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BIRDS OF CANADA:

WITH

DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR. HABITS, FOOD, NESTS,
EGGS, TIMES OF ARRIVAL AND PARTURE.

BY
ALEXANDER MILTON ROSS,

M.A., M.D., Bi, Stes

WITH

INSTITUTION,

Eight Plates and Thirty-eight Woodcuts, expressly
engraved for this work.

TORONTO:

HENRY ROWSELL, KING STREET.
Loz.

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. | _ Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one
thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, by tees Tres bc
_ the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. My)

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My object in presenting this volume to the
public is in some measure to supply a want long
felt by those interested in the study of Canadian
Ornithology.

This work is simply, as the title page states,
a description of the habits, food, nests, eggs,
times of arrival and departure of the birds of
Canada.

The birds described consist of the permanent
and summer residents, and also such birds as
regularly or accidentally stop in Canada during

the spring and autumn migrations.

I have in my collection (which has been made
in Ontario) a specimen of each bird described,
except a few of the sea birds that frequent the

coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Iv Preface.

The information given as to the food and
habits of our birds may probably interest and
benefit the agriculturist. The great majority of
our feathered visitors are insectivorous, and con-
sequently good friends of the farmer, who should

extend his protecting care to these little insect-
destroyers.

Many of our Canadian birds are extremely
interesting, and in beauty of plumage and sweet-
ness and variety of song equal, if they do not

surpass, the birds of any other country.

The arrangement and classification, and the
names that are given in this work, are those
which have been sanctioned by modern orni-
thologists.

Av A as

PinE Grove VILLA,
Toronto, December, 1871.

“

COON TE NAS.

INTRODUCTION . : : eee

BIRDS. OF CANADA.

ORDER | l.—Rapftores (Birds of ey or
ORDER II.—Scansores (Climbers). oN
ORDER III].—/nsessores (Perchers) . Aero
ORDER IV.—Rasores (Scrapehers) .. , 9 6G)
ORDER V.—Grallatores (Waders). ey
ORDER VI.—Watatores (Swimmers) . OE

SUPPLEMENT ; s , WA 3

INTR ODD CT POR:

The Birds of Canada may be divided into two
classes—Granivorous and Carnivorous. Some of
our birds, however, hold a middle nature, and
partake of both. They may also be divided
into six Orders—The Order of Rapéores, or Birds
of Prey; the Order of Scansores, or Climbers ;
the Order of /zsessores, or Perchers ; the Order
of Rasores, or Scratchers ; the Order of Gra/la-
tores, or Waders; the Order of JVatatores, or
Swimmers; and again subdivided into Sub-

Orders, Families, and Sub-Families.

\

ORDER I.—Raptores, or Birds of Prey—Are
mostly birds of large size, having strong hooked
bills, sharp claws, great extent of wing, and
powerful muscles; the females are generally
larger than the males. Birds of this Order live
in pairs, such as Eagles, Hawks, Buzzards, and
Owls. |

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Introduction. vil

ORDER II.—Scansores, or Climbers—Birds of
this Order have their toes in pairs—two in
front and two behind—which especially facili-
tatesclimbing. The Cuculid@, or Cuckoo Family,
and the Pzicid@, or Woodpecker Family, belong
to this Order.

ORDER III.—J/usessores, or Perchers——This
Order embraces a greater number of species
than any other, and comprehends all those birds
which live habitually among trees, with the ex-
ception of birds of prey and climbing birds:
All true perching birds have three toes before,

and one behind.

ORDER IV.—Rasores, or Scratchers—Com-
prises birds which live mainly upon the ground,
and feed principally upon berries, buds, tender
leaves, and grain; such as Doves, Grouse, Par-

tridges, and Turkeys.

ORDER V.—Grallatores, or Waders.—Birds of
this Order live near the water, and comprise the
Herons, Bitterns, Plovers, Snipes, Phalaropes,

Sandpipers, and Rails.

Vill Introduction.

Birds
of this Order are especially fitted for aquatic

ORDER VI.—WNatatores, or Swimmers.

life. and comprise the Ducks, Geese, Swans,
Cormorants, Gulls, Grebes, Loons, and Terns ;
Petrels, Auks, Sheldrakes, Gannets, Guillemots,
and Puffins.

Many species of birds that were quite common
in Canada at the beginning of this century, are
now rarely seen, and several have become extinct

in comparatively recent times.

Pie DS OF CANADA.

Orver I.—Raptores. (Birds of Lrey.)
FAMILY FALCONID/.

Sub-Family FALCONINA.—The Falcons.

PEREGRINE FALCON, or DUCK HAWK.

Falco anatum—TVhe Peregrine Falcon.

This bold and spirited falcon is one of the
most active and intrepid of the birds of prey.
It arrives in Canada about the last of March,
and remains until late in the fall. Color,
above, bluish cinereous, with transverse bands of
brownish-black ; underneath, yellowish-white,
with spots of black on the breast and abdomen ;
bill, light blue; legs and toes, yellow. Length,
twenty inches. Its food consists principally of

2 Birds of Canada.

ducks and other water-fowl. Nests, on a high
rocky cliff; eggs, four, of a reddish-brown
color, covered with dark blotches.

SPARROW HAWK.

Tinnunculus sparverius—The Sparrow Hawk.

The Sparrow Hawk is a summer resident

of Canada. Color, above, light rufous or cinna-.

mon; underneath, pale rufous, spotted with
black ; quills, brownish-black, with white bars ;
legs, yellow ; bill, light blue. Nests, in a hollow
tree; eggs, four, of a yellowish-buff color,
covered with spots of reddish-brown. Feeds
upon small birds, mice, and squirrels.

Falco columbarius—The Pigeon Hawk.

This bird arrives in Canada about the middle
of March. Length, fpr Color,
above, bluish-slate ; forehead and throat, white ;

Sl a ee

Lirds of Canada. 3

under-parts, pale yellowish-white, every feather
with a line of brownish-black; legs, yellow ;
quills, black ; bill, blue. Nests, in low fir-trees ;
eggs, three ; dull, yellowish-brown, with reddish-
brown spots. Feeds upon sparrows, robins, and
other small birds.

Sub-Family ACCIPITRINE.— The Hawks.
A stur atricapillus—The Goshawk.

This hawk is frequently a resident of Canada
throughout the year. Length, twenty inches.
Color, above, dark ashy-blue ; underneath, white,
mottled with ashy-brown ; feet, yellow ; bill,
black ; iris, reddish orange. Builds its nest
upon the branches of a large tree, near the
trunk ; eggs, three or four in number, of a dull
bluish-white, slightly spotted with reddish-brown.
Feeds upon ducks and other water-fowl, as well
as pigeons, blackbirds, and squirrels.

Accipiter Cooperit.—Cooper’s Hawk.

This pretty hawk is fifteen inches in length.
Color, above, dark ashy-brown ; underneath,
transversely barred with light rufous and white.
This bird is the smallest of the so-called “ Hen
Hawks.” It feeds upon poultry and small birds.
Usually builds its nest in the tops of tall pines ;
eggs, four in number, of a bluish-white, with
light brown spots. This hawk is a summer
resident of Cafada, ,

4 Birds of Canada.

Accipiter fuscus—The Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is twelve inches in
length. Color, above, brownish-black ; under-
neath, light rufous, with transverse bands of
white. Legs, slender; tail, ashy-brown, tipped
with white. Feeds upon sparrows and other
small birds. This is one of the earliest arrivals of
spring, and remains until the last of November.
Nests, in a tree; eggs, four, bluish-white.

Sub-Family BUTEONINE.— The Buzzard Hawks.

Buteo borealis —TYhe Red-tailed Hawk.

This fine hawk isa resident of Canada through-
out the year. Length, twenty-four inches. Color,
above, dark umber brown; underneath, pale
yellowish white, with lines and spots of reddish-
brown ; tail, bright rufous, tipped with white.
Feeds upon domestic fowls, partridges, and rab-
bits. Nests, in a large tree; ‘eggs, three -aa
number, of a yellowish white, with dark blotches.

Buteo lineatius—TYhe Red-shouldered Hawk.

The Red-shouldered Hawk is eighteen or
nineteen inches in length. Color, above, brown ;
underneath, orange-red; tail, brownish-black ;
feet, yellow. Nests, in a tree; eggs, five, pale
blue, with dark reddish spots. This hawk re-
mains in Canada throughout the year. Feeds
upon squirrels, poultry, and small birds.

—
—— ee Of

Birds of Canada. 5

B. pennsylvanicus —The Broad-winged Hawk.

The Broad-winged Hawk is eighteen inches in
length. Color, above, umber brown ; underneath,
white, with reddish spots ; tail, dark brown. This
bird is a common resident of Canada during the
summer. Nests, in the top of a tall tree; eggs,
four or five, of a yellowish-white color, with light
brown spots. Its food consists of small birds,
reptiles, and squirrels.

Archibuteo lagopus—The Rough-legged Hawk.

This bird is twenty inches in length. Color,
light brown, mottled with reddish-brown and
white. Frequently remains in Canada through-
out the year. Nests, in a tall tree; eggs, four
or five, of a bluish-white color, blotched with
brown.

A. sanctt ohannis—The Black Hawk.

The specimen in my collection measures
twenty-four inches in length. Color, glossy
black, with a brownish tinge about the head
and neck. Tail, black, with bands of white.
Frequents marshes and swamps. Nests, in the
top of a large tree; eggs, five, of a dirty white
color. Remains in Canada throughout the
year.

6 Birds of Canada.

Sub-Family MILVIN &.— The Kites.
Circus hudsonius—The Marsh Hawk.

The Marsh Hawk is one of our most common
summer hawks. It arrives here from the south
about the first of May. Color, bluish-cinereous
above; beneath, reddish-white. Nests, on the
ground ; eggs, four or five, of a dirty white color.
Feeds upon field mice, principally, and the num-
ber of these destructive little animals which it
devours during the breeding season is almost
incredible. It is consequently entitled to the
protection of the farmer.

Sub-Family AQUILINE.—The Eagles.

Halietus leucocephalus—The White-headed
Eagle.

This noble bird is frequently met with on the
high shore of Lake Ontario throughout the year,
and is often seen in the Ottawa region, near the
interior lakes, and in the vicinity of the Rideau
canal. Feeds upon wild fowl and small animals,
and is equally partial to fish. The nest of this
species, formed of large sticks, sods, moss, and
hay, is usually found in a lofty tree, in a swamp
or morass, and, as it is increased or repaired
every season, becomes of great size ; eggs, two
or three, of a yellowish-white color, with brown
patches. General color, brownish-black; head
and tail, white ; bill, feet, and iris, yellow.

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GREAT HORNED OWL.

Birds of Canada. yi

Aquila canadensis —The Golden Eagle.

This magnificent eagle is rarely met with
except in the interior of Canada. The general
color of the plumage is deep brown, mixed with
tawny on the head and neck, the feathers on
the back being finely shaded with a darker hue.
Feeds upon young fawns, raccoons, rabbits, and
large birds. Usually nests on the sides of steep
rocky crags; eggs, three in number, of a dull
white, with patches of bronze.

Pandion carolinensts —Vhe Fish-Hawk.

This common and well known hawk is a summer
resident of Canada. Color, above, umber-brown ;
beneath, white ; bill and claws, bluish-black.
Nests, in a large tree, on the margin of the inland
lakes or rivers; eggs, three in number, of a
reddish-cream color. Feeds entirely upon fish.

PaMiLNs ST RIGIDAL THE OWLS:
Sub-Famiuly BUBONINA.—The Horned Owls.
Lubo virginianus—The Great Horned Owl.

The Great Horned Owl is a permanent resi-
dent of Canada. It is very destructive to domestic
fowls, and consequently very obnoxious to the
farmer. Length, twenty-two inches. Color,
brownish-black, mottled with ashy-white. The
nest of this owl is frequently built in the top-
most branches of tall pines, and sometimes in
the top of a stub; eggs, three or four, of a yel-
lowish-white.

8 Birds of Canada.

Scops asio—Mottled Owl, or Screech Owl.

This owl feeds upon mice and squirrels, small
birds, and beetles. Length, ten inches. Color,
pale ashy-brown. Breeds in Canada. Nests,
‘in a hollow tree ; eggs, four or five, white.

Otus Wilsontanus—The Long-eared Owl.

The Long-eared Owl feeds upon small birds.
It rears its young in nests which it finds, seldom
making one for itself; eggs, four or five, of a
dirty-white color. This owl lingers about moun-
tain streams. Its cry is prolonged and plaintive.
Breeds in Canada. Length, fifteen inches. Color,
brownish-black, mottled with ashy-white.

Brachyotus Cassinit—The Short-eared Owl.

This owl is a permanent resident of Canada.
Length, fourteen inches, Color, light brown,
mottled with gray. Builds its nest upon the
eround ; eggs, four in number, pure white.
Feeds upon mice and small birds.

Sub-Family SYRNINH.—The Gray Owls.
Syrnium nebulosum—rThe Barred Owl.

This is one of our most common owls. Length,
twenty inches. Color, light ashy-brown. Feeds
upon small birds, mice, and reptiles. Nests, in
high" trees; eggs, three in number, white. Re-
mains in Canada throughout the year.

Birds of Canada. 9

Syrnium cinereum.—The Cinereous Owl.

This is the largest member of the owl family.
Length, thirty inches. Color, ashy-brown, mot-
tled with ashy-white. Head, large; eyes, small.
Feeds upon rabbits, squirrels, and other small
animals. It is a rare visitor to this part of
Canada. This owl breeds in the far north.

Nyctale Richardsonit.—The Sparrow Owl.

This pretty little owl is a regular winter visitor.
It is eleven inches in length; the color, above,
reddish-brown, tinged with olive; beneath, ashy-
white ; legs and bill, light yellow. Breeds in the
north-west. Nests, in a tree; eggs, four in num-
ber, pure white. Its food consists of mice and
small birds. Seeks its prey by night.

Nyctale acadica—The Saw-whet owl.

This species is a permanent resident of Canada.
It is the smallest of the family, being only eight
and a-half inches in length. Color, above, red-
dish-brown ; beneath, ashy-white, with spots of
rufous. It builds its nest in a stump or hollow
tree; eggs, four in number, pure white. The
food of this owl consists of bats, mice, and small
birds.

10 Birds of Canada.

Sub-Family NYCTEININA.—The Day Owls.
Surnia ulula—The Hawk Owl.

The Hawk Owl is a permanent resident of
Canada. It possesses many of the characteristics
of a falcon. Length, eighteen inches ; the color,
pale ashy-brown; throat, white; a large brown
spot on each side of the breast. This bird seeks
its prey by day as well as by night. Nests, ina
tree ; eggs, two in number, pure white.

Nyctea nivea—The Snowy Owl.

This beautiful owl is a regular fall and winter
visitor in Canada. It is twenty-seven inches in

length; the plumage is pure white, with a few .

spots of dark brown on the back and wings. Its
food consists principally of rabbits, birds, and
fish, which it obtains by daylight as well as by
twilight. The Snowy Owl flies with great rapi-
dity, often capturing ducks and other water fowl
upon the wing. Breeds in the arctic regions.

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Birds of Canada. II

Orver II.— Seansores. (Climbers. )

PAvViInY GWG UID (LHe COCROOS:

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

Coccygus americanus.—The Y ellow-billed Cuckoo.

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a rare visitor in
Canada. It is eleven inches in length. Color,
above, olive-green, tinged with ash near the bill ;
beneath, white; tail, olive-green, with a border
of black tipped with white; upper mandible,
black ; lower, yellow; quills, orange-cinnamon.

rg Lirds of Canada.

This bird breeds in the United States. Its nest
is built in a low tree or shrub; eggs, four, of a
bright green color. The song of this cuckoo is
discordant and harsh, and may be represented
by kow-kow, kow-kow. Its food consists of in-
sects and the eggs and young of other birds.

Coccygus erythrophthalmus—The Black-billed
Cuckoo.

This species is a regular summer visitor. It
arrives about the tenth of May, and remains
until the first of September. In size, color, and
characteristics, it closely resembles the preceding
bird. It differs only in having both mandibles
black. This cuckoo breeds in Canada. Nests,
in a barberry bush or low tree ; eggs, four, of a
bright green color.

