LO) OY sill ON. CO) By. GEOLOGICAL AND DOOD OM C GIN OA) oh'g wo Sell Shadyny hw portns fitLy 4 Ue | ae SA eee as LG. Vs Z, Cele Ln) Vee Gaps Poth Fenn AY ee Pans poh Ch Tl, IS.LHG ripe ae: aie a 4 c ay | (2 Senne : a yer) ere rant ie i : ee Dai gt en ae aye yi ee “) ser, os ; : f A : ~ Vien aoe sae vee. * eon ore Wee Epa Sd ea om! pl rt woe) ee ? Aq *. Plate 1 RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. Archilochus colubris (Linn Male and Female is a4 V GPS NORTH CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL AND 1aF ECONOMIC SURVEY 2 ' 9 JOSEPH HYDE PRATT, STATE GEOLOGIST -\ fi vu VOLUME IV BIRDS OF NORTH CAROLINA BY T. GILBERT PEARSON. C. S. BRIMLEY AND H. H. BRIMLEY veg ¥ RALEIGH Epwarps & BROUGHTON PRINTING Co. Stave. PRINTERS 1919. = = 2 Zs » poe yu 47 ‘ ce ay GEOLOGICAL BOARD Governor T. W. Bickert, ex officio Chairman......... Raleigh, N. C. PUTAS Resp Ed ELON VL INDD ct evaseyind cy ocerts vcr cxertese ware) ovenacayeliens, elchorsvereierele Asheville, N. C. JOHINGSPRUNTEEUTE Tey tsycie cre oto shevee.« atcnckteacetse Poneto Durham, N. C. CR CASMOO PMU wees isk = ae he aise ange et eae roe cee North Wilkesboro, N. C. Be Grew A SSTONGR octets st crore si oreutvere: store ev trey ere seoiere atevereesteiois ate Oxford, N. C. JosepH Hypr Pratt, State Geologist................-. Chapel Hill, N. C. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CuHaPet Hitt, N. C., April 1, 1918. To His Excellency, HONORABLE T. W. BickErTvT, Governor of North Carolina. Srm:—There is herewith submitted for publication, as Volume IV of the reports of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey, a treatise on The Birds of North Carolina which has been prepared by Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary of the National Association of Audubon Societies; Mr. H. H. Brimley, Curator of the State Museum, and Mr. C. S. Brimley, Naturalist. This report was printed in 1913, by E. M. Uzzell, Public Printer, and the material was all ready for binding when the whole edition was destroyed by the fire which burned Mr. Uzzell’s plant. In this reprint additional matter has been added in the way of notes and illustrations, bringing the volume up to date. Yours respectfully, JospEpH Hypr PRATT, State Geologist. PREFACE The present volume, Birds of North Carolina, is a joint publication of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey, the State Audubon Society of North Carolina, and the State Museum. Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, former Secretary of the North Carolina Audubon Society, was asked to take the supervision of the work, and, after consultation with Messrs. H. H. and C. 8. Brimley, they decided on a joint authorship. The State Audubon Society of North Carolina for the study and protection of wild birds and animals authorized the preparation of the material, and appropriated the necessary funds to have prepared the original draw- ings and paintings with which it is illustrated. The object of this publication is to place in the hands of interested persons a book of ready reference which will be of assistance to them in acquiring further information regarding the birds of North Carolina; and also to preserve in per- manent form the hitherto widely scattered data relative to the distribution and occurrence of the many rare species that have been found to occur within the bor- ders of the State. To assist the student in identifying birds, an artificial key to the various orders, families, genera, and species of birds has been given, as well as a detailed description of each one treated. As a still further aid, the book has been somewhat more fully illustrated than is usual in works of this character. A record of the presence of a rare bird is of little scientific value unless the date and place of its appearance are noted; hence there is frequent mention in the text of the year, month, and day when birds of infrequent occurrence have been noted, together with a citation of the authorities for the statement. The volume takes up, first, a brief historical sketch of North Carolina ornithol- ogy, and an account of the work of the State Audubon Society. It has been pre- pared by T. Gilbert Pearson, who was the founder of the society and who for many years was its very efficient secretary. Following this is a sketch by C. 8. Brimley on “Life Zones and Bird Distribution,’”’ which gives a description of the four life zones represented in North Carolina. Vill Brrps or Norru Caroiina Before taking up the systematic catalogue of North Carolina birds, there is given a short explanatory statement relating to keys and descriptions. The descriptive list of birds of North Carolina contains records of the occur- rence of 341 species and varieties of birds taken in North Carolina. It is neces- sarily an incomplete list, as new discoveries will continue to be made from time to time, but it is intended to serve as a basis for future observations, and as a book for consultation until a more adequate publication shall have taken its place. In this catalogue the descriptions of species are taken mainly from the superb Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America by Frank M. Chapman, copy- righted 1895 and 1912 by D. Appleton & Co. For this courtesy both the authors and the Survey are indebted to the publishers. These descriptions are followed by an account of the range of the species in North Carolina, and, as far as possible, full notes are given regarding observations made on the habits of the birds. Following the catalogue of the birds, there are Appendices on the Bibliography of North Carolina Birds; on Migration of Birds at Raleigh, North Carolina, 1895 to 1911, as recorded by H. H. Brimley and C. 8. Brimley; on the Song Period of Birds at Raleigh as recorded by C. 8. Brimley; and a brief Glossary. The authors and the Survey are indebted to a number of North Carolina bird students, and many references have been made in the general text to the material furnished by them. Of these the authors particularly wish to mention the following: Mr. T. W. Adickes, Mr. Stephen C. Bruner, Mr. George W. MacNider, Mr. Z. P. Metcalf, and Mr. Alexander L. Feild of Raleigh; Dr. J. W. P. Smithwick of Kinston; Mr. Thomas A. Smithwick of Merry Hill, Bertie County; Mr. R. W. Collett of Raleigh; Mr. J. H. Armfield of Greensboro; and Mr. Ernest Seeman of Durham. To those outside the State who have rendered special assistance, we wish to express our appreciation of the kindness of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, and of Mr. Henry W. Henshaw, each of whom, in turn, as Chief of the United States Biological Survey, has permitted the examination of all Government migration-schedules from North Carolina; of Mr. W. W. Cooke and Mr. W. L. MeAtee, assistants in the United States Biological Survey, for several overlooked records; of Dr. Louis B. Bishop PREFACE 1x of New Haven, Connecticut, for his observations on the birds of Pea Island; of Mr. William Brewster of Cambridge, Massachusetts, for data on specimens of North Carolina birds in his collection; and of Mr. Waldron DeWitt Miller for critically reviewing the identification keys. The Survey and authors are indebted to the National Association of Audubon Societies for very valuable assistance in editing and preparing the manuscript of this volume, and we wish herewith to express our grateful appreciation for the many courtesies extended to us by this association. In the preparation of this volume, the authors have given their time to the work very willingly and enthusiastically, without remuneration other than the pleasure that they may derive from the thought and hope that they may be able to arouse in some slight degree a more lively appreciation of the value of studying and pre- serving the rich bird-life with which North Carolina is so abundantly blessed. They have shared the labor in preparing the manuscript, and have, without stint, revised one another’s writings. The final drafting of the manuscript, however, as well as the superintending of the preparation of the illustrations, has been done by Mr. Pearson. When we consider the great economic importance of wild birds as destroyers of many of those insects which are injurious to growing crops, stored grain, fruit trees and forests, and also the value of the esthetic effect of their presence about the home, we marvel that any citizen should permit the wanton killing of useful species on his premises. Our native game birds, such as the Ruffed Grouse, Quail, Wild Turkey, Woodcock, and the various species of Wild Ducks and Geese, are of such inestimable value to the State that it is a matter of regret that as yet there has been no adequate legislative enactment looking to their preservation. The Sur- vey and the authors, in this connection, urge the abolition of the multitudinous and confusing local county game laws, and a substitution in their place of State-wide uniform laws regulating the seasons when the various kinds of birds and game animals may be taken; and the establishment of a State Game Commission, to be supported by a fund collected from resident and nonresident hunters’ licenses. In oe Birps or Norru Carorina view of the rapid decrease of our game birds and game animals, we would further advocate most earnestly the absolute prohibition of the sale of all wild game, which act would be in conformity with the action already taken in the greater number of the States in the Union. Unless advancement is made along these lines, it is plain to any intelligent observer that North Carolina is doomed to suffer an irreparable loss in the diminution of wild life, which is one of its chief natural resources. Another purpose of the present volume is, therefore, to create a sentiment for carrying out the measures suggested above. JosEPpH Hyper Pratt, State Geologist. CONTENTS PaGEe ENESCO hs. Qiteere) Cocee Sear Ate OIC cee Scenes CPOE ISA SI POO PEL SEA aC Cao en wee aa eee vii AS rOtmeUISinAtONS recreates myecrersech ee avers aye ake aaae ne besa easel eases eats a oc fel, ao etree ie ea XVii OrnitholoricalMElistori@all SKEGel soc seya ess erasatessclenc pave sacle = eis eile wey aleres 2s. yar) a Gein ie rane eee Eur icleie s miei beets ee eters nase 272 Bisel-and=Wihite: Warbler®..6 «cin ats minster atee cai ate vercvanrovsbove aiaianevece SME een tore 274 DOWAINSOMNS? WADOLOL oc af. 50555 6 ec ole wheels o rele ee ZaMe letra te wate ols pacle, bate Gir eae ean n= tena cee 275 Worm-HahmesWarbler:jsjss.,<.crsnds pociaceree tamer minal site O)ele aioe ite ene aie eee 276 Bachmiants: Waren’ coo tiers lcsc. cite acter een ee Pree are crea Paes fs or ee 277 Blue=Winged Warbler os /< o's .05, cea ncaa wes Sreoin mam aleemeimie CRM RER Rel onan eter ge 278 Golden=Winged iWarblericr crc se enicrarde o eerte eer ye ee aetna re nee ei 279 Orangre-Crowned. Warblers. 5.c.::.jicasesetes crete certs eysiviose sess ord enereye teieeatcenian stare citi Ye 280 Rartilar Warbler a <.cn ce cisyaerse aires eS ee EAT IETS CTaTel core ketenes Cee shee 52282 ape Mays Wax ler cos sisns ss. bare eer Re ae et rae ow, cee yf 284 Miyrtle Warblen cect: fics 3.atesiy.80e gore v PER ea oe EO ee Rois Ree Ee eee se eo . 287 Magnolia Warbler: isc nak mu, .cse noo tee OEE Hae era eters Se oie nee id Rakes ee eee 288 @erulean Warblers. 3.0546 oss oo fui ioe Bes Re ee synece Rate Caer eae aoe ee :|') Ghestnut-sided*Warbler. 5-571. sane taarenaenclen meuisieeteiniok.- 71ers ats che meets aaa Bay=Bressted Warblern.c. shea in sreescvee nists vive) ore Ore Peale evel bret cum AU Pe ymin rates eae eo 290 Black=Poll Warblers co srchls ce ie wstie S artcvsns Rete auctete whee ens Sve eels Oia hte ya pales aie aera 291 Blackburniant Warbler. lsc02ceie ee costes Seite oak Banca se nanel certo ie See eerste aoe ae 292 Sycamore Warbler eye: Ssaicrah sama arya ere cane Maks aie erecne) Nate recey am ikea eee Claes ie 293 Black=Throated! Green’ Warbler. 6. sss. cu dcaca cheats so cteieie os ees aod sneer ence 294 Pine Warbler. occ diac esa nesclere Syeiays ete Oe Gi eee eae Pesce er ne nee 295 Palm Warbler stticc fersrtuicauics irate teva cote Saba tesa ui vie Meee atacane sore Wrage ean caine eee aie oral 296 Wellow Palm: Wearbllems cc cs5 0c a's bso is, sche Sale sat tig. carer ear rte ere ron eres Terie Re eee 297 Priainie Warblers; sii. sow cre vrs 0 vt Reale ties eee eI es ieee 298 Opens B ind Ao ior ikea ca arebeeiaaces) a a, deve des ei, cies acer eters ie eee te 299 Water Thrushis 292 3.5 5.- 1. Secondaries 13 or more in number. Wing more than 7.00. Partition between nostrils very ~ thick. Puffinus. 1. Secondaries 10. Tarsus over 1.25. Wing less than 7.00. Oceanites. Genus Puffinus (Briss.) KEY TO SPECIES Four species have been recorded, and may be distinguished as follows: . Dusky above and below. Sooty Shearwater. . Dusky above, white below. See 2. . Wing less than 12.00. Awdubon’s Shearwater. Ree Fic. 20. Cory’s SHEARWATER. 2. Wing morethan 12.00. See 3. 3. White of throat, shading gradually into dusky of head and neck. Cory’s Shearwater. 3. White of throat, separated abruptly from dusky of head and neck. Greater Shearwater. 42 Brrps or Norru Caro.iina 27. Puffinus borealis (Cory). Cory’s SHEARWATER. Description: Ad—Upperparts ashy fuscous, wings and tail darker; sides of head and neck slightly lighter; underparts white, sometimes washed with grayish on the breast; under wing- coverts and under tail-coverts white, the latter more or less mottled with grayish; bill yellowish. 4. 21.00; W., 14.00; Tar., 2.20; B., 2.10. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range-——Known heretofore only off the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Long Island. Range in North Carolina.—Accidental at Beaufort. Cory’s Shearwater is recorded on the authority of Atkinson, who in his “Pre- liminary Catalogue of North Carolina Birds’ says: “I saw at Beaufort a wing of one of the shearwaters taken at that place. From the length of the wing and from the description of the bird given to me, I judge it to be this species.” This was in December, 1887. 28. Puffinus gravis (O’Reilly). GReATER SHEARWATER. Description: Ads.—Upperparts fuscous, wings and tail slightly darker; longer upper tail- coverts tipped with whitish; underparts white; belly more or less ashy gray: under tail-coverts ashy gray; bill blackish. L., 20.00; W., 12.25; Tar., 2.20; B., 1 (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Whole Atlantic; occurs off the coast of North America from’June to November. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, off shore. Fic, 21. GREATER SHEARWATER. Maynard states that on July 4, 1897, while about fifty miles off Cape Hatteras, he saw a number of these birds (Smithwick’s List, p. 202). As the species occurs from the Arctic Cirele to Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, it may be ex- pected to occur off our coast from time to time. 29. Puffinus lherminieri (Less.). AupUBON’S SHEARWATER. Description —Upperparts, wings, and tail dark, sooty, brownish black; underparts white; sides of the breast grayish; a patch on the flanks and under tail-coverts sooty brownish black; inner side of tarsi yellowish, outer brownish; bill blackish. L., 12.00; W., 8.00; Tar., 1.60; B., 1.20. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Warmer parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Breeds in the Antilles and Bahamas. Range in North Carolina.—Accidental at Beaufort. Descrirrive List 43 One was picked up dead at Beaufort on July 28, 1910, by Stephen C. Bruner, of Raleigh, who now has the skin in his possession. Fic. 22. AvpuUBON’s SHEARWATER. 30. Puffinus griseus (Gmel.). Soory SHEARWATER. Description: Ads.——Upperparts, wings and tail dark, sooty, brownish black; underparts somewhat grayer; bill blackish. L., 17.00; W., 12.00; Tar., 2.10; B., 1.65. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Oceans of Southern Hemisphere to Alaska and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, off shore in summer Fig. 23. Soory SHEARWATER. One was taken at Fort Macon by Coues, May 21, 1870. Pearson found two in the possession of Augustine Piner, a taxidermist at Morehead City, in 1899, and was told that they had been taken near Cape Lookout two years previous. A third record is that made by H. H. Brimley at Beaufort, June, 1892. Genus Oceanites (K. and B.) 31. Oceanites oceanicus (Kwhl). W1uson’s PErrRet. Description: Ads.—Upperparts, wings and tail sooty black; underparts somewhat lighter; under tail-coverts mixed with whitish, longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones marked with sooty black; wing-coverts grayish, margined with whitish; bill and feet black, toe-webs mostly yellow. L., 7.00; W., 5.90; T., 2.80; B., .50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) dt Breps or Norru Caroiina Range.—Breeds on Antarctic islands in February; occurs off the American coast from May to September. Range in North Carolina.—In the ocean, off shore, in summer. “This is the petrel frequently seen on our Atlantic waters in summer. While trolling for mackerel off the coast near Cape Lookout the writer saw several of these birds in July, 1899. So close to the waves do they fly, and often with their feet hanging, that it is little wonder the idea arose long ago that petrels actually walk the waves like Peter of old. I have frequently watched them at sea beating about the vessel, now circling the bow, now dropping far behind to examine some frag- ments of food thrown overboard, and again appearing close alongside. They always remind me of purple martins with white rumps. During the severe storm which raged on the North Carolina coast August 28, 29, and 30, 1893, many thousands of these birds were driven and washed ashore along the line of beach extending from the mouth of Beaufort Harbor to Cape Lookout, a distance of ten miles. I have this information from several reliable parties. The exact dates of the storm I secured from the log-book of Capt. William H. Gaskin of the Cape Lookout Life Saving Station. Fig. 24. Wuson’s PETREL. “Mr. James Davis, formerly a well known business man of Beaufort, who had occasion to go along the beach to a wreck just after the storm, says: ‘Every two or three yards lay a Mother Cary’s chicken; many were dead, others were alive, but too weak to fly. In places two or three would be lying together; at certain points for a distance of many feet the ground would be completely covered with the bodies, sometimes piled two or three deep. This was frequently the case until I reached the bight of the cape. Here in the cove the slaughter had been tremen- dous. Thousands of birds sat or lay on the ground, covering the beach like a blanket, extending from the water’s edge up into the grass on the higher ground. The fishermen of the neighborhood carried home with them baskets filled with these birds to eat.’ Mention of this remarkable occurrence was made in the Auk, vol. 16, p. 247.’’—Prarson. The Leach’s Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieill.), sometimes occurs as far south as Vir- ginia, and may perhaps wander to this State. This is very similar in appearance to the Wilson’s, but has shorter legs (tarsus less than 1.00, instead of over 1.25 as in the Wilson’s Petrel), and is somewhat larger. (L., 5.50-8.75; W., 6.00-6.25; T., 3.50-4.00.) Descriptive List 45 IV. ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS This order comprises those birds which have completely webbed feet, the web even connecting with the hind toe. Five families are represented in the State, and members of a sixth (Phaethontide) may possibly occur as stragglers. All are large. KEY TO FAMILIES — . Nostrils evident; bill not hooked; tail short, with long central feathers; whole head feathered. Phaéthontide, Tropic birds. Nostrils not perceptible; head with some naked skin. See 2. Bill hooked at tip. See 3. Bill not hooked at tip. See 5. Tail very deeply forked. Fregatide, Man-o’-war birds. . Tail not forked. See 4. Bill compressed; gular sac small. Phalacrocoracide, Cormorants. . Bill flattened; gular sac very large. Pelecanid@, Pelicans. . Bill very thick at base; tail graduated. Sulidew, Gannets. . Bill slender; neck very long and slender, tail long, rounded. Anhingide, Darters. Two species of the family Phaéthontide occur in the West Indies and occasionally straggle northward. These are the Yellow-billed Tropic-bird, Phaéthon americanus (Grant), a good- sized, light-colored sea-bird with the bill yellow or orange and with the wing about 11 inches, and the Red-billed Tropic-bird, Phaéthon etherews (Grant) which is similar, but has the bill coral-red in the adult. The latter is a little larger, the wing being 11.75-12.00. Both, when adult, have the middle tail-feathers projecting far beyond the others. Cro ROO OO NN 8. FAMILY SULIDAZ. GANNETS Genus Sula (Briss.) KEY TO SPECIES One species occurs in our State and another southern form is known to have ranged as far north as South Carolina. 1. Whole lower bill, together with chin and entire throat, naked. Feet greenish or yellow- ish. Wing about 15.75. Booby. 1. Sides of lower bill and sides of chin and throat densely feathered. Feet blackish. Wing about 19.50. Gannet. 32. Sula bassana (Linn.). GANNET. Description: Ads.—White, head and neck tinged with pale straw-yellow; primaries fuscous. Im.—Throat and upperparts, including wing-coverts, dark grayish brown, each feather with a small white wedge-shaped spot; breast and belly white, margined with grayish brown. L 35.00; W., 19.00; T., 9.50; B., 4.00. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Coasts of North Atlantic Ocean. Breeds northerly in Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the British Islands; winters from North Carolina to Gulf of Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in the cooler portions of the year. Os) This species appears in winter in Pamlico Sound and in the ocean off our shores, where it is found singly or in small straggling flocks. When in quest of food it flies over the ocean with neck outstretched, usually at an altitude of from fifty to one hundred feet. When a coveted fish is discovered, it plunges headlong, striking the water with terrific force. Sailors are said to amuse themselves sometimes by towing a heavy plank upon which has been nailed a fish. The force of the blow when the bird strikes sometimes drives its bill through the board. 46 Brirps or Norru Carorina Augustine Piner has killed many in the ocean near Morehead City, and speci- mens in the Museums at Guilford College, at the Normal and Industrial College at Greensboro, and in the State Museum at Raleigh, were secured from him by Pearson. Coues saw several at Fort Macon during thick weather in 1869 and 1870. Bishop records one from Pea Island, January 2, 1906. 4 re ‘ 7 aa & | - LS rattle: nas e, Fic. 25. GAaNNE'. Fic. 26. Foor oF GANNET. Besides the Gannet, another member of this family, the Booby, Sula leucogastra (Bodd.), may occur as a straggler on our coast in summer. This is a somewhat smaller bird than the Gannet, and is mainly sooty brown in color. 9. FAMILY ANHINGIDA. DARTERS Genus Anhinga (Briss. ) 33. Anhinga anhinga (Linn.). Watrer-TurRKEY Ad. & in summer.—General plumage glossy black with greenish reflections; back of head and neck with scattered grayish plumes; upper back with numerous elongated silvery white spots, which on the scapulars become streaks; lesser wing-coverts spotted like back; exposed portion of median and greater coverts silvery gray; tail tipped with whitish, outer webs of middle pair of feathers with transverse flutings. Ad. @ in winter—Similar, but without gray- ish plumes on head and neck. Ad. 9.—Similar to co’, but with the whole head, neck, and breast brownish, darker above. Jm.—Similar to 9°, but with black parts of plumage brownish. L., 34.00; W., 13.50; T., 10.50; B., 3.25. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Tropical America from North Carolina and southern Illinois southward. Range in North Carolina.—So far only known from the extreme southeastern county of the State. “While approaching a colony of herons in Tom Branch on the Orton plantation, fifteen miles below Wilmington, June 7, 1898, a Water-Turkey was flushed from its nest in a cypress-tree about ten feet above the water. The bird flew rapidly away for perhaps thirty rods, then, turning, came driving back overhead, only to return shortly from the opposite direction. At each approach it appeared higher in the air until at a considerable altitude, when it began to circle on motionless Descriptive List 47 wings. It was a male in magnificent plumage. Another male bird was seen the same day, but no females were observed, nor were other nests found. “The nest examined was a heavy structure of sticks and twigs, lined with gray moss (Tillandsia usneoides). It contained four much incubated eggs. I am aware of no previous record of the bird breeding north of South Carolina. In June, Fic. 27. WATER-TURKEY. 1904, I again found the Anhinga on Orton Pond, three birds being observed, but no nest found. It would not be surprising if the Water-Turkey should be found breeding in suitable localities in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, although much hunting for them by H. H. Brimley and myself has thus far been without further results.”—PEARSON. 10. FAMILY PHALACROCORACIDA. CORMORANTS But one genus of this family exists in North Carolina, and is represented in the State by one species with two geographical races. Cormorants are large black or dark-brown birds, with short, stout, legs and long, heavy necks. The beak is long and sharply hooked. As arule, they are maritime, but they also frequent bodies of fresh water. They procure their living by diving and pursuing their prey under water. 48 Brrps or Nortu Caro.ina Genus Phalacrocorax (Briss.) Represented in our State by two closely allied forms differing only in size and in time of occurrence. 34. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Swains.). DousBiE-crEesTeD CorMo- RANT. Ads. in breeding plumage.—Head, neck, rump and underparts glossy black; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts light grayish brown, each feather margined with glossy black; tail black, composed of twelve feathers; a tuft of black feathers on either side of the head; a few white ones over the eye. Ads. in winter.—Similar, but without tufts on the head. Jm.—Top of the head and back of the neck blackish brown; upper back, scapulars, and wing coverts brownish gray, each feather margined with black; rump glossy black; sides of the head and foreneck grayish white, whiter on the breast and changing gradually to black on the lower belly. L., 30.00; W., 12.50; T., 6.20; B., 2.30. (Chap., Birds of B. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan northward; winters from North Carolina southward to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter; occasionally inland. Fic. 28. DOovUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. These are the common cormorants on our coast in winter, where they are often seen perched on stakes set by the fishermen to hold their nets or to mark the various channels through the shallow sounds. As evening comes they congregate in flocks of from ten to forty individuals, and in solid ranks go flying low over the water to some favorite “lump” of shell, or small sandy island, on which to roost. One evening early in April, 1898, Pearson dug a hole in the shells of a miniature island in Wysocking Bay, Hyde County, where, lying concealed, he was enabled to watch unobserved the hundreds of cormorants which came there to roost. Without excep- tion the flocks all pitched in the water a short distance away, and later swam leisurely ashore. Cormorants are much disliked by fishermen, who declare that the birds enter their pound-nets and prey upon the valuable fish. N. C. GEOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SURVEY. PLATE A. 1. A typical tree in the Cormorant rookery. The small cypress 2. Nest of Bald Eagle. This nest is near the top of a very tall pictured contains twenty-eight occupied nests. pine, growing in a thick swamp, two or three hundred yards from (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) the shores of White Lake, Bladen County. The nest is very large, having been added to year after year. It is approximately a hundred feet from the ground, and the birds are reputed to have nested in this tree, or nearby, for fifty years or more. (Photo by T. W. Adicks.) Descrietive List 49 35. Phalacrocorax auritus floridanus (Awd.). FLortma CorMoRANT. Description—Similar to the Double-crested Cormorant, but averaging smaller. L., 21.00 to 30.00; W., 11.25 to 12.50; T., 5.50; B., 2.10. Range.—Breeds from North Carolina southward; winters from South Carolina southward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer; breeds. On May 25, 1898, Pearson discovered what, so far as yet known, is the only breeding-colony of these birds north of Florida. It is situated on the shores of Great Lake in Craven County, and at that date contained one hundred and fifty occupied nests. Although the birds are unmolested by man, their numbers since that date have been slowly decreasing, and in 1908 the colony numbered only one hundred and twenty nests. In 1911, however, they seemed to have regained their former numbers, and no less than one hundred and fifty-nine nests were counted by H. H. Brimley. In 1910 and 1911 the colony divided, the two sections being situated about five miles apart on opposite sides of the lake. The nests are usually placed in cypress trees growing in the water at a short distance from the heavily wooded shore. The site, however, has been changed four times in the past twelve years, once from the north to the east side of the lake, a distance of five miles, and again in 1908 to the southwest side, probably three miles farther away. In this last locality the majority of the nests were placed in pine trees growing on the shore. Since then the colony has moved twice more, each move being into cypress trees standing in the water. The frequent change of place appears to be occasioned by the fact that a few years occupancy by the birds kills the trees in which they nest. The food of these Cormorants must consist largely of eels, as eel-remains are constantly found in the nests and on the limbs of the trees, and the young when alarmed disgorge copiously fragments of partly digested eels. In the summer of 1905 H. H. Brimley saw an immature bird disgorge a portion of a large water- snake (Natrix taxispilota). A flock of about fifty of these birds was seen by Pearson one evening in June, 1899, coming to roost in Jones’s Millpond in Carteret County. Perhaps this number also roost each summer in the trees of Orton Pond, Brunswick County. Probably these are all unmated birds. 11. FAMILY PELECANIDA. PELICANS Only one genus occurs in North America. The pelicans are large, aquatic birds with enormous bills. The broad space between the forks of the lower mandible is occupied by a huge sack or bag of naked skin, which the bird uses when fishing, somewhat after the manner of a scoop-net. Genus Pelecanus (Linn.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Color mainly white, with black wing-quills. White Pelican. 1. Color grayish and brownish. Brown Pelican. 50 Brirps or Norru Carorima 36. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ((Gmel.). Wuire PEnican. Ads. in nuptial plumage.—White, more or less straw-color on breast and wing-coverts; wing quills chiefly black; occipital crest white or straw-color; a horny prominence on the culmen- Post-nuptial plumage.—Similar, but occiput of short gray feathers, no horny ridge on bill. Ads. in winter.—Similar, but occiput white. Jm.—Similar, but lesser wing-coverts and top of aes brownish gray. L., 60.00; W., 22.00; Tar., 4.50; B., 14.00. (Chap., Birds of Range.—Temperate North America, breeding mainly north of the United States; winters from the’Gulf States southward. Range in North Carolina.—Occasional during the migrations. Fic. 29. WHITE PELICAN. This great bird is of very rare occurrence in North Carolina. We have in fact only three records for the State, which are as follows: At Raleigh, one was shot on the State carp-ponds, May 12, 1884, by J. H. Coover. In Buncombe County, a flock of forty was seen on the French Broad River in May, 1889; five of these were shot, and two passed into the possession of Cairns. One was taken by J. H. Bigham near Sloan’s Ferry on the Catawba River, October 2, 1907 (Charlotte Evening Chronicle, October 3, 1907.) 37. Pelecanus occidentalis (Linn.). Brown PEttcan. Ads. in breeding plumage.—Top of head white, sometimes straw-yellow like a spot on upper breast; line down either side of breast white; hindhead, neck and a spot on foreneck seal-brown; sides and back silvery gray bordered by brownish black; scapulars, wing-coverts, secondaries, and tail silvery gray; primaries black; underparts dark blackish brown narrowly streaked with white. Ads. after the breeding season.—Similar, but with hindhead and whole neck white, more or less tinged with straw-yellow. Jm.—Above grayish brown margined with paler; chest brownish, belly white. L., 50.00; W., 19.50; Tar., 2.65; B., 11.00. (Chap., Birds of EF. N. A.) Range.—Ranges in summer from North Carolina southward. Breeds from South Carolina southward to Brazil. Range in North Carolina.—Sounds of the coastal region regularly in summer. Descorrerive List 51 The Brown Pelican is in appearance by far the most conspicuous summer bird of our coast. Being over four feet in length, and with an expanse of wings of six and one-half feet, it presents an object attracting the attention of the most casual observer. When fishing, the Brown Pelican flies slowly along at an altitude of from twenty to thirty feet, and dives for its prey with a heavy splash. Below the bill hangs a pouch capable of holding, when fully distended, about four gallons of water. Into this capacious receptacle are gathered the unfortunate fish which go to make up a Pelican’s dinner. Without rising from the sea, the bird forces the Fic. 30. Brown PELICAN. water from its mouth by contracting the pouch, and, with bill pointed upward at a sharp angle, the fish are forced downward. Fish weighing two or three pounds are said to be eaten by this bird, but usually smaller ones are chosen. Our Pelican often goes fishing by himself; but at times, when the run of fish is good, a number of birds may be seen engaged in securing their livelihood in the same neighborhood. During flight from one resting or feeding ground to another they often go in flocks of from four to a dozen birds. They proceed low over the water, their wing-tips almost touching the rolling waves. After sailing a short distance, the leader slightly rises in order to avoid striking the water, and vigorously flaps his wings for several Brrps or Norru Carouina cr bo strokes. The second bird follows the example, and the movement is gradually imitated along the column. By the time the rear bird has received the impulse the leader is generally sailing again near the surface. The undulating motion given to along line of Pelicans by these movements presents a spectacle which at a distance suggests a brown sea-serpent disporting itself along the crests of the waves. As breeding-birds, Brown Pelicans are not known north of Cape Romain, South Carolina. Of recent years hundreds regularly pass the summer in the neighbor- hood of the small sandy islands lying in Pamlico Sound between Ocracoke and Cape Hatteras, and they occur scatteringly on the sounds from there to the South Carolina line. Fic. 31 MAN-O'-WaR Bikp 12. FAMILY FREGATIDZ. MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS Genus Fregata (Lacep.) 38. Fregata aquila (Linn.). Man-o’-war Birp. Ad. &.—Entire plumage black, more glossy above; dilatable gular pouch in breeding season orange-red or carmine. @.—Similar, but browner; lesser wing-coverts grayish brown; breast and upper belly white. Jm.—Similar to the 9, but whole head and neck white. L., 40.00; W., 25.00; T., 17.00; B., 4.50. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Tropical and subtropical coasts. Range in North Carolina.—Oceasional off shore in coastal region. Descriptive List 53 The Man-o’-war Bird, or Frigate Bird, is one of the most marvelous flyers in the world. With an expanse of wings of over seven feet, it sweeps the seas far and wide in quest of food, or for mere diversion. Its flight is graceful beyond descrip- tion, and at times it will hang long in the teeth of a gale, or falling off before it with scarcely a perceptible motion of the wing will sweep down to the surface of the ocean as a swallow skims a summer millpond. Its food consists of fish, which it not only captures itself, but at times secures by pursuing various sea-birds and causing them to disgorge their recently caught prey. On July 5, 1899, Pearson obtained a specimen in Pamlico Sound near Ocracoke Inlet. It was a splendid young male, measuring between wing-tips seven feet and seven inches. Its mounted skin is now preserved in the State Museum at Raleigh. This is our first North Carolina record of the Man-o’-war Bird. Our only other record follows. Extract of letter from Russell J. Coles, Danville, Va., to Mr. John T. Nichols, American Museum of Natural History, New York City: “On July 10th, 1917, | and members of my crew watched for some time a Man- o’-war Bird attempting to fly against a heavy wind squall. The bird appeared very much exhausted as it came in from the sea against the wind, and again and again it was beaten back, and it appeared that it wished to light on the boat and at last, when it appeared that it was about to do so, when one of my crew struck at it and in dodging the blow, the bird fell in the sea along-side and was lifted into the boat. I kept it on board for half a day, and although at first, it was too weak to show the usual aggressive spirit of its species, yet when it became rested, it became very pugnacious and struck at all who approached it with beak and wings. Finally, I released it after measuring and photographing, and it flew away to the south. From tip to tip of wings, it measured 7 feet, 4 inches.’’ This incident occurred near Cape Lookout. V. ORDER ANSERES. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 13. FAMILY ANATIDZ. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS “We now come to a group of birds which excites in the naturalist, sportsman, and the general public a greater degree of interest, perhaps, than any other. “A wedge of Wild Geese steadily winging its way through the upper air currents in spring or fall, the sudden noisy rise of a beautiful male Wood Duck as the angler quietly works his way up a woodland stream, a raft of sea-ducks seen on sound, estuary, or at sea, the evening flight of Mallard or Black Duck from river to pond— all these, and more, are experiences at times vouchsafed to those who love the out- doors and frequent the silent places. To those who have opportunities, however small, to seek these denizens of the water and marsh with gun and game bag, nothing else in the way of hunting with firearms can quite equal the joy of wild- fowling. “Tn certain sections of North Carolina we are greatly favored with opportunities for experiences with ducks, geese, and swans. Currituck Sound supports during the winter months more wildfowl, perhaps, than any other equal area in eastern North 54 Birps or Nortru Carona America. The great Whistling Swan occurs there regularly in hundreds, if not thousands; Canada Geese in tens of thousands, while such raft-ducks as Lesser Scaup, and Redhead pass the winter there in incredible numbers. The Canvas- back is more or less common, though much more rare than a few years ago, and the same may be said in regard to the Ruddy Duck. The other sea-ducks, and the Brant, are only stragglers on this fresh-water sound, but the river-ducks that do not raft, such as Mallard, Black Duck, Baldpate, both eastern Teals, Gadwall and Pintail, are common feeders on the marsh ponds and creeks. “On Pamlico and Core sounds geese and brant are very numerous. The raft- ducks on these lower sounds are mostly Redhead and Scaup, with large numbers of Scoters, Mergansers, Buffleheads, Old Squaws, Lesser Scaup, and a few of the fresh-water ducks, the abundance and admixture of species depending on the charac- ter of the locality. On the inside shoals and reefs, from Gull Shoal Island south and west to Core Sound, more geese and brant gather, perhaps, than at any other point on the coast of the United States. “The smaller sounds, the great estuaries—with their creeks and marshes—the rivers, lakes, and ponds of the eastern section of the State, are the winter homes and feeding grounds for many species, the varying natural conditions and food supply governing their abundance from day to day and from year to year. “Of late years, an acquired habit of many of the fowl inhabiting these waters is doing more to preserve their numbers than any legal or other artificial method yet attempted. This is the custom of feeding at night and leaving at dawn to spend the day on the open sea, where the proximity of the ocean makes this refuge available, or on some other open, deep-water sanctuary when the sea is too distant. “On the broad waters, ducks, geese, and swan are shot mainly from batteries, the old-style coffin-box outfit having given way in some localities to the ‘sit-up’ battery. This latter has a wing arrangement similar to the old style, but, as the name implies, the box itself is of such size and shape, and so arranged and ballasted, as to enable the gunner to await the fowl in a sitting position instead of lying flat on his back. The decoys, two or three hundred in number, are arranged as formerly, mostly to the leeward of the box. “On the marsh, and on many of the shooting points on the creeks and rivers, bush or reed blinds are used, with a much smaller stand of decoys. When Mallard or Black Duck are flying in broken bunches, from half a dozen to twelve or fifteen decoys are often sufficient, particularly if two or three live birds are added to the display. In goose shooting from blinds, live decoys are becoming more and more common. Wooden or other artificial decoys for geese are extremely cumbersome to handle, and most of those supplied are of doubtful utility. Two or three good talking ‘honkers’ are worth more than a boatload of wooden ‘idols.’ “On Pamlico Sound, from a little above Cape Hatteras down to Core Sound, box blinds are mostly used. Some gunners sink a ‘goose box’ on the dry shoals, in close proximity to the water, and stake out their live decoys in the shallow water close at hand. Occasionally a ‘rolling blind’ may be found. This is a box on rollers, and is set up on the dry shoal well away from the decoys. When geese Descriptive List 55 come in, the blind, which has no bottom, is carefully and slowly worked forward until within shot of the geese. The stationary box-blinds are three and a half or four feet square and are supported by posts five or six feet above the water. These are usually fringed with reeds or rushes around the upper edge. Placed, as they are, at the first of the season, the fowl soon become accustomed to them, and feed near without fear. “Tt is indeed an interesting experience to spend the greater part of a day alone in one of these frail structures, with a half gale blowing out of the frozen north and the attendant boatmen drifting a mile or more away. A large stand of wooden decoys is used from these blinds, a hundred and fifty ducks and fifty brant forming an average outfit. The fowl that fall to the gunner’s skill are later picked up by the attendant. Often a few live geese are used in conjunction with the ‘idols,’ and these prove very effective when any wild geese are flying. Geese and brant are the fowl mostly killed from this type of blind, the salt-water ducks frequenting this part of the sound feeding in deeper water. “They have a saying in the Cape Hatteras region, ‘Weather to kill fowl is weather to killmen!’ This, however, must not be taken too literally. My own experience, and that of many old wildfowlers with whom I have talked, is that medium bad weather is much more likely to be productive of results than the extremes of wind and cold. One day I remember being in a blind during a howling northeast gale, when a single, solitary Brant made up the total of my bag, though thousands were feeding within sight the whole of the time I remained in the blind. “Some cloudiness, a modicum of wind, with a drizzle of rain or light snow, and one need not wish for more wind, cold, or downfall to help out his bag. Some days just happen to be good, irrespective of the weather, while on others the fowl will not draw to any character of decoys, no matter how favorable the conditions seem. “Wildfowl are most uncertain in their day movements, and the only general rule that I can advance that may be almost always depended on is that, on good shoot- ing grounds, there are strong probabilities of excellent sport during the first few days after the season opens. There may be, and often are, many good days later on, but no one can foretell them, and it is the hunter who goes early and often who is most likely to meet with reward.”—H. H. Brimuey. KEY TO GENERA 1. Neck not shorter than body; color white. (Swans.) 1. Neck shorter than body. See 2. 2. Tarsus reticulate all around, not shorter than middle toe without claw. (Geese.) See 3. 2. Tarsus scutellate in front, shorter than middle toe without claw. (Ducks.) See 5. 3. Bill and feet black; head more or less black. Branta. 3. Bill and feet pale; head not black. See 4. 4, Bill very stout, its depth at base more than half its length; color largely white. Chen. 4, Bill smaller, its depth at base not half its length; color mostly brownish gray. Anser. 5. Bill narrow, the edges of the mandibles serrated. (Fish Ducks.) See 6. 5. Bill broad, more or less of the ordinary duck shape See 6a. 6. Revestions of both mandibles very conspicuous, toothlike, strongly recurved at tips. fergus. 6. Serrations of both mandibles short, blunt, and not recurved at tips. Lophodytes. 6a. Lower portion of tarsus not scutellate in front. (Tree Ducks.) Dendrocygna. 6a. Lower portion of tarsus scutellate in front. See 7. 56 Brrps or Norru Carouina 7. Hind toe without a distinct membranous lobe. (River Ducks.) See 8. 7. Hind toe with a broad membranous lobe. (Sea Ducks.) See 15. 8. Bill spoon-shaped, very narrow at base and broad at tip. Spatula. 8. Bill not spoon-shaped. See 9. 9. Tail-feathers broad, rounded at tips. Male with a large crest. Aziz. 9. Tail-feathers narrow, rather pointed; no crest. See 10. 10. a pointed, the middle feathers much longer than the others. Tail of 16 feathers. afila. 10. Tail not much pointed, middle feathers not much longer than the rest. See 11. 11. Culmen longer than middle toe without claw. See 12. 11. Culmen shorter than middle toe without claw. See 14. 12. Speculum violet, bordered with black. Length more than 20. Anas. 12. Speculum green; length less than 20. (Teal.) See 13. 13. Wing-coverts sky-blue. Querquedula. 13. Wing-coverts leaden gray without blue. Nettion. 14. Lamelle of bill very fine, more than 30 visible from outside. Bill not shorter than head. Chaulelasmus. 14. Lamelle coarser, less than 15 visible externally. Bill shorter than head. Mareca. 15. Tail more than half length of wing, its feathers with narrow webs, and very stiff shafts, their bases hardly concealed by the very short tail-coverts. Hrismatura. 15. Tail-feathers not as above, their bases well hidden by the coverts. See 16. 16. Feathering on forehead or lores reaching in front to or beyond hind end of nostril. Bill swollen at base and with large frontal processes. No speculum. Somateria. 16. Feathering on lores er forehead not reaching forward of hind edge of nostril. See 17. 17. Graduation of bill less than length of bill from nostril; width of nail of bill not more than one-third width of bill at middle. Marila. 17. Graduation of tail much more than length of bill from nostril. See 18. 18. Bill swollen at base, with a large fused nail, and no frontal appendages. Oidemia. 18. Bill ordinary, not swollen nor appendaged. See 19. 19. Nail of bill large, fused. Tail in male with its middle feathers very much lengthened. No speculum. /Harelda. 19. Nail of bill narrow, distinct, tail moderate. See 20. 20. Nostril anterior, its front much nearer to the tip of the bill than to the loral feathers. Eyes yellow. Clangula. 20. Nostril sub-basal, its front much nearer to the loral feathers than to tip of bill. Eyes brown. Charitonetta. Genus Mergus (Linn.) KEY TO SPECIES Contains two North American species: 1. Nostril nearer middle of bill than base. Merganser. 1. Nostril near base of bill. Red-breasted Merganser. 39. Mergus americanus (Cass.). MbprGANSeR; SHELDRAKE. Ad. &@.—Whole head and upper neck glossy greenish black; hindneck, secondaries, lesser wing-coverts, and ends of greater ones white; back black, rump and tail ashy gray; breast and belly white, delicately tinged with salmon. Ad. 9 and Im.—Chin and upper throat white; lower throat and entire top of the head rufous-brown; rest of upperparts and tail ashy gray; speculum white; breast and belly white. L., 25.00; W., 10.50; Tar., 1.86; B., from N. 1.50. (Chap., Birds of EZ. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding chiefly in Canada, wintering in most portions of the United States and southern Canada. Range in North Carolina —Coastal region in winter, but may appear at that season where- ever there are large bodies of water. The Sheldrakes are inhabitants of the trout streams and lakes of Canada, well known to the voyageurs of those inland waters. Here they breed, hiding their nests in the hollows of trees, and, it is said, taking their young to the earth in their bills or sometimes allowing them to fall, the little ones working their wings to break the force of the descent. In feeding, they swim rapidly beneath the surface, often in the face of a strong current, and grasp their prey with their long serrated bills. Plate 4 MERGANSER. Mergus americanus (Cass.) Male and Female. 7 ¢ =~ ean” « | or -I Descriptive List As the fresh waters of the North become frozen in autumn, the Mergansers move gradually southward and frequent mainly the large open bodies of our bays and sounds. Feeding, as they apparently do, almost entirely upon fish, their flesh is not greatly esteemed for food, and hence the birds are seldom shot by gunners if other fowl are to be found in numbers. This does not appear to be an abundant species in North Carolina. While Pearson was a guest at the Currituck Shooting Club in March, 1904, his host, W. T. Post, of New York, shot a pair of these hand- some birds. For thirty years Mr. Post had been shooting in Currituck Sound, but could not recall having previously seen them. The Sheldrake, however, is not so rare in the lower sounds, and may frequently be found in the markets at New Bern. Cairns reported it as not an uncommon spring transient in Buncombe County. H. H. Brimley secured a female at White Lake, in Bladen County, during Decem- ber, 1911. It has many local names, such as Goosander, Saw-Duck, Saw-Bill, Breakhorn, and Fisherman Duck. 40. Mergus serrator (Linn.). Rerp-BREASTED MERGANSER. Ad. &.—Whole head and throat black, more greenish above; a white ring around neck; a broad cinnamon-rufous band with black streaks on the upper breast and sides of lower neck; lesser wing-coyerts, tips of greater ones, secondaries, breast and belly white; rump and sides finely barred with black and white. Ad. 2 and Im—Top and back of head grayish brown washed with cinnamon-rufous; sides of head and throat cinnamon-rufous, paler on throat; rest of underparts white; back and tail ashy gray; speculum white. L., 22.00; W., 9.00; Tar., 1.70; B. from N., 1.80. (Chap., Birds of HE. N. A.) Range.—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere. Range in North Carolina.—Chiefly coastwise in winter. Fic. 32. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (adult male), Slightly smaller than the preceding species and, to the minds of some, not so richly colored, the common “Fisherman” Duck of our coast may nevertheless lay claim to being a most handsome fowl. Its summer home is in much the same region as the Sheldrake, but, unlike that bird, it makes its nest on the ground. While shooting over brant decoys in Pamlico Sound we have noticed that although 58 Birps or Norru Carorina other ducks occasionally draw near with apparent intention of alighting among them, these mergansers always settled at some little distance away. In fact, their actions on such occasions have even left a doubt with us as to whether the decoys were really the occasion of their approach. In some places, however, decoys are specially painted to be used in hunting this bird when other ducks become scarce. In flight they present an easy mark, but when resting on the water it is a far more difficult task to shoot them, so low do they sit in the water. They arrive on the North Carolina coast in October and usually depart in April. The flesh is strong-tasting and fishy and not highly regarded as food, but a great many are killed, nevertheless, during the early spring, which is the season of their greatest abundance. There is a saying on Cape Hatteras, “One old Fisherman Duck will make nine gallons of soup’’—a tribute indeed to the potency of the highly flavored flesh. Sherman and H. H. Brimley observed Red-breasted Mergansers daily for a week on White Lake in Bladen County during December, 1910. On one occasion several stooled to Black Duck decoys. Genus Lophodytes (Reichenb. ) 41. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). Hooprp MprcGansmr. Ad. o\.—Front p: ane of large circular crest black; remaining part white, bordered by black; rest of head, the neck and back black; breast and belly white; sides cinnamon-rufous, finely barred with black. Ad. 9.—U pper throat white; head, neck and upper breast grayish brown, more or less tinged with cinnamon, especially on the small crest: lower breast and belly white; Fic. 33. Hoopep MERGANSER (adult male). sides grayish brown; back fuscous. Jm. o&.—Similar, but throat blackish. L., 17.50; W., Tar., 1.10; B., 1.45. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range. —North Americ a, breeding locally throughout its range, but quite rare and local in the breeding season in the South. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter, most common on the coast. 7.50; Or © Descriptive List This, the smallest of the North American Mergansers, is an exceedingly striking bird. The fan-shaped crest of finely pointed feathers has given rise to the name “Hfairyhead,” by which it is widely known. In the male this crest is white with a black outer border, thus furnishing a conspicuous mark for identification even ta distance. Although known to breed occasionally in the South, its nest is seldom met with in eastern North America below New York and Indiana. In the autumn they may be found in pairs or small flocks on the lakes and millponds. In Curri- tuck Sound they gather each year in considerable numbers, as well as in the bays and river mouths farther south, seeming to shun at all times the open sounds. Unlike our other mergansers, they apparently care but little for swift-running streams. Their food consists to some extent of seeds and roots, and at times their flesh is very palatable. Specimens were taken at New Bern, January 8, 1885; Raleigh, November 24, 1888, and January 31, 1908 (H. H. Brimley); Guilford County, April 8, 1892 (Pearson); and Dare County, December 19, 1908 (Bishop). In December, 1910, Sherman and H. H. Brimley saw several small bunches, aggregating from fifty to a hundred individuals, on White Lake in Bladen County. These flocks were in evidence daily for a week, and the birds stooled—not very readily, however—to Black Duck decoys. Several specimens were secured. In November and December, 1911, this species was constantly seen on Lake Ellis, and bunches of one or two dozen birds were often noticed. In fact, this was the most plentiful duck on the lake, next to Mallard and Black Duck. In January, 1911, H. H. Brimley observed five on Lake Ellis, feeding by diving in water not more than ten inches in depth. Frequently three out of the five were under water at the same time. He paddled up to within thirty yards of them before they took flight. Genus Anas (Linn.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Speculum edged with white, sexes unlike. Mallard. 1. Speculum without white, sexes very similar. Black Duck. 42. Anas platyrhynchos (Linn.). Ma.uarp. Ad. &@.—Whole head and throat glossy greenish or bluish black; a white ring around the neck; breast rich chestnut; belly grayish white, finely marked with wavy black lines; under tail-coverts black; upper back dark grayish brown; rump and upper tail-coverts black; four middle tail-feathers recurved; speculum rich purple, bordered at the base and tip by narrow bands of black and white. Ad. °.—Top and sides of head streaked with fuscous and buffy; back fuscous, the feathers with internal rings or loops and sometimes borders of pale ochraceous buffy; speculum as in the preceding; breast and belly ochraceous buffy, mottled with dusky grayish b:own. L., 23.00; W., 11.00; Tar., 1.75; B., 2.25. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—Whole of Northern Hemisphere, breeding from the northern half of the United States northward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. The most widely known duck of the Northern Hemisphere is the Mallard. Wherever grassy lakes, millponds, or sluggish streams occur, it is likely to be found. Breeding usually in the North, that great nursery of wildfowl, Mallards reach the South upon the approach of winter and afford excellent shooting. In the brackish water marshes and in the rice-field country of the Carolinas they 60 Brros or Norra Carorina congregate in great numbers. Being universally esteemed as choice birds for the table, it is little wonder that this species has long been domesticated. Our tame ducks, however, rarely exhibit the fine appearance of plumage and activities so characteristic of their wild kindred. The Mallard is supposed not to nest in North Carolina, although one need not be greatly surprised to find a pair of cripples thus engaged. A reliable farmer of Guilford County reported that he found a Mallard’s ege late in the spring of 1909 on a creek bank much frequented by the birds just before their departure for the season. The weight of a wild Mallard is about two and one-half pounds, and exceptionally large and well-conditioned specimens will sometimes tip the scales at three pounds or more. Fic. 34. Ma nbuarp (adult male). A favorite among fresh-water duck shooters, the Mallard comes readily to decoys, but usually it is a suspicious bird, and the blind and the decoys should be properly placed and the gunner well hidden and motionless to insure success. 43. Anas rubripes (Brewster). Buack Duck. Ads.—Top of head rich fuscous, slightly streaked with pale buffy; sides of the head and throat pale buffy, thickly streaked with blackish; rest of underparts fuscous-brown, the feathers all bordered by ochraceous-buff; back slightly darker and narrowly margined with buffy; speculum rich purple, bordered by black, and, at the end only, narrowly by white. L., 22.00; W., 11.00; Tar., 1.75; B., 2.20. Remarks.—Always to be distinguished from the female Mallard by its darker colors and smaller amount of white in the wing. Range.—Eastern North America, breeding somewhat more southerly than the Mallard. Range in North Carolina—Whole State in winter, and apparently also breeds in portions of the coastal region. Descrierive List 61 The Black Duck is another favorite of the fowler. It inhabits the coast region in great numbers, usually being found either singly or in small flocks. They feed much at night, and in their quest for food shovel the mud about so vigorously that the bottom when exposed by daylight often presents the appearance of having been visited by a drove of rooting hogs. It is usually a far shyer bird than the Mallard and very much more suspicious of a blind and stand of decoys. On a certain shooting ground familiar to the writers, where Black Ducks feed at night by thousands, the birds that come to the decoys have a habit of circling over the stool several times before deciding to alight. Many a time the crouching hunter watching a bunch come in hears the measured wing- Fig. 35. Buack Duck. strokes overhead suddenly break into a louder and quicker, whish, whish, whish, as the wary birds, noting some suspicious object or movement, start to “climb” into the safer air-levels above. It takes a quick jump and a quicker shot to down a wise old Black Duck under such conditions. The following remarks by J. C. Philipp are quoted by Brewster in his article on “The Red-legged Duck” in The Auk of July, 1910, pp. 328-329: ‘While at Curri- tuck last Christmas I was very much struck by the preponderance in our bags of very large winter (black) ducks. I weighed a large number and many went six pounds to the pair. Ishot numbers of Black Ducks in the same region twelve years ago, and then we were always surprised to see any of these big ducks. Gunners have spoken to me of the same thing—that is, a change in the type of Black Duck during the last few years at Currituck.” 62 Birps or Norru Carorina Like the Mallard, this species appears each year to be acquiring more wisdom in the matter of avoiding its human enemies. Few marks are more difficult to the gunner than a Black Duck when it springs suddenly from the water and begins climbing rapidly upward. Seldom does this wary bird today present a straight- away shot. Repeated rumors come from the North Carolina coast that the wild Black Duck breeds sparingly in that region, but until the present time it has been found impossible for us to have these statements verified with specimens, or by the observations of ornithologists. Jasper White, writing from Waterlily, N. C., in Forest and Stream for August 6, 1910, remarks: ‘‘We often see young Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, and Mallards.” Black Ducks arrive in North Carolina in October and depart in March and April. Genus Chaulelasmus (Bonap.) 44. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.). GADWALL. Ad. &.—Top of head streaked with rufous-brown and black; sides of head and neck pale buffy, thickly streaked or spotted with black; breast and neck all around black, each feather with a border and an internal ring of white, giving the plumage a beautifully scaled appear- ance; belly white or grayish; rump, upper and under tail-coverts black; lesser wing-coverts chestnut. Ad. 9.—Head and throat as in male; back fuscous margined with buffy; breast Fic. 36. GapWwaLu. and sides ochraceous-buffy, thickly spotted with blackish; belly and under tail-coverts white, more or less thickly spotted with blackish; little or no chestnut on wing-coverts; speculum ashy gray and white; axillars and under wing-coverts pure white. L., 19.50; W., 10.40; Tar., 1.55; B., 1.70. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. A.) Range.—Nearly the whole world, breeding in America from the northern United States northward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. The “Gray Duck’ does not appear to be a very abundant species, and par- ticularly is this the case along the Atlantie coast. A good many are shot each season in the Dakotas and elsewhere in the interior, but they seem much more rare in the Eastern States. Coues in 1871 reported them as common in winter at Fort Macon. Bishop recorded one at Pea Island, March 5, 1906. Descriptive List 63 The species is well known on Currituck, where it goes by the name of “Creek Duck,” though it is by no means abundant there. On Lake Ellis it seems to occur regularly, though not commonly. H. H. Brimley killed one there in the fall of 1906, and took two more on November 1, 1911. On this latter date an additional specimen was secured by another member of the party. As it mostly occurs with us in the winter plumage, it is usually passed over in a bunch of dead fowl as a small female Mallard, and its abundance is, therefore, prob- ably greater than our scanty records would indicate. Genus Mareca (Steph.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Head and neck rusty or rufous. Huropean Widgeon. 1. Head and neck whitish or creamy. Baldpate. 45. Mareca penelope (Linn.). HuRopEAN WIDGEON. Ad. o.—Crown creamy buff; throat blackish, rest of head and neck rufous-brown; upper breast vinaceous, lower breast and belly white; sides and back finely marked with wavy black and white lines. Ad. 9.—Head and throat deep ochraceous-buff, finely streaked and barred with black, darker above; upper breast and sides much the same color, but without black markings; lower breast and belly white; back grayish brown, the feathers with small ochraceous buffy bars; tertials fuscous, bordered by deep ochraceous bufly; greater wing-coverts brownish gray, usually whiter on the outer webs and tipped with black. W., 10.50; B., 1.40. Fic. 37. EuRoPpeEAN WIDGEON (adult male). Remarks.—The females of the European and American Widgeons bear a general resemblance to one another. Their distinguishing characters are mainly in the color of the head and throat, which are browner in the European species, and in the color of the greater wing-coverts, which are whiter in the American bird. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Northern portions of Old World, occasional in America. Range in North Carolina.—Has been taken in Currituck Sound. This wanderer from the Old World is rare in the United States, and when found is usually in company with the American Widgeon. It is of accidental occurrence 64 Brros or Norru Carona in North Carolina. One was taken on the property of the Currituck Shooting Club in 1887. Another specimen was killed by L. C. Fenno in Currituck Sound, Novem- ber 23, 1900. (Awk, Vol. XIX, p. 76.) 46. Mareca americana ((/mel.). BALpPATr. Description —Much like the European Widgeon, but head and neck whitish, speckled with black, top of head white; sides of head with bright green patch. Female duller. L., 18.00- 22.00; W., 10.00-11.00. % Range.—North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. Fic. 38, BALDPATE (adult male). The Baldpate or “‘Widgeon”’ is well known to gunners of the coast, where it is found in many bodies of fresh or semi-salt water. Numbers of them frequently come on shore to rest and preen their feathers, but the wary birds are continually on the lookout, and rare it is that the hunter can surprise them while thus engaged. Often when feeding among the rushes they may be located by their oft-repeated notes uttered to their companions in an agreeable conversational tone. The Bald- pate is fond of wild celery. This it is said to be quite dexterous in securing by robbing Canvasbacks and other diving-ducks of their gleanings. Widgeons are commonly found among the wildfowl bought for shipment in Currituck. A male taken at Raleigh, November 12, 1891, is the only inland occurrence of which we have any knowledge. Genus Nettion (Kaup.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. A white crescent on side in front of wings in male. Green-winged Teal. 1. No white crescent on side in front of wings in male. European Teal. The European Teal, Nettion crecca (Linn.), is similar to the next species, and the male is distinguished from it chiefly by the absence of the white crescent on side in front of wings. Female and immature specimens are not distinguishable with certainty from the other species. It is accidental in America, and as North Carolina is a great resort for wildfowl, it may pos- sibly occur here. Descrirrive List 65 47. Nettion carolinense (Gmel.). GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Description: Ad. male—Chin black, sides of head from eye to nape shining green, rest of head and neck rufous-chestnut; breast washed with vinaceous and spotted with black; belly white; sides finely marked with wavy black and white lines; middle under tail-coverts black, lateral ones creamy buff; upper back like sides, lower back grayish fuscous; a white bar in front of the bend of the wing; wing-coverts brownish gray, tipped with ochraceous buffy. Ad. female.— Top of head brownish fuscous, margined with cinnamon; throat and sides of neck white, finely spotted with black; breast and sides washed with cinnamon and spotted or barred with black; belly and under tail-coverts white, sometimes spotted with black; back fuscous, the feathers with crescent-shaped marks of ochraceous buffy, and bordered with grayish; wings as in the male. L., 14.50; W., 7.00; Tar., 1.10; B., 1.35. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Whole of North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. Fic. 39. GREEN-WINGED TEAL (adult male). This, one of the smallest of our ducks, is also one of the first to appear in the autumn. Coues reports them as arriving at Fort Macon in August, and further states that they are among the last to leave in spring. Their haunts in winter are the grassy ponds and river-margins, where they often associate with other ducks. Teal are generally regarded as exceedingly rapid flyers, and yet when seen flying in company with Mallards we have often been struck with the fact that they appar- ently were unable to outstrip their larger companions. Pearson recalls on one occasion seeing a wounded Green-winged Teal fall, which, on striking the water, instantly dived. After watching a few minutes for its reappearance, he waded out to the point where it had disappeared and found the bird about two feet beneath the surface, clinging with its bill to a water-plant. It was but slightly injured and made no effort to escape when carried ashore. Gentle, beautiful little creatures they are, persecuted wherever found for their choice flesh. C.S. Brimley observes that as a result of draining many ponds in the neighborhood of Raleigh teals of both eastern species are less often seen than formerly. Years ago they were not uncom- mon during migrations, and were occasionally observed in winter. 5 66 Birps or Norru Carouina Genus Querquedula (Steph.) 48. Querquedula discors (Linn.). Buurn-wincep Trat. Ad. o.—Crown fuscous, chin and sides of base of bill black; a broad white band across front of head, its hinder margin bordered by black; rest of head and throat dark ashy with purplish reflections; breast and belly cinnamon-rufous, thickly spotted with black; back fus- cous, the feathers with crescents of ochraceous-buff; lesser and median wing-coverts grayish blue, end half of greater ones white; speculum green. Ad. 2.—Crown fuscous, lightly margined with grayish; sides of the head and the neck whitish, finely spotted with blackish, except on the throat; breast and belly with less cinnamon wash than in the preceding; back and wings quite similar to the preceding, but ochraceous bars sometimes wanting, speculum darker and greater coverts with less white. L., 16.00; W., 7.25; Tar., 1.20; B., 1.60. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from the northern half of the United States northward; winters from North Carolina to middle South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter, but most common during the migrations. Fig. 40. BLuE-wWINGED TEAL (adult male). Observers usually agree that this species precedes by a few days the Green-winged Teal in the autumn migration. C.S. Brimley records them at Raleigh as early as October 19, and in spring as late as May 6. Cairns saw them at Weaverville April 16 and 23, 1892. Bishop speaks of their being at Pea Island April 27 and again May 1, 1905. Beautiful in plumage, delicious when rightly cooked, and usually abundant in its chosen localities, the Blue-winged Teal is justly popular with sportsmen. The birds are hunted in the rice fields and marshes from boats which are poled slowly by an assistant. The shooting occurs when the birds take wing. They are also much shot at “passes” or points over which they fly when going in the morning or evening to their feeding places. Many are secured from blinds, for these birds come well to decoys. So unsuspicious are they that at times one may easily advance in the open to a point within shooting distance. ” Genus Spatula (Boie) 49. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). SHOVELLER. Description.—Male with head and neck green, breast white, belly chestnut, wing-coverts blue. Female much duller, streaky brownish, known by the spoon-shaped bill, and the blue on the wing-coverts. L., 17.00-21.00; W., 9.00-10.00. Range.—Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from the northern United States north- ward, wintering from Maryland to northern South America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. Descriptive List 67 _ The male Shoveller is a striking bird and the green of its head often leads the hasty observer at a distance to believe that he is looking at a Mallard, the similarity also being heightened in part by the large size of the bird. This species is more common in the Mississippi Valley and the West. In North Carolina, however, it appears in limited numbers, usually frequenting fresh or brackish water. We have often seen these ducks in the possession of gunners at Currituck and have bought others at New Bern. A pair was seen in the spring of 1902 at Raleigh by C. 8. Brimley. Cairns regarded it as a common spring transient in Buncombe County. While fairly good for food, it is not rated high among ducks. ~ SAME ELC, Fic. 41. SwoveLuLer (adult male). “T found a flock of about a dozen on Lake Ellis in November, 1909. They were feeding in very shallow water, with mud bottom, and their actions were noticeably different from those of any other ducks with which I am familiar. It was not more than a hundred yards from the rear of my blind to the mudflat on which the birds were feeding, and it was interesting to watch their movements. The notice- able feature of the appearance of these Shovellers was the absence of any erect heads. Every head was down on the water, and every bill submerged. The effect was more that of a lot of muskrats wading in about four inches of water than of feeding ducks. Finally, I left the blind and waded out towards them. Even then not a head was raised until I was almost within range. Then every bill came up at once and the flock took flight. Although shot at several times, and two killed, the survivors returned to the same place no less than seven times during a period of three or four hours.” —H. H. Brrtey. 68 Birps or Norru Carorina Genus Dafila (Steph. ) 50. Dafila acuta (Linn.). Pinvrain. Ad. #@.