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^ Vertebrates of Ontario
I
/ ':-(y:/
BY C. W. NASH
DEPARTMLNT OF EDUCATION TORONTO
PPINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO.
TORONTO Printed mkI PuUnhed by L. K. CAMERON. Printw la ilw Kiiii'i Mm Exc»II«ii Maiair.
I90S
WARWICK BROS & RUTTER. Limited. Printen. TORONTO.
»,»ii^ti9o
To the Honorable K. A. Pvnk, M.D., Minister of Education, ^ Ontario :
I
I have the honor to present to you the "Manual of the X'ertebratcs of Ontario," produced under your authority and instructions by Mr. C. V\'. Nash of Toronto.
This work has been issued in three separate sections, viz., "Birds of Ontario," "The Batrachians, Reptiles and Mammals of Ontario, ' ^ and "Fishes of Ontario." To these sections has now been added a glos- "^ sary and index to the whole.
The demand for each of these sections has been very great and the 3 issue has been much appreciated, particularly by those engaged in edu- % c.-.tional work throughout the Province.
There is reason to believe that the presentation of this work will jjreatly facilitate the study of animal life on the part of our people and especially of the young, whether they are pursuing systematic studies in natural history or are merely desirous of acquiring casual informa- tion on the subject.
The economic importance of knowledge concerning all forms of life is especially valuable in this Province where the great bulk of our wealth is drawn direct from the hands of nature. Unfortunately too little attention has been paid to this subject in the past, with the result that many of our most valuable forms of life are threatened with exter- mination.
This is particularly the case with our fish, many species of which have entirely disappeared from our waters, while others formerly so abundant as to have been within the reach of every person are now luxuries only obtainable by the rich.
Our lakes, with the application of scientific methods, could undoubt- edly be made to produce an unfailing supply of cheap and wholesome food. This, however, will only be done when those engaged in the fisheries have a better knowledge of the habits of the fish they capture and the general public arc more fully informed of the value of this important national asset.
I have the honor to be. Sir,
Yours respectfully,
David Boyle, Superintendent Provincial Museum.
Toronto, Nov. 25th, 1908.
[3]
4
PREFACE.
Ill this work 1 liavi' intlLavourcd to ir.tludu all the \ u rtubrates which have been found within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario.
Fishes.
'liie classification and .-ctiiicnce of {,'roups adopted for the Fishes is that of Jordan and l^verniann, to whom I am also chiefly indebted for the technical descriptions.
In the description of species the expressions "head 4" or "depth 4" mean that the lentrth of the head in one case, or the fjrcatest depth of the body in the other, is contained 4 times in the lenjfth of the fish measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the las-t caudal verte- bra, the caudal fin beinp not included. The size of the eye and the leng-th of snout and other head parts are compared with the lenjjth of the side of the head, unless otherwise .stated; thus "eye 5" means that Ihe horizontal diameter of the eye is 1-5 the lengrth of the head, ".scales 5-64-7" means that there are 5 rows of scales between the base of the dorsal fin and the lateral line (the scale in the lateral line excluded), 64 (»blique transverse series crossinpc the lateral line and 7 horizontal series between the lateral line and the base of the anal or the vent.
The fin formuI:p arc shortened as much as possible; thus "D. to," "D. IV, q," or "D. VIII-i;^" means that in the first case the fish has a sinple dorsal fin of 10 soft or articulated rays; in the second case a sinple dorsal fin of 4 spines and c) soft rays; and the last indicates a fish with two dorsal fins, the first composed of 8 spines and the second of I ;? rays.
Spines are always indicated in roman letters and rays in arabic letters.
The measurements piven are intended to apply to the averape of mature fishes, ^'ounfj fishes usually have the depth less, the head and eye larper and the mouth smaller in proportion than adult examples of the same species.
The coloration and marking- of fishes is extremely variable, no two individuals beinp exactly alike; and not only .so, but each individual chnngfes its color from time to time in accordance with its su.roundinq-s.
Consequently this character cannot be relied on in dlstinpuishinsj a species, there beinp but very few, if any, which show in all stapes the same coloration and markings.
[51
PKEFiCE.
All color descriptions as given herein are intended to apply to the normal adult in its highest development as found in the waters to which it is be&t adapted.
Batkachians and Reptiles.
In the arrangement and classification of these animals 1 have fol- lowed the works of Prof. E. D. Cope.
The Batrachians and Reptiles of Ontario have as yet been but little studied, and but few collections have been made. It is probable that when more attention is given to them many North .American species now known to <iccur in the States immediately adjoining us may hv found generally distributed through the Province and that in the North some new forms may be discovered.
Birds.
In this section the classification and nomenclature adopted is that of the check list of the American Ornithologists' Union.
Mammals.
In the arrangement of the Mammals 1 have followed the system adopted by Dr. Jordan.
C. W. Nasii.
Lee .\venue, Toronto.
November 25th, 1908.
CHECK LIST
OF THE
FISHES OF ONTARIO.
PISCES (The Fishes).
The Fishes may be defined as cold-blooded vertebrates, adapted for life in the water, breathing by means of gills attached tc bony or cartilaginous gill arches ; having the skull well developed an.1 with a lowe- jaw; with limbs present and developed as fins, or rarely wanting through atrophy; with shoulder girdle present, furcula shaped, curved forward and with the sides connected below ; with pelvic bones present ; having the exoskeleton developed as scales or bony plates, or horny appendages, sometimes obsolete, and with the median line of body with one or more fins composed of cartilaginous rays connected by mem- brane.
The Lampreys differ so widely from the true fishes, having no jaws, no limbs and no trace of the bones to which limbs should be hung that they are properly excluded from consideration as fishes. I have, however, included them here, as they are popularly believed to be fish and are of economic importance to our fishery interests from the fact that they destroy vast numbers of valuable food fish.
[7]
CHECK LIST OK THE
Class MARSIPOBRANCHI'. (The Lampreys.)
Skeleton cartilaginous; the skull imperfectly developed, not separate from the vertebral column. No true jaws, no limbs, no shoulder girdle, no pelvic elements, no ribs. (Jills in the form of fixed sacs, without branchial arches, six or more in number on each side. Nostr' single median. Mouth sub-inferior, suctorial, more or less circular. Heart without arterial bulb. Alimentary canal straight, simple, wit' ..ut caval appendages, pancreas, or spleen. Vertical fins with feeble rays, usually continuous round the tail. Naked, eel-shaped animals inhabiting cool waters. They undergo a metamorphosis, the young being often quito unlike the adult.
Order HYPEROARTII. (The Lampreys.)
Nasal duct a blind sac, not penetrating the palate.
Famii.v PETROMYZONID^. (The Lampreys.)
Hody eel-shaped, subcylindrical anteriorly, compressed behind : mouth nearly circular, armed with horny teeth which rest on papilla; ; gill ope.i- mgs seven, arranged in a row along the side of the "chest"; lips present, usually fringed ; nostril on top of head, just in front of eyes ; dorsal fin more or less deeply divided by a notch ; the posterior part commonly con- tinuous with the anal around the tail ; intestines with a spiral valve • eees small.
The Lampreys undergo a metamorphosis, the larva of all species being toothless and having the eyes rudimentary.
They attach themselves to fishes and feed by scraping off the flesh with their rasp-like teeth.
Gi-fji s ICTHYOMYZON.
Lampreys with the supraoral lamina armed with two or three separate teeth, pointed and close together, not forming a crescent-shaped plate- anterior lingual tooth divided by a median groove. The dorsal fin notched but not separated into two portions.
FISH OK ONTARIO.
(i) Silver Lamprey, tamper Eel.
( Icthyomyzon concolor.)
Body rather stout, compressed posteriorly. The hc.ul is broad and the buccal disk large, with its edges not conspicuously fringed. The tooth on the front of the tongue is divided into two parts by a median groove, and the dorsal fin is continuous but deeply notched. The maxillary tooth is bicuspid; the teeth on the disk are in about four series and all small. The tooth-bearing bone of the lower part of the mouth has seven cusps. There are fifty-one muscular impressions from gills to vent.
Colour bluish silvery, sometimes with blackish mottlings. Above each gill opening there is a small bluish blotch. Length about twelve inches.
The .Silver Lamprey is abundant in the Great Lakes, usually in deep water, but it runs up the small streams to spawn in the spring. It is a most destructive parasite on the large commercial fishes, fixing itself to their bodies by means of its suctorial disk and causing deep ulcerated wounds at the point of attachment, which very frequently result in death.
When spawning they form nests in the bed of the stream among cobble stones and pebbles; in these the eggs are deposited, after which the parent fish all die. After emerging from the eggs the larva; burrow in the mud or sand near the margin of the stream and there remain in the larval condition, blind and toothless for a long period, sometimes until they have attained a length of eight inches.
Gem s LAMPRTKA.
Dorsal fin either notched or divided into two parts, the posterior part continuous with the anal around the tail ; supraoral lamina broad, cre.s- centic, with a large obtuse cusp at each end and sometimes a minute median cusp; lingual teeth small, with a crescentic toothed ed^e, the median denticle enlarged; bucc-! disk small, with few teeth which are never tricuspid.
The genus Lampetra is best distinguished from Petro ^on by the structure of its so-called maxillary tooth, which has the form i a crescent shaped plate '■ '^h terminal cusps and sometimes an additional median cusp. In Petromyzon this bony plate is short and contains two or three teeth which are very closely placed.
II)
CHECK LIST OF THE
(j) Brook Lamprey.
(Lampetra wilderi.)
The high dorsal fin is divided into two parts by a deep notch. Several of the teeth on the side of the buccal disk are bicuspid and the rest simple. The mandibulary plate is nearly straight and has eight or ten cusps of nearly equal size. There are sixty-seven muscLlar impressions from gills to vent. In the spring a prominent anal papilla is present. The head is larger than the space occupied by the gill openings. Eyes large. Mouth moderately small. Lips conspicuously fringed with papillx. The teeth change considerably with age ; young specimens have no median cusp on the maxillary plate.
Colour, bluish black above; lower parts silvery. Length about eight inches.
This Lamprey ranges through the Great Lakes region, ascending small streams in the spring to spawn. It clings to stones and clods of earth while depositing its ova, and is believed by many persons to die after spawning.
Like the rest of the family, it is parasitic on other fish.
I am not positive as to the occurrence of this species in our waters, though I have often taken a small Lamprey in the northern and western streams of Ontario and in the rivers of Manitoba which I believe to be the Brook Lamprey.
Class PISCES. (The Fishes.)
The Fishes may be defined as cold-blooded vertebrates adapted for life in the water, breathing by means of gills which are attached to bony or cartilaginous gill arches ; the gills persistent throughout life ; having the skull well developed and provided with a lower jaw ; the limbs present and developed as fins, rarely wanting through atrophy ; shoulder girdle present, furcula shajjed, curved forward below; pelvic bones present; exoskeleton developed as scales, bony plates, or horny appendage"? or sometimes entirely wanting, and with the median line of body with one or more fins composed of cartilaginous rays connected by membrane.
Subclass TELEOSTOMI. (True Fishes.)
Skeleton usually bony, sometimes cartilaginous. Skull with sutures ; membrane bones (opercle, preopercle, etc.) present; gill openings a single slit on each side ; gills with their outer edges free, their bases attached to bony arches, normally four pairs of these, the fifth pair being typically modified into tooth-bearing lower pharyngeals ; median and paired fins developed, the latter with distinct rays. Ova small. Heart developed, divided into an auricle, ventricle and arterial bulb. Lungs imperfectly developed or modified to form a swim bladder or entirely absent.
FISH <»K ONTAIMO.
II
Under this head are now included the (iannids and the TeleoM>>. Tin- former group is chiefly composed of extinct forms. While many of its representatives are extremely dissimilar to the bony fishes, there is a gradual series of transitions, and between the Cycloganoidea of the (ianoids and the Clupeoids and others of the true Teleosts, the resemblance is much greater than that between the Cycloganoidea and many other fianoids. The Ganoids are in fact the most generalized of the true (i-ihes, those nearest the stock from which the Teleosts on the one hand anv the Dipnoi, on the other, have sprung.
Series GANOIDEl. (Ganoid Fishes.)
The name Ganoidei was first used by Agassiz for those fishes which are armed with bony plates, instead cf regular cycloid or ctenoid scales, l-ater the group has been re.stricted to those fishes thought to show more or less reptilian or balrachian affinities, and especially affinities with the mailed fishes of the Devonian and Carljoniferous ages. The group is a heterogeneous one and one scarcely susceptible of definition. In some of the Ganoids the air bladder still retains its original function, a lung. The existence of the solid optic chiasma, the presence of .several valves in the arterial bulb, and of a more or less developed spiral valve in the intestine, distinguish the living Ganoids from all Teleost.,.
Order SELACHOSTOMI. (Paddlefishes.)
Notochord persistent, the divi.-ion into vertebra; imperfect Meso- coracoid developed ; no symplectic bone ; premaxillary forming border of mouth ; no suboperculum, preoperculum, nor interoperculum ; me.soptery- gium distinct ; basihyals and superior ceratohyal not ossified ; interclavicles present; maxillaries obsolete; branchihyals cartilaginous.
Kamii.v POLVODOXTID.K. (P\t)i)i i-hsiiks.)
Body fusiform, little compressed, covered with mostly smooth skin. Snout prolonged, expanded 'nto a thin flat blade, the inner portion formed by the produced nasal bones, the outer portion with a reticulate bony framework, the whole somewhat flexible. Nfouth broad terminal, but overhung by the spatulate snout, its border formed by the premaxillaries, the maxillaries being obsolete ; jaws wilh many fine declHuous teeth ; simi- lar teeth on palatines; no tongue. Spimcles present. Operculum rudi- mentary, its skin produced behind into a long acute flap; no p.seudo- branchiae, or opercular gill ; gills four and one-half ; gill rakers long, in a double series on each arch, the series divided bv a broad membrane ; gill
It
{■MKCK I.TST or THK
niurnbrancs considerably conncclec' but free from isthmus ; a single bmad branchiostegnl. No barbels. Nostrils double at base of blade. Lateral line continuous, its lower margin with short branches. Dorsal fin well l)aik, of soft rays only ; anal similar, rather further back ; tail heterocercal, tile lower caudal lobe well developed, so that the fin is nearly equally forked; sides of the bent portion of the tail armed with small rhombic plates, caudal fin with fulcra. Pectorals moderate, placed low, ventrals abdominal, many raved. Air bladder cellular, not bifid ; pyloric ca-ca in the form of a short branching leaf-like organ ; intestine with a spiral vahe.
r.EMs POLYODOX. (Padbiefishes.)
Gill rakers exceedingly numerous, very slender; spatula broad. Caudal fulcra thirteen to twenty in number, of moderate size. Characters otluTwise those of the family.
(.;) Paddleflsta.
(Polyodon spathula.)
The body of the PaddlePsh is fusiform, with the snout much produc.d, spatulalike. Body scalcless, covered with smooth skin; mouth broad, terminal ; teeth in jaws very numerous and fine ; deciduous ; spiracles with a minute barbel. The operculum is rudimentary, its flap of skin long, reaching almost or quite to the ventral fins ; pseudorbanchiae absent ; gill arches five, the lar.t rudimentary ; gill r.-ikers long and in a double series on each arch ; gill membranes connected, free from the isthmus ; nostrils double, situated at base of blade ; a continuous lateral line from upper part of head along dorsal outline to tail ; eye small ; dorsal and anal fins far back, composed of soft rays, nearly opposite ; tail heterocercal, well forked ; sides of the bent portions of the tail armed with rhombic plates. The pectoral fins are of moderate size and placed low ; ventrals many rayed, abdominal.
This peculiar fish cannot well be confounded with any other species found in North American waters. It takes its name from its remarkable snout, which is produced into a long spatulalike process, covered with an intricate network and having very thin flexible edges.
In thj (ireat Lakes the Paddlefish occurs but rarely, its centre of abundancj being the larger streams of the Mississippi Valley; there are, however, two records of its capture in Ontario waters; one taken near Sarnia, now mounted and in the Fisheries Museum at Ottawa; the other, a fine specimen taken at Spanish River, Georgian Bay, in 1886, is also mounted and in the office of the Bureau of Fisheries, Tore .ito.
The flesh of this fish is coarse, but considered by some to be fairly good for table use. Of its habits little seems to be known, except that it is somewhat sluggish and prefers water with a muddy bottom. It grows to a length of five or six feet and specimens in the south have been taken weighing one hundred and fifty pounds.
riSH «)K ONTARIO.
IS
^t3
Order CHONDROSTEI. (Tha Sturgtona.)
Notochord ptTsistent, the cartilaginous vertibr.u imperfectly dtvcl- open. A mesocoracoid. \o symplectic bor.e. Maxillary present. No .suboperculum or preoperculum. Interoperculu"' present. Mesopterygiuin distinct. Interclavicles present. Basihyals and superior ccratohyal n..i ossihtd. Hranchihyals osseous. This group is composed of the single family Acipenser.die, represented in our Province by one species
F—ii.v ACU'EN-SERIDvE.
Hody elongate, subcylindrical, armed with five rows of l„,ny bucklers each wish a medi.m carina which terminates in a spine, which sometimes Ix-comes obsolete with age; a median dorsal scries and a lateral and abdominal series on each .side, the abdominal scries sometimes deciduous • l)etween these the skin is rough with small irregular plates. Head covered with bony plates joined by sutures; snout produced, depressed, conical or subipatulate. Mouth small, inferior, protractile, with thickened lips. No teeth, four barbels in a transverse series on the lower side of the snout in front of the mouth. Eyes small ; nostrils large, double, in front of eye Wills, four; an accessory opercular gill; gill membranes united to the isthmus; no branchiostegals. Maxillary distinct from the premaxillarv. Head covered with bony plates united by sutures. Fin rays slender, ill!
rT^UTt T"-^J"\''u^ ^"'•^'■•''- ^^'-'"'^^^ Pl'-^'^ed low; ventrals manv ra..ed. behind m-ddle of body; dorsal placed posteriorly; anal somewhat )ehind It similar; tail heterocercal, the lower caudal lobe developed, the upper lobe of the tail covered with rhomboid scales. Air bladdeV larire simple connected with the «-sophagus. Pseudobranchia.. small or ob^o^ lete Atomach without blind sac; intestine with a spiral valve; pancre:.s divided into pyloric appendages.
Large fishes, feeding on small animals, sucked in through the tube- like mouth. Most of the species are migratory.
m.,cl7'ir'l""^"7i'^ '^*' "'■'' considerable, the snout in particular becomes ^SilT^K^"'^ less acute and the roughness of the scales is greativ diminished; the ventral shields sometimes disappear altogether
Genus ACIPENSER.
h«/T' subconical, more or less depressed below the level of the fore- H^L t *'"k "S'^^u "^ °'^' ^^^ *>'^- ^'''"^•''' P^^""'^'*^ moderately long, Sal fin"*" T °f ' ! ' T' "J.^^y ''"*^'*'^" '"^*i"<^t '" the base of th^ c^uda r "■. ^;t'' "°* P'-"^"*^*^'^ '"t« •'• fi'a'nent. its tip surrounded by the present ^ ' ""''"• "''"'''''^'^ «■" 'nnceolate. Pseudobrp chi«
14
CHECK LIHT OK THE
(4) Laka StHrgaon. Rock StiirgaoB.
(Acipcnscr rubicundus.)
Dark oHvr above ; side, pakr or reddi.h often with irreRular blackish .not" Body rather elongate. Snout .lender and lon^ m the younK. hS^omin" quite blunt with age. The shield, arc '-K-. -"P^;- -;;; .trongly hol>kcd .pines, becoming later comparatively smooth; ventral shield, growing smaller with age and fmally deciduous.
The fishermen make a distinction between the young and the old of this species, calling the former Rock Sturgeon and the older fi^h Lake Sturg^n. There is. however, but one Sturgetm m our waters; the d^cr- ence in the si/e and shape of the snout and in the numlier and development of the spines between the immature fish and the adult is sometimes very great, hence the idea that two species are found.
The Lake Sturgct.n is found in the Great Lakes and all the larger rivers falling into then,, and is a food fish of considerable commcrc.a^ importance, its flesh being used either fresh or dried and """°ked From itsVoe. the delicacy known as caviare is made. This hsh attains a large i'e?^^imens six feet in length and weighing one hundred pounds or more being not uncommon, though of late years they have decreased
rapidly in both number and si/«'. . , ,, . .u u „:„„:n»^
The spawning season extends from the end of May to the beginning of July, during which period tho fish run from the lakes up the rivers for a considerable distance for the purpose of depositing their ov.n.
Order RHOMBOGANOIDEA. (The Gar Pikes.)
Parietals in contact; ptcrotic. basis cranii, and anterior vertebra simple; symplectics present. Mandible with coronoid, angular, articular and denary bones; third superior pharyngeal small, lying on fourth, upper basihyal wanting; maxillary transversely divided. A cartnag.nous meso- coracoid. Vertebra opisthocrlian. that is. connected by ball and socket joints, the concavity in each vertebra being behino. Pectoral fins with mesopterygium and five other basal elements. Tail heterocercal Air bladder lung-like. single, connecting with the dorsal side of the o-sophagus.
Famiiy LEPISOSTEID^. (Gar Pikes.)
Body elongate, subcylindric.il, covered with hard, rhombic ganoid scales or plates, which are imbricated in oblique series running downward and backward. Both jaws more or less elongate, spatulate or beak-like the upper jaw projecting beyond the lower; premaxillary ("'•'"'." B most o »he margin of the upper jaw ; the maxUlary transversely divided into several pK«:es. Lower jaw composed of as many pieces as in reptiles; coronoid JlJsent. Both jnws with an outer series of small teeth, followed by one
^<5
ll
M
i '
u
2f.
i i
'1
FISH OK ONTARIO.
15
or two series of lar{,'e teeth, besides wiiich on the jaws vomer and palatines arc a series of small, close-set, i asp-like teeth. Large teeth of the jaws conical in form, pointed and striate, placed at right angles to the jaw. Pharyngeals with rasp-like teeth. Tongue toothless, short, broad, emar- ginatc, free at tip. External bones of skull very hard and rugose. Eyes small. .Nostrils near the end of the upper jaw. An accessory gill on the inner side of the operclc. Pseudobranchiie present. No spiracles. Gills, four, a slit behind the fourth. Branchiostegals, three. Gill membranes somewhat connected, free from the isthmus. Gill rakers very short. Air bladder cellular, lung-like, somewhat functional. Fins with fulcra; dorsal lin short, rather high, posterior, nearly opposite the anal, which is similar in form; tail he ten ice real, in the \oung produced as a filament beyond the caudal fin ; caudal convex ; ventrals nearly midway between pectorals and anal ; p< ctorals and ventrals moderate, few rayed. Stomach not cjecal ; pyloric appendages numerous. Spiral valve of intestines rudimentary. Fresh water fishes of sluggish habits, but voracious and destructive to smalU-r fishes. 1 he flesh is tough and rank, useless as food.
These fishes are of much riterest from their relationship to extinct ganoid genera, many of whioli arc placed in this family.
GK\t s LKPISOSTEUS. {(iAK Pikis.)
L'ppcr jaw with an outer series of small, sharp, even teeth, then a series of large teeth, some of the anterior row being usually movable; next comes a series of fine teeth, in one row in front, becoming a band behind. In some species the inner row of these teeth contains larger ones; next the vomerine teeth, also in a long band, and posteriorly a palatine band. These bands on the roof of the mouth are lrt't|uently somewhat confluent or irregulai. In young specimens some of the palatine teeth are often enlarged, these sometimes forming regular series. Lower jaw with an outer series of small teeth, next a series of large teeth, next again a broad band of fine teeth on each side. Each of the large teeth fitting into a depression in the opposite jaw.
Sinr.EMs LEPISOSrEUS.
(5) Gar-fi.sh. Gar Pike. Biil-flsh.
(I.i pisosleus osseus.)
Body elongate, subcylindric. The jaws greativ produced, the upper bemg the longer. Teeth in the jaws rather fine, sharp and stiff ; a single inner row of large teeth, and an outer row of small teeth on each ;ide. The snout is more than twice as long as the rest of the head.
1)., 7 to 8; A., 9; y., o; P., 10. Scales. 62 to 6^.
1«
CHECK. LIST OF TUK
Colour, grcL-nish above; the sides silvery and the belly vyh.t.sh ; numer- ous round, dark spots on the sides, most distinct posteriorly and most conspicuous in the young, becoming obscure with age. \ ery young indi- viduals have a blackish lateral band. Vertical tins with numerous round
dark spots. ,. ,
The Gar-fish is generallv distributed from the upper St. Lawrence River through the Great Lakes and their tributaries to the head of Lake Huron I have no records from Lake Superior; and it is probab.y most abundant in Lake lirie. It is said to attain a length of six feet and may possibly do so in southern waters, but I have never seen one taken in this Province which would exceed four feet. As a food tish it is valueless, its Hesh being considered unwholesome. It spawns m late spring or early summer, running up the larger streams for that purpose.
ri ! i!
11^ I
SuBciKMs CYLINDROSTEUS.
(6) Short-nosed Gar.
(Lepisosteus platostomus.)
Colour similar to L. osseus, but rather darker ; from that species it mav readilv lie distinguished bv its shorter snout, which even m young specimens does not much exceed the rest of the head in length. Maximum length, about three feet.
D., 8; A., S; \ ., <i. Scales on lateral line, about 5*1.
The Short-nosed Gar occurs sparingly in Lake lirie, its centre of .ibundance being in the Ohio and Mississippi \allcys.
Like the comm.-n Garfish, it is a voracious, destructive creature and of no value as a food fish.
Order CYCL0G4N0IDEA (The Bowfins.)
Farietals in contact. Pterotic, basis cranii and anterior vertebrie simple. Mandible with opercular and coronoid. Maxillary not trans- versely segmented, bordering the mouth. Third superior pharyngeal Iving on enlarged fourth. Upper basihyal wanting. Vertebra- amphiccvlian tJie anterior not modified. Pectoral fins with mesopterygium and eight other elements. Air bladder cellular and lung-like.
Family \M1I1)/K. (The Bowkins.)
Body oblong, compressed lu-hind, terete anteriorly. Head subcon- ical, anteriorlv bhintish, slightly depressed, its superficial bones corru- gated and very h.ird, scarcely covered by skin. Snout short, rounded; lateral margins of upper jaw formed by the maxillaries, which are divided
KISH OF ONTARIO.
by :i lonsituclin.-il siitiiii'. jaws nearly even in front; rlt-ft of the mouth nearly horizontal, extending beyond tile small eye ; lower jaw broad, the rami well separated; between them a broad, bony plate, with radiating striie, its posterior edge free; jaws each with an imler series of eonieal teeth, behmd which in the lower is a band of rasp-like bands of small teeth on the vomer and pterygoids ; palatines with a series of larger pointed teeth: premaxillaries not protractile; tongue thick, s.anelv free at tip. Nostrils well separated, the anterior with a short barbel ; suborbital very narrow; a bf)ny plate coxering the cheek, similar to the pl.ttes on the top of the head ; opercuUmi with a broad derm.il border. Branchiostegals ten to twelve. No pseudobranchiie nor opercul.ir gill; no spiracle; gills, four, a slit behind the fourth; gill membranes not connecte<l; free from the isthmus. Two peculiar, long, lanceolate obliquely stri.ite appendages on each side of the isthmus, projecting backward .ind 'co\ered bv the liranchio- steg.il rays, the .interior wholly adnate to the isthmus, the posterior fn?e behind. Isthmu.s scaleless. (nil rakers stoutish. very short. Scales of moderate size, rather firm, cycloid, with a membranous border. Lateral hne present. Dorsal fm long and low, nearly uniform, the posterior r.ivs not much higher than the others; its insertion in front of the middle line of the body, opposite the end of the pectoral. Tail somewhat heterocercal (more so in the young), convex behind, no fulcra. .\nal few, short and low. Pectoral and ventral fins short and rounded, the ventrals nearer an.il than pectorals. Vertebrje amphico-lian or double coniave, as usual among fishes, none of them specially modified. .Abdominal and cr.udal parts of the \ ertebral column subeqiial. .Air bladder cellular, bifid in front, lung-hke, connected by a glottis with the pharynx and capable of as.sisting in respiration. Stomach with a blind sac; no pvloric cfeca. No closed oviduct. Intestine with a rudimentary spiral valve.
Only one species of this family is known among living fishes, but several lossil genera are commonly referred to it.
Gi:\i s /\MI.\. (RowFiNS.)
Body oblong, compressed behind, terete anteriorlv; head subconical ■nnteriorly bl-.-ntish, slightly depressed, its superficial bones .orrugated and xery hard, scarcely .overed by skit, ; snout short, roimdcd ; lateral margins of upp jaw formed by the maxillaries, which are divided bv a longitudinal suture ; jaxys nearly even in front ; cleft of the mouth nearly horizontal extendmg beyond the small eye ; lower jaw broad, T-shaped, the rami well separated ; between them a broad, bonv plate, with radiating stri* .ts posterior edge free; jaws each with an o-..er .series of conical teeth, behind which in the lower is a band of rasp-lik,- teeth ; bands of small teeth on the vomer .-md pterygoids; palatines with a series of larger, pointed teeth; premaxillaries not protractile; tongue thick, .scarcely free at tip- nostrils well separated, the .mterior with .t short b.-.rbcl ; suborbital verj
1»
CHKCK I-IST Ol' THE
narrow; a bony plate covering the cheek, similar to the plates on the top of the head; operculum xvith a broad dermal border; bramhios egals ten to twelve; no pseudobramhiiu or opercular gill; no spiracle: «'""'"".'••" slit behind the fourth ; gill membranes not connected, free from the isth- mus; two peculiar long lanceolate, olbiquely striate appendages on each side of the isthmus, projecting backward and covered by the branchio- stegal ravs. the anterior wholly adnate to the isthmus, the posterior free behind; isthmus scaleless; gill rakers stoutish, very short; scales of mod- erate size, rather firm, cycloid, with a mcmbr.-nous border ; lateral line present; dorsal fin long and low. nearly uniform; the posterior rays not much higher than the others; tail somewhat heterorerc.-,l (more so m the voung), convex behind; no fulcrums; anal fin short and low; pectoral and ventral fins short and rounded, the ventrals nearer anal than pectorals vertebra; amphicolian .,r double concave, as usual among fishes, none o them speciallv modified; abdominal and caudal parts of the vertebral column subequal; air bladder ct alar, bifid in front, lung-l.ke. connected by a glottis with the pharynx, and capable of assisting in respiration . siomach with a blind .'■ac; no pylori- caca ; no dosed oviduct; intestine with a rudimentary spiral valve.
(7) Dogfish. Bowfin. Mudfish.
(Amia calva.)
Dark olive or blackish .above, paler or sometimes bright green below , sides with tr.ices of dark greenish reticulations; lower j.iw and gular plate often with round blackish spots ; fins mostly d;.rk. somev .i.-it mottled. Male with a round black spot at base of caudal fin above, this is sur- rounded by an orange or yellow border; in the female this is very faint, or more often wanting.
Lateral line nearly median, directed slightly upward at each end. Scales on lateral line, about sixty-five. D.. 50; A., 10 to 12; v.. 7.
The female Dogfish is larger than the m.-ile. sometimes reaching a length of twenty-four inches, while the male rarely exceeds eighteen.
This fish i- found generallv distributed in sluggish d weedy waters from the upper St, L.-iwrence to the head of Lake Huron. I I'^'^e "o records for Lake Superior. It is one of the most voracious of our fishes, feeding upon .-,11 forms of small fry and insects, and where .abundant is very destructive to the more valuable forms of fish life. Its flesh is said to be soft, nauseous, and quite uneat.nble.
In Mav anc: June the Dogfish resort to weedy bays and marshes, where they" spawn", the parent fish remaining with the eggs until they are hatched, and afterwards protecting 'lu- voting for some time.
FISH OF ONTAIIIO.
19
Series TELEOSTEI. (The Bony Fishes.)
This group comprises the majority dI existing fishes. It is appaniiily descended from the Ganoid type. .\s a whole, the 'leleostei differ from the Ganoids in the more perfectly ossified skeleton, the less heterorcrcal tail, the degradation of the air bladder and the arterial biilh. and in the sim- plicity of the optic chiasma.
The Teleostei are divisible into two gre.it groups with rather ill- defined boundaries, the Physostomi, or soft-rayed fishes, and the Physo- clysti, or spiny-rayed. The iiiembers of the former group have through- out life a slender duct, by which the air bladder is joined to the alimentary canal. In most cases the fin rays are soft, the ventral fins abdominal, the pectoral fins placed low, and the scales cycloid. Although the typical Physostomi differ in many ways from the more speciall/ed Physoclysti, yet as we approach the junction of the two groups the subordinate differ- ences disappear, leaving finally the presence of the air duct in Physostomi as the only differential character.
Subclass OSTARIOPHYSI.
This group is characterized chiefly by the modification of the anterior vertebra". These are coossified and have some of their lateral and superior elements detached and modified to form a chain of small bones, the W'eb- enan ossicles, which connect the air bladder with the ear.
Order NEMATOGNATHI. (Catflshes.)
This order corttains several families, which agree in having the sub- opercle wanting, the anterior vertebra coalesced, and the maxillarv reduced to the bony core of a long barbel. None of the order have scales.
Famiiv .SILURID/E. (Cvthshes.)
Body n-.ore or less elongate, naked, or with bony plates. \o true scales. Anterior part of head with two or more barbels ; the base of the longest pair formed by the small or rudimentary maxillary Margin of upper ,aw formed by premaxillaries only. Suboperculum' absent ; oper- culum present. Dorsal fin usually present, short, above or in front of the ventrals. Usually an adipose fin behind dorsal. First ray of dorsal and pectorals usually developed as a stout spine. Lower pharyngeals separate Air bladder usually present, large and connected with the organ of hearine '"■ means of the auditory ossicles.
A vast family of more than one hundred genera and upward.s of nine hundred species, mostly of the rivers and swamps of warm regions, especially of South Americ.-i .md Africa. A few species are marine. Thev are all very tenacious of life and most of them are excellent as food
* CHKCK l.fST OK THE
Genus ICTALLRLS. (Ciiaxx. . 'J.uhsh.)
Hod) slender, clonK.-.tc, coinprt-sscd no ^c.inrlv ; lu-ad sk-nder r,.n ca : sup.n.c-.p.tal ....-a; or process pr...,..„.. ..aokw .rd/ s -nw^in .t«; ap X r.-,vn .n« the acuminat.. anterior point of the second intersp n;d hu s
"f ' '"TT" '•""> '"■"'»^^- '"'"' "^^- ''-"' "• ""-• <'"-al spine mou"h
M . I. ter„„„al the upper jaw longer; teeth subulate, in a short Cdn
ach jaw; dorsal hn hi^h. with one lon^ spine and usually six ra "• .Ji-
i" ■ r vs ■:.'"::'7';''' ■"" :' •'""' = '""'" «" '■•"«• -'"• -enu-rne to thi tv-
nse'd 'wiVh 7 ""^ "'"• """ "'""'•^ =""' •^•■^•■" ^'■■••'"'•""' '■"y^:
D ctor in ;•""'' •^l""^-- ■■'''■■"^-«^' -^^rrate witi,in. and about nine ravs
p.Uoral hns each with a stout spine, retrorse serrate within -.nd -.1,; u
tN lon«:.r. Colouratum pale or silvery, usually with dark spots on the
(H) Channel Cat. Spotted Cat.
(Ictalurus punclatus.)
Head rather snt.ill, narrow. ,„nvex above, so that the eve is lit.l.. nearer the upper than the lower outline. Kve rather l.-..4e (Ir , Cntnih Sn:,r"-i„""^'^^^ '""^ ?•- "--"-> -rbels^ea^^^'Ll^fS^ tTh . • «'" "Pf"'"R- ■'^Pi'H-s long, the pectoral spines stron.Wv ser- raled behtnd. Body r.ather long and slender. Colour light olivaceous or blu.sh above: sides s.lvery. nearly alw.-.ys marked with irregular smnU d..,kround.sh spots: belly white; fins often with dark edging. '
''■ I-, f^; A.. 24; \. I., 8. ^ '^
It is extremely variable in colour .„ul in number of fin ravs md h-.s consequently been described under a number of different name:' of J!Z fi"'"" f *^'''"'' '" ■'' ''■"S^'^ "f ••'''""» three feet and a weight
h 1^2; " """"^" ■" "■"""'■ """''' ■■'"'' '^ •■' ■"-' -•-"-' table fi^h Kr V r^ ''"mmon m our waters, but is taken most frequently in Lakes r r,e and Ontano. Unlike most of the familv, it seems .0 pre er , tre '■•'■•■'r water .md is partial to deep, fiowing str'e.'.ms. ^ ' "
ClKN.s AMKIURUS. (HoKXKD Fo, rs.j
Body moderately elong.-.ted, robust anteriorlv. the caudal peduncle mu.h compressed; head large, wide, obtuse; superoccipital extended b"k uard. ermmatmg m a more or less acute pointSvhich'is entlelv ™^^^ rom the second .ntersp.nal buckler; skin co^ering the bones tl ick e^s
; k[ T '' "'"'f '''"^''' '^' "PP^-- J-^- -"""V the longe te;th in b.oad bands on the premaxillaries and mandibles; band of ^pner j-i convex ,n front, of equal breadth, and without back vard pro onSu tlu- angle: dorsal over the space between pectorals and ventralf highe
FISH or ONTARIO.
tl
than lung, uith a sharp spine and alM)ut .six branched rays; adipose tin short, inserted uver the posterior half of the anal. .\nal fin of varying length, with fifteen to thirty-live rays, the usual numlxT iH'ing twenty or twenty-ont. Caudal fin short, truncate in typical spt-i-ies, more or less forked in those species which approach the genus Ictalurus. Vcntrals each with one simple and seven branched rays. Pectorals each with a stout spine, which is commo;-ly relrorse serrate behind. Lateral line usually incomplete.
The specie.*: are variable and not easily distinguished. Those in which the caudal fin is forked make an a( oath to the genus Ictalurus. The lack of connection between the supr.ioccipital and the interspinal buckler is the only character by which these .species can be separated from Icta- lurus.
SriK.KNl'S Hm'stxk.
(9) Lake Catfish. Channel Cat.
(.\nioiurus lacustris.)
Head 'road, much depressed; mouth wide; eye rather small. Body stout ; dorsal base short, one-half the height of fin. .\dipose fin well developed; caudal not deeply forked; pectoral spine as long .ns dorsal spine. Colour olivaceous slaty, growing darker with age; sides pale, no spots ; anal dusky on edge ; barbels black.
D. I., 5 to 6; A., 25; V. I., 8.
This Catfish has a wide range, and is con.sequently variable. It is generally distributed throughout the Great Lakes and in deep rivers, but is more abundant in Lake Erie than any other of our waters.
As a food fish it is highly esteemed by people who have no preiudices against Catfish in general, though, like the rest of the tribe, its appear- ance is not prepossessing.
In the south si^ecimens weighing over one hundred pounds are said to be taken, but with us the fish very rarely attains a greater weight than about thirty pounds.
Of its habits but very little is known. It is a bottom feeder and will take a great variety of baits. Night lines set in its haunts and baited with pieces of fish or small frogs are successfully used in taking it.
SriHiHM s AMKIURL'S.
(10) Yellow Catfish.
(Ameiurus natalis.)
Head rather broad ; mouth wide, with the upper jaw usually longer than the lower, sometimes equal. The dorsal profile gradually ascends from the snout to the dorsal spine. Eye moderate ; maxillary barbel rea':h-
t'MKCK LIST OK THK
lilK .-nd of hcjKl; humeral shi.-ld little .U.xtlo,H-d ; (L.r.al and p.. loral s,,i,u s ^lr..nK. short.r than suit rays; hei|{ht .>( dorsal e<,i,al 1„ twi.e Ih.- I,n«lh of Its has,.; adipose lin lonj., <4)posii,. to and lonKer than anal; . an.lal rounded. Colour yellowish, more or less clouded with darker l.mKlh about eiKhie«'n imlus. *
}y I. <•; A.. .4; V. I., H.
The ^■ello^v Cat is found in Lakes Ontario. Krie and Huron. || is not a ver> well marked speries and is in eonse.iuen.e K«-"erallv ,o„|„s..,| with the other small Cattish. Its »le*h i» ntuch e.steemcd by son,e |H....pU •>iu .IS an angler s lisli it is not highly prized.
SluBKigh streams, weedy Ims and cU*p water marshes are its favorite resorts, and m its habit.s it re^'mbles the other memlnrs of the ^enus.
(II) Lonft-Jawed Catflsh.
(.\meiurus vulgaris.) Head longer th.in broad, rather narrow forward, mouth wide; hi.rbels long; lower , aw more or l.-ss .listinctly projeetinR. Ivve Nerv small. Adi- pose hn well developed. The pirtoral spine is stout and al^ut two-thirds as lonK .-.s the hn. C.-iudal square; anal rounde.l. i.e..Klh about eighteen iiuhes. Colour dark reddish brown, varving to bla.kish. I) I (,■ \ iH to jo; V. I., 8. '
This species is found in most still weedy waters throughout the I'ro vmcc, being most abundant from Lake Kric- westward. Inder favorable conditions it .sometimes attains a weight of four pounds and is e;,uallv good as a I.hkI lish as the rest of its tril>e. which it also resembles „ it's habits.
(ij) Common Catfigh. Bullhead.
( Amciurus ncbulosus.)
Head heavy, upper jaw usually distincllv longer th.m the lower. Barbels, eight; maxillary barbels as long as hea,' : H -.;,| proHl, from tip of snout to dorsal hn straight and rather steep; mout.. .vide and terminal; teeth .iwl-shapcd, m broad bands on the intermaxillaries and dentaries ■ dorsal situ-ited in front of middle of bcKly, short and high ; adipose fin stout; an.il large. Caudal square or slightly emarginate. Colour very variable, usually dark yellowish or olive, clouded with darker .-.bovJ becoming yellowish or almost white below ; sr.metimes entirely black
D. I., 6; A.. 20 to .'2; V. L, 6.
This species reaches a maximum length of about eighteen in. hes and a weight of four pounds ; the average of those taken in our waters is however, much less. It is the common Catfish of the Province, .K.urring .-ibundantly in all quiet streams, ponds and bays, especially in those having a mud bottom.
Rarly in June, when about to spawn, the Catfishes select a spot in quiet shallow water near aquatic weeds and there they make .i nest, from
ii
FISH OF ONTARIO,
2S
W
eight inches to one foot in diameter, by clearing out a slight depression in the mud or sand. In this nest about two thousand eggs are dcposiled, over which the parents keep guard, the male being most assiduous in the work ')( protection. In about a week the eggs are hatched ind the >oung, A'bicli look very like little black tadpoles, follow the parent fish along the shores until nearly the middle of July, when they are left to shift for them- selves; aftc lii' : the fry soon scatter and disappear into tieep weedy water. They ' .1 w rapidly, ;i;H under favorable circumstances are said to attain matur' y ii. three year,.
T,';- (.rtlish is un unnivorous feeder, nothing in the shape of animal food b> ^"g beneath its lotice, nor is it particular where it obtains its food, for I ha. I, ;-..:c'.' i. at all depths from the surface of the water to the bot- tom, though its general habit is to grub .ibout on the mud, seeking for what it may devour.
As an article of food this fish does not rank in the first class in the estimation of most people; there are others, however, who prefer it to any of the so-called "coarse fish," while to the small boy who goes fishing it is a source of endless delight and a joy forever.
(13) Black Catfish.
(Ameiurus melas.)
Body short, stout and deep. Head broad behind, rather contracted anteriorly ; the dorsal profile straight and rather steep from tip of snout to dorsal fin ; eye rather small ; barbels longer than head. Caudal peduncle stout. Tail truncate ; adipose fin well developed ; teeth very fine, awl- shaped and in broad bands. Rays of anal fin white, in marked contrast with the dark membranes. The dorsal spine strong and sharply pointed; anal fin short and deep.
D. I., 6; A., 17 to 19.
This is a small species, rarely exceeding ten inches in length. In colour it varies from yellowish brown to black above, becoming bluish white below.
I am not certain that this species should be included here, though it is recorded from the upper St. Lawrence and from the south shore of Lake Ontario, in New York State, and I believe that many years ago I took it in the County of Lincoln, Ontario. It will probably be found sparingly in Lake Erie, but its centre of abundance is south and west of this Pro- vince.
Genus NOTURUS. (Stone Catfish.)
Body moderately elongate, robust except in caudal part, which is much compressed ; head flat and broad ; mouth terminal broad ; teeth in broad villiform bands on premaxillaries and dentaries ; teeth of upper jaw prolonged backward into an elongate triangular extension ; adipose fin adnatc to the back ; a poison gland at the base of the peiloral spine.
24
CHKCK MST OK THK
II'
(14) Stone Catfish.
(Xotiiriis flavus.)
Body moderately elongate; head broad and flat; barln-ls short, longer b.irbel on chin not quite half as long as the head; nasal barbel when laid b.ick reaches end of eye. The low .idipose tin begins o\er the anal origin and continues into the caudal; in adult specimens it is deepiv notched. Caudal fin rounded. I'ectonil spine retrorse sermtc in front', roughisli behind. Colour nearly imiform yellowish brown.
Length about twelve inches.
D. I., r,; A., 16; v.. 0; P. I., 9.
This species appears to he generally distributed .hrough the Lake Ontario .md Krie waters, but is not abundant. It is an unpleasant fish to handle because of the painful wounds produced by its pectoral spines. There is a minute pore at the base of the pectoral spine \\hich is t\w outlet of a noxious fluid secieted by a poison gland. When this poison is dis- charged into a wound it causes ;i very painful sore.
(lEM s .schii.mf;oi)i:s.
Body moderately elongate, rounded imteriorly, com])ressed posteriorly ; he.id flat ; skin very thick, concealing bones of he;id ; superoccipital not joined to the head of the second interspin.il ; mouth large, .interior, the upper jaw somewhat the longer; awl-shaped teeth in broad bands in the jaws, the b.ind in the upper jaw abruptly truncate at each end ;md not prolonged into .1 backw.ird extension as in N'oturus ; branchiostegals nine; dorsal fin nearer to ventrals than to pectorals, with a short spine and seven r.iys ; .idipose fin long ,ind low, adn.itc to the body and continuous with the caudal fin, the .idipose niembr.me sometimes high .md continuous, sometimes emarginalt caudal fin very obliquely truncated or rounded, its base :ilso obliquely rounded ; many rudimentary rays both above and below the caudal peduncle; an.il fin short, with twelve to twenty-three rays; ventrals rounded ; pectoral fins with .i sharp spine of varying form ; vent well in front of anal fin ; Literal line complete. .\ poison gland opening by an orifice in the axil of the pectoral. Wounds caused by the pectoral spines are exceedingly painful.
sinfiKMs sciin.BHoi)r:.s.
(15) Tadpole Stone Cat. Mad Tom.
(.Schilbeodes gyrinus.)
Body short and stout, sloping rapidly downw.ird from the dorsal origin to the tip of the snout. Fiead short, broad ;md depres.sed, its width nearly equal to its length ; jaws nearly equal ; snout short ; eve small. The maxillary barliel reaches to the base of the pectoral ; the outer mandibulary
FISH OF ONTARIO.
26
barbel is sliRlitly longer. The nasal barbel is one-half as long as the head. Adipose fin low, beginning over the anal origin and is continuous with the caudal. The ventral origin is under the end of the dorsal ba.se, the fin does not reach to anal origin. The caudal is rounded.
Colour brownish without blotches.
I>. I., (>; .\., 13 to 15; V .1., 8.
Thi.s little Catfish rarely exceeds four or five inches in length. It frequents slow streams and weedy ponds and has the habit of hiding beneath stones and among water plant.s. A.s in Koturu.s, there is a poison gland at the base of the pectoral spine. It is said to occur in the region of the Lower Lakes, but as yet I have not found it.
Order PLECTOSPONDYLI. ^Ca^plike Fishes )
Soft-rayed or physostomous fishes, with the parietals broad, distinct ; pterotic normal; symplectic present; opercular bones all present; me.so- coracoid presi-nt ; no interclavicles ; the four anterior vertebra- much modi- fied and joined together, provided with the M'eberian apparatus or ossi- cula auditus. Hranchiostegals few, usually three or four; shoulder girdle attached to the skull. Thir; group consists entirely of fresh water fishes, and includes about eight families, to which belong' the majority of all the fresh water fishes of the world. The essential character of the order lies ui the modification of the anterior vertebne, as in the \ematognathi, but without the character of the rudimcnary subopcrcle and maxillarv and the scalcless skin which distinguish the Catlishes.
Suborder EVF.NTOGNATHI. (The Carps.)
I'lectospondylous fishes with the lower pharyngeals falciforn:, par.illel with the gill arches; two upper pharyngeal bones; brain case p'-oduced betwpor orbits; jaws without tivth ; dorsal fin present; no adipose fin; ve hdominal. dill openings restricted, the gill membranes attached
to ' ■ iHis. .Streams .md lakes of northern regions. Species Vi-ry
nuni. .
t
Famiiv CATOSTOMID.i;. (Iir,.; Siikkks.)
Body oblong or elongate, usually more or less compressed. Head more or less conical. Operdes normally developed. Nostrils double ; no barbels; mouth large or small, usually protractile and with fleshy lips. Margin of upper jaw formed in the middle by the small premaxil'laries, and on the side by the maxillaries ; jaws toothless. Lower pharyngeal bones falciform, armed with a single row of numerous comb-like 'teeth. Br.inchiof^ is three ; gill membranes more or less united to the isthmus, restricting the gill openings to the .sides; gills four, a slit behind the
3 F.
2H
CHECK LIST OK THR
fourth; pseudobranchiie present. Scales cycloid, large or .sma:'. Lateral line decurved, sometimes wanting. Head naked ; fins not scaly. Dorsal fin comparatively long (of ten to fifty r.-iys), without true spine; anal fin short; caudal fin more or less forked; ventrals abdominal, with about ten rays; pectoral fins placed low, without spine; no adipose fin; belly not serrated. Alimentary canal long. Stomach simple; no pyloric ca-ca. Air bladder large, divided into two or three parts by transverse constrictions, not surrounded by a bony cap.sule.
Genus ICTIOBUS. (Blffalo Fishks.)
Body robust ; head very large and strong. Eye moderate, anterior. 1-ontanelle large, well open. Opercular apparatus largely developed ; the suboperculum broad; the operculum strongly furrowed. Mouth large for a sucker, terminal, protractile forw.ird, or downward and forward. Man- dible strong, oblique. Lips little developed ; the upper narrow and smooth ; the lower rather full on the sides, but reduced to a narrow rim in front. Jaws without cartilaginous sheath. Muciferous system of head well devel- oped. Isthmus narrow. Pharyngeal Ixines rather weak ; the teeth num- erous, moderate or small ; the lower ones gradually larger than the upper ones. Gill rakers long and slender above, becomin.'r shorter downward. Scales large, thick, nearly equal over the b-idy ; lateral line well developed, slightly decurved anteriorly. Dorsal fin elongate ; anterior rays .somewhat elevated, their length about half that of 'he base of the fin ; caudal not much forked ; anal fin not much elevated ; pectorals and entrals moderate. Sexual differences slight.
This genus contains an uncertain number of species, very few of which have been yet well defined. They are large, coarse suckers, especi- ally characteristic of the streams of the Mississippi Valley, and need much study.
Subgenus ICTIOBUS.
(i6) Buffalo-flsh. Sucker-mouthed Buffalo.
(Ictiobus bubalus.)
Body considerably elevated and compressed above; the dorsal region subcarinate; belly thicker; axis of body above the ventrals, below the lateral line, and nearly twice as far from the b.-ck as from the belly. Head moderate, triangular in outline when viewed from the side. Mouth quite small; mandible about equal to eye. Dorsal fin elevated in front and rapidly declined, the highest ray reaching much beyond the middle of the fin, the seventh ray about half the length of the third or longest. Anal rays rapidly shortened behind ; the middle rays much shorter than the first long ones. Caudal deeply lunate. Colour, pale, slightly dusky; fins scarcely dusky. D., 29; A., lo; V., 10. .Scales, 8, 39, 6.
m
riSIl (»l' (INTAIJIM
Southward and in the Mississippi basin this is the best known «)f all the Buffalo fislu's. It reailus a length of three feet and a weight of thirty- five pounds.
The only Ontario record I have is that of a specimen in the Fisheries Museum at Ottawa, said to ha\e been taken in this Province.
(IiAis C.\Rr'I(iI)i;S. (Cakp Skkek. )
Hody oblong-, the dorsal outline more or less arched ; ventral outline ne.T'y straight; depth from one-half to one-third of leng'h; sides com- pressed; the back sharp edged; caudal peduncle short and deep; head short and deep, its upper surface rounded ; eye moderate, median or anterior; suborbital bones well developed; fontanel present; mouth small, horizontal and inferior; mandible short; lips thin, the upper protractile, narrow, the lower narrow; lips freely plicate or nearly smooth; jaws with- out c.-irtilaginous sheath; muciferous system moderately developed; oper- cular apparatus well developed, the subopercle broad; isthmus moderate; pharyngeal bones remarkably thin, laterally compressed, with a shallow- furrow along the anterior margin on the insule, and another more central on the outline of the enlarged surfaces; teeth very small, compressed, nearly equally thin along the whole inner edge of the bone, forming a fine, comblike crest of minute serratures, their cutting edge rising above the inner margin into a prominent point ; gill rakers slender and stiff above, becoming reduced downward ; scales large, about equal over the hot » ; lateral line well dcvv^loped, nearly straight ; dorsal fin long, nearly median, somewhat in advance of ventrals, falcate, its anterior ravs elev.ited, often tilamentous; caudal fin well forked, the lobes equal ; anal'fin comparatively long and low, few-rayed; ventrals rather short, usuallv with ten rays; pectorals short, placed low ; ;iir bladder with two < hani.,er.-. -Size medium or rather '. .I'ge.
(ir) Drum. Lake Carp.
(Carpiodes thompsoni.)
Body short and stout, the back strongly arched. Head short, the snout .-icutely pointed; lips thin, white, meeting at a wide angle; tip of lower \nw much in advance of nostrils; eye small; dorsal about median, its r.iys considerably elevated, the longest two-thirds as long as base of fin. Scales rather closely imbric.itcd, 8-39 to 41-6.
D., 27; A., 7; v., 10.
This fi.sh ranges from the upper St. Lawrence to Lake Huron, and is common in Lake Erie. It is not valued as a food fish, its flesh being co.Tse and not well flavored.
It attains a weight of five or six pounds.
2H
CMKCK 1,1st oI
iHK
Okm s C.\STOST()AFl-S. (Imnk-Scai ei, Sitki-ks.)
Hodv ilonpat.-, lusifor,,,, rmmdtd. taix-ring antc-riorlv and postniorlv •
nnr .r^'' ^""P"'"'^''" '*":"": <-><' -"'•'11. placed hi^l. ;' suborl.i.al bones
arrou. l,..,tam-l pres.-nt. Iar«^. ; m„uth rather lar^.-, inlL-rior, uppor lip
h..k. pr,„ra,nlo pap.ll..s., louvr lip «r..atly devHo^p..,!. with a hroLl frcl
rnarK.n. usually drt-ply ,n,ised b.-hlKl, so that il forms two lob.-s, w i.h
aro ollcn more or h-ss separat.-d; mandible horizontal, short; oper.les
moderate; phar>nKc-al bones n.oderate. their teeth shortish, vertieallv
sm"d|.T • ;;'P""> ''"""-'""« i" size upward; seales .-omparativelv
small, typually murh smaller and erowded anteriorlv ; lateral line well
''r:''"'"'';;"''''>'''"'^''= ''"^^"' "•••"-'> ■•"■'li-'n. with from nine to fourteen rays anal (m short and high, with seven developed rays; ventrals inserted ndtr the middle or posterior part of dorsal, with nine to ten r.-.vs ; caudal hn orked, he lobes nearly equal. In males the fins .-.re higher, and the anal is swollen .-,nd tulxrculate in the spring. Air bladder with two cham- bers, (he ijosterx.r l.-irnv. X'ertebra- forty-five to forty-se^,■n.
Sinr.EM s CAIOSTOMUS.
(i8) Northern Sucker. Lonj^-nosed Sucker.
(Catostomus catostomus.) Bod and flattened above, broad at the 1.;^, but tapering into a long
y elongate, round and tapering. Head long and slender, depressed tened ..bove, bro.ad at the base, but tapering into a long snou «h.ch overh.mgs the large mouth; lips thick, coarselv tubercudL the upper hp narrow, with two or three, sometimes four.^^i;^ of p.'pilla"
small; scales very small, much crowded
lower lip deeply incised. K^e '^' ""'''"'^'^ '"'"■'' ''""^ "' P"P"''^ = anteriorly.
I)., lo or ir ; A.. 7 or S ; V., ,0.
Colour above grevish brown, becoming white Inlow. .Males in s
spring.
s in earlv
As .-, food tish it is not highly esteemed. When fullv grown it reaches a weight of four or five pounds.
SincKMs DECACTVLUS. (ly) Common Sucker. White Sucker.
(Catostomus conimersonii.)
f.i. '^?5'>' "^"''^•■•■'''■'y "^tout, he.-.vy .-.t the shoulders and taperintr lo the tail. Head conical, flnttish abo^c; snout rather prominent! Tcn'elv over-
riSH OV ONTARIO
»
p:i>>*in>{ thr mouth, wlii( h is r.ithcr larKf, witli the lips p:ipilio>c', llu- iip|KT with twi> or throe rows of papilla-. Sciles small, crowded .interiorly, larRer on the sides and hclow ; dorsal tin situated in middle of length; xfiilral opposite dorsal- anal far bark.
.Scales, io-()4 to ~o-i).
D., n; A., •/; V., q.
Colour, brownish or olivaceous spring showing a rosy flush. The blotched and marked with blackish.
above, white below; the males in young more brownish, very much .\ small race of this species occurs
in streams which are blinked by dams or other impediments so as to pre- vent the fish ever running down to the lakes. These fish never grow to a greater length than about five or six inches, nor do they lose the dark markings of the young; yet in that condition they undoubtedly spawn, for the supply is always maintained.
This is the most abundant of ail the Suckers in Ontario waters, .ind the most generally distributed. It is found in lakes, rivers and even in land-locked marshes and ponds. It spawns in early spring soon after the ice goes out, and then forces its way up the tlooded streams and through the swiftest rapids to reach the spawning Inds. .\t this time vast numbers ;ire speared and netted by fish-hungry people in tht- rur.il districts, for at this season its flesh is eatable, though coarse and full of hnnes. Com- mercially It is of very little value, but as ii affords I'imkI for B.iss, Lake Trout, and all other predaceous and voraceous fishes, it is of consider;ible (M-onomic importance.
Its food consists largely of soft-bodied insects and the smaller crus- taceans, and it will readily take worm bait.
The largest I have ever .seen would weigh from three to four pounds, but they were exceptional; from one and a half tf> two being aboi . the average size of the spring run of Suckers.
SiHfiKMs HVPKNTKLIUM.
{20) Ho]{ Sucker. Stone Roller.
(Catostomus nigricans.)
Body subverete ; head flattened on top, the interorbital space concave and the frontal bone short, broad and thick ; eye rather small ; mouth large, lips well developed and strongly papillose ; fins all large, caudal moderately forked ; lateral line fully developed, on median line of body. .Scales moderate, equal 7-52-7.
IX, II : A., 7; v., 9.
