80
8.20
7.70
7.66
6.14
6.16
5.32
1.01
1.04
0 98
1.57
1.61
1.62
0.42
0.43
0.40
0.72
0.72
0.66
1.01
1.06
0.80
Skin
Skin."--
do.
do. ....
do
14.00
22.00
8.00
Fre-h
8662
Indian Key, Fla
$
12.00
7 . 55
5.44
1.02
1.56
0.3D
0.76
1.09
Skin
do.
do.. .
do
13.50
22.50
7.50
Fresh
8664
do
. ..do
Q
12.00
7.36
5 52
1 00
1 60
G.40
0.74
1 10
do
do
do.
13.00
20.00
6.50
Fresh.. . .
7115
tf
15.30
8 04
8.42
1 08
1.42
0 36
0.63
0 99
1319
do
Carlisle, Pa
O
14.40
8 06
8.18
1.06
1.30
0.32
0.70
1.02
Skin
do.
do
do
16,00
23.50
8.00
COLUMBA, Linnaeus.
Columba, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Columba livia, L.
The characters of the genus are sufficiently indicated in the preceding paragraph for my
present purposes. The two sub-genera represented in the United States are as follows :
COLUMBA. — Bill stout and rather short ; culmen from the base of the feathers about two-fifths
the head. Lateral toes and claws about equal, reaching nearly to the base of the middle claw ;
the claws rather long and not much curved. Tail rather short, rounded, or nearly even ; as
long as from the carpal joint to the end of secondaries in the closed wing. Second and third
quills longest.
Ashy above. Head and under parts purplish violet. A white half collar on the back of
the neck. Tail with a subterminal band of dusky. Feathers on the sides of the neck
metallic golden green. Bill yellow, the tip black C. fa data.
Head and neck chocolate red ; back olive ; remaining portion of body slate blue. Bill
and lore purple in life ; yellow in the skin. No metallic scales on the neck. . C.flavirostris.
PATAGIOENAS. — Bill slender,, elongated. Culmen measured from the base of the frontal feathers
about one-half the head. Inner lateral toe with its claw longer than the outer, and reaching
BIRDS — COLUMBIDAE — COLUMBA FASCIATA. 597
to the base of the middle claw ; the outer falling short of it. Second and third quills longest.
Tail much as in Columba.
Dark slaty blue. Top of the head white. Sides of neck with golden green scales. Bill
dusky in the skin P. leucoceplialus.
The sub-genus Columba, as characterized above, includes the G. livia, or domestic pigeon, the
differences between it and the American forms being very slight. Eeichenbach and Bonaparte
separate the North American birds from Columba, under the name of Chloroenas.
COLUMBA FASCIATA, Say.
Baud-tailed Pigeon.
Columba fasciata, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 10.— BON. Amer. Orn. I, 1825, 77 ; pi. viii.— IB. Syn. 1828,
119.— IB. List, 1838.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Columba, No. 47.— NUTTALL, Man. 1, 1832,
624.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 479 ; pi. 367.— TB. Syn. 1839, 191.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,
312; pi. 279.— TSCHUDI, Fauna Peruana, 1844-'6, No. 261.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Gal. & Or. Route,
Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 92.
Chloroenas fasciata, BONAP. Conspectus, II, 1854, 51.
Columba mondis, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 2G ; pi. x.
Chloroenas monitis, REICH. Icones Av. ccxxvii, fig. 2481.
SP. CH. — Above olivaceous tinged with ash, changing on the wing coverts to bluish ash, of which color are the hinder part
of the back, rump, and basal portion of the tail. The terminal third of the tail is whitish brown, with a tinge of ash, succeeding
a narrow b;\r of dusky. Head all round, sides of neck and under parts, including tibia, purplish violet; the middle of the
abdomen, anal region, and crissum, whitish. Tibia and throat tinged with blue. Quills brown, narrowly margined with
white. A conspicuous narrow half collar of white on the nape ; the feathers below this to the upper part of the back metallic
golden green. Bill and feet yellow ; the former black at tip.
Female similar, with less purple ; the nuchal collar of white, obsolete or wanting.
Length about 15 inches; wing, 8.80 ; tail, 6.10.
Hab. — From Rocky mountains to Pacific coast ; south to New Leon, Mexico.
There is a strong tinge of bluish in the purplish violet around the base of the bill. The
sides of body and inside of the wings are bluish ash like the rump. The outer edges of the greater
wing coverts change to whitish. The subterminal band of blackish on the tail is about an inch
wide, and some two inches from the tip. It is scarcely appreciable on the under surface. The
whitish ash at the end of the tail is often much soiled with brownish.
The female sometimes has a distinct nuchal collar, but without extending as far round the neck.
This species was at one time supposed to occur in Chile, but it is there represented by a distinct
though closely allied species.
598
IT. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
CataL
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
8740
Sept. 25
Dr. Sucklcy
555
8738
o
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Cooper
8734
r?
..do
do
.
do
8733
o
July — } 1853
do
... do
8736
do
July 10
do . .
...do
1933
$
Columbia river
July 30, 1835
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend. _
2825
Q
do
May 16, 1835
do
do
4468
North California
Lt Williamson
Dr. Newberry ..
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. X. de Vesey..
8741
Los No^ales Mex
July — , 1855
Mai. Emory
86
Dr. Kennerly
8739
Mimbres to Rio Grande
Dr. Henry
4109
O
New Loon Mex
Lt Couch
COLUMBA FLAVIKOSTBIS, Wagler.
Red-billed Dove.
Columba flavirostris, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 519. — LAWRENCE, Annals N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 116.
Chloroenasjlmirostris, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 52.
? Columba solitaria, McCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Pliila. Ill, July, 1847, 233. Rio Grande, Texas. Description
referring probably to the female of this species.
Sp. CH. — Second and third quills equal, and decidedly longer than the first and fourth, also nearly equal. Tail truncate,
slightly rounded. Head and neck all round, breast, and a large patcli on the middle and lesser wing coverts, light chocolate
red, the latter deeper and more opaque red ; the middle of the back, scapulars, and tertials olive ; the rest of body, wings, and
tail very dark slaty blue ; the inferior and concealed surfaces of the latter black. Bill and legs yellow in the dried skin, said to
be purple in life ; eyes purple. Length, 14 inches ; wing, 8 ; tail, 5.70.
Hub. — Lower Rio Grande.
There is no trace of any metallic scale-like feathers on the neck of this species. The wing
feathers, including the greater coverts, are whitish on their external border. There is a tinge
of the red on the inside of the wing.
The Columba solitaria of McCall appears to be closely related to this species,, but, judging
from the description, appears to differ in having the head and neck bluish rather than red. It
may possibly be the female of G. flavirostris, as this sex usually has bluish instead of red ; the
smaller size, too, would favor this supposition.1
1 Columba solitaria, McCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. Ill, July, 1847, 233. " Length, 13 inches 9 lines, &c. Alar extent 23
inches. Wing, from the flexure, 7 inches 5 lines. Tarsus 1 inch ; middle toe 1 inch 2 lines ; first too 9 lines, and longer than
the third ; nails light flesh color ; feet and legs deep red. Iris dark orange. Bill above, 1 inch 1 line, but feathered to within 5
lines of the tip ; reddish near the base, whitish near the tip. Head, chocolate blue. Throat, chocolate white. Neck and breast,
bluish chocolate with brilliant reflections. Back, belly, flanks, under wing coverts, and greater exterior wing coverts, light red
color, the last faintly bordered with white. Lesser wing coverts chocolate red, forming a bright shoulder spot of elliptical
shape. Quill feathers dusky, tinged with lead color on the outer vanes. Third primary longest. Upper and under tail coverts
bluish lead color. Tail, 5 inches, slightly rounded, of twelve feathers dusky."
BIRDS — COLUMBIDAE ECTOPISTES.
509
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality. :When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
f
!
Lt Couch
14.00 22 00
8.00
A. Schott
1 Eyes, bill, and feet purple.
COLUMBA LEUCOCEPHALA, Linn.
White-headed Pigeon.
Columba leucocephala, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766,281.— GM. I, 772.— LATH. Ind. 1790, 594.— RO.VAP. J. A. N. S. Ph.
V, 1825, 30.— IB. Syn. 119.— IB. Am. Orn. II, 1828, 11 ; pi. xv.— IB. Geog. List, 1838.—
NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 625.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,443: V, 557 ; pi. 177.— IB. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 315 ; pi. 230.— TEMM. Pig. et Gallin. I, 459.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847,299.
Patagioenas leuwccphalus, REICHENB. Syst. Avium, 1851, p. xxv. — IB. Icones Av. tab. 223 and 255. — BONAP.
Consp. Av. II, 1854, 54. — GUNDLACH, Cabanis Jour. 1856, 107.
Sp. CH. — Tail rounded. Second quill longest ; first equal to fourth. General color very dark slaty blue ; the quills an
tail feathers darker above ; black beneath. Upper half of head from bill to nape pure white, not reaching the edge of the
eyelids; margined behind by bluish, which, however, on the back of the neck, passes into rich purplish brown ; the lower part
and sides of the neck scaled with metallic golden green, each feather margined with black. In life the bill purple, the tip light
bine. Iris white. Legs deep dark red. Length, 13.50 ; wing, 7.50 ; tail, 5.80.
Ilab . — Indian key and other southern keys of Florida . Not on main land ? West Indies generally.
The female of this species appears precisely similar to the male. In the dried skin the red of
the bill and legs appear much the same ; the tip of the former whitish.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by-
Length.
Stretch
uf wings
Wing.
1934
!8G62
8664
28663
Florida ?
Indian Key Fla
July 23, 1857
do
S. F. Baird. J. J. Audubon . . .
G Wurdoinann
13. 50
13. 00
13. 00
22.50
20.00
21.50
7.50
C. 50
7. 50
S
9
S
do
do
Tortugaft, Fla
do
do
1 Purple bill, with light blue end ; feet red, iris whitish. 2 Black eyes and whitish iris, bill purple, with light blue end.
ECTOPISTES, Swain son.
Ectopisles, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1627, 3G2. Type Columba migratoria, L.
CH. — Heid very small. Bill short, black; culmen one-third the rest of the head. Tarsi very short, half covered ante
riorly by feathers. Inner lateral claw much larger than outer, reaching to the base of the middle one. Tail very long and
excessively cuneato ; about as long as the wings. First primary longest.
This genus is readily distinguished from the other Columbinae by the excessively lengthened
and acute middle feathers. It formerly included the Columba carolinensis, but this, with
more propriety, has been erected into a different genus, and will be found in the next section.
600
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The Edopistes migratoria is blue above, purplish red beneath, passing into whitish behind.
The wing above is spotted with bluish black ; the sides of the neck with metallic gloss.
ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIA, S w a i n s o n .
Wild Pigeon ; Passenger Pigeon.
Columba migratoria, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 285 — GM. I, 389.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LX1I, 1772, 398. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 102 ; pi. xliv.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 179 WAGLER, Syst.
Av. 1827, No. 91.— AUD. 0,-n. Biog. I, 1831,319: V, 56] ; pi. 62.
Edopistes migratoria, SWA:NSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 355. — IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 363. — BON. List, 1838. — IB.
Consp. Av. II, 1854, 59.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 194.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842,25; pi. 285.—
"REICH. Icones Av. tab. 249, figs. 1377, 1379."
Columba canadensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 284. — GM. I, 1788, 785. Female or young. (Prior name?)
Culumla americana, " KALM, It. If, 527."
Passenger Pigeon, PENNANT, II, 322. — LATT. Syn. II, 11, 661.
Sp. CH. — Tail with twelve feathers. Upper parts generally, including sides of body, head, and nock, and the chin, blue.
Beneath, purple brownish red, fading- behind with' a violet tint. Anal region and under tail coverts, bluish white. Scapulars,
inner tertials, and middle of back, with an olive brown tinge; the wing coverts, scapulars, and inner tortials, with large oval
spots of blue-black on the outer webs, mostly concealed, exocpt on the latter. Primaries blackish, witli a border of pale bluish
tiuged internally with red. Middle tail feathers brown ; the rest pale blue on the outer web, white internally ; each with a patch
of reddish brown at the base <-f the inner web, followed by another of black. Sides and back of neck richly glossed with metallic
golden violet. Tibia bluish violet. Bill black. Feet yellow.
The female is smaller ; much duller in color ; more olivaceous above ; beneath, pale blue instead of red, except a tinge on
the neck ; the jugulum tinged with olive, thu throat whitish.
Length of male, 17 inches ; wing, 8. 50 ; tail, 8.40.
Hob. — North America to High Central Plains.
The blue of the side of the head extends to the throat and chin. The upper part of the back
and lesser coverts are of a darker blue than the head and rump. The inner primaries are more
broadly margined with light blue, which tapers off to the end. The axillars and under surface
of the wing are light blue. The longest scapulars have the black on both webs. There is no
blue on the outer web of the first tail feather, which is white, and the inferior surface of the
tail generally is white.
In some specimens the entire head all round is blue.
The immature male varies in having most of the feathers of the head and body margined
with whitish.
List of specimens.
Catal
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
No.
of wings
1182
$
Carlisle, Pa
Sept. 25, 1843
S. F. Ikiird
17. 00
24. 00
8. 50
1319
Q
do
April 1, 1844
. - do
16. 00
23. 50
8. 00
1G03
-7\
, do
June 8, 1846
..do
14. 87
23. 75
8. 10
7115
Philadrlphia, Pa
Ph. Acad. Nat. Sc.
-
4517
Washington, U. C
April 1856
Market
17. 00
21 00
4857
3
Mouth of Big Sioux
May 3, 1850
Lieut. Warren ..
Dr. Hayden
17. 10
23. 75
8.50
ff
...do -".
do
. ...do
do
](i. 87
23. 75
8 25
5418
3
Above mouth Yellowstone.
Aug. 8, 1856
do
do ... -
Hi. 25
23. 50
8. 00
u
1 Iris red.
BIRDS — COLUMBIDAE.
601
Sub-Family ZENAIDINAE.
CH. — Tarsi stout, lengthened ; always longer than the lateral toes, and entirely without feathers ; the tibial joint usually
denuded. Tarsus sometimes with hexagonal scales anteriorly. Tail feathers sometimes 14.
This sub-family is readily distinguished from the preceding by the longer and mere denuded
tarsi, the feet much better fitted for a terrestrial life. The following sections belong to it :
ZENAIDEAE. — Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute ; primaries much longer than the
tertials ; secondaries short. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw, but longer than the
lateral ; scutellate anteriorly.
MELOPELIA. — Tail short, rounded ; orbits naked.
ZENAIDA. — Tail short, rounded ; orbits feathered.
ZENAIDURA. — Tail excessively lengthened, cuneate, of fourteen feathers ; orbits naked.
CHAMAEPELIEAE. — Size very small. Secondaries lengthened. Tertials nearly as long as
primaries. Primaries dark chestnut internally.
CIIEMAEPELIA. — Tail short, rounded.
SCARDAFELLA. — Tail very long, cuneate.
STARNOENADEAE. — Legs very stout ; tarsi decidedly longer than the middle toe, covered ante
riorly with small hexagonal scales or transverse scutellae. Wings short, very broad, and much
rounded. Tail short, very broad.
STARNOENAS. — Legs very stout ; tarsi covered with hexagonal scales.
GEOTRYGON. — Legs moderate ; tarsi covered with transverse scutellae anteriorly.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex&
age.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
1935
Zenaida amabilis
West Indies
10.40
1
6.00
4.66
0.91
1.14
0.2C
0.60
0.92
iSkiii
4107
Melopelia leucoplera
Tamaulipas, Mex...
0
6.02
4.30
0.94
1.17
0.26
0.76
0.90
Skin
do.
do
do
11.00
18.25
G.OO
Fresh
6531
Zenaidura carolineusis . . .
Key Biscayne, Fla..
9
5.50
5.08
0.76
0.94
0.18
0.62
0.76
Skin
1180
do
3
12.50
5 6G
6.58
0 85
1.03
0 22
0 56
0 70
do.
, do ,
do
12 82
18 00
5.75
Fresh
720
do
do
10.00
5.50
4.82
0.84
0.97
0.21
0.53
0 SO
do.
do
10.75
17.50
4560
do
3
11.40
6.13
6.16
0 92
1.02
0 23
0.52
0 75
5560
do
o
10.70
5.32
5.50
0.76
1.00
0.21
0..58
0 76
do.
do
,|o
12.00
15.00
5.48
Fresh
10320
Zenaiduni (type ofmar"i-
x
8 50
5 38
4 33
0 84
0.95
0.21
0.57
0.72
10328
nata — Woodh.)
do
river.
^
10 90
5 66
5.76
0 69
0.96
0.20
0.59
0 80
do.
do
11.70
17.20
5 70
2827
Starnoenas cyanocrphala .
Florida ' . .
10 70
5.43
4.34
1 32
1.24
0.30
0.58
1 04
Skin . . .
2826
Geotrygon martinica
Key West, Fla
10.60
5.91
4.58
1.12
1.20
0.26
0,75
1.00
Skin
1936
do
Florida
11,20
6.14
4.20
1 13
1.20
0.25
0.73
0.95
Skin
2828
6 30
3 36
2.78
0 61
0.73
0.16
0.50
0.60
Skin
4103
do.
do.-
ilo
Tamaulipas, Mex..
do .
"$
6 50
10 50
3.39
3.24
2.68
0.62
0.74
0.16
0.5U
0.60
Skin
Fresh
1191
do ,. . .
o
6 30
3 26
2 59
0 58
0 70
0 17
0.50
0 60
103 1?
Cliamaeptilia alhivitta? . . .
L'artliaguna, N. G
V
5.80
3.0ti
2.53
0 62
0.73
0.18
0.47
O.(it
Skin .
10319
do
do
5 80
3 00
2 6°
0 59
0 72
0 18
0 48
0 57
tskin
4110
Scardatclla squamosa.
o
8 20
3 60
4 17
0 61
0 78
0 20
0.54
0.63
do.
V
8 00
11 00
3 75
Fresh
July 1, 1858.
76 b
602 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ZENAIDA, Bon.
Zenaida, BONAPARTE, Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. Type Columba zenaida, Bp.
CH. — Bill black ; the culmen about two-fifths the rest of the head. Tarsi a little shorter than the middle toe and claw, but
considerably longer than t:.e lateral toes. Tarsus with broad scutellae anteriorly, those on the lower half bifid, making two
hexagonal series. Inner lateral toe a little the longer. Hind toe and claw as long as the inner lateral without claw. Wings
lengthened ; second and third quills longest. Tail short, about two-fifths the wings, rounded or a little graduated. Orbits
feathered, especially anterior to the eye ; the lids bare.
But one species of this genus belongs to our fauna, and this probably is ^nt an occasional
visitor. The Zenaida martinicana, of Bonaparte, from Martinique and the Bermudas, may
sometimes reach Florida.1
ZENAIDA AMABILIS, Bo nap.
•
Xenaitla Dove.
Columba zenaida, BONAP. J. A. N. Sc. V, 1825, 30.— IB. Am. Orn. II, 1828 ; pi. xv,— IB. Syn. 1828, 119.— WAGLER,
Isis, 1629, 744.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 625.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,354: V, 558 ; pi.
162.— IB. Syn. 191.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 1 ; pi. 281.
Zenaida amabilis, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. II, 1854, 82. — GOSSE," Birds Jam. 1847, 307. — REICHENBACH, Icones
Av. "tab. 255." — GUNDLACH, Cabanis' Journ. 1856,111.
Zenaida aurita, GRAY, not Columba aurita, of Lichtenstein, (Z. maculata,) nor of Temminck, (Z. martinicana,) fide
Bonaparte.
SP. CH. — Wings very long, reaching to the terminal third of the tail. Above reddish olive, variously glossed with gray ; the top
of the head and the under parts violet purplish red, paler on the chin and throat. Inside of wings, and sides of body, blue ; greater
wing coverts tinged with the same. Quills dark brown ; the secondaries tipped with white. Inner tail feathers like the back ;
the others blue above ; all with a subterminal bar of black, beyond which the blue is lighter, assuming a whitish tint on the
exterior feathers. Wing coverts with concealed spots of black, which are more visible on the tertials ; a spot of the same below
the ear. Bill black. Feet yellowish. Length, 10 inches ; wing, 6.00 ; tail, 4.00.
Hab. — Florida Keys. Chiefly on or near Indian Key, and the West Indies.
The only specimen of this species I have at my command is one from Mr. Audubon's collec
tion, probably procured in Florida. It is more seldom seen now than formerly on the Keys,
as a collection of birds from Indian Key did not contain any specimens of it.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1935
Florida ?
S F. Baird
J. J. Audubon .
MELOPELIA, Bonaparte.
Melopdia, BONAP. Consp. II, Dec. 1854, 81. Type Columba leucvplera, L.
CH. — Similar to Zenaida; the orbital region naked; the bill longer; the middle toe longer; the hinder shorter. Tarsal
scutellae in a single series anteriorly. First quill nearly as long as the second and third.
This genus, like nearly all the North American ones, is represented by but a single species in
the United States.
1 Zenaida martinicana, Bon. Conspectus 11, 1854, 82. (Columba aurila, Temminck, castanea, Wagler ; Zenaida bimaculata,
Gray.) Similar to Z. amubilis, but with the spots on tlie tertiary quills margined behind with while ; the abdomen and lower
tail coverts vinaceous white ; the tips of the outer tail feathers white.
BIRDS COLUMBIDAE — ZENAIDURA.
603
MELOPELIA LEUCOPTBEA, B o n a p .
White-winged Dove.
Columba leucoptera, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766,281. (Not the locality— Asia .) — GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 773. —
WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Columba, No. 71.— M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. IV, 1848, 64.
Zenaida leucoptera, GRAY, Gen.
Turtwr Itucopterus, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 304.
J\Ielopelia leucoptera, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 81.
? Columba hoilotl, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 777.
Columba trudeaui, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 352 ; pi. 496.
Sp. CH. — Tail moderately graduated on the sides. Second and third quills longest ; first a little shorter ; fourth considerably
shorter. In the female the upper parts generally are light olive brown ; the head and neck above purplish, with a black spot
below the ear ; the lower part of the neck with scale feathers of metallic golden green. Forehead and under parts light bluish
gray ; more blue on the sides. Tail feathers, except the middle, bluish above, black beneath, broadly terminated with white ;
the upper surface with a bar of black in the end of the blue. Quills (except inner tertials) black, margined or tipped with
white ; a broad white patch along the exterior of the greater wing coverts and alular feathers. Bill black ; bill pinkish purple.
Iris purple. Length, (female,) 11 inches ; wing, 6.00 ; tail, 4.75.
Hob. — Valley of Rio Grande, southward. California, Dr. Cooper. West Indies.
The preceding description is that of a female, no male being accessible to me. The differences
between the sexes are probably much like those in Ectopistes, the blue of the breast and under
parts of the female, doubtless purplish cinnamon in the male.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Rqmarks.
4107
Q
Tamaulipas
TMar 1853
Lieut Couch
11.00
18. 25
6 00
Eves purple bill black
feet pinkish purple.
ZENAIDURA, Bonap.
Zenaidura, BONAP. Consp. Avium, II, 1854, 84. Type Columba carolinensis, L. Probably named previously in
Comptes Rendus.
Perissura, CAB. Jour, fur Orn. IV, 1856, 111.
CH. — Bill weak, black ; culmen from frontal feathers, about one-third the head above. Tarsus not quite as long as middle
too and claw, but considerably longer than the lateral ones ; covered anteriorly by a single series of scutallac. Inner lateral
claw considerably longer than outer, and reaching to the bas« of middle. Wings pointed ; second quill longest ; first and third
nearly equal. Tail very long, equal to the wings ; excessively graduated and cuneate, of fourteen feathers.
The fourteen tail feathers render this genus very conspicuous among the North American
doves. It was formerly placed with the Passenger Pigeon in JEJdopistes, but has nothing in
common with it but the lengthened tail, as it belongs to a different sub-family.
G04 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ZENAIDUKA CABOLLNENSIS, Bo nap.
Carolina, or Common Dove.
Coliimba earolinensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 286, No. 37. — GMELIK, I, 787. — LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790, 613. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 9.1 ; pi. xliii.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 159.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I,
1831, 91 : V, 1839, 555 ; pi. 17.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 626.
Turlur earolinensis, BRISSON, I, 110 ; pi. viii.
Ectoplstes carolintnsis, RICH. List, 1837.— BONAP. Geog. List, 1838. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 195.— IB. Birds Amer. V,
1842, 36 ; pi. 286.
ZenaidvH-a earolinensis, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 84. Type.
Perissura earolinensis, CABANIS, Cab. Jour. 1856, 111, 112. Type.
Columba marginata, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 286, No. 40, (best description.) — GMELIN, 1, 1788, 791. — WAGLER,
Syst. Av. 1827, No. 91.— IB. Isis, 1831, 519.
Ectopistes marginata, GRAY, List, Br. Mus.
?Ectopistes marginellus, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, June, 1852, 104. — IB. Expl. Zuiii & Color 1853, 93 ; Birds,
pi. v. Canadian river, Ark. Immature bird.
? Zenaidura marginella, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 85.
Sp. CH. — Tail feathers 14. Above bluish, although this is overlaid with light brownish olive, leaving the blue pure only on the top
of the head, the exterior of the wings, and the upper surface of the tail, which is even slightly tinged with this color. The entire
head, except the vertex, the sides of the neck, and the under parts generally, light brownish red, strongly tinged with purple on
the breast, becoming lighter behind, and passing into brownish yellow on the anal region, tibia, and under tail coverts. Sides
of the neck with a patch of metallic purplish red. Sides of body and inside of wings clear light blue. Wing coverts and
scapulars spotted with black, mostly concealed, and an oblong patch of the same below the ear. Tail feathers seen from below
blackish, the outer web of outermost white, the others tipped with the same, the color becoming more and more bluish to the
innermost, which is brown. Seen from above there is the same gradation from white to light blue in the tips ; the rest of the
feather, however, is blue, with a bar of black anterior to the light tip, which runs a little forward along the margin and shaft of
the feather. In the sixth feather the color is uniform bluish, with this bar ; the seventh is without bar. Bill black ; feet yellow.
Female smaller, and with less red beneath. Length of male, 12.85 ; wing, 5.75 ; tail, 6.70.
Hab. — Throughout United States from Atlantic to Pacific. Cuba, Gundlach.
This speeies resembles the wild pigeon, E. migratoria, but is much smaller; has the tail
much longer than the wings, instead of equal to them, and consisting of fourteen feathers
instead of twelve. These feathers are much less acutely pointed. The sides of the head, the
front, and the chin are reddish, instead of blue. The quills lack the broad white and red
border ; the tail feathers the reddish patch. The black spot beneath the ear is not found in E.
migratoria.
In comparing a large series of specimens of doves from various localities in North America
I can perceive no differences of moment, except that the more southern are smaller. There is a
purer blue on the tail and upper parts of Pennsylvania skins, the olive brown shade above
being more conspicuous in those from the west.
The young of the year is much duller in general appearance than the adult, and is of a
decided brownish cast, with streaks of blackish on the head, breast, and elsewhere. Nearly all
the feathers are tipped with paler, forming bands. The Ectopistes marginellus of Woodhouse is
of this character. It is certainly a young bird, and has nothing to distinguish it from th
common eastern species, whatever may be the case with the adult.
BIRDS — COLUMBIDAE — SCAKDAFELLA SQUAMOSA.
605
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex &
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2427
gept. — j ]845
1180
;?
do
Sept. 2(1, 1843
12.82
18.00
5.75
720
r^?
do
Sept 16 Ifc4°
do
10.75
17.50
8750
°O
7044
May 8 1857
25
W. S. Wood
6531
n
6533
V
Feb. 5, .
. .. do
4915
1854
do
4291
do
1854
do
4858
5740
J*
Cedar Island
South Platte
July 7, 1856
Lieut. Warren
75
Dr. Ilayden
11.12
16.75
Eyes black
7528
5739
A
East of Fort Riley, K. T. .
June 13, 1856
6
W. S. Wood
10.75
14.50
4102
^
42
11.25
17 00
5 75
8754
O
July , 1853
5077
4960
5078
Fort Chadbourne
May 15 1855
Dr. Swift, U. S. A...
82
13.00
17.00
6 09
5076
Perm, camp, Pecos Riv..
Aug. 21, 1855
do
124
12.00
17.00
6.00
Feet red, bill dark and
5080
May 9, 1855
do
purple, eyes black..
5079
Fort Clark, Tex
1855
do
8757
San Elizario, Mex
Doc. 14, 1854
8
Dr. Kennedy. .. ..
12.00
17.12
8758
S748
Bill Williams' Fork,N. M.
Feb. 28, 1804
181
4560
4559
Colorado river, Cal
do
Maj. Emory
do
47
A. Scliott
do
5561
Petaluma, CaJ
May 13, 1856
838
5560
o
do
May 10, 1856
do
12.00
15.00
5 50
8749
8751
Presidio, Cal
June 2, 1853
8755
Fort Steilacoom
111
Dr. Suckley
8756
do
112
do
SCARDAFELLA, Bonaparte.
Scardafella, BONAP. Conspectus Av. II, 1854, 85. Type Columba squamosa, Temm.
Cii. — Bill lengthened ; culmen more than half the length of head measured from the frontal feathers. Feet as in Chamaepelia.
Wings with the tertials nearly as long as the primaries ; shorter, however, than the first primary. Tail considerably longer
than the wings ; much graduated, (of fourteen feathers?) ; the feathers narrow, linear, or tapering towards the end.
This remarkable type is a miniature of Ectopistes or Zenaidura in respect to the tail, which
is even longer compared with the wings. The only specimen before me appears to have had
fourteen tail feathers, but of this I cannot speak with certainty.
SCARDAFELLA SQUAMOSA, Bonap.
Scaly Dove.
Columba squamosa, (TEMMIVCK,) WAGLEU, Isis, 1831, 519.
Chamaepelia squamosa, GRAY, Genera. — CABANIS, (fide Bp.)
Oena squamosa, " REICH. Icones Av. tab. 253, fig. 3381."
Scardafella squamosa, B»NAP. Consp. II, 1854, 85. Typo.
Female. — Above ashy olive, changing to purer ashy on the wings. Beneath ashy white, changing on the breast and throat to
pale violaceous. All the feathers on the head and body abruptly margined with dark brown, except on the forehead and chin.
606
U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
All the quills except the innermost tertials orange brown ; the outer margins and tips dusky brown ; the under coverts orange
brown ; the axillars strongly tinged with sooty. Tail feathers blackish, tinged with gray above ; all (except the innermost)
broadly tipped with white ; the exterior with the white extending backwards on the outer web. Iris purple ; bill black ; feet
flesh color. (Female.) Length, 8 inches ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 4.10.
Hab. — South side of valley of Rio Grande, southward.
I regret that no males of this diminutive dove were before me in describing the species.
The single female specimen is in rather poor condition also.
List of specimens.
CataL
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4110
Q
Cadoreita New Leon.
April 18, 1853
Lt. Couch
128
8.00
11.00
3.75
Eyes purple, bill
Mexico.
black, feet flesh.
CHAMAEPELIA, Swain son.
Chamaepelia, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 361. Type Columba passerina, L.
CH. — Size very small. Bill slender, elongated. Culmen more than half the head measured from frontal feathers. Legs
stout. Tarsi longer than lateral toes ; equal to the middle without its claw ; covered anteriorly by a single series of scutellac .
Wings broad ; the tertials excessively lengthened ; nearly as long as the primaries ; quite equal to the first primary. Tail
nearly as long as the wings ; rounded laterally.
This group embraces the most diminutive doves known to naturalists. A single species is
found abundantly in the southern United States.
CHAMAEPELIA PASSERINA, Swainson.
Ground Dove.
Columba passerina, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat I, 1766, 285.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 787.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 611. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 15 ; pi. xlvi. — WAGLER, Syst. Av. Columba, No. 88. — AUD. Orn.
Biog. II, 1834, 471 : V, 1839, 558 ; pi. 182.— IB. Syn. 192.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 19 ; pi.
283.
Columba (Gouro) passerina, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 181.— IB. Syn. 1828, 120.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 635.
Chaemepelia passerina, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 358.
Chamaepelia passerina, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, II, 1854, 77. — GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 311.
Sp. CH. — Back, rump, exposed surface of tertials, and tail above, uniform grayish olive; neck above and occiput tinged with
bluish ; forehead, sides of head, and neck, under parts generally and lesser upper wing coverts, light purplish red, tinged with
dusky towards the tail. Feathers of the head, neck, and fore breast, margined with a darker shade of the ground color, tho
forehead and chin, only, nearly uniform. Feathers of the breast dusky brown in the centre, this most conspicuous on the
jugulum. Under wing coverts, axillars, and quills, brownish orange; the latter margined externally and tipped with dusky
brown, the tertials almost entirely of this color . Middle tail feathers like the back ; the others mostly black, the outer one
edged towards the tip with white. The exposed surface of the wing variously marked with blotches exhibiting black, steel
blue, and violet. Bill and feet yellow ; the former tipped with brown.
Female with little or none of the purplish red.
Length, 6.30 ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, 2.80.
Hab — South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Lower California. Accidental near Washington, D. C.
The female of this dove is without the purplish red of the male, this being replaced by pale
BIRDS COLUMBIDAE OREOPELEIA MARTINICA.
607
brownish ash, more anteriorly by white. The forehead feathers have the darker margins as
well as the rest of the head. There is also a more ashy tinge on the back. The under tail
coverts are brown, conspicuously margined with whitish.
I am unable to detect any material difference between specimens from Florida, the lower Kio
Grande, and Lower California.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length. . Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1191
)
Washington 1). C
Sept 1844
S F. Baird
J. C. McGuire...
3045
8GCO
"Q"
Liberty county, Ga —
Cape Florida
1846
Oct. 30, 1857
do
G \Vurdemanu
W. L. Jones
6. 50 10. 20
6. 50 10. 50
3.50
3.50
8661
Indian Key Fla
Aug. 28, 1857
-do .
C. 00 11.00
3. 50
4921
do
4922
Q
. . do
do
4105
Matamoras Alex
Lieut. Couch....
Dr. Berlandier _.
4104
Q
Tamaulipas Mex
do
57
4103
A
do
do
68
6. 50 10. 50
3. 36
3726
La Paz, L. Cal
W. Hutton
OKEOPELEIA, Reichenbach.
Oreopeleia, REICHENBACII, Handbuch der Speciellen Ornithol. I, i, 1851, page xxiv. Type Columba martinica, L.
CH. — Bill lengthened, slender; culmen half the rest of the head from the frontal feathers. Feet large, stout; tarsi longer
than the middle toe and claw, covered anteriorly by transverse scutellae. Inner lateral claw longer than outer; reaching
beyond the base of the middle one, the outer falling short of it. Hind toe and claw more than half the middle do. Quills and
tail feathers very broad ; the wings rounded ; second and third quills longest, the lirst intermediate between the fourth and fifth.
Tail sub-orbicular, the shafts convex outwardly ; the feathers rounded, a little graduated.
This genus is placed by Bonaparte as a sub-genus of Geotrygon of Gosse.
OREOPELEIA MARTINICA, Reich.
Key West Pigeon.
Columba martinica, GMELIN, I, 1788, 781. Not of Temminck.
Geotrygon martinica, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 74. — CAB. Jour. IV, 1856, 108.
Oreopeleia martinicana, REICH. Syst. Av. 1851, page xxv. — IB. " Icones Avium, tab. 257, fig. 1431. "
Columba montana, Auu. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 382 ; pi. 167.— IB. Syn. 1839, 191.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 14 ; pi.
282.— NUTTALI., Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 756. Not of Linnaeus.
Zenaida montana, BONAP. Geog. &. Comp. List, 1838.
" Columbigallina montana, TEMMINCK."
" Columba mystacea, LEMBEYE." Bonap. (Not of Temminck.)
Sp. CH. — Ground color of the upper parts, including wing (both surfaces) and tail feathers brownish orange ; the upper part
of head and neck with metallic reflections of green and purple ; the back, rump, and wing coverts, with reflections of metallic
light purplish or violet. There is a white band from the lower mandible along side of the head, bordered below by purplish
red, like the forehead, and a similar band through the eyes, which are without metallic lustre. The breast is very light purplish
red, lading to white towards the tail and chin. The leathers of the under tail coverts are dusky brown at the base. Length,
II). Id; wing, 6.00; tail, 5.75.
Hub. — key West, Florida, and West Indiea.
608
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
I am not aware whether there is any difference between the sexes of this species. It has been
referred by Audubon to the Columba montana, L., but this appears to differ in lacking the white
bridle along the cheeks, &c.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence and how obtained.
Nature of specimen.
2628
Key West Florida .
S. F. Baird
J. J Audubon .
1936
do
do
...do
STARNOENAS, Bonaparte.
Starnoenas, BONAPARTE, Geog. &. Comp. List, 1838. Type Columba cyanocephala, L.
CH. — Bill short ; culmen about one-third the rest of head measured from the frontal feathers. Legs very stout and large ; tarsi
bare on the entire tibial joint, and covered with hexagonal scales, largest anteriorly ; it is longer than the middle toe and claw.
Inner lateral claw the larger ; reaching the base of the middle claw ; all the claws short, thick, and blunt. Hind toe and claw
short, half the middle do.; wings short, broad, and concave; much rounded. Tail short, broad, nearly even, but slightly vaulted.
The single species of dove, composing the genus, in many respects resembles the partridges
or quails, both in external appearance and in manners.
STABNOENAS CYANOCEPHALA, Bon.
Blue-headed Pigeon.
Columba cyanocephala, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 282. — GMELIN, Syst. I, 1788, 778. — WAGLER, Syst. Avium, 1827,
Columba, No. 112.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 441 : V, 1839, 557 ; pi. 172.
Starnoenas cyanocephala, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. II, 1854, 69. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 193. — IB. Birds Amer. V,
1842, 23 ; pi. 284.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Journ. IV, 1856, 108.
Sternoenas cyanocephala, REICHENBACH, Systema Av. 1851, p. xxv. pi. xxiii. — IB. Icones Av. tab. 260 and 266.
Geophilus? cyanocephala, SELBY, Pigeons, Jard. Nat. Lib. V, 216, pi. xxvii.
Columba (Lophyrus) cyanocephala, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d. ed. 1840, 769.
Columba tetraoides, (SCOPOLI,) GMELIN, I, 772.
Blue-headed turtle, LATHAM, Syn. II, 11, 651.
SP. CH. — Bill blue, the fleshy part at the base carmine. Iris brown, scales of feet carmine, the interspaces white. Above and
on sides glos»y dark olivaceous chocolate; beneatli brownish red, lighter centrally. Chin and throat black, with a narrow
border of white below. A white line begins in the chin and passes under the eye to the occiput. Sides of head above this and
forehead black ; crown blue. Length, 10.70 ; wing, 5.40 ; tail, 4.35.
Hub. — West India Islands ; occasionally at Key West, Florida, and other southern keys.
The axillars and under surface of the wings are like the belly. The crissum is most like the
back. The outer tail feathers have a bluish tinge above.
The hind toe in this species is not strictly in the same plane with the others, but placed a
little above their point of insertion.
SUB-ORDER
GALLINAE,
CH. — Bill usually rather short and stout, and less than the head. Basal portion hard, generally covered with feathers,
and not by a soft naked skin. Legs lengthened ; the hind toe generally elevated above the level of the rest, and short ; when
lower down, it is longer. Toes connected at the base by a membrane. The feathers of forehead not extending on the culmen
in a point, but more restricted, and parted by the backward extension of the culmen.
As already stated, it is difficult to define the two sub-orders of Raswes so sharply as to
cover all the numerous occasional exceptions in regard to the bill, legs, and other points of
external anatomy. The case would be very simple if North American forms only were in
question, but in giving an account of higher divisions in ornithology, it becomes necessary to
take into account the many varied groups belonging to the world at large.
According to Keyserling and Blasius there is an important difference between Columbae and
Gallinae in the outline of the feathers on the forehead. In the former these feathers extend for
ward on the culmen in a point, and those on the sides pass directly but obliquely across from
the angle of the mouth to the base of this point and behind the scale. In the Gallinae with
feathered heads, on the contrary, the frontal feathers are more restricted, and are actually
parted by the backward extension of the culmen ; the feathers on the side of the head extending
forward on the bill to an appreciable extent. The cutting edges of the bill, too, are said in
Colunibae to be inflexed, and not overlapping, while in Gallinae they are more vertical, the
upper overlapping and embracing the lower. The valve covering the nostril, and the base of
the bill, are hard, not soft, and the nasal fossae frequently more or less filled with small feathers.
The marked elevation and diminutive size of the hind toe, except in a few families, is an
important character.
Synopsis of families.
A. Hind toe lengthened and nearly on same plane with the anterior, so as to be in contact
throughout with the ground in walking.
PEKELOPIDAE. — Tail feathers 12. Sides of head usually naked.
B. Hind toe short, elevated considerably above the level of the rest, but the end usually
touching the ground. Tail feathers generally more than 12.
PHASIANIDAE. — Very large. Tarsi, toes, and nasal valve naked. Tarsi generally in the
male, with spurs. Head with naked spaces, or entirely bare.
TETRAONIDAE. — Of middle size. Tarsi, and sometimes toes feathered. Nasal fossae and
valve entirely filled in and concealed by feathers. Head usually closely feathered,
except immediately round the eye and on the superciliary region.
PERDICIDAE. — Size small. Tarsi long, bare. The nasal fossae not filled by feathers,
the valve bare, the head well feathered.
July 3, 1858.
77 b
610 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Family PENELOP ID AE.
CH.— Bill lengthened and rather slender; the end vaulted and hooked, covered by a horny plate, which extends backwards
along the commissure ; the bill posteriorly, witli a membrane, which covers the nasal fossae, the lores, and the orbital region,
leaving a broad, oval, free nasal aperture in the anterior portion of the nasal groove, without any peculiar scale above it.
Plumage coarse. Wings much rounded, reaching to, or a little beyond, the base of the tail ; the outer four or five primaries
much graduated, pointed, sometimes attenuated and emarginate ; secondaries lengthened. Tail of twelve feathers, lengthened,
broad, even, or somewhat rounded. Legs moderately stout, the tarsus not very high, covered anteriorly by two rows of
scutellae, behind by small oval scales in several series ; sometimes reticulated. Toes long and thin, the hinder one long, inserted
low down on the heel, scarcely elevated above the plane of the others. The claws narrow, acute, and gently curved.1
The preceding characters, borrowed from Burmeister, refer to a family of birds peculiar to
Central and South America, many of them of very large size. They replace in these countries
the Pliasianidae of the Old World, which are there entirely wanting, and, where abundant,
furnish an important and excellent article of food. They are chiefly arboreal, living and
nesting among, and in most cases on, the trees, usually moving about in large flocks.
The family, as defined above, embraces three sub-families, the Cracinae, the Penelopinae, and
the Oreopkasinae, the first with the bill usually elevated, the culmen curved from the base.
The sides of the head are generally well feathered, and the birds are of large size. The genera
Crax and Pauxi, or Curassows and Hoccos, are known by the longitudinal open exposed
nostrils, much anterior to the feathers, and rather low bill of the first, and the very much
elevated bill, with the nostrils more vertical, basal, and concealed, of the other.
The sub-family Penelopinae is the only one represented in our fauna, and by a single genus
and species. In this the bill is weak, slender, longer than high, straight at the base above ;
the portion covered with skin longer than the horny part, and the nostrils oval, elongated, and
in the anterior portion of the groove, or extending to or beyond the middle of the bill. The
sides of the head and the throat are more or less naked, with occasional feathers or hairs. The
legs are as long as the middle toe without the claw.
Of the sub-family Oreophasinae but a single species is known, the Oreophasis derbianus. In
this the nasal groove is filled with feathers throughout, and there is an elevated truncated knob
above the eyes.
Of the Penelopinae, the typical genera, according to Gray, have the following characters :
ORTALIDA. — Throat without wattles, but with two naked narrow streaks. Outer primaries
broad to and at the ends. Hind toe two-thirds the lateral ones.
PENELOPE. — Front of throat naked and wattled. Outer three primaries much attenuated and
falcate, linear towards the end. Hind toe nearly equal to the lateral.
Other genera are indicated by Reichenbach and Bonaparte, but these are sufficient to
illustrate the characters of the single one belonging to the United States.
ORTALIDA, M err em.
Ortalida, MERRF.M, Av. rar. Icones et Desc. II, 178C, 40, (Gray.) Type Phasianus motmot, L.
There is little to add in the way of characteristics to the diagnosis of this genus just given.
But one species belongs to the United States, though several are found in Mexico and further
south.
1 Burmeister, Thiere Brasiliens, Vugel, IF, 18.r>fi, 33.1.
BIRDS PENELOPIDAE — ORTALIDA M'CALLI.
611
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
'Jail.
Tarsus. Middle
; toe.
Its claw Bill
alone, above.
Along i Specimen
gape, j measured.
Ortalida McCalli
New Loon, Mex...
A
8.30
10 84
2 34 | 2 48
0 54 1 06
1 12 ! Skin
do
do
23.50
26 25
8 50
1 Fresh
!
ORTALIDA McCALLI, Baird.
Chiacalacca.
Ortalida vetula, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1851, 116. (Not Penelope vetula, WAGLER, Isis, 1830, 1112, and
1831, 517.)
Ortalida poliocephala, CASSIN, Illust. I, ix, 1855, 267 ; pi. xliv. (Not Penelope poliocephala, WAGLER, Isis, 1830, 1112.)
Sp. CH. — Body above dark greenish olive ; beneath brownish yellow, tinged with olive. Head and upper part of neck
plumbeous. Tail feathers lustrous green, all tipped with white, except the middle one. Feathers along the middle of the
throat black ; outer edge of primaries tinged with gray. Eyes brown. Bill and feet lead colored. Length, 23.50 ; wing, 8.50 ;
tail, 11.
The bill of this species is rather long and considerably decurved anterior to the nasal groove ;
the commissure curved almost as much as the culmen. The tarsus is about equal to the middle
toe ; the anterior half covered by a series of large transverse scutellae, with another series on
each side meeting behind in a sharp ridge, except superiorly. These lateral series are separated
from the anterior by a narrow strip of skin. The outer toe is rather longer than the inner ; the
claw falling considerably short of the middle claw. Hind toe without its claw about one-third
the middle toe and claw ; it is situated on the same level with the others.
The feathers of the head are lengthened and pointed, producing a decided full crest. The
side of the head is naked to behind the eyes ; the chin is naked, with rather more than the
central third longitudinally covered by black feathers, with stiffened shafts and abbreviated
vanes. The tail is longer than the wings, broad and graduated ; the lateral feather about
three-fourths the middle. The secondary quills are long and broad, fully as long as the
primaries. The wing is concave and much graduated ; the first and second quills much shorter
than the secondaries.
I feel considerable uncertainty as to the specific name of the subject of the present article.
The 0. vetula1 is said to be olivaceous ; the head and ears slaty gray ; the flanks, crissum, and
tibia, brownish ; the epigastrium and belly somewhat rufous ; the tail feathers above bronze
green, with white tips. The length, 18 inches ; longest tail feathers, 9.17 ; the shortest, 6.50.
The adult 0. poliocephala2 is olive gray ; the head and upper part of neck slate color ; the
epigastrium, middle of belly, and tibia, white ; the flanks and crissum fulvous ; the tail
feathers bronzed black, tipped with fulvous. The young has the head and occiput slate gray j
epigastrium, belly, and tibia brownish rufous ; the tail like the adult, (tipped with fulvous.)
Length, 23 inches ; tail, 11 inches.
The specimen before me agrees with neither species as described by Wagler. It is most like
the young of 0, poliocephala as to size and general color, but the tail is tipped with white in all
1 Penelope vetula, WAGLER, Isis, 1830, 1112, No. 14. Mexico.
2 Penelope poliocephala, WAGLER, Isis. 1830, 1112, No. 15, Mexico.
612
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ages instead of the fulvous, so strongly insisted on by Wagler as occurring in both old and
young. The size is considerably larger than that of 0. vetula; the flanks, tibia, and crissum
are more fulvous than brownish, and the entire head and upper part of the neck are slaty
instead of the head and ears only.
More adult specimens than the one before me are said to be generally of a brownish olive,
darker on the head, (probably somewhat slaty ;) the breast and belly light rufous, with
longitudinal whitish pencillings ; as nothing is said of the tibia, they are probably not white,
but like the flanks. The irids are dark hazel ; the naked skin of the chin orange red and loose.
Upon the whole, I am inclined to believe that this bird is distinct from both vetula and
poliocephala, and therefore propose for it the name of McCallii, after Colonel McCall, late
inspector general of the United States army, whose admirable biographies of the animals of
Texas and New Mexico have added so much to our knowledge of their natural history. His
notes on the present species in Cassin's Illustrations (I, 268) furnish all on record of its habits,
and from his description has been derived the preceding account of the colors of the adult.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
14106
$
Boquilla, New Leon _.
Spring of 1853
Lieut. Couch ........
137
23.58
26. 25
8.50
1 Eyes brown ; bill blue, lead color, and slate ; feet lead color.
BIRDS — PHASIANIDAE — MELEAGRIS. 613
Family PHASIANIDAE.
CH. — Bill moderate ; tlie legs, toes, and nasal fossae, hare ; the tarsus usually with one or more spurs, in the male. The
hind toe elevated above the level of the others. Tail feathers more than twelve. Faci generally more or less naked.
Of the entire family of Phasianidae, as above described, but a single genus, Meleagris, belongs
to America, the others being found entirely in the Old World. It includes the different
pheasants, Jungle fowl, the domestic chicken, the turkeys, the peacocks, and other well known
birds, among them by far the most important and interesting species domesticated by man.
The precise limits of the family vary with different authors, Gray making five sub-families,
Pavoninae, Phasianinae, Gattinae, Meleagrinae, and Lophophorinae ; while Bonaparte has quite a
different arrangement.
The family Numidinae of Reichenbach is equivalent to Meleagrinae of Gray, with the addition,
however, of almost another entire family, Tinamidae, of the same author, the members all
South American. It is not my place to attempt a reconciliation of these differing views of
classification, although the association of Meleagris with Tinamus and others of this group seems
not very unnatural.
Sub-family MELEAGRINAE.
CH. — Tail moderate, truncate. Head and neck nearly naked, and more or less carunculated or with fleshy lobes.
The preceding diagnosis is quite sufficient to distinguish the Meleagrinae of Gray from his
other sub-families, the Pavoninae having the tail and its coverts much developed and depressed,
but broad and rounded ; the Phasianinae have the tail greatly lengthened and attenuated,
cuneate, compressed ; the Gallinae have the tail moderate, arched, and compressed, the sides of
the head only naked ; and the Lophophorinae have the head feathered, except immediately around
the eye ; the tail moderate, broad, and rather depressed.
The two principal genera of this sub-family, as described by Gray, are as follows :
MELEAGRIS. — Head and neck without feathers, but with scattered hairs. An extensible fleshy
process on the forehead, but no development of the bone. Tarsi of the male provided with
spurs. Tail nearly as long as the wing.
NUMIDA. — Frontal bone much developed, producing a vertical crest. Lower jaw with two
fleshy lobes. No spur on the tarsi in the male. Tail very short.
The domestic turkey is the type of Meleagris, while the Guinea fowl or Pintado represents
Numida, (N. meleagris.) The latter genus embraces five or six species, nearly every one the
type of a distinct genus of some author, and all inhabitants of Africa.
MELEAGRIS, Linnaeus.
Meleagris, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Meleagris gallopavo, Linn.
CH. — Legs with transverse scutellac before and behind ; reticulated laterally. Tarsi with spurs.' Tail rounded, rather long,
usually of eighteen feathers. Forehead with a depending fleshy cone. Head and the upper half of the neck without feathers.
Breast of male in most species with a long tuft of bristles.
The above diagnosis will be sufficient to distinguish the true turkeys from their allies,
the nearest being Numida, according to most authors. In this, besides the differences already
614
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
mentioned, the tarsi have two series of scutellae before, instead of one ; the posterior and lateral
surfaces reticulated. The tail is very short, and concealed by its coverts.
The species of turkey have usually been considered as two, the North American wild bird,
from which the domestic turkey was supposed to have descended, and the ocellated turkey, M.
ocellata, of Honduras, and other portions of Central America. The latter is one of the most beautiful
of known birds, with numerous small fleshy tubercles on the head, different from those of the
domestic turkey. The feathers exhibit reflections of metallic bronze, gold, green, and blue,
while the tail coverts and tail exhibit four series of large ocellated spots. The tail is said to
have but fourteen feathers.
The question has been recently agitated whether the supposed single species of common
turkey, tame and wild, is not really divisible into two or even three, and in the following
pages the reasons will be presented upon which an opinion of the kind may be based. In the
mean time, the following diagnoses will serve to show the differences which really appear to
exist in the series of wild turkeys of the type of the North American bird.
Common characters. — Head livid blue, legs red, general color copper bronze, with copper and
green reflections, each feather with a velvet black margin ; all the quills brown, closely barred
with white. Tail feathers chestnut, narrowly barred with black ; the tip with a very broad,
subterminal black bar.
Tail coverts dark purplish chestnut throughout, with the tips not lighter. Tip of tail
feathers scarcely paler chestnut than the ground color N. gallopavo.
Tail coverts chestnut, the tips much paler, sometimes almost white. Tip of tail feathers
light brownish yellow ; sometimes with the coverts broadly whitish M. mexicanus.
Comparative measurements of species.
Caul.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex
& age.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
L
Tarsus .
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill from
nostril.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
5148
10030
5147
100-29
5748
do.
1196
do.
10322
Meleagris mexicana. .
do
do
Meleagris gallopavo..
do
do
Llano Estacado, Texas .
Near 32° S
(?
5
1
oc?
M8.50
*37.00
M2.00
*44.70
*34.80
41.00
47.00
50.00
42.00
19.00
17.30
17.00
20.00
18.80
14.60
15.30
14.00
15.50
14.00
6.46
-1.95
5.68
6.54
6 45
4.08
3.45
3.68
4.50
4.00
0.90
0.84
0.91
0.80
0.84
1.04
0.98
0.97
1.05
1.06
2.31
1.96
2.14
2.23
1.90
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fre'h .
Llano Estacado
lied Fork of Arkansas . .
Republican River
do
57.50
do
do
Washington, D. C
do
•71
21.00
20.00
20.00
17.50
6.00
4.28
0.90
1.05
2.16
gkin
Fresh
64.50
do
do
f
16.50
6.24
4.16
1.04
1.06
2.10
Skin
* About.
BIRDS — PHASAIDIDAE — MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO. 615
MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO, L,
Wild Turkey.
Meleagris gallopavo, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 268.— GMELIN, 1, 1788, 732.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 618.—
WILSON, Index, VI, 1812.— STEPHENS, in Shaw's Zool. XI, i, 1819, 156, (domestic bird.)—
BONAP. Am. Orn. 1, 1825, 79; pi. ix.— IB. Syn. 122.— IB. List, 1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 1, 1831,
1 and 33: V, 1839, 559 ; pi. 1.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. V, J842, 42, pi. 287, 288.—
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832,630. — REICHENBACH, Systema Av. 1851, pi. xxvi. — IB. Icones Av.
tab. 289.
Meleagris americana, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 290.
Meleagris sylvestris, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. IX, 447.
Gallopavo sylvestris, LECONTE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. 1857, 179.
Meleagris fora, VIEILLOT, Galerie Ois. II, 1824, 10 ; pi. x.
Wild turkey, CLAYTON, Philos. Trans. XVII, 1693, 992.— PENNANT, Philos. Trans. LXXI, 1781, 67.— IB. Arctic
Zool. No. 178.
Jlmerican turkey, LATHAM, Syn. II, n, 676.
Gallopavo sylvestris, Novae angliae, RAY, Syn. 51.
Gallopavo sylvestris, CATESBY, Carol. I, 1730, App. p. xliv. — BRISSON, Orn. V, 1760, 162.
Bill elongated, slender ; culmen rising a little at the base, then gently and equally convex to
the tip. Commissure concave from the base. Nostrils elliptical, linear, much overhung by an
incumbent scale ; about two-fifths its distance from the tip of the bill. Head and upper part of
neck all round, as well as the whole throat, bare of feathers, and covered sparsely with short
fleshy processes, placed transversely, scarcely to be seen on the under side. The feathers of the
lower neck extend narrowly along the median line to the nape. The bare portion thinly covered
with short, black hairs, or hair-like feathers. At the point of junction of the bill and head is
a long fleshy process, capable of much erection and distension, and well covered with hairs.
The jugulum of the male is provided with a close tuft of bristles six or eight inches long.
The tarsus is long and stout, much longer than the middle toe and claw. It is entirely bare
of feathers, including the superior joint of the tibia. Anteriorly it is covered by a double row
of about eighteen pentagonal scales from tibial joint to the toes, embracing the anterior half,
the lateral edges of these rows being straight. There is also a double row behind, the external
extending nearly to the hind toe ; the inner reaching to the spur. The space between these
four rows of scales, and not occupied by them, is covered by small subhexagonal scales. There
is in the male a large spur, its centre situated about four-tenths the length of the tarsus from
its lower edge. It stands nearly perpedicular to the tarsus, directed postero-internally, is about
an inch long, conical, and slightly curving upwards. The lateral toes are about equal, the
claws not reaching the base of the middle. There is a membrane extending between the bases
of the anterior toes, and slightly continuous between the inner and posterior. The hinder toe
is situated about its length (excluding the claw) above the inferior edge of the tarsus.
The wings are moderate ; when closed reaching nearly to the middle of the tail. They are
rather rounded ; the first primary shorter than the tenth ; the sixth longest. The secondaries
and tertials are long and broad ; the longest reaching to the tip of the eighth primary, and
much longer than the first.
The tail is about as long as from the carpal joint to the end of the secondaries ; it is broad,
the feathers all graduated quite evenly, and diminishing successively about half an inch. The
616 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
feathers are eighteen in number, nearly truncate at tip ; or obtusely angular, the corners
rounded.
The naked skin of the head and neck is blue ; the excrescences purplish red. The legs are
red. The feathers of the neck and body generally are very broad, abruptly truncate, and each
one well defined and scale-like ; the exposed portion coppery bronze, with a bright coppery
reflection in some lights, in the specimens before me chiefly on the under parts. Each feather
is abruptly margined with velvet black, the bronze assuming a greenish or purplish shade near
the line of junction, and the bronze itself sometimes with a greenish reflection in some lights.
The black is opaque, except along the extreme tip, where there is a metallic gloss. The
feathers of the lower back and rump are black, with little or no copper gloss. The feathers of
the sides behind, and the coverts, upper and under, are of a very dark purplish chestnut, with
purplish metallic reflections near the end, and a subterminal bar of black ; the tips are of the
opaque purplish chestnut referred to. The concealed portion of the coverts is dark chestnut
barred rather finely with black ; the black wider than the interspaces. The tail feathers are
dark brownish chestnut, with numerous transverse bars of black, which, when most distinct,
are about a quarter of an inch wide and about double their interspaces ; the extreme tip for
about half an inch is plain chestnut, lighter than the ground color ; and there is a broad
subterminal bar of black about two inches wide on the outer feathers, and narrowing to about
three-quarters of an inch to the central ones. The innermost pair scarcely shows this band,
and the others are all much broken and confused. In addition to the black bars on each
feather, the chestnut interspaces are sprinkled with black. The black bands are all most distinct
on the inner webs ; the interspaces are considerably lighter below than above.
There are no whitish tips whatever to the tail or its coverts. The feathers on the middle of
the belly are downy, opaque, and tipped obscurely with rusty whitish.
The wing coverts are like the back ; the quills, however, are blackish brown, with numerous
transverse bars of white, half the width of the interspaces. The exposed surfaces of the wing,
however, and most of the inner secondaries, are tinged with brownish rusty, the uppermost
ones with a dull copper or greenish gloss.
The female differs in smaller size, less brilliant colors, absence generally of bristles on the
breast and of spur, and a much smaller fleshy process above the base of the bill.
The position of the spur in the male varies somewhat in different specimens, and even at
times in the two legs of the same bird.
The wild turkey of eastern North America differs in several points, both of structure and
manners, from the domesticated bird, as recently insisted on by Major Leconte. I have not at
hand a skin of the barn yard turkey for comparison, and owing to the season they are not to be
found in our markets ; but according to Major Leconte, there is a great difference, in the
possession by the latter of an enormous dewlap, extending from the base of the lower mandible
to the large caruncles on the lower part of the neck, not found in the other. The color of the
skin of the head and neck is not livid blue, but more of a fleshy tint, which in the breeding
season of the male becomes fiery red, owing to the turgidity of the caruncles. This skin, too,
appears to be more destitute of hairs. According to Bonaparte, the domestic turkey, even in
those which have the closest resemblance to the wild bird, may always be distinguished by a
whitish tip to the tail, and the tail coverts edged with whitish, never seen in the other.
BIRDS — PHASIANIDAE — MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO. 617
Major Leconte states furthermore, that the wild turkey has never been so domesticated as to
propagate its race in confinement, notwithstanding the many efforts made to accomplish this
result.
The diiference in the color of the flesh of the two birds when cooked is quite appreciable, that
of the wild bird being much darker.
It is upon the whole exceedingly probable that the two birds are specifically distinct.
Whether the domestic species be descended from the one recently described by Mr. Gould, or
not, remains to be ascertained. In the next article I describe skins which appear to be referable
to Gould's M. mexicana, and this certainly indicates a near approach to the tamed turkey in
the whitish bars of the tail coverts and the tail. The skin of the head, however, appears to be
of the same color, and no difference in the carunculation of the throat was noticed, although
this may have been obscured by drying. The skin of the head appeared more pilose, but there
was the same caruncle at the base of the bill.
If the dewlap be characteristic of a species at present only known in captivity, then, as
Major Leconte remarks, it should bear the name of M. gallopavo, as based by Linnaeus
essentially upon the description by Brisson of Gallopavo sylvestris, in which this dewlap is
particularly mentioned. In this event our wild bird will be entitled to a new name, which
might be that of Bartram, in 1791, Meleagris americana. Should the M. mexicana be the
original of the domestic species, Gould's name will become a synonym, if it be proved that
gallopavo refers to the same bird.
In conclusion I venture to suggest the following hypothesis, which, however, is not original
with myself: That there are really three species of turkey, besides .the M. ocellata, a
fourth species from Central America, entirely different from the rest. That one of these, M.
americana, is, probably, peculiar to the eastern half of North America; another, M. mexicana,
belongs to Mexico, and extends along the table lands to the Rocky mountains, the Gila, and
the Llano Estacado, and a third is the M. gallopavo, or domesticated bird. That it is not at all
improbable that the last was originally indigenous to some one or more of the West India islands,
whence it was transplanted as tamed to Mexico and other parts of America, and from Mexico
taken to Europe about A. D. 1520. Finally, that the wild turkeys were probably completely
exterminated by the natives, as has been the case with equally large birds in other islands, as
the dodo and solitaire.
This hypothesis will explain the fact of our meeting nowhere at the present day any wild
turkeys resembling the domestic one. I have an indistinct recollection of a statement that our
barn yard turkey came originally from Bermuda or Jamaica, but I cannot speak positively
in regard to it.
The entire subject is one of much interest, and deserves to be investigated thoroughly. It is
quite possible that a careful examination of the external form and habits of the New Mexican
bird may do much to throw full light on the whole question.
July 3, 1858.
78 b
618
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
10322
,?
Washington, D. C- ..
Mar. , 1855
Wash, market
1196
r?
do
Dec. — , 1843
S. F. Baird
50. 00
64. 50
20. 00
10029
r?
Red fork of Arkansas -
July , 1850
Capt. Sitgreaves -
Dr Woodhouse
5748
$
Republican river
Oct. 16, 1856
Lieut. Bryan
381
W. S. Wood
MELEAGRIS MEXICANA, Gould.
Mexican Turkey.
Mcleagris mexicana, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 61.
In the series of turkey skins before me, I find that all from the vicinity of the Rocky
mountains differ strikingly from those east of the Mississippi in the feathers of the sides of the
body behind, and in the upper and under tail coverts. These are all tipped with light brownish
yellow for about half an inch, more or less, with the region, and the tail is tipped with the
same. The chestnut ground of the tail and coverts is also considerably lighter. The gloss on
the feathers of the rump is green, not purple. The coverts, too, lack in a measure the purple
shade in the chestnut. The metallic reflections generally have rather more green than in the
eastern bird.
In one specimen (female, 10030, from Fort Thorn) the light edgings are almost white, and
so much extended as to conceal the entire rump. All the feathers of the under parts of the
body are edged broadly with white, and the tail is tipped with the same for more than an
inch. This specimen also has the head considerably more hairy than in the eastern skins, but
the others from the same region do not differ so much in this respect from eastern ones.
Whether these differences can be considered as establishing a second species for the United
States is a question yet to be decided. It is certain that these peculiarities are constant in all
before me, while the eastern skins all agree precisely in their characteristics as described. The
New Mexican turkeys, with white tips to the tail feathers and coverts, correspond, in a very
striking degree, with the M. mexicana of Gould.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
10030
5147
5148
9?
Fort Thorn, New Mexico .
Dr. T. C.
Capt For
Henry. . .....
do
...do - -
BIRDS — TETRAONIDAE. 619
Family TETR AONID AE. The Grouse.
As already stated, the Tetraonidae are pre-eminently characterised among gallinaceous "birds
by their densely feathered tarsi, and by the feathers of the nasal fossa or groove, which fill it
completely, and conceal the nostrils. The toes are usually naked, (feathered to the claws in
the ptarmigans,) and with pectinations of scales along the edges. The tail feathers vary from
sixteen to eighteen and even twenty in number ; the tail is rounded, acute, or forked. The
orbital region is generally somewhat bare, with a naked stripe above the upper eyelid, beset
by short fringe-like processes.
The following synoptical table will give a general view of the North American Tetraonidae,
although the arrangement is probably much more artificial than natural. The species of Tetrao
and Bonasa inhabit wooded regions ; Lagopus belongs to the more arctic portions of the
continent and the snowy ridges of the Rocky mountains, while the others are found in the
great prairies of the west, Centrocercus being confined to the sterile plains covered with sage or
wormwood.
Synopsis of genera.
A. Legs feathered to and on the basal membrane of the toes. No ruff on the side of the
neck, which, however, has an extensible bare space.
TETRAO. — Tail broad, nearly even, or truncate, and rounded laterally ; two-thirds the
wing. Nasal fossae scarcely half the culmen.
CENTROCERCUS. — Tail excessively lengthened and cuneate ; longer than the wings. Nasal
fossae two-thirds the culmen. Shafts of feathers on the lower throat very spinous.
PEDIOCAETES. — Tail very short, but graduated, and with the two middle feathers (perhaps
tail coverts) lengthened beyond the rest, and two-thirds as long as the wing ; the
next longest, half the wing. Nasal fossae not half the length of culmen. Shafts of
throat feathers normal.
B. Legs scarcely feathered to the extreme base of tarsus, the lower joint of which is bare,
with large transverse scutellae.
CUPIDONIA. — Tail very short, truncate, but laterally graduated ; half the wings. Sides
of neck with long, pointed, or lanceolate, stiff feathers. Nasal fossae scarcely one-
third the culmen.
C. Legs feathered to the claws.
LAGOPUS. — Tail about two-thirds the wing, truncate ; of sixteen to eighteen feathers.
Most species becoming white in winter ; none of the other genera exhibiting this
peculiarity.
D. Lower half of tarsi bare, with two rows of scutellae anteriorly.
BONASA. — Sides of neck with a ruff of broad, truncate, soft feathers. Tail very broad,
square, as long as the wings.
620
U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TETRAO, Linnaeus.
Tetrao, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1744. Type T. urogalius, L. (Gray.)
CH. — Tail lengthened, slightly narrowed to the square or somewhat rounded tip ; about two-thirds the wing ; the feathers with
stiffened shafts. Tarsus feathered to and between the bases of the toes. No unusual feathers on the side of throat. Culmen
between the nasal fossae nearly half the total length. Color mostly black.
Inhabit wooded regions.
The American wood-grouse do not belong strictly to the genus Tetrao, as defined by later
writers, with T. urogalius for type. This species differs chiefly in the pointed feathers of the
chin, but in other respects comes quite close to T. obscurus. A genus, Canace, has been made
for the American birds, but I see no special occasion to adopt it here.
The following diagnosis will distinguish the species :
Tail of twenty feathers. General color plumbeous above, with fine mottling. Chin and
throat white and black. Tail uniform black, with slaty tip .....T. obscurus.
Tail of sixteen feathers. Above banded with plumbeous. Beneath black, with some white
on jugulum and sides of belly. Tail tipped with brownish orange. Upper coverts not tipped
with white T. canadensis.
Similar to last. Tail without orange tip. Upper tail coverts banded terminally with
white T.franJdini.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
4505
3
20 50
9 40
7 45
1 65
2 19
0 46
0 %
1.19
Skin .
4398
do
Fort Steilacoom
5
18.60
8 90
6.86
1.66
2.26
0.56
0 80
1.05
Skin
do.
do
19.75
30.00
9.75
Fresh ....
5746
do
Black Hills
*
19.30
9.00
7.46
1.62
2 16
0 52
1 04
1.20
Skin
10013
do
Fort Steilacoom, \V. T.
o
18 50
8 34
5 90
1 62
2.06
0 44
I 00
1.06
Skin
do.
do
do
V
19.00
27.00
8.75
Fresh....
7046
do
Black Hills
o
17.64
8 40
6 16
1 61
2 06
0 46
0 92
1.14
Skin
478
Nova Scotia
V
>
16 20
6 70
5 44
1 54
1 86
0 48
0 85
0 98
Skin
do.
.... do
....do..
Q
12 70
6 60
4 56
1 40
1 76
0 42
0 74
0 82
Skin
10025
10026
Tetrao franklini*. . . .
do.*
St. Mary's, R. ruts
do
<J
O
7.35
6 90
5.62
4 52f
1.38
1.83
0.45
0.84
0.92
Skin
* Very poor specimen.
TETKAO OBSCURUS, Say.
Dusky Grouse.
Tetrao obscurus, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 14.— BON. Syn. 1828, 127.— IB. Won. Tetrao, Am. Phil. Trans.
Ill, 1830, 391.— IB. Am. Orn. Ill, 1830 ; pl.xviii.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 344 ; pi. lix, lx.~
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 666.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 446 ; pi. 361.— IB. Syn. 1839, 283.—
IB. Birds Amer. I, 1842, 69 ; pi. 295.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 93.
Canace obscura, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.
Tetrao richardsonii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 141.
Sp. CH. — Sexes dissimilar. Tail of twenty feathers. Above bluish black ; plumbeous or black beneath. Tail uniform black, and
finely and obscurely mottled above. Tail broadly tipped with light slate. Beneath uniform plumbeous. A dusky half collar on the
throat. The chin and throat above white, varied with black. Tail about two-thirds the length of the wings, broad, rounded, com
posed of twenty broad, even, and truncated feathers. Tarsi feathered to the toes, the feathers extending along the sides of the basal
half of the first joints of the toes. Pectinations on the sides of the toes very short. Length, 20.50 ; wing, 9.40 ; tail, 7.45.
Hab — Black Hills of Nebraska to Cascade mountains of Oregon and Washington.
BIRDS TETRAONIDAE — TETRAO OBSCURUS.
621
The prevailing color of this species is dark brown above, with fine mottlings of plumbeous ;
beneath nearly uniform plumbeous ; the sides, however, under the wings, the scapulars, and the
outer surface of the wings are like the back, but also mottled finely with brown, with a tendency
to light ashy towards the tips of the feathers, those of the sides streaked centrally, and terminated
with white ; the chin and upper part of throat have the feathers white, barred terminally with
black, and the loral feathers similarly marked ; there is, however, a dark brown stripe from the
bill beneath the eye and over the ear coverts, as well as a half collar on the lower part of the
throat, of a dark plumbeous black. The tail feathers are lustrous black beneath ; slaty black
above, with a terminal bar of ashy plumbeous, varying considerably in width. The under tail
coverts are dark plumbeous, broadly tipped with white. All the feathers on the lower part of
the neck are white, except at the tip.
The female is somewhat similar, except that the feathers of the neck and fore part of the
back have conspicuous transverse bars of brownish yellow. The outlines of the dark transverse
pectoral collar are indistinct, and the dark streak beneath the orbits appears to be wanting.
The plumbeous of the under parts is duller, and more obscured with white. The upper tail
coverts and inner tail feathers are banded with grayish.
There are considerable differences in different specimens of this species, varying with age and
sex. In one specimen, 4505, from the Cascades, much the largest of all, the back is quite
uniformly black, with scarcely any mottling, except on the rump and wings ; the under parts
are dark continuous slate color, passing insensibly into the darker collar of the throat. The
white of the chin is much obscured. In another male (5746) the feathers beneath are all edged
with whitish. This specimen (of August 3,) has the tarsi nearly bare. One specimen (2859)
has the tail entirely black, without slaty tip.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex and
No. age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
5747 c?
5746 $
7047? o
7046 Q
6919
8918
8917
Black Hills,Neb
Aug. 2, 1856
Aug. 3,1856
Aug. 9,1857
do
Lieut. Bryan ....
do
do
do
193
194
385
W. S. Wood...
Fiend...
do
do
do
do
do
do.
19.00
27.00
Laramie Peak, Neb
do
do
Aug. 24
Aug
Lt. Warren
do
do
Dr. Haydcn....
do
do .
19.12 ! 28.00
18.50 27.00
8.50
8.75
Iris brown
8920
.. do
, .do
do
18.00
20.00
17.50
28.00
29.50
24.12
9.00
9.50
8.00
8915
8916
10015
do
do
St. Mary's Pass, R. rots
Aug. 25
Aug. 29
Oct. 8,1853
do
do
do
do
Dr. Suckley .
Iris brown
10017
do
do
Head .
4505 <J
10008
10010
10011
10013 Q
10009
Cascade mountains ....
Fort Dalles, Oregon....
Clickatat, W. T
Fort Steilacoom
do
Aug. 4, 1853
July —,1856
Auj. —,1854
Aug. —,1856
April 18,1855
May 3,1856
April —,1854
Lt. Williamson...
Dr. Suckley
Gov. Stevens ....
Dr. Suckley
387
22
532
Dr. Nevvberry..
19.00
26.12
Gov. Stevens ....
Dr. Suckley
Gov. Stevens ....
Dr. Suckley
63
525
67
194
Dr. Suckley . ..
19.00
13.00
27.00
28.00
9.75
10012
4398 (J
10014 <J
10027 $
do
do
do
do
19.75
20.00
19.75
30.00
30.00
39.00
9.75
do
Gov. Stevens ....
368
62
Dr. Buckley ...
do
9.75
622 U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TETEAO CANADENSIS, Linn.
Spruce Partridge ; Canada Grouse.
Tetrao canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766,274.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 389 — GMELIN, I, 1788, 749.—
SABINB, Zool. App. Franklin's Exped. 683.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, 127 — IB. Amer. Orn. Ill, 1830 ;
pi. xxi, f. 2, Q.— IB. Am. Phil. Trans. Ill, N. S. 1830, 391.— RICH. F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831,
346 ; pi. Ixii, female.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 667.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 437 : V, 1839,
563; pi. 176.— IB. Syn. 203.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 83 ; pi. 294.
Canace canadensis, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1851, p. xxix. Type.— BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.
Tetrao canace, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 275.
Black Spotted Heathcock, EDWARDS, Glean, pi. cxviii.
Spotted Grouse, PENNANT .
SP. CH. — Tail of sixteen feathers. Feathers above distinctly banded with plumbeous ; beneath uniform black, with a pectoral
band of white, and white on the sides of the belly. Chin and throat above, black. Tail with a broad brownish orange terminal
band. Length, 16.20 ; wing, 6.70 ; tail, 5.44.
Hab. — Spruce forests and swamps of the northern United States to the Arctic seas ; west nearly to Rocky mountains.
Bill rather slender. Eyebrows with the usual papillae. Tarsi densely feathered, the poste
rior edge bare ; the feathers extending along the sides of the toes for half the basal joint.
Pectination on the sides of the toes very conspicuous. Tail as long as the wing from elbow to
ends of secondaries ; nearly even ; the lateral feathers slightly graduated, (three quarters of an
inch less than the longest ;) the feathers truncate, rounded laterally, and sixteen in number.
Middle toe and claw longer than the tarsus ; lateral equal, the claws not reaching the base of
middle toe ; the claws long and sharp.
Prevailing color in the male black ; each feather of the head, neck, and upper parts generally,
having its surface waved with plumbeous gray. This is in the form of two or three well-
defined concentric bars parallel to each other, one along the exterior edge of the feather, the
others behind it. The sides of the body, the scapulars, and outer surface of the wings are
mottled like the back, but more irregularly, and with a browner shade of gray, the feathers
with a central white streak expanding towards the tip, (on the wing these streaks seen only on
some of the greater coverts.) There is no white above except as described. The under parts
are mostly uniform black, the feathers of the sides of the belly and breast broadly tipped with
white, which sometimes forms a pectoral band. There is a white bar across the feathers at the
base of the upper mandible, usually interrupted above ; a white spot on the lower eyelid, and
a white line beginning on the cheeks and running into a series of white spots in the feathers of
the throat, the lower feathers of this are banded terminally with whitish. The feathers at the
base of the bill, and the head below the eyes and beneath, are pure black. The quills are dark
brown, without any spots or bands, the outer edges only mottled with grayish. The tail feathers
are similar, but darker, and the tail is tipped with a band of orange chestnut, nearly half an
inch wide, obscured on the central feathers. The under tail coverts are black, broadly barred
and tipped with white ; the feathers of the legs mottled brown and whitish ; dirty white behind
the tarsi. The bill is black.
The female is smaller but somewhat similar, the black bars above broader, the inner gray
bars of each feather, including the tail, replaced by broader ones of brownish orange. The
under parts have the feathers black, barred with the brownish orange, which, on the tips of the
belly feathers, is pure white. The clear continuous black of the head and breast are wanting.
The scapulars, greater coverts, and sides, are streaked as in the male.
BIRDS — TETRAONIDAE — TETRAO FRANKLINII.
623
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
478
9
Nova Scotia ?
S. F. Baird
479
a
.. .. do
do.. .
6921
Q
Selkirk settlement
D. Gunn
6920
$
do
do
TETRAO FRANKLINII, Douglas.
Franklin's Grouse.
Tetrao franklinii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 139.— RICH. F. Eor. Am. II, 1831, 348 ; pi. Ixi.
Tetrao canadensis, var. BONAP. Am. Orn. Ill, 1830, 47 ; pi. xx.
? Tetrao fusca, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317. Based on small brown pheasant of Lewis &. Clark,
II, 182, which very probably is this species.
Sp. Cn Similar to T. canadensis, but with the tail feathers entirely black, without orange brown terminal band ; the upper
tail coverts broadly tipped with white. Wing, 7.35 ; tail, 5.62.
Hab. — Northern Rocky mountains, and west.
The only specimens of this species before me are so much mutilated as to preclude any
accurate description. The difference from canadensis, -however, even in these, is sufficiently
appreciable. This consists chiefly in the rather longer tail with broader feathers, which are pure
black instead of very dark brown, and entirely without the orange terminal band. The white
streaks on the scapulars are larger terminally and much more conspicuous, and the upper tail
coverts are conspicuously barred terminally with white, not seen in the other. The female
differs from that of canadensis in the white bars at the ends of the tail coverts, and in having
the tail feathers tipped with whitish instead of orange brown.
The male of this bird is described and figured by Bonaparte as that of the Canada grouse,
T. canadensis.
Middendorff, in his Sibirische Reise, speaks of a grouse as occurring on the southern shores of
the Sea of Ochotsk, which he considered the same as the North American Tetrao franklini.
Hartlaub, however, naturally disbelieving a statement so much at variance with what had been
found to be the law in the distribution of the Gattinacea, made special efforts to procure
specimens, and, on comparing them with skins of the American T. canadensis and description
of T. franklini, found that there was a very great difference in the primaries of the Siberian
bird, to which, in consequence, he gave the name of T. falcipennis. In this the outer five
primaries are emarginate internally and greatly falcate ; the second and third most so, a
character scarcely found elsewhere among Gallinacea, except in Penelope. There are many
differences in color, such as the upper parts being black, spotted finely with brown, and the
shafts streaked with lighter in falcipennis, instead of plain gray banded with black. Other
differences might readily be indicated, but those just mentioned are quite sufficient to
substantiate Dr. Hartlaub's position.
624
U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
10026
0
St. Mary's, Eocky mountains..
Gov. Stevens
142
Lt Mullen U. S A
10025
r?
do
do
do
CENTROCERCUS, Swainson.
Centrocercus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 496. Type Tetrao urophasianus, Bon.
CH. — Tail excessively lengthened, cuncate, longer than the wings, the feathers all lanceolate. Tarsi feathered to the
joint and between the bases of the toes. Lower throat and its sides with stiffened spinous feathers. Nasal fossae extending
very far forward ; the length of culmen between them two-thirds the total length. Color mottled yellowish above, with large
black patches beneath.
The single species of this genus inhabits exclusively the high and almost desert sage plains
of the far west, feeding on the Artemisia or wild sage which characterises those regions.
Comparative measurements.
6
fc
1
Species.
Locality.
n
I
In
O
1.1
bo
d
' .- 1 ii
- $. 2 i S.
"3 53 rt
EH i EH 33
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
10018
10023
Centrocercus urophasianus.
do
"F
29.00
12.60
11.30
12.20 2.14 2.52 0.58
11.50 2.03 2.34 ! 0.46
1.64
1.42
1.34
1.20
Skin
5419
do
90 miles ab. mo. Yellowstone.
o
11.20
9.00 1.96 2.10 i 0.40
1.42
1.22
Skin
do.
10021
do
jo
do
25.00
37.50
11.50
12.421 '
1.58
1.40
Fresh
Head and tail.
i
CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, Swainson.
Sage Cock ; Cock of the Plains.
Tttrao urophasianus, BONAP. Zool. Jour. Ill, Jan. 1828, 214.— IB. Am. Orn. Ill, 1830; pi. xxi, f. 1.— IB. Mon.
Tetrao, in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. N. S. Ill, 1830, 390.— DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI,
1829, 133.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 666.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 503 ; pi. 371.— IB. Syn.
205.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 106 ; pl.297.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R.
R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 95.
Tttrao (Centrocercus) urophasianus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 358; pi. Iviii.
Centrocercus urophasianus, JARDINE, Game birds, Nat. Lib. Birds, IV, 140 ; pi. xvii.
?? Tetrao phasianellus, ORD. Guthrie'a Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317, based on Lewis & Clark, IT, 181.
Cocfc of the plains, LEWIS & CLARK, II, 180, sp. 2.
Sp. CH. — Tail feathers twenty. Above varied with black, brown, and brownish yellow; coverts having all the feathers
streaked with the latter. Beneath black; the breast white; the upper feathers with spiny shafts; the lower streaked with
black ; tail coverts with white tips ; the sides also with much white. Length, 29 ; wing, 11.30 ; tail, 11.50.
Hub. — Sage plains of the northwest.
Tarsi feathered to the toes, the feathers extending along the sides of the toes at the base.
Tail elongated, longer than the wings, and excessively cuneate ; of twenty feathers, all lanceo
late acute and much graduated ; the lateral feathers about four and a half inches shorter than
TETRAONIDAE — PEDIOCAETES.
62ft
the middle (or about two-thirds) and exceeded in length by the under coverts. The feathers on
the fore part of the breast, and especially on its side, are excessively rigid and spinous, with
the webs much worn down. The bill is lengthened, and the nasal fossa with its feathers
extends very far forwards to a point more than half the length of the culmen.
The upper parts in this species are greatly variegated, with a mottling of black, brownisli
yellow, and whitish. On the neck and fore part of the back the feathers are blackish, with
several broad, zigzag transverse bars of light brownish yellow. On the back and wings the
feathers have, in addition, longitudinal streaks of the same, the transverse bars concealed and the
terminal portions coarsely mottled. The tertials, in addition, have a terminal bar of brownisli
yellow, the much elongated upper coverts and the tail feathers are quite similarly mottled.
The under parts, from the breast to the tail, are pure continuous black, the under coverts
black tipped with white. The lower part of the throat, with the sides of the neck, have a half
collar of black. Below this the throat is lighter ; the shafts of the feathers stiff and black.
There is a white band behind the eye curving down and crossing the throat ; the rest of the
neck is mottled with black, white, and gray. The sides beneath the wings are like the
scapulars, but the black of the belly is bordered laterally by white, somewhat blotched with
black.
Specimens vary somewhat, and it is probable that in full dress the male shows no transverse
bars on the back and neck above. The females before me are much like the males, only smaller,
more banded above ; the black of the belly more restricted ; the chin, throat above, and cheeks
dull brownish white. The feathers of the neck have stiffened shafts, but these are not
conspicuous.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col-
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by—
Length. Stretch
Wing. Remarks.
No.
ected.
No.
of wings.
8922
9
Loup Fork
Sept. 9
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden
24.50 41.00
12.00 Iris yellow.
5743
r?
North Pliitte
Au". 12,1856
256 W. S. Wnrwl
5419
9
90 miles above mouth Yellowstone..
July 28, 1856
25 00 37 50
11.50
8923
3
Cheyenne river
Sept. 9
do
do
25.00
41.50
11.50 Iris yellow.
8921
3
,lo.
do
do
21.00 33.50
10.00 ....do
5745
9
Medicine Bow creek. Aug. 8.1856
226
5742
9
W. Branch Medicine Bow Cr Aug. 10,1856
do
238
do
7045
o
Brid"er's Pass July 30,1857 do
390
iln
10023
9
Cochctopee Pass ' Capt. Beckwitli....
21 Mr. Kreutzfeldt.
10020
9
Near Snake river, Blue mountains. .. Oct. 5 Gov. Stevens
139
Dr. Cooper
10021
Q
..In. .
10019
Yakiina river, W. T Spnt. IK. IR'W
13 <lr>
10022
do
Sept. 14,1853
do.
12
. do. ...
4506
Des Chutes, O. T
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Ne wherry..
PEDIOCAETES, Baird.
CH . — Tail short, graduated; exclusive of the lengthened middle part, (perhaps tail coverts,) half the full rounded
wing. Tarsi densely feathered to the toes and between their bases. Neck without peculiar feathers. Culmen between the
nasal fossae not half the total length.
But one species of this genus is known to naturalists, most of whom associate it with
C'entrocercus, from which, however, it seems to differ in well marked characters.
July 7, 1858.
79 b
U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle Its claw
toe. 1 alone.
Bill Along Specimen
above. \ gape. measured
4543
Fort Pierre
-*
15. 30
8.50
5.24
1.74
2. 02 0. 5,r>
0.94 1.12 Skin
9999
Spokan river W. T
16 50
7.90
4.98
1.70
1.98 0.48
0.92 1.00 Skin
PEDIOCAETES PHASIANELLUS, B a i r d .
Sharp-tailed Grouse.
Tetrao phasianellus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, ed. 10, 1758, 160. (Not in 12th edition.) — FORSTER, Phil. Trans.
LXII, 1772, 394, 495.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 747.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 635.— ??ORD. Guth-
rie's Geog. 2d Amer. ed. II, 1815, 317.— BON. Syn. 1828, 127.— IB. Amer. Orn. Ill, 1828, 37;
pi. xix.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 669 — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 569 ; pi. 382.— IB. Syn.
1839, 205.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 110; pi. 298.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ;
Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 94.
Tetrao (Centrocercus) phasianellus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 361.
Centrocercus phasianellus, JARDINE, Game Birds, Nat. Lib. Birds, IV, 136 ; pi. xvi. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV,
1857, 428.
Tetrao urogallus, Var. ft. LINN. Syst. Nat. I, ed. 12th, 273.
? Phasianus columbianus, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317 ; based on the Columbia plieasant of Lewis
& Clark, II, 180.
? Tetrao urophasianellus, DOUGLAS, Trans. Lin, Soc. XVI, 1829, 136. Supposed by Richardson to be young in ferru
ginous plumage.
Long-tailed grouse , EDWARDS ; Sharp-tailed grouse, PENNANT.
SP. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers. Colors, white, black, and brownish yellow. Above with transverse bars ; the wings witli
round white spots. Beneath pure white, with dark V-shaped blotches on the breast and sides. Length, 18.00 ; wing, 8.50 ;
tail, 5.24.
Hob. — Northern prairies and plains, from Wisconsin to Cascades of Oregon and Washington.
Neck without the tuft of elongated feather of C. cupido, but with a hare space on each side.
A papillose naked skin along the superciliary region, bordered externally by feathers. Tarsus
very densely feathered, but with a narrow bare space behind ; the feathers extending on the
sides of the toes for nearly half the length of the basal joint. Middle toe and claw a little
longer than the tarsi, the sides of the toes extended and provided with a conspicuous pectination
of linear processes. Tail long, cuneate, the feathers eighteen in number and all graduated ;
the central pair elongated considerably beyond the rest, (one to one and a half inches.) The
tail coverts reach nearly as far as the tips of the third innermost pair of tail feathers ; the whole
tail is about two-thirds the length of wings.
In form this species differs from cupido in the absence of the pointed feathers of the neck. The
tail is of much the same shape, but the feathers more abruptly graduated; the outer about one-
third the eighth and one-fourth the ninth ; this may possibly prove to be an extended tail
covert. The bill is much stouter, the culmen more convex and rising at the base. The
pectinated processes of the toes are much longer, forming a broader base to the toes. The tarsi
are more densely plumose, the feathers not stopping at the base of the toes, but extending
beyond them.
The general color above is light brownish yellow, varied with black ; the wings with rounded
spots of white. The under parts are pure white, the feathers on the breast and sides with a
brown V-shaped mark, the legs of which are nearly parallel with the outline of the feather. The
BIRDS — TETRAONIDAE — CUPIDONIA.
627
feathers of the sides of the belly have concealed marks of the same character. The feathers on
the back are blackish brown, variously spotted with brownish yellow, without any decided indi
cation of transverse bars. A usual marking towards the tip of the feathers is an undulating
transverse yellowish bar, two opposite U-shaped brown bars, the convexities resting on the shaft
and more or less confluent, the spaces between these and the tips of the feathers whitish. The
wings are brownish grey, the coverts all with large spots of white ; both webs of the second
aries with conspicuous transverse bars, the outer webs of the primaries with spots of the same.
The sides of the head and beneath are brownish yellow with a whitish superciliary band ; there is a
curved dusky line below the eye parallel with the orbits, and a dusky spot below this. The tail
feathers are dotted brownish grey, becoming pure white externally and to the tip. The central
elongated feathers (or coverts) are like the back.
Specimens vary in the amount of black on the back, and in the extent of brownish yellow on
the flanks.
This species differs totally from the T. cupido in the V-shaped marks on the breast and sides,
instead of transverse bands ; the pure white belly ; the transverse white bands on the second
aries ; the white spots on the wings ; the lighter quills, and tail, independently of the more
pointed tail, more feathered tarsi, absence of pointed feathers of the neck, stouter bill, &c.
The tibial feathers are soiled white.
Catal .
No.
Sex. Locality. When col- Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
10001
10000
North Red river N. W. University. ...
R. Kennicott.. .
do
1009
Fort Union, Neb S. F. Baird
5430
do Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden....
18.00
26.00
8.25
-1543
45-W
$ Fort Pierre Oct. 23, 1855 do
do Oct. 21, 1855 do
do
do
Eyes black
5422
Q Mo. Vermilion river.. Oct. 25, 1856 do
lo
18.00
28.75
8.25
54-21
Q do Oct. 20, 1856 do
do
16.75
26.50
8.00
Tris dark
10002
Sniike river, Oregon.. Oct. 5 Gov. Stevens
140
9999
21
CUPIDONIA, Reichenbach.
Oupidonia, REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix. Type Tetrao cupido, L.
CH. — Tail short, half the lengthened wings ; the feathers stiffened and more or less graduated. Bare space of the neck
concealed by a tuft of lanceolate feathers. Tarsi feathered only to near the base, the lower joint scutellate. Culmen between
the nasal fossae scarcely one-third the total length.
This genus, as far as known, is entirely peculiar to North America. Its single species, C.
cupido, is the well known prairie chicken, or prairie hen, of the west, a bird in its abundance
and importance as an article of food representing, in the prairies of the United States, the
ptarmigan or snow grouse of the north.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.1' Locality.
No. ;
Sex.
Length.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill above. Along
gape.
Specimens
measured.
10006 Tremont, Illinois
s
16 60
8 80
4 70
2 02
2.35
0.62
0.87 1.09
Skin
10003 do
o
14 00
8 10
4 30
1 86
2.03
0.42
0.84 1.09
Skin ....
10007 Near 32° L, Texas
* ?
14 50
8 30
4 18
1.66
1.78
0.40
0.88 1.08
Skin .,,
10005 : do.. .
14 80
7 80
3 42
1.59
1.76
0.34
0.90 1.14
Skin
?
•
628 U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
CUPIDONIA CUPIDO, Baird.
Prairie Hen ; Prairie Chicken ; Pinnated Grouse.
TeJroo cupido, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 274 — GM. I, 751.— LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, J811,
104, pi. xxvii — BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 183.— IB. Mon. Tetrao, Am. Phil. Trans. Ill, 1830, 392.—
NUTTALL, Man. I, 662.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 490: V, 1839, 559 ; pi. 186.— IB. Birds Amer.
V, 1842, 93 ; pi. 296.— KOCH, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1836, i, 159.
Bonasa cupido, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 299.
Cupidonia americana, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix. — BONAP. Comptes'Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.
SP. CH — Tail of eighteen feathers. Varied with whitish brown, and brownish yellow. Almost everywhere with well denned
transverse bars of brown on the feathers. Length, 16.50 inches ; wing, 8.80 ; tail, 4.70.
//ttj. — Western prairies and plains within the limits of the United States, east of Rocky mountains ; southeast to Calcasicu,
Louisiana ; east to Pocono mountains, Pennsylvania; Long Island, and eastern coast.
Body stout, compact. A tuft of long pointed lanceolate feathers on each side of the neck,
covering a bare space capable of much inflation. Tail short, truncate, much graduated,
composed of eighteen feathers ; the lateral feathers about two-thirds the middle ; the feathers
stiffened, nearly linear and truncate. The tail is scarcely longer than the coverts, and about
half the length of the wing. Tarsi covered with feathers anteriorly and laterally to the toes,
but bare, with hexagonal scutellae behind. The middle toe and claw longer than the tarsus ;
the toes margined by pectinated processes. A space above the eye provided with a dense pecti
nated process in the breeding season ; sometimes separated from the eye by a superciliary space
covered with feathers.
Bands on the body transverse throughout. Lanceolate feathers of the throat black ; the
upper ones with a central yellowish stripe. Eyelids and a stripe from the nostril alongside the
head, (interrupted above the eye,) brownish yellow; the sides of the head below a dusky infra-
ocular stripe, with the chin and throat above, similar. Feathers of the body above and below
brown, with a terminal and two transverse bands of well defined white; the brown almost
black and the white tinged with rufous above. The scapular feathers sometimes showing more
black. Wings banded like the back ; the primaries grayish brown, marked only on the outer
webs with light spots ; the shafts black. Tail feathers sometimes uniform brown ; sometimes
with rufous transverse bars. Under coverts marked like the back, with more white ; sometimes
(10006) entirely white. The membrane above the eye said to be scarlet, that of the sounding
bladder dusky orange.
The female lacks the pectinations of the space above the eye, and has but a short cervical tuft
and naked space, but is similar in general markings.
There is considerable variation in the colors of different specimens. In most cases there is an
elongated dusky spot on the side of the lower jaw, separated from the dusky infra-orbital streak.
Sometimes the colors are much darker. Texas specimens have the back more finely and
uniformly barred, without any of the dorsal black spaces.
A summer skin, i'rom Calcasieu, Louisiana, has the tarsal feathers much reduced ; and the
tarsus bare all round for about half an inch from the toes.
The range of this species was once much wider than at the present time. It scarcely seems to
occur north of the United States line, nor, perhaps, beyond the beginning of the High Central
Plains, Eastward it probably was once abundant through the open country to the Atlantic
BIRDS — TETRAONIDAE — BONASA.
629
coast, but at the present day it is only found, and that very sparsely, on the Pocono mountains
of Pennsylvania, on Long Island, and on various other tracts of sea coast and island as far east
as Maine.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex \ Locality. When col-
and age. lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length,
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing. Remarks.
4050
4249
$ do 1854
do
10317
S. F. Baird
10003
Tremont, 111
W. J. Shaw
10006
do
do
5423
Q Mouth of Running Water... Oct. 20,1856
Lieut. Warren. ..
Ur. Hayden
17.50
28.00
8.75 Iris deep yellow
4541
oj1 Big Sioux Nov. 7,1858
do
do
18.00
29'. 00
9.00
4540
do
do
19.00
30 00
9 00
10007
Texas
.
BONASA, Stephens.
Bonasa, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 1819. Type Tetrao bonasia, L.
Telrastes, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 1840, p. Ixiv.
CH. — Tail widening to the end, its feathers very broad, as long as the wings ; the feathers soft, and eighteen in number.
Tarsi naked in the lower half; covered with two rows of hexagonal scales anteriorly, as in the Ortyginae. Sides of toes
strongly pectinated. Naked space on the side of throat covered by a tuft of broad soft feathers. Portion of culmen between
the nasal fossae about one third the total length. Top of head with a. soft crest.
This genus, in its partly naked tarsi, with two rows of scutellae anteriorly, indicates a close
approach to the American partridges, or quails. It has a single European representative.
There seems a strong probability that the Pacific coast species is different from the Atlantic.
The diagnosis will be as follows :
Common characters. — Sexes nearly similar. Colors reddish or gray, white and black. Tuft
on the sides of neck velvety black. Tail with a sub-terminal brown bar. Sides banded trans
versely with brown ; back with cordate spots of grey.
Colors pale. Bands on the sides of body obscure brown. Under tail coverts white.
Middle toe without claw shorter than tarsus E. umbellus.
Colors very dark. Bands on the sides sharply defined dark brown. Under tail coverts
rufous, with terminal white spots. Middle toe without claw apparently longer than
tarsus B. sabini.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal. j Species. Locality.
No.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus. Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
844 Bonasa umbellus Cailisle, Pa
3
Q
15.50
18.00
14.60
16.50
16 50
16.30
18.00
7.21
7.24
7.00
7.00
7.30
7.30
6.92
5.50
1.66 1.85
1.62 1.90
0.43
0.46
0.84
0.80
1.00
0.90
Skin ....
Fresh . . .
Skin ....
do do do
0330 do Georgia .... ....
23.00
do. ......d<> do. ...
23.00
8424 Bonasa sabini Puget's Sound,
6.71
6.66
1.74 2.42
1.70 2.10
0.50
0.52
0.94
0.95
1.00
1.00
Skin
Skin....
9996 do Ft. Vancouver, W. T...
3*
23.00
1
630 U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
BONASA UMBELLUS, Stephens.
Ruffed Grouse ; Partridge ; Pheasant.
Tetrao umbellus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766,275, 6.— GMELIN, I, 782.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 46 ; pi. xlix.— BON.
Obs. Wils. 1825, 182.— DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 13 ; pi. ii.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I,
1831, 211 : V, 560 ; pi. 41.— IB. Syn. 1839, 202.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 72 ; pi. 293.
Tetrao (Bonasia) umbellus, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 126.— IB. Mon. Tetrao, Am. Phil. Trans. Ill, 1830, 389.— NUTTALL,
Man. I, 1832, 657.
Bonasa umbellus, STEPHENS, Shaw, Gen Zool. XI, 1824, 300. — BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Comptes Rendus, XLV,
1857, 428.
Tetrao togatus, LINN. I, 1766,275, 8.— FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LX1I, 1772, 393.
Tetrao tympanus, BARTRAM, Travels in E. Florida, 1791, 290.
Ruffed Grouse, and Shoulder-knot Grouse, PENNANT and LATHAM.
? 'Tetrao umbelloides, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 148.
SP. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers. Reddish brown or grey above ; the back with cordate spots of lighter. Beneath whitish,
transversely barred with dull brown. Tail tipped with gray, and with a subterminal bar of black. Broad feathers of the ruff
black. Length, 18 inches ; wing, 7.20 ; tail, 7.00.
//ab. — Wooded portions of eastern United States towards the Rocky mountains.
Tail lengthened ; nearly as long as the wing ; very broad, and moderately rounded ; the
feathers very broad and truncate ; the tip slightly convex ; eighteen in number. Upper half
of tarsus only feathered ; bare behind and below, with two rows of hexagonal scutellae
anteriorly. A naked space on the side of the neck, concealed by an overhanging tuft of broad,
truncate feathers. There are no pectinated processes above the eye, where the skin instead is
clothed with short feathers.
The prevailing color of this species above is sometimes grey, sometimes reddish. In one specimen,
(344,) the prevailing color is chestnut, each feather of the back and rump with an elongated
sub-cordate terminal large spot of reddish grey, and mottled finely with brown, most distinct in
the cordate spot. The scapulars and coverts are streaked with light brownish yellow. The
under parts are light brownish yellow, nearly white on the belly ; the feathers with transverse
sub-terminal broad bars of obsolete brown ; the sides under the wings, however, streaked like
the wing coverts. The broad cervical feathers are uniform dark brown, with a terminal gloss of
metallic green. The quills are brown, the outer webs of secondaries mottled with rufous ; of the
primaries pale brownish yellow, with bars of brown. The tail feathers are tipped with grey,
and have a broad sub-terminal bar of black ; within this is a series of eight or ten narrow
waved transverse bars, grey posteriorly, and black anteriorly. The entire feather is, besides,
finely mottled. The upper tail coverts are marked like the tail feathers, except in lacking the
sub-terminal black. There is an indication of a darker jugular band, owing to the deeper shade
of brown in the sub-terminal bars of the feathers. The feathers on the side of the neck
adjacent to the cervical tufts are tipped with white, and there is an approach to a whitish
scapular band. The under tail coverts are almost clear immaculate in the exposed portion.
Douglas speaks of a smaller and lighter variety of the ruffed grouse, found in the valleys of the
Rocky mountains north, near 54° north latitude. This is of "a light mixed speckled grey, the ruffle
consisting invariably of only twenty feathers, the crest feathers few and short." It is difficult
to say whether this is identical with either of the others or distinct.
BIRDS — TETRAONIDAE — BONASA SABINII.
List of specimens.
631
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained. Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
6922
Red river, H. B. T
Donald Gunn . .....
844
f?
Carlisle Pa ....
Oct. 29, 1842
S. F. Baird . 18. 00
23.00
7.25
1661
o
Columbia Pa . ....
do ...
10330
O
Georgia ..
Prof. Jos. Leconte ... 16.50
23.00
7.00
BONASA SABINII, Baird.
Oregon Grouse.
Tetrao sabinii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 137.— RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 343.
? Tetrao umbellus, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 342. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI,
iv, 1857, 94.
Sp. CH. — Similar to B. umbelhis, but much darker. Middle toe longer. Length, about 18 inches ; wing, 7.30 ; tail, 6.70.
Hub. — Rocky mountains to Pacific coast of Oregon and Washington.
The specimens of ruffed grouse from the Pacific coast differ very greatly in much darker
tints of coloration, although the pattern is apparently the same. There is no shade of grey
anywhere. The upper parts are dark orange chestnut, mottled with black, the cordate light
spots very distinct. The feathers of the breast are strongly tinged with reddish yellow ; those
of the sides marked with broad and conspicuous bars of black, instead of the obsolete brown.
The under tail coverts are orange chestnut, with indistinct bars of black, and an angular
terminal blotch of white. All the light brown blotches and edgings of the eastern variety are
here dark brown or black. The jugular band between the ruffles is very conspicuously black.
The greatest difference is seen in the middle toe, which is much longer than in umbellus, and
even without its claw, exceeding the tarsus, instead of being shorter.
I am inclined to consider this as a good species of grouse, and distinct from B. unibellus, on
account of the difference in the length of the middle toes, although this elongation may some
times be found in B. umbellus. When Eichardson found no difference between his T. umbellus
and the T. sabini of Douglas, it is not improbable, judging from the measurements, that he
had sabini before him instead of the other species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
8424
Simiahmoo, W. T
Sept. 16,1857
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennerly
9997
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
April , 1856
Dr. Suckley
349
*9996
tJ
Fort Vancouver, W. T
Jan. 13, 1854
Gov. Stevens
11
Dr. Cooper
18. 00
23. 00
8087
J. Gould .
D. Douglas
4443
Lt. Williamson
..
Dr. Newberry
4439
Cascade mountains, 0. T..
do
do
4441
do
do
do
4446
Callapooya mountains ....
..do..
do
1 Iris brown.
632 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
LAGOPUS, Vieillot.
Lagopus, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. Type Tetrao lagopus, L.
CH. — Nasal groove densely clothed with feathers. Tail of sixteen or eighteen feathers. Legs closely feathered to the claws.
Species snow white in winter.
The ptarmigans inhabit the northern regions of both hemispheres, and with the arctic fox
and hares, the lemmings, and a few other species, characterize the Arctic zone. They are of
rare occurrence within the limits of the United States, though further north they become
abundant. The species all become more white in winter, but in summer they are varied with
brown, black, and gray, most of the wing remaining white. There is, generally, consid
erable difference between the male and female, the former having the mottling finer and the
colors more blended ; and in some species having a peculiar black stripe through the eye.
As in most grouse there is a naked stripe above the eye, which is generally colored red, and
exhibiting a series of fringed processes.
There is some uncertainty as to the name proper to be used for this genus. Gray sets aside
Lagopus of Vieillot, 1816, as not the same with Lagopus of Brisson, 1*760. If, however, Bris-
son be no authority for species, he may not be for genera; and, his name being disregarded,
Vieillot's Lagopus would retain its position.
The study of the American ptarmigans is rendered very difficult by the extreme difficulty of
procuring specimens in summer plumage, and with accurate indications of sex. European
naturalists, many of whom live among the ptarmigan, have not yet come to a positive conclusion
as to the number of species to be counted, whether two, three or more, while the investigation
of our own species is complicated by the extreme rarity of good skins in collections, the imper
fect notice of locality and sex, and the remoteness from the localities where these birds abound.
In the collection before me, made up chiefly of specimens kindly presented to the Smithsonian
Institution by Mr. John Gould, and of others received from Mr. Audubon, some of them appa
rently types of his descriptions, are various stages of plumage and structure, which might throw-
considerable light on the subject, but for the unfortunate uncertainty, in some cases, as to
whether they are European or American. There are in this series certainly three species, and
indications of a fourth, possibly of a fifth, but I do not venture here to do more than indicate
three. I find none which correspond with what Mr. Audubon has called L. americanus.
The specimens vary considerably in the precise character of bill, which is more or less convex,
but there is a decided difference in the average of the willow and the rock grouse. The size of
the two species differs also. Both have the tail feathers black, and differing in this respect
from the L. leucurus, in which they are white.
I give the accompanying descriptions of North American ptarmigans, without much assurance of
even approximate accuracy, in respect to the number, characters, and synonymy of the
species. Their chief characters are expressed in the following synopsis :
Tail feathers black.
Bill stout, convex, broad at tip ; the distance from the nasal groove to the tip of bill equal to
or less than the greatest height of both mandibles together. No black loral stripe in the
male • L. albus.
BIRDS TETEAONIDAE — LAGOPUS ALBUS.
633
Size smaller. Bill slender, rather compressed at tip. The distance from the nasal groove to
the tip of bill decidedly greater than the height of the bill. Male with a black stripe through
the eye , L. rupestris.
Tail feathers entirely wldte.
No black whatever in the winter bird L. leucurus.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
X
1
O
Species.
Locality.
£
X G"
& X
"o
.C tt'
o c
02
Ml
a
i
'3
H
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
Id
*i
CO
Bill above.
Along gape.
i
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
2832
{$ 16.10
8.10
5 02
1 56
1 74
0 52
6.86
o.ee
Skin
Summer
80SO
1968
... ...do
do
Hudson's Bay
16.60
7.50
7.70
5.07
5.34
1.42
1 50
1.80
1.52
0.75
0.35
0.88
0.80
0.87
0.86
Skin ....
Skin ....
Spring
Summer. Very much
8084
do
16.50
7.74
5.58
1.52
1 88
0.74
0.87
0.88
Skin
stretched.
Winter
3887
do
! 14.00
7.80
5.33
1.49
1.86
0.68
0.76
0.83
Skin
4520
do
Montreal and Quebec.
St. John's, N. F
14.80
7.60
5.14
1.62
1.90
0.68
0.76
0.84
Skin
45 18
do.
do
7.90
5.3.)
1.56
1.93
0.62
0.88
0.80
Skin
....do
do.
. . do.
do
15.20
24.50
7.50
....do ,...
4519
do ..
13.00
7. 1C
4.76
1.40
1.76
0.58
0.75
0.78
Skin....
....do
do.
do ..
do . .
' 14.40
24.00
7.25
....do
2031
do
16.00
8.20
5.48
1.57
1.80
0.66
0.77
0.80
Skin
Winter
6923
6924
8081
8085
do
do
Lagopus alpinus ?
do
Red river, Minn
Nelson river, H. B
Norway? perhaps N.Atn.
Norway
; 17.80
16.20
15.00
14.90
.....
8.50
7.60
8.10
7.50
5.90
5.02
5.05
4.50
1.57
1.42
1.30
1.30
1.90
1.88
1.52
1.50
0.74
0.85
0.60
0.60
0.77
0.76
0.70
0.67
0.84
0.84
0.80
0.80
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Very much stretched
Spring
....do
8086
do
Europe
7.70
4.60
1.25
1.32
0.44
0.70
0.84
Skin
2494
8083
do
Lagopus rupestri*:
Norway
N. W. coast America. . .
$ i 14.00
14.50
7.70
7.50
4.64
4.86
1.25
1.36
1.6-2
0.66
0.68
0.68
0.78
0 88
Skin
Skin
Mid. claw wanting.
8082
do
do
; 13.60
7.70
5.43
1.34
1.50
0.64
0.70
0.86
Skin ....
2854
do
12.80
7.80
4.82
1.10
1.37
0.64
0.66
0.80
Skin
Winter
2853
do.
do
13.00
7.60
4.48
1.16
1.30
0.43
0.70
0.80
Skin .
2855
10082
do
13.50
7.00
7 10
4.50
4.20
1.23
1.32
1.48
0.50
0.52
0.70
0.70
0.78
0.79
Skin
Skin .
....do
10081
do.
. . .do
7.30
4.24
1.16
1.42
0.46
0.70
0.82
Skin
do
do.
1269
do
Lagopus mums..
do
Scotland..
: 13.00
15.00
21.00
7.00
7 54
5.00
1.28
0.66
0.84
Fresh ....
Skin
Summer. Claws
wanting.
LAGOPUS ALBUS, Aud.
Willow Grouse ; White Ptarmigan.
Telrao albus, GMELIN, I, 1788, 750. (Hudson's Bay.)
Lagopus albus, AUD. Syn . 1839, 207.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 114 ; pi. 299.
Tetrao (Lagopus) albus, NBTTAJ.L, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 816.
? Tetrao lagopus, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 390.
Tetrao saliceli, SABINE, App. Franklin's Narr. 681. — RICH, App. Parry's 2d Voyage, 347. — AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834,528; pi. 191.
Tetrao (Lagopus) saliceti, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 351.
White Grouse, PENNANT.
Sp. CH. — Bill very stout. Bill as high as the distance from the nasal groove to its tip. In summer, rufous or orange chestrtat
on the head and neck ; the feathers of back black, barred rather closely with yellowish brown and chestnut. In winter, white ;
the tail black, but no black through the eye. Length, 15.50 ; wing about 8.00 ; tail about 5.00.
Hub. — Northern America. Rare in northern parts of United States.
July 7, 1858.
80 b
634 U. S. P R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Bill very stout and convex, much curved from the nostrils ; the distance from nostrils to the
tip of bill a little less than the greatest depth of both mandibles taken together ; gonys a little
less than the width of the lower mandible at the base ; upper mandibles depressed at the end,
the gape considerably inflected. Claws very long ; broad to near the end, where they are rapidly
narrowed ; the middle one as long as the culmen. Toes feathered to the claws ; the feathers
with rigid shafts. Upper tail coverts nearly as long as the median coverts, like tail feathers ;
lower reaching to the white tips of tail feathers. Wings convex ; the first quill between sixth
and seventh ; the third and fourth longest. Tail about two-thirds the wing, slightly rounded
laterally ; the feathers of nearly uniform width.
Color in winter pure white, without black loral stripe ; the bill black ; the tail feathers,
except the two innermost, brownish black ; the exterior with a very narrow tip of white, which
increases to nearly a quarter of an inch to the inner ones ; the innermost incumbent pair is
entirely white; the latter, however, may really be coverts. The primaries have the shafts
brown on the upper surface, except along the extreme edges, which are white.
Summer. I have at hand no summer specimens which I can assert positively to be American ;
but two before me, received from Mr. Audubon, I have no doubt are part of his Labrador collec
tion, and the originals of his plate. In one of these, corresponding to the male figure, (2852,) the
head and neck all round are nearly uniform rufous chestnut ; the back of the head and neck, with
the feathers blackish, except on the margins. The rest of the upper plumage has each feather
black, barred with a slightly varying shade of yellowish brown or chestnut, (different from the
head,) and narrowly margined terminally with white. The subterminal yellowish brown bar is con
tinuous across, the others are more or less broken up, mixed, or interrupted towards the shafts. The
jugulum is somewhat like the back, the bands less distinct ; the sides of the body are similar
to the back, the bands coarser. The wings, excepting some of the middle coverts, and the inferior
surface of the body, except on the sides of the breast and the legs, are white. The toes are
bare of feathers, except towards the base, as is also the posterior edge of the tarsus. There is
only a trace of white at the tip of the tail feathers.
The supposed female (1968) is quite similar, the mottling rather lighter, and the light bands
rather broader. The head and neck have not the uniform rufous chestnut col jr of the other
specimen, those parts being varied more like the back, or with spots of black; the throat, however,
is rufous chestnut, with black spots, and no white edges. The colored feathers cover the whole
belly, mixed with a good deal of white along the median line and behind. The tibial feathers
are white, barred with brown ; the tarsi and toes dirty white. The under tail coverts are like
the breast.
The coarsely mottled feathers of the breast are mixed with others more like those of the male,
being more rufous, with the barring more broken, finer, and more obsolete.
I find a considerable difference in different specimens of the large Ptarmigan before me.
Those from eastern Labrador and Newfoundland appear to have decidedly broader, stouter,
and more convex bills than those from the Hudson's Bay and more northern countries. I think
it not improbable that there may be two species, but without summer specimens I cannot pretend
to determine the question.
In the entire uncertainty as to the true character of the American ptarmigans, I can quote
only those descriptions that are based on American specimens. I have not at hand the means
BIRDS TETRAONIDAE LAGOPUS RUPESTRIS.
G35
of settling the synonymy of the different species, and can only call this one Lagopus albus as a
provisional appellation. Bonaparte, in his list of Tetraonidae, in Comptes Eeridus XLV, Sept.
1857, 428, assigns to America three species: L. rupestris, Lath., with L. americanus, Aud.,
and larjopus of American writers as synonyms ; L. groenlandicus, Brehm., with L. reinhardtii?
Brehm, as synonyms, and L. leucurus. The European white ptarmigans are given as L.
albus, L. mutus, and L. islandorum, Faber, the latter differing from albus in the stouter bill.
It will be noted that this difference of bill appears to characterise the Newfoundland ptarmigan
as compared with those from Hudson's bay. As, however, the original Tetrao albus of Gmelin is
based primarily on descriptions of American specimens, such as Lagopede de la Bale de Hudson
of Buffon, White partridge of Ellis, &c., it will be proper to use it here, whatever be its
relationship to European forms.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
4520
St. John's N F
Feb. 1856 \ Dr. Stabb
4519
_do
do do
14.40
24.00
7.25
4518
..do
do do
15.20
24.20
7.50
1968'
A
Labrador
Summer. _ S. F Baird .
J. J. Audubon
2852?
Q?
do
do
3887
Trois Rivieres Can_.
Winter .do ...
T. Broome
6923
Rcd river H B. T .
.......... Donald Guun
6924
Nelson river H. B. T
do
8084
Hudson bay
Winter John Gould
8080
$
do
Summer do
LAGOPUS RUPESTRIS, Leach.
Rock Ptarmigan.
Tetrao rupestris, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 751. Eased on rock grouse of Pennant. — LATHAM, [nd. Orn. II, 1790,
312. — SABINE, Supplem. Parry's First Voyage, page cxcv. — RICHARDSON, Append. Parry's Second
Voyage, 348.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 483 ; pi. 3G8.
Lagopus rupestris, LEACH, Zool. Misc. II, 290.— BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 208.— IB. Birds Ainer. V, 1842, 122;
pi. 301.
Tetro (Lagopus) rupestris, SWAINS, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 354 ; pi. Ixiv.
rfttagen rupestris, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1851, page xxix.
Rock grouse, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 312.
SP. Cn. — Bill slender ; distance from the nasal groove to tip greater than height at base. In summer the feathers of back
black, banded distinctly with yellowish brown and tipped witli white. In winter white, the tail black ; the male with a black
bar from bill through eye. Size considerably less than that of L. albus. Length about 14.50 inches ; wing, 7.50 ; tail, 4.50.
Hab. — Arctic America
Bill from the nasal groove considerably longer than the greatest depth of both mandibles
taken together. Gkmys about equal to width of lower mandible below. First quill intermediate
between sixth and seventh. Claws very large and broad, equal to the culmen. Tail of fourteen
black feathers and four middle white ones. Tail about two-thirds the length of wings.
636
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The male bird in winter is pure white throughout, except fourteen tail feathers, which are
black, narrowly tipped with white, and a black line through and behind the eye. The shafts
of the larger primaries are browne xternally, except along the edges.
The female is said to be similar, but without the black stripe through the eye.
A supposed summer specimen of this species, probably a female, has the feathers of the back
black, with narrow transverse bars of yellowish brown and terminated by white. The brown
bars are largest on the basal half ; the terminal ones are usually interrupted towards the shaft ;
the last of all sometimes continuous, and separated from the white tip by black. Much the
greater exposed portion of the feather is black. Beneath and to some extent on the head the
brownish bars are lighter and much broader, imparting a yellowish tint. The chin is whitish,
spotted with black. There is no trace of the black lore. The entire wing, excepting the
middle coverts and tertials, are white, as is also the middle lore of the belly. The outer web of
external tail feather is white towards the base.
A specimen from the northwest coast of America, (8082,) presented by Mr. Gould, and
perhaps a male of the rock grouse, has the feathers of a chestnut color mottled with black,
and with little or no white edging. This may, however, be a distinct species, different, as it
certainly is, from the common willow grouse.
The differences between the American rock grouse and the willow grouse are to be found in
the smaller size of the latter, and its slenderer, more elongated bill. The black stripe through
the eye of the male is not found in the willow grouse in either sex.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Age. Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
8082
Northwest coast America
John Gould
8083
do
do
2853
. America ?.._„
Summer
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
2854
do?
Winter
do ....
do
2855
o do?
Summer .
do
do
2856
0 do?
do
do
do
LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, Swains on.
White-tailed Ptarmigan.
Tttrao (Lag-opus) leucurus, £WAINSON, Fauna Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 356 ; pi. Ixiii. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 612. —
IB. I,2ded. 1840,820.
Tetrao leucurus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 200 ; pi. 418.
Lagopus leucurus, AUD. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 125 ; pi. 302.
Sp. CH. — Bill slender. Plumage in summer barred with brownish yellow. In winter pure white, including the tail feathers.
Length, 13 inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 4.25.
JIab. — Northern America to the west. Southward along Rocky mountains to Cochetope Pass in latitude 39°.
Bill rather slender ; the length from the nasal groove considerably greater than the height of
both mandibles together. Gonys longer than the width of lower jaw at the end of the lateral
BIKDS — TETRAONIDAE — LAGOPUS AMERICANUS.
637
feathers ; the lower jaw with a prominent ridge on the sides "below. Tail rather short, scarcely
morathan half the wings. First quill intermediate between sixth and seventh.
Color in winter pure white with a faint rosy tint, even including the tail feathers. The
shafts of the larger primaries brown.
The only specimens I have seen are in winter dress. The summer plumage is said by
Kichardson to be varied with blackish brown and ochraceous.
The two skins of this bird before me, and probably the only ones in any American museum,
were collected in January, 1858, by Captain K. B. Marcy, on his march from Fort Bridger
across the Rocky mountains to Santa Fe, in search of provisions and animals for the Utah
army, under Colonel Johnston. They were met with near the summit of the mountains,
probably near the Cochetope Pass.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
No.
of wings.
10081
West side Eocky mts. , near
Cochetope pass, lat. 39° ..
Jan. — , 1858
Capt. Marcy, U. S. A.
Dr. Anderson
13.00
21.00
7.00
10082
do
do
LAGOPUS AMERICANUS? Aud.
American Ptarmigan.
?" Tetrao lagopus, SABINE, E., Suppl. Parry's 1st Voyage, p. cxcvii. — SABINE, J., Franklin's Jour. 682. — RICH.
App. Parry's 2d Voyage, 350."
Tetrao (Lag-opus) mutus, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 350.
Tetrao mutus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 196.
Lagopus americanus, AUD. Syn. 1839, 207.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 119 ; pi. 300.
A ptarmigan, supposed by some authors to be the Lagopus mutus or alpinus of Europe, is
mentioned by authors as found on Baffin's bay and Churchill river. Mr. Audubon, on an
examination of specimens brought from those countries, considers them distinct, but gives no
appreciable characters to separate them. The differences are probably very slight, if they
really exist. The European or Scotch ptarmigan has the bill slenderer than in L. albus,
though the size is scarcely less. The summer plumage, however, is very different, the tints
being mottled gray, without any of the reddish brown or yellow of the other. The winter
dress is white ; the male with a black line from the bill through the eye.
It is quite probable that some of the specimens enumerated under the head of L. rupestris
really belong here.
638 U. S. P. K. E, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family PERDICJDAE. The Partridges.
CH. — Nostrils protected by a naked scale. The tarsi bare and scutellate.
The Perdicidae differ from the grouse in the hare legs and naked nasal fossae. They are much
smaller in size and more abundant in species. They are widely distributed over the surface of
the globe, a large number belonging to America, where the sub-families have no old world
representatives whatever. The head seldom if ever shows the naked space around and above
the eye, so common in the Tetraonidae, and the sides of the toes, scarcely exhibit the peculiar
pectination formed by a succession of small scales or plates.
The various species of Perdicidae have been divided by Bonaparte into four sub-families,
Perdicinae, Coturnicinae, Turnicinae, and Ortyginae, while Gray unites the first two into one.
The common gray partridge or English partridge, (Perdix cinerea,) with several other
European species, belong to the first sub-family ; the common European quail (Ooturnix
dactylisonans) to the second ; the third embraces the bush quails of the old world, while the
Ortyginae are entirely peculiar to the new world, which has no representatives in the other sub
families.
Sub-Family ORTYGINAE.
CH. — Bill stout, the lower mandible more or less bidentate on each side near the end.
The Ortyginae of Bonaparte, or Odontophorinae of other authors, are characterized as a group
by the bidentation on either side of the edge of lower mandible, usually concealed in the closed
mouth and sometimes scarcely appreciable. The bill is short, and rather high at base ; stouter
and shorter than what is usually seen in Old World partridges. The culmen is curved from
the base ; the tip of the bill broad, and overlapping the end of the lower mandible. The nasal
groove is short. The tail is rather broad and long.
The species are quite numerous, the number known to naturalists being about forty. They
occur mostly in Central America and Mexico, though the genus Odontophorus is chiefly com
posed of South American species.
All the more important genera are represented within the limits of the United States, except
ing Odontophorus. The following synopsis will convey a general idea of their character:
SYNOPSIS OF GENERA.
a. Head without crest.
ORTYX. — Tail not much more than half the wings; outstretched feet reaching beyond the tail.
6. Head with a crest of a few long narrow, keel-shaped feathers.
OREORTYX. — Crest feathers very long, linear; tail scarcely more than half the wings; bill
stout ; claws blunt, the lateral not reaching the base of the middle claw. Toes of the out
stretched foot reaching beyond the tail.
LOPHORTYX. — Crest feathers widening much at the ends. Tail nearly or quite as long as
wings. Bill rather small. Claws acute, the lateral reaching to the base of middle one. Toes
not reaching the tip of tail.
BIRDS — PERDICIDAE — ORTYX.
639
c. Crest soft, full and tufted; composed of short, broad and depressed feathers .
CALLIPEPLA. — Crest springing from the crown. Wing coverts normal. Tail stiffened, nearly
as long as the wings. Claws small, acute, outstretched feet not reaching the tip of tail.
CYRTONYX. — Crest occipital. Wing coverts greatly developed. Tail very small and soft;
half as long as the wings. Toes short; claws very long, blunted; outstretched feet reaching
much beyond the tip of the tail.
All the North American quails, except Cyrtonyx massena, have the inner tertiaries edged
internally with whitish or buff, forming a conspicuous line on the back when the wings are
closed.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality. Sex.
Length. Stretch Wing.; Tail.
;of wings ,
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimens
gape, measured.
1714
do..
Carlisle, Pa Q
8.64
10.50
8.60
10.00
8.00
8.70
9.00
9.00
9.50
7.76
7.75
7.70
9.00
10.00
10.70
9.50
9.80
9.74
9.10
4.62 3.02
4.64
1.21
1.47
0.34
0.55
0.56 Skin
do
do
15.16
1715
do..
do (J
4.68 2.98
4.64
1.25
1.47
0.34
0.57
0.58 Skin
do
15.50
2385
9350
tlo
Ortvx texanus
Savannah, Ga $
Devil's river, Tex.. .. fi
4.44 | 2.70
4.35 2.97
4.00
1.24
1.20
1.40
1.30
0.30
0.27
0.55
0.56
0.56
0.50
Skin
Skin
Fresh
14.00
.... do
9354
do..
do
do Q
4.50 2.86
4.00 ......
1.22
1.40
0.29
0.54
0 60
Skin
Fresh.
do
do
14.00
9348
9347
4099
do..
do
San Antonio, Tex $
Fort Clark, Tex Q
New Leon, Mex $
do
4.35 2.73
4.20 2.66
4.34 . 2.88
4 50
1.20
1.08
1.10
1.38
1.40
1.28
0.27
0.32
0.27
0.55
0.54
0.53
0.60
0.58
0.57
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh. .
do
do
do
13.50
3935
10321
9390
3936
93^8
9361
9386
9387
3999
do..
California O
4.91 3.32
5.36 3.75
4.32 4.12
4.26 3.79
4.54 4.48
4.36 4.08
4.74 3.82
4.69 3.86
4.44 3.75
4.50
1.35
1.39
1.16
1.16
1.27
1.16
1.20
1.20
1.20
1.56
1.63
1.50
1.45
1.46
1.36
1.37
1.42
1.34
0.36
0.40
0.40
0.37
0.38
0.33
0.37
0.42
0.30
0.66
0.55
0.55
0.50
0.56
0.54
0.50
0.50
0.54
0.57
0.58
0.60
0.56
0.56
0.54
0.56
0.54
0.57
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
do
Fort Tejon, Cal (?
Lophortyx eulifornicus
do
Lophortyx gambelii
do
Tulare valley o
California Q
New Mexico $
Callipepla squamata
do
do
do
New Mexico $
do Q
New Lnon, Mex J1
do
9.30
9.40
9.00
9.50
7.80
8 75
13.50
3998
Cyrtonyx massena . , . ,
New Leon, Mex (J
4.66 2.54
1.14
1.41
0.50
0.60
0.58 Skin
16 25
10258
10256
do
Fort Davis, Tex O
do Q
8.80
9.00
4.68 2.48
4.82 2.60
1.10
1.04
1.43
1.40
0.56
0.52
0.60
0.62
0.58
0.58
Skin
lo
ORTYX, Stephens.
Ortyx, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 1819. Type Tetrao virginianus, L.
CH. — Bill stout. Head entirely without any crest. Tail short, scarcely more than half the wing, composed of moderately
soft feathers. Wings normal. Legs developed, the toes reaching considerably beyond the tip of the tail ; the lateral toes short,
equal, their claws falling decidedly short of the base of the middle claw.
The genus Ortyx embraces numerous species, more or less resembling the well known Bob-
white of the United States. They are chiefly confined to Mexico, Central America, and the
West India Islands. An Ortyx cubanensis, from Cuba, is said by Cabanis to resemble 0. texanus
much more than virginianus.
640 U. S. P. R E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The two United States species resemble each other so closely as to require a more extended
comparison than usual to distinguish them. They can, however, be generally identified by the
following diagnoses:
Synopsis of species.
Size large. Prevailing color above brownish red, especially on the wing coverts ; the feathers
of the upper part of the back tinged with grey and obscurely mottled with dusky; transverse
bars on the edges only, and to a still less degree on the wing coverts. No distinct light spots on
the upper parts, except as transverse bars on outer webs of secondaries and tertials. Inner edges
of tertials rufous white 0. virginianus.
Small. Prevailing color above greyish, with a slight indication of brownish red on the fore
part of the back and upper wing coverts, which are conspicuously barred transversely with
brownish in zigzag, (from edge to edge,) especially the latter, the feathers of the upper parts
all variously edged and spotted with light brownish yellow. Inner edge of tertials dirty yel
lowish.., ..0. texanus.
ORTYX VIRGINIANUS, B o n a p .
Quail; Partridge; Bob-white.
Telrao virginianus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 17GG, 277, 16, (female?) — GMELIN, I, 1788, 761.
Perdix virginiana, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 650. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, IS123 21 ; pi. xlvii. — DOUGHTY'S Cab.
I, 1830, 37 ; pi. iv.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1531, 388 : V, 1839, 564 ; pi. 76.
Perdix (Ortyx) virginiana, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 203.
Ortyx virginiana, JARDINE, Nat. Library Birds, IV, Game birds, 101 ; pi. x. — BON. List, 1838. — Ann. Syn. 1839,
199.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 59 ; pi. 289.— GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. 1.
Perdix (Colinia) virginiana, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 646.
Telrao murilandicus , LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 277, 18.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 761, 17.
Perdix marilandica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 650.
Tetrao minor, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 290 bis.
Perdix borealis, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. — IB. Galerie, II, 44, pi. ccxiv.
Ortyx borealis, STEPH. Shaw's Zool. XI, 1819, 377.
Virginia partridge, LATHAM, Syn. II, n, 777.
Sp. CH. — Forehead and line through the eye and along the side of the neck, with chin and throat white. A band of black
across the vertex, and extending backwards on the sides, within the white, and another from the maxilla beneath the eye, and
crossing on the lower part of the throat. The under parts are white, tinged with brown anteriorly, each feather with several
narrow, obtusely V-shaped bands of black. The fore part of back, the side of the breast and in front just below the black
collar, of a dull pinkish red ; the sides of body and wing coverts brownish red ; the latter almost uniform, without indication
of mottling. Scapulars and upper tertials coarsely blotched with black, and edged internally with brownish yellow. Top of
head reddish; the lower part of neck, except anteriorly, streaked with white and black. Primary quills unspotted brown.
Tail ash .
Female with the white markings of the head replaced by brownish yellow ; the black wanting.
Length, 10 inches ; wing, 4.70 ; tail, 2.85.
Hub. — Eastern United States to the High Central Plains, Devil's river, Texas ?
This species is subject to considerable variations both of size and color, the more northern
being considerably the larger. Southern specimens are darker, with more black about the head,
on the wings, and the middle of the back. There is also a more appreciable mottling on the
wings, and the feathers of the back are streaked with black.
BIRDS — PERDICIDAE ORTYX TEXANUS.
641
In No. 2516, from Carlisle, the ground tint of the upper parts, excepting the fore part of
back and the head, is a brownish cream color, the black markings both above and below more
distinct than usual. There is also more white about the head. But for the fact of its having
been shot near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in a flock of normally colored birds, it might readily be
taken for a different species.
Specimens from the southern States not unfrequently have the white throat feathers margined
with black, which sometimes almost conceals the white. A skin, 9350, from Devil's river,
Texas, is doubtfully referred to this species, on account of its size and redder color.
The Ortyx virginianus is thebird about which there has been so much controversy as to the
name it should bear. In New York and New England, as well as in many of the western
States, it is called the quail, while in Pennsylvania and further south it is known as the part
ridge. Where this bird is called quail, the Kuffed Grouse is generally called partridge; and
where it is called partridge, the larger species is known as the pheasant. In reality, however,
no one of these names can be correctly applied to any American species, though to call our grouse
a partridge is, perhaps, a worse misnomer than to apply the same name to our Ortyx. It would
be much better, however, to select names for the American birds which have not been used for
other species; such, perhaps, as Bob white for the Ortyx y and Mountain Grouse, or KufFed
Grouse, for the other species.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
ofwinga.
Wing.
Remarks.
1715
^
S. F. Baird
1714
Q
do..
do
4434
4859
3
Iowa Point, Neb
April 23, 185G
8.25
11.75
3.75
9350:
Nov. — , 1854
17 1 Dr. Kenncrly
Eyes dull brown
OETYX TEXANUS, Lawrence.
Ortyx texanus, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. VI, April, 1853, 1.
Sp. CH. — General appearance that of 0. virginianus. Chin, throat, forehead, andstripe over the eye white. Stripe behind
the eye, continuous with a collar across the lower part of the throat, black. Under parts white, with zig-zag transverse bars of
black. Above pale brownish red, strongly tinged with ash, the feathers all faintly though distinctly mottled with black ; the
lower back, scapulars, and terlials much blotched with black, the latter edged on both sides, and, to some extent, transversely
barred with brownish white. Secondaries with transverse bars of the same on the outer web. Wing coverts coarsely and
conspicuously barred with blackish. Lower part of neck, except before, streaked with black and white.
Female with the white of the head changed to brownish yellow ; the black of the head wanting.
Length, 9 inches ; wing 4.35; tail, 2.85.
Hab. — Southern Texas and Valley of the Rio Grande.
This species is very similar, in general appearance and markings, to 0. virginianus, the
common quail of the United States, being, perhaps, of smaller size, though some specimens
seem almost as large as the other species. The chief difference is seen in a much grayer shade of
coloration and a more extended and conspicuous mottling cf the feathers. The under parts
and head are much the same, except that in 0. texanus the black collar on the throat is narrower,
July 8, 1858,
81 b
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
and the reddish of the jugulum is paler. The stripe behind the eye has more black ; the feathers
on top of the head are black, margined with brownish yellow, instead of being reddish and
black. There are distinct transverse bars of dusky in every feather of the upper surface, (except
the head,) and in addition there are obscure light brownish yellow spots or bars on the back and
wings, the coverts especially, not found in virginianus. This light mottling is, perhaps, more
distinct in the female than the male. The light margins to the tertials are brownish white, not
brownish yellow.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence ob- Orig'l
tained. I No.
Collected by—
L'gth. Stretch
ot'wings.
Wing
Remarks.
9348
5082
9354
5083
5081
9347
9349
4101
4099
4098
Nuece?, Tex
Devil's river, Tex....
Nueces to Fort Clark.
April 21, 1855
Nov. —,1854
April 27,1855
May 15,1855
do
Maj . Emory. .
Capt. Pope ..
do
46
20
53
83
Dr. Kenncrly
9.50
9.50
9.50
9.50
14.00
14.00
12.00
13.00
4.50
4.00
4.25
4.50
Q
3
do.
Laredo, Tex
Maj. Emory.
J. H . Clark..
9.75
14.25
4.25
6
do
9.00
9.00
13.50
13.75
4.50
4.50
,..do
May —,1853
do
208
OREORTYX, Baird.
CH. — Body stout, broad ; bill largo ; crest as in Lophortyx ; tail short, broad, scarcely more than half the wing, rounded, the
longest feathers not much exceeding the coverts. Legs developed, the claws extending beyond the tip of the tail ; the lateral
toes short, tha outer claw falling considerably short of the base of the middle. Very similar to Ortyx, except in the crest.
I do not find any genus already established for this bird, which appears to me worthy of
generic rank, and differing in marked characters both from Lopliortyx and Callipepla. I am
unable to say whether more than one species can be included in it.
OREORTYX PICTUS, Baird.
Plumed Partridge ; Mountain Quail.
Orlyx picta, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 143.
Callipepla picta, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. xv. — NEIVBERRY, Rep. P.R.R. VI, iv, 1857, 93.
Ortyx plumifera, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. V, 1837, 42.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 200.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 69 ; pi. 291.
Perdix plumifera, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 220 ; pi. 422.
Lophortyx plumifera, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 791.
SP. CH. — Head with a crest of two straight feathers, much longer than the bill and head. Anterior half of the body grayish
plumbeous ; the upper parts generally olivaceous brown with a slight shade of rufous, this extending narrowly along the nape
to the crest. Head beneath the eyes and throat orange chestnut, bordered along the orbits and a short distance behind by black,
bounded anteriorly and superiorly by white, of which color is a short line behind the eye. Posterior half of the body beneath
white, a large central patch anteriorly (bifurcating behind,) with the flanks and tibial feathers orange chestnut brown, the sides
of body showing black and white bands, the former color tinged with chestnut. Under tail coverts black, streaked with orange
chestnut. Upper tertials margined internally with whitish.
Length, 10.50 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 3.25.
Hub. — Mountain ranges of California and Oregon towards the coast.
The forehead is of a whitish ashy, fading into the plumbeous of the head above. The white
mark in front of the eye completely encircles the base of the lower jaw, cutting off the chestnut.
BIRDS PERDICIDAE LOPIIORTYX. 643
The concealed feathers of the flanks have an oblique bar of white on the outer edges, the
chestnut suffused with black towards the abrupt white edge. The feathers on the sides of the body
are banded very regularly and transversely with white and black, or white and chestnut, the
colors becoming more or less suffused. The region around the anus is fulvous white without
any markings.
A specimen, collected at Fort Tejon by Mr. Vesey, differs in lacking the olive wash on the
fore part of back and the neck which are pure plumbeous ; there is also much more of the dark
chestnut on the belly. The crest is much longer, measuring 3^ inches. This is probably a
male. The female appears to exhibit very little difference, except in the rather shorter crest.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality,
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No. Collected by —
4490
Cascade mountains, 0. T
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Newberry
4309
Near Fort Jones , Cal
Spring of 1855
Dr. Suckley ....
192
5935
California .. ....
Dr. Heennann ..
Fort Teion, Cal._
J. X. de Vesev..
LOPHORTYX, Bonaparte.
Lophortyx, BONAP. Geog. &. Comp. List, 1838. Type Tetrao californicus, SHAW.
CH . — Head with a crest of lengthened feathers springing from the vertex, the shafts in the same vertical plane, and the
webs roof-shaped, and overlapping each other ; the number varies from two to six or more ; they widen to the tip, where they
are slightly recurved. Tail lengthed and graduated ; nearly as long as the wing, composed of twelve stiff feathers. Wings
with the tertials not as long as the primaries ; the coverts without any unusual development ; claws rather short ; the lateral
reaching to, but scarcely beyond the base of the middle ; the outstretched toe not reaching the tip of the tail.
The two North American species of the genus have the anterior half of the body, and the
upper parts generally, plumbeous ; the feathers of neck above, and on the sides, pointed and
margined with black. There is a white bar across the head above, between the eyes, which,
passing backwards, is bordered behind and internally by black ; a second commences at ^he pos
terior border of the eye and then borders the black of the chin and throat laterally and behind,
the black reaching up to the eye and bordered anteriorly by a white line from eye to bill ; belly
pale buff, with a large spot in the centre ; the flanks streaked with white. The diagnoses of
the species are as follows :
Vertex and occiput light smoky olive brown ; forehead whitish ; spot in the middle of the
belly orange chestnut ; feathers of breast with narrow black edges ; sides of body olivaceous
plumbeous -. L. californicus.
Vertex and occiput clear chestnut brown ; forehead blackish ; spot in middle of belly black ;
none of the belly feathers with black edges ; sides of body orange chestnut L. gambelii.
644 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
LOPHORTYX CALIFORNICUS, Bo nap.
California Quail.
Tetrao californicus, SHAW, Nat. Misc. pi. 345, (prior to 1801.)
Perdix californica, LATHAM, Suppl. Ind. Orn. II, App. 1801, p. Ixii. — AUD. Orn. Bicg. V, 1839, 152 ; pi. 413.
Orlyx californica, STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. XI, 1819, 384. — JARDINE, Game Birds, Nat. Libr. IV, 104, pi. xi. —
Cuv. R. An. Illust. ed. Oiseaux, pi. Ixiv. —BENNETT, Gardens &Menag. Zool. Soc. If,
29, woodcut.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 199.— IB. Birds Amor. V, 1842, 67 ; pi. 290.
Perdix (Ortyx) californica, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 125.
Lophortyx californica, BONAP. List, 1838.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 789.
Callipepla californica, GOUI.D, Mori. Odont. pi. xvi. — REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. 1850, pi. xxvii. — NEWBERRY, Rep.
P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857,92.
Sp. CH. — Crest black. Anterior half of body and upper parts plumbeous ; the wings and back glossed with olive brown.
Anterior half of head above brownish yellow, the shafts of the stiff feathers black ; behind this is a white transverse band which
passes back along the side of the crown ; within this white, anteriorly and laterally, is a black suffusion . The vertex and occiput are
light brown. Chin and throat black, margined laterally and b hind by a white band, beginning behind the eye. Belly pale
buff anteriorly, (an orange brown rounded patch in the middle,) and white laterally, the feathers all margined abruptly with black.
The feathers on the sides of body like the back, streaked centrally with white. Feathers of top and sides of neck with the
margins and shafts black. Under tail coverts buff, broadly streaked centrally with brown.
Female similar, without the white and black of the head ; the feathers of the throat brownish yellow, streaked with brown.
The buff and orange brown of the belly wanting. The crest short.
Length, 9.50 inches; wing, 4.32; tail, 4.12.
Hob. — Plains and lowlands of California and Oregon towards the coast. Mohave river.
The white band across the middle of the head above bends abruptly at a right angle and
passes back to the occiput ; the second white stripe begins just at the posterior corner of the eye.
The imbricated pointed feathers on the neck are streaked centrally and margined with black,
although the tip of the shaft is white, producing an indentation of the black border. There is
also a tendency to a whitish subapical spot just within the black. In many specimens there is
a short white line from the anterior corner of the eye to the commissure. There is no mottling
in the feathers of the back, or else but slight indication of it. The inner tertials are margined
internally with buff.
This species supplies in western California and Oregon the place of the Bob white of the eastern
States, inhabiting the open lowlands and thriving in the vicinity of the settlements. It appears
to be confined chiefly to the coast regions, the only specimens from the Colorado basin in the
collection before me having been taken near the head of the Mohave river, and consequently
close to the limits of the region assigned.
BIRDS — PERDICIDAE LOPHORTYX GAMBELII.
645
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by—
4477
Willamette valley, 0. T. . .
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Newberry. ...
447C
do
do
do
4481
Fort Jones, Cal
do
- do
9395
Bodega, Cal
Jan. — , 1855
Lt. Trowbridge
T. A. Szabo
55C3
0
Petaluma, Cal . ,
E. Samuels . ......
165
55G2
3
do
do
4483
San Francisco Cal
Lt. Williamson .
Dr. Newberry
4239
$
do
Wint. 1855 '6
R. D. Cutts
4945
Sau Jos6, Cal. ______._..
A. J. Grayson
9
4936
Q
do
. do
5
9390
$
Tulare valley
Lt. Williamson
Dr Heermann
9392
Q
Tejon valley
do
do
Fort Tejon
J. X. de Vesey
9394
San Diego, Cal
Lt. Trowbridge
9396
c?
Near Sun Diego
Major Emory ......
A. Schott
9388
Mohave river .
Ma-*. 14 1854
Lieut Whipple .......
183
Kenn. and Moll ...
LOPHORTYX GAMBELII, N u 1 1 a 1 1 .
Gambel's Partridge.
Lophortyx gambelil, "NUTTALI,," GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. 1, 1843, 2GO.— McCAi.L, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, June,
1851, 221.
Callipeplagumbcrti, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. xvii. — CASSIN, Illust. I, n, 1853, 45 ; pi. ix.
Callipepla venusta, GOULD, Pr. Zoo}. Soc. XIV, 1846, 70.
SP. CH. — Head with a crest of five or six purplish black feathers, about as long as the bill and head together, or a little longer.
Upper parts, with the neck all round, and the breast, plumbeous gray ; the shafts of the feathers brown ; those on the neck
above and on the sides edged with same. Anterior half of head all round, with the chin and upper part of throat, and a large
spot on the belly, black ; the forehead streaked with hoary gray. Top of the head chestnut, bordered anteriorly and laterally
by black, immediately succeeded by an abruptly denned white stripe. A second slripo starts from the posterior corner of the
eye and borders the black on the side of head and on the throat all round. Belly pale brownish yellow ; the sides of the body
dark orange brown, broadly streaked centrally with white. Inner edges of tertials light brownish yellow. Tail light plumbeous.
Female without the black and white of the head and the black of the belly, and only a slight trace of the chestnut crown ; the
crest shorter and of fewer feathers.
Length, 9.50 inches ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 4.25.
Hob. — Upper Rio Grande and Gila to the Colorado of California.
In many specimens there is a fine mottling on the outer surface of the wings, and an appear
ance of the same on the gray of the breast and back, but this latter is merely an optical illusion.
The feathers on the forehead are stiff and bristly, their central portions or shafts are black ;
the lateral filaments hoary gray, although the general effect is nearly black.
This fine species belongs chiefly to the Rocky mountain region, from the Upper Rio Grande
to the Colorado river. It is found as far north on this river as the parallel of 36°, and is very
abundant in Sonora. In the limits assigned it appears to replace the L. californicus, which is
peculiar to the western slope.
646
IT. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. ; When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. ' Collected by —
No.
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
9362
9363
9364
5086
5085
9372
5084
9373
9360
9360*
9361
9369
9370
, ! San Elizario, Texas....
do
Dec. , 1855
14 i Dr. Kennerlv..
. ..do...
do
13 do
10.00
9.50
11.75
13.50
13.00
14.25
4.00
4.00
4.75
Q do Dec. —,1854
Q 1 Fort Fillmore, N. M. . . . Oct. 20, 1855
do
5 do
150
Bill black ; feet gray. . . ,
do
149
Mimbros to Rio Grande.
Dofia Ana, N. M
Nov. 27, 1855
Papt. Pope
167 i
11.00
10.25
10.00
15. CO
14.25
13.00
5.00
4.50
5.00
Bill and eyes black ; feet
gray; gums pale blue.
j
do
26
44 Kciin. &. Moll..
65 '• do. .
Camp 97, N. M
Jan. 10, 1854
do
Lieut. \Vhipple
1...
Colorado river, Cal
do
Major Emory
do
A. Schott
! Dr. Kennerly ..
9.50
13.00
4.00
CALLTPEPLA, Wagler.
Callipepla, WAGLER, Isis, 1832. Type Ortyx squamata, Vig.
CH. — Head with a broad short depressed tufted crest of soft thick feathers springing from the vertex. Other character as
in Lophortyx.
The single United States species is of a bluish tint, without any marked contrast of color.
The feathers of the neck, breast, and belly, have a narrow edging of black.
CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA, Gray.
Scaled or Blue Partridge.
Ortyx squamatus, ViGORs.'.Zool. Jour. V, 1830, 275.— ABERT, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 1847, 221 .
Callipepla squamata, GRAY, Gen. Ill, 1846, 514.— M'CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 222.— CASSIN, 111. I, v, 1854, 129 ;
pi. xix. — GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. xix.
Callipepla strenua, WAGLER, Isis, XXV, 1832, 278.
Tetrao crlstata, DE LA LLAVE, Registro trimestre, I, 1832, 144. (Cassin.)
Sp. CH. — Head with a full broad flattened crest of soft elongated feathers. Prevailing color plumbeous gray, whitish on the
belly, the central portion tinged with brownish ; the exposed surface of the wings tinned with light yellowish brown, and very
finely and almost imperceptibly mottled. Head and throat without markings, light grayish plumbeous, throat tinged with
yellowish brown. Feathers of neck, upper part of back and under parts generally, except on the sides and behind, with a
narrow but well denned margin of blackish, producing the effect of imbricated scales. Feathers on the sides streaked centrally
with white. Inner edge of inner tertials, and tips of long feathers of the crest, whitish. Crissum rusty white, streaked with
rusty. Female nearly similar. Length, 9.50 ; wing, 4.80 ; tail, 4.10.
Hab. — Valley of Rio Grande of Texas. Not yet detected farther west. Most abundant on the high broken table lands and
mezquite plains.
In this species the elongated tertials reach nearly to the tip of the tail, which is long and
graduated, the lateral feathers much narrower and an inch shorter than the middle. The white
inner margins to the inner tertials constitute a straight line down the rump, and are bordered
on the side next the shaft by a dusky line. The rump, tail coverts, and upper surface of tail
are of a less pure lead color than the fore back, and absolutely mottled like the tertials. The
pale reddish brown tinge along the middle of the belly, also pervades the scale-like margins of
BIRDS PERDICIDAE — CYRTONYX MASSENA.
the feathers. Those on the neck are light brown, not black. The crest is tinged with brown
next to the whitish. Feathers of the breast and belly with the shafts dark brown, occupying
the centre of a dark V-mark, the apex pointing backwards, and the branches divaricating more
and more posteriorly.
In one specimen of this bird from New Leon, 3999, there is a large brownish chestnut spot on
the middle of the belly, quite conspicuously different from what is seen in other skins.
List of specimens.
Catal. i Sex.
No.
Locality. When collected. \V hence obtained.
Orig. Length.
No.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
9385
Mimbres to Rio Grande .. j Dr. Henry
i
9387 Q
New Mexico . ' Capt. Pope
9386 <?
.. do .... ... _. ......do
- ... 9.50
13.50
4 50
5102
Solidad cafion Organ mts N. M Mar. 10 1856 _do.
182 12 00
14. 50
6 00
Permanent camp Pecos N M Sept. 5, 1855 ...do .......
123 12.00
16. 00
5 00
15105 !
Pecos, N. M ! June 6,1856 ! do
198 ' 10.00
14. 50
4 50
Permanent camp on Pecos N. M May 22, 1855 ......do
115 11.00
15. 00
5. 00
9381 Q
i
San Pedro ' Mr. Clark
22 10. 50
14. 12
4 50
3999 J
New Leon Mexico 1 ...,.- Lt Couch
106
1 Bill and eyes brown, feet lleah-colored.
CYKTONYX, Gould.
Cyrtonyx, GOULD, Mon. Odontoph. ? 1845. Typo Ortyx massena, Lesson.
CH. — Bill very stout and robust. Head with a broad soft occipital crest of short decumbent feathers. Tail very short, half
the length of the wings, composed of soft feathers, the longest scarcely longer than the coverts ; much graduated. Wings long
and broad, the coverts and tertials so much enlarged as to conceal the quills. Feet robust, extending considerably beyond the
tip of the tail. Claws very large, the outer lateral reaching nearly to the middle of the central anterior. The toes without the
claws, however, are very short.
This genus differs very much from its North American allies in the great development of
the feathers composing the wing coverts, the very short and soft tail, and the very short toes
and long claws. It is almost worthy of forming the type of a distinct sub-family, so many and
great are its peculiarities. The single North American representative is the only one of our
species with round white spots on the lower surface arid black ones above. A second species,
C. ocellatus, is found in Mexico.
CYRTONYX MASSENA, Gould.
Massena Partridge.
Orlyx massena, LESSON, Cent. Zool. 1830, 189.
Cyrtonyx massena, GOULD, Mon. Odont. 1850, 14 ; tab. vii.— M'CAI.L, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 221 — CASSIN, Illust.
I, i, 1853, 21 ; pi. xxi. — REICHENB. Syst. Av. 1850, pi. xxvii.
Orlyx monlezumae, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. V, 1830, 275.
Odontojiliorus melcagris, WALLER, Isis, XXV, 1832, 279.
Telrao gultala, DE LA LLAVE, Rcgistro triinestre, I, 1832, 1J5. (Cassin.)
648
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sp. CH. — Head striped with white, black, and lead color ; chin black. Feathers above streaked centrally with whitish, those
on the outer surface of the wings, with two series of rounded black spots. Central line of breast and belly dark chestnut ; the
abdomen, thighs, and crissum, black ; the sides of breast and body lead color, with round white spots. Legs blue. Length,
8.75 ; wing, 7 ; tail, 2.50.
Uab. — Chiefly on the upper Rio Grande from the high plains of the Pecos.
It is scarcely possible to describe this beautiful quail so as to exhibit an accurate idea of its
markings and coloration. It is, however, so different from any other known species as to require
mention of its more prominent features only.
Head with a broad depressed and full occipital crest. The sides of the head are striped white,
plumbeous, and black. The lead color forms a streak above and below the eye, the latter one
widening behind and with a crescent of black parallel to it on the sides of the neck. The chin
and middle of the throat, (bounded laterally and behind by white,) with two spots on the
upper eyelids and a stripe behind, starting below the middle of the eye, are also black. The
forehead is black, with two white streaks on each side, the vertex is likewise black but the
feathers are tipped with brownish yellow, of which color is the crest. The under parts are dark
bluish ash, each feather with two series of round white spots ; the central line of breast and
belly dark orange chestnut ; the thighs, anal region, and beneath the tail, sooty or velvety
black. The feathers above are all streaked centrally with brownish white or yellow, bordered
with black ; the back and scapulars reddish brown, barred transversely with black ; the
exposed surfaces of the wings with two series of black spots on each feather. Primary quills
brown spotted with white.
A skin, probably of a young male, is without the black and plumbeous of the head and throat ;
the white, however, is speckled with brown.
The female is something like the male on the back, except that the wings lack the round
black spots. The under parts are totally different, the ground color being of a light purplish
cinnamon, the feathers of the breast and sides streaked centrally and narrowly on each side the
(light colored) shafts with black. The throat and median line of belly and anal region are
dull purplish white, without markings. The head shows none of the black and white
markings.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. : Collected by — Remarks.
No.
4418
10356
10357
10358
9358
9359
9356
5106
9355
3998
(J
Q
*
<J
Fort Davis Tex
Dr. Foard, U. S. A
.do
do
do
do
Turkey creek, Tex —
Nov 1854
Major Emory
Dr. Crawford
25 Dr Kennerly .........
1853
Mimbres to R. Grande.
Dr. T. C. Henry .
Capt. Pope
Major Emory
Lt Couch
J. H. Clark
' KVPS dark, bill black.
<J
New Leon Mux April — , 1853
BIRDS — PEKDICIDAE. 649
The preceding species of Perdiddae are all that are known with certainty to inhabit the United
States. The following are stated to occur in California, but none have been seen there by
reliable observers. They probably all belong to Lower California, or to the western coast of
Mexico.
EUP.SYCIIORTYX CRI3TATUS, Gould.
Tetrao cristatus, LINN. I, 1*766, 277.
Eupsychortyx cristatus, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. ix.
Ortyx temminckii, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XI, 1819, 381.
Ortyx neoxenus, VIGORS, Pr. Comm. Sc. Zool. Soc. I, 1830, 3. — BENNETT, Gardens and
Menag. II, 1838, 311, cut.— AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 200.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 71 ;
pi. 292.
Perdix neoxenus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 226 ; pi. 422.
Lophortyx neoxenus, NUITALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 792.
LoPilORTYX ELEGANS, Nuttall.
Ortyx elegans, LESSON, "Traite d'Ornith. 1831."— IB. Cent. Zool. pi. 61.
Lophortyx elegans, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 792.
Callipepla elegans, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. xviii.
Ortyx spilogaster, VIGORS, Pr. Comm. Sc. Zool. Soc. II, 1832, 4. Mexico.
LOPHORTYX DOUGLASSII, Bonap.
Ortyx douglassii, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 354. — IB. Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839,
27, pi. xi.— DOUGLASS, Linn. Trans. XVI, 1829, 145.1— JARD. & SELBY, 111. pi. cvii.
Lophortyx douglassii, BON. List, 1838. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 793.
ORTYX FASCIATUS, Natterer.
Ortyx fasciatus, NATTERER, MSS. — GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. XI, 1843, 133. California.
1 Ortyx douglnsii. — Bill brown ; crest linear, black, one inch long. Irides hazel red. Body fuscous-brown, with a mixture o
lead color and rusty or yellow streaks. Throat whitish, with brown spots. Belly foxy red or tawny white, spotted. Quill feathers
eighteen. Scapulars and outer coverts bright brown. Under coverts light reddish brown. Tail of twelve unequal, rounded
feathers. Legs reddish. Length nine inches. Girth twelve inches. Weight ten ounces. Flesh pleasant, dark colored.
July 21, 1858.
82 b
OKD ER V.
GRALLATOEES.
CH. — Legs, neck, and usually the bill, much lengthened. Tibia bare for a certain distance above the tarsal joint. Nostrils
exposed. Tail usually very short. The species live along or near the water, more rarely in dry plains, wading, never
swimming habitually, except perhaps in the case of the phalaropes.
The bill of the Grallatores is usually in direct proportion to the length of legs and neck.
The toes vary, but are usually connected at the base by a membrane, which sometimes extends
almost or quite to the claws.
Under the head of the Rasores I have already called attention to the inaccuracy of the table
of higher groups on page 2 of the present volume, in reference to the position of the hind toe.
In the present order nearly the whole of the Herodiones, instead of having this toe elevated and
reduced, have it lengthened, and on or near the same level with the anterior ones. This is
especially the case with the Ardeidae, which nest on trees and spend much of their time there.
The Grallatores, like the Rasores and Natatores, are divisible into two sub-orders, according
as the species rear and feed their young in nests, or allow them to shift for themselves. The
following diagnoses express the general character of these sub-divisions :
HERODIONES. — Face or lores more or less naked, or else covered with feathers different from
those on the rest of the body, except in some Gruidae. Bill nearly as thick at the base as the
skull. Hind toe generally nearly on same level with the anterior. Young reared in nests and
requiring to be fed by the parent.
GKALLAE. — Lores with feathers similar to those on the rest of the body. Bill contracted at
base, where it is usually smaller than the skull. Hind toe generally elevated. Young running
about at birth and able to feed themselves.
SUB-ORDER
HERODIONES.
CH. — Bill generally thick at the base and much longer than the head. Frontal feathers with a rounded outline ; lores and
generally the region round the eye (sometimes most of the head) naked.
In following Bonaparte's arrangement of water birds, as sketched out in his Conspectus
Avium, vol. II, and elsewhere, I find great difficulty in constructing the diagnoses of his
higher groups, which he has generally left undefined. His suh-order Herodiones corresponds
very nearly with the Ardeidae of Gray, except perhaps in including Aramus and its allies,
which Gray places in the Eallidae. It would he easy enough to characterize the North
American forms by themselves, but it becomes necessary, of course, to avoid the introduction
of any phrase which would be nullified by the consideration of materials from a wider raVige.
The primary characteristic of the Herodiones, though physiological rather than zoological, is
of the highest importance. The young are born weak and imperfect, and are reared in the nest,
being fed directly by the parent until able to take care of themselves, when they are generally
abandoned. In the Grallae, on the contrary, the young run about freely,, directly after being
hatched, and are capable of securing food for themselves under the direction of the parent.