—Head and throat olive-brown; back of neck blackish, bordered by white stripes, which pass to breast; breast and belly white; the abdomen faintly and sides strongly marked with wavy lines of black and white; back somewhat darker than sides; scapulars black, bor- dered or streaked with buffy white; wing-coverts brownish gray, greater ones tipped with rufous; speculum green; central tail-feathers glossed with green and much elongated. Ad. 2.— Throat white or whitish, crown and sides of head streaked with blackish and buffy ochraceous, darker above; breast washed with buffy ochraceous and spotted with blackish; belly white; abdomen more or less indistinctly mottled with blackish; sides with bars and lengthened black and white crescents; under wing-coverts fuscous, bordered with whitish; axillars barred or mottled with black; back fuscous, the feathers with borders, bars, or crescents of white or buffy; speculum grayish brown bordered with white. Jm.—The im. &@ is variously intermedi- ate between the ad. o& and 9; the im. 2 resembles the ad. ?, but the underparts are more heavily streaked or spotted. L., co, 28.00, 9, 22.00; W., 10.00; T., 7, 7.50, 9, 3.60; B., 2.00. Fig, 42. Prnvar (adult male). Remarks.—The female of this species is a rather obscure-looking bird, but may always be known by its broad, sharply pointed central tail-feathers and dusky under wing-coverts. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) E Range.—Northern Hemisphere; in North America breeding from northern United States northward, wintering from Delaware to Panama. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. The Pintail is quite as cosmopolitan in its distribution as the Mallard, but appar- ently nowhere so abundant. Often the two are found feeding together, but the Pintail is more suspicious and does not decoy so readily. Its summer home is in the northern regions of both continents. Many Pintails winter in suitable places along our seaboard; in fact, in brackish and fresh water they are surpassed in numbers only by the Mallard and Black Duck. Descrietive List 69 This is a long-tailed, long-necked, neat, slender, and very active duck, being in fact one of the most attractive of our wild fowl. It is built on racing lines and shows speed in every movement, whether on the water or in the air. Every duck- shooter knows, too, that the bird’s speed in flight is in keeping with its appearance. Good to look upon, most staisfying to the gunner, and an appetizing dish when on the table, it is a great favorite with discriminating duck-shooters. Cairns regarded it as a rare transient at Weaverville, Buncombe County. Genus Aix (Boie) 51. Aix sponsa (Linn.). Woop Duck: Summer Duck. Ad. #.—A line from bill over eye, a similar line at base of side of crest, and some of elongated crest-feathers white; throat, a band from it up side of head, and a wider one to nape, white; rest of cheeks and crown green with purplish reflections; a white band in front of wings; breast and a spot at either side of the base of the tail purplish chestnut, the former spotted with white; belly white; sides buffy ochraceous, finely barred with black, longer flank feathers tipped with wider bars of black and white; back greenish brown; scapulars blacker; speculum steel-blue; primaries tipped with greenish blue. Ad. 9.—Throat and a stripe from the eye backward white; crown purplish brown; sides of the head ashy brown; breast and sides gray- ish brown streaked with buffy; belly white; back olive-brown glossed with greenish; imner primaries tipped with greenish blue. Jm.—The im. & resembles the 2. L., 18.50; W., 9.00; Tar., 1.35; B., 1.80. (Chap., Birds of E. N A.) Range.—Whole of temperate North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. “Calloused indeed is the heart of the hunter who can gaze unmoved upon the matchless beauty of a male Wood Duck. For exquisite markings, no duck in the world can surpass the coloring of this living gem of the woodland streams. From early youth the writer has seen much of the ways of the Summer Duck, and whether in fight or in repose on the margin of some quiet pond, its actions have always suggested a gentleness and grace which accord well with the charm of its dress. We can readily believe that the great naturalist, Linnzeus, did justice to his feelings when he named it sponsa, the bride. Never is the Wood Duck absent from North Carolina. The margins of our sounds, quiet back-waters from the rivers, seques- tered ponds and rice-field ditches are its haunts. Here late in the summer flocks may be found, sometimes numbering fifty or more. When startled they often divide into companies of ten or a dozen each, probably separating into family groups, and after circling once or twice pass off through the forest, uttering as they go, low plaintive cries of alarm. “On May 11, 1898, the writer found a Wood Duck’s nest in the hollow of a holly tree in the woods at Cape Hatteras. The entrance to the cavity was about ten feet from the ground and the tree stood in a grove fully six hundred yards from the water. The twelve slightly incubated eggs were almost entirely covered with down plucked from the body of the bird. A remarkable feature about the location of this nest was the fact that the tree stood in a yard near a house, and beneath its branches children, dogs, and pigs disported themselves at pleasure. That their noisy neigh- bors did not greatly disturb the mother-bird was further shown by the fact that while engaged in examining the nest she alighted on the limb of a neighboring tree, where she stood observing my actions with interest. The same day a second nest 70 Biros or Norru Carouina was found in a hollow pine-tree stump twenty feet from the ground. In this instance the entrance to the nest was through the top. In Florida, I once found a nest of this species in a hole excavated by a Flicker, one and one-half miles from the nearest body of water. In the breeding season, when the birds are going to and from their nest, the female always leads, flying usually a few yards in advance of her mate. “Wood Ducks are choice food, and as a result of their constant persecution are rapidly becoming exterminated in many parts of the State, a fate doubtless being hastened by the draining of ponds and swamps. Their numbers are so reduced that, in my opinion, their killing should be prohibited by law at all times. “From the time the little ones reach the water until they are able to fly, there are few birds more skilled in making themselves invisible on the approach of danger. Swimming with neck outstretched and head flat on the surface, slipping as quietly as a snake among the lily-pads and water-grasses, or diving, if surprised in the open, a young Wood Duck is not easily seen and is much less easily captured. “Observers seem to agree that the young are usually taken from the nest to the water in the bill of the parent.’’—Prarson. Genus Marila (Oken) This genus comprises five species of our sea- or diving-ducks, four of them being among the best known of all our species. 1. Bill not wider toward end than at base; male with head and neck reddish. See 2. 1. Bill wider toward end than at base; male with head and neck black. See 3. 2. Bill much shorter than middle toe without claw. Redhead. 2. Bill as long as middle toe without claw. Canvasback. 8. Speculum bluish gray. Ring-necked Duck. 3. Speculum white. See 4. 4, Planks white, unmarked; size larger, wing 8. 25 or more. Scaup Duck. 4. Planks zigzagged with blackish; smaller; wing 8.25 or less. Lesser Scaup Duck. 52. Marila americana (/yi.). Repurap. Ad. o.—Head and throat bright rufous; lower neck, breast, back of neck and upper back black; rest of back and seapulars finely barred with wavy black and white lines of equal width; wing-coverts brownish gray; upper tail-coverts black; belly white, lower belly more or less finely barred with black; under tail-coverts black; sides like back. Ad. 9.—Upperparts dark grayish brown, darker on rump, the feathers more or less margined with buffy or ashy; sides of head lighter; upper throat white; neck buffy ochraceous; breast and sides grayish brown, more or less washed or margined with buffy or buffy ochraceous; belly white; lower belly and under tail-coverts tinged ve ochraceous; an indistinct bluish-gray band across end of bill. L., 19:003:W.5378.90; Tar., 1:55) Bs 3:85: Remarks.—This species is frequently confused with the Canvasback, from which it may be distinguished by the characters given under that species. The female Redhead suggests the female Ring-neck in coloration, but the latter is browner, and they can be also distinguished with certainty by the difference in their size. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeds from northern United States northward, winters from Mary- land to Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. To the market-hunter of the North Carolina coast the Redhead is an exceedingly important bird. Coming, as it does, in immense flocks in the early autumn and remaining usually throughout the winter, the fine quality of the flesh and the oppor- WOOD DUCK. Aix sponsa (Linn.) Male and Female Descrirtive List tall tunities of taking it in large numbers present a field for gunnery eagerly entered by hundreds of coastwise people. They are generally shot over decoys, either from a floating battery or blind. At night they frequently raft in great numbers, and from Core Sound especially come many complaints that gunners illegally shoot them by means of a light shining from the prow of the boat. As many as one hundred and fifty are thus at times slaughtered in one night from a single boat. As yet the State has failed to provide sufficient funds to employ an ample warden force to suppress these violations, and as long as the sale of game is legalized, this tremen- dous killing will doubtless continue. Fic. 43. RepuHeEAp (adult male). Redheads feed largely upon the so-called wild celery of the brackish waters of the coast. This plant is in no sense a celery, but is the Vallisneria spiralis, or common eel-grass, which one may often see washed in quantities upon the shores and islands of our inner harbors. To procure their food the ducks must dive, often to a depth of six feet or more. The Redhead bears a close resemblance to the far-famed Canvasback, from which, however, it is readily distinguished by the shape of the bill, unless, forsooth, they be served together, and then the finest connoisseur will find his past experience of little avail in his attempts at identification. The Redhead usually retires northward in March. 53. Marila valisineria (Wils.). CANVASBACK. Ad. 3.—Head and neck rufous-brown, chin and crown generally blackish; breast and upper back black; rest of back, and usually wing-coverts, finely barred with wavy lines of black and white, white lines wider; belly white; lower belly more or less finely barred with black; upper and under tail-coverts black; sides white, much more lightly barred with wavy black lines than back, or even entirely without bars. Ad. 9.—Head, neck, upper breast, and upper back cin- namon, throat lighter, and, with front parts of head, more or less washed with rufous; back 72 Birps or Norrn Carona grayish brown, feathers more or less barred with wavy white lines; belly white or grayish white; pee fhe same or grayish brown, generally marked like back. L., 21.00; W., 9.00; Tar., 1.60; , 2.40. Remarks.—This species is sometimes mistaken for the Redhead, to which it bears a general resemblance. The males of the two species may be distinguished (1) by the color of the head and neck, which is rufous in the Redhead and rufous-brown in the Canvasback; (2) by the generally blackish chin and crown of the Canvasback, these parts in the Redhead being colored like the rest of the head; (3) by the difference in the markings of the back, wing-coverts, and sides; and (4) by the difference in the size and shape of the bill, as shown by the accompanying measurements. The females of the two species may be at once distinguished by the color of the back, which in the Canvasback is finely barred with wavy white lines, markings which do not appear on the back of the female Redhead. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. A.) Range.—North America; breeds from northern United States northward, winters from Penn- sylvania to Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, mainly confined to Currituck Sound and vicinity. Fig, 44. CANVASBACK (adult male). Few wild birds on the American market today command as high prices as the Canvasback, and for long years to come it will probably be regarded as the standard of comparison when discussions arise as to the relative merits of palatable ducks. Of their autumn flight, Sanford in The Water Fowl Family says: ““The migra- tion from the North is over the water-courses of the interior, until near the bounda- ries of the United States: there some strike the Pacific shore, and a large body pass over the prairies to Texas and Mexico, wintering on the larger inland bodies of water and along both coasts to Central America. Another smaller flight is over the Great Lakes to the Chesapeake and south. This is the course of those birds win- tering on the Atlantic coast.” Canvasbacks are shot almost entirely over decoys. In the sounds of North Caro- lina the market-gunners usually shoot from batteries, and cold, windy days are Descriptive List ite regarded by many gunners as the best for securing a large bag. A driving mist or a thin snow render the possibilities of the hunter even greater. These birds fly with surprising rapidity. While shooting from a blind in Pamlico Sound we invariably missed the few straggling Canvasbacks that passed. It was only when we learned to fire at a point ten or twelve feet ahead of the flying birds that success crowned our efforts. When but slightly wounded this bird will dive with great alacrity and, swimming for many rods beneath the surface, will rise an instant for breath and again disappear before the gunner can fire. There is much evidence that this splendid game-bird is perceptibly decreasing, the occasional reported increase in various localities being easily accounted for by the change in flight for the season. 54. Marila marila (Linn.). Scaup Duck: Bia BLACKHEAD. Description.—Head, neck, and breast black in male; no ring round neck; back and scapulars grayish white irregularly zigzagged with black; head with greenish gloss. Female duller, the head and neck brown, with white around the base of bill, upperparts mainly brown. L., 18.00- 20.00; W., 8.25-9.00. Range.—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, breeding mainly north of the United States, wintering from Maine to Florida. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter, but mainly in Pamlico Sound. The Big Blackhead is much more of a “‘raft”’ duck than the Little Blackhead, approaching more nearly the Redhead in its habits and range. It is found chiefly on the salt-water and brackish sounds. Here it often congregates in companies of many thousands, and does not, at such times, decoy with the frequency and absence of caution that are so characteristic of the Lesser Scaup. W. M. Webb of Morehead City, who, in his capacity of State Oyster Commis- sioner, probably travels the waters of Core and Pamlico sounds to a greater extent than any other person during the ducking season, and who is besides an ardent and observing sportsman, writes as follows: ‘‘The number of Big Blackheads out- number the Little Blackheads three to one on Pamlico and Core sounds. I should say that there are more Little Blackheads killed for the reason that they travel singly, in pairs, or small bunches, and decoy better than any duck we have. On the other hand, the Big Blackheads travel in large numbers and are as wary as Red- heads. There have been more of the Big Blackheads and Redheads during the past two seasons than at any time during the last ten years.” —(Extract from letter dated August 17, 1911.) C. 8. Brinson, a lifelong resident on Currituck Sound, and a large game-dealer, states in a letter dated September 1, 1911, that the Little Blackhead is the most plentiful of all ducks on Currituck, but that the Big Blackhead—“ Broadbill,” as he calls it—is equally plentiful on the lower salt-water sounds. From 1914 to 1918, bags of Blackheads taken on New River, in Onslow County, have at times contained a good percentage of the larger species. Ordinarily, the Lesser Scaup is the common duck on these waters, but when ducks in general are compara- tively scarce, it sometimes occurs that the Big Blackheads taken outnumber the smaller species. I have weighed several pairs of these birds that ran over 424 pounds to the pair, one pair weighed reaching five pounds even. H.H. BriMbey. 74 Brrpos or Norru Carorina These evidences of the abundance of the Big Blackhead in North Carolina waters are introduced as a rebuttal of the statement made by former writers that Chesapeake Bay forms the southern limit of this bird’s winter range, and further, that in North Carolina its place is taken by the Little Blackhead. The probable reason for this mistake is that most of the published duck-lore of the State has come from observers on Currituck Sound and vicinity, where the small species is the one most in evidence. Both the Blackheads are “‘good’”’ ducks when feeding on aquatic vegetable growths, but the flesh becomes strong and fishy when they take to an exclusive diet of small mussels, as they do in localities where the vegetable food is absent. And hundreds of thousands spend the winter on waters where the latter condi- tions prevail. Fig. 45. Scaup: Big BLACKHEAD (adult male). Every salt-water duck-shooter from Core Sound to the Long Island waters knows the Big Blackhead, or Broadbill, and better duck-shooting cannot be had than that furnished by these birds when the weather is right for breaking the large rafts into bunches small enough to be attracted to the shooter’s decoys. 55. Marila affinis (Hyt.). Lesser Scaur Duck. Ad. #.—Similar to preceding species but smaller, head, as a rule, glossed with purplish instead of greenish, and flanks strongly instead of faintly marked with wavy black bars. Ad. 9.—Similar to 2 of the preceding species, but smaller. o L., 16.50; W., 8.00; Tar., 1.35; B., 1.60; greatest width of B., .95. 9 L., 16.50; W., 7.60; Tar., 1.30; B., 1.55; greatest width of B., .90. Remarks.—The Secaup Ducks resemble each other so closely that it is sometimes impossible to tell them apart, but they may generally be distinguished by the characters given above. (Chap., Birds of B. N. A.) Descriptive List to: Range.—North America, breeding from northern United States northward, wintering from New Jersey to Panama. “ae ; ; Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter; occasionally inland. This is the common “Blackhead” or “ Bluebill”’ of our fresh-water sounds, estu- aries, and coastwise creeks, and is well known to the sportsmen and market-gunners of most of the Carolina coast-country. It also frequents in limited numbers the fresh-water lakes and rivers of the interior. H.H. Brimley reports it as a regular, though never common, winter visitor on Lake Ellis, and specimens were taken by him at Raleigh, March 10, 1891, and again January 2, 1895. Cairns regarded it as a transient in Buncombe County. This is by far the most abundant species in winter on the Florida waters, and quickly learns a territory wherein protection is afforded it. Thus at Palm Beach, situated in Lake Worth, where the Audubon law has made it illegal to kill these birds, Pearson in 1909 found them so tame that by throwing fragments of shell into the water the birds were easily persuaded to swim in close to the sea-wall in quest of the supposed food. On such occasions they did not hesitate to approach within ten or fifteen feet. Similar treatment would make them just as tame in North Carolina. The Little Scaup comes well to decoys, and many are thus killed. By scattering grain in the water at a place where they have been observed to come and feed, they can soon be induced to acquire such a preference for the locality that the flocks will return again and again after being fired upon. They are birds that possess a strong curiosity and, in some places, like the antelope, it is ‘said they are tolled to their destruction by simply displaying a small red flag and judiciously waving it to attract their attention. On our coastal waters probably more Little Blackheads are killed over decoys than all other species combined. In the early part of the season vast numbers are slaughtered on the lower reaches of Currituck Sound, and in November of 1909 we know of one pair of market-gunners shooting four hundred in a single day, by an expenditure of about eleven hundred shot-cartridges. Not very shy, drawing to almost any kind of a decoy, and rather unsuspicious, this little duck is the joy of the shooter from a battery or blind who is killing them for market. Bearing on the possible breeding of the Little Blackhead in this State, the follow- ing notes are of interest: In May, 1909, a party was bass-fishing in South River, Carteret County. While casting along the edge of the marsh a bird was seen to slide into the water just ahead of the boat. It instantly dived, and was killed with a paddle as it rose. It proved to be a female Lesser Scaup, with the breast worn so bare as to indicate an incubating bird. (Reported by Mr. William Dunn of New Bern.) A pair of this species was seen on Lake Ellis in June, 1906, by H. H. Brimley. Bruner and Feild observed a pair on Lake Kawana, in Avery County, in late June, 1911. In Forest and Stream for August 6, 1910, page 211, Jasper White of Waterlily, N. C., writes: “On July 13, 1910, a flock of seven young Blackheads—small sized Scaup—was seen. They were very tame and allowed me to get within twenty yards 76 Brrps or Norru Carorina of them. We often see young Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, and sometimes Mallards, but I never saw or heard of young Blackheads at Currituck before. There is a flock of two hundred or two hundred and fifty Seaup now on the beach ponds of the Swan Island Club, and I have no doubt many of them are young birds.”’ 56. Marila collaris (Donov.). Rinc-Neckrep Duck. Ad. #@.—Chin white; head, neck, breast and upper back black, head with bluish reflections, neck with a not sharply defined chestnut collar; back and scapulars black, speculum gray; upper and under tail-coverts black, belly white, lower belly and sides finely barred with wavy black lines; bill black, base and a band across end bluish gray. Ad. 9.—Upperparts fuscous-brown, more or less margined with ochraceous; speculum gray; sides of head and neck mixed grayish brown and white; breast, sides and lower belly grayish brown, more or less margined with ochraceous; upper belly white or whitish; bill blackish, an indistinct band of bluish gray across its end. L., 16.50; W., 7.50; Tar., 1.25; B., 1.80. Remarks.—The male Ring-neck may be known from any of its allies by its chestnut collar and other excellent characters; the female resembles the female Redhead, but is smaller and generally browner. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding from the northwestern States northward, winters from New Jersey to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter; rare. Fic. 46. RING-NECKED Duck (adult male). As this is usually mistaken for the Little Blackhead by gunners, its comparative abundance is difficult to ascertain. At a little distance the two are indistinguish- able. Only a few specimens have been recorded in North Carolina. Cairns speaks of it as a rare transient in Buncombe County, and there are two in the State Museum which were taken on the coast. Its summer home is far to the north, and it is one of the few ducks which are said to use no feathers in their nests. Brinson, who is quoted in regard to the Broadbill, states that possibly one per cent of the “Blackheads” killed in eastern North Carolina are Ring-necks. He thus regards it as comparatively rare. Descriptive List On November 1, 1911, two females of this species were found among the fowl killed that day on Lake Ellis. They were identified by H. H. Brimley, after having been passed over by the other gunners as Little Blackheads. There is little doubt that this bird is much more frequently killed in North Carolina than is generally supposed. The black bill, with lead-colored cross bar, will always distinguish it when freshly killed from the Lesser Scaup, with its lead-colored bill and black tail. The gray speculum of the Ring-necked Duck, as opposed to the white of the Blackhead, is another point of distinction. Genus Clangula (Oken) KEY TO SPECIBS This genus is represented in North America by two species, both of which have been attributed to our State, one probably erroneously. 1. Male with a round or oval spot of white on lower part of lores; female with brown of neck reaching only to upper part of neck, and not as far in front as elsewhere. Golden-eye. 1. Male with a large vertical wedge-shaped patch of white across lores; female with brown of neck descending to middle of neck all around. Barrow’s Golden-eye. Fig. 47. GOLDEN-EYE (adult male). 57. Clangula clangula americana (Bonap.). GOLDEN-EYE. Ad. #.—Head and throat dark, glossy green, a circular white patch at base of bill measuring, along bill, less than half an inch in height; neck all around, breast, belly, exposed part of wing- coverts, speculum, and most of the sc: vpul: ws white; rest of plumage black. Ad. 9.—Head and throat cinnamon-brown, foreneck white; upper breast, back, and sides ashy gray bordered with grayish; wing-coverts tipped with white; speculum, lower breast and belly white. L., 20.00; W., 9.00; B. from anterior margin of white patch to anterior margin of nostril, 1.00; from anterior margin of nostril to tip, .75. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding mainly north of the United States, wintering from Maine to Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region; also occasional in the interior. 78 Brros or Norru Carorina The Golden-eye or Whistler is of wide distribution, being found at some time of the year throughout the greater part of North America. Difficult at all times to kill, it knows well the hunting methods of the Eskimo of the North and the peon of the South. As a diver it is an expert, and often disappears at the flash of the gun. Writing of the nesting habits of the Golden-eye, Mr. William Brewster in The Auk for July, 1900, says: “All the Whistlers’ nests which I have examined have been placed over water at heights varying from six or eight to fifty or sixty feet, and in cavities in the trunks of large hardwood trees such as elms, maples, and yellow or canoe birches. As the supply of such cavities is limited even where dead or decaying trees abound, and as the birds have no means of enlarging or otherwise improving them, they are not fastidious in their choice, but readily make use of any opening which can be made to serve their purpose. Thus it happens that the nest is sometimes placed at the bottom of a hollow trunk, six, ten, or even fifteen feet below the hole at which the bird enters, and at others on a level with and searce a foot back from the entrance.’’ The introduction of pickerel in many northern streams and lakes is responsible for the destruction of numerous young, a plump, juicy young duck affording an appetizing mouthful for this ever-hungry fish. The Golden-eyes frequent our sounds and estuaries apparently in limited num- bers, feeding upon shellfish, crustacea, and various water plants. They keep well to themselves as a rule, and never “raft’’ in large numbers. 7 s Fic. 45 3ARROW'S GOLDEN-EYE (adult male). Coues found them not uncommon near Fort Macon in 1869 and 1870. Cairns records them as rare in Buncombe County. Several skins from the coast region are in the State Museum. Pearson discovered a dead specimen on Pea Island, Decem- ber 30, 1902. H. H. Brimley collected an immature male, and saw another on White Lake in Bladen County, January 3, 1912. Descriptive List 79 58. Clangula islandica ((Gmel.). Barrow’s GOLDEN-EYE. Description.—Male with head and upper neck glossy purplish black, with a large vertical crescent-shaped patch of white across lores; a black band crossing white wing patch; female very similar to Golden-eye, distinguished by the character given in the key, and by the bill being comparatively shorter and having a broader nail, these last distinctions applying to both sexes. Size about same as the preceding species. . Range.—Northern North America, breeding from Iceland to Quebee and Colorado, winter- ing from the St. Lawrence to California and New England. Range in North Carolina.—Has been attributed to Buncombe and Craven counties, in the latter case apparently erroneously. This bird is more northern and western in its distribution than the preceding species. In habits and general appearance the two are very similar. Four have been recorded from North Carolina, but the identifications were incorrect in three of these cases. The two specimens in the State Museum mentioned by Smithwick (Catalogue of N. C. Birds) are really adult male americana. The specimen taken by Cairns in February, 1893 (see C. 8. Brimley, The Auk, July, 1893, pp. 241-2), is in the collection of William Brewster, who informs us that it is a male americana assuming the adult plumage. The specimen in the State Museum mentioned by C. §. Brimley (loco citato) is one of the two mentioned by Smithwick, and is americana. The one record, therefore, is that of a male which Cairns reported that he took in Buncombe County on May 6, 1893. This specimen has not been located Fic. 49. BUFFLEHEAD (adult male). Genus Charitonetta (Stejn.) 59. Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). Burriunnnap. _Description.—Male black and white, the head very puffy and beautifully iridescent black, with no white in front of eye, but a large white patch back of eye. Lower neck, underparts, wing-coverts, secondaries and outer scapulars, white; rest of upperparts black. Female duller, with the black replaced by grayish brown. L., 12.25-15.25; W., 6.00-7.00. Reange.—North America, breeding mainly north of the United States, wintering from New Brunswick to Florida and Mexico. Range in North Carolina —Coastal region in winter, occasionally inland. 80 Birps or Norru Carorina This is a common duck on the sounds and estuaries, usually seen in pairs or in small flocks. The male is beautiful and quick-moving, always more or less in evi- dence to the gunners spending a day in a blind out on the sounds. It does not decoy readily and its small size and rapid movements make it a difficult target. It is a marvelous diver and, to some extent, feeds upon small shell-fish. A female was taken at Raleigh, December 16, 1893, and it is recorded by Cairns as a rare transient in Buncombe County. Genus Harelda (Steph. ) 60. Harelda hyemalis (Linn.). Oup-squaw. Ad. & in winter.—Sides of front of head washed with grayish brown; sides of back of head and sides of upper neck black, more or less margined with ochraceous; rest of head, neck all around, upper back, scapulars, and lower belly white; back, breast, and upper belly black; tail pointed, middle feathers very long and narrow; band across end of bill yellowish orange. Ad. co’ in summer.—Sides of the front of head white; rest of head, neck, throat, breast and upper belly black; back and scapulars black, the latter margined with dark buffy ochraceous; lower belly white; tail and bill as in preceding. @ in winter—Upperparts black or fuscous; scapu- lars and upper back more or less margined with grayish or grayish brown; sides of head and neck and sometimes back of neck white or whitish; breast grayish; belly white; tail pointed, but without long feathers of male; under wing-coverts dark. Ad. 9 in summer.—Generally similar to above, but sides of head and throat mostly blackish, and feathers of upperparts more or less margined with ochraceous.. L., o, 21.00. 2, 16.00; W., 8.60; T., &, 8.00, 9, 2.50; B., 1.05. Fig. 50. Oxnp-squaw (adult male). Remarks.—The male Old-squaw is too distinct to be confused with any other species, its long tail-feathers being its most striking character; the female bears some resemblance to the female of the Harlequin Duck, but has the belly pure white instead of grayish dusky. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the far North, wintering from Gulf of St. Law- rence to North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter, not common; occasional inland. As beautiful in looks as it is undesirable in taste. Dwight W. Huntington in Our Feathered Game says: “It is a swift flyer, expert diver, a fish-eater, and a tough and undesirable bird for the table. Its evolutions in the air are said to be Descriptive List 81 beautiful in the springtime, when the males chase the females about and all dive from the air into the water.” The Old-squaw is a common winter resident in our open sounds and bays. About Cape Hatteras it is known as the ‘‘ Knock Molly.’’ “Tate on the evening of an exceedingly cold day in December, 1902, the writer entered Kitty Hawk Bay aboard a small sailing vessel. Scattered about the bay were noticed perhaps fifteen Old-squaw Ducks. They exhibited little disposition to fly and two specimens were shot from the boat. One of these was only wing-tipped. The boat was jibed and a short pursuit followed. The bird swam rapidly ahead, glancing frequently over its back, but did not attempt to dive.’’-—Prarson. Wounded ducks of many species are to be found in North Carolina waters in the spring after the northward flight has passed. At New Inlet, on May 13, 1898, Pearson secured such a bird, an Old-squaw in perfect summer plumage. The specimen is now in the State Museum. This species may be regarded as very rare inland. Cairns took a male in Bun- combe County in 1897. One was killed in Wake County in the winter of 1909-10 and brought in the flesh to C. S. Brimley. Fig. 51. Kina Emer (adult male). Genus Somateria (Leach) 61. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). Kina Erpmr. Ad. o.—Region about base of upper mandible and a Jarge V-shaped mark on throat black; top of head bluish gray; cheeks greenish; neck all around white; front and sides of breast creamy buff; upper back, sides of rump, and wing-coverts white; rest of plumage black. Ad. °.—Head and throat buffy ochraceous, the former streaked with black; back black, the feathers widely margined with ochraceous or rufous; underparts varying from brownish gray to fuscous, more or less washed, especially on breast, with ochraceous or rufous. Jm.—Paler and with less ochraceous. L., 23.00; W., 10.80; Tar., 1.80; B., 1.30. Remarks.—The adult male of this species may at once be known by its bluish gray head and the V-shaped mark on its throat. Females and young birds resemble those of the two other species of cider, but are to be distinguished by the generally unstreaked throat and the feathering of the side of the base of the bill, which in this species does not, as in the two previously mentioned, reach to the nostril. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) 6 82 Birps or Norru Caroiina Range.—Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere, coastwise, in winter regularly to Long Island, casually to Georgia. Range in North Carolina.—Oceasional along coast. Eiders belong essentially to arctic seas. In winter they appear in limited num- bers in the ocean off the coast of the United States, regularly as far south as New York. Their food consists largely of shellfish of many varieties; hence their flesh is but little sought for the table. It appears that they come but seldom to our coast. Cooke, in his publication, “Distribution of North American Ducks, Geese, and Swans,” states that in the year 1897 King Eiders were taken in Virginia and South Carolina. Again in 1890 and 1904 they most probably visited North Carolina, for he records their occurrence those years on the Georgia coast. In December, 1908, a flight reached our shores. Four were killed at Oregon Inlet, in Dare County, on December 3. Two of these were later presented to John E. Thayer of Lancaster, Massachusetts, and are now in his collection. On the 16th of the same month an immature female was shot at Pea Island, Dare County, by J. R. Roberson, and presented to Bishop, who was on the island at the time. Bishop writes that others were locally reported to have been taken in the region at a slightly earlier date. The Hider, Somateria dresseri Sharpe, has been known to come as far south as Virginia, and hence is not unlikely to occur on our coast. In this species there is no V-shaped black mark on the throat in the male, while the top of head is mainly black, and the scapulars and tertials are white. In the female the feathering on the top of the bill does not extend more than halfway to the nostril, and that on the lores reaches forward to below the hind end of the nostril. Size same as King Hider. Genus Oidemia (Flem.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Wing with a white patch in both sexes. White-winged Scoter. 1. Wing without white patch. See 2. 2. Nostrils in middle of bill. No white. Scoler. i] . Nostrils beyond middle of bill. Head with some white. Surf Scoter. b Fig. 52, Scorer (adult male). 62. Oidemia americana (Swains.). Scorpr. Ad. #.—Entire plumage black, feathers on side of bill extending little if any forward be- yond corner of mouth; bill black; upper mandible orange or yellowish at the base. Ad. ? and Im.—Above chest and sides grayish brown; cheeks whitish, sharply defined from crown; Descrirtive List 83 belly whitish faintly barred with dusky. L., 19.00; W., 9.00; Tar., 1.70; B. along culmen, 1.75; B. along side, 1.85. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—North America and eastern Asia, breeding in northeastern Asia, and extreme north- ern America; winters as far south as North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. The Scoter is a common winter species in Pamlico and Core sounds, but is more numerous, perhaps, on the ocean, especially in favorable weather. ‘Sea Coot” is the common local name for this and the two following species. All three of the Scoters occur regularly during the winter on New River, in Onslow County. They all come in readily to Blackhead decoys. 63. Oidemia deglandi (Bonap.). Wuirr-wiNGEep ScorTer. Ad. &.—A spot below eye and speculum white, rest of plumage black; bill orange, black at base, the feathers on it reaching forward far beyond corners of mouth. Ad. 2 and Im.3'.— Grayish or fuscous-brown, lighter below; speculwm white, feathers at base of upper bill and a Bue on the ears whitish. L., 22.00; W., 11.00; Tar., 2.00; B. along culmen, 1.50; B. along side, 1.55. Remarks.—The white speculum and feathering of the bill will always serve to distinguish this species from its allies. (Chap., Birds of HE. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding mainly north of the United States, wintering from Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina or farther south. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. Fig. 53. WHITE-WINGED ScoTer (adult male). This bird is often seen associated with the two other scoters; in fact, the habits of the three are very similar. None of the scoters are much shot in North Carolina waters. New England sportsmen hunt them persistently, probably for the lack of better fowl, as the Scoters are among the most numerous of all sea-fowl on those bleak shores. Usually they are shot from boats, a long line of which are anchored off shore at right angles to the coast in a territory much frequented by the birds in flight. In winter they occur regularly in large numbers on Pamlico Sound. 64. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). Surr Scorer. Ad. #.—A square mark on crown and a triangular one on nape white, rest of plumage black; bill with white, red and yellow, a black spot on its side at base; feathers on culmen extending nearly to a level with nostril, feathers on side of bill not extending forward. Ad. 2 and Im.—A whitish spot at base of the bill and on ears; upperparts fuscous-brown; throat, breast, sides and lower belly grayer, belly white. L., 20.00; W., 9.30; Tar., 1.60; B. along culmen, 1.55; B. along side, 2.30. 84 Birps or Norru Carouina Remarks.—The forward extension of the feathers on the eulmen will always distinguish this species from O. americana, while ued be known from deglandi by the absence of white in the wings. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. Range.—North America, folie i far northward; winters from Nova Scotia to North Caro- lina. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. Fic. 54. Surr Scorer (adult male). In writing of Surf Scoters on the New England coast, George H. Mackey in The Auk for July, 1891, says, “they feed on black mussels (Modiola modiolus), small sea-clams (Spisula solidissima), scallops (Pecten concentricus), and short razor-shells (Siliqua costata), about an inch to an inch and a half long, which they obtain by diving. Mussels measuring two and a half inches by one inch have been taken from them; but usually they select sea clams and scallops, varying in size from a five-cent nickel piece to a quarter of a dollar. They can feed in about forty feet of water, but prefer less than half that depth.’ Bishop records Surf Scoters in large numbers at Pea Island in 1901 as late as May 15. This bird is sometimes known as ‘Skunk Head,’’ the name being evidently derived from the sharply contrasted black and white markings. Genus Erismatura (Bonap.) f 65. Erismatura jamaicensis ((‘mel.). Ruppy Duck. 7.—Top of head black, cheeks and chin white, throat and back rufous-chestnut, lower ae ‘ble ackish; breast and belly silvery white; upper tail-coverts very short, tail-feathers stiff and pointed; bill blue. Ad. 2 and Im.—Upperparts dark grayish brown, the feathers marked with fine wavy bars of buffy; sides of head and upper throat whitish, lower throat grayish, rest of underparts silvery white. L., 15.00; W., 5.90; Tar., 1.15; B., 1.55. Remarks.—The short upper tail-coverts and stiff, pointed tail-feathers will always serve to identify this species. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding mainly northerly, but locally and rarely as far south eyen as the West Indies; winters from Maine to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. Descriptive List 85 This is one of the smallest as well as the most trustful and unsuspicious of our ducks. It does not decoy readily though it appears to have little fear of the gunner. It is a strong diver, but when alarmed prefers, if given a fair chance, to escape by flight. This it accomplishes by taking wing slowly along the surface of the water with head directly to the wind. It has not been many years since the market- hunter began to shoot these plump little birds, which formerly swam or flew about him unnoticed. The high prices they command of late have drawn to them the aim of gunners throughout their range, and as a natural result the ‘‘ Boobies”’ show a marked decrease in number. A popular method of killing is to “ring shoot’ them from a number of boats which have surrounded a feeding flock. Fig. 55. Ruppy Duck (adult male). Twenty years ago this duck was very common on Currituck Sound and in the waters around New Bern. At that time, in Currituck, all ducks other than Canvas- back and Redhead were classed as ‘“‘common ducks,” and brought about thirty cents a pair to the market-gunners. In counting the smaller species—among which was the Ruddy Duck—four specimens were required to make a ‘‘pair.” A peculiarity of this duck in those days was its disinclination to cross land in trying to escape the gunner. A bunch that could be worked up a creek, or into a narrow bay, by a careful maneuvering of the boat, would thus afford good shooting when the birds finally attempted to escape back to the open water. SUBFAMILY ANSERINZ (GEESE) Genus Chen (Boie) KEY TO SPECIES . Plumage chiefly grayish brown, the rump and wing-coverts bluish gray. Blue Goose. . Plumage of adult chiefly white, the young gray ish white. See 2. . L., 23.00 to 28.00; W., 14.50 to 17.00. Snow Goose. Te 30.00 to 38.00; Ww. 17.35 to 17.50. Greater Snow Goose. NNR e 66. Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus (Puall.). Snow Goosn. Description. —Enti-e plumage, except primaries with their coverts, white; primaries black, their bases and coverts ashy. Jm.—‘‘Head, neck and upper parts pale gr ayish, the feathers of the latter with whitish edges and (especially wing-coverts and tertials) striped medially with 86 ; Birps or Norru Carorina darker; rump, upper tail-coverts, tail and lower parts plain white. L., 23.00-28.00; W., 14.50- 17.00; B;, 1.95-2.30; Tar., 2.80-3.25” (Ridgw.). (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range. ” North America, breeding far northerly, in winter restricted mainly to the more western States; rare in the east. Range in North Carolina.—Accidental on the coast. Here we have a western bird, more commonly known in California and on the marshes of the Louisiana coast which it frequents in winter. Apparently it is quite rare on the Atlantic coast, and we know of its appearing in North Carolina upon one occasion only. Bishop writes that he examined in the flesh a female taken by Dr. C. C. Bush at Pea Island, February 5, 1906. J 67. Chen hyperboreus nivalis (/orst.). Grearer SNow Goose. Description.—Similar to the preceding in color, but larger. L., 35.00; W., 17.50; B., 2.60. Range.—Kastern North America, breeding far northerly, in winter from Chesapeake Bay to West Indies. Range in North Carolina.—Portions of coastal region in winter. Fic. 56. Greater SNow Goose. The “White Brant,” as the Greater Snow Goose is almost universally known to gunners, is a rare bird along the southern half of the North Carolina coast. On January 1, 1903, Pearson saw one standing among the sand dunes at Cape Hat- teras. It showed no disposition to fly until his horse and cart approached within fifty yards. Then it sprang into the air, and heading up wind flew rapidly for Descriptive List 87 _ several hundred yards, the black wing-tips contrasting strongly with the pure white plumage. It was followed for an hour or more, and in the course of its various flights completely circled the lighthouse. A bunch of Snow Geese frequented the waters of Core Sound in the winter of 1892-3. A pair from this flock was sent to the State Museum in the flesh from Beaufort. Two specimens were taken on Trent River, near New Bern, in 1884. A flock every winter inhabits the beaches between Currituck Sound and the ocean. Writing of this fact in American Duck Shooting, Grinnell says: ‘These birds do not seem to associate with the common gray geese, but keep to themselves, and feed largely on the marsh instead of in the water. Sometimes I have sailed within gun- shot of this flock of 500, and their white heads appearing over the short marsh grass, which hides their bodies, have a very curious appearance. When fairly alarmed, they spring into the air and fly away with sharp, cackling cries, much less musical than those of the common Canada Geese.” The White Brant’s flesh is not very palatable, and the birds are seldom, if ever, hunted in this State. A peculiarity of this bird is the reddish-brown stain often in evidence on the head and neck. 68. Chen cerulescens (Linn.). Buur Goose. Ads.—Head and upper neck white; middle of hindneck sometimes blackish, lower neck all around fuscous, rest of underparts brownish gray edged with buffy; lower belly generally paler, sometimes white; upper back and scapulars like breast; lower back, rump and upper tail- coverts gray; tail ‘fuscous gray edged with whitish; wing-coverts like the rump or slightly darker, with little or no whitish margins; wing-quills and tertials fuscous, the latter more or less mar- gined with whitish. Jm.—‘‘Similar to adult, but head and neck uniform deep grayish brown, only the chin being white. L., 26.50-30.00; W., 15.00-17.00; B., 2.10-2.30; Tar., 3.00-3.30” (Ridgw.). (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, in winter mainly in Mississippi Valley, rare on Atlantic coast. Range in North Carolina.—Once recorded from Beaufort. This is another western bird, which occurs but rarely on the Atlantic coast. Atkinson states that he examined a live specimen in the possession of 8S. J. Moore of Beaufort, which had been captured on Bogue Beach, one mile from Fort Macon, by James Willis of Morehead City in the spring of 1884. (Proceedings Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society, 1887, p. 56.) Genus Anser (Briss.) 69. Anser albifrons gambeli (Haril.). Wuirn-rRoNTED Goose. Description.—Grayish brown, the forepart of the head in adult white, lower parts grayish white, blotched or spotted with black; anal region, crissum, and _ tail-coverts white; young similar, but no white on head nor black on underparts. L., 27.00-30.06; W., 14.50-17. 50. Range. —Central and western North America, breeding far northerly, winters mainly in the Mississippi Valley, rare on the Atlantic coast. Range in North Carolina —Once recorded from Currituck. Seldom has this goose been recorded on the Atlantic seaboard. The one positive record of its appearing in North Carolina is based on the reception at the State Museum of a specimen taken in Currituck Sound during January, 1897. It was sent by Captain T. J. Poyner. 88 Birps or Norru Carorina Pic. 57. WHITE-FRONTED Goose (adult). Genus Branta (Scop.) KEY TO SPECIES Comprises geese with the bill and feet black, and with at least some part of the head black. 1. Head entirely black. Brant. 1. Head with some white. See 2. ; 2. Head mainly black, with a triangular patch of white on each cheek, these joining under throat. Canada Goose. 2. Head mainly white, the lores, occiput, neck, and chest black. Barnacle Goose. 70. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn.). CANADA GOOsE. Ads.—Throat and a large patch on side of head behind eye white or whitish; chin and rest of head and neck black; back and wings grayish brown, more or less edged with lighter; tail and shorter upper tail-coverts black, longer and lateral ones white; breast and belly grayish, fading to white on lower belly; sides like back. Jm.—Similar, but throat and cheeks sometimes mixed with blackish. ‘L., 35.00-43.00; W., 15.60-21.00; Tar., 2.45-3.70; B., 1.55-2.70” (Ridgw.). (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Temperate North America, breeding from the northern States northward to the tree limit. Range in North Carolina.—Mainly coastal region in winter. In the migrations likely to occur anywhere in the State. In the days of early autumn comes to one’s ears the deep trumpet-call of an old gander, and looking up one may see a V-shaped flock of wild geese passing over, their backs seeming to scrape the very sky. Few sights in nature so stir the imagi- nation of mankind! Somewhere far to the north, perhaps on the tundras within the shadow of the frozen pole, these birds have passed the summer, and now upon the approach of winter something calls them on their long journey, to be ended only in the sounds of Carolina or maybe the lagoons of the Gulf Coast. About their summer homes many of them have been harassed by the Eskimo and Indian, who pursued them with dogs when they were unable to fly during the molt- Plate 6 + JOU ES CANADA GOOSE. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn) Descriptive List 89 ing season. In the stubble-fields of the West, gunners have lurked for them in pits near which were skillfully placed metallic profile-decoys. Soon in the eastern waters of North Carolina market-gunners and sportsmen will be taking their yearly toll of the flocks. Yet, despite the constant persecution to which these geese are subjected, they retain their numbers most remarkably. In favorable weather it is not an uncom- mon sight to see ten thousand during one day’s sail through Pamlico or Currituck Sound. Canada Geese are easily domesticated and often live to a ripe old age. In 1902 a gander was shown to Pearson owned by a man at Poplar Branch, Currituck County, which was generally reported in the neighborhood to be sixty-one years of age. Domesticated birds do not mate readily, and the man who owns a flock of thirty or forty birds may be well satisfied if eight or ten pairs of his geese are mated. These domesticated birds are much used as decoys, and indeed the hunter has need of all available aids to secure the wary Wild Goose. We have shot them from blind, bat- tery, and sink-box, and on many occasions have been impressed anew with the wisdom and cunning of these powerful gray-winged flyers. “Where is the man who forgets the first time he ever shot at these magnificent birds? I well remember my first attempt—though it occurred more years ago than I will confess. Currituck Sound was the place, and the blind was on a little reedy island well out from shore. Cold and shivering, the boatman and I were crouching low behind the reedy screen, when a bunch of five were seen coming in. Straight up to the decoys they drove, dropped their feet, and alighted just outside. Spring- ing to my feet, I fired two loads of BB shot as the great gray birds lumbered into the air—and did not touch a feather. What the boatman thought and what the shooter said are not on record, but many a big goose has dropped to my gun since, and there is no feeling of resentment left for those five that got away unscathed. “fore and more are live decoys taking the place of the artificial ones. I have seen tried (and shot over myself) the flat profile decoy, the hollow wooden image, and the inflated, water-proof kind; but a few live birds are, im my opinion, worth a boat-load of all other kinds.’—H. H. Brimuey. Although an abundant species along our coast in winter, comparatively few are seen far in the interior. C. 8. Brimley observes that years ago flocks were fre- quently seen flying over Raleigh, but he has not observed any in recent years. Many gunners unite in the statement that the moonlight nights of April is the favorite time for the big flight to leave for the North. On May 16, 1898, Pearson saw a flock of eighteen near Cape Hatteras, a date which his guide assured him was an unusually late one. 71. Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brelim.). BRaAnv. Description —Brownish, head and neck black, the latter with a patch of whitish streaks on each side. L., 24.00-30.00; W., 12.50-13.50. Range.—Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions, in winter from Massachu- setts to North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. 90 Brirps or Norru Carorina “In Pamlico Sound the long extended lines of submerged sand-bars and mud- flats, with their abundant supplies of eel-grass, make an ideal winter resort for the Brant. They arrive from the North usually early in November, but the exact date depends much upon weather conditions. In flight they usually go in compact flocks without any apparent leader. They move slowly and often appear loath to leave a favorite feeding ground, even returning to it many times after being disturbed. Fic. 58. BRANT. “As the flesh is much esteemed for food, large numbers are annually killed and shipped to northern markets. In North Carolina it is customary to hunt them with the aid of wooden decoys. Twenty-five or thirty Brant decoys, together with per- haps a hundred others painted to represent Redheads, Canvasbacks, and Black- heads are anchored near a blind or floating battery in shoal water, often two or three miles from land. Here the hunter, well concealed, awaits the game which, lured from a distance by the flock of bobbing decoys, draws near to join their sup- posed friends. The birds fly slowly and often flit entirely around the battery before heading up to windward preparatory to alighting. While in this position, with the breast presented, feet lowered, and wings expanded, the Brant presents a mark which even the amateur sportsman cannot easily miss. If about to pass unnoticed, the gunner may frequently attract them by raising and lowering his foot or slowly lifting his cap aloft. I have seen them attempt to pitch among decoys after the attendant’s boat had approached and two or three men were wading about gather- ing them in. “On clear winter days, as one sails along the reefs in the region about Ocracoke or Hatteras, flocks of Brant, disturbed from their feeding areas, arise in almost constant succession for miles, their numbers running far into the tens of thousands. When heavy winds arise these large rafts are broken up, and later when the birds Descriptive List 91 are flying singly or in small companies, they readily draw to decoys. It is then that the gunners get in their most telling work, bags of seventy-five or a hundred birds being sometimes taken in a day. Near Cape Hatteras I once lay in a battery near a local gunner, who shot fifty Brant between the hours of 10 a. m. and 2 p. m., and the size of his kill in four hours occasioned no particular comment in the neighbor- hood. “Brant retire to the far North upon the approach of spring, furnishing much shooting for the gunners en route. They gather in great numbers to breed on the cliffs and shores of Hudson Bay and the little known islands of the Arctic Sea.””— PEARSON. 72. Branta leucopsis (Bechst.). BARNACLE GOOsE. Description.—Brownish, head mainly white, the occiput, lores, neck, and chest black. L., 24.00-28.00; W., 15.00-17.00. Range.—Northern Europe, occasional on the Atlantic coast of North America. Range in North Carolina.—Has been taken twice on Currituck Sound. This handsome goose, about the size of the Brant, is of rare occurrence in America, where in fact it appears to come only as a wanderer from the eastern hemisphere. Few specimens have been reported from the United States. Two of these were killed in Currituck Sound, one on October 31, 1870 (Cooke, Distribution and Migration of North American Ducks, Geese, and Swans). The other was taken by William S. Post of New York, on November 22, 1892. (Reported in a letter.) Genus Dendrocygna (Swains.) 73. Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieill.). Funvous Trem Duck. Description.—Pale yellowish brown, darker on head and streaked with lighter on flanks, black line on nape and down back of neck; rump and tail black, lower and upper tail-coverts white; lesser wing-coverts brown, rest of wing black. L., 20.00; W., 9.50; T., 3.25. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Southwestern United States and southward through Central and South America; casual in Louisiana in summer. Range in North Carolina.—Accidental on Currituck Sound. A Fulvous Tree Duck was taken near Swan Island Club in Currituck Sound during July, 1886, and forwarded by W. Sohier to the National Museum, Wash- ington, D. C. This odd, long-legged, goose-like bird is said to be found only on bodies of fresh or brackish waters, and at times will visit cornfields in quest of grain. Grinnell, in American Duck Shooting, says it “is exceedingly unsuspicious and readily permits approach, so that many of them are killed. When crippled, however, their strong legs enable them to run very fast, and, like all ducks, they are expert hiders, getting into the grass and lying there without moving.”’ Genus Olor (Wagl.) 74, Olor columbianus (Ord.) WuistLinc Swan. Ads.—White; bill and feet black; a small yellow spot on the lores; tail usually with but 20 feathers. Jm.—Head and neck brownish and rest of plumage more or less washed with gray- ish; bill and feet light. L., 55.00; W., 22.00; Tar., 4.00; Eye to N., 2.40; N. to tip of B., 2.25. 92 Biros or Norru Carona Remarks.—Few unquestionably distinct species of birds resemble each other more closely, superficially, than do the Whistling and Trumpeter Swans. In freshly killed specimens, at least in the spring, the yellow on the bill of the former and red on the bill of the latter is wholly and sufficiently diagnostic. Lacking these characters, which are always wanting in old, dried skins, the birds can be distinguished by the larger size of buccinator in connection with the fact that its nostrils are nearer the center of the bill than in colwmbianus (which has them nearer the tip), while buccinator usually has 24, instead of the 20 tail-feathers of colum- bianus. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding far northward; in winter from Delaware to South Caro- lina, and westward. Range in North{Carolina—Mainly on Currituck Sound in winter. ih 4 ere i Fic. 59. WHIstLInG Swan. The Whistling Swan is the largest of our water-fowl; and when swans gather, as they often do in immense flocks, the mass of snowy plumage presents a sight comparable only to a snow-bank or glistening ice-floe. They rise heavily against the wind, but when a safe altitude has been reached, the flock, with set wings, sails along in a manner truly magnificent. Swans feed in shallow water, reaching down with their long necks for the water- grasses, small shellfish, and crustacea, which compose their chief diet. They are common winter residents in Currituck Sound, some few wandering regularly south of Roanoke Island. Small flocks are found in Pamlico Sound, but they are not often seen in the State south of there. Occasionally some straggler wanders inland. Such a one was killed on the Tar River near Louisburg in Franklin County by Descriptive Lisr 93 J. J. Allen in December, 1903, and sent to the State Museum. One was shot on a mill pond near Greensboro in January, 1904, and exhibited for some days in the town at Clegg’s Hotel. Pearson found one hanging in a market at Wilmington, December 26, 1893, which was said to have been killed on Wrightsville Sound. A young swan is fairly good food, but disappointment lurks for the hungry man who attempts to partake of an old one, unless the muscular tissues have first been well softened by many hours of parboiling. While seldom hunted, we have yet to meet a wildfowl gunner at work who did not—when such an act was legal—shoot a swan when opportunity occurred. Comparatively few, however, were killed in North Carolina even then. As is the case with the Snow Goose, the head and upper neck of the Whistling Swan are often stained with reddish-brown. VI. ORDER HERODIONES. HERONS, STORKS, IBISES, ETC. This order is composed of wading-birds, of medium and large size, furnished with unusually long necks and legs. The toes are attenuated and often slightly webbed at the base. The young are altricial, being only partly downy. This order contains the birds known as herons, ibises, and storks, all voracious feeders on snakes, frogs, tadpoles, and other aquatic animal life. In North Carolina many of the representatives of this order are commonly known as ‘‘Cranes.”’ KEY TO FAMILIES Three families occur in our fauna, to be distinguished by the following key: 1. Sides of upper mandible with a deep narrow groove, extending from the nostvils to the tip. Ibises. Jbidide. 1. Sides of upper mandible without long deep groove. See 2. 2. Hind toe inserted more or less above the level of the others, middle claw not pectinate. Storks and Wood Ibises. Ciconiida. 2. Hind claw inserted on the level of the rest; middle claw pectinate on its inner edge. Herons and Bitterns. Ardeide. The Roseate Spoonbill, Ajaia ajaja (Linn.), or Pink Curlew, which belongs to this order, doubtless occurred in North Carolina many years ago. There is a statement by Barton in Fragments of Natural History, 1799, that it was sometimes, though rarely, seen about the mouth of the Cape Fear River, North Carclina. (W. W. Cooke, U. 8. Biological Survey, in letter, October 13, 1908.) When at Lockwood’s Folly, in the summer of 1898, strong evidence was presented to Pear- son of the killing of one of these birds in that locality ten years previously. They are not now known to breed north of southern Florida, where they are occasionally found in flocks fre- quenting the margins of ponds, both inland and along the coast. This is a striking bird, from 28 to 35 inches in length. Its colors are mainly pink and white, and the long bill is flat and spoon-shaped, greatly widened near the tip. 14. FAMILY IBIDIDZ. IBISES Genus Guara (Reichenb.). 75. Guara alba (Linn.). Wuutre Isis. Ads.—White, the tips of the four outer primaries black; bare parts of the head orange-red. Im.—Head and neck white, streaked with grayish brown; upper back and wings grayish brown; rump, breast, and belly white. L., 25.00; W., 11.00; Tar., 3.40; B. from N., 4.60. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North and South America, regularly from South Carolina to Brazil and Peru. Range in North Carolina.—Occasional on our coast in summer. 94 Biros or Norru Caroma The semi-inundated prairies of Florida appear to be the great stronghold of the White Ibis in the eastern United States. Here it may often be seen feeding by thousands in small scattered flocks. When alarmed they spring quietly in the air and depart with rapidly beating wings. In flight their appearance is striking, the extended neck and long curved bill readily aiding one to distinguish them from herons. For food they depend mainly on crayfish and other crustaceans. When roosting or engaged in nesting the White Ibis is found in trees, often in some almost inaccessible swamp. After the breeding season, some individuals wander northward along the Atlantic coast. On July 26, 1898, Pearson found three immature birds Fic. 60. Wuute Isis. feeding on the marshes of North River near Beaufort. One was secured and is now preserved in the State Museum. A gunner of the region said that the birds were regular summer residents and were known as “Stone Curlews,”’ but during various trips to this and other parts of the coast no additional specimens have been found. As it is by no means improbable that the Glossy Ibis, Plegadis autumnalis (Linn.), may appear in North Carolina, it may be useful to state that it can be distinguished from the White Ibis by the plumage of the wings and tail being highly metallic in both old and young. Its range is from the Gulf States southward, but it has been known to wander northward oc- casionally as far even as Nova Scotia. It is now a very rare bird, and so far as known breeds in the United States only on an island owned and protected by the National Association of Audubon Societies in Alachua County, Florida. i=} Or Descriptive List 15. FAMILY CICONIIDZ. STORKS Genus Mycteria (Linn.) 76. Mycteria americana (Linn.). Woop Isis. Ads.—Head and neck bare; primaries, secondaries and tail glossy greenish black, rest of plumage white. Jm.—Head more or less feathered; head and neck grayish brown, blacker on the nape; rest of plumage as in the adult, but more or less marked with grayish; wings and ae less greenish. L., 40.00; W., 18.00; Tar., 7.60; B. from N., 8.00. (Chap., Birds of E. - A’) Range.—North Carolina southward to Argentina. Range in North Carolina.—Occurs irregularly in summer east of the mountains. These great birds occur in enormous flocks about the lakes and prairies of central Florida, and may also be met with numerously as far north as South Carolina, where Arthur T. Wayne records them as breeding in Colleton County (Birds of South Carolina, p. 26). Like the White Ibis, they migrate northward in limited numbers during the summer months. One was killed early in July, 1884, at Garner, near Raleigh, and a number more were reported to have been seen at the time. One was secured at Chapel Hill June 12, 1901; a third specimen was taken at Buffalo’s Pond in Wake County, July 4, 1906; and a fourth was killed June 29, 1910, near Sanford. A mounted specimen, said to have been killed on the Catawba River some years ago, was observed by Wayne at Morganton (see Auk, Jan., 1910). 16. FAMILY ARDEIDAZ.. HERONS AND BITTERNS KEY TO GENERA 1. Tail-feathers 10, very short, scarcely stiffer than the coverts; outer toe decidedly shorter than the inner; claws lengthened, slightly curved. Bitterns. See 2. . Tail-feathers 12, more lengthened and decidedly stiffer than the coverts; outer toe at least as long as the inner; claws comparatively short and strongly curved. Herons. See 3. . Size small, wing less than 6. Jzobrychus. . Size large, wing more than 9. Botaurus. . Bill comparatively long and narrow, the culmen equal to at least four times the greatest depth of bill. See 4. . Bill comparatively short and thick, the culmen not more than four times the greatest depth of bill. Night Herons. See 9. . Color always entirely pure white. See 5. . Color not wholly white; at least the tips of the wing-quills of another color. See 6. Wing 14 or more. Herodias. Wing less than 11. Egretta. Wing 17 or more. Ardea. . Wing less than 12. See 7. - Wing less than 8. Butorides. . Wing more than 8. See 8. . Culmen decidedly shorter than tarsus, the latter more than 11% times as long as middle toe without claw. Florida. . Culmen equal to or longer than tarsus, the latter less than 114 times as long as middle toe without claw. Hydranassa. . Culmen about as long as tarsus; tarsus but little longer than middle toe. Nycticorax. . Culmen much shorter than tarsus; tarsus much longer than middle toe. Nyctanassa. DANHOAAR 0 ww oo w~ Genus Botaurus (Steph.) 77. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). Brrrern. Ads.—A glossy black streak on each side of upper neck: top of head and back of neck bluish slate, more or less washed with buffy; back brown, bordered and irregularly mottled with buffy and buffy ochraceous, wing-coverts similarly marked, but ground color grayer; under- parts creamy buff, the feathers all widely streaked with buffy brown, which is finely speckled 96 Brros or Norru Carorina with buffy and narrowly margined by brownish gray. Jm.—Similar, but buffy everywhere deeper and more ochraceous. L., 28.00; W., 10.50; Tar., 3.50; B., 3.00. (Chap., Birds o E. N. A.) Range.—North America north to central Canada; winters from Virginia southward to Guate- mala and Porto Rico. Range in North Carolina.—Winter visitor on coast, transient in central portion, summer visitor in mountain region. Not yet detected breeding in the State. Owing to the retiring habits of this remarkable bird, it is not often seen by the casual observer even in regions where it is comparatively abundant. Although closely related to the herons, it is more like a rail in its manner of skulking through the tall grass of the marshes it frequents. The solemn, unearthly, sucking ery of this bird, heard from far out upon a lonely marsh in the late evening, is a note to haunt the memory. Fig. 61. Birrern. We do not know that the Bittern breeds in North Carolina, although it is ex- tremely likely that it does. Pearson heard its cries in June, 1902, issuing from the grassy shallows of Lake Ellis, and a short search on this occasion resulted in flushing a bird. H. H. and C. 8. Brimley have frequently taken these birds at Raleigh between the end of March and May 30, and on one occasion in December. Coues saw one at Fort Macon in May, 1871. Atkinson recorded it from Chapel Hill. Cairns found it in Buncombe County from April to October. Bishop noted the bird at Pea Island, February 11, 1901, and again on May 5, 1902. Genus Ixobrychus (Billb.) 78. Ixobrychus exilis (@mel.). Least Brrrprn. Description —Male chiefly glossy black above, brownish yellow below neck, shoulders and wings with chestnut; a buffy area on wing-coverts; female with brown instead of black; under tail-coverts white in both sexes. L., 12.75-14.50; W., 4.42-4.85; T., 1.50-1.75. Range.—Breeds from southern Canada to Brazil, winters from the Gulf States southward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer wherever there are marshes. N. ©. GEOLOGIOAL AND Economic SuRVEY. PLATE B. 1. Collecting a nest, with nearly grown young, of Great Blue Heron. Great Lake, Craven County. (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) — 2. Young Black Skimmer crouching and hiding in bunch of seaweed. Note the protective colora- tion. Royal Shoal, Pamlico Sound. (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) Descrivrive List 97 Among the interesting forms of wild life inhabiting the fresh-water marshes, no bird is more weirdly fascinating than the Least Bittern. It haunts the rushes and cattails, and there constructs a frail nest but a few feet above the water. The young soon acquire great dexterity in climbing among the stems of the water-plants and few sights are more surprising than that of a young Least Bittern, erect and motion- less, clinging to the stalk of a bullrush, with its long neck extended and bill pointing skyward. This is the attitude usually assumed upon the approach of an intruder, and so slender is its figure, and so well do the markings of,the throat and breast blend with its environment, that one may readily pass{without observing it. Upon taking wing, its flight is at first laborious and ungainly in the extreme. If, however, necessity requires that its journey be prolonged, the long legs are elevated to a plane with its body and the wing-strokes become rapid and graceful. Pic. 62. Least Brrrern. These birds have been seen in limited numbers in various districts. H. H. and C. $8. Brimley have found them frequently at Raleigh from May to September, where they breed rather commonly in May and June. They are summer residents in the marshes of Lake Ellis. Cairns took only two specimens in Buncombe County during many years of observation, which indicates that it is a rare bird in our mountains. This may, perhaps, be accounted for by the infrequeney with which marshes are found in that territory. Cory’s Least Bittern, Ixobrychus neoxenus (Cory), which has the under tail-coverts always black, is known to breed near Toronto in Canada, and in southern Florida, and hence is liable to be found during the migrations at any intermediate point. It is much darker than the Least Bittern, but quite variable. vi Ads. in breeding plumage—Center of crown and throat white, sides of crown black, this color meeting on back of head, where the feathers are lengthened to form an occipital crest; neck pale grayish brown, a narrow black, white, and ochraceous line down the middle of the foreneck; feathers of lower foreneck narrow and much lengthened, whitish with sometimes black streaks; back, wing-coverts, and tail slaty gray, the scapulars paler, narrow and much lengthened; bend of wing chestnut-rufous; a patch of black and white feathers on side of breast; breast and belly streaked with black and white and sometimes pale rufous; feathers on legs dull rufous, legs and feet black; upper mandible olive-yellow, the culmen blackish; lower man- dible yellow; lores blue. Jm.—Similar, but entire crown black, throat white, neck brownish gray washed with buffy ochraceous; no black at sides of the breast or plumes on the lower neck; underparts streaked with black, slaty, white and ochraceous; bend of wings and feathers on legs paler; back slaty grayish brown without lengthened plumes. ‘“‘L., 42.00-50.00; W., 17.90-19.85; B., 4.30-6.25; Tar., 6.00-8.00” (Ridgw.). (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 7 Genus Ardea (Linn.) 9. Ardea herodias herodias (Linn.). Great Buue Heron. 