PAMILY, PICIDAL: SAL WOCDPRER ties
Sub-Family PICINA.
Picus villosus—The Hairy Woodpecker.

The Hairy Woodpecker is a permanent resi-
dent of Canada. Its food consists principally
of insects and their larve. Color, black and
white, spotted. Length, eleven inches. Nests,
in a hole in a tree; eggs, five, pure white.

Lirds of Canada. 13

Picus pubescens —The Downy Woodpecker.

This woodpecker is six inches in length. Color,
above, black, with a white band down the back :
two white stripes on the side of the head; the
lower parts white. Nests, in a hole in a tree;
eggs, six, pure white. The food of: this bird
consists entirely of insects and their larve.

Picoides arcticus —The Black-backed, Three-toed
Woodpecker.

This species is a permanent resident of Canada.
Its habits do not differ from those of other wood-
peckers. Back, black ; wings, spotted white and
black ; top of head, saffron color. Nests, in a
stump; eggs, four, pure white.

Sphyrapicus varius.—Y ellow-bellied Woodpecker.

This pretty bird is a summer resident of Canada.
It is often seen in orchards, especially in apple
trees. Feeds upon insects and their larve. Back
and wings, spotted black and white ; top of head
and throat, red; belly, yellow. This bird is a
friend to the farmer, as it destroys immense
numbers of insects. Nests, in a decayed tree in
the woods; eggs, five, pure white.

Picoides hursutus—The Banded Three-toed
Woodpecker.

This woodpecker is a permanent resident of
Canada. Length, nine inches. Black, above;

14 Birds of Canada.

white, beneath ; quills, spotted with white ; top
of the head, spotted with white; the crown of
the male, with a yellow patch. Nests, ina stump
or decayed tree ; eggs, four, creamy-white.

flylatomus pileatus—The Pileated Woodpecker.

This beautiful woodpecker is seldom seen in
the settled portions of Canada, although it is
frequently met with in the interior. It is the
largest and most powerful of the woodpecker
family. General color of body, wings, and tail,
greenish-black ; a narrow white streak just above
the eye to the occiput; crown of head, bright
red. Length, eighteen inches. Nests, in a hole

in a tree or stub; eggs, five in number, pure white.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus—The Red-headed
| Woodpecker.
This bird is one of our regular visitors. It

Lirds of Canada. 15

arrives here from the south about the middle
of May. Its habits are the same as those of
the other species, except that he is a great
lover of fruit and grain. It is, however, a
question whether he is not a greater friend
than enemy to the farmer, as he kills great
numbers of insects. Back, black ; belly, white ;
head and neck all round, crimson. Length, ten
inches; bill and feet, black. Nests, in a hole in
a stub or tree; eggs, four in number, pure white.

GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.

Colaptes auratus—Golden-winged Woodpecker.

The Golden-winged Woodpecker is one of our

16 Lirds of Canada.

best known and most beautiful summer visitors.
It is twelve inches long; the wing six inches.
The top of the head, and the upper part of the
neck, bluish-ash ; a red crescent on the nape;
the other upper parts, olive-brown, with trans-
verse bands of black; the lower parts, yellowish-
white, tinged with brownish, and ornamented
with circular black spots, and with a black cres-
cent on the breast ; the shafts and under surfaces
of the wings are gamboge yellow. This elegant
bird arrives in Canada from the south about the
twentieth of April, and returns late in the fall.
Nests, in a hollow tree; eggs, six, pure white.
Feeds upon insects, berries, and grains.

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BARN SWALLOW.

Birds of Canada. ‘

Orver IIL—¥nsessoves. (Lerelers.)

FAMILY FROCHILIDA. THE HUMMING
BIRDS.

Trochilus colubris—The Ruby-throated
Humming Bird.

This beautiful little bird arrives here from the
south about the last of May. Nests, in a tree ;
eggs, two, pure white. Its food consists of in-
sects and the juice of sweet-scented flowers.

FAMILY CYPSELIDA. ELELLES SCID Se

Cheture pelasgia—The Chimney Swallow.

This swallow arrives here about the last of
May. Leaves for the south about the first of
September. Color, sooty-brown. Nests, in hol-
low trees or unused chimneys; eggs, five, pure
white. Feeds upon insects.

FAMILY AUIRUNDINIDAL° 7A
SWALLOWS.
Hirundo americana—The Barn Swallow.

The general color of this swallow is steel blue
above; beneath, light chestnut; tail, forked.
Receives its name from its frequently attaching its

nest to the rafters in barns. Feeds upon insects.
3

18 Lirds of Canada.

FI. lunifrons—The Cliff Swallow.

The Cliff Swallow is black, above ; white,
beneath ; tail, green. Builds its nest under pro-
jecting cliffs; eggs, six, white, with a purplish
tint. Feeds upon insects.

Ff, riparia—The Bank Swallow.

This is the smallest of the swallows. Color,
above, grayish-brown ; beneath, pure white. It
takes its name from its habit of making deep,
winding holes in sand banks, in which it builds
its nest; eggs, four, pure white. Feeds upon
insects.

H1. bicolor —The White-breasted Swallow.

This well known swallow arrives here about
the middle of May.. Color, above, metallic-
green; beneath, white. Nests, in a hole in a
tree or stub, and sometimes in a martin’s box;
eggs, four, white. Feeds upon insects.

Progne purpurca—The Purple Martin.

This pretty and interesting bird arrives in
Canada early in April. Color: the old males
are glossy steel-blue all over; the females are
glossy steel-blue above, and pale brown beneath.
Two broods are raised during the season. Nests,
in a hole in a tree, or martin’s box; eggs, four
or ‘Six, pure white. Early in sseptember tne
martins leave for the south.

Birds of Canada. 19

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDA. THE ‘GOAT-
SUCKERS.

» WHIP-POOR-WILL.

Caprimulgus vociferus.—The Whip-poor-will.

The Whip-poor-will is a regular summer resi-
dent of Canada. It is ten and a-half inches
long ; bill, short, and bent at the point ; mouth,
very large, and beset along the sides with a
number of stiff bristles, which turn inwards; eyes,
full and large; the plumage is variegated with
black, pale cream-brown, and rust color. The
notes of the whip-poor-will are three, and have
a resemblance to the syllables “ whzp poor will,”
from which it takes its name. It begins its song
soon after sunset, and continues till late at night ;
then remains silent till near the dawn, when it
resumes, and continues till sunrise. During the
day it sits in the most retired, solitary, and deep-
shaded parts of the woods, generally on high
eround, where it reposes in silence. When dis-

20 Birds of Canada.

turbed, it rises within a few feet, and flies slowly
through the woods for thirty or forty yards, and
generally settles on a low branch, or on the
sround. Its sight appears deficient during the
day, as it seems to want that vivacity for which
it is distinguished in the morning and evening
twilight. It does not perch, like other birds,
sitting across the branch, but lengthwise; and its
hinder toe is capable of being turned forward as
well as backward. It is solitary in its habits,
and is generally seen alone. The female begins
to lay about the second week in May, selecting
for this purpose the most unfrequented part of
the wood, often where some brush, old logs, or
heaps of leaves had been lying, and always ona
dry situation. The eggs, usually two in number,
and greenish-white, are deposited on the ground,
or on the leaves, not the slightest appearance
of a nest being visible. Its food consists entirely
of night-flying insects.

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Lirds of Canada. 21

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NIGHT HAWK.

Chordeiles popetue—The Night Hawk.

This is a well known bird. It arrives here
from the south about the ‘middle of May. The
colors of this bird, though plain, have a beautiful
effect from the elegance of their disposition: the
plumage being beautifully freckled, barred, and
spotted with brown, black, grey, and ferrugi-
nous, variously arranged and diversified. The
bill is small, flat, and hooked at the tip; the
eyes are large, full, and black; the legs are
short, rough, and scaly, and feathered below the
knee. The male is distinguished from the female

22 Birds of Canada.

by an oval white spot, near the end of the first
three quill feathers. Nests, on the bare ground,
sometimes on a rock; eggs, two, grayish-white,
spotted with brown and lavender. Its food con-
sists entirely of moths, gnats, beetles, and other
night insects.

C. carolinensis —The Chuck-Will’s Widow.

The Chuck-Will’s Widow closely resembles
the Whip-poor-will in general appearance. This
interesting bird is a very rare visitor in Canada.
It derives its name from its repeated utterance
of a cry that exactly resembles the words “chuck
will's widow. Like the other members of the
Goat-Sucker Family, this bird is nocturnal, seek-
ing its food by night. Nests, on the ground;
eggs, two, grayish-white, mottled with buff.

Birds of Canada. 23

SUB-ORDER CLAMATORES.

(SURE AMERS).

FAMILY ALCEDINIDA. 7HE KING-
FISHERS:

BELTED KINGFISHER.

Ceryle alcyon.—The Belted Kingfisher.

This bird is a very common summer resident
of Canada. It arrives here about the tenth of
April. The plumage of this pretty bird is light
blue above, marked with a great number of dark
streaks caused by the blue-black shaft of each
feather. The wings are blackish-brown, bound
with white, and variegated with blue; the head,
with a crest ; a band across the breast and sides
of the same color as the back; the tail, with
transverse bands and spots of white. Length,
twelve inches. Nests, in a long winding hole ina
sand-bank; eggs, six, pure white. Feeds upon fish.

24 Birds of Canada.

FAMILY . COLOPTE RIDA ae ae
GA ViGtT Ete

Sub-Family TYRANNINAZ.—Tyrant Fly-catchers.

KING BIRD.

Tyrannus carolinensis—The King Bird.

This brave little bird is a summer inhabitant
of Canada. Color above, dark bluish-ash, the
lower parts, white; the concealed crest, vermillion
and orange. Its favorite resorts are open fields
ot orchards. “Feeds “upon. insects, 4 aise
courageous little bird, and attacks hawks, crows,
and other large birds without the least hesitation.
Nests, in an orchard tree; eggs, five, of a beau-
tiful creamy-white color, with spots and specks
of brown. Departs for the south, first September.

ee

Birds of Canada. 25

Myiarchus crinitus—The Great-crested Fly-
catcher.

This bird arrives in Canada about the middle
of May. The nest is placed in a hollow tree or
stub, and nearly always contains the cast off skin
of a snake, which is coiled at the bottom ; eggs,
four, of a dull cream color, scratched with purple
lines. Feeds upon insects. The general color
of this bird is dull greenish-olive above; under
parts, bright sulphur-yellow ; head, well-defined
crest. Departs for the south first September.

Sayornis fuscus—The Phebe Bird.

This very common bird is too well known to
need a description. It arrives from the south
about the last of March, and departs the last of

October.

Contopus virens—The Wood Pewee.

This is a common summer resident of Canada.
It atrives here about the twentieth of May. Gen-
eral color, dark olive-brown; the lower parts
pale-yellow. This bird loves the dark quiet
retreats of the forests. Here, sitting upon a
branch, it may be seen watching for insects,
uttering its low melancholy notes. Nests, in a
tree; eggs, four or five; light-yellow, spotted
with red on the large end.

4

26 Birds of ‘Canada.

Empidonax minimus.—The least Fly-catcher.

This active little bird arrives from the south
about the first of May. Color, above, olive-
brown ; beneath, yellowish-white ; length, five
inches. Usually nests in an apple tree; eggs,
four ; creamy-white color. Feeds upon insects
entirely. |

SUB-ORDER OSCINES.
(SINGING BIRDS.)

PAMILY ( TURDIDAL-. THE JTAROSHEZS:

WOOD THRUSH.

Turdus mustelinus —TYhe Wood Thrush.

This sweet songster is a common Canadian
visitor, arriving here about the twentieth of May.
The Wood Thrush delights in deep, shady places,
where there isasmall brook. Its soft, half plain-

Birds of Canada. 27

tive notes excel in sweetness those of any other
Canadian bird. Color, above, clear cinnamon-
brown ; the under parts are white, tinged with
buff, marked with blackish spots. Nests, in a
low shrub in the deep woods; eggs, four in
number, ofa blue color, tinted with green. Feeds
upon insects.

T. pallassii—The Hermit Thrush.

The Hermit Thrush arrives in Canada about
the middle of May. Color, above, olive-brown ;
beneath, white ; length, eight inches. Nests, in
low trees or bushes ; eggs, four, of a light blue
color. In its habits and song it is similar to the
Wood Thrush. Feeds upon insects.

T. fuscescens—The Tawny Thrush.

This is a common summer resident of Canada.
Color, above, light reddish-brown ; below, white.
Nests, on the ground; eggs, four, of a bluish-
green color. Feeds upon insects.

T. swainsonit— The Olive-backed Thrush.

This pretty bird is the least common of all the
thrushes. Color, olivaceous; breast, white;
throat and breast, spotted with brown. Nests,
in the deepest recesses of the forest ; eggs, four,
of a reddish-brown color. Feeds on insects.

28 Birds of Canada.

T. migratorius.—The Robin.

This is one of the most common and interest-
ing summer residents. Color, above, olive-gray ;
top and sides of the head, black ; throat, white,
streaked with black; under parts, chestnut-
brown; length, ten inches. Its food consists of
caterpillars, earth-worms, and grubs of various
kinds. Nests, in a tree; eggs, four, greenish-
blue. The popular prejudice against this bird
is unjust. It is a good friend to the farmer,
and should be protected.

Sub-Family—MIMIN &.—JT ocking Lirds.

Harporhynchus rufus—TYhe Brown Thrush, or
Brown Thrasher.

This sweet songster is one of our most welcome
visitors. In the pleasant spring mornings, this
bird utters the sweetest melodies from the top-
most branches of some isolated tree. During the
day it prefers low thick bushes. The nest is -
made in a clump of low bushes, a few feet from
the ground ; eggs, four to six, ofa dull buff color,
sprinkled with brown. General color, above,
light cinnamon-red; below, pale rufous white. »
The Brown Thrasher, arrives here about the last
of April, and departs for its southern home the
first week in October.

Lirds of Canada. 29

CAT BIRD.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis —The Cat Bird.

This well known bird arrives in Canada about
the middle of May. Its habits are so well known
that a description is hardly necessary. General
color, dark plumbeous; the under tail coverts,
dark brown. In spring its song is varied, mellow,
and sweet. It possesses to some extent the
power to imitate the notes of other birds.
Sometimes it mews like a cat, hence its name.
Nests, in low bushes ; eggs, four, sometimes six,
greenish-blue. It rears two broods in a season.
About the middle of October the Cat Bird goes
south.

FAMILY SAXICOLIDA.. THE ROCK
INHABITERS

Sialia sialis—The Blue Bird.

The Blue bird, is a common summer resident
of Canada. General color, above, azure-blue ;
beneath, reddish-brown. It is one ofthe earliest
arrivals, making its appearance about the middle

30 Birds of Canada.

of March. Nests, ina knot-hole or martin’s box ;
eggs, five in number, of a light-blue color. Feeds
entirely upon insects. Leaves for the south the
first of October.

FAMILY SYLVIDAL. THE WOOD
INHABITERS

Regulus calendula——The Ruby-crowned Wren.

This pretty little wren is at once distinguished
by the crown, which has a concealed patch of
scarlet feathers, which are white at the base.
Its song is charming, and harmonious. Arrives
here about the middle of May, on its way north
to breed, and visits us again in September, while
migrating south. Feeds upon insects and their
larve.

Regulus satrapa.—The Golden-crested Wren.

This wren, is distinguished from the Ruby-
crowned by a crest of orange-red, encircled by
yellow. Visits Canada in the spring and autumn.
Breeds north of Ontario. Feeds upon insects.

Regulus Cuviert.—Cuvier's Golden-crested Wren.

This diminutive and beautiful bird, differs from
the Regulus Satrapa in having two black bands
on the crown, separated by a white band. This
wren usually accompanies the two preceeding
species, in their spring and fall migrations.

Lirds of Canada. 31

FAMILY PARID-.

Sub-Family PARINA.—The Titmice.

Parus atricapillus—The Black-cap Titmouse, or
Chick-a-dee.