The chief zoological character (not, however, entirely without exception) is to be found in
the bill, which is generally very large, much longer than the head, and thickened at the base
so as to be nearly or quite as broad and high as the skull. The lores are almost always naked,
or if covered it is with feathers of a different kind from those on the rest of the body. The
hind toe in most genera is lengthened and on a level with the anterior, so as to be capable of
grasping ; sometimes, however, it is elevated and quite short.
I have not the material at hand for working out the different members of this sub-order, so
as to present their characteristics in an intelligible manner. I follow Bonaparte in placing in
it of North American forms Gruidae, Aramidae, Ardeidae, Tantalidae, Plataleidae, and
Phoenicopteridae. These all agree pretty well with the characters already assigned, except
Aramidae, the type of which, Aramus, has the head feathered to the bill, as in the Grallae.
In other respects its affinities to Grus are very close, which itself may belong to the Grallae'
Plioenicopterus should probably go with the Anseres, especially if the young take to the water
immediately on being hatched.
Syn ops is of families .
A. Bill contracted opposite the nostrils, much compressed ; the culmen curved at the end,
sinking down opposite the nostrils and then rising again. Nasal groove broad ; the nostrils
widely open and placed nearly at the middle of the bill.
GRUIDAE. — Head usually with spaces bare of perfect feathers, and warty or papillose ;
the tertials elongated and pendent or decurved. Toes connected by a basal membrane.
Hind toe short and much elevated.
ARAMIDAE. — Head feathered to the bill. Tertials not unusually elongated nor pendent.
Toes cleft to the base. Hind toe long and not much elevated.
652 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
B. Bill with the culmen straight to near the tip, or else gently decurving from the hase.
Nostrils nearer the base of the bill ; not very open. Middle claw serrated only in Ardeidae.
ARDEIDAE. — Middle claw finely pectinated or serrated. Bill conical, angular, with the
commissure nearly straight. Forehead feathered.
TANTALIDAE. — Bill rounded, very long, large at the base, and then becoming rapidly
attenuated and decurved. Forehead bare.
PLATALEIDAE. — Bill entirely depressed and flattened, very broad, and widening at the end
into a spoon shape.
C. Bill with the edges provided internally with transverse lamellae like the ducks, bent abruptly
downwards about the middle.
PnoENicoPiERiDAE. — Legs and neck excessively lengthened ; the toes webbed to the claws.
BIEDS — GRUIDAE — GRUS. 553
Family G B, U I D A E .
The diagnosis of this family has already been given on a preceding page. The species are
all very large, and inhabit dry plains rather than marshes. The bill is moderately long ; the
nostrils broad and pervious, the nasal groove extending but little beyond them. The legs
are long, but the toes are short ; the hind toe is very short and much elevated ; the claw
scarcely touching the ground.
The genera are few in number, but one, Grus, belonging to North America.
GRUS, Linnaeus.
Grus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Typo ArUta. grits, L. (Gray.)
CH. — Bill lengthened, straight, the upper mandible only slightly decurved at the extreme tip ; the commissure and other
outlines straight. Nasal groove very large and open, extending over the basal two-thirds of the bill. Nostrils broadly open,
pervious ; the anterior extremity half way from the tip of bill to eye. The upper half of the head naked, warty, but with
short hairs.
Legs much lengthened ; toes short, hardly more than one-third the tarsus. Inner toe rather longer, its claw much larger
than the outer. Hind toe elevated, short. Toes connected at base by membrane. Tarsi broadly scutellate anteriorly.
Tertials longer than primaries, decurved ; first quill not much shorter than second. Tail of twelve feathers.
The precise number of species of this genus in North America and their character has been
a matter of much uncertainty, and the subject cannot even now be said to be well settled.
Audubon admits but one, considering the brown sand-hill crane to be the young of the white
whooping crane. This, however, is erroneous, the species being perfectly distinct. Mr.
Cassin has detected what he considers a third species among the Smithsonian collections, to
which he gives the name of G. fraterculus. He thinks also that in the same collection are
specimens which may even point a fourth species very similar to, if not identical with, G.
longirostris, Temm.
Synopsis of species.
A. Adult plumage white ; primaries black. Bill much longer than middle toe.
Bill very thick ; the gonys convex, ascending ; warty portion of head extending in
a point backward on top of head, and behind the cheeks below the eye ; concealed
by black hairs G. americanus.
B. Adult plumage plumbeous.
Bill slender, longer than middle toe. Gonys straight ; in line with lower edge of bill.
Warty space of head not extending below eyeSj and bifurcated behind by the extension
forward in an angle of occipital feathers. Primaries brown with white shafts.
G. canadensis.
Much smaller. Bill shorter than middle toe. Gonys straight, but ascending. Head in
young feathered to bill. Primaries black, with brown shafts G. fraterculus.
654
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex & age.
a
Si
c
3
o
<- S)
« .5
£ £
02
ti
c
i£
'3
h
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
|
"o oj
c
o
Feat her from
tibia.
Height of bill
at base.
Bill above.
u
o.
Si
be
_c
Specimen
measured.
10384
52.00
24.00
9.18
11,80
4 86
0 86
6 00
1 30
5 60
6 02
do
o
5 70
Head ..
5786
•j,
22 £0
8.78
10 01
4 16
0 80
4 82
1 20
5 40
5 48
Skin
do
do
... do
46 00
82.00
0493
io37y
do
do
Mimbres to RioQrande
22.20
22 50
8.80
9.00
9 90
9 25
4.10
4 26
0.82
0 84
4.22
4 52
1.20
1 94
5.62
5 62
5.98
5 76
Skin ....
do.. .
8914
do
Sand Hill
1 26
5 80
6 06
Head .
9492
d i
Takh Plain, W. T....
1 18
5 74
5 74
9483
do
20 50
8 54
8.88
3.80
0.80
4.34
1 10
S 00
5.10
do
do
Salt Lake
do...
51.00
20 50
22.00
8.50
9.82
9.70
10.00
4.00
4 00
0.80
0 84
4.34
4.16
1.06
1 06
4.92
5.10
5.50
5.20
...do
...do
9483
4623
do
do
Steilacoom
0
21.50
20 00
9.46
8.10
9.50
9 10
3 96
3 80
0.70
0 70
3 82
1.12
1 OS
4.36
4 70
4.72
4 90
Skin ....
do... .
10378
17 50
6 80
7 50
3 36
0 50
2 70
0 74
3 04
3 16
do. .
Grus australafianus..
Australia
50.00
21.00
9.50
10.00
3.78
0.66
5.48
1.34
5.80
6.10
Mounted.
GRUS AMERICANUS, 0 r d .
White Crane ; Whooping Crane.
Jlrdea americana, LIVN. Syst. Nat. I, 17C6, 234, No. 5.— GMELIN, I, 621.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXU, 1772, 382,
No. 37. (York Fort.)— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 20 ; pi. Ixiv.
Grus americana, ORD'S cd. Wils. VIII, 1825.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 195.— IB. Conspectus, II, 1855, 99.—
SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 372.-NuxT. Man. II, 1834, 34.— AUD. Orn. Biou . Ill, 1835,
202 ; pi. 226.— IB. Syn. 219.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 188 ; pi. 313.
Grus clamator, BARTRAM, Travels in E. Florida, 1791.
Grus struthio, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Grus, No. G.
Grus hoyanus, DUDLEY, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, April, 1854, 64. Wisconsin. — HARTLAUB, Cab. Journ. Ill, 1855,
336 ; considers it tho young of Grus americanus.
Grue llanche, BUFF ON, Ois. VIII, 158.
" Grue d' amerique, PI. enl. 889."
Wliooping crane, PENN. Arc. Zool. II, 442, 339. — CAT. Car. — LATHAM.
Sp. CH. — Bill deep, compressed. Lower mandible as deep along the gonys as the upper opposite to it. Gonys convex ,
ascending, not in the same straight line with the lower outline of bill. Commissure straight to very near the tip, where it is a
little decurved and crenated. Color pure whita ; primary and spurious quills, with their shafts, black. Space in front of the eyes,
and extending backward between them to a point on the occiput, and below them (involving the whole cheeks) to a point behind
the ears, blackish ; this space having the feathers reduced to stiff hairy black shafts, but concealing the warty and granulated
skin. Feathers on middle of naps above plumbeous dusky. Length, 52 inches ; wing, 24 ; tarsus, 12 ; commissure, 6.02.
Hob. — Florida and Texas. Stragglers in the Mississippi valley.
The central line of the head above in 10384 exhibits a series of rather large excrescences,
which may, however, be abnormal.
Immature specimens have the entire head covered with perfect feathers to the bill ; the
feathers with black shafts on the regions which in adults are covered only with black hairs.
Color of head and neck pale grayish chestnut.
The differences of form between the Grus americanus and canadensis are sufficiently marked
to leave no doubt as to their specific distinctness, independently of the entire diversity of color.
The former is a much larger bird ; the bill much stouter and higher, with a more convex and
BIRDS — GRUIDAE GEUS CANADENSIS. 655
deeper apex to the lower jaw. The gony is convex, ascending, and far from being in a straight
line with the basal inferior outline, as in canadensis. The elongated tertials are more vertical
and curved, with more flowing plumes.
The young in some ages may resemble the G. canadensis, but the difference in size of body, in
the thickness of bill, and in the feathers of the head, will serve to distinguish them. The color
is probably much redder, judging from the single head and neck I have had an opportunity of
examining. The Grus Jioyanus of Dudley appears to be, without doubt, as suggested by Hart-
laub, the young G. americanus.
The G. americanus, though common in Texas and Florida, is yet one of the rarest birds in
collections. There are none in any of the public museums of the United States, as far as I
have been able to ascertain, and for the opportunity of describing the species I am indebted to
Mr. Thomas E. Blackney, of Chicago, who generously relinquished the possession of his specimen
to the Smithsonian Institution.
According to Wilson this species in his time was occasionally found in the marshes of New
Jersey, especially near Beesley's Point.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Locality.
When collected. Whence and how obtained.
Prepared by —
10384
Chicago, Illinois
Tune, 1858 Thomas E Blackney
F. Kaempfer ... .
GRUS CANADENSIS, Temm.
Sand-hill Crane ; Brown Crane.
Jlrdea canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 234, No. 3.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 620.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LX1I, 1772,
382, No. 36. Severn river.
Grus canadensis, "TEMMINCK." Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1S31, 273.— NUTTALL, Man. IT, 1834, 38.— BON. Consp. II,
1855, 98.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 339.
Grus pratensis, BARTRAM, Travels in Florida, 1791.
Grusfusca, VIEILLOT, Diet.
Grits poliopliaea, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Grus, No. 7.
Grus americana, AUD. Orn. Biog. HI, 1835,441 ; pi. 261.— IB. Birds Amer.V, 1842, 188; pi. 314. (Supposed young.)
Brown Crane, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 443. — LATH. Syn. Ill, i, 43.
Sp. CH. — Bill compressed. Lower mandible not as deep towards the tip as the upper. Gonys nearly straight ; in the same
ine with the basal portion of bill. Commissure decidedly curving from beyond the middle to the tip, where it is even, not
crenated. Color bluish gray; the primaries and spurious quills dark plumbeous brown; the shafts white. Cheeks and chin
whitish. Entire top of head (bounded inferiorly by a line from commissure along the lower eyelid) bare of feathers, warty
and granulated, thinly beset with short scattered black hairs. Feathers of occiput advancing forward in an obtuse angle;
the grey feathers along this point, and over the auricular region, tinged with plumbeous. Length, 48 ; wing, 22 ; tarsus, 10 ;
commissure, 6.
Hab. — Whole of western regions of United States. Florida.
The young Grus canadensis differs from the adult, in having the ashy feathers washed more or
less with light rusty, especially on the wings, scapulars, occiput, and nape. The feathers of
the occiput appear to extend along the central line of the crown towards the bill, and, possibly,
in the very young, cover the entire head. One specimen, 9483, at least, has the entire head
656
U. 8. P. B. B EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
feathered, and in another, 4623, these extend further along the occiput than in the adults.
These are smaller than typical G. canadensis, but otherwise quite similar. Mr. Cassin suggests
that, in case they be distinct from G. canadensis, they may possibly be referred to Grus longi-
rostris of Temminck and Schlegel, in Fauna Japonica, Birds, pi. 72.
There is much variation in size of different specimens of this species with age ; the bill, feet,
and whole body apparently growing considerably, long after the perfect feathers have been
attained.
There is an essential difference between G. canadensis and americanus in the shape of the
granulated portion of the head. In americanus this extends backwards in a point to the
occiput, and beneath the eye to behind the ear, involving the side of the entire lower jaw. In
G. canadensis it does not extend below a line from the centre of the eye to the gape, and poste
riorly it is bifurcated by the anterior extension of the occipital feathers, instead of running
back in a point. The granulation, too, is much more conspicuous, and not concealed by black
hairs, as in the other.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
Age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
6786
Medicine Bow creek.
Aug. 7, 1856
Lieut. Bryan .
224
W. S. Wood
8914
Sand Hills
Aug. 9, 1856
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden. . .
9193
Miinbres to l\io Grande
Dr. Henry. ... _
9394
Rio Grande valley
Capt. Beckwith ..
4623
Colorado liver, Cal .
Feb. 19, 1855
Major Emory
46
A. Schott
10379
California ...
Commodore 1'erry
W Heine
9492
Takh Plain, W. T
Aug. 13, 1853
Governor Stevens.
4
Dr Cooper
9483
o
Fort Steilacooni ......
Oct. 1, 1853
Dr. Suckley
579
GRUS FRATERCULUS, Cassin.
Sp. CH. — Size small. Bill very short ; its gape less than middle toe. Gonys straight, but bent upwards. Generally similar
to the G. canadensis, but much smaller. Color light bluish grey. Primaries entirely black ; the shafts dark brown withou^
white.
Young, with the head feathered to the bill ; the feathers generally above marked with pale rusty. Cheeks and chin grayish
white ; the middle of crown and occiput reddish. Wing, 17.50 ; tarsus, 7.50 ; commissuie, 3.16.
Hub. — New Mexico.
This species, although in many respects similar to the young G. canadensis, differs in much
smaller size, proportionally shorter and more slender bill, and much darker primaries, which
are quite black, with dark brown shafts, instead of their being plumbeous brown with white
shafts. The single specimen is immature, though perhaps nearly grown ; the adult probably
has the top of the head granulated and without perfect feathers.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
1
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
10378
Albuquerque New Mexico. . ...
October, 1853
Lieut. Whipple
H. B. Mollhausen
BIRDS — ARAMIDAE ARAMUS GIGANTEUS.
657
Family ARAMIDAE.
The Aramidae of Bonaparte embrace a single genus, Aramus, which most authors place in
the Rallidae.
ARAMUS, Vieill.
Jlramus, VIEILL. Analyse, 181G. Type Jlrdea scolopacea, Gm. (G. R. Gray.)
CH. — Bill elongated, much compressed, both mandibles decurved at tip. Gonys very long. Bill of equal width nearly from
base to tip ; nostrils pervious, in the basal fourth of the bill. Head feathered to bill ; eyelids only naked. Legs lengthened ;
tibia half bare ; tarsus longer than middle toe ; toes without basal membrane ; outer lateral rather longer than inner ; middle
claw not pectinated. The tarsi are broadly scutellate anteriorly.
The wings are broad and rounded ; the tertials equal to the primaries. The first quill is
scarcely longer than the tenth, and subfalcate. The tail is composed of twelve feathers.
Two species are at present known to naturalists, until recently supposed to be one. Cabanis
was the first to point out the differences between them and to insist that they were distinct, and
not merely adult and young.
Comparative measurements of species.
CataK
No.
Species.
Locality.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tareus.
Middle
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
8692
do.
Aramus gigantcus
do
Indian Key, Fla
do
24.00
27 50
44 00
12.80
13.00
5.88
5.03
4.26
0.69
5.04
5.28
Skin
Fresh ....
Brazil
31 00
14.20
7.60
5 10
4.22
0.74
4.86
5.18
Mounted..
ARAMUS GIGANTEUS, Baird.
Carau ; Cryiug Bird ; Courlan.
Rallusgiganteus, BON. J. A. N. Sc. V, 1825, 31.
Jlramus scolopaceus, BON. Am. Orn. Ill, 1828, 111 ; pi. xxvi. — IB. Conspectus, II, 1855, 104. (Young only.) — IB.
Syn. 309.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 68.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 543; not pi. 377, which is
Jl. scolopaceus. — IB. Syn. 219. — IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 181 ; not pi. 312, which is A. scolopaceus.
Nothcrodius holostictus, CABANIS, Jour. IV, 185G, 426.
SP. CH. — General color olive chocolate brown, each feather except the quills streaked centrally with white, as a lanceolate
Spot ; the colors becoming lighter towards the bill ; the chin and upper part of the throat whitish. The under tail coverts and
rump almost chocolate brown and unspotted. Length, 27.50 ; wing, 13 ; tarsus, 5.03 ; gape of bill, 5.28.
Hab. — Florida and West Indies.
With a general resemblance to the typical Aramus scolopaceus1 of Brazil, the species
'ARAMUS SCOLOPACEUS, Vieillot.
Jlrdea scolopacea, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 647.
Jlramus scolopaceus, VIEILLOT, Diet. — IB. Gal. des Ois. II, 134 ; pi. 252. — BOVAP. Consp. II, 1855, 103, adult, not the
supposed young, nor of Am. Orn. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV ; pi. 377. — IB. Birds Am. V; pi. 3J2. —
BURMEISTER, Tliiere Bras. II, 1856, 380.
Rallus ardeoides, Srix. Av. Bras. II, 72 ; pi. xci.
Rallus gigas, LICIIT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, 79.
Notherodius guarauna, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827. — IB. Isis, 1829, vi.
July 24, 1858.
83 b
658
U S. P. B. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPORT.
inhabiting North America is readily distinguishable by its smaller size, although the bill is of
the same length. There is much more of the white streaks throughout. These in scolopaceus are
confined to the head and neck, and indeed not seen at all on the crown and the lower part of
throat. A few concealed streaks may be found on the jugulum and middle line of the belly,
but they are not conspicuous. In the other bird, all the small feathers show streaks of white,
except on the lower part of back, rump, and crissum, and including the jugulum and top of
head. The dark colors of the Florida bird are lighter, with less of the chocolate brown shade.
Mr. Audubon appears to figure the true South American species, A. scolopaceus, although
describing A. giganteus as the young. There is nothing to show that the original of his figure
was taken in Florida.
Measurements.
3
O bO
8
o
<D
5 =3
||
0 ^
S
iC
C3
Locality.
When collected.
Whence and how
2 '3
Eemarks.
to
o
3
obtained.
~i2 a
S ^
to'*
3
M
.S S
-5 3
C a
cS
^,
O
™
Pn
P9 O
*
8691
Indian Key Fla
August 21, 1857.
G. Wurdemann..
26.00
41.00
12.00
Iris brown
8692
do
.do
27.50
44.00
13. 00
do
10372
-
do
January 17, 1858.
do
26.50
41.50
12.00
do
10373
O
do
February 2, 1858.
25.75
40.00
12. 00
..do
BIRDS ARDEIDAE. 659
Family ARDEIDAE.
CH. — Bill conical, acuminate, compressed, and acute; the edges usually nicked at the end ; the frontal feathers generally
extending beyond the nostrils. Tarsi scutellate anteriorly ; the middle toe connected to the outer by a basal web. Claws
acute ; the edge of the middle one serrated or pectinated on its inner edge.
The family is a well marked one, and is generally distributed throughout the globe,
embracing a great number of species, a large proportion of them American. Bonaparte
assigns to it but a single sub-family Ardeinae, making Cancroma, Scopus, and Euripya types
of separate families.
The following schedule will illustrate the principal characters of the genera belonging to
the territories of the United States. The measurements of the species of each section will be
found under the head of its first genus.
Synopsis of genera.
A. ARDEAE. — Bill much longer than the head, acute, rather slender proportionately. Legs
very long and slender ; tarsus much longer than middle toe ; anteriorly broadly scutellate to the
base. Outer lateral toe always decidedly longer than inner. Tibiae lengthened, always bare
for the lower third or half. Body moderately compressed. Neck very long, usually well
eathered all round. Tail of twelve stiffened feathers.
Middle of back with elongated plumes, their fibrillae distant.
DEMIEGRETTA. — Plumes straight, fastigiate, depending, and elongated. Feathers of
the head and entire neck lanceolate, narrow, and well defined, (in this differing
from all our other genera.) Toes very short ; the lateral not more than half
the tarsus, (a character entirely peculiar to this genus.)
GARZETTA. — Plumes reaching about to the tail, recurved at the end ; the fibrillae
horizontal, but not fastigiate. A full occipital crest, and lower part of the
throat with similar plumose feathers ; the fibrillae fastigiate. Color white.
HERODIAS. — Plumes reaching beyond the tail, straight, fastigiate, depending.
Head perfectly smooth.
Back without elongated plumes. Scapulars usually elongated.
ARDEA. — Occiput with greatly lengthened feathers, reaching far beyond the
occipital crest. Scapulars equal to the tertials.
AUDUBONIA. — Head without much lengthened feathers. Scapulars scarcely elon
gated.
FLORIDA. — Head with occipital feathers moderately elongated; the webs decom
pounded; those of lower throat, lanceolate. Scapulars longer than the tail.
Lower outline of bill nearly straight.
B. BOTAUREAE. — Bill rather slender, acute. Culmen very gently curved, gonys ascending.
Tibia feathered nearly to the joint. Tarsi short, less than middle toe, broadly scutellate ante
riorly. Claws long, acute. Inner lateral toe longest. Tail of ten very soft feathers. Body
much compressed. Neck short; bare interiorly behind. No crests nor plumes.
ARDETTA. — Size very small. Plumage compact, lustrous. Back unicolor.
BoTAURUS.1 — Size large. Plumage dull, loose, much spotted and streaked.
1 1 cannot rind any important feature of form by which to separate these two genera.
660 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
C. NYCTICORACEAE. — Bill thick-and stout, scarcely longer than head. Upper outlinede curved
from base. Legs short, stout. Tarsi stout, short, nearly as long or a littlelonger than the
middle teo ; the scutellation with a tendency to become hexagonal anteriorly .Lateral toes
nearly equal, outer rather the longer. Claws short, much curved. Lower fourth of tibia bare.
Head with much elongated occipital feathers. No dorsal plumes. Neck short ; bare inferiorly
behind. Tail of twelve stiff feathers.
BUTORIDES. — Bill small, rather slender, gently curved. Gonys straight, but
ascending. Tarsus shorter than middle toe. No very long occipital plumes.
NYCTIARDEA. — Large. Bill very stout ; lower outline straight ; gonys slightly
concave. Tarsus about equal to middle toe. Occiput with an elongated plume.
Scapulars not longer than the tertials.
NYCTHERODIUS. — Large. Bill stoutest and shortest of North American herons ;
inferior outline convex and curving as much as the superiDr. Tarsus decidedly
longer than the middle toe. Occiput with several much elongated feathers.
Scapulars reaching the tip of tail.
DEMIEGRETTA, Blyth.
Demiegretta, " BLYTH, 184-," perhaps described in Catalogue of Calcutta Museum, 280. Type Jlrdea jugularis, Blyth.
Herodias, BONAPARTE, Consp. II, 1855, 120. Not of Boie, which has Jlrdea. egretta for type.
CH. — Bill narrow, slender ; both outlines rather concave to the terminal half, then uniformly convex. Tarsi very long,
broadly scutellate ; toes very short ; the middle scarcely more than half the tarsus ; outer longest. Claws much curved, very
short and blunt.
Back of neck well feathered. Head with a full occipital crest of elongated lanceolate feathers ; the tip of all the neck
feathers similar, as well as those on the lower part of the throat. Back with free fastigiate plumes longer than the tail.
This genus is one of the most strongly marked among the entire family of herons, and in
some respects exhibits a near approach to the cranes. The well defined lanceolate feathers and
the short toes are quite peculiar features.
There are three species belonging to the United States, which may be readily distinguished
as follows :
Plumage pure white. Bill flesh colored at the base, the terminal half abruptly black. . .D. pealeii
Head and neck (even on the throat) uniform reddish brown tinged with lilac. Body generally
grayish blue, paler beneath D. rufa.
Head, neck, and exposed upper parts slaty blue. Chin and central line of throat, with the
under parts generally and rump, white c D. ludoviciana.
I cannot determine satisfactorily what this genus should be called. It is not Herodias, as
stated by Bonaparte, since Boie's name was based upon the Ardea egretta of Linnaeus, and
consequently anticipates Egretta of Bonaparte. The only name I can find which has any
reference to the group is Demiegretta of Blyth, with his Ardea jugularis1 as the type. I
therefore adopt it, but with a strong suspicion that the American birds, with Ardea ludoviciana
as type, are entitled to a new generic appellation, for which Hydranassa would be exceedingly
appropriate.
1 Jlrdea jugiiluris, BLYTH, Notes on the Fauna of Nicobar Islands, Jour. As. Soc. XV, 1846, 376. — Herodias concolor, BON.
Conspectus, II, 1855, 121.
BIRDS ARDEIDAE — DEMIEGRETTA PEAL1I.
661
Comparative measurements of Ardeae.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Localityt
Sex and age.
to
a
0)
ij
o
j= f
H -r
si ;t
W
t'c
I
h
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
>
=o .
" %
0
S
0
ll
« S
K
»
Height of bill
at base.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
2721
1988
Deniicgretta pealii
do
Eastern U. S
do
30.30
29.30
13.50
13.00
4.66
5.06
5.70
4 84
3.30
3 16
0.45
0.46
3 86
3.38
0.63
0.76
4.02
3.80
4.90
4.90
Skin
Skin
4146
12.50
5 20
5.42
3 26
0.50
3.40
0 69
3 50
4.54
Skin
1978
8081
do.
1-226
4274
4145
Demiegrctta lu Joviciana
do
do
Garzetta candidissima . .
do
do
Eastern U. S
Cape Florida
do .-.
Eastern U. S
Calcasieu Pass, La. . .
..„..
3
28.00
25.50
24.00
20.80
37.00
10.70
10.26
10.50
10.20
9.60
10.00
3.70
3.60
4.00
3.70
4.12
3.86
4.00
3.93
3.08
3.46
3.02
3.22
2.90
2.64
2 60
0.46
0.52
0.44
0.39
4.74
2.66
3.62
2.10
2.34
0.60
0.60
0.54
0.47
0.49
4.04
3.94
3.14
2.94
3.06
4.64
4.50
3.60
3.54
3.42
Skin
Skin
Fresh ....
Skin
Skin
Skin
do.
do
do
27.25
36.00
10.12
Fresh.. .
8067
do
Tamaulipas
26.00
10.60
4 44
3.86
2.72
0.46
2.78
0.62
3.38
3.84
9469
2735
9299
10323
5108
do.
.... do
lierodias ogrctta
do
do
do
do
Sacramento Valley . . .
Eastern U. S
Prairie MerRouge,La.
Eastern U. S
Imliariola, Texas
do
c?
23.00
41.00
33.00
14.70
39.00
57.00
10.70
15.50
14.00
14.80
14.70
16.00
3.80
6.50
5.92
6.34
6.50
?
3.76
5.35
5.70
6.00
2.74
4.05
4.20
4.20
0.43
O.C3
0.50
0.62
2.54
3.64
3.70
4.50
0.54
0.82
0.70
0.66
0.79
3.25
4.70
4.28
4.25
4.70
3.64
5.60
5.28
5.20
5.20
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fre«h....
9298
5107
do
do
Prairie Mer Ilouge,La..
Texas
33.30
14.20
14.00
6.04
6.00
6.00
5.50
4.50
4.10
0.64
0.00
4.00
3.60
0.86
0.70
4.50
4.10
5.2o
5.00
Skin
Skin
10324
do
15.20
6.20
6 30
4 50
0 62
4.42
0 76
4.34
5 46
Skin. ...
5775
8066
do
io
Kansas , ,
33.50
15.00
15.70
6.00
7.00
5,85
6 10
4.65
4 70
0.65
0 62
4.20
4.06
0.86
0.82
4.25
4.40
5.30
5.54
Skin
Skin. .
9070
do.
4610
Herodias var. californica
do
do
San Diego, Cal
do
do
.....
43.00
43.00
60.00
17.00
17.00
16.50
6.30
6 20
6.70
6.25
4.80
4.90
0.62
0 69
4.40
4.34
0.80
0.83
4.55
5.00
K 71
6.00
Skin
Fresh....
Skin
4524
9475
9472
4143
do.
Ardea herodiag
do
lo
do
do
Cape Flattery, W. T...
Fort Stcilacoom, W.T.
Sacramento Valley. . .
Fort Brown, Texas . . .
do
3
43.70
45.80
42.20
42.00
65.00
19.30
20.20
18.60
17.40
18.00
8.73
9.00
7.58
7.29
5.86
6.87
7.06
6.14
4.20
4.84
4.90
4.72
0.80
0.72
0.71
0.64
3.50
4.50
4.28
4.39
1.10
1.17
1.14
1.10
4.87
5.52
5.50
5.26
6.10
7.00
7.15
6.31
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh....
1677
do , ...
oO
18.30
6.84
6 23
4.52
0.56
3.52
1.00
5.95
6.09
Skin
do.
do
do
43.00
70.00
18.50
Fresh ....
947G
8065
do
do
Miinbrcs to Rio Grande
39 50
19.20
17.60
7.PO
7.20
6.57
5.96
5.00
4 13
0.66
0.53
4.36
3.3(>
1.14
1.00
5.46
4.36
7.00
5.70
Skin
Skin. .
8690
Ardea wurdcinannii
South Florida
A
*49.00
20.70
7.40
7.94
5.66
0.90
5.36
1.24
6.48
8.14
Skin
9479
Io
....do
19.70
7.92
9.10
5.60
0.74
6.22
1.25
6.16
7.50
Skin
6539
6540
1985
3040
do.
4554
do
Audulionia nccidcn tails.
do
Florida cocrulea
do
do
Indian Key, Fla
Indian Key, Fla
Florida
Liberty county, Ga. . .
do
Florida
0(?
S
$
41.00
22.00
21 50
36.00
19.50
18.00
n.oo
12.00
11 00
8.00
4.58
4.42
7.70
8.80
e.eo
3.52
3.80
5.20
5.62
5.04
3.00
3.12
0.61
0.74
0.70
0.50
0.49
4.60
5.88
4.32
2.48
2,65
1.18
1.26
1.19
0.62
0.63
5.20
6.50
5.50
3.00
3.00
6.00
8.00
7.10
3.42
3.60
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh ....
Skin
8680
do
*
19 80
10.50
4.34
3.80
3.04
0.50
2.62
0.54
2.74
3.36
Skin
do.
do
do
19.50
39.50
11.00
Fresh ....
DEMIEGRETTA PEALII, Baird.
Peale's Egret.
Jlrdea pealii, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 304.— IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1833, 9G ; pi. xxvi, f. 1.— IB. Oss. Cuv. 100.— NUTTALL,
Man. II, 1834, 49.
Egretta pcalii, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. IV, 1848, 127.
Sp. Cn. — Color pure white. Terminal half of lull black. Length about 30 inches ; wing, 13 ; tarsus, 5.70 ; bill above,
4 inches.
Hab. — Seaccast of South Florida.
Bill, with the culmen concave along the middle ; the gonys convex, and rising from
662
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
the angle of the same ; both culmen and gonys quite convex towards the end. Legs lengthened ;
the tibia bare for about half its length ; the middle toe short, about three-fifths the tarsus ; the
outer lateral toe about one-half. The middle anterior claw short, stout, and blunt ; the pectination
reduced to a few obsolete notches. Occiput with a crest of long lanceolate firm feathers, shorter
than the bill, and similar shaped ones on the whole neck, much elongated on the lower part of
the throat ; the pennules lax and free only at the base of the feathers. Back with long fastigiate,
nearly straight, plumes, with the fibrillae elongated and distant, reaching the length of the
tail beyond it.
Color pure white. Bill flesh-colored, the terminal half abruptly black. Legs black in the
dried specimen ; said to be dark olive green in life ; the soles greenish yellow.
List of specimens,
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2721
;?
Florida
S. F. Baird
1988
do
. do
DEMIEGKETTA BUFA, Baird.
Reddish Egret.
drdearufa, BODDAERT, Tabl. PI. Enl. 1784.
Ardea rufescens, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 628.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 694.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827 ;
Jlrdea No. 13.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 411 : V, 604 ; pi. 256.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds
Amer. VI, 1843, 139; pi. 371.
Egretla rufescens, BONAP. List, 1838.
Herodias rufescens, BONAP. Conspectus, II, 1855, 125. — GUNDLACH, Caban. Jour. IV, 1856, 341.
Jligrette rousse, BUFFON, Ois. VIII, 378.— PI. Enl. 902.
Reddish Egret, PENNANT, II, 447.'
Sp. CH. — Body grayish blue ; paler beneath. Head and neck all round uniform reddish brown, or rufous chestnut, without
white on the throat. Bill black on the terminal third, \oung similar, but duller. Length, about 30 inches ; wing, 12.50 ;
tarsus, 5.72 ; bill above, 3.50.
Hab. — Coast of South Florida and Gutf of Mexico to moulh of Rio Grande. Cuba, Gundlach.
Middle toe about two-fifths the tarsus ; outer lateral toe more than half the tarsus ; inner,
about half this length. Tibia bare for about one-half. Pectinations quite distinct. Bill com
pressed ; the outlines excavated, but becoming considerably convex at the tip. General external
form that of H. pealeii.
" Bill black on its terminal third ; the rest, and the bare space on the head, pale flesh color.
Iris white. Legs and feet ultramarine blue ; the scutellae brownish black, as are the claws.
Feathers of the head and neck all round light reddish brown, tinged with lilac, the tips fading
into brownish white. Bacfc and wings dull grayish blue, the long feathers of the train yellowish
towards the tips ; all the lower parts grayish blue, paler than that of the upper." — Audubon.
Without an adult of this species before me, I copy the description of its colors from Mr.
Audubon. A young bird has the plumage generally plumbeous gray ; the coverts, the throat,
and the head tinged with reddish ; the back slightly glossed with the same. There is only a
rudimentary occipital crest, and no dorsal one whatever. The differences in color from the adult
BIRDS AEDEIDAE DEMIEGRETTA LUDOVICIANA. 663
are chiefly in the duller blue of the body, and the absence of the decided reddish of the neck.
The bill is black at the end and reddish at the base.
Audubon and, latterly, Bonaparte, have united the H. pealeii and rufa into one, considering
the former as the two-years stage of the latter, and, as such, capable of reproduction. I agree
with Dr. Gambel in considering them to be distinct, as the immature H. rufescens is now well
known as described above. Judging from the specimens before me, the pealeii has shorter toes
and longer tarsi than the other.
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Sex and age.
Locality.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by —
4146
o
Matamoras, Texas
Lieut. Couch.. .. .
Dr. Berlandier ... ..
DEMIEGRETTA LUDOVICIANA, Baird.
Louisiana Heron.
Jlrdea ludoviciana , WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 13 ; pi. xvi, f. 1, (not of Linnaeus, which is Butorides virescens .) —
BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 192.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 51.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,
136 : V, 605 ; pi. 217.— IB. Syn. 266.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 156 ; pi. 373.
Egretta ludoviciana, BONAP. List, 1838.
Jlrdea leucogaster, ORD ed . Wilson, VIII, 125, 13.—? WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 14.
Egretta ruficoUis, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 338.
Herodias ruficollis, CAB. Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 342.
Htrodias leucoprymna, "Licux." BONAP. Consp. II, Jan. 1855,124.
Sp. CH. — Slaty blue on head, neck, and exposed portion of body above ; lower back, rump, under parts, longest occipital
eathers and the middle line of the throat, white ; occiput, nape, and neck behind, purplish. Bill brownish black above and at
tip. Legs yellowish green. Young with the blue of head and neck replaced by purplish rufous, blotched with blue.
Length, 25 ; wing, 10.50 ; tarsus, 4 ; bill above, 4.
Hub. — Coast of South Atlantic and Gulf States.
Bill very slender and much attenuated, as long as the tarsus ; the upper and lower outlines nearly
straight, or slightly concave to near the tip, when they become gently convex. Legs rather
short ; middle toe about three-fourths the tarsus ; inner lateral toe decidedly more than half the
tarsus. Head with an elongated occipital crest, the longest feather the length of the toes ; the
feathers composing it as well as those covering the neck all round, and the upper part of the
back, are lanceolate, acute, and well defined in their outlines. The lower part of the back,
with a plumose train of feathers with the fibrillae distant, elongated, fastigiate, and nearly
straight, or curving gently downwards. In the specimen before me this train is a little longer
than the tail, but, according to Mr. Audubon, it becomes sometimes lengthened to such a degree
as to sweep the ground.
The prevailing color of this species on the head, neck, wing, tail, and exposed portion of the
body above, is slaty blue ; the occiput, nape, and lower part of neck, (except inferiorly,) purplish.
The six or eight longest feathers of the occipital crest, the chin, and central line of the throat,
and the entire body, white, except the interscapular region. The white of the lower back and
rump is concealed by the train, the feathers of which have concealed white at the base, and are
of light brownish, tinged with purple.
664
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
The white of the throat is much concealed in its middle and inferior portion by blue edges of
the feathers, and in places is spotted with purplish.
The bill in life is said to be brownish black above and on the sides below towards the point;
the rest yellow, as is the space round the eye. The iris bright red. Feet light yellowish green;
the anterior scutellae dusky.
A young bird differs in having the blue of the head and neck replaced by purplish rufous,
blotched with blue ; the wing coverts edged with the same rufous. Most of the bill appears to
be yellow ; the upper mandible dusky ; the tip black.
There is no occasion to change Wilson's name for this bird, on account of its having been
employed by Linnaeus. The white Ardea ludoviciana is a synonym of Butorides virescens, a
bird of very different genus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
&age.
ofwingp.
8681
<J
Cape Florida
G. Wurdemann
25.50
37.00
10.50
Upper mandible greenish, with black end-
Lower part brownish. Iris light yellow.
1978
S. F. Baird.
10326
oQ
Georgia
24 20
36 00
9 50
10337
cc?
do
do ....
25 00
37.00
10 00
GARZETTA, Bonaparte.
Garzetta, BONAP. Consp. II, 1855, 118. Type Jlr&ea, garzetta, L. (whether of Kaup, 1829 ?)
Cn. — Bill slender ; outlines nearly straight to near the tip, when they are about equally convex. Middle toe more than half the
tarsus. Tarsi broadly seutellate anteriorly. Tibia denuded for about one half. Outer toe longest Head with a full occipital
crest of feathers having the webs decomposed, hair-like ; feathers of lower part of throat similar. Middle of back with long
plumes reaching to the tail, recurving at tip. These plumes and the crest apparently permanent. Lower part of neck behind,
bare of feathers. Colors, pure white in all ages.
Of this genus but a single well-established species is found in the United States, a Chilian
one, (possibly occurring in California,) Ardea ihula of Molina, (Hist. Nat. Chile, 207;) is larger ;
the tarsi shorter ; the bill yellow at the base instead of black.
This genus is called Garzetta by Bonaparte, after Kaup of 1829. I have not the work of
Kaup at hand to know what species is his type, but suspect it to be Ardea alba, L. Without
Macgillivray's British Birds before me, I am unable to say whether his Erodius belongs to
this genus or to Herodias.
BIRDS ARDEIDAE — GARZETTA CANDIDISSIMA.
6G5
GARZETTA CANDIDISSIMA, Bo nap.
Snowy Heron.
Ardea nivea, JACO.UIN, Beit. 1784, 18. Notof S. G. Gmelin of prior date, and same genus. — LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790,
696, (in part.)— LICHT. Verz. 1823, No. 795.
Jlrdea candidissima, GVIELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 633.— WILSOK, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 120; pi. 62.— BON. Obs.
Wils. 1825, No. 194.— IB. Syn. 1828, 305.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Jlrdea, No. 11.— NUTT.
Man. II, 1834, 49.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 317: V, 1839, 606 ; pi. 242.— IB. Syn. 269.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 163.
Egretta candidissima, BONAP. List, 1838. — GOSSK, Birds Jam. 1847, 336.
Herodias candidissima, GRAY, Genera. — GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 342.
Garzetta candidissima, BONAP. Consp. 1855, 119.
Jlrdea carolinensis, ORD. ed. Wilson, VII, 1825, 125.
Snowy heron, LATHAM.
Sp. CH. — Occiput much crested. Dorsal plumes reaching to the end of the tail. Colors pure white. Bill black ; the
base yellow. Legs black. Length, 24 ; wing, 10.20 ; tarsus, 3.80 ; bill above, 3.15.
Hab. — Coast of Middle and Gulf States, and across to California.
Bill compressed ; culmen slightly concave in the basal two-thirds ; terminally more convex
than the gonys. Middle toe, three-fourths the tarsus. Tibia bare for nearly one-half. Occiput
with a full crest of loosely fibred feathers as long as the bill ; the feathers on the lower part of
the throat somewhat similar. The middle of the back with a series of plumes, with the fibrillae
distant and lengthened ; the plumes recurved at tip, where the fibrillae of opposite sides are
horizontal, but approximated together in a vertical plane. They reach nearly to the tip of the
tail, sometimes beyond it.
Bill black, yellow at the base, including the loral region and around the eye, as also a larger
basal portion of the lower mandible. Leg black ; the lower part of the tarsus behind and the
toes yellow. Color of plumage throughout pure white.
A specimen from California, 9469, has the occipital crest much elongated, considerably
longer than the bill ; the other plumes also more developed.
This species differs from the Garzetta egretta, Bon., of the Old World, in having the bill shorter
than the tarsus, instead of equal. The crest in egretta is much smaller and less developed.
Most authors quote Jacquin for the name candidissima, of this species. A reference to this
work shows, however, that he used the word nivea, already pre-occupied for the Ardea garzetta.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. i When col
lected.
Whence ob
tained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by-
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1226
S. F. Baird
4275
G. WUrdemann.
4276
do
4274
do
8067
Tamaulipas Feb. 13, la»37
4145
9469
5
Uadereita, Mex .... April, 1853. . .
1
Sacramento Valley
D. N. Coucli...
Lt. Williamson
135
27.25
30.00
10.25
,
Eyes yellow, bill black. Feet yel
lowish black.
Fort Tejon
J. X. do Vesey.
July 21, 1858.
84 b
GG6
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
HERODIAS, Boie.
Herodias, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 559. Type Jlrdea egretta. Not of Bonap. 1855.
Egretta, BONAP. Saggio di una dist. Met. 1831. Type Jlrdea egretta.
CH. — Color white. Bill quite slender. Culmen nearly straight ; more convex terminally than the gonys. Middle toe more
than half the tarsus. Tibia bare for one-half. Outer toe longest. Claws moderate, considerably curved. Tarsus broadly scutellato
anteriorly. Head smooth. Back in breeding season with a series of fastigiate plumes longer than the tail, and curving gently
downwards. Tail of twelve broad stiffened feathers. Back of neck well feathered. Colors pure white at all times.
The white heron from southern California is much larger than that from the eastern States,
and possibly distinct.
HEKODIAS EGRETTA, Gray.
White Heron.
Jlrdea egretta, GMELIN, I, 1788, G29. — LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 694, (not of other older European writers.) —
WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 103 ; pi. vi.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827; Jlrdea sp. 7.— BONAP. Oss.
Cuv. 97.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 47.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 600 ; pi. 386.— IB. Syn. 265.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 132 ; pi. 370.
Herodias egretta, GRAY, Genera. — GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 341.
Jlrdea leuce, " ILLIGER," LICHT. Verz. 1823, sp. 793.
Egretta leuce, BONAP. (Saggio, 1831 ?) List, 1838.
Herodias leuce, BREHM, Handbuch, 1831, 585.
Jlrdea alba, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 189.— IB. Syn. 304. (Not of Linnaeus.)
Great egret, PENNANT, II, 446. — LATHAM.
SP. CH. — Head smooth ; bill yellowish to the tip ; feet black. Color pure white. Length, 39 inches ; wing, 15.50 ; tarsus,
5.70; bill above, 4.70.
Hub. — Southern portions of the United States ; straggling to Massachusetts.
Bill, with the culmen and gonys about equally curved, the commissure slightly concave near
the tip. Legs slender, elongated ; middle toe about three-fourths the tarsus. Tibia bare for
about half its length. Head without a crest; the feathers lying close. Lower part of the back,
in the breeding season, with a series of elongated feathers, with stiffened shafts, the plurnulae
distant and elongated. These feathers are gently pendent (not recurved) and extend beyond
the tail by about its length ; their total length is nearly three times that of the tail. The
feathers of the lower part of the neck but little elongated.
Color entirely white; feet black; bill yellowish, dusky above, (in 9298.) According to
Audubon, the entire bill and the iris are yellow.
This species appears to differ from the European E. alba in lacking a black tip to the bill?
which is five inches long, not six ; the tarsus is about six inches long, instead of eight.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2735
S. F. Baird
92r)8
Prairie Mer Eouge, La
Jas. Fairie .
5892
do
do...
5775
Kansas -. . _ - - - ...._._..-__.
Lieut Bryan
W S Wood
5107
Texas . .. --. - ...........
Capt. Pope
BIRDS — ARD EIDAE ARDE A.
667
HERODIAS EGRETTA, var. CALIFORNICA, Baird.
CH. — Pure white. Larger than //. egretta. Length, 43 inches ; wing, 17 ; tarsus, 6.70 ; bill, 5.
Hal). — Coast of southern California, and perhaps the Rio Grande of Texas.
This bird is very similar to Herodias egretta, but is considerably larger ; the tibiae are bare for
half their length. The feathers of the back are not fully grown out, so that I can make no
comparison in this respect, but the scapulars are more elongated and plume-like than in the
other species, and there is a tendency to the same along the belly. The bill appears of a more
brilliant yellow, dusky only near the tip above.
It is possible that this may be only a variety of the H. egretta, but the size is so much greater
as almost to warrant its specific separation.
List of specimens.
Catal. ' Locality.
No. !
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
9470 ! San Diego, Cal.
Bill and gums yellow. Legs black
4610 do
8066 California
5108 ? Indianola'
Feb. 20, 1855.
39 00
57 00
16 00
ARDEA, Linn.
Jlrdca, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1735. Type Jl. cinerea.
CH. — Bill very thick ; culmen nearly straight; gonys ascending, its tip more convex than that of culmen. Middle toe
more than half the tarsus ; tibia bare for nearly or quite one-half. Claws short, much curved ; outer toe longest. Tarsus
broadly scutellate anteriorly.
Occiput with a few elongated occipital feathers. Scapulars elongate lanceolate ; as long as the secondaries. No dorsal
plumes. Tail of twelve broad stiffened feathers. Back of neck well feathered. Size very large. Colors plumbeous-,
streaked beneath.
The two North American species of the genus as restricted, are distinguished as follows :
Common characters. — Above bluish ash ; the primaries and outer secondaries blackish plum
beous. Head white and black. Middle of throat white, streaked with black and rufous. Edge
of the wing and the tibia rufous.
Bill, 5.50. Tarsus, 6.50. Middle toe two-thirds the tarsus. Tibia bare for about one-
third. Under parts, except crissum, black ; the middle of the belly broadly streaked
with white. Neck light cinnamon brownish. Head, with the crest black ; the
forehead whi te A. herodias.
Bill, 6.50. Tarsus, 9. Middle toe not two-thirds the tarsus. Tibia bare for nearly
half. Under parts white ; the feathers of the sides of breast and belly streaked black
and white. Neck ashy. Head, with the crest white ; the forehead streaked with
blackish.. ..A. wilrdemannii.
668 U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
AEDEA HERODI AS, Linnaeus.
Great Blue Heron, or Crane.
Jlrdea herodias, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176G, 237, No. 15.— GM. I, 1788, 630.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 692.—
WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 28 ; pi. Ixv.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 188.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827 ;
Jlrdea, No. 1.— NUTT. Man. 11,1834, 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,87: V, 599 ; pi. 211.— IB.
Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 122; pi. 369.— Bp. Consp. II, 1855, 112.— GUNDL. Cab.
Jour. IV, 1856, 340.
Jlrdea hudsonias, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 238, No. 18.— GMELIN, I, 17H8, 631.
Jlrdea virginiana cristata and Jlrdea freti hudsonis, BRISSON.
Large crested heron, CATESBY, Car. App. pi. x.
Ash-colored heron, EDWARDS. — Great heron and Red-shouldered heron, PENNANT, LATHAM.
Sp. CH. — Lower third of tibia bare. Above bluish ash ; edges of wing and the tibia rufous. Neck cinnamon brown. Head
Iblack, with a white frontal patch. Body beneath black, broadly streaked on the belly with white. Crissum white Middle
ine of throat white, streaked with black and rufous. Length, 42 inches ; wing, 18.50 ; tarsus about 6.50 ; bill about 5.50.
Hab. — Throughout the entire territory of the United States ; West Indies.
Bill lengthened, compressed, nearly straight to the terminal third, when there is a very
gentle convexity of the culinen and a greater of the gonys. Tibia bare for more than one-third.
Middle toe two-thirds the length of the tarsus. Outer lateral toe longer than the inner. Feathers
of the crown elongated, acute ; the occiput with two long feathers as long as the bill. Scapular
feathers elongated, acutely lanceolated.
Adult. — Bill yellow dusky at the base and greenish above. The forehead and central part of
the crown are white, encircled laterally and behind by black, of which color is the occipital
crest and its two elongated feathers. The neck is of a light smoky cinnamon brown, with
perhaps a tinge of purple ; the chin and throat whitish ; the feathers along the central line of
the throat to the breast white, streaked with black, and also with reddish brown, except on the
elongated feathers of the breast. The body may be described as bluish ash above and on the
sides. The under parts, including the tuft of feathers on each side the breast and the belly to
the white crissum, are sooty black, much varied along the middle line with white. The tibia
and the edge of the wing are rufous. The quills are black, becoming more plumbeous internally
until the innermost secondaries are ashy, like the back. The elongated tips of the scapular
feathers have a whitish shade. The tail is of a bluish slate color. According to Mr. Audubon,
the bill in life is yellow ; dusky green above ; loral and orbital spaces light green ; iris yellow ;
feet olivaceous, paler above the tibio-tarsal joint. Claws black.
Young. — The upper mandible is blackish. The lower yellow, except along the commissure.
The head above is entirely dusky, without the much elongated occipital feathers. The breast
is grayish, streaked with white and light brown, but without any pure black patches. The back
is without the elongated scapular feathers. In still younger specimens the coverts are all mar
gined with rufous, which becomes lighter at the tip. The rufous of the tibia is much lighter.
Specimens vary considerably in size as well as in shade of plumage. Washington Territory
skins are considerably darker and larger than more southern ones on the west coast. I have
before me no adult spring birds from the east.
A specimen from Mexico is smaller, but otherwise apparently similar. This appears to
correspond somewhat to the Ardea lessoni of Wagler, his specimen perhaps being immature,
with the whole head above still blackish.
BIRDS — ARDEIDAE ARDEA WURDEMANNII.
669
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex
& age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1677
cQ
Carlisle, Fa
Aug. 16,1844
S. F. Baird ....
43.00
70 00
18.50
4430
E. C. Bidwell....
5454
3
May, 1856
49.00
73 00
20.00
9474
4143
Texas
Brownsville, Texas..
1853
April 22,1853
Major Emory....
Capt. S. Van Vliet
A. Schott
42.00
65.00
18. GO
Eyes vellow
414-1
5114
Peros, Texas
June 10,1855
Capt. Pope
96
42.00
61.00
17.50
yellow ; feet black.
5115
Dofla Ana.N. Mex...
Jan. 5,1856
do
173
40 50
64 00
18.00
9473
Mitnbres to Rio Grande
9477
9472
lioca Grande, Mex...
Mar., 1855....
Major Emory....
Dr. Kennerly..
4.323
9478
Bodega, Cal
Dec. 5,1854
9480
9475
.^hoa! water Bay,W.T.
Gov. Stevens....
do
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Suckley. ..
4578
do
Feb. 8, 1856
Dr. Suckley
222
4524
8065
Cape Flattery
Lt. Trowbridge.. .
John Gould
ARDEA WURDEMANNII, Baird.
Florida Heron.
SP. CH. — Lower half of tibia bare. Above bluish ash. Edge of wing and the tibiae rufous. Middle of throat white, streaked
with black and rufous. Neck ash-colored. Head white, with a patch in the forehead black. Under parts white ; the feathers
on the sides of breast and belly streaked with black. Length about 40.00 ; wing, 20.75 ; tarsus, 8.00 (or more) ; bill above, 6.50.
Hab. — South Florida.
Tarsi elongated. Tibia bare for half its length. Middle toe not one-third the tarsus.
External form, otherwise, as in A. herodias.
Bill in the dried specimen greenish yellow ; dusky above. Entire head all round, including
the occipital crest, snowy white ; the elongated feathers apparently not fully grown, but also
white. Feathers of the forehead margined laterally with black. Neck ash color, with a shade
of violet. The feathers of the middle line of the throat white, and streaked with dark plumbeous
from a point distant the length of the culmen from the base of the bill. These feathers on the
throat, likewise, have a wash of rufous. The upper parts generally are bluish gray, the elonga
ted scapulars much paler. The under parts generally are white ; the feathers on the sides of
the breast are bluish black, streaked centrally with white ; those of the sides of the body streaked
on one side with the same. The sides of the body are like the back. The edge of the wing
and the tibiae are purplish rufous, with a violet shade ; the portion of the former Ironi the
carpal joint to the quills, nearly white, with spots of the rufous. The greater coverts near the
edge of the wing are streaked obscurely with whitish, and tinged with rufous. The primaries
are dark hoary blackish plumbeous ; the outer secondaries still darker, but becoming lighter
towards the back.
This species is somewhat similar to the A. herodias, but is much larger ; the bill and tarsus
at least an inch longer. The tibia is bare for a greater distance. The head is entirely white,
with the forehead streaked with black, exactly the reverse of the other, which has the head black
670
U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
above, the forehead white. The under parts are almost entirely white, the sides of the breast and
body streaked with black, instead of having nearly the whole belly black, streaked with white
in the middle ; the sides of breast pure black. The neck is not cinnamon brownish, but ashy.
The upper parts are of much the same shade with Ardea herodias, No. 9472.
A young bird, supposed to belong to the same species, but without any indication of locality,
differs from the adult much, as does that of the A. herodias.
This species is readily distinguished from Ardea cocoi by the head being white above, not black ;
the tibia rufous, not white ; the belly mostly white, not black ; the neck bluish ash, not white.
It has much the same size and proportions with the Ardea occidentalis , and, in some respects,
might almost be considered a cross between this species and herodias.
In presenting to the scientific world the most magnificent species of heron known to inhabit
the United States, and one presumed to have been hitherto undescribed, I take much pleasure
in giving to it the name of Mr. Gustavus Wiirdemann, of the United States Coast Survey, as a
slight token of acknowledgment for what he has done towards bringing to light the novelties
of our southern coast. It is not too much to say that no one, for years, has been instrumental
in adding so many species of birds to our southern fauna as Mr. Wiirdemann ; no less than
nine previously unrecorded species having already been collected by him in Louisiana and Florida,
besides very many new fishes and invertebrates.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
9479
Florida
G. Wiirdemann ..
19.70
8690
s
do
do
6539
Indian Key Florida
do
49. 00
70. 00
20. 00
AUDUBONIA, Bo nap.
dudubonia, BONAP. Conspectus, II, 1855, 113. Type vlrdca occidentalis, Aud.
CH . — Similar to Jlrdta. Color white. No very long occipital feathers, nor much elongated scapulars.
It is very questionable whether this bird can be considered as entitled to separate generic rank
the differences from Ardea consisting only in a less extent of the feathers of head and scapulars,
as well as in the white color.
AUDUBONIA OCCIDENTALIS, Bonap.
Cireat White Heron.
Ardea occidentalis, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 542 : V, 596 ; pi. 281.— IB. Syn. 1839, 264.— IB. Birds Amer. VI,
1843, 110 ; pi. 368.— BON. List, 1838.— GUNDLACH, Caban. Journ. IV, 1856, 341.
Jludubonia occidentalis, BONAP. Consp. 1855, 115.
SP. CH. — Bill very stout. Middle toe about two-thirds the tarsus. Tibia bare for nearly one-half. Feathers of occiput
lengthened, but no conspicuous crest, except perhaps in the adult. Scapulars not elongated. Color pure white. Length about
45 inches ; wing, 19.50; tarsus, 8.80 ; bill above, '6.50.
Hab. — South Florida and Cuba.
BIRDS ARDE1DAE — FLORIDA CAERULEA.
671
According to Mr. Audubon, the bill in life is yellow; tbe upper mandible greenish at the base;
the loral space yellowish green ; the orbital light blue. Iris bright yellow. Tibia and hind
part of tarsus yellow ; fore part of tibia and toes olivaceous, the sides of the latter greenish
yellow ; claws light brown. The young are smaller, the feathers of occiput and lower part of
throat less elongated.
List of specimens.
Catal. No
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
6840
,?
Indian Key, Florida .......
March 18,
G. Wurdemann ._ ...
1985
Florida
S.F. Baird
J. J. Audubon.
FLORIDA, Baird.
Cn. — Bill slender, acute ; upper outline curving gently from near the base ; lower straight, or even concave. Tarsi short ;
toes long ; lateral more than half the tarsus ; outer toe longest. A full occipital crest ; the feathers composing it, and those of
the neck generally, with the webs decomposed, only lanceolate on the lower part of the throat. No dorsal plumes, but the
scapulars elongated, lanceolate, and reaching beyond the tail. Back of neck bare inferiorly. Neck rather short. Color blue.
This genus differs from Herodias in the bill, which is convex above, straight below, and very
acute. The legs are shorter, the toes and claws longer and slenderer. The peculiar lanceolate
character of the feathers of the neck is wanting, as also the dorsal plumes.
FLORIDA CAERULEA, Baird.
Blue Heron.
Jlrdea caerulea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 239.— GM. I, 1788, 631.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 689.— WILSON, Am. Orn.
VII, 1813, 117 ; pi. Ixii.— ORD'S ed. 122.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 187.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,
58 ; pi. 307— IB. Syn. 266.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 148 ; pi. 372.
Jlrdea (Botaurus) caerulea, BON. Syn. 1828, 300.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 58.
Egretta caerulea, BON. List, 1838. — GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 338.
Herodias caerulea, GRAY, Genera. — IB. Bon. Consp. II, 1855, 123. — GUNDL. Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 343.
? Jlrdea cyanopus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 644.
Jlrdea caerulescens, .'LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 689.— LICHT. Verz. 1823, 77. — WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, Jlrdea,
No. 15.
11 Jlrdea plumbea, BROWN, Nat. Hist. Jam."
" Jlrdea chalybea, STEPHENS."
? Egrelta nivea, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 334. Young ?
Sp. CH. — Slate blue ; head and neck bluish purple all round ; bill blue ; legs black. Young white, sometimes spotted with
blue. Length, 22 inches ; wing, 11 ; tarsus, 3.80 ; bill above, 3-
Ilab. — South Atlantic and Gulf coast to Mexico.
Bill slender, compressed. Culmen rather concave in the basal half; the terminal gently
convex. Gonys nearly straight, in marked contrast with the culmen. Toes slender and
lengthened ; middle nearly as long as the tarsus ; inner or shortest lateral considerably more
than half the tarsus ; tibia bare for nearly half. Top of the head moderately crested, becoming
longer on the occiput and nape ; the feathers composing it with the fibrillae free and blended,
as is the case in the feathers of the neck generally and the back. Scapulars greatly elongated,
672
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
lanceolate, and reaching nearly its length beyond the tip of the tail, each feather well defined
and the webs not decomposed.
The body generally in the adult is slaty blue ; the head and neck glossed with bluish purple ;
the concealed portions of the feathers purplish brownish red. There is no trace of white on the
throat. The bill in life is said to be ultramarine blue at the base, shaded into black towards
the point ; the bare space between it and the eye, as well as the edges of the eyelids, ultra
marine. The iris pale yellow ; the legs, tarsi, and toes, black.
The young bird is pure white ; the head smooth, and the feathers without the decomposed
webs. The scapulars are not elongated. The iris is white ; the bill light blue, blackish at the
end ; the skin around the eyes and the base of the bill light yellow ; the legs light green.
Birds changing show a confused patching of white and blue.
The young bird in white dress is much like the Garzetta candidissima, but is without any of
the plumes or crests of the latter species, and almost always shows here and there a trace of
blue, instead of being pure white. The middle toe is much longer. The feet are entirely
greenish to the claws (livid black in the dry skin) instead of having the toes yellowish, and the
base of the bill is without the abruptly defined yellow portion.
According to Lichtenstein, "the A. caerulea of Linnaeus has the feathers of neck and occiput
and the scapulars well defined and linear ; the bill black ; the legs brown, with yellow toes.
Length, 18 inches ; bill, 2.50 ; tarsus, 3. Hab. — Cayenne. The ISTortli American A. caerulescens
has the same feathers with the fibres loose ; the bill whitish at base ; the legs and toes greenish.
Length, 22 inches ; bill, 3; tarsi, 4." The species he refers to first is evidently a true Herodias.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When
Whence obtained.
Collected
I
Length. '• Stretch
Wing. Remarks.
No.
collected.
by-
ol'wings.
3040
4534
$
Liberty county, Ga. . ..
Spring, 1846..
S. F. Baird
..,., 22.00 36.00
12.00
8680
.1
29.50 39.50
11.00 Eves dark blue : iris whitish: less
1
and feet light green.
9300
Prairie Mer. Rouge, La.
Jas. Fairie
9495
Lower Rio Grande, Tex.
Major Emory
A. Schott
ARDETTA, Gray.
Jlrdetla, GRAY, List of Genera, Appendix, 1842, 13. Type Jlrdea minuta, L.
Jlrdeola, BONAPARTE, Syn. 1828. Type Jlrdea exilis, L. Not Jlrdeola, BOIE, Isis, 1822.
CH. — Bill slender, acute; both mandibles about equally curved. Legs very short; tarsi less than middle toe. Inner toe
much longest. Claws long, acute. Tarsi broadly scutellate anteriorly.
Tail of ten feathers. Neck short. Body much compressed. Head smooth ; the occipital feathers somewhat lengthened ; the
lower neck bare of feathers behind. No plumes. Plumage compact, lustrous ; uniform above. Sexes differently colored.
This genus embraces the smarest known species of heron, and has representatives in all
quarters of the globe.
BIRDS ARDEIDAE ARDETTA EXILIS.
673
Comparative measurements of Botaureae.
o '
"5
|
u
0
a •
"5
e
= .
i
a
Species.
Locality.
: -5
0. Oil
3
a
u %
'o «
|
Specimen
1
x c
GJ '£
C ^
't
3
a, *
£ -a
•& «
g measured.
an , J
33
£ | E-I
h
&
HH
M
Hrt
M
-3
1099 A rdetta exilis
Washington, D. C
$ ' 11.30
4.56, 1.70
1.60
1.87
0.40
0.54
0.34
1.82
2.16 ; Skin
1547 do
Carlisle
n 11 00
4 84' 1 80
1.50
1.88
0.42
0.52
0.32
1.74
2.24 Skin.. . .
1547 do
do
13 75
17 75
4.89
Fresh
9485 do
Near 32° latitude..
11 40
5 00 1 86
1 70
1 94
0 40
0 56
0 36
1.91
2.38 Skin
9486 do
C? 11 30
4 44 1 96
1 50
1 76
0 40
0 54
0 34
1.80
2.32 Skin
1396 Botaurus lentiginosus
Carlisle, Pa
$ i 22 60
11 10 4 00
3 64
4 06
0 84
1 24
0 66
2.76
3.84 Skin
1396 do
do
26.50
42.00
11. 751
Fresh
766 do
do
O
10 101 3.36
3 30
3.74
0 70
1 14
0 66
2.72
3.70 Skin
do do
do
24.00
38.00
10.25^
Fresh
8064 do
9 90' 3 76
3 22
3 57
0 68
1 18
0 58
2 54
3 58 Skin
AEDETTA EXILIS, Gray.
Least Bittern.
Jlrdea exilis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 648.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 37 ; pi. Ixv.— WAGLER, Syst. Av.
1827 ; Jlrdea, No. 36 — AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 77 : V, 1839, 606 ; pi. 210.— IB. Syn. 263.— IB. Birds
Amer. VI, 1843, 100; pi. 366.
Jlrdea (Ardtola) exilis, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 191 — IB. Syn. 308.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 66.
Ardeola exilis, BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. II, 1855, 134.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 343.
Butor exilis, Sw. Birds, II, 1837.
Jrdetta exilis, GRAY, Gen. 1842.— CAB. Journ. IV, 1856, 345.
" Jlrdetta punctata, GRAT, List, Br. Mus. Ill, 83."— BONAP.
Minute bittern, LATHAM, Syn. Ill, i, 66.
Sp. CH. — Head above and the back dark glossy green. Upper part of neck, shoulders, greater coverts, and outer webs of
some tertials, purplish cinnamon. A brownish yellow scapular stripe. Female with the green of head and back replaced by
purplish chestnut.
Length, 13.00 ; wing, 4.75 ; tarsus, 1.60 ; bill above, 1.75.
Hdb. — Throughout the United States, from Atlantic to Pacific.
Tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe ; the anterior half embraced by a single series of
scutellae and a second series behind, with no intermediate ones distinguishable in the dried
specimen. Claws greatly lengthened and acute, the inner lateral extending further than the
outer ; the lateral as long as the middle. The toes free almost to the base. Tibia feathered
almost to the tarsal joint. Neck above bare, covered by the feathers of the side. Quills
lengthened ; the second and third longest. Tail of ten very soft feathers. Head with the
occipital feathers slightly elongated. No plumes or elongated feathers elsewhere.
Top of head, with the short crest, interscapular region, and scapulars, glossy dark green.
The sides of head and neck, with lesser and middle coverts, brownish yellow ; the region
bordering the green of the head, the upper part of the neck, the shoulders, and the greater
coverts, dark purplish cinnamon, as are the outer webs of inner tertials, and spots at the ends
of the quills and outer edge of first primary. Throat broadly whitish buff, as are the under
parts generally ; this is sometimes continuous, sometimes in the form of obsolete streaks on a
lighter ground. On the jugulum, arid concealed by the broad elongated feathers of the throat,
is a large spot, varied with black, dark purplish, cinnamon, and buff. There is a narrow
brownish yellow scapular stripe in the green, which is usually more or less concealed. The bill
is yellow, the ridge dusky towards the tip ; the legs appear to be greenish yellow.
July 20, 1858.
85 b
674
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The female differs in having the green of the head and back replaced by purplish chestnut ;
the brownish yellow tints more hoary ; the feathers of the throat with a narrow central dusky
streak.
An allied species in South America, (A. erythromelas ,) according to Bonaparte, has the back
purplish chestnut, instead of dark green. The European A. minuta differs in being larger; the
upper wing coverts milk white, not brownish yellow ; the under wing coverts white, instead of
olivaceous yellow.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1546 (?
Carlisle, Pa
May 18, 1844. ..
S. F. Baird
13.56 17.64
4.88
1547 Q
do
. do
do
13.75 17.75
4. 88
1099 $
Washington D. C
June 1843
do
9485
Texas ...... ....
Capt. Pope .
9484
Mimhres to Rio Grande
Dr. Henry . ..
9486 (?
Sacramento valley
Lieut. Williamson
BOTAURUS, Stephens.
Sotaurus, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 11, 1819, 592. Type Jlrdea stellaris, L.
CH. — Bill moderate, scarcely longer than the head. Bill outlines gently convex, gonys ascending. Tarsi very short, less
than the middle toe ; broadly scutellate. Inner lateral toe much longest. Claws all very long, acute, and nearly straight.
Tail of ten feathers. No peculiar crest. Plumage loose, opaque, streaked. Sexes similar.
But one species of this genus is found within the limits of the United States.
BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS, Stephens.
Bittern; Stake-driver.
Jlrdea stellaris, Var. FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 410.
Jlrdea stellaris, Var. /?, Botaurusfreti-hudsonis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat I, 1788, 635.
Jlrdea lentiginosa, MONTAGU, Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813.— JENYNS, Man. 191. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 263.— IB. Birds Amer.
VI, 1843, 94 ; pi. 365.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 374.
Bolaurns lentiginosus, STEPH, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 1819, 596.
Jlrdea (Hotaurus) lentiginosa, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 60.
Butor lentiginosus, JARDINE, Br. Birds, III, 147.
Jlrdea minor, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 35 ; pi. Ixv.— BON. Obs. 1825, 186.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 296 ;
pi. 337.
Botaurus minor, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. II, 1855, 136.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Journ. IV, 1856, 346.
Jlrdea mokoho, VIEILLOT, Diet. — WAGLER, Syst. Av. Jlrdea, No. 29.
Sp. CH. — Brownish yellow, finely mottled and varied with dark brown and brownish red. A broad black stripe on each side
the neck, starting behind the ear. Length, 26.50 ; wing, 11.00 ; tarsus, 3.60 ; bill above, 2.75.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America.
Bill short, scarcely longer than the head. Gonys ascending, nearly straight. Culmen curved
towards the tip. Tarsi short, less than the middle toe and claw, covered anteriorly for two-
thirds the circumference by a single series of scutellae, and behind by a double series. Claws all
BIRDS — ARDEIDAE — BOTAURUS LENTIGINO8US.
675
lengthened, and nearly straight ; hinder toe nearly equal to the outer lateral, which is shortest ;
the inner reaching beyond the base of the middle claw. Tail very short, of ten soft feathers.
Lower part of neck bare above ; this space partly concealed by the feathers of the sides. Head
without any crest; the feathers of the lower throat greatly developed, and covering the jtigulum.
General color brownish yellow, much and finely mottled and variegated with dark brown and
brownish red. The top of the head and a small patch at the angle of the mouth , the tail
feathers, the ends and edges of the secondary quills, the whole of the inner tertials, are reddish
brown, or brownish cinnamon ; the first mentioned duller, the others minutely dotted with dark
brown. The wing coverts are brownish yellow, sprinkled with brown ; the back and scapulars,
with the dark brown more predominant. The feathers of the upper part of the back are dark
cinnamon brown, edged with brownish yellow. The feathers of the throat and under parts,
except the anal region and crissum, have a very broad central stripe of finely mottled yellowish
and dusky, the latter color accumulated externally ; the edges of the feathers buff. The sides
of the neck are somewhat similar, but with an olivaceous tinge. There is a broad black stripe
on each side the neck, starting near the ear and running back a short distance, curving upwards.
The chin and upper part of the throat are white, with narrow central streaks. The primary
quills are plumbeous dusky.
The bill in life is said to be yellowish green, the culmen brownish black. Feet yellowish
green ; claws brown. Iris, reddish yellow. There appears to be but little difference in the
sexes and young.
There is little difference in specimens from different localities. There is a brownish olivaceous
tinge in some from the Upper Missouri I have not noticed in others.
This species has been so frequently shot in Europe, especially in Ireland, as to entitle it to a
place in the fauna of the Old World.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col- Whence obtained. Orig'l
lected. No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
1396 1 c?
766 Q
6905
8911 c?
5455 ...
Carlisle, Penn
April 29, 1844 8. F. Baird .
Sept. 29, 1 842 j do
26.50
21.00
25.00
26.87
42.00
38.00
38.00
42.12
11.75
10.50
10.00
12.12
do
Nelson river, H. B. T...
Sand Hills of Platte
Mouth of Vermilion river
Forks of Platte
[ D. Gunn
Aug. 11, 1857 Lt. Warren
May —,1856 do
July lr> 1856 Lt Bryan
112
161
Dr. Hayden ....
do
W. S Wood
do
5777 Q
8788
North Fork Platte river.
Republican Forks, Platte
Aug. 20, 1857 Wm. M. Magraw .
Oct. 7, 1856 Lt. Bryan
Dr Wall
Dr. Cooper
W. S. Wood . . .
27.00
22.00
41.00
33.00
11.50
Iris yellow; bill black and
green; feet gray.
5776 .
9302
4152 ....
9466 ....
9467
Bodega, Cal
9468
24.75
31.50
676
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AXD SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT
BUTORIDES, Blyth.
Butorides, " BLYTH, 1849. Type Jlrdea javanica, Horsf."
Ocniscus, CABANIS, Journal fiir Orn. IV, 1856, 343. Type Jlrdea virescens, Lin.
CH. — Bill acute, rather longer than the head, gently curved from the base above ; gonys slightly ascending. Legs very short ;
tarsi scarcely longer than the middle toe ; broadly scutellate anteriorly. Lateral toes nearly equal. Head with elongated feathers
above and behind ; these are well defined, lanceolate, as are the interscapulars and scapulars ; the latter not exceeding the tertials .
Neck short ; bare behind inferiorly. Tibia feathered nearly throughout. Tail of twelve feathers.
This genus is not represented in Europe, although species occur in Asia, Africa, Australia,
and Oceanica. But one is found in the United States ; a second species belongs to South America,
(B. scapularis ,) distinguished most easily by the neck being ash-colored, instead of dark purplish
chestnut.
Comparative measurements of Nycticoraceae.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
si)
c*
X
t»
2P
J
0
| |
I £
02
ei
1
'5
EH
3
a
H
Middle toe.
£
03
« C
o
2 ^
Hind toe
and claw.
Hind claw
alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Specimen
measured.
9491
Butoridea virescens.. ..
Tulare valley, Cal.
15.00
7.50
2.76
2.05
2.10
0.34
1.00
0.44
2.10
2.94
Skin
7068
do
Salt creek, K. T
. ...
7.20
2.92
2.15
2.26
0.40
0.94
0.52
2.46
3.20
Skin
do.
do
do
18.25
21.00
7.50
Fresh
1126
do
Or?
15.50
7 50
2 88
2 00
2 12
0 32
0 86
0 46
2 14
2 70
Skin
298
do
do
r?
14.80
7.50
3 14
1 92
2 00
0.40
0 86
0 50
2 46
3 10
Skin
1670
Nycticorax americamis.
Philadelphia, Pa...
23.00
12.90
5.10
3.16
3.33
0.50
1.40
0.93
3.10
4.06
Skin
4148
do
Q
13 50
5 20
3 14
3 26
0 54
1 30
0 88
2 88
3 76
Skin
do.
.... do.
do
31 75
42 50
12 75
Fresh
5564
do
Petaluma, Cal
rT
28.00
12.50
5.46
3.30
3.78
0.66
1.56
0.92
3 30
4 48
Skin
3041
do.
Nycterodius violaceus. .
do
Liberty co., Ga
do
$
23.40
40.50
12.00
12.20
5.20
3.72
2.88
0.40
2.19
0.88
2.78
3.28
Skin
Fre=li
3836
do
11 70
5 00
3 70
2 72
0 44
1 92
0 89
2 78
3 42
Skin
0.4_
do.
do
do
40.50
23.00
10.00
BUTORIDES VIRESCENS, B o n a p .
Green Heron; Fly-up-the-creek.
Jlrdea virescens, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 238.— GM. I, 1788, 635.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 97 ; pi. Ixi
ORD'S ed. p. 102.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 190.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827 ; Jlrdea, No. 36.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 274 ; pi. 333.— IB. Syn. 264.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 105 ; pi. 367.
Jlrdea (Botaurus) virescens, BON. Specchio Comp. No. 180.— IB. Syn. 307. — NUTT. II, 1834, 63.
Her odias virescens, BON. List, 1838. — GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 340.
Egretta virescens, SWAINSON, 2| Centen. 1838. No. 156.
Butorides virescens, BONAP. Conspectus Av. II, 1855, 128.
Jlgamia virescens, REICHENB. Icones Avium.
Ocniscus virescens, CABANIS, Journ. IV, 1856, 343. Cuba.
"Jlrdea chloroptera, BODD." 1784. Gray.
Jlrdea ludoviciana, GMELIN, I, 1788, 630.
" Jlrdea torquata, MILL. Illust. pi. Ix." Gray.
Green Heron, PENNANT, II, 447.
Sp. CH. — Top of head and body above are glossy green ; the coverts edged with brownish yellow. Neck dark purplish
chestnut. Chin and central line of throat white. Body beneath plumbeous ash. Length, 15.00 ; wing, 7.50; tarsus, 2.00 ;
bill above, 2.40.
Hit. — United States generally.
Bill stout ; culmen much compressed, gently convex towards the tip ; gonys ascending. Tarsi
shorter than the middle toe, covered behind and on the sides with small hexagonal scales.
Lateral toes about equal. Lower fourth only of tibia bare. Head with a crest of long, lanceo-
BIRDS — ARDEIDAE BUTORIDES VIRESCENS.
677
late, well defined feathers. Feathers of back and scapulars similar, the latter not reaching to
the tip of the tail. Feathers of the neck broad, the webs somewhat decomposed. Top of the
head, with the crest, and the entire upper parts, metallic glossy green, darkest on the head ;
the coverts all edged narrowly with brownish yellow ; the shafts of scapulars and interscapulars
whitish. The scapulars and interscapulars sometimes tinged with opaque plumbeous. Neck
and long feathers covering the jugulum purplish chestnut ; the chin and central line of the
throat white, streaked with dusky greenish. Under parts and sides of body plumbeous ash.
Bill black above ; yellowish beneath. Feet greenish yellow.
Younger specimens lack the scapular development. The colors generally are duller. The
under parts white, streaked with brown. The coverts more spotted.
As already stated, this species differs from B. scapularis, of Brazil, among other points, in
having the neck purplish chestnut instead of ashy.
Gundlach1 describes a species of Butorides from Cuba, (B. brunnescens,) which differs in having
the tip of the lower mandible greenish white, the naked skin of face olive black, that around
the eye yellowish green. The legs olive brown. The lesser wing coverts and small quills dark
metallic green, with very slight rusty edges. The large quills without white. Lesser under
wing coverts gray, with scarcely brownish border. Throat feathers yellowish brown ; dark gray
at the base ; the feathers of the fore neck blackish, with green metallic lustre, with rusty tips
and pale yellowish lateral edges. In virescens there are two stripes on the side of the head, one
from the angle of the mouth, and one from the base of the lower mandible towards the ear, and
between them a white stripe streaked with black ; of this latter stripe there is no trace in brun-
nescens.
I introduce this indication of what Cabanis considers a very good species, to call attention to
it as being almost the only Cuban heron recorded by Gundlach not yet detected within our limits,
and undoubtedly yet to be found in Florida.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and Locality,
age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1126
O<$ Carlisle. . . . ...
July 18,1843
S. F. Baird ........
298
J1 do
April 17,1841
do
4926
5891
Florida
G. Wiirdemann....
4271
4272
Calcasieu Pass, La
1854
1854
G. Wiirdemann....
do
7068
(J • Salt creek
IMay 28,1857
101
W. 8. Wood...
18.25
21.00
7.50
8189
July 9,1857
125
Dr. Cooper ....
17.75
25.25
4.75
4154
9487
Brownsville, Texas..,.
May 4, 1852
Capt. Van Vliet
20
J. H. Clark
17.50
19.00
25.50
28.00
7.00
8.00
and yel'w; feetyel'w.
4153
9488
Q Rio Nasasi, Durango....
June, 1852. . .
Lieut. Couch
Major Emory......
A. Schotl......
19.50
28.12
7.75
Eyes and feet green ;
bill yellow and slate.
9490
Lieut. VVhipple....
H.B.Mcillliausen
9489
9491
taw county.
........ Sacramento valley, Cal .
Lieut. Williamson,
do
Dr. Heermann .
Fort Tejon, Cal
i
J.Xantusde Vesey.
Jlrdea brunnescens, GUNDLACH, Lembeye, Av. Cuba, tab. xii.
Ocniscus hrunnescens, CAB. Journal fur Orn. IV, 1856, 344.
678 U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
NYCTIARDEA, Swain son.
Nyctiardea, SWAINSON, Classif. Birds, II, 18?7, 354. Type Jlrdea nycticorax, Lin.
Nycticorax, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, xi, 1819, 608. Same type. Not of Moehring, 1752.
CH. — Bill very stout ; culmen curved from base; the lower outline straight, or a little concave. End of upper mandible gently
decurved. Tarsi short, eqiml to the middle toe ; the scales more than usually hexagonal inferiorly. Outer lateral toe rather
longer. No unusual development of feathers, excepting a long, straight occipital plume of three feathers, rolled together. Neck
short ; moderately feathered behind.
The night herons, with a certain resemblance to the bittern, differ in the much stouter and
more curved bill, the lower edge of which is straight, instead of rising at the end. The tarsus
is equal to the middle toe, not shorter, and is covered anteriorly below by small hexagonal
scales, instead of large transverse scutellae. The claws are much shorter and more curved.
The tail has twelve feathers instead of ten.
NYCTIARDEA GARDENI, Baird.
Night Heron.
.ftrdea naevia, BODDAERT, Tabl. pi. enl. 939, 1784. Young. (Gray.)
Ardta gardeni, GMELIN, I, 1788, 644.
Nycticorax gardeni, " JARD." BONAP. Consp. II, 1855, 141.— GUNDL. Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 346.
Ardta nycticorax, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 101 ; pi. Ixi.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 193.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
Ill, 1835, 275 : V, 600 ; pi. 236.— IB. Syn. 261.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 82 ; pi. 363.
Ardea (Botaurus) nycticorax, BONAP. Specchio Comp. 1827, No. 176. — IB. Syn. 1828, 306.
•flrdea (Botaurus) discors, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 54.
Nycticorax americanus, BONAP. List, 1838. — TSCHUDI, Fauna Per. — GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 344.
Sp. CH. — Head above and middle of back steel green. Wings and tail ashy blue. Under parts, forehead, and long occipital
feathers white. Sides tinged with lilac. Length, about 25 inches ; wing, 12.50 ; tarsus, 3.15 ; bill above, 3.10.
Hub. — United States generally.
Bill very thick at the base, and tapering all the way to the tip. Culmen nearly straight for
half its length, then considerably curved. Lower outline of bill nearly straight. Gonys proper
slightly concave. Legs short, but stout. The tarsus equal to the middle toe ; covered throughout
with hexagonal scales, the anterior largest, but those on the upper portion much larger, and
going entirely across. Tibia bare for about one-fifth. Lateral toes nearly equal ; the outer
rather longest. Claws small ; considerably curved. Tail short, of twelve broad, rather stiff
feathers.
Head with the occipital feathers elongated, and with two or three very long, straight feathers
(as long as the bill and head) springing from the occiput. These are rolled up so as to appear
like a single cylindrical feather. Back of the neck covered with down, but not provided with
long feathers. Interscapular feathers and scapulars elongated and lanceolate, the webs scarcely
decomposed.
The upper part of the head, including the upper eyelids, the occipital crest, and the inter-
scapular region and scapulars, dark lustrous steel green. The wings and tail are ashy blue.
The under parts, the forehead, and the long occipital feathers are white, passing into pale ashy
lilac on the sides and on the neck above ; this color, in fact, tinging nearly the whole under
parts. The region along the base of the bill, however, is nearly pure, as are the tibia. The
bill is black ; the loral space green ; the iris red ; the feet yellow ; the claws brown.
BIRDS ARDEIDAE NYCTHERODIUS VIOLACEUS
679
Specimens are sometimes nearly pure white beneath. In two from California the green
feathers of the occiput extend further back on the nape, behind the insertion of the long white
plume, instead of the hinder ones being inserted in line with this. The black tips to these
plumes, mentioned by Bonaparte, I have never seen.
An immature bird differs in having the green of the back and head replaced by dull chocolate
brown ; the coverts with spots of whitish ; the neck and under parts streaked with dusky. The
quills have a chocolate red tinge, tipped with whitish. Still younger specimens have all the
feathers above with terminal spots of whitish.
The American night heron is similar to the European N. grisea, but is larger, the bill
stouter. The young birds have the quills with an apical white spot, not found in the European.
(Bonaparte.)
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
!
1670
S. F. Baird
4270
o
1854
4269
do ....
1854
do
4150
April 27, 1853
Capt. Van Vliet 3
26 00
43 00
4151
o
do
April 3,1853
do 29
25.00
44.00
12 50 '
4149
4148
5113
(J
Q
Pesquieria Grande,N.Leon
do
May, 1853....
do
Lieut. Couch
do
33.25
33.75
42.50
42.50
12.75 Eye crimson ; bill
blue and yellow.
12.75 do
9889
o
H.B.Mullhausen.
9888
9
do
5564
<?
June 18,1856
E. Samuels 81
NYCTHERODIUS, Reich.
Nyctherodius, REICHENB. Naturl. Syst. Vogel, in Systema Avium, 1853, p. xvi. Type Jlrdea violacea, L.
Nycticorax, BOIE, Isis, 1826. Not of Stephens and Moehring.
CH. — Bill very thick and stout, Loth outlines much and about equally curved ; commissure nearly straight. Tarsi moderate ;
the scales, except anteriorly above, strongly hexagonal ; middle toe considerably shorter than tarsus ; outer lateral rather the
longer ; claws small, obtuse, much curved. Tail of twelve broad feathers. Head with the occipital feathers elongated ; a few
much longer. Scapulars and interscapulars lanceolate, the latter reaching to end of tail.
NYCTHERODIUS VIOLACEUS, Reich.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
Jlrdea violacea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 238.— GMEL. I, 631.— LATH. Ind. II, 690.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII,
1814,26 ; pi. Ixv.— Bon. Obs. 1825, No. 196— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 290 ; pi. 336.— IB.
Syn. 262.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 89 ; pi. 364.
Jlrdea (Botaurus) violacea, BONAP. Specchio, 1827, No. 177. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 52.
Nyctiardea violacea, SWAINSON, Birds, II, 1837, 354.
Nycticorax violaceus, BONAP.
Nyctherodius violaceus, REICHENB. Syst. Av. 1853, p. xvi. — BONAP. Conspectus, II, 1855, 142.— GUNDLACH, Cab.
Jour. IV, 1856, 346.
Jlrdea jamaicensis, GMELIN, I, 1788, 625.
Jlrdea cayanensis, GMELIN, I, 1788, 626.
" Jlrdea sexsetacea, VIEII.L. Diet."
"Jlrdea callocephala, WAGLER."
Yelloic-crowned heron, PENNANT.
CH. — Neck and body uniform grayish plumbeous ; the head bluish black ; the hood and a broad patch on the side of the
head yellowish white. Interscapular and scapular feathers dusky, edged with grayish plumbeous. Length, 24. 00 ; wing, 12.00 ;
tarsus, 3.70 ; bill above, 2.78. Hob.— South Atlantic and Gulf States ; South America.
680
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Bill very short and stout ; not longer than the head. Culrnen gently curved from the base ;
most so towards the tip; lower outline of bill straight to the culmen, then ascending in a gentle
convexity, a little straighter than the culmen, but the two mandibles tapering about equally.
Legs rather long ; the tarsus one and a quarter time the length of middle toe, covered with
hexagonal scutellae, which in front and above are larger, and cover the anterior face. The
tibia are bare for about one-third their length. The outer toe is rather longest ; the claws all
short, small, and much curved. The occipital feathers are elongated, and there are two linear
lanceolate ones about as long as the head and body, but these are not rolled together. The back
of the neck is thinly covered with normal feathers. The interscapular feathers are rather
elongated and lanceolate ; the scapulars are much developed, linear, lanceolate ; the tips
rounded, and reaching to the end of the tail ; the pennules decomposed for the terminal half.
The tail is composed of twelve broad, rather stiff feathers.
The external form of this species is a good deal like that of Nyctiardea gardeni. The bill,
however, is much thicker and shorter ; the commissure is straight, instead of concave with the
end of upper mandible attenuated ; the gonys is ascending and convex, instead of horizontal
and slightly concave ; the tips of both mandibles nearly equally pointed and tapering. The
tarsi are much longer and the toes shorter, so that the former are much longer than the middle
toe, instead of shorter ; the claws are much smaller and more curved ; the tibia bare for a
greater distance ; the reticulation of the lower part of the tarsus is more hexagonal and smaller.
The scapular feathers are much more elongated.
The prevailing color of this species is a grayish plumbeous. The head all round is bluish
black ; the top of the head from the bill, including the longest occipital feathers, and a broad
isolated patch from beneath the middle of the eye, yellowish white. The feathers of the inter-
scapular region coverts and scapulars are dusky, edged with grayish plumbeous ; the quills and
tail plumbeous dusky. The body generally and neck are uniform grayish plumbeous, lighter
below. The bill is black ; the legs yellow above, the lower portion black.
The young are dark greenish olivaceous above, the feathers streaked centrally, and spotted
terminally with brownish yellow. The under parts are whitish, streaked with brown. The
feathers of the head have the shafts extended into a whitish thread. The whitish of the neck
is strongly tinged with brownish yellow.
The young bird is readily distinguished from that of Nyctiardea gardeni by the dark greenish
olive back, with numerous spots ; plumbeous, not chocolate colored, quills ; better defined streaks
below, and, above all, by the generic differences in the bill and feet.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected
by-
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
3041
J
1846
S. F. Baird
4268
5109
Calcasieu Pass, La..
Indianola
1854
Mar. 23,1855
G. Wurdemann.,..
Capt. Pope
35
28 00
38.00
la. 50
3836
Capt. Van Vliet
23 00
40 50
10 00
bill dark green and yellow.
4147
9481
Matamoras
Rio Grande, Texas.
Oct. 13, ia53
Lieut. Couch
A. Schott..
9482
Fort Smith
H. Miill-
1782
S. F. Baird
BIRDS — TANTALIDAE.
681
Family TANTALIDAE.
CH. — With naked spaces about the base of the very long, rounded, much attenuated, and decurved bill. Toes with a basal
web, especially between the inner and middle ones.
Of the present family but two well marked genera occur within the limits of the United
States, namely Tantalus and Eudocimua. Falcinellus is so little different from the latter as
scarcely to he worthy of generic rank. Bonaparte divides the Tantalidae into several sub
families, which, with the North American genera, may he characterized as follows :
TANTALINAE. — Bill very much thickened at base, without any nasal groove. Nostrils opening
directly in the substance of the bill, not surrounded by membrane. Legs lengthened, and
covered with hexagonal scales.
TANTALUS. — Head bare of feathers.
GERONTICINAE. — Bill with a groove extending nearly to the tip. Legs with reticulated scales.
Species confined to the old world and to South America.
IBINAE. — Bill rather slender at the base ; upper mandible grooved to the tip. Nostrils sur
rounded, except below, by membrane. Legs anteriorly with transverse scutellae.
IBIS. — Forehead bare of feathers ; claws curved ; plumage dull.
FALCINELLUS. — Forehead feathered ; claws straight ; plumage metallic.
I have been obliged to change Bonaparte's names of sub-families by calling his Ibinae,
Geronticinae, and restoring the name of Ibinae to his Eudociminae. This is in consequence of
the fact that Ibis of Moehring, 1752, has the Tantalus ruber, of Linnaeus, as type, and must be
applied to the North American birds, so that Eudocimus becomes a synonym.
Bartram, in his Travels in Florida, (1791,) describes a Tantalus pictus, of which Barton pub
lishes a figure, in Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XII, 1818, 24, pi. i, given him by Bartram, and
there calls it Tantalus ephouskyca. It is difficult to say whether this be Tantalus, Ibis or Aramas.
The coloration as described, however, differs materially from that of any known species of these
genera.
Comparative measurements of Tantalidae.
(B
&
9
a
a.
Catal.
Species.
Locality.
i
a
»
0
K
Ml
be
Specimen
No.
M
c
V
B
'3
a
•a
to "S
—
c
o
measured.
09
1-1
^
H
i
-
H
•*!
9497
Tantalus loculator
Lower Rio Grande
18.50
7.00
7.10
4.70
0.56
8.30
7.90
Skin
2736
28 50
10 90
4 50
3 50
3 20
0 50
6 80
6 50
Skin
9502
Ibis alba
11 20
5.02
3.76
3 22
0 53
7.00
6.60
Skin
1076
Liberty county, Qa
12.00
4.80
3.48
3.08
0.50
6.60
6.50
Skin
9500
do
o
10 10
4 r>o
3.04
2 72
0 44
5.10
5.20
Skin ....
V
do..
....do
do
9503
1 bis ordii
Texas
20 50
10.00
4 06
3 28
2 80
0 56
4 35
4.30
9870
....do
9.90
4 12
3 44
2 90
0 56
4.30
4 30
Skin .....
July 29, 1858.
8Gb
682
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
TANTALUS, Linnaeus.
Tantalus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 1758. Type Tantalus loculator, L.
CH. — Bill very long, much thickened at the base and decurvsd at the tip. Edges rather smooth. Nasal groove not
continued beyond the nostrils, which are broad, pervious, and not surrounded by membrane. Head and neck entirely bare in
he adult; the latter with the skin transversely rugose. Legs lengthened; tibia more than half bare, and with the tarsus,
covered by small hexagonal scales. Outer lateral toe longer than inner ; the toes connected at base by membrane.
Young with the head partly feathered.
TANTALUS LOCULATOR, Linn.
Wood Ibis; Colorado Turkey.
Tantalus loculator, LINN. I, 1766, 240.— GM. I, 667.— LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 702.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814,
39 ; pi. Ixvi.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 197.— IB. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. II, 1855, 149.—
WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 530.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 82.— A UD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,128; pi.
216.— IB. Syn. 1839, 258.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 64; pi. 36.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour.
IV, 1856, 348.
?"Ibis navdopoa, VIEILLOT," Gray.
" Tantalus plumicollis, SPIX, Av. Bras. tab. Ixxxv."
Wood pelican, CATESBY, Car. pi. Ixxxi.
SP. CH. — Mull. Entirely white ; tail and quills metallic blackish green, with purple reflections.
Young. Neck and head feathered as in Ibis. Color duller than in adult ; the downy feathers of neck dusky.
Length about 45 inches ; wing, 18.50 ; bill, 8.50 ; tarsus, 7.10.
Hob. — South Atlantic and Gulf States, and across to the Colorado river; as far north as North Carolina and mouth of Ohio.
This well known species needs no especial comparisons to distinguish it from every other
North American bird. It is said to be abundant on the Colorado river, especially about Fort
Yuma, and to be there called Colorado turkey.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When collected.
"Whence obtained.
Collected by —
o
Florida'
S F Baird
9496
Maj. Brown's island, llio Grande
Oct 23, 1853
Major Emory .
A. Sckott
9497
Lower Rio Grande
do
do - - .
do
4144
Matamoras
8068
Mexico __.. _ .___. _.
Sept 1836
IBIS, Moehring.
Ibis, MOEHRING, Genera Avium, 1758, 71. Type Tantalus ruber, L., according to G. R. Gray.
CH. — Bill very long, moderately thickened at the base, and curving downwards to the tip. Nasal groove deeply impressed,
extending to the end of the bill. Nostrils impervious, surrounded, except below, by membrane. Basal portion of cutting
edges of bill with dull serrations in one species. Forehead and base of bill all round, extending behind the eyes and on the
chin, bare, except in /. ordii. Tibia bare for half its length, covered with hexagonal scales ; scales on the anterior part of the
tarsus broad and transverse. Middle toe nearly as long as the tarsus ; outer lateral longer ; hinder elevated ; toes connected at
base by web .
Gray gives Tantalus ruler, L., as the type of Moehring's genus Ibis. This author quotes
Belon. 1. 4, c. 9, and Seba, Thesaurus, I, tab. 62, f. 3. The latter citation is said to refer to
Tantalus ruber ; of the former I can learn nothing.
The North American species are readily known by the red color of the first, the white body
and red bill of the second, and the chestnut body and neck with metallic green, &c., on the
BIRDS — TANTALIDAE IBIS RUBKA. 683
back of the third. There is a considerable difference in the external form of the species,
which has caused systematic writers to place them in different sub-genera as follows :
LEUCIBIS, Eeich. — In Ibis alba the bill has obsolete serrations along the middle portion,
directed forwards. The forehead is naked to above the middle of the eye, the feathers coming
forward at about a rectangle to this point, but there are rudiments of feathers half an inch
beyond, or to a point a little anterior to the eye. The whole chin and upper part of the throat
are bare for about an inch behind the lower mandible. The bill from the forehead is as long as
the tarsus and toes. The tarsi are transversely scutellate for the anterior half ; covered with
hexagonal scales behind. The toes are stout ; the claws thickened, blunt, and much curved.
The outer lateral claw reaches a little beyond the base of the middle. The inner anterior
surface of the middle claw is extended downwards into a sharp cutting edge, but is not pectinated.
The primaries are considerably longer than the secondaries and tertials.
The young bird has the head feathered almost as far forward as the commissure, leaving the
region round and in front of the eye bare.
IBIS. — Ibis rubra has the bill without any serrations whatever. The feathers of the forehead
come forward to a point anterior to the eye, and about three-tenths of an inch from the bill ; the
upper part of the throat is rather more bare than in J. alba. The bill is rather shorter than
the tarsus and middle toe. The toes and tarsus much as in I. alba, but the outer lateral claw
does not reach to the base of the middle. The middle claw has its inner face extended into a
cutting edge, with indistinct, perhaps accidental, notches, but no pectination.
The primaries are considerably longer than the secondaries and tertials.
FALCINELLUS, Bechst. — Ibis ordii has the bill quite slender at the base, and about as long
as the tarsus and half the middle toe. It is entirely destitute of serrations. The head is
feathered above to the base of both mandibles, leaving bare only the space between the horny
rami of under jaw and the region in front of and a little around the eye. The outer claw
reaches a little beyond the base of the middle, which has the inner face extended into a cutting
edge, but with no pectination, as stated by Bonaparte, but only an occasional accidental
notching. The claws are slender and almost perfectly straight. The primaries are scarcely,
if at all, longer than secondaries and tertials.
IBIS KUBRA, Vieillot.
Red or Scarlet Ibis; Pink Curlew.
Tantalus ruber, LINN. I, 1766, 241.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 651.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 703.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII,
1814, 41 ; pi. Ixvi.
Ibis rubra, VIEILLOT, Diet.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827 ; Ibis, No. 4.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 84.— BON. List,
1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 62 ; pi. 397.— IB. Syn. 257.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1845, 53 ; pi. 359.
Eudocimus ruber, WAGLER, I«is, 1832, 1232, (type).— BONAP. Consp. 1855, 157.— GUNDL. Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 348.
? Tantalus fuscus, LINN. I, 1766, 242.— GMELIN, I, 651. Young.
? Tantalus minutus, LINN. Young.
"Ibis leucopygia, Spix, Av. Bras. tab. Ixxxviii. Young."
Sr. CH. — Mult. Uniform and brilliant scarlet red; the tips of outer piimaries black. Young. Ashy; darker above.
Under parts and rump white.
Length, 28 inches; wing, 10.90; tarsus, 3.50; bill above, 6.80.
Ilab. — South America and West Indies. Very rare or accidental in the United States.
The occurrence of this Ibis as a North American bird is very problematical, the instances in
which it has been observed being very rare. Mr. Audubon saw it but once, when a flock of
three passed high over his head in Louisiana.
684
U. S. P. R. R. EX P. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2736
South America .....
S. F. Baird
1967
do
do
IBIS ALBA, Vieillot.
White Curlew; White Ibis; Spanish Curlew.
Tantalus albvs, LIKN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 242. — GM. I, 651.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 705. — WILSON, Am.
Orn. VIII, 1814, 43; pi. Ixvi.
Ibis alba, VIEILLOT, Diet.— ORD. ed. Wilson, VIII.— BON. Obs. 1825, 179.— IB. List, 1838.— NUTTALL, Man. II,
1834, 86.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 178: V, 1839, 593; pi. 222.— IB. Syn. 257.— IB. Birds
Amer. VI, 1843, 54; pi. 360.
Eudocinms albvs, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1232.— BONAP. Consp. II, 1855, 156.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 348.
" Paribis albvs, Is. GEOFFR."
Tantalus coco, JACQUIN, Beit. 1784, 13. — GMELIN, I, 1788, 652.
" ? Ibis brevirostris, PEALE."
White Ibis, PENNANT, LATHAM. — White Curlew, CATESBT. — Brown Ibis, PENN. LATH.
CH. — Anterior half of head bare ; the feathers not reaching, in the adult, further than the middle of the eye. Pure white ;
the tips of five outer primaries lustrous greenish black. Bill red ; the terminal half black ; in the young entirely red. Length,
25 inches ; wing, 11.25 ; tarsus, 3.75 ; bill, 7.
Hob. — South Atlantic and Gulf States ; straggling occasionally northward.
A young bird, (9501,) probably of this species, is olive brown above ; tbe rump and concealed
portion of the back, with the under parts white ; the head and neck brown, the feathers
streaked centrally with darker. The head is feathered further forward ; the primaries, which
appear to be full grown, are shorter than the tertials ; the bill is much shorter than tarsus and
toes ; scarcely longer than in I. ordii, and without black tip. A rather older specimen from
St. Simon's Island (9502) has the bill entirely yellow, without black tip or serrations. The
plumage generally is white, with here and there the more immature brown color, as in the
quills, the edge of wings, streaks on the feathers of the neck, &c. The face is feathered nearly
as far forward as in the glossy Ibis, the feathers extending anterior to the eye, and nearly to
the rami ; the orbital region bare.
Wagler, in Isis,1 describes a white Ibis from Mexico, with the bill much longer and less
curved, and entirely red, instead of being tipped with black.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Remarks.
1076
Liberty county Ga. .--
March 1843
S F. Baird .
W". L. Jones
9502
St Simon's island Ga ...
J. P. Postell
9580
[udian river --- ......
G. Wurdemann
Iris white.
9501
Brownsville Tex ........
Oct. 25,1853
Major Emory
A. Schott. .. .
'Ibis lonsirostris, WAGLER, Ifis, 1829, 760.— IB. 1832, 1232.— GRAY, Gen. Ill, tab. 152.
Eudocimus longirostris, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1232.— Bp. Consp. II, 1855, 157.
BIRDS— TANTALIDAE IBIS OBDIL
685
IBIS ORDII, Bonap.
Glossy Ibis.
1J Tantalus mexicanus, GMELIN, Syst Nat. I, 1788, 653.
Tantalus mexicanus, ORD, J. A. N. Sc. I, 1817, 53.
Ibitfalcinellus, BONAP. Obs. 1825, No. 199.— IB. Syn. 312.— IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1831,23 ; pl.xxiii.— NUTTALL, Man. II,
1834, 88.— AUD. Orn. Riog IV, 1838, 608; pi. 387.— IB. Syn. 257.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 50 ;
pi. 358.
Ibis ordii, BONAP. List, 1838.
Falcindlus ordii, BONAP. Consp. II, 1855, 159.
1 Ibis guarauna, WOODHOCSE, Sitgreaves' Exp. 1853, 98.
Sp. CH. — Forehead feathered almost to the bill. Color chestnut ; the top of head and back metallic green, glossed with
purple. Bill dusky ; the naked skin at base slate blue. Length, 20.50 inches; wing, 10; tarsus, 3.30; bill above, 4.30.
Hab.' — Found singly and at intervals over the whole United States.
General color, including the lesser wing coverts, opaque purplish, orange chestnut brown:
Top of head and nape, both sides of wing, (except the lesser coverts,) and the tail, metallic
green, glossed variously with purple ; the interscapular region and anterior scapulars purple
chestnut. The opaque feathers of the neck and head edged obscurely with dusky ; the bare
skin of the head all round bordered by whitish. The bill is dusky in the skin ; in life it is said
to be blackish ; the bare skin at the base slate blue. The feet grayish black.
Young specimens are similar, except that the head and neck are of an opaque dull greyish
brown, the feathers more or less edged narrowly with whitish.
The synonomy of this species is in very great confusion, and it is difficult to say what name it
should bear. Admitting it to be distinct from the European Ibisfalcinellus, the earliest name for an
American bird is Tantalus guaruana, of Linnaeus, which, however, is considered by Bonaparte
to be distinct, and confined to South America. The T. mexicanus of Gmelin, referred to the
same species by Bonapartej seems to have as much claim to identity with the North American
as with the more southern bird. The T. chalcopterus of Temminck belongs to the South
American species. Setting aside T. mexicanus of Gmelin as too uncertain for the present case,
the next name in order is the ordi of Bonaparte.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
ofwings.
9503
Texas
Major Emory ....
A. Schott
4MQ
9
Cadereita, Mox
April — , 1853
Lieut. Couch ....
24.00
34.00
10.25
Eyes crimson, bill slato.
5117
Ojo del Cuerpo, N. M ..
Sept. 29, 1855
Capt. Popn
139
26.00
33.50
11.00
Eyes brown, hill black,
gums reddi-h yellow,
feet dark gray.
9506
9
Frontrra,RioGrnnde,Tex
Major Emory....
C. Writht
30.00
10.50
9004
Santa Cruzn, Sonora. ..
June — , 1855
do
71
Dr. Kennrrly
Fort Tujon, Csl
9505
San Francisco, Cal....
Mar. 2S, ie54
Lieut. Whipple
196
Kenn. and Miill
22 00
36 00
16 00
8C69
Mexico
Sept. , 1836
J Gould
686
U. S. P. E. K. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
Family TLATALEIDAE.
CH. — Bill completely depressed, very broadband widening at the rounded tip.
No more detailed description is needed to characterize the spoon-bills, of which seven or
eight species are described by authors.
PLATALEA, L.
Platalea, LINN. Syst Nat. 1735. Type Plalalea leucorodia. (Gray.)
CH. — Bill very broad, excessively depressed, and spatulate or greatly widened to the rounded tip; the mandibles in close
apposition ; the edges not lamellar. Head bald in the adult American species. Legs rather shorter than in typical herons ; tibia
and tarsi covered throughout with small hexagonal scales ; the former bare for nearly one-half. Toes webbed at the base ; the
outer lorger than the inner ; the middle claw not pectinated. Middle toe nearly as long as the tarsus ; hind toe rather long.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Age.
Length. Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw.
Bil
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
2734
32.50 15.00
4.70
3.96
3.64
0,56
6.60
6.15
Skin
4273
Cacnsicu Pass, La
o
14,00
5 26
4.28
3 76
0.55
7.00
6.60
Skin
PLATALEA AJAJA, Linn.
Rosy Spoon-bill.
Platalea ajaja, LINN. I, 1766, 231.— GMELIN, I, 614.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 123 ; pi. Ixii, (two years old.)—
BON. Obs. 1825, No. 185. — IB. Conspectus, If, 1855, 146.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 79— WAGLER,
Isis, 1831, 530.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 188, pi. 131.— IB. Syn.— IB. Birds Amcr. VI, 1843, 72 ;
pi. 362.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 347.
Platea incarnata, SLOAN, Hist. Jam. II, 316.
Roseate spoon-bill, LATHAM.
Jldult. — Head all round and nape naked. General color rosy red ; paler anteriorly, and nearly white on the neck. Lesser
wing coverts, with upper and lower tail coverts and lower part of throat, intense carmine. Tail feathers brownish ochre yellow.
Naked skin of head yellowish green. Bill mostly greenish blue in life.
Younger with the head feathered, except around the base of the bill, and around and a little behind the eye. Similar in color,
but the carmine wanting and the tail rosy.
Length, 30 inches ; wing, 15 ; tarsus, 4 ; bill above, 7.
Hob.— South Atlantic and Gulf States.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
S F Baird
J. J. Audubon .
4273
Calcasicti pass, La .............
1854
9499
1853
Major Emory
A. Schott
9498
Eio Grande Tex
1843
do
do
BIRDS — PHOENICOPTERIDAE PIIOENICOPTERUS RUBER.
687
Family PHOENICOPTERIDAE.
CH. — Legs and neck excessively elongated. Bill with the edges lamellated or denticulated, and bent abruptly in the middle .
Toes fully webbed.
The precise position of this remarkable family is a matter of some uncertainty, some authors
placing it with the Anseres, on account of its webbed feet and lamellar bill, while others keep it
in the Grallae. I am inclined to think that its affinities are more with the Anseres ; at least, it
seems less out of place there than in the other sub-order. Should the statement to Mr. Audubon
be correct, that the young betake themselves to the water immediately on breaking the shell, it
will almost settle the question by placing it in the sub-class Praecoces, and, consequently,
with the Anseres.
PHOENICOPTERUS, Linn.
Phoenicopterus, LINN. 1748. Type Phoenicopterus ruber, L. (Gray.)
CH. — Neck and feet excessively lengthened. Bill duck-like, bent abruptly downward in the middle ; the opposed edges of
both mandibles lamellar. Tibia denuded for the inferior two-thirds ; the anterior two-thirds of both tibia and tarsus enveloped
by one series of broad scutellae ; the circumference completed by a smaller posterior series. Toes one-fourth the tarsus, con
nected as far as the claws by a thickened membrane. Claws short, broad, blunt. Hind toe very small, elevated ; sometimes
wanting.
There is a soft skin at the base of the bill which extends around and behind the eye.
Comparative measurements.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex. Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its
claw.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
Remarks.
8695
Phoenicopterus ruber . .
Indian Key, Fla. .
$ ! .
6.70
12.20
3.50
0.38
5.90
5.00
Skin ....
do.
do
do
48 00 i 66.00
16 50
8697
... . Jo
do
c? .
6 30
12.20
3 30
0 38
5 70
5 00
Skin
do.
do
do
48 00 i 66 00
16 50
8696
.. . do
do
Q
5 60
11.50
3 20
0 35
6 00
5.00
Skin
do.
do
do
42 00 [ 64 50
15 50
Fresh
!
PHOENICOPTERUS RUBER, Linn.
Flamingo.
Phoenicopterus ruber, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 230, (in part.)— GMELIN, 1,612. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 45
pi. Ixvi.— Bon. Obs. 1825, No. 236.— IB. Am. Orn. Ill, 1828, 101.— IB. List, 1838.— IB.
Consp. II, 1855, 145.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 70.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 255; pi.
431.— IB. Syn. 269.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 169, pi. 375.
Sp. CH. — Hind toe moderate. Size very largo. Color bright scarlet red ; deepest on the wings. Quills black. Legs red.
Bill yellow ; black from the bent portion. Length, 45 inches; wing, 16.50 ; tarsus, 12 ; bill above, (along curve,) 5.90.
Halt, — Warmer parts of America. Hare on the Florida Keys.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained, j Length.
1
Stretch
of wings.
Wing, i Ecmarks.
8697
3
Indian Key, Fla.
G. Wurdemaan 48. 00
6G. 00
16.50 Moulting
8C98
$
do
do 48. 00
66. 00
16.50 i do
8696
Q
do .
do 42. 00
64.50
15.30 do .. .
8G95
3
do
August 6, 1857
do ! 48.00
66.00
16.50 ', do
SUB-ORDER
GRALLAE.
CH. — Feathers of the head and neck extending over the entire cheeks to the bill. Bill, when much longer than head, slender
at the base ; sometimes thick and shorter than the head. Young running about and feeding themselves as soon as hatched.
The preceding characteristics indicate, in a general way, the characteristics of the Grallae as
distinguished from the Herodiones. They are usually much smaller birds, and more especially
inhabitants of the open sandy shore. Few or none of the species nest on trees or bushes, the
eggs being generally laid in a cavity scooped out in the sand.
The sub-order is divided by Bonaparte into two tribes, Cursores and Alectorides , (by Burmeister
into Limicolae and Paludicolae,) the first having the hind toe elevated, small, or wanting, the
second having it lengthened and inserted on a level with the rest. Additional characters are
as follows :
LIMICOLAE. — Species living on the shore, and generally probing the ground or mud in search
of food. Bill and legs generally lengthened and slender. Bill hard at tip, softer and more
contracted at base. Anterior toes connected at base more or less by membranes, and with very
short claws. Hind toe very short, elevated, or wanting. Wings long, pointed ; outer
primaries longest, and reaching to or beyond the tip of tail, which is stiff.
PALUDICOLAE. — Species living in marshy places among the grass, feeding from the surface of
the ground. Bill hard to its base, where it is not contracted. Toes cleft to the base, lengthened,
with very long claws. Hind toe lengthened, and on same level with the rest. Wing short,
rounded, not reaching the tip of the soft tail ; outer primaries graduated.
Tribe LIMICOLAE,
Cn — Birdd living on the shore or in open places, usually small species, with rounded or depressed bodies, and slender bills
of variable length, having a more or less distinct horny terminal portion, the remainder covered with soft skin, in which are
situated the elongated, narrow, open, and distinct nostrils. The feathers of the head are small, and extend compactly to the
base of the bill ; they are similar in character to those of the neck and body. The wings are long, acute, and when folded
reaching to or beyond the tip of the tail. The posterior or inner secondaries are generally as long as the outer primaries. The
primaries are ten in number ; the three outer longest and about equal. The tail is stiff, short, broad, and rounded or graduated ;
the feathers usually twelve, sometimes more. The legs are slender and delicate, but corresponding with the bill in proportions.
A large portion of the tibia below is bare of feathers. The covering of the legs is parchment-like, not horny, generally divided
anteriorly and behind into small half rings, laterally more in hexagons. The claws are delicate, sharp, and gently curved.
The hind toe is very small, scarcely touching the ground ; sometimes wanting. There is usually (except in Calidris, Tringa, &c.)
a rather broad basal membrane between the outer and middle toes, sometimes between the inner and middle ; this web
occasionally extends toward the ends of the toes.
In the prececeding diagnosis, borrowed, like that of Paludicolae, from the admirable work of
Burmeister, I have given the most prominent characters of this tribe. By Bonaparte it is
divided into 1. Otididae ; 2. Charadrididae ; 3. Glareolidae ; 4. Thinocoridae ; 5. Haematopo-
didae ; 6. Chionididae ; 7. Dromadidae ; 8. Recur virostridae ; 9. Phalaropodidae ; and 10.
Scolopacidae. Of these, however, the 1st, 3d, 4th, Gth, and 7th have no representatives within
our limits, leaving the remaining five to be defined as follows :
BIRDS LIMICOLAE. 689
A. Nostrils reaching usually to the end of basal third or half of the commissure ; oval, short.
Bill contracted about the nostrils, where the culmen is more or less indented. Nasal groove
closed obtusely and abruptly, or shallowing out broadly to the end. Hind toe generally wanting ;
neck short and thick.
CHARADJUDAE. — Bill rather cylindrical, as long as the head, or shorter ; the culmen
much indented opposite the nostrils, the vaulted apex more or less swollen and rising,
quite distinct from the membranous portion. Legs elevated ; hind toe rarely present,
and then rudimentary ; the outer and middle toes more or less united by membrane.
HAEMATOPODLDAE. — Bill as long as the head, or twice as long, compressed ; culmen but
little indented, and the bill not vaulted beyond the nostrils, which are quite basal.
B. Nostrils narrow and fissured, not reaching beyond the basal fourth of the commissure.
The bill attenuated and linear beyond the nostrils, not compressed nor indented around them.
The nasal groove running out into a narrow, acute channel to or beyond the middle of the
jaw, just above the edge of the bill ; the forehead narrowed and depressed to the bill.
KECURVIROSTRIDAE. — Legs covered with hexagonal plates, becoming smaller behind.
Anterior toes all connected more or less by membrane. Bill much lengthened and
attenuated ; the groove along the side of the upper mandible not extending beyond
the middle. Gums denticulated only at the base.
PHALAROPODIDAE. — Feathers of breast compact, duck-like. Legs with transverse scutellae
before and behind. Toes to the tips with a lateral margin, more or less indented at the
joints, the hinder with a feeble lobe. Bill equal to or longer than the head, the lateral
groove extending nearly to the tip.
SCOLOPACIDAE. — Legs with transverse scutellae before and behind, as in the last family,
(except in Numenieae.) Toes not margined broadly to the tips, with or without basal
membrane ; hind toe generally present. Bill generally longer than the head, the
groove extending beyond the middle.
The determinations and descriptions of the species of Grallae in the following pages, with
their synonymy, have been prepared by Mr. John Cassin.
August 2, 1858.
87 b
690 U. S. P. R. B EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family CH ATUDEID AE .
This family is divided by Bonaparte into the three sub-families Oedicneminae, Charadrinae,
and Cursorinae; but as the first and last are not represented in North America, there is no
occasion to present them here. They are readily distinguished from the Charadrinae by well
marked characters.
The characters of the Charadrinae are sufficiently well expressed in the diagnosis of the
family already given. The wings when folded reach beyond the tail. The head is very large,,
the neck short, and nearly as thick as the head. The bill in size and shape has, in some
instances, quite a close resemblance to that of the doves. The legs, as a general rule, have no
hind toe, except in Squatarola. The middle and outer toes are connected at the base by a
membrane.
CHARADRIUS, Linnaeus.
Charadrius, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type C. pluvialis, L.
CH. — Plumage yellowish gray, spotted. Tail transversely banded. No collar on neik. Tarsi and lower thighs uniformly
reticulated. Color of legs bluish green.
CHARADRIUS VIRGINICUS, Borck.
Golden Plover; Bull-head.
Charadrius pluvialis, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 71 ; pi. lix.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 623.— NUTTALL, Man.
II, 1834, 16.— AUD. Orn. Eiog. Ill, 1835, 623. (Not of Linnaeus.)
Charadrius virginicus, " BORCKHAUSEN and BECHSTEIN." LIGHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No. 729.
Charadrius virginicus, " BORKH. Mus. Berolin." — MEYEN, Nova Acta, K. L. C. Akad. XVI, Suppl. 1834, 106; pi. xviii.
Charadrius marmoratus, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog.V, 1839, 575 ; pi. 300.— IB. Syn.2'2'2 —
IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 203 ; pi. 316.
?Charadriuspectoralis, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XXVII, 1819, 145.
Charadrius xanthocheilus, JARD. 111. Orn. II, pi. Ixxxv.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 5.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 300, Oct. ed. V, pi. 316. — MEYEN, Nova Acta,
XVI, Supp. pi. 18.
SP. CH. — Bill rather short, legs moderate, wings long, no hind toe, tarsus covered before and behind with small circular or
hexagonal scales. Upper p:rts brownish black, with numerous small circular and irregular spots of golden yellow, most
numerous on the back and rump, and on the upper tail coverts, assuming the form of transverse bands, generally ; also with
some spots of ashy white. Entire under parts black, with a brownish or bronzed lustre, under tail coverts mixed or barred with
white. Forehead, border of the black of the neck, under tail coverts and tibiae, white ; axillary feathers cinereous ; quills, dark
brown ; middle portion of the shafts white, frequently extending slightly to the webs and forming longitudinal stripes on the
shorter quills ; tail dark brown, with numerous irregular bands of ashy white, and frequently tinged with golden yellow ; bill,
black ; legs, dark bluish brown. Younger. — Under parts dull ashy, spotted with brownish on the neck and breast, frequently more
or less mixed with black ; many spots of the upper parts dull ashy white ; other spots, especially on the rump, golden yellow.
Total length about 9i inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 2| inches.
Ilab. All of North America, South America, Northern Asia, Europe.
This bird, well known throughout the United States as the Bull-head, Field Plover, or Golden
Plover, appears to be one of the species that inhabit, at various seasons, the entire continent
of America ; rearing its young in the north, and wandering at other seasons to the extreme
BIRDfi CHARADRIDAE — AEGIALITIS.
691
southern regions, and visiting also other continents. It has been found occasionally in Europe,
and bears a very strong resemblance to a species of that continent, Charadrius pluvialis ; in fact,
so close is the similarity that the color of the axillary feathers is the most ready distinction for
recognition, white, in C. pluvialis ; ashy, C. virginicus.
This species varies somewhat in the colors of its plumage, and it is rare to meet with speci
mens, in the middle or southern States of this republic, in the full plumage of the nuptial season
or with the under parts pure black, though frequently spotted, and showing a tendency to that
color. It is of common occurrence throughout the United States.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. ! Locality.
|
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1183
S Carlisle, Penn
Oct. 3, 1843
S. F. Baird
10.40
21.75
7.08
744
£ ' do
Sept. 23, 1842
do
10.75
22.75
6 75
745
1706
$ do
£ do
do
Sept. 2.4, 1844
do
do
10.25
10.72
22.25
23.00
7.00
7.33
10408
April 21
N. W. University....
R. Kennicott. . .
8679
5425
(J J 5 miles below Ft. Pierre
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hiiyden.. ..
10.50
22.25
7.00
5427
do
do. .
10 75
2° 00
7 00
5426
..... Fort Berthold, Neb....
Sept. 16, 1856
do
do
10.25
21.25
7.00
4551
6579
Fort Pierre, Neb
...... St. Mary's Mission,
Oct. 21, 1855
Oct. 1, 1853
do
Gov. Stevens
do
Dr. Suckley....
9.75
21.75
9.25
6580
Rocky mountains.
do
do
do
do
5090
Mar. 15, 1856
4180
1834
Tamaulipas, Mexico
Lieut. Couch
S. F.Baird
Eyes dark brown ; feet dark
slate.
1853
do
AEGIALITIS, Boie.
Jiegialitis, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 558. Type Charadrius hiaticula, L.
JlegialUes, KAUP, 1829.
CH. — Plumage more or less uniform, without spots. Neck and head generally with dark bands. Front of the legs with
plates arranged vertically, of which there are two or three in a transverse series.
This genus, as far as North America is concerned, is distinguished from Charadrius by the
generally lighter color and greater uniformity of the plumage ; by the absence of continuous
black on the belly, and by the presence of dusky bands on the neck or head ; the size is smaller.
The tarsi, in most species, have the front plates larger and conspicuously different in this respect
from the posterior ones.
692
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Oxyechus, Reich .*
AEGIALITIS VOCIFERUS, (Linn.) Cassin.
Kill-deer.
Charadrius veciferus, LINK, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 253— WILS Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 73; fig. pi. lix.— NUTT. Man. II,
22.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 191: V, 577; pi. 225 — IB. Syn. 222.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842,
207, pi. 317.
Aegialles vociferus, BON. List, 1838.
Oxyechus vocifer us, REICH. Syst. Av. 1853, pi. xviii.
Charadrius torquatus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 255.
Charadrius jamaicensis, GM. I, 1788, 685.
FIGURES.— CATESBY'S Carolina, Birds, pi. 71.— BUFF. PI. Enl. 286.— WILSON'S Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 6.— AUD. B. of Am.
pi. 225, oct. ed. V. pi. 317.
gp. CH. Wings long, reaching to the end of the tail, which is also rather long. Head above and upper parts of body light
brown with a greenish tinge, rump and upper tail coverts rufous, lighter on the latter. Front and lines over and under the eye,
white, another band of black in front above the white band ; stripe from the base of the bill towards the occiput, brownish
black; ring encircling the neck and wide band on the breast, black ; throat white, which color extends upwards around the
neck ; other under parts white. Quills brownish black with about half of their inner webs white, shorter primaries with a large
spot of white on their outer webs, secondaries widely tipped or edged with white. Tail feathers pale rufous at base ; the four
middle, light olive brown tipped with white and with a wide subterminal band of black ; lateral feathers widely tipped with
white. Entire upper plumage frequently edged and tipped with rufous. Very young, have upper parts light gray with a
longitudinal band on the head and back black ; under parts white. Total length about 9| inches, wing 65 ; tail 3| inches.
Hab. — North America to the Arctic regions, Mexico, South America.
From its peculiar note, the "Killdeer" is one of the few birds of our country known to all
classes and ages of the people. It is common throughout North America, wandering apparently
in the winter season into the southern division of this continent, and to the islands of both the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
sex and Locality.
age.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained. Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch Wins- Remarks.
of wine?.;
1871
C? Carlisle, Pa
April 7, 1844
S. F. Baird ,
10.00
20.00 6.25
7601
r>429
Lt Warren :
9 50
20 00 6 75 ' ...
9054
do !
do
10.00
20.50 6.25 Iris brown; fectgreen-
9058
Q ...do...
July 30,1857
do
do
10.75
ish ; bill black.
20 50 7.00 do
8188
to'Jl
$ Shawnee river, K. T. . . .
Cedar creek, Neb , . , .
do
Wm. M. Magraw
Dr. Cooper .....
11.25
9.75
20.25 6.75 do
18.75 6.50
4646
White river, Nel>
May 12,1850
do
5428
5752
O : Mouth of Yellowstone..
O Platte river, Neb
July 19,1856
Lt. Warren
Lt. Bryan 122
.do
W. S. Wood
10.10
21.25 6.87
5751
^ i Medicine How, Neb ....
Aug. 10,1856
do 239
do
5756
July 19,1856
do. .
5753
Q Bryan's Fork, 115 miles
July 3,1856
do 61
do
5755
3707
W. of Fort Kiley.
OO(J i Laramie river
Salt Lake
Aug. —,1856
Mar. —,1850
do 213
do
••••
5093
Capt. Tope 122
11 00
20 50 7 00 ....
4181
4958
^ Near Matainoras, Mex..
Ft. Cliadhoiirnc, Tex . . .
Lt. Couch
Dr. Swift, U S A
9.00
19.00 6.25
6594
6590
0583
Camp 121, N.M
Roca Grande, Mex
Mar. — 1855
Lt. Whipple
Maj. Emory. 36
Kennerly & Mull-
haueen.
6588
,•? Los Anselos Valley..,
Lt. Williamson
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. Xantus de Vesey
6r>86
11. I). Cutts
o.>9
Bodega. Cal
Dec. — 1854
\A. Trowhridge
T. A Szabo
0587
Ft. Sleilacooin, W. T...
Gov. ,St<. vens
• Dr. Buckley
5985
lo
Dr. Cooper
ti5Ki
O.VJ'J
c? ""
Drc. — , 1821.
Dr. Suckley 366
Gov. Stevens 8
Dr. Sucklry
9.40
10.12
18.80 ;
20.00
Oxyechus, REICH. Syst. Av. 1853, Introd. xviii.
BIRDS — CHARADKIDAE AEGIALITIS WILSONIUS.
693
AEGIALITIS MONTANUS, (Towns.) Cassin.
Mountain Plover.
Charadrius montanus, TOWNS, J. A. N. Sc. VII, 1837, 192.— IB. Narr. 1839 ,349.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 3G2 ;
pi. 350.— IB. Syn. 223.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 213 ; pi. 318.
rfegialtes montanus, BON. List, 1838.
SP. CH. — Forehead, stripe over the eye, and entire under parts, white, generally tinged with dull yellowish and ashy on the
breast. Another band of black in front above the white band ; back of the neck and sides dull brownish fulvous ; other upper
parts ashy brown, usually with many feathers edged and tipped with fulvous or rufous; upper tail coverts lighter. Quills dark
brown with their shafts white, tail brown with a wide subterminal band of brownish black and tipped with white. Shorter
primaries with a white space on their outer webs, forming a patch of white on the wing ; under wing coverts and axillary
feathers pure silky white. Bill black, legs yellow. Younger, without the black band in front, and with the white band tinged
with dull yellow, entire upper parts with the feathers edged and tipped with dull ashy rufous. Total length, about 9 inches ;
wing, 6 ; tail, 3 inches.
Hab. — Western North America.
This bird is only known to inhabit the western countries of North America. Like other
species of this group it migrates very probably into South America.
List of specimens .
Catalogue
number.
s
cc
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
^
_bb
0
Collected by —
d ; **'&
to : .2 =
g 2 '*
i-J £
9043
Loup fork of Platte, Neb
Lieut. Warren ....
Dr. Hay den.
9044
do
_.do..,
do
6596
Mouth of Milk river .. ... . .
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
5757
<$
North Platte Aug. 12,1856
Lieut. Bryan ..
251
W. S. Wood
8.75 15.50
7055
Pole creek, Neb July 10,1857
do
267
. .. do
.3709
Western Texas .... .
J. W. Audubon
6595
Near 32° latitude
Capt Pope.
6597
Mimbres to Eio Grande .
6599
$
Los Angeles
Lieut. Williamson.
Dr. Heermann ..
l
6598
$
do
do
do
Ochthodromus, Reich.1
AEGIALITIS WILSONIUS, (0 r d .) C a s s i n .
Wilson's Plover.
Charadrius wilsonius, ORD, cd. Wilson's Orn. IX, 1825, 77; pi. Ixxiii. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 21. — AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 73: V, 1839, 577; pi. 284.— IB. Syn. 223.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842,
214 ; pi. 319.
Jlegialtes u'ilsonins, BON. List, 1838.
Octhodromus wilsonius, REICH. Syst. Av. Int. 1853, p. xviii.
Charadrius crassirostris, Srix, Av. Bras. II, 1825, 77 ; pi. xciv.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. IX, pi. 73, fig. 5.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 219 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 319.
SP. CH. — Smaller than the preceding ; bill rather long and robust. Male. Front and stripe over the eye and entire under
' Ochthodromus, RKICH. Syst. Avium, p. xviii. Type Charadrius wilsonius, Ord. Smaller than »Qcgialilis. Bill
longer and thicker. Tail short.
694
U. 8. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
parts white. Front with a second band of black above the white band ; stripe from the base of the bill to the eye and wide
transverse band on the breast, brownish black. Upper parts of head and body light ashy brown, with the feathers frequently
edged and tipped with pale ashy. Back of the neck encircled with a ring of white, edged above with fine light reddish. Quills
brown, with white shafts ; shorter coverts tipped with white ; outer feathers of the tail white, middle feathers dark brown.
Bill black, legs yellow. Female. Without the band of black in front, and with the pectoral band dull reddish and light
ashy brown.
Total length, 7J inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2 inches.
Hob. — Middle and Southern States on the Atlantic, and the same coast of South America.
This plover is of frequent occurrence on the shores of the Atlantic, and is easily recognized
by its stout and rather long bill and short tail. It migrates apparently into the southern
division of this continent in the winter, and is undoubtedly the species described and figured
by Spix as a bird of Brazil, as above cited.
List of specimens.
Catal. \ Sex.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
L'gth.
I
Stretch \ Wing.
of wings.
1144 $
Cape May, N. J.
July 15, 1843
S. F. Baird
W. M. Baird
7. 50
14. 50 4.80
1145 Q
do.
July 17, 1843
do
do
7.50
15. 50 i 4. 80
Aegialeus, Reichenbach.1
AEGIALITIS SEMIPALMATUS, (Bon.) Cab.
King Plover ; Semipalmated Plover.
Charadrius semipalmatus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 219.— IB. Syn. 1828, 296.— IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 92 ;
pi. xxv. — KAUP, Isis, 1825, 1375 ; pi. xiv, (head and foot.) — WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827,
No. 23.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 24.— Sw. F. B. Am. 11,1831, 367.— ADD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 256 ; V, 579 ; pi. 330.— IB. Syn. 224.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 218 ; pi. 320.
Jlegialtes semipalmata, BON. List, 1838.
Jlegialitis semipalmatus, CAB. Cab. Journ. 1856, 425.
rfegialeus semipalmatus, REICH. Syst. Av. 1853, pi. xviii.
Tringa hiuticula, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 65 ; pi. lix.
Charadrius hiaticula, ORD, ed. Wils VII, 69.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 3.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 330 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 320.— BONAP. Am. Orn. IV, pi.
25, fig. 4.
Sp. Cn. — Small, wings long, toes connected at base, especially the outer to the middle toe. Front, throat, ring around the
neck, and entire under parts, white, a band of deep black across the breast, extending around the back of the neck below the
white ring. Band from the base of the bill, under the eye, and wide frontal band above the white band, black. Upper parts
light ashy brown, with a tinge of olive ; quills brownish black, with their shafts white in a middle portion, and occasionally
a lanceolate white spot along the shafts of the shorter primaries ; shorter tertiaries edged with white ; lesser coverts tipped
with white. Middle feathers of the tail ashy olive brown, with a wide subterminal band of brownish black, and narrowly
tipped with white ; two outer tail feathers white, others intermediate, like the middle, but widely tipped with white. Bill
orange yellow, tipped with black ; legs yellow. Female similar, but rather lighter colored. Young without the black band
in front, and with the band across the breast ashy brown.
Total length, about 7 inches ; wing, 4J ; tail, 2* inches.
Hab. — The whole of temperate North America. Common on the Atlantic.
1 Jlegialeus, REICH. Syst. Av. 185, p. xviii. Type Charadrius semipalmatus, Bon. Small, bill rather short. Tail
and wings rather long.
BIRDS CHARADRIDAE AEGIALITIS MELODUS.
695
This species considerably resembles Hiaticula minor, of Europe, and H. torquata, of the
same continent also, with both of which it has been confounded. It is intermediate in size
between the two, and, in fact, can only be distinguished from the former with some difficulty.
It appears to inhabit the whole of North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex and
Locality. When col- Whence obtained.
i
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
age.
lected.
of wings.
2379
O
Carlisle, Pa Aug. 16, 1845 S. F. Baird
. . , , , i........
2378
•t,
jo .... Aug. 16,1845 do
898
660:2
Pre-iidio, Cat May 4,1853 Lieut. Trowbridge. .
8.00
15.00
7.50
5565
Petaluma Cal . May 7,1856 E. Samuels . ..
7 25
13 40
5 CO
6605
Shoalwater Bay ' May 3,1854 (Jov. Stevens
Dr. Cooper .... 7.00
15.50
Iris brown, feet black
6437
1'uget's Sound A. Campbell
Dr. Kennedy
AEGIALITIS MELODUS, (0 r d .) Cab.
Piping Plover.
Charadrius melodus, ORD, cd. Wils. VII, 1824, 71.— BON. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 74; pi. xxiv.— NUTT. Man. II,
18.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 154 : V, 578 ; pi. 220.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1-42, 223 ;
pi. 321.
Jlegialtes melodus, BON. List, 1838.
•flegialitis melodus, CAB. Jour. 1856, 424.
Charadrius hiaticula, Var. WILS. Am. Orn. V, 1812, 30 ; pi. xxxvii.
Charadrius okeni, WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 24.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. V, pi. 37, fig. 3.— BONAP. Am. Orn. IV, pi. 24, fig. 3.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 220;oct.
ed. V, pi. 321.
SP. Cn . — About the size of the preceding; bill short, strong. Jldult. Forehead, ring around the back of the neck, and
entire under parts, white, a band of black in front above the band of white ; band encircling the neck before and behind black,
immediately below the ring of white on the neck behind. Head above and upper parts of body light brownish cinereous ;
rump and upper tail coverts lighter, and often nearly white ; quills dark brown, with a large portion of their inner webs
and shafts white ; shorter primaries with a large portion of their outer webs white ; tail at base white, and with the outer
feathers whito ; middle feathers with a wide subterminal band of brownish black, and tipped witli white. Bill orange at base,
tipped with black; legs orange yellow. Female. Similar to the male, but with the dark colors lighter and less in extent.
Young. No black band in front; collar around the back of the neck ashy brown.
Total length, about 7 inches ; wing, 4i ; tail, 2 inches.
Hab. — Eastern coast of North America. Nebraska, (Lieutenant Warren.) Louisiana, (Mr. G. Wurdemann.)
Specimens from the survey of Lt. Warren, collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden in the valley of
the River Platte, are in plumage apparently perfectly mature, and one which has never been
accurately described nor figured by any author. In these specimens the black ring around the
neck is perfect in front, and very conspicuous in both males and females, though narrower
and less distinct in the latter. Usually in specimens obtained on the Atlantic coast, the ring
alluded to is interrupted in front and assumes the form of two large spots on the side of neck
or upper part of the breast, in which plumage this bird has been described and figured by both
Bonaparte and Audubon, as cited above. The figure by Wilson represents the more mature
bird.
There are no specimens of this bird in the present collection from west of the Rocky
mountains.
696
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing. Remarks.
1137
1138
557
4326
9028
9035
9038
9039
9034
S
Cape May N J July 13, 1843
S. F. Baird
7.00
6.88
15.00
14.50
4.75 .
do ... July 14,1843
do
4.75
do
Calcasieu, La I 1854
Loup fork of Platte .... 1857
do July 8
$
9
<J
9
Lieut. Warren
do
do
Dr. Hayden..
do
do
7.50
6.75
6.50
7.50
7.25
15.75
14.75
14.50
15.12
15.25
4.87 Pupil black, iris dark brown..
4.25 ..do
4.50 do... ... .
do
do ......
4.60 do
do
do
4.75 do
Leucopolius, Bonaparte. l
AEGIALITIS NIVOSA, C a s s i n .
CH. — Small, belonging to the same group and somewhat resembling Charadrius azarae and falklandicus of authors. Bill
straight, pointed, rather narrow ; wing moderate, first quill longest ; tail short ; legs moderate, rather slender.
Front, line over the eye, and entire under parts white ; subfrontal band black ; head above light brownish ashy, with a tinge of
reddish yellow ; upper parts of body and wings light ashy brown, darker on the rump. Quills brownish black, with their shafts
white ; some of the shorter primaries irregularly marked with white on their outer webs ; secondaries tipped with white, and
some of the longer secondaries almost entirely white ; middle tail feathers brown, outer white ; bill dark ; legs light. A dark
spot on each side of the breast, probably indicating a band across the breast in more mature plurnage than the present specimen.
Total length about 63 inches ; wing, 3J ; tail, lj.
Hab. — Presidio (near San Francisco) California. (Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge.)
A single specimen of the bird now described is in Lieut. Trowbridge' s collection from the
coast of the Pacific, and appears to be a species not previously noticed by naturalists. It is of
the same group subgenerically as C. azarae of South America, but is quite distinct from that
or any other which has come under our notice. It is the first representative of the group to
which it belongs yet discovered in the United States.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
6600
Presidio California
May 8 1854
Lieut. Trowbridge ......
SQUATAROLA, Cuvier.
Sqvatarola, CUVIER, Regne Anim. I, 1817. Type Tringa squatarola, Linn.
CH. — A rudimentary hind toe. Legs reticulated with elongated hexagons anteriorly, of which there are five or six in a
transverse row ; fewer behind. First primary longest. Tail slightly rounded.
1 Leucopolius, BONAP. Small ; bill shorter and more slender than in preceding ; wings and tail rather short.
BIRDS CHARADRIDAE — SQUATAROLA HELVETICA. 607
SQUATAROLA HELVETICA, (Linn.) Cuv.
Black-bellied Plover.
Tringa helvetica, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 250.
Squalarola helvetica, Cur. R. A. 1817.
Charadrius helveticus, LIGHT. Verz. 1827, No. 728.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 280; pi. 334.— IB. Syn. 221.— IB.
Birds Amer. V, 1842, 199 ; pi. 315.
Tringa squalarola, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 252.
Charadrius hypomelas, PALLAS, Zoog. Ross. As. II, 1811, 138.
Charadrius purdela, PALLA , Zoog. Ross. As. II, 1811, 142.
Charadrius apricarius, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 41.
Squatarola cinerea, Cuv.
Squatarola wilsonii, LICHTENSTEIN.
FIGURES.— Buffon, PI. Enl. 853, 854, 923.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 57, fig. 4.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 334 ; oct. ed. V, pi.
315— Naumann, B. of Germany, pi. 178.— Gould, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 290.
SP. CH. — Bill and legs strong ; "wings long ; a very small rudimentary hind toe. Around the base of the bill to the eyes, neck
before and under parts of body, black ; upper white, nearly pure and unspotted on the forehead ; sides of the neck and rump
tinged with ashy, and having irregular transverse bars of brownish black on the back, scapulars and wing coverts ; the brownish
black frequently predominating on those parts, and the rump also frequently with transverse bars of the same. Lower part of
the abdomen, tibia and under tail coverts, white. Quills brownish black, lighter on their inner webs, with a middle portion of
their shafts white, and a narrow longitudinal stripe of white frequently on the shorter primaries and secondaries. Tail white,
with transverse imperfect narrow bands of black. Bill and legs black. The black color of the under parts generally with a
bronzed or~coppery lustre, and presenting a scale-like appearance ; the brownish black of the upper parts with a greenish lustre.
Younger and winter plumage . Entire upper parts dark brown, with circular and irregular small spots of white, and frequently of
yellow, most numerous on the wing coverts ; upper tail coverts white. Under parts white, with short longitudinal lines and
spots dark brownish cinereous on the neck and breast; quills brownish black, with large longitudinal spots of white on their
inner webs and also on the outer webs of the shorter primaries. Young. Upper parts lighter, and with the white spots more
irregular or scarcely assuming a circular shape ; narrow lines on the neck and breast more numerous.
Total length about 11 \ inches ; wing, 7| ; tail, 3 inches.
Jlab . — All of North America. The seacoasts of nearly all countries of the world.
This handsome plover is one of the most widely diffused of birds. It inhabits the seacoasts
and districts on the borders of fresh or salt waters of all known countries within the temperate
and tropical zones. The black parts of the plumage in this species, which are characteristic of
the adult bird in spring, are more persistent than in Ch. virginicus, and much more frequently
to be observed in specimens obtained in the middle and southern States.
This bird is the largest of the American species of this group.
We can find no characters distinguishing American specimens from those of any other
country.
August 3, 1858.
698
U. 8. P. K. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
1222
S. F. Baird
546
New York ......
do
10407
f
Ft Snelling Min
Governor Stevens..
Dr. Suckley ......
12.50
24. 25 9. 75
6578
do
1853
do
do,
11.50
24. 50 7. 25
5986
do
Dr. Cooper. .......
2775
'"
Columbia river 0 T.
Oct. 21, 1836.
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend ...
6374
Ft. Steilacoom,W T.
Governor Stevens..
Dr. Suckley. ...
4241
San Francisco, Cal.
R. D. Cutts
6575
Bodcga, Cal. .
Dec., 1854
Lieut. Trowbridge.
T. A. Szabo
6577
do
do
i
APHRIZA, A iid.
Jlphriza, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839. Type, Tringa virgata, Lath.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Nostrils elongated, and rather linear. Tarsi equal to the middle toe, (which is not united
by membrane to lateral,) transversely scutellate anteriorly. Hind toe distinct. Tail even.
This genus, variously placed by authors, appears to be a true plover. Its hind toe and
unarmed wing assimilate it to Squaiarola, from which its short tarsi, free toes, and transverse
scutellae in front of the tarsus readily distinguish it.
APHKIZ A VIRGATA, (Omelin.) Gray.
Surf Bird.
Tringa virgata, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 674.— IB. Lath. Ind. II, 1790, 735.
Jlphriza virgata, GRAY, Genera, III, 1847 : pi. cxlvii.
Tringa borealis, GM Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 674.
Jphriza townsendi, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 249 ; pi. 428.— IB. Syn. 226.— IB. Birds Am. V. 1842, 228 ; pi. 322.
Sp CH. — Bill about as long as the head, rather thick at base ; nostrils large, groove very distinct in the upper mandible;
wings long; legs moderate ; tail rather long. Entire upper parts dark brown, lighter on the wing coverts ; head and neck with
numerous spots and longitudinal stripes of dull white ; upper tail coverts white. Quills brownish black, white at base ; tips of
greater coverts white; tail with its basal half white, terminated with brownish black. Under parts white, nearly pure on the
abdomen, tinged with ashy on the neck and breast, and nearly every feather having a crescent or transverse stripe of brownish
black. Bill brownish ; under mandible yellow at base ; legs dull green.
Total length about 10 inches; wing, 7 ; tail, 3.
Hob. — Pacific coast of North America? South America ; Sandwich Islands.
This is a bird long known as inhabiting the islands in the Pacific; but as entitled to a place
in the North American fauna, resting entirely on the authority of the late Dr. Townsend, who
is represented by Mr. Audubon as having obtained it at the mouth of the Columbia river. It
is not contained in either of the collections made by the surveying parties.
BIRDS — HAEMATOPODIDAE — HAEMATOPUS PALLIATU8.
Family HAEMATOPODIDAE.
The Haematopodidae, as characterized on a preceding page, includes but two North American
genera — Haematopus and Strepuilas. Aphriza, by some placed with them, appear more
properly to belong with the Charadridae.
The genera are readily distinguished as follows :
Haematopus. — Size large. Bill longer than the tarsus ; much compressed. Hind toe
wanting. Tarsus reticulated anteriorly. Middle and outer toes connected at base.
Strepsilas. — Size median. Bill shorter than the tarsus, which is scutellate anteriorly. Hind
toe present. No basal membrane to the anterior toes.
HAEMATOPUS, Linn.
Haematopus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type H. ostralegus, L.
CH. — Bill longer than the leg, twice as long as the head. Mandibles much compressed, sharp edged, and truncate at end
Hind toe wanting. Legs reticulated, with five or six elongated plates in a transverse series. Meshes larger anteriorly. A
basal membrane between middle and outer toes. Toes enlarged laterally by a thickened membrane. Tail even. First
primary longest.
HAEMATOPUS PALLIATUS, T e m m .
Oyster Catcher.
Haematopus pallialus, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 532.— Aro. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 181 : V, 580; pi. 223.— IB. Syn.
228.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 236; pi. 324.
Haematopus ostralegus, WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 15; pi. Ixiv. (Not of Linnaeus.)
Haematopus arcticus, JARD. ed. Wils. Ill, 1832, 35.
Haematopus hypoleucus, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. II, 1811, 129.
Sp. CH. — Bill long, straight, flattened vertically; wing long; tail short; legs moderate, rather robust; toes margined;
outer and middle united at base. Head and neck brownish black, with a slight ashy tinge in very mature specimens. Upper
parts of body light ashy brown, rather darker on the rump. Upper tail coverts and wide diagonal band across the wing
white. Quills brownish black ; tail feathers at base white, with their terminating half brownish black. Under parts of body
and under wing coverts white. Bill and edge of eyelids bright orange red. Legs pale reddish.
Total length, about 17| inches ; wing, 10 ; tail, 4| ; bill to gape, 3| ; tarsus, 2£ inches.
Hab. — Coast of the Atlantic ocean. States on the Pacific ? Florida, (Dr. Wall.)
Between specimens obtained, in winter, in New Jersey, and European specimens stated to be
also in the plumage of winter, there is certainly a very strong similarity, and, unfortunately,
the comparisons of naturalists have apparently been made only from specimens of the two
continents, representing plumages of quite different seasons. Were it not so, we suspect that
there would be some difficulty in distinguishing the American H. palliatus from the European
H. ostralegus.
There is no bird amongst the Waders at present the changes of the plumage of which may
be studied with greater interest than the bird now before us. The only plumage known to us,
and, as far as we can ascertain, to our cotemporaries, in American ornithology, is that
described above, with the upper parts of the body light brown. By analogy with its near
relative of Europe our bird has, however, very probably much darker plumage in summer,
700
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
which, oddly enough, though at present unknown, appears to be figured by Wilson as cited
above. The determining of the summer plumage of this bird is a problem of much interest.
We have no specimens from Western North America in the collections of the surveying
expeditions.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
1206
9301
Locality.
Whence obtained.
New York j S. F. Baird
Indian river, Florida I Dr. Wall, U. S. A.
HAEMATOPUS NIGER, Pallas.
IJachmau's Oyster Catcher.
Haematopus niger, PAI.LAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 131.
Haematopus bachmani, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 245 ; pi. 427.— In. Syn. 22!).— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 243 ; pi.
325.— TOWNSEND, Narr. 1839, 348.
SP. CH. — Rather smaller than the preceding ; bill rather more slender, wings long ; legs robust ; tarsi covered with ovate
gcales ; tail short. Head and neck brownish black, with a glaucous or ashy tinge in very adult specimens. All other parts of
the plumage, above and below dark brown, rather darkest on the rump ; bill bright red ; legs pale reddish, nearly white.
Total length about 17 inches ; wing, 10^ ; tail, 4| ; bill to gape, 3| ; tarsus, 2 inches.
Hub. — Western coast of the United States. Curile Islands, (Pallas.)
This bird appears to be restricted to the shores of western North America, and, according to
Pallas, of northeastern Asia and the islands intermediate between the two continents. We
have no doubt that the name given by the distinguished Eussian naturalist just mentioned
applies to the present species.
List of specimens.
Cutal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
10397
9
Russian America .
1845
S. F. Baird
W^ossnessjensky
4C25
San Miguel's island, Cal
June, 1856
Lieut. Trowbridge
HAEMATOPUS ATER, Vieillot.
Haematopus ater, VIEILLOT, Galerie, II, 1825, 88 ; pi. ccxxx.
Haematopus niger, Cuv. R. A. I, 1829, 504.
Haematopus townsendii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 247 ; pi. 427.— IB. Syn. 229.— IB . Birds Amer. V, 1842, 245 ;
pi. 3%.
FIGURES. — Voy. Uranie, Birds, pi. '34.
SP. CH. — Larger than either of the preceding ; bill straight, rather slender ; wings long ; legs shorter than in the preceding,
very robust ; tarsi covered with small circular and hexagonal scales; tail short. Entire plumage brownish black, lighter on
the under parts of the body ; bill find eyelids bright red ; legs red. Total length about 18 inches ; wing, 10J ; tail, 4| ; bill to
gape, 3] ; tarsus, 2 inches.
Hob. — Western coast of the United States? South America. Coast of Chili, (Lieut. Gilliss.)
It is not at all probable that this bird is entitled as yet to be regarded as belonging
BIRDS — HAEMATOPODIDAE STREPSILAS INTERPRES. 70 1
fauna of the United States, though so given by Mr. Audubon. It was described and figured
by that distinguished ornithologist from specimens in Dr. Townsend's collection, which were,
very probably, from Peru or Chili, where he collected on the route from Oregon to the United
States. No one of the later observers and collectors have met with this bird at any locality in
North America, and it ought very probably to be omitted from our ornithology. It is a well
known species of South America.
This bird much resembles that immediately preceding, H. niger, Pallas, (which is H.
Baclimani, Audubon,) but is constantly darker in color, and has the legs bright red. It is also
slightly larger than either of the preceding. Excellent specimens of this species are in the
National Museum, brought from Chile by Capt. Gilliss' U. S. Astronomical Expedition.
STREPSILAS, Illiger.
Strepsilas, ILLIGER, Prodromus, 1811. Type Tringa interpres, L.
CH. — Upper jaw with the culmen straight from the nasal groove to near the slightly upward bent tip ; the bill tapering to a
rather blunt point. No membrane between the anterior toes. Hind toe lengthened, touching the ground. Legs transversely
scutellate anteriorly ; reticulated laterally and behind. Tail rounded.
The nasal groove is very broad and shallow, obtuse anteriorly, and not extending beyond the
middle of the bill. The lower edge of upper jaw ascends slightly from the middle to near the
tip.
STREPSILAS INTERPRES, (Linn.) 111.
Turnstone.
Tringa interpres, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 248.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 32; pi. Ivii.
Strepsilas interpres, ILLIGER, Prod. 1811, 263.— S\v. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 371.— NDTT. II, 30.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
IV, 1838, 31 ; pi. 304.— IB. Syn. 227.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 231 ; pi. 323.
Tringa morinella, LINN. I, 1766, 249. (Young.)
Strepsilas collaris, TEMM. Man. II, 553.
Charadrius cinclus, PALLAS .
FIGURES.— Buff. PI. Enl. 856.— Vieill. Gal. II, pi. 237.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 57, fig. 1.— Aud. B. of Am. Pl. 304 ;
oct. ed. V, pi. 323.— Gould B. of Eur. pi. 318.
Sp. CH. — Upper parts rather irregularly variegated with black, dark rufous and white. Head and neck above generally
white, with numerous spots and stripes of brownish black on the crown and occiput ; space in front of the eye white, usually
surrounded with black ; throat white, on each side of which is a stripe of black running from the base of the bill downwards
and joining a large space of the same color (black) on the neck before and breast. Abdomen, under wing coverts, under tail
coverts, back and rump, white. Quills brownish black, with their shafts white; tail white at base, with its terminal half
brownish black, and tipped with white. Greater wing coverts widely tipped with white, forming a conspicuous oblique bar
across the wing; bill black ; legs orange. In winter the black of the upper parts is more apparent, and the rufous is of less
extent and of lighter shade. Total length about 9 inches ; wing, 6 ; tail, 2| inches.
Hab. — Shores of the Atlantic and Pacific, throughout North America. One of the most widely diffused of birds, being found
in nearly all parts of the world.
702 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
i
Locality. When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
10453
Cape May N J
J. K. Townsend..
|
10452
do '•
do
i
1602
Philadelphia 1843
S. F. Baird .
4296
Calcasieu Pass La 1854
G. Wiirdemann
4187
Brownsville Tex ... ...
Capt. Van Vliet .
9. 00 18. 00
6.00
4188
,?
Brazos Santiago, Tex . !--- ...----
do . . .
9.00 18.00
5.75
4189
A
do
do
9. 50 19. 25
6.25
1795
Vera Cruz, Mex _ ... .
S. F. Baird
6636
Shoalwater bay . ! May 17, 1854
Gov. Stevens. .
STREPSILAS MEL ANOCEPHALUS, Vigors.
Black Turnstone.
Strepsilas melanocephalus, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829,356. — IB. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 29. — GAMBEL, J. A. N.
Sc. 2d series, Aug. 1849, 220.
SP. CH. — About the size of and having the same general form as the preceding, but differing in color. Head, breast and upper
parts of the body fuliginous brown, lighter on the breast, and with every feather having a darker centre ; back and wing coverta
darker, frequently nearly black and with a greenish lustre ; lower part of back, rump, and upper tail coverts white, with a large
spot of black on the upper coverts. Abdomen, under tail and under wing coverts white ; tips of greater wing coverts white}
forming a band across the wing ; shorter tertiaries edged externally white. Bill black ; feet dark orange. Quills brownish
black with their shafts white ; tail at base white, with its terminal half black, narrowly tipped with white.
Total length about 9 inches ; wing, G ; tail, 2i inches.
Hab. — Western North America.
Though, with various specimens before us in the present collection and from the Museum of
the Philadelphia Academy, it is not without some misgivings that we admit this curious bird as
a distinct species. It is of exactly the size and the same form as the preceding, and its only
character is the prevalence of the dark color on the head, breast and upper parts, while
several of the most reliable of the specific characters of the preceding are found also in
the present bird. The lower part of the back and upper coverts of the tail and the abdomen
are white in both, with the same large spot of black on the upper tail coverts. We find also in
the museum of the Philadelphia Academy, a specimen from India, which is exactly this bird,
and others apparently from Europe which approach it very nearly. The specimen from India
came in the collection made by Capt. Boys, of the British army, and its locality is undoubted.
This bird appears to be, however, only abundant in western North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Remarks.
4624
San Miguel island, Cal
January, 1856
Lieut. Trowbridge
T)4fi
o
Monterey Cal .
Aug. 16, 1847
W. Hutton
Feet brown; iris hazel; bill
6667
V
Fort Steilacoom, Cal
1856
Dr. Suckley...
506
black.
C666
.. do
Aug. 29, 1856
do
565
6665
do
do
do
BIRDS — RECURVIKOSTEIDAE — RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA.
703
Family RECURVDIOSTRIDAE.
The liecurvirostridae, in addition to the features already mentioned, are essentially char
acterized by the excessive length of the legs, with a very long, slender neck and slender
elongated "bill. Of the several genera assigned the family, but two belong to the United
States, with the following features :
RECURVIROSTRA. — Hind toe present. Toes webbed to the claws. Bill recurved at tip.
HIMANTOPUS. — Hind toe wanting. A short web between middle and outer toes at base. Bill
straight.
RECURVIROSTRA, Linnaeus.
Recurvirostra, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1744. Type R. avocetta, L. (GRAY.)
CH. — Hind toe rudimentary, anterior toes united to the claws by a much emarginated membrane. Bill depressed, extended
into a fine point, which is recurved. Tail covered by the wings.
RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA, G m .
American Avosit.
Recurvirostra anuricana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 693.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 126.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,
375.— NUTT. Man. II, 78.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1138, 168 ; pi. 318.— IB. Syn. 252.— IB.
Birds Arner. VI, 1843, 247 ; pi. 353.
Recurvirostra occidentalis, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 356. — IB. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 28 ; pi. xii. — WAGLER, Isis,
1831, 520.— BAIRD, Zool. Stansbury, Salt Lake, 1852.— CASSIN, Illust. I, vm, 1855,
232, pi. xl.
FIGUHES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 63, fig. 2. Aud. B. of Am. pi. 318 ; oct. ed. vi. pi. 353. Latham, Synopsis, V,
pi. 92. Leach, Zool. Misc. II, pi. 101. Voy. Blossom, Birds, pi. 12. Cassin, B. of Cal. and Texas, pi. 40. (Young.)
Sp. CH. — Bill rather long, depressed ; wings long ; legs long ; tarsi compressed ; tail short, Jldv.ll : Head and neck pale
reddish brown, darker on the head and fading gradually into white. Back, wing coverts and quills black ; scapulars, tips of
greater wing coverts, rump and tail and entire under parts white, the last frequently tinged with reddish. Bill brownish black,
legs bluish. Young : very similar to the adult, but with the head and neck white, frequently tinged with ashy on the head and
neck behind. Total length, about 17 inches ; wing, 8| to 9 ; tail, 3g ; bill to gape, 3J ; tarsus, 3i inches.
Hab. — All of temperate North America ; Florida (Mr. Wiirdemann.)
Appears to inhabit the whole of North America to the Arctic regions ; more abundant on the
western coast. In the present collection we find numerous specimens in all stages of plumage,
and have no doubt that It. occidentalis, Vigors, is the young bird as given above.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wing?.
Wing.
Remarks.
4260
4549
8772
8771
6635
7064
7 o2
5446
6633
4174
4980
10410
4507
8071
..„..
Calea^iou Pass, La
Plane river,bel.Ft.Laramie
I latto river
do
Sept. 6, 1855
Aug. 12
.... do
G. Wiirdemann..
Lt. Warren
Win. Magraw....
do
Dr. Cooper ....
do
16.50
15.25
13.12
29.25
29.00
30.60
9.00
8.75
9.50
<j
3
8
<?
.....
July 20, 1853
July 23
July 23, 1857
July 30, 1856
Gov. Stevens....
Lt. Bryan
do
318
317
Dr. Buckley.. ..
W. S. Wood...
Laramie river, Neb
W. slope of Med. Bow . . .
Yellowstone river
Lt. Warren
Dr. Henry
Capt. Van Vliet
Dr. Hayden.. ..
18.00
18.00
28.00 i 8.50
28.00 9.00
Fort Thorn, N. M
Brazos Santiago, Texas..
Dona Ana, N. M
Oapt. Pope
Lt Williamson
18.00
31.00
10.00
Eye dark, bill black, feet
bluish green.
San Francisco
|
Mexico
Sept. — , 1836
704
U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
HIMANTOPUS, Brisson.
Himantopus, BRISSON, Orn. V, 1760, 33. Type Charadrius himantopus, L.
CH. — Hind toe wanting. Middle and outer toes connected by a short basal web. Bill rounded, straight, higher than broad.
Tail projecting beyond the wings.
HIMANTOPUS NIGKICOLLIS, Vieillot.
Black Necked Stilt.
Himantopus nigricollis, VIEILL. Diet. X, 1817, 42.— IB. Galerie, II, 1824, 85 ; pi. ccxxix.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 8.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 247 ; pi. 325.— IB. Syn. 1839, 253.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
31 ; pi. 354.
Recurvirostra himantopus, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 48 ; pi. Iviii.
Himantopus mexicanus, ORD, ed Wils. VII, 1824, 52. — WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 5.20. — BON. List. 1838.
Himantopus brasiliensis, BREHM, Vb'gel Deutschl. 1831, 684.
Hypsibates nigricollis, CAB. Schomb. Reise.
Macrotarsus nigricollis, GUNDL. Cab. Journ. 1856, 422.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 58, fig. 2.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 328 ; oct. ed. VI, pi. 354.
