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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film<^ d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 THE WATER BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. VOL. II. ■.\^ K- 9 ^ /--'; ■^3 / ^mm% of tjjc ^mmm of Comparattfat 2odloflg AT IIAKVARD COLLEGE. Vol. XIII. THE WATER BIRDS OP NORTH AMERICA. BY S. F. BAIRD, T. M. BREWER, AND R. RIDGWAY. ISSUED IN CONTIKOATION OF TUB PUBLICATIONS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CALIFORNIA. J. D. WHITNEY, State Geologist. Volume II. BOSTON: LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. 1884. 2 03 3?? ■^ 4 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, By J. D. Whitney, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. CONTENTS, '^ Order ANSEUES (contimied frovi Volume I.) l_jor Sub-Family Axatin.e. The Ducks I_j25 Order STEGANOPODES loG-ioo Family Fkeoatid^. The Frigate Pelicans 12G-l')1 Family Pelecanid^. The Pelicans 13'M4" Family PnALACRocoBAciD.u. The Cormorants 144-160 Family Plotid^. The Anhingas lGG-170 Family Sulidje. The Gaiinets 170-184 Family PHAET1IONTID.E. The Tropic Birds 185-190 Order LONGIPENNES 191-343 Family Rhyxciiopidje. The Skimmers 191-196 Family Larid^. The Gulls and Terns 196-327 Family Stehcokakiid^. The Skuas and Jaegers .... 328-343 Order TUBINARES ... o.. ..^ „ ., ,, 344-419 ^ Family DioMEDEiD^:. The Albatrosses . . q.- q/m J'amily PiiocELLAuiiD^. The Petrels 36'>-419 Sub-Family Pro(;ellariin.e • • . . . 363-41 *> Sub-Family OcEAxiTiXyE 41'>-410 Order PYGOPODES 420-534 F'amily PoDiciWD^. The Grebes . . loiV.. „ ., ^^ 421-444 Family Urixatorid^e. The Loons . . a,, a^-, -,,.,. 444-401 Family ALC1D.E. The Auks . . -^. ^o. 461-534 I' i' p .ill Qiu Chai ■horter jKuininn This ichia; M^ionol either , VOL. THE WATER BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. Order ANSERES. THE LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS. {Continued.) Genus NETTION, Kaup. Nettion, Kaup, Entwick. 1829, 95, 196 (tyiio. Anas erccca, Linn.). QucrqiKdiila, Uonap. Conip. List, 18^8, ct Aucr. var. (not of Stephens, 1824, and subsequent luithors). Char. Bill shorter than the head, narrow, depressed (except at base), the edges parallel ; tarsus ■horter than the bill or middle toe ; najie with a small niaue-like tuft ; rectrices more or less Acuminate, the middle pair longest. This genus is very readily distinguished from Qncrqucdiih by the very different form of the bill, -^l^^^m^^^^^ts^^—^- iV. carolinensia. idiich is more like that of Dafila, but much smaller, being much more depressed terminally, and pro- -artionaUy deeper through the bose than in Querquedula ; while the lower edge or maxillarjr tomium ieither gently convex throughout (as in the southern species), or straight ante.riorlv and decid- I VOL. ir. — 1 ' •~-^^ 2 LAMKLLIROSTUAL SWIMMKIIS — ANSKUES. edly convex jpostericiily (iis in (lie nnrtlieni I'ornis) ; the lana'lliu lieinj,' fluis completely liidileii. In Qwrqufthda, on tlie other Imiul, tiie teriniiiiil portion of the tuniinni is Htr')ii;,'ly convex, and the jiosterior hall' <'Ut away, as it were, so as to I'lilly ex]iose tlu^ lamella'. 1 hro\!^ii the I'uvms ocenrrinj,' in the southern hemisphere,* this genus leails directly tu J'axiloiutttt, which in turn is intermedialu hetween Ndtion and Diijila. The two species of Xittimi o('ciirrini,'in the northern liemisphere are much alike, the males beiii},' very handsome in ]>lninft;,'e ; they may lie distinj,'uislied as follows : — Com. Char. Aihilt males : Head and upper half of the neck chestnut-rufous, marked with a larjjc patch of nietuUic yreen on each side the head, liehind the eye ; chin and upper ])art of throat JV. crecca. dull lilack ; nuchal tuft lilue-ldack ; lower pait of the neck, upper part of the Imck, scapulars, and lateral parts of tlie body lieneath, lieautifully undulated with black and white ; outer scajudars marked with black and white ; Rpec\iluni brijjht metallic green, the lower feathers black, ti]i]ied with white; crissum black centrally, creamy buff laterally. Adult femrdcs ; Wing, only, as in the males ; elsewhere varied with dusky and brownish white, the former prevailing above, the latter beneath ; the abdomen nearly or quite immaculate. 1. N. carolinensiB. A broad white bar across .side of breast, before the wing ; inner webs of outer scapulars vermiculated with dusky and brownisli white, the outer webs marked with a longiluilinal lanceolate spot of black, bordered internally with a white line. Jfah. North America generally. 2. N. crecca. No white bar on side of breast ; inner web of outer scapulars wholly, and outer web jiartly, white ; exposed surface of outer webs almo.st entirely black ; undula- tions of sides, etc., much coarser than in X. carolinensis. Hub. Palu;arctic Region, occa- sional in Eastern North America. Nettion carolinensis. THE AMEBICAN OBEEN-WINGEO TEAL. Anas crecca, var. Forst. Pliilos. Trans. LXII. 1772, 383, 419. Alias (liosclms) crccen, var. Sw. & liicn. F. B. A. II. 1831, 443. — NuTT. Man. II. 1834, 400. Amscncca, " Linn." Wils. Am. Om. VIII. 1814, 101, pi. 60, fig. 1 (not of LIiNN.). — Aui), Orn. niog. III. 1835, 218 ; V. 1839, 61fi, pi. 228. Anas caroUmnsis, G.mel. S. N. I. ii. 1788, .533. — Aun. Synop. 1839, 281 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 281, pi. 392. \ ' Among those may be mentioned, as very close to true Nctlion, but approaching Pacilmietta in the form of the bill and the greater elongation and ncumination of the scapulars, tertials, and rectriccs, Anas flavirostris, VlF.ll.l,., of South America, and " Qnrrqucdula " F.atxmi, SuAnrK, of Kcrguelen Island. ANATINiE - THE DUCKS — NETTION. 3 Qucrqucdiila carolineiisii, i^TWiiV.SH, Slmw's fJ.-ii. ZmA. XII. ii. 1S'2J, 128. — CoUKs, Key, 1872, 287 , C'licck List, 1873, no. 4i»,") ; 2(1 fil. 18,^2, iiti. 715 i It. N. \V. 1871, M;'). Kdlioncaivlinaifiis, IJ.viiin, H. N. Am. 18r.8, 777; Cat. N. Am. 15. ISOU, no. 57i>. — UH'OW. Ham ^ N. Am. U. 1881, no. 012. ;^ Anasamcricuiw, Vikii.i.. Eno. Meth. 1823, 155. I'l^'ii'K ' *' Amss}jlvaHca,\\v.\U..'\" Haii. North America in (jeiiLTul, brccMliiig chiefly north of the United States, migrating south ;w Car as IIi)n(Iuni.s anil Ciilui. (Jrcenhuul. Adult male; Iluad and neok rii:Ii Lhestniit-rui'oii^ inchisin;.', a broad patch of soft dark metallic j^reen on each side of the occiimt, Iroiii tlie eye (wiiicli it surrounds) down the sides of the nuiie, where the two areas of the oinmsite sides touch a sliort nuchal crest of hluish-hlack. The green patch bordered anteriorly and beneath by a yellowish white line, and a less distinct line of the webs of •d with Jliih. same bordering the base of the upper mandible, extending thence back to, and indistinctly follow- ing, for a short distance, the upper anterior portion of the green ])atch. Chin and upper part of the throat dull black. Front of the jugulum deep pinkish cream-color, with roundish and transversely ovate sjM)ts of black. Collar round the lower neck, sides of the jugulum, sides, and Hanks, very delicately and beautifully undulated with black upon a white ground ; outer scai)ulars similarly waved. Sides of the bieast with a large transverse bar of plain white. Crissum rich deep cream- color, bounded anteriorly, and divided medially, with velvety black ; ])ost-femoral region wavt^d like the flanks ; rest of lower parts plain white, sometimes tinged with cream-color. Bitck, .scapu- lars, rump, wing-coverts, primaries, and tail, plain cinereous. Outer row of .scapulars with their outer webs about half velvety black bordered interiorly with a white line. Last row of coverts broadly tipped with deep ochraceous ; speculum opacpie black, na'Towly tipped with white, the four or five upper feathers with their outer webs richly brilliant soft metallic green, varying from golden to violaceous, according to the light. Bill black ; iris brown ; feet light fleshy (horn-color when dried). Adult female : Wing as in the male, but duller. Above, cinereous-dusky, variegated with edgings and transverse bars of ochraceous-white. Ground-color of the head, neck, and lower parts, dingy whitish, more or less tinged with ochraceous ; head and neck speckled with dusky, the spots enlarged and aggregated on the pileum, so as to form the prevailing color, and also along 4 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSEIIES. the upper bowler of the ear-coverts, prtKluciiif; a stripe from the eye back. Jugulum, sides, and Hanks nioiv heavily spotted witli dusky. AUlonieu sometimes plain, but usually speckled. Bill brownish ; iris brown ; ieet pale brown (fleshy in life). Young vuilu : Similar to the adult female, but entire abdomen and sides immaculate white. Ihwny younij : Above, yrayish brown, witli a light f,'rayish-buff spot on each side the back, and a similar pair on the rump ; wings crossed near the end by a light grayish-buff bar. Head, neck, and lower parts light dull buff ; crown and occiput covered by an elongated patch of grayish brown (darker than the back), this scarcely reaching tiie forehead, but continued down the nape to the brown of the back ; a dusky streak behind the eye, not reaching to the occiput ; below the posterior end of this, an oblong spot of grayish brown. Total length, about 14 inches ; extent 20.00 to 24.50 ; wing, 6.25-7.40 ; culraen, 1.40-1.60 ; tai-sus, 1.25 ; middle toe, 1.30-1.35. Many specimens, both males and females, have the lower parts tinged with ferruginous-orange, like the stain on the head of the Swans and White Geese. Sometimes this tinge pervades the whole imder surface, and is occasionally so deep as to give the lower parts a uniform ferruginous aspect- Adult females usually have the abdomen and sides thickly spotted or flecked with brown, being thereby readily distinguished from the young males, which have the whole aMomen, etc., immac- ulate white. The common Green-winged Teal, so closely allied with the Teal of Europe, has an extended distribution throughout North America. During the summer it is found in the extreme northern portions from Greenland to Alaska, and in the winter it extends its migrations to Mexico, Central America, and the West India Islands. Mr. Leyland met with individuals of this sjiecies on the Ulua Kiver in Honduras. Mr. Dresser found it in Southern Texas, but it was not very common. In Western Mexico, according to the observations of Colonel Grayson, it is abundant from No- vember to March. It Avas seen in flocks, although rarely, by Dr. Kennerly, in Chihuahua. It breeds at least as far .south as latitude 42° N., as its nest has been taken in Southern Wisconsin, and it is said to breed in Western Iowa, and thence northward, in favorable situations, throughout the continent, as far north as the Arctic Ocean. Captain Bendire found this species a common summer resident in Eastern Oregon, where also it breeds, seeming to be more i)artial to the umaller mountain streams than to the large bodies of water in the valleys — at least during the seasons of reproduction. ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — NETTION. 5 In the Aleutian Islands Mr. Dall states that he found it to be abundant in the winter, and to breed occasionally in Unalashka. Tlie greater number of individuals migrate northward about th(i 1st of May. Mr. Bannister found this bird very common at St. Michael's and at Nulato, as well as on the Yukon Kiver generally. Accord- ing to Mr. Uall, it is one of the earliest comers to that region, and one of the lirst to lay. He obtained its eggs from a nest of dry grass in a sedge tussock about ]\liiy L'O. Except while migrating this bird appeared to be solitary in its habits. Mi: ] )all regards it as far superior to any other Duck for the table. It was obtained from tSitka and Kadiak by Mr. liischoif, and is nowhere rare in any part of the Yukon IJegion. llichardson speaks of it as being abundant even as far north as the extremity of tlie contin(>nt, both in the wooded and in tlie l)arren districts. Ca^jtain Blakiston obtained it on the Saskatchewan, as well as Hudson's liay ; and it was found by Mr. Bernard Boss eonnuon on tlie Mackenzie, to the Arctic Circle. Hearne states that it is found at Hudson's Bay in considerable numbers near the sea-coast, and is still more phni- tiful in the ir cerior parts of that region, flying iu such large flocks that he has often killed from twelve to fourteen of these birds at a single shot, and has seen both Indians and English kill a nmch larger number of them. At their flrst arrival they are usually (juite poor, although even then they are generally esteemed good eating. He adds that this species is far more prolific than any of the Ducks resorting to Hudson's Bay, and that he has seen the old ones swimming at the head of seventeen young when the latter Avere not nuich larger than walnuts. This Duck remains in that region as long as the season will permit, and some were killed by Hearne, iu 1775, on the way from Cumberland House to York Fort, in the rivers he and his party passed through, as late as the 20th of October. At that time the birds were a perfect mass of fat, and their deli(!ate white flesli was regarded as a great luxuiy. The Green-winged Teal is found m even greater abundance on the I'aciHe than on the Atlantic coast. Mr. K. Browne gives it as one of the common birds of Vancouver Island. Mr. E. Adams ("Ibis," 1878) mentions that this species was present, but not numerous, about St. MIcIku'I's. A few pairs were generally to be found near the most grassy of the lakes, where tliey were continually playing about, duciking their lieads, and cateliing insects from the surface of the water. They were lat.; in arriving, none coming before the L'Oth of May, but remained to breed. Their name in the Eski dialeirt is TliHi-a-xn-mcdlc. According to Dr. Cooper, during the wet season it migrates throughout the entire State of California, appearing on every little pool and stream in large flocks, especially toward the north. It remains througliout the winter as far north as Tugct Sound, and also occurs all the way from there to i\Iexico. It is mucli less timid than the larger s])ecies, and, congregating closely together, often furnishes to the sportsman a tine supply of game, while its flesh is as good as that of most other kinds, and is, indeed, by some ju'eferred to all others. According to Dr. Newberry this Duck breeds in the mountains of Oregon, although lie did not succeed in finding its nest. Mr. J. A. Allen met with it near Fort Hays, in Western Kansas, in May. He after- ward noticed it in great numbers in tlie valley of Salt Lake. Dr. C()oi)er also found it common in St. Clary's Valley, Montana, in August. It probably breeds among the neigliboring mountains. In its migrations, both in the fall and spring, it is abundant throughout New England. In the fall it is common on the coast, and on the inland waters late in October. In open Avinters a few of these birds remain nearly througliout the season. 6 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. In Lon„' Island, according to Giraud, many postpone their departure until quite late in the winter. Associated usually in flocks, they frequent the streams and ponds, where they feed on insects and tender i)lants. In the earlier parts of the season they sometimes visit the ponds on the beach, although they more generally confine them- selves to creeks and riill-ponds. At the South — where during the winter they are very abundant — they resort to the rice-fields in company with the Mallard. Their flesh is very highly esteemed, being tender and juicy, and always commands a high price in the markets of large cities. This Duck is an occasional autumnal visitant in Bermuda, where, however, it is much more common in some years than in others. It is also spoken of by Dr. Bryant as being common in the Bahamas. It feeds much at night, as indeed most of the fresh-water Ducks do when they cannot witli safety seek their food along the shores by day. They live on plants, seeds, and insects. In autumn the males usually keep in separate fiocks from the females and young. Their notes are rather faint and piping, and their wings make a loud whistling during flight. Mr. MacFarlane found this sjiecies breeding near Fort Anderson. The nest was composed of feathers and down, and placed in a depression on a dry piece of ground. Mr. Robert Kennicott, in his notes on this species, states that it is very rare on the Upper Yukon lliver, although he found it abundant in Oregon and in Washington Territory, and throughout British America as far north as latitude 70° ; but he did not see it anywhere in the Mackenzie Region in any considerable abundance. As it is more commoi in the Atlantic States than in the valley of the Mississippi, the main body breed more toward the northeast, and breed beyond the limits of the United States in the region of Hudson's Bay. Though arriving in this country among the earliest of the migrating Ducks, this species is quite late in leiiving the Yukon and the Mackenzie. Mr. Kennicott saw it October 2 at Fort Liard. The nests fouiul by hini were in nearly open ground, among moss, and generally far from w ater. In one instance he saw the nest of this Duck at the foot of a small spruce in a mossy, half-barren, small dry plain, and at least forty rods from water. This nest was a simple deju'ession in the moss, but thickly lined with down, and well protected by the overhanging branches of the spruce. The female fluttered slowly off along the ground at his approach, and the nest was found to contain eight eggs. According to Mr. Dall nests of this species frequently have from sixteen to eighteen eggs. Audubon says that tlu', food of the Green-winged Teal consists principally of the seeds of grasses — which are collected when floating, or while still adhering to their stalks — small acorns, fallen grapes or berries, as well as aquatic insects, worms, and small snails. It is much more particular in the selection of its food than are most Ducks, and its flesh is therefore delicious, and probably better than that of any other ot the Duck tribe. Audubon adds that when this bird has fed on Avild oats at Green Bay, or soaked rice in the fields of Georgia or Carolina, it is much superior to the Canvas-back in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. On land it moves with more grace and ease than any other species except the Wood Duck, and it can run with considerable speed without its feet becoming entan- gled. In the water also it moves with great ease and rapidity, and on the wing it is one of the swiftest of its tribe. It rises from the Avater with a single spring, and so swiff ■• that it can only be hit by a very expert marksman; and it also dives readily when wounded. This is a fresh-water bird, and it is very rarely met with near the sea. Its migrations are over the land, and not along the sea-shore. This Duck moves northward from Louisiana early in March, but remains nearly f s ^ ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — NETTION. 7 a month later in the Carolinas, a few lingering on tho Delaware until the first week in May. Mr. Audubon met with none of this species in Labrador. It is quite common in Southern Wisconsin, according to Mr. Kumlien, arriving there early in the spring, and a few undoubtedly remaining to breed, lie has never with certainty met with its nest, but has found oi\e which he supposed must have belonged to this species. Tlie Green-winged Teal was found in abundance about Fort K(!solution and Fort Yukon by Mr. Kennicott ; at Fort Rae by Mr. L. Clarke ; on the Yukon Itiver and in tlio Mackenzie Kiver district by Mr. J. Lockhart; on the Porcujjine Kiver by Mr. tJonos ; at La Pierre House by Mr. libbiston ; on Big Island by IVLr. lleid, etc. Eggs of this species from Fort Simpson (Smithsonian Institution, No. 5034) are of a i)ure ivory white color. Three of these measure respectively, 1.80 by 1.30 inches, 1.85 by 1.35, and 1.75 by 1.30. Nettion crecca. THE EUROFEAK GREEN WIKOED TEAL. ^inas crecca, Linn. S. N. ud. 10, I. 17.")8, 126 ; n\. 12, I. 1766, 204. Qiicrqiirdulii cncai, Sl'Kl'llENs, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII. ii. j824, 146. — Coues, Kt-y, 1872,287; t'licok List, 1873, no. 4'J4 ; v<\. 2, 1882, no. 714 ; 15. N. W. 1874, 566. Xcl/itiii civcca, Baiki), B. X. Am. 1858, 778; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 580. — Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 611. Qitcrquriliila siihcrrcca (t crcccniilcs, BiiKllM, V. I). 1831, 885, 88C. Teal, Yakk. Brit. B. cd. 2, IIL 281, fig. ; cd. 3, IIL 282, fig. IFab. Puliuiirclii'. Region ; oociisional in Ea.stcrii North America. 8i'. Char. Aihdl male: Siiuiliir to N. curdinmms, hut side of llic hrcast witliout any white bur ; the outer .scapulars with their inner webs creamy white, the forehead bordered on eacli side jv| ^y ^ pale-l)uff line ; and tho sides, back, etc., much more coarsely undulated. Adult female : Not ■^* distinguishable witli certainty from tliat of jV. Mrnlineiinvi ? Total length, about 14.(K) inches; wing, 7.00-7.30; culuien, 1.45-1.50; tarsus, 1.10-1.25; middle toe, 1.25-1.30. 8 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. illii While unquestionably distinct from N. carolinensis, the male being very easily separated, we have not been able, with our limited material, tc discover tangible dilferences between the females of the two species. The Common Teal of the Old World fauna is of irregular occurrence in Eastern North America. Several specimens have from time to time been taken in the vicin- ity of New York city, and others have been found in the New York market by Mr. J. G. Bell. It has also been taken occasionally in different parts of Greenland, accord- ing to the testimony of the elder Eeinhardt and of HolboU. It is also very common in Iceland. In the rala?arctic Region it is widely distributed, occurring, at different seasons, over nearly or quite every portion of that country. In Great Britain and in Ireland it is an early and a constavit winter visitaut, making its appearance about the end of September, and remaining until late in the spring, its numbers being recruited through tlie winter by additional arrivals from the northern parts of Europe. In the spring many remain in both islands, and breed in various places — some as far south as Suffolk in England, and others in Wales. In Northumberland, according to Mr. Selby, the indigenous broods of the Teal seldom quit the immediate neighborhood oi the place in Avhich they were bred. This bird is quite abundant in Scotland, but less so on the Orkney and Shetland Islands. It is widely and numerously dispersed all over Sweden and Norway, but is most plentiful in the northern portions during the breeding-season. It breeds in abun- dance all over Lapland and Noi'thern Russia ; and in the migrations is more or less common in all the countries of Europe, as well as of Northern Africa. It is included in the list of the birds of Asia, and is found in various parts of India, China, and Japan. According to Yarrell, the Teal bears confinement well ; and in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London, though restricted to a very small pond, with a margin of high and thick grass and some low shrubs, it has bred regularly for several seasons in succession. The eggs are white, tinged with buff, measuring 1.75 inches in length by 1.34 in breadth. The food of the Teal in its wild state consists of seeds, grasses, roots, water-plants, and various insects ; but in confinement it is best fed with grain. It breeds in the long rushy herbage about the edges of lakes, or in the boggy parts of the upland moors ; its nest, according to Selby, being formed of a lai'ge mass of decayed vegetable matter, with a lining of down and feathers, upon which eight or ten eggs usually rest — these in some instances, however, numbering as many as fifteen. In the cultivated regions of Lapland, where the Teal is very common, it breeds in all the mossy fields and bogs. Mr. Vernon Harconrt found it in Madeira ; and in the Azores Mr. Godman reports it as quite common, a few pairs breeding in the Island of Flores. It also occiurs at Teneriffo and in the Canaries. A few of this species are supposed to breed in France and in the northern portions of Greece ; and Captain Shelley is confident that this bird breeds even in Egypt and Nubia. It occurs in Siberia as far to the east as Kamtschatka. According to the observations of Mr. Dresser, the Teal is laore especially a fresh- water Duck, its presence on the salt water being something exceptional. In the day- time it frequents ponds, pools, or sheets of watei in marshy countries, where the rank growth of flags or rushes affords it a shelter, and either sits motionless on the banks, or floats on the surface of the water. Toward the close of the day it becomes rest- / % d ANATINiE — THE DUCKS — AIX. 9 less, and with the first shades of evening goes in quest of food, being essentially a night-feeding bird. In disposition it is gentle and affectionate, often evincing a fatal unwillingness to leave its wounded mate. The parent birds are always very solicit- ous about the safety of their young. Mr. St. John once overtook an old Teal with eight newly-hatched young ones crossing his path ; he got off his horse, lifted the little ones up, and carried them a short distance down the road to a ditch, the old bird constantly fluttering about him, within reach of his riding-whip. According to Naumann, the Teal visits during the day the shallow shores among the weeds, in morasses or shallow pools, the bottoms of which it can reach without diving, frequenting in preference small pools, flooded meadows, mai-shes, and marshy ponds, and the swampy green shores of small streams. Toward evening it flies rest- lessly from pool to pool, hunting after worms or grain, and feeding on barley, oats, or the seeds of several species of Panicum. This bird is particularly fond of the seeds of certain rushes and grasses, and it visits the places where these grow in abundance, remaining there all night, and fattening on this nourishing food, so that its flesh becomes very delicate. While swimming on the water it may often be seen carefully picking up small articles of food, with neck and head held down or pushed forward. It feeds on all sorts o';' small worms, larvae, water-insects, small fresh-water sheUtish, shoots of tender plants, seeds of many water-plants, and, very rarely, on spawn or tadpoles. Mr. Dresser repeatedly procured the nests of this species in Northern Finland, where he found them on the ground, among the grass and usually under some low bush, by which they were concealed, often at a considerable distance from the water. Tlie eggs — usually from eight to ten in number — are described as being oval in shape, measuring 1.77 inches in length by 1.30 in breadth, and pale yellowish-white in color. Only the females incubate ; but during the breeding-season the males are never very far distant from the sitting female. When the young are hatched, both male and female appeal' to be equally unremitting in their attention to them. Genus AIZ, Boik. Aix, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 329 (type, Anns galcrictilata, Linn.). Dendroncssa, Swains. F. B. A. II. 1831, 446 (type, Amis sponsa, Linn.). Lampronessa, Wa(;l. Isis, 1832, 282 (type, Ana^ sponsa, Linn.). Char. Bill small, much shorter than the head, all the lateral outlines }i;railually converging toward tlie enil, the nail very large, broad, and prominent, fonuiiig the tip of the bill ; lamellro completely hidden. Adult male with the head crested, the colors rich and varied, and the luark- iiiya elegant, tertials exceedingly broad, truncate. , - The tibove characters are framed so as to include the Chinese Mandarin Duck (Aix galerku- i l(ita),^ the only species closely related to our Wood Duck (A. sponsi,). This Duck is (luite similar to the American species in style of coloration and in general ap]iearance, but differs in so many points of external anatomy as to render it extremely doubtful whether the two species should bo kept together in the same genus. They differ in form as follows : — A. galerioulata. Feathering at the base of the maxilla extending farther forward on the side of the forehead than at the rictus, and forming a straight line between these two points ; ^^ depth of the bill through the base about ecjual to its width. Featliera of the sides of the > Aix oalkuiculata. The Miuulm'iii Duck. Anas galericulata, Linn. S. N. od. 10, I. 17C8, 128 • ed. 12, I. 1766, 206. Aix gaJericulafa, Boir, Isis, 1828, 320. —Gray, Hui.U. III. 1871, 80, no. 10627. VOL. II. — 2 10 LAMELLIROSTRAl, SWIMMERS — ANSERp:S. neck imieli eloiif^ated, fdi'iiiing a conspicuous ruff of soft, narrow f'witliers ; inner tcrtial with tlie shaft much bent, f,'ivinf{ to the outer wel) a falcate form, the inner well wideneil into un excessively broad, fan-like, or sail-like ornament. Tail short ; the rectrices shorter than the lower coverts, much longer than the upper. (Aix, lion:.) A. BponscL Featherin<{ at the base of the maxilla exten, 280 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 271, pi. 3itl. ,/(> .ipoii.il, Iiosteriorly) of rich dark metallic maroon-jiurjde on each side of the rump, immediately behind the flanks ; just behind this, the two or three elongated lateral upi)er tail-coveils Male. 12 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. are marked with a central stripe of deep fulvous, falling gracefully over the sides of the cri«suni. Tertials and posterior scapulars intense black, with rich velvety reflections of blue, green, and purple (chiefly the first), in certain lights ; the longest tertial tipped with a wide bar of white, the next black to the end, the tliird much shorter, much narrower tluui the rest, pointed, and of a. dull greenish-bronze color ; * middle and greater wing-coverts steel-blue, naiTowly tipped with black ; secondaries (" speculum ") purplish steel-blue, narrowly tipped with white, and with a narrow sub- terminal black bar ; primary coverts slate-color ; primaries with the exposed ends of the inner webs steel-blue, the ends of the outer webs grayish or glaucous-white, becoming slate-color basally ; lining of the wing spotted with slate-color and white. Sagittate longitudinal space on the culmen and terminal "nail" of the bill deep pnli-hed black ; an oblong space of milk-white from nostril to the "nail ;" a line or border of gamboge-yellow following tlie basal outUne of the bill; rest of bill dark purplish red, deepening into scarlet just behind the nostril. Iris bright orange-red ; eye- lids deep vermilion ; li^gs and feet dull chrome-yellow, the webs and joints dusky.* Total length, about 19.()0 inches ; extent, 29.(X) ; wing, 9.00-9.50; culmen, 1.40 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; middle toe, 1.70. Adult fenuile : Feathei's bordering the base of the bill all round, a space on side of the head surrounding the eyes and extending back in a point toward the occiput, chin, and whole throat white ; remainder of the head plumbeous-gray, the crown and slight occipital crest glossed with metallic green ; jugulum brownish, the feathers marked cen- trally with fulvous-bufl^, those toward the breast tipped with white ; remaining lower parts white, the crissuni freckled with dusky grayish, the sides and flanks raw- umber brown, spotted with brownish-white ; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts hair-brown, glossed, in certain lights, with bronze and reddish purple ; tail brightly glossed with greenish bronze ; scapulars and tertials olivaceous-umber, richly glossed with reddish purple and bronze ; wings as in the adult male, but secondaries more widely tipped with white, and the four upper greater-coverts rich metallic reddish purple, more bluish in the centre, bronzy toward the edge and base, and narrowly tipped with velvety black. Bill dark plumbeous, the nail and longitudinal space on the culmen black ; eyelids chrome-yellow ; iris raw- sienna ; legs and feet yellowish brown.^ Total length, about 17.75 inches ; extent, 28.00 ; wing, 8.50; culmen, 1.30; tarsus, 1.35; middle toe, l.()0. Downy young: Above, deep hair-brown, darker, or clove- brown, on the pileum and tail ; a dingy whitish bar along the posterior border of the arm-wing, and a roundish spot of the same on each side of the ruiup. Lores, superciliary stripe extending back nearly to the occiput, with lateral and under parts of the head generally, bright sulphury- buff', crossed by a wide stripe of blackish brown extending from the occiput forward to the eye ; remaining lower parts dingy white, the sides brownish, this crossed on the flanks by an indistinct whitish bar.* 1 There is in this species a very strange and probably altogether peculiar arrangement of tlie tertials, longer scapulars, and inner .secondaries, both as to form and colors. Tlio exposed surface of the first appears eontinuou.'iiy intense black, as described a1)ove ; but upon lifting the feathers it is seen that between each two there is a concealed one of different form and color — narrow and pointed, instead of broad and nearly truncated, and dull bronzy, instead of deep blai;k. Of these bronzy feathers, only the last (or the longest scapular) has its tip exposed ; the innermost secondary is the longest, and is entirely intense black to the tip ; the next is very much (nearly an ineli) shorter, entirely concealed, and also wholly black ; the tlurd is little, if any, shorter than the first, but is marked at the end by a broad bar of imre white ; the fourth is a little shorter, without any white at the tip, and the outer web chiefly reddish pnrple ; this, like the third, lias the outer web much widened terminally. '•' Fresh colors of a specimen killed October 19, at Mount Carmel, 111. * Fresh colors of a specimen killed Octdvci 14, at Mount Carmel, 111. * Descrik'd from No. 84725, obt^ied at Mount Carmel, 111., July 17, 1871 ; R. Ridoway, coll. Fenude. i' N 1 di 15 to i.s til f;i K )« w ANATINiE - THE DUCKS — AIX. 13 The Wood or Summer Duck is by far the most beautiful and graceful of all the North American Anutida; and indeed has no superior in any water. It is widely distributed over the North American continent from Southern Mexico to Hudson's Day, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. It breeds abundantly from Texas to the liritish Trovinces. Eichardson stati'S that the Wood Duck is quite rare in the Fur Countries, and is never found farther north than the 54th parallel. Mr. Murray, however, men- tions finding it on th ■ western side of Hudson's Bay, in a locality some six degrees farther north than this limit. It is, however, very rare north of latitude 50°. ]Mr. Konnicott mentions meeting with several small flocks of this species, in the latter ])art of September, north of the Ked lliver, in Minnesota. They were feeding on the wild rice, in company with immense flocks of Mallards, Widgeon, and Teal. IMr. J. A. Allen met with this species in Northwestern Kansas, in May, in the neighbor- hood of Fort Hays, and he afterward found it quite numerous in the valley of Salt Lake in Utah. A single specimen only — a female — is recorded by Major Wedder- burn as having been taken in Uerniuda, in December, 1846. According to the observations of Dr. Cooper, the Wood Duck is abundant in Cali- fornia, and is a resident throughout the winter in the lower districts. It migrates, in April, toward the north, and returns southward in October. Dr. Cooper is not sure that any go to the extreme southern part of that State, having never met with any there, but infers it as probable, inasmuch as they extend their migrations on the eastern coast as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. According to Mr. Dresser, the AVooil Duck is not merely a migratory visitor to Southern Texas, but is a resident, and not uncommon, near San Antonio during the summer. He obtained a fine male on the San Pedro, April 23, 18G4, and one at Fort Stockton, April 19. According to Mr. Lawrence, Colonel Abert met with this species near IMazatlan, in Western Jlexico. It is (juite common in all the Dritish Provinces, in New England, and l)r()bably in nearly all parts of the Union, even to Florida. It is given by Dr. Gund- lach as resident in and breeding in Cuba. Mr. Mcllwraith s])eaks of it as abundant near Hamilton, C. W., and in the West generally, and breeding aU over the country. In Long Island, according to Giraud, the Wood Duck is very seldom seen on the open bay, preferring the still ponds and shady creeks, where it finds an abundant supply of its favorite food, which consists chiefly of insects, seeds, and heaves of plants. In the fall it feeds freely on acorns, with which its stoma(!h is often found to be stuffed full. It is known as the Summer Duck from its remaining through that season, and the Wood Duck by others, because it frequents wooded regions, and breeds in the hollow of trees. Its beautiful plumage and its quiet and gentle character make it (juite a favorite in many i)arts of the country; and it is not unusual for i)ersons residing in suitaljle situations to invite its presence by pre- paring boxes and other convenient places for it to nest in. The Wood Duck usually keeps in small parties, and moves about in pairs. It was formerly frequently taken in nets, and sent to market ; but this exterminating process is noAV discouraged, and in many States is forbidden by law. According to Wilson, the Wood Duck winters as far north as Virginia, and he states that he has met with individuals near Petersburg in January. In Penn- sylvania the female is said to begin to lay late in April, almost invariably in the hollows of trees, sometimes on a broken branch. Wilson says that this bird occa- sionally constructs its own nest of sticks — a statement not accejited by Audubon. It is not improbable that — like some other Ducks — this species may make use of the deserted nest of a Crow or a Hawk. 14 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWnI^[ERS — ANSERES. Wilson narrates that on the 18th of May he visited a tree containing a nest of a Sunnucr Duck, on the banks of Tuckahoe River, New Jersey. This tree stood on a declivity twenty yards from the water; and in its liollow and broken top, about six feet down, on the soft decayed wood, were thirteen eggs covered with down from the mother's breast. The eggs were of an exact oval shape, tlie surface finely polished and Kne grained, of a yellowish color, resend)ling old polished ivory, and measured U.lli by l.no inches. This tree had been occupied by tlie sanui jtair, during the breeding- time, for four successive years. Wilson's informant, who lived within twenty yards of the tree, had seen the female, the s{)ring preceding, carry down thirteen young, one by one, in less than ten minutes. She caught them in her bill by the wing or the back of the neck, and landed them safely at the foot of the tree, and finally led them to the water. In evidence of the unwillingness of this species to abaiulon its breeding-i)lace, Wilson mentions that uiuler this tree a large sloop lay on the stocks, its deck not nu)re than ten feet distant from the nest. Notwithstanding the pres- ence and noise of the workmen, the Ducks would not abandon their old home, but continued to pass out and in, as if no person were near. While the female was lay- ing, and afterward, when she was sitting, the male usually perched on an adjoining limb, and kept watch. The common note of the drake was pect-pect, and when, stand- ing sentinel, he apprehended danger, he nuule a noise not unlike the crowing of a young cock, oe-exJc. The Wood Duck has been repeatedly tamed and partially domesticated, and of this statenu'nt there are many well-attested cases on record. My own attempts to effect this, however, have been unsuccessful, the old birds remaining wild, and not breeding. Wilson was informed of an instance where a resident near Guni)owdcr Creek liad a yard swarming with Wood Ducks which Avere coni2)letely domesticated. Audubon also gives an interesting account of his attempts to tame and domesticate this Duck, in which he so far succeeded that the birds bred within his ground.s, in boxes. The wild ducklings when taken were put in the bottom of empty flour- barrels ; but he soon found that they could raise themselves from the bottom to the brim by moving a few inches at a time up the side, lifting foot after foot, by nuiaus of their diminutive hooked claws, when they would tumble over, and run in every direction. They fed freely on corn-meal soaked in water, and, as they grew, caught flies with great expertness. The Wood Duck is conspicuous for the swiftness, ease, and elegance of its flight. It can i)ass through woods, and among the branches of trees, with as much facility as the Wild Pigeon. W^hile flying it is rarely ever heard to utter any cry. Audubon states that this Duck usually pairs about the flrst of March in Louisiana, but sonu'times a fortnight earlier. He has never known one to nest either on the ground or in tlie branches of trees. For three successive years a i)air near Heiuler- son, Ky., occupied the abandoned hole of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The eggs were from six to fifteen in number, according to the age of the bird, and were placed on dry plants, feathers, and a scanty portion of down from the breast of the female. He also states that the latter is abandoned by the male as soon as she begins to incubate. This, however, is not in accordance with the statement of Wilson, and probably is not correct. In most of the nests examined by Audubon there were found quantities of feathers belonging to other si)ecies, including the Domestic Fowl, Wild Geese, and Turkeys. At an early age the young answer to the call of their parent with a mellow 2'ee-2>ee, often repeated. The cry of the mother is soft, low, and prolonged, resembling the syllables pSe-ee. In the summer of 18G7 Mr, Boardumn, of St. Stephen — as he informs me — was ANATINJ') — TUK DPCKS — FULiaULA. 15 It I told of Home Ducks wliirli had a nest in ii liollow in ii liif,'li two, and wliicli wore continually tit,ditiut,'. Tiiis liavinjjf ln-cn notiwd for scvcrid days, his curiosity was aroused, and he visited tiie locality, and became an eye-witness of a singular contest l)et\vc(Mi a female Wood Duck and a Hooded Merganser. They were evidently con- tending,' for the jiossession of this nest, and neither would allow the other jjeaceful jtossession. The nest was found to contain ei}j;hteon eggs, two thirds of which were those of the Wood "Duck. They were all fresh, as neither had been ahh^ to sit. Which was the original occupant and which the intruder, it was not possible to ascertain. I'rofessor Kumlien informs mo that this species, still common in Wisconsin, occa- sionally breeds at a considerable distance from the water. One pair nested for a inimber of years in a burr-oak in a thicket about three (piartors of a mile from the lu-arest water. The tree was very high, ami tht^ nest was also far from tht? ground. According to his observations, this ])uck uses plenty of down in its nest. The eggs of the Wood Duck are of a rouiuled oval shape, of a clear ivory-white color when unsoiled, and measure from 2.05 to 2.10 inches in length by l.oo in breadth. Genus FULIQULA, Stki'uf.ns.i B Uranfi, I'.oiK, Isis, 1822, 5tU {t\'\v, Anus rufiiin, P.m,i., ) ; not of Scoroi.l, 1760. " Fiili(jul'i, SiKi'iu'.s's, (icii. Zool. .KII. 1824, 187 (typi', Anas rujhia, Pai.i,.). 5' Xdlit, Kaup, Nat. Syst. 1820, 1(12 (siitiic type). % CiillUltfii, ItltKllM, Viif,'. Di'iitsclil. 1831, 021 (saiiie type). \ Afinjuideti, Kvrox, ("at. Uiit. 1!. 1836, 57 (same type). fiiAii. Similar to Fidix, Imt the bill dceidedly In'oadcr at tlin lus(! than at nny other part, »' fjraihially iiairowiiig toward the end, wliieli has n large and very broad nail ; maxilla very much di'pre-ised terminally, its depth at the base of tin; nail being oidy about one fnin'tli that at the extreme liase. AFale with the head rufous, the ]>iluiim ornamented with a very full, sol't tuft or bushy crest, occupying the wh(de top of the head. Fuligula rufina. THE BirFOTTS-CBESTED DUCK. Animriifmi, V.\\.\,. Tt. II. App. 1773, 731, no. 28. — 0 m ki.. .S. N. 1. 1788, .Tll. /Iniii/criiJiiKi, Hon:, Isis, 1822, r.Gl. —Okay, Cat. I5rit. !!. 1803, 1!I8. Fiili'jitlariijhin, Stimmi. f!en. Zool. XII. 1824, 188. — Dkixski:, 15. Knr. I't. .X.KII. Oct. 1873. Xet/a rii,fiiiii, Kacp, Nat. Syst. 1820, 102. Platypus rufluHn, ISliinnr, Viijj. Doutschl. 1831, 022. CiilUchcn riifiaus, HitiaiM, t. c. 924. Mn-goidcsriifimi, Evr. liar. lirit, R. 1836, 57. Afilhija rufina, Macoim.. Man. IJrit. P. 1846, 191. Culliclicn ruficcjis, PuKiI.M, t. c. 022. ' Some recent authorities have u.sed the generic term Fullriuln for the entire group of Inbe-hnllnxed Bivcr-Ducks, or those which have usually been assigned to the geneca Paliguln, Fii/ir, and /Elhyui. Rut Anns rufina, Pai.l., upon which the genus Fulirjula of Stephens was based, is quite a difTerent type from Fu/i.v (formally restricted to F. marila and its allies by Professor Painl, in 1858) and .'Klhyia, and should, In our opinion, Ix) separaU'd generically. The tirst usi; of the term lirmda in a generic sense wn.s by Scopoli in 1769 {(or Anser hmida, L., A. moscluitn, L., A. torrila, L., A. albifrons, L.— a very heterogeneous .tssemblnge), which invali(hitcs its subsequent emiiloymeut, unless restricted to one or another of the S|»Iiccies named by Scopoli not already supiilied with a generic name — with which, however, there appears ■*^tu be none not provided. 16 lAMELLIROSTRATi SWIMMERS - ANSERES. Callichf.H mbruJiuHs, nnEiiM, t. c. 024. Ciilliehcn viicrnpnn, BiiKllM, t. c. 1)'25. Callkhcn rufesenm, Hmmm, Vogclfiiiig, 1855, 379. Iiry I'loliissor lUiiiu in U. N. Am. ISi'iS, 7W.) Fiiliijula, AufT. (hoc Stephens, 18'i4). Mtirila, Bonap. C'ompt. Kciul. XLIII. Si'iit. 185ti, tir)l. (Not of Reiciieniiacii, \h:,->.) Nettarimi, Haikd, 15. X. Am. 1S58, 7"J() (in text), (type, Amis inarilii, [,i.nn.). Chau. Bill loiif^er tlmii tliu liiisus (about as loiiy as the liead), vi'iy liroail ami iniu'h depressed jfor the terminal halt', the edj^es nearly parallel or sli;,'litly diverj,'ent terminally ; lower ed^je of the ma.Killa strongly convex, concealing ull of the mandible except the basal portion. Coiorii F, marila, male. IhieHy black and white (the head, neck, and jujjiilum black, lower parts white) in the adult male the idack reidaced by brownish in the female. This genus, as restricted, embraces tiiree North American and one European species, whose characters are as follows : — A. 8pit a few remained, and would not leave until they were driven away. He found two Ducks, one of them of this species, the other a Harelda, sitting on the same nest, which contained several eggs of both species, very easily distinguished by the dift'erenccs in their color, shape, and size. The Blue-bill is not uncommon in the fall, and also in the spring, near Calais, Me., but it is not found there in tlie winter. It winters on the coast of Massachusetts in mild seasons, and is '.'si)ecially common on the southern coast of Cape Cod. It is also occasional during winter in Bermuda. Professor Kinnlien informs me that this species occurs on Lake Koskonong, Wis., both in its spring and in its fall migrations. It is not common, and is more frequently found in the lake than in the creek. Mr. J. A. Allen found it (juite common in the fall in the valley of Great Salt Lake. According to Giraud it is known to the hunters of Long Island as the " Broiid- bill," and also as the '• Blue-bill." It arrives on the southern coast of that island between the 10th and the 20th of Octobei', associating in large flocks. On its iirst a|)pearance it is easily decoyed, but after having been frec^uently shot at it becomes more shJ^ In the stormy weather it takes slielter in the coves, and is frequently decoyed to within gunshot from the shore by having a dog trained to swim between it and the land, and also by tlie rapid waving of a red handkerchief, the party keeping concealed. It is supposed, from the impetuous manner in which the bird approaches, that it is angered by this man(KUvre ; and the effect is said to be very amusing. The Blue-bill remains on the coast of Long Island all the Avinter, unless compelled liy the severity of the weather to seek a better sujiply of food elsewhere. Even when the bays are frozen it may be killed at the " air (»|)enings." When wounded it avoids pursuit by diving, and is celebrated for skulking under banks. But little advantiigi' can be derived from the fact that the flock is a large one, if the hunter shows himself. The birds all scatter, and it is rarely ])ossible to get even two in a range. Greater havoc is made if the flock swims up to the luuiter when in ])osition. Birds of this species usually pass the nights on the flats in large flocks, seldom ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — FULIX. 21 roosting on the marshes or meadows; and they readily discover the best feeding- grounds. When in good condition this Duck is very highly esteemed for the table. Tn flying it rarely utters any note, but when swimming leisurely about in calm Aveather it is said to give utterance to a quick rattling or rolling sound. In its migrations its fliglit is high and rapid. It is common in the winter on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and tlieiv tributaries. In Chesajjeake IJay, wlien? it is very abundant, it is more generally known as the " Hlack-head," and in Virginia it is called the ■' Kaft Duck." A writer in "Doughty's Cal)inet " (I. 4i) says the Black-heads arrive on the Chesapeake about the last of October, and rapidly distribute themselves over the Bay. This is one of the very few Ducks that are able t(j dive and pull up by the roots the VaUisneria plants on wliich it feeds. Other Ducks share in the spoils, especially the IJaldpate, Avhich, though of inferior size, is able, by its address and boldness, to rob both tliis species and the Canvas-back of the fruits of their labors. On the Chesapeake, where the Blue-bill feeds exclusively on the Vdllisnvt'ui or other aquatic plants, it becomes very fat. Its flesh is tender and juicy, and entirely free from the strong fishy taste acquired in other localities. This bird feeds chiefly by night. According to Yarrell, the Scaup Duck is a very late winter visitor to Great Britain, seldcm appearing until the beginning of November, and arriving, in small flocks, on various parts of the coast, and at the mouths of river.s, but rarely visiting iidand waters. It prefers low flat muddy shores, where it is jiursued by the wild-fowl sliooters in gun-punts, and is occasionally caught by fishermen in upright nets, fixed in curving lines on stakes in shallow bays. It feeds on small fish, molluscta, a(iuatic insects, and marine plants, and is not in recpiest for the table, as its flesh becomes coarse, dark in color, and fishy in flavor. Being very expert in diving, it obtains the greati'r part of its food in this way. It rises slowly from the surface of the water, and usually against the wind, and flies at a moderate speed. Colonel Montague kept Ducks of tliis species in confinement many years. Thej' held apart from the other Ducks, and both sexes made the same grunting noise, and had the same singular toss of the head, in performing which they at the same time oi)en the bill. In spring this Duck departs to coiuitries north of the Orkneys to breed, and there is only a singh^ instance recorded of its breeding in Scotland. This was in Suther- landshire, in June, 1834, and was observed by Sir W. Jardiue. Mr. I'roctor, who found this bird breeding in Iceland, states that it lays its eggs either among the aquatic herbage or the large stones near the edge of fresh water, making little or no nest. A (juantity of down usually covers tlu; eggs, which are from five to eight in number. An egg brought from Iceland by Jlr. Proctor is describtid by Yarrell as being of a uniform clay-brown color, 2.37 inches in lengtli by 1.<»3 in breadth. This s])ecies was found breeding on tlie Yukon lliver by ^Ir. J. Lockhart; on Big island in Slave Lake by Mv. J. Reid; at Fort Rae by :\Ir. L. Clarke ; at Lake Winni- peg by Mr. Donald Gunn ; at Bastolik, Kutleet, Xulato, and on the Island of St. Idichael's by Mr. Dall ; and at Sitka by Mr. F. BischofT. Eggs in the Smithsonian Collection from the Yukon (Xo. (>(»17) are of a ijale Olive-gray, varying in length from 2.5.") to 2.()() inches, and have an average breadth j^of 1.70 inches. 99 LAiIELLIIlOSTlLA.L SWIMMERS - ANSERES. Fuliz afflnis. THE LESSEB SCAITP DUCK; UTILE BLACK-HEAD, OB BLUE-BILL. Faligula mariln, Am. Orn. Biog. III. 1835, 226 ; V. 1839, 614, \A. 22U ; Syiiop. 1839, 286 ; IJ. Am. VI. 1843, 316, pi. 397. FuUgula affinis, Kyton, Mon. Anat. 1838, 157. — t'ouES, Key, 1872, 289; Check List, 1873, no. 501 ; 2il cd. 1882, no. 721 ; B. N. W. 1874, 573. Falixafmh, Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 791 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 589. — RiDow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 615. Fidujuhi viariliiidcs, \\v.. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 31. Faligula minor, Bell, Pr. Ac. Nut. Sti. Philad. I. 1842, 141. — GiitAUD, B. Long. I. 1844, 323. ILvn. Tiie whole of North Amcricu, south to Guatemala and the West Indies ; breeds chielly north of the United States. Sr. Chau. Entirely .similar to F. miriUi, but smaller. Total length, about 16.(X) inches ; e.\tent, 25.00-30.00 ; wing, 7.<>0-S.25 ; culmen, I.58-I.90 ; width of bill near end, .8()-.J)5, ut Imsc, .60-.80 ; tarsus, 1.15-1.50; middle toe, 2.00-2.25. Beyond the decidedly smaller size, we can pcr- ceive no difference between tliis bird and F. vutrik wliich seems to be constant. In most of the speci- mens before us, however, the green gloss of tint head is much less distinct, in fact wanting entirely, or in many replaced by faint purplish ; while the lower part of the neck is usually dull Ijrownish and ((uite lustreless, in many examples formiii;,' quite as distinct a collar as in some specimens of F. cnllaris, though the color is never so rufescent us in the latter species. The zigzag markings on the back and scapular ajipear to be, as a rule, somewhiit coarser than in F. marila. As in the larger sjic- cies, the sides and Hanks may be either marked with birds arc to be found on Lake m Hm th ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — FULIX. 25 Koskonoiig all the suinmer, and i)erliai)S breed there ; they have not, however, been loiiiid doing this, nor have any broods of yoiuig birds been noticed. Eggs of this Duck from the Yukon Kiver (Smithsonian Institution, Nos. 5037 and (iGL'G) are of a pale grayish butt' with a tinge; of olive ; their usual breadth is 1.50 inches, and their length varies from 2.LH) to li.oO inches. Fuliz collaris. THE RINO-NECKEO SCAT7F DUCK; BIKO-BILI. Anas collaris, Donovan', Br. Hiids, VI. 1809, ]il. 147 (England). Fuliijula eolliirU, Bonai'. List B. Eur. 1842, 73. — CouKS, Ke)', 1872, 289; Clieck List, 1873, no. 0(12 ; 2.1 ed. 1882, no. 722 ; B. X. W. 1874, 574. Fill U. collaris, Baikd, B. X. Am. 1858,792; Cat. X, Am. B. 1859, no. ."igo. — Hiwiw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1S81, no. 616. AniiH fHliijula, Wii.s. Am. Orn. VIII. 1814, ^yo, pi. 67, fig. 5 (not of Linn. 1766). Anus (Fuligula) rufilorqms, BoNAl'. .Tour. Pliilad. Acad. IIL 1824, 381. Fi'liijiila riifilorqiifs, Bonak Syno]). 1828, .393. — .Sw. & liiiil. F. B. A. II. 1831, 454. -- NiTT. Man. II. 1834, 439. —An.. Orn. Biog. III. 1835, 259, jd. 234 ; .Synop. 1839, 287 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 320, pi. 398. IIab. The whole of North Anu-ricii, south to Guiiteniala and the West Indie.s; breeding chiefly in the high north. Accidental in Europe. Sp. (.'har. AJull muk: Head, neck, jugidum, erissuni, and uii])er parts generally, bhick, the head and neck with a faint violet gloss, tlie wing-coverts inclining to slate ; secondaries ("specu- lum ") bluish gniy, darker suliterininally, and very narrowly tijij.ed with white ; primaries slate- gray, the outer quills and ends of the others dusky. A triangular spot of white on the chin, and F. collaris, male. • more or less di.stinct collar of chestnut round the lower neck ; brea.st and aMomen white, fbruptly define. 28,') ; U. Am. VI. 1843, 21il», pi. 3!»."). — Couiis, Key, 1872, 2U0 ; Check List, 1873, no. 004 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 724 ; 13. .\. \V. 1874, r)75. ^Ilfthyu viiHimurUi, Wnv., Isis, 1820, 980.— IJaikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 794; Cat. N. Am. 15. IS.^li, no. .';!>2. ^i/hi/iii viillisnrria, Sii,. & Sai.v. Norn. Ncotr. 1873. — Umow. Norn. X. Am. B. 1881, no. 617. Arhfunctta vallisiicria, Daiuo, B. N. Am. 1858, 71*3 (in text). Haii. Nwivly tlio wlmle of North Anarictt, breeding from the Northwestern States iiorthwaid to Aliiskii ; south in winter to (iimtemuhi. Sp. CiiAU. Itill long anil narrow, the end much depressed, with tlie nuil scarcely decurveil, the base high, with the cuhuen gradually sloping and scarcely concave ; culnieu nearly us long as % !^- a:, vallisneria. the middle toe (without claw), and about three times the greatest wi''1'ii1 character- istics, the Pochard of Kurope and the Ued-head of America, it is -still (inite distinct from, and superior to, both these si)ecies in the reputation and the intrinsic excel- lence of its rtesli. It is found throu},'hout North America, from the Arctic Oceiin to Central America, on the interior waters, and on both shores. It is not founil on either shore of the more northern i)ortions of the continent, uidess as an ex- ceptional occurrence. It 1 a'ceds on the interior ponds, rivers, and lakes, from Ore- gon to the njoro extreme northern portions of the continent. Only a single specimen was obtained by Mr. Salvia from tlu^ Lake of Duenas, in Guatemala. Mr. Dresser met with it in Texas — kill- ing two on the Nueces, and seeing others on Turkey Creek. Jlr. Dall speaks of it as occurring at Fort Yukon, where it was breeding in al)undance ; but none were seen on the Yukon IJiver to the southwest of that point, nor is there any evi- dence that this species is known on the I'acitic coast north of Vancouver Island, where its presence was no- ticed by Mr. 11. Browne. According to Dr. Cooper this Duck is very common along the P.acific coast, wintering from Tuget Sound to San Diego. It is also found on the interior rivers, being quite abundant along the Colorado at that season, arriving in October and remaining until April, when it departs for its northern breeding-places. Dr. Newberry found it more abundant than any other Duck in the lakes and streams of the Cascade Kange, in whose deep solitudes he obtained sat- isfactory evidence that this bird nests, and rears its young, as he frequently met with broods of this Duck. The Valliinerla, on which plant the Canvas-back feeds in the Chesapeake and other waters east of the mountains, is not found on the Pacific coast ; and this spe- cies, lieing there obliged to live on grass, seeds, and the other usual food of the Duck family, is not considered superior to the Mallard, or even as good as that bird. The Canvas-backs assemble in great flocks in the bays, especially at night ; they sleep on the open water, at which time many are shot by the hunters, who puvsue them in Male. 32 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. boats, concealed by moans of branches and other disguises, and row silently down into the midst of tlie flock. On the Pacific coast, however, they are not hunted ,m) much as some other kinds held in higher esteem. This species of Duck extends its winter migrations on the Pacific farther soutli than California, reaching Mazatlan, in Western Mexico, where Colonel Grayson found it not uncommon during the winter months. Richardson states that in the interior this Duck breeds from the fiftieth parallel to the most northern limit of the Fur Country. Mr. Eoss met with it on Great Slave Lake, but did not observe it any farther north. Captain Blakiston obtained a single specimen at Fort Carlton, in the valley of tlie Saskatchewan. Mr. Boardman informs me that examples of this species are occasionally taken near Calais, but that its appearance there is very irregular. This bird is also extremely rare on the coast of Massachusetts ; yet hardly a year passes that some specimens of it are not brought into the Boston market, chiefly from the county of Barnstable, in the southeastern portion of the State. In November, 1874, a small flock was found off that coast, and seven individuals were brought to the stall of ]\lr. David A. Dunham, in Quincy ^larket. Those Canvas-ba(!ks which frequent the shores of Long Island, according to Girautl, return from their breeding-places at the north about. the first of November; and in the winter some are occasionally shot in the eastern part of Great South Bay. They are also sometimes taken in Long Island Sound, both on the southern and on the Connecticut shore. Dr. Woods has obtained them on the Connecticut, a few miles above its mouth. Canvas-backs from the vicinity of New York are much inferior to those taken in the Chesapeake and its tributaries, owing to the difference in the quality of their food. This Dn.<'k feeds in preference on the root of the VaUii- neria spiralis, called by some tai)e-grass, and by others, incorrectly, wild celery. This plant grows both in fresh and in lu'ackish water. Where this favorite food cannot be obtained, this Duck feeds on various marine plants and small shellfisli, which abound on the coast, and furnish an abundant supply of food to other Duclis of less note. Where this tape-grass cannot be procured, the flesh loses in a great degree that delicacy of flavor for which the Canva.s-back is so celebrated. This bird is in the best condition for the table in the latter pirt of the autunni. These Ducks associate in large flocks ; and when they all rise together from the water the noise made may l)e heard to a great distance. Tliey are very vigilant, and difficult of approach, except in severe weather, when they may be easily killed at air- openings in the ice. This bird is an excellent diver, and when only woundetl can with difficulty be secured. Miller's Island, about fifteen miles from Baltimore, was formerly a famous place for shooting Canvas-backs, as well as other Ducks ; and points on this island, and on others in the vicinity, were rented for large sums. A writer in " Doughty's Cabinet " (I. 41) states that unless the weather at the north has been very severe, the Canvas-back rarely appears in large numbers in Chesu- peake Bay before the middle of November. When first arrived these birds are thin iind tasteless, and need several days of undisturbed repose to give them that peculiar flavor for which they are so celebrated. During the low tides succeeding their arriviil they sit on the flats far from the shore, and rarely rise to the wing unless disturljed. When the spring-tides render the water too deep for feeding, they pass down the bay in the morning, and return in the evening. By the middle of December, particularly if the weather has been severe, the fov 1 of every kind have become so fat tliat (]anvas-backs have been known to burst ojicn in the breast in falling on the water. They now spend less time in feeding, pass u\> ANATINiE — THE DUCKS — .ETIIYIA. 33 and down the Bay, from river to river, in their morning and evening flights, and offer at certain localities great opportunities for their destruction. They pursue, even in their short passages, very much the order of their migratory movements, flying in two lines diverging from a centre ; and when the wind blows on the points which lie in their course, the sportsman has great chances of success. The birds avoid, if possi- ble, an approach to the shore ; but when a strong breeze sets them in that direction, they are compelled to pass near the projecting points of land within gunshot. In the Susquehanna and Elk rivers there are few of these points, and success depends on shooting the Ducks on their feeding-grounds. After passing the eastern point at the mouth of the Susquehanna, and Turkey I'oint on the western side of the Elk, the first place of much celebrity is the " Narrows," between Spesutic Island and the western shore, about three miles in length, and from three to five hundred j-ards in breadth ; and here the Canvas-backs feed. A few miles down the western shore is Taylor's Island, at the mouth of the Eumney, and also Abl)y Island, at the mouth of the Bush — both celebrated localities for Ducks, Geese, and Swans. The south point of Bush Iliver, and Robbins's and Rickett's Points, near Gunpowder, are also famous. When disturbed on their feeding-grounds, the birds forsake those haunts and seek others ; therefore in the rivers leaa\% near shooting-points, they should not be annoyed I'v being shot at from boats, either l)y night or day, as a repetition of such visits would soon drive the Ducks from their favorite haunts. The best grounds are found on the western side; and there sontheily winds arc the most favorable ones. If a high tide is attended with a smart frost and mild south winds, the number of birds set in motion is inconceivable; and they ajjproach the points so closely, that even a moilerately good shot can procure from fifty to a hundred Ducks in a day. This was or. o quite a common occurrence; and the writer . quoted has known eight Canvas-backs to be killed at one discharge. The usual mode of taking these Ducks was either by shooting them from the point during flight, or by"toling" — an operation by wliicli the birds are .sometimes induced to approacli within a few feet of the shore from a distance of several hundred yards. A favorable spot is selected, where the Ducks ra'e feeding a few hundred yards from the shore, and where they can easily approach it closely by swimming. The higher the tides and the calmer the day, the better the chance of success. A kind of poodle-dog, of the breed familiarly known as the "toler," is trained to run along the shore in sight of the Ducks. The dog soon becomes quite exjjcrt at the business, and karns, as the Ducks approach, gradually to conceal himself. The nearest Ducks notice this strange appearance, raise their heads, gaze intently, and approach the shore. The rest follow ; and in some cases several thousand Ducks of various kinds have been seen to swim in solid mass direct to the object of their curiosity. By removing the dog farther into the grass they have been attracted to within fifteen feet of the bank. Black- heads can be toled the most readily, then Red-heads, and next the Canvas-back. Another method of killing Canvas-backs. descril)ed by Lewis, is to boat them on their feeding-grounds in small skiffs, either during the daytime or at night — the latter being the most destructive method. A large swivel, carrying several ounces of powder and a pound or more of shot, is jilaeed on the bows of a light boat, and by .means of muffled oars, and under cover of the darkness, this is carried into the very midst of the sleeping Ducks; and on firing into their thick columns, great numbers lire crippled or killed. This mode of slaughter is considered very disreputable, and |ias been forbidden by legislative enactments. Boating Ducks on their feeding- ;|pounds, even with small guns and by daylight, will soon drive them from tlicMr ^ccustomed haunts, and should be condemned by tlie true sportsman. ■^ VOL. II. — "> 34 LA.MELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. Another ingenious, but very objectionable, way of taking this Duck, known as " netting," was once resorted to. This consisted in sinking gill-nets a short distance below the surface of tlie water, so that the Ducks, in diving, would get entangk-d in the meshes ; and great numbers were secured in this way. But this has the elTeft of completely driving the Ducks away ; and it was found that when taken in this manner they were hardly fit to eat. Another successful mode of killing Ducks, and one that once was much in vogue, is the use of what are known as " dugouts." These are small boats moored over the flats, concealed from observation as far as possible by quantities of eel-grass thrown over and about them, and surrounded by large numbers of decoys anchored near the vessel. The occupant of the dugout patiently awaits the arrival of tho Wild Ducks, which are attracted by the decoys. When the weather is favorable and the Ducks are flying, this plan is very successful ; but it is not successful in cold or boisterous weather. Jlore recently the old-fashioned dugout has been superseded by the " surface-boat," or " battery," as it is called. This contrivance is am-nored on the feeding-ground, and surrounded by decoys. Its construction is such that when anchored out the water is on a level with the deck of the box, the occupant, when reclining, being entirely concealed from observation, so that nothing can be seen even at a distance of only a few hundred feet. Several double-barrelled guns are usually in readiness ; and this battery is accompanied by a companion in a sail (jr row boat, who keeps at a distance, ready to pick up the dead Ducks, or to render such aid as may be required. The number of Ducks killed in this manner is said to be incredible. A very ingenious contrivance for Duck-shooting was seen by Mr. Lewis on Elk River. This ambush was prepared by taking advantage of low tides, and driving four strong posts in a square into the soft mud, in the centre of a wide expanse of feedini,'- ground, in the path of the Dutsks as they fly up and down the river. The upper por- tions of these posts are perforated with large holes, permitting the introduction of long hickory pins, which pass through and project several inches ; from these pins is suspended a light frame, strong enough to bear the weight of the hunter, who is concealed from observation by a pile of cedar-brush or eel-grass — the framework being raised or lowered according to the condition of tl.- tide. This particular kind of blind is well adapted fortius river, where the feeding-grounds are quite extensivi'; and immense flocks of wild-fowl are occasionally tlius attracted. Another, and often very successful, device for shooting the Canvas-back is l\v taking advantage of the severity of the weather, which drives the bird from its favorite feeding-grounds, and then enticing them within reach of an ambush on sliorc, by cutting a large hole in the ice directly over some choice feeding-shoal. Large, numbers may be killed in this manner. This species, in and around Chesapeake Hay, has long been regarded as pre-eminent for the richness and delicacy of the flavor of its flesh ; and it is claimed by miniy that no wild-fowl in any part of the world can vie in this respect with the (Jauvas- back of these waters. It has been hunted on the Chesapeake and its tributaries with unrelenting greed, until its numbers have been greatly reduced, and many have been driven to more southern regions. This bird always commands a ready sale ; and even when sent to the nuirket by tlumsands, always brings a high i)rice. While a few Canvas-backs are met with in the waters of the Hudson, tlie Delaware, and in other eastern rivers, by far the larger portion of them resort to Chesapeake Bay and the adjacent waters. Of late years its numbers have greatly increased along ilio short rivers of North Carolina. It is also found in abundance on the western lakes, 4i ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — iETHYIA. 35 -eminent by iiiiiny ('iUlVilS- irios with ivo boi'ii ale ; ami Whilf a e, and in Bay anil long ilio rn lakes, and is paiticidaily numerous on Lake Koskonong, in Southern "Wiseonsin. In JIarch I have seen the markets of Chieago well supplied with this Duek ; and although there in no wise superior to the ^Mallard, the Tin-tail, the Teals, and other Ducks, yet commanding twice the markct-prioe of any other species. The Canvas-back extends its migrations to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. In New Orleans it is called the Cinuird Chevul, and is nuu-h esteemed in that city for its delicacy, though far inferior to birds of this species killed on the Chesapeake. It is occasionally found in the markets of Charleston and Savannah ; but it is not there esteemed so highly as are many other kinds. This Duck is also very abundant at tiuu's near Galveston, Texas, where it feeds on the seeds of the wild oats, the water- lily, and other plants, and is said to become delicious eating. Messrs. Lockhart and Kennicott have supplied interesting notes in relation to the nesting of this Duck, which was found breeding on the Yukon in great numbers. The eggs were from seven to ten in number, and inculjation began about the middle of June. In Eastern Oregon, in the neighborhood of Lake Malheur and Camp Harney, Cajitain Bendire found this an abundant species during itf migrations, and breeding in the higher mountain valleys of the Blue Mountains, where he found it nesting on Bear Creek, at an altitude of six thousand feet. In the spring and fall it frequents the shallow portions of the lakes in immense flocks ; but its flesh is not so well flavored as at the east. The Canvas-back was found breeding at Fort Resolution, as well as on the Yukon Eiver, by ^Ir. Kennicott; on the Yukon also by Jlr. J. Lockhart; at F^ort Simpson by Jlr. B. Ross ; at Fort Eae by Mr. L. Clarke ; at Fort Yukon by Mr. S. Jones ; on Anderson Eiver by Air. AlacFarlane ; at Xulato by j\Ir. Dall ; at Sitka by Mr. Bischoff ; and near the mouth of Frazer River by Mr. H. W. Elliott. ilr. Lockhart describes the nest of No. 27808 as being formed of rushes and g/ass, in water, and built from the bottom, large and deep ; but less thickly lined with down and feathers than the nests of Ducks usually are. It contained seven eggs. All the nests found, with a single exception, resembled this one, and were sinularly , situated. They are constrvicted gradually, as the Duck continues to lay, and are , entirely finished when incubation begins. The excei)tion referred to was on the ground in an open place, which liad been left dry as the river fell ; the nest in this case was at the foot of a few small willows, and about twenty yards from the water. It was built of down and feathers, and hail small sticks on the sides, but little or nothing on the bottom. The feathers in the nest were gray, tipped with chestnut, similar to those on the breast of the Canvas-back. This nest contained eight eggs. Mr. Kennicott describes nest Xo. GGfiO as built from the ground, in water a foot deep, in the grassy edge of a lake. Tlu^ base was large, and formed of a pile of grass, .; the nest proper being jdaced on top. The cavity was large, the sides well built up, 'and thoroughly lined with down. For the construction of tliis large base the bird had ■pulled up or broken off all the dry grass within a yard or two of the nest, thus leav- ing it in a clear place. The shell of the egg is remarkably hard and brittle. From the same nest was taken a second lot of eggs, the female having again made use of it. When first found, in June, it was not complete ; as anumg all the Ducks the nest is not finished until incubation begins. Eggs of this species from Fort Yukon (Smithsonian Institution, Nos. OCcJO and 6GG0) are of a uniform pale grayish-green color. Four eggs have the fc [lowing ;,^easurement3 : 2,50 by 1.80 inches; 2.56 by 1.75; 2.60 by 1.80; 2.10 by 1.75. 36 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. •fir JEthyia americana. THE BED-HEADED DUCK. Aiuisfn-ina, Wils. Am. Orii. VIII. 1814, 110, \A. 70, tig. G (not of LixN.). Fuliguht, fcrina, IJoxAi'. .Syiioi). 1828, 392. — S\v. & Hum. V. IJ. A. II. 1831, 452. — Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 434. — Aui). Oni. lUog. IV. 1838, 198, pi. 322; Syuop. 1839, 287 ; B. Am. VI. 184;!, 311, pi. 396. Fitliijuin americana, Fa'TOX, Mon. Aiiat. 1838, 155. Aijthyn firina, S, amcricna, Boxap. Compt. ItL'iiJ. XLIII. Sept, 1856, 651. Aylhija amcricaiin, Baikd, B. N. Am. 1858, 793 ; Cat. N. Am. 15. 1859, no. 591. jEthyia amcriamn, Scu & Salv. Noiu. Ncotr. 1873. — Uidow. Noiii. N. .\m. H. 1881, no. 618. Aiitlnja frrina, var. americana, Am.KN, Bull. M. C. Z. III. 1872, 183. Fiiliiju/a firina, var. americana, Vvveh, Key, 1872, 289 ; ChcL'k List, 1873, no, 503 ; B. N. W. 1874, 57.5. Fill iijnla firina americana, CouEs, Che k List, 2d ed. 1882, no. 723. Aijthyri. erijlhroccphala, Bonap. t'omp. 1 st, 1838, 58. Hab. The whole of North America, breeding from Central California and Maine, to the Fur Countries ; Bahanuw. Sp. Char. Bill much shorter than the middle toe (without claw), l)road, the end moderately depres.scd, ami with the nail decidedly decurved, the culnien about two and a half times the great- est width of the maxilla, and deciiledly concave. Adult male: Head and upper half, or more, of the jieck rich reddish chestnut, the latter glossed with reddish purple ; lower part of the neck, jugulum, anterior part of the back, lower part of the rump, upper tail-coverts, and crissum, black ; back, scapulars, sides, and flank.s, densely vermiculated with white ami dusky in about ecjual proportion ; anal vc- gion similarly, but more faintly, nuirkcd ; entire abdomen inunacuhite white ; wiiii,'- covert.s deep plumbeous-gray, faintly and minutely sprinkled with white ; secondaries ('• speculum ") pale bluish gray, the upper feathers edged with black, the othere nar- rowly tipped with white ; primaries dusky, the inner (juills slate-gray, except at ends ; tail dusky. Bill pale blue, the end black ; iris red ; feet bluish gray. Adult fcmuh : Head and neck grayish brown, darkist above ; the anterior part of the head li,L;!it- er, almost white on the chin and upper piut of the throat ; jugnluni, sides, and ilauks dull grayish brown, the feathers tipped with fulvous ; wings as in the male, but the coverts pkiiii slate-color J back and scapulars grayish brown, the feathers with paler tips ; rump, upper tail- coverts, and tail dusky grayish brown ; anal region paler ; longer lower tail-coverts whitish. Hill phunbeoiis, the end black ; iris yellow ; feet phunbeous. Ihwnij younij (No. 82481, St. Clair Flats, Mich., .lune 29, 1880 ; W. II. Coi.Lixs) : Above, ochreous olive-brown, indistinctly relieved by an olive-yellow spot back of each wing, one on the hind border of each arm-wing, and one on each side of the rumj) ; entire head and neck (except pileum and nape), with whole lower parts deep, buif yellow, ]>aler and less yLdlow on abdomen and anal region. No dark markings whatever on side of head. Bill and feet light colored (brownish in dried skin). Total length, about, 20.()t>-2I.(H) inches ; extent, 33.(X1 ; wing, about 8.C0 ; culmen, 2.05-2.i.'oi greatest width of bill, .75-85 ; tarsus, 1.(50-1.05 ; middle toe, 2.30-2.40. The American Red-head Duck is (ptite distinct from the Pochard of Europe, though resembling it very closely. The latter' has the bill narrower and longer, in fuct nearly intermediate in shape Male ANATINiE — THE DUCKS — ^THYIA. 37 between that of ^E. americana and yE. vallisneria ; its color is also different, being black, crossed by a band of pule blue, instead of pale blue with the end black ; the entire abdomen is undulated with "ray, like the sides and flanks, only mure delicately, while the back, scapulars, and sides are much whiter than in yJi. umericana. The rich chestnut-red of the neck is destitute of the metallic reddish-purple j,dos«> while it involves the en- tire neck, even tinging the anterior part of the back, instead of being confined to about the ui>per half of the neck ; the wing-coverts are also much lighter colored, and, in most speci- mens, very distinctly vermiculated with white, instead of nearly plain slaty gray. In general size the European species is decidedly infe- rior , the tarsus is considerably shorter, while the middle toe is decidedly longer. The female of the ited-head resembles that of the Ring-neck, or Ring-billed Black-head (^Fidix collaris), so closely as to be distin- guished with difliculty, except on direct com- parison. The latter has all the colors darker, however, the fore part of the head and the throat more decidedly white, and the bill much shorter and broader. The different propor- tions, however, afford the surest means of dis- tinguishing them, the two species comparing about as folhnvs : — Female. iE. americana. Wing, 8.50 inches ; culmen, 1.90; greatest width of bill, .85, least width, .75 ; tarsus, l.CO ; middle toe, 2.30. F. collaris. Wing, 7.50 inches ; culmen, 1.80 ; greatest width of bill, .85, least width, .65 ; tarsus, 1.35; middle toe, 2.(K). The Red-head Duck lias a distribution more or less general throughout North i America, breeding in high northern latitudes down to about 44°, and frequenting in ; the winter the southern portions of the continent as far as Mexico. It is found botli ,j on the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts. ' j It was met with on the western coast of Mexico, near INIazatlan, by Colonel Gray- son, and in Northeastern Mexico and Southern Texas by Mr. Dresser. It is given as ■ occurring on the Pacific coast at Viincouver Island by Mr. II. Browne. On the coast ,; of California, according to Dr. Cooper, the Red-head is not so common as the Canvas- !back, but it has been obtained from San Francisco to San Diego, and throughout the interior in the winter. Dr. Heermann believes that some of these Ducks breed in the marshes of the Sacramento Valley; and he mentions obtai)\ing several females ithere in June Avith their breasts denuded of feathers, as is usually the case with Ducks ■when sitting on their eggs. Mr. J. A. Allen found this species in great abundance in the valley of Gr(!at Salt Lake, Utah. Richardson states that this species breeds in all parts of the Fur Countries, from the fiftieth parallel to their most northern limits. Mr. Roardman informs me that in the summer of 1871 he found a pair of Red-heads which were evidently breeding in the vicinity of Calais, Me. This statement, coupled with that of Dr. Heermann, goes to show that this species, on both the eastern and the western shores, breeds _^^|nuch farther south than the limit assigned by Dr. Richardson. Its nest and eggs , ;^were afterward, in the summer of 1874, mutually found by Mr. William Bryant about ~ thirty miles north of Calais. The presence of this bird about Calais liad been pre- 38 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. viously noted by Mr. Boardman during each summer, and he liad not doubted that a few pair remain about there tor the purpose of rearing their young. They have not been seen there in any harge number, and they are rare in IVIassachusetts, a few only being occasionally obtained in the late fall on the southern shores of Cape Cod. The lled-head is somewhat abundant on Long Island — where, however, ac(!ording to Giraud, it is not so common as many other species. It is seldom seen in any coiir siderable numbers west of Babylon, being chiefly limited to the eastern part of South Bay, where it is sometimes seen in company with the Canvas-back. Both species not infrequently feed on the same jjlant, the former eating the stems, and the latter the roots ; these are tender and juicy, and it is to them that the delicate flavor of the flesh of the Canvas-back is due. The IJed-headed Duck is also excellent eating, anil commands a high price in the New York market — indeed, it is not infrequently sold to the inexjjerienced as the genuine Canvas-back, Avhich it so strongly resembles. About Egg Harbor, N. J., this Duck is more common than it is on Long Island ; but it is not so abundant there as it is on Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Giraud states that frequent attempts have been made to domesticate this species, and in one instance, at least, with considerable success, A Red-headed Duck in the possession of Mr. Edmund Powell, of Westbury, L. I., became as completely reconciled to its new home as if it had never known any other course of life. The Red-headed Duck makes its appeai'ance on the Long Island coast usually about the first of November, and leav(>s for its northern breeding-places early in March. A writer in " Doughty's Cabinet " (I. 41) gives the last of October as being nearly the date of its first arrival in the waters of the Chesapeake. These birds from that time on appear in large flocks, and very rapidly distribute themselves over the Bay. Much difference of opinion has been expressed as to the excellence of the flesh of this species ; but the writer quoted believes that this diversity of view is due — in part, at least — to the difference of the food of the bird in different localities. On the Chesapeake, where it feeds in com])any with the Canvas-back, it is said to be hardly second even to that Duck in the delicacy of its flavor. It is not so restricted to ii few localities in Eastern North America as is the Canvas-back; and while abundant iu Chesapeake Bay, is also found in considerable numbers in many other regions. It feeds on the blades of the VaUisnci'ia grass when unable to obtain the roots. It is frequently shot in the waters of the Hudson, the Delaware, and, later in the winter, in the streams of the Southern States. Dr. Bryant found it very common in winter at the Bahamas, where it was the most abundant of all the Ducks, occurring in large flocks, acres in extent. At New Orleans, where this Duck was then commonly known as the Don gris, or Gray-back, Audubon states that it arrives in great flocks early in November, and departs late in April. It is very abundant on lakes St. John, Pontchartrain, and Borgne, keeping in large flocks, and not mingling with any other species. There its food seems to consist of small fishes, for which it is continually diving. It is caught in nets in great numbers, and is easily kept in confinement, as it feeds greedily on crushed Indian corn. In 1816 these and other Ducks were thus taken by the thousand by a Frenchman, who used to send them to market alive in cages. Audubon saw none of these birds during the spring and summer he spent in Labra- dor, nor did he hear of any in Newfoundland ; and on his excursion to Kansas none were seen to the west of the Southwest Pass. In this, however, others have been more successful ; and this bird has been found on the Texan coast. He mentions it as abundant in November, and afterward in December, in the marshes near St. Augustine, in East Florida. It was shy, and kept in company with the Mallards ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — CLANGULA. 39 'X<.- i and other Ducks in shallow fresh-water ponds, at some distance from the sea-shore. In South Carolina he was informed that this species had latterly Ijecome much more abundant than it was twenty years before, especially on the Santee Kiver. It is an expert diver when in deep bays and estuaries ; but in shallow ponds in the interior it dabbles in tlie mud in the manner of the Mallard, and its stomach is filled with tadpoles, small water-lizards, and blades of grass. At other times Audubon found acorns .and beechnuts, as well as snails and fragments of the shells of unios, tngether with much gravel. The notes of this Duck are said to be rough and coarse, and not to have as much resemblance to those of species peculiar to fresh water, as the cries of birds of this family generally have. Its flight is hurried, the bird rising from the water in a confused manner, but being able to continue long on the wing. This bird l)roduces with its wings, when in motion, a clear whistling sound. Audubon regarded tliis species as identical with the Pochard (JBJ./ert«a) of Europe. According to the observations of Professor Kumlien, this species is quite common in the waters of Southern Wisconsin, both in the spring and fall. It is not known to occur there in the summer, and is later in its arrival in the fall than the Canvas- back. Mr. B. F. Goss, however, writes me that he has known this species to breed octrasionally, but rarely, in his neighborhood — Pewaukee, Wis. On the 2lth of May, 1868. he camped on an island in Horicon Lake, and remained there four days. This lake is twelve miles long and two broad, with numerous islands and grassy bogs ; these were covered to the water's edge with a scattering growth of trees, with thick buslies and weeds. Here various Ducks Avere breeding in great numbers. On one island, containing about half an acre, the nests were only a few feet apart : and as he approached, the Ducks rose from their nests in a great flock, and it was difficult to iilentify the few nests of other species among the great multitude of ilallards. He found eight nests of the Ked-head, which were almost always in thick grass or weeds, and near the water, none being more than twenty feet distant. The nests were sonu'times slightly elevated, made of any convenient loose material, rather small, and not very neatly finished. They contained from one to five eggs ; but their full complement was probably nine or ten. This Duck was found breeding in great numbers on Manitoba Lake, on Shoal Lake, and in the Selkirk Settlement by Jlr. Donald Gunn. Dr. Kennerly observed it at Boca Grande, in Chihuahua, in March, 1855. It was also found on the Janos and Conalitos rivers, at various points, at this season, gener- ally going in pairs, rarely in large flocks, and being very shy. Eggs of this si)ecies, procured by Mr. Goss, and now in the Smithsonian Museum (Xo. 151 7(>). are of a grayish white with a slight tinge of cream-color. They vary in breadth from 1.70 to 1.75 inches, and from 2.35 to 2.40 in length. Those from tlie Si'lkirk Settlement (Smithsonian Institution, No. 14190), measure 1.70 by 1.35. Genus CLANGULA, Bote. aangula, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564. — " Flemino, Philos. Zool. II. 1822, 260" (type, Anas clangula, l.iss.). (Cf. DuEssEU, B. Eur. Pt. XLVI. Dee. 1875; Coues, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, April, 1380, 101.) Olaueion, Kaip, Ent. Europ. Thierw. 