This pretty little bird is one of the few species
that remain with us throughout the year. It
builds its nest in a hole in a stump or tree ;
eggs, six in number, white, with reddish-brown
markings at the larger end. ‘Iwo broods are
raised in a season. General color, ashy-brown
above, and white beneath ; top of the head and
throat, black ; and the sides of the head between, .
white. Feeds entirely upon insects and their
larve.

P.. hudsonicus—Hudson’s Bay Titmouse.

This bird is a permanent resident of Canada.
Color, olive-brown above ; white beneath ; top
of the head, brown; sides of the head, white.
Pencth, fiver inches? Nests; in’ a shrub; eggs,
four, pure white.

32 Birds of Canada.

Sub-Family SITTINE.—The Nuthatches.

WHITE-BELLIED NUTHATCH.

Sitta carolinensis —The W hite-bellied Nuthatch.

This nuthatch is one of our common summer
birds, and sometimes remains in Canada through
the winter. Color, ashy-blue above ; the under
parts, white; top of the head and neck, black.
Nests, in a hole in a stump or tree; eggs, six,
dull white. Feeds upon insects. At night it
attaches its feet to the bark of a tree, and sleeps’
with its head downwards.

S. canadensis —TVhe Red-Bellied Nuthatch.

The Red-bellied Nuthatch is smaller than the
preceding species ; the belly, reddish-brown ; in
other respects it is similar to the White-bellied
Nuthatch.

Birds of Canada.

Go
Oo

FAMILY CERTHIADA. THE CREEPERS.

AMERICAN CREEPER.

Certhia americana.—The American Creeper.

This industrious insect-hunter is a permanent
resident of Canada. Color, above, dark brown,
each feather streaked with white ; the under
parts, rusty-brown ; a white streak over the eye.
Feeds upon insects and their larvae. Nests, ina
hollow tree; eggs, six, dark gray.

FAMILY TROGLODYTID. THE WRENS.

Cistothorus palustris —Long-billed Marsh Wren.

This species lives among the rank vegetation
growing in marshes and inlets to the lakes. Here
it builds its nest, and lays six eggs of a deep
chocolate color. This wren is five and a-half

5

34 Birds of Canada.

inches long ; the upper parts, dull reddish-brown ;
the under parts, and a streak over the eye, white.
Feeds upon insects. It arrives here about the
middle of May, and leaves for the south about
the last of September.

Troglodytes hyemalis—The Winter Wren.

The Winter Wren arrives in Ontario about
the first of October, and remains through the .
winter, leaving early in the spring for the north,
where it breeds. Color, reddish-brown.

Troglodytes edon.—The House Wren.

This well known and interesting bird arrives
from the south the first week in May. It lives
entirely upon insects, of which it destroys vast
numbers. This little wren delights in living
near the habitations of men, and builds its nest
in any hole in a tree or stump it finds; eggs,
six, pale reddish-brown. Color, reddish-brown.

PAMILY SYLVICOLIDA!.. WARKSLERS:
Sub-Family SYLVICOLINE.—The Wood
Warblers.

Mniotita varia—The Black and White Creeper.

This is a regular summer resident. Nests, in
a low bush; eggs, four, creamy-white. General

Lirds of Canada. 35

color of the male, black; the feathers broadly
edged with white. All the birds of this family
are insectivorous. I have thirty species of the
warbler family in my collection.

Pariula americana—The Blue Yellow-backed
Warbler.

This warbler arrives here about the middle of
April on its way to the north, and returns south-
ward about the middle of September. Color,
above, blue, with a yellow stripe on the middle of
the back ; beneath, yellowish-white. This species
utters a soft, prolonged twitter, its only song.

Geothlypis trichas —The Maryland Yellow Throat.

This very pretty warbler breeds in Ontario.
Color, above, olive-green, tinged with brown;
throat and neck, bright yellow. Nests, in low
bushes ; eggs, four, creamy-white.

G. philadelphie—The Mourning Warbler.

Its note is a simple chit, uttered in a soft, pen-
sive tone. General color, ash-gray above, and
black underneath. Breeds in Canada. Nests,
in a low bush ; eggs, four, bluish-white.

G. M. acgillvrai.—Macegillvray’s Warbler.

This Warbler is five inches long, the wing less
than two and a-half inches; the head and neck,

30 Birds of Canada.

ash, a narrow frontlet and space around the eye,
black ; the feathers of the forward under parts
really black, but appearing gray from the ashy
tips of the feathers ; the rest of the upper parts
dark olive-green, and of the lower, yellow. Breeds
in Canada. Nests, in a low bush; eggs, five,
flesh-colored.

Dendroica virens.—The Black-throated Green
Warbler. .

The Black-throated Green Warbler, is five
inches long, the wing over two and a-half inches ;
the crown and back, olive ; the forehead, super-
ciliary and maxillary stripes, yellow. Breeds in
Canada. Nests, in a bush near the ground; eggs,
five, bluish-white.

D. palmarum—The Yellow Red-poll Warbler.

This bird is five inches long, the wing nearly
two and a-half inches, the crown, sides of the
head, and inferior streaks, yellow; a white spot on
the end of the tail, superciliary streak and under
parts, yellow. Breeds in the interior of Canada.
Visits Ontario in May and September.

D. tigrina.—Cape May Warbler.

The Cape May Warbler, is five and a quarter
inches long, the wing nearly three inches, the
bill, acute and decurved ; the color, olive above,

Birds of Canada. oy

rump and under parts, yellow; crown, blackish ;
sides of the head, chestnut. This pretty bird
breeds in northern Canada.

D. canadensis —The Black-throated Blue
Warbler.

This bird is five and a-half inches long, the
wing, two and a-half; the crown, black; back,
ash; maxillary stripe, white. Breeds in Manitoba.
Visits Ontario in the spring and fall.

D. coronata—The Yellow-rump Warbler.

This Warbler is five and a quarter inches
long, the wing, three inches; the color, slate-blue
above ; throat, white; head, blackish; the sides
and rump, with a yellow patch. Breeds north
of Ontario.

D. Blackburnie—Blackburnian Warbler.

This is, without exception, the most beautiful
On. all the warblers:; Color: the back, black :
throat, bright-orange ; and a patch on the wing
and outer tail feathers, white. Breeds in the far
north. Remains, for a few days, in May and
October.

D. castanea—The Bay-breasted Warbler. .

_ This bird is five inches long; the head, chestnut;
sides of the head, black; and belly white. Like
most of the family, this bird breeds in the north-

38 Birds of Canada.

ern part of this continent. During the spring
and fall migrations it stops for a few days in
Ontario.

D. pinus—The Pine-creeping Warbler.

The Pine-creeping Warbler is five and a-half
inches long, and the wing, three inches ; olive-
green above, and yellow beneath ; two dull white
bands upon the wings. Breeds in northern
Canada. Nests, on the ground; eggs, four,
bluish-white.

D. pennsylvanica.—The Chestnut-sided Warbler.

This species is five inches long; the wing, two
and a-half inches; the crown, yellow, encircled
with white ; sides of the head, black, enclosing a
white patch behind ; and sides of the body, chest-
nut. Breeds innorthern Canada. Visits Ontario
in the spring and fall.

D. striata—The Black-poll Warbler.

This warbler is five and three-quarter inches
long ; the wing, three inches; the crown and sides,
black ; the cheeks below the eye, white. Breeds
north of Ontario. Spring and autumn visitor.

D. estiva—The Yellow Warbler.

This species arrives here about the middle of
May, and breeds here. Nests, in a willow or
maple tree ; eggs, four, white, with brown blotches.
General color: yellow.

Lirds of Canada. 39
D. maculosa—The Black and Yellow Warbler.

This bird is a summer resident of Canada.
Builds its nest in the willows that grow in low
marshy grounds; eggs, four, pure white.

Mytodioctes canadensis —The Canada Fly-

catcher.

The Canada Fly-catcher is about five and
a-third inches long, the wing, about two and two-
thirds inches ; the back, bluish; streaks upon the
crown ; stripe on the side of the head and neck ;
and breast, black. Breedsin Canada. Nests, on
the ground, or in a low bush; eggs, four, pinkish-
white.

M. mitratus—Vhe Hooded Warbler.

The Hooded Warbler is five inches long; the
head and neck, black; back, olive-green; the
front, cheeks, and under parts; yellow. It is
very rarely seen in Ontario. Breeds in the
south. Visits Canada in the spring.

MM, minutus—The Small-headed Fly-catcher.

This little bird is four inches long; olive, above;
yellow, beneath ; and the wing, with two white
bands. Visits Canada in May and October.

M. pusillus —TYhe Green Black-cap Fly-catcher.

This Fly-catcher is four and three-quarter
inches long; the upper parts, olive ; the forehead,

40 Birds of Canada.

and under parts, bright-yellow ; the crown, with
a black patch. Remains here for a few days in
May and August.

flelmitherus vermivorus—The Worm-eating
Warbler.

The Worm-eating Warbler is five inches long.
Color, olive-green, above ; beneath, brownish-
yellow. Visits Canada during the spring and
summer migrations. Breeds in the far north.

Helminthopaga pinus——The Blue-winged Yellow
Warbler.

This bird is four and a-half inches long, the
wing, two and four-tenths inches. Color, above,
olive-green ; the wings and tail, bluish-gray; the
crown and under parts, rich orange-yellow. Its
nest is elongated, and attached by its upper edge
to several stout stalks of grass; eggs, four to six, -
pure white, with a few pale red spots at the
larger end. Breeds in Canada.

FH. chrysoptera—TVhe Golden-winged Warbler.

This beautiful warbler is five inches long;
upper parts bluish-gray; head and under parts,
black and. yellow: Breeds in the interior of
Canada. Remains in Ontario a few days in the
spring and fall.

Lirds of Canada. 4I
ff, ruficapilla—The Nashville Warbler.

The Nashville Warbler is over four and a-half
inches long ; the wing, less than two and a-half
inches; the color, olive-green above ; under
parts, deep yellow. Visits Canada in the spring
and fall.

HT. peregrina—The Tennessee Warbler.

The Tennessee Warbler is four and a-half
inches long; the wing two and _ three-fourths
inches ; the color, above, olive-green ; beneath,
dull white; the top and sides of the head, ashy-
eray. Breeds in northern Canada. Spring and
fall visitor.

lcteria viridis —The Yellow-breasted Chat.

This bird is nearly seven inches in length ;
upper parts, olive-green ; under parts, gamboge
yellow. Visits Canada in May and September.

Setophaga ruticilla—The Red Start.

The Red Start arrives here about the middle
of May, and leaves about the fifteenth of Septem-
ber. It is five and a-quarter inches long; the
wing two and a-half inches; the general color,
black, the sides of the breast and base of the
quills and tail, reddish-orange, and the abdomen,
white. This is one of the prettiest and liveliest
birds of our forests. The nest is built upon a

6

42 Birds of Canada.

low bush; eggs, four to six; white, sprinkled
with ashy-gray.

Semrus aurocapillus—The Golden-crowned
Thrush.

This beautiful bird is a summer resident of
Canada. It arrives here about the last of April,
-and departs the last of September. Color, above,
olive-green, with a tinge of yellow; crown, with
two streaks of black, enclosing a broad orange
stripe; beneath, white; the breast and sides of the
body, black. It builds its nests on the ground, in
the form of an old oven; eggs, five; creamy-white.

S. noveboracensis—JThe Water Thrush, or
Wagtail.

The Water Thrush arrives here about the first
of May ; departs twentieth of September. Color,
above, olive-brown ; beneath, pale sulphur-yel-
low, brightest on the abdomen. It can be found
near brooks, rivers, or ponds, wading in the shal-
low water in search of aquatic insects, continually
wagging its tail. Nests, ina swamp ; eggs, five ;
reddish-brown.

Sub-fFamily TANAGRINAZ.— The Tanagers.

Pyranga rubra.—The Scarlet Tanager.

This elegant bird is seven and four-tenths
inches long, the wing, four inches; the color,

\

EH \\\ AIAN
YIN NSS ‘sf UN
d HN Weer ys a? aes

BOHEMIAN CHATTERER. p. 43

Lirds of Canada. 43

bright-scarlet, wings and tail black. Nests, ona
low branch of a tree; eggs, three to five; dull
greenish-blue, speckled with reddish-brown and
light purple. This isour most gaudy visitor. It
arrives from the south about the fifteenth of
May, and leaves early in September. This bird
thrives well in confinement, and makes a beauti-
ful pet. Feeds upon insects, berries, and grain.

PAwmeyebONMBYCILLIDA. | THE CHAT:
PERT TOR.

Sub-Family BOMBYCILLINE—The Wax Wings.

Ampelis garrulus—The Bohemian Chatterer.

This very rare and beautiful bird appears in
Canada only in severe seasons. Length, seven
and a-half inches; the wing, four and a-half
inches. The general color, brownish-ash ; pri-
maries and tail-feathers, plumbeous-black, the
tail with a terminal band of yellow; the head
and throat marked with black; the wings with
white ; and the secondaries have red horny tips.
They live in numerous flocks, keeping by pairs
only in the breeding season. Their food con-
sists chiefly of the buds and seeds of the pine,
cedar, and juniper. Their migrations extend
from Central Asia to the arctic regions. They
breed in the northern part of British Columbia
and Alaska.

4A Birds of Canada.
A. cedrorum—The Cedar Bird, or Cherry Bird.

The Cedar Birds arrive here in flocks about
the second week in March. They generally
build their nests in orchard trees ; sometimes in
a cedar or other evergreen tree; eggs, four or
five in number, of a light blue or clay-white
color, with a slight purple tint, with black spots.
Farmers manifest a great deal of ill-feeling
toward this bird, on account of its occasional
fondness for cherries and other small fruit. It
has, however, a much greater relish for cater-
pillars and the larve of insects, of which it
destroys immense numbers, and thereby more
than compensates for the small quantity of
fruit it eats. The only note of the Cherry Bird
is ¢wee-tivee, uttered in a plaintive, soft manner.
The general color is reddish-olive above, passing
into yellow beneath; the quills and tail, dark
plumbeous and dusky, tipped with yellow. The
plumage is very soft and delicate, and its tints

and shadings beautiful.

AMBCLGO, OLXOSww

Lirds of Canada. 45

GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE.

FAMILY LANIIDA.
Sub-Family LANUNX.—The Shrikes.

Collyrio borealis —The Great Northern Shrike, or
Butcher Bird.

The Butcher bird is nine inches long; the
color, above, light bluish-ash; the under parts,
white ; the wings and tail, black. It feeds prin-
cipally upon insects, sparrows and other small
birds. It can imitate the calls .of other birds,
especially those indicating distress ; and has the
cruel habit of impaling its prey on sharp twigs
and thorns, and devouring it at leisure. Hence
it has derived the name, Butcher Bird. The
nest is usually built in a thorn tree or low
shrub; eggs, four or five in number; of a
dirty lead-colored white, with spots of brown
on the large end.

40 Birds of Canada.
C. excubitorides—The White-rumped Shrike.

The characteristics of this shrike are similar to
those of the preceding species, except that the
tail is shorter and the head larger.

Sub-Family VIREONINA.—The Vireos.
Vireo oltvaceus——The Red-eyed Vireo.

This is one of our most industrious and inter-
esting little visitors. It is six and a-half inches
long, the wing three and a-half inches. Color,
olive-green, above ; white, below ; the head, dark-
ash; andiris, red; a whitish line from the bill
over the eye. The nest is generally suspended
from forked twigs; eggs, four to six, spotted with
reddish-brown. Feeds entirely upon insects and
their larve. The Red-eyed Vireo is one of the
earliest singers of spring, and the latest of autumn.
Its notes are loud, clear, and melodious. Through-
out the day he hops from branch to branch,
searching in the foliage for caterpillars and nox-
ious larve. Arrives in Canada about the tenth
of May, and departs for the south early in

October. :
V. gilvus —The Warbling Vireo.

This pretty bird is five and a-half inches long ;
the color, olive-green, above; beneath, white,
tinged with yellow. Its song is very mellow and

Lirds of Canada. 47

sweet. The nest is pensile and usually built in
talltrees ; eggs, six ; white, with small red spots
on the large end. Arrives here about the first

of May, and leaves late in September.

lV’. noveboracensis —The White-eyed Vireo.