Colour brassy olive, the back with dark cross blotches which disap- pear with age ; lower fins red.
.•\ large species, sometimes reaching two feet in length. It is found in L.ike Erie and is recorded by Messrs. Evermann and Goldsborough from Lake of the Woods.
»>
t'lIWK l.fST OV THK
OEMS ERIMVZOX. (r,„,. .S,.KK«s.)
I
of tlKc...Lt^r.K "''*■''• ""' '""'•'' "-'^"'^viT than the tl.-shy par
"■ ■■" '<*" -iH-.,™!. Ai/M;„;',:'r„:,;,;";t': ,";,;,:;:!;:;"•■'> '■■"-" ■-
(-M) Chub Sucker.
(Krimyzon siiii-tta.)
l.t.ral line Scales'; tl-l; ''"" "^ '""«'^ = '^•■'"*'^'' *"»<''^"y ^^^l^-" = -"'
paleSSs'""^'' '■■^'^^"^''"^^^ >°""^ -i'*' '"-^ '-"i^ or bars a.u,
<;kms MIWTKKMA, (S..,niK»S.,KKRs.)
line interrupted' i^ th adul h. t wlh ol r^ ^ ,""'"""" '". ''"*" = '^"•"■••'' «rown specimens, and obsolHe t ti" „^ ^ t ?::;rr'':^h" r^'^''^
dorsal fin rather X' md hk'l fn T'' "^^'-"'-^ "'^ '" ^fox„.stoma :
FISH OF OXTAHIO.
81
short; vi'iitr.ils >h«rt, niidwiiy ht-twi-en tip of snout atid l);isi' «>(' i ,iu<liil ; laiKlal tin miulfrati-ly forki'd, tho IoImis cjiial ; air l)lad«U'r witli two ibaiii- Ix-rs. I It-ad in mail's tulKTculatc in spring.
(.-.) Striped Sucker.
(Minytrt-ma inclanops.)
Hmly oblong, subti-ri-tu ; bi-acl luoclcrali-, suIm oniial ; ovo small; no. trils about over the annk- of iho mouth ; dorsal origin over tip of pectoral ; vi-ntrals nearly under middle of dorsal. .Seales larj,'e, firm, 4'>-i,V
I)., !-•; .V, 7; \., 9.
Colour dusky aljove, coppt-ry below, usually a dusky bloli h Ix-hiiid dorsal tin ; scab's mostly with a dark spot at the base, the spots forming lun^itutlinal stripes. In the younjj there is no lateral line, but in adults it is almost entire. OUI males durin).; the spawning; season in the sprint; have the head tuberriil.ite.
This species is found in Lake Krie at'<| probablv iMcurs sp,iritii;i\ in Lake Ontario also, but I haxe no records from that region. A:, a loixl lisb it is of little value.
(iiMs MONOS l()M.\. (Ml III is; Ki D-iioksi Si ( ki Us.)
Hody moderately elongate, soiiulimes nc.-irly round, usually com- pressed; scales larj{e, nearly uniform in si/e ; later.il line complete, strai^;hl or anteriorly cur\ed; head v.-iryiny in lenj;lli, subconic.il ; eye usually rather larf^e, placed moderatelv hifjli ; suborbital bones very narrow; foii- tanelle well developed; mouth varyiii(.r much in .'■i/e, inferior, the mandible horizontal or nearly so; lips unusually well developed, the form of the lower varyiiiff. usually with a slijjht median fissure, but never (hi ply incised; lips with lrans\erse fohls, whiih are rarely broken up to form [)apillie ; jaws without cartilajjinous sheath; muciferous syslcm well developed; opercular bones moderately dexeloped, nearly smooth; isthmus broad; f^ill rakers weak, moderately lont; ; pharyngeal bones rather weak, the teeth rather coarser than in I'^rimy/on and Catostomus, strongly roni- pi sed, the lower live or six stronger than the others, which rapidly diminish in si/c upward, each with .1 prominent internal cusp; dors.il tin ne.irly median, moderately long ; anal lin short and high, with .seven developed rays; caudal tin deeply fork(<l ; air bladder with three chambers.
{2^) White-nosed Sucker.
(Moxostom.i anisurum.) Body elongate, somewhat compressed, slightly arched anteriorly. Head moderate, flat and broad above. Mouth slightly inferior; upper lip thin, lower strongly V-shaped; eye large. Snout rather blunt, not pro- jecting much beyond the mouth ; fins .ill well developed, the dors.il large, its first ray is as long as the base of the fin ; upper caiid.il lobe n.'irrow and longer than the lower. Scales, 5 to Ti ; 4^ to 46; 4 to 5.
1 1
•£i
ClIKCK MST OF THE
I f
*
1 *
'^■. 15; A., r to K; v., 8.
Colour pale; raudal smoky gray; lower fins red.
I h.s speaes ,s jr«-nerally distributed through the St. Lawrence I -.ke
developed it attains a length of about two feel. ^
(.•4) Short-headed Mullet.
(.Moxostom.-i brevieeps.)
Hody deep, r<,mpressed ; head small; snout short and sharply coni.
ud r,!^"^.;;;;;"^' -^•■'" -;>'"^, f-- -«>>-sting that of the vvi^itehi ;
I rs.; u \ u- ^''P''' '"'"^ ^''''^^''^'' =*"'' '""•■•' '""B*;-- than the lower-
ri^u'o;":.:^::^' s^:'i.^:r= ''""' '''"" '''^" -""""^"-^
Colour silvery, the lower fins bright red.
Ihis species seems to be confined entirely to Lake Krie so f-,r .s onr
(J,S) Common Mullet. Red-horse.
(iMoxostoma aureokum.)
he.d'short"conT'i*''r ''"'.^ '" ''''''' "' ''"■"^^' '''-"^'^d --^"d Con,prcssed ; ns 1 ' u' ""'" '"-*''''"■" '-'>■'•'•'*; '""»"' '•^'ther small, with thick
•^/pressed " ollJ TrT'"*^' T*^ -i"""^ ''''>''' = -"''•-" P*^^"-'' "^ ' he bodv mH ^•'"'^^'/V'^^-d- •■^'-ales large, about equal in size all ove the '«'*'> ^-y;d^fine^y stnated, .,-4..-f,; lateral line complete.
«nd l^i^s'^b""'' "■"" ^""°"^ ''''""^y ^'^fl'^'^""-- P^'- '-'-: '-'
This is the handsomest and best of all the .Su. ker f-.mMv if
.>rmerly abund.mt in the waters of the Lake.s fron ,t S, wre c.to
I-ake .Superior, but owing to persistent netting during the spaw^ng"^- s, n
Kamh.v CNPRI.Ml)^. (T„K Cahi-s.) Cyprinoid fishes with the margin of the upper jaw formed by the on-
scries ot unh m small numhcr. four to seven in the main row. and ;. less
1
m
1 1
FISH OK ONTAHIO.
3S
number in the others, if more are present. Head naked ; body scaly in ail our species. Barbels two or four ; absent in most of our genera and not large in any. Belly usually rounded, rarely compressed, never serrated. (Jill openings moderate, the membranes broadly joined to the isthmus. Branchiostegals always three. Gills four, a slit behind the fourth. Pseudo- branchiae usually present. \o adipose fin. Dorsal fin short in all the .American species. V'entral fins abdominal. Air bladder usually large, commonly divided into an anterior and posterior lobe, not inclosed in a bony capsule, rarely wanting. Stomach without appendages, appearing as a simple enlargement of the intestines. Fishes mostly of moderate or small size; very abundant both in individuals and species, and from their great uniformity in size, form, and colouration, constituting one of the most difficult groups in natural history in which to distinguish Tenera and species. Our genera are mostly very closely related, and separated
by characters which, although reasonably constant, are often of slight uctural importance. The spring or breeding dress of the male fishes ■ peculiar. The top of the head and often the fins or various por- jf the body are covered with small tubercles, outgrowths from the epidermis. The fins and lower parts of the body in the spring males are often charged with bright pigment, the prevailing colour of which is red, although in some genera it is satin white, yellowish, or black.
Young Cyprinidffi are usually more slender than adults of the same species, and the eye is always much larger; they also frequently show a black lateral stripe and caudal spot, which the adults may not possess.
The fins and scales are often, especia-.y in specimens living in small streams, covered with round black specks, immature trematodes. These should not be mistaken for colour markings.
m
Genus CAMPOSTOMA. (.Stonk Rollers.)
Body moderately elongate, little compressed; mouth normal, the jaws with thick lips and rudiment of a hard sheath ; premaxillaries pr tractile ; no barbel; teeth 4-4 or i, 4-4, o, with oblique grinding surface, and a slight hook on one or two teeth ; air bladder suspended in the abdominal cavity and entirely surrounded by many convolutions of the long alimentary canal ; peritoneum black ; pseudobranchia? present ; scales moderate ; lateral line present ; dor.sal nearly over ventrals ; anal short ; no spines. Herbiv- orous. Sexual differences very great, the males being covered with large tubercles in spring. The singular arrangement of the intestines in rela- tion to the air bladder is peculiar to Campostoma among all known fishes.
(26) Stone Roller. Stone Lugger.
(Campostoma anomalum.)
Body moderately stout, not greatly compressed; the caudal peduncle long and deep. Snout obtuse. Scales, 8-52 to 53-8.
34
C'HKC'K LIST OF THE
IX, «; A., 7 or «.
Colour brownish with a brassy lustre above, the scales mottled; a !)lack vertical bar behind opercle ; iris orange. Dorsal and anal each with a dusky cross-bar about half way up; in spring males the upper half of these hns IS fiery orange. In the spawning .season, the males have the head and frequently the entire body covered with large tubercles. Youne mottled brownish, the fins plain.
In this spt-cies the intestinal canal is from six to nine times the total ength of the body, its numerous convolutions passing above and around the air bladder, an arrangement found in Campostoma alone among all the v-ertebrate.s (Jordan). It grows to a length of about eight inches and ft widely distributed.
I have not yet found this fish in our Province, but it should and probably does <xcur m streams flowing into the Niagara River and into l-ike Frie.
Ckm s CHROSOMUS.
Body moderately elongate, little compres.sed ; jaws normal ; no barbel • tectli 5-5 or 4-5, moderately hooked, with well marked grinding surface' alimentary canal elongate, about twice as long as body ; peritoneum black '; scales^ very small; lateral line short or wanting; dorsal behind ventral s ; anal basis short. .Size small. Colours in spring brilliant, the pigment bright red. > j ?■
(27) Red-bellied Dace.
(Chrosomus erythrogaster. ) Body fusiform ; head conical with pointed snout ; caudal moderately forked. Its middle r.-.ys two-thirds as long as the outer. Scales, 18-80 to ».-,-io; teeth, 5-5. Length about three inches. D., 8; .\. 7V 8-P i' Colour, brownish olive, with black spots on the back, a blackish'band from above eye straight to the tail, sometimes breaking up in spots behind; another below, broader, running through eye, decurved along the lateral line, ending in a black spot at base of caudal ; belly and space between Ih,- bands bright silvery, brilliant s.arlet in spring males, as are the bases of the verticil hns ; the females are obscurely marked.
This species has been taken in .Mgonquin P;.rk"bv Prof. Mncoun, but I have no other records.
(ii-Ms HVBOCi.\.\THL'S.
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; mouth horizontal, the jaws norma . sharp^-dged ; lower jaw with a slight, hard protuberance in front; no barbel; upper jaw protractile ; tet-th 4-4, cultriform, with oblique grind- ing surface and little if any hook ; alimentary canal elongate, three to ten times the length of the body ; peritoneum black ; scales large ; lateral line continuous: dorsal inserted before ventrals ; anal basis short. Size mod-
FISH OK ONTAHIO.
35
eratf. Sexual ihatifjes very slight, no rtii or black pigment distinguishing the males in spring.
SiHiJKM s H'l HOJINATHLS.
(jK) Silvery Minnow.
(Hytjognathus nuchalis. )
Body rather slender; head rather siiort, the profile evenly curved; eye moderate ; lateral line decurved. Caud.il moderate in size and deeply forked. Scales, »)-38 to 39-4. Teeth, 4-4, long, much compressed, with a long oblique grinding surface. Intestines seven to ten times as long as the body.
Colour above, olivaceous green, liansluccnt; sides silvery, with bright rellections; fins un.spotted. Length about six inches.
Has been taken in the Lake Ont.irio region of .New \ork State and will probably also occur here.
(iKMs PIMKPH.\Li:S. (K\T-HKMJ Minnows.)
Hody rather robust, little compressed ; hcati short and rounded, mouth small, inferior; upper jaw protractile; no barbel; teeth 4-4, with oblique grinding surface, usually only one of the leeth hooked; dorsal over ven- trals, its first (rudimentary) ray separated from the rest by membrane, not joined to them as usual in Minnows, this character most di.stinct in adult males, in which the skin of the first ray is thickened; anal basis short; intestinal ci'nal elongate; peritoneum black; pseudobranchia' pre- sent; scales r: ;mall ; lateral line complete or v;iriousIv incomplete. .Size small. Hi males with much bl.ick pigment and with large warts on the head.
Blaok-heail Minnow, i I'imeiihaliK jiioniilnx.)
(29) Blaclihead Minnow. Fathead.
(I'imephales promelas.)
Body short, deep, and moderately thick ; head short, w ith a very obtuse snout; mouth very small terminal, slightly oblique. Scales, 9-45 to 49-fi,
4 F.
t'HKCK LIST OF THE
D I., 8;A. I., 7; v., 8; R, ,8. rh!n ™'— ^^'« '" ^P""8 dusky, with black head and the snout and IZ 1^ ""n^erous coarse tubercles. Females much paler; ith sexes have a dark lateral stnpe which varies much in individuals. So^e speci! mens I have show ,t clear and distinct from shoulder to the end oM he
he tie" ;1he dts'f '" ^H T"!!'^ ^'^•''"^- ''"^- '^ » dark .Tnd a ong tne base of the dorsal, widest and most distinct in front fading cut tn
4-^'\',''^r. ^'"^'^ =>''°"* '^° ^"d a half inches. ' ^ "* *°'
The Blackhead is found chiefly in streams and ponds having a mud
where"- It sD'awnsi""? '' """"' ''T'"''^ '" ^^^^-" Ontarb than Hse- where. It spawns .n June among the stones near the shores of its habitaf.
(30) Blunt-nosed Minnow.
(Pimephales notatus.)
..„„^°^I .?''"''■ *'°"&-'«'^> ^^ith a slender caudal peduncle: head rather long, wuh the snout abruptly decurved. Mouth verv small' inferSr nearfv horizontal ; caudal moderately large and forked. The la eral I ine' curS very slightly downward as far as the ventral origin and hen follows
Colour, dusky olive, lighter on sides, black spot on front of the dorsal inch.?' U -cur??; tS'^'!'"" "" "''^'^'''e. reachmg a length of four
Genls SEMOTILUS. (Cm hs. Fal.-kis.ies.) Body stout, moderately compressed and elongate; mouth terminal wide the upper jaw protractile ; a small barbel jusf aboveThe end of the maxillary; m most .American Minnows the barbel is at its tip the maxH lary barbel sometimes absent in young; teeth 2 ... 2 h^^u'J ^u . gnnding surface ; scales rather la^ge, fa'tera, line cVmpLe ^a h^n t^es 22t:~t ''"'"' ""'"''•■ ""'' ''' ^"'^' ^^"^^ vttebri
SincFxus LEUCOSOMUS.
(31) Chub. Horned Dace.
(Semotilus corporalis.)
rnth ^ r'' "'"'^^"^^'y ^^P' elongate, with a stout caudal peduncle- head The lateral hne curves downward abruptly over the pecto'aT becomtg
s -^
KISH OF OXTAHIO.
87
median over the end of that fin. Scales, 7-46-5. A small barbel on max- illary.
I). II., 7; A. II., 7: v., 8; P., iH.
Colour, upper parts steel blue; sides and belly silvery, fins unmarked. In spring the males have the IjcIIv and lower fins flushed with deep rose. This is the largest representative of the Minnow irilie in our waters, under favorable circumstances attaining a length of eighteen inches. It frequents streams and mill-ponds, spawns in June, and is most abundant in the eastern part of the Province. This fish is eatable, but its flesh is not greatly esteemed.
.Srnr.ENLs SEMOTII.L'S.
(■ii) Creek Chub. Horned Dace.
(Semotilus atromaculatus.)
Body slender and moderately elongate ; head thicker than the body and rather short ; eye rather small and placed high. Mouth moderate, very slightly oblique, the jaws subcqual, or the lower slightly included. .Maxillary barbel minute (not evident in the young). The lateral line is abruptly bent downward over the first half of the pectoral, straight and nearly median during the rest of its course ; caudal mtxlerate and not very deeply forked.
Scales, 9-58-6. I). II., 7; A. HI., 8; V., 8; P , 15.
Colour, bluish brown above; sides with a distinct duskv band, which becomes obsolete in the adult. Young specimens have the in<l of this band more pronounced, forming a black spot at the base of the caudal. A small black blotch always present on the front of the base of the dorsal. Belly whitish. Males in the spring have the belly rose-tinfed and coarse tubercles on the snout. This species sometimes attains a length of twelve inches; it is very abundant and generally distributed in all the streams of Ontario. As a food fish it does not take high rank, though it affords a great deal of sport for rural school boys. It spaw--; in carlv summer on the stony shallows in the streams it frequents.
ClKMs LEfCI.SCL'S. (I)ACE.)
Body oblong, compressed or robust, covered with moderate or small scales; lateral line dccurved, complete, or variously imperfect; mouth usually large and ter-..inal, the lips normal, without barbel ; teeth mostly •2. .S-4. 2. hut somewhat variable, hooked, with rather narrow grinding" surface or none; anal basis short or more or less elongate; dorsal fin posterior, usually behind ventrals ; intestinal canal short. Size generally large, some species very small.- A very large group, one of the largest current genera m ichthyology, represented by numerous species in North .'Vmerica.
CHECK LIST OK THE
SumiEM 9 CLIN'OSTOML'S.
Red-iidtHl Sliincr. ( h ucitnu flonytilun. )
(33) Red-Sided Shiner.
(Leuciscus elongatus.)
Body elongate fusiform with long and slender caudal peduncle- head Urge, with long pointed snout. Mouth wide, with projecting low^; jaw Caudal large and deeply forked. The lateral line is abruptly decurved over the front half of the pectoral. '"rupiiy aeturved
«f »k"' '":k^' ^- "'•• '': ^'- ^' ^•' '4- ''"*■'="'. -'. 5-5. 2, hooked, some m«!S "^ K ^ "arrow grmdmg surface. Colour, dusky bluish, somewhat mottled; a broad black lateral band, the front half of which is bright crim- son in sprmg males and which i,, persistent in most specimens through the summer. °
A very abundant species found in most streams in southern and central Ontario. One of the handsomest of our creek fish.
Genus ABRAMIS. (Bream.) Body subelliptic; strongly compressed, both back and belly curved- back narrowly compressed, almost carinated ; belly behind ventral fins forming a keel over which the scales do not pass. Head small, conic; mouth small, oblique or horizontal, without barbels; scales rather large- lateral hne continuous, strongly decurved; dorsal fin inserted behind The ventrals, anal fin with its base more or less elongate; teeth ?-■;. hooked with grinding surface, the edges more or less crenate or rrate a^ent ary canal short, though rather longer than the body.
SuBGEM's NOTEMIGONUS. (34) Butterflsh. Golden Shiner.
(Abramis crysoleucas.) Body somewhat elongate, much compressed; head short, low. com- pressed mouth smal.', oblique, the maxillary not reaching eye lateral line much decurved. The dorsal fin higher than long, situated' on mSd e of
Sng'^urfacr'^'- ""''-' -°-"--'- ^-"'' ^■^' ^^^^^^ -^ ^'t" D., 8; A., 13.
* i
KISH OK UNTAKIU.
lolour, Krefni<.h alnjM-, >ido«< Kilvt^ry in the vounK, «iih Mronj; ({oldfii retliHtions in .-uliilts; (in-. ycllowi.Hh. Li-n^th iilxiut ten inches.
An :il>un(liint ti^h in (|uict weed) w;iUts thniuKhout ihc southern :irid ienlr;tl part ol the l'r<i\inie. It- lloh is ediblv, but solt and weedy llaMiured. Spawns in early summer.
Ge.js CMOLA.
I'orm and appcarame of I'imephales, the saniu bquammatiHn, fin ray» and phin ol colouraiion, and the first ray of the dorsal similarly separated hy the membrane; ttu- sti ■cture ol the mouth similar, but with the intes- tinal lanal short, short-r than lK>dy, the peritoneum pale and '.he teeth more IvMiked, as in Notropis. The Ki'nus is very near I'imephales, althoii)jh in its lechniial charai'tcrs it approarhes nearer to Notropis.
(IS) Bullhead Minnow
(fliola vigilax.)
Hody rather stout, compressed, with deep tail ; head heavy, blunt ; snout shori. decur\ed; mouth terminal, slightly oblique; teeth strongly h<x)ked; scales in front of dorsal small, i rowded.
.Scales, 8-4i-o. U. I., 8; A., 7.
Colour, pale olivaceous with a plumlx-ous lateral band, always ending* in a bl.ii k spot at base of caudal ; a conspicuous black spot on middle of front of dorsal. Resembles Pimcphales notatus, but distin^juished by the short intestine, larger mouth, p.iler colouraticm, with m.ire definite mark- ings. Length, three inches
Jordan .ind Kverm.mn record this fish Irom Detroit. It theref'M-c will probably be found in the waters of southwestern Ontario.
Gkms notropis. (Siiinrks.)
Hodv oblong or elongate, more or less compressed ; mouth normal, mostly terminal and oblique, sometimes subinferior ; no barbels ; teeth in one or two rows, those of the larger row always 4-4, h<H)ke<l. sh;irp edged, or with a narrow grinding surface; .scales large, often closely imbricated, those before the dors.il rarely verv small ; i.Jeral Ime complete or nearlv so, usually decurved; dorsal fin inserted abcve. or more usually behind the ventrals; anal fin short or moderately long, .ibdonien rounded, never sharp edged. Colouration more or less silvery, often brilliant, the males in spring usually >ith red or white pigment and the head with small tuben les. A very large group of small fishes, spec, ally chara lerisli of the fresh waters of ea.stern North .Vmerica.
Si H(.E\is CHRIOPK. (36) Notropis cayuga.
Head four and one-sixth; depth, four and a-hnlf eye three and a huif; stales, thirl>-six. leeiii, 4-4. Lateral line wanting on some scales;
40
CHECK LIST OF THE
mou h very small, anterior, the maxillary not reaching the eye; jaws sub- equal ; eye large. Scales above dark edged, the outlines veri^h .roW defined; chm not black; a black stripe thn.ugh snout and eveMskJ lateral shade and a small caudal spot. ' ^
Length, two and a-half inches.
it ^.m^lTtf^^f- 'o"' ^'««'.^'«^'< State westward to Assiniboia It will no doubt be found in Ontario, but I have not yet seen it.
(37) Notropis muskoka.
tuo-tSs dr-lmrrr' '^'"'^" ^^r^' ^^^y p^'^ ''*^''""= •' ^"^"^ ^-^"^^ --'bout
i«o thirds diameter of eye around snout and on sides to base of caudal fin ■ ^ndfh T^'t *''%''-''"'^ '■" ^"""^^ '° "^-^ "PP- i--= between thTs band
same widl rd-t" 7k'', r """'' ''^'""^ '^ " "^''''^^ "-'^ «^ -"""'"e same width a dark vertebral line present, also a similar one from base of
,h„ J' ^'^,^'^c ^""T ^'""'OP''* ^••''yuff-T in the reduced size of the scales before
lar..t''^nH • 'Kr'"" ''^"''*"'' """^y- '"-^ »''""* "-"'. -d the sS y larger and more oblique mouth and the more incomplete lateral line h IS also a larger fish than Notropis cavuga
were'^tTi^'f'Tm ^^1""*""' ^•■"■>'"f /" '"-'"K'h from ,.31 to ..8., inches
ou^:t';tTblZttf!rrLi^*" "^ '•"" "^•^•^' ''^''^''- ^-^ f--- ^"^^
in S JpteX?74""- '' """' '""""' '"' ""'" "^ ''^- '• '^- ^'^^"^
(38) Notropis heterodoa.
nnint!^''^^'""''''"*^'^ '*''"*• '""^ ''•'•"='* Somewhat elevated; head rathe.
Hrrll ;• ""T ''"^"'"'"•''f'^: -"""th oblique, lower jaw projecting
literal line usually more or less imperfect. Scales, 5-36.,. TeeU, ' .4
often crenate. > a j .■»• iccm, 4-4,
Colour oiiv.iceous; chin black; a blackish rostral band; sides with a dusky band. Length two and a half inches.
Ranges from the St. Lawrence River westward.
St'nr.ENL's ALBl'RNOPS. (39) Notropis fretensis.
Slender compressed; mouth oblique; eye three and a h.ilf in head ateral hne decurved. Scales, fi-,,..,. Colour, olive, a plum^Ls lateral shade and dark spot at base of caudal. Length two and a half inches.
from the 'pZ7^V ""^ '^'T1^ '" '''''"^"^ ^y •'"^'l''" »"J Evermann
trom the fireat Lake region and Detroit River,
FlStr 01' ONTAIUO.
41
(40) Straw-colored Minnow.
(\otropis blennius.)
Body slender, elongiite, its j,'reate.st depth one-liftli of total length without caudal; head rather large; eye large; mouth small, inferior, hori- zontal, snout very obtuse. Scales, 5 to 6-32 to 38-4. U., 8 to 9; .\., 7 to S.
Colour pale, olivaceous ; sides usually pale, usu.illy a darker dorsal band and a small dark blotch before dorsal, sometimes a plumbeous lateral stripe, but no caudal spot; fins all plain. Length about two and a half inches.
Range from the upper St. Lawrence through the region of the (ireat Lakes. Lake of the Woods (Kvermann and (ioldsborough).
(41) Notropis volucellus.
Body moderately stout. Head depressed, the snout rather long. Fins more elongate than in most rel.-ited species, the pectorals reaching ventrals. Caudal peduncle slender.
D., 8; .\., 8; scales, 4-34-3-
Colour, olivaceous, a slight dusky lateral shade ; no dorsal stripe , fins plain. Length, two and a-half inches.
This species has been found in the Detroit River. I have no f)thei records from our waters.
SiBOF.Ms HUDSON lUS.
(42) Spawn-eater. Smelt.
(\otropis hudsonius.)
Body moderately elongate, compressed. Head conical, with short, blunt snout ; mouth >niall, nearly horizontal, the lower jaw very slightly the shorter. The lateral line is slightly curved downward over the pec- toral, straight and median for the rest of its coi •>«. Caudal large and deeply forked, its middle rays half as long as the outer. .Scales, 7-38-5. Teeth, 2, 4-4, i or 2, with a narrow grinding surface on at least two.
D., 8; A., 8 or 9; v., 8; P., 14.
Colour, pale olive, young always with a round black spot at b.-ise of caudal; sometimes a dark lateral b.ind; fins unmarked. Length, ten inches.
Common and generally distributed in the lakes and larger streams from the upper St. Lawrence to Lake Superior. The northern form of Lake Superior is N. h. selene.
sinr.FMs c^prinf-:ll.\.
(43) Silverfin.
(Notropis whipplii.) Body moderately elongate, fusiform in the adult. Caudal peduncle short and stout. Head conical, compressed, snout pointed. Mouth mod-
4S
CHECK LIST (»K THK
crate terminal slightly oblique, jaws nearly equal. The .-.udal is l-.r^.
Length, about four inches.
It is found in the .St. Lawrence and fJreat Lakes region.
Siw.EMs Lf.MLUS. (44) Shiner. Redfin. Dace
(Notropis corn ut us )
dusky t^g^'S sirs*!! "'"' i' ?'l! 'T ^'""^ '"«= "^-^^ —
line. In spring male the bellv nH . '" ' «'*'''' "'^^^y ''^•^'•'"''' ^^''h a gilt and nape covered tith sm J 'ure^ceT^f^^^'^'f* TT' ''^ ''''"' inches: under favourable circuttt^es erh p . liule'lr "■"'^"' ^'^'^'^
the S:::i ^'^i::;:^.::^':;: t-;"x '" ^v^^'-^^^^ ->^:throughout
pools and eddies - """'" '"'"" "P"'-'' ■'•''^^"ate with deep
It spawns in early summer on stony shallows.
.N. c. frontalis is the form commonly found in the lakes.
SiBc.Exts XOTROI'LS. (45) Notropis jejunus.
Head four ; depth, four and two-thirds ; eye rather hr^e R«^ ,u slender; head flatt sh abovp iho ^n«. .11 1 . , "^"^ 'arge. Body rather large, oblique ' "*""' '''"""-^'* ""'' ^"""^ed ; mouth rather
IJorsal oyer yentrals ; .r, scales before dorsal.
u.. «: A 7; scales, .s.-,;.^; ,eeth, 2, 4.4, i.
^
FISH OF ONTARIO.
43
This species is recorded by Evermann and Goldsborough from Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.
(46) Notropis atherinoides.
Head, four and two-thirds; depth, five and a half; eye three and a quarter. Body long and slender, compressed, the back not elevated. Head blunt, conic, proportionately shorter than in related species. Mouth moderate, very oblique, upper lip on level of upper part of pupil ; maxillary about reaching front of eye. Eye large, rather longer than snout. Fins low; dorsal well behind vtntrals ; tips of ventrals extending to beyond middle of dorsal. Lateral line decurved.
D., 8; A., 11; scales, 5-38-3; 15 before dorsal; teeth, 2, 4-4, 2.
Colour translucent tfreen above; sides bright silvery; scales above faintly punctate, but not enough so to render them dark-edged, nor to form blotches along sides; a faint dark vertebr;d line; males in spring with the snout rosy. Length, four to six inches.
This species ranges from the St. Lawrence River through the Great Lake region to Manitoba.
(47) Notropis rubrifrons.
Head, four; depth, four and three-quarters; eye, four. Body mod- erately elongate, the back scarcely elevated, caudal peduncle somewhat contracted. Head longer than in most related spiries, conic and rather pointed. Mouth rather large, very oblique, upper lip above line of middle of pupil, maxillary reaching to opposite eye. Eye moderate, anterior, usually shorter than the sharp snout.
D., 8; A., 10; scales, 5-39-3, tho.se before dorsal large, 15 to 17 in number; teeth, 2, 4-4, 2, little hooked.
Colour olivaceous above; scales with darker edges; sides silvery; a dark vertebral line ; a row ot dark dots along base of anal ; males with the snout tuberculate in spring; the forehead, opercular region and base of dorsal being then flushed with red.
Length, two and three-quarters inches.
This species is recorded from the St. Lawrence River and Lake of the Woods (Evermann and Goldsborough).
SuHGENUs LYTHURUS.
(48) Redfin Minnow.
(Notropis umbratilis.) Body compressed, the caudal peduncle long: head long, conir rather pointed ; mouth large, moderately oblique lower jaw somewhat pro- jecting; eye moderate; scales closely imbricated, crowded anteriorly; dorsal fin high, in.serted about midway between ventrals and anal; pec- torals not reaching ventrals; caudal long: lateral line much decurved. Scales, 9-40 to 52-3. Teeth, 2, 4-4, 2. D., 7; A., 11.
4-t
CHECK LIST OK THK
Colour, d;irk steel blue above : pale or silvery below. A more or less evident black spot at base of dorsal in front ; the fins otherwise all plain. Males with the anterior dorsal region and the head profusely covered with small whitish tubercles, the lielly and lower fins Ix'ing of a bright brick red in the spring. Females very pale olive, sometimes almost colourless.
This species is recorded by Dr. Tarleton H. Bean as ranging from Western New York to Minnesota. It should therefore be found in the waters of Western Ontario, but as yet I h.ive not seen it. Our form would probably be N. u. lythrurus.
Gems RHIMCHTHVS. (Biai k-noskd Dace.)
Body moderately elongate and little compressed, with usually stout caudal peduncle and long, conical nose ; head rather large, sometimes broad and flat above; eye small; mouth small, subinferior, the upper jaw fixed by the union of the upper lip to the skin of the forehead; end of maxillary with small barbel. Teeth, 2, 4-4, j (sometimes j, 4-4, 1), those of the principal row usually hooked, without grinding surface. A short intestinal canal; scales very small; lateral line decurved, continuous; dorsal origin slightly behind ventral ; b.ise of anal short. Stnall fishes inhabiting clear, cold, brooks and streams.
(49) Long-nosed Dace. Niagara Gudgeon.
(Rhinichthys cataractae.)
Body elongate, subterete ; caudal peduncle stout ; head moderate ; eye rather ^ove median; mouth horizontal, small, placed under the snout, the lower jaw the shorter; upper lip thick; barbel evident but small; caudal, large and well forked; scales, 13-57 1065-10. Teeth, 2,4-4, -• 'hrec of the principal row hooked. D. II., 7; .\. II., h; \'., 8; P., ij.
Colour, dusky olive, the back darker, below pale, some of the scales mottled irregularly with dark and olivaceous, no bl.-ck latcr.il hand in the adult, but in the young there is a trace of a dusky band. Males in the spring have the lips, cheeks and lower fins crimson. Length, ;ibout five inches.
This species is found from the Niagara River to Lake Superior. It is not uncommon at Sault St". Marie.
( lihiHirlilhi/n alnmtiHitti. )
Mlack-nosed Dace.
(50) Black-nosed Dace.
(Rhinichthys atronasus.) Body long, somewhat stout ; head small, conical ; eye small ; mouth small, slightly oblique, with nearly equal jaws; the maxillary barbel small
1
FISH OK ONTARIO
4.^
<ir \v:inting. The dorsal oriiiin is nearer to root of caudal than to lip of snout ; caudal small and not deeply forked. The lateral line curves down over the pectoral, soon bi'corninjj median. Scales, 10-56 to 63-10. Teeth, 2, 4-4, 2, three of the principal row strongly hooked. D. H., 6 or 7 ; A. II., 6; v., 8; P., 11.
Colour dusky blackish, mottled above, whitish below, a black lateral band, bordered above and below by pale. Spring m;iles have the lateral band and ventral fins crimson or orange. In some adult specimens I have the dark lateral band is entirely wanting. Dr. Philip Cox, of New Bruns- wick, who finds boih this and the preceding species in that Province, .says : "These two species are with us very closely related and present at all times such instability of characters as to suggest intergr.-iding. " Length, about three inches.
\'cry common in all streams of the Low<'r Lakes and .St. Lawrence region. In the I'pper Lake region it is represented by R. a. obtusus.
(iHM s HVMOPSIS. (H<)i<\v-m;\i)s.)
Body robust or variously elongate ; mouth terminal or inferior, with lips thin or somewhat fleshy, .1 conspicuous b;irbel always present an«l terminal on the maxill;iry; a second barbel sometimes present on each side; premaxill.-irics protractile. Teeth .1.-4 or i, 4-4, i, or o; hooked, the grinding surface narrow or obsolete. -Scales usually rather large ; lateral line continuous. Dorsal inserted over, in front of, or slightly behind ventrals ; anal basis short. Males usually with nuptial tubercles, and sometimes flushed with rvil. A large and varied group closely allied to \otropis, from whic li it differs chieflv in the presence of the small maxil- lary barbel.
Sinr.FM s FRIMYSTAX.
(51) Spotted Shiner.
(Hybopsis dissimilis.^
Body long and s!en<ier, caudal peduncle long and low ; he.id long, snout obtusely rounded at the point ; projecting beyond the sm:ill mouth. The gill openings are separ.-ited by a broad isthmus. Caudal moderately l;irt;e and deeply forked. Barbels conspicuous. Scales, 6-43 to 47-5. Teeth. 4-4. hooked and with .1 short grinding surface. D. II., 8; ;\. IL, 6; v.. 7: P.. 15.
Colour, jibove olivaceous, beiow silvery, the lateral band is dusky, on which are several dark spots; the band is carried forward through the eye and around the snout : tins pale. Length, about six inches.
This species occurs in the Lower Lakes and rivers falling into them. It i> probably more abundant in Lake Krie than els«-«lifre.
k
4tl
CHECK M.ST OK THE
SiBOENi s HVHOPSIS. (.S.>) Lake Minnow.
(ll.vbop.<-is stortTianus.) Body rather elongate; back elevated, aMendin^; j-radually to bejjin- ning of dorsal, then descending to the caudal fin ; head short, intcrorbital space broad, flat ; mouth rather small, horizontal, the lower jaw included ; barbel conspicuous; snout abruptly decurved, the tip thickened; lateral line somewhat decurved; fins high; dorsal inserted well forward, over ventrals; pectoral fins pointed; caudal long, dccplv forked. .Scales, j;-4.*-4. D., 8; A., 8. - . t
Colour, greenish alwve ; sides and below brilliant silvery ; fins plain. Length, about eight inches.
This fish has been taken in Lake Ontario wafers and also in Lake Krie, but I have no other records.
(Jenus coui:sius.
Body elongate; head normal, not depres.sed, the profile convex ; mouth terminal, normal, a well developed barbel on the anterior side of maxil- lary, just above its tip. Iceth, 2, 4-4, 2, hiwikcd without grinding sur- face. Scales rather small ; lateral line continuous. Dorsal fin over or slightly behind ventrals ; anal basis short. .Size rather large. This genus is closely related to the section Xocomis under Hybopsis, from which it may be separated by the presence of two teeth in the lesser row , by the position of the barbel, and by the smaller scales. Its relations with Scmo- tilus are equally close.
(si) Lake Chub.
(Couesius plumbeus.)
Body moderately elongate and somewhat compressed; head r.ither flat above, not much raised above the level of the eyes ; maxillary reaching to below front of rhit, a small barbel placed high at its tip; lower jaw included. Lateral line beginning high up on the nape, abruptly descend- ing to the median line over the pectoral fin, and thence running nearly straight to the caudal fin. Dorsal origin midway between tip of snout and ba.se of caudal fin. Caudal deeply forked. Scales small, n-65-8. Teeth, 2, 4-4, 2.
Colour dusky above, sides silvery with a plumbeous lateral band; fins plain. Length, nhnut six inches.
This species r.ingrs through Canada from New Brunswick to Lake Superior and is tolerably common throughout ; more especially north- ward. The Lake Superior form is C. p. dissimilis.
Gkm s KXOGLC'SSUM.
Body rather short and stout, subterete ; lower jaw three lobed, the dent.try bones being close together and completely united, not for"-ing a
i
KISM OK ONTAUIO.
47
uide arch as in the minnows Kcncrally ; uppiT jaw nut prolrartiU- ; pha- ryngeal bones small, tin; teeth hooked, and without grinding surface, i, 4- 4, I. Scales moderate; lateral line complete. Dorsal origin is nearly over the beginning of the ventral ; anal fin short ; isthmus broad ; gill rakers weak; pscudobranchial present, air bladder normal; alimentary canal short; peritoneum white. Size large. No marked sexual peculiarities; the males with some black pigment in spring. One of the most strongly marked genera of Cyprinidie.
(54) Cut-lips. Stone-toter.
(Hxoglossum maxillingun.)
Ho<ly rather short, and stout ; caudal (H-dum K- short and deep. Snout short and obtusely conical, lower jaw included; lye small. Caudal nxnl- erately forked. .Scales, 9-54-f>. Teeth, 1, 4-4, i. 1)., H; A., 7.
Colour, dusky olivaceous, darker above; a short and narrow dark bar above the root of pectoral; young with a dusky bar at the caudal base. I*"ins dusky, with pale extemities.
This fish may Ix? readily distinguished by the three-lobcd lower jaw, the dentary bones being closely united .md the lower lip represented by a Heshy lobe on each side of the mandible.
Length, about six inches.
The .Stonc-toter has not a very wide range; it is foiuul in the St. Lawrence River and in Lake Ontario, but does not appear to be abundant.
(iKMs CVPRIMS. (Caki-.)
Hody robust, compressed; mouth moderate, anterior, with lour long barbels ; snout blunt, rounded ; teeth molar, broad and truncate, i , i , v .^ I, I ; scales large; lateral line continuous; dorsal fin very long, with a stout spine, serrated behind; anal fin short, also with a spine. Large fishes of the fresh waters of Asia ; introduced into Kurope and America as food fishes.
{551 Carp. (Introduced.) (Cyprinus carpio.)
Body stout, moderately elongate; head comparatively small; mouth moderate, the upper jaw not extending to front of eye ; a barbel on the upper lip and another on the angle of the mouth at each side. Caudal strongly forked. Scales, 5-38-5. D. ML, 20; A. IIL, 5; V. L, 7; P., 15.
Colour, above dusky, the sides and below golden olive.
There are three varieties of this species, the German or Scale Carp, the Mirror Carp, and the Leather Carp, the distinction between them Iwing based upon the scale nfrr.ngement. The Leather Carp is nearly without scales. The Mirror has a few s.ales of unequal size, irregularlv placed;
II
•M
CHECK LIST OK THE
while the German variety has the txxly «-omplctely covered with .scales, this last being the most abundant form in our waters.
No greater mistake was ever made than the introduction of this tish into North American waters. In Kngland, where it is well known, it was considered atx>ut the most worthless lish they had and one of the nu)st dilhcult to gel rid of, where once it had become established. On some parts of the continent of Europe, however, where good fish are scarce, the Carp was cultivated and fed in ponds with care and probiibly Ijccause the people knew no better, it was more appreciated. In this country, where lish of the highest quality should be obtainable by every one, thee is no place for the Carp.
De Kay states that it was first introduced into New York waters in iHji. In 1H70 it was taken to California and in 1877 the United States Fishery Ctimmissioner.s imported a considerable number and propagated them only too successfully. Since then they have spread into all accessible waters and have become an unbearable nuisance wherever found, for not only are they damaging our fisheries, but also by rea.son of their destruc- tion of the wild rice beds they are causing the wild fowl to avoid the feed- ing grounds to which they formerly resorted during the autumn flight.
The f€X>d of Carp consists principally of insects and vegetable matter, preferably, perhaps, of the seeds, young shoots and tender roots of aquatic plants; when leeding it constantly grubs up the bottom, thereby stirring the mud and keeping the water in suc;h a dirty condition that none of our valuable fish will remain in it.
The spawning .season in our waters commences in June and seems to last until August. The fish are very prolific, make rapid growth, and attain a large size, specimens weighing over twenty pounds having fre- quently lieen taken in Ameritan waters, while in Europe they have beer known to reach ninety pounds.
Order APODES. (The Eels.)
Teleost fishes with the premaxillaries atrophied or lost, the maxillarics lateral, and the body anguilliforni and destitute of ventral fin.s. The most striking feature is the absence of the premaxillaries, taken in connection with the elongate form and the little development of the scapular arch, which is not attached to the cranium. Other characters not confined to the Apodes are the following : The absence of the symplectic bone, the reduction of the opercular apparatus and of the palatopterygoid arch, the absence of ventral fins, the absence of the mesocoracoid or pracoracoid arch, and the reduction or total absence of the scales. There are no spines in the fins, the gill openings are comparatively small, and there are no pseudobranchiae. The vertebra; are in large number and none of them are specially modified. The tail is isocercal ; that is, with the caudal ver- tebrae remaining in :i straight line to its extremity, as in the cmbryov of most fish.
ih
I
KISH OK ONTARIO
4»
Sukordcr ENCHELYCEPHA1.I.
Tlu- ( haracturs of this uroiip iirt- as jjivoii mIxa c.
Tamiiv AMlUILI.ID.li. , I iik Tki k Ehis.i
I he true ICt'ls lire ell. irailiTi/i-cl by thi-ir iimicat hea<l, wull <li \<1oik-«1 oprrfular apparatus, lati-ral iiiaxillim-s, cardiform tfi-th, distinct tiMiijuc, v«-rtii ;il lali-ral l)ranclilal ,i(H'rtiircs. contiiUHMis MTtiral fins, with thr dorsal lai from tin- licad, pci lurals well «!i'\, K-ixd, staly skin, anil nearly pcrfrrt l)ram tiial ski'lelon.
'I'lu- AnKiiillidu- approarli inore nearly than most of llu' Kels to the t\pi' of the true fishes. In oiu- respect, however, that of the minute ova ami loneealed (jeneratiofi, they <li 'cr widely from ihev.
(iKM s ANt.lII.I.N. (Khs.)
Ilodv elongati', sulil. '->!i , mnipressed posteriorly, eo\ered with embedded -.lales which .iii' liiic.ir iii lorm and placed ol)li(|ui-ly, s<ime of them at right an^Ici to dlher--. 'aleral line well tleveloped. Head lont;'. conical, moderatelv pointed, ti:r r.-ilhcr small < " ■■ will forwaril and ov<'r the .inKle of the mouth. I'ci th s i il!. -iidojiii!, in h.nuN on each f.'iw an<l a lonji patch on the vonur. '((ip,,!!. fn e it tip. I-ips r;ither full, with a
free margin behind, ^iliailicd In ,i Ir m n; i,i f .ml Lovvcr jaw projectinj,'. (iill openinfis rather small, slii lile, ; ii.nil ■ \'. ii'e as base of portorals and partly 1h'Io« them. Nostrils siiperior, uell separated, the anterior with :i slij{ht tu1)e. \'i'nt closi- m lri>nl ■ ( anal. Uorsal inserted .it some distance from the head, conllueni with ihi- ;m.il roimd the t;iil. I'eitorals Well developed.
(Vi) American Kel.
(.Anjjuilla chrysv p.i.)
Body much elongated, .dimd throuijh most of its length, compn- -■ d behind; head conical, elongated; snout pointed; lower jaw hinjfcr • ••. the upper; nill openinij.s partly below the perioral tins, small and .sli' .. Si-ales imperceptible, deeply en'bcddi (I :ind very irrcj,'ularly placed. I >'■
line very distiict. Colour .iboxe oli\c brown more or less iini>;e<I .' . ' i vellowish, below i;r.iyish to pure white. I.englh, thirty inch« -.
In our I'ro\ ii'cc the ICel is only found in the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario and their tributaries, the Falls of Xi.-is^ara forminjj an insur- mountable obstacle to further progress inland.
I'ntil recentlv the repniduction of the \-'.t\ has been involved in mystery, but the careful investigations of competent observers have resulted in .showing that the I-'cl spawns in salt w.iler, usu.rlly iiti mud ba-iks it:f the
il
Art
( HKC'K LIST OK THK
mouths of rivers, to which ihcy re-sort in late autumn. When the young Kels arc fronj two to three inches lonjj they ascemi the ri\ers in vast num- bers, travelling continually until they meet some obstacle which cannot l>e overcome. Professor Haircl has estimated "that in the summer one may see hundreds of w.iggon loads of young Hels at the foot of Niagara Falls, crawling ov<r the rocks and squirming in the seething waters." Where the obstruction to their passage permits it, the fish will leave the water and travel through wet grass in order to continue their journey.
As a food fish Kels are justly esteeme<l and in Ihe markets they always sell for a high price.
Order ISOSPONDYLI. (The Isospondylous Fishes.)
.Soft-rayed fishes with the antorior xcrtehra- simple, luimodified, and without audil<iry ossicles; symplectic present; no intercl: vicles ; opercular bones distinct ; pharyngeal bones simple above and beiow, the lower not falciform. MescK-oracoid arch always well developed, forming a bridge from the hypercoracoid to the hypocoracoid. Hones of jaws developed, the maxillary broad, always distinct from premaxillary, and forming part of margin of upper jaw ; no barbels. .Shoulder girdle well developed and '•onnected with the <-ranium by a lx)ny post-temporal, (iills four, a .slit tiehind the fourth. .Air bladder, if present, with a pneumatic duct. Dorsal and anal fins without true spines. \'entral fins abdominal, sometimes wanting. .Scales usually cycloid, sometimes ctenoid ; occasionally wanting. \<) developed photophores. .Adipose fin present or .-ibsent.
Famii.v HIODONTID/K. (The Moon-eves.)
Body oblong, much compressed, covered with moderate sized, bril- liant, silvery, cycloid scales. Head naked, short, the snout blunt. Mouth moderate, oblique terminal, the jaws about equal. Premaxillaries not pro- tractile. Maxillary small, slender, without evident supplemental bone, articulated to the end of the premaxillary and forming the lateral margin of the upper jaw. Dentition very complete; premaxillary and dentary bones with small wide-set cardiform teeth ; mnxillaries with feeble teeth ; a row of strong teeth around the margin of fhi- tongue, those in front very strong canines; lietwcen the.se is a band of short close-set teeth; vomer with a long double series of close-.set, small teeth; similar .series on the palatine.*^, sph«'noid and pterygoids; sides of loner j.iw fitting within the upper, so that the dentaries shut against the palatines. Kye very larse, the adipose eyelid not much developed. Preorbilal very narrow. Nostrils l.irge, tho.se of each side close together, separated by a flap. Gill mem- branes not connected, free from the isthmu.s, a fold of skin covering their base. No gular plate. Branchioslegals eight to ten. flill rakers few.
I
I
^1
KISII ()|- ONTAIUO.
51
short and thick. INfiidobr.-ini-hi.i' ohsolftf. Lateral line distinct, straight. IVIly not M-rratod. Dorsal lin rather posterior; anal elongate, low; \entrals well developed; laudal strongly forked; no adipose fin. Stomach horsesh(H-sliai)td. itithoiit Wind sac; one pyloric c-ecuni. \ crtcbra', ahiuit sixty. Air hladd«- large. No oviducts, the eggs falling into the caNily (il the al>d<>nien before e\( lusion.
(iKNis HIODON. (Mf)(>\-KVi s.) i he generii characters are imtluded abov...
Sihgkm s IIIonON.
(57) Mooneye
(Hiodon tergisus.)
Uodv oblont;. much compressed; the belly with a slight but obtus- keel in front of v*rntrals and a r.'ther sharp edge behind them; head short, snout rounded: eye large; caudal deeply forked.
I)., 12; A., 2H to v-
Colour, back bright olive green; side and abdomen brilliantly siKcry Length, twelve inches or a little more.
This species ranges from the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior anil is p.irticularly abundant in Lake Krie. It is a very handsome and good g.ime lish, taking bait \ery readily, but its flish is of no value as food.
Si m.KNi s AMI'HIODON.
(5S) Gold-ey;. Northern Mooneye.
(H'.odon alosoides.)
•iody deep, much compressed; head short, eye moderate, the snout ve;y blunt; mouth large and oblique, the maxilla reaching beyond the •niddle of the eve. The ventral edge of the body carinated. Scales, '^-5"-r- I)., .); A., 7,2.'
Colour, bluish .ibove, sid -s silvery with a golden lustre. Lenutli, about twelve inches.
1 have n<' positive record of the occurrence of this fis!i in Ontario waters, but I have no doubt that it will be foimd in the lak s and ri\i'r- near the NL-initoba boundary. In Manitoba it is very abundant and is the best sporting fish found in the prairie rivers. It takes grasshopp<rs an<i small frogs, or even pieces of fish very readily, .ind in early summer rises well to an artificial t1y. Its llesb is parlii iilarly will flavoured and firm and is much \:ihn'(l as lood.
a
CHKCK I.IHT OF THE
Family OOKOSOMIIJ.l-:. ((hz/xhd Shads.)
Body short and deep, strongly compressed, lovered with thin, decidu- ous cycloid scales. Belly compressed to an edge, which is armed with Iwny serratures. Head naked, short, and rather small. Mouth small, inferior, oblique, overlapped by the blunt snout ; no teeth ; maxillary nar- row and short, with a single supplemental Iwne, not extending to opposite middle of eye, and forming but a small portion of lateral margin of upper jaw ; mandible short and deep, its rami enlarged at base ; premaxillaries not protractile. Clil! rakers slender, exceedingly numerous, not very long, similar on all the arches. Gill membranes not united, free from the isthmus; branchioslegals about six; pseudoNr^.nchial large. .An .idipose eyelid. No lateral line. Dors.il tin .-ibout midway of the body, usually behind ventrals. Pectorals and ventrals moderate, e.ich with ;m'.-iccessory scale. .Anal very long and low ; caudal forked. \o adipose fin. Verte- bne, forty-nine. .Stomach short, niiisc<il.-ir, like the gizzard of a fowl.
Gkni s DORO.SOM.A. ((Jiz/aki. .Shad.)
Body hirring-like. much compressed .ind covered with moderately liirge, thin, cycloid scales. .Snout short and obtuse. Head scaleless, short and small. Rye large and provided with an adipo.se eyelid. The belly is compressed to an edge, which is armed with sharp sernitures. Mouth small, transverse; the lower jaw the shorter, jaws toothless. The maxilla does not extend to the middle of the eye. (iill rakers numert)us, moderately long :ind slender; gill membranes deeply cleft and free from the isthmus; pseudobranchia- well developed; lateral line wanting. The dorsal fin is placed nearly over the middle of the body, slightly behind the oiigjn of the ventral. Its last ray is produced into a long filament. The pectorals and ventrals are rather long and each is provided with an appendage formed of several elongate, overlapping .ucessory scales. The caudal is deeply forked. Anal mtv long, its l.ist rays low.
1 5')) Gizzard Shad.
(I)orosoma cepedianum. )
Body deep, compressed; the scales thin, deciduous; h^ad small; snout short, blunt; mandible enlarged at base; gill rakers very slender, not very long; an adipose eyelid. Dorsal about median, the filamentous ray nearly as long as head. Caudal widely fnrl<ed, the lower lobe longer than upper; belly sharply serrate.
Colour, upper parts bluish ; sides silvery, sometimes wilh golden reflec- tions ; in the young there is a large d.irk blotch on each side not far liehind the head ; this disappears with ;ige.
Length, about fifteen inches; it sometimes .ittains ;i weight of about two pounds.
KISH (»K ONTARIO.
63
This fish huti worked it>. way from the Ohio and iMissihsippi Valleys through the canals to Lake Krie, where in some places it is not unroinmon. It is a handsome species, l)iit is of lui value for ftxKl.
I- vMii.Y I lAI'KiD.i:. (Till Hkkkim.s.)
liodv oblong, or eloiij;:ile, more i»r les^ ((impressed, covered with cycloid or pectinated scale-.. Helly somelimes rounded, somelimi--^ com- pressed, in which case it is often armed with Ininy serratures. Head naked, usually <(impres.sed. Mouth rather lar^je, terminal, the jaws about equal ; maxillaries forminji the lateral marjjins of the upper j;'.w, each i om- posed of alM>ut three pieces. I'remaxillarics not protractile ; teeth mostly small, often feeble or wanlinj;, \ariously arranj^ed. .Adipose eyelid pre- sent or absent, (iill rakers loivi; and slender; t;ill membranes not con- nected, free from the isthmus. \o gular plate, (iills four, a slit behind the fourth. Hranchioste^als usually few (six to fifteen). Posterior lower part of opercular re>,'iiin often with an anffular emar^-ination, the tips of the larger branchiostenals bein^ abruptly truncate. Pseudobranchiie present. No lateral line. I)»)rsal fin median or .somewhat ()osterior, rarely wanting. No adipose fin. X'entrals moderate or small. .\nal usually rather lon>; ; caudal Hn forked. X'ertebra', forty to fifty-six.
(IKM s I'OMOI.OIUS. |.\ii\vivis.)
Bixiv oblong, more or less comprcsse<l ; mouth moderate, terminal, the jaws about equal, or the lower projecting;, the upper scarcely notched at tip; teeth feeble, variously placed, probably never wholly absent, m.in- dibles very deep at base, shutting within the maxillaries; fjill rakers more or less long and slender, numerous; adipose eyelid present; scales thin, cycloid, deciduous, entire, rounded posteriorly; cheeks with the free part longer than deep; dorsal tin rather short, nearly median, Ijeginning in advance <if ventrals, its posterior ray not prolonged in a filament; ventrals pre.sent; anal moderate; belly compressed, strongly serrated before and l)ehind ventrals.
((x>) Gold Shad. Sawbelly.
(Pomolobus 1 hrysochloris. )
Houv compressed, r.ather low, the caudal peduncle stout and the belly strongly serrated; he;ui slender, rather pointed, lower jaw strongly pro- jecting, maxillary reaching posterior p.irt of the eye. Kye large, nearly one-fourth the length of head ; fins moderate, caudal deeply forked. Sc.iles. 1 5-52 to ^S.
' IX III.. 15; .\. III., 1''. Colour, above blue; below sihery. with golden reflections on sides. Length, about eighteen inches.
54
CIIKCK 1, 1ST OK THK
TIm' (lold Shad lias made its way into the (irtal l.akis throuKli <anals Ironi the Ohio and Mississippi \ alleys, where it is abundant.
Unlike most of its trilK>, this is a predaccuiis tish, feeding largely upon small fry. It may be readily captured with minnow bait, but as a food lish it is not esteemed.
|i>r| Gaspcreau. Alewife.
(I'liiniiliibus pseudoharengus.)
Body deep .ind hea\y forward, luuih i onipressitl. Mead shorl, nearly as deep as long; eye large, deeper than long. Maxillary broad; upper jaw cmarginate, lower jaw slightly projecting. .\nal low ; caudal deeply forked, partially scaled near Ixise. Scales, 15-50 to 54. I)., i(>; A., 17 to ly.
Colour, alx)\e bluish; silvery on sides; a black spot behind head. On large specimens there are faint dusky lines along the rows of scales.
Length, about ten inches, or r;ither more; in Lake Ont.-irio, howe\er, the\ rarely exceed eight inches in length.
This (ish is said to have been introduced into Lake Ontario in iH^^ by mistake, the intention having been to stock the water with shad. Whether this is correct or not, the (laspereau is now lirmly established here, and in spite of the vast nimibers which die e\ery summer, il seems to be increasing. l-"rom earlv in March until early in .\ovemlxr they are to be found near the shores of Lake Onl.irio and in the St. Lawrence, but are at the height of their abundance during June and July, and it is during these monilis that the great mortality t.ikes place, millions of dead lish being cast up on the shore and the surface of the water being liU-rally strewed with the dead and dying. Where they go in the cold months of winter is uncertain, probably only into the deep water of the lake, though it is possible that they m.iy work their way down to the (nilf of St. Law- rence.
They are eatable, but being small and bony are not much appreciated.
Gems .\L0SA. (The Shad.)
Hody deep, compressed, deeper than in related .American genera ; the head also deep ; the free portion of the cheeks deeper than long ; jaws wholly toothless (except in young) ; upper j.iw with a sharp, deep notch at tip, the premaxillaries meeting at a very acute angle.
{(yA Shad.
(.'Mosa sapidissima.)
Body deep ; mouth large, with the jaws about equal ; gill rakers very long and slender. In the female the dorsal originates a little in front of the middle of the length, in the male somewhat farther in front. The dorsal of the male is rather higher than that of the female, while the body is not so deep. Scales, lO-rto to 65. The dors.il has thirteen divided ravs .ind four simple, and the anal nineteen divided and three simple.
i
i
FISH OK oxTAnio.
I'dinir, hliiish alniNi-; sidis and Ih-I<i\v siK.-rx ; iiMiallv a dark l)l<)Uli Ijeiiind opiTili" and oftt-n several in a row behind this; pi-riti>ncum pale.
The Shad is an anadromous fish which passes most of its life in the ocean, migratinR annually up the rivers for the purpose of spawning in the spring. It was formerly abundant in the lower Ottawa, but has abitndoned that river and its occurrence within r)ui iHnindaries is now only accidental.
As a focMl fish il ranks \cry high, beinj; one of the most esteenH-d fish of .\merica.
Famiiv .SAL.MOMD.K. (Tmk .Salmons.)