1829, 53 (same tyix>; preoccupied in MoUusca ; Oken, 1816). Bucephaln, Baird, B. N. Am. Aug. 19, 1858, 795 (type, Anas albeola, Linn.). Char. Bill much shorter than the head, deep through the base, the lateral outlines converging -^towanl the tip, which is rather pointed than rounded ; lamella) completely hidden by the over- hanging edge of the iua.\illa ; nostrils situated near the middle of the bill j tarsus longer than the 40 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERE8. ciilinen ; tail rather long (about half the wing), of sixteen feathers, in the male, brow n and white in the female. This genus comes neurest in its characters to Ilistrionicus, but is ([uite distinct, are known, their special ch invt'jrs being as follows : — Com. Char. Adult: Ileal and upper part of the }ieck black, with metallic reflections, and with a patch of white, varjing in form with the species ; lower part of the neck, all round, entire lowtr Colors, pied white and black Three species C, glaucion. parts, part of scapulars, wing-coverts, and secondaries white ; other upper parts black. Femalt : The black replaced by brown, the white absent from the head (except in B. ulbeulu), and mure restricted elsewhere. A. Size rather large (wing, 7.40 inches or more) ; male with a white spot before the eye ; female without white on the head. 1. C. islandica. Male : White patch on lores wedge-shaped, the head glossed with bluish vio- let ; a broad black bar between the white of the middle and greater wing-coverts. Female Head dark sepia or purplish snuff-brown ; a distinct black Ijar across the ends of tlie greater wing-coverts. Wing, 8.25-9.40 inches ; length of bill to point of basal angle, 1.40-1.80; tarsus, 1.30-1.60; middle toe, 2.15-2.50. Hah. Northern North America, breeding far southward (at least to Colorado) in higher portions of Rocky Mountains; Greenland ; Iceland ; accidental in Europe. 2. C. glaucion. Male: White patch on lores roundish ; white patch of wings not interrupted by a black bar. Fenuile : Head grayish umber-brown ; white wing-patch usually con- tinuous. a. Glaucion.^ Male adult: Wing, 8.50 inches ; bill from tip to basal angle, 1.70-1,80; tar- sus, 1.30 ; middle toe, 2,20, Hab. Paloearctic Region. 1 Clanoula glaucion, Linn. The Golden-eye. A7ias clangiila, Linn. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, 125 ; ed. 12, I. 1766, 201. — Naum. Viig. Deutschl. XIL 1844, 162, pi. 316. Olaucion clangula, Kaup, Natiirl. Ryst. 53. — Kkvs. & Blas. Wirb. Eur. 1840, Ixxxvi. Anas glaucion, Linn. S. N. cd. 10, 1. 1758, 126 ; ed. 12, I. 1766, 201. Clangula glaucion, Brehm, Vbg. Deutschl. 929. — Guav, Gen. B. III. 622 ; Cat. Brit. B. 1863, 202. Anas hyemalis. Pall. Zoog. Rosso. As II. 182ii, 270. Clangula chrysojitlmlmos, Stki'H. Gen. Zool. XII. pt. ii. 182, pi. 56. — Bonap. Conip. List, 1838, 58. — Macgill. Man. IL 183. Clangula vulgaris, Flkm. Brit. Aniin. 1828, 120. Clangula Icucomelas and C. percgrina, Brkum, Viig. Deutschl. 1831, 927. Golden-eye, Yarr. Brit. B. ed, 2, III, 368, fig. ; cd. 3, III. 371, fig. ANATIN Ji — THE DUCKS — CLANGULA. 41 p. Americana. Male adult: Wing, 9.25 inches ; bill to basal angle, 1.85 ; tarsus, 1.60 ; mid- dle toe, 2.50. Ilab. North America. B. Size small (wing less than 7.00 inches) ; male with a large white patch on each side of the occiput (confluent behind) ; iemale with a white spot on the auricular region. 3, C. albeola. Wing, C.(K)-C.75 inches ; bill from tip to end of basal angle, 1.15-1.25; depth at base, .56-.70; width, .45-.60; tarsus, 1.15-1.25; middle toe, 1.80-2.00. Uab. North America. Clangiila islandica. BABBOW'B OOLDEN-ETE. Aruts islandica, Gmel. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 541. Bucepluda Uhindiat, Baiud, B. N Am. 1858, 796 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 694 — CouES, Key, 1872, 200 ; Clicck List, 1873, no. 506 ; Birds N. W. 1874, 577. Clangida islandica, Bonai'. Cat. Met. Ucc. Eur. 1842, 74. — RiDOW. Nona. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 619. — CouKs, Clieck List, 2(1 cd. 1882, no. 726. Clangula Barrovii, Sw. & liicu. F. B. A. II. 1831, 456, pi. 70 (^). FuUgula Barrovii, Nurr. Man. II. 1834, 444. Clangula scapularis, Brkiim, Viig. Deutschl. 1831, 932. Fuligiila clangula, viir., Ari). Oni. Biog. V. 1839, 105, pi. 403 ; Synop. 1839, 292 (part) j B. Am. VII. 1843, 362 (part ; describes the species as supposed summer plumage of B. clangula). Had. Northoni North America, south in winter to New York, Illinois, Utah, etc. ; breeding in the high north, and south in the Rocky Mountains to Colorado. Greenland ; Iceland ; acci- dental in Europe. Sp. Char. Adult male : Head and upper half of the neck glossy blue-black, with reflecticms of green, blue, and violet, according to the light ; a somewhat wedge-shaped vertical patch of white ;. Deutschl. C. islandica. .1863,202. List, 1838, ■cross the anterior half of the lores, bordering the lateral base of the bill, the upper part forming tti acute angle on each side of the forehead, the lower part rounded. Upper parts velvety black, with a soft bluish-violet tinge ; outer row of scapulars marked with a mesial cuneate stripe of |»tiny white, the greater portion of the stripes concealed, so that the exposed portion forms round- ||ih or oblong spots ; nuddle wing-coverts white, producing a broad bar ; exposed terminal half of ater coverts, with the whole of the exposed portion of the five or six inner secondaries, white, VOL. II. — 6 42 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. f()rininj{ a largo, somewbiit cuneate, patch. Outer feathers of the sides anil flanks widely edj^cd exteriorly with deep black ; femoral region and sides of crissuni dull black. Lower half of lui k (all round) and entire lower parts (except as described) pure white. Bill bhick (in skin) ; iris bright yellow ; legs and feet pale. Adult fevmle : Head and upper half of the neck dark neiii;i- brown, con»ideral)ly darker and somewhat more purplish than in the female of C. glaucion ; lowi r part of the neck, all round, white, sometimes tinpil with gray on the nape. Upper parts dark grayi>li- brown, the scapuhu's, interscapulars, and smaller wiii;,'- coverts tipped with lighter ash-gray ; last twoortlnvi; rows of middle wing-coverts tipped with white, foiiii- ing a broken, rather narrow, transverse patcli ; greali-r coverts with the terminal half of their exposed portinii white, as in the male, but distinctly tipped with bhuk- ish, forming a conspicuous dusky bar between the white of the coverts and that of the inner secondaries. Jii^'- ulum and sides ash-gray, the feathers darker and niori; brown beneath the surface, the breast lighter and more uniform, the flanks darker ; other lower parts pure white. Bill usually party-colored (black and yellow), but sometimes wholly black. Adult vuik : Wing, 9.00-9.40 inches ; culmen, l.fiS -1.80; depth of bill at base, .95-1.10, width .75-.sr. ; tarsus, 1.50-1.60; middle toe, 2.45-2.50. Adult feimd. : Wing, 8.25-8.75 inches; culmen, 1.40-1.60; depth of bill, .85-.90 ; width, .70 ; tarsus, 1.30-l.CO ; middle toe, 2.15-2.20. Bearing in mind the salient points of diflerence, as given on p. 40, there need never be iiiiy ditliculty in distinguishing the adult male of this very distinct species from that of C. (jlaucim}. With the female, Iiowever, tlie case is very dift'erent ; the two species being so much alike tli:it, with the series at our command (about twenty specimens, including six unquestionably relwiilile to G. islandica), we must acknowledge our inability to give infallible points of distinction. The examples which are known to represent C. islandica differ from the positively determined females of C, glaucion in the following respects : (1) The color of the head and upper half of the neek is considerably darker, being a rich sepia- or snufF-brown, rather than grayish brown ; (2) the greater wing-coverts are distinctly tipped with black, forming a conspicuous dusky stripe between tlie two larger white areas of the wing, which in C. ylaucion are (usually, at least) merged into one con- tinuous space. Further than these we find no distinction, while indeed some examples are so decidedly intermedi to in both respects as to render it quite uncertain to which species they beloiij,'. Of the two characters named, however, the color of the head is far the more constant, and may, perhaps, be found quite distinctive. Male. Barrow's Golden-eye, or the Rocky Mountain Goldeu-eye, as it was very appro- priately called by Nuttall, is almost exclusively a North American species, occurring in the interior among the mountains, from Southern Colorado, and probably evoii farther south, to the Yukon on the northwest, and Greenland on the east. It is also a resident in Iceland, and 'n a very few instances straggles into Europe. A siiii,'l(' individual was taken in Spain by Mr. Howard Saunders, and four individuals are recorded as having been taken on the coast of Norway at different times and pluti's. With these exceptions, it is not known to be a European species. Up to the present time this species has been strangely overlooked by some writers, while the nature of its geographical distribution has been entirely misunderstood. It was unknown to Wilson, and it escaped the notice of Audubon ; and, more recently, Dr. Coues refers to it in different works as belonging to Arctic America and to Nortli- ern Europe, mentioning it as being the most northerly of the genus, and as having ANATIN^E — THE DUCKS — CLANGULA. 43 ilely oilj^iil lit" of nil k skin) ; iris lark Bt'iiii- ion ; lowiT lui-'s liii^;nl k grayi^!l- lulk'rwiiij^- ,\vi) oi'tlint' hite, foiiii- jh ; gmitir ised i»)itiiiii with liliiik- 111 the white iries. Jiif,'- ;i' and nioru iv and nidie parts jmru nd yelhjw), ulnien, 1.05 th .75-.sri ; (lull fomnh:: i) ; dt'pth of ; middle toe, ever \w any C. (jluucinlt. alike that, )ly ruleralilt ction. 'i'lie ned t'einalc's ■ till! noik is ) the glial I.T een the two nto one lon- ples are so they belong, it, and ni.iy, ery appro- occurring bably ovon It is also A siiii,'le iciuals aro ,11(1 iilaii'S. tie writirs, stood. It recently, to North- as having apparently a Circunipolar distribution, while I can find no evidence that it is either of Arctic or Circumpolar occurrence. It has not been found east> of Iceland, either ill Europe or Asia; neither is it known to nest anywhere within the Arctic Circle. It is both a northern and a mountain species, breeding in Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska up to G4° 30' north latitude, and occurring throughout the Kocky Mountains from high northern regions at least as far to the south as ."kS" north latitude. It is also seen during the breeding-season in Maine and New Brunswick, and probably tliroiighout the British I'rovinces generally. It is found on the Atlantic coast in winter as far south at least as Southern Massachusetts, and on the Tacitic up to a limit not yet ascertained. Its presence in the more northerly portion of the Eocky ^lountains, among the valleys, was first noted in 1831 by Dr. Kichardson, who describes its habits as being very similar to those of the Common Golden-eye ; and, three years later, Mr. Nuttall ("Water Birds," p. 444) luentions it as occurring in the Kocky Mountains; but whether on the authority of his own observations or of those of Dr. Kichardson, he does not state. More recently, Dr. Cooper was the first of our naturalists to recall the fact of its being found among the mountains of the United States. (See " Fauna of Montana," Am. Nat. III., p. H'.i.) Holbcill and Keinhardt have also recorded it as being a bird of Greenland, in the southern i)art of which country it breeds ; and it has been procured in the neighbor- hood of Godthiuib and Nenortalik. Its range is there restricted to a narrow belt between G3° 45' and G4° 30'. North of this the natives have no knowledge of its occurrence. Mr. Boardman informs me that a few birds of this species are seen each summer in the neighborhood of Calais, Me., and that they undoubtedly breed there, but that as yet he has not been able to discover their nests. They are somewhat rare in the region at that season, but become much more common on the St. Croix Eivcr in the winter, and also in the Bay of Fundy. • Mr. AVilliam Brewster, of Cambridge, obtained an adult female in the flesh from Cape Cod, Mass., Dec. 7, 1871. Since then he has met with several females and two adult males in the Boston Market, most of which were shot within the limits of Massachusetts. It is now thought to be more common on that coast in the winter than had been previously supposed. Mr. Nelson states that Barrow's Golden-eye is a winter resident on Lake Michi- gan, and that it is found at that season irregularly throughout the State of Illinois. This bird was obtained on the AVabash, at Mount Carmel, in December, 1874, by Pro- fessor Stein ; and Mr. Nelson has observed it at Chicago. Dr. Hoy procured a speci- men at Bacine in 18G0. It is probably not uncommon on Lake Iklichigan ; but the winter season is unfavorable for procuring it, or even for ascertaining its numbers. This species has been procured by Dr. Ilayden in the interior of the United States, and subsequently, in 1872, by ]\Ir. Henshaw, who is inclined to regard this as a species occurring regularly and in considerable numbers on Utah Lake, where two specimens were taken by him, and where — as he was assured by the hunters — some are shot every winter, although this species is less abundant than the common Golden-eye, from which it '.^ easily distinguished. Ur. Edwin Carter, of Colorado, was probably the first person actually to secure the nest and eggs of this species, whose presence in the mountains of that region iad been well known to him for several years. A set of seven eggs obtained by him la now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge. Mr. Carter writes me that "the usual nest complement of Barrow's Goldeu-eye is from six to ten, varying 44 LAMELLIUOSTRAL SWIMMEUS — ANSEUES. with the ago .and vigor of the parents." In 187G he took a nest of ten eggs, wliich contained large embryos, and also another set of six; another cluteh (that sent td the Museum) consisted of seven. He writi's that he has nu't with several youui,' broods numbering from six to eight, and one of ten. These birds nest in hollow trees; and it is surprising to see in what small cavities they in some instances can accommodate themselves. The following season he examined a great many trees, and every one that had a suitable opening eithcjr contained an occupant or indicated former nesting by egg-shells and othei- marks. This species is not known to occur in California; but Dr. Cooper has no doubt thiit it will yet be found among the mountains of the northeastern portion of the State. Mr. Dall speaks of it as i»reseiit, but rare, on the Yukon Kiver; and specimens were obtained by Bischoff at Sitka. An individual was taken by Mr. ]\I. McLeod in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, June L'9, 18G3. On the 14th of June, 1864, Mr. MacFai- lane obtained a male exami)le at Fort Anderson. It had been in the habit of flyiiij,' over the fort for several evenings in succession, and was at length shot on a small lake. The female, without doubt, had her nest somewhere in the vicinity, but she eluded his endeavors to discover the place. Mr. MacFarlane adds that this sjjecies may be classed among the rarest of the Ducks vis'iting that region, Mr. C. W. Sheperd, in his visit to Iceland, found this Duck breeding on a small isliind in the Lake of ]\Iy-vatn, in the northern part of that island. This islet was occupied almost exclusively by two species — the Golden-eye and the Merr/us serratm: The soil was composed of broken lava, and both species Avere breeding in holes, some of their nests being entirely out of reach, in the cracks and crevices of the lava. The two species were found to live together in the most familiar manner, and upon tlic best of terms. A female Merganser was found sitting on a nest evidently not In r own, but which contained four eggs belonging to 7>. islmulicus ; the difference between the eggs of the two species being so strongly v irked as to admit of no possibility of confounding them. Two eggs of this species from the Yukon (Smithsonian Institution, No. 9547) measure 2.40 by l.GO inches, and 2.40 by 1.70; two from Iceland (Smithsonian Insti- tution, No. 13409), 2.55 by 1.80, and 2.45 by 1.80. They are of a uniform deep grayish pea-green color. Clangula glaucion americana. THE AMEBICAN GOIDEN-ETE. Anas clangula, Wim. Am. Oin. VIII. 1814, 62, iil. 67, tig. 5. Faliijida clangula, Bonap. Synop. 1828, 393. — Ninr. Man. II. 1834, 441. — Aud. Orn. Biog. IV. 1838, 318, pi. 342 ; Synoj). 1839, 292 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 362, pi. 406 (includes klandica). Buccpluila clangula, CouiLS, Key, 1872, 290 ; Check List, 1873, no. 505 ; B. N. VV. 1874,576. Clangula glaucium, Coues, Check List, 2il ed. 1882, no. 725. Clangula vulgaris, Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. II. 1831, 456. Clangula americana, Bonaf. Coinp. List, 1838, 58. Buceplwla americana-, Bmiw, B. N. Am. 18r)8, 796 ; Cnt. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 593. Clangula glaucium amcricaiM, Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nut. Mus. Vol. 3, 1880, 204 ; Nom. N. Am. IS. 1881, no. 620. Hab. The whole of North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinces, north- ward ; south to Cuba in Avinter. Sp. Char. Adult male : Head and upper half of neck black, glossed with dark green, varying to violet ; a roundish Avhite spot between the rictus aud the eye, but not reaching to the latter ; back, inner scapulars, teitials, remp, and upper tail-coverts, deep black ; lower half of the niik a;j-ij ANATINiE - THE DUCKS — CLANGULA. 45 Male. (all round), lower imrts, outur scapulars, poHti-rior li-sser, iiiitMle mid j,'reater wing-coverts, and neconduries, pure wliite ; anlL-rior leaser wing-cuverts, uud outer etlges of Mcapulurs and lluuk I'eulh- (T:*, and lonreali'd pdrtinu of greater coverts, ilc'ii lilack ; primaries biaikisli dusky ; tail du* I.Ue ; sides of the anal region lieliind tlie flanks clouded with grayish. Hill deep Idaek; iris hright yellow ; feet orange-yellow, with dusky welis. Ailiilt fniutk : Similar to that of 0. idn,iilii-a, but head and neek iiair-brown or grayish brown, rather than purplish sepia or sMiill'-browu, and white on the wing usu- ally not interrupted liya distinct black bar. Downy youny:^ Upper parts generally, induiling the whole upper half of the liead, to the rictus, ami considerably IkIow the eyes, the Jugulum, siile.s, and thighs, deep Booty brown, lighter and more grayish on the jugulum ; the bro^vu of the up})er i)arts . relieved by about eight spots of grayish white, , as follows : one on the posterior liorder (sec- ondary region) of each wing ; one on euch ,■ Bide the back ; one on each side the rump, at ' the l)ase of the tail, and one on each think . just before the brown of the thighs. Chin, throat, and checks pure white, in abrupt and decided contrast to the brown, which entirely surrounds it ; remaining lower parts grayish white. Bill brownish ; nail yellowish. Adult vuile: Total length, about 18.50 to 20.()U inches ; extent, 31.00 ; wing, about 9.25 ; length of bill, from tip to end of basal angle, 1.85 ; depth at base, l.(Ht ; width, .80 ; tarsus, 1.60 ; middle toe, 2.50. Adnll/imiile: Total length, 1().50 ; extent, 2(i.75 ; wing, 8.25 ; cnlmen, l.dO ; depth of bill at base, .!>0, wi.lth, .70 ; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, 2.20. As stated under the head of C. islatiiliai (p. 42), we are unable to discover, in the material at our com- mand (consisting of upward of twenty specimens, in- cluding six unquestionable C. idnndira and many more cipudly undoubted C. ijlaucwu) positive points of distinction between the female of the common and of that of Barrow's Golden-eye. All specimens, however, possessing no dusky bar across the ends of the greater wing-coverts, thus interrupting the wliite wing-patch, should probably be referred to the present species. The females of both species are so variable in every character we have te.sted that it is (piite impossible to say to which some examples should be referred.* Upon comjiaring a series of two males and as many females of the European Golden-eye (L*. chuujulu) with a very large number of American specimens, we ore unable to detect any dift'erence in coloration. The difference in size, however, is so great, and moreover constant, a.s fully to justify their separation M distinct races. 1 Described from Xo. 23261, New Brunswick ; G. A. Boaupmas. 2 In a paper entitled "On the Golileu-eyes, or Carrots, in Nova Scotia," Mr. J. Beniard Gilpin arrives «t the same conclusion, after careful study of sjH-cinitns in the (lesli (see jtp. 398, 399). This paper, which, in its way, is quite a monograph, is evidently an extract from some larger publication, the title of Female. 46 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. The American Goldon-oye, •■ Whistlciy' ami " Great Head," as it is variously known in different parts of the United States, has a very extended distribntion, being found as far south as Florida and Jlexico during the winter, and in summer to the highest northern limits. It breeds from the 42d parallel northward, and is found in Avinter on both coasts from about the same parallel southward. Captain l?lakiston records it as having been first seen by him on the Saskatchewan, at Fort Carlton, on the 10th of April. He also received specimens from Hudson's r>ay. ^Ir. Bernard Ikoss mentions finding it along the Mackenzie River as far nortli as the Arctic coast. According to Richardson, it frequents the rivers and fresh-water lakes throughout the Fur Countries in great numbers. In that region it appears to be by no means shy, allowing the si)ortsnian to ajjproach sufficiently near; but it dives so dexterously at the flash of the gun or at the twanging of the bow, and is so difficult to kill, that the natives believe it to be endowed with a supernatural power. This species was found by Colonel Grayson near ^Mazatlan, in AVestern ^lexicd. where, as he states, it is common during the winter months. A single specimen is reported as having been taken in Bermuda in April, 1854. I can find no record of its occurrence in any of the West India Islands, though its iiresence in Southern Florida is suggestive of an occasional visit to Cuba. The nest of this species was found by Mr. Lockhart on the Yukon, June 18. It contained six eggs. The nest was in a hole high up in a ])oplar-tree, about an arm's length deep from the mouth of the hole. Mr. Dall met with it at Nulato, where it was the first Duck killed, ^lay ^5, 1808. It is always early in arriving, and is common both on the Yukon and on the Pacific coast, near the mouth of that river. Its eggs were obtained from near Fastolik from the marshes. The skin of this Duck, whicli. after being st\iffed and decorated with beads, had been used as an ornament in tlie lodge, was bought from some Indians on the Yukon, near the Mission. Mr. R. Browne met with this species on the I'acific at Vancouver Island. Dr. Cooper states that it is abundant along the whole Pacific coast from Puget Sound to Siin Diego, and beyond ; and although not common on the fresh waters of the interior, it frequents Salt Lake, and i)robably other lakes east of the Sierra Nevada. It is generally recognizaltle from a distance by the shrill noise which it makes as it rises slowly from the surfai'c of the water when starting to fly. It seems to be perfectly silent in t'alifornia dining the winter, making no noise, except that produced by tlio whistling of its wings. It is generally shy ; though, trusting to its dexterity in div- ing, it will allow of a very near api)roach. This species dives so very quickly at tin' flash of the jKJwder that it could not be shot with the old-fashioned flint-lock. Its food consists of small fish, crabs, and marine plants, and its flesh is in consequeiico rather fishy, and inferior for the table. At Unalashka Mr. Dall found it a winter visitor, migrating landward in the spring. ^Ir. George A. IJoardinan has found this species common in the neighborliood of Calais during the summer months, where it breeds in stumps and in hollow trees. In Massachusetts it is ([uite abundant both in the spring and fall, many of these Ducks wintering in the State at places where (qien water can be found. Large flocks often spend each winter in the open parts of Charles River, between the ]Mill-dam ami (Cambridge Bridge. In very severe weather, if that jwrtion of the river is obstructed by ice, the birds are temporarily driven to the ojien harbor, but invariably return when the ice is broken up. They are excessively shy, and unapproachable when wliieh we arc unnlilo to quote, since no clew is given in the extra edition of tlio paper in question. I'r. Ctuies (see " Ki'y to North American Hirtls," p. 290) also admits his iuability to distinguish tlio females of the two species. variously stributidii, n suiuiiur ird, and is ■d. atehewan, Hudson's 1 far uortli resli-watcr [H'ars to lie ut it dives so ditHcult r. n IMexicii, pecinion is ) record of Southern me 18. It it an arm's 0, where it is eoninion , Its e.t,'i;s lek, whicli. lent in tlie land. Vr. t Sound ti) e interiiir, ada. It is as it rises perfectly 3ed by tlu' ity in div- kly at tlie lock. Its inse(]neiu'i,' t a winter )orhood 111' low trees, f of these irge Hocks 1-dani anil bstnieted )ly return d)le when pstioii. I'r. the fcmiili's ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — CLAXGULA. 47 J disturbed, but generally appear as much at home in this land-loeked basin as if in tlu'ir wild retreats, swimming up to within a few rods of the dwellings in l)ea(H)n Street, or diving under the nuich-frequented bridges. On Long Island, as Mr. Giraud states, the Golden-eye is better known among the hunters as the '' Whistler," from the peculiar noise produced by its wings when fly- ing. By others it is also called the " Great-Head," from its beautifully rich and thii^kly crested head. On that island it is said to be a not very abundant species, arriving there in company with other migratory Ducks. He met with it in the fall ami spring on the Delaware and in Chesapeake IJay. as well as at Egg Harbor and on Long Island. In the interior it is said to bo much more common. Its food seemed to consist of small shell and other fish, which it procures by diving. In the fall its flesh is said to be about eipial or even superior to that of the Scaui» Duck. It is very shy, and is decoyed with great difficulty. In stormy weather it often takes shelter in the coves with the Scaup Duck, and there it may be more readily killed. It usually flies very high, and the whistling sound produced by the action of its wings is the only noise that it makes as it proceeds. Audubon found tlie Golden-eye abundant in South Carolina during tlu^ winter, where at times it frequented the preserves of the rice-planters. He also met with it at that season on the watercourses of Florida. In the Ohio Uiver he found it i)re- ferring the eddies and rapids, and there it was in the habit of diving for its food. Katurully the Golden-eye is chiefly seen in company with the UuHle-lu'ad, the JFer- ganser, and other species that are expert divers like itself. When wounded, unless badly hurt, its power of diving and of remaining under water is so remarkable that it cannot be taken. In 1842 Mr. Jonathan Johnson, of Nahant, shot a mah' of this species, wounding it in the head and stunning it. The back jiart of the skull had been shot away, and the bird was snjiposed to be mortally wounded. It, however, ajipeared to recover, fed readily on corn, and became quite tame. It was i)urchast>il by the late Thomas Lee, Es(i., and kept by him in an enclosure. lUit the cover of its enclosure being one day incautiously opened, the bird, which had seemed reconciled to conlinement, suddenly bounded upward through the o])en space, and disappeared. The flight of the Whistler is powerful, rapid, and protracted. On rising from the Urater it proceeds at first very low, and does not ascend to its usual heiglit until it has gone a considerable distance. Although generally a very silent bird, yet just before it leaves for its breeding-places in the spring, the male has a rough eroaiiing note ; and this noti; may also be heard if, having fallen wounded to the ground, it is taken alive. Audubon pronounces the flesh of this Duck flshy and unfit for food. This may be true where it has been rendered rank and strong by some peculiar kind of food, but birds of this siiccies taken near Boston that I have eaten were far from lu-iiig unpala- table. It feeds on shellfish, mollusca, marine vegetables, and seeds, and m conline- llient will readily eat corn and grain. In Southern Wisconsin, according to the observations of Professor Kumlien, Ducks of this species are found sparingly in the spring, but are more abundant in the fall, a few being knt)wu to pass the winter in that locality, wherever they can find deep and open water. They do not, however, remain there during the summer. Eggs of this s])ecies closely resemble those of the iKfum/lrit, l)eing uniformly of a pale grayish pea-green color. Two from Moose IJiver, Southern '[vuhon Bay (Smith- sonian Institution, No. 4;«8), mer-sure 2.55 by L70 inches, and 2..'0 liy L7(). Tlirce from Fort Rae (No. 5032), Great Slave Lake, are vi a deeper green, and measure, two, 2.35 by 1.70 inches, and one 2.30 by 1.70. ! ! 48 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. Clangula albeola. THE BUFFLE-HEADED DUCK ; BTTTTEB-BAIL. Anas albeola, Linn. S. N. cd. 10, I. 1758, 124 ; ed. 12, I. 1766, 199. — Wils. Am. Om. VIII. 1814, 51, pi. 62, figs. 2, 3. Faligula albeola, BuNAi'. Synop. 1828, 394. — Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 445. —Aud. Orn. Biog. IV. 1838, 217, pi. 225 ; Syiiop. 1839, 293 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 369, pi. 408. Clangula albeola, Siephens, Shaw's Gt'ii. Zool. XII. ii. 1824, 184. — S\v. & Rich. F. B. A. II. 1831, 458. — EiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1S81, no. 621. — CouES, Check List, 2d cd. 1882, no. 727. Buccpliala albeola, Baiud, B. N. Am. 1858, 797 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 595. — Coues, Koy, 1872, 290 ; Check List, 1873, no. 507 ; Birds N. W. 1874, 577. Anas buecphala, Linn. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, 125 ; cd. 12, I. 1766, 200 (^ ). Anas riistica, Linn. tt. c. 125, 201 ( J ). Had. North America, breeding northerly ; nii;,'rating south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. Sp. Char. Adult, male : Head and upper hull' of the neck rich silky metallic green, violct- C. atlicidii. purple and greenish bronze, the la.st prevailing on the lower part of the neck, the green on llio anterior part of the head, the purple on the cheeks and crown ; a large patch of pure white on tlio side of the head, extending from the eye back to ami around the occiput ; lower half of the neck, lower jiurts generally, wing-coverts, secondaries, ami outer scapulars pure white, the latter narrowly, and the feathers of tlie Hanks more widely, edged with black ; posterior parts of the body beneath tingeil with jmle ash-gray ; U]iiiL'r tail-coverts light hoary gray ; tail slate-gray, the slial'ts black. Bill bli '.■
  • Y^f •, the Av.\\'\> ;ie nail iitnl ■t pinkish, ,')0 ini'liis; 1.15 ; till- null-: Ihad, 'i'\v Orleans this species is known as the "^Marionette." lie met with it, during extremely cold weather, on the Ohio, when the river was thickly covered with floating iio. among which it was seen diving, almost constantly, in search of food. When the river was frozen over, these birds sought the head-waters of rapid streams, and in their turbulent eddies found an abundance of food. Apparently feeling secure in the rapidity with which they can dive, they allow a very near approach ; but at the lirst snap of the gun dive with the quickness of thought, and often as quickly rise again within a few yards of the same spot. Their flight is usually low, and made ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — IIISTRIONICUS. 51 5er recoivtd IS ini'oniK'd srn Texas. ic iieighlior- 'c, howovcr. inmon ficini 11(1 ill luiltl • in diviiif;, ,nd head, as states that ; during the ir as well as reatest difli- aftly, when lall tish. It table. It is en in small itter part of st generally glity's Cal)- ;ers of Chcs- n the uiijifr 1 said to he 1 taste of its ;li'! bird has re accident, ar the bank have been her secdiiil ith by .Ml'. ind ; it was in the saiin' en eggs. \ et from tlic f eggs was ;, in jMaiuc. ingly alum- 1 their lull ty of >^i'\v gextrcmi'ly oating ii'i". When the and in their •urc in I lie at the liist uickly vise , and made -■■»■ 'it ■ i'fe by regularly repeated beats of the wings; and it is surprisingly rapid — equalling in rapidity that of the Hooded Merganser. Its note is a mere croak, resembling tliat of the Golden-eye, but feebler. Its food is varied, according to the situation. On the sea-coast and on the estuaries it obtains, by diving, small fry, shrimjis, bivalve- shells, and mollusks ; in fresh water, small crayfish, leeches, snails, grasses, and other water-plants. l'1'oli.'HSor Kunilien informs me that tliis species is abundant in Southern Wiscon- sin both in the fall and in the spring, but that none remain there during the summer. Eggs taken in Iowa, and purporting to be of this species, have been wiilely distrib- uted; but this is a more southern locality, and they are, therefore, not so likely to be authentic as those from farther north ; and all that I have seen of these are the eggs of Q. discor.i, bearing but slight resemblance in shade or size to those of Ji. alhvoht. Jlr. B. F. Goss, of Pewaukee, Wis., informs me that the young of this species, still unable to fly, have been killed in Pewaukee Lake — this being the only instance of its being there in the breeding-season which has come to his knowledge. The ISufHe-head was found breeding at Fort Resolution by Sir. Kennicott, May 19 ; the nest was in a hollow tree. The following year. May 8, 18G1, Mr. Kennicott also found it breeding on the Yukon Iliver, in which locality its nests were obtained by Mr. Lockhart, who also procured them on Porcupine Iliver. This species was found breeding at Fort Simpson by jNIr. P. 11. Ross ; at Fort Rae by the younger Mr. Clarke ; and at Fort Yukon by Jlr. Lockhart. Dr. Perlandier, in his manuscript notes, speaks of this species as occurring in winter on the borders of the rivers and marshes in the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico. In the spring it retires to the north, and reappears at the beginning of winter. In ^Maich, 1855 — as Dr. Kennerly, in his Notes on the Pirds observed on the Mexican Boundary Survey, mentions — this Duck was found in abundance at the Boca Grande, in Chihuahua, in Hocks; and also at other points on the Conalitos and Jauos rivers. Eggs of this species from the Yukon River (Smithsonian Institution, No. 9550) ari! of a grayish ivory-white color, with a quite distinct tinge of green. They vary considerably in size ; and in some specimens this greenish tinge is much deeper than in others. The smaller-sized eggs of this species, with only very faint tintings of green, approach in appearance the eggs of the Plue-winged Teal ; and in collecting, |he latter egg has been substituted for the rarer one of the Pufflc-head. The follow- ing are the measurements of four specimens : 2.00 by 1.45 inches ; 2.05 by 1.50 ; 1.95 by 1.35; 1.95 by 1.45. Genus HISTRIONICUS, Lksson. ///.t/;-iO)iiciw, Less. Man. II. 182? 415 (type, ^jirt.i /lis/rionioi, Linn.). VoHimmessa, Kaup, Entw. Europ. ierw. 1829, 4*5 (snmo type). Oismnmita, Kait, t. c, lUti. rhlijncmutta, Huandt, Mem. Ac. St. Petersb. VI. 1849, 4 (same type). " riiylacuncfta, Brandt," Baird ct Coues. Char. Most like CYadrjfuin. Bill very small (shorter than the tarsus), thn lateral outlines con- TtrgiiiK rajjidly to the tip, which is occuined entirely hy the very large nail ; depth of the ina.x- fiU at the base about equal to its width ; lamella) entinly hidden by the overhanghig nin.xillary iWnium ; upper basal portion of the maxilla forming a decided angle, inserted between the featlier- ittg of the forehead and that of the lores, the former reaching rather farther forwanl ; a slight mem- fctaneous lobe ut the lower base of the maxilla, overhanging the rictus. Tail rather long (more 52 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. tliiui half the wing), mucli t,'ra(liinto(l, consisting of fouitijun feathers. Phmiage of the sexes vtrv diflerent, the niah; very handsomely marked, the female very sombre. H. minutus. But a single sperics of this well-marked genus is known. This, the well-known Harlef|uiii Duck, is common to both continents of the nortliern lieniisphere, where it inhabits chieily hi},'h latitudes. HistiionicuB minutus. THE HABLEQVIN SUCK. Anas histrionicn, I,ixn. S. N. «1. 10, I. 1758, 127 ; c.l. 12, I. 176«!, 204. — WiLs. Am. Orn. VIII. 1814, 130, pi. 72, fig. 4. Fuliijida {C/auf/iila) hi^riimiai, Monai'. .Syiiop. 1828, .194. — Xi'TT. M.m. II. 1834, 448. Fitliiinla histrionim, AuD. Orii. Hiog. III. 1835, 612 ; V. 1839, 617 ; Synop. 1839, 617 ; B. Am. YI. 184.3, 374, pi. 409. Clangulii torquata, BuF-UM, Vogolf. 185.'), 38!). HistriomcHs torqmtiis, Boxap. Coiniit. Iteiul. XLIII. 1856. — Baiud, B. N. Am. 1858, 798; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, iio. 596. — Cori-.s, Key, 1872, 291 ; Check List, 1873, no. 510 ; B. N. W. 1874, 578. Anas mimtta, LiNS. S. N. ed. 10, I. 175S, 127 ; cd. 12, I. 1760, 204 ( ? ). Ilislrinnkus wiiiiiliis. niiKssKis, liinls of Knnipi' (in text). — CouKs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V. Apr, 1880, 101; (hock I.i.st, 2d cd. 1882, no. 730. — l!ii).;w. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 622. Hab. Northern North America ; south in winter to the Middle States and Califoniia ; breed- ing south to Newfoundland, the Northern Rocky Mountains, and in the Sierra Nevada to hit. .38° or farther. Sp. Char. Adult male: Entire lond region, continued back, from its upper part, in a stripe on each side of the crown, an oval spot over the ears, a strijic of a little more than an inch in length down each side of the na]ie, a narrow collar completely encircling the lower neck, a broad bar across each side of the breast, the miildle ]u)rtion (longitudinally) of the outer scapukis, tin' greater part of the tertials, a spot near the tip of the greater wing-coverts, and a small spot on each si, npper tail-coverts, and crissiini deep bluc-blauk ; iil)donieii dark .sooty K^'iyish, blending insensibly into the plunilieoiis of the bivast and tiie black of the crissum, but distinctly dehned agjiinst the rufous of the sides and flanks ; win^;-coverts plunibeous-Hlate ; primaries and rcctrices dusky black ; secondaries (" sikk-uIuui") luetjdlic dark violet-blue; terlials wliite, the outer webs edged with n Harlequin chiefly liit^h m. Orn. VIII. 8. ; B. Am. VI. N. W. 1874, Club, V. Apr. 622. raift ; broi'il- la to lat. 38° rt, in a stripe 1 an inch in leck, a broail capuL.:s, tlie spot on each h side of tlie tsdosrriliiMli )r(ler of tlio ! of the cn\- white ciillnr Female (natural size), black, the inner witJi dark iiluinbeous. Bill U'^ht yellowish olive, the extreme tip paler ; iris rwl- dish brown ; feet pale-bluish, the webs du.«ky, the claws whitii«h. Immature male {2d year ') ; Pat- tern (if the head-markings siune as in the preceding, but the plumbeous much duller, the black stripe of tlie pileum dusky, the rufous on the sides of the crown and occiput wanting, or but faintly indi- .CJiti'il. Upi>er parts in general nearly uniform dusky grayish brown, without well-defineuy lecies was ent eating, e a native he Harlior nd, makes far as Ins icn-e it was t in great most rapid According to Yarrell, it is a rare and occasional visitor to the British coast. Two sppciniens were shot, in 1802, on the coast of Scotland; another was afterward taken . on the Orkneys— where, however, it is very rare. According to Vieillot, it has been taken on the coasts of France and Germany ; Nilsson says it visits Sweden. Mr. Hewitson iigures an egg of this species brought from Iceland by Mr. G. C. Atkinson, of Newcastle, who is said to have found a nest containing seven or eight eggs, deposited in a bed of the bird's down, upon the grass bordering the margin of a Bhallow lake — a position (piite different from that of the nests seen by Mr. Shepard. The egg is described as being of a pale buff tinged with green, and 2.13 inches long, by l.().'> in breadth. In tlu? "Zoologist" for 1850 Mr. J, J. Briggs publishes an interesting account of the breeding of a pair of this species in confinement in the Melbourne Gardens in Derbyshire. Although they had been kept there for several years, they did not breed until 184!). In these grounds, at a considerable distance from the pool, where the binls had usually lived, and in a retired part, was an ice-house, against which some • thatch-sheaves had been placed. Upon these, sheltered from wet and sun, at a height ^f three feet, the pair formed a nest. This was simply a depression in the thatch, Jnade very soft and warm by being lined with down plucked from the parent bird. 'Ithe nest contained eight eggs, which were hatched about the middle of June. These ^ggs are described as being similar in color to those of the European Partridge. When the female left them to feed, she carefully covered them up with down. After feeding, she was always escorted back to her nest by the male bird — who, however, took no share in sitting on the eggs. Several of the young Ducks were reared, but ftie female died. I am constrained to believe that Audubon's account of this bird and of its pres- ence on our Atlantic, coast is full of error. That it breeds, or has ever bred, on Seal, Grand Menan, or White-head islands, is contrary to all the information I have been able to obtain, after the most careful scrutiny. The gentleman who had Audubon's party in (diarge assured me that during nearly fifty years' experience he has never seen the " Lord and Lady Ducks," as these are there called, except in winter. He was sure that none weve seen when Audubon was there, and that the nests taken at Wliite-head Islands were those of the Ked-breasted Merganser. My informant also aasuied me that he had never met with this Duck on the coast of Labrador, but that he had been told by trappers who had penetrated into the interior that it is found only on the edge of mountain-streams or of elevated ponds and lakes, and even then rarely. Its nest was unknown to him, nor had he ever heard of its having been met ■with by others. Several years since. Dr. Hayden captured in the Koeky ^Mountains a female Har- lequin Duck having a fully formed egg in her oviduct — proving that this species probably breeds somewhere within our limits. • In the summer of 1874 Dr. Coues found several pairs of these Ducks, with the young still following the mother, in the Eocky Mountains, near Chief Mountain Lake, in the northwestern corner of jSIontana, lat. 49°. He saw them on some small pools about the lakes, and also on a braAvling mountain-brook — these being just such places as would be inhabited by a Dipper. This was in the latter part of August. One old bird, and several young ones still unable to fly, were secured. Some were killed with stones by the soldiers. The nest itself was not discovered. The birds noticed on the mountain-brook, when alarmed, dived and swam entirely under water, ^with only the head exposed, — much like a Grebe. In one instance a bird took ge in a quiet spot behind a sheet of water tliat formed a little cascade. 66 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. Mr. Edwin Carter informs me that this species breeds in Colorado, though its eggs or nest have not been seen. In the summer of 187G he met with a pair witli voung just from the shell. Mr. Henry \V. Elliott mentions finding these Ducks common on and around the shores of the I'rybilof Islands, where they were idly floating amid the surf in Hocks of fifty or sixty, or basking and preening their feathers on the beaclies and outlying rocks. They were to be seen all the year round, excepting only when forced away by the ice-floes. Their nests, however, eluded his search ; and although he was cpiite confident that they bred either on the rocky beaches or on the high ridges inland, the natives themselves were entirely unacquainted with their eggs. Mr. Elliott's expe- rience in relation to this bird differs, it will be observed, from that of most natu- ralists who have met with it, since these represent it as essentially solitary, and as being generally found either alone or in pairs. Those birds seen by Mr. Elliott were not particularly wild or shy, and numbers were killed by the natives every fall and spring. This species is said to be remarkably silent ; he heard from it no cry what- ever during the entire year. It seemed to be decidedly gregarious, solitary pairs never straying away from the flock : the females apparently outnumbered the males two to one. Professor Kuudien informs me that hunters have repeatedly given him descriptions of a Duck corresponding in the pecidiarities of its plumage with no other species than this, and said to occur in the lakes of Southern Wisconsin ; but lie had never met with it himself. He mentions seeing three examples of this species, one of which was secured at Annaanaatook. This was not an uncommon bird in the Godthaab district, on the Greenland coast. According to Mr. L. Belding, "several pairs of this Duck breed every summer on the Stanislaus Kiver, Calaveras Co., Cal., as low down as four thousand feet altitude, and perhaps lower." At this locality !Mr. Belding saw, on June 30, 1881, two flocks, consisting of young birds Avith their parents, the former at least a month old ; Jidy 5, 1881, live flocks, also consisting of young and old, were seen ; and July 20, another flock. Mr. Belding further remarks that this is the only species of Duck he has seen in that part of the country in summer, while he also favors us with the following notes : " These birds, young and old, tumble over and through rapids and cascades in an astonishing manner. The crop and gizzard of one I dissected were full of insects, partly, if not principally, the Caddis Fly ; and I could not ascertain that it had been eating fish, although shot in a trout-stream. The flesh, while not a luxury, is not offensive to taste or smell. Wilson praises it ; but as he also praises the flesh of the Ruddy Duck (^Ei-ismatura ruhida) and that of the Shoveller {Spatula clypeata), I am reminded not only that tastes differ, but also that birds may vary in the flavor of their flesh, according to food or other causes ; for certain it is that the two last- mentioned Ducks are considered very inferior food on the ]*acific coast." The eggs of this Duck are of a rounded oval form, measure 2.20 inches by 1.70, and are of a dark brownish-gray color. Genus HARELDA, Leach. Harelda, Leach, Stepli. Gen. Zool. XII. 1824, 174 (type, Anasgladalis, Linn.). Pagmietta, Kaitp, Ent. Europ. Tlilerw. 1829, 66 (same type). Crymoncssa, Maco. Man. Brit. Orn. II. 1842, 185 (same type). AfeloncUa, Susv. Tuut. 1872, 149 (same type). ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — IIAUELDA. 57 Char. Bill hihuU (much shorter than the tarsus), all its outlines tuperiiig rapidly to the eiul, wliiili is occupietl cutiri'ly \>y the very large bruad nail ; lower eilye of the niuxilla nearly straight lor the liasal half, then suiUlenly risin;^ to tlie iironiinently deeurved nail ; lamella) slightly exposed alou},' the straigiit basal portion of the maxillary tomium ; featheriu},' at the base of the bill forming ii nisirly straight oldi(|Ue line, advancing fartiiest forward on the forehead, and scarcely interru|)ted liv any re-entrant angle, so prominent in most Ducks. Adult male with the longer 8aii)uLii'8 elongated and lanceolate, the rectrices (14 in number) acute, the middle pair slender and greatly lengthened. H. hyemalis (winter i)ltimage). The most important peculiarity of structure in this well-marked genus consists in the almost uni([ue outline of the feathering at the base of the bill, this outline advancing gradually farther I'orward from the rictus to the base of the culmen, the continuity of the slightly curved line inter- rupted by oidy a very i'aint, sometimes scarcely perceptible, indentation at the place of the deep angle seen in most Dujks. The only other genus showing an approach to this character is Camp- toltvmus, which, however, has the bill and other features ve?"' different. But a single species is known, which, like Ilistrionicus, is eircumpolur in its distribution, but descending to lower latitudes in winter. Harelda hyemalis. THE LONO-TAILEO DUCK; OLD SQUAW. Jnas hyemitlis, Linn. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, 126 ; ed. 12, I. 1766, 202. Anas luciiwUs, BRtixN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 17. Anas ylacialis, LiXN. S. N. ed. 12, I. 1766, 203. — Wils. Am. Orn. VIII. 1814, 93, 96, pi. 70. Ilarelda, glacialis, " Leach," Stephens, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII. ii. 1824, 17.0, pi. 58. — S\v. & Rich. F. B. A. IL 1831, 460. — Baiud, B. N. Am. 1858, 800; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 597.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 291 ; Check List, 1873, no. 508 ; 2d ed. 1882, no. 728 ; B. N. W. 1874, 579. — RiixiW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 623. Ftdigula {Harelda) glacialis, Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 453. Ftdigula glacialis, AuD. Om. Biog. IV. 1838, 403, pi. 312 ; Synop. 1839, 295 ; B. Am, VI. 1843, 379, pi. 410. Anaa miclonia, Bodd. Tabl. P. E. 1783, 58. Anas longicauda. Leach, Syst. Cat. Mam. and Birds, Brit. Mus. 1816, 37. Anas brachyrhynchos, Beseke, Vog. Kurl. 1792, 50. Platypus Fabcri, Bkehm, Lerb. Eur. Vbg. II. 1824, 1004. Clangula Faben, meguaros, musica, brachyrhynchos, Buehm, V. D. 1831, 935, 936, 937, 938. Hab. Northern hemisphere ; in America, south to the Potomac River and the Ohio ; chiefly littoral. VOL. II. — 8 68 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSliiUES. Sp. Char. Adult nuile, in winter: Foruheatl, crown, occiput, impe, cliin, thront, lowtjr part of tlie neck (all round), nnd upper part of the jugiiluni and buck, white ; loms, cheeks, und orbital region li},'ht niouse-^ray, the eyelids white ; a large olilong space covering the sides of the neck, black, becoming light grayish brown in its lower portion. Middle of the buck, rump, ujiper tail- coverts, tail, wings, lower part of the jngulmn, whole breast, and upper part of the alxlomen, black ; the jiec- toral area very al ruptly defined both anteriorly and posteriorly — the Litter with a strongly convex outline. Scapulars glaucous-white or very i)ale pearl-gri y ; posterior lower parts white, the sides strongly shaded with pearl-gray, liasal half of the bill black, the terminal portion orange-yellow, with the nail bluish gray ; iris lirigbt carmine ; feet light plumbeous, the webs dusky, and claws l)lack. "The outer half of the bill rich orange-yellow, that color extending to the base along the ridge, the unguis and the basal half black, as well as the unguis and edges of the lower mandible" (Audubon). Adult inale, in summer: Lores, cheeks, and sides of the forehead, jjale mouse- gray ; eyelids, and a postocular longitudinal space, white ; rest of the head, whole neck, and upper parts generally sooty-black ; upjier part of the back more or less variegatetl with fulvous ; scapulars widely edged with the same, varying on some feathers to ochraceous and pale buff. Breast and ujijier part of the abdomen dark sooty-grayish, abruptly defined behind with a semicircular outline, as in the winter plumage ; remaining lower parts white, shaded on tlie sides with pale pearl-gray. Bill black, crossed, in front of the nostrils, by a wide liand of orange ; iris yellowish brown ; feet bluish black, the joints and under surface of the webs black.* Adult female, imcinter: Head, neck, and lower parts, chiefly white ; forehead, medially, and crown, dusky ; auricular region, chin, and throat, tinged with the same ; jugulum light dingy gray. Upper parts dusky brown, the scapulars bordered with grayish fulvous or light raw-umber brown, some of the feathers tipped with pale ashy. Adidt female, in summer : Head and neck dark grayish brown, with a large space surroiuid- ing the eye, and another on the side of the neck, gray- ish white ; upper parts as in the winter plumage, but upper part of the back variegated with light brown, the scapulars chiefly of this color, with the central por- tion dusky. " Bill and feet dusky green ; iris yellow " (Audubon). Young: Somewhat similar to the winter female, but much more uniform above, w'ith scarcely any lighter bonlers to the scapulars, the head and neck light brownish gray, darker on the pileum, and indis- tinctly whitish before and behind the eye. Downy young : " Above, uniform dark hair-brown, relieved only on side of head by a grayish white space on lower eyelid, a similar but smaller spot immediately above the eye, a light brownish Male, winter plumage. Male, smnmer plumage. 1 Fresh colors of No. 67837, c^nd., St. Michael's, Alaska; L. M. TunxEn. Audubon describes the fresh colors of bill, etc., in the suinincr lants. On Norton Sound, Alaska, according to Mr. Adams ("Ibis," 1878), it makes its lirst appearance about the 7th of May, but by no means in large numbers, and generally only in pairs. It breeds about the inland marshes, its nest resembling that of other Sea-Ducks; the eggs b(-ng nine in number, and of a dark olive-green color. The name of this bird in the Eski dialect is Ad-h'-fjiilc-lu-luk. Sir John Richardson speaks of finding this Duck abundant in the Arctic Sea, associating witli tlie O'ulem'uv, remaining in the north as long as it can find open water, and ivssembling in very large flocks previous to migrating. During its progress south it halts both on the shores of Hudson's Ray and among the iidand lakes, and is one of the last of the birds of passage to quit the Fur Countries. In the latter part of August, when a thin crust of ice forms during the night on the Arctic Sea, the female may often be seen breaking a way witli her wings for lier young brood. Tliis bird is called by tlie Canadians the "Cacca-U'ce,^' and is by far the most noisy of all the Ducks. Mr. Hearne, writing about a century ago, sjieaks of the birds of this species as visiting Hudson's Ray in great nund)ers, and as extending their range from the sea- coast to the remotest West. They were found in vast nndtitudes near Cumberland House. At their first arrival they are excellent eating; but when they are moulting, though very fat, they are generally so rank that few Ein-opeans can tolerate them. This species is very abvnidant during the winter oif the coast of Maine, and indeed on all the New England sea-shore, and occurs in great luimbers in all the bays and estuaries between Eastport ami Long Island. It leaves tlie northern ri'gions in large flocks, which gradually separate into sniaUer parties, and in the course of tlu^ winter arc distributed along the entire Atlantic region. It is a watchful and vigilant bird, very diflicult of approach, and quite expert in diving, i)assing so rapidly under the water that shooting it is almost imiiossible. It can be best approachec^ by sailing down upon it or by gradually drifting among the flock in a boat unjiropelled by oars, the oecu])ants keeping concealed. On the wing it is one of the swiftest of its trilie, and one of those birds most ditticult to shoot. As a general thing its flesh is tough and fishy. ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — HARELDA. 61 It is known in the region of the Chesapeake as the "South-southerly," and it usually arrives in those waters between the middle and the last of October. Axulubou mentions that on the borders of a large fresh-water lake in Labrador, July 28, he met with several young broods of this species, carefully attended l)y their niotliors. Tlie lake was two miles from the sea, and not a male bird was in sight. He found several of the deserted nests, and all still contained the down which tlie mother liad plucked from her breast to protect tiie eggs in her absence. The nests were under low bushes, among rank weeds, and not more than ten feet from i;he water. They were formed of coarse grass, with an upper layer of finer weeds, atul lined with down. In one of them were two unhatched eggs. These measured 'J.lii inches by 1.5(5. Audubon pursued, and at last caught, several of the young, which kept diving before him like so many water-witches, the mothers keeping aloof, but sounding their notes of alarm and admonition. The old birds did not dive, but seemed constantly to urge their joung to do so ; and he adds, the little things so \ profited by the advice of their parents, that had they remained in the water instead \ \ of making ft)r the land, it would have been impossible for him, with all his exertions, to capture a single one. The young remain in the i>onds until the end of August, by which time they are able to fly, when they remove to the sea, and soon after leave the coast. In Europe the Long-tailed Duck is chiefly known as an inhabitant of the more northern ccnuitries. To Great Britain it is only a winter visitant, coming in small mnnbers, except when the weather is unusually severe ; and the birds arriving at such times are chiefly immature ones. This Duck appears rather often on the coast of Holland, occasionally visits the lakes of Germany, is rare on the coast of France, and is an irregidar or accidental visitor in Italy. In the Orkneys it is known as the " VuUon," from a supposed resemblance of this word to the musical cry it utters when on the wing. ^Ir. G. C. Atkinson describes a nest of this s])ecies, found by him in Iceland, as placed on the margin of a small lake, lined with down, which contained six eggs. Mr. I'roctor found several nests in the same locality. They were generally among low bushes, by the edge of the fresh water, constructed of a few stems of grass, and lined witli down. The number of eggs varied from six to twelve. These are described as of a pale greenish white, with a tinge of buff cfdor. Tiie abundance of this species on our great lakes during the winter, especially on Michigan and such others as are free from ice, is a new and interesting jioint in its historj'. Mr. Nelson found it an exceedingly abundant winter resident in ^lichigan, and sparingly dispersed throughout Illinois during that season. A few stragglers come about tlic last of Octol)er ; but the great body difl not arrive before the 1st of December, departing on the 1st of A])ril. although a few lingered until the last of that month. Profes.sor Kumlien informs me that tliis Duck is frequently met with in winter as a straggh-r in the streams and lakes of Southern Wisconsin. The food of this species varies with its feeding-grounds. In shallow water near the coast it collects mollusca, Crustacea, fish, and marine insects. In a few instances tlie remains of the common mussel and shrimp are found. In the summer its stomach is usually filled with fresh-water insects. The note of this sjjecies is one of its great jieculiarities, and is very distinct from that of any other of the Ducks, l)eing really musical when heard from a distance, especially if there are a large numl)er of individuals joining in the refrain. The words south-south southerly, to my ear, do not in the least resemble the sounds this bird makes ; they cannot he re])resented, or even imitated. The terms " Old Wives " 62 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. and " Old Squaws," as applied to these Ducks, are not wholly inappropriate ; since tlicir gabble has an effect on the ear not very unlike that produced by the incoherent flow of words coming from many old women talking at once. Mr. MacFarlane found tins I)uck breeding in immense numbers in the neighbor- hood of Fort Anderson, on the Lower Anderson River, on the Barren Grounds, and on the shores of the Arctic Sea. By far the greater proportion of the nests were in the vicinity of fresh water ; but several were found on small islands, in Franklin, Liverpool, and Langdon bays, on the Arctic coast. They were all on the ground. In a few instances no down was seen in them, but only hay; and in these cases the eggs were invariably quite fresh. The eggs were generally fouiui covered over with tho down ; but where this was wanting, with the hay. The eggs varied from five to seven, the latter being the largest number recorded in any one nest. The female was usually reluctant to leave her nest, and only rose when nearly approached. From his own personal observations, Mr. MacFarlane came to the conclusion that the usual quantity of down necessary for a Duck's nest is seldom met with before a full set of eggs has been deposited, and that the process of lining with down, which is plucked off from her Imdy by the female, goes on simultaneously with their laying, Mr. H. W. Elliott found this a very common resident species on the Prybilof Islands, and breeding in limited numbers on the lakelets of St. Paul's. He speaks of it as being a very noisy bird, particularly in spring, when, with the breaking-up of the ice, it comes into the open reaches of water with its peculiar sonorous and reiter- ated cry — resembling the syllables ah-naah-naah-yah — which rings cheerfully upon the ear after the silence and desolation of an Arctic ice-bound winter. This Duck is of accidental occurrence in the interior of the United States in its autumnal migrations. On one occasion Professor Kumlien procured a specimen at Lake Koskonong, in Southern Wisconsin ; and in December, 1874, Mr. R. Ridgway obtained one on the Wabash River, in Southern Illinois. Its occurrence in such localities is (piite uncommon, and undoubtedly originates in some disturbing cause. The eggs of this species are usually of a pale grayish-green ; some are paler, and with less green mingled with the gray. They vary in length from 2.00 to 2.10 inches, and in breadth from 1.40 to 1.45. Grxus CAMFTOL21MnS, Gray. Knmptorhynchus, EvTn>f, Monog. Aunt. 1838, 57 (type, Anas lahradoria,GtMi.u) ; not of Cuvier. Camplolaimii.i, Gkay, List Gencrn, 1841, 95 (same type). Char. Bill nearly as long ns the head, much longer than the tarsuB, its depth at tho base nearly e<[iial to I'ue width, the edges nearly pandlel, and furnished near the end with a membra- neous lol)e, causing a slight expansion ; end of the bill gently convex or nearly truncated, tlie nail bronil and slightly hooked ; maxillary toniiuin gently, but very decidedly, convex basidly, the lamella) entirely concealed ; basal portion of the maxilla furnished with a sort of cere, or over- lying thin plate, covering nearly the posterior half of the bill, and extending con8idend)ly anterior to the nostrils ; basal outline of the bill nnich as in Harelda, but the angles on each side the fore- head more distinct. Feothers of the cheeks stiffened and bristly. Tail rather short, rounded, of fourteen rather pointed feathers. Tertials straight. This genus stands quite alone, no other l)eing very closely related. In the form oCthe bill it ia entirely uniciue, the only resemblance to any other consisting in an approximation to Harelda in the basal outline, while the niend)raneous ai)])endage to the edge of the maxilla, near the end, calls to mintl the genus Malacorhynchm of Australia (see VoL I. p. 626). There is, however, a decidctl approximation to the same chanicter in Enicmutta. ANATINyE — THE DUCKS — CAMPTOL/EMUS. 63 Camptoleemus labradorius. THE PIED DUCK. AmsUbradoria, C.MEt.. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 537. — Wils. Am. Orii. VIII. 1814, 91, pi. 69. Fuliijula labradora, BosAi'. Synop. 1828, 391. — NuiT. Mnii. II. 1834, 428. — AuD. Orn. Biog. IV. 1838, 271, pi. 332 ; Synop. 1839, 288 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 329, pi. 400. Vamplolaimvs lahradortis, Guay, List Gen. 1841. Camptolccmm labradorius, lUiitn, IJ. N. Am. 1858, 803; Cut. N. Am. B. 1859, no. GOO. — CouF.s, Key, 1872, 291; Check List, 1873, no. 509; 2d ed. 1882, o. 729; B. N. W. 1874, 579. — RiDGW. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 624. FuUijtda grisea, Leib, Jour. Phil. Ac. VIII. 1840, 170 (young). Had. Formerly, northern Atlantic coast of North America, south in winter to New Jersey and New York ; Micliigan ? Supposed to be now nearly, if not 0-S.OO ; culmen, 1 fiO-1-70 ; width of bill at ba.se, .82-90 ; tarsus, l.'iO-l.tk) ; middle toe, 2.2">-2.40. Vory little is known as to the history of this Duck. It has always been a souic- what rare species on the Atlantic coast, and within tltc past ten or twelve years its visits have very nearly ceased. Occasional specimens have Iteen taken about the I.slaiid of Grand ISIenan, near Eastjiort, Me. Tlie last of which we have any record Wiis obtained by Mr. H. Ilerrick ; it was a female, and had been shot by jMr. Cheney in April, 1871. 64 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. Audubon's account of it is apparently in part cofijectural, and in part from hearsay testimony, and must be received with caution. He did not nicot with any when in Labrador ; but his son, John W. Audu- bon, on a visit to Bhvnc Sablon, July 2S, 1833, found several deserted nests on the top of low tangled fir-bushos, and was told by the English clerk of the fishing establishment there that these belonged to the Pied Duck — the i)resent species. The nests had much the apjiearance of those of the Eider, were very large, formed externally of fir-twigs, inter- nally of dried grasses, and lined with down. From this Audubon inferred that the Pied Duck breeds earlier than most of its tribe. It is a hardy bird, and at the tinu^ Audubon wrote was seen during the most severe cold of winter along the coasts of Nova Scotia, Elaine, and ]\Ias- sachusetts. Professor ]\Iaccullock, of Pictou. procured several of this s})ecies in that neighlxirhood ; and the pair fig- ured by Audid)on, and now in the col- lection of the Smithsonian Institution, were killed by Daniel Wi'bster on Vine- yard Island, on the coast of Alassachu- setts, aiul by him given to Audubon. The bird which the latter figured as a female is now believed to have been a Male. young male. Audubon states that this Duck ranged as far south as the? Chesapeake, near the influx of the James River ; that he found them in the Baltimore nuirket, and that it was met with every winter along the coasts of Long Island and New Jersey ; that it en- tered the Delaware Kiver, and ascended as far as I'hihulelphia; and that a bird-stuffer of Camden caught many fine spi'cimens of this species with fish-hooks baited with mussels. ]\tr. P. Turnbull, in his List of the Birds of East Pennsylvania and New Jersey, published in 18G9, gives this Duck as being rare, but states that it is seen in small nundjcrs every season. A writer in the " Naturalist," for Au- gust, 1868, states that a single iiulividual of this species had been shot the winter before on Long Island. Mr. Gira'id, in 1843, speaks of this Duck as Ijeing then very r.are on Long Island, where it was known to hunters as the " Skunk Female. ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — ENICONETTA. 65 Duck" — so called from tho similarity of its markings to those of that animal. On thf coast of New Jersey it was known as the " Sand-shoal Diu-k." It is said to subsist on small shells and other fish, which it procures by diving. Its flesh is not considered a delicacy, although this bird is said to be seen from time to time in the New York markets during every season. Mr. George A. IJoardman, writing to the "Naturalist" (III. 383), states that not many years ago this was a common bird all talong our coasts from Delaware to Labrador ; and that in the New York market there Avovdd at times be dozens of tliem, and tlien not one for several years. It would, he adds, be very interesting to know wliere they have gone. So good a flier and diver cannot, like the clumsy Alra iiiipen- 7i!.i, have become extinct. That it has not entirely disappeared Mr. 13oardman has himself received evidence, single individuals of this species having been occasionally l)rocui'ed iu the Bay of Fundy. Genus ENICONETTA, Gkay. Macropits, Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 450 (ncu Srix, 1824). I'lilijdida, EvToN, Brit. BiixLs, 183(5 (type, Aiuis Stdlcri, Omki..) ; iinti'dated by Pohjstide, Smith, 1835. atellarUi, BoxAi". Comp. List, 1838, 57 (sumo tyin;) ; err. typ. I'or Ulctkria, preoccupied in Zoology. Sklkria, Bonap. Cat. ilct. 1842, 74. Enkonclln, GiiAV, Geiicru B. 1840, 75 (same type), Uoikonctla, Auams. Ind. Univ. 1846, 178 (iioin. ctnend.). Char. Bill a little longer tlmu the tarsus, ami about iutiMiuediate iu form between that of C(imptol(enius and that of llistrioiiicKS, coniprL'sstMl, and tapering' toward the eml, with a broad, depressed, and indistinctly delined nail, as in the latter, but with tlie maxillary toniiuni very convex busuUy uiid siuuuted terminally, as in the latter ; edges of the maxilla turned inmml .1.. ,,"'■• Vie;, ■ n,!,'ainst, and partly enclosing, the niandiide ; feathers of the head and neck peculiarly soft and velvety, except on the lores ami occiput . where stiffened, on the latter elongated, and forming a short transverse, erescent-shaiu'd tuft. Tertials ^'reatly decurved or falcate, b\it broad to the tip. Tail graduatwl, of fourteen ])ointed feathei-s. Colors of the mah; beautifully varied. This genus is tpute iuterniediate Ixjtween Cumpiolcmus and Hisfrionicu^ in the form of the bill VOL. II. — 9 66 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. and in other characters, but is altogether peculiar in many respects. The turning inward of the edges of the niaxilLi, so as partly to cover the mandible, in the enclosed bill, is not found in any other genus. The falcate tertials and the general style of coloration approximate it to the Eiders — which, however, ore very different in the form of the bill, and in other respects. Eniconetta StellerL STELLEB'S DUCK. Ajuui StcUcri, Pall. Spic. Zool. VI. 1765, 35, pi. 5. FuUgula (Macropus) SUikri, Nun'. Man. II. 1834, 451. Fuligula {PJi/nlict(i) Stellcri, HitANDT, Mem. Acad. St. Pctcrsb. VI. 1849, 7. Polystida Stellcri, EvTON, Cat. Hr. Mus. 68; Mon. Anat. 1838, 150. — BAinn, B. N. Am. 1858, 801 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, 598. Somakria Sklkri, Jaiid. Brit. B. IV. 1839, 73. — CoiKs, Key, 1872, 291 ; Check List, 1873, no. 611 ; 2d ed. 1882, no. 731 ; B. N. W. 1874, 580. Annsdispar, Si'aiiism. Mus. Carls. 1786, pis. 7, 8. Skllaria dispur, Honai'. Comp. List, 1838, 57. Anaaocddua, Bonn. Tabl. Orn. I. 1790, 130 — Shaw, Nat. Misc. pi. 34. n Hab. Arctic and Subarctic coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. Sp. Char. Adult male : Greater part of the head, and upper pr)rtion of the neck, satiny white ; lores, and crescentic tuft across occiput, dark dull greenish ; space surrounding tlie eye (widest luihind), chin, throat (narrowing greatly beli>w), lower part of the neck (all round), middle of the back (longitudinally), scapulai-s, tertials, and secouilaries glossy blue-black or dark steel-blue ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail duller blue-black ; scapulars marked with a mesial lanceolate stripe of satiny wliite, widest on the inner webs ; tertials with their inner webs wholly satiny white, this invading the inner jwrtion of the outer webs ; secondaries tijiiiwl with white. All the wing-coverts, anterior scapu- lars, and sides of the back pure white ; primaries dull bl.ick. Lower parts dull ferruginous, becoming grad- ually dusky on the middle of the abdomen, fading into bulf on the sides, flanks, and jugulum, the buff chan- ging insensibly to white next to the blue-black of the neck and on the upper bonier of the flanks ; the dusky of the abdomen grailually darkening posteriorly, the wliole anal region and crissum being dull black. A small spot of blue-black on the anterior part of tlie sides, Iwneath the bend of the wing ; lining of the wing entirely white. "Bill dull grayish blue, as are the feet, the claws yellowish gray " (Audubon). Adult female, in summer : Above, dusky, more or less relieved by pale fulvous or light-brown edgings to the feathers, the anterior portion of the back more spottetl, but the rump sonu'times uniform blackish, though the feathers are usually narrowly tipped with light brownish ; head and neck pale-brown, freckled or transversely speckled with dusky, this forming more distinct bars on the pileum ; jugulum and breast light rusty brown, spotted or irregularly barred with dusky ; feathers of sides and flanks dusky, bonlered with light brown ; alxlomen, anal region, and crissum nearly plain sooty blackish. Wing-coverts dusky, broadly tipped with brownish gray ; Bpeculum dull metallic blue or violet, bounded on each side by a white bar, os in the male ; falcate Male. ANATINiE — TUE DUCKS — ENICONETTA. 67 U-ii. mostly dnsky. Young iimh: Similar to the atlult fumale, but Hpeculura lUisky grayish lirowii, witli littlu, it' any, iimtalliu gloss, tbe tertials but slightly curved, uud with littlu ur no white Total length, about 18.00 inches ; extent, 27.00 to 30.00; wing, 8.00-8.50 ; culuien, 1.40-1.45 ; tiirsus, 1.50 ; middle toe, 1.95. A supposed young male I'rom Northern Europe (No. 57260) corresponds with the description given above, e.xcept that the throat is black, the occipital feathers stiH'eued, while white feathers !iin>t'ar on the sides of the breast. This species was first deseribed from specimens obtained by Steller in Kam- tschatka, where it was said to breed ujjon rocks inaccessible to man. It appears to In' most abundant in the northern portions of Western America and Eastern Asia, and in the intermediate i.slands. It is of occasional or accidental occurrence in Great liritain, where one was taken at Caistor, Fell. 10, 1830, and another near Scarbor- ough, Aug. 15, 1835. The former of these was figured by Audubon. Three or four were procured in Sweden, and anothcn- in Denmark. Temminck states that this Duck visits the eastern parts of Northern Eurojie, and that it has occasionally wan- dered into Germany. Professor Wasius records the capture of one on the Island of Heligoland. It is also given by Midden- dorff as having been found by him in the I5arrens of Northern Siberia. Mr. Wheel- wright states that it appears to remain ('■iring the whole year off Varanger Fiord, near North Cajjc, where it most probably breeds. It is only accidental in the other parts of Scandinavia. A single specimen was taken on the coast of France, between Calais and Bonlogne, in Fel)ruary, 1855. Mr. Robert CoUett writes to !Mr. Dresser that this Duck occurs annually on the I>apland coast, wliere it is still to be seen during the summer, at the mouths of the rivers, close to the sea, ft eding on shellfish. In the " Proceedings of the Zoological Society " for 1861, Professor Newton figures an egg of this species, obtained by JliddendorfE on the tundras of the Taimyr. On the 27th of June nests were found containing from seven to nine newly laid eggs. Professor Newton also states that in June and July, 1855, in East Finmark, he stvw several .small flocks of this species at various places along the Varanger Fiord. Though he made tuiceasing in(piiries, he could not ascertain that it breeds in any part of Norway, or in the adjoining districts of Russia. In its habits it resembles the Common Eider. It was generally seen swimming near the shore, or sitting, at low water, on the rocks covered by seaweed, or flying near the surface from point to point. Since Professor Newton published tliis account, Mr. Schancke found Steller's Duck breeding on the Varanger Fiord, and sent to the British Museum two of its eggs witli the down from a nest taken near Vardii. Pastor Sommerfeldt states that this species is found on the Varanger Fiord throughout the year, particularly toward the spring; and he was informed that it breeds to the eastward in Russian Finmark. Middendorff found it breed't-.T -mxA in abundance on the Taimyr River, although Female. 68 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS - ANSERES. not so common as tho King Ei(l(M'. On the L'oth of Juno its nests, containing fresh eggs, were found placed in tlie moss on tiie flat barrens; they were cup-shaped, and well lined with down. Tlie male remains in the neighborhood of the sitting female ; and the latter leaves the nest unwillingly, uttering a cry resembling that of the Common Teal, but harsher. The eggs were said to vary from 2.20 to 2.41 inches in length, and from l.o.*{ to l.Gl in breadth. Specimens of this Duck were taken by ^Ir. BischofP at Kadiak ; and Mr. Dall found it abundant at Unalashka, where he speaks of it as one of the most common, as well as one of the most beautiful, of the birds of that region. It is resident there throughout the year, as well as at Sluimagins ; but in the latter place it is much less frequently seen. Unalashka appears to be the headquarters of this species in the Alaskan Kegion. It is more or less gregarious in the winter, and is to be found in small flocks, which are sometimes joined by a single individual of Somatena specta- bills ; but it was not observed associating with any other species. The pairing is said to begin about the first of May, and this Duck is never seen with more than one comi)anion during the breeding-season. It also at that period becomes very shj^, and if its nest is visited by any one, this is immediately abandoned — a habit not noticed in any other species of Duck. On the 18th of May, 1872, Mr. Dall found a nest on the flat portion of Amaknak Island, Unalaslika ; it was built between two tussocks of dry grass, and the depression was carefully lined with the same material. Above the nest the standing grass was jjressed together so as entirely to conceal it ; and it would have escaped notice had not the bird flown out from under his feet. The nest contained a single e'^x, of a i)ale olivaceous cast. There was no down or feathers ; but had the nest remained undisturbed, tlies(! would probably have been added later in the season. This bird was also observed in the Shumagins in March, and also during the summer nu)nths, although not in great numbers. A few of these Ducks were observed by ]Mr. H. W. Elliott on St. Paul's, on(^ of the Prybilof Islands, in the spring of 1872. Two were shot at St. George's the same year. It is only a straggler on these islands. Mr. A. G. Nordvi (•' Cabanis's Journal," 1871, p. 208) places on record the evidence of the occurrence of this species, and its breeding, in Northern Europe, citing two instances. In the first he received some eggs obtained in Russian Finmark, on the Arctic coast; among these was one undoubtedly of this species. There was no down with it, and of course the identification was not complete. This nest was taken June 14, 1850. There were more eggs, but these were eaten. The other instance was the obtaining, with tlieir down, of three undoubted eggs of this species in the summer of 1870, near retschinka, in Northern Russia.* These facts confirm the conjectures of Mr. Wheelwright and of Professor Newton, that this Duck passes the summer, and jjrobably breeds, in Northeastern Norway and in Northern Russia in Europe, as well as in Siberia. Mr. L. Kumlien mentions that a beautiful adult male of this species was shot in Disko Fiord, in August, 1878 ; he also saw three or four Avhile in his winter harbor, Cumberland. Mr. Dall, in his paper on the birds found west of Unalashka, states that this spe- cies was reported to him by Mr. Thompson as wintering in large numbers at Sannakh Island, in lat. 54° 28' N., long. 162° 52' W. As illustrative of tha irregularities noticed in the migrations of birds at different seasons, he mentions that in May, ' Mr. Rol)ert CoUctt lins more rvcontly lind the opport\itiity of Gxnmining tlio cgjp and down from the same locality, mid considers that they belong undonbtedly to this species. (Cf. N. Mag. Natiirvid. (1881), XXVI. 370.) ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS - ARCTONETTA. 69 1872, this species was very alnuulaiit at Unalashka, but that in the same montli of tlio next year not a single one was seen. An egg, said to be of this species, obtained in Alaska by Jfr. Dall (No. 15571), is, like that of the Eider, of a pale grayish-green color, measuring 2.20 by l.GO inches. Us identification may, however, be considered as very doubtful. Genus ARCTONETTA, Gkav. LamjtrmicUn, Br.ANDT, Mem. Acad. St. Potcrsb. 6tli Sev. Se. Nat. VI. 1849 (piiblisbed 1847 ?), 5 (type, L. Fifflieri, niiANlil) ; iicc Lampronissa, "Waol. 1832. Arctonclta, Ouay, P. Z. S. isrii'i, 'Hi (same typo). Chab. Bill shorter than the head, the hasrnl portion densely covere. .is approi-.ched we could see Hocks upon flocks of the .sacred bird.s, and could hear their cooing at a grcii^ distance. We landed on a rocky, wave- worn shore. It was the most wonderful oiiUthological sight conceivable. The Ducks and their nests were everywhere. Clreat brown Ducks sat upon their nests in ma.s.scs, J id at every step started from under our feet. It was with dilliculty that we avoided treading »-u some of the nests. ( )n the coast of the opposite shore wan a wall built (d" large stones, ju.st alM)ve the high-water level, about three feet in height, and of con- siderable til kness. At the Iwittom, on both sides cd" it. alternate s*o",es had been left out, so as to ♦orm a series of square compartments for the Ducks to nest in. .Mmost every compartment was occupied, and as we walked along the shore, a lung line of Ducks tiew out, one after the other. The surface of the water also was per- I Ten exaiii|ili'H. ANATIX.E — THE DUCKS — SOJfATKRIA. 75 fcHitly ■wl>'te with drakes, who weh-oineil tht-ir brown wives with h)U(l and olamoroiis cooing. The lioiise itself was a marvel. The ejivthen walls that surrounded it and tlie window endu-jisui-es were oi-eupied In- Ducks. On tlio ground the house was fringed with Dueks. On *he t\irf slopes of its roof ive eould see Ducks, and a Duck sat on the door-seraper. The grassy banks had been cut into square jjatches, aliout eightee.. inches having been renio' od, and each ludlow had been filled with Dueks. A windmill was infested, and so weu' all the outhouses, mounds, rocks, and crevices. The Ducks were everywhere. Many wer so tamo that we could stroke them on their nests ; and the good lady told us that there was scarcely a Duck on the ishind that would not allow her to take its eggs without flight or fear. Our hostess told us that when she first became possessor of the ishind the produ(;e of down from the Ducks was nf)t more than fifteen pounds in a year ; but that under her careful nurture of twenty years, it had risen to nearly a hundred pounds annually. Most of the eggs arc taken and pickled for winter consumption, one or two only being left in each nest to hatch." The Eider is indigenous to the northern portions of (Jreat Britain; but is only a winter visitor, and in very limited numbers, to the soutluMii portions, and is rarely met with in Ireland. It is of rare occurrence on the coast of France. On the Farn Islands, off the northeastern coast of England, the Eider formerly bred regularly. Mr. Selby visited these islands, and has given an interesting account of his observations. In April these birds assemlded in groups along the shores of tlic mainland, and crossed over to the islands early in May. Tiie females began to lay al)out the 20th, when the males all deserted them, returning to the adjoining coast. The nests were made of fine seaweed; and as incubation proceeded, a lining of down plucked by the bird from her own Inuly Wiis added. This increased from day to day, and became so considerable in cpiantity as to envelop and entirely conc»'al tlie eggs frou> view. Incubation lasted alM)ut a month, and the young as soon as liatclied were conducted to the water ; and, in many instances, this could oidy lie done by the parent carrying tlieni in her bill. The fooil of tlie Eider consists of the differ- ent mussels ami otlu'r kinds of bivalves, with whit li the rocks are covered. This bird can be reared with ditticulty in confinement, and does not walk on the land readily. It dives with great facility, anf this siweies on the coast of Greenland, near Godt- hiuib; anil at HeUot's Strait he sawtiicni beginning to assendile, in the ])oolsof water, early in June. This is also cited by Professor Kcinliardt as a resiih'nt species of (ireeiiland. Ilearne states tluit it was khown, in his day, as the " Dunter (ioose " in the Hudson's Hay Region. It was common alxiiit the mouth of the C'liurchill Kiver as soon as tlie ice broke up; but generally i! 'W farther north to breed, the few that dill remain about the settlement there b"ing so scattered among small islands and sea- girt rocks and shoals as to vender it not worth while to gather their down. Their oggs were exceedingly good eating; and in the fall of the year their flesji was by no means unpleasant, although this bird is known to feed on fish. Mr. Kir.'ilien mentions this as tlie most abundant Duck at CumlH'rland. The old males, sejiarating from the females and young as Hoon as the breeding-season is over, assemblo in large Hocks and migrate southward 'luch earlier than the latter. This Duck can endure any temiM-rature where it can find <7 (pai(). — nAiiin, H. N. Am. IS-IB, 809 ; Cat. N. Am. II. 18.^9, no. (lOfi. — Coiks, Key, 1S72, 2'.t;t ; ( li-ck List, 187.3, no. 51.3. l^omalaia Drrnwri, SiiAiirK, Ami. Miij,'. \. II. .fnlv, 1S71, fil, fij;M, 1, 2. Somalrriii iiio/li.s.iimii, viir. (') llnnmri, <'ih;k.s, Uinls N. W. 1874, 580. Somnlfriii miillissima Drcisiri, |{ii»;w. Vi: V. H. Niil. Miis. vol. 3, 1880, 205, 222 ; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 627". —CorKN, Clicrk List, 2(1 cd. 1882, no. 734. ILvn. Anicrii'iMi coaslH onin' Xoilh Atluiilir, fioni Maini', cto., to Liilinuldr. Se. Chaii. Ailult nutli : Similar to .S, vmllisuhwi, liul tlm "iitc" very nnicli broatlcr (..1H to .60 of an inch wide iintcriinly), inucli cornigatf!!!, thu postorior i-xtrtMuity liniiul hikI -minded ; gn>i'n of tin- luwl ratluT nioru oxluiultil, ustmlly following along undi riieiitli tlie Maik idinosl or ipiile to till! liill. "I?ill jialc grayiHli yellow, the unf^iiis li^,diter. llie Bofl tumid part pale HeMi- color; iris brown ; feel dingy li^lil green, the welw dusky" (AtiuiiioN). Ailiill fevutk: Seurcely distinguiHliahle from tlml oi vwUimmn, hut basal angles of the maxilla deeper and broader. "Bill i>ale grayish green ; iris and I'eel as in llie inal-!" (Ai.Di Hon). Dniniii ynniKj : Not distin- guishable from that u( vniUlniiimii. Total leni^th, about 2I. inches ; extent. :«>.;h) to 42.00 ; win^;, 11.15-1 1.50 ; mlmvn, 1.05-2.40; from tip of bill to end of banal angb, 2.75-;j.;j5 ; gn-ntest width of angle, .;j«-..50 ; lursus, 2.00 2.20; middle toe, 2..''i<»-2.7o (six examides). After a close direct conii>arifon of six males of S. viidUmima with five of ,S'. Ilrfiueri, we hav(! Wn unnble to verify the points of diHtimtion given by Mewrs. fi\iM-\»' & DresMer (" IlirdH of ANATINJi — THE DUCKS — SOMATEUIA. 