Sp. CH. — Legs very long, slender ; wings long. Large space in front of the head, spot behind the eye and entire under
parts white, frequently with a very pale reddish tinge ; head above, neck behind, back and wings, glossy black ; rump and tail
white, the latter frequently tinged with ashy ; bill black ; legs red. Total length, about 14 inches; wing, 8| to 9 ; tail, 3 ;
bill to gape, 3 ; tarsus, 4 inches.
Hab. — United States generally.
The only species apparently that inhabits the United States. Though a If. wexicanus is
given by Bonaparte (Comp. List, p. 54) as distinct and inhabiting the southern parts of the
republic ; it is yet very probably the same as the northern bird.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
1154
Q
July 21,1843
S. F. Baird
13.50
26 50
8 50
4265
6620
Calcasieu Pass, La
1854
G. Wiirdcmann
"'""!."
4171
Capt. Van Vliet
14 00
27 50
8 75
1829
o
Fort Tejon, Cal
J. Xantu* de Vesey ....
S. F. Baird
!!"'.',"".!.'.".'..'."!
8072 =
V
Guayaquil
July 19,1839
BIRDS— PHALAROPODIDAE — PHALAROPUS WILSONII. 705
Family PHALAROPODIDAE.
The general characters of the Phalaropodidae have already been given on page 689. The
original and single genus Phalaropus has been divided by systematists into three, with the
following characters :
A. Bill slender, attenuated, rounded, longer than the head.
STEGANOPUS, Vieillot.1 — Marginal membrane of toes nearly even.
LOBIPES, Guv.2 — Membrane of the toes scolloped at the joints.
B. Bill much depressed or flattened ; broader than high ; the apex lancet-shaped.
PHALAROPUS,, Briss.3 — Membrane of toes scolloped at the joints.
Steganopus, Vieillot.
PHALAROPUS WILSONII, Sab.
Wilson's Phalarope.
Phalaropus wilsonii, SAB. Zool. App. to Franklin's first journey to Polar seas, 1823, 691. — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II,
1831, 405 ; pi. Ixix.— AUD. Orn. Biog.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 299 ; pi. 341.— GRAY'I
Genera III, pi. clviii.
Phalaropus (Holopodius) wilsonii, BON. Syn. 1828, 342. — IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 59 ; pi. xxiv and xxv.
Phalaropus lobatus, WILSON, Am. Orn. IX, 1825, 72. (Not Linnaeus.)
Phalaropus frenatus, VIEILL. Gal. II, 1825, 178.
Phalaropus stenodactylus, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 523.
Lobipes incanus, JARD. & SELBY, III. Orn I, p. (No p.i^e nor date.)
Phaloropusfunbriatus, TEMM. PL Col. V, p. (No page.)
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. IX, pi. 73, fig. 3.— Sw. and Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 69.— Vieill. Gal. II, pi. 271.—
Temm. PL Col. 270.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 254 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 41 .
Sp. CH. — Larger than either of the preceding. Bill slender, flattened; wings long; tail short; legs moderate; tarsus
compressed ; plumage very compact. Jldult. Head above and neck behind light ashy ; wide stripe behind the eye reddish
black ; neck before, and wide stripe running upwards on to the back, bright reddish brown, darker on the sides of the neck.
Back, wings, and tail, cinereous ; darkest on the wings, and mixed with reddish on the back ; rump and upper tail coverts
white. Entire under parts white, (except the neck before, which is pale reddish.) Bill and legs black. Young. Entire upper parts
cinereous, more or less mixed with dark brown ; under parts white, tinged with ashy, especially about the head and neck ;
rump white. Total length, about 9| inches ; wing,j5i ; tail, 2£ ; bill, 1| ; tarsus, 1± inch.
Hub — Entire temperate regions of North America ; New Mexico. (Dr. Henry.)
The only species that appears to be more especially American, though wandering into
contiguous regions of the Old World. Very handsome in mature plumage, and apparently
about equally distributed on the eastern and western coasts of the republic.
1 Steganopus, VIEILL. Encycl. Meth. 1823. Type Phalaropus lobatus, Wils. Holopodius, Bon. Syn. 1828.
2Lobipes, Cuv. R. Anim . 1817. Type Tringa hyperborea, L.
3 Phalaropus, BRISS. Orn. 1760. Type Trviga faiicaria, L. Crymophilus, Vieill. 1816.
August 4, 1858.
89 b
706
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
F»7o.
Sex 4
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
7058
10393
4346
4879
4880
4876
4878
4877
5444
5445
6C58
8077
o
$
9
9
9
May 6. 1857
May 20,1855
April 28
W. S Wood
S. F. Baird
Tli. Kunilien
Racine, Wis
Council Bluffs
do.
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Hay
Dr. Hayden
9.00
10.50
9.50
9.25
9.50
9.25
16.00
16 -25
16.12
16.75
17.50
16.75
5.00
5.00
5.12
5.75
4.37
4.50
do
April 28
do
do
do
...do...
T
Medicine Hill
June 23,1855
do
do
do
do
8.25
15.00
4.75
Fort Thorn, N. M
Sept. —,1830
Dr. Henry, U.S. A
Lobipes, Guv.
PHALAKOPUS HYPERBOREUS, (Linn.) T e m m .
Northern Phalarope.
Tringa hyperborea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.
Lobipes hyperboreus, " Cuv. R. A."— BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 240.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 295 ; pi. 340.
Pnalaropus hyperboreus, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 709.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 118 : V, 595 ; pi. 215.
Tringa lobata, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.
Tringa fusca, GM. Syst Nat. I, 17t-8, 675.
Phalaropus ruficollis, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 203.
Phdaropits clnerascens, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 204.
FIGURES.— Buff. PI. Enl. 766.— Edwards, Birds, III, pi. 143, 46, 308.— Pallas, Zjog. II, pi. 62.— Bonap. Am. Orn. IV,
pi. 25, fig. 2.— Aud. B.-of Am. pi. 254 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 340.
SP. CH. — Bill short, straight, pointed ; wings long ; tail short ; legs short. Jldult. Neck encircled with a ring of bright
ferruginous, and a stripe of the same on each side ; head above and neck behind sooty ash ; back, wings, and tail, browni-h
black, paler on the rump, mixed with bright ferruginous on the back. Tips of greater wing coverts white. Sides and flank8
ashy, frequently mixed with reddish ; throat, breast, and abdomen white ; bill and legs dark. Young. Entire upper parts
brownish black ; many feathers edged and tipped with dull yellow and ashy ; under parts white ; tips of greater wing coverts
white. Total length, about 7 inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2j ; bill, 1 ; tarsus, *[ inch.
Hob. — The whole of temperate North America, Europe, Japan, (Mr. Heine, Japan Exp.) San Francisco, California, (Mr.
Cutts.)
A very widely diffused little species, and one of the handsomest and most graceful of the
wading birds. Specimens from various parts of the world are precisely alike in specific
characters.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sexfc.
Locality.
When col
Whence ob
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch Wing.
Remarks.
No.
Age.
lected.
tained.
No.
of wings.
709
r?
Carlisle, Pa
Sept. 7, 1842
S. F. Baird....
7.50
13 50
2505
o
Perry county, Pa
Sept. 19, 1845
do
8.00
13.50 4.50
6603
....
Puget's Sound, W. P...
Aug. 29, 1856
Dr. Suoklcy...
570
7.50
13.00
6662
Fort Steilacoorn, W. T .
do
571
104(19
....do
do
569
6661
do
do
568
8.50
14.50 4 60
6656
<?
Shoahvater bay
May 9, 1854
Gov. Stevens...
72
Dr. Cooper
7.50
13.75
Iris brown ; feet light
slate blue.
6657
do
do
do
do
8.00
14 00
4242
San Francisco. Cal
R. D. Cutts ....
6600
BIRDS — PHALAROPODIDAE PHALOROPUS FULICARIUS.
707
Phalaropus, B r i s s o n .
PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS, (Linn.) Bon.
Red Phalarope.
Tringafulicaria, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.
Phalaropus fulicarius, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 2!J2.— IB. Syn. 1828, 341.— SWAINSON, F. B>r. Amer. II, 1831, 407.—
NUTT. Man. II, 236.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 404; pi. 255.— IB. Syn. 239.— IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842,291 ; pi. 339.
Tringa glacialis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 675.
Phalaropus rufus, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. II, 1811, 205.
Phalaropus platijrliynchus, TEMM. Man. II, 712.
FIGURES.— Edwards, Birds, III, i.l. 142.— Vieill. Gal. Ois. IF, pi. 270.— Wilson, Am. Orn. IX, pi. 73, fig. 4.— And. B. of
Am. pi. 255 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 339.— Pallas, Zoog. Rosso-As. II, pi. 63.
SP. Cn. — Bill strong, flattened, widened towards the end; wings long ; tail short ; legs short ; plumage thick and compact,
like the swimming birds. Jldult. Head above, space around the base of the bill, throat, and back, brownish black, feathers of
the last edged broadly with pale ochre yellow ; wings and tail ashy brown, paler on the wing coverts; greater wing coverts
widely tipped with white ; stripe on the cheek white. Entire under parts deep brownish red, inclining to purple on the abdomen,
and with a glaucous cast in very mature specimens ; under wing coverts and axillaries pure white ; bill greenish yellow ; feet
dark bluish brown. Young. Entire upper parts light cinereous ; head above and wings darker, and mixed with blackish brown;
head in front, and entire under parts white ; tips of greater wing coverts white. Total length, about 7| inches ; wing, 5| ;
tail, 2J ; bill, 1 ; tarsus, \ inch.
[lab. — Entire temperate regions of North America ; Asia ; Europe.
List of specimens.
Ciital.
No
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Remarks.
2001
United States
Sprin^
S F Baird
480
New York
1841 . ..
do
1245
California
do
6655
Shoal water bay,
W. T.
Nov. 24, 1854
Gov. Stevens
114
Dr. Cooper
8.75
16.00
Iris dark brown, bill
black and yellow.
708 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family SCOLOPACIDAE.
On a preceding page will be found the principal character of the Scolopacidae as distinguished
from the Charadridae, Hatmatopodidae, Becurvirostridae, and Phalaropodidae. According
to Bonaparte's arrangement, the Scolopacidae are divisible into two sub-families — Scolopa>inae
and Tringinae; the former with one tribe, Scolopaceae; the latter with four, Tringinae, Totoneae,
Limosinae, and Numeninae. The arrangement of Keyserling and Blasius and of Burmeister,
however, seems more natural in associating Tringeae with Scolopaceae under Scolopacinae. On
this basis the two sub-families may be characterized as follows :
SCOLOPACINAE. — Bill covered with soft skin to the sensitive, vascular, thickened, or laterally
expanded tip. Uncovered portion of tibia short. Body and legs rather stout. Neck rather
short and stout. Toes generally cleft to the base, (not in Macrorhamplms and Micropalama, &c.)
Gape of mouth very small, not extending beyond the base of culmen.
TOTANINAE. — Bill covered with soft skin towards the base ; the terminal portion hard, horny,
and more or less attenuated. Body more slender. Legs and neck slender and lengthened.
Toes generally with a basal web. Gape of mouth larger, always extending beyond base of
culmen, (except in Limosa.)
Sub-Family SCOLOPACINAE.
CH. — Bill swollen at the end, and covered almost to the tip with a soft skin, the edges only of the rather vaulted tip horny.
The end of the upper bill generally bent a little over the tip of lower. The jaw bone in typical genera finely porous, and
perforated by vessels and nerves, imparting a high degree of sensibility to the bill, enabling it to find food in the mud. After
death the end of bill is usually pitted. Legs rather stout ; the naked portion of the tibia much abbreviated. The hind toe well
developed and generally present ; the toes usually without basal membrane, (except in J\Iacrorhamphus> &c.)
Under the head of Scolopacinae, as at present defined, I range two tribes, with the following
brief diagnoses :
A. SCOLOPACEAE. — Bill much longer than the head or than the naked leg ; the end of upper
jaw thickened and bent over beyond the tip of lower. Roof of mouth not excavated to the tip.
A longitudinal furrow along the culmen towards the end. External ear placed beneath or
anterior to the eye. Tail banded ?
B. TRINGEAE. — Bill shorter than the naked leg, widened or rather spoon-shaped at the end,
with the edges not bent over. Roof of mouth excavated to the tip. No groove along the
culmen. Ear behind the eye. Tail without bands ?
Tribe SCOLOPACEAE.
The general characters of the Scolopaceae have already been given. The genera found in
North America belonging here are as follows :
A. Toes cleft to the base. Tarsi shorter than middle toe.1
PHILOHELA. — Tibia feathered to the lower joint. Wings short, much graduated ; the
three outer primaries much attenuated.
GALLINAGO. — Lower part of tibia naked. Wings lengthened; the outer primaries longest.
B. Toes united at the base. Tarsi longer than middle toe.
MACRORHAMPHUS. — Somewhat like Gallinago, but the middle and outer toes united to the
first joint.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE PHILOHELA MINOR.
709
PHILOHELA, . R. Gray.
Philohela, GRAY, List of Genera, 1841. Type Scolopax minor, GM.
Rusticola, GRAY, Genera, 1840, not of Moehring, 1752.
Microptera, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 192, not of Gravenhorst, 1802.
CH. — Body very full, and head, bill, and eyes very large. Tibia short, feathered to the joint. Toes cleft to base. Wings
short, rounded. First three primaries very narrow and much attenuated ; the fourth and fifth equal and longest. Tarsi stout,
shorter than the middle toe. Hind nail very short, conical, not extending beyond the toe. Tail of twelve feathers.
The present genus, embracing a single species, the American woodcock, is much like Scolopax,
with the European woodcock as type, in color and external appearance. The most striking
difference is seen in the wings, which are short, rounded ; the fourth and fifth primaries
longest and the outer three attenuated, while in Scolopax the wings are long ; the first primary
longest and more attenuated.
PHILOHELA MINOR, (G-melin,) Gray.
erican Woodcock.
Scolopax minor, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 661.— WILS. Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 40; pi. 48.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1835, 474 ; pi. 268.— DOUGHTY 's Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 158 ; pi. xiv.
Rusticola minor, VIEILLOT, " Analyse, 1816." — GAL. Ois. II, 112 ; pi. ccxlii. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 194.
Scolopax (Microptera) minor, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 194.
Philohela minor, GRAY, List Genera, 1841.
Microptera americana, AUD. Syn 1839, 250.— IB. Bints Amer. VI, 1843, 15 ; pi. 352.
Sp. CH. — Bill long, compressed, punctulated and corrugated near the end ; upper mandible longer than the under, and fitted
to it at the tip ; wings moderate, three first quills very narrow ; tail short ; legs moderate ; eyes inserted unusually distant from
the bill. Occiput with three transverse bands of black, alternating with three others of pale yellowish rufous ; upper parts of
body vawegated with pale ashy, rufous, or yellowish red of various shades, and black ; large space in front and throat reddish
ashy ; line from the e^e to the bill, and another on the neck below the eye, brownish black ; entire under parts pale rufous,
brighter on the sides and uwder wing coverts. Quills ashy brown ; tail feathers brownish black, tipped with ashy, darker on the
upper surface, paler and frequently white on the under ; bill light brown, paler and yellowish at base ; legs pale reddish. Total
length about 11 inches ; wing, 5j ; tail, 2£ ; bill, 2i ; tarsus, 1| inches.
Hab. — Eastern North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
852
rC
Carlisle, Pa
Nov. 12, 1842
S. F. Baird
10 73
17.75
5 16
1307
9
do
Mar. 23, 1844
do
14 75
19 00
5 08
1086
nO
do
June 30, 1843
do
10.50
17.25
4.80
9040
3
Loup Fork, Neb
July 18
Lieut. Warren ....
Dr. Hayden
10.75
17.00
5.75
710 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
GALLINAGO, Leach.
Gallinago, "LEACH, Catal. British Birds, 1316." GRAY. Type Scolopax major, L.
CH. — Lower portion of the tibia bare of feathers, scutel late before and behind, reticulated laterally like the tarsi. Nail of
hind toe slender, extending beyond the too. Bill depressed at the tip. Middle toe longer than tarsus. Tail with twelve to
sixteen feathers.
The more slender body, longer legs, partly naked tibia, and other features, distinguish this
genus from Scolopax or Philohela.
GALLINAGO WILSONII, (Temm.) Bon.
Wilson's Snipe ; English Snipe.
Scolopax wihorii, TEMM. PI. Col. V, livraison LXVIII, about 1824. In text of Scolopax gigantea. — BON. Syn. 1828,
330.— SWAINS. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 401.— NUTT. Man. II, 185.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,
322 : V, 1839, 583 ; pi. 243— IB. Syn. 248.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 339 ; pi. 350.
Gallinago wllsonii, BONAP. List, 1&38.
Scolopax galimago, WILS. Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 18. Not of Linnaeus.
Scolopax brehmii, " KAUP," BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 204. Not of Kaup.
Scolopax delicata, ORD, ed. Wils. IX, 1825, 218.
? Scolopax drummondii, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 319— IB. Syn. 249.— IB.
Birds Amer. V.
? Scolopax douglassii, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400.
? Scolopax leucurus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 50.
SP. CH. — Bill long, compressed, flattened and slightly expanded towards the tip, pustulated in its terminal half; wings rather
long ; legs moderate ; tail short. Entire upper parts brownish black ; every feather spotted and widely edged with light rufous,
yellowish brown or ashy white ; back and rump transversely barred and spotted with the same ; a line from the base of the bill
over the top of the head. Throat and neck before, dull reddish ashy ; wing feather marked with dull brownish black ; other
under parts white, with transverse bars of brownish black on the sides, axillary feathers and under wing coverts and under tail
coverts ; quills brownish black ; outer edge of first primary white ; tail glossy brownish black, widely tipped with bright rufous,
paler at the tip, and with a subterminal narrow band of black ; outer feathers of tail paler, frequently nearly white and barred
with black throughout their length. Bill brown, yellowish at base and darker towards the end; legs dark brown. Total
length about 10| inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2| ; bill, 2| ; tarsus, 1 j inch.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America. California, (Mr. Szabo.)
With numerous specimens before us from western North America, as will be seen in the list
appended below, and numerous others from various localities in the United States, we fail to
perceive the characters of more than one species, and much suspect that neither of the species
established by Mr. Swainson in Fauna Boreali Americana, as cited above, are valid or really
distinct from our present bird. There is amongst them a great variety of widths of the outer
tail feathers, and quite as great a variety also in their shades of color, so great, in fact, as to
render it utterly impossible to entertain the idea of regarding either as a specific character, and,
moreover, making the determining of these species quite inconvenient with so many specimens.
Two of those supposed species, Scolopax drummondii and S. douglasii, are described in the
body of the work cited above, and one, S. leucurus, is added in the appendix. It is worth
bearing in mind that Mr. Swainson was not acquainted with the common S. ivilsonii, and only
describes it doubtfully with the following remark: "A specimen of a snipe from Hudson's Bay,
in the British Museum, possesses all the distinctive characters ascribed by the Prince of Musig-
nano to his Sc. wilsonii, of wliicli we have seen no authenticated examples. ' '
Our present opinion is that all the names above given are synonyms for the species now
before us. All of their characters can be found in the extensive series of specimens now under
BIRDS — SCOLOPACiDAE — MACRORHAMPHUS,
711
examination, but without tempting us to suppose for one moment that they indicate specific
distinctions.
For convenience of reference we insert the diagnoses of the three supposed species alluded to,
from Fauna Boreali Americana, as above cited:
' ' Scolopax drummondii, — Tail of sixteen feathers, the two outer pairs somewhat narrowed,
varied with black and white, the rest banded with ferruginous. Total length, 11 inches 6
lines ; wing, 5 inches 3 lines ; tail, 2 inches 10 lines ; of bill, 2 inches 7 lines ; of tarsus, 1
inch 3 lines."
"Scolopax douglosii. — Tail of sixteen feathers, not narrowed, all banded with ferruginous,
except the outer pair, which are paler. Total length, 11^ inches; of wing, 5 inches; of tarsus,
1 inch 3^ lines ; middle toe, 1 inch 2 lines ; its nail, 3^ lines."
"Scolopax leucurus. — Tail of sixteen feathers, the three lateral ones pure white, with 2—3 basal
black bands on the outer web ; belly transversely banded. Total length, 10 inches 6 lines; of
wing, 5 inches 4 lines; of tail, 2 inches 2 lines ; of bill, 2 inches 5 lines ; of tarsus, 1 inch 4£
lines."
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.
Remarks.
1340
0
April 9, 1844
S. F. Baird
11.25
17.75 ' 5.40
1686
0
do
Aug. 21, 1844
do
11.32
17.50 5.50
10424
o
April—, 1842
3. K. Townsend .
10-125
Jf
. do
do
do
4548
Washington, D. C
April 24, 1856
S. F. Baird
4874
Lt. Warren
Dr. Hayden ....
11.00
16.50 ! 5.25
9U42
iliac k Hills
Sept 19, H57
da
.do
10.25
17.00 5 00
9041
do
do ....
do
8-230
4874
Q
Fort Laramie
Near Bald Island
Sept. 20, 1857
April 24, 1856
Win. M. Mas'raw.
Lt. Warren
212 Dr. Cooper
10.75
11 00
17.75 5.50
16. "5 5.12
Iris brown, feet olive
4183
o
Feb. — , 1853
Lt. Couch
12.00
17.00 5.50
4184
Mar. , 1853
... do
6614
Feb. 16, 1851
Lt. Whipple
... i Kenn. and Mull.
3940
Dr. Heerrnann . ..
10.50
18.75 ,
6(508
J1
Lt. Williamson. . .
Dr. Hi'errnann.
diilii
Dec. — , 1854
T. A Szabo
6616
R. D. Cults
6615
6613
3
o
Fort Dalles, O. T
Nov. 16
Sept. 22, 1854
Gov. Stevens ....
do
Dr. Sueklcy ...
1
6GOG
4403
V
Fort Stfilacoom, W. T..
.do
do
6612
6
do
May 13, 1856
do ..
MACRORHAMPHUS, Leach.
Macrorhamphus, " LEACH. Catal. Brit. Birds, 1816," GRAY. Type Scolopax grisea, Gin-
CH — General appearance of Gallinago. Tarsi longer than middle toe ; a short web between the base of outer and middle
toe.
The membrane at the base of the toes will at once distinguish this genus from Gallinago,
though there are other characters involved.
712
U. 8. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
MACROKHAMPHUS GRISEUS, (Gmelin,) Leach.
Gray Snipe; Red-breasted Snipe.
Scolopax grisea, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 658, No. 27.
Macrorhamphus griseus, "LEACH, Catal. Brit. Mus. 1816, 31." — STEPHENS, Shaw. Gen. Zool. XII, 1824,61. —
BON. Am. Orn. IV, 1332, 51 ; pi. xxiii.
Scolopax noveboracensis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 658, No. 28— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 45 ; pi. Iviii.— Sw.
F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 398 — Aun. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 288; pi. 339.— IB. Syn. 249.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843. 10 ; pi. 351.
Scolopax leucophaea, VIEILLOT, Diet. Ill, 358, (2d ed.) Not of Latham.
SP. CH. — Rather smaller than the preceding ; bill long, compressed, flattened and expanded towards the end, and in the
sime space punctulated and corrugated ; wing rather long ; shaft of first primary strong ; tail short ; legs rather long. Mull.
Upper parts variegated with dark ashy, pale reddish and black, the latter predominating on the back ; rump and upper tail
coverts, white, the latter spotted and barred transversely with black. Under parts pale ferruginous red, with numerous points
and circular spots of brownish black on the neck before, and transverse bands of the same on the sides and under tail coverts ;
axill.iry feathers and under wing coverts white, spotted and transversely barred with black. Quills brownish black ; shaft of
first primary white ; tail brownish black, with numerous transverse bands of ashy white, and frequently tinged with ferruginous,
especially on the two middle feathers ; bill greenish black ; legs dark greenish brown. Younger. Entire under parts dull white,
strongly marked with dull ashy on the neck in front, and transverse bands of the same on the sides ; axillary feathers and under
wing coverts white, spotted with brownish black ; upper parts lighter than in the adult. Total length about 10 inches ; win^,
5J ; tail, 2| ; bill, 2| ; tarsus, 1| inch.
Hob. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
Quite a variable species in plumage, scarcely any two being exactly alike, except in very
mature plumage, but always readily distinguished from the preceding by the white shaft of the
first quill in the present bird. This bird is widely distributed, and is very similar to, if not
identical with, the succeeding species.
In the list of specimens I give species of sizes varying between considerable extremes, reserving
for M. scolopaceus only three, which are still larger than any of these.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1703
9
Carlisle, Pa Sept. 12, 1844
S. F. Baird
11 24
19 25
5 16
1671
d~~
do Au<*. 12,1844
do
10 56
18.50
5.56
2675
10447
5769
o
Cape May, N. J May —,1842
Rock creek Sept. ,1856
J. K. Townsend..
340
5096
4182
Fort Brown, Texas Mar. 27, 1853
Capt. Van Vliet
11 00
18 25
5 50
6644
6647
9
Mimbres to Rio Grande
Espia, Mexico .... Mar. 27,1853
Dr. Henry
10 50
18 00
5 75
6609
rf
Sacramento Valley
G643
O
371
11 75
19 00
6646
Port Townser.d August
do
572
MACRORHAMPHUS SCOLOPACEUS, (Say,) Lawrence.
Limosa scolopaceus, SAY, Long's Exped. II, 1823, 170.
Macrorhamphus scolopaceus, (SAY,) LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lye. N. H. V, 1852, (Read Jan. 1849,) 4, pi. i.
Scolopax longirostris, BELL, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1852, (Read Oct. 9, 1848, and published soon after, but vol. dated
1852,) 3.
FIGURES.— Bonaparte, Am. Orn. IV, pi. 23, fig. 3. Annals, Lyceum N. Y. V, pi. 1.
BIRDS SCOLOPACIDAE — TRINGE AE.
713
SP. CH. — Rather larger than the preceding ;species, and with the bill and tarsi disproportionately longer, but much
resembling J\I . griseus in colors and general characters. Bill long, flattened and expanded towards the tip, where it is
punctulated and corrugated ; wing rather long ; shaft of first primary very strong ; tail short ; legs rather long. Colors very
similar to those of M . griseus, though perhaps with the upper parts more cinereous ; rump and upper tail coverts white, the
latter spotted and transversely barred with black ; under parts pale ferruginous, with circular spots on the neck and transverse
bars on the sides brownish black ; axillaries and under wing coverts white, barred and spotted with brownish black. Foimg-.
Ashy brown above, dull white beneath. Legs and bill dark brown. Total length, about ll| inches ; wing, 5J ; tail, 2| to 2| ;
bill, 2J to 3 inches ; tarsus, 1'2 inches.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America. Washington Territory, (Dr. Suckley.) New York, (Mr. J. G. Bell.)
The only characters which appear to be reliable are those pointed out by Mr. Lawrence, as
above, which are the greater length of the bill and tarsi in the present species. It is, however,
nearly related to that immediately preceding, and, for the present, with numerous specimens of
both before us, we consider it but of doubtful validity as a species ; and its study is further
complicated by the fact that it bears a striking resemblance to the rare European species supposed
to be identical with the common bird of America, as will be seen in Gould's beautiful figure in
"Birds of Europe," vol. IV, pi. 323. The latter seems to be a little larger than our common
species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing
4927
$
St. John's river, Florida
G. Wiirdemann .
4381
Calcasieu Pass
1854
do
4871
,?
Omaha City
April 28, 1856
Lieutenant Warren
10. 50
19 50
5 75
Tribe TBINGEAE,
The variations in external form of Tringeae are very great, and have given occasion for the
construction of almost as many genera as species. Many of these genera are, however,
scarcely tenable, in many cases being scarcely indicative of more than specific characters.
In none of the North American species, as far as observed, is there any indication of trans
verse bands on the tail, as in Scolopaceae and Totaneae. The gape of mouth is much less than
in the latter.
The following synopsis will serve to characterize the genera of Tringeae as adopted ; the
numerous sections of those with fully cleft anterior toes and the hinder one present, being all
considered as Tringa, under which genus the subdivisions will be found detailed.
A. Toes cleft to the base, or with a very rudimentary membrane, which does not extend to
the first joint.
TKINGA. — Hind toe present.
CALIDRIS. — Hind toe wanting.
B. Toes with a decided basal membrane.
EREUNETES. — Bill straight, as long as the head, but equal to the tarsus. A web con
necting all the toes at base, and between middle and outer, extending to the second
joint ; all the toes slightly margined to the extremity. Legs short. Tibia with
hexagonal scales. Tail doubly emarginate. Body stout. Middle toe equal to the tarsus.
August 3, 1858.
90 b
714 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
MICROPALAMA. — Bill slightly curved, longer than the head, "but equal to the tarsus.
Bases of all the toes about equally webbed to a little beyond the first joint. Legs
lengthened ; tibia with transverse scutellae. Tail nearly even. Body slender.
Middle toe not two-thirds the tarsus.
TRINGA, Linnaeus.
Tringa, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type T. canutus, L.
CH. — Size moderate or small. General form adapted to dwelling on the shores of both salt and fresh waters, and subsisting
on minute or small animals, in pursuit of which they carefully examine and probe with their bills sandy or muddy deposits and
growths of aquatic plants, rocks, or other localities. Flight rather rapid, but not very strong nor long continued. Bill
moderate, or rather long ; straight, or slightly curved towards the end, which is generally somewhat expanded and flattened ;
longitudinal grooves in both mandibles, distinct, and nearly the whole length of the bill ; wings long, pointed ; the first primary
longest ; tertiaries long ; secondaries short, with their tips obliquely incised ; tail short ; legs moderate, or rather long, slender ;
the lower portion of the tibia naked, and with the tarsus covered in front and behind with transverse scales ; hind toe very
small ; fore toes rather slender, with a membranous margin, scaly and flattened underneath, free at base.
This genus comprises a large number of species of all parts of the world, some of
which are very extensively diffused, especially during the season of their southern or autumnal
migration. Generally these birds are met with in flocks, frequenting every description of
locality near water, and industriously searching for the minute animals on which they feed.
The species of the United States are migratory, rearing their young in the north, and in
autumn and winter extending to the confines of the republic and into South America. The
colors of the spring and autumnal plumage are different in nearly all species, though that of
the two sexes is very similar.
The following synopsis will serve to define the sub-genera :
A. Bill longer than the head or tarsus. Bare space of tibia not exceeding half the tarsus.
1. Bill straight, much flattened, and widening towards the tip. Tarsus longer than
middle toe and claw. Feathers of tibia reaching nearly to joint. Tail nearly even.
TRINGA, Linn.
2. Bill nearly straight, not widened at tip. Tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw.
Feathers of tibia reaching to joint. Tail wedge-shaped.
ARQUATELLA, Baird.
3. Bill slightly decurved beyond the middle ; very little widened at tip. Tarsus longer
than middle toe and claw.
EROLIA, Vieill. — Bill not depressed; with hard tip.
SCHOENICLUS, Moehr. — Bill depressed ; with rather soft tip.
B. Bill straight; not longer than the head. Bare space of tibia nearly two- thirds the tarsus.
Jugulum conspicuously streaked in all seasons.
1. Tarsus equal to the middle toe. Bill scarcely widened at end, except, perhaps, in
T. maculata. Tail doubly emarginate, the central feather longest.
ACTODROMAS, Kaup.
In further illustration of these sub-genera, the following remarks may appropriately be made :
Tringa. — The tips of the tibial feathers extend nearly to the joint ; the really bare portion,
however, is one half the length of tarsus. The toes are quite short, the middle one, with its
claw, being scarcely more than two-thirds the tarsus. The claws are all short and blunt.
Arquatella.—The bill is nearly straight, and very slender at base ; the gonys, however, is
slightly concave. The feathers of the tibia extend over the joint ; the portion without any feathers
inserted is nearly half the tarsus. The tarsus is remarkably short, being scarcely equal to the
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — TRINGA CANUTUS. 715
middle toe without its claw. The claws are all short, blunt, and much curved. The tail is
rather wedge-shaped. The body is full and compact, standing very low on the legs.
Schoeniclus. — The bare portion of the tibia is not quite half the tarsus. The bill is decidedly
decurved from the middle and depressed at tip. The toes are short, but straight and acute.
The difference from Erolia appears very slight.
Tringa, Linn.
TRINGA CANUTUS, Linn.
Gray Back; Robin Snipe.
Tringa canutus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251.— BON. List, 1838.
Tringa ferruginea, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 186.
Tringa cineret, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 673.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 36 ; pi. Ivii.
? Tringa australis, GM. I, 679.
Tringa islandica, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 682.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 130 ; pi. 315.— IB. Syn. 232.— IB.
Birds Am. V, 1842, 254 ; pi. 328.
Tringa naevia and grisea, GM. I, 681.
Tringa rufa, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 57 ; pi. Ivii.
FIGURES.— Buftbru PI. Enl. 365, 366.— Edwards, Birds, pi. 276.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 57, figs. 2, 5.— Aud. B. of Am.
pi. 315 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 328.— Gould, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 324.— Naumann, B. of Germany, pi. 183.
•
SP. CH. — Large ; bill straight, rather longer than the head, compressed, slightly enlarged at the tip ; upper mandible with
the nasal groove extending to near the tip ; legs moderate ; tibia with its lower third part naked ; neck moderate ; wing long ;
tail short. Toes free at base, flattened beneath, widely margined ; hind toe slender, small. Entire upper parts light gray, with
lanceolate, linear, and irregular spots of black, and others of pale reddish ; rump and upper tail coverts white, with transverse
narrow bands and crescent-shaped spots of black. Under parts light brownish red, paler in the middle of the abdomen ; under
toil coverts, tibial feathers, flanks, axillary feathers, and under wing coverts white, generally with spots and transverse bars of
brownish black. Quills brownish black, with their shafts white ; tail light brownish cinereous, (without spots or bars) ; all the
feathers edged with white, and frequently with a second sub-edging of dark brown. Bill brownish black ; legs greenish black.
Young- and winter plumage. — Upper parts brownish ashy, darker on the back, every feather having a sub-terminal edging of
brownish black, and tipped with dull ashy white ; rump white, with crescents of black ; under parts dull ashy white, nearly
pure on the abdomen, but with numerous longitudinal lines, and small spots of dark brown on the breast and neck ; sides with
crescent-shaped and irregular spots of brownish black. An obscure line of dull white over and behind the eye. Total length,
(from tip of bill to end of tail,) about 10 inches ; wing, 6£ ; tail, 2£ ; bill from gape, 1| ; tarsus, 1| inches. Female larger?
Hob. — Eastern North America ; Europe.
This is the largest of the sandpipers of the United States, and appears to be restricted to the
shores of the Atlantic in this division of the continent of America. We have never seen it
from the Pacific coast.
In the United States this bird is known as the red-breasted snipe, or sometimes as the gray-
backed snipe, though we have never heard the name " Knot" applied to it, which appears to be
a common appellation of the same species in Europe, and is given by American authors. This
is one of the few species of birds which appears to be absolutely identical with a species of
Europe, and is of very extensive diffusion over the world, especially in the season of southern
migration.
This bird has received a variety of names, of which the very first appears to be that adopted
at the head of this article.
716
U. S P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
2677
Now Jersey ....... -
1845
S F Baird
10445
o
Cape May N. J
May, 1842..
John K Townsend
10444
f?
do
do
.do
4170
f?
Brazos, Santiago .....
Capt. Van Vliet
TKINGA COOPERI, Baird.
Sp. CH. — Rather smaller than T. canutus. Bill straight ; longer than the tarsus, which exceeds the middle toe. Above
gray ; the feathers of back with dark centres, and without abruptly light borders. Upper tail coverts white, each feather with
V-shaped marks of black. Beneath clear white ; the breast and sides with small oval spots or streaks of black. Length, 9|
inches ; wing, 5.75 ; tail, 2.80 ; bill above, 1.23 ; tarsus, 1.14 ; middle toe and claw, 1.
Hub. — Long Island.
Bill straight, rather broad, and a little widened at the tip ; a little longer than the tarsi.
Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe. Hind toe and claw well developed. Bare part of
tibia a little more than half the tarsus ; just haW the bill. Tail doubly emarginate, but the
central feathers projecting but slightly. Upper parts ashy gray, this being the color of the
borders ; the basal and central portion, however, is blackish, showing occasionally as a large
spot. There are several scapular feathers which appear to be assuming a more perfect dress, and
which are black, abruptly edged laterally with pale rusty, passing towards the tip into ashy.
There is no rusty, however, on any other feathers. The head and neck are grayish, streaked
with brown ; the chin whitish. The upper tail coverts are white, each one with a Y-shaped
mark of brown ; the rump feathers are brown, edged with whitish. The under parts are quite
pure white, with a trace of reddish on the lower neck, but no indication of an ashy jugulum.
The lower part of the neck, the jugulum, and the sides of the body, show elongated oval spots
of brown, not much crowded, but very well defined. These blotches under the wings are rather
Y-shaped, but where exposed are only in the end of the feather. There are also a few streaks
in the crissum.
The subject of the present description appears in many respects different from any Tringa
described as North American. It approaches to Actodromas maculata and bonapartii in the
short, straight bill and other peculiarities of form. It is rather larger than the former, the bill
exceeding the tarsus, and the tarsus longer than the middle toe, instead of having bill, tarsus,
and toes of about the same length. There is nothing of the ashy jugulum of maculata, nor
the blackish central field of the rump and upper tail coverts. The spots on the sides are better
defined, and, instead of being shaft lines, are oval spots.
It is much larger than A. bonapartii, which has the same proportions of bill as A. maculata.
The affinities after all, are, perhaps, closest to Tringa canutus. It is, however, smaller, the
bill not so stout at the base. The legs are slenderer and longer, the bare part of tibia nearly
two-thirds the tarsus, instead of not more than two-fifths. The hind toe is longer, and all the
claws are lengthened and acute, instead of short and blunt. The differences in coloration
between winter specimens consists in the greater distinctness of the spots on the sides and
breast. Both have the upper tail coverts white, with Y or U-shaped marks of black. The
BIRDS SCOLOPACIDAE — TRINGA MARITIMA.
717
feathers of the back, however, lack that distinct whitish border with the dark line margining
it inside, while canutus is without the black or dark brown central areas in the scapulars and
back.
The bird here described was shot on the 24th of May, 1833, on Raynor South, Long Island,
by Mr. Wm. Cooper, and I take much pleasure in giving to it his name, as that of almost the
only living member of the band of zealous ornithologists who years ago studied the birds of
North America, especially of the Atlantic coast, with so much zeal and success. Of these Wilson,
Say, Audubon, Bonaparte, and DeKay, have passed away, while Peale and Cooper still remain.
It is possible that this species may have been previously indicated under some of the names
quoted as synonyms, such as Tringa noveboracensis, &c., although, from the brevity of the
descriptions, it is impossible to determine this point satisfactorily. — S. F. B.
List of specimens.
Catal. Number.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
5989
May 24 1833
\Vm. Cooper ....... . . .
Arquatella. B a i r d .
TRINGA MARITIMA, Briinnich.
Purple Sandpiper.
Tringa maritima, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. 1764, 54. — BON. Am. Orn. III. — NUTT. Man. II, 115.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill,
1835, 558 ; pi. 284.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 261 ; pi. 330.
Pelidna maritima, BON. List. 1842.
?Tringa striata, LINN, Syst. I, 1766, 248.
Tringa nigricans, MONTAGU, Linn. Trans. IV, 1796, 40 ; pi. ii.
Tringa arquatella, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. II, 1811, 190.
FIGURES.— Aud B. of Am. pi. 284 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 330. Gould B. of Eur. IV, pi. 344. Naumann B. of Germ. pi. 188.
Sp. Cn. — Bill rather longer than the head, straight, compressed ; nasal groove long ; wings long ; tail short, rounded ; legs
moderate; toes free at base, flattened underneath and slightly margined; hind toe small. Entire head and upper parts dark
smoky brown, with a purple and violet tinge, strongest on the back and scapulars. Under parts from the breast white, generally
with longitudinal spots of dark ashy. Wing coverts more or less edged and tipped with white ; quills brownish black, edged
with white ; middle tail feathers brownish black, outer feathers lighter, with their shafts white ; axillaries and under wing
coverts white. Bill yellow at base, dark at tip; legs yellow. Total length about 8 to 9 inches ; wing 5 ; tail 2| ; bill from
gape, 1{ ; tarsus, 1 inch.
Hab. — Eastern North America; Europe.
The purple sandpiper, though not an abundant species, is frequently met with on the shores
of the Atlantic, where it is diffused throughout the extent of temperate North America. It is
also a winter visitant to tropical and South America. American and European specimens appear
absolutely identical.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
No. of
spec.
Locality.
When collected Whence obtained.
Collected by —
519
1
New York
1842 S K Baird
ln;;!)i;
2
Philadelphia .
do
A. Giilbmitli
8(i.">8
Key Biscay DC Fla
718
U. S. P K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Erolia, V i e i 11 o t . 1
TRINGA SUB AKQUAT A , ( G- u 1 d . ) Temm.
Curlew Sandpiper.
Scolopax subarquata, GULDENSTAKDT, Nov. Comm. Petrop. XIX, 1775, 471 ; pi. xviii. Caspian sea. — GM. Syst. Nat.
I, 1788, 658.
Tringa subarquata, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 609.— NUTT. Man. II, 104.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,444 ; pi. 263.
IB. Syn. 234.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 269 ; pi 333
" Jlncylocheilus subarquata," KAUP, Europ. Thicrw. 1829.
Pelidna subarquata, BON. List. 1838.
Erolia variegata, VIEILLOT, Anal. 1816, 69.
FIGURES. -Buff. PI. Enl. 851.- -Temm, PI. Col. 510.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 263 ; oct. ed. V, pi 333.— Gould, B. of Eur. IV, pi
328.— Naumann, B. of Germ. pi. 185.
SP. CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, slender, compressed, slightly curved towards the tip, which is somewhat expanded ;
both mandibles grooved ; wing long, pointed ; tail short ; legs long, slender ; toes moderate, marginated and flattened under
neath. Upper parts brownish black, nearly every feather edged and spotted with bright yellowish red, rump ashy brown, upper
coverts of the tail white, with transverse bands of brownish black ; wings ashy brown, shafts of primaries white. Under parts
fine dark yellowish rufous ; sides, axillaries and under tail coverts, white ; under surface of wing white ; tail pale brownish
ashy, with a greenish gloss ; bill and legs greenish brown.
Young. — Upper parts much more ashy, and with little of the red of the preceding ; under parts entirely dull white, tinged
with yellowish on the breast and sides. An obscure line over the eye, ashy white ; outer feathers of the tail, nearly white.
Total length, about 8| to 9 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2| ; bill from gape, 1| to 1| ; tarsus, 1 to 1| inches.
Hab. — Atlantic coast of the United Stat , rare ; Europe ; Asia ; Arica.
The Curlew sandpiper is one of the rarest of the sandpipers known to inhabit the United States,
and may be looked upon, very properly, as a straggler only, from the Old World. It is very
extensively diffused throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, from each of which continents we
find specimens in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, apparently quite identical in
specific characters.
This bird is occasionally shot on the shores of the Atlantic, and very probably also occurs on
the Pacific, though no specimens are contained in the collections of the surveying parties.
Our friend, Mr. John G. Bell of New York, informs us o^ several instances of the capture of
this bird on the coast near New York, and it is accordingly included by Mr. Giraud in his
interesting and valuable work, "The Birds of Long Island."
In several American specimens now before us, including that figured by Mr. Audubon, which
is now in Professor Baird's collection, we find no peculiar characters. All the specimens that
we have examined appear to be identical, from whatever country.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
No. of spec Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2000
1 '
United States (?)
S. F. Baird
9685
2 Q
Europe
Baron V. Miiller
9686
3
. . do
. do
i
1 Erolia, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. Type Scolopax subarquata, GCLD.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — TR1NGA ALPINA. 719
Schoeniclus, M o e h r i n g .*
TRINGA ALPINA, var. AMERICANA, C a s s .
Red-backed Sandpiper.
Tringa alpina, LINN. Syst. Nat- I, 1766, 249.— WILSON Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 25; pi. Ivi.— Sw. F. B. Am. II. 1831,
383.— NUTT. Man. II, 106.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 580; pi. 290.— IB. Syn. 234.— IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842,266 ; pi. 332.
Tringa dnclus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 39 ; pi. Ivii.
Pelidna dnclus, " Cuv." Bon. List. 1838.
Tringa rvficollis, GM. I, 1788, 680.
Tringa variabllis, MEYER, Tasch. Deutsch. Vogel, II, 1810, 397.
? Tringa schinzii, BKEHM, Lehrb. Europ. Vogel, II, 1824, 571. (Not of American writers.)
Pelidna schinzii, BREIIM, Nat. Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 6G3.
FIGURES.— Buff. PI. Enl. 852.— Gould B. of Eur. IV, pi. 329.— Naumann, B. of Germ. pi. 186.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi.
57, fig. 3 ; pi. 56, fig. 2.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 290, oct. ed. V, pi. 332.
Sp. CH. — Bill longer than the head, wide at base, curved, slightly widened and flattened towards the end ; nasal groove and
another groove in the under mandible long and very distinct ; wings long ; tail short, with the two middle feathers longest and
pointed ; legs rather long and slender, lower half of the tibia naked ; toes moderate, free at base, flattened underneath and
slightly marginated ; claws much compressed, hind toe small. Upper parts yellowish red, mixed with ashy, and every feather
having a lanceolate, ovate or narrow spot in the centre, most numerous on the back and rump. Front, sides of the head, and
entire under parts, ashy white, nearly pure white on the abdomen and under tail coverts ; a wide transverse band of black
across the lower part of the breast ; neck before and upper part of the breast with narrow longitudinal spots of brownish
black. Under wing coverts and axillary feathers white ; quills light ashy brown, darker on their outer edges, with their shafts
white ; tail feathers light ashy brown ; middle feathers darker, outer nearly white. Bill and legs brownish black.
Sexes alike.
Winter plumage. — Entire upper parts dark ashy, nearly black on the rump, and upper tail coverts; throat, abdomen, axillaries
and under wing coverts, white ; breast pale ashy, with longitudinal lines of dark brown.
Total length, 8 to 8| inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2| ; bill from gape, H ; tarsus, 1 inch.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
In its slimmer plumage this is the most handsome bird of the family of sandpipers, and is
easily recognized by its wide black band across the under parts of the body. It is exceedingly
abundant on the shores of the Atlantic.
We have not a sufficient number of European specimens of the true T. alpina of that con
tinent for satisfactory comparison, especially as ornithologists mention differences in size at the
same localities ; but of eight specimens from Europe and Asia, now before us, not one ought to
be considered as specifically the same as the American bird. The size is invariably smaller and
the bill disproportionately shorter. In fact, we have little doubt that the bird inhabiting both
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the republic is quite distinct and may be easily recognized.
1 Schoeniclus, MOEHRING, Gen. Av. 1752. Type Tringa dnclus, L. Equal to Pelidna, Cuv.
720
U. 8. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS —ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing. ! Remarks.
2519
2518
1052
10442
3941
5566
4602
6675
6668
6674
6671
6669
4591
9540
9538
9539
8
3
8
Q
Carlisle Pa
Oct. 13,1845
, do
S. F. Baird
8.32
8.32
9.00
15.00
15.16
15.80
4.75
do
4 . 80
May —,1842
do
5 00
... do
do
Q
Shoalwater bay
do
May 3,1851
68
8.50
15.25
Iris brown; bill and
do
do
do
do ....
Mar. 2,1854
May 3, 1854
April —,1853
Feb. 6, 1856
Nov. 30,1856
. .. do
do
do
54
68
do
9.00
8.50
16.00
15.25
do
do
do
Fort Steilacoom, W. T.
do
do
8.50
15.00
4 84
.. . do
rln
8.25
13.50
4.50
do
do... ....
do
Actodromas, K a u p .*
TKINGA MACULATA, Vie ill.
Jack Snipe*
Tringa maculata, VIEILI.OT, Nouv. Diet, XXXIV, 1819, 465.
Tringa pectoralis, SAY, Long's Exped. I, 1823, 171.— BON. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 43; pi. xxiii.— NUTT. Man. II, 111.—
AUD. Orn.Biog. Ill, 1835, 601 : V, 582; pi. 294.— IB. Syn 233.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 259; pi. 329,
Tringa campestris, LIGHT. Verz, 1823, 74, (not of Vieillot, 1819.)
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, pi. 23, fig. 2.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 294; oct. ed. V, pi. 329.— Gould B. of Eur. IV, pi. 327.
SP. CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, compressed, slightly depressed and expanded at the tip ; nasal groove long ; wings
long; legs rather long , tibia with nearly its lower half naked; toes free at base, flattened underneath and slightly margined ;
tail rather short ; middle feathers pointed. Entire upper parts brownish black; all the feathers edged and tipped with ashy and
brownish red; rump and upper tail coverts black, some of the outer feathers of the latter edged with white. Line from the bill
over the eye ashy white; throat, abdomen, under wing coverts, axillary feathers, and under tail coverts, white. Breast and neck
before ashy white; all the feathers darker at base, and with partially concealed lanceolate or pointed spots of brownish black.
Quills brownish black; shaft of first primary white, of others brown; secondaries tipped and edged with white; tertiaries edged
with dull reddish yellow. Bill and feet dark greenish black. Total length about 9 inches; wing, 5$ ; tail, 2£; bill to gape, 1J ;
tarsus, 1 inch.
Ilab. — The entire coasts of North America ; South America ; Europe.
Of rather frequent occurrence on the coast of the Atlantic, and rearing its young in the
northern States of the Union. In the present collection also are specimens from western North
America, and in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy we find numerous examples from
various parts of South America. This bird is easily recognized by its spotted breast and the
light yellow of the basal portion of the bill. We have no doubt that the description and name
given by Vieillot, as above, apply to this species.
This species has been ascertained to breed abundantly in Wisconsin by Professor T. Kiimlein,
an energetic cultivator of zoological science, now resident in that State. In the Museum of the
Philadelphia Academy, specimens from various countries of South America are in the winter
1 Actodromas, KAUP, Sk. Ent. Europ. Thierw. 1829. Type Tringa minula, LKISLEK
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — TRINGA WIL8ONII.
721
and young plumage, and tend to demonstrate that the winter migration of this species extends
over a large portion of the southern division of this continent.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. ; Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of'wings.
Wing.
1,'UG
i
$ ' Carlisle Pa ....
Mar. 28 1844
S. F. Baird
9 32
18 50
5 32
1739
c3 . do. .
Nov. 2, 1844
9.32
17.75
5 56
1712
Q ! ... do
Oct. 7 ....
8 64
16.25
5.16
2513
: do. . .
Sept. 27, 1845
9.50
17.80
5 56
2093
7597
Q i do
April 13, 1845
do
8.56
16.75
5.25
10417
April 8
N.W. University
II. Kennicott
9537
4186
.... Sinieahinoo bay
A. Campbell
Lt. Couch , ....
Dr. Kennerly
8.50
17.00
5.75
6690
Dr. Suckley
6691
, Fort Steilacoom, W. T
May 5, 1856
do
373
6693
' do
do
563
TRINGA WILSONII, Nut tall.
Least Sandpiper.
Tringa pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 32; pi. 37. Not of Linnaeus.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 180 ; pi. 320.—
IB. Syn. 237.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 280; pi. 337.
Pelidna pusilla, Bo\. List, 1838.
? Tringa minutilla, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 466.
Tringa wilscmii, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 121.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn V, pi. 37, fig. 4.— Audubon's B. of Am. pi. 320, oct. ed. V, pi. 337.
SP. CH. — The smallest of all known species of this group found in North America. Bill about as long as the head, slightly
curved towards the end, which is very slightly expanded; grooves in both mandibles to near the tip; wing long; tertiaries nearly
as long as the primaries ; tail short; middle feathers longest ; outer feathers frequently longer than the intermediate ; legs long ;
lower third of the tibia naked ; toes long, slender, margined and flattened beneath ; hind toe small. Upper parts with nearly
every feather having a large central spot of brownish, black, and widely margined with ashy and bright brownish red ; rump and
middle of the upper tail coverts black ; outer coverts white spotted with black. Stripe over the eye, throat, and breast pale
ashy white, with numerous small longitudinal spots of ashy brown; abdomen and under tail coverts white. Quills dark brown
with the shafts of the primaries white; tertiaries edged with reddish. Middle feathers of the tail brownish black; outer feathers
light ashy white. Under surface of wing light brownish ashy, with a large spot of white near the shoulder; axillary feathers
white; bill and legs greenish brown, the latter frequently yellowish green. Total length from tip of bill to end of tail about 5j
to 6 inches; wing, 3£ to 3| ; tail, If; bill to gape, | ; tarsus, £ inch.
Hal). — Entire temperate North America.
This little bird is apparently quite as abundant on the western as on the eastern coast of the
republic. Specimens from western localities seem to be slightly larger, and perhaps a shade
more ashy in color, but we can make out no specific distinction.
August 5, 1858.
91 b
722
U S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained. Orig'l
j No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ol'wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1675
1509
1674
1510
1511
10443
1179
10416
9046
8801
8769
6686
5568
6679
6688
6681
6678
6683
$
J\
$
Q
May 15
S. F. Baird ''•
5.88
5.80
6.00
6.16
5.80
11.16
11.16
11.25
11.80
11.50
3.50
do.
do
do !
3.50
3.56
3. SO
3. 04
do
do
do ....
Aug. 12,1844
May 15
do
do
do
do
(j
do
do
"s
South Illinois
Loup fork, Flatte
Scott's Bluff, Neb
North fork of Plalte....
Aug. 20
do
N. W. University.
Lieut. Warren . . .
W. M. Magraw ..
do
R. Kennicott..
Dr. Hayden.,..
Dr. Cooper ....
do
5.75
5.84
6.00
10.84
11.12
11.36
3.50 Iris deep brown
3 50
3.75
Iris brown ; bill and feet
black.
3
..„..
E.Samuels "fifi
5.08
5.54
10.00
11.30
3.48
Fort Stoilacoom, W. T.
do ,
do
May 5
do
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Buckley
370
375
89
377
Dr. Suckley
$
.... do
do
...do
Pii"et's Sound
Aug. — , 1856
Dr. Suckley . ...
561
.,0..do
TRINGA BONAPARTII, Schlegel.
Tringa sc/rinzii, "BREHM," BON. Syn. 1828, (not of Brehra.)— IB Am. Orn IV, 1832,69; pi. Ixix.— Sw. F. Bor. Am.
II, 384.— NUTT. Man. II, 109.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 529; pi. 278.— IB. Syn 236 — IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 275 ; pi. 335.
Pelidna schinzii, BON. Comp. List, 1838.
Tringa cinclus, var. SAY, Long's Exped. 1823.
Tringa bonapartii, SCHLEGKL, Rev. Grit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 89.
? Scolopax pusilla, GM. Syst. I, 1788, 663.
FIGURES — Bonap. Am. Orri. IV, pi. 24, fig. 2.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 278 ; oct. ed. V, pi ?35.— Gould B. of Eur. IV, pi. 330.
SP. CH. — Smaller; bill slightly arched towards the tip, which is somewhat enlarged and flattened, about the length of the head ;
grooves in both mandibles long and narrow ; wings long; secondary quills obliquely incised at the ends; tail rather longer than
usual in this group, with the feathers broad; legs rather long and slender; toes free at base ; hind toe very small. Upper parts
light ashy brown, darker on the rump; nearly all the feathers with ovate or wide lanceolate central spots of brownish black, and
many of them edged with bright yellowish red; upper tail coverts white. Under parts white, with numerous small spots of dark
brown on the neck before, breast, and sides, somewhat disposed to form transverse bands on the last. Quills brownish black,
darker at the tips; shaft of outer primary white, of others light brown; middle feathers of tail brownish black ; outer feathers
jighter and edged with ashy white; under wing coverts and axillaries white; bill and feet greenish black. Total length about
7 inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2^ ; bill, 1 ; tarsus rather less than an inch.
Hob. — North America, east of the Rocky mountains.
This is an abundant little sandpiper, sadly misnamed by American ornithologists. It is
really very little like Tringa schinzii, Brehm, (figured in Naumann's Birds of Germany, pi.
187,) which is merely a smaller variety, or perhaps only smaller specimens of the common
Tringa alpina of Europe and America.
This bird appears to be restricted to the countries east of the Rocky mountains.
BIRDS — 8COLOPACIDAE— CALIDRIS ARENAKIA.
723
List of specimens.
Catul. number.
Locality.
When collected. Whence obtained.
3451
New York
1846 S. F. Baird
4869
Omaha City
. Lieutenant Warren . .
5442
Yellowstone river
do
8800
Fort Kearney to Lararnie -
August 1857 . Dr. Cooper
CALIDRIS, Cuvier.
Calidris, CUVIER, Anat. Comp. V, in chart, 1805. Type Tringa arenaria, L.
CH. — General characters of Tringa, but without hind toe. Bill straight, rather longer than the head and tarsus, widened
somewhat or spoon-shaped at the end. Tail doubly einarginate. Toes short; middle one scarcely two-thirds the tarsus.
CALIDRIS ABENAKI A, Illiger.
Sanderling.
Tringa arenaria, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251.— AUD. Orn. Biog— IB. Birds Amer, V, 1842, 287 ; pi. 338.
Calidris arenaria, ILLIGER, Prod. 1811, 249.— S\v. F. B. Am. II, 366.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 4.
Charadrius calidris, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 255.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 68; pi. lix.
Charadrius rubidus, GM. I, 1788, 683.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 129; pi. Ixiii.
Tringa tridactyla, PALLAS, Zoog. II, 1811, 198.
Calidris trim/aides, VIEILLOT, Gal. II, 1825, 95.
Calidris americana, BRKHM, Vogel Deutschl. 1831, 675. — IB. Naumannia, I, 1850, 69.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 4, pi. 63, fig. 3.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 230; oct. ed. V, pi, 338.
SP. CH. — No hind toe; front toes moderate or rather long, flattened underneath; distinctly margined with a membrane. Bill
rather longer than the head, straight, rather thick; ridge of upper mandible flattened ; nasal groove deep and nearly as long as
the upper mandible, not so distinct in the lower; both mandibles widened and flattened at the tip; aperture of the nostril large
and covered with a membrane. Wing long; tail short, with the middle feathers longest; under coverts long as the tail; legs
moderate; lower third of the tibia naked. Upper parts light ashy, with lanceolate, hastate, and ovate spots of brownish black
on the top of the head, on the back, scapulars, and shorter quills; rump and upper tail coverts with fine transverse lines of black.
Under parts pure white. Shoulders brownish black, without spots; quills brownish black with their shafts white and much paler
on their inner webs; greater wing coverts widely tipped with white; middle feathers of the tail ashy brown, edged with white ;
outer feathers paler; bill and legs greenish black. Sexes alike.
In spring plumage the head, neck, and breast are tinged with pale yellowish red and spotted with dark brown; back and
scapulars edged and tipped with yellowish red; rump and upper tail coverts ashy brown; under parts of the body pure white.
Total length, 7| to 8 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2 ; bill about 1 inch ; tarsus about 1 inch.
1M> — Entire temperate regions of North America, South America, Europe.
An abundant species on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the republic, and extending
its range in winter into South America. We can find no reliable distinct! n between the
American and the European bird, though specimens differ quite materially in ize and length
of bill.
724
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
(Jatal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length .
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
H50
O
Cape May, N. J
July 20,1843
S. F. Baird
7 75
15 00
5 08
1151
do.,
do
do
7.64
14 50
4 89
9374
do
8459
Florida
6683
Pu<*et'a Pound, W. T
Aug. 26,1856
Dr. Suckley
562
6680
Fort Steilacoom, W. T . . .
Gov. Stevens ......
40
9535
Siineahmoo, W. T
Nov. 24,1857
A. Campbell
'
6670
Shoalvvater bay, W. T. . . .
Mar. 2, 1854
Gov. Stevens
8 00
15.50
6672
do
do
do
do
8.00
15 50
feet black.
1788
EREUNETES, Illiger.
Ereunetes, ILLIGER, Prodromus, 1811, 262.
Ilemipalama, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 212. Type Tringa semipalmata. Not of Syn. 1828.
Ifeteropoda, NUTT. Man. II, 1834. Not of Latreille, 1804.
The genus Ereunetes of Illiger has for its type a species, called E. petrificatus by him, from
Bahia, supposed to be identical with Tringa semipalmata) although the description, " smaller
than Actitis kypoleucus, the colors similar," leaves much to be desired.
The bill of our species of Ereunetes is quite stout and considerably expanded, by which it is
readily distinguished from Actodromas wilsonii independently of the semipalmated feet. The
tarsus and middle toe are about equal ; the tibia denuded anteriorly for about two-thirds the
length of tarsus. The basal membrane of toes is more scolloped out interiorly than exteriorly;
the notch externally not quite as deep as to the first joint, although the membrane extends
beyond the second. There is a tendency to hexagonal sub-division in the bare portion of tibia
anteriorly. The tail is doubly emarginate.
EREUNETES PETRIFICATUS, 111.
Semipalmated Sandpiper.
? Tringa piisilla, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 252.
Ereunetes petrificatus, ILLIGER, Prod. 1811,262. (Proved identical with Tringa semipalmata, Wils. by Cabanis.) from
actual examination of original specimen in Berlin Mus.
Tringa semipalmata, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 131; pi. Ixiii.— Svv. F. B. A. II, 381.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,
111 ; pi. 408.— IB. Syn 236.— IB Birds Amer. V, 1842, 277 ; pi. 336.
Tringa (Ilemipalama) semipalmata, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825 ; No. 212.
Tringa (Ileteropoda) semipalmata, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 136.
Ilttcrepoda semipalmata, BON. List, 1838.
Ereunetes semipalmatus, CAB. Schomburgk's Eeise, 111,753. — BON. Cotnptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856. — CABANIS,
Journ. Nov. 1856, 419. (Cuba.)
Tringa Irevirostris, Srix, Av. Bras. II, 1825, 76.
?Heieropoda mauri, BON. Comp. List, 1838.
Ereunetes mauri, GUNDL. Cab. Jour. 1856. 419
Hemipalama minor, GUNDLACH, Lembeye, Av. Cuba.
FIGURES —Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 63, fly. 4.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 405, oct. ed. V, pi. 336.— Spix, B. of Brazil, II, pi. 93.
BIRDS SCOLO PACIDAE EREUNETES PETRIFICATUS.
725
SP. CH. — Smaller ; bill about the length of tho head ; rather thicker than usual in this group; both mandibles somewha
expanded and flattened at the tip, and minutely punctulated, as in the genera Scolopax and Gallinafjo. Wings long ; legs moderate,
rather slender; toes united at base by a membrane, which is large, between the outer and middle toes extending to the first
joint; hind toe small; tail short, with the middle feathers longest; outer feathers frequently longer than the third, presenting a
doubly emarginate character to the tail ; under coverts nearly as long as the tail. Upper parts light brownish ashy, with
lanceolate or ovate spots of brownish black in the middle of the feathers ; rump and upper tail coverts black. Front, band of
the eye, and entire under parts, ashy white, with small spots on the breast of ashy brown ; quills brownish black, lighter on their
inner webs, and with their shafts white ; middle feathers of the tail brownish black; outer feathers pale brownish ashy; under
wing coverts and axillaries white ; bill greenish black ; feet dark, the lower part of the tarsus and toes frequently tinged with
yellow. Upper parts in summer mixed with light reddish. Total length, about 6.\ inches; wing, 3|; tail, If ; bill from gape, f ;
tarsus, | to 1 inch.
Hob — Entire temperate regions of North America, South America.
This abundant little species is singularly variable in the length of its bill, so much so, in
fact, that a student with two specimens representing extremes in this particular would deem it
quite impossible that they could be identical specifically. We have before us, however, inter
mediates of quite a variety of dimensions.
On shortness of bill as a character Prof. Gundlach founded his species minor, as above cited.
The shortest billed specimen in the present collection is Mr. Kennicott's, from Illinois.
We have little doubt that this bird is the true Tringa pusilla of Linnaeus, as cited above, the
proper locating of which name has puzzled naturalists not a little. This name is applied by
Linnaeus to the bird described and figured by Brisson as above given, examination of whose
figure will show that he was very careful in giving the toes united by membranes at base. This
character exclusively characterizes the species before us, amongst all the smaller sandpipers of
the continent of America, so far as our knowledge extends. Brisson describes, however,
specimens from the island of Saint Domingo, from which, nor from any other island of the
West Indies, we have never seen specimens.
Specimens of this bird from various parts of South America are in the museum of the
Philadelphia Academy.
The Heterepoda mauri of Bonaparte appears to be merely a larger race of the present species.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
708
1650
1139
10415
4870
9015
9017
9048
8446
8441
C677
6687
5507
Q Carlisle, Pa
do . .
Sept. 6,1842
July 27.1844
July 14,1843
S. F. Baird
Jo
6.56
5.64
12.25
10.87
3. SO
3.56
O Cape May N J
do
Bijou Hill
O Loup fork of Platte
May 14,1856
Dr. Uaydcii
do
do
6.00
C.60
12.25
12.25
4.00
3.75
O do
do
do
O do
do
do
Pu"ct's Sound W T
A. Campbell
do
Dr. Kennerly.. ..
do
6.00
6.00
7.50
11.50
11.12
12.50
3.25
5.60
O do
Shoalwatcr bay
Presidio, Cal ,
May 3
Gov. Stevens
69
Iris brown ; bill and
feet black.
72f) U. S. P. R R, EX P. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT
ICROPALAMA, Baird.
Hemipalama, BON. Synopsis, 1828, 316. Type Tringa himantopus, Bon. Not of Bon. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 212, which
includes only Tringa semipalmala, Wilson.
The present genus, with a basal membrane to all the anterior toes, as in Ereunetes, has this
a little more deeply emarginate ; the bill and legs much longer ; the former more curved. The
bare portion of tibia is covered before and behind by transverse scutellae, like the tarsus. The
tail is nearly even, with a single emargination. The middle toe is not two-thirds the length of
tarsus, and about equal to the bare portion of the tibia. The bill is much pitted at the end in
the dry skin.
In many respects this species approaches the snipe, and its true place is probably very
near Macrorhamphus. The legs, however, are much longer, and equal to the bill, instead of
much shorter.
A reference to the original article on Hemipalama, by Bonaparte, in Obs. Wilson, 1825, will
show that the genus was established for Tringa semipalmata, and, consequently, cannot be used
for the present species.
MICKOPALAMA HIMANTOPUS, (Bon.) Baird.
r
Stilt Sandpiper.
Tringa himantopus, BON. Ann. N. Y. Lye. II, Dec. 1826, 157.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 330.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 332; pi 344.— IB. Syn. 233.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 271 ; pi 334.
Tringa (Hemipalama) himantopus, BONAP. Specchio Comp. 1827, No. 167. — IB. Syn 1828, 316. — IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1832,
89; pi. xxv.— NUTT. Man. II, 138.
Hemipalama himantopus, BON. List, 1838.
? Tringa douglassi, SWAINSON, F. B. A. II, 1831, 379; pi. Ixvi.
Tringa (Hemipalama) audubonii, NUTTALL, Man II, 1834, 140. (Based on description of Tringa himantopus, in F. B. Am.)
Hemipalama multistriata, " LIGHT." G. R. Gray, Genera, III, 578.
FIGURES.— Sw. and Rich. Faun Bor. Am. II, pi. 66.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 344, Oct. ed. V, pi. 334.— Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, pi.
25, fig. 3.
SP. CH. — Legs long, slender ; toes slender, united at base with webs, the outer of which is the larger; hind toe small. Bill
long, somewhat arched, slender, much compressed, expanded, and flattened at the tip, which is minutely punctulated and
corrugated ; wings long, pointed ; tail short ; middle feathers longest ; outer feathers frequently longer than the next ; under
coverts long; lower half of the tibia naked. Upper parts brownish black, nearly all the feathers edged with ashy white and
yellowish red; narrow band from above the eye to the occiput bright brownish red, (inclosing the brownish black of the top of
the head ; spot on the ears the same red ; rump and upper tail coverts white, with transverse narrow stripes and pointed spots of
brownish black. Under parts ashy white, tinged with pale reddish, with numerous longitudinal stripes of brownish black on the
neck, and with transverse stripes of the same on the other under parts; axillary feathers white ; under wing coverts ashy white ;
bill and legs greenish black.
Young ? Very slight traces of the red on the ears and occiput ; line from the base of the bill over the eye white ; entire er
plumage paler and more tinged with ashy than in the preceding. Entire under parts pale ashy white, tinged with dull yellow,
and with small and obscure spots of dark brownish on the breast; abdomen, and under tail coverts nearly pure white, (without
the transverse stripes, as in the preceding plumage ;) rump and upper tail coverts white.
Total length, about 8£o 9 inches ; wing, 5$; tail, 2$ ; bill, If; tarsus, 1| inches.
Hal. — Eastern North America.
This curious and very remarkable sandpiper appears to be restricted to the countries east of
the Rocky mountains. We have no doubt that all the above given names apply to one species,
though amongst numerous specimens before us there are some differences in size and length of
legs, but not sufficient for specific character.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAP: — TOTANINAE.
727
List of specimens.
Catalogue number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Remarks.
807(5
Arctic circle
Mr John Gould . ...
Supposed t}'pe of Tringa douglassi in F. B. A...
Reel Fork of the Arkansas
Dr Wood house
55
Xew York *..
S. F Bard _
Sub-Family TOTAN1NAE.
CH. — Bill as long as the head, or longer ; the basal portion covered with soft skin ; the terminal portion (generally at least
half) horny, and more or less attenuated and pointed in Totaneae The lateral grooves of bill extending to the horny
terminal portion. The gape of mouth extending behind the base of culmen. Toes generally connected by a basal membrane.
The tail always with distinct transverse bars in North American species, except in Ilttcroscelus.
This sub-family appears to differ from most Scolopacinae in the less degree of sensitiveness
in the tip of the bill, which is more horny, and not covered by soft skin well supplied with
nerves. The toes are almost always connected at the base by a membrane, this being the rule
and not the exception, as in Scolvpacinae.
The following may be taken as an approximate indication of the divisions of this sub-family :
A. Tarsi covered anteriorly and posteriorly by transverse scutellae, except in Heteroscelus ;
finely reticulated laterally. Bill nearly straight, or bent a little upwards.
TOTANEAE. — Bill nearly straight, about as long as the tarsus, attenuated. Bill not
grooved for the terminal fourth. Gape of mouth extending beyond base of culmen.
LIMOSEAE. — Bill longer than the tarsus, curving slightly upwards towards the end,
where it is thickened. Both mandibles grooved for nearly their whole length. Gape
of mouth very short, not extending beyond the base of culmen.
B. Tarsi covered anteriorly only by transverse scutellae, reticulated laterally and behind.
Bill curving considerably downwards from near the middle.
NUMENIEAE. — Lateral grooves not extending beyond the middle. Bill thickened at the
tip ; longer than the tarsus.
The Limoseae and Numenieae, in many respects, the former especially, approach the
Scolopacinae, and it would not be surprising if one or both were more properly placed in this
sub-family, in more immediate connexion with Macrorliamphus.
Section TOTANEAE.
CH. — Bill slender, straight, not exceeding the tarsus ; more or less attenuated for the terminal fourth, and pointed at the tip.
Bill hard and horny for much of the terminal half; the lateral grooves shallow. Toes anteriorly connected by membrane.
Tail strongly barred, except in Heteroscelus, which also has the tarsus reticulated behind.
The Totaneae are distinguished from Numenieae by the transverse scutellae on the back of
tarsus ; from the Limoseae, by the shorter and more deeply cleft bill. From Tringeae they may
be known by the fact that the toes are almost always webbed at the base, although the web is
usually confined to the outer toe, while in the rare instances where there is a web in Tringeae
(Ereunetes and Micropalama) it extends to the inner also. The bill is much harder and stronger,
more tapering and pointed, usually a little recurved, and without the papillose or pitted
728 U. 8 P. K. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
appearance of the other. It is seldom, if ever, expanded laterally near the tip. The difference
in cleft of the mouth is very striking — this always extending behind the base of culmen,
sometimes nearly to the eyes, instead of merely reaching to or even falling short of the beginning
or base of culmen. This appears to indicate a radical difference in the character of food, the
Totaneae being capable of feeding on hard substances of rather large size, while the food of
Tringeae is softer, smaller, and sucked into the mouth, rather than taken in any other way.
A strong mark of distinction for the North American species, at least, is seen in the conspicuous
transverse bars of the tail in Totaneae, scarcely ever found in Tringeae, although occurring again
in Scolopaceae. The single exception is seen in the genus Heteroscelus, in which the upper
plumage is entirely uniform, without bars or spots anywhere. The tarsus is covered laterally
and behind with hexagonal scales, somewhat as in Strepsilas, but they are more irregular.
Synopsis of genera.
A. Bill with the upper mandible grooved only for about basal half; rather longer than the
head ; commissure bent slightly upwards from the middle. Tarsi scutellate behind, with
transverse scales.
Both outer and inner toes webbed.
SYMPHEMIA. — Bill very thick, recurved. Tarsus 1^ times the middle toe.
Inner toe separated from middle nearly to base. Bill more slender.
GLOTTIS. — Bill stouter and higher at base than in others of the section ; more
recurved. Legs green.
GAMBETTA. — Legs lengthened ; tarsus 1| times the middle toe. Legs yellow.
KHYACIIOPHILUS. — Legs short ; tarsus equal to the middle toe.
B. Bill as in preceding ; the nasal groove extending a little further forward. Commissure
straight. Tarsus with polygonal small scales behind, (only present here among Totaneae.}
HETEROSCELUS. — Bill much longer than the tarsus, which equals the middle toe.
Legs short. Outer toe webbed.
0. Bill with the upper mandible grooved on the side for three-fourths or more its length ;
not longer than the head.
Cleft of mouth extending but little beyond the base of culmen.
TRINGOIDES. — Bill, tarsus, and middle toe about same length ; legs short. Tail
more than half the wings. Inner toe with very slight basal web.
PHILOMACHUS. — Tarsus much longer than middle toe, which is longer than the bill.
Legs lengthened. Tail not half the wings.
Cleft of mouth extending nearly to eyes ; the culmen two-thirds the commissure.
ACTITURUS. — Feathers extending farther on upper jaw than lower. Interspace of
rami not filled with feathers. Legs long ; tarsus 1^ times middle toe. Outer
toe much webbed at base ; inner, with very slight web. Tail more than half
the wing.
TRYNGITES. — extending much farthest on lower jaw. Interspace of rami filled
entirely with feathers. Legs short. Tarsus equal to middle toe ; all the toes
cleft to the base, or with a very short web. Tail not half the wing.
BIRDS — SCOLOPAC1DAE — SYMPHEMIA 8EMIPALMATA. 729
SYMPHEMIA, Rafinesquc.
Symphcmia, RAFINESQUE, Jour, de Phys. 1M9. Type Scolopax semipalmata, Gmclin.
Catoptrophorus, BOXAP. Syn. 1828, 323. Same type.
CH. — Bill compressed, very thick, the culmen rounded. The lower mandible scarcely grooved ; the upper grooved to about
the middle. Cuimen slightly convex : gonys ascending. Bill cleft but little beyond base of culrnen. Feathers of sides of both
mandibles falling short of the nostrils ; the lower rather further forward. Chin feathers reaching to beginning of nostrils. Bill
longer than head ; about equal to tarsus, which is more than ]£ times the middle toe. Both toes webbed ; the emargination of
inner web as far forward as the middle of basal joint of middle toe ; the outer reaching nearly to the end. Bare portion of
tibia rather less than middle toe without claw. Tail nearly even, or little rounded, not half the wings.
SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA, (Gm.) Haitian b.
Willet.
Scolopax scmipalmattis, GMELIK, Syat. Nat. I, 1788, 659. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 27; pi. Ivi.
Totanus semipalmalvs, TEMM. Man.— BON. Obs. 1825; No. 206.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 388; pi. Ixvii.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 510 : V, 585; pi. 274.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 324 ; pi. 347.
" Glottis semipalmatus, NILSSON, Orn. Suec. 1817.''
Totanus (Catoptrophorus) stmipalmatus, BON. Syn. 1828, 328. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 144.
Symphtmia semipalmata, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool. 1845, 342.
f Totanus speculifenis, "Cuv. R. A. 1817, 2d ed. I, 531."— PUCHEUAN, Rev. et Mag. Zool. Ill, 1851, 569.
Totanus crassirostris, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 406.
Symphemia atlantica, RAF. Journal de Phys. LXXXVIII, 1819, 417.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 56, fig. 3.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 274; oct. ed. V, pi. 347.— Rich, and Swains. Faun. Bor.
Am. Birds, pi. 67.— Gould B. of Eur. IV, pi. 311.
SP. CH. — The largest American species of this genus. Bill longer than the head, straight, rather thick and strong; groove in
the upper mandible extending about half its length, in the lower mandible nearly obsolete; winga long; legs long, strong ; toes
moderate, united at base by membranes, the larger of which unites the outer and middle toe; hind toe small; tail short.
Adult. Entire upper parts dark ash color, (without spots;) the shafts of the feathers brownish black; rump and upper tail
coverts white. Under parts white, tinged with ashy on the neck and sides ; axillaries and under wing coverts brownish black ;
primary quills white at base, and tipped with brownish black ; secondaries white, spotted with brownish black; tail ashy white,
the two middle feathers strongly tinged with ashy; others spotted with dark ashy brown. Bill dark bluish brown, lighter at
base; legs light blue. Younger. Entire plumage spotted, arid transversely banded with brownish black.
Total length about 15 inches ; wing, 8£; tail, 3^ ; bill about 2£ ; tarsus about 2£ inches.
Ilab. — Entire temperate regions of North America; South America.
This large and handsome species is easily recognized, and is abundant on both the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts of the republic. There is very considerable difference of color between the
adult and young birds ; but the white space on the wings is a character always present and
easily distinguished. It is the largest bird of this group inhabiting the United States.
The Totanus speculiferus of Cuvier, according to Pucheran, is very similar to the common
willet, but stands higher, and has a longer bill ; the feet are similar in both. I have been
unable to appreciate the validity of this distinction in the extensive series before me.
August 10, 1858.
92 b
730
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
1054
10455
4258
4259
6434
8998
9818
9822
9817
9820
9818
6445
S
9
Cape May, N. J —
Calcasieu Pass, La ....-._._..
May, 1842
do ...
S F. Baird
J. K. Townsend
.do
do
Medicine creek _ _ _ ..........
Lieut. Warren
do
Great Basin Utah
Lieut. Beckwith
San Pedro . . ......
Lieut. Williamson
San Diego Cal
Bodega Cal
do
Presidio Cal
do
Sail Francisco Cal
Dr. Suckley.
GLOTTIS, Nils son.
Glottis, NILSSON, Ornithol, Suec. 1817. Type Scolopax glottis, Linn. (Gray.)
CH. — Similar to GamLttta. The bill high at base, where it is much compressed, with an upward bend about the middle. Legs
green.
The genus Glottis differs very little from the American Gambetta, and all their species might
very appropriately be combined in a single genus, Glottis.
GLOTTIS FLORID ANUS, Bon.
Florida Greenshank.
Totanus glottis, AUT>. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 483; pi. 2G9.— IB. Syn. 244.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 321 ; pi. 346.
Glottis floridanus, Bow. List, 1838, 51.
SP CH — Very similar to T. glottis of Europe, but apparently rather smaller. Bill longer than the head, slender, and slightly
curved upwards towards the end; wing rather long; legs long, rather stout; toes moderate, united at base, the larger membrane
being between the cuter and middle toes ; that between the inner and middle toes very small; hind toe small. Entire upper
parts dark ashy, on the head with lines of dark brown ; wing feather of the scapulars and greater coverts edged with pale ashy
white and with a sub-edging line of brownish black ; tertiaries dark ashy, with imperfect transverse bars of black ; back, rump,
and upper tail coverts white, the last with transverse bars of brownish black. Tail white ; two middle feathers and outer edges
of others with lines of brown. Under parts white, tinged with ashy, and spotted with brown on the breast; under wing coverts
and axillaries white. Bill greenish brown: legs dark green. Quills brownish black ; shaft of first primary white. Total length
about 11 inches; wing, 7; tail, 3; bill, 2| ; tarsus rather more than 2£ inches.
Hab. — Florida, (Mr. Audubon )
With the original specimen of Mr. Audubon before us, it is not without some hesitation that
we admit this bird as distinct from the common European species, Totanus glottis; but it appears
to be smaller in all its parts than any one of numerous specimens from the old world in the
museum of the Philadelphia Academy. The bill especially is slender and recurved.
This bird is only known to be entitled to a place in the North America fauna from the fact
that it was obtained in Florida by Mr Audubon.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA. 731
GAMBETTA, Kaup.
Gambetta, KAUP, Entw. Europ. Thierw. 1829. Type Scolopax culidris, L. (Gray.)
CH. — Bill much attenuated towards and tapering to the end, the extreme tip decurved, both culmen and gonys however,
bent upwards from the middle ; the lateral grooves of upper bill broad, shallow, and not extending to the middle ; that of lower
reaching about as far. Feathers on side of both mandibles extend to about the same point, but fall short of nostrils ; those on
chin extend as far as middle of nostril. Bill nearly as long as the tarsus, which is 1J times the length of middle toe. Outer
toe webbed to first joint; the inner web very short; bare portion of the tibia equal to the toes; tip of tail about opposite the
middle of outstretched tarsi; legs yellow.
It is a question whether the American yellow legged sandpipers really belong to Gambetta or
to Glottis. They agree with the latter in the upward bend of the bill, and with the former in
not having the legs green.
GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA, (Gm.) Bon.
Tell Tale; Stone Snipe.
Scolopax melcmoleucus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1768, 659.
Tolcmusmelanokucus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. 1816.— LIGHT. Verz. 1823, No. 750. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,68; pi. 308.
GamlMa mdanoleuca, BON. Comptes Rendus, Sept. 1856.
Scolopax vociferus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 57 ; pi. Iviii.
Totanus vociferus, AUD. Syn. 244. — IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 316; pi. 345.
Totanus sasasliew, VIEILLOT, Diet. 1816.
SP. CH. — Bill longer than the head, rather slender, curved towards the tip; wings rather long, first quill longest; tail short;
neck and legs long; toes moderate, margined and flattened underneath, connected at base by membranes, the larger of which
unites the outer and middle toe; hind toe small ; claws short, blunt ; grooves in both mandibles extending about half their length.
Entire upper parts cinereous of various shades, dark in many specimens in full plumage, generally light with white lines on the
head and neck and with spots and edgings of dull white on the other upper parts ; lower back brownish black ; rump and upper
tail coverts white, generally with more or less imperfect transverse narrow bands of brownish black ; under parts white, with
longitudinal narrow stripes on the neck and transverse crescent lanceolate and sagittate spots and stripes nn the breast and
sides ; abdomen pure white ; quills brownish black with a purplish lustre, shaft of first primary white, secondaries and tertiaries
tipped and with transverse bars and spots of ashy white ; tail white, with transverse narrow bands of brownish black, wider and
darker on the two middle feathers ; bill brownish black, lighter at the base; legs yellow.
Total length, about 14 inches ; wing, 7£ to 8 ; tail, 3£ to 3£; bill, 2£; tarsus, 2£ inches.
Hub — Entire temperate regions of North America ; Mexico.
A large and handsome species, abundant throughout the United States.
732
U. S. P. E. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
201
Carlisle Fa
Oct. 26,1840
S. F. Baird
1301
X
do
Mar. 19,1844
do
13.75
301
Q
do
April 20, 1841
do
14.00
25.00
10457
,?
Cape May N J
May —,1842
John K. Townsend
4860
St Joseph's Mo
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hay den
5435
Fort Bcrthold Neb
do
5760
Platte river, Neb
Lieut. Brvan..
W. S. Wood
5759
Laniniie river, Neb
..do..
6625
Eagle Pass, Texas . _ .
Major Emory
A. Schott
6628
San Elizario Texas
do
4178
Brazos Santiago Texas
Captain Van Yliet
6627
Mohave river Cal
Lieut. Whipple ......
Kenn. &M611
6631
San Diego Cal
Lieut. Trowbridge . .
6623
Suisun valley Cal
Lieut. Williamson .
Dr. Hecrmann
6626
Presidio Cal .
do
do
6624
Shoalwater bay, W. T
Gov. Stevens
Dr Cooper
6629
Bitter Root river, W. T...
do
Dr. Suckle v
6630
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
do
do
4401
Puget' s Sound
Dr. Suckley ....
GAMBETTA FL AVIPES, ( G m . ) Bon.
Yellow Legs.
Scolopaxflavijvs, GMELIN, Syst. Nat, I, 1788, 659.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 55; pi. Iviii.
Totanus Jlavipes, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 400.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 390.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,
573 : V, 586 ; pi. 228.— IB. Syn. 243.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 313 ; pi. 344.
Gambetta jlavipes, BON. Comptes Rendus, Sept. 1856.
Totanus fuscocapillus, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 400.
Totanus natator, VIEII.L. Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 409.
SP. CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender, compressed; wing long, pointed ; tail short; legs long, lower
half of the tibia naked ; toes moderate, slender, margined, the outer and middle united at base ; rump and upper tail coverts
white, the latter transversely barred with ashy brown ; other upper parts ashy, many feathers having large arrowheads and
irregular spots of brownish black and edged with ashy white ; under parts white, with numerous longitudinal lines on the neck
before, and arrowheads on the sides, of dark ashy brown ; axillaries and under wing coverts white, with bands of ashy brown,
very indistinct in many specimens, but generally well denned ; quills brownish black ; tail ashy white with transverse bands of
dark brown, middle feathers darker ; bill greenish black ; legs yellow.
Young. Entire upper plumage tinged with reddish brown, neck before with lines much less distinct and pale ashy.
Total length about 10 to 10£ inches ; wing, 6 to 6£ ; tail, 2J ; bill, 1£ ; tarsus, 2 inches.
Ilab. — Eastern North America ; western 1
One of the most abundant of the species of this group on the Atlantic slope of the United
States. We have never seen this bird from South America, though numerous in the winter in
Mexico and the states of Central America. It is very similar to the preceding, though smaller.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — RHYACOPHILUS SOLITARIUS.
733
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. ; Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
1400
$ Carlisle, Pa
May 8, 1844
S. F. Baird
10.80
19. 75
6. 32
1489
Q '•. ..do..
do
..do
10. 5C
19.75
6.40
717
do
Sept. 9, 1842
do
10.50
19.50
5.50
Union county 111
Northwestern University
R. Kennicott .
5761
Platte river
Lt Bryan
W. S. Wood
4861
Council Bluffs
Lt Warren
Dr . Hay den .
5098
. . _ Indianola, Texas
Capt. Popu
4179
... Fort Brown Texas
Lt Couch
RHYACOPHILUS, Kaup.
RhyactqMlus, KAUP, Sk. Entw. Europ. Th. 1S29. Type Tringa glareola, L. (Gray.)
CH. — Bill slender, but widening a little towards the end ; lateral grooves of both mandibles extending to the middle of bill;
nostril short ; feathers on side of bill extending to about the same point and as far as beginning of nostrils ; those of chin as far
as their end ; both mandibles curved upwards slightly from middle ; legs short ; bill about the length of tarsus, which is equal
to middle toe ; bare portion of tibia about two-thirds the toes. Tail about opposite the middle of toes when outstretched.
KHYACOPHILUS SOLITAKIUS, (Wils.) Bon.
Solitary Sandpiper.
Tringa ochropus, var. A. LATHAM, Ind. Orn. 1790.
Tringa solilaria, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 53 ; pi. Iviii.
Tolanus sditarius, AUD. Syn. 1839, 242.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 309 ; pi. 343.
Tolanus cldoropygiWiVij.n.wt, Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816,401.— Bos. Obs. 1825, No. 210.— Sw. F. B. Am. 11,1831, 393.—
WAGLER, Isis, 1831,521.— NUTTAT.T,, II, 159.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 576 : V, 583; pi. 289.—
GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 351.
Hfiyncophilm chloropygius, BON. Cotnptes Rendus, Sept. 1856.
Tolanus glareola, ORD, ed. Wils. VII, 1825, 57.
Totanus nwtcroptera, SPJX, Av. Bras. II, 1825, 76 ; pi. xcii.
SP. CH, — Bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender, compressed ; both mandibles with narrow grooves; wing long,
pointed; tail medium or rather short, rounded; legs rather long, slender; lower half of the tibia naked; toes long, the outer united
to the middle by a small membrane, flattened underneath, marginated. Upper parts greenish brown, with numerous small
circular and irregular spots of ashy white ; upper tail coverts darker. Under parts white ; breast and neck before with numerous
longitudinal lines of greenish brown ; sides, axillaries, and under wing coverts white, with numerous transverse narrow bands of
dark greenish brown ; under tail coverts white, with a few transverse bands of dark brown. Quills brownish black, with a slight
bronzed or reddish lustre on the primaries ; two middle feathers of the tail greenish brown ; other feathers of the tail pure
white, with about five transverse bands of brownish black. Bill and legs dark greenish brown.
Total length, about 8 to 8£ inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2$ ; bill, !£ ; tarsus, 1^ inches.
llab. — Entire temperate regions of North America ; Mexico.
Like the preceding, this bird is extensively diffused, specimens in the collections of the
expeditions being from widely distant localities.
734
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
VVhen col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ol wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1382
441
1431
1178
899-2
4866
8993
8994
5438
5437
8202
5737
5099
10423
6648
6649
$
_7\
9
9
April 22,1844
Aug. 24, 1841
May 8,1844
Sept. 8,1843
S. F. Baird
8.80
16.50
5.24
do
do...,
8.64
8.50
9.00
9.00
16.40
16.00
17.00
17.00
5.32
5.30
5.25
5.60
do
Upper Missouri and Yel
lowstone rivers.
Lieut. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden....
do
Iris brown
9
April 28, 1856
Aug. 8
do
do
Fort Union, Neb
Aug. 10
July, 1856....
do
do
do
do
do
do
8.00
8.25
16.25
15.75
5.12
6.00
Little Blue river, K. T. ....
July 22,1856
July 29,1856
April 29, 1855
Win. Magraw
Dr. Cooper ...
W. S. Wood ...
8.50
15.75
6.25
California Spring, Tex
9 00
5 50
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
.. rtn...
1856
May 6, 1856
Dr. Suckley
Gov. Stevens
379
Dr. Suckley ...
9.00
17.00
5.50
HfiTEROSCELUS, Baird.
CH. — Bill longer than the head cr the tarsus, stout, much compressed. Commissure straight to near the tip, where it is gently
decurved. The culrnen is slightly concave about the middle. Nasal groove extending over the basal two-thirds of the bill.
Mouth moderately cleft; gape extending nearly the length of the nostrils behind the base of culmen. Legs short. Tarsus about
equal to middle toe, and about 2£ times the length of exposed tibia; covered anteriorly by narrow transverse scutellae, laterally
and behind by hexagonal scales. Scales of tibia hexagonal. Outer and middle toe connected by a basal web as far as the first
joint of the latter ; a rudimentary web to the inner toe. Hind toe long ; one-third the tarsus. Tail half the wings. Plumage
perfectly uniform above, without spots or bands of any kind.
This very remarkable sandpiper differs, in the hexagonal scutellation of the tihia and on the
posterior face of the tarsus, from any other of the Totaneae, and on this account should, with all
propriety, he made the type of a distinct group. The bill is stronger than in any American
Senus, except Symphemia, differing mainly from this in the straightness of the bill and greater
amount of inflection of the edges. The nasal groove extends further forward, and the upper
jaw is a little more decurved at the end. The gape is a little more deeply cleft. The legs,
especially the tarsi, are much shorter ; the inner toe only slightly webbed. The claws are
short, stout, and unusually curved. The legs have a much roughened appearance.
HETEKOSCELUS BREVIPES, (Vie ill.) Baird.
Wandering Taller.
Tringa glareola, PALLAS, Zoog. Ross.- As. II, 1811, 194.
Tetanus brevipes, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 410.— CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. VIII, 1856, 40.
Scolopax undulata, FORSTER, Desc. An. 1844, 173.
Totanus oceanicus, LESSON, Comp. Buff'. 1847, 244.
Totanus polynesiac, PEALE, Voy. Vincennes & Peacock, Birds, 1848, 237.
Totanus fuliginosus, GOULD, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 1841, 130.
? Totanus pulverulentus, MILLER, Verh. 1844, 153.
FIGURKS.— PALLAS, Zoog. Ross.-As. II, pi. 60.— TEMM. & SCHLG. Faun. Japon. Birds, pi. 657— GRAJ, Genera, III, pi. 154?
SP. CH. — Rather larger than T. flavipes. Bill rather longer than the head ; wings long ; legs shorter than usual iu this group ;
BIRDS SCOLOPAC1DAE — TR1NGOIDES MACULARIUS. 735
toes moderate. Entire upper parts dark lead colored, uniform, and without white marks ; under parts white, with more or less
of dark cinereous or plumbeous on the sides and neck ; under wing coverts white, spotted and barred with dark plumbeous.
Quills dark brown ; shaft of the first primary white on its upper surface ; shafts of other primaries reddish brown on the upper
surface, and white on their under surfaces. Tail dark lead colored, uniform with upper parts of body. Bill dark ; feet greenish.
Younger. Under parts white, transversely barred with dark ashy brown, especially on the sides and flanks. Throat and middle of
abdomen white.
Total length about 10£ inches ; wing, 6J^ ; tail, 3£ ; bill, 1£; tarsus, 1^ inches.
Hal. — Washington Territory, (Dr. J. G. Cooper); islands in the Pacific; South America; northeastern Asia; Japan?
Easily distinguished from any other North American species by the uniform colors of its
plumage. This species ranges over an immense extent of locality, embracing nearly all the
islands of the Pacific ocean and its coasts from Eussian America to Australia.
Several specimens of this interesting species are in the present collection, all of which were
obtained in Washington Territory by Dr. J. Gr. Cooper. It has quite a profusion of names, a
part of which are given above.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
4472
Shoalwater Bay, W. T_.
Dr. Cooper ....
6697
do
do
TRINGOIDES, Bonap.
Tringoides, BONAP. Saggio di una dist. etc. 1831. Type Trirtga hypoleucus, Linn. (Gray.)
Actitis, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 560. Not of Illiger, Prodromus, 1811.
CH. — Upper mandible grooved to the terminal fourth ; the bill tapering and rather acute. Cleft of mouth only moderate ; the
culmen about five-sixths the commissure. Feathers extending rather further on side of lower jaw than upper, the former
reaching as far as the beginning of the nostrils; those of the chin to about their middle. Bill shorter than the head, straight,
equal to ihe tarsus, which is of the length of middle toe and claw. Bare part of tibia half the tarsus. Outer toe webbed to first
joint ; inner cleft about to the base. Tail much rounded ; more than half the wing.
TRINGOIDES MACULARIUS, (Linn.) Gray.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Tringa macularia, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.— WTILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 60 ; pi. lix.
Totanus macularius, TEMMINCK, Man. II, 1820, 656.— BON Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 211.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 162.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,81; pi. 310.— IB. Syn. 242— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 303; pi. 342.
Actites macularius, BON. List, 1838.
Tringoides macularius, GKAY, genera.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 1.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 310, oct. ed. V, pi. 342.— GOULD, B. of E"rope,.IV,
pi. 317. — NAUMANN, B. of Germ. pi. 195.
SP. CH. — Small; bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender; long grooves in both mandibles; wing rather long,
pointed; tail medium, rounded; legs rather long; lower third of the tibia naked; toes long, margined, and flattened under
neath ; outer connected with the middle toe by a large membrane ; inner very slightly connected to the middle toe. Upper
parts brownish olive green, with a somewhat metallic or bronzed lustre, and with numerous longitudinal lines, and sagittate,
lanceolate, and irregular spots of biownish black, having the same lustre. Line over the eye and entire under parts white,
with numerous circular and oval spots of brownish black, smaller on the throat, largest on the abdomen. Quills brown, with
736
U, S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
a green h.stre ; primaries slightly tipped with white, and having a white spot on their inner edges; secondaries white at their
bases, and tipped with white ; middle feathers of the tail same green as other upper parts ; outer tipped with white, and with
irregular bars of brownish black. Bill yellowish green, tipped with brown; feet reddish yellow.
Young less bronzed above, and under parts white, without spots.
Total length, 7£ to 8 inches; wing, 4% ; tail, 2 ; bill, 1 ; tarsus, rather less than 1 inch.
Ilab. — Entire temperate North America ; Oregon. Europe.
Diffused throughout the United States, resorting, in the winter season, to the southern con
fines of the republic, and extending its range into Mexico and Central America. This little
bird has so frequently been noticed in Europe that it is now given as a species of that con
tinent by nearly all late authorities.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
Remarks.
J»
Carlisle, Pa ,.
May 10, 1844
S. F. Raird .......
7 72
13 40
4 32
1512
Ji
do
May 15, 1H4
do
7.50
13.40
4.24
do
July 9, 1844
do
Capo May, N. J
7059
May 13, 1857
Lt. Bryan
81
W. S. Wood...
o
V
Q
., do
do
J. P. Kirtland ..
10420
8995
9
South Illinois
July 6
N. W. University.
Lt. Warren
R. Kennicott ..
Dr. Hayden....
6 50
12.25
3.75
5439
Sept. 12
do
do
7.12
12.75
3 25
71
do
do
7.00
12.50
3.75
0
Aug. 20, 1855
121
8.00
13.00
4.00
10419
Fort Tejon, Cal
J .Xantus de Vesey
6.50
13.00
6639
J>
Lt. Williamson...
Dr. Hecrmann .
4400
:?•
Fort Dalle*, O. T
May 25
Dr. Sucklcy
177
7.50
12.60
4.75
6640
8443
5988
O
Shoalwatcr bay
Puget's Sound
tcilacoom, W. T .
June 8, 1854
Gov. Stevens....
A Campbell
78
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Keiinerly ..
7.12
13.25
Bill yellow and black...
PHILOM ACIIUS, M o e h r i n g .
Philomackus, MOEHRING, Genera Avium, 1752, 76. Type Tringa pugnax, L.
Machetes, CUVIER, R. Amer. 1817.
CH. — Bill nearly straight; as long as the head or the outer toe. Groove of bill extending nearly to the tip. Bill
depressed, broad to the tip, which is scarcely expanded. Gape extending a little further back than the culrnen ; the feathers
of lower mandibles extending rather further forward than those of upper; those of chin still further. Legs slender; tarsus \\
times as long as middle toe, 1J times the length of bare tibia. A basal web connecting the outer and middle toes to the first
joint of the former ; inner toe cleft to base. Tail rather long; distinctly barred.
This genus, usually placed among Tringeae, appears to have most affinity with the present
section, ,nd in a measure to connect Tringoides and Actiturus. The bill is more depressed, and
rather broader to the end than usual ; but it appears hard and firm, and with little or none of
the spoon-shaped expansion at the end. The greater cleft of the mouth, the half webbing of
the toes, the bars on the tail, the lengthened tarsi, &c., all seem to indicate the propriety of
placing it with Totaneae.
BIRDS SCOLOPACIDAE ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS. 737
PHILOMACHUS PUGrNAX, (Linn.) Gray.
Rnfl.
Tringa pugnax, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 247.
Machetes pitgnax, Cuv. — BON. List, 1838.
Tringa (Machetes) pugnax, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 131.
Philomachus pugnax, GRAY, Genera. — LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, June, 1852, 220. Long Island .
SP. CH. — Above varied with black, rufous, and gray, the scapulars and tertials exhibiting these colors in oblique bands.
Beneath white, varied on the jugulum and throat. Primaries dark brown, with greenish reflection above; the inner webs
finely mottled towards the base. Outer three tail feathers plain, the remainder transversely barred. Bill brown ; sides of
rump white ; legs yellow. Male in spring dress with the feathers of the neck greatly developed into a ruff; the face covered
with reddish papillae.
Length, about 10 inches; wing, 6.40; tail, 2.60; bill, 1.25; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe and claw, 1.40.
Hab. — Northern Europe and Asia. Accidental on Long Island.
The ruff has been so frequently killed on Long Island as to entitle it to a place among
descriptions of North American birds, although it cannot be said to belong to our fauna. It
is a very curious species, conspicuous for the combats among the males during the breeding
season. At this time the feathers of the neck are greatly elongated, forming a kind of cape or
ruff, and the face is beset with papillae.
The ruff is about the size of the Bartram's tatler or field plover, which it otherwise
resembles somewhat in color. It has the same mottling of the inner webs of primaries as in
Tryngites rufescens, though not to so great an extent, this feature not being found in any other
North American Totaneae, though seen in Limosa.
ACTITURUS, Bo nap.
Bartramia, LESSON, Trait6 d'Orn. 1831. Preoccupied in Botany.
Aditurus, BONAP. Saggio, etc., 1831. Type Tringa bartramia, WILS.
Euliga, NUTT. Man. II, 1834.
CH. — Upper mandible grooved laterally to within the terminal fourth, the lower not quite so far. Culmen concave to near
the tip, where it is slightly decurved ; gonys straight. Mouth deeply cleft, almost as far back as the anterior canfchus. The
culinen only about two-thirds the commissure, shorter than the head or tarsus, and about equal to middle toe without claw.
Feathers extending much further forward on the upper jaw than on the lower, although those of chin reach nearly to end of
nostrils. Tarsus 1^ times middle toe and claw ; the bare part of tibia not quite equal to the middle toe above; outer toe
united at base as far as first joint ; web of inner toe very basal. Tail long, graduated, more than half the wings.
ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS, ( W i 1 s . ) Bon.
Bartram's Sandpiper; Field Plover.
Tringa bartramia, WILSON., Am. Orn. VII, 1813, G3 ; pi. lix.— ADD. Syn. 1839, 231.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842,
248; pi. 327.
Totanus bartramius, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 209.— SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 391. — ADD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 24 ; pi. 303.
"Jlditurus bartramius, BON. Saggio, 1831."— IB. List, 1838, 51.
Tringa (Euliga) bartramia, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 168.
Tringoides bartramius, GRAY, Genera.
" Tringa longicauda, NILSSON. — BECHST. Vb'gel Deutschl. — NAUMANN, Nachtraige ; pi. xxxviii." (Dates unknown.)
Totanus campestris, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 454.
? Totanus melanopygius, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet.
Totanus variegatus, VIEILLOT. " Nouv. Diet. 2d ed. VI, 317."— IB. Galerie II, 1825, 107 ; pi. 239,
Bartramia laticauda, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. 1831, 553
August 11, 1858.
93 b
738
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
FIGURES.— NAUMANV, B. of Germany, pi. 196.— GOULD, B. of Ear. IV, pi. 313.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 2.—
AUD. B. of Am. pi. 303 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 327.
SP. CH. — Bill about as long as tho head, rather wide and flattened at base, curved at the tip ; nostril with a large membrane ;
nasal groove long ; wing long ; tail long for this group ; legs moderate or rather long ; lower half of the tibia naked ; toes
moderate, the outer and middle toe united by a membrane, inner and middle free to the base, hind toe small. General color of
the upper parts brownish black, with a greenish lustre, and with the feathers edged with ashy white and yellowish, the litter
especially on the wing coverts ; lower part of the back, rump, and upper tail coverts, brownish black ; lateral coverts of the
tail yellowish white, with arrow-heads and irregular spots of black. Wide stripe over the eye and entire under parts very pale
yellowish white, nearly pure white on the abdomen ; neck before with numerous longitudinal lines of brownish black ; breast
and sides with waved and pointed transverse narrow bands of the same ; axillary feathers and under wing coverts pure white ,
with numerous nearly regular transverse narrow bands of black. Quills brownish black, with numerous transverse bands of
white on their inner webs, very conspicuous on the under surface of tho wing ; shaft of first primary white. Middle feathers
of the tail same greenish brown as the back, with irregular and imperfect transverse bands of black ; outer feathers pale reddish
yellow, edged and tipped with white, and with several irregular transverse bands and a large sub-terminal arrow-head of black.
Bill greenish yellow, with the under mandible more clear yellow towards its base, tip brownisli black ; legs light yellow ; toes
darker. Total length, about 12 inches ; wing, 6| ; tail, 3| ; bill,
Hub. — Eastern North America, South America, Europe.
Everywhere in the interior of the States on the Atlantic this is the most abundant and best
known species of this group. Unlike nearly all others, this bird prefers plains and cultivated
fields, and is one of the species which has not decreased in numbers on account of the extension
of cultivation and the settlement of the country. On the contrary it appears to be quite at
home in the farm lands, and rears its young in the fields of grass and grain in the most populous
rural districts of the country. It is, in a considerable measure, a favorite with the people and
seldom molested.
This species is extensively diffused, and though at home in the northern division of this
continent, wanders over nearly the whole of South America. It is well described by Azara as
a bird of Paraguay. We have never seen this bird from west of the Kocky mountains.
The generic name Bartramia, Lesson, Traite d'Orn. I, p. 553, (1831,) is that having priority
of all others proposed for this species, and is a just compliment to one of the most liberal and
accomplished of the earlier American naturalists. This name is, however, previously used in
botany, and probably ought not to be again employed in zoology, though we confess to being
strongly inclined to adopt it, notwithstanding, following in that respect the example of Mr.
Gray, of the British Museum, in his Catalogue of the Genera and Sub-genera of Birds, p. 317,
(1855.)
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex&
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Wlienco obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings
Wing.
Remarks.
2291
.*
Carlisle, Pa
May 20, 1845
S. F. Baird
11 00
21 25
6.56
1116
do
July 15, 1843
do
12 00
21.50
C 40
6536
8185
7095
5
o
Shavvnee Mission, K. T..
July 4, 1857
June 15, 1857
Win. M. Magraw.
121
5
Dr. Cooper ....
W S Wood
11.75
21.00
7.00
Iris brown, bill bl'k It
yellow, feet green.
4868
4629
9
Loup Fork
Fort Pierre
April 26, 1855
Lieut. Warren
Col. Vauglian
Dr. Hayden....
.... do
13 00
22 00
7 50
4633
Fort Union , Neb
July — , 1855
do
do
5432
_*
Medicine Hill
Lieut. Warren. . .
do
12 00
22.00
6.75
8988
o
July 7
do
do
12 75
23 75
6 00
8891
V
ji
do
July 21
do
do .
12 00
23 00
6.25
8990
,' 989
7097
o
...„..,
o o
Platte river
do '.
Elk creek, Med. Bow nits.
July 7
....do
Aug. 4, 1857
do
do
Lieut. Bryan
91
do
do
VV. 8. Wood.
12.25
12.50
22.50
22.00
6.50
6.25
Fris dark brown
do
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — TKYNGITES EUFESCENS. 739
TRYNGITES, C a ban is
Tringites, CAB. Journ. fur. Orn. 1856, 418. Type Tringa rufescens, VIEILL.
CH. — Upper mandible grooved to about the terminal fourth ; the lower not quite so far. Culmen and gonys about straight.
Mouth deeply cleft more than half way to the eye ; the culmen about two-thirds the commissure. Culmen much shorter than
the head, and about equal to middle toe without claw. Tarsus about IJr as long as middle toe and claw. Bare part of tibia
decidedly shorter than middle toe without claw. Toes cleft to the base, with only a very rudimentary web. Upper jaw
feathered to the nostrils ; the side of the lower and beneath feathered much further, or to the end of the nostrils ; the inter
space of the rami entirely filled. Tail somewhat graduated, not half the wing.
It is possible that the genus Prosobonia of Bonaparte, 1853, maybe identical with Tryngltes of
Cabanis, as based on Tringa leucoptera of Gmelin, I, 678 ; but until this is proved to be the case,
it may be best to take the last mentioned name as a certainty. It is a little remarkable that
Bonaparte makes no mention whatever of Tringa rufescens in his Catalogue in Comptes Rendus,
Sept. 1856.
TRYNGITES KUFESCENS, (Vieill.)Oab.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Tringa rufescens, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIX, 1819, 470. (Louisiana.)— IB. Galerie Ois. II, 1825, 105; pi. 238.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 113.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 451 ; pi. 265.— IB. Syn. 235.— IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 264 ; pi. 331.— BON. List, 1838.— JARD. Br. Birds III, 235, (Am. sp.)— YARRKLL,
Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 109 ; pi. ii, European sp.
Uctidurus naevius, HEERMANN, Pr. Acad. N. S. Phil. VII, 1854, 179. (Texas.)
FIGURES.— Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XVI, pi. 2.— GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 326.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 265 ; oct. ed. V, pi .
331.— VIEILL. Gal. II, pi. 23d
SP. CH. — Bill about the length of the head, straight, compressed, narrow at the point ; nasal groove long ; wings very long ;
first quill longest ; tertiaries rather shorter ; tail moderate or longer than usual in this group ; legs rather long ; lower third of
the tibia naked; toes free at base, flattened underneath, and slightly margined; hind toe small. Upper parts pale and dull
ashy brown with a yellowish tinge ; every feather with a large central, lanceolate, crescent-shaped, or oblong spot of black,
frequently with a glossy green tinge, especially on the back and shorter tertiaries. Under parts light yellowish red, or palo
fawn color ; many feathers tipped with white, and paler on the flanks and abdomen, on the breast with partially concealed small
spots of black ; axillary feathers white. Quills with their outer webs light brown, inner webs ashy white marbled with black
and narrowly tipped with white ; middle tail feathers brownish black ; outer feathers lighter, with transverse waved lines of
black, and tipped with white ; bill greenish black ; legs greenish yellow. Total length, 7^ to 8 inches ; wing, 5^ ; tail, 3 ; bill,
from gape, 1 ; tarsus, 1 ^ inches.
Hab.— All of North America, South America, Europe.
This is a little bird of rather peculiar style of form, and of remarkable and handsome
plumage. Its relationship appears to be to the preceding well known species. Both this and
the preceding bird more habitually frequent plains and other dry localities than any of the true
sandpipers.
This bird is distributed throughout the continent of America. Specimens in the present
collection are the first ever brought from west of the Kocky mountains.
In the collection of the Philadelphia Academy we find numerous specimens of this bird from
various countries of Central and South America, in which it appears to be more especially at
home than in North America or Europe. It is easily distinguished from all other known
American species by the handsome mottling of the primaries, very conspicuous and characteristic
on their inner webs. The intimate relationship of the present bird to that immediately
740
U. S P. R. E. EXP- AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
preceding was first pointed out by Dr. Heermann in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia
Academy, as above cited.
In suggesting the close relationship of this bird to the sub-genus Prosobonia of the Prince
Bonaparte, we are guided mainly by Professor Schlegel's beautiful figure of Tringa leucoptera,
Ginelin, on which it is founded, and also by specimens before us of Tringa brevirostris, Peale,
which evidently is of the same group. Both the species here mentioned are from islands in
the Pacific ocean.
Dr. Heermann's type specimen of his Aciidurus naevius differs somewhat from the ordinary
plumage, in the much coarser mottling of the primary quills.
Catal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
582
New York
1841
S. F. Baird
4458
Cape Flattery W T .. .
Lt. Trowbridge
6694
San Antonio Texas
Lt. Parke
Dr. Heermann - -
6693
Shoal water bay
Gov. I. I. Stevens
Dr. Cooper . .
Section LIMOSEAE.
LIMOSA, Brisson.
Limosa, BRISSON, Orn. 1760. Type Scolopax limosa, L.
CH. — Bill lengthened, exceeding the tarsus, slender, and curving gently upwards ; grooved to near the tip ; the tip not
attenuated, but pointed ; the lower almost as long as the upper. Culmen without any furrow. Tarsus with transverse scutellae
before and behind, reticulated laterally. A short basal membrane between the middle and outer toes. Tail short, even.
Bill much longer than head, nearly equalling tarsi and toes together ; curving gently
upwards from the base, where it is elevated and compressed, depressed, however, at the end.
The grooves on sides of bill and beneath extend nearly to the tip ; the tip of the upper
mandible is thickened, and extends a little beyond the lower. The gape is slight, not
extending beyond the base of culmen ; the feathers on the side of the bill reach forward to
about the same point, those on the chin a little further. Tarsus more than 1^ times the toes,
twice the bare part of tibia. Hind toe lengthened. Outer toe webbed as far as end of first
joint, inner toe with only a short basal web. Tail short, even, two-fifths the wings.
In some respects the bill of this genus resembles that of Macrorhamphus, the chief apparent
difference being the upward curve of the one and its straightness in the other.
LIMOSA FEDOA, (Linn.) Ord.
Marbled Godwit.
Scolopax fedoa, LINN. Syst. Nat. 10th ed, I, 1758, 146 : 12th ed. I, 1766, 244.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 30; pi. Ivi
Limosa fedoa, ORD. ed. Wils. VII, 1825.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 202.— IB. List, 1838.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 395. —
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 173.— AUD. Orn. Biog. 111,1835,287: V, 590; pi. 238.— IB. Syn. 246.— IB.
Birds Am. V, 1842, 331 ; pi. 348.
" Limicula fedoa, VIEILLOT."
Scolopax marmorata, LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 720.
Limicula marmorata, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. — IB. Gal. II, 1825, 115; pi. 243.
Limosa americana, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool.
"Limosa adspersa, LICHT."
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE LIMOSA HUDSONICA.
741
FIGURES.— WILSON Am. Orn. VII.pl. 50, fig. 1.— AWD. B. of Am. pi. 238; oct. ed. V, pi. 348.— EDWARDS' Birds, III, pi.
137.— VIEILL. Gal. des Ois. II, pi. 243.
SP. CH. — Bill long, curved upwards; both mandibles grooved; wings long; tail short; legs long; tibia with its lower half
naked; toes rather short, margined and flattened underneath; the outer and midiile toes united by a rather large membrane.
Entire upper parts variegated with brownish black and pale reddish, the former disposed in irregular and confluent bands, and
the latter in spots and imperfect bauds; in many specimens the black color predominating on the back, and the pale red on the
rump arid upper tail coverts. Under parts pale rufous, with transverse lines of brownish black on the breast and sides ; under
wing coverts and axillaries darker rufous; outer webs of primaries dark brown, inner webs light rufous; secondaries light
rufuus; tail light rufous, with transverse bars of brownish black. Bill pale yellowish, red at base, brownish black at the end ;
'egs ashy black. Total length about 18 inches; wing, 9 ; tail, 3£ ; bill, 4 to 5 ; tarsus, 3 inches.
Ilab. — Entire temperate regions of North America ; South America.
A large and handsome shore bird, well known to sportsmen as the godwit, and a great favorite
for shooting. From the collections of the surveying expeditions it appears to be equally abundant
in the interior and on the Pacific as on the eastern coast of the United States.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1205
;*
New York ... .......
S. F. Baird
545
do
do
44.99
Cape Flattery, W. T
Lieut. Trowbridge . . . _ . .
9833
Shoal water bay ..... ............
Gov. I. I. Stevens... .
Dr. Cooper .
9839
Bodega California .... ._.«.
6446
San Francisco .-- ......
Dr. Geo. Suckley . . .
5450
Fort Union Nebraska _ .......
Lieut. Warren ....
Dr. Hayden
4884
do
4172
Brazos Santiago, Texas ...
Captain Van Vliet
6439
Indian Key, Florida .
G. Wurdemann
LIMOSA HUDSONICA, (Lath.) Sw.
Hudsonian Godwit.
? Scolopax lapponica, var, /?. GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788. — FORSTE«.
Scolopax hudsonica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 720.
Limosa hudsmica, Svr. F. B. A. II, 1831, 396.— NOTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 175.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 426 =
V, 592; pi. 258.— IB. Syn. 247.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 335; pi. 349.
Limosa mdanura, BON. Specchio, 1827, No. 204.
Limosa aegoc<phala, BON. Syn. 1828, 327.
.* Limosa edwardsii, Svr. F. B. A. II, 1831.
FIGURES.— EDWARDS' Birds, III, pi. 138.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 258 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 349.
SP. CH. — Smaller than the preceding. Bill longer than the head; both mandibles grooved, slightly recurved; wings long,
legs moderate; membrane uniting the outer and middle toe large. Adult. Upper parts brownish black, with spots and
transverse bars of pale reddish on the back; rump brownish black; upper tail coverts white; wing coverts and shorter quills
dark cinereous ; primaries brownish black. Under parts yellowish red, with transverse bars of brownish black on the breast
and sides and under tail coverts, and frequently with the feathers on the abdomen widely tipped with white ; tail black, with the
base white, and narrowly tipped with white. Under wing coverts and axillary feathers black; shafts of primaries white ; bill
pale yellowish at base ; tip brownish black ; legs bluish brown. Younger. Head and upper parts cinereous, irregularly marked
742 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
on the top of the head and on the back with brownish black ; stripe before and over the eye white ; under parts dull yellowish
white ; under wing coverts and axillaries black ; rump black ; upper tail coverts white ; tail black ; base and tip white ; bill
yellow, tipped with brownish black; legs dark brown.
Total length about 15 inches; wing, 8; tail, 3; bill, 2| to 34; tarsus, 2£ inches.
Ilab. — Northern and eastern North America ; New Jersey, (Mr. A. Galbraith.)
Much smaller than the preceding, and easily distinguished by its white rump and black tail
at all ages, and when adult by the red color of the under parts of the body. It appears to be
abundant in the northern regions of this continent, but is of rare occurrence in the United
States, though occasionally met with in the winter. We have never seen it from the western
shores of the republic.
This species is allied to the European L. melanura, but differs in having the axillars and
under coverts dark brown instead of white ; the neck brownish gray instead of chestnut.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Collected by—
646
New York ......
S. F. Baird
8074
Arctic America......
Jno. Gould ....
Section NTJMENIEAE.
NUMENIUS, Linnaeus.
Nummius, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1746. Type Scolopax arquata, Linn.
CH. — Legs covered anteriorly with transverse scutellae, laterally and behind with small hexagonal scales. Bill very long,
exceeding the tibia, and curved downwards for the terminal half; the culmen rounded. Tip of bill expanded laterally and club-
shaped. Grooves of bill not reaching beyond the middle. Tertials as long as primaries.
Bill variable in length, always longer than tarsus, sometimes exceeding tarsus and toes. It
is nearly straight at the base, then decurving quite rapidly to the tip, where the upper mandible
is thickened downwards beyond and over the lower. Lateral grooves occupying only the basal
half or third of the bill ; under mandible not grooved beneath. Cleft of mouth extending but
little beyond the base of culmen. Feathers of head extending about the same distance on both
mandibles ; those of chin to opposite the anterior extremity of the nostrils. Tarsi nearly twice
as long as middle toe, rather more than twice the bare part of tibia. It is covered behind by
hexagonal scales larger than the lateral ones. Outer toe webbed for its basal joint ; inner
for half this distance. Tail short, nearly even, not quite half the wings. Tertials as long
as the primaries.
Of the genus Numenius several species are found in North America, none of them occurring in
the Old World, as is the case with so many of the Tringeae.
BIRDS SCOLOPACIDAE NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS.
743
Numenius, Linn.
NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, Wilson.
Long-billed Curlew.
Scolopax arquata, var. /?. GMELIN, 1, 1788, 656.
Numenius arquata, var. B. LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790, 710.
Numenius Imgirostris, WILSON, Am. On. VIII, 1814, 24; pi. Ixiv.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 200.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831
376.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 88.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 240 : V, 587; pi. 231.— IB. Birds
Am. VI, 1843,35; pi. 355.
" Numenius mejanopus, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet."
Numenius rufus, VIEILLOT, Galerie, II, 1825, 118; pi. 245.
" Numenius brasiliensis, WIED."
? Numenius occidentals, WOODHOTJSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Nov. 1852, 194. — IB. Sitgreaves' Expl. Zuni «fe Col. 1853, 98; pi. vi
SP. CH. — The largest American species of this genus. Bill very long, much curved; upper mandible longer than the under
somewhat knobbed at the tip ; wing rather long ; legs moderate ; toes united at base. Entire upper parts pale rufous, tinged
with ashy; every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish black, moat numerous and predominating on the back
and scapulars; secondary quills, under wing coverts, and axillaries, bright rufous; primaries with their outer webs brownish
black and their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black. Under parts pale rufous, with longitudinal lines of black on
the neck and sides ; tail rufous, tinged with ashy, transversely barred with brownish black. Bill brownish black ; base of under
mandible reddish yellow; legs bluish brown. Specimens vary to some extent in the shade of the rufous color of the plumage,
and very much in the length of the bill. The rufous color is probably more distinct in the young. Total length about 25 inches ;
wing, 10 to 11 ; tail, 4; bill, 5 to 8; tarsus, 2£ inches.
Ildb. — The entire temperate regions of North America.
Numerous specimens in the collection of the expeditions attest the abundance of this fine
bird throughout every part of the United States.
This bird appears to vary in size quite materially, and in the length of bill in different
specimens, so much so as to be quite perplexing. In fact, the bills of scarcely any two
specimens are of the same length. In color, also, there is considerable variety, but the species
can readily be distinguished.
There are in the present collection specimens which are undoubtedly N. occidentalis, Wood-
house, as above cited, and it is not without doubts that we do not at present give it as a distinct
species. The clear rufous of the plumage and the shorter bill, as given by Dr. Woodhouse, are
present in these specimens, and, without a series of intermediate specimens, would appear to be
quite conclusive characters specifically. In the present collection, however, almost any length
of bill can be produced, and the rufous color is very probably characteristic of young age. It
is quite possible, though, that more than one species may yet be determined.
List of specimens.1
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
462
New York
1841
S F. Baird
The list of specimens from the collections of the exploring expeditions having been mislaid, is not given here.
744
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Phaeopus, Guv.
NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS, Latham.
Short-billed or Hudsonian Curlew.
Scolopax borealis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1783, 654. (Not of Forster, 1772.)— WILSO*, Am. Om. VII, 1813, 22; pi. Ivi.
Nummius borealis, ORD, ed. Wils. VII, 1825. Not of Latham.
Nummius hudsonicus, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 712.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 201.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 377.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 97.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 233 : V, 539; pi. 237.— IB. Syn. 254.—
IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 42; pi. 356.
Numenius melanopus, VIEILLOT, in part.
Numenius rufus, VIEILLOT, Gal. II, 1825, 118; pi. 245. (Mixed with longirostris.)
?Numenius intermedius, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 100.
Sp. CH. — Smaller than the preceding. Bill about twice the length of the head ; wings long; tail short; legs moderate. Head
above brownish black, with a longitudinal band ; other upper parts brownish black, tinged with ashy, spotted with dull yellowish
white, and lighter on the rump. Under parts dull yellowish white, with longitudinal narrow stripes of blackish brown on the
neck and breast ; under wing coverts and axillaries pale ashy rufous, transversely barred with black ; quills brownish black, with
transverse bars of pale rufous on the inner webs; tail brownish black, with transverse bars of pale ashy brown. Bill brownish
black ; base of lower mandible reddish yellow ; legs greenish brown. Specimens vary in the shade of the lighter colors of the
plumage and in the length of the bill Total length about 18 inches ; wing, 9 ; tail, 4 ; bill 3 to 4 ; tarsus, 2£ "Inches.
Hab. — Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America ; California, (Mr. Cassidy.)
Smaller, and with the colors different from the preceding. This bird is represented as abun
dant in the northern regions of this continent, but is much less frequent in the United States
than the preceding.
A Numenius ruftventris is described by Vigors1 from the west coast of America, which is closely
related to the present species, if not the same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
1229
Atlantic coast . ........
S. F. Baird
10458
3
Cape Mtvy New Jersey . .
May 1842
J K. Townsend ...... .... . ....
9823
Presidio, California .
Lt. Trowbridge . . .
NUMENIUS BOREALIS, (Forst.) Latham.
Esquimaux Curlew.
Scolopax borealis, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 411 ; Albany Fort.
Numenius borealii, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 712.— BON. Syn. 1828, 314 —In. List, 1838.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
378; pi Ixv.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 100.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 69: V, 590; pi. 208.—
IB. Syn. 255.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 45; pi. 357.
Numenius brevirostris, LIGHT. Verz. 1823, No. 774.
" Numenius hemirhynchus, TEMM."
FIGURES. — Aud. B. of Am. pi. 208; oct. ed. VI, pi. 357. — Rich, and Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 65. — Temm. PI. Col'
V, pi. 381.
1 Zool. Journal, IV, Jan. 1829, 356.— IB. Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 28.
BIRDS SCOLOl'ACIDAE — PALUDICOLAE.
745
SP. CH. — Much smaller than either of the preceding, but resembling N. hiidsonicus in color. Bill rather longer than the
head, slender ; wings long; tail short; legs molerate. Entire upper parts brownish black, spotted with dull yellowish rufous ;
quills brownish black, uniform on both webs, without bars on either; under wing coverts and axillaries light rufous, with
transverse stripes of brownish black. Under parts dull white, tinged with rufous, with longitudinal narrow stripes of brownish
black on the neck and breast, and transverse stripes of the same on the sides and under tail coverts; tail ashy brown, with
transverse bands of brownish black; bill brownish black; base of under mandible yellow; legs greenish brown. Total length
about 13£ inches ; wing, 64 ; tail, 3; bill, 2^ to '2^ ; tarsus If inches.
Hub. — Eastern and northern North America.
This small and interesting curlew is merely a bird of passage in the United States, to be met
with in the spring and autumn. It is easily distinguished from either of the preceding by its
small size and its comparatively short and weak bill. We have never seen it from the western
countries of the United States.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
10398
S F Baird . .
1841
Lieut \Varren
Dr Hayden. ........
4881
do
...do
do
G572
(Jo __.._._
do . - -
6573
Texas
Captain Pope
Tribe PALUDICOLAE.
CH. — Species living in marshes, with elevated bodies, much compressed laterally ; usually with longer necks than most snipe,
with moderately long, strong, and stout bills also much compressed and covered at tip by a horny investment ; the remaining
portion membranous, with elongated nasal furrow, and narrow, more or less perforate, nostrils. The lores are feathered
uniformly as in the Limicolae ; the rest of the plumage without the spotting of the snipes. Wings rather short, more rounded
than pointed, and when folded do not reach beyond the short, soft and feeble tail ; in fact, seldom to its base. The outer two
or three primaries generally abbreviated. The toes are very long, cleft to the base, thin, and generally with very long claws ;
the same is the case with the hind toe, which is not only much longer than in the Limicolae, but is generally inserted more
nearly on the same level with the anterior ones, touching the ground for most of its extent.
The species pick up their food on the surface, and do not probe the soft mud in search of it.
The North American species of this tribe are few in number, though very abundant in
individuals. Their habit of close concealment among the reeds and grass of marshy places,
renders them very difficult of detection, except when their abodes are more or less submerged.
The Paludicolae, or Alectorides, are divided by Bonaparte into four families, Palamedeidae,
Parridae, ficdlidae, and Ocydromidae. Of these the Rallidae only are represented within the
limits of the United States. Of Bonaparte's two sub-families, Prosoboninae and Rallinae, the
former with a single species, Prosobonia leucoptera, (Tringa leucoptera, Gmelin,) of the Pacific
islands, is, by Gray, referred to Totaneae. The Ballinae thus remaining may be sub-divided
into the following sections and genera :
August 12, 1858.
94 b
746 U. S. P. E. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
A. Ralleae. — Forehead feathered to the base of bill ; culmen parting the frontal feathers for
a short distance only, and in an angle.
KALLUS. — Bill slender, longer than the head ; nasal groove extending beyond the middle
of the bill ; the elongated nostrils within the basal third of the commissure. Hind
toe about one-third the tarsus.
POEZANA. — Bill thick, about equal to or shorter than the head ; culmen straight, or a
little depressed near the nostrils ; gonys ascending. Nostrils reaching beyond the
middle of the commissure. Hind toe about half the tarsus.
B. Fuliceae. — Base of the bill extended on the forehead for a greater or less distance, as a
naked, flattened, and rounded or quadrate plate.
GALLINULA. — Toes without marginal lobes ; the lateral membrane very slightly developed.
Nostrils linear.
PORPHYRULA. — Somewhat similar to Gallinula. Nostrils small, nearly circular.
FULICA. — Toes with a well developed marginal membrane, which is incised at the joints
into a series of semicircular lobes.
The genera Heliornis, which has usually been ranged with the Totipalmi, is, by Burrneister
and Reichenbach, placed near Fulica. A species, H. surinamensis, is said to have been occa
sionally seen in the United States.
As in the Limicolae the following account of the Paludicolae has been prepared by Mr. John
Cassin.
Sub-Family RALLINAE.
RALLUS, Linnaeus.
Rallus, LINNAEUS, Systema Naturae.
CH. — Bill longer than the head, rather slender, compressed ; upper mandible slightly curved ; nostrils in a long groove, and
with a large membrane ; wings short ; tertiary quills long, frequently longer than the primaries ; tail very short ; legs moderate ;
tarsus shorter than the middle toe, and covered on all sides with transverse scales ; toes long and rather slender ; inner toe
rather shorter than the outer ; hind toe short and weak.
This genus contains about twenty species, inhabiting all the temperate countries of the world,
and very similar in their habits and frequently in appearance. Their long toes enable them to
run over and climb amongst aquatic plants with great facility.
RALLUS ELEGANS, Aud.
King Rail; Marsh Hen.
Rallus elegans, ADD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 27 ; pi. 203.— IB. Syn. 215.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 160; pi. 309.—
GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. 1856, 427.
Rallus crepitans, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813 ; pi. Ixii, f. 2. (Not the description.)
Sp. CH — The largest species of the United States. Upper parts olive brown, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black,
most numerous on the back ; line from the base of the bill over the eye dull orange yellow ; space before and behind the eye
brownish cinereous. Throat and lower eyelid white ; neck before and breast bright rufous chestnut ; sides and abdomen, and
under tail coverts, with transverse bands of brownish black and white, the dark bands being the wider ; tibiae dull yellowish
white, with spots and transverse bars of ashy brown. Upper wing coverls reddish chestnut ; under wing coverts black, with
transverse lines of white. Sexes alike. Total length, (from tip of bill to end of tail,) about 17 inches; wing 6| ; tail 3
inches.
Hab. — Middle and southern States on the Atlantic ocean ; California, (Dr. Suckley.)
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE RALLCS CREPITANS.
747
This is the largest species of rail found in North America, and is one of the most handsome
birds of this genus. It is found for much the greater part in fresh waters, and inhabits the
entire country on the Atlantic from New Jersey to Florida, very probably extending also over
the vast intermediate regions to the Pacific in the same latitude. The only specimens from
California, or other country on the Pacific, that we have ever seen, are in the present collection.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. S Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
2674
1113
4322
5087
7056
6444
4512
S. F. Baird .*....
C?
Washin"ton, D. C
July 7,1843
1854
... do
Win.M. Baird.
17.00
22.00
6.75
Mar. —,1855
May 6,1854
Mar.— ,1857
13.50
19.00
6.00
Eyes brown, feet gray,
bill dark
J
St. Louis
Liout. Bryan ....
Dr. Suckley
Lieut. Williamson
1 W. S. Wood..
San Francisco
do
603 i
Dr. Nevvberry
KALLUS CREPITANS, Gm.
Clapper Rail ; Mud Hen.
? ? Rallus longirostris, BODDAERT, Tabl. PI. cnl. 1784 ; pi. 849.
Rallus crepilans, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 713.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 112, (not the plate.)— BOK. Obs. Wils.
1825 ; pi. 228.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 331 : V, 570 ; pi. 214.— IB. Syn. 215.— IB. Birds Am.
V, 1842, 165 ; pi. 310.— CAB. Jour. 1856, 427.
FIGURES.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 62, fig. 2.— AUD. B. of Am., pi. 304 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 310.— BUFFON, PI. Enl. 849?
Sp CH. — Smaller than the preceding. Upper parts light ashy olive, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black, most
numerous on the back ; a line of dull yellowish white from the base of the bill over the eye ; space before and behind the eye
ashy. Throat and under eyelid white ; neck before, and breast, pale reddish yellow, or tawny tinged with bluish ashy on the
breast ; sides, abdomen, under tail coverts, and tibiae, with transverse bands of brownish black and white, the former being the
wider. Upper wing coverts brownish olive ; under wing coverts black, with transverse lines of white. Total length, (to end
of tail,) about 14 inches ; wing, 5| ; tail 2J inches.
Hub. — Middle and southern coast of the States on the Atla'ntic ocean ; South America.
Rather smaller than the preceding, but when in mature plumage considerably resembling it
in colors. Specimens generally, however, have a faded or bleached appearance, and it is, in fact,
rather unusual to meet with those that have not this character.
This bird is more an inhabitant of the seacoast than the preceding, and is abundant from
New Jersey to Florida, and southwardly on the shores of South America. The proper name of
this species is, very probably, Rallus longirostris, as above described and figured. Specimens
before us, from the coast of Guiana, seem quite identical with others from New Jersey.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Remarks.
1055
O
Cape May X J
May 1842
S F Baird
Eye hazel
10459
0
do
do
J. T\ . Townsend ------------
2673
O O
do
i
do
do
748
U. S. P R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
R ALLUS VIRGINIANUS, Linn.
Virginia Rail.
Rallus virginianus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 263, (may possibly refer to autumnal Porzana Carolina.} — WILS. Am.
Orn. VII, 1813, 109 ; pi. Ixii, f. 1.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825 ; No. 210.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834,
205.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 41 : V, 573 ; pi. 205.— IB. Syn. 216.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842,
174 ; pi. 311— CAB. Jour. 1856, 427.
Rallus aquations, var. A. LATH. Ind. Oru. II, 1790.
Rallus limicola, VIEILL.
" Rallus rythr hynckos, VIEILL. " Gray.
FIGURES.— EDWARDS' Birds, VI, pi. 279. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 62, fig. 1. — AUD. B. of Am. pi. 205; oct. ed. V,
pi. 311.
SP. OH. — Much smaller than either of the preceding, but resembling them in form, and resembling also R. elegans in colors.
Upper parts olive brown, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; line from base of bill over the eye reddish white. Throat
white ; neck before, and breast, bright rufous ; abdomen and under tail coverts with transverse bands of black and white, the
former being the wider. Upper wing coverts bright rufous chestnut ; under wing coverts black, with transverse lines of white.
Total length, (from tip of bill to end of tail,) about Ik inches ; wing, 4 ; tail, 1| inches.
Hub. — The entire temperate regions of North America ; New Mexico, (Dr. T. C. Henry ;) California, (Mr. R. D. Cutts ;)
Oregon, (Dr. Geo. Suckley.)
Quite frequent in the States on the Atlantic, and now brought, for the first time, from west
of the Rocky mountains. This little bird bears a singular resemblance to Rallus elegans in
form and colors, and is one of the instances in which size is a specific and distinctive character.
This species is found along the margins of the bays and rivers on the Atlantic, migrating
southward in the autumn, and is remarkable for quickness of movement and swiftness of foot,
running on the ground with great facility. It ranges northward into the British possessions.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
—
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch | Wing,
oi" wings. i
1647 <$
Carlisle, Pa
July 27.1844
S. F. Baird
10.00
14.25 4.18
2520 g
418 g
do
do
Oct. 13,1845
May 22.1841
do
do .
10.00
9.25
14.25 4.50
14 00 '
7057 (J
St. Louis
May 6, 1857
3
W S Wood
6652
Near 32° L
6654
6653
S999 .
4450
Sonora
San Francisco, Cal
Port Townsend, Puget's Sound. . .
Cape Flattery, W. T ,
1 1857
Maj . Emory
R. D. Cutts
Dr. Suckley
72
Dr. Kennerly
PORZANA, Vieillot.
Porzana, VIEILLOT, Analyse, p. 61, (1816,) 61. Typo Rallus porzana, L.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, compressed, straight ; nostrils in a wide groove, with a large membrane ; wings moderate ;
primaries longer than tertiaries ; tail short; tarsus about the length of the middle toe ; toes long ; inner toe slightly shorter
than the outer. General form compressed and slender ; legs rather robust.
Contains about twenty species, generally inhabiting temperate regions, inhabiting marshes
and borders of rivers. In the spring and autumn several species migrate in large numbers.
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE — PORZANA JAMAICENSIS.
749
Porzana, Vieillot.
PORZANA CAROLINA.
Soi:i: Common Rail; Ortolan.
Rallus carolinus, LINN. Syst. IN at. I, 17(56, 363 — DOUGHTY'S Cab. N. H. 1, 1830,206; pi. xviii.— Ann. Orn. Biog.
Ill, 1835, 251 : V, 572 ; pi. 233.
Gallinula Carolina, LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 711.
Rallus (Crex) carolinus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 230.— NUTT. Mar. II, 1834, 209.
Porzana Carolina, ? — CAB. Jour. 1856, 428.
Ortygometra Carolina, BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 213.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 145; pi. 306.— GOSSE,
Birds Jam. 1847, 371.
Rallus stolidus and melanops, VIEILL.
FIGURES. — EDWARDS' Birds, III, pi. 144. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, pi. 48, fig. 1. — AUD. B. of Am. pi. 233; oct. ed. V,
pi. 306.
Sp. CH. — Space around the base of the bill, extending downwards on the neck before and ovrr the top of the head, black.
Male. Upper parts greenish brown, with longitudinal bands of black, and many feathers having narrow stripes of white on
their edges. Behind the eye, sides of the neck, and the breast, fine bluish ashy, with circular spots and transverse bands of
white on the breast ; middle of the abdomen and under tail coverts white ; sides and flanks with transverse bands of brownish
black and white. Bill greenish yellow ; legs dvrk green. Female similar, but duller in colors. Young. Without black at the
base of the bill or on the neck ; throat dull white ; breast dull yellowish ashy ; upper parts tinged with dull yellow.
Total length about 8| inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2 inches.
Jfab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
The most abundant and most universally known bird of its genus inhabiting the United
States, and everywhere known as " the rail." It is especially numerous along the creeks and
rivers on the Atlantic during the autumnal migration, when excursions for obtaining it are a
favorite amusement of our gunners and sportsmen.
This bird appears to inhabit the entire temperate regions of North America. Specimens in
the present collection from California are precisely identical with others from the banks of the
Delaware river.
List of specimens.
Catal. Se
No. |
x. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Grig.
No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
i)f wings
Wing.
Remarks.
2421 i 3
1697 £
1649 ! 3
10401 <3
0533 ...
0950 ...
4875 ...
4555 ...
4901 ...
Carlisle, Pa
; do
do
C;ipe May, N. J
.. Tortillas, Fla
.. Red Hiver, H. B. Terr.
.. Yancton Camp
. Colorado river, Cal...
.. San Diego, Cal
Aus- 30,1845
Aug. 16,1844
July 27, 1844
May — , 1842
1856
3. F. Ruird
do
do
' 9.64
8.64
8 75
14.25
13.25
4.32
4.32
4.32
1). Gunn
Lieut. Warren
Maj. Emory
Dr. Hammond
41
Dr. Haydcn....' 8.50
A. Schott
14.25
4.75
Eyes dark red, pupil blk.
8.75
13.50
4.00 i
i
Creciscus, Cabanis.
PORZANA JAMAICENSIS.
Little Black Rail.
Rallus jamaicensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 718.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 359 ; pi. 349.
Ortygometra jamaicensis, STEPHENS. — BON. List, 1838. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 214. — IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 157;
pi. 308.
Porzana jamaicensis, ?
Creciscus jamaicensis, CABANIS, Jour. 185G, 428. (" Genus distinguished from Porzana by shorter toes.")
750
U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
FIGURES —EDWARDS' Birds, VI, pi. 278. — AuD. B. of Am. pi. 349 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 308.
SP. CH. — Smaller than the preceding, and is the smallest North American species of this family. Mult. Head and entire
under parts dark bluish ashy, or nearly slate color ; darker and nearly black on the top of the head ; abdomen and under tail
coverts vvitli transverse bands of white. Neck behind and upper part of back dark reddish chestnut ; other upper parts brownish
black, with circular spots and irregular transverse stripes of white. Quills brownish black, with small spots of white ; tail
nearly the same colors. Very young. Entirely bluish black.
Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail) about 5 inches ; wing, 3| ; tail, 1| inches.
Hab. — Middle and southern States on the Atlantic ocean.
One of the most uncommon of North American "birds, and highly prized by naturalists and
collectors. It is, however, apparently more abundant in the West Indies.
Coturnicops, Bonap.
PORZANA NOVEBORACENSIS.
Yellow Rail.
Fulica noveboracensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 701.
Gallinula noveboracensis, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 771.
Ortygometra noveboracensis, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XII, 1824. — BON. List, 1838 — AUD. Syn. 1839, 213. — IB.
Birds Am. V, 1842, 152 ; pi. 307.
Rallus (Crex) noveboracensis, BON. Specchio Comp. 1827, 212. — IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 136; pi. xxvii. — NUTT.
Man. II, 1834, 215.
Rallus noveboracensis, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 402.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 251 ; pi. 329.
Porzana noveboracensis, ?
Coturnicops noveboracensis, BON. 1854.
Perdix hudsonica, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 655.
Rallus ruficollis, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. 2d ed. XXVIII, 556.— IB. Gal. II, 1825, 168 ; pi. 266.
FIGURES.— VIEILL. Gal. II, pi. 266.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 329 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 307.
SP. CH. — Entire upper parts ochre yellow, with longitudinal wide stripes of brownish black and transverse narrow stripes of
white. Neck and breast reddish ochre yellow ; many feathers tipped with brown ; middle of abdomen white ; flanks and
ventral region with wide transverse bands of dark reddish brown and narrow bands of white ; under tail coverts rufous, with
small spots of white ; under wing coverts white. Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail) about 6 incites ; wing, 3{ ;
tail, 1^ inches.
Hab. — Eastern North America.
A very handsome little bird, reminding one of a young chicken in its general appearance.
It is of rather unusual occurrence on the shores of fresh and salt waters in the eastern States of
the republic.
List of specimens.
Cutal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
10394
Carlisle, Pa ......
S. F Baird
1722
do
Oct 16 1844
do
7. 24
13. 50
3.80
1090
Philadelphia ....
Spring of 1843
do ... .. .
BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDAE FULICA AMERICANA. 751
CKEX PKATEN1SIS, Bech stein.
Corn-Crake.
Rallus crex, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 261.— DEGLAND, Orn. Europ. II, 1849, 266
Gallinula crex, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 76G.
Crex pratensis, BECHST. Gemein. Naturg. Deutsch. IV, 470. — CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. VJI, Jan. 1855, 265. (New
Jersey.)
Sr. CH. — Feathers above blackish brown, with brownish yellow edges, and without white spots. Quills and upper wing coverts
brownish red ; under wing coverts rust red. Bill shorter than the head, conical, elevated at the base. Wings reaching nearly
to the end of the tail. Outer primary edged externally with yellowish white ; flanks and beneath the tail banded with rufous
and whitish.
Length about ten ini.-hes.
Hub. — Europe ; Greenland. Accidental on the Atlantic coast of the United States.
The well known corn-crake of Europe has, on several occasions, been found on the eastern
coast of the United States, and is, therefore, entitled to mention here. It appears to be a con
stant summer visitor to Greenland, from which country it is probable that stragglers reach the
United States.
FULICA, Linnaeus.
Fulica, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Fulica atra, L.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, straight, strong, compressed, and advancing into the feathers of the forehead, where it fre
quently forms a wide and somewhat projecting frontal plate ; nostrils in a groove, with a large membrane near the middle of the
bill. Wings rather short, second and third quiils usually longest ; tail very short ; tarsus robust, shorter than the middle toe,
with very distinct transverse scales; toes long, each toe having semicircular lobes, larger on the inner side of the toe ; hind toe
rather long, lobed.
A very peculiar group, containing about ten or twelve species, all of which are of dark slate
color, and which considerably resemble each other.
FULICA AMERICANA, Gmelin.
Coot ; Poule d'eau ; Mud Hen*
Fulica americana, GM, Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 704.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 234.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,291 : V,
568; pi. 239.— IB. Syn. 212.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1842, 138; pi. 305.— HARTLAUB, Cab.
Jour. I, Extraheft fur 1853, 1854, 75 ; 87.
Fulica wilsonii, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XII, 1824, 236.— BREHM, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 711.
Fulica atra, WILS. Am. Orn. IX, 1825, 61 ; pi. Ixxiii.
? Fulica leucopyga, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 518. Mexico.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck glossy black, with a tinge of ashy ; under tail coverts white. Entire other plumage dark bluish
cinereous or slate color, with a tinge of olive on the back and darker on the rump. Edge of wing at shoulder and edge of first
primary white ; secondary quills tipped with white ; rump frequently tinged with brownish. Bill very pale yellow or nearly
white, with a transverse band of brownish black near the end; tip white ; legs dull grayish green. Female similar, but with the
tints lighter. Young like the adult, but with the under parts lighter ; abdomen frequently ashy white ; back and rump dark
olive brown ; head and neck lighter.
Total length about 14 inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 2 inches.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
This species is readily distinguishable from the European F. atra by the white on the crissum
and wings, the red frontal plate, &c.
752
U. S. P R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.;
Locality.
When col- ; Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig'l , Collected by —
No. !
Length.
Stretch Wing.
of'wings.
Remarks.
1729 ; C?
Oct. 20 . ... S. F. Baird
16.00
28.00 ! 8.00
1707 ' (J
do
Sept. 30,1844 .... do
15.25
27.25 i 8.16
1216 Q
i
• " vVs
: N. VV . University.
R .Kcnnicott ..
8907 c?
8906 i Q
Loup Fork of Finite
Upper Missouri
July 5. 1857 i Lieut. Warren
July 20,1*57 .... do
Dr. Hayden....
do
15.00
14.25
15.50
27.25 i 7.75
28.25 7.2a
28.00 i 8.00
Iri* red, pupil black
5088
6621
Mar., 1855 . ..i Maj. Emory....
46 Dr. Kennedy ..
.
11 do
4557
4 A. Schott
9984 -
8982
Great Salt Lake City
Mar , 1854.. .. Lieut. Beckwith. .
Au". 5,1853 ' Lieut. Trowbridge
...... Mr. Snyder...
T. A. Szabo....
9986
Jan., 1855... '...; do
9989
GALLINULA, Brisson.
Gallinula, BRISSON, Orn. VI, 1760, 3. Type Fulica chloropus, L.
The gallinules are readily distinguished from the coots by the absence of the lobes of skin
margining the toes. There is a very slight membrane, but this is scarcely appreciable in the
dried skin.
The purple gallinule by Burmeister is placed in another family (Parridae) from the common
gallinule, (G. galeata,) and by Bonaparte in a different section, Porphyrioneae. They seem,
at any rate, well entitled to generic separation, although, for our present purposes, they may
be combined under Gallinula. The most prominent character of the purple gallinule, or Por-
phyrula, consists in the thicker bill and nearly circular, instead of elongated or linear nostrils,
although other distinctions might readily be adduced.
Gallinula, Brisson.
GALLINULA GALE ATA, (Licht.)Bon.
Florida Gallinule.
Crex galeata, LICHT. Verz. 1823, 80, No. 826. San Paulo.
Gullinula galeala, BON. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 128; pi xxvii.— IB. List, 1838.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 221.— GOSSE,
Birds Jam. 1847, 381.— CAB. Journ. 1856, 428.
Gallinula chloropus, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 336.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 330 ; pi. 244.— IB. Birds Arner. V, 1842,
132 ; pi. 304.
SP. CH. — Frontal plate large, obovate, terminating square on the top of the head ; bill shorter than the head, rather thick,
compressed ; wing rather long ; tail short ; legs moderate ; toes and claws long, robust. Head, neck, and entire under parts
dark bluish cinereous, frequently nearly black on the head and neck, and generally lighter on the abdomen ; a few feathers on
the flanks widely edged with white ; edge of wing at the shoulder and outer edge of first primary quill white ; shorter under tail
coverts black, longer white. Upper parts brownish olive, darker on the rump ; quills dark brown ; tail brownish black ; frontal
plate and bill bright red, tipped with yellow; tibia with a bright red space on the bare portion next to the feathers; lower portion
of tibia, tarsus, and toes yellowish green.
Total length about 12£ inches ; wing, 6| ; tail, 3 ; bill, 1^ : tarsus, 1| inches.
Hub. — Southern countries of North America, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, "outh America. Accidental in middle and northern
States.
BIIIDS — SCOLOPACIDAE GALLINULA MARTINICA.
753
Abundant in the southern States, and occasionally occurring on the coasts of New Jersey and
New York. This species much resembles the Gallinule of Europe, (G. chloropus,) and other
species of the Old World, which appear to be mainly distinguishable from each other hy the
shape and size of the frontal plates which characterize all the species of this genus. This is said
to be quadrate in our bird instead of acute. The toes also are longer.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Nature of specimen.
452
Carlisle Pa
October 18 1841
S. F. Baird
204
do
May 14, 1840
do
Hoad, wing, and leg
1204
Q--
Michigan
Spring, 1841
do
9824
Lake Elizabeth ... ...
Lieut. Williamson ...
9825
San Pedro
Major Emory
Porphyrula, Blyth.
GALLINULA MARTINICA, (Linn.) Lath.
Purple Gallinule.
Fulica martinica, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 259.
GaWnula martinica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 769.— EON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 231.— NUTT. Man. II, 221.—
AUD. Orn. Riog. IV, 1838, 37 ; pi. 305.— IB. Syn. 210.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 128;
pi. 303.
Cr 'ex martinica, LICHT. Verz. 1823, 79.
Porphyrio martiniea, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 377. — CAB. Jour. 1856, 429.
Fulica martinicensis, JACQUIN, Beit. 1784, 12 ; pi. iii. — GMELIN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 700.
lonornis martinicensis, REICH. Syst. Av. 1853, p. xxi.
Fulica Jlavirostris, GM. Syst. Nat I, 1788, 699.
Porphyrio tavoua, VIEILL. Gal. II, 1825, 170.
Porphyrio cyanicollis, VIEILL.
Gallinula porphyrio, WILS. Am. Orn. IX, 1824, 69 ; pi. Ixxiii.
Porphyrio americanus, Sw. Class. Birds, II, 1837, 357.
Martinico gallinule, LATH. Syn. Ill, i, 255; pi. Ixxxiii.
Sp. CH. — Frontal plate large, obovale ; bill about as long as the head, thick, compressed ; wings long ; tail short ; legs long,
robust ; toes and claws long. Head and entire under parts fine bluish purple, darker and sometimes nearly black on the abdo
men and tibiae ; lower tail coverts white ; sides and under wing coverts bl ish green. Upper parts of body dark olive green,
tinged with brown on the back and rump ; quills and tail feathers brownish black, edged with green on the outer webs of the
feathers ; bill bright red, tipped with yellow ; frontal plate blue ; legs yellow.
Total length, about 12i inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 3 ; bill, 1£ ; tarsus, 2| inches.
Ilab. — Southern States of North America, Louisiana, Florida. Accidental in the middle ana northern United States.
Western ?
This very handsome bird is of frequent occurrence on the coasts of the southern States of this
republic and in South America. It is occasionally met with as far north as New Jersey, and
more rarely in New York and Massachusetts. We have never seen a specimen from the coasts
of the Pacific.
Catalogue No.
1827
Atrgnst 12^ 1858.
Locality.
Surinam ..
Whence obtained.
S. F. Baird
Collected by —
Dr. Calhoun. ..
05 b
ORDER VI.
NATATORES.
CH. — Toes connected by membrane to the claws ; the feet fitted for swimming. Lower part of tibia usually feathered to near
the joint, which is bare. Hind toe, however, usually elevated, and rather small, except in Pelecanidae. Fitted for an aquatic
life, swimming and diving freely. Rump with well developed oil glands.
The order Natatores, as characterized above, embraces a large number of species of very
varied forms, all more or less aquatic in their habits. A character common to all consists in
the presence of a membrane between the toes, usually extending to the claws. This membrane,
when found in the Grallatores, is confined more or less to the basal joint, unless Phoenicopterus
be an exception. This genus has been variously placed in both orders, and it is still a question
where it really belongs. The internal anatomy resembles that of the Natatores, as well as the
lamellated bill and fully webbed toes ; the external form, however, as well as habits, bring it
nearer the Grallatores.
With the exception of Phoenicopterus, if it really belong here, the legs of the Natatores are
generally rather short, and with the tibia more covered with feathers inferiorly than in Gralla
tores. They are inserted rather far back, so that, when standing erect, the body of the bird is
generally nearly upright. The tibia are buried to a considerable . extent in the muscles of the
trunk, which are much developed.
The order Natatores of most authors has been divided by Bonaparte into two — the Gaviae and
the Anseres ; the former embracing species which rear their young in nests, and belong to the
sub-class Altrices ; while the latter are Prdecoces, the young procuring food for themselves
almost from birth. There are no single external characters by which to distinguish these two
orders or sub-orders, as I shall make them in the present report.
GAVIAE. — Bill without lamellae, and more or less entire. Feet with the toes all connected
by one continuous membrane ; or the hind toe free, with the anterior continuously webbed.
ANSBRE^. — Bill with transverse lamellae along the edges. Hind toe free.
The Anseres of Bonaparte,, as first established by him, included the Urinatores, (of the opposite
page,) but he subsequently transferred them to the Gaviae.
SUB-OEDEB
ANSERES.
If we adopt the arrangement given by Bonaparte in the Comptes Rendus for October, 1853,
Vol. XXXVII, the Anseres will be composed chiefly of species with the mandibles lainellated
along the edges, nearly perpendicularly to the margins. Where there is no such lamellar
condition of the bill, the legs are short and placed far back ; the wings very short, concave, and
much rounded, sometimes very rudimentary ; the tail is sometimes nearly wanting.
There would then be three principal sections or tribes of the Anseres characterisable as follows :
A. Lamellirostres. — Bill, with transverse lamellae along the edges ; depressed.
ANATiDAE.1 — Bill with the commissure nearly straight. Bill covered with a soft skin,
ending in a hard, horny nail. Legs rather short ; the tibia feathered nearly to the
joint.
B. Urinatores. — Wings short, concave, rounded, but fitted for use in flight. Tail short or
wanting. Bill with a horny covering ; usually compressed.
ALCIDAE. — Hind toe wanting ; claws compressed. Bill compressed.
COLYMBIDAE. — Hind toe with a conspicuous lobe. Anterior toes connected by a full mem
brane. Lores feathered. Tail distinct.
PODICTPIDAE. — Hind toe with conspicuous lobe. Toes bordered laterally by a broad con
tinuous membrane, but not connected across except at base. Lores naked. Tail rudi
mentary or wanting.
C. Ptilopteri. — Wings rudimentary 3 without projecting quills. Hind toe very small, ante
rior ; attached to the side of the tarsus. Legs entirely imbedded in the rump.
Of the Ptilopteri, with its single family Spheniscidae, embracing the different species of pen
guins, there are no representatives on the coast of North America.
As already remarked, however, Bonaparte subsequently confined the Anseres to the Lamelli
rostres, transferring the Urinatores to the Gaviae. He also made a separate order of the
Ptilopteri. This modified arrangement has accordingly been adopted in the present report.
1 If Phoenicopteridae be placed in the Natatores, it will come under Lamellirostres, with the following diagnosis compared with
Jlnalidae.
Phoenicopteridae — Commissure bent abruptly in the middle nearly at aright angle. Bill without nail. Legs excessively
lengthened ; tibia bare for half its length.
756 U. S. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family ANATIDAE.
CH.— The two jaws with transverse lamellae, alternating and fitting in each other. Upper mandible ending in an obtuse,
rounded nail. A groove running along both jaws to the nail. The feathers of the forehead extend forward on the culmen in a
rounded or acute outline ; those on the side of lower jaw and on the chin extend forward in a similar manner. Commissure
straight. Legs short.
The Anatidae, or the family of the ducks, are universally distributed throughout the globe,
and embrace an unusual proportion of species inhabiting both the Old and New World. The
sub-families are all represented in North America, and a large number of the genera also.
The sub-families are as follows :
A. The teeth of the bill directed downwards, the lamellae composing one series only
°n the edge of the upper jaw. The rami of the lower jaw separated. Bill broad ; depressed
at the end.
a. Tarsi reticulated, covered anteriorly with small hexagonal plates, gradually becoming
smaller and rhomboidal laterally. Hind toe without free lobe.
CYGNINAE. — Neck very long. Bill high at the base ; longer than the head ; of
equal width to the rounded tip, with its narrow nail. Soft skin of bill generally
extending to the eye. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe without claw.
ANSERINAE. — Neck rather long. Bill high at base ; as long as or shorter than
the head, narrowing to the tip, which is chiefly formed by the large nail.
Eegion in front of the eye feathered. Tarsi longer than middle toe without
claw.
&. Legs with transverse plates or scutellae anteriorly, these becoming much smaller and
more hexagonal laterally and behind. Tarsi generally shorter than middle toe without
claw ; sometimes only half as long.
ANATINAE. — Hind toe without a broad membranous lobe attached. Tarsi not
longer than the middle toe ; feet moderate.
FULIGULINAE. — Hind toe with a broad membranous lobe depending from its under
surface. Feet large. Nail of bill superior, gently decurved. Tail rather soft ;
the coverts well developed.
ERISMATURINAE. — Toes and feet as in the last. Nail of bill abruptly bent back
from tip of bill, showing but little on upper surface of the latter. Tail feathers
rigid, spinous, and almost entirely exposed ; the coverts much abbreviated.
B. Bill high at the base, much compressed. The lamellae directed backwards as serrations.
The upper jaw with two series of teeth on each side ; the lower with one which fits between
the others. The nail of the bill compressed, much curved, forming the tip of the bill. Edges
of bill nearly parallel. Legs with transverse plates anteriorly.
MERGINAE. — Characters as above.
BIRDS — CYGNINAE.
757
Sub-Family CYGNINAE.
CYGNUS, Linnaeus.
Cygnus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Anas olor, Gmelin. (Gray.)
CH. Neck very long. Bill longer than the head, (commissure longer than the tarsus,) the basal portion covered by a soft skin
extending to the anterior half of the eye, the plane of the upper outline from eye to eye horizontal ; the lateral outline extending
nearly straight to the commissure, or even sometimes widening slightly ; not half the width of the bill at tip. Nostrils situated
in the middle portion of the bill. Lower portion of tibia bare ; the tarsus much shorter than the foot, much compressed, covered
with hexagonal scales, which become smaller on the sides and behind. Hind toe small, much elevated ; the lobe narrow. Tail
of 20 or more feathers, rounded, or wedge-shaped. Sexes similarly colored.
As North America possesses only one genus of Cygninae, I have combined the sub-family
characters with the generic in the preceding diagnosis. By Wagler the peculiarities of the bill
have been made the basis of sub-divisions of the old Linnaean genus Cygnus, as follows :
CYGNUS. — Bill with a swollen fleshy tubercle at the base of culmen. Teeth of the edge of
bill projecting and visible from the side.
OLOR, Wagler. — No tubercle at the base of bill. Teeth of the edges of bill not projecting.
Other members of Cygninae are Chenopis, embracing the Australian black swan, and
Coscoroba, a South American white species with feathered lores. The black-necked swan of
South America belongs to the sub-genus Cygnus.
There are certain peculiarities of trachea and sternum which distinguish the genus and its
species in a marked degree.
The two North American species of swan belong to Olor as restricted, with the following
diagnoses :
Tail feathers 20. Bill as long as the head. The anterior end of nostrils considerably beyond
the middle of commissure. Black naked skin at base of bill, with a reddish spot anterior to the
eye C. americanus.