Hody oblong or elongate, covered with c\rIoid .scales. Head naked. Mouth terminal, large or small, varying much in the different genera ; maxillary forming the lateral margin of the upper ),iw. provided with a supplemental bone; premaxillarics not pnilracfilc. Teeth various, some- times wanting, (oils four, ii slit btliind the fourth, ['seudobranchiii pre.sent. (iill rakers various; gill membranes not connected, free from the isthmus: branchiostegals ten to twenty. Xo barbels. Dorsal usually nearlv median, not greatly elongate, its' rays nine to fifteen, only one or tvi!> of the anterior simple or rudimentary, the others branched ; adipose fin present ; caudal fin forked ; anal fin moderate or rather long ; ventrals moderate, nearly median; pectorals placed low. Lateral line present. Abdomen rounded in outline. Parietals not in contact; separated at middle by the intervention of the supr;io<» ipital, which connect, with the frontals ; epiplural appendages not developed. Air bhidder large, stomach siphonal : pyloric ca-ca very numerous. Ova large, falling into ihe cavity of the abdomen before exclusion.
.\s now restricted, this is no longer one of the large f.imilies of fishes, but in lieauty, activity, gaminess and quality as food and even in size of individuals, different members of the group stand easilv among the most valuable of our fishes.
The Salmonida* are confined to the northern regions and north of about 40" \. are everywhere abundant in suitable waters. Some of the species, especially the larger ones, are ni.irine and anadromous, livmg and growing in the sea and entering fresh waters to spawn ; others live in running brooks, entering lakes or the sea as oi-casion serves, but not habitually doing so; while others, again, are lake fis'i/s, .ipproaching the shore or entering brooks in the sp.iwning season, at other times retiring to waters of considerable depth Some of them are .active, voriicious an<l gamy, while others are companilively defenceless, these l;itter ran rarelv he captured upon a baited hook.
The large size of the eggs and their lack of adhesiveness, with the ease by which the eggs may be obtained and impregnated, render the most of the species especially adapted for artificial culture.
6 F.
w
CHICCK LIST OK THE
The Salmonitla- are of comparalivih nicnl i-volutum, none of them (>• ■ urnng as l.)ssils, unless it bo in recent dtfKwils. I lie liislabilily ol the specihc forms and the lack of sharply definetj speniu < harac lers may Iw ii part attributed to their re< ( ni origin.
tiENt s CORKGONUS. (WiiiTHHSiii-..)
Body oblong or elonKale, i ompressed ; head more <»r les> loriical, >nipre»s«'d, the .sii"iit mon- or less projeiting beyond the lower jaw ; mouth small, the maxillary short,' not extewling beyond ihe orbit, with a well developed suppiomental bone; teeth extremely minute, if present; scales iiiodcrate, thin, cy< loid, r.ither tirm. Dorsal lin moderate; caudal fin deeply forked; anal Hn somewhat elongate; ventrals well de\ eloped. Pseudobranrhiie l.irge; gill rakers varying f i>m short and thickish to long ;ind slender; air l.laddei" very lar^v, vertebi.i-, fiftv-six to sixty; stomal h hnrscshoe-shaped, with about one hundred pylot ic ca.*ca ; ova small.
Most of them spawn in late fall or winter near the shore, at other seasons often fre(|uenting considerable depths.
The number of species nl Coregonus has l>een overestimated and the geographical range and range of variation of eai . .ne arc much wider tl' in is generally supposed.
All our species are highly valued as fornl and the> .irobably constitute the mosi important cl;iss commercially of our fre.sh water fish.
.Si IMiKM s PROSOPIUM.
( ;| Frottlish. Pound Whitefish.
(Coregonus quadrilaterali.s.)
Body slender, elongate, subterete; head long, the snout compressed .Tr\d bijntly pointed. Scales, 9-85-8. D., 11 ; A., 10.
Colouf , upper parts dark bluish ; sides silvery.
Length, about twelve inches; it s< Ulom attains much more than one ri'id a-half pounds in weight.
The Frost-fish is abundant in thi (ireat L.tke region from the St. I. iwrence to Lake Superior and northward, and is everywhere highly f-tcemed as a food fish.
It spawns in October and Noxeinbcr, visiting the shallow parts of 1 ikcs and sandbars for that purpose.
Srm-.KNUs CORI (iONUS.
( 4) Common Whiteflsh.
(Coregonus clupieiformis.)
Body deep, compressed; back always more or less elevated, notably so in the adult; caudal peduncle short; head small and short, the snout l>lunl and obliquely truncated. Scales, 8-74 to 80-9. Dorsal, ten divided riys; anal, eleven divided rays.
««ie«OCOfY MSOUITION TBT CHART
(ANSI ond ISO TEST CHART No. 2)
A APPLIED IM^IGE Inc
^K 1655 East Moin Strtet
B^S 'Rochester. New York U609 US*
'■^S (7'6) 482 - 0300 - Phone
^S (716) 288 - 5989 - Fo«
••^-^
FISH OF ONTARIO.
57
Colour, upper parts pale olivaceous; sides and below white, sonn- what lustrous.
This Whitefish under favourable circumstances reaches a large ^'uf. One taken in Lake Erie a few years ago measured thirty-three inches in length, twenty-five inches in cicumference, and weighed twenty pounds. One taken at Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, weighed twenty-thref pounds. Another taken in Lake Kirie in 1876 weighed seventeen pounds. Such fish arc, however, now very rare in this Province. In Manitoba they are less uncommon. The average length of adults on our markets in thtsr days will be about twenty inches and the weight about three pountl^ or a little more.
It ranges through the Great Lakes region from the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior, and thence westward to .Maska ; where it is replaced by .i closely allied form ; its northern limit is not positively know n.
Although this is one of the most abundant and at the same time the most valuable of our commercial fish, its habits are not yet fully under- stood ; undoubtedly they vary very much according to locality ; the depth of water, currents or their absence, and climatic conditions all having some influence on the movements of the fish in search of food, and upon the time and place of spawning. In some of our lakes there is a move- ment of the Whitefish in early summer from the deep water into shoal water near the shore; towards midsummer they retreat to the deep and cold parts of the lake, where they spend most of their time. In the autumn they again move in towards the shore, seeking their spawning grounds ; these are chiefly rocky reefs and shoals, composed of what is known as honeycomb rock. It is said that gravelly and sandy shoals are sometimes resorted to for spawning purposes, but this is doubtful.
Spawning takes place in October and November and may possibly be extended by .some few individuals, or under exceptional circumstances, into December; both the time of spawning and of incubation depend largely upon the temperature.
The autumn movement commences in September, but does not become general until October ; the fish then continue to run in greater or less numbers until the spawning is ended, when they again retire to deep water for the winter. It is a curious fact that even during the spawning season a large nui.;ber of Whitefish are always to be found in the deep water, but there is no e\idence that they ever spaw n there.
(65) Sault Whitefish.
(Coregonus labradoricus.)
Head, five; depth, three and a half to four; eye large. Gill rakers short, about two to two and a half in eye, 10+15 or 16.
Body rather elongate, compressed, the back not elevated. Head rather small, slender, compressed. Mouth rather small, the lower jaw short, snout projecting ; the maxillary reaching front of pupil ; maxillary
6H
CHKCK LIST OK THK
bone broad, rather short, its suppienifiitary piece ovate. .Mandible reach- ing middle of eye. Tongue with about three series of small teeth. Supra- orbital bone narrow. Dorsal fin high '.n front, the last rays short.
L)., II or 12; .\., II or 12; Scales, 10-71 to 70-9.
Colour, bluish black above; silvery below; scales with dark punctula- tions on the edges; fins all dusky, pectorals and ventr.ils pale at the ba.se.
Length, twenty-one inches.
A very variable species, by .some authorities considered indistinguish- able from C. clupeiformis.
Generally distributed in cold, clear lakes and large streams, especially northward.
Gems .VRGVROSO.MLS. (Ciscoks.)
This genus is very close to Coregonus, from which it differs in the larger mouth and more produced jaws, the premaxillaries being placed nearly horizonta.ly, and the lower jaw decidedly projecting beyond them. Gill rakers very long and slender, about thirty on lower limb; vertebrie, fifty-h\ ;. These characters are associated with the geater voracity, and in general greater activity of the species of Argyrosonuis.
StBGEMs .\RGYROS()ML"S.
(66) Cisco. Lake Herring.
(Argyrosomus artedi.)
Body long, slender, and somewhat compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines but little arched; head pointed; mouth large, jaws subequal or the lower .somewhat projecting; maxillary long, usually reaching to ver- tical of pupil. Caudal peduncle slender, but not much compressed ; dorsal fin small ; adipose fin slender, its width one-half its height.
D., 1 1 ; A., 10 (counting only divided rays in dorsal and anal) ; \'., 10.
Colour, above dull bluish green ; lower part of sides and below silvery white. Dorsal fin sometimes black tipped ; caudal dusky at tip ; anal and vontrals pure white.
This species attains a length of about twelve inches and a weight of about one pound. Larger .specimens have been recorded, but they are exceptional.
The Cisco ranges through the Great Lakes generally, but is most abundant in Lake Erie ; it was formerly common in Lake Ontario. Of late years, however, it has not been taken there in any quantity. Its spawning season is in November and early December.
rtSH OF ONTARIO.
S0
(67) Long-jaw Herring. Lake Herring.
(Arjjyro.sDinus prii(>nnthu.s. >
Body oblcng, much compressed, back elevated, the body tapcrin); rather sharply toward the narrow caudal peduncle ; the adult having a slight nuchal hump as in C cliip<'iformis; mouth large and strong; snout straight, its tip on a level with the lower edge of pupil ; mandible very long, projecting beyond upper jaw when the mouth is closed ; reaching to or beyond posterior edge of the eye: head rather short, deep and pointed; cranial ridges prominent, dors.-d rather high ; origin of dorsal nearer tip of snout than base of caudal. Scales rather large, about seventy-five in lateral line ; seven or eight above the lateral line ; se\ en or eight below the lateral line. Lateral line straight except at origin, where it presents a rather marked curve.
Colour, sides of body uniformly bright silvery, with pronounced bluish reflection in life ; back dusky ; under parts pure white, without silvery. Above the lateral line the upper and lower edges of the scales finely punc- tulate with dark, the central part unmarked, producing light longitudinal stripes extending whole length of body. Fins flesh colour or pinkish in life, the dorsal and caudal usually showing dusky edges ; postorbital area with bright golden reflection; iris golden, pupil black.
D., 9 or 10; A., 10 to 12.
Average length, about fifteen inches.
This fish may readily be distinguished from any other white fish found in the Great Lakes by the general form of its body, together with the very long lower jaw.
It is taken in all the Great Lakes except Lake Erie, from which as yet no specimens have been reported. In Lakes Ontario and Michigan it is particularly abundant, and is highly esteemed as a food fish.
There is much difference of opinion among fishermen as to the spawn- ing time of the Long-jaw, which seems to extend over a prolonged period. Fish with matured roe have been taken as early as May 17th, and ripe fish have also been reported from Lakes Ontario and Huron late in June and through July. Very little is positively known as to the location of the spawning grounds of this species, though it is said that they are in deep water.
(68) Black-fin Whitefish.
(Argyrosomus nigripinnis.)
Body stout, fusiform ; head and mouth large ; lower jaw slightly projecting ; back not arched, profile from occiput to origin of dorsal fin very gently curved ; eye rather large ; teeth very feeble, but appreciable on the maxillaries and tongue.
D., 12 ; A., 12.
Scales on lateral line, 73 to 77, above lateral line nine or ten, below seven or eight.
tut
CHKCK IJST OK THK
Colour, dark bluish a.Kivu; .sides siKiry, with dark punctuJations ; fins all blue-black.
This speries may be readily known by it., blat k (ins.
Uurinn Ihi- last few years the Hla»k-tin has been <K^^casionally reported from L.ike Superior; its centri- of abun<lani:e, however, apptars to lie I-ake Nlirhij>an and the deep water lakis of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In Its habits it rcsenibl.-s the other members of the group, swininiing in shoals and depositing its sp;iwn upon rcxkv bottom in NoveinlHr ;ind December.
It reaches a len^jlh ..I linhtcen to iwtniv inches and is considered a K<K>d food fish.
Si HOKM s AI.LOSOML'S.
(rx)) Tullibec. Mongrel Whiteflsh.
(.\r|ryro.somu.s tuliibee. )
Body .short and deep compressed, the dm s.il and ventral outlines similarly curved; he;.d small, conic and compressed; mouth large, lower j.iw .slightly projecting. .Scales larger on front of l)ody than on caudal peduncle; free margins of the scales less convex than in other species, often emarginate, especially on anterior part of body. Later.il line straight and in a line with upper rim of orbit ; tongue with a patch of fine teeth near the tip; ^ill rakers numerous, long and slender.
U., to to li ; A., 1 1 or u.
Scales on lateral line, (>« to 74, eight or nine rows alxive and seven or eight below.
Colour, iridescent ')luish above, sides and under parts silvcrv ; t)ld mdividuals dar.ker above, with some golden reflections on side; fins more or less evidently black tipped; upper edge of pccior.-il margined with black.
From all other Whitefishes the Tuliibee may be distinguished by the short steep body and the closely imbricated scales. It attains a length ol eighteen or twenty inches and a weight of about three and a half pounds. As a food fish it is highly esteemed, but its commercial importance is as yet limited.
This species is usually called the Tulliljee, but it is sometimes scyled the "Mongrel Whitefish" on the erroneous supposition that it is a cross between the Whitefish and the Lake Herring.
In the Great L.ikes 1. is not at all c< minon, occurring m limited num- bers in Lakes Erie and Superior only, birt in the Lake of the Woods and through Manitoba and Assiniboia it is abundant.
Mr. F. C. Gilchrist, in describing the habits of this fish in Western Canada, says: "In September they will be found gradually nearing the shoal water, feeding heavily, plump with fat :ind the now swelling ovaries. Later on they appear to eat little or nothing and devote all their time to playing until about the 25th of October, when they settle down to the
I"
KI8H OF ONTARIO.
busin.-ss of prupugation, whiih is fmishfii by Nt.vi'inlH;r loth. I lic> pri?tir jihallow water close to the .shore, with clean sand to spawn on, and during the day they may lie seen in pairs and small schools, pokint; along the shores, but at night they corm- in thousands and kitp up .1 uiiisliinl loud splashing and fluttering, ver strange and weird on a calm night. I wo years ago I carefully counted the ova from a ripe fish two and a half pound:* in wi;i;jht, and found there were .'.^700, cU)scly resembling U hitefish eggs in appearance, but somewhat smaller, .\fter spawning the lish .ire very thin, lank, dull in colour, and quite unfit for human fcxxl."
Oknus S.\I..\. . (Smmon wi. Tk(iit.)
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; moulh large, jaws, palatines and tongue toothed, vomer flat, its shaft not depressed, a few teeth on the chevron of the vomer, behind which is a somewhiit irregular sin- '•; :i. double series of teeth, which in the migratory forms are usually '' 40us with age; scales large or small, one hundred and ten to two he . • , n a longitudinal se/ies; dorsal and anal fins short, usually of ten elve
rays each; caudal fin truncate, cmargiiiate or forked, its peduncle com- parativelj- stout; sexual peculiarities variously developed, the males in typical a;., es with the jaws prolonged and the front teeth enlarged, the lower jaw being hooked upward at the end and the upper jaw emarginate or perforate. In the larger and migratory species these peculiarities are most marked. Species of moderate or large si/e, black spotted.
El nr.KMis S.ALMO.
(-0) Atlantic Salmon.
(Salmo salar.)
Body moderately elongate, symmetrical, not much compressed; head rather low and co.nparatively small; mouth moderate, the maxillary reach- ing just past the eye ; in the young the maxillary is proportionately shorter. Scales comparatively large, rather larger lostpriorl^ silvery and well imbricated in the young, becoming embei , in the adult males.
Colour : In the adult the upper parts e brownish or grayish, the sides silvery. Numerous x or x , shapec oiack spots on the upper half of the body, side of the head !.:id on the fins. Males in the breeding sea- son have red blotches along the si<;«s. In the young there are from ten to twelve dark crossbar.' i; 'ngled wii. icA lilotches and black spots. D., 11 divided rays and 3 rudimnts; A., o divided rays and ^ rudiments. Scales, 23. '-JO. 2»-
In the early pioneer days the Atlantic Salmon was abund.int in the St. Lawrence and the Lake Ontario waters as far as Niagara Falls, which formed an insurmountable obstacle to their further progress. They may now, however, be considered as extinct in this Province. The destruction
«»
CHECK LIST OF THE
of the timl)er alun^ the banks of the rivers and the consequent polhition of the water having fouled the spawning beds to such an extent that the fish can no longer resort to them. An occasional specimen is taken in Lake Ontario by the tishernian, but these visitors are probably merely wanderers from the hatcheries below. The range of the Salmon in Canada extends from yuebec eastward through the Maritime Provinces, thence northward along the Atlantic coast to Hudson Strait, and for about one hundred miles down the east coast of Hudson Bay.
The usual weight of the Atlantic Salmon ranges up to about forty pounds, but specimens of sixty or more have Ix'cn taken. The greater part of its growth takes place in the ix-ean, in which the fish spends a)x>ut half its life. In the spring or early summer the adults enter rivers, work- ing their way up to shallow water, on a .sandy or gravelly bottom. On this the eggs arc deposited in late autumn, the spawning season beginning about the middle of October, and it may continue until December. The eggs are large, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and very numerou.s, an eight-pound female yielding from five to six thousand eggs and heavier fish a proportionately greater number. The hatching period ranges from one hundred and forty to two hundred days, def>ending upon the tempera- ture. When newly hatched the fry are about three-fourths of an in* h long. .\t two or three months old and about two inches long, they begin to show the vermillion spots and dark cross bands and are then called "parr"; this name and colouration they retain while they remain in fresh water. In the second or third spring they assume a uni- form bright silvery colour and descend to the sea, at this stage being known as "smolt. " .After remaining in salt water for a period varying from a few months to about two years, the fi.sh may return (o their native river, either as a "grilse" or ".salmon" weighing from two lo six pounds. Towards winter they again return to the sea, and from this time forward the migration from the sea to river head waters is performed annually.
It is generally assumed that salmon take no food while in fresh water, yet they certainly rise readily enough to the artificial lure of the angler, more particularly when fresh run from the sea ; therefore it .seems probable that in the early part of the season the fish will feed, but that as spawning time approaches they, like some other species, cease to have anv desire for food and devote themselves to the duties of reproduction entirely, for while on the spawning ground and after the ova are deposited the salmon grow lank and thin, losing all their beauty. In this condition they are "kelts" and valueless as food.
Si HOKNis TRUTTA.
(71) Steelhead Salmon.
(Salmo gairdneri.) Body elongate, little compressed, much like S. salar in form ; caudal peduncle short; head rather short, maxilla reaching far behind the eye.
7 V
I
FISH OF ONTAniO.
tKi
Eye small. Teeth rather small ; vomerincs in two long, alternating series, about as long as the palatine series ; gill rakers short and ;-itout ; about twenty, on the first arch of which twelve are below the angle ; dorsal origin much nearer to tip of snout than to base of caudal ; adipose fin very small and narrow, over the beginning of the anal; caudal fin moderately forked in the youn^^; \entral origin midway between tip of snout and base of caudal.
D., II ; A., 12. Colour, olive green above, sides silvery, head, back, dorsal and caudal fins profusely covered with small black spots, no red between the rami of the lower jaw.
I mention this fish because it has been introduced with marked suc- cess into L.ike Superior and tributary waters by the L'nited States Fish Commission, and specimens have lx;en taken on our side of the lake, where it is to be hoped it will find a congenial habitat, for it ranks very high as a game and food fish, attaining under favourable circumstances a weight of about twenty pounds.
Gkm s CRISTIMOXKR. (Lakr Tkoit.)
This genus contains one, or perhaps two, species, large, coarse Charrs, distinguished from Salvelinus by the presence of a raised crest behind the head of the vomer and free from the shaft ; this crest is armed with teeth. The hyoid teeth constitute a strong cardiform band. The typical species is a large Charr, spotted with gray, and found in the larger lakes of eastern North .America.
Gray Trout. Togue. Tuladi.
(73) Lake Trout. Salmon Trout.
(Cristimover namaycush.)
Body long ; caudal peduncle slender ; head long, its upper surface flattened: eye large, placed near top of head; mouth very large, the maxil- lary extending much beyond the eye ; the origin of dorsal midway between tip of snout and root of tail ; caudal fin well forked ; adipose fin small ; teeth very strong.
D., 9 to II ; A., 9 to II. Scales, about 200 on lateral line.
The colouration is extremely variable, generally grayish, sometimes pale and sometimes almost black, everywhere with rounded pale spots which are often reddish tinged ; on the back and top of the head there are fine vermiculations resembling those of the Brook Trout. The dorsal and caudal with pale spots and dark markings.
This species is found in nearly all the large lakes from New Bruns- wick west to British Columbia and north fi m I.abrador through the Hudr.on's Bay country to Alaska. It is the largest species of the family resident in fresh water, reaching a length of several feet and a weight of sixty pounds or even more, though specimens exceeding twenty pounds are now rare.
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CHECK LIST OF THK
The Lake Trout is one of the most rapacious of our fishes and will devour almost anything, though its principal food consists of Herrings, young Whitefish, and other soft-finned fishes. It frequents deep waters and is usually taken near the bottom. The spawning season varies some- what according to locality. In Lake Superior it commences early in Octo- ber, while in other lakes it is deferred until .November, and continues into December. The spawning grounds are on the reefs of honeycomb nx:k in from ten to one hundred feet of water.
There is a great difference of opinion as to its %alue as a game tish. Some anglers consider it affords a great deal of sport: others have no regard for it. I agree with the latter, having always found it a heavy, lumpish fish, with no fight in it. Commercially, however, it is of great importance, being always in demand and furnishes an excellent article of food.
The variety Siscowet (C. n. siscowet) differs from the common Lake Trout in having a deeper body, which is covered with a thicker skin, beneath which is a great development of fatty tissue. The scales are somewhat larger and the colour usually paler. It is most frequently taken in Lake Superior, though examples are sometimes found in Lakes Huron and Erie.
Ge.nus S.XLVELINUS. (Chakks.)
Body moderately elongate ; mouth large or small ; teeth of jaws, pala- tines, and tongue essentially as in Salmo, the hyoid patch present or not ; vomer Jnat-shaped, the shaft much depressed, without raised crest, with teeth on the head of the bone and none on the shaft; scales very small, two hundred to two hundred and fifty in a lengthwise series ; fins moderate, the caudal forked in the young, truncate in some species in the adult; sexual peculiarities not strongly marked, the males with the premaxillaries enlarged and a fleshy projection at the tip of the lower jaw. Colouration dark, with round crimson spots, the lower fins sometimes with marginal bands of black, reddish and pale.
The species of this genus are by far the most active and handsome of the Trout; and live in the coldest, clearest and most secluded waters. Some of them occasionally descend to the sea, where they lose their varie- gated colours and become nearly plain and silvery.
(73) Brook Trout.
(Salvelinus fontinalis.)
The Brook Trout varies very much in the shape of the body, which is sometimes short and deep and sometimes long and thin. Head large, snout somewhat obtuse ; mouth large ; eye large, somewhat above axis of the body; caudal fin slightly lunate in the adult, forked in the young; adipose fin small and stout.
'!'
FISH OF ONTARIO
65
D., lo; A., 9. S<:alos on lateral lim-, jj.s t" ■J.?5-
The colouration is highly variable with age ami locality. Upper parts usually grayish, much mottled or barred with dark olive or black without spots; on the sides numerous pale brownish blotches encircle small scarlet spots. Dorsal and caudal fins mottled with darker; lower fins dusky with a creamy white band anteriorly followed by a black streak ; belly of the male often more or less red ; sea run fish are often plain bright silvery.
Brook Trout were formerly found in all the clear spring streams, and lakes fed by them, throughout the Province, but of late years, owing to the pollution of our waters and excessive fishing, its range is restricted to the unsettled districts, and except where it is artificially propagated and preserved it has ceased to exist in southern Ontario. .\s a game and food fish it is unexcelled, and angling for it is one of the most fascinating of outdoor sports. The size attainc<l by this fish depends largely upon its habitat and food. In small streams it may mature at a length of six or eight inches and a weight of only a few ounces, while in large bodies of water, with an abundant fcK>d supply, they will teach eighteen inches or more in length and a weight of from six to eight pounds. In Lake Ncpi- gon and some of the rivers of that famous district very large fish are still commonly taken.
In the cool days of late autumn the Brook Trout run up to the head waters of the streams and there on the gravelly shallows deposit their ova; the spawning .season extending from September in the north to December in the south. The number of eggs produced depends upon the age and size of the fish. Yearlings (that is, fish in their second year) will produce from fifty to two hundred and fifty ova, while a large fish may produce as many as fifteen hundred. The eggs arc about three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter and of a warm orange colour. The period of hatch- ing depends upon the temperature of the water, ranging from thirty-two days in wafer at 54° to one hundred and sixty-five days in water at 37".
In the early part of the summer Trout frequent the ripples and shal- lower parts of the streams, but as the temperature rises and hot weathei sets in they retire to the deeper pools or the vicinity of cold springs, wher« they remain until the return of autumn starts them up stream again.
Though commonly called Brook Trout, our fish is really a Charr and is closely allied to, if not identical with, the famous Charr of North Britain and the continent of Europe.
Order MAPLOMI. (Pike-like Fishes.)
Soft-rayed fishes with the mesocoracoid wanting ; the cor coids nor- mally developed, and the post-temporal normally at) hed to the cranium. Parietal bones separated by the supraoccipital. Syn- -ctic present. Oper- cular bones well developed. Anterior vertebrae u.. modified. Scapular arch jomed to the cranium by a post-temporal. Hypocoracoid and hyper- coracoid separate with developed actinosts. Pharyngeal bones distinct, the superior directed forward, three or four in number, the inferior not
if
66
CHECK LIST OF THE
falciform. No interclavicles. Mouth with teeth. Air bladder with a dis- tinct duct. Ventral fins abdominal, rarely wanting; pectoral fins placed low ; dorsal fin more or less posterior, the first ray occasionally stiffened and spine-hke; no adipose fin. Head usually covered with scales, like those on the body. Sjiecies chit-lly inhabiting fresh water.
Kammv UMHRID.E. (Mlu .Minnows.) Body oblong, broad anteriorly, compressed behind. Head large, flattened above. Mouth moderate, with bands of villiform or cardiform teeth on premaxillaries, lower jaw, vomer, and palatines ; premaxillaries not protractile ; lateral margin of upper jaw, formed by the broad, short maxillaries, which are toothless and without distinct supplemental bone; lower jaw the longer. Gill openings wide, the membranes scarcely connected; gill rakers little developed; branchiostcgals six to eight. Scales moderate, cycloid, covering head and body; lateral line wanting. Dorsal fin moderate, posterior, in advance of anal; ventrals small, close to anal ; pectorals inserted low ; caudal fin rounded. Stomach without blind sac; no pyloric cwca ; pjeudobranchiae hidden, glandular; air bladder simple. Oviparous fishes, the sexes similar. Carnivorous fi ;hes of small size, li\ing in mud, or among weeds, at the bottom of clear, sluggish streams and ponds; extremely tenacious of life.
Genus UMBRA. (Mudhshes.) Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales of moderate size, without radiating strije ; no lateral line ; head shortish, little depressed ; eye rather small ; cleft of mouth moderate ; ventral fins six-rayed, below or slightly in front of dorsal ; anal fin much shorter than dorsal ; pectorals rather narrow, rounded, placed low, with twelve to fifteen rays, which are much articulated ; caudal rounded ; preopercle and preorbital with mucous pores ; bt.ini hiostegals six; gill rakers rather short, thick. Size small.
Si'BGENis MELANUR A.
Mud Minnow. ( I'nihm limi. }
(74) Mud Minnow. Dogfish.
(Umbra limi.)
Body comparatively short and stout. Head rather large, flattened above. Ventral fins slightly before dorsal ; anal much smaller than dorsal.
FISH OK ONTARIO
I)., 14; A., y; v., (>; soalts mi Ijitcral liiu- .?5. "n transverse strits is.
Colour, dull olive green, with aix)ut fourteen narrow pale bars (faint in young), a black bar at the base of the caudal.
Common and generally distributed in muddy streams and inlets. The name is said to be derived from a habit this tish has of burrowing into the mud when the water evaporates from the ditches and ponds it frequents. It is seldom seen in clear water, preferring to hide at all times under stones or among weeds. It reaches a length of about four . hes.
Famii.v LLC IIU.K. (I'ikes.)
Body elongate, not elevated, more or less compressed |M)steriorly, I road anteriorly. Head long, the snout proltmged and depressed. Mouth very large, its cleft forming about half the length of the head; lower jaw the longer; upper jaw not protractile, most of its margin formed by the maxillaries, which are quite I'jng and provided with a supplemental bone ; premaxillaries, vomer and palatines, with broad bands of strong cardiform teeth which are more or less movable ; lower jaw with strong teeth of dif- ferent sizes ; tongue with a band of small teeth. Head naked above ; cheeks and opercles more or less scaly ; gill openings very wide ; gill membranes separate, free from the isthmus; gill rakers tuljcrcle-like, toothed; br.mchi- ostegals twelve to twenty. Scales small ; lateral line weak, obsolete in young specimens, developed in the adult. Dorsal posterior, opposite and similar to anal; caudal fin emargina'j; pectoral tins small, inserted low; ventrals rather posterior ; vent normal ; no adipose Rn ; no barbels ; stomach nut cayal. without pylor'c appendages; pseudobranchia» glandular, hid- den ; air bladder simple. Basis cranii double. Fishes of moderate or larjje si/e.
Genus LLCIUS. (Pikks.)
The genus Lucius is subdivided into three groups, distinguished by their size, scaling, and colouration. In the first group are three species of small Pike (commonly called by the Americans Pickerel), in which the cheeks and opercles are entirely scaly, the colour is greenish, usually with dark reticulations and the largest species reaches a length of aboijt two feet. To this group the subgeneric name Kenoza is applied. Only one of these s})ecies has come under my observation in this Province, and it is probably very rare here.
In the subgenus Lucius we have only the Common Pike (also called Pickerel by our American neighbors), the typical species of the genus, which has the cheeks fully scaled and the lower half of the opercles naked. The sides are pale spotted, on a darker ground, and it grows to a much larger size than any of the species of the Kenoza group.
The subgenus Mascalongus ':ontains only the Mascalongc, the largest member of the family. In this species the lower half of the cheeks as well as of the opercles is scaleless, and the scales are smaller than in those of the other groups.
OHECK LIST OF THK
SuBCENX's KENOZA.
(75) Gntn Pikt.
(Lucius reticulatus.)
Body long and slender ; caudal peduncle slender, its depth little more than one-third of greatest depth of liody. Snout lonj; and pointed. Caudal deeply forked.
L)., 14 to 15; A., 13 to 14. Scales on lateral line about tie,. The cheeks and opercles arc completely scaled.
Colour, green of various shades, sometimes very dark ; sides (often with a golden lustre), marked with many dark lines and streaks which are mostly horizontal and by their junction with one another produce a reticu- lated appearance. A dark band below the eye. Fins plain.
This small Pike does not seem to be at all common in our waters. I have taken a few in the neighbourhood of Toronto, but have not met with it elsewhere. It should be found in suitable places in Lakes Rric and Ontario. Its usual haunts are weedy streams, ponds and bays, where it lies in wait for the fish, frogs, and other living creatures upon which it preys. It is said under favourable circumstances to attain a length of two feet and a weight of eight pounds, but those I have seen were never more than half that size. As a food fish it is not generally appreciated, for its flesh seems to have absorbed too strong a flavour of the weeds among which it lives.
SlBGENUS LUCIUS.
(7^)) Common Pike. Northern Pike.
(Lucius lucius.)
Body elongate, but stout and well proportioned ; head long, with well produced snout ; caudal peduncle nearly equal to one-half depth of body. Eve nearly median. .Mouth very large and strongly toothed ; the tongue, •of of mouth, pharynx and gill arches bristle .with teeth in cardlike b.inds! giving the fish extraordinary power in holding its prey. The dors.il and anal fins are near the caudal. \'entral fm midway between tip of snout and end of caudal fin.
D., 16 to 20; A., 16 to 17. Scales on lateral side about 125. Cheeks entirely s'.aly ; upper part of opercle scaly, the lower half bare.
General colour greenish gray, with many white or yellowish spots, somewhat arranged in rows; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with roundish or oblong black spots. Naked part of the opercle boundeH hv a whitish streak.
Common and generally distributed throughout the Province in all waters where there are sufficient weeds to afford it shelter.
The Pike is one of the most voracious of our fishes, feeding upon any form of animal life which it is able to overpower. Under favourable cir-
< ^^
1
'III
I
FIHH OK ONTAHll)
cumstnnwH it attains a hir|{f si/,-, >i).tiiiuMs .>l iiiori- tlii.ii li.rrv |M)un<N weight having frequently been captund in Kurojx-. In I anjul.i it f|r»ts not grow so large, though in Manitoba, where it is commonly km.wn as "Jackfish." Fish of tweniy pounds were not very uncommon a few years ago. In Ontario it is so constantly pursued that it dcMvs not now get a chance to attain its lull dimensions, and Pike of over ten pounds' weight are beconing rare.
Spawning takes place in early spring, as s.jon as the ice hrejiKs up the fish running up on t»> rush In-ds or grassy shallows for that purpose." The females are very prolific, one weighing thirty-two pounds was esti- mated by the : te Professor Buckland to contain sos.ooo ova.
NIany anglers pn.fess to look u|ion the I'ike with lonternpt and treat Its claim to be considered a game fish with derision. This is l)erause it is usually taken by them in the summer months, when it is not in good con- dition. It is then soft in flesh and wer«ly in flavour, but in the autumn after the weeds have died down, it is a different fish ; then its llesh is firm and good and its fighting nowers will tax the angler's skill to the utmost.
.Si'Br.EM s M »SC\|.0\(irs.
(77) Mascalonge. Lunge.
(Lucius masquinongy.)
Body elongate, though stout: caudal peduncle short and slender Head large; eye nearly in the • liddlc of length of head. Mouth very large, the maxilla extending to below ihe hind margin of the cyi- The teeth are as in the Pike, but even more formidable. Dorsal and anal fins far back. Caudal deeply torked. D.. 17; A., is to 16. Scales on lateral me 150; check and opercle .scaled above, but both naked on their lower half.
Colour, dark grey, greenis:i or brownish, .nhvavs darker on the hark hg^hter on the sides. Belly white or whitish. The fins usually have duskv" spot.s or blotches, the lower fins and c.-.-.dal are sometimes reddish The body markings vary a great deal. In th oung the upper half of the bodv IS covered with small round black spots, which usually change their shape or disappear as the fish grow older. In mature fish the spots are more diffuse, sometimes enlarging to an ;.ich or more in diameter, or by coales- cing, form vertical broad bands, while in others there are no distinct dark markings. All these various markings are found in fish from the same locality. The maiority of Ljnge in our waters are either unmarked or show faint bars, the .spotted form being the most uncommon.
The distribution of Masralonge in our waters is somewhat irregular. It IS found in the St. Lawrence about the Thousand Islands, in the waters of the Trent Valley, Lake Scugog, Lake Simcoe. and manv of our inland lakes, but I have no record of its occurrence in anv of the Great Lakes
70
CHECK LIST OK THK
mi
except I.ake Erie and the (ieorgian Hay, where it is quite common. Its northern range is not yet clearly defined, but does not probably extend beyond the height of land.
Spawning takes place early in spring, soon after the ice goes out, in shallow water about the reed beds. Here the females deposit a large number of eggs, from which the fry hatch in from fifteen to thirty days, according to temperature.
The "Lunge" is, except at pairing time, a solitary fish, usually lying concealed among aquatic plants at the sides of channels, or in open lakes, beneath shelvmg rocks, from whence it darts upon every living thing unfortunate enough to come within its reach and small enough to become its prey.
When taken in the autumn, at which time it is in high condition, its flesh is firm, flaky and of good flavour, and its fighting ((ualities at their very best. In summer it affords comparatively little sport and its flesh is apt to taste weedy.
Under favourable circumstances Mascallor.ge attain an immense size, fish of eighty to one hundred pounds' weight having Ix-en taken in various places. We do not often see such monsters now, but specimens ranging from thirty to fifty pounds are captured every season.
I-AMIl.V P(ECILinXli:. (ThK KlI.l.IHSHKS.)
Body oblong, or moderately elongate, compressed behind, depressed forward, covered with rather large cycloid scales, which are adherent and regularly arranged. Lateral line wanting or represented by a few imper- fect pores. Head scaly at least above. Mouth terminal, small, the lower jaw usually projecting; margin of the upper jaw formed by the premaxil- laries only; premaxillaries strong, extremely protractile. Teeth incisor- like or villiform, sometimes present on the vomer, but usually in the jaws only; lower pharyngeals separate, with cardiform or r.irely molai teeth; third upper pharyngeal enlarged, the fourth wanting or united to the third. Gill membrares somewhat connected, free from isthmus; gill rakers very short, tliick. Branchiostegals four to six. Pseudobranchia; none. Dorsal fin single, inserted posteriorly, of soft rays only, rarely with a single spine, or rudimentary spinous dorsal ; caudal fin not forked ; ventral fins abdom- inal, rarely wanting; pectoral fins inserted low; no adipose fin. Stomach siphonal, without pyloric appendages. Air bladder simple, often wanting. Basis cranii simple. Sexes usually unlike, the fins being largest in the males, but in some species the females are much the larger.
If
Geni's FUNDULUS. (KiLi.iFisHES.)
Ro-Jy rather elongate, little elevated, compressed behind ; mouth mod- erate, the lower jaw projecting; jaws each with two or more series of
»
FISH OF ONTARIO.
pointed teeth, usually forming a narrow band, hones of the mandible firmly united ; scales moderate ; gill opening not restricted above, the opcrcle with its margin not adnate to shoulder girdle ; preopercle, pre- orbital, and mandible with mucous pores; dorsal and anal hns similar, sm;ill, or rather large, the dorsal inserted either in front of, abi.ve, oi behind, the front of anal; venlrals well devtioped; air bladder present; sexes differing in colour, si/e and development of the fins, the .'mal (in in the male normal ; intestinal canal short ; first superior pharyngeal without teeth, second with teeth, third and fourth coossified, with teeth. Species very numerous, mostly .-Xmerican, inhabiting fresh waters and arms of the sea. They are oviparous.
Si i:(.E.M s KO\ ! IXLS,
'un\">''
*^S^
Killilish. ' riiiuhihi.-: iliiiiihiiiiii': )
(78) Killifish. Fresh-water Kiily.
(Fundulus diaphanus.)
Body rather slender; head flat above; mouth very protractile, small, its width somewhat greater than the length of the lower jaw i'ins low, the <lorsal midway between the tip of the snout and the root of the caudal. The anal is wholly under the dorsal. Caudal large, convex behind.
D., 14; .\., !.>. Scales on lateral line, 46.
The females are olivaceous, sides silvery, with lifleen to twentv-ti\e narrow dark crossbands ; tins p;ile. In the breeding season the males are olive with about twenty pearly w'u;.' cross bars.
.Abundant in bays and shallow inlets near the lakes; usually found quite close to the shore line, associated in small shoals. A fairly g.'od bait fish, though not as attractive as the bright shiners and chub.
This species attains a length of about four inches.
Order HEMIBRANCHII. (The Half-gills.
Interclavicles developed, (lills furcate ; supraclavicle quite small.
pectinate. Post-temporal simple, not Superior pharyngeal bones reduced in
72
CHECK LIHT OK THE
iiunil)er, the bones of the gill arches also reduced except in Gasterosteidiie ; inferior pharyngeals present, not united. Ventral fins abdominal or sub- abdominal, joined to the intcrclavicle, or else detached from it through partial atrophy of the shoulder girdle. Mouth bounded above by premax- illaries only ; shoulder girdle simple in structure. Basis of cranium simple and without tube ; four anterior vertebra' more or less elongate ; snout usually more or less produced, the small mouth at its end.
Famii.v {J.ASTEROSTEID^. (The Sticki.ehacks.)
Body more or less fusiform, somewhat compressed, tapering behind to :i slender caudal peduncle. Head moderate, the anterior part not greatly produced, but all the bones of the suspensory apparatus somewhat leng- thened. Mouth moderate, with the cleft oblique, the lower jaw prominent ; maxillary bent at right angles and overlapping the premaxillary at corner of mouth. Teeth sharp, even, in a narrow band in each jaw ; no teeth on vomer or palatines; premaxillaries protractile. Preorbital rather broad; suborbital plate large, often covering the anterior part of the cheeks, form- ing a connection with the preopercle. Branchiostegals three. Gill mem- branes broadly joined, free from the isthmus, or not ; gill rakers i derate or rather long. Opercles unarmed. .Skin naked or with vertically tyblong bony plates ; no true scales. Dorsal fin preceded by two or mr>re free spines ; anal similar to soft dorsal, with a single spine ; ventral tins sub- abdominal, consisting of a stout spine and one or two rudimentary rays. Middle or sides of belly shielded by the pubic bones. Pectorals rather short, unusually far Ijehind the gill opening, preceded by a quadrate naked area which is co.ered ..ith shining skin. Caudal fin narrow, usually lun- ate. .Air bladder simple; a few pyloric cseca. Vertebrae, thirty to thirty- five ; anterior vertebrae little enlarged. Small fishes inhabiting the fresh waters and arms of the sea, noted for their pugnacity.
They are exceedingly destructive of the spawn and frv of larger fishes.
Most of the Sticklebacks build elaborate nests, which the male fish defends with much .spirit. The .species are extremely variable, being appar- ently readily affected by changes in surroundings.
Genus EUCALIA. (Brook Sticklebacks.)
Fresh-water Sticklebacks, feebly armed ,the skin not mailed, the dorsal spines few and nondivergent ; ihe gill membranes forming a free fold across the isthmus ; pubic bones fully united. One species known.
FISH OK (»NT.\UI(>
(-9) Brook Stickleback.
(Eucalia inconstans.)
Body elongated, rather stout; the cjuidal peduncle without keel; skin entirely smooth. The ventral spines and pubic bones are very small, the latter concealed under the skin. The thora< ir proiesses covered by the skin, slender and widely separated. Dorsal spines short, nearly equal in length, placed in a straight line, the anterior spines shortest. Wntral spines small and serrated.
D. III. to IV., I., 10; A. I., 10.
.Males in the breeding season jet black, tinged with copperv red. The females and young are greenish, variegated with darker.
Common in small streams and ponds, where it secretes itself among water plants, ready at any moment to attack any small fish which approaches its lair, or to dart upon passing insects small enough to become its prey.
This .species Is a nest builder and is particularly vigorous in the defence of its eggs or young. It grows to a length of two and a-half inches.
(li-Ms I'VGOSTKl.S. (MANV-snvKi) .Sikki. -hacks.)
This genus is characterized by the presence of nine to eleven divergent spines and by the weakness of its innominate bones. As in Euc. gill membranes form a broad fold across the isthmus.
Teii-gpined Stickleback, l /V/r)../^».« iiiiiu/ilitiM. )
(Ho) Ten-spined Stickleback.
(Pygosteus pungitius.)
Mody elongate, somewhat compressed. The dorsal spines are all in the same line in a furrow, but they diverge so as to form a zigzag series. Pubic bone weak, lanceolate, not serrate; ventral spines slender, pun- gent, finely F.znwte above and below; gill membranes free from isthmus behind; gill rakers long and slender; caudal fin lunate, slightly emargin- ate.
D. IX. to XI., I., 9; A. I., 8.
74
CHECK LIST OF THE
Colour brownish iiluivi', pun( tulate and irregularly baiTt'd with hiark. Tail keeled. Length alxuit three inches. In the breeding season the male becomes rosy beneath.
Not particularly common in this Province, but generally distributed through the region of the (Jreat L.ikes. It is said lo be abundant in the streams of the .\tlantic coast and in the fresh waters of tlu- Arctic regions.
(iKMs (iASTFROSTFL'S.
.Sticklebacks with the innominate bones coalescent on the median line of the Ix-'lly, behind and Ix'tween ihe ventral tins, forming a triangular or lanceolate plate. Gill membranes united to the isthmus ; tail slender, and usually keeled ; skin variously covered with bony phtes ; dorsal spines strong, with nondivergent bases. Species numerous and highly variable, those found in the sea usually \ ith the body completely mailed, the fresh and brackish water forms \ari()usly mailed, or even altogether naked.
fuTla^A
Two-.upilied StilkU'lliUk , ( (lil:ilrrn>lniy liirjii
i'Uf. ]
(8i) Two-spined Stickleback.
(Gastcrosteus bispinosus.)
Hody fusiform, moderately elongate and compressed ; caudal peduncle short, slender and distinctly keeled. The sides are covered with about thirty-three bony plates. The processes from the shoulder girdle cover the breast except a small naked area between them. .\t the base of each dorsal spine is a large rough bony plate to which the spine is hinged in such a way that it may be fixed and mimovable at the will of the fish. The pelvic bone is lanceolate. The spines are all closely .serrated, those in front of the anal and soft dorsal smallest. At the base of the ventral spine there is a cusp.
D. II. I., II to 1.3; A. I., 9.
Colour, greenish olive, lighter on the sides, lower parts silvery. Gill co\ers silvery, with dusky markings; iris silvery; pupil black; fins pale.
riSH OK ONTAniO
76
In the broeding season the mak' is brilliant bluish <»r urt-enish alwvf, with indistinct dark bars and KcnTi'lly bright red Ik-Iow. I.enjjili in our waters about three inches.
Rather common in sprinij in the streams and inlets of Lake Ontario, but I have not lourui it elsewhere. Its centre of abundance in .America is aloni; the North Atlantic coast, where it is found in all the streams from N'ew Jersey to L.abrador. The male of this species constructs a rather elaborate nest, of s nd, pieces of sticks, weeds, etc., in which the female deposits her ova. When this is done the male stands jjuard over it, fanning with his fins to promote circulation of the water, only leaxing his post to dart at an intruder or secure some small insei-t for food.
Order ACANTHOPTERI. (The Spmy-rayed Fishes.)
.\nterioi vertebra' unmodified and without ossicula auditus; no me.so- coracoid and no interclavicles so far as known. Horder of mouth formed by premaxillary ; maxillary normally distinct from it and always present, but sometimes coossified with it. Gills laminated. Shoulder girdle attached to the skull by a post temporal, which is normally furcate and usually not coossified with the skull. Hypercoracoid and hypocoracoid distinct, ossified, the former usually perforate. Pharyngeals well devel- oped, the lower rarely united, the third upper pharyngeal largest, the fourth often wanting. Pectoral actinosts always present, opercular appa- ratus complete; gill openings in advance of the pectorals; pectoral fins above the plane of the abdomen ; ventral fins more or less anterior, nor- mally attached by the pelvis to the shoulder girdle, typically with one spine and five rays, sometimes wanting, sometimes without spine or with many rays, or otherwise modified. Anterior rays of dorsal and anal typi- cally simple or spinous, but all the fin rays often articulate. .\ir bladder typically without duct in the adult. Scak's various, tvpically ctenoid; lateral line usually running high.
Suborder SALMOPERCi^:. (The Trout Perches.)
N'entrals abdominal, each with a short simple ray; dorsal with two simple r.iys or spines; anal with one or two; month formed as m PccoiJ fishes, the simple toothless maxillary not forming part of its border. Adi- po.se fin present. Scales ctenoid; head naked; pseudobrruichiae present. .\ir bladder apparently with a rudimentary duct. Stomach siphonal, with a few caeca. Shoulder girdle without mc.-ocoracoid, apparently of the normal percoid type; vertebra- about thirtv-fivo.
^1
7«
I'MKCK MST OK THE
Famii.y PHRCOI'SIIXi:. 'litori Pkhciiks.)
Body moderately elongate, somewhat compressed, the caudal peduncle long and slender. Head conical, pointed, naked. Mouth small, hori- zontal ; maxillary short, narrow, without supplemental bone, not reaching to the large eye; margin of upper jaw formed by premaxillaries alone, which are short and not protractile. Teeth very small, villiform on prt- maxillaries and lower jaw only. Tongue short, adherent. (lill membranes separate; free from the isthmus. Pseudobranchia- present. Branchio- stegals six. Gill rakers short, tubercle-like. Opercle with entire edges. Lower limb of the preoperrle well developed, the angle nearly a right angle, it.s inner edge with a raised crest, its outer edge crenulate or with a few spines. Bones of the head cavernous ; cranium with a raised crest, which does not extend to the occiput. Scales modemte, rather firm, adher- ent, their edges strongly ctenoid. Lateral line continuous. Dorsal short, median with two spines, slender or stout ; ventrals anterior, just in front of the dorsal, with one rudimentary spine and about eight rays; pectorals narrow, pl.-iced rather high; anal small, with one or two spines; caudal forked; adipose fin present, small. Vertebrte about thirty-five. First superior pharyngobranchial without teeth ; second, third, and fourth separ- ate, with teeth. Lower pharyngeals separate. Stomach siphonal, with about ten well developed pyloric ca-ca. Ova unusually large, not falling into the abdominal cavity before exclusion. .'Vir bladder present, with a band of connective tissue which is apparently with a rudimentary duct. Small fishes of the fresh waters of the cooler parts of America. This group is one of special interest, as it combines with ordinary salmonoid ch.irac- ters, the structure of the head and mouth of a Percoid.
Ofm s PERCOPSIS. (Troit Pekchks.)
Body rather slender, pellucid, covered with rather thin scales; dorsal fin with two slender spines or simple rays ; anal with one ; scales roughest posteriorly; lateral line developed; preopercle entire or very nearly so.
(83) Trout Perch. Sand Roller.
(Percopsis guttatus.)
Body rather long, moderately compressed, covered with thin ctenoid scales ; head scaleless and without barbels ; gill openings wide ; opercles well developed; gill rakers short, tubercular; skull highly cavernous; mouth small, the margin of the upper jaw formed by the short non-pro- tractile interinaxillaries ; no supplemental maxillary bone ; small villiform
FISH OK ONTAKIO
teeth on the intermaxillaries and mandible. Ton^^uc short, nut free al tip. Six bram-hiostegals. Lateral line continuous. The first dorsal over middle of body. Adipose fin small ; caudal lonp, forked ; pectorals narrow, placed high. The stomach is siphonal, with numerous pyloric ca'ca. The eggs are moderately large and are excluded through an ovidui t. Air blacUK r present. Lower jaw included.
I)., II ; A., 8. Scales on lateral line, 47 to 50.
Colour, upper parts pale olivaceous or brown, marked with rounded dark spots, made up of minute dots ; a silvery median stripe, be<-oming obsolete in front ; peritoneum silvery. Attains a length of alK)uI eight inches.
I have not found this tish common anywhere in Ontario, though it ranges all through the (Ireat L.ikjs and their tributaries north to Hudson Bay. It is perhaps more abundant in the Moira River, near Belleville, than elsewhere in our Pro> ,e, and is said to lje fref|uently taken in the clear cold waters of Lake Superior.
It is too small to be of much value to anglers, though it tjikes bait readily and is used for food by those who care for such small game. To the naturalist it is interesting, combining as it does the characteristics of the Salmon and some of the Perches.
It spawns in the spring, running up the streams for that purpose.
Suborder XENARCHI. (The Pirate Perches.)
Structure of mouth and skeleton, so far as known, essentially tli;il nf the Percoid fishes. Dorsal fin single, with a few small spines; vciilrals thoracic, with a small spine, and more than five soft rays. Air 1)1;i(1(1;t large and adherent. Intestinal canal ending at the throat in the adult, the vent variously posterior in the young. Vertebra-, twenty-nine.
Kamit.v APHRKDODERID^. (Pirate Peri hes.)
Body oblong, elevatod at the base of the dorsal, coniprossed bcliiiul ; the head thick and depressed; the profile concave. Caudal peduncle thick : mouth moderate, somewhat oblique, the lower jaw projecting; maxillary reaching to anterior border of the eye. Teeth in villiform bands on jaws, vomer, palatines and pterygoids. Premaxillaries not protractile; ni.ixil- laries small, without evident supplemental bon?. Preopercle and pre- orbital with their free edges sharply serrate ; opcrde with ,1 spine. Bones of skull somewhat cavernous. Sides of the head scalv. Lower pharvn- geals narrow, separate, w^ith villiform teeth, (iill membranes slighlly
w
VHKCK LIST OK TIIK
joined lo llu' isthmus anteriorly, dill r:ikers tubcrcle-liki\ dentato. I'M'udoliriinchia- obsolete, (tills four, n small slit In-hind the lourth. HranchiosteKals six. Scales moderate, stronKly j tenoid, adherent. Later.il linr ImptTtect or wanting;. N'enI always antiTior, its |Hisilion varying; with ajje, from just behind the ventral fins in the young to Ix-low the pre- o|jerrle in the adult. Dorsal fin single, median, high, with but three or four spines, which are rapidly gniduated, the first being very short. Anal small, with two slende.- spines; ventral fins thoracic, with a very short spine, the number of soft rays usually seven; caudal fin rounded In-hind. Air bl.idder simple, large, .idherent to the walls of the ;il>donH-n. Pyloric cii-ca, about twelve.
Genus APHREDODERl'S. (Pirate Perchks.) The characters of the genus are included aijove.
(S.^) Pirate Perch.
(.Aphredoderus sayanus.)
Body moderately stout, oblong, somewhat compresse<l posteriorly. .Scales ctenoid. Dorsal fin continuous, its origiii much in advance of the middle of the total length; the anterior spines much the shortest. Mouth large for the size of the fish, the lower jaw somewhat longer than the cpper ; the maxilla reaches to front of eye ; jaws, vomer and palatine bones with villiform bands of teeth. Lateral line wanting. Caudal rounded.
D. III., II ; A. II., 6. Scales on lateral line, 48 to 5S.
Colour, variable, sometimes olivaceous, at other times dark brown with numerous dark punctulations; a dark bar at the base of the caudal followed by a light one. It reaches about four inches in length.
I include this species, though there are no Ontario records of its occurrence here known to me. It should, however, be found in the streams of the Niagara district and at the western end of Lake Krie. It fr,.>quents sluggish streams and ponds in which aqu.-itic weeds abound, and is remarkable because the position of the vent varies with age. In the young it is behind the vcntrals, while in the adult it is in the throat.
Suborder PERCESOCES.
N'entral fins abdominal, each of one spine and five rays; branchial arches well developed, the bones all present except the fourth superior branchihyal. Third superior pharyngeal 'much enlarged; lower pharyn- geals distinct. Scales cycloid. Pectorals elevated, about on a level with the upper [nisterior angle of operculum; spinous dorsal usually present.
riSH OK ONTAHIO
7»
Family ATHKRIMDi-K. (Tmk Sii akksiuks.)
P'l-dy riltlier flonjjJ'tf. somewhat coinprt-ssi'd, c-ovrri-cl with scales of inodtTatc or small size, which an- usually, but not always, i ycloid. No lateral line; scjnie scales often with rudimentary mucous IuIh-n. Cleft of the mouth moderat<'. Tee»h small, on ja.vs and sometimes on Mimer and palatines, rarely w^mtinj;. I'remaxillaries protractile or not. Opercular hones without spines or serrature. (iill op«-nin>fs wide, the >jill membranes not connected, free from the is nus ; j»ills four, a slit Ix-hind the fourth. I'seuclobranchiii" present ; ({ill r;.Kers usually lonj; and slender. Hranchio- stegals five or six. Dorsal tins two, well separated; the lirst of three to ••i^ht slender flexible spines, the secoml of soft rays ; anal with a weak spine, similar to the soft dorsal, but usually larger; ventrals small, ;ib<lom- inal, not far b.ick, of one small spine and five soft rays ; pcctor.ils n derate, inserted hijjb. Air bladder present. No pyloric cava. \'ertebr;i numer- ous, usually about j_^ f j^ - 4*^1; third and fourth superior ph.'irynjjeals (•o("M!s.sitied with teeth. All the species h.'iNe a silvery band along the sitlc ; this i'i ^ imetinu'S underlaid by bl:ick pitjment.
Of.ms i..\bidi:.stiii:.s.
Jaws prolonged, both of which arc produied into a short depressed lif.ik. The s( ales are small, their edges entire.
(H4) Silversides. Skipjack.
(I-abidesthes sicculus.)
Body very slender, elongate. Caudal deepiv forked.
D. IV. I.', II ; A. I., 2.V Scales on lateral line, 75.
Colour, green, the fish in life tr.inslucent, upper parts dotted. .\ ve-v distinct silvery lateral band edged .ibove with lead colour; cheeks silvery. Length, about four inches.
This species is found in Lake Ont.irio, I,. ike I'irlc, ;in<l the Detroit River, and may Ik- generally distributed throughout the <;rcat Lake regi.)n. As a food fish for Larger species it is import.int.
(iMoi 1- PKRCOIDRA. (TiiK Pi k(II-i ikk Fisiiks.)
A group of fishes of diverse habits and forms, but on the whole repre- senting better than any oth^. the typical Acanthopterygian fish. The group is incapable of concise definition, or in gener.'il, of any definition at all ; still most of its members are definitely related to each other, and bear in one way or another a resembl;tnce to the typical form, the Perch, or more strictly to its marine relatives, the Sea Bass or Serranid.";. The lolidwing analysis gives most of the common characters ol llie group ;
CHKCK LIST OF THK
liody usuiilly oblonK, < ovirt-d with scales, whi« h arc typically ritnoiil, not tnuMilh or spinous, atul ol mcMli-rate si/r. Lati-ral liiic typically pre- sent and concurrent with the hack. !lea«l usually compressed laierallv and with the cheeks and o|ht< les st ily. Mouth various, usually terminal and with lateral cleft, the teeth various, hut typii ally pointed,' arran^ccl in bands on the jaws, vomer. an<l palatine liomvs; ^ill rakers usually sharp, stoutish, armed with teeth; lower pharynffeal almost always separate, usually armed with cardilorm teeth; third ujipcr pharyngeal moderately enlarged, elont{ate, not articulated to the cranium, the fourth tvpicallv present ; kiNn four, and a slit In-hind the fourth ; fjill membranes free from the isthmus, and usually not conne< te<l with each other; pseudobrani hiu' lypic.illy well developed. Hrani hiostej-.ils few, usually six or seven. No Inmy stay (onnectinK the sulM)rbil;il chain to the preopercle. ()|«rcular lu)nes all well de\ eloped, normal in position, the pno|)»'rcle typicallv ser- rate. \'o crani.il spines. Dorsal fin variously developed, but alw.iv>' with some spines in front, these typically stiff and sharp. .Anal Hn typi.ally short, usually with three spines, sometimes with a larger numlx-r, some- times with none; caudal fin various, usually lun.itc; peiioral tins well develop*-d, inserted hiRh ; ventral fins always' present, thora< ic. separate, almost alw.-iys with one spine and five rays.' Air bladder usually present, without air duct in the adult; simple and Renerally adherent to' the waIN of the abdomen. Stomach cacal. with pyloric apixndajfes, the inicstines short in most species, long in the herbivorous forms. \'ertebr;il column well developed, none of the \ertebrie specially modified; shoulder girdle normally developed, the post tempor.il bifurcate, attached to the skull, but not coossified with it ; none of the epipleural bones attached to the centre lit the vertebra'; coracoids norm.il ; the hypercoraroid always with a median foramen, the bas.il b«)nes of the pectoral (actinosts or ptervgialsl normally developec^, three or four in number, hour-glass shaped, longer lh;ui broad; premaxillary forming the border of the mouth usually prn- tr.-ictile; Ixmes of the mandible distinct.
l-AMriv CKNTRARCFni).*:. (Thf .Sinhsmks.)