77 EumiH;," Pt. IV., p. 14), other tlmti those 'lefine)! iilM)ve. We fimi the rijcate tertiiils eiiuully iIi'V<'li>|)ciui,vin){ outline n;4ures will serve to hIiuw tin; ),'reiit iliirerunce in the fonii uf the bill, osiieciiilly its luisul portion, in the two 8i)ei'ies. S, miiUimmn, g ml. W o 8, Ihrtiutri, S ail. 78 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. The Eider breeds on the extreme eastern coast of Maine and in the Bay of Fundy, and would, no doubt, do so in considerable numbers were it not so constantly robbed of its eggs and down. It is found in the winter along the whole Atlantic coast as far south as the Delaware. Ducks of this species are brought to the Boston market every winter, but in much _ smaller numbers than for- merly ; and they are rare- ly now met with except in midwinter. Audubon mentions that they were present in Boston Har- bor in considerable num- bers in 1832, as early as October. According to Audubon, this Duck breeds along the Atlantic coast from the Bay of Fundy to the extreme northern points of Labrador, and thence on all the more northern headlands. He found the number of eggs to vary from five to ten ; in the latter case they are sup- posed to be the product of two females. If the nest is robl)ed in the early part of the season, the female seeks her mate once more, and lays an- other and smaller set ; but if the eggs are taken late in the season, the nest is forsaken. Early in Au- gust Audubon found the Eider in Labrador moving southward, — probably, however, to more sheltered havens, and not farther to the south than the St. Lawrence. This species nests in Labrador early in May. The nest is sunk as much as possi- ble into the ground, and is formed of seaweed, mossos, and a few dry twigs, so matted and interlaced as often to present quite a neat appearance. The cavity is about seven inches in diameter. The young are led, or carried, to the water by the mother, and for several weeks nothing can exceed the care she takes of her brood — defending them against the attacks of Gulls, and prompting them to dive when necessary. Occasionally two females occupy the same nest, and share with eac^h other the care of the young flock. The young are at first of a dark mouse-color, and coverenl with a soft down. Their feet are very large, and they are remarkably expert in swimming and diving. They grow with great rapidity. Male, ANATINiE — THE DUCKS — SOMATERIA. 79 The Eider can easily l)e domesticated, especially when raised from the egg, becoming accustomed to feed on corn and meal, and is as tame and contented in confinement as tlic JIallard. It is necessary, however, that the bird be provided with an abun- dant supply of gravel and of varied food. The cry of the female when startled from her nest is described as being a hoarse rolling croak. The food of this species consists largely of shellHsh, the shells of which are broken in pieces by the muscular gizzards of the birds, aided by coarse gravel. Dr. Henry Ihyant, who vis- ited Labrador in the summer of 18G0, gives an interest- ing account of his observa- tions on the breeding of the Eider on that coast. We c(i])y substantially his narra- tive. II(! found it still breed- ing in great almndance along the whole extent of the shore, some nt'sts being jdaced under the shelter of the dwarf-firs and junipers, although the favt)rite breeding-places were the little grassy islands found in bays, and particu- larly those where small spots of i.'.'-f were j)rotected by a vovk from the i)revailing wind. On many islajids an luubelliferous ])lant grows altiuidantly, the shelter of whose thick foliage these l)irds seemed to prefer. It was not oflen that many nests were found on one island — from om- to a dozen being the ordinar}- number; but on (iieenlet I.sliind he found over si.\ty ; and tliis was probably not a (punier of the wliole nund)i'r. This inland was iieculiarly well adapted to tiie wants of this Duck, being covered with a thick growth of this umbelliferous jdant, but slightly elevated above the water, and at a distance from tiie mainland. He found on tiiis island a nest in a small stone hut made for the purpose (,f concealing the hunters in the spring. ^lany nests were seen in which tiie down was cpiite cltnm, and he believed that it is always so if the bird is undisturbed; but after the nest has been frecpuMitly robl)ed, the supi)ly of this materiiil is not suflicicnt. and whatever snitstitnte is most convenient has to be taken in its ])Uu'e : so thiit, late in the season, nests are fouml without any down. Some contained fresh eggs, ami others were only just linished, as late ac the middle of July. AudulK)n states that the eggs are deposited on the grass, etc., of which tht! nest is jirincipaliy coni|)osed; Dr, Hryant, however, did not see a single instance in which this had been done, provich'd tle-re was any down ; and nearly every da}', during the first week or two, he found nests containing freshly Female. 80 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. laid PRgs lying on a l)e(l of down so exquisitely soft and warm that, in tliat almost painfully barren and frigid region, the nest seemed to bo the i(U'al of comfort, and almost of beauty. When the bird leaves lier nest witliout Iwing suddenly disturbed, the eggs are generally covered with down, and always so when the full complement has been laid. Tlie largest number found in a nest was six ; and this happened in so many instances that Dr. Uryaiit regard«'(l six as the normal number. In color the eggs present two varieties — one of a pale greenish-olive or oil-green color, and the other brownish or true olive. The first-nunitioued variety is frecpiently marked with Isirge spots, or splaslies, of the same color, of much greater intensity ; the otiier kind is invariably without sjKjts. After tlu! eggs have been incubated for some time they iHJCome more or less scratched by the claws of the parent while sitting on them or rolling them over. In sluipe tlie eggs present but little variety, being always nearly oval. In size tlie difference is less than is the case in the majority of birds. The largest egg measured 3.27 by 2.1C inches ; the most elongated, 2.U5 by 1.85; and the most broadly oval, 2.79 by 2.08. Somateria V-nigmm. THE FAanC EIOEB. Somateria V-nigrn, r.iiAV, P. Z. S. IS.IS, 21'-', pi. 107. — lUiui), 11. N. Am. 1858, 810; (.'at. N. Am. B. 18ol>, no. 607. — Ki.i.ior, Illustr. Am. IJ. pi. 48. — Coi'Es, Key, 1872, 203 j Check I-ist, 1873, no. 614 ; 2d «.l. 1882, no. 735 ; B. N. W. 1874, 581. — Uiuow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 628. Hab. American coasts of the North I'ucilii- ; Yukon ValK-y, Mackenzie River, and Slave Lake districts ; Ktistern SilH-riu. Sp. Char. Similar to .S'. moUimma, luil ilcciiKdly larger, tlu" hill broader, and deeper thi-ough the base, the angles of the nuuilla pruportionally shorter and nuich more acute ; nuxle with a fi. V-niyrum, large V-nhapcd black mark on the thn>at, as in S. spcrtabiliii. Adult nuth: Top of the head velvety Mack, with u slight violet gloss, diviiled mesially, from the middle of the cn)Wii Imck, by n narn)w striiMi of greenish white ; the black cxteniling forwmil in a rather wide stripe along the upiH-r edge of the lores, underii'-ath the Umx\ angle of the miixilli, lint not extending anteriorly as far OS the nostril ; greater wing-coverts, HcconJuries, luiddle line of the rmnp, upper tiiil-cuverts, ANATIN.K — THE DLCKS — SO.MATKUIA. 81 ami entire lower jiiirts from tlie hrenst hack, deep Muck ; primary coverts, primaries, and tail l.hakish dusky ; rest of the plunmf,'e, includinj,' the fahate tertials, continuouH wiiite, the breast Uuiivl witli cicamy Imfl" (mucli less deeply than in ^S. hwlliiaiiiui), the up^ter half of the uaim, the aiiricnlar re;,'ion, and tiie upper iHinler of tiie cheeks deeply -i.iinealer terminally (li^lit n-iic .\f«!>'. This species — pssoiitially an Kidcr in all respects, not only in Imhit.s, appearance, but in all the peculiar character i.sties of this wcll-iuiirkcd form — replace.s the mit//i.is!iiiii on the northwestern eo.ast of .Viuerica, and on the .Vrctic Ocean, at least as far to the east as the nioiitii of tlit^ ('oi)periniin' River. Mr. Bernard Ross records it as t»rcurring at Great Slave Lake, lat. (it ' nortii. ami lonj,'. 114° we.st; but it was rare in that locality, only two specimens having Im-cii obtained, Mr. l>all mentions lindiiig this Duck comnioii in the I.slaini of St. Michael's in the month of July, at which tinuf his observations lH>,ir!in. It was known to the RtLSsians as the liiirge IMstrik. So far ;is he was able to observe, it apjieared to have a very liuiiti'il range — as much so lus that of Arftonrffo Fisr/im'. Individuals wet*! much more numerous, and large Hocks of males were fre(|uently .seen near the Fort. Ry Scpt4'mlKT all had assniiu'd a uniform brown color, with dark iwncillings. The eye is .said to be hazel. They all hd't in a body alxuit the lirst of f)ctolM'r. Mr. Rannister also speaks of this Duck as breeding in abinidance in ami around St. Michael's. In the early spring, when it fir.st made its apiH-arance, tlie sexes II. — 11 I Nine t'xani|>leii ineuDureJ. 82 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. seemed to !» present in ;ilM)ut equal numbers, and were gen(>rally found together. In June, liowever, he noti(!fd numerous small Hoeks composed entirely of nuiles ; and still later in the season — in the latter part of July, and in August — the flocks were appai-eutly uU females, though perhaps partly eomi)osed of males in their a»i- tumual phnnage. Throughout the month cf July, liowever, solitary nuiles could often ho started on the small outlying rocky islands, apparently in full spring colors, though gen- erally umible to fly. They es- Ciii»ed hy rapid swimming and diving, and they could only be sliot or followed in a ki/iik when circumstances were very favor- al)le. Mr. Hannister's observa- ti(ms of this species led him to believe that these birds dislike swimming in rough watei*. On windy days lu; has generally seen them in small flocks squat- ting along the upper edge of the beach or swimming in the mcue sheltered (ioves and inlets. The noise nmde by these Ducks in spring is said to be very \wv\\- IS is generally the case — it can only be Female. liar; and when many are heard together de.scrilM'd as a continuous grunting. Mr. MacKarlane found this species breeding in great nundiers on the Arctic coast, near the mouth er of females seemed to be always in excess of that of the males; and it may bt^ that this Kider is also to S(mu' extent polygamous — as is also the itiitlfiininui, two females .sonu'tinu^s using the same nest. The largest innnlHM' of eggs recorded by Mr. MacKarlane as liaving been found in any one nest is a|)parently six — and this in only one instance; the general nundter was five. Mr. Dall, in his second jiaper, states that this Duck is apjiarently a resident in the Aleutian Islands. Wintering abundantly at Unalashka, it .seeks its breeding- grounds in t'.ie islainls to the westward; and it is (lertain that the large flocks which winter in Captain's Hay do not breed in the immediate viianity, while this is the most common Duck among the western islands throughout the summer. ii ANATIN.K — THE DUCKS - SOMATKllIA. 83 The racitic Eider was found in large niuulx?r8 on the coast of Norton Wound by Mr. E. Adama ("Ibis," 1S78, p. 4;{4). Its Esiiimo name is MU-lcok. The tirst notic't'd near the redoubt of St. Miuhaid's was on the lOth of May; and soon ai't«'r these birds beeanie quite numerous. They fre<^iiented all the marshes, but went gtMicrally Hying about; they st'ldom alighted on a lake, but came straight in from the sea, following the course of the rivers; and after taking a few turns alntut the iiiarslu's, they again went out to sea. They soon fixed upon their breeding-idaces, anil their nests were scattered over the whole of the marshes. One nest was within thirty yards of the fort, in the midst of children and dogs — the parent bird having built her nest and laid four eggs before she was discovered. Yet these Ducks are very wary, and ditHcult to approach. On the wing they fly in a straight line, appear- ing stupid, and often api)roachiiig within a few yards of the hunter. They are very swift on the wing, and can carry off a great cpiantity of shot. Oiu' pair built their nt'st in a swamjjy hollow k^tweon two snuiU lakes, and about twenty yards from one of them ; this nest was })laced in the midst of tall grass, and built of rushes an itpreM:iUs, Linn. S. N. p.1. 10, I. l/.-iS, 123 ; (il. 12, I. 17tm, ID.'i. Somnlfria sjicctnhilis, Hoik, ImIs, 1822, .Itil. — Sw. & Hull. V. H. A. II. 1S31, 447. — BAiiin, 11. N. Am. IS-W, 810 ; Cut. N. Am. H. IS."".!*, no. 608. — ('i)iKs, Kt-y, 1872, 2it:» ; Chcrk List, 1873, no. .MO ; 2il ed. 18 2, no. 73<1 ; B. N. W. 1874, 581. — Hntuw. Norn. N. Am. H. 188!, no. fl2U. Fiiligitla (Simaterin) f))felal)ilia, BoNAI'. Syiiop. 1828. 38!>. — NlTT. Man. II. 1834, 414. Fn/itjiiru s}wtU(hiliH, Aui). Oni. Biog. III. 1835, 523. i.I. 27rt ; Synop. 1839, 201 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 347. 1>1. 404. Anaji Jhrimiii, Om. S. N. I. 1788, MH. Aium mijwrlMi, Lkacii, Syst. Cat. 1810. K K 84 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMKRS — ANSKRES. Had. Nortlicrn imit of the iiorthern heuu»iihcie ; in Amuiica, «outL, cusually, in winter, to New Jereoy and thu Ortut Liikt-s. llKlWIl covert mIhIoii wliitt uinl'iT liorili'i riiiii]!, liiirri'il llollK'II jiiili' .lull ilar S. sjiectnhilin. Up. Char. Ailiilt vmI<' : Fcatliuw bonlorin^; the base of the ninxillii all round, a npot iK'Ueatli and behind the eye, and u lur^e V'-shaped inaric on the throat, black ; entire top of thu head and n|i]ii'r ]iart of the nape deliuiti' \m\i\- gray, or nhiucuus-blue, growing gradually deeper U'liiiid, wliere mmietinie.s bonlcred by an indistinct bhirkisb line ; n])])er and anterior portion of tlie cheeks, below the eye and ininiedintely liehind the black bordering th(! hide c>f the lull, and an obli(iiie ])atch on the auricular region delicate sea-green, the auricular patch abruptly defined anteriorly, but above gradually fading into white, along the edge of the bluish-gray of the occiput and nii]ie ; remainder of the head, neck, mid- dle of the back, wing-coverts (exaqit greater coverts and exterior bonier of lesser coverts), lining of the wing, and a patch on each side of the rump white ; breast and Jugulum deep creamy bulf. Remainder of the )ilumnge dull black, the falcate terlialH with u narrow and rather indistinct central stripe of dull l)rownish. "Bill llesh-crdored, the sides of the upper mandible ami Hoft frontal lobes bright orange ; iris bright yellow ; feet dull orange, the webs dusky, the claws brownish black" (AununoN). Adult fnnide, in glimmer : Pale fulvous, varied with black, the latter occupying the centml portion of the feathers on the dorsid region, forming stivaks on the heiul and neck, and bars on the jugulum, fides, flanks, and upper tail-coverts ; ablomen and anal region nearly plain grayish Mate. I- ANATINiE — THE DUCKS - SOMATERIA. 86 liidwii ; \viiit,'-of>vert«, rumij^eH, mul rcctrict's pluin gwjihh duHky, tliu iiriiimries duikfr ; gn-utiT ciivui'Ih mul rn'oiiidariex Hcimi-ly, it at all, ti|iptMl with white ; niiu[) iifaiiy phkiii diiMky. Adult f, null', in (UttnmH: Uich ciiiiianioii-rnfoiiM, variuil with black iiuicli U8 in the Humiiur iiliiiiia^e ; alHloiiii'U aiier parts diiHky, the feathers liordered with fiilvmis, esju'cially the HcajtiilarH ; riiiiiii, greater wing-coverts, reniiges, and tail jilaiu dusky ; njiper tail-coverts and lower parts harred with pale fulvous and dusky, the ah- donieu nearly plain grayish-brown. "Bill ]iiile greenish gray; iris dull yellow; feet ilull ochre" (Audubon). Young female: Sim- ilar to the young male, but head and neck grayish-bull', finely streaked with dusky. Total length, about 2().(K>-25.(M) inches ; wing, m.-IO-H.^S ; bill, from base of frontal lobe totip, in thenude, 1.2(>-1.3() ; tarsus, 1.8(V- \.m\ nii, states that in the end of Jiuu', 1876, several flock.s of males and females, nnni- bcring from ten to twenty individual.s, were seen near FloelH'rg Peach, lat. 82" 'JT. iSIost of them fell a i)rey t(» the hunters, but tlidse that escaped st^ttled down to breed along the coast; and several nests were found witli fresh eggs between the 9tli and the middle of Jul}'. Mr. Kumlien mentions the .urival of Ducks of this species at Cund)erland by tile 20th of iTune ; but they were much less abundant than S. inolf!.i.shH(i. Tliey keep apart from all other kinds during tlic breeding-season. He was told by the Eskimos that in some seasons they arc miudi more abundant than in others, and that tiiey came later and left earlier than the Eider. A large jiroportion of those seen were evidently immature or barren birds, and were not breeding, Tlu'se Ducks were very common aI)out Disco — breeding, liowever, farther north. Professor Reinhardt gives this Duck as a resident species in Greenland. Dr. Walker met with it on the coast near the settlement of Ciodthaab. In the follow- ing Juue ho noted its arrival early in that month at its sujiposed breeding-grounds, Female IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // .-^Z *4l A* '*- ^,V 4. ^. ^° J%^ Z 3 1.0 I.I lis ■ 50 1^ 1^ 12.2 us L£ 12.0 11.25 III 1.4 1.6 4« 4. ^- 86 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. where it assembled in the pools of melted water, in the neighborhood of Bellot's Straits. A few of these Ducks annually breed as fur to the south as the 15ay of Fuudy, where Mr. Cheney has several times during the summer found its nest, and has procured specimens for Mr. Boardman. This bird is seen every winter on the coast of Massachusetts; but only as an occasional visitor, and never in any considerable numbers, except about Nantucket. Some four or five — usually young males — are seen almost every winter in the Boston market. The Eiders are generally supposed to be exclusively Sea-Ducks — by which name they are universally known on the coast of New England; and it is not infrequently stated that they are not known to occur in fresh water. However rare these excep- tions may be, the Common Eider, both in Labrador and on the coast of Norway, has been found spending the breeding-season in inland fresh-water marshes, or on the borders of lakes, several miles from the sea. This species furnishes also a noticjeable exception to the general rule of its occurrence, in that it has been found in flocks on the waters of Lake Erie, above the Falls of Niagara, several hundred miles from the sea-coast. Mr. Charles Linden, of Buffalo, in a letter bearing date of Nov. 21, 1874, writes : " In regard to the occurrence of the King Duck (Somateria spectdb'dis) on Lake Erie, I saw the bird in question, and it proves to be a young male, with the well-marked characteristics of the species clearly and unmistakably developed. Two flocks of these birds, numbering from five to eight each, have been observed this month on Niagara lliver. Two specimens, male and female, both young, and with very imma- ture plumage, were shot two years ago within Ave miles of Buffalo, and these were found also to belong to the same species — spectuhllis. Both were mounted by myself, and are now in the collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Science." Mr. Nelson cites this species also as being a rare winter visitant to Lake IVIichigan and to otlu - parts of Illinois and Wisconsin. There are also in the Smithsonian Col- lection spe. .mens of young female King Eiders shot in the winter of 1874-1875 on Lake Erie, and of others secured on the Illinois Eiver the same season. Mr. Hearne makes mention of this species as being quite connnon in Hudson's Bay. So far as he had noticed, it visits only the sea-coast, and there feeds on flsh and fish-spawn. It breeds in that locality, as he speaks of its eggs as being excellent eating, though the flesh is said not by any means to be held in high esteem. Sir John Richardson speaks of this species as a Sea Duck, and as having never been known bj' him to occur in fresh water. Its food — he says — is princii)ally the soft mollusca so common in northern Avators. This Duck is "^aid to be only })artially migratory, rarely moving fartlier south than is necessary to enable it to get access to open water. The older birds, in the mature plumage, are supposed to be very rarely met with south of the 59th parallel. However true Richardson's statement may be as a general rule, it is not without a considerable number of exceptions. Although rarely taken within the limits of the United States, the King Duck has occasionally been seen as far south as New York. Mr. Giraud mentions having had the good fortune to procure an adult male of this spe(nes in perfect plumage, which had been shot on Long Island Sound in the winter of 18.39. He also states that, during the winter, at Egg Harbor, N. J., as well as on the shores of Long Island, young King Eiders are oecas^onally observed; but the adult specimen in his pos- session, and one other, were the only individuals in full and mature plumage he had ever known to be procured in the vicinity of New York. In the Appendix to Sir Edward Parry's First Voyage Colonel Sabine states that ANATINyE — THE DUCKS — SOMATERIA. 87 this species was seen in great numbers in the North Georgian Islands, the birds luiving their nests on the ground in tlie neighborhood of fresh-water ponds, and feed- ing on the aquatic vegetation. Sir James C. lloss, also, in the Appendix to his work, says in reference to this species : " Vast numbers of this beautiful Duck resort annually to the shores and islands of the Arctic Kegions in the breeding-season, and have on many occasions afforded a valuable and salutary supply of fresh provision to the crews of the ves- sels employed on those seas. On our late voyage comparatively few were obta'.ned, altliough seen in very great numbers. They do not retire far to the south dui-ing the winter, but assemble in large flocks. The males by themselves and the females with their young brood are often met with in the Atlantic Ocean, far distant from any land, where the numerous crustaceans and other marine animals afford them abundance of food." Mr. Dall found a single specimen of this species lying dead on the beach near the Rapids on the Yukon. It is known to the Russians as the Pistrik. A series of eggs from St. Michael's, of which the parent was not identified, appeared to belong to this s[)ecies. Mr. Bannister did not meet with it, and regards it as being extremely un- common in that region. Mr. Dall afterward observed this species among the winter Ducks at Unalashka, Avhere it was somewhat abundant ; but he did not notice any in the Shumagins. There seeuis to be no evidence of its occurrence on any portion of tlic Avest of Oregon or California. ]\Iiddendorff includes this species in his list of the birds found in the extreme north of Siberia ; and Professor Newton states that it has been several times noticed in Spitzbergen, as also by Loven in Ice Sound in 1857, by Sundevall in Bell Sound the ensuing yeai", and by Nordenskjold, who killed two specimens on the northeast coast in 1858; but the latter does not regard it as being of common occurrence, and doubts if it breeds in that region. It has not been met Avith farther north than hit. 70° 14'. Dr. Malmgren shot one out from a small flock early in July in Safe Haven. Another flock was observed by him in August on Horn Sound Islands. In the South- oast Harbor, Bear Island, July 18, he also saw a very large flock, consisting of hun- driids of Ducks and young drakes, Avith only one or tAvo old drakes among them ; but they did not appear to have been breeding there. Mr. Gillett, in his account of the birds of Nova Zembla, mentions meeting Avith tills Duck in MatthcAA's Strait on the Oth of August. There Avere several in a small flock, all being apparently inmiaturo males ; but as their Avings Avere entirely desti- tute of quill-feathers, they could not fly, but could dive in a Avoiulerful manner, so that they "ould not be procured Avithout great difficulty. Von Heuglin also met with this species in the same locality. According to Yarrell, the King Duck is very rare on the British coast. Mr. Bul- lock found it breeding on l*apa Westray, one of the Orkney Islands, in the latter part of June. There Avere six eggs, covered Avith the doAvn of tlie parent, the nest being on a rock Avliich overhung the sea. An egg in Yarrell's collection is described as being 2.50 inches long by 1.75 wiue, and of a pale green color. According to Vieillot. specimens of tliis Inrd have been taken in France. Pro- fessor Nilsson states that it frequents the most northern jiarts of the Baltic, of Denmark, and of NorAvay, and that a foAv breed in the Faroe Islands and in Iceland. Some of these birds Avere seen by Audubon in his journey to Labrador ; but he did not succeed in finding their nests. Mr. ;MarFarlane observed the King Duck breeding on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, in the neighborhood of Franklin Bay ; and he Avrites that Avhcn on Island 88 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS - ANSERES. Point, as he was walking along the sea-beach, a female of this si^ecies got up and flew violently away to a short distance-, where she alighted on the ground. He at once discovered her nest, which was a mere hole or depression in the ground, about fifty yards from the beach, wholly composed of Eider down, and containing six eggs. Other nests were found on the coast during several seasons, and also among the islands of the Arctic Sea. All appear to have been similar to the one de- scribed, and six is the largest number of eggs mentioned as having been foiuid in any one nest. The eggs of this species are in color of a light shade of olive gray, some being grayish green. They vary considerably in size, ranging from il.lO to 3.15 inches in length, and from 1.75 to 2.05 in breadth. Genus (EDEMIA, Fleming. Oidemia, Fleming, Philos. Zool. II. 1822, 260 (tyix;, Aims nigra, Linn.). Char. Feathei's iit the base of the maxilla foi'iniiig a neiirly strai;.,'ht olilique line from the forehciul back to tlie rictus, advancing scarcely, if at ail, on llie forehead ; l)ill very deep tlirougli tile base, where sometimes elevated into a roundish knob, and miicii depressed toward tlie end. No white whatever on the plumage. Two species only of this genus are known, one European, the other American. They are nnich alii\e, but may be distinguished as follows : — Com. Chau. Entire plumage deep black, the bill partly orange, in the males ; dull grayisli brown (lighter below), the bill wholly black, in the females. 1. CB. nigra.' Bill black, the middle portion on top yellow or orange ; nail much di'i)rossed, scarcely iiooked ; base of the maxilla much swollen, entirely black. Wing, 800-9. 20 inches; culmen, 1.90 ; depth of maxilla at base, .98-l.(H», width, .85 ; tarsus, 1. 50-1. GO ; middle toe, 2.50. Hah. Paliearctic Region. 2. OJ. americana. Bill with the basal half of the maxilla, except a stripe along the toniium, yellow or orange, the terminal portion and tomial stn^e, only, ijbuk ; nail arched, decidedly hooked ; base of the maxilla slightly or not at all swollen, entirely yellow, or orange. Wing, 8.75-9.50 inches ; culmen, I.()5-I.8() ; de])th of maxilla at base, .85-.95, width, .90-1.00; tarsus, 1.G3-2.0O ; middle toe, 2.50-2.80.2 Hah. Northeru North America. • 05nEMIA NIOIIA. Aims nicjm, Linn. S. X. I. cd. 10, I. \7r>8, 123 ; ed. 12, 1766, 190. — Naum. Viig. Deutsdd. XII. 1844, 108, pi. 312. Oulnnid nlijm, Fi.km. Phil, of Zool. 11. 1822, 260. — Bonap. Couip. List, 1838, 38. —Keys. & Bi.as. Will). Km-. 1840, 86. — Macoii.i,. Man. II. 181. Faligula nigra, Xirrr. Man. II. 1832, 423 ("Coast of the United States"). Aims afra, I'AM,. Zoogr. I!osso-As. II. 1826, 247. MclaniUa nigriprs, M. mrgauros, and M. gibbrni, IJitEU.M, ViJg. Deutscld. 1831, 901, 902. Oidemia Icucmvphahi, Fl,KM. Brit. An. 1828 119. Cuinimm Scoter, Yauh. Hiit. B. ed. 2, III. 317, tig. ; cd. 3, IV. 319, fig. * Only one adult male of (E. nigra is nc-ccssiblo to us for nicasurcniont, while of (E. americana wo have measured eight examples ; a larger series of the former woulil of course alter the results given abovt! to Rome extent, but would most likely verify the coustuncy of the dilfereucc! in proportions indicated by the above figures. ANATIN^E — THE DUCKS — CEDEMIA. 89 (Edemia americana. THE AMERICAN BLACK SCOTEB. Anas nigra, WiLs. Am. Oiii. VIII. 1814, 135, jil. 72 (not of Linn.). Oidemia amcrkaim, Sw. & Kick. F. H. A. II. 1831, 450. — Baiiii), B. N. Am. 1858, 807 | Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 604. (Edcmin amcrkann, Couk.s, Key, 1872, 293 ; Check List, 1873, no. 516 ; 2d eJ. 1882, no. 737 ; B. K. W. 1874, 581. — RiDow. Norn. N. Am. H. 1881, no. 630. Fuligula (Oidemia) nincricami, N'viT. Man. II. 1834, 422. FuUgula americana, Ann. <.)in. Biog. V. 1839, 117, pi. 408 ; Synop. 1839, 290 ; B. Am. VL 1843, 343, 1)1. 403. Had. Coasts and lurgor jnliind waters of Northern North America, south to the Great Lakes, New Jersey, and California. Mountains of Colorado (Boulder Co., June 1 ; Mrs. M. A. Maxwell). Sv. Char. Aihdt male: Entire plumage uniform deep black, the neck very faintly glossed with dull violaceous, the feathers somewhat distinctly defined ; basal half of the maxilla, except a CE. americana. stripe along the tomium, bright orange; (yellowish in the dried skin), the remainder of the bill black ; iris hazel ; legs and feet dull black. "Tiie bulging part of the upper mandible is bright orange, jjaler above, that color extending to a little before the nostrils ; the rest of the upper man- dible, including its basal margin to the breadth of from three to two twelfths of an inch, black, aa is the lower mandible. Iris brown. Feet brownish black " (Aidubon). Adult female : Ahove, dull dark grayish brown, the iVathers of the back antlj' defined against the uniform dark brown of the pileum and na)ie. Bill entirely black. Voioui : Upper parts, jugu- lum, sides, and flanks, luiiform dark grayish brown ; sides of head and neck, chin and throat, dirty whitish, tinged with brownish gray, quite abruptly defined against the dark brown of tlie pileura and nape ; abdomen whitish, each feather marked with a dusky grayish brown bar just beneath the surface, some of these bars exposed ; anal region and crissum grayish brown, the feathers tipped with white. Bill and feet black, vol,. II. — 12 90 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. "5 1,1 I I Tohil length, about 17 to 19 inches ; extent, 29 to 34. Male : Wing, 8.75-9,50 ; culmen, 1.C5- 1.80 ; tarsu.s, 1,65-2.00 ; middle toe, 2.50-2.80. Female, slightly smaller. Having only three European examples of (Eik- mia before us, the material at our loniinand for a satisfactory comparison with (K. amerkana is not a>< extensive as could be desired. Two of these specimens, a male and a female received from Schliiter, appear to be the genuine (E. nigra, since they differ very decidedly from all American speci- mens ; but the third, an adult male (No. 15584, Feb. 8, 1844), from Baron von Miiller, is entirely identical with the American bird, and may be an American specimen. Setting aside this latter ex- ample, the diffi-runces between the two species are very obvious, consisting of the following points : The male of CE. nigra has the bill black, including the basal knob, the culmen having a shiehl-shaped patch of yellow, extending back to the base of the knob, and reaching forward neai'ly to the nail ; the end of the bill is altogether more depressed than in (E. aviericana, the top of the nail being nearly Hat, instead of very strongly convex. The female also ha.s the bill conspicuously flattened terminally, as in the male, and also at the base, the maxilla Ixjing only about .55 instead of .70 deep. (See accompanying outline figures of the maxillx- of the females of the two species.) There is scarcely any difference in plumage, in either sex, between the two species. Fetnale. CE. americana. Except the differences of form and plumage, there is very little in the history of this bird to distinguish it from its common associates, the Velvet and the Siu'f Ducks, the habits, movements, and distribution of these different species appearing to be sub- stantially the same. This Duck is common in the winter on both tlie Pacific and the Atlantic coasts, and along their entire length, at different portions of the year. It is perhaps a trifle earlier in its migrations southward, and it may linger later in the s]iring. During September and October, and again in March and April, it is espe- cially common on the coast of New England, and is found present to a greater or less extent during the whole winter. It breeds in the extreme north, but does not appear to have been found by Mr. MacFarlane at such times in comjiauy with the Surf and Velvet Ducks in the neighborhood of Fort Anderson. It visits the Great Lakes, and is especially common in the winter upon Lake Michigan. Sir John Richardson says, in regard to this Duck, that it feeds almost exclusively in the open sea, that its flesh is always oily and strongly flavored, and that it fre- quents the shores of Hudson's IJay, breeding there between the 50th and the GOth parallels of latitude. H( also states that he never saw it at any season of the year in the intericu" of the country. Hearne writes that at his time — 1780 — this Duck was one of the most common ANATIN^ — THE DUCKS — (EDEMIA. 91 in Hudson's Bay, where it visited the sea-coast exchisively, and was never found in the interior, feeding chiefly on fish and tlieir spawn. Its flesli was by no means hehl in esteem, but the eggs were quite pahitable. ilr. Murray and Captain I'.liikiston both cite this species as still being abundant in the region adjacent to Hudson's Bay. On the Pacific coast its presence has been noted from Alaska to Southern Cali- i'ornia, and Air. Bannister found it com- mon on the Island of St. Michael's ; and ho states that, except on one occasion, lie has never seen it in any of the small frf'sli-water ponds of that island. Ordi- narily it kept to the salt-water, even flying round points of land rather than directly across them. The name of this Duck in the Eskimo dialect, according to Mr. E. Adams (" Ibis," 1878), is Too-tnr-lik ; and it is ii])oken of by him as being rather late in its arrival on the shores of Norton Sound, none of this species coming until the 19th of May. Toward the end of the uonth several pairs had taken possession ot the larger lakes near St. Michael's, where they remained to breed, seldom going out to sea, but keeping together in small flocks in the middle of the lake. Their nests were carefully secreted in the clefts and hollows about the steep banks of the lakes, close to the water, and were built of coarse grass, well lined with feathers and down. The females had their eggs at the time of his leaving, which was in June. Mr. Dall speaks of this as being a salt-water Duck, abundant at the mouth of the Yukon, but not going up that river for any distance. He was so fortunate as to find it breeding near I'astolik, June 17, discovering a nest which contained two eggs. These he describes as being quite white, and large as compared with the size of the bird. The nest was placed on the ground, on a small island, in a clump of willows, and was well sujjplied with dry grass, feathers, leaves, and moss. Since that Mr. Dall has met with this species on the Aleutian Islands, where he found it not uncom- mon during the winter, but migrating with the other Ducks in the spring. It was noticed both at Unalashka and on the Shumagins, and it was also seen on the coast cf Vancouver Island by ]\Ir. R. Browne. Dr. Cooper speaks of finding it less abundant along the entire coast of California than the other Surf Ducks, but associating with them, and with habits almost exactly similar to theirs. Mr. Giraud speaks of this Duck as being common in winter on the AtLintic side of Long Island. It is there also one of that class of Ducks known to fishermen and hunters as "Coots." By some it is called the "Butter-billed Coot" — a name by which it is also generally known to sportsmen in New England. It is .also there called the " Hollow-billed Coot " — a designation applied in New England exclusively Male. i^:^ 92 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS - ANS''U':S. to the Surf Duck. On the Long Island shore this bird passes its time in the open sea in company with the Velvet and tlie Surf Ducks. Like other diving Ducks, it is occasionally taken by being entangled in the fishermen's nets. According to Audubon the Scoter Duck ranges along our entire southern coast, even as far as New Orleans — or rather, the moutli of the Mississippi River. He also states that a few of this species remain in Labrador to breed, and that some of his young companions met with their nests on the 11th of July; but he is either in error in the description he gives of the eggs found, or else they were not those of this Duck. The nest, he says, was placed at the distance of about two yards from the margin of a large fresh-water pond, about a mile from the shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, under a low fir, in the manner often adopted by the Eider Duck, whose nest it somewhat resembled, although much smaller. It was composed externally of sticks, moss, and grasses, and was lined with down mixed with feathers. The eggs — eight in number — were nearly ready to be hatched. Audubon describes them as being 2.00 inches in length and 1.(53 in breadth, of an oval form, and of a pale yel- lowish color. The identified eggs of this species — so far as I know — are uniformly white. Audubon afterward found a female with seven young ones, of which she took such affectionate care that none of them fell into his hands. When they had become fatigued by diving she received all of them on her back, and, swimming very fast, carried them to the shore, where they escaped by hiding among the tall grass. Eggs of this species (Smithsonian Institution, No. 1 4G02), obtained by Mr. Dall at Pastolik, are of a pinkish ivory-white, varying in length from 2.C5 to 2.70 inches, and with a breadth of 1.60. Gexus MELANETTA, Boib. Mdanitta, Boir, Isis, 1822, 564 (type, by elimination, Anasfuscn, Lisn.). Melanctta, GiuY, 1840 ; List Gen. 1841, 95. — Baiud, B. N. Am. 1858, 805. Maccranas, Less. Man. IL 1828, 414 (same type). Chab. Feathers at the base of the bill extending forward almost to the nostril in two promi- nent angles — one on the side of the maxilla, the other on top, at the base of the culmen ; sides of -W" M. velvetina. the maxilla rather sunken or compressed above the toniinm. Colors uniform black or brown, with a white speculum on the wings, the adult male with a white spot immediately beneath the eye. ANATINiE — THE DUCKS - MELANETTA. 93 This genus diffeix from (Edemia and Pelionetta — to which it is otherwise nearly allietl — in the fonii of the lull, particuhirly in the outline of the leathering at the base, as dutined above. Two species only are known, cue peculiar to Northern North America, the other to the Palnj- arctic Region, but occurring also in Greenland and Alaska. Their differential characters are as follows : — 1. M. fusca. Maxilla much swollen near the rictus, the base of the culmen only slightly elevated ; reddish color of the maxiUa crossed on each side by a black line, running ob- litiuely from the black above the nostril to that on each side of the nail. Adult male : Wing, 10.80-11.40 inches; culmen, 1.80-1.70; depth of maxilla at base, 1.10; tarsus, 1.70-1.80; middle toe, 2.75 (two examples). Ilab. Palojarctic Region, Greenland, and Alaska. 2. M. velvetina. Maxilhi deeply sunken near the rictus, the base of the culmen elevated into a prominent knob ; reddish color of the maxilla not crossed by a black line. Adult male: Wing, 10.05-11.40 inches; culmen, 1.40-1.70; depth of maxilla at base, 1.10- 1.30; tarsus, 1.80-2.10; middle toe, 2.70-2.90 (eleven examples ')• ttab. Northern North America. Melanetta ▼elvetina THE VELVET 8C0TEB. Ana,ifmca, Wius. Am. Orn. VIII. 1814, 137, pi. 72 (not of Linn.). Fuligula (Oidcmm) fusca, Boxap. Synop. 1828, 390. — Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 419. Uidcmid/iusca, Sw. & Ricir. F. B. A. II. 1831, 449. (Edemia fusca, CouEs, Check List, 2d cd. 1882, no. 738. Fuligula fusca, AuD. Oni. Biog. III. 1835, 454, pi. 247 ; Synop. 1839, 280 ; B. Am. VI. 1843, 332, pi. 40i. f Fuligula bimaculata, Herbeut, Field Sports, 2d ed. II. 1848, 366, fig. (young), Oideniia [Pelionetta.) bimaculata, Baiud, B. N. Am. 1858, 808. Oidemia vclvetiiui, Cass. Pr. Ac. Nut. Sci. Philad. V. 1850, 126. Melanetta velvetina, BAiun, B. N. Am. 1858, 805 ; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 601. — . now. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 632. (Edemia fusca, var. (?), CouES, Key, 1872, 294 ; Check List, 1873, no. 517. (Edemia fusca, h. (?) velvetina, Coueh, Birds N. W. 1874, 582. Oidemia Deglandii, Bonap. Rev. Crit. Degland, 1850, 108. Hab. Northern North America ; chiefly maritime, but occurring on various inland waters ; south in winter to the Middle States, Great Lakes, Mississippi River near St. Louis, Illinois River, and Southern California. Sp. Char. Adult male : Base of the culmen elevated into a prominent knob ; lateral base of the maxilla sunken beneath the feathering of the lores. Plumage imiform brownish black. A crescentic spot beneath the eye, and extending backward for half an inch or more, secondaries, and greater wing-coverts, white. Knob of the bill, with base, and margin of the maxilla, black ; "sides of the bill red-lead, fading into orange ;" "nail vermilion, the anterior flat portion of the upper mandible whitish ; " iris " white tinged with straw-yellow ; legs sciirlet, with black webs, and a tinge of black on the joints" (Nuttall).* Young male: Dark sooty-brown, the head and neck sooty-black ; white on wings as in the adult, but no white spot beneath the eye. Adult female : Uniform grayish fuliginous, the wings darker ; white speculum as in the male, but no white about the head, or with faint indication of white spot at base of maxilla and behind the eye, 1 With the exception of the culmen, which in only one of eleven specimens reaches the minimum of the same in M. fusca, the average measurements of this series would approximate much more nearly to the maximum than to the minimum. ' Audubon's description of the Velvet Scoter refers wholly to the European species {M. fusca), which has the bill and feet colored very differently from the American bird. ^ MaM 94 LA.MELLI ROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. In summer, feuthera of the back, sciiimlar icfjioii, iiiid jugulum imriowly tipped with light brownisii <,Miiy. Bill uiiil'oiiii dusky , iris yellow ; feet us in the uuile, Init duller in color. Total length, about I'JT") to 22.50 inches ; extent, 3G.(X) to 4().()0 ; wing, 10.75-12.00 ; commis- sure, 2.82 ; tarsus, 2.08. This well-known North American form — the Velvet Duck — is an Arctic species during the breeding-season ; and in the I'all, winter, and spring is distributed along the entire Atlantic and the Pacific coasts, to an extent varying with the severity of the season and the abundance of the food. It is eminently a Sea-Duck, resorting to inland waters chiefly during the brief season of reproduction. It is also a winter visitant to the Great Lakes — especially Michigan — and to the rivers of Illinois. It is also said to occur on the Pacific coasts of Asia. Captain Blakiston is very sure that he obtained this species at Chin-Kiang, on the Yang-tse lliver, in China, the specimens there procured being identical with those he saw on the Pacific coast of North America; and he also mentions finding this Duck on Hudson's Bay. INIr. Murray also reports it as occur- ring between Hudson's Bay and Lake Winnipeg; and Mr. Ross met with it on the Mackenzie lliver as far north as the Arctic Ocean. On the New England coast this species makes its appear- ance in the fall from the mid- dle to the last of Se2)tember, coming in flocks of moderate size, the old birds often pre- ceding the young by several weeks. It is universally known from Eastport to the Chesa- peake as the " White-winged Coot." It is much hunted ; and although its fles^ is dark, eoarse, and strongly flavored, it is esteemed by those who have become accus- t(3med to its flavor. In its flight, except when the weather is stormy, this bird passes very high ; and when it is thus out of their reach hunters resort to the expedient of shooting, in order to alarm the flock. This often has the desired effect; the foolish birds, alarmed at the unusual noise, make a sudden plunge in the direction of the water, as if that element alone could give them safety, and in their descent present the opportunity desired by the hunter. This habit is peculiar to the Velvet Duck, and has not been noticed either in the Scoter or the Surf-Ducks. On Long Island, according to Giraud, large flocks of this Duck keep outside of the beach, and are seen along the entire Atlanti(! district, where they subsist by fishing. They ^^^^fflUS^^ Male. 1 I ANATIN.E — THE DUCKS — MELAiVETTA. 96 They seldom visit the small bays, unless driven by the storms, wlien they arc; also sometimes i;een passing over tlie land. During their long migrations they fly liigh, ])iu't'orming in silence extended journeys from their northern breeding-places. Tliey arrive off the coast of Long Island about the middle of October, and remain there until al)out the middle of April. This bird, when well supfdied witli down and in full plumage, can only be brought down by a gun heavily charged with powder and siiot. When this Duck is present in large numbers on the south shore of Long Lsland, the hunters watch for a favorable opportunity when the surf is down, and form a line witli Hfteen or twenty boats about two or tliree gunshots apart ; by adopting this method of attack it becomes difficidt for a flock to escape entirely. The l)oats used for this purpose are light skiffs, each containing but a single person, in order that tlie waves may be ridden with safety. But this mode of shooting can be practised only by experienced hunters ; for if tlie wind rises siuldenly from the south, a dangerous surf is created, in wliich even the most skilful boat- men are occasionally drowned. Ac- cording to Mr. Giraud, the flesh of the Velvet Duck is not held in high esteem, but is dark-colored and fishy ; yet a large number of these birds find a ready sale in the New York market. Richardson speaks of this species as feeding princi- pally in the open sea, and as having strong and oily flesh. This bird is said to breed on the Arctic coast, and to move southwardly in company with the Surf and tlu^ Long-tailed Ducks. On its way it stops on the lakes of tlie interior so long as they remain open, and again on the shores of Hudson's Bay, feeding on tender shellfish and mollusca. On the Pacific coast it is met with, according to tiie season, from Alaska to South- ern California. Mr. Dall found it not uncommon on the Low(!r Yukon ; and he obtained a female fifty miles below the fort. Shortly afterward — June 23, l
  • ri>aillv, luit not aluuptly, tipiicd witli w liitt', tlie sixtli soiuuliiiies iiiaiki'd with a siilttt'i'iiiiiial Idirk siiol or liar. IJill (li'i'i* ivd, with a more or Ilw distiiut darkur .siilitermiiial baiul ; I'Vilidn n'd ; IVi't tlwp red. Adult, in winlir: Similar, hiit hi'ad and ni'tk wliilf. the oiiiimt, with orltilal and auricular rcj,'it)ns, f,'rayish dusky. Hill and Iwt brownish, the fornicr tiinicd with ()raiij,'t!-ri'ddish. Yoiiinj, Jintl jiliimnif : Top and ^idt's of the hoad (cxcciit fondioad and loix's), back, and .scaindar.^ f,'rayish brown, tin- lon^'cr scapii- l.iis bordi'rod tiMiuinally with palu grayish bulf ; wing-cuvurts bluish gray, tingi'd with grayisli 1^ >3i is iVo/ quite, adult (= " A. ciinilldliis"), Dimmer plumnijfi. brown ; swondariea dusky, edged with pale grayish Idue, and broadly tipjied with white ; prima- ries dusky, the inner more plumbeous, all rather broadly tipped witii white. Central portion of the rump uniform light bluish gray; lateral and ])osterior portions of the rump, upper tail-eovi.Tt.s, entire lower parts, forehead, lores, andej'elids white. l?ill brownish, dusky terminally ; feet brown (in skin). Total length, about 14.(M) inches; extent, ^.^OO ; wing, 11. '.'5 ; eulmen, 1.31); depth of bill tliiough nostrils, .3."> ; tarsus, I.(!0 ; iniddh; toe, with daw, l.tiO. We still know coinjiarivtivoly littlo of tho spooitic, luiliit.s of Knuikliii's Ko.sy Gull; nor can wo give with any exactnt's.s its goograpliical distribntion. It appears to bo common throiif^hout the Fur Countries diiring the siinnner from about the .TOtli to the (!r>tli parallel, and perhaps farther north. It is a great wanderer in its migrations, and probably passes the winter in Central and South America. Unlike L. ati'icilla, it apiiears to contino itself in the stimmer to fresh water, and is not to be found on the margin of the ocean, excepting in its migrations. It was first described by Sir .folin liichardson from a specimen obtaiiu'd in June, 1S27, on the Saskattdiewan. It was i'ouiul to be a very common sju'cies in the interior of the Fur Countries, where it frequents the shores of the larger lakes. It was almost exclusively found in flocks, and was (d)served to be a very noisy bird. It breeds (diiefly in marshy jdaces. Captain lUakiston met with this sjjecies in the region of the Saskatchewan, wliere lie biiind it rather abundant. It was breeding on the lakes of the lUiffalo Plains in the summer. In a letter dated May 21, 18G(>, Dr. J. G. Cooper wrote me that he found this Gull not nncommon in the neighborliood of Sioux City ; and thougli he had no positive evidence to that effect, ho hiul no doubt that it was breeding in tluit region. l>r. Giraud is authority for the occurrence of this species in immature plumage on hong Island ; but as no other observer has made mention of its presence on the Atlan- tic, coast, this is perhaps ati error. He speaks of it as a very handsome and strongly 200 LONG-WINGED SWIMMEUS — LONGIPENNES. marked species, and as occasionally uttering, as it Hies, a peculiarly shrill and plain- tive cry. Colonel Grayson met with this bird in and about Ma/atlan, and procured s|iwi- mens in December. A fi-w other birds of this si)ecies were seen during the .same month, but they were not common in that locality. Mr. Salvin obtained a single specimen of this (luU in the plumage, which has In-en described with tin- name of C. cucullatus, at Chiapani, on the Pacdfic coa.st of Guate- mala, in January. 18(jy. Mr. Donald (Junn, in his Notes and Journcal of his visits to Shoal and other lakes, mentions his having met with th's species. We copy from his I'ournal : — "We passed from Shoal Lake to Manitoba. The Franklin Gulls had fursaken the marsh at tlui south end of that hike — which movement of theirs reduced us to tlic necessity of following them to the north as far as Swan Creek. Here we found them in considerable force. Their nests were among the bulrushes — flat on the water, and composed of these rushes. We had a hard run for the eggs, as lots of fellows from the Oak Point followed us, and began an active competition. However, we secured one hundred and sixty-live of their eggs, and thirteen specimens of the Gulls themselves." This Gull was foiuid breeding at Selkirk Settlement and in the lied Kiver Settle- ment, as well as on Lake Manitoba, by Mr. Gunn. Tlie Smithsonian Collection contains a specimen which 1 received from I'rofe.ssor Kundien in 1871 ; it was shot on the liOth of October. He writes me that but ftw others have been noticed in that neighborhood. The ground-color of the eggs of this Gull varies from a pale grayish green to a light drab, and even to an olive. The markings vary greatly in shajK; and si/e. Some are rounded, others are zigzag; some are large, and others are snuiU; and all are of a very dark olive-brown. Those in the Smithsonian Collection were brought by Mr. Gunn from Shoal Lake. Five eggs present the f(dlowi;;g measurements : 2.00 by 1.40 inches; 2.00 by 1.45; 2.05 by 1.50; 2.15 by 1.45; 2.25 by 1.50. Larus Philadelphia. BOVAFABTE'S OtJLL. Sterna philadclphin, Onn, Outhrii''8 Oeog. 2d Ain. t-d. II. 1815, 319. ChrniciKfphaliis pliiladrl/iMii, Lawis. in Haird's B. N. Am. 1858, 852. — ISaiisI), f'.-it. N. Am. B. IS.IO, no. 670. — Newtos, P. Z. S. 1871, 57, id. 4, tig. 6 (egg). —Cocks, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sti. riiil.i.l. 1862, 310 ; 2d Check List, 1882, iiu. 788. Larus Philadelphia, OuAV, List Brit. B. 1863, 235 (Great Britain). — CouEs, Key, 1872, 316 ; Clink Li.st, 1873, no. 556. Larus philitdclphice, Sacm)EI!h, P. Z. .S. 1878, 206. — KiDiiW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 675. Larus (Chrmcocepluilus) Philadelphia, Coiies, B. N. W. 1874, 655. Larm minutus, Sadine, App. Franklin's Voy. 1823, 696. — S\v. & Rich. F. B, A. IL 1831, 4-6 (not of Pali.. 1776). Larus cnpistralus, Bonap. Sih'cc. Conip. 1828, 69 (notof Temm. 1820). / Larus mclauorhynchus, Tem.m. PI. Col. livr. 85, pi. 504 (1830 ; Chili). < larus Brnwijiarlii, Sw. & Bini. F. B. A. II. 1831, 425, pi. 72. — Niit. Man. II. 1834, 294. — Aid. Orn. Biog. IV. 1838, 212, pi. 324 ; Synop. 1839, 323 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 131, pi. 452. Larus (Chroicocephalus) subulirostris, "Br." Biiuiii, ,1. f. O. 1853, 105 (tj'pc in Mus. Mainz). Hab. The whole of North America, but no valid reconl of its occurrence Bouth of the United States, except Bermudas (Hurdis). Sp. Char. Adult, in summer: Head and upper part of the neck dark phuubeons, the eyelids marked by an elongated white spot. Lower part of the neck, entire lower itnrts, tail, upper t.nl- m LAUID.E — THE (iULLS AND TERNS — LAUUS. 2G1 coverts, lower and lati-ral porlioii-s of the ruinii, bonlur of tlio wing, nlula), jiriniary coviTtn, and ^'rcatcr |iortioii of the iiriniiirics Hiiow-wliitc, tliu nuck and lower partn with u dfliuato ro8e-pink lilush in fresh HiwuiniunH. Mantle, inciudin^f u|)|)er and middle portions of rump, duliuite li^ht |icurl-l)lue. Three outer primaries chiefly white, the outer web of the exterior (|nill, and the tcniiiual portion of all, deep black ; fourth quill Himilar to the third, but the inner web jmle ({ray- L- plnliulflphiii, .iiimiiiiT jiliimaifi: isli Iducj fifth and sixth tpiilU jtale grayish blue, with a lar},'e subterniinal lihick space, and ti|>peJ witii whiti! (third and fourth ipiills also marked with a small white apical spot) ; remaining ipiills pale grayish bine, without, white tips, but marked near the end, usually on inner web only, with II lihu'k spot. Bill tleep black ; iris dark brown ; interior of mouth, with legs and feet, rich clear mange-red ;* daws black. Aditlt, in mnter : Similar, but head and neck white, the occiput tinged with grayish, and the auricular region marked by a spot of dusky gmy. Legs und feet flesh-color. Summer tumult. Ymmg, first plumage : Sides and under part of head and neck, entire lower parts, upper tail-coverts, and iKisal three fourths of the tail pure white ; crown, occiput, and upper part of the back brownish gray ; a dusky grayish spot on the auricular region ; scapulars and posterior interscapulars grayish uiuhcr, tipped with pale buff ; central area of lesser wing-covert region dusky brownish gray ; rest of wing-coverta, eer and central portions of the rump, light grayish blue ; band across end of tail bLVck or dusky, the tip narrowly ' In snmn very high-colored siiccimens the feathen surrounding the naked rim of the eyelids are fine orange-red. !l 202 LUNG-WIN(}ED SWIMMEU:^- LONCJIPENNES. whitish Outer primary with tiie entii-e outor wel), niul n utripe aloii^; tiic iiiiu'r next the Nlmft, with the I'liil, lihick, the reiiiainiii}: portimi wiiite ; wcoiitl and thinl (|iiills Hiiiiihir, hut the wiiiii' successively more restricted ; fourth, bhiish white on both wehs (inner web more Muisii), ilir 8ubtt i luinal iiortion Uack for more than an iiicii, the tip with a small white spot ; remainiu},' ((uill> similar, hut deeper bluish nr.iy. Hill dusky; feet pale brownish (in skin). Yoiiiuj, ucomf j/itir : Similar to the atlult in winter jtlumajje, but central lesser winjj-coverts dusky, tail cr>s.MMl by u subterminal baud of dusky brown, and primaries marked as in the tirst plumajje. Total lenj^tii, about U.()(» inches; extent, Ui.oo ; winj;, lO.-2."> ; culmen, 1.-20 ; depth of bill through nostrils, .25 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; middle toe with claw, 1. 10. !i,«? ill This is a widely ilistrilnitwl species, found tlirotigl out North Ainerica at dilTt'itMit seasons, heing eoninion both to tlu^ Atlantie and the raeitic eoasts, and breediiifjf finni alK)ut latitude 4u^ or 50'' north nearly or (juite to the Arctic Ocean. It winters in tlu' southern j)ortions of the I'nited States, on both shores, and also, to a certain extent — not well ascertained — in Mexico and in Central America. It is found in tiu' interior as well as t>n the sea-coast, but chiefly in its inigr .tions. It is abundant in tho waters of the St. Croix and on I'assamaiiuodtly Hay, aiul is (inite common in the summer. Hiehardson states in rcj,'ard to it, that he fonm' it in large nundiers in idl parts of tho Tur Countries, where it associati-s with the Terns, and is distinguished by its i)eculiar shrill and plaintive cry. Cajitain lUaUiston mentions tliat he met with this species at the mouth «)f Hayes lUver, on tho west coast of lltidson's Hay; and Mr. Mtirray receivcil specimens from the same locality. This (.lull was uho f«mud o!i the Mackenzie Hiver by Mr. Heriuird Uoss. ISfr. J. A. Allen obtaiiu'd three specimens in CJrcat Salt Lake Valley; these wi'ic all in the adult pbuuage, and dilTcred from the eastern s])ecimens of this UuU in having thicker, much shorter, ami less dccurved bills. Hirds of this species occur as occasional .stragglers in various jiarts of New Kiig land; and they are quite common in spring and fall in the neighborhood of Calais, on the St. Croix itivcr, and in I'assanuKpuHldy Hay. They are less abandant in the summer; but many remain, and are supposed to breed somewhere in that ncighboi- hood in trees. In my visits to Kastjwrt, the Hay of Kundy, and its ishmds, 1 havr noticctl them in large mimlK'rs in the mt)nths of .lune and.Iuly. I could obtain, however, lu) evidence in any (piarter of their nesting in that vicinity. If they do itreed there, it has entirely escaped tho notice of those who live in that region. The (lulls were all in flocks, and im)stly in mature jtlnmage; but all appeareil to be unmiited. T foiuid them on the water at all hours of tl • day and night, and as they were very rarely ii»)lested, exceedingly tame ;uid unsusp is. Dr. Cooper speaks of flnding birds of this species common at I'uget Sound at all seasons of the year; and the .same statenu'iit is made i)y Dr. Suckley. They ;)p(;ir aUuit San Francisco oidy from Septi-mber to ^May ; and ilo not seem to migrate as far simth as San Diego, although i »r. Cooper met with some at San I'edro, late in May, in their immature jtlumage. They wt .' almost constantly on the wing, diving actively for lish, and were rather shy. Their notes consisted of sharp, but rather faint, s(|ueaks. Th"y are considered good cati> '. This rs in spring and fall in Southern ^Visconsin, on L;ike Koskonong, where examples are each season procured by Professor Kumlien, who writes me that this is the most common (Jull of Soutlii-rn \Vis<'onsin — arrivint,' ther« in Ajnil, when the young grass begins to start, j»assing northward in large scattered flocks, flying leisurely ;ind low, as if they intended earefidly to exinnine the cotintry they pas^ ovee. These are all old ones in their best spring phnnag''. Th« int. utture young Inrds come in May,- and are m)t uiicomnum in the lake in tfuui'; ?I LAIUD/K — THE GULLS AND TEUNS — LAKUS. 2G3 and in some smumors single inmuituro birds may be soon tliroughoufc the season ; no old ones are si'en in summer. Specimens have been seemed in the tall as late aa November 7; these vary greatly in size, differing in length Iron, twelve inches to tiiiuteen and one half. Audubon met wit'i *:his Gull in the neighborhood of Cincinnati in Augi'-', 1811). Alter tlu- female liatl been shot, another bird, evidently her mate, alighted imei. diately by her side to share her fate. Audubon afterward met with the sanu- species on the Mississippi. In May, 1833, he observed this bird in great numbers in the Passama- ([uoddy. at Eastport. At low water they covered all the sand and nnid bars in the neighborhood. Tlu'V were very gentle, scarcely heeding his near presence ; and his son sliot si'venteen at a single tlischarge of his doubh'-barrelled gun. They wen' all young iiinls of the itreceding year. There were no indications in either sex that they would inobably breed that .season, lie found tlicir stomachs filled with coleopterous insects which they had caught on the wing or picked up from the water. On the 'JMi of August, 1831, he shot ten others in tlie same locality. In their sttmiachs weve shrimps and small Hsh. None were observed by .\udubon in any jiart of the (iidf of St. Law- rcnce. on the coast of Labrador, ov of Newfoundland. In the winter he found these (iiills common in the harbor of Charh'ston; but never saw any at that sea.son about the mouths of the Mississippi. The flight of this bird he describes as being light, elevated, and rapid, more resembling that of Terns than is usually the ca.so with (lulls. Amlubon. as well as Vju'rcU, refers this bird to CJreenland; but I'rofessor h'linliardt thinks this reference incorrect. hidividuab' of this sjiecies have been sliot in various parts of Kuro])e. One was taktu near Uelfast in ISIS, auii another was shot on the coast. In IS.M nue was shot on lioch liomond, in Scotland, :<.nd another on a lake in the North of Kugland; and since that tinu' .several others have been taken in that ('" "^rict. Mr. l>onald (iinin found a few of this si>ciies breeding in the marshes (d' Swan I'! "k. not far from Shoal hake, in <'ompany with the Franklin (iull. Mr. Mali foiuid these birds not inu'omniou iii the marshes near the Yukon, but rare ni'ar the main river. They were nM>st numenms on the Kaig\il IJivcr, where they wi'vc breeding, not far from Nulato. Their eggs have been obtained near I'ort Yukon; and the birds themselves are not very rare at Sitka, where ItisidiolY tibtai'ied several spccinuMis, Mr, MacFarlane found this species brecdiu;; in the wooded regious in the neigli- iiorhood of Ktut .'Vnderson. All the nests were placed either in bushes or on trec.s, at various heights from the grouu'l — none less than four feet, and others frimi fifteen to twenty feet. One, found .luiu' -3, IStil, was on a tne and at a heiglit of from twelve to fourteen feet; it was Ix'tween twosnnill iionds of water aliont a hundred feet from either. The eggs were fresh, iudieating that this pair must have nested uinisually late, .\nother nest, found on tbi- following day, was on the dry brancli of a pine-tree, ami was al)out ten feet from the ground. There were no sticks in this nest, but it was composed of dark velvety pine-leaves and line down, lie nuMitions meeting with this (lull in tha* sea.son nnich more freipiently on his line of travel tliaii 11' any other occasion; wiiile it was much later than usual in nesting. Mr. Kenni(ott foiind this ed by Mr. M;u'Farlane, we gather that the usual maxinuun nundierof eggs in a nest is three — very rarely four; that all aic jilaeed in elevated situation.s, on high stuniiis, or bushes, or trees; that the nests arc made of sticks, and lined with hay and other soft substances; and that the ])areiit.s are fearless when they have young, Hying about in tdose ])ro.\imity, and screamint,' vehemently. The ne.sts were found with eggs from .lune 10 to the lOthoftlu. ; and in sonu; eases mosses and lichens from the jtines and spruces had been largely used in their construction. They were usually i)laced flat on horizontal branches at sonu! distance from the trunk. The eggs procured by Mr. MacKarlane vary in length from 1.90 to li.O') inches, and in breadth from l..'C» to l.lo. Their ground-<:olor is a grayish olive, pjvssing into a greenish tint; while the markings consist of small siMits of dove-brown, and are chiefly gathered around the larger end of the egg. Speciujens of this (Jull and of its eggs were also j»rocured at Fort Jtcsolution, en the Yukon; at Fort Simpsctn, at llig Island, at Fort l!ae, and at IVel's Hiver Koit; at F«)rt (.lood 1Ioir>, Fort Anderson, on the Lower Ander.son ; and at various other j)uints. LaniB minntuB. LITTUt OUIX. lAtrux athtx. Scop. Ann. I. HUt. Niit. 17t of (Icnn., 17. Z. .S. I87,s, 2ii(l. ChroiciH-ijthiihi.H minnhis, Kyton, Cat. Itiil. I(. iMSiti, III. jMri(iiiilricilhi,/,:i, Fai.K, Itiii. III. |i. .'!.';'., t. '-'» (liii.' (iMF.I,. S. N. I. il. 1788, fiOl). Litrttii iCOrhiijiii/i, Airnocix, 111^1. Nut. tie rKgypti', 182.1, i>l. U, li>{. 3, Kxpl. |>. 271. Liirui niijrotiH, Lkhs. Ti'itito, II. 18:S1, (JIU. Sp. Char. Adult, in mmmrr: Hcml and cxtrcnu' upper jmit of the neck uiiirorm ili'oi> Mi iniihllc luiil lower piirt ot'tlif neck (all ronml), entire lower parts npjier tuil-inverlx, tail, ami of llu rumigtis (hroiully) unow-while. Mantlu, ii;chi(ling reuiij-eH, except llit-ir endn, dulicule X!l. ack ; liali' ir«n<«r ttitult. pearl-bluo. "Bill lilai'kiHJi nnl, ga]H' dark red : lejjn bright vermilion or rond ; IriM deep brown" (SuAiiPK & DRt:HrtFi(). Ailiill, III winhr : ."^Iniiiap, lail head and neck while, the iMcipnt wu^Im'! with lirowninh gray, and the anriiular region marked liy a spot ol'.hi^Kv hlaik. " Feel yello»i-li red" (SiiARPK Si Drkssku). Yiihiiij, jirst plitmvji' : loiihead, lorex, eheekn, enlh-n lower puis LAUID/K — THE (JULLS AND TERNS — LARUS. 265 m upiMT tuil-coverts, and grt'iittT iM)rtitni of ihu tail, jmrc wbite j occiput, nuriculnr rc'>»ii>n, lower jwrt of llie iiaiio, Icumir mul inithllu wit)i,'-ioviii'U, SHajxiliirs, tertiuls, iiiul teniiinal ihinl of the tail (. xci'pt lateral feallii-is) blackish fuliginous, tin; fuatlicrs (except on heatl uiul neck) iMJiilenul ter- niiually with white or pale bulf ; greater wing-coverts uiid secondaries delicate pale ]ieurl-blue ; prinmries with outer welw mostly blackish (more slaty basitlly), thn inner webs mnxtly white, -!).(H) inches ; tail, 4.30 ; culmen, .9() ; tarsus, \ m ; middle toe, .0(). Tlio claim «)f this Idrd to he iuohuU'd in the fauna of North America rests npon soiuowhat (}uestioMal)le (rrounds. Iliciiurdson states that a single Individual of this species Wits obtained on Sir iFohn Franklin's first expedition to the Arctic Uegions, anil that this specimen was a young bird in its lirst year. According to Major Wcdderhurn, this species is an occasional winter visitant in liermnda, occurring there only in midwinter. Major Wcdderhurn procured a spccinuni on the I'l'd of fJanuary, is I*), (hiring a strong northerly gale, and another one was killed in the following month. This (J\ill was noticed, and a specimen obtained, on the western coast of Mexico by (Jolonul (rrayson, in the tn'ighlHirhood of Ma/atlan. He states that a few individ- Uids were seen, ami that specimens wen* i»rocured in a fresh-water lagotin near the Sfu-sliorc, March li", l.S(>S. He did not meet with any others afterward. According to Wheelwright, this s|)ecies breeds in liotland, but is m»t known to do 80 in any otlu'r part of Scandinavia. It is far more common around Novaya T^adoga and .\rchangel in Russia. Its habits are .said greatly to resendde tho.se of the Ltiriis ri)llhini(liis of Europe; and its eggs are described by .Mr. WMieelwright as U'ing of iiiiirji tlu! saim> shaiK! and color, but smaller than those of that bird, and measuring l.litl inches by l.L'o. .\ccording to Varrell, this species is oidy a winter visitant to Great liritain, where, tlioiiLrii not abundant it is of by no means infre(pient (xtcurrence. II(> nu'iitions twcnty-tiirec instances iii which the tinu> and place of capture of this (Juil iiave been ]iut on record in various parts of Ireland, ICnglaud, and Scotland, stating that in nrarly all these the birds were in immature plumage. In only one or two instances liiivc the individuals been in thf adult plumage, and these were taken in Irelaiul. Tlie egg of the A. mliiiitiis, as ligured bv Mr. Ilewitson, is \Xtl\ inches in length, anil l.LT) in In'cadth ; the grouinl-4;olor is olive-brown, and this is spotted and blotched with two shades of reddish bniwn. Mr. Temminck killed two specimens of this (lull and ])rocured several others in Hiillaud, and .Messrs. Xecker and Schinz rec(U'd five instances of its having Im-cu tak>ii iibout the lakes of Switzerland. Savi includes it among the birds of Italy; ami it is said to be ftmnd every winter on the shores of the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, luii'. also on the Caspian Sea. ' 'I'ln' l'n'>li riilors »!(• K'vrii by Miii'nillivniy as IViUows : " Ailiilt, in wiiili-r: Hill and iris bluckixh liniHii ; fct of u very bri),'lit vrriiiilion. .I'hill, in siimmir. Hill of ii V4'iy di'fp luku-nid , iris di-cp liriiwii ; feet riiinsiin. Vuiiiiij : Hill lilui'kiHli bixiwn ; I'l-cl livid llthli-iulor." \oi,, II. — ;)4 260 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. According to Tcmminck it foods ou insects an{» clear p«'nrl-<,'niy ; outer wub of the first qnill Macki-^h In-own to it« tip, which is gmy ; tiim of tlitt .sciiiuihirs anil lesser (luills whitish ; some small featliers near the eye and ii collar round the iiiiildle of tiiu neck pitch-Mack, rest of tiic plumage white ; the neck a)H)ve and the whole under phunage deeplir tinged with peach-hlossom red in recent specimen)*. ]U11 Muck ; its rictus and tliu edges (if the eyelids reddish orange ; legs and feet vermilion-rtMl ; nails Mackish, "Form. Tiill slender, weak, with ii scarcely perceptible sjilient angle beneath ; the upper mun- dlMu slightly arched and comjiressed toward the jtoint ; the commissure slightly curvetl at the tip. Wings an inch longer than the decidedly (►' N., Antic Ocean, north of Siberia, Oit. 7, 1H7!); U. L. Nkwco-Mh) : Head, neck, and lower parts jmre while, the piluni tiiigetl with pale pisul-gray, the! breast and most of other lower jiarts tinged with a very tine delicate rose- |iiiik; no trace of black C(dlar, but a distinct blackish patch <>r Ixir immediately in front of eye. Mantle and wings delicate pale pearl-gray, the seiondaries very bnwilly tipped with pinkish while, llic two inner primaries becoming gratlually white terminally, anil the miter web of the outer primary cliietly black. Lower part of rnmp, upjM'r tail-coverts, and tail white, faintly tinged wiih delicate rose-pink. Bill black ; iris l)rown ; legs and feet pale brownish in drieil skin.' Wing, 1().(H) inches ; tail, 4..')(), the latend feathers .75 shorter ; culnien, .7r>; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle tiie, l.(H>. Younij muh; in «ecoml mmnur (No. 87232, U. S. Nat. Mus., Arctic Ocean, north of Siberia, Juno •2:1, R. L. Nkwiomii) ; Head, neck, lower parts, lower part of rump, and upper tail-coverts pale, licliiate rose-pink, this deepest lieneath the surface of the feathers, the head and neck, e.xcept niidernealh, nearly pure white ; upper jiart of neck encirclwl by a narrow black collar, broadest on the throat, only the tips of the feathers iK-iiig black. Mantle and wings delicate jude |)eurl-gray, tile lesser and middle wing-coverts dusky black tin the surface (only the concealcnl iMM'tion In-ing peail-gray) ; inner secondaries, primary coverts, aluhe, and adjacent sniidl feathers, with tlin-e imtu ]irimaries, blackish dufky, the inner webs of the latter, however, with the marginal half pcail-gray ; ivnniining primaries pearl-gray, becoiniiijs wliite on the innermost iiuills, all of theni limailly tippeil with black ; under surface of wing pale ]iearl-gray, like the mantle. Tail white, till' third, fourth, and lirtli feathers broadly tip|K'd with black (this .75 ot an inch in extent on liltli or ne.;t to the middle feather). Kill black ; iris brown ; legs and feet bright red, daws bluck. Wing, aliout 0.75 (i|uills much abraded) inches; tail, 4.S(), the lateral feathers 1.50 hhorter ; iiilnitii, .70 ; tarsus, 1.2(> ; middle toe, l.(M>. Aiiulher young male in second sunuuei, also collected by Mr. Newcoinb (No. H72:?l,.Iune 30, ISM»), dillVrs in having the rosy lint almost enlii-ely absent, the black necklaci- much less di.stiiu't, and the tail wholly white. It measures : Wing, 0..50 iiches ; tail, 5.Ht, the lateral feathers 1.20 sliuiliT ; cidmeii, .(i5 ; tarsus. 1.25 ; ndddle toe, 1.(I5. Vmim/, in firxt jilnmiuiv (No. 81224, St. Michael's, Alaska, Oct. 10, ls7!) ; K W. Nklhox): (Jen- I'lal I iiliir iif pili-um, na|H', and nuuitle very ])ale pearl-gray, but this only on the .surface, all the mull riving portion of the feathers being puie white ; all the parts descrilH'd heavily 1 londed with (lark I'niiginous, or blackish dusky, there being many feather)* with the tip very broadly of this color ; these dark nuirkings prevail on the ujijier purtion of the rump, where the feathers have dull linll'v tips. Lower part of rump, upper tail-coveits, and greater part of tail immaculate pure white ; miiMli' pair of tail-feathers with the end sooty-black fur almtit .x'% of an inch, the ne.vt feather on c ii li siile black for a much less distance, the third with merely a slight mnllling of dusky at the e.\. tienic tip. Lesser and middle wing-coverts, tertials, and nmsi of the scapulars dark sooty or browii- isli Mack, each feather dis'.nctly bonlen'd terminally with jiale grayish bulF ; greater winn-coverts ' I'rofi'ssor .1. MurdiH'h lias kimlly finnislu'd us with tlip fuUowiiig iU'-.criptii)ii of tlio fn-sh ciilum of nil I'lult male in winter jiluinagc obtainvil )iy him at I'oint Burrow, Alaska " Feet tcriu-cottu red, with linmn welin mid knuckles. While every where tinned with red, except rectrice* ; nmc-colur Homcwhut III"!' Iiy and appronchiuK sidmun-color, cspeeially on erisHUiu. Miintic |H-urly bluu, extending 01 niiitlIiuK» ti> the luti'k of tho lieuil. Edge of wing, frunt shuuldiT tu wriat, bright ru.sy." I iJI 268 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. •i imiiiaculatc, very pale i>earl-j,'ray, fiuliiij; grailimlly into wliite teniiiiially ; wcoiidaries and two innfr priniaries imre wliitc ; next two ininiuiies witli imre wliite innur wi-lw uikI Rliafe, the outer \\vhn very iwle i>earl-},'ray, the first e, divitletl medially by the Hlmlt ; three outer ijuills witli outer webs wholly black- ish, and the inner web with a broad stripe of the same next the shaft ; alula), carpal regior, ami primary coverts plain sooty black, the Litter narrowly tipped with pale gniyisli bulf. Lateral and under sides of head aii, 1., j). Ivii (tyiH', L(ni.i Subiiiri, Sad.). !! Ciriiijrii.1, lio.NAr. Nuiiin. 1854, 213 (tyiio, Lirusfiuxalun, Nkiioix). Char. Size Piimll or lui'iUum ; tail fmkuil ; tarsus fiiual to nr latlier sliortcr tliaii tlic middle toe, witli claw ; adult with u dark IiockI, the {iluinaj^'e otherwise pearl-j^ray ahove aiitl white heueath. It is very doubtful whether the htrnxfHrmhaf, NkuoL'X, should lie referred to th(! ^enus Xnwi. Mr. Salviu, wiio lias had tiie ojijiortuiiity of e.x.'iuiiiiiii^' a s|)eeiuieii, remarks as follows ou this iliiestiou : '^Vrmgrut, an ii geiiu.s, diOew Init .sli^ditly from Xcma, both huviiig a deeply forked tail. X. SMni, .iiiminrr mliitt. Tlu! foriuer, however, is a more robust form, aiid has the nostril situatetl rather nearer the point of the bill. In coloration, Crnuinix wants the lilack rinj; wliirh encircles the IicmhI of Xtimi. I (liiubt whether in a wi'll-considere1. Soc. Loud. IX. ISTfi, \>. TilMi). It iiii',dit also have lu'en added, that the tail of Crcatjrus is much more deeply forked, and that the coloration of the bill ami feet is radically (liircient. Assuming', however, that they may lie n^ferred to the same j^enu.s, their dilferentiul characters ni;iy lie staled as follows : — 1. X. BabinL Winj;. ll.(K) inches or less ; tail .sli';htl\ forked ; hood pi mubcons, bounded below by a well-defmed black collar ; bill black, tipped with yellow ; leel black. Huh. Circumpolar Re^'ions. •X X. furcata. Win;;, Ki.iKi inches or more ; tail deeply forked ; hood sooty black, with awhile frontal bar, but no dark cidlar ; bill and feet red. Ihth. r>. - Aid. Orii. IHor. III. 183r., .ItU, pi. '.'S:. ; Synop. 183it, 323 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 127, pi. 441. Xcma Niiliiiii, Knw. k nKvr.iti.KV, App. 1,'oss's Voy. Hiif. Hiiy, 4to cd. 181'.>, Ivii. Larus {Xntui) Sabini, Unit h, ,1. f. (). 1853, 103. •'iii J ifl 1 flH •i^m - 270 LON(}-WIXUKD SW1MMI:RS - LONUITENNES. Xftna Siihiiiii, I.Awn. in IfciinrH B. N. Am. 185S, 8.17. ~ IUiisd, (iit. N. Am. B. 1859, iio. 08". — .Saindkiis, r. /,. .S. lcS7,s, 'Jiiit. — CdiKH, -jiK hi'. Xemd Sit>, Vr. I'liilml. Acail. 18ti--', ;tU ; Kiy, 187l', :n7 ; Vlwk List, 1873, no. .''.58; IJ. N. W. 1(<74, , liU (nee 8fllltr.MlKI!s, — Ithmlmliihiil romii / Cl". SAr.MiKKH, 1". Z. S. 1878, ji. 2mt). Haii. Circuiu|M.lar Rc'},'ions ; in winter iiii>,'iiitin>,' miiilli, in Aini-ricn, to Maine, New Ymk, tin (iifiit Lakt's, ami (Sii-at Salt Likf, I'tali. Vi-iy almndanl in Ala.->ka. Hi;rnniila», one instanif (Salnijeii.s). Macubi Island, coa.st ol' IVru, lat. H° 8. (onu Hjieciniun, Juli; .Salnukiw, 1'. Z. .S. 1878, p. 21' I. Si'. CiiAii. Aihilt, iti siimmir: Head and upper )iart of the nctk plninltcoui', lH)und(d IhIow liy a \vidl-ciiueitH. Mantle deep liluish j^ray (nearly the Mime !«liudu as in LiiruK Fruiiklitii), the secondaries jini-e white, heconiiiij,' Kin'l'iidly jiale ^,'riiyish hhie towanl hasos ; Miosl of the e.vposetl portion of the j,'reater coverts also white, fortiiin;^', ti)j,'ether with the srcondji- ries, a conspicniHis longitudinal white striin- on the closed win),'. Four outer prinmries Maik, liroadly tip|H-d with white, the inner welts hroadly niar;;ineil witii the same ; fifth <|uill wilii tliu greater purt of the inner web, and ahuiit l."."> inches of the terminal portion of the outer, while, the remainder Id.'ick ; remaining' <|uills white; outer liorder of the win^', rntiu the carjial Joint hack to the primary coverts, including' the latter ami the aliil;e, uniform Mack. I'ill Mack, tip]H'il with yellow ; eyeliiis red ; iris brown ; "feel dull lead-color, idaws blai k '' (L. M. TiUNKH, MS.). /1(/h// ni wiM^r; Siiniliu t" till- suninier ]iluma;{e, but head and neck white, e\. rpi occiput, nape, and auricular re;;ion, which are ; middle toe and claw, l.2r>. LAUID.K — TIIK GULLS AND TEUNS — XEMA 271 Th« Fork-tailed Gull is an almost «'xcliisivt'ly Arctic species. It is found in the l)i('odiiig-seasoii in tlie fxtrenie nortlicrn portions of Anieritia and Asia, Imt is of (iiily occasional occurrcncfo in Europe. So far as is now known, it l)rcet where its dead mate lay. These birds ap]H'ared to get their food on the sea-beach, standing near the water's edge and picrking up marine insects cast on the siiore. During the secoiul Arctic voyage, a (Hull of this species was seen in I'rince Regent's Inlet; and afterward many specimens were ol)tinned on Melville Peninsula. This Innl has also been met with at Spitzbergen, Igloolik, Jichring's Straits, Cape Garry, ami Felix IIarl)or. The Eskimos infornu-d Sir .Fames ('. Ross that it breeds in great numbers west of Neitgelli. It is said to arrive in high northern latitudes in June, ..nil to move southward in August. AN'hen recently killed, its under plumage is of a delicate pink blush-color. In the ctmrse of a voyage from Tictou, in Nova Scotia, to Hidl, in England, Mr. Tlmiiias Ma<'ullock saw great numbers of this species when more th.in a hundred miles otT Newftvundlantl. They flew around the ship in company wii . an almost fiiu.il ninuber of Koss's Gull. "I'lii" bird is mentioned by Keinhardt as being very rare in the Danish settle- m ill 272 LONO-WINOKD SWIMMKRS — LOXGIPKNNES. m niunts of (irpoiilatid, and as brcciliiif,' only to tin' iiortli of Upernavik. I'rofcssdr Itlasiii.s also tlfscrilM-s it as occuniiiK' i» Ilcli^oland. According' to Middundorlf, Sabine's (iull is a bird of Silicria; and it is incliulfd in liis list of those that piMictratu to tlu! farthest north. He also states ("Sii). I{eise," p. 244) that this (Jull aitpeared uii the Taimyr Uiver (lat. 73" 4r>' \.) on the oth of .Fune ; bnt soon left, and was not seen a>?ain until he reaehed the jtonds in the barrens (fumli'mt) and the small alluvial islands in the river and lake of Taimyr, in about 74" north latitude; there it was common, breedinsitcd in dejjressions in the moss, lined with dry },'rass-lH'nts of the jirevious year, and there were two in each nest. On the I'Jth of iluly most of tlie youny birds seen had only just been hatched out; but a few were of considerable size. On the 15th of Aufjiist he saw full-),M(i\vn, thou},'h not f>dl-feathered, young. They dived with ease, while the parents were flying' overhead — every now and then darting down, uttering a harsh note somewhat resendding that of Tin-this jiI/iwIk. lie found the crops «d' the old birds and the stomachs of the young iillcd with the larva' of diptennis in.seets. Kichardson, in his " .louriuil of a Hoat-voyage," refers to an islan7, and states that, so far as he was aware, this was the only one ever procured on the island. Mr. d. A. Allen obtained a single specimen of Sabine's (Jull at Salt Lake Valley in Scptendier, and one is said also to h;ive Ix-en taken in liernuida — shot by Colonel Drummond near St. (Jeorge ; but in this ea.se there was no record of the date. According to Varrell. there are .sev»'ral instances on record (»f the shooting of this Gull in the Ibitish Islands. The lirst specimen, so far as known, was shot in Helfast Uay in Septcndier. ISl'L'; the second, imw in the Museum of the Royal Dublin Soci- ety, was shot in Dublin Itay by Mr. AVall. Itoth oi these birds were in the idunia;.,'c of the first autumn. Other s)iecimens have since Iteen (ditained in Candiridgeshire, at .Miliord Haven, at Newhavcn, near Dultlin, and in several other jdaces. Temminck mentions three instanees of the occurrence of this species which had iK'come known to him — one was a young bird on the coast of H(dland; a .second was killed on the Khine ; a third in France, not far from Konen ; and still another near Dunkirk. Captain .Macl'arlanc found this (lull breeding in the islands of the Arctic Ocean. He mentions that the under ]dumage of a male shot by him early in July was deeply tinged with crimson. The first nest found was by itself on an island near a small lake, and contained three eggs. In .hiiie. lS(»r», Mr. MacFarlane found a nundtcr of these birds breeding on the "large ishinil" in Franklin Itay — a place often refernil to in his notes as such, which, however, w.is a.scertaim-d not to Ije an island, but iin extensive neck or ])oint of land. The nests were on an islet in a small lake. Mr. Dall mentions finding the Fork-tailed (iull ainindant in the marshes about ra.st(dik and St. Michael's, where it breeds. He al.so states that this species is not rare at I'lover I5ay. in Eastern Siberia. Mr. Dall hits never cdiscrved it far iulaml, in strictly fresh water, and is certain that it is not found at Nnlato. Mr. Hannister states that in the early l)art of July he observed large flocks of these birds in the Canal at St. Michael's, and that at about the sanu! time two sjtecinicns were shot by .Mr. Fease in the .same hcality. They did not (d»serve this species iit any other point near the redoubt. lUit .Mr. K. Adams mentions ("Ibis," 1878) having 1 !llll| I.AIUD.K — THK r.VlLH AND TKIINS XKMA. 273 nut with this .spiuiios iit St. MiclKU'l's, wIumo a i'vw iiidividiuils madf tlit'ir appcurauco alM)iit till! Hult-iiiaislics on tin* 7tli of May, aiul a IVw pairs l)iril tlierc. Tlicy were (ittt'ii IVcdiiig alH)iit tilt' 11111(1 of tilt' lakt's, l)iit Im ditl not st'o any of tlifiii uii tlit- sea- sliiHt'. Tlu'ir fiM)il oonsistt'd of worms antl iiist'itts. Tlu'y wt-n* vt'ry litdil, dashiii}^ like tlif Kittiwakt's at tlit> ht'ad of any intnuliT upon tlit'ir domain ; at other timcH (licy wi'io ratluT shy anil wary. K<,'Hs of this siM'cii'.s, prtifiirt'tl on this Airtit; coast by Mr. Mai^Farlano, cxhiliit the liillowinj,' nu'asiuvmt'nts : 1.75 by l.liO inclifs; 1.70 by l.'J't; ami 1.7(5 by l.L'O. They an- of nearly uniform aiijK'aranet', size, and shape. Their ;j;round-etdor is a deej) i)livt'-briiwii, varying to fjreenish in stnne, to a deeper tjlive in titliers, and spotted with markings of a duep supia, with no ubsuuru cloudings uf slate or lilac. Zema furcata. THE SWALLOW-TAILED OULL. MouftteiiqufHcfmirehne, Niuuirx, Itiv. Zool. 18»i>, 'iUO. Ldiit.'i fumitii.i, Nkikhx, Voy. " Vtimii)," Atlas, pi. x. (184(1). — I'ukvoht & Dks Murs, Voy. " Vt:'iiiis," V. Ois. IH.-ir., 277. Liriis (Xeinti) furnUus, Hiifcii, .1. f. 0. IS.'iS, 103. XiiiMfurmluin,i\wY.<, Key, 1872, 317; Chcik 1-ist, 1873, no. :M ; IlinU N. W. 187-1, 661.— SAi'sm-.its, 1". 7.. .S. 1878, 210 ; 18.S2, .023, pi. 34 (u.lult ami youii},' ; IViu). Xnna/urciilii, Cori:s, 2tl riici'k List, 1.H82, no. 7U1. Ciaiijnis furailii.i, UonaI'. N'anniaiinia, l.S.')4, 213. — l,.v\vn. in JlaiiirM I!. N. Am. 1858, 857. — HamU), Cat. X. Am. II. 18511, no. (i7l). — .Sai.vix, Trans. Zool. .Sor. IX. 1870, 5U(J ((iulaimgou). I{iU(;w. Noin. N. Am. 15. 1881, no. 078. IIab. Const of Culifi)rniii f ; ( lalaiiiijjos ; I'uracas lliiy, Peru (.SAUNOKits). .^1'. (Jhau. AdiiU (^uiiniu'r iiluiiuiiji: f) : Ahovo, ciiicruuiis ; ciitiri! Iiciul, witii uiitiTior liulf of tlic neck, siHity Mack ; fri)iitul l>ar, exterior iiiiu'}{iti of the Hcapuliirs, iiiidur wiiij,'-coverts, tail, and cnliri' lower purls, white ; first to fourth (|iiills, with tlie wliole of tlit! outer ami tlie teriniiial poi'tioii of the inner webs, black, the tliird uud fourth gray ut the base ; tilth and uixth gray (V i'!i n X. furcata, summrr adult. exi.iiorly. Mack terminally ; fourth, fifth, ami sixth with a white apical bar. Hill ami feet ie«i. Tntal length, 2:).«M) inclies; win;;, KUKt; luiildle rectrices, l./O ; exterior rectrices, 8.00 ; tarsus, !!"•; niiiltlle toe, with claw, 2.(10. < ' Tnuisliition of .Saiviu's Latin diii^'nosis in Trans. Zool. .Soc. I.oml. I.\. 1876, p. 506. vor.. II. — .3') IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A i^.. '/jt 1.0 I.I 1.25 It m '^ 1^ 1^ 1^ 2,0 U 111.6 '^^^^ 'ij,^ ^ %^ l\ 274 LONG-WINGED SWIMMEllS — LONGIPENNES. The first known example of the young of this excessively rare species has very recently hccn described by Mr. Saunders (Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud. 1882, pp. 523, 524, pi. 34), who gives the following information respecting the specimens known to date : — "The third known exaniide of this rarest of Gulls, the history of which may here he Inu-llv recapitulated. The Paris Museum possesses one, in somewhat immature plumage, said to Imvc been obtained by Dr. Neboux, of the French frigate ' Venus,' at Monterey, Cal., in the month uf November. The British Museum has an adult in full brc'eding-plumage obtained during the Vdv- age of ll.M. SS. ' Herald' and ' Pandora,' at Dalrymple Rock, Chatham I.sland, Galapagos Chouii, nearly on the equator, lietween flu' 11th and 16th of January. It is a medium-sized Gull, with long wings (10 inches), a dark slate-colored hood, and a forked tail ; indeed wore it not that the hood is separated from the base of the bill by a band of white feathers, and that there is no black neck-ring at the base of tlie hood, Xema furcatum might be dc^- scribed as a gigantic Sabine's Gull. In the young, now figured, the re- semblance to the young of Ximn Sahinii is very marked. The entire head is white, with dark markings in front of and surrounding the eyes, and a brown auricular patch as in most of the inunature hooded Gulls ; neck and mantle ashy brown, the tijis ot the feathers margined with white ; upper wing-coverts and secondaries white ; primaries 1-5 black, with greater part of inner web white, (i and 7 white barred with dusky, 8-10 pure white. Tail much forked, the outer feathers nearly white, the others banded with brown and tipped with white; rump white, slightly mottled with brown. Under par' white. Bill horn-black ; taisi and feet livid brown. The bill is proportionately longer, slenderer, and more curved than in A'. Subiuii, from Avhich it also dilfers in having a considerable bare space between the base of the feathers and the nares. The first primary which shows the slightest tip of white is the 5th, and there is less white at the tips of the upper ones than in the young of X Sahinii. " The feathers are all ([uite fresh ; and, reasoning from analogy, I should think that this example cannot have been more than three or four months old. Where, then, are the headcjuarters of this mysterious Gull ? It would seem by this specimen that its breeding-time corresponds to that of the northern hemisphere, and that, like some other Gulls, it passes southward to escape the north- ern winter ; but as yet nothing is known. It is, however, somewhat remarkable that Ameritan naturalists who have devoted so much attention to the exploration ol the coast of the Pacific, fmni Vancouver Island down to Mexico, have discovered no trace of it ; nor have repeated visits to the Galapagos produced more than the isolated adult specimen above noticed. Captain Markham's valuable acquisition has now made us acquainted with the first plumage of this extremely rare bird ; and the proof of the existence of this long-lost species may be expected to awaken an interest which will probably in a few years lead to the discovery ot its retd habitat." The Fork-tailod Gull was originally described from a specimen said to have beoii taken at sea off the coa.st of California. There has been no subsequent conhrmation of the claim of this species to a place in the fauna of North America. Dr. Cooper writes me that he has never seen any individual answering to the description of tliis species along the Pacific coast of California, nor litis it been obtained there by any one else. Nothing is known as to its distribution or its general habits. It is now positively asiicrtained that of the three specimens — all that have ever been procured LARIDyE — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 275 — one was certainly obtained in the Galapagos, and not within our limits ; and as the expedition that procured the supposed Californian example visited the same group, Jlr. Salvin is of the opinion that this was tlie locality from which both speci- mens came, and that this bird does not belong to the faujia of the United [States. Genus STERNA, Linn.eus. Stcrm, Li\N. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, 137, eJ. 12, I. 17C6, 227 (type, by eliiii., SUrmi hirundo, Linn.). Stenudii, liciii:, Isis, 1822, 503 (type, Sterna minula, Lin;;.). Thalassms, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 503 (type, Stcriui caspiii, Pali..). Thalassca, KAur, Sk. Kiitw. Eur. Tliierw. 1829, 97 (type, Slcrna paradiscir, Bkunn.), Sijloclu'lidun, BiiiciiM, Viig. Deutschl. 1830, 767 (tj'pe, Sterna cu-tpia, Linn.). ActochclidoH, Kaup, .Sk. Eiit. Eur. Thienv. 1829, 31 (type, Sterna cant iitai, G.Mia,). GcloclicUdon, Biikii.m, Naturg. Vbg, Deutschl. 1831, 774 (type, O. mcridimalis, UiiEim, Sterna, anglica, Mont.). Haliplana, Waol. Isis, 1832, 1224 (type, Sterna fulujinosa, Gmel. ). Char. Size exceedingly v.iriuLle, the form and colors less so ; tail alwaj's decidedly forked, and toes almost fully webbed, but tlie webs concave, or " scalloped out," anteriorly. ■II. Synopsis of North American Species. Ai Size medium (wing about 11.75-12.25 inches) ; tail eniarginate ; occipital fealliers .«oft and blended ; inner webs of primaries bicolored (a blackish stripe ne.\t the shaft, the inner border broadly white) ; bill wholly black, short and thick, its upper and lower outlines strongly convex, the depth through tlie base about one third the length of the culnien ; pileum entirely black in summer, uniform ashy white in winter. (GdochcUdim, Buehm.) 1. S. anglica. Bill and feet black : above, pale pearl-blue, including the runiis upper tail- coverts, and tail ; beneath, entirely white. Wing, 11.75-12.25 inches ; tail, 5.50 ; culnien, 1.40 ; tai"su9, 1.30 ; middle toe, 1. 10. Hah. Eastern coast of North America, and various parts of the Old World. Bi Size very large (wing 15.(K) inches or more) ; tail emarginate ; occipital feathers soft and blended, not forming a crest ; inner webs of primaries concolored (dusky grayish) ; adult, above, pale pearl-gray, beneath, white ; hood wholly black in summer, wholly streaked or speckled with white in winter. (Thalasseus, BoiE.) 2. S. caspia. Bill very robust (the depth through the base a little less than one third the length of the culmen), deep red. Hah. North America in gimeral, and various pai'ts of the Old World. C Size large or medium (wing 12.50-15.00 inches) ; tail deeply forked ; occipital feathers pointed and somewhat lengthened, forming a short but distinct cre.st ; inner webs of primaries bicolored (dusky in a well-defined stripe next the shaft, the iuiier edge broadly and abruptly white) ; adult, pale pearl-gray above, white beneath ; jiileum wholly black in spring, the forehead, lores, and centre of the crown white in breeding-season, (^Adochel- idon, Kaup.) 3. S. maxima. Bill stout (depth through the base much less than one third the length of the culnien), deep orange ; wing, 14.00-15.00 inches. Hah. Coasts and inland waters of Middle and Southern North America, north to about 40''. 4. S. elegauB. Bill very slender (depth through the base about one fifth the length of the cidmeii), deep orange-red ; occipital feathers much elongated, and lower parts deeply tinged with peach-iilossom pink. Wing, about 12.50 inches. Hub. Pacific coast of Middle America, north to California. 5. B. sandvloenais. Bill very slender, as in S. clegam, but deep black, tipped with yellow ; occipital feathers less elongated, and lower parts without jiink tinge. Wing, about 12.50 inches. Hab. Atlantic coast of North, and both coasts of Middle, America ; Paltearctic Region. 276 LONG-AVINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. D< Size smiill (wing less than 11.00 inches, and more tlian 8.00) ; tail exi'-essively forked, tliu lateral rectrices attenuated ; ^ occipital feathers soft, blended, not forming a crest ; inner webs of primaries bicolored ; adult pearl-blue above, white, pale pink, or grayish beneath ; pileum wholly deep black in summer, except in Trudeaui (whole head white, with a lateral dusky bar) and aleutica (white frontal limule), (Sterna, Linn.) a. Pileum entirely white in sunwur. 6. S. TrudeauL Bill black, tipped with yellowish ; head white, with a dusky lateral bar ; upper and lower parts pale pearl-gray ; rump, tail-coverts, and tail white, slightly silvenil. Wing, 9.70-10.60 inches; tail, 4.60-6.00; culmen, 1.50-1.70; tarsus, .92-.96 ; middle toe, .75-.80. Hab. Coa-sts of South America, and casual along the Atlantic coast of tlie United States. 6. Pilet/m entirely black in summer. 7. S. PoraterL Bill dull orange, dusky at the tip ; feet rich orange-red (in life) ; outer wi'lj of lateral rectrices pure white throughout, the inner web usually dusky or grayish toward the end, in more or less marked contrast ; ' lower parts entirely white. Wing, 9.50-10.30 inches ; tail, 5.00-7.70 ; culmen, 1.50-1.65 ; tarsus, .90-.99 ; middle toe, 1.05-1.15. Halt. Temperate North America in general, south in winter to Brazil. 8. S. hirundo. Bill vermilion, the tip dusky ; feet rich vermilion (in life) ; outer web of lateral rectrices grayish or dusky, the inner pure white throughout, in abrupt contrast ; lower parts usually pale grayish, rarely nearly white. Wing, 9.75-11.75 inches; tail, 5.00-7.00; culmen, 1.25-1.50 ; tarsus, .66-.87 ; middle toe, .75. Ilab. Eastern North America ; Palaearctic Region. 9. S. paradissea. Bill rich carmine, with or without black tip ; feet intense red (in life) ; outer rectrices as in fluviatilis, but usually more elongated ; lower parts deep, somewhat smoky, pearl-gray, almost as dark as the upper parts. Wing, 10.00-10.75 inches ; tail, 6.50-8.50; culmen, 1.08-1.40; tarsus, .55-.65 ; middle toe, with claw, .80-.85. Hab. Northern parts of northern hemisphere. 10. S. DougallL Bill black, usually reddi.«h basally ; feet bright red (in life) ; lateral rectrices wholly white, sometimes very faintly silvered ; lower parts delicate peacli- blossom-pink in life, fading to pinkish white or even pure white in the dried skin. Wiiij;, 9.25-9.75 inches; tail, 7.25-7.75; culmen, 1.50; tarsus, .85; middle toe, .75. Ilak Atlantic coast of North America ; West Indies ; Pala;arctic Region. c. Forehead white, this color extending back along tlie sides of the crown to the eyes. 11. S. aleutica. Bill and feet wholly deep black ; ujiper parts pearly plumbeous, the upper tai' coverts and tail abruptly pure white ; lower parts paler plundieous, fading iiito white Oil the chin and crissum. Wing, 9.75-10.75 inches ; tail, 6,50-7.00 ; culmen, 1.25-1.40 ; tarsus, .60-.75 ; middle toe, .80-.85. Hab. Coasts and islands of Alaska. E« Size extnimely small (wing less than 8.00 inches) ; tail moderately forked, the lateral feathers not much attenuated ; occipital feathers soft and blended. Adult pale pearl-blue above, the rump and tail sometimes white ; white beneath ; the pileum with a white froiitid lunule, a.s in Sterna aleutica and in Haliptana. (Sternvla, BoiE.) 12. S. antillarum. Bill yellow, usually tipped with black ; upper parts entirely pale jiearl- blue, including the tail ; lower parts white ; wing less than 7.00 inches ; culmen less than 1.25 ; the bill iisually black-tipped. Hab. Warm-temperate North America and Middle America ; West Indies. P. Size small (wing about 10.50 to 12.00 inches) ; l)ill very straight, the culmen sometimes ivcii slightly depressed in the middle portion ; nasal groove long and deep, the nostrils nniro anterior than in Sterna; tail deeply forked, but the feathers relatively broader unci stiffer ; color, dusky above, sometimes interrupted by a whitish nuchal band ; beneath, entirely white ; pileum black, with a white frontal lunule as in Sternnla and in Sti-riid aleutica. (Haliplana, Waolek.) 13. S. fullglnoBa. Above, entirely brownish black, uninterrupted on the nape ; wing, abdut 12.00 inches. Hab. Sea-coasts throughout the warmer parts of the worM ; in Noitli 1 When fully developed, luul not abraded. " This latter feature by no means coiibtunt, however. LARID^ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 277 America, known only from the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts, north, casually, to Penn- sylvania. 14. S. anaestheta. Above, sooty plumbeous, lii^htenin}? gradually on the upper back into ashy, tills gradually fading into whiti'h on the nape, the black of the pileuni being strongly contrasted. Wing, about lO.oO inclies. Jlab Sea-coasts throughout the warmer parts of the world ; casual on the coast of Florida. Sterna anglica. THE OTTIIrBIILED TERV. Sterna anglica, Mo};tac.ve, Orn. Diot. Suppl. 1813. — Nutt. Man. IL 1834, 269. — Am. Om. Biog. V. 1839, 127, pi. 410 ; Synop. 1839, 316; B. Am. VII. 1844, 81, pi. 430. — Coi'Es, Key, 1872, 319 ; Chi-ck List, 1873, no. 560 ; 2J cil. 1882, no. 792. — Ridow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 679. Gclochclidmi anglica, Bonap. Comp. List, 1838, 61. — CouEs, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliilad. 1862, 536 (critical). Sterna (Gelochelidon) anglica, CouES, B. N. W. 1874, 664. Sterna aranea, WiLs. Am. Oni. VIII. 1814, 143, pi. 72, f. 6. — Lawu. in BairJ's B. N. Am. 1858, 859. — Baird, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 681. Slcma risoria, Breum, Lclirb. 1823, 683 ; Beitr. III. 650. ? Sterna macrotarsa, GouLn, Proc. Zool. Sec. Lond. pt. v. 1837, 26 ; B. Austr. Suppl., pi. Sterna affinis, Horsf. (fide Blas.) Gelochelidon pahudris, Macgilu Man. II. 1842, 237. Gelochelidon ballhica, agraria, 'nieridionalis, Bueiim, Viig. Deutschl. 1831, 772, 773, 774. IIab, Nearly cosmopolitan, but in North America confined to the Eastern Province, and rare away from the coast ; the greater part of tropical America, south to Brazil ; both coasts of Central America ; Bermuda 1 Sp. Char. Adult, in summer : Pileum and nape deep black ; upper parts, including the rump, u]iper tail-coverts, and tail, delicate i)ale pearl-gray, tlie i)rimaries more hoary, and usually darker ; inner webs of primaries ivsh-gray, with a broad white space from the edge more than half way to the shaft, but not extending to the ends of the (luills. Rest of the plumage jjure white. Bill wholly deep black ; interior of mouth flesh-color ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet dark walnut- brown, the soles pale pinkish brown; claws black. Adult, in winter : Similar, l)ut whole head and neck white, the nape tinged with grayish, tiio auricuhirs darker grayish, as is also a crescentic space immediately in front of the eyes. Young, first jduinagc: Above, pale pearl-blue, the feathers more or less tipped with light clay-color, this sometimes almost uniform over the back and scap- idiu-s, where the feathers are bluish only beneath the surface ; a blackish crescentic spot inmiedi- atcly in front of the eye, and a dusky grayisii suffusion on the auriculars, forming a more or less distinct postocular stripe. Lower part* entiivly pure white. Rump, upper tail-coverts, tail, and 278 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. 1;; wing-coverts nearly uniform pale pearl-blue ; reniiges deeper silvery gray, the secondaries ami inner primaries tipped with white ; rectrices darker subtermiiially, and tipped with wliite or ]iiilt' ochraceous-bulf. Pileuni, back, and scapulars sometimes streaked with dusky, oftener immacuhitu. Bill dusky brownish, the mandible dull orange-brown, except terminally ; legs and feet varyiii" from dull reddish brown to dusky brown, the soles more reddish. Downy young : Above, li^-lit grayish buff, with several large and tolerably well-defined dusky spots on the hind half of the head, most distinct on the latero-occipital region ; a distinct longitudinal stripe of dusky down each side of the lower nape and upper back ; wings, rump, and flanks, with large, rather distinct, spots of dusky. Lower parts white, the sides of the throat faintly tinged with grayish. Bill dull brownish, the mandible more orange ; legs and feet dull brownish orange. Total length, about 13.00 to 14.50 inches; e.vtent, 33.00 to 35.00 ; wing, U. 75-12.25 ; tiiil, 5.50 ; depth of fork, 1.50-1.75 ; culmen, 1.40 ; depth of bill through base, .45 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe, with claw, 1.10. Much light has been thrown within a few years upon the distribution of the Gull- billed Tern — Marsh Tern it is hardly entitled to be called. Recent records show it to be much more cosmopolitan than was formerly supposed. It is characteristic ted. It swims buoyantly, but not swiftly, and when wounded does not attempt to dive ; but if taken in the hand bites severely, with- out uttering any cry. Audubon is inclined to the belief that this Tern rarely eats tish. In a large number of individuals of this species, obtained in various localities, lio never found any other food in their stomachs than insects of various kinds. In many instances he observed them catching insects on the wing, both over pools of water and over dry land. Audubon also states that they deposit three eggs, on such dry rushes as are com- monly found in salt-marshes, and at a short distance from the water, but carefully placed, so as to be beyond the reach of the tides. Like the eggs of all Terns, these dilfer considerably in their markings. They are .said to measure 1.75 inches in length, and 1.07 in breadth, and have a greenish-olivuceous ground-color, marked with ivregnlar splashes of dark umber, almost black, disposed around the larger end. The parents sit more closely than is usual with Terns ; and in cloudy weather they never leave their charge. Temminek mentions that Boie procured a number of examples of this bird from tlic eastern coast of Jutland, where the latter was assured that it breeds ; and ]Mr. Dresser cites mnnerous instances of its breeding in various parts of Denmark. It formerly bred on the Island of Lips, in tlie Baltic, and is now a rare visitant to the maatm 280 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. I I northern coast of Germany. A few birds of this species have been taken on the coast of France ; and it is mentioned as being common in Hungary, Turkey, and also in Greece and Asia Minor, breeding abundantly in the lagoons of Missolonghi, and near Smyrna. It breeds in various oiher iiortions of Southern Europe, as well as in ^Nortli Africa, where Canon Tristram met with it in the Sahara; other writers also mentidu it as being abundant in Egypt. This Fnecies occurs throughout Asia, from the eastern coast of the IMediterranoan to the C a Seas. It is abundant all over India, Avhere it feeds on acpiatic food in the marshes, and occasionally hunts for grasshopjjers in cultivated fields. It is ('(nn- mon in Ceylon and in China, and has been seen throughout the Malay Archipeliigo, as far south as Australia; in that country, however, it is very rare. It is also quiti' common on the shores of the Ked Sea, breeding along the coast of India, and in otlicr portions of Southern Asia. Mr. Wyth obtained examples of this species near Calcutta, and it is said to be abundant about the Island of Sunda. The Tern taken by Ilors- field on the Island of Java, and described by him under the name of Sterna affinii, is now recognized as being identical with this species. I am indebted to Mr. Howard Saunders for an example of its egg taken by Captain Butler from the Island of Warraba, in the Persian Gulf. It is not distinguishable fronr eggs of this species taken on the coast of Virginia, and the examples of this bird shot by Prince NeuAvii'd on the coast of Krazil, and sent by him to Temminck, are described by the latter as being identical with those taken on the lakes of Hungary. The ground-color of the eggs of the IMarsh Tern varies from a pale greenish buff to a light olive-tlrab. They are of a rounded oval shape, less oblong than the eggs of most Terns, and more gull-like both in shape and general appearance. Three eg5,'s from Hogg Island, Va., measure 1.85 by 1.30 inches ; 1.90 by 1.35 ; and 1.95 by 1.35. Mr. Seebohm describes an egg taken by him in Greece as measuring 2.36 inches in length, and others as ranging from that to 1.70 inches. He describes their ground- color as yellow ochre or stone-color, varying from a grayish white to a brownish citron. The spots are a mixture of greenish brown and reddish brown. The underlyiiii,' spots are of a lighter color, but are quite distinct. The egg from the Island of Warraba measures 1.92 by 1.36 inches, has a ground-color of a yellowish drab, and is boldly but sparingly spotted with rounded splashes of deep purplish brown, the under- lying spots being similar, but of a lighter shade. Mingled with these are a few smaller blotches of yellowish brown. An egg taken by Mr. Sennett, near Fort Brown, measures 1.88 by 1.3-4 inches, and may be described in the same words as the egg from the Gulf of Arabia, except that the blotches are of a smaller size. Sterna caspia. THE CASPIAN TERN. Old World references. Sterna caspia. Pall. Nov. Comm. Petrop. XIV. 1770, 582.— Gmel. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 603. Sterna caspicci, SrAUUM. Mus. Carls. III. 1788, pi. 62. Thalasseiis caspius, HoiE, Isis, 1822, 5C3. Sterna Tscfierjrava, Lkpe-'H. Nov. Comm. Petrop. XIV. 1770, COO, pi. 13, fig. 2. Stcnia mcgarhynchns, Mf.yeii, Tn.sch. Di'Utscli. Viig. II. 1810, 457. SylocMidon strninuus, fiouMi, P. Z. S. 1846, 21; B. Austr. VII. 1848, pi. 22 (Austmlia). Thalassiles melanotis, Sw. B. W. AIV. 1837, 253 (type in f'aiiiliriilge Mus.; examined by H. S.). Sijlochelidon baUhica et SchitliiHiii, BiiKiiM, V. D. 1831, 769, 770. Sterwi major, Em.man, Zool. 1861, 7472. LAlilDiE — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 281 American references. Sterna caspia, Lawr. in Raiiil's R. N. Am. 1858, 8.5!). — nAiiti), Cat. N. Am. B. 1858, no. 682.— CouEs, Key, 1872, 310 ; Clu'ck List, no. 5(51 ; 2(1 ed. 1882, no. 7&3. — KiDow. Noni. N. Am. 15. 1881, no. 680. Thalamus caspius, CoUEs, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1862, 537 (part). — ^]Ll.IOT, iUiistr. Am. B. 1)1. 56. Sterna {Thalaascus) easjiia, Coues, B. N. W. 1874, 667 (part). TliaJnsscHs imperator, CouE.s, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1862, 538 (in text; Labrador). Sterna caspia, var. imperator, Riuow. Ann. Lye. N. Y. X. 1874, 391. Mad. PiiliCiirctic Region. North America in general, but very irregularly distributed ; brced- iii!,' in Labrador, along the Arctic coa.> inches). Bill very robust, reddish ; tail short and but slightly forked; inner webs of iirimaries wholly dark slaty. Adult, in summer : Entire pileum, including occipital crest and ujjper half of lores, deep black, the lower eyelid with a white crescentic spot, tapper parts very pale i)earl-gray, fading insensibly to white on the upper tail-coverts, the tail bluish wlme ; outer surface of the primarie.s light hoary ash, their inner weba iiiiilonu slate or dark hoary gray. Rest of the plumage snow-white, liill deep coral-red, with a dusky suffusion sul)terminally, the tip orange or yellowish ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet deep black. Adult, in winter : Similar, but the black of the head streaked with white. Young, first linimge : Similar to the adult, but with the foUowing differences : Pileum (including occiput and iilHn'r two thirds of lores) grayish white, thickly streaked with dull black ; side of head with a uiiil'onu dull black bar, beginning before and b(!neath the eye and extending back over upper por- tiiiu of auriculars ; lower portion of lores and auriculars grayish white, mottled with darker gray- ish. Mantle pale pearl-gray, sparsely marked with irregular spots, mostly inclining to crescentic iir V-sliaped form, of brownish dusky, the wing-coverts, however, nearly immaculate ; the markings largest on longer scapulars and terminal portion of tertials ; primaries hoary gray, with white slial'ts, the shorter ones margined with Avhite ; rump and upper tail-coverts immaculate pearly white ; rectrices hoary gray, distinctly sjiotted with blackish toward tip.s. Rest of plumage plain white. Rill dull orange (in dried akin), dusky subterminally ; feet lirownish (in skin). (No. 93033, 9 , Warsaw, 111., Sept. 21, 1883 ; riiARi.ES K. Worthen.) Dou-nij young: Above, grayish white, the down of the head dusky grayish at the ba.se ; Irnck and rump finely and indi.stinctly mottled with VOL. n. — 30 ''•^^ ^ ■ I' , III 282 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. grayish ; tliront and foreneck uiiilbnn pule grayish ; reinuiiiiiif,' lower parts, inchuling the cliiii, iinmacnliite white. Bill, legs, aiul feet dull orange, the Ibniier with the tip hlacli 'sh. Total length, about 21M inches; extent, 51. (H) ; wing, 15.00-17.40; tail, ? 3(l-f).75, depth nl' its forking, .75-l.<)0 ; cuhuen, 2.48-3.10; depth of bill through base, .75-. 95 ; tar.su9, 1.60-1.05 ; middle toe, 1.15-1.40. The difTi.'rence in size between examples of this species from North America and those from Europe seems scarcely sullicient to warrant the recognition of a var. imperator. We have exam- ined fourteen adult examples ; but of the.se oidy two were European, one being from Australia, llic others from various parts of North America, including the coast of California. The smallest nl' this series is from Demnark, the wing of which measures only 15.00 inches, the culmen 2.48 ; but a Californian specimen is scarcely larger, measuring only 15.15 and 2.50 respectively. The bill is narrower in the latter specimen than in any other, measuring only .75 of an inch deep at the base, instead of from .80 to .95. The largest specimen is one from Western Australia, which measuics : Wing, 17.00 inches ; tail, 6.50 ; culmen, 3.10 ; depth of bill, .90; tarsus, 1.75 ; middle toe, 1.30. A Canadian specimen (No. 70316, 9) Detroit River, near Sandwich, Ontario, May 2) is .scarcely smaller, however, while the wing is actually longer, the measurements, as above, being 17.40, (!.()5, 2.65, .86, 1.60, 1.22 inches. There are two American specimens in the collection which are decidedly smaller than an adult male from Europe, one being the example from California, noted above, iIk' other from Wapitugan, Labrador. The latter measures 16.00, 6.00, 2.55, .80, 1.65, 1.15 inches ; tlie European .specimen in (pie.sti(m being 16.00, 6.25, 2.75, .85, 1.65, 1.20. It is therefore evident that while we may perhaps concede to the American birds of this species a larger average size, the dif- ference is not sutliciently constant to warrant the formal recognition of a var. imperator based upuii dillereuce of size alone. The Caspian Tern is somewhat cosmopolitan in its rlistribntion. It is of irregular and comparatively limited occurrence, so far as we know, in Nortli America. Mr. Law- rence has received specimens that had been procured on tlie southern coast of Long Island. Dr. Turnbull nienti(ms the taking of examples on the coast of New Jersey. Mr. lioardman informs me that individuals have been occasionally taken in the Hay of Fundy. Mr. William Hrewster met with a flock at Ipswich, Mass., Hept. 15, 1871, one of which was secured. There were about half a dozen others flying about at the time. Mr. Sennett saw this Tern on the coast of Texas, and Dr. IVFerrill found it breeding on Fadre Island, near Fort Brown. It has been found by Mr. B. F. Gos.s breeding on islands in Lake Jlichigan. Professor ICamlieu, to whom this species was once familiar, informs me that he 1ms occasionally seen a large Tern in Lake Koskonong, AVis., which he is very con- fident can be none other than this bird. He has seen it near enough to know that it is a Tern, but has never been so fortunate as to secure one. He has met with it in May and in June ; but has never noticed more than three at a time, and generally not more than one. Messrs. Ilidgway and Henshaw found this species breeding on Cobb's Island, Va., in the summers of 1879 and 1880. Late in July IVIr. Henshaw procured one pair with their downy young, and others were positively identified ; and there may have been still other individuals among the large Terns seen at too great a distance to be identified as not being the refjia. These two Terns are not distinguished by the residents, both species being confounded under the local name of " Gannet-Strikers,"' or "Gannets." The Caspian Tern is supposed to breed in considerable numbers on certain islands in the vicinity of Cobb's. Mr. Ilidgway now regards it as probable that the large red-billed Terns which he saw at the Humboldt Marshes in September, 1867, at Washoe Lake in May, 1868, and at Great Salt Lake in June and July, 1869, Avere of this si)ecies, and not S. maximd, as he had supposed ("Ornithology of the Fortieth Parallel," p. 639). LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TERNS - STERNA. 283 Audubon when in Labrador was surprised to find a Tern — which he supposed to 1)0 what he called the Cayenne (.S'. mnxhtHi) — breeding on that coast. It is not prol)- iil)le that the birds he saw, but was unfortunately unable to secure, were of the species to which ho referred them. He obtained an egg — now in my i)Ossession — marked ;is that of the Cayenne Tern ; but it certainly is not an egg of a Sterna mnxima, nor luudly one of the present species. Mr. Howard Saunders thinks the bird seen by Audubon was the Kittiwake Gull ; Vnit it does not seem likely that this ornithologist could have mistaken it for a Tern — a bird with which he was so familiar. Mr. Bernard Koss met with the Caspian Tern on the Mackenzie River ; and the Smithsonian Institution has examples from the Hudson's Bay Kegion. Several indi- viduals of this species have been both observed and procured in various portions of the Arctic Regions. Mr. Robert Kennieott secured three near Fort Resolution, in 1S()0; Mr. Clarke, Jr., several near Fort Rae, in 18G3 ; Jlr. J. Lockhart, others at Fort Resolution, in 18G4 ; Mr. J. Reid, several on Rig Island, May 20, 1804 ; and Mr. McKenzie, a single specimen near Moose Factory. The C^aspian Tern was described by I'allas, who iirst met with it on the shores of the Caspian Sea — from which circumstance it received its name ; mon; recently other Russian naturalists have seen it in that region, though it lias lun-er been found in abundance there. Mr. Wheelwright met with it in Scandinavia, where it is a very local bird. A few pairs breed yearly on the Wener, and it has been killed as far north as Tornea ; but it is rare in Sweden. It seems to breed commonly on the Isle of Sylt, in Denmark. Its eggs — three in number — are described as considerably larger than those of the Lm'}is camis, smooth, and of a light drab ground-color, with large and small purple- brown spots scattered over the whole surface of the egg. The spots are wide apart, leaving the ground-color very apparent, and giving to the egg a lighter appearance than is common in the egg of a bird of this family. Nilsson states that this species also visits the mouth of the Baltic, and is seen in the vicinity of the Elbe. Mr. E. L. Layard mentions having observed it on the sea- coast of New Zealand. Mr. H. Saunders, in his Notes on the Birds of Southern Spain ("Ibis," 1871), states that it was occasionally obtained at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, in Spain, but that according to Guirao it is more abundant on the eastern coast. The Caspian Tern is said by Mr. R. Swinhoe to visit the coast of Formosa in its migrations from more northern latitudes, in winter, more esi)e<'ially after severe northeasterly winds. It is also a winter visitor at Ainoy. The same observing naturalist also mentions his finding it plentiful about the harbor of Iloenow, on the Island of Hainan, in February and until the beginning of April. These birds were often seen sitting in large parties on the sand-flats. Individuals were met with by Mr. Tristram on the shore near Jaffa ; and Dr. Heuglin found it in paii j throughout the whole year in the Red Seo. and in the Gulf of Aden. It is also stated by Mr. T. L. Powys to occur sparingly in winter at Corfu and on the coast of Epirus ; and Lord Sperling found it very abundant near Mis- solonghi, in Greece, where hundreds of this species could be seen at a time floating over the lagoons on the lookout for their prey. Dr. A. L. Adams ("Ibis," 18G4) speaks of finding this species common in Lower Egypt. Dr. Kirk, in his Notes on the Birds of the Zambesi Region, in Eastern and Tropical Africa, also mentions (" Ibis," 1864) finding these birds, in the month of January, breeding in company with the Sterna veloT, on the low sand-islands off the mouth of the main stream of the Zambesi. There were two or three eggs in each nest, and these are described as being of a dirty gray, ■I'll': I'll ■V V.'i'l i W m m mi i^ iiife.j«:a:.. . k^ 284 LO\0-WINGED SWIMMEKS — LONGIPENNES. ill with black spots. The nests eonsisted of sliglit liollows in the sand, with a few sticks gathered round. Mr. C. A. Wright, in liis List of the Birds of Malta (" Ibis," 1870), mentions having,' observed one of this spec^ies, on the 21st of May, at Fort Mandel Island, which \v;i.s quite fearless, and repeatedly approached close to the soldiers on guard, who tlinw pieces of bread to it, wliich were immediately pounced upon and swallowed. This bird was afterward shot, and ascertained to be a female, with eggs in the ovary in an advanced stage of development. According to Yarrcll, the Ciispian Tern is an occasional visitant of the British coast. Seven instances of its occurrence there are named, one of which was in ( )(:t()- ber, 1825, one in June, 1849, and one in August, 1851. It is also known to have been taken at different times in Germany, Holland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Cor- sica, and Sicily. It has also been obtained at Senegal, at the Cape of Good Hope, and near Calcutta. Eggs in Yarrell's collection — from the vicinity of Hamburg — are described by him as being 2.50 inches in length, and 1.65 in breadth ; of a yellowish stone ground- color, spotted with ash-gray and dark red-brown. The ground-color of the egg of this species in my cabinet is a light grayish drab. The markings are scattered and rather small, of a subdued lavender and raw-umber, of different shades, in some cases being more nearly black. Two eggs — procured at Great Slave Lake by ilr. L. Clarke — measure, one, 2.70 by 1.70 inches; the other, 2.55 by 1.80. An egg marked as having been taken in Turkey has a ground of a light but distinct drab, with very nearly black scattered and rounded spots. Tliis egg measures 2.44 by 1.80 inches. Other eggs from Scandinavia measure as follows : 2.48 by 1.73 ; 2.65 by 1.72 ; 2.59 by 1.76; 2.60 by 1.80. Sterna masdma. THE BOTAL TERN. La Grande HirondeUc de Mer, de Cnycnne, Buff. Oia. VIII. 346. Hirondclle de Mcr, dc Cnycnne, Buff. PI. Kill. 988. Sterna maxima, Bodd. Tnbl. P. E. 58 (ex PI. Eiil. 988). — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1871, 567 (oriti- civl). — Saundeiis, p. Z. S. 1878, 655 (do.). — CouES, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 794. Sterna caycnnensis, G.mel. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 604. Sterna cayana, Lath. Ind. Orn. IL 1790, 804, no. 2. — Nutt. Man. IL 1834, 268. — Aud. Orn. Biog. IIL 1835, 505 ; V. 1839, 639, pi. 273 ; Synop. 1839, 316 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 76, ]A. 429. Sterna galericulatn, Licht. Vcrz. Doubl. 1823, 81 (tyiw in Berlin Mus. ; detennined by H. S.). Sterna crythrorhynchus, Wied, Beitr. IV. 1833, 857. Sterna cristata. Swains. B. W. Afr. II. 1837, 247, pi. 30 (typo in Cambridge Mus. ; examined by H. S.). Sterna regia, Gamd. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1848, 228. — CouE.s, Key, 1872, 319; Check List, 1873, no. 562. — LAwn. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 859. — Baird, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 683. — RiDGW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 681. Thnlasscus regius, Gamb. Joum. Philad. Acad. I. 2d set. 1849, 228. — Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1862, 539 (critical). Sterna ( Thalasscus) regia, CouES, B. N. \V. 1874, 669. " Sterna Bergii," Irby, Orn. Str. Gibr. 1875, 209 (specimen examined by H. S.). ^ ot S. Bergii, LicHT. 1823. Hab. Tropical and warm-temperate parts of America, north to Long Island, Massachusetts, Great Lakes, Utah (?), Nevada (?), and coast of California ; south to Brazil and Peru. West coast of Africa, north to Tangiers (Dalgleish, "Auk," January, 1884, p. 97). Sp. Char. Nearly as large as S. caspia. Bill deep orange-red or orange. Tail quite deeply forked. Adult, in spring : Entire pileum, including occipital crest and upper half of the lores, LAUID.E — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 285 (li/i'li liliick. Upper jxirta pale penrl-},'riiy (iihout as in ,S'. caspia), becoming' wliitu on the rump and iippLT tiiil-c(jveit.i. Tall ;'niji.sh wliitu, tin},'i;il willi pcarl-^'ray. Outer wulw of primaries pule silvery gray, tliu outur (luill ilarker ; inuur welw .slaty iu a liroail .stripe iie.xt the shaft, the inner pdrlion abruiilly white, the dusky extending anteriorly near the inner edj^u of the web, e.\uei>t on the outer ([uill. Bill deep oranye-red ; iris dark hrown ; legs and feet deep Idack. Adult, in siiiamer: Similar, hut the forehead, lores, and fore part of crown white. 15111 uniform deep orange- I liiiinie, paler at tip ; edges of eyelids black ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet t" Sunthcastern Massachnsetts. where a jiair wa- ohtained in the summer of 1874 by Mr. C .'. Maynard and Mr. William Urewstir. A few breed as far north as ."Southern Maryland, on its eastern shore. Late in July. 1879. Messrs. Kidgway and Henshaw met with this Tern in consid- erable numliers at I'oblVs Island, on tb.e eastern shore of Virginia. It was in company with .S. I'lsjilit : and the two species were confounded l)y the residents of the island under the common name of •• Gannet-strikcrs." or •■ (Jannets." This sju'cics ajipean d to be nuK-h the more numerous of the two. Mr. Kidgway visited the same hK^alitv the l\)llowing season (July. 1880). and found a colony numbering several thousauils breeding near the northern end of the island, their eggs covering thit-kly an area of less than an acre in extent. This species occurs in several of the West India islands. It was found breeding in Cuba by Dr. CJundhudi. In 18,">4 I'rofessor Alfred Newton received from St. Croix an example of this bird which had been killed on that island ; and he afterward nut infrec^ucntly saw Tcriis in that vicinity which he judged to be the same si)eci(s. Leotaud mentions this bird as being an occasional visitant of Trinidad ; the Terns which are seen are chiefly in their innnature plumage, appearing to Ik- migratory only, coming in August during the period of the wintry rains. Tliev are also common in Jamaica, where, according to Mr. (iossc. this is the most abundant species about the Pay of Ulueiiclds. Giraud states that this Tern, though rare on Long Island, is yet not entirely un- known in that locality; ami he mentions the existence in private cabinets of two specimens, sliot at Islip. He also states that Mr. Bell has from time to time received other specimens procured at various points of the southern coast, near IJaynor South, and MiU'iches. and in that vicinity. Dr. Cooper mentions this as the only species of Tern sei>n by him on the coast of California, where it is abundant at all seasons, lie did not. however, ascertain where it breeds, and saw no huality which would seem favorable for this purpose. Even San Nicolas, the only island lying far south to which it resorts, is too much infested by foxes ; and there seemed to be no Terns on Santa Barbara, which is such a favor- ite nesting-idace for several other species. Mr. Henshaw docs not think that the range of this Tern extends any farther north than the coast id' California, where it is of rather common occurrence. He saw it near San Francisco, and received from Captain Foriu'v a specimen which had been obtaineil on the Islam! of San Miguel, where it is known to breed. This bird is usually ob.served Hying in straight lines along the shores, or up and tlown the bays, occasionally uttering a S(]uealing cry, and often darting ilircctly down into the water as if shot, but generally emerging with a tish, which is immediately swallowed, oi\ if too large, divided by its sharp cutting bill. This Tern is generally a very shy and suspicious bird: but if woumled, will strike Inddly with its bill — being much uuire jiugnaciuus than arc the tamer (JuUs. Though it usually tishes singly. yet it will associati' in large flocks on its resting-place ; and when one of thc.se birds is wounded, all its companions will Hy anxiously around in such proximity as to be easily shot. In the autumn months Mr. Gosse used frei]uently to see individuals of this specie-; engaged in fishing on a reef about a (]uarter id" a nule from the Jamaican shiu'c. The birds were solitary in their habits, and did not associate with others of their kind. They would fly rapidly around in large circles high above the water, fhipphig their l.AKID.E — THK GILLS AND TEliNS — STERNA. 287 winirs rapidly and without intormissioii ; tlitii all at onco tlioy wovild descend iK'r|ien- dioularly. at tiie same time turninj: the body in a ji'iky, ivivgiilar uianMor. On toui'lun;^ the water the birils would disappear with a suiUlen splash. l>ut reajipear a uiunuMit later, struggling a.'* it' it were not an easy thing to rise again; then all at oni'e tlu'v would utter jdaintive cries, as if alarnicd. and Hy off along the coast ; but wouhl n-turn again, and calmly resume their wonted occupation. When satisfied, this bird betakes itself to some buoy marking a sunken tishpot. and there reposes. The tisiicrmcn. on ^turning to their jxjts at early day. often tind it sitting on their lnu\vs. so fearless that the eanoe will almost touch it before it will rty. Though wel>-fi>oted. it is rarely known to swim ; and. when wounded, struggles in the water as a land bird would do. In Florida Audubon found this Tern surprisingly shy. At first the birds were in great Hocks, resorting at low water to a large flat sandbar, where they reposed await- ing the return of the tide. For several days he was unable to proiiue a speciij^cn, and only succeeded by employing several lunits to join in the pursuit. After one li;id been wounded there was no difficulty in procuring others. He found this i'l^rn on the St. John's Kiver, at a distance of several miles from the sea. Wlicn dist\ubcd at its breeding-place, it manifests the noisy displeasure so characteristic of its tribe, \utcring loud cries that may Ih' heard to the distance of half a mile ov more. On the 11th of May. 1832. Audubon saw it breeding on one of the Tortugas. The eggs liad been dropped on the bare sand a few yards from high-water mark, ami (lur- ing the hrat of the day none of the birds paid much attention to them. The nundicr of eggs was usiwlly two. but sometimes only one. They are ih'srribcd as lu'iug L'.7."> indies in length, and l.S(> in breadth. They have a pale-yellowish grouiul-color. spotted with dark umlvr and faint purple. Die eg-ma fU-jmui, Oamp.. Tr. riiila.l A.:i>i. IV. 1S4S, 1-.'S> (MiuatlaiO. — Lawu, in \UM'< IV N. Am. 18.")S. StiO; I'll. ISliO, i>l. i>4. — n.ur.n, Cat. N. Am. H. IS.Mt, no. (iS4. — S\i\iui;s, \\ /..><. isrii, tUia (critioal). — KiDf.w. Xom. N. Am. I?. ISSl, no. OS-J. — Cocks, -Jd Cluvk List, 18SJ, P.O. riKI. TlM!.>, 'J-JS, _ Cori:-;, ib. ISiVJ, .MO toiitical). Stn-nn nniuitii, Plliu .\: Lvsnii. Wi.-gin. Antiiv, ISiiS('). IStUl, j>t. 1, IJii. Stiniix ijiilcrii-itl-iln, FiNscii, At'li. Nat. 1S70, ."i.Mt Ol'zatlan : not of Li> deeply forkinl. Ailidl, in sprimj: rilouin. iiuliuling o(\iiiital civst and u|>|vr liaU" of l"i'''s, deep Mack. Upi>er parts palo pearl-gniy (about the same sliaile as in cd,*/)/!! luiil ina.rimii), liii'iniing i>nre white on the lowir part of tlio rinup, npi^'V lail-ooviats, aiul tail ; ontiT surfa.'o of priiuarii'sHght liilverv gray, tin- inner wi'lis i'.l.;fd with wliiti' ; iniui- «.liso|' piiniarit's iuai'ke, no. 685. Thalasxcus acufluvidus, t'oiiF.s, Pr. I'hiliul. Acad. 1862, 540 (critical). Stcnui cantiaca acuflavida, KiDow. Noni. N. Am, B. 1881, no. 683. LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 289 Has. Atlantic coast of North Ainerica, north, irregularly, to Southern New England, breeding south to Honduras ; West Indies in general ; hoth coasts of Central America. South to Brazil. Sp. Chau. Very similar in size and form to S. elegaiis, but bill black, usually tipped with yel- lowish or whitish. Adult, ill spring: I'ileum, including occipital crest and upper half of lores, deep black ; upper parts pale pearl-gray, a shade lighter than in elcgans; outer surface of primaries slightly darker, with a silvery or hoary cast ; inner webs of primaries white, with a broad stripe of dark grayish along the shaft. Rest of the plumage, including the nape, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, snow-white. Bill deep black, tipped with yellow or whitish ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet black. Adult, in idnter: Similar, but the forehead and lores white, the crown streaked with white and black, and the black feathers of the occiput faintly tipped with white. Young, first plumuge: Upper half of the head, including nearly the whole of the lores, with upper part of the nape, dusky black, irregularly mixed with dull whitish, especially on the crown, which is coarsely spotted ; occipital feathers short and blended. Upper parts, including the rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, pale pearl-gray, coarsely and irregularly spotted with brownish black ; wings, e.xcept smaller coverts, as in tl'.3 adult ; rectrices growing darker grayish terininully, where irregularly spotted, or with irregular hastate marks of dusky black. Lower parts immaculate white. Bill dusky blackish, scarcely paler at the tip ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet black. Total length, about 15.00 to 16.00 inches ; wing, 12.50 ; tail, G.OO, the depth of its fork, 2.35 ; culmen, 2.25 ; depth of bill through base, .48 ; tarsus, 1.00 ; middle toe, about 1.00. As remarked by Dr. Cones (" Birds of the Northwest," p. 674), there appear to be constant though slight differences between American and European birds of this species, which are quite sullicient, if they prove really constant, to separate them as geographical races. These differences are thus expressed by Dr. Coues : — "European: White margin of inner web of outer three or four primaries wide, extending quite to tip, which it wholly occupies. Breadth of white portion one and a half inches from tip of first primary, .25 of an inch."^ "American : White margin of inner web of three or four outer primaries narrow, falling short of tip, which is wholly occupied by the black portion. Breadth of white margin one and a half inches, from tip of first primary, . 10 of an inch." ' The American examples of the Saiulwioh Tern, ohaiined by some to be a distinct species, bear so strong a resemblance to the S. sunduicensis of Europe that the two are no longer separated by some who have examined into the alleged differences in their plumage. The European bird, so far as we know, is more nearly exclusively north- ern in its area of reproduction. It was first observed in Great Britain in 1784, and has since been ascertained to be a regular summer visitor, appearing in spring, and dcjiarting in autumn after rearing its brood. It also visits Ireland, where its breed- ing-haunts are not known. It is not abundant in England ; but it is known to breed ill various parts of that countrj^, particularly on the Fame Islands and the Croquet islands, where — as Selby states — the nests are so close to each other that it is diffi- cult to cross the ground without breaking the eggs or injuring the unfledged young. It is there known as the " Tern " 2}(ir excellence, all others of its kind being called Sea- Swallows. Its flight is strong and rapid ; and, except wlien engaged in incubation, it is almost constantly on the wing, uttering at intervals a hoarse and discordant cry, which may be heard to a great distance. The eggs — three or four iu luimber — are I Sterna sandvicensis sandvicensis. — The Sandwich Tern. Sterna sandviceiuiiii, Lath. Synop. Su|ipl. I. 1787, 290. Sterna cantinca, Gmei,. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 606 (exactly = S. sandvicensis, Latii.). P. Z. S. 1876, 6f)3. Sterna africana, Gmki,. t. c. 605 (young). Sterna Bnysii, Latii. Iiid. Orn. II. 1790, 804 (^ eantiaca, Gmkl.). Sterna canescens, Meveu & Wolf. Tusch. Dcutscli. Viig. H. 1810, 458. Tliahnseii.i candicans, BiiEiiM, Viig. Ueutschl. 1831, 777. VOL. II. — 37 ■ Saundeus, tflM 1 S',' r^lll ";- ': i 'i: '-* 1 '''i!! ■' I.J:,. V 290 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. placed in shallow holes scratched in the ground, and are 2.00 inches long by l.G,3 broad, of a yellowish stone-color, thickly spotted with ash-gray, orange-brown, ami deep red-brown, but subject to considerable variations in their markings. This bird is said to breed in Scotland, Sweden, Germany, and North Holland, and on islands off Ushant. It is also said to occur in its migrations in various parts of Africa. This species was iirst introduced as a bird of our fauna by Audubon, who met with it in Florida in 1832. It was not then known to occur in any other part of tlic United States. In August, 1865, a single stray specimen of this Tern was secured in Chatham, Mass., by Mr. Vickary. I am not aware that there is any other instance on record of its occurrence north of the southern portion of Florida. Mr. Salvin found this bird very common both on the Atlantic and on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, and he obtained several specimens at Chiapam, on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in January, 1863. These were all in immature plumage, and somewhat smaller than the average North American bird, but were undoubtedly s])ecifically identical with it. A flock of these birds was first met with by Audubon among the Florida Keys May 26 ; and in their flight and appeiirance they reminded him of the IMarsh Tern, though in their power of flight they are said to surpass that bird. Their cries were loud, sharp, and grating, and were heard half a mile or more. These cries are kcjit up at intervals when the bird is in motion, and they are repeated incessantly when an intruder trespasses on its breeding-grounds, on which occasion it will dash close to the intruder's head with loud and disagreeable outcries. When Audubon visited the Key on which this species was breeding many were still depositing their eggs, and none were sitting. Three eggs seemed to be the full complement to a nest. They were dropped on the sand at short intervals, witii scarcely any appearance of a hollow for their reception. All were fully exposed to the heat of the sun, which seemed almost sufficient to cook them. Mr. Audubon gives as their average measurement 2.12 inches in length by 1.42 in breadth. The ground- color is said to be yellowish gray, varying in depth, and all more or less spotted, blotched, or marked witli different tints of umber, pale brown, and reddish. He was informed by the wreckers that they were in tlie habit of watching the birds, and that these spend the entire winter near and upon the Keys, the young keeping apart from the old birds. Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian Collection are from Charlotte Harbor, in the Tortugas. The ground-color of these varies from a grayish white to a deep bntf, with intermediate shadings. The markings vary both as to size and shape, and in color from a light burnt sienna to black, intermingled with lavendei--gray ; they also vary from rounded spots to long zigzag lines. Four eggs, selected as tyi)i('al, present the following measurements: 1.95 by 1.40 inches; 2.05 by 1.35; 2.05 by 1.45; and 2.35 by 1.40. Sterna TrudeauL TKUDEAV'B TEBH. Sleriut Tnideaui, Aud. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 125, pi. 409 ; Synop. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, lOo, pi. 435. — Lawu. ill Buinl's B. X. Am. 1858, 861. — Baiud, Cat. N. Am. 15. 1859, no. 687. - CouEs, Key, 1872, 322 ; Chock List, 1873, no. 571 ; 2d ed. 1882, uo. 802 ; B. N. W. 1874, 67.'). — liiDow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 684. SUma Frohccni, PiiiL. & Lanpd. Wiogm. Anli. 1863, 125 (Chili). Had. Southern South America (Chili, Buenos Ayres, South Brazil, etc.). Casual on Atlantic coast of North America (New Jersey aud Long Island ; Audubon & Truugau) LARID^ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 291 Sp. Char. Adult, in summer (>.): Head, axillars, entire lining of the wing, and tail-coverts (aliove and below) silky white ; a blackish or dusky stripe on each side of the head, entirely sur- rounding the eye, and extending back over the auriculars. Rest of the plumage very pale pearl- j,'i'ay (the lower surface uniform with the upper), the outer surface of the primaries and their diverts inclining to silvery white ; inner web of outer quill chi(3fly white, with a stripe of pluiu- licous-gray next the shaft ; second quill with the gray stripe paler and less sharply defined, and the inner side of the web slate-gray, the edge itself narrowly white ; third quill similar, but with the inner dusky stripe still more distinct, the grayisli next the shaft still paler, and blended gradually into the white, which is more restricted ; fourth, fifth, and sixth quills with the dusky equally distinct, and the white (except that along the edge) obsolete ; remaining quills uniform silvery white. Tail uuifonu silvery white. Basal half of the bill brownish yellow (in the dried skin), ;■;■?' .?f^ ^■^1- -■''■^>^'^\^ the terminal half black, the tip pale yellow for about .25 of an inch ; feet pale yellowish brown (iu dried skin).* Adult, in winter: Similar, but the entire lower parts and neck pure white, the primaries more dusky, with the white on the inner webs more sharply defined. Bill dusky, the til) yellowish. iving, 9.70-10.60 inches; tail, 4.60-6.(X>, the depth of its fork, l.GO-2.60 ; culmen, 1.50-1.70 ; depth of bill through base, .35-.46 ; tai-sun, .92-.96 ; middle toe, .75-80. This species in winter plumage is so similar to the same stage of S. Forsteri (= " Havelli," All).) as to be not easily distinguished. The most obvious difference consists in the shorter and less deeply forked tail, with the outer pair of rcctrices Ijroader and less elongated, their color being uniform pale silvery gray or ashy white on both webs — the inner web in S. Forsteri being always more or less darker than on the outer web, toward the terminal portion. The bill is also stouter than in S. Forsteri, especially at the base, and the tip distinctly yellowish ; although this latter feature may not prove constant. It is now generally believed that this species is exclusively South American, and only of accidental occurrence on the southern coast of Long Island, and on that of X(>\v Jersey in the neighborhood of Abseconi Beach. I am not aware that any siiocimens have been observed within the United States since it was first described by Aiidubon. It was first noticed within our limits by Dr. Trudeau, who is said to have obtained several examples at the above-named beach, in the southern part of New Jersey. It is stated by Giraud as having been observed on Long Island in the adult fmin, but never in the immature. The bird obtained by Dr. Trudeau in the vicinity oC Great Egg Harbor was in tlie company of a few others of the same kind. We have no information in regard to its specific peculiarities of habits. ' " Bill black, with part of the base of the lower mandible, the edges of both man\. 434. — Lawk, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858,861. -Bau;i), C.it. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 686. Had. North America generally, breeding from interior of British America south to the Poto mac River, Illinois, Southern Texas, Nevada, California, etc. ; niigratiiig south to Brazil. Sp. Char. Adult, in suvimcr .- Pileum and nape deep black. Upper jiarts, includim,; .ump and tail, light pearl-gray, the primaries and tail paler and more silvery, the inner webs of tiic Adttlt, in summer. outer pair of rectrices usually darker (sometimes quite dusky) tor that portion beyond the tip ol the next leather. Inner webs of primaries without any well-defined white space, except on two outer quills, but the edge usually more or less dusky. Tips of secondaries, anterior upjier tail- coverts, sides aud under part of head and neck, and entire lower parts pure white. Bill dull waxy hi *' ■■•: ■ ? I 1; } i i i f V p f ' ^: i: ■ t >): l\ *i M ; «^, Adxdt in muter. I orange, the terminal thlnl or more blackish, with the tip usually paler ; mouth orange ; edges nf eyelids black ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet very fine orange-red, the claws black. Adult, in winter : Similar, but the head and neck white, the occiput and nape more or less tinged with gray- ish, the sides of the head marked by a broad space of black surrounding the eyes and extending LARIDiE - THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 293 back over the .luiiciilar.s. Tail less deeply forked than in summer, the outer rectrices broader and less elongated. Young, first plumayc; Similar to the winter plumage, but the pileum, nape, ))atk, scapulars, tertials, and wing-coverts overlaid by a wash of raw-umber brown, chiefly on the ends of the feathers, but appearing nearly uniform on the back and crown ; sides of the breast tin.ned with the same. Rectrices all distinctly dusky terminally, especially on inner webs (the iiuter web of the lateral feather hoary white to the tip), the middle feathers tipped with raw- unii)er. Lill dusky, more brownish on basal portion of the mandible ; legs and feet light brown in the dried skin. Doivny young : Prevailing color light brownish bulf, the breast and abdomen wiiitc ; lower surface entirely immaculate, but upper parts coarsely and irregularly marl)led with Mack, the sides of the head with a few scattered irregular minute markings of the same. Length, abiiut 3.50 inches, the culmen .35 of au inch.' Total length, alio it 12.00 to 15.00 inches ; extent, 30.00 ; wing, 9.5O-l'.).30 ; tail, 5.(X)-7.70 ; depth of its fork, 2 30-5.00 ; culmen, 1.50-1.65 ; depth of bill through base, .35-.49 ; tai'sus, .90- .9!); middle toe, l.0,")-1.15. Tliis species, in the immature form, was described by Mr. Audubon as Havell's Tern, from specdmeiis obtained by him near New Orleans in 1820. The flock from which these individuals were shot was congregated on the broad eddies of the river opposite to the city. They Avere engaged in picking up coleopterous insects. He afterward obtained two other specimens in Texas in the spring of 1837 ; and suppos- ing it to be a southern species, gave its habitat as extending from Texas to South Carolina. Richardson met with it in the Arctic Regions, and confounded it with Sterna hirnndo, to which it so closely coiiforms in its liabits that the two species are with difficulty distinguished from each other. Recent investigations have greatly extended the knoAvn area of distribution of this bird. While it has been ascertained by Mr. Ridgway to breed on our Atlantic sea- coast, near the Chesapeake, it has been also found to be an abundant species through- out our western territory, where it is found from the Mississippi Valley to California, breeding in the summer as far south as Southern Texas, and thence northward to extreme northern regions. It was first specifically distinguished as S. Forsteri by Nuttall, in a note to Sterna hinimlo, in his edition of 1834 (p. 274). A single example of this species, in the plumage figured by Audubon as .S^. Havelii, was taken by I\Ir. Salvin on Lake Duefias, Guatemala, Oct. 28, 1862, and was the only Tern seen by him on that lake. Colonel Grayson met with this bird near Mazatlan, in Western Mexico, where, as he states, it is quite abundant along the shores and esteros from October until April. Dr. Cooper writes me, that while he has never met with tliis Tern within the limits of California, it has been obtained by others in different parts of the State, and espe- cially by Dr. Heermann, who found it breeding in the valley of the Sacramento. Although this species appears to be so largely a resident of the interio :, and to be most numerous Avest of the Mississippi, and although it was supposed to ue compara- tively rare both on the Pacific and the Atlantic coast, recent discoveries show it to \k less rare on the latter than has been generally suppoaed. A single example in iiuuKiture plumage was taken by Mr. Maynard on Ipswich Beach, September, 1870 ; and since then several others have been secured on the sea-coast of Massachusetts. During the winter this is said to be one of the most common birds in the open water of the Patapsco, near Baltimore, and to be also a winter resident on the coast of the Carolinas. Examples have also been taken in Florida. During the months of 1 Described from a very young individual (No. 84780, U. S. Nat. Mus.) from Grass Lake, III, June 15, 1876; E. W. Nelson, coU. • I ! ft ^B ' U' : * 294 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGU'ENNES. October and November it is one of the most common of the Terns seen in the harbor of Beaufort, IST. C. In the summers of 1879 and 1880 Mr. Kidgway met with this species breeding in considerable abundance about Cobb's Island, Ya. It was only less abundant than the anr/lica, and quite as numerous as the hlrundo, but always found in different situations from either — frequenting especially grassy marshes, in which it nests. He found it pre-eminently a mamh Tern. It nested in company with, or in dose proximity to, colonies of the Black-headed (iull. It could be readily distinguisln'd from the Common Tern, whivh it closely lesembles when on the wing, by its grating, monotonous note, which very closeb' resembles one frequently uttered by the Loggerhead Shrike. In May, 1877, Dr. J. C. Merrill and Mr. Geo. B. Sennett found a colony of these Terns nesting on a nearly submerged grassy ii^land among lagoons and marshes near Fort Brown, Texas, The birds had but just begun to lay ; the nests were in depres- sions in the short grass, and the eggs were frequently wet. Mr. Henshaw found this species quite common at Utah Lake in the summer, where, as he also states, it breeds along the shore. It has been taken at Lake Winnipeg l)y Mr. Donald Gunn, and also on Shoal Lake, in Selkirk Settlement, and in Manitoba; and it may be found even farther to the north than this ; but we have thus far no evidence to this effect; and the fact that this species breeds in large numbers near the mouth of the Kio Grande, in Texas, seems to demonstrate that it is a bird of the interior, and not particularly northern. Sir John Richardson — who in his account of what he presumed to be S. hlrundo evidently had this bird in view — states that it does not breed farther north than the fifty-seventh i)arallel. Its eggs — two, sometimes three, in number — are depos- ited on a tuft of dry grass, upon sand, or among stones, and are hatched principally by the heat of the sun, the bird sitting upon them only during the night, or in very cold, cloudy, or stormy weather. This Tern is described as being very clamorous when any one approaches the spot where it nests, flying toward the intruder, plun- ging close to his head, then rising again with great velocity. In these evolutions the bird's forked tail is sometimes spread out, but is more generally closed, so as to appear pointed. It feeds principally upon small fish, which it picks up from shallow water on the wing. The length of its wings and tail and the shortness of its legs much impede its movements on the ground. It is supposed by Kichardson to pass its winters south of the limits of the United States. It appears, so far as is known, to breed exclusively in the neighborhood of inland water, in the marshes borderini; small lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams. Mr. Gunn, who found it breeding in large numbers on the borders of Lake Winnipeg in the latter part of May, and afterward on the border of Shoal Lake, at Selkirk Settlement, and at ^Manitoba, in his notes relative to Shoal Lake makes no other mention of it than what is contained in these words : " Saw Forster's Terns in considerable numbers ; their nests were among the reeds." In the spring and summer of 1873 Mr. Thure Kumlien found this species breeding in considerable numbers on the borders of Lake Koskonong, in Southern Wisconsin. The uests were built among the thick reeds which cover its marshy shores, and were constructed, with considerable care, of coarse flags and stems of water- pla*its, am! lined with finer reeds. The nests were raised above the ground — evidently to avoid the danger of being flooded by a rise of the lake. The eggs were three in numbei', and similar in size, shape, and general appearance to those of the common S. hlrundo. Mr. Kumlien informs me that this species is much more common than the hlrundo '-*'•-" -^^^^ ^F'^m LARIDyE — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 295 m (luring the breeding-season, though by no means so common as the smaller Black Tern. It breeds in the same places with the common kiruiido, several nests being often placed in a small space. Some of their nests are very bulky. They breed in the latter part of June, chiefly in the large muddy reedy marshes of Blackhawk Island, in Lake Koskonong. When his son Ludwi- ^'"st discovered their breeding- pliice, their young were generally hatched, and as he approached, the old birds gave tlie alarm, and all the young birds deserted their nests and hid among the r''''ds. Eggs of this species in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution are from Minnesota, Illinois, Cobb's Island, and from Shoal Lake in British America. The ground-color is a pale buffy drab, varying to a pale grayish green. The markings are of blackish brown, mingling with fainter markings of lilac-gray. They vary in length from 1.55 to 1.80 inches, and in breadth from 1.20 to 1.15 inches. Sterna hirundo. THE COMMON TEBN. Slcma himndn,^ Linn. .S. N. cd. 10, I. 1758, 137 ; cd. 12, 1. 1766, 227. — Wils. Am. Om. VIL 1813, 76, pi. 60, lig. 1. — NUTT. Man. IL 1834, 271. —Aun. Oin. Biog. IV. 1838, 74, pi. 309 ; Sjiiop. 1839, 318 ; 1$. Am. VII. 1844, 97, pi. 433. — CouES, Key, 1872, 320 ; Check List, 1873, no. 565 ; 2a c(l. 1882, no. 797 ; 15. N. W. 1874, 680. Stcr/M JIuviatilis, Naum. Isis, 1819, p. 1847-48. — SiiAUi'E & Duesser, B. Eur. Pt. XL (1872).— Saundeks, p. Z. S. 1876, 649. Skma ncncgaknsis, Swains. B. W. Afr. II. 1837, 250. Sterna Wihmii, Bdxap. Comp. List, 1838, 61. — Lawr. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 861. — Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 689. S. hirundo. Hab. Palccarctic Region am} Eastern North America, chiefly near the coast. Winters north to uboiit 37° ; breeds irregularly nearly throughout its range. Arizona (ITenshaw) ; Bermudas (siiiunier resident). Sp. Char. Adult, in summer : Pileum and nape, including upper half of the lores, uniform iltHp black. Upper parts deep pearl-gray (much the same shade as in imradisaa), the border of the ' We cannot at all share in Mr. Saunders's doubts ("Proceedings" of the Zoological Society of Lon- don for 1876, pp. 650, 651) as to the general, or even exclusive, pertinence of Linnieus's descriptions of bis Slcma hirundo to the present species. il! 11 ■'l 1; i I i I 1 ■f 296 LONCf-WINQED SWIMMERS — LONOIl'ENN'KS. r win^, tipa of Rocoiuliiries, lower part of rump, ui)])i'r tail-cowrts, and {greater portion of tlie tail pure white. Lower parts pale ])earl-f,'ray or {grayish wiiite (iiuu'h lighter than the ujiper pai't>), becoming gniJually white on the under part and Hides of the head, and pure white on the crissinn. Outer web of lateral tail-featlier ash-gray, darker terminally, in abrupt contrast with the i)ure whitf of the Inner web ; outer weljs of remaining rectrices, except the intermedia', paler grayish, OntiT welj of outer primary blackish slate ; outer surface of other primaries light silvery gray, slightly paler than the back ; inner webs chiefly white, with a stripe of grayish next the shall, this slii|ii' abruptly defined on the first five (piills, but growing gradually broader and jialer toward the lil'lli, nnd extending, near the end of the feathei-s, a greater or less distance towanl the base, but the edge itself narrowly white ; five inner quills pale silvery gray, the iinier webs edged with white. Hill bright vermilion blackish terminally, except on the tomia ; inside of mouth orange-vermilion; edges of eyelids black ; iris very dark brown ; legs and feet orange-vermilion, lighter than tin: bill ; claws black. Adult, in winter: Similar, Imt forehead, crown, and anterior part of lores wliilo, the vertex mixed with black ; entire lower i)arts pure white. Yuiiwj, Jir.it plummje : Orbital vegion, occiput, and nuijc dull black; crown mixed black and grayish white; forehead and lores, wiili Jf if entire lower parts, upper tail-coverts, inner webs of rectrices, and tips of secondaries, white. U])]ht parts pale bluish gray, the scapulars, interscapulars, and tertials tipped with jiale butt", and marked with an indistinct subterminal lunule of dusky brown ; anterior lesser wing-coverts dusky, form- ing a broad bar across the wing ; primaries nuicli as in the adult, but darker ; wing-coverts ]ialcr than the back, and bonlered indistinctly with white. Outer webs of rectrices grayish, deepening on outer feathers into slate. Bill dusky brownish, the base of the nuindilile paler and more red- dish ; feet pale yellowish (in the dried skin). Dou-uy young : Not distinguishable with certainty from that oi S. paradiswa (.«'). Total length, 13.00-10.00(14.50) inches ; extent, 29.00-3Si.00 (31.00) ; wing, O.Tn-ll.TS (10..')0); tail, ."J.OO-T.OO (().0O); depth of its fork, about 3.50 (average); culmen, 1.25-1.50 (1.35); depth of bill through base, about .33 ; tarsus, .66-.87 ; middle toe, .75. Assuming Sterna hinindo and S. Wilsoni to be specifically the same, we niu.st consider it as having an extent of distribution tliroughout the entire globe hardly surpassed by that of any other species. At different seasons it is found in all jnirts of Europe anil Western Asia, and has also been taken at Madeira, on the Canary Islands, in Senegal, and in Southern Africa. It is found on the Atlantic coast of North America, from Texas and Florida, as far as tlie St. Lawrence, breeding si)()radi- cally, often in company with the Laughing Gull and the Roseate Tern, from Florida to New Hampshire, and with the Arctic Tern, front Muskegat, Mass., northwnrd. Sometimes the colonies of these different species are harmoniously mingled ; but more generally, even when on the same island, they keep somewhat apart. This Tern is also common in the interior, nesting on islands in fresh-water lakes and ponds, but usually in smaller numbers than on the sea-shore — probably on account of the less abundant supply of food. '■^♦J^J LAIUD/E — THE GULLS AND TEKNS - STERNA. 207 Occasional i)airs of this sjjeeies wore observed in the Fur Region, even as far as (lie Arctic coast. An exanii)U' was taken by Mr. Kenuicott, ilunc 6, 1855), on Lake Wiunipeg; anotiier at Fort Kae, by Mr. L. Clarke; one on the Arcti(( coast below Anderson Kiver, in June, 1803, by Mr. MacFarlane ; and three on Uig Island, in Great Slave T/ike, by Mr. J. Ileid. In Europe, according to Yarrcll, it is found to be less common than it was once supiiosed to be, when it was confounded with two other distinct species, on account (il tlieir general resenddance to each other when on the wing, and the fact that their lialiits are almost identical. Mr. AVheehvright states that this species is the most common Tern on the coast (il Seandinavia, and that it breeds far inland, on Lake Wener, and even goes up into Lapland. In the winter it visits Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Italy, and tlir Mediterranean. In England it breeds occasionally on rocks or on banks of shingle above the sea- hcacli ; but generally seems to prefer building on the ground, in marshes, or on small, low, and sandy islands. It is not counnon — if indeed it breeds at all — on the Pacific coast; but through- out (!alil'ornia — according to Dr. Ileermann — it is very abundant along the rivers in tlic interior during the summer, retiring soiithward in the winter. Dr. Cooper never nut with it on the sea-coast of California, and has never visited its summer resorts, except during the cold weather ; nor did he see it on the Columbia Kiver. This Tern breeds on the islands of I?ermuda in the summer, but is not very abun- dant there. Mr. llurdis states that in August Gannet-head liock teems with it and its young. It is known at Hevnuula as the " Red-shank ; " on the coast of Massa- chusetts it is called the " Mackerel Gull ; " and on Long Island and the coast of New Jersey it is th(! " Summer Gull." In common with the Arctic Tern, and one or two others of the smaller kinds, it is known as a " Sea Swallow " in England. Mr. Bernard Ross met Avith it on the Mackenzie River ; the Smithsonian Insti- tution has specimens received from Nelson's River; and Jlr. Murray obtained speci- mens that were taken at Hudson's Bay. Mr. MacFarlane found it breeding on the Lower Anderson River, and it is also known to breed on the shores of Franklin Bay ;nid of the Arctic Ocean. i\Ir. Dresser obtained one specimen at San Antonio in May, 1864, and in June he found numbers breeding in Galveston Bay, the eggs being either just hatched out, or hatching. The nests were made in the high piles of drift stuff, and the eggs wi're three, in some instances four, in number. Mr. Audubon also mentions finding it breeding on Galveston Island; and on his voyage to Labrador he met with this .same species nesting on the ^Magdalen Islands ; and afterward in the neighborhood of American Harbor, on the coast of Labrador. According to Giraud, this Tern arrives on the coast of Long Island and in New Jcisi'y in the latter part of the month of April, and begins to lay early in May, de- jiositing three eggs. It continues on that coast in great numbers until the approach of winter, when they all appear to retire beyond the limits of the United States. Dr. Bryant found it breeding as far south as Florida. On the Island of IMuskegat — a low, irregular collection of shifting sandbars, less than three miles in length, and hardly half a mile in its greatest breadth — lying bi'tu-een the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, this Tern formerly bred ill great numbers, in company with the Roseate and Arctic Terns and the Laughing Gull, this species in 1842 being bj'^ far the most abundant. Spending a week, in August, 1873, on the Island of Benikcse, one of the smallest VOL. ir. — 38 (tu il m #11' m 208 LONO-WINOED SWIMMERS — LONOIl'ENNES. of the Elizaboth Islaiuls, I liacl an fxeoUt'iit oppoitiinity of obacrviiij; its habits. Inclusive of tlic young liinls, it was estimated tliat tliere were about one thousand ol these birds on tlu^ soiithern jjortions of that ishind. They nested on the uplands, from a few yards to a hundred rods or more from the water, and their nests varied from a mere depression in the ground, with seanty and loose linings, to quite an elaborate interweaving of flags. The usual nund)er of eggs was two ; but fretpiently there was only one, and more rarely three. This may have been owing to the lateness of the season. In one or two instauees there were livo eggs in the sanin depression ; but these I presume to have been laid by at least two females, and tluy wt!re watched over by several birds, which vied with each other in resenting any intrusion near their common treasures. There were many young birds of varioii ages about the breeding-grounds, and these were abundantly supplied with youii}; fry of the mackerel. I had no doubt that other birds than tlu'ir jjarents aided in this supply. The luunber of old birds was at least ten times that of the young ; and nearly all seemed to join in the task of fishing and feeding the young birds, wiio were kept perfectly stuffed, and grew in size surprisingly fast. This appears to be a very restless and a very noi.,y bird. It passes most of its time, from early morning until late in the evening, in the air, flying about over the beach, or marsh, as if in pursuit of insects, or skimming swiftly over the surface of the water in pursuit of small fish, which it seizes without pausing in its flight. At other times it may be seen hovering over a shoal of fish ; and the instant these come to the surface it dashes headlong upon its prey, partially submerging itself in its effort. It is very buoyant on the water, and swims lightly, but never dives, other than by a partial plunge in fishing, and is seldom seen on the surface of the water. It may often be seen, at low water, resorting to sandbars and shoals, in company with smaller Gulls, picking up marine insects, small shell-fish, and other forms that abound in such places. Like several other species, it is eminently social in its dis- position, moving al)out in large companies, and keeping up a continuous interchange of cries. It is often found associating with, and breeding in the same locality witii, the Lams atrkUIa, with which it is always on good terms. Like its associate, even when not pursued by the hunter, it is timid and watchful. When one of its kind is wounded and falls into the water, those within hearing of its shrill outcries coHect around the spot, where, as they hover over their stricken companion, they afford an easy mark to any disposed to continue the work of destruction. In some localities — as on the south side of Long Island, and where their breeding- places are mere collections of sand — their eggs are laid on the bare ground, witliout any preparation of a nest other than a slight excavation made loosely in it, and arc hatched chiefly by the heat of the sun's rays and bj'- that of the sand itself, wliich retains its elevated temperature until late in the evening. The females usually sit upon their eggs only at night and during unpleasant weather. They are not, how- ever, neglectful of their charge, but remain near at hand, and make their presence manifest if their nest is approached. If the eggs are incubated, both parents hover directly above their nest, so that where there are several species breeding together, each can easily be referred to its proper nest. If the young are hatched out, the parent bird is all the more clamorous, and jdunges in the direction of the head ol' the intruder, occasionally striking at him with its wing, or letting fall foecal matter upo.i the object of its displeasure. A few birds of this species breed every smnmer in the marshes bordering Lake Koskonong, in Southern Wisconsin, from which locality I have received both nests and eggs. The former, made of coarse water-plants, are remarkably elaborate Mm, LAUID.K — THK OULLS AND TKUNS — STERNA. 299 stnicturoa, evidently so coiiHtnu'tt'd as to jirotoct tlm c^'^s from the watnr naturally to lie I'XiH'cti'd in a marshy site, rrofVssor K\imli('n writes mis tliat this i)ird visits tho lalic in varying nnmb»'rs, acfordiii},' to the season, arriving ahont the end of April. Tlic jirevaleneo of high winds, floods, and other adverse circumstances has a tendency to make it less abundant in sonm years. The eggs in the Smithsonian Collection are from Great Slave Lake, in the extreme north, and from Hog Island, Va., in the extreme southeast. JIow far north on cmr Atlantic coast this species breeds 1 cannot say. 1 have nev(.'r observed it breed- ing farther north than Massachusetts ; but it jtrobably ranges in the summt'r much tiivther. The eggs vary in length from l.oO to 1.75 inches, and in breadth from l.lu 111 l.;U); but l.liO is their average breadth, 'llieir ground-color varies from a pale greenish buff to a brownish drab. Their markings are cliieHy of a dark clove-brown color, intermingled with fewer shell-markings of an obscure laveiider-gray. Sterna paradisaBa. THE ABCTIC TKBR. Sfcrim jxiraduirra, niiiJNN. Orn. Hor. 1704, 46 (not of Kkys. k Bi.as. 1840,= •*>, HougnlH). Slcrna hirundo, Piiii'i'.s, Zool. Voy. N. Pole, 1774, 188. — Siiaiu'K & Duks.seu, Hirds Eur. pt. xii. (1872). SIrriia vwcrurn, Naum. Isis, 1819, J). 1847. — Lawk, in Hninl'-s B. N. Am. 1858, 862. — BAUm, Cut. N. Am. B. 18.')it, no. O'.IO. — Touks, Koy, 1872, 321 ; Check List, 1873, no. 667 ; B. N. W. 1874, 68.5. — Saitndkks, p. Z. S. 1876, 650. Slcma arctiai, Tk.mm. Mnn. IL 1820, 742. —Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. H. 1831, 414. — Ni-tt. Man. IL 1834, 275. —All). Oin. Biog. II L 1835, 366, i>L 250 ; Synop. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. VIL 1844, 107, 1>1. 424. Slcrna hrachylarsa, OitAiiA, Roise. n. Fiiroe, 1830, 218. Sterna hrnchnpn.i. Swains. 15. W. Afr. IL 1837, 252. Skrnn Pikci, Lawk. Ann. Lye. N. Y. VL 1863, 3; in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 853, pi. 95. — Baikd, Cat. N. Am. R. 1859, no. 693. Sterna port/and ica, Rinr.w. Am. Nat.VIIL 1874, 433.— Couks, B. N. W. 1874, 691. Slcrna longipcnnia, Couivs, Cheek List, 1873, no. 568 (= S. Pikci, Lawu.) ; nee longipcnnis, Nokdm. ! Had. Northern hemisjihere in general ; in America, south to the Middle States and Cali- foinia, bri'i'ding from tiie Nortiiurn States to about latitude 81° M (Smith's Sound ; Feilden, "Jbis," 1877, p. 408). No valid Central American, South American, or West Indian record. \ n m ■ I* I ! ■ Sp. Char. Advlt, in summer: Pileum and nape, including upper two thirds of the lores, deep black. Prevailing color pearl-gray, paler on the lower surface, still paler on the throat and chin, the side of the head, bonlering the black of the hood, distinctly white. Tips of the secondaries ami tertials, upper and under tail-coverU, greater portion of the tail, and entire lining of the v.ing ■••■ i'^^^i^ ^1 :f! * ■ t : ;l P\ i \ 300 long-wingi:d swimmers — longipennes. pure white ; oiiti'V wcli of latoral jiair of tail-ft-'athers deep ash-gniy, -17.r. Walker found it on the coast of Greenland, near Godthaab; and it is also given hy Professor Keinliardt as being a resident species of that island. Mr. Bernard Ross nil t with it on Great Bear Lake ; and Mr. Murray received it from Hudson's Bay, fiDin which region f!aptain Blakiston also procured specimens. Mr. Boardman informs me that this species breeds abundantly on the coast of Maine, near Calais ; and it is also said to breed on islands in the fresh-water lakes and ]ionds in the interior both of Maine and New Brunswick. Giraud did not recog- nize it as one of the Terns which breed in and about the sea-^oast of Long Island, ami it probably is not found south of Muskegat. Captain Elmes (" Ibis," 18r>0) mentions finding this Tern breeding on a small rock aniiing the Outer Hebrides, called Hysker, although it was at a considerable distance from their feeding-grounds ; and he noticed that none of the nests contained more than two eggs. This was the case at all the other points he visited ; wliile the com- 111' ill Tern (.Si. hinnulo), which he states to be also abundant in the Hebrides, usually lays three. Yarrell regards this species as being more common than the bird usually known as the common Tern, particularly in high northern latitudes. It is found in large numbers in the Faroes, and is the Tern described by Graha under the name of iS', lirnchyarsft, and said to frequent that group of islands. ^Ir. Dunn states that it is abundant in the summer in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as in the Outer Helirides — where, according to Macgilli\Tay, it is much more common than S. hirundo. Mr. Thompson states that it occurs in large numbers, and is widely distributed through Ireland. The several Arctic voyagers have found this species in great abundance at all the Iiiiints which they have visited. It was found breeding on Melville Peninsula, and g'-nerally on the islands and beaches of the Arctic Sea. I;|i: ¥ H' M ll i u 302 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. m^' Generally this Tern is found in colonies by itself, Muskegat being the only in- stance where I have seen it mingling witli other si)ecies. In 1842 I there found tiiis species in company with tlie hi'rando and the iJoufjaUL In 1869, when Mr. Allen visited this island, the breeding-place of this species seemed to be a])art from tlic others. On the Island of Damariscotta, on the coast of Maine, and on a small island near Bristol, I found this species breeding in distinct colonies, no other bird being in tlie neighborhood. Eichardson found this Tern breeding generally on the shores and islands of the Arctic Ocean, and in great abundance. He describes its eggs as being obtuse at one, end and tapering at the otlier, varying in ground-color from a light yellowisli brown to a bluish gray, and marked with many irregular brown spots of different degrees of intensity. They are said to be deposited upon a gravelly beach or upon sand; and the parents show great anxiety for their safety, and are very bold in their endeavors to defend them. Mr. Hearne refers to this specdes as the " Black-head," and speaks of it as b>-ing the smallest Gull nu't with by him. It is said to visit the coast of Hudson's Bay in such vast numbers tliat it is frecpu'ntly seen in flocks of several hundred ; and he has known their eggs to be gatliered by bushels on a very small island. These eggs are very delicate eating, the yolks being e(pial to those of a young pullet, and the whites of a semi-transparent azure ; but the bird itself has always a lishy taste, and is inisuitable for food. The aft'eetion of this species for its young is so strong tliat when any person attemi)ts to rob its nest it will fly at him, and api)roach so near as to touch his head with its pinions ; and will frecpiently follow tlie plunderer to a con- siderable distance, with unusual screams and noisy outcries. This species was found in the farthest northern localities visited by Hearne, and was observed to leave the Arctic Kegions early in the fall. Mr. Dall found this species abundant in the Shnmagins, in certain localities, and especially on a small island in I'opotf Strait, called Bange Island. There a lait,'o number of the eggs, mostly in an incubated condition, were obtained in the moutlis of June and July. He did not notice any of these birds at Unalashka ; but he speaks of them as being abundant on the marshes near the sea-coast aiul also everywhere on the Yukon, where they were seen in large flocks liovering over the water, and often appearing as if suspended in the air, the birds remaining in the same place, almost motionless, for ten or fifteen minutes. At other times they were sitting on sti<'ks of driftwood, chattering to one another, or gathering around a shoal of young min- nows, diving, eating, and screaming with equal vivacity. They are perfectly fearless, especially when a companion has been wounded, or when their young are menacu'd. They gather in large luunbers around a wounded companion, cry to it, and endeavor to assist it to rise. Their note, when not disturbed, is between a hiss and a wliistle ; when alarmed, it is a sharp cry, like the scream of a Gull ; and when at rest, tliev keep up a kind of chatter. They are extremely inquisitive, and will follow a boat loi' miles, keeping a short distance from it. Tlie young were obtained in the down, .June 22, near Fort Yukon, and had from the first coral-red legs and bills. The eggs weiv found, June 14, at the mouth of the Yukon Biver. Mr. MacFarlane, Mr. Lockhart, and Mr. Kennicott found this species abundant in all parts of the Arctic Begious, breeding in various situations on the ground, usually in large companies, but occasionally in single pairs, some on the bare prairie, otiiers on the beach, or on islets in a lake, or in the sea. Some writers speak of the number of eggs in a nest as never more than two. Mi. Dunn, writing of the Orkneys, speaks of it as three or four, and adds that this bird f LARID.E - THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 303 is seldom seen except when on the wing, in pursuit of the small coal-fish which abound in the harbors and inlets of that region. It darts down upon them with great iai)idity as they swim on the surface. Mr. IMacgillivray, writing of the Hebrides, says that on several of the smaller and less frequented islands many hundred eggs of this bird were taken in a few iiiiiuites, and that it was difficult to move Avithout treading on them. A scattered IklikI of Terns hovered about the party, uttering incessant cries, and darting down to within a few feet of the invaders of their peaceful territory. In ^lay, 1842, during the prevalence of high winds, the coast iu the neighborhood i)f Ih'istol, England, was visited by an extraordinaiy flight of this Tern. They were in sucdi vast numbers that three hundred and more were killed with stones and other missiles, and many were taken alive. Flocks were also observed at other places along till' Channel coast, and a simultaneous tappearance of this bird took place over a large extent of country in that vicinity. The wind had been blowing hard for several days from the east and northeast, but suddenly changed to the westward, the gale still continuing. The birds were evidently on their route to their northern summer quar- ters, and their intended course was thus interfered with by the prevalence of unusually strong winds. Audubon found this species breeding in large numbers at several different points on the coast of Labrador, and always in colonies unmixed with any other species. IK' found them sitting closely upon their eggs at all times. The eggs of this Tern are represented iu the Smithsonian Collection by specimens from the lukon Kiver, the Arctic coast. Sable Island, Fort Anderson and the region east, Kange Island, Alaska, Kutleet, Great Whale Kiver, and Greenland. In my own collection are eggs from Jluskcgat Island and Beverly, IVIass., and from the coast of Maine. These eggs vary extraordinarily, some being unspotted, and having a ground- color of a grayish white, others being profusely blotched and sjiotted, while the ground-color is either a tawny drab, a grayish green, or an olive-brown. The mark- ings are generally of a dark brown, inclining to black. Five eggs, taken as typical of their variations in size and shape, present the following measiu-emeuts : 1.50 by 1.10 inches ; l.oo by 1.20 ; l.GO by 1.15 ; 1.G5 by 1.15 ; 1.75 by 1.25. Sterna Dougalli THE BOSEATE TSBN. SIn-na Dourfani,'Sh)srAGVV., Oyu. Diet. Stipiil. 1813. — Nurr. Miin. II. 1834, 278. — Aud. Om. niof;. III. 1835, 2!>G, pi. 240 ; Syiiop. 183!), 320 ; B. Am. Vll. 1844, 112, pi. 437. — Toitks, R. N. W. 1874, 688; 2il t'lirek List, 1882, no. 800. — Saundkhs, V. Z. S. 1S70, 652. — UlDGW. Noni. N. Am. W. 1881, no. t)88. Stcnmparndisid, Kfvs. k I?i,,\s. Will). Kur. II. 1840, ii? (not of Hrunn, 1704). — Lawr. in lliiiiil's 15. N. Am. 1858, 803. — RAinn, Cat. N. Am. 15. 18.59, no. 692. — foi'Ks, Key, 1872, 321 ; Check List, 1873, no. 509. Slcnia gmcilia, OouLi), P. Z. S. 1847, 222 (Australia) ; R. Austr. VII. 1848, i>l. 27. riAn. More southern portions of Palivarctic Region, Aui^tralia, and Atlantic coast of North Aim rica, north to ^lassachusetts, south, in winter, nearly throughout the Wt^st Indies and Central America ; both coasts of the latter region. Berinuila (breeding). Sp. Char. Adult in summer : Entire pileum and nape, down to the lower edge of the eyoa uiiit'orni deep black. Above, delicate pale pearl-gray, becoming gradually silvery white on the ui>lHr tail-coverts and tail ; tips of the secondaries, and edges of inner webs of ])rinmries, pure white. Outer primary with the outer web dark slate ; inner webs of tiin-e outer primaries wliite, Willi a stripe of silvery gray next the shaft, the white extending to the extreme tip of the leathers ; 304 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. t i 5 ii' t \ ^m !, renmiiiing quills light silvery gray, the inner web Ijroadly etlgoil with while. Lateral and Iowlt part of head and neck (including lower hall' of the lores and extreme lower part of tlie nape), with entire lower parts, pure white, strongly tinged in fresh specimens with delicate rose-pink. ISill black (reddish basally, in life) ; iris l)rown ; legs and feet briglit red (in life). Adult in v:intir: Similar, but forehead and anterior part of crown white, the latter shaded with grayish and inilis- Summer plumage. tinctly streaked with darker ; orbital region, occiput, and upper part of nape uniform black. Young, first ■plurtuu/e : Pileum and nape pale buffy grayish, finely mottled or sprinkled with darker, and streaked, especially on the crown, with dusky ; orbital and auricular regions dusky blackish ; remainder of the head, extreme lower part nf the nape, and entire lower parts, white, tlie nape, ainl sometimes the sides of the breast, finely mottled with bully gray. Back, scapulars, wing-covcils, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, pale pearl-blue, the back and scapulars overlaid with pale bulf, I £ 2.k ' I H.