Tail feathers 24. Bill longer than head. Anterior end of nostril opposite the middle of
commissure. Skin at base of bill entirely black C. buccinator.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal.
No.
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
-Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
1197
do
Cygnus americanus....
do
Washington, D. C..
do
Q
55 50 84 00
21.50
21 75
7.20
4.06
5.40
0.74
4.20
3.72
Skin
9979
do
Near 32° L ... ...
54.00
22.00
8.68
4.12
5 90
0 90
4.20
3.86
Skin
9978
do
Salt Lake.
21.20
8.50
4.28
5.42
0.86
3 82
3.64
Skin. ....
9980
d(
....do
22.00
8.50
4.32
5.58
0.74
4.02
3.60
Skin
9775
Cyynus buccinator
I'uget's Sound
24.70
9.62
4.92
6.44
0.84
4.56
4.22
Skin
9977
do
Pike Lake, Minn. ..
8.10
4.54
6.00
0.88
4.34
4.10
Skin
5470
do
Yellowstone
C?
21.00
8.20
4.64
6.46
0.86
4.58
4.26
Skin
do.
do
do
58 50 78 00
21 00
758
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CYGNUS AMERICANUS, Sharp less.
American Swan.
?Jlnascolumbianus,ORD, Outline's Geog. 2d Am. Ed. II, 1815, 319; based on Whistling Swan, Lewis & Clark, II, 192.
Cygnus americanus, SHARPLESS, Doughty's Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 185, pi, xvi.— IB. Am. Jour. Sc. XXII, 1831, 83 —
AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 133 ; pi. 411.— IB. Syn. 274.— Ib. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 226 ; pi. 384-
Olor americanus, BONAP. Consp. Anser. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 22, 1856.
Jlnas (Cygnus) cygnus, BON. Specchio Comp. 237.
Cygnus musicus, BONAP. Syn. 1827, 379.
Cygnus betcickii, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 224.
Cygnus ferus, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 368.
gp. CH. Bill as long as the head, broad, high at the base ; the feathers ending on the forehead in a semi-circular outline.
Nostrils far forward, the anterior extremity considerably more forward than half the commissure. Tail of 20 feathers.
Adult pure white ; bill and legs black ; the former with an orange or yellowish spot in front of the eye. Less mature speci
mens with the head above tinged with reddish brown. Length, 55 inches ; wing, 22.00 ; tarsus, 4.25 ; bill above, 4.20,
Hab. — Continent of North America.
The common American swan is equally abundant on both sides of the continent, as well as
throughout the interior. The young bird is brown, instead of white. The adult seldom, if
ever, is without the yellow or orange space at the base of the bill, which is otherwise black.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Collected by —
Washington D C.. ....
S. F. Baird
9978
Lieut. Beckwith. _. . _. ......
9979
Fort Thorn N M
Dr T. C. Henry
Dr. Henry
4543
Coast of California _ .. _.
Lieut. Trowbridge
9981
Fort Vancouver W T
Dec 1853
Gov Stevens
Dr Cooper
9976
Fort St( ilacoom
Oct. 24 1856
Dr Suckley ...
582
CYGNUS BUCCINATOR, Rich.
Trumpeter Swan.
Cygnus buccinator, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 464.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 370.— AUD. Orn Biog. IV, 1838,
536: V, 114; pi. 406 and pi. 376.— IB. Syn. 74.— IB. Birds. Amer. VI, 1843, 219; pi. 382,
383.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 100.
Olor buccinator, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1234.— BON. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Sp. CH. — Bill broad, longer than the head ; the feathers ending on the forehead in a semi-elliptical outline. The nostrils
with the anterior extremity as far forward only as half the commissure. Tail of 24 feathers.
Adult pure white throughout, the bill and legs entirely black ; the bill without any red spot at the base. Less mature speci
mens with the head above tinged with reddish brown.
Length about 60 inches ; wing, 24.00 ; bill above, 4.50 ; tarsus, 4.60.
Hab. — Western America, from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific.
This large and powerful swan, doubtless, has special anatomical peculiarities of trachea, to
distinguish it from C. americanus, as the note is much more sonorous. It is for this reason that it
is called Trumpeter, in distinction from the other, or " Whistling Swan."
BIRDS ANSERINAE.
List of specimens.
759
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality
When collected.
Whence obtained. Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
9777 .'
Pike lake. Minn
1853
Gov. Stevens Dr. Suckley.
5476
$
Yellowstone river
Aug. 27, 1856.
Lieut. Warren Dr. Ilayden
58.50
76. 00
21. 00
9775
Puget's Sound
A. Campbell . Dr. Kennerly . .
Sub-Family ANSERINAE.
As already stated, the chief characters of the Anserinae are to be found in the elevated body,
with the lengthened tibia and tarsus, fitting the species for a terrestrial life. They walk about
much more than the other Anatidae, although equally able to swim. Their necks are shorter
than those of the swans, but decidedly longer than in the ducks.
A common character, at least in most genera, is seen in the plates on the anterior portion of
the tarsus, which, as in the swans, are small and hexagonal, becoming smaller behind. In the
true ducks, the front of the tarsus is covered with transverse scutellae, the sides and behind,
however, are reticulated.
The bill is generally rather short, and higher than broad at the base, in this differing from
most ducks ; it also tapers in most cases quite rapidly to the tip, which is constituted entirely
by a large convex decurved nail. The foramen of the bill, in which the nostrils open, is very
large, though mostly occupied by membrane. The tarsus is generally longer than the com
missure or the middle toe without its claw. The cheeks are densely feathered to the bill.
The plumage is never very brilliant, white, black, and gray predominating. As in the
swans, both sexes are colored alike, in this differing from the other Anatidae.
I differ from most authors in placing Dendrocygna in the present sub-family, rather than
with the Anatinae. Its characters are, indeed, so peculiar as almost to warrant its forming the
type of a separate sub-family. In the elevated base of the bill, with the large nail at the
extremity, and the lengthened legs, with the hexagonal scales in front of the tarsus, there is
certainly a much closer relationship to the geese than to the ducks.1
The North American genera of the Auserinae, as defined chiefly by Keyserling and Blasins,
are as follows :
Amereae. — Bill tapering to the tip; as long as the head. Nostrils reaching about to the
middle of the commissure. Tibia bare near the lower end only.
ANSEH. — Bill as long as the head ; mostly red or orange colored. The lamellae of upper
mandible project below the edge as conical points. Nostrils opening behind the
middle of the commissure, the anterior edge only reaching to this point. Tip of
hind toe reaching the ground.
BERNICLA. — Bill shorter than the head ; black. Lamellae of upper jaw hidden by the
margin of bill. Nasal apertures lying over the middle of the commissure, their
anterior edge reaching beyond this point. Hind toe elevated ; rudimentary ; not
touching the ground.
1 Bonaparte, indeed, in his last schedule of Aitalidae, Comptes Keudus, XL1II, September, IduG, places Dendrocygna with
Tadorna, Chenalvpex, &c , in a section Tadurneae of I'ltdrupteridat.
7HO
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DENDROCYGNEAE. — Bill longer than the head ; nearly parallel as far as the tip. Nostrils
decidedly posterior to the middle of the commissure. Lower part of tibia bare for a con
siderable extent.
DENDROCYGNA. — Lamellae of bill hidden by the edge. Hind toe lengthened, more than
one-third the tarsus. Wings much rounded ; first primary scarcely longer than
the fourth.
ANS R, Linnaeus.
Anser, BRISSON, Orn. 1760. Type Anas anser, L.
Chen, BOIE, Isis, 1822. Type Anas hyperborea, Gm.
The characters of Anser have already been given in a preceding page with sufficient detail
not to require additions here. As defined, however, it embraces two sections, differing in the
following points :
CHEN. — Bill high at base, the upper angle advancing far on the forehead. Width of base
of upper mandible more than half the commissure. Lower edge of upper mandible much
arched; the "teeth very prominent and large. Lower jaw very deep. Species A. hyperboretis,
caerulescens f
ANSER. — Bill not so much elevated at the base as in Chen; the commissure less curved ; the
teeth less prominent. Lower jaw not so deep. Species, A. gambelii and frontalis.
These characters apply pretty well to the American species, but European geese exhibit a
very gradual transition between the two.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
K
"a
a
O
Species.
Locality.
1 *
S £
'3
&H
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
>
a a
o c
_o
13
oj £, | "5 g
o Si „ £
•2 M> 3 £
— C , .tf cS
3 <! K S
Width of
bill at base.
Specimen
measured.
1341
*25.00 16 40
5.80
3 12
2 82
0 42
2 10 2.10
Skin
1970
1963
do
Anser gambelii
Missouri river
..... do
28.00 16.60
28 00 16.30
5.50
5.42
3.06
2.88
2.98
3 10
0.44
0.52
2.08 2.30
2 00 2.04
Skin
Skin
10406
do
Salt Lake
28.00 16.00
5.50
2.40
2 70
0 40
1 86 1 92
9953
Anser frontalis
Fort Thorn, N. M
26.00 16.75
5.10
2.92
3,00
0.40
1.96 2 12 0.96
0.90
Skin
* About.
ANSEB HYPEBBOBEUS, Pallas.
Snow Goose.
Anser caerulestens, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 198.— CASSIN, Pr. A. N. S. VIII, 1856, 12.
Anser fiyperlvreus, PALLAS, Spic. Zool. VI, 1767, 80, 25.— BON. Syn. 1828, 376.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 467.— NUTT.
Man. II, 344.— AUD. Orn, Biog. IV, 1838, 562; pi. 381.— IB. Syn. 273.— IB. Birds Amer. VI,
1843, 212; pi. 381.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1839, 92.— CASSIN, Pr. A. N. S. VIII, 1856, 11.
Anas hyperborea, GM. I, 504. — WILB. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 76; pi. Ixviii and Ixix.
Anas nivalis, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 413.
Tadorna niveat, BREHM, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 854.
? Anser albatus, CASSIK, Pr. A. N. S. VIII, 1856, 41.
SP. CH. — Adult. Bill and legs red. Color pure white. Primary quills black towards the end, silvery bluish gray towards
he base, where the shafts are white. The spurious quills are also bluish. Inside of wings, except primary quills, white. Im
mature birds have the head washed with rusty.
BIRDS — ANSERIXAE — ANSER GAMBELII.
761
f Young. Head and upper part of neck white ; lower part of neck to the wings dark brown, passing on the sides of body into a
more ashy shade; rest of under parts, concealed portions of tho back, rump, and upper coverts, white. The entire scapular and
scapular region is ashy brown, each feather with faint reddish brown margin. The upper surface of the wing is of a clear silvery
ash, but passing into dark brown on the ends of the quills. The coverts, secondaries, tertittls, and scapulars, edged with white.
Length about 30 inches; wing, 16.40; tarsus, 3.12; commissure, 2.10.
Hal. — Whole of North America.
It is quite probable that, as Mr. Cassin suggests, the supposed young bird, as described above,
is really distinct from the white bird, but in the absence of positive facts in the case I do not
feel at liberty to separate the two, especially as Mr. Audubon asserts positively that a gray or
bluish specimen in possession of Dr. Bachman became white.
I have not the means of testing the validity of Mr. Cassin' s new Anser albatus, which is said
to differ from the common species in smaller size, shorter bill, &c. In the very great variations
of size and proportions in the geese I can scarcely believe that the grounds of distinction as
announced are sufficient in the present case to make two species.
The name caerulescens has priority of date over hyperboreus, and if the species are the same
should be used, but for the fact that the adult bird is not bluish, but white, thus conveying a
false impression respecting it.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1241
WHITE.
United States
S F Baird ...
4527
San Francisco.... _ . ...
Lieut. Williamson . .- - - .....
Dr. Newberry ...._.-
9968
Pu'ret's Sound
Dr. Suckley
10403
Northwest coast of America
United States Exploring Expedition
1970
BLUISH,
Missouri river. . . . .....
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
ANSEK GAMBELII, Hartlaub.
White Fronted Goose ; Laughing Goose.
Anser albifrons, Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 456. Not of Gmelin.— NUTT. Man. II, 346.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 568;
pi. 260.— IB. Syn. 272.— IB. Birds Arner. VI, 1843, 209 ; pi. 380.
Anser gambelii, HARTLAUB, Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1852, 7.
SP. CH. — Tail of sixteen feathers. Bill and legs red. Along sides of bill and forehead white, margined behind with blackish
brown. Rest of head and neck grayish brown, becoming pale on the jugulum. Back bluish gray, the feathers anteriorly
tipped with brown; the sides similarly colored. The breast and belly grayish white, blotched irregularly with black; the anal
region, sides behind, and beneath the tail, with the upper coverts, white. The secondary quills and ends of primaries are dark
brown ; the remaining portion of primaries and the coverl silvery ash. The shafts of quills white. Greater coverts edged with
white. Tail feathers brown, tipped with white. Axillars and under surface of wings ashy plumbeous. Length 28 inches ; wing,
16.30; tarsus, 2.88; commissure, 2.04.
Hub. — Whole of North America.
A specimen from New Mexico is smaller, with the nail of bill narrower. Another from El
Paso (10463) has the under parts grayish, with only a trace of black in three or four feathers.
August 12, 1858.
96 b
762
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The white forehead is very conspicuous. Another specimen goes to the opposite extreme in
having the breast and belly continuously black, with only an occasional blotch of gray.
It is quite possible that this continent possesses two species of white fronted geese, but in
the specimen before me I am unable to detect any constant differences of importance.
The difference between the European and American white fronted geese, according to Hart-
laub, consists in the much larger bill of the latter. This in A. gambelii measures over two
inches, instead of 1.50, as in A. alUfrons.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Eemarks,
4517
S F Baird . .
1963
do
J J. Audubon
10463
Major Emory
J II Clark
9967
do
A. Scliott
10406
10405
Salt Lake _
Captain Stansbury
United States Ex. Exp
10462
Shoalwater bay
Nov., 1854
Governor Stevens .......
Iris brown ; bill
flesh color.
ANSER FRONT ALIS, Baird.
gp_ CH — gin apparently red; the nail blackish. The head and neck brown, darker above, and the space round the base of
the bill much darker than elsewhere, instead of being white. The scapular region and wing coverts are purer and darker brown
than the head, each feather edged with paler, excepting the lesser coverts, which are more ashy. The greater coverts are
broadly tipped with whitish. The lower back, tail, primary, and secondary quills, are very dark brown; the tail narrowly
tipped with white; the exposed portion of the primaries dark ashy. The sides of the rump, the upper and under tail coverts,
and the region about the anus are whitish ; the rest of the under parts are also whitish, each feather being brown and edged M'ith
this whitish color. The sides are continuously dark brown, but edged with the paler color of the head. The inside of wings
and axillars are dark slate. Length about 26.00; wing, 16.75 ; tarsus, 2.92; commissure, 2.12.
Hob. — Interior of North America.
This goose is very similar to the common American white fronted goose in general appearance,
the principal difference being trie replacing of the white round the base of the bill by a brown,
darker than that of the head, and the absence of black irregular blotches beneath, each feather
having instead a dusky centre. The wings are precisely the same. The dusky nail of the bill
instead of a white one appears to be characteristic.
I have not met with any indication of this goose in any American writer, and I am inclined
to believe it a distinct and undescribed species. The young white fronted goose is said to have
the white front indicated by a few white feathers ; the under plumage plain gray. An Anser
temminckii (A. minulus, Naum.) from Europe is much smaller than the European albifrons, with
a dark nail, but the front is white. Anser bruchii of Brehm, (A. medius of Bruch,) likewise
European, has the forehead uniform with the rest of the head, not darker ; the breast is dusky ;
the nail of the bill is dark colored, as in the present bird ; the size appears smaller.
For the present, therefore, I have no other alternative but to impose a new name on the
BIKDS ANSERINAE BERNIOLA. 7G3
species, leaving the question of its relationship to be settled by fuller information respecting
the American geese generally.
List of specimens.
Catal. Number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
9957
Selkirk settlement . .
K Kennicott ...................
9953
Fort Thorn . .
Dr. Henry ................
BERNICLA, Stephens.
Bernicla, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 11, 1824, 45. Type Anas bemicla, LINN.
Leucopareia, REICH. Syst. Avium, Int. 1853, pi. ix. Type Anser leucopsis, BECH.
CH. — Bill about as long as head or shorter; the commissure nearly straight; the teeth of upper mandible concealed, except
perhaps at the base. Bill and legs black.
The American geese, with black bills and legs, exhibit very great variations in size ; so much
so, indeed, as to render it very difficult to distinguish them by this character alone. The
variation in the shade of plumage in the same species is likewise considerable.
Synopsis of species.
A. LEUCOBLEPIIARON, Baird. — Head and neck black. A large triangular patch behind the
eye, usually broadly confluent with its fellow beneath, the upper angle truncate. A few whitish
feathers on lower eyelid.
Tail of eighteen feathers.
Bill elongated ; as broad at the base as height of upper mandible. Length of
culmen equal to the head, and nearly two-thirds the tarsus, which is equal to
the middle toe without its claw. Under parts ashy brown, passing almost
insensibly into white about anus. No white ring on throat canadensis.
Bill short ; broader at the base than height of upper mandible. Culmen shorter
than head, about half the tarsus, which is longer than middle toe and claw.
Under parts dark brown, abruptly defined against white of the anal region.
A distinct white ring on lower throat , leucopareia.
Tail of sixteen feathers.
Similar to canadensis, but much smaller liutcliinsii.
B. BERNICLA, Steph. — Head, neck, and jugulum, black. Middle of neck with a white
crescent on each side. Bill shorter than the head.
Crescents of neck distinct. Upper parts brown, edged with paler. Beneath
grayish, sharply defined against the black of jugulum brenta.
Crescents of neck confluent beneath. Above uniform brown ; belly nearly as
black as jugulum nigricans.
C. LEUCOPAREIA, Reich. — Head, neck, and jugulum, black. Forehead, cheeks, and chin,
white.
Feathers above ash color, terminated broadly with blackish and tipped with
white. Under parts nearly pure white leucopsis.
764 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Comparative measurements of species.
c
2
"a
S
Species.
Locality.
1
a
c •
3
o
I 1
I '*
//
UD
£
'5
EH
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
1
— «
c
•/• ~
Bill above.
Along gape.
"o «
*• *
JS —
.1? *
C i
ce
_ £.
& S
Specimen
measured.
521-28
do
Bernicla eanadensis ....
do
Carlisle, Pa c?
do
35.00
63.50
17.75
18.00
6.68
3.10
3.50
0.50
1.84
2.10
Skin
Fresll . .
104(12
... do
Salt Lake
36.50
19.50
7.1-2
3 24
3 90
0.60
2.04
2.22
1.00
1.00
F.esh . ..
1U401
do c?
36.50
19.10
7.10
3.26
3.62
0.52
2.20
2.30
1.02
1.02
Fresh . . .
99t>0
9962
do
do
Bodega, Cal about
do
37.00
17.75
20.75
6.70
7.54
3.31
3.62
3 60
3 64
0 44
0.60
1.92
2.02
2.01
2.20
1.00
1.02
1.00
1.02
Skin
Skin
1192
do
Potomac river Q
36 00
18 00
6.84
3.16
3.22
0.40
2.00
2.30
1.02
1.02
Skin
do
do . ...
... do
37.50
63.50
18.00
5471
do ....
18 75
5.80
3.70
3.50
0.40
1.92
2.04
0.90
0.82
Skin ....
9961
9954
. . do
Frontera, Texas
Rio Rita, N. M.
30.00
18.00
18.00
6.10
5.80
3.32
3.06
3.24
3. (,'6
0.50
0.42
2.00
1.70
2.04
1.84
1.02
0.92
1.02
0 92
Skin
Skin
9554
,lo
27.50
16.50
5.54
2.71
2.60
0.42
1.50
1.60
0.80
0 80
Skin
5994
4529
Beinicla lencopiireia. . .
Bernicla hiitcliin>ii
do
Port Towiisend
San Francisco
30 00
18.00
15.50
15.80
6.30
6.20
5.60
3.44
2.74
2.70
3.30
2.64
2.50
0.46
0.48
0 44
1.62
1.44
1.62
1.90
1.50
1 76
0.80
0.74
0.90
0.74
Skin
Skin
Skin
9956
2727
do
do
Red river, H.B. T
30 00
13 60
15.80
4.66
5.60
2 70
2 70
2.50
2.50
0.34
0.44
1.36
1.62
1.42
1 76
0.70
0.64
Skin
Skin
1199
Ea-it'n fhore of Md. O
22 00
12.84
4.60
2.26
2.25
0.33
1.32
1 40
do.
do
do
23.50
45 50
12.75
Fresh ...
99G5
99G4
1801
Bernicla nigricans
do
Bodega, Cal about
do
27.00
29.00
28 20
12.90
13.80
17.00
4.46
4.98
4.14
2.30
2.30
2.76
2.20
2.25
2.42
0.34
0.40
0 36
1.23
1.23
1.40
1.50
1.50
1.40
Skin
Skin
Skin ....
BEKNICLA CANADENSIS, Boie.
Canada Goose.
Anas canadmtis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 198.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383. — WILS. Am. Orn. VIII,
1814,52; pi. Mi.
Anser canadensis, VIKILL. Nouv. Diet. — Sw. & RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 468. — NUTT. Man. II, 349. — AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 1 : V, 607 ; pi. 201.— IB Syn. 270.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 178; pi. 376.
Cygnus canadensis, STEPH. Shaw's Zool. XII, n, 1824, 19.
Bernicla canadtnxix, BOIE, I.-is, 1826, 921.
? A/ner punipes, CASSIN, Pr. A N. JSc. VI, Oct. 1852, 188. (Vera Cruz.)
SP CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers. Head, neck, bill, and feet, deep black. A large triangular patch of white on the cheeks
bi hind the eye; the two of opposite sides broadly confluent beneath, but not extending to the rami of lower jaw; a few whitish
feathers 011 lower eyelid. Upper parts brown, edged with paler. Under parts light, wiih a tinge of purple gray, sometimes a
shade of smoky brown ; the edges of the feathers ptili r ; the color of the body of the feathers, though similar, becoming deeper
on the sides, tihia, axillars, and inside of wings. The gray of the belly passes gradually into white on the anal region and
Qnder coveria; the upper tail coverts are pure white. The primary quills and rump are very dark blackish brown ; the tail
feathers are black Length, 35 ; wing, I-; tarsus, 3. 10 ; commissure. 2.10.
liul. — \\ hole of ISortli America. Accidental iu Euiope.
In comparing quite a large series oi' Canada geese together, I have found very great
discrepancies in dimensions, as will be sufficiently evident from the table of measurements. I
hht: i.\. ( >t ever} size between wide exti ernes, with great variations in size and proportions of
;• \\> ll at> tiiiicl. difleitiice in the .-hade ai;d continuity oi color. In several instances
BIRDS— ANSERINAE — BEENICLA LEUCOPAREIA.
765
the bill is shorter than the head. At present I do not see the way clear to do else than con
sider them as one species, leaving it for further materials to decide the question.
One specimen, 9554, from Simiahmoo bay, is the smallest of all, and would be taken for
Bernida hutcMnsii, but for the possession of eighteen tail feathers. In the yellowish color of
the under parts, the small bill and feet, and in its diminutive size, it approaches very closely to
the Anser parvipes of Cassin from Vera Cruz, and may possibly represent the same form or
variety of B. canadensis, or even with it constitute a distinct species, which, however, I am
scarcely inclined at present to admit.
List of specimens.
Catal
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
2128
$
Carlisle, Perm __ _____
S. F. Baird
35.00
63.50
18.00
1192
Q
Potomac river, D. C
Dec., 1843__
do.
37.50
63.50
18. 00
99G1
Frontcra Texas
Major Emory
J. H. Claik ..
9954
Rio Rita Laguna, N. M
Nov., 1853
Lieut Whipple
Kenn.&Moll..
5471
Yellowstone -
Lieut. Warren __._
Dr. Ilayden
10401
$
Salt Lake. ._
Capt. Stansbury
9962
Bodega, Cal
Lieut. Trowbridge.
T. A. Szabo...
9554
Siiniahmoo bay .....
October 9
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennerly.
BERNICLA LEUCOPAREIA, Cassin.
Anscr leucopareius, BRANDT, Bull Sc. Acad, St. Petersb. 1, 1836, 37, (Aleutians.) — IB. Desc. et Icones Anim. Ross. Aves,
fasc. i, 1836, 13; plate ii.
1 Bernida leucopareia, CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 272; pi. xlv.
Anser canadensis, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso- As. II, 1811, 230.
SP. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers ; general appearance that of A. canadensis, but much darker ; head and neck black, bounded
infeiiorly by a well defined half ring of white on the throat; a white patch on each cheek, the two confluent below, triangular
on the sides and truncate above; the posterior outline perpendicular, the anterior sloping backwards behind the eye, almost
exactly as in A canadenais ; there is a faint whitish patch on lower eyelids; upper parts dark wood brown, turning gradually
nto black on the rump, tail and primary quills, each brown feather of the fore back and wings with a rather paler edge. The
under parts are very dark brown, as dark as the back of A. canadensis, paler along the middle of the belly, the sides as dark as
the back ; each feather has an obsolete margin of lighter ; the region round anus is white, abruptly denned against the brown of
the belly; the under and upper tail coverts are white; the bill is quite short, the culmen about half the tarsus, which is
decidedly longer than the middle toe. Length about 35 inches; wing, 18; tarsus, 3.44; commissure, 1.90.
Hub. — West coast of America.
This species closely resembles the Canada goose, and, like it, has IS tail feathers. It is a little
smaller, however, and much darker, standing almost in the same relation to it that B. nigricans
does to B. brenta. The belly is as dark as the back of A. canadensis, the color abruptly defined
against the white about the anus. The white half ring round the neck is a conspicuous feature.
The bill is proportionally shorter, the culmen being only half the length of tarsus, while the
tarsus is longer, exceeding the middle toe, instead of being smaller by the length of the nail.
This species agrees very well in its peculiar proportions of bill and tarsus with B. leucopareia
of Brandt, and quite well in color, excepting that in the latter, as described by Brandt, the white
766 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
of the cheeks is more restricted to a crescent on each side behind the eye, the concavity anterior,
instead of having a larger patch of more triangular shape, and confluent on the chin with its
fellow. The chin, however, has a black peninsula, nearly an isthmus, and the strait is spotted
with black. It is quite possible that cases might occur where the white would be divided into
two patches, although this would be rare. The colors of the present bird are darker than as
assigned to leucopareia, with less of the paler edging of feathers.
It is not to be denied, however, that the probabilities are very great that the present species
is really distinct from leucopareia of Brandt, the form of the cheek spot being usually very
constant in Bernicla. The great inferiority of size is also to be taken into account. Brandt's
specimen measures 30 inches ; the bill above 1.50 ; the wing, 16.00 ; the tail barely 6.00 ; the
tarsus, 3.30 ; middle toe, 2.75 ; width of bill at base, .75. It was obtained in the Aleutian
islands. Should the bird from Port Townsend be a different species, it may be appropriately
called Bernicla occidenlalis. The name might be taken from the white collar but for the possi
bility that this may not be always constant.
The bird described by Mr. Cassin as B. leucopareia agrees much more closely with Brandt's
bird in size and coloration than the subject of the present article. The white patches on the
cheek are smaller, and separated on the chin by a narrow longitudinal black band. The length
is 23 inches and the wing 15. The figure indicates shorter toes and bill than in the Canada
goose.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When
collected.
Collected by —
5994
Port Townsend W T .
1857. . . .
BERNICLA HUTCHINSII, Bonap.
Hutchins' Goose.
Anser hutchinsii, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 470.— NUTT. Man. II, 362.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 526; pi. 277.—
IB. Syn. 271 .— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 198 ; pi. 377.
Bernicla hutchinsii, BON. List, 1838.
Anas bernida, var. /? RICH. App. Parry 2d voyage, I, 368.
SP. CH. — Precisely similar to A. canadensis, but smaller. Tail of 16 feathers. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
Length, 30 inches ; wing, 15.80 ; tarsus, 2.70; commissure, 1.76.
llab. — Northern and western regions of North America.
In the specimens of Hutchins' goose before me I can detect no difference of form from the
Canada goose, excepting in the smaller size and less number of tail feathers. The toes are
rather shorter. In one supposed specimen from California the white cheek patches are separated
inferiorly by black spottings.
There are some discrepancies in the accounts of Richardson and of Auclubon respecting this
goose. According to the former, it has 14 tail feathers, and the wing measures 14 inches. Mr.
Audubon's specimen had 16 tail feathers, the wing measuring 16.75 inches. Of the skins
enumerated in the accompanying table, No. 9956 agrees very closely with Richardson's account,
BIRDS — ANSEEINAE BERNICLA NIGRICANS.
767
althougli it is my impression that it liad 16 tail feathers. No. 2*727, on the other hand, from
Mr. Audubon's collection, is much as described by him.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No.
Collected by —
9952
Tort Steilacoom
October 1
Dr. Suckley ....
516
2727
Columbia river ?. .......
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
4529
San Francisco
Lt Williamson
Dr. Newberry .
9956
North Red river, Minnesota
September, 1857 ._
N. W. University
R. Kennicott
BERNICLA BRENTA, Steph.
Brant.
Anas bernida, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1-766, 198.— Wir.s. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 131 ; pi. Ixxii.
Anser lernicla, Bo\. Syn. 1828, 378.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 469.— NUTT. Man. 11,359.— Auu. Orn. Biog. V, 1631,24, 610;
pi. 391.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 203 ; pi. 379.
Bernida brenta, STEPH. Shaw's Zool. XII, n, 1824, 46.— BON. List, 1838.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1839, 85.
" Anser torquala, FRTSCH."
Bernida torquatus, BREH.M, Nat. Vog. Deutsch. 1831, 848.
SP. CH. — Bill and feet, head, neck, and body anterior to the wings, primary quills, and tail black ; the secondary quills nearly
black. On each side of the middle of the neck is a small white crescent, streaked with black. The lower eyelids with a very
faint trace of white feathers. The black of the jugulum is abruptly denned against the bluish silvery gray of the remaining
under parts, the feathers of which have the basal portions bluish gray ; the axillars and insides of the wings showing a darker
tint of the same. The gray of the belly passes gradually into white behind, the tail being encircled all round and concealed by
this color. The back and wing coverts are grayish blue, with slightly paler edges ; the rump is of a similar, but darker and
more uniform blue. The secondaries have some concealed whitish on the inner webs towards the base. Length, 23.50 ; wing,
12.75; tarsus, 2.26; commissure, 1.40.
Hal. — Eastern or Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. Not yet observed on the Pacific side of the continent.
List of Specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
1199
Q
Eastern shore of Maryland
8. F. Baird
23 50
45 50
12 75
BERNICLA NIGRICANS, C as sin.
Black Braut.
Anser nifjr leans, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. IV, 1846, 171 ; plate.
Bernida nigricans, CABSIN, 111. I, n, 1853, 52; pi. x.
SP. CH. — Head, neck, and body anterior to the wings deep black, passing into dark sooty plumbeous on the rest of the body ;
this color beneath extending nearly to the anus, and above shading insensibly into the black of the rump. Middle of the throat
with a white patch extending round on the sides, and somewhat streaked with black. No white on the eyelids. Sides of rump
and of base of tail, with upper and under tail coverts concealing the tail, and space across the anus, white ; primary and
768
U. S. P. K. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
secondary quills and tail black. Feathers on sides of body beneath wings like the belly, but with white tips. Length, 29 inches ;
wing, 13.80; tarsus, 2.30 commissure, 1.50.
Hab. — Pacific coast of North America. Very rare on the Atlantic coast.
This species, with a general resemblance to the brant goose, is yet very distinctly marked.
The bill, though of the same length, is much wider. There is no conspicuous distinction
between the black of neck and jugulum and the dark plumbeous brown of belly and back, the
feathers of which have no lighter edges, but are perfectly uniform. The white patches on the
eides of the neck are confluent below, not separated.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
9965
Bodega, Cal
Dec 1845
Lieut Trowbridge
T A Sxabo
5995
Port Townsend, W. T
Dr Suckley _.
23.75
44.75
12.75
BEENICLA LEUCOPSIS,
Barnacle Goose.
Anas erythropus, LINN. I, 1766, 197. — GMELIN, I, 513. — DESLAND, Orn. Europ. II, 1849, 402.
Bernida erythropus, STEPH. Shaw's Zool. XII, 1824, 49.
Anser kucopsis, BECHSTEIN, Taschenbuch, II, 1810, 557. — BON. Syn. 1828, 377. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 353. — AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 609; pi. 296.— IB. Syn. 271.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 200 ; pi. 378.
Bernida leucopsis, 1
SP. CH. — Forehead, cheeks, and under parts of the head white ; the side of bill narrowly bordered with black. Crown, nape,
lower part of neck, jugulum, fore part of back, rump, and tail black. Feathers of interscapulars and wings silvery bluish gray,
passing into black towards the end, but with the extreme tip whitish gray. Nostrils similarly marked, but without the pale tips.
Under parts uniform bluish white, the feathers on the sides only showing a darker basal portion. Upper tail coverts and sides of
the tail at the base white. Bill and legs black. Length, 28; wing, 17; tarsus, 2.76; commissure, 1.40.
Hob. — Europe. Very doubtful as an inhabitant of North America.
Although this species is abundant in Europe, its occurrence in North America is very doubtful,
resting only on very insufficient evidence.
Catal. Number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
1801
S. F. Baird
CHLOEPHAQA CANAaiCA, Bon.
Painted («oose.
Anas canagicus, SEWASTIANOFF, Nova Acta Acad. St. Petersb. XIII, 1800, 316 ; pi. x.
A?iser caitayicus, BRANDT, Bull, Sc. St. Pet. 1, 1836, 37. — IB. Desc. et Icon. Anini. Ross. Aves; fasc. i, 1836, 7 ; pi. i
C/doephaga canagica, BON. Comptes Reudus, 1856.
Anser piclus, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811,233.
BIRDS — ANSERINAE — DENDROCYGNA.
769
SP. CH.— Body bluish gray. Quills with a black stripe anterior to the white tip. Head, nape, and tail white ; throat black,
dotted with white. Bill red, or yellowish edged with dusky ; nail white.
Length, 26 inches ; wing, 15 25 ; tail, 5.50 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; middle toe, 2.66 ; bill from front, 1.50.
Ifab. — Aleutian islands.
I introduce a short notice of the Chloepliaga canagica as a species belonging to our continent,
and said to be quite common on the Aleutian islands. It will, doubtless, in time, be found on
the northwest coast of the United States.
The genus Chloephaga was separated by Eyton, Mon. Anat. in 1838, from Btrnida, to
accommodate species with a shorter bill and more convex culmen, the legs robust, the membrane
of the toes scolloped out, the colors different from Bernida.
DENDROCYGNA, Swainson.
Dendrocygna, SWAINSON, Class. Birds II, 1837, 365. Type Anas arcuata, Cuv.
Dendronessa, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 282. Not of Swainson, 1831.
CH. — Bill much longer than the head ; plane at the base above ; high at base, the edges nearly parallel, or slightly con
verging; the nail very large, much decurved, and projecting considerably anterior to the rest of the bill, of which it forms the
tip. Nostrils small, oval, not reaching the middle of the commissure. Lamellae of bill low, not projecting below the edge of
the bill. Neck and legs very long ; the tibia bare for more than half the length of tarsus. The tarsus covered with large
hexagonal scales on the anterior half, and with smaller ones on the posterior. Hind toe lengthened, more than one-third the
tarsus. Feet very large. Wings broad and much rounded, the first quill shorter than the fourth.
Thus far but two species are well established as inhabiting the United States, confined
chiefly to the Rio Grande and south California. There is strong reason to believe that a
species occasionally visits the coast of Georgia and other southern Atlantic States from the
West Indies, which, though possibly the D. autumnalis, is more probably D. arborea. The
characters of the three species are as follows :
Head and neck grayish, inclining to brownish red on top of head. Fore part of body all
round chocolate red. Posterior portion of body, with quills and under surface of body and
wings, blackish brown. A white patch on wings. Bill and legs red D. autumnalis.
Neck dirty white ; crown black. Fore part of body dark brown. Tail black. Under parts
of body white, each feather barred with brown. Bill lead color ; legs and feet black.. D. arborea.
Head yellowish brown, darker on the crown ; a black streak down the nape. Wings, tail,
and rurnp black ; the lesser coverts chocolate ; under parts uniform pale cinnamon. Under
and upper tail coverts white. Bill and legs bluish black D. fulva.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
10399
2682
9871
Species.
Locality.
Sex.
Length.
Stretch Wing,
ofwings.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle
toe.
Its claw
alone.
Bill
above.
Along Specimen
gape, measured.
1
Fort Tejon, Cal
do
South America... .
Rio Grande, Texa.s
<?
..„..
C?
18.50
20.00
9 10
3.16
2.20
3.18
0.50
1.58
2.18 Skin
Fresh ....
do
Dendrocygna autumnalis. .
do
36 50
9 40
3. CO
3.60
2.16
2.26
2 76
3.10
0.40
0.50
1.87
2.06
2.14 Skin
2.20 : Skin
. 10 00
I
August 17, 1858.
97 b
770
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
DENDROCYGNA AUTUMNALIS, E y t o n .
Long-legged Duck.
Anas autumnalis, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 205.
Dendronessa autumnalis, WAGLER, Isis. 1832,282.
Dendrocygna autumnalis, EYTON, Mon Anat 1838 — LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, May, 1851, 117.
SP CH. — Head grayish. Top of head, lower part of neck, jugulum, interscapulars, and scapulars, reddish chocolate. A
narrow line down the nape, and the body generally, with wings and tail, hlack. Crissum and tibia white, spotted with black.
A large white patch on the wings, composed of the greater wing coverts and the basal half of nearly all the primaries and
secondaries. Bill and feet red.
Length, about 24 inches; wing, 10; tarsus, 2.26; commissure, 2.20.
Hob. — Valley of Rio Grande, Texas. Also in South America and West Indies?
Sides of head and neck gray, passing on the lower surface into whitish. Forehead grayish,
passing on the crown into reddish "brown, and on the nape and back of the neck into dark
brown and black. Lower half of neck and anterior portion of body all round, including jugu-
lum and fore back, dull chocolate red, lighter on the breast; the scapulars, interscapulars, and
tertials, with the tips somewhat similar, but the body of the feather more olive brown. Lower
part of back, rump, tail, the belly and sides, the entire inner surface of wing and axillars,
with the quills, sooty brown, almost black, dullest on the belly ; the crissum and tibia white,
spotted with sooty. Lesser coverts yellowish olive, the greater with the outer webs of
secondaries and primaries and spurious feathers, white, showing as a conspicuous patch.
The first and second primaries, and outer spurious quills without, white. Bill yellowish or
red, the nail black. Feet like the bill.
In a specimen apparently of the same species, but more mature, the top of the head from the
bill is dull brownish red, and the back and scapulars are of the same color, the narrow black
line down the nape very distinct. The jugulum and lower part of neck all round is, however,
more yellowish, separating broadly the chestnut or chocolate red of the throat from that of the
back. The belly is pure black ; the tibia black, with only a few whitish specks.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
When obtained.
Collected by —
9871
J1
Isla los'Ayuntas (Ilio Grande) Texas.
Sept 8 1853
Major Emory .
A Schott
9872
Texas ..
do
do
2682
South America ..
S F. Baird
DENDROCYGNA FULYA, B u r m .
Anas fulva, GiviELiN.Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 530.— LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 863.— STEPH. in Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII,
1819,2(14.— BURM. Thiere Brasiliens, II, 1856,435.
"Anas virgata, MAX. Reise nach. Bras. I, 322."
"Anas sinuata, LIGHT." Bon.
"Anas bicolor, VIEILLOT," Bon.
"Anas collaris, MERREM," Bon.
Penelope mexicana, BR. Orn. VI, 1760, 390.
BIRDS ANSERINAE DENDROCYGNA FULVA. 771
SP. CH. — Nail of bill bent down at a right angle. Frontal feathers advancing as an obtuse angle. Bill and legs bluish
black. Body beneath and anteriorly, and sides, uniform pale cinnamon The neck similar; the head above dark cinnamon; the
nape with a black line. Lesser wing coverts chocolate; rest of wings, tail, and rump, black. Scapulars and fore part of back
black, barred at the ends with cinnamon. Upper and under tail coverts white.
Length, 20; wing, 9.10; tarsus, 2.20; gape of bill, 2.18.
Ilab. — Fort Tejon, California; and south into Brazil.
Feathers of forehead advancing on the bill as an obtuse angle. Nail of bill abruptly hooked,
the posterior outline of the hook at a right angle with the commissure. Legs and feet very
large and stout. First quill intermediate between 4 and 5. Tail much rounded.
Bill and legs entirely black. Prevailing colors, light yellowish brown, except on the lower
back and wings. The head and neck are light yellowish brown ; the top of head, and, to a
certain extent the cheeks, glossed with dark cinnamon. The central line of the chin and
throat is rather paler, becoming nearly white posteriorly, this white finely streaked with dark
brown on the edge and bases of some of the feathers. There is a well defined black
nuchal line extending down the whole neck from behind the occiput. The entire under parts,
including the jugulum, sides, and tibia, are uniform light reddish cinnamon, paler on the
central line, and becoming whitish about the anus, and on the tibiae and under tail coverts.
There is not the faintest trace of streaks or bands, except very obsolete lines on the tibiae. The
lesser wing coverts are reddish chocolate ; the rest of the wings on both surfaces, the axillars,
the tail feathers, the rump, and the hinder part of back, are uniform black. "The scapulars are
dark brown or black, with terminal bars of dark brownish yellow. The upper tail coverts are
yellowish white.
I have found great difficulty in identifying this bird with any description of species accessible
to me. It comes nearest to D.fulva. As given by Burmeister, however, this appears to be con
siderably smaller, according to the description, and all the feathers of the under parts are said
to have a broad light streak along the shafts, bordered anteriorly by a black line. The account
as given by Latham, Gmelin, and others, however, makes no reference to these lines. It is
quite possible that there are really two species included in the synonomy, and that the present
bird is the original Anas fulva of Gmelin, from Mexico.
I quote the names sinuata, collaris, and bicolor from Bonaparte, not having the opportunity at
present to verify them.
List of specimens.
Catal. No. Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length, i Stretch of
wing.
10399 cJ
Fort Tejon, Cal Spring of 1858
L. J. X. de Vesey
20. 50 36. 50
I
772 U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family ANATINAE.
The Anatinae, or river ducks, are easily known by their having the tarsi transversely scutel-
late anteriorly, and the membrane or lobe of the hind toe narrow and much restricted. The
legs are longer than in Fuligulinae, but shorter than in the geese.
The differences in external form of the American river or fresh water ducks are very trifling,
excepting in Spatula, and are scarcely of the generic value allotted them by ornithologists.
The system of coloration would seem to furnish as reliable a basis for subdivisions as the form,
.and it is by this, in great measure, that the genera are determined.
All the North American river ducks agree in having the crissum black. In all, excepting
Querquedula, there is a tendency to waved lines on the feathers of the flanks, most conspicuous
in the mallard, gadwall, and green winged teal.
Synopsis of genera.
A. Bill rather longer than the foot; the sides nearly parallel ; lamellae scarcely visible in the
lateral profile, except in Querquedula. Tail about two-fifths the wing, except in Dajila.
ANAS. — Bill broad and the edges parallel ; the width more than about one-third the
lower edge. Tail two-fifths the wing.
DAFILA. — Bill narrow, widening somewhat to the tip. The width less than one-third
the commissural or lower edge. Tail much pointed, three-fourths or more the wing.
NETTION. — Bill very narrow, the sides parallel ; the width scarcely more than one-fourth
the lower edge. Nail very narrow, the width one-fifth that of the bill ; upper angle
of the bill not reaching as far back as the beginning of its lower edge.
QUERQUEDULA. — Width of bill about one-third the length of lower edge, or rather more.
The nail about one-third the width of bill. Upper angle of the side of the bill
extending rather further back than the lower edge. Lamellae distinctly visible in the
lateral profile.
B. Bill much longer than the foot, widening towards the end to double the breadth at the
base.
SPATULA. — Lamellae much developed, projecting downwards much below the edge of the
bill.
C. Bill not longer than the head, and shorter than the foot. The upper posterior angle on
the side of the bill obtuse, and not extending backwards as far as the lower edge. Tail about
two-fifths the wing.
CHAULELASMUS. — Bill as long as the head ; the lower edge about as long as the outer toe,
and longer than the tarsus. The lamellae distinctly visible below the edge of the bill
MARECA. — Bill shorter than the head ; the lower edge about equal to the tarsus, and to
the inner toe. The feathers at base of bill above extending across nearly in straight
line.
D. Bill shorter than the head, and elevated at the base ; the upper lateral angle extending
backwards and upwards considerably behind the lower edge.
Aix. — Nail very large and much hooked, forming the tip of bill. Nostrils very large,
the feathers of forehead reaching to the posterior edge. Tail half the wings.
BIRDS — ANAT1NAE ANAS.
773
Comparative measurements of species.
Oatal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
S<:x.
Length.
Stn trli
of wings.
Wing.
Tail.
Tarsus.
Middle 'Its claw
toe. alone.
Bill
above.
Along
gape.
Specimen
measured.
872
do.
873
do.
231
847
do.
10332
10333
9725
do.
9728
do.
1200
1201
4458
4459
925
do.
2524
do.
1783
9788
4560
1310
do.
286
10376
10331
1732
do.
<J
..„..
20.30
22.75
20.30
22.25
22 00
19.80
22. CO
30.00
18.90
14.00
14. CO
13.20
13.00
15.40
15.80
17.80
16.20
18.50
20.00
19.30
10.82
11.00
10.60
11.00
11 46
10.50
10.50
11.00
9.70
7.40
4.06
4.24
1.70
1.60
2.36
2.34
0.36
0.37
2.10
1.98
2.50
2.30
Skin
Fresh....
Skin
Fresh.. ..
do
do
do
do
37.00
do
do
36.50
do
3
9
4.70
4.16
1.80
1.66
2.40
2.28
0.38
0.30
2.24
2.00
2.56
2.30
Skin
Skin
do
do
do
do
36.25
Dafila acuta
do
3
9
$
8.60
4.62
3.42
1.76
1.60
1.14
2.32
2.08
1.60
0.38
0.40
0.30
2.02
1.76
1.45
2.36
2.10
1.68
Skin.....
Skin
Skin
Fre«h.. .
... do
do
Nettion carolinensis...
do
Camp 11 8, Bill W. F.
do
25.00
20.00
do
Boca Grande, Mex.
.... do
7.10
3.52
1.08
1.52
0.28
1.40
1.60
Skin
Fresh
Querquedula discors...
do
3
9
$
9
$
1 10
6.90
7.50
7.20
9.70
9.50
9.20
3.06
2.66
3.80
3.52
3.80
1.19
1.26
1.10
1.21
1.38
1.04
1.72
1.76
1.70
2.18
0.32
0.34
0.36
0.31
0.40
1.60
1.52
1.72
1.66
2.68
1.86
1.80
2.00
1.90
3.02
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fiesh.. ..
do
Querquedula cyanoptera
do
San Jo?6, Cal
do
Spatula clypcata
do
Carlisle, Pa
do
32 25
do
do
9
3.94
1.41
2.00
0.37
2.58
2.94
Skin
31 75
South America ....
Bodega, Cal
San Jose, Cal
'"$'
9
$
20.00
22.00
19.20
20.90
21.75
18.20
20.00
17.60
18.00
19.00
8.50
10.50
10.10
11.00
11.00
9.60
10.60
8.90
9.20
9 58
4.44
3.96
4.20
5.24
1.30
1.64
1.46
1.42
1.96
2.10
2.10
2.10
0.36
0.34
0.34
0.34
2.42
1.72
1.72
1.50
2.57
2.04
2.00
1.78
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh.
Anas strcpera
do
Carlisle, Pa
.. . do
. do
35.50
do
do
9
$
9
$
4.54
5.14
4.90
4.50
1.44
1.52
1 36
1.40
1.82
1.99
1.92
1.90
0.33
0.34
0.34
0.32
1.34
1.44
1.30
1.36
1.54
1.64
1.58
1.54
Skin
Skin
Skin
Skin
. . do
... do
.... do
.. .. do
do
do
29.50
i
ANAS, Linnaeus.
tfnas, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Typo Jlnas boschas, L. (Gray.)
CH — Bill longer than the head or the foot, broad, depressed ; the edges parallel to near the end, which is somewhat acute.
Nail less than one-third the width of the bill. Nostrils reaching to end of the basal two-fifths of the commissure. Feathers of fore-
head,|chin, and cheeks, reaching about the same point; upper angle of bill about in line with the lower. Tail pointed, about two-
fifths the wing.
The genus Anas embraces very large species, among them the original of the domestic duck.
The characters of the two North American species are as follows :
A. Ends of greater wing coverts white, tipped with black ; speculum purplish violet, termi
nated with black.
Head and neck green, succeeded by a white ring. Breast dark chestnut. Under parts and
scapulars gray, finely undulated with dusky. Tail white, the coverts black.. A. boschas.
B. Wing black, the speculum purplish violet, tipped with black.
Entirely dusky ; the head and neck brownish yellow, spotted with dark brown, which is
uniform on the top of head and nape ; sides of nape with a greenish gloss. No white
anywhere except on the axillars and inside of wing ...A. obscura.
774 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ANAS BOSCHAS, L.
Mallard ; Green Plead.
Anas boschas, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17C6, 205.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— GMELIN, I, 538.— WILSON,
Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 112 ; pi. Ixx.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 256.— IB. List, 1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
Ill, 1835, 164 ; pi. 221.— IB. Syn. 276.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 236; pi. 385— EYTON, Mon.
Anat. 1838, 140.
Jlnas (Boschas} boschas, JENTNS, Man. 233.
Jlnas adunca, L. Syst. Nat. T, 1766, 206. — GM. I, 538 ; monstrous variety.
Jlnas domestica, GMELIN, I, 1788, 538.
Jlnas (Boschas) domestica, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 442.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 378.
" Jlnas bicolor, DONOVAN, Br. Birds, IX; pi. 212." (Supposed hybrid with Cairina mcschata, or muscovy duck.
Jenyns.)
" Jlnas purpureo-viridis, SCHINZ." (Supposed hybrid with Cairina moschata. Bonap.)
Jin as maxima, GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 399. (Supposed hybrid with Cairina moschata)
Fuligula viola, BELL, Annals N. Y. Lyceum, V, 1852, 219. New York. (Supposed hybrid with Cairina moschata.)
Jlnas glocitans, AUD ; pi. 338.
Jlnas breiveri, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 302 ; pi. 338.— IB. Syn. 277.— IB. Bird's Amer. VI, 3843, 252 ; pi. 387.
Jlnas audubonii, BON. Geog. List, 1838. The three last names are based on the same specimen, supposed to be a
hybrid between Jlnas boschas and Chaulelasmus itreperus, possibly with Jlythya vallisneria.
Mallard, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 563.— Lath. Syn. Ill, n, 489.
SP. CH. — Male. Head and neck bright grass green, with violet gloss, the top of the head duller ; a white ring round the
middle of the neck, below which and on the fore part and sides of the breast the color is dark brownish chestnut. Under parts
and sides, with the scapulars, pale gray, very finely undulated with dusky ; the outer scapulars with a brownish tinge. Fore
part of back reddish brown ; posterior more olivaceous. Crissum and upper tail coverts black, the latter with a blue gloss.
Tail externally white ; wing coverts brownish gray, the greater coverts tipped first with white, and then more narrowly with
black. Speculum purplish violet, terminated with black ; a recurved tuft of featheis on the rump.
Female with the wing exactly as on the male. The under parts plain whitish ochrey, each feather obscurely blotched with
dusky. Head and neck similar, spotted and streaked with dusky ; the chin and throat above unspotted. Upper parts dark
brown, the feathers broadly edged and banded with reddish brown parallel with the circumference.
Length of male, 23 ; wing, 11 ; tarsus, 1.70 ; commissure of bill, 2.50.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America and greater part of Old World.
A large duck, much, exceeding the mallard in size, but quite similar in general appearance,
is occasionally shot in the United States and in Europe, and described by the various names
given in the synonomy. It is generally supposed to be a hybrid with the muscovy, Cairina
moschata, although, from the constancy of its markings and the absence on the face of the
peculiarities of the muscovy, it may be questioned whether, after all, it be not entitled to
specific rank. The Anas breweri of Audubon is different from this form, and may, possibly, be
a hybrid with the gadwall, as suggested by its describer.
This species is generally considered as identical with the barn-yard duck, and presents one of
the few cases where the original is well known of a domesticated animal. A difference
between the wild and tame mallard, according to Giraud, is to be found in the much broader,
harder 3 and more horny feet of the latter.
BIRDS ANATINAE — DAFILA.
List of specimens.
775
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
872
^
Carlisle, Pa
Nov. 25, 1842
S. F Baird
22 75
37 00
11 00
873
9
do
do
. do
22.25
36 50
11 00
6897
6891
Qo
Nelson river, H. B. T
do
9691
•»
9699
_*
9696
-.
Fort Thorn, New Mexico ,
5887
Fort Riley, K. T
9693
30
9697
9701
S
Bodega, Cal
Feb. — , 1855
July 6, 1853
Lieut. Trowbridge
do
T. A. Szabo
do
9698
u
P'ort Steilacoom, W. T
Gov. Stevens
: 21
Dr. Suckley
9692
Feb. 2, 1854
do
31
do
24.00
37.00
1
11.50
ANAS OBSCURA, Gm.
Black Duck; Dusky Duck.
Anas obscura, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 541.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIIF, 1814, 141 ; pi. Ixxii,
f. 5.— IB. Ord's ed. VIII, 155.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 260.— IB. Syn. 234.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 15; pi. 302.— IB. Syn. 276.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,244; pi. 386.— ETTON Mon. Anat.
1838, 140.
Jlnas (Boschas) obscura, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 392.
Dusky Duck. — PENNANT, Arc. Zool. IT, 564. — LATH. Ill, n, 545.
Sp. CH. — Bill greenish ; feet rod. Body generally blackish brown ; the feathers obscurely margined with reddish brown ;
those anteriorly with a concealed V-shaped mark, more or less visible on the sides of the breast. Head and neck brownish
yellow, spotted with black ; the top of head and nape dark brown, with a green gloss on the sides behind. Wings dull blackish,
with a dull greenish gloss. Speculum violet, terminated with black. Inner tertials hoary gray towards tip. Axillars and
inside of wing white. Tail of 18 feathers.
Female similar, but rather duller ; the light edges to the under feathers more conspicuous ; the sides of head without the
greenish gloss. The speculum bluish, with less violet.
Length of male, 22 inches ; wing nearly 12 ; tarsus, 1.80 ; commissure, 2.56.
Hub. — Atlantic region of North America. Not yet detected on the Pacific, nor in Europe.
This is the most plainly marked ag well as, perhaps, the largest of our river ducks, and
excelled by none in the excellence of its flesh.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Sex.
1
Locality. j When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
231
3
Carlisle, Penn . March 10 1840
S F Baird
847
0
do i November 4, 1842.. .
.. .do
22.00
36.25
10.50
DAFILA, Leach.
Dafila, "LEACH," STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zoo]. XII, 1824, 126. Type dnas acuta.
Phasianurus, WAGLER, Isis, 1832.
Cn.--Bill long, narrow ; considerably longer than the foot ; nearly linear, but widening a little to the end, which is truncate,
rounded. Nail small. Nostril* small, in the basal third of bill. Tail pointed ; the two middle feathers lengthened, so as
nearly to equal the wings.
776 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
There is but one species of Dojila inhabiting the United States, the D. acuta, though the
D. uropliasiana is quoted as belonging to our western coast as well as that of South America.
The D. bahamensis,1 by some supposed to be the same with D. urophasiana, if really found in
the Bahamas, in all probability extends its flight to our southern coast.
The characters of Dafila acuta are as follows :
Tail of 16 feathers. Head uniform brown. Neck and beneath plain white. Sides and fore
part of back finely lined transversely with black and white. Wing coverts plain, terminated
narrowly by reddish buff; then a purplish green speculum passing into black behind, and tipped
with white. Scapulars and tertials streaked with black and hoary whitish.
DAFILA ACUTA, Jenyns.
Pintail; Sprigtail.
Jlnas acuta, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176G, 202.— GMELIN, I, 258.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, f. 2 ; pi. Ixviii.—
BONAP. Obs. No. 258.— TEMM. Man. II, 838, (Europ. sp.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 214 : V, 615 ;
pi. 227.— IB. Syn. 279.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 266 ; pi. 390.
Phasianurus acutus, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1235.
Jlnas (Dafila) acuta, JENYNS, Man. 1835, 232. Europ. sp.
Dafila acuta, BON. List, 1838.
Jlnas (Boschas) acuta, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 386.
Jlnas caudacuta, (RAY,) S\v. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,441.
Dafila caudacula, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XII, n, 1824, 127.— JARD. Br. Birds, IV, 120. — EYTON, Mon. Anat.
1838,113. European.
Dafila longicauda, BREHM.
Pintail, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 566. — LATH. Syn. Ill, n, 526.
Dafila acuta, var. Jl. americana, BON. Compos Rendus, XLIII, 1856.
SP. CH. — Tail of 16 feathers. Bill black above and laterally at the base ; the sides and beneath blue. Head and upper
part of neck uniform dark brown, glossed with green and purple behind. Inferior part of neck, breast, and under parts white ;
the white of neck passes up to the nape, separating the brown, and itself is divided dorsally by black, which, below, passes into
the gray of the back. The back anteriorly and the sides are finely lined transversely with black and white. The wings are
plain and bluish gray ; the greater coverts with a terminal bar of purplish buff, below which is a greenish purple speculum,
margined behind by black, and tipped with white. Longest tertials striped with silvery and greenish black. Scapulars black,
edged with silvery ; crissum and elongated tail feathers black ; the former edged with white.
Female with only a trace of the markings of the wing ; the green of the speculum brownish, with a few green spots. The
feathers of the back are brown, with a broad U or V-shaped brownish yellow bar on each feather anteriorly. Sometimes those
bars appear in the shape of broad transverse lines.
Length, 30 inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 8.60 ; tarsus, 1.75 ; commissure, 2.36.
Hab. — Whole of North America and Europe.
The young male is sometimes difficult to recognize when without the long tail, and with the
markings those, in part, of both sexes.
1 The following synonymy is assigned to Anas urophasianus, though it is most probable that Jlnas bahamensis is a distinct
species :
DAFILA BAHAMENSIS.
Jlnas bahamensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 199.
Paecilonetta bahamensis, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, pi. 112.— GAY, Fauna Chilena.— CASSIN, Gilliss' Chile, II, 1855, 203.
Jlnas ilathera, BONN.
Jlnas urophasianus, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 357. — IB. Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 31 ; pi. xiv.
Dafila urophasianus, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838.
Phasianurus vigorsii, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1235.
BIRDS — ANATINAE NETTION CAROLINENSIS.
777
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected .
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
10332
$
S. F. Baird
10333
Q
do
do
6896
3
D. Gunn
8910
C121
9769
3
Nebraska
Devil's river, Texas ....
Texas
May 4, 1855
Lt. Warren
Capt. Pope
68
Dr. llaydcn....
A. Schott
19.50
30.00
10.00
Bill brown, edges yellow,
eyes brown, gums yellow.
5119
3
Feb. 13 1855
5120
A
Mar. 9, 1856
184
25 00
46.00
10.50
5118
Feb. 10, 1856
do
177
28.00
35.00
11.25
9773
9771
Bodega. Cal
Dec. , 1854
Lt. Tro\vbrid"e
T. A. Szabo . . .
4454
San Jose, Cal
97ti8
3
Fort Vancouver, W. T .
Dec. 9, 1853
27
Dr. Cooper ....
32.00
27.00
9770
Fort Steilacoom
Feb. 2, 1854
do
26
do
18.50
24.25
8.00
dark.
9767
3
do ....
April , 1854
do
do
28.00
37.00
10.50
NETTION, Kaup.
Nettion, KAUP, Entwick. 1829. Type Jlnas crecca, L. (Gray.)
Querquedula, BONAP. List, 1838. Not of Stephens, 1824.
CH. — Bill unusually narrow, longer than the foot ; the sides parallel ; the upper lateral angle not extending back as far as
the lower edge. Nail very narrow, linear, and about one-fifth as wide as the bill.
The European and American species of Nettion (Querquedula, of Bonaparte, Eyton, &c.) agree
in having the head and neck chestnut, with a broad patch of green on the side of head ; the hreast
has rounded black spots ; the upper part and sides are finely waved transversely with black
and grayish white ; the crissum is black, edged with creamy yellow ; the wing coverts are
plain olive gray, the greater with a terminal bar of fulvous ; the speculum is green, edged exter
nally and internally with black. The diagnoses are as follows :
A white crescent on the side, just anterior to the bend of the wing. Scapulars plain grayish
brown , N. carolinensis-
No crescent on the sides ; longer scapulars, creamy white internally, velvet black externally.
Light lines on the side of head more distinct ......N. crecca.
NETTION CAKOLINENSIS, Baird.
Green-winged Tea.
Jlnas carolinensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 533— ADD. Syn. 1839, 281.— IB Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 281 ; pi. 392.
REINHDT. Vid. Med. for 1853 (1854), 84 (Greenland.)
Querquedula carolinensis, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 148.
Jlnas crecca, var. FORSTER, Phil. Trans, LXII, 1772, 383, 419.
Jlnas crecca, WILSON, Am. Orn. Till, 1814, 101 ; pi. Ixx.— BON. Obs. No. 263.— IB. Syn. 386.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill,
1853, 218: V, 616; pi. 228.
Jlnas (Bosc/ias) crecca, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 400.
" Jlnas sylvatica, VIEILLOT."
American Teal, PENNANT, II, 569.— LATH. Syn. Ill, n, 554.
August 18, 1858.
778
U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
SP. CH — Head and neck all round chestnut ; chin black ; forehead dusky. Region round the eye, continued along the side
of the head as a broad stripe, rich green, passing into a bluish black patch across the nape. Under parts white, the feathers of
the jugulum with rounded black spots. Lower portion of neck all round, sides of breast and body, long feathers of flanks and
scapulars beautifully and finely banded closely with black and grayish white. Outer webs of some scapulars, and of outer secon
daries black, the latter tipped with white ; speculum broad and rich green ; wing coverts plain grayish brown, the greater coverts
tipped with buff. A white crescent in front of the bend of the wing ; crissum black, with a triangular patch of buffy white on
each side. Lower portion of the green stripe on each side of the head blackish, with a dull edge of whitish below.
Female with the wings as in the male. The under parts white, with hidden spots on the jugulum and lower neck ; above
dark brown, the feathers edged with gray.
Length, 14 inches ; wing, 7.40 ; tarsus, 1.14 ; commissure, 1.68.
jr/aj. — Whole of North America ; accidental in Europe.
Males vary in having the under parts sometimes strongly tinged with ferruginous brown.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
3336
#
Carlisle, Pa
Mar. 20, 1847
S. F. Baird
287
Q
do
April 10, 1841
do
...
207
o
do
Oct. 31, 1840
do
13.50
21.00
6.75
5461
5462
V
Q
Blackfoot country
1855
Oct. 10, 1856
Lt. Warren
do
Dr. Hayden....
do
14.00
21.50
6.50
6903
3
9721
,f
1854
5122
9734
J
Indianola
Feb. 14, 1855
Capt. Pope
14
J. H. Olark
........
Feet bright yellow,bill bl'k,
iris red, gums yellow.
9722
3
Rio Rito, LagunajN. M.
Nov. 12, 1854
Lt. Whipple
3
9732
Q
do
Nov. — , 1854
......do
2
do
4245
^
Oct. 16, 1854
J. Potts
9731
o
Camp 118, B. W. Fork..
Feb. 10, 1854
Lt. Whipple
37
Kenn. and Mull.
12.50
20.00
9720
o
do
Feb. 8, 1854
do
77
do
13.00
21.00
9728
V
Boca Grande. Mexico..
Mar , 1858
31
13.00
22.00
9724
Bodega, Gal
Dec. — , 1854
T. A Szabo . ..
9733
r*
Shoal water bay, \V. T. .
Gov. Stevens ....
60
Dr. Cooper
15.00
24.50
9730
$
Fort Steilacoom.. ......
Jan. 20, 1854
do
19
pale gray.
NETTION CRECCA, Kaup.
English Teal.
Jlnas crecca, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 204.— GMELIN, 1, 1788, 532.— TEMMINCK, Man. II, 846.
Querqiiedula crecca, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, i, 1824, 146.
" Neltion crecca, KAUP, Entw. Europ. Thierw. 1829."
SP. CH. — Similar in size and general appearance to Nettion carolinensis. No white crescent in front of the bend of the wing ;
the elongated scapulars black externally ; internally creamy white.
Hob. — Europe. Accidental on the eastern coast of the United States.
This species is exceedingly similar to the common green-wing teal, but is readily distinguish
able on comparison. The lower border of the green on the side of the head, and a curved line
running very near the anterior and superior outline of the side of the head, are quite distinctly
whitish, instead of being merely obsoletely paler, as in the other. The transverse bands of the
upper parts and sides are more sharply defined and rather more distant. The band at the end
of the greater coverts is broader and whiter, that at the end of the lesser is narrower. The
BIRDS ANATINAE — QUKRQUEDULA DISCORS. 779
long scapulars are creamy white, with the outer edge broadly velvet black, the inner sometimes
waved black and white, while in carolinensis these are plain grayish olive. There are other
minor differences, but these will be sufficient to separate the two.
The specimen described was furnished by Mr. John Gr. Bell, and obtained by him in the New
York market, where several others have from time to time been procured by him.
QUERQUEDULA, Stephens.
Querquedula, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, n, 1824. Type Anas querquedula, Linn.
Cyanopterus, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838. (Not of Haliday.)
Pterocyanea, BONAP. List, 1842.
CH. — Bill narrow, lengthened, a little longer than the foot ; widening a little to the end, which is obtusely rounded ; the
nail occupying about one-third the width ; the lamellae visible in the lateral profile. The upper lateral angle at the base of bill
extending rather further back than the lower edge.
The two species of this genus inhabiting the United States have the following common and
special characters : Wing coverts and the outer webs of some scapulars bright blue; the greater
coverts tipped with white. The axillars and middle of under surface of wings white. A grass
green speculum just below the white of the coverts. Scapulars streaked with yellowish buff.
Top of head and chin dusky. Crissum blackish. Female retains the blue and white of wing.
Head and neck plumbeous. A white crescent in front of the eye and a white patch on
each side of the tail. Under parts purplish or violaceous, spotted with brown. Long
feathers of flanks banded Q. discors.
General color purplish chestnut, without white on head and tail ; feathers of flanks
uniform chestnut Q. cyanoptera.
QUERQUEDULA DISCORS, Steph.
Blue- winged Teal.
Anas discors, LINN. Syst. I, 1766, 205.— GM. 1, 535.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 74 ; pi. Ixviii.— BON. Obs. No.
262.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 111; pi. 313.— IB. Syn, 1839, 282.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
287 ; pi. 393.
Querquedula discois, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 149.
Anas (Boschas) discors, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 444.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 397.
Cyanopterus discors, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838 — BON. List, 1838. — GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 101.
Pterocyanea discors, BON. (?) — IB. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, 1856.
White-faced teal or duck, PENNANT, II, 568. — LATH. Syn. Ill, n, 502.
SP. CH. — Male. Head and neck above plumbeous grey ; top of head black. A white crescent in front of the eye. Under
parts from middle of the neck purplish gray, each feather with spots of black, which become more obsolete behind. Fore part
of back with the feathers brown, with two undulating narrow bands of purplish gray. Feathers on the flanks banded with dark
brown and purplish gray. Back behind and tail greenish brown ; crissum black. Wing coverts and some of the outer webs of
scapulars blue ; other scapulars velvet black or green, streaked with pale reddish buif. Speculum glossy green ; the outer
greater wing coverts white, as are the axillars, the middle of under surface of the wing, and a patch on each side of the base of
the tail. Bill black ; feet flesh colored.
Female witli the top of head brown, and the wing coverts blue and white, as in the male. Base of bill, except above, chin,
and upper part of the throat, dirty yellowish white. Back brown, the feathers margined with paler ; under parts whitish, with
rounded obscure brown spots ; the jugulum darker. Length of male, 16 ; wing, 7.10 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; commissure, 1.85.
llab. — Eastern North America to Rocky mountains. Not yet found on the Pacific coast nor in Europe.
780 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length,
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4550
1200
1201
8288
9753
5465
5464
5780
4637
7071
4140
4244
4243
5125
8751
5130
9749
3
(J
9
<J
<J
9
.„..
<J
9
<J
<J
9
9
do
Dr. Lcib
do
Independence, Mo
May 26, 1857
Wm.M. Magraw.
1
Dr. Cooper
Dr. Suckley
15.50
24.50
7.25
Iris brown, feet yellow
and black.
May 5,1856
do
do
Pole creek, Neb
White river, Neb..
South Platte river
July 28, 1856
May 10, 1855
July 7,1857
May, 1853....
Oct. 16,1854
do
Lieut. Bryan
Col. A. Vaughan.
172
W. S. Wood....
Dr. Hayden....
W. S. Wood .. ---
Lieut. Couch ....
J. Potts
15.75
24.00
7.50
Feet black ,
do
do
Crossing of Pecos, N. M . . . .
Sabinitas, Rio Grande
June 24, 1855
Sept. 25, 1853
May 27, 1855
102
17.00
25.50
8.00
Bill and eyes brown ;
gums and feet yellow.
A. Soliott
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, Baird.
Red-breasted Teal.
Jlnas cyanoptera, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 104. Not of Temminck.
Querquedula cyanoptera, CAS SIN, Illust. I, in, 1855, 84 ; pi. xv.
.tfnos rafflesii, KING, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 87 ; Suppl. pi. xxix.— CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. IV, 1848, 195a
Pterocyanea rafflesii, BAIRD, Zool. Stansbury's Exp. Salt Lake, 1852, 322.
Pterocyanea caeruleata, (" LIGHT.") GRAY, Genera, III, 1845. — LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. V, 1852, 220.
Querquedula caeruleata, GAY, Fauna Chilena.
SP. CH. — Male. General color a rich dark purplish chestnut ; the top of the head, the chin, and middle of belly, tinged with
brown. Crissum dark brown. Fore part of the back lighter, with two or three more or less interrupted ccncentric bars of dark
brown. The feathers of rump and tail greenish brown ; the former edged with paler. Wing coverts and outer weba of
some scapulars blue ; others dark velvet green, streaked centrally with yellowish buff. Edges of greater wing coverts white,
as are the axillars and middle of wing beneath. Feathers of flanks uniform chestnut, without bands. Speculum metallic green.
Female with the top of the head dusky and the wing coverts blue, as in the male ; the speculum duller. The upper parts
dark brown, with lighter edges to the feathers. The under parts are brownish yellow, with a strong tinge of purplish chestnut
in the jugulum, the feathers with concealed spots of brown. The only feathers unspotted with brown on the head and neck are
in small patches on each side of the base of the bill, and in the chin between the rami. There is an obscure dusky patch
beneath the head.
Length, 17.80 ; wing, 7.50 ; tarsus, 1.15 ; commissure, 2.
Hob. — Rocky mountains to Pacific. Accidental in Louisiana. Spread over most of western South America.
The female of this species is very similar to that of the common blue-winged teal. It is,
however, rather larger, and the bill decidedly longer. The unspotted whitish of the head is
more restricted ; the under surface of the head not pure whitish, but each feather with a
brownish spot, producing a dusky patch. There is almost always a decided purplish chestnut
tinge in the jugulum. The tertials are more elongated.
BIRDS — ANATINAE — SPATULA CLYPEATA.
781
SPATULA, Boie.
Spatula, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 564. Type Jlnas clypeata, L.
Rhynchaspis, "LEACH," STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, n, 1824. Same type.
CH. — Bill much longer than the head and spatulate, widening to the end, where it is twice as broad as at the base. Nail long
and narrow. Lamellae of the upper mandible very close, delicate, and lengthened, projecting far below the lower edge. Tail
acute, less than half the wing.
Of several species belonging to this genus, but one is found in the United States. Its' essential
characters are as follows :
Lesser and middle wing coverts and portion of tertials blue ; cinerated portion of greater
coverts brown, tipped with white; speculum grass green. Some of the tertials streaked with
white.
Head and neck green ; breast, unspotted white ; underparts, purplish chestnut. Tail covert
greenish. ...,.,,,, S. clypeata.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sux.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4409
4410
(?
o
Fort Dalles, 0. T
do
May 8, 1855
May 17,1853
Dr. Suckley ....
do
169
175
16.87
15.25
25.25
24.00
7.75
7.00
Iris bright carmine
4459
V
4458
*
do
do
9741
9738
o
9
Sacramento valley
Lt. Williamson ..
do
Dr. Heermann.
do
9750
Mar 11,1854
Lt. Whipple
Kenn & Moll
9740
3
Camp 123.....
Feb 16, 1854
do
166
do
97i9
9746
<J
El Paso, Texas
Mirnbres to Rio Grande.
Major Emory ....
J. H. Clark
16.00
25.00
7.40
Bill black, feet pale orange,
iris yellow.
9743
Near 32" latitude
SPATULA CLYPEATA, Boie.
Shoveller; Spoonbill.
Jlnas clypeata, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 200. — GMELIN, I, 518. — LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 856. — WILSON, Am. Orn.
VIII, 1814 ; pi. Ixvii.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 255 — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 439.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. IV, 1838, 241 ; pi. 327.— IB. Syn. 283. —In. Bird's Amer. VI, 1843, 293; pi. 394,
Spatula clypeata, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 564.
Spathulea clypeata, FLEMING .
Jlnas (Spathulea} clypeata, NUTT, Man. II, 1834, 373.
Rhynehaspsis clypeata, (LEACH) STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 115. — Bon. List, 1838. — EYTON, Mon.
Anat. 1838, 134.
Jlnas rubens, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 519.
Shoveller, PENNANT, II, 557.— LATH. Syn. Ill, n, 509.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck green; fore part and sides of the breast, with greater portion of scapulars, and the sides of the base
of the tail, white ; rest of under parts dull purplish chestnut ; crissurn, rump, and upper tail coverts, black, the latter glossed
witli green. Wing coverts blue ; the posterior row brown in the concealed portion, and tipped with white ; longest tertials
blue, streaked internally with white ; others velvet green, streaked centrally with white ; speculum grass green, edged very
narrowly behind with black and ther» with white.
782
U. S. P. R. E. EXP, AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Female with the wing similar, but with the blue of coverts and scapulars less distinct
Spotted with dusky ; the belly with a decided chestnut tinge.
Length, 20.00 ; wing, 9.50 ; tarsus, 1.38 ; commissure, 3.02.
Hub, — Continent of North America ; abundant in Europe.
List of specimens.
Head and neck brownish yellow,
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collect
ed.
Whence obtained. Orig;l
No.
Collected by—
Extent. Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
Remarks.
925
2524
5459
9760
5124
4138
4908
4455
9759
9755
4525
§
April 20, 1840
Oct. 18,1846
May 5, 1856
S. F. Baird
20.00 32.55
20.25 31.75
20.25 33.25
9.50
9.50
9.75
do ....
do '
Ayoway river, Neb
Lt. Warren
Dr. Haydcn
9
Dona Afia, N. M
New Leon, Mexico ....
.San Diego Cal
Dec. 1,1855
Mar. 20,1856
Capt. Pope 1 169
Lt. Couch
...
21.00 32.00
20.00 33.00
10.00
9.75
Bill light brown, iris yel
low, feet and gums dark.
Bill brown, feet yellow. . .
3
..„..
Bodega, Cal
Jan. — ,1558
Lt. Trowbtidge
T. A. Szabo....
CHAULELASMUS, Gray.
Chaullodus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. 1831. Not of Bloch, 1801.
Chauliodes, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838. Not of Latreille, 1798.
Chaulelasmus, G. R. GRAY, 1838. Type »fl»ias strepera, L.
The characters of this genus have been sufficiently indicated in the synopsis, on page
The diagnosis of the single species is as follows :
Head spotted ; lower throat, jugulum, back, and sides of body banded black and white ; rump
and tail coverts black ; middle wing coverts chestnut, succeeded by black internally ; speculum
white, bordered externally by black C. streperus.
CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS, Gray.
tladwall ; Grey Duck.
Jlnas strepera, LINN. Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 200.— GMELIN, I, 520.— LATH., Ind. II, 1790, 849.— WILSON, Am. Orn.
VIII, 1814, 120 ; pi. Ixxi.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 257.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 353 ; pi. 348.—
IB. Syn. 378.— IB. BirJs Amer. VI, 1843, 254 ; pi. 388.— TEMMINCK, Man. II, 838. (European.)
Jlnas ( Chauliodus) strepera, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 440.
Jlnas (Boschas) strepera, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 383.
Ktinorhynchus strepera, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 137.
Gadwall, or Gray, PENNANT, II, 575. — LATHAM.
" Chaulelasmus streperus, GRAY, 1838." Gray.
Sp. CH. — Male. Head and neck brownish white, each feather spotted with dusky ; the top of head tinged with reddish.
Lower part of neck, with fore part of breast and back, blackish, with concentric narrow bars of white, giving a scaled appearance
to the feathers. Interscapular region, outermost scapulars, and sides of the body finely waved transversely with black and
white. Middle wing coverts chestnut, the greater velvet black, succeeded by a pure white speculum, bordered externally by
hoary gray, succeeded by black ; crissum and upper tail coverts black. Longest tertials hoary plumbeous gray. Innermost
scapulars with a reddish tinge. Inside of wing and axillars pure white. Bill black.
Female with the bill dusky, edged with reddish. Wing somewhat like that of the male, but with the chestnut red more restricted.
Length, 22 ; wing, 10.50; tarsus, 1.64 ; commissure, 2.04.
Hob. — North America generally, and Europe.
BIRDS — ANA1INAE — MARECA AMERICANA.
783
A specimen of this bird from Illinois, otherwise similar, is entirely without chestnut red on
the wing.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Ltngth.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
2739
S. F. Baircl
9790
rf
14
Dr. Buckley
9793
5132
Tremont, III
June 22, 1855
May 23,1855
W.J. Shaw
9792
9794
•*
April — , 1855
87
19.50
34.50
10.50
4560
o
9788
9796
<$
Bodega, Cal
Fob. —,1855
Mar. , 1854
Lieut. Trowbridge
T. A.Szabo
9791
3
Fort Steilacoom
Feb. — , 1854
Gov. Stevens
32
Dr. Suckley
.
MARECA, Stephens.
Mareca, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 11, 1824, 130. Type Jlnas penelope, L.
Penelope, KATJP, 1829.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, and equal to the inner toe claw. The sides parallel to near the end, which is rather obtusely
pointed, the nail occupying the tip, and about one- third as broad as the bill. Bill rather high; the upper lateral angle at
the base not prominent, nor extending as far back as the lower edge. Tail pointed ; not half the wings.
The North American and European species of Mareca have the upper parts finely waved
transversely with black and gray or reddish brown, the under parts, with the usual exceptions,
snowy white. The top of the head is uniform white or cream color ; the neck more or less
spotted. The middle and greater coverts are white, the latter tipped with black. The
speculum is green, encircled by black. The tertials are black on the outer web, edged with
hoary white ; the entire outer web of one of them hoary. The characteristics of the species are
as follows :
Head and neck grayish, the feathers of the former thickly spotted, of the latter banded with
black. Top of head nearly white ; a broad and continuous patch of green around and behind
the eye M. americana.
Head and neck reddish brown or cinnamon, the feathers of the former slightly spotted with
dusky, of the latter almost uniformly colored. Top of head cream colored ; only a faint trace
of green around the eye, and a few spots behind it M. penelope.
MARECA AMERICANA, Stephens.
Italdpate ; American Widgeon.
Jlnas americana, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 526.— LATH. Ind. II, 861.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 86; pi.
Ixix.— BON. Obs. No. 259.— Au^. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 337 ; pi. 345.— IB. Syn. 1839, 279.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 259 ; pi. 389.
Mareca americana, STEPH". Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, n, 1824, 135.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 445.— BON. List,
1838.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 116.
Jlnas (Boschas) americana, Nuttall, Man. II, 1834, 389.
Jlmerican widgeon, PENN. II, 567.
784
U 8. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOET.
SP. CH. — Male. Tail of 14 feathers. Bill blue, the extreme base and tip black. Head and neck pale buff, or faint
reddish yellow, each feather banded narrowly with blackish, so as to give the appearance of spots. The top of the head from
the bill is pale unspotted creamy white ; the sides of the head from around the eye to tho nape, glossy green, the feathers
however, with hidden spots, as described ; chin uniform dusky. Forepart of breast and sides of body light brownish or
chocolate red, each feather with obsolete grayish edge ; rest of under parts pure white ; the crissum abruptly black. The
back, scapulars, and rump, finely waved transversely anteriorly with reddish and gray, posteriorly witli purer gray, on a brown
ground ; a little of the same waring also on the sides. The lesser wing coverts are plain gray ; tho middle and greater are
conspicuously white, the latter terminated by black, succeeded by a speculum, which is grass green at the base, and then
velvet black. The tertials are black on the outer web, bordered narrowly by black, the outermost one hoary gray, externally
edged with black. The tail is hoary brown. The upper coverts are black externally. The axillars are white.
The female has the head and neck somewhat similar, but spotted to tho bill. Wings as in the male. The black of
tertials replaced by brown ; the gray of the lesser coverts extending slightly over the middle ones. Back and scapulars with
rather broad and distant transverse bars of reddish white, each feather with two or three, interrupted along the shafts. These
are much wider and more distant than in the male. Length, 21.75 ; wing, 11 ; tarsus J.42 ; commissure, 1.80.
Hob. — Continent of North America. Accidental in Europe.
The blackish chin appears to be found only in very highly plumaged birds. The top of
the head is sometimes pure white.
List of specimens.
Oatal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. j Collected by —
No.
I
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1310
$
Carlisle, Pa
Mar. 24,1844
S. F. Raird
21.75
35 . 50
11 00
932
$
do
April 28,1843
do
20.00
33.50
10.25
286
o
do
April 10, 1841
do
6895
Jl
Nelson river II. B. T.
D Gunn
5781
o
Or?
Platte river, K. T....
July 11,1856
Lieut. Brvan
92 W. S. Wood.
5133
Jl
Mar. 24,1856
186
21.00
34 50
11.25
5453
N. M.
Near Bijoux Hills
Oct. 14, 1856
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden
21.00
30.00
9.75
eyes dark brown ;
feet gray.
9713
A
9704
Mimbres to Rio Grande.
9705
9700
Mar. , 1855
28 Dr. Konnerly
9715
9717
9716
San Diego, Ual
Bodega, Cal
Dec. —.1854
Lt. Trowbridge ....
do
T. A. S/.abo. ....
Or. Suckley .
MAEECA PENELOPE, Bon.
English Widgeon.
penelope, LINN. Syst. Nat, I, 1766, 202. — GM. I, 527. — TEMM. Man. II, 840. European specimens. GIRAUD,
Birds L. Island, 1843, 307, Am. sp.
Jtfareca penelope, BON. List, 1838.
Mareca fistularis, ETTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 118.
Sp. CH. — Similar to J\I. americana. Head and neck reddish brown, without bars ; a very small green patch round the eye.
Length, 20 ; wing, 10.60 ; tarsus, 1.52 ; commissure, 1.64.
Hab. — Old World. Accidental on the Atlantic coast of United States. Greenland.
The European widgeon is so frequently shot along the Atlantic American coast as to be justly
considered as belonging to our fauna, and not as a mere straggler. Every year a few specimens
are found in the New York market, shot chiefly along the coast of Virginia, Carolina, and
BIRDS ANATINAE — AIX SPONSA. 785
Florida. The present description is based on a Florida skin, presented by Mr. Geo. N. Law
rence to the Smithsonian Institution.
It is hardly necessary to repeat the common characters of this species and the American Bald-
pate, the chief difference being in the head and neck. This is of a reddish brown or cinnamon color,
not barred at all ; the cheeks and chin with small spots of dusky. The forehead and crown are
creamy white ; the region near the base of the bill laterally quite similar, but spotted. The
region immediately around the eye is greenish, most prominent on the posterior edge, but,
except in the immediate vicinity of the orbit, there are only a few spots of green on the side of
the head behind. The sides of the head below are paler cinnamon or chestnut than on the neck ;
the chin is blackish. I am unable to detect any other differences of importance. According to
Mr. Lawrence, (Giraud, Birds L. Island, 309,) " the bill is much higher at the base, and with
out the black line where it joins the head ; the nail black, with minute punctures. The frontal
feathers extend on the bill a quarter of an inch, forming an acute angle, (not the case in ours ;)
the under wing coverts are ash gray intsead instead of white."
AIX, Boie.
J)ix, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 329. Typo Jlnas galericulata, L.
Dendronessa, SWAINSON, F . B. Am. 1831. Type, Jlnas sponsa, L.
CH. — Bill very high at the base, where the upper lateral angle runs back much behind the lower edge of the bill. Nostrils
very large, and scarcely enveloped by membrane ; the feathers of the forehead reaching to their posterior edge. Nail very large
and much hooked, occupying the entire tip of bill. Lamellae depressed, broad, and distant. Bill, from feathers of forehead,
shorter than the head, and equal to the tarsus. Head crested ; claws short, much curved, and very sharp. Tail about half the
wings, vaulted, cuneate, but truncate at the tip ; the coverts nearly as long as the feathers.
This genus, embracing the most beautiful of American ducks, is very different from all our
others, and almost entitled to rank as the type of a separate sub-family. A great peculiarity in
Anatinae is the very large and much curved nail of the bill ; which, in this respect, as well as
in its height and narrowing to the tip, resembles that of the Anserinae. The second species of
the genus is the celebrated mandarin duck of China, A. galericulata. The characters of A.
eponsa, are as follows :
Head green, glossed laterally with purple. A line from the upper corner of the bill, one
from behind the eye, and two bars on the side of the head confluent with the chin and upper part
of throat, white; jugulum and sides of tail purple ; under parts white, the sides yellowish, banded
with black, and behind, subterminally, with white ; speculum bluish green ; primaries
silver white externally, at the tip ; back uniform, with various reflections A. sponsa.
AIX SPONSA, Boie.
Summer Duck.
Jlnas sponsa, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 207.— G-M. 1,539 — LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 876.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814,
97 ; pi. Ixx.— BON. Obs. No. 261.— AUD. Orn. Biog.-III, 1835, 52 : V, 618; pi. 206.— IB. Syn. 280.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 271 ; pi. 391.
MX sponsa, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 329 — ETTON, Mon. Anat 1838, 120.
Dendronessa sponsa, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 446.
Jlnas (Bosckas) sponsa, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 394.
Summer duck, PENN. II, 562.
August 10, 1858.
99 b
786
U. 8. P. E. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SP. CH. — Head and crest metallic green to below the eyes ; the cheeks and a stripe from behind the eye purplish. A narrow
short line from the upper angle of the bill along the side of the crown and through the crest, another on the upper eyelid, a
stripe starting behind and below the eye, and running into the crest parallel with the first mentioned, the chin and upper part
of the throat, sending a well defined branch up towards the eye and another towards the nape, snowy white. Lower neck and
jngulum, and sides of the base of tail, rich purple; the jugulum with triangular spots of white and a chestnut shade.
Remaining under parts white, as is a crescent in front of the wing bordered behind by black. Sides yellowish gray, finely lined
with black ; the long feathers of the flanks broadly black at the end, with a sub-terminal bar, and sometimes a tip of white.
Back and neck above nearly uniform bronzed green and purple. Scapulars and innermost tertials velvet black, glossed on the
inner webs with violet ; the latter with a white bar at the end. Greater coverts violet, succeeded by a greenish speculum,
tipped with white. Primaries silvery white externally towards the end ; the tips internally violet and purple.
Female with the wings quite similar ; the back more purplish ; the sides of the head and neck ashy ; the region round the
base of the bill, a patch through the eyes, and the chin, white. The purple of the jugulum replaced by brownish. The waved
ffathers on the sides wanting. Length, 19 inches ; wing, 9.50 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; commissure, 1.54.
Hob. — Continent of North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1732
r?
Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 29,1844
S. F. Baird
19.00 ! 29.50
9.56
10331
Q
do. .
. ..de....
do
5460
f>457
(J
Vermilion river
?ppt 22. 1856
Lt. Warren
. . do
Dr. Hayden......
.. do
17.87 ; 29.00
8.87
Eyes red
5459
0
May 5,1856
.. do
do
18 25 29.50
9 25
5458
O
April 24,1856
.. do
do
5456
3
May ?. 1856
do
do
17 50 28.50
8 50
9775
9776
4412
c?
Tulare valley, Cal
San Francisco
Feb. —,1854
Feb. — ,1855
Lt. Williamson...
Lt. Whipple
Ur.Suckley
156
Dr. Heermann. ..
Kenn. A Mull....
19.25 28.00
4363
9
Puget's Sound
May —,1855
Mr. Geo. Gibbs...
Sub-Family FULIGULINAE.
The chief character of the Fuligulinae, as compared with the Anatinae, consists in the greatly
developed lobe or membranous flap attached to or suspended from the inferior surface of the hind
toe. The feet are usually enormously large, the tarsi short, the legs set far back, and the
whole organization well fitted for swimming and diving. Many of the species live on or near
the seacoast, although most of them straggle more or less through the interior of the countries
they inhabit. The different North American forms may be arranged as follows ;
A. Bill with the feathers of the forehead extending forward as a short obtuse angle, those of
the sides as a crescent, giving rise to an acute basal process of the bill laterally and superiorly
on each side, which extend back as far as the angle of the mouth. The feathers of the chin,
cheeks, and forehead extending about opposite to the same point ; the former usually furthest.
a. Nail at the end of the bill small, narrow, and forming only a central part of the tip ;
distinct.
FULIX. — Bill longer than the head and tarsus ; about equal to the inner toe and
claw ; long, broad, and the sides parallel to the end, or widening. Nostrils in
the basal two-fifths of the bill. Tail short, rounded, scarcely more than one-
third the wing. Body black anterior to the shoulder and posterior to the tibia.
Head and neck black or red. Sides and back mottled or waved with black and
white. Axillars and inside of wing white.
AYTHYA. — Similar to the last. The bill longer and narrower, exceeding the
inner toe ; the nostrils more anterior, close to the middle. Colors like the last,
with reddish head.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE. 787
BUCEPHALA. — Bill shorter than the head ; about equal to the tarsus ; compressed
and somewhat tapering. Nostrils near the middle of the bill. Nail rather
larger than in Fuligula. Tail longer and more pointed ; about half the wing.
Head, neck, and back black ; the former with green or purple reflections.
Under parts, including crissum, lower part of neck, scapulars, large patch on
the wings, and cheeks, white. Axillars and inside of wing blackish.
b. Bill with the nail very broad, occupying the entire tip, and scarcely distinguishable
by reason of its fusion with the rest of bill.
HISTRIONICUS. — Bill shorter than head or tarsus ; elevated at base ; narrowing
rapidly. Nostrils reaching the middle of the bill. Tertials bent outwards.
Bill with a membranous expansion overlapping its base. Color plumbeous ; the
only white being in the form of spots or bands on the outer surface.
POLYSTICTA. — Bill somewhat similar, but broader at the tip and more truncate.
Upper angle of base of bill not extending back as far as the lower. Feathers
of head close set and velvety ; almost erect. Tertials much bent outwards.
Body dusky ; lighter on the sides. Head, wings, and scapulars with much
white. Inside of wing white. Head tinged with grass green.
B. Side of bill without any distinct acute angle at the base above, or, i£ present, it does not
reach as far back as the angle of the mouth, the feathers extending forward, and further
above than laterally, (so as to obliterate the angle more or less;) the lateral outline of feathers
more or less oblique.
a. Bill without any peculiar gibbosity at the base.
HARELDA. — Bill shorter than the head, or than tarsus ; high, tapering to the tip,
where the nail occupies the terminal portion. Nostrils linear, in the posterior
half of the bill. No membrane at the end ; the feathers of head normal. Tail
feathers excessively long and pointed ; equal to the wing. Color black and
white. Breast and wings on both surfaces black ; the latter without any white ;
rest of under parts, including crissum, white.
CAMPTOLAEMUS. — Bill broad and depressed ; the sides parallel to the end, which is
bordered by a membranous skin. Nostrils in the basal third of bill. Feathers
of cheeks stiffened. Tail short, rounded ; two-fifths the wing. Body and
quills black ; rest of wings, head, and neck, white. A streak on top of head
and a collar on neck black.
LAMPRONETTA. — Bill depressed, rather narrow ; longer than tarsus. Feathers of
forehead extending on the culmen beyond the nostrils, and thence passing
obliquely in a gentle curve to the angle of the mouth, across the posterior
portion of the nasal groove. Tail short. Above white ; beneath black. A
quadrilateral black outline round the eye ; occiput and nape green.
6. Bill much swollen or gibbous at the base ; then much depressed, and broad. Nail
very large, forming the tip. Nostrils anterior to the middle of the bill.
OiDEMtA. — Feathers of forehead extending only to base of gibbosity ; those of side
of head sloping gently forward. Nostrils linear, midway between feathers of
forehead and tip of bill. Color entirely black.
788 U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SUKVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PELIONETTA.— -Feathers of forehead extending far fonvard ; nearly to end of the
gibbosity, which is plain above ; those on the sides not beyond the angle of the
rnouth ; basal portion of bill swollen laterally. Nostrils large, rounded. Color
black, with white patches on head.
MELANETTA. — Feathers of side of bill extending obliquely forward from the angle
of the mouth as far as those above. Nostrils very open and sub-circular ; quite
close to feathers around the base of bill. Nail very broad and truncate at the
end. Colors black, with white patch on wing.
C. Bill narrow, compressed, tapering to the end. Feathers of forehead running forward in
a long narrow point, and of cheeks extending along the lower edge of bill, so that the two
strips embrace between them a linear portion of the bill, one half the length of culrnen, and
which extends back further than the lower edge of mandible.
SOMATERIA. — Nostrils situated beyond the middle of commissure. Nail very
broad, thickened, and greatly overlapping tip of lower mandible. Tail short,
rounded ; about two-fifths the wing.
In the arrangement of the sea ducks I have established three sections, which embrace species
agreeing with each other more or less, although there are others of rather close alliance which
are thereby separated. The more natural succession of the genera appears to be that of
Bonaparte in Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856, nearly as follows :
FULIGULEAE. — Fulix, Aytliyci.
CLANGULEAE. — Bucepliala, Histrionicus, Harelda.
OIDEMIEAE. — Oidemia, Pelionetta, Helanetta.
SoMATEEiEAE.—Polysticta, Lampronetta, Somateria.
MICROPTEREAE. — Camptolaemus.
Where Camptolaemus should come is a matter of uncertainty, as it differs very much from all
the other genera in the stiffened cheek feathers, the membranous expansion at the end of bill,
the very large and unusually distant lamellae of the lower mandible, the broad, depressed bill,
and other features. By Bonaparte it is placed with Micropterus, and Hymenolaemus among
Microptereae.
The colors of the sea ducks furnish an excellent clue to their systematic arrangement, as shown
by the following schedule :
Belly white.
Crissum and anal region black. Sides and back with waved feathers. Inside of wings
and axillars white Fulix, Aytliya.
Crissum and anal region white. Inside of wing and axillars black... JSucephala, Harelda.
Belly dusky centrally ; reddish brown on the sides.
Prevailing color plumbeous, with white spots. No white inside of wings... Histrionicus.
Much white on head and wings. Inside of wings white Polysticta.
Belly and under parts black. Inside of wings and axillars. white.
Head, neck, and fore part of body white Somateria, Lampronetta.
Head and neck white. The latter with a black collar Camptolaemus.
Body entirely black, with or without white patch on head or wing, including inside of
Avings.
BIRDS FULIGU1.INAE.
789
No white whatever Oidemia.
Wings with white patch. Eyelids white Melanetta.
Head above and nape with white patch Pelionetta.
Comparative measurements of species.
6
X
"3
«
O
Species.
Locality.
Sex and age.
fr
C
(2
Stretch of wings.
to
c
is
£
Tarsus.
Middle toe.
Its claw alone.
Bill above.
Along gape.
Bill from feathers
on sides.
Specimen
measured.
1193
do
Fulix inarMa
Washington, D. C...
do
C?
18.00
20.00
18.00
16.30
16.83
16.60
15.20
16.25
17.60
18.25
16.50
18.00
19.20
20.50
19.50
19.50
32.50
28.75
8.70
9.00
8.60
8.60
7.80
8.00
7.70
8.20
7.60
7.41
7.80
8.00
7.50
7.50
9.36
9.50
8.50
8.75
9.40
9 30
9.10
9.60
9.50
8.50
8.00
6.66
6.30
2.94
1.58
2.70
0.36
1.80
2.16
Skin.,
Fresh
do
2521
9516
1731
do.
. . do. .. .
5
9
0(?
2.70
3.20
2.60
1.44
1.40
1.34
2.56
2.64
2.27
0.32
0.32
0.28
1.70
1.74
1.62
2.21
2.14
1.94
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh
do
Simiahmoo, W. T...
do ....
do
316
456
936
do.
do..
do
$
$
9
2.62
2.82
2.38
1.34
1.32
1.40
2.50
2.35
2.34
0.35
0.28
0.34
1.71
1.72
1.50
1.96
2.02
1.78
Skin
Skin
Skin
Fresh
do
San Jose, Cal
Carlisle, Pa
28.00
29.00
26.75
33.50
31.50
do
do. .
do.
593
do..
do ~...
c?
2.90
1.28
2.40
0.32
1.96
2.10
Skin
Fresh
do. .
do., .
1166
do.
do
do
9
2.50
1.20
2.14
0.30
J.58
1.80
Skin
Fresh
do.
do
1330
do. .
do
$
2.60
1.62
2.86
0.36
1.82
2.30
Skin
Fresh
do. ...
do
1727
do..
do
do
9
2.56
1.52
2.66
0.32
1.74
2.14
Skin
Fresh
do
do .
9785
606
10334
9778
2723
224
238
312
1737
do..
.. . do
2.86
3.00
3.20
2.88
3.80
3.90
3.74
3.26
3.08
1 62
1.70
1.70
1.74
1.58
1.50
1.40
1.24
1.14
2.72
3.00
2.82
3.10
2.80
2.62
2.36
2.20
2.00
0.38
0.36
0.32
0.40
0.40
0.32
0.30
0.30
0 25
1.86
2.76
2.76
2.90
1.26
1.34
1.28
1.08
1.02
2.30
2.64
2.68
2.76
1.80
2.00
1.80
1.44
1.40
Skin
Skin
Potomac river,D.C.
do
c?
9
$
c?
$
9
$
9
20.10
20.80
21.20
9 50
18.70
18.20
14.90
13.00
13. 25
17.40
14.30
20.70
22.12
15.50
17 00
do
1.60
1.94
1.62
1.22
1.18
Skin
Skin
Skin
do
Kuccphala islandica
liucupliala amcrieana
do
Sacramento valley. .
Rocky mountains...
Carlisle, Pa
.... do. .
Skin
Skin
Bucephala alheola
do
Skin
do
do
Skin
do
do
22.25
6.32
7.70
7.60
8.90
9.24
8.36
3.60
8.00
8.40
8.80
8.50
9.20
9.00
9.00
9.60
9 7<-,
Fresh
1575
8428
4553
do..
306
Ilistrionicus torquatus
do
Boston, Mass
Simiahmoo, W.T..
Washington, D. 0...
...rio. . .
$
9
c?
4.68
3.58
8.00
1.48
1.40
1.38
2.20
2.04
2.22
0.26
0.26
0.3i>
1.00
1.04
1.10
1 54
1.46
1.62
1.20
1.30
Skin
Hareldii glacialis
. . do.
30.50
28.00
Skin
Fresh.. .
9
3.20
1.28
2.06
0.24
1.06 1.50
Skin... ...
10197
10196
1972
2733
2722
904
do..
Polysticta stelleri Norway
c?
9
c?
9
c?
&
18.10
17.00
23.80
22.20
23.80
17.30
19.00
21 50
3.84
3.90
3.90
3.60
4.54
3.36
1.48
1.40
1.60
1.52
1.78
1.66
2.14
2.23
2.62
2.36
3.00
2.80
0.28
0.30
0.36
0.22
0.39
0.30
1.40
1.46
1.68
1.64
1.76
1.60
1.82
1.80
2.50
2.36
2.14
2.10
1.58
1.62
Skin
Skin. ...
Caniptolae.ii) us labradoricus. North Atlantic
do ,...do
Skin
Oidcniia amcrieana do
33.00
1.86
1.78
Skin f.
Skin
Fresh.
do,
Potomac river, D. C.
.... do..
4574
do Ft. Steilacoom,\V. T.
c?
4.54
1.82
3.28
0.30
1.66 2.16 1.80
Skin
913
1719
do..
Pelionetta puri>picillata
do
do...
Philadelphia
Carlisle, Pa
do
$
9
19.00
17.50
17.75
21.00
22.00
11.50
9.40
8.60
8.80
9.50
9.80
11.30
3.88
3.24
1.63
1,58
2.60
2.55
0.36
0.30
1.36 2.37
1.44 2.23
2.32
1.97
Skin
31.00
Skin
Fresh
D553
9860
9852
do..
.. do...
Siiniahmoo
San Diego
Shoal water bay ...
do
......
c?
4.20
3.46
3.74
1.6-2
1.80
2.08
2.66
2.86
3.26
0.36
0.36
0.40
1.40 2.60
1.56 2.72
1.60 2.82
2.60
2.56
1.60
Pelionetta trowbridgii
Melanetta fuses
do
Skin
Skin
Fresh .
905
do.
1973
4HO
do
Potomac river, D. C.
9
18.00
19.75 I 36.00
21.50 I
26.20 •
10.00
10. 1G
10.70
11.24
3.36
1.78
2.68
0.30
1.40 2.20 1.34
Skin
Fresh
do
Somateria spectabilis.
Somatcria niollissima
North AtlHiilic
do
S
$
3.50
4.10
1.86
1.83
2.73
2.96
0.42
0.',6
1.52 • 2.53 2. '10
2.06 2.66 3.00
Skin
Skin
790 U. S. P. B. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
FULIX, Sundevall.
Fulix, SUNDEVALL, Kong. Vet. Ak. Hand. 35, (as restricted.)
Fuligula of authors, but not of Stephens.
Marila, Bonaparte, not of Ileichenbach.
CH. — Bill longer than the tarsus, and about equal to the head, and to the middle toe without the nail. Feathers of cheeks,
chin and forehead advancing but slightly, and to about the same distance. Nostrils open, situated in the anterior portion
of the basal two-fifths of the bill, not reaching the middle. Edges of bill about parallel, or widening to the tip ; profile gently
concave to the nail, which is decurved. Nail not one-third the width of the bill, and forming only the central portion of its tip.
Tarsus about half the middle toe and claw. Bill as long as the feet. Tail short, rounded, of 14 feathers. Head and neck black.
The name Fuligula, usually applied to this genus, cannot be employed, as it was based by
Stephens (1824) upon the Anas rufina of Pallas, (not on Anas cristata, L., as given by Gray,) for
which Branta had been proposed by Boie in 1822 ; but as this name is anticipated by Oken in
1815, Fuligula will precede Callichen, Brehm, 1830. Marila of Reichenbach, 1851, has for type
Anas ferina, L., for which Boie also, in 1822, had proposed Ay thy a,.
Fulix of Sundevall, (Kong. Sv. Vet. Ak. Hand, for 1835, 1836, 129,) assigned here by Gray,
is merely used as a name for one group of the ducks with lobed hind toe, Somateria, his genera
being Somateria, Fulix, and Mergus. Still, as he gives no type and names no species, it may be
admissible to assign the name to a particular genus, and I shall therefore retain it for the
present division. Should this be considered inadmissible, I would propose the name of Nettarion
for the same genus.
The Fuligula collaris of North American species appears most to resemble the type. The
common red head duck of the United States, Aythya americana, is excessively similar in general
form, differing merely in having the legs a little further back and the feet proportionally longer,
being, without the claw, longer than the bill, instead of nearly equal. The head and neck are
red, instead of black.
SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES.
Common characters. — Head, neck and body anterior to the shoulders, tail, tail coverts, rump
and lower part of back, black. Beneath white, finely waved with black behind and on the
sides.
Bill blue, the nail black ; widening slightly to the tip, which is broad and much rounded.
No collar on neck. Interscapulars and scapulars white, finely waved with black. Speculum
white. Head, with a green gloss in all lights F. marila.
Similar to preceding, but much smaller. Head with a purplish violet gloss. Sides of body
less waved F. ajfinis.
Bill with sides parallel, the tip more pointed; its color bluish black, with basal and subterminal
bar of whitish. A chestnut collar round middle of neck. Back nearly plain greenish black.
Speculum grayish plumbeous F. collaris.
I3IRDS FULIGULINAE FULIX AFFINIS.
791
FULIX MAEILA, Baird.
Big Black-head; Scaup Duck.
Jlnas marila, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17GC, 196.— GM. I, 1788, 509.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 84 ; pi. Ixix.
Fuligula marila, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds XII, n, 1824, 198.— ?Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 456. — BON. List,
1838 —ADD. Birds Am. VII, 1843, 355 ; pi. 498.— GIRAUD, Birds L. Island, 1844, 321. (marila.)
EYTON, Mon. Anat. 156.
Jlythya marila, BON. List Birds Europe, 1842.
" Jinasfrtnala, SPARRMANN, Mus. Carlos. 1786." (Female.)
Marila frenata, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Fuligula gesneri, (WILL.) JARDINE, Brit. Birds, IV, 138 ; pi. v.
Scaup duck, PENNANT, LATHAM.
Broad-bill; Blue-bill; Shujjler ; VULGO.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck all round, jugulum and shoulders, lower part of back, tail, and coverts black ; the head with a gloss
of dark green on the sides. Rest of under parts white ; feathers on the lower part of belly and on the sides, the long feathers
of the flanks, the interscapulum, and the scapulars, white, waved in zigzag transversely with black. Greater and middle wing
coverts similarly marked, but more finely and obscurely. Greater coverts towards the tip, and the tertials, greenish black ; the
speculum is white, bordered behind by greenish black ; the white extending across the whole central portion of the secondaries .
Outer primaries and tips of all brownish black; inner ones pale gray; the central line dusky. Axillars and middle of the
inferior surface of the wing white. Bill blue ; the nail black. Legs plumbeous.
Female with the head brown ; the region all round the base of the bill white ; the undulations of black and white on the
feathers wanting, or but faintly indicated above. Length, 20 ; wing, 9 ; tarsus, 1.58 ; commissure, 2.16.
Hob. — Whole of North America and Europe.
List of specimens.
Oatal. Sex.
No. ,
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
2521 9
Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 16,1845
S. F. Baird
18.75
31.50
8.75
1193 /$
jo
20.00
34.50
9.00
6889 J1
t-elkirk Settlement, Red river...
5136
Feb 20,1855
20
18.00
30.00
8.50
9867
9863
Dr. Heermann
9866
9865 $
Bodega, Cal
Feb. —,1855
Jan 20 1854
Lieut. Trovvbridge
20
T. A. Szabo
9549
Nov. 28 ....
FULIX AFFINIS, Baird.
Little Black-head ; Blue-bill.
Jlnas marila, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, No. 44. (Not of Linn.)
Fuligula marila, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 226 : V, 1839, 614 ; pi. 229.— IB. Syn. 286.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
316 ; pi. 397. (Not of Stephens.)
Fuligula affinis, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 157. (N. Am. sp.) — GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847.
Marila ajfinis, BON. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Fuligula mariloides, VIGORS, Zool. Blossom, 1839, 31. (N. Am.) (Not of Yarrell, Brit. Birds.)
Fuligula minor, GIRAUD, Birds L. Island, 1844, 323.
Sp. CH. — Bill blue ; the nail black. Head, neck, fore part of breast, and back anterior to the shoulder, lower part of back,
tail and its coverts, black; the head with violet purple reflections changing occasionally to green. The belly and sides, with axillars,
and central portion of inner surfaces ofwings, pure white. The lower part of the belly, near the anus, undulated finely with black
spots. The interscapuliir region and scapulars white, with transverse zigzag bands or lines of black, these lines much further apart
in the scapulars, which, consequently, are whiter. Wings blackish ; the lesser and middle coverts sprinkled with grayish. The
792
U. S. P. E. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT
speculum is white, edged behind by greenish black, the color, also, of the tertials. The white of the speculum goes across the
middle nf the secondaries.
The female has the win°[ nearly similar ; the black replaced by brownish ; the region round the base of the bill whitish ; the
marbling or mottling almost entirely wanting.
Length, 16.50 inches ; wing, 8 ; tarsus, 1.34 ; commissure, 1.94.
Hub.— Whole of North America. Accidental in Europe.
This species is exceedingly similar to the F. marila, but is much smaller. The gloss of the
head is essentially purplish violet, occasionally changing to green, while that of the other is
green throughout in all lights. The sides and long feathers of the flanks appear much less
inclined to being banded with black, the best specimens showing only a slight obsolete sprinkling
of brown scarcely appreciable. This may, however, vary in both. The scapulars seem to be
more whitish in the small species, the black bands being fewer and more distant. The wings
appear much the same, although, as far as I can judge from the skins, there is less whitish on
the base of the primaries.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
1731
#
Oct. 29,1844
S F. Baird
16.82
28.75
8.00
316
A
(JO
April 28,1841
do
15.12
26.50
317
o
April ,1841
do
16.25
28.00
7.40
936
V
do
May 3, 1843
do ...
6901
D. Guim
4456
9869
Lieut. VVhipple
Kenn. & Moll
•
FULIX COLLAKIS, Baird.
Ring-necked Duck.
Jlnas collaris, DONOVAN, British Birds, VI, 1809 ; pi. cxlvii. (English sp.)
Fuligula collaris, BON. List, Birds Europe, 1842.
Marila collaris, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Jlnas fuligula, Wilts. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 66 ; pi. Ixvi. Not of Linnaeus.
Jlnas (Fuligula) ritfitorques, BON. J. A. N. Sc. Ph. Ill, 1824, 381.
Jlnas rufitorques, ORD, ed. Wils. VIII, 1825, 61.
Fuligula rufitorques, BON. Syn. 1828, 393.— IB. List, 1838.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 454.— NUTTAI.L, Man. II,
439.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 259 ; pi. 234.— IB. Syn. 287.— IB. Birds Amor. VI, 1843,
320 ; pi. 398.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 158.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847.
SP. CH. — Bill blackish, with a basal and subterrninal bar of bluish white. Head, neck, and body all round anterior to the
shoulders, back, and tail coverts, black; the head glossed with green above, on the sides with purplish violet; the back
with greenish. Middle of neck with a narrow chestnut ring, scarcely continuous above. Under parts, and a space immediately
anterior to the shoulder, white. Space anterior to the black of crissurn, and the sides, very finely waved with black ; the
scapulars very slightly sprinkled with dots of grayish. Wings plain grayish brown ; the speculum, consisting of tho terminal
half of most secondaries, grayish plumbeous ; the innermost of them tipped with white. Point of chin white.
The female has the black replaced by brown ; the sides of the head and chin adjacent to the bill whitish ; a whitish ring
ound the eye. Wing as in the male. The basal whitish bar of the bill appears to be wanting. Length, 18 ; wing, 8 ; tarsus,
1.28 ; commissure 2.10.
Hub. — Whole of North America. Accidental in Europe.
The bill of this species is more acutely pointed at the end than in F. marila.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE AYTHYA AMERICANA.
793
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained. Orig'i
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
134
r?
Carlisle, Pa
Oct. 23,1810
S. F. Baird
10 00
23 00
1185
0
do
Oct. 28,1843
do
18 00
26 75
7 50
4510
f?
Mar. ,1856
do
9870
Boca Grande, Mexir o
8429
Sirniahmoo bay, W. T
Sept. 14
A. Campbell 32
AYTHYA, Boie.
JJythya, BOIE, Isis, 1822. Type Jlnas ferina, L.
CH. — Very similar to Fuligula in general characters of shape. The bili elongated, longer than the head, and about equal to
the middle toe with the claw. The bill more slender in one species, the nail smaller and less decurved ; the bill higher at base and
the upper outline nearly straight to beyond the end of the nostrils, which do not quite reach the middle of the bill. Colors
similar to those of Fuligula ; the head and neck red. Tail of fourteen feathers.
I have based the generic characters of Aytliya upon the Anas vallisneria of Wilson, the type
A. ferina being much more like the A. americana. The latter would seem to come more
naturally with Fuligula, (which see,) being combined with vallisneria chiefly on account of
the great similarity in color. Still A. vallisneria is much like Fuligula in all points, except
the bill, which is merely longer, narrower, higher at the base, and sloping. The nostrils
are further forward, occupying the anterior portion of the posterior half of the bill. Should it
be considered expedient, for these reasons, to establish for the canvas-back a new genus, the
name of Aristonetta would be very appropriate, on account of the great superiority of its flesh
as an article of food.
SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES.
Common characters. — Head and neck chestnut; body anterior to shoulders, the rump, and tail
coverts, black. Sides, scapulars, and interscapulars waved transversely with black and white.
Speculum grayish blue, on the ends of the secondaries ; the innermost edged narrowly with black.
Bill broad, not longer than the head. Anterior extremity of nostril two-fifths the
distance from upper corner of bill to the tip. No brown on the head. Black and
white mottling on the back in equal amount A. americana.
Bill narrow, longer than the head ; anterior extremity of the nostril half the distance
from upper corner of bill to the tip. Top of head and about base of bill dusky.
White greatly predominating in the mottling of the back ; the black in dotted
lines A . vallisneria.
AYTHYA AMERICANA, Bon.
Red-head.
Jlnas ferina, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, b4 ; pi. Ixx, (not of Linnaeus.)— DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H., II, 1832, 40 ; pi. iv
dnas (Fullgula) ferina, BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 270.
Fuligula ferina, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 452.— NUTTALL, Man. It, 1834, 434.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1835, 198 ;
Pl. 322.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 311 ; pi. 396.
August 19, 1858.
100 b
794
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Jlythya erythrocephala, BONAP. List, 1838, (not of Brehm, 1831, which is European Jl. ferina.) — XEWBERRY, P. R
Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 103.
Fuligula americana, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 155.— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847.
Nyroca americana, GRAY, Genera.
Jlythya americana, BP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
gp. CH. — Bill as long as the head, broad, blue, the end black ; the region anterior to the nostrils dusky. Head, and neck
for more than half its length, brownish red, glossed above and behind with violaceous red. Rest of neck and body anterior to
the shoulders, lower part of back and tail coverts, black. Beneath white, sprinkled with gray and black anterior to the crissum ;
the sides, interscapu^ars, and scapulars finely lined with undulating black and white in nearly equal proportions, imparting a
general gray tint. Wing coverts bluish gray, finely sprinkled with whitish. The speculum, consisting of the ends of the
secondaries, hoary grayish blue, lightest externally, and the innermost narrowly edged externally with black. Basal portion of
inner primaries somewhat similar to the speculum. Tail of fourteen feathers.
Female with the head, neck, and fore part of body brownish ; the region round the base of the bill whitish. Length of male,
20.50; wing, 9.50; tarsus, 1.60; commissure, 2.30.
Hob.— Whole of North America.
This species, with a strong resemblance to the canvas-back, is readily distinguished by the
shorter, broader bill, absence of brown on the head, and a greater predominance of black in the
waved lines, this being equal in amount to the white, instead of much less. It is very similar
to the A. ferina of Europe, which, however, appears to have the bill more like that of the
canvas-back, A. vallisneria.
List of specimens.
Oatal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained. Orig.
No.
Collected by-
Length. Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1330
$
April 3,1844
S. F. Baird
20.50 33.50
9 50
1185
1727
0(?
o
do
Oct. 23,1843
do.
do
do
19.50 82.75
19.50 31.50
9.00
8 75
5135
V
Feb. 14, 1855
Capt. Pope 17
15.50 24.50
7.50
Feet dark green, bill
9786
Capt. Bt'ckwith.. 26
Mr. Kieutzfeldt.
black, iris brown.
9787
$
Lt. Beckwith
do
9784
Q
do
do
do
4621
Feb. 7,1855
A. Scliott
9783
9785
3
San Diego, Cal
Bodega, Cal
Feb. —,1855
Lt. Trowbridge . !
do i
Eyes red
AYTHYA VALLISNERIA, Bonap.
Canvas-back.
Jlnas vallisneria, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 103; pi. Ixx.— DOUGHTT'S Cab. N. H. II, 1832, 36 ; pi. iv.
Fuligula vallisneria, STEPHENS, XII, 1824, 196.— BON. Syn. 1828, 392.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 451.—
NUTTALL, Man. II, 430.
Jlythya vallisneria, BON. List, 1838.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 103.
Jlnas vallisneriana, SABINE.
Fuligula vaUisntriana, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 1 ; pi. 301.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds. Amer. VI, 1843, 299 ; pi. 395.
Jlristonetta vallisneria, BAIRD.
SP CH. — Bill long, slender, and tapering. Head all round and neck chestnut ; the top of the head and region around the
base of the bill dusky brown Rest of neck, body anterior to the shoulders, back behind, rump and tail coverts, black. Undo •
parts white ; the region anterior to the anus, the sides, the interscapulars and scapulars, white, finely dotted in transverse line,
with black, the white greatly predominating. Speculum bluish gray, lighter externally ; the innermost secondaries of the
speculum edged externally with black.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE BUCEPHALA.
795
Female with the black and chestnut replaced by brown, the cheeks and chin lighter, and some tinged with dull rufous.
Length, 20.10 ; wing, 9.30 ; tarsus, 1.70 ; commissure, 2.65.
Hab. — Whole of North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Rematks.
606
(J
0
Potomac river, D. C . . . .
do
Feb. —,1842
S. F. Baird
do
5137
Delaware creek, IV. M. .
Mar. 26,1856
Capt. Pope
189
23.25
31.50
10.00
Bill black, iris red, feet
9778
dark gray.
9780
Bodega, California
Jan. —,1855
Lt. Trovvbridge . .
4414
Fort Dalles
do
155
9777
Fort Stuilacoom
Jan. —,1854
Gov. Stevens....
Dr. Suckley
BUCEPHALA, Baird.
Clangula, FLEMING, Philos. Zool. 1828. Type Anas clangula, L. Not of 1822, which has Anas glacialls for type,
according to G. R. Gray.
Glaucion, KATTP, Ent. Europ. Thierw. 1829. Not of Oken, 1816, Mollusca.
Bucephala, BAIRD. Type Anas albeola, L.
CH. — Bill from feathers of forehead about equal to the tarsus and shorter than the head; high at the base; lateral outlines
tapering to the tip, where the nail forms only the central portion, though rather large. Nostrils situated near the middle ot
the bill. Feathers of chin and forehead extending only moderately foreward a little further than those of cheeks. Tarsus
rather more than half the foot. Tail moderately long, about half the wing, and somewhat pointed; of sixteen feathers.
The B, americana differs decidedly from the B, albeola in a stouter bill, with the nostrils in
the posterior portion of the anterior half, instead of in the anterior portion of the posterior part.
As the genus Clangula of 1822 has Anas glacialis for type, according to Gray, it cannot be
used for the present group. Glaucion of Kaup being pre-occupied, a new name appears to be
required.
The following diagnoses will distinguish the species :
Common characters. — Head and upper part of neck dark colored, with varied reflections,
usually of green, purple, or violet. Lower part of neck all round, under parts and sides,
scapulars, middle and greater coverts, and many secondaries, white ; the scapulars edged
externally with black ; upper parts generally black. Inside of wings and axillars sooty.
An oval patch of white in 'front of the eye and along the side of the bill, but not
reaching its upper corner. White of wings continuous. Head with green reflections.
Inside of wings and axillars entirely dusky , B. americana.
A triangular patch in front of the eye, applied against the entire base of the bill, and
running up in a sharp point. White of wing coverts crossed by a black bar. Head
glossed with violet reflections. Inside of wings and axillars pure sooty. ..6. islandlca.
A broad white patch on each side the head, behind the eye, and confluent with its fellow
on the nape. White of wings continuous. Head glossed anteriorly and behind with
green ; between this, with purple violet. Under wing coverts and axillars tipped with
white... B. albeola^
796
II. S P. R. E. EXP AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
BUCEPHALA AMERICANA, Baird.
Golden Eye ; Whistle Wing.
Anas clangula, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 365.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 62; pi. Ixvii.— DOUGHTT'S
Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 110 ; pi. x. Not of Linnaeus.
Fuligula (Clangula) clangula, BON. Syn. 1828, 393.— NUTT. Man. II, 441.
Fuligula, clangula, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 318; pi. 342.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 362; pi. 406.
Clangula vulgaris, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 456. Not of Fleming.
Clangula americana, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838.— EVTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 167.
gp QH pin black. Head and upper part of neck glossy green; the under surface opaque velvety purplish black. An
elliptical patch along the base of upper mandible anterior to the eye, lower part of neck, under parts generally, and sides, middle
and greater wing coverts, the innermost secondaries (and tertials, except the innermost three or four) white. The white on the
wing is in a continuous patch, although there is a concealed black bar on the bases of the greater coverts. The inner scapulars
are white, margined externally with black, posteriorly, however, they are black, streaked centrally with white. The inner
scapulars and tertials, and the whole back, rump, and lesser wing coverts are black; the primaries and tail black, with a hoary
gloss. The under side of quills and lower greater coverts are plumbeous gray ; the rest of the under wing and the axillars are
sooty brown. The long white feathers of the flanks are edged superiorly with black.
Female with the head and neck above snuff brown, without white patch. White of wing less extended ; the middle coverts
only touched with white. There is a tendency to a black bar across the tips of the greater coverts. The white of the winj
sometimes well defined.
Length, 18.75; wing, 8.50; tarsus 1.50; commissure, 2.
Hal. — Whole of North America.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
224
$
Carlisle, Pa....
Dec. 12, 1840
S. F. Baird
1748
$
do
Nov. 15, Ib44
do
19.00
31.75
9.00
238
n
do
Feb. 1, 1841
do
6898
-f
Nelson river, H. B. T
D. Gunn
6899
do
do
9798
9799
4517
9803
Salt Lake City
Bodega, Cal
San Francisco
Tort Steilacoom
Dec., 1854 ...
Capt. Beckwith
Lieut. Trovvbridge..
Lieut. Williamson..
T.A. Szabo....
Dr. Heermann.
20 50
29.50
9 50
Iris yellow...
9802
9
do
Feb. 15 1854
do. .
35
do
9800
3
do
April 1, 1854
do
do
23.00
29 00
9.75
BUCEPHALA ISLANDICA, Baird.
Barrow's Golden Eye.
Anas islandica, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 541.
Clangula islandica, BONAP. List Birds Europe, 1842.
Clangula barrowii, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 456 ; pi. Ixx.— SWAINSON, Anim. in Men. 1838, 271.— BON. Lrs*, 1838.—
EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 165.
Fuligula (Clangula) barrowii, NUTTALL, Man. II, 444.
Clangula scapularis, BREHM & MKHLIS, Brehm Vogel Deutschl. July, 1831, 931.
Fuligula clangula, var. AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 105; pi 403. — IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843.
SP CH. — Head and neck all round bluish violet, occasionally with green or purplish reflection; a large white patch ante
rior to the eye, occupying the entire side of the bill, and running up in a point on the forehead. Lower neck and under parts
generally white; a narrow white patch on the middle wing coverts. The greater coverts black, tipped with white, which i«
BIRDS FULIGTjLINAE BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA. 797
continuous with the white secondaries, but separated from that on the middle coverts. Anterior scapulars white, edged
externally with black ; the posterior ones black, with white central streak. Rest of upper parts black, as are the sides behind,
and including the tibia. Long feathers of the flank white, tipped and edged above with black.
Length, 22.50; wing, 9.50; tarsus, 1.58; commissure, 1.80.
Hab. — Iceland and northern parts of America. In winter not rare on the St. Lawrence.
This species, supposed by Mr. Audubon to be identical with the common golden eye, is
readily distinguished by its much greater size and different marks. The white patch along
the base of the bill is triangular ; the anterior face applied against the whole side of the bill ;
the posterior crescentic concave behind, and meeting the anterior in an acute angle running
high up. (The other species has the spot truly oval, and elongated longitudinally, the white
not reaching along to the upper corner of the bill.) The gloss of the head is bluish violet, not
green. The white of the wing is divided by a black band, (the basal portion of greater coverts.)
This appears to be owing to a less development of the white middle coverts, which do not cover
the basal black of the greater coverts, instead of reaching to the white tips. The black of the
lesser wing coverts overreaches more on the white of the middle one.
The specimen described, obtained by Mr. Audubon from Mr. Grould, appears to be the one
upon which the species was based in the F. Bor. Americana.
Barrow's golden eye appears to be not rare on the St. Lawrence in winter, as I have seen
several specimens in the Museums of Quebec and Montreal, which were supposed to be merely
good representatives of the common golden eye.
List of specimens.
Catal. number Sex.
|
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original No.
Collected by—
Remarks.
2723 $
Rocky Mountains
_J S. F. Baird
3476
J. J. Audubon*5--
Mounted
'•• This is probably the original specimen described in b\ Bor. Americana, and obtained from Mr. Gould by Mr. Auduboii
BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, Baird.
Butter Ball ; Dipper ; Buffle Head*
Anasalbeola, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 199 — FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— GMELIN, I, 517.— WILSON, Am.
Orn. VIII, 1814, 51 ; pi. Ixvii.
Fuligula (Clangula) albeola, BON. Syn. 1823, 394.— NUTT. Man II, 445.
Fuligula albeola, AUD. Orn Biog. IV, 1838, 217; pi. 325.— IB. Syn. 1839, 293.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 363; pi. 408.
Clangula albeola (JENYNS,) Sw. F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 458. — BON. LUt, 1838, 1842.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 164.
Anas bucephala, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 200 (male.) — GMELIN, I, 521.
Anas rustica, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 201. Female.)
Spirit duck; Buffalo head ; VULGO.
SP. CH. — Male. Bill blue. Head and neck anteriorly dark colored ; the region in front of the eye and on the sides of the
collar behind rich green ; this color shading into purplish on the upper and under surfaces of the head ; a broad patch on
each side of the head from the posterior border of the eye, and meeting its fellow on the nape, the lower neck all round, under
parts generally, wing coverts, (except the lesser,) and most of the secondaries, and the scapulars, white ; the latter narrowly
edged externally with black. Rest of upper parts, except as described, black ; passing gradually on the upper tail coverts into
pale gray. Axillars and under wing coverts sooty brown, more or less tipped with white.
798
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Female with the entire head, neck, and upper parts almost black. An elongated patch behind and below the eye, (not
reaching it.) The outer webs of some secondaries, and the under parts, white ; the jugulum, sides, and anal region, plumbeous
gray.
Length, 15; wing, 6.65; tarsus, 1.25; commissure, 1.44.
The nostrils of this species are more posterior than in the two others described.
The name buffle head is a corruption of buffalo head, under which name it is mentioned by
Bartram, in 1791.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Extent.
Wing.
312
1737
6094
6892
4886
9809
9813
9844
9816
9811
9805
9808
9815
(J
9
3
April 24, 1841
Nov. 2, 1844
S. F. Baird
' i s on
24.00
6.32
do
do
13.50
22.25
Nelson river, H. B.T !
do
John Isbister
Maj . Emory
59
A. Schutt
c?
St. Mary's Mission, Rocky Mountains
Camp 119, Bill Williams' Fork,N. M.
Boca Grande, Mex
Bodega, Cal
Dec. 18, 1853
Feb., 1854...
Mar., 1855...
Dec., 1854...
Lieut. Whipple
89
29
Kenn. & Moll.
Dr. Kennerly .
11.00
21.00
7.50
o
Maj. Emory
Lieut. Trowbndge
do
T. A. Szabo....
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
do ....
Mar., 1854...
40
3
40
Dr. Suckley . . .
... do...
15.00
15.00
25.00
23.00
7.50
3
do
do
do
do ....
HISTRION1CUS, Lesson.
Histrionicus, LESSON, Man. d'Ornith. II, 1828, 415. Type Anas hislrionica, L.
Clangula, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824. Not of Fleming, 1822.
Cosmonetta, KAUP, Entw. Europ. Thierw. 1829.
PhylaconeUa, BRANDT, Mem. Ac. St. Pet. VI, 1849.
CH. — Bill very small ; the culmen shorter than tarsus, tapering rapidly to the rounded tip, which is entirely occupied by the
nail. Nostrils small, in the anterior portion of posterior half of bill ; the centre about opposite the middle of commissure. A
well marked angle at the postero-superior corner of the bill. The lateral outline concave behind, the feathers on forehead
extending a little beyond it; those of chin not reaching further than those of the sides, and much posterior to the nostrils.
Lateral outline of edge of bill nearly straight. A membranous lobe at the base of the bill. Tertials bent outward, so as to
cross the edge of the wing. Tail more than half the wing ; considerably pointed ; of 14 feathers.
This genus diifers from Harelda in the more compressed, attenuated, and tapering bill; the
lateral outline straighter. The feathers of the sides of head and on chin do not extend so far
forward. The tertials are bent outwards, and the tail, though pointed, lacks the elongation of
the middle feathers. The coloration is entirely different. The two, however, might, with
great propriety, be combined in the same genus.
The membranous lobe at the base of the bill is, as far as I know, peculiar among American
ducks. This overhangs the basal portion of the commissure, and is an extension of the skin
of the cheeks near the base of the bill.
The characters of the single species are as follows :
Bluish; the under parts mostly dull brownish. Two white spots on side of neck, two on
wings, and one on each side of the root of tail. Scapulars and tertials in part white ;
secondaries with a violet blue speculum. Sides of crown, and of body behind, chestnut.
Inside of wings and axillars dark brown. H. torquatus.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE — HARELDA.
HISTRIONICUS TORQUATUS, Bonap.
Harlequin Duck.
dnas histrionica, LINN. Syst. Nat. ed. 10, I, 1758, 127; ed . 12th, I, 1766, 204.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII,
1772, 383.— GMELIN, I, 534.— LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 849.— BRUNNICH, Orn. Borealis, 1764,
84.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 139 ; pi. Ixxii.
»1nas (Fuligula) histrionica, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 277.
Fuligula (Clangula) histrionica, BON. Syn. 1828, 394.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 448.
Fuligula histrionica, AUD. Orn. Birg. Ill, 1835, 612 : V, 1839, 617 ; p;. 297.— IB. Syn. 1839, 294.— IB. Birds Amer.
VI, 1843,374; pi. 409.
" Cosmonetta histrionica, KAUP."
Clangula histrionica, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 489.— EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 163.
Harelda histrionica, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 1840. — BON. 2d list Eur. Birds, 1842.
Phylaconetta histrionica, BRANDT, Mem. Acad. St. Pet. Sc. Nat. VI, 1849, 9.
? Jlnas minuta, LINN. I, 1766, 204. Female.
Histrionicus torquatus, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Harlequin Duck, PENNANT.
Sp. CH. — Male. Head and neck all round dark blue. Jugulum, sides of breast, and upper parts, lighter blue, becoming
bluish black again on the tail coverts. The blue of breast passes insensibly into dark bluish brown behind. A broad stripe
along the top of head from the bill to the nape, and the tail feathers, black. A white patch along the entire side of the base
of bill anterior to the eye, and passing upwards and backwards so as to border the black of the crown, but replaced from above
the eye to the nape by chestnut. A round spot on the side of the occiput, an elongated one on the side of the neck, a collar
round the lower part of the neck, interrupted before and behind, and margined behind by dark blue, a transversely elongated
patch on each side the breast, and similarly margined, a round spot on the middle wing coverts, a transverse patch on the end
of the greater coverts, the scapulars in part, a broad streak on the outer web of tertials, and a spot on each side the rest of the
tail, white ; sides of body behind chestnut brown. Secondaries with a metallic speculum of purplish or violet blue. Inside
of wing, and axillars, dark brown.
Female with the head and body above, dark brown ; the chin more plumbeous ; the lower part of neck, breast, and under
parts generally, except the central region, (which is white,) duller and lighter brown ; a whitish patch in front of the eye, and
a rounded spot just behind the ear.
Length, 17.50 ; wing, 7.70; tarsus, 1.48 ; commissure, 1.54.
Hub. — Northern seacoast of northern hemisphere.
Lint of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by —
No. \
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
1575
r?
Boston
S. F. Baird
' M. Kimball ...
1576
$
do
do
Port Townsend, W. T
May 1856
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
17.50
27 00
9868
. do
Dr. McCurdy
8428
Simiahnioo bay
Sept 19, 1856
A. Campbell
44 Dr. Kennerly
800 U. S. P R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
HARELDA, Leach.
" Harelda, LEACH, 1816," Gray. Typo Anas glacialis, L.
Clangula, FLEMING, Philos. Zool. 1822. Same type.
Pagonetta, KAUP, Europ. Thierw. 1829.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head and tarsus, tapering laterally to the end ; the nail very broad, occupying the entire tip.
Lateral profile of lower edge of upper mandible straight to near the end, then rising suddenly to the prominent decurved nail.
Nostrils large, in the posterior half of the bill, their centre about opposite the middle of the commissure. Tertials long,
lanceolate, and straight. Tail pointed, of 14 feathers, the central feathers very long, equal to the wings. Bill with almost no
posterior lateral upper angle ; the feathers of the sides advancing obliquely forwards. Feathers of chin reaching beyond the
middle of the commissure, or almost to the anterior extremity of nostrils. Tail of 14 feathers.
The genus Harelda, of Leach, is stated by Gray to have been established in 1816, probably
in the " Catalogue of British Museum." If not published until 1824, in Shaw's General
Zoology, the name will be anticipated by Clangula of Fleming, 1822.
The characters of the single species are as follows :
Summer. — Blackish ; the belly and sides whitish. Scapulars and lower part of back with
rufous edgings. A grayish patch on the side of head, passing behind into whitish. No white
spots, nor speculum. Inside of wing, and axillars, dark brown.
Winter. — Similar, but with the head, neck, and scapulars, whitish ................... H. gladalie.
HAEELDA GLACIALIS, Leach.
South Southerly; Old Wife; Long-tail.
Anas glacialis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 203.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 418.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 529.—
WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 93, 96 ; pi. Ixx.— SABINE, Linn. Trans. VII, 555.
Harelda glacialis, " LEACH."— STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 175.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 460.— BON.
List, 1838.— EYTON, Mon. 1838, 162.— BRANDT, Mem. Ac. St. Pet. VI, 1849, 8.
Anas (Fuligula) glacialis, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 275.
Fuligula (Clangula) glacialis, BON. Syn. 1828, 395.
Fuligula (Harelda) glacialis, NCTT. Man. II, 1834, 453.
Fuligula glacialis, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 403 ; pi. 312.— IB. Syn. 1839, 295— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 379 ;
pi. 410.
Crymonessa glacialis, MACGIL. Man. II, 186.
Anas hyemalis, LINN. I, 17G6, 202.— FORST. Phil. Tr. LXII, 1772, 418.— GMELIN, I, 529.
Anas miclonia, BODDAERT. (Gray.)
Jlnas leucocephalus, BECHST. (Gray.)
Jlnas brachyrhynchus, BESEKE. (Gray.)
Long-tailed Duck, PENNANT.
SP. CH. — Male in summer. Bill black, orange yellow towards the tip. Head, neck and breast, very dark blackish brown ;
the head above, back, rump, and middle tail feathers, black. The whole side of the head from the bill and to behind the eyes
and the sides of the body, pale bluish gray ; the portion of the cheek patch immediately around and behind the eye, with a
longitudinal streak each side the occiput ; the under parts generally, and the more external tail feathers, white. Feathers
on the fore part of the back, with the scapulars, broadly edged with light reddish brown ; under wing coverts and axillars,
brownish chocolate. No white whatever on the wing.
Male in winter. Differs from summer dress in having the head and neck white to the jugulum and interscapula.r region. The
gray of the cheeks persistent, and a broad patch of black on the sides of the neck behind this. The scapulars are pale pearl
Female. Lacks the long points to the tail and scapulars. The head and neck dusky, with a whitish patch around the eye
and on the sides of the neck behind.
Length, 20.75 ; wing, 8.90 ; tail, 8.00 ; tarsus, 1.38 ; commissure, 1.62. t
Hob. — Along both coasts of North America. Europe.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE POLYSTICTA STELLERI.
List of specimens.
801
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings
Wing.
335
O (J
Carlisle, Pa . . _
May 5 1841
S. F. Baird .- -
306
Q
do
April 24, 1841
do
17.00
28.00
4553
Washington, D. C ......
April 1856
Market
22. 12
30.50
9. 24
9843
New York
F. Ruhl ...
4495
Bhoalwater bay W. T
Jan 8 1855
Lt Williamson
Dr Cooper
8430
Siiuialimoo bay, W. T.
July , 1857
A Campbell
Dr Kennerly .
CH
POLYSTICTA, Eyton.
Polysticta, EYTON, British Birds, 1836. Type rfnas Stelleri, Gm. Sufficiently different from Polysticte, Smith,
1835.
Stelleria, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838. Same type.
J\Iacropus, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 450. (Preoccupied.)
Eniconetta, GRAY, Genera, 1840.
-Bill quite similar to that of Hislrionicus, but rather broader at the tip, which is more abruptly truncate, and with the
nail less prominent. Scapulars slightly curved outwards ; tertials much more so. Tail pointed, about half the wing. Feathers
of head and neck short, and velvet-like. Tail of 14 feathers.
This genus, in many respects, appears most like Hlstrionicus ; the bill, however, is broader
and more truncate ; the nail scarcely distinguishable. The feathers of the cheek extend rather
more forwards, anteriorly. The feet are much smaller in proportion. The feathers of the
head are much shorter, fuller, and more erect. The outward curvature of the tertials is much
greater and more conspicuous, involving to some extent the scapulars. There is much resem
blance in coloration to Lampronetta and Somateria.
POLYSTICTA STELLERI, Eyton.
Steller's Duck.
Anas stelleri, PALLAS, Spicil. Zool. vi, 1765, 80, 35; pi. v.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 518.
Fuligula (Clangula) stdleri, BON. Syn. 1828, 394.
Fuligula (Macropus) stdleri, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 451.
Polysticta stdleri, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 150.— BRANDT, Mem. Acad. St. Pet.; Sc. Nat. VI, 1849, 7.
Eniconetta stelleri, GRAY, Genera.
Somateria stdleri, JARDINE, Br. Birds, IV, 173.
Harelda stelleri, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 1840, 230.
Anas dif par, SPARRMANN, Mus. Carlson. J786, tab. vii, viii. — GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 535.
Fuligula dispar, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds, XII, 206; pi. ii.— Aun. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 253; pi. 430.— IB.
Syn. 293.— IB. Birds, Amer. VI, 1843, 368; pi. 407, (English Sp.)
Stdleria dispar, BON. List, 1838. r
T Anas berengii, GMELTN, I, 1788. 508.
Anas occidua, BONN. Gray.)
Western Duck and llering Duck. PENNANT.
SP. CH. — A large square black patch on the chin. Rest of head silvery white; the forehead and a broad band across the
occiput dark pea green. Circle around the eye, with neck anteriorly as a narrow ring, and extending along the upper surface,
August 19, 1858.
101 b
802
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
glossy dark green, with violet blue reflections, passing behind into blue black, which extends along the middle of the back
to the tail. The body posterior to the tibial region is dull black, this including the crissum, and extending in a browner
shade along the under surface to the jugulum. Anterior to the tibia this brown is bordered laterally and anteriorly by reddish
brown passing gradually into brownish buff, and then almost into white. The greenish collar on the neck is bordered posteriorly
by white, which widens along the sides of the cervical portion. The wing coverts are white; the exposed portion of secondaries,
tertials, and outer scapulars, are silvery white ; the greater portion of outer webs violet blue, and terminated with white ; the
inner scapulars are black, streaked with white. The under wing coverts are mostly white, as are the axillars ; the sides of
breast under the wings are white, with a large spot of greenish black.
The female is dusky throughout; the general tint reddish brown, but the belly and crissurn blackish. The feathers of the
lower neck all round, jugulum, and fore part of back are banded with reddish brown and blackish; those of the Lead less
conspicuously so. The white of the upper surface of body and wings is restricted to the ends of greater coverts and of seconda
ries ; the speculum is less brilliant.
Length, 18.00; wing, 8.00; tarsus, 1.50; commissure, 1.82.
Ilab. — North Eastern Asia. Accidental on northwest coast of America and in Europe.
The occurrence of this beautiful duck on our shores is a matter of much uncertainty, no
specimens actually taken in North America having come to my knowledge. It appears to
inhabit northeastern Asia, especially Kamtschatka and the Kurile islands, and to extend
thence into northern and western Europe. It doubtless visits the northwest coast of America,
where it is said by Bonaparte to be abundant ; with what foundation I do not know.
The pair described was obtained in Norway by Mr. Wolley, the celebrated oologist, and
presented to the Smithsonian Institution by the Norwich Museum, England.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
10197
A
Norway _ _ . .........
Norwich Museum
Mr. Wolley
10196
Q
do. -..-_. ..
March , 1857
do
do
LAMPRONETTA, Brandt.
Lampronetta, BRANDT, Mdm. Acad. St. Pet., 6th series ; Sc. Nat. VI, 1849, (Pub. 1847 ?) 5. Type L. fischeri, Brandt.
CH. — Bill but little elevated at the base, and rather narrowed; shorter than the head. Nail moderate. Lamellae not
extending below the side of bill. Feathers extending on the base of the bill, so as to pass beyond the nostrils on the culnien, and
bounded by a straight line from this point to the angle of the mouth crossing the posterior portion of the nasal fossa. Nostrils
broad, open ; situated above the middle of commissure. Tertials curved outwards over the primaries. Tail short, of 14
feathers.
The characters of this genus, as given by Brandt, indicate a form closely allied to Polysticta
and Somateria. From the former it difiers in larger nasal fossae and the greater extension
along the culmen of the feathers of the forehead, and the obliteration of the upper posterior
angle of the bill. The nail appears much less prominent than in Somateria, and the bill more
depressed ; if, however, the frontal processes of the base of the bill in Somateria were covered
with feathers to a little beyond the nostrils, the resemblance would be very close. There are
also points of considerable affinity to both Harelda and Camptolaemus.
The single species is very similar to the eider and king duck. Its character is as follows:
Back, wing coverts, tertials, and throat, white ; under parts, rump, tail, and primaries; black.
A large black circle or quadrangle round the eye ; the back of the head and nape green. .L. fischeri.
BIRDS — FULIGULINAE — CAMFTOLAEMUS LABRADORIUS. 803
LAMPRONETTA FISCHEEI, Brandt.
Spectacled Eider.
Lampranetta fischeri, BRANDT, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, 6th scries; Sc. Nat. VI, 1849, 10 , pi. 1 $. (Probably
published in 1847.)
Arctonetta fischeri, GRAY, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 212; pi. cviii, <$, Q, and young $ .
SP. OH. — A large sub-circular or sub-quadrangular black outline around the eye, sending a short branch backwards; the space
thus enclosed white tinged with reddish. Feathers about the base of bill tinged with greenish. The space between the black
outlines above, their lower border, and the entire occiput and nape, green. Chin, throat, lower neck, fore part of back, wing
coverts, tertials, and a patch each side of the rump, white. Under parts generally, rump, tail, and primary quills, black ;
bill yellow.
Female brown, with dull dusky blotches or bars. Chin and throat whitish. White eye patch of the male obscurely indicated.
Length 21.20 inches ; wing, 10 inches? ; tarsus, 1.70; commissure, 2.20.
Hal). — Norton sound, Russian America, 63£ N. L.
This fine duck is only known from the descriptions and figures of Brandt and Gray,
mentioned above. All the specimens obtained were found at Norton Sound, Russian America,
latitude 63^°, and doubtless in severe winters the species will be found on our own coast.
CAMPTOLAEMUS, Gray.
Kamptorkynchuf, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838. Not of Cuvier. Type Anas labradora, GM.
Camptolaemits, GRAY, List Genera, 1841. Same type.
CH. — Bill broad, with the edges nearly parallel, but widening towards the tip, this expansion consisting of a tough membrane.
Nostrils in the basal third of the bill as measured from the upper posterior angle. Feathers of cheek extending moderately
forwards, convex anteriorly; those of chin reaching about as far. Bill nearly as long as the head, and considerably exceeding
the tarsus. Feathers of cheeks stiffened and rigid. Tertials straight. Tail rather pointed.
„ The single species of this remarkable genus is almost entirely black and white in its colors.
CAMPTOLAEMUS LABRADORIUS, Gray.
Labrador Duck.
Anas labradoria, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 557.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 859.
Anas labradora, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 91; pi. Ixix.
Anas (Fuliyuld) labradora, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 276.
Faliyula labradora, BON Syn. 1828, 391.— NUTT. Man. II, 428.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 271 ; pi. 332.— IB. Syn.
288.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 329; pi. 400.
JKhynchaspis labradora, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XII, 1824, 121.
Cainptorhyncltus labradorius, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 181. — BON. List.
Camptolaemits lalradorius, GRAY, List Genera, 1841.
Fuliyula yrixea, LEIB, J. A. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, 1840, 170. Young.
Pied duck, PENN. II, 594.
SP. CH. — Bill black ; yellowish along the base and a little in front of nostrils. Central Hue along the vertex, a ring around
the lower part of the neck, extended broadly behind and above along the median line, and then continuous with the iuterscapular
region, lower part of back and rump, with the entire under parts and sides, black. Head and neck, a half collar below the
black ring, and the sides of the jugulum, scapulars, axillars, and entire wing on both sides, excepting the primaries, white; the
primaries plumbeous black. The scapulars and tertials tinged with lead gray on some of the inner webs, the tertials externally
margined narrowly with black.
Female entirely plumbeous gray ; more dusky beneath. Wing without white on the upper coverts and scapulars; the tertials
hoary plumbeous.
Length, 2:5.75; wing, 8.80; tarsus, l.GO; commissure, 2.50.
Hal. — Northeastern coast of North America.
804 U. S P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
1972
2733
Sex. Locality.
Whence obtained. Collected by —
c? North Atlantic | S. F. Baird J. J. Audubon.
Q do j do : do
OIDEMIA, Fleming.
Oidemia, FLEMING, " Philos. Zool. 1822." Type Anas 7!?yr«, LINN.
CH. — Bill much swollen at base, the terminal portion much depressed and very broad. Nail broad, occupying the terminal
portion of the bill. Nostrils situated anterior to the middle of the commissure. Feathers of the chin running forwards as far
as the nostrils. Color black, with or without small patches of white.
The scoters or black sea ducks, although differing in the character of the bill to a certain ,
extent, have yet so close a relationship that it may be questioned whether there is any
foundation for generic divisions. For greater convenience in indicating these variations in the
form of the bill, I shall at any rate consider the sections as sub-genera of Oidemia. The group
Oidemieae of Bonaparte corresponds to Oidemia as characterized above.
A. Feathers extending forward in the forehead nearly to the posterior border of nostrils, and
for nearly or quite half the length of the lateral edge of bill ; nostrils broad and open.
MELANEITA, Boie.1 — Feathers extending nearly as far forward on the sides of bill as above,
leaving the edges only free from the base. Bill very broad ; nail broad and almost
truncate.
Male. Bill black at base and edges, red at tip ; a small white patch around the
eye and large white wing speculum, female brown, with the white speculum
on wing; sides of head whitish; bill black M. velvetina.
PELIONETTA, Kaup.2 — Feathers not extending on sides of bill at all. Nail pointed
anteriorly. Colors black, with a triangular white patch on top of head and another
on nape. Bill red, with a rounded black lateral spot at base.
Patch on top of head large, extending between posterior outline of eyes. Nostrils
very open, rather obtuse anteriorly. Frontal feathers extending half the length
of edge of bill, and to posterior border of nostrils P. perspicillata.
Patch on top of head much anterior to the eyes and very small. Frontal feathers
extending for two-fifths the length of edge of bill, not as far as the nostrils,
which are more linear and acute anteriorly than in the last P. troivbridgii.
B. Feathers of the forehead scarcely extending on the base of bill at all ; the nostrils situated
about midway between their anterior border and the tip of bill. Nail rather acute anteriorly.
OIDEMIA, Fleming.3 — Color entirely black. Bill black on edges and end ; swollen basal
portion red 0. americana.
1 Melanitta, BOIE, Ids, 1822. — Maceranas, LESSON, Man. II, 1828, 414. Type Anasfusca, LINN.
a Pehonetta, KAUP, Entw. Europ. Thiorw. 1829. Type Anas perspicillata, L.
3 Oidetnia, FLEMING, Philos. Zool. 1822. Tjpe Anas nigra, L.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE MELANETTA VELVETINA.
805
A fifth species of Oidemia, probably a Pelionetta, if distinct, is mentioned at the end of the
others as copied from the account of Herbert. If really Pelionetta, its diagnosis would be bill
black ; secondaries and eye patch white as in Melanetta.
MELANETTA VELVETINA, Baird.
Velvet Duck; White-winged Coot.
•Anas fusca, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 137 ; pi. Ixxii. Not of Linnaeus.
Anas (Fuligula) fusca, BoN.Obs. 1825, No. 266.
Fuligula (Oidemia) fusca, BON. Syn. 1828, 390.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 419.
Oidemia fvsca, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 449.
Fuligula fusca, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 454 ; pi. 247.— IB. Syn. 1839, 280.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 332;
pi. 401.
Oidemia velvelina, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct. 1850, 12G.
Oidemia deglandii, BON. Rev. Crit. Orn. Dcgland, 1850, 108.— IB. Comptes Rendus, XXXVIII, 1854, Notes Orn.
Delattre, 94.
i
Melanetta deglandii, BON. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Double macreuse d'Jlmerique, DEGI.AND, Orn. Europ. II, 1849, 474.
gPt CH — J\Iale. Bill very broad, wider towards the tip than at the base ; feathers extending faralong the side of the bill, and
on the forehead, for nearly half the commissure, running in an obtuse point about as far forward as the lower corner of the
outline of feathers on the side, both reaching nearly to the posterior border of the large, open, nearly rounded nostrils ; culmen
horizontal a little beyond the frontal feathers, then abruptly bent downwards, nearly perpendicularly, to the mucli depressed,
nearly horizontal portion ; a sharp indented ridge along the base of culmen, ending in a trihedral tubercle. Color black ; a
white elongated patch around and a little behind the eye, and a large white speculum on the wing composed of white secondaries
and tips of greater coverts ; bill black at base arid lateral edges ; red elsewhere.
Female somewhat similar, but lighter beneath ; a large whitish patch on the side of the head behind the eye, but none around
it ; wings with white speculum, somewhat as in the male ; bill also similar, but less swollen and elevated at base. Length,
21.50 inches; wing, 11.30 ; tarsus, 2. 08 ; commissure, 2.82.
Hub. — Along both coasts of North America, to the north.
The dates of publication of Oidemia velvetina of Cassin, and of 0. deglandii of Bonaparte, are
so near together as to render it difficult to say which should have priority. I have, however,
taken Mr. Cassin's as being more in harmony with a common vernacular name.
The difference of the American Velvet Duck from the European 0. fusca according to
Degland, Ornith. Europ. (II, 474,) consists in the greater extension of the feathers of the
forehead over the bill, causing it to appear shorter. The white spot of the lower eyelid is also
much larger, and more triangular in shape.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
VYhen col- Whi-nce obtained,
loctt-d.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretcli
ofwings.
Wing. Remarks.
1
905
n
Dec. , 1842 S. F. Haird
19.75
36 . 00
10 16 . .
9851
Presidio, (near S. Fra'co)
!,t. Trowbridge . .
4519
9850
Bodega, Cat
Jan. — , 1855 l,t. Troxvliridge..
T. A. Szabo...
9852
3
Mouth of Columbia....
Mar. 2,1854 (iov. Stevens
56
L)r. Cooper . . .
21.50
38.00
9853
o
do
Mar. 9, 1854 do
59
do
21.25
38 00
black and purple.
4405
4573
9
Puget's Sound, W. T...
Fort Steilacooiii
April 5, 1855 Dr. Sucklcy
Feb. 6, 185(5 do
188
214
22.25
39.25
black and purple.
12.00
Iris white
4575
do
! do
3 12
•23. 00
38.75
11.50
457(i
r?
do
Feb. 1, 1850 do
211
22.50
39.00
11.50
806
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PELIONETTA PERSPICILLATA, Kaup.
Surf Duck; Sea Coot.
Anas perspicillata, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 201.— FORST. Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383.— GMELIN, I, 524.—
LATH, Ind. II, 1790, 847.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 49 ; pi. Ixvii.
Mdanilta p erspicilla'a, BoiE.Isis, 1822, 564. — EYTON. Mon. Anat. 1838, 146.
Anas (Fuligula) perspicillata, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 265.
Fulicula (Oidcmia) perspicillata, BON. Syn. 1828, 389. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 416.
Oidemia perspicillata, FLEMING, Philos. Zool. 1822? — SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 449. — MACGIL. Man. II, 181,
Am. Sp.— BON. List, 1838.
" Pelionetta perspicillata, KAUP," REICH. Icones Av. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
Fuligula perspicillata, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 161; pi. 317.— IB. Syn. 289.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 337 ;
pi. 402.
Black Duck, Pennant, II, 556.
Sp. CH. — Male. Tail of 14 feathers. Bill but little longer than the head, the feathers extending forward half way from the
base to the tip, and opposite the posterior border of the nostril ; the bill abruptly decurved or gibbous anterior to the end of the
feathers ; nostrils open, nearly semicircular or stirrup shaped, the straight portion of the outline antero-inferior ; sides of bill
swollen at the base so as to be further apart above than below.
Color, entirely black throughout, with a greenish lustre above, duller beneath ; a triangular white patch on the top of head,
the base extending between the posterior outline of the eye and reaching forward to a point a little beyond the posterior line of
the bill, the outlines rounded laterally and anteriorly ; the patch is separated from the eye by a narrow superciliary black space.
There is a second triangular white patch beginning on the nape as a straight line the width of the other patch and running
backwards for more than two inches. These triangular spaces are thus base to base.
Female. Bill as long as that of the male, but not swollen at the base, where the sides approach each other above ; the feathers
of forehead do not extend one third the distance from base to tip of bill ; the middle of nostril not quite as far as the middle of
the bill ; nostrils linear, acutely pointed anteriorly.
Color brown ; lighter »n the neck. Sides and beneath the under surface of the body whitish. An obscure whitish patch at
the base of the bill, and another on the side of the head behind the eyes.
Length of male, 19.00; wing, 9.40 ; tarsus, 1.63 ; commissure, 2.37.
Hob. — On and near seacoast of North America, quite far louth in winter. Accidental in Europe.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex&
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretcli
Wing.
Remarks.
Ne.
age.
lected.
No.
ofwings.
913
$
1719
oO
Carlisle1 Pa
Oct. 12,1844
do
17.75
31.00
8 80
6904
Nelson river, II.B.T
D. Gunn
Jno. Isbister
9856
Presidio, (near San Francisco)
Lt. Trowbridge...
T. A. Szabo
9858
do
do
9856
Bodega, Cal
Feb. — ,1855
do
do
White eye ring. . .
9862
3
Shoahvater bay
April 28, 1854
Gov. Stevens.
66
Dr. Cooper
20.00
33.00
Iris white
9550
Mud bay, Puget's Sound, W.T.
Nov. 29, L857
A. Campbell
78
18.50
29.00
7 50
577
Fort Steilacoom, W.T
Dr. Buckley
21.60
34.00
9553
Sirnialimoo bay, W.T. ........
Oct. 14
A. Campbell
56
Dr. Kennerly
9551
3
do
Nov. 30,1858
do
do
PELIONETTA TROWBEIDGII, Baird.
Long-billed Scoter.
Sp. CH. — Male. Bill decidedly longer than the head, the frontal feathers extending over two-fifths its entire length from base
to tip, and falling considerably behind the posterior border of the nostril. Nostrils open, but rather elongated and running out
anteriorly in an acute point. Culmen sloping gently from the base and in a straight line with the forehead to the nail.
BIRDS FULIGULINAE — OIDEM1A AMERICANA.
807
Color entirely black with a greenish gloss above ; a very small triangular white patch on the forehead reaching forward to the
beginning of the bill, the posterior extremity considerably anterior to the eye ; a very broad triangular white patch on the nape,
the feathers much longer and softer than elsewhere. Length 23.00 ; wing, 9.80 ; tarsus, 1.80 ; commissure, 2.72.
flab. — Coast of southern California in winter.
This species is much like 0. perspicillata, but is larger. The bill is more like that of the
female 0. perspicillata than of the male. It is longer and rather narrower, less swollen at the
base. The frontal feathers do not extend so far forward, falling considerably behind the nostrils.
The culmen is in a line with the forehead to the end of nostrils, instead of descending abruptly.
The nostrils are narrower, more elongate and acute anteriorly. The white patch on the head
is very much smaller and anterior to the eye, instead of coming back to the line of the posterior
canthus. The nuchal patch is larger, broader, fuller and softer.
List of specimens.
Catal. ' Sex.
No. !
Locality. ! When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
9860 $
San Diego, Cal 1853
Lie tit . Tro wbridge - .
A Cassidy
20. 00
30. 00
9861 $
do
.do
do
9859 ?' 9 ?
do
Lieut. Williamson...
OIDEMIA AMERICANA, Swain son.
Scoter.
Anas niara, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 135; pi Ixxii. Not of Linnaeus.
Anas (Futigula) nigra, BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 267.
Fuligula (Oidemia) nigra, BON. Syn. 1828, 390.
Oidemia americana, SWAINSON, F. Bur. Am. II, 1831, 450. — BON. List, 1838.
Melanetta americana, EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 144.
Fuligula americana, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 117; pi. 408.— IB. Syn. 290.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 343; pi. 403.
SP. CH. — Male, Tail of sixteen feathers. Bill much swollen on the basal third; the basal portion of culinen convex and
rapidly descending; the terminal portion of bill much depressed; the anterior extremity of nostrils half way from the lateral
or upper feathers at the base of bill to the tip. The swelling at base of bill divided by a furrow along the median line. The
frontal feathers extend slightly forward in an obtuse point. Bill of female not very dissimilar, lacking the swelling at the base.
Color entirely black all over, without any white. Bill black along the edges and tip ; the swollen basal portion red to beyond
the nostrils.
Female. Brown ; lighter on sides of head, throat, and under surface of body, where the feathers have each an obscure dusky
spot.
Length, 23.80 ; wing, 9.20; tarsus, 1.78; commissure, 2.14.
Ilab. — Seacoast of North America.
According to Degland, (Orn. Europ. II, 472,) the American scoter differs from the European
in having the bill broader, the gibbosity less elevated, wider, and entirely orange from the
frontal feathers to the nostrils : while in A. nigra the yellow begins only at the base of the
tuberosity, surrounds the nostrils, and occupies only the centre of the middle portion of the
-bill. The basal protuberance, too, in the American bird is single, with a median sinuosity ;
while in the European it is formed by two hemispheres, separated by a furrow.