Mody more or less shorlencd and compressed ; the regions above and below the axis of the body nearly equally developed :md corresponding to e.ich other, and the pseudobranchiie imperfect. Head compressed. .Mouth terminal, large or small. Teeth in villiform bands, the outer slightly enlarged, without canines; teeth present on premaxillaries. lower jaw- anil vomer, .and usually on pal.itines, also sometimes on tongue, pterygoids and hyoid. Premaxillaries protr.ictile ; maxillary with a supplemenl:il bone in the large-mouthed forms, .sometimes minute or obsolete in other's. Preopercle entire or somewhat serr;ite ; opercle ending in two flat points. or prolonged in a black flap at the angle. Preorbit.il short and deep ; tirst suborbital narrow; the nia.\i!l:iry not slipping under its edge. N'osiriis.
I
KISH OK OXTAHIO
HI
two on fiich sidf. (iill> four, ;i slit lH-htn<l ihc fourth. I'lsetidohranihiif small, almost K'-'xiliiliii*- iH'urly or <|iiit>' roM-rt-d by ■>kin. (till iiK-mbrimes si-paratf, ftct* frf)ni the isthmus, HrnnrhiostPKals six, rarely s«'\fn. (iill raktTs various'y formed, armed with sm;ill tooth, lower pharyngeal Ixmes separate, their ;■ eth conic «ir sometimes paved. Cheeks and o|MTcles scaly ; iMHly fully se- d, the scales usually slronjjly itenoid, rarely tyeloid ; lateral line present, usually lomplete. Dorsal fins eonfluent, the spines six to thirteen in number (usually ten), depressibit in a shiillow >;r<«>ve ; anal spines three to nine. Intestinal eana' .-.horl. Pyloric cseca live to ten. X'ertebrie, twenty-i-inht to lhirty-ti\e. Kntopteryyoid present. Pre- lalidal or abdominal verlebrie with trans<.T'.e priHesses from the third or fourth to the last ; ribs all but the last two to four, so«isilc, in.serted on the i-enlrum behind the transverse priM-es^es. Krontals with a pair of lar^je njui'iferou.s channels which converffo [Misteriorly or are conlUient with a transverse channel connecting the post fronlals, their posterior openings close together on the median line in front of the supraiM-cipital crest. Colouration usually brilliant. Sexes simil.r; changes with a>{e often Kreat. Fresh water fishes of North America; forminjj one of the most characteristic features of our fish fauna. Most of the species build nests which they defend with much courage. .Ml are carnivorous, voracious an<l gamy. All are valued as food, their importance iM'ing in direct proportion to the size which thev attain.
(■EM s POMOXIS. ((iKxss H\ss.)
Hody more or less elongate, strongly compressed, the snout proje» .- ing; mouth large, obiique; maxillary broad, with a well develojicd supple- mental bone ; teeth on vomer, palatines, entopterygoids and tongue ; lower pharyngeals narrow, with sharp teeth; gill rakers long and slender, num- erous; op«Tcle emarginate ; preopercle and preorbital finely serrated; scales large, feebly ctenoid; lins large, the anal larger than dorsal, of six spines and about seventeen rays ; dorsal with six to eight graduated spines, the spinous dor.sal shorter than the soft part; c:iudal (in emarginate; pectorals rounded or obtu.sely pointed, with fifteen or sixteen rays, the upper long- est; ventrals close together, each with a strong spine; branchiostegals seven ; lateral line complete, the tulx-s straight and extending at least on th»' anterior half of the exposed surface of the scale; posterior pnx-esses of the premaxillaries not extending to the frontals; supraoccipital and parietal crest very strong, produced forward on the frontals to between the orbits; vertebra', iS-^-i^^^-^.
(85) Crappie. Silver Bass.
(Pomoxis annularis.)
Body oblong, but more elongated than the next, the depth two-fifths of the trtai length; much compressed. >fouth ol)Iif|ue, larger than in the
82
fHKCK LIST Ol' TllK
I
.1:
iicxl; protili- mori- or less S >h;ipi(l ; head depressed, snout projiTlinfj ; pptT jaw nearly one h;:!! tlu- Imiilli ol luad, the maxilla reachini; slightly •yond the middle of the eye.
I). \I., 16; A. \I., 17. Scales, 7-4.S-1.V
Colour, < lear sIKi-ry olixe, the si<lis mottled with dark ^ncnish hlolches; on the upper part ol the body are traies of narrow xertical bars. The dorsal and caudal tins arc mottled, but the an.il is usually plain. .\ttains a lenylh of about IwcKu inches and a weight of one pound.
This species ranj^es from the (ireat Lakes southward. It occurs rarely m L.ike lOrie and possibl-- also in Lake Ontario. In appearance the Crappie and the Speckled l?ass ;ire very much alike, the best distinj^uish- ing marks between them being the more elongate<i form of the Crappie, the possession of only six spines in the dor.sal, ;ind the nearly uniform pl.iin whitish colour of the ;mal.
In its habits it closily reseuibles the next and more f.imiliar species.
(«<)) Speckled Bass. Calico Bass.
(Pomoxis sparoides.)
Hody oblong, compri-ssed, its depth about one-half the length with- out the tail ; head about one-third length. Mouth very oblique and sm.iller th.in in the Crappie; the profile comparati\ely even; fins \ery high.
I). NIL, 15; .\. \|., J J to i.S. Scales on lateral line, 41 to 4J.
Colour, silxery olive mollled with cK-.ir olive greer), the dark mark- ings gathered in small irr«gular bunches and covering the whole body; vertical fins with dark olive reticulalion.s, surrounding pale spots ; anal marked like the dorsal; a dusky opercular .spot. Under favourable cir- cumstances it attains :i length of ten or twelve inches and a weight of one pound or rather more.
The Speckled liass is found in the w.iters of this Province from CJue- bec to Lake Huron. It fre(|uents ponds, lagoons, and sluggi.sh streams, where there is an abuntlance of aquatic vegetation, under which it lies in wait for the insects, crusta<-eans and small fish upon which it feeds. It spawns in the early summer and is said to scoop out a nesting place in l!;e s.ind in the same manner as the Sunlishes and Black Hass. This I rave never .seen, though I have been very familiar with the species for nearly forty yc.irs.
.\s a food and g.ime tish it stands high in the estimation of anglers, though it is not a very persistent lighter. Being gregarious and congre- gating in schools, under overhanging weeds and such like places, it mav be captured in great numfiers when a favorite haimt is discovered.
This species readily adapts itself to life in artilii iai ponds and is worthy of much tnorc attention from fish culturisl- ban it has heretofore received, for when taken from cle.ir water it is otie of the best tabic fish we have.
1
FISH OF ONTARIO.
83
It feeds principally towards ivtnin^, and the Inst bait for it is a bright, lively shiner or chub.
Genus AMBLOPLITKS. (Rock Bass.)
Body oblong, moderately elevated, compres.sed ; mouth large, the broad maxillary with a well developed supplemental bone, lower jaw pro- jecting; teeth on vomer, palatines, tongue, entopterygoids and ectoptcry- goids, lingual teeth in a single patch, pharyngeal teeth sharp; branchio- stegals six ; opercle ending in two flat points ; preopercic serrate at its angle, other membrane bones chiefly entire; gill rakers rather long and strong, dentate, less than ten in number, developed only on the lower part of the arch ; scales large, somewhat ctenoid ; lateral line complete, the tubes occupying at least the anterior half of the surface of the scale; dorsal fin much more developed than the anal fin, with ten or eleven rather low spines; anal spines normally six; pectorals obtusely pointed with fourteen or fifteen rays, the upper longest ; caudal fin emarginate.
(K7) Rock Bass.
(Ambloplites rupestris.)
Body robust, oblong; caudal pedunile stout, almost as deep as long. Uori-ral profile rather steep, strongly concave over eye. Eye large. Mouth large, the maxillary reaching to vertical from posterior end of pupil. The heavy lower jaw projects slightly. The opercle ends in two flat points; preopercle serrated at its angle. Clill raiders long and strong, less th.in ten in number ; six branchiostegals ; scales large, those on the cheeks in about eight rows; caudal rather deeply emarginate. The lateral line is complete, placed high on body and follows the contour of the back.
n. XI., 11; A. V'l., II. Scales, 5-4<>-i4.
Colour olive green, with a brassy tinge .ind much d.irk mottling ; the ig are pale or yellowish, irregularly barred and blotched with black ; '■ . with a dark spot at the base of each scale, these spots sometimes I -.ig interrupted black stripes; a dark spot on the opercle; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins with dark mottlings; iris golden overlaid with crim- son.
The Rock Bass grows to a length of about a foot and a weight of a pound and a half, though such large specimens are not often seen now. It ranges throughout the whole of this Province, and is said to occur in Manitoba, but I did not find it there.
It."^ usual haunts are dark holes in streams or lakes, where aquatic vegetation flourishes, and it is often to be found in considerable numbers aboil* -locks or timber work, which shades the water. From these places it • ges towards nightfall and roams about in search of the insects, crustaceans and small fish which form its food. When taken from dear, cold water, it is esteemed as a table fish, and when fished for with light
84
CHIX K LIST OK THE
tackle will alTord lair sport to the antjUT. To tin.' .srhoolboy tlu' Koek Bass is a "joy foruM-r," lor it rarely refuses a bai. even when offered upon the coarsest tackle, and a fjood string will always reward his efforts if he sfrikos ihe right places.
The spawning season is in May or June, when a shallow nest is scooped out on some i;ravelly or sandy bar, in which the eggs are deposited. Over this the jiarent lish watch with unremitting care until the young are hatched.
Gi;: '. s CH.K\()m<\ Tl r.S. (W \i;M..r i iis.)
I
This genus has the general form and dentition of .Amboplitcs, uiih the convex opercle, ten dorsal and three anal spines of I.eponiis. i're- opercle entire; branchiostegals six; caudal ti;i emarginatc ; scales weakly ctenoid; vertebrie, i^+ih- jg; posterior processes of the premaxillaries extending nearly to the frontals ; frontals posteriorly with a transverse ridge connecting the parietal ;md supraoccipital crest, which are \ery strong.
(KK) Warmouth.
(Cha'nobryttus gulosus.)
Body hea\y and deep, but niort elongate than in our c()a'.ini>n .Sini- lishes ; head rather long; eye mocFerate ; moutli larre, the niaxillary reach- ing to below hind margin of eye ; gill rakers eight or nine, besides some rudiments; opercular spot about as large as the eye. Tin dorsal begins further back than the pectoral, its spines low.
I). X., 9 to lo; A. III., .S to t). .Scales, ()-40 to 4h-i.'.
Colour very variable, usually olive green, clouded with darker; a u. .ky spot on each scale more or less distinct; vertical tins mottled with dusky; a faint spo* on last rays of dorsal bordered by p;;ler ; three oblique dusky bars radiating from eye ; belly yellowish.
It reaches a length of about ten inches.
I am under the impression that some years ago this fish was found in the marsh at Toronto, and also near Hamilton, but of late no specimens have been obtainable. It should occur in Lake Krie and will probably be found in the Niagara district. Its centre of abundance is, however, south of this Province.
(;i;m s .M'OMOTIS.
This genus is very dose to I.epomis, from which it diflers only in the development of the .supplementary m.'ixillary bone, which becomes rudi- mentary or wanting in the adult of I.epomis. The mouth is largest in the species in which this bone is best d<' ^loped. Lower pharyngeals narrow,
I
j^i«i»^
9 F.
I
hi 'I;
i
FISH OK ONTARIO.
H5
with acute teeth ; gill rakt-rs well developed, long and stiff ; pectoral blunt- ish, shorter than head ; scales moderate, 43 to 50. Habits similar to those of the species of Lepomis.
(89) Green Sunfish.
(Apomotis cyanellus.)
Body oblong, the back not elevated; m; ;th large, the maxillary reaching nearly to middle of eye; dorsal spines low ; opercular flap short, with pale margin.
D. X., i;i A. III., 10. Scales, 7-47-14.
Colour, green with a brassy lustre, each scale with a blue spot and gilded edging ; tins largely blue ; anal edged with orange ; iris red ; cheeks with blue stripes.
I have no Ontario records of this fish, but as it will probably be found in Lake Krie, it is mentioned here. Its centre of abundance is said to be the Ohio basin.
It is too small to be of value as a game fish, seldom attaining a greater length than six or eight inches.
(liMs LFPO.MI.S. (.Slnfishes.)
Body oblong or ovate, more or less compressed, the bark in the adult somewhat elevated ; mouth moderate or small, the jaws about equal ; maxil- lary narrow, the supplemental bone reduced to a mere rudime t, or alto- gether warning ; teeth on vomer and usually on palatines, none Oi\ tongue or pterygoids, lower pharyngeals narrow, the teeth spherical or paved, all or nearly all sharp, few or none of them conical ; gill rakers mostly short ; prcoperculum entire ; operculum ending behind in a convex flap, bJack in colour, which in some species becomes greatly ('.^veloped with age ; branchi- o.iegals six; scales moderate; dorsal fin continuous, with ten spines; anal with three spines ; caudal fin emarginate ; pectorals long or short. Colour- ation brilliant, but evanescent. .V large genus, and one in which it is rather diflficult to distinguish species. The form of body, development of ear flap and height of spines \arv with age anti condition, while the general appe.'irance and the numlx.>rs of fin rays and scales are essentially the same in all.
Subgenus LEPOMIS.
(90) Blue Sunfish.
(Lepomis pallidus.)
Body deep, elliptical, its greatest depth at the ventrals, one-half of the total length without the caudal ; caudal peduncle short and deep. Head
one-third of the total length without candn!. Snout short, obtuse and
*
Ml
CUKCK LIST OK THK
m
Uk't
PI
P
oblique, Ihc inttTorhital sp.ii v slijihtly tonvex. Moulh >niall, obliqui-, tin- maxilla nol ^really fxpandt<l behind, reaching to bi-low the from of the eye. Scales on the i heeks in five rows. The s'" rakers are short and >tout, about lifteiii <ie\(l()|Md or. the first arch. .\o supplnncntal maxil- lary bone. No palatine teeth. I'aiid.il tin notched, its niiddi,- ravs three- fourths as lon)4 as the outer. Tin lateral line follows the curve of 'he back.
I). .\., II ; .\. III., lo. Scales, 7-41-15.
Colour, rich greenish oHm' on back, becoming; paler on sides; top ol head d.irk jjreenish ; opercles and cheek bluish; opercular flap rich \elvety black, a small whitish spot abo\e near its base; side with three or fou'- broad darker greenish bars ; fins all greenish, the pector.il palest ; a large black blotch on last rays of dorsal, a similar one on an.il ; the dark bars bec()me obsolete in the adult; no blue stripes on cheek; no red on fins; old individuals often with the belly coppery red or brassy.
This is the largest of the Suntishes, reaching sometimes a lenjith ,)f twelve inches or rather more, and a w»'ight of about a pound. The linest specimens I e\er saw wi-re taken from the Rideau a few miles above King- ston. It occurs abund.intly in some parts of Lakes Ontario and luie and their tributaries, but I have not heard of it in the nortlnvesterr p.irt of the Fro\ ince.
As a table fish it is highly esteemed, and, in proportion to it.s size, possesses greater fighting qualities than any fresh-wat^r fish we have.
;;km s KIT'OMOTIS.
Very closely related to Lepomis, differing only in the blunter and more pavement-like teeth of the lower pharyngeal bones. These bones are, in the typical spt cies, broad and concave, specially in the adult. There is consider.ible variation among the species, ;ind it is possible that this division can not be maintained. Most of the spe< ies I a\ e long pectoral fins, the suplement.il maxillary lost or very much redut -d, and the oper- cular flap alw.iys with an orange patch on its lower posterior part, dill rakers various, c.suallv short.
SriKiRMs KLPO-MOTIS.
(91) Yellow Sunfish. Pumpkin Seed.
(Hupomotis gibbosus.)
Body much compressed, nearly ovate, its depth one-h.ilf the total length without caudal; caud.il peduncle short and compressed. Head moderately large, one-third of the total length without caudal. Snout short and depressed, the interorbit.il space nearly flat. Mouth small and oblique, the maxilla not much expanded behind and leaihing to below front of
?!
1
4
s
3 X
3
FISH {»K OXTAHIO.
H7
eye. SiaU-s on the chft-ks in four rows. The opi-riuliir ipjit short, Uss than two-thirds diametor <if thi- v\v, with a whitish margin »K'hind. «iill rakers vt-ry short, moderately stout, ;o or ii de\ eloped on the lirst arch. Caudal omarKinatc, its midtlle rays lour-titths as lc»nj{ as the outer. The lateral lin>. lollows the curve of the hack. I). \.. ij; .\. 111., lo. Stales, »i-4J-r.^.
Colour : In life one of the most Inautiful of fresh-water fishes; green- ish olive above, shaded with hluish, the sides spotted and hloli hed with orange; belly orange yellow; cheeks orange with wavy blue streaks; lower fins orange; sides profusely mottled with orange. Opi-riular flap black, the lower posterior p.irt bright scarlet. (Irows to a length of eight inches and a weight of half a pound.
The common Sunfish is very abund.-mt in all the waters of soutlK-rn and central Ontario, ranging to Lake Huron, whi< h is probably its limit for there are as yet no records of it from the l.ake Superior region.
Though rather too small to Ix- of value as a game or food fish, y\ it affords gri'al s(x>rt to the younger anglers, aiul is by no nieans lo l)c despised upon the table.
The spawning season is in .May .ind June, the fish resorting to shallow water, where the ova are deposited in nests scooped out in the sand or mud, by the action of the fins. Over these the males keep guard until the young ;ire hatched, in the meantime driving off all intruders and promot- ing circulation of the water by fanning with ventr.il lins and t.iil.
(liMs .MICKOI'TKRIS. (Hi.aik B\ss.)
Body oblong, ( ompressed, the back not much elevated ; head oblong, conical ; mouth very large, oblit|ue, the broad niaxillary -k hing nearly to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye, its supplen .al bone well developed ; 'ower jaw prominent ; teeth on jaw s, vomer and palatines in broad villil(>rm bands, the inner depressible, usu.'illy no teeth on the tongue; preopercle entire, operculum ending in two Hat points without cartilaginous ll;ip ; branchiostegals normally six; gill rakers long .'md slender; scales rather small, weakly ctenoid; later.il line complete, the tubes straight, occupying the .interior half of each sc.ile ; dorsal tin divided by a deep notch, the spines low and rather fet'ble, ten in number; anal spines three, the .mal tin much smaller than the dorsal ; pectorals obtusely pointed, the upper rays lorigest, ventrals close together lielow the ptn-- torals, caudal tin emarginate ; posterior processes of the premaxillaries not extending to the front;ils ; frontals posteriorly with a transverse ridge connecting the parietal and supraoccipital crests, whiih are very strong.
Two sptecies ; among the most important of game fishes.
m
(ilKCK LIST (»!• Till';
(<>.) Small-mnuthed Black Ha%». Black Baxii.
(Micriipli Ills ilnlii III, II.)
HimIv <>\;il<-liisil(>rni, I^.kmiu.ih cli't-ptT wilh iijjr; inoulli larnc hut siuiilU-r than in itic lar^;i-ir.(>iilh..l l.la. k ha^s ; maxillary inilin),' ri>nsi«I.T- alily in Iront ol |)..Ni,ri..r Ix.ni.r i>t (irtiil. .m cpl in \»-ry oUI i-xamplis ; .H(al«s .,11 ( lu'tk niinulr; iIikm' on JMHly small; (ii.isal tin (Vcplv n.iti linl, hill Ir.s Ml than in llu- iiiM spiriis, ihr ninth spine bcino ;;))out halt as lonu as llu- lillh and nol mm h shnrirr than tin- t.ntli ; soft dorsal and anal earli Maly al llu- hasf.
I). X., I.J to 15; A. III., 10 to 1... Sralcs. 11.7.. to H5...5. Ahout 17 rows of scales on chfck.
Colour, dull noldcn ijrr.ii uiih hron/.' Justr.-, olt.n hlolihrd with daikir, cspciially on hrad ; yoii'ii; with dark.r spots aioni, llic sid.-s, ulii, h tend to form short %vrli.-.il liars. Iim n,\,.r a dark lalc-ral hand: lhri-<- hrciizc hands radialinji 'rom i\v arnss ih. ik and oprnNs; a duskv spot on point of (ipjTil,-; (audal lin y.'llowish al liasr, Ih.n lilai k, with whili- tips; (iorsal with hron/c xjxits, its cduf dusky. In some waters the lin markinns are ohsoNte, hut they are usii;i"y conspicuous in the voun),'. Adults .sometimes have all these markings ohliteral,<l, the . ol.iur I'lecom- ni^ a imilVrm dead t:re. •!. without silver\ lustre, i\\r stripes on the head, liowexer, rem.iimny mure or less distinct.
I his Uass is loun<l in yicater or less ;ilnindi,n<-e throughout the I'ro- vmce. It seems to prefer cijol. , je.ir waters, h.ixiny a riickv or gravelly hollom, and ranges further north than its larii.-moiilhed relative. .\s ii f.ame lish it is sought after hy anj-lers in prefer me to mv .;ther, exi-pl. perhaps, thy .Salmon, .and on the t.ihle is liiyhlx esteemed as food.
Sp.iwnin^i lieyins in M.iy and ends early in July, tlu- season heinj; di-pendent largely upon the temper.iture of the water; ircuhation lasts from seven to lilt.'.n d.iys. The p.-, rent fish scop out shallow nests in the sand or gravel r^i receixe the ei;i;s, which .irc then s^uantcd .issicluouslv until hatched.
I he f(Mid ..I IJIack Uass consists 1 hidly cf ins/ets, crusl.ic '.ins a:d small lish, hut when hiini, nolliin.4 that it' can overpower comes amiss At the approjich of winter i. i e.ises to feed .and lies dormant under lo^s. Weeds, or rm-ks until the warmth of sprini; restores at the same time its energy and voracitv.
Its maximum weij,'ht in our waters is .iliout six pounds, hut hsh of this si/e arc r;iro.
('XO Large-mouthed Black Bass. Yellow Bas.s. Green Bass.
(Microplerus salmoidi s.) Mody ovate-fusiform, hecominy deeper with aye, moder.itely com- prossed; head larfje ; mouth verv wide, the maxill.iry in adult rJachinsj beyond the eye, shorter in the younji; si;iles on hodv comp.irativelv large''; Rill rakers longer than gill fringes; dorsal lin verv deeplv rotehed, the spinous dorsal lor, . its fourth spine iongfcst.
a
J
a
FISH OF ONTARIO.
K»
lo or II. S.alcs, --(15 to 70-iH; 10 or 11
D. X., I J or I.?; .\. III., rows of scales on cheek.
• u^"!""*^' ^'"''^ *^'''''" ■''"'^'■' '*''''■'* •'""* ''^''"^^' Kreenish silvcrv ; voung with a blackish stripe along the side from opercic to middle of caudal tin ihree oblique dark stripes across the cheek and opercles ; some dark spots above and below lateral line; caudal tin pale at base, th.-n 1,1a, ki>,h, and whitish at tip: belly white. As the fish grows older the black lateral band breaks up and grows lainter and the colour becomes more and more uni- form, pale dull gieen, the back being darker.
The maximum weight attained by this lis'h in our waters is about six
pounds further south it grows to a large - ■ It is generallv distributed
hroughout the Province, being most abu..... .t in waters having a mud
bottom in which aqi atic plants flourish. It seems able to adapt itself to running streams, ant even to thrive in them, but in quiet lakes and bavs it reaches the greatest size.
The spawning season begins in May and ends at the Ixginning of July. A nest is scooped out of the sand or mud, in which the adhesive eggs are deposited. These are guarded bv the parent fish until hatched Incubation lasts from one to two weeks, according to the temperature of the water, and the young bass, after emerging from the eggs, rem.iin in the nest for .ibout a week.
As the weather becom.-s cold this Bass seeks deep pla.es, often hiber- nating under rocks, sunken logs, or in the mud. In the summer its favourite I.H-alities are under overhanging banks or in holes among weeds Nvhere it lies m wait for the frogs, fish and crust.accans which constitute the greater part of its food.
Family PKRCID/E. (Tin; Pkwcmis.)
Body more or less elongate, terete or co..,pressed, covered mor.. or less completely with r.-,ther small, ctenoid adherent scales. Dorsal and ventral outlines more or less unlike. Lateral line usuallv present, not extending on the caud.al fin. Mouth terminal or inferior, small or large the prem.ixillaries protractile or not; maxillarics large or .small, without distinct supplemental bone. J.aws, vomer pal.itincs with bands of teeth, which ar,- usuallv villiform sometimes mixed with canines, occasionallv the" teeth on vomer or palatines are absent. Head naked, or more or less scalv • pre- operc e entire or serrate ; opercles usually ending in a flat spine. Branchio- stegals SIX or seven. Gills four, a slit behind the fourth; gill membranes free or connected, not joined to the isthmus; gill rakers slander, toothed- pseudobranchne small, or glandular and concealed, or altogether w.mting- lower pharyngeals .separate, with sharp teeth. .\nal papilla more or less developed. Fms gener.-.lly large; two dorsals, the first of six to fifteen spines; anal fin with one or two spines, the usual number two. V-nlraK
and but the
90
CHECK LIST OF THE
\ti
thoracic 1., 5 ; pectorals often very large; caudal, lunate, truncate or rounded. Air bladder small and adherent ; often entirely wanting. Pyloric caeca few. No subocular lamina of the suborbitals ; entopterygoid present Anterior vertebra without transverse processes; only the first pterygia) or actinost usually in contact with the coracoid ; sometimes a part of the second also. The posterior processes of the premaxillaries are short ; the supraoccipital and parietal bones are short and confined to the back of the skull ; parietal crests are absent, and the supraoccipital crest is very short not extending to the anterior extremity of the bone or even absent.
Genus STIZOSTEDION. (Pickkrei.. Pike Perches.)
Body elongate, fusiform, the back broad; head subconical, long, cheeks, opercles and top of head more or less scaly; mouth large, the jaws about equal; premaxillaries protractile, little movable; teeth in villiform bands, the jaws and palatines with long, sharp canines ; gill rakers slen- der, strong; gill membranes separate; preopercle serrated, the serra below turned forward; opercle with one or more spines, terminations of radiating stria, dorsal fins well separated, the first with twelve to fifteen spines, the second with seventeen to twenty-one soft rays, last dorsal spine not erectile, bound down by membranes; anal spines two. slender, closely appressed to the soft rays, which are rather long, eleven to four- een in number; ventral fins well separated, the space Ijetween them equal to their oase, ventral spine slender, closely appressed to the soft rays ; scales small, strongly ctenoid; lateral line continuous; branchiostegals seven; pseudobranchia- well developed; pyloric ca-ca three to seven. Large carnivorous fishes of the fresh waters of North America.
SiHGKMs STIZOSTKDION.
(94) Yellow Pickerel. Pike-Perch. Dore,
(Sfizostedion vitreum.)
Body long and moderately deep, its depth varying with age; head t"fu ""-^''^L I.TRe; lower jaw slightly projecting; the maxilla reach- mg beyond the pupil. The soft dorsal is nearly as long as the spinous.
D. XIII., I., 21; A. II., j2 to 13. Scales, 10-90-19. hted tt"H °''"''^«"''^";°"k.d with brassy; sides of the- head vermicu- lated. the dorsals, caudal and pectoral with bands; those of the dorsals and caudal not continuous; sides with about seven oblique dark bands
si ?.h TT' ■' '"* '''"''^ '""**^^ "" '^' membrane behind the las spine of the dorsal.
The Yellow Pickerel is found in all the larger bodies of water throueh-
"to^h^r'r" P-'''-V-''-'-:'>- i" »<- ^■— t Lakes and the river fa fng
er-ivelin; snnHv'r*""'"^ ""' '" " '""'' ^P""«- ^^h- '^ -"^ on to gravcllv or sandy bars or even up rivers for the purpose of depositing its
1
10 p.
i
HI
KISII OF ONTARIO.
»l
il
ova. As .sfM>ii as the wattr lK'(f)iTies warm thi-y work off into deep water, where they remain during the hot months.
.As it is a decp-Wiitcr fish it dots not often afford much sport for th« angler, l)ut as a commercial and f(MKl fish it is decidedly the best we have in the lakes, its flesh being firm, white, flaky and well flavored.
I'nder favourable circumstances this species reaches a large size, specimens of twenty-five pounds' weight having been recorded. These are, however, very rare, and a ten-pound fish is now considered a very good one. It is extremely voracious, feeding upon such other fish as it can overpower, and the insects and ( ru.staccans found in its haunts. In Manitoba, where I found it abundant, frogs were the most altraitive baits.
In the Lake Erie district and perhaps elsewhere, the young, if of a pale color, are known as "Hlue Pickerel," as this form shows no struc- tural differences, its identity with the Yellow Pi<kerel seems certain.
Si wiKMs CVNOPKRtW.
(95) Sand Pickerel. Blue Pickerel. Sauger.
(Sti/ostedion canadense.)
Body elongate, more terete than n the preceding, the flesh more trans- lucent ; head depressed, pointed. Kye small ; mouth smaller than in the last; the maxilla reaches to the hind margin of the eye.
n. XII. to .\II1., 1., I- to i8; A. II., 12. Scales on lateral line, 92 to 98; 4 to 7 pyloric ca-ra of unequal length; all of them shorter than the stomach.
Colour, olivaceous nbo\e; sides brassy, with black markings in the form of irregular blotches which are best defined under the soft dorsal. The spinous dorsal has several rows of riiund black spots on the membrane between the spines; no black blotcl. m the hind part of the spinous dorsal. Pectorals with a large dark blotch at base; soft dorsal with several rows of dark spots irregularly placed; caudal yellowish with dark spots form- ing interrupted bars.
This is a smaller fish than the lasl, rarely exceeding eighteen inches in length and a weight of two pounds. It is also less valued as a food fish, its flesh being softer and of inferior flavour.
The range and habits of this species are much the same as those of its congoner and in proportion to its size it is equally destructive to small fish.
Two varieties have been described, viz., griscum and boreum, but it is doubtful if their distinctive characters arc sufTicicntlv permanent to entitle them to sub-specific rank.
92
CHECK LIHT OK THE
Gems FEKCA. (Thk Tki k 1'khciies.)
Jody oblong, somewhat compressed, the baik elevated ; cheeks scaiv operccs mostly naked; the Ofx-rtulum armed with a sini-le spine- prei opercle and shoulder girdle serrated, preoperde with retrorse, hooked se,- rations below ; mouth moderate, terminal; premaxillaries protractile; teeth m villiform bands on jaws, vomer, and palatines, no ( anine teeth ; brimchi- ostegals seven; gill membranes separate; pseudobranthia- small, but perfect; no anal papilla; scales rather small, stronglv ctenoid, lateral line complete, the tubes straight and not extending to 'the extremity of the scale ; dorsal fins entirely separate, the first of twelve to sixteen spines ■ anal fin with two sl-nder spines, well separated fr,.m the soft ravs- ventral spines well developed, the ventral fins near together; caudal emarginate ; air bladder present ; pyloric caca, three.
(96) Yellow Perch.
(Perca flavescens.)
Body fusiform, mode ately elongate, the back elevated, cheeks scaly • opercles mostly naked, striate; premaxillaries protractile, preorbital sei- rate; snout projecting, maxillary reaching middle of pupil; top of head rugosv. ; gill rakers stout ; caudal notched.
D. XV., II., 13; A. II., 8. Scales, ;-57-iv
Colour on the back olivaceous, varying to greenish; sides golden yellow, with about six to eight broad dark bars which extend from back to below axis of body ; lower fins largely red or orange, especially so in the spring; upper fins olivaceous. Like all fish, it varies greatly the yellow is sometimes very bright, at other times quite pale, and the black bars are much deeper in some waters than in others.
This species reaches a length of ten or twelve inches and a weight of a pound or rather more. The largest I ever saw taken from our lakes weighed one pound and two ounces. It is one of the most abundant of our fishes and is found in all the lakes and streams of .mv size throughout the Province. .As a food fish, if taken when the water is cool it is only excelled by the Yellow Pickerel. During • l,„t summer months the I erch of shallow, weedy waters become s- md lose their fine flavour. To anglers accustomed to HIack Bass ar' .u.ige it is rather an insig- nifirant species, but it has this to recomn .J it, that it can be caught by anybody, with any sort of tackle, at all times of the year
The Perch spawns in early spring and the eggs, which arc verv small, are enclosed in a long, narrow, translucent, strip of adhesive muJus.
Gems PERCIXA. (Uh: Perches.)
Body elongate, slightly compressed, covered «ith small ctenoid scales; lateral line continuous; ventnil line with enlarged plates which fall
KISH OK ONTAUIO
n
off, Iriivinfj a nak««l strip; hrad dtpri-s«ril, railur |Miiii(id, tlu' mouth h«in({ small and iiil't'rior, overlapped l)y a tapering, siit)lriiin ale, pi|;liki Miout ; upp«T y.iw not protrat.'tile, maxillary small, eNpn-nil; teeth on vomer .ind palatines; ^ill membranes seareely i-onntTted ; lior-al tin Well separated, the (irst the ■ irj,'er, of thirteen to titteen spines, thi- sei<>n<l dorsal r.ilher longer than the anal, which has two spines, the tir^t of wliic h is usually the shorter; pectorals symmetric, rounded or bluntly pointeil, their rays four- teen or fifteen, their spines moderate; ventrat lins w<'ll separated, the inter- space about equal to their b.ise ; air bladder ami pseudobrani hi.e present, rudimentary.
(i,r) Lou Perch.
(I'ercina caprmles.)
H<Kly Ion;", slightly compressetl ; head long, with pointed snout mouth small; the lower jaw not reaching near to tip of snout, and the maxilla not extending to the frt)nt of the eye. Scales on cheeks and i;ill covers, also on the sp.ice In-fore the first dor-.il; breast s< aleless, .\ row of enlarged plates on the »>elly, which are sometimes decitlun.ii. Kins nuxli-rately low .ind rather long.
1). .\\'., 15; A. II., (). Scales in lateral line, i)j.
Colour, greenish yellow, with about lifleen dark cross l)and>, extend- ing from bark to In-lly ; alternating u illi (hose abf)vc the lateral line ;i' fainter bars, l-ins barred. .\ bl.ick spot at the base of the caudal.
This is the largest of the Darters, ronching a length of almut eight inches. It is found through()ut the (ireat Lake rei;ion in clear, rapid streams having a gravelly or rocky bottom. The variety next meiuloned is probably the common form of Ont.irio.
(()H) Manitou Darter.
(I'ercina caprodes zebra.)
Similar to the last, but n.ipe always naked; lateral black bars short, not extending much alwne Intend line, the>e also more or less conlliu nt, about twenty in number; a bl.ick caudal spot; dorsal and . aiidal mottled.
I). XV., 14; \. II., to. Si. lies, ()o.
This variety of P. caprodes is found in t!i, r.ipid stre.ims ot the Ort .it Lak». region, and more parlicida'-l\ tlios frilling into Lake Superior.
Gems HADROPTKRIS. iHt m k-sidkd Dahtfks.)
Body rather elongate, compresse.' 01 not; mouth r.ilhir w idi ter- minal, the lower jaw included ; the snout above not protruding beyond the premaxillaries. which are not protracrile; teeth on vomer and usually on palatines :ikr>- gill membranes separ.ite or more or !e',-; conncrt^H ; ^aU-- small, ctenoid, covering the body; belly with a median series of more or
94
CHECK MST OF THE
less enlarged spinous plati-.s .,r ctenoid scales, which in most species fall off at intervals, leaving a naked strip, in some species persisUnt and but slightly enlarged; sides of head scaly or not; lateral line complete o^ nearly so; fins large, the soft . orsal smaller than the spinous or the anal • anal spmes two (one of them very rarely obsolete): dorsal spines ten to hftcen; ventral hns more or less widely separated, specially in species with caducous plates. Parietal region more or less depressed, not strongly convex m cross section ; suprawcipital crest usually present, but small I yloric ca-ca, two to four.
SuBGEMs .VLVORDIL'S.
(99) Black-sided Darter.
(Hadropterus aspro.)
Mody slender, fusiform, elongate; head rather long and pointed- the maxilla extends slightly past front of eye; the mandible is included- the eye large; gill membranes slightly connected; nape scaly or naked; cheeks with very .small scales; large scales on opercles ; caudal peduncle rather long and slender; caudal fin slightly emarginate.
D. .XII. to XV., II to li; \. II., S to lo. Scales, 9-65 to 80-17.
Colour, greenish yellow with dark tessellations and marblings above and about seven large blotches along the side which are more or less coni fluent; fins barred and there is a small spot at base of caudal. Length three to four inches.
As this species is said to range all through the (ireat Lakes region westward to Manitoba, it probably occurs here, though I have not as yet found It. " ^
It frequents clear streams with gravelly bottoms and is more active m Its habits than most of the other Darters, not concealing itself so closely under stones. ^
(iKM s COTTOG.A.STKR.
Body rather robust, little compressed; head moderate, bluntish- mouth moderate or small; the lower jaw included; premaxillarics pro- tractile or occasionally joined by a narrow frenum to the frontal region • maxillary not adherent to the preorbital ; teeth on vomer, gill membranes nearly separate; scales ctenoid: the middle line of the belly anteriorly naked or with caducous scales ; lateral line continuous ; dorsal fins large the .second usually smaller than the first and smaller than the anal - an-.i spines two. the first the longer; pyloric cicca three; skull shor't the f^rontal region not very narrow, parietals little convex transversely, sutures distinct ; no supr.inrcipital crest.
FISH OF ONTAniO.
siuGi-Ms cott()(;.\sti;r.
(loo) Copeland's Darter.
(Coltog;istcr copelandi.)
Body ratluT slinder and elongate; licad ratluT larj-e and long, some- what narrowed. .Mouth .small, horizontal, subinferior; cheeks naked; operclcs and neck each with a few scales; throat naked; ventral plates well developed; scales moderate; strongly ctenoid.
D. X. to XII., lo to 12; .\. II., H or g. Scales. (1-44 to 5O-8.
Colour, brownish olive; a scries of rather small, horizontally oblong black blotches along the lateral line, forming an interrupted lateral band; back tassellated ; blackish streaks forward and downward from eye ; ven- tral fins dusky in the male; vertical tins with dusky specks; a small ink- like speck at base of caudal, persistent in most specimens; a black spot on anterior rays of spinous dorsal.
Length, about three inches. The range of a variety of this species, C. c. putnami, is from Lake Champlain to Lake Huron. It will therefore probably lie found in our waters, though I have not yet obtained it.
(Jkm s BOLEOSOM.V (Tkssei.i.ateo Daktkks.)
Body moderately elongate, fusiform, but slightly translucent ; head .small, narrowed forward, the profile convex ; mouth small, horizontal, the lower jaw included ; premaxillary protractile ; maxillaries not adnate to pn bital; vomerine teeth present; scales large; lateral line continuous or interrupted behind; belly with ordinary scales; gill membranes broadly or narrowly connected; dorsal >ines usually nine, very slender and flex- ible, soft dorsal much larger than anal ; anal normally with a single, short slender spine, the first .soft ray simple, but articulate; ventrals well sep- arated; pyloric ca'ca. three to six; frontal region of skull very .short and narrow; parietal region flattish above; no supratKcipital crest. .Size small, very active little fishes.
(101) Johnny Darter.
(Boleosoma nigrum.)
Body slender, fusiform ; head conical ; snout somewh.it decurved ; mouth small, subinferior, lower jaw included within the upper, fjill covers scaly, cheeks naked except in occasional individuals; nape usually scaled.
D. VIII. to X., 10 to 14; .A. L, 7 to q. Scales, 5-44 to 55-q.
Colour, olivaceous; the back with brown tessellations; sides with many W'-shaped blotches. The head i.- speckled above, in males usually black. In the breeding season the whole anterior part of the male is often black. .\ dark line forward from the eye and .sometimes another down- ward. Length, about two and a-half inches. This species is common
II
96
(!HECK LIST OK THE
through the Creat Lakes region, more particularlv so in the west -.nd nor h: ,n the southern and eastern parts of the Province it s represented by the following sub-species: k <- «^"i<-u
rut, , jv -v^;^ ;^-
Teccellateil Darter. ( /}„/, ,„,„». „ly,ii,n „hi„i(,li. )
(102) Tessellated Darter.
(Boleosoma nigrum olmstedi.)
Very similar to the last, but the cheeks and opercles scaly and nm. and breast naked. Lateral line complete. ^ ^ "''P*-
D. IX., 14; A. L, 9. About 50 scales ,-.n lateral line.
Colour olivaceous; fins with many narrow bars; back tessellUcd • Mdes with blotches and .ig.ag markings. Head in spring. n^l^S' A dark streak forward Irom the eye and another downward.
Ihis IS the most abundant and generally distributed Darter we have
.s^ern'ZrtsTth ! .""'-"^ '"I ''"'•* ^'^ '''''^ °^ "^« southern Id eastern parts of the IVovince, where it lies secreted under stones on the
bottom or buries itself in the sand, leaving only its eves visibk \Vhen
alarmed it darts with great rapidity to the nearest shelter and irusts"
^ifZll'T'"'''"- V-^--""-^ ^-^ •-» '•^"^^'^ °f =""»■* three ith^ ana is interesting by reason of its peculiar habits.
Gkms A.NLMOCRVPTA. (Sand Daktkrs.)
Body slender and elongate, subcylindrical ; pellucid in life. Head sender. .Mouth rather wide, horizontal, the lower jaw included -premax llaries very protractile; teeth on the vomer. .Scales thin, ctenoid H tie .mbricated, present along the region of the lateral line, and on the "i sometimes w.mtmg on the back or b^-lly; lateral line complete each tube occupying nearly the whole length of its scale. Head scaly or naked no ventral plates, the belly naked. Oill membranes considerabk uni'ted forming .-.n angle at their junction. Dorsal fins moderate, about" ejual to
we.k '^. r T'* 'V^ "*'"= ''"'■'''''' ''''^ "'-"* t- '^P'"'--^: an.nl spine Tor f 'n rt •*«-P.'"-=^-d. '«-hind pectorals, their spines feeble; pec-
torals pointed, symmetrical, of twelve to hftcen rays. I'vloric c.xca four Frontal region of skull narrow, the parietal region unusually depressed; the bone.s of skeleton all slender and thin. Sutures of skull very distinct ■ .supraoc-cpital crest obsolete. Foramen of hvp-rcoracoid very large
KISir OF ONTARIO
H7
(103) Sand Darter.
(Ammocrypta pcilucidn.)
Scales of body not very roush, only those along lateral line and on tail well imbricated; nape thinly scaled, becoming usually wholly naked on median Tne ; belly nakid; maxillary barely reaching the large v\r; pectorals short.
I). IX., 9 to II ; .\. I., K to ID. .Scales on lateral line, hj to 7S.
Colour, translucent; scales with line black dots; a series of small, squarish olive or bluish blotches along the back and another along each side; lateral spots connected by a gilt b:md. Length, three inches.
As this little fish has a range from Lake Lric to Minnesota, it will probably be found in our Province, though as yet I have not taken it here. It frequents clear sandy streams and avoids observation by burying it.self in the sand, leaving only its eyes and snout visible.
Gem s KTHEOSTOMA.
Body robust, or rather elongate, compressed ; mouth terminal, or sub- inferior, varying- in size; the lower jaw included or projecting-; preinaNil- laries not protractile; maxillary movable; teeth rather strong-, usually present on vomer and palatines; g^ill membranes separate or more or less broadly connected ; scales moderate or small, ctenoid, top of head without scales ; scales of the middle line of the belly persistent and similar to the others; lateral line well developed, nearly straight, often wanting posteri- orly ; fins large, with strong spines, first dorsal usually longer and larger than the second, with seven to fifteen spines ; anal with two strong spines, the anterior usually the larger, the second rarely obsolete, anal fin always smaller than the soft dorsal ; ventral fins more or less close together ; skull narow, the parietal region very strongly convex in cross-section, supra- occipital crest very small or wanting ; lower pharyng^eals very narrow; pyloric cava three or four; bone-; rather firm. M;iny of the species are excessively variable.
Si Mc.EMs \I\ICOL.\.
(104) Northern Darter.
(Etheostoma boreale.)
Body moderately elongate, somewhat compressed, the caudal peduncle rather long and stout. Head rather heavy, the snout bluntish. rather str'>-igly decurved. .Anterior profile gentlv :md somewhat e^•enly arched. Snout short, about half as long as eye. Mouth nearly horizontal, the lower jaw included, the maxillary extending to about opposite front of pupil. Teeth small. Preopercle entire; opercular spine strong. Premaxillary not protractile. Gill membranes very slightly connected. .\ small black humeral scale; cheeks, operdes .-md nuchal region scalv ; breast naked: scales of moderate size; lateral line very short, not reaching last spine of
\
"■ CHECK LIST OV THK
tni!l\7r''"^u"'^V.^''^^ ""'' ''"'^'^">- "^^''^■'l- •^-'-'^ of belly like those dlrsal "nn, l-^'r' '^u' ^■•^" ^'^P-''"^*'''. """""'•">■ short and small sof ^enus ''"'^ ':'»'"''• »'^-''" ^Pino'"* d-sal. also unusually small fo th genus; Cauda long, truncate or slightly lunate; anal low -.nd short . «p.n.s h.gh. the first highest; pectorals "reaching past tl;: of"t.:'rT.l: "^
a I.\. ,o; A. II., 6 or 7. Scales, 4-52-10.
Colour, soft dorsal caudal and pectoral fins xvith dark bars nnd •, brownish red tinge, other fins ^yhite ; a brownish red tinge on sides mo^ ZZn^ ^'""'l '^^ '^''^'' •"■■'^'^'"S'^= ♦- - eleven Mack bars kcm^
uS:':::ri:^^jr-z ""'-' - "- "-^- - -^ - - ^^=
real ^Since'7hl'nMT \"' •^"'»^" ?"'>■ from a small stream near Mont-
Family SERR.WIO^.
of nZ^^L^y^"^' T''' "■■ '''.'■'' '^°'"P'-<"^sed, covered with adherent scales of mo.!.rate or small size, which are usually but not always ctenoid dor M and veraral outlines usually not perfectly corresponding. ' Mou"hmi,e o large, not very obl.que, the premaxillary protractile and the brrd mni-
^jf .£ ' Si-:^- -Si^. ^fy^rir- i^th -:
0.lk our a long slit behind the fourth. Pseudobranchirpresem laTgc iparlte' fr^frot "'•^^■"^ "™- -'th pointed teeth. G^l membran'e" sToS ;ivrrhTk<. H '"7- »""<=hiostegals normally seven (occp- sionally siv). Cheeks and opercles always scaly ; preopercle with its m-.r^i„
temporal normal, second suborbital with an internal lamt. "„!„; the globe of the eye ; enteroptygoid present ; all or most of the ribs'^nse ted Zt.^T"""""" ""■"""''"^ ''^'" '^''^ •-"■« developed; anterior ve^tebne Thort t ""soT"' "'■"'"''"" "•""'" ^P'"'"'' "'^ualirstiff; anal fin rather short. ,t.s soft rays seve_n to twelve; its spines if present always three in
wel H T" I'^'-u' '^°'''^'"' ""■'""' ^'■"t'"'^' axillary scale Pec or"."
>:
FISH OF OXTAUIO.
W
(iENus ROCCL'S. (Stkii'ei) Bass.)
Base of tongue with one or two patches of teeth ; anal spines gradu- ated; dorsal fins entirely separate; anal rays III., ii or u; supraoccipital crest scarcely widened above ; lower jaw projecting.
Slucenls LKPIBEMA.
iios) White Bass.
(Roccus chrysops.)
Body oblong, elevated and compressed ; head subconiial, depressed oyer eye ; mouth moderate, the maxillary reaching to below middle of eye ; villiform teeth in bands on jaws, palatines vomer and tongue; the dorsal outline much curved.
D. IX., I., 14; .\. III., II to ij. Scales, .s-()o-i3.
Colour, silvery, tinged with golden below; sides with narrow dusky lines, about five above the lateral line, one along it and a vari.ible member below, these sometimes more or less interrupted or transposed. Length, twelve to fifteen inches; weight, about a pound and a half.
The White Bass is found in all the Great Lakes of Ontario ; it rarely ascends streams, but occurs sometimes abundantly at the mouth of the larger rivers. It is gregarious, usually swimmin); in shoals containing a large number of individuals. As a game fish it ranks high, for it takes minnow bait readily, and during the summer months rises to a fly well. It is an excellent table fish when fresh caught.
It spawns in May or June.
Suborder RHEGNOPTERI.
Family SCL-EMD.E. (The Dm ms.)
Body compressed, more or less elongate, covered with thin more or less ctenoid scales. Lateral line continuous, extending on caudal fin ; head usually large, scaly ; bones of head cavernous, the muciferous system highly developed, the surface of the skull very uneven; chin with pores; mouth and teeth various; maxillary without supplemental bone, slipping beneath preorbital ; premaxillarics protractile; nostrils double; pseudo- branchise usually present and usually large; branchiostegals seven; gill membranes separate, free from the isthmus ; lower pharyngeals separ.ite or united, often enlarged, the teeth conic or molar; preopercle serrate or not, opercle usually ending in two flat points ; dorsal deeply notched or divided into two fins, the soft portion being the longer, the spines depres- sible into a groove ; anal with never more than two spines ; caudal usually not forked ; ear-bones or otoliths very large ; air bladder usually large and complicated, its structure enabling the fish to make grunting or drumming sounds.
im
too
CHKCK LIST OK THK
Genus APLOUIN OIL'S. (I.kksh-watek Dhi m.) Hody oblong, the snout blunt, the back elevated and c oniDrt-ssed •
lorm bands, the outer above scarcely enlarged; no barbels; pseudo- branchia- rather small; gill rakers short and blunt; lower ph .rvSs very arge, fully un.ted, with coarse blunt paved teeth; preopercle sufhtly serrate; dorsal spines strong and high, with a close Vn'^ing^caly Sh at base, the two dorsals somewhat connected; second anal sp=ne very
appendages; pyloric ca.-ca, seven; vertebra-, io+ 14 24.
(106) Sheepshcad. Fresh-water Drum.
(Aplodinotus grunnicns.) Body moderately elongate, somewhat compressed: head rather short-
sr^tE'thTu;;;™^- '- '-'^- ^'^ -'^^"^ -^ "^^ ^^- — i-
abouPfiJ^ifit; ^';;ri; ;;;al'i;n;: ""'^ ""'^'^ "^^ ^"^ '"-^-'-'^ p--''-
Colour greyish, darker on the back; lower parts silvery, \oung specimens have dark spots along the rows of scales, forming oblique li.r s nnH 'i°'"r"." u 'l"*"-'''"*^'*' throughout the entire (ircat Lakes region and particularly abundant in Lake Erie. It reaches a large si«-. specimens
VViru?ho/''""''J"^-'V''"'"'^ '"='^" '"'^^" from 'southern' waTers U.tl us, however, about e.ght or ten pounds would be the maximum.
It IS a bottom fish, feeding chicHy upon crust.-.ce.-.ns and molluscs. It occasionally takes a minnow bait, but I have not found it a readv biter When hooked it hghts hard and affords g.KKl sport to the angler, but as a Im odour! " '""'■''''*^"'*' ""^ ^'''^ ''^'"g '°"Kh and coarse, with an unpleas-
The name Jewel-head sometimes given to this fish refers to the oto- liths or ear-bones, frequently called "lucky stones," which are found in
K.-< SKUIJ.
Order PLECTOGNATHI. (The Plectognathous Fishes.)
One of the most important offshoots of the Acanthopteri is th. group or order Plectognathi. The extremes of this group show a remarkable divergence from the usual type of spiny-rayed fishes
The Flectognathi are thus defined by Dr. Gill : Scapula s,.sj.ended o the cranium by a post-temporal which is short, undivided and anchy- losed to the epiotic. Fremaxillaries usually coossified with the maxillaries behmd.-md the d.nfary boms with the artimlar ; interoperde a Mender rod : lower pharyngeal b.;rns distinct; upper pharyngeals laminar, usually vertical and transverse; .xin usually with rough shields or scales or bony plates; skeleton imperfectly ossified, the number of vertebra- usually small typically less than 24 (usually 14 to 20), rarely con- Herably increased Gill
il F.
FIBU or ONTAKIU.
lUl
upenings re.<*lri< led to the sides; ventral tins redfitcd or » anting, the pt-lvic Imncs usually elongate. Spinous dorsal >mall or wanting; air bladder without duct.
Fishes mostly inactive and depending on their Hmjjh skin or bony or spinous armature lor thtir protection.
Suborder LORICATI.
l-AMii.v COTIID.K. (Thk Scli.i-ins.)
Body more or less elongate, th*- Iu-jkI usually large and depressed; e/e.s high; bony stay conspicuous, but not covering the cheek; preoperck- armed; teeth in villiform bands; nuixiliary simple; gills three and a half or four; gill membranes connected, often joined to isthmus. Body naked, or irregul.irly scaled, or warty, never exenly scaled ; lateral line present. Dorsals usually separate, the spines slender ; anal without spines ; pet:torals large, with firoad procurrent base, the lower rays simple; ventrals thor.icic, sometimes wanting, never united. Pseudobranchia- present. Vertebra- numerous, thirty-five to fifty.
C.KOi I' COTTIN.i:.
fiENt s COTTUS. (Fkesh-wati:k Scui.i'ins.)
Body fusiform. Head feebly armed; skin smooth or more or less velvety, its prickles, if present, not bony or scalelikc; villiform teeth on jaws and vomer and sometimes on palatines, (iill openings separated by a wide isthmus over which the membranes do not form a fold; no slit behind the fourth gill. Branchiostegals six. Dorsals nearly or quite separate, the first of six to nine slender spines; ventrals moderate, each with a short, concealed spine and four soft rays. Lateral line present, usually more or less chain-like, sometimes incomplete. Freopcrcle with a simple spine at its angle, which is usually curved upward, its base more or less covered by skin, very rarely obsolete, usually two or three spines turned downward below this; subopercle usually with a concave spine turned downward. N'ertebra;, 10 + 23=33. Pyloric ca-ca, about four.
H07)
SiiBCKNts PEGF.DICTUS. Blob.
Miller's Thumb.
(Cottus ictalops.)
Body rather robust, gradually tapering to the tail ; head very broad ; preopercic with a short, sharp, straightish spine, turned upward and back- ward, with two smaller spines below it; skin usually smooth, sometimes with minute prickles behind axil of pectoral ; .spinous dorsal becins slightly behind end of head, separated from second dorsal by a deep notch ; second dorsal about two and one-third times longer than first and one-third longer than anal base. Pectoral, ventral md caudal fins well developed.
I
III'.'
CHICt'K LIST or THE
». VI. to VIII.. ,„; A., ,2 to J. ..nd rather broad .toss bands; hns ban. <l aiul motll.d. Length five or
This fish ranges through the entire (..eat Lake Kei-ion and is abun »ery dcstruLtue lo the . -.^r. and vounK of Hr.wk Trout.
(iE.vis LR.WIDKA. (.M111.KKS TiitMHS.)
ri«n ^/'•! ^''""'' 'f ""^^ *"'""'-■ '" *-■"""'*• '"'"" ^hicli it differs in the reduc- .on of us ventra s to a concealed spine- and three soft rays, a step f .r, her m the degeneration characteristic of fresh-water types The sk n is sm.K. h or very nearly so. the preopereuiar spines ^'^.all. and there usually no trace of teeth on the palatines.
(109) Franklin's Scnlpin.
(Uranidea franklini.)
Body rather short and stout ; snout not xery obtuse ; maxillary re-.ch .ng about to pupil: eye four in head; preope-rcular spinV h^S cry"
ne u! L'Lth ""•'";'';'• ":'= P^'"^"'^ "°' ^-^•^'"^ vent; «;'» d.S nearly as high as second; dorsals contiguous; anal inserted under fourth
nearer base of caudal than tip of snout D. VIII., 17; ,\.. „; V L, ,. ■ Length, three inches. Lake Superior.
(loH) Lake Miller's Thumb. (Uranidea formosa.)
Body slender and graceful ; head small, depressed above • eves mod
spine below ,t ; subopc-rcular spine well developed. Dorsals well s^par.Xd • ana beginning under third ray of soft dorsal; pectorals no rSnglo posterior margin .spinous dorsal; ventrals not nearly to vent. *'
U. VIII., ,6; A. II. Length, three and one-fourth inches f ^t.*'"^ rT'^^*^** -specimen has been recorded, this ha vine lx;en
Grxus TRIGLOPSIS.
vnm,!"*'-' ""'' ''?i,'' ''^?*^.''' ''*'" "*''''^''= '»*''"' """ fhainlike; teeth on ^omer. none on the palatines; eye large, the intercrbital area concave"
i KH OK iiNTAHIO
ll).S
bones irf limvr part of he.nt -xuiisivcl) <;i\iriH>us ; .1 ^ i.ill Ihii distinit slit brhinfl last jjill ; k'II ni<-ml>ran«'s ilmost free from tin.- jNihmus, forminij a broad loUl across 1 , prfoperi'iilar spiru's sirai^ht, sin>i>lf, 'our l»» mini- l*r, Ihi- lower turni'd downward; fins large.
Ii lu) Lake Sciilpin.
(Triiflopsls thornpsoni.)
K<Nly elon>{;<ti . very sleiuliT. Mead limi;. «leprc»se(l .itii-M'. Snout lonf» and pointed; <»e quite lar^e ; jaws siilw<|ual ; nioiiih larj;i ; the max- illary extending rather beyond midillr of eye; preopori Ir with four sliarp spines; eavernous structure ol skull lii>;hly developed; upper surfac*' of head smooth; cill membranes not lirnadly unite<l ; n<'arly free Irnm isth- mus. IJorsal iw well separated; spinous dorsal short and li>w; se<-ond dorsal very lari,e; .inal high; pec-toral long, reaching p;ist frmit of anal; ventrals well developed; later. il line chain-like, 1 onsf i'-uous ; -.kin per- fectly smooth.
I), \ II . iH; A., 15.
Colour, pa/i olivaceous with darker blotches; upper fin* faintly bandi'd.
l.itll' 1^ known of this spori. <. Speciiiwns h.i\c been taken occa- sionall\ Irom fl( cp w, :ei in Lake Ontario, hut there are no other n'cords for thi- I'lininic.
Stihordtr ANACANTHINI.
F-\iMv CADID.E. (t oDnsHKs.)
Body eloofjate, enjlin^; in an isorercal tail; sc.ilcs M-all, cyclcnd. Mouth large, the teeth various. \o pseudobranchia>. \\r''- il I'ns svjt- arate. Dorsal and .inal long; no fin spines, fiill or>''.^nt;s \, ■. . iile, the membranes free from the isthmus. Gills four; air l.'.i Me- , .r- : ' 'pyloric ca-ia numerous. N'erlehra-, al>out tiftv.
Carnivorous fishes chiefly of the north<Tn seas, 1 i!> ,:; ' ■ ^re-at
economic value. One species in fresh waters.
C.F.svs LOT.A. (Lings.)