98 Biros or Norru Carorrma Range.—From Alberta and Ontario to the West Indies and Venezuela (except Florida in breeding season). Range in North Carolina.—Present in the whole State in summer, but absent in winter in the mountain regions and to a great extent in the central portion of the State. The Great Blue Heron, also known as the “Blue Crane,” “Old Cranky,” and “Tong Tom,” is a well-known bird throughout our State, arriving in the mountains in late March, and there are well-marked signs of migration at Raleigh at the same period, although the bird occurs there sparingly at all seasons. Fig, 63. Great BLUE Heron. With head held nearly five feet above the muddy shore on which the bird may be standing, its slender neck and dagger-like bill darting down at intervals to spear some luckless frog or fish, the Great Blue Heron presents a picture not easily for- gotten. From the salt marshes of Dare County to the winding course of the Ten- nessee River its form is a familiar one, and many and wonderful are the local beliefs regarding its anatomy. One tradition holds that it possesses one straight intestine, while another gives it credit of bearing a phosphorescent bunch of feathers on its breast, by the light of which fish at night are lured to their destruction. Its nest is a heavy mass of sticks and twigs, generally placed in tall trees in swamps or along the margin of a lake. Twenty pairs or more breed every year about the shores of Great Lake in Craven County. Pearson has also found their nests in Craven, Carteret, Onslow, and Brunswick counties. A colony of about one hundred pairs have for many years inhabited the tall cypress trees of the ‘‘Crane Neck” heronry on Orton Planta- tion, Brunswick County. When one is passing beneath these trees the young fre- quently disgorge masses of semi-digested fish, which rain down upon the intruders with fearful accuracy. The eggs are usually deposited in April and May. N. C, GEoLoGicaL aNd Economic RVEY. PLATE C. 1. Cypress tree; Great Lake, Craven County. This tree contained 2. The same tree one year later, when it held four heron nests six nests of Great Blue Heron when photographed (1909), and had been and fifteen nests of Florida Cormorant. Note how the Cormorants used by these birds for several years. tend to kill the trees they use for nesting purposes. (Photo by H, H. Brimley.) (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) Descrietive List 99 Genus Herodias (Boie) 80. Herodias egretta (('mel.). Harnr. Description.—Pure white; adult in breeding season with very long dorsal plumes, reaching far beyond end of tail. L., 37.00-41.00; W., 14.00-17.00; T., about 6.00. Range.—Breeds locally from North Carolina southward; winters from Florida south. In summer wanders as far north as Massachusetts. Breeds in southeastern Oregon. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer, only occasional elsewhere. No bird in America has so melancholy a history as the Egret. Those of us living today are witnessing the passing of the race, and we doubt seriously if a single individual will be alive in the United States twenty-five years hence, unless the Fic. 64. EGrer. extraordinary precautions now being taken for their protection by the National Association of Audubon Societies should prove to be successful. Formerly it was an abundant inhabitant of the lakes and marshes of the Southern States; today it is restricted to a small number of localities in a few States. Its destruction has been due to the human craving for the beautiful, long airy plumes which grow from the back directly between the wings. The Audubon Societies have long fought to save it. By their efforts, laws have been enacted in all the States for its protection, and wardens have been employed to guard the few remaining breeding places of the birds. But the demand for the ‘“‘aigrette” by the millinery trade has never ceased, and the lust for gold has carried the plume-hunters into the swamps, over 100 Brirps or Norrn Carona the bodies of two slaughtered Audubon wardens, and into the last colonies of the doomed birds. The butchery of the Egrets has been particularly harrowing because of the fact that the birds have the plumes only during the nesting period, and to kill an Egret for its feathers means the starvation of its brood. We know of only one colony of Egrets now in North Carolina; this is located in Brunswick County and is carefully protected by Mr. James Sprunt, on whose prop- erty it is situated. We have visited the birds during the nesting period seven differ- ent times within the past twelve years, and have found them just about holding their own in numbers. The colony contained probably twenty pairs when discoy- ered by Pearson in the summer of 1898. Their nests were high up in tall cypress trees. The lowest one discovered was at least forty feet and others were fully eighty feet above the water. Pearson also saw two nests with the birds attending them in a small colony on Jones’s Mill Pond in Carteret County, June, 1899. Later in the season the place was raided by plume-hunters and the birds were killed. Indi- viduals have occasionally been seen elsewhere in the State during the past twenty years. From six to twelve birds are still seen each summer on Lake Ellis. One was killed at Raleigh, June 15, 1884, and another shot at Chapel Hill in 1894. Two were also recorded by Bishop at Pea Island, July 30 and August 19, 1904. Francis Harper found a few breeding birds in a colony near Beaufort in July, 1913. Genus Egretta (T. Forst.) 81. Egretta candidissima candidissima ((mel.). SNowy Earer. Ads. in breeding plumage.—Entire plumage pure white; about fifty recurved “‘aigrette” plumes grow from the interscapular region and reach to or just beyond the end of the tail; legs black, feet yellow, bill black, yellow at the base; lores orange-yellow. Ads. after the breeding season and Im.—Without the interscapular plumes. L., 24.00; W., 9.75; Tar., 3.80; B., 3.20. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) ; : ; Range.—Breeds from southern North Carolina southward; winters from Florida southward to South America. ‘ Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer; now very rare. The fate of the small Snowy Egret is scarcely less sad than that of the large Egret. In fact, today it is decidedly the rarer bird. This is the heron from which comes the short curved plumes known to the millinery trade as “cross aigrettes.”’ Like other herons, these birds assemble in colonies upon the approach of the breed- ing season, and to find one nesting place means finding all the birds of the species which are breeding in a surrounding area of many miles. The one colony of herons of the first magnitude still remaining in the State is at Crane Neck on the Orton Plantation in Brunswick County. It is situated in a growth of cypress trees in a little bay in the old rice-pond. Here it is believed the Snowy Egret is making its last stand in North Carolina. Ten or twelve pairs were found there by H. H. Brimley and Pearson in June, 1908. The nests were scattered among those of other small herons, and the resemblance both of the nests and eggs was such that we found it impossible to identify them positively except in the few instances when the birds were actually seen occupying their nests. Records of the Snowy Herons appearing in other parts of the State are few, and several of these are dubious. Coues regarded the bird as a summer resident at N. CG. GEOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SURVEY. PLATE D. 1. Two young American Egrets in the tops of the tall eypresses of Crane Neck. (Photo by I. W. Adickes. 2. In the tall trees of Crane Neck Rookery. Nest and two young of American Hgret. (Photo by T. W. Adickes.) Desorretive List 101 - Fort Macon in 1870, but found none breeding. Atkinson mentions in his list of North Carolina birds a specimen in the collection of James Busbee, from Wilming- ton. Cairns took one in Buncombe County, but the date appears not to have been recorded. Bishop secured a pair at Pea Island, April 22, 1905. Fie. 65. Snowy EGrev. Genus Hydranassa (Baird) 82. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis (Gosse). Lourstana Heron. Description: Ads—Upperparts dark bluish slate-color; back of head and upper neck with elongated chestnut-rufous and white feathers; back with pale brownish gray ‘‘aigrette’” plumes reaching to tail; lower back, rump, and belly white; neck bluish slate-color; throat white, an indistinct rufous line down the middle of foreneck; legs blackish; base of bill and lores bluish. Im.—Throat, and an indistinct line down the foreneck white; rest of head and neck brownish rufous; upper back and wings bluish slate-color, more or less washed with brownish rufous; no plumes; lower back, rump, and belly white; breast with more or less slaty streaks; legs yellow behind, blackish before; lower mandible and lores orange; upper mandible black. L., 26.00; W., 10.00; Tar., 3.70; B., 3.90. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from North Carolina to Central America; winters from South Carolina southward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer. 102 Birps or Norru Carorina Beautiful and graceful in the extreme, it is little wonder that many of the earlier — ornithologists called this bird “Lady of the Waters.” Although inhabiting fresh as well as salt-water bodies, the Louisiana Heron in North Carolina is a bird of the coast region, and rarely if ever wanders far inland. In the territory where it is found it is one of the most abundant of the waders, and it is therefore singular that its presence has not been noted in any of the State lists of birds heretofore published. Apparently the first specimen recorded was on April 20, 1898, when Pearson, while standing at the very point of the beach at Cape Hatteras, watched one fly slowly in from the sea. The next month he found four heronries in which the birds were breeding. These were situated as follows: one at Jones’s Pond, Carteret County; one in a small pond near Shallotte in Brunswick County; and two, Crane Neck and Tom Branch, on Orton Pond. The largest colony today is at Crane Neck, where Fic. 66. Lovurstana HERON. probably eight hundred or a thousand pairs assemble in summer. jy The colony at Tom Branch was continuously raided by eggers in the summer of 1899 and the birds deserted the region, probably joining their neighbors at Crane Neck a few miles distant. Pearson found them common on the marshes of North River a few miles from Beaufort in July, 1898. The most northern record of its appearance in North Carolina is that noted by Bishop at Pea Island. He found several there between August 5 and 25, 1904. Genus Florida (Baird) 83. Florida cerulea cerulea (Linn.). Lirrte Buur Heron. Ads.—Head and neck maroon-chestnut; rest of plumage dark bluish slate-color; inter- scapulars and lower neck-feathers lengthened and narrowly pointed; lores blue; legs and feet black. Jm.—White, plumage sometimes more or less washed with slaty; tips of the primaries always bluish slate-color; legs, feet and lores greenish yellow. L., 22.00; W., 10.25; Tar., 3.703 B., 3.00. Descriptive List 103 Remarks.—Between the young and adult there is every stage of intergradation of color, some specimens being irregularly marked with blue and white in about equal proportions. Young birds are sometimes mistaken for Snowy Herons, but can always be distinguished by the greenish yellow legs and slaty tips of the primaries. They breed in the white plumage. (Chap., Birds of HE. N. A.) ’ : Range.—Breeds from North Carolina southward; winters from South Carolina southward. Formerly bred as far north as Indiana and New Jersey. ; Range in North Carolina—Breeds in the coastal region, and after the breeding season the young in the white plumage scatter all over the State during July and August. One of the most abundant herons in the State is the Little Blue. When hatched it is white, and not until the summer of the second year does it acquire its blue plumage. In central and western North Carolina it is most usually found in the white phase. This is the common “Little White Crane” seen in July and August inhabiting our streams and mill-ponds. While still wearing the white plumage of youth, it mates and rears young, being one of the comparatively few birds with this peculiarity. Fie. 67. Lirtte Buve Heron. On April 30, 1898, Pearson found a colony nesting on Lake Head Island, in Mat- tamuskeet Lake, Hyde County. The nests were built in cypress and willow trees, at distances varying from fifteen to forty feet from the ground. One unusual fact noted was that the trees were not standing in water, but on virtually dry ground. Many eggshells with holes torn in one side were found scattered about the ground, and the creators of this mischief were soon discovered in the form of a pair of Fish Crows, which were seen making off with eggs in their bills. These black disturbers are always found about heron colonies. At this date a large part of the hundred or more nests seen appeared to con- tain eggs. Five nests were examined, all of which held four eggs. Four other nests had five eggs each. No young birds were found; in fact, none of the eggs observed seemed to be in an advanced stage of incubation. The heron life here appeared to be typical of that found to exist in the other breeding colonies of these birds. The same summer Pearson found the Little Blues associated numerously with the Louisi- ana Herons in the colonies before mentioned as being in Carteret and Brunswick counties. In 1909 H. H. Brimley discovered that about twenty pairs had estab- lished themselves in the trees on the southern shore of Great Lake, in Craven County. On June 18 all of the nests contained eggs, but two days later every egg had disappeared. Their destruction was attributed to Fish Crows. 104 Brros or Norra Caroria Genus Butorides (Blyth) v 84. Butorides virescens virescens (Linn.). GREEN Heron. Ads.—Crown and a short line below eye glossy greenish black; throat buffy white, this color extending down foreneck as a narrow line mixed with blackish, widening on breast; rest of head and neck rufous-chestnut glossed with vinaceous; back, with lengthened inter-scapulars, green, more or less washed with bluish gray; wing-coverts green, margined with white or buffy; belly ashy gray, more or less washed with buffy. Jm.—Similar, but with neck and underparts streaked with blackish; back without lengthened feathers or wash of blue-gray; wing-coverts widely margined with buffy ochraceous. L., 17.00; W., 7.25; Tar., 1.90; B., 2.50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding from southern Canada to the West Indies; winters from the West Indies southwards and rarely in the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, arriving in late March or early April and staying till early October. The Green Heron, also known as “‘Scow,” “Shypoke,”’ “Scout,” “Indian Hen,” and ‘Fly-up-the Creek,” is the smallest of the true herons, and is familiar to most farm-boys of the State. Mill-ponds and the banks of rivers and creeks are its Fig. 68. GREEN HERON. favorite haunts. §It wades cautiously through the shallow water looking for frogs, fish, salamanders, or other small aquatic life upon which it preys. When alarmed, the startled “squawks”’ it emits recall to the mind of many a man his early swim- ming or fishing experiences. The Green Heron’s nest is characteristic of those of the family, being a slight affair built loosely of twigs. Frequently it is placed in a bush or tree growing in the water, but more often, perhaps, the tree selected is on land; sometimes it nests in oak, apple, or other trees, a mile or more from the nearest feeding place. On April 15, 1898, Pearson found three of its nests near Lake Landing in Hyde County, which were placed on the horizontal limbs of cedar trees about fifteen feet from the ground. They were made entirely of cedar twigs and were so frail that the five blue eggs in one could be counted through the nest from below. Green Herons appear to be common summer residents throughout the State. Descriptive List 105 Genus Nycticorax (T. Forst.) 85. Nycticorax nycticorax nevius (Bodd.). Buack-cROWNED NicuT Heron. Description: Ads.—Forehead, lores, neck and underparts white or whitish; crown, upper back and scapulars glossy, greenish black; lower back, wings and tail ashy gray; legs and feet yellow; lores greenish; two or three white rounded occipital plumes about 8.00 in length. Jm.— Upperparts grayish brown, the feathers streaked or with wedge-shaped spots of white or buffy; outer web of primaries pale rufous; underparts white, streaked with blackish. L., 24.00; W., 12.00; Tar., 3.20; B., 3.00. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from Canada to Patagonia; winters from Gulf States southward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region only in summer. Fig. 69. BLuAcCK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. At the time of the publication of Smithwick’s list of North Carolina birds, in 1897, this bird was known in the State only by a few specimens taken in Carteret and Buncombe counties. We now know it to be a regular summer bird in the coast country, nesting commonly in rookeries with other herons. A few pairs each sum- mer associate with the Cormorants on Great Lake and make their nests in the cypress trees used by their fierce black neighbors, On April 30, 1898, Pearson found a nest with two freshly laid eggs and one with four slightly incubated eggs in the heron colony on Lake Head Island, Mattamuskeet Lake. Apparently this was the first record of the birds breeding in the State. Night Herons’ nests are com- monly more bulky structures than those usually constructed by other members of 106 Birps or Norru Carorma this family. So far as known, it does not breed in central or western Carolina, but after the nesting season wanders to all parts of the State. It is largely a nocturnal species, and prefers to pass the daytime dozing among the foliage of thickly leaved trees. In Carteret County it is eaten by some of the inhabitants along Core Sound, but its flesh can hardly be considered a choice food. There has been for several years a large colony on Harker’s Island a few miles from Beaufort, and Pearson has found colonies in Onslow and Brunswick counties. Genus Nyctanassa (Stejn.) 86. Nyctanassa violacea (Linn.). YrLuLow-crownep Nicutr Heron. Description.—Grayish plumbeous, darker on back, and streaked with black; head mostly black; the crown and chest tawny white, a white streak behind eye; young grayish brown, streaked and spotted, known by the structural characters. L., 22.00 to 28.00; W., 10.50 to 12.50. Range.—In summer from North Carolina to Brazil; winters from Florida southward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer, and occasional inland; rare. Rare and retiring in its habits, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron has been seldom seen by ornithologists in North Carolina. Atkinson mentions one taken at Beaufort in 1887. An adult was exhibited at the Fish and Oyster Fair in New Bern in 1892, and an immature mounted specimen was shown there in 1893. C.S. Brimley shot an immature female at Raleigh, June 25, 1894, and an immature male July 14, 1894. On June 13, 1894, Pearson secured an immature bird near Guilford ColleXe in Guilford County, and the mounted specimen is in the museum at that institution. One was killed by Owen Primrose in Johnston County, May 13, 1898, and sent to the State Museum. It was an adult. Im May, 1909, H. H. Brimley and Pearson observed at close range an adult on Dutchman’s Creek, which runs through a salt- marsh a few miles from Southport in Brunswick County. Three adults were seen by C. 8. Brimley in marshes bordering on Walnut Creek near Raleigh, April 14, 1911. We do not know that the birds breed in the State, but it is highly probable that they do. Pearson has found them nesting on several occasions in Florida, and says that in every instance the colonies contained about ten or fifteen pairs, and no other herons were found associated with them. VII. ORDER PALUDICOLEH. THE MARSH-BIRDS. This order includes cranes, rails, and allied forms. They are birds of moderate or large size, and usually dwell in marshes or wet meadows. The Sandhill Crane, Grus mexicana (Miill.) belonging to the family Gruide, is a large bird with long legs and neck, resembling a heron to that extent. In the adult the top of the head is covered with rough, dull-reddish skin, thinly sprinkled with short “hairs.’”’ We have no positive record of the appearance of the bird in the State. It is known to breed in Florida, Georgia, and westward and northward through the Mississippi Valley to Manitoba. In various trips through Brunswick County, Pearson has been told repeatedly of a large bird which frequents the open pond-dotted pine-woods, and known as the “Savannah Crane.” In company with YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Nyctanassa violacea (Linn.) Adult above, immature below Descriptive List 107 H. H. Brimley, he has made expeditions into this thinly settled section of the State to verify, if possible, the reports of the occurrence of this strange bird. These trips have been without result other than to convince both men that the Sandhill Crane is a regular, although not common, summer resident in this region. Wayne says in The Birds of South Carolina, page 34: ‘‘The specimens which were in the Charleston Museum were taken on the Waccamaw River.”” The Waccamaw River flows through Brunswick County, North Carolina, and empties into the Little Pee Dee River, not more than sixty miles from the boundary between the two States. The Limpkin or Crying-bird, Aramus vociferus (Lath.), belonging to the family Aramide, somewhat resembles a large rail. The adult is ‘‘glossy olive-brown, the feathers of the head and neck narrowly, those of the body broadly striped with white; wings and tail more bronzy.’”’ Length about 28 inches. The usual range of this bird is from Florida southward through the West Indies and Central America. Wayne records in The Birds of South Carolina the capture of three specimens in that State. It is just possible that it may come occasionally to North Carolina. Pearson and H. H. Brimley had a bird described to them by a man who killed it in Brunswick County in May, 1908, which was probably of this species. 17. FAMILY RALLIDAZ. RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS KEY TO GENERA . Forehead covered by a shield-like extension of the culmen. See 2. No shield-like extension of culmen over forehead. Rails. See 4. Front toes provided on their sides with broad, lobed membranes. Fulica. (Coots.) Front toes without membranous flaps on sides. Gallinules. See 3. Nostrils small. oval. Middle toe without claw shorter than tarsus. Jonornis. Nostrils elongate, slit-like. Middle toe without claw longer than tarsus. Gallinula. . Bill slender, as long as or longer than the tarsus. Rallus. Bill stout, not more than two-thirds as long as the tarsus, usually much less. See 5. Secondaries white. Coturnicops. Secondaries not white. See 6. Wing more than 4 inches. Porzana. . Wing less than 334 inches. Creciscus. PD OUT YR He 99 COND ND et Genus Rallus (Linn.) This genus comprises the larger, long-billed rails, of which four species and sub- species occur in the State. KEY TO SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES Size smaller, wing less than 414 inches. Virginia Rail. . Size larger, wing more than 5 inches. See 2. . Upperparts with much reddish brown. King Rail. . Upperparts more or less grayish. See 3. . Feathers of the back centrally pale brown, their edges pale ashy, underparts usually less ashy. Clapper Rail. . Feathers of the back centrally rich seal brown, their edges bright ashy, underparts usually more ashy. Wayne's Clapper Rail. wo Whee 87. Rallus elegans (Awd.). Kine Ratu. _Ads.—Upperparts varying from olive-brown to black, the back and scapulars widely mar- gined with olive-gray; wings and tail olive-brown; wing-coverts rufous; throat white; neck and breast cinnamon-rufous; belly and sides fuscous, sharply barred with white. Downy young.— Glossy black. L., 15.00; W., 6.50; Tar., 2.20; B., 2.40. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from New York to Florida; wintering mainly south of North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Fresh-water marshes in summer; occurs to some extent in winter from Raleigh eastward. 108 Birps or Norra Carorina This is the common rail of fresh-water marshes, and it appears to dwell wherever these are found. Its nest is constructed among the rank grasses or rushes of its haunts, and the pile of dead cattail or bulrush leaves which it usually gathers for this purpose is sometimes as much as twelve inches in height. Freshets are par- ticularly destructive to these nests, and large numbers of eggs are thus annually destroyed. The King Rail is an adept at hiding, and, when disturbed, its com- pressed body, propelled by long stout legs, passes with great rapidity through the thickest growth of water-plants. When forced to take wing, its flight is at first slow and exceedingly clumsy. Fic. 70. KinG Ram, C.S. Brimley states that at Raleigh, where it is a common bird, it usually appears about April 1 and departs about September 1. Single ones, however, have been taken later in autumn and some have been seen even in winter. King Rails breed in May, June, and July. 88. Rallus crepitans crepitans ((imel.). CLAPPER Ratt. Ad.—Upperparts very pale greenish olive, the feathers widely margined with gray; wings and tail grayish brown; wing-coverts pale cinnamon much washed with gray; throat white; neck and breast pale, between ochraceous and cream-buff, more or less washed with grayish; belly and sides gray or brownish gray, barred with white. Downy young.—Glossy black. L., 14.50; W., 5.00; Tar., 2.00; B., 2.50. Remarks.—The Ci: {pper Rail may always be known from the King Rail by its generally gray- ish instead of brownish or blackish ee urts, and its much paler ‘breast and flanks and paler wing-coverts. (Chap., Birds of BE. N Range.—Salt-marshes of Atlantic coast, breeding from North Carolina to Connec ticut. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-m: urshes of the coastal region. Clapper Rails are abundant residents in the salt-marshes along the coast, their loud rattling calls constituting the most characteristic bird-notes of the region. They are regarded as game-birds, and are commonly shot in the autumn from boats punted through the marshes at high tide. In some localities they are particularly numerous insummer. Such a place Pearson found “Jack’s Grass” to be on May 13, 1898. We quote from notes made at the time: ‘This is a low island of perhaps twenty acres, situated in Pamlico Sound, very near New Inlet. A channel runs on Descriptive List 109 either side. It has no trees, but is covered rather uniformly with grass eight or ten inches high. Small clumps of rushes, growing rarely over three feet high, are, however, scattered over the island. The earth at these spots is usually elevated about a foot above the surrounding marsh, and in nearly every one of them a rail’s nest was found. These were composed entirely of marsh-grass, blades and stalks, and were built from six to eight inches above the wet sod. The fragments of grass used varied from four to six inches in length, shorter pieces being employed for Fig. 71. Cuapper Rat. the top layers. The nests measured about eight inches across the top, the horizontal thickness being uniform from the bottom. Each of two of the nests examined held eight slightly incubated eggs, and one with ten eggs was seen. One was found with two freshly deposited eggs, and another with four incubated eggs. Eggshells from which the young had but shortly departed were found in one instance. Usually the eges were not screened from view by any arching of the grass or rushes. Along the banks of the tide-creeks the marsh-grass was often two feet or more in height. Here were the many covered runways of the birds, some of them several yards in length.” 110 Birps or Norru Carorima This visit to Jack’s Grass was in the days before the discovery of the variety known as Wayne’s Rail, which very closely resembles the Clapper Rail, and as no specimens were shot and preserved, it is impossible to state which of the two forms may have predominated. Clapper Rails are known to have been taken at Fort Macon and Pea Island. A rail shot by Pearson on Dutchman’s Creek in Bruns- wick County, August 14, 1909, and laboriously retrieved by H. H. Brimley, proved to be a typical Clapper Rail. Three specimens in the American Museum of Natu- ral History, New York City, were taken at Hatteras on March 2, 3, and 7, 1900. 89. Rallus crepitans waynei (Brewst.). WaAyNr’s CLAPPER Rain. Description.—‘‘Similar to R. crepitans, but the general coloring much darker, the underparts with more ashy, the under tail-coverts with fewer markings” (Brewst., Proc. N. E. Zodl. Club, I, 1899, p. 50). Range.—Salt-marshes of the south Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-marshes of the coastal region. The exact distribution of the two Clapper Rails in the State is not yet well understood, most of our records dating from before the time when waynei was first recognized. Bishop reports this bird to be a common summer resident on Pea Island, breed- ing in May, its habits being in no way distinguishable from those of the Clapper Rail. He also mentions a female taken on February 9 and a male on February 11, 1901, both of which were pronounced typical by Brewster, who first described this subspecies. (Auk, 1901, p. 265.) Four specimens in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, were collected at Hatteras on November 7, 1899, and on March 3, May 5, and July 9, 1900. 90. Rallus virginianus (Linn.). Virainta Rar. Ad.—Upperparts fuscous or black, the feathers bordered by pale grayish brown; wings and tail dark grayish brown; wing-coverts rufous, lores whitish, cheeks gray, throat white; rest of the underparts cinnamon-rufous; flanks and under tail-coverts barred or spotted with black and white. Downy young.—Glossy black. L., 9.50; W., 4.30; Tar., 1.30; B., 1.5 Fig, 72. VirGinia Ratb. Range.—North America. Breeds from British Columbia, southern Saskatchewan, southern Keewatin, Ontario, southern Quebec, and New Brunswick south to southern California, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, New Jersey, and eastern North Carolina, and in Toluca Valley, Mexico; winters from Oregon, Utah, and Colorado, to Lower California and Guatemala; also in the Lower Mississippi States, and from North Carolina (casually Massachusetts) to Florida; occurs occasionally north to northern Quebee and Newfoundland. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in North Carolina.—Apparently resident in at least portions of the coastal region; migrant in rest of State. The Virginia Rail, although smaller than the King Rail, much resembles it in general appearance. Its range as a breeding bird has not usually been supposed Descrierive List aati to reach North Carolina. This fact added greatly to the interest of the discovery of a nest with four fresh eggs on Gull Shoal Island, in Pamlico Sound, Dare County, by Pearson, on May 20, 1898. The top of the nest was just twelve inches above the mud in which the rushes were growing that supported it. It measured six inches across the top. The eggs were retained in Pearson’s private collection until destroyed by mice four years later. Bishop took a moulting female at Pea Island on February 9, 1901. (Auk, 1901, p. 265.) H. H. Brimley saw one at close range on Lake Ellis, May 16, 1906. He regards the species as a rare transient at Raleigh, where he has taken specimens on the following dates: March 7, 1891; April 11 and 25. 1894; April 12, 1898; April 26 and May 1 and 9, 1900; May 3 and 6, 1889; September 8, 1896, and October 9, 1893. Wayne, in Birds of South Carolina, says that in autumn the Virginia Rails frequent fields where pea-vines are growing and about ready to be harvested, and appear not to be dependent on water when in such situations. Genus Porzana (Vieill.) 91. Porzana carolina (Linn.). Sora. Description.—Olive brown, streaked, breast slate-gray, back streaked; belly barred. Adult with face and middle line of throat black. L., 7.87-9.25; W., 3.87-4.36; T., 1.75-2.12. Range.—North America, breeding from New Jersey northward; winters from South Caro- lina southward. Range in*North Carolina.—Whole State during the migrations. Fia. 73. Sora. The Soras are common transients in North Carolina. During the early autumn they frequent the rice-fields and many of the marshes of the eastern part of the State. Being choice articles of diet, they are in great demand, especially in the Wilmington market, where they are known as “coots.” Large numbers are taken at night by means of a torch and stick, in the grass along the margins of ditches and creeks. Upon the approach of frost they depart suddenly, by night, for the South. This abrupt disappearance from regions where the day before they were common is a source of mystification to many people, and in New Hanover County there are negroes who solemnly assert that the birds turn into frogs and go into the mud for the winter. The records made by C. 8. Brimley at Raleigh, during a period of ten years, show the earliest fall record of the Sora there to have been August 21, and the 112 Birps or Norra Carorina latest October 30. In the spring his earliest record is April 8, and the latest May 13. Cairns in 1894 found them at Weaverville, Buncombe County, September 1 to 6, and April 30 to May 6. Bishop has taken them at Pea Island, Dare County, May 13, 1901, and May 10, 1902. H. H. Brimley saw one on Lake Ellis May 12, 1906, and another was killed by him on May 13, 1911. One was brought to Pear- son at Greensboro, August 19, 1909, which had evidently been killed the night before by striking a telephone wire. Genus Coturnicops (Bonap. ) 92. Coturnicops noveboracensis ((fmel.). Yrutow Ratt. Description: Ads.—Upperparts black, the feathers bordered with ochraceous-buff and with from one to three narrow white bars; breast ochraceous-buff; middle of the belly white; sides and lower belly black or brownish, barred with white. L., 7.00; W., 3.40; Tar., .95; B., .52. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) : Range.—Kastern North America, breeding from Maine northward; winters in the Gulf States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State during the migrations; rare; winters in the east. Fic. 74. Yerutuow Rar. The Yellow Rail is without doubt a rare bird in this State. Coues saw one in Carteret County, April 12, 1870; H. H. Brimley found two exhibited in the flesh at the New Bern Fair in February, 1892; and Cairns took a male at Weaverville, Buncombe County, October 19, 1894. One was sent to Pearson by M. W. Haynes of Tarboro, who stated that he picked it up at that place on the morning of September 23, 1908. It had been killed during the previous night by flying against a telephone wire. Bishop secured two on Pea Island, Dare County, in 1908; one, an adult male, was killed December 20, the other, also an adult male, was taken about December 26. A living specimen was brought to Pearson at Greensboro October 4, 1910, by a colored man, who said he had just caught it in a barn near town. The Pea Island and New Bern records would seem to show that the species may winter in the coastal region, while the others indicate it to be only a migrant in the rest of the State. Any conclusions as to its actual rarity or abundance can only be surmises, as the bird is of extremely unobtrusive and skulking habits. It is an inhabitant of wet meadows and is said to be exceedingly difficult to flush. Genus Creciscus (Cab.) This genus contains two species in North America. One is found on the Pacific coast of the United States, the other in the East. Descriptive List 113 93. Creciscus jamaicensis ((imel.). Bruack Rat. Ads.—Head, breast and upper belly slate-color; lower belly and wings brownish black, barred or spotted with white; nape dark reddish brown. L., 5.00; W., 2.80; Tar., .80; B., .60. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America breeding from South Carolina to Canada, and wintering through the Gulf States to Jamaica and Guatemala. Range in Nerth Carolina.—Nearly the whole State, apparently only in summer. The Black Rail, the smallest member of the rail family in the United States, is one of those secretive creatures the comparative abundance of which is difficult to determine. It probably is a regular summer resident in the State. Near Raleigh, along the course of Walnut Creek, are numerous patches of meadow-land, some of which are annually cut for hay. It is here and principally on these occasions that the Black Rails have been brought to our attention. From 1890 to 1902 eight nests with eggs were secured by H. H. and C. 8. Brimley from the negro mowers. Fie. 75. Buack Ratu. Small in size, inhabiting the thick meadow-growth, and virtually never taking wing when disturbed, it is as hard to find as a ground-loving mouse. The eight sets of eggs secured at Raleigh were taken at dates varying from May 27 to July 12. Fresh eggs were found as late as June 28 and eggs far gone in incu- bation as early as June 8. The number seems to vary from six to eight. Other North Carolina records are as follows: Statesville, found breeding by McLaughlin; Jamestown, Guilford County, one adult and two downy young taken by Pearson in June, 1893; Lake Ellis, one seen early in October, 1909, by H. H. Brimley. Genus Ionornis (Reichenb. ) 94. Ionornis martinicus (Linn.). PurPLE GALLINULE. Ad.—Front of crown with a bare, bluish-plumbeous plate; rest of head and underparts rich, dark, purplish blue; under tail-coverts white; back shining olive-green; wings light blue tinged with greenish; bill carmine, tipped with pale greenish (in skins, reddish orange, tipped with yellowish); legs yellow. Jm.—Upperparts more or less washed with brownish; underparts more or less mottled with white; plate on the head smaller; bill without orange-red. Downy young.—Glossy black, head with numerous white, hairlike feathers; base of the bill yellowish, end black. L., 13.00; W., 7.10; Tar., 2.40; B., from posterior margin of nostril, .80. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from South Carolina southward to Paraguay; winters from the Gulf States southward. cies in North Carolina.—Only occasional; so far only recorded from Craven and Wake counties. 8 114 Brros or Norrm Carorina This brilliantly colored bird does not appear to come often to North Carolina and diligent search by us in suitable regions of the State has as yet failed to reveal its nest. H.H. Brimley shot one which had alighted in a tree on the border of a pond near Raleigh on June 6, 1887. Another specimen in the State Museum was sent from Craven County. We have no other records of its occurrence within our borders. It is a marsh-loving bird and should be looked for among rushes or lily- pads about the margins of fresh-water ponds or lakes. Its nesting habits are like those of the rails. Genus Gallinula (Briss.) 95. Gallinula galeata galeata (Lichi.). FLoRtDA GALLINULE. Ad.—Dark bluish slate color; back and seapulars washed with olive-brown; belly whitish; flanks with a few conspicuous white streaks; under tail-coverts white; crown with a bare, bright-red plate; bill the same color, tipped with yellowish; legs bright-red at the tibia. Jm.— Similar, but underparts grayish white; crown-plate much smaller and the bill brownish; no red on the legs. Downy young.—‘‘Glossy black, the lowerparts sooty along the median line; throat and cheeks interspersed with silvery white hairs’ (Ridgw.). L., 13.50; W., 7.00; Tar., 2.15; B., from posterior margin of nostril, .80. (Chap., Birds of B. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from New York southward; winters from Georgia southward. Range in North Carolina.—Occasional during the migrations in all parts of the State. Has been detected breeding in Craven County. Fic, 76. FLoRtpA GALLINULE. The Florida Gallinule inhabits reedy lakes and the backwaters of rivers, building its nest, like the rails, among the tall stems of water-plants. We know of only one nest having been found in the State. This was discovered on Lake Ellis, Craven County, by P. B. Philipp, June 16, 1909. Thinking he had found a nest of the King Rail, and desiring to get a photograph of the bird, he set his camera and from a distance liberated the shutter with a string the moment when, from his hiding-place, he discovered a bird entering the nest. Upon developing the plate he found that the camera had made an interesting addition to North Carolina orni- thology, for the bird was a Florida Gallinule. In addition to this we possess but seven records of the bird in North Carolina. These are as follows: Craven County, one taken by Clarke and Morgan, 1884; Bertie County, one found helpless in a dooryard after a rain, June 6, 1892; Orange Plate 8 e Bey | PURPLE GALLINULE. [Ionornis martinicus (Linn.) Descriptive List 115 County, one taken in 1892; Buncombe County, one killed by Cairns, May 16, 1891; one seen alive in a store-window at Asheville, by Brewster, May, 1885; one caught alive in Wake County by Bruner, April 20, 1907; and, finally, an immature speci- men picked up dead on the streets of Raleigh on September 21, 1918. This lat- ter specimen showed a shot-wound, on being skinned; it was perfectly fresh and excessively fat. Genus Fulica (Linn. ) 96. Fulica americana ((‘mel.). Coor. Ads.—Head and neck blackish; rest of plumage dark, bluish, slate-color, paler below; edge of wing, tips of secondaries, and under tail-coverts white; bill whitish, two spots near its tip and crown-plate brownish; legs and feet greenish; toes with scalloped flaps. Im.—Similar, but much whiter below, a slight brownish wash above; crown-plate much smaller. Downy young.—Blackish, white below; throat and upperparts with numerous bright orange, hairlike feathers; lores red; bill red, tipped with black. L., 15.00; W., 7.50; Tar., 2.25; B., from pos- terior margin of nostril, .80. Fig. 77. Coot. Fig. 78. Foor or Coor. Remarks.—The Coot bears a general resemblance to the Florida Gallinule, but, aside from the differences in color, the scalloped feet of the Coot will always serve to distinguish it. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from southern Canada to New Jersey and California; winters from Virginia to Columbia. Range in North Carolina—Common in the coastal region in winter; occasional in the rest of the State during the migrations. This is the “Blue Peter,” so abundant as a winter visitor in our sounds and large lakes. During the spring and fall it is not uncommon to see one or more on small ponds about the State. Nearly every migration season specimens are brought to us for identification by persons who find them on the ground helpless after a stormy ae ane a 116 Birps or Norra Carorma night. Many persons are partial to the flesh of the Coot, and as it is a legal game- bird large numbers are shot annually. They are much better for the table if skinned instead of being plucked. Bald Eagles have an unquestionable fondness for Coots. Upon one occasion Pearson witnessed the successful efforts of an Eagle thus engaged. It was in Currituck Sound. A flock of Coots had hastily departed upon the approach of their great winged foe. One only remained upon the water; possibly it had been wing-shot and was unable to seek safety by flight. As the Eagle swooped the Coot dived, and the Eagle at once rose aloft. In a short time the Coot came up for air, and was instantly forced under water. This play was reénacted for many minutes, until the Coot, having become exhausted, fell a prey to its enemy. When rising on the wing, Coots patter across the water for some distance, and the sound produced by a large flock that has been startled reminds one of the falling of hail or heavy raindrops on a resounding surface. Because of the relative scarcity of ponds in the mountainous part of our State, Coots are of comparatively rare occurrence west of the Blue Ridge. VIII. ORDER LIMICOLH. SHORE-BIRDS Among the shore-birds are many species which are classed as game-birds on the statute books, and hence are more or less well known among gunners. Most of them breed in the far North, some well within the Arctic Circle, and their powers of flight are well exemplified by the known facts concerning their migration. An extreme instance of this is the well-authenticated flight of flocks of Golden Plover from Nova Scotia to northern South America. The longest known migration in this Order is that made by the White-rumped Sandpiper, which winters nine thousand miles to the southward of its summer nesting grounds. Shore-birds are more abundant on the Atlantic coast during the fall migrations than in spring. This may be accounted for by the supposition that many return northward by way of the Mississippi Valley. The young are hatched with a downy covering and can run about actively soon after emerging from the shell. “Many other curious facts concerning the migration of this group of long-distance travelers are known, although there is yet a great deal to be learned of the details of these long journeys. What impresses one most in the matter is the tremendous powers of flight and endurance that many of the species possess, powers, so far as we know, not excelled by any other birds. We do know that some of the gulls, albatrosses, man-o’war-birds, ete., are flyers of great endurance, but all of these are perfectly able to rest on the water at any time. Whether the Golden Plover, or any other of those that cross the longest stretches of watery waste, do this is a matter of conjecture of which we have no records. All the species of the group can swim, and some of them at least will not only swim but will dive and swim under water when wounded. This I have actually seen for myself. An ocean journey of twenty-five hundred miles without a rest seems almost incredible, as it would mean a sustained flight of fifty hours at a speed of fifty miles an hour, or thirty-six hours (two days and a night) at seventy-mile speed—a flight that one -annot imagine any bird making without food or rest. Descriptive List ily “From among our galleries of mental pictures certain ones stand out like the works of old masters among a lot of gaudy chromos. Soft of tone and broad of treatment, none show up fairer or with a greater fullness of expression than do some of those of the wide expanse of salt-marsh—with the high yellow dunes in the background—the dark gray-browns of the exposed oyster-rocks among the smoother mud-flats, or the broad stretches of dazzling sand and sea-worn shells where the heat-waves shimmer mirage-like back into the unmeasurable distances. Above the soft lap of the summer wavelets on the drift-strewn shore-line come various familiar notes. The soft call of the Knot, the squeaking whistle of the Krieker, the twittering of the little ‘Sea-chickens.’ Then a soft flute-like whistle tells us that the Yellow-legs are flying, or a louder pilly-will-willet lets us know that Willets are not far away. This whistle of the Beetle-head, the low, plaintive call of the Ring-neck, or the peep of the Piping Plover, all add to the charm of the place that only the beach-rambler knows. “Along the sandy, sea-lapped beaches, abroad on the wide, naked mud-flats, and peopling the bare and muddy rocks of ‘coon’ oysters, are hundreds and thousands of birds. With the exception of a few Fish Crows, Gulls and Boat-tailed Grackles, they are all ‘beach’ birds. From the big, conspicuous Oyster-catcher all the way down to the crowded hundreds of little, restless ‘peeps’, all are alive and active. For it is May, and the great northward migration is on. If you are after meat— and sport—you will build a blind and set out a dozen or more of flat profile decoys; but if the bag is with you a secondary consideration, a leisurely prowl along the sea line and the borders of the marsh will repay you better. The birds are restless; many of them are by no means shy, and there is a page or two of the great open book of Outdoors to be read. You have your field-glass with you (better leave the gun at home than it), and where the print is fine or the letters blur, use your glass. “Over on the short grass of the salt-marsh an inconspicuous brownish object shows and disappears. On turning the glasses that way other patches of brown are seen, gradually assuming shape and proportion. ‘Curlew’s,’ (Hudsonian, of course), you mutter, ‘fifteen or twenty of them.’ And right there you remember the gun in your hand and make a hike for the birds like the bloodthirsty hunter you really are. They rise out of shot, but a crouch behind a tussock of rushes, and a call or two, and they swing back—and a couple come down to the double discharge. While watching the remainder of the flock disappear in the distance, a compactly built bird comes with rapid and regular strokes of its pointed wings. You crouch again— and a ‘Beetle-head’ is added to the bag. Note the dense black of the underparts, in sharp contrast to the grays of the back and the light shades of the rest of the body. “Along the edge of the marsh some medium-sized birds are feeding, along with the Peeps and Red-backs. They are long of leg and gray of body, and the glasses show them to be Yellow-legs, and you squat on a dry tussock and watch them. “The beach here is only a few hundred yards wide, and back of and parallel with it runs a shallow, brackish creek-like and marshy sound, farther than the eye can reach, until it joins the waters of the sea at the inlet ten miles away. An ideal 118 Birps or Norru Caroiina lace! Birds are passing back and forth all the time. The Ring-necked and Pipin Fung ping Plovers are about the sound-side, along with the peeps (Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers) and Red-backed Sandpipers. Black-bellied Plover come and go—once in awhile stopping to feed along with the smaller species. Here and there a turn- stone or two shows large among the little ‘Sea-chickens.’ Greater and Lesser Yellow-legs are in and about the shallow pools of the marsh-borders, while over on the marsh itself some curlews are usually in evidence. Louisiana and Little Blue Heron dot the flat marshland, with a few Snowy and white-plumaged Little Blue Herons showing up conspicuously against the bright green of the salt-marsh grass. A Least Tern shrills overhead and a Laughing Gull cackles as he goes by. On the hot, dry sand-flats the Wilson’s Plover run, and hide by standing still. A pair of Oyster-catchers are hard to drive from one wide, rolling expanse of yellow sand, where the worn and rounded shell-fragments show that the sea has some time in the past joined sound and ocean during a high tide and heavy southerly gale. They evidently have a nest near by, but a diligent search fails to discover it. “As the sun drops low and the tide is again on the ebb the morning’s experiences may be repeated; and when you seek the old camp at night to feed and rest the bodily man, you will feel that the spiritual and esthetic sides of your ego have that day been bidden to a feast and have risen therefrom strengthened and refreshed.’’— H. H. Brimury. KEY TO FAMILIES 1. Toes lobate, or with distinct lateral membranes; tarsus extremely compressed. (Phala- ropes.) Phalaropodide. 1. Toes not lobate, tarsus not specially compressed. See 2. : 2. Tarsus more than twice middle toe with claw; naked part of tibia much longer than middle toe with claw. (Avocets and Stilts.) Recurvirostride. od : 2. Tarsus less than twice middle toe with claw; naked portion of tibia shorter than middle toe with claw. See 3. : . Tarsus scutellate in front. See 4. . Tarsus reticulate in front. See 5. j . Bill slender with a bluntish tip. (Snipes and Sandpipers.) Scolopacide. . Bill stout, hard, pointed, and wedge-shaped at tip. (Turnstones.) Aphrizide. . Bill not longer than tarsus, not compressed, contracted behind the horny tip, shaped some- what like a pigeon’s bill. (Plovers.) Charadriide. . Bill longer than tarsus, much compressed at tip. (Oyster-catchers.) Hamatopodide. Cre Oot on 18. FAMILY PHALAROPODIDA. PHALAROPES KEY TO GENERA A small family of three genera and as many species, all of which have been taken in our State. 1. Bill subulate, very slender. Membrane of toes scalloped. Lobipes. 1. Bill as above. Membrane of toes not scalloped. Steganopus. 1. Bill stoutish, flattened, with lancet-shaped tip. Membrane of toes scalloped. Phalaropus. Genus Phalaropus (Briss.) 97. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.). Rep PHaLaropr. Toes webbed at base and with scalloped lobes terminally; bill heavy, wider than deep. Ad. 2 in summer.—Crown and chin fuscous; cheeks white; back black, the feathers bordered with cream-buff; wings gray; some of the secondaries and tips of greater coverts white; upper Descriptive List 119 tail-coverts rufous; underparts dull, reddish brown, often with scattered white feathers. Ad. @ in summer.—Similar, but smaller, crown striped like back, little or no white in cheeks. Juv.— Similar to ads. in winter, but upperparts margined with buff, chest washed with buff. Ads. and juv. in winter—Top of head and underparts white; region about eye and back of neck fuscous; back and seapulars dark pearl-gray; wings grayish fuscous, the coverts and secondaries tipped with white; rump and tail fuscous. L., 8.12; W., 5.37; B., .87; Tar., .82. Remarks.—The juvenal plumage is worn until October or November. Molting spring birds are strikingly pied below. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Northern and southern oceans, breeding in Arctic regions, wintering far southward. Range in North Carolina.—sSo far reported from the coastal region in February and April. This bird is pelagic and may be looked for in the ocean off our coast in winter. It apparently does not come on the beaches unless driven in by unusual stress of weather. Our records of its occurrence in North Carolina are as follows: Fig. 79. ReD PHALAROPE. On April 2, or 3, 1896, Gerald H. Thayer was shown by the keeper of Cape Lookout lighthouse about a dozen dead Red Phalaropes that had been killed by the light at night. Bishop writes: ‘Capt. N. E. Gould sent me twelve Red Phala- ropes which were collected at Bodie Island, Dare County, six on April 8, and six on April 17, 1907.” One was received in the flesh at the State Museum, Raleigh, on February 23, 1909, sent in by M. Leslie Davis of Beaufort. Genus Lobipes (Cuv.) 98. Lobipes lobatus (Linn.). NorrHerN PHALAROPE. Description —Adult dark plumbeous, variegated with tawny; rump and underparts white; neck mainly rufous; underparts white; immature and winter birds with more white than adults. L., 7.60 to 8.00; W., 4.00 to 4.50. 120 Birps or Norrm Carorma Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan (on the seas), breeding in Arctic regions and supposed to win- ter far to the south of the equator. : Range in North Carolina.—Reported from the coastal region, off shore. C. J. Maynard, in Birds of Eastern North America, published in 1881, refers to seeing Northern Phalaropes along the coast of ‘‘the Carolinas,” and says they are most common in the ocean just off Pamlico Sound. Their actual capture, how- ever, appears not to have been effected until September 23, 1909, when H. H. Brim- ley found a company of five on White Lake in Bladen County and shot three of these. They were feeding on the water late in the evening of two consecutive days, and he was enabled to approach in a boat within fifteen yards of them. He describes them as most peculiar birds on the water, darting about on the surface more like insects than birds. uy Fic. 81. Foor or Fig. 80. NorTHERN PHALAROPE. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. Genus Steganopus (Vieill.) 99. Steganopus tricolor (Vieill.). Wrson’s PHALAROPE. Description: Ad. female in summer—Top of the head and middle of the back pearl-gray, nape white; a black streak passes through eye to side of neck, and, changing to rufous-chestnut, continues down the sides of the back and on scapulars; neck and upper breast washed with pale, brownish rufous; rest of underparts and upper tail-coverts white. Ad. male in summer.— Upperparts fuscous-brown, bordered with grayish brown; upper tail-coverts, nape, and a line over the eye white or whitish; sides of the neck and breast washed with rufous; rest of the underparts white. Ads. and juv. in winter—Upperparts gray, margined with white; upper tail-coverts white; wings fuscous, their ‘eoverts margined with buffy; underparts white. Juv.— “Top of head, back, and scapulars dusky blackish, the feathers distinctly bordered with buff; wing-coverts also bordered with pale buff or whitish; upper tail-coverts, _Superciliary stripe, and lowerparts white, the neck tinged with buff” (Ridgw.). Male, L., 8.75; W., 4.75; Tar., 1.20; B., 1.20. Female, L., 9.50; W., 5.25; Tar., 1.30; B., 1.30. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Descriptive List 121 Range.—North and South America, breeding mainly north of the United States; winters in South America, south of the equator. Range in North Corolina.—So far only taken in Currituck County. A Wilson’s Phalarope was collected on the beach opposite Knott’s Island, Curri- tuck County, by R. B. Lawrence, August 17, 1908. The specimen is preserved in the bird-collection of the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. One was taken by Jasper B. White on Currituck beach, opposite Church’s Island, on August 25,1910. The bird was identified by W. L. McAtee, of the United States Biological Survey. Another specimen was killed by Jasper B. White on Currituck Sound, September 13, 1911. (W. L. McAtee in letter, Oct. 14, 1911.) Frederick William Kobbe in The Auk for January, 1912, places on record the following: “Tmmature birds in winter plumage were shot near Currituck lighthouse, North Carolina, by Mr. Whitlock and Mr. Nourve on September 7, September 8 (two), and September 12,1911. A well-marked female was taken by me September 14. This bird was so tame that it allowed me almost to touch it before it flew away in a zigzag manner. An old gunner at Currituck had never seen these birds before.” Fic. 82. Wutson’s PHALAROPE. 19. FAMILY RECURVIROSTRIDA-. AVOCETS AND STILTS A small family of birds allied to the sandpipers and snipes, but with the legs excessively long, and the bill very slender, long and acute. There are only two American genera, each represented in North America by a single species, both of which have been taken rarely in our State. KEY TO GENERA 1. Toes 4, the front ones full webbed; bill recurved, tapering to a fine point. Recurvirostra. 1. Toes 3, semipalmate; bill nearly straight. Himantopus. Genus Recurvirostra (Linn.) 100. Recurvirostra americana (Gmel.). Avocer. Description.—Bill slender, recurved. Ads. in swmmer.—Head and neck cinnamon-rufous; back and tail white, seapulars and primaries black; middle coverts, tips of the greater ones, and part of the secondaries white; belly white, bill turned upward. Ads. in winter and juv.— Generally similar, but head and neck white or pearl-gray. L., 16.50; W., 9.00; Tar., 3.75; B. 3.75. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 122 Brrps or Norru Carorra Range.—North America, rare east of the Mississippi, breeding from Northern Texas to the Canadian line, wintering from southern Texas to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Once observed near Beaufort. “Avocets are common birds in parts of the interior of the United States, but are rare on the Atlantic coast. They frequent shores and shallow pools, and in search- ing for shells, crustacea, ete., their peculiar recurved bill is used in a most interesting manner. Dropping it beneath the surface of the water until its convexity touches the bottom, they move rapidly forward, and with every step swing their bill from side to side, as a mower does his scythe. In this way they secure food which the muddy water would prevent them from seeing.” (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Fic. 83. Avocet. A flock seen by Coues near Fort Macon, September 12, 1869, is our only record for North Carolina. d Genus Himantopus (Briss.) 101. Himantopus mexicanus (Miill.). BuAack-NECKED STIL7. Ad. #@.—A white spot above and another below eye; front of head, front of neck, lower back, rump, and underparts white; tail grayish; rest of plumage glossy, greenish black. Ad. °.—Similar, but with back fuscous-brown, Juv.—Similar, but whole upperparts margined with rusty. L., 15.00; W., 9.00; Tar., 4.15; B., 2.00. (Chap., Birds of E.N.A.) | Range.—Breeds locally from central Oregon to Florida and the West Indies; winters from the Gulf Coast to Peru. Range in North Carolina.—Once taken in Dare County, near the ocean beach. A mounted Stilt is to be found in the museum at Trinity College, Durham, North Carolina. Rev. 8S. T. Moyle of Mount Gilead, who took the specimen, has written us as follows: ‘I think it was during June, 1900, I was shooting shore-birds on the beach south of Nag’s Head, Dare County, when I saw this bird with a flock of Yellowlegs. I tried to secure it, but only crippled it. A friend who was with me then killed it and gave it to me.” Bishop informs us that he saw a mounted specimen at Manteo, Roanoke Island, Dare County, in May 1902. It was in the possession of a minister, and he understood it had been shot in the spring of 1901 or 1902. Apparently both statements refer to the same bird, as the Trinity College specimen remained at Manteo for some years before being brought to Durham. in Descriptive List 123 Fic. 84. BULACK-NECKED STILT. 20. FAMILY SCOLOPACIDA. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. These are the most familiar and numerous of our shore-birds, varying greatly size and appearance, yet always retaining a more or less snipe-like appearance. The genera that occur in our State are numerous and may be distinguished by the aid of the following table: WN Nee Sa Moe Roo g8 — fon lokolo eile 2} Int = Oo ee ee KEY TO GENERA . Tarsus scutellate in front only. Bill very long, decurved. (Curlews.) Numenius. . Tarsus scutellate in front and behind. Bill not much decurved. See 2. . Eyes far back, directly above ears, tip of upper mandible thickened. Plumage unchang- ing. See 3. . Eyes not far back, considerably in front of ears. Tip of upper mandible thin. Summer and winter plumages different. See 4. . Tibi entirely feathered. Three outermost quills of wing much shorter and narrower than the others. Philohela. . Tibie naked below. None of the wing-quills notably different from the others. Gallinago. Hind toe wanting. Calidris. Hind toe present. See 5. Toes not webbed at all, or with a single minute web. See 6. Toes more or less webbed at base. See 9. Bill shorter than middle toe with claw. Inner webs of wing-quills mottled. T'ryngites. Bill not shorter than middle toe with claw. Inner webs of wing-quills not mottled. See 7. . Wing 6 inches or more. Middle pair of tail-feathers not longer than the rest. T’ringa. . Wing less than 6. Middle pair of tail-feathers longer and more pointed than the rest. See 8. . Bill scarcely longer than tarsus, and not half the length of tail. Pisobia. . Bill considerably longer than tarsus, and more than two-thirds the length of tail. Pelidna. . Tail graduated, more than half length of wing. Bartramia. . Tail little graduated, not more than half the length of wing. See 10. . Tail shorter than bill. Gape not reaching behind base of culmen. Tail barred or else chiefly black. See 11. - Tail longer than bill (from frontal feathers). Gape reaching beyond base of culmen. See 12. - Culmen smooth, not grooved. Limosa. ; , . Culmen with a median groove. Tip of both mandibles wrinkled or pitted. Macro- rhamphus. 124 Birps or Norra Carorina 12. Wing less than 4. Toes well webbed at base. Both mandibles grooved to the tip. Tail not barred. Hreunetes. 12. Wing not less than 4. See 13. 13. Exposed culmen less than one-fifth as long as the wing. Machetes. 13. Exposed culmen more than one-fifth as long as the wing. See 14. 14. Bill slightly broadened at tip, its upper surface slightly wrinkled or pitted. Micropalama. 14. Bill narrower at tip, its upper surface hard and smooth, not grooved to the tip. Tail barred. See 15. 15. Wing less than 414. Tarsus about as long as middle toe and claw. Actitis. 15. Wing more than 414. ‘Tarsus rather longer than middle toe and claw. See 16. 16. Bill stout. Legs bluish. Catoptrophorus. 16. Bill slender. Legs not blusih. See 17. 17. Legs yellow. ‘Tarsus more than one and one-half times middle toe without claw. Totanus. 17. Legs dusky. Tarsus much less than one and one-half times middle toe without claw. Helodromas. Genus Philohela (Gray) 102. Philohela minor (('mel.). Woopcocx. Ads.—Front of crown slaty, washed with buff, an indistinct blackish line in its center, and another from eye to bill; back of head black, with two or three bars of ochraceous-buff; rest of upperparts black, margined with slaty, and barred and mottled with rufous or ochraceous- buff; tip of tail ashy gray above, silvery beneath; underparts between ochraceous-buff and rufous; outer three primaries very narrow and much stiffened. L., 11.00; W., 5.40; Tar., 1.25; B., 2.90. (Chap., Birds of FE. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from northern Florida to southern Canada, and wintering from southern New Jersey to southern Florida. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons, in damp, shady woods and low- ground thickets. Fic. 85. Woopcock. No bird so stirs the heart of the average sportsman as the Woodcock, and the rumor of its appearance in any place is sure to send one or more enthusiastic gun- ners to explore the neighborhood. To find this shy bird one must penetrate the woodland bogs and swamps, or occasionally standing corn near water. Rarely does it venture on the open flats so beloved by the Wilson’s Snipe. When flushed its flight is usually short and comparatively weak, but the thick cover in which it is found often saves it from the hunter’s aim. One may look for the Woodcock in suitable places throughout the State. George B. Sennett in The Auk for July, 1887, speaks of finding one near the summit of Roan Mountain, and in the swamps of Tyrrell County. It is so abun- dant some years that market-hunters find it profitable to pursue it. Descriptive Lisr 125 The Woodcock is a resident in North Carolina, but our native population is con- siderably augmented during the colder months by an influx of birds from farther north. The nest is a slight depression on the ground among the fallen leaves, usually in a thicket of young trees. So closely do the colorings of the bird’s plumage blend with the surroundings that one may pass within a few feet of a brooding bird without discovering its presence. Apparently Woodcocks are well aware of this, for they will often sit until almost trod upon before taking wing. Their nests are often found in March, but our knowledge of the full extent of the nesting season is quite limited. On October 5, 1909, Pearson saw one in a swamp in Guilford County flutter along the ground as if accompanied by young. The European Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola (Linn.), a considerably larger but very similar bird, has been found as a straggler from Newfoundland to Virginia. It may be distinguished by its size, and by the underparts being cross-banded with dark brown. L., 13.50; W., 8.CO. Genus Gallinago (Koch.) 103. Gallinago delicata (Ord.). W1tson’s SNIPE. Ads.—Upperparts black, barred, bordered, and mottled with different shades of cream-buff ; wings fuscous; outer edge of outer primary and tips of greater coverts white; throat white; neck and breast ochraceous-buff, indistinctly streaked with blackish; belly white, sides barred with black; under tail-coverts buffy, barred with black; outer tail-feathers barred with black and white, inner ones black, barred with rufous at their ends and tipped with whitish. L., 11.25; W., 5.00; Tar., 1.20; B., 2.50. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—North America and northern South America, breeding from Pennsylvania north- ward, and wintering from North Carolina southward. Range in North Carolina—Common throughout the State during the migrations; it winters in the coastal region. Fig. 86. WILSON’S SNIPE. This, the best known and most widely distributed game-bird of the snipe and sandpiper family, occurs plentifully in suitable situations during the spring migra- tions, reaching its greatest abundance in March. Wet meadows, marshes, and burnt-over lowgrounds are its favorite haunts. Its distribution is very irregular, but all over the eastern half or two-thirds of the State it is likely to be found in suitable localities at any time from a warm spell in the latter part of February up to the last week in April. It is comparatively rare in the fall. In the eastern and south- 126 Birps or Norru Carorina eastern parts of the State it is a more or less regular winter resident, the severity of the weather being the controlling factor. As a game-bird it is most satisfactory to the true sportsman. Usually flushing quickly and unexpectedly, with a rapid, zigzag flight, the most experienced gunners find it a difficult mark. As the birds usually rise against the wind, it is a good plan to work the meadows and marshes down wind, so far as possible. An experienced retriever is a good adjunct in this kind of shooting, as a fallen bird is difficult to distinguish amid the marsh grass. It is very erratic in its occurrence, frequently being abundant in favorite localities one day and totally absent the next. This bird is often called “English Snipe” in North Carolina. ‘Jack Snipe” is another name sometimes heard. Genus Macrorhamphus (T. Forst.) This genus contains Sandpipers having the general appearance of snipe, but the eyes are not so far back. One species, with two subspecies, belongs to our list. KEY TO SUBSPECIES 1. Length 11 or less, culmen averaging about 214. Dowitcher. 1. Length 11 or more, culmen averaging about 234. Long-billed Dowitcher. 104. Macrorhamphus griseus griseus ((imel.). DowrrcuerR: Rep-BREASTED SNIPE. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts, tertials, and wing-coverts black, the feathers edged or barred with ochraceous-buff or rufous; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail barred with black and more or less ochraceous-buff; primaries fuscous; underparts dull, pale rufous, whitish on belly, more or less spotted and barred with black. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Upperparts brownish gray; rump and tail barred with black and white; throat and breast washed with ashy, belly white, sides and under tail-coverts barred with black. Juv.—Upperparts black, the feathers edged with rufous; rump and tail barred with black and white, and sometimes washed with rufous; secondaries widely edged with white; underparts more or less washed wth ochraceous-buff and obscurely spotted with blackish. L., 10.50; W., 5.75; Tar., 1.80; B., 2.05-2.50. Fig. 87. Dowrrcner. Remarks.—The barred tail and tail-coverts, with the peculiar flattened, pitted tip of the bill, are characteristic of this species. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. A.) Range.—Kastern North and South America. Breeding range unknown, but probably far northward; winters from Florida to Brazil. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations. bo —I Descriptive List 1 The Dowitcher or ‘“Grayback”’ is one of the best known of our shore-birds. Its migrations with us extend only along the tidal reaches of the coast. Inland, its occurrence is merely accidental. Feeding along the exposed mud flats left bare by the receding tide, on the open beach, or wading the shallow beach pools, this hand- some snipe moves in flocks that bring Joy to the heart of the beach gunner. The flight is strong, swift, and steady, and the bunches are usually so compact as to enable the shooter, if he so desires, to secure more than one to the shot. It comes well to decoys and answers readily to a call from the blind. The height of its spring migration is in May and the birds coming south in the fall reach our coast in July. Some remain almost to the end of the year. One killed at Raleigh, July 29, 1884. 105. Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus (Say.) Lonc-BimLEep DowrrcHEr. Ads. in summer.—Similar to the preceding, but averaging larger; the bill especially is longer, the underparts are more uniformly rufous, and the sides are more heavily barred with black. Ads. in winter and Juv.—To be distinguished from the corresponding stages of griseus only by their larger size. W., 6.00; Tar., 1.50; B., 2.10-2.90. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Western North and South America, breeding far northward; winters from Florida southward to Mexico; occurs on the Atlantic coast during the migrations. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations. This is a bird of the middle and western states, but occurs regularly in the east in small numbers. The only North Carolina records available are from Beaufort (Atkinson), Pea Island (July, 1904, Bishop), and two specimens taken by Bruner at Beaufort, August 18 and 20, 1910. Fig. 88. Srint SANDPIPER. Genus Micropalama (Baird) 106. Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.). Sriur SANDPIPER. _ Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, bordered with grayish and buffy; ear-coverts and an indistinct line around back of head rufous; secondaries grayish, edged with white; primaries fuscous; rump ashy; upper tail-coverts barred with black and white; outer tail-feathers with broken dusky bars, inner ones with central streaks or margins of brownish gray or white; underparts white, heavily barred with fuscous. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Upperparts brownish gray; upper tail-coverts white; tail white, margined with brownish gray; underparts white; 128 Birps or Norru Carorina throat, neck, and sides indistinctly streaked or washed with grayish. Juv—Similar, but upperparts blackish, margined with ochraceous-buff. L., 8.25; W., 5.00; Tar., 1.60; B., 1.55. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Remarks.—The distinguishing characters of this species are the flattened, pitted tip of the bill, in connection with the very long legs. Range.