808 U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND 8URVEYS — ZOOLOGY— GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Stretch ; Wing,
of wings, i
-f
•
S. F. Baird
I
o
Dec , 1842
...do
19. 00
1
33.00 j 9.00
4574
Fort Steilacoom, W. T
Dr. Sucklcy
21.50
36.25 9.75
OIDEMIA (PELIONETTA) BIMACULATA, Baird.
Huron Scoter.
Fuligula bimaculata, HERBERT, Field Sports U. S. 2d ed. II, 1848, 366. With wood-cut figure.
SP. CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Nostrils nearer to the tip than to the angle of the mandibles hy nearly one-fifth.
Feathers advancing on the top of the bill for about one-third its length.
Bill bluish black; iris brown ; legs and feet dusky crimson. General color sooty black. Forehead, encroaching on the upper
mandible, dull brownish black ; chin, throat, and upper breast, dark cinereous gray. Belly and vent lighter than the breast, and
more silvery. Under tail coverts and beneath the tail dark dingy gray. Under wing coverts dark cinereous gray. Secondaries
enowy white. A dingy white patch anterior to the eye, and occupying the whole insertion of the upper mandible from the front
downwards. Posterior and slightly inferior to the eye is a larger and brighter white spot, of an elongated and acute oval form
ruuning towards the nape. Female generally similar, but more dingy ; more silvery gray beneath. Legs and feet dusky orange.
Size less.
Length, 18.50; bill along gape, 2.20; from extremity of front to tip, 1.50; wing, 10.50; extent, 24.50; tarsus, 1.60; middle and
outer toe, 2.90 ; inner toe, 2.50 ; weight, 2J pounds.
Hab. — Lake Huron and adjacent waters in fall and winter.
In the preceding description, condensed from the original account by Herbert, (Frank
Forester,) will be found a notice of a scoter, supposed by him to be new. If the bird described
were really an adult, there can be no question as to it being a fifth species of American Oidemia.
The shape of bill is like that of Pelionetta perspicillata, but diifers in being black throughout
instead of red. The colors of body are more those of Melanetta velvetina, in the white seconda
ries, and white patch behind the eye, and in the absence of the white patches on top of head
and on the nape of P. perspicillata.
The only reason to suspect immaturity is on account of the absence of the continuous and
velvet black color all over the body, except where relieved by white, so characteristic of all
adult males of the genus Oidemia. Still this would not explain the combination of the bill of
Pelionetta with the colors of Melanetta, the former never having white secondaries. A hybrid
between the two might possibly account for this union, but in the large number of specimens
referred to by Herbert this is not likely to have been the case.
SOMATERIA, Leach.
Samateria, LEACH, in FLEMING'S Philos. Zool. 1822. Type Anas mollissima, L.
CH. — Bill much compressed, tapering to the tip; the nail enormously large, and forming the terminal portion of the bill, and
much decurved. The feathers of forehead advancing forward in an acute long point, separating on each side a frontal extension
or linear process, or the feathers of the cheek may be said to extend a considerable distance along the commissural edge of the
bill. Nostrils situated anterior to the middle of the commissure. Tail rather pointed, but short ; of 14 feathers.
BIRDS — FULIGULINAE — SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. 809
In giving the two well known species of this genus, I add a third, recently described by Gr.
R. Gray, from the northwest coast of North America.
Common characters. — Colors white and black; head with a gloss of emerald green ; belly,
rump, and tail, black.
White. Belly, rump, quills, and stripe on each side of head above eyes, black. Frontal
process on each side nearly in line with culmen ; rounded behind S. mollissima.
Similar to last ; with a V-shaped black mark on chin S. V-nigra-
Black. Body and neck anterior to shoulders, middle coverts, inside of wing, patch on each
side the rump, white. Plead above and nape bluish ash. Margin of frontal process and a
V-shaped mark on chin black. Frontal process of bill on each side bent abruptly upwards, out
of line with culmen, and sub-rectangular „ JS. spedabilis.
SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA, Leach.
Eider Duck.
Anas mollissima, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 198.— GMELIN, I, 514.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 845.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII'
1814, 122; pi. Ixxi.
Somateria mollissima, LEACH, Fleming, Philos. Zool. 1822 ?— SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 448.— BON. List, 1838.—
BRANDT, Mem. Ac. St. PeD. Sc. Nat. VI, 1849, 5.
Anas (Fuligula} mollissima, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 244.
Fuliyula (Somateria) mollissima, BON. Syn. 1828, 388. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 407.
Platypus mollissimus, BRKHM.
Fuligula mollitsima, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 344 : V, 611, pi. 246.— IB. Syn, 291.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 349 ;
pi. 405.
Anas cuthbertii, PALLAS.
Somateria St. cuthbertii, ETTON, MOD. Anat. 1838, 149.
Eider, or Cuthbert Duck, PENNANT.
SP. CH. — Tail of 14 feathers. Prevailing color white ; the under surface and sides of body, hinder part of back, rump, and
tail, black. Wings white on both surfaces, except the quills, which are black. Narrow margin inferiorly of the frontal process
of bill and the forehead violet black, this color bifurcating opposite the middle of the eye, and continued broadly on each side
the head to the nape, the color extending a little below the eye ; the white below and behind the black glossed with traniparent
emerald green ; the interspace white. Length, 2fi; wing, 11.24; tarsus, 1.82; commissure, 2.53.
Hob. — Atlantic and Arctic coasts of northern hemisphere ; Pacific coast N. A. ?
There is a faint tinge of purplish cream color in the white, especially conspicuous on the
breast and wings. The black of the back and belly is separated by white on the flanks.
The tertials have a slight outward bend, but much less than in S. spectabilis. The frontal
process of the bill is elongated and rounded behind, and about in a line with the culmen.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
480
August 2O,
102 b
Sex.
Locality. Whence obtained.
North Atlantic ., . S. F. Baird
810 U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SOMATEEIA V-NIGRA, Gray.
Pacific Eider.
Somateria V-nigra, GRAY, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1855, 212 ; pi. evil. Kotzbue Sound, NW. coast of Am.
gp_ £H Similar to S. mollissima, but larger, and with a V-shaped black mark on chin, as in S. spectabilis. The white longitu
dinal mark on the top of the head narrower than in mollissima ; the black less rounded posteriorly. The bill of male is orange
yellow, with white nail; of female dusky green. Feet brownish yellow.
Hob.— Kotzbue Sound, NW. coast of America.
The above description, (taken from G. R. Gray,) refers to a well marked species which
appears to replace the common eider on our northwest coast. It is essentially an eider, in
all respects, with the black V-shaped marks on the chin seen in the king duck. The female
is brown, as in the eider.
SOMATEEIA SPECTABILIS, Leach.
King Eider.
Anas spectabilis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 195. — GMELIN, I, 567.
Somateria spectabilis, LEACH, Flem. Philos. Zool. 1822?— SWAINS. F. Bor. Am. IL.M831, 447.— BON. List. 1838.—
Ei TON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 148.— BRANDT, Mem. Ac. St. Pet. Sc. Nat. vi, Ser. VI, 1849, 5.
Fuligula (Somateria) spectabilis, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 389. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 414.
Fuligula spectabilis, Aun. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 523; pi. 276.— IB, Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 347.
pi. 404.
King Duck, PENNANT, II, 554.
gp- CH. — Body and wings black; the portion anterior to the shoulder joint, interscapular region in part, most of neck and
throat, white ; the jugulum with a creamy tinge. A narrow border to the frontal processes of the bill and their interspace.
Small space round the eye and a V-shaped mark on the chin black. Top of head and nape bluish ash, slightly spotted with
black. Midddle wing coverts, tips of secondaries, axillars, and most of under surface of wing, with a patch on each side of the
rump, white. Sides of head glossed with transparent emerald green.
The scapulars have the black tinged with slate.
Length, 21.50 ; wing, 10,70; tarsus, 1.86; commissure, 2.53.
Bab. — Arctic regions of northern hemisphere. Pacific coast. ?
I have not at hand the female of either this species or the eider. They differ in being chiefly
brown.
The tertials in this species are bent outwards, so that the points project beyond the edge of
the wing, about the middle of the outer primary. The frontal process of the bill is dilated and
nearly quadrilateral ; it is bent abruptly upwards, so as to be out of line with the culmen. The
nostrils are large, oval, and open.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
1973
$
North Atlantic
S. F. Baird
BIRDS ERISMATURINAE — ERISMATURA RUBIDA.
811
Sub-Family ERISMATURINAE.
The most prominent character of the Erismaturinae is found in the very rigid tail feathers
with the much abbreviated coverts, which leave the greater portion of the tail exposed. There
are peculiarities in the nail at the end of the bill in Erismatura not found in the other sub-families.
ERISMATURA, Bonap.
Oxyura, BONAP. Syn. 1828. Type Anas rulida. Sufficiently distinct from Oxyurus, ? Type Anas leucocephala, Scop.
Erismatura, BONAP. Saggio, etc., 1832.
CH. — Bill broad, rather high at the base, much depressed, and bent upwards. Upper lateral angle of bill running back on
the forehead some distance; farther than the lower edge of the bill. Nostrils reaching to the middle of the bill, rather small.
Portion of nail seen from above very narrow and linear; bent abruptly downwards and backwards at the tip so as to be
invisible from the upper surface. Tarsi very short, scarcely more than one-third the long feet. Tail very stiff; of 18 feathers.
The coverts above and below very much abbreviated, so as to expose the greater part of the tail. The feathers narrow,
linear. The shafts very large, and channelled on the under surface near the base. Wings very short, and incurved at the end.
Of this genus there are several species belonging to America, although but one is well
established as an inhabitant of the United States. Dr. Cabot, however, has recently announced
the occurrence of the E. dominica on Lake Champlain.
Comparative measurements of species.
o
CJ
•s
«
o.
£ .
C3
Species.
Locality.
X!
— be
.
a
o
Ml
.-; a-'
Specimen
1
K
Be
C
.5
'3
•3
O
C jSJ
measured.
o
03
^
02
*
H
*"
3
M
«
"^
315
Erismatura rubida
Carlisle, Pa
$
16.00
5.80
3.64
1.26
2.52
0.36
1.62
1.80
1.86
Skin
118-1
do
O
15.00
5.80
3.56
1.26
2.50
0.34
1.68
1.80
1.82
Skin
do.
do
15.00
23.75
6.00
Fresh
EKISMATUKA KUBIDA, Bonap.
Ruddy Duck.
jJnos rubida, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 128, 130 ; pi. Ixxxi.
Jlnas (Fuligula) rubida, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 268.
Fuligula (Oxyura) rubida, BON. Syn. 1828, 390.
Fuligula (Gymnura) rubida, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 426.
Fuligula rubida, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 455.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,326; pi. 343.— IB. Syn. 288.— IB.
Birds Am. VI, 1843, 324 ; pi. 399.
Erismatura rubida, BONAP. List, 1838. — EYTON, Mon. Anat. 1838, 171.
rfnasjamaicensis, "LATH." — ORD, ed. Wilson, VIII, 1825, 138.
Sp. CH. — Bill grayish blue. Top of head and nape black. Sides of head below the eyes, with the chin, pure opaque white.
Lower part of neck all round, and the entire upper parts, with upper portion of sides, chestnut red. Under parts generally
lustrous grayish white, with an occasional brownish tinge ; crissum pure white ; wings brown, without speculum, finely and
almost inappreciably sprinkled with gray ; tail nearly black.
Female with the entire upper parts dark brown ; the back and wing coverts finely sprinkled with grayish. The under parts
brownish white, tinged with greenish brown across the lower part of neck. The brown of the head comes down below the
level of the eye, and there is an obscure dusky stripe parallel with its lower outline, from the commissure.
Length, 16.00 ; wing, 5.80 ; tarsus, 1.26 ; commissure, 1.80.
Hab. — Whole of North America. Abundant throughout the interior.
The continuity of the white of the under parts is interrupted by the occasional appearance
of the basal brown of the feathers, owing to the shortness of the white tip, which thus gives rise
to the appearance of dusky transverse bands.
812
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Sometimes the females have the upper parts waved transversely with hrownish yellow.
Generally there is no white on the wings, hut in one specimen from San Pasqual the secondaries
and the greater tail coverts are narrowly tipped with white.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing
Remarks.
No.
lected.
.
No.
ofwings.
Carlisle Pa . .
Oct. 26,1843
S. F. Baird
15 00
93 7S
6 00
315
do
Oct. 27,1843
do
15.50 23.00
r?
April — 1856
228 !
5470
Oct. —,1856
Lieut. Warren....
Or. Havrien .
13 50 21.00
5 75
4635
White river, Nob
May —,1855
Col. A. Vaughan.
do
8635
Q
100 m. eastofLaramie..
Oct. 10,1857
Wm. M. Magravv.
217
Dr. Cooper. ..
15.00
23.00
5.75
Iris brown, bill black, feet
black.
6138
Crossing of Pecos, N. M
Jan. 10,1855
97
0848
.....
Janos, Mcx
April— ,1H55
Maj. Emory
65
Dr. Kennerly.
i
9847
San Pasqual. Cal
NOT. 21,1854
...do...
10
A. Schott...
4607
do
15 SO
22 00
6 00
feet gray.
9846
Bodega, Cal
Dec. —,1854
Lieut. Trowbridge
T. A. Szabo
Sub-Family MERGINAE.
CH. — Bill very slender, narrow, compressed, terminated by a conspicuous nail. Edges much serrated, the serrations
projecting. Tarsi much compressed ; the scales anteriorly large and transverse, becoming smaller and smaller on the sides and
behind. Tail feathers 18 in North American species.
The Merginae or fishing ducks are represented in the United States hy three well established
species, placed by modern systematists in as many genera. Two of these, however, are so
nearly alike that I prefer to consider them as the same ; the third is sufficiently distinct. The
Mtrgus albellus of Europe is scarcely entitled to a place in our fauna.
The genera adopted may easily he recognized by the following characters :
MERGUS. — Most of bill red. Serrations acute, recurved. Tarsi two-thirds the length of
middle toe. Head with a depressed crest.
LOPHODYTES. — Bill black. Serrations oblique. Tarsi half the middle toe. Head with an erect
vertical crest.
Comparative measurements of species.
Catal .
No.
Species.
Locality.
VI
JS
c
Stretcll of
wings.
I
i
Tarsus.
V 1 fe
f IS
2 ' -
S |5
Bill ahove,
from feath
ers.
Along gape.
c
'2
Specimen
measured.
1304
Mergus americanus
Carlisle, Pa
$
10.86
4-86
1.84
2.76 0.40
2.07
2.90
2. £4
Skin
do
do
26.50
38 25
11.00
873
do
do
9
21.00
9.70
4.80
1.72
2.48 0.35
1.90
2.33
2.10
Skin
do
do
do
23.25
33 50
9.75
311
do
*
22 50
8 60
4 00
1 80
2 65 0 48
2 24
2.76
2 30
Skin .
do
do
do
23 25
33 00
Fresh
8679
do
Cape Florida
9
9.10
3.96
1.74
2.56 0.36
2.18
2.56
2.34
Skin
do
20 00
31 50
9 00
Fresh ....
1311
Lophodytes cucullatus
Carlisle, Pa
a
17.00
7.90
4.26
1.20
2.20 0.34
1.50
1.98
1.70
Skin
do
do
17 50
26.25
7 32
Fresh
1306
do
do
0
16 30
7.30
4 14
1 02
1 96 0 28
1 48
1 86
1 66
gkin
do
do
17 50
25.00
7 40
Fresh . . .
2,19
do
do
9
15.10
7.10
4.12
1.20
2.06 0.32
1.43
1.76
1.60
Skin
BIRDS — MERGINAE MERGliS AMER1CANUS. 813
MERGUS, Linnaeus.
Mergus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. Type M. castor, L.
CH. — Bill longer than the head, mostly red ; serrations conical, acute, recurved. Crest occipital, pointed, or depressed.
Tarsus about two-thirds the middle toe. Tail about half the length of wings.
The two North American species of this genus are very differently marked, though the females
are quite similar. In external form they differ considerably from Lopliodytes cucullatus, and
to a less extent among themselves. The difference is chiefly in the position of the nostril, and
the outline of the feaihers at the base of the bill, as well as in the shape of the crest.
The species may he briefly characterized as follows:
Nostril near the middle of the bill ; the frontal feathers extending much beyond the lateral.
Head without conspicuous crest. Head and neck green. Beneath salmon colored. Sides
without transverse bars. Wing white from the extreme bend, crossed by one black bar.
M. americanus.
Nostril towards the base of bill. Lateral feathers extending beyond the frontal. Head with
pointed occipital crest. Head and upper part of neck green ; jugulum light reddish brown,
streaked with black ; feathers in front of elbow white, margined with black. Sides finely
barred transversely with black. Edge of wing brown ; its white crossed by two black bars.
M. serrator.
MERGUS AMERICANUS, Gas sin.
Goosander; Sheldrake; Fish Duck.
Mergus merganser, WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 68; pi. Ixviii. Not of Linnaeus.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 248.—
DOUGHTY, Cab. I, 1830, 109 ; pi. x.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 461.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834,
460.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 261 ; pi. 331.— IB. Syn. 1839, 297.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
387; pi. 411.
Mergus americanus, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, 1853, 187.
Merganser castor, var. A. americanus, BON. Comptes Rendus XLIII, 1856.
SP. CH. — Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in an acute angle for half the distance between those on the sides
and the nostiil ; outline of those on the sides nearly vertical and reaching but little beyond the beginning of lower edge of bill,
but as far as those on the side of lower jaw. Nostril large, far forward, its middle opposite the middle of ihf. commissure.
Male. Head without conspicuous crest. Head and neck green. Fore part of back black; beneath salmon color. Wings
mostly white, crossed by one band of black. Sides scarcely barred transversely.
Female. Head with a compressed occipital crest. Head and neck chestnut. Above ashy; beneath salmon colored. White
of greater coverts with a terminal bar of ashy, (sometimes wanting;) the black of base of secondaries entirely concealed.
Outer tertials ash.
Lcng'h, 26.50; wing, 11.00 ; tarsus, 1.84 ; commissure, 2.90.
Hab. — Whole of North America.
Head without conspicuous crest, though one is visible in life. Head and most of neck all
round very dark green ; rest of neck and the body generally, except the upper part, creamy
white, deepening to salmon red beneath. Lower part of back, rump, and tail feathers,
plumbeous. Fore part of back, interscapular region, and inner scapulars, black. Axillars,
inside of wings, coverts, most of secondaries, and tertials, with the outer scapulars, creamy
white; the greater coverts black at the base, forming a black bar and the tertials narrowly
814
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
edged, externally, with the same. The primaries and outer secondaries are black ; the latter
tipped with paler.
The female has a compressed occipital and nuchal crest ; the head and neck chestnut brown ;
the chin yellowish white ; the upper parts entirely bluish gray ; the under parts like the male.
The white on the wing is confined to the secondaries and the greater coverts, which are black at
the base and brown at the end, producing a bar. The tertials are entirely plumbeous. The
brown bar at the end of the greater coverts is sometimes wanting, leaving the speculum white.
According to Mr. Oassin the American " sheldrake," or goosander, differs from the European
in having the prolonged feathers of the head almost restricted to the occiput and neck behind,
while in the other species they begin almost at the base of the bill, and are erectile and crest-
like. On the greater wing coverts of the American bird there is always an exposed and
conspicuous bar of black, which in the European is entirely concealed by the lesser coverts.
Bonaparte says that the bill of the American species is shorter and thicker.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1304
879
5473
5140
5139
9878
9881
9880
4413
9879
9877
S
Q
9
Carlisle Pa
Mar. 21, 1844
Nov. 25, 1843
Aug. 16, 1856
Nov. 19, 1855
Nov. 17, 1855
Oct. 20, 1853
Mar. — , 1855
Dtc. 9, 1853
Jan. 7, 1855
S. F. Baird
26.50
23.25
38.25
83,50
11.00
9.75
do
Yellowstone river
do
Dona Ana, N.M.
St. Mary's Mission, R. nits.
Boca Grande, Mexico....
do
160
Dr. Suckley ...
26.50
38.50
12.00
Feet red, bill red and
black, eyes black.
0
......
's
33
Gov. Stevens. ...
Dr. Suckley
155^
Dr. Cooper
Bill and feet vermilion..
Fort Dalle-;, O T....
...rio..
Fort Steilacoom
April — , 1854 Gov. Stevens
68
MEEGUS SERRATOR, Linn.
Red-breasted Merganser.
Mergus serrator, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 208.— GM. I, 546.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 81 ; pi. Ixix.— BON. Obs.
1825, No. 249.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 462.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 463.— EYTON, Mon.
1838, 175.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 92; pi. 401.— IB. Syn. 298.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 395;
pi. 412.
Merganser serrator, STKPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool, XII, 1824, 165. — BON. List, 1838.
Mergus cristatus and serratus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 23.
SP. CH. — Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in a short obtuse angle, and falling far short of the end of those on the
sides ; the outline of the latter sloping rapidly forwards, and reaching halfway from the posterior end of the lower edge of bill
to the nostiils, and far beyond those on the side of lower jaw. Nostrils narrow, posterior ; their posterior outline opposite the
end of basal third of commissure.
Male. Head with conspicuous pointed occipital crest. Head and upper part of neck, all around, dark green ; under parts
reddish white. Jugulurn reddish brown, streaked with black. Sides conspicuously barred transversely with fine lines of black.
Feathers anterior to wing, white, margined with black. White of wing crossed by two bars of black.
Female. Head with compressed occipital crest; chestnut brown. Body above ash; beneath reddish white. The black at base
of secondaries exposed; outer tertials white, edged with black.
Length, 23.25 ; wing, 860; tarsus, 1.8!) ; commissure, 2.76.
Hub Whole o North America and Europe.
BIRDS — MERGINAE — LOPHODYTES.
815
Head with an elongated slender occipital crest. Head and upper part of neck dark green,
turning to black below and behind. Best of neck and under parts generally cream white.
Jugulum and sides of neck below light brownish red, streaked with black. Sides of body
beneath wings sharply undulated transversely with white and black ; the concealed portion of
back mottled with black and gray. Feathers just before the bend of wing, white, margined
sharply with black ; the fore part of back, interscapulars, and inner long scapulars, with the
primary quills, black. Wing coverts, secondaries, outer scapulars, and tertials, white ; the
wing showing two black bars across the base of the greater coverts and secondaries ; the tertials
edged externally with black.
Female with the head and neck above chestnut, tinged above with ashy ; the upper parts
bluish ash ; the lower white. The white on the wing is confined to the ends of the greater
coverts and of the secondaries ; their basal portions black. There is no visible dark bar, as the
coverts have none at their tips, and cover the basal black of the secondaries. The outer tertials
are whitish, edged externally with black.
There is not the slightest difficulty in distinguishing the adult male birds of this species from
M. americanus. The females likewise are very similar, but differ in the specific character of
the bill. The colors are much the same. The greater coverts in M. serrator lack the terminal
brown bar, while the black at the base of the secondaries is more extended, often showing
externally, while in the other the dark bar is on the tips of the greater coverts ; the basal black
of the secondary quills more concealed. The outer tertials are mostly white, edged externally with
black, instead of being plain bluish ash. The size is much less.
List of specimens.
fatal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
ofwings.
311
(J
Carlisle, Pa
April 24, 1841
8 F. Baird
23.25
33.00
8679
A
Nov. 16,1857
20 00
31.50
9.00
69C2
Nelson river, H.B.T
D. Gunn
9883
San Diego, Cal
L,t. Trow bridge
9885
do
do
A. Cassidy
9882
5
San Francisco
Lt. Williamson
Dr. Newberry
9887
Hodega, Cal
Mar. —,1855
Lt. Trowbridge
F. A. Szabo
Eye rings rose red
9884
LOPHODYTES, Reich.
Lophodytes, REICH. Syst. Av. 1852, p. Lx.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, black. Serrations compressed, low, short, inserted obliquely on the edge of bill ; the point
truncated, and not recurved nor acute. Tail more than half the wings. Tarsi short ; half the feet. Head with a much
compressed, vertical, circular, and erect crest.
But a single species of this genus is known to naturalists.
816
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS, Reich.
Hooded Merganser.
Mergus cucullatus, LINS. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 207.— GMELUV, I, 541.— WH.SON, Am. Orn. VIII, 79; pi. Ixix.— BON. Obs
No. 251.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 463.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 465.— AUD. Orn Biog. Ill, 1835, 246 :
V, 619 ; pi. 233 —IB. Syn. 299.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 402 ; pi. 413.— E ITTON, Mon. Anat. 177.
Merganser cucullatus, BONAP. List, 1838.
Lophodytes cucullatus, REICH. Systema Aviuin, 1852, p. ix. — BONAP. Cornptes Rendus, XLIII, 1856.
Round-crested Duck, CATESBY, Carol.
Hooded Merganser, PENNANT.
SP. CH. — Head with an elongated, compressed, semicircular crest. Anterior extremity of nostril reaching not quite as far as the
middle of commissure. Frontal feathers extending nearly as far as half the distance from lateral feathers to nostril ; the latter
much beyond the feathers on side of lower mandible. Bill shorter than head.
Male. Bill black. Head, neck, and back black ; under parts and centre of crest white. Sides chestnut brown, barred with
black. White anterior to the wing, crossed by two black crescents. Lesser coverts gray ; white speculum with a baial and
median black bar ; black tertials streaked centrally with white.
Female with a shorter and more pointed crest. The head and neck reddish brown ; the back without pure black ; the sides
without transverse bars; the white of wings less extended.
Length, 17.50; wing, 7.90; tarsus, 1.20; commissure, 1.98.
Hab. — Whole of North America.
The black border of the crest is about a quarter of an inch deep, the central portion snowy
white. The lower part of back and rump are dark brown. The greater coverts and secondaries
are black, tipped with white ; the black showing at the base of both as two bars. The middle
coverts are ashy gray. The white of secondaries is confined to the outer webs. The axillars
and inside of wing are white.
The female has a much smaller crest, more like that of the female of the other species. The
head, neck, and jugulum are grayish chestnut brown ; the back and top of head dark brown ;
the chin whitish ; the under parts purer white. The wing is somewhat similar ; the white
more restricted, especially on the tertials ; the middle coverts dark brown. The bill appears to
be blackish above, and reddish below.
Some specimens, perhaps young males in female plumage, have the reddish feathers of the
crest passing into whitish at the tips.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Odg'l
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Wing.
Remarks.
5475
5941
<J
Yellowstone river
DoSa Ana, New Mexico
July 24
Nov. 21,1855
Lieut. Warren
164
Dr. Hayden....
19.00
8.00
9875
Fort Thorn
'
9876
9
Fort Steilacoom
,
Gov. Stevens
2
9874
<y
do
Feb. 2,1854
do
28
do
9673
do
...do...
48
do
BIRDS — MERGINAE MERGELLUS ALBELLUS. 817
MERGELLUS ALBELLUS, S e 1 b y .
Smew.
Mergus albellus, LINN. I, 1736, 219 — Wn.sov, Am. Orn. VIII, 1314, 126; pi. Ixxi. (European sp.?)-Boi*. Obs.
Wils. 1825, 23(J.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 437.— Aun Orn. Biog. IV, 183S, 35 ); pi. 317. (Female
figured from Am. specimen; male from European.) — IB. Syn. 1839. — IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
408; pi. 414.
Mergdlus albellus, SELBY, Brit. Orn. 1840.
Mergus minutus, LINN. 1, 1766, 239, N<>. 6. Young.
Mergus albu'us and pannonicus, SCOPOLI.
M'-rgus stellatus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 98,
SP. CH. — Tail of 16 feathers. Bill shorter than the inner toe. General color white. Region round eye, patch on each side
the nape, half collar on each side the lower neck, middle of back, tail, and wings black ; the scapulars, middle wing coverts,
tertials, and tips of greater coverts and secondaries white.
Female with head reddish brown.
Length, 17.50 inches; wiag, 7.75; tarsus, 1.15; commissure, 1.60.
IJab. — Northern parts of Old World. Very accidental in America. .
I introduce a brief diagnosis of this species, the existence of which in America is based upon
a female bird found at New Orleans by Mr. Audubon. No one else has ever met with it, and
this single straggler (in respect to which Mr. Audubon may have even been mistaken) can
hardly warrant its being considered an American bird.
Wilson, in speaking of the abundance of the Smew in the northern United States, probably
had the butterball, Bucephala albeola, in view.
August 20, 1858.
103 b
UB-OEDER
GAVIAE,
In the table, on page 594, taken from Bonaparte's system of 1853, the Gaviae are made
to consist of the Totipalmi and Longipennes ; the Anseres of Lamdlirostres, Urinatores, and
Ptilopteri. Subsequently the Urinatores, or Bracliypteri, were removed by that author to the
Gaviae, and the Ptilopteri, or Impennes, raised to the rank of a separate order. How far this
modified arrangement agrees better with the author's primary idea of Altrices and Praecoces I
am unable to speak ; if some of the Brachypteri are known to rear their young in nests, the
majority are supposed to conduct them to the water as soon as hatched. Be the circumstances,
in this respect, as they may, the later arrangement of the orders and sub-orders seems the more
natural, and I therefore adopt it in the present case.
As already stated, the chief characteristic of the Gaviae is to be found in the entire absence
of lamellae within the edges of the bill. The wings are either conspicuously lengthened, as in
the Longipennes ; or they are quite short, the hinder toe connected to the anterior by a mem
brane, (Totipalmi,') or free, (Urinatores.) In all, the toes are well webbed, although the web is
sometimes split. The young in most Longipennes, at least, are born helpless, and reared for a
certain time in the nests.
The sub-order was originally divided by Bonaparte, as stated, into two tribes, Totipalmi and
Longipennes, to which he subsequently added the Urinatores. Their characters are as follows:
A. Totipalmi. — Hind toe connected with the inner by a membrane, and more or less lateral
or anterior. Bill generally longer than the head, and usually with a sharp curved nail at the
end ; sometimes without it. Nasal aperture an elongated narrow slit ; sometimes scarcely
visible. Face and throat usually somewhat naked.
PELECANIDAE. — Upper jaw with a hooked, decurved, and acute nail at the tip. Edges of
the bill even, without serrations. Throat naked, with an extensible pouch.
PELECANINAE. — Tarsus and throat naked. Tail broad, rounded.
TACHYPETINAE. — Tarsus feathered. Wings and tail excessively lengthened ; the
latter deeply forked.
PLOTIDAE. — Bill straight, notched or serrated on the edges, with a slightly curved nail,
or none. Face and chin partly naked. Tail rounded, or cuneate ; rather long.
PHAETONIDAE. — Bill without nail, slightly curved; edges scarcely serrated. Head entirely
feathered. Tail with the middle feathers excessively lengthened.
B. Longipennes. — Hind toe disconnected from the lateral, small; the anterior toes webbed to
the claws. Wings lengthened, acute ; the first primary generally as long as the second. Bill
without serrations. No naked spaces about the head.
B1KDS GAVIAE 819
PROCELLARIDAE. — Nail only of hind toe projecting. Nasal apertures circular, opening
in projecting tubes. Bill with a much decurved nail at tip. Outer toe as long as the
middle. Legs reticulated in front.
LARIDAE. — Hind toe free when present. Nasal apertures linear, opening laterally ; not
at all tubular. Bill without nail except in Lestris. Outer toe shorter than the middle.
Legs scutellate transversely in front.
C. Brachypteri. — Wings and tail short, the latter sometimes wanting. Hind toe free, or
wanting. Legs very far backwards. Entirely aquatic, and for the most part capturing the
food beneath the water.
COLYMBIDAE. — Hind toe distinct, with a broad hanging lobe. The membrane of toes
entire, or divided. Claws nail-like, flattened. Mostly inhabit fresh waters of all
countries.
ALCIDAE. — Hind toe wanting. Claws compressed. Entirely marine, and chiefly arctic.
In a strictly natural arrangement the Totipalmi should, perhaps, precede the Longipennes.
In order, however, to facilitate the passage of the present report through the press, the latter
tribe has been made to begin the sub-order, as the manuscript belonging to it was first ready for
the printer. For a similar reason the Anseres come before the Gaviae, although most authors
place them last.
The determinations and descriptions of the Gaviae have been prepared and furnished by
Mr. George N. Lawrence, with the exception of the Alcidae, which are from the pen of
Mr. John Cassin.
Tribe LONGIPENNES.1
Family PR 0 CELL AKJD AE. ThePetrels.
CH. Bin more or less lengthened, compressed, and deeply grooved, appearing to be 'brmed of several distinct parts ; the tip
s strong, much hooked, and acute ; the nostrils open from distinct tubes, either single or double, and are situated at the base
of the upper mandible.
All the birds embraced in this family are strictly oceanic, some of the smaller species only
being observed in bays near the ocean during or after a storm. They vary greatly in size, some
being quite diminutive, while others are equal in dimensions to the largest known birds of
flight.
Two sub-families, namely, Diomedeinae and Procellarinae, constitute this family, the dis
tinguishing characters of which are as follows :
DIOMEDEINAE. — Bill very strong, curved, and acute at the end ; nostrils short, tubular, and
situated on the sides of the upper mandible near the base.
PROCELLARINAE. — Bill more or less strong, curved at the end, and pointed ; nostrils tubular,
situated on the culmen, near the base, and opening forwards.
Sub-Family DIOMEDEINAE.— The Albatrosses.
CH. — These birds have powerful bills, much curved, and pointed at the end ; the nostrils resemble short pipes, and are
situated on each side of the upper mandible, near the base of the lateral groove ; feet large and wtbbed.
They possess great extent of wing, and, consequently, very enduring powers of flight. But
one genus is comprised in this sub-family.
DIOMEDEA, Linnaeus.
Diomedea, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1758. Type D. exulans, L.
CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, compressed, with the end much curved, and the point acute ; upper mandible deeply
grooved on the sides for its entire length ; nostrils near the base of the upper mandible, separate, tubular, and prominent ;
wings very long and narrow, the second quill the longest ; tail rather short ; legs strong, the tarsi shorter than the mi ddle toe ;
interdigital membrane full ; hind toe wanting ; claws short and obtuse.
All the species are of large dimensions ; they are most abundant in the Southern and Pacific
Oceans, and are particularly numerous in the neighborhood of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape
Horn. In the Pacific some species are found in quite high northern latitudes. Their food
consists principally of fish, of which they are most voracious eaters.
' Prepared by Mr. George N. Lawrence, of New York.
BIRDS DIOMEDEINAE — DIOMEDEA EXULAN8. 821
There are four species in this genus which are stated to frequent the Pacific coast of the
United States ; the following are their characteristics :
Very large ; bill yellow ; upper plumage white, with transverse black lines ; under
plumage white ; tail of medium size and rounded, dull plumbeous D. exulans.
Large ; bill pale reddish yellow ; upper and under plumage white ; tail short, white,
with the tip dark brown D. Iracliyura.
Large ; bill black, culmen yellow ; upper plumage dark brown, rump and under parts
white; tail of medium size, lead colored D. chlororhynchvs.
Large ; bill black, with a yellow suture on the sides of the under mandible ; entire
plumage fuliginous ; tail long and cuneate, blackish brown D.fuliginosa,
Diomedea, Linn.1
DIOMEDEA EXULANS, Linnaeus.
The Wandering Albatross.
Diomedea exulans, LINN Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 214.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 314.— NDTT. Man. II, 1834, 340.
Diomedea spadicea, GMELIN. Young.
Diomedea albatrus, PALLAS.
FIGURE. — PI. enl. ccxxxvii.
Sp. CH. — Upper part of the head cinereous ; upper plumpge white, with narrow transverse lines of black on the back and
wing coverts ; quill feathers black ; tail dull lead color and rounded in form ; below white ; bill yellow ; tarsi and feet flesh
color.
Length, 44 inches ; wing, 24 ; tail, 9 ; bill, 7 ; tarsus, 4|.
The young birds are dusky brown, more or less mixed with white according to age.
Hab. — Pacific ocean. Specimens in the government collection from the south Pacific.
This species appears to differ much in size ; the dimensions given by writers vary from 3 to 4
feet in length, and in alar extent from 10 to 17. The measurements given are from a specimen
in my collection.
Bonaparte speaks of this species as being " rare and accidental on the coasts of the middle
States." According to Latham, they abound in the North Pacific, in summer, in the vicinity
of the Kurile Islands, being attracted to these regions by the abundance of food ; they are vora
cious feeders and are lean on their arrival, but soon become very fat.
There is not, to my knowledge, any well authenticated instance of this bird having been
procured off the coast of any part of our territory ; but being described by several writers as a
North American species I have included it. It is possible that this species has been confounded
with some others y the older authors, and that probably D. brachyura, which greatly resembles
it in plumage, . ut is smaller, and abundant off the northwest coast, lias been mistaken for it.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence and how obtained.
Original No.
Collected by —
Length.
Wing.
Pacific
1010
44.00
24.00
1 Bill broad. Tail short.
822
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Phoebastria, K e i c h .l
DIOMEDEA BRACHYURA, Tern mi nek.
The Short-tailed Albatross.
Diomedea brachyura, TEMM. PI. col. v, about 1828.— CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 289 pi. 1. Adult.
Diomedea nigripes, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 327.— ]B. Birds Am. VII, 1842, 198.— CASS. Ills. I, 1854, 210 ; pi.
xxxv. (Young.)
? Diomedea chiriensis, TEMM.
? Diomedea epomophora, LESSON.
SP. CH. — Mult. Head and neck white, tinged with pale yellow ; primaries, tips of secondaries and tertiaries. upper edge of
the wing and greater wing coverts brownish black ; tail white, tipped with dark brown ; back and entire under plumage pure
white ; bill pale reddish yellow ; legs flesh color.
Length, 33 inches ; alar extent, 84 ; wing, 20 ; tail, 5J ; bill, 5 ; tarsus, 3|.
The young are ashy brown, lighter on the abdomen; for some distance around the base of the bill, and a space below the eye,
grayisli white ; bill dusky ; tarsi and feet black.
Hub. — North Pacific ; coasts of California and Oregon.
There are four specimens of the young in the collection.
In Mr. Cassin's Illustrations of the Birds of California, &c., (referred to above,) is given a
quite full history of the habits and changes of plumage of this species, taken from Peale's volume
on the Birds of the Exploring Expedition of the Vincennes and Peacock.
It seems to be an abundant species in the North Pacific, but most of the specimens obtained are
young and in the plumage in which it is described by Mr. Audubon as D. nigripes. In adult
plumage it resembles D. exulans, but is smaller and distinguished from it by its shorter tail.
Audubon gives 36 inches as the length, but the measurements given above are those of a
young specimen in my cabinet taken when in a fresh state. They no doubt vary much in
size as in some of the other species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wings.
9901
,7
Coast of California
Lieut. Williamson
9902
Shoal water bay
9903
Pacific coast
April 5, 1856
Dr Suckley
303
do
Geo N. Lawrence
1011
J. Boston
33.00
84. 00
20. 00
Thalassarche, Reich.2
DIOMEDEA CHLORORHYNCHUS, Gmelin.
The Yellow-nosed Albatross.
Diomedea chlororhynchos, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 568. — ADD. Orn. Biog. V, '1839, 326.— IB. Birds Am. VII,
1844, 196.
" Diomedea. chrysostoma, FORSTER."
11 Diomedea presaga, BRANDT."
' Bill broad. Tail excessively short.
2 Bill compressed. Tail moderate.
BIRDS — DIOMEDEINAE — DIOMEDEA FDLIGINOSA.
823
FIGURES. — PI. col. 468.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck grayish ash ; space between the bill and the eye, and around the latter, grayish black, a white line
on the hind part of the lower eyelid ; back and wing coverts dark brownish ash, lightest on the back ; rump and upper tail
coverts pure white ; primaries brownish black, having the edge of the inner webs dark ash, except near the end ; shafts of the
primaries white at the base, but gradually changing to brown at the end ; secondaries dark brownish ash, with the basal parts
of the inner webs ash gray ; tail plumbeous gray, with the base and shafts white : breast, abdomen, and under tail coverts white;
bill black, having the ridge of the upper mandible yellow quite to the point ; lower part of under mandible also yellow ; legs
and feet yellow.
Length about 36 inches ; wing, 22 ; tail 9 ; bill 4 k ; tarsus 3i.
Hub. — Pacific ocean ; coast of Oregon.
One specimen in the collection from off the mouth of Columbia river.
The most striking characteristics of this species are its pure white rump and lead colored tail,
and the yellow culmen of bill.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Wings.
2726
Columbia river
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend .
Pacific coast
Geo. N Lawrence
1012
22. 00
Phoebetria, Eeich.1
DIOMEDEA FULIGINOSA, Gin el in.
The Sooty Albatross.
Diomedea fuliginosa, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 568.
" Diomedea antarctica, BANKS."
" Diomedea palpebrata, FORSTER."
Diomidae fusca, AUD. Orn. Bi.og. V, 1839, 116.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 200 ; pi. ccccliv.
FIGURES.— PI. Col. 469.
Sp. CH. — The general color of the plumage is sooty brown, darkest on the head ; the quill feathers and tail blackish brown,
the shafts of both conspicuously white ; the tail cuneate ; bill black, with a deep, yellow lateral groove on the under mandible ;
tarsi and feet yellow ; the eyelids are bordered with pure white, except for a small portion of the anterior part.
Length, 34 inches ; wing, 21 ; tail, 11 ; bill, 4| ; tarsus, 3.
Hab. — Pacific coasts of California and Oregon.
Readily distinguished from all the other species by its dark colored plumage, the white border
to the eye, and the cuneate form of its tail.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Wings.-
2718
Coast of Oregon .
S. F Baird
J K. Townsend . .
Pacific
1013
20.00
1 Bill short, compressed, deeply sulcate ; tail elongated, cuneate.
824 U. S P. R, R. EXP, AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family PROCELLARINAE — The true Petrels.
CH. — Thi bill more or less strong, compressed, tip much hooked and pointed ; the nostrils tubular to a greater or less extent,
and situated on the basal part of the culmen. Generally of medium or small size, wandering in their habits, and capable of
sustaining themselves on wing for a great length of time.
In this sub-family there are five genera which belong to North America, with the following
characters :
1. PROCELLARIA. — Bill rather stout, strong, curved at the end ; lower mandible with a
lateral groove ; nostrils covered by an elevated sheath, opening forwards, divided by a
thin septum, and situated near the base of the culmen ; tarsi strong and rather short.
2. DAPTION. — Bill short, broad, compressed near the tip which is curved and acute ;
nostrils at the base of the culmen, opening forwards, and covered with a flattened
sheath ; tarsi slender.
3. TIIALLASSIDROMA. — Bill short and slender; nostrils situated at the base of the culmen,
tubular and prominent ; tarsi slender and very long.
4. FREGETTA. — Bill small ; nasal tubes short and recurved, situated at the base of the
culmen ; tarsi long, toes strong, nails flattened.
5. PUFFINUS. — Bill long, rather slender ; nostrils at the base of the culmen, covered
with a sheath, which is elevated at the opening, where the apertures are separate ;
tarsi rather long and compressed.
PROCELLARIA, Linnaeus.
Procellaria, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1746.
CH. — Bill rather short, strong, somewhat compressed near the tip, which is much curved and acute ; nostrils tubular, of
different lengths, opening forwards and divided by a thin septum ; lower mandible grooved laterally and with the tip much
arched ; wings long and pointed, first quill the longest ; tail rounded or cuneate ; tarsi strong and rather short ; toes long and
united by a full web ; in place of the hind toe a triangular claw or spur.
They are found mostly in the higher latitudes, are strictly marine, seldom visiting the
neighborhood of the shore. They feed on fish, and the flesh and blubber of cetaceous animals.
They are rapid in their manner of flying, and graceful in their movements.
Five species belong to North America, which may be characterized thus :
Large ; bill dark yellow ; nasal case long ; back and wings brown, mottled with dull
white ; under plumage white ; legs and feet dusky yellow , P. gigantea.
Middle size ; bill yellow ; back and wings pale grayish blue ; below white ; legs and feet
flesh color P. glacialis.
Middle size ; bill yellow ; nasal case with the ridge carinate ; back and wings light
greyish blue; under parts white; legs and feet yellow .P. pacifica.
Middle size ; bill yellow, with the nasal case and tips of both mandibles black ; back
and wings greyish blue ; below white ; legs and feet yellow P. tenuirostris.
Of rather small size ; bill black ; back and wings dark brown ; under plumage
white ; tarsi and base of feet pale yellow ; terminal two-thirds of feet blackish
brown P. meridionalis.
BIRDS — PROCELLARINAE PROCELLARIA GLACIALIS. 825
Ossifragus, Homb. & Jacq.
PROCELLARIA GIGANTEA, Gmelin.
•
The Gigantic Fulmar.
Procellaria gigantea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 563.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1849, 330.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 202.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1835, 329.
Ossifraga gigantea, REICH. — BON. Cons. Avium, II, 1855, 186.
" Precellaria ossifraga, FORST."
Sp. CH. — Upper plumage pale brown mottled with dusky white ; wing coverts, quill feathers and tail, plain dusky brown ;
fore part of the neck, breast and belly, white ; bill deep yellow ; legs and feet dusky yellow.
The above is the adult plumage ; the specimen procured by Dr. Tovvnsend off the mouth of Columbia river, formerly
belonging to Mr. Audubon, now in the cabinet of Prof. Baird, is of a pretty uniform dusky brown, lighter on the under plumage ;
bill yellow ; legs and feet yellowish.
The dimensions of this specimen are as follows : length, 36 inches ; wing, 20 ; bill, 4 ; length of nasal case, IJfJ ; tarsus, 3| ;
outer toe and claw, 5|.
Hub. — Pacific ocean, off Columbia river.
This is the largest species of the true petrels ; it measures seven feet in alar extent. They
frequent the northwest coast only in spring and summer.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Wings.
2743
Coast of Oregon
•
S. F. Baird .... ...
37 00
20 00
Fulmarus, Leach.
PROCELLARIA GLACIALIS, Linnaeus.
The Fulmar Petrel.
Procellaria glacialis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 213.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 310.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 331.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 446.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 204 ; pi. cccclv.
Fulmarus glacialis, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. — BON- Cons. Avium, II, 1855, 187.
Procellaria glttcialis, var. A. audubonii, BON. Consp. Av. II, 1855, 187.
" Procellaria hicmalis, BREHM."
SP. CH. — rfdult. Back and wings pale grayish blue ; primary quills and their coverts blackish brown ; tail pale bluish white ;
head and neck white ; the throat slightly tinged with yellow ; before the eye and extending a little over it is a small black spot ;
under plumage pure white ; bill yellow ; iris yellow ; tarsi and feet pale flesh colored.
Length of male, 20 inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, 4J ; bill, lij ; tarsus, 2.
Female similar to the male and differing but little in size, being rather smaller.
Hab. — Northern Atlantic.
In form this species is rather robust; the wings long and pointed ; tail short and rounded, of
fourteen feathers ; bill short and very strong, the unguis much decurved and very acute ; the
upper outline of the nasal tubes is concave, with the ridge flattened.
August 23, 1858.
104 b
826
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
These birds abound in the North Atlantic ocean, also in the large bays and straits ; they are
constant attendants upon the whalers, and when the process of cutting up a whale commences
they assemble in immense numbers, arid are so greedy and fearless, at such times, as to approach
within a few yards of the men engaged in the work.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
North Atlantic George N. Lawrence
Original No.
10U
PROCELLAEIA PACIFICA, Audubon.
The Pacific Fulmar.
Procellaria padfica, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 331.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 208.
Fulmarus glacialis, var. C. pacific a, BON. Consp. II, 1855, 187.
Sp.'Cn. — Mult. Back and wings light grayish blue ; tliQ feathers largely terminating with brownish gray ; primaries and
coverts blackish brown tinged with gray ; tail brownish gray, white at the base ; head, neck, and under plumage, pure white ;
bill, tarsi and feet, yellow.
Length, 18 inches; wing, 12f ; tail, 4| ; bill, 1^ ; tarsus, 1J1.
Young of a uniform brownish gray ; a dark spot before the eye ; primaries brownish black ; bill and legs yellow.
Hib. — Pacific coast of North America.
The type specimens are now in the cabinet of Prof. Baird, by whom they have been transmitted
to me for examination.
Differs but little in form and size from the Atlantic bird, but the bill is rather smaller, with
the unguis narrower and much weaker ; the nasal case differs in having its ridge distinctly
carinate, and its upper outline straight. Bonaparte considers it as merely a variety of the
P. glacialis.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Wings.
2750
Pacific ... --- ...
S. B\ Baird
J. J. Audubon
12 50
2751
...do
do
..do
12. 25
-
Thalassoica, Reich.
PROCELLARIA TENUIROSTRIS, Audubon.
The Slender-billed Fulmar.
Procellaria tenuirostris, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 333.— IB. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 210.
Thalassoica glucialoidfs, var. b. tenuirostris, BON. Cohsp. II, 1855, 192.
Sp. CH. — Jtdult. Back and wings clear grayish blue ; tail of the same color, but rather lighter ; primaries brownish black on
phe outer webs and on the inner at the end, remainder of inner webs white ; secondaries dark bluish gray on the outer web and
ture white on the inner ; front, top, and sides of the head, neck in front, and under plumage, white ; sides under the wing
BIRDS — PROCELLAEINAE PROCELLARIA MERJDIONALIS.
827
dusky ; there is a blackish spot in front of the eye ; the hind neck is grayish blue, of a lighter shade than the back ; bill yellow,
except the nasal case and the ends of both mandibles, which parts are black ; tarsi and feet yellow.
Length, 18£ inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, 5 ; bill, 2/2 ; tarsus, 1^8.
Hab. — Pacific coast ; Columbia river.
Resembling the two preceding species, but quite distinct; the bill is longer and more slender;
the nasal case has its ridge a little concave and somewhat carinate ; the black markings on. the
bill and the white inner webs of the quill feathers are very distinguishing features.
In the color of its upper plumage, with that of the wings, and its rather narrow elongated
bill, it makes a near approach to the gulls.
List of specimens.
Catal. Locality.
i
Whence obtained. ; Original
Collected by — - ; Length.
Wing.
No.
| No.
2032 Pacific
S. F Baird |
J. K. Towusend (type) j IS. 00
13.50
do
George N. Lawrence- -i 1015
!
Aestrelata, Bon.
PROCELLAEIA MERIDlONALIS, Lawrence.
The Tropical Fulmar.
Procellaria meridionalis, LAWR. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. IV, 1848, 475.— IB. V, June, 1852, 220; pi. xv.
Fulmarus meridionalis, BON. Comptes Rendus tab. Gaviarum, 1855.
TtProceUaria hcesitata, KUHL, Beitr. zurZool. 1820, 142, vol. V.
? Procellaria hasitata, TEMM. PI. col. 416.— NEWTON, Zoologist, 1852, 3691.
?" Aestrelata diabolica, L'HERMINIER, PI. col. 416." — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 188.
SP. CH. — Front white, marked with narrow waved lines and small spots of pale brown ; top and sides of head and occiput
dark brown ; hind neck light brown, the white on the sides of the neck almost meeting on its lower part ; upper part of the back
dark ash, this color extending for some distance on the breast ; lower part of back and wing coverts blackish brown ; primaries
blackish brown ; secondaries dark brown at the end, with the base white ; upper tail coverts white ; tail brownish
black, with the ba^al part white for one-third its length ; sides of the neck and entire under plumage pure white ; the dark
feathers of the back extend down on the sides near the insertion of the tail ; lower tail coverts white, tipped with ash ; bill
black ; tarsi pale yellow ; webs and toes yellow at the base for one-third their length, remainder blackish brown. Form not
robust ; bill short ; tail graduated ; an acute spur in place of a hind toe.
Length, 16 inches; alar extent, 39 inches ; wing, 12 ; tail, 5 , bill, 1| ; tarsus, H.
Hab. — Atlantic coast, from Florida to New York.
The figure given in the "Zoologist" has the front rising rapidly from the bill an dthe forehead
very prominent ; this character is therein alluded to very particularly as existing in the mounted
specimen precisely as in the fresh bird. My specimen differs entirely in this particular, the top
of the head being quite flat, its outline receding regularly from the bill to the hind part of the
head ; but this may be owingto the manner of mounting. In the " Zoologist" two bands are
stated to be on the wings ; these are not apparent in rny bird. Otherwise, in form, size, and
distribution of color they are much alike, and possibly my species may be the same as diabolica,
(which name has precedence given to it by Bonaparte over the other synonyms,) but as it differs
in the characters above stated, I feel justified in leaving it for the present as distinct.
828
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Original
No.
Florida coast George N. Lawrence 1016
Coast of New York. . ..do..
DAPTION, Stephens.
Daption, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XIII, 1825, 239. Type Procellaria capensis, L.
CH. — Bill short, broad at the base, compressed near the tip, which is curved and acute, but rather weak ; nostrils on the baso
of the culmen, and depressed ; wings rather moderate, first quill longest ; tail short and rounded; tarsi of moderate length and
rather slender ; anterior toes long and united by a full web; a short spur, rather obtuse, in place of the hind toe. In form quite
robust.
This genus is founded on a single species.
DAPTION CAPENSIS, Stephens.
The Pintado Petrel; The Cape Pigeon.
Procellaria capensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 213. — LAWR. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. VI, 1853, 6.
Daption capensis, STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XIII, 1825. — BON. Cons. Avium, II, 1855, 188.
Sp. CH. — Upper"part and sides of the head, and hind neck plumbeous black ; back, rump, and upper tail coverts white, each
feather terminating with a plumbeous black mark, giving a mottled appearance to the upper plumage ; smaller wing coverts
plumbeous black, tipped with brown ; larger wing coverts white, margined with plumbeous black ; primaries black on the outer
webs and white on the inner, except near the end where they are dark ash ; secondaries white, with dark tips ; tail white, with
a broad terminal band of plumbeous black ; lower parts white ; bill black ; tarsi and feet brown ; the toes marked with yellow.
Length, 15 inches ; wing, 10J ; tail, 4^ ; bill, If ; tarsus, 1-jj.
Hob. — Off the coast of California.
One specimen in the collection from the southern seas. Specimen in my cahinet from the
California coast.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Length.
Wing.
9971
South Pacific - - ......
15.00
10. 75
Pac'fic coast of the United States
George N Lawrence
1017
THALASSIDROMA, Vigors.
Thalassidroma, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. 1825.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, slender and weak, the tip curved and acute, the sides compressed and moderately grooved ;
nostrils at the base of the culmen, tubular and prominent ; wings long and narrow, the second quill longest ; tail forked or
emarginate ; legs slender and very long ; tibia bare for a considerable space ; anterior toes rather short and slender, united by
an indented web ; a short spur in place of the hind toe.
BIRDS PROCELLARINAE THALASSIDROMA HORNBYI. 829
This genus is composed of the smallest memhers of the petrel family ; they are also the most
diminutive of web-footed birds, but yet they are able to contend with the strongest gales, and
on such occasions appear to be particularly active and numerous. While hovering near the
water, for the purpose of securing their food, they project their feet in such a manner as to give
them the appearance of running on its surface.
The species embraced in this genus may be arranged in the following manner :
Plumage wholly bluish gray ; tail much forked ; legs and feet brown. Type of Oceano
droma , Bonap T. furcata .
Upper part of back gray, lower part ash gray ; collar around hind neck and under parts
white ; tail forked T, hornbyi.
Plumage sooty brown ; rump white ; tail forked ; tarsi and feet black T. leachii.
Plumage dark sooty brown ; rump white ; tail slightly emarginate ; tarsi and feet black,
with the basal two-thirds of the mterdigital webs yellow T. wilsoni.
Plumage grayish black above, sooty brown below ; rump white ; tail a little rounded ;
tarsi and feet black T. pelagica.
Upper plumage entirely black, below sooty black ; tail deeply forked ; legs and feet
black T. melania.
Oceanodroma, Belch.
THALASSIDBOMA FURCATA, Gould.
The Fork-tailed Petrel.
Proc ell arid furcata, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 561.— LATH. Ind. II, 825.
T halassidroma furcata, GOULD, Voy. Sulph. Birds, 1844, 50; pi. xxxiii. — CASSIN, Birds of Cal. & Tex. I, 1855,
274 ; pi. xlvii.
Oceanodroma furcata, BON. Cons. Avium, II, 1855, 194.
" T halassidroma cinerea, GOULD." Bon.
Procellaria orientalis, PALLAS, Zoog. Ilosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 315.
" T halassidroma orientalis, GRAY." Bon.
Oceanodroma orientalis, REICH.
Sp. CH. — Entire plumage light bluish gray, paler on the forehead, the abdomen, and under tail coverts ; dusky around the
eye ; greater wing coverts and secondaries with grayish white margins ; quills and tail brownish, the latter with the external
web of the outer feather white ; bill black ; feet brown.
Length, about 8 inches ; wing, G ; tail, 3J ; bill, J ; tarsus, 6.
Hab. — Coasts of Oregon and Russian America.
Specimens in Mus. Acad. Nat. Sc., Philadelphia.
THALASSIDBOMA HORNBYI, Gray.
Hornby's Petrel.
T halassidroma hornbyi, G. R. GRAY, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1853, 62.
Oceanodroma hornbyi, BON. Cons. Avium, 1855, 195.
SP. CH.—" Front, cheeks, throat, collar round the hind part of the neck, breast and abdomen, pure white; crown, hind
head, a broad band in front of neck, bend of wing and lesser wing coverts, sooty grey; upper part of back gray ; lower part o
back and tail ashy gray ; greater wing coverts brownish gray ; tertiaries and quills deep black.
"Total length, 8J" ; bill from gape, 10|'", from front, 8i'" ; tail (outer feather,) 3J" ; tarsus, 1" ; middle toe, 1"."
JIab. — Northwest coast of America.
830 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
The above is a copy of Mr. Gray's description of this species ; he states that " in form it
agrees Lest with Thai, furcata, but the coloration differs much in several particulars."
Thalassidroma, Vigors.
THALASSIDKOMA LEACHII, Bon.
Leach's Petrel.
Procellaria leachii, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 812.
Thalassidroma leachii, BON. Syn. 1828, No. 309.— IB. Consp. II, 1855, 193.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 326.— Aun.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 434.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 219 ; pi. cccclix.
Procellaria bullockii, FLEM. Br. Anim. 1828, 136, No. 219.— VIGORS
? '< Procellaria leucorrhoa, VIEILLOT." Bon.
SP. CH. — The plumage generally is sooty brown, darker on the crown ; primaries and tail brownish black ; wing coverts and
inner secondaries ashy gray ; rump, feathers of the sides adjoining it, and outer lower tail coverts, white ; bill black ; iris dark
brown ; tarsi and feet black.
Length, 8 inches ; wing, 6| ; tail, 3 ; bill, f ; tarsus 1.
The female differs only in being rathei smaller.
Hub. — Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Baffin's Bay.
This is larger than Wilson's petrel, and has a much stronger bill ; it may be readily known
from it by its forked tail, and the interdigital webs being entirely black.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Original No.
Coast of New York George N. Lawrence 1018
Atlantic coast _ S. F. Baird
Washington, D. (J do _
THALASSIDROMA MELANIA, Bonaparte.
The Black Stormy Petrel.
Procellaria me.lania, BON. Comptes Rendus, Ac. Sc. XXVIII, 1854, 662.
Thalassidroma melania, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 196.
" ? Procellaria fuliginosa, LATH. NotofKuhl." Bon.
" ? Procellaria scapulata, BRANDT."
SP. CH. — Entire upper plumage black ; wing coverts wholly black ; below fuliginous; wings long ; tail short, but deeply
forked .
Hab. — Coast of California.
It somewhat resembles Thai, leachii, but is distinguished from this as well as all its congeners
by the absence of white on the rump, crissum, and on the wing coverts,
BIRDS PROCELLARINAE THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. 831
Oceanites, Keys. & Bias.1
THALASSIDROMA WILSONI, Bonaparte.
Wilson's Stormy Petrel.
Procellariapelagica, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1808, 90 ; p1. Ix.
Procellaria " oceanica, KUHL, Beitr. Zool. 1820 ; pi. x, f. 1." Gray.
Thalassidroma wikoni, BON. Syn. 1828, No. 308.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 324.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 486 ;
V, 1839, 645.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 223 ; pi. cccclx.
Oceanites u-ilsoni, BON. Cons. Avium, II, 1855, 199.
SP. CH . — The general color of the plumage is dark sooty brown ; primaries and tail blackish brown, the latter white at tho
base ; some of the outer secondaries and the secondary coverts grayish ash, ending with grayish white ; rump, sides of tho
abdomen and exterior lower tail coverts, white ; bill black ; iris dark brown ; tarsi and feet black, with the webs yellow except
at the margin.
Length, 7| inches ; wing, 6; taii, % ; bill, ^ ; tarsus, 12.
Ilab. — Off the Atlantic coast from the Gulf of Mexico to Baffins' Bay.
This species is somewhat smaller than T. leachii, and more delicate in form, the bill is much
weaker ; it may readily be distinguished by the greater proportion of white on the under tail
coverts and on the sides at the base of the tail, together with its much longer tarsi and yellow
webs ; tail nearly even.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Coast of New York Geo. N. Lawrence
Do i do
Atlantic ocean i S. F. Baird ..
Original
number.
1019
1022
Procellaria, Linn.
THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA, Vigors.
The Stormy Petrel; Mother Carey's Chicken.
Procellaria pelagica, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 212.— BON. Consp. Av. II, 1855, 196.
Thalassidroma pelagica, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. II, 1825, 405. — BONAP. Syn. 1828, Append. Note 27, No. 3. — NUTT.
Man. II, 1834, 327.— Auu. Orri. Biog. IV, 1838, 310.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 228 ;
pi. cccclxi.
" Procellaria melanonyx, NILSSON."
"Procellaria melitensis, SCHEMBIU."
" Procellaria tenuirostris, minor, ferroensis, et albifasciata, BREHM."
SP. CH. — Upper plumige grayish black, tinged with brown; quill feathers black; the secondary coverts are margined
towards the end, externally, and at tho tip, with grayish white ; a band of white crosses the rump ; upper tail coverts white at
the base, but broadly ending with black ; tail black with the basal part white for a short distance ; under parts sooty brown ;
lower tail coverts white at the base; axillar feathers and some of the under wing coverts white at the end ; bill black ; iris
dark brown ; tarsi and feet black.
Length, 5J inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 2| ; bill, ^ ; tarsus, -J.
Hub. — Atlantic ocean, banks of Newfoundland.
' Claws acute.
832 U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
This is the smallest of the genus, has the white rump band conspicuous, the tail slightly
rounded, and the interdigital webs black.
FREGETTA, Bonaparte.
Fregetta, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 197. Type Procellaria tropica, Gould.
CH. — Bill small ; nasal tube short and recurved ; wings very much lengthened ; tail subtruncated ; tarsi very long ; toes
muscular for their entire length ; claws small and depressed. Colors, sooty, more or less varied with white.
The depressed form of the claws will at once distinguish this genus from Thallassidroma.
But one species of this genus is found on our coast.
FKEGETTA LAWEENCII, B onapar te.
The Black and White Stormy Petrel.
Thalassidroma fregetta, LAWR. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. V, 1851, 117.
Fregetta lawrencii, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 198.
Sp. CH. — Head and wings black ; neck, breast and back, dark plumbeous, or dull bluish ash ; wing coverts brown ; the tail
white at the base, with the terminal half and the two central feathers black ; abdomen, inside covering of wings, and rump,
white ; bill and legs black. Tail even ; claws flattened and of an ovate form.
Length, about 8 inches ; wing, 6 ; tail, 3 ; tarsus, If.
Hob. — Florida coast.
Prince Bonaparte has conferred my name on the above bird, which I had described as Thai .
fregetta. The specimen from which my description was taken was presented to the Academy of
Nat. Sciences, Philadelphia ; on a recent visit there I wished to compare it anew with Mr. Gould's
specimens of Thai, fregetta, but it could not be found at the time. I have, therefore, concluded
to let it stand as named by Prince Bonaparte.
'PUFFINUS, Brisson.
Pitffinus, BRISS. Ornithologie, 1760. Type Procellaria puffinus, L.
CH. — Bill about as long as the head, rather slender, compressed near the end and obliquely grooved on the sides, the tip
curved, strong and acute, the lower mandible grooved laterally on the sides ; nostrils basal, with two distinct openings ; wings
very long and pointed, first quill the longest ; tail rather short and rounded ; tarsi as long as the middle toe and compressed ;
toes long and united by a full web ; a straight claw or spur in place of the hind toe.
These birds are of medium size, and are endowed in a remarkable degree with great powers
of flight. They swim lightly and gracefully, and while seeking their food have the habit (like
the small petrels) of patting the surface of the water with their feet.
The following diagnosis will serve to distinguish the five species of this genus, found in
North America :
Upper plumage brownish ash, under parts grayish white ; bill yellowish green, tips
brownish black ; tail brownish black, graduated ; tarsi and feet yellow ; hind part of
tarsi and outer toe brown P. major.
Upper plumage sooty brown, under pale dingy brown ; bill black ; tail blackish brown,
graduated ; legs and feet black P. fuliginosus.
BIRDS — PEOCELLARINAE PUFFINUS MAJOR.
833
Upper plumage black, under surface white ; bill brownish black ; tail black, rounded ;
legs and feet dull orange ; the hind part of tibia, the outer toe and part of the next,
dark brown; webs pale P. anglorum.
Upper plumage black, lower parts white ; bill pale blue black at tip ; tail black, short
and rounded ; tarsi and toes on the outside bluish black, on the inside and webs pale
y ellowish flesh color P . obscurus.
Upper plumage lead colored gray, below white ; bill yellowish, with the culmen and
groove on the under mandible black ; tail brownish black, graduated ; tarsi and feet
yellow, having the hind part of tarsi and outer toes brown. Type of Priofinus, Homb.
et Jacq , P. cinereus.
Ardenna, Reich.
PUFFINUS MAJOR, (Faber.)
The Greater ShearAvater.
Procellaria pvffmus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 213.
Procellaria major, FABER, Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822,56.
Puffmus major, RON. Cons. Avium. 1855, 203.
Pufinus cinereus, Boy. Syn. 1828, No. 311.— Nurr. Man. II, 1834, 334.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 555.— IB .
Birds Am. VII, 1 44, 212 ; pi. cccclvi.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Head above, cheeks, occiput, a narrow line on the nape and upper part of back, brownish ash, paler on the
hind neck ; feathers of the back with lighter margins ; lower part of back dark brown ; upper tail coverts of the same color,
terminating broadly with grayish white ; primaries and tail brownish black, the former white on the basal part of the inner
webs ; secondaries and tertiaries dark brown, the secondaries white on their inner webs nearly to the end ; wing coverts ashy
brown with lighter margins ; under plumage pure white, the neck nearly encircled with white ; sides of the neck anterior to
the bend of the wings marked with waving lines of pale ash ; some distinct spots on the side of the breast and sides of the body
at the junction of the tail brownish ash ; lower tail coverts dark ash, with light gray edgings ; bill yellowish green, the tips
brownish black ; iris brown ; tarsi arid feet livid yellow, with the outer toe and the hind part of the tarsus brownish ; claws
yellowish. Length about 20 inches ; wing, 13| ; tail, 5 ; bill, 2| ; tarsus, 2| ; middle toe and nail, 21.
Hab. — Atlantic ocean. Florida coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
This species has been described by most ornithological writers as the P. cinereus of G-melin.
It is quite abundant oft our northern coast, and may be known from P. anglorum by its
larger size and the light brown color of its upper plumage.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
2025
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Atlantic ocean S. F. Baird
Atlantic coast of New York. Geo. N. Lawrence
Original
No.
Collected by —
J. J. Audubon _.
1021
August 23, 1858.
105 b
834 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Nectris, Bon.
PUFFINUS FULIGINOSUS, Strickland.
The Sooty Shearwater.
Puffinus fuliginosus, STRICK. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, 129.
Nectris fuliginosus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 201.
Puffinus cinereus, DEKAY, Nat. Hist. State N. Y., Birds, 1844, 287; pi. cxxxvi, fig. 298. — BON. Comptes Rendus,
XLIII, 1856.
SP. CH. — The entire upper plumage is sooty brown ; wings and tail blackish brown ; under plumage pale brown ; bill and
legs black. Bill more slender than that of P. major. Length, 18 inches; wing, 12 ; bill along ridge, 1T7S ; from rictus, 2|;
tarsus, 2| ; middle toe, 21.
Ha1}- — Atlantic coast of the northern States. Banks of Newfoundland.
Specimens in the cabinet of the Lyceum of Nat. History, N. Y.
I have always been impressed with the opinion that this bird was not the young of P. major,
but a distinct species.
Bonaparte, in Comptes Rendus, referred to above, states that M. Hardy, ornithologist of
Dieppe, has compared a large number of specimens of P. major and P. fuliginosus of both
sexes from the banks of Newfoundland, and is satisfied that there can be no doubt of their
being specifically distinct. He says that being completely convinced of this, he has accordingly
separated them.
Puffinus, Linn.
PUFFINUS ANGLORUM, Temrn.
The Mank's Shearwater.
" Procellaria puffinus, LINN., not of other authors." — BON.
Procellaria anglorum, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 806.
Puffinus anglorum, RAY, Synops. 1713, 134.— TEMM. Man. IV, 509.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 312.— NDTT. Man. II,
1834, 336.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 604.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 214 ; pi. cccclvii.—
BON. Cons. Avium, 1855, 203.
" Puffinus arcticus, FABKR."
SP CH. — Entire upper plumage, wings, tail, and the tibial feathers, black ; primaries and secondaries black on the outer webs,
dark ash on the inner; under parts white, sides of the neck and breast transversely barred with ash; bill brownish black; iris dark
brown; tarsi and feet dull orange, with the hind part of tibia, the outer toe, and a portion of the next toe, dark brown; webs pale
yellow ; claws brownish black. Length, 15 inches ; wing, 9^ ; tail, 3£ ; bill, If ; tarsus, IJg- ; middle toe and claw, 2^.
flab. — Coast of New Jersey to Labrador.
The above description is from a specimen belonging to Professor Baird, from Mr. Audubon's
collection. Said by Audubon to be "not uncommon off the coast of Maine during summer."
Much smaller than P. major, with the bill quite slender and the upper plumage black.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality. .
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2725
Atlantic ocean
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon
BIRDS — PROCELLARINAE — PUFFINUS CINEREUS. 835
PUFFINUS OBSCURUS, Latham.
The Dusky Shearwater.
Procellaria obscura, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 559.
Pvffinus obscurus, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 828— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 313.— IB. Consp. II, 1856, 204.— NUTT.
Man. II, 1835, 337.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 620.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 216; pi. cccclviii.
" Puffinus I'herminieri, LESSON."
Sp. CH. — Upper part of head, back, and wings, black ; tail black ; under plumage white ; bill light blue, black at the end ;
iris bluish black ; outside of tarsus and toes bluish black, inside and webs pale yellowish flesh color ; claws black. Length, 11
inches ; wing, 7J ; bill, 1^ ; tarsus, l£.
Hub. — Southern coast of the United States ; Gulf of Mexico.
Specimen in Museum of Lyceum of Natural History, New York.
In color it much resembles P. anglorum, but its very sma1! size will distinguish it from that
and the other American species.
Adamastor, Bonap.
rUFFINUS CINEREUS, Gmelin.
The Cinereous Petrel.
Procellaria cinerea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 563.
Procellaria mclanura, BONN. Encyc. Meth.
Procellaria hacsitata, FORST. Descr. An. Licht. 1844.
" Procetlaiia hccsitata, KUHL." Gould B. of Aust. pi. xlvii.
Puffinus hcKsitata, LAWR. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. VI, 1853, 5.
Jldamastor typus, BON. Cons. Av. 11, 1855, 187.
SP. CH. — Sides of the head and entire upper plumage plumbeous gray, rather darker on the head ; wing coverts dark bluish
ash, (in my specimen margined with umber brown ;) primaries grayish black on the outer webs and ends of the inner ; rest of
the inner webs light brownish ash, becoming whitish at the base ; secondaries and tertiaries brownish ash ; inner lining of wings
and axillary feathers ashy brown ; tail brownish black ; throat and sides of the neck pale cinereous ; under plumage white ;
lower tail coverts ashy brown ; upper mandible black along the ridge, the sides and hooked end yellowish white ; under
mandible dusky yellow, with the lateral grooves black ; tarsi and feet yellow, with the exception of the hind part of the tarsi
and outer toes, which are brown ; claws yellow with dusky tips ; a short and strong spur in place of the hind toe. Rather more
robust in form than the other species of Puffinus ; bill also stronger, tail rounded, the two central feathers a little projecting.
Length of skin, 19 inches ; wing, 13| ; bill, 2j ; tail, 5 ; tarsus, 2| ; outer toe and claw, 3.
Hab. — Pacific ocean, off the California coast.
When I described this species in the Annals Lye. Nat. Hist., referred to above, I was at a
loss for its true specific name, and do not feel fully assured that I am right in now affixing to it
Gmelin's name of cinereus.
Mr. Gould states that it is very similar to cinereus, and Mr. Newton (Zoologist, 1852)
considers Mr. Gould's licesltata to be Gmelin's species. Bonaparte has made it the type of a
new genus, viz : Adamastor, and in Cons. Avium names it A. typus. In the same work, under
Puffinus kuklii, Boie," he says that Proc. cinerea, Gm., is certainly the same as his Adam,
typus; if such be the fact, Gmelin's name must be restored; and if it does not belong in
836
U. 8. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Puffinus, the genus Priofinus, Homb. et Jacq., for which this species is given as the type, will
have priority. It would, therefore, appear to have the best claim to Grmelin's name, which has
been more generally applied to P. major, Faher.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained. Original
i number.
California coast _ . .
Geo. N. Lawrence 1022
Family LARIDAE. The Gulls.
CH. — Bill generally shorter than the head, straight at the base, and more or less curved at the end. Nostrils linear. Head
ovate ; neck short ; body rather full and compact ; wings long and pointed ; legs of moderate length, strong, and covered
anteriorly with transverse scales ; feet fully webbed, the hind toe small and elevated.
Birds of this family frequent the shores of the ocean, but often wander to great distances
from land ; they are incapable of diving, but swim buoyantly. Their food consists principally
of fish and Crustacea, but some of the larger species feed occasionally on the flesh of cetaceous
animals, and devour the young and eggs of some species of sea birds.
The family of Laridae is divisable into four sub-families, with the following characters :
LESTRIDINAE. — Basal half of upper jaw with a horny covering, distinct from the tip, and
under which the nostrils open considerably beyond the middle of the bill. Bill abruptly and
much decurved at the tip. Tail cuneate. Body full, stout.
LARINAE. — Covering of the bill continuous. Anterior extremity of nostrils generally reaching
to the middle of the bill. Culmen considerably decurved towards the tip. Body robust. Tail
generally even.
STERNINAE. — Covering of bill continuous. Nostrils opening in the basal third of the bill.
Culmen gently curved to the tip of the lengthened and attenuated bill. Body rather slender.
Wing lengthened. Tail usually deeply forked.
RHYNCHOPINAE. — Bill excessively compressed, like the blade of a knife. Lower jaw much
longer than the upper ; the point obtuse. Body slender ; tail forked.
Sub-Family LESTRIDINAE,— The Skua Gulls; the Jagers.
CH. — Bill strong and much curved at the end, the base covered with a membranous cere. Wings lengthened. Tail cuneate,
with the two central feathers projecting.
These hardy birds inhabit the high latitudes of both hemispheres. There are four Arctic
species found both in Europe and North America. They are piratical in their habits, appearing
to derive their subsistence mainly from the labors of others. They chase and harrass various
species of gulls, compelling them to disgorge a portion of their food, which they dart after and
seize before it reaches the water.
Bonaparte, in his conspectus of Laridae, admits two genera of Lestridinae, with the following
characters :
STERCORARIUS, Vieill. — Bill and feet robust. Tarsi shorter than middle toe. Median tail
feathers broadly rounded at tip ; not much longer than the others. Size large. Species S.
catarractes.
LESTRIS, 111. — Bill and feet slender ; tarsus not longer than middle toe. Tail feathers much
elongated. Size moderate; Species L. pomarinus, parasiticus, cepphus.
I shall, however, consider both under a single genus, Stercorarius.
838 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
STERCORARIUS, Brisson.
Stercorarius, BRISS. Ornithologie, 1760.
CH. — Bill rather strong ; the culmen straight and covered at the base with a smooth cere, the end curved. Nostrils linear
and more open anteriorly. Wings pointed ; first quill longest. Tail of moderate length ; the two middle feathers elongated.
Tarsi strong, and covered with prominent scales ; claws sharp and much curved. Feet fully webbed ; hind toe short and
but little elevated.
Of this genus there are four species inhabiting North America equally with Europe, as
follows :
Very compact in form ; color entirely dark ; bill very strong ; central tail feathers projecting
but little beyond the others, and not at all pointed, S. catarractes.
Upper plumage dark ; light underneath ; central tail feathers exceeding the others about
two inches, and of a uniform width to the end S. pomarinus.
Upper plumage dark ; under light ; central tail feathers extending about three inches beyond
the others, not varying much in width until near the end, when they rapidly become narrower
to the point , S. parasiticus.
Dark colored above ; under plumage light ; middle tail feathers projecting about eight inches
beyond the others, and gradually tapering to a fine point S. cepplms.
STERCORARIUS CATARRACTES, T e m m .
The Common Skua.
Larus catarractes, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 226.
Stercorarius catarractes, TEMM. Man. d'Orn. II, 1820, 792. — LAWR. Am. Lye. N. Y. VI, 1853, 7. — BON. Consp. II,
1856, 206.
Lestris catarractes, BONAP. Synop. 1826, No. 304.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 312.
Catarracta skua, BRINN. Orn. Bor.
Sp. CH. — The plumage of the upper surface is dark brown, having the feathers tipped with gray ; wings chocolate brown,
with their shafts and basal parts white ; tail dark brown, white at the base ; under plumage dark grayish brown ; bill black,
with a tinge of dull blue ; legs and feet black. The central tail feathers extend one inch beyond the others. Length, 22 inches ;
wing, 15 inches ; bill, 2| ; tarsus, 2J ; tail, 5|.
Hob. — Coast of California.
This species has been rarely obtained in the United States. It may easily be distinguished
from all others of the genus by its very robust form, the dark color of the adult, and the
conspicuous white mark' on the wing. There is a specimen in my possession obtained off the
coast of California.
STERCORARIUS POMARINUS, Tern mi nek.
The Pomarine Skua.
Lestris pomarinus, TEMM. Man. d'Orn. II, 1815, 514.— BONAP. Synop. 1826, No. 305.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II,
1831; 429.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 315.— Aro. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 186; pi. ccccli.— BON.
Consp. II, 1856, 207.
Slcr cor anus pom arinus, TEMM. Man. d'Orn. II, 1820, 793.
BIRDS — LAEIDAE STERCOEAEIUS PARASITICUS.
839
Sp. CH. — Mult. Front, crown of the head, back, wings, and tail blackish brown ; sides and back part of the neck bright
yellow ; throat and entire under plumage white, with a band of brown spots extending across the upper part of the breast ;
sides and lower tail coverts barred with brown. Shafts of quills and tail feathers white ; bill greenish olive, black at the tip ;
legs and feet blaik. The middle tail feathers extend beyond the others for about two inches. They are rounded at the end,
and of a uniform breadth throughout. Length, 20 inches ; wing, 14 ; tail, 8 to 9 ; bill, \l ; tarsus, 2.
Halt. — Labrador ; as far south as New York in winter. One specimen taken in summer at Harrisburg, Pa.
Young birds have the plumage of the upper parts blackish brown ; of the lower grayish
brown, with the feathers of the abdomen and lower tail coverts margined with dull ferruginous.
Tarsi and base of the toes and webs yellow.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
1275
Harrisburg, Pa_ _.....
Summer
S. F. Baird
2755
Atlantic ...
do
J. J. Audubon .
STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS, Temniinck.
The Arctic Skua.
Larus parasiticus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1756, 226.
Stercorarius parasiticus, TEMM. Man. d'Orn. II, 1820, 796.
Lestris parasiticus, BONAP. Synop. 1828, No. 307. — IB. Conspectus, II, 185G, 208.
Lestris richardsonii, SWAIN. F. B. A. II, 1831, 433 ; pi. Ixxiii.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 319.— AUD. Birds Amer. VII,
1844, 190 ; pi. cccclii.
Sp. CH. — Adult. Upper part of the head blackish brown ; nape and sides of the neck yellowish white ; remainder of upper
plumage blackish brown ; wings and tail darker ; shafts of the primaries white ; under plumage white ; bill bluish at the base,
black at the point ; tarsi and feet black. The central tail feathers extend beyond the others about three inches ; they taper
slightly, varying but little in breadth until near the end, where they are abruptly accuminated, differing in this particular from
all the other species. Length, 20 to 22 inches ; wing, 13g ; tail, 8| ; bill, 1^3 ; tarsi, 1£.
Hab. — Arctic America ; breeds in the Barren Grounds ; coast of the United States from New York northward.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
2752
Atlantic ocean ......
S. F Baird
J. J. Audubon
9970
Long Island .....
do
2754
2062
Boston _
do
New York
do
do
Geo. N. Lawrence ..
J. Kimball
T. M. Brewer
840 U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
STERCORARIUS CEPPHUS, (Briinnich.)
Bnffon's Skaa.
Calharacta cepphus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 36.
Lestris cepphus, KEYS. & BLAS. 1840.— BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 209.
Lestris buffonii, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 562.— BONAP. Synop. 1826, No. 306.
Lestris parasitica, RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 430.— AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 192 ; pi. ccccliii.
Arctic Bird, EDWARDS, Birds, pi. cxlviii.
gp £H _ rfdult. Space between the eye and bill, top of the head and nape black ; cheeks and sides of the neck yellowish
white ; back and wings blackish gray ; quills and tail black ; the shafts white, except near their tips ; under plumage white ;
breast tinged with pale yellow ; flanks and lower tail coverts brownish gray ; bill dull flesh color, dark at the tip ; feet black ;
tarsi yellow in front. The two middle tail feathers are six or eight inches longer than the others, and taper gradually to a. fine
point. Length, about 20 inches; wing, 12 ; tail, 10 to 12 ; bill, 1^- ; tarsi, l/3.
Hal. — Arctic seacoasts of America; Baffin's Bay.
There are no specimens of any of the genus Stercorarius in the collection, but in the private
cabinet of Prof. Baird are specimens of the three last species. These he has kindly sent me
for examination. They are the more interesting from the fact of being Mr. Audubon's type
specimens of the three species described by him, although in assigning names to two of them I
have been compelled to differ from him.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
2062
Adult
Boston - ......
S. F. Baird
Sub-Family LARINAE.— T h e Gulls.
CH.— Bill differing considerably in strength and form ; generally straight, wifti the sides compressed ; the culmen straight
at the base, with the end curved ; nostrils lateral and oblong ; wings long and pointed ; tail usually even ; in two or three cases
pointed or forked ; tarsi rather strong ; fore toes united by a web ; hind toe short and elevated.
These birds vary much in size, some being quite small, while others rank among the largest
of marine birds. They are not peculiar to any region, but are found abundantly over the
world. They congregate in large numbers on the sand bars at the entrance of inlets and large
bays. In winter they migrate in search of food, frequenting harbors and ascending rivers.
This sub-family has been subdivided into many genera by different writers, in some cases
the distinction being based mostly upon the color of the wings or back. Prince Bonaparte and
M. Bruch, who have both specially studied this family, differ very much in the generic
arrangement. G. R. Gray, in his Genera of Birds, does not approve of so great a subdivision,
and has retained most of the large species under the old genus Larus, which accords with my
own views.
BIRDS LARINAE LARUS. 841
Eight well marked genera, however, included in this sub-family, are found in the United
States.
1. LARUS. — Of large and medium size; hill strong and hooked at tip; mantle generally
light colored ; head white ; tail nearly even.
2. BLASIPUS. — Of middle size ; hill long and rather slender ; head white ; rest of plumage
dark ; tail slightly emarginate.
3. CHROICOCEPHALUS. — Size medium and rather small ; bill moderate or slender ; the head
enveloped in summer with a dark colored hood ; tail generally even.
4. EISSA. — Medium size ; bill long and rather strong ; colors light ; hind toe short or
rudimental ; tail even.
5. PAGOPHILA. — Of middle size ; bill short and very strong ; mantle light; tarsi rather short ;
webs indented.
6. EIIODOSTETHIA. — Small in size ; bill short and rather slender ; mantle pale ; neck encircled
with a black collar ; tail uniform.
7. CIIEAGRUS. — Medium size ; bill very strong and much curved ; mantle grayish white ;
tail deeply forked.
8. XEMA. — Of small size ; bill short and rather slender ; mantle bluish gray ; tail moderate
and forked.
LARUS, Linnaeus.
Larus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735.
CH. — Bill strong and laterally compressed ; the culmen straight at the base and curved at the end ; nostrils lateral and
linear, placed near the centre of the bill ; wings pointed ; first quill longest ; tail even ; tarsi nearly the length of the middle
toe ; feet with a full web ; hind toe elevated. The largest of the family are found in this genus ; none very small.
There are several well marked groups in this genus, but not sufficiently different for generic
distinction. They may be arranged in the following manner :
A. LEUCUS, Bp. — Large and powerful in form ; the upper plumage very light in color ;
primary quills white, or of the same color as the back.
Mantle grayish blue ; primaries white at the end for a considerable space.,. ...L. glaucus.
Mantle greyish blue ; primaries of the same color as the back, except the tips, which
are white L. glaucescens.
Mantle pale grayish blue ; primaries of the same color at the base, terminating largely
with white , L. leucopterus.
Mantle grayish blue ; primaries ash gray ; the tips marked with a rounded white
spot L. chalcopterus.
B. DOMINICANUS, Bruch. — Large ; the upper plumage dark slate color ; primaries black near
the end ; tips white L. marinus.
C. LAROIDES, Brehm. — Large ; the mantle pearl or bluish gray ; primaries marked near the end
with a black band ; tips white.
Mantle pale bluish gray ; primaries black near the end, with the tips white... L. argentatus.
Mantle bluish gray ; primaries crossed near the end with black ; tips white.
L. caUfornicus.
Mantle dark bluish gray ; primaries black near the end, with the tips white.
L. occidentalis.
August 25, 1858.
106 b
842 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Mantle pale "bluish gray ; primaries marked near their ends with black, the tips being
white ; bill yellowish green crossed with a black band. (Pr. Bonaparte puts this species
in Lar us . ) L. delawarensis,
Mantle light pearl blue ; primaries black near their ends, with white tips ; bill rather
small and slender L. sucldeyi.
LARUS GLAUCUS, Briinnich.
The Glaucous Gull; The Burgomaster.
Larus glaucus, BRINN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 44.— BONAP. Synop. 1828, No. 302.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 416.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 306.— AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 170 ; pi. ccccxlix.
Laroides glaucus, BRUCH, Cab. Journ. 1855, 281.
Leucus glaucus, BONAP. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 215.
" Larus consul, BOIE."
" Larus glacialis, MACGILL "
SP. CH. — Jldult. The head, neck, rump, tail, and entire under plumage pure white ; the back and wings are of a light bluish
gray ; the edge of the wing, the ends of the first primaries, and the shafts and tips of the others white. Bill gamboge yellow,
with a spot of reddish orange near the end of the lower mandible ; irides light yellow ; legs and feet flesh color.
Length, 30 inches ; alar extent, 60 ; wing, from flexure, ]9^ ; tail, 8^ ; tarsus 2}£ 5 bill, along the ridge, 2|.
Hab. — Arctic seas ; Labrador ; New York in winter, rarely.
Individuals appear to vary considerably from the above measurements, some being much
smaller ; but Capt. Sabine found one example to measure 32 inches, with an extent of wing of
65 inches ; its tarsus was 3^ inches in length, and its bill 4 inches.
The young have the upper plumage pale yellowish white, mottled with very pale brown ;
breast and abdomen gray ; tail white, irregularly spotted with pale brown ; bill yellow for two-
thirds its length and terminating with blackish brown.
LARUS GLAUCESCENS, Lichtenstein.
The Glaucous-winged Gull.
" Laroides glaucescens, LICHT." BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1855, 281.
Leucus glaucescens, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 216.
" Laroides glaucopterus, KITTL." BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1855, 281.
? Larus brachyrhynchus, GOULD.
SP. CH. — Mult. Head and neck white, streaked with gray ; under surface, rump, and tail pure white ; back and wings light
pearl blue (same shade as in L. argentatus ;) the primaries are of the same color, but rather darker, with well defined white
tips ; on the first quill the white extends on the tip for about two inches and is crossed by a bar of the same color as the prima
ries ; iris white ; bill yellow, with an orange red spot on the angle of the lower mandible ; legs and feet flesh color.
Length, 27^ inches ; wing, 16| ; tail, 7| ; bill along ridge, 2|, deep at base, 11-16, at angle, 12-16 ; tarsi, 2 9-16 ; middle toe
and claw, 2|.
Young mottled with grayish white and cinereous ; the quills and tail bluish ash ; bill black, in some specimens yellowish at
base ; legs and feet dusky flesh color.
Hab. — Northwest coast of North America.
In the collection are a number of specimens of this fine gull, from quite young to fully adult ;
it is nearly equal in size to L. glaucus, but with a less powerful bill and more slender tarsi.
I have not seen the original description of L. glaucescens, the locality of which is Kamtschatka,
but the description of it by Bruch in his "Revision der Gattung Larus, Linn." in Cabanis
BIRDS LARIDAB LARUS CHALCOPTERU8.
843
Journal fiir Ornith. JuTi, 1855, p. 281, applies so well to the adult specimens before me, that I
have no doubt of their being the same. His account, in which no measurements are given, is
very concise and is as follows :
" Resembling L. glaucu* altogether, with the exception of the wing feathers, which in this
species are ashy gray with round white spots on the points."
He puts L. glaucopterus, Kittlitz, as a synonym, but gives no references where to find the
descriptions of either author.
The omission to make references to the original descriptions of species prevails throughout
Dr. Bruch's very valuable monograph ; it would have added much to its usefulness if this had
been done when citing authorities.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality,
When
Whence ob- j Orig.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing. Remarks.
No.
collected.
tained. i No.
ofwings.
6462
Feb. 4, 1856
' 215
Dr. Suckley. .
25 00
54.00
17.25
j 559
26.00
17.50
4527
o
\ 154
Dr. Suckley ..
23.00
15.75
6452
9
Fort Steilacoom, VV. T.
Dec. 26, 1856
Qov. Stevens.. ! 7
....do
24.00
52.00
15.50
6457
do
Doe 20, 1850
do 1 6
do
26. 00
58.00
17.00
6453
Shoahvater Bay, W. T. .
Oct. 13, 1854
do i
Dr. Cooper ..
24.50
51.50
15.50 Iris grayish yellow; bill blue;
feet flesh color.
6458
do.
May 3, 1852
do 67
....do
red.
6461
,do
Mar. — , 1854
do..,.,
....do
22.58
52.00
15.00 Iris dark brown; bill and feet
j
gray.
6460
Bodega, Cal
Dec. — , 1854
Lt. Trovvbridge.
|
T. A. Szabo..
27.75
16.50
LARUS LEUCOPTERUS, Faber.
The White-winged Gnll.
Larus leucopterus, FABER, Prodr. Isl. Orn. 1820, 91.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 301.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
418.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 305.— AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1844, 159 ; pi. ccccxlvii.
Laroides leucopterus, BRUCH, Cab. Journ. 1855, 281.
Leucus leucopterus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 217.
" Larus islandicus, EDMONSTON."
Larus glaucoides, TEMM.
SP. CH. — Mult. Back and wings pale bluish gray ; the terminal part of the quills and their shafts, as well as the rest of the
plumajre pure white ; bill bright yellow, with an orange red spot on the lower mandible towards the end ; legs and feet pale flesh
color.
Length, 26 inches ; wing, 17^ ; tail, 6i ; bill about 2 ; tarsi, 2£.
Hub — Arctic seas, Baffin's Bay, Labrador.
LARUS CHALCOPTERUS, Lawrence.
The Gray-winged Gnll.
" Laroides chalcopterus, LIGHT." BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1855, 282.
Leucus chalcopterus, Bon. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 216.
The only notice of this species I have met with is in Bruch's Monograph of Gulls, referred to
above ; his description is as follows :
" Resembles very much L. leucopterus, except in the wing feathers, which are ash gray with
round white spotted points ; the young are dark gray like L. ylaucopterus."
Hob. — "American coast of Behring's Straits and Greenland."
844 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
LARUS MARLNUS, Linnaeus.
Tlie Great Black-backed Gull.
Larus marinus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 225.— BONAP. Syn. 1823, No. 303 — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 308.— AUD. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 172 : pi. ccccl.
Dominicanus marinus, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 280. — Bov. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 213.
Sp. CH. — Mult. The head, neck, entire under p'umage, upper tail coverts, and tail are pure white ; the back and wings are
of a dark slate color ; the primaries are deep black, largely tipped with white, as are the extremities of most of the quills ; the
bill is gamboge yellow, with an orange red spot near the end of the lower mandible ; legs and feet pale yellow.
Length about 30 inches ; wing, 20 ; tail, 9 ; bill, 2 10-12 ; tarsus, 3 2-12.
Young. Head, rump, and under plumage grayish white with streaks of light brown ; back and wings mottled with brownish
ash and grayish white ; primaries blackish brown, having the tips edged with white ; tail white, spotted with brown and having
a broad subterminal band of the same color ; bill brownish black, yellowish at the base ; legs and feet yellow.
Hob. — North Atlantic, Labrador ; as far south as Florida in winter.
LARUS ARGENTATUS, Brunnich.
The Herring Gull; Tlie Silvery Gull.
Larus argenlatus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 44.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 300.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 304.— AUD. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 163 ; pi. ccccxlviii.
Laroides argentatus, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 282. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 218.
Laroides argentatoides, RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 417.
SP. CH. — Adult. Head, neck, under parts, rump, and tail, pure white ; back and wings light pearl blue ; the first six
primaries are marked towards their ends with black, which begins on the first at about half its length from the end, and is
rapidly lessened on the others until it becomes only a sub-terminal bar on the sixth ; the primaries all tipped with white ; on
the first quill it is about an inch and a half in extent, crossed near the end with a black bar, on the second quill there is a round
white spot on the inner web near the end ; secondaries and tertiaries broadly ending with white ; bill bright yellow, with an
orange red spot near the end of the lower mandible ; legs and feet flesh colored.
Length of male, 23 inches; wing, 18; tail, 7| ; bill along ridge, 2| ; depth at angle, Jg- ; tarsus, 2|. Female a little
smaller than the male, but similar in plumage.
Young mottled with light grayish brown and dull white; primaries blackish brown; bill brownish black, yellowish at the base.
Hab.— Atlantic coast from Texas to Newfoundland ; western States ; Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
L. argentatoides, Richardson, is made a distinct species by both Bruch and Bonaparte.
Bruch describes it as differing from L, argentatus " merely by its paler gull blue."
Bonaparte (Cons. Av. II, 1856, 218) makes it the bird described by American writers, and
says, " distinct from L. argentatus, with the back paler, smaller, 20 inches in length, tarsi 2
inches."
I have specimens of the species herein described as L. argentatus, which vary in size from 22
to over 26 inches, but cannot discover sufficient characteristic differences to form two species.
There is great variation in the size of different individuals in the gull family, so much so that
it would not be safe to make dimensions a guide for specific distinction.
Mr. McGillivray, in his "History of British Birds," under L. argentatus, notices this great
disparity in size, and remarks upon the probable identity of the European and American bird
as follows: "Having carefully examined specimens from various parts of North America, I
find them clearly to belong to the same species."
BIRDS LARIDAE — LARUS OCCIDENTALIS.
845
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex,
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
4355
c?
Washington, D. C_.
Jan. 31,
Market ......
S. G Brown
23. 00
59.00
18. 00
4356
o
do
1855.
...do...
...do
do-
22.50
59.00
16.50
C92G
Nelson rivor, II. B
Dr Gunn
Jno. Isbister
26. 00
17. 00
#
Coast New York .
Cab. J. N Lawrence
982
26. 00
16. 50
0
do
do
983
23.00
16. 10
LAEUS OCCIDENTALIS, Audubon.
The Western Gull.
Larus occidentalis, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 320.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 161.
Laroides occidentalis, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 282. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 219.
SP. CH, — Adult. The head, neck, rump, tail, and under plumage, pure white ; the back and wings grayish blue, many shades
darker tlian in L. argentatus; the first six primaries are black towards their ends, extending on the first for about half its length,
and lessening on the others, until on the sixth it is reduced to a narrow sub-terminal bar ; the tips of all are white, on the first
the white is an inch and a half in extent, and crossed near the end with black ; secondaries and tertiaries with broad white tips;
'ris gray ; bill deep yellow, with a bright orange red spot on the angle of the lower mandible ; legs and feet flesh color.
Young mottled with lead colored brown, grayish white, and brownish ash, lighter on the lower parts ; primaries blackish
brown; bill brownish black, dull yellow at base; legs and feet brownish flesh color.
Length, 25 inches ; wing, 17 ; tail, 7 ; bill, 2| ; depth at angle, -J ; tarsus, 2 J.
Hob. — Northwest coast of North America.
There are numerous specimens of all ages of this well marked species in the collection ; it is
easily distinguished from L. argentatus by its darker colored mantle. A striking characteristic
in the young of this species is its very stout bill, which, though much shorter than in the adult,
has comparatively great depth at the angle.
Mr. Audubon' s original specimens of this species are now in the private cabinet of Professor
S. F. Baird.
List of specimens.
CaiiU.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by —
Length
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
ofwings.
Oregon
..............
Cab. G. N. Lawrence.
984
4493
O
Slioalwater Bav..
Dec. 6, 1854
Lieut. Williamson...
Dr. Cooper ..
23.00
54.00
15.25
Eye dark brown ; feet brown
ish flesh color.
4510
do
Jan. 6, 1855
do
....do
21.50
52.50
15.50
Eye gray; feet black; bill yel
low.
6451
Oct 30 1854
108
....do
24.00
55.00
16.00
flesh color.
6455
Bodega, Cal
Dec — ,1854
Lieut. Trowbridge.. . .
T. A. Szabo .
23.00
15.75
6403
rresidio, Cal ....
Ap'l 25, 1853
do
....do
22.00
15.26
6464
.. do.. ...
do ...
25 00
17.00
6465
do
do.. ,
25.00
16.00
6474
o
May 4 1853
do.. ... ...
23.00
15.00
6459
o
. ., do
22.50
14 50
6454
do
do
A. Cassidy. ..
24.00
16.00
846
U. S. P. R. B. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
LAKUS CALIFOENICUS, Lawrence.
The California Gull.
Larus calif ornicus, LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. II. N. Y. VI, 1854, 79.
Laroides californicus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 220.
gp CH. Mult. The head, neck, under plumage, rump, and tail, pure white ; back and wings pearl blue, darker than in
L argentatus, but not so dark as in L. occidentalis; the six outer primaries are marked with black towards their ends, extending
on the first for about two-thirds its length, and becoming less on the others, until on the sixth it consists only of a sub-terminal
bar • the tips of all are white, on the exierior quill the white extends about two inches, and is crossed near the end by a black
bar ; the secondaries and tertiaries terminate with whitej iris hazel ; bill yellow ; basal part of the upper mandible greenish
gray for two-thirds its length; a blackish band crosses both mandibles near their ends, it is darker in color on the lower mandible,
where it is bordered with orange; tarsus and feet flesh color.
Length, 22| inches ; wing, 16£ ; tail, 7 ; bill, 2 ; depth at angle, 10-16 ; tarsus, 23 ; middle toe and nail, 2|.
There are three specimens of this gull in the collection ; one, of which the above are the
measurements, differs only from my original specimen in the three outer primaries not having
white tips, the first having a white spot near the end, and the tail being marked with an
interrupted sub-terminal black band, an evidence that it is not fully adult.
The two other specimens are smaller, (probably females ;) they appear to be in mature
plumage, and have the end of the first primary white for an extent of two inches ; there is a
white spot on the second primary about one inch inside of the white tip, in other respects like
my specimen.
They measure in length 20 inches ; wing, 15| ; tail, 6 ; bill, If ; depth at angle, & ; tarsus,
2-| ; middle toe and nail, 2^.
2Iob. — West coast of North America.
Among various specimens of gulls sent me by Professor Baird from his private cabinet for
examination, I find two examples of the above species ; these were brought by Dr. Townsend
from the Pacific, and were labelled by him L. argentatus.
List of specimens.
Catal .
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4508
4509
6456
California
San Francisco
Shoalwater Bay
do
Feb. 9,1855
Oct. 5, 1854
Cab. G. N. Lawrence..
Lieut. Williamson
Gov. Stevens
985
102
Dr. Nevvberry ..
Dr. Cooper ....
...,do
20.00
20.00
22.50
49.00
55.00
15.25
15.25
16.00
Eyes dark brown; bill grayish.
Iris hazel ; bill pale gray ;
2771
Oct. 22, 1836
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend
feet flesh color.
2772
do
do
....do
LAEUS DELAWARENSIS, Ord.
The Ring-billed Gull.
Larus delawarensis, ORD, Guth. Geog. 2nd Am. Ed. II, 1815, 319.
Larus canus, EON. Syn. 1828, No. 296.— RICH. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 420.
Larus brachyrhynchus, RICH. & Sw. P. Bor. Am. IT, 1831, 422, (riot of Gould.)
Larus zonorhynchus, RICH. & Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 422 — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 300.— ACD. Birds Am. VII,
1844, 152 ; pi. ccccxlvi.— BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 224.
Gavina zonorhynchus, BRCCII, Cab. Jour. 1855, 282.
BIRDS LARIDAE LARUS DELAWARENSIS.
847
SP. CH. — ddult. The head, neck, under parts and tail are pure white ; back and wings very light pearl blue ; first and
second primaries black for two-thirds of their length towards the end, the three next quills have the black much less in extent,
and on the sixth it is reduced to a sub-terminal bar, the first quill is black at the end, above which is a broad white band, the
second quill is black to the tip, with a white spot on the inner web an inch and a half from the end, the other primaries tipped
with white; secondaries and tertiaries ending in white; iris yellow; bill crossed near the end with a blackish brown band,
between which and the base it is greenish yellow, the tip is yellow ; tarsi and feet greenish yellow.
Length, about 20 inches ; wing, 15 ; tail, 6 ; bill, 1| ; depth at angle, | ; tarsus, 2J-.
Young. On the upper plumage mottled with blackish brown and gray; beneath grayish white, with light brown spots;
primaries black ; tail white, with a sub-terminal black band ; bill black, with the base yellow.
Hob. — Arctic America ; Texas to Labrador ; western rivers ; northwest coast.
No bird possessing the peculiar character of Mr. Ord's "delaivarensis," also named "The
Toothed-bill Gull," has been met with since the time of his description, nor has his species
been identified with any other. His account of its measurements and coloration agrees
precisely with the adult L. zonorhynclms, the only character to reconcile is the tooth d bill ;
this I consider as a possible malformation, or probably an accidental toothing, caused by its
being worn in some particular mode of feeding.
It is, of course, difficult to establish certainly the identity of Mr. Ord's species with the present,
but I am strongly of the opinion that they are the same, for the reasons given above, and also
from the fact of no others having been obtained. As all our species are abundant, if this was
really distinct, it surely could not have so long escaped observation.
Feeling, therefore, quite confident that Mr. Ord's species can be no other than the one now
described, I have given his name priority.
Below I have given Mr. Ord's description.
"Length, 19^ inches; extent, 46; upper mandible with four indentations or blunt teeth,
lower with three; corner of mouth and eyelids bright vermilion; head, neck, tail, and beneath,
pure white ; wings, back and scapulars, blue ash. Weight, 19 ounces."
I have appended to this, and also to the account of several other species, extracts from some
original notes made by Dr. Suckley in Washington Territory.
Note by Dr. Suckley. — "This gull is quite common on Puget's Sound in winter. It seems to
be subject to great changes in color of plumage, feet and bill, at different ages. The habits of
this bird have been so well described by Nuttall and others, that I have scarcely anything to
add. On Puget's Sound, during the cool months, this species is found abundantly on the
marshes and flats at the mouths of the different rivers emptying into the Sound. When an
individual is wounded, like other gulls, his comrades hover over and circle around the victim,
as if impelled by motives of curiosity or compassion ; at this time frequently the others can be
rapidly brought down by the same gunner with his undischarged barrels. But the occasion
must be quickly seized, because the sympathizing birds which at first are bewitched, as it were,
by the accident to their companion, soon lose the charm, and, becoming more wary, enlarge
their circles, and ascending higher and higher soon place themselves out of shot range."
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by — J Length.! Stretch Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
(of wings.
986
1
9
Laramie river, N. T
July 533, 1857
Lieut. Bryan
316
W. S. Wood...
8908
Nebraska Territory
Lieut. Warren
Dr. Hayden . . . . '
6466
Fort Thorn, N. M
Capt. Pope
......
Dr. Henry ; 1750 14.50
41G1
Mar 27 1853
19 00 47 00 15.00
Eyes yellow
95-11
Puget's Sound
Oct. 22, 1857
A. Campbell
53
Dr. Kennedy
848
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL, REPORT.
LAEUS ISUOKLEYI, Lawrence.
Suckley's Gull.
Larus suckleyi, LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. VI, 1858,264.
SP. CH. — Mult. Head, neck, under plumage and tail, pure white ; back and wings clear pearl blue ; ends of the primaries
black, occupying about half the length of the first and decreasing to the seventh, on which it consists only of a sub-terminal
spot ; the first primary has a white spot over both webs an inch and a half in extent inside the tip, the second has a similar
mark of white, but less in extent ; the tips of the first and second primaries are black, but of all the others white ; the
secondaries and tertiaries largely marked with white at their ends ; bill dusky yellowish green, except on the ridge of the upper
mandible, forward of the nostrils, and on the angle of the lower mandible, which parts are orange yellow ; tips of both
mandibles pale yellow ; legs and feet greenish yellow.
Length, 17| inches ; alar extent, 43 1 ; wing, 13J ; tail, 5^ ; bill, 1 5-16 ; tarsi, 1| .
Young. Mottled with grayish white and dark ash ; wings and tail dark brown, the latter ashy white at the base and tip ; bill
flesh color for half its length from the base, terminating with black ; legs and feet flesh color.
Hob. — Pacific coast ; Puget's Sound.
Four specimens are in the collection.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Age.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
of wings.
4571
Puget's Sound
Feb. 4, 1856
217
Dr. Suckley ....
17.50
43.25
13.75
8435
do
Sept. — , 1857
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennerly . .
17.00
14.00
6472
o
Fort Steilacoom
Dec. 26, 1854
(Jov. Stevens
8
17.25
44.50
13.25
6476
o
Shoal water bay
Oct. 13, 1854
, do
105
Dr. Cooper
16.00
41.50
12.75
Iris hazel ; bill flesh color,
black tips ; feet flesh color.
BLASIPUS, Bonaparte.
Blasipus, BON. 1852.
CH . — Bill long and rather slender ; general color dusky ; of medium size.
Bonaparte enumerates three species under this genus, only one of which inhabits our coast ;
in my opinion he has improperly placed "belcheri" and "fuliginosus" (closely allied species,
if not identical with the above,) in a different genus, viz : Leucophaeus, the type of which is
"haematorhynchus," a species having the bill very robust.
BLASIPUS HEERMANNI, Bon.
The White-headed Gull.
Larus heermanni, CASS. Proc. Acad. N. Soc. Phil. VI, 1852, 187.— TB. Ills. I, 1853, 28 ; pi. v.
Melarus heermanni, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 279.
Blasipus heermanni, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 211.
SP. CH. — Adult. " Bill red, both mandibles tipped with black ; feet and legs dark ; head white, which color gradually blends
into an ashy lead color, enveloping the entire body above and below, darker on the back and wings and paler on the abdomen.
Secondary quills tipped with white, forming an oblique bar when the wings are folded. Superior coverts of the tail very pale
cinereous, nearly white. Quills and tail feathers brownish black, all of the latter narrowly tipped with white. Shafts of the
two first primaries white on the inferior surface of the wing."
" Total length, about 17| inches; wing, 13| ; tail, 5| ; bill from angle to tip of upper mandible, 2£ inches."
" Young. Smaller ; total length, about 16 inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, 5 inches. Entire plumage brown, darker on the head and
paler on the under surface of the body ; quills and tail feathers brownish black, the latter narrowly tipped with white."
Hob. — Coast of California.
BIRDS — LARIDAE BLASIPU8 HEERMANNI.
849
The above are Mr. Cassin's descriptions of the adult and young.
In the collection are seven specimens which I consider to be identical with the above species ;
one agrees very closely with Mr. Cassin's description of the young ; none of the others have
the head white, but in most of them this color exists on the throat and is developing itself on
the head in such a manner as to leave no doubt that it would have become white eventually ;
the neck is of a clear ash ; the upper tail coverts are of a pearl gray color ; tail rather broadly
tipped with white.
In this plumage they agree very well with L. belcheri, Vigors1; the measurements given by
Vigors are as follows: length, 21 inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 6 ; bill, 2 ; tarsi, 2. The specimens
in the collection range in length from 18 to 21 inches ; wings, about 14 ; tail, 5| to 6 ; bill, 2;
tarsi,, 2. Differing from the dimensions of Belcheri only in the length of the wing, which I
am satisfied is an error, as a wing of 11 inches for a gull measuring 21 in length is out of all
proportion.
They also answer very well to the description of L.fidiginosus, Gould, which is thus given
in the Zool. of the Voy. of the Beagle, Birds, p. 141:
"The whole of the plumage deep leaden gray; the upper and under tail coverts being
lightest ; bill red at the base, black at the tip ; feet black."
"Length, 16-| inches ; wing, 13^; tail, 6; tarsi, 2-|; bill, 2f," (probably from gape.)
I incline to the opinion that the three names refer to the same bird, Mr. Cassin describing it
in perfect plumage as L. heermanni. If this proves to be the case, Vigors' name of Belcheri will
have priority.
Note by Dr. Suckley. — " Larus belcheri. Two gulls supposed by me to belong to this species,
were obtained in the Straits of Fuca, near Whidby's Island, W. T. Both of these gulls had
red bills. The species does not seem to be fond of feeding on the shores and bare flats, like the
L, Konorhynchus and other species, but is almost always found on kelp beds floating in deep
water some distance from the shore. In these situations both my specimens were shot. These
gulls, when being skinned, emitted a very rank disagreeable odor, much stronger and more
unpleasant than that of L. zonorhynchus."
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Age. Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by—' Length
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6150
6449
i Puget's Sound
! do
Aug. 26, 1850
do
Dr. Suckley
do
556
557
' 19.75
18.50
44 50
Shoalwater bay....
Sept. 8, 1854
89
Dr. Cooper... 21.00
42.50
do
do 20.00
brownish gray.
6447
6448
O Bodnga, Cal
Dec. — , 1851
Lieut. Trowbridge..
do
T. Szabo 19.00
21.00
43 00
13.25
14 00
Bill dark red • legs black
6475
I do
Mazatlan, Mexico..
Col. Abort
1 Lcfrus belcheri, Via. Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 358.— IB. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 39.
August 27, 1858.
107 b
850 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CHROICOCEPHALUS, Eyton.
Chroicocephalus, EYTON, Cat. Brit. Birds, 183G.
CH.— Bill moderate, rather slender, much compressed; upper mandible straight at base, more or less curved at the end;
nostrils lateral and longitudinal ; wings long, narrow, and pointed ; tail moderate, usually even ; tarsi rather s'ender ; feet
webbed ; hind toe small and elevated.
These gulls are of medium or small size ; in their spring attire the head is clothed with a
dark colored hood, but in winter it becomes white, with a dusky spot behind the ear. These
birds are very handsome, the dark and light colors of their plumage forming a beautiful
contrast.
The species of this genus are beautiful birds, and readily known by the dark colored hood or
cowl which envelopes the head in summer. Five species are enumerated as belonging to the
United States, but the occurrence of minutus may be considered as accidental. They may be
known by the following characters :
Mantle and wings grayish blue ; hood blackish lead gray ; narrow white lines on the
upper and lower eyelids G. atricilla.
Mantle and wings dark bluish gray ; hood plumbeous black, eyelids white.. C.franldinii.
Mantle and wings ash blue ; hood plumbeous black ; an oval white spot over the eye and
one on the lower eyelid ,C. cucullatus.
Mantle and wings light grayish blue ; hood grayish black ; a white band divided by a
narrow black line surrounds the posterior part of the eye C. Philadelphia.
Mantle and wings pale bluish gray ; hood black ; behind the eye a white crescent
C. minutus.
CHROICOCEPHALUS ATRICILLA, (Linnaeus.)
The Laughing Gull.
Larus atricilla, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 225.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 294.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 291.— AUD. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 136 ; pi. ccccxliii.
Larus ridibundus, WILS. IX, 1824, 89; pi. Ixxiv.
Atricilla catesbyi, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 287.
SP. CH. — Adult. Head and upper part of neck blackish lead gray, extending lower in front ; upper and lower eyelids white
posteriorly ; lower part of neck, entire under plumage, rump, and tail pure white ; in spring a beautiful roseate tint exists on
the breast and abdomen ; back and wings grayish lead color ; the first six primaries are black, beginning on the first at about
two-thirds of its length from the point and regularly becoming less on the others until on the sixth it is reduced to two spots
near the end ; tips in some specimens white, and in others black to their points ; bill and inside of the mouth dark carmine ;
iris bluish black ; lags and feet deep red. In winter the head becomes white, intermixed on the crown and hind neck with
brownish gray.
Length, 17 inches ; wing, 13 ; tail, 5 ; bill, \\ ; tarsus, 2 inches.
Hob. — Texas to Massachusetts.
BIRDS LARIDAE — CHROICOCEPHALUS CUCULLATUS.
851
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig. Length.
No. |
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
6541 $
Coast New York ,
Cab. G. N. Lawrence
988
Pupil, feet, and bill (?) dark blue; eyes
6473 ' $
do ..
' 16 50
39 50
12 50
with hazel ring.
49>">9 Q
13 00
4318
13 00
4319 ....
..do 1854
do
16.00
13.00
5642 ....
Iiulianola, Texas Mar. 27,1855
Capt. J. Pope.. ....
38 17.00
40.50
13.25
Bill and gums red, eyes dark, feet dark
4162
Brazo* Texas Mar °ti.l853
Capt. Van Vliet ...
14 16 50
39 50
13 00
gray.
CHKOICOCEPHALUS FKANKLINII, Bruch.
Franklin's Rosy Gull.
Larus franklinii, RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831,424; pi. Ixxi.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 293.— AUD. Birds Am. VII,
1844, 145, (not figured.)
Chroicocephalus franklinii, BRTJCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 289.
Sp. Cn. — Mult. Head and upper part of neck black, with a plumbeous hue on the fore part of the neck extending a little
lower than it does behind ; both eyelids white, except in front ; lower part of neck, under plumage, rump, and tail white ; the
under surface and interior lining of the wings deeply tinged with peach-blossom red ; back and wings dark bluish gray ; the
outer web of the first primary is black nearly to the end, the inner web of the first and both webs of the four next are crossed
with a subterminal black band about two inches wide on the outer and lessening to a half inch on the fifth; all the quill feathers
end with white, on the first primary it is about one inch in extent ; shafts of all the primaries and the inner web of the first
white, the other primaries are the same color as the back, except on the inner edge of the inner web and immediately adjoining
the black bar, where they are white ; bill and legs vermilion.
Length, 15 inches ; wing, 12 ; tail,42 ; bill, ]| ; tarsus, 1|.
Hub. — Missouri river ; interior of fur countries.
There are four specimens of this beautiful and well marked species in the collection, two of
them in perfect plumage, in which a delicate roseate tint on the neck and under surface is very
apparent. It is easily distinguished from C. atricilla by its much darker hood and the very
differently colored primaries.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sox and
age.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing. Remarks.
4897
$
Kanesville, Neb
April 28, 1856
15 00
38 1°
1° 00 Fyes bl'ick
5784
9 '
July 14,1856
W. S. Wood
5790
O
Fort Pierre, Neb
CHBOICOCEPHALUS CUCULLATUS, Lichtenstein.
The Hooded Gull.
" Chroicocephalus cucullatus, LIGHT." BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1855, 290.
Sp. CH. — Adult. Hood plumbeous black, with an oval white spot over the eye and another on the hind part of the lower eye
lid, both extending backward; the entire neck, upper tail coverts, and under plumage pure white ; back and wings ash blue,
about the shade of franklinii ; primaries bluish ash, the first black on the outer web and for one quarter its length on the inner
852
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
at the end; the second, third, fourth, and fifth also crossed with black towards their ends, decreasing behind ; on the sixth a nar
row bar of black; the tips of all white, occupying most space on the sixth and lessening in extent to the first, where it becomes a
mere edging ; the remaining primaries, the secondaries, and tertiaries terminate largely with white ; the shafts of the three outer
primaries are blackish brown ; the three lateral tail feathers are white, the others light pearl blue, deepest in color on the two
central ones ; bill deep carmine, crossed near the end with black, tip dull yellow ; legs and feet red.
Length of skin about 13 inches ; wing, 11 la ; tail, 4 ; bill, 1|, depth at base 6-16, at angle 5-16 ; tarsus 1| ; middle toe and
claw, 1£.
Young, Differs from the adult in having the forehead grayish white, crown, occiput, and sic.es of the head blackish brown,
the white eye spots as in the adult ; the lesser wing coverts brownish ash, the primaries much darker, the inner ones tipped with
white- secondaries and tertiaries with dark brown centres and ending with white ; tail crossed with a subterminal band of
brownish black.
Length of skin, 13| inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 4 ; bill, 1-J ; tarsus, ]|.
Hab. — Panama ; coast, of Louisiana.
Two specimens are in the collection ; the adult is in fine plumage, and was obtained in
Louisiana by Mr. G. Wurdemann, the first instance of its occurrence within the limits of the
United States. This example agreeing so well with Bruch's description of cucullatus, cited above,
I have referred it to that species. Mr. Bruch considers L, pipixcan, Wagler, to be the same as
cucullatus, but in Wagler' s description nothing is said of the white eye spots, which are a very
conspicuous character.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex &
Age.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Point of bill to : Wing from
end of tail, j carpal joint.
4320
Calcasicu Puss Louisiana
1854
G. Wurdemann.
13.00 11.12
4522
Dec. 28 1855
Dr. Suckley
13.50 11.00
CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA, Lawrence.
Bonaparte's Gull.
Sterna Philadelphia, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 319.
Larus capistratus, BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 293.
Larus bonapartei, RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 425 ; pi. Ixxii.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 294.— AUD. Birds Am. VII,
1844, 131 ; pi. ccccxlii.
Chroicocephalus bonapartei, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 292.
Sp. CH. — Jldult. Head and upper part of neck grayish blr.ck, this color extending rather lower on the throat than on the neck
behind ; lower part of neck, under plumage, rump, and tail white ; back and wings clear bluish gray ; first primary black on the
outer web ; inner web of the first primary, both webs of the second, and the outer web of the third white ; the inner web of the
third and all the other primaries are of the same color as the back ; the six outer primaries have their ends black for the extent
of about an inch on the central ones, but less on the first and sixth, they are all slightly tipped with white ; shoulders, anterior
borders of the wings, and outer webs of the primary coverts white ; bill deep black ; inside of mouth carmine ; iris hazel ; legs
and feet orange with a reddish tinge.
Length, 14j inches ; wing, 10j ; tail, 4| ; bill, lg ; tarsus, 1 5-16.
Hob. — Texas to Nova Scotia, Mississippi river, fur countries, Pacific coast of North America.
The young have the head white, intermixed on the occiput and hind neck with dark gray ; a
round spot of dark plumbeous behind the eye ; the smaller wing coverts brown ; the outer webs
of several of the primaries and a subterminal band on the tail black.
There are eleven specimens in the collection.
The specific name of " bonapartei," under which this species has been so long known, in my
BIRDS LARIDAE — RISSA.
853
opinion, must give place to that of Ord, cited above ; he also designates it as the " Banded-tail
Tern." To determine what species was described under the above name (if it was not distinct)
has long been considered a problem which it was very desirable to solve ; it agrees in every
particular with specimens of the young of bonapartei, now under examination. Mr. Ord's
description is as follows :
" Beneath pure white ; above blue ash; below the auriculars a patch of dark slate; tail
white, short, almost even, crossed by a dark brown band ; a line of brown from the shoulder of
the wing to the tertials. Weight full five ounces."
The slender and tern-like form of the bill probably induced Mr. Ord to put it in Sterna.
Note by Dr. Sucldey. — "Abundant on Puget's Sound, in the neighborhood of which I obtained
several specimens. This species is the only gull commonly 'eaten by the Nisqually Indians. I
broiled one of these birds and found it about equal, in gastronomic qualities, to the Eallus
crepitans. ' '
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by— Length/ Stretch
No. ofwings.
'
Wing.
Remarks.
6927
7934
X
Coast New York
Nelson river, 11. B. T
Cab. G. N. Lawrence.
D.Gunn
J.Gould
991 .
Jno. Isbister
30
7393
do
6467
San Diego, Cal
Lt. Trowbridge
: 14.00 32.00
10.00
Eyes bl'k, legs yellow.
6-468
do
556<J
6469
9
Pctaluma, Cal
Puget's Sound, W. T . . . All". — , 1856
E. Samuels
Dr. Suckley
139 13.00
558 14.50 30.00
10.25
9 25
do
do
14.00 ,
10.00
8432
o
do Sept. — ,1857
i Dr. Kciinerly
8434
do An". 30, 1857
do
do
8438
o
do
,...do , 12.00J 27.00
9.50
CHROICOCEPHALUS MINUTUS, B r u c h .
Tlic Little Gull.
Lams minutus, PALLAS, Rcise, III, 702.— BONAF. Syn. 1828, No. 292.— RICH. & Sw. F. E. A. 11,1831,426.— Nun.
Man. II, 1834, 280.
Chroicocephalus minutus, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 290.
SP. CH. — Mull. Head and upper part of the neck black ; a white crescent behind the eyes ; part of the lower neck and
under plumage roseate white ; rump and tail pure white ; back and wings of a pure and very pale bluish gray ; primaries and
secondaries ash gray tipped with white; bill deep lake red; iris dark brown ; legs and feet carmine. Length, about 11^
inches.
Hub. — Arctic America? Europe.
There is no specimen in the collection from North America, although a fine series from
Europe has been presented to the Smithsonian Institution by the Norwich Museum, England.
RISSA, Leach.
Rissa, LEACH, Steph. Gen. Zool. XIII, 1825, 180. Type Larus triilactylus, L.
Cn. — Bill rather long, strong, and much compressed ; culmen straight at base, curved from the nostrils to the tip ; nostrils
lateral and longitudinal ; wings long and pointed ; tail even ; tarsi rather short ; toes slender and united by a full web ; hind
too rudimentary or very small.
854
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
These birds mostly inhabit the north. They assemble in flocks, and are most graceful birds
on the wing. They possess great powers of flight, being able to contend with the strongest
gale. Medium in size.
Three species belonging to this genus are found in the United States. They may be
distinguished as below :
Mantle light pearl gray ; bill moderate, pale greenish yellow ; tarsi moderate ; hind toe
rudimental , H, tridactylus.
Mantle light pearl blue ; bill rather long ; greenish at the base, with the point yellow ;
hind toe short ; more developed than in the above species R. septentrionalis.
Mantle pale leaden gray ; bill short and strong, bright yellow ; hind toe short./?, nivea.
THe Kittiwake Gull.
Larus Iridactylus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 224.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 297 RICH. &Sw. II, 1831, 423.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 298.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 146 ; pi. ccccxliv.
Rissa tridactylus, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 225.— BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 284.
Larus rissa, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Head, neck, entire under plumage, rump, and tail white ; back and wings light bluish gray ; the ends of the
five outer primaries and the outer web of the first black ; the fourth and fifth have small white tips ; bill greenish yellow ; iris
reddish brown ; legs and feet brownish black with a green tinge.
Young. The head is white, marked on the hind head and neck with bluish gray ; a spot of the same color over the ears ; a
narrow crescent of black in front of the eye. Wings and shoulders marked with black ; primaries black. Tail white, with a
sub-terminal black band. Bill black ; rest of the plumage same as in the adult.
Length, about 17 inches ; wing, 12 ; tail, 5| ; bill, 1 j ; tarsus, 1-jj.
Ilab. — Fur countries ; Labrador ; southern coast in winter.
KISSA SEPTENTRIONALIS, Lawrence.
Tlie Xortlx Pacific Kittiwake.
Rissa septentrionalis, LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. Hist. N. Y. VI, 1858, 265.
SP. CH. — Mult. Head, neck, under surface, and tail pure white. Back and wings light pearl blue ; first primary black for
about half its length from the end ; a white spot one and a half inches in length crosses both webs near the end, which is black ;
second primary black for about one third its length ; also with a white spot (but smaller) inside the black tip ; the next five
primaries are black at their ends, with white tips ; the black decreases inwards, existing as a spot only on the seventli ; basal
part of the primaries bluish ash, becoming white where it joins the black ends, except on the first and second ; secondaries and
tertiaries ending with white ; bill dusky green at the base for two-thirds its length ; remainder yellow, which deepens to orange
on the ridge of the upper mandible and angle of the lower ; legs and feet yellowish green. Length, 17j inches ; wing, 13 J
tail, 51 ; bill, 1| ; tarsus, 1|.
Hob. — Pacific coast of North America ; Pugct's Sound.
Two specimens are in the collection.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Point of bill to
end of tail.
Wing from
carpal joint.
6470
Near Puget's Sound, W. T
July 30, 1856...
Dr. Suckley
520
1C. 50
13. 50
4471
do
.. .. do
do
519
17. 25
13. 50
BIRDS — LARIDAE — PAGOPHILA. 855
KISSA BREVIKOSTKIS, Brandt.
Tlie Short-billed Kittiwalte.
" Rissa brevirostris, BRANDT," BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1858, 285.
Sp. CH.— Resembles R. tridactyla very much, both in structure and figure, but with the hind toe better formed ; bill yellow ;
feet coral red.
Hub. — Northwest coast of North America.
No specimen in the collection.
The above is the substance of Bruch's description of this species. The type specimen he saw
at St. Petersburg.
Bonaparte (Corisp. Av. II, 1857, 226) puts the name of this species as a synonym to
brachyrhyncha, Gould, which he says is not L. niveus, Pall., and puts the latter species in
Larus, differing from Bruch, and also G. E. Gray, who consider L. niveus, Pall., and L.
brachyrhyncha, Gould, as identical. Bonaparte further differs from Bruch in making a new
species, viz., Rissa kotzebui, of " R. niveus, Pall., and brachyrhyncha, Gould/' No. 36 of Bruch's
Monograph. These writers also vary materially in their views regarding other species ; but, as
Mr. Bruch has made this family of birds his especial study, with apparently good opportunities
for forming his opinions, I have chosen to follow him in enumerating the species now described
as distinct.
KISSA NIVEA, Bruch.
Tlic Yellow-billed Gull.
Larus niveus, PALL. Zoogr. II, 1811, 320 ; pi. Ixxiv.
Rissa nivea, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 285.
? Larus brachyrhynchus, GOULD, Pro. Zool. Soc. July, 1843. — IB. Voy. Sulph. Birds, pi. xxxiv.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Head, neck, all the under surface, rump, upper and under tail coverts, and tail, pure white ; back and
wings, including the primaries, gray, passing into white at the tips of the scapulars, secondaries, and all but the first five
primaries, which are thus marked ; the outer primary has its external web and three inches of the tip of the inner web deep
black ; the next primary is tipped with black for three inches and a half on its outer, and two inches and a half on its inner web,
and has a very minute speck of gray at the extreme tip ; the third primary is tipped with black for two inches, and has a small
spot of gray at the extremity ; the fourth is tipped with black for an inch and a quarter, and has a larger spot of gray at the
extremity than the third ; and the fifth is crossed by an irregular band of black near the tip three-quarters of an inch wide, the
extremity being gray, fading into white on the margin of the inner web ; bill primrose yellow ; feet orange yellow.
Total length, 14 inches ; bill, 1| ; wing, 12| ; tail, 5j ; tarsi, 1J.
Hob. — Russian America.
The a'bove is Mr. Gould's account in the Zoology of the Voyage of the Sulphur.
No specimen in the collection.
PAGOPHILA, Kaup.
Pagophila, KAUP, Nat. Syst. der Eur. Thier. 1829.
CH — Bill short and stout, compressed ; the upper mandible straight at base, curved at the end ; nostrils linear and lateral ;
wings long and pointed ; tail moderate and even ; tarsi strong and rather short ; toes strong, united by an indented web ; hind
toe short.
Found only in high northern latitudes, generally far out at sea ; their food consists mostly of
the flesh and blubber of cetaceous animals.
But two species known, which are mainly remarkable for the purity and whiteness of their
plumage. They inhabit the Arctic regions, and are of medium size.
856 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY - GENERAL REPORT.
Plumage entirely white ; bill bright yellow, dusky at the base ; tarsi moderate.
P. eburneus.
Plumage more purely white than in the above species ; bill short, yellow, with the
point orange; tarsi short ........................................................... P. brachytarsi.
PAGOPHILA EBURNEA, Kaup.
The Ivory Gull.
Lori*, tburneus, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 596.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 297.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 419.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 301.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 150 ; pi. ccccxlv.
Pagophila eburnea, " KAUP," BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 286.— BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 230.
Larus cantlidus, FARR. Fauna Groenl. 67.
Gavia nlvea, BREHM.
Sp. CH. — Mult, The entire plumage is pure white ; bill bright yellow, dusky at the base ; margins of the eyelids vermilion;
iris brown ; legs and feet black. Length about 19 inches ; wing, 13| ; tail, 6| ; bill, 1 5-12 ; tarsus, 1 7-12.
Hab. — Coasts of Arctic America, Labrador, Newfoundland.
There are no specimens of this species in the collection.
In the cabinet of my friend J. P. Giraud, jr., esq., are two fine specimens, which originally
belonged to Mr. Audubon.
PAGOPHILA BRACHYTARSI, Hollboll.
THe Snort-legged Gull.
" Pagophila brachytarsi, HOLLB." BRUCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. J. 1855, 287.
"Pagophila niveus, BREHM," BONAP. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 230.
Bruch says of this species, " resembles P. eburnea in all its parts, but is smaller ; the wings
extend two lines beyond the tail."
Bonaparte makes it identical with L. niveus, Brehm., to which he gives precedence, and
describes it as similar to P. eburnea, but whiter and handsomer ; as being larger than that
species, and having a shorter bill, which is yellow, with the point orange.
Hab. — Greenland.
There are no specimens in the collection.
Rhodostethia, MACGILL. Man. of Orn. II, 1842.
CH. — Bill short and slender ; upper mandible straight for half its length, then slightly curved to the tip, which is very narrow ;
prominence on the lower mandible small ; wings long and pointed ; tail wedge-shaped ; tarsi rather strong ; toes united by a
full web, hind small and elevated.
But a single species in this genus, found in the Arctic regions ; its most striking characteristic
is the cuneate form of the tail.
RHODOSTETHIA ROSE A, Bonap.
Tlie Wedge-tailed Gull.
Larus rosews, JARD. & SELBY, Ills, of Orn. - , pi. xiv.
295.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 130.
llhodostethia rosea, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 278. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 230.
Larus rossii, RICH. Parry 2d Voy. App. 1825, 359 — RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 427.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834,
BIRDS — LAEIDAE — XEMA SABINII. 857
Sp. CH. — " Color. Scapulars, interscapulars, and both surfaces of the wings, clear pearl gray ; outer web of the first quill
blackish brown to its tip, which is gray ; tips of the scapulars and lesser quills whitish ; some small feathers near tie eye and a
collar round the middle of the neck pitch black ; rest of the plumage while. The neck above and the whole under plumage
deeply tinged with peach-blossom red in recent specimens. Bill black ; its rictus and the edges of the eyelids reddish orange.
Legs and feet vermilion red ; nails blackish."
"Length, 14 inches ; wing, 10| ; tail,5|; bill, J; tarsus, 1.1-12."
Described as above in the Fauna Boreala-Americana.
Hub, — Arctic seas.
No specimens are in the collection.
CREAGRUS, Bonaparte.
Creagrus, BON. 1854.
CH. — Bill strong and much curved ; tail strong and very deeply forked.
But one species in this genus, from the coast of California ; it is remarkable for its deeply
forked tail, an unusual form among the gulls.
CREAGRUS FURCATUS, Neboux.
The Swallow-tailed Gull.
Mouttte a queue four chue, NEBOUX, Rev. Zool. 1840, 290.
Larusfurcatus, NEB. Voy. Venus, Zool. pi. x.
Creagrus furcatus, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 292.
Sp. CH. — Adult. Head and nearly all of the neck grayish brown ; two small rounded white spots, embracing symmetrically
the base of the upper mandible ; mantle grayish white ; breast, abdomen, and under wing coverts, white ; wings extend beyond
the tail- primaries black on their outer and inner edges; the smaller wing coverts white; the greater slate color bordered with
white; tail very much forked and white ; the two outer tail feathers much longer than is usual in this class of birds; bill very
much bent, black at the base and white at the extremity ; iris red ; eyelids orange ; tarsi and feet red; claws black.
Total length, 60 centimetres.
Hab. — California
No specimen in the collection.
XEMA, Leach.
Xema, LEACH, Linn. Trans. XII, 1818.
CH. — Bill short, rather slender and compressed ; upper mandible straight at the base, curved at the end ; nostrils lateral and
linear ; wings lengthened and pointed ; tail forked ; tarsi rather strong ; toes united by a full web ; hind toe short.
This genus has but one species, which inhabits the Arctic regions, seldom coming far to the
south. Small in size.
XEMA SABINII, Sab inc.
Tlic Fork- tailed Gull.
Larus sabinii, J. SABINE, Lin. Trans. XII, 1818, 520 ; pi. xxix.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 428.— NUTT. Man.
II, 1834, 296.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 127; pi. ccccxli.
Xema sabinii, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 292.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Head and upper part of neck blackish gray, terminated below by a ring of deep black; the rest of the
neck, under plumage, the upper tail coverts, and the tail, pure white ; the back and upper surface of the wings bluish gray ; the
edge of the wing from the flexure black ; the first five primaries black, with their tips white ; secondaries largely tipped with
white ; bill black at base for more than half its length, then yellow to the point ; interior and angles of the mouth and edges of
eyelids vermilion ; feet black.
Length, 13| inches; wing, 11; tail, 5; bill, 1; tarsus, 1.4-12.
Hab. — Nova Scotia, northward; Arctic seas.
There are no specimens in the collection.
Angnst27, 1858.
108 b
858 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Sub-Family STERN1NAE.— T h e Terns.
CH. Bill rather long, usually slender, straight, sometimes with the upper mandible curved at the tip, which is acutely
pointed; nostrils linear and pervious; wings elongated; primaries long and pointed, secondaries of moderate length; tail
rather long and in most species forked ; tarsi slender ; anterior toes have their webs emarginate, hind toe small ; claws moderate,
curved and acute.
These birds are mostly found on the seacoast and neighboring bays, occasionally on rivers
and lakes ; they assemble in large numbers on the sand bars and points at the mouth of inlets,
are much on the wing, and are remarkable for their buoyant and easy flight. Their food
consists of small fishes and Crustacea, which they obtain by hovering over and suddenly darting
down upon ; although they thus seize their prey while in the water, they only occasionally
swim or rest upon its surface.
This sub-family has been much subdivided into genera, but, as in the case of Larinae, I have
adopted the views of Mr. Gr. K. Gray and retained most of the species in Sterna. This reduces
the genera found in the United States to three, which may be characterized as follows :
1. STERNA. — Bill rather long ; nostrils basal, with the frontal feathers extending up to
them; tail forked; interdigital webs emarginate.
2. HYDROCHELIDON. — Bill rather short ; frontal feathers reaching nearly to the nostrils,
which are basal ; tail emarginate ; interdigital webs deeply indented.
3. ANGUS. — Bill longer than the head ; the nostrils situated far forward of the frontal
feathers ; tail graduated ; interdigital webs full.
STERNA, Li n a e u a .
Sterna, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1748.
CH. — Bill more or leas strong, about the length of the head, the upper mandible slightly curved to the tip, which is narrow
and acute, the lower straight, with the junction of the crura about the middle ; the nostrils lateral and linear, with the frontal
feathers extending to the opening ; wings long, primaries narrow and tapering, the outer quill longest ; tail rather long and
more or less forked ; tarsi short ; toes small and slender, with the webs emarginate ; hind toe short ; claws slightly arched and
acute.
This genus is abundant in species, which vary much in size, but may readily be distinguished
by the following diagnoses :
Bill short and stout, entirely black ; mantle pale bluish gray ; under parts white ; tail
not deeply forked; legs and feet black. Type of Gelochelidon, Bp S. aranea,
Bill large and very strong, vermilion ; mantle pale bluish ash ; under plumage white ;
tail moderately forked ; legs and feet black. Type of Hydroprogne, Kaup..& caspia.
Bill large and strong, deep red ; mantle bluish gray ; beneath white ; tail forked ; legs
and feet black S. regia.
Bill long, but rather slender, deep red ; mantle bluish gray ; under surface cream color ;
tail deeply forked ; legs and feet black S. elegans.
Bill moderate, black, with the point yellow ; mantle light pearl blue ; lower parts white ;
tail deeply forked; legs and feet black. Thallasseus of Boie ,S. acitflavida.
Bill moderate, black, yellow at the point and base of lower mandible ; mantle light pearl
blue; below white ; tail deeply forked ; legs and feet orange yellow S. havtllii.
Bill moderate, black, with the base and point yellow ; mantle light bluish gray ; under
parts of the same color ; tail deeply forked ; legs and feet orange yellow... $. trudtaui.
BIRDS — CTERNINAE — STERNA EEGIA. 859
Bill long and rather strong, black ; mantle deep black ; under plumage white ; tail very
deeply forked ; legs and feet black S. fuliginosa.
Bill slender, coral red, black near the end, tip yellow ; mantle light grayish blue ;
beneath pearl gray ; tail deeply forked ; the outer web of the lateral feather blackish
gray ; legs and foot coral red , S. wilsoni.
Bill slender, deep carmine ; mantle light grayish blue ; under plumage bluish gray ; tail
very deeply forked ; legs and feet crimson S. macrura.
Bill rather slender, orange yellow at base, black near the point, which is pale yellow ;
mantle bluish gray ; below white ; tail deeply forked ; the outer web of exterior
feather white ; legs and feet scarlet S. forsteri.
Bill slender, brownish black, orange at base ; mantle pale bluish gray ; under plumage
white, with a roseate tinge ; tail very deeply forked ; legs and feet vermilion.
S. paradisea.
Bill slender, carfnine ; mantle bluish gray ; under surface white ; tail deeply forked ;
legs and feet orange S. pikei.
Bill small and slender, pale orange yellow ; mantle bluish gray ; below white ; tail
forked ; legs and feet pale orange red .S. frenata.
STERNA AEANEA, Wilson.
Tlie Marsli Tern.
Sterna aranca, WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 143 ; pi. Ixxii.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 285.
Sterna anglica, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 269 — AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 127 — IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 81;
pi. ccccxxx.
Sp. Cii. — Jldult. Upper part of the head, occiput and sides of the head upon a line with the lower eyelid, black ; back and
wings light bluish gray ; primaries hoary on the outer webs and ashy gray on the inner, becoming lighter towards the base ; tail
same color as the back, but paler and with the outer feather nearly white ; a line at the base of the upper mandible, neck in
front and entire under plumage, pure white ; bill deep black ; iris brown ; legs and feet black.
Length, 13J inches ; wings in extent, 34, from flexure 10? ; tail, 4 ; bill, 1J ; tarsus, 1.
Ildb. — Coast of the United States as far nortli as Connecticut.
Specimen in my cabinet.
STERNA CASPIA, Pallas.
Tlic Caspian Tern.
Sterna caspia, PALL. Nov. Com. Petr. XIV, 582.— LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. Y. V, 1851, 37.
Sp. Cn. — Jldult. Forehead, crown, sides of the head, and occiput black, glossed with green ; this color extends below the
eye, under which is a narrow white line ; back and wings light bluish ash ; the six outer primaries dark slate grey on their inner
webs ; quill shafts strong and white ; tail and its upper coverts grayish white ; neck and entire under plumage pure white ; bill
and inside of mouth bright vermilion ; legs and feet, black. Bill very stout. Tail not deeply forked.
In the young the back, wing coverts, and tail are mottled and barred with blackish brown.
Length, 2U inches ; extent of wings, 51 ; from flexture, 16J ; bill from base, 2J ; depth at base, -s ; tarsus, 1J ; middle too
and claw, 1J ; tail, 6.
Hob. — Coast of New Jersey northward.
Specimens of adult and young are in my cabinet, obtained on the south shore of Long Island.
STERNA REGIA, Gambel.
Tlic Royal Tern.
Sterna cayana, BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 284.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 2G8.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,505: V,
639 — IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 76 ; pi. ccccxxix.
Sterna regia, GAME. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. IV, 1848, 128.
Tliallasseiis regius, GAMB . Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil, f, 1849, 228.
860
U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
SP. CH.— Adult. Front, crown, and long occipital feathers greenish black ; back and wings light bluish gray ; primaries hoary
black on their outer webs, and on their inner next the shaft ; remaining part of inner webs white ; tail pearl white ; entire
under surface pure white ; bill deep red ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet black. Length, 21 inches ; wing, 15 ; tail, 7i ; bill,-
2J ; depth at base, J*. ; tarsus, lj ; middle toe and claw, !£._
Hub. — Atlantic coast of the southern and middle States and California.
There are three specimens in the collection.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Florida: ....
Cab. Gr N. Lawrence.
1000
New York - .
do
999
4314
1854
G. Wurdeunfinn
21. 00
15.00
6477
Presidio Cal . . -
Lieut Tro wbridge . . .
: 21. 00
15.00
6478
San Dit'g'o, Ctil -.
1853
do.
153
A. Cassit-ly ! 21.00
42. 00
15. 00
STERNA ELEGANS, Gambel.
The Elegant Tern.
Sterna elegans, GAME. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. IV, 1848, 129.
Thallasseus elegans, GAME. Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 2d series, 1, 1849, 228.
SP. CH. — Mult nude. " This elegant species differs from Sterna regia, not only in proportions, but in the delicate hue of the
under parts, which are of a satiny cream color when living, but faded very much in the dried specimen.
" The bill is of the same color as in the regia, and as long, but much more slender ; the prominent angle beneath half an
inch further from the point, and the depth at base two-tenths of an inch less. Wings two and a half inches shorter, but of the
same color in every respect. Legs pure black ; the tarsus nearly as long as in the former, but the toes much shorter. Tail
long, pure white, and deeply forked ; whole top of head from the bill pure white, extending into an ample flowing crest, as in
the former species, (S. regia.)
" I procured this species on the Pacific coast of Mexico, particularly at Mazatlan, at the mouth of the Gulf of California."
"Length, 17 inches; wing, 12; ; outer tail feathers, 6j80~ ; tarsus, 1^ ; bill, bright red along the ridge, 2.^; depth at
commencement of feathers, ^ ; symphisis to point beneath, 1| inches."
This species being an inhabitant of the coast of South California, I have included it among
our birds, as it undoubtedly must frequent that of North California also. The description is
taken from Garnbel.
STERNA ACUFLAVIDA, Cabot.
C'aljot's Tern.
Sterna cantiaca, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 276. — AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 531.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 87 ; pj.
ccccxxxi.
Sterna acvjlanda, CABOT, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. II, 1847, 257.
SP. CH. — Adult. Upper part of the head, occiput, and hind neck deep black ; back and wings light pearl blue ; four outer primaries
blackish gray on their outer webs, and on the inner adjoining the shaft ; remainder of inner web white ; sides of the head below
the eye, neck, entire under plumage, rump, and tail white ; bill black, with the tip yellow for one fourth its 'ength ; iris brown ;
Jegs and feet black. Length, 15? inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 5| ; bill, 2^ ; tarsus, I.
Ilab. — Texas to Florida.
Specimen in my cabinet, and in that of Smithsonian Institution, from Texas.
BIRDS — STERNINAE — STERNA WILSONII. 8G1
STERNA HAVELLII, Audubon.
Havcll's Tern.
Sterna havellii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 122.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 103 ; pi. cccxxxiv.
SP. CH. — Mull in winter. Fore part of the head, crown, rump, and entire under surface white ; surrounding the eye and
extending for about one inch behind it is a line of plumbeous black ; back and wings light pearl blue ; primaries dusky gray,
except on the inner part of the inner web, where they are grayish white, having a portion of their margins grayish black ; edge
of the wing and under wing coverts white ; tail of the same color as the back, but of a lighter shade ; bill black, yellow at the
point for about one-fifth its length, and brownish yellow at the base of the lower mandible ; iris brown ; legs and feet orange
yellow.
Length, 13| inches; wing, 10| ; tail, 4J ; bill, 1| ; tarsus, 15-16.
Hab. — Texas to South Carolina.
Specimens in my cabinet.
STERNA TRUDEAUII, Audubon.
Trtideau's Tern.
Sterna trudeauii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 125. — IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 105; pi. ccccxxxv
Sp. CH. — ddult in winter. Front, crown, sides of the head below the eye, and throat, white ; a line of dark plumbeous sur
rounds the eye and extends behind it for about one inch; back, wings, and under plumage, light bluish gray ; rump white ; tail
same color as the back, but lighter ; first primary dusky gray OH the outer web and on the inner next the shaft, the other prima
ries hoary on these parts, remainder of the inner webs grayish white, margined on the inner edge with blackish gray, most so on
the inner quills ; bend of the wing and under wing coverts white ; bill yellow at the base for about one-third its length, then
black with the point for about one quarter the entire length of the bill yellow ; iris brown ; legs and feet orange yellow.
Length, 15 inches ; wing, 10| ; tail, 5| ; bill 1 9-16 ; tarsus, 1.
Hab. — Coasts of New Jersey and Long Island.
Described from a specimen belonging to J. P. Giraud, esq.
I have never seen either this species or S. havellii in summer plumage ; they are both closely
allied to S. acuflavida.
STERNA FULIGINOSA, Gmelin.
Sterna fuliginosa, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 605.— WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 145; pi. Ixxii.— BONAP. Syn. 1828,
No. 290.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 284.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 263: V, 1839, 641.— IB.
Birds Am. VII, 1844, 90 ; pi. ccccxxxii.
SP. CH. — Jldult. Forehead white ; lores, upper part of the head, hind neck, back, and wings, deep black ; tail black, except
the outer and the basal half of the inner web of the outside feathers, which are white ; sides of the head, edges of the wings,
and entire under surface, white ; bill black ; iris chestnut ; legs and feet black.
Length, 16i inches ; wing, 11J ; tail, 7j ; bill, 1^ ; tarsus, 15-16.
f/a&. — Texas to Florida.
Specimens in my cabinet and in that of Smithsonian Institution.
STERNA WILSONI, Bonaparte.
\\ ilsou's Tern.
Sterna hirundo, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 76 ; pi. lx.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 286— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 271.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 74.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 97 ; pi. ccccxxxiii.
Sterna wilsoni, BONAP. C -up. List, 1838, 61.
882
U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPOET.
SP. Cu—Mult. Upper part of the head and hind neck deep black, tinged with brown on the front part of the head ; back
and wings light grayish blue ; first primary with the outer web black, on the inner web grayish black next the shaft, this color
increasing in extent towards the end, where it covers the entire web for about one inch, rest of inner web white ; the next five
primaries are hoary on their outer webs and blackish gray on the inner next the shaft, occupying the entire web at the end,
margin of the inner webs white ; central tail feathers very pale bluish gray, the others white on the inner webs and dusky gray
on the outer webs, deepening in color from the central feathers until it becomes blackish gray on the lateral ones ; sides of the
head, throat, rump, and under tail coverts, white; breast and abdomen clear pearl gray ; bill coral red, black near the end with
the tip yellow ; iris hazel ; legs and feet coral red, not so dark as the bill ; claws brownish black.
Length, 14J ; wing, 10 J ; tail, 5 2 ; bill, 12 ; tarsus, a.
Hob. — Texas to Labrador.
Four specimens in the collection.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Length. Stretch
of wings
Wings.
43 )9
o
Au°- 1854
S F Baird
13. 00 30. 50
10.37
4360
V
do
do
do
14.75 30.00
10.75
4361
0
do
do
do
13.00 ! 28.25
10. 12
6928
Nelson river H B T
D Gunn
Cab G N Lawrence
1005
The Arctic Tern.
Sterna macroura, NATTM. Isis, 1819, 1847.
Sterna arctica, TEMM. Man. d'Orn. II, 1820, 742.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 287 — Sw. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831,
414.— NUTT. Man. II, ]834, 275 — AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 366.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 107 ;
pi. ccccxxiv.
SP. CH. — Adult. Upper part of the head and hind neck black ; back and wings light grayish blue ; first primary deep black on
the outer web, dusky gray on the inner next the shaft, and over the entire web at the end, inner margin of inner web white ;
the next five primaries are bluish gray on the outer web and on the inner web next the shaft, this color extending over the entire
web at the end, where it is blackish gray on the inner margin, the remaining part of inner web white ; central tail feathers and
inner webs of the others white, the outer web of the outer tail feather blackish gray, the outer webs of the two next pale bluish
gray ; rump, sides of the head, and under tail coverts, white ; under plumage bluish gray, of a lighter shade than the back ; bill
deep carmine ; iris brown ; legs and feet dark crimson.
Length, 14i ; wing, 10£ ; tail, 6| ; bill, 1 2-16 ; tarsus, |.
Ilab — Coast of the New England States to Arctic seas ; fur countries.
Specimens in my cabinet and that of Prof. Baird.
Dr. H. Bryant (Proc. Bost. Soc. of Nat. II. vol. VI, p. 120,) speaks of finding this species on
the coast of Nova Scotia, breeding in large numbers and apart from any other kinds. He also
gives comparative measurements, and points out the differences between it and its near ally 8.
ivilsoni.
STERNA FORSTERI, Nuttall.
Forstcr's Tern.
Sterna hirunilo, Sw. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 412.
Sterna fonteri, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 274. (Note.)— LAWU. Annals N. Y. Lyceum, V, 1852, 222.
BIRDS — STERNINAE STERNA PIKEI.
803
gPi CH. — Jldu.lt. Upper part, and sides of the head to a line just below the eye, and hind neck, black ; back and_wings bluish
gray ; primaries grayish white on the outer webs, and dusky gray on the inner next the shaft, and over the entire web at the
end, darker on the inner margin, the remaining portion of inner webs white ; tail bluish gray, except the outer web of the
outer tail feather which is white, the inner web of this feather blackish gray for about two inches from the end ; rump white
with a slight tinge of pale bluish gray ; sides of the head, throat, and entire under surface, white; in the dried specimens the bill
is orange yellow at the base, black near the end, with the tip pale yellow ; legs and feet scarlet.
Length of skin 14 inches ; wing, 1(H ; tail, G ; bill, 1£ ; tarsus, J.
Ilab. — Louisiana to Florida ; New York, fur countries, and California.
Three specimens are in the collection.
It is distinguished from S. ivilsoni by having the outer web of the exterior tail feather white,
and the end of the inner web dusky gray, the reverse of wilsoni ; the tarsi are also uniformly
longer, as in five specimens now before me.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When Whence obtained,
collected.
Orig.
No.
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
4928
Q
Coast New York. _.
St John's river Fla
Cab. of G-. N. Lawrence
.. Cr. Wurdeinann ... ......
1010
13.00 29.25
13. 00
9.75
10. 25
4317
Calcasieu Pass La
1854 do
14. 00
10.50
9973
Sacramento valley .
Lieut. AVTillianison . ..
California .
Cab. G. N. Lawrence ._. _
1009
1
STERNA PARADISE A, Briinnich,
Tlie Roseate Tern.
Sterna paradisea, BRLNN. Orn. Bor 1764, 46.
Sterna dougallii, NUTT Man. II, 1834, 278.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 296.— IB. Birds. Am. VII, 1844, 112 ; pi.
CCCCXXXVll.
Sp. CH. — Adult. Upper part of the head and long occipital feathers deep black ; hind neck white ; back and wings pale bluish
gray ; first primary blackish gray on the outer web and on the inner next the shaft ; the other primaries bluish gray, the second
and third dusky gray near the shaft ; all the primaries white on the inner part of their inner webs ; secondaries and tertiaries
edged with white ; tail very light pearl gray ; entire under plumage white, with a beautiful roseate tinge ; bill brownish black,
orange at the base ; iris brown ; legs and feet vermilion.
Length, 16 inches ; wing, 9| ; tail, 8 ; bill, 1| ; tarsus, 13-16.
//a/;.— Florida to New York.
Specimens in my cabinet and that of Prof. Baird.
STERNA PIKEI, Lawrence.
The Sicmler-billed Tern.
Sterna pikei, LAWR. Annals N. Y. Lyceum, VII, 1853, 3.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Front white speckled with dark gray; crown and occiput black ; back and wings bluish gray ; smaller
wing coverts dark plumbeous ; outer web of the first primary brownish black, inner web next the shaft dusky gray, with the
inner margin white ; the other primaries are dark bluish gray on tfie outer webs and on the inner next the shaft, alsj at the end
of the inner web ; inner webs of all the tail feathers white, the outer webs of the long lateral tail feathers grayish black with
the tip white, outer webs of the others very pale gray ; throat, upper tail coverts and whole under plumage, white ; bill dark
brown tinged with dark red (probably deep carmine in the living bird) ; legs and feet orange.
Length, 13 inches ; wing, 9 ; tail, 5| ; bill, l'a ; tarsus, | .
Ilab. — Coast of California.
One specimen in my cabinet.
864
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
STEKNA FRENATA, Gambel.
Tlie Least Tern.
Sterna minute, Wn.s. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 80 ; pi. lx.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 288.— AUD. Orn Biog. IV, 1838,
175.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 119 ; pi. ccccxxxix.
Sterna argentea, NCTT. Man. II, 1834, 280.
Sterna frenata, GAME. Proc. Acad. Sci. Phil. IV, 1848, 128.
SP. CH. — Mult. On the forehead is a triangular white spot extending to the eye; crown, occiput, and a line from the eye to
the upper mandible, deep black ; entire upper plumage and wings clear bluish gray ; first two primaries, with the outer web
and half the inner next the shaft, grayish black, ends of the same color, inner margins white, the shafts of these two quills are
black ; the other primaries same color as the back, with the inner margins white ; tail same color as the back except the outer
margin of the exterior feather, and the inner webs of the others at the base, where they are white ; entire under plumage
silvery white ; bill pale orange yellow ; iris hazel ; legs and feet light orange red.
Length, 8% inches ; wing, 6f ; tail, 3| ; bill, li ; tarsus, 9-16.
Hab. — Texas to Labrador ; western rivers.
Four specimens in the collection .
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l Collected by-
No.
Length.
Stretch Wing,
of wings.1
Remarks.
1016
4315
1854
7.50
6.50
9005
A
July 10, 1857
9007
3
Loup Fork
1857
do
do
6.75
19.25 6.25
Iris light blue, pupil
bluck
8999
o
July 2, 18o7
do
do
8.50
19.00 7.50
V
HYDROCHELIDON, Boie.
Hydrochelidon, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 563.
CH. — Bill rather short, strong, the upper mandible curving slightly to the tip ; nostrils basal, lateral, and longitudinal, the
frontal feathers reaching nearly to the opening ; wings very long and pointed ; tail moderate and emarginate ; legs short ; the
anterior toes slender, with the webs deeply indented ; hind toe small ; claws slender and acute.
We have but a single species to represent this genus, which much resembles and is very
closely allied to the European S. nigra.
They frequent the salt water bays as well as the inland rivers and lakes. Late in the
summer I have noticed them in compact flocks flying rapidly forward in the manner of some
species of Tringa.
HYDROCHELIDON PLUMBEA, (Wilson.)
The Short-tailed Tern.
Sterna plumbea, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 83 ; pi. lx. (Young.)
Sterna nigra, BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 289.— Sw. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 415.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 282.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 535 : V, 1839, 642.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 116 ; pi. ccccxxxviii.
" Sterna surinamensis, GM."— BONAP. Cons. Gav. Syst. Comp. Rend. XLI, 1855.
SP. CH. — Mult. Head, neck, breast, sides and abdomen, black ; lower tail coverts white; under covering of wings ashy
gray ; back and wings dark plumbeous gray ; the first four pFimaries grayish black, with their shafts white ; bend of the wing
edged with white ; tail same color as the back ; bill brownish black ; iris brown ; legs and feet reddish brown.
Length, 9| inches ; wing, 83 ; tail, 3j ; bill, 1J ; tarsus, |.
Young. Back, wings arid tail, light plumbeous, with the feathers of the back margined with brown; top of the head and
around the eyes brownish black ; front and under plumage white ; tail short and but slightly forked.
Hab. — Texas to the New England States, Mississippi river and tributaries, fur countries.
There are several fine specimens in the collection.
BIRDS — STERNIDAE — RHYNCHOPINAE.
865
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
Locality.
When col- | Wlienco obtained. Oiig'l
lected. No.
Collected by—
Length. Stretch i Wing, j Remarks,
of wings.
7073 O
Coast IVew York
St. Louis ,,,,.
j Cab. G. N. Lawrence. 1018
May 15, 16.37 Lt. F. T. Bryan H6
W. S. Wood...
i •
7074 Q
do
May 13, 1857 do •• 76
do .. ,.
i
7075
do
do
7076
do ! 92
. do
'J023 $
Lotip Fork
Au?. 8, 1857 ' Lieut. Warren.
10 25 23 75 8 25 Iris hazel brown
9972 O
May 16, 1857 R. Kennicott
ANOUS, Leach.
dnous, "LEACH," STEPH. SHAW'S Gen. Zool. XIII, 1825, 139.
CH. — Bill longer than the head and strong ; the upper mandible curving gradually to the tip, which is rather acute, the anjjle
on the lower mandible quite prominent ; nostrils lateral and longitudinal ; wings very long and pointed, first quill longest ;
tail long and graduated ; tarsi rather short and slender; toes long and united by a full web ; the hind toe long and slender ;
claws slender, arched and acute.
These are tropical birds, are much at sea and often seen at great distances from land ; but
one species is found off our coast.
ANOUS STOLIDUS, Leach.
The Noddy Tern.
Sterna slolida, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 227.— BONAP. Syn. 1825, No. 291.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 285.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 516 : V, 1839, 642.— IB. Birds Am. Vll, 1842, 123 ; pi. ccccxl.
Jlnous stolida, LEACH.
Sp. CH. — Mult. Front part of the head grayish white ; a black spot over and before the eye ; the remainder of the plumage
sooty brown, except the primaries and tail, which are brownish black ; bill black ; iris brown ; legs and feet of a dull
brownish red ; the webs dusky.
Length, 15 inches ; wing, 1(H ; tail, 5| ; bill, 1| ; tarsus, }(;
//aft.— Texas to Florida.
Specimens in my cabinet and that of Prof. Baird.
Sub-Family RHYNCHOPINAE.