This sweet songster frequents the thickest
bushes. It arrives in Canada about the first of
May, and remains until October. Color, bright
olive-green, above; white, beneath ; iris, white.
Nests, in a brier or raspberry bush; eggs, four
in number, reddish-brown. While in search of
insects it sings merrily and sweetly.

l”. flavifrons—The Yellow-throated Vireo.

This is a beautiful and rather uncommon bird
with us. It usually arrives here about the fif-
teenth of May. Color, olive-green above ; throat
and breast, bright sulphur-yellow ; the remaining
under parts, white. It is quite impossible to say
too much in favor of this sweet songster. The
nest is built a few feet from the ground, and is
a beautiful specimen of nest-building; the eggs
are four in number, pure white, spotted with
brown.

’. solitarius—The Solitary Vireo.

This beautiful and active fly-catcher is five
inches in length. Color, above, olive-green ;

48 Birds of Canada.

underneath, white; sides, yellowish-green ; top
and sides of the head, bluish-ash. Breeds in
Canada. Nests, in the topmost branches of a
tree ; eggs, four, white.

FamILy ALAUDIDA. THE SKYLARKS.

SHORE LARK.

Eremophila cornuta.—The Shore Lark.

The Shore Lark arrives in Canada late in the
fall. Color, pinkish-brown ; the feathers of the
back, marked with dusky-brown ; the frontal
band and under parts, white; neck and throat,
yellow ; a crescentric patch from the bill below
the eye and along the side of the head, and
a black pectoral crescent. While on the wing
it sings sweetly. Its nest is always built on
the ground; eggs, four in number, of a faint

f
;
;

Birds of Canada. AQ

grayish-brown color. The Shore Lark is one
of our few winter birds; in March it leaves for
the far north to breed.

FAMILY FRINGILLID/.
Sub-Faniily COCCOTHRAUSTINA.— Lhe Finches.

Pinicola canadensis —The Pine Grosbeak.

This bird visits us during the severest seasons
only. Its habitat is the extreme northern part
of this continent. Large numbers visited this
section ef Canada in the winter of 1867. The
Pine Grosbeak is eight and a-half inches long,
beak, dusky, very thick at the base, and hooked
at the tip:: head, neck, breast, and rump, rose-
colored crimson; back, black; greater wing-
coverts, tipped with white, forming two bars on
the wing ; quills, black, edged with white; belly,
straw-colored. The female is brownish above,
greenish-yellow beneath; the top of the head
and rump, brownish gamboge-yellow. Feeds
upon the small buds which shoot out from the
‘branches of the fir and other trees.

Carpodacus purpureus—Vhe Purple Finch.

The Purple Finch arrives here about the last
of April in flocks of a dozen or more. It is six

-

(

50 Birds of Canada.

and a-half inches long; the color crimson, belly
and under tail coverts, white ; two thin reddish
bands across the wings. The female is olive-
brown above, and white beneath. Its song is
sweet and warbling. Nests, in a tree a few feet
from the ground; eggs, four in number, of a
bluish-green color. Its food consists principally
of the buds and blossoms of fruit trees.

Chrysomttris tristis—The Yellow Bird.

This is a well-known, and common summer
visitor. Color, bright yellow ; crown, wings, and
tail, black. The nest is usually built in the
branch:of a tree, twenty feet from the ground ;
eggs, four or five, white, tinged with blue, and
spotted with reddish-brown. Arrives here in
flocks early in May. In the fall its color is
changed to a _ greenish-olive, resembling the
female. About the last of September. they
gather in flocks and move southward.

C. pinus.—The Pine Finch.

The Pine Finch arrives in Canada late in the
fall, and remains throughout the winter. It
frequents the pine forests. Feeds on the seeds
contained in the pine cones. Color, above,
brownish-olive ; beneath, whitish, streaked with

PS

ee ee ee

a i ee ee Ol

—_— —

fi

Birds of Canada. 51

dusky brown; tail, forked. Breeds north of
Ontario.

Curvirostra americana.—The Red Crossbill.

The Red Crossbill is six inches long; the
color, dull red; the wings and tail, blackish-
brown. This bird is an inhabitant of the pine
forests of the far north, and usually visits us
during the winter. Its food consists of the seeds
of the pine and hemlock, which.it detaches from
the cones and husks that enclose them with its
peculiarly shaped bill, which is crossed.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.

Curvirostra leucoptera——The White-winged
Crossbill.

This bird has all the general characteristics of
the Red Crossbill, but is readily distinguished by
the white bands across the wings.

52 Birds of Canada.

Ai giothus linarta—The Lesser Red-poll.

This is a common winter visitor with us... It
is four and a-half inches long ; the color, above,
light-yellowish, each feather streaked with dark
brown ; the crown, crimson; upper parts of the
breast, tinged with light crimson ; white, under-
neath. Few birds manifest a more affectionate
disposition than the little Red-poll. I have often
seen a number sitting on a branch, feeding each
other, and exhibiting other marks of kindness
and affection. This bird breeds in the arctic
regions.

Plectrophanes nivales—The Snow Bunting.

This is another very common winter visitor in
this part of Canada. They move in large flocks,
and are sometimes accompanied by Red-polls
and Shore Larks. Color, above, black and white ;
underneath, white; head and rump, yellowish-
brown. They breed in Lapland and other parts
of the far north.

Plectrophanes Lapponicus—Lapland Bunting.

This Bunting breeds in Lapland. Head and
neck, black, with a red crescent on the hind
neck; rest of upper parts black ; lower parts,
white. Visits Canada during the fall migrations.

Lirds of Canada. 53

Sub-Famtly SPIZELLINEH.—The Sparrows.
Passerculus savanna.—The Savannah Sparrow.

This sparrow arrives here about the middle of
April. Is five and a-half inches long; the upper
parts streaked with dark brown, the crown with
a medium stripe of yellowish-grey ; eyelids, yel-
low; the forepart of the breast streaked ; the
under parts, white. Nests, onthe ground ; eggs,
four to six; pale blue, mottled with purplish-
brown. Departs for the south early in October.
All the birds of this family feed upon insects
and seeds. Two broods are raised in a season.
It is a fine singer.

Poocetes gramineus.—The Bay-winged Bunting.

The Bay-winged Bunting is six and a-quarter
inches long; above, yellowish-brown ; the fea-
thers streaked abruptly with dark-brown ; be-
neath, yellowish-white; the breast and belly
streaked with brown ; the wings, light chestnut-
brown. Nests, on the ground ; eggs, four'to six :
bluish-white, with reddish-brown blotches. It
arrives the first week in April, and leaves for
the south the last of September. The Bay-
winged Bunting sings for an hour at a time in a
sweet, tender strain.

54 Lirds of Canada.

Coturniculus passcrinius—The Yellow-winged
Sparrow.

This sparrow arrives in Ontario about the
first week in May, and leaves early in September.
It is about five inches long ; the feathers above,
brownish-rufous ; the crown, black, with a yel-
lowish-brown stripe ; the end of the wing, bright
yellow ; the lower parts are brownish-yellow.
Nests, on the ground; eggs, six, dull white,
sprinkled with brown. Two broods are raised
in the same season.

Zonotrichia leucophrys —The White-crowned
Sparrow.

This bird visits us during the spring and
autumn migrations. It arrives here from the
south about the middle of May, and returns
from the: north, where it breeds, in October.
The song of the White-crowned Sparrow is
clear, musical, and plaintive. This bird is over
seven inches long, the wing three and a-quarter
inches; the head above the upper half of the
loral region, and a line through and behind the
eye to the occiput, black; ..a patch upon sie
crown, white; general color, pale ash above,
and «white beneath. Keeds “on insects, “seeds:
and berries.

Birds of Canada. 55

Z. albicollis—The White-throated Sparrow.

The White-throated Sparrow is seven inches
long; the crown with two black stripes, sepa-
rated by one of white ; a broad yellow stripe to
the middle of the eye, and white behind it;
upper part of breast, dark ash; edge of wing,
yellow ; the back, rufous-brown ; the belly, and
two bands across the wings, white. This beau-
tiful sparrow arrives in Ontario about the first
of May. Its song is indescribably sweet and
musical. I have frequently heard it at night,
when passing through the woods. Its food con-
sists of seeds, berries, and insects. They collect
in small flocks about the middle of October,
and leave for the south. Nests, on the ground ;
eggs, four, grayish-white.

Funco hyemalis—The Snow Bird.

The general color of this bird is grayish or
ashy-black ; the breast, belly, and second exter-
nal tail feathers, white; the third tail feather,
white, margined with black. Length, six inches,
This well-known bird arrrives here in large flocks
during the winter, and is quite tame. Their
migrations extend from-the Arctic circle to the
Gulf of Mexico. Numbers of these birds remain
here through the summer; they build their nests,
in stumps, or ina clump of moss; eggs, white,
spotted with reddish-brown and grayish-white.

56 Lirds of Canada.

There is a widespread impression that the Snow
Bird of winter is the Chipping Sparrow of the
Summer. Iam satisfied it is a mistake. The
Chipping Sparrow differs in plumage and size
from the Snow Bird.

Spisella monticola.—TVhe Tree Sparrow.

The Tree Sparrow is six and a-quarter inches
long; the feathers of the back, dark-brown
centrally, then rufous, edged with white. The
head, chestnut ; the under parts are white, with
a blotch of brown on the chest. This bird
breeds in the northern forests.

S. pusilla—TVhe Field Sparrow.

The Field Sparrow arrives here about the
twentieth of April. Inhabits the pastures and
low woods. General color, rufous red, the under
parts, white, tinged before with yellow. Nests,
upon the ground; eggs, four in number, of a
erayish-white, with blotches of lavender. The
Field Sparrows collect in flocks about the first of
September, and leave for the south.

S. sociallis—TVhe Chipping Sparrow.

This. is one of our most common sparrows.
It arrives here the last of March, and leaves for
the south in October. It is five and a-half

Birds of Canada. 57

inches long. Rump, back of neck, and sides of
neck and head, ashy ; crown, chestnut; fore-
head, black, separated in middle by white; a
white streak over the eye; the under parts,
white. Builds its nest in low bushes; eggs, four
in number, greenish-blue, with dark-brown spots.
Feeds upon seeds, berries, and insects.

Meclospiza melodia—The Song Sparrow.

The Song Sparrow is rufous-brown above ;
the under parts, white; the breast and sides of
the body and throat, streaked with dark-rufous.
This sparrow is one of our most common birds,
and one of the sweetest songsters of the sparrow
family. It makes its appearance here about the
middlé of March. The nest is usually built on
the ground, or in a low bush; eggs, four or five
in number, bluish-white, and variously marked.
Two broods are raised in the season.

M. palustris —The Swamp Sparrow.

This sparrow arrives from the south about the
middle of April. It prefers low, swampy locali-
ties, and is seldom seen in the open fields. This
sparrow is six inches long ; the crown, chestnut ;
forehead, black; ash-colored streak on the side
of the head and back; under parts, whitish,
tinged with ashy. The nest is built at the foot

of a tuft of long grass; eggs, four in number,
8

58 Birds of Canada.

grayish-white, spotted with brown. Its food is
grass-seeds, berries, and insects. The Swamp
~Sparrow has no song. Departs for the south
about the tenth of October.

Sub-Famtily PASSERELLINA.—The Luntings.
Passerella itaca.—TVhe Fox-colored Sparrow.

This sparrow is seven and a-half inches long.
Head, neck, rump, and middle of the back, dull
ash color ; each feather blotched with brownish-
red ; the tail, bright rufous; the under parts of
the breast, sides, and throat, spotted with rufous.
Nests, under a low bush; eggs, four, or five, of a
greenish color, with blotches of brown.

Sub-Family SPIZIN A.

Emberiza americana.—The Black-throated
; Bunting.

The Black-throated Bunting is a rare spring
visitor. Length, six and a-half inches; sides of
the head, and sides and back of the neck, ash ;
middle of the heart, yellow ; under parts, white,
with a black patch upon the throat. Breeds in
Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Birds of Canada. 59

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Guiraca Ludovictana.—The Rose-breasted
Grosbeak.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrives in Canada
about the first of May, and remains until October,
when it goes south. General color, above, glossy
Diack: “a, broad carmine- crescent, across; the
breast, auxiliaries and under wing, coverts; the
rest of the under parts, white. The song of this
beautiful and solitary bird is mellow, plaintive,
and loud. Perched upon the topmost branches
of a tree in the thickest of the wood, it wafts
forth its tender and affecting song for hours at a

60 Birds of Canada.

time. Its food consists of berries and buds. The
nest is often built in a low shrub or tree; eggs,
three or four in number; of a greenish-blue color,
covered with fine spots of umber-brown.

Gutraca ceriula—The Blue Grosbeak.

The prevailing color of this extremely beautiful
and graceful bird is a brilliant blue. Length,
seven and a-half inches. Habitat, British
Columbia, Manitoba, and the extreme western
part of the United States. A very rare visitor
in Canada.

Coccothraustes vespertina—The Evening
Grosbeak.

This Grosbeak is another rare visitor from the
western part of this continent. Head and neck,
black ; remaining upper parts, yellow ; abdomen,
yellowish-olive ; bill, stout.

C. cardinalits—Cardinal or Red Bird.

The general color of this gaudy bird is ver-
million; a black band around the upper part of
the throat and the base of the bill. Length, eight
and three quarter inches. Habitat, Virginia and
the Carolinas. Occurs very rarely in Canada.

PSF ee ee ey

Birds of Canada. 61

Cyanospiza cyanea —The Indigo Bird.

This beautiful bird is five and a-half inches
long. The color, bright ultramarine-blue ; wing
feathers tinged with: dull bluish-brown. This
bird prefers the skirts of the forests. Its song
is sweet and interesting. Nests, in low bushes ;
eggs, six; color, blue, with purple spots. It
arrives from the south about the twentieth of
May, and returns late in September. Feeds on
insects and berries.

Pipilo erythropthalmus——TYhe Ground Robin, or
Chewink.

This is a common visitor. It arrives in the
vicinity of Toronto about the twentieth of May;
the males ariving about ten days before the
females. For two or three hours after sunrise,
the Chewink sits perched upon the top of a
small tree or bush, and sings with mellow sweet-
ness, which’ cannot fail to interest the hearer.
Nests, on the ground beneath a tuft of grass;
eggs, four in number, of a flesh color, with dark
spots. Two broods, and sometimes three, are
raised in the season. They collect in flocks about
the last of October, and leave for the south.

62 Birds of Canada.

THE BOBOLINK.

FAMILY TCTE RITE
Sub-Family AGELAEIN®.—The Starlings.

Dolichonyx orysivorus.—The Bobolink.

This well-known and beautiful bird arrives in
Canada about the last of May. Length, seven
and three-quarter inches. Color, black, beauti-
fully marked with cream color and white. The
female is yellowish beneath ; above, dark brown.
The male assumes the color of the female in the
fall. Its cheerful, loud, and jingling song is
heard in every meadow in the summer, from
morning until evening. Nests, on the ground ;
eggs, four to six, of a light ashy-blue color, with

Birds of Canada. 63

spots of dark brown. This bird feeds on insects
and seeds. Early in September, they collect in
large flocks, and move southward.

Molothrus pecoris—The Cow Bird.

The Cow Bird is eight inches long. The
breast, neck, and lower half of the breast, light
brown; the rest of the body, bright black.
During the summer, this bird frequents pasture
fields, where cattle are grazing. It builds no
nest ; but secretly deposits its eggs in the nests
of other birds; usually in the nest of a Sparrow
or Blue Bird. It lays but one egg in each nest,
of a light grayish-blue, with brown spots. The
Cow Bird feeds on insects principally. About
the last of October, they collect in large flocks,
and leave for the south.

A gelaius phaniceus—The Red-winged
Black Bird.

This bird arrives here in small flocks about the
last of March. General color, lustrous black ;
the shoulders, vermillion or bright crimson.
Nests, in a low bush in a swamp or meadow;
eggs, fourjin number, of a light blue color,
marked with brown spots. About the twentieth
of October the Red-winged Black Birds collect
in large flocks, and leave for their southern home.
Their food consists of the seeds of aquatic grasses
and grain, of which they are extremely fond, to
the injury of the farmer.