Body long and low, compressed I)ehind . head sm.i!; : 1 r, ,,= i, .viiuer broad; anterior nostrils each with a small barf>el ; chin \v. , .,- b.:rl)ei;
snout and lower parts of head naked ; mouth moder.ttc, tne lower jaw included; each jaw with broad h.tnds of equal villiform teeth; vomer with a broad crescent-shaped band of similar teeth ; no teeth on palatines ; gill openings wide, the membrane somewhat connected, free from the isthmus; scales very small, embedded; vertical fins scaly; dors.-il fins two, the first short, the second long, similar to the anal ; caud.il rounded, its outer rays procurrent ; ventrals of several rays.
il
104
CHKCK LIST OF THE
(III) Burbot. Ling.
(Lota maculosa.)
Body elongate, somewhat eel-shaped, slightly compressed posteriorly, tye small. The upper jaw reaches slightly beyond the hind margin of the eye; the lower jaw included in the upper, and has a stout barbel which is nearly one-fifth as long as the head. The ventral is longer than the pec- toral, but does not reach half way to vent ; the dorsal fins are separated by a narrow mterspace, second dorsal higher than first ; caudal rounded ■ the scales are deeply embedded in the skin, not imbricated
D., 13, 68 to 76; A., 67.
Colour, dark olivaceous, reticulated with blackish, the lower parts yellowish or dusky; the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins with a narrow, dark edge.
The average length of this species in our waters is about two feet It IS found in all the larger lakes and rivers of the Province, usually in deep water, except during the spawning season in the spring, when it runs into streams or on to rocky shallows.
In this Province it is considered worthless as a food or game fish but in the Yukon and some parts of the far north its flesh is eaten and its liver IS considered a delicacy.
IS ii
1 n
$
it
»
APPENDIX. HUE DARTER ; RAINBOW PARTER (EtheostMa ccnlna).
Head 3J. depth 4i, eye 4 to 4i in head, little shorter than snout, I). I\ to MI- .2 to 14. A. II.. r or 8; scales 5-37 to 5*^ ,0 usually 5- 45 10 pores 18 to 35. Body robust, rather deep and compressed, the back somewhat elevated. Head larK^e, cf)mpressed. Mouth moder- ate, termmal, oblique, the lower jaw somewhat included the maxillary, reachmjj front of orbit; opercular spine moderate; pill membranes not connected. Palatine teeth in one row. Cheeks naked or nearly so. <1>ercles scaled; neck ant! breast usually naked. Fins all iarjje, (forsal fin* usiiaJly slijjhtly connected. .\nal spines su'nqual. or the first a little the longer: caudal rounded; pectoral ne.irly or quite as lonjj- as head.
Males olivaceous tes.sellated alxive, the'spcMs running- together into blotclies: back without black lengthwise stripes; sides with about ij indipo blue bars running obliquely downward and backward, most dis- tinct iM'bind. separated by bright orange interspa<ies ; caudal fin deep (•range, edg.-d with brig^ht blue, anal fin orange, with deep blue in front and b.:iind soft dorsal, chiefly orange, blue at base and tip; spinous dorsal, rrimson at base, then orange with blue edginps; ventrals d<ep indipo; cheeks blue; throat and breast orange; females much duller, with little blue or red, the vertical fins barred or checked; vouiit; variously marked, no dark humeral spot. Length jj inches.
(iayest of all the Darters, and indeed the paudiest of all fresh water fishes.
It makis its home in the ripples and shallows of the rivers and in the shady retreats of brooks.
It is a chubby little fish as compared with the other Darters. In its movements it is awkward and ungraceful, though swift and savage as a Pike. One of the mildest of its tricks which we have noticed is this. It would gently put its head over a stone and catch a water boatman by one of its swimminp leps, release it, catch it apain and again relea.se it. until .It last the boatman evidently much annoyed swam away out of its reach. It wiil follow to the surface of the water a piece of meat sus- pended by .1 string. It is more alert in discovering this than a hungry Sunfish or Rock Bass, and it can be led around like a pet lamb bv ii thread to which is fastened a section of a worm. (Jordan and Fvermann).
While this work was in the printers' hands, I took several specimens of this beautiful fish in a swift, rocky stream, flowing through the eastern side of the County of York.
L0K6-N0SED DACE (Rhnicthys citanctc).
M the same place where I found the Blue Darter, this species wa.s abundant ; it is probable therefore that it is more g-enerally distributed through the Province than has been heretofore supposed.
riosi
(ILOSSARV OF TfXHNRAI, TERMS.
Abdomen. Belly.
Aberrant. IX-viating from ordinary character.
Abortive. Remaining or becoming imperfect.
Actinosts. .A series of bones at the base of the pectoral rays.
AcaraiBate. Tapering gradually to a point.
Acute. Sharp-pointed.
Adipose Sn. .\ peculiar fleshy fin-like projection behind the dorsal (in, on
the backs of salmons, catfishes, etc. Adult. A mature animal.
i4:(tithognathU8. Having the peculiar palate nf passerine birds. Air-bladder. A sac filled with air, lying beneath the backbone of fishes,
corresponding to the lungs of the higher vertebrates. Albinism. State of whiteness, complete or p.irtial, arising from deficiency
or entire lack of pigment in the skin and its appendages. Alisphenoid. A small bone on the anterior wall of the brain-case. Aliantois. An organ of the embryo. Altrices. Birds hatched in ;:n immature condition, reared in the nest and
fed by the parents. Altricial. Having the nature of altrices. Alula. Literally, little wing. The feathers attached lo the s.m ailed
"thumb" of a bird. Alveolar surlace. A portion of the jaw of a Turtle, where the teeth so<kpts
are developed in other reptiles. Amnion. An organ of the embryo. Amphicalian. Double-concave, said of vertebra. Anadromous. Running up— said of marine fishes v. hich run up rixers to
spawn. Anal. Pertaining to the anus or vent.
Anal fln. The fin on the median line behind the vent on fishes. Anal plate. The plate immediately in front of the vent on serpents, often
divided in two by a median suture. . Anchylosed. Grown firmly together.
Angular. A small bone on the posterior end of the mandible. AnteorMtal plate. The plate (one or two) in front of the eye in serpents,
with its longest diameter vertical; also called preocular. Antrorse. Turned forward.
Anus. The external opening of the intestine ; the vent. Arboreal. Living in trees. Arterial bulb. The muscular swelling at the base of the great arterv, in
fishes.
[io»U
FISH OF ONTAUU)
107
Artkalar. Tin- Ixnu ><\ tin- mandil)!^, ^pportin^ tin- tlentarv.
Artimlate. jointe<l.
Artiodactyloas. i:\cn-toed {2 or 4).
Mlas. The first vcrtrhra.
Atrophy. Non-development.
Attenuate. Long and slender, as if dr.iwn out.
Auditory capsule. The \entrolateral swellins ol the skull.
Auricle. The lartje lobe of the external ear; also one of tlu- .liainhers of
the heart. Axillars. Klon^'aled feathers on the sides of the hody unilir the winijs.
B.
Band or bar. Any colour mark trans\ersi- to th<- loni; axis of the ho<ly.
Barbel. An elongated fleshy proiertion usually ahout the he.id in fishes.
Basal. Pertaining to the base ; at or near the base.
BasibrancMals. A lower median series of hones of the briinchi.il arehi-s.
BasioCCipital. A median posterior ventral bone of the skull to wlii.h lln' atlas is attached.
Basipteryj;oid. Mones developed in the p.d.itinc arch in sonic birds.
Basis craaii. F-'ormed by shelves of bone de\elop(><l from the inner sid<-s of the pr«»otics, which meet and form .1 root to thi' mvodoniv .md a floor to the brain cavity.
Beak. The bill of birds or (in other animals) any Ijcak-like structure.
Bend of winjj. Angle at the c.irpus when the winy is folded.
Bicoloar. Two-coloured.
Bicuspid. Having two points.
Booted. .Said of the tarsus in birds, when its scales coalesce an«l form .1 continuous envelope, as in the Robin.
Brachial ossicles. Synonymous with actinosts.
Branchic fiills ; respiratory organs of fishes.
Branchial. Pertaining to the gills.
Branchihyals. Sm.ill bones at base of gill arches.
Branchioste|(als. The bony rays supporting the branchiostegal mem- branes under the head of a fish, below the opercul.ir bones and behind the lower jaw.
Bristle. A stiff hair, or hair-like feather.
Buccal. Pertaining to the mouth.
Caducous. Falling off early. Cecal. Of the form of a blind sac.
Cecum. An .ippendage of the form of .1 blind sac conneiied with the ali- mentary canal.
'A
108
CHECK LIST OK THK
Calcareous. Chalky.
Canines. The- teeth Ixihind the incisors the 'eye teeth" in hshes ; any
conical teeth in the front part of the jaws, longer than tin; others. Canthus. Corner of the eye where the lids meet. Carapace. The upper shell ut a IHrtle, usually eoniijosed of bony plates
covered by horny scales. Cardiform. (Teeth.) Teeth co.irse and sharp, like wool cards. Carinate. Keeled, having a ridge along the middle line. Carotid. The great artery running to the head. Carpal angle. Prominence at the wrist-joint when the wing is closed.
From this point to the end of the longest quill constitutes the
"length of wing." Carpus. The wrist. Catadromous. Running down ; said of fresh wat.r fish which run down
to the sea to spawn. Caudal. Pertaining to the tail. Caudal fin. The fin on the tail of fishes and whales.
Caudal peduncle. The region between the anal and caudal fins in fishes. Cavernous. Containing cavities either empty or filled with a mucous
.sec-etion. Centrum. The body of a vertebra. Cephalic fins. Fins on the head of certain rays ; a detached portion of the
pectoral. Ceratobranchials. Bones of the branchial arches just In-low their anele Ceratohyal. One of the hyoid bones. ^
Cervical. Pertaining to the neck. Chiasma. Crossing of the fibres of the optic nerve. Chin. Space between the forks of the lower jaw. Ciliated. Fringed with eyelash-like projections. Cirri. Fringes.
Claspers. Organs attached to the ventral fins in the male of .Sharks Ravs
etc. • '
Clavicle. The collar-bone, or lower anterior part of shoulder girdle not
entering into socket of arm. Cloaca. A common opening of genital, urinary and alimentary canals Commissure. The line upon which the mandibles of a bird are closed Compressed. Flattened laterally. Condyle. .Articulating surface of a bone. Conirostral. Said of a bill like that of a Sparrow ; conical in form and
with the commissure angulated. Coracoid. The principal bone of the shoulder girdle in fishes; otherwise
a bone or cartilage on the ventral side, helping to form the arm-
.socket. Costal folds, i-olds ot the skin (of a Salamander) .showing the position of
the ribs (costs).
FISH OK ONTARIO.
ItW
Coverts Cranial. Crest.
Crissum. Ctenoid.
Culmen. Cuneate.
Cycloid.
Small feathers hiding the bases ol the <|iiilLs.
Pertaining to the cranium or .skull. In birds any lengthened featlicrs about the head ; elsewhere anv elevated or crest-like projection.
The under tail coverts in birds.
Rough-edged ; said of scales when the posterior mari;in is min- utely spinous or pectinated.
The middle line or ridge of the upp<-r mandible in birds. Wedge-shaped; said of a bird's tail when the middle feathers are longest and the rest regularly shorter.
Smooth-edged; said of scales not ctenoid, but concentrically striate.
D.
Deciduous. Temporary ; falling off.
Decomposed. Separate; standing apart.
Decurved. Curved downward.
Dentary. The principal or anterior bone of the lower jaw, u>.ually be ir-
mg the teeth. Dentate. With tooth-like notches. Denticle. A little tooth.
Dentirostral. Having the bill notched near its tip. Depressed. Flattened vertically.
Depth. Vertical diameter (usuallv of the bodv of fishes). Dermal. Pertaining to the skin. Desmognathous. United palate, as in the lower water birds (Loons
Gulls, etc.). Diagnostic. Distinctively characteristic. Diaphanous. Translucent.
Diaphragm. Muscular septum between thorax and abdomen Uiapophysis. Transverse process of a vertebra. Digitigrade. Walking on the toes like a dog. Distal. Remote from point of attachment. Dorsal. Pertaining to the back. Dorsal fln. The fin on the back of lishes.
E. •
Emarginate. Slightly forke4. or notched at the tip; abruptly narrowed or notched toward the tip (said of quill.s).
Endoskeleton. The skeleton proper; the inner bony framework of the
body. Enteron. The alimentary -anal.
\
no
CHECK LIST Ol-' THK
Epibranchialt. The bones directly ahove the angle of the branrhial arches.
Epihyal. One of the hyoid bones.
Eplptouralt. Rays of bone attached to the rilis and anterior vertebrw,
usually touching the skin in the vicinity of the lateral line. Erectile. Susceptible of being raised or erected. Erythrism. .\ peculiar reddish state of plumage. Etkmold. A median anterior Ijone of the skull.
Eustachian tubes. Tubes connecting the inner ear with the pharynx. Even (tail). Having all the feathers of equal length. Exoccipitals. Two bones of the skull, one on each side of the foramen
magnum. Exosiceleton. Hard parts (scales, scutes, feathers, hairs) on ihc Mirface
of the body. Exserted. Projecting beyond the genoral level. Extra-iimital. Beyond the limits.
Facial. Pertaining to the face,
Falcate. Sickle-shaped; long, narrow an<l ( iirvi-cl.
Falciform. Curved like a scythe.
Fauna. The animals inhabiting any region taken < ollcrlivcly.
Femoral. Pertaining to the thigh, or proximal Ijone of the hindi-r leg.
Ferruginous. Rusty red.
Fibula. The small outer leg bone.
Filament. Any slender or thread-like sinidure.
Filiform. Ihread-form.
Fissirostral. Having the bill very deeply cleft, beyond the base of the
horny part, as in the Swallows. Fontanel. An unossificd sp.ice on top of head covered with membrane. Foramen. A hole or opening. Foramen magnum. The .iperture in the posterior part of the skull for the
passage of the spinal cord. Forehead. Frontal curve of head. Forflcate. Deeply forked ; scissors-like. FosscB (nasal). Grooves in which the nostrils open. Fossorial. Adapted for digging. Frontal bone. Anterior bone on top of head. Fulcra. Rudimentary .spine-like projections
rays of the fins of ganoid fishes. Fuliginous. Sooty-brown. Fulvous. Of a brownish yellow colour. Furcate. Forked.
Fuscous. Of a dark grayish-brown colour Fusiform. Spindle-shaped; tapering towards boih ends, but rather more
abruptly forward.
usu.tIIv (j.iired.
ex^t-nrliii^ on the antericr
riSH OF OXTAKIO
111
Uan({lion. A nerve centre.
Ganoid. Si ales or plates of bone co\ered by enamel.
Gape. Opening of the mouth.
Gastrosteges. Band-like plates along the belly of a serpent; ventral
plates. Gibbous. Swollen ; protulierant.
Gills. Orjjans for breathinfj the air contained in water. Gill-arches. The bony arches to which the gills are ait.n lied. Gill-openings. Openings leading to or from the branrhiie. Gillrakers. A series of bony appendages variously forint-d along tlie inner
edge of the anterior gill arch. Glabrous. Smooth. Glossohyal. The tongue bone. Gonys. The middle line of the lower rnandilil.-. Gorget. Throat patch of peculiar feathers. Graduated (spines). Progressively longer backward; the third being :is
much longer than seimd as second is longer than first. Graduated (tail). One in which the outer feathers are regul.irlv snorter
from the middle. Granulate. Rough with small prominences. Gular. Pertaining to the upper fore-net k. Guttate. Having drop-shaped spots.
H.
Hsmal arch. .\n arch under a ha-nial spine for the passage of a bliHul- vessel.
HKmal canal. The se>ies of haemal arches as a whole.
Haemal spine. The lowermost spire of a caudal vertebra, in fishes.
Haemopophyses. Appendages on the lower side of abdominal vertebra; in fishes.
Hallux. The great toe in birds the hind toe.
Height. Vertical diameter.
Heterocercal. Said of the tail of a fish when unequal the b.ickbone evi- dently running into the upper lobe.
Hirsute. With shaggy hairs.
Homocercal. Said of the tail of a fish when not evidently uncciii.-il : :■,- backbone apparently stopping at the middle of the base .>; ti;'^ caudal fin.
Humerus. Bone of the upper arm.
Hyoid. Pertaining to the tongue.
Hyold apparatus. Formed by a series of bones extending along the inner side of the mandible and supporting the tongue.
1
lU
tHW k I.IMT Ot I HE
My»«.ndJb«. . .H>n.. by «,„,, ,1a. posterior en.i ... .he sus,H.n^onu.n
"• '"'"'""ifr'^'-' '"T" "' '^'■' *"" •'•""• "-•'«■•'' »« •'^- ^'-icle indi- rectly bcarins the pectoral fin.
Hypobr.nehl«l.. Horus ... ,1,.. i.r.-.nchial archc. Ixh.w the- cera.obr..n. I,. HypMor«oid.^^ Ih. ;.,w.t .,; the two bones ....ache.l .„ ,h, ,«.. ,.|aNi, I.,
Hypo<na,h«U» ■ llayin, ,1,. K.w.r mandibl. ...n^. r ,- .„ ,|„. ..pp.r. a> in
the Hhi.k Skinun-T. Hypophyal. S„, ,11 In.nes. „...,)Iy four, by whi. h .l,.- resp...,ive si.ies ...
the hM.ii, .ippanitiiN are jcjined.
I.
Imbricate. f)verlapping, like shingles ,.„ a r.M.I Imperforate. .\ot pionetl throuyli. Inarticulate. N'ot j..inted. Incisors. The Iront, or cuiing te.-ih. Intraoral. Below the mouth.
Interleraoral membrane. The membrane connecting the p...sterior limbs
ol a bat. Interhcmal spines. Klements supporting the anal fin. Interbsmals. Hones to which anal rays are attached in lisjus interhyal. I pper h .id bone attached to hv..mandibu:ar. Intermaxillaries. The premaxillaries ; the 'bt.nes forming the middle .,f
the front par! of the upper jaw in fishes. Intermusculars. Synonym of epipleurals. Internasals. Plated on the forehead of the snake on the line conne. ting
the two nostrils. *
Intemeurals. Bones 1.. which the dorsal rays are attached in fish, interopercle. Membrane bone betu.en th.- preoperile an.l the bran, hi..-
-stegals. Interorbital. Space b. tween the eyes. Interscapular. Between the shoulders. Interspinals. Bones to which fin-rays are attached (in fishes) inserte.l
between neural spines above and hamal spines below, fsocercal (tail). Last vertebra: progressively smaller and endi.-sj in median
hne of caudal fin as i'l the Cod-fish. Isthmus. The narrow unperforated floor of the mouth, bet we. r, the gill
openings in fishes.
lu
VIHU UF ONTAUIO.
II*
I.
iugulu. I'vrtaiiiinK to the lower throat ; suid of the ventral finii
pluceil in advance uf the attachment ol the pectoral.s. Jngulum The lower throat.
when
Ktelad. Having a ridge along the middle line.
L.
Labials. Plates forming the lip of a serpent.
Lacustrine. Living in lakes.
Lameilai. I'late-like priHt'sses, such as are seen inside a duck's bill.
Lamellate. Said of a bill provided with lamella', as in a duck.
Lanceolate. Shaped like the head of a lance.
Larva. An immature form, which must undergo change of appearance
before becoming adult. Larynx. A hollow cartilaginous organ; a modification of the windpipe. Lateral. To or towards the side. Lateral line. .-\ series of muciferous tut^es forming a raised line along the
sides of a fish. Lateral processes. Synonym of parapophyses. Laterally. Sidrwise.
Lobate. Furnished with menil)ranous flaps; said of the toes of bird.s. Lobe. Membranous flap. Longitudinal. Running lengthwise. Loral plate. Plate between eye and nostril of :i serpent, Ix-fore and below
preiK^ular when this is present ; its longest diameter horizontal. Lores. Space between eye and bill. Lunnte. Forr>-. of the new moon ; having a broad and rather shallow fork.
M.
Mammary Glands. Glands secreting milk.
Mandible. Under jaw (or in birds either jaw).
Maxilla or maxillary. Upper jaw.
Maxillaries. Outermost or hindmost boni's of the upper jaw in fishes ;
they are joined to the premaxillaries in front and usually extend
further back than the latter. Melanism. State of colouration arising from excess of dark pigment ; a
frequent condition of hawks. Membrane. Soft skinny covering of the bill of some birds. 12 F.
MHiliiiiiil
MIOOCOPV RBOWTION TEST CHART
(ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2)
A APPLIED IM-^GE I
^K 1653 Eost Uoin Street
IPflS Rochester. New York 1*609 USA
■■^g (?'6) 482 - 0300 - Phone
^B (716) 288- 5989 - Fox
114
CHECK LIST OF THE
Mesethmoid. Synonym of ethmoid.
Mesopterygoid. A bone of the suspensorium.
Metacarpus. The hand proper exclusive of the fingers.
Metamorphosis. A decided change in form.
Metapterygoid. A bone of tiie suspensorium, or chain supporting the
lower jaw. Metatarsus. The foot proper.
Molars. The grinding teeth ; posterior teeth in the jaw Monogamous. Pairing ; said of birds. Muciferous. Producing or containing mucus. Myocomma. A muscular band. Myodome. Cavity under the brain for the reception of the rectus muscles
of the eye.
m
If 1 1
I
ffli
N.
Nape. Upper part of neck, next to the occiput.
Nares. Nostrils, anterior and posterior.
Nasal. Pertaining to the nostrils.
Nasal plate. Plate in which the nostrils are inserted.
Neural arch. An opening through the base of the neural spine, for the
passage of the spinal cord. Neural canal. The neural arches as a whole. Neural processes. Two plates rising vertically, one on each side of the
centrum of the vertebra, which unite toward their ends and form
a spine. Neural spine. The uppermost spine of a vertebra. Nictitating membrane. The third or inner eyelid, of birds, sharks, etc. Notochord. A cellular cord, which in the embryo precedes the vertebral
column. Nucha. The upper part of the hind neck, next the hind head. Nuchal. Pertaining to the nape or nucha.
O.
Obscure. Scarcely visible.
Obsolete. Faintly marked; scarcely evident.
Obtuse. Blunt.
Occipital. Pertaining to the occiput.
Occipital condyle. That part of the occipital bone modified to articulate
with the atlas. Occipital plates. Plates on the head of a serpent, behind the vertical plate Occiput. Rack of the head. Ocellate. With eye-like spots, generally roundish and with a lighter
border.
ill
FISH OF ONTARIO.
115
Old (suffix). Like; as Percoid, perch-like.
Opercle, or operculum. Gill cover ; the posterior membrane bone of the
side of the head, in fishes. Opercular bones. Membrane bones of the side of the liead, in fishes. Opercular flap. Prolongation of the upper posterior angle of the opercle,
in Sun-fishes. Opisthoccclian. Concave behind only ; said of vertebr.e which connect by
ball and socket joints. Opistholic. A bone of the skull to which the lower limb of the p<)>t-tem-
poral usually articulates. Orbicular. Nearly circular. Orbit. Eye socket. Oscine. Musical.
Oscines. A group of singing birds. Osseous. Bony.
Ossicula auditus. Bones of the ear in fishes. Osteology. Study of bones. Oviparous. Producing eggs which are developed aftc r exclusion from the
body, as in all birds and most fishes. Ovoviviparous. Producing eggs which are hatched before exclusion, as in
the Dogfish and Garter Snake. Ovum. Egg.
Palate. The roof of the mouth.
Palatines. Membrane bones of the roof of mouth ; one on each side,
extending outward and b.icKwaid from the vomer. Palmate. Web-footed; having the anterior toes full-webbed. Palustrine. Living in swamps. Papilla. A small, fleshy projection. Papillose. Covered with papilla".
Paragnathous. Having the two mandibles about equal in length. Parasitic. Living on, or deriving nourishment from some other living
thing. Habitually making use of other birds' nests. Parapophyses. The lateral projections on some of the abdominal \erte-
brje to support ribs. Parasphenoid. Bone of roof of mouth behind the vomer. Synonym of
prefrontal. Paratoid. A glandular body beliind the car in Batrarlii.ins. Parietal. Bone of the side of the head above. Parotic process. A posterior lateral process of the skull formed by the
pterotic and opiosthotic. Pectinate. Having teeth like a comb. Pectoral. Pertaining to 'he breast.
*!■ '
ii«
CHECK LIST OF THE
|(i i
Pectoral fins. The anterior or upermost of the paired fins, in fishes cor- responding to the anterior limbs of the higher vertebates. Pelage. The hair of a mammal taken collectively. Pelagic. Living on or in the high seas.
Pelvic girdle. The bones supporting the ventral fins or pelvics. Pelvis. The bones to which the hinder limbs (ventral fins in fishes) arc
attached. Perforate. Pierced through ; said of nostrils when without a septum Pe.issodactylous. Odd toed (toes i, 3 or 5). Peritoneum. The membrane lining the abdominal cavity. Phalanges. Bones of the fingers and toes.
Pharyngeal bones. Bones behind the gills and at the beginning of the
oesophagus of fishes, of various forms, almost always provided
with teeth ; usually one pair below and four pairs above. They
represent a fifth gill arch.
Pharyngobranchials. Upper elements of the branchial arches usually
bearing teeth. Pharyngonathous. Having the lower pharyngeal bones united. Physoclistous. Having the air bladder closed. Physostomous. Having the air bladder connected by a tube with the ali-
menatry canal. Pigment. Colouring matter.
Pineal body. A small ganglion in the brain ; a rudiment of an optic lobe, which in certain lizards (and in extinct forms) is connected with a third or median eye. Pituitary body. A small ganglion in the brain. Planta. Sole of foot. Plastron. Lower shell of a turtle.
Plicate. Folded, showing transverse folds or wrinkles. Plumage. The feathers of a bird taken collectively. Plumbeous. Lead-coloured; dull bluish gray. Pollex. Thumb; in birds the digit which bears the alula— corresponding
to the mdex finger. Polygamous. Mating with more than one female. Postclavlcle. A ray composed of one or two bones attached to the inner
upper surface of the clavicle and extending downward Post-frontal (plates). The ones before the vertical plate Post-orbital. Behind the eye.
Post-temporal. The bone, in fishes, by which the shoulder girdle is sus- pended to the cranium. ProBCOCes. Birds able to run about and feed themselves at once when
hatched. Proecocial. Having the nature of prrtcoccs.
Proecoracoid. A portion of coracoid more or less separated from the rest Froecoracoid arch. An arch in front of the coracoid in most soft-raved fishes.
FISH OF ONTARIO.
117
Prefrontal (plates). Those in front of post-frontal.
Premaxillaries. The bones, one on either side, forming the front of the
upper jaw in fishes. They are usually larger than the maxillarics
and commonly bear most of the upper teeth. Premolars. The small grinders; the teeth lx.t\veen the canines and the
true molars. PreoGular. Before the eye. Preopercle. The membrane bone lying in front of the opercle and more
or less r. -arly parallel with it. Preorbital. The large membrane bone lx;fore the eye in fishes. Primary. Any one of the large stiff quills growing upon the pinion or
hand bones of a bird (usually nine or ten, sometimes eleven in
number) ; as distinguished from the secondaries, which grow
upon the forearm. Primary wing coverts. The coverts overlying the base of the primaries. Proccelian. Concave in front only.
Procurrent (Pn). With the lower rays inserted progressively farther for- ward. Projectile. Capable of being thrust forward.
Prootic. A bone forming an anterolateral ossific.ition oi the brain-case. Protractile. Capable of being drawn forward. Proximal. Nearest. Pseudobranchis. Small gills developed on the innor side of the opercle,
near its junction with the preopercle. Pterotic. A bone at the posterior lateral process of the skull. Pterygoids. Bones of roof of mouth in fishes, behind the palatines. Pubic bones. Same as pelvic bones. Pubis. Anterior lower part of pelvis. Pulmonary. Pertaining to the lungs. Punctate. Dotted with points. Pyloric CSCa. Glandular appendages in the form of blind sacs opening
into the alimentary canal of most fishes at the pylorus or p.issage
from the stomach to the intestine.
s
Quadrate. Nearly square ; a bone of the lower jaw in lower vertebrates. Quill. One of the stiff feathers of the wing or tail of a bird. Quincunx. Set of five arranged alternately, thus :•:
Radius. Outer bone of forearm.
Ray. One of the cartilaginous rods which support the membrane of the fin of a fish.
UN
CHKt K LIST OF THE
II
I
Rectrices. Quills of the tail of a bird.
Recurved. Curved upward.
Remiges. Quills of the wing of a bird.
Reticulate. Marked with a network of lines.
Retractile. Susceptible of being drawn inward, as a cat's claw
Retrorse. Turned backward.
Rachis. Shaft of a quill.
Rectal. Pertaining to the rectus, as rectal bristles.
RectUj. Gape of the mouth.
Rostral. Pertaining to the snout, as rostral plate.
Rudimentary. Undeveloped.
Rulf. A series of modified feathers.
Rugose. Rough, with wrinkles.
8.
Sacral. Pertaining to the sacrum, or vertebra of the pelvic region.
Saggitate. ; aped like an arrow head.
Saurognathous. Having the peculiar "lizard-like" structure of the palate found m Woodpeckers.
Scansorial. Capable of climbing.
Scansorial tail. Tail feathers sharp and stiff, as in the scansorial birds (Woodpeckers).
Scapula. Shoulder blade ; in fishes, the bone of the shoulder girdle below the post-temporal.
Scapulars. Long feathers rising from the shoulders and covering the ^'dcs of the back.
Scapular arch. Shoulder girdle.
Schizognathous. Split palate, as in the Heron and similar birds.
acute. Any external bony or horny plate.
Scutellate. Provided with scutella;'s:.id of .he tarsus when covered with broad plates in a regular vertical series, and separated by regular Imes of impression.
Scutellum. One of the tarsal plates or scutella.
Secondaries. The quills growing on the lorearm.
Secondary coverts. The wing feathers which cover the bases of the sec- ondary quills.
Second dorsal. The posterior or soft part of the dorsal fin, when the two parts are separated.
Sectorial tooth. One of the premolais of carnivora, adapted for cutting.
Semipalmate. Half-webbed ; having the anterior toes more or loss con- nected at base by a webbing which does not extend to the claws
Septum. A thin partition.
Serrate. T Notched like a saw.
Sessile. Without a stem or peduncle.
FISH OF OXTAUIO.
IIU
Setaceous. Bristly.
Setlform. Bristlf-like.
Shaft. Stiff axis of a quill.
Shoulder gir -e. The bony girdle posterior to the head, to which the
anterior limbs are attached {post-temporal, scapula, and coracoid
or clavicle). Soft dorsal. The posterior part of the dorsal fin in fishes, when composed
of soft rays. Soft rays. I-in rays which are articulate and usually branched. Spatulate. Shaped like a spatula.
ISfc*"'"!?' i '"■'^'J"^' '^"'""'■'^d "^Pot "f th*-- secondaries, especially of ducks. sphenoid. Basal bone of skull.
Sphenotic. A lateral bone of the skull.
Spine. Any sharp projecting point ; in fishes those fin rays which are
unbranched, inaniculate, and usually, but not always, more or
less stiffened. Spinous. Stiff or composed of spines. Spinous dorsal. The anterior part of the dorsal fin, when composed of
spinous rays. Spiracles. Openings in the head or neck of some fishes and Batrachians Spurious qui I. Said of the first primary when less than about one-third
the length of the second. The student will notice that in Oscines
the presence of a short or spurious quill indicates ten primaries
Its absence nine. Stellate. Star-like, with radiating ridges. Sternal fontanel. A pit at the top of the sternum. Sternum. The breast-bone. Striate. Striped or streaked.
f Hh i'" ^TP°/,'"?"^- .^^'' *''^"' somewhat: not quite; under, etc. aub-caudal. Under the tail.
Sub-opercle. The bone immediately below the opercle (the suture con-
necting the two often hidden by scales) Sub-orbital. Below the eye. Sub-orbital sta>. A bone extending from one of the sub-orbital bones in
subui.te."':s::;-stM.-^""^^ ''" '^'^^'-^' *° °^ "^^-^^'-^ ''^ p^^^p-^'-
Suffrago. Heel joint ; joint of tibia and tarsus Supraciliary. Pertaining to the region of the eyebrow. Supplemental maxillary. A small bone lying along upper edge . the maxillary.
Supraclavicle. A bone interposed between the clavicle anj the post-tem- poral.
Supraoccipital. The bone as the posterior part of skull in fishes usually
with a raised crest above. Supra-oral. Above the mouth.
I''
I 1.
I
^11
I
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120
CHECK LIST OF THE
Supra-orbital. Above the eye.
Supra-scapula The post-temporal or bone by which the shoulder eirdle in fishes is joined to the skull.
Suspensorium. The chain of bones from the hyomandibular to the rala- tine. '
Suspensory bones. Bones by which the lower jaw, in fishes, is fastened
to the skull. Suture. Thf line of union of two bones, as in the skull SvmilK' Tu"V°^ Jun'-tion of the two parts of lower jaw; tip of chin. bymplectk. The bone in fishes that keeps together th^ hyomandibular
and quadrate posteriorly. Syndactyle. Having two toes immovably united for some distance, as in
the Kingfisher. Synonym. A different word having the same or a similar meaning. Synonomy. a collection of different names for the same group, species
or thing. o r f
T.
Tail.
In mammals, the vertebra-, etc., posterior to the sacrum; in birds
the tail feathers or rectrices, taken collectively ; in serpents, the
part of the body posterior to the vent ; in fishes (usually) the part
of the body posterior to the anal fin. Tail coverts. The small feathers overlapping the bases of the rectrices. Tarso-metatarsus. The correct name of the so-called tarsus of birds ; the
bone reaching from the tibia to the toes, composed chielly of the
metatarsus, but having at its top one of the small tarsal bones
confluent with it. Tarsus. The ankle bones collectively; in birds commonly used for the
shank bone, lying between the tibia and the toes, the t.irso-meta-
tarsus. Tectrices. The wing and tail coverts. Temporal. Pertaining to the region of the temples. Tenuirostral. Slender billed. Terete. Cylindrical and tapering. Terminal. At the end.
Tertials. The quills attached to the humerus.
Tessellated. Marked with little checks or squares, like mosaic work Thoracic. Pertaining to the chest ; ventral fins are thoracic, when attached
immediately below the pectorals, as in the Perch, the pelvic bones
being fastened to the shoulder girdle. Tibia. Shin-bone ; inner bone of leg between knee and heel. Tomium. Cutting edge of the bill.
Totipalmate. Having all four toes connected bv webbing. Tragus. The inner lobe of the ear ; the lobe opposite the auricle Transverse. Crosswise.
FISH OF I
iUO.
m
Trenchant. Cumpri'ssfd to a sharp i-d^e.
Truncate, .\brupt, as if tut squarely off.
Tubercle. A small excresn nn-, liko a pimplf.
Tympanum. Drum of the car; ixti-mal in some Hatrachia, etc.
Type (of a Kfnus). The species upon whirl) w.is bas»d the genus to whic h it belonf{s.
Type (of a species). The particular specimen upon which the ori^jinal specific description was based.
Type (localitv). The particular place or locality at which the type speci- men was collected.
Typical. Of a structure the most usual in a {,'i\cn group.
u.
Ulna. The inner or posterior bone of the forearm.
Ultimate. Last or farthest.
Unguiculate. Provided with claws.
Ungulate. Provided with lioofs.
Unicolour. Of a single colour.
Urosteges. The plates underneath the tail of a serpent.
V.
Vent. The external opening of the alimentary canal.
Ventral. Pertaining to the abdomen.
Ventral flns. The paired fins Ix-hind or below the pectoral fins in fishes
corresponding to the posterior limbs in the higher vertebrates. Ventral plates. In serpents, the row of plates along the lielly between
throat and vent. Ventricle. One of the thick-walled chambers of the heart. Versatile. Cap.ible of being turned cither way. Vertebra. One of the bones of the spinal column. Vertical. Up and down. Vertical fins. The fins on the median line of the body; the dorsal, an.il
and caudal fins. Vertical plate. Central plate on the he.id of a serpent. Villiform. .Said of the teeth of fishes when slender and crowded into
velvety bands. Viscous. Slimy.
Viviparous. Bringing forth living young. Vomer. In fishes, the front part of the roof of the mouth ; a bone lying
immediately behind the premaxillaries. 13 F.
in
CHECK LIST UK THE FISH Ot' UNTAUIO.
w.
Wsb. The vane of a feather, or. cither side of the rhaeis, or "stem"; also the membrane connecting the toes.
Xiphitternuill. Tip of the sternum.
Z.
Zyjapophyses. Points of bone affording to the vertebrae more or less
definite articulation with each other. Zyjodactyle. Yoke-toed; having the toes in pairs, two in front, two
behind. Zygoma. The malar or cheek bone.
Bdtrachians and Reptiles of Ontario
Class BATRACHIA. The Balrachians.)
Animals ot this class are cold-blooded vertebrates, interinefliatc be- tween the fishes and the reptiles. They differ from the fishes in the .ilisence of rayed Ims, the limbs bcinjj usually developed •■•nd functional with the skeletal elements of the limbs of reptiles.
The B.ntrachians undergo a more or less complete metamorpho.si . the younjf (commonly known as 'tadpoles") bcinp fishlike and more r less aquatic, breathinjf by means of external gills. The^e differ from the gills of fishes in • ndinp on fleshy processes of the branchial bones and not on the bone> ihemselves.
In the tadpole, the tail is provided with a more or less distinct finlike membrane, which usually disappears with ape. Later in life, luntjs are ili-'veloped, and in most cn.ses the Rills disappear, ^kin mostly naked and moist ; used to some extent as an or£j;i;i of respiration.
In our sp<>cies reproduction is by means of epfjs, which are of com- paratively small size and without hard shell. These are deposited in water or in damp places.
No repre.sentativp of this class found in Canada is venomous, or indeed capable of inflicting injury upon human beings ; while manv species are of economic i.nportance, the ToaHs and Tree Frogs (Hvlas) being particularly valuable as destroyers of noxious insects.
Order PROTEIDA.
Famii.v PROTEID.(1i. <THf Mvn Pippies.)
Salamanders provided with bushy "•'ernal gills and having the branchial clefts remaining op i ♦hrough !• '. Teeth well developed.
Genus NECTURUS. (i) Necturus maculosus. (Mud Puppy.) This species is provided with large bushy bright red gills, forming three tufts on each side. These gills are retained through life. It is
[5]
CHECK; LIST OF THE
m
♦1
aquatic in all stages. Common throughout Ontario. Feeds upon aquatic insects and small fish.
In hatcheries or fish ponds it would be decidedly injurious, as it is a very voracious creature.
Order URODELA. (The Salamanders.)
Body naked, elongate, subterete ; both jaws with teeth. Tail per- sistent throuRh life ; no external gills in the normally developed adult.
Famii.v AMBLVSTOMATID^.
Tot's not webbed; tongue thick.
The larvas of Amblystoma often reach a large size befoie the gills disappear, and sometimes breed while in this condition.
Geni's amblystoma.
(2) Amblystoma punctatum.
(Spotted salamander.) Common and genirally distributed in the southern counties. Feeds upon insects and earthworms.
(3) Amblystoma tigrinum.
Of this species I have but a few records for Ontario. It is common in the United States as far north as Minnesota, and will probably he found generally in the northern part of the Province.
(4) Amblystoma Jeffersoniannm.
(Oranulated salamander.) This species and the variety A. j. fuscum have been taken occasion- ally in western Ontario and also near Toronto.
(s) Amblystoma microstomas.
There is a specimen of this species in the U. S. Nat. Mus., taken at Hudson's Hay in 1884, which is the only record I have of its occur- rence in Canada. I include it because it will probably be found in north- ern Ontario.
Family PLETHODONTIDyE.
Genus HEMIDACTYLIUM.
(*) (6) Hemidactylium scutatum.
A specimen of this species was taken by Dr. D. W. Beadle at St. Catharines, Ont. The only record I have.
BATKACHIANS AXIi KKPT1LE.S OF OXTAKIO.
Gem s PLETHODON.
(7) Pleihodon cinereus.
(Ked-backed salamander.)
Its habits arc entirely terrestrial as it is never, even in the larval stage found in water. The ejjgs are deposited in a little package be- neath a stone, in a damp place. When the young emerge they arc pro- vided with branchiie, but these soon disappear.
Common everywhere and may be readily found by turning over logs or stones in the woods.
Family DESMOGNATHID.^. Gems DESMOGX ATHUS.
(8) Desmognathns fusca.
Rare ; has been taken in south-western Ontario. Aquatic.
{') (9) Desmognathus nigra. (Black salamander.) R;ire ; occurring in shallow stony brooks.
l-\Mirv F'LEl'RODELID/E. (Thk Newts.)
Gems DIEMYCTYLUS.
(10) Diemvctylus viridiscens. (Xewt. Evet. Eft.)
Common ; generally distributed through southern Ontario.
Of this species there are two distinct forms, one entirely aquatic, dark olive green above, lemon yellow below, and having on each side a <ow of rather large vermillion spots each surrounded by a black ring. The other and better known one, being the little red lizard (so called^ which is frequently found in woods after rain. The red coloration is only assumed if the animal leaves the water and adopts terrestrial habits and is again lost when it returns to the water.
The red form was for a long time considered a distinct species and has been frequently described as D. mineatus.
Order SALIENTIA. (The Tailless Batrachians.)
In the adults the body is broad and short ; the hinder pair of limbs long and strong, adapted for leaping. Tail ab.sent. The young (Tad- poles) have the head broad, external branchiae, a long tail, no limbs and no teeth ; the intestinal canal is very long, adapted to a vegetable diet. As they develop the tail is absorbed and the legs gradually appear. During this stage they are entirely aquatic, but upon attaining mature
li! iS
CHKfK ,IST OF THK
form the Toads and Hylas leave the water, only returning to it for the purpose of depositing their eggs. The Ranidae (Frogs) are more or less aquatic when adult.
li
Family BUFONID^. (The Toads.)
Gems BUFO.
(ii) Bufo leutifiinosus. (American Toad.)
The form found in Ontario is B. I. americanus. Common every.^ where Unfortunately it is the victim of ignorance and prejudice and is often wantonly destroyed because of its somewhat unprepossessing appearance. From an agricultural standpoint, however, it is one of the most valuable animals we have and should be protected with the great- est care.
By the ignorant and superstitious the Toad is supposed to be pos- sessed of some very remarkable powers; thus even in this age of pro- gress we hear of the ability of the Toad to spit poison ; to produce warts on the hands of persons who handle it; to poison children by its breath, and several other dreadful things. On the other hand, it is credited with bringing good luck to the family in whose cellar it takes up its abode. It is also said that the application of living Toads to cancer will eftect a permanent cure, and that the animal carries a most valuable jewel in its head. All of which is false and ridiculous. Toads .it,- perfectly harm- less, though the skin does .secrete a peculiar fluid which is distasteful to dogs, but not so to birds, and many other animals, for they feed upon them largely.
The Toad is of direct service to man b\ reason of the fact that its food consists of insects e.vclusively and that it is one of the few animals which can adapt itself alike to the farm and garden and will even be perfectly contented if confined in a greenhouse or propagating frame.
Family HYLID/^. (The Tree Froos.)
Fingers and toes more or less dilated into viscous disks at their tips. Noted for their loud voices, some of them being heard at all times from early spring until frost comes.
Genus ACRI.S.
(r2) Acris gryllus.
(Cricket Frog.) The Ontario form is A. g. crepitans. This can scarcely be considered a Tree Frog. Its home is in the high grasses surrounding the marsh, where, if disturbed, it can take refuge in the water.
r.ATKACHIANS AND UKI'TIMS (iK oMAKIo.
Gem s CHOROPHII.rS.
(•) (13; Chorophilus nigritus.
'(Swamp Tree Frog.) , ,- „„ ,1,,. north
The varieu found here is C:. n. trisc-r....... \'".^"\"\%^^^'Z
shore of Lake Superior and westward mlo Man.toba, but I have no records of its capture in any other part of Canada.
Gems HYLA.
U
(14) Hyla versicolor.
^'^^::^^tl^^^ species, wen f trihuted throu^o.. the Province of Ontario. I found it also in Man.toba, but -t docs not appear
•" 'ittjlS^ils^^^s in ,hc sprin. on blades of ."- ^- ^r^^^l^W water and the metamorphosis takes place qinte early, the tadpoles rarely
exceeding in size those of the Common Toad. . . , _ .^ ■..
excee^ns ^^^ ^^^^ ^^e power of rhnnfjmcr .ts colour to suit s
environment to'a certain extent, the colours runnm. th-.h var ou r^ir"ci™H^'^edt-^ST;n.pbr;l^"THe
-"^' htzz r s::; ih-?^^ i:i:^.^^^t.rd .war.
evenJnVand inlll weather, from the orchard and wood lot and some- times from the rail fences bv the roadside.
{15) Hvia pickeringli.
0«.™, it is bu. v„ .eldom seen. U- d.mmu.ivc »5 •™? "™;;',
people who have the bad habit of guessing at things. ^^^^.^ .Up
Late in the summer this Hyla leaves the swamps and ascends the trees and bushes on higher ground and again becomes musical.
Family R.\NlDy«. (The Frogs.)
Genl's RAN.\.
^"' TrareTorR. a. circulosa, the northern variety.'should be more abundant. It has probably been overlooked.
10
<"rlK(K LIST (tK TIIK
•^
(ir) Rana pipiens.
(Leopard frog.)
(•■■•<) Rana palustris.
(Pickerel Frog.)
Common rmd generally distributed In its h-.hlf. % • IS often found about rnlH «nr;„„ j n.ihns n is solitary. Ft
rreado^ys for foS '^ "^' '''"'' ''"'"^^ "'•■'' <<"'"etime.s ranges into
<U)) Rana .septentrionalis. (Northern Frog.)
(20) Rana sylvatica. (Wood Frog.)
sum Je'^r'anT rarely" if'el ''"'•••!'"'-'• '' "^'^^ '" '^' ''''^'^'^ firoughout the son. I ike the Hvlas t, "X^ '"'^"P' '''"-'"^ ^'^" '^-''^-^ ^e.-'
•nnd is said 0 chinjef om theT' '•: *" '^.' '"'"''' "^ "^ surroundings ■-. lining one with ease " " '""■ "' '' ""'^ '^-'f ^" ^^e sreen of
(21I Ran? Cdntabrigen.sis
(22) Rina claniitan.s.
(On en Frog.)
Common m ,-i I bodies of wnter k, * i mature,
and streams th.m marshe.s. ^ ''^' '""''" ^"'''"^ '" ^"^'"'■'-
(2.^) Rana catcsbeana.
(Bull Frog.)
streams' 'xTev'h^^ °"'' ^"'^"- , ^'""'"°" '" '"'"•^''hes and slow ^yeedy
IL .
ISATKACHIAN- AM> UKITIKIS (.K ONTAUIl*.
11
Class REPTILIA. (The Reptiles.)
The Reptiles are cold blooded air-breathing^ vertebrates, "^"allv scaly or covered with bony plates. The lintbs when present, are usually adapted for walking, in some few instances for swimminR. ,.».-<.„„.«* th.
Repro uction xiviparous, oviparous or ovov.viparous. The eggs of tne oviparous species are mo-tly provided with a toui.'h leathery SK,n and are dejJosited in holes dug in the earth or amongst decaymg vegetable matter. There is no metamorphosis after leaving the egg.
Reptiles mav be distinguished from Batr,„-hi.>ns by the presence of -cales and by the absence of gills in all stages.
Order OPHIDIA. {The Serpents.)
Reptiles with elongate, cylindrical bodies, no limbs. The skin, which is covered with imbricated scales is shed at mtervals. The mouth is verv dilatable, the bones of both javs being freely movable.
But verv little is posifivelv known as to the reproducfon of any o, our snakes imd so a wide field is open for work and observation.
The majoritv of people believe that all snakes are poisonous and should thereforebe destroj^d. Such belief is largeh the --J ^ ^"-; ance combined with prejudice. The only m,unous •''"7;'' ; "^ J^J f '^ '^, have are Rattlesnakes, rmd they are now extremely sc.rce .and '"«'•-''• •^' o . o her snakes are useful, feeding upon and thus destroy-jng vast num- bers of such pests as mice, voles and injurious msects, and consequenth shoi'ld l--e allowed to live unmolested.
Family COLIRRID^.. (TtiF Cm i brine Snakes.)
Both jaws fullv provided with teeth, which are conical and not grooved head covered with shields: no poison fangs: be y ''— j" -'*'^ ^r"ld band-like plates (ventral plates or gastrosteges) : t-' ;-- ;, f ^^- ine- sub-caudal plates (urosteges) arranged m pairs. All our ^P*''^"'^ "''^^ qui; incapable of inflicting serious injury upon m.nnor beast and most of Tm are beneficial by reason of their destruction of insects and fi.'ld mice.
ClFMs STORKRIA.
Perfectly
( 1 ) Storeria occipitomaculata.
(Red-bellied Snake.) , ,. .- j • _.e
No uncommon. Feed, largely upon soft bodied insects.
inoffensive. A useful species.
(2) Storeria dekayl.
(Little Brown Snake.) , ^ . • ^„.,»c
niite common and generally distributed. Feeds upon insects
their larvfe. Perfectly inoffensive. A useful .species.
!| I
12
OHEC'K LIST »)|- Tin:
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m
Oenus THAMNOPHIS. (Garter Snakes.)
(3 1 Tfaamnophis sanritnt. (Riband Snake.)
creafu.. Feeds'uTonTns^e';^. T.Ifr Jads and" frS- '"''"'•"• "^^'"'^'^
(4) Thamnophis radix.
(Hoy's Garter Snake.)
not ^nZ.:^::::^^s:z:::' F^e^d^uo'^n?"^ f "'"•^'^- "^-'^-^
field mice. "arm.ess. heeds upon toads, frogs, insects and
(5) Thamnophis sirtalis.
(Common Garter Snake.)
Gart^r'^W.* '"'",'' .^^"'•'■^"y •distributed. This is considered the tvoical
S^^-a,i£ ;; :^,s:i:-'^ ---'^^ --'-• — ^— ^
i. inc^'iT/'-nfl- /• ''"'"' "".Tt'-"-" seen this snake show fight, but it IS incapable of mflictmg anv injury more serious than n slitrhf L..u from which no bad results need be feared. Its f,Sd cons f^nfTn ' frogs. mic» and insects. consists of toads,
recoSz^d'. ofl.f't* "'"- ^l"'"" °'' «"b-species of this species were The ml?t ,^ • • ''''^r^'' the number has been considerably reduced The most prominent varieties occurring here are :— reauced.
(5a) T. s. odinatus— Tolerably common. (5b) T. s. dorsalis— Very common, (sc) T. s. parietalis— Not common. (Sd) T. s. obscurus — Occasional.
lorm'^the" I'j'^^t- '"'"•^"'^^ perfectly with each other and with the tvoe lorm. their identification is sometimes rather difficult. ^^
Genus REGINA.
{•) (6) Regina ligida.
(Stiff Snake.)
Very rare; the only available record is from Lake St. Clair.
<7) Regina leberis.
(Leather Snake.) Occurs in the same locality as the last, but is even more uncommon.
BATKACIllASS ANI» KKITII.KS OV oXTAKIu
IS
Genus NATRIX.
(8) Natrix sipedon.
(Water Snake.) Common about streams throughout Ontario. When molested this creature shows fight ;md makes strenuous efforts to bite its tormentor. It is, however, perfectly harmless. It swims well and rapidly and feeds on frogs and small fish.
OEMS CALLOPELTIS.
(9) Callopeltis vulpinns.
(Fox Snake.)
This is the largest and strongest of all our snakes and at the same time one of the most harmless and timid. It does not appear to be com- mon anywhere, but is generally distributed through the western part of Ontario from the Niagara Peninsula to the Georgian Ray, and probably somewhat further north.
Dr. Garnier records one which measured seven feet eleven inches and I have seen several nearly as large.
Gems LIOPFLTIS.
(10) Liopeltis veraalis.
(Green Snake, Grass Snake.) A very gentle, beautiful, little creature. Common and generally dis- tributed. It frfeds largelv if not entirely upon soft-bodied insects and is therefore of economic value.
Genus BASCANION.
(11) Bascanion constrictor.
(Black Snake, Black Racer.)
I include this species, though I am in doubt as to its occurrence in this Prdvince. Many years ago, I believe that I found the true Black Snake in western Ontario, but preserved no specimens. Of late years all the so-called Black Snakes examined by me have proved to be the Com- mon Water Snake (Natrix sipedon).
This species is very active and strong, but is perfectly harmless. Its food consists principally of voles ''.nd mice, of which it destroys large numbers. Professor Cope says of it: "Of all our snakes it is the most useful to the farmer from the great number of moles and mir which it consumes."
There is a specimen of this snake in the Museum, but it w taken in Florida.
Genus DIADOPHIS. {12) Diadophis punctatus. (Ring Snake.)
A small, tolerably common species, which feeds largely upon beetles and soft-bodied insects. Generally distributed and very inoffensive.
u
(HICK I.I^T OK Till-:
(iKM's LAMPROPELTIS.
(13) Lampropeltis doliatus.
(Milk Snake, Spotted Adder.)
This is a very variable species, its varieties running by degrees into extremes, which bear little rt-scmblance to the type form.
The northern variety, which is very common and generally distributed through this Province, is L. d. triangulus.
It is very harmless and useful, feeding largely on field mice and voles. Prof. Cope says he once found a specimen of this species which had cap- tured a family of meadow mice, which it held in the following manner : One it had swallowed, one it was in the act of swallowing, and two others were securely held in two turns of its body so tightly as to render them incapable of biting their captor. They also feed to a certain extent upon frogs and toads and in so doing lessen their economic value slightly, but on the whole they are decidedly bpnefici;il to the farmer and should be pro- tected.
Cenis HETERODOX.
(141 Heterodon platirhinos.
(Blowing Adder, Spreading Adder.) Not common, though generally distributed. When teased this snake depresses and expands its head, hissing and presenting a threatening appearance, causing many people to believe it to be venomous, but it is quite harmless. Its food consists largely of mice, frogs and toads. Occa- sionally very dark, almost black, specimens are found.
Kamii v CROTAMD^. (The Ratti fsnakes.)
The species comprised in this fnmilv are the only poisonous snakes occurring in Ontario and they are now very rare in all parts of- the Pro- vince except some few restricted localities near T-ake Erie and the deor- gian Bay. When the country was first settled they were common enough, particularly so in rocky regions. The banks of the Niagara River and the face of what is known as the Hamilton mountain having been, formerly, among their favorite resorts. The introduction of pigs into the country was probably one of the chief factors in the destructon of these dangerous creatures. For. as is well known, pigs can kill and eat Rattlesnakes with impunity. It is supposd that the poison of the snake cannot be sufficiently introduced into the circulation to cause death owing to the thick layer of fat with which the domesticated pig is covered.
There is a common, but erroneous, idea, that one new segment is added to the number on a Rattlesnake's tail each year. The fact is the number varies, as many as four have been observed to be acquired in a single year. The terminal segments, too, are constantly being worn oflf. So that the number of segments present is no indication of the age of the snake.
It^
HATUACIII ANS ANI» KKITII.KS UK oNTAlilO.
IS
These snakes can only strike a distance i"<|iial to about one-half the It ORth of the body. They need not necessarily be coiled to strike, for this they can do on either side, as far as the position of the bodv will permit them to reach.
Rattlesnakes are ovo\ iviparoiis and not very prolitic. Prof. Cope found nine ei;j{s in the body of a female thirty-seven inches lonp.
The Rattlesnakes mav he distinguished from all other Canadian snakes by Ihe following; well marked characters : Nfaxillary without solid teeth, but provided with a long erectile, perfor.ited poison fang on each side in front ; a deep pit between eye a-id nostril. Body stout ; head l:irge, flat, triangular, on a slender neck; pupil elliptical, placed vertic;illy. Tail provided with ;i rattle composed of horny rini;';, which are niodilied scales.
Genus SISTRURUS.
(15) Sistrurus catenatus.
(Pr.'iirie Rattlesnake.) This species formerly o<-curred in the meadow lands at the western end of Lake Erie, and has been found from there north to the Georgian Bay. It is mnv nearly extinct. Though its bite • . very dangerous and may cause death, its venom is not so powerful as that of the next.
Genits CROT.ALUS.
(16) Crotalus borridus.
(Common Rattlesnake.) Formerly common and generally distributed throughout the Province, but always most abundant in rocky places. Now nearly extinct. Wry venomous.
Order LACERTII.IA. flhe Lizards.)
This order is poorly represented in Ontario, only three sfjecies as yet having been found in the Province, and these all belong to one genus.
The characteristics of animals belonging to this order are : body covered with scales; limbs four, distinct, rarely rudimentary. Tail usually long and in many cases very brittle, easily broken by a slight blow, or if the animal is held by it. Tongue free ; jaws always with teeth : mouth not dilatable ; toes having claws.
Family SCINCIDiC. (The Skinks.)
Head regularly shielded, scales smooth, body fusiform or sub-cylin- drical. .All the species are quite harmless and feed upon insects. They are fond of basking in the sun and rarely show themselves unless the weather is bright and warm.
So far as is known at present, all our species are ovoviviparous.
It)
« MM K l.iST OK Till;
Genus EUMECES.
(i6) EomecM fauiatut.
(Blue-tailed Lizard.) This variablf spte- < s sitins to lie RtniTally distribulcd tlmmnhout ti,e Province, though not abundant anywhere. Specimens have been taken in the County of Peterboro', in Lincoln, and in most of the south-western -junties. It is very active in hot weather. Feeds upon insects and is perfectly harmless.
(*) (17) Eumeces anthracinut.
(Coal Skink.) ...
Ihe only records 1 have of this species, arc Dr. Garnier's. his speci- mens ha\ injj been taken in the County of Kent.
(•) (18) Enmeccs icptentrionalis. (Northern Sklnk.) This species has a wide distribution northward. Dr Gamier found it in southern Ontario and there are specimens in the U. S Nat. Museum from the Red River ot the North. It should therefore be found in all suitable places in the western part of the Province.
Order TESTUDINATA. (The Turtles )
Reptiles with the body enclosed between two. more or less developed, bony shields, which are usually covered by horny epidermal plates but sometimes by a leathery skin. Upper shield (carapace) and lower shield (pin -on) more or less united along the sides.
Neck and tail the only flexible parts of the spinal column; these, to- gether with the legs, usually retractile within the cavity between the two
-"'' The skull is more compact than that of the other reptiles. There are no teeth, but the jaws are encased in horny sheaths, usually with sharp cS edges; the eye is furnished with two lids and a nictitatmg
membrane as in birds. . . , . . , ,, „ ,.,i,;_u
All our species arc oviparous, depositing their eggs m hollows which they dig in the soil near water. The egg. are then covered w.th the earth or sand and left to hatch.
Family TRIONYCHIDiC. (The Soft-Shelled Turtles.)
Body flat, nearly circular; carapace and plastron covered by a thick leatherv • n which is flexible at the margins. Head long and pointed, wfth a le tubular pig-like snout, neck long. Feet broadly webbed.
Aquatic ...d carnivorous, feeding upon fish, frogs, etc.
IIATIiAi IIIANS ANI> UIJTII.K-* <•!• oNTAUIo.
17
(iFM > AMNDA. (*) (mj) Amyda mntica.