CH. — The mandibles are of very unequal length, the upper being much shorter and grooved to receive the edge of the lower »
from the base their sides are suddenly compressed to the end ; wings very long and narrow ; tail forked and of moderate
length; tarsi a little longer than the middle toe ; anterior united by an indented web.
These birds abound most in the tropics ; they frequent the large bays and the inlets connecting
them with the ocean ; their principal food is fish, which they obtain by skimming close to the
surface of the water, into which they dip the lower mandible, suddenly closing it into the upper
when it comes in contact with their desired prey. They have a peculiar undulating mode of
flying. They are said rarely, if ever, to swim or rest upon the water, although possessing
webbed feet.
866 U. S. P. K. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
RHYNCHOPS, Linnaeus.
Rynchops, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1756.
CH. — Bill very broad at the base, from whence it becomes suddenly compressed for its entire length; upper mandible
considerably shorter than the lower and curving gradually to the tip, which is pointed, it is narrowly grooved underneath ; the
lower mandible is straight and truncated, much more compressed than the upper, and having the cutting edge very sharp to
admit of its beinf received in the groove of the upper mandible ; nostrils basal, oblong and lateral ; wings much elongated, first
quill longest ; tail forked; tarsi longer than the middle toe; toes rather short, united by an indented web; hind toe rather
elevated ; claws much curved and acute.
But one species of this very peculiar genus is found on our southern coast.
They are stated by Auduhon to be nocturnal in their habits, resting during the day upon
sand bars.
RHYNCHOPS NIGRA, Linnaeus.
The Black Skimmer.
Rynchops nigra, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 228.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 85; pi. lx.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No.
283.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 264.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 203.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1843,
67 ; pi. ccccxxxiii.
Sp. CH. — Jldiilt. Front as far as the eye, throat and under plumage, white; crown, hind neck, wings and back, deep
brownish black ; primaries black, with the four inner ones white on their inner webs and tips ; secondaries broadly tipped with
white; central tail feathers dark brown, the others mostly white, some of them light brown on their inner webs; bill carmine
for about half its length, then black to the end ; iris hazel ; tarsi arid feet red .
Length of male, about 19 inches ; wing, 14| ; tail, 5 ; lower mandible, 4|, upper, 3g ; tarsi, 1J-.
Female smaller.
Hub. — From Texas to New Jersey.
Specimens in my cabinet and that of Smithsonian Institution.
Tribe TOTIPALMI,1
CH. — Bill long, rather broad at the base ; tip hooked and acute, the ed^es not serrated. Nostrils either wanting or hardly
perceptible. Wings rather long ; tarsi short and stout. Toes long and all joined together by broad webs. Face and throat
generally naked, the latter capable of being1 more or less extended in the form of a membranous sac or pouch.
Four families, the diagnostic characters of which are given below, are comprised in this
strongly marked tribe, all well represented in North America. The arrangement of these
families, and of their sub-divisions as here adopted, is a little different from that of Bonaparte,
given on page 818.
1. PELECANIDAE. — Head crested; bill long, much depressed; tip hooked and acute; nostrils
scarcely perceptible ; sub-maxillary pouch capable of very great extension ; tail short and
rounded.
2. SULIDAE, — Head without crest ; bill moderate in length, stout, straight, compressed on the
sides, decurved at point, but not hooked ; nostrils indistinct ; gular sac very small ; tail rather
long and wedge-shaped.
3. TACHYPETIDAE. — Head crested ; bill long, rather slender, strong, much curved at the point,
and very acute ; nostrils quite small ; gular sac rather extensive ; tail very long and deeply
forked ; tarsi partly feathered.
4. PIIALACROCORACIDAE. — Head generally with crests; bill moderate, rather slender, unguis
much curved ; nostrils in the adult obliterated ; gular sac moderate ; tail graduated, of moderate
length, with the shafts very strong.
1 Prepared by Mr. Goorgo N. Lawrence, of New York.
868 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family PELECANIDAE,
CH. — Bill long, with the culmen depressed, unguis hooked and acute. Nostrils situated in lateral grooves and hardly per
ceptible. Wings long and pointed. Tail rather short. Toes long, and all four connected by webs. Underneath the lower
mandible, and connected with the throat, is a membranous sac or pouch, which may be exceedingly distended.
Bonaparte, in his Conspectus Aviurn, vol. II, divides this family into the genera Pelecanus,
Cyrtopelecanus and Onocrotalus, our two, species being included by him in the last two. I have ,
however, thought best to retain them in the old genus Pelecanus.
PELECANUS, Linnaeus.
Pelecanus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type P. onocrotalus.
CH. — Bill very long, nearly straight, and very much depressed ; the tip strong, curved, and acute. Upper mandible with an
elevated ridge convex at the base, but gradually becoming flat towards the end ; lower broader at base than the upper.
Nostrils basal, lateral, linear, situated in the grooves adjoining the ridge, and scarcely perceptible. Wings moderate, the
secondaries not differing much in length from the primaries ; second quill longest. Tail short, broad, and rounded. Tarsi
short and stout, covered with reticulated scales. Toes situated on the same plane, and all connected by broad webs ; middle too
the longest. A loose membranous skin occupies a large space on the throat, extending to the end of the lower mandible, and
capable of great expansion.
The birds of this genus are all of large dimensions, and species are found in all parts of the
world. They inhabit rivers and lakes equally as well as sea-coasts. Their flight is heavy and not
elevated. When resting on the water or on sand bars, after feeding, they are not difficult of
approach.
Two species belonging to this genus are found in the United States, which may be known by
the following characters :
Bill yellow, with a bony prominence on the upper mandible ; naked space in the region of the
eye yellow ; occipital crest yellow ; gular pouch yellow ; prevailing color white ; tail of 24
feathers „ P. erytlirorliynclms.
Bill greyish white, marked with dusky ; no prominence on the bill ; naked space between
bill and eye blue ; occipital crest light chestnut red ; gular pouch dark ; colors generally dark ;
tail of 22 feathers , P.fuscus.
Cyrtopelicanus, Reich.
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS, G m e 1 i n .
Rough-billed Pelican.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, GM. Syst. Nat. 1788, 571.
Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 884.— BON. Comp. List, 1838, 60.— GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845,309-
Cyrtopelicanus trachyrhynchus, BON. Cms Av. II, 1855, 163.
Pelecanus onocrotalus, BON. Syn. 1828, No. 351 — RICH, and Sw. F. Bor. Am. 11, 1831.472--NuTT.Nan.il, 1834, 471,
Pelecanus americanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 88.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 20 ; pi. ccccxxii.
: Pelecanus molinae, Bp. Comp, Rend. XXXVIII, 1854.— IB. Notes sur Coll. Delattre, 1854, 91.
Rough-billed Pelican, LATH. Syn. VI, 1785, 586.
Sp. CH. — Head with a yellow occipital crest ; bill yellow, sub-maxillary pouch very large ; general color white ; primaries
black, second the longest ; le^s and feet very strong
BIRDS — PELECAMDAE — PELECANUS ERYTHROKIIYNCHUS
869
Jldult male. — The general plumage is pure white ; in the breeding season, with a roseaic tinge ; the crest and elongated
feathers on the breast pale yellow ; the alula, primary coverts and primaries black, the shafts of the latter white for the greater
part of their length, being brownish black at the end ; the outer secondaries black, the inner more or less white, the shafts of
all white underneath. Bill yellow, with the edges and unguis reddish ; upper mandible high at the base, but becoming gradu
ally flattened to the end ; on the ridge, just beyond the middle of the bill, is a thin elevated bony process about one inch high,
and extending towards the end for three or four inches ; lower mandible broad at the base, with the cruta separated nearly to tbe
point ; underneath the lower mandible, beginning at the junction of the cruta, and extending down the neck for about eight
inches, is a large membranous sac or pouch, capable of great expansion ; it is of the same color as the bill ; bare space around
the eye bright yellow ; iris white ; legs and feet yellow ; claws yellowish brown.
The female differs in not having the bony projection on the upper mandible.
Total length, 70 inches ; wing, 24.50 ; bill, 13.50 ; tarsi, 4.75 ; tail, 7.
Hab. — Throughout the United States, rare on the coasts of the Middle and Northern States. ur countries up to the 61st
parallel. Specimens aro in the collection from various sections, a number from the Pacific coast. There is no observable differ
ence between them and eastern specimens.
This species breeds in the fur countries, generally selecting inaccessible places in the neigh
borhood of waterfalls. They also inhabit throughout the Rocky mountains and in California.
In winter they are very abundant on our southern coast from Texas to Florida.
They remain inactive on sand bars most of the day, procuring their food about sunrise and
again just before sunset. They swim buoyantly, and while feeding are very active in their
movements ; on such occasions they do not dive, but secure their food by thrusting the head
under water, but not keeping it below the surface for any length of time. Mr. Audubon states
that their usual food consists of fish of rather a small size.
In the breeding season the color of the bill, bare space around the eye, the pouch, the legs
and feet are much heightened in color, becoming reddish orange.
The peculiar bony process on the ridge of the upper mandible appears to be used for the pur
pose of defence when combatting with their rivals ; in some old individuals it is much abraded
and worn, apparently caused by many and severe contests.
Both Gray and Bonaparte adopt Latham's name of " trachyrhynchus" for this species, cer
tainly a very appropriate one; but Gmelin having previously called it " erythrorhynchus,"
according to the Law of priority, his name should take precedence.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex.
No.
\
Locality. 'When collected.:
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Stretch j Wing,
of wings. '
Texas . _ i 1853
Maj . Emory
22. 00
9947 Q
Q
Rio Grande, Tex ' 1853
do
do. ...
Gulf of Mexico
Cab. of G. N. Lawrence
Dr. E. C. Bidwell ..-
1022 T. T. Bru/on- .
23.00
4439 $
2719 tf
9951 $
4523 $
9949
9950 Q
9918 $
Quasquiton, To... ...-_.._..----
Eastern ITS -- - -
S. F. Baird
70.00 24.50
! 25.50
San Diego, Cal
San Francisco, Cal Jan. 10, 1856
Lt. Trovvbridge
Dr. Suckley
A. Cassidy
Pacific coast Jan., 1855
Lt. Trowbridge.
do
T. A. Szabo
..do
! 23.00
24. 50
Bodega Cal - --
Sacramento valley ' j
Lt. Williamson
_! Dr. Heermann _
! !
1
i
870
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Onocrotalus, W a g 1 e r .
PELECANUS FUSCUS, Linnaeus.
Brown Pelican.
Pelecanusfuscus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 215.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 352.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 476.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 376; V, 1839, 212. -Is. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 32; pi.
ccccxxiii and ccccxxiv.
Leptopelicanusfuscus, REICH. Syst. Av. 1850 ; pi. Ixx.
Onocrotalus fuscus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 163.
gp. CH. Head with a short occipital crest of light reddish brown ; bill greyish white, more or less dusky, and marked with
pale carmine spots ; a large pouch appended to the under mandible ; below the color is very dark ash, above hoary ; second
primary longest ; legs stout.
ddult male. Head white, except on the fore part, where it is yellow ; sides of the neck adjoining the pouch white ; hind part
of neck and lower part in front dark chestnut brown, the short crest pale reddish brown ; back and wings greyish ash, with
dusky margins, the former color prevailing on the larger wing coverts and scapulars; primaries brownish black, secondaries
dark ashy brown, with their outer margins greyisli white ; shafts of the primaries white until near the end, when they become
black ; tail greyish ash, with the shafts of the feathers white for one-half their length ; terminal half black ; under plumage
dark brownish ash, with the sides of the body from the neck for its entire length, marked with narrow longitudinal white lines ;
on the lower part of the neck is a small patch of pale yellow ; bill greyish white, tinged with brown and intermixed with spots
of pale carmine ; the lower mandible blackish at the end, and having underneath a large pouch similar in character to that of
the preceding species, but of a greenish black color, with the ridges formed by the wrinkles paler ; bare skin surrounding the
eye deep blue ; iris white, the eyelids pink ; legs and feet black.
The plumage of the fully adult female is similar in color to that of the male ; the feathers of the head are rather rigid, not
downy as in the male.
In the young the plumage generally is of a dusky brown.
Length of male, 56 inches ; wing, 22 ; bill, 13.50 ; tarsi, 3 ; tail, 6.50.
Hah. — From Texas to North Carolina ; California coast.
The brown pelican is a permanent resident of our southern coast and the shores of the Gulf
of Mexico, also of California. Their nests are placed on trees, and also on the ground. Its
general habits are much like those of the preceding species, but their mode of procuring food
is quite different ; they dart upon their prey from on wing, frequently immersing the whole
body, but immediately rising on wing, dart down again and again until hunger is allayed.
According to Mr. Audubon, its ordinary food consists of fishes of rather a small size, not
often taking, any longer than its bill ; attached to specimen No. 9959 is a note by Mr. Cassidy.,
stating that he has seen a fish weighing 2-| pounds taken from the pouch of one of this species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by—
Wing.
19 GO
Florida
Gulf of Mexico
S. F. Baird
Cab. of G. N. Lawrence .
do
1023
1024:
9
20. 50
do
91)59
4520
9958
9
<J
San Diego, Cal
San Francisco, Cal.
A. Cassidy
Lt. Williamson
do
Dr. Heermann
Dr. Ntiwberry
2]. 00
22. 00
Bay of San Francisco, Cal
BIRDS— SULIDAE SULA FIBER. 871
Family SULIDAE.
CH — Bill rather long, straight, sides compressed, very strong, tapering to the point, which is a little decurved ; nostrils
hardly observable ; wings very long ; tail long and cuneate ; toes long and all joined by full webs ; gnlar sac moderate.
Prince Bonaparte has placed our Booby Gannet in the genus Dysporus, 111., but I have not
considered there was sufficient generic distinction to separate it from S. bassana, and have,
therefore, admitted but one genus as existing in North America under this sub-family.
SULA, Brisson.
Sula, BRISS. Ornith. ITb'O. Type Pelecanus bassanus.
CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, straight, stout at the base, with the sides compressed, grooved near the tip, which is a
little curved, the cutting edges serrated irregularly ; nostrils basal and scarcely perceptible ; wings lengthened ; tail rather long
and much graduated ; tarsi short and stout ; toe^ long and joined together by full webs ; claws moderate, the middle one
serrated ; gular sac rather moderate.
These birds usually frequent almost inaccessible rocky islands, where they congregate in great
numbers during the season of reproduction, at other times migrating along the coast. Their
flight is rapid, powerful, and long continued.
The two species of this genus which are found in North America may be thus distinguished :
Bill bluish grey ; naked skin around the eye and on the throat blackish blue ; plumage
white, with the primaries brownish black S. bassana.
Bill bright yellow ; bare space around the eye and on the throat yellow ; head, neck, and
upper plumage brown ; breast and abdomen white F. fiber.
SULA, Brisson .
SULA BASSANA, (Linnaeus.)
Common Gannet ; Solan Goose.
Pelecanus bassanus, LINN. Syst Nat. 17G6, 217.
Sula bassana, BRISS. Orn. 1760.— BON. Synop. 1828, No. 359.— IB. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 165.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 495.—
AUD. Oru. Biog. IV, 1638, 222.— IB. Syn.. 1839, 311.— IB. Bird's Am. VII, 1844, 44 ; pi. ccccxxv.
Dysporus bassanus, 111. Prodr. 1811, 279.
Sula americana, BON. Conip. List, 1838, 60.
SP. CH. — General color of the plumage white ; bill bluish grey; bare space around the eye and on the throat blackish blue;
primaries brownish black, first longest.
Adult. The color of the plumage generally is white, the head and hind neck being of a fine buff yellow; alula and primaries
brownish black; shafts white for about two-thirds their length from the base, thence gradually becoming dark brown; bill pale
bluish grey, greenish at the base, the lines on the upper mandible blackish blue ; bare space in the region of the eye, and down
the centre of the throat, blackish blue ; iris white ; tarsi, toes and their webs, blackish brown ; the lines of scutellae on the tarsi
and toes green ; claws bluish white.
Length, 38 inches; wing, 19.50; bill, 4; tarsi, 2.25; tail, 10.
The female resembles the male, but is rather smaller.
The young have the head, neck, and upper plumage dark brown, each feather terminating with a triangular white spot ; under
plumage greyish white, the feathers broadly margined with greyish brown.
Hab — Atlantic coast, from Labrador to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gannet breeds in almost incredible numbers on some of the rocky islands near the coast
of Labrador. When the breeding season is over, it wanders as far south as the Gulf of Mex
ico. Its mode of flight is powerful, and at times graceful. Its food consists of fish, principally
herrings ; these are obtained by plunging from on high, often remaining under water for a
minute or more at a time.
872
U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Stretch
.>f wings.
Wing.
1025
J . Akhurst
38. 00
19.25
S F Baird
J. J. Audubon
Dysporus, 1 1 1 i g e r.
SULA FIBER, (Linnaeus.)
Booby Gaiinet.
Pelecanus fiber, LINN Syst. Nat. 1766, 218.
Pelecanus sola, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 218, 7.
Dynporus sula, ILI.IGER, Prod. 1811, 279. — BON. Coos. Av. II, 1855, 164.
Sula brasiliensis, SPIX, Av. Bras. 1824, tab. 107.
Sulafusca, VIEILL. Gal. des Ois. 1825, tab. 277.— BON Syn. 1828, No. 360.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 500.— AUD Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 63.— IB. Syu. 1839, 311.— IB Bird's Ain. VII, 1844, 57 ; pi. ccccxxvi.
SP. CH. — Head, neck, and upper plumage brown ; breast and abdomen white ; bill and naked part around the eye and on the
the throat yellow ; wings brown ; first and second primary equal and longest.
Adult. Head, entire neck, back, wings, and tail dusky brown ; under plumage and lower tail coverts pure white ; bill bright
yellow, flesh colored towards the end; naked space around the base of the bill yellow; iris white ; tarsi and feet, with their
webs, pale yellow ; claws white.
Length, 31 inches; wing, 16.50; bill, 3.90; tarsi, 1.70, tail, 8.50.
The female is similar in plumage to the male, but smaller.
The young are of aa uniform greyish brown, the lower parts being rather lighter ; the bill dusky ; the tarsi and feet dull
yellow.
Hob. — Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic coast from Georgia southward.
The Booby Gannet is found only on our southern coast, where they collect at their breeding
places in large numbers ; their nests are built on low trees or bushes. Their method of pro
curing food is similar to that of the common species.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Florida
S. F. Baird
J J. Audubon
30.00
15.00
Do
Cab. of Gr. N. Lawrence
1026
do
BIRDS TACIIYPETIDAE — TACHYPETES AQUILUS. 873
Family TACIIYPETIDAE.
CH. — Bill very long, strong, hooked at the end, and acute ; the culmen depressed and concave ; nostrils basal, placed in the
lateral grooves, and scarcely observable ; wings exceedingly lengthened ; tail long and much forked ; tarsi very short ; toes long,
with the connecting webs deeply indented ; throat bare, and capable of being much distended.
This family embraces but one genus.
TACHYPETES, Vieillot.
Tachypetes, VIEILL. Analyse, 1816.
CH. — Bill long, broad at the base, the culman concave, the unguis much hooked and very acute, the sides grooved and com
pressed ; nostrils basal, linear, and hardly visible ; wings very long and pointed, first two primaries longest ; tail lengthened and
deeply forked ; tarsi very short, strong, compressed, and feathered for half their length ; toes long and all united by webs ;
claws curved and rather small, gular sac extending nearly to the end of the lower mandible, and admitting of considerable
expansion.
The tropical regions are the principal resort of this genus : they assemble in large numbers
in the breeding season, placing their nests on trees, rocks, or on the ground ; they wander to
very great distances from land, their power of wing being almost unequalled ; they contend
against the severest gales apparently without effort.
TACHYPETES AQUILUS, Vieillot.
Frigate Pelican; Man-of-war Bird.
Tachypetes aquilus, VIEILL Gal. des Ois. 1825 tab. 274.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 358.— IB. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 166.—
Pelecanus aquilus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 216.
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 491— AUD. Orn. Biog. HI, 1835, 495 : V, 1839, 634.— IB. Syn. 1839,
307.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 10 ; pi. ccccxxi.— GAME. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. 2d Ser. I,
1849,227.
Mtagen aquila, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845.
Sp. CH. — Plumage brownish black ; bill long, with the unguis much curved ; wings much lengthened, tail long and forked.
Jldult. Entire plumage brownish black, with changeable reflections of green and purple ; primaries black ; outer secondaries
black on their outer webs, and amber brown en their inner, of which color are the inner secondaries ; tail dark brown, witli the
shafts white on the under side ; bill pale purplish blue, white in the middle, with the tips dusky ; inside of mouth carmine ;
bare loral space purplish blue ; iris dark brown ; gular sac orange ; feet reddish above, orange underneath.
Total length, 41 inches ; wing, 25 ; bill, 5.50 ; tarsi, .80 ; tail, 18.
The female differs in having the sides of the neck and a broad space on the breast white, the feathers of the back not so
lustrous as those of the male, and the wings and tail more tinged with brown.
Hob. — Texas to Florida ; California.
The Florida keys are the principal resort of this species on our coast ; here they congregate
in large numbers at their breeding stations, several nests being frequently placed upon one
tree. As might be supposed from their great depth of wing, they possess great power of
flight, not being excelled by any other bird. They are tyrannical in their habits, harassing
the terns and smaller gulls, robbing them of their food, causing them to drop or disgorge it,
which they descend after with great rapidity, arid recover it before it reaches the water ; they
also prey upon flying fish, and pick up floating substances in the manner of gulls ; the young
Sept. 2O, 1858.
110 b
874
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SUEVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPOET.
of other species are devoured by them when left unprotected. They do not dive, but rest
lightly upon the water, and rise easily from its surface.
A second species of Tacliypetes, T. palmerstonii, is admitted by some authors and denied by
others.
List of specimens.
Sex.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Florida
G. Wiirdemann
3
...do
Cab. G. N. Lawrence
1027
J. J. Audubon 38.00
25 00
Q
do
1028
do
BIRDS PHALACEOCORACIDAE — GRACULUS. 875
Family PH ALACROCOK A CID AE.
CH. — Bill rather moderate, culmen concave, tip much hooked and acute ; nostrils not perceptible ; wings moderate and
pointed ; tail rather short and rounded ; tarsi short ; toes long and all joined by full webs ; gular sac capable of considerable
expansion.
I have included all the Cormorants inhabiting our territory in the genus Graculus. They are
placed in several genera by Prince Bonaparte, as may be seen by the synonomy given with each,
species.
GRACULUS, Linnaeus.
Graculus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type Pelccanus carbo, L.
CH — Bill rather slender, of moderate length, with the culmen concave, hooked at the tip, the sides compressed and grooved ;
nostrils not visible in the adult ; wings moderately long and pointed, second and third primaries longest ; tail moderate and
graduated at the end ; tarsi short and much compressed ; toes long and full webbed ; a leathery pouch at the base of the lower
mandible, which can be much distended.
These birds exist abundantly in all parts of the globe. They are mostly found on the
sea-coast, breeding on rocky ledges difficult of access, and also on trees. They are exceedingly
expert in catching fish, being very active in the water, and capable of remaining under its
surface for a great length of time.
The following characters will distinguish the eight species of this genus inhabiting North
America :
Bluish black ; bill strong ; gular sac yellow, the lower margin encircled by white feathers ;
the gular sac is divided through the centre longitudinally by a line of white feathers, which
extends for a short distance beyond the base of the lower mandible between the crura ; shafts
of tail and quill feathers greyish blue at base, becoming black at the end ; feathers of the hind
neck elon gated G. carbo.
Dark green ; gular sac orange ; on the neck long filamentous straw colored feathers ; a patch
of white on each side above the thighs ; shafts of tail feathers white G. perspicillatus.
Shining greenisli black ; bill short, strong, and rugose ; a line of white feathers over the
eye, prolonged behind, and curling downwards G. cincinnatus.
Greenish black ; bill strong ; gular sac orange ; a large tuft of feathers on each side the
crown; shafts of tail feathers black „ G. dilophus.
Greenish black ; bill rather strong ; gular sac orange, its lower part of a rounded form, the
same as in "dilophus;" crests consisting of a line of feathers on each side the crown, and
curving downwards ; shafts of tail feathers black G. floridcmus.
Purplish black ; bill moderate ; gular sac dull orange, margined with pure white, its lower
margin forming an arched line across the throat ; long white linear feathers on the neck ;
shafts of tail feathers black G. mexicanus.
Deep green ; bill moderately strong ; gular sac blue, encircled with a broad band of brownish,
drab or fawn colored feathers ; from the lower margin of the gular sac the feathers project for
876
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
a short distance towards the bill ; very long, narrow, stiff white feathers on the neck and upper
part of back ; shafts of tail feathers black G. penidllatus.
Dark green ; neck and sides violet blue ; bill slender ; gular sac orange, feathers extending
upwards upon it from its lower margin half way to the bill ; slender white feathers on the neck
and sides ; shafts of tail feathers black G. violaceus.
Phalacrocorax, B r i s s o n .
GKACULUS CAKBO, Gray.
Common Cormorant.
Pelecanus carbo, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 17G6, 216.
Phalacrocorax carbo, BON. Syn. 1823, No. 353.— IB. var. macrorhynchus, Cons. Av. II, 1855, 168. — NUTT. Man. II,
1834, 479.— ADD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 458.— IB. Syn. 1839, 302.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843,
412 ; pi. ccccxv.
Graculus carbo, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845.
Phalacrocorax americunus, REICH. Syst. Av. 1850, t. 47.
" Phalacrocorax macrorhynchus, Cuv." BON. Cornptes Rend. XLII, 1856, 7GG.
gp CH. Bluish black ; feathers on middle of occiput and hind neck elongated ; gular sac yellow, at the base of which is a
broad band of white ; linear feathers on the head and neck white ; a patch of white on the sides ; third primary longest ; tail
of fourteen feathers.
Jldult. Plumao-e in general black, glossed with greenish blue ; the feathers of the upper part and sides of the back and wing
coverts are dark ash, with bronzed reflections, and bordered with greenish black ; primaries and tail feathers greyish black,
secondaries greyish brown ; bare space around the eye dull olive, under the eye red ; the gular sac yellow, encircling the lower
part of which is a broad band of white ; numerous linear filamentous white feathers are distributed over the head and neck ; on
the side over the thigh is a patch of elongated linear white feathers ; upper mandible greyish black, with the edges yellowish
white, lower dusky yellowish white at the base ; iris bluish green ; eyelids with dusky margins ; tarsi, feet, and claws greyish
black.
Length, 37 inches ; wing, 14 ; bill, 3.50 ; tail, 6.50 ; tarsus, 2.25 ; outer toe and claw, 4.25 ; inner, 2.90 ; hind, 1.90.
The female resembles the male, but is smaller.
Hab. — Labrador, and along the coast as far south as New Jersey in winter.
The bill is strong and powerful, the ridge is smooth, but the sides of both mandibles are
rugose.
These birds are abundant on the coast of Labrador, where large numbers assemble for the
purpose of reproduction, forming their nests upon the inaccessible ledges of rocky cliffs.
Their mode of flight is swift and strong. Their food is obtained by diving and pursuing it
beneath the surface, where they make rapid progress by the aid of their wings.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by— ! Stretch
;of wings.
Atlantic coast, U. S [ Cab. G. N. Lawrence 1029 J. J. Audubon \ 40.00
Wing.
14.00
BIRDS — PHALACROCOEACIDAE — GRACULUS DILOPHUS. 877
GEACULUS PERSPICILLATUS, L a w r .
Pallas' Cormorant.
Pkalacrocorax perspicillatus, Pall. Zoog. Rosso-As. II, 1811,305. — GOULD, Zool. Voy. Sulpb. 1844,49; pi. xxxii —
BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 167.— Ib. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sep. 1856.
"Pdfcanus urile ? LATH." Gould. Zool. Voy. Sulph, 1844, 49.
Graculus urile, REICH. Syet. Av. 1850, t. 65.
Phalacrocorax urile, BONAP. Coinptes Rendu-, XLII, Ap. 1856, 766.
SP. CH. — Dark green ; on the face and upper part of the neck are long narrow hair-like feathers of a straw color ; gular sack
orange ; a large white mark on each side near the leg.
Adult. ''Face and crest rich deep shining purple; neck deep greenish blue; the face and the upper part of the neck
ornamented with some thinly dispersed, long, narrow hair-like straw-colored feathers ; body above and beneath deep glossy
green ; scapularies and wings deep purple, primaries and tail black, the latter with white shafts ; ou each side of the abdomen,
at the insertion of the leg, a large patch of white; bill blackish hair-color, lighter at the tip; naked part of the throat, corners
of the mouth, and naked skin of the coverts apparently rich orange."
" Total length, 36 inches ; bill, 4 ; tail, 9 ; tarsi, 3."
" llab. — Russian America."
"Nearly allied to, if not identical with, but differs from the Pelecanus urile of Latham in its much larger size, and in the
ornamental plumes being dispersed over face and sides of the neck, instead of on the front of the latter only."
There are no specimens of this species in the collection.
The above is Mr. Gould's account of this species, taken from the Zoology of the Voyage of
the Sulphur.
There appears to be some doubt whether this may not be the Ked-faced Cormorant of Pennant
and Latham, (" Pel. urile, Gmelin.") Gray puts it under P. urile, Gm., with a question, and
Bonaparte at one time also considered it to be that species, but finally concluded it was
distinct.
GRACULUS CINCINNATUS, Gray.
The Tufted Cormorant.
Carlo cinrinnatus, BRANDT, Bull. Sc. Ac. Imp. Pet. Ill, 1837, 55.
Graadus cincinnatus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845.
Phalacrocorax cincinnatus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 168. — IB. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 766.
SP. CH. — Silky black, glossed with shining green ; superciliary feathers white, prolonged behind and curled downwards.
Adult. Head, neck, back, and entire under plumage silky black, glossed with green; wing-coverts dull brownish grey,
margined with black; tail shining black; over the eye is a line formed of white feathers, the hinder ones greatly elongated,
radiating singly, rather stiff', curled backward and downward; bill stout, horny, and very rugose ; feet black.
Length, about 36 inches.
llab. — Northwest coast, Sitka.
I have never had an opportunity of examining a specimen of this species.
Graculus, B o n a p.
GRACULUS DILOPHUS, Gray.
Double-crested Cormorant.
Ptlecanus (Carlo) dilophus, Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 473.
Phalacrocorax dilophus, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 483.— Bon. Comp. List, 1838, 60.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 420: V.
1839, 628.— IB. Syn. 1839, 302.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 423; pi. ccccxvi.
Graculus dilophus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 172. — IB. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 766.
Carlo dilophus, GAME. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 2d Ser. I, 1849, 227.
878
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
SP. CH.— Greenish black; behind each eye a recurved crest of loose feathers; gular sac orange; second quill longest; tail of
twelve feathers.
Adult. The plumage of the head, neck, lower part of the back and entire under surface is greenish black, the feathers of the
upper part of the back, the wing-coverts, the scapularies and tertiaries, greyish brown or dark ash, the margins of which are
greenish black; primaries blackish brown, lighter on the inner webs ; the secondaries dark greyish brown ; tail black, as are also
the shafts ; running from the bill over the eye is a line of white filamentous feathers, there are also a few of the same character
sparsely distributed over the neck ; behind each eye is a tuft of rather long slender feathers, erect and curving forwards; bare
space in the region of the eye, and gular sac orange ; upper mandible blackish brown, with the edges yellowish ; lower yellow,
marked irregular with dusky; iris bright green; legs, feet, and claws black, claw of the middle toe pectinated.
Length, 33 inches; wing, 13; tail, 6.75; bill, 2.85; tarsus, 3.50; outer toe and claw, 4; inner, 2.50; hind, 1.75.
flab. Atlantic coast from Labrador to Carolina ; fur countries ; Pacific coast from Washington Territory to California.
Numerous specimens are in the collection, mostly from the Pacific coast, from which point
none are fully adult, most having the greyish under plumage of the young, the bills being
yellow.
Ph. lenconotus and Ph. lencumus Aud. Orn, Biog. Ill, 1835, 334, are thought by both Gray
and Bonaparte to be the young of this species.
The bill is strong, in the adult the culmen is smooth, the sides of both mandibles are crossed
with slight prominences of a curved or scale-like form, pretty regularly distributed about a
quarter of an inch apart from the base to the unguis.
This species resorts in large numbers to the low islands off the coast of Labrador, which are
their breeding stations ; they construct their nests on the surface of the rocks, not on the
shelves of precipices.
I once witnessed a large migrating flight of these birds to the south, along our seacoast; they
passed in great flocks, which succeeded each other frequently during the entire day ; each flock
formed a widely extended front, the individuals being side by side ; their mode of flight was
by alternate flapping of the wings, and their sailing for a short distance, the effect of which
was peculiar and striking.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — Stretch
of wings
Wing.
2745
2744
....
Atlantic coast • S. T? Raird
J. J- Audubon .... ....
12.00
13.00
12.00
12. 50
12.00
12.50
12.00
12.00
12.00
13. 50
14.00
do
do
do
Coast of New York .
George N. Lawrence .
fin
1030
1031
Atlantic coast ...
J J Audubon
4438
9893
4503
5571
9894
9896'
4577
Quasquiton, Iowa Dr. R O Rirlwnll
San Francisco, Cal
do ;
Lt. Trowbridge
9
Petaluma, Cal ; Feb. 1856 TC. Samnr-ls
Bodega, Cal Dec. 1854
Lt. Trowbridge
Gov. Stevens
Dr. Suckley
216
T. A. Szabo
Dr. Cooper
50.50
Shoalwatcr bay, W. T._ Oct. 5, 1854
Stcilacoom, Puget Sound Feb. 6, 1856
BIRDS PHILACROCORACIDAE— GRACULUS MEXICANUS. 879
GRACULUS FLORID ANUS, Bon.
Florida Cormorant.
Phalacrocorax floridanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 387 : V, 1839, 632.— IB. Syn. 1839, 303.— IB. Birds Am. VI,
1843, 430 ; pi. ccccxvii.
Graculus floridanus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 172. — IB. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 766.
Phalacrocorax brasiliensis, BON. Comp. List, 1838, 60.
Graculus dilophus, GRAY, Genera of Birds, 1845.
SP. CH. — Greenish black ; behind each eye a narrow line of elongated feathers ; gular sac orange ; second primary longest ;
tail of twelve feathers.
Adult. Head, neck, lower part of back, and under plumage, greenish black ; feathers of the back, wing coverts, scapularies,
and tertiaries, ashy brown, tinged with purple, having their margins greenish black ; primaries blackish brown, the inner webs
lighter ; secondaries dark brown ; tail and shafts of the feathers brownish black ; a crest of lengthened feathers extends in a
line behind eacli eye backwards, and curving downwards ; bare skin near the eye and gular sac orange ; upper mandible black,
along the basal margins blue, lower blue variegated with white spots ; iris light green, margins of the eyelids light blue, spotted
with white ; tarsi, feet, and claws greyish black.
Length, 29.75 ; wing, 11.75 ; tail, 6 ; bill, 2.40 ; tarsus, 215 ; outer toe and claw, 3.75 ; inner, 2.25 ; hind, 1.50.
Hab. — Along the coast from Texas to Florida ; Mississippi river.
Eatlier smaller than dilophus, but in plumage mucli resembling it, the colors of the tack and
wings are ashy brown, in dilophus greyish, the sides of the bill are rough in the same manner
as in that species.
The Florida cormorant is solely an inhabitant of the southern portion of the United States,
not proceeding further to the north than Carolina. They congregate in thousands on the
Florida keys at the season of reproduction, placing their nests on the mangrove bushes, many
being established on the same tree.
They are expert divers and fly with great rapidity.
Li at of specimens.
Catalogue
number.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original
number. '.
Collected by —
Wings.
2002
Florida ....
do
S. F. Baird
Cab. Geo. N. Lawrence
1032
J. J. Audubon
do
11.50
11 25
i
(1RACULUS MEXICANUS, Bon.
Mexican Cormorant.
Carbo mexicanus, BRANDT, Bull. Sc. Ac. Imp. Pet III, 1837, 56.
Graculus mexicanus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 175.
Phalacrocorax lacustris, GUNDLACH'S MSS.
"Phalacrocorax resplendens, LEMBEYE, Aves de Cuba, (Adult.)"
"Phalacrocorax townsendi, LEMBEYE, Aves de Cuba, (Young.)"
SP. CH. — Purplish black ; sides of the neck ornamented with white linear feathers, gular sac brownish orange.
Jldult. Head, neck, lower part of the back, smaller wing coverts, and under plumage, glossy black, in a strong light having
a tinge of bluish purple ; imbricate feathers of the upper part of the back and wings are of a clear brownish gray, with their
margins and shafts glossy black ; primaries blackish brown, the other quills brownish grey ; tail and shafts black ; a line of
small white spots runs from the upper mandible over and beyond the eye ; scattered over the sides of the neck are rather long
filamentous feathers of pure white ; gular sac brownish orange, bordered narrowly with pure white ; the gular sac is wide, at
880
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
the lower part of which, on each side, the bare skin descends for a short distance down the neck, gradually coming to a point,
thereby giving an arcuate form to the lower margin of the pouch ; bill brownish horn color, the lower mandible marked with
yellow spots ; iris pale green ; legs and feet black.
Length, 27, (skin) ; wing, 10 ; tail, 6.50 ; bill, 2.10 ; tarsus, 1.90 ; outer toe and claw, 3.10.
The young are dark brown, with the neck and breast brownish grey ; the bill yellow, with the ridge dusky.
Hab. — Texas, on the Rio Grande ; Cuba.
Of this species, new to our fauna, there are seven specimens in the collection, three nearly
adult ; they are all from the Rio Grande. I have two fully adult specimens in my cabinet, one
from eastern Mexico, the other from Cuba. The bill is of moderate length, rather stout, with
the culmen smooth, and the sides crossed with ridges, in the same manner as in dilophus and
floridanus.
Mr. Gundlach writes that it is abundant on the fresh water lakes and rivers of Cuba, also on
the sea-shore ; it breeds in August ; the nests are placed on trees resembling those of G.
floridanus.
Mr. Gray appears to have had some doubt of G. mexicanus, Brandt, being a valid species, as
in his Genera of Birds he places it under dilophus, where he also puts floridanus, And. The
bird above described has strong and decided characters, and agrees very well with Brandt's
description of G. mexicanus.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. Whe
lee
:n col- Whence obtained.
:ted.
Orig.
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
Ecmarks.
Cuba . :
. , Cab. Geo. N. Lawrence
1034
1033
Gulf of Mexico j
do
3834
3833
4191
9897
9895
9899
9
Brazos, Texas Feb
Fort Brown , Texas
.,1853 Capt Van. VI let L
I
9.75
do
26.50
26.00
36.00
36. 00
10.00
10.00
Eyes green
Brownsville, Texas ....
do ...... :
Eyes grass green .
Fort Thorn, N. M.
Dr. Henry ...__
do ; --
0. 75 .
do .. •
10. 50
Urile, B o n a p .
GEACULUS PENICILLATUS, Gray.
Brandt's Cormorant.
Carbo penicillatus, BRANDT, Bull. Sc. Ac. Imp. Pet. Ill, 1837, 55. — GAMB. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 2d ser. I,
1849, 227.
Phalocrocor ax penicillatus, HEERM. Proc. Phil. Acad. VII, 1854, 178-
Urile penicillatus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 175.
Graculus penicillatus , GBAY, Gen. Ill, 1845, 668— BON. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 766
Phalacrocorax townsendi, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 149.— IB. Syn. 1839, 304.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 438; pi. ccccxviii.
SP- CH. — Dark green ; long hair-like feathers of the neck and back white ; gular sac blue, below which is a gorgelet of dark
fawn color.
Mult. Head and neck of a fine bluish black color ; back, rump, and under plumage of a very deep rich green, in certain
positions inclining to bluish green ; imbricate feathers of the back and wings of a dull bronzed brownish green, very narrowly
margined with black ; primaries and inner webs of the other quills blackish brown, the outer webs brownish green ; tail and
shafts black ; sides of the neck and the upper part of the back on each side have numerous white, narrow, stiff, hair-like
feathers, which extend beyond the other feathers from 2 to 2§ inches ; gular sac blue, encircling the base of which is a broad
band of dark fawn color, the feathers of this gorgelet extend upward from the lower margin of the gular sac for J of an inch
and come to a point ; bill brownish, lighter at base of lower mandible ; legs and feet black.
Length, about 28 inches ; wing, 10£ ; tail, 5.25 ; bill, 2.90 ; tarsus, 2.40 ; outer toe and claw, 4 ; inner, 2.15 ; hind, 1.50.
These are. the measurements of No. 4501.
Hab. — West coast of North America.
BIRDS — PHALACROCORACIDAE — GRACULUS VIOLACEUS.
881
No. 9892 is larger, the wing measuring 12 inches ; the bill, 3 ; the tail, 5.50.
Young. Head, neck, back, and wings blackish brown, the feathers of the back and wings
with greyish brown margins ; under plumage dull rusty brown, the middle of the abdomen
greyish ; gorgelet fawn color as in the adult. This is the plumage of one of the original
specimens of Mr. Audubon's " toiunsendi," (now in the cabinet of Professor Baird.) The fawn
colored gorgelet which extends in a point on the lower part of the gular sac, together with the
form and character of the bill, agreeing with the specimens of the adult under examination, in
my opinion, are satisfactory evidence of its being this species.
The true position of "toivnsendi" heretofore has been one of much uncertainty. Gray, in
Gen. of Birds, places it under " dilophus" as the young, as does also Gambel in Jour. Phil.
Acad. Bonaparte, in Cons. Avium, puts it with a question, as a synonym of "Gr. brasilianus,
Gm.," but in Comptes Rendus has it under " dilophus."
The form of the gular sac, and whether entirely bare or encroached upon by the feathers of
the throat, are points which appear to have been generally overlooked in describing the different
species of cormorants. I consider these features strong characters, that will materially aid in
determining species when not in mature plumage, as maybe instanced in the above case.
The bill is of moderate strength, and entirely smooth both on the sides and ridge.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
Wlien col- 1 Whence obtained,
lected.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Wings.
Remarks.
2742
c?o
Cape Disappointment,
Columbia river
California ,.
Oct. 8,1836 S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend.
Iridesdarkhazel.
Cab. G. N. Lawrence
1037
10.75
9892
4501
San Francisco, Cal
Lt. Trowbridge
12.00
Farrallon islands, Cal.
. Lt. Williamson
Dr Heermann
10.50
GEACULUS VIOLACEUS, Gray.
Violet Green Cormorant.
Pelecanus violaccus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 575.
Graculus violaceus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845. — BON. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 766.
Phalacrocorax resplendent, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 148.— IB. Syn. 1839, 304.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 430 ; pi.
ccccxix.
Urile bicrislatus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 175.
Sp. Cn. — Violet green ; narrow white feathers are sparingly distributed on the sides of the neck, and hind part and sides of
the body ; gular sac orange.
Jldult. Crown and sides of the head dark bluish green, gradually blending with the beautiful violet blue of the hind head and
entire neck ; back, rump, wings, and under plumage of a rich deep green ; axillars, sides under the wings, and thighs violet blue;
smaller wing coverts violet ; primaries brownish black, as are the other quills on their inner webs ; tail and shafts black ; the
entire plumage very lustrous and silky in appearance ; dispersed over the neck and on the sides of the body near the thighs arc
numerous short white piliform feathers which expand at the end in the form of a small brush ; gular sac and bare space about
the eye orange; feathers of the throat extend upon the lower part of the gular sac for about half its length, and terminate in a
point ; upper mandible blackish brown, lower dusky yellow ; legs and feet black.
Length, 28 inches ; alar extent, 41 ; wing, 10.50 ; tail, 6.25 ; bill, 2 ; tarsus, 1.90 , outer toe and claw, 3.75.
Hob. — Western coast of North America. California, Washington Territory.
Sept. 23, 1858.
Ill b
882
U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Three adult specimens of this handsome species are in the collection.
The bill is slender, smooth on the culmen and sides ; the feathers of the wings and back are
without the dark margins so characteristic of most of the species.
Bonaparte makes licristatus, Pall., to be the same as the above species, whereas Gray puts
licristatus, Pall., as the synonym to P. urile, Gmelin.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
!
Collected by — ; 5
a
2 cf Wings.
9004
Cape Disappointment W. T.
S. F. Baird
J. K. Townsend . 28. 50
40. 00 10 50
4502
do do
Dr. Cooper
' 27. 00
' 9. 75
Orcas island W. T
Feb., 1858
A. Campbell
100
Dr. Kennerlv i 28.00
41. 00 10. 50
BIRDS PLOTIDAE — JPLOTUS ANHINGA. 883
Family PLOTIDAE.
CH. — Rill long, straight, a slight curvature at the end, the edges serrated ; nostrils small ; wings long ; tail long and rounded,
narrow at base ; tarsi short and strong ; toes united by full webs ; face and throat bare, the latter with an extensible sac.
Sub-Family PLOTINAE.
CH. — Bill long, slender, nearly straight and sharp at the point ; nostrils very small ; wings rather long ; tail long, widening
at the end ; tarsi stout and very short ; toes long, connected by full webs ; claws strong and curved ; gular sac rather moderate.
Only a single genus is comprised in this sub-family, containing but four recorded species, one
peculiar to America, and one each to Africa, Asia, and Australia.
PLOTUS, Linnaeus.
Plotus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766. Type P. anhinga.
CH. — Bill about twice the length of the head, very slender and pointed, with the sides compressed; nostrils scarcely visible ;
wings moderately long, third primary longest ; tail long, narrow at the base but becoming broader at the end, which is rounded,
the shafts very strong ; tarsi short and very stout ; toes long and united by full webs ; claws strong, curved, and acute, the
middle one pectinated ; gular sac capable of considerable distention ; neck very long and slender.
The species of this genus inhabit the warm regions of the Old World, and also of America.
They assemble in communities on the shores of inland lakes, on rivers, and submerged swamps,
placing their nests on trees ; they are exceedingly watchful and difficult to approach, are very
expert in swimming and diving.
PLOTUS ANHINGA, Linnaeus.
Darter ; Snake Bird ; Water Turkey.
Plotus anhinga, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 580.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 362.— IB. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 180.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. IV, 1838, 136— IB. Syn. 1839, 306— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843,443 ; pi. ccccxx.— NUTT. Man.
II, 1834, 507.
Plotus melanogaster, WILS. Am. Orn. IX, 1824, 79 & 82 ; pi. Ixxiv.
Sp. Ch. — Greenish black ; a broad band of gray over the wings ; bill long, slender, and pointed ; tail long, increasing in
width at the end.
Jldult male. Head, neck, back, and entire under plumage glossy greenish black ; on each side of the upper part of the back
is a broad band extending downwards, composed of spots of a greyish white color; they are quite small on the upper part, but
become larger and elongated lower down ; the scapularies and tertiaries are long and lanceolate in shape ; they are black, but
largely striped longitudinally with greyish white ; the smaller wing coverts are black at the base, terminating with greyish
white ; the larger coverts are almost entirely of this color, having a narrow margin of black on a portion only of their inner
webs, this forms a conspicuous broad band over the wings ; primaries and secondaries black ; tail black, with a terminal margin
of brownish ash, paler at the end ; the two central feathers are crimped on their outer webs for their entire length — this peculiar
character exists also on some of the tertiary feathers ; on the sides and back of the neck are numerous elongated filamentous
feathers of a dark ash color ; bare space in the region of the eye bluish green ; gular pouch orange ; upper mandible dull olive,
with the edges yellow ; lower yellow, the edges and tip dusky green ; iris bright carmine ; tarsi and toes dusky olive in front ;
behind and the webs yellow ; claws brownish black.
Length, about 35 inches ; wing, 14 ; tail, 11 ; bill, 3.25 ; tarsus, ] .35.
The female has the upper part of the head, neck behind, and upper part of back brown ; neck underneath and breast of a
light fawn color, margined with reddish brown where it joins the black of the abdomen ; elongated ash colored feathers on the
neck very few ; in other respects resembling the male.
Hab. — Southern States from Florida to Carolina ; Texas.
884
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
The American Darter resides throughout the year in the Southern States, not ranging higher
to the north than Carolina, even in summer. It frequents mostly the inland lakes and secluded
bayous, never visiting the sea-shore. They fly with, great rapidity, and are unexcelled in swim
ming and diving ; they procure their food much in the same manner as cormorants do. Their
nests are constructed on trees or bushes, always over the water.
The Surinam Darter (Eeliornis surinamensis, Gm.,) is noticed by Bonaparte and Nuttall as
accidental on our southern coast. Its occurrence must be exceedingly rare, as no instance
has ever come to my knowledge of one being obtained ; I do not therefore consider it entitled to
a place in our Fauna ; but a short description of it may not be amiss.
It is a small and very beautiful species, being in length only 12 inches, the wing 5f inches.
Above it is dark umber brown ; the primaries reddish brown ; tail blackish brown, margined
narrowly with white ; upper part of head and hind part of neck jet black ; a white stripe runs
from behind the eye along the side of the head towards the occiput ; a broad line of light
chestnut red begins under the eye and runs half way down the side of the neck, then succeeds a
line of black, which continues for the other half; between the black of the lower part of the
neck and that of the hind neck is a line of pure white ; throat and neck in front white ; breast
and abdomen white, the former tinged with pale rufous ; sides of the body brownish ash ; bill
orange red ; feet yellow, barred with black.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex and
age.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Wings.
,?
South Carolina . .__.....
Cab. George N. Lawrence .
1035
13. 25
Q
do
do
1036
13. 25
South Atlantic coast. .. .........
S. F. Baird
9898
Q
Fort Thorn New Mexico . . ...
Dr Henry . ....
BIRDS PHAETONIDAE PHAETON FLAVIROSTRIS. 885
Family PHAETOJTIDAE.
CH.— Bill long, broad at the base, and the upper outline gradually curving to the point, edges slightly serrated ; nostrils
pervious ; wings long ; tail with the central feathers extremely elongated ; tarsi short and strong ; toes joined by fall webs ; no
bare space on the face or throat.
Sub Family PHAETONINAE.
CH. — Bill rather long, with the base broad, the sides compressed and point acute, outline of the upper mandible curving to the
tip ; nostrils basal, linear and open ; wings long and pointed ; tail graduated, the two central feathers exceedingly elongated ;
tarsi short ; toes long and connected together by full webs.
There is but one genus under this sub-family which belongs to North America.
PHAETON, Linnaeus.
Phaeton, LINN. S. N. 1756. Type P. aethereus.
CH. — Bill about the length of the head, strong, broad at the base, compressed, the culmen curved to the tip, which is pointed;
nostrils lateral, basal, and pervious, situated in a short groove near the ridge; wings long and pointed, the first primary longest;
tail graduated, the two middle feathers extremely lengthened and narrow ; tarsi short and stout ; toes rather long, all connected
together by full webs ; claws small, curved and rather acute.
These birds frequent the warm parallels of the tropics, and are generally noticed far from
and ; at their breeding places they assemble in considerable numbers. They are excellent
swimmers, and have enduring power of wing ; flying fishes aiford them an abundant supply of
food : these are seized as they emerge from the sea for their short flight above its surface.
PHAETON FLAVIEOSTBIS, Brandt.
Yellow-billed Tropic Bird.
Lepturus candidus, BRISS. Om. VI, 1760, 485.— BON. Comptes Rendus, XLII, 1856, 767.
Phaeton candidus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1847 ; pi. clxxxiii.
Phaeton aethereus, BON. Syn. 1828, No. 361.— IB. Cons. Av II, 1855, 183.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 503.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 442.— IB. Syn. 1839, 312.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 64 ; pi. ccccxxvii.
Phaeton flaviroslris, BRANDT, Bull. Sc. Acad. Imp. St. Pet. I, 1837, 349.— SCLATER, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1856, 144.
The Tropic Bird, EDWARDS, Nat. Hist, of Birds, 1749 ; pi. cxlix.
SP. CH. — White ; wings banded with black ; first five primaries black on the outer webs ; shafts of Jong middle tail feathers
black to near the end, where they are white.
Jldult. General plumage of the body white, with a satiny gloss, and tinged on the head, back, and wings with cream color ;
there is rather a broad mark of black in the form of a crescent before the eye, extending over it in a line, and along the side ot
the head as far as the occiput ; a band of black extends over the wings, beginning near the flexure and crossing about the
middle of the coverts, where it is rather narrow, but occupying a large space on the base of the secondaries, and most of the
terminal portion of the tertiaries and scapularies ; the first five primaries are black on the outer webs and a portion of the inner
next the shaft, remaining part of inner webs and tips of outer white ; the sixth primary has the outer web black at the base; the
tail is white, the elongated central feathers with a tinge of pale salmon color ; the shafts of all the tail feathers are black nearly
'•o the end, terminal portion white, as are all the shafts on the under side ; the long hypochndriacal feathers are broadly marked
down their centres with greyish black ; bill orange red ; ins brown ; tarsus, hind toe, and outer basal edge of inner toe yellow,
remaining part of foot black.
Length, 30 inches ; wing, 11 ; tail, 18| ; bill, 2.05 ; tarsus, .90.
Tlab. — Florida coast.
The above description is taken from a very perfect specimen obtained on the south side of
886
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Cuba. It is without doubt the species described and figured by Audubon, and which recent
writers refer to the ( ' candidus " of Brisson, (flavirostris of Brandt.)
In a monograph of the Phaetonidae, given by Professor F. Brandt in the Bulletin of the St.
Petersburg Academy, he says Gmelin, Latham, and others have confounded the two species
aethereus, Linn., and candidus, Briss.
The above bird agrees with the description of " candidus" as given by Brandt, differing only
in having the six outer primaries marked with black instead of four ; six is the number stated
by Edwards, whose figure agrees with the present species. The black markings on the
primaries probably vary with age, as in many species of gulls.
Mr. Sclater, in Zool. Proc., (as above,) adopts Brandt's name of "flavirostris/' for the reason
that "Brisson was no binomalist, and has no claim to bestow specific names in a binominal
system."
I have another specimen, apparently of this species, purchased some years since from a dealer,
the locality from which it was obtained being unknown. The black markings are distributed
much the same as in the specimen from Cuba, but the black is confined to the four outer prima
ries, not crossing the shaft of the fourth, and on the fifth a very narrow margining of black on
each side of the shaft near the base ; the black is much further removed from the tips also.
The prevailing color, instead of being white, is of a fine deep salmon, of a very uniform shade
throughout ; the hypochondrical feathers are striped with greyish black, of which color are the
upper tail coverts for about half their length at the base ; the bill is dusky greenish olive at the
base of the upper mandible and sides of the lower, the remainder pale yellow ; the toes are all
yellow at the base. The length is 32 inches ; the wing 11 J.
In the above plumage it agrees with a figure of this species given by Eeichenbach, Syst. Av.
pi. 30, taken from a specimen in the Dresden Museum.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Original
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Wings.
Cuba
Cab. George N Lawrence
1038
30 00
11 CO
Tribe BRACHYPTERI.
Family COLYMBIDAE-1
CH. — Bill more or less long and compressed ; the nostrils are linear or rounded, and situated in a lateral groove ; tail rudimen
tary or short ; tarsi much compressed ; anterior toes long, with the interdigital membrane more or less full, the outer longest ;
hind toe short, free, with a hanging lobe ; claws broad, depressed, buried in the body.
The species are remarkable for their powers of swimming and diving ; their ease and grace
fulness on the water is in strong contrast with their awkwardness on land.
The following are the characters of the two sub-families, Colymbinae and Podicipinae :
COLYMBINAE. — Bill long, rather strong, much compressed, with the point acute ; nostrils basal,
linear ; tarsi much compressed ; toes long and webs full ; tail short ; lores feathered.
PODICIPINAE. — Bill generally long and rather slender, compressed and pointed ; nostrils
situated in a groove, oblong and narrow ; tarsi compressed; toes long and broadly lobed ; tail
wanting, or very rudimentary ; lores naked.
Sub-Family COLYMBINAE.— The Divers proper.
CH. — Bill about the length of the head, rather stout, much compressed, and acute ; nostrils basal, linear and pervious ; wings
of medium size, narrow aud pointed, first quill the longest, reaching far beyond the scapulars ; tail short and rounded ; tarsi
very much compressed ; entire tarsi and base of toes reticulated ; toes long, the anterior ones united by regular webs, the claw
of the middle twice as long as broad ; hind toe short, edged with a narrow membrane.
These birds excel all others in their rapidity of diving, and the great progress they are able
to make under water. Only one genus in this sub-family is recognised by authors.
COLYMBUS, Linnaeus.
Colymbus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1735. Type C. arcticus.
As the character of the sub-family include those of the single genus Colymbus, it is not neces
sary to repeat them.
They are abundant during summer in the high northern latitudes, both on the seacoast and
on inland lakes ; in winter they migrate to the south. They are solitary in their habits, keen
sighted, and very difficult of approach ; their flight is strong, rapid, and direct.
The species of this genus have the following characters :
Bill strong, compressed, nearly straight, a groove on the under mandible, continued from
the junction of the crura to near the point; head and neck dark bluish green, a small
patch of white feathers on the throat in front, also a larger one on each side of the
neck „ C. glacialis.
Bill rather strong, much like that of the above species, but smaller and without the
groove underneath ; head and neck bluish grey, a large space of purplish black on the
front part of the neck C. arcticus.
Bill not so strong as in either of the above named species. Adult plumage not
known C. pacificus.
Bill straight and slender ; head and neck clear light bluish grey, hind neck marked with
white and greenish black, on the fore part of the neck is a large patch of dark reddish,
brown C. septentrionalis.
1 Prepared by Mr. George N. Lawrence, of New York.
888
U. 8. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, Briinnich.
The Great Northern Diver ; The Loon.
Cohjmbus torquatus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 134.
Colymbus glacialis, LINN. Syst. Nat I, 176C, 221.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXI1, 1772, 383.— WILS. Am. Orn. IX,
1824, 84, pi. Ixxiv.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 363 — RICH. & Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 474.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 513.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 43, pi. 306.— IB. Birds, Am. VII,
1844, 282 ; pi. cccclxxvi.
Colymbus immer, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 222. (Young of year.)
Sp. CH. — Bill compressed, strong and tapering, outline of upper mandible nearly straight, very slightly curved ; the lower
mandible has a groove underneath, running from the junction of the crura towards the point; the tail consists of twenty
feathers .
ddult. — The head and neck are dark bluish green, the upper part and sides of the head glossed with purple ; there is a small
transverse mark on the throat, composed of white feathers of a quill like form, distinct from each other and placed longitudinally
on each side of the neck ; lower down are larger patches of white, of the same peculiar form, and running in the same direction ;
these almost meet behind, and in i'ront are about one inch apart ; the effect of these pure white feathers, relieved by the dark
color of the neck, is very beautiful ; the upper plumage and wing coverts are deep glossy black, beautifully marked with pure
white spots placed in regular transverse rows, slightly curving downwards ; these spots, on the upper part of the back, are small
and nearly round, but as they descend lower on the back increase in size and become quadrangular in form, being largest on the
scapularies ; on the lower part of the back, upper tail coverts and sides (which are black,) the spots are small and round ; the
sides of the neck, near the shoulder, are beautifully lineated with black and white ; the primaries, secondaries and tail brownish
black ; the under surface glossy white, with a narrow band of dusky feathers crossing the lower part of the abdomen, and
marked with small white spots ; lower tail coverts blackish brown, tipped with white ; bill black ; iris deep bright red ; tarsi and
feet greyish blue externally, tinged on the inside with pale yellowish red ; webs brownish black ; claws back.
Length, 31 inches ; wing, 14 ; tarsus, 3| ; bill, 3 ; height at base, 1.
Young. — The plumage above is greyish black, the feathers of the back margined with greyish white, the under plumage pure
white, bill yellowish with the ridge of the upper mandible dusky.
Hob. — Very generally distributed ; it is abundant on the Atlantic coast, in the lakes of the interior and the fur countries
Specimens are in the collection from the Pacific coast and from New Mexico .
There are two specimens in adult plumage, and a head of a young individual from the
Pacific coast; two of the young from. New Mexico. Individuals vary considerably in size, some
measuring 36 inches in length.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality. When col- ! Whence obtained,
leoted.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
Length. Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
1550
3
Carlisle, Pa I May 18,1844 ' S. F. Baird
31 50 j 54 00
14 00
2161
9
do , Apr 26,1845 ! do
31.00 56.00
14.50
962
991G
Lawrence.
Fort Thorn, N. M Dr. T. C. Henry
13 00
4516
Shoal water bay Gov. Stevens
Dr. Cooper ....
30.00
Color of iris blood red,
4580
9920
Steilacoom, W. T 1 Dr. Suckley
do do
575
Dr. Potts
31.00
14.50
COLYMBUS ARCTICUS, Linnaeus.
The Black-throated Diver.
Colymbus arcticus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 221.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 369.— RICH, and Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
475.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 517.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 345.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844,
295; pi. cccclxxvii. — GRAY Genera, III, 620; pi. clxxi.
BIRDS COLYMBIDAE — COLYMBU8 PACIFICUS. 889
SP. CH. — Adult. Head and hind neek bluish grey, darker on the front and sides of the head ; upper plumage glossy black,
tinged with green ; on the upper part of the back are two bands of transverse white bars, running longitudinally, formed by the
tips of the feathers; the scapulars, with the exception of the outer, are similarly marked with transverse rows of large whito
spots, quadrangular in form ; wing coverts black, marked with round white spots near the end ; quill feathers blackish brown,
with the outer margin grey, and paler on the inner webs; tail blackish brown; the fore port of the neck is purplish black for an
extent of ab >ut six inches, terminating in an angle at the lower end ; the upper part of this dark marking is crossed by a narrow
band of white linear feathers ; sides of the neck blackish brown, longitudinally streaked with linear white feathers, on the lower
part of the neck is a broad space similarly marked ; under plumage pure white, with the exception of a dusky longitudinal band
on the sides under the wings ; bill black ; iris deep bright red ; tarsi and feet greyish blue externally, pale flesh color on the
inside ; claws dusky, yellowish at the base.
Length, about 23 inches ; wing, 12.J ; tail, 2f ; bill, 2£; tarsus, 3 1-12 ; height of bill at base, f .
The plumage of the young, according to Mr. Audubon, is as follows :
" The bill is light bluish grey, dusky along the ridge ; the iris brown ; the feet more dusky. The upper part of the head and
the hind neck are dark greyish brown ; the sides of the head dark greyish white, minutely streaked with brown. The upper
parts have a reticulated or scaly appearance, the feathers being brownish black, with broad bluish grey margins ; the rump dull
brownish grey. The primaries and their coverts are brownish black ; the secondaries and tail feathers dusky, margined with
grey. The fore part of the neck is greyish white, minutely and faintly dotted with brown, its sides below streaked with the
same ; the lower parts, including the under surface of the wing, pure white ; the sides of the body and rump, with part of the
lower-tail coverts, dusky, edged with bluish grey."
Hab. — According to Audubon, " the young range throughout the interior and along the coast as far as Texas, in autumn and
winter ; Columbia rh-er. Breeds in high latitudes "
Specimens from Europe in the museum of the Phil. Academy.
I have never been so fortunate as to meet with an American specimen of this bird.
Mr. Audubon states that the young are quite abundant, but that in its adult state it is seldom
obtained within the limits of the United States.
Richardson says, it is common on the shores of Hudson's Bay, but is rarely seen -fin the
interior.
The locality of Columbia river, given by Audubon for this species, he states, was taken from
Townsend's list of birds observed on the Columbia river. This appears to be an error, as I
have examined his list given in the Proc. of the Phil. Acad. ; also the one in his narrative, but
do not find it enumerated.
COLYMBUS PACIFICUS, Lawrence.
The Pacific Diver.
SP. CH. — Young. Head above and hind part of neck dark bluish grey; back, wing coverts, and scapulars blackish brown,
margined with greyish white, most conspicuous on the latter; primaries black: secondaries dark brown, with the ends of their
inner webs margined with white ; under lining of wings and axillars white ; tail blackish brown, tipped with white ; under plumage
whito ; sides dark brown, the feathers with grey edgings ; a dusky band on the lower part of the abdomen, at the base of the
tail ; lower tail coverts white, with brownish ends ; the upper mandible is dark brown above, sides yellowish at the base for
half its length, bluish white at the end ; under mandible, with the basal half, yellow, the remaining half bluish white ; tarsi and
feet are externally reddish brown, (hi the dried specimens,) yellowish internally; claws yellow, with dusky margins.
Length of one specimen, (No. 9924,) 25 inches ; wing, 11^ ; tail, 2 ; bill, 2J ; tarsus, 2|.
No. 9921, measures in length, 24 inches ; wing, ]0£ ; tail, 2 ; bill, 2 ; tarsus, 2£ ; outer toe, 3^.
Hab. — Coast of California ; Puget's Sound.
The two specimens in the collection are from the Pacific coast, and it is with some hesitation
I have ventured to describe them as new. They are near allies, and may possibly be the young
of " C. arcticus," but they appear much smaller, and do not differ materially in size from " C.
septentrionalis ;" the bill is but little larger than that of the latter species, but is differently
shaped, more of the form of that of "C. arcticus;" it is, however, comparatively slender. Upon
Sept. 23, 1858.
112 b
890
S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT
an examination of specimens of C. arcticus, in the Museum of the Phil. Acad., I found a fully
adult individual ; also one approaching maturity. These were precisely alike as regarded the
form of their bills ; there was also a specimen of a young hird labelled " C. arcticus," but,,
having no locality marked upon it, it came with the Rivoli collection, and was originally from
that of the Duchess de Berri ; the bill was weak and slender compared with the two other spe
cimens, and the whole appearance of the bird quite different. I could not, therefore, reconcile
them as being the same ; the young specimen in the Phil. Acad. was exactly like the species
now described, and may have come from the Pacific.
Eichardson Fauna Bor. Am., vol. II, p. 475, describes the young of liO. arcticus," as "closely
resembling those of ' 0. glacialis,' but may be distinguished by their inferior size, a slight
curvature of the upper mandible, and the want of a groove on the under one, which is not
thickened in the middle."
The above described specimens bear very little resemblance to l( C. glacialis," which strengthens
my opinion in thinking them distinct from C. arcticus. The true position of the Pacific species
can only be surely settled by obtaining it in adult plumage.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Length.
Wing.
9921
San Diego, Cal
Lieut. Trowbridge . ..
24.00
10.25
9934:
Pu^et's Sound
Dr. Suckley.
25.00
11. 25
COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, Linn.
The Red-throated Diver.
Colymlus teptentrimalis, LINN S. N. I, 1766, 220.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, 370.— RICH, and Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 476.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 519.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1833, 20: V, 1839, 625.— IB Birds Am.
VII, 1844, 299 ; pi. cccclxxviii.
Colymbus lumme, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 132.
Colymbus stellatus, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 130.
Colymlus striatus, GM. I, 1788, 556 (young.)
Colymbus borealis, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 802 (young.)
SP. CH. — Adult. Front, sides of the head, upper part of the throat, and sides of the neck, clear bluish gray ; upper part of the
head of the same color, intermixed with blackish spots ; the hind neck streaked longitudinally with white on a greenish black
ground, the white feathers being raised above the others. On the fore part of the neck is a large longitudinal patch of deep
reddish brown. Upper plumage brownish black, slightly tinged with green, and on the upper part of the back and lower part
and sides of the neck streaked and mottled with white. Wings and tail brownish black; under plumage pure white, with a band
across the hind part of the abdomen, and the lower tail coverts brownish gray ; bill bluish black; iris bright red; tarsi and feet
brownish black externally, on the inside pale flesh color ; claws yellowish at the base, dusky at the end.
Length, 27 inches; wing, 11^; tail, 2^; bill, 2^ ; tarsus, 2|.
Youny. Upper part of the head and hind neck dull gray, streaked with grayish white ; back and wings blackish gray, pro
fusely marked with oval shaped white spots, there being two on each feather, smallest on the upper part of the back and largest
on the tertiaries ; quill feathers and tail blackish brown, the latter edged with white ; sides of the neck white, speckled minutely
with gray ; under plumage silky white, crossed on the lower part of the abdomen by a dusky band ; bill bluish gray, dusky on
the ridge and flesh colored at the base.
Hob.— During the winter as far south as Maryland; inhabits as far north as the Arctic seas; found also on the Pacific coast.
Two specimens are in the collection from the western side of the continent, and present no
marked differences from those of the Atlantic coast. No. 9923 is in the anomalous dress of an
BIRDS — COLYMBIDAE — PODICEPS.
891
albino, being white, with the exception of light brownish ash markings on the wings and lower
part of the back.
In this species there is great variation in the size of different individuals. The upper man
dible is straight ; under, with the angle, very long, and sloping upwards to the point, giving a
recurved appearance to the bill, which is quite slender in form.
Catal
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
9966
Atlantic coast
S F Baird
J J. Audubon
•25. 00
11.50
473
do
do
do
Coast of N York
Cab of Geo N Lawrence
963
do
do
964
9922
San Diego, Cal ...
Lieut. Williamson .
Dr. Heermann.
10.50
9923
Port Townsend, W. T.
Dr. Suckley
G. Gibbs
24. 10
40.00
10.00
Eyes red
dish hazel.
Sub-Family PODICIPINAE.— The Grebes.
CH. — Bill generally long, compressed on the sides, and pointed ; lores usually naked ; nostrils placed in a groove, oblong and
narrow. Wings short, the second quill longest, shorter than the scapulars The tail is represented by a tuft of downy feathers ;
tarsi much compressed and rather short ; toes long, the outer longest, broadly and evenly lobed, most so on the inner side ; claws
short, broad and obtuse; tarsi with plates on the sides, in front with a single, behind with a double longitudinal series of project
ing scales. Toes and their lobes plated above.
The plumage is very soft, and on the under surface silky. They are remarkably active on
the water, and when alarmed remain below the surface, exposing only the bill.
The species of the genus vary considerably in form, giving rise to almost as many genera. Of
these, however, I shall adopt only the two following :
1. PODICEPS. — Bill long and slender ; the head ornamented with ruffs and crests in spring ;
hind toe broadly lobed.
2. PODILYMBUS. — Bill short, rather strong, and much compressed on the sides ; without orna
mental ruffs ; hind toe moderately lobed.
PODICEPS, Latham.
Podiceps, LATH. Ind. Ornith. J790, 780. Type Colymbus crislatus, L.
CH. — Bill long, slender, tapering, and pointed; nostrils situated in a groove, small, linear, and pervious; wings short and
narrow, second primary a little the longest, emargiriate near the ends; tail a tuft of loose feathers; tarsi short, much com
pressed, the edges covered with small scutellae and the sides with broad transverse sjutellae; toes long, the outer longest,
flattened, with the sides lobed, the most on the inner side, and at the base united by webs ; hind toe short and broadly lobed
claws small, depressed, and obtuse.
These birds mostly frequent the fresh water rivers and interior lakes, but they are also found
near the sea-coast. They are very expert swimmers, but make progress with great difficulty on
land ; their flight is rapid and direct. In the breeding season the head is ornamented with
ruffs and elongated tufts, which disappear when they assume their winter garb.
The species of this genus vary much in size. The characters given below will serve to de
fine them.
892 U. S. P R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
A. Culmen as long as tarsus ; more than half the middle toe with its nail.
Medium size; bill rather long and strong, black, yellow at the base, with the tip pale ;
upper part of head and hind neck black, a white line under the eye ; throat ash gray ;
fore part and sides of the neck brownish red ; ruffs and crests very short. Type of
Pedeaitliyia, Kaup P. griseigena.
Rather large ; bill rather long and strong ; blackish brown tinged with carmine ; upper
part of head and crests dark brown ; ruffs brownish red ending with brownish black ;
throat white ; neck adjoining the ruffs brownish red ; upper edge of the wing white ;
ruffs full and crests long. Podiceps, Lath P. cristatus.
Very large; bill long and slender, dusky black, with the cutting edges and tips yellow ;
loral space gray; summer plumage not known P. occidentalis.
Rather large ; bill long and slender, yellow, with the ridge of the upper mandible black ;
a line of white between the eye and the base of the bill ; summer plumage un
known , P. clarkii.
B. Culmen about half as long as the tarsus ; not more than half the middle toe and nail.
Small ; bill short and weak, bluish black, yellow at the tip ; upper part of head, cheeks,
throat and ruffs black ; occipital tufts yellowish red; loral space carmine; ruffs and
crests very full. Type of Dytes, Kaup P. cornutus.
Small ; bill short and slender, dark brown, yellow at base of lower mandible, tip light
horn color ; has only been observed in winter plumage P. californicus.
Small ; bill short, black tinged with blue ; head deep black ; tufts orange at base, yel
lowish at the end ; throat and fore part of neck black ; ear tufts long. Type of Proc-
topus, Kaup ; P. auritus.
PODICEPS GRISEIGENA, Gray.
The Red-necked Grebe.
Colymbus griteigena, BODD. Tab. des PI. Enl. 1783,' 55.
Podiceps subcristatus, JACQDIN, Beit. 1784, 37. ; pi. xviii. — Gm. I, 1788, 590.
Colymbus parotis, SPARRMANN, Mus. Carlos, pi. ix.
Colymbus rubrKollis, GM. Syst. Nat. I. 1788, 592.
Podiceps rubrkollis, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 783.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 365.— RICH, and Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
41 1.— NUTT, Man. II, 1834, 253.— AUD. Orn Biog. Ill, 1835, 617 : V, 1839, 620.— IB. Birds Am.
VII, 1844, 312 ; pi. cccclxxx.
Colymbus cucullatus, PALLAS, Zoog. II, 1811, 355.
Colymbus naevius, PALL. ib. 356.
Colymbus hdbdlli, REINH. Vidensk. Meddel. 1853.
SP. CH. — Adult. Upper plumage blackish brown, with the upper part of the head and hind neck black-; primaries ashy brown,
secondaries mostly white, a few of the inner ones dark ash; cheeks and throat ash gray; a white line extends from the lower
mandible under and beyond the eye; fore part and sides of the neck rich brownish red; lower parts silvery white, with the
sides dusky ; bill black, paler at the end and bright yellow at the base ; iris carmine ; tarsi and feet externally greenish
black, internally yellow.
Length about 18 inches; wing, 7; bill, If; tarsi, 2.
Young. The upper plumage is blackish brown, darker on the head ; throat and abdomen white ; sides of the head and fore
part of neck brownish ash ; abdomen silky white ; sides dark brownish ash ; bill bright yellow.
Hob. — Fur countries and in the Atlantic States, as far south as Pennsylvania, in winter.
A very fine specimen, in full summer plumage, is in the collection from the Selkirk Settle
ment, H. B. T., which measures 19^ inches in length ; wing, 7f ; bill, 1$.
This grebe is of a stouter form and with a shorter neck than P. cristatus ; the occipital crest
is shout, and the ruffs on the sides of the head very slight.
BIRDS COLYMBIDAE — PODICEPS CRISTATUS,
893
The American bird has been separated from the Ked-necked Grebe of Europe by Reinhardt,
under the name of holbolli, principally on account of its being somewhat larger. On comparing
specimens obtained here with European specimens of " rubricollis," ours appear somewhat
larger, and generally with a longer bill ; but in this family individuals vary much in size. The
bills of the specimens of " rubricollis" from Europe measured 1^ inches ; in ours they ranged
from If to 2 inches.
Writers differ as to their being specifically distinct, and as I am not able to make out satis
factorily that they are so, shall for the present consider them the same.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected
Whence obtained.
Orig. Collected by —
No.
Length.
Wing.
Coast of New York
1841
S. F. Baird . ,
466 J. J. Audubon.
Do .
Cab. of Geo. N. Lawrence
966
Coast of New Jersey
do
965
10400
Selkirk Settlement, H.B T
Spri'iu; dross _.
Donald Gunn
19.50
7.75
PODICEPS CRLSTATQS, Lath.
The Crested Grebe.
Colymbus cristatus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 222.
Podicfps cristatus, LATH. Ind. Orn. 1790.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 410 — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 250.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 595 ; pi. 292 —Is. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 308 ; pi. cccclxxix.
Colymbus urinator, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 223.
SP. CH. — Jldult. Front, upper part of the head, and long occipital tufts dark umber brown, the base of the tufts brownish
red ; the ruff is bright brownish red on the upper portion immediately under the tufts and anteriorly, on the hind part brownish
black ; upper plumage dark umber brown ; humeral feathers white ; primaries umber brown ; secondaries mostly white ; throat
and sides of the head white ; fore part and sides of the neck adjoining the ruff brownish red ; under plumage silvery white ;
sides dusky, tinged with reddish brown ; bill blackish brown, tinged with carmine ; bare loral space dusky green ; iris bright
caraiine ; tarsi and feet greenish black externally, greenish yellow internally ; webs greyish blue.
Length, 23| inches ; wing, 7^ ; bill, 2^ ; tarsus, 2|.
Young. Upper part of head dark brown ; hind neck brownish grey ; back and wings brownish black ; humeral feathers
white ; primaries dark umber brown on the outer webs, paler on the inner ; lower parts silvery white, sides brown ; upper
mandible brownish black, pale at the end and yellow on the sides at the base ; lower mandible yellow with the sides dusky.
Hali. — Atlantic States from Nova Scotia southward ; Texas in winter ; fur countries, Pacific side of the continent ; Wash
ington Territory.
Two specimens of the young are in the collection from Shoalwater bay, W. T. These have
larger and stronger bills than the adult bird sent me by Prof. Baird from his cabinet, and of
two adult specimens in my collection^ in one specimen, No. 4499, measuring 2£ inches along
the ridge, the adult having it but 2TV, (the measure given by Audubon is 2 inches) ; the
outline of the lower mandible from the angle to the point is concave, whereas in the adult it is
a little rounding, but they have one of the strongest characteristics of this species, the white
humeral feathers. It may, possibly, be a closely allied, but distinct species. This can only be
satisfactorily determined by obtaining it in spring plumage.
Both the above specimens were obtained by Dr. J. Gr. Cooper, and if future research should
prove it to be distinct, I propose for it the specific name of cooperi, in honor of its discoverer.
894 U. S. P. R. R. EXP AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig. No. Collected by—
Length.
Wing.
1 Q'SS
S F Baird
23.50
7.75
do
Cab. of Qeo. N. Lawrence-
967
do
do
968
A A (1 (J
Gov I I. Stevens
Dr. Cooper ..
23. 00
7 75
4500
do
do
do.
21.00
7 50
PODICEPS OCCIDENTALS, Lawrence.
The Western Grebe.
SP. CH.— Tflnfer. Upper part of the head and nape fuliginous black ; back and wing coverts greyish black, the feathers
margined with grey ; primaries light ashy brown, darker at the end and white at base ; secondaries white, marked with ash on
the outer webs ; in some specimens the middle secondaries are pure white ; space between the bill and the eye grey ; throat,
sides of the neck, and entire under plumage silvery white ; sides marked with greyish black ; bill dusky, appearing nearly
black in the dried specimens, except on the cutting edges ard at the end, where it is yellow ; iris orange ; tarsi and feet appear
to have been greyish black externally and flesh color internally.
Length, 29 inches ; extent of wings, 36 ; wing from carpal joint, 8£ ; bill, 3 ; tar* _s, 3.
flab. —Pacific coast from Washington Territory to California.
There are six specimens in the collection, differing considerably in size, which I consider as
being specifically the same. They vary in length from 24 to 29 inches. Three of them
measure, respectively, 27, 28, and 29 inches. In the above account I have given the dimensions
of the largest one, as they were taken from the specimen while fresh. It is very superior in
size to P. cristalus, and, judging from analogy, it is fair to infer that in its nuptial attire it
makes a grand display. In this plumage its acquisition is very desirable.
The bill is quite different from that of " cristatus," being much longer, straighter, and
relatively narrower. In some of the specimens it is quite slender.
On one of the specimens was a label with the MS. name of u occidentalis," which, being a
very suitable one, I have adopted.
This is the largest known species of this genus, and its discovery is one of the important
scientific results of connecting natural history explorations with the government expeditions.
Specimen No. 9544 resembles " clarkii" rather more than the others, not differing much from
it in size and the color of the back ; but, having the bill dark colored, and being grey (not
white) between the eye and the bill, I have labelled it as belonging to this species.
List of specimens.
.Oital.,
No.
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No.
Collected by — -
Length.
Stretch
of wing.
Wing.
Remarks.
9927
4497
4498 B
99251
9928
9544
9926
Bodega, C'al.
Feb. 1855
Lt. Trowbridgc.-
Gov. Stevens.
Dr. Cooper
do
24.00
28.00
7.50
8.50
Shoalwater bay
do
do
Ft Steilacoom.W.T.
do
Apl.21, '56
Dr. Suckley
Gov. Stevens
A Campbell
320
500
Dr Suckley
29.00
36.00
8.36
Irids,flame r'd.
Irids, orange.
Puget's Sound
. do-
Oct. 12, '57
Oct. 10, '56
Dr. Kennerly..
7. 50
L)r. Suckley
....
27.00
8. 00
1 Bill dusky green above, greenish yellow on sides ; outside of feet and tarsi dusky green, inside pale dingy greenish
yellow. Bill to angle of mouth 3.75 ; tarsus, 3.50.
BIRDS COLYMBIDAE— PODICEPS CORNUTUS.
895
PODICEPS CLAKKII, Lawrence.
Clark's Grebe.
SP. CH. — Winter. Upper part of the head and hind neck plumbeous black ; back and wing coverts blackish grey, with a
plumbeous hue ; feathers with lighter margins ; primaries ash at the end for one-third their length, basal two-thirds white ;
secondaries white, with the outer edges of the outer webs ash ; a line of white extends from the base of the upper mandible to
the eye ; fore part and sides of the neck, with the whole under surfaco, pure silky white ; the bill is yellow, except the ridge of
the upper mandible, including and on a lino with the nostiils, where it is black ; iris red ; tarsi and feet greyish black externally,
and flesh colored internally in the dried specimens.
Length, 2'2 inches; wing, 7£ ; bill, 2| ; tarsus, 2J.
Hab. — California and New Mexico.
Three specimens are in the collection. It is a near ally of "P. occidentalis," but, I think,
quite distinct. In general appearance and color they somewhat resemble each other, but this
species is smaller, has the bill differently colored, and a conspicuous white mark before the eye.
The bill differs in shape from that of occidentalis ; the upper mandible being slightly recurved
(nearly straight), and the outline of the under curving up to it. In " occidentalis" the outline
of the lower mandible from the angle to the point is straight.
All the species of this family resemble each other very much in the coloring of their winter
dress, consequently such species as approach each other in size are somewhat difficult to be
distinguished, the most reliable character being the form of the bill. This applies to the
preceding species and the one now described ; also to P. cornutus and P. calif ornicus.
As is is well known, the distinguishing characteristics are the ruffs and crests with which the
head is ornamented in the breeding season.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
of wing.
Win .
Remarks.
9930
Cb.ih.iuih.uOi, Mexico - ....
Major Emory ...
J H Clark
22.00
28.50
7.00
9931
Santa Barbara Cal ......
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Heermann _.
7. 25
4498
San. Pablo hay, Cal ......
do .
Dr. Newberry
22. 00
7.25
PODICEPS CORNUTUS, Lath.
The Homed Grebe.
Colymbus cornutus, GM. Syst. Nat I, 1788, 591.
Podiceps cornutus, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 783 — BON. Syn. 1828, No. 366.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 411.
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 254.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, Is35, 429 : V, 1839, 623.— IB Birds Am. VH, 1844,
316; pi. cccclxxxi.
Colymbus obscurus, GM. I, 592.
Colymbus caspicuf, GM. I, 593.
Colymbus nigricans, Scop. Ann. I, 101.
7 'Podiceps arcticus, BOIE, Tagebuch.
SP. CH — Adult. Upper part of the head, cheeks, throat, and ruff, glossy black : a broad band running from the bill over the
eyes, and the elongated occipital tufts behind them yellowish red, deepest in color adjoining the bill ; upper surface brownish black,
the feathers margined with grey; primaries brownish ash, secondaries mostly white, some of the outer ones dark ash: the fore
896
U. 8. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENEEAL EEPOET.
neck and upper part of the breast bright chestnut red, sides of the same color, intermixed with dusky ; abdomen silky white;
bill bluish black, yellow at the tip ; loral space bright carmine ; iris carmine, with an inner circle of white ; tarsi and feet dusky
grey externally, dull yell >vv internally, and on both edges of the tarsus.
Length about 14 inches; wing, 5| ; bill, 1 ; tarsi If.
Young. The whole upper plumage greyish black, darkest on the head, feathers of the back with grey margins ; throat, sides
of the head, a broad space on the sides of the neck, nearly meeting behind, breast and abdomen silvery white ; sides and lower
part of abdomen dusky.
Hob. — Generally distributed, specimens being in the collection from the Atlantic States, the interior ones and the Pacifre
coast.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex. Locality.
When
Whence obtained. Orig'l
Collected by —
Length
Stretch j Wing. Remarks.
No.
collected.
; NO.
of wings
6489
Washington, D. C..i May, 1857
5.50
6490
do
5 75
299
Cab. of G. N.Law
rence.
969
do
do
970
3753
3
Grosse Isle, Mich..
Apr. 31,1852
Rev. C. Fox '
5.75 Iris scarlet.
9969
Red river of North . .
N. Y. University
R. Kennicott,
6925
Nelson's river, H.
5.75
H. B. T.
9939
Shoalwater bay,
Oct., 1854
Gov. Stevens
100
13 50
24 00
W. T.
flesh color below; feet black
and greenish white.
9934
do
do
5 75
4592
Sleilacoom, VV. T..
Feb. 6,1856
Dr. Suckley
220
. . . . ..."'.
... • . . .
••«...«•
9937
do
Oct. 10,1856
do i 584
9936
PortTownsend,W.
do
5 75
T.
9543
Simiahmoo bay,W
A. Campbell 86
Dr. Kennerly . .
12.50
17.00
5.50
T.
8436
| Puget's Sound Sep. 25,1857
do ...
do
PODICEPS CALIFOKNICUS, Heermann.
The California Grebe.
Podiceps californicus, HEERM. Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil., VII, 1854, 179.
SP. CH — Winter Plumage. The entire upper plumage is blackish brown, nearly black on the head ; primaries brownish ash,
some of the inner ones tipped with white; secondaries white, with their basal portions dark ash; under parts silky white, the
neck in front light ash, and the sides and lower part of abdomen brownish ash ; under lining of the wings white; bill dark
brown, the base of the lower mandible yellowish, and its tip light horn color ; iris yellowish grey ; tarsi and feet externally dark
green, on the inside yellow.
Length 12 inches ; wing, 5 ; bill, § ; tarsus, 1$.
lid). — California, head waters ef Missouri river.
Numerous specimens are in the collection, all in winter plumage ; in its spring dress it has
not yet been obtained. It resembles "P. cornutus" in its winter garb, but is smaller, and
the bill somewhat differently shaped.
Dr. Heermann speaks of it as being abundant in California on the inland fresh water ponds,
and on the sea shore.
BIRDS — COLYMBIDAE PODILYMBUS.
897
A very small species, P. dominions, (Linn.) will, without doubt, be found to inhabit our
southern border. A specimen in the Philadelphia Academy was obtained by Dr. Gamble on the
Gulf of California, and I have specimens from eastern Mexico and Cuba. It measures but
9 inches total length ; the wing, 3-f ; the upper parts are brownish black, the greater part of the
secondaries and the inner edges of the primaries white ; cheeks and throat blackish ash grey ;
breast and abdomen white, mottled with ashy brown.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Xo.
eS «
J"
Locality.
When col- Whence ob-
lected. tained.
i
By whom col
lected.
r- 1
tc
a
v
Stretch
of wings
Wings. Remarks.
9938
4C28
9942
9940
4 405
9935
5477
5476
San Die^o Cal
Lt. Trow bridge
13. Sf)
1
5.00 -. .
San Miguel , Cal
San Pedro Cal
January, 1856 do
Lt. Williamson .
Dr. Heermann.
5.00
5.00 !
San Francisco Cal
Lt. Tro wbrid tie .
1 5. 50 . .
do
i
Lt. Williamson.
Dr. Newberry.
10. 50
5.12
Bitter Root river, 11. .
mountains
!
. Gov. Stevens
5.25
Snake river, Neb
Fort Berthold Neb
Sept. 17, 1856 Lt. Warren
fin fin
Dr. Hayden. --
_ dn
12.00
12.50
21.25
22. 00
4. 50 Iris gray
5.00 : do
<J
PODICEPS AUBITUS, Latham.
The Eared Grebe.
Colymbus auritus, LINN. S. N. I, 1766, 222.
Podiccps auritus, LATH. Ind. Orn. 1790, 781.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 108; pi. 404.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 322;
pi. cccclxxxii. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 256.
SP. CH. — Adult. " Bill black, tinged with blue. Iris blood red. Feet dusky grey externally, greenish grey on the inner side.
The tufts on the sides of the head are orange, anteriorly more yellow, posteriorly red ; the head and upper part of the neck are
deep black ; the rest of the upper parts brownish black, the wings greyish brown, with a broad patch of white, the secondary
quills being of that color. The throat, fore part and sides of the neck are dull black, its lower part with some spots of the
same; the rest of the lower parts glossy silvery white, excepting the sides of the body and rump, which are light red."
" Length 13 inches ; wing, 5.^-; bill, J| ; tarsus l^j."
Mr. Audubon being the first to introduce this species into our fauna, I have copied his
description, which was taken from specimens lent him by the Earl of Derby, said to have come
from North America. There are no American specimens in any of the collections in this country,
but as it is common in the north of Europe, it may occasionally visit Arctic America by the way
of Greenland, where many European species are recorded as being found, that have not yet been
observed on our continent.
PODILYMBUS, Lesson.
Podilymbus, LESS. Traite 'Ornith. 1831, 595. Type, Colymbus podiceps, L.
CH. — Bill shorter than the head, snout much compressed; the culmen much curved to the tip, which is acute; nostrils situated
in the anterior part of a broad groove, oval and pervious ; wings short, second quill longest, the outer quills emarginate at the
end ; tail a tuft of downy feathers; tarsi short, and very much compressed; anterior toes long, flattened, the outer longest, and
broadly margined, the inner sides the most, hind toe short and moderately lobed ; claws small, depressed, oblong and obtuse.
Oct. 12, 1858.
113 b
898 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
But two species are enumerated in this genus, one inhabiting South and the other North
America. They do not appear to go very far north, hut are distributed pretty generally over
the temperate parts of the continent, prefering the fresh water streams and lakes.
When alarmed by the approach of any person, they have a peculiar habit of sinking gradually
in the water, the bill being the last to disappear; this is accomplished so slowly that no
disturbance of the water takes place.
The head is not adorned with ruffs or tufts.
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, Lawrence.
The Pied-Bill Grebe.
Colymbus podiceps, LINN. S. N. 1766, 223.
Colymljus ludovicianus, GM. I. 592.
Podictps carolinensis, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 785.— BONAP. Syn. 1828. No. 367.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
412.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 259.— Aun. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 359 : V, 1839,624.— IB. Birds Am.
VII, 1844, 324 ; pi. cccclxxxiii.
Sylbeocyclus carolintnsis, BON. Comp. List, 1838, 64.
? Podiceps brevirostris, GR^Y, Genera, III; pi. clxxii.
Podilymbus lineatus, HEERMANN, Proc. Acad. N. S. Phil. VII, 1854, 179.
gp> CH. — Adult. Upper plumage very dark brown ; primaries dark ash ; secondaries ash on the outer webs and white on the
inner ; bill pale blue, dusky on the ridge of the upper mandible, both mandibles crossed with a broad black band, including the
nostrils ; chin and throat marked with a conspicuous black patch nearly two inches in extent ; cheeks and sides of the neck
brownish grey ; lower part of the neck, upper part of the breast, and the sides, dull rusty brown, spotted and rather indistinctly
barred with brownish black ; lower part of breast and abdomen greyish white, mottled with dusky spots ; iris, brown ; tarsi and
feet, greyish black.
Length, 14 inches ; wing, 5£ ; bill, J ; tarsus, 1 1.
Young. The throat is white and the bill without the transverse black band, the under plumage more silvery white ; in other
respects the same as the adult. Some specimens, probably the birds of the year, have whitish lines on the sides of the head. I
have compared a specimen in this plumage with Dr. Heermaun's type of P. lineatus, and found them precisely alike.
Hob. — Atlantic States generally. Texas and New Mexico. California and Oregon.
There are six specimens in the collection in different stages of plumage, besides a chick, just
hatched, which is probably of this species ; in this the color is black, having several whitish
lines running the entire length of the body ; two pure white stripes from each side of the head,
and meeting above the bill, separated by a black line ; some white stripes on the sides of the
neck, and some bright rufous spots on the occiput ; the bill is black, tipped with pure white.
As in the allied genera, there is a great disparity in the size of individuals. This species
may be easily recognized by the short and stout form of the bill ; and in mature plumage, by
the black patch on the throat, and the transverse band on the bill.
BIRDS COLYMBIDAE — PODILYMBUS PODICEPS.
899
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. ; Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
.
Orig.
No.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
ofwings.
Wing.
Remarks.
775
S. P. Baird
1710
Oct., 1844
do
12 50
695
do
i New York
Cab. George N.
971
do
Lawrence.
do
972
do
do
973
4426
5143
Quasquitorijlowa ....
Dofia Afla, N. M
Nov. 20, 1855
Dr. Bid well
Capt. Pope
162
12.00
13 50
22.00
22 00
5.00
5 00
Eyes black.
9943
Dec., 1854
dark gray; gums pale blue.
4501
9945
9946
Steilajoom, W. T
do
Jan. 15,1854
Gov. Stevens ....
do
do
Dr. Suckley.
14.00
900 U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
Family ALGID AE,1
CH. Bill without lamellae along the edges ; usually shorter than the head, compressed, and pointed. Anterior toes connected
fully by a continuous membrane ; hind toe usually entirely wanting ; the outer as large as the middle ; the claws higher than
broad. Legs inserted far back. Wings short, concave.
The Alcidae are readily distinguished from the Colymbidae by the absence of hind toe, the
continuous webbing of the toes, the compressed claws, and other characters. The species are
all exclusively marine, usually arctic, only coming southward in winter. Owing to their
boreal residence they are little known, and several species doubtless yet remain to be discovered.
The present article embraces descriptions of nearly all the known species, including several
scarcely known as inhabitants of North America. They may be arranged under the following
sub-families, after Keyserling and Blasius.
ALCINAE. — Bill compressed to the very tip ; in the middle several times higher than wide,
the ridge and keel sharp or acute. Both jaws in the typical forms, with transverse ridges and
furrows in the middle, the base of the upper generally with a well marked swelling.
UKINAE. — Bill moderately compressed only, with the ridge and keel obtuse and rounded, and
without transverse ridges and grooves, or basal swelling.
It may be proper to state that the arrangement adopted for the Alcidae is essentially that of
Bonaparte's Conspectus Gaviarum in Comptes Eendus, XLII, 1856.
Sub-Family ALCINAE.
The preceding diagnosis will express the characters of the sub-family sufficiently for our
present purpose ; it is composed of two sections : one, Alceae, including Alca, with its sub
divisions ; the other, Phalerideae, embracing Mormon, Phaleris, and the other curious forms
from the Arctic seas, with crests of curved feathers on the head.
ALCA, Linn.
Jllca, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1758.
CH.— General form short, broad, and strong; wings short ; tail short. Bill about as long as the head, feathered at base,
much flattened" laterally, wider, and somewhat hooked at the end ; upper mandible with oblique transverse grooves. Wings
short and feeble ; tail short, pointed ; legs and feet short and strong ; toes fully webbed.
Ciienalopex, Moe bring.2
ALGA IMPENNIS, Linnaeus.
The Great Auk.
dlca impennis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 210.— BON. Syn. 1828,432. Note.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 316.-—
FIGURES.— BUFFON, PI. Enl 3fi7.— EDWARDS, Bird?, Ill, pi. 147.— GOULD, B. of Eur. VII, pi. 400.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 341 ;
Oct. ed. VII, pi 465.— NAUMANN, B. of Germ. pi. 337.
Sr. CH. — Size large, general form stout ; head largp ; bill rather long, curved, flattened laterally ; upper mandible composed
of two parts, the first of which is narrow, smooth, the terminal part with about six to eight or ten curved transverse grooves ;
under mandible with about ten nearly straight transverse grooves ; both mandibles densely covered at base with short velvet-like
feathers. The lateral feathers of upper jaw falling far short of the middle of the commissure and of the end of the feathers of
lower jaw. Wings rudimental, not admitting of flight ; tail short ; legs and feet short, very robust.
'Prepared by Mr. John Cassin of Philadelphia.
• Wings rudimental, adapted to swimming only, and not to flight, not reaching to the rump.
BIRDS ALCIDAE — MORMON. 901
A large ovate spot of white in front of each eye. Head and entire upper parts brownish black, darker on the back, and
clearer brown on the head ; greater coverts of the wings narrowly tipped with white; under wing coverts ashy ; entire under
parts white, which color extends to a point on the neck in front ; bill black, with the grooves in both mandibles white ; feet
dark. Total length about 30 inches ; wing, 51 ; tail, 3 ; bill from tip to gape, 4 inches.
Hob. — Northeastern coast of America, and Arctic seas. Newfoundland. (Mr. Audubon.)
The largest of the family Alcidae inhabiting the northern regions, and remarkable as the
only species not possessing the power of flight, approximating in that respect to the penguins
of the southern hemisphere. This bird appears to be of rather rare occurrence, and is highly
valued by collectors and naturalists. We have never seen an American specimen. That figured
by Mr. Audubon, and obtained on the banks of Newfoundland, is now in the cabinet of Mr. J.
P. Grirauclj jr. This and one in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences
are all known to exist in any American museum.
Utamania, Leach.1
ALGA TORDA, Linnaeus.
The Razor-billed Auk.
Jllca forrfa.LiNN. Sjst. Nat. I, 1753, 130.— IB. I, 1766, 210.— BON. Syn. 1828, 431.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 112:
V, 428 ; pi. 214.— IB. Syn. 345.
Utamania torda, " LEACH," STEPHENS, in Shaw's Zool. XIII, 1826.
Jllca pica, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 210, (1766.)
Jllca, unisulcata, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. 1764, 25.
Mca balthica, BRJJNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 28.
FIGURES.— BUFFON, PI. Enl. 1003. 1004.— EDWARDS, Birds, VII, pi. 358.— GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 401.— NAUMANN, B. of
Germ. pi. 336.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 214 ; Oct. ed. VII, pi. 466.
Sp. CH. — Much smaller than the preceding ; general form short and heavy ; bill rather long, densely feathered at base,
flattened laterally ; upper mandible with three to five curved transverse grooves ; under mandible with three or four transverse
grooves. Feathers on side of upper jaw reaching far beyond the middle of the commissure, and nearly as far as those of the
lower jaw. Wing moderate, pointed ; tail short, graduated, with the middle feathers longest and pointed ; legs short, strong.
A narrow but very distinct line of white on each side from the base of the upper mandible to the eye. Head and entire upper
parts brownish black, more clearly brown on the throat and neck in front, and darker on the back ; secondary quills narrowly
tipped with white ; entire under parts white. Bill black, with a single transverse band of white on both mandibles ; feet black.
Total length about 17 inches ; wing, 8 to 8| ; tail, 3j ; bill to gape, 2i inches.
Hab. — Northeastern coast of America; Newfoundland; Labrador, and south in winter to New Jersey; also, Arctic regions
of Old World.
This well known species is very abundant on the northeastern coasts of North America, and
appears to be quite identical with the bird of the northern regions of the Old World. It
wanders southwardly in the winter, and is occasionally noticed on the coasts of the middle
States on the Atlantic. This bird may always be recognized by the conspicuous white line in
front of the eye, which is present in all ages and stages of plumage.
MORMON, Illiger.
Mormon, ILLIGER, Prodromus, 1811, 283.
CH.— General form short and heavy, and adapted to swimming and diving with great facility, and to limited power of flight.
Bill short, entirely horny, much flattened laterally, and nearly as high as long ; measured on the side obliquely rugose and laminated ;
a portion at the base punctulated ; nostril in the edge of and in the second lamina of the upper mandible. Wing moderate or
rather weak, first quill usually longest ; tail short; legs short; toes, three only, directed forwards, rather long, fully webbed; claws
large, curved. Plumage very compact.
'Wings moderately developed, admitting of flight, reaching the tail.
902
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
This genus contains three or four species only, easily distinguished from all other sea birds
by their high compressed bills, usually brightly colored, and with the general heavy form,
presenting a peculiar and somewhat grotesque appearance. These birds inhabit high northern
latitudes, descending more southwardly in the winter season, and nearly all the species are
well known to navigators and travellers under the name of puffins. The bill in this genus is
uniformly corneous, and not composed of two parts of different texture, as is usual in birds.
Lunda. Pallas.
MORMON CIRRHATA, (Pallas.)
The Tufted Puffin.
Aka cirrhata, PALLAS, Spicilegia Zoologica, pt. V, p. 7, (1769.) — GM. Syst. I, 1788, 553.
Mormon cirrhatus, BON. Syn, 1828, 429.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 599 ; pi. 293.— IB. Syn. 343.
FIGURES.— BUFF. PI. Eul. 761.— PALLAS, Spic. Zool. pi. I and V.— VIEILL. Gal. II, pi. 299.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 249, Oct. ed.
VII, pi. 462.
gp. CH. — The largest species of this genus, general form short and stout, head large, bill much flattened laterally, entirely
horny, upper mandible composed of three parts or lamina, the first of which, next to the frontal feathers, is narrow, and covered
with minute spots, the second smooth, with the apertures of the nostrils inserted at its lower edges, and with an elevated
sub-cylindrical process on its upper edge or the culmen of the bill ; third with two or three transverse curved grooves, and
somewhat hooked at the tip; under mandible smooth. Head with two crests of elongated pendent feathers from behind the
eyes ; wings rather short, tail short, legs and feet strong, claws sharp.
Two first parts of the bill yellowish green, terminal part and under mandible reddish yellow or orange, the under mandible
greenish at base. Crests pale yellow, plumage around the base of the bill, including the eyes, white. All other parts of the
plumage brownish black, darker on the head and back, legs bright orange red.
Total length about 15 inches ; wing, 8 ; tail, 3 inches.
Hob. — Western coast of America. Oregon, (Dr. Suckley,) California, (Dr. Heermann,) accidental on the coast of Maine, (Mr.
Audubon )
One of the most abundant species of this family on the coasts of western and northwestern
America. It is easily recognized by the pendent crest-like feathers on each side of the head.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex. Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
10692
<§ Russian America
1845
S. F Baird.
H. E. Strickland
8092
! N. W. coast ...
Jobn Gould ...........
4370
Puget's Sound .
i May 1855
Dr George Sucklcy
3943
Dr A L Heermann
Fraercula,t Briss.
MORMON CORNICULATA, Naumann.
Mormon corniculaia, NAUMANN, Isis, 1821, p. 782, (N. America.)
Mormon ylacialis, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 593; pi. 293.
FIGURES.— NAUMANN, Isis, 1821, pi. 7, fig. 3, 4.— GRAY, Gen. of B. Ill, pi. 174.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 293. Oct. ed. VII, pi.
463.— GOULD, B. of Eur. V, pi. 404.
SP. CH. — An elevated, sharp, spine-like process over each eye, longer and sharper than in any other species, under the eyo
a transverse process of the same description.
Smaller than the preceding, general form stout, head large, bill large, much flattened laterally, entirely corneous, upper
mandible composed of two parts, the first of which at the base is narrow, and covered with minute spots, terminal portion with a
BIRDS ALCIDAE — MORMON ARCTICUS.
903
ridge at its base, and two or three curved descending grooves near the end. under mandible smooth at base, and with about
three grooves near its end. Wing rather short and weak, tail short, legs and feet strong.
Throat black, uniting with the same color of the upper parts of the body. Large space on each side of the head and entire
under parts, from the throat white, frequently tinged with ashy about the eyes. Entire upper parts (and throat) brownish
black, darker and frequently clear black on the back. Head above frequently dark ashy, separated by a well defined line from
the black of the other upper parts ; bill and feet orange yellow. Sides under the wings ashy black.
Total length about 12£ inches; wing, 7£, tail, 2£ inches.
Hal. — Northwestern coast of America and adjacent coast of Asia. Kamtschatka, (Mua. Acad. Philad.)
Strongly marked by its black throat and the prominent horn over the eye. This is plainly
the species figured by Audubon and Gould, and seems to be different from the succeeding,
M. glacialis.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Collected by —
1984
Nortli Atlantic . ... ....
S. F. Baird
V. 288
J. J. Audubon
10691
Sea of Ocliotsk . ....
Capt. F. Eodgers, U. S. N.
W. Stimpson .
MORMON GLACIALIS, Leach.
Mormon glacialis, LEACH, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool. XIII, 1826, p. 40.
FIGUEES. — NAUMANN, Isis, 1821, pi. VII, fig. 2.
SP. CH. — An elevated, short and blunt process over each eye, and under it a narrow transverse process. About the size
of the preceding ; general form stout ; head large ; bill much flattened laterally, entirely horny ; upper mandible composed of two
parts, the first at the base narrow; and covered with minute spots or granulations, terminal part with two or three curved
grooves in its middle, and not so near the end as in the species immediately preceding; under mandible with grooves corresponding
to those of the upper ; bill rather longer, and not so wide laterally as in the preceding species, ( M. corniculata. ) Wings moderate,
rather weak ; tail short j legs strong.
Throat white or pale ashy, large space on the sides of the head and under parts white, frequently tinged with ashy on the
former. Entire upper parts brownish black, darker on the back, and extending into a ring around the neck in front; head
above frequently ashy brown ; bill and legs orange yellow, the former frequently dull greenish at base.
Total length about 12£ inches ; wing, 6£ to 7 ; tail, 2£ inches.
Hob, — Northern and eastern coasts of America, Northern Europe.
Possibly the young of the preceding, and only differing from it in having the throat white
or light ashy, and a short obtuse horn over the eye. The specimens of this bird that we have
seen are from Greenland and northern Europe.
MOEMON ARCTICA, (Linnaeus,) Illiger.
Alca arctica, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, (1766,) p. 211.
Mormon arctica, ILLIGER, Prod. 1811. — AUD. O nBio£. lit, 105.
??Jllca labradoria, G.M. Syst. Nat. I, p. 550, (1788.)
Mormon fratercula, TEMM.. Man. II, 933.
FIGURES. — BUFF. PI. Enl. 275.— NAUMAN, Isis, 1821, pi. 7, fig. 5, 6, 7, B. of Germ., pi. 335. -GouLD, B.of Eur. V, pi. 403. —
AUD. H. of Am. pi. 213, Oct. ed. VII, pi. 464.
SP. CH. — Smaller than either of the preceding, but much resembling the two last species in form and color. A short, blunt
process over each eye, and a narrow transverse process under it ; bill much flattened laterally, horny ; upper mandible compose
of two parts, that, at the base narrow, and covered with minute spots or granulations, terminal part with about four curved
904
U. 8. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
grooves ; under mandible with grooves corresponding to those of the upper. Wing moderate, or rather weak ; tail short ; legs
robust.
Throat white, or pale ashy; large space on each side of the head, and under parts white, frequently tinged with ashy on the
ormer. Upper parts and ring around the neck in front brownish black, darker on the back ; head above frequently ashy brown ;
bill and legs orange yellew, the former frequently dull greenish at base.
Total length about 11£, wing 6|, tail 2± incites.
Hab.— Northeastern coast of America, descending southwardly in the winter. Northern Europe.
This species, quite distinct and easily recognized, appears to be restricted to the North
Atlantic coasts of America and Europe. It is smaller than either of the preceding.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained,
Collected by —
1983
North Atlantic ------------
S. F. Baird
J. J. Audubon _.
2731
do
do
do
SAGMATORRHINA, Bo nap.
Sagmatorrhina, BONAPARTE, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1851, p. 202.
CH.— Bill twice as long as high ; upper mandible straight at the base, furnished with a very large cere, incurved at the point,
the lower mandible suddenly ascending beyond the middle, and forming an obtuse angle ; nostrils linear, marginal. — (Bonaparte,
as above.)
SAGMATORRHINA LABRADORIA, (Gin el in,) Gas sin.
Jllca labradoria, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 550.
Sagmatorrhina lathami, BONAP. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1851, p. 202 ; pi. xliv.
Sp. CH. — " The largest (of this group), blackish, beneath pale fuliginous ; bill and feet red, cere and palms black. Length
16 inches ; bill 2 inches long, 1 inch high, § wide at the base, § in the middle ; wing 7| inches ; tail 3| inches ; tarsi 1| inches ;
the longest toe 22 inches." — (Bonaparte, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1851, p. 202.)
Hab. — Northwestern coast of America.
This bird is stated by the Prince Bonaparte to be an inhabitant of the Arctic regions of north
western America, and he regards it as the largest of the group of which Phaleris is the type.
The specimen described by him is in the British Museum.
This species has never come under our notice, though we are not without a suspicion that it
is intimately related to Ceratorhyncha monocerata, and possibly the same. According to Bona
parte, this bird is also the same as Alca labradoria, Gmelin, which renders it necessary to adopt
that name for it, unless it can be demonstrated that such name implies a geographical error,
very dangerous to presume on in an Arctic species.
CERORHINA, Bonap.
Cerorhina, BONAP. Syn. 1828. Type C. occidentalis .
Ceratorhyncha, BONAPARTE, Comp. List. 1838, 66.
Chimerina, ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. At. 1829.
CH.— General form short and heavy ; wings rather long ; tail short ; legs and feet large and strong ; tarsi short. Bill rather
long, much flattened laterally ; upper mandible usually with an upright horny appendage at its base, which is flattened and
obtuse at the end ; angle of under mandible very distinct and generally with a groove across it, giving the appearance of an
additional part directly on the point of the angle.
BIRDS — ALCIDAE — CERORHINA MONOCERATA.
905
CERORHINA MONOCERATA, (Pallas,) Cassin.
The Horn-billed Guillemot.
Alcamonocerata, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 3G2.
Phalcris cerorhyncha, BONAP. Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 53.
Cerorhrjncha occidrntalis, BONAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 1828, 428.
Ceratorhyncha occidentaiis, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838, GG.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 104 ; pi. 402.
Chimerina cornuta, ESCJISCH. Zool. Atlas, III, 1829, 2 ; pi. xii.
" Cerorhina orientalis, BONAP." BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, 1, 1837,345.
FIGURES. — ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. Atlas, pi. 12. — AUD. B. of Am. pi. 402, fig. 5, oct. ed. VII, pi. 471.
Sp. CH — Bill rather large, flattened laterally ; upper mandible with an upright horny appendage at its base, the top or
termination of which is frequently broken or worn off; angle of under mandible very distinct, and having the appearance of
being a distinct piece ; wings moderate, pointed ; tail short, rounded ; legs short, robust. Head and entire upper parts dark
fuliginous ; lighter and tinged with ashy on the throat and neck in front ; darker and nearly black on the back and rump. A
line of long yellowish white feathers over and behind the eye and another from the corner of the mouth. Under parts of body
white ; under wing coverts and sides ashy brown ; bill dark orange ; legs light colored.
Total length about 15 to 15| inches ; wing, 7| ; tail, 2| ; bill to gape, 2 inches.
Hob. — Northwestern and western coasts of America ; northeastern Asia ; Japan, (Com. Perry's Expedition.)
This bird, though formerly regarded as very rare, and highly prized by naturalists and
collectors, is now frequently brought in the collections of expeditions and travellers, and is
apparently of quite usual occurrence on the western coast of North America. It is easily
distinguished by the short upright horn at the base of the upper mandible, which, in the
majority of specimens, is broken or worn off at the tip or end, leaving a hollow upright tube,
which we have known persons to mistake for this bird's nostril. This upright horn is not,
however, present in all specimens, and may be dependent for its growth or greater development
on season or sex. In a very fine specimen now before us, obtained by Mr. William Heine in the
island of Jesso, during the voyage of the United States Japan Expedition, there is not a vestage
of this appendage. This specimen is labelled as a female, and is alluded to by us in our account
of the birds collected by the Japan Expedition, in Vol. II of the Report of Commodore Perry.
The descriptions of this bird by the Prince Bonaparte, which have been relied on by American
naturalists, are very defective, and no measurements whatever are given. This circumstance,
in connexion with the fact that this bird has been little known to naturalists, has been the cause
of some confusion and difficulty in determining this species. Even the Prince Bonaparte himself
seems to have retained but an indistinct recollection of it, when he states that his Sagmatorliina
latliami is one-third larger. — (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1851, p. 202.) The fact is, there is very
little difference in the size of the two species, if such they are, though Sagmatorliina appears to
be slightly larger, the Prince Bonaparte giving its total length as 16 inches in the description,
as cited above. Audubon gives the total length of the present bird as 15^ inches, which is very
nearly the measurement of the skins now before us, though variously distorted. We regard it
as by no means impossible that Sagmatorliina is the young of the present species.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Remarks.
3945
California.
Dr. Hoormann _ . .
10G98
Hakodadi, Japan
May, 1854:.
Com. M. C. Perry U. S. N. ..
Win. Heine
Eye pale yellow
10G99
do
do
do
...do
Oct. 15, 1858.
114 b
906
U. S. P. E. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
CERORHINA SUCKLEYI, Gas sin.
gp CH- Smaller than the preceding, and with the bill much more narrow laterally ; plumage darker. Bill shorter than the
head ; upper mandible curved towards the end, without distinct basal knobs ; under mandible with the angle very distinct ; bill
rather widened at the base, compressed towards the end ; wings short ; tail very short. Entire upper parts brownish black,
darker and nearly clear black on the head and back. Throat, neck, and upper part of breast dark cinereous ; lower part of
breast and abdomen white ; sides and under wing coverts cinereous ; bill light at base, dark at the end ; feet dark yellow.
Total length about 12| inches ; wing, 6| inches ; tail, 1£ inch.
Hub.— Steilacoom, Puget's Sound, (Dr. Geo. Suckley.)
This species is smaller than the preceding and darker in color, especially on the upper surface
of the head and body. The bill also is much more slender. The only specimen that we have
ever seen is in the collection^inade by Dr. George Suckley, U. S. A., whose name we have taken
the liberty of applying to it, as a slight testimonial to his great zeal and ability as a naturalist
and scientific traveller.
According to Dr. Suckley, this species is said by the Indians to be not uncommon on Puget's
Sound. He further states that in life the membrane at the base of the upper mandible is
grayish dusky, the knob (!) slightly more greyish. The middle of both mandibles dingy
orange, their tips dusky. Iris pale hazel. Under surface of toes bluish white, darker about
the articulations ; nails black.
List of specimens.
Catai.
No.
Locality.
Wlicn collected.
Whence obtained.
Orig'l
No.
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Wing.
Remarks.
4r>79
Fort Steilacoom, W. T._
January 8. 1856.
Dr. Geo Suckley.
221
13.75
24.00
C. 75
Iris hazel
PHALERIS, Tern mi nek.
? Simorhynchus, MERREM, 1819. Type, Jllca cristatella.
Phaleris, TEMMINCK, 1820. Same type.
CH. — General form, short and robust. Head rather large and frequently with a crest of narrow feathers curved forwards.
Bill short, compressed, with the commissure more or less curved. Aperture of the nostrils large, and with the base generally
covered with short, velvety feathers. Wings moderate, pointed. Tail short ; legs moderate; tarsi compressed, covered with
minute circular or oval scales ; feet with three toes fully webbed, (no hind toe ;) claws moderate, rather short and blunt. Con
tains several species, amongst which are the smallest of the water birds.
Simorhynchus, M e r r e m .
PHALERIS CRISTATELLA, (Pallas, )Bonap.
Crested Auk.
, 552.
Mca cristatella, PALLAS, Spic. Zool. V, 1769, 18.— GM. I, 17
Phaleris cristatella, BON. List, 1838. Not of Temminck.
Phaleris superciliosa, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838, 66.
" Phaleris superciliata, BONAP." (Name on Audubon's plate 402.)
Uria dubia, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 371, plate 87?
FIGURES. — PALLAS, Spic. Zool. pt. V, pi. 3.— IB. Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. pi. 86.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 402 ; Oct. ed. VII, pi. 467.
BIRDS — ALCIDAE — PHALERIS TETEACULA.
907
Sp. CH. — With a crest of narrow feathers, curved forwards in front ; base of hill with horny appendages, especially at the
corners of the mouth ; a line of narrow pendent hair-like feathers from behind the eye, white ; bill and appendages rich orange;
lighter and nearly white at the tip. Head and upper parts of body brownish black ; crest black ; under parts dark cinereous ;
under wing coverts cinereous ; feet dark greenish. Younger. No crest ; appendages of bill much smaller than in adult.
Total length about 8| inches ; wing, 5| inches ; tail, li inches.
Hob. — Northwestern America; Aleutian Islands, (Pallas;) Kamtschatka, (Mus. Acad. Philad.;) Russian America ; Behring'a
Straits; Japan, (Perry's Expedition.)
This species is the largest of the genus, and is easily recognized by the curious horny appen
dages of the bill, which, at the base of the upper mandible, assume an upright, somewhat spoon-
like form, and at the base of the lower mandible are semicircular and projecting. The bill
and appendages are rich orange red at base, lighter and nearly yellow at its point. This is
undoubtedly the species figured by Audubon, as above cited, though by several authors his
plates are erroneously cited for the species immediately succeeding.
One specimen and several heads of specimens in the National Museum are labelled as from
Kussian America ; others now before us, including six from the Museum of the Philadelphia
Academy, are labelled as from Behring's Straits and Kamtschatka. They are very uniform in
the form and colors of the bill and colors of the plumage. One only is without the ornamental
crest, and is evidently a young bird.
List of specimens.
Catal.
No.
Sex.
Locality.
When
collected.
Whence obtained.
Collected by-
9974
$
Russian America
1845
S. F. Baird
EC E Strickland
8096
N. W. coast of America
John Gould
Simoda, Japan
Com. M. C. Perry
W. Heine
Bay of Yedo, Japan ...
. do .. . .
do
Tylorhamphus, Brandt.
PHALERIS TETRACULA, (Pallas,) Stephens.
Jllca tetracula, PALLAS, Spic. Zool. V, 1769, 23.— GM. I, 552.
Plialcris tetracula, STEPHENS, Shaw's Zool.
Dusky duk, PENNANT, II, 515.
FIGURES. — PALLAS, Spic. Zool. pt. V, pi. 4. — IB. Zoog. Rosso- Asiat. pi. 88.
Sp. CH. — General form and color much like the preceding, but apparently rather smaller and with the bill simple, without
appendages. Head with a crest of slender feathers in front, curved forwards. Bill simple, compressed ; commissure slightly
curving upwards ; wing long ; tail short. Entire upper parts brownish black or fuliginous ; darker on the back ; a spot of white
below the eye and a few long hair-like white feathers behind the eye. Under parts ^dark cinereous ; lighter on the abdomen.
Under wing coverts light cinereous ; bill dark ; feet greenish ; crest black.
Total length about 8j inches ; wing, 5k inches; tail, li inches.
Hub. — Northwestern coast of America ; Unalaschka, (Pallas ;) Kamtschatka, (Acad. Philad.)
We find in the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy one specimen only which appears to
be this species. It is a very plain species, with a short crest, and in the present specimen easily
distinguished by the white spot under the eye.
Though we regard this bird at present as a distinct species, we consider it as quite possible
that it is a stage of plumage of the preceding P. cristatdla, though entirely without the appen-
908
U. S. P. R. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
dages of the bill so conspicuous in the latter. Its bill tip is darker colored, and altogether our
specimen agrees quite well with the description and figure of Pallas, cited above.
PHALEKIS CAMTSCHATICUS, (Lepechin,)Cassin.
Jllca camtschatica, LEPECHIN, Nov. Act. Acad. St. Petersburg, XII, 1801, 369.
Uria mystacea, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 372.
Mormon superciliosa, LICHT. Verz. 1823, 89.
Phaleris superciliosa, BON. List, 1838.
Phaleris cristatellus, TEMM. PI. Col. V, pi. 200.
FIGURES— Nov. Act. Acad. St. Petersburg, XII, pi. 8.— TEMM. PI. Col. 200.— VIEILL. Gal. II, pi. 297 PALLAS, Zoog.
Rosso-Asiat. II, pi. 89.
Sp. CH. — Smaller than either of the preceding. Bill short, nearly simple ; commissure slightly curved; culmen ridged ; a
crest of very slender feathers in front, curved forwards ; angle of upper mandible very distinct ; wing moderate, pointed ; tail
short. Numerous white slender feathers at the base of the upper mandible and in a line from the corners of the mouth on the
neck ; long and pendent on tiie latter. Entire upper parts dark brown ; under parts light cinereous ; paler and nearly white
on the abdomen. Bill orange red ; feet greenish brown ; crest black ; a few of the longer posterior feathers white.
Total length about 7£ inches ; wing, 4| inches ; tail, 1| inches.
Hob. — Northwestern coast of America, (Mr. John Gould ;) Kamtschatka, (Lepechin ;) Unalashka, (Pallas.)
Of this species we have only seen a single head in the National Museum, to which it was
presented by the eminent naturalist Mr. John Gould, of London. Fortunately the skin and
plumage are carefully preserved, showing, of course, the form and colors, which are precisely
as given in Temminck's plate, as above cited, except that a few of the posterior feathers of the
crest are white, as represented in Lepechin' s plate, also cited above. It appears to be one of
the handsomest of these birds, and is most assuredly distinct from any other species.
The feathers of the crest in this species are more slender than in any other. The present
specimen is labelled as from the Northwest Coast of America.
Catal.
No.
Locality.
Whence obtained. I Nature of
i specimen.
8098
Northwest coast of America
Ciceronia,1 Reichenbach.
PHALEKIS MICROCEROS, Brandt.
The Little Auk.
Phaleris microceros, BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, I, 1837, 346.
Phaleris nodirostra, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838, 66.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 10], pi. 402.
? Mca pygmaea, GM. Syst. Nat. II, 1788, 554.
FIGURES. — AUD. B. of Am. pi. 402. — IB. oct. ed. pi. 468.
Sp. CH. — Smaller than the preceding, not crested ; bill short, compressed, with a small elevated appendage or caruncle at
base of upper mandible ; commissure nearly straight ; upper mandible curved and notched at the tip ; wing moderate ; tail
short. Bill orange red, with its base and elevated caruncle dark bluish ; numerous white hair-like feathers on the forehead, and
others below the eye. Entire upper parts brownish black, darker on the back ; cheeks and chin ashy brown ; under parts white,
with numerous large spots of dark brown, especially on the breast ; throat pure white ; under wing coverts white ; feet greenish
brown.
Total length about 6| inches ; wing, 4 ; tail, 1£ inches.
Hab — Northwestern coast of America, (Mr. John Gould ;) Behring's Straits ; Kamtschatka, (Mus. Acad. Philada.)
aThe smallest of sea birds. General character of the preceding, but with the head not crested.
BIRDS ALCIDAE PHALERIS PUSILLA. 909
This handsome little species is easily recognized by its short elevated caruncle at the base of
the bill and its small size, though larger than the succeeding. The figure of Mr. Audubon
cited above is very accurate, and represents the adult bird, though the young differs in no
material character. In all the specimens the under parts are spotted as described above, except
the throat, which is pure white. It appears to be abundant on the coasts of northwestern
America and northeastern Asia.
It is possible that the pigmy auk of Pennant, which is Alca pygmaea, Gmelin, may be the
young of this species, but it is more probable, judging from the descriptions of Latham and
Gmelin, that several small species have been confounded under this name. Latham describes
his bird as having the bill : " the top is ridged, but on the sides of the ridge is considerably
depressed, as in the duck," which is a character of no species which has come under our notice.
List of specimens.
Catal. No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
8094
•
Northwest coast of America . .. . . „
John Gould ......... .
PHALERIS PUSILLA, Pallas.
The Least Auk.
Uria pusilla, PALLAS, Zoog. Ross.-Asiat. II, 1811, 373.
FIGURES. — PALLAS, Zoog. Ross.-Asiat. II, pi. 90.
SP. CH. — Smaller than either of tlie preceding. Head rather large ; bill short, slightly curved upwards towards the tip,
without appendages; a longitudinal groove in the under mandible ; wing moderate, second quill slightly longest ; tail short,
truncate or even at the end ; legs and feet rather large. Entire upper parts black, lustrous on the head above and back.
Scapular feathers ashy white, giving the appearance of two white spots on the upper view of the bird ; secondary quills tipped
with white ; a spot of white over the eye ; a few hair-like feathers in front white, and a few of the same kind behind the eye.
Entire under parts white, with some narrow transverse lines of dark ashy on the sides. Bill black : edges of both mandibles at
base, and tip of under mandible yellow ; legs dark. Narrow space on the throat at the base of tho under mandible and cheeks
dark brownish cinereous.
Total length about 5| inches ; wing, 3g ; tail, 1 inch.
Ilab. — Northwestern coast of America? Semiavine Straits, (Nat. Mus. from Capt. Rodger's North Pacific Exploring
Expedition.) Kamtschatka, (Pallas.)
This interesting little species is the bird described by Pallas as above, and is altogether
distinct from the preceding. It is probably the very smallest of the sea birds, and is easily
distinguished by the clear black of its upper plumage and pure white of the under parts, with
the additional prominent character of having white scapulars.
The only specimens that we have ever seen of this bird are in the National Museum, and are
part of the very extensive zoological collection made by the North Pacific Exploring and
Surveying Expedition in command of Capt. John Rodgers, United States navy.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Collected by —
Seniavinc Straits
Captain J. Rodgers, United States navy
W Stiinpson
910 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PTYCHORHAMPHUS, Brandt.
Ptychorhamphus, BRANDT, Bull. Acatl. St. Petersburg, II, 1837.
CH. — Small. General form short and heavy, head rather large. Bill short, straight, conical, pointed; under mandible with
one curved longitudinal groove from the base ; upper mandible with two or three grooves of the same description ; membrane
of the nostril large ; angle of the gonys very distinct. Wings moderate, pointed, first quill longest ; tail very short ; legs
moderate, compressed, covered with very small circular and hexagonal scales.
This genus embraces the present species only.
PTYCHORHAMPHUS ALEUTICUS, (Pallas ,) Brandt.
Uria aleutica, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, p. 370, (1811 )
Ptycho hamphus aleutlcus, BRANDT, 1837.
Mergulus cassinii, GAMBEL, Proc. Acad. Philad. II, 1845, 266.— IB. J. A. N. S. 2d series, II, 1850 ; pi. vi.
gp. CH — Small. General form short and heavy ; bill conical, pointed ; wing moderate; tail short; legs and feet moderate ;
tarsi compressed. Bill brownish black, with a conspicuous spot of yellow at the base of the under mandible. Plead above and
entire upper parts dark fuliginous, nearly black on the back and top of the head, tinged with ashy on the rump. Throat and
sides of the neck light ashy ; other under parts white ; a longitudinal stripe on the sides from the breast to the tibia dark ashy
brown ; under tail coverts white ; feet dark.
Total length about 8 inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, li inches.
Hab. — Western and northwestern coast of America ; California, (Dr. Gambel.)
This quite peculiar little bird is well figured in the Journal of the Philadelphia Academy, as
above cited, and is occasionally brought in collections from the western coasts of the United
States. It was first added to our fauna by the late Dr. William Gambel, as above, but is
undoubtedly the bird described by Pallas in Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
8097
Northwest coast of America
John Gould
OMBRIA, Eschscholtz.
?Phaleris, TEMMINCK, Man. 1820.
Ombria, ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. Atlas, pt, iv, p. 3, (1831.)
CH. — General form short and robust ; head moderate. Bill short, much compressed ; upper mandible with the culmen
very distinct, and its cutting edge curved upwards ; under mandible much curved upwards ; nearly falcate in its terminal half;
membrane of the nostril large, corneous; a short longitudinal groove at base of the under mandible. Wings moderate, pointed;
tail short ; legs short, strong ; tarsus flattened laterally, covered with minute circular and oval scales ; feet with three toes only,
fully webbed ; claws rather long. Contains one species only.
OMBRIA PSITTACULA, (Pallas,) Eschscholtz.
Jllca psittacula, PALLAS, Spic. Zool. pt. V, 17G9, 13.
Pliakris psittacula, STEPHENS, XIII, i, 1826, 44.
Ombria psittacula, ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. Atlas, IV, 1831, 3.
FIGURES.-ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. Atlas, pi. 17.-PALLAS, Spic. Zool. pi. 2.-Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. pi. 84.-LATH. Gen. Hist X,
pi. 170, fig. 2.
Sr. CH.— A line of long hair-like feathers from under the eye, extending longitudinally on the side of the neck, white. Head
and entire upper parts brownish black, slightly mixed with white on the throat ; breast mottled with dark brown and white.
BIRDS — ALC1DAE — URIA GRYLLE. 911
Under parts of body from the breast white ; sides under the wings spotted with ashy brown ; tibiae ashy brown ; under wing
coverts dark ashy brown. Bill reddish orange, darker at base ; feet dark greenish.
Total length about 9 inches ; wing, 5J ; tail, li inches.
Hab. — Northwestern coast of America ; Kurile islands ; Kamtschatka, (Pallas.)
The very singular bill of this bird strongly characterizes it, and seems to attain a maximum
of oddity amongst the queer bills of this family of birds. The whole affair looks as if it might
be a nose of wax badly pinched and jerked upwards, especially to the disadvantage of the under
mandible.
Though nearly related to Phaleris, it is quite probable that the stronger relationship of this
curious bird is to the genus Mormon. It appears to be not uncommon on the northwest coast of
America.
List of specimens.
Catalogue No.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Nature of specimen.
8099
Northwest coast of America
John Gould
Head
8100
do do
do
Skin
Sub-Family URINAE.
URIA, Mo eh ring.
Uria, MOEHRIVG, Av. Gen., 1752. Type, Colymbus grylle, L.
CH. — General form short and robust. Head moderate, bill rather long, straight, somewhat compressed, pointed, angle of the
under mandible distinct; nostrils in a groove at base of upper mandible, the membrane of which is covered with short velvet-like
feathers. Wings short, pointed ; tail short; legs short and robust; tarsus shorter than the middle toe, compressed, toes rather
long, fully webbed ; claws rather strong, curved.
The size in this genus varies considerably, but is never large, and all the species present a
general similarity of dark and white colors. There are not more than seven species, all of
which inhabit high northern latitudes, migrating more southwardly.
According to Keyserling and Blasius the two sub-genera of Uria are characterized as follows :
URIA, Moehring. — Upper jaw near the tip entire, and without groove. Culmen not more
than half the keel. Adult colors black, with patches only of white.
CATARACTES, Moehring. — End of upper jaw with a lateral furrow running into a notch behind
the tip. Culmen or ridge more than half the keel. Dark above, with lines or stripes of white.
Much white beneath.
Uria, Moehring.
URIA GRYLLE, (Linnaeus,) Latham.
The Guillemot.
Alca grylle, LINN. Sysfc. Nat. 1, 1758, 130.
Colymbus grylle, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, p. 220.
Uria grylle, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 797.— BON. Syn. 1823, 423.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 148; V, G27: pi. 219
Uria grylloides, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. p. 28, (1764.)
Uria balthica and groenlandica, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. p. 28, (1764.)
Uria scapularis, STEPHENS, Shaw, Gen. Zool. XII, p. 250, (1824.)
Ccppltus ladeola, PALLAS, Spicil. V, 33.
912
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
FIGURES.— Edwards, Birds I, pi. 50.— VIEILLOT, Gal. II, pi. 294.— AUD. B. of Ain. pi. 219, oct. ed. VII, pi. 474.-GouLD B.
Eur. IV, pi. 399.— NAUMANN B. of Germ. pi. 330.
SP. CH.— Bill straight, pointed; wing rather short, weak; first quill longest; tail short. A large oval transverse space on the
wing, white, which is also the color of the under wing coverts and axillary feathers, outer edge of the wing and shoulder brownish
black. All other parts of the plumage brownish black, with a greenish tinge and darker on the back. Bill black, feet red.
Younger and winter plumage, under parts, neck and rump white ; head above and back dark brown ; large space of white on the
wing, as in summer.
Total length about 13 inches; wing, 6J ; tail, 2 inches.
jfab. —Northeastern coast of America, Greenland, (Dr. E. K. Kane ;) South, in winter, to New Jersey. Behriog's Straits,
Captain Rodgers.
Very abundant on the northeastern coasts and islands of America, and also in the northern
latitudes of Europe. This bird is very easily recognized by its black plumage and large white
space on the wing.
A single specimen is in the collection before me, collected by the expedition of Captain
Eodgers on Herald island, inside of Behring's Straits.
URIA COLUMB A, (Pallas,) C a s s i n .
The Western Guillemot-
Ceppnus columba, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, p. 348, (1811.)
Uria mandtii, LICHT. Verz. p. 88, (1823) ?
" Una mandtii, LICHT. Mus. Dresd." REICH. Vollst. Naturg. Schwimmv. pi. 4, fig. 47.
FIGURES. — Voy. Vincennes and Peacock, Birds, pi. 38, fig. 1.
SP. CH. — Rather larger than the preceding, bill larger and stronger. White space on the wing, divided by a band of brownish
black running diagonally from the edge of the wing ; under wing coverts dark ashy, frequently tipped with white ; axillary feathers
ashy brown. All other parts of the plumage brownish black, with a greenish lustre, and frequently tinged with ashy on the back.
Bill black, feet red. Younger and winter plumage. Upper parts brownish black ; under parts white, generally more or less
spotted with dark brown ; white space on the wing as in summer, but frequently less distinct.
Total length about 13^ inches.
7/o6. — Western and northwestern coast of America. Kamtschatka, (North Pacific Surveying and Exploring Expedition,
Captain Rodgers, United States navy.)
Much resembling the preceding, but easily distinguished by the white space on the wing,
being divided into two parts, as described above. This bird appears to be exclusively an
inhabitant of the North Pacific ocean, and rears its young as far south as Puget's Sound. In
the fine collection made by Dr. George Suckley, United States army, are young birds scarcely
feathered, which were obtained at that locality.
List of specimens.
Catal. Sex and
No. age.
Locality. i When collected.
Whence obtained.
Grig.
No.
Collected by—
Length.
Stretch
of wing.
Win .
4407 I ^
9907 i ^
Fort Steii;icoom,W. T ! 1855
do i August 8, 1856
Dr. Geo. Suckley
do
186
524
13.25
14. 25
24.25
24.25
7.50
7.00
9909
do do
do
560
9910 , O
do
do
119
9906
Farrallones, Cal
Lieut. Williamson
Dr. Heermann
BIRDS — ALCIDAE URIA LOMVIA. 913
URIA CARBO, (Pallas.)
Cepphus carlo, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 181], 350.
FIGURES. — PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. pi. 79. — REICHENBACH, Vollst. Naturg. Aves, pi. 375, fig. 2937.
•S P. CH. — Larger than either of the preceding; bill rather long, compressed; wing moderate. Space around and behind the
eye, white. All other parts of the plumage brownish black, rather paler than in either of the preceding, and more tinged with
ashy on the under parts, and at the base of the bill ; under wing coverts and axillaries dark ashy brown ; some of the former
tipped with white ; bill bluish black ; feet red.
Total length about 14 J inches; wing, 7 J ; tail, 3 inches.
Sab. — Aleutian Islands, (Pallas;) Kamtschatka, (Mus. Acad. Philad.;) Northwestern coast of America.
This singular and little known bird, though resembling both of the preceding in form and
general appearance, can be recognized without difficulty by the white space around the eye
and clear black of the wings. It is represented by Pallas to be an inhabitant of the Aleutian
Islands, but the only specimens that have come under our notice are in the Museum of the
Philadelphia Academy, and are from Kamtschatka.
Cataractes, Moehring.
URIA LOMVIA, Brunnich.
The Foolish Guillemot; The Murre.
Uria lomvia, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. 17G4, 27.
Uria svarbag, BRTNNICH, Orn. Bor. 1764, 27.
Colymbus troile, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 220.
Colymbus minor, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 585.
FIGURES.— BUFF. PI. Enl. 903— GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 396.— NAUMANN, B. of Germ. pi. 331.
SP. CH. — Bill rather long, pointed, compressed; from the lateral feathers longer than the tarsus or than the inner toe and claw.
A narrow line under and behind the eye dark brown; head above and entire other upper parts brownish black; sides of the
head and entire under parts white; sides of the body under the wing with transverse stripes of ashy brown; under wing coverts
white, secondary quills tipped with white. Bill blackish brown, paler at base. Tarsi and feet dark greenish brown. Summer
plumage, with the entire hind and upper parts of body, dark sooty brown; under parts white. Head and orbital region dusky,
without white stripes.
Total length about 15 inches; wing, 7| inches; tail, 2 inches.
Hub. — Northern coasts of America; Northern Europe and Asia.
This is the bird regarded as the true Uria troile of Linnaeus by a majority of late European
authors, and is figured as such on Mr. Gould's Birds of Europe, cited above. It is the next
species, however, which is given by Mr. Audubon under this name.
Authors are by no means unanimous in the opinion that the present species and that immedi
ately succeeding are really distinct; and, in fact, doubts are expressed by very accomplished and
reliable naturalists, amongst which is Mr. Gould, in Birds of Europe, who figures both the
supposed species. We have no doubt that this bird inhabits the northern regions of this conti
nent, though we have never seen an American specimen.
Oct. 15, 1858.
115 b
914
U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
UEIA KINGVIA, Briinnich.
Murre.
Una ring-Diet, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 28.
Una lackrymans, La Pylaie.
Uria leucopthalmos, FABER, Isis, 1824, p. 146.
Una leucopsis, BREHM.
? Uria alga, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 28.
Una troile, BON. Syn. 1728, 424.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 142; pi. 218.
FIGURES. GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 397. — AUDUBON, B. of Am. pi. 218. — IB. oct. ed. VII, pi. 473. — NAUMANN, B. of
Germ. pi. 332.
SP. CH — About the size of or rather larger than the preceding. Bill rather long, pointed, compressed; from the lateral
feathers longer than the tarsus or than the inner toe and claw. Wings rather short ; tail very short. A narrow line of white
encircling and running backwards behind the eye and over the ear. Head and entire upper parts dark brown, with a tinge of
ashy. Under parts white; sides with transverse stripes of ashy brown; under wing coverts white; bill black; feet greenish
black. Winter plumage, with the throat and all other under parts, white. The white line behind the eye frequently wanting,
and different in length in specimens.
Total length about 17 inches; wing, 7| to 8 inches; tail, 2 inches.
Hab. — Northern America; Northern Europe and Asia.
Easily distinguished by the line of white behind the eye, which is, however, not always
present in specimens, as stated above. This is one of the most common birds of the higher
northern latitudes on both sides of the continent. Specimens in the present collection are
from California.
List of specimens.
Cutal.
No.
Locality.
When collected.! Whence obtained.
Collected by —
3944
California .
. ... Dr. Heermaiin
9905
Bodega Cal
February 1855 Lieut Trowbridge __
Atlantic ocean . . _
. ! S F. Baird -
J. J. Audubon
UKIA AEEA, (Pallas.)
Thick-billed Guillemot.
Cepphus arra, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 347.
Uria brunnichii, SABINE, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XII, p. 539.— BON. Syn. 1828, 424.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,
336; pi. 345.
Uriafrancsii, LEACH, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XII, p. 588.
Uria troile, BRUNNICH, Orn. Bor. 1764, 103. (Not of Linnaeus.)
FIGURES.— AUDUBON, B. of Am. pi. 345; oct. ed. VII, pi. 472.— GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 396.— NAUMANN, B. of Germ
pi. 333.
SP. CH.— Much resembling the preceding in form and'colors, but with the bill shorter. About the size of U. ringvia. Bill
moderate or rather short; curved at the tip, compressed; the distance from lateral feathers to tip less than the tarsus, but
longer than inner toe and nail. Wing rather short; tail very short; tarsi strong. Head and entire upper parts brownish black;
under parts white; tips of secondaries white; sides, under the wings, with transverse stripes of ashy brown; bill black; legs and
feet greenish brown; no white stripe or circle about the eye. Winter and immature plumage, with the throat, (and other
under parts,) white.
Total length about 17 inches; wing, 7| inches; tail, 2 inches.
Hab. — Northern America; Northern Europe and Asia; coast of New Jersey, (Mus. Acad. Philad.)
BIRDS ALCIDAE — BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS. 915
This is the most frequent species of this group on the coast of the Middle and Northern
States on the Atlantic, and occurs nearly every winter as far south as the coast of New Jersey.
It differs from either of the preceding in having the bill much shorter and wider, and is not
difficult to recognize by its short and rather wide bill, though of the same colors of plumage as
the preceding.
List of specimens.
Locality.
Whence obtained.
Atlantic ocean '• S. F. Baird
Herald island, Arctic ocean Capt. J. Rodgers, U. S. N.
BRACHYREAMPHUS, Brandt.
Brachyrhamphus, BRANDT, Bull, Acid. St. Petersburg II, 1837, 345. Type, Colymbus marmoratus, Gm.
CH. — Small; general form sbort, broad, and very robust. Head rather large; wings moderate; tail short. Bill short, densely
covered with feathers at base, compressed. Upper mandib'e curved; lower mandible grooved at base. Wings pointed, first
quill longest. Tail very short; legs moderate; tarsi compressed; feet "rather small. A group containing several species of
beautiful little sea birds inhabiting the North Pacific ocean.
Apobapton, Brandt.1
BEACHYBAMPHUS MAEMORATUS, (Gmelin,) Brandt.
Colyntivs marmoratus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 583.
Uria marmorata, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 799. — BON. Syn. 1828, 423.
Cepphus perdix, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 351.
Uria brevirostris, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 357.
Uria townsendii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 251, pi. 430 — TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 352.
Marbled Guillemot, PENNANT; LATHAM.
FIGURES.— LATH. Gen. Syn. VI, pi. 96.— PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, pi. 22.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 430; oct. ed. VII, pi. 475.
Sp. CH. — Small; bill slender, distinctly notched near the end; frontal feathers advancing upon it to near half its length'
Wings short; tail very sbort; legs and feet short and weak. Entire upper parts brownish black, tinged with ashy on the back.
Scapular feathers white, forming two conspicuous spots on each side of the back; ring around the back of the neck white.
Undur parts white; under wing coverts dark ashy brown; longitudinal stripes on the side ashy brown; bill black; feet yellow.
Younger. Upper parts brownish black, with the feathers tipped and edged with dull reddish; under parts spotted and marbled
with brownish black and white.
Total length about 10 inches; wing, 5 inches; tail, 1| inches.
Hub. — Western and northwestern coasts of America ; California, (Mr. Geo. Davidson;) Washington Territory, (Dr.
Cooper.)
A beautiful little sea bird, apparently abundant on the western coast of the United States,
and probably constantly resident in the latitude of Puget's Sound. In Dr. Cooper's collection
are young birds evidently in the plumage of the year, and with the under parts mottled, as
above described, and as described and figured by Latham, as above cited.
Bill rather slender, size smaller than in the succeeding sub-genus.
916
U. S. P. E. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
List of specimens.
Catal.
Sex.
Locality.
When col
Whence obtained.
Orig.
Collected by —
Length.
Stretch
Wing.
Remarks.
No.
lected.
No.
ol'wings.
4489
Cape Flatter}-, W. T..
Lieut. Trowbridge. ..
9552
991°
Puget's Sound
Nov. 28, 1857
A. Campbell
Dr. Kennerly . .
10.50
17.75
5.38
9914
Fort Steilacoom
Mar. — , 1854
Gov. Stevens
52
Dr. Cooper ....
........
5984
£
do
Mar. 13, 1855
do
do
9.75
17.75
Iris hazel; bill black;
feet pale flesh color ;
webs bluish.
9913
Sept. 12, 1854
do
93
do
8.00
16.25
feet pale gray; webs
black.
Synthliboramphus, Brandt.1
BEACHTEAMPHUS ANTIQUUS, Gmelin.
The Ancient Auk; The Grey-headed A«k.
dlca anliqva, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 554.
Uria antiqua, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 100; pi. 402.
Uria senicula, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 367.
Mergulus cirrkocephalus, VIGORS, Voy. Blossom, Orn. p. 32, (lt-39.)
FIGURES.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 402, fig. 12; oct. ed. VII, pi. 470.— TEMM. & SCHLEG. Faun. Jap. Aves, pi. 80.
SP. CH. — Small; bill wider and more flattened laterally than in the preceding, notched and curved towards the point. Wing
moderate; tail very short; legs and feet moderate. Throat and head above black. A longitudinal stripe of narrow white
feathers on each side above and behind the eye; another wide stripe of white on the neck below the eyo, uniting with the
white of the under parts of the body; back and rump light ashy. Under parts white, with a transverse wide stripe of
brownish black on the sides below the closed wings. Under wing coverts white; quills and tail brownish black. Numerous
lines of white on the neck behind and on the shoulders; bill yellow, with the culmeri dark brown; feet yellow. Younger, with
the upper parts obscurely tinged and striped with dull reddish, and the under parts with dark brown.
Total length, about 9| to 10 inches; wing, 5| inches; tail, lg inches.
II ab. — Northwestern coast of America.
Another very handsome sea bird inhabiting the North Pacific, but apparently not so abund
ant as the preceding. It is easily distinguished by its larger size and the white stripes on each
side of the head.
BEACHYEAMPHUS TEMMINCKII, Brandt.
Brachyramphus temminckii, BRANDT, Bull Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1837, 346.
Uria umizusume, TEMM. Faun. Jap. Aves, p. 123.
FIGURES. — TEMM. PI. Col. pi. 579. — TEMM. & SCHLEG. Faun. Jap. Aves, pi. 79.
SP. CH. — Small ; bill rather lengthened and slender, a crest of long erectile feathers in front ; wings rather short ; tail short,
rounded ; legs and feet short and rather weak. Crest feathers black ; longitudinal stripes on the top of the head, throat, back
of the neck, and longitudinal wide stripe on the sides throughout the length of the body, brownish black. Back, wing coverts,
and rump light cinereous ; quills and tail brownish black. Wide stripes over each eye, uniting on the occiput, white. Entire
under parts white ; under wing coverts white ; bill and feet light colored ; culmen dark brown. Female and winter plumage ?—
No crest ; head above brownish black ; throat ashy brown ; stripe on the sides ashy, frequently with circular spots of white.
Total length about 9i inches ; wing, 5| ; tail, 1| inch.
Hob. — Northwestern coast of America ; northern Asia ; Japan, (Nat. Mus., from Perry's Expedition.)
Bill wide laterally, compressed; size larger than the preceding.
BIRDS — ALCIDAE — BRACHYRAMPHUS KITTLITZII.
917
Eather smaller than the preceding, and in adult plumage readily distinguished "by its crest of
long elevated feathers. We have in the present collection young birds only, all of which are
from Washington Territory. Adult specimens in the National Museum are from Japan.
In addition to the preceding three species of this genus, of which numerous specimens are
now before us, three other species are described by Mr. Brandt in his very valuable Monograph
of the Alcidae, in the Bulletin of the Academy of St. Petersburg, II, p. 345, (1837.) Never
having seen either of those species, we can only transcribe the descriptions by the distinguished
author just mentioned. According to Bonaparte, they belong to Apobapton.
List of specimens.
Cutal.
No.
Sex
Locality.
When col
lected.
Whence obtained.
Orig.
No
Collected
by-
Length.
Stretch
of wings.
Remarks.
8095
5987
S»!)ll
10077
10696
<?
3
0
Northwest Coast Am .
Port Gamble, W. T ..
Shoal water bay
Simoda Japan _....__
J. Gould i
March 16
Nov.25,'54
May, 1854
Feb. 1854
Dr. J. G. Cooper
10.75
10.50
18.25
18.25
Bill, flesh color ;
irids, black; feet,
pale blue
do
Com. Perry, U S. N.
..do__.
113
Wm. Heine
,..do..
Yedo bay, Japan. .
BEACH YEAMPHUS WEANGELII, Brandt.
Brachyramphus wrangelii, BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1837, 344.
Sp. CH. — " Rostrum capitis dimidii circiter longitudine. Caput supra, nucha et dorsum e nigricante grisea. Alae et cauda
nigrae. Reliquae partes, nee non stria longitudinalis supra alam albae. Tarsi digito medio breviores. Longitudino a rostri apice
ad caudae apicem, 9|". Patria Insulae Aleuticae."
Bill about half the length of the head. Head above, neck behind, and back, blackish gray ; wings and tail black ; other parts
and a stripe on the wing white. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe. Length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, 9|
inches. Inhabits the Aleutian Islands.
BEACHYEAMPHUS BEACHYPTEEUS, Brandt.
Brachyramphus brachijpterus, BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1837, 344.
" Uria, brachyptera, KITTL. MSS." — BRANDT, as above.
Sp. CH. — "Supra cinerea, alis caudaque nigricantibus. Collum subtus et in lateribus, pectus et abdomen alba. Rostrum
capitis dimidii circiter longitudine. Tarsi digito medio longiores. Longitudino a rostri apice ad caudae apicern 9". Patria
Unalasclika "
Above cinereous ; wings and tail blackish ; neck beneath and on its sides, breast, and abdomen white. Bill about half the
length of the head ; tarsus longer than the middle toe ; length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, 9 inches. Inhabits
Unalaschka.
BEACHYEAMPHUS KITTLITZII, Brandt.
Brachyramphus klltlitzii, BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, II, 1837, 344.
SP. CH. — " Supra cinerea nigricante et pallide e fusco-fiavescente undulata et submaculata. Subtus alba, sub-fuscescente
tenuissime lavata, nigro et quidem in pectore frequentius undulata. Alae e cinerascente et fusco nigrae. Rostrum brevissimum,
capitis longitudinus tertiam partem circiter adaequans. Tarsi digito medio breviores. Longitude a rostri apice ad caudae
apicem 9". Patria Kamtschatka. "
918 O. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
Above cinereous, undulated, and somewhat spotted with blackish and pale yellowish brown. Beneath white, faintly tinged
with brownish, and undulated on the breast with black ; wings ashy and brownish black. Bill very short, about one-third the
length of the head ; tarsus shorter than the middle toe. Length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, 9 inches. Inhabits
Kamtschatk.
MERGULUS, Ray.
Mergulus, RAY, Synopsis Avium, 1713, 125.
CH. Small; general form short and heavy, head rather large. Bill short, thick; upper mandible curved, slightly lobed on its
edge ; membrane of the rounded nostril large ; wings moderate or rather short, pointed ; first quill longest ; tail short ; feet
rather short.
MERGULUS ALLE, Linnaeus.
The Little Auk ; The Sea Dove ; Dovekie.
Jllca alle, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176C, 211.
Mergulus alle, VIEILLOT, " Anal, 1-16."- IB. Galerie, II, 1825, 237. -AuD. Syn. 347.
Uria atte,TEMMiNCK, Man. II, 928.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 238.— AUD. Orn. Bor. IV, 1838, 304 ; pi. 339.
Mergulus melanoleucus, RAY, Syn. Av. p. 125.
Alca Candida, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 26.
Jllca alee, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 354.
FIGURES. — EDWARDS, Birds, II, pi. 91.— BUFFON, PI. Enl. 917.— VIEILLOT, Gal. II, pi. 295. — WILSON, Am. Orn. IX, pi. 74,
fig. 5.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 339, oct. ed. VII, pi. 469.— GOULD, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 402.— NAUMANN, B. of Germ. pi. 334.
SP. CH. — Small ; head, breast, and entire upper parts brownish black, inclining to fuliginous on the head and breast; under
parts from the breast white. A narrow line of white over the eye ; secondaries tipped with white ; scapulars edged with white ;
under wing coverts dark ashy ; flanks with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; bill black ; feet pale reddish ; webs of toes
dark. Winter plumage and young with the throat (and other under parts) white, extending somewhat on the sides of the neck.
Total length about 7| inches ; wing, 4| ; tail, 1| inch.
Hab. — Northeastern coast of America ; northern Europe; New Jersey, (Mus. Acad. Philad.;) Nova Scotia, (Nat. Mus.
Washington )
One of the most abundant of the sea birds of northern America and Europe, straying south
in the winter occasionally to the coasts of the Middle States. We have never seen it from the
northern Pacific, though it appears to be an inhabitant of the entire Arctic circle.
List of specimens.
Locality. Whence obtained. ', Nature of specimen
Halifax, N. S J. K. Willis ! Mounted
BIRDS ALCID AE . 919
NOTE TO ALCIDAE.
In order to facilitate the comprehension of the genera of Alcidae, as given above, we present
the following synopsis of Brandt's paper, in the ''Bulletin Scientifique, public par 1'Acad. Imp.
des Sciences de St. Petersbourg," II, 1837, 344, which has served, with some modification, as the
basis of our article on the subject :
I. PTERORHINES. — Nostrils covered more or less with short feathers.
1. ALGA, Briss. — Bill transversely sulcate, compressed; lateral profile oval. Species,
A. torda, impennis.
2. URIA, Briinn. — Bill not sulcate, sub-conical, compressed, about equal to the head.
Nostrils entirely covered above with feathers. Feet stouter.
Lomvla. — Bill higher and broader. Species^ U. troile, brunnichi, ringvia.
Grylle. — Bill narrower, sub-conical. Species, U. grylle, mandtii, carlo.
3. BRACHYRHAMPHUS, Brandt. — Bill much shorter than the head, hooked at tip, com
pressed laterally. Nostrils half covered by feathers. Feet weaker.
Apobapton, Brandt. — Bill less elevated, more narrow. Species, B. marmoratus,
wrangelii, brachypterus, Jcittlitzii,
Synthliborhamphus, Brandt. — Bill short, high, lateral outline almost oval. Species,
B. antiquus, temminckii.
4. MERGULUS, Kay. — Species, M. melanoleucus.
II, GYMNORHINES. — Nostrils not covered by feathers.
5. PTYCHORHAMPHUS, Brandt. — Bill conical, sub-acute, moderately elongated. Basal part
of maxilla covered above with narrow, transverse, cutaneous folds. Species, P. aleuticus.
6. PHALERIS, Temm. — Bill short, almost triangular. Maxilla without appendix at base,
hooked at tip. Upper edge of mandible straight, or nearly so. Species, P. tetracula,
dubia, pygmaea, microceros, camtschatica.
7. TYLORHAMPIIUS, Brandt. — Maxilla at the base with a tubercle near the angle of the
mouth. Upper margin of mandible emarginate. Species, T. cristatellus.
8. OMBRIA, Esch. — Bill much compressed and elevated, lateral outline almost oval.
Maxilla emarginated beneath the tip ; mandible with the tip acute and directed
upwards, falciform. Species, 0. psittacula.
9. CERORHINA, Bon. — Bill compressed, elevated, lateral outline almost oval. Maxilla
hooked, with a compressed horn on the basal part of ridge. Mandible hooked, the tip
directed downwards. Species, C. orientalis, (occidentalis .)
920 BIRDS ALCIDAE.
10. FKATERCULA, Briss. — Bill very high, much compressed, lateral outline oval ; the tip
with parallel transverse grooves. Ceroma tumid, thickened.
Ceratoblepharum, Brandt. — A horny triangular appendage above the upper eyelid.
Grooves at tip of bill arched backwards. An elongated furrow in the plumage
from the eyes to the nape. Species, F. arctica, corniculata.
Gymnoblepliarum, Brandt. — No horny appendage to the upper eyelid. Grooves
of bill arched forwards. An elongated tuft of feathers occupying the place of
the groove in the preceding sub-genus. Species, F. cirrhata.
APPENDIX A,
ADDITIONAL EEMAEKS ON NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS
Additional materials having been received while the preceding report was passing through
the press, I am enabled to make some important corrections and additions in reference to the
number of species, as well as to their synonymy and localities. These are based chiefly on col
lections received at quite a late period, made by Mr. J. Xantus de Vesey, at Fort Tejon, Califor
nia, Dr. W. W. Anderson, U. S. A., at Cantonment Burgwyn, N. M., and Mr. C. Drexler, at
Fort Bridger, Utah. A special list of Mr. Drexler's whole collection is added. Sheets of
the report, as printed, were sent to Mr. P. L. Sclater, of London ; and some valuable criticisms
received from him have also been embodied herein.
FALCO NIGRICEPS, Cassin, p. 8. — An erroneous measurement of Dr. Cooper's specimen, 8501,
should read, — length, 17.25; extent, 39.50.
SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM, Gray, p. 56. — Fort Tejon, J. Xantus de Vesey.
NYCTALE ACADICA, Bon., p. 58. — Fort Tejon, J. Xantus de Vesey.
Picus HARRISII, Aud., p. 87. — A specimen from Fort Bridger has the middle wing coverts
unusually spotted with white. It belongs to the variety with pure white belly. The same
may also be said of a specimen of P. gairdneri. A skin of P. Jiarrisii, from Cantonment
Burgwyn, has a reddish yellow patch in the crown.
SPHYRAPICUS NUCHALIS, Baird, p. 103. — In the article on S. varius, p. 103, reference is made
to a supposed curious variety of the latter species with black curved band bordering the red of
crown posteriorly, and succeeded by a nuchal crescent of red instead of soiled brownish white. A
large number of specimens brought in by Mr. Drexler (about twenty) show further differences,
in the fact that the female has a red throat like the male, instead of white, the extreme angle
of the chin only being more or less white, which, with other peculiarities, entitle it to the rank
of a distinct species. The characters are as follows :
Similar to S. varius. Under parts whitish, only faintly tinged with yellow. Black stripe from
side of lower jaw not extending back to that of breast, but cut off by the extension of the red
of throat to the lateral white stripe ; outer webs of secondaries almost entirely Mack. Tail
feathers almost entirely black except the inner webs of the innermost, which are white banded
with black, the others occasionally edged slightly with yellowish ; red of crown margined
behind by black, this succeeded by a half collar or crescent of red curving forwards to the eye
and becoming white on the sides of head. Female with the throat red, the chin more or less
white.
Other differences might be indicated, but what I have mentioned is quito sufficient to establish
a distinction of species. The specimens from Laramie Peak, collected by Lieutenant Warren,
those of Dr. Henry, from Fort Thorn, and probably all from the Rocky mountains, belong to
Oct. 18, 1858.
116 b
922 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
the new species, which doubtless replaces P. varius. It is probably resident about Fort Bridger,
specimens having been obtained in June.
LAMPORNIS MANGO, Sw., p. 130. — Mr. Sclater thinks that if any Lampornis occurs in Florida,
it is most probably L. porphyrula, found in Jamaica, the L. mango belonging more to South
America. The specimen described, however, is from Brazil, and a true L. mango.
SELASPIIORUS PLATYCERCUS, Gould, p. 135. — Numerous specimens of this species have lately
been received from Cantonment Burgwyn, N. M. (Dr. W. W. Anderson), and Fort Bridger,
showing it to be a common bird of the Eocky mountains, and probably ranging far north. The
female lacks the red throat and the green of thejsides, which, with the crissum, are tinged with
reddish, as in S. rufus, from which it differs in the absence of this color on the bases of the
rump feathers. The tail is rounded, the lateral feathers wider than in S. rufus, broadly tipped
with white. All are strongly edged and tinged towards the base with brownish red, less
conspicuously than in S. rufus.
NEPHOECETES NIGER, Baird, p. 142. — Additional specimens of this species were collected in the
spring of 1858, at Simiahmoo bay, where it was found by Dr. Kennerly to be quite abundant.