—Breeds in northern Canada, winters in South America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations. Our first record for this bird in the State was made by Pearson, who took a speci- men on May 19, 1898, at Cape Hatteras (Auk, Vol. XVI, p. 246). McAtee col- lected one on September 6, and four specimens on September 8, 1909, on Currituck Beach, about opposite Church’s Island. McAtee also identified eight specimens taken July 29, and another on September 23, 1910, from the same locality, the latter nine being collected by J. B. White. We may regard it as one of our rarer sandpipers. Its movements, when feeding, are said to be slow for a sandpiper, and at times it will squat close to the ground in an effort to avoid detection. Genus Tringa (Linn.) 107. Tringa canutus (Linn.). KNnor: Rosin SNIPE. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts barred and streaked with black and white and rufous; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with whitish; underparts dull rufous; lower belly white or whitish, sides sometimes with black bars. (See Auk, X, 1893, p. 25.) Ads. and Juv. in win- ter—Upperparts plain brownish gray; upper tail-coverts barred with black and white, tail brownish gray; breast and sides barred with black, belly white. .Jwv.—Upperparts pale brown- ish gray; head streaked with blackish; back, wing-coverts, and scapulars with distinct black and white borders; upper tail-coverts barred with blackish; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with white; underparts white; breast finely streaked or spotted with blackish; flanks barred or streaked with blackish. L., 10.50; W., 6.75; Tar., 1.20; B., 1.30. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding far northward and wintering far southward. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migration. Fic. 89. Kwnor. The Knot is another well-known beach-bird, the shore-line of the ocean and sounds being its favorite feeding-ground. It occurs in greatest abundance in May. From July to September the returning flights from the north again enliven the muddy tide-flats. It decoys well and may often be found associated with other beach-loving species. It has been shot so incessantly that its numbers have been Descriptive List 129 much reduced in recent years. Many of the birds are said now to make a part of their southward flight over the ocean, a course which insures them protection from local gunners. One species of the genus Arquatella, the Purple Sandpiper, A. maritima maritima (Briuinn.), may occur with us as a straggler, as it winters as far south as Long Island, and has been known to wander to Georgia and Florida. Its generic characters would bring it under the second branch of 7 in the generic key, but it may be distinguished by having the tarsus shorter than the middle toe with claw. The species is about the size of a Pectoral Sandpiper. Genus Pisobia (Billb.) Three species of this genus visit us, and a fourth is also likely to be recorded in autumn. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Wing less than 4.00. Least Sandpiper. 1. Wing more than 4.50. See 2. 2. Upper tail-coverts white, but sometimes streaked with dusky. White-rwmped Sandpiper. 2. Upper tail-coverts not white. Pectoral Sandpiper. 108. Pisobia maculata (Vieill.). PrcroraL SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, all the feathers heavily bordered with pale ochraceous- buff; rump and upper tail-coverts black, lightly tipped with ochraceous-buff; middle tail- feathers longest, pointed and margined with buffy; outer tail-feathers brownish gray, narrowly margined with white; throat white, neck and breast heavily streaked with black and buffy; rest of underparts white. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Similar, but ochraceous-buff of under- parts replaced by rufous, and breast heavily washed with buffy. L., 9.00; W., 5.40; Tar., 1.10; B., 1.15. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds in Arctic America; winters in South America. Range in North Carolina.—Has been taken during the migrations at Raleigh and in the coastal region. Fig. 90. Prcroran SANDPIPER. This sandpiper, which is much less strictly a salt-water bird than the two pre- ceding, frequents wet meadows and marshes rather than mud-flats and beaches. It is a “flocking” bird, usually flying in compact bunches which may be raked by a gunner’s fire in a most destructive manner. It also decoys readily. With a more or less regular spring migration movement as far up the State as Raleigh, it may be looked for in wet meadows (preferring a little more water among the grass than Wilson’s Snipe) almost anywhere within our borders where condi- tions suit its requirements. The spring migration dates for this bird are late March and early April. In the fall it is much less common inland, and our few dates for this season of the year 9 130 Birps or Norra Carorimya show its presence in the State from August to November. It breeds in the far north and winters from the West Indies south. This is a gamy little bird, and Jack Snipe shooting is not to be despised when nothing larger is to be had. 109. Pisobia fuscicollis (Vieill.). Wourre-RuMpPED SANDPIPER. Ads. in swmmer.—Upperparts black, edged with rufous; rump grayish fuscous, margined with ashy; longer upper tail-coverts white, with sometimes brownish-gray markings; central tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones brownish gray; upper throat white; neck, breast, and sides distinetly streaked and spotted with black and more or less washed with ochraceous-buff. Ads. and Juv. in winter—‘‘Upperparts plain brownish gray, with indistinct, narrow, mesial streaks of dusky; otherwise as in summer, but streaks on chest, ete., less distinet’’ (Ridgw.). Juv.—Similar to summer examples, but the feathers of the upperparts with rounded whitish or ochraceous-buff tips; breast less distinctly streaked. L., 7.50; W., 4.90; Tar., .90; B., .95. Remarks.—The white upper tail-coverts distinguish this species. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Breeds in Arctic America; winters in southern South America. Range in North Carolina—Coastal region during the migrations, occasionally inland. Fig. 91. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. The White-rumped Sandpiper is one of the common beach-birds, usually moving in small flocks, and is found on fresh-water mud-flats as well as on the beaches and salt-water shore-bird haunts, though much more plentiful on the latter. Not at all exclusive, it is often found associated with others of like habits, and it is by no means shy. Though a swift, strong flyer, its custom when flushed is to make but a short flight before again dropping to the ground, where it at once resumes its search for the minute aquatic forms of animal life that go to make up its favorite food. 7 It has been taken twice in spring at Raleigh. Two females were collected from a flock of about twenty on Lake Ellis in June of 1910 by H. H. Brimley. In both specimens the ovaries showed considerable enlargement. This sandpiper nests as far north as the Arctic Ocean and winters southward through South America to Patagonia. Its migration route is the longest known, the extreme nesting and wintering localities being nine thousand miles apart. 110. Pisobia minutilla (Vieill.). Least SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black or fuscous, edged and tipped with buffy or rufous; rump and middle upper tail-coverts plain black or fuscous; central tail-feathers black or fuscous, outer ones ashy gray; upper throat white; neck and breast white or buffy, streaked with fuscous; belly and sides white. Juv.—Similar, but feathers of the back with rownded rufous or buffy tips; Descriptive List 131 breast not distinctly streaked. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Upperparts brownish gray, some- times with more or less black in the centers of the feathers; breast white or ashy, not dis- tinctly streaked. L., 6.00; W., 3.50; Tar., .70; B., .75. Remarks.—This is the smallest of our sandpipers, and can be confused only with Hreunetes pusillus, from which, however, it may always be distinguished by the absence of webs be- tween the bases of the toes. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) ; Range.—Breeds in Arctic America; winters from North Carolina to Brazil. : Range in North Carolina —Transient throughout the State; common in the coastal region in migration, and also to some extent in winter. WI, i { A eam a ta Fig. 93. Fie. 92. Least SANDPIPER. Foor or Least SANDPIPER. This is probably our most numerous sandpiper. Moving in compact flocks, both on the wing and when feeding, it is the joy of the pot hunter who counts his bag by numbers slain. Sometimes thirty to forty are killed at a single discharge of a shotgun. It is a trim, neat little inhabitant of the sea-beaches and mud-flats, both on the coast and inland. Usually it is found associated with that very similar bird, the Semipalmated Sandpiper. During the migrations it is found, not infrequently, as far west as Raleigh, usually in May. On the coast it occurs in great numbers, and is often called “Sea Chicken,” and “Peep.” Intermediate in size between this species and the preceding is Baird’s Sandpiper, Pisobia bairdi (Coues), which breeds in the Arctic regions, and winters in southern South America. In the migrations it is common in the central portions of the United States, and occurs also irregularly on both coasts. Genus Pelidna (Cuv.) 111. Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieill.). Rep-BAcKED SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts broadly margined with rufous, centers of the feathers black, wings brownish gray; breast whitish, lightly streaked with blackish; middle of belly with a large black patch, lower belly white. Juv—Upperparts blackish, the feathers with rounded tips of rufous or buffy; breast washed with buffy and indistinctly streaked with blackish; belly spotted with black. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Upperparts brownish gray; middle upper tail- coverts fuscous; wing-coverts brownish gray margined with buffy; throat white; breast ashy, indistinctly streaked; belly white, the sides sometimes spotted with black. L., 8.00; W., 4.75; Tar., 1.00; B., 1.50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Remarks—There is, of course, every degree of intergradation between summer and winter plumage, but the species may always be known by its slightly curved bill. Range.—Breeds in Arctic America and Siberia; winters from New Jersey to Texas and in southeastern Asia. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in winter. The Red-backed Sandpiper is found on our coast throughout the year, with the exception of the time it is away on its northern nesting-grounds, from late May 132 Brros or Norra Carona until September. At Pea Island it winters in large flocks (Bishop), and it prob- ably does this elsewhere along the whole of our coast-line. In the latter part of the spring migration many may be seen well advanced in their nuptial plumage, the black breast and red back combining to make a striking appearance. It is far from wild, and indeed it is usually much more easily approached than most of the members of this group. We have no record of its occurrence inland. Pig, 94. Rep-packep SANDPIPER, Genus Ereunetes (Illig.) Comprises two species of small sandpipers, resembling the Least Sandpiper in general appearance, but having evident webs between the front toes at their base. Both species occur on our coast. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Chiefly grayish brown above. Bill shorter (culmen .75 or less in male, less than 1 inch in female). Semipalmated Sandpiper. 1. Chiefly rusty above. Bill longer (culmen more than .75 in male, 1 inch or more in female). Western Sandpiper. 112. Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.). SemreauMATED SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black or fuscous, margined with brownish gray and a small amount of rufous; rump grayish brown; upper tail-coverts blackish; tail-feathers brownish gray, central ones darkest; breast streaked or spotted with blackish. Jue.—Similar, but upper- parts and wing-coverts blackish, with rounded rufous or buffy tips to the feathers; breast unstreaked, tinted with buffy. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Upperparts brownish gray, with darker shaft streaks; upper tail-coverts darker; underparts white, sometimes with faint streaks on the breast. L., 6.30; W., 3.75; Tar., .75; B., .65-.80. Remarks.—The small size of this and the next species prevents their being confused with any other except Pisobia minutilla, from which they may always be known by their partially webbed toes. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. Ad Range.—Breeds far north; winters from Georgia to Patagonia, Range in North Carolina. —Coastal region during the migrations; occasionally inland. These birds are very numerous on the coast during the migrations and are gen- erally found in company with Least Sandpipers. Daily collections of “sea-chickens” for a week, in the neighborhood of Southport, during May, 1909, showed a pro- portion of about one Semipalmated to ten Least Sandpipers, the two species being often indistinguishable until collected. On the Cape Hatteras beaches, in the Dersoriprive List 133 spring of 1898, Pearson found the flocks about equally divided. A specimen was taken at Raleigh on May 22, 1899. Nearly everything said of the habits of the Least Sandpiper applies equally to this species while it is with us. May shows the height of its abundance in the spring, and from August to October in the fall. Like so many of this group, the Semipalmated breeds far toward the Arctic Circle. Fig. 95. Foor of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, 113. Ereunetes mauri (Cab.). Wrsrmrn SANDPIPER. This bird closely resembles the preceding, from which, in summer plumage, it differs in having the upperparts conspicuously margined with rufous and the breast more heavily streaked. In fall and winter plumage the differences in coloration are not so apparent, but the birds are to be distinguished at any season by the size of the bill, which in the western species is always longer. W., 3.80; Tar., .80; B., .85-1.20. (Chap., Birds of 2. N. A.) Range.—Breeds in western Arctic America; winters from North Carolina to Venezuela. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations and in winter. Bishop reports the Western Sandpiper as common in winter at Pea Island. Four specimens were taken by Bruner at Beaufort, August 28-30, 1909. These are the available records of its occurrence in this State. Cooke states that it is common in winter from North Carolina to Florida, and it is to be presumed, therefore, that the species may be found regularly along our coast from the fall to the spring migration. Genus Calidris (Illig.) 114. Calidris leucophea (Pall.). SANpwRiina. _Ads.-in summer.—Feathers of upperparts usually with black centers bordered and some- times barred with pale rufous and tipped with ashy white; wings fuscous, basal half of outer web of inner primaries white; wing-coverts grayish fuscous, greater ones broadly tipped with white; tail brownish gray, narrowly margined with white; throat and upper breast washed with pale rufous and spotted with blackish; rest of the under parts pure white. Juv.—Similar, but upperparts without rufous, glossy black, the feathers sometimes bordered with white, but generally with two white spots at their tips separated by the black of the central part of the feather; nape grayish white, lightly streaked with blackish; underparts pure white, with occasionally a few spots on the breast. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Upperparts pale brownish gray, wings as in the preceding; underparts pure white. L., 8.00; W., 5.00; Tar., 1.00; B., 1.00, (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) 134 Brrps or Norrn Caroma Remarks.—The Sanderling is the only one of our snipe or sandpipers having only three aa epee it may always be known by this character in combination with its transversely scaled tarsi. _ Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding far northward; wintering from Virginia to Patagonia, in America. Range in North Carolina.—Winters in the coastal region. This is one of our winter beach-birds. Its noticeably light coloration makes it a comparatively easy bird to identify, particularly in winter when few other sand- pipers are about. It comes in numbers in August and remains common until May, leaving perhaps a couple of months in midsummer when none are to be found. Fic. 96. SANDERLING. A trim little bird is this; and it may often be seen running in close bunches along the foam-flecked sand to the very edge of the advancing waves. Its color harmonizes so well with the general tone of the beach that it presents a most incon- spicuous object when not in motion. It is not at all rare during the time it is with us. We have no record of its occurrence inland. Genus Limosa (Briss.) This genus comprises large sandpipers, with the bill slightly recurved; two species occur in eastern America, and both have been taken in North Carolina. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Tail barred, without white. L., 16.00 to 20.00. Marbled Godwit. 1. Tail uniform black, with white base and tip. L., 14.00 to 16.75. Hudsonian Godwit. 115. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). Marsiep Gopwir. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, the head and neck streaked with buffy, back barred or the feathers spotted on the sides and sometimes tipped with buffy or ochraceous-buff; inner web of outer primaries and both webs of inner ones Ba hee er or pale buffy, speckled with black; tail ochraceous-buff barred with black; throat white, rest of underparts pale buffy, spotted or barred with black; bill curved slightly upward, yellowish at the base, black at the end. Juv.— Similar, but underparts with few or no bars except on flanks and under tail-coverts. L., 18.00; W., 8.75; Tar., 2.75; B., 4.00. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, breeding from North Dakota northward; winters from Florida to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations, mainly in the fall, staying well on into the winter. Descriptive List 135 It would appear that the Marbled Godwit is rare today in North Carolina. Coues in his Notes on the Natural History of Fort Macon (Proc. Acad. Nat. Science, Phila., 1871, p. 32), says: “Abundant during the migrations, particularly in the fall. Possibly some may breed in the vicinity, but I am not sure of this. Some appear in August, many more in December, and they continue plentiful about the harbor till December.” Maynard found it common at Beaufort and southward, on November 17, 1876, Bishop reports it at Pea Island, July 11 to August 19, 1904, and also on May 20, 1901. Besides these, we have only the record of Kobbe, which we quote in full from The Auk, January, 1912, page 108: “On September 12 (1911) two Marbled God- wits were shot by Mr. Whitlock and myself on Currituck. The female was smaller, measuring 17.00, and the male 19.25. The absence of bars on the underparts indi- cated that they were young birds.” 116. Limosa hemastica (Linn.). Hupsonran Gopwir. Ads. in summer.—Bill slightly curved upward. Upper tail-coverts black and white; tail black at the end, white at the base; above black, rusty and grayish; below reddish brown, barred with blackish and faintly tipped with white. Juv.—Similar, but below buffy whitish, breast grayer. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Similar to the young below, but above brownish gray. L., 15; W., 8.2; Tar., 2.2; B., 3.2. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Both Americas, breeding far northward; wintering in southern South America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, apparently during the fall migration only. Fie. 97. Hupsontan Gopwit. Our only record of this species is of one killed at Pea Island by J. B. Etheridge on September 13, 1911, and sent to the State Museum, where the skin is now pre- served. There is much reason to believe that this is one of America’s most rapidly disappearing birds. Another generation may see its extinction. 136 Birps or Norru Carorimva Genus Totanus (Bechst. ) KEY TO SPECIES . Length more than 12, wing over 7 inches. Greater Yellow-legs. . Length less than 1116 6, wing under 7. Yellow-legs. 117. Totanus melanoleucus ((‘mel.). GreareR YELLOW-LEGS. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, head and neck streaked and back spotted or barred with white or ashy; upper tail-coverts white, more or less barred with black; tail white or ashy, barred with black; ‘breast heav ily spotted with black; sides barred with bl: wk; middle of belly white. Ads. and Juv. in winte , but upperparts brownish gray, edged with whitish; sides of scapulars, tertials, and wing- coverts with blackish and whitish spots; breast only lightly streaked with blackish, and sides slightly barred. L., 14.00; W., 7.70; Tar., 2.40; B., 2.20. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range. ea north of the United States; winters from Georgia to Patagonia. Range in North Carolina.—Common in the coastal region during the periods of migration; also during the spring migration inland, but not common. Occasional in winter. Fic. 98. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. To the sportsman the Greater Yellow-legs or “‘ Yellow-shanks”’ is one of the best of the beach-birds. In habits it is not strictly maritime, being frequently found in abundance around shallow bodies of fresh water. Long of leg, it prefers clear water to mud, often seeking its food in water nearly up to the body line. It is a graceful, not particularly active bird when on the ground, and its wading habits cause it to show slower movements when feeding than do the smaller related species. It is on the wing that it appears at its best. The long, slender neck, legs, and bill, the white underside and mottled black and gray upperparts, give it a trim, handsome appearance, and the long, powerful wings drive it down wind in a manner to call forth the gunner’s greatest skill. The soft, clear whistle is characteristic, and imitation of it from the shooter’s blind will often bring the bird within range. Cairns records it from Buncombe County as a rare transient. At Raleigh it occurs irregularly from March 22 to May 29. It is a common bird of the coastal region during the migrations, reaching its greatest abundance in May. On May 15, 1911, the species was common on Lake Ellis. In the fall the southbound birds ‘Descriptive List 137 begin to arrive as early as July and stay as late as October and November. It has been recorded from Beaufort and Pea Island in February, and doubtless a limited number spend the winter along our shores. 118. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). YELLOW-LEGS. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts generally brownish gray, head and neck streaked with black and white; back, scapulars, and wing-coverts sometimes with black centers, spotted or tipped with whitish or brownish gray; upper tail-coverts white, more or less barred with black, tail varying from white to brownish gray, with numerous black or blackish cross-bars; breast heavily spotted or streaked, and sides barred with black; belly white, legs yellow. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Similar, but upperparts brownish gray, the sides of the feathers with whitish spots; tail-bars grayish; breast lightly streaked with ashy. L., 10.75; W., 6.40; Tar., 2.05; B., 1.40. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) ; Remarks.—This bird closely resembles the Greater Yellow-legs in color, but may always be distinguished by its smaller size. Range.—Breeds north cf the United States; winters in southern South America. Range in North Carolina—Coastal region during the migrations, also less commonly inland during the spring migration. Fig. 99. YELLOW-LEGS. Almost all the remarks relating to the habits of the Greater Yellow-legs are applicable to this species. Generally speaking, it is simply a smaller form of the foregoing, with which it is often found associated. It is not, however, known to occur with us in winter. “A smaller edition of the Greater Yellow-legs, this bird is one of our best known and widely distributed shore birds, occurring throughout North America, extending generally into South America as far as Patagonia. In the United States the Lesser Yellow-legs is a regular summer visitor to the marshes that line the Atlantic coast; arriving early in August, they are among the first of our shore birds to start the procession south. On the coast the salt-water marshes and meadows, where the grass is short, are their favorite haunts, and the clear note of a summer Yellow-legs is perhaps the first welcome sound in the early morning heard from the blind on the marsh. Soon the birds are in evidence, and, if within hearing distance, can usually be called up to the decoys; if permitted, they drop among the stool and gaze at the wooden snipe in blank surprise. After the first shot the flock often returns, and, if skillfully whistled, hovers over the wounded birds. The readiness with which they court destruction has resulted in their being driven from many of the old-time resorts, and this common, friendly bird may easily become rare. The young of the year migrate along the same course as the adults, but appear later, usually about the last week of August. For a short time after the first long flights the birds are in poor condition, but they soon fatten on their favorite feeding-grounds, and the dainty flavor of the flesh is highly esteemed. In the summer the Lesser Yellow-legs pass along through the United States, in the interior as well as along the coast. The return flight, however, in the spring is made by the shortest route to the breeding-grounds, the birds following along the Mississippi Valley and the larger adjacent water-courses, north into the fur countries. These are reached in June, and here they scatter through the smaller lakes and rivers of the Arctic regions, breeding on the shores and marshes. The eggs are laid on the ground with hardly the formality of a nest. At this 138 Birps or Norra Carorina season the Yellow-legs, after the custom of many other of our shore birds, changes to a certain extent its ordinary habit, often perching on trees and bushes, if there are such in the vicinity of the nest. The note is varied and both sexes become very noisy, resenting with loud cries any approach near the nest. The young are hatched in July and rapidly attain the age of looking out for themselves, for by the end of the month the old birds leave them and gather in the first migratory flocks.’—Sanrorp, Bisuop, VAN Dyke, The Water Fowl Family. Genus Helodromas (Kaup.) 119. Helodromas solitarius solitarius (Wils.). Sotrrary SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts olive-fuscous, with a slight greenish tinge, head and neck streaked and back spotted with white; upper tail-coverts fuscous, with fine whitish spots on their sides, lateral ones sometimes barred; central pair of tail-feathers fuscous, the others white, barred with black; breast streaked, and sides sometimes barred with black; belly white; axillars barred with black and white; legs greenish fuscous. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Similar, but upperparts grayish brown; head and neck generally unstreaked, and back only lightly spotted with buffy white; breast streaked with brownish gray. L., 8.40; W., 5.25; Tar., 1.26; B., 1.15. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Summers from Pennsylvania northward; winters from the West Indies to southern South America. Breeding range unknown. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State during the migrations; may summer in parts of the mountain region. Fic. 100. Soxirrary SANDPIPER. The Solitary Sandpiper is a bird of the woodland ponds, lakes, and streams, and not partial to the beaches and salt marshes. It occurs with us only during the migrations, and, as its name implies, is seldom found in companies. This and the Spotted Sandpiper are our two common inland sandpipers, and their habits are, to a certain extent, similar. The Solitary, however, shows a greater partiality to mud-banks than to the partly submerged logs and tiny patches of sand-beach much frequented by the Spotted Sandpiper. At Raleigh it stays as late as the latter part of May, and the returning birds reach here by the middle of July. It is a common migrant throughout the State. This bird lays its eggs in the disused nests of other birds situated in trees grow- ing in swamps in Canada. Genus Catoptrophorus (Bonap.) One species of this genus occurs with us, represented by two subspecies. KEY TO SUBSPECIES 1. Colors darker; bill shorter, usually less than 2.25. Willet. ; 1. Colors paler; bill longer, usually more than 2.25. Western Willet. Descriptive List 139 120. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus (Gmel.). Wier. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts brownish gray, the head and neck streaked, and the back barred with black, and sometimes buffy, the centers of the feathers being occasionally wholly black; basal half of primaries and greater part of secondaries white; upper tail-coverts white with a few blackish bars; central tail-feathers ashy, indistinctly barred with blackish; outer ones whitish, lightly mottled with grayish; foreneck heavily streaked; breast and sides heavily barred with dark brownish gray and more or less washed with buffy; belly generally white, with sometimes a few bars. Ads. and Juv. in winter—Upperparts brownish gray, unmarked; tail gray, without bars; rump and wings as in the adult; breast washed with grayish; belly white; azillars black. L., 15.00; W., 8.00; Tar., 2.30; B., 2.15. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from Virginia southward; winters from Bahamas to Peru. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer, breeding. One of the few species of the sandpiper group which spend the summer with us. We have never seen it on fresh-water marshes, although it is said at times to frequent them. A few years ago it was abundant in summer on the North River marshes, near Beaufort, and quite common in Core Sound during the early fall. Owing to the destruction of both birds and eggs during the breeding season, it has become much scarcer during the past few years, and will soon become one of the rarer of the shore-birds unless better protective measures are adopted. Fic. 101. WIuIuer. Wet salt-marshes and mud-flats are its favorite haunts, particularly the former. The nest is usually placed on the dry salt-marsh and is built of the grasses found near by. It is also found nesting among the sand dunes. The eggs are four in number, and May is the principal nesting month. The eggs were formerly gathered by the coast-dwellers and used as an article of diet. Pearson found their nests in Carteret and Brunswick counties in May and June, 1898, and in Onslow and New Hanover counties in May, 1903. 121. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewst.). WrsteRN WI1L- LET. Slightly larger than the preceding, and, in summer plumage, upperparts paler and less heavily marked with black; breast less heavily streaked and more suffused with buffy, middle tail-feathers without black bars. In winter plumage the two forms can be distinguished only by the slight and inconstant character of size. W., 8.50; Tar., 2.50; B., 2.40. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Western United States and Canada, wintering from Florida to Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Fall migrant on Pea Island. 140 Brirps or Norrn Carorina Bishop reports that this subspecies was a common migrant at Pea Island, Dare County, from July 12 to August 10, 1904. It doubtless occurs regularly on our coast. Genus Machetes (Cuv.) 122. Machetes pugnax (Linn.). Rurr. Ad. & in summer.—Very variable; above and below black with purplish reflections; or rusty barred with purplish, ete.; feathers of breast much lengthened to form a shield of rusty, black, or black-and-white feathers; two variously colored tufts on the hind-neck. Ad. &@ in winter.—Above grayish brown; below white; throat and breast grayish; end of tail with remains of blackish bars; ruff absent. Ad. 9.—Head, neck and underparts as in winter male; back black, margined with grayish brown; inner wing-feathers barred with black and grayish brown. L., 12.50; W., 7.00; Tar., 1.70; B., 1.50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern Hemisphere, straggling now and then to the American coast. Range in North Carolina.—Once taken at Raleigh. Fig. 102. Rurr. (Female or Immature Male.) One female of this European species was taken on Walnut Creek, near Raleigh, by H. H. Brimley, on May 6, 1892. It was, of course, an isolated straggler, and a similar capture is not very likely to occur in the future. Genus Bartramia (Less.) 123. Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). Uputanp Plover: BARTRAMIAN SAND- PIPER. Ads.—Head and neck streaked with black and ochraceous-buff; back and wing-coverts ochra- ceous-buff, barred with black; tertials olive, barred with black and margined with ochraceous- buff; primaries fuscous, the outer one barred with white; inner tail-feathers brownish gray, outer ones varying from ochraceous-buff to white, all more or less barred with black; breast and sides washed with buffy and streaked or barred with black; belly white or whitish. Juv.—Similar, but the ochraceous-buff is deeper. L., 11.50; W., 6.50; Tar., 1.90; B., 1.15. Remarks.—The white bars on the outer primary will always serve to identify this species. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from northern Virginia northward; winters in southern South America. Range in North Carolina.—Inland portions of the State during the migrations; neither common nor regular in its occurrence. The Upland Plover or Bartramian Sandpiper is a bird of the central States, rather than of the Atlantic slope. It occurs, however, more or less regularly through central North Carolina, and may be regarded as an irregular spring migrant. The dry, rolling upland constitutes its favorite haunts with us, and the species may be looked for generally in April. Its brownish coloration makes it a Descriptive List 141 very inconspicuous bird on the ground, and it is too shy to be approached on foot with any degree of success. The birds are at times so fat that the skin of the breast will burst when falling to earth before the gun. The notes of the bird are very penetrating and far-reaching, and it is much oftener heard than seen. The negroes give the names of “Wild Mare”’ and “ Flying Colt” to this bird, from the fancied ‘“whinnying”’ notes that may be clearly heard falling from aloft, often with no bird in view. It is regarded with some degree of superstition on this account. Fic. 103. Upnanp PLOVER. Pearson found no less than six Upland Plovers scattered through the open pine woods of Brunswick County in June, 1898. This, together with one record from Buncombe County, one from Guilford College (1893), and several from the neigh- borhood of Raleigh, are all the definite records we have of its occurrence in the State. It may possibly be found to breed sparingly. “Upland Plover are no longer found abundant anywhere excepting in the West and South. _ “They have vanished entirely from many of the Eastern fields, but are still fairly abundant in Illinois, the Dakotas, and Indian Territory. Mr. Hough says this bird fairly swarms at times on the lower table-lands of Utah and Colorado and overruns Kansas and Nebraska in large flocks; but they do not decoy regularly enough to warrant the use of decoys, and the shooter need not waste time in putting out a flock. In a few instances he shot them over decoys made of dead birds, but could hardly say that they drew in to the flock, nor is it certain that they will pay more than the slightest attention to an imitation of their whistle. They are especially fond of ground that has recently been burnt over. “Before becoming familiar with the gun, these birds, like all others, are quite tame. Coues says he found them so tame in Kansas that they were destroyed without the slightest artifice, and that he had seen them just escape being caught with the crack of a coach-whip. Van Dyke, in a magazine article, has given us an interesting account of shooting these birds in standing corn. He killed seventeen birds in one field, many of the shots being within twenty-five feet, and made one double shot. This is the only instance I know of where the birds have been walked up and shot at close range. I should have been tempted to buy the field. I doubt if they are to be found any- where today as tame as described by Coues. They learn quickly that man is their enemy, and the fear becomes, I believe, a matter of instinctive heredity.” Huntington’s Our Feathered Game. Genus Tryngites (Cab.) 124. Tryngites subruficollis (Vieill.). Burr-BreASTED SANDPIPER. Description.—Upper parts dull grayish buff or brownish, varied with blackish; underparts buff, streaked or speckled on chest with dusky; under primary coverts and inner webs of quills beauti- fully mottled with dusky on a whitish ground. L., 7.00 to 9.00; W., 5.00 to 5.50. 142 Birps or Norru Carorina Range.—North America, mainly in the interior, breeding far northward, south in winter to southern South America. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only taken on Currituck beach in the fall. This species finds a place in our list on the authority of F. W. Kobbe, of New York City, who, in The Auk for January, 1912, page 108, records the capture of three specimens by Whitlock, on September 12, 1911. Kobbe himself saw a flock of six, two days later. He says the species appeared to be unknown to the local gunners. “This is a rare species on the Atlantic Coast. Dr. Hatch writes of it as observed by him in Minnesota: ‘They are an extremely active species when on the wing, and essentially ploverine in all respects, seeking sandy, barren prairies, where they live upon grasshoppers, crickets, and insects generally, and ants and their eggs specially. I have found them repasting upon minute mollusks on the sandy shores of small and shallow ponds, where they were apparently little more suspicious than the Solitary Sandpipers are notably. The flight is in rather compact form, dipping and rising alternately, and with a disposition to return again to the neighborhood of their former feeding-places.’ ’’—Chapman’s Birds of Eastern North America. Genus Actitis (Illig.) 125. Actitis macularia (Linn.). Sporrep SANDPIPER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts brownish gray with a faint greenish luster, head and neck more or less streaked, and back barred or spotted with black; inner tail-feathers like back, outer ones white with blackish bars; underparts white; everywhere spotted with black. Juv.—Upperparts brownish gray, with a greenish tinge, back faintly and wing-coverts conspicuously barred with black and buffy; underparts pure white, unspotted, but slightly washed with grayish on breast. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Similar, but back without bars. L., 7.50; W., 4.20; Tar., 90; B., .95. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Both Americas, breeding from South Carolina to Alaska, and wintering from South Carolina to Brazil. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, common during migrations, and occurring also in summer, though less commonly. Fic. 104. Sporrep SANDPIPER. This is our most common inland sandpiper. It is found wherever conditions are suitable. Around mud-puddles, small branches, creeks, lakes, ponds, rivers— anywhere and everywhere that a little water accumulates and a log or patch of mud or gravel gives it a resting and feeding place, this species may be found. One may travel along the course of almost any stream or lake shore in the State and seldom be out of sight of one or more of these birds during the spring and fall migrations. It is in fact the most widely distributed and characteristic bird of our water-courses. It is a summer resident to some extent, and possibly nests with us, though we have no record of its eggs having been taken in North Carolina. Descriptive List 143 It seems to be most common in May, and it occurs from Cape Hatteras to the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. The nest is placed on the ground. It is simply a depression in the soil, lined sometimes with grass or moss, and is situated usually near water. The eggs commonly number four; have a creamy, buff, or clay-colored ground, blotched, spotted, and dotted with blackish brown; and measure about 1.34 x .92. Genus Numenius (Briss.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Secondaries, quills, etce., rusty cinnamon. L., 20.00 or more. Long-billed Curlew. 1. Secondaries, quills, etc., dull brownish. L., 16.00 to 18.00. Hudsonian Curlew. A third species, the Eskimo Curlew. Nwmenius borealis (J. R. Forst); doubtless formerly occurred. It is a still smaller bird than the Hudsonian Curlew (L., 12.50 to 14.50), and further differs from it in having no paler median stripe on the crown. It is now considered to be nearly or quite extinct. 126. Numenius americanus (Wils.). LonG-BILLED CuRLEW. Ads.—Head and neck streaked, and back barred with buffy and black; wing-coverts, inner webs of primaries, secondaries, and tail varying from buffy to pale rufous, barred or mottled with blackish; underparts ochraceous-buff, breast more or less streaked and sides sometimes barred with black; axillars rufous, generally unbarred. L., 24.00; W., 10.50; Tar., 3.10; B., 6.00. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—North America, now only a straggler east of the Mississippi; winters from South ‘Carolina to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Not well known. Fic. 105. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Formerly abundant on our coasts (Coues, 1871), its status with us today is hard to define, except that it is a very rare bird, if found at all within our borders. We know of no later unquestioned record than that of a specimen killed on Shackle- ford Banks, near Beaufort, in 1885, by ‘‘Tobe” Lane of New Bern. 144 Birps or Norru Caroiina It is a bird of striking appearance and large size, but owing to excessive shoot- ing it is now virtually extinct on the Atlantic Coast. Coues states that it was a resident near Beaufort in 1871. 127. Numenius hudsonicus (Lath.). Hupsonran CurLEw. Ads.—Upperparts grayish brown, the sides of the feathers with buff or whitish spots; rump and tail barred with buffy and blackish; inner web of outer primaties and both webs of inner ones barred with buffy or whitish and black; underparts buffy or whitish; neck and breast streaked and sides and under wing-coverts barred with black. L., 17.00; W., 9.50; Tar., 2.20; B., 3.75. Remarks.—Young birds often have the bill as short as in borealis from w hich, however, they may always be distinguished by their barred primaries. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A. ) nae —Both Americas, breeding far northerly, and wintering from northern Mexico to south- ern Chile. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations. The Hudsonian Curlew is our second largest shore-bird, now that the preceding species is no longer with us. Its flight is strong and regular, not unlike that of some ducks, and it is wild enough to make the gunner experience some thrills of satisfaction when he draws a specimen or two from his game bag at the close of a day’s beach shooting. In flight the neck is folded back, and the appearance of the bird on the wing is generally that of compact strength and size, the long, curving bill identifying it as a Curlew without fail. Bishop reports it from Pea Island as a rather rare migrant. Pearson and H. H. Brimley observed this species on the mud-flats and marshes near Southport in August of 1909. May 7-11, 1910, we found fifteen to twenty daily on the salt marshes between Cape Fear and Lockwood’s Folly. On April 29, 1911, a flock of between twenty and thirty was seen flying over Orton Pond (Brunswick County), heading towards the coast west of Southport. Both Pearson and H. H. Brimley have found the bird more or less common on the North River marshes in Carteret County, and at Wrightsville Sound near Wilmington. A pair was seen flying south over New River Inlet by H. H. Brimley on August 4, 1918. 21. FAMILY CHARADRIIDA. PLOVERS The plovers are shore-birds with larger and rounder heads than the snipe and sandpipers. The bill also is usually shorter than in those birds, and is shaped somewhat like that of a pigeon. The wings are very long and pointed, and the hind toe is usually absent, just the reverse of the case in the preceding family, in which a hind toe is usually present. KEY TO GENERA Plumage of upperparts speckled. See 2. Plumage of upperparts not speckled. Neck with dark rings. See 3. . Hind toe present, but very small. Squatarola. Hind toe wholly absent. Charadrius. . Tail one-half or more length of wing, ramp orange brown, unlike back, breast with two black rings. Oxyechus. - Tail not one-half length of wing, rump same color as back, breast with not more than one black band. See 4. . Bill as long as middle toe with claw. Ochthodromus. . Bill shorter than middle toe with claw. ?gialitis. wNwee ow ee CO Plate 9 HUDSONIAN CURLEW Numenius hudsonicus (Lath.) Descriptive List 145 Genus Squatarola (Cuv.) 128. Squatarola squatarola (Linn.). BuAck-BELLIED PLOVER. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, bordered with white; tail white, barred with black; basal half of inner web of primaries white; sides of head and neck and entire underparts, except white lower belly and under tail-coverts, black. Jwv.—Upperparts black, head and neck streaked, back spotted with whitish or buffy yellow; tail and wings as in adult; underparts white, breast and sides streaked with brownish gray. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Similar to the preceding, but upperparts brownish gray, lightly margined with whitish. L., 11.00; W., 7.50; Tar., 1.90; B., 1.10. Remarks.—The rounded scales on the front of the tarsus and the presence of a fourth, although very small, toe distinguish this bird. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan. Breeds in the Arctic regions and on the Atlantic Coast of America; winters from North Carolina to Brazil. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region from late July to the end of May. ry, >. wit \ iis es oe & 4 > 4, s a Y . GEER # at) Tse rh - iis igor ss aohe or Fie. 107. Fic. 106. BLAcK-BELLIED PLOVER. Foor or BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. This fine bird is found along our coast throughout the year, except possibly from about the end of May to the latter part of July. A few immature birds probably pass the summer on the coast. It is, however, most plentiful during the migrations. The Black-bellied Plover is an alert, shy bird, and does not decoy with as much unconcern as do many other beach-birds. Its large size and swift flight make it a favorite among gunners. With us it is a bird of the tide-flats and beaches, and not found inland. Usually congregated in small bunches, it follows the receding tide to feast on small marine life. In moving from place to place the flocks are often compact, or in lines, and the flight is strong and regular. Genus Charadrius (Linn. ) 129. Charadrius dominicus dominicus (Miill.). GoupEN PLover. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts black, spotted and margined with golden yellow; tail brownish gray, indistinctly barred; forehead, sides of head, neck, and breast white; rest of the underparts, including cheeks, black; under wing-coverts ashy. Juv.—Upperparts and tail fuscous, spotted or barred with whitish or yellow; underparts whitish, more or less streaked or barred with brownish gray. Ads. and Juv. in winter.—Similar, but less streaked below and less spotted above. L., 10.50; W., 7.00; Tar., 1.60; B., .90. 10 146 Brrps or Norru Carorrma Remarks.—Immature birds are sometimes confused with those of the Black-bellied Plover, but, aside from differences of size and color, the absence of the fourth toe in the present species will always distinguish it. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters in southern South America. Range in North Carolina.—Rare migrant, chiefly in fall. Fig. 108. GoLpEN PLOVER. Fie. 109. Foor or GOLDEN PLOVER. A very rare bird with us. In 1871 Coues reported it as a common migrant in October, at Fort Macon. Cairns recorded it as a rare migrant in Buncombe County fifteen years ago, and one was taken at Raleigh, by W.S. Primrose, in 1884. MeAtee took specimens on September 7 and 23, 1909, and on April 18 and August 30, 1910, on Currituck beach, opposite Church’s Island. “Most birds appear to return to their summer homes over much the same route by which they left them. There are, however, a few marked exceptions to this rule. Among our land-birds, the Connecticut Warbler enters the United States through Florida and journeys thence northwest- ward along the Alleghanies, and west to Missouri, to the Upper Mississippi Valley and Manitoba. At this season it is unknown on the Atlantic coast north of Florida, but during its return migra- tion, in September and October, it is often not uncommon from Massachusetts southward, and, at this season, is rare or unknown in the Mississippi Valley south of Chicago. (See Cooke, ’04.) “Among our water-birds, cases of this kind are more frequent. The fall migration often brings to the Atlantie Coast species which are rarely if ever seen there in the spring. The Black Tern, for example, occurs near New York City in numbers, from August to October, but is not found there in the spring. “The Golden Plover, as has been shown by Cooke (’93), after breeding in June on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, in August migrates southeastward to Labrador, where it feeds on the erow- berry (Empetrum), laying on a supply of fat as fuel for the remarkable voyage which follows. From Labrador the birds fly south to Nova Scotia and thence lay their course for northern South America in a direct line across the Atlantic. “Under favorable conditions they may pass the Bermudas without stopping, but should they encounter storms they rest in these islands and are also driven to our coast. Their first stop may be made in the Lesser Antilles, through or over which they proceed to South America, en route to their winter quarters in southwestern Brazil and the La Plata region. “Tn returning to their Arctic home these Plover pass northward through Central America and the Mississippi Valley, the main line of their fall and spring routes, therefore, being separated by as much as 1,500 miles. “The explanations advanced to account for the gradual development of migration routes, over which birds in the fall retrace the path followed in the spring, are inadequate to account for the origin of these phenomenal journeys, on which the pioneer voyagers must apparently have em- barked unguided by either inherited or acquired experience. Nor do we understand how birds atte learned to cross regularly over bodies of water, hundreds or even thousands of miles in width. Descrietive List 147 “Buropean birds cross the Mediterranean, to and from Africa, at a point where soundings indicate that a much closer land relation formerly existed; but the 400-mile flight from Jamaica to northern South America, the 600-mile flight from the nearest land to the Bermudas, or the journey regularly made by the Turnstone and Golden Plover to Hawaii, 2,000 miles from the nearest land, are evidently not to be explained in this way.”’ (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Genus Oxyechus (Reichenb.) 130. Oxyechus vociferus vociferus (Linn.). KILLpEER. Ads.—Forehead, a spot behind the eye, throat, and a ring around neck, a band on breast, lower breast, and belly white; front of crown, lores, a ring around neck, and a band on breast black; crown and back grayish-brown tipped with rufous; rump and upper tail-coverts rufous; inner tail-feathers grayish-brown, outer ones becoming rufous and white, all tipped with black and white. L., 10.50; W., 6.50; Tar., 1.35; B., .75. (Chap., Birds of HE. N. A.) Range.—Breeds from Mexico to Canada; winters from New Jersey to Peru. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, occurring more or less at all seasons, but most abundant during the migrations. Fic. 110. KILuperr. The Killdeer is found throughout the State except, perhaps, in the higher moun- tains. It frequents the uplands, as well as the lake shores. In the central part of the State, although breeding commonly, it is more plentiful during the migrations. They are active and noisy birds, and if any are in the neighborhood one usually knows of it. They may often be heard calling at night as they fly about the fields. On the ground they are usually restless and run swiftly on the approach of danger. Except in the mating season the bird is more often found in flocks, the bunches usually having a much more compact formation in flight than when feeding. The eggs are large for the size of the bird, pointed, and usually four in number. In the nest they lie with their points together in the center. They are deposited in April, May, and June. The nest is a very slight affair, not much more than a shallow hollow, often scratched among the cotton rows, or in pebbly ground in the neighborhood of millponds. Its plaintive cry of kil-dee, kil-dee, which may be heard in all parts of the State, is a well-known sound to every North Carolina farm boy. Genus Aigialitis (Boie) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Black bands broad. Toes distinctly webbed at base. Semipalmated Plover. 1. Black bands narrow and pale, that on breast interrupted. No web between inner and middle toe. Piping Plover. 148 Brrps or Norru Carona 131. Aigialitis semipalmata (Bonap.). SemreaLtMarep PLOVER. Ads. in summer.—Feathers at base of upper mandible, front of crown, sides of head below eye, and a band on breast, which generally encircles the neck all around, black; rest of underparts and a ring around the neck white; back of head and back brownish gray; inner tail-feathers brownish gray, outer ones becoming gradually white; toes webbed at the base. Winter plumage.— Similar, but black replaced by brownish gray. L., 6.75; W., 4.80; Tar., .90; B., .50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Both Americas, breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, and wintering from South Carolina to Patagonia. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations, occasionally inland. Fic. 111. SeMIpPaALMATED PLOVER. This bird is frequently called Ringneck. It is a common migrant on the coast. Though chiefly maritime with us, three specimens have been taken at Raleigh (C. 8. Brimley), two in 1884 and one in 1909, both in May. The Semipalmated Plover usually goes in small flocks, and feeds on the mud- flats, marshes, and sea-beaches. It is a neat, graceful little plover, of quick move- ments, both on the ground and in flight. It is frequently found in company with flocks of other small shore-birds, known collectively as “peeps.” 132. Aigialitis meloda (Ord.). Pierna PLover. Ads. in summer.—Upperparts pale whitish ashy; forehead, underparts, and a ring around the neck white; front of the crown and a band on either side of the breast, sometimes complete, black; inner tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming white. Winter plumage.—Similar, but black replaced by brownish gray. L., 7.00; W., 4.75; Tar., .85; B., .50. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Me from North Carolina northward; winters from Georgia southward to northern ex1co. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region during the migrations, also detected breeding on Pea Island by Bishop. This is another of the little plovers that frequent the beaches in numbers during the migrations. In habits it very much resembles the foregoing, but in appearance it is noticeably different. Its general coloration renders it most inconspicuous on the shell-strewn stretches of sand it inhabits. The note of this bird is particularly musical and striking. Bishop reports it as a common summer resident at Pea Island, breeding in May. The nests are placed among the drift on the sand. The eggs are pale buff in ground color, speckled with black and purplish gray. Size 1.29 x .95. They are four in number and are deposited in a mere depression in the sand. Descrretive List 149 Fig. 112. Piprnc PLover. Genus Ochthodromus (Reichenb.) 133. Ochthodromus wilsonius wilsonius (Ord.). Wutson’s PLover. Ad. &.—Lores, front of crown, and a band on the breast black; rest of underparts, forehead, and an indistinct ring on the nape white; sides of the head and nape sometimes with rufous mark- ings; cheeks, crown, and back brownish gray; inner tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming white. Ad. 9.—Similar, but black replaced by brownish gray with rusty on breast. Jwv.— Similar to 9, but upperparts margined with grayish. L., 7.50; W., 4.50; Tar., 1.10; B., .80. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Southern States, breeding from Virginia southward; winters from Florida to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region in summer; breeds. Fig. 113. Wuinson’s PLover. The Wilson’s Plover may always be known among its near relatives by the com- paratively large size of the bill. In North Carolina it is one of the most common and widely distributed beach-nesting birds. Here, on the wide, undulating stretches of sand, where shells and ocean flotsam abound, this little plover makes its nest and rears its downy young. With an inconspicuous coloration that harmonizes well with its surroundings, it is at all times difficult to distinguish. A rapidly twinkling and moving blur among the shells on the dazzling sand is about all that the sun-tired eye catches as the bird runs swiftly from the neighborhood of its nest. Ghostlike and intangible, it seems to glide along. The nest is a mere hollow in the sand, and both eggs and nest are as inconspicuous and difficult to detect as the bird itself. Nesting usually takes place in May, though the species is with us commonly from April to September. 150 Birps or Norru Carona Before incubation the bird has a habit of standing alongside its nest and shading, with its body, the eggs from the direct rays of the sun. The eggs are two to four in number, measuring about 1.00 x 1.45. They are spotted with black on a drab ground-color. Pearson has found their nests on the sea-beaches in Carteret County (Cape Lookout), Onslow County (Stump Sound) and New Hanover County (Corn- cake Inlet). 22. FAMILY APHRIZIDZ. SURF-BIRDS AND TURNSTONES A small family, including birds allied to the plovers, but with the feet four-toed and the tarsus scutellate in front. A single genus and species occurs with us. Genus Arenaria (Briss.) 134. Arenaria interpres morinella (Linn.). Ruppy TurRNSTONE. Description.—Varied with black, white, and chestnut above; lower parts mainly white, the chest deep black in adult, but only mottled with dusky in immature birds. L., 9.00 to 10.00; W., 5.50 to 6.00. Range.—Both Americas, breeding in the Arctic regions, and wintering from South Carolina to Brazil. Range in North Carolina—Coastal region during the migrations, at least from late March to early June, and from mid-August nearly,to winter. a | Fig. 114. Ruppy TuRNSTONE. The Turnstone is perhaps the most handsomely marked of all our shore-birds. Strictly coastwise in its habits, its brilliant and striking coloration, its well propor- tioned and robust outline, and its strong, rapid flight, all go to make it a bird which once seen will ever be remembered. Not often congregating in large flocks, the small bunches in which it usually travels may be found everywhere along the open beaches during the migrations. It mingles freely with other species of like habits, following the receding tide out on the mud-flats and oyster rocks in search of its favorite food. It is a quick and graceful flyer and comes very well to decoys, although usually a much shyer bird to approach in the open than are many other birds of the beaches. ‘Turnstones usually leave for the North in May; yet indi- viduals may be found nearly, if not quite, every month in the year. Plate 10 4 * Laer oe —— : —. : A ltet as 4s ee ee nhs -* Descriptive List 151 23. FAMILY HEMATOPODIDZ. OYSTER-CATCHERS Genus Hematopus (Linn.) 135. Hematopus palliatus (Temm.). OysTmR-CATCHER. Ad.—Head, neck, and upper breast glossy black, back and wing-coverts olive-brown, seconda- ries white, primaries fuscous, upper tail-coverts white, base of tail white, end fuscous, lower breast and belly white. Jm.—Similar, but head and neck blackish and upperparts more or less margined with buffy. L., 19.00; W., 10.50; Tar., 2.40; B., 3.40. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Both Americas, breeding from Virginia to Chile and Brazil. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, resident. This fine bird is most striking in appearance and exceedingly conspicuous. Broadly marked in solid brown-blacks and whites, with a large, brilliant vermilion- colored bill, red eyelids, and large yellow eye, there is no possibility of ever mis- taking it for anything but what it is—the feathered king of the shell-strewn sand- beaches. The flight of the Oyster-catcher is strong and regular, and by no means slow. But, for a bird, its long suit is running! If you have ever tried to run down a young one which has not quite reached the flying stage, and this happens to be on a hot August day, with the sun shining clear on the red-hot sand and no breeze stirring, then you can appreciate this bird’s power of leg. The open beaches are where these birds make their nests, and April and May are the usual nesting months. Pearson and Brimley have found their eggs and young on Royal Shoal Island in Pamlico Sound, at Cape Lookout in Carteret County, on the beach near Ocracoke, and at Lockwood’s Folly in Brunswick County. They seem to stay on our coast the whole year, though less common in winter, particu- larly toward the northern border of the State. The flat, screw-driver-pointed bill is an admirable tool for opening, not oysters, but the smaller and weaker shelled bivalves on which it feeds. At low tide the bird is frequently seen feeding on the exposed mud-flats and oyster rocks. In the neighborhood of Southport it is not at all uncommon, usually being seen in pairs. Occasionally, however, ten or a dozen may be in sight at one time, in places where food is abundant. Pearson and H. H. Brimley counted thirty-two on a small mud-flat opposite Southport in August, 1909. Some writers state that the bill is often bent sidewise at the tip, as if from using it as an “opener,” chiefly in one direction. This feature we have not noticed. We have, however, seen one specimen with the upper mandible about one inch shorter than the lower, which might indicate either a break or excessive wear. The Oyster-catcher goes by the name of ‘‘Clam-bird”’ on our coast. The eggs of the Oyster-catcher are creamy or white, spotted and blotched irregu- larly with different shades of brown, and are rather oval in shape. Average size 2.20 x 1.56. Two is the usual number deposited. 152 Biros or Norru Carorima X. ORDER GALLINZ. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS Large or medium sized land-birds, formerly grouped as “‘scratchers.’’ They com- prehend such familiar forms as chickens, turkeys, partridges, and quails. Our few species fall into four families, each represented by a single genus and species. KEY TO FAMILIES . Size very large; head naked. Meleagridew, Turkeys. . Size smaller. Head feathered. See 2. . Tail longer than wings. Phasianida, Pheasants. . Tail shorter than wings. See 3. . Tarsus more or less feathered. Wing more than 6.00. Tetraonide, Grouse. . Tarsus naked. Wing less than 6.00. Odontophoride, Bob-whites. WQWNNee 24. FAMILY ODONTOPHORIDA. AMERICAN QUAILS Genus Colinus (Goldf.) 136. Colinus virginianus virginianus (Linn.). Bos-wuirn, “PARTRIDGE,” “QuatrL.” Description.—Upperparts mottled grayish, tinged with rusty and waved with dusky and whitish; lower parts whitish varied with black and rusty; adult males with stripe over eye and broad patch covering chin, throat, and malar region white, rest of head black; sides of head spotted with triangular spots of white and black. Adult females with head buff and brown instead of white and black; chest mainly light cinnamon. L., 9.50-10.75; W., 4.25-4.75. Range.—Eastern United States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. The most popular game bird of North Carolina is the Partridge, or ‘Quail”’ as the northern hunter knows it. It ranges from the mountains to the sea. North Carolina contains ideal climatic and other necessary conditions for the well-being of the Bob-white. Any reasonable amount of protections will insure a plentiful stock of this valuable game bird for many years to come. Not being dependent on the uncultivated wilderness, as are so many other forms of game, the more land that is opened to cultivation, the greater has been the increase of the Quail. Wherever field peas or grain is grown, there Bob-white repairs, the stray seed from the farmer’s crops seeming to be much to his taste. He is credited with destroying chinch bugs, grasshoppers, boll weevils, striped cucumber beetles, and other injurious insects, and with varying his diet in winter with the seeds of many weeds which vex the farm lands. His game qualities often enable the farmer to lease the shooting privileges of his land for enough, or more than enough, to pay the taxes. It nests both early and late, and sometimes a brood almost grown may be found on November 15 (the usual opening day for shooting in the State), associated with a brood of little “‘squealers”’ only just able to fly. The full complement of eggs is from ten to eighteen; sometimes more are found, but such extraordinary sets are probably the result of two hens occupying the same nest. The principal laying month is May. Plate 11 ‘ Fi R RS hs rata BOB-WHITE. Colinus virginianus virginianus (Linn.) Male and Female. Descrietive List 153 The name Bob-white comes from the loud and clear two-noted whistle of the male in the nesting season, when this most musical and far-reaching call may be heard a long distance on a still day. When a covey has been scattered, a rallying call of three notes is used. These latter are the calls most familiar to the hunter. 25. FAMILY TETRAONIDA.. GROUSE This family is composed of birds nearly allied to the preceding family, but usually of greater size and more northern range. They may be distinguished by having the tarsus and nasal fossz feathered, instead of naked as in the Bob-whites. Genus Bonasa (Steph.) 137. Bonasa umbellus umbellus (Linn.). Rurrep Grouse, “PHEASANT.” Description —Head crested, sides of neck with a ruff of soft dark feathers; upperparts varied with black, brown and gray, tail dusky with several narrow bands of black, a broad subterminal band of black, and a terminal one of grayish; lower parts whitish or buffy, marked with broad bars of brown. Female smaller than male, with ruff on neck reduced in size or absent. L., 15.50 to 19.00; W., 7.00 to 7.50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—W ooded regions of eastern United States, south in the mountains to northern Georgia. Range in North Carolina.—Resident in the mountain region. Fig. 116. Foor or Fic. 115. Rurrep GROUSE. RUFFED GROUSE. The Ruffed Grouse is known in this State as “Pheasant.” With us it is a bird of the mountain region only, ranging chiefly above the twenty-five hundred-foot level. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of this grouse is the habit the male has of “drumming.” It is the mating call to the female, or a challenge to a rival cock, and few birds of like size possess a more distinctive and far-reaching one. Starting with a slow, bass, drum-beat, the notes shorten rapidly until they end with the quick roll of a kettle-drum. Through the Grouse’s custom of frequently drumming while perched on a log, it was formerly supposed that the sound proceeded from the 154 Birps or Norrn Caroiina strokes of the wings upon the wood. Now, however, it is known that the sound results from rapid wing-beats against the air. The bird may stand on a stump or rock or anthill, but in no case could the effect be produced by beating its perch. No more gamey bird inhabits our upland woods. To hunt it means thicket shoot- ing at a whirling brown mass, that rises with a roar and goes through the bushes and saplings like a feathered cannon-ball. You may be a good shot at ducks from a blind, or at quail in the open, but you must learn many things if you would become a successful hunter of the Ruffed Grouse. Hight to fourteen eggs are laid, and the nest is usually well hidden in a fallen tree-top, under a brush-pile, or at the base of a stump or tree. Sometimes, how- ever, it is made in the open. The eggs blend well with the dead leaves, pine straw, ete., with which the nest is lined. Incubation usually takes place in May. The chicks, like the young of other related species, can run and hide almost as soon as clear from the shell. As is the case with young turkeys, they are carefully guarded from the wet by the mother. Dampness, perhaps, is the greatest cause of fatality to which they are exposed. The food of the Ruffed Grouse is mast of various kinds, berries and buds, with grasshoppers and other insect life. They usually roost in trees and often take refuge in the branches when flushed. When the snow is deep they sometimes pass the night in it, going to roost with a plunge through the surface. 26. FAMILY MELEAGRIDZ. TURKEYS Genus Meleagris (Linn.) 138. Meleagris gallopavo silvestris (Vieill.). Wp Turkey. Description.—Glossy, coppery black, the wing-quills and secondaries slaty barred with white. Tail gray, barred with black, and tipped with deep rusty instead of white, as in the domestic turkey. This bird may be distinguished from the domestic turkey by the brownish instead of white fps to the upper tail-coverts and tail. L., 48.00-50.00; W., 21.00; T., 18.50; Weight, 12-30 Ibs. Range.—Eastern United States. Range in North Carolina.—Permanent resident in all parts of the State. This, the largest and noblest game-bird found in the United States, is still fairly common over a large area of North Carolina, wherever sufficient bodies of wood- land suitable to its habits yet remain. It occurs from the mountains to the sea; and even in the more thickly settled sections of the State. Where large bodies of forest are yet spared, it lives and breeds and holds its own with remarkable tenacity. Even in Wake County, within a few miles of the State capital, it still occurs sparingly. In November, 1898, Pearson frequently saw these birds either on or in the immediate vicinity of the campus of the State University at Chapel Hill. Common as it is in North Carolina, the inexperienced turkey hunter must expect to see many more tracks and scratching-places than birds, as this is one of the wariest denizens of our forests. All its senses capable of noting danger seem ever on the alert, sight and hearing both being of the keenest. But once in a while one may almost walk up to Turkeys in the open woods. Descriptive List 155 Late in 1910 H. H. Brimley, while in a large eastern swamp hunting for bear sign, suddenly rounded the enormous perpendicular mass of roots and earth thrown up by a huge storm-felled tree, when a quick “cluck, cluck” attracted his attention to three big gobblers which were on the point of leaping into the air. As they soared skyward through the tall gums the rifle spoke and a few feathers drifted slowly groundward, though no bird followed. These three gobblers were not more than a dozen yards distant when flushed, and a shotgun should have accounted for at least two of them. Fig. 117. Witp TuRKry. On another occasion three of us were hurrying to our deer-stands, each leading a hound by achain. While passing through a belt of heavy woods, with low, scat- tering undergrowth, the leading man suddenly dropped the chain and threw up his rifle. Following the line of his aim we saw a flock of Turkeys rise all around us. Several shots were fired, but nothing fell, for a rifle is not the best of weapons for snap-shooting at flying game in thick woods. We have, on a few other occasions, come suddenly on Turkeys in the woods, but such instances are exceptions, as the neophyte in Turkey hunting will soon discover. From eight to twelve eggs is the full complement. Many hunters claim that a 156 Brirps or Norru Carorimna four-year-old hen lays the largest setting, the bird being then at her prime. Well hidden indeed must be the nest. Skunks, opossums, and raccoons are ever on the alert for scrambled eggs, and even the old gobblers will destroy a family, whether in the form of eggs or helpless young. Among the young Turkey’s enemies are wildcats, foxes, and some of the larger birds of prey. In the fall the old males join the hens and their well-grown broods, until some- times flocks of very large size result. With us, however, eight or ten birds make up the average gang, though larger companies are by no means rare. The food of the Wild Turkey is varied. The young are particularly fond of grasshoppers, while various nuts, berries, and acorns form the bulk of the food of the adults. We have seen their tracks out on a fresh-water marsh, which were made, we were told, when the birds were in search of small frogs. In the swamps of eastern North Carolina the black-gum berries are a staple article of diet, the leafy carpet of the woods where black-gums grow bearing abundant evidences of the fact. The principal method of hunting these birds is by scattering the flock and after- wards calling them up individually within range of the gun. 27. FAMILY PHASIANIDZ. PHEASANTS Genus Phasianus (Linn.) 139. Phasianus colchicus « phasianus torquatus. Hnouisn Rinc-NecKED PHEASANT. Description.—General color of male, coppery chestnut, with bright purple or bronze reflec- tions. The neck is metallic blue, tail long and pointed, with dark crossbars. The female is brownish, mottled and varied with dusky; lower parts plain; tail barred. L., 30.00; W., 10.00; T., 18.00—20.00. Range in North Carolina.