(LcaihiT Tiirile. I I his >(H'(ic-N liii> tx't'ii rrcordi'd from l.:tki' hlric iiml from llu-nci- wcst- v.aril. I; is ronsidrrrd vt-ry run- litil may often lii' ronfoiindid with tin- next.
(iKMs AsiMr)o\KcTr:s.
(2 ) Aspidotiectes spiniivr.
(Common Soft-shelled 1^. nc.)
(Jenerally ditrihiitcd in all marshy walrrs in wislcrii Ontario, ilioii^h nol rf-mmon anywhere. 'Ihcre is one rerord frori\ the Ottawa Ki\er. Thi> creature is shy and ditliiiilt to observe, antl so may oc rur more fri'(|uently and over a K''>'ater are.i than i» supposed, I ha\e found it from our west- <-rn 1)1 inula ry to the neail ol Lake Ontario, near Hamilton, but none east of that.
The flesh of this Turtle is considered .i elelieary.
Kamii.v CUKl.N'DRID.K. (SsAi-i'ivd Ti hties.)
Shell high in front, love behind; bodv heavii"-! forward; head • n'l n rk larfje, th" snou; narrowed forw.ird ; jaws stroti^jly hooked and verv powerful; tail lonj;, stroni;, with a rrest of horny compressed tidiercles; plastrin small, cross 'haped; claw, strong;; wehs sm.dl. Aquatic, rarelv leavinj.; the watiT except to deposit their egps.
(iKMs CMKl.VDKA. (.>■) Chelydra serpentina.
(Snapping Turtle.)
Common and generally distributed throughout the l'ro\ ince. This is undoubtedly the most powerful, aggressi\e .and voracious reptile we have. It feeds upon anv living thing it i-.in oxerpowcr and is parii -al.i Iv dt'strurtivc to I'sh and youny waterfowl. Manv a brood of yoiuig ducks find their way down the capacious gullets of these rap.acious rreatures. They attain a gre.-it size, specimens over two feet in length being not un- common. Care is requiri-d in hantlling these Turtles, for even when com- pirativ( Iv small thev will bile viciouslv and are capable of inflicting pain- ful wounds.
Their flesh is co-isid —-ed iMiod ,ind in some IcK'alities tlvy are much sought after for m.aking into soup.
Famiiv KlNOSTHRNin/l-:. (Tm Box Tiki; is.)
Carapace rather long and narrow, the out'ine rising gradu.illv from the front to a point beyond the centre of the shell, then abruptly desrenn- ing ; the bulk of the body therefore thrown backward; margin of the cara- pace turning downward and inward rather than outw.ard ; head large with strong jaws.
IH iilMK I.IHT OK n.VTKACHIANH ANI> KK!TII-I'>* t>V UXTAKIo
r.tsvn AROVKKHELYS.
(*) {i2) Aromochclyi odoratu*. (Musk Turtle.) This small Turtle is o< rasionally found in Lake Kric ami St. t lair, l)Ut it is not rommc.n. It has a strong, unpleasant musky odour.
FxMiiv KMYDIDi*:. (Thk P«>ni> Tihti.rs.)
Carnpace ovate, broadest behind, the margin havir ' a tendenc y t.. t..irr outwards; highest near the middle; plastron roverinj; the whole under ".urface. Toes broadly webln-d in the .irn'ilir species, srarrely webbed in the others. The pond turtles feed lar^fly upon small fish and lonsecjuently would Ik- injurious in preserves and hatcheries.
OEM'S GRAPTEMYS, (2^) Graptemys |(eo|(raphicus.
(Map Turtle.) . .. ^ • , •
This s|X'ries seems to he iMculiarlv tlisfribiited m the Province. It is not uncommon in the west, and I have received specimens from the County of Lanark in the east, but s«) far have not seen it in the water of Lake
Ontario.
r.ENi s CHRYSEMVS.
(j4^ Chrysemyii picta.
(Painted Turtle.) „ j j ,
The commonest and most beautiful Turtle we have. Hundreds at
them may sometimes be seen sunninR themselves upon loijs and other
floating debris in our southern marshes. .\c|uatic, only leaving the water
to deposit its eggs.
Genus CLEMMYS.
ii^' Clenirays insculptus. (Wood Tortoise.) Tolerably common in western Ontario, less frequently found east- waid. Largely terrestrial. (jr,) Clemmys guttatu-s.
(.Speckled Tortoise.) Common in south-western Ontario. They are usually found m warm mud ponds from which they crawl out to sun themselves in the manner of
C. picta.
Gf.m s EMVnOIDEA.
|*\ r^r^ Emydoidea blandin]{i.
(Rlanding's Tortoise.) ,
Very rare. Dr. Gamier records nc -ccinH-n taken at Lake St. Clair hv Mr. Buck, and others have been taken n. ar Belleville.
CHECK LIST
OF THE
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
AVE8 (The Birds).
A b!rd may be defined m an air-breathing vertebralc with a cuvrring of feathers; warm blood; a :umplete double circulation; the two anicri.>r limbt (wings) adapted for flying or iwimming, the two posterior \mh% (legs) apadted for walking or swimming ; respiration never effected by gill, or branchiae, but after leaving the egg by lungs, which are connected with air cavities in various parts of the body. Reproduction by eggs which an hatclMd extamally, dther >>y fawubation, or exposure to the heat » the sun; the shell calcareoua, hard and brittle.
Order PYGOPODES. (Diving Birds.)
Feet palmate or lobate; tibia feathered, 'icIudLil in the skin nearly to the heel joint, hence the legs set far back so that the birds are scarcely able to walk at all on land ; hind toe small and elevated or wanting ; bill horny, not lamellate or serrate ; no gular pouch ; win^^s very short ; tail very short or rudimentary. All are water birds, expert divers, feeding chiefly on fish's.
Family PODlCIPIDiB (Greb;.8).
Head with crests nr r<:ITs in the breeding seaso • except in Podilym- bus. Under plumage dense, lustrous, mostly white vVings very short; tail rudimentary, without distinct qui'ls. F^et lobate, toes flattened, provided with flat claws resembling human nails, tarsus scutellate, compressed. All are aquatic.
Genus COLYMBUS.
(a) Holboell's Grebe.
(Coiymbus holboelli.) A regular, but never a common, spring- and autumn visitor to the waters of soutliern Ontario. Probably breeds in the northern part of the Province.
[7]
CHKCK MST OF THK
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(3) Horned Grebe.
(Colymbus auritus.) Abundant on the great lakes and all large bodies of water through- out the Province in spring and autumn; breeding in the large marshes. A few remain nn l.:ike Ontario through the winter.
Cenus PODILYMBUS.
(6) Pied-billed tirebe. (Hell Diver.)
(Podilyiiibiis podiceps.J A common suinmiT ri'sidcnt in marshes all over the Province, breed- ing throughout its r;inj;e. Arrives early in April, departs about the middle of October.
Family GAVTID/li. (The Loons.)
Hill Ion;,', stron)f, tapering, acute, wholly hard; nostrils linear. Head densely and evenly feathered, without ruffs or naked spaces; eye large. Feet palni:ite; tarsus reticulate, strongly compressed; wings strong. Tail short but well developed. Birds of large size, with strong powers of flight and pre-eminent in swimming and diving, but scarcely able to walk. Their notes are curiously loud and wild, according well with their usual surroundings. They feed on fishes.
Genus GAVIA.
(7) Loon. .
(Gavia imber.) Common on all large bodies of water in spring and autumn, breed- ing about the l.ikes and marshes of the interior. Some few remain on the great lakes all through the winter, but the bulk go soutii during the coldest part of the season.
!*) (<) Black-thr;.ated Loon. ((ia\ia arctica.) A very rare winter visitor.
(11) Red-throated Loon. (Gavia lummc.) A <-ommon spring and .lutumn visitor to our waters, breeding in the far north and retiring southward as its haunts freeze up.
Family ALCID^. (The Auks, Murres, Etc.)
Feet ji.ilmate, three-toed ; tarsus reticulate or partly scutell.ite ; claws ordinary; tail perfect of few feathers; legs set far back. All our species tlv well and swim on, or imder water with equal ease. They feed on fishes.
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
Genus FRATERCULA. (I {) Puffin.
(Fratercula arctica.) Common in the Arctic regions and the islands of the North Athintic A bird of the ocean. One specimen has been recorded, taiien on tlie Ottawa River.
Genus CEPPHUS.
(27) Black Guillemot.
(Ctpphus grylle.J Like the last, a bird of the ocean, which occasionally has wandered up to Lake Ontario. Mr. John Maughan, jr., has a specimen taken near loronto, and Mr. .Mcllwraith mentions one taken on Burlington Bay many years ago.
Gems URIA.
(31) Brunnich's Murre.
(Uria lomvia.)
Common on the Atlantic coast and an occasional winter visitor to Lake Ontario.
During the winter of 1^93 a large number of these birds appeared on Lake Ontario, and each season since that time, a few have been seen there.
Genus ALCA.
(32) Razor-billed Auli.
(Alca torda.)
_ Another ocean hird which has found its way up Lake Ontario oc- casionally in late autumn or early winter.
Genus ALLE.
(;,4) Dovekie. (Little Auk.) (Alle alle.)
Common on some parts of the North Atlantic coast. One specimen taken by Mr. John Maughnn on Lake Ontario.
Order LONGIPENNES. (Long-winged Swimmers.)
... . ^^^^ palmate; tibia feathered; legs in.<!erted near the centre of equi- librium, so that the birds stand with the axis of the body nearly hori-
;<t>l
10
CHECK LIST OF THE
!
1
i
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zontal ; hind toe small and elevated {wantinfj in Rissa). Bill usually long, horny, not serrate, nor lamellate; no gular pouch. Wings very long and pointed; tail well developed. Water birds, of great powers of flight; feeding on fishes and floating garbage.
Family STKRCORARIID/E, (The J^gers.)
Gull-liko birds with the l)ill hooked and cered ; tail square with the middle pair of feathers long-exserted ; tibia naked below ; tarsus scutel late in front, granular behind. Voracious birds, which frequently live by tormenting' the Oulls and Terns and compelling them to disgorge their food. Plumage dark above.
Genus STERCORARIUS.
(*) (36) Pomarine Jaeger.
(Stercorarius por>a.inus.) An occasional visitor to the great lakes.
(37) Parasitic Jaeger.
(Stercorarius parasiticus.) An occasional spring and autumn visitor to the great lakes.
Family LARID^. (The Gulls.)
Long-winged swimmers. Bill long, horny, not serrate nor lamel- late; no f,'ular pouch. Feet palmate; tibia feathered; legs near centre of equilibrium ; hind toe elevated, small (wanting in Rissa). Wings very long and pointed. Tail well developed. General colour usually white, with a darker mantle of a slaty bluish tint and commonly some black niark« ings. Sexes alike in colour, but the plumage varying very much with age and season. Possessed of wonderful power of flight. Food, fishes and floating garbage. The birds are the scavengers of the waters.
Genus PAGOPHILA.
(•) (39) Ivory Gull.
(Pagophila alba.) A regular but not a common winter visitor to Lake Ontario. It prob- ably occurs on the northern lakes also, but as yet I have not heard of it.
Genus RISSA. <4o) Kittiwalce Gnll.
(Rissa tridactyla.) A regular, but not common, winter visitor to the great lakes.
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
11
Genus LARUS. (43) Glancoas Gall.
(Larus glaucus.) A regular, but not common, visitor to the great lakes.
(43) Iceland Gnll.
(Larus leucopterus.) Mr. Kay reports having taken one at Port Sydney, Muskoka, April 6th, 1898, and Mr. J. H. Ames has one taken at Toronto.
(47) Great Black-backed Gull.
(Larus marinus.) A regular, but not abundant, winter visitor to the great lakes, more frequently observed than either of the preceding species, perhaps because it is more readily distinguishable v. hen flying.
(51) American Herring Gnll.
(Larus argentatus.) A very common resident, frequenting the great lakes at all seasons, but most abundant in winter. It breeds rt^ularly on many of the lakes and marshes of the interior. It formerly bred on the islands and in thr marshes of Lake Ontario and some may yet do so, in secluded places.
(54) Ring-bUled Gull.
(Larus delawarensis.)
A very common resident; like the last, most abundant in winter. Breeds in the lakes and marshi.s of the interior.
(*) (58) Laugliing Gull.
(Larus atricilla.) An accidental visitor in summer
(59) Franklin's Gull.
(Larus frankJinii.)
A rare summer visitor, occasionally straggling here from the prairie sloughs where they are abundant. Breeds in nearly all the large marshes of Manitoba.
)*■-
(60) Bonaparte's Gull.
(Larus Philadelphia.) _ A common spring and autumn visitor to the great lakes, arrivin"- in April and departing at the end of November. It is possible that some breed in the northern part of the Province, but its principal breeding grounds are north and west of Ontario.
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CHECK LIST OF THE
111
SiBFAMiLY STERNlN/€. (The Terns.)
Genus STERNA. (64) Caspian Tern.
(Sterna caspia.) A regular but not common spring and autumn visitor to the great lakes.
(•) (67) Cabot's Tern.
(Sterna sandvicensis acufluvida.) The capture of a specin-.cn of this Tern in the spring of 1882, at Lucknow, is recorded by Mr. Mcllwraith.
(^■9) Forster'g Tern.
(Sterna fosteri.) A rather uncommon summer visitor, breeds in the larger marshes throushout its range.
(70) Common Tern.
(Sterna hirundo.) A regular summer visitor, breeding at several places near the lakes Not uncommon in spring and autumn.
(74) Least Tern.
(Sterna antillai'um.) .An accidental visitor. Breeds on the Atlantic coast. Mr. John Maughan has a specimen, taken at Toronto in 1897.
Genus HYDROCHELIDON.
(77) Black Tern.
(Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis.) This Tern is common in some of the large marshes throughout the Province during the summer, but it is not generally distributed. Breeds where it occurs.
r-AM[i.v PROCELLARIID.4^. (The Petrels.) Genus .^STRELATA.
(*) (98) Black-capped Petrel.
(/4istrelata hasitata.) One found dead on the shore of the Island at Toronto.
HIHDS OK ONTARIO
Vi
Order STEGANOPODtlS. (The Totipalmate Swimmers.)
Swimming birds with all four toes fully webbed; hind toe Icntjlhcnid. scarcely elevated ; tibia fi-athered ; bill horny, not lamellate ; nostrils very small or aoortive ; a prominent gular pouch ; tarsus reticulate. All our species are larjje aquatic birds, feeding on lish, of which they consume great quantities.
Family SULID.1i. (The Gannets.)
Bill long, cleft to beyond eyes, very stout at base, the tip not hooked ; the edges irregularly serrate; a nasal groove but the nostril abortive; gular sac small, naked; wings long, pointed; tail long and stiff, with pointed feathers; feet stout. Mody heavy, the tissues under the skin with air chambers.
Genus SULA. (ii;) Gannet.
(Sula bassana.)
An accidental visitor from the .Atlantic coast, which has been met with on Lake Ontario three or four times.
Family PHALACROCORACID/E. (The Cokmokams.J
Bill slender, compressed, strongly hooked, the cutting edges uii- even; gular pouch .small; wings short; tail large, of very stiff feathers, often used to partially support the body ; legs set far back ; a nasal groove with abortive nostrils.
Gfnus PHALACROCORAX.
(119) Cormorant.
(Phalacrocorax carbo.) An uncommon spring and autumn visitor to the water. Breeds along the North Atlantic coast.
larger bodies of
(120) Double-crested Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax dilophus.) A regular but not n common spring and autumn visitor to our lakes; probably breeds about the waters of the northern part of the Province! as it does commonly in Manitoba and .Assiniboia.
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CHECK LIST OF THE
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Family PELECANlDiC. {The Pelicans.)
Bill very long, straight grooved throughout, with a claw-like hook at the end ; the broad space between the branches of the lower mandible occupied by a large membraneous sac ; nostrils abortive ; wings very long ; tail very short ; feet short and stout.
Genus PELECANUS.
(*) (125) American White Pelican.
^Pelecanus erythrorhynchos.) An accidental visitor to the great lakes. They breed commonly in Northern Manitoba and the Western Provinces.
Order ANSERES. (The Lamellirostral Swimmers.)
Swimming birds with feet four-toed, palmate, hind toe small, ele- vated. Bill lamellate; no gular pouch. Legs short.
This order contains nearly all the water-fowl which are valued in domestication, or as game birds.
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Family ANATID^E. (Ducks, Geese and Swans.)
Bill laminate, i.e. furnished along each cutting edge with a regular series of tooth-like processes, which correspond to certain laciniate pro- cesses of the fleshy tongue, which ends in a horny tip; bill large, thick, high at base, depressed towards the end, membraneous except at the obtuse tip, which is occupied by a horny nail. Body heavy, flattened beneath. Head high, compressed, with sloping forehead; eyes small. Tail short, except in the full plumaged males of Daiila and Harelda, both of which have the central tail feathers much prolonged. Legs and feet short, the anterior toes full webbed. Tibia feathered. All are good swimmers and, with us, more or less migratory.
Ui
Subfamily MERGIN^E. (The Mergansers.) Genus MERGANSER.
(129) American Merganser. (Goosander.) (Merganser americanus.)
A common resident, breeding in the northern part of the Province and spending the winter on the open water of the lakes and rapid rivers near our southern boundary.
These birds are very destructive to our fisheries.
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
IS
(130) Red-breasted Merganser. (Merganser serrator.) A coiTimon resident, more :il)un(lnnt than the last and equally de- structive to fish. Breeds in the interior of the Province and wintus wherever there is open water.
Genus LOPHODYTES.
(131 Hooded Merganser.
(Lophodytes cucullatus.) A tolerably rommon summer resident, breeding throughout the in- terior of the Province and retiring southward as ice forms.
Subfamily ANATIN/E. (The River Ducks.)
Mallanl.
Genus ANAS.
(132) Mallard.
(Anas boschas.) Common summer resident of the western part of the Province, less aL^ '.ant in the east, retires southward as the shallow waters it frequents become frozen over. Breeds througliout its range.
(133) Black Duck.
(Anas obscura.) A very common summer resident, breeding in all suitable places throughout the Province. It is more abundant in the east than in th' west, and is only a rare visitor in Manitoba.
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IHKCK LIST OF THE
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It Mil) Red-leiif^ed Black Duck.
(Anas obsciira rubript's.) FrfC|U(titly nut wiili in late autumn. Its breeding range is not pos- itively known, but probably includes the Hudson Bay region.
Genus CHAULEL.ASMUS. (i.V=;) Gadwall.
(Chaulflasnius streperus.)
A very rare sumtiier resident. Bret-ds conimonly in Manitoba and .idjoining I'rov-nces wi-stward.
(iKNis MARKCA. (137) Baldpate.
(Mart-ra americana.) .\ lairly tomir.on migrant, probably breeds regularly in the interior. 1 have o casionally found it as a summer resident in the marshes of Lakes Erie and Ontario. It breeds commonly in the Western Provinces. Arrives in April and leaves with the first sharp frost.
Genls NETTION.
(139) Green-winged Teal.
(Nettion carolinensis.) Common in the spring and autumn migrations, breeding iii the north from Labrador to the Pacitic coast. Arrives as soon as the marshes are open and leaves about the end of October.
Oknls OrEROl'FDlLA.
(140) Blue-winged Teal.
(Querf|uedula discors.) Common summer resident, breeding in all suitable places through- out the Province. Arrives in April and lea\es about the end of Sep- tember.
Genls SP.\TULA.
(142) Shoveller.
(Spatula clypeata.) .\ regular but uncommon summer resident, breeds throughout its range. \'ery abundant on the prairie sloughs of Manitoba.
Genits DAFILA.
(143) Pintail.
(Dafila acuta.) A common .spring and autumn visitor to southern Ontario occa- sionally b. ceding in the marshes about Lake Erie and probably regu
BIRDS OF ONTARIO
17
larly breeding in the interior of the I'rovince. It is a common summer resident of Manitoba.
Arrives as soon as the marshes open and leaves when they freeze up.
Genus AIX.
(144) Wood Duck. (Aix sponsa.)
Formerly an abundant summer resident, briTding everywhere throughout the Province; it is still common, but its numbers are fast decreasing.
.\rrive> as soon as the ice is out of the m;irshcs, departs about the end of September.
.SiBFAMiiv FULIGULI\.4\. (^^Mi; Sea Dicks.)
(iENus AYTHVA.
(146) Redhead.
(.\ythya americana.)
A common spring and autumn migrant. They breed from the gre.'it lakes northward and abundantly in Manitoba and the Prairie Provinces.
The bulk of them retire southward when their haunts arc fro/en over. In some seasons a considerable number spend the winter on Lake Ontario.
(147) Canvas-back Duck.
(.Vythya vallisneria.) A regular, but not generally a common spring and autumn migrant in Ontario. It breeds commonly in the marshes of the North-West Pro- vinces.
(1481 American Scaup Duck. (Blue-bill.) (Aythya marila.) The great majority of these birds are spring and autumn visitors to southern Ontario, but they do not go very far north to breed, and a great many spend the winter along the shores of Lake Ontario.
(149) Lesser Scaup Duck. (Little Blue-bill.) (Aythya affinis.)
Like the last, the great bulk of these ducks are transient visitors in spring and autumn, but some breed in all the large marshes throughout the Province, even along our southern boundary where protected. For- merly they bred regularly in the marsh near Hamilton, and also in that near Toronto.
•-• B.
CHECK LIST OF THE
(150) Ring-necked Duck.
(Aythya collaris.) Lets ahtiiulnnt than the last, with which it is generally confused, ll probably breeds throughout its range, for I have often seen it here in lummer, though I never found its nest. In eastern Manitoba it breeds regularly.
Genus CLANG ULA.
(151) American Golden*eye. (Whistler.) (Clangula clangula americana.]
Common winter visitor nnH prohahlv breeds in thr northern part of the Province, as it regularly does so in all the woodeJ parts of southern Manitoba.
The bulk arrive in smiilifiii Ontario about the end of October and remain until the ice breaks up ii. the spring.
(*) (152) Barrow's Golden-eye. (Clangula islandica.) An occasional visitor in winter.
GENt;s CHARITONETTA.
(153) Buffle-head.
(Charitonetta albeola.)
Common spring and autumn visitor throughout the Province, breed< ing at some points in southern Ontario, and probably doing so regdlr~ly in the more northern portions.
They arrive as soon as the ice goes out in spring and remain in the autumn until their haunts are frozen over.
m
Genus HARELDA.
(154) Long-tailed Duck. (Cowcen.)
(Hareldi hyemalis.) A very abundant winter resident on the lakes, arriving about the beginning of November and departing at the end of April. Breeds dIoDg the Arctic coast.
Genus HISTRIONICUS.
(155) Harlequin Duck.
(Histrionicus histrionicus.) A very rare visitor. 2a B
BIROS or ONTARIO.
It
Genus SOM ATERIA. (160) American Eider.
(Somateria dresseri.) An occasional winter vi«itor. All the specimers of this duck taken here were in immature plumage, so far as I have been able to learo. Hreeda L'l the North Atlantic coast.
(163 King Eider.
(Somateria spectabilis.) Occurrin),' more fric|in ntly than the last, but still only an occasional winter visitor. Breeds on the North Atlantic i 0.1st. Adult specimens of this duck in full plumage have several times been taken on our lakes in late autumn and early spring.
Genus OIDEMIA.
(163) Black Scoter. .(American Scoter.) (Oidemia americana.) A regular winter visitor on the great lakes, sometimes moving southward lor a short time if the weather is very severe. Breeds in the Arctic regions.
(165) Whlte^winjed Scoter.
(Oidemia deglandi.) A common winter resident, frequenting the great lakes. Breeds about the northern lakes from Labrador to British Columbia.
(166) Surf Scoter.
(Oidemia perspicillata.) A regul?' visitor to our lakes in spring and autumn, probably some remain thrniirh the winter, though I have never observed it here in the coldest part of the season.
Genus ERISMATURA.
(167) Ruddy Ducli.
(Erismatura jamaicensis.)
Common in spring and autumn. Breeds from our southern bound- ary northward.
Subfamily ANSERINa. (The Geese.) Genus CHEN.
(•) (169a) Greater Snow Goocj. (Wavey.) (Chen hyperborea nivalis.) A rare visitor to the western part of this Province. Breeds in the barren grounds along the Arctic coast.
(IIK( K MHT OK TIIK
(*) (109.1) Blut Qmm.
(Chen ca>ruleJK:ens.)
An accidental visitor, which has lieen met with two or three times in this Province.
(iENus ANSER.
(*) (i/i) White-lronted Goose.
(Anser albifrons (fambeti.) Of very rare occurrence. Breeds in extreme North-West.
Cunuilu <iiiiiH<'.
Genus BRANTA.
(173) Canada Goose.
(Branta canadensis.) A regular spring and autumn visitor to our marshes, but not nearly so abundant now as formerly. Mr. John Maughan informs me that even recently Geese have nested in the preserved marshes of Lake St. Clair and some probably breed in the unfrequented marshes of the northern part of the Province. They breed commonly in the Prairie Provinces.
(*) (172a) Hutchin's Goose.
(Branta canadensis hutchinsii.) An occasional spring and autumn visitor. Breeds chiefly on the shore of the Arctic Sea.
il I
MIRD8 OK ONTARIO
21
m
(17.1) Brwit.
(Branta bernicola.) A rare visitor. Urt^tis on the shores of ihc \r. tic Sea.
SlBFAMILY CVGMN.K. (liiK SuxNv)
Uenus OI.OK. (*) (180) Whistling SwM.
(Olor columbianu.s.j Of soimwhat irregular occurrence; gencr. I> a lew arc seen in ilie spring. Ureetls on the shores ol the Arctic Sea
(*) (iHi Trumpeter Swan.
(Olor buccinator.}
Lilte the last, rarely seen now. Breeds on ihe barren Lrounds and in the marshes ot the far north.
Order HfiRODIONES. (Herons, Ibises, ett.j
.K- ^^^'"K '»''■*''' with compressed bodies, long legs and long neck; tbia naked be ow lee: not paln.ate; toes long and slender, cleft or slightly webbed, the hir..« toe long and usually not elevated, provided with a large claw. Wings broad, rounded, tail short. Head contracted to the stout base ol the l.ill, which is long and usually hard and acute with sharp cutting edges; nostrils su.all. They leed upon fish, frogs. mice, and such young birds as may fall in their way.
1 AMILV lUIDID/E.
mil very long and -lender. . oniprcs-ed. cylindric. curved through- out, the upper mandible with a deep groove reaching nearly or quite to the tip; legs rather long, the toes slightly webbed at base. Head more or less naked; wings broad; tail short; tarsus scutellate in front.
Ge.nls PLEGADIS. (•) (186) Glossy Ibis.
(Plegadis autumnalis.)
n.«/H ^^f''^*-'".'^' r'^"°^; •'^''■- Mcllwrnith records the capture of tw„ near Hamilton in 1857. I have not heard of any others.
Family ARDEID.E. (The Hekons, Etc.)
rntfiri" "'"'eht. loi.Kcr than the head, compressed, acute with sharp cutting edges; upper mandible grooved; nostiils linear; Inres naked, thl-
CHECK LIST OF THK
t
I; 1
bill .r: uring to run directly to the eyes, rest cf head feathered; parts -■; me oody with "powder-down tracts"— strips of short, dusty, or greasy down-lilce feathers— usually three pairs of these strips, i.e., on the back Hove the hips, on the belly under the hips and on the breast; usually long plumes from the back of head in the breeding season. Wings broad. Tail very short. Tibia largely naked below ; toes long and slender, hind toe on a level with the rest, its claw longer than middle claw; middle claw pectinate. WaSing birds, feeding on fishes, frogs and any animal small enough fc. them to swallow.
Subfamily BOTAURINiC. (Bitterns.)
Genus BOTAURUS.
(190) American Bittern.
(Botaurus lentiginosus.)
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April, depiJts about the middl** o*. October.
Genus ARDETTA.
(191) Least B.'ttern.
(Ardetta exilis.) An abundant summer resident of the larger marshes of southern Ontario, breeding throughout its range.
Arrives about the middle of May and leaves early in September.
(191. i) Cory's Least Bittern. (Ardetta neoxena.) This species seems now to be a regular though very rare summer visitor to the marsh near Toronto. During the last few yeas over a dozen specimens have been taken there. I have not heard of its capture in any other part of the Province.
Subfamily ARDEIN^E. (Herons.)
Genus ARDEA.
(194) Great Blue Heron.
(Ardea herodias.) A common summer resident, breeding in communities in the interior of the Province.
Arrives rarly in April, departs about the middle of September.
BlUDS OK OXTAUIO.
23
Genus IIIiROUlAS. (*) (196) American Egret.
(Herodias egretta.)
A wanderer '■'-(.in the soiitli. About luill a do/cn specimens have been taken p* :>ii..t;^ (-.ctnts in the Province.
<: MS iiGRETTA. I*) ('97) Sn ;wj Heron
(Egre.i c^>idi<l"--sima.) An accidental visitor 10 our southern border.
Genus BL'TORIDES..
(301) Ureen Heron.
(Uutorides virescens.J .f regular though never a coiniiion simimor resident of Ontario. It appears to be generally distributed, but is more Ircquently toumi breeo- ing in the swamps n'-ar Lake Erie than elsewhere.
Genus NYCTICORAX.
(302) Black-crowned Night Heron.
(Nycticorax nycticorax naevius.)
A regular and in places a common summer resident. They breed in the interior of the Province in communities.
As they are quite nocturnal in their habits, they are not often ob- served even where they are common.
Genus NYCTANASSA.
(203) Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
(Nyctanassa violacea.) One taken at Toronto by Mr. John Maughan.
Order PALUDICOL^. (Cranes, Rails, etc.)
Wading birds. The head rather compressed than globose. Bill hard and not sensitive, not adapted for probing in the mud. The hind toe littlii elevated. Omnivorous feeders.
Family GRUID/E. (The Cranes.)
Very large birds, with the legs and neck extremely long Winii* large, rather short. Tail short. Head more or less naked, with scattered hairlike feathers. Plumage compact without downy tracts. Bill as long as
2-t
CUKCK LIST OF THIC
1/ii
. J ■ i
1:1 I.
II '
Hi:
ii,
longer than head, slraijiht and slender ; tibia extensively naked ; tarsus scutellate; toes rather short, hind toe highly elevated.
ClENUS GRUS. (*j (204) Whooping Crane. {Grus americana.j A bird of the West which has once straggled into this Province. Mr. Mcllwraith records the capture of a specimen in the Co . y ol Ad- dington in September, 1871.
(206) Sandhill Crane.
{Grus mexicana.J .•\n accidental visitor from the western prairies, which has been met with live or six times, in our Province. It is probable that some, if not all, of the specimens taken here should be referred to G. canadensis.
Family RALLIDi-E. {The Rails, Coots, etc.)
Birds of medium or small size, with compressed bodies and large muscular legs. Wings short, rounded and concave; tail very short. Hind toe rather short, a little elevated ; front toes very long. Hill not sensitive at tip. All the species skulk in swamps and marshes, usually keeping well under cover. They feed upon insects and such seeds as are produced in their haunts.
Subfamily RALLIN/E. (The Rails.)
GiMs RALLUS.
(20S) King Rail.
(Rallus elegans.) A regular summer resident of the marshes of the western end of Lake Erie. I have not heard of its occurrence elsewhere.
(212) Virginia Rail.
(Rallus virginianus.) An abundant summer resident of the marshes of Ontario, breeding throughout its range.
Arrives about the middle of April and leaves early in October.
Genus PORZANA.
(214) Carolina Rail.
(Porzana Carolina.) Very abundant summer resident of the marshes all over tlie i'rov- ince, breeding throughout its range.
.Arrives about the middle of .\pril, departs about the end of October.
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
•&
(215) Yellow Rail.
(I'orzana novuboracensis.j A regular, but not a coinnion, suiiimcr rusiduin ot our marshes 1 have found it in all large marslus lr(jm the St. Clair River, east to I oronto.
(*) (316) Black Rail.
(Porzana jamaicensis.) Very rare, probably a summer resident where it occurs. Dr. Coltlr ot Woodstock recorded the capture of a specimen at Ingersoll in i8s«) In August, i8r4, I took lour at the upper end of the Dundas marsh a'nd saw others. Ihese birds are very secretive and it requires good dogs to flush them Irom the rank vegetation in which they skulk.
Suhfa.mii.v GALLINULlN^li. ((iAM.i.sLi.i-s.)
Genus lONORNIS. (218J Purple Galliflule.
(lonornis martinica.J
Of accidental occurrence here. One was taken in the marsh .m ih.- Kouge River east of Toronto in 1892.
Genus GALLINULA. (219) Florida Gallinule.
(Gallinule galeata.)
A common summer resident of the marshes of southern Ontario. breeding throughout its range.
Arrive- • ut the middle of April, departs towards the end of Oc- tober.
HFAMiLv FULICIN.-K. (The Coots. J
Genus FULICA. (221) American Coot.
(Fulica americana.)
Common summer resident; breeding sparingly in our southern marshes and more abundantly northward.
Order LIMICOL/1:. (The Shore Birds.)
Tibia more ss naked below, legs long, hind toe free and ele-
Tf^: ^r"""'", ?r';"^'-u "Tf ^^°^°''' "'^'■"P"y «'°P'"& '° the base of the bil ; completely leathered (except in the case of Pavoncellal; gap- short; bill weak, flexible, more or less soft skinned ai.H sensitive at tio in most cases adapted for probing in the mud; nostrils slit-like sur- rounded by soft skin. '
i-
26
CHKCK LIST OF THK
1 :
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The LimicolK are all birds of small or medium size, frequenting sandy shores and the mud flats of marshes ; the Woodcock alone being found in the woods.
Family PHALAROI'OUID.*:.
Small sandpiper-like birds, with the toes lobed, as in the Coots and (iiebes. but the lobes narro-.er. Body depressed, the lower plumage thick as in the ducks, and capable of resisting water; wings long, tail short; tarsus much compressed.
Genus CRYMOPHILUS.
(232) Red Phalarope.
(Crjmophilus fulicarius.) An irregular spring and autumn visitor A rare occurrence.
Genus THALAROPLIS.
(223) Northern I'halarope.
(Phalaropus lobatus.) An irregiJar spring and autumn visitor of rare occurrence.
Genus STEGANOPUS.
(224) Wilson's Phalarope.
(Steganopus tricolor.) An irrv-,. ar spring and autumn visitor, l)ut rather more frequently met with than either of the preceding Phalaropes.
Family RECURVIROSTRID/E.
Birds with excessively long leps and the bill very slender, long, acute, and in our species curved upward.
Genus RECURVIROSTRA.
(•) (235) Avocet.
(Recurvirostra americana.)
An accidental visitor fron? the prairies of the North- West, where it is common.
Family SCOLOPACIDyE. (Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.)
Bill elongated, usually longer than head, if short not Plover-like. being soft-skinned throughout; nasal grooves in the form of narrow
BIROS OF ONTARIO.
87
channels, ranging from half to nearly the whole length of the bill ; sides of lower mandible usually also grooved; nostrils narrow exposed slits; hrad feathered. Wings usually thin and pointed; tail short and soft. Tibia rarely entirely feathered; hind toe present (excci)t in Calidris); tront toes rhft or sli>,Hitly webbed. Birds of small or medium si/c. Sexes alike or female slightly larger. Seasonal changes in plumage oiten strongly marked. Eggs usually four, placed with the small ends together in a slight nest or depression in the ground.
Jl^tt *'
*■ *-.- "/
w I
.^•'^ir
Woodcock. Genus PHILOMELA.
-:^^^i§'
(228) Woodcock. (American Woodcock.) (Philohela minor.)
Formerly an abundant summer resident of our swampy woods, but now becoming scarce. Breeds throughout its range.
Arrives about the end of March and departs in November, usually remaining until the first severe frost.
Genus GALLINAGO.
(230) Wilson's Snipe.
(Gallinago delicata.)
Abundant in spring and autumn, the majority going north to breed. Some, however, raise th-ir young in all the larger marshes throughout the Provmce, from our southern border northward.
The first arrivals in spring generally appear before the end of March and m the autumn the last stragglers remain until the marshes freeze up.
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CHECK LIST OF THK
Genus MACRORHAMFHUS.
(231) Dowitcher.
(Macrurhainphus griseus.) Formerly this bird was not uncommon on the shore of Lake Ontario during the migrations, but now it is a rather rare spring and autumn visitor.
( J
Genus MICROPALAMA.
(*) (^33) StUt Sandpiper.
(Micropalama himantopus.) A rare visitor. I have never met with this species jn its spring mi- gration northward, but have several times taken it, on its return in July and August.
Genus TRINGA. (234) Knot.
(Tringa canutus.) In the neighbourhood of Toronto and Hamilton I have found this species abundant from the twenty-fifth of May to the end of the first week in June. In the autumn it is seldom seen. Two or three times I have taken specimens in immature plumage in August, but that is all. Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Genus ARQUATELLA.
(235) Purple Sandpiper.
(Arquatella maritima.) A very rart visitor from the northern sea coast, usually occurring late in autumn. Breeds on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
Genus ACTODROMAS.
(239) Pectoral Sandpiper.
(Actodromas maculata.)
A common visitor to our marshes and sandbars. Not observed by me in the spring.
Arrives in July and departs about the end of October.
(240) White-rumped Sandpiper.
(Actodromas fuscicollis.)
Rather an uncommon species. Possibly breeding, as I have found them here, from the middle of June to the middle of October.
IIIHDS OK ONTARIO
•J9
(-MI) Baird's Sandpiper.
(Actndromas bairdii.)
ronto\nd^al'"i.'"ir'" ""1^"'""^^ ''"'l^' '" «he neighb.,urhcHul „f To- ronto and at IJiindas. Not seen in spring.
Arrives in July, departs early in October.
(242) Least Sandpiper. (Stint.) (Actodromas minutilla.)
\l.v^7""X" "''""? ''"'' ""*"'"" ''^""'■' "'■'■'^'"e ^»^""t the twentieth of May, departing early ... September.
thr ^'I'' ""."h °^ ""'"'' !'''■''' ^" "°''"' '" ''■■^•^'J' "^"t I think some noM throughout their range in this Province, for some few pairs are uhvav to be found on our sandy beaches all through the summer '
CitNLs I'liLIUNA.
(243aj Red-baclied Sandpiper. (Black-heart Plover j (I'elidna alpina sakhalina.)
Genus KRKLNKTKS.
<246) Semi-palmated Sandpiper. (Stint.) (Ereunetes pusillus.) Very abundant from about the twentieth of May to the end .^ the
C.F.svs CALIDRIS. ♦
(248) Sanderling.
(Calidris arenaria.) Very abundant in spring and autumn along the lake shores Arrive about the t.nth of May depart in October. They spend the summe on their breeding grounds in the far north.
h I
CHECK LIST OF THB
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m^- •
Genus LIMOSA.
(*) (249) Marbled Godwit.
(Limosa fedoa.) A very rare visitor. Breeds in the North-VVest.
Breeds on the barren
(*) (251) Hudsonian Godwit. (Limosa haemastica.) Rather more frequently seen than the last, grounds.
Genus TOTANUS.
(354) Greater Yellow-legs.
(Totanus melanoleucus.) Common in spring from early in April, until the first week in May. In the autumn sometimes abundant; arriving towards the end ot July and remaining until the end of October. Breeds in the far north.
Its movements in the
(255) Yellow-legs.
(Totanus flavipes.)
Not common in spring ; abundant in autumn, spring correspond with those of the last species.
In the autumn migration, it arrives early in July and leaves before the middle of September. Breeds in the barren grounds.
Genus HELODROMAS.
(256) Solitary Sandpiper.
(Helodromas solitarius.) Generally distributed throughout the Province, but nov here abund- ant.
In their spring migration these birds do not seem to visit southern Ontario, for only once have I seen it at that season, viz.. May 6th, 1900. In July, after breeding, it may be found along the margins of our streams or upon muddy flats in the marshes. It departs about the end of Sep- tember.
Dr. C. K. Clarke, of Kingston, has reported finding a nest of this Sandpiper near that town, and no doubt it breeds in the interior of the Province, as it is said to be a regular summer resident of Muskoka and Parry Sound.
Genus SYMPHEMIA. (258) WUIet.
(Symphemia semipalmata.) A rare visitor. Breeds in the North-West .
BIllDS OF ONTARIO
>1
liiMs FAVONCliLLA. (•) laCo) Rufl.
(Pavoncell;i pugnax.) A specimen of this liuropcan bird in some way wandered to Torouto and was taken there in i«8... There are a few other records of its <c- currence in America, but it can only be rtKard.d .i^ a snucul.r oi, this contment.
Genus BARTRAMIA.
(a6i) Bartramiaq Sandpiper. (Upland Plover.) (Bartrania lor.gicauda.) rh's is a hnd of the prairie and is of rare and local occurrence here. I have fouijd It breeding in the Counties of Brant and Norfolk, and Dr. K. Clarke reports it as regularly nesting near Kingston.
Genus TRY.NGITES.
(262) Buff-breasted Saadpiper.
(Tryngites subruticollis.)
A rather rare and irregular vi>it()r to Ontario during the autumn migration. I have usually found it in August
Mr. Mcllwraith. on the authoiity of Dr. Macallum, records the discovery of a nest and eggs of this species near Hunnville.
Genus ACTITIS.
(363) Spotted Sandpiper.
(Actitis macularia.) An abundant s_^-nmcr resident, breeding throughout the Province tembJr ' ' '^" "''' ""^ ^''>' '''"P'''^'^ '^^''^'^ ""^dle of Se^i
Genus NUMENIUS.
(*) (264) Long-billvd Curlew.
(Numenius longirostris.) A very rare visitor, usually in the spring, berta and westward.
(26s) hudsonian Curlew.
(Numenius hudsonicus.)
spring" ii;:T':;t:S^'irrir::er^e5s •- '^-'i "--'^^ i-
west of Hudson's Bay. °" '•'^ ''""" grounds
Breeds in Assiniboia, Al-
:tt
IHKCK MSI OK TIIK
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(*) (366) Eskimo Curlew.
(Numenius borealis.) A very rare visitor. IlrcccJs on the barren grounds.
Family (.HAR.ADRIIIM-. (Thk I'iovkhs.)
Head rather large, nearly globose; bill of moderate length, >hapcd sdtnewhat like a pigeon's bill, with a constriction behind the horny term- inal portion ; nasal fossa- lined with soft sWin, thro.igh which the slit-like nostrils open. Wings long and pointed, usually reaching beyond the tip of the short tail. Toes, three in all our species (except Squatarola, in which the hind tee is present, but very small); tarsus reticulate; tibia naked below. Sexes similar, but seasonal changes of plumage great. Birds of this family frequent the open fields, sanely shores, or mud flats.
Genus SQUATAROLA.
(370) Black-bellied Plover.
(Squatarola squatarola.) Common spring and autumn visitor, passing through in the spring migration between the twentieth of May and the end of the first week in June. They return from the noi'h in August and remain until about the middle o October. Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Genus CHARADRIUS.
(271) Golden Plover. (.American Golden Plover.) (Charadrius dominicus.)
I have never found the Golden Plover in Ontario in the spring. Dr. C. K. Clarke informs me that it sometimes occurs near Kingston at that season.
In the autumn it is generally fairly abundant in most parts of the country, visiting the newly ploughed fields, the muddy flats of marshes and the sand bars of the h'kes.
It arrives from the north towards the end of .August and departs about the middle of October. Breeds on the barren grounds west of Hudson't. Bay.
Genus OXYECHUS. (273) Killdeer.
(Oxyechus vociferus.) A common summer resident, generally distributed over the Province, breeding throughout its range.
Arrives about the end of March, departs early in October.
MIRDS OK ONTAHIO
•iiMN .K(;iALHIS.
(J74) Semipalmated PI'iver. (Kins I'lovcr.) (/Kgialitis semipaltn;it;i.) Cunmon in spring; (r,„„ ;,„.,„t tl,r mi.l.ll,. „f M,,,. ,„ „„, ,.,, . ,. ... first week .n Juno, whrn it «n,.s n,.rlh to l„v,.,l. |„ ,! I r I .r^
even l.,tor. It !,.,> .«■< ;,sion;.lly b.-.-n loun.l n.-stin^ in tl,i> l«r„vinr,. (Jrr) Piptag Plover.
.Kgi.tiitis tni'IcKla.J A rt-Kiil.-.r l.ut net ;, ,,mun..n ^un1mcr residont
tan tly, tor I havo ntvcr Inund then, in the autumn ^ ^
A sointwhat doubtful variL-tv of this so.-, i.. .. Las been take,, in Toronto .« rasionally ' ' •'" '"• '"'""^-"''^'■^^'
(•) (J-H) Snowy Plover.
(/Egialitis nivosa.J
possession of Mr. J. M. \n^, of'-lwonto. ' "'^" '"'" """ '" "^'-■
I'AM.i.v AI'HRIZID.K. (T„K TtKNsroNEs.)
TfH-s four, not wtblx,!. thi- hindi iellate in frot bill rather short
.=u.e,.,,c ,„,„.„„ ,e„ „,„;„:»l:„;j:;; ™;r;!ST';;ii s:
(iEMS \Ri;\.\RI.\.
(-'«,?) Tumstofle. (Redshai k.) (Arcnaria interpres.)
o June. In the autumn they arc never common. .A few in imm.tnro plumage return this way about the llrst of \ugust and rem in rti he
w«?ward. ''"''^■"'"- ""^-'^ "" ''^ -^-^'^ --^ .vomTf'udi: •;",;.':;
Order GALLIN^E. (The Gallinaceous Birds.)
U.th^'\^^°^l'- "'""V ''°"''^''' ^°'"y' "•" constricted, nostrils scaled or feathered: cutting edge of upper mandible overlapping the lower. Hen. often partly or wholly naked, sometimes with flesht processes "eg
!ri i
34
ClIKrK t 1ST OK rill.
stout, hind toe eltviiled, »malkr ih;iii tlir oilur t<»>.. TiirNus broadly scuteilate, sometimes fi-athend, ex iasioii;illv spurred in the fiialis ; claws blunt, not much curved. Wings short, stn.nj;, Lomavc. 'Irrrt-strial in
habit
A large order, im iuding tlie ihiof game birds of the world, as well as most kinds of domesticated poultry.
Family TETR.\0MI)/1:. (Gkoi si , IVxiirKincKs, ktc.)
Hind toe small, short ; I.-nsiis without spur> ; IkmiI nearly or ijuite feathered.
SiHi'AMiiv PKKDK'IN.V. {PxKiHiiMis. ,
m
(^uuil. (iENLs COLINL'S.
(J89) Quail. (Bob vVhiie.) (Colinus virginianus.)
.\ common resident in the souih-wt^torn counties of Ontario, some- times ranging east to the County of Oitario. A valuable game bird and one of the farmer's Ix-S' friend':.
."Ja n.
HIHDS OF ONTAHIO.
36
lew bird.s art. .,| KreaUr ulililj il,.,n ihis. lis ul,„l.. lik- i. s,,...ii ""U."K the crops «e .ultimate, and its ..kkI .on.isls durin. he mm u
ng the w ntcr it ,on>u.m-s j-reat <,uantilics ol weeu M-eds. a laree ,,„r- . on of which are gathered Iro.n lenec corners ..n<l othern .geXd P ru
rtgularly seeded down with wce«K excrv sc ison m.l ih « i. i
portant factor in keeping then, in checl. ' ' -"■"' '^ ^"' ""■
Su.KAMHv rinKAO\IN.J.:. i!mM.ku.m;.j <;enl.s CA.N.it |liri;.s. (J98) Canada tirouse. (Spruce I'artridge.i (Canachitcs canadensis.)
(iENLS HON ASA. (.^ooj Ruffed Uruusc (Partridge.) (Honasa umbellus.) A conunon resulcnL in woodlands throughout the I'n.since
w.J^^s^~:!x,;;i -K- -. -^.«-. .,
Okms l.AUOl'LS. (.?"il Willow Ptarmigan.
(Lagopus lagopus.) A rt^alar winter visitor to ihu northern parts „l ili.- I'r,.v ,„ . ...nes corning as far .south as Sault Ste. .^./;rie^Y:J^si ^H^r" ^"'"^" ..n i {.nt^lrlo!""^' "' '"''"""'• '="' ""'^' "'"^" ^'^ '^"-' -- ^Vhitby
<m:m s TYMPWICHUS. (.^05) Pinnated Grouse. (IVairie Hen, I'rairie Chicken.) (lympanuchus americanus.)
bordi^^^rno^witrtw'^- """■" ™""^^ "'""^ ""■ --^•^■—
(ii.Ms im:i)icecj;tk.s.
(.^08) Sharp-tailed Grouse. (Pr.iirie Chicken.) (Pedioecetes phasianellus.)
.'^.f f.'^^'"'''""' "' th,. north-wo.tern part of the Province. During
bir<!s have strayoii inti, I'arry Sound
I
tlie last few vpars several of
fh.
PI
in
!ii
CHECK LIST OF THE
and Muskoka. It is possible that ;is these districts are cleared and become more prairie like, the Sharp-tail may find them adapted to its require- ments and become more abunlant there.
Family PHASIANID^. (The Pheasants, Turkeys, etc.)
The chief family of the Gallina-, differing as a whole from the Tetra- onidic in having the tarsus in the male armed with a spur. In many species the head is naked, in others the tail is long and vaulted or other- wise peculiar.
Wild Turkey.
■if
Subfamily MELEAGRIN^. Genus MELEAGRIS.
(•) (310a) Wild Turkey.
(Meleagris gallopavo silvcstris.)
Formerly common in all the south-western counties, ranging east into Wentworth. There may still be a few left in that district, but I have not heard of any for several years.
Resiuent wherever found.
BIKDS OF ONTAHJO.
37
Order COLUMBil-. (The Pigeons.)
Hill straight, compressed, the horny tip separated by a constriction from the soft part. Nostrils opening beneatli a .soft, humid membrane or cere, at base of bill. Frontal feathers sweeping in a strongly convex outline across base of upper mandible. Hind toe on a level with the others. Tall in our species long, wedge shaped, the feathers pointed.
Family COLUMBIDA. (Pickons.)
Wings long, pointed; plumage compact, the feathers looselv in- serted.
PaHHeiijser I'igenti. Genus IICTOFISTKS.
(315) Passenger Pigeon.
(Ectopistes migratorius.)
Formerly a very abundant sumiiier ivsident, occurring in flocks of countless thousands, but now very scarce.
Dr. C. K. Clarke informs me that he found a small colony breedinc in eastern Ontario in 1898. ''
Genus ZKNAIDURA.
(316) Mourning Dove.
(Zena'dura macroura.)
A connmon siimnHr resident, but somewhat locally distributed lireeding throughout its range.
CHECK LIST OF THE
The jfreat majority of these birds are migrants, arriving here in April and leaving in October, but during the last few years small flocks have been seen in several localities, all ♦hrough the winter.
if
Order RAPTORES. (The Birds of Prey.)
Carnivorous birds, often of large sue and great strength. Hill strong, cored at base, hooked at the end. Claws very strong, except in the Vultures. Tibia, and often the tarsus, feathered. Hind toe devel- oped, elevated or not.
Some of them feed upon carrion, others upon reptiles or fishes, but the most of them upon small mammals, birds and insects.
This order includes a large number of very useful birds, while ;i few of them may be considered injurious by reason of their raids upon domestic fowls.
Family CATHARTID.^^. (A.merican Vui.tlkes.)
Head and part of neck bare Eyes lateral ; ears small. Bill length- ened, comparatively weak and but little hooked ; nostrils perforate. Wings very long and strong, giving a strength and grace of flight which is not excelled by any other birds. Hind toe short and elevated; Iront toes long, somewhit weoDed, with rather weak and straightish claws. Large, slovenly looking birds, without the strength and spirit of the Hawks and Owls. They are voracious consumers of carrion and animal refuse of all kinds, and Iicnce are valued as scavengers in the warm countries where they most abound.
Genus CATHARTES.
m
U'
{*) (325) Turkey Vulture. (Cathartes aura.) A great wanderer, which is of occasional occurrence in Ontario, specimens having bden taken at various places from the eastern bound- ary to the west, where it was formerly not uncommon.
Family FALCONID^E. (P'ai.cons, Hawk^, Eagi.es, etc.)
Head fully feathered ; no ear tufts. Eyes lateral ; eyelids provided with lashes; usually a projecting bony eyebrow; no complete faci;il disk. Toes always naked ; tarsus naked also except in Aquila and Archibuteo. Hind toe not elevated. Bill .stout, strongly hooked, its ba.se not hidden bv feathers. Claws very strong and sharp, the hind rlaw not shorter than the others.
lilllDS OF ONTARIO.
;i!i
Si npAMiiY ACCII'ITRIN.K. (Kiiks, H \\\ i.s. i:\(.iis, ii<.) (iiMs KLANOIDHS.
(3J7) Swallow-tailed Kite.
(Elanoidcs forficaius.)
Mr. Mcllwraith records the occurrenre of this species in western Ontario and also at Ottawa, and it is quite likely to be seen here again, as it is a yrcat wanderer.
-Marnh Huwk.
(iisis ciRcr.s. (.?3i) Marsh Hawk.
(Circus hudsonius.) Very common suniiner resident, breeding in set luded marshy places throughout the Pro\inre. .Arrives early in .April, departs about the end of Octol)er. One of our most useful Hawks, feeding principally upon the destructive meadow mou.se. This Hawk may readily be distinguished fiom all others? by its low skimming flight, as it works over the meadows in search of its favorite food, and also by tlo white patch at the base of its tail, which is very conspicuous. A heavy penalty should be inflicted on persons who destroy these birds.
40
CHKC'K LIST OF TFIE
Genls ACCIIMTHR.
■;:;i
(3:^-) Sharp-shinned Hawk.
(Aciipiter velox.)
Common summer resident, breeding throughout its range. Arrives early in April. The bulk depart about the middle of September, but stragglers often remain until the end of October.
This bird is very destructive to young poultry and the small insec- tivorous birds.
(:i33) Cooper's Hawk.
(.Accipiter cooperi.) A summer resident, but not nearly so abundant as the last. Breeds in the interior of the Province. A very destructive hawk.
«. (334) Goshawk.
(Accipiter atricapillus.)
(A winter visitor to southern Ontario. Resident and breeding in the interior.
This hawk is capable of killing fullgrown fowls and does so at every opportunity.
^u ^r. iiff IF I - v t
\u
Genus BUTEO.
(337) Red-taUed Hawk.
(Buteo borealis.)
A common summer resident, breeding in the interior. Arrives early in March, departs at the beginning of November. A few have been seen in winter.
A dark form of tliis hawk n<jw given sub-specific rank as the West- ern Red-tailed Hawk, B. b. calurus, has been occasionally taken in On- tario.
This is one of the most useful species, feeding largely upon meadow mice, grasshoppers, and frogs.
(339) Red-shouldered Hawk.
(Buteo lineatus.)
Common summer resident. Less frequently seen than the last, or perhaps more local in its distribution. Breeds in the interior. Arrives a little later than the Red-tail and leaves towards the end of October. I have seen specimens in winter, but not often.
A very useful hawk, feeding chiefly on mice, reptiles and grass- hoppers.
1.1
BIKDS OF ONTARIO.
41
(•) (342) Swainson's Hawk. (Buteo swainsoni.) A rare visitor from the western prairies, where it is abundant.
(343) Broad-winged Hawk.
(Buteo platypterus.)
A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range. A useful" species.
Aiiii'rican Hi)Ugh-le):tttMl Hawk. Gems ARCHIBLTEO.
(347) American Rough-legged Hawk.
(.Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.)
A common visitor in spring and autumn, probably a summer resident in the northern portion of the Province.
They arrive early in April and the bulk have departed by the end of November.
One of our most beneficial birds, its food consisting almost entirely of mice and grasshoppers.
I have found as many as eight meadow mice in the stomach and crop of one of these birds.
42
CHKCK LIST OF THR
t.EM s .\(JLIL.\.
(*) (.UM) Golden Eagle.
(Aquila chrysai'tos.)
An irregular visitor to soiitluTn Ontario, probably resident in the im>fttled north country.
C.i-Ms II.\LI/KETUS. |;;5.>) Bald Eagle.
(Halia'ctus Ifu<'ocfphalus aiascanus.) A resident specii-s which until a few years ago regularly bred in certain localities alonj; the shores of our lakes, but which has now re- tired to the quiet of the interior to raise its youny, xisiting southern On- liirio in winter.
SinFAMii.v FALCON'IX/*:. (Kaicons.)
Gems FALCO.
(35;,) White UyrfaUon.
(Falco islandus.J .\n accidental visitor.
(.VS4) Gray Gyrfalcon.
(Falco rusticolus.) As rare as the last.
(356) Duck Hav/k.
(Falco peregrinus anatum.) A regular, ',nil not a common, autumn visitor to southern Ontario. Rarely seen in spring. Has been found breeding in eastern Ontario and also in Muskoka.
(357) P'«e»n Haw''-
(Falco columbarius.)
Not often seen in the spring, but common in autumn. I have occa- sionally seen it in winter. The great majority go south about the end of .September.
It breeds in the unsettled districts of the interior from Muskoka northward.
(360) Sparrow Hawk.
(Falco sparverius.)
A common summer resident, breeds throughout its range. Arrives early in .Vpril, departs about the end of September.
A very useful bird, feeding on mice and insects chiefly. Two or three times when I have taken these Hawks in early summer, I have found their stomachs filled with cutworms and at the same time noticed that
HIRDS OK ONTARIO
43
their kut were coxt-recl willi tnud. Just how they obtain these under- ground larvae I have not btin able to ascertain, but it would seem that they either scratch them out or are able in some way to locate the spot at which they are hidden and can then i ..pture them by thrusting their (laws into the moist soil.
C.KMs POLVIJORUS.
(363) Audubon's Caracara.
(Polyborus chcriway.) Mr. G. E. AtKmson has recorded finding a dead specimen washed up on the north shore of Lake Superior on the i8th of Julv, i8y2.
.SiniAMiiv I'.WDlOMV.i;. (Osi-i'ivs.) (ilMs P.\M)K)\.
(364) American Osprey. ti<ish Hawk.) (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis.)
A common summer resident, breeding in suitable places through the Provmce. Its nesting places now are in the unsettled parts of the in- terior, where the lakes arc still surrounded by trees suflicientiv large to meet the bird's requirements.
Arrives in April, departs at the end of September.
Suborder STRKJES. (Owi.s.) Family STRIGID/E. (The B.\r.\ Owls.) A small family comprising those owls which nave long faces, the facial disk being complete and subtriangular. 'Ine middle and inner toes are about equal in length and the middle claw is pectinate below.
Genus .STRIX.
(*) (365) American Barn Owl.
(Strix pratincola.) A rare visitor from the south. Five or six specimens of this bird have been met with in southeri Ontario.
Family BUBOXID^:. (The Horned Owls, etc.)
Head very large, shortened lengthwise, and greatly expanded later- ally, the eyes directed forwards and partly surrounded by a more or less complete circular disk of radiating feathers of peculiar texture; loral feathers antrorse, long and dense; feathers on the sides of forehead often elongated into earlike tufts. Plumage very soft and lax, rendering the flight almost noiseless ; its colours blended and mottled so as to baffle description. External ear \ery large, offen provided with .1 movable
\\W
44
CHECK LIST OF THK
flap. Outer toe reversible; claws very sharp, long, and strong; inner toe shorter than middle; middle claw not pectinate. All our species are nocturnal except Nyctea and Surnia.
Genus ASIO.
(.V>6) American Long-eired Owl.