CHORDEILES IIENRYI, Cassin, p. 153. — A large collection of Cliorddles (about 50 specimens)
made at Fort Bridger by Mr. Drexler, shows constant differences from eastern specimens,
entitling the Rocky mountain bird probably to specific rank. It is much lighter, greyer, and
more generally mottled above, the back and scapulars varied with pale rufous. The white
patch on the wing is nearer the carpus. The under parts are lighter, the black bars narrower.
The greater under wing coverts are conspicuously instead of obsoletely barred with whitish.
MILVULUS TYRANNUS, Bon. p. 168. — According to Mr. Sclater this species reaches as far north
as Vera Cruz.
TYRANNUS VOCTFERANS, Sw., p. 174. — West of Fort Laramie. C. Drexler.
EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS, Baird, p. 200. — Many specimens of this species were collected at Fort
Bridger by Mr. Drexler. Some of these are more ashy above and less olivaceous than in 7234,
the whitish bands on wing narrower, and very little yellowish beneath. There appear to be
two types among Mr. Drexler's specimens, one with the bill longer, straighter on the edges,
and with the lower mandible yellow, only tipped with black, instead of being uniformly
brownish. I have not, however, time at present to pursue the investigation further for the
purpose of ascertaining whether there are really two species.
The species was also found at Fort Yuma by Lt. Ives's expedition.
PTuRDUS SILENS, Sw., p. 213. — In a series of thrushes referable to T. nanus, collected at
Fort Bridger by Mr. Drexler, is a specimen much larger than the rest, or even than T.
pattasii, and agreeing more nearly with No. 7950, considered identical with T. silens of
Swainson. The length is 7| inches ; the wing 4.25 ; the tail 3.60 ; the tarsus 1.30. The type
of coloration is that of T. nanus, in a more olivaceous green of the upper parts anteriorly
than in T. paUasii.
TURDUS FUSCESCENS, Steph., p. 214. — Specimens from Fort Bridger have the spots a little
darker than in Carlisle skins,, but scarcely enough so to have them referable to T. ustulatus.
SIALIA. — Mr. Sclater has a new species from Guatemala, S. albiventris.
HYDROBATA MEXICANA, Baird, p. 229. — Fort Tejon. J. Xantus de Vesey.
PARULA MEXICANA, Bon., p. 237. — Mr. Sclater writes that the oldest name of this species is
superdliosa. (Conirostrum superciiiosum, Hartlaub.)
AEGITHINA LEUCOPTERA, Vieill., p. 305. — According to Mr. Sclater, this is an lora from East
Indies ; probably 7. scapularis.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS. 923
GEOTIILYPIS TRICHAS, Cab., p. 241. — A specimen from Fort Bridger has the light band
margining the black of forehead posteriorly, extended over nearly the whole crown, and of a
whiter shade than usual. This is scarcely indicative of a specific difference unless it should
prove to be constant in western specimens, which does not appear to be the case.
GEOTIILYPIS MACGILLIVRAYI, Baird, p. 244. — Fort Tejon. J. Xantus de Vesey. Fort Laramie
and Fort Bridger.
HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA, Baird, p. 256.— Fort Tejon. J. Xantus de Vesey.
DENDROICA TOWNSENDII, Baird, p. 269. Cantonment Burgwyn, N. M. Dr. W. W. Anderson.
DENDROICA NIGRESCENS, Baird, p. 2*70. — According to Mr. Sclater, the Sylvia halseii of Giraud
is the female of this species. It is found at Oaxaca. Mr. de Vesey has collected it at Fort Tejon.
PYRANGA RUBRA, Vieill., p. 300. — A curious variety of this species, shot near Niles, Michigan,
probably a male, has been furnished for examination by Dr. Sager, of Ann Arbor. It has the
wing and tail black, as usual ; but all the rest of the plumage is saffron yellow, instead of olive
green above and yellowish beneath, as in the young male generally. There is a slight resemblance
to P. ludoviciana; but the yellow is not pure lemon color, but has an orange shade, and the
yellowish bands of the wings and the red of head are wanting.
HIRUNDO LUNIFRONS, Say, p. 309. — Mr. Sclater considers the H. melanogaster of Swainson
(Pdrochelidon swainsonii, Sclater) as quite distinct, and more allied to H. fulva.
PROGNE, ? — A Progne collected by Mr. Wiirdemann at Cape Florida-, May 18,
1858 (No. 103G8), has the following characters :
Tail deeply forked (depth .80 of an inch). First quill rather shorter than second. Bill
very broad. Above glassy steel blue and purple, as in P. purpurea ; under parts dark smoky
brown, passing on the belly into dull whitish. Under coverts whitish at base, passing into
mottled brown to the tip. Length, before skinning, 7.50 ; extent, 15 ; wing, 5.50.
This skin differs from any specimens before me of P. purpurea in rather smaller size and the
differently colored under plumage. The dark tail coverts separate it from P. dominicensis and
chalybea. It may, after all, however, be nothing more than a peculiar stage of plumage of P.
purpurea.
AMPELIS GARRULUS, Linn. p. 317. Mr. Drexler saw "millions" of this species while in the
winter camp of the South Pass wagon road party, at the head of Powder river, Nebraska. Every
tree for miles was filled with them, the flock rivalling that of the wild pigeon in its size.
CIC.TILOPSIS NITENS, Bd. p. 320. — Mr. Sclater writes that the type of CicJdopsis (Turdus
leucogonys of Berlin Museum) is very different from Ptilogonys nitens, Sw. He proposes for
the latter the generic name of Phainopepla, Sclater.
MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Cab., p. 321. — Mr. Sclater is decided as to the difference of M.
obsc/urus.
COLLYRIO BOREALIS, Baird, p. 324. — A male shrike in good spring plumage, collected at Fort
Bridger, differs from a Pennsylvania specimen, killed in November, in rather larger size, clearer
grey above, and nearly white upper tail coverts.
HARPORHYNCHUS CRISSALIS, Henry, p. S51. — This name was erroneously printed in the
Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy as T. dorsalis. The page was afterwards cancelled
and reprinted.
A second specimen has been collected at Fort Yuma by Lieutenant Ives's party.
TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS, Vieill., p. 3G9.— Fort Tejon. J. Xantus de Vesey.
CERTIIIA MEXICANA, Gloger, p. 373. — Additional specimens from the west all show a much
longer bill than eastern ones, tending to substantiate the existence of a second species.
924 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PARUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, Harris, p. 389.— Specimens from Fort Bridger, like all others from
the Kocky mountains, show an unusual amount of white on the quills and tail, almost enough
to constitute them distinct species.
PARUS MERIDIONALIS, Sclater, p. 392. — The specimen described is not one of the types, as
stated ; these are in the British and Paris Museums.
PAROIDES FLAVICEPS, Baird, p. 400.— Fort Yuma.
Family DACNIDIDAE. — The discovery of CertMola flavecla, on Indian Key, Florida, hy Mr.
Wiirdemann, where it appears to be not rare, adds not only a species but a family (Dacnididae)
to the fauna of the United States. The genus has the following characters :
CertMola.1 — Bill nearly as long as the head, as high as broad at base, elongated, conical,
very acute, and gently decurved from base to tip. Culmen uniformly convex ; gonys concave.
No bristles at base of bill. Tail rounded, rather shorter than the wings. Tarsi longer than
middle toe. Primaries, nine.
CertMola flaveola, Sund.2 — First primary about equal to sixth. Body above black ; chin,
throat, and sides, ash grey ; belly, edge of wing, and rump, yellow. A white stripe from
upper mandible over the eye as far as nape, and a black one below it from the commissure,
through and below the eye. Outer webs of primaries white at base, forming a patch ; all
narrowly edged with grey towards the tip. Crissum white; tail feathers black tipped with
white, diminishing in amount from the outer feather inwards. Iris light blue ; bill and feet
black. Length, 4.75; extent, 7". 75; wing, 2.50. No. 10367. Indian Key, January 31, 1858.
This species appears subject to considerable variation, the throat being sometimes much
darker. Several allied species appear to exist, but this is probably the typical CertMa flaveola
of Linnaeus.
The genus CertMola belongs to the family Dacnididae, characterized among Oscines, with a
very few others, by the divided tongue. This in CertMola has the branches bristle-like, divided
at the ends into pencils. There are but nine primaries, as in Sylvicolidae. Other genera of the
sub-family are Conirostrum, Dacnis, Coereba, and Diglossa.
CHRYSOMITRIS PINUS. — Spring specimens from Fort Bridger and Fort Tejon differ from spring
specimens from Carlisle in having the streaks on the sides and belly darker and broader.
CURVIROSTRA AMERICANA, Wils., p. 426. — There seems to be a general tendency in the western
cross-bills from the Kocky mountains and the Pacific slope to have larger bills than the eastern,
thus referring them to the Loxia mexicana of Strickland.
LOXIA MEXICANA, Strickland, p. 427, is described in his review of MonograpMe des Loxiens by
Bonaparte and Schlegel, Jardine's Contributions to Ornithology, 1851, 43. " Colors as in L.
americana. Length, 6.2 ; wing, 3.9 ; bill to base, .8 ; depth of bill at base, .4. Hob. Near
city of Mexico."
JUNCO CANICEPS, Baird, p. 468. — A large collection of Junco from Fort Bridger embraces a
number of J. caniceps, agreeing generally with the description given. One specimen, however,
is remarkable in having the sides reddish as in oregonus, although with the dorsal features of
caniceps. There is, however, a trace of reddish on the wing coverts, which assimilates it
further to oregonus. I have little doubt that it is a hybrid between the two species.
1 Ccrthiola, SUNDEVALL, 1835.
Certhia flaveola, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766.
Certhiola flaveola, "SUNDEVALL, 1835."— GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 84. — IB. Illustrations, 1849, pi. xvi.— REICHENBACH,
Iconcs, fig. 3825
ADDITIONAL REMARKS. 925
The essential characters of J. caniceps consist in the reddish bill, with slight black tip, the
well marked rufous confined strictly to the middle of the back, and not extending on the wing
coverts at all. The head and neck all round are grey or ash, this color extending on the sides,
leaving the middle of belly only white, as in the J. hyemalis, from which the red back distin
guishes it. It shares the red bill with hyemalis and oregonus, both J. cinereus and dorsalis
having the upper mandible black, the lower yellow.
POOSPIZA BILINEATA, Sclater, p. 470. — Big Gallon of Colorado. Lieut. Ives — H. B. Mollhausen.
PEUCAEA RUFICEPS, Baird, p. 48G. — Fort Tejon. J. Xantus de Vesey.
PASSERELLA SCHISTACEA, Baird, p. 490. — Eleven specimens from Fort Bridger, while generally
resembling those from Fort Tejon, differ in a much smaller bill, as in the type from the head
waters of Platte. Should this character be considered as specific, the bird of Fort Tejon may
be called P. megarhynchus.
QUISCALUS BARITUS, Vieill., p. 556. — This species was found to be very abundant on Indian
Key, Florida, by Mr. Wurdemann, in the spring of 1858.
PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, Bon., p. 573. — -Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico, Dr. Anderson.
Fort Tejon, J. Xantus de Vesey.
CYANURA MACROLOPHUS, Baird, p. 582. — Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico, Dr. Anderson.
CYANOCITTA WOODHOUSII, Baird, p. 585. — Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico, Dr. Anderson.
BONASA UMBELLUS, var. UMBELLOIDES, p. 630. — Mr. Drexler collected a variety of the ruffed
grouse in the winter camp, in November, corresponding with what Douglas calls T. umbelloides.
Its chief peculiarity lies in the bluish grey, which replaces the reddish yellow which prevails in
the common species. I am unable to distinguish any other features of importance indicative
of specific differences, although it may be that such exist. Douglas's specimens were obtained
in the valleys of the Kocky mountains, on the sources of the Pearl river, Linn. (Trans. XVI,
1833, 148.)
GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA, Bon., p. 731. — Among Mr. Drexler's specimens from Fort Bridger is
a skin which differs in having the legs of a more greenish tint than in eastern ones. The basal
web of the toes is greater. The entire rump is banded two, three, or four times on each feather.
The under part and sides are more conspicuously banded than in eastern birds.
TRYNGITES RUFESCENS, Cab., p. 739. — This species is not omitted by Bonaparte in his list pub
lished in Comptes Kendus, as stated in page 739, but is given by him under Actiturus.
ANSER HYPERBOREUS, p. 760. — From a recent examination of geese in the collection of the
Philadelphia Academy, in company with Mr. Cassin, I am now satisfied as to the correctness of
his separation of caerulescens as a distinct species, the young hyperboreus being quite different.
It is also very probable that A. albatus, his smaller snow goose, is distinct from hyperboreus.
BERNICLA LEUCOPAREIA, Cassin, p. 765. — The specimen in the Philadelphia Academy figured
by Mr. Cassin agrees very closely with Brandt's type in small size, pale breast, and black chin,
separating the white cheek patches into two. In some respects the specimen I describe resembles
A. parvipes, Cassin, as to feet and size, but differs in dark abdomen and white collar below the
black neck.
ERISMATURA DOMINICA, p. 811. — According to Dr. Cabot, Proceedings Boston Soc. Nat. History,
VI, August, 1858, 375, a full plumaged male was shot at Alberg Springs, Missisquoi bay, Lake
Champlain, on the 26th of September, 1857, and is now in the cabinet of the Boston Society of
Natural History. The E. dominica is ferruginous above, the head black anteriorly, the specu
lum white. Length 13^ inches.
APPENDIX B.
BIRDS FOUND AT FORT BEIDGER, UTAH.
A large collection of birds made at Camp Scott, Fort Bridger, Utah, by Mr. C. Drexler, in
April, May, and June, of 1858, was received too late to have its specimens assigned to their
proper places in the present report. The interest attaching to so excellent an illustration of the
ornithology of the central Rocky mountains is such as to induce me to give a complete list in
this place, especially as this will tend to throw much light upon the geographical distribution
of our western species. A striking feature of the collection is the entire absence of many birds
otherwise found both on the plains of Nebraska and on the Pacificjslope, as well as the presence
of many species previously noticed only on the southern borders of New Mexico and the table
lands of Mexico, as Selaspliorus platycercus, Empidonax obscurus, Tyrannus vociferans, Turdus
pallasii var. silens, &c.
Fort Bridger is situated on the Black fork of Green river, a tributary of the Colorado of the
west, about lat. 41° 20', long. 110° 30', and is said to be at an altitude of about 7,000 feet above
the sea. There is much level land to the north and east of the fort, and mountains at no great
distance on the south and west, covered with pines. Mr. Drexler was unable to visit these, or
he would^doubtless have added many species of jays, woodpeckers, and other birds to his list.
The open land about the fort is covered chiefly with low cotton wood.
Mr. Drexler was engaged in 1857 as assistant to Dr. Cooper, the surgeon of the South Pass
Wagon Road expedition, under Wm. M. F. Magraw, Esq. When the party was partly broken up
in September, 1857, Mr. Drexler remained with it and spent the winter in Mr. Magraw's camp
on the sources of Wind river, Neb. In March he went to Fort Bridger, where the forces of tho
United States, under General A. S. Johnston, United States army, had passed the winter, and
there commenced his collections. In this work he received most essential and indispensab'e aid
from General Johnston, by whcse direction every facility was afforded him in his scientific
operations.
A few species, not obtained at Fort Bridger, have their particular locality attached.
LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED.
Tinnunculus sparverius.
Accipiter mexicanus.
fuscus.
Buteo bairdii. (West of Fort Laramie, Septem
ber 26, 1857.)
montanus.
Pandion carolinus.
Bubo virginianus.
Picus harrisii.
gairdneri.
Sphyrapicus nuchalis.
Melanerpestorquatus. (West of Ft. Laramie.)
erythrocephalus. do.
Colaptes mexicanus.
Chordeiles heuryi. (Abundant.)
Selasphorus platycercus. (Abundant.)
Ceryle alcyon.
Tyrannus carolinensis.
vociferans. (West of Fort Laramie
Sept. 8, 1857.)
verticalis.
Contopus borealis.
richardsonii.
Empidonax obscurus. (Abundant.)
minimus,
pusillus.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS
927
Turdus fuscescens.
nanus.
silens ?
swainsonii.
migratorius.
Sialia arctica. (Very common.)
Kegulus calendula.
Hydrobata mexicana. (Common.)
Anthus ludovicianus.
Geothlypis trichas.
macglllivrayi. (Very common.)
Helminthophaga celata.
? Seiurus noveboracensis.
Dendroica audubonii. (Very common.)
aestiva. do.
Myiodioctes pusillus. do.
Setophaga ruticilla.
Pyranga ludoviciana. (Abundant.)
Hirundo horreorum.
lunifrons. (Very common.)
bicolor.
thalassina. (Very common.)
Cotyle serripennis.
Ampelis garrulus.
Myiadestes townsendii. (Common.)
Collyrio borealis.
Vireo olivaceus.
solitarius.
gilvus.
Mimus carolinensis. (Common.)
Oreoscoptes montanus.
Salpinctes obsoletus.
Troglodytes parkmanni.
Sitta canadensis.
aculeata.
Parus septentrionalis.
Eremophila cornuta.
Chrysomitris pinus.
Curvirostra americana.
Plectrophanes lapponica. (1857, Ft. Laramie.)
? Passerculus alaudinus. (Common.)
Pooecetes gramineus.
Zonotrichia leucophrys. (Very abundant.)
Zonotrichia gambelii. (Not very abundant.)
Junco caniceps. (Bather common.)
oregonus. (Very abundant.)
Poospiza belli. (Very abundant.)
Spizella monticola.
socialis.
breweri. (Not rare.)
Melospiza melodia.
lincolni.
Passerella schistacea. (Very common.)
Guiraca melanocephala. (Very common.)
Pipilo arcticus.
chlorurus. (Common.)
Dolichonyx oryzivorus.
Molotlirus pecoris.
Agelaius phoeniceus ? 9 .
Sturnella neglecta.
Icterus bullockii.
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. (Very common.)
Quiscalus versicolor. (Rare.)
Corvus carnivorus.
Picicorvus columbianus.
Pica hudsonica.
Zenaidura carolinensis.
Centrocercus urophasianus.
Bonasa umbelloides. (Winter camp.)
Grus canadensis.
Nyctiardea gardeni. (Platte.)
Ibis ordii.
Aegalitis vociferus.
montanus. (Not rare.)
Recurvirostra americana. (Grey neck.)
Phalaropus wilsonii.
Gallinago wilsonii.
Ereunetes petrificatus.
Tringa wilsonii.
Gambetta melanoleuca.
Symphemia semipalmata.
Tringoides macularius.
Porzana Carolina.
Fulica americana.
Querquedula cyanoptera.
Bernicla canadensis.
Fort Bridger species.
Others..,
104
6
Total,
110
APPENDIX C.
LIST OF AUTHORITIES REFERRED TO IN THE PRECEDING REPORT.
In the present appendix I have endeavored to furnish as complete a list as possible of the
articles and works quoted in the preceding pages. This I have notheen able to do from personal
examination to so great an extent as in respect to the mammals, many titles, for want of time,
being copied from Engeimann's Bibliotheca Historico-Naturalis, although the works were
actually in the libraries of the Smithsonian Institution and of the Philadelphia Academy of
Natural Sciences.
The list is not given as a complete bibliography of ornithology, but only of works necessary
to a proper understanding of the North American species ; and even in this connexion many
titles on the generalities of the subject have been omitted as not actually referred to. The
enumeration of particular papers on ornithology, entering into the question of synonymy, as pub
lished in the United States, is believed to be pretty full.
A few titles quoted in the last hundred pages of the report will not be found in the list, as
this was made up before the concluding manuscript of the volume was prepared.
LIST OF AUTHORITIES.
AQASSIZ, L. — Nomenclator zoologicus continens nomina systematica generum animalium tarn viventium quam fossilium
secundum ordinem alphabeticuna disposita, adjectis auctoribus libris in quibus reperiuntur, etc. Auctore L. AGASSIZ.
Fasciculus II continens Aves, et Fasciculus XII continens Indicem universalem. Soloduri, 1842 and 1847.
AGASSIZ, L. — See BOSTON, Society of Nat. Hist : Proceedings.
AMERICAN JOURNAL of Science. — See New Haven.
AMSTERDAM. — Genootschap "Natura artis magistra": Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde. Folio. I, i, 1848,
et seq.
WESTERMAN, G. F.— Beschrijving van twee nieuwe Soorten van Meezer. I, m, 1851, 15. (Lophophanes wott-
weberi and Psaltria per sonata.)
AUDUBON, J. J. — Ornithological Biography; or an account of the habits of the Birds of the United States of America,
accompanied by descriptions of the objects represented in the work entitled "The Birds of America." By JOHN JAMES
AUDUBON. 5 vols. 8vo. Edinburg. Adam & Charles Black. I, 1831 ; II, 1834 ; III, 1835 ; IV, 1838 ; V, 1839. (This is
the text or descriptive portion of the work in folio entitled "Birds of America.")
AUDUBON. — The birds of America, from original drawings, (made during a residence of 25 years in the United States and
their territories.) By JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. Folio. London. 1827-1838. (This work was originally published in 87 parts,
but subsequently bound in five volumes. It constitutes the atlas to the " Ornithological Biography," and its plates are
quoted in that work. Vol. I, dated 1827-30, contains plates 1-100; II, 1831-1834, plates 101-200; III, 1834-5, plates
201-300 ; IV, 1835-1838, plates 301-435.)
AUDUBON. — A synopsis of the birds of North America. By J. J. AUDUBON. 8vo. Edinburg. Adam & Charles Black.
1839. (This work serves as a general systematic index to the " Ornithological Biography," but embraces a very few species
not found in the latter, among them Carduelis stanleyi. The genera adopted, however, are very different.)
AUDUBON. — Birds of America, from drawings made in the United States and their territories. By JOHN JAMES AUDUBON.
7 vols. 8vo. New York, J. J. Audubon. Philadelphia, J. B. Chevalier. I, 1840; II, III, 1841; IV, V, 1842 ; VI, 1843;
VII, 1844. (This work is a reissue of the " Ornithological Biography," with the species arranged systematically, and under
the same names as in the " Synopsis.1' The plates are reduced by the camera lucida from those in the large folio " Birds of
America " The Appendix to vol. VII contains a few species previously unpublished by the author, chiefly collected during
a trip to the mouth of the Yellowstone in 1843.)
AUDUBON. — See LONDON, Loudon's Magazine, I, 1828, 115 ; — NEW YORK, Lyceum Nat. Hist.
BACHMAN, Eev. J. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Science.
BAIRD, S. F. — See PHILADELPHIA, Academy of Natural Sciences ; — NEW HAVEN, American Journal of Science ; — GETTYSBURG,
Pa , Literary Record and Journal ; — NEW YORK, Lyceum of Natural History ; — STANSBURY, Salt Lake Exped.
BAIRD, Wsi. M. & S. F. — Sec NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc ; — PHILADELPHIA, Academy of Nat. Sciences.
BARRERE, P. — Ornithologiae specimen novum ; sive series aviurn in Ruscinone, Pyrenaeis montibus, atque in Gallia
aequinoxiali observatarum, in classes, genera et species, nova methodo digesta. 4to. Perpignan, 1745.
BARTON. — Fragments of the Natural History of Pennsylvania. By Benjamin Smith Barton, M. D. Part First : Phila
delphia, 1799. Folio. (No more published. Consists chiefly of lists of birds of Pennsylvania, with dates of migration. )
BARTON, M. D., BEXJ. SMITH. — Sec LONDON, Linnaean Society.
BARTRAM, JOHN. — Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida, etc. 8vo. Phila. 1791.
BARTRAM. — Reisen durch nord und sud Carolina, etc. Aus dem englischen. Mit erliiuternden Anmerkungen, von
C. A. W. Zimmcrmann. 8vo. Berlin. 1793. (Forming vol. X of " Magazin von merkwiirdigen neuen Reisebeschreibungen,
etc.") (Translation of preceding.)
BEAGLE, Zoology of. — See DARWIN.
BECHSTEIN, J. M.— Gemeinniitzige NaturgeschShte Deutschlands, nach alien drei Reichen. 4 vols. 8vo. Leipzig. 1789,
1795. (Vols. II-IV on birds. 1791-1795. Several subsequent editions published.)
117 b
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOUY — GENERAL REPORT.
BELL, Jxo. G.— See NEW YORK, Lyceum of Nat. Hist.
BENNETT, E. T.— The gardens and menagerie of the Zoological Society delineated. 2 vols. 8vo. II, Birds. London, 1835.
BERLIN. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte. Gegrnndet von A. F. A. Wiegmann. Fortgcsetzt von Erichson und Troschel.
CABAXIS.— Ornithologische Notizen. Von J. Cabanis. No. I, 1847, i, 202 ; No. II, Ib. 308.
CABANIS. Uber die in Obcrcalifornien beobachteten Vogel. Von William Gambel. Mit Bemerkungen von J.
Cabanis. 1848. i, 82.
BERLIN.— K. Akadcmie dcr Wissenschaften: Abhandlungcn. 4to.
LICHTENSTEIN. Beitrag zur ornithologischen Fauna von Californien nebst Bemerkungen iiber die Artkenn-
zeichen der Pelikane und iiber einige Vb'gel von den Sandwich-Inseln. Gelesen Juni 1837. Aus dern Jahre 1838,
1839, 417. (Falco (Buteo) ferrugineus, Strix frontalis, (new species.)
ML'LLEB JOHANXES. — Ucber die bisber unbekanntcn typische Verschiedenheiten der Stimmorgane der Passerinen.
Jahrg, 1845, 1847, 321.
BLACK WALL.— Ecsearches in Zoology. London. 8vo.
BLASCHKE. "Dissertatio inauguralis sistens topographiam medicam portus novarchangelcensis. St. Petersburg. 1842."
(Quoted from Bacr & Helmersen, who state that it contains a list of the birds of Russian America, prepared by Brandt.)
BLOSSOM, Zoology of. — The zoology of Captain Beechey's voyage : compiled from the collections and notes made by
Captain Beechey, the officers and naturalists of the expedition, during a voyage to the Pacific and Behring's Straits, per
formed in his Majesty's ship Blossom, under the command of Captain F. W. BEECIIEY in the years 1825-'28. 4to. London.
1839. (Birds by N. A. VIGORS.)
BODDAERT. — Table des planches enluminees d'histoire naturelle de M. d'Aubenton avec les denominations de MM. de
Buffon, Brisson, Edwards, Linnaeus et Latham, precede" d'une notice des principaux ouvrages zoologiques enlumine'es.
Par M. BODDAERT, Med. Doct. ancienconseillerde la ville de Flessingue, &c. Utrecht, 1783. (A manuscript copy of this
very rare work is in the library of the Philadelphia Academy.
BOLLE. — See CASSEL.
BOLOGNA. — Annali delle scienze naturale.
BONAPARTE. — Catalogo Metod. VIII. n. See BONAPAUTE.
BONAPARTE. — American Ornithology, or the Natural Histcry of the birds inhabiting the United States, not given by Wilson.
With figures drawn, colored, and engraved from nature. By CHARLES LUCIEN BONAPARTE. Vol. 1, 1825 ; II, III, 1828 ;
IV, 1833. 4 vols. 4to. New York.
BONAPARTE. — Observations on the nomenclature of Wilson's Ornithology. By CHARLES LUCIEX BONAPARTE. 8vo. Phila
delphia. 1826. (Eeprinted without paging from Journal of Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, which see.)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Specchio comparative della ornitologia di Roma e di Filadelfia. 8vo. Pisa. Nistri, 1827. — Supplemento
alia specchio comparative, etc., 1832.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Sulla seconda edizione del regno animali del Barone Cuvier, osservazione. 8vo. Bologna, Marsigli,
1830.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Saggio di una distribuzione metodica degli animale vertebrati a sangue fredo. 8vo. Roma, Boulzaler,
1831, 1832. (Contains monographs of Numcnius, Scolopax, &c.)
BONAPARTE, C L. — A geographical and comparative list of the birds of Europe and North America. By C. L. BONAPARTE.
8vo. London, Van Voorst, 1838.
BOXAPARTE, C. L. — Catalago metodico degli Uccelli Europe!. Di C. L. BONAPARTE. 8vo. Bologna, Marsigli, 1842. (Ex
tracted from Aunali delle Scienze Natural! di Bologna, VIII, n.)
BOXAPARTE — Revue critique de 1' ornithologie Europeeune de M. le Docteur Degland, (de Lille.) Par CHARLES LUCIEN
BONAPARTE. Lettre a M. De Sely's Longchamps. 12mo. Bruxelles, 1850.
BONAPARTE.— Conspectus generum Avium, auctore Carolo Luciano Bonaparte. -8vo. Lugduni Batavorum. Tom. 1,1850;
Tom. II, 1857. (The signatures of tome I are all separately dated, from to Nov., 1850, and those of II from Oct.,
1854, to May, 1856 ; the work breaking off abruptly in the account of the gulls.
BONAPARTE, C. L.— See PARIS, Ateneo Italiano : Academic des Sciences : Annales des Sc. Nat. : Comptes Rendus : Revue
et Magazin de Zoologie ;— LONDOX, Zoological Journal : Zoological Society ;— PHILADELPHIA, Academy of Natural Sciences :
American Philosophical Society ; — NEW YORK, Lyceum of Natural History.
BOXAPARTE, C. L.— Additional articles by Bonaparte, not quoted in the present volume, are to be found in Anaali di
Scienze Naturale, di Bologna 1838, on Troqon paradiseus, and Ayrilorhinus siltaceus ; on birds of Bogota, in Atti della Eiunione
degli scienziati Italiani, in Milano, 1844 ; on Falco eleonorae, in ditto, of Turin ; on Querquedula angubtirostris, and new European
birds, in ditto, of Florence ; on rectifications of European Ornithology, in ditto of Lucca etc.
BONAPARTE ET SCHLEGEL.— Monographie des Loxiens, par CH. L. BONAPARTE et H. SCHLEGEL. 4to. Leiden et Diisseldorf,
1850.
BIRDS LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 931
BOSTON. — American Academy of Arts and Sciences: Memoirs. 4to.
NUTTALL, Titos. — Remarks and inquiries concerning the birds of Massachusetts. New series, I, 1833, 91.
BOSTON. — Boston Society of Natural History: Boston Journal of Natural History, containing papers and
communications read to the Boston Society of Natural History. 8vo. Vol. I, 1834 — 1837, el seq.
BREWER, T. M.— Remarks on the position assumed by George Ord, esq., in relation to the Cow Blackbird, in
London's Magazine for 183G. I. iv, May, 1837, 418.
BREWER, T. M. — Some additions to the catalogue of the birds of Massachusetts in Prof. Hitchcock's report,
etc. I, 1837, 435.
BREWKH, M. D. , THOMAS M. — A few ornithological facts gathered in a hasty trip through portions of New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in June, 1850. VI, April, 1852, 297.
BREWER, M. D., THOMAS M. — Notice of the egg of Thalassidroma leachii, with descriptions of the eggs of Procellaria
bulwerii, Procellaria obscura, and Puffinus major. VI, 1852, 308.
CABOT, JR., SAMUEL. — Observations on the plumage of the red and mottled owls. (Strix asio.) II, i, February,
1838, 126.
CABOT, JR., M.D., SAMUEL. — Observations on the character and habits of the ocillated turkey. (Mtleagris
occellata. — Cuv.) IV, September, 1842, 246. (Gives 18 feathers to the tail, and says there is no pectoral tuft.)
CABOT, JR., M. D, SAMUEL. — Description and habits of some of the birds of Yucatan. IV, January, 1844, 460.
Further account of the same. V, Jan., 1845, 90.
CABOT, JR..M. D., SAMUEL. — Description of Pyranga roseogularis. V, June, 1846, 416.
CABOT, JR.,M. D., SAMUEL. — The dodo (Didus ineptm,) a rasorial and not a rapacious bird. V, Dec., 1847, 490.
GUNDLACII, JOHN. — Description of five new species of birds, and other notes of Cuban species. VI, April, 1842,
313. (Muscicapa sagrae, lembeyii, Orpheus saturninus, Corvus minuius, Columba caniceps.)
PEABODY, REV. W. B. 0 — A report on the birds of Massachusetts, made to the legislature in the session of
1838-'39. IH, January, 1840, 65. (Same as that in the State report.)
BOSTON. — S ociety of Natural History, Continued : Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. Vol.
I, 1841 to 1844, et seq.
ACASSIZ. — Observations on the structure of the foot in the embryo of birds. By Prof. AGASSIZ. Ill, May 3,
1848, 42.
BREWEK. — Facts tending to clear up the confusion and errors in the history of the Hermit Thrush, (Turdus
soliiarius.) By Dr. BREWER. I, July 17, 1844, 170.
BREWER. — Observations on the appearance of the Cliff Swallow, (Hirundolunifrons,) giving data of its appearance
in New England. By Dr. T. M. BREWER. IV, Nov. 17, 1852, 270.
BREWER. — List of birds found both in- Europe and America, sometimes confounded from close resemblances.
By T. M. BREWER. IV, April 6, 1853, 324.
BRYANT.— Remarks on the Sandhill Crane. By Dr. BRYANT. IV, Feb. 3, 1853, 303.
CABor. — Remarks on the Mtkagris ocellata. By Dr. CABOT. I, July 6, 1842, 73.
CABOT. — Obseivations on the birds common to Central America and the United States, with a memoir on
the Paraguay Guan, or Phasianus motmot. By Dr. CABOT. I, July 20, 1842, 76.
CABOT. — Remarks on the wild turkey. By Dr. CABOT. I, August 17, 1842, 80.
CABOT. — Remarks on a species of Ortyx discovered by him in Yucatan, (Ortyx nigrogularis.) By Dr. CABOT. I,
Nov. 1, 1843, 151,
CABOT. — Remarks on birds from Yucatan, which he regarded as new. (Corvus vociferus, Oriolus musicus, Momotus
yucatensis.) By Dr. SAMUEL CABOT. I, November 15, 1843, 155.
CABOT. — Descriptions of three new species of woodpecker from Yucatan. Picus dubius, P. parvus, P. yucalancnsis.
By Dr. CABOT. I, January 3, 1844, 164.
CABOT. — Observations concerning the supposed identity of Anas pentlope and Anas americana, the European and
American widgeons. By Dr CABOT. II, March 18, 1846, 118.
CABOT. — Remarks on the Tetrao cupido. By Dr. CABOT. II, March 18, 1846, 120.
CABOT. — Description of a specimen of Pyranga. By Dr. CABOT. (Pyranga roseo-gularis.) II, December 2, 1846,187.
CABOT. — Comparison between Sterna cantiaca of Europe and Slurna acujlavida, nobis, hitherto considered identical
with S. canliaca. By Dr. S. CABOT. II, November 17, 1847, 257.
CABOT — Description of a new species of wren, under the name of Troglodytes albinucha. By Dr. S. CABOT. II,
Novem]jgr 17, 1847, 257.
932 U. 8. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEKS — ZOOLOGY GENEEAL EEPOET.
CABOT. — Statement of the comparative measurements of the American and European oyster catcher. By Dr.
S. CABOT. Ill, July 7, 1848, 43.
CABOT. — Observations upon the recent appearance in New England of Ibis guarauna. By Dr. CABOT. Ill, June
19, 1S50, 313.
CABOT, jr., Dr. S — On the occurrence of Erismatura dominica at Alberg Springs, Lake Champlain, September
26, 1857. VI, May, 1858, 375.
BOURCIER. — See LYONS; — PARIS, Revue Zoologique, 1839, 294.
BOIIBCIER ET MULSANT.— See LYONS.
BRANDT. — Descriptiones et icones animalium Rossicorum novorum vel minus rite cognitorum. — Auctore J. F. Brandt. —
Aves, fasc. 1. 4to. Petropoli. 1836.
BRANDT. — See BLASCIIKB ; — ST. PETERSBURG.
BREFIM, C. L. — Lehrbuch der NaturgeSchichte aller europ. Vb'gel. 2 Theile. 8vo. Jena, Schmid, 1823.
BREIIM, C. L. — Handbuch der Naturgeschichte aller Vogel Deutschlands, worin nach den sorgfaltigsten Untersuchungen
uncl den genauesten Beobachtungen mehr als 900 einheimische Vb'gel-Gattungen zur Begrundung einer ganz neuen Ansicht
und Behandlung ihrer Naturgeschichte vollstandig heschrieben sind. 8vo. Ilmenau, 1831.
BREIIM, C. L. — See CASSEL, Cabanis Journal.
BREWER, Dr. T. M.— See BOSTON, Society of Nat. Hist.: Proc. and Journal; — NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc. ; — WASHINGTON,
Smithsonian Institution.
BREWER, ed. Wilson — See WILSOK.
BRISSON, M. J. — Ornithologia, sive synopsis methodica sistens avium divisionem in ordines, sectiones, genera, species, ipsa-
rum varietates. Cum accurata cnj usque speciei descriptione, citationibus auctorum de iis tractantum, norninibus eis ab
ipsis et nationibus impositis, nominibusque vulgarilms. 6 vols. 4to. et supplementum. Paris, 1760.
BRISSON, M. J. — Ornithologia, etc. 2 vols. 8vo. Lugduni-Batavorum, 1763. (This is the Latin text of the preceding
work reprinted separately. A second edition was published in 4to at Paris, 1788. )
BROWNE, PATRICK. — The civil and natural history of Jamaica, in III parts, with fifty copper plates. Folio. London,
1756. — Second edition with complete Linnaean index and a map of Jamaica. London, 1769.
BRUCII. — See CASSEL.
BUINMCII, M. T. — Ornithologia borealis, sistens collectionem avium ex omnibus imperio danico subjectis provinciis insulis-
que borealibus Hafniae factam, etc. 8vo. Hafniae, 1764.
BRYANT, Dr. H. — See BOSTON, Society of Nat. Hist.: Proceedings.
BUFFON. — Histoire naturelle des oiseaux. Par Geo. Louis Leclerc compte de Buffon, de Montbeillard, (et 1'abbe Bexon.)
10 vols. 4to. Avec 1008 PI. color. Paris 1770-86. (The plates were published separately, under the title of Planches
enlumine'es.)
BUFFON ET D'AUBENTON. — Figurarum avium coloratarum nomina systematica collegit H. Kuhl. Edidit praefatione et indi-
cibus auxit T. Van Swinderen. 4to. ' Groningen, Oomkens, 1820.
BURMEISTER. — Systematische Uebersicht der Thiere Brasiliens, welche wahrend einer Reise durch die Provinzen von Rio de
Janeiro und Minas Geraes gesammelt oder beobachtet wurden von Dr. Heermann Burmeister, Prof., etc. Zweiter Theil.
Vogel, i, ii. 8vo. Berlin, G. Reimer, 1856.
BURMEISTER, H. — See NITZSCH.
CABOT, Dr. S.— See BOSTON, Society of Nat. Hist.: Proceedings and Journal.
CABANIS. — Museum Heineanum. Verzeichniss der ornithologischen Sammlung des Oberamtmann Ferdinand Heine, auf
Gut St. Burchard vor Halberstadt. Mit kritischen Anmerkungen und Beschreibung der neuen Arten, systematisch bearbeitet
von Dr. JEAN CABANIS. I Theil. die Singvogel (Oscines) enthaltend. Halberstadt, 8vo. 1850-'51. (This work appears
to have been published a few signatures at a time, the first of which had the date of publication attached.)
CABANIS, Dr. J. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Ornithologie ; — SCUOMBURGK'S Reise ;— TSCHUDI, Fauna Peruana ; — BERLIN, Wieg-
mann's Archiv.
CASSEL. — Journal fur Ornithologie. Ein Centralorgan fur die gesammnten Ornithologie, zugleich Organ der deutschen
Ornithologen Gesellschaft. Herausgegeben von Dr. JEAN CABANIS. Svo. Cassel. Vol. I, 1853, et seq.
BOLLE.— Der californische Condor, Sareorhamphus calif ornianus. Von Dr. CARL BOLLE. V, 1857, 50. (Translation
of article of A, S. Taylor, of Monterey, Cal.,in "Zoologist," 1855.
BREIIM.— Der grosse Wiirger (Lanius excubitor L.) und einige seiner Verwandten. Von Pastor CH. L. BREHM.
II, 1854, 143. (Notice of Lanius ludovidanus and mezicanus.)
BRUCH.— Monographische Ubersicht der Gattung Larus. Von Dr. BRUCH. I, 1853, 96.
BIRDS LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 93 5
BIUICH.— Revision der gattung Larus, Lin. Von Notar L. BRUCII. Ill, 1855, 273. Nachtrag, V, 1857, 23.
Zweitcr Nachtrag, V, 1857, 113.
CABANIS. — See GUNDLACH.
GATKE. — Dcr Weg der nordamcricanische Vogel nach Europa. Von HEINRICH GATKE. IV, 185G, 70.
GUNDLACH. — Dr. J. GUNDLACH'S Bcitrage zur Ornithologie Cuba's. Nach Mittheilungen an Hrn. Bez. Dir.
Seisekorn. Von Hcrausgeber, Dr. J. CAHANIS. II, 1854, Erinnerungschrift, Ixxvii. First article. Succeeding
ones in III, 1855, 405 ; IV, 1856, 1, 97, 337, 417 ; V, 1857, 225.
HARTLAUB. — Revision der Gittung Fulica. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. I, 1853, Extraheft, 1854, 73.
HARTLAUB. — Beitriige zur exotische Ornithologie. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. II, 1854, 409. (Notices of N.
American Cuculidae.
HARTLAUB. — Ueber Telrao falcipennis. Nov. sp. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. Ill, Jan 1855, 39.
HARTLAUB — Beitrage zur exotischen Ornithologie. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. Ill, 1855, 97. (Notice of Fulica
americana.
HARTLAUB. — Ucber Grus hoyanus, Dudl. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. Ill, 1855, 317.
HARTLAUB. — Index zu PUCIIERAN'S " Etudes sur les types peu connus du Museede Paris," in GCERIK'S Revue et
Magazin de Zoologie. Von Dr. G. HARTLAUB. Ill, 1855, 417.
MALHERBE. — Nouvellcs especes de Picidae, par M. ALFRED MALHERBE. II, 1854, 171. (Pints nataliae.)
MO'SCHLER. — Notiz zur Ornithologie Gronlands. Von H. F. MOSCHLER. IV, 1856, 335.
MULLER. — Einige Notizen iiber die Vb'gel des hochsten Nordens von Amerika. Von Baron Dr. J. "W. VON
MULLER. IV, 1856, 304.
MULLER. — Notizen iiber einige Ornilhologen, Sammler, und wisscnschaftlische Anstalten in den vereinigten
Staatcn. Von Baron Dr. J. W. VON MULLER. IV, 1856, 306.
REICIIENBACH. — Aufziihlung der Colibris ocler Trochilideen ; ihre Verwandtschaft und Synonymik. Von Hofr.
Dr. LUDW. REICHENBACH. I, Extraheft, 1853, 1854. (Besondere Beilage.)
RELNHARDT.— Ecmerkungen zur Ornithclogie Gronlands, von J. REINHARDT, Uebersetzt von Dr. GLOGER. Ill,
1854, 423.
SrNDEVALL. — Ueber die Fliigel der Vogel. Von. C. J. SUNDEVALL. Ill, 1855, 118. (Translated from Kongl.
Vet. Akademiens Handlingar, 1843, 303.)
THIENEMANN. — Ueber die von Dr. GUXDLACII eingesendeten Eier und Nester cubanischer Vogel. Von Dr.
F. A. L. TIHENEMAXX, in Dresden. V. 1857, 145.
WIED. — Ueber den nordamerikanischen rothkopfigen Urubu, (Catharies aura.) Von MAX PRINZ von WIED. IV,
1856, 119.
WIED. — Ueber die nordamerikanische Elster, (Pica hudsonica.) Von MAX PRIXZ von WIED. IV, 1856, 197.
WIED. — Ueber den Papagei vpn Nord America. Psittacus (Conurus) carolinensis Lin. Von MAX PRINZ von
WIED. V, 1857, 97.
WIED. — Verzeichniss der Vogel welche auf ftiner Reise in Nord America beobachtet wurden. Von MAX
PRINZ von WIED. VI, 1858, 1 et seq.
CASSIN, JOHN. — Illustrations of the birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America. Intended toe iitain
descriptions and figures of all North American birds not given by former American authors, and a general synopsis of North
American ornithology. By JOHN CASSIN. 8vo. (First series.) 1853-1855. Philadelphia. J. B. LIPPINCOTT & Co. 1856.
(Fifty plates of unfigured species. Published in ten numbers.)
CASSIN, J. — See GILLISS, U. S. Naval Ast. Exp ; — PHILADELPHIA, Academy of Nat. Sciences ; — NEW YORK, United States
Magazine ; — PERRY, Japan Expd. ; — WILKES, U. S. Ex. Expd.
CATESBY, MARK.— The natural history of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama islands. 2 volumes, folio, and appendix.
London, 1731, 1743, 1748. New edition, by GEO. EDWARDS. London, 1754. Third edition, revised by EDWARDS, with
Linnsean index of the animals and plants. 2 vols. London, 1771.
CLAYTON, P. — See LONDON, Philosophical Transactions.
CLINTO^, DEWITT. — See NEW YORK, Lyceum Nat. Hist.
COLLIE. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc. Proceedings Comm. Sc. and Correspondence.
COPENHAGEN. — Naturhistorisk Tidskrift udgivet af H. KROYER. 8vo. 1837, et seq. See also KJOBENHAVN.
COUCH, LIEUT. D. N. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Proceedings.
Cox, J. C. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc. : Proceedings.
CUVIER, GEO. — Tableau ele'mentaire de 1'histoire naturellc des auimaux. Paris, Bailliere, 1798.
CUVIER, GEO. — Le9ons d'anatomie compare'e recueilles et publides sous ses yeux, par G. DUJCERIL et G. L. DUVERNOY.
5 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1800, 1805.
934 U. S. P. R, R EXP, AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
CUVIER, GEO.— Le regne animal, distribue d'apres son organisation, pour servir do base a 1'histoire naturelle des animaux
et d' introduction a 1'anatomie compare. 4 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1817.
DARWIN, C —The zoology of the voyage of H. M. S. Beagle, under the command of Captain FITZROY. during the years
1832 and 1836. Edited and superintended by CHARLES DARWIN. 1840-'44.
GOULD, J. Birds, by JOHN GOULD. With a notice of their habits and ranges, by CHARLES DARWIN.
DAUDIN, F. M. Traits ele'mentaire et complet d'ornithologie, ou histoire naturelle des oiseaux. 2 vols. 4to. Paris,
1799, 1800.
DEGLAND.--Ornithologie europeenne ou catalogue analytique et raisonne' des oiseaux observes en Europe. Par C. D.
Degland. 2 vols. 8vo. Paris et Lille, 1849.
DE LA LLAVE.— See MEXICO, Registro trimestre.
DESMAR.EST A. G. Histoire naturelle des tangaras, des manakins et des todiers, etc. 2 vols., folio. Paris, 1805.
DES MUKS, 0. — Iconographie ornithologique, etc. 4to. Paris, 1845, et seq.
DEVILLB —See PARIS, Revue et Magasin, 1852.
DONOVAN ED. Natural history of British birds. A selection of the most rare, beautiful, and interesting birds which
inhabit this country. 11 vols. 8vo. London, 1794, 1818.
DONOVAN.— See LONDON, Naturalists' Repository.
DOUGHTY, J. & T. — A Cabinet of Natural History and American rural sports. 3 vols, 4to. Philadelphia, 1830-33.
DOUGLAS, DAVID. — See LONDON, Linnsean Society : Zoological Journal.
DUBUS, B. — Esquisses ornithologiques : descriptions et figures d'oiseaux nouveaux ou peu connues. 4to. Bruxelles,
1845, et seq.
DUBUS, B —See BRUXELLES, Academic: Bulletin XIV, 1847, 104; XXII, 1.
DUDLEY, W. — See PH[LADELPHIA, Academy of Natural Sciences.
DUMERIL, A. M. C. — Zoologie analytique, ou mgthode naturelle de classification des animaux, rendue plus facile al'aide do
tableaux synoptiques. 8vo. Paris, 1806.
DUMOST. — See PARIS : Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles.
DUPETIT-THOUARS. — Voyage autour du monde sur la frdgate la Venus pendant les anne.es 1836, 1837. Text in 8vo. , atlas
in folio. (The atlas of Zoology was published in 18 — . The volume on Zoology of Vertebrata, in 8vo., did not appear until
1855. The Ornithological portion was prepared by MM. H. PREVOST and 0. DES MURS.)
EDWARLS, GEO. — A natural history of uncommon birds, and of some other rare and non-described animals, &c. In 4
parts, 4to. London, 1743-'51.
EDWARDS, GEO. — Gleanings of natural history, exhibiting figures of quadrupeds, birds, insects, plants, &c. 3 parts, 4to.
London, 1758-60-' 64.
EDWARDS, GEO. and CATESBY. — Sammlung verschied. ausland. und seltener Vbgel, worinnen ein jeder derselben nicht nur
aufs Genaueste beschrieben, sondern auch in einer richtigen und sauber ilium. Abbildungen vorgestellet wird. Nach dem
engl. Von J. M. SELIGMANN. 9 vols., folio. Niirnberg, 1749 — '76.
EYDOUX, Zool. of Favorite. — See LAPLACE.
EYTON, T. C.— A history of the rarer British birds, containing descriptions of all the species discovered since the time of
Bewick. 8vo. London : Longman & Co. ; 1836.
EYTON, T. C. — A monograph of the Anatidae or duck tribe, including the geese and swans. 4to. London: Longman &
Co.,; 1838.
FABER, FR. — Prodromiis der island. Ornithologie, oder Geschichte der Vogel Islands. 8vo. Kopenhagen, 1822.
FABRICIUS, 0. — Fauna Groenlandiae, systematice sistens animalia Groenlandiae occidentalis hactenus indagata, &c. 8vo.
Hafnke et Lipsiae, 1780.
FEUILLEE, L. — Journal des observation physiques, mathematiqueg, et botaniques, faites par 1'ordre du roi sur les cotes
orientales de 1'Amerique meridionale, et dans les Indes occidentales, depuis I'anne'e 1707, jusques en 1712. 3 vols. 4to.
Paris, 1714, 25.
FLEMING, J. — A History of British Animals, exhibiting the descriptive characters and systematical arrangement of the
genera and species of quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, fishes, mollusca, and radiata of the United Kingdom, &c. 8vo. Edin-
burg, 1828.
FLEMING, J. — Philosophy of Zoology ; or a general view of the structure, functions, and classification of animals. 2 vols.
8vo. Edinburg, 1822.
FORSTER, J. II. — A catalogue of the animals of North America, &c. Pamphlet, 8vo. London, 1771.
FORSTER, J. R. — See LONDON, Royal Society : Philosophical Transactions, LXII, 1772".
BIRDS — LIST OF AUlIiOEIlIES. 935
FOKSTER, J. R.— Descriptions animalium In itinere ad maris Australia terras, per annos 1772-74, suscepto observatorum,
edidit H. LICUTENSTEIN. 8vo. Berlin, 1844.
Fox, CHAS. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc.
FRANKFORT A. M. — S enckenbergische Gcsellsckaft: Museum Senckenbergianum.
RUFPFXL, E. — Ueber eine neue Gattung von Vogeln die mit Corvus verwandt sind, in den mexicanischen
Provinzen lebend. (1'silorhinus mexicanus.) II, 1837, 187.
GATKE, H. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Orn.
GAMBEL, W. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Proceedings and Journal.
GAY, CLAUDE. — Historia fisica y politica de Chile segun documentas adquiredos en esta r^publica durante doze anos de rcsi-
duncia en ella. 8vo. Atlas in folio. Zoologia, 5 vols. I, 1847 ; II, 1848. (Containing birds.)
GETTYSBURG. — Linnaean Association of Pennsylvania College: The literary record and journal of,
etc. 8vo.
BAIRD, S. F. — Catalogue of birds found in the neighborhood of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penn. I. xn.
Oct., 1845, 249.
GILLIS, U. S. N., Lt. J. M.— The U. S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere. 6 vols, 4to. Wash
ington. (Vol. 2 containing the Natural History published in 1855.)
CASSIN, JOHN. — (Report on the) birds (of Chile.) p. 172.
GIRAUD, JR., J. P. — A description of sixteen new species of North American birds, described in the annals of the New
York Lyceum of Natural History. By JACOB P. GIRAUD, jr. Collected in Texas in 1838. Folio., New York, 1841. (These
species were not published in the annals of the Lyceum. They were probably collected some distance, at least, south of the
Rio Grande, the present southern boundary of Texas )
GIRAUD. --The birds of Long Island. By J. P. GIRAUD, jr. 8vo. New York, 1844.
GIRAUD, J. P. — See NEW YORK, Lyceum Nat. Hist.
GLOGER, C. L. — Vollstand. Handbuch der Naturgcschichte de^ Vogel Europas, mlt besond. Riicksicht auf Deutschland.
Erster Theil, die deutscheu Landvb'gel enthaltend. 6 Hefte. 8vo. Breslau, 1834.
GLOGER. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Ornithol.
GMELIN, J. F. — Systema naturae, etc. ed. XIII, 1788-1793. — See LINNAEUS.
GMELIN, SAM. GF.O. — Reise durch Russland zur Untersuchung der drey Natur-Reiche. Mit einer Vorrede herausgegeben von
Pallas. 4 Theile, 4to. St. Petersburg, kais. Acad. der Wissenschaften, 1770-1774.
GOSSE. — The birds of Jamaica. By PHILIP HENRY GOSSE. 8vo. London, 1847.
GOSSE, PHILIP HENRY. — Illustrations of the birds of Jamaica. 8vo. London, 1849.
GOULD, J. — The birds of Europe. In 5 vols., comprising 449 beautifully colored figures, with descriptive letter-press.
Imp. folio. London, 1832-1837.
GOULD, J. — A monograph of the Trogonidae, or family of Trogons: 36 species. Three parts in one vol., folio, with descrip.
tive letter-press. London, 1838.
GOULD, J. — Icones avium, or figures and descriptioLS of new and interesting species of birds from various parts of the
globe Parts I, II. Folio. London, 1837.
GOULD, J. — A monograph of the Odontophorinae or partridges of America. Folio. London, 1850.
GOULD, J. — A monograph of the Trochilidae or Humming birds. Folip. Part I, Jan., 1850, el seq.
GOULD, JOHN. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc. Proc. Comm. Sc. and Proceedings ; — DARWIN.
GRAY, G. R. — The genera of birds, comprising their generic characters, a notice of the habits of each genus, and an
extensive list of species referred to their several genera. By GEORGE ROBERT GRAY, F. L. S. Illustrated by DAVID WILLIAM
MITCHELL, B. A., F. L. S. 3 vols. Folio. London, 1844-49.
GRAY, G. R. — A list of the genera of birds, with their synonyms, and an indication of the typical species of each genus.
By GEORGE ROBERT GRAY. Second edition, revised, augmented, and accompanied with an index. 8vo. London, 1841.
With an appendix, 1842. (First edition published in 1840.)
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936 U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SUEVEYS — ZOOLOGY GENERAL EEPORT.
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LAFRESNAYE. — See PARIS, Revue Zoologique.
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LEWIS & CLARK — History of the expedition under the command of Captains Lewis and Clark to the sources of the Mis
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938 U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
LINNAEUS, C. — See STOCKHOLM, Kongliga Vetenskaps Akadeuiien.
LINSLEY, REV. J. H. — See NEW HAVEN, Ct. Am. Jour. So.
LiCHTENsrELV, H. — Verzeichuiss der Doubletten des Zoolog. Museums der konigl. Universitat zu Berlin, nebst Beschreib-
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pared by Licbtenstein and Cabanis. )
LICHTENSTEIN, Dr. H. " DEPPE uud SCHIEDE, Preisverzeichniss, 1831 ?" (A pamphlet sale catalogue of certain collections
in Mexico made by the above parties, and quoted by Richardson. I bave never been able to ascertain whether it contains
descriptions to accompany the numerous new names mentioned in it.)
LICHTENSTEIN, H. — See BERLIN, Akademie der Wissenschaflen : Abhandlungen, 1839.
LONDON.— Annals and Magazine of Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, and Geology, etc. Conducted by Sir W.
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SCLATER, P. L.— Description of a new species of Woodpecker discovered by Mr. THOMAS BRIDGES in Northern
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blue Jay, hitherto confounded with C. uliramarina, Bon. XV, April, 1845, 260. Further notice respecting the same,
May, 1845, 342.
LONDON.— British Association for the Advancement of Science: Report of the meetings. 8vo.
RICHARDSON, J. — Report on North American Zoology. Report of the sixth meeting, held 1836. London, 1837,
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LONDON. — Lin na can Society: Transactions. 4to. Vol. 1, et seq.
BARTON, M. D., BENJAMIN SMITH. — Some account of the Tantalus ephouskyca, a rare American bird. XII, 1818,
24, with plate.
DOUGLAS, DAVID. — Observations on some species of the genera Tetrao and Ortyx, natives of North America,
with descriptions of four new species of the former and two of the latter. XVI, 1829, 133.
MONTAGU, GEO. — Descriptions of three rare species of British birds. IV, 1798, 35. (Tringa nigricans.)
SABINE, Capt. ED.— A memoir on the birds of Greenland, with descriptions and notes on the species observed
in the late voyage of discovery in Davis' Straits and Baffin's Bay. XII, 1818, 527. New species, Uria brunnichii,
(p. 538,) Larus argenlatus. (The Una briinnichii, named by Leach, U francsii, on p. 588.)
SABINE, Jos. — An account of a new species of gull lately discovered on the west coast of Greenland. XII,
1818, 520, with plate. (Larus sabini.)-
YARRELL, WM. — Description of a species of Tringa killed in Cambridgeshire, new to England and to Europe.
XVI, 1829, 109. (T. rufescens.)
LONDON. — The London Magazine of Natural History and Journal of Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology, and Meteor
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AUDUBON, JOHN JAMES. — Notes on the bird of Washington, Falco ivashingtoniana, or great American Sea Eagle,
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LONDON. — The Naturalists' Repository or Monthly Miscellany of Exotic Natural History, exhibiting rare and beautiful
specimens of foreign birds, insects, shells, quadrupeds, fishes, and, marine productions ; especially such new subjects as have
not hitherto been figured. By EDWARD DONOVAN. 5 vols. 8vo. London, 1823-' 27.
LONDON. — The Philosophical Magazine or Annals of Chemislry, Mathematics, Astronomy, Natural History, and General
Science. By RICHARD TAYLOR and RICHARD PHILLIPS, London. 8vo. I, Jan. — June, 1827.
SWAINSON. — A Synopsis of the Birds discovered in Mexico. By W. BULLOCK and Mr. WM. BULLOCK, jr. Vol I.
(New and united series of the Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Philosophy.) May, 1827, 364, Nos. 1 — 37,
and June, 1827, 433, Nos. 37—101.
LONDON. — The Quarterly Journal of Science, Literature, and the Arts. London. 8vo.
SWAINSON. — On the Tyrant Shrikes of America. By WILLIAM SWAINSON, esq., XX, Jan., 1826, 26 1.
LONDON. — Royal Society : Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London.
CLAYTON, JOHN. — Letter to the Royal Society, giving a further account of the soil and other observables of
Virginia ; of the birds. XVII, 1693, 988
FORSTER, J. R. — An account of the birds sent from Hudson's Bay, with observations relative to their natural
history. LXII, 1772, 382.
PENNANT, TIIOS. — An account of the Turkey. Communicated by JOSEPH BANKS, esq. LXXI, 1781, 67.
LONDON. — The Zoological Journal. Conducted by THOMAS BELL, J. G. CHILDREN, J. DE CARLE SOWERBY, and G. B. SOWEBBY.
4 vols. 8vo. Vol. I, 1825, et seq.
BIRDS — LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 939
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Supplement to the genera of North American birds, and to the synopsis of the species
found within the territory of the United States. Ill, January, 1827, 49.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — An account of four species of Stormy Petrel, (Thalassidroma.) By CIIARLKS LUCIEN BONA
PARTE. Ill, January, 1827, 89.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Notice of a nondescript species of Grouse from North America. By CHARLES L. BONAPARTE.
July, 1827. Ill, 212.
DOUGLAS, DAVID. — Observations on the Vultier californianus of Shaw. IV, January, 1829, 328.
KING, Capt. PHILLIP PARKER — Extracts of a letter addressed by Capt. Phillip Parker King, R. N., to N. A.
Vigors, on the animals of the Straits of Magellan. (Part 2.) IV, July, 1828, 91. (Anas rafflesii — a plate of the
species in tab. xxix, supplement.)
SWAINSON, WILLIAM — On several groups and forms in ornithology not hitherto defined. By WILLIAM SWAINSON.
1827. Ill, 158, 343.
LONDON. — LEACH, W. E. — Zoological Miscellany ; being descriptions of new or interesting animals, (conducted by W. E.
Leach,) illustrated with colored figures drawn from nature by R. P. Nodder. 3 vols. 8vo. London, 1814-1817.
LONDON. — Zoological Society: Proceedings of the Committee of Science and Correspondence. 2 volg. 8vo.
1831, 1832. (These precede the regular series of Proceedings of the Society commencing in 1833.)
COLLIE, A., esq — On the Pouch of the Frigate Bird (Tachypetes aquilus.') By A. COLLIE. April 26, 1831. Pro
ceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence, I, 62.
GOULD, JOHN. — On a new species of Woodpecker (Picus imperialis) from California. By JOHN GOULD. July 24,
1832. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence, II, 139.
OWEN, R. — On the anatomy of the Gannet, (Sula bassana.) By R. OWEN, esq. June 14, 1831. Proceedings
of Committee of Science and Correspondence, I, 90.
OWEN, R.— On the anatomy of the Flamingo, (Phoenicopterus ruber.) August 28, 1832. Proceedings of Com
mittee of Science and Correspondence, II, 141.
RICHARDSON, J. — Birds and mammalia collected during the last Arctic Land Expedition under Sir John
Franklin. By J. RICHARDSON, M. D. September 27, 1831. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspon
dence, I, 132.
VIGORS, N. A. — Characters of several new species of birds collected by Mr. Cuming in Chili and Mexico. By
N. A. VIGORS. January 10, 1832. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence, II, 3.
YARRELL, W. — On the specific identity of the Gardenian and Night Herons (Ardea gardeni and nydkorax.) By
W. YARREIL. January, 1831. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence, I, 27.
YARRELL, W. — On the occurrence of several North American birds in England (Anas spoma, Anas occidua, and
Alauda alpestris.) By W. YARRELL. Febmary 8, 1831. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence,
I, 35.
YARRELL, W. — On a hybrid bred by the Society between a Muscovy Drake (Anas moschata) and a Common Duck,
(Anas boschas. ) By W. YARRELL. May 8, 1832. Proceedings of Committee of Science and Correspondence, II, 100.
LONDON. — Z oological Society, continued : Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. Vol. I. 1833, et seq.
BONAPARTE. — Description of new or interesting birds from South America and Mexico. By C. L. BONAPARTE.
November 14, 1837. V. 108.
BONAPARTE — On the Garruline Birds or Jays ; with descriptions of new species. By Prince CHARLES LUCIEN
BONAPARTE. April 9, 1850. XVIII, 79.
BONAPARTE. — On the largest known species of Phaleridine Bird. By Prince CHARLES LUCIEN BONAPARTE. July
22,1851. XIX, 201. (Sagmatarinus lathami. )
Cox. — Notice of a living Mocking-bird ( Turdus polyglottus. ) By J C. Cox, esq. October 22, 1833. I. 114.
FRASEK, L. — Description of three new species of birds. By L. FRASER. February 24, 1844. XII, 37.
(Layopus ferntrjineus, from Mexico.)
GOULD — On a collection of birds from North America presented by Mr. Folliot. By JOHN GOULD. February
25, 1834. II, 14.
GOULD. — On several species of birds allied to the European Wren, with characters of new species. By JOHN
GOULD. October 11, 1836. IV, 88.
GOULD. — On a new species of Orti/x from California (Ortyx plumifer a) from the collection of the late Mr. David
Douglas, and a new species of the genus Podargus from Java. By JOHN GOULD April 11, 1837. V, 42.
GOULD. — On the characters of new birds in the Society's collection. By JOHN GOULD. July 25, 1837. V, 79
GOULD, JOHN. — On the genus Anous. By JOHN GOULD, Oct. 14, 1845. XIII, 103.
940 U. S. P, R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
GOULD. — On six new species of humming birds. By JOHN GOULD, June 25, 1850. XVIII, 102.
GOULD. J.— On a new turkey, (Meleagris mexicana.) By JOHN GOULD, April 8, 1856. XXIV, Gl.
GOULD, J. — Descriptions of three new and very beautiful species of birds from Guatemala and from the Island
of Lombock. By JOHN GOULD, April 28, 1857. XXV, 64.
GOULD, JOHN. — Observations on his visit to the United States of America, with description of a new species of
Ceriornit found in the collection of Dr. Cabot, of Boston, United States. By JOHN GOULD, July 14, 1857. XXV,
166.
GRAY, G. R. — On a new species of Thalassidroma. By GEORGE ROBERT GEAY, (Thalassidrwna hornbyi,) May 10,
1853. XXI, 62.
GRAY, G. R.— On a new species of Somateria, and the female of Lampronetta fischeri. By G. R. GRAY, November
27, 1855. XXIII, 211.
HILL. — Letter relating to the nests of the birds of Jamaica. By R. HILL, September 14, 1841. IX, G9.
KAUP. — Descriptions of some new birds in the museum of the Earl of Derby. By Dr. KAUP, February 11, 1851.
XIX, 39.
SALLK, AUGUSTE. — Liste des oiseaux rapportes et observes dans la Republique Dominicaine (ancienne partie
Espagnole de I'le St. Domingue ou d'Haiti,) par M. A. Salle', pendent son voyage de 1849 a 1851. By AUGUSTE
M. SALLK, November 10, 1857. XXV, 230.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. - On the genus Culitivora of Swainson and its component species. By PHILIP LUTLEY
SCLATER, January 9, 1855. XXIII, 11.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. — Note on sixteen species of Texan birds named by Mr. Giraud, of New York, in 1841.
By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, March 27, 1855. XXIII, 49.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. — Note on the Zoological Appendix to the Report of the United States Naval Astro
nomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, and on the geographic range and distribution of the Tanagrine
Genera Calliste and Euphonia. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, February 12, 1846. XXIV, 18.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. — Note on (Psallria flavkeps) a third American species of the Parine genus Psaltria.
By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, March 11, 1856. XXIV, 37.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. — Synopsis Avium Tanagrinarum. A descriptive catalogue of the known species of
Tanagers. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, April 8, 1856. XXIV, 64, 108, 230.
SCLATER, LUTLEY PHILIP. — On the species of the American genus Parra. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, July 8,
1856. XXIV, 282.
SCLATBR, LUTLEY PHILIP.— Catalogue of the birds collected by M. Auguste Salle* in Southern Mexico, with de
scriptions of new species. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, July 8, 1856. XXIV, 283.
SCLATER, PHILIP L.— Notes on the birds in the museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
and other collections in the United States. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATEH, January 13, 1857. XXV, 1.
SCLATER, PHILIP.— Review of the species of the South American sub-family TUyrinae. By PHILIP SCLATER, April
18, 1857. XXV, 67.
SCLATER, PHILIP. — On Paras meridionalis, and some other species mentioned in the catalogue of birds collected
by M. Sall6 in Southern Mexico. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, May 12, 1857. XXV, 81.
SCLATER, PHILIP.— List of birds collected by Mr. Thomas Bridges, corr. mem., in the valley of San Jose, Cali
fornia. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, June 9, 1857. XXV, 125.
SCLATER, PHILIP. — List of additional species of Mexican birds obtained by M. Auguste Salle from the environs
of Jalapa and San Andres Tuxtla. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, July 14. 1857. XXV, 201
SCLATER, PHILIP.— On a collection of birds made by Signor Matteo Botteri in the vicinity of Orizaba, in Southern
Mexico. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. July 28, 1857. XXV, 210.
SCLATER, PHILIP.— On a collection of birds received by M. Salld from Southern Mexico. By PHILIP LUTLEY
SCLATER. Nov. 10, 1857. XXV, 226.
SCLATER, PHILIP.— Notes on California^ birds, by Thomas Bridges, corr. mem. Communicated with remarks
by PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. Jan. 12, 1858. XXVI, 1.
SCLAITO, PHILIP.— Notes on some birds from Southern Mexico. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. Feb. 23 1858
XXVI, 95.
VIGORS -On a collection of skins of birds from California. By N. A. VIGORS, esq. June 11, 1833. I, 65.
LONDON.— The Zoologist, a popular miscellany of Natural History. Conducted by Ed. Newman. 8vo.
NEWTON, ALFRED.— Some account of a petrel killed at Southacre, Norfolk, X, Dec., 1852. 3691. (Procdla
ria haeaitata.)
LONG'S Expert—Account of an expedition from Pittsburg to the Rocky mountains, performed in the years 1819 and '20,
BIRDS — LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 941
under the command of Major STEPHEN H. LONG. Compiled by Edwin James. 2 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1823. (Zoologi
cal articles by Thos. Say.)
LYON. — Societ6 Royalo d ' Ag r ic u 1 1 u r e , Histoire Nature lie et Arts 11 tiles de Lyon: An-
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BOURCIER, JULES. — Description et figures de trois especes nouvclles d'oiseaux-mouches. Ill, March, 1840.
(Ornyswya coslae. PI. ii.)
BOURCIER ET MULSANT. — Description de vingt especes d'oiseaux-mouches. IX, 1846, 312. (Trochilns alcxandri,
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M'CALL, Col. GEO. A. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Proceedings.
M'Cow.x, Capt. J. P. — See NEW YORK, Lyceum of Nat. Hist.
M'CULLOII. — See BOSTON, Society of Natural History : Journal.
MACGILLIVRAY, W. — A manual of British ornithology, etc. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1840
MADISON, Wise — Yvr i s c o 11 s i n State Agricultural Society: Transactions. 8vo. Vol. I, 1852.
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287 species. )
MALHERBE, E. — See METZ, Academic : M6moires; — PARIS, Revue Zoologique, 184'J, 93 ; 1852, 553 ; — CASSEL, Cabanis Jour
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MASSACHUSETTS. — Reports on the fishes, reptiles, and birds of Massachusetts. 8vo. Boston, 1839. (Birds, p. 255, by WM.
B. 0. PEAUODY.
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DE LA LLAVE. — Sobre tres especies nuevas del gdnero Tetrao. I. u, April, 1832, 141. (Tet.'ao marmorata, cristata,
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MICHENER, Dr. E. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Journal.
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MOHIRINO. — Avium genera. Auctore Paulo Henrico Gerardo Moehringio. 8vo. Aurica, 1752.
MOSCHLER. — See CASSEL.
MOLINA, G.J. — Saggio sulla storia naturale del Chili. 8vo. Bologna, 1782.
MONTAGU. — See LONDON, Linnaean Society Transactions : IV, 1796, 40.
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MORTON, Dr. S. G. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc.
MULLEH, JOHANNES.— Sec BERLIN, Akad. der Wissench.
MULLER, IT. J. W. von. — See CASSEL.
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AUDUBON. — Facts and observations connected with the permanent residence of swallows in the United States.
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942 U. S. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
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GUNDLACH. — Notes on some Cuban Birds, with descriptions of three new species. By JOHN GUNDLACH. Feb.
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JONES. — Description of a New Species of Woodpecker, (Picus lecontei.) By WILLIAM L. JONES, M. D. Read
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LAWRENCE. — Description of a New Species of Anser. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. (Anser nigricans.) Read March
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LAWRENCE.— Description of a New Species of Procellaria. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. ( Procellaria meridionalis. )
Read Feb. 18, 1847, IV, 475.
LAWBENCE. — Observations on Mr. BELL'S paper on Limosa scolapacea. By GEORGE N .LAWRENCE. Read Jan. 7,
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LAWRENCE. — Description of Mmus melanopterw. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. Read April 16, 1849, V, 35.
LAWRENCE. — On the occurrence of the Caspian Tern (Sylochdidon caspius) in North America. By GEORGE N.
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LAWRENCE. —Description of a new species of Tyrannus. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE, (Tyrannus cassinii.) Read
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LAWRENCE. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Cbnirostmm, Embtrnagra and Xanthornus, together
with a list of other species not heretofore noticed as being found within the limits of the United States. By
GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. Read April 28, 1851, V, 112.
LAWRENCE. — Additions to North American Ornithology. By GEORGEN. LAWRENCE. Read April 28, 1851, V, 117.
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LAWRENCE. — Description of a new species of bird of the genus Larus. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. (Larus cali-
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LAWRENCE. — Description of seven new species of humming birds. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. Read February
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LAWRENCE. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Chordeiles and Polioptila. By GEORGE N. LAW
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LAWRENCE. — Description of a new species of hummingbird of the genus JUellmiga, with a note on Trochilus
aquila. By GEORGE N. LAWRKNCE. Read April 2, 1855.
LAWRENCE. — Observations on the paper of Mr. Gundlach. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. February, 1858, VI.
LAWRENOK. — Description of two new species of gulls in the Smithsonian Institution, at Washington, (Larus
suckleyi and Rissa septentrionalis. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. Read February, 1858, VI, 264.
BIRDS — LIST OP AUTHORITIES. 943
NEW YORK — Continued.
McCowN.— - Facts and observations from notes taken when in Texas. By Captain J. P. McCowN, U. S. A. Read
March 28, 1853, VI, 9.
WARD —Notice of the appearance of the pine grosbeak, (Pyrrhula enucleator,) in the environs of New York.
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NEW YORK —Natural History of New York. 4to.
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et seq.
BACHMAN, Rev. J. — On the migration of the birds of North America XXX, 1836, 81.
BAIRD, WM. M. and S. F. — List of birds found in the vicinity of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penn., about
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BAIRD, WM. and S. F. — Description of two species, supposed to be new, of the genus Tyrannula, (Swainson,)
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BREWER, Dr. T. M.— Habits of Hirundo fulva, XXXVIII, 1840,392.
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GREEN, JACOB. — Fragments relating to the history of animals, IV, 1822,309.
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in Maine in 1800.)
WOODRUFF, SAMUEL. — Notice of a barn swallow. XIX, 1831, 172. (Hirundo lunifrons.)
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Oregon and California, explored by parties under the command Lieut. R. S. Williamson.
NEWTON, ALFRED. — See LONDON, Zoologist.
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NOMEXCLATOR AVIUM. See LlCIITENSTEIN.
NUTTALI.. — A Manual of the ornithology of the United States and of Canada. By THOMAS NUTTALL. The land birds. 12mo.
Boston, 1832. Second edition, with additions, 1840. (The second edition embraces all of Townsend's species and those
described by Mr. Audubon in his Ornithological Biography.)
NUTTALL. — A Manual of the ornithology of the United States and of Canada. By THOMAS NUTTALL. The water birds.
12mo. Boston, 1834.
NUTTALL, THOMAS. — See BOSTON, American Academy of Arts and Sciences : Memoirs I, 1833.
OHIO, Geological survey of. — Second annual report on the geological survey of Ohio. 8vo. Columbus, 1838. (Catalogue
of birds by J. P. Kirtland, M. D.)
D'ORBIGNY. — See RAMON DE LA SAGRA.
OWEN, R. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc.: Proc. Comm. Sc.
944 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
ORD.— See GUTHRIE'S Geography;— PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences: Journal.
PACIFIC R. R. REPORT. — See WASHINGTON, War Department.
PALLAS, P. S.—Zoographia Rosso- Asiatica, etc. 3 vols. 4to. St. Petersburg, 1811. (This work, though printed in 1811,
(Joes not appear to have heen issued until 1831. The plates have been issued separately, under the title of Icones ad Zoo-
graphiam Rosso- Assiaticam. Fase I- VII. 1834, rf«y.)
PALLAS, P. S.— Icones ad Zoographiam Rosso- Assiaticam.— See PALLAS, Zoographia.
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PALLAS, P. S.— See ST. PETERSBURG, Acad. Imp. des Sc.: Novi Commentarii. XIV, 582.
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BONAPARTE, C. L. — Nouvelles especes ornithologiques. Prcm. Partie, Perroquets. XXX, 1850, 131. IB.,
291, Accipitres.
BONAPARTE, C. L.~ Notes sur les Trochilide's. XXX, 1850, 379.
BONAPARTE, C. L.— Sur plusieurs genres nouveaux de passereaux. XXXI, Sept. 1C, 1850, 423. (Ifesperiphona.)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Sur deux especes nouvelles de Paridae. XXXI, Sept. 30, 1850. (Psaltriparus personatus,
Lophophanes wollweberi.)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Note sur plusieurs families naturelles d'oiseaux, et descriptions d'especes nouvelles.
XXXI, Oct. 21, 1850, 561.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Note sur les Tangaras, leurs affinite's et descriptions d'especes nouvelles. XXXII, Jan.,
1851, 76.
BONAPARTE, C. L — Notes sur les collections rapportees en 1853 par M. A. DELATTRE de son voyage en Cali
fornia et dans le Nicaragua. XXXVII, Nov. 28, 1853. IB., Dec. 5, 1853, 827, (from Pica nuttatti.) IB., Dec.
19, 1853, 913, (from Chrysomelris lawrencii. ) IB., XXXVIII, Jan. 2, 1854, 1, (from Chanteurs subulirostrcs. ) IB , Jan. 16,
1854, 53, (from Troglodytides.) IB., Feb. 6, 1854, 258, (from Coereba cyanea.) IB., Feb. 27, 1854, 365, (from Ohan-
teurs dentirostres.) IB., March 20, 1854, 533, (from Vanga.} IB., April 3, 1854, 650, (from Progne purpurea to end)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Classification ornithologique par series. XXXVII, Oct. 31, 1853, 641.
BONAPARTE, C. L.— Coup d'oeil sur 1'ordre des pigeons. XXXIX, 1854, 869, 1072, 1102. IB., XL, 1855,
15, 96, 205.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Tableaux synoptiques de 1'ordre des Herons. XL, April 2, 1855, 718.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Notices ornithologiques. XLI, Aug., 1855, 247, (on pigeons and Colymbus.)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — (Remarks on the "Catalogue of Genera and Subgenera of Birds," by GEO. R. GRAY; and
Notices of Species observed in different Museums of Europe. ) XLI, 1855, 649. (No title was given of this article. )
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Especes nouvelles d'oiseaux d'Asie ct d'Amerique, et tableaux paralle'liques des P61agiens
on Gaviae. XLII, April 28, 1856, 7 64.
BONAPARTE, C. L — Tableaux parallelique de 1'ordre des Gallinace's. XLII, 1856, 874. IB., Notes sur les
tableaux des Gallinace's, 953. (Contains descriptions of the new species of the tableaux.)
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Excursions dans les divers musees d'Allemagne, de Hollande, et de Belgiquc, et tableaux
paralle'liques de 1'ordre des Echassiers. XLIII, Aug. 25, 1856, 410. IB., 571. IB., 593.
BONAPARTE, C. L.--Ornithologie fossile servant d' introduction au tableau comparatif des Ineptes et des Autru-
ches. XLIII, 1856, 775. (Refers to N. American ornithichnites. )
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Additions et corrections au coup d'oeil sur 1'ordre des Pigeons, et a la par tie correspondante
du Conspectus Avium. XLIII, 1856,833. IB , 942.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Additions et corrections aux tableaux paralleliques de 1'ordre des Herons et des Pelagiens
on Gavies, et a la partie correspondante, deja publide du Conspectus Avium. XLIII, Nov., 1856, 990.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Additions et Corrections aux tableaux paral!61iques de la deuxieme sous-classe des oiseaux,
Praecoces ou Autophages. XLIII, Dec. 1, 1856, 1017.
BONAPARTE, C. L.— Tableau des genres des Gallinaces disposes en seiies paralleles. XLV, Sept. 28,jl857, 425.
(A posthumous incomplete memoir.)
PARIS. — Annales des Sciences Naturelles comprenant la Zoologie, la Botanique, etc. Recligees pour la Zoologie par M.
MILNE EDWARDS : pour la botanique par MM. AD. BROGNIART et J. DECAISNE Quatrieme serie. Zoologie. Tome 1, 1854,
et seq.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Conspectus Systematis Ornithologie. 1854. (This general arrangement is a few weeks
subsequent to that of Comptes Rendus, 1854, and makes important changes. It enumerates all the families,
(131), genera, (2,100), and sub-genera of birds. The sum total of species estimated is 8,300. )
BIRDS — LIST OP AUTHORITIES. 945
PARIS. — Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle, par une socidte" de naturalistes. (AuDOuiN, DRAPIEZ, etc.) 17 vols.
8vo. Paris, 1822-'31.
PARIS. — Dictionnaire des sciences naturelles, dans lequel on traito me'thodiquement de differentes etres do la nature, etc.
(Rddigds par FRED. CUVIER.) 60 vols. 8vo. Paris et Strasbourg, 1816 — 1830. (Ornithological articles, by DUMONT.)
PARIS. — Encyclopddie Me'thodiquc, ou par ordre do matiere, par unc socie'te de gens de lettres. Histoire Naturelle, 10
Tom. en 20 Pt. et 17 vols. de pi. 4to. Paris, 1782, 92, et seq.
BONNATERBE — Tableau eucyclopddique et mdthodique. Ornithologie. Par I'ABBE BONNATERRE, 1790.
VIEILLOT. — Oiseaux, 1820.
PARIS. — Journal de physique, de chemie, et d'histoire naturelle. 4to. (Edited by BLAINVILLE from 1815 — 1820.)
KAFINESQUE, C. S. — Prodrome de 70 Nouveaux genres d'animaux decouverts dans I'intericur des Etats-Unis
d'Amerique durant 1'annee, 1818. LXXXVIII, June 1819, 417. (Rimamphus, Helmitheros, Symphemia.)
PARIS. — Nouveau Dictionnaire d'Histoire Naturelle applique'e aux Arts, a 1' Agriculture, a 1'Economie rurale etdomestique,
a la Mddicine, etc. Par unesocidtede naturalistes et d'agriculteurs. 2d edition, 36 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1816 — 1819. (Thearticles
on Ornithology in this edition are by VIEILLOT. The first edition, 24 vols. 1802 — 1804, probably contains nothing by him.)
PARIS. — Revue Zoologique par la Soci6te Cuvierienne, Association Universelle pour 1'Avancemcnt de la Zoologie, de 1'An-
atomie Comparee et de la Palaeontologie, Journal Mensuel. Publiee sous la direction de M. F. E. GTJERIN-MENEVILLE. 8vo.
Vol. I, 1838, etc.
BOURCIER, JULES. — Description de quelques especes nouvelles d'oiseaux mouches, 1839, Oct. 294. (Ornymya
costal, California.)
PARIS. — Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, pure et appliquee, etc. Par M. F. E. GUERIN-MBNEVILLE et avec la collaboration
scientifique de M. AD. FOCILLON. 8vo. Tome I, 1849, et seq.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Monographic des Laniens. 1853, July, 292 ; Oct. 433.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Tableau des Perroquets. 1854, March, 145.
BONAPARTE, C, L. — Tableau des Oiseaux mouches. 1854, May, 248.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Tableau des Oiseaux de Proie. 1854, Oct. 530.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Notes sur les Larides. 1855, Jan. 12.
DEVILLE, E.— Observations faites en Amerique sur les moeurs de differentes especes d'oiseaux mouches, etc.
1852, May, 209. (Notice of TrocMus calubris. The author was connected with Castelnau's expedition.)
MALIIERBE, ALFRED. — Description de nouvelles especes de Picidce. 1852, Dec., 551. (Geopicus chrysoides.)
PEABODT, Rev. W. B. 0.— See BOSTON, Soc. Nat. Hist.: Journal.
PEABODY, birds of Mass. — See MASSACHUSETTS.
PEALE, T. R. — See WILKES, United States exploring expedition.
PENNANT, THOS.— Arctic Zoology. First edition. 3 vols. 4to. 1784-87. Second edition. 2 vols. 4to. London, 1792.
PHILADELPHIA. — A cademyof Natural Sciences: Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
First series, I-VIII, in octavo, 1817-1842. Second series in large quarto.
BONAPARTE. — An account of four species of stormy petrel. By CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read January 13, 1824.
III, ii. January 1824, 227.
BONAPARTE. — On a new species of duck, described by Wilson as the same with the Anas fuligula of Europe. By
CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read April 6, 1824. Ill, n, April 27, 1824, 381. (Anas rufitorques.)
BONAPARTE. — Description of ten species of South American birds. By CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read April 19,
1825. IV, n, May 1825, 370. (Monasa fusca, Bp. ; Picus rulmcollis, GM., var. ; Dendrocolaptes angustirostris, VIEILL.;
Fringilla flaveola, LINN.; Tanagra flava, GM. ; Muscicapa violenia, BON.; Iluscicapa taenioptera, BON.; Muscicapa pullata, BON.:
Caprimulgus semitorquatus, GMEL. ; Eallus nigricans, VIEILL.)
BONAPARTE. — Descriptions of two new species of Mexican birds. By CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read April 25, 1825.
IV, n, May 1825, 387. (Garrulus uUramarinus, BON.; Cassicus melankturus, BON.)
BONAPARTE. — Observations on the nomenclature of Wilson's ornithology. By CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read
March 9, 1824. Ill, n, pp. 340-352. Published April 5, 1824, (including Nos. 1-21 of Wilson's list in Vol. VI,
American ornithology.)— IB. pp 353-371, April 27, (Nos. 22-58).— Continuation of the same read March 23, 1&24.
IV, i, pp. 25-32, July, 1824, (Nos. 59-79.)— IB. pp. 33-66, August, 1824, (Nos. 70-112.)— IB. pp. 163-200,
November, 1824, (Nos. 113-57. ) — IB. IIV, n, pp. 251-277, (read November 23, 1824,) published February, 1825,
(Nos. 168-184, with review of preceding numbers.) — IB. V, i, July, 1825, pp. 57-^4, (Nos. 185-194.) — IB. August,
1825, pp. 65-106, (Nos. 195-227.)
BONAPARTE. — Additions to the ornithology of the United States. By CHARLES BONAPARTE. Read May 10,
1825, V, i, June, 1852, 26. (Species collected in Florida by Titian Peale. Falco tndanopterus : Sylvia palmarum;
Columba leticocephala ; C. zenaida, BON., (n. s.); Eallus giganteus, BON., (n. s.); Aranms scolopaceus; Sterna cayana.)
119 b
94.6 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
PHILADELPHIA — Continued —
BONAPARTE.— Notes to the paper entitled descriptions of ten species of South American birds. By CHARLES
BONAPARTE. Read July 12, 1825. V, i, November, 1825, 137.
BONAPARTE.— On the distinction of two species of Icterus, hitherto confounded under the specific name of icterc-
cephalu*. By CHAKLES BONAPARTE. Read February 28, 1826. V, n, February, 1826, 222. (Icterus xanthocepha lus ,
BON.; Icterus icterocephalus, Daudin.)
BONAPARTE.— Description of a new species of South American Fringilla. By CHAKLES BONAPARTE. Read March
1, 1825. IV, ii, April, 1825, 350. (Fringilla xanthoroa, Rio Janeiro.)
CASSIN —Monograph of the birds comprising the genera Hydropsalis, Wagler, and Antrostomus, Nuttall. By
JOHN CASSIN. Second series. II, n, January, 1852, 113.
CASSIN. Description of new species of birds of the genera Mdanerpes, Swainson, and Lanius, Linnaeus. By JOHN
CASSIN. Second series. II, in, January, 1853, 257.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genus Spermestes, Sw. Second series. Ill, i, May, 1855, 69.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of Psiltacidce. Second series. Ill, n, December, 1855, 153.
GAMBEL — Remarks on the birds observed in Upper California, with descriptions of new species. By WM.
GAMBEL. 2d series, I, i, December, 1847, 25, and I, m, August, 1849, 215.
GAMBEL. — Description of a new species of Mergulus, Ray, from the coast of California. By WM. GAMBEL, M.
D. 2d series, II. i. November, 1850, 55.
HEERMANN. — Notes on the birds of California observed during a residence of three years in that country. By
A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. 2d series, II, in, January, 1853, 259.
LEIB. — Description of a new species of Fuligula. By GEO. C. LEIB, M. D. Read January 7, 1840, VIII, i,
1840, 170. (Fuligula grisea, F. labradora.)
LEIB. — Description of the nest and eggs of the Fulica amerkana and Anas discors. By GEORGE C. LEIB, M. D.
Read November 16, 1841, VIII, n, 1842, 203.
MICHENER. — A few facts in relation to the identity of the red and mottled owls, &c. By EZRA MICHENER,
M. D. Read July 3, 1838, VIII, i, 1839, 53.
ORD. — Observations on the genus Gracula, of Latham. By GEORGE ORD. Read May 19, 1818 ; I, n, May,
1818, 253. Gracula quiscala, (major,) and barita (versicolar.)
ORD. — An account of the Florida jay, of Bartram. By GEORGE ORD. Read May 26, 1826 ; I, n, August,
1818, 345. (Garrulus caerulescens.)
ORD.— An account of an American species of the genus Tantalus, or Ibis. By GRORGE ORD. Read July 8,
1817, (Tantalus mexicanus,) I, No. iv, August 1817, 53.
TOWNSEXD. — Description of twelve new species of birds, chiefly from the vicinity of the Columbia river. By
JOHN KIRK TOWNSEXD. VII, 11. Read November 15, 1836 ; VII, i, 1837, 187. (Siala occidentalis, Fringilla oregona,
F. licolor, Plectrophanes ornata, Parus rufescens, P. minimus, Sylvia occidenlalis, S, nigrescens, S. aitdubomi, S. townsendii,
Orpheus montanus, Charadrius montanm.) With an appendix, p. 193, containing a list of birds from the Columbia liver.
Prepared by the Ornithological Committee of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.
TRUDEAU. — Description of a new species of woodpecker. By JAMES TRUDEAU, M. D. Read June 27, 1837,
404. (Picus audubonii. )
TOWNSEND.— Description of a new species of Cypcdus, from the Columbia river. By JOHN K. TOWXSEND. Read
March 3, 1839 ; VIII, i, 1839, 148, (C. vauxii.)
TOWNSEND. — Description of a new species of Sylvia, from the Columbia river. By JOHN K. TOWNSEND. Read
April 2, 1839 ; VIII, i, 1839, 149. (S. tolmoei.)— Note on Sylvia tolmoei, p. 159. Read September 10, 1839.
TOWNSEND. — List of birds inhabiting the regions of the Rocky Mountains, the Territory of Oregon, and the
northwest coast of America. By JOHN K. TOWNSEND. VIII, i, 1839(?), 151. Read September 10, 1839.
TRUDEAU.— Description of the white-winged tanager. (Pyranga leucoptera.) Read June 4, 1839 ; VIII, i, 160.
PHILADELPHIA.--^ cademy of Natural Sciences, Continued : Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of
Philadelphia. I-IX, 1840-58.
BAIRD, WM. M. and S. F. — Descriptions of two species, supposed to be new, of the genus Tyrannula, Swainson,
found in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. By WILLIAM M. and SPENCER F. BAIRD, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
( T. flaviventris and minima.) I, July, 1843, 283.
BAIRD.— Descriptions of new birds, collected between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and San Francisco, California,
during the winter of 1853-54, by Dr. C. B. R. Kennerly and H. B. Mollhausen, naturalists, attached to the
survey of the Pacific railroad route, under Lieutenant A. W. Whipple. (Cypsdus mdanoleucus, Culitiwra plumbea,
BIRDS — LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 947
PsaUria plumbea, Oyanocitta macrdopha, Carpodacus cassinii, Zonotrichia fallax, Pipilo mesoleucus, Cknturus uropygialis. ) VII
June, 1854, 118.
CASSIN.— On the occurrence of Srix nyctea, during the winter of 1843-'44, in the vicinity of Philadelphia. By
JOHN CASSIN. II, March, 1844, 19.
CASSIN. — Description of a new vulture in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia.
(Cathartes burrovianus. ) By JOHN CASSIN. II, March, 1845, 212.
CASSIN. — Note on an instinct probably possessed by the herons. (Ardea.) By JOHN CASSIN. Ill, December,
1846, 135.
CASSIN. — Description of a new rapacious bird in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Phila
delphia. (Cymindis wilsonii.) By JOHN CASSIN. Ill, April, 1847, 199.
CASSIN. — Description of a new Buceros, and a notice of Buceros elatus, both of which are in the collection of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. Ill, December 1847, 330.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of three new species of Icterus, (Briss,) specimens of which are in the Museum of the
•
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. (Icterus maculi-alatus, Icterus auricapillus, Icterus
giraudii.) Ill, December, 1847, 332.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of the new species of the genus Cyanooorax, of which specimens are in the collection of
the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Feb., 1848, 26.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Vidua, Euplectus, Pyrenestes, and Ptiylus • specimens
of which are in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, June,
1848, 65.
CASSIN. — Description of anew Tanagra in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By
JOHN CASSIN. IV, Oct., 1848, 85.
CASSIN. — Catalogue of birds collected by Mr. William S. Pease during the march of the army of the United
States from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Oct., 1848, 87.
CASSIN — Descriptions of owls presumed to be undescribed ; specimens of which are in the collection of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Dec., 1848. 121.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of the genera Nyctale and Sycobius; specimens of which are in the collection
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Feb., 1849, 157.
CASSIN. — Notes of the examination of the family Vulturidae, in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Feb., 1849, 158.
CASSIN. — Remarks on a specimen of Anas rafflesii from Louisiana. By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Aug , 1849, 195.
CASSIN.— Description of new species of birds of the family Caprimulgidae; specimens of which are in the collection
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, By JOHN CASSIN. IV, Oct., 1849, 236.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds, specimens of whicn are in the collection of the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V, Jane, 1850, 56.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Paradisea, Pastor, and Buceros, and a proposition to
rename others of the genera ALcyon and Hirundo. By JOHN CASSIN. V, Aug., 1850, 67.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Pants, Emberiza, Carduelis, Myiothera, Leuconerpes ;
specimens of which are in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V,
Oct., 1850, 103.
CASSIN.- — Notice of an American species of duck hitherto regarded as identical with the Oidemia fusca, (Oidemia
velvetina.) By JOHN CASSIN. V, Dec., 1850, 126.
CASSIN. — Sketch of the birds composing the genera Vireo and Vireosylvia, with a list of the previously known,
and descriptions of three new species, ( Vireo huttoni, and Vireosylvia flavoviridis, and philadelphica. ) By JOHN CASSIN.
V, Feb., 1851, 149.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Galbula and Bucco, specimens of which are in the
collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V, Feb., 1851, 154.
CASSIN. — Notes of an examination of the birds composing the family Caprimulgidae, in the collection of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By John CASSIN. V, April, 1851, 175.
CASSIN. — Notes on specimens of Ephialtes naevia and E. asio. By JOHN CASSIN. V, Aug., 1851, 236.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the family Laniadae, specimens of which are in the collection of
the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V, Aug. 1851, 244.
948 U. S. P. R. B. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PHILADELPHIA — Continued —
CASSIN. Descriptions of birds of the genera Laniarius, Dicrurus, Graucalus, Manacus, and Picus, specimens of
which are in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V, December,
1852, 347.
CASSIN. Descriptions of new species of Hinmdinidae and Psittaddae, specimens of which are in the collection
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. V, June, 1853, 369.
CASSIN. — Synopsis of the species of Falconidae which inhabit America north of Mexico, with descriptions of new
species. By JOHN CASSIN. VI, Dec., 1853, 451.
CASSIN. — Remarks on birds from the arctic regions, presented by Dr. KANE. VI, June 1852, 107.
CASSIN. — Description of new species of birds, specimens of which are in the collection of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. VI, Oct., 1852, 184.
CASSIN. — Remarks on the appearance of Loxia leucoptera, in great numbers in the vicinity of Philadelphia. VIII,
Dec., 1854, 203.
CASSIN. — Remarks on Crex pratensis, a specimen of which was obtained from Salem, New Jersey. VII, Jan.,
1855, 2G5.
CASSIN. — List of pigeons of the genus Carpophaga, in the collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia, and of the United States Exploring Expedition, Washington ; with descriptious and notices of new
and little known species. By JOHN CASSIN. VII, Dec. , 1854, 227.
CASSIN. — Notes on North American Falconidae, with descriptions of new species, (Buteo calurus, elegans and
oxypterus.) By JOHN CASSIN. VII, Feb., 1855, 277.
CASSIN. — Reference to several species of geese and other birds from the Falkland Islands, alluded to in a letter
of Capt. Burnsee. By JOHN CASSIN. VII, April, 1855, 289.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of birds from Western Africa, in the collection of the Academy of Natural
Sciences, Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. VII, April, 1855, 324.
CASSIN. — Notices of some new and little known birds in the collection of the United States Exploring Expedi
tion, and the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By JOHN CASSIN. VII, Dec. 1855, 438.
CASSIN. — Notes on North American birds in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia,
and National Museum, Washington. By JOHN CASSIN. VIII, Feb. 1856, 89.
CASSIN. — Descriptions of new species of African birds in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of
Philadelphia. Collected by Mr. P. B. Du Chaillu in Equatorial Africa. By JOHN CASSIN. VIII, Aug. 1856, 156.
CASSIN. — Descriptions and notes on birds of the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
and in the National Museum, Washington. By JOHN CASSIN. VIII, Oct. 1856, 253.
CASSIN.— Catalogue of birds collected at Cape Lopez, Western Africa, by Mr. P. B. Du Chaillu, in 1856, with
notes and descriptions of new species. By JOHN CASSIN. VIII, Dec. 1856, 316.
CASSIN.- — Notes on the North American species of Archibuteo and Lanius, and description ot a new species of
toucan, of the genus Selenidera. By JOHN CASSIN. IX, Dec. 1857, 211.
CASSIN.— Catalogue of the Vulturidae in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By
JOHN CASSIN.
CASSIN.— Catalogue of the Ilirundinidae in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
By JOHN CASSIN.
CASSIN.— Catalogue of the Strigidae in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By
JOHN CASSIN.
CASSIN. — Catalogue of the Ilalcyonidae in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
By JOHN CASSIN. Nov. 1, 1852.
COUCH, LT. D. N. — Descriptions of new birds of northern Mexico. VII, April, 1854, 66.
DUDLEY, W.— Description of a species of crane found in Wisconsin, presumed to be new. VII, April, 1854, 64,
(Grus lioyanus.)
GAMBEL.— Descriptions of some new and rare birds of the Rocky Mountains and California. By WM. GAMBEL.
(Picus nuttalii, Parus montanus, Fringilla blandingiana. Laphvrtyx gambelii. )"•<!, April, 1843, 258.
GAMBEL.— Descriptions of new and little known birds, collected in Upper California. By WM. GAMBEL. II,
Aug. 1845, 263.
GAMBEL.— Remarks on the birds observed in Upper California. By WILLIAM GAMBEL. Accipitres, IV, April,
1846, 44 ; Passcres, III, Oct. 1846, 110 ; III, Feb. 1847, 154; April, 200.
GAJIBEL.— On an albino specimen of Muscicapa virens from Liberty county, Georgia, and a specimen of wood
pecker, Picus pubescent, but probably a new species. By WM. GAMBEL. Ill, Oct. 1847, 278.
BIRDS LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 949
PHILADELPHIA— Continued —
GAMBEI. — Observations upon several birds recently collected by Dr. Heermann, (Rosthramw hamalus, Vireo lonyi'
rostris,Ardeapealii.) By WM. GAMBEL. IV, Aug. 1848, 74.
GAMBEL. — Description of a new Mexican quail, (Ortyx thoraricus.) By WM. GAMBEL. IV, Aug. 1848, 77.
GAMBEL. — Contributions to American Ornithology. By WM. GAMBEL. IV, December, 1848, 126.
HALDEMAN. — Facts in Ornithology. By S. S. HALDEMAN. I, July, 1841, 54.
HARRIS.— On Oymindis hamatus. By EDWARD HARRIS. II, May, 1844, 65.
HARRIS.— Description of a new species of Parus (Parus septentrionalis) from Missouri. By EDWARD HARRIS. H,
Dec. 1845, 300.
HAYMOND. — Birds of southeastern Indiana. By EUFUS HAYMOND, M. D. VIII, November, 1856, 286.
HEERMANN. — Catalogue of the Oological collection in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. By
A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. March 1, 1853.
HEERMANN. — Additions to North American Ornithology, with descriptions of new species of the genera Adidurus,
Fcdiceps, Podylymbus. By A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. VII, October, 1854, 177.
HENRY. — Notes derived from observations made on the birds of New Mexico during the years 1853 and 1854.
By T. CHARLTON HENRY, M. D., U. S. A. VIII, April, 1855, 306.
HENRY. — Description of a new Toxostoma and Junco, from Fort Thorn, New Mexico, (Toxostoma crissalis, Junco
dorsalis.) By Dr. T. CIIARLTON HENRY, U. S. A. X, May, 1858, 116.
HOY. — Description of two new species of owls, presumed to be new, which inhabit the State of Wisconsin.
(Nyctak kirtlandii, Bubo subarcticus.) By P. E. HOY, M. D. V, December, 1852, 210.
HOY.— Notes on the ornithology of Wisconsin. By P. E. HOY, M. D. VI, March, 1853, 304; Aug., 381;
Oct., 425.
KENNERLY. — Description of a new species of Cypselus, collected on the Northwestern Boundary Survey, A. Camp
bell, esq., commissioner. (Cypselus borealis.) By C. B. E. KENNERLY, M. D. IX, November, 1857, 202.
LECONTE, JOHN. — Notices of American animals formerly known but now forgotten or lost. By JOHN LECONTB.
VIII, Jan., 1854, 8.
LECONTE, JOHN. — Observations on tho wild turkey or Gallopavo sylvestris. By JOHN LECONTE. IH, Sept., 1857,
179.
LEIB. — Description of nest and eggs of the Fulica amencana. By GEO. C. LEIB, M. D. I, November, 1841, 124
McCAix. — Description of a supposed new species of Columba, inhabiting Mexico, with some account of the
habits of the Geococcyx viaticus, Wagler. By GEO. A. McCALL. (Columba solitaria,) Wagler. Ill, July, 1847, 238.
McCALL. — Notes on Mexican birds heretofore not fully described. By GEORGE A. McCALL. IV, May, 1849, 63.
McCALL.— Eemarks on the habits, &c., of birds met with in Western Texas, between San Antonio and the
Eio Grande, and in New Mexico, with descriptions of several species believed to have been hitherto undescribed.
By GEO. A. McCALL. (Cyanocorax cassinii, Carpodacus obscurus.) V, June, 1850, 213.
EEAD. — Catalogue of the birds of Northern Ohio. By M. C. EEAD. VI, August, 1853, 395.
SOLATER. — Description of a new species of Tanager of the genus SaUator. By PHILIP L. SCLATER. VIII, Novem
ber. 1856, 261.
SCLATER. — Characters of an apparently undescribed bird belonging to the genus Campy lorhynchus, with remarks
upon other species of the same group. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. VIII, November, 185G, 263.
VESEY. — Descriptions of two new species of birds from the vicinity of Fort Tejon, California. (Tyrannula ham-
trwndii, Vireo cassinii.) By JOHN XANTDS DE VESEY. X, May, 1858, 117.
WOODHOUSE. — Descriptions of new species of birds of the genera Vireo and Zonotrichia. ( Vireo atricapilla, Zonotrichia
Cassinii. ) By S. W. WOODHOUSE, M. D. VI, April, 1852, 60.
WOODIIOUSE. — Description of a new species of Ectopistes. (Ectopistes marginella.) By S. W. WOODUOUSE, M. D.
VI, June, 1852, 104.
WOODIIOUSE. — Description of a new snow finch of the genus Struthus. (Struthus caniceps.) By S. W. WOODHOUSE,
M. D. VI, December, 1852, 202.
PHILADELPHIA. — M aclurian Lyceum of Natural History: Contributions of, 1828. 8.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — List of birds of United States. (I cannot give the exact title, not having the work before me.)
PHILADELPHIA. — American Philosophical Society: Transactions. 4to.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — General observations on the birds of the genus Tttrao, with a synopsis of the species hitherto
known. Head June 20, 1828. New series, III, 1830, 382.
OIID, GEOUGE. — Some account of the moulting of birds. New series. Ill, 1830, 292.
950 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
PLANCHES ENLUMINEES. — See BUFFON.
PRATTEN, H.— See SPRINGFIELD, 111. State Ag. Soc. : Transactions.
PREVOST and DES MURS.— See DCPETIT-TUOCARS, Venus.
PUCHERAN. — See PARIS, Revue Zoologique, I, 103.
PUTNAM, F. W. — See SALEM, Essex Institute : Proceedings.
RAFINESQUE, C. S.— See NEW YORK, American Monthly Magazine ;— PARIS, Journal de Physique.
RAMON DE LA SAGRA.— Histoire physique, politique, et nature-lie de File de Cuba, etc. Ornithologie par A. D'OBBIGNY.
Text, 8vo, 1839. Plates in folio.
RAT, J.— Synopsis methodica avium et piscium, opus posthumium, etc. 8vo. London, 1713.
READ, M. C. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Proceedings.
REICIIBNBACH, L.— Avium Systema Naturale. Das natiirliche System der Vo'gel mit hundert Tafeln grb'sstentheils Original-
Abbildungcn der bis jetzt entdeckten fast zwolfhundert typischen Formen. VoiTaufer einer Iconographie der Arten der Vogel
aller Welttheile welche nacbdem bereits fast dreitausend Abbilddungen erschienen sind, uuunterbrochen fortgesetzt wird vou L.
REICUESBACH, Director am k. Zoolog. Museum in Dresden, &c. Erschienen sind Taf. I-LI den 1 December, 1849. Taf. L1I-
LXI den 1 Marz, 1850. Taf. LXXII-LXXXVI den 1 Juni, 1850. Taf. LXXXVII den 1 August, 1850. Dresden und Leip
zig, 1850, etc.
REICUENBACH, L. — Handbuch der speciellen Ornithologie, beschreibender Text zu der vollstandigsten Kupfersammlung der
Vogel aller Welttheile von Dr. LUDWIG REICUENBACH. Dresden und Leipzig, 1851, ct seq.
REICHENBACH. — Deutschlands Fauna, oder praktisch-gemeinniitzige Naturgesckichte der Thiere des Inlandes, etc. 2 Theil,
gr. 8vo, 1842. Vol. II, Vogel.
REICHENBACH. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Ornithologie.
REICHENBACH, L. — Trochilinarum enumeratio ex affinitate natural! reciproca prima ducta provisoria. 8vo. Leipzig. J.
Hofmeister, 1855. (This is subsequent to the list in Cabani's Journal.)
REINUARDT, etc. — Naturhistoriske Bidrag til en Beskrivelse af Grdnland, af J. REINIIARDT, J. C. SCHIODTE, 0. A. L. MORCH,
C. F. LUTKEN, J. LANGE, H. RINK. 8vo. Kiobenhavn, 1857. Reprinted from "Gronland geographisk og statistisk beskrevet:"
by H. RINK.
REINHARDT. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Orn.
RENNIE, J. — See MONTAGU, Ornithological Dictionary.
RICHARDSON, J. — See SWAINSON & RICHARDSON, F. Bor. Am ; — LONDON, British Association : Zool. Society : Proceedings
Comni. Sc.
RIPPELL. — See FnANKFURT-a-M. Senckenbergische Gesellschaft, Mus. Senck. 1837, 188.
SABINE, Capt. ED. — See LONDON, Linnaean Society.
SABINE, Jos. — See LONDON, Linnaean Society.
SALEM. — Essex Institute: Proceedings. 8vo. 1,1848-1856,2.
PDTNAM, F. W. — Catalogue of birds of Essex county, Mass. 1, 1856, 201. (245 species.)
SALLE, A. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc.: Proceedings.
SAN FRANCISCO. — Hutchings' California Magazine. 8vo. Vol. 1. 1856, et seq.
ST. PETERSBURG. — A cademie Imperiale des Sciences: Novi Commentarii, etc. 4to.
GUELDENSTAEDT, A. I. — Sex avium descriptiones. XIX, 1775, 463. (Scolopax subarquaia, p. 471 ; tab. xviii,)
PALLAS, P. S.— Descriptiones quadrupedem et aviuni anno 1769 observatarurn. XIV, 1770, 548. (SUrna caspia.)
ST. PETEBSBURG. — A cad. Imp. des Sciences, continued : Nova Acta Academiae, etc. 4to.
SB.WASTIANOFF. — Description d'une nouvelle espece de canard et d'une variete de 1'huitrier. XIII, 1802, 346.
(Anas canagica.)
ST. PETERSBURG. — Acad. Imp. desSc., continued: Bulletin Scicntifique publie par 1' Acad., etc.
BRANDT.— Note Bur I' Anser canadensis, et sur I' Anser pictus de la Zoographie de Pallas, (lu avril 8, 1836.) I,
1836, 37. (Names Anser kucopareius.)
BRANDT, J. F.— Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Ruderfiissige SchwimmvSgel, etc. H, 1837,305. (Extract from
memoir.)
BRANDT, J. F.— Rapport sur une monographic de la famille des Alcadees. II, 1837, 344. (Contains the
characters of genera and subgenera. )
BRANDT.— Note sur les characters des especes du genre Phaeton II, 1837, 349. (P. Jlaviroslris. )
BRANDT, J. F. — Observations sur plusieurs especes nouvelles du genre Carlo ou Phalacrocorax, etc, III,
1838,53.
BIRDS LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 951
ST. PETERSBURG. — Academie Imperiale dcs Sciences: Memoircs. Sixie*me s6rie. Sciences Naturelles.
Tome VI, 1849.
BRANDT. — Fuligulam (Lamproneltam) fischeri, novam avium rossicarum speciem pracmissis observationibus ad
Fuligularum generis sectionum et subgenerum quorundatn characteres et affinitates ppcctantibus descripsit J. F.
BRANDT. Read, Dec. 11, 184C. (The title page of the volume is dated 1849, although the memoir was probably
published in a separate form in 1847.)
SAT, THOS. — See LONG'S Expedition.
SCHOMBURGK, R. — Reisen in britiscb-Guiana in den Jahren 1840-1844, etc. 8vo. Vol. Ill, with special title of " Versuch
einer Fauna und Flora von britisch-Guiana, Leipzig, 1848. Ornithology by CABANIS.
SCLATER, P. L. — See LONDON, Annals and Magazine of Natural History, February, 1858 ; Zoological Society ; — PHILADELPHIA,
Academy of Natural Sciences.
SELBY, P. J.— Illustrations of British ornithology. 2 vols., folio. Edinburgh, 1821-1834.
SELISY, P. J. — See JARDINE, Naturalist's Library.
SELIGMANN. — See EDWARDS' Sammlung.
SEWASTIANOFF. — See ST. PETERSBURG, Acad. Imp. des Sciences : Nova Acta.
SHARPLESS, M. D., JOHN T. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc.
SHAW, GEO. — General Zoology, or Systematic Natural History, with plates from the first authorities and most select
specimens. Continued by STEPHENS. 14 vols., Svo., in 22 parts. Vols. 7-14, Aves, 1809-1826. (The ornithological
portion edited and prepared, from vol. IX, 1815, by JAMES FRANCIS STEPHENS.)
SHAW, GEO. and NODDER, (F. P.) — Vivarium Naturae, or the Naturalist's Miscellany. 24 vols., 8vo., with 10G8 plates.
London, 1789-1813.
SIEBOLD, P. T. — Fauna Japonica, etc. Conjunctis studiis C. J. Temminck et H. Schlegel pro vertebratis, etc. Folio.
Aves, 1845.
SILLIMAN'S Journal. — See NEW HAVEN.
SITGREAVES, Captain L. — Report of an expedition down the Zufii and Colorado rivers. By Captain L. SITOREAVES, Corps of
Topographical Engineers. Accompanied by maps, sketches, views, and illustrations. Washington, D. C. 8vo. 1853.
Birds by S. W. WOODHOUSE, M. D. , naturalist and surgeon of the expedition.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. — See WASHINGTON.
SPARRMAN, A. — Museum Carlsonianum, in quo novas et sclectas aves, coloribus ad vivum, brevique descriptione illustratas.
Fasc. I-IV. Folio. Holmiae, 1780-9.
SPIX, J. B. — Avium species novae, quas in itinere per Brasiliam annis 1817-20, collegit et descripsit. 2 vols., folio.
1825-20.
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois. — I llinois State Agricultural Society: Transactions of, etc. Svo. 1, 1855, et seq.
KENNICOTT, ROBT.— Catalogue of animals observed in Cook county, Illinois. I, 1855, 577. (Includes the birds.)
PRATTEN, HENRY. — Catalogue of the birds of (South) Illinois. I, 1855, 598.
STEEL, Dr. J. W. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc.
STRICKLAND. — Ornithological Synonyms. By the late HUGH EDWIN STRICKLAND. Edited by Mrs. HUGH E. STRICKLAND and
Sir W. JARDINE. Vol. I. Accipitres. Svo. London, 1855.
STRICKLAND, H. E. — Sec LONDON, Annals and Magazine.
STOCKHOLM. — K ongliga Svenska Vctenskaps Akademien: Handlingar. Svo.
SUNDEVALL. — Omithologiskt System : af C. J. SUNDEVALL. For Ar 1835, 1830, 43.
STOCKHOLM. — Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps Akademien : Ofversgit af Vet. Ak. Forhandlingar. Svo.
SUNDEVALL, Prof. — Foglar fran Nord-6'stra Afrika. VII, v. 1850, 125. (Description of Aegithalm jlaviceps, from
America ; p. 12i).)
STUTTGART. — Naumannia, Archiv fur die Ornithologie, etc. Herausgegeben von ED. BALDAMUS. Svo. I. 1850—1.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Notes sur les Larides. IV, 209.
BONAPARTE, C. L. — Tabellarische Uebersicht und Conspectus Geographicus der Papageien. VI, 383.
BREHM, C. L. — Das Genus Calidris. I, ir. 1850, 66.
BREIIM, C. L. — Ueber der Kreuzschnabel (Orudrostra.) Ill, 1853, 241.
GERIIARDT, ALEX. — Etwas iiber den Vogelgesang im sudlich Nord Amerika. Ill, 1853, 37.
GERIIARDT, ALEX. — Die Jagdbaren Vogel der Vereinigten Staaten von Nord Amerika. III. 1853, 378.
GERIIARDT, ALEX. — Ski/.zen aus dem Vogelleben Nord Amerika's. IV, 1854, 102.
GERIIARDT, ALEX. — Ueber die Lebenswcise der Vogel Nord Amerika's (Georgia. ) V, 1855, 380, 458: VI, 1856, 1.
GERHARDT, ALEX. — Verzeichniss der Vogel des Staats Georgia, nach White. V, 1855, 382.
HARTLAUB, Dr. G. — Ueber neue Nord Amerikanischc Gansc, II, r, 1852, 2.
952 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
HARTLAUB, Dr. G. — Ueber Oms americanus und canadenm. II, i, 1852, 2.
HARTLAUB, Dr. G. — Ueber einige neue oder weniger bekannte Vb'gel Nord Amerika's. II, n, 1852, 50.
SCHLEGEL, Prof. H. — Verzeichniss der mir bekannten Arten der Falken. V, 1855, 251.
ZANDER, H. — Ueber die europaischen Pieper. IV, 1854, I. (Notice of Anthus penmylvanicus. )
ZUCHOLD, E. A. — Bericht iieber die am Obersee (Lake Superior) gesammelten und beobachten Vogel, von J. E.
CABOT, n, III, 1854, 64. (Translated from Agassiz Lake Superior.)
SUNDEVALL. — See STOCKHOLM, Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps Akademien : Handlingar. 1835, 1843. Ofversigt. — CASSEL,
Journal fur Ornithologie.
SWAINSON, WILLIAM, & RICHARDSON, J. — Fauna Boreali- Americana, or the Zoology of the northern parts of British America ;
containing descriptions of the objects of natural history collected on the late northern land expeditions under command of
Captain Sir John Franklin, R. N. Part second, the birds, by WILLIAM SWAINSON, esq., F. R. S., F. L. S., and JOHN RICHAK-
BON, M. D. , F. R. S., F. L. S., surgeon and naturalist to the expedition. London, 4to. 1831.
SWAINSON. — On the natural history and classification of birds. By WILLIAM SWAINSON. 2 vols. 12mo. London, 1837.
(Forming a portion of the series of Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopedia.)
SWAINSON.— Animals in menageries. By WM. SWAINSON. 12mo. London, 1838. (Part III of the work is entitled " Two
centenaries and a quarter of Birds, either new or hitherto imperfectly described." This had been prepared to form part of
the volumes on classification of birds. )
SWAINSON. — Zoological Illustrations, or original figures and descriptions of new, rare, or otherwise interesting animals, etc.
1st Series, 3 vols. 8vo., 1820-23.; 2d Series, 3 vols. 8vo., 1829-1833. London.
SWAINSON. — See JARDINE, Naturalist Library ; — LONDON, Zoological Journal ; Philosophical Magazine ; Journal of Royal
Institution.
TEMMINCK. — Nouveau recueil de planches coloree's d'oiseaux, pour servir de suite et de complement aux planches en-
luminees de Buffon. Public" par C. J. Temminck et Meiffren Laugier, Baron de Chartreuse, d'apres les dessins de Nic.
Huet, fils et Pretre. 102 Livr. 4to. Paris, 1820-39.
TEMMIMCK, C. J. — Histoire Naturelle des Pigeons et des Gallinacdes, accornpagnee avec pi. anatomiques. 3 vols. 8vo.
Amsterdam, 1813-15.
TEMMINCK, C. J. — Manuel d' Ornithologie, ou tableau systematique des oiseaux qui se trouventen Europe, etc. 4 vols. 8vo.
Paris, 1820, 35, 39, 40. Amsterdam, 1815.
TEMMINCK ET SCHLEGEL, Fauna Japonica. — See SIEBOLD.
THIENKMANN. — See CASSEL.
THOMPSON, ZADOCK. — History of Vermont, natural, civil, and statistical. In three parts, with a new map of the State.
8vo. Burlington, 1842. (Chap. VIII on the Birds of Vermont, p. 56.)
TOWNSEND, J. K — Narrative of a Journey across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River, and a visit to the Sandwich
Islands, Chili, etc., with a scientific appendix. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1839.
TOWNSEND, J. K. — Ornithology of the United States. The descriptive part by J. K. TOWNSEND. The drawings from nature
by French artists. 8vo. Philadelphia. J. B. Chevalier, (about 1839.) (This was apparently only a specimen number.)
TOWNSEND, J. K. — Ornithology of the United States of North America, or descriptions of the birds inhabiting the States
and Territories of the Union, with an accurate figure of each drawn from nature. Edited by JOHN K. TOWNSEND. 8vo. Vol.
1. Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1849.
(Of this volume and work only the first number of 12 pp. and 4 plates ( Cathartes 3 species and Poll/boms') was published.
It was then superseded by the work of Mr. Audubon, in 8vo.)
TOWXSEND, J. K. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Journal.
TRUDEAU, Dr — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Journal.
TSCHUDI, J. J.— Untersuchungen iiber die Fauna Peruana auf einer Reise in Peru wahrend der Jahre 1838-1842. 4to.
St. Gallen, 1844-46.
UNITED STATES Ex. Ex. — See WILKES.
VENUS, Zool. of. — See DUFETIT-THOTJARS.
VIEILLOT, L. P.— Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de FAmerique septentrionale, depuis Saint Dominique jusqu'ala Baie de
Hudson, etc. 2 vols. folio. Paris, 1807.
VIEILLOT, L. P.— Gal6rie des Oiseaux du Cabinet d' Histoire Naturelle du Jardin du Roi, etc. 2 vols. 4to. Paris,
1820-26.
(The edition quoted in some parts of the present volume bears date of 1834, probably a mere reprint of the title. The
edition in the library of Phila. Acad. is dated 1825.)
VIEILLOT, L. P. — Analyse d'une Nouvelle Ornithologie elementaire. 8vo. Paris, 1816.
BIRDS — LIST OF AUTHORITIES, 953
VIEILLOT. — See PARIS, Nouveau Dictionnaire.
VIGORS, N. A. — See LONDON, Zool. Soc : Proc. Comm. Sc. and Proceedings ; BLOSSOM.
DE VESEY, J. XANTUS. — See PHILADELPHIA, Academy of Nat. Sciences.
WARD, JAMES F. — See NEW YORK, Lyceum Nat. Hist.
WASHINGTON. — Smithsonian Institution: Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. 4to.
BREWER. — North American Oology. By THOMAS M. BREWER, M.D. Part 1, Raptores and Fissirostres. June,
1857. (To appear in vol. XI.)
WASHINGTON. — War Department: Report of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical
route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean. Made under the direction of the Secretary of War in
1854-'55, according to acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854. Ordered 33d" Congress, 2d
session ; Executive Document (Senate) No 78. 8 vols. 4to., published up to 1858. Washington.
Vol. I, 1855, contains : Report of the Secretary of War ; examination of the reports of the several routes explored ;
railway memoranda ; letter of Major General Thomas S. Jesup ; and report of Governor I. I. Stevens of route near the 47th
and 49th parallels of north latitude.
Vol. II, 1855, contains: Report of Lieutenant E. G. Beckwith, 3d artillery, upon the route near the 38th and 39th
parallels, and that near the 41st parallel ; report of a reconnaissance from Puget Sound to the Mississippi river, by F. W.
Lander ; report of Brevet Captain J. Pope, Topographical Engineers, upon the eastern portion of the route near the 32d
parallel, lying between the Red river and the Rio Grande ; report of Lieutenant J. G. Parke, Topographical Engineers, upon
that portion of the 32d parallel lying between the Rio Grande and Pimos villages on the Gila ; extract from report made of
a military reconnaissance made by Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Emory, U.S.A., of the portion of the route near the 32d
parallel lying between the mouths of the San Pedro and Gila rivers.
Vols. Ill and IV, 1856, contain : Report of Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, Topographical Engineers, of the route near the
35th parallel. Of this report Part vi, in Vol. IV, consists of the report on the zoology of the expedition by C. B. R.
Kennedy, M. D.
Vol. V, 1856, contains the report of Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Topographical Engineers, upon the routes in California
to connect with the routes near the 35th and 32d parallels.
Vol. VI, 1857, contains the report by Lieutenant Henry L. Abbott, Topographical Engineers, upon the routes in Oregon
and California explored by parties under the command of Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Topographical Engineers, in 1855.
Part iv of this report includes one upon the zoology of the route by J. S. Newberry, M. D.
Vol. VII, 1857, contains report of Lieutenant John G. Parke, Topographical Engineers, upon the routes in California to-
connect with the routes near the 35th and 32d parallels, and upon that portion of the route near the 32d parallel lying
between the Rio Grande and Pimos villages of the Gila ; also the conclusion of the official review of the reports upon
explorations and surveys for railroad routes from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean.
Vol. VIII, 1857, contains : General report upon the zoology of the several Pacific Railroad routes. Part I, Mammals, by
S. F. Baird. Vols. IX and X will contain the remainder of the natural history.
WIED, MAX. Prinz von. — See CASSEL : Journal fur Orn.
WILKES, Capt. C. — United States Exploring Expedition.
PEALE, T. R. — Report of the Mammalia and Birds of the U. S. Exploring Expedition nnder Capt. WILKES. 4to.
1848.
WILSON, ALEXANDER. — American Ornithology, or the natural history of the birds of the United States. 9 vols. 4to. Phila
delphia. I, 1808 ; II, 1810 ; III, IV, 1811 ; V, VI, 1812 ; VII, 1813; VIII, 1814 ; IX, 1814. (Completed under the editor
ship of GEORGE ORD.)
WILSON, ORD'S ed. of. — American Ornithology, or the natural history of the birds of the United States. Illustrated with
plates, engraved and colored, from original drawings taken from nature. By ALEXANDER WILSON. With a sketch of the
authors life by GEORGE ORD, F. L. S. 3 vols. 8vo. text, and one of plates in folio. Published by Collins & Co., New York,
and Harrison Hall, Philadelphia. I, II, 1828 ; III, 1829.
WIT.SON, (Alex.) — American Ornithology, or the natural history of the birds of the United States. By ALEXANDER WILSON
and CHARLES LUCIAN BONAPARTE. Edited, with notes and additions, by R. JAMESON. 4 vols. 18mo. Edinburg, 1831.
WILSON. — American Ornithology, or the natural history of the birds of the United States. By ALEXANDER WILSON ; with
a continuation by CHARLES LUCIAN BONAPARTE, Prince of Musignano. The illustrative notes and life of Wilson by Sir WM.
JAHDINE, Bart. 3 vols. 8vo. London and Edinburg, 1832.
WILSON. — Wilson's American Ornithology, with notes by JARDINE ; to which is added a synopsis of American birds,
including those described by Bonaparte, Audtibon, Nuttall, and Richardson. By T. M. BREWER. 8vo. Boston, 1840.
(Several editions of this work, with later dates, have been issued in New York from the original stereotype
plates.)
120 b
954 U. S. P. R. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT.
WISCONSIN State Ag. Soc.- — See MADISON.
WOODHOUSE, Dr. S. W. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences : Proceedings ; SITGKEAVES' Report.
WOODRUFF, SAMUEL. — See NEW HAVEN, Am. Jour. Sc.
XANTUS, J. — See PHILADELPHIA, Acad. Nat. Sciences: Proceedings. VESET.
YARRELL, WM. — See LONDON, Linnaean Society : Transactions, XVI, 109.
ZANDER. — See CASSEL, Journal fur Ornithologie.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
I. SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES,
A.
Aculeatcd swallow
Albatrosses
Albatross, Short- tailed
Sooty
Wandering
Yellow-nosed
American Avoset
Creeper
Dipper
Osprey
Ptarmigan
Haven -
Swan
Teal ..... .
Turkey
Widgeon
Woodcock
Anna Humming Bird
Aonalaschka Thrush
Arctic Bird
Skua
Tern
Arkansas Finch .......
Flycatcher
Ash-colored Heron
Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Audubon's Oriole ______
Warbler
Avoset, American
B.
Bachman's Finch .............
Oyster Catcher .....
Warbler ...........
Back, Gray ----- .............
B urd's Buzzard ..............
Bald Eagle .......... . .......
Baldpato . ___________________
Ball, Butter. .................
Baltimore Oriole ..............
Bonded Three-toed Woodpecker.
Page.
144
820
822
823
821
822
703
372
229
44
637
660
758
777
615
783
709
7i;72
173
213
840
839
862
422
173
668
179
542
273
703
484
700
255
715
21
43
733
797
548
98
Page
597
313
47
308
768
56
Band-tailed Pigeon. ...
Bank Swallow
Barn Owl
Swallow
Barnacle Goose
Barred Owl
Barrow's Golden Eye 796
Bartram's Sandpiper 737
Vireo 333
Bat, Bull 151
Bay-breasted Warbler 276
Bee Martin 171
Bell's Finch 470
Vireo 337
Belted Kingfisher 158
Bewick's Wren 363
Big Black Head 791
Bird, Arctic 840
Blue 222
Cat 346
Cedar 317
Crow 524
Cow Black 524
Crying 657
French Mocking 353
Humming _. 129
Indigo 505
King 171
Mocking 344
Mountain Mocking 347
Oregon Snow _. 4G6
Oven _
Owls
of Paradise
Pha-.be
Red
Reed
Rice
Singing 203
Snow 468
Surf 61)8
Western Blue 223
Yellow 421
Bittern.. 674
265
59
169
184
509
522
522
Bittern, Least 673
Minute _. 673
Black Brant 767
Duck 806
Flycatcher 183
Hawk 33
Parrot 71
Skimmer 866
Turnstone 702
Vulture 5
Warrior ._. 24
Woodcock 107
Blackbird, Brewer's 552
Crow 555
RedWing 526
Red-shouldered 529
Red and White shoul
dered „ 530
Rusty 551
Swamp 526
Yellow-headed 531
Black backed Three-toed Wood
pecker 98
Black-bellied Plover 697
Black-billed Cuckoo 77
Black-cap Flycatcher 184
Titmouse 390
Black-cheeked Tit _ 396
Black-chiimed Humming Bird.. 133
Sparrow 476
Black -crested Tit 385
Black-crowned Bunting 461
Black Hawk, Red-tailed 22
Black Head, Big 791
Little 791
Black-headed Flycatcher 184,337
Grosbeak... 448
(loLlnndi 419
Black-necked Stilt 704
Black-poll Warbler 2SO
Black-shouldered Hawk 37
Black Stormy Petrel 830
Black-throated Blue Wurbfcr... 271
Bunting 494
956
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
Page.
Black-throated Diver 888
Green Warbler.. 2G7
Gray Warbler .. 270
Humming Bird . 130
Sparrow 470
Black and White Creeper 235
Stormy Petrel. 832
Black and Yellow Warbler 284
Black bnrnian Warbler 274
Blandiog's Finch 519
Blue Bird 222
Crane 668
Grosbeak 499
Heron 068,671
Jay 580
Warbler 280
Bird, Red-breasted 222
Bird, Rocky Mountain 224
Blue-bill 791
Blue-headed Flycatcher 340
Pigeon ...... 608
Blue-Gray Flycatcher 280
Blue Mountain Warbler 278
Blue-winged Teal 779
Yellow Warbler... 254
Boat-tailed Grakle 555
Boblink 522
Bob- white 640
Bohemian Chatterer . 317
Bonaparte's Flycatcher 295
Gull 852
Brant, Common 767
Black 767
Brewer's Blackbird 552
Sparrow 475
Broad-bill 791
Broad-tailed Humming Bird 135
Broad- winged Hawk 29
Brown-headed Nuthatch . 377
Woodpecker 106
Brown Crane 655
Thrush 353
Buff-breasted Sandpiper _ 739
Buffle Head 797
Button's Skua 640
Bull Bat 151
Bull-head Plover 690
Bullock's Oriole 459
Bunting, Black-crowned 461
Black-throated 494
Clay-colored 474
Chestnut-collared 435
Henslow's 451
Lark 492
Leconte's 452
Sandwich 444
Bunting Smith' s
Page.
434
Chickadee Long-tailed
Page.
389
Snow .. .......
432
Chicken Mother Carey's
831
Townsend's
495
Prairie. ..
628
Unalascha
... 444
Chimney Swallow
144
Burgomaster
842
Chippin(r Spirrow
473
Burrough's Vulture
6
Chuck-will's Widow
147
Burrowing Owl .
... 59,60
Cinereous Petrel
855
Butter Ball
797
Clapper Rail .
747
Buzzard, Baird's .
21
Clark's Grebe
895
Harlan's
24
Crow
573
Harris' . ..
46
Clay-colored Bunting
464
Swainson's .
19
Cliff Swallow
309
Turkey
4
Cock of the Plains
624
c.
Rfio
Cock, Chapparal
73
Log
107
Sage
624
Colorado Raven . .
563
Rf)fi Turkev
682
Gull
Q4fi
Common Crow -
... 567
lav
KSA
Dove
... 604
070
Rail
749
Quail
£4.4.
Skua .
838
<{Q
Connecticut Warbler
246
5
Cooper's Hawk..
16
T 1 A
Coot..
751
114 I
004. Sea
806
764
White-winged
805
C99
Corn-Crake
751
Jay
590
Couch's Fly-catcher..
... 175
Canvas-back
794
Courlan
657
Carau
657
Cow Blackbird
524
C9Q
Cow-bird
... 524
Crane, Blue
668
AX.
Brown
655
Knn
White
... 654
312
Whooping
654
Parrot
67
Sand-hill
655
K
Creeper, American
372
Caspian Tern
859
Black and White . -
235
Crested Fly-catcher
178
/fix
Grebe
... 893
340
Crow Blackbird
555
Cat Bird
346
Crow, Carrion
5
fiQQ
Clarke' s - .
_. 573
Cedar Bird
318
Common
567
79
Fish -.---
.. 571
9<Q
Florida
568
Stone
220
Northwestern Fish
569
Yellow-Breasted
248
White-necked
565
317
Crossbill , Red
426
Chattering Flycatcher
248
White-winged
.. 427
APR
Crying Bird ........ -...
657
Chestnut-backed Tit
394
Cuckoo, Black-billed
77
974-
78
Chewink
512
Yellow-billed
70
Chiacalacca . .
611
Cuckoos..
.. 65,71
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES
957
Cuneate-tailed Gull .
Curlew Sandpiper —
Curlew, Esquimaux.
Hudsonian..
Pink..
Page.
856
718
744
744
683
Spanish 684
White 684
Cuthbert Duck 809
Cu vier ' s Golden Crest 228
D.
Day Owl
Dipper
American .
Diver, Black-throated
Great Northern
Red throated
Pacific
Divers .
Dove, Common
Ground
Red-billed
White-winged
Zenaida
Downy Woodpecker
Driver, Stake _
Duck Hawk
Duck, Black 775,
Cuthbert
Dusky
Eider
Fish
Grey
Harlequin
King
Labrador
Long-legged
Ring-necked
Round-crested
Ruddy
Scaup
Spirit
Steller's
Summer .
Surf
Velvet
Dusky Duck
Grouse
Dwarf Thrush
E.
890
889
887
604
606
598
603
602
89
674
7
806
809
775
809
813
782
799
810
803
770
702
861
811
791
797
801
785
806
805
775
620
213
Eagle, Bald
Caracara
European Sea
Golden __
43
45
43
41
Page.
Eagle, Gray Sea 43
Mexican 45
Northern Sea 42
Ring-tailed 41
Washington 42
White-headed 43
Egret, Great 666
Reddish 662
Eider Duck 809
Eider, King 810
Pacific 810
Spectacled 803
Elegant Tern 860
English Snipe 710
Teal 778
Widgeon 785
Esquimaux Curlew . 744
European Sea Eagle 43
Evening Grosbeak 409
Eye, Golden 796
Falcon, Ger 13
Iceland 13
Winter 28
Falcons 7
Field Plover 737
Sparrow _ 473
Finch, Arkansas 422
Bachman's 484
Bell's 470
Blanding's 519
Cassia's Purple 414
Gold 421
Grass 447
Gray-crowned 430
Harris' 462
House 415
Lark 456
Lazuli 504
Lincoln's 482
Mountain 472
Painted 503
Pine 425
Purple 412
Sea-side 454
Sharp-tailed 453
Summer 484
Western Purple 413
Yellow- throated 494
Fish Crow 571
Duck 813
Hawk 44
Fhimingo 687
Flicker 118
Flicker, Red shafted 120
Page.
Florida Crow 568
Gallinule 752
Greenbhank 750
Heron 669
Jay 58(i
Flycatcher, Arkansas 173
Ash-throated 179
Bonaparte's 295
Black 183
Black-cap 184
Black- headed 134,337
Blue-Gray 380
Blue-headed 340
Canada 294
Cassin's _ 174
Chattering.. 248
Couch's 175
Crested 178
Forked-tailed 168
Great Crested 178
Green 338
Green Black-cap 293
Button's 339
Lawrence's 181
Least .... 195
Olive-sided , 188
Red 201
Red-eyed 331
Rose-throated 164
Say's 185
Small Green-crested. 197
Small-headed 293
Swallow-tailed 169
Traill's 193
Tyrant 166
Vermilion _ 296
Wrarbling 335
Yellow-bellied 198
Yellow-throated 341
Fly-up-the-creek 676
Fork-tailed Flycatcher 168
Gull 857
Petrel 829
Former's Tern 862
Fox colored Sparrow 488
Franklin's Grouse 623
Rosy Gull 851
French Mocking Bird 353
Fulmar petrel 825
Fulmar, Gigantic _ '825
Pacific.. 826
Slender-billed 826
Tropical 827
G.
Gad wall.
782
958
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
Page .
Gairdner's Woodpecker 91
Grillinule, Florida 752
Purple 753
Gambol's Partridge — . 645
Ger Falcon 13
Gigantic Fulmar 825
Gila Woodpecker Ill
Glaucous Gull 842
Glaucous-winged Gull 842
Glossy Ibis 685
Goat-suckers 146
Goat-sucker, short- winged 147
Golden Eagle 41
Golden-eye, Common 796
Barrows 796
Finch 421
Robin 548
Plover 690
Golden-crested Wren 227
Golden-crowned Sparrow 461
Thrush 260
Golden- Winged Warbler 255
Goldfinch, Black-headed 419
Mexican 423
Stanley's 420
Yarrell's 421
Goosander 813
Goose, Barnacle 768
Canada 764
White Fronted 761
Hutchin's 766
Laughing 761
Snow 760
Goshawk - 15
Grakle, Boat-tailed 555
Great-tailed 554
Purple i 655
GrassFinch 447
Gray Back 715
Duck 782
crowned Finch 430
King-bird 172
Owls 55
Sea Eagle. 43
Snipe 712
Gray-chefked Thrush 217
Gray-headed Warbler 243
Gray-winged Gull 843
Great I Slack-backed Gull 844
egret -- 660
Crested Flycatcher 178
tailed Grukle 554
Gray Owl 56
White Heron 670
Horned Owl 49
Northern Diver.. 888
Great Northern Shrike
Carolina Wren
Greater Shearwater
Grebe, California 896
Clark's
Crested
Eared
^ Horned _
Pied bill
Eed-necked
Western
Grebes
Green Black-cap Flycatcher
Flycatcher 338
Heron
Greenhead
Green- winged Teal 777
Greenshank, Florida 730
Grosbeak, Black-headed 498
Blue
Evening 409
Eose breasted
Pine
Ground Dove
Eobin
Grouse _
Grouse, Canada 622
Dusky .-
Franklin' s
Oregon 631
Pinnated
Eock
Euffed
Sharp tailed 626
Spotted . 622
White
Willow
Gull, Bonaparte's 852
Cuneate-tailed
Forked-tailed ......
Franklin's Eosy 851
Glaucous
Glaucous- winged 842
Great Black-backed
Gray-winged 843
Herring _ 844
Hooded
Ivory
Kittivvake
Laughing
Little
Eing-billed 846
Short-legged 856
Silvery 844
Skua
Buckley's 848
' ge.
324
Gull, Swallow-tailed
Pnga,
857
361
Western ........
845
833
White-headed
848
896
White-winged
843
895
Yellow- billed
855
893
Gulls
..837,840
897
895
898
H.
Hairy Woodpecker
84
892
Hang Nest ......
548
894
Harlan's Buzzard . .
21
891
Harlequin Duck ..
799
293
Harrier ..........
38
338
Harris" Buzzard ...
46
676
Finch
462
794
Woodpecker .......
87
777
Havell's Tern
861
730
Hawk Owl ..... ........
64
498
Hawk, Black
33
499
Black- shouldered ...
37
409
Broad- winged
29
497
Cooper's ..... ...
16
410
Duck
7
606
Fish
44
512
Marsh .....
38
619
Night
151
622
Texas .............
154
620
Pigeon ... ......
9
623
Eed-shouldered
28
fi.Sl
Eed- tailed ..
25
628
Eough-legged ...
32
635
Sharped-shinned
18
630
13
626
Swallow-tailed. __.. .
36
622
White-tailed
37
633
Western Eed tailed .
26
633
Hawks ._.._ ...........
15
852
Head Bufile
797
856
Green ........
774
857
Hcermanii's Song Sparrow.
. ' 478
851
Hemlock warbler...... . ...
274
842
Hen Marsh . ...
746
842
Mud
..747,751
844
628
843
Henslow's Buntin0' ...
451
844
Hermit Thr ush. .........
2t2
851
Heron Ash-colored ........
668
856
Blue
..668,671
854
Florida
669
850
Great White
670
853
G reen
67«
846
Large crested. .
C6S
856
Louisiana .......
663
844
Night
678
837
Snowy .-
665
84K
White..
666
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
959
Heron, Yellow-crowned
Herring Gull
High Holder
Holder, High
Hooded Gull
Merganser
Oriole . —
Warbler
Hornby's Petrel
Horned Grebe
Owls
House Finch
Wren
Hudsonian Curlew
Huron Scoter
Hutchins' Goose
Hutton' s Flycatcher
Humming Bird, Anna
Black-chinned .
Black-throated .
Broad-tailed
Red-backed
Euby-throated .
I.
Ibis, Glossy
Bed
Scarlet
White
Wood
Iceland Falcon
Imperial Woodpecker
Indigo Bird
Ivory Gull
Ivory-billed Woodpecker ,
J.
Jackdaw
Jack Snipe..
Jay, Blue
California
Canada
Florida
Maximilians _
Bio Grande..
Bteller's
Ultramarine .
Woodhouse's
K.
Kelly, Whip Tom..
Kentucky Warbler .
Key West Pigeon
Kill-deer .
Page.
079
844
118
118
851
816
546
229
829
895
38
415
307
744
808
766
339
137
133
130
135
134
131
685
683
683
684
682
13
82
505
856
81
555
837
720
680
584
590
586
574
589
581
588
585
334
247
607
692
Pag .
King Bird 171
Duck 810
Eider 810
Plover C94
Hail 746
Kingfishers _ 157
Kingfisher, Belted 168
Toxas 159
Kirtland's Warbler 286
Kite, Mississippi 37
Kites 36
Kitti wake Gull.. 854
Kittiwake, North Pacific 854
Short-billed 855
L.
Labrador Duck 803
Lapland Longspur 433
Large-billed Water Thrush 262
Large-crested Heron 668
Lark Bunting 492
Finch 456
Lark, Meadow 535
Old Field 535
Red-breasted 533
Sky 403
Tit 232
Western 537
Laughing Goose 761
Gull 850
Lawrence's Flycatcher 181
Lazuli Finch 504
Leach's Petrel 830
Lesser Red Poll 428
Least Bittern 673
Flycatcher 195
SandPiper 721
Tern 864
Tit 379
Leconte's Bunting 452
Legs, Yellow 732
Lewis Woodpecker 115
Lincoln's Finch 482
Little Black-head 791
Black Rail 749
Gull 853
Thrush 214,216
LogCock 107
Loggerhead Shrike ,. 325
Long-billed Marsh Wren 364
Scoter 806
Long-eared Owl 53
Long-legged Duck 770
Long-tail _. 800
Long-tailed Chat 249
Chickadee.. 389
Page.
Long-tailed Grouse 626
Longspur, Lapland 433
Loon gss
Louisiana Heron . _ ._ 663
Shrike 325
Tanager 303
M.
Macgillivray's Warbler 244
Magpie 576
Magpie, Yellow-billed......,., 578
Mallard 774.
Mangrove Cuckoo 78
Marsh Hawk 38
Hen .- 746
Tern 859
Martin, Bee 171
Purple 314
Maryland Yellow-throat 241
Massena Partridge 647
Mank's Shearwater 834
Maximilian's Jay _ 574
Meadow Lark 535
Mealy Red Poll J 429
Merganser, Hooded 816
Red-breasted, 814
Mexican Eagle .-- 45
Goldfinch 423
Titmouse 392
Trogon ..-. — 69
Tmkey 618
Minute Bittern 673
Mississippi Kite 37
Missouri Skylark 234
Mocker, Sandy ._ 353
Mocking Bird 344
Mother Carey ' s Chicken .„„,. 831
Mottled Owl 51
Mountain Finch 472
Mocking Bird 347
Plover 693
Quail 642
ourning Warbler 243
Mud Hen 757,751
N.
Nashville Warbler 256
Night Hawk 151
Western 153
Night Heron 678
Yellow-crowned — 679
Noddy Tern 865
Nonpareil 503
North Pacific Kittiwake 854
Northern Phalarope _. 706
960
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
Page
Northern Sea Eagle .., 42
Swift 142
Northwestern Fish Crow 569
Nuthatch, Brown-headed 377
California . . 378
White-bellied 374
Red-bellied 376
Slender-bill 375
Nuttall' s Whippoorwill 149
Woodpecker 93
0.
Old-Field Lark 535
Old-Wife 800
Olive-backed Thrush 216
Olive-sided Flycatcher 188
Orange-crowned Warbler 257
Orange-headed parrot _ 67
Orchard Oriole 547
Oregon Ground Robin ._ 513
Grouse 631
Snow Bird 466
Swift 145
Oriole, Audubon's 542
Baltimore 548
Bullock's 549
Hooded 546
Orchard 547
Red- winged 526
Sharp-tailed 453
Ortolan 749
Osprey, American 44
Ouzel, Water 229
Oven bird 260
Owls 47
Owl, Barn 47
Barred 56
Bird 59
Burrowing 59
Day 64
Gray 55
Great Gray - 56
Great Horned 49
Hawk 64
Horned 48
Long Eared 53
Mottled 51
Pigmy -- 62
Saw-whet - 58
Screech _ 51
Short Eared 54
Snowy 63
Western Mottled 52
White 63
Oyster-Catcher 699
P.
Pacific Diver
Eider
Fulmar
Paisano
Painted Finch . .
Parakeet
Parckmann ' s Wren
Parrot, Black
Carolina
Orange-headed
Thick-billed..
Page.
889
.... 810
826
73
503
67
.... 367
71
67
67
66
Parrots 65,66
Passenger Pigeon 600
Partridge 630
Gambel's 645
Massena 647
Plumed 643
Scaled or Blue 646
Spruce 622
Virginia 640
Partridges 640,638
Peale's Egret 661
Petrel, Black Stormy 830
Black and White Stormy 832
Cape 828
Cinereous _. 835
Fulmar 825
Fork-tailed 829
Hornby's 829
Leach's 830
Pintado 828
Stormy 831
Wilson' s Stormy 831
Pelican, Brown 870
White 868
Petrels, Wood 682
Pewee 184
Short-legged 189
Wood 190
Phalarope, Northern , 706
Wilson's 705
Red 707
Pheasant 630
Phoebe Bird 184
Pied-bill Grebe.. 898
PJed duck 803
Pigeon Hawk ... 9
Pigeon, Band-tailed 597
Blue-headed 608
Cape 828
Key West 607
Passenger 600
White-headed... 599
Wild .. 600
Page.
Pine Creeping Warbler 277
Finch 425
Grosbeak 410
Pigmy Owl 62
Pink Curlew 683
Pileatetl woodpecker 107
Pintado Petrel 828
Pintail 776
Pinnated Grouse 628
Piping Plover 695
Plains, Cock of the 624
Plover, Black-bellied 697
Bull-head 690
Field 737
Golden 690
King 694
Mountain 693
Piping 695
Semipalmated 694
Wilson's 693
Plumed Partridge 642
Poll, Lesser Red 428
Mealy Red 429
Yellow Red 288
Pomarine Skua « 838
Prairie Chicken 628
Hen 628
Warbler 290
Prothonotary Warbler 239
Ptarmigan, American 637
Rock 635
White 633
White-tailed 636
Purple Finch 412
Gallinule 753
Grakle 555
Martin 314
Sand piper 717
Q.
Quails 640
Quail, California 644
Mountain 642
Rail, Clapper 747
Common . 749
King 746
Little Black 749
Virginia 748
Yellow 750
Raven, American. 560
Colorado 563
Red-backed Humming Bird 134
Red-backed Snipe 719
Red-bellied Nuthatch 376
Woodpecker 109
Red-billed Dove.. 598
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
961
Page.
Red bird 509
Crossbill 426
Flycatcher 201
Ibis 683
1'halcrope 707
Red Bird, Summer 301
Bed-breasted Blue Bird 222
Lark 533
Merganser 814
Snipe 712
Seal 780
Woodpecker 104
Red-cockaded Woodpecker 96
Red-eyed Flycatcher 331
Red-head 793
Red-headed Woodpecker 113
Red-necked Grebe 892
Red-shafted Flicker 120
Red-shouldered Hawk 28
Blackbird 529
Red-Start 277
Red-tailed Hawk 25
Black Hawk 22
Red- throated Diver 890
Red-winged Blackbird 526
Oriole 526
Red and white shouldered Black
bird 530
Reddish Egret 662
Reed Bird 522
Rice Bird 522
Rio Grande Jay 589
Ring-billed Gull. 846
Ring-necked Duck 792
Ring-Tailed Eagle 41
Road-Runner 73
Robin 48
Snipe 715
Golden 548
Ground 512
Oregon Ground 513
Rock Ptarmigan 635
Wren 557
Grouse 636
Rocky Mountain Blue Bird 224
Rose-breasted G rosbeak 497
Rose-throated Flycatcher _ 164
Roseate spoon-bill 686
Tern . 863
Rosy Spoon-bill 686
Royal Tern 859
Rough -legged Hawk 32
Rough-winged Swallow 313
Round-crested Duck 816
Ruby-crowned Wren 226
Ruby-throated Humming Bird.. 131
121 b
Page.
Ruddy Duck 811
RufY 737
Ruffed Grouse 630
Rusty Blackbird 551
S.
Sage Cock 624
Sanderling 723
Sand-hill Crane 655
Sandy Mocker 353
Sandpiper, Bartram's 737
Buff-breasted 739
Curlew 718
Least 721
Purple 717
Semipalniated 724
Solitary 733
Spotted 735
Stilt 726
Sandwich Bunting 444
Sapsucker 84, 89
Sawbill 161
Saw-whet Owl 58
Savannah Sparrow 442
Say's Flycatcher 185
Scaled or Blue Partridge 646
Scarlet Ibis 683
Tanager . 300
Scaup Duck 791
Scissor-tail 169
Scoter 807
Scoter, Huron 808
Long-billed 806
Screech Owl 51
Sea Coot 806
Sea-side Finch 454
Semipalniated Plover 694
Sandpiper 724
Sharp-shinned Hawk 18
Sharp-tailed Finch. 453
Grouse 626
Oriole 453
Shearwater, Greater — 833
Manks 834
Sooty 834
Sheldrake 813
Short-billed Kittiwake 855
Marsh Wren 365
Short-eared Owl 54
Short-legged Gull 856
Pewee 189
Short-tailed Albatross 822
Tern 864
Short-winged goat sucker 147
Shoveller 781
Shufiler-- 791
Shrike, Great Northern
Loggerhead
Louisiana
White-rumped
Silvery Gull
Singing Birds
Skimmers
Skimmer, Black
Skua, Arctic
Buffon's
Common
Skua, Pomarine
Skua Gulls
Sky Lark
Skylark, Missouri
Slenderbill Nuthatch
Fulmar
Tern
Small-headed Flycatcher
Small Green-crested Flycatcher.
Smew
Smith's Bunting
Snipe, English
Gray
Jack
Red-backed
Red-breasted
Robin
Stone
Wilson's _
Snow Bird
Bunting
Goose
Snowy Heron
Owl ..
Solitary Sandpiper
Song Sparrow
Sooty Albatross
Shearwater
Tern
Sora
Southerly, South
South Southerly
Spanish Curlew
Sparrow Hawk
Sparrow, Brewer's
Black-chinned
Black- throated
Ch ipping
Field
Fox-colored
Golden-crowned
Savannah
Song
Song, Heermann's
Swamp
Page.
324
825
325
327
844
203
865
860
839
840
838
838
837
403
234
375
826
863
293
197
817
434
710
712
720
719
712
715
731
710
468
432
760
665
63
733
477
823
834
861
749
800
800
684
13
475
476
470
473
473
488
4(il
442
477
478
483
962
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
Sparrow, Tree
White-throated
White-crowned
Yellow- winged
Spectacled Eider
Spirit Duck
Spotted Grouse
Sandpiper
Spoonbill
Spoon-bill, Eoseate
Kosy
Sprig tail
Spruce Partridge
Squirrel Hawk, California
Stake-Driver
Stanley's Goldfinch
Start, Red
Steller's Duck
Jay —
Stilt, Black-necked
Stilt Sandpiper
Stone Chat
Snipe
Stormy Petrel --
Striped Three-toed Woodpecker.
Suckley's Gull
Summer Duck
Finch
Eed Bird
Surf Bird
Duck
Swainson' s Warbler.
Buzzard
Swallow, Bank
Barn
Aculeated
Chimney
Cliff
Swallow, Rough-winged
Alolet Green
White-bellied
Swallow-tailed Gull
Hawk
Flycatcher
Swamp Blackbird
Sparrow
Swan, American
Trumpeter
Swifts _ .
Swift, Northern
Oregon -
White-throated
T.
Tanager, Louisiana
Scarlet ,.
Page.
472
463
458
450
803
797
622
735
781
686
686
776
622
34
674
420
297
801
581
704
726
220
731
831
100
848
785
484
301
698
806
252
19
313
308
144
144
309
313
311
310
857
36
169
526
483
758
758
140
112
145
141
303
300
Tatlur, Wandering
Tawny Thrush 212
Teal, American
Blue- winged 779
English ... 778
Green-winged _.
Red-breasted
White-faced
Tell Tale
Tennessee Warbler
Tern, Arctic 862
Cabot's
Caspian 859
Elegant
Forster's
Ha veil's
Least
Marsh
Noddy
Roseate
Royal
Short-tailed _.
Slender-billed
Sooty
Trudeau' s
Wilson' s
Terns
Texas Kingfisher
Night Hawk
Thick-billed Parrot
Thrasher
Thrush, Aonalashka 213
Brown
Dwarf
Gray-cheeked 217
Golden-crowned
Hermit
Little 214,216
Olive-backed
Tawny 212
Varied
Water
Water, Large-billed
Wilson's
Wood
Tit, Black-checked 376
Black-crested
Chestnut-backed
Lark
Least _.
Titmouse, Black-cap 390
Carolina
Mexican
Tufted
Western ..
Towhee
Page.
734
Townseud's Buntin°~ . _.
Page.
493
212
Traill's Flycatcher
197
677
Tree Sparrow .
465
779
Trogons
65, 60
778
Trogon, Mexican . ..
29
777
Tropical Fulmar
872
780
Troupial . .
542
779
Trudeau's Tern . . _ ..
861
731
Trumpeter Swan .
758
258
Tuft ed Titmouse
384
862
Turkey Buzzard .
4
860
Turkey Tulture . .....
4
859
Turkey, American . ..
615
860
Colorado .
682
862
Mexican . ...
618
861
Wild
615
864
Turnstone ..
701
859
Turnstone, Black
702
865
Typical Owls...
47
863
Tyrant Flycatchers
166
859
864
863
u.
Ultramarine Jay
588
861
Unalascha Bunting . ......
444
861
861
858
V.
Varied Thrush
219
159
Velvet Duck
805
154
Vermilion Flycatcher
296
66
Vireo, Cassin's ..
340
353
Bartram' s..
333
213
Bell's
337
353
White-eyed
338
213
Virginia Partridge ...
640
217
Rail
748
260
Violet Green Swallow
311
212
Vulture, Black
5
216
Burro ugh 's
6
216
California . .......
5
212
Turkey ..
4
211
2G9
262
w.
Wandering Albatross
821
214
Tatler
734
212
Warbler Audubon's ...
273
376
Bachinan' s .
255
385
Bay-breasted . .
276
394
Blackburnian
274
232
Black Poll
280
397
390
392
392
384
Black throated Blue
Black-throated Gray . .
Black-throated Green .
Black and Yellow
Blue
271
270
266
284
280
391
Blue Mountain
278
512
Blue Yellow-backed .,
238.
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF COMMON NAMES.
963
Page.
Warbler, Cape May 28G
Chestnut-sided 279
Connecticut 246
Flycatcher 335
Golden winded 255
Gray-headed 213
Hemlock 29-1
Hooded 272
Kentucky 247
Rutland's 2SG
Macgillvray's 245
Mourning; 243
Nashville 256
Orange-crowned 257
Pine Creeping 277
Froth onotary 293
Prairie 290
Swainson's 252
Tennessee 258
Western 268
Worm-eating 252
Yellow 282
Yellow-throated 289
Yellow-ramped. 277
Washington Eagle 42
Water Thrush 261
Ouzel 229
Western Blue Bird 223
Grebe 894
Gull 845
Lark 537
Mottled Owl 52
Night TTawk 153
Red-tailed Hawk 26
Purple Finch 413
Titmouse 391
Warbler 268
Whip Tom Relly . 334
Whippoorwill 148
Whippoorwill, Nuttall's 149
Whistle Wing 796
White Crane 654
Curlew 634
Heron 666
Grouse 633
Ibis 684
Owl 63
Ptarmigan 633
White-bellied Nuthatch 371
Swallow 310
Woodpecker 81
White-crowned Sparrow.. 458
White-eyed Virco 338
White-faced Teal 779
White Fronted G oose 761
White-headed Eagle 43
White-headed G ull
l';igc.
848
599
96
465
327
113
463
141
27
636
356
427
805
603
843
654
783
784
147
600
615
105
729
633
705
693
710
831
861
214
796
28
369
682
682
190
212
368
709
107
585
98
98
106
114
89
91
112
84
87
82
81
115
Woodpecker Red-bellied
l>age_
109
104
96
113
100
105
81
96
113
,110
118
5,79
252
363
227
361
367
364
367
357
226
365
356
369
368
421
198
,110
76
855
578
421
248
679
679
531
732
822
750
282
288
254
272
118
241
494
341
289
450
602
Pigeon
Red-breasted
Woodpecker
White-necked Crow.
Red-cockaded
Red-headed
White-rumped Shrike
Striped Three-toed.
Williamson's
Woodpecker
White-throated Sparrow
White-billed
Swift
White-headed
White-rumped
Yellow-bellied... 103
Yellow shafted
Woodpeckers . 6
White-tailed Hawk
Ptarmigan
Wren
White-winged Crossbill
Coot.
Worm-eating Warbler.
Dove
Wren, Bewick's
Gull
Golden-crested
Whooping Crane . .
Great Carolina
Widgeon, American
House
English
Long-billed Marsh
Widow, Chuck- wills
Parkmann's
Wild Pigeon
Rock
Turkey
Ruby- crowned
Williamson's Woodpecker
Short-billed Marsh
Willet
Whi te- throated
Willow Grouse
Winter
Wilson's Phalarope
Wood
Plover
Y.
Yarrell's Goldfinch
Snipe
Stormy Petrel
Tern
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Wood pecker... 103
Thrush
Wing, Whistle
Winter Falcon _
Gull
Wren
Wood Ibis
Yellow Bird
Pelican
Pewee
Thrush
Night Heron ..
Wren
Woodcock, American
Black
Woodhouse's Jay _.
Yellow Rail
Woodpecker, Banded Three-toed.
Black BackedThree-
tocd
Warbler
Red Poll
Warbler, Blue-winged..
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Brown-headed
California
Yellow-shafted Woodpecker
Downy
Gairdner's
Gila
Flycatcher
Hairy
Harris'
Yellow-winged Sparrow
Imperial
z.
Zenaida Dove......
Ivory-billed'
Lewis'
Nuttall's
93
107
Pileated..
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
II. SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.1
A.
Page.
aberti, Kieneria - 516
Pipllo 510,511
aaulica, Muscicapa 197
Nyd.aU 58
Strix 58
Tyrannula 197
acadicus, Empidonax 197,192
Tyrannus 197
acadiensis, Strix 58
Acanthis canesccns 429
linaria 428
Acanthylis . _ 144
pclasgia 144
vauxii 145
Accentor aurocapillus 2GO
Accipiler 1(5
cooperii 1C
fuscus 18
mexicanus 17
ruficaudus. 25
striatus - 18
Accipitrinae - 15
acclamator, Strix 5C
Actidurus naevius 739
Actitis macularius 735
Actilurus 737,728
Aditurus bartramius 737
Actodramiis 720, 714
(icujlavida, Sterna 860, 858
aculeala, Sitla 375, 374
acuta, Anas 776
Dafila. 776
acutus, Phasianurus 776
Adaniastor 835
Adamastor typus 835
Adelarus heermanni _ 848
adsporsa, Limosa 740
adunea, Anas 774
aedon, Troylodytes , 367
Aeyialeus C94
seraipalmatus 694
Acgialites melodus 695
1 The names adopted are given in italic, the
is used as a heading.