} Winter pin magi: irregularly mottled with dusky, each feather with a submarginal duskj' V-shaped mark ; jiriniarv coverts and primaries darker bluish gray, edged with paler, the inner webs of the latter broiuUy edged with white. Tail-feathers marked near their ends much like the longer scapulars, tlnir outer webs rather dark grayish. Bill browni.sh dusky ; feet duslvy. Total length, about 14.00 to 15.50 inclies ; extent, 30.00; wing, 9.25-0.75 ; tail, 7.25-7.75, the depth of its fork, 3.50-4.50 ; culmen, 1.50 ; depth of bill at base, .35 ; tarsus, .85 ; middle toe, .75. The beautiful Koseate Tern is almost cosmopolitan in its widely extended geo,£Tra]>li- ical distribution ; but in North America it ajipeavs to be confined to the Atlantic Region, as I find no reference to its existence on any part of the I'acific coast ; nor does any writer mention meeting with it in the interior. It is also exclusively maritime in its residence. Mr. Salvin found a few birds of this species breeding among the Keys on the coa.st of Honduras late in April, but makes no mention of it as occurring on the west coast. Leotaud refers to it as being a common bird in Trinidad, and as having habits nearly -f»^lw»? LARID.E - THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 305 identical with those of .S'. mitximd. It is not mentioned by Dr. Giuullach as occuriing in Cuba ; yet it seems hardly possible that it should not be one of the common birds of that island, since it is so abundant in Florida at all seasons of the year. Neither is it included by Mr. Gosse among the birds of Jamaica. Dr. Kryant did not meet with it breeding either in Florida or in the Bahamas. In the Bermudas, according to Major Wedderburn, this species breeds in considerable numbers, appearing there about the end of April. It is very common at Spanish Point and in Castle Harbor. Its eggs were procured on Gurnet-head Hock June 17, 1848, and others were taken as late as the 1st of August ; from which it was inferred that tliis bird rears two broods in a season. It is not seen at Bermuda during the winter. This species is found along the Atlantic coast as far east, probably, as Maine, and thence to Florida, and probably along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico to Central America. A few once bred on a small island near Tennant's Harbor, St. George, Me., and at the Isles of Shoals. Jlr. Allen has found it breeding off Ipswich, and Dr. Samuel Cabot off Beverly. In 1840 I obtained its eggs on Egg Eock, Nahant; and it still breeds in considerable colonies on Muskegat, on the Elizabeth Islands, on the eoasts of Connecticut and New Jersey, on islands near Cape Charles, and at otlier points on the coast from the Chesapeake to Key West. On Long Island, N. Y., (iiraud mentioned it a.s not common. He regarded it as rare, and as being onl} oeeasionally seen in company witli the common hinmdo. In Great Britain — where this was formerly regarded as being a comparatively rare species — it seems to have increased in numbers, as it is found to be more abun- dant than it once was. This bird was first recognized as a British species by Montagu in 1813; and since then it has been found breeding at various stations frequented by other Terns, and has been ascertained to be a regular summer visitant, thougli not in very large numl)ers. It breeds on a small rocky islet near the entrance to Belfast ]>ay, Ireland, on islands in the Firth of Solway, and on the Fame Islands, on the east coast of England. At the latter place, according to Selby, its advent as a new species was noted by the lighthouse-keeper, and afterward confirmed by the writer. Since then the colony has greatly increased, and has now become quite numerous ; and a second colony has been formed upon another island — one of the Walmseys. Mr. Selby says that the old birds may be easily recognized among hundreds of those of the other species by their peculiar and buoyant flight, long tail, and by tlieir note, wliieh may be expressed by the word crala; uttered in a hoarse grating key. The ei,',i,'s are larger than those of the Arctic Tern ; and the young differ from those of that bird in their downy as well as in their feathered stage. The Roseate Tern is included among the birds of Germany, and was found by Temminck in August and September on the coast of Holland, breeding also on several small islands on the coast of Picardy and Brittany. Savi inclvides this species among the birds of Italy ; and specimens of it have been received from Madeira and from tlie Cape of Good Hope. ^Mr. Gould has skins brought from the Malabar coast. According to Audubon, the Roseate Tern spends the breeding-season in consider- able numbers along the southern shores of Florida; where, at different times, he met with flocks of thirty or more pairs breeding on small detached islands. Their full mimber of eggs lie found to be three. TI 3se differ considerably in size and marking, and are of an oblong oval shai)e, narrowed at the smaller end, of a dull buff or clay- ciilor, sprinkled and spotted with different tints of umber and light purple. He found them deposited on the bare rocks, among the roots of tlie grasses, and in bii,u;ht weather left exposed to the rays of the sun. Toward night the jjarent sat upon her eggs. vou II. — 39 306 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS - LONGIPENNES. t m :i.: « 'i\ if il •' * S'i 1 1 1 ii Mi : ■I IJ! 1 •I ;| ' ;H H 1 ' S 'v 1 •1 :)■■ ' Audubon dosoribcs tliis Tern as being a noisy, restless bird, emitting a sharp shrill cry whenever its breeding-place is approached ; and adds that it is buoyant and graci - ful in its movements, but unsteady and flickering in its flight. It will make a diish in one direction, and be off in anotlier, with the quickness of thought. When fisliinj;, it plunges perpendicularly downward like a shot, immersing part of its body — ami immediately reascending. Its food consists of small fish and mollusks. In the spring it returns to those islands regularly about the 10th of April, and de])avts southward early in September. In 1842 I found this species breeding in a large colony on the low sandy Island of Muskegat, where they shared its large area with the common species and the Arctic, as well as with the Laughing Gull. There did not then appear to be any separation of the diiferent species, but all were intermingled. The larger number were of tlu- roseate species. In 1852 I visited a small island of about fifty acres near Cape Cliarles, and about eighteen miles northeast from Old Point. It was occupied by about thirty pairs of this species, but by no other Tern. And in the summer of 187.'! I liad an opportunity of observing another small colony on the Island of Penikesc. In the last-named instance the larger part of the island was in the exclusive occupa- tion of the hlrundo ; the low marshy portion was occupied by the Least Tern ; and a small high promontory by the Roseate Tern. It was the month of August, and tliis species, having been uninterrupted in its breeding, had ceased laying, nearly all its young having left their nests, but being still cared for by the parent birds. There is a noticeable difference between this and both the hirumfo and tho paradisa'ii, which, having been once carefully studied, will not be lost sight of. Tlic present species is easily distinguished in its flight by its long and graceful tail-feathers, its more brilliant under parts, and its more regular and even motions in flight. Its voice is different, less sharp, more hoarse, and its cry of week is more prolonged anil less frequently enunciated, than is the case with the other species n.amed. It is less clamorous when its nest is approached, hovers overhead at a higher point, ami rarely makes a rush at one's head, as does the impetuous pamdisiva. At Cape Charles, where the eggs were fresh, all the birds kept at a respectful distance, and noiu! could be procured. At Muskegat, where the eggs were incubated, the birds could easily be obtained ; but it soon ceased to be necessary, as they could readily be identi- fied. At Penikese, where they occupied the part of the island most remote from tiic dwellings, they were much less disturbed by the presence of intruders ; and only avIkii their young were handled, or nuide to utter an outcry, did they change their calm inspection of our proceedings for an excited and clamorous utterance of their dis- pleasure— rarely making, however, any attempt to attack the intruder or swoop down toward his head. Captain 0. N. IJrooks, of Guilford, Conn., who is the proprietor of FavUknei's Island, in the Sound, where a large colony of this Tern breed, has furnished mc, through Dr. Wood, of Windsor Hill, some interesting notes on its habits, Avhich arc here given in substance. It makes its appearance about the 16th of May, seldom varying three days from this date. At first six or eight of these birds are seen well up in the air. These hover over the island a while, and then disappear. The next day the same individuals return, with an addition of twelve or more to their number ; but none of them alight on the island until the third or fourth day. After this, il nothing disturbs them, their number increases very fast. They begin to lay about the 1st of June, never varying three days from that time. While some gtather a few dry weeds or a little dry seaweed, others make only a hollow in the sand ; and sonic deposit their eggs on the stones without any nest at all. They usually lay two eggs. LARID^ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 307 though some nests are found to have three, and some four, eggs. When four are found they are never alike ; when three, they are sometimes alike, and sometimes one of them differs both in shape and color. Where there are only two, they are usually very mueh alike. The male feeds its mate while she is sitting, and may frequently be seen carrying Hsh to the island, which is often found deposited near their nests. The young bird begins to run soon after it is hatched, and when disturbed, it leaves its nest and hides iiinong the stones, or in grass and weeds. When the young one is large enough to ily, the parent takes it out alone to practise flying. At first it ventures only a few rods, but soon is able to fly a mile or more, but always accompanied by the old bird ; tlic latter never taking more than one of lier young out with her at the same time. Till' islet on which these birds breed contains a quarter of an acre of upland covered with grass and weeds; and while they were thus engaged they were not disturbed. During the month of June only the eggs laid on the stones and sand l)elow the upland — averaging in number a hundred or more a day — were collected, and they an- said to be much nicer in flavor than those of the domesti". Fowl. The young birds reach their growth by the 20th of August, and their stay after September 1 depends \ipon the abundance of their food. When tish is plentiful they remain until the first of October. They feed entirely on fish, which they catch by diving. They are greatly troubled by the depredations of Hawks, and in one year — 18G3 — the birds were driven away before their young were ready to fly. The Duck Hawk seems to be their most troublesome enemy. The eggs of this species have a ground-color of a pale buify drab, varying to a pale grayisli green. The spottings are of a lilac-gray and blackish brown. Five eggs from New England present the following variations in measurement : 1.55 by 1.15 inches ; l.(iO by 1.15; 1.70 by 1.25; 1.75 by 1.20; 1.75 by 1.10. Stoma aleutica. THE ALEUTIAH TEBR. Sterna nhutica, Baird, Tnins. Chicago Acad. Nat. Sci. I. 1869, 321, pi. 31, fifj. 1 (Kadink). — Dall & Bank. ib. 307. — Coues, Key, 1872, 322 ; Chock List, 1873, no. 572 ; 2d cd. 1882, no. 803 ; Birds N. W. 1874, 696. — Saunders, P. Z. S. 1876, 664. — Ridow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 689. Sterna Camtschatica, " Pali,.," Fixsch, Abh. Nat. IIL 1872, 85 (not of Pallas). Had. Coast of Ala.ika from Kadiak to Norton Sound. Si". Char. Adult, in summer: Upper half of head and nape deep black, the forehead white, this color extending back about M) of an inch medially, and about twice as far, or to the posterior aiit,'lo of the eye, laterally, the black forming a stripe across the lores, from the eye to the bill. V\\\wv parts deep plund)eons-gray, the primaries slightly darker, with white shafts, the inner webs niHstly white, with a broad stripe next the shaft, and a narrow edging, of plumbeous. Tips of cpcondaries, upper and lower tail-coverts, tail, chocks, malar region, chin, and entire lining of the wing, including maxillars, pure white ; remaining lower parts pale pearl-gray, fading insensibly into ilie white of the chin and crissuin ; pbunbeous of the rump very abruptly defined against the white of the upper tail-coverts. Bill and feet deep black ; iris brown. Downy young (No. 9THiO, St. Michael's, Alaska, July 29, 1880 ; E. W. Nelson): Above, rather ligiit sooty brown, foiifiisedly marbled or mottled with dusky, the head with the light brown predominating, and tiie du~ky nmrkings more distinct. Forehead, chin, entire throat, and sides of the neck, uniform sooty slaic! ; jugulum and breast pure white ; sides, flanks, abdomen, and anal region, sooty gray. Bill pule yellowish brown (llesh-color in life), with Idacktip ; legsaii'1 feet pale yellowish brown (flesh- color in life (). No. 97102, simie locality and date, differs in ha k the ground-color of the upper m \mm 308 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. parts decidedly more biiffy, the dark inarblings coarser and more distinct j the whole anterior por- tion of the crown, for the space of about half an inch, together with the superciliary region, is immaculate brownish buff ; the throat is rather lighter sooty, the sides, etc., paler grayish. From the downy young of S. jjarorfwrea, the above descrilxid specimens may be distinguished by the nmch less fulvous coloring of the upper parts, and nmch darker as well as deciiledly more gi'iiy color of the sides and posterior lower parts. In short, while the general coloration is bright tawny buff in paradisiBa, the general aspect is decidedly sooty in aleutica. Young, first plummjv : Forehead, lores, crown, and entire nape smoky grayish brown, darkening on the occiput iutu fuliginous-dusky, this color extending anteriorly on each side nearly or quite to the eye ; tlic siuoke-color of the nape extending over the sides of the neck to the sides of the breast, sometinu's even tinging the jugulum and foreneck. Back, scapulars, inner wing-coverts, and tertials dull slate-black, broadly and sharply bordered, especially terminally, with deep yellowish ochraceous ; remainder of the wing plumbeous, the greater coverts and secondaries tiii|ied with white ; i)rinia- ries as in the adult ; upper part of the rump dark brownish slate, the feathers narrowly tipped :if with [Wile fulvous, this preceded by a dusky subterminal bar ; lower part of rump and upper tiiil- coverts plumbeous-gray, the lateral coverts nearly white, and the longer tipped with buff; tiii' pale bluish gray, the feathers growing dusky subterniinally, and tii'[ied with deep ochraceous-bull'; inner webs of the rectrices paler than the outer, or nearly white ; outer web of exterior feather almost entirely pure white. Lower parts entirely white, the under side of the head and neck, as well as the sides of the breast, more or less stained or clouded with smoke-brown. Maxilla dusky ; mandible light reddish (brownish in dried skin), the terminal third or fourth black ; Ugn a)td fed clear light reddish. Total length, 13.25 to 14.75 inches ; extent, 30.00 to 31.00 ; wing, 9.75-10.75 ; tail, 6.50-7.00 ; depth of its fork, 2.40-3.75 ; culmen, 1.25-1.40 ; depth of bill through base, .38 ; tarsus, .60-.75 ; middle toe, without claw, .80-.85. The young of Sterna aleutica may be very easily distinguished from that of S. paradwna — the only other Tern found in any part of Alaska — by the following differences of coloration : (1) The distinctly cinereous rump and upper tail-coverts ; (2) the pure white, instead of uniform blackish, outer webs of the lateral rectrices ; (3) the deep smoke-brown hue of the forehead, crown, nape, and sides of the breast ; (4) the broad white ant*;rior border to the forearm ; (5) the dusky stripe near the edge of the inner webs of the primaries ; and (<>) the much darker general coloration, and especially the blackish dorsiil region, with wide deep ochraceous borders to the feathers. The adult needs no comparison with any other species of the genus. Our information in regard to the specific habit.s of this newly discovered species and the extent of its geographical distribution is still quite meagre. It is not prob- able that its habits vary greatly from those of other Terns, ■which in all the members of this family are quite similar. The species was first met with, and its eggs pro- cured at the same time, by Mr. Bischoff at Kadiak ; and examples of the birds and LARID^ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 309 pf^gs have since been obtained from different parts of Alaska. Mr. Dall was informed that it was common in the Aleutian Islands, and expected to meet with it there ; but none were seen. Four eggs of the Aleutian Tern (Smithsonian Institution No. 1347), procured by Mr. Bischoff on the Island of Kadiak, have the following measurements : 1.65 by 1.15 inches; 1.75 by 1.15; 1.85 by 1.10; 1.85 by 1.15. They all have a ground-color of a brownish and a greenish olive; the markings are large, partly longitudinal, (•( ufluent, and in patches, and of a dark clove-brown. Sterna antillarum. THE LEAST TEBN. Slmm minuta, AVils. Am. Orn. VIL 1813, 80, pi. 70, fig. 2 (not of LiNN.). — AuD. Orn. Biog. IV. 1838, 175, pi. 319 ; Synop. 1839, 321 ; B. Am. VL 1844, 119, 439. Slenia argcnUa, NuiT. Man. IL 1834, 280 (not of Max. 1820). SIcmiila aiUillaruvi, Less. Descr. Mam. et Ois. 1847, 256. Slenm anlillarum, Qoue.s, Pr. Acad. Nat. Sci. I'hilad. 1862, 552. — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1871, 571. — Saundeus, p. Z. S. 1876, 661. — Ridgw. Noni. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 690. Sterna siipercitiaris, b. antillarum, Coves, B. N. W. 1874, 692. Sterna superciliaris anlillarum, CouEs, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 801. Sterna frenata, Gamb. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philail. 1848, 128. — Lawr. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 864. — Baiiid, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 694. Sterna superciliaris, Gu.vdl. & Cadan. J. f. 0. V. 1857, 232 (not of Vieill.). — CouES, Key, 1872, 332 ; Check List, 1873, no. 570. Hab. Temperate and tropical North America in general ; south to Trinidad. Both coasts of Central America ; on the Atlantic coast north, casually, to Labrador ; on the Pacific side, north to California. Sp. Char. Smallest of the Terns (wing less than seven inches). Adult in summer : Pileum and nape deep black, the forehead covered by a broad lunule of white extending back laterally to tliu uycs, the lores being crossed by a black line or narrow stripe extending from the eye to the L.tcral base of the inaxilln, immediately behind the nostril. Entire upper parts, including lower jiart of the nape, upper tail-coverts, and tail pale pearl-gray, deepest on the dorsal region and wings. Two to three outer primaries dusky slate, the inner webs broadly edged with white ; riniainiiig quills pale pearl-gray, like the coverts, the edge of the inner webs white. Entire lower parts pure white. Bill bright yellow, usually (but not always) tipped with black ; iris dark / f ■' >^. brown ; legs and feet bright orange-yellow. Adtilt, in mnfer: Similar, but lores, forehead, and crown grayish white (purer white anteriorly), an occipital crescent and a stripe forward from this tij and surrounding the eye blackish. Bill dusky ; legs and feet dull yellowish. Young, first plumage : Somewhat similar to the winter plumage, but humeral region marked by a wide space ul' dusky slate, the scapulai"s and interscapulars with submarginal V- or U-shaped marks of dusky, tlie crown streaked and the occiput mottled with dusky, and the primaries darker than in the II I m m ■ i hi ls» (" .■ lis tl: 2' i; itJli ilj s te ■ if Ij ^ ! : » :?} - • , '- ' %'. ■,'l , -S* '':: :*^ s ?i ■ ■ll ■ 310 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. adult. Bill dusky, brownish toward tlio base; feet brownish. Dotcny ynntuj : Alwve, grayisli wiiite, finely mottled with dusky grayish, tlie head distinctly marked with irrt';,'ular dots of dusky black ; lower parts entirely immaculate white. Bill dull yellow, tipped with dusky ; legs and feet clear pale yellow. Tot4d length, ubout 9.W inches ; extent, 20.00 ; wing, fi.OO ; tail, 3.50, its fork, 1.75 ; culnien, 1.20 ; depth of bill at Iw-se, .28 ; tarsus, .60 ; middle toe, with claw, .72. This little Tern has several near allies in difterent parts of the world. The differential charac- ters of the American species and tlieir European representative are as follows ; — A« Lower parts white. a. Rump and tail white I, S. minuta.^ ■ b. Rump and tail pearl-gray. 6'. Bill more or less black tipped. Wing less than 7.00 inches. Feet bright yellow 2. 5. antillarum. b". Bill without black tip. Wing 7.00 inches or longer. Feet oliva- ceous yellow. Upper i)arts darker gray. Bill larger and much stouter, and lateral rectrices more elongated 3. iS. superciliaiis.^ B« Lower parts gray 4. S, exilis* The Least Tern of North America appears to be restricted to the Atlantic coast ; occurring occasionally in the interior, along the banks of our larger rivers. I havo never met with it north of Southern Massachusetts ; but IVIr. Boardinan informs nu- that it is occasionally seen in midsummer as far east as the St. Croix Eiver and tlu^ Passamaquoddy — where, however, it is very rare. Aiulubon claims to have found this species breeding off Labrador, in June, 1833, and to have again observed it on Newfoundland on the 14th of August ; but I can find no corroboration of its presence beyond the Bay of Fundy. Tliis species is supposed to leave the United States in the month of October, and to return here in the following April. It is more or less common in .several of tlic West India Islands. In Cuba it is undoubtedly a resident, and breeds there. In 1 Sterna mixuta. Sterna miimta, Linn. S. N. I. 1766, 228. — Keys. & Bi.as. Wiib. Eur. 97. — Naum. Vog. Dcutschl. X. 1840, 145, pi. 254. — Macoim-. Man. II. 1840, 234. Sterna mctopolcucus, S. 0. Gsiel. Nov. Conini. Petrop. XV. 475, pi. 22. Sterna Jissipcs, Bkgu.m, ViJg. Deutsohl. 7U0 (not of Linn.). Sterna pomnri Ha and danica, Breu.m, t. c. 791. Lesser Tern, Yarr. Brit. B. cd. 2, III. 519, fig. ; ed. 3, III. 524, fig. ; et AucT. Hab. Paliearctic Region, to India and Capo of Good Hope. * Sterna superciliaris. Sterna stqyerciliaris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XXXII. 1819, 126. — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1871, 571. —Saunders, P. Z. S. 1878, 662. Sterna superciliaris, a. superciliaris, CouES, Birds N. W, 1874, 692. Sterna maeulala, Vieili,. Enc. Mcth. 1823, 350. Sterna argentea. Max. Voy. I. 1820, 67 ; Beitr. IV. 1833, 871. — Pelz. Orn. Bras. 1870, 325. J7a6. Eastern South America, west to tlic headwaters of the Amazonian tributaries. » Sterna exilis. Sterna exilis, Tsciii-ni, Faun. Per. Avcs, 1846, 306. — ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 572.— Saunuers, ib. 1878, 663. Sterna, loratn, Pu. & Landd. Wiogm. Aichiv, 1863, pt. I. 124. Stemula loricata. Gray, Handl. III. 1871, 121. Hab. Coast of Peru and Cliili. There are, in addition to these, S. sinensis, Gm. (Phina to Australia) ; S. sumatrana, Raffl. (Ceylon to the Red Sea) ; S. nereis, Gould (Australia and New Zealand) ; and S. balwnarum, Strickl. (fioni the Cape of Good Hojie). LARID^ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 311 Jamaica it is not common, and Mr. Gosse only met with a single chance individual. It is ri'sident in Central America. Mr. Salvin obtained a skin of this Tern at Cohan, in Guatemala, but was not able to ascertain just where it had been procured. He afterward found this species lirecding on the coast of Honduras in the latter part of A\m\. As he approached (lassey Key, the Terns rose from the land in a cloud. On this key about a hundred pairs had assembled to lay, and numbers of nests were already occupied, each con- taining one, two, or three eggs — nearly all of the nests being mere depressions in tlie sand. Leotaud mentions this species as being one of the resident birds of Trinidad, living in company with the other Terns, and having, in all essential respects, the same habits. Mr. Dresser mentions it as being common on the coast of Southern Texas during the summer. He often met with it about the lagoon near Matamoras, and also found it abundant about the mouth of the Rio Grande. In June, 1804, it was breeding in West Galveston Bay, on the small shell-bars or sand islets, but not on the mainland. Till! eggs were fresh, and he was told that it breeds hite in the season. Mr. Ridgway found it very abundant on Cobb's Island, Va., where it was nesting on the dry sand in isolated colonies. Its usual note was a sharp squeak, much like the cry of a very young pig following its mother. According to Giraud, this is a common species on Long Island, and thence south- ward, having a very extended range ; returning to that locality early in May, and departing southward early in the autumn. It feeds on various kinds of insects, as well as on small fish. About the 25th of May or the 1st of June the female begins to lay. The eggs are dropped on the dry and warm sand, the temperature of which (lining the day is fully sufficient for the purposes of incubation ; as the sand is some- times so hot that one can scarcely bear the hand in it for a few moments without inconvenience. The wonder would therefore be greater shoidd "rhe bird sit on her eggs during the day, when her warmth is altogether unnecessary, and perhaps injur- ious ; it seems perfectly reasonable that she should cover them only at night, or in wot and stormy weather. Giraud states that the eggs are generally four in number, and placed on the flat sand, safe beyond the reach of the highest summer tide. They ar(! described by him as being of a yellowish-brown color, blotched with rufous. Giraud and Wilson give the length of the egg as 1.75 inches ; but this is a mistake. In 1842 I visited a small sandy island called Tuckernuk, lying between Muskegat and Nantucket Point, which was then supposed to be the most northerly locality in which this species bred in any considerable numbers. This colony, which was thtMi one of considerable size, is now nearly or quite exterminated ; and at the time of my visit it was very evident that constant spoliation would ere long result in its extermination. In the summer of 1842, and again in the following year, as we approached the shore the birds all rose and hovered over the land, resembling a small white cloud. They were quite as fearless as the Arctic Terns ; and a stronger com- parison could hardly be nsed. For when either of these birds has young or incubated eggs, it seems to fear nothing. The Terns dashed about in rapid flight, now this way, now that, plunging at our heads, but always turning to one side just before touching lis. A few of the most interested made these demonstrations, while their companions hovered about us like a moving cloud of witnesses, all of them joining in the clamor of indignant and plaintive cries. The eggs were in slight depressions made in the sand, with no lining whatever. In the Smithsonian Collection there are eggs of this species from Ipswich, Mass. ; 312 LON(J-WINOKI) SWIMMKHS - LOXGIIMCNNKH. «■ New Jersey ; North Carolina ; Gt'orgia ; tlic Tortiigas ; and Han Diego, Cal. Tlic number found in a nest varies from one to four; hut the hist number is rarely found, and probably the same parent never deposits more than three eggs — perhaps not more than two. Tht^ ground-color is a very uniform shade of light buff, be(!omiiii,' paler with age. The spots are for the most part small, eveidy distributed, eolorcil a lavender-gray and burnt umber. Four eggs in my own eolleetion, from Tiu;kerinil<, measure l.liO by M inches; 1.2") by .9(); 1.134 by .91; l/J'.i by .94. A few in tli, Smithsonian Collection nn^asure 1.30 by l.(X). The smallest length is 1.20, and tiie least breadth .91. In some descriptions the ground-(!olor of these eggs is spoken of as being a greenish white ; but I have never found any with the least tinge of th; i color. In most examples the sjjots ai'e small and evenly distributed; occasionally they are in large blotches, and iu a few instances they form a confluent ring. [ ft ; HI Sterna fuliginosa THE BOOTY TEBN. SIf ma fuliginosa, Omf.l. S. \. 1. ii. 1788, 005. — Wu.s. Am. Orii. VIII. 1S14, 145, \A. 7 NuTT. Man. II. 1834, 284. -- Aun. Om. IHog. III. 183."., 2(i3 ; V. 183!), (i41, \A. t. 1839, 317 ; H. Am. VII. 1844, 1)0, iil. 432. — L.vwit. in Hiiiid's H. N. Am. 1858, 801 Cat. N. Am. H. 1859, no. 088. — Coui-.s, ("heck List, 1873, no. 573; 2il cd. 1882, SAiNHKits, 1>. Z. S 1870, 006. — Kiuow. Noni. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 091. Stn-na (l[aUplanu) fuUyiiwsa, CouES, Key, 1872, 322; IJ. N. VV. 1874, 698. Sterna scrmta, Foitsr. Descr. An. ed. Liolit. 1844, 270. Sterna yiitfala, FoiisT. t. c. 211 (young). AnoHs I'llcrmcnicri, Lkss. Descr. Mam. ct Ois. 1847, 255 (young). Sterna OouMii, Kkicii. (Jidc Okay). Sterna luctuosa, TiiiL. & L.vndb. Wiegni. Arcliiv, 1860, 126. Sterna fuliginosa, vixr. crissalis, " Uauid," Lawk. Pr. Host. Soc. 1871, 285 (Socorro I.). 2, nj;. 7. - 35 ; Syncip. , — 1!aii;ii, no. 804. — n 1' 1 Hab. Intertropical luul siibtropiail coast-regions, completely round the t,'liil)o. In Aiucrii'a, south to Chili, north, rej,'ularly to the Carolinaa and Western Mexico ; casually to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Se. Char. Adult: Foir-liead and upper ywYi of the lores white, this color extending liaik laterally to the middle of the upper eyelid; a broad stripe across the lores (j^rowing gradually narrower anteriorly), auricular region, crown, oceipnt, nape (broadly), and entire upper part^i, fuliginous black, the outer pair of rectrices white, with the inner webs growing gmdually black i-^li terminally. Entire lower parts, including axillars and lining of tiie wing, white, sometimes faintly tinged posteriorly witli pale bluish gray. Bill deep black; "iris chestnut" (Audubon); Ik t black. Yowng, first flmiuKje : Dark fuliginous, more dusky gniyish below ; lining of the wing, ami LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TEUNri — STERNA. 313 iiiml re>,Mi)ii, white ; ciissuiu pr.le muoky j^rny. Sciiimlms uiul wiiifj-covuits distinctly but nurrouiy liiilKMl with white. Lntciiil tail-l'i'iilliei's entiivly blackish. Avera),'e total leiigtii, about WM) iiicbi's ; extent, 33.(10 to 35.(M» ; wing, 12.00; tail, ".(KM.fU), iis fork, a-OO-S.:)!) ; culmen, 1.80 j (lei)th of bill at base, .M ; tarsus, 1.00 ; niiildle toe, with claw, \.-20. The series before «a exhibits a marked dillerence between specimens from certain localities — (|iiiic' snlhiient, if constant, to characterize ilelinable local races. Thus, examples from Florida and (iihiT parts of tlie Atlantic coast iiave the exterior pair of rectrices pure white, ^rowinj; j,'rayish- dii-kv terminally, tiie entire abdomen, anal ref^ion, and crissum beinj,' pure white. Those from Wi.-tern Mi'xico (Socorro and Isabella islands) are the same as rej,'ards the rectrices ; but the lower (jait of the abdomen, the anal rej,'ion, and crissum, are lij,'ht pearl-gray, in decided contrast t() the wliile of the breast, etc. These constitute the var. crimdin, ISaikd. A specimen from the Hondou I>luinls, and another Irom Do^' Island, South Pacific Ocean, are very similar to Florida examples ; bill the outer rectrices are pale yray to the extreme ba.se, the terminal portion of the inner web dusky grayish for the extent of 2.50 inches. The po.sterior lower parts are also iiuite distinctly tinged with pale grayish. Three specimens from Palmyra Island (Dr. Stiikhts) resemble the last ill llie coloration of the lower parts ; but the lateral rectrices are dei^) brownish gray throughout, tile terminal portion dusky — this, in two examples, extending ipiite to the base of the outer web ! Tlir blackish of the nape is much narrower than in specimens from any other locality, and is much iiitorriipled by the exjiosure of the whitish bases of the feathers. The Sooty Tern is an intertroijical species fouiul in all parts of the globe, spor- adiiiilly, between the 30tli degree of north httitiide and the same degree south. It is especially abundant in the islands ott" the scmthern coast of Florida and in various points in the West Indies. It is a great wanderer, and has occasionally been met witli at a considerable distance from its usual residence. According to Yarrell, a single specimen was shot, October, 1852, in England ; and Nuumann states that one was taken near Magdeburg, in Germany. During Captain Cook's voyage this species is said to have been met with several hundred miles from land. It is abundant about Ascension and Christmas islands, and appears to be com- mon on some of the island groups of the South Seas. Mr, Gould includes it among the birds of Australia. Jlr. Salvin met with a few solitary birds of this species on the coast of Honduras in the latter part of April; but was told that they were much more abundant, and that they bred in large numbers at Cape Gracias a Dios. Mr. Dresser procured two specinuMis on the southern coast of Texas, but he did not meet with any breeding- lihu;e. In a voyage from England to Ca))e Town, Mr. Layard saw a flock of these Terns passing directly over the vessel, early in the morning, in lat. 10° 35' S. Mr. J. C. Melliss (" Ibis," 1870) speaks of this species as occurring, although not very almndantly, at St. Helena. It inhabits the rocky islets off the coast, known as George's and Spury Island, in considerable numbers. It does not remain there all tlio year, but arrives about the end of December, and breeds during the months of January, February, and March. Much risk of life is run to obtain its eggs, which iiro brought to the market, and are regarded by some as a great delicacy. It seldom conies near the inhabited portion of the Island of St. Helena. Mr. Edward Newton mentions (" Ibis," 1865) finding this species breeding on the Island of Rodriguez, near Mauritius. Von Heuglin met with it in pairs or in small flocks in the Red Sea, south of 14° north latitude, and on the Somali coast. It is also found — although rarely — on the guano island of Bur-da-Rebschi. Captain Sperling (" Ibis," 1868, p. 286) gives an account of his visit to the breeding- place of this species on Ascension Island ; the spot where these birds gather together for nesting purposes being called by the sailors " Wide-awake Fair." As he approached VOL. n. — 40 r I 314 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. li:: if If. II .i! !■ ;i: tl '''. -I ? >( 4 the place he noticed flocks of Terns converging from various parts of the ocean to a spot apparently about a mile in front of him, and toward which he proceeded ; and on surmounting a low ridge the whole scene was vlisclosed. A gradual incline of a quarter of a mile terminated in a plain of ten or fifteen acres in extent, which was literally covores in the coral sand, under low bushes. Their number was so great, and they were sv> near each other, that great care was required in walking to avoid crushiui,' both young and old birds. Oct. 7, 1839, Dr. I'ickering vifited Cora Isb.ul, an annular coral reef, inundated at high water, with the exception of two banks, one of Avhich was covered by a grove of trees. Great nambers of birds were flying over ai.d about the grove. The Tenis, and especially Sterna fidiginosa, came out from v.nder the low branches in v;ist numbers. There were three species of Sterna, one of Frerjata, and three of »S'((/'' observed on this island ; and nearly all of them were engaged in rearing their youii^. The Sooty Tern was present in larger luimbers than all the others combined, its breeding-place occupying the weather side of the grove, or that most exposed to tlie sea. Here the treas presented a dense growth of branches, reaching almost to the ground; and benenth these the birds were obliged to force themselves out before tlxv coidd take to flight The eggs of this sjjccies were laid on the ground, under the thicket , witliout any nest, but with some regularity, and at a distance of about two and a halt feet apart. In two nistances only, out of at least a tlioiisand nesta examined, were ■':l;l LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TERNS — STERNA. 315 there two eggs together. The birds, after having once risen, kept flying around the grove, and their cries might have been heard at a considerable distance. On the dis- cliarge of a gun, or a loud shout, there was complete stillness for a few moments, and then the noise recommenced. The Sooty Tern is mentioned in Dr. Pickering's Journal as occurring at nearly all tlie points in the Pacific Ocean visited by the United States Exploring Expedition; and is shown to be one of the most extensively diffused of all the aquatic birds. l)('ing found both in temperate and tropical regions almost everywhere throughout tlie world. Professor Alfred Newton, toward the end of May, 1857, saw several individuals of this species about midway between St. Thomas and Santa Cruz ; and Mr. Osbert Salvin, on the 29th of May, 1859, when passing along the south side of Tortole and St. John's, also saw numbers of them. They came close to the ship, and he could make them out quite well. This species is of occasional occurrence in Bermuda. Two instances are mentioned by Major Wedderburn, and one is also furnished by ]\Ir. Hurdis. Its presence there seemed generally to be due to the occurrence of a severe gale, by which it had been driven upon the shore. This bird occurs at Jamaica, and its eggs constitute an article of considerable cnnimercial importance. The Pedro Keys are the resort of this species, as also of the Anovs stoUdus and of other sea-fowl. This Tern is the "Egg-bird" of Jamaica. (Jn the 9th of Jlay, 1832, Audubon visited a low island among the Tortugas on which large numbers of this species were bleeding. On landing it seemed to him for a iiinment, as he says, as if the birds would raise him from the ground, so thickly were they crowded around him, and so rapid were the motions of their wings ; while tlieir cries were deafening. The birds might easily have been caught while they were sitting, or when scrambling through the bushes to escape froni the intruders. The sailors, provided with sticks, knocked down the Terns as they flew over them ; and in less than half an hour more than a hundred were killed, and several baskets of eggs collected. The latter proved to be delicious eating, in whatever way cooked. During each night, or between 2 and 4 a.m., a large number of these Terns went out to sea to feed, being able to do this by night as well as by day. This species is said rarely to alight on the water, and never to dive headlong in pursuit of fish, as the smaller Terns are wont to do, but passes over its prey in a curved line and picks it up. This Tern may often be seen following in the wake of a porpoise, capturing some of the fish thus brought within reach. Its flight is firm and steady, rather than light and buoyant, and it hovers close to the surface of the water, in the manner of a (Jull, to pick up floating objects. Audubon states that the Sooty Tern always lays three eggs, and that he never found more than this number. When wounded, and seized by the hand, this bird liites severely and utters a plaintive cry; this cry differs from its usual note, which is loud and shrill, resembling the syllables oo-ce, oo-ee. The nests were scooped near the stems of the bushes, under the shade of the boughs, and were within a few inches of mie another. The egg measured 2.13 inches in length by 1.50 in breadth; it has a pale cream-colored ground, is marked with various tints of light umber, and has lighter marks of purple, which appear as if within the shell. The eggs in the Smith- sonian Collection from the Tortugas have the gi-ound-color of a light pinkish cream, and are marked with blotches of a rich reddish chestnut, with cloudings of lavender of two shades. In some specimens the reddish chestnut-color of the markings deepens almost to blackness. •!l I. mm m Mm.. "iT^ 316 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNESJ. Sterna anosthseta. THE BBIDLED TGBN. Slcma anoslhtttii. Scop. Del, Fauu. ct Flor. Ins. I. 1786, no. 72 (ex Soiin. Voy. 125, pi. 84). — CouEs, Cheek List, 1873, no. 574. Sterna {UaUplana) anoathmta, CouEs, Key, 1872, 322. SU'^na iHtiliplaiM) anccsthcta, CouK.s, Birds N. \V. 1874, 701. Sterna anccstlwta, Saundehs, P. Z. S. 187(5, 664 (fig. of foot on p. 665). — RiDOW. Nom. N. Am. H. 1881, no. 692. Sterna amvstheliea, CouE-s, 2d Cheek List, 1882, no. 805. Sterna oahuensis, Ulox. Voy. " Hlonde," 1826, 251. Sterna panayensis, Omei,. S. X. I. ii. 1788, 607. Slcma panaya. Lath. Ind. Orn. 11. 1790, 808. Sterna antarctica, "Cuv." Less. Traite, 1831, 621. Stertm infitseata, Heuol. Ibis, 1859, 351. Haliplana discolor, Couks, Ibis, 1864, 392. — Elmot, Illiistr. Am. B. II. 1869, pi. 57. ? Uydrochclidon sumalensis, IIeuoi,. Orn. N.-(). Afr. 1873, p. ccvii. Stcma vulanoptcra, SwAi.ss. B. N. W. Afr. 1837, 249. Had. Nearly the same range as S.fuliginosa, but not ranging so far from the tropics. Florida (only North American record). Sp. Char. Adult : Lores, crown, occiput, and upper part of nape deep black ; forehead and superciliary region, entire lower parts, and under suriace of the wing pure white. Lower part of nape and extreme upper part of the back ashy wiiite ; remaining upper parts brownish slate, more l)lumbeous ou the back, where shading gradually into the whitish of the nape ; primaries, primary 1 w'i !! coverts, and nlulnc blackish slate. Rump and six middle tail-feathers brownish ashy, like the back, the two outer rectrices on each side while, shading into grayish terminally, most extensively on the second feather, the outer web of the first being wholly white. Bill and feet black ; iris dark brown. Younij, first plumage : Entire lower parts, with cheeks, forehead, and sides of the crown, white, as in the adult ; middle of the crown, with occiput and nape, brownish dusky, the lirst streaked with grayish white. Upper parts grayish brown, the scapulars, interscapulars, and tertials bordered terminally with grayish white. Total length, 14.(X) to 15.00 inches; wing, lO.-W ; tail, 6.00-7.00 ; culnicn, 1.40-1.60; depth of bill at base, .35-.40 ; tarsus, .85 ; middle toe, .8"). Thtre can be vory little doubt that this speoics is an occasional visitant of Florida, both on the Atlantic and on the Gulf coast. There is now in the collection of Jlr. (ileorge N. Lawrence, of New York, an example labelled as havinfjf been taken in Florida ; it was formerly in the Audubon collection ; and Mr. Charles B. Cory, of Hoston, in the summer of 187*.) fouiul it abundant in June on Long Island, one of tlie Hahanuvs. In the West India Islands, where it is especially numerous, it is "the egg- LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TEllNS — HYDKOCHELIDON. 317 hi 111" par excellence^ and is more or less confounded with the S. fuUg'mosa. Mr. Law- iviice, in his jjaper on the Birds of Sombrero — a rocky islet near St. Martin's — ([notes Mr. Julien as believing that the number of individuals of this species which visited that place was at one time equalled only by those of S. maxima and Anons sfolldKs. It is said to be remarkable for its social peculiarities — almost always asso- ciating with the Noddies ; and in however great numbers it may be present on any I\cy, it is found to be almost always more or less mixed with flocks of that Tern. It arrives at Sondn-ero in March, and departs in August. Its nest is said to be similar to tiuit of the Noddy, and it lays but one egg. It often flies high, and with a pecu- liarly quick darting motion, keeping up a noisy chattering very different from the discordant " caw-caw " of Anous stolidm. Mr. Julieu never observed the two species to quarrel with each other, although individuals of the same species often engaged in long cand obstinate combats. The eggs of this bird found at Sombrero are described by Mr. Lawrence as meas- uring 1.88 inches in length by 1.25 in breiulth, as having a ground-color of a creamy wliite, and as being marked with blotches of deep rusty brown, most abundant on the larger end. Eggs collected in British Honduras by Mr. Osbert Salvin vary in length from 1.90 inches to 1.8/5, and in breadth from 1.35 to 1.30. Their ground-color is pale brownish cream, and the markings are small spots of burnt-sienna and lavender-gray. Mr. Cory found birds of this species breeding in large numbers at Clarence Harbor. They were in company with the Sooty and the Roseate Tern ; and eggs jjrocured as late i)roaoliis the darkest-colored individual from Europe, and even in this instance the dift'erenoe is very decided. lu his paper on the Steniime (P. Z. S. 1876, p. (»43), published subseiiuently to Dr. Coues's niomi- r* s k: Winter plumage. graph in "Birds of the Northwest," Mr. Ilowaitl Saunders remarks as follows concerning tlic differences lietween the Amei'iciin and the European birds of this species : — "In almost all the adult American specimens which I have e.xamined — abmt a dozen in num- ber— the black of the under parts is of a deeper and more sooty brown lint than in any Europcun examples out of upwards of a hundred from various localities, the black being as dark as in //. Icucopiera — an intensity of hue which our form never possesses. In two or three examples, however, all females, the lightest colored American birds approach more closely to very daik specimei.s from Europe ; and in tiie young and winter plumage the two forms are absolutely undis- tinguishable ; so that any specific separation is out of the (piestion." The geographical difference in coloration as exhibited in the series before us, which in lU'o- portionate numbei-s of the two forms is just the reverse of that examinens, occasionally and in small nnmliers in others. It is found throughout Central America and Mexico, and in South America as far south at least as Chili, and north to the Fur Regions and Hudson's ISay. Examides of this bird were taken near Fort Eesolntion, Fort Yukon, and ^loose Fort, and it is abundant in the Red River and Selkirk settlements. In (ireat Britain this bird is only a summer visitor, differing from all the other Terns in some of its habits, seldom associating with any other species, and being rarely seen on the sea-coast, and then oidy in the spring, at the time of its arrival. or in the fall, when about to leave for the winter. Preferring fresh-water marshes, the vicinity of rivers, and reedy ])ools, it is found in the summer only in the interioi. It is rare in the north of England, and makes its appearance in the southern part by the end of April or the beginning of May, and leaves early in October, being very rarely seen as late as Novend)er. This is said to be a common bird in Sweden ; it is also abundant in Holland ami in Germany, as well as in the extensive marshes of Hungary. It visits several LARID.E — THE GULLS AND TERNS — IIVDROCIIELIDON. 321 districts in France and Switzerland. In its migrations it passes througli Italy, Corfu, Crete, Sicily, Asia Minor, and is found in the regions of the Caucasus. It is to be met with during the winter in Madeira and on the African coast of the Mediter- ranean. Kalm — as quoted by Pennant — saw flocks of hundreds of this species in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between England and America. Mr. C. A. Wright, in a paper on the birds of Malta, states in reference to this s[ii'('ies that in July, 1870, a large number of these Terns visited the harbors of Alalta, Mild remained until Septend)er; but none of them were in their summer plumage. It was exceedingly interesting to watch their light and rapid movements, as they dropped suddenly from a great height, splashing the water like a falling stone, or cdiu'sed through the air, as if imitating the Swallow. One of these Terns, perched on a floating cork, allowed the boat to drift down toward it, and did not move until idiiiost near enough to be touched with the hand. Occasionally one would exchange calls with a ])assing companion ; the note was a shrill scream. Mr. Salvin, late in April, met with a large flock of this si)e(!ies on the coast of Hon- duras, and obtained several examples. Mr. (Jrayson found it at Mazatlan, where it makes its appearance in September and October, and where it remains through the w inter months. Mr. Dresser mentions it as being connnon at the mouth of the IJio (Irande during the summer; but he noticed none at Galveston. At the lagoons near Matanioras he often saw twenty or thirty of these birds at one time. Mr. X. B. iloore writes from Sarasota 15ay, Fla., that he was surprised to see, on the last day of June, 1873, two groups of this species, of five each, in a strong gale from the southwest, scudding toward the south. They were in their young plumage, and passed (pute near him. After this none were seen until August l». He inferred tliat some breed in that neighborhood. This species is present on the coast of the Carolinas, for a few days only, after the second week in May, reappearing in August. Captain Blakiston obtained a specimen of this bird on the Saskatclu'wan ; Mr. Bi'rnard lloss met with it on the Mackenzie, and Mr. Murray i)rocured it on H\ul- smi's Bay. Richardson states that it is common in the interior of the Fur Countries, on the borders of lakes. It breeds chiefly in the swamps, and is said to feeil })rinci- pally ui)on winged insects. (Jiraud mentions the fact that the young of this species were found by Mr. Brasher ill the extensive meadows between the Passaic and the Ilackensack rivers, in August, ISl.'i, but neither its nest nor its eggs have ever been detected ; yet Giraud was con- iident that a few of these birds breed along the rush-covered nuirgins of the streams and ponds of Long Island. This Tern, he adds, is very strong and muscular, and pos- sesses great power of wing. It is very active in ])ursuit of its prey, but displays the timidity of disposition peculiar to its race, excej)t when defending its young. This bird is of occasional occurren<*e in Massachusetts after the breeding season. Mr. (Jeorge 0. Welch has procured si)ecimens in th(> marshes near the s'' ., in Lynn, late in the fall; and Mr. Maynard has obtained si)ecimens at Ipswich. Air. William Hrewster informs me that one was procured in his presence at Rye Beach, N. II. ; and it has also been taken at Nantucket. Hr. Cooper states that this Tern migrates through the interior valleys of Cali- fiivnia, and that some probably breed about the marshes within the State, especially in the mountains, as he met with it on the head-waters of the ^lohave River as late as tlie 7th of June. It is also common along clear water throughout the Rocky Mi'untains, especially in the cooler months, where it fishes pretty much in the same manner as the larger Terns, also feeding on insects, in pursuit of which it flies in the vor-. It. — 41 m «» 322 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. manner of Swallows. It is rarely seen on the racific sea-endire found this a common summer. resident in Eastern Oregon, breeding in colonies in several of the sloughs in the vicinity of Silver Itiver. He obtained a large number of their eggs, nearly fresh, June 1, 187G. Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian Collection, from California and from Pewaukee, "Wis., have a ground-color varying from a deep drab, or a brovvni.sh olive, to a light drab, and also to a light greenish drab. Tiie spots are numerous, evenly distributed, and are of a dull lavender-gray, brownish black, and umber-brown, intensi- fied to blackness. Specimens in my own collection, from Lake Koskonong, have tlie following average measurements : 1.21 by .90 inches ; 1.42 by 1.00; 1.37 by 1.00; l..'H) by .90. tif LAIUD.E — THE GULLS AND TEllNS — lIVmiUCllKLlDUM. 323 Hydrochelidon leucoptera. THE WHITE-WINGED BLACK TEB5. S/triia leucoptera, Meisnku & Sciii.nz, Viig. Schwciz, 1815, 204. HijdrucluUdoiL Irucopln-d, Hon:, Isis, 1822, 563. — Savsdkhs, 1'. /. S. 1876, 641. — RiixiW. Ndin. N. Am. H. 1881, 110. 694. — t'oUES, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 807. llijdruchnlidun niijra, GllAY, Oeii. B. III. 1849, 660 (not Skma nujnt, Ll.N.s.). — CoUEs, B. N. \V. 1874, 709. Jlydroclielidon sublcucoptcra, BitEiiM, Vogclfang, 1855, 350. IIaii. Paliuarctic Uej,'ioii, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Casual or accidental in Eastern Xmtli America (Wisconsin ; Kumlien). .Si'. Chau. Adult, in summer: Head, neck, and lower parts, except anal refjion and crissnni, uniforni sooty black, deeper black on the head and neck ; back, scai>ulars, tertials, and ujiper part (if runii) jdunibeous ; wings silvery },'ray, becoming gradually white on the anterior lesser coverts. Lower part of rump, and upper tail-coverts, white, sometimes tinged with bluish gray ; tail gray- isli white or i)ale grayish, the feathers tinged with deeper grayish toward ends. Anal n'gion and lower tail-coverts pure white. Lining of the wing, and axillars, dark pUnnbeous. Lill diuk brownish ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet pale inownish, in the dried skin. Wing, 7.(50-8.20 inches (average, 7.!)!)) ; tail, 2.8()-:j.25 (S.OO) ; culnien, .00-.!)") (.04) ; di'iith of liill through ba.se, .20 ; tarsus, .70-.7r) (.71) ; middle toe, .(H)-.nr> (.(il). [Four specimens.] The single American specimen examined (the only one known — No. ()G2i;J, 9 '"l-, Lake Kos- koiiong. Wis. ; Th. Kumi.ien), has the wing and tail nnich shorter than either of the three KMro|iean sixjcimen.s, measuring, respectively, only 7.(iO and 2.80 inches again.st 8.tX) and 3.00 — the minimum of the same measurements in the Eurojiean examples. The ocourrcnce of a single specimen of this well-known European species within the limits of the United States is an interesting incident of comparatively reiHMit occurrence. It was taken by Ludwig Kumlien, tlie son of the well-known ornitholo- gist, I'rofessor Thure Kumlien, on lUack-hawk Ishind, Koskonong Lake, July 5, LST.'J. It was a female, ai)parently breeding, and flying in company with a flock of the common Ulack Tern. The eggs in its ovaries were as large as Xo. (5 shot. In Europe this species is a common companion of //. nifjr<(, and rather a southern species than a northern one. It is of only occasional occurrence in (Jreat IWitain, and is merely accidental in Sweden, in both of which countries the IJlack Tern is comparatively common. Mr. Wheelwright states that only a single example of this s[)ecies has been seen in South Sweden. A solitary specimen was shot on the Shannon Kiver in 1841 ; this was supposed to be a form of the lUack Tern, and was for a while so labelled in the museum of the Dublin Natural History Society. Another specimen was shot near Yarmouth, England, May 17, 1853. According to Temminck, tills Tern inhabits the bays ami inlets of the shores of the Mediterranean, and is very common about Gibraltar. It visits also the lakes, rivers, and marsh(>s of the countries in the vicinity of the Alps. It is said to be very common .about the lakes of Lucamo, Lugano, Couio, Iseo, and Garda, and is occasionally seen on the Lake of (Jeneva. It is included by Dr. Schinz among the birds of Switzerland, and has also been jirocured in France and Belgium. lirehm includes it in his work on the Hirds of Gfi'inany, and Nilsson in his Fauna of Scandinavia, as a very rare straggler ; and Savi and Malherbe give it as a bird of Italy. Mr. Drummond met with it in Northern Africa, near Tunis. It is said to be common in spring in Dalmatia. Its habits do not appear to differ essentially from those of its near relative. If. nif/nt. Its occurrence in the Transvaal, in Africa, renders it probable that this sjiecies may be more or less generally distributed over the whole of that continent. Mr. T. n 324 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. Ayres mentions seeing several of these birds hawking for insects over a swamp sonic eight miles from I'otchefstroom. He speaks of their fiiglit us being slow, uncertain, and wavy. Their stomachs were found to contain insects. Genus ANOUS, Lkacii. Anous, Leach, Stoplicns' (len. Zool. XIII. 1826, 139 (type, Stcnia stoHda, Linn.). Chau. Size rather small ; tail gradimted or wedge-sliaped ; webs of tlie toes coinpleti'ly filling; the interdijjitul spaces, and not at all scalloped out anteriorly. Color uuiform dusky, becouiiij^ hoary on the forehead. , !:■ ,, .:! A. stolidas. Tlic genus Anous embraces but one North American 8}K'cies — the A. stolidns, Linn. In otiur portions of the world, more especially in the several regions of the Soutli Pacific Ocean, sevenil other more or less nearly reLited species occur, only one of which (.1. vielanogenys) reaches the American coast. Their characters are as follows : — A. Lores dusky, in abrupt and marked contrast with the hoary of the forehead. a. Forehead onlij distinctly u-hitish. 1. A. stoliduB. Plumage sooty brown, gradually lightening into hoary gray on the nape and pileum. 6. Entire jiikum distinctly ivhitish, 2. A. melanogenys.' White of the pileum changing gradually into ashy on the n.ipe ; plumage of the hody .sooty brown. 3. A. leucocapilluB.^ White of the pileum abruptly defined posteriorly against the sooty brown of the nape ; plumage of the body sooty black B. Lores hoary whitish, like the forehead. 4. A. tenuirostris.^ Iloary ash of occiput and napt; changing gradually into sooty brown on the chin and throat, the cheeks also being grayish brown. * Ancus melanogenvs, Gray. Anous mclanogcnijs, Grav, Oen. B. Ill 1849, 661, pi. 182; Hamll. III. 1871, 123. — Savn- DEiis, P. Z. S. 1876, 670, pi. 61, fig. 2. Anoii.1 tcnuirostris, Scu & Salv. P. Z. S. 1871, 566. — CouEs, B. N. W. 1874, 710, footnote. Ilab. Intertropical seas and coasts, from Australia, Africa, and throughout Polynesia, to ('ciilrMl America, breeding in immense numbers along the coast of Honduras, and undoubtedly to be detecteil along the Gulf Coast of tlie United States. * Anous leucocapillus, Gould. Amus leucocapillus, Goui.n, P. Z. S. 1845, 103 ; Birds Anstr. pt. vii. 1848, pi. 35. — Savn- DEiis, p. Z. S. 1876, 670, pi. Ixi. fig. 3. ffab. Kaincs Islet, Australia ; Bristow Island, south coast New Guinea ; Paumotu Islands. * Anous tenuiuostris, Temm. Sterna tcnuirostris, Temm, PI. Col. 202 (1838). Anous tf.nuirostris, Saunders, P. Z. S. 1876, 670, pL Ixi. fig. 1, Anous viclanops, Gould, P. Z. S. 1845, 103 ; B. Austr. pt. vii. 1848, pi. 34. Hob, Senegal ; Kmlriguez and ilauritius ; Houtniann's Abrolhos, west coast Aiistralia. LARIDJJ — THE GULLS AND TERNS — ANOUS. AnouB stoliduB. 325 THE NODDY TERN. Sterna stolida, Linn. S. N. cd. 10, 1. 1758, 137 ; ed. 12, I. 17S6, 227. — Nutt. Man. H. 1834, 28.5, — AUD. Om. Hiog. III. 1835, .116; V. 1839, 642, iil. 275; Synop. 1831», 322; H. Am. Vli. 1844, 153, pi. 440. .liwussloli(lii.i,C,K\\, last Gen. B. III. 1841, 100. — Lawk, in Haird'a B. N. Am. 18.'i8, 86:>. — BAiun, (Jut. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 696. — C'oues, Key, 1872, 323; Cheek List, 1873, no. 576 ; 2d ed. 1882, no. 808 ; Birds N. W. 1874, 710. — Saundeus, P. Z. S. 1876, 669. — Kiuuw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 695. Sterm/uscata, Lisn. S. N. I. 1766, 228. Sterna pikatn, Sioi-oi.i, Del. Faun, ct Flor. Ins. I. 1786, 92, no. 73 (e.\ Sonn. Voy. 125, pL 85). Aiioic.i Htger, Stepiikns, (ien. Zool. XIII. 1826, 140, pi. 17. Anous SiMdicca, Stephens, in Shuw's Gen. Zool. Xlll. 1826, 143 (young). Sterna unicolor, Nokdm. in Krni. Verz. v. Thier. & Pll. 1835, 17. Awms RoussetiHii, Haiiti,. Beitr. Orn. Madngasc. 1860, 86. Ammnfraler, C'ofEs, I'i-. Tliil. Aeai'oiis, in abrupt and marked contrast with the white or pale ashy of the forehead. Remiges, piiinary -coverts, and tail dusky brown, the primaries nearly black. Bill deep black ; iris brown ; "f';et dull brownish red, the webs dusky, the claws black" (Audubon). Young? (No. 67323, mi H' '1| ■ 5f B fi B ■ ■; ' ;, ; '. ■ 1 j i 1 32G LONG-WINOED SWIMMERS — LONGIPEXNES. Pulinym Isluiul ; T. II. Streets) : Similur, but liwul uniform j^rayiHli l)ro\vn, the frontk't hoiii v graviMli. Tolul length, about 1().(X) iiichus ; extent, :U.(H) ; wiiii;, KMKi-lO.riO ; tail, (i.lH) ; culnien, 1.75 ; dejitii of bill at base, .38 ; tawun, 1.0(» ; niiiliUe toi', witii iluw, 1. ■!.'). There is con.sideralile vuriation ainon;^ diirerenl siarinieii.s in rf;;ar(l to the color of the ])ilfuni, which is friMiucnlly grayish, the e.vtrenie anterior part of the forehuud only white. In donie examples the head mid neck uic deciiledly plumbeous. The common Noddy Tern appears to be an intertropical species, and to be found round the entire surface of the globe, both north and soutli of the eipuitor, at a di.s- tance from it of randy exceeding thirty degrees north or south. While the specinuMis from the shores and ishmds of the Tacitie Ocean differ, with considerable uniformity, in certain respects from those obtained on the Atlantic coast, these differenctes arc small and unimportant, and apparently not sutticient to warrant us in sepiirating specuiically the birds of tht; Atlantic froju those of the I'acitic. This being the case, it is evident that this bird has a very extended range. It is mentioned by the naturalists connected with the Wilkes Expedition as havini,' been observed at widely distant points in the I'acitic Ucean. Oiu; speciiuen having been attracted by the ship's light at night, was obtained by ^Ir. i'eale on the ecpiator, in longitude 17° 44', in the Atlantic Ocean. It was not distinguishable from othci's obtained at the Dangerous Archipelago or New Zealand. Unlike the Sooty Tern, the presence of tliis bird does not indicate the vicinity of land. On the islands of the Pacific Mr. Peale found it building its nests of sticks, on trees ; the eggs being brown- ish white, spotted with reddish brown, 2.20 inches long and 1.50 inches in breadth. Dr. Pickering mentions this species as of common occurrence at Gardner's Island, August 19. Its nest was built in the fork of a tree, with niucdi more care than is usual in this family. The egg or young was single in all instances noticed. Subse- quently at sea, September 4, he states that one of this species alighted on the tatfrail, and was taken by hand. It had very limited power of perching, and jtreferred walk- ing. At first it seemed awkward and confused, but in an hour became accustomed to confinement, and very carefully adjusted its feathers. It was set at liberty in tlic afternoon, but would not leave the ship for some time. The occurrence of this bird at nearly all the points visited by the Expedition in the Southern Pacific Ocean is mentioned by Dr. I'ickering. Mr. J. C. JMelliss (" Ibis," 1870) speaks of this species as being a common bird on the Island of St. Helena. It is described as a less shy and retiring species than the other sea-birds, frequenting the roadstead, where, in the neighborhood of ships ridini; at anchor, it may be seen sitting on the surface of the water, or in close proximity to a boat. It inhabits principally the cliffs of the islets — as, for instance, Egg Island — where it breeds in swarms. It does not associate there with any other birds, but is one of the most abundant species. Mr. Stoltenhoff states that he found this bird breeding on Inaccessible Island, ou(! of the Tristan d'Acunha grovip, where it is called the "Wood Pigeon." It arrives about the middle of September, and nests about the middle of November, building a nest of sticks, leaves, etc., in the branches of trees. One egg only is laid, and this is hatched in January. It builds all over the island, which it leaves the third week in April. It also breeds on Ascension Island — where it is not numerous — in company Avith a few Gannets, on small rocky islets off the northwest corner of the main island. This species is also included by Mr. G. R. Gray in his List of the IJirds of Now Zealand and of the Adjacent Islands. Mr. Edward Newton found it breeding on the LARIDyE — TIIK GULLS AND TKUNrt - ANGUS. 327 :ilk- 10(1 to in tlir l)iv(l cciin is l)iril 1)11 lilU tilt' vidiiu-! imity 1o and — but is uul, OIU! arvivi'S likliiig a il this is week in my Avitli uul. of Nf^v g on the Island of Rodriguez, near Mauritius. Mr. K. Swinlioe states tiiat in the harbor of Sawo, on tlie northeast side of Formosa, a few of tliese Terns were found breeding (111 the (diffs. One individual Hew into his boat, and v. knoeked down by a sailor. Another was brought to liiui alive. In tlie voyage r iid tlie island he freciuently noticed these birds crossing and reerossing his wake, as if searching for food in tlio froulded waters stirred up l)y the steamer's paddh^s. Tiujy always ktipt a long (iistance in the rear, and made no attemjit to come on board. This Tern was observed on tlie Pacific coast of Guatemala by Mr. Salvin. In ^lay, IS.W, he also met with it near tlie Island of St. Jolin's; and presumt's that it jjiobably occurs about St. Croix. On the coast of Honduras he visited its breeding-idace, where it was nesting, in company with the J. mddiwiji'ui/s. Its nest was a large loose structure made of sticks heajied together at the top of a coeoanut-tree, or on llio outer brancdies of a mangrove. The bird was as tame as jiossilile, and was not at all disturbed when Mr. Salviu climbed the tree on which it was nesting. The eggs liad all been hatched. Mr. Grayson found it breeding on Isabella Island, on the north end of which, as lie states, tliese birds were present in largi; communities, their nests being built upon shelving rocks beneatli the overhanging cliffs, like those of the Mud-Swallow. In one particular locality there were a great many of these birds, and when they were fived at they cann; down in swiirni over tins canoe, circding around like Swallows. The nests were all placed close together, and were inaccessible. A single individual of this species is stated by Alajor Wedderburn to have been tiikcn in Bermuda, September, 1854. Audubon found the Noddies on one of the Tortugas, called Noddy Key. There till y formed regular nests of twigs and dry grass, which they placed on low trees or hushes, but in no instance on the ground. On the 11th of May, 1832, he found 111 repairing and augmenting old nests, while others were construct'iug new ones. Some were already sitting on their eggs. Some of the nests were two feet in lieight: yi't in all there was only a slight depression on the top. Audubon — disagreeing with most observers — states that the Noddy lays three eggs ; Avhile others say that it never has more than one. He describes the eggs as of a reddish-yellow color, spotted and patched with dull red and faint purple, and gives their measurement as 2.00 inches in length and 1..37 in breadth — which is considerably less than the average. They are said to be excellent eating. Tliis bird was observed to go far out to sea to collect its food, which consisted of fish canglit on the floating .seaweed by skimming close over the surface, in the manner of Gulls. When seized by the hand it is said to utter a rough cawing cry, not unlike that of a young Crow. Jlr. Eichard Hill, of Jamaica, (pioted by ^Ir. Gosse, speaks of its breeding on the I'edio Keys. The only vegetation is a low stunted kind of tree known as saiTron- Wdod — the " tea-shrub " of the Hahama Islands. Among their branches, at a very siiKiU elevation from the ground, the Noddies build nests which grow larger by aecu- miilations of materials; these nests being repaired and used again in successive seasons. They are exceedingly shallow, with scarcely any hollowing at all, and are generally embellished with an addition of broken sea-shells — such being selected as are spotted and speckled, like the eggs. The object of this curious feature in their construction is not at all understood. Tlie eggs of this species have a white ground, Mith a well-marked creamy tinge, and some have a distinctly cream-color, almost buffy. The spots are few and small, and are chiefly about the larger end. In a few instances they are larger. The color Is usually a dark chestiuit, with subdued shell-markings of lavender gray. 328 LONU-WIXUED SWIMMDKS — I.ONliirHNNKi?. Family STKIJCOKAHIID.K. — Tmk Skias am* .Taf.i;kus. CllAK. Covoriiijj; oi tlu' maxilla not ontiiv, as in tlio Lvidtr, the basal half Ihmiij; funiisluHl with a hoiuv iviv. the lowor odgo i>f whii'h ovoihaiij^rs {\w nostrils ; toi's fully wohlvil ; olaws strongly rurvod ; tail nion.' or loss urailuatoil. tho oontral pair of rootrioi's jn'ojoiting a givator or loss distanoo boyond tho rost. Tho Family Stirronrn'ititr is sojiarablo from tho /.urAAr I'hiotly on aooount of tlio juvuliar bill, whii'h shows a not distant approaoh in oharaotor to that of sou\o tonus of tho litipfoir.i. 'I'lu' sjiooios aro all ju'odatiiry in thoir naturo. tho smallor kinds luratinii uium tho tinlls and i>thor soa-fowl. tho largor onos Ivating alonji tho shon-s. or ovon ovor tho land, and inoyinjx upon various birds, muoh in tho maimor o( the Fnlfoni(itr. Imlood it is said that at Korijuolou Island tin- .J/»;/<(/«'.s7m nntun'tlru.t is sohlom soon noar tho wator, but koops strictly to tho land, whoro it is vory ilostruotivo to l>uoks and otl\or wator-fowl. Tho two North Amorioan ijonora may bo thus dotinod : — Megalestris. Si/.o laiyo (about i'lli of tho l>ill tlmuigh tlic l>ast' (Hpial lo ouo half or inoiv of tho U>ii^th f tho luaiuiiMo moas- uivil aloH;4 tho sido ; tai'sus shoitor tlian tho niidiUo too and olaw ; tail sliort, tho middK' n'olriios soarooly projooting lioyond tho rost. Btercorarius. Sizo niodiinu (aluun that of tho iiu'diiun-si/od liuUss, Lini.< dtliiiftiiymii! and CiiiiHf), fiu'in nioiv j;va»'ofiil and sloiidor ; dopth iif bill thiMUgh tho liaso loss than ono lialf tho loiij,'tli of llio inandililo. moasmvd as almvo ; tai-sns dooidodlv U>iigor than iho niid.dlo toe anil olaw ; midiUo ivoliiois (in full adult birds) pivjoctiiij; far boyoud tho rost. iH Wl' , {S'Jr i> II tiKMs MEGALESTRIS, Hoxai-ahtk. Cithrti-iiclii, Prd-NN. Oin. Hoi-. ITiil, :!- (ty|>i', ('. sku,i, Hiu^nn.) ; n.-o ('.iM(ini.-/i>', Hiass. 17('.0. M^ijiilt-.itn.i. UoNAr. I'at. raiziidaki, l!>.'>ii. 11 (tyiv, /.>i;-i(,< iiitamichs, laNN. — - CiiM.inii/.i fkur., n-.i-NS.). Btiphiuiir. '• MoKUl!.," l\>OKs, Vv. Pliil. Aiad. lS(>;t, l.'j (saiuo fyiv). Tho ohnnu'tors of this gonus havo hoon sutlioiontly iiidioatod abovo. Oidy tlm>o spooios (jh i haps inoiv jiroporly goosiniphioal raoos) an' kiiiuvu, hut ono of whioh (.U. diiii) holongs to liio North Auiorioaii fauna; tho othor two luloiiging, ono to I'hili, tho otlior to tho Antarotio soas. Megalestris skua. THE SKUA OULL. Citfhnriu-ta ^•^l(lT, RnuNN. Oni. IVir. 17tU, Xi. J)tii>hn,,ux skua, Coi'Ks, Pi-. Acad. Nit. Soi. Phdnd. IStW, I'jr. ; H. N. W. 1,<74, 604. Slfn-»inriii,i {l!ici>hiuj\i.i) dmi, ColK.s, Koy, lS7'i, 30!>. .S7i'ivi>niri'»,« .s-^Kii, Cooks, (Mioi'k List, 187:1, i!o. 5;ll> ; od. "J, ISS'J, no. 7lM. Afi-ijiili-.tlri.i slmi, Kii>iiW. Noiu. N. Am. H. ISSl, wo. (liHi. L(!, -.'Jti. L,:iln!n;ilanwti:i, Ii.i.n'.. Vwih: isil. •J7'.' Nrrr. Man. II. ^M^. iWi. iHi-rcorariii.iciiliirr1>, no. nsf,>> iiiul islaiu's of tho Xorth Atlantic, .hiilly uorth\v!»i\l. In Amoriin, south to c>>;Uit of Now Kiijjhuiil (Xl.is'i.'ulmsctts ; sjhv in V. S. N;it. Miis.>. Sr. (.""UAli. Adult : rtvviiiliiii; oolor ilull linnviii^li, tlio inti'i-soajmljiiN, soitimlitrs. rtiul wiiij;- lovorls stripi'il ii'utnillv wiili \K\\y limuinu'ii ; tViitlu-i-s of tlio head aiul luvk nmrkoil witli narrow mosial stn'rtks of tlio ^•alno ; lower i>avt:= luixod UHldisli oiimnmou ami i;ravish tin>wii. in ill (U-liniM strii'i's laterally. Imt nearly \inifonn on llio liria^t anil aluloincn. Kcniij^'s, juiniary I'ovort.i, anil alula- I'lMwnish ilusky, tlio former white l>a.<;illy ; this white ,Mnee >leil on the seeoiularies, but form- ill;,' an extensive exposeil jiateh on the jnimariis. Tail nniform ilnsky hrowii. Hill iliisky ; iris hiown ; loi^s aiiil feet Maek. Vi'mi;;; Heail, neek, aiiil lower parts niiit'orni ijrayish hrowii, tlit' lewer surtaee tiii;:eil with einiiamon ; \\\\- \M.'V jiarts darker m-ayish bivwii. lii,'litest on the baik and lesser win;j;-eoverts, whel^' Yii\ iiiilistiiietly spottisl with nisiy ein- iiameii. I'lill anil feet brownish. Wii'i:, l.").7.'>-lt).l"> iiiehes (averaLre, lo.iO') ; eulnien, -IM ; deiiv- seiilative * of thi.s sjieeies to be easily ilis- tir.,'iiisliable, the eolors Iviiiij appiviiatily 'lilhrent in all, ami the mea.siiremeiits all miii'h j,'ivater. The .series in iiuestion (:ivi ■■; the followiiii; as the ivsult.s of oatv- I'li! iiieasnivnients : Wiiij;, U).0,"i-U! !H> iiiv 111 s (avor;i),i', Iti.dS) ; eulnien, i.StV-d.M (:2.;i7) ; ilejith of bill thiMUgh Use, .1)5-1. IH> (.S)S) ; MfiMlatriif Aim. ' MKDAi.isruis sKfv ANrAiicrioA. - Aiitaivtie Skua. l.intris iiiitiDYticii.i, l.Kss. Tniite, ISlU. liOti. Stcrooi^riux nntaivtii'ii.i. Honai". I'oiisp. II. 1S."iti, 'J07. Hiiyhiuiun tintan-lii-iis, C'n-V.>i. IV. .\e, Nat. Si'i. riiilail. ISlilt, V.'T Hiit'hiujiis iik-iiit, h. iinliiixtii'iis, Coi'ks, H, N W. I.sri, tlO.'i. H' has never seen it, nor met with it in local collections; nor does he know of its having been identified on that coast by any one. Mr. Kumlieu procured a single specimen of this species at sea, lat. 41° N., GG° W. ; and others were seen at the time. It is of frerpient occurrence on the George's and other banks in the winter. He met '.vith it near Lady Franklin Island, nortli of Hudson Strait, in September. Tlie birds then were with their young on the rocks. A single sjiecimen was procured off the coast of Massachusetts in the summer of 1878. It was taken alive by Captain Daniel Carroll, of Gloucester, on George's liank, early in July, with the aid of a fish-hook, and was kept by him on his fishing-schooner a number of days. As it refused food it was thrown overboard ; but fortunately was found and preserved by I'rofessor I5aird, and is now in the National ^Museum ;it Washington. It is mentioned by Mr. G. 11. (iray as having a habitat at Campbell Island, Norfolk Islaiul, and Macaulay Island. Mr. C. A. Wright (•• Ibis," 18(54) records the capture of a single specimen of this species on the 9th of June, 18(50, at Salini, on the north coast of Malta. JFr. A. G. ^fore ("Ibis," 18G5) states that the Great Skua only breeds, within the limits of Great Britain, in the Shetland Islands, where its nesting lias long been known. There the birds extend to the Island of Uist, a little beyond lat. 01° X. It is said by ^h: Wheelwright to be rare in the south of Scandinavia — never being seen in the Baltic or in the Sound — but more common on the west coast of Norway.' This bird is said to be common off the coast of Spain in the winter, outside of the Straits of Gibraltar. Professor Alfred Newton speaks of it as abundant off the coast of Iceland, ami occasionally breeding some distance inland. According to Faber it is resident there all the year; he names four places in the southern iiart of that island where he lias known it to breed. Dr. Kriiper saw it in the north of Iceland in the summer tiiiin, so that it probably breeds there also. It is known to inhabit the Fariie Islands. Ii the Island of Uist it is strictly preserved by the proprietors, the belief being general that this bird Avill defend the flocks from the attacks of the Golden Eagle It is known to attack and drive off an Eagle if the latter approaches the nest of tlic Skua, jSIr. Dunn having been eyewitness to an occurrence of this kind at llona's Hill. It is also a great favorite with the fishermen, who consider its accompanying tlit ir boats to the fishing-grounds as being a favorable omen, and in return give it the refuse of the fish they catch. This bird does not associate in flocks, and two or more pairs are rarely seen together. In the autumn and winter this Skua visits the coasts of Ireland, England, Franci'. Holland, and (iermany. It is noted for its coiirnge and daring, and for the predahn y attacks with which it harasses the Gulls, and compels them to disgorge the fi^li ' Acroinlin;; to later authorities, this specii's is of rare ami ratlirr sjiorailic ofcurroni'a along tlje Norwegian coast. nor STERCORARIID.E — THE SKUAS AND JAEGERS — STERCORARIUS. 331 wliich they have swallowed. As soon as the; fish has been disgorged, the Skua swoops down upon it with so rapid a movement and so sure an aim as frequently to seize tlie prize before it reaches the water. This bird is on this account known to some as the " Parasitic Gull." It is supposed to be a bird of great longevity. Yarrell states tliat a specimen brought alive to Dr. Neill in the sununer of 1820 — then a nestling — was alive at the Cannon-mills in October, 1843. Its plumage in its twenty -fourth yi'ar had become very pale, and its head was grayish white. Another bird was kept alive by Mr. G. T. Fox for ten years, undergoing no change of color at any of its nioultings. This bird lays two or three eggs, olive-brown in color, blotched with darker brown, 2.75 inches in length and 2.00 in breadth. An egg in the Smithsonian Collection, from Greenland (No. 2G58), measures 2.90 by 1.95 inches, has a ground-color of a dark grayish drab, with irregular spots of raw-umber and sepia. Another specimen, measuring 2.55 by 1.95 inches, has markings much deeper in color and more distinct. ll 111! ) in Genus STERCORARIUS, Brisson. Stercorariiis, Bnis.s. Orii. V. 1760, 149 (type, Lurits parasiticus, Lin'N.), Lestris, Illic. Prod. 1811, 272 (same type). The difference between tliis genus ami Megalcstris consists chiefly in the srnnllcr size and more sk'uder, <,'raceful form of Stircorarius, the increu.seil slenderness extending (b all parts of the organ- ization. One of the three known species dilfers considerably in form frwu the other two, wLiuU are so much alike that they are sometimes with dilHculty distinguished from each other. •f bcin;,' Eagli'. of tlie ,a*s Hill. ng their it tho or more Fraiv'. redatoiy the ti>li nions til'' S. parasiliats. Synopsis of Species. A. Middle rectriccR broad and rounded at ends. 1. S. pomarlnuB. Wing, about IS.no-U.lKl inches; middle tail-feathers, 8.00-9.00; culmen, 1.45-1. ."55; tarsus, 2.10; middle t(w (without claw), l.G()-1.76. B. Middle reotricos attenuated and ])(iintod at ends. 2. S. parasitioiM. Wing, 11.80-i:i 15 inches (average, 12.07) ; central rectrices, 7.70-10.25 (8.66) ; cidmen, 1.15-1.40 (1.27); tarsus, 1.50-1.85 (1.70) ; middle toe, 1.20-1.45 (1.34). Tarsi black in adult ; nasal shield longer than the distance from the anterior edge of the nostril to the tip of the bill. 332 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. 3. S. longicaudus. Wing, 11.55-12.85 inches (averii<;f, 12.2r)); ccntnil roctrice.s, 10.5(>-14.5() (12.89) ; culmt'ii, 1.10-1.30 (1.19) ; tarsus, 1.50-1.80 (l.(i(i) ; midclle toe, 1.08-1.30 (1.20). Tai-si light hhiish in adult ; nasal shield not longer than the distance from anterior end of nostril to tip of bill. Stercorarius pomaiinus. THE FOMABUIE JAEOEB. Lams pomarinus, Temm. Man. Oiii. 1815, 514. — Sw. & llitu. F.B. A. II. 1831, 429. — Nutt. Man. II. 1834, 315. — AUD. Orii. Biog. 111. 1835, 396 ; Syuop. 1839, 332 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 180, pi. 451. Stcrcorarim pomarinus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. XXXII. 1819, 158.— Lawh. in Biiird's B. N. Am. 1858, 838. — Baikd, Cat,. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 053. Stercorarius pomutorhinus, Newto.v, Ibi.s, 1805, 509. — Coue.«, Key, 1872, 309; Clieck List, 1873, no. 540 ; ed. 2, 1882, no. 705 ; B. N. W. 1874, 607. — Kidgw. Xom. X. Am. B. 1881, no. 697. Hab. Northern portion of northern hemisphere, on the seas and larger inland waters, but chiefly maritime. South, in Nortli America, to New Jersey and the Great Lakes. Si'. Chau. Adult, lightest phase : Pileuni, lores, and malar region, with entire upper surface, except tiie nape, uniform dark sooty slate, with a sliglit plumbeous tinge in certain liglits ; anal region and crissum uniform plumb<.'ous-slate, sometimes mixed with whitish. Rest of the licad and neck (including entire nape), and lower parts, except as described, immaculate white, the auricular region more or less deeply tinged with straw-yellow. Bill brownish white (ihill brownish in the dried skin), the terminal thint black ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet black, sometimes clouded with bluish.^ Adult, usual plumage: Similar to the above, but juguhmi and nape barred or transversely spotted with dusky, and the sides irregularly barred with the same. Adult, melanotic phase: Entirely dark sooty slate, with a plumbeous cast in certain lights. Young, light phase: Head, neck, and lower parts dull bnft", everywhere harried with dusky ; the bars broad and sharply defined on the crissum and flanks, faint or nearly obsolete on the head and neck. Upper parts brownish dusky, the scapulars and interscapulars tipped with buff, the rump and upper tail-coverts spotted with the same. Young, dark phase : Whole plumage sooty slate, the breast, a))domen, and sides narrowly and rather indistinctly, the crissum and ui)per tail-coverts broadly and sharply, barred with deep buff. Total length, about 20.00 inches; extent, 48.00 ; wing, 13.50-14.00; tail, 8.00-9.00; culnien, 1.45-1.75 ; tarsus, 2.(H)-2.10 ; middle toe (without claw), 1.00-1.75. In the above diagnosis we have descrilted the light and dark extremes of coloration, with an intermediate phase which characterizes perhaps a majority of individuals of thi:i species. Scarcely two specimens are exactly alike, however, in the details of coloration, every condition between the light and dark extremes existing in n large series. The Pomarine Skua, or Gull Hunter, is an eminently Arctic species, resident during the summer in high northern regions, cliiefly witliin the Arctic Circle, and extending from Siberia, in Eastern Asia, entirely around the zone. It breeds so exclusively in remote and inaccessible places that but little is comparatively known of its habits at that season. In the fall and in winter it is a great wanderer, and 1 Adult iwrh ■ "Bill bliicki.sh brown nt tlin end, dingy yellow towanl the base ; iris brown ; tibin, toes, webs, and lower half of tarsus black ; the upper half light blue ; claws black " (Audubon). S. pomarinus. ;ulincii, !sident H>, ami ?(lS KO Iknown ]er, and ; tibiu, STERCORARTID.E — THE SKUAS AND JAEGERS — STERCOR A RIUS. 333 is occasionally seen in the interior, on the Great Lakes, and on both of the Atlan- tic shores, and is found far down the southern coast, to Africa on the east, and to I'lorida on the west. It is abundant during the winter on the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts, and is the common Gull Hunter of our fishermen. Single examples have been taken on Lake Michigan in midwinter. A single example of tliis species was procured by Mr. MacFarlane on the Lower Anderson River, near the Arctic Ocean ; it was shot in June, 18G.'i. It Avas not noted by Mr. Dall as occurring in Alaska, and no specimen was secured ; but Mr. Hannister i'(ecies. No specimen has, however, been actually secured at Spitzbergen. An immature bird of this species is mentioned by Giraud as having been shot on the south shore of Long Island. Its occurrence on that coast he regarded as exceedingly rare. An example is recorded as liaving been obtained, July 4, 18G9, on the Susquehanna, in Lancaster County, Pa., by Mr. Vincent Barnard; and an a.0 H, bird was secured by Professor Baird, during the summer of 1840, at Hiarrisburg, o.. the same river. Such occurrences, of course, can only be regarded as accidental, and funnot be readily accounted for. J. Matthew Jones records (" Am. Nat." IV. 2/53) that, Oct. 4, 1869, a fine example of this species was shot at Digby, N. S. Professor Newton states that on his voyage to IVfadeira the steamer in which he was a passenger was followed by a company of jibout thirty birds of this species, wliii'h kept in close attendance while the vessel was Aveather-bound at Torbay ; .and aliont as many more were around each of two other craft detained in like manner. Till' birds were very tame, coming close alongside the quarter-tleck in quest of food ; ami dire was the strife and loud the contention as one lucky bird after another seized I'll llil p ' r 334 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. ! ! I upon some choice morsel and conveyed it far astern to be devoured. A single speci men is recorded by Sclienibri, a naturalist of Malta, as having been captured at si-a about twenty miles north of that island. According to the observations of Jlr. H. Saunders, made at Malaga, this species is the most abundant of the three kinds of Skuas occurring on the coast of Spain in winter, and chiefly on the Atlantic side. It is given by Middendorff as occurring on the tundras of Northern Siberia, and is included in the list of those most Arctic in their distribution. It was met witli by Mr. G. Gillett on tlie coast of Nova Zcmbla ; and Von Heuglin also states that it is by far the most common species in that island, cas well as on Waigatsch. He found it feeding i)rincipally on lemmings (JTi/odes) ; and it was not unfrequently seen in flottks, especially on the ice-fields. According to the observations of Mr. Wheelwriglit, it is rarely seen in tlie sum- mer on the Scandinavian coast below the Arctic Circle. It is not known witli certainty to breed on the coast of Norway, and is nowhere so common as is the /mrd- siticu/>. It is occasionally seen, late in autumn, in the Cattegat and the I'altic. He adds that, so far as his experience goes, the eggs of all the Skuas have much the same appearance ; they have a pale olive-green or yellowish-gray ground-color, and are irregularly blotched and sjjotted with two shades of reddish brown. The eggs of Mcgalestris skua are easily recognized by their size ; those of the other three species are with difficidty distinguished from each other. They all vary in size, shape, and color. The egg of the pomarinus is usually thinner and more pointed at the smaller end than are the other two; but there is hardly any difference between the eggs of 2>ni'(isitlcus and loiif/icaudvs, except, perhaps, that the egg of the latter species is thicker and a little blunter at the larger end, and usually greener in color, especially when first taken. Sommerfeldt states erroneously that tlie Pomarine Skua breeds inland, a little way from the coast. The Pomarine Skua does not breed in any part of Great Britain, and is only a winter visitor there, coming down the lines both of the eastern and the western coast in the autumn — some remaining on the southern shores all winter. It also visits the shores of Germany, Holland, and France ; and several young birds ai)pear almost every year on the lakes of Switzerland, Professor Newton speaks of this species — which he calls the Pomatorrhine Skua — as having been observed by several travellers in Iceland, but as not being com- mon there. He saw but a single individual — on the day of his arrival at Reykjavik, April 27. This bird is also found on the Faroe Islands. In the several Arctic voyages it has been observed on the coast of Greenland, at Whale-fish Island, in Prince Eegent's Inlet, at ]\Ielville Island, and at Igloolik. A nest, containing two eggs, was found near Fury Point by Sir James C. Ross, on the margin of a small lake. This bird is said to form a rude nest of grass and moss, jdaced on a tuft in the marshes, or on a small rock. The eggs are two or three in number. Audubon, when within a few miles of the coast of Labrador, observed one of these Skuas approaching his vessel. It resembled, in its manner of flight, the Pigeon-hawk, alighting on the water like a Gull, and it fed on some codfish-liver thrown to it. (Mi the 30th of July a fine adult female was shot by one of the jiarty. During the preva- lence of a severe gale, while they were lying in the harbor of Pras d'Or, quite a num- ber came about their vessel, but none within gu' shot. They flew wildly about, witli much grace, moving rapidly to and fro, at one ti..ie struggling with the blast, and at another drifting with it, and chasing with success the smaller species of Gulls, but STERCORARIID.E — THK SKUAS AND JAEGERS — STERCORARIUS, 335 novor approaching the Ltvus mar hi us. They remained in the harbor until the gale liiul abated, when they all went to sea. A single example of this species was procured on the rrybiU)f Group by Mr. Elliott, and was the only one seen by liim. It is a rare visitor to those islands. An egg of this species, procured by Mr. Kumlien in Greenland, measures 2.25 inches ill length and 1.70 in breadth. lti< shape is a rounded ovoid; its ground-color a deep (jlive drab, sparingly spotted with ylate-colored markings, and others of botli a light ;uid a dark raw-umber color. Thest are chiefly at the larger end, where they become CDuflueut. There are also a very ftiw scattered dots of black. StercorariuB parasiticuB. PABASITIC TaEGEB; BICHABDSOR'S JAEGER. Laras parasitinis, Linn. S. N. eJ. 10, I. 1758, 136 ; cd. 12, I. 170ij, 'J2(J. Slermrarius parasiticus, Schaff. Mus. Oiii. 177t>, 62, pi. 37. — Lawk, in Ikird's 15. N. Am. 1858, 83!). — lUiim, Cat. N. Am. R. 1859, no. 654. — C'ouk.s, Key, 1872, 309 ; Check List, 1S73, no. 541 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 766 ; I?. N. W. 1874, 611. Calii rradcs parasita, Pall. Zoog. Kosso-As. IL 1826, 310. ? Calharada coprolhcrcs, HlirxN. Oin. Uoi'. 