64 Birds of Canada.

MEADOW LARK.

Sturnella magna.—The Meadow Lark.

The Meadow Lark is one of our most common
and beautiful summer visitors. It arrives here
about the fifteenth of March. General color,
above, dark-brown, with streaks of brownish-
white; beneath, yellow, with a black pectoral
crescent. Nests, on the ground; eggs, four or
five, pure white, slightly sprinkled with reddish-
brown blotches. Its food consists principally of
insects, worms, beetles, and grass seeds. Leaves
for the south about the first of November.

Sub-Family ICTERIN&.—The Orioles.
Icterus spurius—TVhe Orchard Oriole.

The Orchard Oriole is seven and a-quarter
inches long; the head, neck, and tail, black ;
under parts, brownish-chestnut ; a narrow white

ee a eg

.

Birds of Canada. 65

line across the wings. Nests, in orchard trees or
upon willows; eggs, four to six, bluish-white,
sprinkled with dark-brown. This oriole isa rare
visitor in Ontario. Feeds upon fruit, caterpillars
and insects.

l. baltimore—The Baltimore Oriole, or
Golden Robin.

This beautiful and well-known bird is one of
our regular summer visitors. It arrives here
about the middle of May. General color, black ;
the rump, upper tail coverts, lesser wing coverts,
the terminal portion of all but two tail feathers,
and the under parts, orange-red ; the edges of
quills, and a band across the tip of the greater
coverts, white. The nest of this oriole is a beau-
tiful piece of nest-architecture, and is usually
constructed on the outer drooping twigs of elm
or orchard trees; it is a pendulous cylindric
pouch, of six or seven inches in depth; eggs,
four or five, of a flesh color. The song of this
beautiful bird is loud, full, and mellow. About
the middle of September the Golden Robin
leaves for the south.

Sub-Family QUISCALINE.— The Grackles.

Scolecophagus ferrugineus—The Rusty Grackle.

This bird arrives here about the last of March,
and retires to the low swampy thickets surround-
9

66 Birds of Canada.

ing marshes. General color, black, with purple
reflections. Nests, in low bushes near the water ;
eggs, four, bluish-white. It feeds upon the
seeds of aquatic grasses, insects, and worms.

Quiscalus versicolor—The Purple Grackle.

The Purple Grackle arrives in Ontario about
the middle of April. General color, steel-blue,
with varied reflections of purple and bronze.
Nests, in a tree in or near a marsh or pond;
eggs, four, ight brown. Food consists of grubs,
worms, and grains. These birds prove very
injurious to the farmers in the fall, as they
collect in large flocks and visit the corn-fields,
destroying great quantities of grain.

FAMILY CORVID-A.

Sub-Family CORVINE.— The Crows.
Corvus americanus —The Crow.

This bird has a very unenviable notoriety. It
is an enemy to the farmer, and very destructive
to small birds, as it feeds upon their young.
Agricultural societies should offer a premium for

its destruction.
Corvus corax—The Raven.

This interesting bird has become very rare
in Canada. A few specimens are occasionally

Birds of Canada. 67

seen in the vicinity of Niagara Falls and the
Welland Canal. The Raven is twenty-six inches
in length; the bill is large and strong; the
plumage, deep glossy black. This species is
found in every part of the world. Its food con-
sists of dead animal matter, and, like the common
crow, it devours the eggs and young of other

birds.

Sub-Family GARRULIN-E.—The Fays.

BLUE JAY.

Cyanurus cristatus—The Blue Jay.

This elegant bird often remains in this section
of Canada throughout the year. It is, without
exception, our most beautiful bird. The head is
handsomely crested, with loose silky plumes;
bill, black ; legs, brown; the whole bird is of a
fine blue color, the under parts, with the wings
and tail marked by bars; neck, encircled with a

68 Lirds of Canada.

black ring. It has the cruel habit of destroying
the young of other birds. Its nest is usually
built in a small cedar or pine tree ; eggs, four in
number, of a light green color, spotted with
brown. The Blue Jay is one of the noisiest
birds of our forests: its notes being discordant
and harsh.

Perisoreus Canadensts——The Canada Jay.

This Jay is a rare visitor in Ontario. Its
habitat is Labrador and eastern Canada. Nests,
in a fir-tree ; eggs, four, ofa light-gray color. The
head, neck, and breast are white; rest of upper
parts, ashy-plumbeous ; beneath, light gray. It
resembles the Blue Jay in motions and note, and
is equally rapacious and destructive.

Birds of Canada. 69

Orver LV.—Che Sevatchers.
SUB-ORDER COLUMB&.

Parity: COLUNBIDZA. “THE DOVES.
Sub-Famtily COLUMBIN®.

Ectopistes migratoria—The Wild Pigeon.

This well-known bird is a resident of Canada,
except in the most severe cold weather. Its
migrations are made solely to obtain food. They
pass from one section of the continent to another
in immense flocks. The nests are usually built
in the forked branch of a tree. I have often
seen thirty or forty nests in one tree. The eggs
are two in number, pure white, with a slight red
tint. Feeds upon grain and seeds.

Zenatdura carolinensis —The Carolina Dove.

The Carolina Dove is an irregular summer
visitor in Canada. Color, above, blue, overlaid
with olive-brown; under parts, light reddish-
brown; breast, purplish-red; bill, black; feet,
yellow. This dove sits upon the ground during
the night. Nests, in a tree; eggs, two in
number, pure white.

70 Birds of Canada.

SUB-ORDER GALDEINGE:

FAMILY TETRAONID-A. T7AHE GROUSE.

Tetrao canadensis—The Canada Grouse, or
Spruce Partridge.

This well known bird is a permanent resident,
and may be found in large numbers in the back
settlements of Canada. It is stately and grace-
ful in its movements. General color of the head,
neck, and body of the male bird is transversely
barred with dusky and gray brown; over the
eyelids isa bare red space ; nostrils covered with
black, with a small white spot on each side, and
one beneath; throat, breast, and belly, black;
the latter spotted with white, except the middle ;
sides of the body barred transversely with gray-
brown and dusky; the feathers with a white
stripe near the tip; under tail coverts, black and
white ; tail black, tipped with rufous; feathers of
the tarsi, gray-brown ; claws, gray; beak, black.
Nests, upon the ground; eggs, eight or ten in
number ; of a light buff, with brown spots.

Birds of Canada. vi

RUFFLED GROUSE.

Bonasa umbellus—The Ruffled Grouse, or
Partridge.

This Partridge is a permanent resident of
Canada. It is often found in the open woods
and evergreen thickets in well settled districts.
When walking it struts with a haughty step,
elevating its ruff, and spreading its pretty tail.
The habits of this Partridge are solitary; it is
seldom found in coveys of more than six or
eight together. Nests, upon the ground, at the
foot of a bush, or under an old log; eggs, eight
to twelve; of a yellow-white color. General
color, above, reddish brown; the back with light
brown ; beneath, white barred with dull brown ;
the feathers of the ruff black; tail grayish, with
a black bar near the end.

Tetrao phasianellus—The Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Habitat, British Columbia and Manitoba.
Accidental in Canada. Color, above, yellowish-

72 Lirds of Canada.

red and brownish-black ; throat, reddish-white,
with dusky spots; breast and sides covered with
dusky spots ; abdomen, white.

FAMILY PERDICID.

Sub-Family ORTYGINA.

Ortyx virgintanus.—The Virginia Partridge,
or Quail.

The Virginia Partridge is brownish-red, above ;
underneath, white ; the head marked with white
and black. Length, ten inches. Nests’ on the
ground; eggs, white, ten or more in number.
This beautiful Partridge has become almost
extinct in Canada. It is often called “ Bod-
White,’ on account of its peculiar cry.

FAMILY PHASIANID/.
Meleagris gallopavo —The Wild Turkey.

This magnificent fowl is a permanent resident
of Canada. Color, copper-bronze, with green,
reflections, each feather with a black margin;
tail, chestnut, barred with black; head, livid-
blue, and the legs, red. In other respects it re-
sembles the domestic turkey. The great beauty
and size of this bird, and the fact of its being the
origin of all the domestic varieties, render it a
most interesting species.

P- 73

GREAT BLUE HERON.

Birds of Canada. 73

Orver V.—Ole Waters.
SUB-ORDER HERODIONES.
FAMILY ARDEIDA, THE HERONS.

Ardea herodias —The Great Blue Heron.

The Great Blue Heron is a regular summer
visitor in Canada. It usually arrives here about
the twentieth of April, and remains until the
tenth or fifteenth of October, when it leaves for
the south. The general color of this heron is a
delicate gray; throat and neck white, with
patches of dark bluish-gray ; a black line over
the eye; a pendant tuft at the junction of the
neck and breast ; a long plume of a bluish-black
color. This bird is extremely shy, and is ap-
proached with difficulty. It frequents marshes
and the borders of lakes and rivers, and feeds
upon reptiles and fishes. When standing erect
the Great Blue Heron will measure from four
and a-half to five feet ; its beak is seven to eight
inches in length, very strong, and can be used
with terrible force as an offensive weapon. ‘The
nest of this bird is usually built in the top of a

large tree ; eggs, four or five, of a pale green color.
10

74 Lirds of Canada.

Ardetta exilis—The Least Bittern.

This bird is a frequent summer visitor to the
marsh, east of Toronto. It is solitary and noc-
turnal in its habits. Nests, in low bushes on the
borders of ponds or marshes ; eggs, four in num-
ber, of a greenish-yellow color. Feeds upon
small reptiles and fish. General color, dark-
green, above, and purplish-brown on the sides
and underneath. Length, thirteen inches; wing,
four and a-half inches.

GREAT BITTERN.

Botaurus lentiginosus.—The Great Bittern,
or Stake-driver.

The Great Bittern, arrives in Canada about the
middle of April, and remains until late in Octo-

Birds of Canada. 75

ber. The general color of this bittern is a rich
brownish-buff, covered with streaks and mottlings
of black, brown, gray, and chestnut. Nests, on
marshy ground ; eggs, four or five; pale brown.
Its food consists of reptiles and insects.

Butorides virescens —Yhe Green Heron.

The Green Heron is eighteen inches long ;
above, dark green; wings and tail, green; legs,
yellow ; belly, ashy-brown; head, has a crest of
glossy green feathers. This Heron is occasion-
ally seen in Canada in the spring. Nests, in
trees in swampy woods; eggs, four in number ;
of a pale light blue color. Feeds upon crabs,
frogs, and worms.

Nyctiardea Gardeni—The Night Heron.

The Night Heron arrives in the vicinity of
Toronto about the fifteenth or twentieth of April.
General color, above, steel-green; wings and
tail, ashy-blue; under parts and sides, a lilac
color. Length, twenty inches; the bill is
slightly arched, strong, and black. During the
day this bird is often seen perched upon the
top of a tall tree in a swamp, but when night
approaches it begins its flight in pursuit of food,
which consists principally of insects, frogs, lizards,
and fish. The nest of the Night Heron is built
in a tree; eggs, four; of a greenish-yellow color.

76 Birds of Canada.

FAMILY GRUID-. LHE CRANES:

Grus canadensis—The Sandhill Crane.

The Sandhill Crane is an accidental visitor ;
a few specimens are occasionally seen during the
spring and autumn migrations. Breeds in Mani-
toba and British Columbia. Length, fifty inches;
beak, four inches; top of the head covered with
a red skin; neck, gray; belly, breast, sides, and
thighs, ash color; tail, deep ash color; legs and
bare part of the thigh, black.

Grus americana-——The White Crane.

This magnificent bird occasionally visits West-
ern Canada. It is fifty-two inches in length ;
the plumage, pure white. Its migrations extend
from South America to the arctic circle.

Ibis falcinellus—The Glossy Ibis.

This beautiful bird is an accidental visitor.
Head, glossy green, with purple reflections; neck,
back, breast, and abdomen, dark chestnut; part
of breast shaded with green; sides, dusky, tinged
with green; edge of wings dark red, upper parts,
dark green, glossed with purple. Breeds in
Virginia and Florida.

Birds of Canada. 77

SUB-ORDER GRALLE-.
FAMILY CHARADRIDA. PLOVERS.

Charadrius virginicus—The Golden Plover.

This Plover passes through Canada about the
last of April, on its way north to breed. About
the Ist of September, they again visit Canada
in small flocks while migrating southward. Color,
above, brownish-black, with irregular spots of
golden-yellow; beneath, black, with lustrous
brown. Nests, in the grass; eggs, four, of a
light buff color.

A gialitis vociferus—The Kill-deer Plover.

The Kill-deer Plover is a summer resident of
Canada. Color, above, light’ brown; rump,
rufous; black band on the breast ; and around
the neck a black ring; beneath, white. It is
called “ Kill-deer,” from its note. Nests, on the

eround ; eggs, four, ight buff color.

As, montanius.—Vhe Mountain Plover.
The Mountain Plover is an accidental visitor in

Canada. Length, nine inches. Color, grayish-
brown. Breedsin Manitoba and British Columbia.

A. Weilsonius.—Wilson’s Plover.
This bird is occasionally met with in Canada

late in the fall. Breeds in Delaware, Virginia,
and the Carolinas. Color, ashy-brown above,

78 Lirds of Canada.

the feathers edged with pale ashy ; band on the
breast, brownish-black; bill, black ; legs, yellow.
Length, eight inches.

1. semi-palmatus.—Semi-palmated Plover.

This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Spring
and fall visitor. Color, above, light ashy-brown;
beneath, white. Length, seven inches

“41, melodus—The Piping Plover.

The Piping Plover arrives from the south
about the last of April. It isa regular summer
visitor in Canada. Color, above, light brown ;
beneath, white; leneth, eight inches. Nests, in
the sand’; eggs, four, light buff.

Sguatarola helvetica-—The Black-bellied Plover.

This Plover breeds north of Ontario. Arrives
in Canada in September, in flocks. In their
habits they closely resemble the Golden Plover.
Color, above, white; beneath, black; sides of
the neck and rump, ashy ; bill and legs, black.
Length, eleven and a-half inches.

FAMILY HAEMATOPODIDA. THE
OYSTER CA TCRERS:

Hematopus palliatus —The Oyster-catcher.

This species is a rare visitor in Canada. Head,
neck, upper part of breast, quill feathers, and
latter half of tail feathers, deep shining black,

Birds of Canada. 79

and the rest of the plumage is pure white; bill,
three inches long, and flattened sideways.

Hf. niger.—Backman’s Oyster-catcher.

The general color of this bird is dark brown ;
head and breast, brownish black. It is occasionally
shot, in the fall, on the island opposite Toronto.

Strepsilas interpres—The Turnstone.

The Turnstone breeds in Manitoba... Visits
Canada in small numbers in the spring and fall.
Color, black, rufous, and white above ; abdomen,
white; head and neck, marked with stripes of
brownish-black.

S. melanocephala—The Black Turnstone.

This species is an accidental visitor. Color,
darker than the preceding. Length, eleven inches.

PAMIDVedwECURVIROSTRIDAS. 27
AV OSIEES:

AMERICAN AVOSET.

Recurvirostra amecricana.—The American Avoset.

The Avoset is quite accidental in Canada. On

80 Birds of Canada.

the shores of the Caspian and the salt lakes of
Tartary they are very abundant. Specimens
have been shot late in the fall on the island,
opposite Toronto. Length, seventeen inches;
the head and neck, pale reddish brown; back
and quills, black; other parts, white. The bill,
which is three inches long, turns up like a hook,
and is flat, thin, and sharp.

PAMILY PHALAROPODIDAD (77s
Pi Ata ROPLES:

Phalaropus hyperboreus—The Northern
Phalarope.