(Asio wilsonianus.)
A fairly common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province, wherever there are woods. More frequently seen in the autumn than at any other season.
Feeds almost entirely upon meadow mice and large insects. I have examined a great many of these birds and so far hr..e never found any- thing else in their stomachs; never even the trace of a feather.
Short -eared Owl.
(3^)7) Short-eared Owl. (Marsh Owl.) (.Asio nccipitrinus.)
This Owl is sometimes very common in the autumn, about the low meadows and marshes. In such places I have found them also during the winter at times. Its movements seem to depend altogether upon the food supply. When meadow mice are abundant and available the owls will remain and feed upon them, but If the snow becomes deep so that
BIllDH OF ONTARIO.
4.*)
le
the mice are entirely protected by it, then the owls go south. 1 liis bird is peculiarly adapted to act as a check upon the undue increase of lield mice. It lives and breeds entirely in the places most lret|iiented by them, and so long as these destructive creatures can be obtained, the Owl will feed upon them ; apparently preferring them to any other food. When the supply of mice fails, however, these Owls will feed upon such .small birds as may be found in their h.iunts, and will at times kill more than they can devour.
Dr. C. K. Clarke informs me that it has been found nesting in the marsh near Kingston, and as I have seen it during the summer months in other marshes, no doubt it breeds sparingly in southern Ontario and more abundantly in suitable places in the northern part of the Province.
If these Owls were less persecuted than they arc, they would cer- tainly breed here whenever their favourite food was abundant, as they do in Great Britain, and we should then hear less about the damage done to grain and fruit trees by meadow mice.
CiE.NLS SYRMU.M. (368) Barred Owl.
(Syrnium varium.)
This bird is generally distriouted through the Province, as far north as lake Superior and the Ottawa River, but is not common anywhere; there are certain places at which it appears regularly every autumn, while in other localities it is rarely, if ever, seen. Nests have been found all through its range.
It is not sufficiently abundant to be of importance from an agricultural point of view. Those I have taken here always contained mice, but to the south of us, where the poultry are allowed to roost on trees, it is accused of killing half-grown chickens.
Genl's .SCOTIAPTEX.
(370) Great Grey Owl. (Cinereus Owl.) (Scotiaptex nebulosa.) An irregular winter visitor, occasionally occurring in considerable numbers and a few are found here nearly every season. Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Ge.nus CRVPTOGLAUX.
(*) (37O Richardson's Owl.
(Cryptoglaux tengmalmi richardsoni.) A winter visitor from the far north, seldom seen in southern Ontario.
(372) Saw-whet Owl.
(Cryptoglaux acadica.)
Although this little Owl is a resident of Ontario, it is peculiar in its distribution. It is most frequently seen in winter and will in some sea-
■I ■ >■
■M
CHK( K LIST OK THK
sons be quite comnum in a Uicality lor a lime and may not again be seen there for several years. Like all other birds of prey, it is attracted to places where food is abundant. It breeds sparingly in southern Ontario and probably commonly in the undisturlxd woods ol the interior.
Its food consists almost cntir»-]y of mice; when these are scarce, an iH-casional insert or small l)ird is taken.
Scref eh Owl .
Genus MEGASCOPS. (373) Screech Owl.
(Megascops asio.)
A common resident in southern Ontario, breeding throughout its range.
A particularly useful bird and one which, if left unmolested, will become almost domesticated. It will take up its abode in and about the barns and outbuildings and soon becomes comparatively tame. It is the most indefatigable mouser we have, for not only does it kill mice to sup- ply its immedia wants, but also for the pleasure of hunting them. Be- sides this, it also uoes useful work in keeping the common I1ou>c Sparrow within proper limits.
* • ' }i
lURDS OK UMAKIO
4r
liKMs ULIH). (375) <i'««< Horned Owl.
(Hulio \ir(,'ininnus.)
A common nsitlcnt, breeding thr<»iij;Iiout its range. The strungesi and most courageous of our birds of prey. Commonly considered lo lie injurious to the farmer, because it o«;casionally l<ills poultry. No doubt it will do this in winter, when its natural IVkkI is diUicult to get ; but ilii- farmer who leaves his fowls to roost out and unprotected on lold nights cannot find them very profitable and certainly deserves to los- tlitin. As against this, should be set jff the value of the bird's services in keeiiing in check the rats, mice, crows .ind other injurious creatures; even skutiks often fall victims to ilie Horned Owl's strength ,ind r;ip;icity.
(.IMS NVCTKA. (.^76) Snowy Owl.
(Nyctea nyctea.) A winter visitor, oc<urriMg in varying numbers almost every season. This is a diurnal species, hunting its prey much .ifter the fashion cf the falcons.
Hreeds in the Arctic regions.
tiENLs SL R.MA.
(377) Hawk Owl. (American Hawk Owl.) (Siirnia ulula caparrch.)
A regular winter visitor in northern Ontario, noi oliei seen in the southern portions of the Province.
It is diurnal, and when hunting .ndopts much the same methods as our Sparrow Hawk. In northern Manitoba, where it is rather common in winter, I frequently saw it hovering over the snow-covered plains jiivi as our little Hawk does over the fields in summer.
Breeds in the far north.
Order COCCYGES. (Cuckoos and Kingfishers.)
This order is not very largely represented in Canada. The ramilies comprised in it have but little in common so far as outw.ird appearance IS concerned, but the characteristics of e.ich are well marked.
Suborder CL'CULI. (Ckkoos.) Family CUCULID.-K. (Citkoos.)
Bill gently curved, lengthened, without rectal bristles or nasal tufts. Tongue not extensible. Tarsus long, nearly naked. Toes not webbed, cleft to base; two in front, two behind. Tail long in our species.
Arboreal birds of great economic value, feeding almost entirely on insects. They devour great numbers of tent r.itcrpill.irs aid the various hairy larvjr, which ;ire rejected bv most birds.
It
w
{ HKtK I.IHT OK THK
lis
SisrAMii I (Kt'N'/IN^t. (Amkkican Clckoos.) «;kms COCCVZUS. (.07) YcU»w-biUcd Cn.k
iv-occy/us
leg
ular, 11' 'I ' lit its range.
(388) Black biUetl - -ami.
(Coccyzus •yti.'-"! ':t \almus.)
L iminon, summi-r resident: breeding througli-
A common s u lun . Arrives aboi i > lumber.
Si I RKi
lent, I) ccd'ny thiougiiuut its rjnge.
•Ml o' • le|>arts jiliout the end of Sep-
F> i.\ Al. Head large; bil- ong,
t i \ i;S. (KlNCKlSHERS.)
. ">:I1),K. (KlNCHSHKRj.J
■ I. .md strong; gapo deep, edge* n<.t ser- rate. Wings long; ail sliori. Inr ms very short. Toes three in frnnt, one behind, the outer and middle tiM-- united half their length, with a con- tinuous sole bene.'ith.
We have but one species.
of.nis ci:ryi,k.
(JI90) Belted Kingfisher.
(Ceryle alcyon.)
A common summer resident, Iirci-ding throughout its range.
.Arrives about the beginning of .\pril, departs early in October. I have several times found these birds spendini; the winter on rapid streams in southern Ontario, and once near Bala in Muskoka.
Order PIC I. (Woodpeckers, etc.)
Feet zygodactyle, i.e., having the toes in pairs — two forward ard two behind (except in Picoides, in which the hind toe is wanting). Tail feathers pointed and with strong shafts ; used as a prop to assist thi- birds in supporting themselves against the trunks of trees.
Family PICID^E. (W'oodpeckers.)
Bill stout, usually straight, with the tip distinctly trun<'ate (exi-cpt in Colaptes), adapted for hammering or boring into wood. Tongue long, flattish, barbed, capable of great protrusion, adapted for securing insects (except in Sphyrapicus.) Hyoid process peculiar, the horns gene.-^lly vtiy long, curving up around the skull behind and over forward again to the ear, or beyond. Claws compressed, sharp and strong.
.All are chiefly insectivorous, the majority of them obtaining their food by boring into the trunks of trees and extracting the larvae which feed upon the cambium.
IIIHDS OK ONT.XIUO
*i
Ihi'sf hinls iiri- ol ^ri\H ei ononii. valiii- to ihi- larnuT, li uil-Kniwii and fori'Ntcr, mil should be striillx prnli'itcd In ixirvoiif li.i\ini{ ili, sli|;hrfst inttTi'st in trees.
• iFMs DRVOHAIKS (.19.V) Hairy Woodpecker.
( l)r_v<>l)atc>i villosus.) .\ lomnion n-Nidi-nt, bn-c-dinK ihrouuh.nil ilu- I'n.Mii.e. Ilif xaiUly f). V. I.'Ui-nnvlao, is ll.f form .hi.lly IoiiihI in soiillu' ii ()nl,.rio.
Downy \ViMKl|)fckiT. (394) Downy Woodpecker.
(I)ryobatcs pubcsrcns.)
A .omnion resident, breeding ihrouKhou! th. |-rovintc. Our fona Is chiffly I), p, medianus.
(iHMs PICOIDKS.
(400) Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.
(Picoides an-ticiis.j
Common resident in the northern part of the Province, rare winter visitor in the southern part.
Breeds in the northern nart of its ranj?;'. 4 B.
I
ftO
CHKC'K LIST OF TFIK
(*) (401) American Three-toed Woodpecker.
(Picoides americanus.) Resident in the northern part of Ontario, but much less abundant than the last. Occasionally wanders into southern Ontario during the winter.
Genus SPHYRAPICUS.
(402) Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. (Sapsucker.) (Sphyrapicus varius.)
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in ihi- Province.
Arrives about the middle of April, departs about the middle of Sep- tember.
It is this species only which bores holes in ihe bark of trees for the purpose of obtaining the sap.
Fileatft] WiMxlpcckcr. I.ENUS CKOPHLCKUS.
(405) Pileated Woodpecker. (Cock ol the Woods.) (Ccophloeus pileatus.)
Resident, but restricted to that part of the country still covered with heavy timber. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Our form is C. p. abieticola.
^n B.
BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
51
(iEM s MELANERPES.
(406) Red-headed Woodpecker.
(Melanerpes erythrocephalous.) A summer resident, still common, but much less abundant than it was a few years ago. Breeds throughout its range. Arrives early in May, ueparts early in September.
Genus CENTURU.S.
(•) (409) Red'bellied Woodpecker. (Centurus carolinus.)
Rare summer resident in the south-western counties: occurrintr
Genus COLAPTES.
(412) Flicker. (Golden-winged Woodpecker, High-holer.) (Colaptes auratus.) Coriinon summer resident. Breeds throughout the Province Arrives about the middle of April, departs early in October Our form is C. a. I teus. Though classed a.r.ongst the Woodpeckers, by reason of ccrt.-.in
fZr-rK f ""'T'- " ^°"^ '"^^ wood-pecking ,l,.,n any other of its family, .ts beak not bemg so well fitted 1 r that operation as the beaks of the others. It is chiefly a ground feeder, ants forming a large portion of IS food. For the purpo.se of enabling it to capture these insects in their underground burrous, its tongue is peculiarly specialized
Is.)
Order MACROCHIRES. (Goatsuckers. Swifts and Humming Bird
aifhT"^"/^"'^ '°r"^ -""^ P'''"'"'- '^""^'"^ •■'''"■■': f^ct small and we.,k Taled " '" ""•• """ ^'''""^- '^''' '""^ ^^'-^ "-""y «°-ewhat cle:
Famiiv CAPRIML'LGID.41.
.Mouth highly .specialized, the gape enormously wide, beak short In Antrostomus the rectal bristles are long and coars;, very distinct Plumage soft in texture, much marbled and mottled with black brown grey and yellowish white, the combination forming a splendid exnmp"'. of pro ec ive coloration. The middle claw pectinate Largelv n<' tuS Entirely insectivorous, obtaining their food while on th^S.
62
CHKCK LIST OV THK
(Jenus ANTROSTOML'S.
(417) Whip-poor-will.
(Antrostomus vociferus.)
A common ri'sidt-nt in the woods. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
.Arrives early in May, departs early in October.
l\ !
Whip-po«ir-will.
Genus CHORUEILES.
(420) Nijtat Hawk.
(ChordeiJes virginianus.) An abundant summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
.Arrives about the middle of May, departs early in September.
SuBORDHR CYPSELI. (Swifts.)
Famii-y MICROPODIOi*:. i-jwifts.)
SiTBFAMii.Y CH/ETURINi^. (Spine-tailed Swifts.)
Bill weak and small, gape large, deeply cleft. AVings very long, thin and pointed ; secondaries very short. Feet small, weak, toes com- pletely cleft ; middle claw not pectinate ; no rectal bristles. In our species tail rounded, its feathers with the shaft spinous, projecting beyond the plumage; the salivary glands are highly developed and their .secretion is u.sed as a glue in the construction of the nest.
BIRDS OK ONTARIO.
53
Genus CH/HTL'RA. (4^3) Chimney Swift. (Chimney Swallow.) (Chsetura pelagica.) An abundant summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the Province. Formerly nested in hollow trees, but has ab.-.ndonid them and now takes up its residence in chimneys and barns, t ^rrives early in May, departs at the end of August or early in Sep- *"" "■• Si'BORDER TROCHILI. (HiMMiNc Birds.)
Family TROCHILI D^. (Mlmmino Birds.) Bill long, pointed, awl-shaped. Tongue capable of great protru- sion Wings long and pointed; secondaries short. Feet very small with long, sharp claws. Smallest of all our birds. Feeds largely upon small insects and the nertar from (lowers. It usu.-.llv obtains its food while hovering about the blossoms ol plants.
Ruby-thmated iluniming Bird. Genus TROCHILUS. (4^8) Ruby'throated Humming Bird.
(Trochilus colubris.) A common summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the Province. Arrives about the middTe of May, departs about the middle of September.
iiji
H |
64 CHFX'K LIST OF THE
Order PASSERES. (Perching Birds.)
I'oeb always four ; feet fitted for perching ; the hind toe always on a level with the rest; its claw at least as long; as that of the middle toe; none of the toes versatile and none webbed ; wing coverts few, chiefly in two series.
Suborder CL.VMATORES. (Songi ess Perching Biros.) Family TYRANNID./t. (Tyrant Flycatchers.)
Bill typically broad, triangular, depressed, abruptly hooked and notched at tip, with long rectal bristles ; commissure nearly straight ; nostrils small, usually partly concealed. Tarsus with its back and sides as well as the front covered with scutella, so that there is no undivided ridge behind, as in most other Passeres.
All our species are insectivorous, capturing their food by darting upon it from some elevated perch. The whole family are decidedly bene- ficial to agriculture. Sone of them have very pleasant notes, but none of them are songsters.
Genus TYRANNUS.
(444) Kingbird.
(Tyrannus tyrannus.)
An abundant summer resident; breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about the tenth of May, departs about the end of August.
Genus MYIARCHUS.
(452) Crested Flycatcher.
(Myiarchus crinitus.) Common summer resident, breeding in woods and orchards through- out its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of May, departs about the end of August.
Genus SAYORNIS.
(456) Phcebe.
(Sayornis phoebe.)
An abundant summer resident, breeding about farm buildings and bridges throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives early in April, departs early in October.
A most useful bird and one that will return year after year to its nesting place on the farm, if not molested.
BIKDS OK ONTAKIO.
(iEMs XL nAI.LORMS.
(459) Olive-sided Flycatcher.
(N'uttallornis borealis.)
A regular but uncommon visilor to soutlitrn Ontario. 1 have found one or two tacli sprin- for several years, hut have not seen it at anv other season. It is said to be common and breed in the Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts.
(iFMs CO.NTOI'LS. (461) Wood Pewee.
(Contopus virens.J
Common summer resident, breeding in woods throughout its ranire in the Provmce. *"
Arrives about the middle of .May. departs about the middle of Sep- tember. '
Cexls EMPIDoNAX.
(463) Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
(Empidonax flaviventris.)
n<.v.r\ ?""![ ""common visitor. I have seen a few each spring, but never later than June. '^ °
It breeds regularly in the wooded parts of the interior.
(460J Traill's Flycatcher.
(Empidonax trailli.j
t.K y*!f k'"''''" ^°™' '■■• '■ '''"O"-'™. is a regular visitor, generally di.-
V n."w, '«.''■"■« °T°"- u' ''■'^"•="'' '«^ grounds where alders and willows flourish. Breeds in the interior.
(■\f>7) Least Flycatcher.
(Empidonax minimus.
Com^mon sunmur resident, breeding in orchards, shrubberies md woodlands throughout its range in the Province "ruDDcrKs ,,nd
Arrives about the middle of .May, departs at the end of Augusi.
Suborder O.SCIXES. (.Song Hikus.)
E.AMM.v ALAl'DIIXE. (The Larks.)
Tarsus obtuse and scutellatc behind as well .-,s in front mil shor, • nostrils concealed by tufts of ..ntrorse feathers; hind claw very on'..i nearly straight; inner secondaries lengthened and flowing, (hi sn..;ies
nm^r :.d' '"^ "' """'"""'" •"•■'^•^- ^^-""-^ -- -''•' '- -" t?e t i
M
CHKCK LIST OK THIv
I '. il
Gems DTOCORIS. (•) (474) Horned Lark. (Shore Lark.) (UtcK-oris alpestris.) This form of the Shore Lark is a winter visitor and is rarely seen now.
Twenty-five years ago it was common here in severe weather, fre- quently with the Snow Buntings. I have never found it breeding in the Province. Its summer home is in the far north.
(474b) Prairie Homed Lark.
(Otocoris alpestris praticola.)
This sub-species is now a common summer resident, breeding in open fields wherever it occurs in the Province.
It appears to have extended its range from the prairies as the timber has been cleared off and the land brought under cultivation.
.Arrives about the tenth of February, departs late in Xovemlxr. In the south-we.stern counties it is resident, large numbers remaining there .ill through the winter.
K.\.MiLv CORVID/K. (The Crows and Jays.) Bill long and strong, usually notched, its commissure not angul.iiod ; nostrils usually concealed by tufts of bristly feathers, which are brani hed to their tips. Tarsus sharp behind, its sides undivided and separated from the scutella in front by a groove, which is either naked or tilled in with small scales. Voice usually harsh and unmusical.
Genus CVANOCTTTA. (477) Blue Jay.
(Cyanocitta cristata.) A common resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Gems PERISOREUS. (4K4) Caaada Jay.
(Perisoreus canadensis.) A common resident in the northern part of the Province. Breeds in the northern part of its range.
Si HFAMii.v COR\l\.fK. (Crows.)
(Jems CORVUS. (486a) Northern Raven.
(Corvjjs corax principalis.) Tolerably common in the interior of the Province. Probably breeds in the remote forests towards James Bay.
(488) Common Crow.
(Corvus brachyrhynchos.) Abundant resident in southern Ontario, summer resident in th'> northerly portions of the Province. Breeds throughout its range.
BIRDS OK OXTAKIO
57
1'amii.v ICTKRID.i:. (Thk Amkkhxn Okk.i.ks and BiAtKHiKus.)
Bill with the commissure angulated, usually lengthened, rarely shorter than head, straight or gently curved, without notch or rictal bristles; lulmen usual'y extending up„n the forehead, dividing the frontal leathers. Legs stout, adapted for walking in all our species, ex. ept those m Icterus. '
Doliconyx and Moloihrus are somewhat Finch-like, having the hill shorter than head.
Okms DOLICHONV.X. (494) Bobolink.
(Dolichonyx oryzivorous.) Abundant summer resident. Breeds in the hay meadows through- out Its range, which .Iocs not extend north of the cultivated country Arrives about the tenth of May, dep.-.rts about the end of August
('i)wbiril. CiENLs MOLOTHRLS.
(495) Cowblrd.
(.Molothrus ater.)
.„ M^K'''^""''n"' "TT' "'^'"^^"^' deposits its eggs in the nests of other .small birds. Breeds throughout its range.
w
M
MIKCK 1,181 OK TIIK
I
11'
Arrives alx)ut ihc firsi of April and departs early in October. This is the most injurious bird we ha\e, as each egg deposited by it means the destruction of a whole brood of one of our beneficial species.
Genus XANTHOCHI'HALUS.
(497) Yellow-headed Blackbird.
(Xanthoccphalus xanthoccphalus.) A very rare summer visitor from the western prairies.
Genus AGELAIUS.
(498) Red- winged Blackbird.
(Agel.tius phoeniceus.)
A very abundant summer resident, breeding in marshes or clover fields throughout its range.
Arrives about the middle of March, departs about the middle of ( ktobcr.
M
Meailowlurk.
Gums STLKNELL.V (501) Meadowlark.
(Sturnella magna.)
A common summer resident in southern Ontario, gradually extend- ing its range northward as the land is cleared.
Breeds on the ground in meadows throughout its range.
Arrives towards the end of March, departs late in October or ry in \ovember.
'if
BIRDS OF ONTARIO
nrr«ii"„'""f'' ''•?'*""■- ,/''«-*=*'^. ''i'"'!- -^ti.y Very latt-. ;,nd 1 have- „n Mvxral occa^ons found small partus of then, spending il,,- winter here
Cenls ILTHRUS. CJ {500) Orchard Oriole. {Icterus spurius.)
rn.,nti Tf "'"''.• """' "°' .'^^°'"'"""- sununcr resident in il,e south-western count.es, breeding ,n orchards and shrubberies. I found it every season in
;i:;l"ToToita ' ''""^" """' °^ '"'^ ^''^^^ « ^^- P"'- '■••- -?''5 TrJd
(507) Baltimore Oriole.
(Icterus galbula.)
ProvL^c"'""'*'" """'"^'' '■^'''^'"'' ''"■•■■'""S throughout its range in the Arrives early in .May, departs about the end of August.
Genus EUPHAGUS. (509) Rusty Blackbird.
(Euphagus carolinus.)
Probably breeds in the northern part ,.f the Province.
Genus QUISCALUS. (52 lb) Bronzed Crackle.
(Qui>calus quiscula a;neus.)
.ange^n"t^Pro^ce:" ""''^"'' '''''''''"'' "' -'«"- ^''-"^'"out its Arnv..s about the middle of March, departs early in October.
I-.M.Lv FRINT.ILLin.4^. (F.xc.Es. Sp.kkows, etc.)
Bill rone shaped ; the commi<;sure angulated NostriU h:„. posed, or, in some northern sperics mrMv r-r,?' v"^'*"'' "^'gh "P- p>:-
.du„. None „, ,H,™. „„4v.„ ^T "• i^.'-i^ri;; Z-^T:^ ,:'z
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CHKIK 1,181" OK THK
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3 1"
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tiiined, iin<l tlio youn^ while in the nest are fed entirely upon insects which ar»carried to them by their parents. If there is any exception to this rule it will be in the genera .\stru(;iilinus and Spinus.
Oenis HKSI'KRIl'HONA.
(514) Evtning Grosbeak.
( Hesperipbuna vespertina.) An accidental visitor from the west, sometimes occurring; in winter.
Gems IMMCOLA.
(515) Piac GrosNak.
(Pinicola enurleator leucura.J An irregular winter visitor to southern Ontario; in some seasons quite common, in others entirely absent.
Probably breeds in the extreme north of the Province.
(Jeni's CARPODACUS.
(517) Purple Finch.
(Carpodacus purpureus.} Common resident ; breeds throughout its range in the Province. Most frequently noticed in early spring when the flocks move out of their winter quarters and visit the budding hardwood trees.
Genus PASSER.
House Sparrow.
(Passer domesticus.)
An importation from Europe, now an abundant resident, breeding wherever it occurs.
r.ENUs LOXIA. (531) American Crossbill.
(Loxia curvirostra minor.)
A regular and sometimes an abundant winter visitor.
As I have found representatives of this species in southern Ontario n nearly every month of the year, I think they breed throughout the Province, wherever there are pine forests still standing.
(522; White-winged Crossbill.
(Loxia leucoptera.) An irregular winter visitor to southern Ontario, never abundant. Of regular occurrence in the nothern part of the Province, where it is said to be resident.
HIHDS l)V OXTAKIO
«l
• iKMS ACAN THIS.
(*l (SJ7) Greenland Redpoll.
|.\c:inthi>> hornem.-innii.)
I'mbably ot.urs iiv, .1 wiiilcr Nixilor, Imi I have no rci ord of it ollui than ih.it ^ixtn In Mr. Mi Ilwraith.
(•) (5^7.1) Hoiry Redpoll.
(Afar ,)is horncrnannii fxilipt-s.) A som what irn-niilar winlir \isilor, (K<urrin({ in varying niinibirK at any time bt-twet-n Sq>toinl)ir antl .May.
(Si») Common Redpoll.
(Acanthis linaria.) tifnt-rally cjimmon in winlur, but somctimis tntirtly absent. Hreeds in the far 11. rlh; toniinonly near Hudson's Hav.
(*) (5iHa) HolbfEllg Redpoll.
(.Aranthis linaria holb<»'li.) (Xeurs in winter .sparinj{ly with the other Redpolls.
(*) (s.'Kb) Greater Redpoll.
(.\ianthi.s linaria rostrata.J Oecurs in winter sparinjjly with the other Kedpoll.s.
Cems ASTK.UIALINUS.
(529) Amo^kan Gold8nch.
(.As! igalinus tristis.J A common resident in southern Ontario, more abundant in summer than in winter, a large number gomg south at the approach of cold weather.
(iEMs SPIN US.
(533) Pine Siskin. {Pine Finch.)
(Spinus pinus.)
A regijlar and sometimes an abundant winter visitor, which s«>me- times remains during the summer and breeds here. N'ests have been found in many localities.
CJenis PASSERINA.
(534) Snow Bunting. (Snowbird.)
(Pa.s.serina nivati.s.)
A common winter visitor. .Arrive.s about the end of October, departs about the middle of March.
Breeds in the .Arctic regions.
CHIXIC LlBl or THK
Genus CALCARIUS. iSMi) Losgtpiir.
(Calcarius iapponicus.)
An irregular winter visitor most frequently found in late nutuinn and early spring.
Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Genis POCECETES.
(540) Vupcr SpUTOW. (Bay wing.] (Pooecetes gramineus.)
An abundant summer resident. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of April, departs early in October.
Genls PASSERCULUS. (542a) Savanna Sparrow.
(Pnsserculus sandwichensis savanna.) A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about tho middle of April, departs early in October.
Genus COTURNICULUS.
(*) (54^>) Grasshopper Sparrow.
(Coturniculus suvannarum passerinus.) A regular, but not a common summer visitor to south-western On- tario which has, on two occasions, been taken as far east as Toronto.
Genus AMMODRAMUS. (•) (547) Henslow's Sparrow.
(.Ammodramus henslowii.) This bird has been recordtd by .Mr. W. E. Saunders as a summer resident of south-western Ontario, and by Mr. Fleming as occurring and apparently brooding near Lake J<-eph, Muskoka.
(*) (548) Leconte's Sparrow.
(Ammodramus leconteii.) An accidental visitor from the western prairies. Mr. J. II. An-es has a specimen which was taken at ToroiUo. (549.1) Nelson's Sparrow.
(Ammodramus nelsoni.)
A regular, but not a common, \isitor in autumn to the neighbour- hood of Toronto. Rare in spring.
(*i (549- 1 a) Acadian Sharp-tailed Finch.
(.Ammodramus nelsoni sul)virgatus.) An .accidental visitor to the eastern part of the Province.
BIRDS iiV ONTARIO
«S
«iKv»s eiu>Mn;sii,.s. (•) 'S5-»l tMtk Sparrow.
(C'honticsirs (,'rnn)tnacus.) .-« ,^ '■*«"»ar, but m,t a common, summer roidcil of some localities in M>u,hern O„tar.o. I fin<| a frw pi.irs near loronto every .,a.^,^ Hreipds whrro it occurs.
Gems ZONOTRK HI.\. (554) White-crowned Sparrow.
(Zonotricliia Ivucophrys.)
A common nii«r.int, .irrivinj; ;ihoui ihr tenth of M:,v and soon pass- mg northward, r.lurninR towar.ls Ih. end of Sc-ptemU'r and denrirtinu southward late in October. "
Breeds in the far north.
fll
\Vliite-tliri)ale(| SparrnH.
(55*<) White-throated Sparrow. (IVabody.) (Zonotrichia albicollis.)
Very abundant during the migrations and a regular, thouffh not .-, lommon summer resident in southern Ontario, where a few pairs always remain to breed. ' "'w.iy.s
Arrives about the end of April, dep.irts .No.ifhward e,..lv in Ociobcr.
'■r
CHKCK 1, 1ST OK THK
i |i
iW
(Iem s SPIZHIXA. (.s.s<)) Tree Sparrow.
(Spizt'll.'i nionlicolii.)
A common winler visitor. Arrixes i-arlv in OcIoImt, departs late in April.
Bri>cds from our norlhi-rn limit northwards.
(5(x)) Chippinj; Sparrow. (Ilairliird.) (.Spi/tlla MH-ialis.)
.An abiind.int summt-r resident. Kri-cds Ihroiinlioul its range in the I'rovince.
.•\rri\is ahonl the middle of April, departs in .Septemlwr.
(*) (.s<>i) Clay-coloured Sparrow. (Spi/ella pallida.) One specimen recorded by Mr. .Saunders as h.iving been taken by him ne;>r Lond.in. I found it abundant on the scrubby prairie of .M.ini- tob;i, which is its proper habitat.
(5<)3) Field Sparrow.
(.Spi/ella pusilla.)
.A common summer resident in suitable pla< es in southern Ontario. Breeds throughout its range.
.Arrives aliout the middle of .\pril, departs early in Oct«>ber.
(iEMs JLNCO. (5O7) Junco.
(Junco hyemali.s.) A comm<m resident. Breeds throughout its range in the I'rovince, but is most abundant in the spring and late autumn migrations.
C.Ksvs NfKLOSIMZA. (sKi) Song Sparrow.
(Melospiza cincrca melodia.)
Alt abundant summer resident ; breeds throughout its range in the I'rovince.
.Arrives .ibout the middle n( March, dep.irts late in October.
.Some few .ilways remain through the winter in sheltered places along our southern lM)rder, but as at that season thev are very quiet, they are not often observed.
(583) Lincoln'.s Sparrow.
(Melospiza lincolni.) .A regular, but never a common visitor ; perhaps breeds here, but so far I have never foimo it lielween M.iy and .September. It frequently accompanies the White-crowned Sparrows.
HIKDS OF ONTAUIO.
(k't
(584) Swemp Sparrow.
(Melospiza georgiana.)
Arrives about (he middle c.f April, departs early in Noven.ber.
•iENus FASSERIiLLA.
(585) Fox Sparrow.
(I'asscrella ilinca.)
Ihis ,s one of the most beautilul songsters tli.-.t visit us.
(iEM s I'lIMI.O.
(587) Towtaee.
(Pipilo crythropthalmus.J
one thwhl^tT "H^""""" '■'''''''-""' '" •'^'' ''''^'^'' "f """""^--n Ontario and Arrives about the end of April, departs early in October.
(.S93) Cardinal.
(Cardinalis eardinalis.)
h.,..A ■"'"'^ ?"""''■' '■'":'''''"' "f "^•^ south-western counties. Str-icelers have been taken .-.t various places as far east as Toronto ''■'^^'^"
(iENUs ZAMIiI.ODIA.
(.S9.s) Rose.breasted Grosbeak.
fZamelodia ludoviciana.)
out it';!:;;ge'ytr^o:;nr^ "'^'"^•" ''-'-''' '- "- --'^^ '''-"«'^-
Arnves about the middle of Nf.-.y. departs towards the end of AuLn.st Th.s .s one of the few bir.ls that u ill eat the Colorado Potnto-beoti;':
OEMS ( "^■A^'o.spIZA. (.s<^)) Indigo Bunting.
fCyanospiza cyanoa.)
Provfn.i""'"" """""■ "■"'^'"'= ''"''''^''"^ throughout its range in .he
Arrives early in .May, departs about the en.l of August .5 H ■
m
CHKCK LIST OK THK
' !
i
1^
Genus SPIZA. (*) (fw4) Dkkcissei.
{Spiza amt-ricana.) Mr. Saunders lias recorded the occurrence of tliis bird in south- western Ontario as a summer resident, and I have heard of it at other points along our southern boundary.
Famii V r.W Xr.RII).*:. (The Tanaceks.)
Bill in our species stout, lim h-likc, considerably lonjjer than broad, and more or less eridently t{)othed near the middle of upper mandible. Tarsus scutellate; legs short, claws long. Colours brilliant in the males.
Genls PIR.ANG.A. («>o8) Scarlet Tanajer.
(Piranga crythromelas.)
Tolerably common summer resident ; breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives early in .May ; departs towards the end of .August.
(•) (610} Summer Tanager. (Piranga rubra.) \ '.ery rare visitor to the south-western part of the Province. Strag- glers have been taken at \arious places as far east as Toronto.
FA.MI1.V HIRL'NDINID/E. (The Swallows.)
Bill short, broad, triangular, depressed, the gape wide and ab«)ut twice as long as the culmen, reaching to about opposite the eves, similar in its form to that of the Swifts and the Goatsuckers, with \vhich birds, however, the Swallows have no alFmity. Rictus without bristles; wings very long and pointed, secondaries very short. Tail more or less forked. Feet weak; tarsus scutellate. Plumage compact, and more or less lustrous.
All are 'emarkably strong on the wing, and while with us entirely insectivorous.
Tne economic importance of these birds is very great ; without them the s nailer winged insects would multiply to such an extent as to become an u ibearable nuisance to men and animals ; for it is, I believe, to these birds chiefly that we are indebted for our freedom, in the cleared and cultixated parts of the country, from the swarms of midges, black flies, and gnats of various kinds that so abound in the woods.
The.se birds seem to have a great predilection for the society of men, partly because the clearing he makes in a forest country opens up to them the necessary space for feeding grounds and partiv because the
IHHDS OF ONTAKIO.
<i7
buiJdin^^s l,e em ts afford thorn cnveniont nesling-places of which thc Mouse .Sparrow unlortunatcly is dispossessing them.
, , „ Oenus PR(X}\E.
('I I) Purple Martin.
(Progne subis.)
ProvL""""'"" ^"'""'"' ■■'''''*'"'• '"■'•'•'"'^'^ througl.nut its rnngc in the Arriv.., ntH>ut the fifteenth of April. ,|..p.,rts earlv in Sepfml^er This IS one ..f the birds which appears to I,e rapidly decreSe in
iTsmTed. "•■'"" ■'"' '"'■"•'"^''^^ "'^^''"^■■'"' ■■'"'J - N' -itobr." thTland
OEM s I'KTKOCHKI.IIJON. («.i-) CHff Swallow.
(Pctroi-hrlidon hinifrons.)
abundmr'^!''"' '"'""'^•'' ^'■'^'''^"' • ■•^°'"«"h--'f irregularly distributed, being abund.inl at some points .md absent from otlv-rs - ^"S»
rangm;e'".;oSr ""'" ''' "■'''' "' ^='"'^' ^'^- "-"«»'-' ^ Arrives early in Nfay. departs in August.
<iKMs HIRLMK). (613) Barn Swallow.
(Hlrundo erythrogastcr.) A common summer resident, breedinu in l.inw ..„.i .u throughout its range in the Province. ^ ""'' ""'^ou.ses
Arrives alx3ut the end of .\pril, departs early in September.
OEMS IRIDOPROCNE.
(<'i4) White-breasted Swallow. (IVee Swallow.) (Iridoprocnt bicolor.)
A common summer resident, bre.di.ig in |,„les in the side of buil.l mgs nest boxes, etc., throughout its rangL^ in the Province
Arrives quite ear.y in April, departs about the end of September.
OEMS RIPARIA. ((n(^) Bank Swallow. (Sand .Martin.) (Riparia riparia.)
An abund.-.nt summer resident, breeding in colonies in holes in s md- banks, throughout its range in the Province
September" """"^ '"' ''*^'""'"^ "' ''"'• ^^P='^'^ """"' '^e middle of
m
CUKCK U8T OF THE
CiENUs STELGIDOPTERYX.
(•) (017) Rough-winged Swallow. (Stelguiopteryx surripennis.)
A rare summer rcsidtnt of our southern Ixjrder, where it has Ijeen found as tar east as 'loronto.
Family AMI'ELIIM;. (The »vax\vim;s.)
iJill stout, triangular, depressed, decidedly notched and hooked, with the fjapc very wide, larsus short, with the lateral plates more or less subdivided.
Our species are both crested birds with soft plumage of a beautiful cinnamon drab colour; sometimes the ends of the secondaries and of the tail feathers also, are tipped with horny ;ippendages, looking like red sealing wax. These appendages are no indication of age or six.
They feed on insects and soft fruits.
Subfamily AMPHELIN^i. (Waxwivcs. «
ir
i Hi -
Genus AMPELIS.
(618) Bohemian Waxwing.
(Ampelis garrulus.)
An irregular winter visitor, never abundant. Breeds in the north- west.
1^)19) Cedar Waxwing. (Cherry Bird.) (Ampelis cedrorum.)
A resident species, common and generally distributed in summer : irregular in winter, its movements at that season probably depending upon the food supply. ' °
Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Family LANIID/B. (The Shrikes.)
Bill hawklike, very strong, the upper mandible toothed and abruptly hooked at the tip; both mandibles distinctly notched. Wings short rounded. Tail long. Tarsus scutellate on the outside as well as in front'
Their habits corresponding with the form of the bill, are similar to those of birds of prey. They have a remarkable habit of impaling small animals on thorns and leaving them there.
BIUDS OF ONTAHJO
.^ , „ ^ <ii:Ms I.WIl S.
(^'2 1) NortWrn Shrike.
(LaniuR l)oreaIi>.)
A rej-ular but not ahun.L.nt. winter visitor. The bulk of then, br«,l in the north, bin tu-sts h;nv been found at various pla.vs i„ south.rn Ontario.
.Arrives in Oitobir, <linarts in \pril.
Mii.'i:iiit Sliiiki'
(6326) Migrant Shrilie.
(Laniu.s hidovicianus migrans.)
A rejjular but not abundant summer resident. Breeds throuRhout Its range in the Province.
Arrives early in April, departs about the end of August.
Family VIRIX)\ID.1-;. (Xikios.j
»'" ^^h'Tler than head, stout, eoinpres.sed. decidedly notched and hooked Rictus with bristles. Nostrils exposed, overhung by a scale, reached by the bristly frontal feathers. Tarsus .scutellate ; toes joined at base for the wliole length of bas.-.l joint of middle one. which is united with th.; bas;.l joint of the inner and the two basal joints ol the outer \\\ are insectivorous.
Genus V'IREO. (624) Red-eyed Vireo.
(Vireo olivaceus.)
A common summer resident in woods and orchards. Breeds throueh- out Its range in the Province.
Arrives early in May ; departs towards the end of September.
•i
'" CHKCK LIST OK THK
((uh) Philadelphia Vireo.
(\'iioo philudclphicus.t
Tolerably common summer resident ; breeds throughout its ranee in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of May, departs at the end of September.
(627) Warbling Vireo.
(Vireo gilvus.)
Common summer resident ; breeds throughout its range in the Pro- vince.
Arrives .-.bout the middle of Mav ; departs in September. This spec.es seems to prefer shrubberies and shade trees in citv streets to the seclusion of the woods.
(f^2H) Yellow-throated Vireo.
(\irco tlavifrons.) An un.ommon summer visitor which probablv breeds with us, though I have no actual record of the discovery of its nest here.
Arrives :i!>out the beginning of May, departs early in September.
((•J9) Blue-headed Vireo. (Solitary Vireo.) (Vireo solitarius.)
.A regular migrant in spring and autumn. Probablv breeds in the mterior.
Arrives eaily in May, departs at the end of September.
(•) (63 0 White-eyed Vireo. (Vireo noveboracensis.)
Mr. W. L. Kells has recorded the capture of one specimen near Listowel, m the middle of October, 1890, and Mr. Hobson has taken an- other near Woodstock. I have heard of no others.
Family MMOTILTID/E. (Wood Warblers.)
Bill usually rather slender, notched or not; the commissure not angu- lated at base as in I>"ringillida>, nor toothed in the middle; the end not notched and abruptly hooked, as in Vireonida>; the gape not broad and reaching to the eyes, as in Hirundinida\ The Warblers are all small birds, usually of brilliant colouration, but the sexes are unlike and the variations due to age and season are great, so that the identification of immature birds is sometimes troublesome.
All are insectivorous and of great value to the horticulturist, as they glean their insect food chiefly from the foliage and twigs of trees.
miir)S OK ONTARIO,
(Jhms MMOTILTA.
(o.Vl Black and White Warbler.
(Mniotilta varia.}
A very luiniiion Miniiifr n.-.sid.'nt, l)ri-t(liti« llinnitlioiil its ranuf in the I'rnvince.
Arriv.-s about tlio l.rst of May, diparts uarly in Soptt-niber.
•iiM s I'KOTON'orARIA.
(') (".\7) t'rothonotary Warbler. (I'rutonotaria citrea.J Mr. .Mcllwraith has morelfd the laptiiro of one >ipciimen mar Ham- ilton in .May, iHHH, which is all I have heard of.
(JiMs IIKI.MINTHOI'HILA.
(*j ('>4-') Golden-wiiifjed Warbler.
(Helminthophila chry ^optira.) A r.iro siimnuT xisiior nccirdod from several plaics in the southern and w, stern .ounties and Mr. Kels reports ha\ in>{ found it breeding near I-istowel.
t<>45l Nashville Warbler.
(Helminthophila rubricapilla.)
A common migrant. Breeds sparingly in southern Ontario and no dj)uht regularly in the interior.
.Arrives e.irly in .May. departs early in v,<tober.
(•) {()4()) Orange-crowned Warbler. (Helminthophila celata.) .\ rare .summer visitor.
(<'4-) Tennessee Warbler.
(Helniinthopnila peregrina.J
•A regular, but not a very common, visitor in spring. 1 have not found 11 at any other season.
Arrixes alxnit the middle of .May.
(hms C().MS()TH1.VI>|.S. ("4H) Parula Warbler.
(fonipsothlypis american.i usne;e.)
A common spring and summer migr.mf. Probably breeds in the nUerior.
Arrives .ibout the lifteenlh of M.iy, departs tow.irds the end of .Sep- tember. '
i
ill
w
CHECK LIST OF THK
m
Genus DENDROICA.
f6.su) Cape May Warbler.
(Dendroica tigrina.) A rare summer visitor; most frequently seen in the spring. About three years ago I met with rather a large flock of them in the autumn migration, the only time I have seen them at that season. Probably breeds in the interior, as nests have bee:i found in \cw Brunswick and in Maine.
Yellow \V;irl)l«T.
(652) Yellow Warbler.
(Dendroica ccstiva.)
A very :il)undant summer resident. Hreeds throughout its range in the Provmce. ^
Arrives early in May, departs about the end of August.
('^54) Black-tbroated Blue Warbler.
(Dendroica cjeruiescens.)
_ Common in the migrations in southern Ont.irio, breedint- sparini<l> m the south and more commonly in the interior.
Arrives early in May; dcpa'rts at the end of September.
IJIUDS OF OXTAIMH
7:i
(65s) Mjrrfle Warbler. (\'(llow-riimped Warbler.) (l>en<lroiia coronala.)
An abundant ntisrant in the south. Breeds in tlie interior. Arrives towards the end of April; departs about the end of the lir^t week in Oitobcr.
(657) Magnolia Warbler.
{Dendroica maculosa.) An abundant migrant. Breeds from central Ontario norlhward. Arrives early in May ; departs about the end of September.
(*) (f'58) Cerulean Warbler.
(Dendroica cerulea.) A rejiular, but rare, summer resident, most frequently seen in the south-western counties. Breeds throughout its range in the Fro\ince. (659) Ctaestnut-sidtfd Warbler.
(i>cndroica pennsylvanica.)
.\ (ommon suiiiiiur resident. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives early in .May; di'parts early in September.
(6fxi) Bay-breasted Warbler.
1 1 >endroica castanea. J
.\ regular, bul never ,1 eonimon, migrant in .spring. Breeds in the interior.
I have but seldom met with this species in the autumn. .\rrives e.irly in May ; departs at the end of September. (<<<>i) Black-poll Warbler.
(IJendroica striata.) .\ leLiiil.ir, Inl not yenei.illy a common, migrant in ,prin" and autumn. Breeds in the north, prob.iblv from .our boundary to the tree limit. ^
Arrives ;,b,>ut the twentieth of May; departs at the end of September |<>6.) Blackburniaa Warbler.
(lOendroica blackburni£e.)
A tolerably common .spring and autumn migrant in southern Ontario. \ rohably breeds in the interior, as it has often been observed during the summer months in central Ontario.
.\rrivcs early in .May ; departs .it the end of September.
(667) Black-throated Green Warbler.
(Dendroica virens.)
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province. ^
Arrives parly in May; departs early in October.
i tl
74
CHKCK LIHI OK IHK
(•) {('70I Kirttand't Warbltr. (I)endr<iira kirtlitiili.)
On thf K.th of May. 1900, Mr. J. H. Samuel t.M.k a l.ir.l ..I this 5p«-cifs near Toruii'i., ih,. „„)> one I have heard .1 -o far. It mav \el he found brecdin),' i-i ihr inlcrior «»f the Provine.-. as it docs so regularly in Michigan. Ii 1^. however, a very rare speries everywhire.
(671) Pine Warbkr.
(Uenihoic.-i vi^jorsii.J
An irrejjular Minimer resident, sometinus common and in oilier sea- sons scarce.
Hrieds throughout its ran^e in Ine I'rnvinie.
Arrives towaiils the end of .April; departs in Sepleniher.
(<>-■!) Palm Warbler.
(Dendroica palmarum.)
A tolerably eoiiitiion nii^'rant in s-prinjj .ind .lutumtt I'lfHiably breeds in the imrll irn part of the I'roxince.
Arrives e.irly in .May; (kparts alM)ut the hrst of (JiIoImt.
Our form may l>e referable to I), p. hypochrysea. Specimens taken by me var\ \ery much in the brilliancy of the yellow cnloring.
(•) (*'7^) Prairie Warbler. (Deadroica discolor.) A cry rare visitor, two specimens of which were taken near I oronto in May, i(;oo, one each by .Messrs. Samii. ! and .Ames. Since then it has been found in souih-western Ontario b> .Mr. Klugh.
r.ENis sr:iLRUS.
t '
(674) Oven Bird, (.(iolden-crowned Thrush.)
(Sciurus aurocapillus.)
An abundant summer resident in woods. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives early in ivlay ; departs about ihe lirst of September.
(675) Water Thrush.
(Seiurus noveboracensis.) .A common summer resident. Breeds in the interior of the Province. Arrives early in May; departs early in Sept' mber.
(6 6) Louisiana Water Thrush.
(Seiurus motacilla.)
A rare summer visitor along our southern border as far east as Toronto.
BIHDH or ONTAHIO
Ceni's OKOTHLVIMS.
(•) (''rrl Kentuckv Warbler.
((jcMihlxpiv formosa.)
m.-.r'^Hr.'" "'*""''x,\'n"" *'"'" -I"-''""" ••'»'^'" >'> Mr. R„lK-rt Klli.,lt near Brv.mMi.n, Midclh-s.-x. in May, 1898.
(•>-«) Coniwcticut Warbler.
((icdthlypis .iRilis.)
A raro Munnur r.-si.l.M.t. Mr. W. I,. KHU r.ror.ls h.-.si„^j f„u.Ml nests n.:.r I is owrl. ;„ul I \u,vv sc.-n ami wat. lu.l .!„• birds hrn in sum- nit-r. I>iit faili'd to dis. cmt iluir nesHnR |)lncc.
Arri^.s al.m.» tl„. tu.nti.ih of .Ma v ; departs at thr end of AiiKUst.
C^rij) Mourning Warbler.
(CK-othlypis phih-idrlphin.)
A rat.ier rare siminu-r r.sidont. Hn-.cls throiiRhout its ranee in tin- Provind'. "
Arrives about the twentieth of M:,> . departs at the end of AiiK'ust.
(681 Maryland Warbler.
(fleothlypis trieha.s.)
Province.'""""" '"""""'' ''"''"^''"'- "''■*"'''' throughout its ran^.- in th.- Arrives afK>.,t the tenth of Mav ; departs .a the end of September. Our form m.,\ \w referable to G. t. brarhydac tyla.
Oenus ICTERIA.
(•) {f>fi^) Yellow-breasted Chat. (Icteria viren.s.)
A very rare summer resident of the .south-western part of the Pro-
vmce.
Cems W IL.SOMA.
'•) (f^4) Hooded Warbler. (Wilsonia mitr.-ita.) A very rare summer visiior to ojr southern border.
C^^S) Wilson's Warbler. (Wilsonia pusilla.)
A regular migrant in spring and autumn, sometimes occurrintr i„ considerable numbers. Breeds in the interior
Arrives about the twentieth of M.-,y ; departs early in .September.
Miaiocorv risoiution tist chart
(ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2)
1.0
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■ 2.2 |
ISi |
1^ |
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us lb u |
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J /^PPLIED IIVMGE Inc
^F 1653 EosI Moil Street
r^ Roctiester, New York U609 USA
as (716) 482-0300 - Ptione
BS (716) 288-5989 - Fo>
CHECK LIST OF THK
li
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(686) Canadian Warbler.
(VVilsonia canadensis.)
Common summer resident, breeds throughout its range in the Pro- vince.
Arrives early in May, departs at the end of August.
Genus SETOPHAGA.
(687) American Redstart.
(Setophaga ruticilla.)
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about the tenth of May ; departs early in September.
Family MOTACILLID/K. (Pipits, etc.)
Bill shorter than the head, very slender, straight, acute, notched at tip. Feet large, fitted for walking; hind claw long, little curved, as in the larks ; inner toe cleft ; basal joint of outer toe united with middle one ; tarsus as in Oscines generally, ending in a sharp undivided ridge behind. Rictal bristles not conspicuous ; nostrils exposed.
Genus ANTHUS. (697) American Pipit.
(Anthus pennsylvanicus.)
An abundant migrant, more frequently seen in autumn than in spring.
Breeds in the Arctic regions.
Arrives about the tenth of May and passes on northward very quickly. Early in .September thty return and remain until about the end of the first week in November.
Family TROGLODYTIDi^;. (Wrens, Thrashers, etc.)
Bill usually more or less slender, with or without a notch near the tip. Nostrils not covered by bristles. Tarsus scutellate, the plates usu- ally distinct.
All are chiefly insecti\orous, the Catbird being the only one which feeds upon cultivated fruit.
Family MIMID^. (Thrashers, etc.)
Genus MIMUS. (•) (703) Mocking-bird.
(Mimus polyglottos.) I include this species on the authority of Mr. Mcllwraith, who has recorded the occurrence of two specimens in southern Ontario.
BIRDS OF O.NTAKIO.
(iENxs CiALEOSCOPTLS. (i04) Catbird.
(Galcoscoptes carolinensis.) IVovbc?'^ t-ommcn summer resident: breeds throughout its range in the Arrixes at the end of April, departs early in October. Genus TOXOSTOMA.
(705) Brown Thrasher. (Brown Thrush.) (Toxostoma rufum.)
A common summer resident; breeds throughout its range in the I rovince. °
Arrives at the end of .April; departs early in October. Subfamily TROGLODYTIN/E. (Wrens.! Gknus TIIRVOTHORUS.
(•) (718) Carolina Wren.
(Thryothorus ludovicianu-s.) Mr. Mcliwraith has recorded the capture of a specimen at Mount Forest, and recently .Mr. Klugh found a pair breeding^ hTe
Gknus THRVO.MANES.
(*) (719) Bewick's Wren.
( 1 hryomanes bewickii.)
teenth De'remL^'."£^"V''°A''' ''"1."^ '"'•^" °"^ ^P^'=''"«" °" ^^e thir- iienin ivecemoer, i8g8, near Appm, Ontario.
Genus TROGLODYTES
(721) House Wren.
(Troglodytes aedon.)
Arrives about tTie first of May; departs early in October.
, \xKi . «r ^^'"^^ OLBIORCHILUS.
(722) Winter Wren.
(Olbiorchilus hiemalis.) A summer resident. Breeds throncrhni.t ifo • . „
commonly in the interior and nmhwarf ""^' '" "^'^ P"-^^'"^'^'
78
CHKCK LIST OK THK
if
CJenls CISTOTHORUS.
(*) (-.'4) Short-billed Marsh Wren.
(Cistothorus stellaris.)
A regular summer resident of the south-western part of the Pro- vince, but never abundant. Very rare elsewhere. I have taken two at Toronto and have since found a pair breeding there.
Breeds wherever found.
Genus TELMATODYTES.
(735) Long-billed Marsh Wren.
(Telmatodytes palustris.)
A very abundant summer resident in marshes. Breeds throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives at the beginning of May; departs about the middle of Oc- tober.
Family CERTHIID/E. (Creepers.)
Bill slender, decurved as long as head, without notch or bristles. Farsus scutellate. Claws all very long, curved and compressed. Tail feathers pomted, with stiffened shafts, somewhat like the tail of a Wood- pecker and similarly used for support.
Our only representative is a curious small bird which creeps about the trunks and larger branches of trees searching for insects hidden in the crevices of the bark.
Genus CERTHIA. (72fi) Brown Creeper.
(Certhia familiaris aniericana.)
A common resident, most abundant in southern Ontario durine the migrations. °
Breeds occasionally in the southern portion of the Province and reeu- larly in the interior and northward.
Family PARIDi€. (Tits.)
Bill not notched nor decurved ; loral feathers bristly ; nostrils con- cealed by dense tufts. Tarsus scutellate; plumage more or less lax, sub- ject to few van:., ns.
All are insectivorous, gleaning their food from the trunks and twies of trees. They are invaluable guardians of the orchard and forest.
HIKDS Ol' ONTAKIO
7»
Family SITTID.-K. (NrniATciKs.)
GE.vrs SITTA.
(7-'7J White-breasted Nuthatch.
(Sitta carolinensis.)
A common resident Breeds throughout its range in the Province wherever there is lieavy timber.
(7-'Hj Red-breasted Nuthatch.
(Sitta canadensis. J
A resident species, hut most Irequently observed during the migra- tions. In wfriter it is fairly common.
I once found a p;,ir evidently breeding near Toronto, and it regularly breeds m the interior and northward.
SUUFAMILY I'AKIX.E. (TiTMKI-.)
Oenls FAR us. (7.^5) Chickadee.
(Parus atricapillus.) chard^ ''^^^ common resident and one of the most useful birds of the or- Hreeds throughout its range in the Province.
(*) (740) Hudsonian Chickadee. (Parus hudsonicus.)
In southern Ontario this is only a very rare straggler from the north. As might be expected, it is more frequently seen in the Ottawa district than elsewhere.
Mr Kay reports having seen a pair near Port Sydney, Muskoka, in INovemlier, 1892. - ^> >
Family SYLVIID^. (Kinglets, Gxatcatchers, etc.)
Rill slender, depressed at base, notched and decurvcd at tip. Rictus with l3r.stles; nostrils oval. Tarsus usually booted, scutellate in Poliop- tilla. Basal joint of middle toe attached its whole length externally, half way internally. ■"
Slufamily REGULIX^. (Kinglets.) Genus REGULUS.
(748) Golden-crowned KingJet.
(Regulus satrapa.) An abundant migrant and common winter resident Probably breeds in our northern forests, as it does in Mass.achusetts.
Iff .(1
ll.
HO
CHFXK LIST OF THK
(749) Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
(Regulus calendula.) Common during the spring and autumn migrations. Probably breeds in the interior, as it is known to do so in Nova Scotia.
I have never found this species here in winter.
SiBFAMiLV POLIOPTILIN.t:. (Gnatcatchers.) Genus POLIOPTIL.A.
(751) Blue-gray Unatcatcher.
(Polioptila cterulea.)
A rare .summer resident of the south-western counties, which occa- sionally strays as far east as Toronto. Breeds where it occurs.
Family I UKDID.4!:. (Thrushes, Bi.iehikds, etc.)
Bill generally rather long, not conical, usually with a slight notch near the tip; nostrils oval, not concealed, but nearly or quite reached by the bristly frontal feathers; rictus with bristles, which are well developed in most of our species; tarsus always booted, i.e., enveloped in a con- tinuous plate, formed ;.,y the fusion ot all the scutella ; except two of three of the lowest. Toes deeply cleft, the inner one free, the outer united to the middle one, not more than half the length of the first basal joint.
Their food consists of insects and small fruit, chiefly wild berries growing in the woods.
Sliifamii.v TURDIN^. (THrtSHES.)
Genus HYLOCICHLA.
(755) Wood Thrush.
(Hylocichia mustelina.)
Fairly well distributed throughout southern Ontario, but nowhere abundant.
Breeds wherever it occurs.
Arrives early in May, departs about the middle of September.
(756) Wilson's Thrush.
(Hylocichia fuscescens.)
An abundant summer resident in woodlands, breeds throughout its range in the Pre ince.
Arrives early in May ; departs at the end of August.
Mr. W. E. Saunders records the capture of a specimen of H. f. sali- cola at Ottawa in September, 1898.
UlUUS OF ONTARJO.
81
(757) Gray-cheeked Thrush.
(Hylocichia alii i;c >
A coinnion mifcrant ,n spring and autumn, breeds far north. Arrnx-s about tiie iniddl. ol .May. denarts early in October.
bv Mr Vr^pfr '''"'■' "';" ^' ^P'^'^'""'" "f "• "• bicknelli was taken by .Mr. Robert P.ll.ott „e.-,r Hryan.ston, Ont., September .9th. ,fSy«.
(75«a) Olive-backed Thrush.
(Hylocichia ustulat.i swainsonii.) A common migrant in spring and autumn. Mrecds far north. Arrays about the middle of April and soon goes on, rtiurnin« in September and departing early in October. ^^
(759L>) Hermit Thrush.
(Hylocichia guttata pallasii.) A common migrant in spring and autumn in southern Ontario, an.l a summer resident, breeding in the woods of the interior.
(iENLs MEKULA.
(7(^1) American Robin.
(Merula migratoria.)
Vo.W "''""''""' M,m,nerresid..nt, breding throughout its range in .1,,:
IVovmce G n.
ii
I
82
CHECK LIST OF THE BIRDS OF ONTARIO.
Arrives early in March, the bulk usually depart early in November, but some small flocks remain where food is plentiful until severe frost comes, and a few always remain in sheltered gardens all the winter.
Genus SAXICOLA. (•) (7f'5) Wheatear.
(Saxicola oenanthe.) A specimen of the subspecies, S. oe. leucorhoae, was taken by Mr. lavernier at Beaumaris, Muskoka, in September, 1896, having wan- dered out of its range
Genus SIALIA. (766) Bluebird.
(Si.rlia sialis.)
A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the Province.
Arrives about the middle of March, departs towards the end of October.
MAMMALS OF ONTARIO.
Class AIAMAUI.IA. (The Mammals.)
A ^r.m^,;,| is . w,,rm.blo.,cifd. air-broathinu MTtd.ratr. I,;m in;; tl>,. >ku, nor,. .,r Irss ha.ry (ran-ly n.-.k.-d) ; viviparous; tl,.- vo„n,. nnurish,.,! l-r M t.„u. a t..r hir.h by milk, s.-.r.-...,! in 'lu- n.-.nnna^v ,lan K , ,'
.n,l.,| l.ecly n, .!„. Ihor.u „■ .ax i,y, whi.l, is .-ompl.-tdv sopar,-,,, d lro„, ^u. ab,!om,nal .av-.v by ,1,.. diapbra^m ; hear, with (our ,avi,i... Z p.t- doubU. r.nulaMon; blood w.-,rm. Hrain r.-.s,- .•omp.-,ra,iv..h larJ • «-rr..p..nd,ny wnh lb., in, r.as.d d.-vlopnu-n, of ,be brain. ' "^
Order G I.I RES. (The Rodents, or Gnawers.)