1764, 38. Calharada ccpphus, HkiJnn. Orn. Hor. 1764, 36. — Lkacii, Syst. Cat. 1816, 39. Lnriiscrrpidatus, Banks, Hawkesworth's Voy. II. 1773, 15. — G.M. S. X. II. 1788, 602. Skrcoriirius crepidatus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. 1819, 155. — Saundkk.s, P. Z. S. 1876, 326. — KiDGW. Nom. N. Am. H. 1881, no. 698. Lcslris Uichanlsoni, Sw. & Kicii. F. B. A. II. 1831, 433, id. 73. — Xrir. Man. II. 1834, 319. - AuD. Orn. Biog. III. 1835, 503 ; Synop, 1839, 332 ; P.. Am. VII. 1844, 190, \A. 452. Lfi^tris Boji, SMccpii, licnickii, BisEii.M, Lehib. Eur. Vog. 1824, 991, 993, 996. Lislris thuliaca, PiiEVEit, Reisc n. Island, 1862. Lcslris spinicandus, IlAr.DV, Ke\'. et Mag. Zool. 1854, 657. Sterconirius tcphras, .Mai.mgr. J. f. O. 1865, 392. Skrcorarius asiaticiis, HrsiE, Stray Fcath. 1873, 269. Had. Northern part of noithcni lieniispliere ; south in America to New York, Illinois, and Coldrado, and even to Rrazil (Rio de Janeiro; fide Saundeks, Jour. Linn. Soc. XIV. 392). Breeds in the Barren Ground.s of Arctic America. Si'. Chau. Adult, light ^^ihase: Entire pileuni, with lores, grayish brown; rest of the hc'id, with entire neck and lower parts as far as the crissum, white, the head and neck more or less Adult, dark phase . tiiij,'ed with straw-yellow. Upper parts uniform brownish slate, becoming gradually ilarker on the primaries and tail. Crissum uniform brownish gray. "Rill grayish black, the up|)er part hluisii ; iris brown ; legs and feet black" (ArnUBON). Adult, dark phase : Entirely nniforni dark 336 LONG-WINGED SWIMMKRS ~ LONOIPENNES. fuliginou8-8late, the reiniges darker, nearly Mack terininally. Young, light phase: Head and neck streaked with dusky brown and fulvous- l)uff, the latter usually predominating ; lower parts mow or less distinctly harred, or spotted transversely, with the same. Upper j)arts brownish dusky, all the I'eathei-s liordered terminally with fulvous-buff. Young, dark pluise : Prevailing color dark brownish slate, the winj^s and tail darker. Middle of the neck, all round, indistinctly streakcl with grayish white ; lower i)arts, except jugulum and upper ])art of brejist, barred with grayish white, the bars broad and sharply defined on the crissum. Scai)ular8, interscapulai-s, wing-coverts, upjier tail-covert«, and feathers of the rump narrowly tipped with pale dull buff. " Bill light blue, dusky at the end ; iiis brown ; tai-si and basal jmrtion of the toes and webs light blue, the rest black" (Auuubon). Downy young : Entirely silky grayish brown, lighter on the under surface. Adult, light phase. Total length, about 18.50 inches; extent, 40.00; wing, 11.80-13.15 (.worage, 12.67); middle tail-feathers, 7.70-10.25 (8.(!C), the lateral rectri.e.s, 4.{)0-(!.2.") (5.40) ; culmen, 1.15-1.40 (1.-27) ; tarsus, 1.50-1.85 (1.70) ; middle toe, 1.20-1.45 (1.34). i This species is almost if not quite as variable in idumage as the S. jmrnarinus, there being so much individual variation in this respect that we have described only the light and dark extrciins of coloration. As may be found noted under the head of that species, specimens occur which in every character of plum.ige, including length of the niidiUe rectrices, are intermediate between the present bird ami S. Umgicauflus. But there are two e.xcellent characters, to which our attention has been direetid by Dr. L. Slejneger, which nuiy always be relied on. These consist (I) in the color of the taisi, which in adult ^larrtsiViciw are always black, but in hmgknmlus light bluish (or, in dried skins, more or less olivaceous) ; and (2) in the different proportion.s of the bill, parasiticus having tie na.sal shield nnich longer, measured along the culmen, than the distance from the anterior bonier of the nostril to the tip of the bill, these measurements being equal in lonykaudus. The Parasitic Jaeger is a northern species, although not as exclusively boreal as are the ponuirlnus and the lonfficaudus. It is common both to Arctic America and to the more northern portions of Asia and of Europe. Messrs. Evans and Stuigf mention meeting with it on Spitzbergen. They saw it tormenting — as is its nianiur — almost every flock of Kittiwake Gulls and Terns, but they met with neither its nest, nor its eggs or young. Pennant narrates tliat the Arctic Skua — as he calls this species — was breeding, at his time, on the islands of Islay, Jura, and Ronii ; and Mr. A. G. More (" Ibis," 1865) thinks it highly probable that a few pairs still linger in some of the numerous islands of the Hebrides. It is said to be extimt at Jura. Thompson, in his "Birds of Ireland," states that a pair was shot in 1837 cm the Island of Eona. He further states that they still breed in Sutherland aud in * Extreme and average measurements of twenty-two adults. STERCORARIIDiE — THE SKUAS AXD JAEGERS — STERCOUAKl US. 3o7 Caithness, and in all the three groups of the Scottish islands. I'rofessor Newton mentions it as quite as common in Spitzbergeu as anywhere that he has met with it, except the Lofoden Islands, off the coast of Norway. l*arry's Expedition met with it ill their journey over the ice, but north of 82° 2'. Dr. Malnigren found it breeding on the small islets near the coast, and once on the main island. It was also very (fiiiiinonon Hear Island. Wheelwright mentions it as the most common of the Skuas off the coast of Norway, but he does not believe that either this bird or the Vomarine .laiiger goes far inland to breed, as does the Stercorarius longinnuhts. It is given by Dr. Bessels as one of the birds taken in the " Polaris " Expedition. It is included by Middendorff among the birds of Eastern Siberia, and is also men- tioned as one of those that go to the farthest north. It is given by Mr. G. Gillett as having been met with by him in Nova Zembla, and is also mentioned by Von Heuglin as having been foiuid in the same locality by his party. It was less common there than were the other Skuas. In Iceland — according to Professor Newton — this species is common enough throughout the island, and was known to breed on the moors far inland. Faber says tliat it arrives in Iceland about the 25th of April, and remains until the middle of September. It inhabits the Arctic sea-coast of America as well as of Asia and Europe during the summer months, or from May to Seiitember, migrating in winter to more temperate regions. Numerous examples of this sjiocies were procured in the various Arctic expeditions on the Melville Peninsula, the North Georgian Islands, iJaffin's Hay, and Spitzbergeu. In its habits, so far as these are known, it does not appear to be different from the Pomarine. Dr. Keinhardt gives it as one of the resident species of Greenland ; and Dr. Walker, in his Notes on the Voyage of the " Fox," mentions having met with it in entering the Danish jjort of Fredorikshaab. Cajjtain 151akiston received specimens from Hudson's Pay ; and it is said to have been found on the ^lackenzie by ]\Ir. Bernard Ross. Ilearne refers to what is most probably this si)eeies as the "I>laek Gull," and usually known in the Hudson's Pay region as the " Man-of-War," from its imrsuiug and taking its prey from the smaller species of Gull known there as the "Plaek- llead" (Arctic Tern). In size it is said to be much inferior to the Glaucous Gull, and like the latter always makes its nest on islands, or on the margins of lakes and ponds. It is said to lay only two eggs, and its nest to be found at a considerable distance from the sea-coast. The length of its wings is given as very great in pro- lioitiou to that of the body ; the tail is uniform, and the two middle feathers are four or five inches longer than the rest. The eggs are sought for and eaten both by the Indians and the English ; but the bird is generally rejected. It is quite common hofh in the spring and fall in the Pay of Fiuuly and along the coast of Elaine. In tlie winter it is found off the coast of Massachusetts, and thence to the Chesapeake, occurring near the land chiefly in stormy Aveather. An adult specimen, a female, was sliot at Oyster Pay South, and another exampl(>, a young male, was shot in October, iSfl*. on Gowannus Pay, Long Island. The latter was flying about near the surface of the water as if in pursuit of fish, though upon dissection nothing of the kind was found. Mr. Giraud does not regard it as at all common on the coast of Long Island, though of more frequent occurrence than the pomarinus. Audubon found it more shy and difficult of approach than the pomnrinuit, its flight ecjually rapid and protracted, and its habits, in harassing tiie Terns and smaller (iuUs, the same. Dr. Richardson speaks of its breeding in considerable numbers on the Barren Grounds at a distance from the coast, and of its feeding upon the small moUusca, so plentiful in the small lakes of the Fur Countries. VOL. II. — 43 »•] 338 LONG-WINGED SWIMMKRS — LONGIPENNES. 1^ ii ] Mr. Bannister montions this spcpics as being quite connnon at St. Michael's, though less abundant, and, according to his observations, more shy, than S. lomji- caudus. Specimens were also obtained at Kadiak by Mr. liischoff. Mr. Dall speaks of it as being common on the Yukon, as high up as Nulato, and also as abundant at the mouth of that river. The Indians and the Russians call it razboinik, or "tlic robber," and have many absurd notions in regard to it. Mr. Dall has never known it to alight except on the water or on a smooth beach. It is said to nest on tlic beach in the manner of the Gulls ; but he was unable to obtain its eggs. The long feathers of the tail diiTer greatly even in the same individual. It is wonderfully swiit on the wing. Mr. MacFarlane found it breeding on the Barren Grounds, at some distance from the Arctic Sea. One nest was on the ground, found June 27. Both parents were near, and when closely pursued would fly a short distance and alight on the ground ; and this they continued to do for some time. The nest contained two eggs, in one of which the embryo was much larger than it was in the other. Another nest, found July 8, was about a hundred yards from the sea-beach, and was a mere depression in the ground, lined with a few withered leaves. It contained one egg and one young bird in the down. The eggs so much resemble the surrounding soil in color that they are difficult to find. The nests were all mere depressions in the ground, lined scantily either with a few dried grasses or leaves, or with both. Specimens wcic taken by other Arctic explorers at Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Fort Rae, Fui t Anderson, etc. In Shetland these birds seem to breed in society, from fifty to sixty being met with at the same place. In Norway, however — as ^Ir. Hewitson states — they breed most commonly apart from each other, each pair taking possession of its sepa- rate island, upon the highest point of which they are almost constantly seen perchin;,' and upon which they place their nests. The eggs are usually two in number, and urn olive-brown in color, spotted with darker brown, 2.33 inches in length, and l.GC) in breadth. At the time Mr. Drosier visited Shetland the young were already hatched. and were discovered hiding in the long grass. They were covered only with down, their blue legs and black toes being already very distinct. The more advanced were of a beautiful light brownish color, distinctly barred and spotted with black ; but as they grew older the brown color gradually disappeared. This species is occasional on the shores of Belgium and Holland. Mr. H. W. Elliott found it an infrequent visitor at the Prybilof Islands, where it was not known to breed, and where but four or five of these birds in all were seen. These would occasionally alight on the grassy uplands, and stand dozing for hours in an indolent attitude. The numerous eggs of this species collected from the Arctic coast and the Ander- son River Region ranged in their length from 2.U0 to 2.40 inches, and from 1.5U to 1.70 in breadth. The ground-color is an olive-drab, 1 it varies greatly, in some tend- ing more to a green, in others to a gray, or even t a brown. The markings are equally various in their shades, and differ also in shape, size, and number. Tliey exhibit a combination of sepia-brown, dark chocolate, and bistre, with obscure mark- ings of stone-gray. In some the markings are all small, and are distributed with great uniformity over the whole egg. STEUCOUAKIID.E — THE SKUAS AND JAEUERS — STERCOIIAIUUS. 339 Stercorarius longlcandns. THE ABCnC JAEOEB ; LOHO-TAILKD JASOEB. Stercorarius longicandus, ViKlLL. Nouv. Diet. XXXII. 1819, 157. — Stejnegeh, Proc. V. S. Nat. Mas. Vol. 5, pp. 40-42. Stcrcorariiia lomjiaiudatus, Db Sely.s, Fauno Belg, 1842, 15(5. Lfslri.i iMirnsiliai, Illio. I'roilr. 1811, 273. — I.Kss. Muii. II. 1828, 288 (nee LlNN.). — S\v. & Rich, F. B. A. II. 1831, 430. — Nrrr. Man. II. 1834, 317. Lcalris iMirasiliciis, Tf.mm. Man. Oiii. td. 1815, 512. — AuD. Orii. Biog. III. 1835, 470; B. Am. Vll. 1844, 192, pi. 452 ; Syiiop. 1839, 333. Slocorariits imrasilicns, Sau.sdeu.s, P. Z. .S. 1876, 330. — Rinriw. Notn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 699. Leslris crcpidaUi, BiiKiiM k Sciiill. Bcitr. z. Viig. III. 1822, 801 (not of Banks, 1713). LeslrU linffom, Bdie, Meyer's Tasch. III. 1822, 212.— De Kay, N. Y. ZqoI. II. 1844, 315, pi. 133, fig. 291 . SIcrconifius Buffoni, Coves, Pr. Phil. Ae. 1863, 136 ; Key, 1872, 309 ; Check List, 1873, 542 ; ed. 2, 1882, no. 767 ; B. N. W. 1874, 615. Stcrcorarma ccpphiis, Steph. Shaw's Zool. XIII. 1826, 211, pi. 23. — Lawr. Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 840. — Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1359, no. 6.55. Leslris microrhynchus, Br.EiiM, Handb. Vbg. Deutschl. 1831, 725. L(stris Lcssoni, Degl. M«m. Ac. K. Lille, 1838, 108. Leslris brachyrhynchus, BiiEH.M, Vogelf. 1855, 337. Leslris Htirdyi, Bonap. Tabl. d. Longijienn. Compt. Kend. 1856, 770 ; Consp. II. 1857, 210. Lislris Brissoni, "BoiE," Degl. & Gehbe, Orn. Eur. II. 1867, 400. IIab. Northern part of northern hemisphere, breeding in Arctic districts, and migrating south in winter to the Northern United States. Sp. Chak. Adult, liyht phase : Entire pileuni and upper part of nape, including lores, malnr ic^'ion, and orbital region, sooty black ; rest of the head and neck, including lower portion of the naiK', straw-yellow, paler on the chin and throat. Remaining upper parts rather dark brownish cinereous or slate-color (more ashy 0)i the back, where lighter anteriorly), the remiges and rec- trices darker, especially toward ends, where nearly dusky blackish. Jugulum (sometimes the breast alsii, or, rarely, even the aljdomen) white, shading gradually into grayish, the entire crissum, flanks, siilts, and usually the abdomen being uniform deep ash-gray, becoming gradually lighter ante- riorly. " Bill grayish black, the upper part bluish ; iris brown ; feet black, but with the greater part of the tarsus yellow " * (Audubon). Total length, about 23.00 inches ; extent, 45.00 ; wing, 11.55-12.85 ( ;ige, 12.25) ; central ' /)( life, the color of the tarsi is light grayish blue, which in dried skins sometimes changes to yellow. i'.ir 1 tl » 340 LONO-WINGKD SWTMMEUS - LONGIPEXNES. \ ivctiiccf*, 10 50-1 ». no (12.80) ; liitcral nrtrici's -1 T.Vfi.W fr).2r)) ; ciiliiieii, 1.10-1.30 (1.19) ; tarsus, L.'iO-l.HO (l.C.d) ; middle toe, l.OS-1.30 (l.iOi.' It i.-- soiiu'what ciiiious that in the i-iitiiv series of ei}»hte('ii exniiiples of tliin upecies eoiitaincd in the collection of the National lluseuiii there i.-i not a single youiij,' bird, nor one represent in;; a melanotic phase, all liein>; in the pliiiiia<^'e ilescribctl aliove. The only notable variation in this Series consists in the e.xtent of the jdumbeous of the under surface of the body, a very few speci- mens haviii^j this conlined to the posterior portions, the abdomen beinn white, just u.s in S. ptiru- silinm. Usually, the two species may be readily distiii<^'uished by this restriction of the plumbeous iniderneath, in S. iiantnitictt^, and its extension forward over the abdomen, almost or ipiite to the breast, in S. Umiiicnudit.i. It is sometimes, thouj^di very rarely, dillicult to distin^'uish the two even by the lenj;th of the central rectrices ; om- example of A'. jMnmilifuii haviu}^' these feathers lO.ii.j inches lon^ and narrower than usual, while un indiviilual of S. lowiieamlun has them only 10..')() loiij,'. ,nd liroader than in most examples of that species. Upon the whole, there is sometimes a very close resemblance between these two forms in their normal phase of coloration (the only one in which we have seen S. lomjicaudns). In fact, there can be no (luestion that in every character of plumnfje or coloration, indudin;,' the lenjjth and breadth of the middle rectrices, the number of primaries havinj,' white shafts, the ndative extent of <,'ray and white on the lower parts, etc., the two species do, in some sjieciniens, completely inte)'},'rade, notwilhstandinj; the fact that typical examples may be very readily distin- guished. The sha|)e of the bill and the color of the tai-si in the adults, however, it is believed are constantly dillerent in the two siMJcics, as statetl imder the head of S. parasiticus and in the synopsis of the si)ecies. These intermediate specimens may, of course, be hybrids ; but it seems more reasonable to suppose that the two forms represent merely extreme modifications of one species. BufFon's Skua partakes of all the iieculiarities of this strongly characterized genus, especially in its Arctic ilistriiuition. It appears to be the most northern of its family, and to have, during the season wlien it is not breeding, a somewhat wider range of migration than the others. In the summer it is fomul in all parts of tiui region near the. Arctic Circle, breeding from Siberia around the circuit, including Northern Asia, Europe, and America, and the Arctic islands. It is a resident s])ecies in CJreeidand, and is also found in Iceland, although not given by Faber, who confounded it with the jmrasltirus. In 1858 ISlr. WoUey and Professor Newton met with it several times near Kyrkjnvogn ; and others are men- tioned fis having been obtained elsewhere. Mr. Uernard Iloss procured sjiecimens of this bird at various points on the ^Fackenzie ; ^Ir. Murray mentions having seen it on Hudson's Bay ; and Captain Blakiston received specimens from that region. According to Sir John Kichardson, it inhabits the Arctic sea-coasts of America as well as of Europe, in the summer, migrating in winter to more temperate localities. Numerous specimens of this Gull were brought back by the Arctic expeditions from JNlelville I'eninsula and the North Georgian Islands. Mr. A. G. More states (" Ibis," 1865), on the authority of ISIr. K. G. Shearer, of Ulbster House-wick, that some seven or eight years before that time a few pairs of the Long-tailed Skua could always be found breeding at that place, together witli the more common species, on a large inland flat studded with small dark lochs. In 18G0 a pair of these Skuas was shot on this ground during the breeding-season; and in June, 18G2, a pair was obtained on one of the Outer Hebrides, where these birds were probably breeding. Captain AV. H. Feilden ('• Ibis," October, 1877) states that this was the only species of Skua Gull which the Expedition of 1875-1876 saw in Smith's Sound, wliere it arrived in considerable numbers in the neighborhood of the winter quarters of the party durin;.( ^ Extreme and average uicasuremcuts of eighteen adults. STERCOHAUIID.E — THE SKUAS AND JAEGERS — STERCORARIUS. }41 tlio first wfi'k ill June ; after tliat date it was to be seen at every liour of the day, si'iiirhinfj for leniiiiiiigH. It lays its two og},'s in hollows in the ground, and defends tlicni with great bravery. On several oeeasions Captain Keihh-n had to strike at the (lid birds with liis gun-l)arrel to defend himself against their attacks as he was rob- liiiig their nests. He eould always easily distinguish this speeies from tlw jxirdsitliKii liy tlu! mottled color of its tarsus and the webs of the feet, whieh in the latter are l.iack. Mr. Kumlien mentions meeting with a few on the Ui)per Cund)erland waters in .I'lne; but none breed so far s(nith. It is one of the first birds to eome in the spring; ;iiiil — as he has no doubt — its range is more northerly than that of any other bird (if tills genus. According to IMiddendorff this is one of the common species of Eastern Siberia, where it is found to the extreme northern parts of the main land and also on the islands north of Asia. Mr. G. (iillett gives it as (piite abundant on Nova Zembla, especially on the west coast and in the Kara Sea, where it was found in all stages of plumage. Every flock of Kittiwakes was attended by a number of the Skuas, which swooped down upon them in the manner of llaw'.s, and obliged them to disgorge their i)rey. Von Heuglin also found these birds very numerous in the same locality, generally in pairs. Professor Newton mentions having seen a specimen of this Skua obtained by I'l'o- fcssor Malmgren on the 12th of July near tlie IJussian Hut, in Advent Hay, Sjtitz- hergen, who also observed it on two other occasions in Ice Sound ; but that it breeds in that region has not been, as yet, definitely ascertained. According to Mr. Wheelwright, although it is occasionally seen in other parts of Scandinavia, its peculiar breeding-home is on the Lapland fells. There it is not alw.ays seen in the same numbers every year. The first eggs lie obtained were found on the .'{(1 of June ; and never but once did he find more than two eggs in a nest. The nest is nothing more than a few pieces of dry hay scratched together on the ground, gen- erally near the water, never on the real snow-fells. Although it breeds in colonies, he never found two nests close together. In the young bird just ready to fly, the lihnnage greatly resembhis that of the common Skua, and the tail is perfectly even. Ivichardson found this species breeding in considerable numbers in the Harren (i rounds, at a distance from the Arctic coast. It feeds on the shelly mollusca so lilcutiful in the small lakes of the Fur Countries, and harasses the Gulls just as (itlicrs of this genus do. ft is common in the Bay of Fundy and on the coast of Jlaine in the fall, and again in the spring, and is occasionally seen off Cape Ann and C!ape Cod during the win- tiT; and occasionally in very severe weather a few of these birds are driven upon the coast. A single specimen is recorded by Mr. Giraud as having been taken on Long Isliiud, shot in the vicinity of Islip. During the winter — according to Audubon — this species ranges along our south- ern (!oast as far as the Gulf of Mexico, usually singly or in jjairs. In April he observed it congregating in flocks of from ten to fifteen, as if for the purpose of returning north to lirced. According to Selby, it breeds on several of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and is gregarious during that period ; the situations selected for its nests being unfre- quented heaths at some distance from the shores. The nest is composed of dry grass and mosses, and its eggs are said to be of a dark oil-green, with irregular blotches of liver-brown. It is very courageous at this season, and attacks every intruder within the limits of its territory by pouncing and striking at the head with bill and wings. 342 LONG- WINGED SWIMMERS — LONGIPENNES. The young, when ready to leave the nest, are deep gray on the top of the head ; neck light gray, with longitudinal streaks oi uiown, with a mixtui'e of umber-brown, yellowish brown, and reddish in the residue of their plumage. This species was procured by Mr. Dall at the mouth of the Yukon River, and by Mr. E. K. Laborne at Anadyr Gulf, in Eastern Siberia. Mr. Bannister found it com- mon at St. Michael's. All the specimens that he obtained were shot on the ground, they having apparently a habit of sitting on the mossy tundras, or heaths ; and not, infrequently he has followed one for more than a mile at a time, the bird flyinf,' short distances, and alighting just out of range. This habit is explained by some by the statement that it feeds on the berries that abound in these situations ; by others, tliat it is in quest of the eggs of some other species, which it is accused of devouring. Mr. Bannister was not able to verify either explanation. Mr. E. Adams (" Ibis," 1878) mentions the arrival of this species on Norton Sound, Alaska, on the 7th of May ; after which several were always to be found near the stages for drying fish, by plundering which they seemed chiefly to subsist. Some of them frequented the marshes, hunting about for eggs, and robbing the Terns and small Gulls. They bred about the dry knolls in the marshes. Mr. MacFarlane found it abundant throughout the Barren Grounds, as well as in the neightorhood of Fort Anderson, and also on the shores of Franklin Bay and tlic Arctic Ocean. The nests were all }uere depressions in the soil, scantily lined witli dry hay, leaves, and the like, and the number of eggs was never more than two. i)\w. nest is mentioned as having been discovered in a very thinly wooded X'lain, June 2cS. The eggs contained well-developed embryos. The parents were both present, but did not nuike so much noise as usual, and when closely ajjproached flew off to a tree in the vicinity. One nest was near a small lake, and it was lined with a few witlieri'd leaves of grasses. Another was some distance from a lake, and both parents flew and screamed over the heads of the intruders while these were searching for tiio nest. One egg was only slightly advanced, while the other was nearly ready to hatch. In another instance the parents made an unprecedented disturbance, flyinj,' close overhead, and were easily secured. In some instances the birds examined wcic found to have partaken of a quantity of last year's berries, thus confirming the state- ments to that eft'ect made by the natives to Air. Dall. Another memorandum states that a uest witli two eggs was found, June 27, on a dry turfy piece of ground, about fifty yards from the beach, on Franklin Bay. There really was no nest, and the ej;,i,'s were extremely difficult to find, owing partly to their color being exactly similar to that of the soil, and partly to the efforts of botli parents to mislead those searchiiij,' for the nest — to effect which they scream and fly over the head of the intruder; and if their treasure seems on the point of being discovered, the parent birds — esjn'- cially the female — become so savage that there is danger of actual injury resultinj,' from their attivcks. In anotlier instance, where a nest was being sought for on the Barren Groi'uds, June 26, 1863, the i)arents endeavored by various stratagems to lead the intruder away from the place ; and when the eggs were finally discovereil, they began a furious attack ui)on his head, so that it was necessary to shoot tlioni in self-defence. In another instance, on tlie siime day, a female sitting on her nest fluttered off when discovered, as if with a broken wing, much as a I'lover would do in a similar ciise. In a note made June 28, 1863, Mr. n..tcFarlane says : " At midnight the sun is sev- eral degrees above tlie horizon, and there is, of course, no night. During the peril nl answering to it, however, as many as twenty or thirty birds of the genus Stercorn'iI ly the primitive ami now extinct connnon form from which both the Pruailariidw and Occanilidtr must have l)een derived" (Fouiiics, t. c p. 50). * " Accoi-ding to modem ideas, the object of a classification is not so much to represent moritholofjiral fiw.t» 08 to indicate the phylogeuctio relations of tlio diifurcnt forms concerned" (FouBEs, t. c. p. 68). DIOMEDEIDiE — THE ALBATROSSES — DIOMEDEA. 345 3. Peleoanoididae. Wings short, and general oppearance decidedly Auk-like. Nasal tubes vertical, the nostrils opening supferiorly. The Pelecanoididce are not represented in the North American fauna ; and both the otlier families are known mainly as irregular though ofteu abundant visitors to the coast, and are even occasionally driven by gales far inland. Family DIOMEDEID.E. — The Albatrosses. The three known genera of this family may readily be distinguished by the following characters : — At Sides of the mandible without longitudinal groove. Wing three or more times as long as the short rounded tail. 1. Diomedea. " Culminicoru " much broadest at the base, where joined closely to tiie " lutericorn." 2. ThalassogeroD (gen. nov.)} "Culminicoru" narrow, and of etjuul width from the middle of the culmen to the liase, whei* widely separated from the "latoricorn" by the interposition of a strip of naked skin extending from the nasid tubes to the forehead. Bill much more compressed. B. Sides of the mandible with a deep longitudinal groove, extending the entire length of the lateral lamina. Wing only about twice as long as the graduated or cuneate tail. 3. PhcBbetiia. In his "Report on the Anatomy of the Petrels" (Zoology of II.M.S. " Cliallenger," Vol. IV. p. 57), the late Professor W. A. Forbes says that these " three good genera of Albatrosses . . . may be distinguished, independently of external char- acters, as follows : — " Diomedea. Tongue very short ; uncinate bones more or less styliform (Diomedea exulans and brachijura'). "Tbalassiarohe [= Thalassogeron]. Tongue intermediate; uncinate bones styliform (Thalassiarchc culminatu). "FhcBbetria. Tongue uuiuh longer ; uncinate bones flattened ; hallux Ijetter developed than in tlie other forms, and with an external claw (Phabetria fuliginosa)." The typo of ThaUissarche, Reichkniiach, being the Diomedea mdimophrys — a true Dinmetka — it unfortunately becomes necessary to give a new name for tlie genus repre- sented by T. culminata, and we have selected Tludassogeron as lieing an appropriate one. Genus DIOMEDEA, Lixx.^us. Diomedea, LiN\. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, l?1 ; cd. 12, I. 1706, 214 (type, D. cjtulans, LiNN.). .Ilbalnis, niiiss. Oiii. VI. 1760, 125 (same tyix"). Plitrlmslriii, Ki-.KiiKNn. Syst. Av. 18."i2, v (tyin-, TiiomcdM hrachijiirn, Tkmm.). Thalassarehe, Ukiciienb. t. c. v (tyiw, Diomedea melamphrys, Boie). f'liAR. Size very large (one species perhaps the largest bird of flight) ; wings extremely long, tlimiij^li very narrow ; sides of the mandible smooth, without a longitudinal groove ; bill nKnle- ratily or slightly compressed, the culmen broad and roundetl ; tail i-ounded, one third ojs long us the tail, or less. Tln! Albatrosses are Rtrictly oceanic birds, Avhiih rarely visit tlie land, except at their broeiling- RTounds, which are usually reunite islands or isolated rocks. The sinjcies which have been obtained in North American watei-s are the following : — VOL. II. — 44 > Thalasaogeron {gcii. nov,), OiXaaaa m mare ; iyipui>=scncx. ^1- H.^' 346 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. A« Cuhnen very concave ; feathers at base of maxilla cxteiKling in an anj^le nearly or quite to the hase of the nasal tube, that on the mamlible forming a still more . albalrus, adult. B* Culnien slightly concave, the bill more compressed ; feathering at base of maxilla exteniliiig obliquely in a nearly straight line iJir back of the na.sal tube, that of the mandible aku nearly straight. «. Latericorn narrower at base than in middle portion. (Phcpbaxtritt.) 2. D. albatruB. Wing, 22.00-23.00 inches ; culmen, r)..')0-.'».(iO ; depth of bill at base, l.!).">- 2.05; tarsus, 3.8(M.(K) ; middle toe, 4.(55-4.1)0. Adult: White, the pileum and nape bright straw-yellow ; tail, remiges, etc., slaty brown, tlie shafts of the ijuilLs bright stiaw- yellow ; bill grayish white, more yellowish on the unguis, and i)urple brownish on tlir mandible; legs and feet grayish dusky. Youtuj: Uniform sooty, the pileum and iia]ii' blackish ; shafts of primaries bright straw-yellow ; bill pale horn-yellow ; legs and I'd t grayish brown. Hub. Olf the Pacitic coiLst of North Amei'ica (e.^pecially of Alaska). 3 D. nigripes. Wing, 18.50-20.50 inches ; culmen, 4.00-4.25 ; deptli of bill at base, 1.1')- l.CO ; tai-sus, 3.50-3.70 ; middle toe, 4.05-4.40. Uniform dusky (more grayi.sh belnw), the crissuni, u[)per tail-coverts, and base of the tail white in the adult ; anterior iwrtimi of the head whitish ; bill dusky purplish brown ; legs and feet l)lack. /lab. Pacific luast of North America. b. Latericorn nmch broader at base than in midtUe portion. {Thdlamirche.) 4. D. melanophrya. Wing, 19.50-20.00 inches ; tail, 8.»K)-H.50 ; culmen, 4.3(M.70 ; tarsii.s 3.(K)-3.25 ; nii(hlle toe, 4.(Kl-4.30. Adult : Head, neck, rump, upjjer tiiil-covert.-!, ami entire lower parts white, the side of the head with a nnm- or less distinct grayish stri|u', darkest immediately before and behind the eye ; back and scapulars browrish slate, nmre ashy anteriorly ; wings uniform dark brownish slate ; tail brownish g'ay, the sliatts nf the feathers yellowish white. Itiil yellowish, the ungui and l>ase of '.ulmcn sometiincs (in younger individuids I) tinged or clouded with grayish ; legs and feet "pearly slati." Hub. Southern oceans ; casual (1) olf coast of California. m DIOMEDEIDiE — THE ALBATROSSES — DIOMEDEA. 347 Diomedea eznlans. THE WANDEBING ALBATBOSS. Diomedm rxutans, LiNS. S. X. ctl. 10, 1. 1758, 132; t-d. 12, 1. 1766, 214. — NiiT. Man. W. B. 1834, 340. —Gould, B. Au.str. VII. 1848, pi. 38. — Lawu. in Baiiil's B. N. Am. 1858, 821. — lUiUD, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 1)30. — CouK.s, Pr. riiiliid. Acad. 186ti, 175. — Kidiikk, Bull. r. S. Nat. Mils. no. 2, 1875, lU ; no. 3, 187t), 11. — Sii,. l!ei), "Challenger," Zool. II. 1881, 147. Diomedra spadicca, Gmki.. S. X. I. ii. 17S8, 508 (= young). ? Diomedea udusia, Tstiiuni, ,1. f. O. 185G, 157, no. 7. Hah. Soutlierii oceans in geiienil, but occnsioiuilly wamlerinf,' north of the equator. Near Dioppe, France, and near Antwerp, Belf^iuni, September, 18.33 (HoiE, " Isis," 1835, p. 259) ; three .<]iriniens near Chauuiont, Fnince, November, 1758 (DE(iL. & CJekbk, "Orn. Eur." 2d elue tint" (Kidder), or "pinky white" (Gould) ; "eyelash bare, fle.sh.j, u;id of a pale green " (Gould). Young: Prevailing color dark fuliginous or blackish brown, older individuals varied with white according to age, the fore-i)art of the head and lining of the wings always more or less white. Bill "pinkish white" (Kidder). Total length, 47.(IO-55.(K> inches; e.xtent, about U)-12 feet (average, 10 feet 1 inch, /We Gould) ; average weight, 17 lbs., ma.vimum weight about 20 lbs. The Wandering Albatross of the Southern raciti(! and Atlantic oceans has probably but little claim to a place in the fauna of Xortli America. I am unable to find any well-authenticated instance where this bird is known to have been taken in the vicinity either of the Atlantic or of the I'acitic! coast of tlie United States. Numerous .specimens were collected in the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, both frcn the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans ; and from the numerous and careful records of Dr. Pickering it is evidently both the most numerous and the most widely diffused of its family. It was first met with in the Atlantic January 22, in lat. 40° S., on the passage from Kio de Janeiro to the Kio Negro, occasionally afterward to Cape Horn, and as far south as the criii.se extended. It seemed much more common in the Pacific, espe- cially on the passage to Callao. On the 4th of Aj)ril, in lat. 42° S., numbers of these birds were taken with hooks and lines, their abundance being in all probability due to the fact that the ship was then j)assing over whaling-ground. ^Ir. E. L. Layard mentions meeting with them in great numbers in the Antarctic Ocean, lat. 44" S. ; they were chiefly young birds. This species is given by Mr. G. K. Gray as one of those occurring in New Zealand. Captain F. W. Hutton (" Ibis," 18(55) states that the food of this Albatross consists entirely of the oceanic mollusca, small crustaceans, medusa), and the refuse thrown overboard from ships. No remains of fish were found in its stomach. It always settles down slowly to eat, and can only be caught with the hook when the vessel is ' I have recently boMi informed, on what I consider reliable authority, of the capture of a specimen of thi^ )i]iecies in Tamim Bay, Florida, my inforninnt l)aving the \w\v\ in his {xisses^ion. Up to this writing, liowcvi'r, he has lieen unable to get the specimen from a Ixix which had been placed in storage during hi.s nlis( IRC from the city. — R. B, m 348 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. moving slowly through the water, and when plenty of line can be paid out. Tlie best bait is a piece of the rind of raw salt pork, as this is so tough that other birds cannot get it off the hook, which usually catches in the curved end of the upper mandible. The habits of the Albatross are diurnal, both on land and at sea ; and it is never known to fly by night. It was rarely seen north of 30° south latitude. In April, 1854, Captain Hutton met with a single bird in lat. 20° S. ; but from the manner in whicli it was hastening directly south it was supposed to be a released prisoner. This Alba- tross was found very common south of lat. 40° S. — monopolizing nearly the whole of Prince Edward's Island and the southeastern portions of Kerguelen Island, whore it retires tc breed in October. The nest is always jilaced on high table-land, and is in the aha,\^ of a frustum of a cone, with a slightly hollow top ; it is made of grass and mud, which the birds obtain by digging a circular ditch about two yards in diam- eter, and pushing the earth toward the centre until it is about eighteen inches high, lu this nest the female lays one white egg, which is not hatched until January. At a certain time of the year — between February and June — the old birds leave their young, going to sea, and not returning until the following October, when they arrive in large numbers. Each pair goes at once to its old nest, and after a little fondling of the young one, which has remained near the nest the whole time, they turn it out, and prepare the nest for incubation. The deserted young ones are usually found in good condition and lively. When the old birds return, the young ones usually keep about the parents, and nibble at their heads until the feathers between the beak and the eyes are removed and the skin made quite sore. The young birds do not go far from the land until the following year, and then accompany the old ones to sea. How the young birds obtain their food has not been explained ; but it is positively averred that no old birds are seen near the islands for several months together. Captain Hutton is of the opinion that the young birds are of nocturnal habit, and feed by night ; but in this he is not confirmed by the observations of liis friend Mr. Harris — an engineer in the Royal Navy — who is also quite certain that each bird revisits its own nest, and uses it again for its next brood. The instinct which thus guides the Albatross, after its long wanderings, to return to its own nest, cannot but be regarded as extremely remarkable. The flight of the Albatross, as with outstretched, motionless wings it sails over the surface of the sea, is described as being truly majestic. At one time the bird rises high in the air, and then with a bold sweep, inclined at an angle with the horizon, descends until the tip of its wings just touches the crests of the waves as it skims over them. When it sees something floating on the water, and prepares to alight, the whole appearance of the bird is changed. Its wings are raised, its heatl thrown back, its back drawn in, while its enormous feet are thrust out to their full extent ; and with a hoarse croak it drops upon the water, where it floats like a cork on the surface. In order to rise again, it stretches out its neck, and with great exertion of the wings runs along the top of the water, until, having obtained a suflicient impetus, it launches once more into the air. The Albatross is never seen to dive. When on deck it is unable to stand, and cannot rise unless a strong wind is blowing, but lies helpless on its breast. When first caught it ejects a quantity of oil. Mr. Howard Saunders (" Ibis," January, 186C) states that he has observed this Albatross fly at night, both by moonlight, and afterward, in the summer twilight of the Antarctic seas ; he has wat«hed these birds come sweeping out of space, wheel over the main truck, and then disappear, without so much as one flap of their huge wings. DIOMEDEID^ — THE ALBATROSSES — DIOMEDEA. 349 Captain Ilutton (" Ibis," 1867, p. 185) mentions that on his voj'age in iboG from London to New Zeahuul, he first met this Albatross April 5, in lat. 34° 15' S., and saw birds of this species afterwards all the way to New Zealand. One that was caught — a male — measured ten feet across the wings, and weighed sixteen pounds. The fat on its breast was half an inch thick. It was taken in the morning, and its stomach was empty. Cajjtain E. L. Layard, who received several fine eggs of this species from Captain Ai-mson, collected by the latter on the Crozette Islands, states (" Ibis," 1807) tiiat the egg bears a marked similarity in form and color to that of PkmOetria furujinom, measuring 5.00 by 3.30 inches. Captain Ai-mson also brought nestlings of several ages, and a young bird only about six days old, which was covered with a pure wliite silky down. The bill was the most remarkable feature, the tips of the mandible being armed for about three quarters of an inch with obtuse tumid sheaths, hard, white, and shining, like china. Mr. Layard was informed by the sealers that the Albatross feeds its young, all the time it is in the nest, with scjuids. The young birds remain until driven away by the old ones when these need tlm nest again. Tlie young are in the nest growing very slowly, but are very fat, and not at all lishy. The sealers ridicule the suggestions of Captain Hutton that the young Albatross can subsist without food any length of time. Cai)tain Sperling (" Ibis," 18G8) is of oj)inion that this Albatross is seldom seen near land. He has never met with it north of the twenty-seventh parallel of south latitude, and does not believe that it ever visits the northern hemisphere. He dis- credits the statements in regard to the examples said to have been taken in Europe, and thinks this species has no more right in a northern avifauna than an escaped Cockatoo would have. The statement of Nuttall, that the Albati-oss flies near the water, watching for flying-fish, is purely- imaginative. It never takes food while on the wing, nor could this bird possibly do this. In regard to its l)o.>^.iS of flight, the Cai)tain remarks : " Having attentively watched the flight of the Albatross, I have failed to detect the mysterious and wonderful power of wing ascribed to it by observers who have perhaps been more highly favored. None can regard without admiration the beautiful picture presented by this bird, cleaving its way in graceful curves and sweeps over the wild troubled waves of the Atlantic; but its immense pectoral muscles and light hollow bones, added to its surface of wings, amply account for all." Captain Sperling visited, in September, 1868, the Island of Tristan d'Acunha, and communicated in a letter to the " Ibis" (1872, p. 75) some additional information in regard to this bird. He found it nesting on the highest ledges of the cliffs, at so great an altitude as to present the appearance of a mere speck. The inhabitants stated most positively that the Albatrosses remained about the island throughout the year, layii ,' their eggs in January, and the young flying in November; and that conse- (lUfiitly there is almost always on the island a supply of young birds. Tliese are consumed for food in great quantities, and appear to be considered a delicacy. The northern range of this species is given as from 27° to 25° south on the Atlantic coast of Africa, and at 27° on the eastern. On the Atlantic coast of South America it is L'4° south. Frederick Stoltenhof, who resided two years in the same group, in his account of the birds visiting Inaccessible Island, mentions this Albatross. In the latter part of November it appears singly, and alights on the highest portion of the island — uvoiding the high tussock-grass, from which it with ditticulty rises. It builds a circular nest, slightly concave at the top, about eight feet high, and broader at the m t .-f'^ ^m 350 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. bottom than at the top. This nest is made of earth and grass, the bird availing itself of rainy weather, when the soil is soft, and a natural mortar provided. In shaping it the earth is hammered down with the flat side of tlie beak ; and the rows of nests are like a lot of round forts with, in wet weather, the surrounding fosse. Both birds work at their nest ; and about the middle of January a solitary egg is deposited, which requires nine weeks for incubation. During their stay at the island one or the other of each pair goes to the sea in search of food each day. Not more than two hundred pairs of this species visit the island. They leave at the beginning of July, and are not seen again until November. The egg is good to eat ; but when cooked, the white portion becomes grisly and hard. The young bird is eaten, and is regarded as excellent food. The following interesting account of this species, by Dr. J. H. Kidder, U. S. N., is from that gentleman's "Contributions to the Natural History of Kerguelen Island," ' pp. 19-21 : — " None of these birds had shown themselves in the neighlxjrhood of our camp until December 17, when Mr. Train captured and brought in the specimen No. LSI, which he had carried more than two miles. It was found near an old nest, .seem- ingly about to rebuild it ; but no egg was found until December 30. On the 2d of January the steam-launch of the 'Monongahela' carried me several miles down the beach to the low strip which connects Prince of Wales Foreland with the mainland. Here I saw very many Albatrosses nesting upoii hillocks, built up some two feet, or more, from the ground. The nests are composed mostly of grass, and, being of different heights, seemed to have been used again, and added to, year after year. I counted twenty-tliree birds in sight at one time, each perched upon its nest. Being conspicuous by the whiteness of their plumage, and rarely very near together, they rather remind one of the whitewashed cairns set up by surveyors. Driven from the nests, and compelled to walk, they look not unlike overgrown geese. The distribu- tion of their weight compels them to stretch out their necks horizontally, and to walk with a widely-swaying gait. Two approached each other as I was watching them, and went through with some very odd manoeuvres. One raised its head and spread out its wings as if to embrace the other, which remained with wings folded. Both then clattered their bills, and touched them together, first on one side and then on the other. This manoeuvre was repeated several times. Pluehetna fulifj'inosa has the same trick of touching bills with its mate, and clattering the mandibles, about pairing- time ; but I have never seen them approach one another with outspread wings. All of the nesting Albatrosses that I saw, without exception, showed a slight pinkish discoloration of the neck, as if a blood-stain had been washed out, usually on the left side, and extending downward from the region of the ear. " They are dull birds, making but little attempt to defend their eggs beyond loudly clattering their bills. The sound thus produced is louder than would be exiiected, owing to the resonance of the considerable cavity included by the mandibles. It is very like the sound of a tin pan beaten with a stick. I knocked several off with my heavy overcojit twisted up like a rope, and secured their eggs before they recovered sufficiently to approach the nests. They climbed on to the empty nests again, how- ever, and sat as contentedly, to all appearance, as before. I believe that they do not lay a second time. Certainly, the nest robbed December 30 was still empty Janu- ary 2, although occupied by the old bird ; and the whalers, who are very fond of the eggs, assert that they never find a second one in a nest that has been once robbed. Bulletin of tbe United States National Museum, Nu. 2, 1875. DIOMEDEIDiE — THE ALBATROSSES — DIOMEDEA. 351 " I have read soniewliere that Albatrosses and Penguins nest together, but cannot see how it is possible. Tlie King Penguin is the only one nesting in low land (as I am told) ; but none were found in this neighborhood. The eggs would be frequently immersed in water, unless raised on similar pedestals to those which the Albatrosses build." Six eggs obtained by Dr. Kidder, and described by him on page 12 of " Bulletin No. 3 of the United States National Museum," measured 4.80-5.21 inches in length by 3.08-3.25 in width, the larger and smaller circumferences being respectively 12.80- 13.80 and 9.60-10.50 inches. They are described as follows : " The shell is white, of loose granular texture, and roughly mammillated surface. There are no markings beneath the superficial calcareous layer, and the spots which appear on this seem to be adventitious stains from the secretions of the oviduct, or accidental soiling after extrusion. Some specimens sliow a reddish stain upon the larger end, probably dried blood, since it is readily washed off." Diomedea albatrus. THE SHOKT-TAILED ALBATROSS. Diomedea albatrus, Pall. Spic. Zool. V. 176i), 28. Diomedea spadicca, vnr. H. Lath. Ocii. Hist. X. 1824, 52, no. 2, var. B. (cites PI. Enl. 963). Diomedea bmchiuru, Temm. PI. Col. 554 (1828), Adult. Diomedea braehyuro, Lawu. in ISitird's B. N. Am. 1858, 822. — Baiiid, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 631. — CouEs, Vv. Ac. Nut. Sci. Philu.l. 186fi, 177 ; Key, 1872, 325 ; C'lieuk List, 1873, no. 578 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 810. — KiiuiW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 701. Diomedea epomophom. Less. Man. IL 1828, 351. Diomedea chimivds, Temmi.nck, Man. d'Oru. L 1820, ex. Adult. ■ M\ 352 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. Had. Pacific Ocean, incUnling the western const of America, especially northwnnl to Aleuliun and Pry bilof Islands, and liebring'a Sea. Si'. Chah. Adult : Prevailing color white, the top and sides of the head, with nape, strongly tinged with bright straw-yellow. Longer scapnlurs, tertials, primaries, and tail-feathers slaty brown, the shafts of the primaries bright straw-yellow ; anterior and lower lesser wing-coverts, lower middle and greater coverts, with secondaries, hoary brownish gmy. Bill grayish white (in Youn;;. skins), the maxillary nnguis more yellowish, the mandible pnrplish brownish ; ' legs nnd feet giayish dusky. Yuuwi : Unifonn sooty grayish brown, the pileuni and nape darker (nearly black) ; shafts of primaries bright straw-yellow. Bill pale horn-yellow (in skin) ; legs and feet grayish brown. Total length, about 33.00 inches ; extent, 84.00-88.00 ; wing, 21.00-23.00 ; culmen, 5.19-5.(50 ; depth of bill through base, 1.95-2.05 ; tarsus, 3.80-4.00 ; middle toe, 4.C5-4.90. The Short-tailed Albatross is presumed to inhabit the entire extent of the Pacific Ocean, from the northern coast of America and Asia to Australia, venturing farther north than any oV. iv species of its genus. It was ascertained by the naturalists of tlie Wilkes Expedition to be of frequent occurrence on the coasts of Oregon and California, and is given by Mr. Gould as a bird of Australia. It has been occasionally mistaken for the X>. exulans, which it resembles, but is smaller, though larger than any of the other species of this genus. Mr. Peale states that great numbers of this Albatross were observed on the north- west coast of America, and that it was found to vary as much in its coloration as />. cxiilans, and even more than that species, requiring many years to acquire its * " nill flesh-color, with n fuint puritlish tinge; hook light horn-color; iris bruwu" (Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mas., Vol. 5, p. 170). Eyelids greenish white (Gould). DlUMKDEID.K — THE ALBATKOSSES — DIOMEDEA. 353 fCt rly eft xUy lan perfect plumage. Confounding its yowng with I), n I'ffripes — a distinct species he states that until its second year its phiniage remains of a dark sooty brown, and that in this dress it pairs, and raises young. lUit all this is now supposed to have lefer- ence to Z>. n'ujripes and not to 1). albatrm. In the course of several years the plumage of the body changes from nearly black to a pure snow-like white. Mr. I'eale adds that birds of this specdes an; usually silent ; but that they sometimes quarrel over the offal thrown from tlio ship, and then they utter a sound like the braying of an ass. They are easily caught with hook and line, but, owing to their thick i)lumage and tenacity of life, they are with difficulty killed witli shot. On the 20th of December this bird was found breeding on Wake's Island. The single egg of each pair was laid on the ground, in a sliglit concavity, without any lining. IJoth sexes take turns in the labors of incubation, and neither the male nor the female parent abandons the vicinity of the nest when approached, but both walk around the intruders in a very dignified manner, making but few attempts to defend them- selves, even if taken up. The egg is white, of an oblong shape, with both ends nearly alike ; it measures 4.20 inches in length, and 2.60 in breadth. Tiie two sexes are alike in plumage, and do not vary much in size, the male being ratlier the larger. Dr. Pickering mentions this species as occurring on the coast of Oregon, and as being particularly abundant at sea north of the Sandwich Islands. Under date of April 10, 1841, he speaks of finding it skimming over the surface of the water, and bending its long wings, but not at so great an angle as is usual among birds. The rate at which it flies is surprising, though at the same time its wings are without percep- tible motion. It alights on the water rather awkwardly, and seems to take i)articular care to adjust its long wings without wetting them. It swims with considerable vai)i(lity. Dr. Pickering mentions that on the IGth of April (lat. 30° 15' N.) birds of this species alighted in the wake of the vessel, picking up such substjvnces suitable for food as had been thrown overboard ; and that in doing this they uttered faint cries, intermediate in character between the honk of a Goose and the bleating of a sheep. At ordinary times, however, this bird seems for the most part remarkably silent. Mr. R. Swinhoe, in his remarks on the Formosan ornithology (" Ibis," 1863), speaks of this species as being the large Albatross of the Chinese seas, seen in more or less abundance on every voyage. It goes as far north as Japan. He was not able to discover its breeding-place, though, from its being found at Formosa at all seasons, lie suspected tho islands on which it nests to be not far from the south coast of China. He v as of opinion that the Albatross is never figured correctly while on the wing. When flying, the wings are curved like the head of a pickaxe. It skims the surface, rising and falling with every trough of the sea, with scarcely any percej> tibk? motion of the wings, except at their tips. It often sails upward, and continues in its flight, throwing first one shoulder forward, and then the other. This species is also mentioned by Mr. Swinhoe as having been seen by him at Anioy, China, and again off the Island of Hainan, at sea, where it was noticed on various occasions during Ills cruise. Messrs. Blakiston and Pryer mention this bird as being common about Oshima, in Japan, and as present at Yezo, but not so common. The young, which resembles /). derogata, is figured in the " Fauna Japonica." Dr. Cooper, while staying at Monterey, Cal., in ^lay, 1861, noted'the near presence to the shore of immature birds of this species. They had been attracted by the whale- fishers, and were busily engaged in picking up scraps of blubber in company with Omfmga gigantea. He regards this as being tlie characteristic species of the North VOL. II. — 45 354 TIIK TrHE-X<».SKI) SWIMMFiRS — TriUXAHKS. I'iU'itic Ocpaii, and tho only ono roninion (ui Mm- ralifornian coast, all others Immhj,' mere 8traj,'glt'is, or found ho far from land a.s to Uf rartdy Hct-n, ami hardly iMdon^'- in^ to our fauna, lie nuMitions tintliuK youn^' s|HMMni<>ns of this Albatross as far south as Sail Niridas Island, hit. 'Xi' S., on thf Isl of tluly, hut was assured that none breed on any of the more southern islands; and it is very unlikely that they do this on any of those within our limits. These birds had apparently followed some vessel from the far north. They were e.xtivuiely familiar, alighting within a few- yards of his eraft, and evidently expei-fiiM' to !«• fi'd, as tlu-y followetl tlie vessel for some distance, and caugiit at the pieces of meat thrown to tlieni. The}- are (dteii taken with a linok when followiis', . -s.sels along the coast, especially when young. He saw it oil Monterey in April ; l»ut whether it h-aves the coast entirely iH'tween that montli and .Fiily he cannot state with certainty, but presumes that the few birds noticed at tliat time are immature or unmated. Of the old Itirds in the white plumage h(> met with Init a single specimen, and that was found dead on the beach at San Diego. This species very rarely shows itself within sight of land. Dr. Cooper also mentions that at San Diego he saw none of these birds until about December 1"), when the whale-tishcry commenceil. They usually kept outside of the bay ; but in stormy weather came a sliort distance in, sailing rapidly about over the surface, in an obliipie position, in search of .scraps, and if they found a (piantity near togetlier, settling down and swimming alMtut after them. At such tim(>s he found no dithculty in ai)proaching tlie birds in a skitT, and one morning he shot two on the water very near together. Though killed instantly, they disgorged the oily contents of their stomachs, as tiiey do wlieii taken alive. He has seen .seven or eight together near the mouth (d' the liay, all in the .sooty idumage. One of the three obtained was a female, and did not diller in size from the hirgest male. Wlu'ii cauglit with a hook, as it follows a vessel, and taken on lx)ard, this bird is unable to rise from the deck, as it re(piires a long range of surface on which to flajt its wings. ^Ir. H. W. Elliott states that the Short-tailed Albatross was often seen about the I'rybilof Islands some twenty or thirty years ago, when whaling vessels were reaping their rich hai vests in the IJchring and Arctic sea.s, thus affording the birds an oppor- tunity to feed upon any refuse of the wliales which might drift on shore. With tlic decrease of the fishery, the Albatross has almost entirely disajipeared ; and only a single individual was seen by Mr. Elliott during his two years' residence in that locality. This bird is common around Unalashka Island, where he saw a large number on his way to San Francisco, in August, IHT'.i. ^Ir. Dall speaks of this species as being very abundant off shore throughout the Aleutian Islands, where it takes the jdace of />. tihjn'jics, which seldom ventures north of lat. oO° N. It jirobably breeds in the islands, as he saw the remains of :i young bird at Atka. Its bones were abundant in the ancient Aleutian shell-heaps. It is much larger than />. nigripen, and is apparently a resident in the Aleutian Islands from Atka eastward. An egg of this species (Smith.sonian Institution, No. 949 — taken by Mr. Titian II. Peale in the I'aeiHo islands) is of an oval shaiK», Avith rounded ends, and of a dull white color, measuring 4.()0 inches in length by 2.C0 in breiulth. DIUMEDEID.E - THE ALDATIIOSSES — DIOMEDEA. 355 Diomedea nigripes. THB BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS. Diomedea nigripen, AuD. Ora. Biog. V. 1839, 327 J B. Am. VII. 1842, 1!I8. —Cass. Illiistr. I». Ciil. Tex. etc. 18.')3, 210, \A. 35. — CouKs, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. I'liiliid. IbflU, 178; Key, 1872, 320; Chfik List, 1873, no. 570; cil. 2, 1882, no. 811.— Hiixiw. Noiii. N. Am. It. 1881, no. 7i\\\)[)om;il young). Cash. Illustr. U. t'lil. Tex. etc. 1853, 21)1. — Lawii, in Ikird's U. N. Am. 1858, 822. Had. North Pacific Oieun, indmling tlie west coiwt nf North Aineriin. Sp. Char. Adult: Al)ovf, brownish iliiMky, the scaimlurs indistinctly margined terminally with i>uler ; jiriinaries nearly black, tlieir slial'ts clear straw-yellow ; iiiiper tail-coverts and con- cealed base of the tail white. Anterior iiortion ol" the heud and auricular re;;ioii dirty whitish, shading gradiiully into brownish gray, except behind the eyes, where very abruptly deJined against Kit ber .t' 11 Adult. tlie blackish dusky of the sides of the occiput ; lower parts i'uliginons-gray, deepest on the neck, sides, and tianks, fading gradually into white on the crissuni and middle portion of the al)domen. I'.ill dusky purplish brown ; legs and feet black.* Youmj : Similar, but head darker, showing whitish only against the base of the bill, the lower parts entirely uniform smoky gray (darker than in the adult), the ujjper tjiil-coverts dusky, like the rump. Total length, 28.5t)-32.5() inches ; e.\tent, 79.50 I wing, 18.50-21.50; culmen, 3.75-4.., 1 ; depth of bill at base, 1.45-1.60 ; tarsus, 3.5t)-3.70 ; middle toe, 4.05-4.40. This species was first described by Audulwn from a specimen obtained by Mr. Townsend, Dec. 25, 1834, on the Pacific Ocean, in latitude 50°. Nothing was then known in regard to its habits, and it was supposed by Mr. Cassin to be an immature > " Iris umber ; tarsus, foot, base and tip of bill, black ; remainder of bill plumbeous ;" of another specimen, " iris umber or golden brown " (Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 5. pp. 169, 170). 35G THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINAUES. I siK'fimeii ol' D. nWatni^ ; but the young of the hitter species, though somewhat siiuihir ill ithiniage, is very distinct in forui and dimensions. Mr. Dall sjM'aks of tliis bird as being very common in the North Paeitio, and as aecomi)anying the ships for weeks. It is not found in Ik-hring's Sea j but as soon as tlie party had i)assed the islands, coming soutli, their vessel was several times joined and followed to San Francisco by a company of this species. They were generally dusky ; but the old males had more or less white on the head. They are described as very greedy, swallowing all sorts of scraps thrown overboard ; and fishing for them Mith a hook and line baited with pork, is a favorite amusement for the passengers when Ix'calmed. "With the exce])tion of the small Petrels, these were the only birds met witli off soundings in the North Pacific. They will follow a ship for hundreds of miles, and will feed upon all manner of refuse. They are indefatigable on the wing ; Init are dirty, ugly, awkward, and cruel to wounded biids of their kind They have an angry note, which is only uttered when sonu' more fortunate bird has secured the coveted morsel ; and a croaking whine, in which they give vent to their ai)prehensions just before a storm. This bird hardly ever flies at a greater height than fifty feet above the water, and usually keei>s about thirty feet alM)ve it. It rises by unfolding its wings and running a few steps in the water, and then a few strokes send it into the air. On a rough day it rises quickly, but always in the same manner; while in a dead calm it often has to run ten or twenty feet before getting out of the water j and it ci'-nnot rise at all from the deck of a vessel. Its wings are long, and the movement in unfolding them is similar to that made in opening a carpenter's rule. In rising or falling, the wings are kept perfectly stiff ; and they are folded only when the bird is setthnl in the water. Wiien half folt'ed they form a triangular arch over the back, and present a very awkward appearance. This bird remains in the air sometimes for five minutes without moving its wings in flight, although it does not always continue at the same height, but slides from side to sidt, like a sheet of ])aper falling .slowly. It has two ways of alighting — one is to fly against the wind, with the wings stiff ami extended, and the feet spread and stuck out in front, and going into the wat»'r at an angh; very obtuse, the outspread welvfeet soon checking its sperd. The other way is to stretch out the legs stiff and at full length behind, and to tip over into the water backward on its jiosteriors — exactly as if, while ])repariiig to sit down, some one had i)ulled the chair away. This bird rests very calmly on the water when once settled, and swims slowly and lalwricusly. Mr. Dall has never seen it nearer land than the Farallones, and sup- poses that it breeds on the rocky islets off tin* northern coast. The entire absence of birds of all kinds, except only Petrels, from the eastern portion of the North Pacific Ocean, is a fact quite remarkable. Mr. Dall, in his paper on the East«'rn Aleutian Islands, remarks in regard to the flight of this sjiecies, that its ordinary method ot support, when there was a breeze, consisted in rising against the wind and falling with it; thi.s Ix'iiijr sometimes kept up for hours with hardly a stroke of the wings. It rises on! against tli-^ wind, except in rare cases, when its descending momentum is sutticient to raise it slightly or a short distance, or v'en the reflex eddy from the high surge is strong enough to give it a slight lift. It uses its strong weblH»d feet to sonu^ extent in balancing .osdl when turiiing with the wind ; also, by extending tliem downward at a right angle with the liody, to check its ccmi.ie, esjiecially when alighting on the water. (Jencr- ally, when flying, the f;'et are stretched out behind, with the webs extcaded, and iwsist the bird materially in g Iding itself, the tail 1 .ting shorter than the exleiidi'd feet. It vises by running against the wind over the water, until .sufliciently raised DIOMEDEID/E — THE ALBATROSSES — THALASSOGERON. 357 above the surface to use its wings without wetting them. Its eyesight is exceedi:' j'ly acute ; it can distinguish a discoh)red spot in tlie water a yard in diameter from a dis- tance of at least live miles, and even much farther than our unaicUul eyes can see the bird itself. Its flight, in calm weather, consists of a series of five or six short, sharp stroki!8, made at intervals of a second, or more, apart, followed by a short period of comparative quiet. It appears to subsist mainly c i pelagic crab and the refuse from vessels. It usually flies in flocks of six or eight, but often smaller ; and on one occasion a solitr.ry individual followed the vessel for hundreds of miles without a companion. Mr. Dall, in his Notes on the Avifauna of the Aleutian Islands west of Unalashka, referring to the question as to where this species breeds, states, on the authority t)f Mr. George Holder, that it nests on the coral island of tJaspar Kico, near the eimator, in the winter season. This gentleman, who is said to be an intelligent and trust- worthy observer, informed Mr. Dall that, on a voyage in quest of new guano islands, he touched at Gaspar Kico, and found this bird, together with a species of IVtrel, and a Tern, breeding abundantly in a low scrubby growth of bushes, wMch are the oidy representatives of trees on that island. His impression was that it laid but one moderately-sized white egg in a depression in the soil, around which a little sea-weed or dry herbage was gathered. It is not known to breed anywhere on the northwest coast of America, or on the northern Pacific islands. Diomedea melanophr]rB. THE 8PECTACLBD ALBATB0I8. Diomedea inelamphnjs, " 1U>ik," Tkmm. PI, Col. no, 450 (1838). — (ioi i.i), lUrds Austrnliii, VII. pi. 43. — CiUKs, Proc, Philml, Acnil. 18flrt, 181. — Hk.vs, Proc, U. 8. Not, Mils, Vol. r., 188J, 170 (off coast of Ciiliforiiin, long, 142° 23' W,, lat. 40° 30' N.). IIah. Southern oi-eaii« gencndly, ni)rtli to at Icnst 4(»'' 30' north lutitiule, and east nearly to coiist of f'alilornia (IIkan, 1. c). Si'. CiiAU. Adult: IJaik and Rcajmlars lirownish slate, beconiing more ashy anteriorly ; wings iniilorin dark l)n)wni«Ii slate ; tail brownish gray, the .slial'ts of tiie reatliew yellowish while ; slml'ts of primaries deep yellow Imsally, dark brownish teniiinally. Head, neck, riini|>, upper tail- I'liverls, and entire lower i)arts white ; an indistiiut grayish stripe through eye, darkest immediately licfore and behind the ey. Hill yellowish, the ungui and luise of eulmeii tinned with horn-eolor ; ' l.'^s and feet " pearly slate " (liglit brownish in dried skin). Wing, 11)..50-20.(K» inches ; tail, H,0(>- X.M; tarsus, 3.(K»-3.25 ; mitUllu toe, 4.00-4,30 ; culnien, 4 30-4.70, ;li to .sell ngle •UtT- UUll iidfd llSI'll Gkxus THALABSOOBRON. Ridowav. TImlnmarche, FoitiiKs, Zool. Clmllenger Kx|>, IV, 1882, 57 (not Thulasiuuehe, Ukicii, 18,W). ThiiliimiuyeroH, Uinow. MS, (tyjw, Diomedea ciilmimtln, (lOi'i.n), f'lUR. Similar to Diomedea, but culininicorn widely separated from the Lilericorn by the intvr|)osit)on uf a strip of naked skin behind the nostril. Rill inuuli compressed. ' " No difft'n'nnu whatever is observable i.. Mic plntnaKe of the se.xcs, neither is then' any visible variii- lii>ii in this re8|H'ct between youth iiml maturity ; a iii'vrr-failiiig mark, however, exists, by which these latter may Is- ili.stingnished — the young bird has the bill iliuk brown, while in the iiihdt that organ is ot II Iniglit buffy yellow : and individuals in the sauii' llight may tifi|iiently 1h' .seen in which the bill varies fruni dark hnrn-browii to the most delicate yellow" ((ion.n, Hirdsof Australia, pt. vii.), A Miide fni:n Valparaiso, Chili, had the "bill gray, with dark tips ; 'ct light gray ; iris dark brown " (Sii\R|.K, P. Z, a. 1881, p. 12). 358 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. ThalasBogeron culminatus. THE TELL0W-H08ED ALBATB0S8. JHomcdea culminala, (ioii-D, P. /. S. July 25, 1843, 107 ; Birds Austral. VII. pi. 41. — GnAT, Gen. B. 1849, 1>1. 179. — CouEs, I'r. I'liihid. Aeiul. 1806, 183. — STitEET.s, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 7, 1877, 31. — ItlDow. Noin. N. .\m. II. 1881, no. 702. Diomedea chhrorhyiichns, Art). Oni. IMog. V. 1839, 326; H. Am. VII. 1844, 196. — Lawb. in IJninl's n. N. Am. 1858, 822 (cxd. Hj-n.). — BaikI), Cut. N. Am. 11. 1859, no. 632. Had. "Southern, Indian, and South Pacific Oceans" (Gould, 1. c.) ; casual off the coost of Oregon (Audubon). Sp. Char. AiIuH : Head ami neck liglit ash-gray, darker ininictliately in front of the eycf, paler on the throat, and lading into white on the lower surface of the body ; lower eyelid white. Back brownish pluinlKious, fading gradually into the light ashy of the nape, growing gradually darker Adult. towonl the scapulars, which, with the enfin? wings, are uniform dark I)rf)wnish slate, or dusky ; rump and upper tail-cinerts while; tail hoary slate-gray, the shafts yellowish white. Shafts of primaries straw-yellow, changing to hrown terminally. Bill ijrayisli lihick, the culmen (ahriiptly) and the lower part of the maiidihle yellowish white ; legs aiitl feet dull brownish.' Yuitiiii: " Iletul and neck dark gray ;" the bill "almost uniform brownish black, with only an indication of tbo lighter color of the culmen " ((Soii.d). Wing, 2l.(K> inches ; culmen, 4.50 ; depth of bill at base, 1.75 ; tarsus, .3.2.') ; middh! toe, 6.(X). The individual dpscril)ed by Audubon tis tbt> Yidlow-noscd Albiitro,s8 (A rhhtv- rhijnrhoa), and said to have Ijei^n procured by Mr. Towuscud near tlie mouth of the 1 " Bill blnck, the culmen hont-color, and the etlge of the bnwil two thirds of the under mnnilibii' orange" ((Jori.i), Binis of Auntraliii, |)t. vii.). " Bill bbick, with the ridge in its eiitiiv length uml breadth, the tip of thn up|HT mandible, ami the crura of the lower along their infurior edges yellow. Feet yellow, claws yi-llowish gniy " (Auiii;uon). DIOMEDEIDiE — THE ALBATROSSES — PIICEBETUIA. 359 Columbia River, has been ascertained by Professor I^aird to belong, not to that, but to the present species. It is exceedingly problematical whether this bird is really entitled to a place in the avifauna of !North America. In regard to its history and distribution generally I have no information. Dr. Cooper expresses his conviction that this is a rare visitant on the Pacific coast north of the equator, though said to have been obtained in 183G off the mouth of the Columbia Itiver by Mr. Townsend. Dr. Cooper has, however, seen a skull answering to the description of that of this species in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences in San Francisco. It wa.s taken by Dr. W. U. Ayres from a dead specimen found on the outer beach near the Golden Gate. ) ■ I- Genus PHCSBETRIA, KKiniEXBArii. Phu:hdria, Rkkiienii. Syst. Av. 18.12, j). v (tyiw, Diometka fitliijinosti, (isiKi,. ). CuAR. Siiniliir to Tlutlassoyeron, but bill nmch more c()ni|iri'»(l, with Hhnrper cuhiu-n, and a deep lungitudiiml sulcus ur irroove n1()ii<{ the Midi; of the lower niaiulible ; Imse of the eulnieii lurniiiig ii deep angle into tlie featlK-ring of the foreheati, and feathers of the malar region extending forwonl OS un acute angle on the lateral base of the mandible ; tail lengthened, euneate. Only one species of this genus is known, this {P. fuliyimsa) ranging over the greater part of the Pucilic uml Southern oceans. Phoebetria fiiliginoBa. TKB SOOTT ALBATBOBB. Diomedm/iillgino.ia,C,\\v.\.. S. N. I. ii. 1788, .108. — Ti'.mm. PI . Col. 4C0. — I.awp.. in nainl's U. N. Am. 1858, 8->X — lUnil), C'nt. N. Am. II. 185i>, n<>. 1)33. — Cor i;s, Key, 187-', 320; Cheek List, 1873, no. .180. Diimiiiliii (I'htihtl rill) fill :-5..')0 shorter; culmon, 4.(K>-4.25 ; depth of bill at base, 1.4(t-1.5.'j ; tarsus, 3.25 ; middle toe, 4.(H»-4..'i(). Tills species was iutroihu'ed into the North American fauna by Au(lul)on, who figured and described it as D./iisca — supposing it to Ik; a new siK'cies — from an indi- vidual procured by Dr. Townscnd near the mouth of the Columbia Kiver. It is a bird of the Pacific Ocean, a great wanderer, more connnon in the South than in the Xortli l*acifi(! Kegions, and with very doubtful claims to be regarded as even a visitor of tlie Nortli American coast at any point. Mr. H. Swinhoe speaks of it as being abundant at all seasons in the Formosan Channel. lie kept several birds of this species, as well Jis of J). aUmtrus, alive for several days in his veranda at Amoy; but he could not induce any of them to feed. For a few days they walked alwut in a clumsy manner, but soon became too weak. He kept one alive, in order to ascertain how long it was iMjssible for this bird to exist without food. It had been kept a week or more when he n>ceived it, and it remained alive twenty-Jiine days after that ; so that it must luive lived in all at least. five weeks without swaUowing anything. It was also fouiul about Amoy, China, when! it was caugiit, in company with l>. (i//i(>, and resembled generally the egg of 1). exulaim — iK'ing chalky white, coarse to the touch, and of a scpiarely truncated form. It was also minutely pitted with reddish dots in an indistiiu't band at the obtuse end. This species is called the "lUuo Itird " by the sealers, who readily distinguish it from the e(|ually sooty Giant Petrel by its white eyelids and the white mark along the bill. Tin' fenude lays but a single egg, which is said to Imj very good eating. Captain V. \\ King writes ("Zoologist," XXXIV. 128) that he met with birds f»f this species in the greatest abundance near the Islaml of St. Paid. Wherever om' si)ecies of J)lomedea abounded, the others were fro;iched, clattering their large bills with an odd noise, and biting viciously. In captivity both birds ate freely of fresh meat. The «'gg was single, white, and very long in proportion to its thickness. Otiier eggs were met with as late as NovemlxM- 21. In Dr. Kidder's Notes on tin* Oology of Kerguelen, he descrilM's the eg>;8 of lliis species as U-ing broadly ovoidal, generally white, and marked by a collection of spots alH)Ut the larger enil. The shell is said to be compact in structure, thin lor its siz«', and sm Si/i? vi'rv larj,'i' (wIiik. 17.(H) inclies or moiv)- Bill longer than taimis. 3. OHifraga. Tail of sixtct-n fi-atiicrs ; Mil lonj,'('r than the tarsus, very stout ; nasal tuln; iniK-li lou'r^cr than thiMnaxillary un^'uis, thv nasal oiiUcesin^'lu at tliu entrance, the Ht-ptum hL>iii<{ hiilddi. B. Si/.i' niiMlinni (win^' less than It.' u lies, ami inort; than 7.arated from the ntiiial tulie by a very narrow space. fi. Priocella. Similar to Fulwiintu, hut hill nnich more slender, the nasal tube coiicuve un top, and separated from the unf,'uis by a very wide space. 6. Prlofinua. Tail-feathers twelve; nasal tuU's about liidf as lonj; as the uiifjuis, and sejin- rated from the latter by a s|iace eipial in leii^^th to about two thinls the length of the unguis ; nostrils oiK-niiij; directly anteriorly. 7. PuCDnua. Tail-feathers twelve; nasal tubes about half as hui^' as the un};uis, and sepa- rated from the latter by a space nearly eipud to the length of the unguis ; nostrils o|i«!uiMg obli(|Uely upward. 8. CBstrelata. Hill much compressed and Miy deep, the ungui very large, o-cupying nearly the terminal half of the bill; na.sd IuIh-s short and very prominent, about one ihiitl tu one half as long as the maxillary unguis, the nostrils opening directly in front. 0. Bulweria. Similar to (K-ilnlutn, but smaller and more slender, the tail longer (about half the wing) ami more grailuated. Mydlogical formula said to lie very dilFerent. 1(1. Daption. Tail of fourteen feathers; bill broad and depressed, exce|it terminally, the unguis occu])ying less than one third its length ; nasal luU's depressed and concave in the middle, nearly as long as the unguis, and separated from the latter by a space (npial to al)out two thirds its length ; maxillary rami separated below from the angle luuk, boweil slightly outward, the intervening space occupied with buix! skin; tunuii nnuli longer than the bill, but shorter than the midille toe. C Size very small (wing less than 7., no. «,'?4. Oasi/raga gigivitrn, Kkicukmi. Syst. Av. IS."), pi 20, fig. 3.12. — UnNAP. C'onsp. II. 1856, 186.— CorKs, IV. Ac. Nat. Sri. Phil. 186(5, 32; 2d Click List, 1882, no. 813. — UlDOW. Nom. N. Am. Ii. 1881, no. 704. Fiilmiinm gigitiili-ii.i, Coi'Ks, Key, 1872, 327 ; Clicrk List, 1873, im. 581. f ProetllarUt brasiliana, Latu. lud. Onu II. 17U0, 821, no. 2. • 364 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. Had. Southern oceans ; cnKual off the const of Ore^'on. Si'. Chak. Adulf: Head, neck, uikI lower parts, wliite ; ' upper parts i)hiin fulininous-slale, the feuthui-s, particularly the 8cupulurs, suuietiinea indistinctly tipped with lighter. Bill yellow ; Dark phase. legs and feet yellowish or dusky. Youmj ! : Uniform dark fuliginous-slate, sometimes with whilisli feathers around Imse of the bill. Bill more olivaceous.* Total length, about 3 feet ; extent, about 7 ; wing, 17.(K) to 21.tK) inches; culmen, 3.5t>-4.()0 ; tarsus, 3.50 ; middle toe, without claw, 4.50-4.70. Audubon states that a specimen of this enormous Tetrol was shot at .some distance from the mouth of Columbia lliver, and sent to him by ^Ir. Townsend. Its great si/.c gave to it, at first sight, the appearance of an Albatross. 15y some sailors it is said to be known by the name of "Mother Carey's (Joose." In the Heport of the? Wilkes Expedition it is spoken of as the "Giant I't'trel." It was fre(juently observed duriiij,' the voyage of that Expedition, and its claim to be regarded as one of the birds ol North America is confirmed by the (collection of specimens on the coast of Oregon. Since this species is much larger than its immediate relatives in this gronj), it would seem as if it was more nearly allied to the Albatrosses than to the Fulmars. So fur, however, as its manners and habits are known, they vary but little from those of the Fulmars. The occurrence of this bird is frequently referred to by Dr. l*iek«'ring in his Journjil of the Events of the United States Exi^'Oinng^KKiMjdilion. .Un tlie morning of Feb. H, 1831), an example of this large Fidmar was captured ; but the locality is not given. He states that an individual of this spe(cies had been seen occasionally since the loth of January, when the Exjjedition was in latitude 39° 5', in the Atlantic Ocean; but at first it was mistaken for an Albatross. In size it was equal to a (Joose, its total length being two feet, five inches, and its expan.se of wing six feet. Its iris wiis lake-brown. It was captured alive; and when placed on deck, could run or stand fur a few moments without expanding its wingr., but was apparently very soon fatigued with such exertion, and almost immediately assumed a sitting iH)sition, like that * Accoitliii},' to Dr. Cwips (see Pr. Pliilad. Acad. 1860, p. .32) some specimens are "pure white all over. oven to tlie wings niul tail ; the continuity of the wliite only interrupted by n few isolated brown feiithi'i> sparsely scattered at irreguliir intervals over the body." * Audubon cle8cril)e8 the bill ami feet of a s|H-cinien in the uniform dnrk-brown plumage ns yellow ; while a male (jige not stated) from Tom Hay, Patagonia, is thus descrilH'il by .Mr. Shar|H; (Proc. Zonl- Soc, Lend., 1881, p. 11) : " Bill light gray ; iris dark browu ; eyelids black ; legs ami feet dark giay." iii PROCELLARIID.fi — THE PETRELS — OSSIFRAGA. 365 of ThalasHulronKP. Its wings wpfp, lik«> those of an Albatross, long and narrow, and in flying were extendod almost in a straight line, at right angles from the Iwdy. Its tiiglit was chiefly sailing, which, tiiough long continued, was performed with great rai>idity and apparent ease. The bird was called a " MoUy-Mawk " by the seamen, some of whom recognized in it an old acquaintance. It was frequently seen alighting and resting on the water. Dr. ('ooi»er mentions (" Am. Nat." X. 758) having observed this enormous Petrel — known to whalers as the "Gong" — oif the coast, at Monterey, Cal. The whale- Hsluiry had attracted it nearer the land than was usual, and it could bo seen swim- ming lazily near the try-works, in order to pick up scraps of blubber. According to his experience, it usually keeps very far from land, as he has never seen any bird answering its description nearer to the Californian coast, though Steller refers to it a.s having been seen by him in great numbers feeding on a dead whale, two hundred vtTsts from the land off the northwest coast. ('aptain Sperling speaks of the Giant Petrel as not uncommon from the Cape of Good Hope as far south as latitude 21"; beyond that he saw no more of it. At night, when hovering over the ship, this bird would emit the most diabolical cry — lietween a croak and a scream — often startling the sailors, who could hardly imagine to what cause these sounds were to be attributed. Captain C. C. Abbott mentions flnding this species common along the shores of tlie East Falkland Islands. It was generally seen on the wing, though occasionally it was resting on the water. He was told that it breeds on many of the adjacent islets ; Mild as a proof of the correctness of the statement, he mentions that the eggs were friHluently brought to him. This species is included by Mr. G. R. Gray in his list of the birds of New Zealand and of the adjacent islands. Captain Hutton (" Ibis," ISCj) states that it breeds on the cliffs of Prince Edward's Island and of Kerguelen Island, in localities which are not entirely inaccessible. The nestlings are at first covered with a beautiful long light-gray down ; and when fledged tlicy iire d.ark brown, mottled with white. When a person approaches the nest, the old Itirds remain a short distance away, while the young ones squirt a horribly smell- iiif,' oil out of their nostrils, to a distance of six or eight feet. This Fulmar is renuuk- alilc for its voracity, hovering over the sealers when they are cutting up a seal, and •li'vouring the carcase the moment it is abandoned. This bird was. known to the sailors as the " Melly." It will occasionally chase the sm.iller sea-birds, but it is not known ever to kill them ; and as these are swift on the wing, it is doubtful if they (ilind l)c overtaken by this bird. Captain Hutton entirely discredits the statements ol \iU\i\ Macartney, that this si)ecics is in the habit of killing other birds, and then (inly feeding upon the heart and liver of its victims. Mr. Layard (" Ibis," 18G2) mentions his first meeting with it in the Antarctic Ocean, in latitude 41° S., in company with the Hlack Albatross — I), fulirjinosii. Many of this sj)ecies took the hook freely, when the vessel was not going through the water. Tlicy were all unusually lean, and it was presumed that their breeding-season was already over, and that they were fending their young birds — or this was the only way in which their jwor condition coidd be accounted for. Mr. Layard afterward (" Ibis," 18G7) describes the egg of this species obtained in thi' Crozette Islands by Captain Armson. It measures 4.1'*"» inches in length by 2.G6 in Itrcailth, is of a dirty white, and very rough to the touch, reminding one of tlic eg<^ of a Crar. In shajie it is like that of a common (.Joose, and is rather jmiiited at each end. It retains the strong musky odor of the parents, which ia called 30G THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS - TUBINARES, " Glutton Bird " by the sealers, who cannot eat the egg on account of its odor. This bird lays but a single egg. Tliese birds are said to be so fearless that they congregate on the carcasses of the seals tiiat are being cut up, and rival the men in the flensing process. Dr. Kidder did not meet witli any egg of this species, but found the nest on elevated ground, at the distance of half a mile from the sea. When the young were first seen, January 'J, there was no vestige of any artificial nest, and the nestlings were nearly Hedged, and as large and heavy as the adults. They were found in natural hoHows between moiuids of Asorella. Dr. Kidder describes these birds as being exceedingly tiltliy, ejecting the contents of their stomachs for two or tliree feet from their bodies, with an almost unlimited 8Ui)ply from which to draw. When disturbed they soon surrounded themselves with a puddle of vomited matters, among whicli were noticed many J'enguins' feathers. In the same neighborhood was a young bird of an earlier brood, fully fledged, but still unable to fly. These data prove that this IVtrel is among the earliest of the birds of Kerguelen in breeding, and that it is destructive of other species of birds. The down of the young bird is entirely gray, and the head is partly naked. Gknith FTTLMARUB, Leach. Fulmiinia, Lkacii, .Stciiliciis' Gen. Zool. XIII. 182.'i, 233 (tj'l>c, ProecUaria glacial is, Linn.). Chah. Similar to Omijr 'ijn, hut nuich sniuIliT, tlie 1)111 shorter tlinn tlie tnreuB, the nasal IiiIhs tthurtc-r uiul hiiimIIit (•liTitlttlly Hhnrter than the maxillary unguis), the nasal septum cxtenilinf{ alniiwt to the orilice. Tail-l'tatliLTs 12-14. Of this gcnuM there appears tu be but a single sjiecies, which varies greatly in plumage, even in the same locality. FnlmaroB glacialis. a. Olaolalis. THE ABOTIO FVLMAB. Procdhiria glncinlii, LisN. Fnun. Suec. 2J eil. 1761, 51; S. N. I. 1766, 213. — Nl'TT. Mnn. II. 1834, 331. —All). Orn. Biog. III. 1835, 446; B. Am. VII. 1844, 204, pi. 365. — Lawk, in Buii-il's B. N. Am. \%:A, 825. — BAriiD, Cat. N. Am. B. 18.59, no. 635. Fiiliiwriis (jlacialia, Stephkns, (icn. Zool. XIII. 1826, 234, pi. 27. — Bdnap. Consp. II. 1856, 187. — CouKs, Vr. Ac. Nnt. Sii. Pliilnd. 