The Northern Phalarope is an occasional spring
and fall visitor in Canada. Breeds in Manitoba ;
nests, on the ground ; eggs, four in number, of a
brownish drab color. This beautiful little bird
is a swimmer as well as a wader: its motions,
while swimming and wading, are exceedingly
graceful and interesting. The migrations of this
species extend from Manitoba to the Gulf of
Mexico. Headand neck, sooty-ash color; wings,
back, and tail, brownish-black; abdomen, white;
legs and bill, dark; throat and breast, white; and
the neck, with a ring of bright ferruginous.

p. SI

WILSON’S SNIPE,

Lirds of Canada. SI
a ae 2
P. Wilsoniz—Wilson’s 'Phalarope.
Wilson’s Phalarope is also an occasional visitor
in Canada. Color, dark, above; white, beneath;
a stripe of bright reddish-brown around the neck,

running upwards to the back.
P. fulicarius—The Red Phalarope.

Several specimens of this rare and beautiful
bird have been shot near Toronto this fall. Gene-
ral color, deep slate, streaked with brownish-
yellow, and reddish-chocolate.

PaAnmmitiy SeCoOL_LOPACIDAY THE SNIPES.

Philohela minor.—Vhe Woodcock.

This well known bird arrives here early in
March. Color, above, variegated with reddish-
black and ashy; underneath, rufous; legs, pale
red; bill, dark brown. Nests, on the ground ;
beneath a log or bush; eggs, four; of a yellow-
ish-drab color, with dark brown blotches. Early
in November the Woodcock leaves for the south.

Gallinago Wilsonitz.—Wilson’s Snipe.

Wilson’s Snipe is a well known summer visitor
in Canada. It arrives about the tenth of March.
Feeds upon earthworms principally. Nests, on
the ground ; eggs, four; of an olive-drab color,
slightly marked with brown spots. General

11

82 Birds of Canada.

color, above, brownish-black, marked with light
rufous yellowish-brown or ashy-white; under-
neath, white. Late in the’ fall this snipe goes
south. 3

Macrorhamphus griseus —The Gray Snipe.

The Gray Snipe is dark-ashy above; pale
reddish and black on the back; rump and upper
tail coverts, white; under parts, pale red and
brownish black: This Snipe arrives here about
the twentieth of April. Breeds in the north, and
again visits Canada about the first of September.

M. scolopaceus—The Greater Longbeak.

This Snipe is an irregular visitor in Canada.
Length, twelve inches; color, above, brownish-
black, and yellow; beneath, wood-brown, with
spots of umber.

Sub-Family.’ TRINGINE.—The Sandpipers.
Tringa canutus——The Grayback, or Robin
Snipe.

The Gray-back is a spring and fall visitor. It
is the largest of the Sandpipers. Upper parts,
light gray, with irregular spots of black ; under
parts, light reddish-brown. Breeds in the north.

T. Cooperit.—Cooper’s Sandpiper

This Sandpiper occasionally visits Canada

during the spring and fall migrations.

Lirds of Canada. 83

LT. maritima—The Purple Sandpiper.

This pretty bird is frequently seen in Canada
in the fall. Breeds in the far north. Head and
upper parts, smoky-brown, with a purple tinge ;
under parts, white.

T. subarquata.—The Curlew Sandpiper.

The Curlew Sandpiper isa very rare visitor in
Canada. Upper parts, brownish-black, spotted
with bright yellowish-red; under parts, dark
yellowish-rufous.

T. alpina.—TYhe Red-backed Sandpiper.

This species visits Canada during the spring
and autumn in large numbers. Upper parts,
dark ash color; abdomen, white ; breast, pale
ash, with streaks of brown.

T. maculata.—The Jack Snipe.

The Jack Snipe is a regular spring and _ fall
visitor, usually arriving in Canada early in May
and about the middle of September. It is com-
monly called “ Grass Bird,” by which name it is
generally known.

T. Wilsoniz—The least Sandpiper, or Peep.

This Sandpiper is the smallest of the family.
It arrives in Canada about the middle of May,
and soon leaves for the interior of the country
where it breeds.

84 | Birds of Canada.

I. Lonapartit— Bonaparte’s Sandpiper.

Bonaparte’s Sandpiper is light ashy-brown,
above; darker on the rump ; under parts, white.
Arrives here in small flocks during the spring
and fall migrations.

Calidris arenaria.—The Sanderling, or
Beach-bird.

The Sanderling breeds in Manitoba. It has
all the characteristics of the Sandpipers. Upper
parts, light ashy; under parts, pure white; no
hind toe; front toes rather long; bill straight
and rather thick. It visits Canada in small flocks
early in September.

Ereunetes petrificatus—The Semi-palmated
Sandpiper.
This Sandpiper is six and a-half inches in
length, and has the feet semi-palmated. In other

respects it resembles the Least Sandpiper.
Breeds in Manitoba. It is accidental in Canada.

Micropalma himantopus—The Stilt Sandpiper.

The Stilt Sandpiper is an occasional visitor
during the fall migrations.

Birds of Canada. 85

Sub-Family TOTANINE.—The Stilts.

Symphemia semipalmata.—The Willet.

The Willet is dark ashy above; rump and
under parts, white. Breeds in Canada. Nests,
on the sandy beach of an island; eggs, four in
number, of a pale olive color.

Gambetta melanoleuca—The Greater Yellow-legs,
or Tell-tale.

This species breeds in Manitoba. Visits Cana-
da in the spring and fall. Entire upper parts of
the body, cinereous; under parts, white; neck
and legs, long ; legs, yellow.

G. flavipes —The Y ellow-legs.

The Yellow-legs is well-known in Canada as
a spring and fall visitor. It is smaller than the
preceding bird. Breeds in the northern part of
this continent.

KRhyacophilus solitarius —The Solitary Sandpiper.

The Solitary Sandpiper is frequently called
“Wagtail,” from its habit of nodding its head

86 Birds of Canada.

and tipping up its tail. Remains in Canada
through the summer. Upper parts, greenish-
brown, with spots of ashy-white ; under parts,
white ; bill, curved upward from the middle.

Tringoides maciularius—The Spotted Sandpiper.

The Spotted Sandpiper arrives in Canada in
large flocks early in April, and remain through
the summer. Nests, in the sand; eggs, four in
number, of a yellowish-buff color. Upper parts,
brownish-olive-green, with irregular spots of
brownish-black ; under parts, white.

Actiturus Bartramtius—The Field Plover.

The Field Plover breeds in’ Canada) Face
quents grain fields and meadows. Upper parts,
brownish-black, with a greenish lustre; under
parts, pale yellowish-white ; middle tail feathers,
greenish-brown ; legs, light yellow. Nests, on
the ground ; eggs, four, of a creamy-drab color.

Tryngites rufescens—The Buff-breasted
Sandpiper.

This species is frequently seen in Canada
during the fall migration.. Breeds in the arctic
regions. Legs, long; upper parts, pale ashy-
brown, with a yellowish tinge ; under parts, light
yellowish-red.

Birds of Canada. 87

Limosa fedoa—The Marbled Godwit.

The Marbled Godwit is a spring and autumn
visitor. Bill, long, curved upwards ; wings, long ;
tail, short; legs, long; upper parts, brownish-
black and pale reddish ; under parts, pale rufous,

with lines of brownish-black.

L.. hudsonica—TYhe Hudsonian Godwit.

This bird is an irregular fall visitor. Color,
brownish-black above, underneath, yellowish-red ;
feathers, tipped with white; length, eighteen
inches; bill, three inches.

LONG-BILLED CURLEW.

Numenius longirostris —The Long-billed Curlew.

The Long-billed Curlew is a regular spring
and fall visitor in Canada. Bill, very long, and

88 Birds of Canada.

curved downwards; upper parts, pale rufous,
with lines of black on the neck and sides; legs,
bluish-brown.

N. hudsonicus—The Short-billed Curlew

The Short-billed Curlew is also a spring and
fall visitor. Bill smaller than the preceding ;
head, above, brownish-black ; other upper parts,
brownish-black, tinged with ashy.

NV. borealis—The Esquimaux Curlew.

This Curlew is not often seen in Canada, as it
merely remains for a few days during the spring
and fall migrations. ‘They breed in the far north.
It is easily distinguished from the other two by
its smaller size, and its small and weak bill.

Sub-Famtily RALLINE.—The Rails.
Rallus elegans —TVYhe Marsh Hen.

The Marsh Hen occasionally visits Canada in
the spring and autumn. Upper parts, olive-
brown; underneath, chestnut.

R. crepitans —The Clapper Rail.

The Clapper Rail is a summer resident of
Canada. Color, above, light ashy-olive; neck
and breast, tawny ; abdomen, and sides, brown-
ish black. Nests, on the ground, in or near a
marsh ; eggs, seven, of a creamy-drab color.

a === =o

Birds of Canada. 89

R. virginianus.—The Virginia Rail.

This species visits Canada in the spring, and
remains until September. Upper parts, olive-
brown, with stripes of brownish-black ; throat,
white ; breast, bright rufous. Nests, in low
meadows ; eggs, eight, of a deep buff color. Food
consists of insects and worms.

Porzana carolina.—The Carolina Rail.

The Carolina Rail arrives in Canada about the
tenth of April, and frequents the marshes and
meadows. Upper parts, greenish-brown, with
bands of black ; the sides of the neck and breast,
bluish-ash; bill, greenish-yellow ; legs, green.
Nests, on the ground ; eggs, eight in number, of
a yellow-drab color, with an olive tint. In Oc-
tober, or early in November, this species collect
in flocks and leave for the coasts of Florida and
Louisiana.

P. gamaicensis —The Little Black Rail.

This pretty Little Rail is an occasional fall
visitor in Canada. Length, five inches. Color,
blackish-brown.

P.. noveboracensis —The Yellow Rail.

This bird is a summer resident of Canada.
Nests, in the grass; eggs, fourteen or fifteen ,
pure white. The upper parts are yellow-ochre

12

90 Birds of Canada.

color, with stripes of brownish-black ; neck and
breast, reddish-yellow ; abdomen, white.

Crex pratensis —The Corn Crake.

The Corn Crake is accidental in Canada.
Color, blackish-brown Length, ten inches Bill,
greenish-black.

Fulica americana.—The Coot.

The Coot is fourteen incheslong Upper parts,
dark slate color, with an olive tint on the back
and rump; head, black ; abdomen, white. Breeds
in Canada. Nests, in a bog, or near a muddy
pond ; eggs, twelve, of a light buff color.

PURPLE GALLINULE.

Gallinule martinica——TVhe Purple Gallinule.

The Purple Gallinule is twelve inches long.
Upper parts, dark olive-green; bill, bright-red,
tipped with yellow ; under parts, bluish-purple ;
legs, yellow. An occasional visitor to the marsh
east of Toronto.

Birds of Canada. QI

Orver VI.—Swimmers.
SUB-ORDER ANSERES.

Sub-Family CYGNINZ.— The Swans.

Cygnus americanus—The American Swan.

This magnificent bird is rare in the eastern
part of Canada; in the west, it 1s occasionally
met with in the vicinity of the river St. Clair.
Several beautiful specimens were obtained near
Goderich in the summer of 1870. The adult
bird is pure white; the bill and legs, black; the
tail has twenty feathers. The young birds are
brown, witha reddish tint. Breeds in the north-
west. Nests, on the ground; eggs, eight in num-
ber, of an olive-green color. This swan is fifty-
four inches long.

C. buccinator—The Trumpeter Swan.

This beautiful Swan is an accidental visitor,
rarely seen east of Toronto. It is sixty-two
inches long. Pure white; the bill and legs,
black. Its notes are loud and sonorous. Breeds
in the north-west. —

g2 Lirds of Canada.

Sub-Family ANSERIN#.—The Geese.

THE SNOW GOOSE.

Anser hyperboreus—The Snow Goose.

The Snow Goose is an occasional visitor in
Canada. It is two feet eight inches in length,
and its extended wings are five feet. The bill
of this bird is very curious, the edges having
each strong projecting teeth; and the tongue,
which is horny at the extremity, is armed on
each side with thirteen long and sharp teeth.
The upper mandible is bright red; the lower,
white. The head, neck, and body of the adult
bird are pure white ; the quills are white for half
their length, the rest, black; the legs are deep red.
The Snow Goose inhabits the arctic regions, occa-
sionally migrating to Canada and the more tem-
perate climes of Virginia and Maryland.

NS

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WILD GOOSE. Pp. 93

birds of Canada. 93

A. Gambelli—The White-fronted Goose.

The White-fronted Goose is an accidental
visitor. It is smaller than the Snow Goose.
Color, grayish; forehead, white; bill and legs,
red. The tail has sixteen feathers. Breeds in
the far north.

A. frontalis—The Brown-fronted Goose.

The Brown-fronted Goose is occasionally seen
in Canada. It inhabits the frozen regions of the
north. It resembles the White-fronted Goose in
general appearance. The forehead, however, is
dark brown instead of white.

Bernicla canadensis—The Canada Goose,
or Wild Goose.

‘The Canada Goose is a well known spring and
fall visitor, passing here in flocks, in March or
April, for the northern part of this continent,
where it breeds, and remains until the hard frosts
begin, when they leave for a more temperate
climate. Immense flocks of these geese can be
seen almost daily on their way to the south,
during the last of October and through the
month of November. Each flock is usually
attended by an old gander, who every now and
then calls out his well known “ ozk,”’ which is
replied to by several members of the flock. The

94 Birds of Canada.

Canada Goose is thirty-five inches long. The
upper parts, brownish; the lower, a pale brown,
with a tinge of purple-gray or smoky-brown ;
head, neck, bill, and feet, black ; a patch of white
on the cheek, behind the eye. Tail, of eighteen
feathers.

B. leucopareta—The White-cheeked Goose.

The White-cheeked Goose is smaller than the
Canada Goose, and much darker in color. It is
distinguished by a white cheek. Accidental in
Canada. Habitat, British Columbia.

B. brenta—The Brant.

This bird closely resembles the Canada Goose
in its habits. It is twenty-four inches long. Bill,
feet, head, tail, and neck, black. On each side
of the middle of the neck is a small white cres-
cent streaked with black; the belly, gray, pass-
ing into white behind.

Sub-Family ANATINA.—The River Ducks.

Anas boschas—The Mallard, or Green-head.

This well known duck breeds in Canada.
Nests, in a meadow, or near a pond ; eggs, ten
or twelve, of a yellowish white. The Green-head
is the original of our domestic duck.

Birds of Canada. | 95

A. obscura—The Black Duck, or Dusky Duck.

The Black: Duck is the most abundant of all
our ducks. Breeds in Canada. Nests, near a
pond or stream; eggs, six, white. General color,
bluish-brown, tinged with black.

Dafila acuta —The Pintail Duck.

This beautiful duck is a well known visitor in
Canada. Head and neck, pale brown; sides of
the breast and part of the back, white, tinged
with pale buff; tail pointed, the two middle
feathers five inches longer than the others, and
black ; legs, pale lead color. Breeds in the far
north.

Nettion carolinensis —The Green-winged Teal.

This pretty fowl is very abundant in Canada
in the spring and fall. It frequently breeds here.
Nests, on the ground, in close proximity to a
pond or stream ; eggs, seven or eight in number,
of a dusky-white color. This Teal is about
fifteen inches in length ; the head is dusky ; the
top of the head, cheeks, and neck are chestnut-
red; the throat is black; a broad green band
extends from the eye to the nape; the lower
part of the neck, back, and sides, are alternately
striped with lines of white and black ; the breast
is reddish, and spotted ; the belly, a yellowish-
white.

96. Lirds of Canada.

Querquedula discors—The Blue-winged Teal.

The Blue-winged Teal is a regular spring and
fall visitor. This species is smaller than thepre-
ceding ; the bill is long, and of a dark dusky slate
color; the front and upper part of the head are
black ; from the eye to the chin isa large crescent
of white, the rest of the head and half the neck
are of a dark slate, richly glossed with green and
violet ; remainder of the neck and breast is black
or dusky; belly, pale brown, barred with dusky,
in narrow lines ; back, deep brownish-black, each
feather waived with large semi-ovals of brownish-
white ; lesser wing-coverts, a bright light blue.
Habits similar to those of the Green-winged
Teal.

QO. cyanoptera.—The Red-breasted Teal.
This pretty fowl occasionally visits our waters
in company with the other Teals.
Spatula clypeata——TVhe Shoveller, or Spoonbill.