—aAt present confined largely to the piedmont section of the State. While the English Ring-necked Pheasant is not a native, it has been introduced and reared on some of the large game preserves in the central part of the State. Wandering beyond the borders of these preserves, this splendid game bird may now be frequently met with in various localities; especially is this true in the counties of Randolph, Chatham, Davidson, and Guilford. Large in size, of most gorgeous plumage (in the case of the male), and one of the best birds for the table, the English Ring-necked Pheasant is worthy of the heartiest efforts of the bird-protectionist. With proper regulations for its propaga- tion and protection, it should prove a valuable addition to the avifauna of the State. Thousands of them breed today in a wild state in central North Carolina. The English Ring-necked Pheasant is a hybrid between the English Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus torquatus). XI. ORDER COLUMBZ. PIGEONS AND DOVES 28. FAMILY COLUMBIDAZ. PIGEONS AND DOVES KEY TO GENERA 1. Tail short, rounded; wing less than 4.00. Chaemepelia. 1. Tail long and pointed. Zenaidura. Descriptive Lisr 157 The passenger pigeon, Hctopistes migratorius (Linn.), is doubtless now extinct. A reward of $1,500 was recently offered by some American ornithologists for the discovery of a nest. This was advertised by the Audubon societies in all parts of North America; but when the offer closed on December 1, 1911, after having stood for two years, there had been found no one to claim the reward. Formerly these birds occurred in uncountable millions, their flights darkening the sky and their roosting and nesting places being strewn with broken branches torn from the trees by the sheer weight of the tons of bird-life piled upon them. A nesting colony in Michigan in 1876 or 1877 occupied the forest over a territory twenty-eight miles long by three or four miles wide. The last known nesting site in Michigan occurred in 1881, and was “‘only of moderate size—perhaps eight miles long.’’—BrEwsTER. Actual records of their occurrence in North Carolina are not plentiful, although one may often hear old residents speak of their appearance in great flocks many years ago. H. H. Brimley spent the whole morning following a single specimen in some pine woods near Raleigh in the spring of 1891. This was the last of the three specimens he has ever seen alive. Cairns reported it as very rare in Bun- combe County in the early nineties, and collected a female in 1894. Dr. K. P. Battle, of Raleigh, a careful observer of birds, states that when at Bingham School between 1871 and 1872 he saw a flock about a mile in width. When at the State University at Chapel Hill, in 1878, he killed one out of a bunch of three. There is no definite, incontrovertible explanation of the cause of the total extinc- tion of this bird, which in teeming millions swept over the country only a few years ago. We only know that the vast nesting sites, which thirty years ago showed a riot of bird life so crowded and so extensive as to be far beyond the power of human mind to grasp in terms of numbers of individuals, are now silent and deserted. Of the myriads that once obscured the rays of the sun, only a soli- tary individual remained in existence when these lines were written, a female eighteen years of age confined in a cage in the Zoological Gardens at Cincinnati, Ohio. This specimen, apparently the last of the race, died on September 1, 1914. Their extinction was doubtless hastened by the great slaughter to which they were subjected by the hands of man. Should one of these birds by any chance fall into the hands of any of our readers, it may be known by its general resemblance to the Mourning Dove, coupled with much larger size. Genus Zenaidura (Bonap.) 140. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linn.). Mourntna Dove. Description.—Brownish olive, glossed with blue and vinaceous; a dark ear-spot in male; belly eae ue ; plumage with metallic luster. Female duller. L., 11.00-13.00; W., 5.75-6.00; T., 5.75-6.50. Range.—Eastern North America, universally distributed. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons; common. Mourning Doves are common residents throughout the State. In the fall and winter they gather in flocks and many frequent the grain and peanut fields. They are birds of strong appetites. One killed by a United States Government collector 158 Brrps or Norru Carorina in Kentucky was found to contain over 7,000 weed-seeds. They are regarded as game-birds in North Carolina, and many are annually shot, particularly in the early autumn. Fig. 118. MourninG Dove. The nest is a frail structure of sticks and twigs placed on the ground, on stumps, or the limbs of trees. Two white, elliptical eggs are deposited. In the mating season doves may often be seen sailing through the upper air much after the man- ner of some of our small hawks. Genus Chemepelia (Swains.) 141. Chemepelia passerina terrestris (Chap.). Grounp Dove. Description. —Grayish olive, with bluish gloss, the head and breast vinaceous in male. Female duller. L., 6.00-7.00; W., 3.00-3.50; T., 2.50. Remarks.—May be easily told from the Mourning Dove, the only other North Carolina species, by its small size and short tail. Range.—Southeastern States. Range in North Carolina.—Occurs more or less rarely in the eastern section. Fic. 119. Grounp Dove. This is one of our rarest birds, having a much more southerly habitat than the preceding species. North Carolina is on the extreme northern limit of its range, and definite knowledge of its occurrence is very limited. Two records from Bun- combe and two from Craven County are all that we have had until recently. On October 7, 1911, however, a specimen was killed near Wilson by L. T. Edwards, =) Descrietive List 15 and was sent to the Museum in the flesh by P. L. Woodward. Mr. Woodward had previously written in regard to the occurrence of small doves in his locality. We are, therefore, led to suppose that its occurrence in that region is somewhat more than accidental. There appears to be no authentic record of its breeding in North Carolina. This is a tiny pigeon, little larger than a Bobolink or Cedar Bird. It is a bird of the fields and open woods. In Florida, Pearson has found the nests of this species situated on the ground, on the top of stumps, on the larger limbs of orange trees, on the horizontal rails supporting Scuppernong grape-vines, and once in a cabbage palm. He describes it as a very confiding little bird, much frequenting orchards, fields, and door-yards, and states that when taking flight it often strikes its wing- tips together, thus producing a sound like that made in the same way by the Mourn- ing Dove. XII. ORDER RAPTORES. BIRDS OF PREY This order includes the hawks, eagles, vultures, kites, faleons, and owls. All are birds with strongly hooked beaks which are covered at the base with a cere or cover- ing of naked skin and through which the nostrils open. Except in the vultures, the claws are sharp and curved. KEY TO FAMILIES . Head entirely naked in adult, hind toe elevated, short. Cathartide, American Vultures. . Head nearly or quite fully feathered, hind toe on a level with the rest. See 2. : hes directed forward, surrounded by a more or less complete disk of radiating feathers. Owls. ee 3. . Eyes directed sideways, as usual in birds (not surrounded by a disk of radiating feathers except in the marsh hawk). Hawks and Eagles. See 4. . Facial disk subtriangular. Middle claw pectinate. A/uconidew, Barn Owls. . Facial disk subcireular. Middle claw not pectinate. Strigide, Owls. . Outer toe reversible, claws all of same length, narrowed and rounded on lower side. Pan- dionide, Ospreys. . Outer toe not reversible, claws graduated in size, the hind claw the largest, the outer claw the smallest. See 5. . Nostrils small, circular, with a conspicuous central bony tubercle; cutting edge of upper man- elible with a strong tooth separated from hooked tip of bill by a distinct notch. Falconide, alcons. 5. Nostrils not circular, nor with an inner bony tubercle. Buteonide, Hawks and Eagles. oo - PW De Nee 29. FAMILY CATHARTIDAZ.. AMERICAN VULTURES This family is composed of large Raptores, which have the hind toe short and elevated, the head naked, and the claws blunt and but slightly curved. They feed almost exclusively on carrion. Some of the largest birds of flight belong to this family. The Condor of the Andes, and the California Condor of our Pacific States, sometimes have an expanse of wings of nearly twelve feet. KEY TO GENERA 1. Wings very long, primaries reaching to end of tail or further (when wings are closed). Tail rounded, nostrils large and broad. Cathartes. 1. Wings short, primaries scarcely reaching middle of tail. Tail truncate, nostrils small and narrow. Catharista. 160 Birps or Nortu Carona Genus Cathartes (Illig.) 142. Cathartes aura septentrionalis (Wied.). Turkry VULTURE. Description.—Black above and below, the feathers of the upperparts so broadly edged with brown that the bird is more brown than black above. Skin of head and neck red in adult, dusky in young. L., about 30.00; W., 22.00; T., 12.50. Range.—Temperate and Tropical North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. Fig. 120. TurRKEY VULTURE. The Turkey Vulture, better known as the “Turkey Buzzard,” is one of our best known birds, and has been considered a friend of man on account of its work as a scavenger and devourer of dead and unburied carcasses. However, veterinarians assert that it carries the germs of hog-cholera from one hog-pen to another, and thus aids in the spread of that disease. Unlike the Black Vulture, the Buzzard seems to show no particular preference for large carrion. Sailing low over the ground, it will stop as readily for a dead snake or rabbit as for the remains of a cow. It can be distinguished from the Black Vulture when flying by the fact that the wings are usually bent at the carpal joint Descriptive List 161 so that the forward primaries point obliquely backward, instead of at right angles to the body, as is the case with our other vulture. Although it is not an uncommon joke in this State to say that the “ Buzzard”’ is protected as a “‘song-bird,” yet, as all who are familiar with it can testify, it is practically voiceless. An occasional hiss, uttered when disturbed at the nest or when quarreling with others over its food, is the only sound that we have ever heard the adult birds utter. Young in the nest, however, are sometimes very noisy. In central North Carolina the eggs are laid in April or May. These are two in number and are deposited in a slight depression on the ground in the shelter formed by an overhanging rock, a fallen tree-trunk, or even the limbs of a prostrate tree. Sometimes they are laid in the hollow base of a tree or within a hollow log. They have a creamy white ground-color, blotched and spotted with various shades of brown and lavender. Size 2.74 x 1.89. The young at first are covered with white down. Genus Catharista (Vieill.) 143. Catharista urubu urubu (Vieill.). Buack Vuurure. Description.—Uniform dull black, including bare skin of head and neck. L., about 23.00; W., 17.00; T., 8.00. Range.—Tropical and warm temperate America from North Carolina to Argentina. Range in North Carolina.—lrregularly present at all seasons in all parts of the State east of the mountains. Fic. 121. BuacK VULTURE. The Black Vulture, sometimes called in this State the ‘South Carolina Buz- zard,” occurs irregularly at all seasons, and usually in flocks, throughout the greater part of North Carolina. In the mountains, however, our only record comes from Buncombe County, where Cairns called it very irregular in its occurrence. At Chapel Hill, and at Greensboro, Pearson has never seen them except in November, December, and January. The eggs, which are often laid on the ground, in canebrakes, or in thick growths of vines and underbrush, are two, and are a little larger than those of the Turkey Vulture, and with fewer markings; they differ also in the ground-color, this being 11 162 Birps or Norru Carovina pale grey-green instead of creamy white, as in the other species. The only sets of eggs we know to have been taken in North Carolina were secured on an island in Neuse River, two miles above Milburnie, in Wake County, on April 20, 1891, and April 20, 1898, and April 6, 1896, by Brimley. The eggs found on the two former dates were advanced in incubation, while those on the last date were fresh. 30. FAMILY BUTEONIDA. HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES, ETC. This family includes all of the hawk tribe, except the true falcons, and the Osprey or Fish Hawk. They have strong, hooked bills, and long, curved, sharp claws. All are diurnal in their habits and they constitute our typical birds of prey. Many of them feed on small mammals, others partake extensively of reptiles, while fish, crustaceans, and insects are not despised. Many of these points, however, are shared in common with the Ospreys, all the claws of which are the same length, and the Falcons, which have circular nostrils with a central bony tubercle. KEY TO GENERA . Wing more than 20, tail not forked. Eagles. See 2. . Wing not more than 18. See 3. Tarsus feathered to the toes. Aquila. Tarsus naked all round for at least lower third. Haliwetus. . Tail deeply forked. Elanoides. . Tail not deeply forked. See 4. . Tarsus densely feathered in front to base of toes. Archibuteo. . Tarsus naked all round. See 5. . Tarsus reticulate all round. Hlanus. . Tarsus scutellate in front. See 6. . Face with a slight ruff, as in the owls; tarsus about as long as tibia; wings long. Circus. . Face without a ruff. See 7. . Tarsus about as long as tibia; wings short, little longer than tail. Acczpiter. Tarsus decidedly shorter than tibia. See 8. . Tarsus scuttelate in front and behind. Buteo. . Tarsus scutellate in front only. Jctinia. DMANAOMNNE PwOWNhr re Genus Elanoides (Vieill.) 144. Elanoides forficatus (Linn.). SwWALLOW-TAILED KiTe. Description —Head, neck, and entire lower parts, and band across rump white; back, Mi and tail black. Distinguished from all our other hawks by the very deeply forked tail. L., 19.00 to 25.00; W., 15.50 to 17.75; T., 12.50 to 14.50. Range.—Tropical and warm temperate America; regularly from North Carolina southward; casually much farther north. Range in North Carolina.—Summer resident in Craven County, and probably other parts of the east. Occasional in the mountain region. In gracefulness of flight the Swallow-tailed Kite is the equal of a tern or swallow, and on the wing it appears not wholly unlike a gigantic member of either group. In this State it seems to occur regularly in the lake region of Craven County below New Bern, where we have observed it during summers of 1905, 1906, 1907, and 1909. Pearson also noted a specimen near Waccamaw Lake, in Columbus County, on June 16, 1898. While not of common occurrence, it is evidently a regu- lar summer visitor in Craven County, where it has acquired the name of “Snake Plate 12 A: TTT ARR ON I tt mm. Descriptive List 163 Hawk” from its habit of eating such reptiles. In western North Carolina we have had several records from the Black Mountains. Here it appears to be a late sum- mer transient or straggler. The nest, like those of other hawks, is built mostly of twigs, and is usually placed in the crotch of some tall tree, usually near the top. The eggs are from two to four in number, dull ashy gray, or creamy white, blotched and spotted with various shades of brown and reddish brown. Size 1.85 x 1.50. We know of no nest of this species being found in North Carolina. A species of the genus Hlanus, the White-tailed Kite (lewcwrus), known by its white head and tail, may occur in the State. Its length is about 16.00. Genus Ictinia (Vieill.) 145. Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.). Mussissrepr Krre. Description —Adult uniform plumbeous, becoming whitish on head, and blackish on tail and wings. Young with head, neck, and underparts white, longitudinally striped or spotted with brown. L., about 14.50; W., 11.50; T., 6.50. Range.—Southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, north to Georgia, south to Guatemala. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only recorded from Cherokee County. Fig. 122. Murssissrprr Krre. The Mississippi Kite gains a recognized place in the fauna of our State through its casual appearance in Cherokee County. Mrs. Donald Wilson records one taken near Andrews, May 26, 1893. Collett also tells us of two other specimens being killed in that neighborhood about the same date. This bird, like the preceding, is said to select the tops of high trees for nesting sites. The eggs are white, usually without markings, and are two or three in num- ber. Size about 1.60 x 1.30. The range of the Mississippi Kite is chiefly west of the Mississippi River. 164 Brrps or Norru Caroirma Genus Circus (Lacep.) This genus contains several foreign species, but is represented in North America by only one—the Marsh Hawk. The genus differs from other hawks in having the feathers of the face forming a slight ruff, somewhat as in the owls. x. Circus hudsonius (Linn.). MaArsH Hawk; “Rassir Hawk.” Description—Adult male, pale bluish gray, the rump and underparts whitish; female and immature male dusky brown above, the underparts whitish, streaked with brown, rump white. L., 18.00 to 20.00; W., 14.00 to 15.00; T., 8.50 to 10.25. Range.—Whole of North America, south in winter to Panama and West Indies. Range in North Carolina—Whole State east of the mountains in winter; otherwise recorded by Cairns as an uncommon fall transient in Buncombe County, and by Coues as a common resident near Beaufort, on the coast. Fic. 123. MarsH Hawk (Male). The Marsh Hawk occurs commonly in North Carolina from August 15 to late April, and may frequently be seen in winter, flying low over the earth with slow measured flaps of its long wings. Now and then it pauses in its wandering course to hover briefly over the dead grass ere it drops suddenly on some luckless mouse. Its well-known fondness for small rodents has earned it a name for usefulness which should commend it to every farmer in the State. The eggs are white, usually unmarked, but sometimes faintly spotted with brown. They number four to six, and measure about 1.80 x 1.40. They are laid in April or May in a nest built, unlike that of most hawks, on the ground in a meadow or pasture. We have no breeding-records from this State, but it is said that this hawk has been known to nest on Roanoke Island. Genus Accipiter (Briss.) Comprises hawks with short, rounded wings and a long tail. They prey mostly on birds, and are bold marauders of the farmer’s chicken yard. Two species oceur with us, and a third—the Goshawk—may occasionally wander this far south. Descriptive List 165 KEY TO SPECIES 1. Tail emarginate, even, or nearly so, wing not more than 8.80. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 1. Tail rounded, wing not Jess than 8.85. Cooper’s Hawk. 147. Accipiter velox (Wils.). SHARP-SHINNED Hawk. Description —General color bluish gray, underparts white barred with rusty; immature birds dusky brown above, underparts white streaked with brown or dusky. L., 10.75 to 14.25; W., 6.50 to 8.25; T., 5.50 to 7.25 and feathers of uniform length. The males are much smaller than the females. Range.—Whole of North America, south in winter to Panama. Range in North Carolina.—Resident in the mountains, but usually only a winter visitor else- where in the State. Fig. 124. SHARP-SHINNED HAwk. Although the Sharp-shinned Hawk is undoubtedly present throughout the State, we have but few actual records. Cairns called it a common resident in Buncombe County, while in the central region we have it recorded as a winter visitor in Orange, Wake, Guilford, and Granville counties, where it occurs from the middle of August to April 15. | Coues recorded it as once taken at Fort Macon in Sep- tember. This species is one of the few hawks that confine their attacks mainly to birds. C.S. Brimley shot one that had captured a Flicker which must have weighed almost as much as the hawk, and Pearson saw one catch a Quail in Granville County. In pursuit of its prey, it can twist and double in and out among bushes or trees with most surprising speed. Late in April, 1894, a set of three fresh eggs was brought to Pearson at Guilford College by a boy of the neighborhood, who stated that he had taken them from a nest in a pine tree about twenty-five feet from the ground. Three weeks later the boy appeared with four more eggs which he had collected from another nest in close proximity to the former one. Both nests were evidently made by the same pair of birds. We have no other record of this species breeding in the State. 148. Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). Cooprr’s Hawk; “Buiue Darter”; “CHICKEN Hawk”; “ BLUE-TAILED Hawk.” Description—Very similar to preceding, but larger, and crown blackish in adult. L., 16.00; W., 9.00; T., 9.00 and with rounded end. Range.—Whole of temperate North America, including most of Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. 166 Birps or Nortru Caroina The Cooper’s Hawk is known to be a permanent resident in all portions of the State, and in many districts is abundant. It may be noted that the local names given this species apply as well to the Sharp-shinned Hawk. This is the hawk which preys conspicuously upon chickens, although its misdeeds are very often attributed to the larger, clumsier hawks of the genus Buteo, which are also commonly and erroneously called ‘Chicken Hawks.’”’ Besides poultry, which of course constitutes only a small portion of its food, this bird preys to a considerable extent upon various small birds, and seems to have but small liking for the rats, mice, reptiles, and large insects so much esteemed as articles of diet by many of our other hawks. Fig. 125. Cooprer’s Hawk. The nest is often built in the main crotch of a medium-sized tree, or on a limb close to the trunk. It is constructed of twigs or small sticks; sometimes the old nest of a crow or of some other hawk is used. The eggs are two to four in the southern part of its range, and are frequently unmarked, though not uncommonly lightly blotched or marked with some shade of brown or drab. Size 1.95 x 1.50. They are generally laid in May or June. Genus Buteo (Lacep.) This genus includes a number of comparatively large and sluggish hawks, with rather long and broad wings, and a medium length of tail. In Europe they are known as “ Buzzards.” ————— EE Descriptive Lisr 167 KEY TO SPECIES = . Four outermost wing quills with webs distinctly emarginated (abruptly narrowed on about the outer half). See 2. . Only three outer wing quills emarginate. See 3. . Outer webs of primary quills distinctly spotted with white. Red-shouldered Hawk. . Outer webs of primaries unspotted. Red-tailed Hawk. . Wing less than 12.00. Broad-winged Hawk. . Wing more than 14.00. Swainson’s Hawk. WwnNwnre 149. Buteo borealis borealis (Gmel.). Rep-rammep Hawk; “Hen Hawk.” Description.—Dark brown above, underparts white, much marked with rusty on the breast and dusky on the belly, the markings being heaviest and darkest on the belly. Tail rufous above, with subterminal black bar in adult, duller in young, with a number of narrow black bars. _L., 20.00 to 23.50; W., 15.75 to 17.00; T., 9.00 to 9.75. The largest birds are usually females. Range.—Hastern North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at. all seasons. Fic. 126. ReEp-TAILED Hawk. The Red-tailed Hawk is not as a rule distinguished by our people from the next mentioned species, for, although larger, its superficial appearance is somewhat similar. It is not very particular in its feeding habits, eating almost any living thing it can capture, from a spider toa hen. The major part of its food, however, appears to consist of mice, frogs, snakes, lizards, crawfish, and insects. The nest is usually situated in the crotch of some large oak, and the same tree is frequently used by one pair for many years. It is a bulky structure of small sticks, lined with finer material. The eggs, which are deposited generally in April, vary from two to four in number. They are dull white, and are usually more or less heavily marked with irregular spots and blotches of brown. Size 2.38 x 1.80. 150. Buteo lineatus lineatus (Gmel.). Rep-sHouLpERED Hawk. Description —Dark brown, the breast (in the adult) rust-red crossed with narrow bars of white; four outer primaries notched on their inner sides; tail with narrow bars of white. Im- mature birds with underparts white, streaked with dark brown, this streaking heaviest on the breast; tail dusky, barred with dull buffy. L., 17.75 to 19.75; W., 12.25 to 13.75; T., 8.25 to 9.25. Range.—Eastern North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, resident at least east of the mountains. The Red-shouldered Hawk is often confused in the popular mind with the pre- ceding, and is likewise called “Chicken Hawk” or ‘‘Hen Hawk,’ although we have 168 Biros or Norru Carorina never known one to kill a bird of any kind. It is undoubtedly the most abundant of our larger hawks. Cairns regarded it as only a winter visitor in Buncombe County. In most of the State, however, it is a resident throughout the year, build- ing its nest in the crotches of large trees, usually oaks, along the creek bottoms. The eggs are laid in early April, and are usually two or three in number, of a whitish Fic. 127. Rep-sHoOULDERED Hawk. -ground-color, variously marked with different shades of brown, buff, and gray. Size 2.15 x 1.70. On May 9, 1899, at Chapel Hill, Orange County, Pearson found two handsomely marked eggs in a nest situated in a pine tree thirty feet from the ground. At this date incubation was well advanced. H. H. Brimley has also found the bird nesting in pine trees. 151. Buteo swainsoni (Bonap.). Swatnson’s Hawk. Description —Gray, variously streaked; usually a bright chestnut or brownish area on breast; tail with narrow dark bars, three outer primaries notched. L., 20.00; W., 15.00; T., 8.50. Range.—Western North America, east to the Mississippi. Range in North Carolina.—Recorded by Cairns from Buncombe County. Swainson’s Hawk is admitted to the fauna of this State on the strength of its being included in Cairns’s list of Buncombe County birds, published in the Ornithol- ogist and Oélogist for January, 1887. It is there spoken of as accidental. Cairns was so careful and accurate an observer that his records cannot be lightly thrown aside, and this one is therefore included here. 152. Buteo platypterus platypterus (Vieill.). Broapn-wincep Hawk. Description.—Brown above, whitish or fulvous below, variously streaked or barred; three outer primaries “notched” (as in the Swainson’s Hawk), and without markings. L., 15.50; W., 10.50; T., 7.00. Wasily distinguished from others of the genus by its smaller size. Range.—EHastern North America. _ Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known from Wake, Orange, and Buncombe counties in summer. Descriptive List 169 The, Broad-winged Hawk, the smallest of our North Carolina buteos, is only known as a summer resident in North Carolina. At Raleigh it arrives about the first week in April, and, being a woodland bird of retiring habits, would hardly be noticed were it not for its peculiar, long-drawn whistle, quite unlike the screams uttered by other hawks. Five sets of eggs of this species have been taken in Wake County, three being from the same nest, which the birds repaired and used in successive years, v1zZ., 1890, 1891, and 1895. The other two sets were also taken in 1895. The date of these ranged from April 25, in 1890, to May 22, in 1895. The number of eggs was two in four cases and three in the fifth. A set was taken by Cairns in Bun- combe County on April 25, 1890, which chanced to be the same day on which H. H. Brimley took his first set at Raleigh. All the Raleigh nests were in pines; the Buncombe nest was in an oak. Fig. 128. Broap-wInGrepD Hawk. Pearson records a female taken in Orange County, April 15, 1899 (Catalogue of the Birds of Chapel Hill, page 39). The nest is rather large and is loosely constructed of sticks, lined with flat scales of bark, and a few leafy twigs of pine or oak. It is invariably placed in the crotch of alarge tree. The eggs are dull grayish white in ground color, spotted or blotched with brown, or with faint grayish or lavender shell-markings, or both; shape, a short ovate, size 1.90 x 1.55. The Broad-winged Hawk is distinctly beneficial, feeding on small mammals, such as mice and shrews; also on small reptiles, frogs, and the larvee of large moths. They are seldom, if ever, known to destroy bird-life. Genus Archibuteo (Brehm) 153. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). RouGu-LEGGED Hawk. Description.—Chiefly whitish, streaked with rusty, but varying from this into a form where the plumage is entirely black. L., 22.50; W., 16.00; T., 9.50. Range.—North America north of Mexico, breeding far northward. Range in North Carolina.—Rare transient in the mountains. 170 Brirpos or Norru Carorina The Rough-legged Hawk was recorded by Cairns as occasionally seen in winter and spring in Buncombe County. Besides this, our only record is from Blowing Rock, Watauga County, near which place one was seen September 10, 1908, at close range with an opera-glass by Z. P. Metcalf. He states that this individual was of very dark plumage. Fig. 129. RovGu-LeGGEp Hawk. Genus Aquila (Briss.) 154. Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.). GoutpEn Bacue. Description.—Glossy dark brown, head and neck paler tawny brown. Length about three feet, spread of wings nearly seven feet; weight seven or eight pounds. Tasily distinguished when at close range from the immature Bald Hagle by the fact that feathers grow on the ankles and feet entirely down to the toes. Its bill is also shorter. L., 30.00 to 35.00; W., 23.00 to 24.75. Range.—Northern portions of Europe, Asia, and America, chiefly in mountainous regions. Range in North Carolina.—Mountainous regions of the State, at all seasons; rare in the eastern section. The Golden Eagle, which is perhaps our finest bird of prey, has been considered until recently as confined in this State largely to the mountains, in which region Cairns recorded it as quite common for so large a bird. The State Museum received specimens from Cherokee and Swain counties in 1904 and 1911. As tending to show that the Golden Eagle is not as exclusively a mountain bird in this State as had been supposed, the following notes of its occurrence in the east are presented: On December 12, 1914, the State Museum received one in the flesh from Captain Haywood Clark of Wilmington. Inquiry elicited the fact that the specimen had been killed a day or two before by Mr. R. A. Cherry, of Speed, N. C., on the lands of the Roanoke and Tar River Gun Club, in Bertie County. Mr. Cherry had just killed a Wild Turkey from a blind, and had remained in the blind in the hope that others might be induced to come within shot. Suddenly this sagle swooped down on the dead Turkey and attempted to carry it off, when it was promptly killed by Mr. Cherry. — Descriptive Lisr rel A live Golden Eagle that was kept in Pullen Park, near Raleigh, for years, came originally—as affirmed by Mr. Howell, the park keeper—from Pender County. This species presumably builds its nest on the cliffs of the higher mountains, but we have no record of eggs or eaglets having been found in the State. The nests are bulky structures of sticks and twigs, usually placed on some exposed rocky ledge, but sometimes tall trees are used for the purpose. The eggs are gener- ally two in number and have a rough shell, which is of a dirty white ground-color, sometimes without markings and sometimes blotched and spotted with various shades of brown. Size about 2.95 x 2.35. Fig. 130. GOLDEN EAGLE. Genus Halizetus (Sav.) 155. Halizeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus (Linn.). Baup Eacun. Description.—Dark brown, with feathers of head and tail white in adult, whole plumage blackish with white mottlings in young until three years of age. Known in all stages from the Golden Eagle by the tarsus not being feathered. Bill in adult yellow; in immature, plumage black. L., 33.00 to 36.00; W., 22.00 to 24.00; spread of wings about 7 ft. Range.—Whole of North America. _ ange in North Carolina.—Whole State, but only common in the coastal region; rare or occa- sional elsewhere. The Bald Eagle, our National emblem, is not an abundant species in North Caro- lina except in the coast-country, breeding always, so far as we have observed, near large bodies of water. Hatteras Island was a favorite nesting place a few years ago, before the sawmill had eaten its way through the woods. Residents on the island speak of three breeding pairs, and Pearson captured two young there, early in May, 1898, which evidently had but just left the nest. On April 21, 1898, he was shown a nest on Roanoke Island, Dare County, from which a young bird had recently been removed. He secured the eaglet and sent it to the State Museum, where it was kept alive for many months. The shores of Core and Currituck sounds are other places where nests have more or less recently been recorded. The eggs are two or three in number, dull white, and are deposited in a nest which is often four or five feet in thickness. The same eyrie is frequently used for many 172 Birps or Norrn Carorina years in succession. Thus a nest at White Lake is known to have been occupied in 1909, 1910, and 1911. It is in a tall, living pine, with a dead pine of like size close by, the latter being used by the old birds as a lookout. In April, 1910, H. H. Brimley observed the two old birds, both in full adult plumage, perched on the dead tree at the same time, with another, presumably an almost grown young one, in the nest. Far from being the proud, fierce, and noble bird which popular fancy paints as spending its time in screaming for liberty and trying to outstare the sun, the Bald Eagle is largely a carrion feeder, and not noted for its ferocity. It feeds more on dead fish than on prey caught by its own skill and boldness. In 1899 Pearson saw four eagles at one time feasting on the bodies of rays left by fishermen on the beach near Fort Macon. In winter, where any considerable amount of duck-shoot- ing goes on, one or more eagles are usually to be found in the neighborhood on the Fic. 133. Foor or Fig. 182. Bap EAG.Le. BALD EAGLE. alert for crippled fowl. In June, 1910, a large alligator had been killed at Lake Ellis, and, after skinning, its remains were left for the buzzards to clear away. Next morning, on approaching the spot, several Turkey Vultures and one eagle rose from the carcass. As they got well under way a fearless little Kingbird (Bee- Martin) rushed after the Bird of Freedom and literally ran it out of the country. A few years ago H. H. Brimley had one confined for several weeks in a wire enclosure. One day a Red-headed Woodpecker was put in the same cage. The result was most surprising, for the woodpecker immediately attacked the head of the eagle and caused the great bird so much annoyance, and evidently inspired it with so much terror, that in mercy the fierce woodpecker was removed. Bald Eagles may occasionally be met with in other parts of the State. Thus Pearson secured an immature bird in Caswell County in February, 1894, and saw one at Chapel Hill, Orange County, in February, 1898. C.S. Brimley has twice DUCK HAWK. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.) Male and Female oy ge IN ae a eee | pli PES ae us as " i Dpto fale tia Tra De fi x wee. a ES ' , , rel ree DA ade ’ f 4 vt a PE a Pe we ‘ tC q h a j H Ul ’ Descriptive Lisr 173 observed adult Bald Eagles near Raleigh, and the State Museum has specimens from Cabarrus, Wake, and Johnston counties, besides a number from the east. Mr. F. P. Latham, of Belhaven, shot one in February, 1914, while feeding on a lamb it had killed. On the authority of Cairns, we may regard it as a rare resident in the mountains. 31. FAMILY FALCONIDAZ. THE FALCONS AND CARACARAS This family contains hawk-like birds with long pointed wings, possessing remark- able powers of flight, and including those most used in the knightly sport of fal- conry. Genus Falco (Linn.) KEY TO SPECIES . Wing more than 12.00. Duck Hawk. . Wing less than 12.00. See 2. . Back bluish-gray or brown. Pigeon Hawk. . Back tawny, with or without black crossbars. Sparrow Hawk. NNRe 156. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). Duck Hawk. Description.—Blackish ash above, the top of head darker; whitish below; cheeks with black patches; underparts very dark, feathers margined with rufous, in young barred with black. L., 15.50 to 20.00; W., 12.50 to 14.00; T., 6.50 to 8.00. Range.—North and South America, breeding locally. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only recorded from Buncombe and Surry counties. The Duck Hawk, the American representative of the celebrated Peregrine Fal- con, the “Falcon” par excellence of the old hawking days, is a rare bird in the State, as in fact it seems to be in many other parts of the country. In the Ornithologist and Oélogist for February, 1889, Cairns writes of one which he saw carry off a chicken near Asheville. He further states that it is ‘‘seen occa- sionally during the summer months.” Pearson found a pair haunting the crags of the “pinnacle” of Pilot Mountain, Surry County, in May, 1892, but a diligent search failed to reveal a nest on any of the accessible cliffs. The eggs are laid on cliffs, little if any nest being constructed, and are generally four in number, often so heavily marked as to conceal the ground-color. Size 2.10 x 1.60. Bendire, in Life Histories of North American Birds, says: ‘Its flight, when once fairly started in pursuit of its quarry, is amazingly swift; it is seemingly an easy matter for it to overtake even the fleetest of birds, and when once in its grasp resistance is useless. I have seen this falcon strike a Cinnamon Teal almost within gunshot of me, kill it, apparently instantly, from the force of the shock, and fly away with it as easily and without visible struggle as if it had been a sparrow instead of a bird of its own weight.” 157. Falco columbarius columbarius (Linn.). Pigron Hawk. Description.—Adult male bluish gray above; adult female and young brownish above; tail barred with black above in male, with lighter in female and young. Underparts whitish or buffy, streaked with dusky. L., 11.00 to 13.00; W., 7.30 to 8.30; T., 5.00 to 6.00. Range.—Whole of North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. z Range in North Carolina.—Known only as an occasional transient at Raleigh and in Buncombe ounty. 174 Brrpos or Norru Carorina The Pigeon Hawk appears to be a rare transient in this State, our only records being October 1, 1886; April 21 and 23, 1888; April 19, 1902; September 2, 1910; and October 4, 1914, all from Raleigh, a single specimen being taken on each date. Cairns secured a female in Buncombe County on October 19, 1894. Fic. 134. PIGEON Hawk. 158.j Falco sparverius sparverius (Linn.). Sparrow Hawk. Description.—Male, back tawny, wings bluish and black, tail chestnut with a broad black band near tip, below whitish or tawny. Female with back and wing-coverts rusty, barred with black; tail tawny, with several black bars. L., 10.00; W., 7.25; T., 4.75. Range.—North and South America. Range in North Carolina—Whole State, apparently resident. Fic, 135. Sparrow Hawk. The handsome little Sparrow Hawk is a common bird throughout the State and occurs at all seasons, but appears to be much less in evidence during the summer months. Cairns stated that in Buncombe County it bred in April and May. Pear- son found a nest with four eggs May 10, 1902, at Greensboro. This was in the hollow of a living oak tree, near the Greensboro Female College and within fifteen feet of a railway. He also recorded a nest found at Chapel Hill in May, 1898, which held three fresh eggs. ©. S. Brimley on May 31, 1913, saw a pair appar- ently nesting in the hollow of a dead tree at Sunburst, Haywood County. Although feeding occasionally on small birds, and more frequently on mice and lizards, it confines itself mainly to insects, especially the easily procured grass- hoppers. N. C. GEoLoGicaL AND EcoNoMIC SURVEY. PLATE E. 1. One type of Fish Hawk’s nest. Great Lake, Craven County. Built in a small | cypress, at a low elevation. (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) 2, A very neat, symmetrical Fish Hawk’s nest, also on Great Lake. Old bird just alighting on nest. As the bird is about two feet in length, with a wing spread of about five feet, some idea of the size of the nest may be gathered. (Photo by H. H. Brimley.) —~I wr Descriptive List 1 This bird nests in hollow trees, using little if any lining to the hole. The eggs are four or five in number, of a creamy white ground-color, variously marked with different shades of brown. Size 1.38 x 1.11. 32. FAMILY PANDIONIDZ. OSPREYS Genus Pandion (Sav.) 159. Pandion halizetus carolinensis (Gmel.). Osprey. Description —Dark brown above, tail grayish with narrow black bars; head, neck, and lower parts mostly white: sides of head with a dark stripe; female with breast more heavily spotted than male. L., 23.00; W., 18.00; T., 8.50. Extent of wings about 5 ft. Range.—North and South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, common on the coast, rare elsewhere. The Osprey or Fish Hawk is a common bird along our coast, but inland appears to be only a transient, occurring at Raleigh from late March to early May, and also in August. Cairns recorded it from Buncombe County in April, and Pearson from Guilford County in May, 1900. Along our coast-line, where water conditions are favorable, the Osprey breeds plentifully. While a number of scattered nests have come under our observation, two bodies of water stand out preéminently as nesting places for this bird. Around the borders of Great Lake, in Craven County, twenty-five or thirty pairs annually rear their young. On the rice reserve pond on the Orton plantation, in Brunswick County, there is another colony of not less than thirty-five pairs of breeding birds. At one end of Orton pond are many stumps and dead cypress trunks. Some of these are mere shells, for standing cypress wood will withstand more years of weather than any one man can remember. On these stumps are placed many of the Osprey nests. A few are so low that the contents may be seen by standing ina boat. More are from eight to twenty feet above the water, and a few of those on the shore-line are as high as thirty feet or over. A few are found on living cypresses, either standing in the water or on shore. On Great Lake the nests are nearly all placed in cypresses standing in the water. One is in a pine on shore. Of the hundred and more Osprey nests observed by us in North Carolina during the past few years, probably nine-tenths were built over the water. In fact, this seems to be always the case where the birds nest in colo- nies. The trees chosen sometimes stand back a half mile or more from water, but in such instances there appears never to be more than one nest in a neighborhood. The nests are enormous structures, added to from year to year until some of them look as if they would fill the body of an ordinary farm cart. The Osprey is a rather early nester, the young often being hatched late in April or in early May. The diet of this bird is exclusively fish at all seasons of the year. Its food during the nesting period seems to consist principally of menhaden, which the old birds in many instances must travel at least ten miles to catch. When fish- ing, the Osprey hovers for a moment and then darts downward with a headlong plunge that throws the spray high in air. The fish is always carried head first in the talons of the bird. The Bald Eagle often appears and takes without apology or explanation the captured fish. OSPREY. Descriptive List Wet A curious habit of the Osprey is that of ‘‘foot-washing.”’ From flapping in wide circles over the lake a bird may be seen suddenly to half close its wings and glide toward the water in a long, gentle sweep. When almost touching the surface, the feet are dropped to the full extent of the long legs and a horizontal flight of fifteen or twenty yards follows, while the feet drag in the water. The reason for this action is doubtless to cleanse the toes and claws of the fish-slime that must neces- sarily accumulate on them. 33. FAMILY ALUCONIDZ. BARN OWLS Genus Aluco (Flem.) 160. Aluco pratincola (Bonap.). Barn Owt. Description.—Various shades of tawny, very finely mottled, dotted and streaked with darker; underparts white or light tawny with some spotting. L., 18. 00; W., 13.25; T., 5.75. Known from our other owls by the long face and nearly naked legs. Range.—United States and Mexico. Range in North Carolina—Known to occur from Davidson County to the coast. Fic. 137. Barn Ow.. The Barn Owl, also known as ‘‘ Monkey-faced Owl,” does not seem to be a com- mon bird in any part of the State, and so far we have records of its occurrence only from Davidson, Alamance, Wake, Craven, Carteret, Cumberland, Brunswick, Pamlico, Guilford, Randolph, Bladen, and Dare counties. Nearly all the specimens were taken in winter, the only exceptions being one caught at Thomasville in June, 1910; one killed at New Bern, March 12, 1912; and one caught alive in a steel trap in Bladen County, March 14, 1902. All three were sent to the State Museum. In spite of this lack of information, there is little doubt that it is a permanent 12 178 Birps or Norru CaroLina resident in North Carolina, as it is known to breed to the north and south of us. Pearson found a nest with four eggs in a rice mill on Cat Island, South Carolina, April 1, 1907 (Auk, Vol. 25, p. 316). The food of this owl consists almost entirely of various rats and mice, as well as other small animals, and much more rarely of small birds. In common with other owls, it hunts at night and its flight is noiseless, thus enabling it to approach its prey with ease. It nests in hollow trees, the belfries of churches, seldom used towers, and in similar places. The eggs are pure white, unmarked, and are usually from five to seven in number. This is a most interesting and harmless owl, and deserves to be protected on account of its services in destroying rats and mice; instead of which it is usually shot on sight as a curiosity. 34. FAMILY STRIGIDZ. OWLS This family contains most of the owls. The representatives possess large, round heads, with comparatively short faces, surrounded by a more or less complete disk of radiating feathers. Most of the species are strictly nocturnal, though a few hunt their prey in the daytime. KEY TO GENERA — . Eye in the center of a nearly complete circular disk of feathers; external ear larger then eye. See 2. Eye nearer top than bottom of more or less incomplete disk; external ear not larger than eye; eyes yellow. See 4. . Ear-tufts present, sometimes very short; cere longer than rest of culmen; eyes yellow. Asio. Ear-tufts not evident; cere short. See 3. Wing 12 or more; eyes dark brown. Strix. Wing less than 8; eyes yellow. Cryptoglaux. Head without distinct ear-tufts, plumage chiefly white. Nyctea. Head with conspicuous ear-tufts. See 5. . Length about 22. Bubo. . Length about 10. Otus. oP ootN op Genus Asio (Briss.) This genus is composed of owls with more or less developed ear-tufts, and with the external ears enormously large. The ear-tufts are near together on each side of the base of the bill, instead of being far apart on the outer side of the head, as in the Great Horned Owl and Screech Owl. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Ear-tufts conspicuous; color darker, barred and striped below. Long-eared Oul. 1. Har-tufts rudimentary; color lighter, striped below. Short-eared Oul. 161. Asio wilsonianus (less.). LoNG-EARED OWL. Description.—Dusky, more or less mottled and streaked with buffy and grayish; much varie- gated below. L., 14.00; W., 12.00; T., 6.00. Range.—Temperate North America, breeding from Virginia northward. Range in North Carolina.—Probably entire State, but so far only known from Wake, Guil- ford and Buncombe counties in winter. DescrietivE List 179 The Long-eared Owl, which in general appearance somewhat suggests a small Great Horned Owl, has been taken at Raleigh in various years in December and January. On February 24, 1910, a specimen, with sexual organs well developed, was shot at Caraleigh Mills, Wake County. As this species breeds in March, and is said to be wholly nocturnal and very quiet and unobtrusive, it is quite possible that it is a rare summer resident with us. Fic. 138. LoONG-EARED OWL. We have only two other records from the State. One was a bird taken by Cairns near Asheville in November, 1889, and the second was brought to Pearson by a farmer at Greensboro in December, 1901. This species, unlike most owls, does not nest in hollow trees, but in the disused nests of crows or hawks, which it repairs and lines afresh. The eggs are white, like those of all owls, and are usually from three to six in number. 162. Asio flammeus (Pont.). SHORT-EARED OWL. Description.—Buffy whitish, striped with dark brown, the stripes narrower below. L., 15.00; W., 12.00; T., 6.25. Range.—Nearly the whole world, except Australia. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. The Short-eared Owl is not infrequently met with in our State in winter, a number of specimens having been taken from early November to February, in the counties of Buncombe, Carteret, Craven, Guilford, and Wake. This species is especially fond of field rats and mice, and consequently, unlike most owls, it frequents open fields, meadows, and marshes rather than dense woods. 180 Brrpos or Norru CaroLina It is not exclusively nocturnal, and on cloudy days may often be found abroad. It roosts on the ground. On account of the number of rats and mice which it destroys it is well worthy of the fullest protection. Fic. 139. SHORT-EARED OWL. Genus Strix (Linn.) 163. Strix varia varia (Barton). Barrep Owt; “Hoor Ow.” Description.—Olive brown, barred with whitish above; breast barred, belly streaked. L., 19.00; W., 13.00; T., 8.50. Range.—Kastern North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. The Barred Owl is a common resident throughout the State, and early in spring before nesting begins, it may frequently be heard hooting even in the daytime. It becomes quite noisy again later in the year when the young have left the nest. Its favorite haunts are wooded lowlands. The eggs are laid in the hollows of trees, no nest being constructed. The nesting season at Raleigh appears to be in March or early April. The eggs are usually two in number, and, like all owl’s eggs, are pure white. Like most species of hawks and owls, it feeds mainly on various kinds of rats and mice, occasionally killing birds, and still less often robbing the farmer’s poultry- yard. However, as farmers generally keep their chickens under cover at night, the hen roost is seldom disturbed by the Barred Owl. It is probable that the owls of this species found in summer in the southeastern part of the State may, upon closer study, prove to be the southern variety known as the Florida Barred Owl, Strix varia alleni (Ridgw.). Descriptive List 181 Fic. 140. BARRED OWL. Genus Cryptoglaux (Richm.) 164. Cryptoglaux acadica acadica ((mel.). SaAw-wHET OWL. Description—Brown above, more or less spotted with white; white below, striped with brown. L., 8.00; W., 5.50; T., 3.00. Range.—Northern North America, south in winter to the Carolinas and Louisiana. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only taken in Wake and Craven counties, but probably occurs sparingly throughout the State in winter. The Saw-whet Owl, which on account of its small size cannot be confounded with any other species, has been taken at Raleigh on three occasions, viz., December 18, 1894; December 4, 1897, and early in December, 1910. A mounted specimen, said to have been taken in Craven County, was exhibited at the New Bern Fish and Oyster Fair in February, 1892. Genus Otus (Penn.) 165. Otus asio asio (Linn.). ScreEecnu Own. Description.—Grayish, much streaked and barred, or else with the gray replaced by bright rufous, the two color phases bearing no relation to age, sex, or season. L., 9.00; W., 6.25; T., 3.00. Range.—Eastern North America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. The Screech Owl is undoubtedly our most abundant representative of the owl family, and is an interesting little creature at all times. In summer, when drowsing away the daytime in a thicket, it is not infrequently discovered by some inquisitive 182 Birps or Norru Carorina small bird, which at once notifies all the birds in the neighborhood, and soon we may find titmice, wrens, vireos, warblers, and jays gathered about it and displaying great excitement by their actions and cries. On such occasions, the Screech Owl frequently sits for a time apparently unmoved, with head stretched upward and feathers drawn tightly against its body, presenting on the whole a most unbird- like appearance. It does not seem to see well in the daylight, and its flight is then always uncertain, and merely to take it to a fresh place of refuge. Every one who learns “‘the noises of the night’? knows its quavering, shivering cry, which may be heard even in our most populous towns. This species nests in hollow trees or stumps, often appropriating the disused nest of the Flicker. The eggs vary from three to five in number, and are deposited usually in April. The food of the Sereech Owl consists in part of rats and mice. It will, how- ever, occasionally kill birds, even those larger than itself. As we have collected no specimens of this species in the lower coast counties, we have been unable to determine the character of the birds found there. They are, perhaps, Florida Screech Owls, Otus asio floridanus (Ridgw.). Genus Bubo (Dumeril) 166. Bubo virginianus virginianus ((imel.). Great Hornep OWL. Description: Ads.—Size large; ear-tufts conspicuous, nearly two inches in length; upperparts mottled with varying shades of ochraceous-buff and black; facial disk ochraceous-buff; ear-tufts black and ochraceous-buff; a white patch on the throat, rest of the underparts ochraceous-buff, barred with black; legs and feet feathered; eyes yellow. o L., 22.00; W., 15.00; T., 8.50; B., 1.60. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) ; Range (including subspecies).—Greater part of North and South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. This, the largest and fiercest of our owls, is found in all parts of North Caro- lina. Being of a wary nature, and capable of seeing well in the daytime, it is not very often that it allows one the privilege of a near approach. It seems a pity that so handsome a bird should have such a thoroughly bad reputation. It preys indiscriminately on many forms of wild life, such as rabbits, grouse, partridges, and even turkeys. Chickens roosting in trees at times fall vie- tims to its rapacity, and it has been recorded that where food is plentiful it often eats only the heads of its victims. Scarcely any bird or animal of its own weight is safe from this nocturnal woodland hunter. Keen of sight, powerful of bill and talon, and with a wonderful courage, the Great Horned Owl noiselessly hunts the open glades and woodland fastnesses as twilight drops over the land. Even the beautiful but odorous skunk is not safe from this owl’s rapacity. Dr. C. Hart Merriam states: ‘I have known one to kill and decapitate three turkeys and sey- eral hens in a single night.” Dr. P. R. Hoy (extract from quotation) in Fisher’s Hawks and Owls of the United States says: “The specimen in the collection of the Academy was known to carry off from one farm, in the space of a month, not less than twenty-seven individuals of various kinds of poultry before it was shot.” Sometimes a pigeon house will be selected and a heavy toll levied on the inmates before the destroyer can be captured. Rabbits, however, seem to be its favorite food, and large numbers must be destroyed where these owls are plentiful. Plate 14 oe eee £ « t J 2 cs © | Red and gray phases. SCREECH OWL. Otus asio asio (Linn.) “ ra = : mt? os ee ae Descriptive List 183 The male is smaller than the female, and is occasionally killed and eaten by her. The Great Horned Owl nests in hollow trees, or, as is often the case, in the old nest of hawks or eagles. The eggs are two or three in number, pure white, and in this State are usually laid in February. Size 2.25 x 1.90. On January 21, 1899, Fie. 141. Great HoRNED OWL. Pearson secured from a gunner at Chapel Hill a freshly killed female Great Horned Owl which, upon examination, was found to contain two well-developed, ovarian eggs. Because of its large yellow eyes and conspicuous ear-tufts, it is sometimes known as the “Cat Owl.” 184 Birps or Norra Caroma Genus Nyctea (Steph.) 167. Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). SNowy Owt. Description.—Pure white, more or less barred with dusky, the markings much more extensive in‘the female. L., 23.00 to 27.00; W., 17.25 to 18.75; T., 9.75 to 10.25. Range.—Northern parts of Northern Hemisphere, in winter straggling to North Carolina Louisiana, ete. ; Range in North Carolina.—Oceasional in winter in all parts of the State. Fig. 142. Foor or A SNowy OwL. The beautiful Snowy Owl is only a very irregular winter visitor with us; still, we have records of its occurrence in all three divisions of the State. In the eastern section, one was taken on December 4, 1897, by W. E. Stone in Hyde County, and is now in the State Museum at Raleigh. A second specimen in the Museum came from Granville County, in the middle section, and was captured on January 7, 1902. Another was taken in Nash County in late November, 1909, and in 1894 there was a mounted specimen in a barroom in Greensboro that had been shot in Guilford County during the previous winter. We have Cairns’s statement that he had often heard of these owls being seen not far from Weaverville, in the moun- tains, and once had personally observed one. Though appearing larger than the Great Horned Owl, it is really a smaller bodied bird. It is a keen, persistent hunter, and destroys many small birds and mammals. As the principal home of this bird is in far northern latitudes, we need have little fear of its depredations. Tur Carotina Paroguet, Conuropsis carolinensis (Linn.), was once found in great numbers in North Carolina. We have no definite records of its occurring here, however, since Catesby’s record in 1731 (Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands). It was last noted from South Carolina in 1851, and there is a West Tennessee record as late as 1876. Formerly it wandered over the State in flocks, feeding upon the seeds of the cockle-burr, thistle, and other plants. The Carolina Paroquet belongs to the order Psittaci—parrots. XIII. ORDER COCCYGES. CUCKOOS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. This order is composed of a number of quite diverse families, mostly with the toes either two in front and two behind, or with the outer and middle toes united for half their length. Descrirtive List 185 KEY TO FAMILIES 1. Toes 2 in front, 2 behind. The Cuckoos (Family Cuculide). 1. Toes 3 in front, 1 behind, the outer and middle toes united for half their length; head crested. Kingfishers (Family Alcedinide). 35. FAMILY CUCULIDA. CUCKOOS These are birds with the toes two in front and two behind. Many of the species have more or less abnormal nesting habits, the European Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, like our Cowbird, while in the case of some other species, several birds build one large nest in which to lay their eggs. KEY TO GENERA 1. Bill almost as high as long; plumage black. Crotophaga. 1. Bill more than twice as long as high; plumage brownish. Coccyzus. Genus Crotophaga (Linn.) 168. Crotophaga ani (Linn.). Tur Ant. Description.—Entirely black, bluish reflections on wings and tail. Bill very heavy, nearly as high as long. L., 12.00 to 15.00; W., 5.50 to 6.00; T., 7.50 to 8.25. Range.—West Indies and Eastern South America, rare in Louisiana and southern Florida. Occasionally accidental farther north. Range in North Carolina.—Once taken near Edenton. The Ani, Black Witch, or Savannah Blackbird, obtains a place in this catalogue through one having been taken near Edenton, August 23, 1866, and donated to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science, where the specimen is still in exist- ence. (W. W. Cooke, in letter of June 29, 1908.) This species has the curious habit of several females uniting to build a common nest in which all their eggs are laid together. Genus Coccyzus (Vieill.) This comprises species with a slender, gently decurved bill, long wings, and a long, graduated tail. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Tail-feathers, except middle pair, mostly black, broadly tipped with white; basal half of lower mandible yellow. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 1. Tailfeathers grayish brown, except middle pair, narrowly tipped with white. No yellow on bill. Black-billed Cuckoo. 169. Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linn.). YrtLow-BiuEp CucKoo, Description: Ads.—Upperparts brownish gray with slight greenish gloss; most of the wing- feathers rufous, except at the tip; outer tailfeathers black, conspicuously tipped with white, which extends down the outer vane of the outer feather; underparts dull whitish; bill black, the lower mandible yellow except at the tip. L., 12.20; W., 5.70; T., 6.20; B. from N., .76. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Kastern North America, winters in South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, more commonly known as “ Rain-crow,” is a common summer resident throughout the State, arriving late in April or early in May. Some individuals remain until late October. 186 Brrps or Nortu Carorina This is a bird much better known by sound than sight. Nearly every one has heard the keow-keow-keow of the Rain-crow, but few people recognize the long, slim bird that makes the noise, some even attributing the note to a tree-frog. Curi- ously enough, while the main food of the Cuckoo is insects, it also eats tree-frogs. C.S. Brimley has twice taken individuals that had their head feathers caked with the slimy secretions of the frog. This is also one of the very few birds that eats hairy caterpillars, which most other birds avoid. Pearson once watched a Cuckoo eat nineteen of these in a period of five minutes. Fic. 143. YELLOW-BILLED Cuckoo. The nest is a rude platform of twigs, dead leaves, and sometimes moss, placed in a small tree or bush at a height of from five to fifteen feet from the ground. The eggs are two to four in number, and are laid at intervals of from two to five days, so that when the first egg hatches, the nest is often found to contain also an incubated egg, and one that has been but freshly laid. The eggs are glaucous green in color, and average in size 1.27 x .89. The breeding season is from May to August, inclusive. 170. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). BuAck-BmLED Cuckoo. Description: Ads.—Upperparts grayish brown with a slight green gloss; wings and tail the same, the latter narrowly tipped with white; underparts dull white; bill black. L., 11.83; W., 5.50; T., 6:26; B. from N., 74. Remarks.—This species is to be distinguished from the Yellow-billed Cuckoo chiefly by the absence of rufous in the wings, black in the tail, and yellow in the lower mandible. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) eee Bree in the United States from North Carolina northward; winters in South America. Range in North Carolina—Whole State in summer, probably breeding wherever found; much searcer than the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The Black-billed Cuckoo, often confused in the popular mind with the preceding species, and likewise called ‘ Rain-crow,” does not seem to be as common a bird in the State as the Yellow-billed. In the mountains Cairns recorded it as some years common and others almost wholly absent. At Raleigh it occurs as a rare summer resident. A male was taken there on July 8, 1892, and a female with an egg ready for laying was secured by C. S. Brimley on July 15, 1886. It is quite rare, and has been detected breeding there but once. At Lake Ellis it was common in late May, 1908, but whether the birds were migrants or summer visitors was not deter- att Descriptive List 187 minable. In Bertie County a nest with three eggs was taken by R. P. Smithwick, May 17, 1896. The only specimen which Pearson ever noted at Greensboro was one which flew into his lecture-room at the State Normal and Industrial College, early in May, 1901. After having been captured and positively identified, the bird was given its freedom. In nesting habits it is similar to the preceding species and the eggs are much like those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Fig. 144. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 36. FAMILY ALCEDINID~Z. KINGFISHERS These are birds with large crested heads, short legs, and with the middle and outer toes usually united for half their length. Most of the species are skillful catchers of fish, and live along streams or about the shores of ponds and lakes. Genus Ceryle (Boie) 171. Ceryle alcyon alcyon (Linn.). Brtrep KINGrisHER. Description —Ashy blue above, a bluish band across breast, otherwise white below; female with sides and band across lower breast chestnut; tail black, speckled and barred with white. L., 12.50; W., 6.00; T., 3.75. Range.—North America and northern South America. Range in North Carolina—Whole State, resident in middle and eastern sections, apparently only a summer visitor in the mountains. Ee Fic. 145. Bretrep KINGFISHER. Fic. 146. Foor or BELTED KINGFISHER. 188 Biros or Norra Carorina The Kingfisher is a somewhat common bird wherever open water is found. In the mountains it appears to be only a summer visitor, arriving in late March or early April, transients at that season being known also at Raleigh and Statesville. As its name implies, it is an ardent lover of fish, in the pursuit of which it plunges headlong into the water. Frequently after such a plunge the bird may be seen sitting on a post hammering its fish against the wood as if to kill, or tear it to pieces. The prey is always carried in the bill. Kingfishers dig long burrows in the perpendicular banks of streams or ponds, the holes ending in an enlarged chamber in which the eggs are laid. These are pure white in color, and are usually six or seven in number. Size about 1.35 x 1.05. Two sets of eggs taken in Bertie County by Dr. Smithwick were collected respee- tively on May 7, 1896, and May 13,1897. A nest containing four decayed eggs was found by Pearson in a railroad eut in Gates County on July 5, 1892. It nests not uncommonly all through the eastern part of the State. XIV. ORDER PICI. WOODPECKERS, ETC. 37. FAMILY PICIDZ. WOODPECKERS This family includes small, medium, or rather large birds, with stiffened and pointed tail-feathers, strong chisel-shaped bills, and the toes of all North Carolina species extend two in front and two behind. KEY TO GENERA . Head crested; size large, wing 7.00 or more. See 2. . Head not crested; smaller, wing less than 7.00. See 3. Outer hind toe longer than outer front toe; bill pale. Campephilus. Outer hind toe not longer than front toe, bill dark. Phla@otomus. Outer hind toe longer than outer front toe. See 4. Outer hind toe not longer than outer front toe. See 5. Nasal groove extending nearly to tip of bill; tongue greatly extensile. Dryobates. . Nasal groove running out on cutting edge of upper mandible, about halfway to tip; tongue seareely extensile. Sphyrapicus. . Under surface of wing-quills and tail-feathers chiefly yellow or reddish, the shafts brighter yellow or red. Colaptes. . Under surface of wing- and tail-quills not yellow or red. See 6. . Back, scapulars, and wings barred with white. Centurus. . Back, seapulars, and wing-coverts plain. Melanerpes. BR gogo NON on DO Or The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Campephilus principalis (Linn.), has not been positively recorded from the State since Alexander Wilson, the father of American ornithology, took a specimen near Wilmington in the early thirties of the nineteenth century (see Introduction). Reports of the bird’s occurrence are not infrequent, but they may be relied upon to refer invariably to the Pileated Woodpecker. Coues and Yarrow recorded it doubtfully from Fort Macon in 1876, on the strength of a reported specimen which they had not seen. It is the largest woodpecker occurring in the United States, attaining a length of twenty-one inches and possessing a powerful, long white bill. Genus Dryobates (Boie) This genus includes a number of small and medium-sized woodpeckers, the North Carolina species of which are wholly black-and-white in color, except for slight red markings on the head in males or young birds. The underparts are white or whitish, the wings black with numerous white spots, the tail black with some of the outer feathers more or less white. oO =) Descriptive List 18 Three species, two of them represented each by two slightly differing subspecies, occur in this State. These differ in the points noted in the following key. All the species are highly insectivorous, although living to some extent on berries in the winter. In North Carolina they are usually known as “Sapsuckers,” which is a misnomer, as none of them partake of sap. KEY TO SPECIES . Back banded transversely with black and white. Red-cockaded Woodpecker. . Back black, striped longitudinally with white. See 2. . Size larger, wing more than 4.25; outer tail-feathers white, not barred with black. See 3. Size smaller, wing less than 4.25; outer tail-feathers white with black bars. See 4. . Size larger, wing averaging about 4.75. Hairy Woodpecker. . Size smaller, wing about 4.50. Southern Hairy Woodpecker. . Size larger, wing about 3.75, underparts purer white. Downy Woodpecker. . Size smaller, wing about 3.50, underparts brownish white. Southern Downy Woodpecker. Pop woo No Ne 172. Dryobates villosus villosus (Linn.). Harry Wooprncker. Description.—Black above, white below; the back with a long white stripe, the wings with many small roundish white spots, the outer tail-feathers wholly white. Male with red on occiput. Tee Osos Wie, 40703 Le, (3.2: Range.—Eastern United States, mainly north of North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Resident on the higher mountains. hy 4 Wi H o/ ss (“aa Fic. 147, Harry WooprreckKEr. Fig. 148. Foor or Hairy WOODPEOKER. This, which is the common form of the Hairy Woodpecker in the Northern and Middle States, is found in North Carolina only on the higher mountains. Cairns recorded it as breeding on Cragey Mountain in Buncombe County. 173. Dryobates villosus auduboni (Swains.). SouTHERN Harry Woop- PECKER. Description —Similar to preceding, but somewhat smaller and darker. Extreme measure- ments of 45 Raleigh specimens: L.., 8.25 to 9.12; W., 4.40 to 4.75; T., 2.50 to 3.12. Range.—Southern United States, from southern Virginia southward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, except the higher mountains; resident throughout the year. The Southern Hairy Woodpecker, which only differs slightly from the pre- ceding, is the more southern form of the Hairy Woodpecker, and is not uncommon throughout the State. It is mostly found in wooded lowgrounds, and is one of the shyest of the woodpeckers. 190 Brrps or Norra Carona Like the preceding form, the male has a red patch on the back of the head, which is absent in the female, while young birds in the first plumage have considerable red on the top of the head, which, however, disappears with the fall moult. The eggs are pure white, like those of all woodpeckers, and are laid in hollows dug by the bird in the limbs or trunks of dead trees. Cairns stated that in the mountains it is common up to 2,500 feet elevation and breeds in April. 174. Dryobates pubescens pubescens (Linn.). SournErN Downy Woop- PECKER. Description.—Smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, which it resembles in general appearance, but with the outer tail-feathers white, barred with black. L., 6.00; W., 3.50; T., 2.75. Range.—About the same as that of the Southern Hairy Woodpecker. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, except the higher mountains; resident. The Southern Downy Woodpecker, which differs only from the Downy Wood- pecker in slightly smaller size, and less purely white underparts, is quite common in all wooded localities throughout the State, except on the higher mountains, where it is replaced by the next form. It is often found haunting apple orchards and the trees on lawns. Like the Hairy Woodpeckers, it subsists mainly on insects, of which it must con- sume, in the course of a year, a very appreciable number of wood-destroying spe- cies, and consequently should always be protected. In winter it eats many berries. Although this is the species which is most commonly known as ‘‘Sapsucker”’ throughout the State, it does not suck or eat sap, nor in fact do any of our wood- peckers, except those of the genus Sphyrapicus. The eggs are usually laid in May. 175. Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.). Downy Wooprrcker. Description.—Similar to the preceding, but averaging slightly larger, and with the underparts purer white. Range.—Eastern North America, mainly north of North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—The higher mountains only; resident. Fic. 149. Downy Wooprecker. In superficial appearance very similar to the preceding. So far as known, it has been recorded in this State only from Buncombe County. 176. Dryobates borealis (Vieill.). Rep-cockapEpD WoopPECKER. Description.—Back barred transversely with black and white; sides spotted with black; a large white patch on each side of head, which is very conspicuous and characteristic in life; male with a little red patch on each side of head. L., 8.40; W., 4.60; T., 3.70. Plate 15 i. : bet se RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER. Dryobates borealis (Vieill.) Male and Female. ——$ i ER OE el SO Rs OO ET, be ART i 8 RE EI Sm Ni, ER Ae tn A aR I cigs Bh Descriptive List 191 Range.—Southern States, from North Carolina southward. Range in North Carolina.—Kastern portion of the State, mainly east and south of a line drawn from Norfolk, Va., to Raleigh, and thence to Charlotte. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker, intermediate in size between the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, is an abundant bird in the pine woods of the Lower Austral region in this State. So far it has been noted only in Bertie, Carteret, Craven, Brunswick, Bladen, Moore, New Hanover, Currituck, and Wake counties. In the last named county it seems to be merely a straggler, only four specimens having been observed in thirty years of observation. A. L. Feild reports it also from Chapel Hill, in March and April, 1909. This species, when about to nest, excavates a hole in a living pine tree. All around the tree for two or three feet above the entrance, and for a distance fully as great beneath it, the birds make numerous punctures through the bark, from which the resin flows and forms a sticky mass over the entire area. This makes a conspicuous mark, and the tree containing a nest may often be noticed by this means at a distance of two or three hundred yards in the open pine woods. While the purpose of this custom is not known, it may be reasonably asserted that the nest is thus effectually guarded from the inroads of ants and squirrels. Our only North Carolina record of eggs of this species comes from Bertie County, where « set of four was taken by Smithwick, April 29, 1897. Pearson has found occupied nests in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, but did not cut the holes out to examine the contents. These woodpeckers are often found in small troops, possibly formed of the parents and their brood. They frequent mainly the upper branches and terminal twigs of pine trees. Genus Sphyrapicus (Baird) 177. Sphyrapicus varius varius (Linn.). YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Description —Upperparts black, varied with white; belly yellowish; crown, red in male and usually in female; throat and chin red in male, white in female; a black patch on breast in both sexes. Jm.—Brownish, much mottled, the markings of the adults but little indicated. L., 8.75; W., 4.90; T., 3.25. Range.—Hastern North America, wintering from Southern States to Central America. Range in North Carolina—Whole State in winter, breeds in the mountain region. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a common winter resident throughout the greater portion of the State, occurring from September to late April or early May. Our summer records come from Highlands, Macon County, where the birds were observed breeding by Brewster in 1885, and mentioned as breeding by Huger in 1910; Roan Mountain, Mitchell County, a breeding pair observed by Rhoads on June 18, 1895; Joanna Bald Mountain, Cherokee County, a breeding pair seen by C.S. Brimley and Sherman, May 14, 1908; Buncombe County, recorded by Cairns as breeding on the higher mountains, and by Pearson, who found an immature bird on Graybeard Mountain, Buncombe County, in July, 1903. Their nesting season is May and June. Five to seven eggs are said to be laid. Their general breeding habits are similar to those of other woodpeckers, and the holes they dig for nests are usually in dead trees. 192 Birps or Norru Carorina This is the only woodpecker which is permanently injurious to trees, it being very fond of the sap and tender inner bark. It will dig many little holes through the bark, running them around the trunk one above the other. Pearson counted over 1,600 of these miniature excavations in the trunk of a small “she balsam”? on the campus of Guilford College. The trees which they seem to attack most com- monly are the white pine, apple, and black gum. In winter they subsist mainly on berries, such as those of the dogwood, frost grape, and holly. Fig. 150. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. They appear to be the least shy of any of our woodpeckers. On the other hand, they are much less noisy, both in their cries and while at work pecking in the bark, and thus easily escape detection by the casual observer. Bendire, in Life Histories of North American Birds, writes of this bird: ‘ None of our woodpeckers are more noisy and boisterous than this species.’? This may be correct in reference to them when on their northern breeding grounds, but it. certainly is not true of the birds as usually observed in North Carolina. Genus Phleotomus (C. & H.) 178. Phleotomus pileatus (Linn.). PimLearep WoopPEcKER. Description.—Black; a white stripe down neck; whole top of head and crest, and a patch on cheeks, red in male, but only crest red in female. In color distinguished from the Ivory-billed Woodpecker by the lack of white on the scapulars (shoulders), and by the general color being dull black instead of glossy black. L., 17.00; W., 9.00; T., 6.25. Range (including subspecies)—Whole of North America. Range in North Carolina.—Heavily wooded districts throughout the State; resident. According to the American Ornithologist’s Check List, two subspecies of the Pileated Woodpecker are liable to occur in North Carolina, as follows: 1. Pileated Woodpecker, Phleotomus pileatus pileatus (Linn.). More sooty black in color, with the white markings less extensive; size smaller, wing about 9.00 or less. Southern States from North Carolina southward. 2. Northern Pileated Woodpecker, Phlewotomus pileatus abieticola (Bangs). Color more brownish black, white markings more extensive, size larger, wing about 9.25. British America, extending south in the southern Alleghanies. —<$—$—$—$<$<<—_—_—— a Descriptive List 193 The former subspecies is the bird found throughout the State, and the one to which the measurements given under the head of the species belong, while the latter may possibly occur on the higher mountains. The Pileated Woodpecker, commonly known in this State as the Logcock, or Woodcock, and occasionally called ‘‘Good-god,” is still a fairly common bird throughout North Carolina in all heavily wooded regions, and is found sparingly even in Wake County, one of the most thickly settled parts of the State. Pearson saw it occasionally on the campus of the State University at Chapel Hill fifteen years ago, and records one especially which he watched for some time on November 8, 1899. (Catalogue of the Birds of Chapel Hill, page 41.) It is a wild, shy bird, well able to care for itself and keep out of the way of aggres- sive and murderous mankind. Fig. 151. PmLEaTeED WOODPECKER. At Lake Ellis, in Craven County, we have not infrequently watched one digging for food in some decayed log, and the blows it would strike on such occasions were terrific. The noise of one at work can often be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and the sound cannot be confounded with that made by any other woodpecker now occurring in the State. Its voice, too, is equally resonant. The nesting habits are similar to those of other woodpeckers, except that the excavations are often three or four feet in depth. The bird is said to nest gener- ally in living trees, but Pearson found three nests in Guilford County, all of which were in dead trees. The eggs are from three to five in a set, white in color, as usual in the family. Size about 1.25 x .95. The food of this bird consists of insects (many of them the larvee of wood-boring beetles), varied with berries in fall and winter. 13 194 Birps or Norru Carorina Genus Melanerpes (Swains.) 179. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.). Rep-neapep Wooprrcker. Description.—Whole head and neck red in adult; belly, rump, and secondaries white; rest of plumage glossy black. Young with the red and black replaced by brownish gray, and secondaries barred with black. L., 9.50; W., 5.50; T., 3.25. Range.—United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. Fic. 152. Rep-HeEADED WoOODPECKER. The Red-headed Woodpecker is a common bird in North Carolina, its abundance seeming to depend, however, on local conditions. In Wake County, for instance, it appears to be quite common in the city of Raleigh, wherever there are groves of oak trees, as acorns furnish a considerable part of its food. It also feeds on insects, which it digs from rotten wood or catches on the wing. Corn in the silk, and various kinds of fruit, are also eaten. Bendire, in Life Histories of North Amer- ican Birds, says that it eats both the eggs and young of small birds, and quotes many instances in support of this statement. Its nesting habits are those common to the members of the family, the hole being dug in a dead tree or limb, or even in a telegraph or telephone pole or flag-pole. A pair made their nest in the ball on the top of the flagstaff on the State Capitol some years ago. Genus Centurus (Swains.) 180. Centurus carolinus (Linn.). Rep-BELLIED WoopPEcKER. Description: Ad. #.—Whole top of head and back of the neck bright scarlet; back regularly barred with black and white; primaries black at the end, white, irregularly barred with black, at the base; secondaries black, regularly spotted and barred with w hite; upper tail-coverts w hite, with streaks or arrowheads of bl: ack; outer tail-feathers and inner vanes ‘of the middle ones irregu- larly marked with broken black and white bars; cheeks and underparts dull ashy white, the region about the base of the bill, the middle of the belly, and sometimes the breast, more or less tinged with red. Ad. 92 —Simik: ar, but with the crown grayish ashy, the scarlet confined to the nape and nostrils. Jm.—Similar, but with the belly sometimes tinged with buffy instead cf red. L., 9.50; W., 5.00; T., 3.40; B., 1.10. (Chap., Birds of FE. N. A.) Range.—United States, east of Rocky Mountains. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons, but local. © 15 Descriptive List 19: The Red-bellied Woodpecker seems to occur in this State most commonly in tall timber in the neighborhood of water, but definite data on the subject are largely lacking. We have enough, however, to know that it occurs in all sections and at all seasons. In winter it feeds freely on small acorns, and seems also to be quite fond of beechnuts. Pearson has frequently seen them feeding on oranges in Florida, and mentions that they are also very fond of the large Scotch mulberry. 181. Colaptes auratus (Linn.). FLickmr. Description.—Head ashy with a red nuchal crescent; rump white, rest of upperparts brownish, barred with black; lower parts pinkish brown, shading into yellow, a black crescent across breast, underparts back of the black crescent thickly spotted with round black spots. Shafts and under surface of quills golden yellow. Male with a broad black stripe on each side of the throat from the base of the bill. L., 12.25; W., 6.25; T., 4.50. Range (including subspecies).—Eastern North America, west to Great Plains. Range in North Carolina—Whole State at all seasons. Fig. 153. FLICcKer. The Flicker is now separated into two subspecies, both of which presumably occur in the State. These are: 1. Flicker, Colaptes auratus auratus (Linn.). Smaller with relatively longer bill, wing less than 6.00, tail less than 4.00. Colors darker, less yellow below and more black spotting. Breeds from North Carolina southward. 2. Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus luteus (Bangs). Larger with relatively shorter bill; wing over 6.00, tail over 4.00. Colors lighter, more yellow below and less black. Breeds from North Carolina northward. The first form would include our breeding birds from the coast to Raleigh or perhaps even farther west, while the second form would take in the breeding birds of the mountains and the bulk of those that winter in the State. The Flicker, almost universally known in this State by the local name, “‘ Yellow- hammer,” occurs in all portions of North Carolina throughout the year, but is much more common in the migrations during October and March. Flickers feed very largely on the ground, often in company with birds of other species. Their food consists to a large extent of ants, which they dig from the 196 Birps or Norrn Carorina earth with their slightly curved bills. In the fall they feed much on berries, such as those of the black gum, dogwood, frost grape, etc., while in winter they fairly swarm in the peanut fields. In the fall, when eating gum-berries, they may be seen, two or more at a time in the same tree, bowing and bobbing their heads at one another, frequently doing this so completely in unison that it looks as if they might be worked by machinery. At the same time they utter a series of notes which sug- gest the words whicker-whicker-whicker. Although common, the Flicker is quite shy, and seems to know just how far an ordinary gun will carry. This knowledge is good for the bird and for mankind also, as the Flicker does not seem to have any objectionable traits to offset its undeniably good ones. At Cape Hatteras it is known as “ Wilcrissen.” Eggs have been taken at Raleigh and in Bertie and Beaufort counties from April 24 to May 15, the sets containing from four to eight. The nesting cavities are dug by the birds themselves in dead trees, or dead limbs of living ones, at heights varying from 12 to 30 feet. Eggs pure white, size about 1.10 x .85. XV. ORDER MACROCHIRES. GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, AND HUMMINGBIRDS KEY TO FAMILIES 1. Bill long, gape short, size small. T'rochilide, Hummingbirds. 1. Bill short, gape very deep. See 2. 2. Middle toe longer than side toes, plumage soft, varied; gape with bristles. Caprimulgide, Goatsuckers. 2. Middle toe scarcely longer than side toes, plumage compact, its color uniform. No bristles at gape. Micropodide, Swifts. 38. FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDZA. GOATSUCKERS The birds of this family agree in having the plumage soft, and colors varied, the gape very wide and deep, and usually furnished with long bristles. The toes are slightly webbed at base, and the middle claw is pectinate. The species are mainly insectivorous, though some of the larger kinds occasionally eat small birds. They are nocturnal or crepuscular, and in many ways seem related to the owls, — with which they have been associated by some ornithologists. Their handsomely marked eggs are deposited on the ground. KEY TO GENERA 1. Bristles at gape very long; tail rounded. _Antrostomus. 1. Bristles at gape inconspicuous; tail emarginate. Chordeiles. Genus Antrostomus (Bonap. ) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Bristles at gape with side branches; color redder; size larger, wing over 7.50. Chuck-will’s- widow. 1. Bristles at gape simple; color grayer; size smaller, wing less than 7.00. Whip-poor-will. Descriptive List 197 182. Antrostomus carolinensis (Gmel.). CHuUcK-WILL’s-wIpow. Description: Ad. male—Upperparts streaked with black and finely mottled with ochraceous- buff and black; primaries black, with broken rufous bars; tail mottled with black and ochraceous- buff, the end half of all but the two middle feathers white, more or less washed with buffy on the inner vane; underparts mottled with black, ochraceous, and cream-buff; an imperfect whitish band across the upper breast; base of the bill beset with long, stiffened bristles, the basal half of these bristles grown with hairlike branches. Ad. female—NSimilar, but with no white patches in the tail, the upper breast with an ochraceous-buff instead of white band. L., 12.00; W., 8.50; T., 6.00; B., .40. (Chap., Birds of EZ. N. A.) Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to southern Mlinois. Range in North Carolina.—Lower Austral region of State, ranging inland as far at least as Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Fig. 154. CHUCK-WILL’s-wipow. The Chuck-will’s-widow is a common bird in all the Lower Austral region of the State, and is one of the most characteristic birds of that region, it replacing the Whip-poor-will in summer over most of the eastern part of the State. At Raleigh it arrives about the end of the third week in April and has been noted as late as September 21. What few dates we have from eastern localities agree with these. The ery begins with a short chuck, followed by a distinct double note, which alone is heard unless one is close enough to distinguish the chuck. We have heard people call it the ‘‘ Will’s-widow,”’ apparently from the two notes only. The bird stays mostly in thick, deep woods, where in May or June it lays its two beautifully marked eggs, on the dead leaves, in some secluded spot. They are pinkish buff, marbled and spotted with various shades of olive-gray and brown. Size about 1.40 x .97. Although mainly insectivorous, C. 8. Brimley once killed a specimen that had swallowed a Carolina Wren, and Bendire cites several other instances of its bird- eating propensities. There is a widespread impression that the Chuck-will’s-widow is the male Whip- poor-will. Its note is frequently interpreted by negroes as ‘‘ Chip-fell-out-o’-white- oak” and ‘Twixt-hell-and-white-oak.” 183. Antrostomus vociferus vociferus (Wils.). WuHIp-PooR-WILL. Description.—Grayish, very much variegated with blackish and buffy, a white creseent on breast, and in the male ends of outer tail-feathers white, but these last buffy in thefemale. The wings, when closed, do not reach to the end of the tail. L., 9.75; W., 6.25; T., 4.75. 198 Birps or Norru Caroma Range.—Eastern North America, wintering in the extreme southern part of the United States, and southward to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Nearly whole State in summer, but absent or much less common in the eastern section. The well known Whip-poor-will reaches our State about the first part of April or even late in March, but the records seem to show that these birds probably pass on, while the breeding birds arrive some two or three weeks later. These conclu- sions result from a consideration of the fact that the dates of arrival fall largely into two groups, one centering about early April, the other about two weeks later. The latest date recorded at Raleigh in fall was November 6, the next latest Octo- ber 10. Fig. 155. NIGHTHAWK (UPPER) AND WHIP-POOR-WILL (LOWER). This is a nocturnal woodland bird, often heard but seldom seen, which leads to the erroneous idea that the Whip-poor-will and the ‘“Bullbat”’ are the same bird. This is not an unnatural conclusion, due to the fact that we see the one bird shortly before sunset, and hear the other a little later. The nesting habits of this species are similar to those of the Chuck-will’s-widow- The eggs are two in number, and at Raleigh are laid from late April to mid-June. In appearance they are not markedly different from those of the larger bird except in size. They average 1.12 x .88. The notes are the well known whip-poor-will ery, which when heard close at hand loses most of its resemblance to those words, but consists of three loud swish- ing notes, something like whish-shoo-whish.”’ Descriptive List 199 Genus Chordeiles (Swains.) 184. Chordeiles virginianus virginianus ((mel.). Nicuruawk; “‘ BULLBAT.” Description—Blackish, barred and mottled with grayish and buffy; a large white patch on the wing; adult males with a broad bar of white across tail, except on two middle feathers. The wings, when closed, reach quite to end of the tail or beyond. L., 9.75; W., 8.00; T., 4.50. lms Range.—Eastern North America, wintering in South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer. The Bullbat is found in all portions of the State in summer, but exactly when it usually reaches the State in spring is hard to decide, as the records from differ- ent localities vary so much from year to year. The earliest recorded dates are at Raleigh, April 15; in Buncombe County, April 19; at Statesville, April 23; and at Chapel Hill also April 23. At the same places in other years, however, the dates of the first arrival in spring range as late as May 16. The latest dates we have of its occurrence in fall are October 6 at Raleigh, and October 13 in Buncombe County. This species, although breeding in all parts of the State, appears most numer- ous during the fall migration, when large numbers may be seen passing south ward about sunset during any part of the period from mid-July to October. At this time, before the passage of the Audubon bird and game law in 1903, they were killed in large numbers by many of our so-called sportsmen, irrespective of the fact that they were of little use as food and are of great service as destroyers of mos- quitoes. Like the rest of the family, the Nighthawk is preéminently an insectivorous bird, catching on the wing and eating large numbers of the smaller flying insects. In addition to its ordinary note, which sounds something like ‘‘cheap,’”’ and which is uttered on the wing, it makes a loud booming noise, apparently caused by its rushing downward through the air, and then suddenly arresting its flight by wings thrown strongly downward. The eggs are laid on bare ground in fields or open woods. They are two in num- ber, about the same size as those of the Whip-poor-will, but much darker in color, the markings being dark gray, slate, or blackish. They are deposited in May and June. 39. FAMILY MICROPODIDZ. SWIFTS These are birds with the gape broad and deep, and the wings long and pointed. The bones of the wing before the bend are unusually short, in which respect they agree with the hummingbirds. One genus occurs with us. This has the shafts of the tail-feathers bare at the tips, and consequently projecting as spinous points. Genus Chetura (Steph. ) 185. Chetura pelagica (Linn.). Curmney Swirt; ‘“‘CHimNey SwALLow.”’ Description—Sooty brown, throat paler. Tail-feathers ending in sharp spines. L., 5.25; W., 5.00; T., about 2.00. Range.—Eastern North America in summer; winter range unknown. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer. 200 Birps or Norru Carorina The Chimney Swifts arrive from the South about the first week in April, but these first comers apparently pass on, the breeding birds not coming in until two weeks later. In all parts of the State it is quite abundant in summer, nesting ordinarily in chimneys, though in some of the wilder districts it no doubt still uses hollow trees for that purpose. Pearson has on two occasions seen Chimney Swifts enter hollow cypress trees on the shores of Great Lake in Craven County. Its nesting habits form a curious and well-marked instance of how a bird’s manner of nesting may become altered by the advent of man. Perhaps the Swifts, if they were capable of philosophizing on the subject, would rejoice at the benefit man has conferred upon them by furnishing such safe and convenient places as chimneys for nesting sites. ‘The bird’s legs are very weak; it does not, therefore, perch like other birds, but ¢lings with its toes and braces itself with its stiff tail-feathers. Fig. 156. CHIMNEY SwirtT. Fie. 157. Foor anp TAIL oF CHIMNEY SWIFT, The nest is composed of small twigs glued together by the bird’s glutinous saliva, and is placed against the vertical inner wall of a chimney, so as to form a half- saucer-shaped structure. Four to six pure white eggs are laid. Size .80 x .50. These are known to be deposited in this State from late May to mid-July. This species seems to leave North Carolina for its winter home about the first week in October, our latest dates ranging from October 1 at Raleigh, to October 11 at Weaverville. The Chimney Swift subsists entirely on insects, which it catches on the wing, and the number it destroys must be so enormous as to.render it an exceedingly useful species. 40. FAMILY TROCHILIDAZ. HUMMINGBIRDS About five hundred species of Hummingbirds are known. These are confined chiefly to South America. Seventeen forms reach the United States, but only one is found east of the Mississippi River. They possess long, slender bills, and their wings are much pointed. Genus Archilochus (Reichenb.) 186. Archilochus colubris (Linn.). Rupy-rHroatep HUMMINGBIRD. Description: Ad. &.—Upperparts bright, shining green; wings and tail fuscous, with pur lish reflections; throat beautiful metallic ruby-red, bordered on the breast by whitish; rest o the Descriptive List 201 underparts dusky, washed with greenish on the sides; tail forked. Ad. 9.—No ruby throat- patch; bronzy green above, whitish below; tail nearly even, outer three feathers tipped with white. Jm. o.—Similar to 9, but throat with dusky streaks, and, in older birds, with ruby- colored feathers. L., 3.74; W., 1.54; T., 1.15; B., .67. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Canada to Florida and westward to the Great Plains; winters from extreme southern United States to Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a common summer visitor throughout the State, arriving usually about April 15 and departing early in October. This is possibly one of the best known of our birds, being a familiar object as it hovers about flowers with its tiny wings beating so fast that they are rendered almost invisible. With its long extensible tongue it sucks the nectar from the deep recesses of blossoms, or catches small insects which inhabit them. The nest is a small, dainty, cup-shaped object, composed of soft vegetable down, and covered artistically with lichens. Two elongated white eggs are laid at some time between April 20 and July 5. The nests are usually saddled on the limb of some good sized tree, but may be built among small twigs. We have seen them in oaks, pines, apple trees, elms, maples, hickories, and dogwoods, at heights varying from four to thirty-five feet. In pines they seem to be usually built on dead limbs, but in other trees on living ones. Although so small, they frequently chase other birds away from the neighborhood of their nests. XVI. ORDER PASSERES. THE PERCHING BIRDS. This order includes more than half of all the known birds, and about half of those occurring in North Carolina. In it are enumerated nearly all the familiar species of our orchards, groves, thickets, and farms. Its members are of small or medium size, the largest being the raven, and the next largest the common crow; but the small ones far surpass in numbers those of even medium size. These birds possess in common the following characters: feet four-toed, always with three toes in front and one behind, the latter being on a level with the rest. None of the toes are webbed or reversible. The tail-feathers are usually twelve in number, and the primaries ten, the first primary being usually either small or else rudimentary and apparently absent. All of our song-birds belong to this order. KEY TO FAMILIES 1. Primaries ten, the first about as long as the second. Hind claw not long and straight. Hinder edge of tarsus rounded. Bill depressed, broad at base, hooked at tip. The Flycatchers, T'yrannide. - Developed primaries nine, or if ten, the first rarely half as long as second. See 2. . Hinder edge of tarsus rounded. Hind claw long and straight. Developed primaries nine. Bill short, stoutish, not hooked at tip. The true Larks, Alaudide. . Hinder edge of tarsus compressed, forming a sharp ridge behind. See 3. ; peyeloped primaries nine, the first one about as long as second. Bill not hooked at tip. ee 4. . Primaries ten, the first one short, rarely half the length of the second. (Some Vireos have only nine developed primaries, but they have the bill slightly hooked at tip.) See 9. Ne (\) Wh 202 Birps or Norrn Caroiina 4. Bill very short, but the gape very wide and deep. Wings very long and pointed. The Swallows, Hirundinide. 4. Bill not as above. See 5. 5. Bill conirostral, stout at base, with the corners of the mouth drawn downward. See 6. 5. Bill not conirostral, the corners of the mouth not drawn downward. See 7. . Bill rather long, often longer than head, without notch at tip or bristles at the gape. The Orioles and Blackbirds, [cterida. . Bill shorter than head, often notched at tip or with bristles at gape. The Sparrow family, Fringillide. Bill conical, stout. Nostrils placed high, exposed. The Tanagers, Tangaride. . Bill slender, not conical. See 8. Hind claw short and curved, not longer than its toe. Tertials not lengthened. The Wood Warblers, Minotiltide. . Hind claw long and straight, longer than its toe. Tertials lengthened. The Wagtails, Motacillide. . Tarsus with the plates in front fused together. Bristles present at the gape. See 19. . Tarsus with distinct plates in front. See 10. . Bill more or less hooked at tip. See 11. . Bill not hooked at tip. See 13. : Bt paronely hooked and toothed at tip, plumage gray, length over 8 inches. The Shrikes, Laniide. . Bill only slightly hooked at tip, plumage not gray. See 12. 12. Head crested, tail tipped with yellow. The Waxwings, Bombycillide. 12. Head not crested, tail not tipped with yellow. The Vireos, Vireonide. 13. Tail-feathers stiff and pointed, bill decurved. The Creepers, Certhiide. 13. Tail-feathers soft and rounded at tip. See 14. 14. Nasal-feathers not directed forwards. See 15. 14. Nasal-feathers directed forwards, covering the nostrils. See 16. 15. Length 8 inches or more. The Mocking-birds, Mimide. 15. Length less than 7 inches (most under 6). The Wrens, T'roglodytide. 16. Birds of small size, wing less than 4 inches. See 17. 16. Birds of large size, wing over 4 inches. The Crows and Jays, Corvide. 17. Bill notched at the tip, very slender. The Old World Warblers, Sylviide; in North America the Gnat-catcher group, Genus Polioptila. 17. Bill not notched at tip. See 18. 18. Bill long, wings long, tail short. The Nuthatches, Sittide. 18. Bill short, wings short, tail long. The Titmice, Paride. 19. Birds of small size, wing less than 3 inches. The Old World Warblers, Sylviidw, Kinglet group, Genus Regulus. 19. Birds of moderate size, wing more than 3 inches. The Thrushes, Turdide. QIN FS & i ocoonomo 7 — — 41. FAMILY TYRANNIDA. TYRANT FLYCATCHERS This family contains a number of birds of medium or small size, mainly dull colored and of little musical ability, the voice being either harsh or plaintive. The wings are long, the legs and feet rather weak. The bill is triangular, flat- tened from above, wide at the base, and slightly hooked at the tip. There are usually bristles at the gape, which no doubt aid the bird in catching flying insects. Six genera occur with us, and a seventh may at any time furnish an occasional straggler to our fauna. KEY TO GENERA 1. One or more of the outer wing-quills attenuate. Crown in adult with concealed red or yellow patch. See 2. . No attenuate wing-quills; no crown-patch. See 3. . Tail deeply forked, much longer than wings. Muscivora.* . Tail not forked, shorter than wings. Tyrannus. Wings and tail with chestnut. Length 8 or more. Myvarchus. Wings and tail without chestnut. Length less than 8. See 4. Woh ru *Includes the Fork-tailed flycatcher (M. tyrannus) of tropical America, with tail-feathers black, and the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (M. forficatus) of the southwestern United States, with tail-feathers chiefly white. Both species have been known to straggle as far north as New Jersey, or even farther. Both are about the size of a Kingbird. Descriptive List 2038 . Wing at least six times as long as tarsus. See 5. Wing not more than five times as long as tarsus. See 6. A white cottony patch on each side of rump; length more than 7 inches. Nudttallornis. No white patch on each side of rump; length less than 7. Mvyziochanes. Length 7 or more. Sayornis. Length 6 or less. Hmpidonaz. DSP VOUS Genus Tyrannus (Lacep.) The genus includes a few flycatchers with long wings, comparatively short tail, and a concealed crown-patch. One species is common with us, and another may very possibly occur in the southeastern portion of the State as a straggler. 1. Blackish above, tail conspicuously tipped with white. Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus. 1. Plumbeous gray above. Tail not tipped with white. Gray Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis. (The latter ranges as far north as South Carolina on the coast.) 187. Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.). Kinapirp; ‘‘ BEE-MARTIN.” Description: Ads.—Upperparts grayish slate-color, darker on the head and upper tail-coverts; head with a concealed orange-red crest; tail black, tipped with white; underparts white, washed with grayish on the breast. Jm.—Similar, but without the crown-patch, and with the plumage more or less tinged with ochraceous-buff. The male has two outer primaries deeply emarginate at the tip, the female usually only one, the immature bird none. L., 8.51; W., 4.64; T., 3.55; B. from N., .55. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in United States —Chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, breeding wherever found. rt Fic. 158. KInGpirp. The Kingbird is found throughout the whole State in summer, arriving from the south usually about the middle of April, except in the mountains, where it reaches its breeding grounds late in April or early in May. It breeds in June, building its nest in the fork of a small tree, or saddling it on the outstretched limb of a larger one. The nest is made of weed stems, often with much cotton, cattail fluff, or other soft material. The eggs are usually three in number, of a creamy-white ground-color, spotted near the larger end with rich umber and chestnut-red. The average size is .97 x .70. After the breeding season, the bird soon leaves the State, not having been recorded later than September 19. The Kingbird is much less common in the vicinity of Raleigh than formerly, and Collett states that it decreased in Cherokee County for a time, but of late appears to be increasing. 204 Brros or Norru Carorina The name “‘ Kingbird”’ is given to this flycatcher on account of its habit of attack- ing larger birds, such as hawks, crows, and vultures, and driving them from the neighborhood of its nest. It accomplishes this feat by its superior powers of flight, which enable it to make matters so uncomfortable for the larger bird that a rapid retreat becomes necessary to insure safety from discomfiture. It will occasionally even alight on the back of a Turkey Vulture in its eagerness to drive the tres- passer away. Genus Myiarchus (Cab.) 188. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.). Cresrep Fiycarcnuer. Description.—Olivaceous above, with bright chestnut on wings and tail, breast ashy gray, belly clear yellow. Head somewhat puffy, but not really crested. Measurements of 30 Raleigh specimens: L., 7.75-9.00; W., 3.40-4.25; T., 3.60-3.75. Range in United States —Eastern United States in summer, east of the Great Plains. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, breeding everywhere. Fie. 159, Crestep FLYCATCHER. The Crested | Flycatcher is a common summer visitor throughout the State, arriving in spring a little earlier than the Kingbird, namely, about the middle of April over the greater portion of the State and a little later in the mountain region. In fall it has been observed as late as September. Unlike the other members of its family, this species makes its nest in holes in trees, often in the cavities of old apple trees. The nesting period is in late May and in June, and the nest is composed of fine grass, lined with feathers or hair. Many individual pairs have a habit of using a shed snakeskin in the composition of the nest. The eggs are usually five in number, occasionally four or six, and are quite different in color and markings from those of any other of our birds, being buffy brown in ground-color, streaked lengthwise with well defined lines and mark- ings of purple and dark brown. Unlike the Kingbird, which frequents open country, the Crested Flycatcher is chiefly a woodland bird, although it by no means despises orchards and groves as breeding localities. Descriptive List 205 Genus Sayornis (Gray) 189. Sayornis phebe (Lath.). Puan; “Prwer.” Description: Ads.—Upperparts grayish brown with an olive-green cast; crown distinctly darker, fuscows; wings and tail fuscous, wing-bars not conspicuous; outer vane of outer tail- feather white or yellowish white, except at the tip; underparts white, more or less washed with yellowish, and tinged with brownish gray on the breast and sides; bill black. Im. and Ads. in winter.—Similar, but upperparts more olive, underparts more yellow, and wing-bars more distinct. L., 6.99; W., 3.38; T., 2.95; B. from N., .41. Remarks.—The Phecebe’s principal distinguishing characters are its fuscous crown-cap, white outer vane of the outer tail-feather, and blackish lower mandible. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in United States—East of the Mississippi; breeding throughout its range, except in the more southern portion. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons, except parts of the mountain region in winter, but not common in the east in summer. Fic. 160. PHa@ber. The Phoebe is one of the most familiar summer birds of the mountains, breed- ing often on the beams or rafters of barns and under bridges. The nest is com- pactly and neatly built of mud and various vegetable substances, with a lining of grass and feathers. One taken April 20, 1892, near Raleigh was situated on a slight ledge in the vertical side of a large bowlder near Neuse River, and was composed of green moss, cotton, fine grass, and weed stems felted together, making a deep, almost cup-shaped nest. A pair used to nest in the side of an old dry well . close to a house formerly occupied by C. 8. Brimley. The eggs are four or five in number, pure white, usually unspotted, but some- times with a few reddish spots near the larger end. The average size is .80 x .50. We have few actual breeding dates, but the nesting season appears from these to be from the middle of April to the end of May. In winter the Phcebe feeds to a large extent on berries, although, like other fly- catchers, it is almost exclusively insectivorous at other seasons. Genus Nuttallornis (Ridgw. ) 190. Nuttallornis borealis (Swains.). OntvE-stpEp FLycATcHER. Description.—Slaty brown above, with darker streaks. Middle line of belly distinctly and abruptly white; otherwise grayish below. A conspicuous tuft of cottony white feathers on each side of rump, usually concealed by the wings. L., 7.50; W., 4.25; T., 3.00. 206 Birps or Norru Caroriva Range in United States—Whole country in migrations, but not common. In summer only on the northern border and the higher mountains. Range in North Carolina.—Portions of the mountain region in summer. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is quite a rare bird, and in this State has been re- corded from Highlands, where Brewster found it late in May, 1885, settled down and apparently preparing to breed. (Auk, Jan., 1886, p. 105.) C. L. Boynton also records it as nesting near this place and as having been first seen on April 25. Cairns states that it bred on the Black Mountains in Buncombe County, and says it was first observed near Weaverville in 1886, on April 19. Rhoads in 1895 saw one on Roan Mountain. The nest resembles that of the Wood Pewee, though larger. It is saddled on the horizontal limb of some pine, spruce, hemlock, or other conifer, usually at a considerable height from the ground. The eggs are commonly three in number, laid in June or early July, and in color much resemble those of the Wood Pewee. They measure about .80 x .60. Genus Myiochanes (C. & H.) 191. Myiochanes virens (Linn.). Woop Prwer. Descripltion—Olive brown above, paler below. Known from other small flycatchers by the short legs and long wings, as well as by its well-known notes, which may be represented by pe-weeee, or pe-de-weeee, the latter being perhaps the nearer to nature. Measurements of 33 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.80-6.40; W., 3.00-3.50; T., 2.40-2.75. Range in United States —Hast of the Great Plains in summer; breeds throughout its range. Range in North Carolina —Whole State in summer, breeding everywhere. Fic. 161. Woop PEWEE. The Wood Pewee is the most common of all our flycatchers, arriving in the State from the south (Mexico, Central and South America), where it spends the winter, about the last week in April, while the last birds do not leave in autumn until October. (Latest dates are, at Raleigh, October 13; Weaverville, October 5; Durham, October 23.) Descriptive List 207 The birds breed in late May or June, the compact nest, which is externally coy- ered with gray lichens, being saddled on the limb of some pine, oak, or other tree, usually at a considerable distance from the ground. The eggs are three in number, of a creamy-white ground-color, marked chiefly about the larger end with spots of reddish brown, burnt umber, and lilac, forming a wreath. Size, .75 x .55. There are probably few people of our State who have not noticed this bird sit- ting upright on some stake or dead limb, turning its head from side to side on the lookout for any stray insect that may come flying past. A moment later you may see it dart from its perch and after a few quick turns, the sharp snap of the bill can be heard, indicating that the desired insect has been captured. Complacently the captor returns to its perch and with a satisfied pee-dee-wee resumes its watch. Pearson observed a Wood Pewee at Guilford College capture thirty-six insects in a period of five minutes. Genus Empidonax (Cab.) This group contains a number of small flycatchers (none being as large as the Wood Pewee) which are much alike in general appearance. Their movements, notes, and breeding habits are, however, by no means alike; hence in spring, when birds are noisy, it is easier to distinguish them than at other times. Of our four species, two have been taken only in the mountain region, and but one of the others isatallcommon. This is the Acadian or Green-crested Flycatcher, which is found regularly in summer in all parts of the State. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Underparts distinctly yellow. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 1. Underparts not distinctly yellow. See 2. 2. Longest primary nearly an inch longer than secondaries. Plumage olive-green. Acadian Flycatcher. 2. parece primary not more than 24 inch longer than secondaries, plumage not olive-green. ee 3. 3. Longest primary about 24 inch longer than secondaries. Bill pale below. Alder Flycatcher. 3. Longest primary about 14 inch longer than secondaries. Bill dark below. Least Fly- catcher. a 192. Empidonax flaviventris (Baird.) YrLLow-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. Description: Ads.—Upperparts rather dark olive-green; wings and tail fuscous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tipped with white or yellowish white; underparts sulphur-yellow, the belly pure, the throat, breast, and sides more or less washed with olive-green; upper mandible black, lower mandible whitish or flesh-color; second to fourth primaries of equal length, the first shorter than the fifth. Jm.—yYellow of the underparts brighter, wing-bars more yellow, and sometimes tinged with pale ochraceous-buff. L., 5.63; W., 2.65; T., 2.16; B. from N., .33. Remarks.—This is the most yellow of our small flycatchers. In any plumage the entire underparts, including the throat, are sulphur-yellow or dusky yellowish. In the other eastern species of this genus the throat is white. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in United States—In summer the northern tier of States and the higher mountains, east of the Mississippi, passing through the whole East during the migrations to reach these breeding grounds, but not often seen. Range in North Carolina.—A are transient in the mountains. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher breeds from the mountains of Pennsylvania north- ward. The nest, unlike those of our other flycatchers, is not placed in a tree or bush, but is imbedded in a bank, or stump, or among the roots of an upturned tree, 208 Brrps or Norru Carorina and apparently always in a boggy or swampy place. The eggs are four in number, laid in mid-June or later, and from the descriptions appear to resemble those of the Acadian Flycatcher, in size, color, and markings. Fic. 162. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. In the Northern States it reaches its breeding grounds in late May, and begins to leave for its winter home in Mexico and Central America in August. It has been recorded only once from North Carolina, when Cairns took a female in Bun- combe County, August 11, 1890. 193. Empidonax virescens (Vieill.). AcApIAN FLYCATCHER. Description.—Upperparts between olive-green and dark olive-green; wings and tail fuscous; greater and lesser wing-coverts yellowish white, forming two conspicuous wing-bars; under- parts white, washed with pale yellowish and slightly tinged with greenish on the breast; the throat, and frequently the middle of the belly, pure white; upper mandible black, lower man- dible whitish or flesh-colored; second to fourth primaries of about equal length, the first and fifth shorter and also of equal length. Jm.—Upperparts greener; underparts more tinged with yellow; wing-bars and outer edges of the tips of the secondaries ochraceous-buff. L., 5.75; W., 2.85; T., 2.35; B. from N., .36. Fic. 163. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. Remarks.—This species has the upperparts fully as olive-green as the Yellow-bellied Fly- catcher, but the underparts are never entirely yellow, and the throat is always white. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in United States—HEastern States, including the Mississippi Valley, in summer; not found in the extreme northern States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, breeding wherever found. The Acadian Flycatcher is the only one of its genus which is generally common in this State. It arrives from its winter sojourn in Mexico or South America Descriptive List 209 about the end of April or in the first days of May, and has been known to remain with us as late as September 11. The nest is a shallow, saucer-shaped structure, attached by the edges to the fork of a drooping limb of a dogwood, beech, or other favorite tree. It is a frail, light structure—so thin, in fact, that the eggs can frequently be seen through the bottom of the nest from below. The rim of the nest is contracted and the contents are thus prevented from rolling out. The eggs are usually three in number, of a buffy ground-color, ornamented with reddish- brown spots, often in a wreath, near the big end. Size .71 x .53. The bird’s characteristic note is an explosive chip or chup, uttered when it is at rest, and usually accompanied with a jerk of the tail. It also makes a noise with its wings when flying from one perch to another, somewhat like that produced by a dove when taking wing. Its favorite haunts are dense woods, especially those along small woodland streams. 194. Empidonax trailli alnorum (Brewst.). ALpER FuycatcuEr. Description.—Olive-brown above, first wing-quill shorter than fifth. Underparts whitish. a suggestion of gray on the breast and belly, washed with whitish. Extreme measurements of 4 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.35-6.00; W., 2.65-2.85; T., 1.75-2.25. Range in United States—Breeds from Northern States northward; winters south of the United States. Range in North Carolina—Has so far been taken only in Wake and Buncombe counties during the migrations. Fig. 164. ALDER FLYCATCHER. The Traill’s, or Alder Flycatcher, resembles the Wood Pewee more than the other small flycatchers, but, besides being smaller, it possesses wings decidedly shorter and legs that are distinctly longer. In this State it has thus far been taken only at Raleigh, on May 14, 1892; May 16, 1893; September 21, 1893; and August 21, 1898; and in Buncombe County by Cairns in September, 1889. It is quite unlikely that it will ever be found breeding in North Carolina, unless perchance in some of the higher mountains. The nest is said to be cup-shaped, well made, and usually placed in a fork where two twigs leave the main stem of some small tree or bush. The bird is partial to the alder thickets which grow along streams. The eggs do not materially differ in appearance from those of the two preceding species. 195. Empidonax minimus (W. MW. and S. F. Baird). Leasr Fuycarcuer. Description: Ads.—Upperparts between olive-green and olive or olive-brown; wings and tail fuscous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tinged with ashy white; underparts whitish, 14 210 Brirps or Norru Carorimva washed with dusky grayish on the breast and sides, and generally with a slight tinge of yellow- ish on the belly; lower mandibles usually horn-color. Im.—Underparts slightly more yellow; wing-bars more buffy. L., 5.41; W., 2.51; T., 2.21; B. from N., .31. Remarks.—This is the smallest of our flycatchers. Its size, the comparative absence of yellow on the underparts, and the generally horn-colored or brown lower mandibles are its chief distinguishing characters. (Chap., Birds of EB. N. A.) Range in United States —Eastern States, breeding northward. Winters, like the rest of the genus, wholly south of the United States. Range in North Carolina—The mountain region in summer between 2,000 and 4,000 feet elevation, breeding at least sparingly. Fig. 165. Least FLYCATCHER. The Least Flycatcher, the smallest species of the family occurring with us, is a regular summer visitor in portions of the mountains. In late May, 1885, Brewster found it of sparse but general distribution in parts of Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, and Jackson counties. Cairns regarded it as a rare summer visitor in Buncombe County, but in all his years of observation found only one nest. Rhoads discovered it breeding on Roan Mountain. C. 8. Brimley took one near Highlands, Macon County, on May 9, 1908, but, judging from the size of the ovaries, it was probably a migrant. We have only one record of the arrival of this species in the State from its winter home in the south, namely, at Highlands, where it was observed by C. L. Boynton on April 24, in 1886. This species is said to be less of a forest-loving bird than the others of the genus, preferring open country. The nest is a compact, cup-shaped structure, placed in the upright fork of a small tree. The only nest found by Cairns was in a per- simmon tree at a height of twenty feet from the ground. The eggs are pure white, usually unspotted, averaging .65 x .50. 42. FAMILY ALAUDIDA. LARKS A family of Old World birds, represented in America by one genus and a single species. A number of slightly differing geographical races or subspecies are recog- nized by ornithologists. The birds most commonly called “larks” in this State, namely, the Meadowlark or “Field Lark” (Sturnella magna), and the Pipit or “Skylark” (Anthus rubescens), belong to other families, and are not true larks. Descriptive List 211 Genus Otocoris (Bonap.) The only species of this genus in North America is the Horned Lark. It is pinkish brown or gray above, with a black crescent on the breast and a tuft of lengthened black feathers on either side of occiput. Forehead white or yellow, bor- dered behind by a black bar, which extends on the sides of the crown, and is bor- dered below by a broad superciliary light stripe continuous with the light color of the forehead. In winter the head and breast markings are much obscured by the lighter tips of the feathers and the plumage is less bright. The female is much duller and with the markings less distinct. Two of the several subspecies occur with us in winter. KEY TO SUBSPECIES 1. Superciliary stripe more or less yellow or yellowish. Size larger, wing of male averaging more than 4.40 inches, of female more than 4.12. Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris alpestris). 1. Superciliary stripe white. Smaller, wing averaging 4.13 in male, 3.84 in female. Prairie Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris praticola). 196. Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linn.). Hornep Lark. Description.—See under genus. Average measurements of 26 males from Raleigh: L., 7.00- 7.50; W., 4.20-4.60; T., 2.60-2.80. Twenty females measured: L., 6.60-7.25; W., 3.20-4.20; T., 2.20-2.75. Range in United States——Northeastern States in winter, irregularly much farther south. Breeds wholly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—lrregularly present in some winters in most parts of the State. Fic. 166. Hornep Lark. Horned Larks are winter visitors in North Carolina, occurring throughout the State with more or less regularity. Flocks were observed at Raleigh in the winter of 1884-5; and again from December 7, 1886, to January 14, 1887. In 1895 they were common on February 20. At Chapel Hill two were taken by Pearson, Novem- ber 23, 1898, and at Pea Island Bishop took three on February 7 and 8, 1901. The Horned Lark, except in the breeding season, always goes in large flocks, and invariably frequents open fields. It is one of the birds which walk rather than hop. 212 Birps or Norru Carona 197. Otocoris alpestris praticola (Hensh.). Pratrre Hornep Lark. Description.—See under genus. Average measurements of 9 males from Raleigh: L., 6.90- 7.25; W., 4.00-4.25; T., 2.60-2.85. Average of 20 females from Raleigh: L., 6.40-7.00; W., 3.75-4.15; T., 2.40-2.75. Range in United States—Upper Mississippi Valley to New York in summer; in winter more or less regularly to the Carolinas. Range in North Carolina.—Same as the preceding. Fic, 167. Prarte HorNeED Lark. The Prairie Horned Lark has been taken in this State, in company with the preceding, at Raleigh in December, 1886, and January, 1887; also on February 20, 1895, and February 11, 1895. At Southern Pines a flock was observed on Feb- ruary 19 and 20, 1902, by C. H. Morrell (Auk, July, 1902, p. 289). Cairns called it a rare winter visitor in Buncombe County. Horned Larks are found most commonly in North Carolina during very cold winters. 43. FAMILY CORVIDA. CROWS AND JAYS This family includes an extensive and cosmopolitan group of birds that agree in having the feathers which cover the nostrils directed forward. They are divided into two groups: the Crows, which have the plumage mainly or entirely black, are of comparatively large size, and have the wings much longer than the tail; and the Jays, which have the plumage usually varied, often blue or bluish, are of medium size, and have the tail as long as or longer than the wings. From an economic standpoint, the Crows and Jays have rather bad reputations as robbers of other birds’ nests, to some extent sustained by facts. Their other reputed bad habit, that of destroying newly planted or just sprouting grain, seems to be abundantly offset by the great number of white grubs, wireworms, and cut- worms which they destroy. KEY TO GENERA 1. Plumage wholly black. Wings much longer than tail. Corvus. 1. Plumage mainly blue. Wings about as long as tail. Cyanocitta. Plate 16 JAY. Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linn. ) aera bo aa oo Descriptive Lisr Genus Cyanocitta (Strickl.) 198. Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linn.). Buun Jay. Description.—Blue above, white below, collar black. Wings and tail blue, barred with blackish. Head crested. Outer tail-feathers and secondaries tipped with white. Measurements of 23 Blue Jays from Raleigh: L., 10.50-11.75; W., 4.85-5.30; T., 4.75-5.40. Range.—Eastern North America, east of the Great Plains. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons. The Blue Jay, more generally known in North Carolina as “Jaybird,” is com- mon in all parts of the State, but perhaps more plentiful in the mountains, where in many towns—as, for instance, Hendersonville and Highlands—it is an abundant bird in the gardens and groves. The Blue Jay breeds in April and May, building its nest of twigs, leaves, roots, rags, cotton, wool, or other materials. It is a large and not over-tidy structure, placed often in small trees, but more frequently in large ones. The eggs are four or five in number, olive-brown in color, thickly spotted with darker shades; and measure about 1.10 x .85. The harsh screaming notes of this bird are well known to all. It has a wide range of calls, one of which strongly suggests the scream of the Red-shouldered Hawk. It enjoys a wide variety of food, which includes acorns, berries, and the young of other birds. Genus Corvus (Linn.) Plumage entirely black in our species. Wings long and pointed, much longer than the tail. Birds of large size, the largest of our perching birds, the wing always more than nine inches. The crows are well known as shy, wary birds of apparently unusual intelligence. KEY TO SPECIES . Feathers of throat lanceolate, distinct from one another. Size large, wing more than 15 inches. Northern Raven. . Feathers of throat short, the webs blended. Size smaller, wing less than 13 inches. See 2. . Gloss of plumage purplish violet. Wing 12 or more. Whole State. Crow. . Gloss of plumage green and violet. Wing 111% or less. Coastwise only. Fish Crow. owe ee 199. Corvus corax principalis (Ridgw.). NorrHerN Raven. Description —Plumage wholly black. Feathers of throat narrow and pointed. L., 24.00; Wirt 7.00% T., 9:75. Range in United States —Eastern United States, mainly in the mountains from New England to northern Georgia. Another subspecies occurs west of the Mississippi. Range in North Carolina—Mountainous parts of the State. Ravens in this State are now confined to the mountains, where they have been recorded at various places. In Buncombe County Cairns said it was common in 1891 and bred on Craggy Mountain. On Roan Mountain birds were noted near the summit by Rhoads in 1895. At Tryon one was seen by Loomis, February 15, 1907. On Grandfather Mountain one was seen by Metcalf, September 10, 1908, and 214 Birps or Norru Carorina Ravens were said by Wayne to breed there. (Auk, Jan., 1910, p. 85.) Bruner and Feild found ravens on Roan Mountain, June 29, 1911. Besides these definite localities, Brewster stated that in 1885 it was common in the portion of the State he visited (parts of Macon, Jackson, Haywood, and Buncombe counties), everywhere above 5,000 feet. There is a mounted specimen in the State Museum at Raleigh which came from Topton, in Cherokee County, in April, 1906. It was a fully- feathered young bird when received, and it was kept alive for more than a year. During its captivity its food consisted entirely of animal matter, all kinds of vege- table food being consistently refused. Fig. 168. Norruern Raven. A second specimen reached the Museum on February 9, 1912. This came from Bushnell, in Swain County. It had been caught in a steel trap and died on the night of its arrival at the Museum. The first of these two specimens was a male; the second an adult female, with ovaries not showing any indication of early nesting. The Raven formerly inhabited the coast, and in the eighties there was a mounted specimen in the possession of Clarke and Morgan, taxidermists, at New Bern, said Descrierive List 915 to have been taken in Craven County. H. H. Brimley saw some near Beaufort on June 4 and 8, 1892, which appear to have been the last recorded in that region. This bird usually builds its nest on cliffs in the most inaccessible situations, the structure being composed of large sticks, lined with coarse grass and wool. The same nest is used many years in succession. The eggs are four or five in number, of a pale bluish green or light olive-green, spotted, blotched, or streaked with purple and greenish brown. Size about 1.90 x 1.30. The Raven feeds readily on carrion. It also eats small mammals, young birds, snails, and other animal food. 200. Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos (Brehm). Crow. Description.—Black. Gloss of plumage purplish violet, duller beneath. L., 19.25; W., 12.20; ec-O08 Range in United States.—W hole country, except here and there locally. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State at all seasons, except on the higher mountains. Fig. 169. Crow. The Crow is doubtless the best known bird in North Carolina. It breeds in April or May, usually building its nest in the top of a tall pine tree growing in a retired situation. The nest is a heavy, compact structure, composed of twigs and sticks and lined with leaves and grass. The eggs are four to six in number, in color varying from pale bluish to an olive-green and thickly spotted and blotched with dark brown. Size 1.70 x 1.20. The Crow is a bird of varied diet, not despising the farmer’s newly planted corn, nor the eggs and young of other birds. It is also quite partial to grubworms, cut- worms, wireworms, and other insects, by the destruction of which it is of no small service to the farmer. Pearson has known individual Crows to become of great annoyance to poultry raisers, by developing a most unpleasant habit of eating newly hatched chickens, and H. H. Brimley reports the killing of young Turkeys by Crows near White Lake. Tn the light of all its misdeeds, the Crow will evidently have to eat many injurious insects if the balance of popular sentiment is to swing in its favor. 216 Birps or Nortru Carorina 201. Corvus ossifragus (Wils.). Fisu Crow. Description.—Entire plumage black, with steel-blue or deep purplish reflections, generally more greenish on the underparts. L., 16.00; W., 11.00; T., 6.40; B., 1.50. Remarks.—The Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common crow (1) by its smaller size. (2) By the uniform and somewhat richer color of the back. In brachyrhynchos the feathers of the back have dull tips; when the freshly plumaged bird is held between the observer and the light these tips give the back a ringed or slightly scaled appearance. In ossifragus these tips are wanting, and the back is uniformly colored. (8) By the brighter color of the underparts. In brachyrhynchos the underparts are generally much duller than the upperparts; in ossifragus they are nearly as bright. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range in United States.—Eastern and southern coasts from New York to Louisiana. Range in North Carolina.—Coast region only, where it is resident. The Fish Crow, a somewhat smaller bird than the foregoing species, is a common resident along our coastal region, nesting in trees in suitable situations. The nests and eggs are similar to those of the common crow, but the latter are smaller, aver- aging only 1.50 x 1.10. The feeding habits of Fish Crows are similar to those of its larger relative, but, on account of a different habitat, they also feast upon fish, crabs, and other creatures that are washed ashore by the waves. They also plunder the heron and cormorant rookeries, eating the eggs when the parents are absent from their nests. Pearson has found their nests late in April and May in Dare, Hyde, and Carteret counties. He observed that if you found one Fish Crow’s nest in a grove it was frequently the case that a search would reveal perhaps half a dozen others within a short distance. The Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, so far as we are aware, has not yet been recorded from North Carolina. This European species was first introduced into this country in 1890, when Eugene Schieffelin liberated sixty in Central Park, New York City. Since that time it has increased rapidly in numbers and its range has extended in a southerly dicection as far as Newport News, Va. We may, therefore, expect it to appear in North Carolina at any time. The Starling is about eight and one-half inches in length. In general appearance it is a short, metallic-purplish, black bird, and is usually heavily covered with creamy white spots. To the minds of many ornithologists this bird bids fair to become as great a nuisance in the United States as the English Sparrow. The Starling belongs to the family Sturnide, of which it is the only repre- sentative in the United States. 44. FAMILY ICTERIDAZ. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. This is a family of medium-sized birds, intermediate in some respects between the Crows on the one hand and the Finches on the other, but perhaps in most respects nearer the latter. All are distinctively American birds. KEY TO GENERA ry . Outlines of bill nearly or quite straight, the tip not evidently decurved, the commissure not sinuate. See 2. . Outlines of bill distinctly curved, the tip decurved, the commissure evidently sinuated. Crow Blackbirds. See 6. Bill stout, conical, its depth at base at least one-third its length. See 3. . Bill slender, its depth at base scarcely one-third its length. See 5. . Tail-feathers acute, middle toe with claw longer than tarsus. Bill stout, shorter than the head. Dolichonyx. . Tail-feathers not acute, middle toe with claw not longer than tarsus. See 4. . Bill stout, much shorter than head. Molothrus. . Bill more slender, about as long as head. Agelaius. Tail not more than two-thirds length of wing, the feathers acute. Breast yellow, with a black crescent. Sturnella. _ a oe od dd) bo a —\ Descriptive List . Tail about as long as wing, the feathers not pointed. No black crescent on breast. Icterus. Tail much shorter than wing, nearly even. Bill slender, shorter than head. Huphagus. . Tail about as long as or longer than wing, graduated, the middle tail-feathers much the longest. Bill stout, as long as head. See 7. . Wing less than 6.50 in male, less than 5.25 in female. Quwiscalus. . Wing more than 6.50 in male, not less than 5.25 in female. Megaquiscalus. Dn sa-1 Genus Dolichonyx (Swains.) 202. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). Bosouinx; “ Ricresirp.” Description: Ad. &, breeding plumage.—Top and sides of the head and Hodecparts black, the feathers more or less tipped with a narrow whitish or cream-buff fringe, which wears off as the season advances; back of the neck with a large yellowish cream-buff patch; middle of back generally streaked with cream- buff; scapulars, lower back, and upper tail-coverts soiled grayish white; wings and tail black; tail-feathers with pointed tips; bill blue-black. Ad. 9 .—Upperparts olive-buff, streaked with black; crown blackish, with a central stripe of olive-buff; nape finely spotted and back broadly streaked with black; wings and tail brownish fuscous; tail-feathers with pointed tips; underparts yellowish or buffy white. Ads. in fall and. Im. —Similar to female, but buffier and more olivaceous throughout. 1G e205) Wa oer soy Ds, 20e Remarks.—The young and adults in fall plumage are known as Reed-birds. Adults acquire this plumage by a complete molt after the breeding season. The breeding plumage is regained by a complete molt in the spring, and not, as has heen supposed, by a change in the color of the feathers without molting. Freshly plumaged males have the black veiled by yellow tips to the feathers; these gradually wear off, and by June have almost entirely disappeared (cf. Chapman, Auk, X, 1893, 309). (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Kastern United States in summer, breeding in the more northern States, wintering in South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, in the migrations only; most abundant in the fall in the coastal region. The Bobolink, better known in the South as the “‘ Ricebird,” reaches this State from its winter home in South America about the close of the third week in April, and often congregates in the fields of crimson clover to feed on the unripened seeds. By the end of May all have passed on to their breeding grounds farther north. In fall they occur from about August 15 to October 15, being then seen chiefly in the coast region. It is at this season that their depredations in the rice fields have earned for them the appropriate name of Ricebird, and with regard to this we can- not do better than quote from the annual report of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, chief of the U.S. Biological Survey for 1886: ‘‘One of the most important industries of the Southern States, the cultivation of rice, is crippled and made precarious by the semi-annual attacks of birds. Many kinds of birds feed upon rice, but the bird that does more injury than all the rest combined is the Bobolink of the North, called Reed-bird along the Chesapeake, and Ricebird in the South.” Captain Bendire in Life Histories of North American Birds, 1895, page 431, quotes Captain Hazard of Annandale, 8. C., in part as follows: ‘During the nights of August 21, 22, 23, and 24, millions of these birds make their appearance and settle in the rice fields. From the 21st of August to the 25th of September our every effort is to save the crop. Men, boys, and women, with guns and ammunition, are posted on every four or five acres and shoot daily an average of about one quart of powder to the gun. This firmg commences at first dawn of day and is kept up till sunset. After all this expense and trouble our loss of rice per acre seldom falls under five bushels, and if from any cause there is a check to the crop during its growth which pre- 218 Birps or Nortu Carorina vents the grain from being hard, but in milky condition, the destruction of such fields is complete, it not paying to cut and bring the rice out of the field.” In the spring of 1913, H. H. Brimley and T. W. Adickes found Ricebirds so plentiful on the Orton Plantation, below Wilmington, that the owner found it necessary to protect his ripening oat crop by means of boys with guns. The birds were noted as being very persistent in their attacks on the oats. Fic. 170. BoBoLink. (A male in Nuptial Plumage.) From this it can be seen how destructive this bird may be in certain sections. In early days they doubtless fed on the seeds of wild marsh grasses, but the culti- vation of rice furnished them with an easy and abundant supply of food right in their path, and they naturally proceeded to make use of it. As very little rice is now grown in North Carolina, these birds do the State much less harm than in former times; the same may now be said of South Carolina, and the above quota- tions regarding their depredations on rice are chiefly of interest as a matter of ornithological history. Although this bird usually breeds only in the Northern States, it has been de- tected nesting in Louisiana and suspected of breeding in Florida, and in this con- nection it may be interesting to note that Seeman reports seeing two males at Dur- ham on June 17 and one on June 28, 1903. = Descrietive List 219 Genus Molothrus (Swains.) 203. Molothrus ater ater (Bodd). Cowstrp. Description.—Male, glossy black, head and neck brown. Female, smaller, dusky brown. Average measurements of 19 Raleigh specimens: L., 6.75-7.80; W., 3.75-4.40; T., 2.40-3.15. The smallest measurements are those of the smaller females, the largest those of the biggest males. Range.—In eastern United States, breeding on the Atlantic coast at least, mostly north of North Carolina; south in winter to Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State irregularly in the migrations, and in the eastern half at least during the winter months. Fie. 171. Cowsrrp. The Cowbird has been seldom recorded from the State of late years. At Raleigh it used to be rather common in February and March, and for several years pre- vious to 1889 passed through in enormous numbers, feeding in company with the red-winged blackbirds in newly planted grain-fields. Since then few have been seen. Cairns recorded it at Weaverville, Buncombe County, between February 12 and May 12 in the spring, and August 18 to December 8 in the fall. Collett records it from Andrews on April 7, 1902. Pearson shot one near Southport, Brunswick County, August 14, 1909, and saw one at Parmele, Martin County, August 25, 1903. At Raleigh it has also been observed by C. 8. Brimley occasionally in fall and winter, the earliest date being September 4, and latest in spring, April 29. This bird lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. A list of over ninety-two species of birds thus imposed upon is given by Captain Bendire in Life Histories of North American Birds, pages 237-8. The egg is said to hatch before those of the owner of the nest, and the young Cowbird, which grows very rapidly, often smothers or crowds the other young birds out of the nest. Although it has not been detected breeding in this State, the late dates of May 12 in Buncombe County and April 29 in Wake County, combined with its August records, make it probable that it may breed here occasionally. Genus Agelaius (Vieill.) 204. Agelaius pheeniceus pheeniceus (Linn.). Rep-wirnerp BLAcKsrreD. Description—Adult male glossy black, wing-coverts scarlet with buffy edgings, male in winter with the black feathers edged with lighter, more or less obscuring the black. Female 220 Birps or Norru Carorina dusky, streaked. Extreme measurements of 35 specimens from Raleigh: L., 7.25-9.40; W., 3.75-4.80; T., 2.75-3.80. The males are considerably larger than the females, as is usual in the family. Range.—Temperate North America, wintering in the more southern States. Range in North Carolina.—W hole State at all seasons, except in the mountain region, where it is chiefly a summer visitor. Fig. 172. Repd-winGeD BLAckKeirp. The Red-winged Blackbird is the best known member of the blackbird family in North Carolina. It breeds in marshes throughout the State. In the mountain region it appears to be only a summer visitor, arriving in March or earlier, but in the rest of the State it is found at all seasons, although the flocks in winter seem to be composed almost entirely of females. In February and March their numbers are greatly augmented by the arrival of migrants bound northward. At this season they feed to a great extent in the fields of newly planted grain, probably doing some damage by eating the sprouting seeds, and some good by destroying cutworms and other noxious insects. After March, their numbers having been reduced to the resident population, they confine themselves pretty closely to the lowgrounds, where they nest in reeds, cattails, or bushes growing in marshes. The nests are composed of coarse marsh grasses, woven together into deep cup-shaped structures. The eggs in this State are laid in May and June, and are usually four in number. In color they are pale bluish, marked with dots and lines that look as if they had been made with pen and ink. Size 1.00 x .70. Speaking of this bird, Coues wrote: ‘In the breeding season the ‘creaking- chorus’ makes an indescribable medley.”’ Genus Sturnella (Vieill. ) 205. Sturnella magna magna (linn.). MbapowLark; “Fretp Lark.” Description.—Much streaked above. Breast and most of underparts yellow, a black crescent on breast, belly whitish. Extreme measurements of 35 specimens from Raleigh: L., 8.60-10.60; W., 4.05-5.05; T., 2.30-3.15. General Range.—EKastern United States, wintering in the more southern States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter, in summer recorded only from portions of the mountain and the coast regions. bo bo H Descriptive List | This is a common winter visitor in all portions of the State, feeding in open fields and pastures, and to some extent in lowground meadows. It arrives from the north about the middle of October and leaves in April, although individuals have been recorded earlier in fall and later in spring. The summer records are few and scattering. Cairns found but one nest in Buncombe County in five years \ collecting, while in the east Dr. Smithwick records a single nest found in Bertie County, and states that it is a rare breeder near LaGrange, Lenoir County. C.S%. Brimley found the species near Lake Ellis, Craven County, in late May, 1906-8, and late June, 1905. Evidently these birds had settled down for the summer. Joseph Armfield reports finding one or more nests at Greensboro in Guilford County, and Pearson found it a regular summer resident there, but never located a nest. This species is one of the most insectivorous of the family. Instead of being persecuted as a game bird, it has always deserved the fullest protection because of i its value as a destroyer of insects injurious to the farmer’s crops. As a destroyer of sprouting corn, the depredations it commits are grossly exaggerated. It is now protected at all times under Federal regulations. Fig. 173. Mrapow bark. The nest is placed on the ground under a tuft of grass, and is compactly made of coarse grass, lined with finer materials. The eggs are four to six in number, of a pure white ground-color, and more or less thickly spotted or dotted with reddish brown or purplish. Size 1.10 x .80. May and June are the nesting months. The Meadowlark is social in its habits, being found in flocks when not engaged in rearing its young. Its flight is very characteristic, as it proceeds by alternately flapping its wings and sailing. When rising from the ground the tail is usually spread, revealing the white portion of the outer tail-feathers. 