1866, 27 ; Key, 1872, 327 ; Check List, 1873, no. 682 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 814. — Kinow. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 70.^. Fnlmartts (jiacial In, a. Audubmii, Bonap. Consp. II. IS.ie, 187. Fiihnnru» ghciiilis, h. minor, BoxAP. I. c. Prmrlhria grliitlaiidii-n, ear!y " gray than those from llie North Pacific, and have, without e.\ccption, a dusky space immediately in front of the eye. Not one of the three "adult" specimens shows any white on the wings. In all specimens from the North Pacific the gray is much darker, of it moiv smoky hue ; some have no trace of du.-*ky in liijnt of the eye, while others have a greater or less amount of white on the wing ; the type of IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) ^ ^ k{0 A :/. 1.0 1.1 1.25 Ui|28 12.5 Ui 1^ 12.2 ^ U^ 12.0 1.4 llllim 1.6 ■.'. . " ,77 '7^'- h^ //tj 368 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. F. " Rodgersi," Cass., having the wing almost entirely white, as are also the rump and upper tail- coverts. There is, however, absolutely no conitancy in regard to the continuity of the gray, the shade of which varies I'roni a pale smoky cinereous to a deep, almost slate-, gray. In order to test the question of local versus individual variation in size and proportions, careful measurements have been made of the twenty-four specimens examined, and the following summary is presented as the result : — Sevc7i specimens from the North Atlantic {^=glacialis et " minor "). Wing. Culinen. DciJtli of bill tlirough base. Tarsus. Middlu toe. Maximum, 13.75 1.58 .80 2.15 2.60 Minimum, 11.80 1.30 .60 1.65 2.05 Average, 12.69 1.46 .71 1.88 2.30 Seven specimens frovi the North Pacific, labelled " F. Rodgersi." Wing. Culmen. Deptli of bill at base. Tarsus. Middle toe. Maximum, 12.90 1.60 .75 2.05 2.50 Minimum. 12.10 1.40 .65 1.75 2.20 Average, 12.46 1.49 .72 1.90 2.32 Seven specimens from the North Pacific, labelled "F. pacific us." Wing. Culinen. Depth of bill at base. Tarsus. Middle toe. Maximum, 12.35 1.65 .70 2.00 2.35 Minimum, 11.90 1.36 .65 1.75 2.10 Average, 12.06 1.48 .68 1.88 2.25 The greatest variation in size is seen among specimens from the North Atlantic, three of which are so much smaller than all the others, especially in regard to the bill, as almost to suggest specific distinctness. These doubtless represent the P. minor, Kj.iERB.* These three specimens, compared with seven others from various localities in the North Atlantic measure as follows : — F. glacialis minor. No. Wing. Culmen. Depth of bill at base. Tarsus. Middle toe. 76293,* Ovifnk, Greenland, Aug. 10, 11.90 1.30 .70 1.90 2.20 76289,* Cumberland Gulf, Oct. 13, 11.80 1.30 .60 1.65 2.05 771 14, t Coast New England, 12.00 1.38 .60 1.75 2.15 Average, 11.90 1.38 .63 1.77 2.13 F. glacialis glacialis. No. Wing. Culmen. Depth oi bill at base. Tarsus. Middle toe. 71021, Niantilik, Cumberland Gulf, Aug. 7, 13.75 1.50 .80 71022, If 14 " 7, 12.80 1..50 .76 « 11 " 10, 12.90 1.55 .78 2.15 2.45 71020, If l( " 10, 12.70 1.45 .75 1.95 2.20 76290, Quickstep Harbor, " July 11, 13.40 1.45 .75 1.85 2.45 67136, Greenland, 13.20 1.58 .75 2.00 2.60 78012, Lat. 45° 10', long. 55° 21' W. Mar. 14, 12.50 1.45 .65 1.80 2.30 A verage. 13.04 1.50 .75 1.95 2.40 L. Kumlien. t [U. B. Fish Conmiission.] The colors of the small specimens mentioned above are in no way peculiar, except that the bill is darker, or almost blackish. With a few rare and occasional exceptions, the typical Fulmar, or Fulmar Tptrpl, as it is more generally called, is a northern and Arctic sijecies, confined to the Northern Atlantic and to the Arctic oceans, to the northern portions of Ameriia, « See Coues, Pr. Philad. Acad. 1866, p. 28. PROCELLARIID^E — THE PETRELS — FULMARUS. 369 2.20 2.05 2.15 2.13 2.45 2.20 2.45 2.C0 2.30 2.40 Bar rcti'pl, d to the America, I'^urope, and Asia, being best known and probably most numerous in the waters north and northwest of Europe. It is a very abundant species, and yet the localities where it has been ascertained to breed are but few in number. Messrs. Evans and Sturge met with it in abundance in the waters around Spitz- bergen, where they were attracted toward the vessel in a large flock by the carcass of a seal. At first the birds were very timid, only skimming over it, and settling on the water at some distance, to reconnoitre. At last one vent.ired to alight upon it, and began to feed, but was soon interrupted by the arrival of others, among whom a lively contest ensued for the best positions. By the time they had been left far in the wake of the vessel, they had assembled in a vast crowd. At other times they were seen skimming swiftly over the water, after the manner of a European Kestrel, and as noiselessly as an owl. One of the lofty peaks of the mountains, known as the Alkenfels, that stood out like an immense horn, was literally alive with swarms of Fulmars, Brunnich's Guillemot, Black Guillemots, and Kittiwake Gulls. These had their nests in its inaccessible fastnesses, secure from the depredations of man or beast. This bird was found abundant all around Spitzbergen, and was also met with at the very northernmost point attained by Parry's Expedition. Dr. Malmgren found it breeding by the thousands on the north side of Brandywine Bay, hit. 80° 24' N. It was also found breeding, but in smaller numbers, on the Alkenhorn, Avhere Pro- fessor Newton obtained its eggs. Dr. Malmgren also found it breeding plentifully on Bear Island. Professor Newton adds, in a note, that the very limited number of Ineeding-places of the Fulmar forms a curious contrast to the extraordinary abundance of the species. Among the British Islands, St. Kilda is said to be its only place of abode. About the year 1839 it was first found breeding about the Faroe Islands, where it has since much increased, and now occupies several spots in that group of islands. In Iceland it has four or five stations. Captain Elmes, who visited the breeding-place above referred to — St. Kilda — (■• Ibis," 18C9) gives a full account of it. Soon after landing he started with some of the best cragsmen for the cliffs at the north side of the island. On reaching the .suuunit of Conachan, the highest point, he came suddenly on a precipice not less than 1-20 feet in height. The whole of this immense face of rock was so crowded with birds that the water was seen far below as if through a heavy snow-storm, and the birds, which were flying in front of the cliff, almost obscured the view. All '.li ledges near the top were covered with short turf, full of holes, in which the j' . >rs were sitting on their eggs, with their heads and part of their bodies exposed u.u.sule. In some cases they were quite concealed ; but generally the soil was too thin for them to niiike more than a slight excavation. Thousands of Fulmars were flying backward and forward, with a quiet, owl-like flight; and although the air was full of them, hardly one ever came over the top of the cliff. Alter admiring the scene for some time the Captain prepared to descend; and on arriving at the first ledge, where the Fulmars were, he had no difficulty in collecting the eggs, which were laid in small holes among the stones, or in the turf on a few hits of grass, or on the stems of the sea-pink, and so slightly built as hardly to suffice to keep the eggs from the bare ground. The birds wert! very tame, and sometimes allowed themselves to be caught with the hand. The eggs Avero quite fresh ; and all tliiit he took on that part of the cliff were distinctly aiarked with reddish-brown dots and freckles. All the eggs from other ])laces were spotless. Tlie young Fulmars, as soejn as fledged, are eagerly sought for as food by the St. Kildians ; and even the old birds — as Mr. Scoresby states — when cleared of the skin vol,. It. — 47 mm II 370 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TTTBINARES. 11 and every particle o". fat, are tolerably good eating. He further says that this bird is remarkably liglitand swift on the wing, and that it can tiy to windward in the severest gales, and rest on the water with complete composure in tlie most tremendous seas. In heavy gales it flies cpiito low, skimming over the surface of the water. The Fulmar when caught vomits from its mouth nearly a wine-glassful of (jlear yellow oil, with minute green particles floating in it, of which oil the St. Kildians collect large quantities. All the birds taken on their nests were females, and their eyes were not yellow, but black or dark brown. The feathers of the breast were unusually thick and close, and there was a bare hollow place on the stomach of the size and shape of the egg. Mr. Wheelwright states that the Fulmar is not seen on the Swedish coast in sum- mer, but that it is occasionally met with there in winter and in the autumn, and never farther south on the Norwegian coast than Trondhjem. It breeds in tht* far north, in the islands off Nordland, and Finland; but Iceland appears to be its principal breeding-place. The female lays but one white egg, said to be three inches in length, and two in breadth. Mr. Gillett saw the Fulmar in the waters around Nova Zembla, where it was a constant attendant on ships in the Arctic Sea, and was easily caught with a baited hook. When placed on deck it was quite unable to rise, or even to stand upright, but shuffled along with the help of its wings. It would, as soon as caught, readily eat blubber ; and if thrown overboard would come again t(j the hook without the least hesitation. This bird never settles on the flat ice ; but on one occasion was seen on the sloping side of an iceberg. It was usually either on the wing, or sitting on the water. Von Heuglin did not find this species anywhere about on the shores of Nova Zend)la, but on the high sea he saw it everywhere between that island and tlie Norwegian coast. ]\Ir. K. L. Layard mentions meeting with a single example of this species in the Antarctic Ocean, in latitude 44° S. Afterward, on the IGth of September, when sailing along the southern coast of Tasmania, he again saw a single specimen of this l)ird, which came close under the stern of the vessel, and was several times very nearly taken. Dr. Walker mentions that, in the voyage of the " Fox," upon approaching thi' coast of Greenland, the Fulmars fu'st made their appearance, and were thence met. with as far as the Expedition sailed. This species is given by Professor Reinhanlt as one of the resident birds of Greenland. These birds were first noticed by Mr. Kundien off Ikdle Isle August 20 ; and from this point northward they increased in numbers, and were seen everywhere, botli close in shore and far out to sea, at all times and in all wtuathers. Tlu^y were very common in Cumberland until the middle of October, and were especially abmi hint off the shore at Cape Chidly, Resolution Island, Griiniell Bav, and Frobisher's Straits. On Blue Mountain, Ovifak, Greenland, they were breeding in myriads to its very summit, at the height of two thousand feet. Their abundance near Cape Searle is also spoken of as something extraordinary, and they were so tame about their nesting- places that they could be killed with a stick. In their greediness they are quite equal to Vultures. This Fulmar possesses extraordinary powers of flight, and is very graceful when on the wing. This is given by l")r. Hessels as being one of the species secured by the " Polaris " Expedition, and Captain Feilden (" Ibis," October, 1877) mentions it as being quite common in the north water of Baffin's Pay ; these birds following the ships until tliey PROCELLARIID.E - THE PETRELS — l-'ULMARUS. 371 ' Polaris " 3iug q"><^^' vnitil thoy ontered the pack off Capo Sabiuo. On the 2r)th of June, 1S7G, on the coast of CJrin- ni'U Land (lat. .SL'° oO' N.), a single Fulmar was seen ; und a few days later another was ])icked up dead on the shore, some two miles farther north. This species was not again observed until the return of the Expedition to Baffin's Bay in September, 1S7(). Mr. George C. Taylor states that, in a voyage from Livcrfmol to New York, ho saw, on the 2'2A of May, large flocks of these birds near the coast of Newfoundland. Mr. lioardman informs lue that the fishermen represent this bird — known to them as the White Hagdon — a3 being quite common off the coast of Labrador, where it is said to breed. Neither Mr. Lawrence nor Mr. Giraud mentions this bird as being known in the waters of Long Island or New York ; but Audubon cites that region as its southern limit, and in August, on a voyage from England to New York, he ])rocured several ('xami)les of this species. They were quite fearless, and floated on the water very buoyantly, some swimming about with great ease. He did not meet with any on the coast of Labrador, though he was told that they are regularly observed in spring to move northward in files opposite the entrance of the Straits of Helle Isle ; and Captain Sabine states that while the ships were detained by the ice in Jacob's Bay, liititiide 71°, from the 24th of June to the 28d of July, Fulmars were passing in a continual stream to the northward, in numbers inferior only to those seen in the nights of the I'assenger Pigeon. The Fulmar is extremely greedy of the fat of the whale. As soon as the flensing |iv()cess begins, these birds flock in from all quarters, and sonu>times fiecunuilate to the number of several thousands, fearlessly advancing within a few yards of the men employed in cutting up the carcass; even approaching near enough to be knocked down with the boat-hook, or taken alive, and frequently glutting tliemselves so conipletely as to be iniable to fly. Mr. ^La(•gillivray describes the egg of the Fulmar as being pure white in color, wlu'ii clean, and varying in size from 2.G3 inches to 3.12 in length by 2.00 inches in its average breadth. On the 30th of June, having descended a nearly perpendicular jirccipice six hundred feet in height, the whole face of which was covered with nests of the Fulmar, he enjoyed an opportunity of watching its liabits. The nests had all hoeii robbed about a month before by the natives, who esteem the eggs of this bird above all others. Many of the nests contained each a young bird a day or two old at fartlu'st, thickly covered with long white down. The young ones were very clamor- ous on being liandled, and vomited a quantity of clear oil, with which he observed the parent birds feeding them by disgorging. The old birds, when taken hold of, vomit a quantity of clear, amber-colored oil, which imparts to the whole bird, its nest, and young, and even to the rock which it frequents, a peculiar and very disagreeable odor. This oil is one of the nu)st valuable productions of St. Kilda. This bird, called jindfica, was described by Mr. Aiidubon from a specimen obtained by Mr. Townseud on the Pacific coast. It chiefly differed from the common Fulmar ill the shape and size of its bill. Dr. Cooper (" Am. Nat." Vol. IV.) met with birds of tliis sj)ecies in close proximity to the coast of Monterey, attracted thither by the wliale-iishery. T'hey were called by the whalers "Tagers" and " Haglets," were ([iiite common off the shore, and were seen at times feeding on the flesh of the whale, but were more frequently observed chasing the Gulls to make them disgorge. 'i'liis was in ^lay. A specimen supposed to behmg to this species — as Dr. Cooper states — wius found by Mr. Lorquin dead on the beach near San Francisco in winter, and is now in the collection of the Academy. Dr. Cooper has sinco seen many i iiP' 372 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. other dead specimens on the beach both there and at San Diego, but not in a condi- tion to be preserved. Ho has also seen them along the whole southern coast, and jvt all seasons of the year, but always too far from the land to be shot, and very shy. They very rarely enter bays, and when they do, are so constantly in motion tiiat only by chance do they come within range ; and it is useless to pursue them. They are usually seen in chase of the Gulls, obliging the latter to disgorge, when the Fulmars seize the morsel before it reaches the water. ])r. Cooper has also seen this bird picking up scraps in the neighborhood of whale-ships, near San Diego. Dr. Pickering mentions, in his Journal, that on the 29th of April, 1841, on the coast of Oregon, several siieeimens were taken with hook and line. They were in an ashy and somewhat mottled plumage, and were all young birds. One set at liberty was quite unable to rise from the deck, and was destitute of the power of standing, though it coidd run with the aid of its wings. In alighting in the water, it takes the same care in folding and adjusting its wings, without wetting them, as the Alba- tross. One was observed to seize a llialass'ub'oma violently, and to hold it under the ■water as if for the purpose of drowning it ; but whether the attempt succeeded or not was not noticed. The small Petrel did not appear to be afraid of this species. Rodgers' Fidmar Petrel, or Liqnis, as it is called by the natives, is an inhabitant of the I'rybilof Islands, where it was found by Mr. H. W. Elliott. He states that it is the only representative of the rrordlarimv that he saw on or about the islands. It repairs to the cliffs, on the south and east shores of Saint George's, in great numbers, coming up early in the season, and selecting some rocky shelf, secure from all enemies save man, where, making no nest whatever, it lays a single large, white, oblong-oval egg, and immediately begins sitting upon it. Of all the water fowls, this is the one most devoted to its charge, for it cannot be scared from the egg by any demonstra- tion that may be made in the way of throwing stones or shouting, and it will rather die as it sits than take to flight. The Fulmar lays between the 1st and the 5th of June ; the eggs .are very palatable, being fully equal to those of the domestic Duck, and even better. The natives lower themselves over the cliffs, and gather a large number of them every season. This species of Fulmar never flies in flocks, and pairs earlj'. It !■= then exceedingly quiet, and is never heard to utter any sound, save a low droning croak when it is dis- gorging food for its young. The chick comes out from the shell a perfect puff-li;ill of white down, gaining its flrst plumage in about six weeks. This is a dull gray, black at first, but by the end of the season it becomes like the parents' in coloration, only much darker on the back and scainilaries. Its egg is naturally very similar to that of Fulmarus r/laclalis. As a general nde it is more elongated than the egg of the eastern bird ; but this difference is not very striking. The shell of the egg is rougher, and filled with innumerable raised granulations and minute dei)ressioiis. Its average measurement is I'.OO inches in length, and 1.90 in breadth. The color is white, but liable to be stained, and soiled from various causes, with dirty yellow «y brown discolorations. Specimens of the eggs of this bird were also obtained at St. George's by Captiiiu Smith and by Mr. Dall. Their extreme length was 3.00 inches, and the least breadth 1.85. I'RUCELLAIUIDJ!; — THE PETKELS — PIUOCELLA. 373 Genus PRIOCELLA, Homkkox and Jacquinot. PrioccUa, IIoMii. & Jaiij. t'uiiipt. liciid. XVIII. 1814, 357 (tyi)c, P. dttninli, IIo.MU. & Jacq., = yVo- ccllarUi ghtciiiloidcs. Smith). Char. Siinilftv to Fulmanif, l)Ut bill much slcmloivr, the nasal tubes shorter, more dt'presst'd, concave on top, and separated by a wide space from the maxillary unguis. P. i/hiciahndes. The generic name Thalassnica, Reich. (" Sy.st. Av." 1852, p. iv) has usually been employed fur this species. But, aside from any question of priority (Thalansoica dating 18.52, and Priocella 1844), the type of Thulassoica is explicitly stated to be the Procdlaria antttrctica (C}MEL.),a bird which the late Professor W. A. Forbes has recently (" Zool. ' Challenger,'" Vol. IV. 1882, p. 59) made the type of a new genus, Acipetes, and which is certainly perfectly ilistinct generically from the type of the genus Priocella. Aeipetes, however, is clearly a synonyme of Thulassoica. Priocella glacialoides. THE SLENDEB-BILLED FULMAR. Procdlaria tcnuirostri.i, Am. Orn. niog.V. 1839, 333 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 210 (not of Temm. 1828). — Lawii. in Bainl's B. X. Am. 1858, 826. — Baikd, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 637. Tkalrissokii ghicialuidcs, b. tcnuiro.il ris, Boxap. Coiisp. II. 1856, 192. Fitlmarus tenuirostris, Couii.s, Clieck List, 1873, no. 583. Priocella tenuirostris, Kiimw. Pr. U. S. Nat. JIus. Vol. 2, 1880, 200 ; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 706. — CouEs, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 817. Prncrtlaria r/hieu! hides, SMITH, lUustr. S. Afr. B. 1849 (') t. 51. Thalassoica glacialoides, Ueiciienu. Syst. Av. 1852, p. iv. — Bonap. Consp. IL 1856, 192. — CouES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sei. Phil. 1866, 30. Thalassoica ijlacialoidcs, a. polaris, Bonap. Consp. II. 1856, 192. Procdlaria Smithi, Schleo. Mas. P.-B. Proc. 1863, 22. Priocella Oanioti, Homd. et Jacq. Voy. Pole Sud. IIL 1853, pi. 32, fig. 42 [fide Gray). Hah. Seas throughout the southern hemisphere ; also, whole Pacific coast of North America (common off the Columbia River). Apparently absent from the North Atlantic. Sp. Char. Adult : Head, neck, and lower parts white ; njiper parts pale pearl-gray, fading iimduiilly into the white of the head ; remiges dark slate, the inner webs of the primaries chiefly white. " Irides brownish black ; nostrils, culmen, and a portion of the base of the upper mandible bluish lead-color ; tips of both mandibles fleshy honi-color, decjiening into black at their points ; remainder of the bill pinky flesh-color ; legs iuid feet gray, washed with pink on the tarsi, and blotched with slaty black on the joints" (Goui.u).* * Main killed at Valpamiso, Cluli, Aug. 4, 1879 : "Logs gray, witli blue stains ; bill gray, with blue I'ati'hcs" (Shakpe, p. Z. S. 1881, p. 11). 374 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINAUES. P^ i Total length, nbout 18.50 Inches ; wing, 13.00-13.50; tail, 5.(X) ; culnien, 2.10 ; tarsus, 1.90. A specimen from South Ai'rica has a much slenderer bill than have two examples from Oregon ; the hill is also differently colored, the dusky of the basal portion of the maxilla being almost or (luitc absent, and that at the tip more restricted. This species was iirst described by Audubon from a specimen procured near the Pacific coast by Dr. Towneend, which was said to have been taken at sea, not far from the mouth of the Columbia lliver. The only information in re- gard to it, as furnished by Mr. Towns- end, is derived from a brief manu- script note appended to the bird, and quoted by Audubon, to the effect that it was first observed when about a day's sail from the mouth of the Co- lumbia. Its habits are spoken of as almost precisely the same as those of Daption cnpensis, both keeping con- stantly around the vessel, and fre- quently alighting in her wake, for the purpose of feeding. It was easily taken with a hook baited with pork, and at times — particularly durijig a gale — was so tame as almost to allow itself to be taker with the hand. The stomachs of most of the birds that Dr. Towns 3nd captr.red were found to contain a species of sepia and some oil. According to Mr. Cassin, it has a most extensive range of locality, being known to frequent the southern points of both of the great divisions of the globe, and those of Australia, and many other localities in the Pacific Ocean. Only a single specimen was found among the collection brought home by the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, which was labelled as having been obtained on the coast of Oregon. According to Dr. Cooper, the only more recent evidence of the appearance of this species on our Pacific coast, and of its claim to be classed as a bird of California, is founded upon a supposed skeleton of a bird of this species obtained on the beach of Catalina Island in June, 18G3. Genus FRIOFINXTS, Hombron and Jacquinot. Priofimts, Homb. & Jacq. Compt. Rend. XVIII. 1844, 355 (type, Procellaria cincrca, Gmkl.). Adainastor, Bonap, Consp. II. 1856, 187 (type, A, iypus, Br. = Procellaria einerea, Gmel.). Char. Si/e medium ; rectrices, twelve ; bill moderately stout, the culmen much shorter than the tarsus, and about three times the greatest depth of the bill near the base ; nasal tubes short, and separated from the maxillary unguis by a si)aee ecpial in extent to about two thirds the lengtli of the unguis, which is more than twice as long as the nasal tubes ; nostrils nearly circular, opening directly forward. PUOUELLAilllD/E — THE PETRELS — PRIOFINUS. 375 FriofinuB cinereus. THE BLACK'TAILED 8HEABWATEB. Procellaria cinerea, Gmel. S. N. I. 1788, 563. Pi'iqfimis cinereus, Homb. & Jacq. Conipt. Rend. XVIII. 1844, 355. Puffinui cinereus. Lawk, in Binls N. Am. 1858, 835. — Baiud, Cat. N. Am. R. 1859, no. 651. Adamaator citieretis, CoUES, Pr. Phildd. Acad. 1864, 119. — Stkeets, Bull. U, S. Nat. Mus. no. 7, 1877, 29. ? Proccllaria melanura, Bonn. "Enc. Mcth. 1790, 79." Adanastor melanurus, C'OUES, Check List, 1873, no. 595. Priofinus melanurus, Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 2, 1880, 209 ; Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 707. — CouES, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 830. Proccllaria hccsitata, Licht. ed. Forst. Descr. An. 1844, 208. — Gocld, B. Austr. VII. 1848, pi. 67 (not of Kuiii,, Beitr. Zool. 1820, 142 ; Tcm. PI. Col. 1820, il6, = (Estrclala hwsitata I). Adamastor tyjms, BoNAP. Consp. II. 1856, 187. Proccllaria ndamaslor, Schleo. Mus. P.-B. Procell. 1863, 25. Puffinm Kuhlii, Cass. Pr. Philad. Acad. 1862, 327 (not of Boie). Hab. South Pacific Ocean ; accidental off coast of California (Monterey ; Lawrence). Sp. Char. Adult : Head, neck, and back silky cinereous, fading insensibly into whitish on the chin, throat, and foreneck ; wings, rump, iuul upper tail-coverts darker and more brown- ish than the back ; primaries and tail dusky. Lower parts white, the crissuni and whole under Mirface of the wing brownish gray, the flanks, and sometimes the sides, tinged with the same, liill duU light horn-yellow, the nasal tubes, cul- niL'u as far as the unguis, and the maxillary sulcus blackish ; legs and feet light brownish, in the dried skin.^ Wing, 12.25-13.50 inches ; culmen, 1.75- L85 ; depth of bill through base, .70-.75 ; tar- sus, 2.25-2.30 ; middle toe, 2.50-2.60. The liistory of the manners and our knowledge of the distribution of this spe- eios is wanting. All that is known in regard to it is that it was first referred to as one of our Western coast-birds by Mr. Lawrence, under the name of Proeellaria hcrsitata, based upon an example said to liave been killed oif the coast near Monterey, and found in the collection of N. I'ike, Es(i. Afterward, in the "Pacific Kailroad Keports," Vol. IX., it was given as ruffimis cinereus. In the "Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy," 1862, IMr. Cassin describes as P. Kuhlii certain examples that had been taken, Sept. 11, 1853, by Professor F. IL Storer, of the Rogers Exploring Expedition, about fifty miles off the Cape of Good Hope. These are regarded as identical Avith the Monterey example ; and these two instances of the occurrence of this species in widely separated localities constitute the sum of our scanty knowledge of its distribution. ' " Irides dark brown ; culmen and nostrils black ; tip of upper mandible blackish horn-color ; tomia wliitish horn-color ; lower part of under mandible blackish horn-color ; feet white, tinged with blue, the outor toe brownish black " (GouLn). >s-t,: ¥ :. 37ti THE TU13E-N0SED SWIMMERS — TU13INARES. Genus PUPFINUS, Brissox. Piiffinus, Briss. Orn. VI. 1700, 131 (type, PraccUaria pxiffimts, I5i;unx., = P. anglorum, Temm. )• Nectris, Bonap. (ex FousT.), Coiisp. II. 1856, 201 (type, Puffiiuts brevkauUiis, Biundt). Char. Similar to Priofmus, but bill iiuieli sleiulurer, the nasal tul)es not more than half as long as the maxillary unguis, depressed anteriorly, ascending basally, the nostrils opening obli(iuely P. StricMandi, upward, usually narrower, and separated by a thick septum ; culmen much shorter than the tarsus ; space between the nasal tubes and the unguis ei^ual to about three fourths the length of the latter. Synopsis of America& Species of Fufflnus. \, Lower parts white. a. Bill .stout, the depth through the base equal to one third its length ; nostrils circular. 1. P. Kuhlii. Abovi^ brownish gray, the dor.sal feathers tipped with paler ; sides of the head and neck, along the line of junction of the gray and white, transversely undulated with these cidors. Wii.-g, about I.3.0()-14.()0 inches ; culmen, 1.80-2.00 ; depth of bill througli base, .65-.75 ; tarsus, 1.85-2.00 ; middle toe, 2.10-2.25. Hah. Middle Atlantic, chietly the eastern side. 2. P. boresilis. Similar to P. Kuhli, but much larger. Wing, 14.50 inches ; tail, 0.50 ; culmen, 2.25 ; depth of bill through base, .75 ; tarsus, 2.2 : ; middle toe, 2.30. Hah, OIF coa.st of Massachusetts. 6. Bill slender, the depth through, the base decidedly less than one third the total length ; nostrils longitudinally oval, more horizonttd. 3. P. major. Above, sooty grayish Itrown, the dorsal feathers with paler tips ; longer uiiper tiiil-coverts mostly white ; abdomen more or less clouded with smoky gray or grayish brown; flanks and crissum chiefly grayish brown; l)ill dusky. Wing, 11.50-13.00 inches ; culmen, 1.80-1.85 ; depth of bill at base, .G0-.C5 ; tarsus, 2.20-2.25 ; middle toe, 2.40-2.50. Hah. Atlantic Ocean generally. 4. P. creatopuB. Above, sooty slate, the dtjrsid feathers with paler tips ; no white on upper tail-coverts ; malar region, sides of the throat, and sometimes the anal region, indistinctly barred, or transversely spotted, with grayish ; flanks and crissum sooty grayish ; bill pnlu PUOCELLAKIID.E — THE PETRELS — I'UEl'TNUS. 377 B. horny or buffy, the cuhneii daiktr, the ungui grayish. Wing, 12.50-13.25 inches ; cul- men, l.CO-1.70; depth of bill through base, .C5-.75 ; tarsus, 2.05-2.12 ; uuddle toe, 2.16- 2.40. Hab. Pacific coast from California to Chili. 6. P. anglorum. Above, uniform blackish, the dorsal feathei's without lighter tii)s ; lower eyelid and crissum white. Wing, 8.50-9.25 inches ; culinen, 1.35-1.40 ; depth of bill nt base, .40-.45 ; tarsus, 1.70-1.80 ; middle toe, 1.G5-1.70. Hab. North Atlantic, particu- larly the eastern side. 0. P. Auduboni. Similar in color to P. aiKjhnnti, but black of the head not extending below the eyes ; crissum dusky, except near anal region. Wing, 7.00-8.00 inches ; culmen, 1.20-1.25 ; depth of bill at base, .35 ; tarsus, 1.50-1.60 ; middle toe, 1.45-1.50. Ilah. Warmer parts of the Atlantic Ocean, north to New Jersey. [P. obBcuruB. Similar to P. Auduboni, but with the lower tail-coverts entirely white. JIah. Southern Pacific Ocean ; accidental on Pacific coast 6f North America ? *] 7. P. gavia. Similar in color to P. anglorum and P. Auduboni, but no white about the eye, and the crissum fuliginous. Wing, 9.(K) inches ; culmen, 1.30-1.40 ; depth of bill through base, .35 ; tarsus, 1.75 ; middle toe, 1.7t)-175. Hab. Coast of Lower California to New Zealand. Lower parts uniform fuliginous or smoky gray, like the upper. 8. P. Strioklandi. Uniform fuliginous-dusky, much lighter and more grayish below ; bill uniform dusky. Wing, 11.15-12.00 inches ; culmen, 1.60-1.75 ; depth of Itill through base, .50-.55 ; tarsus, 2.05-2.15 ; middle toe, 2.05-2.20. Hab. North Atlantic. 9. P. griaeus. Similar in color to P. Stricklandi, but chin and throat paler, the under wing- coverts grayish white, with dusky shaft-streaks. Wing, 1 1.15-1 1.50 inches ; culmen, 1.55- 1.65 ; depth of bill through base, .45-.55 ; tarsus, 2.12-2.25 ; middle toe, 2.05-2.25. Hab. Soutii Pacific, north to Lower California. 10. P. tenuiroBtris. Similar to the last in color, but darker ; more blackish above and more gray beneath. Wing, 10.00-10.10 inches; culmen, 1.20; depth of bill at base, .40; tarsus, 1.90-1.95; middle toe, 1.90-1.95. Hab. North Pacilic. than the length of tail, 6..''.i>; irab. Olf tal length ; longer upi'L'i' y or grayi^l' 11.50-13.00 1.25 ; miihll^' Fuffinus KuhliL THE CINEBEOVS SHEABWATEB. ProccUaria puffinus, Linn. Temm. Man. II. 1820, 805 (iiotofLixy. 1766). I'uffinus cinercas, Cuv. Rig. An. I. 1817, 554. —Temm. Man. IV. 1840, 506 (not of Audubox). ProccUaria cinerca, KniL, Beitr. Zool. 1820, 148, pi. 9, fig. 12 (nee Gmel. 1788). I'rocclfaria Kiihlii, Bon;, Isis, 1835, 257, sp. 25. PitJ/inusKuhlii, Bonap. Consp. II. 1856, 202. — CouEs.Pr. Ac. Nat. Sei. Philad. 1864, 128; Key, 1872, 331 ; Check List, 1873, no. 596 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 596. — Ridgw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 708. Hab. Eastern Atlantic, particularly in the vicinity of Madeira, and the Mediterranean Sea ; casual on tlie coast of North America (?). Si'. Char. Adult: Pileum, nape, back, scapulars and rump light brownish cinereous, the feathers of the dorsal region with lighter terminal borders ; wings much darker slaty-fuliginons, tlic primaries and tail uniform dark .«late ; upper tail-coverts mottled with white terminally. Lijwer parts entirely white, the anterior under wing-coverts marked with narrow dusky shaft- streaks ; malar region and sides of the neck and breast, along the junction of the white and gray, transversely undulated with white and cinereous. Bill dull yellowish, dusky on the base of the uni,'ui ; legs and feet light brownish in the dried skin. Wing, about 13.00 inches; culmen, 1.80-2.00; depth of bill through base, .65-.75 ; tarsus, 1.S5-2.00 ; middle toe, 2.10-2.25. The biograpliy of the common Cinereous Shearwater of Western Europe is one of some little difficulty, as the name cbiereus, by which it has been long known to > King George's Sound, Jide Latham, Synop. III. pt. ii. p. 417 (under "Dusky Petrel"). VOL. II. — 48 I r PI 378 THE TUUE-NOSEI) SVVIMMEUS — TUBINAUES. some writers, has been given by others to entirely ditr*>rent species. In speaking of one we are liable to quote accounts of habits or resulence that belong to another. This species is of rare anil even doubtful occurrence in the United States. Mr. E. L. Layard (" Ibis," 1863) mentions procuring the eggs of what I presume to be this species, on islands north of Mauritius. The birds were breeding in holes in the cliffs. Tlieir eggs are said to liave measured 2.50 inches in lergth and 1.50 in breadth, and their color to be of a dull white. This species, referred to as P. rlne- reus, is stated to have been met with by Mr. T. L. Powys among the Ionian Islands. Mr. C. A. Wright, in his Notes on the Birds of Malta ("Ibis," 1864), speaks of it as resident and breeding on the southern coast of Malta and Gozo, and also on the small islands of Filfa and Comino. It is said to lay a single unspotted egg of pure Avhite, rather large, and to deposit it on the bare ground, in a crevice, or under a fragment of rock. While it is sitting on its egg it allows itself to be taken. Avithout making any attempt to escape, merely snapping with its strong sharp bill. Both the old and the young birds, when handled, are apt to eject, in a very disagreeable manner, a greenish fluid formed by their feeding on the Liula crithmoides, one of the few plants which grow on those rocky islets. Lieutenant Sperling also mentions finding these birds breeding in considerable numbers among the rocks of a small precipitous uninhabited island near Malta. He also noticed them at sea sitting on the water, where they were easily approached. Mr. Godman met with this species in all the archipelagoes of Madeira and the Canaries, and thinks that it must breed on the Desertas or some of the neighbor- ing islands, as he saw it there in the month of June in considerable numbers. Mr. E. C. Taylor (''Ibis," 1878) mentions the capture of a single individual in Alexandria, Egypt, in April, 1877. Mr. Howard Saunders found this bird very abundant on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It appeared to be much less nocturnal than the P. anglonim, and coulfl be found in great numbers in the daytime. Both species are said to breed on tlio Island of Dragonena ; but, to his great surprise, he found that he was too late for their eggs on the 20th of May. Degland and Gerbe state that this species inhabits the Mediterranean and certain points in the Atlantic Ocean. It is found off the coast of Provence, Corsica, Sar- dinia, Sicily, in the Adriatic, in the Grecian Archipelago, and on the coast of Barbary, etc. It is said to wander to Greenland, and to be found thence to the Canary Islands ; but Mr. L. Kumlien, while he speaks of it as common from Belle Isle to Grinnell Bay, did not observe any either on Cumberland Island or on the Greenland coast. It breeds on the islands near the harbors of Marseilles, Toulon, and Hy^res, nesting in holes in the rocks, laying upon the gi'ound, without any preparations for a nest. PROCELLARIIDyE - THE PETRELS — PUFKINUS. 379 The egg is largo, and somewhat rounded in shape, pure white in color, and without spots, or sonu'tiiues white, washed with gray ; it measures L'.T'* incrhes in its greater diameter, and 1.85 in its smaller. The female alone jiert'orms tiie duties of incuba- tion; and as soon .as the young bird is liatehed, id)andons her nt!st and liides the nestling in sonui other retreat in the neighborhood, and visits it only during the night to bring its food. This bird feeds ijrineipally on lish, mollusks, and crustaceans, which it colleets from the surface of the water. It is most commonly seen on tiie approacdi of a tempest, or during the morning or evening twilight. The young, when they first appear, are covered with a thick downy coat of a bright ashy gray. Pu£Bnu8 borealis. THE NOSTEEBN 8H£ABWATES. Pufflnus bnrcttlin, Coitv, Bull. Niitt. Din. (.'lub, VI. no. 2, April, 1881, 84 (coast of Massnchusctts). — Jon, ib. VIII. ()i!t. 1883, 244 (oirCiipo Cod, in August). Sp. Chak. " A])ove, brownish ash, the feathers of the back becoming pale at the tips, those on the nape and sides of the neck narrowly tipped with white ; on the sides of the neck and head the ash and wliite gradually mingling, as in P. Kuhlii. Tii)s of the upper tail-coverts wliite. Under eyelid white, showing clearly in coiUrast with the ashy gray of the head. The first three jjrinia- ries are light ash on the inner webs. Wings and tail brownish gray. Under parts white, .sliglitly touched with ash on the flanks ; lining of wings white. Under tail-coverts white, the longest tinged with ash near the ends, which extend nearly to the tips of the longest tail-feathers. Out- side of foot greenish black, inside and webs dull orange ; bill pale yellowish at the biuse, shading into greenish black, but again becoming pale near the tip. " Length, 20..')0 inches ; wing, 14.50 ; bill (straight line to tip), 2.25, depth at base, .75 ; tdl, (i.50 ; tarsus, 2.20. "The type specimen of this Shearwater was killed near Chatham Island, Cape Cod, Mass., on the nth of October last. Being unacrpiainted with it, I showed it to some fishermen, and rccpiested them to procure any birds they nnght meet with resembling it. During the afternoon one of the boats returned bringing a number of birds of this species. The men stated that they had met with a flock a short distance from shore, and had shot several and knocked others down with tiieir oars. According to their statement, after firing the first shot the birds flew about them in a dazed manner, often passinjj; within a few feet of the boat" (Cory, I. c). This Shearwater, of which the National Museum has received two specimens since the above was written, is a near ally of P. Kuhlii, but is decidedly larger, and somewhat different in color- ation. The coloration of the bill and other soft parts are in particidar supposed to difler much in life and in freshly killed e.xamples of the two species. The two examples in the National Collection measure as follows : — No. 82488, male adult, Chatham, Mass., Oct. 11, 1880. Wing, 13.75 inches ; tail, 5.60 ; culmen, 2.10 ; depth of bill through base, ,80 ; tarsus, 2.25 ; nnddle toe, 2.45, No. 9.3040, adult (sex not given), same locality, Oct. 12, 1880. Wing, 14.00 inches ; tail, 6.70 ; culmen, 2,25 ; depth of bill through base, .80 ; tarsus, 2.15 ; middle toe, 2.30. The habits and distribution of this recently discovered species are little known, the following, by Mr. Herbert K. Job, in the " Nuttall Bulletin " (VIII. 244), comprising nearly all there is on record : — " On the 2d of last August I was out in a yacht collecting sea-birai:ht it down. The yacht w.i.* jnit about, .ml I wa.* on the point of bring hands on the prize, when it juddciilv ?tivrte>l up. Mxd w;if ciie — miijh t.> my oh;vTTin. S.>ja. however. I *iiw a •iiiui- l.ir one dyin,' aKnit in ci>mjKUiy with >«.-ver.il of the cotuiu vn Shearwater?. It presently Ciune near, and w;»s ih'>t, provio;,' to be a Cor>*'s Shearwa;er. Tuij waa enoUijh to ketp me on the look- out for morv ; ivud when aUut half w.iy in to land, an^'ther caiue r-.aling ;Uoni; over the w,u<.-r, and Wiij aljc> stcurvrl. These wert .ill that I s^iw. i.>ne of the tishi-nut-n t-j whom I jhowcen to 5.)nie doubt. ** In habits they perfectly resemble the other species, but are re^vlily i.li?tiu^i«heil from P. miij-T by their li;;hter colors and conspicuously Lin^? yellow bill. They ane very taiue, and when enga^l in fe-^din,' may almost K' nui d.>»\Ti by a l«>at. Considenible itfort is shown in risin:; from the water ; l>ut whi-n once a-«"iii.-, thvv tly with i.tvat s\vifaus.s. •• Nothing' is known .f them by the fishermt-U, who jHrhaj>s overlook them .iiui'iii; the thousands of the othvr commiMur v.uii-ties. SjK-cimeus were first tiikt-n by Mr. Ch.irks CC'^ry in nearly the siuue locality whert mine were capturx-d, and were des*.'ri'L<\l by him in the "Bulletin' of Apnl. l?*l.' Pnffinns major. TEE GREATEB SHZABWATTB. li Prxtlltirut pu^HHs, KvHU IVi:r. Z'X>I. l>-2'>, H^. vl. 1!, fig. 1<.« (not of Bp.rvN, ir'>4). Pujinu-f ni'tj-'r, Fabfk. Troir. IsL Orn. l>2i. oo. — B-nap. L'onsp. II. I'?."'?, '^si. — Laws, in Baini's B. N. .\ra. ls;.>, J33. — BAtr.r, t..i:. N. Xn\. B. 1^59. no. ^47. — (-'ort*. Key. 1?:^ 331 ; Check List, 1;T3, DO. Si*" ; fl. Z, \ii2, no. >3i — Kipow. Nom. X. Am. B. 1»*1, no. Toy. P'.!f!".'A.t •iR^ri'u.*, Ik'.NAF. Svnojx. ISis, 370, no. 311 (not of <.'rviF.r.. ti KruL). — N'rrr. Miu. II. 1J3*, 334. — Xiro. Orn. Biv^g. III. iS35. iJi .: B. Am. VII. 1544. ili, p!. 4:.'>. Hab. Atlantic Ocean generally, but more 'particularly north of the eip.i.itor : vvath to Caj»e of Gi>xl H'j'e ;uid C'a['^ Horn. Sf. Char. A'i'di .• Pikuiu. down t>: bel- w the eye*. ;uid upjier parts ^^nenlly, swn than the pileum : primaries and tail unifonii dusky : lon^j^-r upper tail-coverts mostly wliite. thvir Kises irrvcularly n\arkevl wi'.h grayish bpiwn. Lower p;irt.s white, the ,il- d'lnien more or less cloudeil with light gray- ish bniwn. the sides invgularly, but sp:\rsvly, niarkeii with a darker sha.le of the s;une, the- tlanks and crissum nearly uniform grayi'h bnnvn (s dusky.* Wing. 11 *x^l3.iXi inches ; culnun. l.'^"- 1.S5; depth of bill through Vvi.se, .fxi-.ts^ ; tarsujs 2.2t^2.25 ; middle tiv, 2.4iV2.50. S{x?cinu-ns fn'm Ixnh sides of »he North .\tlantic .ire quite idontic-.il, and we can discover nothing j^vuliar in .in exanipl' (N... 15541: T. R. Peale) fn.im Tienn dvl Fuego. ' " Bill vellowish gr^en, th'- tips bn->wni>h I'.i^ k, tinc»Hi with gr^-eu. F.Jgvs of oyelids dark gray; '.r:- brown. Feet light grvenish gray, »el' Gnxit. T Shearwater is a Nortli Atlantio sji^oirs. jxv^sirii: tho trr^ater jxirt of Its life in mid[r. Arthur Strieklaml. and was shi>t in AuLrust. 1S2S. on a very stormy day. near the mouth of the Tees. It was seen early in the morning:. sittin<^ on the water like a duok. and was shot as it rose. A second siH^cimen was obtained several years after- wanl. Other sj^eimens have sin>e l)een pnvured on various jxirts of the Eiiirlish sea- vxxist : and it is now su{'{K»sed that individmils • f this sj^eoies had l>een previously m-t with, but confounded witli the Pn^mu< nrfjlorwn. Mr. Yarrell's figures and desi^riptions are taken from birds procured by Mr. 1>. W. Mitchell on the coast of Cornwall. Mr. Mitchell states that, in Xovemlvr. In'm. a man brvnight him one of these birds alive. He had found it asleep in his Utat. aKnit tlir\'e o'diKk in the afternoon, and the I'ird had prolxibly taken up its ut two hundred yards from the shore. At that time there were a great many more of thi< sj^ecies off Mount Bay. and two others were brought in that had Kvn taken by hoi^ks. He also states that this birvl. in the aiiult {>himage. apjH\irs pretty regularly every autumn, l-ut not always in ei]ual nuin- i»rs. It had long Iven in several in.dlections in Plymouth. England. wher\> it was cnn- f. unded with /'. •luolorum : but the latter is ii', t common there, and hence the crnir. I: is also quite abundant alx-ut tlie Scilly Isles, where it is known as the HaokKdt. It is a oonst;uit visitor there in the latter part of autumn, and its movements are said to ije undistinguishable from those of the Manx Shc.irwater. Mr. Mitchell also in- f.^rmee four of these bir>l^ in Mount's I*.ay. The weather was prolubly the cause of their lH?ing so far in shore, as they are generally dee{>sea-'-:«.H-rs. They had exactly the fiight of F. 'in 'j!'^ rum. ;ind they kept so close to the water as almost to skim the to{>s of the waves. He w.is informed that these binls apjvar some autumns in thous;uids off the islands of L ve and P^lj-ezzo. Mr. Thompson records the incurrence of binl< of this sjvcies in the south of Ire- i.ind in the autumn. Mr. I>avis. of Clonmel. mentions keeping one alive alxnit a w. ek. It was quite lively, and ran along very rapidly with its breast alxMit an inch ;\:id a half from the ground. Having put it on a sloping rix>f. the bird seemed more .1' its ease than it was on a level surface, and mounted rapidly to the top ; though wh>>n it came to the edge it made no attempt to fly. but fell heavily to the ground. It rarely stirred during the day. but kept itself as mudi concealed as {xissil'le; and i: it could not hi v.sually taken with a hook. It is commonly known by the name of Hagxlown. Mr. Th.'mjvson al-^o states that Vr. M. Bell, dnnlging off Bundoran, on the west coast of Ireland. July 1(>. 1840. saw tlm>e Petrels of this sixvies. on the wing, near him. Th> re are sjx>cimens in the British Museum said to Iv from Snith Africa. Yarrell does not mention how or where this bir.l breeds, but states that the egg is very large for the size of the bird, and that only a single one is laid. It is said to Ri'.asure 2.75 inches in length by 1.^7 in breadth. Its color is pure white when deyo^ited. IxH'oming soiled as inculx\tion progresses. •Vudubon mentions finding this sjxvies ranging from the Gulf of St. I.«awrence to that of Mexico; but he verv rarelv met with it near the ctKist. In sailing to ll tit li 382 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. Labrador, when off the coast of Nova Scotia, one evening in June, about sunset, he observed a great number flying from tlio rocky shore, and believed they were breeding there. In this belief he was confirmed by the fact that hardly one was to be seen there by day, that being the time when these birds are in the habit of remaining about their nests. In September they are to be seen far from land, both by day and by night ; and in calm weather they alight on the water, and may then be easily approached. They swim buoyantly, and when sporting on the water pre- sent a very graceful appearance. Two that had been caught with hooks walked about as well as Ducks. On being approached they would open their bills, raise their feathers, and eject through their nostrils an oily substance. When held in the hand they would continue to do this, at the same time scratching with tlieir sharp claws and bills. They refused all sorts of food, and being very unpleasant pets, were soon set at liberty ; when, instead of flying away directly, they plunged into the water, dived about, then splashed and washed themselves, before they took to their wings, flying with their usual ease and grace. In the stomachs of those he opened Audubon found portions of fish, crabs, seaweeds, and oily substances. H(? was of the opinion that this bird does not go farther to the north than Newfound- land ; but Dr. Walker in his notes on the birds observed in the voyage of the '' Fox," mentions that as the vessel approached Cape Farewell large numbers of this species were observed ; Professor Ileinhardt speaks of it as being a resident of Greenland ; and I have its eggs taken in Greenland. Mr. Kumlien found this species abinidant from Belle Isle to Resolution Island, but it was not observed by him in Greenland. Faber mentions it as of rare occurrence in Iceland, as only seen on the most southern portions, and as not known to breed there. Dr. Henry Bryant (" I'roc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist.," VIII. 72) refers to a species of Puffinus as very numerous in the Straits of Belle Isle ; and as at that time (July) they must have been feeding their young, their breeding-places were probably at no great distance. None of the inhabitants questioned by him had ever found the egg, or knew anything about their breeding-places. It may be that — like P. Knhlii — it breeds earlier than most water birds. It occurs off the coast of Massachusetts early in August, if not before. Mr. Godman states that this species is found throughout the Azores, and that it breeds there about the end of IMay, in holes in the cliffs. One bird that he shot con- tained an egg just ready for exclusion ; but the bird he refers to, Mr. Dresser states, has been ascertained to be P. Kuhlii, and the presence of P. major in that region is discredited. But according to Mr. Dresser it has been obtained off the coast of Guinea by Pel, at the Cape of Good Hope by Smith and Dr. Van Horstock, and near Tierra del Fuego by Mr. T. R. Peale. ISIr. George C. Taylor, in a voyage from Liverpool to New York, met witli largo flocks of this species on the 22d of May, when nearing the coast of Newfoundlaml. On the following day, passing the longitude of Cape Race about ten miles from shore, there were again large flocks of this Shearwater. As the ship api)roached, the birds would rise, not in mass, but in succession, fly half a mile or so forward, and aliglit until the vessel again came near them. Toward evening they were not so nunni- ous ; but throughout the day he could see flocks or companies from twenty to a liun- dred sitting here and there on the sea. On the return voyage, leaving New Yorl; July 15, Mr. Taylor again fell in with this species on the 21st, two days after i)ass- ing Cape Race. Mr. Boardnian also informs me that he has found it quite common in September off the coast of Maine and Nova Scotiji. Its occurrence on the coast of Long Island is spoken of by Giraud as very riirc. 'kmm PROCELLARIID^E — THE PETRELS — PUFFINUS. 383 A fine specimen in the collection of Mr. Brasher is mentioned as having been pro- cured near the Narrows. It was taken by a fisherman, who noticed it feeding on the offal of the fish that he was cleaning. Not having any gun, and being desirous of capturing this rare bird, he resorted to the ingenious stratagem of attaching to the end of a line a fish-hook ; and by letting this drift among the offal upon which the bird was feeding, it became fastened to the web, and was thus secured alive. It proved to be a fine adult male. Its stomach contained a few particles of shells, and its boldness had evidently been produced by extreme hunger. Mr. Hurdis mentions two instances of the capture of this species in Bermuda. One specimen, alive, was given him by Mr. Downes. It had been found lying on the high road, on the opposite side of Hamilton Water, .Time 2, 1851. It was uninjured, and in perfect plumage. On the same day a second specimen was brought to him by a man who had observed it swimming near the shore ; this also was cap- tured alive. These were the only specimens then known to have been taken in Bermuda. Mr. Dresser states that there is no authentic account of the breeding-habits of this Sliearwater, and that the eggs which do duty for it in the cabinets of collectors are almost always those of P. Kuhlii But I think he is mistaken, and that eggs taken by Moravian collectors in Greenland and referred to tliis species are authentic. One example given me by Mr. Wilmot, collected on an island of South Green- land, measures 2.88 inches in length by 2.00 in breadth, is nearly oval in shape, has a ground originally white, but which has been soiled by the peaty black earth i'voni which it was excavated. Another egg, collected by a different person at the same locality, is of smaller size, and of a yellowish white ; it measures 2.75 inches by 1.85. Pufllnus creatopus. THE FINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER. Piiffinus crrafopus, " Cooi'Eit (MSS.)," CouES, Pr. Ac. Nat, Sci. Philnd. April, 1864, 131 (Lower Cali- fornia) ; Key, 1872, 331 ; (.'heck List, 1873, no. 598; ed. 2, 1882, no. 833. — Salvin, Ibis, 1875, 377 (Juan Fernandez). — Kinow. Noni. N. Am. 13. 1881, no. 710. Hah. Coast of Lower California (San Nicolas), south to the Juan Fernandez group of islands. Si". Chau. Adult; Above, sooty slate, the liiitlicrs of the dorsal and scapular regions, with distinct terminal margins of paler grayish ; wings darker than the back, the remiges nearly black, as is also tiie tail. Lower parts white, the malar rc^'ion, sides of the throat, and sometimes the anal region indistinctly barred, or transversely .siMittfil, with grayish. Flanks and crissum sooty 1,'rayisii. Lining of the wing white, the feathers with dusky sliaft-streaks. Bill pale yellowish iuirii-color or buffy, the ungui horn-gray, and the iidnicn dusky ; legs and feet flesh-color in life, lii^lit brownish in the dried skin. Total length, about 19 inches; extent, 45; wiiit;, 12.50-13.25; culmen, 1.60-1.70; depth ot bill through base, .G5-.75 ; tarsus, 2.(»5-2.12 ; luiiliUc toe, 2.15-2.40. 384 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINAEES. III! Nothing is known as to tlie habits or liabitat of this form, whose specific validity is not free from doubts. A single individual was procured on San Nicolas Island, in California, said to be about the size of P. major. It is not referable to any other known species, and Dr. Cooper has no doubts as to its validity. He thinks that its habits and those of Priocella glaciuloides are very similar. He states that they associate together along the coast from San Francisco south. Dr. Cooper has seen and observed both species during the six warmer months of the year, but was unable to learn any- thing in regard to their breeding on any part of our coast. He considers it quite probable that they may breed on some of the distant Pacific islands in the winter. They are generally seen in flocks several miles off the shore, flying, like the Alba- tross, by rapid flappings, alternating with sailings. They congregate quickly around shoals of fisli. and dive to a short distance beneath the water in pursuit of them. They often rest on tlie water, swimming very lightly, but liot rapidly, and appear to be the most active when the wind roughens the surface of the water, en.abling them to scoop up small fish from the agitated tops of the waves. Dr. Cooper further states that he found this species most abundant and most approachable about San Nicolas Island, where the water is shoal and small fish are numerous. The birds were moulting about the first of July. PuffinuB anglonun. THE MANX SHEABWATEB. ProccUaria puffinus, BnuxN. Orii. Hor. 1764, 29, sp. 111). — LiNX. S. N. I. 1766, 213. Proccllaria anglorum, Temm. Man. II. 1820, 806. Puffinus anglorum, Temm. Man. IV. 1840, 509. —Nutt. Man. II. 1834, n36. — Aui). Oin. Riog. III. 1835, 604 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 214, pi. 457. — Lawii. in Haiid's H. N. Am. 1858, 834. - lUiui), Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 649. — Hkiniiakdt, Ibis, 1801, 16 (Greenland). — Couks, I'r. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliilad. 1864, 134 ; Key, 1872, 331 ; Clieck List, 1873, no. 599 ; ed. 2, 1882, nu. 834. — liiDGW. Norn. N. Am. H. 1S81, no. 711. Puffinus arcticus, Fabeii, Prodr. Isl. Oin. 1822, 56, sp. 1. Had. North Atlantic generally, cbiefiy the eastern side; rare or casual off the American coast? Sp. Chaii. Adult : Above, uniform fuliginous-du.sky, this color occujjying the sides of tlif Lead and neck. Lower parts, including the under surface of the wing and the malar region, white. m the latter, also the sides of the neck, sometimes transversely spotted with plumbeous ; fciiiorals and outer webs of lateral lower tail-coverts, fuliginous-dusky or grayish. Bill dusky (grcenisii black in life), the lower edge of the mandible paler ; iris dark brown ; "inner uiid middle of ouUr 'iiif' PROCELLARIin.K — THE PETIlELS — PUFKINUS. 885 validity ilancl, iu iiy other i that its issociate observed !arn any- it quite 3 winter, lie Alba- y aroinul of them, appear to ling them lier states 11 Nicolas irds were ). Oni. P>iog. 1858, 834. -- -COUlvS, I'l'. 2, 1882, iiu. e American siiles of till' M'iDii, wliili', us ; funiDials rally selecting islands remote from the mainland, the rocky nature of which otters favorable opportunities for seclusion and safety. It is found in such situations along the western shore of Europe, from Iceland to the Mediterranean, and is more conimon in the latter sea than in its more northern breeding-places. In Iceland, according to Faber, it remains all the winter, occurring only in its neighboring water. It is ninre common iu the south, especially on the Vestinannaeyjar, than in the north. According to Mr. Howard Saunders, it is quitj abundant on the Mediterranean coast of Spain ; but from the nocturnal character of its habits, it does not appear to be so common as it really is. But, he adds, pass a night at sea iu a fishing-boat, and as the sun goes down, and the last ro.sy tint fades from the mountains, the air sud- denly becomes alive with dark, sharp-winged I\Ianx Shearwaters, dashing hither and thither in the gloom, and justifying the name the ^lahiga fishermen give to them of Aidma,^ and Duihlos. They breed on the Island of Dragonera; but, to ^Fr. Saunders's great surprise, he was too late to procure their eggs, for all liad been hatched out before the 2()tli of May. Mr. Godman found this speci(>s at the Azores, but not so abuiulant as was a larger one (/'. Kiildil '.'). Like the latter, it was found to be breeding in holes iu the cliff.s, in May. It is highly esteemed by the inhabitants as an article of food. The specimens obtained were all very fat, and two of the females were found to contain eggs ready fur exclusion. Ill his account of the birds of Madeira and the (-anary Islands. Mr. Godman refers to this species as occurring in all the islands of those groups, and thinks that it must bleed on the Descrtas and on other neighboring islands, as he saw it there in consid- erable numbers in the month of June. Mr. C. A. Wright ("Ibis/" lS(i4) speaks of it as a resident sjjeeies, breeding in I'oiiipany with F. cinereits (P. Kuhlii) on the southern coast of IVIalta, and on several small rocky islands in the neighborhood. He states that he has freipiently visited I'llfla iu June and July, and taken the eggs, as well as the young and the old birds. 'iliis species Lays a single egg, of pure white color, which it deposits in a crevice or under a fragment of rock, and whiidi is said to be smaller and more elliptical than the egg of the larger species, to which he refers under the name of P. vincveus. VOL. II. — 49 386 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. Captain Sperling also mentions finding these birds breeding on a small rocky island near IMalta. Tlie fishermen take them in large nnmbers in nets, and make nse of their Hesli as bait. Mr. A. G. IMore (" Ibis,'' ISCr)) states that this Shearwater breeds on the Scilly Islands, and also on Lundy Isl.and, in the liristol Cliannel. It was formerly abun- dant on the Calf of Man, but has become extinct there, its extermination being su[)- ])osod to hnve been caused by rats. It is also said to breed on the Island of Stail'a, the Outer Hebrides, in Orkney, and in Shetland. Captain Elnies found this species breeding on the Island of ISIingalay, one of the Hebrides. He was told tliat it was once much more common than it is now, and that the young bird* were formerly very highly regarded as an article of food. Of late this Shearwater has been very nearly driven away by tlie intrusions of the Fra^ercnla arctica. Mr. D. W. ^Mitchell furnished Yarrell with an interesting sketch of his visit to the Scilly Islands. There, on a borrcn island called Annet, the northern shore of which is abrupt and craggy, and gradually sloping toward the south, wliere it narrows into a sandy peninsula, is the head(pmrters of this Shearwater. Yet a visitor to this spot may wait an entire day in June without seeing one of these birds, either on land or water. There are many of them near all the time, as is easily perceived by the odor that comes from their burrows. As soon as the sun is down, the birds themselves begin to issue in small jjarties. One evening he encountered a great gathering of not less than three hundred of them in Smith's Sound, in the middle of the tideway, washing, dipi)ing, preening their feathers, and stretching their wings, evidently having just been roused from sleej). They are said to sit low on the water, and when disturbed there to make no noise ; but in their holes they are noisy enough, the fishermen's names of Crew and Covkothoilon being derived from the guttural sounds the bird pours forth as the spade approaches its nest. The egg is frequently deposited on the fine sandy soil without any preparation, although generally there is a slight accumulation of fern-leaves and old stems. The bird lays but one e^g, which when fresh is of the most dazzling whiteness, and of peculiarly beautiful texture. It is said to measure 2.42 inches in length by l.To in breadth, and to be very large in comparison witli the size of the bird. This Shearwater when handled vomits a very offensive oil, which is api)arently of a green color, although the stain which it leaves is yellow. Tlie quantity of this fluid discharged is often enormous. The young bird when just hatched is covered with a grayish black down, except a stripe along the centre of the breast and belly, wliich is white. This species is also found on the coast of Norway, on the Faroe Islands, and about Cape Farewell. It is rare on the east coast of England. Mi-. Strickland procured it from Smyrna. Fuffinus AudubonL AUDUBON'S DUSKT SREABWATEB. Puffinm ohscuriis, Roxai'. Synoii. 1828, 371 ; t'onsp. II. 1856, 204 (noc rroefllaria ohscum, Omel. ). NuTT. Man. II. 1834, 337. —Am. Oni. Hiofr. III. 183;"), C20 ; 15. Am. VII. 1844, 21(!, pi. -l.^S, — Lawh. ill Ikiid's 15. N. Am. IS.IS, 835. — Raikd, Cat. N. Am. R. 1859, no. 650. — Cnn >, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. riiilad. 1864, 137 ; Key, 1872, 331 ; Check List, 1873, no. 600; eJ. 2, ISSJ, no. 835. ? i'liffinus Lhcrminkri, Lk.ssov, Rev. Zool. 1839, 102 (Antilles). Pujinua Audulioni, FiNscii, P. Z. S. 1872, 111. — Ridgw. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 712. M^ P '.OCELLARIID.'E — THE PETRELS - PUFFINUS. 387 roel1. 458. 50. — Ciiris, eil. 2, 188J. 712. Hab. Waiiuer parts of tlie Atlantic Ocean ; north, casually, to New Jersey ; accidental in Euri)i)e. Sp. Char. Adult: Above, uniform fuliginou.s-dusky ; lower parts, including lower half of the Idiv.-i, .'iuborljital region, auriculars, sides of the neck, and under surface of the wing white, the auricular re,;;ion clouded witli grayish dusky ; sides ol' the breast dusky grayish ; feinorals and outer webs of lateral l')wer tail-coverts (sonietiuies nearly whole crissuni) iuliginous-dusky. " Bill light blue, the tips black, mouth light blue ; edges of eyeliils light blue, iris bluish black ; outside of tarsus and toes indigo-black, inside and webs pale-yellowish fle.sh-color, claws bluish black " (Audubon). Downy ynumj: Side of head and neck, with throat and chin, naked, or with very minute and scant downy flecks, these more conspicuous along the middle line of the throat. Ilest (jf the head, neck, and body covered with a smoky-gray down, this shorter and denser on tlie lower part.^, where paler or grayish white along the middle line ; looser and longer on the head and neck iiliove, and back. Bill and feet colored as in the adult. (Described from No. 80980, Saba, W. I. ; I'. A. Ober.) Total length, about 11.00 inches ; extent, 26.00 ; wing, 7. 00-8.00 ; culmen, 1.20-1.25 ; depth of bill through base, .35 ; tarsus, 1.50-1.60 ; middle toe, 1.45-1.50. According to Dr. Finsch (1. c ), the Ptiffinus ohscurm (Gmkl.) is a Pacific Ocean species, dis- tinguished by its white under tail-coverts, larger size, and by the white on the side of tlie head, covering the loral and auricular regions. It is not unlikely that true P. ohscurtis occurs as an accidental or occasional visitor, since Latham (" Synop." III. pt. 2, p. 417) mentions a specimen " in the Leverian Museum, said to have come from King George's Sound, on the American coast." The Dusky Shearwater is an Atlantic species, found on the eastern coast of the United States from New Jersey to Florida. It also occurs among the West India Is hinds, and breeds in the Bermudas and the Bahamas. It extends its wanderings to the coast of Africa, and is said to breed in several of the groups of islands lying west of that coast. The area over which it is distributed is i^robably large, although not yet fully made out. Mr. Godman was informed by some of the inhabitants of the Island of Flores that a bird which from the description given, he considers as undoubtedly belonging to tliis species, visits that island, arriving early in March, and nesting in the ludes in the cliffs. These birds had reared their young, and had again left, before Mr. God- man arrived ; and he was unable cither to see them or to procure a sjiecimen. The iiiliabitants frequently tame and rear the young of this species ; and they are said to iitford great amusement from the grotesque manner in which they waddle about. In u visit subsequently made by this gentleman to Madeira and the Canaries, he states that he succeeded in identifying this species, and found it abundant all over that gvt'iip of islands; and has no doubt that it breeds on the Desertas and on other neighboring islands, as he saw it there in considerable numbers, though he failed to procure examples. '^■■,ij': ffi3?«ia vW' M 388 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS -- TLUINARES. hi t ^: i ■111 This spocios was ascertained by Major Wcdderhurn to breed on Gurnet-liead Ivoek ; and is snpposed to be the same as the bird (U'seribed as the *' Cahow " by Captain Smith, in his account of Bermuda, in 1629. It was found breeding by Captains Ordo and McLeod, and specimens of the bird, together with its eggs and young, were procured in ^lay, 1849. To this statement Mr. Hardis adds that this species is still known in ]?cvmuda by the name of "Cahow," which is said to be an imitation of its peculiarly guttural note, described as sounding like the syllables cuo-hoo. Mr. Salton Smith, of St. George, informed Mr. llurdis that he visited Ulack llock, at the entrance to Castle Harbor, where he obtained two young birds of this sin'cies and a dozen or more of tiu'ir eggs. Unfortunately his boat was upset, and all the speci- mens lost. The two young birds were both found in the same hole, but the old ones were not seen. On the 17th of May, 1849, Captains Orde and McLeod visited Black Kock, landed without ditticulty, and on a ledge half way from the summit captured two fine examples of this species. One was sitting on a single white egg; the other had nothing luider it. Both were found in holes in the rock, and allowed themselves to be eai)tured by the hand. A young bird of the same species, covered with black down, was also found upon the rock. The egg is described as about the size of that of the Comnum Fowl, and more finely polished on the surface. Audubon mentions that on the 20th of June, 182(>, when becalmed in the Gulf of Mexico, olf the western coast of Florida, he noticed that birds of this species were quite numerous. They were skimming along near the surface of the water, and in doing this would flap their wings six or seven tinu's in succession, and then sail for three or four seconds with great ease, having their tail nnich spread and their long wings extended at right angles with the body. On approaching a mass of seaweed they would raise their wings obliquely, drop their legs and feet, and appear to run on the water, and at length to alight. They were able to swim and dive witli all the ease of a Duck. Their Avings are strong and nuiscular. The stomach of a specimen examined resembled a leather purse, and was found much distended with lish of various kinds, partially digested or entire, some of which were two and a half inches long. Audubon also states that he has met with this species as far north as Sandy Hook ; and it is said by Giraud to visit the coast of Long Island occasionally as a straggler. Dr. Bryant, on his visit to the Bahamas, was repeatedly told of a singular bird called the IMmlico, Avhich had a hooked bill, and only flew by night, and which bred in the Keys. This bird proved to be the ju'esent species. It was very abundant, and was found on all the uninhabited Keys v/hich were near the channel and not frequently visited. The birds Wfva breeding in holes in the rocks. He first met with them near Nassau, in the BhiiM'hannel Keys. Incubation had already begun on the 24th of March. The nest consisted of a few dry twigs, and was always placel in a hole or under a projecting portioi. of the rock — seldom more than a foot from the surface, and never out of reach of the hand. On being caught, the bird made \w noise and offered no resistance. The egg does not in the least resemble that ol a Hen, being much more fragile, and more highly ])olished. A number of eggs were broken in endeavoring to remove the bird from the nest; they varied a good deal in size and form, some being quite rounded, and others elongated. Three of tliein are said to have had the following measurements: 2.32 inc'ics by 1.41; 2.04 by l.oO; 2.01 by 1.45. Both sexes incubate. The mournful note of these birds could be heard at all hours of the night by those anchored in the night-time near one of the Keys on which they were breeding. Dur- ing the day they could be seen feeding in large flocks, generally out of sight of land. rROCELLARIID.E — THE PETRELS — PUFFINUS. 389 I Eock ; Captain ins Orile ig, were locies is luitation 00. Mr. k, at tlio ecies and lie spi'ci- old oni'S cd lilack captured the other lemselves ■ith bhiek ze of that le Gulf of ecies were ber, and in en sail lor their long jf seawoi'd lear to run nth all the V specimen ith iish of lialf inches li as Sandy sionally as iigular bird hieh bred abundant, iiel and not tirst met ady begun vys placed I foot from rd made no ble that ol eggs were a good deal ree of tlunu 04 by l.oO . rht by thosi' ding. Ui"- ght of laud. They did not fly round much, but remained quiet on the surface of the water. Dr. lUyant did not sec one of them on the banks ; and his observations were in conflict with those of Audubon, as he never saw them dive, or apparently catch any flsli, tliough they were often in comjiany with Boobies and different species of Terns, all of which were actively employed in Ashing. Hetween Andros and the Bank he saw on the, 2Gth of April a largo flock of this species covering tiie surface of the water, or liovering iver it, for an extent of a square mile. Their number nmst have been ent)r- mous. In the stomachs of all those he examined — nine in number — he found a mass largely composed of the scales of small fish and the mandibles of squids and cuttle-fish. Four eggs of this species (Smithsonian Institution, No. 1714), obtained by Dr. Ihyant, are of a clear chalky-white color, exactly oval in shape, and have the follow- ing measurements: li.lO by 1,45 inches; 2.05 by 1.40; 2.00 by 1.40; 2.00 by 1.40. Fu£Bnus gavia. THE BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATEB- ProccUaria gavin, FoRsr. Dcscr. Aiiiiii. 1844, 148. — lIuTTOX, Ibis, 1872, 84. jEntrchita (javia, ViU.u & Sai.vad. lliis, ISO!), 0(5. Cookihiria gavin, (iliAV, Ilamll. III. 1871, 107. Piijjinm gavia, FiNscii, J. f. 0. 1872, 250. — ninow. Noni. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 713. Piijliiiiis opislhomelas, Cox'i'.s, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sii. Pliiliiil. April, 1804, 139 (Cape St. Lucas); Key, 1872, 331 ; ('licuk List, 1873, no. GOl ; eiL 2, 1882, no. 830. Had Const of Lower ridiforiiia (Cape St. Lucas), and across the Pacific to Now Zealand. .Se. Char. Adult: Al)ove, unii'orm I'uligiiioiis-dusky, the feathers witliout distinct ligiiter terminal margins ; hiwer parts, inchiding entire under surface of tiie wings, wiiite, the sides of tiie neck and suborbital region faintly and indistinctly undulated with dusky grayisli ; crissuni and posterior portion of the flanks grayish fuliginous. Bill brownish (nuieh like the color of the back), the unguis and lower edge of both mandibles paler ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet pale colored in the dried skin, the outer side of the tarsus and outer toe dusky. Total length, 12.25 to 15.00 inches; e.xtent, about 26.00 to 32.00 ; wing, 9.00 ; culmen, 1.30- 1.10 ; depth of bill through base, .35 ; tarsus, 1.75 ; middle toe, 1.70-1.75.1 > Captain F. W. Hutton (in the "Ibis," January, 1872, p. 84), gives the average measurements of New Zealand specimens as follows ; — " E.\pftnse, 26 j length, 12i to 13J ; bill along culmen, IJ, to gap, 2 ; tail, 3.6 to 2.75." i 390 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. I am not awaio that anything is known in regard to the liahits or specific i)ecu- liarities of this recent addition to our fauna. It was tirst met with on our Paintic coast by Mr. John Xantus at Cape St. Lucas, in Lower California, wliere he procured two fine specimens. It is supposed to occur along the whole of our I'acitic coast as far north at least as Oregon. Some eggs have been received by the Smithsonian Institution from the sea-coast of Northern California. From their size and their close resend)lance to the eggs of other members of this family, there can be but little doubt that they arc eggs of birds of this species. Fuffinus StricklandL i." THE SOOTT SHEARWATER. Puffin us fid iguiosim, Strkku V. Z. S. 1832, 129 (not Proccllaria fuliginosn of Kuiii,, 1820).— Lawii. in Hiiiid's H. N. Am. 1858, 834. — llAiiii), Cat. N. .\m. H. 18.'')!), no. 648. — Couks, Key, 1872, 332 ; Check List, 1873, no. 602 ; ud. 2, 1882, no. 837. — Uiuuw. Noni. N. Am. li. 1881, no. 714. Ncctrisfaliginosa, Keys. & IJlas. Wirb. Eur. 1840, p. xoiv. Ncdris fuUgimsus, Couics, Pr. Ac. Xat. Sei. Pliilad. 1864, 123. Fuffinus cinercus, Dkkav, Zool. N. Y. IJirds, 1844, 287, pi. 136, fig. 298. Procclliiria trislis, Licirr. cd. Fnusr. Ucsor. An. 1844, 23. Paffinus tristis, GiiAV, Ibis, 1862, 44. — BuLLEit, H. N. Zeal. 1873, 317. Puffinua Slricklandi, lliuuw. MS. ILvB. North Atlantic Ocean ; south to the coast of New England. Sp. Char. Adult: Unil'orm fuliginous-dusky, nmch lighter and more grayish underneath ; scupulai's, interscapulars, and wing-coverts sometimes indistinctly paler on their terminal margins. Bill uniform dusky, sometimes with a brownisli tinge ; legs and feet dusky brownish (in the dried skin), the outer side of the taraus and outer toe blackish. Wing, 11.15-12.00 inches; culmen, 1. CO- LTS ; depth of bill through base, .5()-..5.5 ; Uu-- sus, 2.05-2.15 ; nnddle toe, 2.05-2.20. This species is of very nearly the same size and form as P. major, but is slightly smaller in all its measurements, has the bill decidedly more slender, and the tarsus and nnddle toe more nearly of the siime length. The history, habits, and distribution of the Sooty Shearwater have been little known. On our eastern coast it is abundant from the waters of the North Atlantic iis far south as South Carolina. It escapcil the notice of our earlier ornithologists, and no reference is made to it either by Wilson, Nuttall, or Audubon. Indeed all the information we have in regard to this species is very vague and unsatisfactory. Its breeding-places and its manner of reproduction have remained entirely unknown. It is at times very abundant during the month of August off the coast of Massachusetts, and in the latter part of that month in 1871, during the prevalence of stormy weather, a large number of birds of this species were driven by the storm into Wood's Hole. This Shearwater is stated — on not entirely trustworthy authority — to be especially m PUOCELLAUIID.E — THE PETRELS — PUFFINUS. 391 iibmulant of? the coast of Newfouiullaiul, but to be imiph more rare on the opposite shores of Europe. Dekay, in his Report on the IJirds of New York, mentions this bird as having been occasionally ciiptured on the coast of New York, and speaks of it as occurring from the Gulf of Alexico to Newfoundland. Degland and Gerbe assign to it the same habitat, and regard its appearance on the European coast as purely accidental, and as limited chiefly to the coast of the Uritish Islands. It has been several times observed (jff the coast of Normandy, in the neighborhood of Dieppe. liy some writers the Fuliginous Shearwater has been regarded as only an inuuatnro form of Pufffnus major. The accounts of its capture indicate that it is more abundant on the eastern coast of England than on the southern or western. Captain Feilden informed Mr. Dresser that he observed this species, in company with J'ltffinus major, sixty miles south of Cape Farewell on the U2d of June, 187"), and was informed that it was common off the coast of Labrador. It is abundant in the Bay of Fundy and oft' the coast of Nova Scotia and New ]>runswick. It has been found in the Atlantic as far south as the Cape of Good Hope, Avliere Mr. Smith states it to be common. Pu£Bniis griseus. THE DABK-BODI£D SHEABWATEB. Procellaria grisea, Omel. S. N. I. 1788, 504 (ncc Kriii,, 1820). Puffinniignmis, Finscii, J. f. 0. 1874, 209. — Salvis, Kowlcy's Om. Misc. IV. 1870, 236. — Uinc.w. Noiii. N. Am. 15. 1881, no. 715. "Prncclliirla/ri.i/is, .1. U. Fokst. Dcsrr. Aiiim. 1844, 23" (.Sai.vix). — Hi'tton, Iliis, 1872, 83. Xcc/ris nwatirosonui, CouKs, Pr. Ac. Nat. Si:i. Pliilud. Apiil, 1804, 124 (Oii[K' .St. Luciis). Piij/bius amaurosoiiiti, Ouay, IhiiiiU. III. 1871, Hl2. — TouEs, Kej-, 1872, 332 ; Check List, 1873, no. 603 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 838. Keiirisfiiligiiwsii.i, a. chikusis, 15nsAi>. Consp. II. 1856, 202. " Ptiffinus chilensis, Pit. & LanI)U."1 Gray Pdrcl, Lath. Synop. III. pt. 2, p. 399. TIab. Coast ol' Lower Californiii (Cape St. Lucas) ; thence to the South Pacific (New Zealand, etc.). Si*. C'hau. Adult: Above, uniform fuliginous-dusky, tiic tips of some of the f'eatiiers indis- tinctly li;,diter ; lower surface much paler, or smoky grayisJi ; lining of the wing grayish white, niiittlcd with smoky gray. Bill dusky grayish brown, sometimes tinged with grayish white ; legs and I'cct Ijrownish (rethlish in life >.).^ Wing, 1I.1.")-11.50 inches; culnien, 1.55-1.65; depth of bill through base, .45-.55 ; tarsus, 2.12-2.25; middle toe, 2.0.5-2.25. Having conii)are(l the type of Nedris umnnrnsnmn, CouES, and a Chilian examjile of what is uiii|Uestionably the same species, with specimens of the Atlantic P. Stricldandi, Noms (P.fiduji- ?io,N()SKU SWIMMKKS — TriJIXARKS. The tyi)e spwiinen of tlie Viiffi.n\iK ttmnurugouui of C'oiie« wiw tiiki'ii off tlie coiwt ot Ciipe Sun Liica". The Niilioiiiil Miiseiiiii uIho jiosscsst's miL'cimun.s from the toattt of t'hili. Acconlinj; to IJiiller, it is exliviucly tibuiidmit iii the iieit,'hborhooil of ►Slewurt'a l»luiiJ uml tiluiij^ the utijiitciit coast of New Zeiihiiul. liJIr' i!i The only accounts I can find toucliin}^ tlit' niditication of this Innl are — tlie state- ment of iMr. llnller that its ef,'^,' is white, with reddish-brown stains, and measures li.'25 inches in length and li.OO in l)reaiith; ami the Notes of Mr. Travers, (juoted \>y Mr. Dresser, tiiat this Shearwater is (common all around the coasts of the Chatham Group, where it burrows in peaty grouml a horizontal hole, from three to four feet deep, and turning slightly to the right or left. At the end of this hole it forms a rude nest of twigs and dead leaves. Only one egg is laid, ami the male is said to assist in incubation; and the parent birds are very savage while on the nest, biting and scratching those who nudest them. The old birds roost on the shore, and the noise they make during the whole night is described as being something absolutely frightful. Taken out of their holes, they flutteri-d al)out on the ground for sonu' time in a confused manner before they made for the sea. Fuffinus tenuirostris. THE SLENDER-BILLED BHEARWATEB. Procellaria tenuirostris, Tkmm. PI. Col. 1828, ,''.87. — .Sciii.r.ci. Mus. P.-l?. Pioc. 18C3, 26. I'uJ/inus tfiiniruxiri.i, Tkm.m. & .Siiil.Ko. Fauna Jap. .Vves, 184'.t, l;!l, \A. 80. — I'oi-Ks, Key, 1872, 332 ; Chiick List, 1873, no. 604 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 839. — liinow. Noni. X. Am. 1'.. 1881, no. 716. A'cctris tenuirostris, Uosap. Consji. II. 18r)(i, 202. - CofE.s, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. J'iiilud. 1864, 126. Priocella tenuirostris, Nki.s. Cruise Corwin, 188!, 1.52 (not of uuthors !). Puffiaus curilicm, Liciir. Noinentd. Miis. Ik'i-ol. IS.'il, 100. Hab. North Pacific, including the coa-st of Northwe.stern America (Sitka, Kiidiak, Unalasiik;i, Kotzebue Soimd, etc.). Sp. Char. Adult : Above, uniform fuliginons-dusky ; l)eneiitli, ligiit smoky gray, darker mi the Ihmks and cri.ssuni, ligiUer on the chin. JHII dusky brownish ; legs and feet pide-coloriil, the outer .side of the tarsus and outer toe dusky. Wing, 1().(H>-10.10 inches ; culmen, 1.20 ; depth of bill at base, .4(); tarsus, 1.0O-1.95 ; niiddli toe, 1,91)- 1.95, Tliis species (piitoi closely resembles the P. nativitatis, Streets,* from Christmas Island, Pacilii' 1 PuFFiNus (NEcrnis) nativitatis, Streets, Uidl. U. S. Nat. Mus. no. 7, 1877, 29. Unifonn (hisky.fulij;inous, sli^'htly |)aler beneath. Bill deep black ; legs and feet dusky. Wing, 9.75 inches; culniun, 1.25 ; depth of bill tluougli base, .45 ; tarsus, 1.75 ; nuddio toe, 1.70. I'UOCliLLARIID.K — TIIK I'KTHKLS — (ESTRELATA. 81)3 (Juyti Sun ccortliiiK' t«» Lie (uljiici'iit - the state- il inoiisuvt's , (juoti'il l>v le Chiitliiiin to iouv i'l'i't e it forms a le is siiitl to ui'st, liitiiit,' jiv, ami the r ubsolutt'ly 1- some timt' 26. U'y, 1872, 332; no. 71t5. 18(54, 120. tk, UualiwliU^i. lay, (laiki'V cm t pak-i'ulon>l. -1.95 ; niiil'll'' Island, Pacili- .(Insky. Willi;, toe, 1.70. Ocean, Init in niucli lij^liti-r colored beneath, /'. nalivitatis beinj; dark fnlii^iiious below, only a few .sliadeH paler than the upper parts. Tlie propurtiimH are also ([iiite dilleient. Tills species aitpeais to be exelusively iiii iiiliabitiiut of the North I'aeifio coasts. Mr. Dall refers to it as the "Seal IJinl," and states that a specimen, a perfe(^t skin, was l)ouglit of Isaai^ Kollak, an Kskimoof great iiitellit,'eiif-e, who informed him that lie jiad hoiif^lit it at Kotzelme Sound, wlieii on a visit, liaviiij^ never liimselt seen swell a l.ird on Norton's Sonnd. Tiu' man of whom this bird was purchased said that it was called Mlnlilnk tliii/iiii/ii/.\ or '•Seal-bird," as it is only found with the seals, and Idllows them in their migration.s. E.xamples of this spi'eies are stattul by Mr. Cassin to iiave bi'cn taken off the coa.st of Jai)an, near the eastcirn shore of Niphon, in hit. 'M° N. ; ai:d Messrs. lUakistoii and I'ryer mention another ex;;ni]ile (d)taiiied after a tyidioon a*^. Voshino, Tamato, the nearest .sea being for' v mili's distant. It had been struck down by a J lawk. It agreed with the Hgnre in the '• Fauna Japonica." Its local name is given as fiinhinuniiH'. Nothing is known in regard to its distribution, numbers, habits, or breeding-place. Giovus CESTRELATA, Honai'Aktk. Afstrchtta, RoxAi'. Consp. II. ]8.')(i, 188 (type, Pmcelhiria hasitnttt, Kcili.). Ciuikiliirii), IloxAP. Consp. II. 18,'it!, li)0 (type, ProccHnria Ctxikii, (!i!AY). I'l.i: mdriima, ISoXAl'. Cousp. II. 18.')6, I'.tl (type, Proccllaria mucroptcru, .S.mith). CiiAii. Dill about as long .i«, or .shorter than, the tarsns, very deep, and niucli compressed ; unj,'Mi very large, occupying nearly the terminal half of the bill ; nasal case very short (less than one tliird as long as the unguis), Tile species of (Kutrdntd are very numerous (abiait twenty bi'ing known at the ]iiesi'nt time), but only three of them are recorded from North American waters. They are the foUowing : — 1. OB. heesitata. Adult (!) : Forehead, sides of h>'ail, neck (all round), entire lower parts, upper tail-coverts, and base of tail white ; u]iiier pai'ts and jiatcli on top of head dusky, and side of head with a blackish bar. Yuuiui (() ; Wliite nuicli more restricted, immacu- late only on forehead, lores, and median lower j)arts ^ihe latter even sometimes more or less mi.xed with dusky) ; nape and sides of neck, with upper tail-coverts, white only beneath the surlace. Rill black ; iris brown ; tarsi and basal tliird, or more, of toes, with welis, yellowish in dried .skins (llesh-color in lil'eV). Wing, II. 70-12, 00 inches; tail, .").50-r).7.'), graduated for about 1.50-2.30 ; culnien, 1.2<>-1.45 ; depth of bill at base, .52-.(iH ; tarsus, 1.35-1.-10; middle toe, 1.50, or more. Hah. AVanner parts of Athuitic Ocean, straying north to Florida, France, and England. Sandwich Islands ? 2. CE. Fisheri. Adult : Aliove, silvery ]dumbeous, witli a distinctly darker (blackish slate) area on lesser wing-covert region ; greater and middle wing-coverts and teitials plum- beous-gray, very distinctly edged with white ; outer primaries and their coverts blackisli slate, the inner ones gradually more plumbeous ; tail-feathers transversely vermiculated with white and gray, the middle featiiers uniform plumbeous-gray. Lores, chin, throat, jugulum, and erissum immaculate white ; forehead and crown white, spotted with dusky ; abdomen, flanks, and breast smoky plumbeous on the surface, lait jiure white immediately beneath, this white showing through in jdaces ; a distinct dusky .spot immediately before and beneath the eye ; middle portion of wing-lining and inner webs of ])rinmries pure wiiite, the latter with a distinct blackish stripe next the shaft. Rill black ; iris brown ; legs llesh-cidor (?), pale brownish in dried skin ; toes dusky, the basul third of inner web and basal phalanx of inner and middle toes pale-colored. Wing, 10.15 inches ; tail, 4.00, its graduittion, .75; eulmen, 1.00; de])th of liill at Inise, .40; tarsus, 1.35; middle toe, with claw, 1.70. Hub. Off coast of Alaska (Kadiak). VOL. II. — 50 I: 3"J4 THE Tl'nE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TrBINARES. 3. CB. gularis. Adult (i) : Al ovo, (niite unifonii iliirk sooty grayish, the conocaleil bases of all thu IVuthfi-s, liowuvur, white ; greater aiul luiilille uing-eovert.s lighter ami less sooty grayi.-li, hut without ilistimt light etlges ; ujijier tail-coverts ami tail unit'orui ratiier light sooty gray, the inner web.s of the latter jialer, on the outer liiiely mottled ; ciiin, throat, ami crissum iniinaouLite wiiite ; other lower parts white beneath the surface, but this overlaid by sooty gray, nearly uniform over abilomen and Hanks. Under side of wiii,L;s mainly white, the aiiterior and outer border dusky. Wing, 9.88-Ui.()U inches ; tail, 3.!)r)-4.(K), its graduation about .IX) ; culnien, l.()2-l.(»3; depth of bill at base, .4(i-.r)(i ; tarsus, l.:i(i-1.37 ; middle toe, with claw, 1.55-1.70. Hub. South Pacitic Ocean. 4. Qj. jamaiceiiBia.' Adult : Uniform sooty brown, lighter beneatli, darkest on occiput and bides (if heail ; upper tail-coverts [lale laventler-gray, sometime^ tinged with bulf. liill, legs^ iiud feet entirely black; iris (f). Wing, ll.ltO inches; tail, 5.