The Spoonbill breeds in the north-west. Visits
Canada in the spring and autumn. Head
and neck, green ; forepart, and sides of the breast,
white ; rest of under parts, purplish-chestnut.

Chaulelasmus streperus.—The Gadwall, or
Gray Duck.

This species breeds in the far north. Visits
Canada during the spring and. fall migrations.

—

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——— So

| Birds of Canada. 97

Head and neck, brownish-white; forepart of
breast and back, blackish ; underneath, plumbe-
ous-gray.

Mareca americana—Baldpate, or American

Widgeon.
This beautiful fowl breeds in Manitoba. Visits

Canada in company with Teals and Canvass-
back Ducks. Head and neck, gray, spotted with
black ; a broad green patch around and behind
the eye; top of the head, nearly white.

; NW v

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SUMMER DUCK.

Aix sponsa—The Summer Duck, or Wood Duck.

This bird is, without exception, the most beau-
tiful of all our ducks. It builds its nest in a

13

98 Lirds of Canada.

hollow tree, or on a limb that hangs over water ;
eggs, twelve or thirteen, of a yellowish white
color. The Wook Duck is easily domesticated,
and becomes quite tame, breeding, and soon
acquiring all the habits of the common duck.
Head and crest, greenish purple, with white lines;
throat, white; breast, reddish-brown, marked
with white ; wings and back, green, with purple
reflections; sides ashy-gray ; abdomen, white:
tail, purplish-green above, brown beneath; the
whole plumage beautifully variegated with pur-
ple, green, chestnut, white, and ashy.

Sub-Family FULIGULINAZ.— The Sea Ducks.

fulix collaris—The Ring-necked Duck.

This duck is distinguished by a chestnut col-
lar around the middle of the neck. Color, above,
black; beneath, white. Frequents the Lower
St. Lawrence in the fall.

Fulix marila—TVhe Scaup Duck, or Blue-bill.

The Scaup Duck breeds in the north-west,
Visits Canada during the spring and autumn
migrations, in small flocks. Head, neck, shoul-
ders, back, and tail, black; under parts, white;
bill, blue; legs, plumbeous ; iris, yellow.

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Birds of Canada. 99
F.. affintis —The Little Black-head Duck.

This pretty and well known bird sometimes
breeds in Canada. It is often called “ Blue-bill
Coot” by our sportsmen. Head, neck, shoulders,
lower part of back and tail, black ; belly, sides,
and inner wing surfaces, pure white; wings,
blackish, with purple reflections.

Aythya americana.—The Red-head Duck.

This fine duck is generally very abundant in
Canada, It breeds here..:Head:and neck, for
more than half its length, brownish red; rest of
neck and body anterior to the shoulders and
lower part of the back, black ; beneath, white.

A. vallisnertia.—The Canvass-back Duck.

This much esteemed duck is becoming quite
rare in Ontario, where it was, a few years since,
abundant. This duck is twenty-three or twenty-
four inches long; beak, large and black; the
head and part of the neck, of a rich glossy red-
dish-chestnut, ending in a broad span of black
that covers the upper part of the breast; back,
scapulas, lower part of the breast, and belly,
white; tail, short and pointed; legs and feet,
pale ash. Breeds in northern Canada.

100 Birds of Canada.

Bucephala tslandica.—Barrow’s Duck.

This duck breeds in the arctic regions. Visits
Canada late in the fall. Head and neck, violet-
blue; a large white patch anterior to the eye;
lower neck and under parts, white; a narrow
white patch on the middle wing coverts ; rest of
upper parts, black.

B. americana—The Golden-eye ; Whistle Wing.

This duck breeds in Canada. Nests, in a tall
dead tree, or in the top of a stub; eggs, six or
eight, of a greenish-blue color. Head and upper
part of neck, green; back, and tail, black; under
parts, white.

B. albeola—The Buffle-head, or Dipper.

This is a common and well known bird. It
breeds in Canada. Nests, in the holes of dead
trees; eggs, six, of a yellowish-blue color. Color,
above, black; beneath, white; in front of the
eye and on the sides of the collar behind, rich
green; a patch of white on each side of the head.

Histrionicus torquatus——The Harlequin Duck.

The Harlequin Duck breeds in the far north.
Visits Canada in the fall. Head and neck, dark
blue ; sidesand upper parts, light blue, becoming
darker near the tail; under parts generally white.

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Birds of Canada. IOI

Harelda glacialis—TVhe Long-tailed Duck ;
Old Wife.

This duck is a frequent visitor during the
spring and fall migrations. Breeds in the north-
ern part of this continent. Head, neck, and
breast, blackish-brown; sides of the head and
body, bluish-gray ; under parts, white.

Melanetta velvetina—The Velvet Duck, or
White-winged Coot.

The Velvet Duck is a regular fall visitor,
usually arriving in October. General color,
black ; a white patch around and behind the
eye, and a large white speculum on the wing.

Pelionetta perspicillata—The Surf Duck.

The Surf Duck breeds in the northern part of
Canada. Color, black, with a greenish lustre;
a white patch on the top of the head.

Oidemta americana—The Black Scoter.
The Black Scoter is an irregular visitor in
Canada. General color, black.
Somateria mollisstma—The Eider Duck.

This well known duck breeds in abundance in
Labrador and in northern Canada. During the

102 Birds of Canada.

fall and early winter it is occasionally shot
near Toronto. Color, above, white ; beneath,
black ; forehead and sides of the head, black.

S. spectabtlis —The King Duck, or King Eider.

This is a more northern species than the
preceding. It is seldom seen in Ontario. Speci-
mens are occasionally obtained in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence. Length twenty-one and a-half
inches. Body and wings, black ; throat, white ;
top of head, bluish-ash ; sides of the head,
sreen.

Sub-Family ERISMATURIN.

Evismatura rubida—The Ruddy Duck;
Dipper.

The Ruddy Duck is a spring and fall visitor.
Length, sixteen inches; color, chestnut-red
above ; grayish-white below ; top of head, black.
Visits Canada during the fall migrations.

E.. dominica—The Black Masked Duck.

This species is an accidental visitor in Canada.
Its habitat is Labrador, the Lower St. Lawrence,
and Lake Champlain.

Birds of Canada. 103

Sub-Family MERGINE.—The Sheldrakes.
Mergus serrator—The Red-breasted Merganser.

The Red-breasted Merganser breeds in Cana-
da. The head and neck is dark green, under
parts, yellowish-white. Head with a conspicuous
crest. Nests, ina marsh or on an island ; eggs,
ten, light drab.

M. americanus.—The Goosander, or Fish Duck.

This beautiful fowl frequently breeds in On-
tario. It builds its nest on the top of a tall
stump, or on the branch of a dead tree ; eggs,
eight in number, of a pale creamy white. Head
ana neck, green ;* back, black; under parts,
salmon color; wings, white, crossed by a band

of black.

SS

HOODED MERGANSER.

Lophodytes cucullatus—The Hooded Merganser.

This elegant bird is not so common as the
other Mergansers. It breeds in Canada. Nests,

104 Lirds of Canada.

in the top of a stub or in a tall pine; eggs,
twelve or fourteen in number, of a clear white
color. This species is eighteen inches long; the
head, neck, and tail, black ; the under parts and
centre of the crest, white.

SUB-ORDER GAVI-.
PAMILY. PELIGANIDA® 7HE PELICAN S

Pelicanus fuscus—The Brown Pelican.

The Brown Pelican is fifty-six inches long;
bill, thirteen and a-half inches; color, dark.
Several specimens of this fine bird have been
shot in Western Canada within the last two
years. They are accidental visitors.

P. erythrorhynchus.—The Rough-billed Pelican.

This magnificent bird is seventy inches in
length; the prevailing color white. It is an
occasional visitor in Western Canada.

FAMILY SULIDA:.« THE GANNETS-

Sula bassana—The Common Gannet.

This species breeds on the coast of Labrador
and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visits Ontario

a ee ee a

Birds of Canada. 105

in the fall, in flocks of twenty or thirty. Length,
thirty-eight inches ; general color, white. Feeds
upon fish, which it obtains by plunging from a
height, often remaining under water for several
minutes. The nest of the gannet is made of
sea-weed and grasses, placed on the rocks near
the sea coast. It lays but one egg, of a pale
_ green color.

FAMILY GRACULID. THE
CORMORANTS.

Graculus carbo-—TYhe Common Cormorant.

This species breeds in Canada. They are
quite common in the interior of the country.
Nests, in the crevices of rocks; eggs, three, of
a bluish-green color. Among the whole of the
web-footed birds which prey on fish, there are
none so voracious as Cormorants. They are
most excellent divers, and pursue their prey
with astonishing facility beneath the surface of
the water, but upon land they are extremely
awkward in their movements, owing to their legs
being placed so far backwards: they, however,
fly with rapidity ; and the tail being rather long,
and furnished with strong feathers, it helps to
support the body while walking. As soon as
winter approaches, they are seen dispersed along

the sea shores, entering the mouths of fresh-water
14

106 Lirds of Canada.

rivers, and threatening destruction to all the finny
tribe. The Common Cormorant is thirty-seven
inches in length; the color, bluish-black, gular-
sac, yellow, with a broad white band at the base.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.

Graculus dilophus—The Double-crested
Cormorant.

This species is not so well known as the pre-
ceding. Its habits are similar to the Common
Cormorant. Breeds in Labrador. The head,
neck, lower part of the back, and entire under
surface, is greenish-black ; upper mandible, dark
brown ; lower, yellow ; iris, green ; legs, and feet,
black ; gular sac, orange; behind each eye isa
tuft of loose feathers, which form the crest.

em a il at AEDS i Si i A AT EO

IS

:
:
;

Birds of Canada. 107

FAMILY LARID#.—_THE GULLS.
Sub-Family LESTRIDINE.— The Skua Gulls.
Stercorarius parasiticus —The Arctic Skua.

The Arctic Skua breeds in the northern part
of this continent. During the winter it frequents
the sea coast of Canada. Length, twenty-two
inches; color, above, brownish-black ; beneath,
white.

S. pomarinus—The Pomarine Skua.

This species breeds in the far north. It is
much more common than the preceding. Color,
dark brown, tinged with black, above ; beneath,
white. Length, twenty inches. A regular visitor
to the sea coast of Nova Scotia and Newfound-

land.

Sub-Family LARINE.—The Gulls.
Larus marinus—The Great Black-backed Gull.

This fine bird is twenty-six inches in length;
the bill is pale yellow, thick and strong ; upper
parts of the back and wing, black ; all the other
parts of its plumage, white ; legs, pale flesh color.
Breeds in Labrador. Isa fall, and, sometimes,
winter visitor in Canada.

Larus Sabini—The Fork-tailed Gull.

This gull frequents the coast of New Bruns-
wick and Nova Scotia. Head and upper part of

108 Birds of Canada.

neck, blackish-gray ; lower neck, lower parts,
and tail, white; back and wings, bluish-gray ;
tail, long and forked.

Larus Rossit.—Ross’s Gull.

The habitat of this pretty gull is the arctic
regions. During the fall and winter a few
specimens are occasionally seen in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, and on the coast of Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland. Back and wings, grayish-
blue; neck, lower parts, and tail, white; bill,
black ; feet, -red. Discovered by ‘Sir James
Clark Ross, the navigator.

Larus Franklinit.—Franklin’s Gull.

This gull is a rare visitor in Canada. Its
habitat is the arctic regions. Bill and feet,
vermillion ; neck, rump, tail, and under plumage,
white; black hood on nape; upper parts, bluish-
gray ; quills terminated with white.

L. argentatus—The Herring Gull, or Silvery
Gull.

The Silvery Gull is a regular visitor in Canada.
It is twenty-four inches long ; bill, yellow ; head,
neck, and tail, white ; the back and wing coverts,
bluish-ash ; legs, pale flesh color. Breeds in the
north.

Birds of Canada. 109

L. canus.—The Common Gull.

The Common Gull is the inost numerous of
the family. It is seventeen inches long; bill,
yellow ; head, neck, tail, and whole under side
of the body, white ; the back and coverts of the
wings are gray.

L. glaucus —The Glaucous Gull.

This gull breeds in the arctic regions. An
accidental visitor in Canada.

L. leucopteris—The White-winged Gull.

This species breeds in the far north. A rare
visitor.

L. Delawarensts-——The Ring-billed Gull.

This gull is a rare visitor in Canada.

L. eburneus—TVhe Ivory Gull.

This beautiful gull is very common in the
arctic regions, and occasionally visits Canada
in the fall and winter.

Creagrus furcatus—The Swallow-tailed Gull.

This pretty gull is an accidental visitor in
Canada. Its habitat is the Pacific coast.
Chrotcocephalus atricilla—The Laughing Gull.

This little gull is a summer resident of
Canada. The head and upper part of the neck

110 Birds of Canada.

is blackish-gray ; lower part of neck and entire
under plumage, pure white; back and wings,
srayish-lead color. Breeds in Canada. Nests,
in marshes ; eggs, three, of an olive-drab color.

C. philadelphia.—Bonaparte's Gull.

This well known gull is a summer resident of
Canada. Back and wings, clear bluish-gray ;
under plumage, rump, and tail, white; length,
fourteen inches.

Rissa tridactylaThe Kittiwake Gull.

The Kittiwake Gull occasionally visits Lake
Ontario during the fall. The head, neck, and
under plumage is pure white; back and wings,
light bluish-gray ; bill, greenish-yellow ; legs,
brownish-black.

Sub-Family STERINZ.—The Terns.

Sterna aranea.—VThe Marsh Tern.

This pretty tern is a regular visitor. Head,
black ; back and wings, light bluish-gray; under
plumage, pure white ; bill, legs, and feet, black.

S. caspia-——The Caspian Tern.
The Caspian Tern is a fall and winter visitor.
Head, black, glossed with green; back and

Birds of Canada. if

wings, light bluish ash; under plumage, pure
white; bill, and inside of mouth, bright red ;
legs and feet, black; tail, forked. Breeds in the
northern regions.

S. Wilsoniz—Wilson’s Tern.

This is the most common species in Canada.
Head, deep black, tinged with brown; back and
wings, light grayish blue; breast and abdomen,
clear pearl gray. Breeds on the sea coast of New
Brunswick.

ARCTIC TERN.

S. arctica —The Arctic Tern.

The Arctic Tern is a fall and winter visitor
in Ontario. Breeds on the sea coast of Nova
Scotia. Head and neck black ; back and wings,

EP? hLirds of Canada.

light grayish-blue ; under parts, bluish-gray, of a
lighter shade than the back ; legs and feet, crim-
son; bill, deep carmine.

S. frenata—The Least Tern.

The Least Tern is an irregular visitor. Breeds
on the sea coast. Length, nine inches; color,
bluish-gray above; underneath, white; bill,
orange ; legs and feet, orange-red.

S. fuliginosa—The Sooty Tern.

This Tern is a regular summer visitor. Head,
neck, and abdomen, black; back and _ wings,
plumbeous-gray.

S. paridisea—Roseate Tern.

The Roseate Tern is an irregular summer
visitor in Canada.

Rhynchops nigra —Black Skimmer or Sheerwater.

This fowl occasionally visits Lake Ontario in
the spring, retiring south to breed in June.
Color, head, neck, and wings, black; throat,
breast, and abdomen, white; legs, scarlet ;
length of the upper mandible, three inches and
a-half; of the lower, four inches and a-half.
The peculiar formation of its bill, the lower
mandible being one inch longer than the upper,
enables it easily to obtain its food while skim-
ming over the surface of the water.

hirds of Canada. 113

Sub-Family COLYMBIN#.—The Looms.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.

Colymbus torquatus—The Great Northern Diver,
or Loon.

The Great Northern’ Diver is a resident of
Canada. Nests, on an island, or in a meadow or
marsh, near the borders of the interior lakes ;
eggs, two or three in number, of a reddish-brown
color, with an olive tint. This bird is twenty-
eight inches in length. Head and neck, bluish-
green; upper plumage and wing coverts, deep
glossy black, marked with white spots.

C. septentrionalis —The Red-throated Diver.

This species is not so common as the Great
Northern Diver, usually arriving here in October

15

114 Birds of Canada.

from the coast of Labrador, where it breeds.
Color, above, brownish-black, tinged with green ;
underneath, white ; bill, bluish-black; iris, bright
red ; feet, brownish-black.