206. Sturnella magna argutula (Bangs). SournHerN Mmapow ark. Description.—Similar to the Meadowlark, but size smaller, and colors darker, the yellow of the underparts much more intense, and the upperparts much darker in color, the dark central areas of the feathers being much greater in extent, and the light edges much less; tail and wings darker, the barring on middle tail-quills, and on secondaries, tertials, and wing-coverts, much wider and more pronounced. W., 4.00-4.13; T., 3.00. Range.—Austroriparian zone from North Carolina (on the coast) and Illinois to Texas, Louisi- ana, and Florida. Range in North Carolina —Coastal region in summer; possibly resident. 222 Birps or Norru Caroiina This newly recognized subspecies of the Meadowlark finds a place in our list through the range given it by the latest (1910) edition of the American Ornitholo- gists’ Union Check List. In all particulars its habits of life do not differ essentially from those of the foregoing species. Genus Icterus (Briss.) This is a numerous genus, many species of which occur in tropical and temperate America. They are usually of bright plumage, the prevailing colors being a com- bination of black and yellow markings. The bill is sharply pointed, and the birds make use of it to weave the wonderfully neat basket-like structures which serve them for nests. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Depth of bill at base, decidedly less than half its length. Colors of adult male, black and chestnut. Orchard Oriole. 1. Depth of bill at base equal to half its length. Colors of adult male, black and orange. Balti- more Oriole. 207. Icterus spurius (Linn.). OrcHARD ORIOLE. Description —Adult male black, the rump, bend of wing, and lower parts from breast down, deep chestnut. Female yellowish olive. Young male similar to female, but throat is usually black, and there are often other traces of the black and chestnut markings of the adult. Extreme measurements of 64.specimens from Raleigh: L., 6.65-7.50; W., 2.85-3.45; T., 2.65-3.00. General Range.—Kastern United States in summer, wintering in Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, except the higher mountains. Fig. 174. OrcHarp ORIOLE. ’ The Orchard Oriole, locally, but erroneously, called “Baltimore Oriole”’ in this State, is a common summer visitor everywhere east of the mountains, and also in the lower mountain-valleys, but far more abundant in the extreme eastern sec- tion; for instance, thousands of these birds are to be found in Hyde County around the shores of Mattamuskeet Lake. It arrives from its winter home in the far South about the last week in April, and leaves us quite early in the season, our latest record being August 22, at Raleigh. As its name indicates, it prefers orchards and groves, and, like many other birds, is greatly attracted by mulberry trees, the fruit of which it much enjoys in common with Tanagers, Catbirds, Nonpareils, and many others. Its nest is a bag-shaped structure, woven of green grass, which later turns yellow, giving it a very charac- teristic appearance. Sometimes it is lined with soft materials, but more often, perhaps, this special lining is omitted. The eggs are usually five in number, and are laid in late May or June. They have a bluish ground-color, and are marked Descriptive List 223 with spots, specks, and irregular lines of various shades of brown. Size .78 x .56. The nesting site is usually chosen among the terminal twigs of small shade or orchard trees, but not infrequently a willow or ironwood growing near a stream is selected. The height from the ground at which seven nests at Raleigh were built ranged from seven to twenty feet. The Orchard Oriole is almost wholly insectivorous in its diet, and, as it is also a very melodious singer, it is well deserving of human gratitude. It must be under- stood, however, that simply preventing people from shooting birds will not alone keep their numbers from decreasing, if we at the same time destroy their natural feeding grounds without supplying a substitute. For instance, there was at one time a large orchard of mulberry trees near Raleigh which was the favorite sum- mer resort of numbers of birds. Later the orchard was destroyed, and the birds also disappeared from the locality. 208. Icterus galbula (Linn.). Batrrmore ORIOLE. Description: Ad. male——Head, neck, throat, and upper back black; breast, belly, lower back, and lesser wing-coverts deep, rich, reddish orange; wings black, the outer margin of the greater coverts and quills edged with white; end-half of middle tail-feathers black, base orange; all the others orange, crossed by a black band in the middle. Ad. female—Upperparts brownish or grayish orange, brighter on the rump; head and back mottled with black; wings fuscous, greater and middle coverts tipped with white; tail like the rump, the middle feathers stained with black; underparts dull orange, throat sometimes spotted with black. L., 7.53; W., 3.52; T., 2.84; B., -70. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, breeding mainly north of North Carolina; winters in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State sparingly during the migrations, breeding wholly or mainly west of the Blue Ridge. Fie. 175. BALTIMORE ORIOLE. The Baltimore Oriole appears only as a rare migrant in the State, except in the mountains, where it is not an uncommon summer bird west of the Blue Ridge. At Raleigh it has been observed in late April, and at Durham and Chapel Hill in early May, while in fall it has been seen at Raleigh only in late August and early Sep- tember. This species builds a deep-woven purse-shaped nest, from vegetable or other fibers, usually attached by the rim to the end of a long, drooping limb of a large tree. In this structure, which is lined with any soft material readily found in the neighborhood, the bird deposits four or five eggs, which much resemble those of the Orchard Oriole. 224 Birps or Norru Carorina Like the preceding, this fine bird is a good singer and a determined devourer of insects, and is also deserving of our fullest protection. Genus Euphagus (Cass.) 209. Euphagus carolinus (Miill.). Rusty Buacksirp. Description.—Adult male in summer, wholly glossy black, unmarked; adult female, brownish slate in summer. Winter birds of both sexes are similar, but have the ground-color more or less overlaid with rusty above and buffy below. Extreme measurements of 19 specimens from Raleigh: L., 8.50-9.65; W., 4.15-4.85; T., 3.16-3.95. Range.—Eastern North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State during the migrating period of the species; winters to: a limited extent in the eastern section. Fie. 176. Rusty BLACKBIRD. The Rusty Blackbird occurs in North Carolina mainly when migrating in early spring and late fall, but has been observed at New Bern in early January, 1885 (H. H. Brimley), and at Raleigh, January 25, 1892. Outside of these dates our records are only of evidently migrating birds, the actual dates being at Weaver- ville, Buncombe County, from February 2 to May 2 (Cairns); at Chapel Hill, February 3, 1889, and later (Pearson); at Pea Island, February 17 and 18, 1901 (Bishop); at Andrews, Cherokee County, February 27 and later (Mrs. Wilson); and at Raleigh from February 15 to April 20 in spring, and from October 17 to November 17 in fall (C. S. Brimley). These last are our only fall records, with the exception of two observed at Chapel Hill, October 17, 1900, by MacNider. The Rusty Blackbird is not a particularly common bird in the State, never occurring in really large flocks, but usually seen in companies of not more than fifteen or twenty individuals. In autumn they are not infrequently found in woods feeding on dogwood berries. Later they sometimes frequent the lowgrounds to feed on frost grapes. In spring they feed much on the ground in marshy places, among willows or other bushes. At all seasons they seem much easier to approach than other blackbirds. Genus Quiscalus (Vieill.) The Crow Blackbirds or Grackles are large blackbirds with tail and wing about equal in length. The bill is stout, and the plumage in both sexes has a more or less metallic luster. i = — ———— bo bo OL Descriptive List KEY TO SPECIES 1. Color of head and neck not sharply defined against color of body, which has always more or less mixed metallic tints. Purple Grackle. 1. Color of head and neck uniform, sharply defined against color of body, which is always per- fectly uniform bronze without mixed metallic tints. Bronzed Grackle. 210. Quiscalus quiscula quiscula (Linn.). PurpLe GRACKLE. Description.—Iridescent black. Body always with mixed metallic tints; color of head and neck very variable, iridescent bars along back. Female somewhat duller. Extreme measure- ments of 31 specimens from Raleigh: L., 10.75-12.75; W., 4.85-5.75; T., 4.06-5.45. Range.—Atlantic coast of United States, south of Connecticut, and east of the Alleghany Mountains; breeding in greater or less numbers throughout its range. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, common during the migrations, less common in winter, and breeding locally in all sections. Fig. 177. PURPLE GRACKLE, The Purple Grackle or Crow Blackbird, easily distinguished from our other inland blackbirds by its larger size, longer tail, and hoarse notes, is not an uncom- mon bird in most parts of the State during portions of February, March, October, and November, when it is migrating. As a breeding bird it is quite local, though known to breed at Greensboro, in the grounds of the Greensboro Female College; in Craven County below New Bern; on Orton Pond, in Brunswick County, and within the city limits of Asheville. It has also been twice observed near Raleigh in June. The nest is usually placed in a pine or other coniferous tree, and is often a very bulky structure. Twigs and grass are the materials most commonly used in its con- struction. Frequently it is situated at a considerable height from the ground, but where suitable trees are not accessible it will be placed in bushes or even in crevices in the sides of the nest of the Osprey. The eggs are four to six, laid in our latitude usually in April or early May. They have a greenish white or rusty brown ground- color, over which are scattered many spots and scratches of black or chocolate. Size 1.18 x .84. The Purple Grackle is eminently gregarious at all seasons. In spring it often feeds with other blackbirds on the newly sown grain-fields, and later will gather in the tops of tall pines, flying from one to another, and apparently feeding on the pine seeds. It nests in colonies of from ten to twenty or more pairs. all 226 Brirps or Norra Carorina 211. Quiscalus quiscula eneus (Ridgw.). Bronzep GRACKLE. Description —Body always perfectly uniform bronze, without mixed metallic tints, the color sharply defined against the color (steel- blue, bottle-green, etc.) of head and neck. Female duller. Extreme measurements of 11 specimens from Rale sigh: L., 11.16-13.00; W., 5.16-5.85; T., 4.50-5.70. Range.—Temperate North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the Alleghanies, and from the Slee ot Mexico to northern British America, and on the Atlantic Coast from Long Island northward. Range in North Carolina.—Western and central portions during the migrations only. So far as we are aware, the Bronzed Grackle appears in this State only as a migrant, specimens having been taken at Raleigh on February 26, 1895, and from November 5 to December 6 in six different years. At Weaverville, Buncombe County, birds were killed by Cairns from March 10 to 30, 1890 (five specimens secured in all). The Bronzed Grackle which from its more extensive distribution and less vari- able characters is considered by many to be the original form from which the other subspecies of the genus was derived, has the same habits as the Purple Grackle, with which in fact it is usually found associated in this State, and which it closely resembles. Genus Megaquiscalus (Cass.) 212. Megaquiscalus major major (Vieill.). Boat-ratmep GRACKLE. Description.—Male iridescent green and blue. Female dull dusky brown, lighter beneath, very much smaller. Measurements of two males from Beaufort, N.C.: (1) L., 16.00; W., 7.12; T., 7.50; (2) L., 16.12; W., 6.85; T., 6.50. Dimensions of a female from Beaufort: L., 13.75; W.,; 5:75; T., 9:50: Range in United States—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, from Virginia to Texas. Range in\North Carolina.—On the whole coast, not inland; resident. | The Boat-tailed Grackle, commonly and universally known in this State as the “Jackdaw,” is found on our coast, where it procures its living along the beaches or in the salt marshes. A large part of its food consists of small crabs, shrimps, or other small sea animals that are washed up by the waves. In North Carolina the species nests in April and May, several pairs often occupying the same tree. The eggs are brownish drab, some tinged with olive, others with green, marked with irregular blotches of brown and black. Size about 1.24 x .81. The farthest inland the species has been recorded appears to be Plymouth, on Roanoke River, about six miles from Albemarle Sound, where Dr. Smithwick found it nesting in small colonies in April, 1890. For many years there has been a breed- ing colony of these grackles in the town of Beaufort. The species is notably polyga- mous. 45. FAMILY FRINGILLIDZ. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. This is a very numerous family of small birds, containing many of our most familiar species. The most distinguishing feature of the birds of this group is the conical bill. It is stout at the base and pointed at the tip, and with the corners of the mouth drawn sharply downward. Plate 17 BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE. Megaquiscalus major major (Vieill.) Male and Female. aaah : us a -_ “« ae rl .. oo rah —_ et ten aa > “es 7 . 7 ae gt =e ms an 2 he aha, iu é , or. = j 7 : ‘ 4 " ee = 4, oes . ie} — iF) © a _ - ' a - ql ~ . b= 244 % r : A 7 re — ¥ eee “lars oa it fT pe ras - . re a he =< ar a ee 7 a —— a4) - ae a ; > ss >, = A , 2 2 » - — a ess — ae = a _ _ = = = -_ > re Descriptive List 227 KEY TO GENERA . Mandibles faleate, crossed at tip. Lovia. Mandibles not faleate, not crossed at tip. See 2. . Head crested, bill very large. Cardinalis. Head not crested; bill various. See 3. . Bill very large. See 4. Bill moderate. See 5. Color blue or brownish, unstreaked. Guwiraca. . Color black, varied with white and red, or olive-brown with whitish stripes on head. Zame- lodia. 5 wouys distinctly convex in profile, plumage streaked above, not below, no blue nor yellow. asser. Gonys straight or nearly so. See 6. Primaries much longer than secondaries. See 7. Primaries not much longer than secondaries. See 13. Wing at least five times as long as the short tarsus. See 8. . Wing not five times as long as tarsus. See 11. Wing more than 31% inches, tail largely white. Plectrophenaz. . Wing less than 314 inches. See 9. . Tail 34 as long as wing, nasal tufts conspicuous. Acanthis. . Nasal tufts inconspicuous; tail less than two-thirds wing. See 10. 10. Tail-feathers blotched with white. Astragalinus. 10. Tail-feathers blotched with yellow at base. Spinus. 11. Tail without white. Carpodacus. 11. Tail blotched with white. See 12. 12. Middle tail-feathers narrow and pointed, hind claw long and straight. Calcarius. 12. Middle tail-feathers broad and rounded, hind claw short and curved. Chondestes. 13. Tail-feathers, at least the outer ones, blotched with white. See 14. 13. Tail-feathers not blotched with white. See 16. 14. Breast streaked. Powcetes. 14. Breast dark, not streaked. See 15. 15. Length 7 or more, wings with white blotch. Pipilo. 15. Length 6.25 or less, wings without white. Jwunco. 16. Tail-feathers narrow, at least the middle ones acuminate, back streaked. See 17. 16. Tail-feathers broader, not acuminate. See 20. 17. Breast with yellow, throat with more or less black. Spiza. 17. Breast without yellow, throat without black. See 18. 18. Outer pair of tail-feathers longer than middle pair, wing much longer than tail. Passer- COPHAINHAN oT POTN culus. 18. Ete pair of tail-feathers shorter than middle pair, wing not much, if any, longer than tail. See 19. 19. Tail double rounded, the middle pair of quills much shorter than the next pair. Ammo- dramus. 19. Tail graduated, the middle tail-feathers the longest. Passerherbulus. 20. Hind claw decidedly longer than its toe; plumage streaked above and below. Passerella. 20. Hind claw scarcely longer than its toe. See 21. 21. Plumage more or less blue in male, lower mandible much deeper than upper. Passerina. 21. Plumage streaked, no blue, lower mandible not deeper than upper. See 22. 22. Tail more or less forked, the middle feathers the shortest, plumage unstreaked below, no yellow. Spizella. 22. Tail rounded. See 23. 23. primaries exceeding secondaries by more than length of bill, head striped in adult. Zono- trichia. 23. Primaries exceeding secondaries by not more than length of bill. See 24. 24, Edge of wing yellow, plumage unstreaked below. Peucea. 24. No yellow anywhere, plumage streaked below, or else crown chestnut. Melospiza. Genus Carpodacus (Kaup) 213. Carpodacus purpureus purpureus ((7mel.). PurpLe incu. Description —Ad. &.—Body streaked, suffused with rose-red, strongest on the head, rump, and breast, more brownish on the back; whiter, generally white, on the belly; wings and tail brownish fuscous, the outer webs of the feathers finely edged with rose-red; a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils; outer tail-feathers longest. This plumage is acquired at the first post- 228 Birps or Norru Carorina nuptial molt. Ad. 9.—Very different, sparrowlike in appearance; upperparts dark grayish brown, finely streaked with black; wings and tail dark grayish brown; underparts white, streaked, or with wedge-shaped spots of fuscous. A whitish superciliary line. Jm. o&.—Similar to adult female. L., 6.22; W., 3.24; T., 2.29; B., .45. Remarks.—Females and young males bear a decided resemblance to some sparrows, but the rounded bill, tufts of feathers over the nostrils, and forked tail are distinguishing characters. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range in United States—Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter, but may possibly breed in the mountains. Fic. 178. PurrLe FINCH, The Purple Finch, so called from the erroneous coloring given it in an early plate of the species, is an irregular winter visitor in the central portion of the State. Cairns recorded it as a spring transient in Buncombe County, giving the following dates of its appearance: February 7, March 5 to May 5. Mrs. Donald Wilson reports it as a winter resident at Andrews, in Cherokee County, much far- ther south, giving for it the extreme dates of November 18 to April 28. In central North Carolina it occurs more or less regularly from the last week of October to the middle of April, and sometimes a little later, the latest spring date being April 30 and the earliest fall date October 27. Still later dates than any of the above are May 9, 1908, at Highlands, a small flock observed by Sherman and C. 8. Brimley, and May 23, 1885, at Old Fort, a number observed by Brewster, who says they were apparently not breeding, despite the lateness of the season. The Purple Finch is most commonly found in small flocks, feeding either on buds or seeds of trees; sometimes it may be seen eating weed-seeds in open thickets or on the ground. It is particularly partial to the seeds of the tulip tree, and also enjoys the seeds and buds of elms. The nest is said to be built in small trees at no great height from the ground, and is composed of weed stems, grasses, and similar materials, lined with hair, being not unlike that of the Chipping Sparrow in its construction. Genus Loxia (Linn) This is a small genus of finches distinguished by the two mandibles being curved, and crossed at the tips. Two species occur, but not commonly with us. Descrietive List 229 KEY TO SPECIES 1. Wings without white bars. Crossbill. 1. Wings with two white bars. White-winged Crossbill. 914. Loxia curvirostra minor (Breim). CrRossBILu. Description—Male brick red, female brownish, washed with greenish yellow. No white wing-bars in either sex. Tips of mandibles crossed. Extreme measurements of 5 Raleigh speci- mens: L., 6.00-6.50; W., 3.40-3.70; T., 2.00-2.20. Range in America.—North America, chiefly far northward, breeding sporadically to Virginia on the coast, and to northern Georgia in the mountains. Range in North Carolina.—Resident on some of the higher mountains; a winter visitor in the central portion of the State. Fig. 179. Crosspiuu. The Crossbill has been taken at Raleigh January 16 and 26, and February 8, 1897; March 11 and 23, 1885; May 9, 1907; and June 5, 1887. In Buncombe County Cairns recorded it as a resident, breeding on the Black Mountains; and Rhoads heard it on Roan Mountain in late June, 1895. The nesting period is said to be in winter or very early spring, while the snow is still on the ground. The nest is usually found in a coniferous tree. The eggs are pale greenish, spotted and dotted about the larger end with various shades of lavender and brown. Size .75 x .57. The birds travel in small flocks and feed on various seeds, the peculiarly shaped bills being well adapted for the purpose of tearing pine-cones asunder. 215. Loxia leucoptera ((imel.). WHirb-wiINGED CRossBILL. Description.—Male rose-red; female brownish olive, wings with two white wing-bars; mandibles crossed at tips. L., 6.25; W., 3.50; T., 2.65. _ Range.—Northern North America, breeding from northern New England northward. South In winter to North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only taken at Raleigh in winter. Three specimens of the White-winged Crossbill were killed by Bruner, February 23, 1907, while they were feeding on cedar-berries near the Agricultural and Engineering College at Raleigh. Bruner had no gun with him, but in his scientific longing to discover the identity of these queer-looking birds, he picked up three 230 Birps or Norra Caroma stones and threw them in quick succession at the flock. Strange to say, he killed a bird with each stone, and all three specimens are now in the possession of the State Museum, two being preserved as mounted specimens and one as a skin. We have no other record of the appearance of the White-winged Crossbill in North Carolina. Its habits are said to be similar to those of the more common species. Both are rather erratic wanderers. Genus Acanthis (Borkh.) 216. Acanthis linaria linaria (Linn.). Reppout. Description.—Adult male with throat, breast, rump, and crown red, otherwise streaky above, lower parts whitish; adult female has crown red, but lacks the red on other parts. Young are without red. L., 5.75; W., 3.00; T., 2.50. Range.—Northern America, south in winter to Indiana and Pennsylvania, in flocks. Range in North Carolina.—Known only by a single specimen taken on Pea Island. Fig. 180. REDPOLL. The Redpoll or Redpoll Linnet has been recorded by Bishop, from Pea Island, under date of December 10, 1908, and by Ludlow Griscom, from Currituck Sound, as follows: ‘‘Two birds, December 31, 1916, feeding in the bushes on beach opposite Pamunky Island, in company with Savannah and Ipswich Sparrows, so tame that we could walk up within six feet of them. Tried to collect them with a fence rail, but unsuccessfully. One seen same place next day. Seen by J. M. Johnson, J. T. Nicholls and L. G.” Genus Astragalinus (Cab.) 217. Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linn.). GoLpFincu. Description: Ad. @ in summer.—Bright canary-yellow; crown, wings and tail black; wing-bars and inner vanes of tail-feathers white; longer upper tail-coverts gray; lesser wing-coverts yellow. This plumage is acquired at the second prenuptial molt. Ad. o@ in winter —Wings and tail as in summer, but white edgings wider, lesser wing-coverts still yellow; back grayish brown, olive-tinged; throat and chest dull yellow, belly whitish, sides brownish buff. Im. co in winter.—Similar to ad. co in winter, but lesser wing-coverts olive-green or olive-gray. Im. & in swmmer.—Similar to ad. o in summer, but lesser wing-coverts as in winter. Ad. 2 in summer.—No black crown- cap; upperparts yellowish brown; below dull yellow: wings and tail less black than in ad. a; lesser wing-coverts olive-green. Ad. 9 and Im. 2 in winter—Similar to im. @ in winter, but wings and tail less black. L., 5.10; W., 2.82; T., 1.95; B., 40. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Resident throughout the whole of temperate North America. ; _ Range in North Carolina.—Resident, except in the east, where it is only a winter visitor. Descriptive List 231 The Goldfinch, also known as Wild Canary, Lettuce-Bird, and Thistle-Bird, is a common resident throughout the State, except in the eastern portion, where it appears to be only a winter visitor, arriving there in October and leaving in May. In central North Carolina it is much more abundant in winter than in summer. Its nesting season is in July and August, which is much later than most other small birds breed. The nest is a beautiful, compact structure composed of vegetable fibers, moss, grasses, leaves, and fine strips of bark felted together and lined inside with plant down. The eggs vary from four to six in number. They are pale bluish or greenish white, and are unspotted. Size .65 x .52. The nest is usually placed in a small tree, and the height varies from three to forty feet from the ground. At Raleigh it is a common summer bird within the city limits. Fig. 181. Gouprincy. The Goldfinch is a confirmed eater of many kinds of small seeds, including those of the thistle, sunflower, turnip, trumpet-vine, chickweed, zinnia, lettuce, and dan- delion. Genus Spinus (Koch) 218. Spinus pinus pinus (Wils.). Prine SrsK1n. Description.—Plumage streaked with brown, suffused with yellow in the breeding season. Bases of wing and tail-quills yellow. Measurements of 21 Raleigh and 1 Weaverville specimens: L., 4.60-5.12; W., 2.75-3.06; T., 1.60-1.95. Range.—Northern North America, breeding northward, and in the mountains; south in winter, occasionally to the Southern States. Range in North Carolina.—Irregular winter visitor in most parts of State, breeding on a few of the highest mountains. The Pine Siskin occurs irregularly throughout the State in winter. At Raleigh it was more or less common each winter from 1884 to 1890, was there again in 1896-7, and also from 1906 to 1909, but was not observed during the intervening winters. In the spring of 1911, it was abundant at Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and was noted as late as May 11 at the former and May 6 at the latter place. It has been recorded at Pea Island (large flock seen by Bishop, December 14, 1908); at Roan Mountain (noted by Rhoads up to 3,500 feet in late June, 1885); and in Bun- 232 Birvs or Norru Caroiina combe County (where Cairns found it a common winter visitor, and also observed it nesting on Black Mountain). ' In winter Pine Siskins go in flocks, feeding on various seeds and berries, includ- ing those of the alder, pine, cedar, and trumpet-vine. At Raleigh C. 8. Brimley has found them most frequently eating alder seeds. Fic. 182. Pine SIskrn. The nest is said to be built in a coniferous tree as a rule, at a height of about twenty-five feet from the ground. It is made of dry grasses and pine needles with a lining of feathers, fine rootlets, or hair. The eggs are greenish white or pale greenish blue in ground-color, spotted with various shades of brown, but usually quite faintly marked. Average size .63 x .50. The usual complement of eggs is three or four. Ludlow Griscom writes: ‘‘Don’t know how often Siskins reach North Carolina, but saw eighteen on January 1, 1917; flock of ten near Currituck Court House, and a flock of five and three singles flying south over the beach earlier in the day.” Genus Passer (Briss.) 219. Passer domesticus domesticus (Linn.). ENG LIsH SPARROW. Description: Ad. male.—Crown gray, bordered from the eye backward and on the nape b chestnut; lesser wing-coverts chestnut, middle coverts tipped with white; back streaked wit black and chestnut; rump ashy; middle of the throat and breast black; sides of the throat white; belly whitish. Ad. female —Head and rump grayish brown; back streaked with black and deep ochraceous-buff; underparts dirty whitish, the breast and sides washed with pale grayish brown. L., 6.33; W., 3.01; T., 2.30; B., 48. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range in United States.—Nearly all inhabited districts. : : : Range in North Carolina.—Virtually the whole State, especially in towns and villages. The English Sparrow, more correctly named the European House Sparrow, is an abundant bird in the more thickly settled parts of the State, and, so far as we are aware, first appeared at Raleigh about 1879, since which time it has steadily increased both in numbers and extent of territory occupied. At present, so far as we know, Highlands, Macon County, is the only town of any size where it does not now occur. At Blowing Rock in Watauga County, another mountain town, it did not appear until 1907. However, there is no doubt that it will shortly reach the few settled localities where it has not yet established itself. Although universally considered to be a nuisance, this bird has some redeeming qualities. It will devour cabbage-worms to a considerable extent, and has also Descriptive List 233 been credited in this State with destroying the harlequin cabbage-bug. The nest, which is built among the branches of trees or placed in any convenient hole or crevice about a building, is a large, untidy structure of grass, weed stems, or other available material, and is well lined with feathers. Two or three broods are raised inaseason. The eggs number from four to six and are usually more or less spotted. The laws of the State do not protect this bird, and it is almost universally re- garded as a nuisance, as it drives our native birds out of the towns into the coun- try, where they more readily fall a prey to their natural enemies. Genus Plectrophenax (Stejn.) 220. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linn.). Snow BuntTINnG. Description: Ad. male in summer.—Whole head and neck, rump, and underparts white; back and scapulars black; outer primaries black, white basally, secondaries wholly white; outer tail- feathers white; inner ones black. Ad. female in summer —Similar, but upperparts streaked with black; outer primaries all fuscous; secondaries more or less tipped with fuscous. Male in winter — Upperparts a kind of rusty brown, almost umber on the center of the crown; back streaked with black, caused by the black bases of the feathers showing through their rusty tips; wings and tail much’ as in summer, but more or less edged with rusty; under parts white, the breast and sides washed with rusty. Female in winter.—Similar to male, but wings as in summer. L., 6.88; W., 4.07; T., 2.70; B., .42. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range. —C ireumpolar regions, south in winter regularly to northern United States. Range in North Carolina.—Occasional winter straggler. Fig, 183. Snow Bunrina. The Snowflake or Snow Bunting is a bird of the far North, visiting the Northern States in large flocks in winter. In North Carolina it has been recorded only twice. Bishop took three specimens at Pea Island, Dare County, on February 14, 1901, and Mr. Bainbridge Wilson, Route No. 3, Vienna, Va., took a specimen at Oriental, N. C., on January 26, 1918. (Reported to Pearson by Dr. Charles W. Richmond, of Washington, D. C., under date of September 27, 1918.) Genus Calcarius (Bechst.) 221. Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus (Linn.). LarLtanp Lonaspur. Description.—Hind toe-nail as long as or longer than toe. Ad. male in swmmer.—Head, neck, throat, and breast black; a buffy line behind the eye; nape rufous; back streaked with bl: ack and 234 Brrps or Norru Carorina ochraceous- and cream-buff; tail fuscous, the two outer feathers with more or less white; belly white; sides streaked with black. Ad. female in swummer.—Upperparts streaked with black, rufous, ochraceous- and cream-buff; nape ochraceous-buff, the color sometimes concealed by the tips of the feathers; tail fuscous, the outer one or two feathers marked with white; underparts white, the breast and sides streaked with black and ochraceous-buff. Male in winter.—Similar to female in summer, but upperparts blacker, nape more rufous, breast more heavily marked with black, most of the feathers black at the base. Female in winter.—Similar to female in summer, but upperparts duller, nape with little or no ochraceous. L., 6.25; W., 3.75; T., 2.55; B., .40. Remarks.—In some plumages this bird bears a general resemblance to certain sparrows, but Soe ee them in having the hind toe-nail as long as or longer than the toe. (Chap., Birds of Range.—Circumpolar regions, south in winter over most of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only taken at Raleigh. The Lapland Longspur, also known as the Lapland Bunting, has been taken at Raleigh on January 13 and 14, 1893 (one each day), and on February 20, 1895 (four secured). All the specimens were in company with flocks of Horned Larks, and all were secured in the same field. Like the preceding species, the Longspur usually congregates in large flocks. It ranges much farther south in the flat country west of the Mississippi than it does on the Atlantic Slope. Genus Poccetes (Baird) 222. Pocecetes gramineus gramineus ((mel.). Vesper SPARROW. Description: Ads.—Upperparts brownish gray, streaked with black and a little ochraceous- buff; wings fuscous, greater and middle coverts tipped with white, lesser coverts bright rufous; tail fuscous, the outer feather mostly white, the next one much less white; underparts white; the breast and sides streaked with black and ochraceous-buff. L., 6.12; W., 3.06; T., 2.38; B., .41. Remarks.—The white tail-feathers and rufous lesser wing-coverts will always distinguish this species from any other of our sparrows. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States, breeding mainly north of North Carolina. ; Range in North Carolina.—Winter visitor in the central and eastern sections; resident in at least portions of the mountain region. Fic. 184. Vesper Sparrow. The Vesper Sparrow, also known as the Bay-winged Bunting and Grass Finch, is a common winter visitor in open fields in most parts of the State. Cairns called it a resident in Buncombe County, and further stated that it is usually found on high pasture land, where it commences to breed in April. Armfield took a set of its eggs near Greensboro on June 1, 1893. Sherman and C. 8. Brimley found it apparently settled down to breed at Blantyre, Transylvania County, in early May, 1908, and Bruner reported it as fairly common at Blowing Rock in the summers of 1905 and 1907. \ Descriptive Lisr 235 In eastern North Carolina the Vesper Sparrow arrives near the middle of Octo- ber and leaves about April 15, though it has been once observed as late as May 11 at Raleigh. The nest is built on the ground at the foot of a small bush or weed, and is com- posed of grass with a lining of hair. The eggs are commonly four in number, of a pale pinkish-, greenish-, or grayish-white ground-color, marked with blotches, dots, and lines of various shades of rusty brown. Size .80 x .60. On the wing this bird is easily distinguished from other small sparrows by the white outer tail-feathers, which ordinarily are plainly evident when the bird is in flight. Genus Passerculus A genus of small ground-sparrows, with the tail-feathers neither stiff, nor marked with white. Three forms have been recorded from the State. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Superciliary stripe white in front; wing usually over 274 inches. Ipswich Sparrow. 1. Superciliary stripe yellow in front; wing usually under 27s inches. See 2. 2. Bill stout, averaging .24 deep at base. Savannah Sparrow. 2. Bill less stout, averaging .21 deep at base. Western Savannah Sparrow. 223. Passerculus princeps (Mayn.). Ipswich Sparrow. Description: Ads.—Usually with a spot of sulphur-yellow before the eye and on the bend of the wing; upperparts pale brownish-ashy, streaked on the head, back, and upoer tail-coverts with black and cinnamon-brown; the nape and rump with few or no streaks; a white line over the eye; wings grayish brown, outer webs of greater coverts and tertials margined with pale ochraceous- buff; tail grayish brown, the outer webs of the feathers margined with brownish-ashy; underparts white; breast and sides ‘lightly streaked with blackish and ochraceous-buff. L., 6. 35: W., 3.00; Ts 2: 25; B., .40. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range Atlantic coast of United States, breeding on Sable Island; south in winter as far as North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—At present only recorded from Pea and Bodie islands, and from Currituck County. The Ipswich Sparrow is a rather large, pale-colored sparrow, occurring along the Atlantic coast, and in this State is known as a winter visitor on Pea and Bodie islands, where Bishop found it to be common in February, 1901. It has also been noted on January 2, 1915, in Currituck County. (Bird-Lore, 1915, p. 36.) 224. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.). SaAvANNAH SPARROW. Description: Ads.—A pale yellow mark over or before the eye and on the bend of the wing; general tone of the upperparts brownish black, the centers of the feathers black, margined first by rufous or ochraceous-buff, then by ashy; wings fuscous, the outer webs of the feathers margined with ochraceous-buff; tail fuscous, the outer web of the feathers mar ined with whitish; under- parts white, heavily streaked with blackish and rufous, the breast- feathers tipped with wedge- shaped marks. a and Im. in winter —Similar, but color oe more suffused with ochraceous. L., 5.68; W., a, 2.09 B., .40) (Chaps Birds of H. N. Range. eee North Amerie a, breeding from northern United States northward. Range in North Carolina.—Winter visitor thr oughout the State, especially common immediately along the coast. The Savannah Sparrow occurs at Raleigh from October until early May, being found in small numbers in almost any grassy situation. At Fort Macon Coues 236 Birps or Norru Caronina reported it as very abundant everywhere outside of the marsh during the same period of the year. At Pea Island Bishop reported it the most abundant bird in February, 1901. At Weaverville, in Buncombe County, Cairns called it a common winter visitor, and in his migration schedule reports it from August 20 to April 24, adding the remark that it breeds on the higher mountains. The earliest fall record for Raleigh is September 16, 1887; but this is unusually early, for the time of arrival is generally in October. A | Fic. 185. SAVANNAH SPARROW. The nest is said to be sunken in the ground, and well concealed among weeds and grass, being nothing more than an arrangement of grasses in concentric rings, the rim being flush with the ground. The eggs are four or five in number. They are of a greenish or grayish-white ground-color, speckled and blotched with light brown and lilac, particularly about the larger end, the markings being often so numerous that they almost conceal the ground-color. Size .75 x .35. The Savannah Sparrow is a shy bird, hiding close in the grass until flushed by a near approach. In the spring it is often found on wet meadows, but during the rest of the winter is confined mainly to dry uplands. The Western Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus (Bonap.), is more gray in color than the eastern form. H. L. Coggins (see Auk, Oct., 1901, p. 397) states that 14 Savan- nah Sparrows collected by H. H. and C. 8. Brimley at Raleigh, and forming part of the Hoopes collection in the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, belong to this form. He also thinks that they may be merely transients, as none of the specimens were taken in February or March; but this is a mistake, as Savannah Sparrows occur here every month from October to May, both inclusive. Possibly, if Mr. Coggins is correct, all our Raleigh specimens belong to this form. Bishop records taking a young male of this form on Pea Island, December 14, 1908. Ridg- way and Oberholser, however, upon examining the specimen, both pronounced it the eastern form. The 1910 edition of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check List does not give this bird as ever having occurred east of the Mississippi River. Genus Ammodramus (Swains.) 225. Ammodramus savannarum australis (Mayn.). GRassHoprpER SPAR- ROW. Description.—Much streaked above; breast buffy, usually, but not always, unstreaked; edge and bend of wing and line over eye yellow. Measurements of 40 specimens from Raleigh: L., 4.90-5.35; W., 2.18-2.55; T., 1.50-1.95. Range.—Eastern North America, wintering in extreme southern portion. Range in North Carolina.—Central and western portions in summer. Descriptive Lisr Wil This little sparrow has been recorded in North Carolina only from Raleigh west- ward to the mountains, and does not seem to be common anywhere. Being an inhabitant of upland grass-fields, a State so lacking in pastures as North Caro- lina furnishes scant inducements for it to remain long with us. So far it has been found breeding only at Weaverville, Buncombe County (Cairns); Blantyre, Transylvania County (C. §. Brimley); Franklin, Macon County (Brewster, 1885); Greensboro (Armfield); and Raleigh (8. C. Bruner). Sherman and C. 8. Brimley observed it in May, 1908, near Andrews, Cherokee County. At Raleigh it occurs from April until mid-August, and H. H. and C. 8. Brimley have taken specimens here on March 25 and October 22 also. At Weaverville Cairns recorded it as arriving on April 18 for two consecutive years. Fic. 186. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. The nest is built on the ground, and Bruner describes two nests, which he found at Raleigh in 1908, and which contained young birds, as being ‘‘rather large inside and quite flimsily constructed of grass.’’ One was placed in a depression in the ground and the other was tucked under the edge of a clod. Both were in old fields. The eggs are of a clear white ground-color, spotted more or less thickly with pale reddish brown, chiefly about the larger end. Size about .75 x .55. The Grasshopper Sparrow, also known as the Yellow-winged Sparrow, is a stout, plump little bird with almost ridiculously short wings and tail. Its song, from which it derives its name, is so exactly like that of some kinds of grasshoppers that it requires a practised ear to detect the difference. Genus Passerherbulus (Mayn.) This genus contains a number of small field- and marsh-haunting sparrows, mostly with more or less stiffened tail-feathers, and with the tail graduated, the central feathers longer than the outermost ones. Several species occur in our State, one of these being represented by two or three subspecies. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Crown with a distinct median stripe. See 2. 1. Crown without a distinct median light stripe. See 3. 2. Breast unstreaked. Leconte’s Sparrow. 2. Breast streaked. Henslow’s Sparrow. 238 Briros or Norrn Carorma No yellow spot before eye. See 4. . A yellow spot before eye. See 5. . Colors of upperparts sharply contrasted; chest usually deep buffy, not decidedly streaked. Nelson’s Sparrow. . Colors of upperparts not sharply contrasted; chest often nearly white, sharply streaked with blackish. Sharp-tailed Sparrow. . Breast and flanks streaked with bluish gray; upperparts greenish olive, margined with bluish gray. Seaside Sparrow. . Breast and flanks streaked with dusky. See 6. . Upperparts deep black margined with olive. Macgillivray’s Seaside Sparrow. . Upperparts dull black margined with greenish olive. Scott’s Seaside Sparrow. - Rwoo or So or 226. Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi (Aud.). Hrnstow’s Sparrow. Description: Ads.—Top and sides of head and nape dull, pale olive-green, more buffy in the fall; sides of crown black; nape finely streaked with black; back rufous-brown, the feathers with narrow, central, wedge-shaped, black streaks, and narrow ashy margins; bend of wing pale yellow, wing-coverts, much like back; tail-feathers very narrow and sharply pointed, middle feathers rufous-brown, the outer ones much the shortest; underparts white, more or less washed with buffy and streaked with black on the breast and sides. Nestlings have no spots on the breast. L., 5.00; W., 2.20; T., 2.00; B., .42. Remarks.—The peculiar olivaceous color of the head and nape, and the bright rufous-brown color of the back, wing-coverts, and middle tail-feathers, are the best distinguishing marks of this species. (Chap., Birds of #. N. A.) Range.— Eastern United States, west to edge of Great Plains; winters in Gulf States. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known as a spring migrant at Raleigh and Weaverville. Fic, 187. HENSLOw’s SPARROW. Henslow’s Sparrow is a bird of much the same general form as the Grasshopper Sparrow, but of a more buffy color. It has been taken in this State only at Weaver- ville, in Buncombe County, where a single specimen was killed by Cairns April 19, 1890; and at Raleigh, from which place it has been recorded by H. H. and C. §. Brimley in seven different years, the earliest being 1893 and the latest 1909. Nine specimens in all were taken at various dates between March 18 and May 3. These were found mainly in dry fields, but a few were located along the edges of marshes. 227. Passerherbulus lecontei (Awd.). Leconrn’s SPARROW. Description: Ads.—No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing; a broad ochraceous- buff line over the eye, and a cream-buff line through the center of the blackish crown; nape rufous- brown, each feather with a small black centralsspot and an ashy border; back black, the feathers margined first by rufous, then cream-buff and whitish; tail grayish brown, with a slight rufous tinge, darker along the shaft, the feathers narrow and sharply pointed, the outer ones much the shortest; breast and sides tinged with buffy, and more or less streaked with black; belly white. L., 5.00; W., 2.00; T., 2.05; B., .85. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) ’ Range.—Great Plains and more western prairies, wintering on the Gulf coast, casually in winter and the migrations to the South Atlantic States. Range in North Carolina.—So far, known only as a straggler at Raleigh. Descriptive List 939 The only specimen of Leconte’s Sparrow so far recorded from North Carolina was taken by C.S. Brimley on the edge of a marsh near Raleigh, April 21, 1894. It can be expected to occur only as an accidental migrant or a winter visitor. Fic, 188. Lerconte’s Sparrow. 228. Passerherbulus caudacutus ((‘mel.). SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. } Description: Ads.—General color of the upperparts a brownish olive-green; crown olive- | brown, with a blue-gray line through its center; gray ear-coverts, inclosed by ochraceous-buff | lines, one of which passes over the eye and one down the side of the throat; feathers of the back \ margined with grayish and sometimes whitish; bend of the wing yellow; tail-feathers narrow and sharply pointed, the outer feathers much the shortest; breast and sides washed with buffy, paler ! in summer, and distinctly streaked with black; middle of the throat and belly white or whitish. “L., 5.85; W., 2.30; T., 1.90; B., .50”—(Dwicut). (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—Salt-marshes of Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-marshes of coast; so far, only recorded from the Beaufort region and northward. ~ Fig. 189. SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. The Sharp-tailed Sparrow is known in this State as a winter visitor in the neigh- borhood of Beaufort and on Pea Island. Coues records it at the former place as abundant from October until May, some occurring in September. Bishop says it is a rather common winter resident in the marshes of Pea Island, giving the date of May 11 (in 1901) as its latest spring appearance. Smithwick calls it a common summer resident in the marshes of the northeastern section of the State. 229. Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni (Allen). Nruson’s SPARROW. Description.—Similar to caudacutus, but smailer, the upperparts darker, the feathers of the back more olive-brown and more broadly margined with whitish; the throat, breast, and sides deeper ochraceous-buff, very slightly, if at all, streaked with blackish. “L., 5.50; W., 2.25; T., 1.90; B., .43’—(Dwicut). (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Mainly fresh-water marshes of Mississippi Valley, east in winter to Atlantic coast. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known from Pea Island. 240 Biros or Norru Carorina Nelson’s Sparrow is known in this State so far only from Pea Island, where Bishop found it rather common on February 7-18, 1901, and May 10, 1902. This bird is found chiefly in the interior and occurs only as a migrant on our coast, where it may be looked for in company with the Sharp-tailed Sparrow, which it closely resembles. 230. Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus (JVils.). Spasipm Sparrow. Description: Ads.—A yellow line before the eye and on the bend of the wing; upperparts grayish olive-green; tail grayish brown, the outer webs of the feathers margined with olive- greenish; a dusky line from the base of the lower mandible passes down the sides of the throat; breast more or less suffused with buffy (wanting in summer specimens), and indistinctly streaked with grayish; throat and middle of the belly white; sides grayish. L., 6.00; W., 2.50; T., 2.20; B., .60. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Salt-marshes of Atlantic coast. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-marshes of coast, apparently only a winter visitor. Fig. 190. SEasipeE Sparrow. This, the typical or first-named subspecies of the Seaside Sparrows, is not defi- nitely known to breed in North Carolina, and it is uncertain to which of the three ' geographical races found in the State the following records refer. Coues recorded the Seaside Sparrow as abundant in the marshes near Beaufort, where it breeds abundantly, retiring in April from the interior of the marsh to place its nest among the bushes on shore. Pearson discovered a nest with four eggs in Dare County (New Inlet), on May 13, 1898, and found the birds to be plentiful. Dr. Smithwick reported it from a marsh near Plymouth, May 15, 1891, and H. H. Brimley took specimens near Beaufort in June, 1896, and July, 1894. Bruner collected breeding specimens at Beaufort in the summer of 1910. In habits the bird is shy, and it is said to be hard to flush, as is the case with nearly all of the genus: ‘They climb the reeds with remarkable ease, sliding up and down, skipping from one to another, and hanging in every attitude except head downwards; they are doubtless much aided by the somewhat stiffened tail. On the ground they are unmistakably sparrow-like and always proceed by hopping; the flight does not differ noticeably from that of their several near allies. It is irregular and very quick and they never remain long on the wing.”’ (Coues, Natural History of Fort Macon, N. C., No. 1. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. of Philadelphia, May 2, 1871.) el | Descriptive List 941 231. Passerherbulus maritimus macgillivraii (Aud.). Macamutvray’s SEASIDE SPARROW. Description.—Size and general appearance of preceding, differing in having the feathers of the back deep black, bordered by greenish olive, and margined with bluish gray, and in having the flanks and sides streaked with dusky instead of with bluish gray. Range.—Imperfectly known, but found in the salt-marshes of at least the Carolinas and Georgia. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-marshes probably of our whole coast. Macgillivray’s Seaside Sparrow is known to be a summer resident on Pea Island, where it breeds in late May; Bishop has also taken a few there in winter. The eggs are said to be usually four in number, whitish in ground-color, and speckled or spotted with brown. 232. Passerherbulus maritimus peninsule (Allen) Scorr’s SEaAsiE SPARROW. Description.—Differs from the two preceding in having the feathers of back dull black margined with greenish olive; the flanks and breast are streaked with dusky. Range.—Salt-marshes of South Atlantic States, breeding from Florida to the Carolinas. Range in North Carolina.—Salt-marshes near Beaufort. Scott’s Seaside Sparrow claims a place in our list on the strength of a breeding specimen in the United States National Museum, taken by Coues at Fort Macon, April 15, 1869, and referred by Frank M. Chapman to this form. The different forms are said to be very hard to distinguish except in the unworn winter plumage. (For further particulars about the Seaside Sparrows, see Chapman, The Sea- side Sparrows, Auk, Jan., 1899.) Fic. 191. LArkK Sparrow. Genus Chondestes (Swains.) 233. Chondestes grammacus grammacus (Say). Lark Sparrow. Description.—Streaky above, white below; a black streak on each side of the white throat; a black spot on the breast; tail-feathers, except middle pair, broadly tipped with white. L., 6.40; W., 3.50; T., 2.80. Range.—Mississippi Valley, casually to Atlantic coast. Range in North Carolina—So far, only known from Raleigh and Cranberry. 16 242 Brrps or Norrn Carona The Lark Sparrow was taken at Raleigh, August 19, 1889, on which occasion a second specimen was seen but not obtained. A nest which had been deserted by the birds was found on July 24, 1890, and contained four eggs. C. S. Brimley recorded one on October 23, 1893. It has also been taken at Cranberry, Mitchell County, August 9, 1886, by G. B. Sennett (W. W. Cooke in Bird-Lore, March- April, 1911, page 86). The Lark Sparrow is preéminently a bird of the fields or plains, building its nest in a depression in the ground, where it is usually concealed by the surround- ing tufts of grass. It is constructed of grasses and weed stems. Four eggs are laid, more like those of an oriole than a typical sparrow. They have a pure white ground-color, speckled and marked with zigzag, straight, and wavy lines of very dark brown and black, chiefly near the larger end. Size .82 x .64. They are said to be laid from May to July. Genus Zonotrichia (Swains.) Contains several species of sparrows, with the head broadly striped above, and the wings and tail about equal in length. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Throat white, breast ash. Sunerciliary line yellow in front. White-throated Sparrow. 1. Throat and breast same color, whitish. No yellow. White-crowned Sparrow. “s sian 4 Fig. 192. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 234. Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (Forst.).. Wurire-crowNep Spar- ROW. Description: Ads.—No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing; center of crown white, bordered on either side by black stripes; no white before the eye; a white line from over the eye passes backward along the side of the head; nape gray; back dark grayish brown, margined with gray; rump dark brownish ash; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white; tail fuscous; underparts grayish, white on the belly, flanks and under tail-coverts cream-buff. Jm.—Similar, but much browner, sides of the crown rufous-brown, center of the crown pale grayish brown; nape brownish ash; back margined with the same color. L., 6.88; W., 3.03; T., 2.88; B., .43. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) : : Range.—Whole United States, except southeastern portion, in winter; breeding mainly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—So far, known only as an accidental visitor in Wake and Buncombe counties. Plate 18 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.) Upper. FOX SPARROW. Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem) Lower. Descrietive List 943 Atkinson records it from Raleigh on the strength of a specimen in the collection of J. L. Busbee, and Cairns took a young male in Buncombe County, October 16, 1889. §. C. Bruner took a third specimen at Raleigh, April 14, 1912, and on Octo- ber 18, 1913, he found the species not uncommon at Stuart, Va., only six miles north of the North Carolina line. 235. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). WuHrrE-rHROATED SPARROW. Description.—Superciliary stripe yellow in front; edge of wing yellow; breast ashy, throat white or whitish; head striped black-and-white in full plumaged adults; immature specimens with head striped brown-and-whitish, the latter being the condition of most of the birds observed by us. Extreme measurements of 26 Raleigh specimens: L., 6.25-7.10; W., 2.85-3.15; T., 2.90-3.15. Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. This is an abundant winter visitor throughout the State, arriving from the north about the middle of October, and leaving about May 15. It is common almost anywhere in thickets or low scattering bushes, in town or country. In fall it feeds largely on berries, such as dogwood in the woods and frost grapes in the low- grounds. Weed seeds also constitute a considerable portion of its diet. Although not essentially an insect eater, it nevertheless destroys many. It is in song when it arrives in North Carolina, but is silent through the colder weather, commencing again on warm days in February and singing fairly con- stantly through March, April, and May. The song is plaintive and quite pleasant. In the White Mountains it is often called “‘ Peabody Bird,” and in Canada “Sweet- Canada Bird.” Genus Spizella (Bonap. ) A genus of small sparrows, with the tail slightly forked or notched, three species of which have been attributed to the State. * KEY TO SPECIES 1. Wings with two conspicuous white bands; a dusky spot on breast; length usually more than 6inches. Tree Sparrow. 1. Wings without two conspicuous white bands; no dusky spot on breast; length usually less than 6 inches. See 2. 2. Wings longer than tail; a blackish stripe through eye. Chipping Sparrow. 2. Wings and tail about same length; no blackish stripe through eye. Field Sparrow. 236. Spizella monticola monticola (Gmel.). TREE Sparrow. Description: Ads—No black on the forehead; an indistinct black spot on the center of the breast; top of head rufous-brown, sometimes edged with ashy; a grayish line over the eye and a rufous brown line behind it; back streaked with rufous-brown, black, and pale ochraceous-buff; rump pale grayish brown; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white; outer web of the outer tail-feather whitish; breast grayish white; middle of the belly white; sides tinged with pale grayish brown; upper mandible black; lower, yellow at the base, the tip black. L., 6.36; W., 2.99; T., 2.82; B., .41. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States from Virginia northward in winter; breeds in northern Canada. Range in North Carolina.—So far, attributed only to Chapel Hill and Andrews. The Tree Sparrow has been seldom recorded from North Carolina, and none are known to have been actually taken. Mrs. Wilson reports it in winter at Andrews _ *The specimen identified by Atkinson at Chapel Hill as a Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) is still in existence, but is actually a Swamp Sparrow, (Melospiza georgiana). 244 Birps or Norru Caroriva in Cherokee County. Collett reports finding it at the same place on March 9, 1902. Atkinson, in a list of the birds of Chapel Hill published in the Raleigh News and Observer about 1887, includes it as a probable winter visitor. (Pearson, Jour. Eli. Mitch. Sci. Soc., Vol. XVI, part 1.) Bruner found this species common at Stuart, Va., only six miles north of the Stokes County, N. C., line on Oct. 18, 1913. 237. Spizella passerina passerina (Beciist.). CHippING SPARROW. Description: Ads.—Forehead black, a short grayish line in its middle; top of head rufous; the nape generally with a few black streaks; a grayish line over the eye and a black line behind it; back of the neck grayish, separating the rufous crown from the back; back streaked with black, a little rufous, and more pale buffy ochraceous; rump slaty gray; wing-bars not conspicuous; underparts grayish white, whiter on the throat and belly; bill entirely black. Ads. in winter and Im.—Similar, but no rufous crown-cap or black on the forehead; top of the head streaked like the back; bill brownish. Nestlings have the breast streaked with black. L., 5.37; W., 2.74; T.; 2:29; B:, 236: Remarks. Tn adults the rufous crow n, black forehead, gray rump, and black bill are charae- teristic; in winter the gray rump is a good distinguishing mark. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range. —Eastern North America, wintering mainly south of this State. Mak in North Carolina.—Summer visitor in the central and western sections, resident in the east Fig. 193. CuirriIna Sparrow. At Raleigh this species is one of our most abundant birds, arriving in March and not leaving until October or November. C.S. Brimley took one at Raleigh on December 29. In the mountains it arrives about the same time or a little later. It is partial to pine woods, as well as the neighborhood of dwellings. The nest is built on the horizontal limb of a pine, oak, or other tree, seldom less than six or seven feet, and often twenty or thirty feet, from the ground; the birds also build in woodbines, climbing roses, and other convenient places in gardens or on lawns. The nest is made of grass and fine weed stems, and is usually lined with horsehair. The eggs are generally four, of a bluish green ground-color, spotted near the larger end with dark brown or black; and they are laid in May, June, or early July. To many persons this bird is known as ‘Tree Sparrow”’ from the situation of its nest. On account of its numbers, and its seeking the neighborhood of human habita- tions, the Chipping Sparrow is economically of importance, as it is one of the few birds which will seek its insect-food in our gardens. Pearson once watched a Chip- ping Sparrow capture thirty-six insects in five minutes. The bird also eats many seeds of grasses and weeds. Its singing continues from the time it arrives till about the middle of summer, after which time it is heard no more. Desortetive List 945 238. Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wils.). Fireup Sparrow. Description.—Paler and duller than the Chipping Sparrow, with longer tail and more buffy underparts. No dark streak through eye. Bill pale. Extreme measurements of 40 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.25-5.75; W., 2.25-2.70; T., 2.40-2.70. Of these 40 specimens, 10 have the wing longer than tail, 14 the tail longer than wing, and in one the two measurements are the same. Range.—Eastern United States. Range in North Carolina.—Resident the whole year throughout the State. Fie. 194. Firup Sparrow. The Field Sparrow is another of our most common birds. It is found princi- pally in grass fields and general open country. Like the preceding bird, it also frequents the neighborhood of houses, where it feeds on the insects in our gardens, and like practically all our native sparrows is a bird eminently deserving of our protection. In winter its food seems to consist mainly of grass seeds. The Field Sparrow builds its nest in a low bush or a bunch of grass or weeds, sometimes directly on the ground, but more usually from a few inches to a foot or two above. It is made of grass and weed stems, lined with fine grass, rootlets, or horsehair. The eggs are four, laid in May, June, or early July, and are white in color, thickly spotted with rusty brown. Locally this bird is often called “Ground Sparrow” or “Bush Sparrow” from the location of its nest. The song-period is about the same as that of the Chipping Sparrow. Genus Junco (Wagler) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Head darker than back. Slate-colored Junco. 1. Head uniform in color with back. Carolina Junco. 239. Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linn.). SLAaTE-coLoreD JUNCO. Description—Plumage slate-gray, the head perceptibly darker; the female is strongly tinged with brownish; the underparts from the breast downward are white centrally. Outer tail- feathers white and very noticeable in flight. Extreme measurements of 22 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.75-6.50; W., 2.90-3.25; T., 2.50-2.90. 5 Range.—North America, breeding mainly north of the United States; in winter, whole United tates. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. 246 Birps or Norrn Caroma The Slate-colored Junco, better known as the Snowbird or Black Snowbird, is an abundant winter resident throughout the State, arriving from the north in late October or early November, and leaving us again about the middle of April or a little later. It is found in open woods, along roadsides, or in fields where a few bushes afford ready retreat when alarmed. Its food consists mainly of weed and grass seeds. It is easily distinguished from other sparrows by the dark head, neck, and breast, and the white outer tail-feathers. 240. Junco hyemalis carolinensis (Brewsf.). Caro~ina JUNCO. Description.—Similar to preceding, but the head is the same color as back, and in the few specimens in our possession the dark color of the breast and sides encroaches more on the white of the belly. Range.—Southern Alleghanies, wintering in the mountain valleys. Range in North Carolina.—Whole mountain region in summer, everywhere above 3,700 feet elevation. Winters in the mountain valleys. Fic, 195. SLavre-coLOoRED JUNCO. The Carolina Snowbird is known as a summer resident at Highlands, Macon County; Blowing Rock, Watauga County; the Black Mountains, Buncombe County; Wayah Bald and Tuskwitty Range, Macon County; Big and Little Snow- bird Mountains in Cherokee and Graham counties; the mountains along the State line in the two counties just named; the high mountains in and around Haywood County, and at Roan Mountain and Cranberry in Mitchell County. At Blowing Rock and Highlands it is a common and characteristic bird in the streets and gar- dens. Descriptive List QA7 The nests are often placed in natural depressions in the banks of roads, and are constructed of rootlets, sometimes with the addition of moss, and are lined with hair, sometimes mixed with fine grass. The eggs are usually four, laid any time from May to July. They are whitish in ground-color, and more or less speckled with reddish brown. Size .82 x .60. We have little information as to the time when the Snowbirds leave the higher levels for the low country. Ikopman was in the mountains in 1898 as late as Sep- tember 28, and saw none lower than Cranberry, 3,200 feet elevation. At Andrews, Cherokee County, where those from the neighboring mountains might be expected to winter, Collett’s dates of arrival and departure show no material difference from Raleigh records of the Slate-colored Junco. Genus Peucea (Aud.) 241. Peuceza estivalis bachmani (Aud.). Bacuman’s Sparrow. Description.—Upperparts largely chestnut, chest buffy; underparts unstreaked; yellow on edge of wing, but none on head. Extreme measurements of 6 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.75—6.15; We 2:25-2:50: T., 2:42-2°50. Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States and lower Mississippi Valley. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State, east of the mountains. Fic. 196. BacuMan’s Sparrow. Bachman’s Sparrow, a distinctly southern species, is found in summer irregu- larly throughout practically all that portion of the State lying east of the moun- tains, and to some extent at least in the mountain valleys. At Raleigh it is quite rare, as also at Chapel Hill, but at Greensboro and Guil- ford College it is locally common. It has been found breeding in Buncombe County by Cairns, and has been taken or observed in New Hanover, Craven, and Macon counties, in the last of which Brewster found it near Franklin in 1885. Bruner and Feild observed it July 12, 1911, at Coot’s Gap, McDowell County, 3,500 feet elevation. In late June, 1909, C. S. Brimley found it singing quite commonly in the sparse pine woods near Southern Pines, and Pearson found it very common in pine woods in August of the same year in Brunswick County, it be- ing apparently the most common species. 248 Birps or Norru Carorrma While not unlikely a permanent resident in the southeastern section, it is only a summer visitor in the other portions of the State, arriving from the south in late March or April. The latest records in the autumn are September 20 at Raleigh, and November 1 at Weaverville. This is a shy, secretive bird with a loud, ringing song, and is usually found in old, partly grown-up fields or in pastures. The nest is built of grass, on the ground, and is domed over, the entrance being on one side. The eggs are pure white, unmarked. Genus Melospiza (Baird) A genus of small sparrows with rounded tails and short wings. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Breast not streaked. Swamp Sparrow. 1. Breast streaked. See 2. 2. Ground color of underparts white. Song Sparrow. 2. Broad band across chest, buff. Lincoln’s Sparrow. 242. Melospiza melodia melodia (Wils.). Sona Sparrow. Description: Ads.—Crown rufous-brown, with a grayish line through its center; a grayish line over the eye; a rufous-brown line from behind the eye to the nape; feathers of the back streaked with black and margined with rufous-brown and gray ish; greater wing-coverts with black spots at their tips; no white wing-bars or yellow on the wing; t: Sil rufous grayish brown, the middle feathers darker along their shafts; outer feathers shortest; sides of the throat with black or blackish streaks; breast with wedge-shaped streaks of black and rufous-brown which tend to form one larger blotch on the center; sides washed with brownish and streaked with black and rufous- brown; middle of the belly white. L., 6.30; W., 2.52; T., 2.62; B., 49. (Chap., Birdsof E.N.A.) Range.—Eastern United States, bre ding mz vinly north of North Carolina. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter; in summer breeding throughout the moun- tains and to some extent on the coast. Fig. 197. Sona Sparrow. The Song Sparrow is apparently only a winter visitor in central and most of the eastern portions of North Carolina, arriving from the north about the middle of October and leaving early in April. Although Cairns never detected it breeding during his observations in Buncombe County, and Brewster failed to find it in Macon, Jackson, Haywood, and Bun- combe counties in 1885, yet at the present time it seems to breed in many parts of the mountain region. The localities from which we have summer records are Highlands and Aquone in Macon County, Blantyre in Transylvania County, and Hendersonville in Henderson County, at all of which places it has been observed Descriptive List 249 in summer by Sherman or C. 8. Brimley. At Blowing Rock it was found breeding by 8. C. Bruner in 1907; at Cranberry, observed by P. Laurent in the summer of 1892; Asheville, seen carrying food (Pearson), July 26, 1902; Montreat, building a nest, June 27, 1910 (Pearson); and at Swannanoa, where Collett reports it as common in the summer of 1908 along the valley of the Swannanoa. Besides these records, Sherman found the birds common in late June, 1909, at Patterson, Cald- well County; Linville, Mitchell County; and Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, and Boone in Watauga County, while still later observations show it common in Hay- wood, Madison, Cherokee, Avery, McDowell, and Buncombe counties, ranging from 1,600 feet upwards. These records seem to show that it is now pretty well dis- tributed through the mountains in summer, although more common in their north- ern half. When these records are considered in view of the fact that earlier ornithologists failed to find Song Sparrows in the mountains in summer, they seem to indicate that the bird is rapidly extending its breeding range southward in the Alleghany Mountains. Our coastal breeding records are fewer, but present an even more interesting phase of distribution. On Pea Island the birds have been discovered breeding by Bishop; at Ocracoke, found very common and singing by Pearson in July, 1906; at Fort Macon, near Beaufort, where Coues recorded them as resident in 1870; and from Ocracoke to Cape Hatteras found not uncommonly by Bruner and Feild in late July, 1913. It seems curious that a bird should breed in what are looked upon as the hottest and coolest parts of the State and not in the intervening country; yet this may possibly be explained by the fact that the humidity of portions of our coastal region is so great as to reduce the mean temperature. It may be remarked in pass- ing that the same peculiar distribution occurs in the case of a few other birds and of some mammals. The nest of the Song Sparrow is made of grasses, weed stems, and leaves, lined with finer material of the same kind or with hair. It is built on the ground or in alow bush. The eggs are greenish white, spotted with dark reddish brown. Aver- age size .80 x .58. In winter the Song Sparrow chiefly inhabits dense thickets. 243. Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Awd.). Lincoun’s Sparrow. Description: Ads.—Upperparts streaked with black, brownish gray and grayish brown; tail- feathers narrow and rather pointed, the outer ones shortest; underparts white, rather finely streaked with black, a broad cream-buff band across the breast, a cream-buff stripe on either side of the throat; sides tinged with cream-buff. L., 5.75; W., 2.50; T., 2.40; B., .41. moa) cream-buff band on the breast is distinctive of this species. (Chap., Birds of EZ. N. A. Range.