(10, its grailuation, 1.30-1.50 ; culmen, 1.15-1.20 ; depth of bill at base, .(50 ; tai-sus, 1.40 ; middle toe, 1.70- \.H). Hub. Jamaiai (breeding iji Blue Mountains). CEstrelata haesitata. THE BLACK-CAPPED FETBEL rnvcHiiria Imsilatu, KriiL, Mon. Proc. Ik'itr. Zool. 1820, \\i, no. 11 (cxcl. syn.). — Temm. Tl. Col. 410. — Xkwidn, Zoologist, X. isr>;j, 3(i!)l. ^■KstirliUa hasiliita, CWKA, Vr. Ae. Nut. Sci. I'liihul. 1806, 139; Key, 187'i, 3'J8 ; Chock Li.st, 1S7;!, no. 585. (Eatnhila hasitain, lilDow. Noni. X. Am. B. ISSl, no. 717. — C'on-..s '.M Cliock List, 18S2, no. 811>. yK.it irlala il'ilmlicn, lioN.vi'. Consp. II. 18,"j(5, 1811 (ex " Pnnrll(iriii dMlmlicit, I,'IIi;iiMiMi',ii"). ProcdhirUi mcrulwiialis, L.\wii. Ann. Ljc. N. V. I\', 1848, 47.'> ; in liaiid's I J. X. Am. 18.'iS, 8'J7. Hah. Wanner parts of the Atlantic Ocean, straying to Florida, England, and France. Samhvi. h Islands ? Si'. CiLMi. Adult : " F(Mvhead, sides of head, neck all round, upper tail-coverts, base of tail, and all under parts white ; back ch-ar bistii'-brown (nearly uniform, but the featliers often wilii paler or ashy edges), deepening on the (piills and terminal iialf of tail ; crown with an isolated blackish cap, and sides of iiead with a black bar (younger birds with tiie white of the head and neck behiiul restricted, so that these dark areiw run together) ; bill black ; tarsi and ba.se of tms and webs flesh-colored (drying yeIlowi.sh) ; rest of toes and webs black. Yuuuij : Extensively dark below >." (("ones). Total length, about Ki.OO inches ; "wing, 12 ; tail, 5], cuneate, its graduation, l\ ; tarsus, Ij ; middle toe and claw, 2J ; bill, 1|, jj deep at ba.se, | wide ; tube, .\ " (CoUKs). A specimen from the Sandwich Islands (No. (i 1250 ; V. Knidskx, coll.), lalielled " /V/Zi/mk vuridiinKdi.i" differs from the above diagnosis in several particulars, and may juissibly be disiiiii i. The entire Ufiper parts, e.xcept forehead, are continuously uniform dusky, nearly black on the head, the nape, back, and scapulars more grayish brown ; this dark color even covers iniiforinly l!ic entire side of tiie head and neck, exce])t that jiortioii of the former before the eye, and theinc downward and backward across the nuilar region. ')he feathers of the najie and side of tiie ne.k, however, are white immediately beneath the surface, this color showing conspicuously wherever 1 (KsTliKl.ATA JAMAMKNsis (liancrot't) Newton. Pnurllaria Jamakviuiis, Haxi'U. Zool. Jour. V. 1828, 81. (Estrrlata jamaiccnsh, A. & K. Xkwton, Iliindb. ,Tnni, 1881, 117. rieriidroma cnrihluva, Caute, P. Z. S. 1306, U3, jil. x. iKstrrlatd cnrilifca, Al'cr. Hhtc MoHntiiiii Duck, Oosse. This species is introduced into the synopsis on account of the possibility of its occnsionnl occurrence il the South Atlantic coast of tiie United States. rU(,)CELLAUIID.E — TIIH PETKELS — CESTRELATA. 395 CO. Suiuhviih ml (ireiirriMicr till' tV'iUlKTS may be disturbed. There is likewise iu> exiiciseullock's museum. A sjiecimen brought from llayti by John Heariu' is now in the Uritish ^ruseum. -Mr. (ieorge N. Lawrence, in Vol. IV. '• I'acitic Railroad Heports," cites this sj)ecies under tlu' name of the "Tropical Fulmar,'' and nu-ntions its distributi(Mi on mir coast as extending from New Viuk southward to Florida, referring to two siu'cinu'iis, tme taken otf the coa.st of Florida, the other on that of New York. The first of these was given to Mr. Lawrenct' by Dr. V. H. Stillwell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who had obtained it ill Fhu'ida in the winter of 1S4(5. It had been wounded, and was tioating in the salt higoon, opposite Imlian Itiver Inlet, on the east coast of I'loriila, two hundred and torty miles from St. John Kiver. The other spei-imen had l)een shot in tho bay at <.}u()(pi(<. Long Island, after a severe storm, in July, ISrA*. No other specimens are on record. ' III pnttorn of coloration, this siM-ciiiicii agrees exactly with an example of lE. Ojoki, but 1ms tho li:irk, scapuliirs, rump, and tail decidedly loss ashy. y i 396 TUE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMEUS — TUBINARES. CEstrelata FisherL FISHEB'S FETBEL. (Eslrclala Fiahcri, Ridgw. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. 5, June 2C, 1883, C5i3 (Kadiiik, Alaska). Sp. Char. Adult ? (type; of tliu spucics, No. 89-131, U. S. Nat. Mils. Kiuliak Island, Alaska, June 11, 1882 ; William J. Fishku) ; lleail, neck, and Imvur parts pure wliite, l)ut tliis unvaried only on sides of forehead, lores, malar rej,'i()n, cliin, throat, juHulum, and eiissuni ; feathers oC middle of forehead (lonf,'itudinally) and fore i)art of crown, marked with a central spot of slate-color, the feathers of the hinder part of crown and occiput similarly marked, Imt the spots becoming' fjradually more transverse posteriorly, and, at the sanw time, the lij,'liter borders of the feathers more grayish ; a blackish spot immediately before anil beneath the eye ; sides of breast washed with grayish, and belly and flanks overlaid by a nearly uniform wash of smoky plumbeous, all the feathers being very pure snow-white immediately beneath the surface ; nuuiy of the feathers of the sides barred with plumbeous-gray ; anterior under wing-coverts dark sooty gray or slate-color, the coverts along the outer margin of the under side of the wing mainly of the same color ; rest of wing-lining, with inner webs of primaries, uniform pure white, the (piills having merely a narrow, but abruptly detine. 1858, 410 (not of UouLU, 1844). AMrelata mollis,^ CouEs, Pr. Pliihul. Acad. 1866, 150 (iKut). IIab. Antarctic Ocean ; accidental in Western New York (Livinj,'stou Co., Jidc Prkwster, 1. c.) ( Si>. CiiAii. Adult ? (type specimen, No. ir)70(), Antarctic Ocean ; T. R. Peai.e): Above, nearly unil'orni brownish slate, more plumbeous on the secondaries and greater win^'-coverts, which have very narrow (barely visible) whitish niar!,'iiis ; paler, and with the basal white shining through on the occii>ut and nape. Lores, cheeks, chin, and throat white, the two latter immaculate ; frontal feather slightly margined with whitish, and superciliary region mixed with white (only the tips (if the feathers being dusky), forming a broken superciliary striiie extending nearly to the occi])iit ; ante- and sub-cu'bital regions nearly uniform dusky, but feathers with white ba.ses. Lower parts white, but this overlaid on breast, abdomen, Hanks, and anal region with smoky pliunbcous, appear- ing almost uniformly of this color where the feathers are undisturbed ; jugulum transversely mot- tled or vermiculated with dusky ; crissum immaculate white. Lining of wing pure white, except anteriorly and exteriorly, where the color is uniformly dusky ; inner wel)s of primai ies pure white, with an abruptly defined grayish stripe next the shaft. Tail uniform brownish gray, the inner web of the exterior feather white, mottled, or irregularly .speckled, with gray. Bill uniform black : tarsi and base of toes, with wiibs, pale colored (pinkish or flesh-colored in life), the terminal piiition of the feet blacki.sh. Wing, 10.00 inches ; ttiil, 4.(X) ; culnien, 1.0.5 ; nasal tubes, .30 ; length of mandible, measured from malar apex, .85 ; gonys, .25 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; mi(hlle too, without claw, 1.25. Alth(jugh Mr. Cas.sin (1. c.) says that the specimen described above, and which is unquestion- ably llie typ(; of Proccllaria gularis, Peale, " is (piite identical with the type of P. mollis, of which there are numerous specimens, including those of Mr. Gould, in the museum of the Philadelpliia Academj'," he evidently overlooked the radical dilference in the coloration of the under surface of llie wing. Dr. Coues, who examined the Pliiladel[)hia Academy .series, says (1. c.) that in all of these "the under surface of the wing is chiefly dusky brownish ; but there is an illy-defined and interrupted area of whitish, particularly toward the base of the primaries," (li. ijulnris, then, must he considered as more nearly related to (.E. FIshcri, (E. Dc.filijipinna, (E. tjavia, and (Ji. desolnta, all of which have the under surface of the wing mainly or largely white. A Petrel described by Mr. Brewster, ill the "Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club" for April, 1881, from a specimen obtained in Livingston Co., N. Y., in April, 1880, i.s supposed to belong to this species. Mr. P)rewster's description is as follows : — " Adult (/) fhuiuKje, (Xo. 5224, author's collection, Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., .\pril, 1880) : Upper parts, including tail-coverts and exposed surfaces of ivctrices, pure cinereous, wiiicli deepens to plumbeous only on the occiput, rump, and wings, the latter having the middle iiiiil greater coverts of the same tint as the back. The feathers of the back (but not those of the riiiii|) or occiput), with the greater and middle wing-coverts, broadly tipped with ashy white, 1,'iving these parts a .scaled appearance. Tin; throat, juguliun, upper part of breast, and under tail- coverts, pure silky white. The cinereous of the upper parts conu!s down along the sides of the neck, encroaching more and moiv, and deepening in tint as it extends backward, until it throws aiio.ss the abdomen a broad band of nearly pure idumhec" ■.. Around this coloivd tract there is nowhere a definite line of demarcation ; the cinereous of the neck fa(h!s imperceptibly into the white of the throat, and the edges of the alxhnniual bar become mingled with white, until the dark ' CP^strei.ata mollis, Gould. ProccUaria mollis, Coum., Ann. k Mag. N. H. .Xlll. 1844, 363 ; 15. Austr.VlI. pi. 50. — CouES, Pr. Philad. \m\. 1866, 150. PrmfHariii iitrxpeclata, Lu'iiT. cd. Fiirst. Dcscr. An. 1844, 204. / lEstrelata KiiUkri, Coues, Hull. IT. S. Nat. Mas. no. 2, 1875, '- - wholc-rolorcd phnse f). 398 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINARES. I> : ; a color i» uiitiiely lost along the niiles uinler the wiiif^s and at the beginning of the unilcr tail-coverts ; while forward, on the lower luut of the breast, and over the ventral region generally, the feathers are sjMjtted, l)arred, or finely verniiculated, in varying shades of color. The sides of the head hack- ward to behind the eye (where the band of color already described begins) arc essentially white, but the feathers immediately bidow the eye are obscundy handed, and there is a narrow but dis- tinct transocular fascia of a dark color, which barely interrupts a broad and pure white superciliary line passing from the bill to a short distance behind the eye. The forehead and crown are much mixed with white. On the forehead the white forms a brcjad edging to the feathers, and extending more narrowly around their tips, conlines the plumbeous ashy to triangular central patches ; but toward the crown it becomes restricted to the edges alone, and when the occiput is reached gives way entirely to the uniform plumljeous of that part. " The jieculiar c(dor and marking of the wings, alike in both si)ecimens, has already been so well treated by Dr. Coues that I will save repitating these details by referring the reader to his description, previously quoted in the present article. But in this connection it is necessary to call attention to two points which are not there noticed. The first is, that the secondaries, as well as the primaries, have the white areas on their inner webs. The second, that each successive primary, beginning with the first, is lighter and more plumbeous than the preceding one ; but with the firet secondary, the color abruptly darkens again, becoming on the exposed portion nearly black, and continuing uniformly so to the tertials, which are of an equally dark cast. " The bill is black ; the tarsus, obscure flesh-color with a bluish tinge. The basal third of toes, with contained webs, pale yellowish ; the terminal portion black. "Dimensions : Bill (ciiord of culnien), 1.03 inches ; height at base, .46, width, .42 ; tarsus, 1.37 ; outer toe and claw, 1.G5 ; middle, 1.70 ; inner, 1.43 ; wing, 9.88 ; tail, 3.95 ; the graduation of the rectrices, .90." GeXUS BULWERIA, BOXAI'ARTE. DidwcrUi, r.oxAi'. Cat. Met. Ucc. I'^ur. 1842, 81 (type, Proccllaria Buhvcri, Jaiid. & Selby) ; Consp. II. 185(), 1U4. Chaii. Very similar to the smaller species of CEstrdata ((E. Conki, etc.), but tail longer and more graduated, bill less compressed, and feet smaller. Myological formula said to be very different. Tiie type of this species is so much like the smaller CEstrclntm (as, for example, (E. Cooici) that we should hesitate to sei)anile it generically, were it not for important anatt)mical differences which are said to exist. The late Professor Forbes says (Zool. " Challenger " Expedition, Vol. IV. p. (iO) that " Ihtlurria is a peculiar form, with no very close ally, and nuist be regarded as a highly specialized form, as shown by its myological formula . . . and its peculiar cuneate tail." The tail is decidedly more graduated than in (Estrclafa Coold (which anumg the true (Estrelatm api)roaches ino.st nearly in this ami other features), and the feet are relatively snudler ; but beyond these differences we are unable to appreciate any external characters of importance. Besides 11. liulweri there is said to be another species, the B. MaeijiUivraiji, (JuAY, from tint Fiji Islands.' Bulweria Bulwerii. I BVLWEB'S PETBEL. Proccllaria Bulwerii, Jahd. & SF.Lnv, lllustr. Orii. pi. 65. T/uilasnidrotna liulweri, Gori.D, 15. Kur. pi. 448. — Keys. & Blas. Wirb. Eur. 93, — Scni.Ko. Iti'v. Crit. 134. — Macoili,. Man. II. 264. — GiiAY, Gon. B. III. 648; Cat. Brit. B. 1863 224.— Ne\vton, Man. N. H. Greetd. 1875, 108. Alstrelala Bulwcri, Coves, Pp. PhikJ. Acad. 1866, 158. (Estrclata Bulweri, Uinow. Pr. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1880, 209; Norn. N. Am. B, 1881, no. 718.— Coues, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 820. * Tluilassidroma (Bulweria) Macgillivrayi, Okay, Cat. B. Isl. Pacif. 1859, 56. PUOCELLARIIDyE — THE TETRELS — BULWERIA. 399 ? Procellaria nnjlnho, Heixekev, Ediub. Jonr. Sci. Oct. 1829. PaJlimis coliuiihimin, Moijl'IN-Taxdox, in Webb & Ik-rtli. Nut. Hist. Cuiiar. H. 1841, 44, pi. 4. fig. '1 (PruccUuriii columbina on iiKite). Bulwerui colambiim, Duesskh, 15. Eur. VIII. 1871, 551. liuluxr's Petrel, Yauu. Brit. B. ed. 2, III. 030, tiy. ; od. 3, HI. 6G4, fig. IIab. EiLsteni Atlantic, including,' coasts of Europe and Africa. Accidental in Orennlnnd. Sp. (!hau. Adult: Uniform fuliginoiis-dusky, lighter, more grayish l)ro\vn underneath, tlie wings blackish, exce])t the greater coverts, wliich are liglit grayish brown, like the lower parts. Bill Idack ; legs and feet brownish (in dried skin). Wing, 8.00 inches ; tail, 4.75, its graduation, I.45-I.75 ; culnien, .85 ; tarsus, .UO-l.OO ; middle toe, .95. Thi.s bird is said to be an occasional visitor to the Bermudas ; but its occiu'rence there must be very rare, and due to accidental circumstances ; and its chiim to be received into the Nortli American fauna appears to me to be very doubtful. The first published mention of Uulwer's Tetrel was made l)y Selby and Jardine, in the second volume of their Illustrations ; and it was there described from specimens pro- ciu'cd by Mr. Bulwer, a gentleman who had been living for several years in j\ladeira, wliere this bird was ascertained to be resident during its breeding-season, (diiefly on tlic small adjacent islets. Dr. Scldegel also claims to possess an example of this Petrel procured in Green- land. Gould, in the twenty-second number of liis "liritisli IJirds," mentions a single instance of its occurrence in England ; tins was on the banks of the Tire, near Tan- fichl, in Yorkshire, May 8, 1837, where a specimen of this bird was found which liad boen dead but a short time ; and Mr. Dresser records another, taken off Scarborough in tlie spring of 1849. It is not known to breed elsewhere than in the Canaries and iMadeira. Moquin- Tandon speaks of it as very common on the small Island of Alegranza, where it breeds in the holes in the rocks. It has a cry resembling that of a puppy, from wliicli it receives the local name of Perrito. Mr. Godman ("Ibis," 187L*) mentions iiuding it breeding in considerable numbers on the small Island of Deserta. It was nocturnal in its liabits, and was not seen flying about in the daytime, althongli tliere were plenty of a smaller species. The nests were low down at the foot of tlie clift's, un. Daptium miwnse, CofKs, 2d Check List, 1882, no. 818. Proccl/aria Hccvia, Buiss. Oni. VI. 1700, 140, no. 3. Pruccllaria piiHctalti, Ellman, Zool. 1801, 7473. IIab. Oceans of the southern hemisphere ; accidental on coast of California? Sp. Cuah. Adult: Lower jiarts (except sides of throat and chin), lump, ujiper tail-coverts, basal two thirds of the tail, the greater portion of the scapulars and secondaries, white ; the hack, runi]i, upper tail-coverts, and scapulars marked with deltoid spots of dark sooty plumbeous. Head and neck (except miildlc of the throat), unirorm dark sooty plumbeous ; wiiii,'s chiefly sooty idumlieous, the inner primary coverts and inner webs of the primaries chielly white, and the cov- ert.s, with much white at their buses, chiefly concealed ; terminal third of the tail uniform sooty jibunbeous, forming a wide, sharply defined terminal zone, liiil uniform dee]> black ; legs and feet dusky in the diiid skin, the inner and middle toes apjjarently varied with flesh-color or yellowish in life. Wing, 10.2.5-11.00 inches ; culmcn, ahout 1.25 ; tarsus, 1.75 ; middle toe, 1.85, The I'intado Petrel is, without much doubt, entirely accidental on the Pacific coast, if it occurs there at all, and its usual residence is the South I'acific, South Atlantic oceans, and the Antarctic seas. It was added to our fauna by Mr. George PUOCELLARIID.K — THE PETRELS — DAPTION. 401 uibev of islands ;akeu in in deep ,1 size at ! 1.20 in lies, and sN.). somewhat :e occupied he unguis, I from the with white ery distiuet 185(3, 18S. — U CouKs, Tr. lUGW. Noni. tail-cnvovts, ntion of thi' nim]), ui)per Itoiil spots (if crept iniililli' leous ; willies coverts iiml ami the cov- y c'onceak'il ; T ]ilnmbeous, zone. l>ill in the (Iriiil varied with the Pacific Lcific, South Mr. George X. Lawrence, in 1853, on the strength of a single specimen said to have been obtained on the coast of California, and now in the cabinet of that gentleman. Numerous siu'oimens were obtained by the naturalists connected with the Wilkes Exploring l']xi)edition, and its presence, at various places visited by their vessels, is noted in the Journal of Dr. Pickering. He first observed it on tlie 19th day of January, 18.39, in latitiule 89° south, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is subsetpiently mentioned by him at various points, and for the last time on the 14th of July, the same year, on the west- ern coast of S(mth America, the day after sailing from the harbor of Callao, in about \'2° south latitude. Mr. E. L. Layard, in his account of the sea-birds observed by him during a voyage in the Antarctic Sea, makes repeated mention of this species, whicji he hrst observed soon after leaving Capetown, August 15. He speaks i)articularly of its habit of ;ilighting oil the water. Between latitudes 87° and 41° south he mentions it as being very abundant, so that many were caught l)y letting a strong thread trail with a cork lit the end of it. The birds fouled the line, which became entangled with their wings, rendering them helpless. As soon as one was thus entangled it fell into the water, iiud the rest immediately clustered around it. This bird dives readily, dropping suddenly into the water, and instantly disappear- ing. It will also throw up its tail into the air in tlie manner of a Duck, and fish up lilts of food from a sliglit depth. On "-lie IGtli of September, when running along the soutliern coast of Tasmania, this species was seen in vast numbers, there being frcciuently as many as two hundred of these birds around the vessel at one time. ■I'his Petrel is also included ("Ibis," 1801') in Mr. G. 11. Gray's List of the P.irds of New Zealand and of the Adjacent Islands. Captain Hutton (■' Ibis," 18G5) states that the " Cape Pigeon " — as it is also called hy tlie sailors — when cauglit and hauled upon the deck of a vessel, throws up from its mouth or ejects from its nostrils, like the rest of its family, a quantitj'of reddish, strongly offensive oil. This it does not for purposes of defence, but apparently from fright. It is never known, in moments of irritation, to eject an oily fluid from its nostrils in the manner described by Mr. Gould. When placed on deck it is unable to rise directly, but runs along with outstretclied wings. Its cry resembles the sound produced by drawing a piece of iron across a large toothed comb, and may be represented nearly by the syllables cac-mc-cac-eap-rac. Tlie breeding-place of this species was not positively known until quite recently. (Iduld states that it breeds in Tristan d'Acunha; but this is disputed by Captain ilutton. Darwin was informed that it resorts to the islands of South Gem-gia. It \v;is not found on tlie Prince Edward's Islands, nor on Kerguelen Island. Sir J. Koss saw large floc^ks of young birds of this species in January, 1841, in lat. 71° 50' S., near Sdutli Victoria. It seems, therefore, probable that this Petrel breeds in islands in the Antarctic Ocean. According to Captain Hutton, its usual northern limit appears to be lat. 27° S., although in one instance it was seen as far as 17° S. It was most readily caught by a thread .attached to a bit of wood, with which the bird in flying liccomes entangled. The power of flight of this species seems almost without any limit. Lieutenant Weld, 11. N., informed Cajjtain Hutton that a Cape Pigeon, with a pit'ce of red ribbon .around its neck, once followed the ship on board of whicli he was for more than fifteen hundred miles. Captain Hutton mentions, in a subsequent voyage, his meeting with this bird, A]iril 19, in southern latitude; but it did not become common until the 2()th. Prom this he infers that it does not return from its breeding-grounds until the end of Aiiril. He was informed by a sailor that on a voyage to Australia, where lie arrived vol.. II. — 51 402 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBINAUES. about tlie middle of Miurli, he did not sec one of tlicso birds. The same man once took seven of this species alive, and released them in the English Channel. They had been kept in a large tub, and fed with soft j)ork. Mr. Layard mentions meeting with thi 5 bird, in iS'ovember, in his voyage from England to Cajjetown, in lat. 3° 2' N. Nt ither he nor any one of the officers of tlie ship had ever before seen it so far to the north. Captain Hutton, in a subsequent reference to this species ("Ibis," 1871), mentions his Hnding it common on tlie Cliatham Islands — a group lying five hundred miles east of New Zealand. Mr. 11. M. Sperling gives as the northern range of this species from 27° to 25° S., on the western coast of Africa, and from 20° to 25° on the eastern, and 24° on the eastern coast of South America. Captain P. K. King (" Proc. Zool. Soc," 1834) writes that on his voyage from the meridian of the Island of Tristan d'Acunha to that of the Island of St. Paul, in about 40° south latitude, he was daily surrounded by a multitude of oceanic birds of the Petrel tribe, this species being the most abundant. Gknus HALOC7FTENA, Coues. Halocyptena, CouES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. I'hilad. Maruli, 1864, 78 (typo, //. microsoma, CouEs). Char. Size very small ; tail a little more tlian ball' as long as tlii! wing, graduated ; tarsus a little longer than the middle toe and claw (not quite twice the culmeii) ; iihuuage unil'onn dusky. This genus embraces but a single species, H. microsoma, CouES, which is, with one exception, the smallest of the family. Halocyptena microsoma. WEDGE TAILED FETBEL; LEAST PETREL. Halocyptena microsoma, Couks, Pr. Ao. Nat. Sci. Pliilad. March, 1864, 79 (Lower California) ; Key, 1872, 328 ; Check List, 1873, no. 586 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 821. — HlDOW. Norn. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 720. Had. Coast of Lower California. Sp. Char. Adult: Fuliginous-black, lighter and more brown on the lower parts, middle and greater wing-coverts, and anterior jjortion of the head. Bill and feet uniform black. Wing, 4.80 inches ; tail, 2.50, its graduation, .40 ; culmcn, .45 ; tarsus, .85 ; middle toe, .CO. i-vs2^!S£^^iZr^^^^L-' I have no information in regard to the general habits of this species, nor am 1 aware that the extent of its distribution is known. It is assigned to the Paeifif fauna of North America in consideration of the capture of a single example, taken in May, 18G1, near San Jose del Cabo, in Lower California. This specimen, an adult female, is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution (No. 11420). ^w PUOCELLARIID.E — THE PETIJELS - rilOCELLARIA. 403 Gexus PROCELLARTA, Lixx.i^us. Prncdlaria, Lis\. S. N. ed. 10, I. 1758, 131 ; iil. Vl, I. 1786, 212 ; (type, /'. pdagica, Linn.). Ifildmhuhn, HdlK, Isis, 1822, 502 (part; siuno tyjif). Thalasaidromu, Viii. Zool. Joiiin. II. 1825, 105 (saiiio type). Char. Size very .small ; tail about lialf the wing, even, or very slif,'htly rounded ; tarsus a little longer than the niiddlu toe and claw (about twice as long as the culnieu) ; plumage dusky, with a white rump-patch. Although composed of several distinct species, the genus Procellaria has but one representative in North America. rnia) ; Key, m. B. 1881, Procellaria pelagica.' THE STOBHT FETBEL; HOTHEB CABET'S CHICKEN. ProceUaria pclagicn, Linn. S. N. cd. 10, L 1758, 131 ; cd. 12, 1. 17tifi, 212. — Bonap. C'onsp. L 1856, 196. — Coi'Ks, Tr. Ac. N.it. .Sci. Pliilad. 1864, 80 ; Key, 1872, 328 ; Chock List, 1873, no. 587 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 822. — Rid(;w. Noni. N. Am. 15. 1881, no. 721. Thahtssidrimm pclncikn, Vio. Zool. ,Iourn. IL 1825, 405. — NuTT. Jinn. II. 1834, 327. — Aro. Oiii. Biog. IV. 1838, 310; B. Am. VII. 1844, 228, pi. 461. — Lawu. in Baird s B. N. Am. 1858, 831. — Baird, Cat. N. Am. 15. 185ii, no. 645. Hab. North AtLuitic Ocean, south to the Newfoundland Banks. * The following names are snid to belong here or to very closely allied species or races : — Procellaria Ingubris, Natteuku, Act. Ital. Med. 1844, — . — Coui:s, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1864, 80. Procellaria iiulitcnsin, Schk.muki, Cat. Oiii. del Grupp. di Malta, 1843, 118. — Coi'Es, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1864, 81. 404 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TUBIXARES. Si'. C'liAii, Adult: AlidVi', sdoty-liliick or (lu»ky-lulit,'iiioii», tlie upper tiiil-cdvert!*, except tlie eiuls of the hui^'er feathers, with tlie Hule.s of tlie erissum, white. Lower parts, witli anterior portion of the heail, yrayi.sli-fuli^'iiious. Bill deei) blaeii ; feet hlackish, the leys sometimes m.n'e brown. Witig, 4.50-4.90 inches ; tail, 2.40-2.00 ; culmen, .40-.45 ; tarsus, .!K) ; middle toe, .(-O-.Or). ; :-. fv y The Least Petrel — supposed to be tlie original "Mother Carey's Chicken" of tlie sailors — appears to be an exclusively Atlantic species. Coiuinon nearly all tlie year in various portions of the Northern Atlantic, it is rarely found near the land, or only when breeding, or during the prevalence of severe storms. At certain seasons of the yi'ar, especially during the latter part of suninier, it is found just outside of the coast of Maine and Nova Scotia, and in the Bay of Fundy. So far as I am aware, it breeds only on ditferent jjortions of the Atlantic coast of Europe and in the ALedi- terraneaii, and is not known to breed on any part of the American coast. It has also been met with on the eastern coast of Africa. It is found in Iceland ; but, according to Professor Newton, it is evidently of infrecpient occurrence there. It is more common on the Faroe Islands during the breeding-season, its principal stations being till! northern islands of Fugloe and Naalsoe, near Thorslaon. Small flocks are seen in autumn on the coast of Norway, and occasional stragglers are driven into the fiords. It has not been found breeding on the Scandinavian coasts. It is ocicasionally seen near the coast of Sweden, but is not known to occur in any part of Finland. It is quite common in the breeding-season on the coast of Scotland, and breeds in con- siderable numbers on several of the islands, being met with more or less id)undantly in all three groups of the western and northern islands, in Skye, Statfa, lona, etc. It is common in the Hebrides, and its breeding-places are numerous around most of the larger islands of that group. Its most southern breeding-i)lace on the coast of Scot- land is Ailsa Craig. It also breeds on certain parts of the coast of England and of Ireland — as oif the Isle of ]Man, Lundy Island, the Scilly Islands, the Channel Islands, and many other islets. Mr. T. L. Powys met with it in the Ionian Sea, near Pagania, in December, ISoT. Mr. C. A. Wright (" Ibis," 18G4) mentions finding it resident all the year about Malta, and very common on the south side of the island ; breeding also on the neighboring Island of Filfola, where he found it laying a single white egg, without any nest. Mr. A. G. More speaks of having found it breeding on the Scilly Islands, on lona, Statfa, in Skye, and in all the several groups of the western and northern islands. Sir William Jardine is quoted as having seen it apparently breeding on the Isle of Man. Ca])tain Sperling (" Ibis," 18G8) states that he met with it on the eastern coast of Afri(!a, where, between the latitudes of Zambesi and Zanzibar, it appears to replace the mdanof/aster. The mouth of the Zambesi nearly marks its most southern range in that region. Mr. Howard Saunders (" Ibis," 1871) states that it, or a variety of it, breeds in great abundance on the Hormigas, Isla Grossa, and other islands just outside the entrance to the Mar Menor. Ill other parts of Europe, in the interior, stragglers of this species have been met with; but in all instances their appearance has been fortuitous, and owing to their inability to resist the violence of storms. In this way specimens have been obtained in Denmark, North Germany, Belgium, Holland, etc. This bird is said also to breed on islands on the coast of Brittany, on others near Marseilles, on the small islands near Sardinia, and in various other localities, both on HhM PROCELLAKllDyE - THK PETRELS — PROCELLARIA. 405 tlie Atlantic coast and in tlio Mcditorranoan Soa. It is also rcsidoiit on and al)()ut tlie coast of Northwestern Africa — lu-ccdinj,' on ro<-ky islets on tlic coast of Algeria where Major F^oeke found it nesting from tlie heginning of May till September, and where yonng biids were found from the t-nd of May until October. It lias also been taken on the Canaries, at Madeira, at Fantee in WalHsch Bay, and in other places on tiic southwest coast of Afrii'a. Mr. George A. Hoardman informs me that this sin-cies occurs during the latter part of the summer — more especially in August — off the coast of Eastern Maine, Southern New I'.runswick, and along the entire .Vtlantic coast of Nova Scotia. It is also found off the coast of Newfoundland at tlie same time. Audubon nuMitions that in August, I80O, when becalmed on the JSanks of Newfoundland, he obtained several individuals of this species. In their general manner, while feeding and moving around his boat, he noticed no points in which tiu^y differed from the Wilson's and the Leach's I'etrels, in whost; comimny he found them. We learn from an interesting sketch given by Mr. llewitson, in his liritish Ool- (igy, that on an excursion through the Slietland Islands he found this bird breeding on several of the small islets in the J>ay of Scalloway. These he visited on the 31st of May, in hopes of finding the eggs ; but in this he was disai)poiuted. The " Swal- lows," as the fishermen called them, liad not yet "come up from the se.a." rrune 10, and the three following days, he was at Foxla, but was then equally unsuccessful. Tiie birds had arrived, although they iiad not yet l)cgun laying their eggs ; but num- bers were already in their holes, and were easily caught; and two of them were kept alive in his room for several days. I)in-ing the day tiiey wen; mostly inactive; and after pacing about the floor, and poking their heads into every hole, they hid them- selves between the feet of the table and the wall. He could not prevail upon tluiiu to eat anything. Their manner of walking is described as being graceful and easy, but differing from that of every other bird he had seen — this I'etrel carrying its b> ly so far forward and so nearly in a straight line, as to have the appearance of being out of equilibrium. In the evening, toward sunset, the captives left their hiding place, and for hours nevta- ceased in their endeavors to regain their liberty — Hying round the room, or fluttering against the windows. In flying, their length of wing and white rumps gave them the appearance of the European House Martin. On the 3(Hh of June Air. Hewitsoii again visited (Jxna, and found these birds only just beginning to lay. In Foxla they were breeding in the holes in the ditts, at a great height above the sea. In Oxna, they go down under the stones with which the h&wh is lined, to a distance of three or four feet, or more, according to the depth to which the stones are sunk, and beneath these they deposit their eggs. On Avalking over the surfaiH^ he could hear the birds very distinctly singing, in a sort of warbling chatter a good deal like that of Swallows, but in a harsher tone. By listening attentively he was readily guided to their retreats ; and by lifting out the stones he seldom failed of capturing the birds on their nests. These latter were constructed of much the same material as that of the ground on which they were placed, and seemed to luivc been made with care ; small bits of stalks of plants and pieces of hard dry earth were chiefly used. This Petrel never lays more than one egg. During the daytime these birds remain within their holes, and are then seldom heard. Toward night they bccoiue extremely querulous, and issue forth in great numbers, spreading far over the surface of the sea, and surround the fishermen, who attract them by throwing bits of fish overboard. The egg is described as measuring 1.13 inches in length and ..SO ill breadth, and as being of nearly the same size at both ends, thick-shelled, pure white, with numerous minute dots of dull red at the larger end, in a circular band. ^-r. 406 THE TUDK-NOSED SWIMMKIJS — mtlXAUKS. AcpordiiiK to l\riU'Killivmy, tliis hinl li;i.s the siiiiic lial)it as Li'iicli'H IVtrol, (if pjoctiiij,', when hiuulleil, a (inaiitity »tf pun' oil, which is (nuttt'ully prcscrvwl by tin- i'owh'rs. This IVtrcl may li»> kept alive in coiilim'nu'nt liy siiicariiif,' its breast with oil, whicli it will suck t'loia thu feathers, drawing each feather singly through each nuuulible. This I'ctrel is often met with far out at sea; and will follow vessels for the sake of shelter as well as for food. When the latter is thrown to fhem they will very gracefully liover over the surface of the water with iijiraised wings, presenting very much of the appearance and movi'nicnts of a largo butterfly hovering over a Hower. In this manner they pick up whatever is thrown to them, feeding on any fatty substance, small crustacn-ans, minute fishes, and almost any refuse. Mr. Macgillivray thus describes the movements of these Petrels in a storm : " When the waves are high and the wind fierce, it is jdeasant, oven midst the noise of the storm and the heaving of th»^ vessel, to watch the little creatures as they advance; against, the gale, at tho height of scarcely a foot above the surface of the water, which they follow in all its undulations — mounting to the top of the wave, there (juivering in tho blast, and making good their way by repeated strokes of their long narrow wings ; then sliding down the slope, resting a nionient in the advancing mass of water, gliding up its side, and again meeting on its summit the force of tho rude wind that scatters abroad its foam-bells. I have seen them thus advancing, apparently with little labor; and in .such cases less effort must bo required than when they have to encoiuiter a galo before it has blown long enough to raise tho waves, which afford them partial shelter." Mr. Robert Gray states that in the Island of Soa ho found this species having it.s holes in the soft earth. Tho entrances were about as largo as rabbit-burrows. From these, other smaller galleries branch off", so that one external aperture serves as a kind of lobby for a number of pairs. Genus CYMOCHOREA, Coues. Thalassidi-omit, fir. Comp. List, 1838, 64 (iwrt ; not of Vigokn). Cymoc/wrm, Coces, I'l'. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliiliul. Mairh, 186-J, 75 (tyi'C, ProccUnrin Icitcorhoit, Viv.ii.i,). Char. Size small, but larger than the preceding genera ; tail much more than half the winj^s, forked, the feathers very broad at the ends ; tarsus scarcely longer than the middle toe and claw (about one and a half times as long as the culnien) ; jiluniage dusky, with or without a while rump-patch. The following species belong to the North Americiui fauna, and are the only ones known : — A. A white rump-patch. 1. C. leucorboa. Uniform dusky, more fuliginous below ; upper tail-coverts white, usually mi.xed with grayish. Wing, ().t)(>-G.30 inche.s ; tail, 3.5()-4.(K), forked for .80-.9() ; culnicn, .60-.(i5 ; tarsus, .9()-.95 ; middle toe, .80-.85. IM. Northern Atlantic and Pacitic oceans. 2. C. cryptoleucura.^ Uniform fuliginous, the head and upper parts more .slaty, ;^'rcater tail-coverts ashy jdnndieous. Win^', ri.3(>-r).-l(» imiies ; tail, :i.;j(»-3.r>(t, forked for .Ti)-.!J() ; culnien, J){)-.r>'> ; tarsus, .8()-.!)() ; niidiUu toe, 'r>-.SO. Iliih. Farallone Islands, coast of California. C. leucurhua. V. mclania. C, huiittichnid. Cjnnochorea leucorhoa LEACH'S PETREL. I'tocdlaria hucorhoii, Vif.ii.i.. Nouv. Diet. XXV. 1817, 422. Cipiwcliorm Iciiwn-hoii, fouKs, I'r. Ac. Nat. Sci. I'liiliid. 1804, 76 ; Key, 1872, 320 ; Check Ust, 1873, n... r.S8 ; ed. 2, 1882, no. 82;i. — HnuiW. Noni. N. Am. I!. 1881, no. 723. I'rocclliiria Loichii, Tkmm. Miin. II. 1820, 812. Tlial(is.ii(/rii)iia Lciuliii, lioNAP. Syno]). 1828, no. 30!) ; Consp. II. IS'itl, 193. — Ni'rr. Man. 11. 1834, 320. — All). Oin. Iliog. III. 183;'., 424 ; I?. Am. VII. 1844, 21!i, pi. 45t». — Lawiik.nck, in Haird's li. N. Am. ISf.S, 830. — l!.ui:n, Cat. X. Am. I!. IbSy, no. 042. ProcclUiriu Lulluckii, Flkmim;, Brit. An. 1828, 130, no. 21U. HAn. North Atlantic and Pacific oceans, south to Virginia (Petursl'urj,', Va., and Potoninc River, near Washington, D. C. !), and Aleutian Islands ; breeds from the coast of Maine northward. I 408 TlIK TriiE-N'OSKD .SWIMMKUS — TriilN'AHKS. 'yim II Sp. Cn.Mt. AiJiilt: Sooty iiIuhiIm'ous, tliu lioiul ami iifi'k ilcaifr iilmalieous, tlu' foiiiicr lij,'litti' antoriorly ; lowur purls (U'cidi'illy liiligiiious ; nii(l(!iniens were obtained in France, and preserved as great riirities. After the violent storms which occurred in the autumns of ISL'.'J, ISL'o, and IS.'il, severiil s])eciinens were procured. It has since been taken on several occasions in various parts of Ireland, and in nearly every maritime county of I'aigland. Those caiituicd are usually exhausted for want of food, and if secured alive die soon afterwiii'd. This species is mentioned by rrofessor lUasius as one of the birds which visit the shores of lleligolanil. ]\[r. .\. 0. ISIore (•' Ibis," ISUr*) states that the only breediiig-])lacc of this sjiecies known to exist witl'.in tli(> IJritish Islands is St. Kildii, (Un- of the Outer Hebrides. .Mr. .1. H. Dunn mentions that it formerly nested within the Orkneys ; ami it is given by Mr. Dunbar in his List of the ISirds of l\oss-shire. Captain Khves, who visited I lie Hebrides at a later date, nu'iitions (" Ibis," lS(i<)) finding this I'ctrid, in company with I'roi'i'llarid /ir/iii/tca, breeding on j\Iirigatay. a small islet near St. Kilda. He did not jirocure any of the eggs, but he had no doubt whatever that the birds were either actually breeding, or jjreiiaring so to do, in the dry peat on the tojis of the clitVs. According to Keinhardt, this I'etrel is a common resident species of (!i'eenl;iMd. breeding in all favorable localities from that region southward to the coast of Muine, The most southern and western jioint on which I have found it breeding is Danmris- ootta Island, a few miles east of the Kennebec; but it has been taken breeding on islands near Portland. Kxeept during the breeding-season it is rare on the Ni'w Kngland coast, and is (mly known in Mas.saehusetts when driven inland by violent e;usterly storms. (Jiraud states that this species is of very rare oceurrenci' on the coast of Long Island. He (piotes a letter from Professor Haird in reference to tlie appearance of a large number of tliese birds inland, after the violent gale of .\ugiist, ISi'J. Six (rr nutre specimens were procured in the neighborhood of Washington. Others were killed in the vicinity of Petersburg, Va., and at other jioints, hundreds of miles friuu the open sea. < hie was picked up near S[iringiielil, Mass., nearly a hundred miles from the Atlantic. T PUOCELLAliriD.K — TlIM ri-'/rUKLS -- t'YMOClIOKKA. 409 Mr. Dall, in liis paper on the Hirds of tlic Kastor Aleutian Islands, states that though this speeios was often seen in the i(\i,Mon south of hit. '>{)" N., it was not noticed by him in the region east of rnalashka. In his suhse(pient paper u])on tho Western vVloutians, he further states tliat though not uotieed east of Aniehitka, this hird breeds abundantly on the roeky islets otT Atta and on tlu' highlands of l\yska and Aiu<'hitka. As is also noti<-ed in regard to the habits of 0. fnirata, the male seems to do a large proportion of the incubation. As a rule, the female was found to lay only one white egg, in a burrow from si.K inches to a foot in horizontal length. This burrow was usually in the side of a turfy bank, and often curved considerably to one side; and he nt>ver met witli one absolutely straight. When handled, this bird disgorges a reddish oily Huid of a strong and disagreeable musky snudl ; and if tho liurrow was tenanted, this could be easily recognized by its snudl. On the coast of Mendocino Co., (Jal., this bird is known as the " iMu.sk l>inl." While breeding it is largely nocturnal in its habits, l-'resh I'ggs weri' found from .hiiie lOth to the end of .Mdy. The specimens of this bird taken on tlic Western Aleutians are .said to be darker than those froui Sitkii. They iire summer residents only, going south ill winter, and arriving at the ishinds in .Mmv. It was found abundant at Sitka by jiiscliolf, the specimens taken being more rusty-colored than is usual with birds of tliis species. The ai)pearance of Leach's IVtrel in dilTerent jiarts of Knrope has been found in 111! instances to have bei>n caused by severe storms, the birds, exhausted by inability to pro(^uri! food, and overpowered by the wind, having been dashcil ui>oii the shore, or even driven far into the interior. Since attentiop has been driiwn to the sid)ject, the records of their appeai'ance in this manner in ICnglund, I'^'aiice, Portugal, and other |ilaces have be(H)nu' nn)re fi'e(pient. l)r. L. von Schrenck obtained examples of tiiis siiecies at the Kurile Islands, and Mr. Wosnessensk_\ procured others on the Island of Schauschn. In the summers of ISoO and tS.-tl I found this siiecies lu'ceding on a number (d' small islands in the Uay of Kiindy, on the coast of New Urunswick ; and since then i>r. Hryant has several times met with it, also breeding in large numbers, on the low islands on the oiijjosite shore of Nova Scotia. I first noticed it at sea, oil" the coast of Maine, about the middle of ,)uiie, 1 seen skimming its surface. Whether the sea was full o\ Petnds, as it appeared to lie, or whether till' .sanu' birds were constantly reappearing, it was impossible to tell; but not more than three or four were in siglit at any one monuMit. 1 first foinid tliis species breed- ing on Oreat Duck Island, a large and inhabited island near (Irand Menan, a consid- erable jiortion of which was covered by a thick growth (d' spruce and birch trees. Tile birds nested in ludes among th(> thick network of roots, wliere they were nearly inaccessible. It was only with the aid of an axe and with consi(h'rable hard work that we could get to their retreats. .Vlthough if. was already the L'lth (d' .lune, in eiiiy oue of the nests we opened was there an v\;\x, the male bird being present; in all the other ne.sts both birds were found, but no 'gg. I have since observe Californian faiuia, and expresses some surprise that it should have escaped ])re- vious exjtlorers on that coast. That it should not since have been met with is a strong indication that it does not belong to our fauna. Cymochorea homochroa. THE ASHY FETBEL. Ciimnrhoirn hnmochron, Corr.s, Pr. ,\c. Xnt. Sci. Pliilad. March, 1864, 77 (Famllonc Islands, const of California) ; Key, 1872, 329 ; Chock List, 1873, no. 590, cd. 2, li.'82, no. 825. — RinciW. Norn. N. Am. R. 1881, no. 725. Thahimdmna melania. Lawk, in Raird's I!. N. Am. 1858, 830 (not of Honap. 1857). — Raiiu), Cat. N. Am. B. 1869, no. 643. 412 THE TUliE-NOSED SWIMMERS - TLEINAIIES. Uab. FaruUou Ishuuls, uou.st ul'Calil'uiiiia. Sp. Chaii. Adull : Smoky plunibfoiis, tlio wing-coverts lif^htiT and iiioiv l)rowii, the iL'iiiij,'e.s and tail dusky ; iiiiiii> and iipiit-r tiiil-coveiis iisliy iiluiuljuoiis ; anterior porliou ol' thu head inuliniujj to ixahy, Uill deep black ; le^s and I'eet brownish black. Wing, 5.30-5.40 inches ; tail, 3.3(.)-3.50, depth of its fork, .70-.90 ; culnien, .5t)-.55 ; tai-sus, .80-.90 ; middle toe, .75-.80. This has been one of the species doubtfully attributed to the Californian coast, the occurrence of which has only recently received verificat^^ion. It had not been met witii there by Dr. Cooper, and until identitied by Mi: Ileiisliaw, there was no satisfactory evidence in support of its claim to a place in the fauna of North America, lint little is known as to its habits, its distribution, or the places to which it resorts for breed- ing. Mr. Henshaw states that I'etrels appear to be (juite nununous along the entire coast of California. He received an example of this species from Captain Forney, who had procured it on San Miguel, where it was said to be breeding in great miu)ber,s. As usual with this family, it was nesting in bui-rows. Genus OCEANODROMA, Beiciignra( ii. Occmwdromr, Rkichexb. Av. Syst. 1852, p. iv (typf, Proccllariit furcahi, Gmel.). m '.-f§M ' ali'ilffl '^lii'H !lf!i 0. J'urcala. Char. Size of Cymochorca ; tail more than half as* long as the wing, forked, the featlioix narrowed and .scalloped out toward ends ; tarsus scarcely longer than the middle toe and dnw (less than twice the cuhnen) ; plumage ashy, with or witliout white collar and lower parts. PROCELLAUITD.'E - THE TETKELS — UCEANODUUMA. 413 Two spi'ciiis III' tliis j,'L'niis are known, distiugiiislied by the followinj,' cliarai'ter.s : — 1. O. furoata. Bluish asliy, the oibiliil le'^ioii and wiiiys (excejit greater coverts) dusky. ;/(//(. North I'aeilic. 2. O. Hornbyi. Forehead, cheeks, nuchul collar, and lower parts white ; tiuills black ; rest of pluniayu dark gray, including a jugular band. Hub. North I'acilic. Oceanodroma fiircata. THE FORK-TAILED PETBEL. Vritrclhiriafurcalii, Omf.l. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 561. I'/ia/iiniidmrna fumtfti, GovLV, Voy. Sulphur, Birds, 1844,50, \i\. ;?3. — Ca.ssin, lilustr. I!, t'ul. Ti'x. etc. 185.'), 274, pi. 47. — Lawi;. in Ikird's B. X. Am. ]8.".8, 8-J!t. — liAiiio, Cat. N. Am. B. 18,')i), no. 640. Oceanodroma faraila, Bonai'. Coiisp. II. IS.'iO, li»4. — t'(Uir,s, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philud. 1SU4, 74 • Key, 1872, 329 ; (heck List, 1873, no. 591 ; ed. 2, 1882, no. 820. — Itioiiw. Num. N. Am. B.' 1881, no. 720. I'ron 1/(1 fill, oriciUalin, Pali.as, Zoog. liosso-As. II. 1826, 315. " Tluilassidronia cinnva, (!oui,l)." (I5oxai'. ) Thilamdronm jilumbfu, Pkalk, Zoul. K.xpl. Exp. Birds, 1848, 292. Haij. Noi'th Pucilic Ocean, south to coast of Oregon. Si'. Chaii. Aihdt : Vhw. light cinereous, fading gradually to white on the chin and throat, anal region, and crissuni ; orbital region, longer scaimlars, inner wing-coverts, anterior and outer lesser coverts, ululiL-, prinniry covert.s, and reniiges grayish dusky ; central lesser, middle, and inner greater coverts, and tertials broadly edged with ashy white. Lining of the wing clouded .^^iS5aeri^^^in^>»^ witli grayish dusky and ashy white, the Ibrnier predominating. Bill wlioUy deep black ; iris d.irk brown ; legs and feet dusky brown. Yoinxjir: Similar, but enlurs much more dingy, with little if any of a bluish cast. Length, about 8.50 to 9.(K) inches; extent, 18.2.') to lO.OO; wing, .').9.'i-r..4() ; tail, ;3.7r)-4.()(>, f.iikcil for about 1.0(); culmen, .M-.CiO ; tarsus, 1.00-1.10 ; middle toe .!)()-!)."). This .species appears to bo less of a wanderer than are most of its family, and to be cxelusively an inhabitant of the Northern PaeiHe C)cean. It is an interesting addi- tion to the fauna of the United States made by the naturalists in the Wilkes lOxplor- iiig Expedition — having been previously known only as a bird of the Asiatic coast, of the islands of the North l*aeili(!, and of Russian America. It was found iu largi' munbers by this Expedition on the southern coast of Oregon. This bird was first noticed by I'ennant in his " Ar(!tic Zoology," and called by him the "Fork-tailed Petnd." The oidy account given of it was, that it had been taken iiiiioiig the ice between Asia and America. Subsecpiently Pallas referred to it as an iisluihitant of the coasts of Unalaslika and the Kurile Islands. We next iind it mentioned in the Zoology of the Voytigt! of the " Sidphur," 1844, I ( i 414 THE TLBK-NOSED SWIMMERS — TmiNAHES. JZ\ where it is said to havf Ikhmi takt'ii at Sitka; althuugli uuthing is addcil in rogard to its history. Dr. Pickoriiig, in liis .louriKil, first records its oocurronoo at sea, on tlic 20th of April, 1S40, the eoast of Oregon being about two Innidred miles distant. Three days later, when in sight of that eoast, great nnnd)ers of this species were noticed flitting aronnd in the track of the vessel, actively engaged in searching for particles of food thrown overboard. Generally they reminded him of Wilson's Petrel, l)ut their wings seemed longer and their movements appeared to be more rapid ; in fact, they appeared to resemble the larger J'roirllni'hv. Occasionally this bird sailed in its flight; but during the greater part of the time it moved by very rapiiUy flexing its wings in the same manner as Wilson's Tetrel. It proved to be not difficult to capture, and several specimens were taken with liook and line. The birds would dive a foot or two after the bait, and made use of their wings in and undi-r the water, from which t^iey evidently had not the difliculty in rising which is observable in the Albatross. Their power of swimming seemed rather feeble, yet they alighted in the water without any api)arent hesitation. The dead body of one of their con\panions having been thrown over- board, the other birds clustered about it with as nuich avidity as around any other food. This bird uttered a faint cry when it was taken on board. In addition to these notes of Dr. I'ickering, Jlr. J'eale farther states that this species was observed in considerable nnndieis on tlu; northwest coast of America, in the most northerly regions visited by the Exj)edition, but not farther south than the thirty -eighth degree of north latitude. Dr. Cooper states that although he has never met with it on the coast of Cali- fornia, he has received a specimen obtained by ^Nlr. E. Lonpiin, of San Francisco, and shot by the latter at San I'edro in August. Mr. Dall, in his Notes on the Avifauna of the Aleutian Islands, east of Una- lashka, mentions that this bird, though not observed anywhere at sea, was found on the Chica llocks, in the Akutan Pass, near Unalashka, breeding, June 2, 1S72. The eye of this species is black. The nests were on the edge of a steep bank near the shore, and ten or twelve feet above it : and each structure was placed in a hole extending oblicpiely downward and backward from the face of the bank, and about a foot deep, at the bottom of which a little dry grass or fine roots were placed. In two instances the parent-bird was caught on the nest alive. Each nest contained only one snuill white egg. j)erfectly fresh — though others might have been laid afterward, had the l)ird not been disturbed. Mr. Dall states, in his second paper on the Aleutian Islands, that the male of this species appears to do a large part of the work of incubation. This species, as well as Leach's Petrel, has the habit, when handled, of disgorging a reddish oily Hui'l of a strong aiul disagreeable musky smell; and one can tcdl by the odor of the burrow- alone whether it is tenanted by a Petrel or by one of the Alr'uUv. It was found by ]Mr. Dall breeding on all the less populated islands as far east as Unalashka. rnliive the reported habits of the North Atlantic Petrels, this species is never seen in stormy weather at sea, nor does it ever follow in a vessel's wake, so far as his observations go. It is occasionally seen flying about in calm, fine weather, throughout the Nortii Pacific. Eggs of this siu'cies in the Snuthsonian Collection, ol)tained by i\lr. Dall and In Mr. Bischoff at Sitka, Alaska (128r)4), are of a dirty c^halky-white color, oval in shape, with rounded ends; and four present tht^ following measurements : 1.35 by 1.00 inches; 1.30 by 1,00; 1.40 by 1.00; 1.35 by 1.00. > I'UOCELLAHIID.E — THE TETKELS — UCEANITES. 415 gai'il to 20th of ■ee (lays Hitting , of food iv wings HH)i'iU'i'(l gilt; lint gs in tlu' il several after the .'vidently power of ainiavent )wn over- auy other that this nieriea, in I than the ist of Cali- icisco, and jt of Una- was fonnd 2, 1ST2. ,)ank near in a hoh' and al)oiit aeed. In •ontiuneil been hiid le male of speeies, as h oily Hni'l the burrow found by Unlike u in stormy jservatioiis t the Norlli Dall and b,\ lor, oval ill .ts: 1.35 by IS Oceanodroma Hornbyi. HOBNBY'S PETBEL. Tluihissidroma Hnrnbiji, ViMiW, V. '/.. S. 185^, (J2. — Lawk, in Ikird's P.. N. Am. 1858, 820.— I5aii!1), ("at. N. Am. IJ. 185!t, iin. (141. OcaiiUHlriiiiiii Jfonihiji, lioNAl'. ('Diisp. II. 18')(i, 10.'). --('(irKs, I'r. Ac. Nat. Sci. I'liilad. IStil, 7.'); Key, 1872, 32!) ; Chuck List, 1873, no. 5'J2 ; cd. 2, 1882, no. 827. — IfiDiiw. Nmii. N. Am. 15. 1881, no. 727. Hau. North Piuilic Ocean (const of Alaska). Sp. Char. Ailnlf : " Front, cliciiks, throat, collar round iiind \Knt of the neck, breast, and abdomen, jiure white ; crown, hind-head, a broad hand in front of neck, bend of wing and lesser wing-coverts, sooty gray ; iiiiper part of back gray ; lower part of back and tail ashy gray ; greater \viiij,'-covcrts brownisli ^'ray ; tertiaries and nuills deep Idack. "Total length, 8]" ; bill from gape, lOA'", from Iront, 8A'" ; (ail (miter feather), 3|" ; tarsus, 1"; middle toe, 1"" ((!UAV). This rare species continues unkiu)Wii to American collections. This species was described by G. It. dray, and the example from which its descrip- tion was taken had been iirocured on the' iiortliwest coast of Xortli America. In its general apiiearanco and peculiarities it is said to correspond most nearly with 0. fiitruta. We know nothing in regard to its specific habits or distribution. It lias not been met witli by any of tlie parties who have visited or ex[ilored the regions whence this species is said to have been obtained. Genus OCEANITES, Kkvskulinc. and Blasius. Occanitcs, Kkvs.& Hi.as. Wiib. Kur. \. 18-14, p. xiiii (type, ThilasMroma tVilsoni, Bv.,=Procd- litria occaiiicii, Kuni.). CiiAU. Size very small ; tail more than half the wing, forked, the feathei-s very broad at the ends ; tarsu.s much longer tiian the middle too and chiw (aliout two and a half times as long as tile culmeii) ; plumage dusky, witii a white rump-patch. 'f ids ucnus is representetl by a single species — the well-known Wilson's Stormy Petrel (". »itl(HU'l(6'). i 410 THE TU13E-N()SED SWIM.NfERS — TUIJINAUES. Oceanites oceanicus. WILSON'S FETBEI.. Procdlnria jKlngica, Wii.s. Am. Om. VI. 18(18, DO, pi. 60 (not of Linn.). Piocrllaria nccinii a, Knii,, I'citr. Zool. 1820, Monog. Proc. 136, pi. 10, lig. 1. 'J'/iuliiKsitlroma .cmiiim, (illAV, (ieii. 15. III. 1849. Occnnites occanicti., CorEs, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1864, 82 ; Key, 1872, 329 ; Chuck List, 1873, no. 593. — Kimjv. Nom. N. Am. H. 1881, no. 722. Occanttcn iiirioikiin, Coi'i:.-*, 2(1 Check List, 1882, no. 828. Thii/assidroma iVihoni, Ho.sai'. Joiini. Ac. Nat. Sci. I'hilad. HI. 1823, 231, pi. 9. — Nrrr. Man. II. 1834, 324. — Aui). Urn. Itiog. 111. 1835, 486; V. 1839, 645; 15. Am. VII. 1844, 223, pi. 460.— Lawu. in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 831. — BaiiU), Cat. N. Am. H. 1859, no. 644. IIab. Atlantic Ocenn in general ; Australian seas. Sp. Char. Adult : Above, l'uIif,'inous-(lusky, liecnniing hiack on the reniigos and tail, and fading into light brownish gray on the outer surface of the greater coverts and secondaries. Ui)|)cr : '*?.• tail-coverts (including their extreme tips) and sides of the crissum pure white. Lower parts plain fuli^'inous. 15ill deep black ; lej^s and feet bhick, the webs marked with an oblong central space of yellow. Wing, r).7{)-().20 inches; tail, 3.00-3.25; culmen, .45-.50; tarsus, 1.30-1.35; middle toe, .95-1.00. The species generally known in the hooks as "Wilson's i'etrel is emi)hatieally a cosmopolite, and seems to he found very nearly over the whole watery expanse of the glohe, in south latitude and in north latitude, and in regions so far remote as almost to warrant the conclusion that it must occur in the intervening spaces, ami that tlie absence of evidence of its presence can by no means be held to be contdusive proof to the contrary. Its breeding-jdaces have been, and to some extent renniin, in doubt. It is especially common tlirougliout the month of August — but at no olhci' time, so far as I am aware — off the coast of North America from Newfoundland to New Jersey, and probably farther south. It keeps close to the shore, comes into tlw moi-e open bays and harbors, and is readily attracted to the vicdnity of vessels in quest of food. Eggs purporting to belong to this species, said to have been taken near Madcnra, were received by Mr. Frere, of London. According to Mr. Godman, this species is abundant and resident about the Azores, where its local name is Alma de Mest.re. On his return from Flores to Fayal, beinu' becalmed for several hours, and there being a great many Petrels flying about, Jlr. Godman went out in a boat and shot several. They proved to be all of this spticics. In flying, these birds carried their legs stretched out behind them, and their feet pn'- truding an inch beyond their tail — producing the effect of two long feathers. Hi' could not ascertain with ])ositive certainty that this species breeds in tliis grou]) of islands, but as it is abundant there throughout the year, he has no doubt that this i-* the case. "1 PROCELLARIID.E — THE PETRELS — 0CEANITE8. 417 Mr. E. L. Layarcl mentions nioeting with it in the Southern Ocean in hit. 23° 30' S., long. 72° E. ; and subsequently, when in hit. 24° S., long. 75° 30' E., he again met with it. When in lat. 32° 50' S., long. 29° 50' E., near the mouth of Great Fish Kiver, these birds were most abundant ; at least three hundred were in siglit at one time. At no other time did he see so many together, exeejit in his voyage out to Canada, in 1843, when they aijpeared off Autieosti in similar Hocks. In his opinion these bird-s very rarely alight upon the water, for he repeatedly watched them far into the night, and still they kept on their unwearied flight; and even after the moon had set, and their tiny forms were no longer visible, he could distinguish their querulous cries. Captain F. W. Hutton, in his voyage from London to Xew Zealand (" Ibis," 1807), states that he met with this species several times in the northern temj)eratc zone, but saw none while in the tropics. It reappeared in lat. 33° S., and continued com- mon until May 2, lat. 39° S. It was then seen occasionally until May 18, lat. 40° 40' S., after which none were met with. Mr. L. Kumlien in the Arctic exj)cdition found it far more abundant than Leach's Petrel, and traced it as far north as Kesolution Island. On the return voyage it was first met with a hundred miles south of Cape Farewell. It has been observed in the Pacilic, and is given by Mr. Gould as a bird of Australia. Dr. Pickering met with this species Oct. 24, 1838 (the latitude and longitude not given, but the nearest land was the coast of Africa), and a specimen was taken alive. It was found to be not only entirely incapable of perching, but even of standing upriglit, except by aid of its wings. It sat rather than stood, and the whole of the tarsus rested on the ground; and it walked in the same awkward position, being fre- (piently obliged to balance itself witli the aid of its wings, with a niort! powerful exertion of which it was enabled to run along on its toes, as it does on the surface of the water. Birds of this species continued abundant about the vessel for sev- eral days, and their coiirsing over the water with flitting wings reminded him of the movement of butterflies about a pool. Only in one instance was this bird seen to iv.st on the surface of the water. This Petrel does not sail in the continued manner of Gidls and other sea-birds, but moves by rapidly Hexing its wings, somewhat after tlie manner of a Bat. It was continually coursing around and in the wake of the vessel, generally in considerable numbers, during the greater part of the time the expedition was in the Atlantic Ocean. It was taken in the Atlantic in lat. .'W° S., and was seen occasionally as far as Capc^ Horn. In the Pacific it occurred at times until within a day's sail of Callao. Specimens were procured by the Expedition from various and widely remote localities. It is often met with flying about the North Eock, Bermuda, in stormy weather ; and Mr. Hurdis records the capture of a very tine specimen, shot by Mr. Harford on tlie 30th of June, 1853, killed some miles from shore, the date being suggestive of its breeding in that vicinity. This species is not uncommon olf Sandy Hook, within sight of land, and occasion- ally stragglers are seen coasting along the shores of Long Island. Mr. Giraud states tluit he had a favorable opportunity of observing the manners of these birds when he was making an excursion in a pilot-boat. The vessel being low, by throwing over .small pieces of fat, which they seized Avith avidity, he was enabled to keep them very near. He observed that they were capable of a very rapid as well as a very protracted flight, at times shooting past the boat, which, under full sail, was moving at a very rapid rate, but which seemed, by comparison with the birds, to be lying at anchor. When wearied, this Petrel rests on the water ; and at such times it stands VOL. 11. — 53 •i- 1: 418 THE TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS — TinJINAUES. N'l :f ^ ■:».:! with outspread wings, or runs upon its surface with facility and ease. The light- ness of its body is rendered even more buoyant by the action of its wings. Its note, usually low and feebler, becomes louder and harsher during boisterous Aveather, and at svu'h tinu's is more frequently repeated. Audubon was entirely mistaken in liis supposition that this species breeds in the Mud Islands off the coast of Nova Scotia. I have had frequent op])ortunities of observing it in the outer harbor of Uoston, where it is generally present in abundance from the last week in July to the first week in September. In the latter part of August, 1871, in company with Professor Baird, on the snuiU Governnu'ut steamer '' Moccasin," when off the southern shore of Martha's Vineyard, we saw a large number of these birds. They v;ere readily attracted about our craft by fragments of biscaiit, scrajis of meat, and almost any kind of food, and were evidently possessed of very keen vision ; for while at fii'st only an occasional bird was in sight, as soon as we began to throw out food they came flocking in from all directions, until we could count seventy or more of them. They hovered about the water, prei)aratory to seizing their scraps of food, in a manner that reminded us at once of the action of butterflies. The uplifted wings, the feet thrown forward as if patting the water, and then rising from it, the bill inclined forward and downward — all this recalled the movements of the butterfly, and seemed more like those of an insect than of a bird. It rarely, and only for a nu)ment, rested on the water. Dr. J. II. Kidder found this Petrel present about Kerguelen Island, and noted its crepuscular habits when near the shore. This species became much more common alter its first appearance, December 8. He had previously m(!t with it at sea east of tlie Cape of Good Hope, and, December 14, saw it about by day feeding on the oily matters floating away from the carcass of a sea-elephant. The birds frequent«!d the rocky parts of the hillsides, flitting about like Swallows, ai)pa.rently in pursuit of insects, though there seemed to be none flying on the island other than minute gnats. Dr. Kidder did not succeed in finding any eggs, but was informed that Itev. Mr. Eaton, of the English Expedition, found one on Tlunub Mountain, sonu! fifteen miles from the American station ; there was only one on the nest, which had been made under a large rock not far from the beacih. The egg, which was white, was found Decem- ber 8; and Dr. bidder had no doubt that this bird nests habitually among and under rocks, and at a considerable elevation above the sea. Genus CYMODROMA, Kidgway. Fregetta, Bonap. Cotisp. II. 1856, 197 (type, ProccUaria Iropicn, Gould; not Frcgata, Bniss. 1760). Char. Size small ; inner toe about eqiml to or slightly longer than the niiddlo, wIiIlIi is (lecitledly shorter than the outer ; claws vury liroad and Hat, somewhat O shaped ; tai'sns iicarlv twice as long as the middle too without the claw (about two and a half times as long as tlie cul- men) ; tail more than half as long as the wing, even, the feathers extremely broad, and truncatid at the tip ; plumage paity-colored. Only one species of this veiy peculiar genus belongs to the North American fauna, and this on account of its accidental occurrence on the coast of Florida. Umim PRUCELLAKIID.E — Till-: I'ETUELS — CYMODIIOMA. 419 0 light- ts note, iier, aiul i in the r>()ston, the liist ho small 'inpyavd, craft by jviiU'utly in si^ht, Dus, until ,'])avat()vy action of ,^atcv, and ialknl the of a bird. noted its i common sea east of n the oily lented the pursnit oi mte gnats. Mr. Eaton, iiiles from ide under d Deceni- ind under Cymodroma grallaria. THE WHITE-BELLIED PETREL, Prncr.llaria grallarin, ViEit.i,. Noiiv. Diet. X.XVI. 1817, 41 H. Frojclla ijmllavid, BoSAr. Coiisii. II. ISf.O, ll»7. — t'()i-i:s, I'r. \v.. Xiit. Sci. Philiul. 1864, 8t) ; Key, 1872, 330; Check l,Ut, 1873, no. 594; cd. 2, 1882, no. 829. — Itimiw. N„ni. N. Am. I!. 1881, no. 728. I'l-Millaria frrgittUi, "Hanks," Kcm,, .Mon. Proc. 182(1, 138, \t\. 10, tig. 3 (not r. f regain, Lisn. 1766.) Tliiiliisaidromii frcijctOi, Lawii. Ann. Lye N. Y. 1851, 117. Frcgrtta Laurcyicii, HoXAl'. Consp. 11. 1856, 198. Fn-'jHIa Ldwrcncii, l.AWii. in liiiiids 15. X. Am. 1858, 832. — Hamm), Cat. .V. Am. B. 18.')9, no. 646. Thaltissidroma fiiimgastm, iii>vu>, Ani\. Mag. N. H. XIII. 367; IJ. Austr. VII. 1848, pi. 63. Hah. Tropical oceiuia in fjeneriil. Accitk'ntal on Fleriilii const ( Si*. Chah. Adult ; Griiyisli iliisky, lij^litcr on the lari,'er \viii;,'-ci)vert.s ; renii^'es and rectrices (Inll liliick, the latter white at the f.xtreniL' biisu, except tlie middle pair; lower parts from the liivast back, a lar},'C portion of the under surface of the winf,', with ui)per tail-coverts, white. Bill, U'^,'s, and feet black. Vt < ig, 6.(Hl-(5.50 inches ; tail, 3.00-3.30; culnien, .50 ; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe without claw, .80. So far as we are aware, the Black-aml-Wliite Stormy Petrel is only known to have been taken in a single instance within our waters, and its claim to a place in the fauna of Xortli America rests entirely on the capture of these specimens on tlie (Julf coast of Florida. Seven examples of this bird arc said to have been cap- tured witli a hook and line by the captain of a vessel while at anchor in the iiarhor of St. Mark's, Fla. One of tliese was secured by Mr. Jcdni ITooiM'r, of lirook- i\ n, X. Y. Tliey were observed abcnit tlie vessel two days ; after which none were met with. In regard to their distribution in other parts of the world, and habits generally, I have no information. iss. 1760). which i^ ai-sus nearly g as the cul- id truncatcil and this on OiiDER PYGOPODES. THE DIVING BIRDS. TiiF, PyfTopodos incliido tliroi! very distinct families of birds, nil of which are well reitrosontcd in North Aini'rica. Some authors include in this Order the Pen- guins (Sp/irimridd); hut they lutssess so many ix'culiar features as unquestionably to entitle them to the rank oi a distinct Order {Sjilicnisci). Tlie faniilios of Tyj^opodes which come within the scope of the present work may be defined as follows : — A« llnlhix priKint. 1. Podicipidas. Tnos Inlu'd, the nulls lliit, broad, anil rnundi'd nt lips ; tail iiidinientavy ; a Ijarc loral stripe extending,' from tlie bill to \.\w eye ; bill variable in I'orni, but always more or less elon},'afed. 2. Urinatoridae. Toes fully webbed, I lie nails curved, aciUe, claw-like ; tail normal ; lores comjiletely and compactly .'eatliercd ; bill elongated, acute, compressed. B< JIkUhx iihunnt. 3. Alcidae. Toes fully webbed, the cla\v .rvetl and acute ; tail normal ; lores feathered ; bill excessively variable in form. FAMILY I'OmCTPID/E. — The (Jkhrks. CllAH. Swimmers resemblinj,' the Loons in the posterior insertion of the legs, Init the toes lobate and semipalmate, instead of com]»letely webbed, the claws broad. Hat, and nail-like, instead of normally narrow and curved. P>ill varial)li! in shape ; nostrils variable, but without an overhanging lobe ; wings very short and concave, the prinicaries covered by the .secondaries in the closed wing; tiiil rudimentary, consisting of a mere tuft of downy, loose-webbed feathers, withniit perfectly formed rectrices ; plumage of the lower surface remarkably silky ami lustrous, usually white. The Grebes have by many authors been included in a single genus — rndicrps (= Coli/mfms) — while a majority of writers admit but two — Podiceps and I'mH- hjinhus. The former, however, in this comprehensive sense, contains many extremely dissimilar forms, and should, it appears to us, be sididivided, as has been done by Dr. Cones in his monograph of the family ("Pr. Philad. Acad." 1802, p. 230), Tlic following North American genera appear to lie rather well characterized. CoJymhvs, it may be remarked, a))])roaclies JErlivinphonis through the South American C. mnjor. BonD., a species havii.g the bill of jEchmopliorus, but the coloration and shorter neck of a true Colymhis. ronil'll'ID.K — TIIK (MlKIIKt^ .K('I1M(»I'II lt'ii){tli of tile ciiliiiiMi froni il to -;t.(ir.). 1. iBobmophorua. Xi'ck fxtn^iiu'ly loiij; (ulinosl i'ijiimI Id tlic Ixuly in li-rt^'tli) ; liill lixi^'cr tliim the lifud, very kU'imIit iiinl acuti! (the culincii T) to (1 times |oii;,'('r tlmii tlic ilcpth tliroii;,'li the l(usi'), stiiiij^'lit, or cvfii slii^lilly rcciirvcil ; liirsiis i'i|iiiii to iIk! midiUc toe and daw ; no colorcil tul'ls, mil's, or patdu's alioiit the liead, and iilunia;,"! the same at all Btn^uM mid HeaHuns. 2. Colymbus. Neck nimh slioiter than the hody ; lijll ahoiil ('(|nal to the head, stout (<'u1- nien alioiit ;U times the liasal (le[>lh), the tiji olitiisc, and the outlines more or less curved ; tarsu» shorter than tlu; middle toe with claw ; udult in the breedini^-seasoii oriiumentud liy colored rull's, tul'ts, or iiutehes ahoul the head, the winter i^uma^'e and the youn^' very dill'erent. h. Size small (winj,', aliout Ti. ()(>-(!. (K) inches ; culnien, .05-1.1(1). 3. Dytes. Neck miK'h shorter than the liody ; hill much shorter than the head, the cuhuen e(|ual to aliout 3 to '•l\ times tlu; liasal de|ith ; tarsus aliout e(|ual to the miildle tou withnnt the claw ; adult in lireedin;,'-i)luma,i,'e with colored tul'ts or patches* about tho liead ; youni,' and winter adult very dill'erent from the lireedin;,'-i>lumaj,'e. c. Size very small (winj,', 3..'')(>-4.(i(» inches ; culnien, less than l.(H)). 4. Podicepa. Neck much shorter than IIk; Imdy ; hill shorter than tin' heail, the culmen less than 3 times the basal dejith ; tarsus decidedly shorter than the middle toe without claw ; in the American species, adult in breedini.;-plunia;,'e without iirnameiital tufts or patches. B> Dill very stout, the lenj,'th of the culmen less than twice as ;,'i-eat as the basal depth. 5. FodilymbuB. Size rather small (win;,', about 4..')()-5.(Mt inches) ; bill much shorter than head, the culnien much curved termiiially ; tarsus shorter than middle toe without claw. No tul'ts in .summer pluiiia|,'e, but bill crossed by a broad black bar, and thruat covered by a black patch. Gexits iECHMOPHORUS, Coue-s. /Echmophorux, CoiKs, I'r. Ac. Nat. Sci. Pliilad. April, 1862, 2S9 (type, Pixllcpr, occidentnlis, Lawii.). Char. Neck extremely Ion;,' (almost as long as the body), the bill lon;^er than the head, very slender and acute (the len^jth of the culmen .') to (i times ;,'reater than the depth throu;,'h the base), 8trai;,dit, or even sli;,'litly recurved ; tarsus e^ual to the middle toe and (law. Plumaye plain pluiii- lieniis-dusky or blackish above, pure white beneath, inchulin;^ the whide under .side of head and neck ; much the .same at all .seasons and sta;^e3. Only one .species of this fjenus is known ; this, however, represented by two sui)po.sed races, distiii;iuished mainly, if not entirely, by their dimensions. They dilfer as follows : — 1. OccidentaliB. Win;,', 7.4.')-8..'')() inches (avera|,'e, 8.07) ; culmen, 2.(>()-3.(».') (2.7.H). Ilah. Western North America in ;,'eiieral, but chielly the interior. 2. Clarki. Win;,', (i.7i)-7.75 inches (average, 7.31) ; culmen, 2.10-2.48 (2.25).* Ihih. Pacilic coa.st of North America. iEchmophorus occidentalis. THE WESTERN GREBE. Podicrpn occidm/nMn, Lawii. in Haiid's B. N. Am. 18,'J8, 804. — nAiisi), Cat. N. Am. H. IS.ID, no. 704. —Coop. & .SrcK. N. H. Wash. Terr. 18(iO, 281, pi. 38. — Coues, Key, 1872, 33(i ; Check List, 1873, no. 608. ^chmophnrHs occidciitafis, Coves, Pr. Ac. Nat. .Sci. Pliilad. 1862, 229 ; 2d Chock List, 1882, no. 846. — Rinow. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881. no. 729. Podiccps (^Echmoplwrun) occiikntalis, Coues, Birds N. W. 1874, 727. ' The above mensureinents are from specimens in the Nntional Museum collection. That the two fiirais intcrgrade, however, not only in nu'asuronioiit.s, but .nlso other supposed distinctive diameters, is, we l)clieve, clearly demoii.stratcil by Mr, Hensli.iw in Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1881, pp. 214 218. w 422 THE DIVING BIRDS— I'YGOl'ODES. Had. Western Province of Nortli America, l(ree(liM<» nearly throurthout its range ; extending I'-'uii Southern ('ulii'oniia on the s^oiUiiwe.sl to the Red River Region (Shoal Lake, bitjeding abun- dantly) at the northeiust, Sp. Char. Adult, full hrecding-phniwge : Pileuni and najie slaty black ; remaining upjier parts brownish slate, tlie remiges paler and more grayish, with the inner webs chiefly white ; con- cealed bases of primaries and outer webs of secondaries next the shaft also white. Entire lower jiarts Siitiny white, abruptly defined against the black of the pileum and nape ; sides, beneath the the wings, clouded with- grayish ; lores usually brownish gra\', sometimes white. IJill olivaceous, becoming clear yellowisli terminally and along the commissure ; iri.s bright clear rose-red ; legs ■nil U.*! and feet greenish olive in the dried skin. Adult (mul Yi>u)i(j) ?» u-ititir : Similar, but pileum and nape brownish slate, like the back. " I'ill n(lo(l tli'^- in the Yw •vvoro only U'd over a lat he has s at Shoal oil to othi'v le stems ot loriuj^'S. All aterials ami (.1,11.641.) This sjjecies lias been described as being a fine-looking bird as it sits on the water, riding very liglitly, its long neck erect, its bill jjointing horizontally forward. Its length of nock makes the motion, dnring the act of diving, a very peculiar one. When it flies, both its feet and its neck are outstretched. The colors of certain parts, which are very beautiful in life, change and fade after death. This species is included by Mr. R. Browne in his list of the birds found on Van- couver Island. Dr. Cooper met with it among the alkaline lakes of the Great I'lain of the Columbia, in (October, 18G0; and it was about the same time of the year that he obtained at Walla-walla, in 1853, the first known example of this species. In all jirobability it breeds on the shores of those lakes. Dr. Cooper also mentions that in liis visit, in 18G2, to Monterey, on the sea-coast of California, he noted its first arrival in that neighborhood about the 2oth of September. According to the observations of the same accurate and observant naturalist, this bird winters along the Pacific coast from Puget Sound to San Franiiisco, but does HOC, so far as he is aware, occur farther south. He remarks that tliis Grebe greatly losemblos the Loon in its habits, so far as could be ascertained from observations iiKule in the winter; but he was not able to obtain any information in regard to its liabits in the breeding-season. This species can dive, and swim undia" the water, with tiie greatest ease; and when once raised above the surface, can fly with rapid- ity. About dusk it is often heard to make a loud bloating sound, osi)ecially in the spring. Dr. Cooper thinks it cpiite prolxible that birds of this species never obtain the elongated feathers on the head that decorate the other speities of this family in tlie siiring, since he has procured examples late in Aj)ril without their exhibiting any signs of this adornment. Captain Uendire found this Grebe an abundant siunmer resident in Lake ^lalheur, in Eastern Oregon, where it nndoubtedly broods. ^Ir. Henshaw regards the waters of Utah as the eastern limit of this peculiarly western species. It is common in I'tah Lake in summer, and breeds there. In the fall its numbers .are ineroased by arrivals from the north. It is less timid than others of this family, and very little (lillieulty is fonnd in killing it witli a shot-gun. The fishermen informed him that when they draw their seines this bird will often swim up to the edges, in close prox- imity to the boats, and not infrocpiontly allows itself to l)e inclosed in the meshes. A single individual was shot in the Gila Hivor, N. ]M., in November. 2!chmophonis occidentalis Clarkii. CLABK'S OBEBE. PiHliirps Clarkii, Lawii. in Ikinl's 11. N. Am. 1858, 80.5. — IIauu), Cut. \. Am. H. ISr.O, no. 705. .Kchmoiihmis Cldrkii, On:i;s, Pr, Ad as only a s(nnc of its ;at ; and as me area, it ssess sonn- ave a more Mr. J. H e sea-t'oast two largi' s and bays lie range oi lorc(( at Miiii- idonged ti I cries. Dr. .;rred to as 3ns, have a kthout leav- lU only jti^' Iseen. Oiic [(luently to |r a careful it appfii' ■' [hii C. cristalns. Oidy one ."species of this genus, as here restricted, belongs to North America, the occurrence of C, criMatiu — wliicli for half a century or more has been included in most works on Noitli American ornithology, and generally considcivd a comnio'i bird ol' this country — btiing so very doubtful that tliric is not a single reliable record of its having been taken on this nnitincnt. For convenience 111' idcntilication, however, in case it should lie found in America, the charactew of this species are given along with those of C. llolhaiUi ami the Knroiican representative of the latter, C ijriseijena, I. C. Holbcallii Wing, 7.30-8.10 inches (average, 7. (!.">); culmen, l.Ctt-^.-lO (:.'.-2.4)) (iMi)). Colors of C. IltiVmlUi. Hah. Pahuarctic Region. C. cristatus.' Wing, C.M>-7.75 inches (average, 7.10); culmen, 1.75-2.30 (l.'JC); depth •■.1^ 1 Coi.YMBU.s OKlsEOKXA, Hwlil. Ked-neckeJ tJrebu. Colymbun ijriscgciM, IJoDD. Tab!. P. E. 1783, 55 (ex PI. Eul. 404, lig. 1). PodiccpH (jrisiifji'iui. Okay, (ieiieni B. III. 033. Coli/mbiis jiarolis, Spakiim. Mus. Carls. 178t!, pi. 9. — O.mkl. S. N. I. ii. 1788, 592. Cu/ymhus subcris/dliis, .}Mii. Heitr. 1784, 37, pi. 18. Pudiccps subscristtdus, UKcnsr. Taschb. Viig. Detitsclil. lf.03, 351. Podiccps riibricollis, Lath. Iiul. Oni. IK 1790, 783. Cdli/inbiis cuciifliUus vt ifi cu(s, P.vi.1.. Zoog. 1!.-A. 11. 1820, 355, 356. Fodkcps canojitlarLi, Bukiim, Viig. Duutsohl. 1831, 958. Sp. Ciiau. Exactly like C. IlnlUdlli, but much smaller. AVing, 0.45-7.00 inches; culmoii, 1.50- 1.55 ; dcptli of bill through ba.M', .45-.50 ; tardus, 1.9S-2.15 ; outer toe, 2.30-2.40. Eolliiwiiig is a (Icscription of an example of this species in the down; — Doiniij Voianj : Head and neck longitudinally striped with dusky and dull wliite, the dusky striiics widest {cxcc[it underneath the head), and about .six in luiniber ; the crown is divided mc\ V. r/riscyiiii PODICIPID.!!) — THE GREBES — COLYMliUS. 427 (ilbill throu^'h ba.se, Ari-.hr, (.:,])■ tarsus, 2.:.'r.-2.7() (2.48); outur U>^^, 2.50-2.85 (2.(i3). Ihccdimj-plumuijc : Throat and tliiu Imlly white, iiassiii},' posluriorly into riiii IV'rru;,'iiious on the prominent auricuhir "frill," whicii is tiiijied with black; iiileum and elon^jated tuft on each side of occiput, black. Ilah. Palajarctic Keyiou. tli(! throat, buIFy white, succeeded jiosti'riorly hy tVrruj^inous, on the basal portion of the frill. Upper parts dark brownish gray, sometimes nearly or nuite black ; secondaries, anterior border of tin; wing, and inner tcrtials, entirely white! ; lower i)arts white, the sides and Hanks grayish brown, tinged with lerrnginous. " lUU blackish brown, tinged with carndnc [in the female " dusky green "] ; ban^ loral space dusky green, ns is the edge of the eyelids ; iris bright carmine ; feet greenish black, tlic webs grayisli blue " (.Vuduhon), Wuilcr phimiKjc : Similar to the summer dress, except the plumage of the head, the occi|)ital tufts and the frill being entirely absent ; pileum and nape sooty grayish brown, fading gradually into grayish white on the lower part of the head and neck, the foreneck [lale grayish ; sides and Hanks without any reddish tinge. Ihirnij ijoiinij : Neck with six longitudinal dusky stripes alternating with as many stripes of white ; that on the foreneck fainter than the rest, and bifurcating Ih'Iow, each branch extending toward the side of the breast ; head with six dusky stripes, the four upper ones being continuations of the neck-stripes, the lifth and sixth running across the cheek (one on each side of the head) from beneath the eye back to Ixiueath the ears ; a dusky spot on the lower jaw, beneath the rictus ; chin and throat en- tirely white. Upper parts sooty grayish hrown, lower parts white. Total length, about 1!>.00-24.00 inches; extent, 30.00-33.00 ; wing, 6.80-7.75 ; culmen, 1.7r(-2.30 ; depth of hill at base, .45-.55 ; tarsus, 2.25- ■J.70 ; outi'r toe, 2.50-2.85. A specimen in summer dii\ss, said to have been obtained in (ireeidaud, is similar to European examjiles, but has the wing shorter and the bill narrower than any of the live Knropean skins we have examined. .\n example from Xew South Wales is not distinguishable in colors honi iMnvipcau ones, but is much linger ; while two from bake Wakatipa, Xew Zealand, besides being even larger than the Australian specimen, have much longer bills and tarsi, and arc altogether richer colored than any others, the upper parts being deep brownish black, and the basal portion of the frills rich chestnut, while the crown and occipital tufts are glossy greenish black. The following measurements exhibit the apparent geographical variations in size ; — WinK. Avenige of 5 E''''opean s[)eciuiens, 7.25 ( >ue speeinu'n sa. o lie from (Ireeidaud, fi.SO Average of 2 New Zealand specimens, 7.47 One sjM'cimen from New South Wales, 7.30 C. cristatus. ulllllMl. i)i-|iiiL<>riiiii at Iia.so. Tai'sus. Outer tee 1.54 .53 2.30 2.58 1.80 .45 2.30 2.50 2.25 .55 2.70 2.76 2.23 .52 2.02 2.70 i 428 THE DIVING BIRDS - PYGOI'ODES. Colymbus Holbcellii. THE AMERICAN RED-NECKED OREBE. Podiceps rubricnlUs, "Lath.'" Udxap. Synoi). 1828, 41". — Sw. k Kicii. F. R. A. II. 1831, 411.— Xi-TT. Man. II. 1S:U, '2.'.3. — Arn. Oni. Biog. HI. 1835, 017, pi. 2!t8 ; Syiiop. 183,'), 357 ; B. Am. VII. 1844, 312, j.I. 4S0. Podiceps rnbricollis major, Tkmm. & Sciii.F.o. Kauii. Jap. 1849, pi. 78, B (not Colymbus major, BoDD. 1783). Podiceps grmkjena, " BoDD." Lawk, in BairJ's B. N. Am. 1858, 892. — Baiud, Cat. N. .^.iii. B. 1859, no. 702. Podiceps Jlolba-l/ii, ItKiNii. Vi.l. Mcdili'l. 1853, 7t! ; Hiis, 18(il, 14 ((!rei>nlan.l). — CouEs, Pr. Ac, Nat. Sd. riiik.l. 18H2, 231. — 1'mm:\v. Nnm. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 731. Podiceps ffri.iciyena, var. HiilboUi, CouK.s, Key, 1872, 337 ; Check List, 1873, no. CIO; Binls N. W. 1874, 730. PoiUcipes griseiijem IloUmlU, CorKs, 2(1 Check List, 1882, no. 847. Pix/iceps C'oojKri, Lawi;. in ISainl's B. X. Am. 1858, 893 (in text ; winter ntlult). Podiceps siibcri.iltitKs, Kirri,. Dcnkw. II. 1858, 313 (notof Jacu. 1784). Podiceps affinis, SAI.VAnoui, Atti Soc. Ital. VIII. 18GG, 45. PmUceps citcullatus, Tacz. J. f. O. 1874, 336 (not of Pai.i,. 182(5). IIab. North Americii in general, including Greenlaiul ; breeding far north, migrating south, in winter, (luite acros.s the United States. Eastern Siberia, and south to Japan. Sp. Char. Adiill, breed iuy-plnnmije: Pileuni (including lores and depressed occipital tuft) and nape glos.sy dull black ; rest of the head light lUsh-gray, bordered above and below by whitish, this most distinct along the upper bor- der, from the eyes back ; neck (except najie) rich rufous, abruptly defined above against the ashy of the throat, but below gradually merging into the whitish of the breast. Upper parts blackish dusky, the feathers sometimes with paler margins ; secondaries chielly white. Lower parts grayish whiti?, faintly spotted, except on the abdomen, with dusky grayish ; sides and flanks nearly uniform grayish. "Hill brownish black, bright yellow at the base ; iris carmine ; tarsi and toes greenish black externally, yeUow on the inner side, the edges of the lobes dusky" (Audihon). Winter i^lmnmje : Pileum dusky, the occi- put without elongated feathei-s ; neck s!noky grayish brown, lighter in front, dusky on the nnpe; chin, throat, and malar region whitish. Otherwise as in the summer plu- mage. Yonng : Pileum and sides of the head dusky, marked with several white stripes — otic originating at the sides of the forehead, and passing over and behind the eye, another extending from the eye backwanl over the auriculars, ami another dividing the cheeks; a short whitish stripe on each side of the upper part of the nape ; fore part and sides of the neck ligiit ferruginous. Otherwise as in the adult. Total length, about 18.00 to l!).f)0 inches ; extent, about 32.00 ; wing, 7.30-8.10 (average, T.tir)) ; culmen, 1.05-2.40 (2.02) ; tlepth of bill at base, .52-.«0 (.57) ; tarsus, 2.25-2.(>0 (2,5:5) ; outer toe, 2.50-3.05 (2.7(>). (Seventeen specimens.) The American Rtnl-necked Grebe is a counterpart of the European C. griscgena^ in plumage, Summer adtUt, ' See i>. 426, footnote. PODICIPID.E — THE GKEBES — CULYMHU8. 420 but is 11 very iiuich larficr bird, tliu (liU'eruniH! in sizii beiiij,' nioruovir entirely constant, as will appear I'roiii the Ibllowinf,' nieasureniunts : — 411.- JS, 3u7 ; 9 major, , j'.m. H. Ac. Nat. Is N. W. in" south, tuft) and y whitish, iipper bor- i;k (except ineil above but below tish of the dusky, the margins ; lower parts except on ish ; sides lish. "Bill lit the base ; lenish black >r side, the JAuDinoN). y, the occi- liei-s ; neck ,r in front, |\ninier pbi- ■ipes — one :r extending; liort whitish ferruKiiK'"*'- 10 (avera^,'!'. biO (i.W) ; lin plumat;c, Cnlincn. Di'litlinriiill. T.irsus. 2.0-2 .57 S.-W 1..'):! .48 2.01! WiiiK. Average of 17 specimens of C. //o//)(i,7/t/ . . i.iiC) " 4 " C. (jrisi'gcHii . , 6.03 Minimum of C //o/J(i://i/ 7.30 l.t!") .:,2 i.i't Maxinuim of C. crc'WY/i.'iirt 7.00 l.;"):') .50 2.15 Examples from Eastern Asia appear to agree closely witli those from North America. For the former the name ^^cuculkitm, Pall.,"' ha.s generally been used ; but upon turning t(j p. 355 of the Outer tot'. 2.7(i 2.;i5 2.50 2.40 Winter tulidt {type of P. duipcri, Lawr). " Zoographia Rosso- Asiatica," we (in