Page.
Aegialitis . _ 691
mdodus.. _. 695
montanus 693
nivosa 696
semipalmalus . 694
vodferus . , 692
wilsonius 693
Aegialtes semipalmata 694
Aegiothus 428,408
canescens 429
holbolli 429
linaria _ ._ 428
Aegithaliscus 395
mclanotis -. 396
Aegithalus flaviceps 400
Aeyilhina leucoptera 305 app.
aogoccphala, Limosa ... 741
aestiva, Dendroica 282, 266
Fringilla 484
Motacilla 282
Phoenicosoma 301
Phoenisorna 301
Pyranga 301,300
Sylvia 282
Sylvicola 282
Tanagra 301
aestivalis, Fringilla 484
Peucaea 484
aeetivus, Rhimamphus 282
Aestrelata 287
diabolica 827
aethereus, Phaeton 885
affinis, Fuligula 791
FuUx 791
Marila 791
Xantliornus 547
Aganiia vircscens 676
Agdainae — 521
Agelaius ,. 525,521
bullockii 549
gubermtor 529,526
icterocephalus 531
longipes 531
others are synonyms. The first reference after
Page.
Agelaius phoeniceus 526
tricolor 530,526
xanthocephalus ._ 531
agilis, Lanius 333
Oporornis . 246
Pbyllomanes 333
Sylvia 246
Sylvicola 246
Thamnopbilus 333
Trichas 246
aglaiae, Pacliyrhamphus 164
Psaris ... .. 164
agripennis, Dolichonyx 522
Icterus 522
Agrodoma spraguei — 234
Aix 785,772
sponsa. . . 785
ajaja, Platalea 686
Alauda alpestris 403
chrysolaema 403
cornuta 403
ludoviciana 232
magna 535
minor 403
pennsyl vanica 232
rufa 403,232
rubra . ...... 232
spraguei 234
alaudarius, Cacicus 535
Alaudidae 402,204
alaudinus, Passerculus 446, 442
alba, Ardea 666
Ibit 684
Sula 871
albatrus, Diomedea 821
albatus, Anser 760
; albellus, Mcrgus 817.
Mergdlm 817
albcola, Anas 797
Bucephala 797,795
Clangula 797
Fuligula. 797
| albicilla, Ilaliaetus .. 43
italicized names is to the page where the name
966
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
albicilla, Vultur 43
albicollis, Fringilla 463
Motacilla 282
Sylvia 282
Troglodytes 35C
Zonotrichia 463,458
albifrons, Anser 761
Certhia 356
Nydak 57
Strix 57
albigularis, Spermophila 506
albolarvatus, Leuconcrpes 96
Melanerpes 96
Picas 96,83
albus, Eudocimus 684
Lagopus 633,632
Paribus 684
Tantalus. 684
Tetrao 633
Alca 900
aloe 918
alle 918
antiqua... 916
arctica 903
balthica 901
camtschatica 908
Candida 918
cirrhata — 902
cristatella 906
grylle 911
impennis — 900
labradoria 903,904
moiiocerata 905
pica 901
pygmaea 908
psittacula 910
unisulcata 901
tetracula 907
torda 901
Alcedinidae 157, 155
Alcedo alcyon 158
americana 159
gnacu , 158
jaguacate 158
viridis , 159
Alcidae 900,755,819
alcyon, Alcedo 158
Ceryle 158
Mcgaceryle 157
aleuticus, Plychorhamphus
alexandri, TrochUiis 133
aliciae, Turdus 217,210
alpestris, Alauda 403
alpina, Tringa 719
alticeps, Arcbibuteo 32
altiloqua, Muscicapa 334
Page.
altiloqua, Vircosylvia 334
altiloguus, Vireo ...... 330
amabilis, Zenaida . 602
ambigua, Fringilla 524
americana, Alcedo 159
Ampelis 318
Anas 783
Ardea 654
Aythya 793
Bucephala 796, 795
Carduelis 421
Certhia 372
Ceryle 159
Chloroceryle 157, 159
Clangula 796
Columba 600
Compsothl ypis 238
Cupidonia 628
Ourvirostra 426
Empiza 494
Euspina . 494
Fringilla 494
Fulica 751
Fuligula 794,807
Hirundo 308
Limosa 740
Loxia 426
Mareca 783
Melanetta 807
Meleagris 615
Motacilla 238
Microptera 709
Nyroca 794
Oedemia 807,804
Parula 238,237
Pinicola 410
Recurvirostra 703
Strix 53,47
Sula 871
Sylvia 238
Sylvicola 238
amoricanvm, Apternns 98
Buteo 25
Caprimulgus 151
Chordeiles 151
Cinclus 229
Coccyyus . 76
Oorvus 556,559
Cuculus 76
Cureus 76
Oygnus 758,757
Erythrophrys 76
Grus 654,653
Lagopus 637
Mergus 813
Nycticorax 678
Page.
americamis, Olor 758
Otns 53
Pandiou 44
Parus 238
Pelecanus 868
Porpbyrio 753
Troglodytes 368
amicta, Cardellina 306
Ammodramus 452,439
bacbmani 484
caudacutus 45,°)
macgillivrayi 454
maritimus 454
palustris 483
rostratus 446
ruficeps . 486
samudis _ 455
amcena, Cyanospiza 504,501
Embema 504
Fringilla 504
Spixa 504
Ampelis 316
americana 318
carolinensis 318
cedrorum 318,316
garrulus 314, 317, 316
luteus 248
sialis 222
Anas 773,772
acuta 776
adunca 774
albeola 797
americana 783
arborea 769
audubonii 774
autumnalis - -- 770
bahamensis 776
berengii 801
bernicla — 767, 766
bicolor 1 .770, 774
loschas 773
breweri 774
bracbyrhynclius 800
Inicephala 797
canadensis 765, 764
carolinensis 777
candacuta 776
clangula 796
clypeata 781
collaris 792,770
columbianus 758
crccca 777, 778
cutbbertii 809
cyanoptera 780
cj'gmis 758
discors .. — 779
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
967
Page,
Anas dispar 801
domestica 77-1
cry thropus 7C8
fcriua — . 793
I'renata 791
fulignla 792
fulva 770
filial. 805
galericulata 785
glacialis 800
glocitans 774
histrionica 799
hyemalis 800
hyper borea 760
ilathera 776
islandica 796
jamaicensis 811
labradoria - 803
loucocephalus 800
marila 791
maxima 774
miclonia 800
miiiuta 799
mollissima 809
iiigra 807
nival is 760
obscura 775, 773
ocridua 801
penelope - 784
perspicillata - 806
purpureo-viridis 774
rafflesii 780
rubcns 718
rubida 811
rufitorques 792
rustica 797
sinuata 770
spcctabilis 810
sponsa 785
stclleri 801
strepera 782
sylvatica 777
urophasiarms 776
vallisncriana 794
virgata 770
Anatidae 756, 755
Anatinac _ 772,756
anatum, Falco 7
Ancylocheilus subarquata - 718
anglorum, Procellaria 834
Puffimts 834, 833
anglica, Sterna 859
anhinga, Plotus 883
ani, Crotuphaya 72
animosa, Musicapa 171
Anitodactyli . 156
anna, Atthis 137
Calliphlox 137
Ornismya 137
Trocbilu.s, (Atthis) 137
annexus, Parus 386
Auorthura 366
Anous 865, 858
Anous slolidus 865
Anser -.760, 75g
Anser albatus 760
albifroris - 761
bernicla 767
bruchii 762
caerulescens 7(!0
canadensis 764
frontalis 762
yambelii 761
hutchinsii 766
hyperboreus 760
leucopareius 765
leiicopsis 7 68
mcdius 762
nigricans 767
parvipes 764
temminckii 762
torquata 767
Ansereac — 759
Anseres 755
Anserinae - 59, 75, 67
antarctica, Diomedea 823
anthinus, Passerculus 445, 442
anthoidcs, Sylvia 261
Anthus 232,231
Anthus aquaticus 232
ludovicianus 232
pennsylvanicus 232
pipk'ns 232
rubcns 232
spinoletta 232
antiqua, Alca 916
Uria 916
Mergulus 916
SynthliborhamphuB — 916
Antrostomus 146
A ntrostomus carolinensis 147
nultalli 149
vociferns 148
aonalaschka, Turdus 213
Aphclocoma californica 584
lloridana 586
sordida -- 587
Aphriza 698
Aphriza townsendii 699
viryata G98
Apobapton 915,919
apricarius, (Jharadrius.,--, 697
Apternus
ApterniiH americanus.
arcticus
hirsutus..
Page.
97
98
98
. 98
aquaticus, An thus 232
Rallus 748
Turdus 261
Aqitila 41
Aquilinae 41
aquila, Attagen 873
Aquila canadensis 41
nobilis 41
pelagica 42
piscatrix 44
aquilinus, Falco 25
aquilus, Tachypctes 873
Aramidae 657 , 65 1
Aramus 657
Aramus yiyanteus 657
scolopaceus 657
aranea, Sterna 859, 858
arborca, Fringilla 472
Archibuteo 32
Archibutco alticeps 32
ferruffineus 34
lagopus 32
planiceps 32
regalis -_ 34
sancti johannis 33
arctica, Anas
Alca 903
Euspiza 444
Emberiza 444
Erythraca 224
Fratercula 903
Fringilla 513,444
Pipilo 513
Pyrgita 514
Sialia 222,221
Sterna 862
Strix 63
Sylvia 224
arcticus, Apternus 98
Bubo 49
Colymbus 888
Falco 13
Hacraatopus 699
Mormon 903
Picoides 98,97
Picus (Apternus) 98
Picus 98
Pipilo 514,511
Puftimis 834
Arctonctta fisclicri 803
Ardea 667,659
Ardeaalba.--, T--.,, 6GG
968
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Ardea americana 654
caerulea 671
caerulescens 671
callocephala 679
canadensis 655
candidissima 665
carolinensis 665
chalybea 671
cayanensis 679
diloroptcra 676
cyanopus 671
discors 678
egretta 666
exilis 673
garden! 678
herodiaa 668,667
jamaicensis 679
jugularis - 660
lessonii 668
leuce 666
leucogaster 663
lentiginosa 674
ludoviciana 663,676
minor 674
mokoho 674
naevia - 678
nivea 665
nycticorax 678
occidcntalis 670
pealii 661
plumbea 671
rufa . 662
rufescens 662
scxsetacea 679
stellaris 674
thula 664
torquata 676
violacea - 679
virginiana cristata 668
virescens 676
wttrdemannii — ..669, 667
Ardeae -- 659
Ardeidae 659, 652
Ardenna 833
Ardcola exilis 673
Ardelta 672, 659
exilis 673
punctata 673
ardosiaceus, Lanius 325
arenaria, Calidris 723
Tringa 723
argentatoides, Laroides 844
argentatus, Laroides 844
Lams 844,841
argentea, Sterna 864
argyrotis, Sylvia 296
Page.
Aristonetta vallisneria 794
arquata, Numenius 743
Scolopax 743
Arquatella - 717, 714
arquatella, Tringa 717
arra, Cepphus. 914
Uria 914
arundinaceus, Telmatodytes 364
Thryothorus -..364,361
Troylodytes 361
asio, Scops 51
Strix 51
Astragalinus 418
mexicanus 423
tristis 421
Astur 15
atricapillus .. 15
striolatus 35
Asturina . 35
cinerea 35
nitida 35
ater, Buteo 33
Haematopus 700
Pendulinus 551
Pipilo 512
Tuvdus 547
Athene 59
cunicularia 60
hypugaea 59
patagonica 60
socialis 59
Atheninae _ _ _ 59
atlantica, Symphemia 729
atra, Fulica — . 751
Muscicapa 184
atrata, Fringilla 466
atratus, Carthartes 5
vultur 5
atricapilla, Culicivora 382
Emberiza 461
Fringilla 461
Poecila 390
atricapUhis, Astur 15
Falco 15
Parus 390,388
Vireo 337,330
atriceps, Tyrannus. 189
Atricilla cate.sbyi _ 850
atricilla, Chroicocephalus 850
Larus 850
atricristatus, Lophophanes 385, 383
Parus 385
atrigularis, Spinites 476
SpizeUa 476, 471
atrimentalis, Struthus 476
Page.
atrothorax, Picus - 103
Attagen aquila 873
rupestris 635
Althis 136,130
anna 137
costae 138
ayresii, Colaptes 122
Aythya 793,786
erythrocephala 794
marila 791
americana 793
vallisneria — 794, 793
azarae, Pyranga... 302
azurea, Sylvia 280
Audubonia 670,659
ocddentalis 650
audubonii, Anas 774
Dendroeca 273,265
Falco 9
Icterus 242,540
Picus 85
Sylvia 273
Sylvicola 273
Tringa 726
Aulauax 182
Aulanax fuscus 184
nigricans 183
sayus 185
aura, Cathartes 5
Vultur 4
auranlius, Falco 10
auratus, Colaptes 117, 118
Cuculus 118
Picus 118
auricollis, Icteria — 249
Motacilla 396
Psarocolius 549
Sylvia 306
Sylvicola 306
aurita, Zenaida 602
Auritus, Colyrnbus 897
Podiceps 897
aurocapilla, Enicocichla. 280
Fringilla 461
Henicocichla 260
Motacilla 260
aurocapillus, Accentor 260
Sylvia 260
Seiunis 260,259
Turrtus 260
australis, Tringa 715
autumnalis, Anas 770
Dendrocygna 770,769
Dendronessa 770
Sylvia... 276
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
969
B.
Page.
baclirnaui, Ammodramus 484
Hacmatopus . 700
Helinaia 255
Hdminthophaga 255,253
Helmitheros . 255
Sylvia 255
Sylvicola 255
Vermivora 255
Pcucaea 484
Baclophus 383
bicolor 381
bairdii, Buteo 21
Centronyx 444
Coturniculus 441
Emberiza . 441
baltbica, Uria 911
baltimore, Icterus 548, 541
Oriolus 548
Psarocolius 548
Ypbantes 548
barbata, Muscicapa 187
Tyrannula 187
barbatus, Myiobks 187
barita, Gracula 555, 556
baritus, Chalcophanes. - 55G
Quiscalus 556
barrowii, Clangula 796
Fuligula 796
Bartramia 737
laticauda 737
bartramia, Tringa 737
bartramii, Vireo 333
bartramius, Aditurus 737
Totanus 737
Tringoides 737
Basileuterus . . 296
belli 305
brasieri 306
chrysophrys 305
culicivorus 306
ruber 296
ruftfrons 296
bassanus, Pelecanus 871
bassana, Sula 871
balthica, Alca 911
Bathmidurus 105
major 165
beecheyi, Pica..... 592
belli, Basileuterus 305
Emberiza 470
Muscicapa 305
Poospiza 470
Vireo 337,330
berengii, Anas . ......... 801
Page.
berlandieri, Thrioihvnis 362,360
bernicla, Anas 767,766
Anser 767
Bernicla 763, 759
brenta... 767,763
canadenxis . 764,763
erythropus 768
hutchimii 766, 763
leucopareia . 765,763
leucopsis 765,763
occidentalis 766
nigricans 767,763
torquatus 767
bewickii, Cygnus 758
Telmatodytes 363
Thriothorus 363,360
Troglodytes 363
bicolor, Anas 770,774
Baeolophus 384
Calamotpiza 492
Corydalina 492
Dolichonys 492
Fringilla 492
Herse 310
Eirundo 310
Lophophanes 384,383
Parus 384
Petrochelidon 308
Tachycineta 310
bifasciata, Sylvia 280
bilineata, Emberiza 470
Poospiza 470
bhnaculata, Fuligula 808
Oidemia 808
blackburniae, Dendroica 274, 265
Motacilla 274
Hhimanphus ._ 274
Sylvia 274
Sylvicola 274
Blacicus lawrencii , 182
blandingiana, Embernagra 519
Fringilla 519
Blasipus 848
Blasipus heermannii 848
Bomlydlla 316
carolinensis 318
cedrorum 318
garrula 317
Bombydllidae 316,204
Bombycillinae 316
bonapartii, Coccothraustes 409
Larus , 852
Muscicapa. ._ 295
Myiodiodes 295
Setophaga 295
Page.
bonapartii, S)'lvania 295
Tringa 722
Wilsonia 295
Bonasa 629,619
cupido 628
sdbini 633,629
umbelloides App.
umbellus 630,629
borealis, Buteo 25,24,26
CoUyrio. 323
Contopus 188,185
Cypselus 142
Falco 25
Fringilla..., 429
Lanius 324
Linaria 429
Mniotilta 235
Myiobus 188
Numenius 744
Ortyx 640
Perdix 640
Picus 83
borealis, Scolopax 744
Tringa 698
Tyrannus 188
boschas, Anas 773
Botaureae 659
Botaurus _ .674, 669
lentiginosus 674
minor . C74
bottae, Saurothera -- 73
brachydactyla, Trichas 241
Brachyotus 54
palustris anuricanus.. 54
brachyotus, Strix 54
Bracbypteri _..... 886
brachypterus, Caprimulgus 147
Bracbyrhamplius 917
Brachyrhampbus kittlitzii 917
marmoratus . - 915
brachypterus. 917
wracgclii 917
brachyrhynchus, Anas 800
Larus... 842, 846, 855
br achy tar si, Pagophila 856
Brachyura, JJiornedea 822, 821
brasieri, Basileuterus. 306
Muscicapa 306
brasiliana, Parula - 237
brasilianus, Chordeiles 154
brasiliensis, Falco 45
brasiliensis, Himantopus 704
Numenius 743
Plmlacroorax 879
122 b
970
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Pago .
breliniii, Scolopax . 710
brenta, Bernida 767,763
brevipennis, Helinai 305
brevirostris, Ibis 684
Numenius 744
Rissa 855
Tringa 724
Troglodytes 365
Uria 914
bt-evipes, Heteroscelus 734
Totauus 734
breweri, Anas 774
Quiscalus 552
Spizdla 475,471
brunneicapillus, ^Campylarhynchus.. 355
Picolaptes 355
brunnescens, Butorides 677
brunneus, Turdus -- 216
brunnichi, Uria - 914
Bubo 49
arcticus 49,59
ludoviciana.. - — 49,50
pinicola 49
septentrionalis 49,50
striatus 51
sub-arcticus 49, 50
virginianus 49
Bulioninae 48
Bucephala 795,787
albeola 797,795
americana 796,795
islandica 796,795
bucephala, xlnas 797
buccinator, Oygnus - 758, 757
Olor 758
buffonii, Lestris 840
bullockii, Agclaius 549
Corvns 592
Ictmis 549,541
Procellaria 830
Xanthornus 549
burrovianus, Cathartes - 6
Buteo 19
americanus 25
ater 33
bairdii 21
borealis 25,24,26
californicus - 34
calurus 22
31
28
34
cooperi
elegans
ferrugineus
Buteo insignatus
lineatus
montanus
oxijpterus
pennsylvanicus
swainsoni
vulgaris
buteo, Falco
buteoides, Falco
Butor cxilis
lentiginosus .
ferrugineicaudus .
fulvus
harlani
barrisii _ .
25
25
24
46
Page.
23
28
26
30
29
19
19
26
28
673
674
Butorides 660,676
Butorides brunnescens 677
scapularis 676, 677
virescens 676
c.
tacalotl, Corvus 558, 560, 563
Cacicus alaudarius . 535
caelestis, Euphonia 304
caerulea, Ardea 671
Culicivora 380
Cyanoloxia _ 499
Dendroica 268,280
Emberiza 505
Egretta 671
Florida 671
Fringilla 499
Goniaphoea 499
Guiraca 497,499
Herodias 671
Hirundo 314
Loxia 499
Motacilla 380
Muscicapa 380
Folioptila 379,380
Rubecula carolinensis. 222
Sylvania 380
Sylvia 280,380
Sylvicola 280
caeruleata, Pterocyanea 780
Querquedula 780
caeruleocepbalus, Prionites 161
caeruleo-collis, Sialia 223
caerulescens, Anser 760
Ardea 671
Garrulus _ 586
Motacilla 271
Pica „ 586
Sylvia 271
caeruleus, Coccoborus 499
caerulictps, Momotus 161
Prionites 1C1
cafer, Picus — . 120
Calamospiza 491,492
Calamospiza biiolor 492
Page .
calcarata, Fringilla 433
calcaratus, Centrophanes 433
Calendula pennsylvanica 226
calendula, Motacilla 226
Phyllobasileus 226
Eeguloides 226
Regulus 226
Sylvia 226
Calidiis 713,723
Calidris arenaria 723
tringoides 723
calidris, Charadrius 723
californiana, Saurothera 73
californicus, Cathartes 5
Geocoocy 73
Vultur 5
calif ornica, Aphelocoma 584
Callipepla 644
Cyanocitta _ . 584
Lophortyx 644
Ortyx 644
Strix 60
californicum, Glaucidimn 62
californicus, Buteo 24
Carpodacus 411,413
Cyanocorax 584
Garrulus 584
Icterus - 556
Larus 841,840
Laroides 846
Lophortyx 643, 641
Podiceps -- 896
Tetrao 644
Callichen 790
Callipepla 639,646
Callipepla californica 644
gambelii — 645
picta 642
strenua .. 646
squamata - 646
venusta 645
Calliphlox anna 137
callocepbala, Ardea — 679
Calocitta 575,591
i Calocitta colliaei _._ 592
Caloenidae 595
j calurus, Buteo 22
Calypte costae 138
Campephilus 80,81
Campephilus imperialis . 82
principalis 81
campestris, Fringilla 419
Totanus 737
Tringa 720
Camptolaemus 787, 803
Camptolaemus labradorius 803
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
971
Page .
Camptorhynchus labraclorius — 803
Campylorhynchinae 354
Campi/lorhynchw 354
Campylor/tynchi/s brunneicapill m 355
cana, Motacilla 380
Sylvia 380
Canace canadensis 622
obscura 620
canace, Tetrao 622
canadensis, Anas 764, 766
Anser 764
Aquila 41
Ardca 655
Rernida 763, 764
Canace 622
Coccot kraustes 410
Columba 600
Corvus 590
Corythus 410
Cygnus 764
Dendroica 271
Dysornithia 590
Emberiza 472
Euthlypis 294
Falco 41
Fringilla 472
Garrulus 590
Grus 653,655
Motacilla 271
Muscicapa 294
Myiodioctes 291, 294
Passer 472
Perisoreus 590
Picus 84
Pinicola . 410
Ehimamphus 271
Setophaga 294
S'Ma 374.376
Spizella 472
Sylvia 271
Sylvicola 271
Tetrao 620, 622, 623
Turdus 218
candicans, Falco J3
Candida, Alca 918
Strix 63
candidus, Lams _ 856
candidissima, Ardea _ 665
Egretta 665
Garzetta 665
Herodias 665
cancscens, Acanthis 429
Aeyiothus 429
Linariit 429
Linota 429
canicfps, Junco 465,968
Page.
caniccps, Struthus 468
caniicapilla. Sylvia 243
Tanagra 243
caniicepbala, Trichas 243
citntatrix, Muscicapa 338
cantiaca, Sterna . 860
canus, Larus 846
canulus, Trinyi .'.. 715
capensis, Daption 828
Procellaria 828
capistratus, Larus 852
Caprirnulyidae 128, 146
Cciprimulginm . 146
Caprimulgus americanus 151
brachypterus 147
carolincnsis .. 147
clamator 148
nuttalli 149
popetue 151
rufus 147
virginianus 148, 151
(Chodeiles) virgin
ianus 151
vociferus 148
carbo, Graculus , 876
Pelicanus 876
Phalacrocorax 876
carbonata, Dendroica 266, 287
Helinaia 287
Vermivora 287
Sylvia 297
Sylvicola 287
Cardellina ..„. 295
Cardellina amicta 306
rulra _ 296
rulrifrons 306
Cardinal™ 491,508
Cardinalis sinuatus 508
virginianus 509
cardinalis, Coccothraustes 509
Fringilla 506
Loxia 509
Pitylua 509
Carduelis americana 424
lawrencii 421
luxuosus 503
magellanieua 419
mexicanus 423
stanleyi 420
tristis 421
yarrelli 421
carnivoriiK, Corvus _ 559 5(,o
Carolina, Gitllinula "49
Ortygometra 749
Porzana 749
caroliniana, Ccrthia.... 361
Page.
caroliuensis, Ampelis 318
Anas 777
Antrostomus 147
Ardea 665
Bombycilla 318
Caprimulgus . . 147
Centurus 67, 109
Columba 604
Conurus _. 67
Cuculus 76
Ectopistes 604
Falco 44
Felivox. 346
Galeoscoptes 346
Lanius 181,325
Merula 248
Mimus 346,344
Mniotilta 306
fusca, Muscicapa .. 184
Muscicapa 346
Nettion 777
Orpheus 346
Pandion 44
Pants 592, 3SS
Perissura 604
Podiceps' 898
Podilymbus 898
Poecila 392
Psittaca 67
Psittacus. 67
Querqttedula 777
Situ 374
Sylbeocyclus 898
Sylvia 306
Turdus 346
Turdus iliacus 214
Turtur 604
Tyranmts 171, 170
Zenpvidura _- 604
carolinus, Centurus ._ 109,108
Picus 109
Rallus 749
Carpcdacus 4 11, 408
Carpodacus californims 413,411
cassinii 414,411
frorddis 415,411
haemorrhous 417,411
? obccurus 415
piirpureits 412,411
Cataractes _ 911
I aispia, Stfruft 858, 859
| cassinii , JJrachyotus 54
Carpwluais -111,414
Cyanccorax 574.
Merguhis 910
972
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
cassinii, Passercultis 485
Peucaea 484,485
Tyrannus .. 174
Vireo 330,340
Zonotrichia - 485
castanea, Dcndroica 2G5, 277
Setophaga 299
Sylvia 276
Sylvicola 276
castaneus, Oriolus 547
Bhimanphufi . - 276
castor, Merganser _ 813
Catarracta skua 838
cepphus 840
catarractes, Larus ^. 838
Lestris 838
Stercorarius 838
catesbyi, Atricilla . 850
catotol, Fringilla 423
Catltartes . 4
Cathartes atratus 5
aura 4
burrovianus 6
californianus 5
septentrionalis 4
vulturinus . 5
Catlierpes 356, 354
Catlierpes mexicanm 356
caudacuta, Anas _ 776
Dafila 776
Fringilla 450, 453
Passcrina — 453
caudacutus, Ammodramus 453
Oriolus 453
Psarocolius 522
caudatus, Mimus 345
caurinm flaveola Corwis 569, 559
cayana, Sterna 859
cayanensis, Ardea 679
cedrorum, Ampelis 318, 316
1 torn by cilia 318
ctiluta, Helinaia 255
Helmitheros 377
Hdminthophaga.. 257
Sylvia 257
Sylvicola 257
Vermivora 257
Centrocerciu 624,619
Ccnlroccrcus phasianellus 626
urophatianut 624
Cenlronyx 440,439
Cenlronyx bairdii 441
Centrophanes calcaratns 433
lapponicus 433
ornatus 435
pictus 434
Pge.
Ceniureae 108,79
Centurus 108
Centurus carolinus 109, 108
carolinensis -. 109, 67
elcgans 110
flaviveniris 110, 108
hypopolius 111
santacruzii 110
subelegans 109
sulfureiventer 111
uropygialis . 1 1 1 > 108
cinerosus, Cuculus 76
Cepphus arra . 914
carbo 913
grylle 911
lacteola 911
lomvia . 913
perdix 915
cepphus, Cataracta . . 840
Lestris 840
Stercorarius 840
Ceratorhina monocerata 905
occidentalis 905
Ceratorhyucha occidentalis 905
Cerorhina monocerota 905
suckleyi 906
Cerorhyncha occidentalis ...... 905
Certhia 372
Certhia albifrons .. — 356
americana 372
caroliniana 361
familiaris. _._ 372
maculata 235
palustris 364
pinus 254
varia 235
Oerthiadae 204,372
Certhianae 372
Ccrthiola maritima 286
Ceryk 157
Ceryle americana 159
alcyon 158
diaetura 144,140
Chaetura pelasgia 144
vauxii 145
Chalcophanes baritus 556
macrourus 554
major . 555
quiscalus 555
vircscens 551
chalcoplerus, Larus 843, 841
Laroides 843
Leucus.. 843
chalybea, Progne Ardea . 671
Chamaea „ 370
Chamaea fasciata.. ._. 370
Chamacpelia 506, 601
Chamaepelia passerina 606
squamosa 605
Chamaepelieae ... 601
Charadrius , 690
Charadrius apricarius - 697
calidris 723
cinclus 701
crassirostris 693
helveticus 697
hiaticula 695
hypomelas ._ 697
jamaicensis 692
marmoratus 690
montanus 693
melodus 695
okeni 695
pardela 697
pectoralis.. 690
pluvialis 690
rubidus 723
semipalmatus 694
torquatus . 692
virginicus . 690
vociferus 692
wilsonius . 693
xanthocheilus 690
Chaulelasmus 782,772
Chauliodes 782
Chauliodus 782
Chelidon.. 311
Cheriopis 757
cheriway, Falco _ 45
children!, Sylvia. 282
Chimerina cornuta....... 905
orientalis 905
chiricnsis, Diomedia 822
chivi, Phyllomanes — 333
Sylvia 333
Chloris... 237
Chloris erithachorides 283
Chloroceryle americana 159
Chloroenas fasciata 597
flavirostris 599
chloronota, Pica 589
chloropus, Gallinula ._ 752
chloroptera, Ardea 676
chloropygius, Khyacophilus 733
Totanus 733
cldorrhyncha, Diomedea . 822,821
chlorura, Embernagra 519
Fringilla 519
Zonotrichia 519
cldonirus, Pipilo -.519, 511
Chondestes 456,455,439
Chondestes strigatus . 456
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
973
Page.
Ckordeiles 150,146
americanus 151
brasilianus 154
henryi . 153
popetue ...... 151
sapiti.. 154
texensis 154
virginianus -- 151
Chroicoccplialns 850, 841
atridlla 850
cucullalus 851,850
franklinii 851 , 850
minutus 853, 850
Philadelphia .852, 850
clirysoides, Colaptes 125
Gcopicus 122.121
chrysolaema, Alauda 403
Chrysomilris 418, 408
columbianus 423, 419
lawrencii .424, 419
macroptcra 425
magcllanica 419
magettanicus 419,418
mexicanus 423, 419
notatus 420,418
jrintis _ 425,419
psaltria 422,419
slanhyi 420,418
tristis 421,419
chrysophrys, Basileuterus 305
chrysops, Embcriza 444
chrysoptcra , Hclinaia 255
Helmitheros 255
Helminthopliaga 255, 253
Motacilla 255
Sylvia 255
Sylvicola 255
Vermivora 255
clirysostoma, Diomedea 822
ciceronia 908
Cichlop&is nitem _ . 320
cinerascens, Phalaropus 706
Tyrannula 179
cinerea, Asturina 35
Fringilla 465,480
Passerella 480
Procellaria 835
Strix 56
Squatarola 697
' Thalassidroma 829
Tringa 715
Zonotrichia 480
cinereum, Syrnium 56
cinereus, Junco 465, 464
Ptilogonys 319
Puffinus 835,834,833
Cinclinae
Cinclus .
americanus.
mexicanus .
mortoni . .
Page.
229
229
229
229
229
pallasii 229
townsendii 229
unicolor 229
Charadrius 701
cinclus, Pelidna 719
Tringa 719,722
cincla, Motacilla 272
cinnamomcus, Falco 13
Circus 38
hudsoniut ...» 38
tiris, Cyanospiza . 503,501
Emberiza - 503
Fringilla 503
Passerina 503
Spiza 503
cirrhata, Alca 902
Fratercula 902
Lunda 902
Mormon 902
cirrhocephalus, Mcrgulus 916
citrea, Mniotilta 239
Motacilla 339
Protonotaria 239
Cissa 576
Cissilopha sanblasiana 592
Cistothorus 364
palustris 364
slillaris 365
citrinella, Sylvia 282
citrinus, llhimamphus 282
clamator, Caprimulgus 148
Grus 654
Clamatorcs 156
Clangula..-- 799,795,798
albcola 797
americana 796
barrovii 796
bistrionica . 799
islandica ._ 796
scapularis 796
vulgaris 796
Clangula, Anas 796
Fuligula 796
clarkii, Podiccps 895
Clcptes 576
hudsonius 576
nuttalli 578
clypeata, Anas — 781
Ehynchaspis 781
Spathulca 781
Spatula 781
Pago -
coco, Tantalus 6-4
CoccoLorus 496
cacruleus 499
ludovicianus 497
melanaccphalus 498
Coccothravstinae 406
Coccotbraustcs bonapartii 409
canadcnsis ..... 410
cardinalis 509
ludoviciana 497
melanoccphala.. 498
rubricollis 497
vespertina 409
virginiaua 503
Coccygus 71.75
americanus 76
erythrophthalmus 87
minor 78
Coccyzus 75
americanus 76
dominicus 77
erytbrophthalmus .. .. 77
minor 78
pyrrhopterus 76
seniculus 78
Colaptes 117
auralus 118, 117
ayrcsii 122
collaris 120
chrysoides 125
hybridus 122
mexicanus 120, 117
mexicanoides 121
rubricatus 120
collaris, Anas 670,792
Colaptes , 120
Fuligula 792
Fulix 792,791
Marila 792
Strepsilas 701
Sturnella 535
Trochilus 134
colliaei, Pica 592
Collyrio 323
borealis 324
excubitoroides 327, 324
lutLvicianus 325, 324
Colopteridae 155, 163
colubris, Ornismya.. 130
Trochilus 131
colubrinus, Colymbus 887
Columba 596
americana 601
canadensis 600
carolincnsis 608
cyanocephala 604
974
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Columba fasdata --- 597
flavirostris 598,597
boiloti - 603
leucocephala — -- 599
leucoptera 603
margiuata 604
martinica 607
migratoria.. 600
monilis 597
inontana 607
mystacea - 607
passe i ma
COC
solitaria 599
squamosa 605
tctraoides - 608
trudeaui - 603
zenaida 602
columba, Grylle 912
Una 912
columbarius, Falco . - -
columbiana, Nucifraga 573
columbianus, Anas ...... 758
Chrysomitris - 419
Corvus 573
Phasianus 62fi
Picicorvus 573
Vultur 5
Columbigallina montana . 607
Columbinae 596,595
Colymbidae 887, 755, 795
Colymbus 887
arcticus 888
auritus 897
borealis 890
colubrinus - 887
cornutus 895
cristatus 893
glacialis 888
grisegena . 892
gryllc 911
immer — 888
lumme 890
marmoratus 915
minor 913
obscurus 895
pacificus 888
podiceps 898
septentrionalis 890
stellatus 890
striatns 890
torquatus 888
troile 913
urinator 893
Compsothlypis 237
americana 238
Page.
Compsotblypis mexicana 237
pitiayumi 237
protonotiirius 239
Conirostruru ornatum _ 400
consul, Larus 842
Contopus borealis 188, 186
cooperi 183
richardsonii 189, 186
virens 190,186
Conurus carolinensis 67
cooperi, Accipiter 16
BuUo 31
Contopus 118
Falco 16
Myiarchus 180,177
Muscicapa 188
Tringa 716
Tyrannus 188
Coracias. 576
mexicanus 590
corax, Corvus 560
cormoranus, Carbo 816
cornuta, Alauda _ 403
Chiinerina 905
Eremophila 403
cornutus, Colmibus. 895
Otocoris 403
Phileremos. 403
Podiceps 895
coronaia , Dendroica 272,265
Cyanura _ 583
Emberiza .. ... 461
Motacilla 272
Muscicapa 201
Sylvia 272
Sylvicola 272
Zonotrichia 461, 458
coronatus, Garrulus 583
Pihimanphus 272
Turdus 260
coronc, Corvus 566
Oorvidae 205,558
Corvus americanus 556, 559
bullockii 592
cacalotl 563,559
canadensis 590
carnivorus 560, 559
caurinm 569, 559
columbianus 575
corax ___ 560
corone 566
cristatus 580
cryptoleucus 565, 559
JJoridanus 568,569,586
liudsonica 57U
Page.
Corvus jamaicensis 566
lugubris 560
maritimus 569
megonyx 573
minutus 569
nobilis _. 564
ossifragus 571, 560
palliatus 584
pica 576
sinuatus _ __ 564
splendens 564
stelleri 581
ultramarinus 584
Corydalina bicolor 492
Corytbus ^ 409
canadensis _ 410
enucleator 410
Coscoroba 757
Cosmonetta" bistrionica 799
costae, Att/ds ._ 138
CaJypte 138
Selasphorus 138
Coturnicops noveboracensis 750
Colurniculus 449, 439
bairdii * 441
hemlowi 451, 449
leconhi 452, 449
manimbe 449
passerinus . 450,449
Cotyle 312
riparia 313,312
serripennis 313
couchii, Tyrannus 175, 170
crassirostris, Charadrius 693
. Totanus 729
Quiscalus 556
Craxirex 46
galapagoensis 46
unicindus 46
Creagrus 857,841
furcatus 857
crecca, Anas 778
Nation 778,777
Querquedula 778
Creciscus .. 749
jamaicensis 749
crepitans, Rallus 747, 746
Crex galeata 752
Crex 753
Crex 751
galliuula 751
crex, Rallus 751
Criniger 240
crinita, Muscicapa 178
Tyrannula 178
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
975
Pago.
crinitus, Myiarchus 178, 177
Myiobius 178
Tyrannus 178
crissalis, Fringilla 517
Harporhynchus .'551, 348
cristata, Cyanocitta 580
Cyanura 580, 579
Muscicupa virginiana . . 178
Pica 580
Tetrao 646
cristatclla, Alca 906
Phaleris 90G
cristatus, Corvus . 580
Cyanocorax 580
Cyanogarrulus .- 580
Cyanurus 580
Garrulus 580
Mergus 814
Podiceps 893
Eegulus 227
Crotophaga 71
ani.. _. 72
rugirostra 71
rugirostris 71
Crucirostra leucoptera .. 427
crudelis, Tyrannus 176
Crymonessa glacialis 800
cryptoleucm, Corvus 565, 559
Cryptitus 161
Cuculidae 71, 65
cucullata, Muscicapa 292
Sylvia 243
cucullatus, Chroicocephalus 851, 850
Falco 10
Icterus 546,541
Merganser 816
Mergus 816
Lophodytes 816
Pendulinus 546
Cuculus americanus 76
auratus 118
carolinensis 76
cinerosus — . 76
dominicensis 76
dominions . 76
erythrophthalrnus 77
minor 78
seniculus 78
Culicivora 379
atricapilla 382
caerulea 380
mexicana 380, 382
plumbea 382
Culicivora townsendii . 321
culicivorus, Basileuterus 30G
cunicularia, Athene 60
Strix 60
cupido, Bonasa 628
Cjpidonia 628
Tetrao 628
Cupidonia C27, 619
americana 628
cupido 628
Cureus americanus 76
Cur virostra _. 408
Curviroslra 426
americana 426
leucoptera 427
Loxia 426
curvirostris, Harporhynchus 351
Methriopterus 348
Mimus _ 351
Orpheus.. 351
Toxostoma 351
cuthbertii, Anas 809
Somateria 809
cuvieri, Regulus 228, 226
cyanej,, Ct/anospiza . 506, 501
Emberiza — ,. , 505
Fringilla 505
Passerina 505
Spiza 505
Tanagra 505
cyanella, Emberiza 505
cyaneus, Falco 38
Garrulus 586
cyanicapillus, Cyanocorax 589
cyanicollis, Porphyrio 753
cyanocephala, Columba., ...... 608
Geophilus 608
Gymnokitta ... 574
Starnoenas 608
Cyanocephalns ._ 574
Gyirmorhinus 574
Psarocolius 552
Psilorbinus 574
Scolecophagus 552
Cyanocitta — 584, 575
beecheyi 592
californica ... 584
cristata . 580
floridana 586, 584
sordida 587, 584
stelleri 581
superciliosa _ 584
ultramarina 588, 584
woodhousii 585, 58 4
Cyanocorax californicus 584
cassinii
crigtatus.. 580
Pago.
Cyanocorax cyanicapillus 589
iloridanus 586
geoffioyi 592
luxuosus 589
stelleri 581
yucas 589
Cyanogarrulus cristatus 580
sordidus 587
stelleri 581
ultramarinus. . . 588
Cyanoloxia caerulea 499
cyanoptera, Anas 780
Queryuedula 789, 779
Cyanopterus 779
discors 779
cyanopus, Ardea 674
Cyanospiza „ 49 1,500
amoena 501,504
aria 501,503
cyanea 501, 405
parellina 501,502
versicolor ... 501,503
Cyanura ... 575, 579
Cyanura coronata 583
cristata _ 579,580
diademata , 583
galeata 583
macrolophus ...529, 582
stelleri 579,581
Cyanurus cristatus 580
floridanus. . . 586
Cygninae 756, 757
Cygnus 757
Cygnus americanus 757,758
bewickii 758
buccinator 757, 758
canadensis 764
ferus 758
musicus 758
cygnus, Anas 758
Cymindis leucopygius 38
Cypselidae 128, 140
Cypselus „. 140
Cypselus borealis 142
melanoleucus 141
niger 142
pelasgia — 144
vauxii — 145
Cyrtonyx 639,647
Cyrtonyx massena . 647
Cyrtopelicanus — .
D.
Daedalhm pictum _ 15
Dafila 772,775
Dafila acuta 767
976
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Pago.
Dafila caudacuta 776
longicauda 776
dalhousci, Strix 58
Daption 821,828
capensis „ . . 828
decurtata, Pachysylvia -- 305
Sylvia 305
deglandii, Melanetta 805
Oidenria 805
deiroleucus, Falco ... 10
delafieldii, Sylvia..... 243
Trichas 243
delattri, Dryotomus 125
delaicarensis, Larus 842, 846
delicata , Scolopax 710
Demicyretta — 659,660
ludovitiana 660, 663
pealeii 660, 661
rufa 660, 662
Dendrocopus principals _ 81
Dendrocygna 760,769
Dendrocygna arborea 769
autumnalis 769,770
fulva .„ 769,770
Dendrocj-gncae 760
Dendroica 259,263
Dendroica aestivu 266, 282
audubonii 265,273
blackburniae 265, 274
caendea 265,280
canadensis 274
carbanaia 266, 287
caslanea 265, 276
coronata 265,279
discolor 266,290
erithachorides 283
kirllandii 266, 286
nigrescent 265, 270
maculosa 266,284
monlana 266,276
occidentals 265,268
olivace", ._ 305
palmarum 266,288
pennsylvanica 265,279
pinus 266, 277
striata 265, 280
mpirciliosa 266,289
tigrina 266,286
townsendii 365,269,App.
virens 265,267
Dendronessa 785, 769
Dendronessa autumnalis 770
sponsa 785
dcrhami, muscicapa 299
Dcspotes 167
Despotes tyrannus 168
Page.
despotes, Muscicapa __ 176
diabolica, Aestrelata 827
Didunculus - 595
difficilis, Empidonax 198
diloplms, Phalacrocorax 877
Pelicanus — 877
Diomedea 820,821
Diomedea albatrus 826
antarctica -. 823
brachyura 821, 822
cliiriensis 822
chlororhynchus 821,822
chrysostoma 822
epomophora 822
exulans 821
fuliginosa 821, 823
fusca 823
nigripes 822
palpebrata 823
presaga 822
spadicea 821 ;
Diomedeinae 820
Diplopterus viaticus 73
discolor, Dendroica 266,290
Rhimamphus 290
Sylvia 290
Sylvicola 290
discors, Anas 779
Ardca 678
Cyanopterus __ 779
Pterocyanea 779
Querquedula 779
Ehiniamphus 290
dispar, Anas 801
Falco 37
Fuligula 801
Stelleria 801
doliata, Strix 64
Dolichonyx 521, 522
Dolichonyx agripennis 522
bicolor 492
oryzivorus 522
domestica, Anas . 774
Sylvia 367
dominica, Erismatura 811
Doruinicanus marinus ... 844
dominicensis, Cuculus 76
Falco 13
Hirundo apus 142
Melittarchus ... 172
Muscicapa . 172
Pcndulinus 545
Tyrannus 170, 172
dominions, Coccyzus 77
Cuculus 76
dorsalis. Junco 474, 467
Pago.
dorsalis, Picoides 97, 100
dougalli, Sterna 863
douglassii, Scolopax 710
Sterna 863
Tringa 726
drummondii, Scolopax 710
Dryocopus imperialis 82
piliatus 107
principalis 81
Dryopicus _ 107
Dryotomus 107
Dryotomus delattri 125
imperialis 82
pileatus 107
(Megapicus) princi
palis 81
dubius, Falco 18
dumecola, Icteria 248
Dyctiopicus 83
Dysornithia canadensis 590
Dysporus 872
E.
eburneus, Larus 856
eburnea, Pagophila .. 856
Ectopistes 596,599
Ectopistes carolinensis 604
marginata 604
marginellus ..._ 604
•miyratoria 600
excubilor aides, Callyrio 324,327
edwardsii, Limosa 741
Egretta caerulca 771
candidissima 665
calif ornica . 667
leuce 666
ludoviciana . 663
nivea _. 671
pealii
Ardea .,
Htrodias . ,
rufcscens
ruficollis
virescens .
Elmus
Elanus leucurus
elegans, Buteo
Centurus .
Rallus ..
661
666
666
662
663
676
36
37
28
110
746
Sterna . 858,860
Thalasseus 860
degantissima, Euphonia 304
Pipra 304
Emberiza amcricana 494
amoena 504
arctica .. 444
SYSTEMATIC INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Emberiza atricapilla . 461
bairdii 441
belli 470
bilineata _ 470
canadensis 472
caerulca 505
chrysops 444
ciris 503
coronata __ 461
cyanea 505
cyanclla 505
erythrophthalma 512
glacialis ._ 432
grammaca _ 456
graminea _ 447
henslowi 451
hyemalis 468
lapponica 433
lecontii ... 452
Icucophrys 458
mexicana 494
montana 432
mustelina 432
nivalis 432
ornata 435
oryzivora 522
pallida 475,474
passerina 450
pecoris 524
picta 434
pratensis 488 i
pusilla 473
rostrata 446 :
ruiina 480 I
sandwichensis 444 I
savanna 442 i
shattuckii 474 :
socialis 473 |
townsendii ., 475
emberizoides, Icterus 524
Emhernagra 487, 440
Embernagra blandingiana 519
chlorura 519 i
rufivirgata 487 !
Eniconetta stelleri 801
Empidonax 167,191 i
Empidonax ncadicus 197,192
difficilis 198
flaviventris 198, 192
hammondii 199,192
hypoxanthus 198
minimus 195,192
obscuna 200,192
puaillus 194, 192
trailli 193,192 !
wriyhlii 230
123 b
Page
Eniconetta 801
Enicocichla aurocapilla 26(
enucleator, Cory thus 41(1
Loxia 41(
Pyrrhula 410
ephouskyca, Tantalus 681
epomophora, Diomedea 822
eques, Motacilla 238
Eremophila 402
Eremophila cornuta 403
Ereuneles 724,714
Ereunetes p etrificatus 724
rnauri 723
semipalmatus 724
Erismatura 811
Erismatura dorninica 811
rubida. 811
Erismaturinae 756, 811
erithachorides, Chloris 283
crminea, Strix 63
Erodius 604
Erolia 718, 714
Erolia variegata ._ 718
Erythraca arctica 224
wilsonii _ 222
rythrauchen, Picus 109
erythrocephala, Aythya 794
erythrocep halm, Hdanerpes 113, 112
Picus 113
erythromelas, Pyranga 300
ery thropis, Pyranga 303
Eryth.ropb.rys americanus 76
erythrophthalmus 77
seniculus 78
erythrophthalma, Emberiza 512
Fringilla 512
erythrophthalmus, Coccygus 77
Coccyzus 77
Cuculus 77
Erythrophys 77
Pipilo 512, 511
erythropus, Anas _ 768
Bernicla 768
crythrorhynchus, Pelecanus 868
Erythrospiza 411
Erythrospiza frontalis.. 415
purpurca 412
Eudocimus albus _ 68-i
ruber 683
Euliga 737
Euphonia 304
Euphouia coelcstis 304
deaantissima., 304
Eupsychortyx cristatus 649
europaea, Sitta 374
europaeus, Troylodytee . 369
Euspina americana 494
Euspiza 493,491
Ewpiza americana 494
arctica 444
lownsendii 495, 474
Euthlypis canadensis 294
excubitoroides, Lanius 327
exilis, Ardea 673
Ardeola 673
ArdeUa 673
Butor 673
exulans, Diomedea 821
F.
Falcinellus 681
falcinellus, Ibis 685
Falcinellus ordii . 685
Falco 7
Fakoanaium 7
aquilinus 25
arcticus 13
atricapillus 15
auduboni 9
aurantius 10
boreal is 25
brasiliensis.. 45
buteo 26
buteoides 28
canadensis 41
candicans .... 13
carjlinensis 44
cheriway.. 45
cinnamominus 13
columbarius 9
coopcri 16
cucullatus 10
cyaneus 38
deiroleucus 10
dispar 37
dominicensis 13
dubius 18
femoralis . 11
fuscus. 18, 13
gracilis 13
groenlandicus 13
haliaetus _ 44
hamatus 38
harlani 24
hudsoniu8.~. 38
hyemalis . 28
imperator 42
intermixtus.. 9
isabelliuus.. 13
islandus ... 13
islandicus..,.,. 13
lagopus ....._......__.... 32
978
SYSTEMATIC INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Falco latissiinus
leucocephalus ,
leucopterus-..
lineatus
melanaetos —
Pago
29
43
42
28
43
melanopterus 37
mississippiensis 37
niger - 41,43
nigriceps . 8
nitidus 35
novae-terrae 33
ophiophagus.- -. 37
ossifraga — 43
ossifragus -- 43
pennatus 32
pennsylvanicus . 29,18
peregrinus -. -. 7
plancus -- 45
plumipes - - 32
polyagrus — 12
pygargus 43
regalis - 15
rcligiosus 38
rufigularis - 10
spadiceus - - 33
sparverius 13
stanleii . 16
temerarius 9
tharus 45
thoracicus 11,10
unicinctus 46
uropogistus 38
velox 18
washiagtoniana. 42
wabhingtonii 42
•wilsonii 29
Falconidae 7
Falconinae . 7
falcirostra, Loxia 427
fallax, Zonotrichia 481
Melospiza 481,477
familiaris, Ccrthia 372
fasciaia, Chamaea 370
Chlorocnas 597
Columba 597
Fringilla. 447
Parus 370
Zonotrichia 481
fedoa, Limicula . 749
Limosa 740
Scolopax _ _ 740
Felivox carolinensis 34G
felivox, Mimus _. 340
Orpheus. - 34.5
Turdus _ 346
femoralu, Falco..., ....... 11
Page.
fera, Meleagris 615
ferina, Anas - 793
Fuligula 793
ferruginea, Fringilla . 488
Gracula _ 551
Tringa 715
ferrugineicaudus, Buteo _ 25
ferrugineus, Archibuteo 34
Buteo 34
Oriolus . 551
Quiscalus 551
Scolecophagus 551
ferus, Cygnus 758
frenata, Sterna 864,859
frenatus, Icterus 531
fiber, Pelecanus 872
Ficedula canadensis major . 239
dominiccnsis cinerea__ 280
ludoviciana 238
marilaudica 241
pennsylvanica 252
trichas 241
fimbriatus, Phalaropus 705
fischeri, Arctonetta 803
Lampronetta 803
fistularis, Mareca 784
flava, Sylvia 282
flavicauda, Motacilla 297
flavicollis, Fringilla 494
Motacilla 289
Sylvia 289
flaviceps, Aegithalus 400
Par aides 400
Psaltria 400
flavifrons, Motacilla 255
Sylvia 255
Vireo 341,330
flavigaster, Psarocolius.. 545
flavigula, Melarapicus 114
flavipes, Gambetta 732
Scolopax 732
Totanus 732
flavirostris, Columba . 598, 597
Chloroenas 599
Fulica 753
flaviventris, Centurus 108
Empidonax 198, 192
Picus 104
Tyrannula 198
flavoviridis, Vireo 332, 329
Vireosylvia 332
Florida 671, 659
Florida caerulea 671
floridana, Aphelocoma 586
Oijanocitla 586, 584
floridanus, Corvus.. 586
floridanus, Corvus, var. ..568,560
Cyanocorax 586
Cyanurus 586
Garrulus 58(5
Glottis 730
Phalacrocorax 879
forficata, Muscicapa 169
forficatus, Milmdvus 169
Tyranmis 1G9
formitivorus, Melanerpes 114, 112
Picus H4
formosa, Sylvia 247
Sylvicola 247
formosus, Oporornis 247, 246
Myiodioctes. 247
forsteri, Sterna 862, 859
francsii, Uria 914
franklinii, C hroicocephalus 851, 850
Larus 851
Setrao 623,620
Fratercula arctica 903
cirrhata ._ 902
glacialis 903
fratercula, Mormon 903
fralerculus, Grus 656, 653
Fregetta 832,824
Fregetta laurencii . 842
Thalissidroma 832
frenata, Anas 791
Marila. 791
Vireosylvia 334
frenatus, Phalaropus 705
Fringilla aestiva 484
aestivalis 483
albicollis 463
americana ._ 494
ambigua 524
amoena ,_ 504
arborea _ 472
arctica 444,573
atrata 466
atricapilla 461
axirocapilla 461
bachmani 404
bicolor 492
borealis.. — 429
blandingiana 519
caerulea 499
calcarata 4.33
campestris 419
canadensis 472
cardinalis 509
catotol 423
caudacuta. _ 453, 450
chlorura 519
cinerea 480,465
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
979
Page.
?Fringilla civis 503
comata 462
crissalis 517
cyanea 505
erythrophthalma 512
fasciata 447
flavicollis 494
gambelii 460
georgiana .. 483
graminea .- 447
grammaca 456
guttata 480
haemorrhoa 417
harrisii 462
henslowi 451
hudsonia .. 468,466
hyemalis 447,442,468
icterica . — 419
iliaca 488
juncorum 473
lapponica 433
leucophrys 458
linaria ... 428
lincolnii 482
littoralis 453
ludoviciana _ 497
macgillivrayi 454
magellanica 419
maritima _ 454
melanocepliala _ 498
melanoxantha 423
nielodia 477
meruloides 489
mexicana 421
monticola .. 472
moalis 468
oregoua 466
palustris 483
passerina 450
pennsylvanica 463
pecoris 524
pinus 425
punicea 497
pupurea . 412
pusilla 473
rufa 488
rufidorsis 465
savanna 442
Bavanaruru _ 450
socialis 473
texensis. 423
townsendii 0 489
tristis 421
querula 462
vespertina 409
xanthomaschalis 498
Page.
Fringillidae 204, 406
frontalis, Anser ....... 762
Carpodacus 415,411
Erythrospiza 415
Fringilla 415
Pyrrhula 415
Strix 57
Fulica 751,746
americana 751
atra 751
flavirostris „ 753
leucopyga . — 751
martinica 753
martinicensis ...0 753
novebora ensis 750
wilsonii . 751
fulicaria, Tringa -. 707
fulicarius, Phalaropus . 707
Fuliceae 746
fuliginosa, Diomedea 823, 821
Hydrochelidon 864
Nectris 834
Pica 592
Procellaria 830
Puffinus 834,832
Sterna 864
Sterna.. 861,859
Totanus 734
Fuligula affinis 791
albcola 797
americana 794, 807
barrowii - 796
bimaculata 808
clangula 796
collaris 792
dispar 801
ferina 793
fusca 805
gesneri 791
glacialis . . 800
grisea 803
histrionica ._ 799
labradora 803
marila 791
mariloides _„____. 791
minor 791
mollissima 809
nigra 807
perspicillata 806
rubida 811
rufitorques 792
stelleri 801
spectabilis 810
vallisncriana 7fg
viola 774
anas .. 792
Fuligulinae 756, 786
Fulmarus •_ 825
Fulmaris glacialis 825,826
meridionalis... 827
Fulix 790,786
affinis 791
collaris 792,791
marila. 791
fulva, Anas 770
Dendrocygna 770, 769
Hirundo 309
Motacilla 306
Khynchops 866
Sylvia 306
fulvicapilla, Vermivora 252
fulvus, Buteo 25
Troglodytes 367
funerea, Strix 64
furcata, Muscicapa 176
Oceanodroma 829
Procellaria 829
Thalassidroma . 829
furcatus, Creagrus 857
Larus 857
Nauderus 36
furvus, Troglodytes 367
fusca, Anas — 805
Diomedea 823
Fuligula 805
Grus 655
Loxia 426
MuEcicapa 184
Oidernia 805
Pipiio 617
Kieneria 517
Sula
Tetrao 623
Tunga 706
Tyrannula 184
fuscescens, Turdus 214, 210
fuscocapillus, Tetanus- 732
fuscus, Acripiter 18
Aulanax 184
Falco 18,13
Garrulus 590
Oriolus 551,524
Pelicanus ._-.- 870
Pipiio 511
Sayornis 184, 182
Tantalus 683
Turdus 216
Tyraunus 184
G.
galapagoensis, Oraxirex 4G
980
SYSTEMATIC INDEX TO SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
galeata, Hrex 752
Gallinula 752
galeatus, Lepturus.. 320
Lophophancs 386
galericulata, Pipra 304
Galeoscoptes carolinensis 346
gallopavo, Mdeagris ..615,614
Gallopavo sylvestris 615
GaUinae 610,594
Gallinayo 710,708
Gall'mago u'ilsonii 710
gallinago, Scolopax 710
Gallinula 752,746
Carolina -- 749
chloropus - 752
crex - - 751
galeata ..... 752
martinica 753
noveboracensis 750
porphyrio 753
gambelii, Anser - - 761
Callipepla 645
Fringilla - 460
Lophortyx 645,643
Zonotrirhia 460,458
Gambetta 731,728
fiavipes 732
mdanoleuca . 731
garden!, Ardea 678
Nycliardea 678
Nycticorax 678
gairdneri, Picus 91
garrula, Bombycilla 317
Garndinae 575
Garrulus caerulescens 586
californicus 584
canadensis 590
coronatus 583
cristatus 580
cyaneus 586
floridanus 586
luxuosus 589
melanogaster 582
sanblasianus 592
sordidus 587
stelleri 581
trachyrhynchus 790
ultramarinus 584, 588
(jarrulus, Ampelis 317, 316
Lanius 317
Garzetta 664,659
candidissima 665
Gavia ni vea 856
Gaviae 818
Ga vina zonorhynchus 846
gnoma, Glaucidium.. 62
Page.
Goniaphea - - - .- - 496
melanocephala 498
caerulea — .... _ 499
goitldii, Mdospiza _ 379,477
Gouridae 597
Gennaia 12
Geococcyx - . 71,73
calif ornianus 73
mexicanus 73
variegata 73
viaticus 73
geoffroyi, Cyanocorax 592
Geophilus cyanocephala 608
Geopicos 117
Gcopicus chrysoides 122, 125
georgiana, Fringilla 483
Geothlypeae 234
Geothlypeae ..... 240
Geothlypis 240
macgillivrayi 244,241
Philadelphia 243, 241
trichas 241
velatus 243,240
Geotrygon 601
martinica 607
Geronticinae 681
gesneri, Fuligula 791
gigantea, Ossifraga 825
Procdlaria 825, 824
giganteus, Aramus 657
Eallus 657
gilva, Muscicapa . 335
gilvus, Vireo 335, 330
glacialis, Anas 800
Colymbus 888
Crymonessa . 800
Emberiza 432
Fratercula 903
Fulmar us 826
Fulmarus 825
Fulgula 800
Ilardda 800
Larus 842
Mormon 903
Procdlaria, 825,824
Tringa, 707
glacialoides, Thalassoica 826
glaucescens, Laroides -. 842
Larus 842,841
Leucus 842
glareola, Totanus — 733
Tringa..... 734
Glaucidium 61
Glaucidium californicuin 62
gnoma 62
glaucoidcs, Larus 843
Page
Glaucion 795
glaucopterus, Laroides 842
glaucus, Laroides 842
Larus 842,841
Leucus 842
glocitans, Anas 774
Glottis 730,728
floridanus 730
semipalmatus 729
Glottis, Totanus 730
guacu, Alcedo 158
guarauna, Ibis _ - 685
Notherodius 657
gubernator, Agelaius 529,526
Icterus 529
Psarocolius 529
Guiraca 496,491
caerulea 499,497
ludoviciana 497
melanocephala 498, 49 7
tricolor 498
guttata, Fringilla. 480
Muscicapa .... 213
Tetrao _ 647
Zonotrichia 480
guttatus, Pitylus 498
guttulatus, Thryothorus 356
Turdus 212
Gymnorhinus 574
cyanocephalus 574
Gymnokitta 574, 558
cyanocephala 574
gracilis, Falco . 13
Picus 94
Gracula barita _ 556, 555
ferrnginea -- 551
purpurea 555
quiscala _ 555
Graculus 875
graduacauda, Icterus 543
Grallae 688
Grallatores 650,2
graminea, Emberiza 447
Fringilla .. 447
Zonotrichia 447
gramineus, Pooecaetes 447
grammaca, Chondestes 456
Emberiza 456
Fringiila 456
Graucalus carbo 876
grisea, Fuligula _ 803
Scolopax 712
griseigena, Colymbus- -- 892
griseigena, Podiccps 892
griseicollis, Sylvia 306
griseus, Macrorhamphus 712
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
981
Page.
griseus, Parus 226
Picus 109
Ty ran mis 172
grocnlandica, Uria .
groenlandicus, Falco 13
Haliactus 43
Gruidae - 553,651
Grus 553
americanus ...... 654, 653
canadensis . .. . 655, 653
cltimator 654
fraterculus - 656, 653
f usca 655
hoyanus 654
longirostris 653, 656
poliophaea 655
pratensis 655
struthio 654
Grylle columba 912
scapularis - 911
ccphus 911
grylle, Coly mbus 911
Uria 911
grylloides, Uria 911
H
Ilabia 496
Ihematopodidae 699, 689
ilaematopus 699
arcticus 699
ater 700
bachmaui 700
hypoleucus 699
niger 700
ostralegus 699
palliatus 699
townsendii 700
haemorrhoa, Fringilla 417
Pyrrbulinota 417
Haemorrhons 411
purpurea 412
haemorrhous, Carpodacus 417, 411
harlani, Buteo 24
Falco 24
Ilaliaelus _ 42
albicilla 43
groenlandicus 43
leucocephalus 43
pelagicus 42
washingtonii 42
haliaetus, Falco 44
hamatus, Falco 38
hammumiii, Empidonax 199, 192
hammondii, Tyrannula 199
llardda 799,787
Page.
Ilarelda glacialis 800
histrionica 799
stelleri 801
Harpes 348
rcdiviva 349
Harporhymhus 348
crissalis 351, 348
curvirostris „ 351
lecontii 350, 348
longicauda __ 353
longirontris 352
redivivus 349,318
rufus 353
harrisii, Buteo 46
Fringilla 462
Picus 83
Picus (Trichopicus) 87
haesitata, Procellaria ..835,827
Pufrinus 835
havellii, Sterna 861,858
Hedymelcs 496
ludoviciana 497
melanocephala 498
heermanni, Adelarus 848
Blasipus 848
Larus 848
Mdospiza 478, 477
Helinaia _ 257
bacbmani 255
brevipeunis 305
carbonata 287
celata 257
chrysoptera 255
peregrina 258
protonotarius 239
rubricapilla 256
solitaria. . 254
swainsonii 252
vcrmivora 252
Heliornis surinamensis 884
Iltlminthophaga 253, 251
bachmani 255, 253
celata 257
chrysoptera 255, 253
peregrina 253, 258
pinua 254, 253
rubricapilla 256
rujkapilla 256, 253
solitaria 254
nelmitberos bachmani . 255
celata — 257
chrysoptera 255
migratorius 252
peregrina 258
rubricapilla 256
Helmitherus solitarius... — 254
Page.
Helmitherus _ 251
protonotarius 23!)
swainsoni 252, 251
vermivorus 252,251
Helospiza . 477
helveticus, Charadrius 697
helvetica, S<]uatarola 697
Tringa 697
Hemipalama _ 724
himantopus 726
minor 724
multistriata 726
Hemiprocne pelasgia 144
hcmirhynchus, Numenius 744
Hcnicocichla aurocapilla 260
major 262
noveboracensis 261
hmryi, Ch&rdeiles 153
henslowi, Coturniculus 451, 449
Emberiza 451
Fringilla 451
hepatica, Phoenicosoma 302
Pyranga 302,300
Herodias 666, 659
herodias, Ardea .668, 667
Herodias caerulea _ 671
candidissisna 665
egretta 666
egretta var . calif orn ira 667
leuce 666
leucoprymna 663
rufescens 662
ruficollis 663
virescens 676
Ilerodiorws. 651
herminierii, Puffinus 835
Herpetotheres sociabilis 38
Herse bicolor 310
Hesperiphona 408
vefpertina 409
Heteropoda 724
mauri 724
semipalmata 7
Ileteroscelus 734,728
brevipes 734
hiaticula, Charadrius 695
Tringa 694
hiemalis, Procellaria 825
(See hyemalis.)
Hierofalco _ 13
Himantopus 704
brasiliensis 704
mexicanus 704
nigricallis 704
himantopus, Hemipalama 726
Micropalama 726
982
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Kecurvirostra 704
Tringa 726
hippocrepis, Sturnella 537
Lirsutus, Aptcrnus — 98
Picus 98
Picoidea 98,97
ITinmdinidae 207,204
Hirundininae 307
Hirundo 307
americaua - 308
apus doniinicensis 142
bicolor - 310
caerulea 314
cinerea. 313
fulva 309
horreorum 308,307
leucogaster 310
ludo viciana 314
lunifrons 309
rnelanogaster 309
nigra 142
opifex - 309
pelasgia 144
purpurea 314
ripuria
313
sempennis
subis
republicana 309
rufa 308
rustica -- 308
313
314
Bwansonii -- 923
thalassina 311
versicolor -- 314
viridis 310
violacea - 314
hirundo, Sterna - 862,860
bistrionica, Anas 799
Clangula 799
Cosmonetta _. 799
Fuligula 799
Harelda 799
Pbylaconetta 799
Ilintrionicus - 798,787
torquatm 799,798
boilotl, Columba 603
holbolli, Aegiothus 429
Podiceps 892
hornbyi, Oceanodrorna _ 829
Tltalassidrcma 829
holostictus, Notherodius 657
hornemanni, Linaria 429
horrearum, Hirundo 308,307
hoyanus, Grus 654
hudsonia, Fringilla 468,486
Strix.. 64
Page.
hudsonias, Ardca . 668
budsonica, Corvus . 576
Limosa 741
Perdix 750
Pica 576
Scolopax 741
budsonicus, Cleptes _. 576
Numenius 744
Ciicus 38
Falco 38
Parus 395, 388
Turdus 551
hutcbinsii, Anser 766
Bernicla 766, 7 63
JnMonii, Vireo 339,330
hybridus, Colaptes 122
Hydrobata mexicana 229
Hydrocbelidori 858,864
fuliginosum 86
plumbea 864
byemalis, Anas - 800
Emberiza - 468
Falco 28
Fringilla 442,447
Junco 468,465
Nipboea 468
Strutbus 468
Troglodytes 369
Ilylatomus .80,107
Ilylatomus pilcatus 107
Hylornanes 161
Hypacantbus _ 418
Hypacantbus stanleyi 420
byperborea, Anas 760
Tringa 706
hyperboreus, Anser 760
Lobipes 706
Phalaropus 706
Hypotbymys nitens.. 320
hypoleucus, Haematopus 699
bypomelas, Cbaradrius 697
by popolius, Centurus Ill
Hypotriorchis . . . . . . 9
bypoxantbus, Empidonax 178
Hypsibates nigricollis 704
hypuyaea, Athene 59
Strix .. 59
I.
Ibis 682,681
Ibis alba 684
brevirostris 684
chalcbopterus 685
falcinellus 685
Page.
guaruana 685
leucopygia 683
longirostris 684
naudopoa ._ 682
ordii 685
rubra 683
Ibinae _ 631
Idinia 37
Ictinia misrissippiensis .. 37
plumbea 37
Icteria '2±$
Icteria auricollis 248
dumecola 248
longicauda 249
velasquczii 248
viridis 248
icterica, Fringilla 419
Icteridae 204,521
Iderieae 234, 248
Icterinae 5 J 0
icterocepbala, Motacilla 279
Sylvia 279
Sylvicola 279
icterocepbalus, Agelaius.. 531
Icterus 531
Xanthocephalus .. 531
Icterus agripcnnis 522
audubonii 542, 540
baltimore 548,541
buUockii 549,541
californicus 550
cucullatuu 546, 541
emberizoides _ 524
frenatus 531
graduacauda 543
gubernator . 629
icterocephalus 531
melanoccphalus _. 542
mtlanocephalus 543, 540
melanocbrysura _ 544
mesomelas 541
parisorum 544, 540
pecoris 524
perspicillatus 531
phoeniceus 526
pustulatus _ 550
scottii 544
spurius 547,541
tricolor 530
vulgaris — „ 542, 540
wagleri 545,540
xanthoccpbalus 531
Oriolus 542
iliaca, Fringilla 488
Passer dla.. 488
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
983
impennis, Alca
imperator, Falco
imperialis^ Carnpephilus.
Dryocopus
Dryotomus.
Megapicus .
900
42
82
82
82
82
incana, Motacilla 306
Sylvia 306
incanus, Lobipes 705
incarnata, Platea 686
Inepti 593
inf uscata, Strix __ 62
inornata, Musicapa 188
inornatus, Lophophanes 386,383
Parus 386
Picus _ 87
Insessores 126
intermixtus, Falco _ 9
intermedius, Numcnius
i?iterpres, Strepsilas _ _ 701
Tringa 701
intrepidus, Tyrannus 171
insianatus, Bufeo 23
lonornis mavtinicensis 753
irritabilis, Tyrannus 178
isabellinus, Falco . 13
islandica, Anas _ 796
Bucephala 796,795
Clangula 796
Tringa 715
islandicus, Falco 13
Larus 843
islandus, Falco 13
Ispida — 157
Ispida ludoviciana 168
Ixoreus naevius 219
J.
jaguacatc, Alcedo. 158
jamaicensis, Anas 811
Ardca 679
Ckaradrius 692
Crcciscus — 749
Ortygometra 749
Porzana 749
Pvallus 749
junccti, Sturnus 521
Junco 464, 440
Junco caniceps 468, 465, 924
cinercus 465,464
hyemalis 468,465
oregonus ..466, 464
pkauonotus 465
juncorum, Fringilla 473
jugularis, Turd us 547
K.
Page.
kaupii, Zebrapicus . Ill
Kiencria _ 510
Kieneria abertiL _ . 516
fusca 517
rufipileus 519
kirtlandii, Dendroica 28C, 2G6
Nyctale 57
Sylvicola. 286
Ktinorhynchus strepera 782
kittlitzii, Brachyrhamphus 917
L.
labradora, Fuligula 803
Rhynchaspis 803
labradoria, Anas 803
labradorius, Camptolaemus 803
Camptorkynckus 803
Turd us . 551
lackrymans, Uria _ 914
lacteola, Cepkus 911
Uria 911
Lagopus 632, 619
Lagopus albus 633,632
americanus 637
leucurus 633, 636
rupesiris 633, 635
lagopus, Archibuteo 32
Falco 32
Tctrao 633, 637
Lamellirostrea - 755
Lampornis 129, 130
Lampornis mango 130
porpkyrula 922
Lampronetta 787,802
LaniproneUa fischeri 803
Laniidae .204,323
Lanius 323
Lanius agilis 333
ardosiaceus . 325
borealis 324
carolinensis 171, 325
elegans 328
excubitor 324
excubitoroides 327
garrulus 317
ludovicianus 171,325
mexicanus '328
nootka 328
olivaceus 331
septentiionalis 324
tyrannus 171,172
lapponica, Emberiza 433
Fringilla 433
Scolopax 741
lapponicus, Centrophanes 433
Plectrophanes 431,433
Pago .
Laridae 819.837
Larinac 837,810
Laroides argentatoides 844
argentatus 844
californicus 846
ckalcopterus 843
glaucopterus 842
glaucescens 842
glaucus 842
leucopterus . 845
occidentalis 845
Larus 841
Larus argentatus . 841, 814
atricilla 850
belckeri 849
bonapartei 852
brackyrkynckus 842,846, 855
californicus -.841, 846
candidus 856
canus... 846
capistratros 852
catarractes 838
chalcopterus 841,843
consul 842
delawarensis 812, 846
eburneus 856
franklinii 851
fuliginosus 849
furcatus 857
glacialis 842
glaucescens 841,842
glaucoides 843
glaums 841, 842
kecrnaanni ^ H
islandicus 843
leucoplerus 841, 843
nutrinus 841,844
minutus 853
niveus 855
occidentalis 841, 845
parasiticus ._ 839
pipixcan 852
ridibundus 8f>0
rissa 854
roseus 856
rossii 816
sabinii 857
suclcleyi 842,848
tridactylus 854
zonorbynckus . . 846
latcralis, Sylria 274
laticauda, Bartramia 737
latifosciatus, Thryotliorus... 357
latkaiui, 1'icus . 120
Sagmatorkina JH)4
lawrcncii, Carduclis 424
984
SYSTEMATIC LSDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
latvrencii, Chrysomitris 419,424
Fregetta 832
Myiarchus 178, 181
Tyrannula 180
lazulus, Pitylus 502
latissimus, Falco — 29
Icachii, Procellaria 830
Thalassidroma 829,830
lecontii, Emberiza 4o2
Coturniculus 449,452
Harporhynchus - -348, 350
Picus 87
Toxostoma 350
lentiginosa, Ardea 674
lenliginosus, Botaurus 674
Butor 674
Leptostoma 73
Leptostoma longicauda 73
Lcpturus galeatus - 320
lewisii, Picus - H5
Icssoni, Ardea 668
Lestridinae - 837
Lcstris - 837
Lestris Buffonii 840
catarractes 838
cepphus - - 840
parasitica - 840
parasiticus -- 83g
pomarinus 838
richardsonii - 839
leuce, Ardea - 666
Egretta 666
Herodias 666
Leucoblepharon 753
leucocephala, Columba 599
leucocephalus, Anas 800
Falco 43
Haliaetus , 43
Patagiocnas 597, 599
Pelecanus - 873
leucogaster, Ardea 663
Hirundo 310
Tyrannus 171
leucogastra, Sylvia 256
Troglodytes 863
Thryothorus 363
leucomelas, Picus 84
Leuconerpes albolarvatus 96
Leucopareia 763
leucopareia, Bernkla 763, 765
leucopareius, Anser 765
leucomus, Muscicapa . 298
leucophaea, Scolopax 712
Leucophaeus 841
leueophrys, Emberiza 458
Fringilla 458
Page.
leucophrys Zonotrichia 458, 460
Leucopolius 695
Icucoprymna, Herodias 663
leucopsis, Anscr 768
Bernida 763,768
leucoptera, Aegitliina 305, 922
Columba 603
Crucirostra ._ 427
Curvirostra 427
Loxia 427
Melopelia 603
Mniotilta 305
Sylvia 271,305
Zenaida 603
Leucopternis _ _. 23
leucopterus, Falco 42
Orpheus 344
Laroides 843
Larus 841,843
Leucus 843
Turtur 603
leucopyga, Fulica 751
leucopygia, Ibis.. 683
lencopygius, Cymindis ,,,_ 38
leucorhoa, Procellaria 830
Leucosticte 408,430
Leucosticte arctous 430
griseigenys .. 430
griseinucha 430
tephrocotis 430
leucotis, Parus 296
Picus 96
leucurus, Elanus 37
Lagopus 633,636
Milvus 37
Scolopax 710
Tetrao 636
Leucus chalcopterus _. 843
glaucus 842
glaucescens 842
leucopterus — 843
limicola, Rallus 748
Limicolae 688
Limicula marmorata 740
fedoa 740
Limosa 740
Limosa americana 740
adspersa - 740
aegocepliala 741
edwardsii 741
fedoa 740
hudsonica 741
melanura 741
scolapaceus 712
Limoseae 727,740
linaria, Acanthis 428
Page ,
linaria, Aegiothus . 428
Fringilla 428
Linaria borealis 429
canescens 429
horneinanni 429
lincolnii 482
minor 428
pinus 425
savanna . 442
lincolnii, Fringilla 482
Linaria 482
Melospiza 477, 482
Pencaea 482
lineatus, Buteo 28
Falco 28
Podilymbus 898
Sparvius.. 18
Linota canescens 429
Liotrichidae ..205, 343
littoralis, Fringilla 453
Thryothorus 3G1
lividus, Turdus 346
Lobipes 70G
Lobipes hyperboreus _ 706
incanus 706
lobatus, Phcvaropus 705
lobata, Tringa 70G
loculator, Tantalus 682
lomvia, Cephus . 913
Uria 913
longicauda, Dafila 776
Harporhynchus 353
Icterii 249
Leptostoma 73
Tringa 737
longipes, Agelaius 531
Longipennes 820
longirostre, Toxostoma 352
lonyirostris, Harporhynchus 352
Methriopterus . 348
Mimus 352
Numenius — 743
Orpheus 350
Eallus 748
Scolopax 712
Lophodytes 812,815
Lophodytts cucullatus 816
Lophophancs 383
Lophophanes atricriktatus 383, 385
bicolor 383,384
galeatus 386
inornatus 383, 386
missouriensis 384
wollweberi 383, 386
Lophortyx 638,643
Lophortyx californica 644
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page .
Lophortyx calif ornic us 643, 044
clegans 649
gainbdii 643, 045
plumifera 642
louisiana, Thryothorus 361
Loxia americana 426
cacrulea •_ 499
cardinalis 509
curvirostra 420
enucleator 410
falcirostra 427
fusca 420
leucoptera 427
ludoviciana 497
moxicana 427,924
obscura 497
pusilla 420
rosea.. 497
violacea 412
virginica 301
loyca, Pezites 533
ludoviciana, Alauda 232
Anthus 232
Ardca 663,676
Bubo 49
Coccohorus 497
Coccothraustes 497
Collyrio 321,325
Demiegretta COO, 663
Egretta GG3
Ficcdula 238
Fringilla 497
Guiracn 497
Hedymeles 497
Hirundo 314
Ispida 158
Lanius 171, 325
Loxia 497
Motaeilla 306,738
Muscicapa 178
Oriolus 555
Psittacus 67
Pyranga 300, 303
Pyrrbula 497
Seiurws 259,262
Sturnclla 535
Sturnus 535
Sylvia 306,361
Tanagra 303
Thriothorus 360, 361
Troglodytes 361
Turdus 252
lugubris, Corvus 560
Lunda eirrhata 902
lunifrons, II irundo 309
Petrochelidon.. 307
luteus, Ampelis 248
! luxuosus. Carduelis 503
Cyanocorax 589
Garrulus 589
Xantboura 589
M.
mccalli, Ortalida 611
Scops 52
m'ccouyiii, Plectrophanes _ .437 ,432
macgillivrayi, Ammodromus 454
Fringilla 454
Geothlypis 244,241
Sylvia 244
Trichas- 244
Machetes pugnax 737
Macrocercus pachyrhynchus 66
Macrochires 128
macrolophus, Cyanocitta 582
Oyanura 582, 579
macroptcra, Chrysomitris 425
Sialia 224
Totanus 733
Macropus _ 801
macropus, Sylvia _. 271
Macrorliamphus 711, 708
Macrorliamphus griseus 712
scolojiacfus 712
Macrotarsus nigricollis 704
macrura, Sterna 862, 859
macrourus, Chalchophancs 554
Quiscalus 554
macularia, Tringa _. 735
macularius, Actitis 735
Totanus 735
Tringoides 735
maculosa, Dendroica _ 284, 26G
Motaeilla 284
Rhirnanphus 284
Sylvia 284
maculosa, Sylvicola 284
maculata, Ccrthia 235
Tringa 720
maculatus, Pelecanus 871
magellanica, Chrysomitris 419
Fringilla 419
niagcllanicus, Carduelis 419
Ctirysomilris 419,418
Strix 49
magna, Alauda _ 535
Sturndla 535
magnolia, Sylvia 284
major, Alca 900
Bathmidurus . 165
Chalcophanes 555
Page.
major, Ficedula, canadensis 239
Henicocichla 262
Pachyrhamphua 165
Procellaria 833
Psaris marginatus . 165
Puffinus 833,832
Quiscalus 555
malfini, Nisus 18
mango, Lampornis 130
Trochilus 130
manimbe, Coturniculus — 449
Mareca 783, 772
Mareca amcricana 783
fistularis 784
penelope 783
inarginata, Columba 604
Ectopistes 604
Saur othera 73
marginella, Ectopistes 604
Zenaidura 604
Marila affinis . 791
collaris 792
frcnata 79
marila, Anas __ 791
Aythya 791
Fuligula 791
Fitlix 791
marilandica, Ficcdula 241
Perdix 640
Sylvia 241
Trichas 241
marilandicus, Tctrao... 640
mariloides, Fuligula 791
marinus, Dominicanus 844
Larws 844,841
maritima, Ccrthiola 286
Fringilla ....... 454
Pelidna 717
Sylvia 286
Sylvicola 286
Tringa ,. 717
maritimus, Ammodramus 454
Rhimamphus 286
marmorata, Limicula 740
Scolopax 740
Uria 915
marmoratus, Charadrius 690
Colymbus 915
Brachyrhamphus. . 91'5
martinae, Picus 84
, martiuica, Columba 607
Crex 753
Fulica 753
Gallinula .. 753
Geotrygon 607
Oreopelia 607
124 b
986
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page .
martinica, Porphyrio 753
martinicana, Zenaida 602
martinicensis, Fulica 753
lonornis 753
ma«sena, Cyrtonyx. 647
Ortyx 647
mauri, Ereunetes — 724
Heteropoda 724
maxima, Anas — 774
medianus, Picus 87
Megaceryle 157
Megaceryle alcyon 157, 158
inegalonyx, Pipilo . . 515, 511
Megalopterns stolidtw 865
Megapicus 81
Megapicus imperialis 82
Megapodidae 593
megonyx, Corvus - 573
Melampicoa 112
Melampicus flavigula 114
Melanaetos. Falco 43
melancholicus, Tyrannus 176, 170
Mtlanerpcs 112, 108
Melanerpes albolarvatus 96
formicivorus - - 114, 1 12
erythrocephalw . 113, 112
rubrigularis 105
ruber 104
thyroideus IOC
tarqimlus 115,112
Melanerpinae 79
Melanctta 804,788
americana 807
carbo 805
deglandii 805
pcrgpicillata 806
velvelina 805, 804
melania, Procellaria 830
TJialasxidroma 830, 829
melanocepliala, Coccothraustes. 498
Fringilla 498
G uniaphea 498
Guinea 498,497
Hcdymeles 498
Sitta 874
melauoceplialus, Coccoborus 498
Icterus 542
Icterus 543,540
Psarocolius — 543
Strepsilas 702
Xanthornus..543,542
melanochrysura, Icterus 544
melanogaster, Hirundo 309
Petrochelidon . . . 309
Plotus .. 883
Pago .
mdanoleuca, Gambetta 731
Panyptila 141
Pica 576
melanoleucus. Cypselus 141
Scolopax 731
Totanus. 731
melanomas, Plectrophanes .436,431
| melanonyx, Procellaria.- 831
melanopogon, Picus 114
melanopterus, Falco 37
melanopus, Numenius 743
melanopygius, Totanus 737
melanbtis, Aegithaliscus 396
Poecila 396
Psaltria 396
1'saltriparus 396
Parus 396
melanoxanthus, Fringilla 423
melanura, Limosa 741
Poliopt'da 382,379
Procellaria — 835
Meleagrinae 613
Meleagris 613
americana 615
fora 615
ijallopano 615, 614
mexicanus 618,614
ocellata 614
sylvestris - 615
meleagris, Odontophorus 647
melitensis , Procel laria 831
Melittarchus dominicensis 172
melodia, Fringilla. 477
Melospiza 477
Muscicapa 335
Zonotrichia 477
me/odus, Aegialitis 695
Charadrius 695
Turdus 212
Melopelia 602
Melopelia leucoptera _. 603
Melospiza 476, 440
Melospiza fall-ox 48 1, 477
gouldii* 479,476
keermanni 478, 477
lincolnii 482, 477
melodia 477
palustris 483, 477
rufi.ua .480,477
samuelis 455
Melozone 512
Merganser castor 813
cucullatus .. 816
serrator . 814
merganser, Mergus 813
Page.
Mergdlus albellvs 817
Merginae 812,756
Mergus .813,812
Mergus albellus 817
americanm 813
cristatus 814
cucullatus 816
merganser 813
minutns 817
scrralor 814, 813
stellatus 817
Mergulus alle 918
antiquus 916
cassinii 910
cirrhoceplialus , 916
melanoleucus 918
meridionalis, Fulmarus 827
Parus 392,388
Picus 87,91
Procellaria 827,824
Merula carol inensis 248
migratoria 218
minor 214
mustelina 212
solitaria 212
wilsonii — 216
meruloides, Fringilla 489
Orpheus 219
iiiesoleucus, Pipilo 518, 5]1
mesomelas, Icterus 541
Methriopterus 353, 348
Methriopterus curvirostris 348
longirostris 348
rufus 348
mexicana, Accipiter 17
Astragalinus 423
Carduelis 423
Catherpes 356
Cinclus 229
Colaptes 120, 117
Coracias. 590
Chrysamitris 423, 419
Geococcyx _. 73
Himantopus 704
Compsothlypis 237
Culicivora 380,382
Emberiza 494
Fringilla 421
Hydrobata 229
Mdeagris 618, 614
Myiarchus 199,176
Parula 237
Penelope 770
Picus 120
Psilorhinus.- 592
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
987
Page.
mexicana, Salpiuctt-s 35ti
Scolecophagus 252
Sialia, 223,251
Sylvia 25C
Ty rannula 17!)
Tantalus 685
Thryothorus. 356
Troglodytes 356
Trogon 69
Tyrannus 169
miclonia, Anas 800
microceros, Phaleris 908
Mwropalama 725,711
Micropalama Jdviantopus 726
Microptera americana 709
migratorius, Helmitherus 252
Turdus 218,210
PJauesticus 218
migratoria, Columba 600
Ectopistes 600
Merula. 218
militaris, Trupialis 533
Sturnus 633
Milvinae 36
Milvulus 167
Milvulus forftficalus 169
savanus.. 168
tyrannus 168
milvulus, Tyrannus 168
Milvus leucurus 37
Miminae 343
Mimus 343
Mimus caudatus 345
caroltnensis 346, 344
curvirotitris 351
felivox 346
longirostris 352
montanus 347
polyglottus „ . 344
rufus 353
miniata, Setophaya 299, 297
Sylvia 296
minima, Poecile 397
Psaltria 397
Tyrannula 195
minimus, Empidonax 195, 192
Parus 397
PsaUriparus 397, 396
Turdus 212
minor, Alauda 403
Ardea 674
Botaurus 674
Coccytjus 78
Coccyzus 78
Colymbus 895
Page.
minor, Cuculus 78
Fuligula 791
Hemipalama 724
Linaria 428
Merula 214
Pelecanus 873
Philohda... 709
Rusticola 709
Scolopax 709
Tetrao 640
Turdus 212,214,216
minuta, Anas 799
Muscicapa 293
Sterna 864
Sylvia 290,293
Wilsonia .- 293
minutilla, Tringa 721
minutus, Chroicoctphalus .850, 853
Larus 853
Mergus 817
Myiodiodes 291,293
Tantalus 683
mississippiensis, Falco ,'57
Ictinia 37
Tanagra 301
mitrata, Motacilla 292
Wilsonia 292
Sylvia 292
Sylvania 292
mitratus, Myioctonus 292
Myiodioctes 291,292
Mniotilta 235
Mniotilta borealis 235
carolinensis 306
citrea .. 239
leucoptera 305
noveboracensis 261
occidentals 268
varia 235
Mniotilteae 234, 235
mokoho, Ardea 674
mollissima, Anas 809
Fuligula 809
Somateria 809
Platypus 809
Molothrus 521,523
Molothrus peccnis. 524
Momotus 161
Momotus caeruliceps 161
subhutu t~ 161
ruonilis, Columba 597
monocerota, Ceratorhina 905
in on tana, Columba 607
Oolumbigallina 607
Deiulroica 266, 276
Page.
moutana, Embema 432
Orrjismya 135
Sylvia 278
Sylvicola 278
/enaida 607
montanua, AegialUis 693
Buteo 26
Charadrius 693
Mimus 347
Oroscoptex 347
( h-pheus 347
Parus 388, 394
Picus 115
Turdus 347
niuntezuruac, Ortyx 647
monticola, Fringilla 472
Spizella 471, 472
Zonotrichia 472
monticolus, Spinites 472
moreletii, Spermophila 506
Sporophila 506
morinella, Tringa 701
morio, Psilorhinus 592
Mormon arcticus 903
cirrhata 902
corniculata 902
fratercula 903
glacialis 902, 903
supurciliosa 908
mortoni, Cinclus 229
Motacilla aestiva 281
albicollis 282
americana 238
auricollis 306
aurocapilla 260
blackburniae 2 74
caerulea 380
caerulescens 271
calendula 226
cana 380
caruulensis 271
c-hrysoptera 255
cincta 272
citrea 237
coronata 272
eques 238
flavicauda 297
Havicollis 289
flavifrous 255
fulva 306
icterocephala 279
incana 306
ludoviciana 306
maculosit 284
mitrata.. 292
988
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Pago .
261
220
288
272
279
289
282
239
306
282
222
280
289
286
361
272
235
267
252
262
262
231
726
356
356
197
334
171
184
187
305
295
306
380
294
338
346
184
188
201
178
292
299
17G
172
177
169
176
184
335
213
188
298
178
335
293
Page.
183
novcboracensis
338
f
nunciola
184
olivacea
331
phoebc
184,189
194,293
190,197
190
pusilla
.
rapax .... .....
rex ..
171
richardsonii
.. 189
201
rubra
.. 301
rubrifrons .
306
ruticilla _..._._._.
297
savana
168
185
selbyi
292
semi-atra
183
solitarius
340
striata
.. 280
sylvicola
.. 341
traillii
.. 193
ty rannus
.168,171
verticalis
.. 173
virens .
190
Muscicfipa tiCcidicci -
virginiana cristata.
viridis
178
248
vulnerata
299
cltl'cl
wilsouia
293
nmsicus, Cyguus
758
belli
Vi reo .. .........
338
bonapartii
uiustelina Emberiza .......
432
brasieri .
Merula.
212
cat'i'ulea
musldinus Turdus . ...... 210
,212,214
547
niutatus, Oriolus
cantatrix .
mutus Tetrao
637
carolinensis
Myiadcstes
320
carolinensis fusca . . .
cooperi
Myiadcstes unicolor.
321
321
coronata
Jtfi/ictrcJnis
167 177
crinita..
MyiciTchus cooperi
177 180
cucullata
crinitus
177 178
derhami
178 181
despotes _ _
177 179
dominicensis . ..
183
ferox
181
forficata .
187
furcata
188
fusca
178
gil va
nigricans
183
184
guttata
inornata .
saya
185
leucomus
190
ludoviciana
Myioctonus
291
melodia
292
minuta
rmsillus ..
293
Page.
Myiodioctes 291
Myiodioctes bonapartii 295
canadcnsis -.291, 294
formosus 248
minuius 291,293
miiratus 291,292
pardalina 294
pusillus 291,293
wilsonii 293
Myotliera obsoleta 357
mystacalis, Phyllomanes 334
mystacea, Colurnba — 607
mystaccus, Eegulus 241
N.
nacurutu, Strix _ 49
nacvia, Arclea G78
Strix 51
Tonga 715
naevius, Actidurus 739
Ixoreus 219
Orpheus 219
Turdus ..210,219
naudopoa, Ibis 682
nanus, Pyrocephalus 201
Turdus 210,213
nashvillci, Sylvia 256
nataliae, Picus 106
natator, Totanus - 732
Natatores 2,754
Nanderus 36
Nauderus furcatus 36
nebulosa, Strix 56
nebulosum, Syrnium 56
Nectris fuliginosus 834
neglecta, Sturnella 538
Neocorys — 231
Neocorys spraguei 234
ncoxenus, Ortyx 649
Nepliocaetcs 140, 142
Nephocaetes niger 142, 922
Nephoecctes 922
Nettarion 790
Neiii&n 772,777
Ndlion carolinensis 777
crecca 777,778
nigra, Anas 807
Cypselus 142
Falco 33,41
Fuligula 807
Haematopus 700
Hirundo 142
Ne.phocaetcs 14
Oriolus 551, 555
Rostrkanms.. 38
Rynchops . . 866
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
989
Page.
nigra. Scolecophagus 551
Somatrria V 809, 810
Sterna 864
nigrescent, Dendroica 265,270
Rhimanphus 270
Sylvia 270
Sylvicola 270
Vermivora 270
Anser 767
uigricans, Aulanax 183
Bernida 763, 767
Mub'cicapa 183
Myiarclius 183
Myiobius 183
Sayornis 182, 183
Tringa 717
Tyrannula 183
Tyraunus 183
niyrice}>s Falco 8
nigrociricta, Setopbaga 294
nigrkollis, Himantopus 704
Hypsibates.. 701
Macrotarsus 704
Passerina -- 494
Pendulinus 547
nigripes, Diomedea 822
Nisus malfini 18
niteiis, Hypothymys 320
Ptilogonys 320
Quiscalus 555
Cichlopsis 320
nitida, Asturina 35
nitidus, Falco 35
Niphoea 464
Niphoea hyemalis 468
oregona 466
nivalis, Anas 760
Kmbcriza 432
Fringilla 468
Plectrophanes 432
nivca, Ardea 665
Egretta 671
Gavia 85G
Xyctea 63
Itissa 854,855
Strix 63
Tadorna 760
ravens, Larus 855
Pagopblla.. 856
niwjsa, Aegialitis 696
nobilis, Aquila 41
nodirostra, Phaleris - 908
notatus, Chrysomitris 418
Notherodius guarauna 657
holostictus 657
novac-terrae, Falco 33
Page .
uovcboracensis, Coturnicops 750
Fulica 750
Gallimila 750
Henicocichla — 261
Motacilla 261
Mniotilta 261
Muscicapa 338
Ortygometra 750
Porzana 750
Rallus 712
Seiurus 259,261
Scolapax 712
Sylvia 261
Turdus 261,551
Vireo 330,338
nucbalis, Pica 590
Nucifraga colnuibiana 573
Numenieae 727, 742
Numenius 742
Nunicnius arquata 743
borealis 744
brasiliensis 743
brevirostris. - 744
hemirynchus 744
hudsonicia 744
intermedius
longirostris 743
me! anopus 743
occideutalis 743
rufus - 743,744
Nninida — 613
nunciola, Muscicapa 184
Myiobius 184
Tyrannus 168
nuttalli, Antrostomus 149
Caprimulgns 149
Cleptes 578
Pica 578
Picu.s 83
Nyclale 57
Nyctalc acadica 58
albifrons 57
kirtlandii 57
richardsoni 57
Nyctea 63
Nycica nivca _ 63
nyctea, Strix 63
Nycteininae 63
Nyctherodius 660, 679
Jfyctlterodins viul-aceus . — 679
Nycliardea 660,678
Nydiardca gardeni 678
violacea 679
Nycticoraceae 660
Nycticorax americanus 678
garden!.. -- 678
Page.
Nycticorax grisca 679
violaceus.. 679
nycticorax, Ardea 678
Nyroca americana 794
0.
obscura, Anas 773,775
Canace 620
Loxia 497
Procellaria 835
Tyrannula 200
obscurus, Carpodacus 415
Empidonax 192, 200
Picus 113
Puffinm. 833,835
Sturmis 524
Tetrao 620
obsoleta, Myothera 357
obsokliis, Salpindes 357
Thryothorus — 357
Troglodytes 357
oceanica, Procellaria 831
cceanicus, Totanus 734
Oceanites 831
Oceanites wilsonii 831
Occanodroma _ 829
Occanodroma f urcata 829
hornbyi 829
orientalis 829
occidua, Anas 801
occidentals, Ardea 670
Audubonia 670
Berniela 766
Ceratorhina . 905
Ceratorhyncbia 905
Cerorbyncba 905
Dendroica 265,268
Laroides. 845
Larm 841,845
Mniotilta 268
Numenius 743
Otoeoris 403
Pants 388,391
Phaleris 905
Podiceps 894
Recurvirostra 703
Sialia 223
Sylvia 268
Sylvicola 268
Uria 905
ochropus, Tringa 733
Ocniscus viresccns - 676
ocbroleuca, Sylvia 306
Ochthodrvmus 693
Ocbtbodromus wilsonius 693
990
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Odontophorus meleagris 647
Oena gquamosa - 605
oenanthe, Motacilla 220
Saxicola 220
oenanthoides, Saxicola ,. 220
Oidemia 787,804
Oidemia americana 804, 807
bimaculata 808
degiandii 805
fusca -- 805
perspicillata — 806
velvetina 805
okeni, Charadmis 695
olivacea, Dendroica 305
Muscicapa 331
Sylvia 305
Sylvicola 305
Tanagra 248
Yireosylvia 334
Lanius 331
Phylloinanes 331
Turdus 216
Vireo 329,331
Olor 757
Olor americanus 758
buccinator 758
Ombria psittacula 910
onorotalus, Pelicanus 870
opifcx, Hirundo 309
ophiophagus, Falco 37
Oporornis 240,246
Oporornis agilis 246
formosas 246,247
ordii, Falcinellus 685
Ibis 685
oregona, Fringilla .. 466
Niphoea 466
oreyunus, Junco - 464, 466
Pipilo 511,513
Struthus 466
Oreopeleia martinica 607
Oreophasinae .- 610
Oreortyx 638,642
Oreortyx pictus 642
orientalis, Chimerina 000
Oceanodroma 829
Procellada 829
Thai assidroma 829
Oriolus baltimore 548
castaneus 547
caudacutus 453
ferrugineus 551
fuscus 524, 551
icterus 542
ludovicianus 555
mutatus.- 547
Page
Oriolus niger 555, 55:
phoenicexis 526
spurius . 54
varius 541
I orizivora, Emberiza 522
Passerina 622
orizivorus, Dolichonyx -. 522
| ornata, Emberiza 435
I ornattim, Conirostrum 40C
! ornatus, Centrophanes 435
Plfdrophanes 431,435
Orniriinya colubris 131
montana 135
anna 137
tricolor 135
coetae 138
sasin 134
O-foncopt&s 346
Oroscoptes monlanus 347
Orpheus 343
Orpheus carolinensis . 346
curvirostris 351
felivox 346
leucopterus. 344
longirostris 352
meruloides 219
mcntanus 347
naevius 219
polyglottus 344
rufus.. .. 353
Ortalickt 610,611
Ortalida McCalli 611
poliocephala 611
vetula 611
Orthochires 128
Ortyginae G38
Ortygometra Carolina 749
noveboracensis . . . 750
Ortyx 638,638
Ortyx borealis 640
californica 644
douglassii 649
elegans 649
fasciatus . 649
massena 647
niontezumae 647
neoxenus 649
piota 642
plurnifera 642
spilogaster 649
squamatus 646
temminckii 649
lexanus 640, 641
virginiana 640
virginianus 640
Oscines.. 203
Page.
ossifraga, Falco 000
gigantea . . 825
Procellaria 825
Ossifragus 825
Corvw 569, 571
Falco 43
ostralegus, Haematopus 696
Otocoris 402
Otocoris cornutus 403
occidentalis 403
Otus 53
Otus americanus 53
wilsonumus 53
Oxyura 811
Oxyechus 692
Oxyechus vociferus 692
Oxypterus, Buteo 30
P.
pacijica, Procellaria 824, 826
pacificus, Colymbus 000
pachyrhynclia, JKhynchopsitta 66
Pachyrhampluts 164
Pachyrhamphus aylaiae 164
major 165
Pachyrhynchus 164
pachyrhynchus, Macrocercus 66
Pachysylvia decurtata 305
Pagonetta 799
Pagophila 841,855
Pagophila br achy tar si 856
eburnea 856
niveus 856
pallasii, Cinclus 229
Turdus 210,212
mlliatus, Corvus 584
Ilaematapus 699
)allida, Emberiza ... 474, 475
Sayornis .. 185
Spinites 474
Spizdla 471,474
Tyrannula 185
jahnarum, Sylvia 288
Dendroica 266,288
Motacilla 288
almerstonii, Pelecanus 874
>alpebrata, Diomedea 823
^aludicolae ._ „ 745
alustris americanus, Brachyotus 54
Ammodromus 483
Certhia 364
Cistotharus 364
Fringilla 483
Melospiza 477, 483
Parus 390
Passerculus. . . 483
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
991
Page.
palustris, Sylvia 271
Thryothorna 364
Troylody tes 364
pannosa, Sylvicola 271
Pandion americanus 44
carolinensis 44
Panyptila 140
Pauyplila cayauensis 141
melanoleuca 141
paradisea, Sterna 863,859
parasitica, Lestris 840
parasiticus, Larus 837
Lcstris 839
Stercorarius. 839,838
pardula, Charadrius 697
pardalina, Myiodioctes 294
Sylvia 294
Sylvicola 294
pardhna, Cyanospiza 502, 501
Paribis albus 684
Paridae 205,379
Parinae 383
parisorum, Icterus 544,540
Xanthornus 544
parkmanni, Troylodi/tes 367
Paroides 399
Paroides jlaviceps 400
Parula 237
Panda americana 238,237
brasiliana 237
mexicana 237, 922
pitiayumi. ._ 237
superciliowa 922
Parus 387
Parus americanus. 238
annexus 386
atrkapillm 390, 387
atricristatus 385
bicolor 384
carolinensis 392, 388
fasciata 370
griseus 226
hudsonius 395,388
inornatus 386
leucotis 296
melanotis 396
meridionalis 392, 388
minimus — 397
nwntanw 394,388
ocdde.ntalis ..371,388
palustris 390
rufesceus 394, 388
septentrionalis 389, 388
virginianus. 272
parus, Sylvia 274
Sylvicola 274
par VHP, Picus
Turdus...
pascha, Psittacus. .
Passer canadensis.
Page.
94
214
66
472
pennsylvanicus 463
stultus o°°
Passerculus 441, 439
Pasnercidus alaudinus , . 446, 442
anthinus . 445, 442
cassinii 485
palustris 483
rostralus 446, 442
sandtoichensis 444, 442
savanna 442
zonarius. _ 482
Passerella 488
Passerella cinerea 480
Uiaca 488
rufina 480
schistacea 490,488
lowmemlii.. . 489, 488
Passcrettinae 748
Passerina 500
caudacuta 453
ciris 503
cyanea 505
nigricollis. 494
oryzivora 522
pecoris 724
pratcnsis 450
passerina, Chamepelia. 606
Columba 606
Emberiza 450
Fringilla 450
Strix 58
pas&erinus, Colurniculus 450,449
passerinoides, Strix 62
Patagioenas 596
Patagioenas leucocephalus 597,599
patagonica, Athene 60
parvipes, Anser 764
pealii, Ardea 661
Demiegretta 061,660
Egretta 1 661
Pediocaetes 625,619
Pediocaeles pJiasiandlus . 626
pecoris, Emberiza _ • 524
Fringilla .324
Icterus 524
Molothrus 524
Passerina 524
Psarocolius 524
pectoralis, Charadrius 6)0
Tringa 720
pelagica, Aquila 42
Procellaria , 831
Page.
pdagica. Tlialassidroma . .831, 429
pelagicus, Ilaliaetits 42
pelasgia, Acanthylis 144
Chaetura 144
Cypselus 144
Herniprocne 144
Hirundo 144
Pelccanidae 868, 818
Pelecaninae 818
Pelicanus americanus 868
aquilus 873
bassanus 871
carbo _ 876
dilophus 877
crythrorhynchus 868
fiber.. 872
fuscus 870
leucocephalus 873
maculatus 871
minor 873
molinae 868
on ocro talus 868
palmerstonii 874
sula 872
trachyrhynchus 868
violaceus 881
Pelidna cinclus 719
maritima 717
pusilla 721
schinzii 719, 722
subarquata 718
Pelionetta 804,788
Pelionetla perspicillatu 806, 804
trowbridgii 806, 804
Pendulinus abeillii _. 550
ater 551
oucullatus 546
dominicensis 545
nigricollis 547
Penelope 783, 610
Penelope mexicana 770
penelope, Anas 784
Mareca _. 783
Pendopidae 610, 609
pennatus, Falco 32
pennsylvanica, Alauda 232
Dendroica 279, 265
Ficedula 25.2
Fringilla 463
Motacilla 279
Sylvia 289
Vermivora 252
Zonotrichia 463
pennsylvanicus, Anthus..., 232
Buteo 20
Falco 18,29
992
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
pennsylvanicup, Passer 403
pensilis, Motacilla 289
Rhiruamphus 289
Sylvia 289
Sylvicola 280
Perdiridae 638,609
Perdix borealis 640
californica 644
hudsonica 750
marilandica 640
plumifera 642
virginiana 640
peregrina, Helinaia 258
Helminthophaga 253, 258
Helmitlieros 258
Sylvia 258
Sylricola 258
Vermivora.. 228
peregrinus, Falco 7
peregrinator, Strix 53
Perisoreus 590,575
Perisorcus canadensis - 509
Perissura carolinensis 604
personata, Psaltria 396
personatus, Psaltriparus 396
Trichas 241
perspicillata, Anas 806
Fuligula 806
Melanetta 800
Oidemia 806
Pelionett-a 806,804
pcrspicillatus, Icterus 531
Psarocolius 531
Xan thocophalus . . 831
peruviana, Xanthoura.. 589
petasodes, Sylvia 293
petechia, Motacilla 282
Seiurus 288
Sylvia 282,288
Sylvicola 288
pclrificatus, Ereunetes 724
Petrochelidon bicolor 208
lunifrons 307
melanogastcr 309
thalassina 307
Peucaea 484, 440
Peucaea aesiivalis 484
bacbmani 488
cassinii 485, 448
lincolnii 424
ruficeps 486, 484
Pezitcs loyca 533
Phacopus 74.4.
Phaeton aethereus 885
candidus 885
flavirostris 885
Page.
Phactonidae 818
phaeonotus, Junco 465
Phainopepla 923
Phalacrocorax americanus 876
brasiliensis 879
carbo 876
cincinnatus 877
dilophus 877
iloridanus 879
lacustris 879
mexicanus 879
macrorhynchus 876
perspicillatus 877
penicillatus 880
resplendens 881
splendens
townsendii 880
xirile 877
violaceus 881
Phalaropodidae 705,689
Phalaropus cincrascens 700
fimbriatus 705
frenatus 705
fulicarius 707
hyperboreus 706
lobatus 705
platyrhynchus 707
ruficollis 706
rufus 707
stenodactylus 705
uilsonii 705
Phaleris cristatella 906, 908
carntschaticus 908
cerorhyncha 905
microceros 908
monocerata 905
nodirostra 908
occidentals 905
psittacula 910
pusilla 909
snperciliata 900
supcrciliosa 906, 908
tetracula 907
phasianellus, Centroccrcus 626
Pediocaeles 620
Tctrao 626,624
Phasianadae 613, 609
Phasianurtis acutus 776
vigorsii 770
Phasianus columbianus 626
philadelphica, Vireosylvia 335
philadelphicus, Vireo 335,330
Philadelphia, C hroicocephahis 852, 850
Geothlypis 243, 241
Sterna 852
Sylvia 243
Philadelphia, Trirhas 243
Phileremos cornutus 403
phillipsii, Picus 84
Philohela 709, 708
Philohela minor 709
' Philomachus 730, 728
1 Philomach us pugnax 737
' Phoebastria 822
phocbc, Muscicapa _.1S4, 189
Tyranmis 189
Phocbetria 823
phoeniceus, Agelaius 528
Icterus 526
Oriolus 526
Psarocolius 526
Phoenicopieridac 652, 755, 687
Phoenicoplerus rubcr 087
Phocnicosoma aestiva 30 1
hepatica 302
rubra 300
Phoenisoma aestiva 301
Phrenopicus 83
Phylaconetta histrionica 799
Phyllobasileus calendula 220
Phyllomanes agilis 333
barbatulus 335
chivi 333
mystacalis 334
olivaccus 331
Pica 576,575
•*• ica bcecheyi 592
caerulescens 586
chloronota 589
colliaei 592
cristata 580
cyanochlora 582
fuliginosa 592
hudsonica 576
melanoleuca 576
morio -- 592
nuchalis _ 590
nuUalli — 578
sieberi 587
stelleri 581
pica, Alca .- 901
Corvus -- 576
Pkeae 80,79
Pwicarvus .572, 558
Picicorvus columbianus 573
Picidae 79,65
Picolaptes brunneicapillus 355
Picwles 80,79
Picoides arcticus 98, 97
dorsala 100,97
hirsuius 98,97
picta, Callipcpla 642
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
993
Paso.
picta, Emberiza 431
Ortyx 642
Setophaya 293,297
pietum, Dacdalion 15
pieties, Centropliancs . 4,'J4
Oreortyx Gi2
Plectrophanes 434,431
Tantalus 681
Pints 80
Picus alholarvatus 96, 83
arcticus 98
atrothorax 103
audubonii 85
auratus 118
borealis 96,83
cafer 120
canadensis 84
carolinus 109
erythrauchen 109
cry throcephalus ._• 113
flaviveutris 104
formicivorus 114
gairdneri 91
gracilis 94
griseus 109
harrisii 87,83
birsutus 98
inornatus 87
lathami 120
lecontii 87
leucomelas _ 84
leucomelanus . 84
leucotis 96
lewisii 115
lincatus . 125
martinae 84
medianus 87
melanopogon 114
meridionalis 87
montanus 115
nataliae 106
nuttalli 93.83
obscurus ..... 113
parvus 94
pbillipsii 84
pileatus 107
principalis 81
pubescens 89,83
(Dendrocopus) pubescens . 87
(Tricbopicus) pubescens .. 87
querulus 96
ruber 104
rubricapillus ...... 84
rubricatus . 120
scalaris 94, 83, 93
scalaris 94
125 b
Page.
Picus septentrionalis 84
thyroideus 106
torquatus 115
tridactylus 98
vari us 103
vieillotii 96
villosus 84,83
williamsonii 105
wilsonii 93
zebra 109
pikei, Sterna 863, 859
pileatus, Dryocopus .. 107
Ilylaiomm 107
Picus (Dryotomus) 107
Pilumnus ioi
Pilumuus ruber 104
thyroideus . 106
varius 103
Pinicola 409, 408
Pinicola americana __ 410
canadensis 410
pinicola, Bubo 49
pinguis, Motacilla 293
pinus, Certhia 254
Cfirysomitris 425, 419
Dendroica 277, 266
Fringilla 425
Helminthophaga 254,253
Linaria . 425
Ebimamphus 277
Sylvia 254
Sylvicola .. 277
Thryothorus 277
pipiens, Anthus 232
Pipilo aberti 516,511
arctica 513
arcticus 514,511
ater 512
chlorurus 519,511
erythrophthalmus 512, 521
fusca .. 517
fuscus 517, 511
megcdonyx . 515, 511
mesoleucus 518,511
oreyonus 5 13, 512
rufipileus — 519
pipiri, Tyrannus 171
Pipra elegantissima 304
galericulata _ 304
polyglotta 248
piscatrix, Aquila 44
pitiayumi, Compsothlypis . 237
Parula 237
Sylvia . 237
Pitylus cavdinalis 509
guttatus 498
Pitylus lazulus
plancus, Falco
Planesticus migratorus
planiceps, Arcbibuteo .
Plitalea ..
Page.
502
45
218
32
686
Plalalca ajaja 686
incarnata ._ 686
Platalridae 652, 686
platycercus, Selasphorus 135
Trocbilus 135
platypterus, Sparvius 29
Platypus mollisimus ...... 809
platyrhynchus, Phalaropus 707
Platyrbyncbus pusillus 194
virescens 197
xanthopj^gius 187
Plectrophanes 408,431
Plectrophanes lapponicus 433, 431
m'ccownii 437, 432
melanomus . 436, 431
nivalis 432,431
ornatus . 435,431
pictus ..444, 431
snilhii 434
Plotidae ...883,818
Plotus anbinga 883
melanogaster 883
plumbea, Ardea . 671
Culicivora 382
Ilydrochdidon 864
Ictinia . 37
PolioptUa 382,379
Sterna 864
Sylvia 237
plumbeus, Psattriparus 398, 396
plumicollis, Tantalus 682
plumifera, Lopbortyx 642
Ortyx 642
Perdix 642
plumipes, Falco 32
pluvialis, Cbaradrius 690
Podicipidae 755
Podicipinae 891
Podiceps 891
Podiccps auritus 897
arcticus . 895
brevirostris 898
californicus 896
carolinensis.... 898
clarkii 895
cornutus 895
cristatus 893
griseigena - 892
bolbolli 892
occidentalis 894
rubricollis . 892
994
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Podiceps subcristatus 892
podiceps, Colyrubus 898
Podilymbus 897
Podilymbus carolinensis 899
lineatus 898
Poecila atricapilla 390
caroliuensis 392
melanotis 396
minima 397
rufescens 394
Poecuoptemis 25
poliocephala, Ortalida 611
poliopbaea, Grus 655
Polioptila 379
Polioptila bilineata 381
caendea 380,379
lembeyi 381
melanura — ..382,379
plumbea 382, 379
polyagrus, Falco 12
Polyborus 45
Polyborus taeuiurus 46
tharus . 45
vulgaris 45
Himus .... 344
Orpbeus 344
Turdus 344
polynesiae, Totanus. 734
Poly&tida 801,787
Polysticla sklleri 801
pomarinus, Lcstris . 838
Stercorarius 838
Pomatorbinus turdinus 351
Poocades 447,439
Poocaetes confmis 448
gramineus 447
Poospiza 469, 440
Poospiza belli 470
bilineala 470
popetue, Caprimulgus 151
Chordeiles 151
porphyrio, Gallinula 753
Porpbyrio americanus 753
cyanicollis 753
martinica 753
tavoua 753
Porplujrula 753, 746
Porzana 748, 746
Porzana Carolina 749
jamaicensis 749
noveboracensis 750
praedatorius, Sturnus 526
pratemis, Crex 751
Emberiza 488
Grus 655
Passerina _. . 450
Pago.
pratincola, Slrix 48
presaga, Diomedea 822
principalis, C'ampephilus 81
Dendrocopus.. . 81
Dryocopus 81
(Megapicus) Dryotomus 8 1
Picas 81
Prionites 161
Priouites caeruliceps 161
caeruleocepbalus 161
Prianitidae 155,161
Procellaridae 820, 819
Procellaria 831,824
Procellaria anglorum 834
bullockii 830
capensis 828
cinerea — 835
fuliginosa 830
furcata 829
gigantea.. 825,824
glacialis 825,824
Laesitata 827
hyemalis 825
leacbii 830
lencorrboa 830
major 833
melania 830
melanonyx 831
melanura._ __ 835
melitensis 831
meridionalis 827, 824
obscura 835
oceanica 831
orientalis . 829
ossifraya 825
pacifica 826,824
pelagica 831
puffinus 833,834
scapulata _ 830
tenuiroslris 826,824,831
Procellarinae 824,820
Progne... 314
Progne chalybea 315
dominicensis.. 923
purpurea 314
Prosobonia 739, 745
Protonotaria.. 239
Protonotaria cHrea . 239
protonotarius, Compsotblypis .. 239
Helinaia 239
Helmitherus 239
Motacilla 239
Sylvia 239
Vermi vora 239
psallria, Chrysomitris 422,419
Psaltria flaviceps 400
Page.
Psaltria melanotis _ 396
Psaltria minima 397
personata 396
Fsaltriparus 395
Psultriparus mdanotis 396
minimus 397,396
personatus 395
plumbcus 398,396
Psarinae 164,163
Psaris aglaiae 1(>4
Psarocolius auricollis 549
baltimore 548
caudaciitus. _ 522
cyanocepbalus 552
flavigaster 545
gubernator 529
melanocepbalus 543
pecoris 524
perspicillatus .. 531
pboeniceus 526
Pseudoprocne _ 140
Ptsilorhinus 591
Psilorhinus cyanocepbalus 574
mexicauus 592
rnorio 592
Psittaca carolinensis ... 67
Psiltacidae . 66,65
psittacula, Alca 910
Pbaleris 910
Psittacus carolinensis 67
ludovicianus 67
pascba — 66
Pterocyanea 779
Pterocyanea caeruleata 780
discors 779
rafflesii 780
Ptilogonidinae 318
Ptilogonys 319
Ptilogonys cinereus 319
nitens 320
townsendii 321
Ptilopteri _. 755
Ptycborhampbus aleuticas 910
pubescens, Picus 83
Picus (Dendrocopus). 87
Picus (Tricbopicus) . . 87
Puffinus 832,834,824
Puffinus anglorum 834, 833
arcticus 834
cinereus 835, 834,833
fulir/inosus 834, 832
hacsitata _ 358
1'herniinieri _ 835
major 833,832
obscurus . 835,833
puffinus, Procellaria . 833, 834
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
995
Page.
pugnax, Machetes 737
riiilomacli us 737
Tringa 737
pulverulentus, Totanus 734
pumila, Sylvia 300
Sylvicola. _. 306
puniilia, Sylvania 293
punctnta, Ardetta 673
punicea, Fringilla __ 497
purpuratus, Quiscalus 555
purpurea, Erythrospiza 412
Fringilla 412
Haemorrhous 414
Gracula ... 555
Hirundo 314
Progne 315
purpureus, Carpodacus 412, 41 1
Quiscalus 553
pusilla, Emberiza 473
Fringilla 472
Loxia 426
Muscicapa 194
Pelidna 721
Scolopax 722
Sitta 377,374
Spizella 473,471
Sylvania 293
Sylvia 271
Sylvicola 238
Tringa 721,724
Tyrannula 198
Tyrannus 194
Wilsonia 293
p usillus, Empidonax 194, ]92
Myioctonus. .... 293
Myiodwctes 293,291
Platyrhynchns 194
Spinites 473
pygnrgus, Falco ._ 43
pyymaea, Sitta 378, 374
Fyranga 300
1'yranga aestiva 301, 300
a/arae 302
cry throcephala. 303
erythromelas 300
erythropis 303
frontalis 415
hepatica 302, 300
ludoviciana 303,300
rub, a 300
rubriceps 303
pairac 302
Pyrgisoma biarcuata 512
Pyrgita arctica 514
Pyrocephalus 201
Pyrocephalus nanus 201
Page .
Pyrocephalus rubineus 201
pyrrliopterus, Coccyzus.. , 76
Pyrrhula enudeator 410
ludoviciana 497
Pyrrhulinota haemorrhoa 417
Pyrrhuloxia 507,491
Pyrrhuloxia sinuata. 508
pythaules, Strix 49
Q.
Querquedula 779,772,777
Qucrquedula cacruleata 780
carolinensis 777
crecca . 778
cyanoptera 780, 779
discors _. 779
querula, Fringilla 462
Muscicapa 197
Zonotrichia 462, 458
querulus, Picus 96
Picus (Phrenopicus) 96
quiscala, Gracula 555
Quiscalinae . 550
Quiscalus . 553
Quiscalus baritus 556
breweri 552
crassirostris .. 556
ferruginous __ 551
macrourus 554
major « 555
nitens. _. 555
purpuratus ._ 555
purpureus 555
versicolor 555
quiscalus, Chalcophanes 555
E.
rafflcsii, Anas 780
Pterocyanea . . 780
Eallcae 745
Rattinae 746
Rallus 746,745
Kallus aquaticus 748
ardeoides - ~ 657
Carolines __ 749
crepitans 747, 746
crex 751
eleyans . 746
giganteus - . 657
gigas 657
jamaicensis 749
limicola 748
longirostris 747
noveboracensis 750
ruficollis 750
rytliirhynchos 748
stolidus . . 749
Page.
Rallus virgininnw _. 748
rapax, Muscicapa 190
Raptores 3 2
rara, Sylvia __ 280
Vermivora 280
Rasores 593, 2
rathbonia, Sylvia 282
Sylvicola 282
Recurvirostra _ 703
Recurvirostra americana . 703
himantopus 704
occidentals 703
Recurvirostridae. . 703, 689
rediviva, Harpes 349
Toxostoma 349
redivivus, Harporliynchm '. 349,348
Archibuteo _. 34
regalis, Falco _. 15
regia, Sterna 859,858
regius, Thallasseus 859
Regulinat . 226
Reguloidee calendula 226
Regulus 226
Regulus calendula 226
cristatus 227
cuvieri 228,226
mystaceus 241
rubineus _. 226
satrapa. 227,226
tricolor 227
regulus, Sylvia 227
republicana, Hirundo 309
resplendens, Phalacrocorax ..... 881
rex, Muscicapa 171
Rhimamphus 263
Rhimamphus aestivus 282
blackburniae 274
canadcnsis... 271
castaneus 276
citrinus _ 282
coronatus 272
discolor 290
maculosa 284
maritimus 286
nigrcscens _. 270
pensilis 289
pinus 277
ruficapillus 288
striatus 280
virens — 267
Rhodostethia 841
Elhodostethia rosea 856
Rhyacophilus solitarius 733
Rlu/nchophanes 423
Rhynchophilus 733,728
Ihyncophilus chloropygius 733
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Bhynchaspis 781
Ebynchaspis clypeata 781
labradora 803
Rhynchopinae 865, 837
Rhynchops ... . 866
Shynchaptitta pacliyrhyncha 66
ricfuirdsonii, Contopus 189, 186
Lestris 839
Muscicapa 189
Nyctale 57
Tetrao 620
Tyrannula 189
ridibundus, Lams 850
ringuia, Uria 914
ringvia, Uria 914
riparia, Cotyk 313,312
Hirundo _ 313
Rissa 841,853
Rissa brevirostris . 855
kotzlmei ._ 855
nivea .. 855, 854
septentrionalis 854
tridactylus . 854
rissa, Larus 854
roscoe, Sylvia 241
Trichas 241
rosea, Loxia 497
Ehodostethia 856
roseus, Larus 856
rossii, Larus _ 856
rostrata, Emberiza 446
rostratus, Ammodramus 446
Passerculus 446,442
Rostrhamus _ 38
Eostrhamus niger . 38
sociabilis _ 38
Eubecula carolinensis caerulea . . 222
rubens, Anas 781
Anthus 232
ruber, Basileuterus 296
Eudocimus 683
Melanerpes-- . 104
Phoenicopterus 687
Picus 104
Pilumnus 104
Sphyrapicus . 104
Tantalus 683
Trochilus 134
rubida, Anas 811
Erismatura 811
Fuligula 811
rubidus, Charadrius 723
rubiginosa, Motacilla 306
rubineus, Muscicapa 201
Pyroccphalus 201
Pago.
rubineus, Regulus 226
rubra, Alauda 232
Cardellina 296
Ibis 683
Muscicapa _. 201
Pboenicosoma 300
Phoenisoma 300
Pyranga 300
Setophaga 296
Tanagra 300
rubricapilla, Helinaia . 256
Helmitheros 256
Helminth opliaga . . 256
Sylvia 256
Vermivora 256
rubricapillus, Picus 84
rubricatus, Colaptes 120
Picus 120
rubricollis, Coccol hraustes 497
Podiceps 8i 2
nibrifrons, Cardellina 306
Muscicapa _. 306
rubrigularis, Melanerpes 105
rufa, Alauda 403,232
Ardea 662
Demiegntta 662, 660
Hirundo _. 308
Tringa 715
rufesccns, Ardea 662
Egretta 662
Herodias 662
Poecila 394
Parus 394,388
Tringa 739
Tryngites 739
rufaapitta, Helminthophaga.. 251, 253
Motacilla 282
Sylvia 282,256
Sylvicola 288
ruficapillus, Ehirnamphus 288
ruficaudus, Accipter ._ 25
ruficcps, Ammodramus.... 486
Peucata 486,484
ruficollis, Egretta 663
Herodias 653
Pbalaropus 706
Eallus 750
Tringa 719
rufidorsis, Fringilla 465
rufifrons, Basileuterus 296
Setophaga 296
rufigularis, Falco 10
rufina, Emberiza 480
Melospiza .480, 477
Passerella.. 480
rufipileus, Kieneria 519
Pipilo 519
rufitorques, Anas 792
Fuligula 792
ntfivirgata, Embernagra 487
rufopalliatus, Turdus 218
rufum, Toxostoma 353
rufus, Capriniulgus 147
Ilarporhynchus 353
Methriopterus 348
Mimus 353
Numenius 744,742
Orpheus ._ 353
Phalaropus 707
Selasphorus '. 134
Trochilus 134
Turdus 353
rugirostra, Crotophaga 71
rupestris, Attagen 635
Lagopus 635, 633
Tetrao 635
rtisseicauda, Sylvia 306
rustica, Anas 797
Hirundo 308
Rusticola minor 709
ruticilla, Muscicapa 297
Setophaga 297
Sylvania 297
Eynchops fnlva.. _.* 866
nigra 866
rythirhynchos, Eallus 748
s.
sabini, Bonasa 631,629
Larus 857
Tetrao 631
Xema 8f>7
Sagmatorhina lathamii 904
saliceti, Tetrao... 633
solitaria, Columba . 599
Salpinctes 357, 354
Salpinctes mexicanus 356
murarius 356
dbsoletus 357
samuelis, Ammodramus 455
sanblasianus, Garrulus 592
sanctijohannis, Archibuteo 33
sandwichensis, Emberiza 444
Passerculus 444,442
Santacruzii, Centurus 110
sapiti, Chordeiles 154
sasashew, Totanus 731
sasin, Ornysmia ..... 134
satrapa, Regulus 227,227
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
997
Page.
Saurothoi'a bottac 73
californiana 73
marginata 73
savana, Muscicapa 168
Tyrannus 168
savanarum, Fringilla 450
savanus, Milvulus 168
savanna, Kmberiza- 442
Fringilla 442
Linaria 442
Passerculus 442
Saxicola 220,207
Saxicola oenanthe 220
ocnanthoides 220
sialis , 222
saya, Myiobius 185
Muscicapa 185
Ochthoeca. 185
Tyrannula 185
Tyrannus 185
Sayornis 182,167
Sayornis fuscus 184, 182
nigricans 183, 182
pallida 185
sayus 185,182
sayus, Aulanax 185
Sayornis 185, 182
scalaris, Picus . 83
Picus (Dyctiopicus) 92
scaudiaca, Strix _ _ 49
Scansores . _ 65,2
scapularis , Butor ides . 676
Clangula 796
Grylle „ 911
scapulata, Procellaria 830
schinzii, Pelidna 719,722
Tringa 719,722
schifttacea, Passerella — 490, 488
Schoeniclus . 719
Scokcophagus 551
Scolecophayus cyanocephalw . 552
ferrugineus 551
mexicanus 552
niger 551
Scolopax 709
Scolopax arquuta 743
borealis 744
brehmii _. 710
delicata 710
douglassii 710
drummondii 710
fcdoa _. 740
flavipes 732
gallinago 710
grisea 712
Page.
Scolopax hudsonica 741
lapponica . 741
leucophaea 712
leucurus 710
longirostris 712
marmorata _. 740
melanoleucus 731
minor 709
noveboracensis 712
pusilla 722
semipalmatus 729
subarquata 718
undulata 734
vociferus 731
wilsonii.. 710
Scops 51
Scops asio 51
McGallii 52
scottii, Icterus 544
Scardafdli 605,601
Scardafdla squamosa 605
Scolopaceae 708
scolopaceus, Avamus _ . 657
Limosa 712
Macrorfiamphus 712
Scolopatidae 708, 689
Scolopacinae _ 708
Sdunis 259
Sciurus aurocapittus ..260,259
ludovicianus. _. 262
ludovicianus 262,259
motacilla 262
noveboracensis . ..261,259
pctechia 288
sulfurascens — 261
tenuirostris. 261
Sdasphorus 133,130
Selasphorus costae 138
platycercus 135
rufus 134
scintilla 135
selbyi, Muscicapa — 292
semi-atra, Muscicapa 183
seruipalmata, Aegialtes 694
Heteropoda 724
Symphcnmia 729
Tringa 724
semipalmatus, Aegialeus . 694
Aegialitis 694
Charadrius 694
Ereunctes 724
Glottis 729
semipalmatus, Scolopax 729
Totanus 729
eemitorquata, Sylvia ...... 306
scniculus, Coceyzus
Cuculus
Erythrophrys.
septcntrionalis, Bubo
Cathartes
Page.
78
78
78
49
4
Colymbus 890
Lanius 324
Parus 389,388
Rissa 854
serrator, Mergus ..814, 813
serrata, Merganser 814
serripennis, Cotyle 313
Hirundo 313
Stelgidopteryx 312
Selophaga 297
Setophaga castanea.. 299
canadensis ._. 294
bonapartii 295
nigrecincta .... 294
miniata 299, 297
picta 298,297
rubra 296
rufifrons 296
ruticilla 297
vulnerata 299
wilsonii 293
Setophageae 291
sexsetacea, Ardea.. 679
sbattuckii, Emberiza 474
Spizella 474
Sialia 221,207
Sialia arctica 224, 221
albiventris 922
cacruleo-collis . 223
macroptera 924
mexicana _ 223
mezicana 223,221
wilsonii 222
occidentalis 223
sialia 222,221
sialis, Ampelis 222
Motacilla 222
Saxicola 222
Sialia 222,221
Sylvia 222
sieberi, Pica.. 587
silens, Turdus 214,210
Turdus 213
Simorhyncbus 906
sinuata, Anas 770
Cardinalis 508
Pyrrhuloxia 508
Sitta 374
Sitta aculeata . 375, 374
canadensis 376,374
998
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Sitta europaea 374
nielanocephala 374
pusilla 377,374
pygmata . 378,374
carolinensis 374
stulta 376
varia 376
Sittinae 374
skua, Catarracta 838
smitliii, Plectrophanes 434
sociabilis, Herpetotheres 38
Rostrhamus 38
socialis, Spinites -. — 473
Spizdla 473,471
Athene 59
Emberiza .- 473
Fringilla 473
solitaria, Helinaia - 254
Helminthophaga 254
Helmitheros 254
Merula 212
Muscicapa 340
Rhyacophilus 733
Sylvia 254
Sylvicola 254
Tringa 733
Vermivora 254
Yphantes 547
Totanus 733
Turd us 212
Turdus 216
Vireo 340,330
Sanatoria 808,788
Somateria mottissima 809
spectabilis 810,809
stdleri 801
V.nigra 810,809
St. cuthbertii 809
sordida, Aphelocoma 487
Oyanod'.la 587, 584
sordidus, Cyanogarrulus 587
Garrulus 587
spadicea, Diomedea 821
spadiceus, Falco ._ 33
sparverius, Falco — 13
Tinnunculus 13
Sparvius lineatus 18
platyptcrus 29
Spathulca clypcata 781
Spatula 781
Spatula clypeata 781
spectabilis, Anas _ 810
Fuligula 810
Somateria 810,809
speculiferus, Totanus 729
Spentuiphila 506,491
Page.
Spcrmophila albigularis 506
moreleti 506
sphagnosa, Sylvia . 271
Sphyrapicus 101
Sphyrapicus ruber 104
nuclmlis 103,921
thyroideus 106
varius 103
uilliamsonii __. 105
spilurus, Troglodytes 363
Spinites 471
Spinites atrigularis 476
monticolus 472
pallidus 474
pusillus 473
socialis 473
spinoletta, Anthus 232
Spiza 500
Spiza amoena 604
ciris 503
cyanea 505
versicolor 503
Spizella 471, 440
Spizella atrigularis 476, 471
breweri 474, 471
canadensis 472
monticola . 472, 471
pallida 474,471
pusilla 473,471
sliattuckii _. 474
socialis 473,471
Spizdlinae 438
Spizinae 490
splendens, Phalacrocorax
Spodesilaura 346
sponsa, Aix ._ 785
Anas 785
Dendronessa 785
Sporophila 506
Sporophila moreletii 506
spraguei, Agrodoma 234
Alauda 234
Neocorys 234
spurius, Icterus 547, 541
Oriolus 517
Squatarola 696
squamata, Callipcpla 646
squamatus, Orfcyx 646
squamosa, Chamaepelia 605
Columba 604
Oena 605
Scardafella 605
Squatarola cinerca 697
hdvdica 697
Tringa 697
\\ilaouii .. 497
Page.
stanleyi, Chrysomitris -.420, 418
Falco Hi
Carduelis 420
Hypacantlms 420
Starnoenadeae 601
Siarnoenas 608, 601
Starnoenas cyanocephala 608
Sleganopus 705
Stclgidopteryx serripennis 312
stellaris, Ardea 674
Cis/othonts 365
Troglodytes 365
stellatus, Mergus 817
Stelleria 801
Stelleria dispar 801
stelleri, Anas _ 801
Corvus 581
Cyanocitta ._ 581
Cyanocorax 581
Cyanogarrulus 5^1
Cyanura. 581, 57 9
Cyanurus 581
Eniconetta 801
Fuligula 801
Garrulus 581
Harelda 801
Pica 581
Polystida 801
Somateria 801
stenodactylus, Phalaropus 705
Stercorarius ,. 837, 838
StercorariuB catarractes . 831
cepphus 838,840
parasitiais 838,839
pomarinus 838
Sterna 858
Sterna acuftavida 858, 860
anglica 859
aranea 858,859
arctica 862
argentea -. 864
cantiaca SCO
caspia 858,859
cayana 859
dougal.ii .- 863
degans 858, 860
forsteri 859,862
frenata 859, 864
fuliginosa 859,861
havdlii 858,861
hirundo 860,862
macrura 859,862
minuta 864
nigra 864
paradisea .. 859,863
pikei 859,863
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
990
Pago.
Sterna Philadelphia...... . 852
phimbea 8(>4
regia 858.859
stolida _ 865
truieaui 858,861
wilsoni 859, 861
Slerninde 837,858
stolida, Sterna __ 8G5
stolidus, A nous 865
Megalopterus 864
Callus 749
strenua, Callipepla _. 646
strepera, Anas..... 782
C/iaulelasmus 782
Ktinorhynchus 782
Strepsilas 701
Strepsilas collaris 701
interpres 701
melanocephalus 702
striata, Dendroica 265,280
striata, Motacilla 280
Muscicapa 280
Sylvia 280
Sylvicola 280
Tringa 717
striatus, Accipiter _. 18
Bubo 51
Ehimanphus 280
strigatus, Chondustes 456
Strigidae 3,47
Striginae 47
striolatus, Astur 35
Strisores 2, 128
Strobilophaga 409
struthio, Grus 654
Struthus atrimentalis 476
caniceps 468
hyemalis 468
oregonus 460
Strix 47
Strix acadica 58
acadiensis 58
acclamator 56
albifrons 57
amcricana 47,53
arctica ._ 63
asio 51
brachyotus 64
californica 60
Candida . 63
cinerea .. 56
cunicularia.
dalhousiei .
doliata
erminea
frontalis . .
60
58
64
63
57
Strix funerea ..
hudsonia ,
hypugaca
infuscata .
Pago.
64
64
59
62
rnagellanicus . 49,50
nebulosa 56
nacurutu 49,50
naevia 51
nivea 63
nyctea 63
passerina 58
passerinoides _ 62
perigrinator 53
pratincoln _. 47
pythaules _ 49
scandiaca 49,50
tengmalmi 57
tilula _ 64
varius 56
virginianus 49
stulta, Sitta 376
Sturnella 521,535
Sturnella collaris 535
defileppii 634
hippocrepis 534,537
ludoviciana 536
magnet 635
neglecta 537
Sturnus collaris 535
junccti 524
ludovicianus 535
militaris 533
obscurus 524
praedatorius 526
vulgaris 521
suarbeg, Una _ 913
subarcticus, Bubo 49
subarquata, Ancylocheilus 718
Pelidna 718
Scolopax 718
Tringa 718
subhutu, Momotus 161
subis, Hirundo 314
suckleyi, Cerorhina 906
Larus 842,848
Sula alba 871
americana 871
bassana 871
fusca 872
sula, Pelicanus 871
sulfurascens, Seiurus 261
sulfureiventcr, Cent-urns Ill
supcrciliosa, Cyanocitta 584
Dendroica 266,289
Motacilla 289
Phaleris... 908
Pago .
Surnia #4
Surnia ulula G4
swainsonii, Buteo 19 26
Helinaia 252
Hdmiiherus 251,252
Sylvia 252
Sylvicola 252
Turdus 210,216
Vermivora 252
Vireo 336
Sylbeocyclus carolinensis 81)8
Sylvia aestiva 282
agilis 246
albicollis 2s2
americana 238
anthoides 261
arctica 224
argyrotis 296
audubonii 273
auricollis 306
aurocapillus 260
autumnalis 276
azurea 280
bachmani 255
bifasciata _. 280
blackburniae 274
caerulea 280
caerulea 380
caerulescens 271
calendula 226
cana. 380
canadensis 271
caniicapilla 243
carbonata . 287
carolinensis .. 306
castauea 276
celata _ 257
childreni 282
chivi 333
chrysoptera 255
citrinella 282
coronata 272
cucullata 243
decurtata 305
delafieldii 245
discolor _ 290
domestica 367
flava 282
flavicollis 289
flavifrons 2£5
formosa 247
fulva 506
griscicollis 306
halseii <)22
icterocephala 279
incana 306
lateralis 274
1003
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
Sylvia leucogastra . 256
leucoptera - 271
leucoptera. 305
ludoviciana... 306
macgillivrayi 244
macropus - 271
maculosa - 284
magnolia ..... 284
marilanclica -- 241
maritima 286
mexicana 256
miniata -- 296
minuta 290
minuta 293
mitrata 292
montana 278
nashvillei 256
nigrcscens — 270
noveboracensis 261
occidentals 223
ochroleuca 306
olivacea 305
palmarum 288
palustris 271
pardalina 274
parus 274
pennsylvanica. 279
pensilis _ 289
peregiina 258
petechia 288
petasodes ._ 293
Philadelphia 243
pinus 254
pinus 277
pitiayumi 237
plumbea 237
protonotarius 239
pusilla 233
pusilla 271
pumila 306
rara 280
rathbonia _ 282
regulus 227
roscoe 241
rubricapilla 256
rnficapilla 256,282
russeicauda 306
eemitorquata 306
sialis 222
solitaria 254
sphagnosa 271
striata 280
swainsonii 252
taeniata 305
tennessaei 258
Page.
Sylvia tigrina.,.-... 261
tigrina 278
tigrina 286
tolmici 244
torquata _„ 238
townsendii 269
trichas 241
troglodytes . 369
raria 235
velata 243
venusta. 237
vermivora . 252
vigorsii 277
virens 267
wilsonia 293
xanthoroa _ 272
Sylvania bonaparti 295
caerulea __ 380
mitrata 292
pnmilia 293
pusilla 293
ruticilla 297
sylvatica, Anas 777
sylvestris, Gallopavo 615
Meleagris 615
Troglodytes 368
Sylvicola 237,263
aestiva 282
agilis . 246
americana __ 238
audubonii 273
auricollis 306
bachmani 255
blackburniae 274
caerulea 280
canadensis ... 271
carbonata — 287
castanea 276
celata 257
chrysoptera 255
coronata 272
discolor 290
formosa ._ 247
icterocephala ._ 279
kirtlandii 286
maculosa . 284
maritima 286
montana 278
nigrescens _. 270
occidentalis 268
olivacea. 305
pannosa. 271
parus 274
pardalina.. 274
pensilis... 289
Page.
Sylvicola peregrina _ 258
petechia 288
pumila. 306
pinus 277
pusilla 238
rathbonia . _ 282
rubricapilla 256
ruficapilla 288
striata 280
solitaria 254
swainsonii 252
taeniata. . 305
townsendii 269
varia 235
vermivora 252
virens 267
sylvicola, Muscicapa . 341
Splvlcoleae 259,234
Sylvicolidae 231,231
Sylvicoplinae. 234
Symphemia 729,728
Symphemia atlantica 729
semipalmata 729
Syrninae _ 55
Si/rnium 55
Syrinum cinereum . 56
nebulosum 56
Synthliborhamplus antiquus 910
T.
Tachypetes aquilus . . 873
Tachypetinae 48
Tachycineta bicolor 310
thalassina 311
lachytriorchis . 31
Tadorna nivea — _ 760
taeniata, Sylvia 305
Sylvicola 305
taeniurus, Polyborus 46
Tanagra aestiva 301
caniicapella 243
columbiana. . 303
cyanea. 505
ludoviciana 303
mississippiensis. 301
olivacea. . . 248
rubra 300
variegata. _ 301
Tanagrinae - 279
Tantalidae 681,652
Tantalinae . . 681
Tantalus 682,681
Tantalus albus 684
coco 684
ephouskyca. .. 681
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES,
1001
Tantalus fuscus
mexicanus.
minutus _.
loatlator . .
Page.
683
685
683
682
pictus 681
plumic;-llis 682
ruber 683
tavoua, Porphyrio 753
Telmatodytes 364
Telmatodytes arundinaceus 364
bewickii 363
temerarius, Falco 8
tennessaei, Sylvia. 258
tenuirostris, Procellaria...826, 824. 831
Seiurus, 261
tephrocotis, Leucosticte 430
Trichas. 246
tetracula, Alca 907
Tetrao 620,619
Tetrao albus 633
canace 622
Tetrao canadensis 622, 620, 623
californicus 644
cristata 646
cupido 628
falcipennis 623
Tetrao frariklini 623, 620
fusca _ 623
guttata 647
lagopus. 633,637
leucurus 636
marilandicus 640
minor .... 640
mutus 637
obscurus . 620
phasianellus. 624, 626
richardsonii 620
rupestris 635
sabinii. __ 631
saliceti .. 633
togatus _ 630
tympanus. 630
umbelloides 630, 925
umbellus 631, 630
urogallus 626
urophasianus 626, 624
virginianus 640
tetraoides, Columba , 608
Tdraonidae . «.619, 609
Tetrastes _ 629
texanus, Orlyx 641, 640
lexemis, Chordeiles^,.. 154
Fringilla 423
Thalassarche 822
Thalassidroma . 828, 824
Thalassidroma cinerea 829
126 b
Page.
Thalassidroma fregetta 832
furcata 829
hvrnbyi __ 829
leachii 830, 829
melania 830, 829
orientalis 829
pdagica 831,829
wilsonii 831, 829
Thalasseus elegans 860
regius 859
thalassina, Chelidon 311
Ilirundo 311
Tachycineta 311
Petrochelidon 307
Thamnophilus agilis 333
tharus, Falco 45
Polyborus 45
thoracicus, Falco _ 10
Thalassoica glacialoides 826
T/irioihorus 359,364
Thriothorus bewickii 363,360
lerlandieri 362, 360
ludovicianus 361, 360
maculipcctus . 360
thyroideus, Melanerpes . 106
Picus 106
Pilumnus 106
Sphyrapicus 106
Thryothorus . 359
Thryothorus arundinaceus 361, 364
bewickii _ 363
guttulatus 356
latifasciatus . 337
leucogastra 363
littoralis 361
louisianae ... 361
ludovicianus ., 361
mexicanus 356
obsoletus 357
palustris 364
pinus 277
torquata 238
tigrina, Dendroica _ 286, 266
Motacilla 286
Sylvia 261
Sylvia 286
Tinnunculus .._„ 13
togatus, Tetrao 630
tolmiei, Sylvia 244
Trichas 244
torda, Alca 901
torquata, Anser 767
Ardea 676
Sylvia 238
Thryothorus 238
torquatus, Bernicla . . . . . 767
Pago.
torquatus, Charadrius 692
flistrionicus 799,798
Melanerpes 115, 112
Picus 115
Totaneae _. 727
Totaninaa 727
I Totanus bartramius 737
brevipes. 734
campestris 737
chloropygius 733
crassirostris 729
flavipes 732
fuliginosus 734
fuscocapillus 732
glareola 733
glottis 730
macroptera 733
macularius 735
melanoleucus 731
melanopygius 737
natator — 733
oceanicus 734
polynesiae . . 734
pulverulentus 734
sasashew 731
semipalmatus 729
solitarius 733
speculiferus 729
variegatus 737
vociferus 731
Totipalmi 866
Toxostoma 343
Toxostoma cur virostris 351
dorsalis 923
lecontii.... 350
longirostre 352
rediviva 349
rufum ._. .. 353
vetula 351
townsendii, Aphriza . 698
Cinclus . 229
Culicivora 321
Dendroica 269, 265
Etnberiza . 495
Etispiza 495,494
Fringilla 489
Haematopus 700
Mijiadesles _ 321
Passerella 489,488
Phalacrorax 880
Ptiliogonys 321
Sylvia 269
Sylvicola 269
Uria 915
Tracheophones 155
trachyrhynchus, Garrul us ...... 590
1002
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
trachyrliynchus, Pelicanus 868
trailli, Empidonax 193,192
Muscicapa 193
Tyrannula 193
Tyrannus 193
Triclms 240
Trichas agilis 246
brachydactyla — . 241
caniicephala 243
delafieldii 243
macgillivrayi 244
marilandica . 241
personatus 241
Philadelphia 243
roscoe 241
tephrocotis 246
tolmiei 244
velatus -- 243
trichas, Ficedula . 241
Geothlypis 241,240
Sylvia. 241
Turdus 241
Trichopicus 83
tricolor, Agdaius 530, 526
Guiraca 498
Icterus 530
Ornysmia 135
Regulus 227
tridactyla, Tringa 723
Tridactylia 79
tridactylus, Larus 854
Picus 98
Picus (Apternus) 98
Rissa 845
Tringa 715,713,713
Tringa alpina, var. americana 719
arenara _. 723
arquatella 717
audubonii 726
australis . 715
bartramia _ 737
brevirostris 724
bonapartii 722
borealis 698
campestris 720
canutus 715
cinclus.. 719
cinclus 722
cintrea 715
cooperi 716
douglassi _ 725
ferruginea 715
fulicaria 707
fusca 706
glacialis 707
glareola 734
Page.
Tringa helvetica 697
hiaticula _ 694
himantopus 725
hyperborea 706
interpres 701
islandica 715
longicauda 737
lobata 706
macularia .. .. 735
maculata . 720
maritima . 717
minutilla ....... 721
morinella 701
naevia 715
nigricans 717
ochropus 733
pectoralis 720
pugnax 738
pusilla 724
pusilla 721
rufa 715
rufescens 739
ruficollis 719
schinzii 722
schinzii ...... 719
semipalmata 727
solitaria ,. 733
striata 717
squatarola 697
subarquata 718
tridactyla 723
variabilis 719
virgata 698
wUsonii 721
Tringeae 713,708
Tringites 739
Tringoides 735, 728
Tringoides bartramius 737
maculariits 735
tringoides, Calidris . ..... 723
tristis, Astragalinus 421
Carduelis 421
Chrysomitris 421, 419
Fringilla 421
Irochilidae 128
Trochilus 131, 129
Trochilus alezandri . 138
anna 137
(Atthis) anna 137
collaris 134
colubris 131
icterocephalus 137
mango 130
platycercus 135
ruber 134
rufus 134
Page.
Trochilus sitkensis — ......... 134
Troglodytes 366
Troglodytes aedon 367
albicollis 356
americanus 368
arundinaceus 361
bewickii 363
brevirostris 365
europaeus 3G9
fulvus 367
furvus 367
hyemalis 369
ludovicianus 361
leucogastra 363
mexicanus 356
murarius.. 356
obsoletus 357
palustris 364
parkmanni. 367
parvulus 369
spilurus 363
stellaris 365
sylvestris 368
troglodytes, Motacilla 361
Sylvia 369
Troglodytinae . 859
Trogon mexicanus . 69
Trogonidae _ 69, 65
troile, uria 914
Colymbus 914
trowbridgii, PdioneUa 806,804
trudeaui, Columba .. 603
Sterna 861,858
Trupialis 538,521
Trupialis militaris 533
Tryngites 739
Tryngites rufescens 739
Turdidae 207,204
Turdinae _ 207
turdinus, Pomatorhinus 351
Turdus 208,207,211
Turdus aliciae .. 217, 210
aonalasehka 213
aquaticus 261
ater 547
aurocapillus . 260
brunneus . 216
canadensis 218
carolinensis 346
coronatus 260
felivox 346
fuscesccns 214, 210
fuscus 216
guttatus 212
Turdus hudsonius 615
jugularis 547
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
1003
Page.
Tn rd us labrador ius . 561
liviclus 346
ludovicianus 261
naclodus 212
migratorius 2 18, 110
minor 212,214,216
minimus 212
montanus 347
motacilla 262
mustdinus 212,210,214
nuniis 213,210
naevius 219,210
noveboracensis 261, 251
olivaceus 216
parvus 214
pallasii 212,210
polyglottus 344
rufopalliatus -- 218
rufus 353
sileus 210,213,922
solitarius 212,216
swainsonii 216,210
trichas 241
ustulatus 215,210
wilsonii _ 214
Turtur carolinensis 604
leucopterus -. 603
Tylorhamphus 907
tympanus, Tetrao 630
Tyranni _ 1G7
typus, Adamastor 835
Tyranninae 166, 163
Tyrannula acadica ... . 197
barbata 187
cinerascens ., 178
crinita 178
flavivcntris 198
fusca 184
hammondii 199
lawrencii.. 180
mexicana 189
minimus . 195
nigricans 183
obscura 200
pallida 185
pusilla. 194,198
richardsouii 189
saya 185
traillii 193
virens 190
Tyrannuli _ _ 167
Tyrannus 170,167
Tyrannus acadica 179
atriceps _ 189
borcalis 188
cassinii.. 174
Tyrannus cooperi 188
carolinensis 171,170
couchii 175, 170
crinitus - 178
crudelis 17G
dotninicensis 172, 170
fuscus 184
forlicatus- 169
griseus 172
irritabilis 178
intrepidus 181
leucogaster 171
melancholicus 176, 170
mexicanus 169
milvulus 168
nigricans 183
nunciola . 167
phoebe 189
pipiri 171
pusilla- 194
savana 168
saya. 185
traillii 193
verticcdis 173,170
violentus 168
virens . 190
vociferans 174, 170
tyrannus, Milvulus 168
Muscicapa 168, 171
Despotes 168
Lanius.. 171
u.
ultramarina, Cyanoctita 588, 584
ultramarianus, Corvus 584
Cyanogarrulus .. 588
Garrulus 584, 588
ulula, Strix 64
Surnia 64
undulata, Scolopax 734
unicinctus, Craxirex 46
Falco 46
unicolor, Myiadestes 321
umbelloides, Tetrao 630
umbdlus, Bonasa 630, 629
Tetrao 631,630
umbra, Motacilla ._ 272
unicolor, Cinclus . 229
Uria alle ...
aleutica 910
alga 914
antiqua . 916
arra 91i
balthica 911
brevirostris 914
brunnichi.. 914
Pago.
Uria carbo 913
columba 912
dubia 90C
francsii 914
groenlandica 911
grylle 9H
grylloides 911
lacteola 911
lachrymans _. 914
lencopsis .. 914
leucophthalinus 914
lorn via 913
mandtii 912
marmorata 915
mystacea 908
occidentalis . 905
pusilla 909
ringvia , 914
scapularis 911
senicula 916
suarbeg .... 913
townsendii 914
troile 914
umiizume 916
Urile bicristatus 881
Urinatores 755
urogallus, Tetrao 626
urophasianus, Gentrocercus 624
Tetrao 626,624
uropogistus, Falco 38
uropygialis, Conturus 108
urubu, Vultur . 5
ustulutus, Turdus 2 15, 210
Utamania torda 901
Y.
vallisncria, Anas 794
Aristonetta 794
Ayihyia 794,793
vallisneriana, Anas 794
Fuligula 794
vauxii, Acanthylis _. 145
Chaetura __ 145
Cypselus 145
varia, Certhia 235
Mniolilla 235
Motacilla 235
Sitta 376
Sylvia 235
Sylvicola 235
variabilis, Tringa _ 719
variegata, Erolia 718
Geococcyx 73
Tanagra .'JOl
varicgatus, Totarius 737
vail us, Oriolus 547
Picus.. 103
1004
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
Page.
varius, Picus 103
I'ilumnus 103 |
Sphyrapicus 103
Strix 56
velata, Geothlypis 243
Sylvia 243
Tiichas 243
vdatus, Gtolhlypis 243, 240
velagquezii, Icteria 248
velox, Falco - 18
vdvetina, Mclamtta 805, 804
Oidemia 805
venusta, Callipcpla 645
Sylvia 237
virginianus, Parus — 272
Vermivora 251
Vermivora bachmani — 255
carbonata 287
chrysoptera -- 255
celata 257
fulvicapilla 252
nigrescens - 270
pennsylvanica 252
peregrina 258
protonotaiius 239
rara 280
rubricapilla 256
solitaria 254
swainsonii - 252
vermivora, Helinaia.. 252
Motacilla 252
Sylvia 252
Pylvicola 252
vermivorus, Helmithcrus 252, 251
Vermivorcae 25], 234
versicolor, Cyanospiza 503, 501
Hirundo 314
Spiza 503
Quiscalus 555
verticalis, Muscicapa 173
Tyrannus 173,170
vespertina, Coccothraustes 409
Fringilla 409
Hesperiphona 409
vetula, Ortalida 611
Toxostoma _ 351
viaticus, Diplopterus _ 73
Geococcyx. 73
vicillotii, Picus ._ 76
vigorsii, Sylvia 277
Yireo .„ 277
villosus, Picus _ 84
Picus 84
viola, Fuligula.. 774
violacea, Ardea 679
Hirundo.. S14
Page.
violacea, Loxia 412
Nyctiardca 679
violaceus, Nyctherodius 679
Nycticorax. 679
Peliuanus 881
Phalacrccorax 881
violcntus, Tyrannus 168
virens, Contopus 190,186
Dendraica 267,265
Motacilla 267
Muscicapa 190
Myiobius 190
Rhimanphug 267
Sylvia 2C7
Sylvicola 267
Tyrannula 190
Tyrannus 190
Vino 229
Vireo alliloquus 330
atricapillus 337. 330
bartramii 333
belli 337,330
cassinii 340, 330
flavifrons 341,330
Jlacoviridis 332,329
gilvus 335, 330
huttonii 339,330
longirostris 334
musicus 338
noveboracensis 338,330
virescens 331, 329
philaddphicus 335,330
solitarius 340, 330
swainsonii 336
vigorsii 277
virescens 333, 330
Vireoninae. 329
Vireosylvia aliloqua 334
flavoviridis 332
frenata _ 334
olivacea 334
olivacea 331
philadelphica 335
virescens, Agamia 676
Ardea 676
Butorides 676
Chalcophanes 551
Egretta 676
Herodias 676
Ocniscus 676
Vireo 333,330
Platyrhynclius 197
virgata, Anas 770
Aphriza 698
Tringa 668
virginiana, Coccothraustes . 509
Page .
virginiana, Ortyx . 640
Perdix 640
virginianus, Bubo 49
Caprimulgus 151, 148
Cardinally 509
Chordeiles.- 151
Ortyx 640
Rallus 748
Stiix 49
Tetrao 640
virginica, Loxia 301
virginicus, Charadrius 690
viridis, Alcedo 159
Anas purpureo 774
Hirundo 310
Icteria 248
Muscicapa 248
voctferans, Tyrannus 174, 170,922
vociferus, Aegialitis 692
Antrostomus 148
Caprimulgus 148
Charadrius. . 692
Oxyechus.- 692
Scolopax 731
Totanus 731
vulgaris, Buteo 19
Clangula 796
Icterus 542, 540
Polyborus 45
vulnerata, Muscicapa 299
Setophaga 299
Vultur albicilla 43
atratus 5
aura -- 4
californianus 5
columbianus . 5
urubu 5
Vulluridae 4,3
vulturinus, Cathartes 5
w.
u-agleri, Icterus 545, 540
washingtoniana, Falco 42
•\vaehingtonii, Falco . 42
IMiaelus 42
william sonii, Picus 105
Sphyrapicus 105
Wilsonia 291
Wilsonia bonapartii _ 295
minuta _ 293
mitrata 292
Wilsonia pusilla - 293
wilsonia, Muscicapa 293
Sylvia 293
wilsonianus, Otus 53
wilsonii, Erythraca 222
SYSTEMATIC INDEX OP SCIENTIFIC NAMES.
1005
Page .
wilsonii, Falco 29
Fulica 751
Gallinago 710
Merula 216
Myiodioctes 293
Phalaropus . 705
Picus 93
Picus (Trichopicus) 93
Oceanitcs 831
Scolopax „ 710
Setophaga 293
Sialia 222
Squatarola 697
Sterna 861,859
Thalassidroma 831,829
Tringa 721
Turdus 214
u'ilsonius, Aegialitis 693
Charadrius -- -- 693
Octhodromus 693
wolhceberi, Lophophanes 386, 383
u'oodhoufiii, Cyanodtta 585, 584
wrangeli, Brachyramphus 917
wrightii, Empidonax 200
wurdemannii, Ardea 669, 667
X.
Xema 857,841
Xema sabinii 857
xanthocheilus, Charadrius 690
Xanthocephalw 531,521
Page.
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus 531
perspicillatus 531
xanthoccphalus, Agelaius 531
Icterus 531
xanthomaschalis, Fringilla 498
xanthopygius, Platyrhynchus .. 187
Xanthornus affinis . ._ 547
bullockii 549
melanocephalus--543, 542
mexicanus 550
parisorum 544
xanthoroa, Sylvia . - 272
Xanthoura 589, 575
Xauthoura guatemalensis...... 589
luxuosus .... 589
peruviana 587
Xenopicus . . 83
Y.
yarrelli, Carduel is _ 421
ChrysrnnUris 421,418
Yphantcs baltimore - _ 548
solitaria 547
yucas, Cyanocorax — _. 589
z.
zebra, Picus 109
Zebrapicus _ 108
Zebr apicus kaupii 111
Zenaida 602,601
Zenaida amabiiis 602
Page.
Zenaida aurita . 602
leucoptera 603
martinicana 602
montana 607
zenaida, Columba 602
Zenaidinae 601, 595
Zenaidura 603,601
Zenaidura carolinensis 604
marginella. 604
zonarius, Passerculus 482
zonorb.yncb.us, Gavina 846
Larus 846
Zonotriclda 457
Zonotrichia albiccllis .463,458
cassinii 485
chlorura 519
cinerea 480
comata 462
coronata 461, 458
fallax 481
fasciata 481
gambdii 460, 458
graminea _. 447
guttata 480
leucophrys 458
leucophrys 460
melodia .... 477
monticola 472
pennsylvanica 463
guerula 462,458
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