—North America, breeding far northward. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known as a straggler in the mountains. We know of only one Lincoln’s Sparrow having been recorded in North Caro- lina. This was a male, which was taken by Cairns on the French Broad River in Buncombe County, May 6, 1893. (Fig. 198, page 250). 250 Brirps or Norra Caroma Fic. 198. Lincoun’s Sparrow. 244. Melospiza georgiana (Lath.). Swame Sparrow. Description: Ads. in summer.—Crown chestnut-rufous; forehead black; a grayish line over the eye; a blackish line behind the eye; nape slaty gray with a few black streaks; feathers of the back broadly streaked with black and margined with rufous and cream-buff or ashy buff; wing- coverts rufous, the greater ones with black spots at their tips; rump rufous grayish brown, some- times streaked with black; tail rufous grayish brown, the middle feathers darker along their shafts; throat and middle of the belly white, breast grayish, sides washed with pale grayish brown. Ads. in winter and Im.—Similar, but the top of the head streaked with black, pa ie ou n, and grayish; nape less gray; breast washed with brownish. L., 5.89; W., 2.34; T., 2.32; ., 46. Remarks.—The underparts resemble those of some immature white-throated sparrows, but aie ae oe -bars and the yellow bend of the wing will always distinguish the latter. (Chap., Birds of N Range. oe es North America, breeding mainly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Central and eastern portions in winter, mountain region during the migrations. Fic. 199. Swamp Sparrow. This is a common winter visitor in that part of our State lying east of the moun- tains, arriving from the north about the middle of October; and it has been found at Raleigh as late as May 19, nearly a month later than the Song Sparrow stays. In the mountains it is recorded only from Weaverville, Buncombe County, as a spring transient in late March and April, and a fall transient in October and November. The favorite haunts of the Swamp Sparrow are patches of marsh interspersed with low bushes, where it may be found hopping about on the marsh and always ready to dart for cover upon the approach of danger. Descriptive Lisr 251 The Clay-colored Sparrow, Spizella pallida (Swains.), recorded by Atkinson as being taken at Chapel Hill, March 8, 1886 (Jour. we Mitch. Sci. Soc., 1887, Part 2, p. 73), was later shown by Pearson to be a Swamp Sparrow. (Auk, 1898, p. 275. ) Genus Passerella (Swains.) 245. Passerella iliaca iliaca (Werrem). Fox Sparrow. Description: Ads.—Upperparts rufous-brown, the feathers margined by cinnamon-brown and without black; upper tail-coverts and tail bright rufous; wings margined with rufous; under- parts heavily streaked and spotted with rufous-brown and blackish; middle of the belly white; lower mandible yellowish. L., 7.26; W., 3.39; T., 2.85; B., .50. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States, breeding wholly north of the United States. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in winter. The Fox Sparrow, the largest and one of the handsomest of our sparrows, is a fairly common winter visitor throughout the State, arriving about November 1, and leaving near the middle of March. While here it is found mainly in lowland thickets and dense woods, where it is usually associated with others of its kind. It is a fine vocalist and seems to show a preference for singing on damp or cloudy days. In some seasons it appears to be much more abundant than in others. Genus Pipilo (Vieill.) 246. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linn.). TowHeEnr. Description: Ad. &.—Upperparts black, sometimes margined with rufous; throat and breast black, belly white, sides rufous; outer web of primaries with white; tail black, the three outer feathers tipped with white; outer web of the outer feather entirely white; iris red. Ad. 2.— Upperparts, wings, throat, and breast bright grayish brown; tail fuscous-brown the three outer feathers tipped with white; sides rufous, middle of the belly white. Nestlings have the back and underparts streaked with black. L., 8.35; W., 3.34; T., 3.68; B., .55. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States. Range in North Carolina —Whole State in winter and during the migrations, breeding near the coast and in the whole mountain region. Fic. 200. Towner. The Towhee or Chewink, most commonly known in this State as ‘‘Joree,” “Jo- reeper,” or “‘Joerigger,”’ is found throughout the mountain region, where it breeds abundantly, and also winters in the valleys. It appears to be a common winter visitor in the rest of the State, arriving about the first of October, and leaving in early May. While some are found all winter, it is nevertheless a more abundant 252 Brrps or Norru Carorimya species during the migrations. This seems to be the case as far west as Greens- boro; still farther west, in Stokes and Rockingham counties, it must be a resident, as the species was observed commonly in this territory by Sherman in February and also in July. Near the coast again it is resident, and we have summer records from Craven, Pitt, Lenoir, Bladen, and Carteret counties. Whether these eastern breeders show any approach to the resident white-eyed Towhee of Florida, we have not had enough specimens to decide; but a male taken at Lake Ellis in Craven County by C. 8. Brimley on May 28, 1907, had the iris yellowish brown instead of red; otherwise it was indistinguishable from Raleigh specimens. Pearson found a nest with four newly hatched young in Brunswick County, June 14, 1898. The Towhee builds its nest on the ground or in a low bush, constructing it of grapevine bark, twigs, weed stems, leaves and grass, lined with fine grass and root- lets. The eggs are three to five in number, of a whitish ground-color, thickly speckled with light reddish brown. Size .95 x .72. As to the date at which it nests, C. §. Brimley found a nest with five eggs on Satula Mountain, near Highlands, on May 9, 1908, at an elevation of 4,000 feet; and Cairns states that in Buncombe County the Towhees nest from the middle of April until June. The Towhee derives its various names from its different call-notes, or, rather, from different interpretations of these notes. It is essentially a thicket-loving bird, and is a most energetic scratcher, a small band of them making almost as much noise among the dead leaves as a hen with chickens. In the mountains it is accused of pulling young corn, but from the other parts of the State we hear no complaint on the subject. 247. Pipilo erythrophthalmus alleni (Cowes). Wuitrr-ryep Towner. Descripltion.—Similar to common Towhee, but white on wings and tail more restricted (on tail confined to two outer tail-feathers only, or else represented on third by small spots only; while in the Towhee proper the white is present on three outer tail-feathers, and often as small spots on the fourth). Iris white in adult male. Range.—Vlorida to North Carolina, along the coast only. Range in North Carolina.—Probably coastal region from Beaufort south; at present only known from Beaufort. This southern coastal form of the Towhee was taken by Bruner at Beaufort, July 18, 1912 (adult male with white iris), and July 22, 1912 (immature male). Genus Cardinalis (Bonap.) 248. Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). CarpiNau. Description: Ad. &.—Throat and region about the base of the bill black; rest of the plumage bright rosy red, the upperparts tipped with grayish; a conspicuous crest; bill red. Ad. ?.— Throat and region about the base of bill grayish black; crest, wings, and tail dull red; upperparts olive brownish ash; underparts buffy ochraceous, lighter on the belly, and sometimes tinged with red on the breast. L., 8.25; W., 3.75; T., 4.00; B., .64. (Chap., Birds of BE. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States. Range in North Carolina.—Resident throughout the whole State. The Cardinal, commonly called in this State “Redbird” or ‘‘Winter Redbird,” is a common resident everywhere. The nest is made of weed stems, leaves, and grass. Usually it is lined with grass, and is built in a low bush, small tree, or Descrirrive List 253 bunch of briars, generally at a height of from two to four feet, but occasionally higher, and we have one record of a nest situated at a height of twelve feet. The eggs are commonly three in number, but there are two sets of four in the State Museum, collected by Dr. Smithwick in Bertie County. They are of a white ground, marked with spots of reddish brown, gray and lavender, usually pretty well scattered over the whole surface, but sometimes clustered about the larger end. Size 1.00 x .75. They are laid from late April to early July. Fic. 201. CARDINAL. The Cardinal, like the Towhee, is preéminently a thicket-haunting bird, but does not spend so much of its time on the ground, apparently preferring to eat berries in the top of a tree rather than gather food on the earth at its base. Its song is a series of loud, clear whistles. Genus Zamelodia (Coues) 249. Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rosr-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Description —Male with head, neck and upperparts mostly black, with some white on wings, tail, and rump; breast and under wing-coverts bright rose-red. Female olive-brown, much streaked, with the under wing-coverts saffron-yellow; head with whitish stripes. Extreme meas- oe of four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks from North Carolina: L., 7.85-8.25; W., 3.95-4.45; "9 ee ollGy Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States northward. _ Range in North Carolina.—A resident in the mountains west of the Blue Ridge, a rare migrant in the rest of the State. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a common bird during the summer months in at least portions of the mountain region, arriving from the south late in April, and has been noted in Buncombe County as late as October 23. It breeds mainly at an elevation of 3,000 feet and upward. The nests are flat, shallow structures, com- posed of small twigs, vegetable fibers and grass, and are built in a bush or tree. Of four nests found by Cairns in Buncombe County, one was in a small bush three feet up, another twenty feet high in a haw tree, and the remaining two respectively Biros or Norra Carorina bo or co seven and nine feet high in unnamed saplings. According to Cairns, the eggs are laidin May. They are greenish blue in ground-color, more or less spotted over the entire surface with blotches of reddish brown. Size about the same as those of the Cardinal. Fig. 202. RoOSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Outside of the mountains this bird is only recorded from Chapel Hill and Raleigh, where it has been observed in the spring between April 28 and May 8, and at Guilford College, where Pearson saw five on May 9, 1897. Like the Cardinal, it is a pleasing singer; and it is one of the few birds that care for potato-bugs as an article of diet. Genus Guiraca (Swains.) 250. Guiraca cerulea cerulea (Linn.). BLur GROSBEAK. Description—Male, blue with chestnut wing-bars; female, yellowish brown with whitish wing-bars. Immature males are only partly blue, the tint in that case being restricted to the head and forepart of the body. Females are occasionally somewhat blue. Extreme measure- ments of 75 Raleigh specimens: L., 6.25-7.25; W., 3.00-3.65; T., 2.38-2.90. Range.—Southeastern United States in summer; wintering south of our border. Range in North Carolina.—A summer resident in-the central and eastern districts. Fic. 203. BuLur GrRosBeak. The Blue Grosbeak is a summer visitor in that portion of the State lying east of the mountain ranges, arriving from the south late in April or early in May, and leaving again late in September. Descriptive List 255 This bird, which is sometimes called ‘‘ Big Indigo,” is a frequenter of compara- tively open country, nesting usually in small trees, or sometimes on the lower limbs of larger ones. The nest is inclined to be bulky, and is constructed of weed stems or grass, and is often lined with horsehair. Sometimes lint, cotton, rags, and pieces of paper are used in its construction. Usually it is built in a fork of a small tree or bush at a height varying from three to eight feet. The eggs are four in number, and are laid in this latitude from late May to mid-July. They are white and unmarked. Size about .85 x .65. Like other brightly colored birds of this family, the Blue Grosbeak is a good singer. It is rather partial to corn, which its powerful bill enables it to crack with ease. Although not common in western North Carolina, Cairns found it at Weaver- ville on June 10, 1888. Other records from near the mountains are Taylorsville, Alexander County, two seen in June, 1909, by Bruner; and Morganton, found breed- ing by Wayne the same year. Genus Passerina (Vieill.) Contains a number of small, brightly colored finches, the males of which have more or less blue in the plumage. Both of the two eastern species occur in the State. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Male all blue; female clear brown. Indigo Bunting. 1. Male blue with red and green; female green and yellowish. Painted Bunting. 251. Passerina cyanea (Linn.). INpico BuNTING. Description —Male in summer wholly deep blue; lores blackish, wings and tail black with blue margins; female clear brown, whitish, beneath. Extreme measurements of 59 specimens from Raleigh: L., 5.12-5.90; W., 2.50—2.90; T., 1.90—2.25. Range.—Eastern North America in summer; wintering south of the United States. Range in North Carolina —Whole State in summer. Fic. 204. INpDIGO BUNTING, The Indigo is an abundant summer visitor throughout our State, the first arrivals from the south appearing late in April. It departs the last week in October. Like the preceding species, it is not a woodland bird, though partial to 256 Brrps or Norra Carorra places where low bushes are abundant. The nest is much like that of the preced- ing, but smaller, and is usually not so high from the ground, being not infre- quently found in blackberry briars. The eggs, which are generally four, are laid in June and July and are pure white. Size .73 x .53. The Indigo Bunting is a fair singer, but not equal to any one of the three pre- ceding species. 252. Passerina ciris (Linn.). Painrep Buntina; NONPAREIL. Description.—Male with head and neck blue, underparts vermilion; back golden green; rump and tail purplish brown. Female olive-green above, pale, yellowish-green below. L., 5.40; W., 2.70; T., 2.15. Range.—South Atlantie and Gulf States, wintering in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Coastal region, from Beaufort southward. The Painted Bunting is a summer visitor along the southern half of our coast, arriving probably in April, like its more abundant cousin, the Indigo. In the neighborhood of Beaufort it has been recorded as early as June by Pearson, and in late July and early August by Bruner. Farther south, in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, Pearson has found it common in May, June, and July. He watched a male carrying building material to a nearly completed nest at Lock- wood’s Folly in Brunswick County on June 12, 1898. Some ornithologists have stated that the Nonpareil usually sings from the interior of a bush or tree, but Pearson has often observed them occupying elevated terminal twigs when thus engaged. The nest does not differ materially from that of the Indigo, but the eggs, instead of being unmarked as in that species, are spotted with reddish brown. Another genus of this family, one, a representative of which may occur in our State, is Spiza, represented in the United States by the Dickcissel or Black-throated Bunting, Spiza americana (Gmel.). In this bird the male has a black patch on the throat, and a yellow breast, while the female lacks the black patch, and has the yellow much duller; in size it is somewhat larger than an English Sparrow, which it resembles in the general appearance of the upper surface; markings above somewhat similar. It occurs mainly west of the Alleghany Mountains, but as C. A. Reed identified one at Ocean View, near Norfolk, Virginia, in the summer of 1907, we may expect to learn of its occurrence in North Carolina at any time. 46. FAMILY TANGARIDA. TANAGERS This is a large family of tropical American birds, a few species only oecurring in temperate regions. The species are said to grade into the wood-warblers on the one hand, and into the finches on the other, some forms having stout bills and others being equipped with slender ones. Only a single genus occurs with us. Genus Piranga (Vieill.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Male scarlet, with black wings and tail; female olive-green, the wings and tail darker, under- parts light greenish yellow. Scarlet Tanager. 1. Male bright rose red, wings and tail the same color; female brownish olive, dull yellowish below. Summer Tanager. Plate 19 Male and Female. PAINTED BUNTING. Passerina ciris (Linn.) Descriptive List O57 Case Piranga erythromelas (Vieill.). Scarter TANAGER. Description: Ad. male in summer.—Bright scarlet, wings and tail black, under wing-coverts white. Ad. male in winter—Similar to ‘the female, but wings and tail black. Im. male in winter—Similar to female, but wing-coverts black. Im. male in summer.—Similar to ad. male in summer, but primaries and secondaries as in winter. The adult summer plumage is acquired at the second spring (prenuptial) molt. Ad. female-—Upperparts light olive-green; wings and tail fuscous, lightly perered with olive-green; paderpants greenish yellow. L., 7.25; W., 3.75; T., 2.09; B. from N., .46. (Chap., Birds of E. A.) Range. —Eastern United States, wintering in W est Indies, Mexico, and south. Range in North Carolina.—Migrant in the central part of the State, breeds in the mountains. Fig. 205. ScarLter TANAGER. The Scarlet Tanager, called in the Sapphire country “Toxaway Bird,” is a late April and early May migrant in the centre of the State, passing south again in September and early October. In the mountains it remains for the summer. The nest is generally in low thick woods on the horizontal limb of a low tree or sapling, and is constructed of twigs and fine bark strips, lined with rootlets. The eggs are three to five in number, of a greenish-blue ground-color, speckled, spotted, and blotched with reddish-brown, often with confluent markings. Size .95 x .65. This tanager nests in May and June in Buncombe County. It is quite a good singer, the song somewhat suggesting the Robin. The females are difficult to distinguish from those of the following species by color alone, but are usually lighter, and the bill is decidedly smaller, measuring only about half an inch along the culmen, while that of the Summer Tanager measures three-fourths fi inch. 2 : 54. Piranga rubra rubra (Linn.). Summer TANAGER. Description: Ad. male.—Rose-red, brighter below; wings fuscous, margined with rose-red. Im. male in winter —Similar to the fems ale, but with more or less of a reddish tinge throughout the plumage. Im. male in swmmer —Variable; sometimes a mixture of ad. male and female plumages, at others like the ad. male, but wing-quills as in female. The ad. male plumage is acquired at the first postnuptial molt and retained thereafter at all seasons. AG. female.— Upperparts orange olive-green; underparts yellowish orange. L., 7.50; W., 3.75; T., 2.90; B. from N., .55. (Chap., Birds of EH. N. A.) Range. —Eastern United States, from Maryland southward, in summer; wintering in West Indies, Mexico, and South America. Range in North Carolina.—A summer visitor in the eastern and central parts, and in the valleys among the mountains. The Summer Tanager, often called “Summer Redbird,” is a common summer resident throughout most of the State, arriving from the south about the middle of April and leaving late in September. alt 258 Birps or Norru Carorimna The nest is a rather shallow, saucer-shaped structure, composed of dark weed- stems outside, and of light colored grass within, the colors of the two layers being in abrupt contrast. It is built on the horizontal limb of some medium-sized tree, often an oak or pine. The eggs are usually three in number, laid in May or June, and are light green in ground-color, spotted, speckled, and blotched with various shades of lilac, brownish-purple and dark brown; average size .95 x .65. Fic. 206. SumMeEer TANAGER. The Summer Tanager is a better singer than its more gaudy relative in scarlet and black, and its song is even more like that of the Robin, but is more continuous. Both the Tanagers are woodland birds, the present species being equally at home in pine forests, mixed woods, groves of shade trees near houses, or mulberry orchards. In matters of diet it seems to prefer bees and wasps. Its bill is well fitted for the task of quickly crushing stinging insects. Although the fact is not mentioned in Chapman’s descriptions, the females not infrequently have the plumage more or less flushed with red. 47. FAMILY HIRUNDINIDAZ. SWALLOWS Swallows are found in all parts of the world, and may be known from other perching birds by their long, pointed wings, and deeply cleft mouth, the latter being a veritable dip-net with which the bird catches its insect-prey while on the wing Six genera occur with us. KEY TO GENERA Color of upperparts brown. See 2. Color of upperparts more or less bluish. See 3. Outer web of outer primary with stiff recurved hooks. Stelgidopleryx. Outer web of outer primary without hooks. Riparia. Tail forked for more than half its length. Hirundo. Tail not forked for more than half its length. See 4. Length more than 7.00. Progne. Length less than 7.00. See 5. . Throat white. Jridoprocne. . Throat chestnut. Petrochelidon, SU OTR Bo 29 NN et a Descrierive List 259 | Genus Progne (Boie.) 255. Progne subis subis (Linn.). Purrte Martin. Description—Male lustrous blue-black, above and below; wings and tail duller. Female duller, underparts grayish, belly white. Extreme measurements of six North Carolina speci- mens: L., 7.50-7.90; W., 5.15-6.00; T., 2.50-3.15. | Range.—Most of North America in summer. Range in North Carolina.—W hole State in summer. Fic. 207. PurRPLE Martin. The Purple Martin, better known as “ Black Martin,” is locally common through- out the State, its abundance in summer being apparently dependent on the nesting facilities, in the way of martin boxes or suspended gourds, which man provides for its accommodation. There is a marked, but unexplained, irregularity in the dates of its arrival in the State. Thus it is said to reach Bertie County in the middle or latter part of March, while in most of the remainder of the State the earliest dates are about the middle of April, with an occasional March record. For instance, at Raleigh it has been recorded only once in March (March 16, 1907), in twenty-five years of observation.—(C. 8. Brrey.) This species used to breed in hollow trees, but since the white man came and pro- vided better accommodations for nesting places it has discontinued this custom, 260 Birps or Norru Carorina and taken to the ways of civilization. The nests are composed of leaves, grasses, rootlets, mud, twigs, rags, or any other convenient materials. The eggs are four to six in number, laid in May or June. They are pure glossy white; size .98 x .65. While a very useful insectivorous bird, it flocks in such numbers during the fall migrations as sometimes to become a great nuisance. At Wrightsville, near Wil- mington, a few years ago, they gathered to roost in such enormous numbers in late summer as almost to empty the neighboring summer hotel. A similar circumstance was reported from Mount Airy, Surry County, in September, 1885 and 1886. Probably 200,000 have roosted of recent years in a grove in the center of the town of Greensboro, Guilford County. The last birds of this species leave the State for their winter homes in Mexico during the month of September. Genus Petrochelidon (Cab.) 256. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons (Say.) Citrr SwaLiow. Description.—Lustrous steel blue; forehead, sides of head, throat and rump different shades of chestnut; a blue spot on breast; belly whitish. L., 6.01; W., 4.35; T., 2.01. Range.—North America in summer; In winter Central America. Range in North Carolina.—So far, known only as a migrant in various portions of the State. Fig. 208. CLirr SwALLow. At present the Cliff or Eaves Swallow is known only as a spring transient at Raleigh, where it has been observed in six different years between April 26 and May 9; at Weaverville it was found by Cairns between April 15 and May 1, in 1892 and 1893; and at Lake Ellis in Craven County, where C. 8. Brimley saw a single specimen on May 8, 1906. The Cliff Swallow is not very different in its habits from other swallows, its chief peculiarity consisting in the fact that it builds a gourd-shaped nest of pellets of mud, fastening it against the face of overhanging cliffs or underneath the eaves of buildings. The eggs resemble those of the Barn Swallow in being spotted, while those of all our other species are pure white without markings. Size .80 x .55. Genus Hirundo (Linn.) 257. Hirundo erythrogastra (Bodd.). Barn Swa.iow. Description.—Lustrous steel blue, buffy below; forehead and throat deep chestnut; tail-feathers with white spots, under tail-coverts rufous. Extreme measurements of 21 Raleigh specimens: Descriptive List 261 L., 5.85-7.60; W., 4.50-4.95; T., 2.20-4.15. The difference in total length and in length of tail depends mainly on the degree of development of the two outer tail-feathers in different birds, only fully adult males having the scissor-like shape fully developed, while in young males and females the tail is much shorter and less forked. Range.—Whole of North America in summer; wintering in Central and South America. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State during migrations, only known at present to nest in Watauga County in the mountains, and in a few places along the coast. Fig. 209. Barn SwALLow. The Barn Swallow, the only North American species having a real “swallow- tail,” is a rather common spring migrant in our State during the greater part of April and May. Again it is seen in August and the first half of September. It usually flies in large flocks, particularly over marshy ground or above water, and not infrequently is found in company with other species of the family. Thus far we have three breeding records for the State. One comes from Pea Island, where Bishop and Pearson have both found it breeding. At Wrightsville two nests with young were discovered under the eaves of a summer hotel in July, 1903, by Pearson. He and H. H. Brimley observed several on the Cape Fear River, fifteen miles above Southport, in June, 1909. Away from the coast our only breeding record is furnished by Sherman, who found a pair nesting in a barn at Valle Crucis, Watauga County, in late June, 1909. The nest is a bowl-shaped structure, composed of mud, lined with feathers. It is open above and is placed on a rafter inside a barn, or in similar situations. The eggs are white, spotted with reddish brown, chiefly near the larger end. Size .75 x .55. Four to six are laid. Aas 258. Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieill.). Tree SwaLiow. Description.—Lustrous blue-green above, underparts pure white. Extreme measurements of 26 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.60—-6.00; W., 4.50-4.85; T., 2.20—2.50. Range.—Whole of North America, wintering more or less in the extreme southern States, and in the West Indies and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—A common spring migrant in the State from Chapel Hill eastward, at times a winter visitor along the coast, and sometimes seen in the fall migrations. Genus Iridoprocne (Coues) The Tree or White-bellied Swallow, easily distinguished from all our other swal- lows by the pure white underparts, is a common spring migrant in the eastern half of the State. Here it has been noted from March 12 to May 20 in spring, and in 262 Birps or Norra Carona fall from early August to mid-October. In the tidewater section it has thrice been recorded in winter, namely, below New Bern in January, 1885, by H. H. Brimley; at Fort Macon by Coues in January, February, and March, 1870, and at Lake Ellis, Craven County, November 6-13, 1910, observed to be common by H. H. Brim- ley. We have no summer records for it, but Pearson found the species common at Cape Hatteras on April 19, 1898; and saw several birds looking into holes of dead trees on the shores of Lake Mattamuskeet on April 16, 1898. Fic. 210. TREE SwaLiow. The Tree Swallows nest in holes in dead trees, usually in the neighborhood of water; in fact, these birds are seldom seen far from it. On the coast of Maine, Pearson has found them nesting commonly in boxes on poles erected by lobster men. The nest is lined with grass and similar material, with an inside layer of feathers, in which comfortable bed five to seven pure white eggs are laid. The nesting season is said to be from May to July, but in this latitude we can doubtless omit the latter month from our calculations. They are known to breed near Cape Charles, Vir- ginia. Genus Riparia (Forst) Mics Riparia riparia (Linn.). Bank SwAuiow. Description: Ads.—Upperparts brownish gray; throat white; a brownish-gray band on the breast; outer vane of first primary without recurved hooklets; a small tuft of feathers above the hindtoe. L., 5.20; W., 3.95; T., 2.00; B. from N., .18. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—Northern hemisphere; in America wintering in West Indies, South and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Rare migrant throughout the State. The Bank Swallow has been recorded in this State as a migrant at Fort Macon (Coues, 1870); a rare transient in Buncombe County (Cairns, 1891); and as com- mon along the Tuckaseegee River, near Dillsboro, in May, 1888 (W. A. and J. A. Jeffries). The only other records come from the two specimens taken by H. H. and C. 8. Brimley at Raleigh on April 24, 1888, and on August 8, 1896. In feeding and nesting habits this bird closely resembles the Rough-winged Swal- low, which seems largely to replace it in the Southeastern States. Both birds are called “Bank Swallow” by casual observers. SS eae Descriptive List 263 Fie. 211. BAnkK SwaLlow. Genus Stelgidopteryx (Baird) 260. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Awd.). RouGH-wincEep SwaLLow. Description: Ads—Upperparts brownish gray; throat and breast pale, brownish gray; belly white; outer web of first primary with a series of recurved hooklets (sometimes absent in female); no tuft of feathers above the hindtoe. Jm.—Similar, but without recurved hooklets on the first primary; throat and breast more or less washed and wing-coverts edged with rufous. L., 5.75; W., 4.35; T., 2.10; B. from N., .19. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—United States, except extreme northern portion, wintering in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—A rather common summer resident throughout the State, arriving in the eastern and central sections about the end of March or first part of April, and in the moun- tain region near the middle of April. Fic. 212. RovugH-wIncep SwaLuLow. The Rough-winged Swallow, commonly called Bank Swallow, is not an uncom- mon summer visitor with us. It is an early arrival from the south (last of March), and it departs shortly after the breeding season. The latest date at which it has been observed at Raleigh is July 17. This species nests in holes in banks, which it sometimes excavates for this pur- pose. If a burrow is used, it generally runs in for two or three feet, terminating in a slight depression that is lined with grass or feathers. Railway cuts or the high banks of streams furnish suitable situations. The eggs are four to six in number, white, without markings, and are laid in May or June. Pearson found an occupied 264 Birps or Norra Carorina nest in a Kingfisher’s burrow in Gates County in June, 1892. The Swallow’s nest covered deeply the four abandoned eggs of a Kingfisher. Like all our swallows, this species is exclusively insectivorous, and is worthy of the fullest protection. On account of its great powers of flight, which it shares with all the rest of the family, it is able to seek its prey over a wide range of country. 48. FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDZA. WAXWINGS This family contains but a single genus and three species, one of these being American, a second Japanese, and the third occurs in the northern portions of Europe, Asia, and America. All are crested, and the plumage is very soft and silky. Genus Bombycilla (Vieill.) 261. Bombycilla cedrorum (JVeill.). Crpar WaAxwina. Description —Plumage soft and silky and cinnamon-drab in color. Secondaries often tipped with horny appendages resembling red sealing wax. These are frequently absent in females and young birds. ‘Tail tipped with yellow. Extreme measurements of 35 specimens from Raleigh: L., 6.50-7.35; W., 3.55-3.85; T., 2.15-2.55. Range.—W hole of temperate North America. Range in North Carolina.—W hole State at all seasons, but very erratic in its annual and seasonal distribution and occurrence. Fic. 218. CEpaAR WAXWING. “The Cedar Waxwing, also known as the ‘Cedar-bird’ and ‘Cherry-bird,’ goes in flocks, except in the breeding season, being seemingly attracted to any particular locality by the extra supply of food there. It feeds on all sorts of berries, and is sometimes a nuisance as, when a big flock of these birds settle down in a trucker’s strawberry patch, there is likely to be a considerable diminution in the number of salable berries before they get up again. On the wing they fly very much as if they had been drilled, every bird seeming to move its wings in time with the rest, and a flock of Cedar-birds compared with a flock of blackbirds, for instance, looks very much like a company of regular soldiers by the side of a disorderly mob. = Descriptive List 265 “The eggs, generally five in number, have a slaty ground-color, tinged with olive, and are marked with blotches of dark brown and purple. Size about .85x.60. The only nest I ever found was forty feet high on the horizontal limb of a pine, being constructed of weed stems lined with grass. The nest contained five eggs on June 13, 1890. “Personally I have noticed this species feeding on strawberries, mulberries, per- simmons, frost-grapes, and the berries of cedar, privet, holly, and Ilex decidua.’’— C. $8. BRimury. 49. FAMILY LANIIDZ. SHRIKES Genus Lanius (Linn.) Three forms of this genus occur with us, all being very much alike. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Wing 4.33 or more. Lower eyelid more or less white. Black on sides of head not meeting across forehead. Northern Shrike. ? 1. Wing 4.25 or less. Lower eyelid not white. Black on sides of head meeting across forehead. See 2. 2. Wings longer than tail. Migrant Shrike. 2. Wings shorter than tail. Loggerhead Shrike. 262. Lanius borealis (Vieill.). NorrHern SHRIKE. Description: Ads.—Upperpa.ts gray; wings and tail black; primaries white at base, secondaries tipped with white or grayish; outer, sometimes all, the tail-feathers tipped with white, the outer feather mostly white; forehead whitish; lores grayish black; ear-coverts black; underparts white, generally finely barred with black; bill hooked and hawklike. Jm.—Similar, but entire plumage more or less heavily barred or washed with grayish brown. L., 10.32; W., 4.55; T., 4.00 B. from N., .55. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range-—Northern North America, south in winter to the Potomac and Ohio. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known from Pea Island. Fig. 214. NorTHERN SHRIKE. The Northern Shrike claims a place in our fauna on the strength of an immature male killed on Pea Island, December 9, 1909, by Robertson and sent in the flesh to Bishop. 266 Birps or Norra Carorrna 263. Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus (Linn.). LoGGrrHEap SHRIKE. Description: Ads.—Upperparts gray; wings and tail black; primaries white at base, secondaries tipped with white; outer, sometimes all, the tail-feathers tipped with white; the outer feather mostly white; lores black, connected by a narrow black line on the forehead at the base of the bill; ear-coverts black; underparts white, sometimes tinged with gray. L., 9.00; W., 3.82; T., 3.87; B. from N., .48; depth of B. at N., .85 (average of nine Florida specimens). (Chap., Birds of EL. N. A.) Range.—Southern States, north to North Carolina; resident. Range in North Carolina.—Apparently the whole coastal region, more common in winter. Fic. 215. LoGGERHEAD SHRIKE. The summer records of Loggerhead Shrikes in the coastal region are: LaGrange, rather rare resident, breeds (Smithwick); Kelford, Bertie County, two seen on telegraph wires, July 21, 1909 (Sherman); Kingsboro, Edgecombe County, two seen at Test Farm, July 27, 1909, apparently mated (Sherman); and Laurinburg, Scotland County, one seen April 27, 1909 (Sherman). On May 12, 1900, Pearson found a pair of birds near the beach behind the sheltering dunes a few miles east of Lockwood’s Folly, Brunswick County, which evidently had a nest near by. In searching for evidence to support this belief, he found an old nest which, from the character of its structure, he felt sure had been built by Shrikes probably in the previous year. The Loggerhead Shrike builds its nest in scrubby or thorny trees or hedges, making a compact, bulky structure of weed stems, grass, rootlets, paper, wool, and feathers, the latter being the lining and concealing the eggs from view. The eggs range from four to six in number. In color they are dull whitish or greenish gray, marked and spotted with dull purple, pale brown, or olive. Size .97 x .73. All shrikes have the habit of impaling their prey on thorns, splinters, and barbed- wire fences, when not desired for immediate consumption. Their food consists of large insects and small birds, mammals, and reptiles. C.S. Brimley recalls finding a Myrtle Warbler once hanging on a small bush, with its head impaled on a sharp thorn, and its dried body swinging in the wind. Pearson discovered a Shrike in the act of impaling a Chipping Sparrow on a splinter of a wind-fallen tree. bo S ~J Descriptive List For a lookout post the Loggerhead prefers the top of a small tree or a telephone or telegraph wire. When taking flight it drops abruptly at first, as if the weight of its body were too great for the short wings to support. The usual notes of the Loggerhead are harsh, one of its calls being very like the creaking and squealing of a rusty windlass. It has, however, at times a low and pleasing song. In most parts of the State where it has received a local name it is known as ‘French Mockingbird,” or ‘“‘ Butcher Bird.” 264. Lanius ludovicianus migrans (Palmer.) MiGcrant SHRIKE. Description.—Differs from the Loggerhead only in slightly paler color and in having the wing longer than the tail, the validity of which latter distinction can be judged by the following extreme measurements of Raleigh specimens taken from September to February: L., 8.15-9.15; W., 3.65-4.00; T., 3.25-4.15. Number of specimens having wings longer than tail, 21; with tail longer than wings, 9; with wings and tail equal, 7; total, 37. Range.—Kastern United States, occupying the northern portion in summer, and migrating more southward in winter. Range in North Carolina.—Most of the State in winter and fall, and parts of the west in summer. The Migrant Shrike, which is simply the more northern and migratory subspecies of the Loggerhead, occurs at Raleigh from late August till the end of March, and has also been observed in winter at Durham, Greensboro, Guilford College, War- renton, and Chapel Hill. It has been recorded as breeding at Statesville (Me- Laughlin), and Morganton (Wayne), and as a migrant in Buncombe County (Cairns). 50. FAMILY VIREONIDA. VIREOS This family contains a number of small insectivorous birds, with the bill hooked slightly at the tip. In this State they seem to be known almost exclusively as “Hangers” or ‘“Swinging-birds,”’ from the way in which they suspend their nests from the limbs of trees. Technically, this family is remarkable for the fact that different species possess either nine or ten primaries, which character in other perching-birds is of family importance, while it here becomes only of specific im- portance. KEY TO GENERA . First primary two-fifths or more length of second. Wings relatively short and rounded, not _ one-fourth longer than tail; bill stout. Vareo. . First primary very short or apparently wanting, not one-fourth length of second. Wings long and pointed, one-fourth or more longer than tail. See 2. - Slender species. No wing-bars nor orbitalving. Vireosylua. . Stout species. Wing-bars and orbital ring present. Lanivireo. NN e Genus Vireosylva (Bonap.) This genus includes those vireos, which have long wings without any wing-bars, slender bills, and no orbital-ring. The species are all very much alike, but so far as this State is concerned only one species occurs outside the mountain region. KEY TO SPECIES 1. Crown ashy, edged with black. Primaries apparently nine. Red-eyed Vireo. . Crown ashy, without black. See 2. 2. Primaries apparently nine. Philadelphia Vireo. . Primaries evidently ten. Warbling Vireo. _ bob 268 Birps or Norrn Carona 265. Vireosylva olivacea (Linn.). Rep-ryep VIREO. Description.—Olive green above, white below. Crown ashy, edged on each side with blackish. A_white superciliary line and below this a dusky streak. Iris red. Extreme measurements of 45 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.65 to 6.25; wing, 2.90 to 3.40; tail, 1.95 to 2.30. Range.—North America, east of the Rocky Mountains, wintering in Mexico, Central and South America. Range in North Carolina —Whole State in summer. Fic. 216. Rep-EYED VIREO. The Red-eyed Vireo, the best known and most abundant member of the family, is a very common summer resident in North Carolina, arriving from the south about the middle of April, although somewhat later in the higher and more north- ern localities in the mountains. The latest birds do not leave us in fall until the last of October. This is one of the few birds in which a distinct wave of migration has been noted quite distinct from the one which brings the breeding birds. During May, C. 8. Brimley has often observed these Vireos migrating in the lowgrounds fully three weeks after the breeding birds had arrived in the upland woods. The nest is a deep, cup-shaped structure, made of bark, grass, and other vegetable substances woven together, the lining being of finer materials. It is suspended by the rim from a slender fork at the end of a drooping limb. We have found nests thus situated in beech, sweet gum, dogwood, persimmon, oak, maple, and birch trees. The eggs are three, occasionally four, pure white in ground-color, and spar- ingly sprinkled with fine, dark, reddish-brown dots, chiefly near the larger end. Size .85 x .56. At Raleigh nests have been recorded from May 19 to June 17, and what few dates we have for other North Carolina localities also fall within this period. Descriptive Lisr 269 The Red-eyed Vireo is a constant and persevering singer, and one of the few birds that sings in the middle of the day; the song-period, however, does not extend | beyond the heat of early summer. Its diet is strictly insects, and it seems when | hopping about among the branches to keep a lookout mainly for those forms which may be above its head, as it is continually looking upward. Like all other vireos, it will stop work to scold the moment an intruder comes near its nest. 266. Vireosylva philadelphica (Cass.). PHILADELPHIA VIREO. Description: Ads.—Upperparts light olive-green; the crown sometimes grayish; a whitish line over the eye; wings and tail edged with olive-green; no wing-bars; first primary nearly as long as second; entire underparts nearly uniform, pale, greenish yellow. L., 4.75; W., 2.60; T., 1.95; B. from N., .26. Remarks.—The pale, greenish-yellow color spread almost uniformly over the entire underparts distinguishes this bird from our other Vireos. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) : | Range-——Hastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States; wintering in Central America. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known as a rare transient in the mountains. The Philadelphia Vireo is known in this State only as a rare migrant in Bun- combe County, where it was once taken by Cairns. (See Smithwick, Catalogue of i the Birds of North Carolina, 1897.) \ 267. Vireosylva gilva gilva (Vicill.). WaArsLinc Vireo. i Description: Ads.—Upperparts ashy olive-green; no wing-bars; wings and tail edged with the color of the back; first primary very short, not more than 1.00 in length; underparts white; slightly washed with yellowish. L., 5.80; W., 2.85; T., 2.14; B. from N., .30. (Chap., Birds | of E. N. A.) Range.—Hastern North America; wintering in Mexico. Range in North Carolina.—Summer visitor in at least parts of the mountain region. The Warbling Vireo is recorded by Cairns as a rather rare summer visitor in Buncombe County, and is given by Minot Davis as having arrived there on April 21,in 1899. He also adds the statement that it is local, and breeds. In general habits this species differs little from the Red-eyed Vireo; the nest, however, is said to average higher from the ground and the eggs are a trifle smaller. The song is somewhat similar, but is more continuous. Genus Lanivireo (Baird) Rather stout vireos, with comparatively long wings. We have two species, one being represented by two subspecies. KEY TO SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES 1. Superciliary line, orbital ring and anterior underparts yellow. Yellow-throated Vireo. il Superciliary line, orbital ring, and underparts white. See 2. 2. Crown bluish ash, in contrast to olive-green of back. Wing less than 3 inches. Bluwe-headed Vireo. - Crown and back more or less uniform blackish-plumbeous, not contrasting. Wing more than 3 inches. Mountain Solitary Vireo. 268. Lanivireo flavifrons (Vicill.). YeLLow-rHRoATED VIREO. Description.—Rich olive-green above, becoming ashy on rump; bright yellow below, except elly, which is white. Wing-bars white. Superciliary line and orbital ring yellow. Extreme Measurements of 48 Raleigh specimens: L., 5.35-5.75; W., 2.90-3.15; T., 1.85-2.15. Range.—EHastern United States, south in winter to Central America Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, breeding throughout its range. 270 Biros or Norra Carorina The Yellow-throated Vireo arrives in our State from the south about the middle of April, and leaves in September. The song is loud and musical and is continued virtually during the entire period of the bird’s stay. While here this bird may be found in mixed woods or in groves of shade trees around houses, and it appears to have a preference for groves of large trees. Its nest is similar to that of the Red-eyed Vireo, but is usually placed at a greater height from the ground. The outside is often ornamented with gray lichens. In true vireo fashion, it is suspended from a fork at the end of a limb, and the eggs are said to have a more roseate tinge, and to be more heavily marked than those of the other members of the family. We have only one record of a nest taken in North Carolina; this was at Raleigh, May 28, 1894. It contained three eggs, and was suspended from a fork at the end of a long limb of a small oak, at a height of eight feet from the ground. 269. Lanivireo solitarius solitarius (Wils.). Buun-Heaprep Vireo. Description: Ads——Top and sides of the head bluish gray; eye-ring and lores white; back olive-green; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white, forming two distinet wing-bars; outer web of tertials edged with whitish; underparts white; sides washed with greenish yellow. L., 5:61 W., 2:96; Iv, 2:15: B: from N:, -28: Remarks.—Vhis species may be known by its white lores and eye-ring, and bluish-gray cheeks and crown. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States; wintering in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Spring and fall migrant thorughout the State. Except that this form occurs with us in both the spring and fall migrations, little can be said about it that does not apply to the next form, nor can the migration- records of the two forms be separated. Seventy-three specimens have been taken at Raleigh on various dates, as follows: January 3 (1891);in March and April, and on May 5, 1889; July 27, 1892; in August, September, October, and on November 3, 1889; and December 15, 1885. The winter and summer birds, and at least some of the others, might perhaps just as correctly be enumerated in the discussion of the next form. Descriptive List Deli Fig. 218. BULUE-HEADED VIREO. 270. Lanivireo solitarius alticola (Brewst.). Mounrarn Vireo. Description—Similar to the Blue-headed Vireo, but larger, with the crown and back much darker, being in typical specimens nearly the same shade. Extreme measur ements of 20 speci- mens from Raleigh, Weaverville, and Statesville: L., 5.50—-6.00; W., 3.00-3.25; T., 2.15-2.45. Range.—Southern Alleghanies in summer, wintering southward. Range in North Carolina. —Mountain region in summer, also to some extent in the central portion of the State, as far east at least as Wakefield in Wake County. Occasional also in winter at Raleigh. The Mountain Solitary Vireo is a form of this species found in the mountains of our State, from which it was first described by Brewster from an adult male taken at Highlands, Macon County, May 29, 1885 (Auk, Jan., 1886). It also occurs eastward through the State, apparently becoming less typical as one pro- ceeds until reaching eastern Wake County, where it has been taken in early July within hearing of the songs of the Prothonotary Warbler. It seems rather unusual that a bird whose chosen breeding grounds are in the high mountains and Canada should nest in our hot pine woods in a wholly different life zone. In the mountains it appears to be quite a common and universally distributed bird, having been found in Macon, Cherokee, Buncombe, Watauga, Avery, Cald- well, Haywood, Transylvania, and Mitchell counties. It arrives in the State late in March, and departs in October or early November. In the mountains it breeds chiefly in deciduous trees, Cairns having found a nest in a chestnut tree on Cragey Mountain in Buncombe County, May 27, 1887. Sherman and C.S. Brimley saw a pair building a nest in a small sourwood at Lake Toxaway, May 8, 1908, and Bruner discovered a nest in a chestnut tree at Blowing Rock a few years ago. Cairns also took a second nest, this time in an oak, on May 4, 1888. Outside of the mountains this form has been recorded at Statesville (McLaughlin), and Morganton (Wayne), while birds that are at least as near this form as the preceding, breed at Raleigh. As to its time of nesting in the central portion of the State, we took a nest contain- ing four fresh eggs at Raleigh on April 27, 1891, and McLaughlin found one at Statesville on June 11, and another June 15, 1888. The nests are more substantially built than those of other vireos, and are composed of coarse grass stems and strips of bark lined with fine grass and ornamented outside with sheep’s wool, pellets of spider’s web, and sometimes with lichens. In the mountain region it seems to range mainly from 3,000 feet upward, which does not well conform with its breeding in the low pine country of the central district. The song is loud and musical, very similar to that of the Yellow-throated Vireo, but more shrill, and is not distinguishable from that of the Blue-headed Vireo. 272 Birps or Norra Carorina Genus Vireo (Vieill.) 271. Vireo griseus griseus (Bodd.). Wurrb-kYED VIREO. Description: Ads.—Upperparts, including upper tail-coverts, bright olive-green, more or less washed with grayish; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with yellowish white, forming two distinct wing-bars; outer web of tertials edged with whitish; lores and eye-ring yellow; throat white or whitish; belly white; breast and sides washed with greenish yellow; iris white, hazel in the young. Pa 5.27; W., 2.37; T., 1.95; B. from N., .29. (Chi ip., Birds of E. N. A.) Range. —United States, east of Rocky Mountains; wintering in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—W hole State in summer, breeding throughout its range. Fig. 219. WHITE-EYED VIREO. The White-eyed Vireo is a common bird throughout North Carolina in the breeding season, arriving near the end of March or during the first week in April, except in the mountains, where it appears a week or two later. The latest date recorded in the fall is October 16 at Raleigh. Unlike our other vireos, this is a bird of the thickets rather than the woods. The nest is of the regular vireo type, and is usually found suspended from the fork of an alder, swamp dogwood, or other lowland bush, at a height of three to eight feet from the ground. The outside of the nest is usually ornamented with green moss. The spots on the eggs are more or less evenly distributed over the entire surface. Size .75 x .55. At Raleigh, eggs have been taken from late April until late June. The White-eyed Vireo is a fussy, inquisitive little bird, very much given to scold- ing any intruder upon its privacy. The song is a very distinctive feature of the lowgrounds, but it cannot be called particularly melodious. Many years ago the boys around Raleigh used to say that in singing it said, ‘“ Fishing-in-the-creek ; put-your-cork-a-little-deeper.”’ 51. FAMILY MNIOTILTIDZ.. WOOD WARBLERS This is the most characteristic North American family of birds, none of the species being found outside of the Western Hemisphere. Most of them are con- fined to the eastern portion of the North American continent during the breeding season. While a few species pass the winter in the United States, as a whole they are highly migratory, and journey in autumn to the West Indies or South and Central America. They are all small birds, the Yellow-breasted Chat being the only one which could be-called of medium size, and the majority of them are only about five inches jn length. Descriptive List 273 The name ‘‘ Warbler’? comes from their general resemblance to the warblers of Europe, whose places they take in this country, and not from any especial musical ability of their own. Although many of them sing pleasingly, the songs as a rule are little more than simple trills. The males of many species are brightly colored and beautifully marked. The sexes are often quite unlike in coloration, and the variations due to age and season are also striking. The technical points which distinguish them are the possession of nine developed primaries; a slender bill not decidedly hooked at tip; inner secondaries not length- ened; hind toe not long nor straight. The genera are numerous, and all those found in North America are represented in North Carolina. KEY TO GENERA . Bill depressed, broader than deep at base, notched and slightly hooked, with strong rictal bristles. Length 5.50 or less. See 2. . Bill not depressed or hooked. Rictal bristles, if present, short. See 3. . Tail blotched with yellow or orange red. Selophaga. - Tail blotched with white or not at all. Wialsonia. Bill stout, much compressed; length 7 or more. Icteria. Bill rather slender, little compressed; length less than 6.50. See 4. Hind toe with claw very long, as leng as tarsus in front. Color black-and-white, striped; no yellow. Mniotilta. Hind toe with claw much shorter than naked portion of tarsus in front. See 5. . Middle toe with claw not shorter than tarsus. No wing-bars. See 6. . Middle toe with claw decidedly shorter than naked portion of tarsus in front, or else wing- bars present. See 8. . Tail-feathers blotched with white. Protonotaria. . Tail-feathers unblotched. See 7. - Bill much compressed; top of head plain brown. Helinaia. . Bill slightly compressed; top of head with two black stripes, separated by a broader one of buff. Helmitheros. . Gape without bristles; bill very acute, scarcely notched. Tail-feathers plain or blotched with white. Vermivora. . Gape with bristles. See 9. . Tail blotched with white or with the inner webs bright yellow. See 10. . Tail without white or bright yellow. See 11. 10. Hind toe evidently longer than its claw; bill acute, not notched. Compsothlypis. 10. Hind toe scarcely longer than its claw; bill mostly not very acute, and with a slight notch near tip. Dendroica. 11. Lower parts much streaked. Seiurus. 11. Lower parts not streaked. See 12. 12. Tail not shorter than wings, its feathers not half hidden by the coverts. Geothlypis. 12. Tail shorter than wing, its feathers half hidden by the coverts; at least posterior underparts bright yellow. Oporornis. Genus Mniotilta (Vieill.) 272. Mniotilta yaria (Linn.). Buack-anp-WuHITE WARBLER. Description —Black and white, streaked everywhere. Wing-bars and spots on inner web of two outer tail-feathers, white. Female is duller and more grayish with less black streaking below. Extreme measurements of 95 Raleigh specimens: L., 4.85—5.46; W., 2.46—2.90; T., 1.75-2.15. Range.—Eastern North America in summer, wintering in the Gulf States and southward. Range in North Carolina.—Whole State in summer, breeding everywhere. Ao Pwwmwwe STNIOO ooo Oo The Black-and-White Warbler, sometimes called the Black-and-White Creeper on account of its movements, is a common summer visitor in all portions of our State, arriving about the end of March and leaving in October. Its favorite haunts are mixed woods, particularly where there are sloping hillsides, in which 18 274 Birps or Norru Caroiina situations it builds its nest, often at the foot of some small tree, or by the side of alog. It is constructed of leaves and grasses, and given a lining of finer materials. The eggs are four or five in number and are deposited in April or May. They are white, speckled with hazel or cinnamon rufous, and often also with lilac or lavender gray. Size .70 x .52. Fig. 220. BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER. The only nest C. S. Brimley ever found at Raleigh was on a sloping hillside, and was tucked in ee the pine straw at the base of two small pines standing close together. The same observer also found a nest at Andrews, which was on almost level ground at the end of a prostrate log. Pearson discovered a nest under an exposed root on a wooded hillside, in May, 1896, at Guilford College. It contained three newly hatched young. In habits this species resembles a nuthatch rather more than a warbler, as it keeps continually running up and down the trunks or along the limbs of trees in a manner not unlike that of the White-breasted Nuthatch. r, Genus Protonotaria (Baird) 273. Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.). PrornHonorary WARBLER. Descripltion.—Head, neck, and underparts, except. lower tail-coverts, rich orange yellow, lighter on the belly; back olive-green; wings and tail bluish gray; lower tail-coverts white. Female similar, but with the top of head olive-green instead oF yellow. Extreme measurements of 17 specimens from Wake, Bertie, and Craven counties: L., 75; W., 2.60-3.00; T., 1.65-2.00. Range.—Mississippi Valley and southeastern States, r: ear eae in the east to southern Virginia. Winters in the West Indies, Central and South America. Range in North Carolina. ‘Lower Austral region of State, from Raleigh eastward, in summer. bo =I or Descrietive List The Prothonotary Warbler is a common summer bird in our eastern swamps, arriving from the south about the middle of April and remaining as late as early September. It nests in holes in trees or stumps. The nest lining consists of fine grass, moss, and other materials, forming a compact mass on which five or six eggs are laid. These are white with spots and blotches of lavender, reddish brown, purple, and black, the markings in some cases being so extensive as almost to hide the ground-color, and again merely forming bold but scattered markings. Size .70 x .52. (For further information as to its nesting habits, see Barnes in The Ornithologist and Odélogist, March, 1889.) In this State we have but few records of nests having been found. One was found by Pearson on May 12, 1898, near Cape Hatteras. It contained four slightly incu- bated eggs, and was in a natural cavity of a living holly tree, twelve feet from the ground. Another, containing young, was discovered by Philipp and Bowdish on Great Lake, in June, 1909. This strikingly beautiful Warbler is essentially a lover of water, being abundant in cypress swamps and along sluggish streams. The localities from which it has been recorded in the State are Bertie County; Raleigh and Wakefield in Wake County; White Lake in Bladen County; the Craven County lakes; Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County; Cape Hatteras, Dare County; Beaufort, Carteret County; Gatesville, Gates County; Orton, Brunswick County; and Jacksonville, Onslow County. a 74, Helinaia swainsoni (Auwd.). Swatnson’s WARBLER. Genus Helinaia (Aud.) Description: Ads.—Crown cinnamon-brown; a whitish line over the eye; back, rump. wings, and tail olive-grayish brown without white; underparts soiled, yellowish white, grayer on the sides. L., 5.00; W., 2.75; T., 1.90; B. from N., .46. (Chap., Birds of H. N. A.) Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States, wintering in the West Indies. Range in North Carolina.—Swamps of the coastal region. Fig. 221. Swarnson’s WARBLER. This is a plain-colored warbler, inhabiting the canebrakes and swamps of the Lower Austral Zone in the United States, and in this State has been recorded from Craven County, where a single specimen was taken on April 13, 1885, by 276 Birps or Norru Carorina H. H. Brimley. In the same county individuals were heard singing in the woods between Little Lake and Lake Ellis in May, 1907 and 1908, by C. 8. Brimley. Bowdish and Philipp in June, 1909, discovered one feeding young in the woods near Great Lake, Craven County. J. E. Gould, of Berkeley, Virginia, writes us that he found a nest containing four slightly incubated eggs near Edenton, N. C., on May 10, 1906. He also saw birds in the same region in 1907. The nest is large, loose, and bulky, and is placed in a low bush or bunch of vanes, usually but a few feet from the ground. The eggs are pure white, unmarked. Size .75 x .57. This bird is shy, preferring swamps or damp woods, where it may be heard utter- ing a loud song, resembling somewhat that of the Louisiana Water-Thrush. Genus Helmitheros (Raf.) i 275. Helmitheros vermivorus ((Gmel.). WorM-EATING WARBLER. Description: Ads.—A black line from the eye to the nape, and two on the crown from either nostril; an olive-buffy line over each eye, and a third through the center of the crown; back, wings, and tail olive-green without white; underparts whitish cream-buff, whiter on the throat and belly. L., 5.51; W., 2.78; T., 2.05; B. from N., .39. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States, wintering in West Indies and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Apparently the whole State in summer, but not common. Fic. 222. WoRM-EATING WARBLER. This neat, plain species arrives in our State the middle or latter part of April, and has been recorded in late September. While chiefly a migrant, it has been noted occasionally in summer. In Bertie County it has been found breeding on one occasion. In the mountains it seems to be more common in summer. Cairns reported it as a rare breeder in Buncombe County. Bruner says it was common in June, 1909, in Alexander County. It has also been reported as a migrant in Cherokee and Orange counties, and as occasional in summer and frequently not uncommon during the migrations in Wake County. The nest is built on the ground, usually on a sloping hillside in mixed woods, and is composed of dry leaves lined with finer material. The eggs are four in num- ber, white in color, heavily speckled with chestnut, chiefly near the larger end. Size .65 x .52. Like the Black and White Warbler, it is often seen running about on the trunks and limbs of trees. C.S. Brimley speaks of having seen it frequently picking some- thing, presumably insects, from bunches of dead leaves hanging from the branches. bo =I =I Descriptive List Genus Vermivora (Ridgw.) KEY TO SPECIES 1. Tail-feathers with distinct white blotches. See 2. 1. None of the tail-feathers blotched with white. See 6. 2. Wings plain olive-green. Bachman’s Warbler. 2. Wings with greater and middle coverts tipped more or less broadly with white or yellow. See 3. 3. Throat and ear-coverts black in male, dusky in female. 3. Throat pure yellow or white in both sexes. 4. Cheeks and lower parts white. Golden-winged Warbler. 5. Lower parts pure yellow. Blue-winged Warbler. 6. Wing an inch longer than the short tail. Tennessee Warbler. 6. Wing only half an inch longer than tail. See 7. 7. Head olive-green above, no orbital ring. Orange-crowned Warbler. 7. Head ashy above, a pale orbital ring. Nashville Warbler. 276. Vermivora bachmani (Aud.). BacHMAN’s WARBLER. Description —Uniform olive-green above, forehead and underparts yellow. Male with a black band across front of crown, and a large black patch on throat and breast, surrounded by yellow. Female similar, but with no black on crown, and with that of breast replaced by dusky olive. Measurements of 2 Raleigh specimens: L., 4.85-4.83; W., 2.45; T., 1.83, the last two measurements being the same in each bird. Range.—South Atlantic States and Mississippi Valley, north to Missouri and Virginia. Range in North Carolina.—So far, known only from Raleigh. Fic. 223. BAcHMAN’S WARBLER. Only two specimens of this rare species have been found in North Carolina. These were two full-plumaged males taken by C. 8. Brimley at Raleigh, one on April 27, the other May 22, 1891, both being in song at the time. The first nest of this species ever discovered was taken by Otto Widmann (see Auk, July, 1897) in Dunklin County, Missouri, on May 17, 1897. It was in a Swamp, and was situated two feet from the ground in a blackberry vine. It was composed of leaves and grass blades, lined with a peculiar black rootlet, and con- tained three white, unmarked eggs, two of which measured .63 and .64 in length by .48 and .49 in width. The Bachman’s Warbler has since been found breeding near Charleston, 8. C., by Wayne, and the bird doubtless breeds more or less com- monly all through the Lower Austral Zone in the southeatern States. It is a low- ground loving species, and should be looked for in the swamps of our eastern sec- tion. 278 Brrps or Norru Carorma 277. Vermivora pinus (Linn.). Buur-wincep WARBLER. Description: Ad. male-——Crown and entire underparts bright yellow, a black line through the eye; back and rump bright olive-green; wings and tail bluish gray; greater and middle wing- coverts tipped with white or yellowish white; outer three tail-feathers with large white patches on their inner webs, fourth feather with a much smaller patch. Ad. female.—Similar, but yellow on the head confined to the forehead; underparts duller. L., 4.80; W., 2.40; T., 1.80; B. from N., .33. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) Range.—Eastern United States in summer, but mainly west of the Alleghanies, except north of latitude 40°. Winters in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—So far, only known as a rare transient at Raleigh and a rare summer visitor in Buncombe County. Fig. 224, BLUK-WINGED WARBLER. The Blue-winged Warbler appears to be partial to upland woods, in or near which it builds its nest on the ground or only a few inches above it. The eggs are four or five in number, and are white in ground-color, speckled faintly and spar- ingly with brown. Size .65 x .51. We have very few records of this species in the State, and outside of Raleigh it has been recorded only from Buncombe County, where Cairns called it an un- common summer visitor, adding that it bred in that region; Pearson found two males at Montreat, Buncombe County, in July, 1903. At Raleigh it has been taken on May 6, 1907, and April 30, 1915, in spring, and on various dates from August 20 to September 4 in the fall, having been taken by H. H. and C. 8. Brimley and Bruner. Only two of the specimens secured were females, and these had the wing- bars tinged with yellow, and not pure white. All the Raleigh specimens were found in woods of mixed pine and oak. vf 278. Vermivora chrysoptera (Linn.). GoLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. Description.—Ashy gray above; forehead, crown, and wing-patch bright yellow; throat and loral stripe and ear-coverts, black in adult males, deep gray or dusky olive in females. Cheeks, above and below the black, and lower parts, white. L., 5.10; W., 2.45; T., 1.95. Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from North Carolina (in the mountains) north- ward. Wintering in West Indies, Mexico, ete. Range in North Carolina.—So far, known as a transient at Raleigh and a summer visitor in the mountains. The Golden-winged Warbler, easily known from our other species by the black throat, ashy upperparts, and yellow wing-patch, has been taken at Raleigh only on May 7 in 1889, the same date, 1891, and on August 26, 1886, and August 30, 1893. In the mountains, however, it appears to be more common, arriving apparently Descriptive Lisr 279 late in April, as a rule, though we have it recorded one year from Weaverville as early as April 9. It has also been reported from Jackson and Macon counties, by Brewster, as being common in 1885 at from 2,000 to 4,000 feet elevation, and from Andrews, in Cherokee County, by Mrs. Wilson. Cairns states that in Buncombe County it is found in summer from 3,500 feet elevation upward, and that it breeds in June. The nest is built on the ground under a small bush or tussock. The eggs are usually four, pure white, sparsely speckled with brown. Besides the above records, Sherman saw a single male at Blantyre, Transylvania County, early in May, 1908, and another, near Highlands, a few days later. A single specimen of the so-called Brewster’s Warbler, Vermivora leucobronchialis (Brewst.), was taken at Raleigh by H. H. Brimley on September 6, 1888, and was identified by Brewster. The color was a mixed greenish and bluish above, the rump, however, being without any bluish tint; the loral strip was black, and there were black traces on the auriculars; underparts mostly white except the forepart of the breast, which was mostly yellow; throat and neck below white, chin yellow. Crown, forehead, and wing-bars bright yellow. This form, which is not infrequently found in the Connecticut Valley in summer, and less often in other portions of the Eastern States, is now considered by many ornithologists to be a hybrid between the Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers, or possibly a color-phase of the Blue-winged Warbler. Besides this form, which may be considered as a Golden-winged Warbler that has lost its black throat and ear-patches and acquired a little more yellow in its plumage, or as a Blue-winged Warbler with the olive-green of the upperparts turned to ashy and the yellow of the underparts turned to white, another extraordinary variety is also considered to be a hybrid between the same two species. This is Lawrence’s Warbler, Vermivora lawrencei (Herrick), which is colored like a Blue-winged Warbler above and below, but possesses a black throat and ear-patch like the Golden- winged Warbler, and the wing-bars are said to be usually white. It is a very much rarer bird than the Brewster’s Warbler, and much more constant in its characters. It has not, to our knowledge, been observed in North Carolina. 279. Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla (Wils.). NasHvittbe WARBLER. Description.—Olive-green, ashy on head and neck, the color contrasting with that of back; crown-patch bright chestnut, more or less concealed; underparts bright yellow. Lores and orbital ring pale. Female duller, with crown-patch obscure. L., 4.77; W., 2.35; T., 1.82. _ Range.—Eastern North America, breeding in northern United States and northward, wintering in Mexico and Central America. Range in North Carolina.—Recorded by Cairns as a rare transient in Buncombe County. 280 Birps or Norru Caroiimva So far, the only authority on which this bird can be included in our list is Cairns, who stated that the species was a rare transient in Buncombe County (see Smith- wick’s Catalogue of Birds of North Carolina, page 217). “Wilson, the discoverer of this species, found only the three specimens, taken near Nashville, Tennessee, on which his description was based; and in the early part of the last century it was considered a rare bird. Brewster, quoting Samuel Cabot, says that soon after 1836 ‘a few birds began to appear every season. They increased in numbers, gradually but steadily, until they had become so common that in 1842 he obtained ten specimens in the course of a angle morning.’ “Recounting his own experience in the Cambridge region, Brewster adds: ‘In 1868, and for some fifteen years later, I found Nashville Warblers breeding rather numerously in Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, and Belmont, usually in dry and somewhat barren tracts sparsely covered with gray birches, oaks, or red cedars, or with scattered pitch-pines. A few birds continued to occupy certain of these stations, but in all of the towns just mentioned the Nashville Warbler is less common and decidedly less generally distributed in summer now than it was twenty-five or thirty years ago.’ “Gerald Thayer writes: ‘Birch Warbler’ would be a good name for this bird, as it appears in the Monadnock region, where it breeds abundantly. For here it is nowhere so common as in abandoned fields and mountain pastures half smothered by small gray birches. From the airy upper story of these low and often dense birch copses the Nashvilles sing; and among the club- mosses and ferns, and the hardhacks and other sreubby bushes at their bases and around their borders the Nashvilles build their nests. But such is merely their most characteristic home. They are so common and widespread that it is hard to get out of earshot of their song during the Meatae season. Dark spruce woods they do not favor, nor big, mixed Virgin timber; but even in these places one is likely to find them wherever there is a little ‘oasis’ of sunlight and smaller deciduous growth. They are fairly common among the scanty spruces, mountain ashes, and white birches of the rocky upper ridge of Mount Monadnock, almost to the top—3,169 feet. “