Sub-Family PODICIPINA.—The Grebes.

Podiceps griseigena— The Red-necked Grebe.

The Red-necked Grebe breeds in the far
north ; visits Canada in the fall. Upper parts,
blackish-brown ; lower parts, pure white; bill,
black; feet, greenish-black. Length, eighteen
inches.

P. cristatus—The Crested Grebe.

This Grebe is a common summer resident of
Canada. Nests, in a swamp or marsh; eggs,
four in number, white. This bird is mostly
valued for the plumage of its breast, the flesh
being rank and nauseous. Color, above, umber-
brown; beneath, pure white; long tufts on each
side of the head, of umber-brown color.

P.. cornutus—TVYhe Horned Grebe.

The Horned Grebe breeds in northern Canada.
Visits Ontario in the fall. Color, above, brown-
ish-black; breast, bright chestnut ; abdomen,
white ; bill, bluish-black; feet, dark gray.

Birds of Canada. 115
Podilymbus podiceps—TVhe Pied-billed Grebe.

This species is a common summer resident of
Canada. Upper parts, dark brown ; breast and
abdomen, grayish-white, mottled with dusky
spots.

FAMILY PROCELLARID AL TA
Lede Lie LS

Thalassidroma Leachiti—Leach’s Petrel.

Leach’s Petrel breeds on the sea coast of New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia: Nests, in the
crevices of rocks. Lays one pure white egg. The
general color of this bird is sooty-brown; bill
and feet, black. Length, eight inches.

STORMY PETREL.

T. Wilsontt—Wilson’s Stormy Petrel.
This Petrel is seven inches in length. Color,
deep sooty-black ; tail, green; wings reaching a

116 Birds of Canada.

little beyond its tip; tarsus, one and a half
inches in length. Breeds on the small islands off
the coast of Nova Scotia. Its habits and gene-
ral color are similar to those of Leach’s Petrel.
This is the bird so much dreaded by sailors as
the harbinger of a storm, and to which they
have given the name of “Mother Carey's
Chicken.” It is met with on every part of the
ocean, diving or skimming over the surface of
the rolling waves of the most tempestuous sea.
Captain Sir James Clark Ross, in his Voyage,
&c., to the Antarctic Regions, observes that, when
invlat. '\47°.17 0S, long. 58 50: ee ae ete
accompanied on our course by petrels of two or
three different kinds. These birds added a
degree of cheerfulness to our solitary wanderings,
which contrasted strongly with the dreary and
unvarying stillness of the tropical region, where
not a sea-bird is to be seen, except only in the
vicinity of its few scattered islets, which is the
more remarkable where the ocean abounds so
plentifully with creatures fit for their food.”

Sub-Family PUFFINUS.
Puffinus cinereus —Wandering Shearwater.
This bird frequents the sea coast of the
maritime provinces. Upper parts, deep brown ;
lower parts, grayish-white ; bill, yellowish-green ;
feet, light greenish-gray ; length, twenty inches.

Birds of Canada. 17

Puffinus major.—The Greater Shearwater.

The Greater Shearwater frequents the extreme
eastern coast of Canada. Length, twenty inches;
brownish-ash, above ; grayish-white, below; bill,
compressed near the end; a straight spur in
place of a hind toe.

Puffinus anglorum.—Mank’'s Shearwater.

Habitat, the coast of New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, and Newfoundland. Upper parts, brown-
ish-black ; lower, white; bill, greenish-black.
Length, fourteen inches. Breeds in burrows ;
lays one white egg.

Puffinus obscurus.—Dusky Shearwater.

This bird frequents the coast of New Bruns-
wick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Upper
parts, sooty black ; lower, white ; bill, light blue.
Length, eleven inches.

FAMILY ALCID-.

Sub-Family ALCIN#.—The Auks.
Alca tmpennis—The Great Auk.

The Great Auk is becoming very rare: a few
specimens are occasionally seen on the coast of
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Color: head,

118 Lirds of Canada.

neck, and upper parts, black; lower parts,
white. Nests, on the sand ; eggs, two, reddish-
brown.

Alca torda—The Razor-billed Auk.

The Razor-billed Auk is seventeen inches in
length. The general form of this bird is short
and heavy; bill, long; upper parts, brownish-
black; under parts, white. Frequents the sea
coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Breeds
in the arctic regions. They build no nests, but
lay their eggs upon the bare edges of lofty
rocks overhanging the sea. Large numbers of
these birds are killed on the coast for the sake

of their breast feathers.

Mormon glacialts—Large-billed Puffin.

This bird frequents the Bay of Fundy and the
sea coast of New Brunswick. Bill and feet,
orange-yellow ; sides of the head and lower
parts, white; a dark grayish color extends to
the lower mandible.

Birds of Canada. 119

SBE il ae etn
CHE hile GES = 2
ARCTIC PUFFIN.

Mormon arctica—The Arctic Puffin.

This exceedingly quaint looking bird is twelve
inches in length. It has a very large bill, which
has the appearance of a sheath slipped over both
mandibles ; it is curved towards the point, com-
pressed vertically, and transversely furrowed on
the sides; the chin and cheeks are white, bor-
dered with gray, the latter much puffed up with
feathers, which make the head look large and
round. The crown of the head and upper part
of the plumage are black, and a collar of the

120 Birds of Canada.

same color encircles the neck; the under parts
are white, and the legs are orange. The female
deposits her single whitish-colored egg in a hole
dug out and formed in the ground by her mate
and herself, or in one ready-made by the rabbits,
which they easily dislodge. Puffins are met with
on almost all the rocky cliffs on the coasts of
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and on many
of the surrounding islands. They are gregarious
and migratory.

Sub-Family URINZ—The Guillemots.

BLACK GUILLEMOT.

Uria grylle—rThe Black Guillemot.

The Black Guillemot is thirteen inches in
length. Color, black; a white patch on each
wing. This bird isa resident of Eastern Canada
throughout the year. It breeds on the rocky
islands off the coast of New Brunswick; eggs,
three in number, pure white.

Le ee ee

Birds of Canada. 121

Uria lomvia—The Foolish Guillemot.

This species is seventeen inches in length.
The head, neck, back, wings, and tail, are of a
slate color; the breast and abdomen, white.
This bird is very common on the coast of New
Brunswick, where they occasionally breed.

Uria Brunswicki.—tLarge-billed Guillemot.

This Guillemot frequents the coast of New
Brunswick. Color, above, grayish-black ; abdo-
men and edges of the wings, white; bill, black ;
feet, dusky ; eggs, three, bluish-green, laid in
the sand.

Uria ringvia—The Murre.

The Murre is the same size as the preceding ;
upper parts, dark brown, with a tinge of ash;
under parts, white. Frequents the coast of Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick.

Mergulus alle-—TYhe Arctic Sea Dove.

This species is only eight inches in length.
Color, brownish-black, above ; white, beneath.
This bird is a winter visitor to the sea coast of
Canada.

16

122 ' Birds of Canada.

S40 P Pao Nis Nets

FAMILY PICIDH. THE WOODPECKERS.

Sub-Famtly PICINA.

Centurees carolinensis —TVhe Red-bellied
Woodpecker.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common
summer resident of Canada. It possesses all
the active and noisy habits characteristic of its
family. Length, ten inches; color, above, black,
crossed with white; wings, black, tipped with
bars of white ; head, neck, and shoulders, glossy
red; cheeks and under sides of the neck, pale
buff ; breast and abdomen, yellowish-ash, stained
with bright red; legs and feet, bluish-green ;
iris, red. Nests, in a hollow limb; eggs, four,
pure white. This species seldom appears about
orchards or open grounds; but it often visits
corn fields in search of grain, of which it is
particularly fond. Its principal food is insects,
which it obtains from decayed trees after the
manner of other woodpeckers.

INDEX:

Avoset, American
Auk, Great .
goes (Ea Ge doee
“ — Razor-billed

Bittern, Great
i Least :
Blackbird, Red- winged
Blue Bird
Bobolink
Brant. : :
‘Bunting, Bay- -winged :
Black- heated
Lapland

Snow

ifs

Cardinal, or Red Bird
Gat: Bird :
@atcher. Oyster: >.

s Backman’s Oyster
Cedar, or Cherry Bird
Chat, Yellow-breasted
Chatterer, Bohemian
Chewink
Chikcadee
Coot
Cormorant, Common

i Crested

124 Index.

Cow Bird
Crake, ‘Corn
Crane, Sandhill

Pao NV MEE
Creeper, American

3 Black and White
Crossbill, Red

. White- -winged
Crow i:
Cuckoo, Blade billed

ss Yellow-billed .
Curlew, Esquimaux

Long-billed

a Short-billed

Diver, Great Northern
Red-throated
Dove, Carolina
Duck, Barrow’s
Black
“. Black-masked
“ » Buffle-head
Canvas-back
ee. Bader

fader, “or Kane Eider

“— Gadwall’s Gray

‘“ Green-head
Harlequin
“Little Black-head

© <2. Jone-tailed jor sold Wite = .

* Piarail
“ Red-head .
el ody
Scaup :
“ Shoveller .

eS ee OS ee ee a a ee

Index.

Duck, Sutt. :.

oe. Velvet, or White-w inged C Coot .

« Whistle-wing
“ Wood

Bide Golden

e White-headed

Finch, Pine .
Toh sear
Flycatcher, Canada

Great-crested
Green Black-cap

ae

= Least

a Saalisheaded

Gallinule, Purple
Gannet, Common
Godwit, Hudsonian
“Marbled
Goshawk,
Goosander .

Goose, Mi eaanaronted ,

i anaaa
oo Snow

hy Wi ivitechucked
“ White-fronted .

Grackle, Purple
i Rusty
Grebe, Crested
iat Horned
i Pied-billed
i Red-necked
Grosbeak, Blue

126 Index.

Grosbeak, Evening
: Pine’ +: :
s Rose-breasted
Grouse, Sharp-tailed
Guillemot, Black .
uf Foolish
a Large-billed
Gull, Bonaparte’s
Common
“ _ Fork-tailed
ary Mrankchin's
“ Glaucous
“ Great Black- backed
oe at errine
as VOL
IP beWalce s:
“Laughing
“ Ring-billed
eo) ROSS'S
“ Swallow-tailed
« White-winged

Hawk, Black
Broad-winged .
Pi ASOOPERS Ax
0 Duck
St ash
os Marsh
Pr NOt
“iba Ce co7c OMAN
“ — Red-shouldered
“ Red-tailed
“ — Rough-legged .
“« Sharp-shinned .

Te
OY ips)
a Ge
: EES
PhOy,
Shes
. 109
- 109
TOF
i106
Og
SPO
100
. 109
we
1 Tg
. 109

PAGE

60
49
59
fil

to
Rob HR NH ON HH WUMN

Index.

Hawk Sparrow
Hen, Marsh
Heron, Great Blue
oy. Green
eo NAght
Humming Bird

Ibis, Glossy
Indigo Bird

Jay, Blue
ay Caen

Lark, Shore
“Meadow
Legs, Yellow

Mallard

Martin, Purple

Merganser, Hooded
a Red-breasted

Murre

Nuthatch, Red-bellied
ch White-bellied

Oriole, Baltimore |
_ Orchard
Owl, Barred
“ _Cinereous
“ Great Horned
reer be

“ Long-eared .

128 Index.

Owl, Saw-whet
el ereecn
fe MOTT earee .
“Sparrow
“Snowy
Oyster-catcher
ss Backman’s

Partridge, Ruffled

sf Spruce

* Virginia
Pelican, Brown

“ — Rough- billed .
Petrel, Greater Shean ter or

fa. aueach s

“ —Wilson’s Stormy
Pewee, Wood ;
Phalarope, Northern

. Red

4 Wilson’s
Phebe Bird .
Pigeon, Wild :
Plover, Black-bellied

Field

eae: Bre lls) =45 |

(CNS HlGeer i.

é Mountain:

oP ypinte:

“ Semi-palmated

he ANGISOn'S oo
Puffin, Arctic :

“ — Large-billed

Index.

Rail, Carolina

ae. Clapper
«Little Black
“Virginia
fee Yellow
Raven .

Red-poll, Lesser .
Red-start
Robin .

Sandpiper, Bonaparte’s

Buff-breasted

i Cooper’s

* Curlew

- Least

4 Purple

. Red-backed

- Semi-palmated .

rs Solitary

c Spotted

e SEE.

: Yellow Legs
Sanderling .
Shearwater, Dusky

Greater

ss Manks

>: Wandering
Sheerwater, Black
Swan, American .

eno Ltumpeter
Skua, Arctic
Peeeamarine. .
Shrike, Great Northern
“ — White-rumped
17

O [ndex.
PAGE
Snipe, Gray. . {82
at Matay patie. : t eee
Bh: SEC) ; 2 : Bi viet.
aoe peaks, : 4 : 682
Perici: A eebsteel Nie yal : : oes
he se WWALSONIS in ; ; ee |
Snow Bird . ; ; Se
Sparrow, Chipping ; 5 Bem
Field. , ; : «3150
3 Fox-coloured ; , aS
5 Savalial -o. : ey
x Sone, hy, ; Bs
i Swamp . : Bat 7
y eet. .. BHO
i White- crowned AA
“3 White-throated . = ee
- Yellow-winged . ; aA
Swallow, Bank . . Pere We:
" BarnseZ : is
‘ Chimney ees
i Chir «pete
i White- breasted Ee
Tanager, Scarlet . : Sane
Teal, Blue-winged , . OG
“ Green-winged . Bea oy
io) gined=breasted 4i+¢. : 7
Pellctale ian ; Z ‘ res:
Tern, Arctic ; : : ae
Caspian. : as BS)
a ats Ee Fe ales ; Ade
vivir s la Rav
che egeea be Vali: i
te) SOO: . ; meas §) Oe

Wilson's’ iv: : : f : Sued

Index. 131

Thrush, Golden-crowned ; ; pee
s Flermut.\’. ERE MY

“ Olive- backed . ; ee:

“ Tawney . : a)

af Wood . ; ie 3
Titmouse, Hudson’s Bay eer a
Thrasher, Brown . . : ; 95 28
Turkey, Wild... : ee
Turnstone . ; : ee
s Black . : : env
Vireo, Red-eyed . Be Ce
Ser ra Otayy > 5 : Ae

oi Warbling.. : : ; a7 Ao

foe ite-eved.-,': a SAD

« — -Yellow-throated ; Ree:
Woodpecker, Banded Three-toed a
Black-backed . Aon

. Downy . Sosults

. Golden-winged ; ines

Es Hairy . : ; ae

is Pileated .. , i ena
Red-bellied. i#822

s Red-headed . : ; coe ba

si Yellow-bellied : Beant Ae
Widow, Chuck-Will’s . : PUB ie Mao
Whip- poor-will ; naan (3)
Wren, Cuvier’s Golden- chested : 3 as
«~~ Golden-crested . ; : : at 36}

foe) ETOUSse : : net

a Weiter : , : svavge

‘“ Long-billed : ; ee

Wagtail, or Water Thrush . , “gh 4

132

Index.

Warbler, Bay-breasted

“ce
“ce
“cc
ae
“c

Black and Yellow .
Blackburnian
Black-poll é
Black-throated Blue
Black-throated Green
Blue-winged Yellow
Blue Yellow-backed
Cape Mays:
Chestnut-sided
Golden-winged
Hooded :
McGillivray’s
Maryland Yellow- throat
Mourning F
Nashville
Pine-creeping
Tennessee
Worm-eating

Yellow .
Yellow-rump .

Yellow Red-poll

Widgeon, American

Willet .

Woodcock

Yellow Bird.

ENO Rt by So.

By THE SAME AUTHOR :

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS OF
CANADA,

Described and Illustrated.

Crown Svo., cloth, fine tinted paper, extra gilt side,
pp. 150.

By THE SAME AUTHOR:
Be eo t. 6S. CANADA:
Described and Illustrated.

Crown Svo., cloth, fine tinted paper, extra gilt side,
ph. TSO.

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