Mammals with the inrisor t.vth rhis.-l-shapcd. .KJ.mtfd for LMiauinir- no .-an.ne teeth ; a toothless spa.e in the pl.a.v of .-.-.'ines: L' Sh
veSle ^" '^ '■■■'" ■■'"'' *• "^ ""'■•'">■ ^^"" "'-'<'M- F- . hietiv
inHb •'.'''.'' "'•: '•"■«'^^";' '•'■«'*■'■ "• ^f-'",m.-,'s both in number ot .pe.ies .,nd \■^ .ndmduals. .^ros, o ,he spe.ies are of small sixe, the He.n er b.-in,. .,.. of the larpcsi now existing'. ^
"Though a feeble folk, eomp.-.r.ativelv insionifir.ant i-, si/e and
s.rc.,.th. they hob, their own in legion against a host of n.atural enemies
rap-ncous beasts ..nd b.rds. by their fecundity, their w.ariness and cunning.'
t- t„ Md.ty .md agthty. the.r .secretiveness. each .after the means In
provided lor exercising its instinct of self-preservation, amonti
■^mticance itself is no small factor." (Coues.)
Kamii.v LKPORID.^^. (Thk H.xkks.)
A well-marked and widely distributed lamilv represented i:, thi. Pro- vince by two well-known .sptcie.s. In all forms the ears are long eyes large, and the tail short, bushy and recurved.
Genus LFPUS. (i) Lt:pus nuttallj mallurus.
(Cotton-tail, Wood Hare, Gray Rabbit.) This .mimal has gradually extei^ded its range from the States south of us. mto .md over the entire Province, wherever the land is under culti- v.ition, except the extreme northern and eastern portions. I do not know
CHECK LIHT OF THE
I.!
exact.y when it first appeared here, nor am I certain as to whether it first entered the country by crossing the Niagara River on the ice or by cross- ing at some point on the south-wesiern boundary. I first saw it in the winter of 1871-72 on the bank of the r-ver at Niagara. During that winter the river had frozen completely across and their tracks showed that large numbers of rabbits had crossed to our side upon the ice bridge thus formed. For some years they increased and spread vey rapidly, but of late they h.ive been so much pursued that in spite of the fact that they are remarkably prolific they seem to be rather decreasing than gaining in number.
To the fruit-grower these animals are somewhat objectionable becau.se of their habit of feeding upon the bark of young orchard trees ; sometimes completely girdling and destroying them. The damage done by the Cot- ton-tnil in this respect, however, is trifling compared with that done by metdow mice, though I find that in many parts of the country the mischief done by the mice is generally charged against the Rabbits as they are commonly called.
The females produce two or three broods during the summer and each litter will contain from four to six young ones.
(2) Lepns amer<c»nns.
(Varying Hare, White Hare.)
Formerly this Hare was very rtbundant and generally distributed over the Province, but as the land has been brought under cultivation its ran^e has become restricted. It is essentially an animal of the woods and wher- ever any extent of thick cover yet remains these Hares may still be found.
The Northern Hare is remarkable for the seasonal change which takes place in the color of its pelage. In summer it is of a dark reddish brown. In winter it becomes perfectly white.
Family ERETHIZONTID^. (The .American Porcupines.)
Fur mixed with bristly barbed spines ; tip of muz^^le with small hair ; chiefly arboreal.
Genus ERETHIZON.
(3) Erethizon dorsalis.
(Canada Porcupine.)
Formerly common and generally distributed; now only found in the unsettled parts of northern Ontario.
There is a popular idea that this creature defends itself by shooting its quills at its enemies ; this is a mistake. The Porcupine will somaimes strike a heavy blow with its tail, thereby driving the quills deeply into the flesh of an antagonist, but it has not the power to eject its quills, nor is it necessary, for^ its armature renders it almost invulnerable to its natural enemies as it is.
Its food consists of the tender bark, twigs, and buds of trees.
^
ANIMALS OF ONTARIO.
W
Family OII'ODID^. (The Jimpinc Mkk.)
'JuNus ZAPUS.
(4) Zapus hudsonius.
(Jumping Mouse.)
fr.n '■""'r'"''' '■"""""" '■'"<' generally distributed, but of late years less frequently seen. '
Famiiv MURir)i€. (The Mice.)
Representatives of this family are found in all parts of the world- species of the genus Mus being cosmopolitan, having accompanied man n all h,s migrations ; all are of small size, the Muskr.-Tt being the larges" faund m Canada. Included in it are some of our most injurious farm
Genus FIBER.
(5) Fiber zibethicas.
(Muskrat.)
i. hnn^K"" everywhere about marshes, rivers, and streams. In marshes It builds houses tor winter protection, but in streams it burrows in the banks sometimes doing much injury to dams and other works constructed to hold water. It is omnivorous, feeding impartially upon animal and vegetable substances. Where fresh-water mussels (Unio^) aSd they form an important part of this animal's diet. Muskrats' fur when in pnme condition is of high quality and if it was not so common would be more valued thr- it is at present.
Oeni's SYNAPTOMYS.
(•) (ft) Synaptomys cooperi. (Lemming Mouse.) Has been found sparingly in western Ontario and northward.
Genus MICROTUS.
(•) (7) Microtus pine' rum. (Pine Mouse.) The late Robert Elliott o Plover Mills recorded this mouse as com- mon in the County of Middlesex ; it is probablv generally distributed in western Ontario, but has been overlooked.
Wl
'IIKCK MM iiK Tin;
|Xi iVIicrotUH p«nn«ylvanicu*.
(Mi;i<li)« Mnusi', l-'iclrl \'o|p. ) ("ommon cM-rywlMTf ;in«l ihr mi>>l dcstrir. ijnc :inim;il w h,y>-. This liitif .inimal whi. h l)v its .nDrtiiuiis in. r.;ist- (lurin)- lli,. I i>i l.w years has done m) mu< h miM-hief in ilir l'r..\ in.v, is the Shori-iaiKd li.-ltl \ »li-. romnionly known as the Meadow .\l<nisi-, though it is nm nally a M.Mis,. at all. It is liut rarely found in hams or oiiihiiiidini;s, even in vvmt -r. its favorite resorts heinjf low me idows which supp<irt a rank \.-i>e- tatio... When for any reason the l..w meadows become iinaliie to main- tain tr-c number of \oles bred in them, ihe siTplus will moxe out and spread all oxer the country, cstablishini; themsclMs ,i,icl1v in the hav and Urarn held- where thev fmd favorable conditions diirinir the sumnv.T. I'ood and shelt.i arc everywhere and their iiatitral enemies, which shoidd k-cep them in cheek, havirijj all been killed off. these prolili. crtMlures multiply even more rapidly on the cultivated lands than thev ^^n^tU\ in ineii original habitat. In winter, however, conditions .ire not so fa\orable to the N'oles in the cultivated districts; the crops haxinij been removed, loaves the fields comparatively bare .ind devoid of shelter esc cpt in th. lonR grass and weed-urown fence lines, and here thev take refiii;e; an old sunken rail fence beinq a favorite sfrontjhold and an or. h.ird in whi. h a rank cover crop is left standing forming a perfect paradise for ti,e,e secretive vermin, lender e.ner of the decaying vegetation in su. h places they drive a network of runways in every direction, se.ure fr.im the obsev atic-n of all but the creatures sne.iali/ed by n.ature to nrev upon th<-m.
Fi. Ill N'oles are remarkably prolilic animals, the females usually pro- ducing three or four litters a year, but in favorable seasons even inore will be produced. During the last few years I have found nests cont.iin- ing young in every month from April to October, both inclusive. The litters generally contain from five to eight young, and indeed I have heard of ten. but so iar have never found one as large as that.
These \ oles do not burrow, but construct their nests upon the surface of the ground among rank vegetation or under logs, rails, eti-. From these nest, their runways are pushed in every d'recti.m until the\ form a perfect network over the land. During the' g. wing season these runs are not easily observed unless specially sought for, but just as ihe snow is Roing off in the spring th-y are re.idily seen and an idea mav then be formed ol their numbers. Their food consists of grass, clover.' gr.iin (in all stages), fruit and the inner bark or cambium of voung trees and bushes, the quantity they devou.- .•- " spoil being a \ery heavy tax upon the I arm in all seas.ms, and ■' p:.. I.irly serious one when their numbers reach abnormal proportions.
From 1888 to i8yj part of Scotland was overrun bv these \'oks, the districts affected being parts of Roxburghshire, Selkirk. Peebles, Lanark and Dun^fries. Altogether an are.' about sixty miles in length and twenty miles in breadth was devastated. In order to ascertain the cause of the outbreak and if possible provide a remedy a Departmental Committee was
AMM.\I> UK UNT AlJiu
■•*;
••'Pp..,„t..,l I y Ihr Uriti>l, ».,;„-,l ol Ayri. „lt, , .,( u|,i, I, ,|.,. |.;,,,| ,,, Mj,,, , "vr !.,.,■ «.nv,.,„„r.(.,,„.ral. u.,s ,-, m,.,,,!,.,. E.uhmv u;,> yiv,.,, I,..| .n- tins ...minitu,. I,v ahnui .i^h.j l;,rnuT> ..ml slu-ph.-rds ami In s.x.-ral K.m.k,.,|Hrs. ||,..„ (.•MHiioin pr.niMK . nn. iusivrlv (i) Thai llu.i.(l,.. I ,.l u. ...,tl,r..;,k w.-is i„ prartuallv .Irsfrov all .n.ps ; (,) That tht- rausc of •lir in.r.aNr in the numhtT ut \„U: was Ihr ,l.stru.li..n .,1 hawks ,,wls M.I Its. w.as,.|s, ami -tluT natural cm-mu.s . -hr v„l,.s ; ( ,) That remedies .>n- .Apensix.. an,| chili, ult .,1 appli. ati.,n. I»„.s„n <.n sma'll enrlosed areas u..- . ',.„,., us l,„l its ..ppli.ati..n ..N.T farms, exen if pra. ti. able, w.nild he a... ml., with mu.h risk l„ ..Iher l..rms of life. C.is, ,ho„i;h tried ..n • i I.TK. -..I.-, were of no ser\ ire wh:ilever. I.ar«e mimhers wre billed l)v men and t.rrier d.)j.s ; syst..m.-,tir work l,v .-. m.an ,,nd several doL-s eisiny IH-Iter results th.m .inv other svsfem employed.
s, ,.r"l"' 'T'"'"'''^'; ""■■'."^ •■••P"^"''' = "'< ""'il<l be ,rnli,„lt to ...ndemn too s'verev ,|„. f,K,hsh a.t.on of thos.. who .allow or en. ..ura«e the destnir. t..m .. h.iwks an.l owls. ', is with m,i, I, satisfa.tion that vour eommitt.-f r...Td th.a; m.-.nv larmei - ,nd l.md owners seem I., have iK-.-ome eonNin.ed 'n l.at- ye.-.rs that owls of .all sons are not onlv harmless, hut most hene- Irial t._. .■■gr.eulturists. and have issued orders for the preserv.ation of those
r./lV f!"'"''"\'" ^'"'•'^!" -"••>■ •■'» ^'ny u.m-. if we are not eareful.
e.cn^hl.. ,h,„ of the Seoteh farmers in ,.Sc,.. Ft would he well, therefore
f.r.a.r people t., .-vert th.-ir best inlluenre for the prote. tion of th- hawks
calamiu^ "' ""''''" '" ""'''' '" ''""'"' " '''" "'■'■ ''''''"'"P '"'" ''' ''''> ^''^i""^
(iFMs i:\()T().M\s.
(•) (<.)) Fvotomys gapperi.
(Red-backed \' )le.j Probably generally distributed, but the onlv recent Ihat ot .Mr. .Allan Hrooks, who took it in the Co.;iity of '
■)rd I have ilin^ton.
(lENLs i'ni:.\.\L{).\.v.s
'«
1 /
(lo) Phenacomys latimanus.
As this animal ranges from L.bralor to western Ontario it should be found in the northern part of the » ., , nee, but F have .as vet no positive record ol its (xcurrence here. '
Gkms Fi:Rt)MYSCUS. fill Peromyscus leucopus.
(Deer Mouse, White-footed .Mouse.) . Common and generally distributed. A very graceful, active species. It wi.l occasionally take up its residence in a house or barn, and is then as troublesome as the .ommon House Mouse. During the winter months it often occupies a deserted bird's nest, parti.ularly those in hollow trees
. I
y an i i
88
("IlKCK LIST OK THK
Genus MUS. (13) Mus decumanus.
(Brown Rat, Norway Rat.) This destructive creature was introduced into America from luiropo about 1775 and has since spread to all parts where white men have settled. Its most persistent enemy is the weasel. If one of these creatures takes up Its abode near a barn all the rats must leave it, or be killed.
(13) Mus musculus.
(Common House Mouse.) The date of its introduction into this countrv is not known, but the animal itself is only too familiar to all housekeepers in town and rountrv. In proportion to its size it is capable of doing more mischief in barn and granary than any pest we have.
Famii.v CA.STORID/E. (Tin: Beavkrs.)
, , „ Gexus castor.
(14) Castor canadensis.
(American Beaver.) A few years ago this valuable fur-bearing animal was perilously near extinction in our Province, but owing to the protection wisely aflforded it, the Beaver IS again becoming abundant in northern Ontario. In the Algonquin Park, where it is strictly preserved, thev mav be seen to great advantage. " ' s"-"*
Family SCIURID^. (The Sqiirreis.)
, , . Geni's ARCTOMVS.
(15) Arctomys monax.
(Woodchuck, Ground Hog.) Common and generally distributed. .Sufficiently abundant in some localities to be a nuisance.
Genus EUTAMIAS.
(") (i()) Eutamias quadrivittatus. (Mountain Chipmunk.)
• .J^^ *^!f*^''" ^^'■'" °^ '''''* species. E. q. neglectus, occurs commonly m the woods on the north shore of Lake Superior.
, . „ , Genus TAMIAS.
(17) Tamias striatus.
(Chipmunk, Ground Squirrel.)
Common and generally distributed, the form generally found in On-'
or'thJvTovin^:*"'- '"'•"''"'" ''• '■ ^"^•^"•^ "^^"^-^ '" '■ -^^-" p-^
ANIMALS (IK ONTARIO.
«n
OEMS SCIURUS.
(i8) Sdurus hudsonicus. (Red Squirrel.) Common everywhere. This little creature seems to be .able to hold its own even in the immediate vicinity of our cities, where it is subjected to all sorts of persecution. Where it is desired to protect small birds in gardens and shrubberies, this squirrel should not be allowed to frequent them, for it is a great destroyer of young birds in the nests.
(iq) Sciurus carolinensis.
(Gray Squirrel, Black Squirrel.) Formerly abundant in all the hardwood forests of southern and west.^ em Ontario, but the destruction of the woods and constant persecution have sadly reduced their numbers. Specifically the gray and the black forms are identical. Thr^e sub-species have been distinguished, but as thev all occur here and intergrade perfectly, it is not worth while rnnsid- ering them.
Gems SCIUROPTF.RUS.
(20) Sciuropterus volans.
(Common Flying Squirrel.)
Common in southern Ontario, but not often seen, as it is nocturnal in its habits, never venturing from its retreat in some hollow tree, until after sunset. The so-called Flying Squirrels do not really fly, but the skin along their sides is capable of expansion so that it acts as a para- chute.
During the winter this squirrel lies dormant, retiring to its nest in November and reappearing about the beginning of April.
(*) (21) Sciuropterus sabrinus.
(Northern Flying Squirrel.) . This .species ranges from the northern counties north to Hudson's Bay. The ranges of the two species probably overlap.
Order INSECTIVORA. (The Insect Eaters.)
A large group of small mammals, somewhat similar to the Carnivora, hut the individuals so small as to be unable to overpower vertebrate ani- mals and therefore feeding chiefly upon insects.
Family SORICID/C. (The Shrews.)
Small mouse-like animals, but having the muzzle elongate ; eyes and external ears developed. Feet not specially adapted for digging.
ii i
9()
CHKCK LIST OK TtlK
All our species feed entirely upon inserts and as thev nre ovir,.m,.lv voracous they are of economic value. As yet thev have' been I t 1 stud.,.! here, and time w.ll prohably add ..ther species „. our lis,.
C) (2 J I Sorex fumens. (Sootv Shrew.)
i. pi,!;7.:s;'ixs''' "■'■'""^■'"" "■' '"■ "'■- "™^« -"
(.12) Sorex personatus. fAfasked .Shrew.) Common and i,'-en(rally distributed.
(24 Blarma brevicanda.
fMole Shrew.)
si^cie?T°" ■''"'' ^''""■'n'-' '^'''tributed thouKh not often seen. In this ^pe .es the ears are small, not visible externally; it somewhat resemlh^s - mole m general appearance, but its feet are quite different. ''''"'''^'''
Famh-v TALPin^. ,t.m: Mor.i:s.)
and';.. n.ci:sf^Xh'r t^*:;^"^E:r;::^:-i';;;rT ''--'^'^
msects. ' ' " prmcipally underground
Gem s PARASCALOPS.
(*J (-25) Parascalops brewer:.
(Hairy-tailfd Mole, Brewers' Mole )
tion l^'un^erlat" "" '^'"'"'^"^ '"''"' ''''''■''' ''«""'-^- ''"' '•^ ^istribu-
r.K.Mis COXDVLURA. (2fi) Condylura cristata.
(Star-nosed Mole.) erounr"l\"" 7u- ^'"'"">' '^.i^fibuted. more particularly in low moist
Sots.^^f dsTpr;ntrt ''r: "" ^•'^ '""""^^ - often ;erin
and does much to keen ^nhpT^. T'^l';^™""'' "'''''''' """^ earthworms and cutworms '^ '''""'' '''" ^^"•'lesome white grubs, wireworrns
ANIMALS (>|- ONTAHId.
ill
Order CHIROPTERA. (The Bats.)
Mammals with the anterior liml)s mndilicd for tlisjhf bv the pjnngation of the forearm and especially of four of the finders, all of which are con- nected bv a thin icathiry membrane, which includes the hind feet rind usually the tail. The Bats are nocturnal in their habits, ffoinij into retire- ment in the daytime and h.inirin« head downward In their hind cl.iws. All our species .are entirely insectivorous and arc ot ijre.it economic value to farmers. Fn the minds of some people there is .a strong prejudice against bats; these prejudices .arise from superstition and iijnorance. for our hats are incapable of injuring .mv lium.m being. Thcv do not en- tangle themselves in people's h.iir, nor do thev c.arrv bedbugs into houses as IS commonly supposed, but thev do help to rid us of large quantities ol miurir)us insects .md so .ire entitled to protection.
I'AMMv \'K.sPF:RTiLio\irx-i-:.
Insectixorous H.als with the snout not append.iged ; wing membranes ample; tail completely enclosed in the interfemor.al membr.ine or onlv the last joint exserted; fur of peculiar stru(-ture, e.ich hair with a series of minute imbricated scales arranged in a spiral. .Ml our bats belong to this family. Most of them lie dormant in winter, hut two species ' micrrite southward.
Gems MVOTIS. (:!7) Mvotis subulatus.
(I-ittle Brown Bat.) Common and generally distributed.
(*) (28) Myotis lucifugus.
I have one record of this species from Wellington, where it was taken by .Mr. Brooks.
Gems L.XSIOWCTFRIS.
(29) Lasionycteris noctivagans. (.Silver Black Bat.) Common and generally distributed, particularlv abundant near the Lakes. Aligrates .southward in winter.
Gems VE.SPFRTILIO.
(.^o) Vespertilio fuscus.
(Brown Bat, Dusky Bat.) Common and widelv distributed.
t>3
CHECK LIST OK THE
' ff [
y
Genus LASIURUS.
(31) Lasiurus borealjs.
(Red Bat.) ^^_^ Common and generally distributed, particularly abundant near Lake
(•) (32) Lasiuras cinereus. (Hoary Bat.) This is our largest species and one that is seldom seen. Specimens have been recorded from various parts of the Province, but it is rare everywhere. Migrates southward for the winter.
Order UNGULATA. (The Hoofed Mammals.)
Herbivorous mammals provided with one to four enlarged and thick- ened claws or hoofs on each foot; molar teeth adapted for grinding.
Family CERVID.€. (The Deer.)
Horns deciduous, solid, developed from the frontal bone, more or less branched, covered at first by a soft hairy integument known as "velvet-" when the horns attain thH^ full size, which they do in a short time, there arises at the base of earh a ring of tubercles known as the "burr " This compresses and finally obliterates the blood vessels supplving the velvet •''• which dries up and is rubbed off, leaving the bone hard and insensible. The horns or antlers are shed annually, the separation of the "beam" froni Its pedicel" taking place just below the burr. Antlers are wanting m the female, except in the Caribou, but they are present in the male of all our species. Stomach in four divisions as with ordinary ruminants.
Gems ODOCOILEUS.
(33) Odocoileus americanus.
(Red Deer, Virginia Deer.) Common and generally distributed in all unsettled districts Ranees westward into easte. n Manitoba.
Genus CERVUS.
(34) Cervus canadensis.
(Wapiti, "Elk.") It seems certain that at one time the Wapiti was found in western Ontario, but it has become extinct. If it is ever found here now. it will be near the Manitoba border. In the west this animal is con-.monly and wrongly called the Elk, a name properly belonging to the next species
ANIMALS OF oSTAKKt.
!»8
Gems ALCES.
(35) Alceg americanus.
(Moose, True Elk.) Common in the wilds of Xorthern Ontario. The most splendid repre- sentative of wild animal life of the American continent.
Genus RANGIFER.
(36) Rangifer caribou.
(Woodland Caribou, American Reindeer.) This species is very abundant in extreme northern Ontario, occasion- ally coming south in winter as far as Lake .Superior. On the treeless wastes of the Arctic regions, a sub-species, R. c. arcticus, the Barren- ground Caribou, is found.
Order FERi€. (The Flesh-eaters. or Camivora.)
Canine teeth distinct, conical ; molars more or less adapted for cut- ting; toes provided with claws; skin covered with h..ir or fur; alimentarv canal short.
Family PROCYONID^. (The Raccoons.)
Plantigrade animals of moderate size, with the body comparatively slender and the tail well developed. Snout more or less elongated.
Genus PRQCYON. {^7) Procyon lotO'
(Common Raccoon.)
Common and generally distributed where suflficient bush is left to afford shelter for it.
Family URSID^C. (The Bears.)
Plantigrade animals having the body thick and clumsy. Tail rudi- mentary. Teeth broad and tuberculated, according with an omnivorous diet.
Genus URSUS. (38) Ursus americanus.
(Black Bear, Brown Bear, Cinnamon Bear.) Very variable in colour ; there is, however, but one specie? found in this Province south of the Arctic regions. Formerly abundant and gener- ally distributed, but now restricted to the unsettled districts.
Family MUSTELID^. (The Weas.ls.)
Small, or medium-sized animals, some of which are strictly carniv- orous, while others are omnivorous. Most species provided with glands which secrete a fetid liquid. In this family are many of the most valuable fur-bearing animals.
9t
CIIKCK LIST OK THh
OEMS Ll'TRA. I. ,9) Lutra canadensis.
(Americ.-in Otter.)
CJkms NrKPUlTIS. (401 Mephitis mephitica.
(Common Skunk.)
Common and generally distributed. This o(Ten>ive rreature is „n!v known to be eondenuu-d. but apart iVom its unpleas.-mt odour and ocea'. Monal raids upon hen's nests it has. some good traits in its character. It eeds largely upon mseets o( all sorts and is partieularlv partial to the larsi- xNhite grubs and iiilworms, which it srratches out and dexours with •iMdity. Its lur IS of excellent quality and is now dyed to imitate sable.
Gkm s (iULO. (41) Gulo luscus.
(Wolverene.)
Gem s MCSTFLA.
Its fur is much esteemed.
(4-') Musteia americana.
(Fine .Marten, Sable.) Not uncommon in the northern forests,
(43) iVIustela pennantii.
(Fisher, Pekan.) .\n inhabitant of th.> north w(M)ds xxh;..u u 1
C.EMs LL'TRROLA.
(44) Lutreola vison.
(Mink.)
evervihi„B it can overpower. As „' d„ rover ,;f fi. H S,- •. "t"" """" service, bu, when i, raids a ^^^-rJ^l^t^^^'^I^JZ:^,^^ "^
ANIMALS or iiNTAljin.
n".
(iKM s IHTOKILS.
(45) Putorius noveboracensis.
(Krinitif, Stoat.)
Common .m.l t;fiUTall> distriliuti-.I. Turns xvfiil.. in wintrr ulir lur lH-,-om,N th.. Krnnn.. of rommiT.-... \ ru-u;- and Moo.lthiisiv ammal, but ol yrrm cronomir v,-,lu.. iHraus,- it kills l.-,rj,v nuinln-rs of l;fl(| mi,c and oIIut d.-structivi- Ncrmin; o( rasionallv it makes a riid thf H-n-roost. but this do..s not orrur vrrv oflrn, and on thr who). »;()< (I It docs tar outbaianres the evil, 1 40 1 Putorius ciUonani.
(Small Brown Wensui.)
Common throuijhoul tin- Province. White in winter. In its h resembhny the last. .Sm.aller ,an,l less pow.Tful. It is de.idediv a f cr s Iriend, ;is ,•, check upon the increase of Held mice and rats
n Its little rats,
upon ■ the
ii)lls .irni-
.Mu
zzle elon-
F\Miiv C.\\ID.^=:. (Tin I><,(;sj
OiKitiijrade <-arnivor;i with blunt non-retractile cl.iws. gated in our wild species.
(iFM s \ IT.PIvS. (471 Vulpes penn.sylvanicu.s. (Red Fox.) Common wherever it can tind sutllcienf cover. A verv vari.able species 1 wo well-known v.irietics are the H'a.k or .Silver Crev and the Cross Fox' Ihese mters^rade in all des:rees and the extremes of each v.irielv have be-n found m one litter. « "->i
Though the Kox is Sfnerally looked upon as injurious to the farmer by reason of its occasional raids upon the poultrv yard, it should be re- membered that its favorite and .hief food is field mice; of these it destrovs Rreat numbers and is one of nature's s^reat ,he,ks upon their undu- increa.se.
Gems CAMS. (48) Canis nubilus.
(Wolf, Timber Wolf.J Very variable in colour, becominj; almost white in the far ..ortli hxtinct in the older settled parts of the I'rovin.e, but sometimes suf- liciently common to be injurious in the northern counties. We sometimes see in the newspapers accounts of attacks upon travellers m.ade bv thes<- animals. These are pure fiction. Th.it the Kuropean wolf when pressed by hunger will sometimes attack a man is no doubt true, but so far there IS no authentic case known where a wolf .attacked a man in this countrv. They are verv shv and cunnin.s,'. \o more difficult anim.il to shoot or trip exists in our woods.
i
m
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CHKCK LIST OF THK
Familv FELID^. (The Cats.)
Oigitigrade carnivora. Claws compressed, very shaip. retractile- f^T r"V'"" ^''"y'r'^ ""ked pads under each toe' and the Si of th^ foot. Body compact, head short, broad, and rounded.
, , , , Genus LYNX.
(49) Lynx canadensis.
(Canada Lynx.)
tr.r.lZ"^']'^- !°'"'"°" ^" *'"'°"«'' *''« Province. Now only found in the forested d.stncts, .ts range extending north nearly to the timber lini
(50) Lynx rufus.
(Wild Cat.) Nearly if not quite extinct. During the last twentv years I have seen specimens from nearly all our southern counties, to which its range seems to have been restricted. ^ seems
Genus FELIS. (*) (51) Felis concolor.
^American Panther. Cougar.) Now extinct in this ProMnce. where it was never very abundant 1 here are many old records of its capture along our southern border in the early sett ement days, but its range does not appear to have extended very far north of our southern boundary.
i^f m
INDEX TO SECTIONS
SECTION I.
FISHES.
PAOB.
Aliruiiiis 38
" crysoleucas , 33
Acantbopt«ri 75
Acipunsorida; 13
Aciponscr 13
" rubicundug 14
Alburnopi 40
Alewirea 5;J
Alewife 54
Allosomus 60
Alosa 54
" sapidissima 54
Alvordius 94
Atnbloplites 83
" rupestris 83
AmeiuruB 20, 21
" lacustris 21
" natalis 21
" vulgaris 22
" nebulosus 22
" melas 23
Amiidtr 16
■ Amia 17
" calva 18
Ammocrypta pellucida 97
Amphiodon 51
Anacanthini 103
Anguillida) 49
Anguilla 49
" chrysypa 49
AphredoderidfB 77
Aphredoderus 78
" sayanus 78
Aplodinotus 10>
" grunniens 100
Apodes 48
Apomotis 84
" cyanellus 85
Appendix 105
I'AUK.
ArgyroBomus 58
" artedi 68
" prognathuB 69
" nigripiitniB 69
" tulUbee 60
AtherinidsB 79
Atlantic lalmon 61
B.
Bass, Black g8
" Calico 82
" Grass m
" Green g^
" Rook 8;j
" Cjilver gj
" Speckled S2
" Striped 99
" White 99
" Yellow 88
Bill fish ;:.. 16
Black Bass, The 87
" " Large mouthed 87
" " Small mouthed 88
" Catfish 23
" fin Whitefish 59
" head Minnow 35
" nctnp(\ Dace 44
" sided Darters 93
" sided Darter 94
Blob 101
Blue Darter iQr,
" Pickerel 91
" Snnfisfc 85
Blunt-nosed Minnows 36
Boleosoma 95
" nigrum 95
" n. olmstedi 96
Bony fishes 19
Bow-fins 16, 17
Bowfin 18
Bream 38
^3]
M4
INUKX.
PACK
Brouk Stickleback 73
" Trout (^4
Buffalo tishci on
;; fi>h '.Z.Z'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 2(i
HUcker-mouthod 20
Bullhoad 22
" Minnows 39
Burbot [[" joi
Butterfish '.....'.'..'.... 38
0.
Calico Bau 52
Campostoma ",[[ 33
" nnomalum 33
Carp 47
Carpiodcs jjy
" thompgoni 27
Carpliko fitihes 2fi
Carps, Tho .....25-32
Carp Lakn 27
" Suckers 27
Catftshe^ 19
Catfish, Blank '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z 23
" Common 22
" Lake 2I
" liong Jawed 22
" Spotted 20
" Channel 20-21
" Stone 23-24
Yellow 21
Catostomidip 25
Catostomus 28
" commcrsp" j 28
" catostomus 28
" nigricans 29
Ct'ntrarchidfp gQ
Chfpnobryttus '.'.'..'... 84
" Rulosus '.'..... M
Channel Catfish 20-21
Chnrrs, Tho .'.'.'... 64
Chondrostei 13
Chriope 39
Chrosomus 34
" erythrogaster 34
Chub 3e
" Creek 37
Lake 4g
Suckers 39
aubs, The ,<?6
Jisco .......".. fS
Ciscoes, The 68
Clinostomns 33
CHola ;.■,■.'.'■■ 33
" vigilax 39
_, r.\OK.
Clupcida- !■>:>
Codfishes, The m;j
Common Mullet .... <»
" Pike :;.::;:;;;;:;:;:;;;::;; ^
Sucker 28
Whitefish ;• 56
Copeland's Darter 95
Coregonus [[[[ gg
<'lii|M-itorniiM flg
" InhrndorirUN 57
" quadrilateralis 56
Cottidip jQi
Cnttogastor 94-05
" copelandi ■.'.... 95
Cottus joi
" ictalops 101
Coueuius 4g
" plumbeus '...'. 4f,
Crappie 81
Creek Chub 37
Cristimorer 63
" nama.vcush 63
Cut-lips 47
Cycloganoidea 16
Cylindrosteus "'' ' 16
Cynoperca 91
Cyprinolla 41
C.vprinidn' .30
Cyprinus .....^ 47
" oarpio 47
D.
T>ace 37.42
" Black-nosed 44
" Horned .36-37
" Long-nosed 44,105
" Red-bellied 34
Darters 93
Darter, Black-sided 94
" Blue 105
" Copelands 95
" Johnny 95
" Manitou J3
" Northern 97
" Rainnbow 105
'' Sand 96-97
Tessellated 9,5.96
Dccactylug 28
DoRfioh .".'.'.'.'.'.".'.'.'.'."is, 66
Dore 90
Dorosomidse 52
Dorosoma ][[[[ 52
" cepedianum 52
IM»K.\.
Hft
.. M
.. I0:j
. 32
.. 68
.. 28
.. 56
. . !)r>
.. 66
. m
. 67
. fWi
101
94-96
0.-
. 101 . 101 . 46
. to
. 81 37
. 63 63 47 16 16 91 41 3-.> 47 47
PAtlK.
Drum 27, 100
" Freihn-ater loo
Drums, Th« 99
E.
EpIs, The 48-49
Kel, Amfriran 49
Rnchel.ycephsli 49
Frim.vitiix 4."i
Kri»n.v»!on 30
" iiirettit a I
Rthcostotna 97
" boreaJG 97
" rfBruloum 105
Ruralia 7-2
" inconitans 73
Rupomotig 86
" Ribbotus 86
Rrentof^nathi 26
Rxo;;los8Um 46
" maxillingua *'
F.
Fathead Minnow 36
Fine-Bcaled Suckers 28
Fishes 7, 10
Fontinus 7!
Franklin's Soulpin 102
Freshwater Drum 100
" Killv 71 ■
Frost fish 66
Fundnlus 70
" diaphanns 71
O.
Oadidce 103
Oanoidpi 11
Garfish 16
Oar-Pikes 14
Gar-Pike 15
Gar, Short-nosed 16 ;
Oaspereaii 54
Gasterosteidee 72
Gasterosteus 74 I
" bispinosns 74
Gizzard Shad 62
Glossary lOG
Oold-pvo 61
Gold Shad 63
Golden Shiner 38
Grass Bass 81
Gray Trout 63
PAOK.
Gri'on Bhss m
" Pike ■' 68
" Sunfish M
Uud;;eon, Niagara 44
H.
'fttdropterii.t !»;)
" Bspero 91
Hnif-Kilis 71
Hnplomi 6B
Hi'inihrnnchii 71
Hiodon 61
" alosoidi'K 61
" tprKiHUs 61
Hio(limtidn> fio
Hnu Suckor 2'.t
Horned Daco 36-37
'' Pouts 20
Horn.v-hoads 45
Hybopsis 46-46
" dissimilis 4'>
" storerianus 46
Hybognathus .31-3.'.
" nuchalis .Tfi
Hvpentelium 29
Hypcroartii g
I.
Ictalnras 20
" pnnctatUB 20
Icthyomyzon 8
" concolor 9
Ictiobns 26
" bubalus 26
Isospondyli 60
J.
Jackfisb 09
Johnny Darter 96
K.
Kenoza 68
Killifishes 79
Killifish ;; 71
Killy, Fresh-water 71
L.
Labidesthes 79
" sicculua 79
8«i
I.NDKX.
• •• f '
I'AOK.
l*ke C«rp 07
" Chub ;.■";;; J;,
" Herring Qg j^
" Miller'i TLumb 'l02
" Minnowi 40
" Sculpin " 103
" Sturgeon 14
" Trout 63
Lamper Eel g
Lamfwtra q
" wilder! 10
Lamprey, Brook 10
SiWe' ; g
Lampr yg J g
LarKn-mouthed Black Bast 'stj
Lepibema .. gg
LepitMteide 14
Lepianiteui '.'.'...., 1,5
" OMeui 16
" platoatomut ]6
Lepomit gj;
" pullidua 85
Leucitcus 37
" elongatui 38
Leucosomus g^
f!"K •-; ZZ'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 104
Ling« The 103
Lor Porch g;j
Log Perchei "][[ gj
Long-Jaw Herring 59
" Jawed Catfish '. 22
" noted Dare /i lOfi
' Sucker : ^
Loricati lo]
^'^t' , '.'.'.'.'.Z'.Z'.'.'. 103
maculosa 104
Lurii'leD 67
Lucius 67, 68
" InciUB ' gg
" musquinongy gg
" reticulatUB 68
V""?? '.'.'.'"69
Luxilus 42
Lythurus '.........'.'.....'. 43
M.
Mad Tom ni !
Manitou Darter .........'....'.. 93 I
Marsipobranchii .'..'.'..'.'........ 8
Mascalonge go I
Mascalongus '..'..".' 6'l
Melanura ...'...'.!....... 6fi '
Microptenis gy 1
Miller's Thumb mi i
Lake 102 !
r*0K.
Minnow, BUck-headod 3fi
" Blunt-nosed M
Bullhead ae
" Fathead »
" Mud M
" Redfin 43
" Silrery ^
" Straw-colored 41
Minytrcma 30
" melanops '.'.'.'..'. S\
Mongrel Whitvfish 60
Mooneye ]""'"" jj
" Northern 51
Mooneyes, The m «1
Moxostoma 31
" aniturum .,..,. 31
" aureolum 32
„ '■ . breviceps 32
Mudfish ig
Mudfishes 66
Mud Minnows 66
Mullet, Common 30
Short-hpaded 32
Mullets, The si
N.
NVmatognnthi u
Niagara dudgeon 44
NiTieola '"' 97
Northern Mooneye Kl
Pike .:::::::::::: es
" Sucker 28
Notemigonua 33
Notropis '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.■.'.■.■.■.'.■.■.'■39, 42
atherinoides 4s
" blennius 41
'■ cayuga 39
cornutns 42
fretensis 40
" heterodon 40
'' hudsonius 41
jejunus 42
muskoka 40
" rubifrons 43
" ambratilia 43
" Tolucellns .... . 41
" whipplii '.[[.['.Z.'. 41
Notums 01
" flsTus :::::::::::::;::::::: 24
0.
Ostariophysi jg
INI>K.\.
r*aK.
.... 3fi
.... as
... 39
.... 80
... e(!
... 43
... ST.
... 41
... 30
... 31
... 60
... 51
... 51 60, 51
... 31
... 31
.. 32
.. 92
.. 18
.. 66
.. 66
.. 32
.. 32
.. SI
. l!
. 44
. 97
. 51
. 68
. 28
. 38
9, 42
. 4.T
41
39
. 42
. 40
. 40
. 41
42
40
4.3
43
41
41
23
24
19
r*0K.
PsddloAsh 12
PaddK'fiihM, Th* 11, 12
Pegedictui 101
Porca 92
" flAVMrena 92
Pi«rp««oce« TH
Porrhfi, Lojt f
Prrrh. Loir fh!
Prrrhpn, Th« gf)
" Th« Trne . K
Perrh, Pirate 78
" Trout 7«i
Yellow 0£
P«>rridi»> 89
Perrina 92
" rtiprodei Ki
" «>bra )«
P«rroidea 79
F'nroopnis 70
" (tuttattu 76
Porropgidw 76
PptromvzonidB" 8
PTk.Tr'l 90
" Blue 91
Sam! 91
" YpIIow 90
Piko, Common 68
" r.ropn 68
" Northern 68
Piknlike fisheg 65
Pikes. Oar 14
Pike Perrhes 90
Pikes. The 67
Pim«>nhflle« 35
" promelai ,V»
" nntatui an
Pirntp Perch 78
" Perches 77
Pisce.s 7. 10
PlectoRnathi 100
Plectosprrdjli 25
Pn>ciliidH' 70
Polyodon 12
" gpathula 12
Polyodontidie 11
Pomolohus .5.3
" rhrypochlori* 63 ;
" pseudoharenKus .^4
Pomoxi* 81
" animlaris 81
" sparoides 82
Pouts. Horned 20
Prosopium 156
Pumpkin seed 86
PAQt.
PjrRiMteai 73
" punKitiut 73
H.
Ftninltow Dnrter lOfi
Red-lwllied I>ac« 34
Rnilfin 43
" Minnow 43
Hodhorse 82
" Suckert 31
R<'d-*i<led shiner 38
Kht'Knoptcri 99
Khihichthya K
" ntronaaua 44
" cataractie 44, 105
Rhombofcanoidea 14
Jtocfus 99
'■ rhrysoim 90
|{.«'k HasH fa
" SturKoon 14
llDund Whitefish ofl
S.
Salmon, Atlantic 61
St.-elhead 62
" Trout 63
Shlmons. The fi."), 61
.Salnio 61
" (jalrdneri 62
salar 61
.Salmopercw 75
SnIvoIinuM 64
" fontinalis 64
Snnd Darters. The 96, 97
Sand Pickerel 91
Sand RnMer 76
Samier 91
Sault Whitefish .57
Schilbendes 24
" Kyrinus 24
RciienidsB 90
Viilnin 101
" Franklin's 102
" Lake 10.1
Selachostomi 11
Semotilus 36, V
" atromaculatus .17
" corporalis 36
Serranidfc 98
Shad .54
" nizzard 152
" Gold 53
Sheepshead 100
'^^ B |
l''l |
iSB |
SH
INDKX.
'! i
f |
I 1: |
Shmer 40
Golden .■.;;;;;;";:.■.:: m
" Red-sided 30
'' Spotted ;;.::;:.:::::; 46
Shmors. The 39
Short-headed Mullet ...'. 32
" nosed Gar 16
Siluridee " jg
Silver Bass .........^...[.... 81
Silverfin '"" 41
Silvprsides 70
The :::::;::::::;;:::::::; 11
Silvpry Minnows 35
Sisrowet g<
Skipjack 79
Small-mouthed Black Bass 88
Smelt 42
Spawn eater ."''" 41
Speckled Bass 82
Spiny-rayed fishes 75
Spotted Cat 20
StccUicncI Salmon go
Stickleback, Brook 73
" Ten-spined 73
«f Ji'u 1 Two-spined 7,
Sticklebacks ^2
Stizostedion on
canadenso 91
" vitreum 90
Stone Cat, Tadpole 04
;; Catfish ;:.:. -23, h
LuBger 33
" Roller .....29, 3.T
" toter 47
Straw-colored Minnow ........'.. 41
Striped Bass 99
Sturgeon, I.-nke 14
Rock 14
SturReons. The 13
Sucker. Chub ^
Common jg
Hog 09
Long-nosed 28
moiitliod Buffalo !''., 2()
" Northern 28
" Spotted '',,] 30
" Striped 3]
" White ',[[[[ 28
" 'White-nosed 31
Suckers, C»arp 27
" Fine scaled 2S
" Red horse 31
The ■■ 2.^
Sunfish, Blue as
" Oreen g.!;
" Yellow 8fi
r^ - . PAGE.
Sunfishea, The ^,)
I
I T-
, Tadpole Stone Cat 24
Tcleogtei 19
Tcleostomi _ jg
Ten-spincd Stickleback ....'.'.'.. 73
Tessellated Darter .'..". gg
" Darters, The UH
Togne g3
Tom, Mad 04
I Triglopsis '...[........ 102
" thompsoni 103
Trout, Brook 34
j ;; ^^fy ■■■.■.'.'.'■ 63
Lake 63
" Perch ; - 76
" Perches, The 75, 7fi
Salmon 6.S
" The 61
Trutta f^o
Tuladi ....[]..[..[[ 63
Tullibee .....'......]..].. 60
Two-spined Stickleback '.'.....'.'.. 74
V.
Umbra cc
II •• • "'
limi 6fi
rmbridw gfi
TTranidea J02
" formosa 102
" fr.inklini 102
W
Warmouth 84
White Bass 99
" nosed Sucker 31
" Sucker 28
Whitefish, Blark-fin ..'. 59
" Common .«i6
" Mongrel ,'.' 60
" Round t^
" Sault .57
Whitpfiahes. The .156
X
Xenarchi 77
T.
Yellow Bass gg
" Catfish Z',', 21
" Perch 92
" Pickerel 90
" Sunfish [',',,[ 86
1,1
INDEX.
. 24
. 19
. 10
. 73
. 96
. 95
. 63
. 24
. 102
. 103
. 64
63
63
76
;, 76
63
61
62
63
60
74
SECTION II. BATRACHIANS AND REPTILES.
A.
Acris 8
" gryllus 8
Adder, spotted 14
" spreading 14
" blowing 14
Amblystomatidap 6
Amblystoma 6
" pimptatum 6
" tigrinum 6
" Jeffrrsoniannm 6
" microstomua 6
American Toad 8
Amyda 17
" mutica 17
Aromochelys 18
" " odoratuR 18
.AspidDiiocio-; 17
" spinifer 17
B.
Bascan inn 13
" constrictor 13
Batracbia 5
Batrarhians. Tailless 7
Black Racer 13
" Salamander 7
" Snake 13
T<l;i!nlin};'s Tortoise 18
BItpwinc Adder 14
Bhie-fcailed Lizard 16
Box Turtles 17
Brown Snake. Little 11
Bufo 8
■■ Iciiti^iiiosiis t*
Bufonidtc 8
Bull frog 10
Callnpeltis I't
" vulpinns 13
Chelvdra 17
" serpentina 17
v.\ar..
Chelydridte 17
Chorophilus 9
" nigritus 9
Chrysemys 18
picta 18
Clemmys 18
" insculptus 18
guttatus 18
Coal Skink 16
Colubridoe .,. 11
Common Garter Snako 12
" Rattlesnake 15
soft-shelled Turtle 17
" Tree Frog 9
Cricket Frog 8
Crotalidoe 14
Crotalus 15
" horridns 15
D.
Desmognathidfp 7
Desmognathus 7
fusca 7
" nigra 7
Diadophis .. 13
" punctatus 13
Diemyctylus 7
" viridisccns 7
E.
Kft 7
Rmydidjr 18
Rmydoidea 18
"" blandingi 18
Eumeces 16
" antbracinus 16
" fa.scintus 16
" spptentrionalis 16
Evet 7
F.
Fox Sn.nke 13
Frog. Bull 10
" Cricket 8
90
IN' HEX.
PAGE.
Frog, Green jg
" Leopard jq
■ " Northern in
" Pickerel in
" Wood 10
Frogs. The 9
G.
Garter Snakes, The 12
Garter Snake, Common 12
Hoy's 12
Glossary (Sec. I.) iQg
Granulated Salamander (J
Graptemys 1^
" geographicus 18
Green Frog ig
H.
Hemidactylium g
" scutatum 6
Hoterodon 14
" platirhinos 14
Hyla g
" pickeringii 9
" versicolor .\ 9
Hylidsp 8
K.
Kinosternidae 17
L
Lacertilla ig
Lampropeltis ....[ ,['. 14
" doliatus 14
Leather Snake 12
Turtle '....'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.[ 17
Leopard Frot; m
Liopoltis i.-^
" rernalis y^
Little Brown Snake n
Lizard, Blue-tailed ]6
Lizards. The 15
M.
Map Turtle jg
Milk Snake 14
Mud Puppv 6
Musk Turtle I8 ,
N. i
Natrix 1,3
" sipedon 13
Necturus g
" maculosus k
Newt ;.■;;;;.■.";.■.'.■ ?
Northern Frog in
skink ;;;;:""""":: Je
o.
Ophidia n
P.
Pninted Turtle 18
Pickerel Frog 19
Pickering's Hyla 9
Plethodon 7
" cinereus 7
Plethodontidoe 6
^Mourodelidw ... 7
Pond Turtles, The 18
Prairie Rattlesnake ].5
Proteida .5
R.
Kacer, Black 13
Rana 9
" areolata 9
cantabrigensis 10
" catesbeana iq
" clamitans 10
" palustris 19
" pipiens 19
" septentrionalis 10
" sylvatica 10
I^anidw 9
Rattlesnake. Common 15
" Prairie 1,5
I?ntt)osnakes. The 14
Red-backed Salamander 7
Red-bellied Snake n
Regina 12
" leberis 12
" rigida 10
Reptiles ij
Riband Snake 12
Ring Snake 13
S.
Salamander, Black 7
" Granulated fi
" Red-backed 7
" spotted 6
Salamanders, The fi
Salientia 7
INDEX.
01
PAOK.
Scincidce 16
Serpents, The 11
Siitrurus 15
" catenatus 15
Skink, Coal 16
" Northern 16
.Skinks, Thp 15
Snake, Black 13
" ConiimMi CiiirtPr I''
" Fox l.T
" Grass M
" Green 13
" Hov's Onrter 12
" Loatlior 12
" TJttle Brown 11
" Milk 14
" Rptl-boIIied 11
" Riband 12
RinsT 13
" Stiff 12
" W«tpr 13
Snakps. The Coluhrine 11
Snapping Turtle 17
Sppcklpd Tortoise 18
Spotted Adder 14
Spreadins; Addder 14
Stiff Snake 12
Storeria 11
" dpkayi 11
" oppipitomapulata 11
Swnmp Tree Frop; S>
T.
TestiHinata Ifi
Tha. . .onliis 12
Tliamiiophis |
radix |
I'AOK. 12 |
It |
■aurituB sirtalis |
12 12 |
" " dorsalis 12
" " obsciims 12
" ordinatus 12
" " parietalis 12
Toad, American 9.
Toads, The 8
Tortoise, Blandin(;'s 18
Speckled 18
Wood 18
Trpo Frog, Common 9
" Swamp 9
'• Froca, The 8
Tri.tiyfhidse 16
Turtle. Box 17
■' Common Soft-shelled 17
" Leather 17
Map 18
Musk 18
T-. nted 18
" Snapping 17
Turtles, The 16
The Soft-shelled 16, 17
The Pond 18
r
Trodela
W.
Water Snake 13
Wood FroR in
" Tortoise 18
Ui
IM»EX.
SECTION III. BIRDS.
PAGE.
A.
Acadian Sharp-tailed Finch 62
Acanthis o-i
ii 1 ;: 01
nornomaiinii gi
h. exilipes gj
linaria gj
1. holbocli gj
1. rostrata gj
Acoipitrinaj ' "" 39
Accipiter aq
'.', ^«'« : '■''.'.■'■■'.'.\'z:.:.':. 40
coopen 40
atricapillus 40
Aftitis ■■'■ 01
" macularia gi
Attodromas [[ no
maciilata ' 28
" fuscicolliB _[[]'] 28
bainlii " 29
mintitilla 29
^:gia!itis a'}
" somipalmata '... -^3
mploda 33
" nivosa 33
^strelata ■■■...'......... 12
" hasitata '.' ' ]9
Agolaius 15^
" pha>nice«s 5^
Aix ,.
,, It
sponaa |-
Alaiididip ' e^i^
AIca 9
" torda 9
Alrodinida- 4^
AlcidiP g
Aloyones ^g
Allc n
" alio 9
Amprioan Barn Owl 43
" Bittern 22
Coot .■;,■ 25
" Crossbill go
Eeret 23
Eider 19
" Oolden eve 18
Goldfinch' gi
Hawk Owl 47
PAOE.
American Herring Gull n
Long-eared Owl 44
Merganser 14
Ospfey ['" 43
Pipit ■ 7g
Redstart -g
Robin g]
Rough-legjjed Hawk .....'. 41
Scaup Duck 17
Three-toed Woodpecker.. .Vl
White Pelican 14
Woodcock 27
Ammodramus go
henslowi g2
leconteii go
" nelson! g2
n. snbvirKatns go
Ampelidap gg
Ampelis gg
" cedrorum gg
garrulus gg
Ana.s
lo
' bosrhas 15
" obscura 15
o. rn!,ripps -jg
Anatidi* ^4
Anspr 20
" a. Kambeli OO
Anthns 7g
" penn.-iylvnnicus 7g
■AntrostoTniis .152
" vociferus 50
AphrizidfT' 33
Arquatclla 28
" ntaritima 28
.Aqnila 40
" rhrysaetos 42
ArchibutGo 41
I. saiirti-.jolianni-! 4I
.4rrtir threp-tocd Woodpppkpr 49
.\ rdpa nn
" herodiaa 22
Ardpidre 21
.\rdptta 22
" exilis 22
" neoxena 22
Calidris 09
" arpnaria 2?)
IXDKX.
9H
I'AOR.
Arenaria 33
" interpret S3
Asio 44
" wilsonianus 44
" accipitrinus 44
Aatragalinni 61
tristis 61
Atidiibon's Caracara 43
Auks, The 8
Auk, Racor-billed 9
" Little 9
Aves 7
Avorot 26
Aythya 17
" americana 17
" vallisneria 17
" marila 17
" affinis 17
" collaris 18
B.
BairdV Sandpiper
BaldiMte
Baltimore Oriole
Bank Swallow
Barn Owl, American
" Swallow
Barred Owl
Barrow'* (lohlcn-i'vc
Bartramian Sandpiper
Bartramia
■' longicaiida
Baywinp
Bay-brrastod Warbler
Belted Kingfisher
Bewick's Wren
Birds. The
" Divine
" of Prey
Bitterns
Bittern, American
" Corv's Least
" Least
Black and White Warbler , ...
" backed Oull
" bellied Plover
" billed Cuckoo
" crowned Night Heron
" Duck
" Guillemot
" Poll Warbler
" Rail
" red-lecKed Duck
Scoter
" Tern
29 16 69 67 43 67 45 18 31 31 31 62 73 48 77 7 7 38 22 22 22 22 71 11 32 48 23 15 9 73 25 16 .19 12
PACK.
Hlark throated-blue Warbler 72
" " Rreen-Warbler 73
Loon 8
Blackbirds, The 57
Blackbird, Yellow-headed 58
Red-winged 58
" Rusty 69
Blackburnian Warbler 7M
Bluebird 82
Blue-bill Duck 17
Little 17
Blue Goose 20
" Kray Gnatcatcher 80
" headed Vireo 70
" Heron, Great 22
" Jay 56
" winged Teal 16
Bob White 34
Bnb'o'link 57
Bohemian Waxwing 68
Bonaparte's Gull 11
Bonasa 35
umbellus Vi
Botatirinfp 22
Botaurus 22
" lentiginosus 22
Brant 21
Branta 20
" canadensis 20
c. Initrhinsii 20
" bernicola 21
Broad-winced Hawk 41
Brmizcfl Grackle 59
Brown Creeper 78
" Thrasher 77
" Thr<i<!h 77
Brunnich's Miirre 9
Bilbo 47
" Virginianug 47
Biibonidse 43
Buff -breasted Sandpiper 31
Buffle-head Duck 18
Buptina Indigo 65
Snow 61
Buteo 4n
" boreaiis 40
" linoatiis .. 40
" platvpterns 41
" swainsoni 41
Butorides 23
'" virescens 23
c.
Tabot's Toi-n 12
f'iilcarius 62
" lapponicus 62
i
IXDKX.
1 |
,1 |
|wfl |
|
Iv |
|
'* |
■^ w |
Ki
I'AGK.
Canachites «
" canadensis 35
Canada Goose on
" Grouse 35
" Jay \. gg
Canadian Warblor 7fj
CnnvBs-baok Duck 17
Cape May Warbler 72
Capriiniilpidip 61
Cardinal 66
Cardinalis 65
rardinalis 66
Carolina Rail 04
Wren '.'.'.'.'.'ZZ.'.'.'. 77
Carpodacus gg
" purpureas 60
ra.spinn T<'rn lo
Catbird ZZZZ.'.'.'. 77
Cathartida? gg
Cathartos j^g
" aura 33
Cedar Waxwins 68
Centnrus 51
" carolinus 61
Cpophlnpus 50
" pileatus 60
Cepphus 9
■ " grylle 9
Ccrthia 73
" f. anierirana 78
Corthiid;o -^
Cerulean Warbler 73
Ceryle 43
" alcyon 43
C'b;i-turn 6.'!
" _ pelagica '... 53
Chnnturinip <;2
riiaradriida' ^
C'lijirndrin.n .-^o
" dominicus 32
Charitonetta ]8
" albeola 18
Chat, Yellow-breasted 75
Chauicla-smua 16
" streperus 16
Chen 19
riiprule.scpiis 20
" h. niralis 19
Cherry-bird 68
Cheatnut-sided Warbler 7.1
Chickadee 79
" hudsonian 79
Chipping Sparrow 64
Choiido.stes 63
" grammaeus 63
_. , I'AOK.
Chordeilea 52
„. " virginianus 52
Cmereus Owl 4.-
Circus 39
" hudsonins 39
Cistothorus 73
" steiiaris "!!;;'!;!;;;;;;; 78
Clamntores 54
ClauRuIa 18
e. amerirana Jg
" islandipi ig
Cliiv-rolored .Sparrow 64
CliflF Swallow .'..'.'.'.'.'..'.;.■ 67
Coceynes 47
Corry/inn' 43
Cocryzns 48
" amerirannn 48
erytliroplithalmus 48
Cook of the Woods 50
Colaptes g]
'' auratus '....'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 51
Colinus 34
" viriiinianits 34
Columbidrp 37
Cnlvmhns 7
'" holbmlli ...Z.'.'.'.'.''.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z'. 7
" auritua g
Common Redpoll ri
" Torn .';■".' 12
Comsotlilypia 71
" a. usncn 71
Coniiootiont Warblor 76
Contopua 55
" virena 55
Cooper's Hawk 40
Coot. Ameriran 26
Coots. The ..24, 26
Cormorant ....".' 13
'[ Poithle-rrp.steil ];(
Cormorants. The 1.3
Corvid.-e -,^
Corriia •(•
" brnehvrhynehoa .66
o. principalis 66
Coturnicuhis (59
a. passerinua 62
Cowbird 57
Co ween j g
Crane Sandhill 24
Wboopinc 24
Cranes. The 23
Creeper, Rrown 78
Creepera. The 78
Crested Flycatcher .64
Crossbill, American .. . 60
" White Winged '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'...' 60
INDEX.
T'AOK.
Crow, Common 66
Crows, The 50
Crymopbilus 26
" fulicarius 26
Cryptoglaux 46
" t. richardsoni 45
" acadica 45
Cockoos, The 47-48
Cuckoo, niack-billed 48
Yellow-billed 48
Cuculidio 47
Curlew, Eskimo 32
" Hudgnnian 31
" Long-billed 31
Cyanocitta 66
" cristata 5G
Cyanospiza 65
" cyanea 65
Cygninro 21
Cypsoli 52
D.
Dafila 16
" acuta 16
Dondroica 72
" .Tstiva 72
" blarkbtimiiT 73
" pfprulosreiis 72
" castanea 73
" ccnilfn 73
" coroTiata 73
" discolor 74
" kirtlandi 7)
" maculosa 73
" pnlmarum 74
" ponnsvlvanica 73
" striata 73
" ti^rina 72
" vjcorsii 74
" virons 73
Dickcisscl 66
Diving Birds 7
Dolichonyx 67
" o.^ 'rorous 57
Dovekie 9
Dove, Mourning 37
Dowitcber 28
Downy Woodpecker 49
Dryobates 49
" pnbescens 49
" villosiis 49
Ducks, The 14
Duck, American Scaup 17
" Black 15
" Canvas-back 17
PAOK.
Duck, Harlequin 18
" Hawk 4'.'
•' Lesser Scaup 17
" Lung-tailed 18
•' Redhead 17
Red-leggeil HInck K;
" Ring-necked In
" Ruddv 19
" Wood' 17
E.
Eagles, The 38
Eagle, Bald 42
Uolden 4i!
Ectopistes 37
" mignitorius 37
Egret, American 23
Egretta 23
" caiidiilissima 23
Eider, American 19
" King 19
Elanoides 39
" furficatus 39
Empidunax 56
' riiiviveiitris ."i
" minimus .V)
trailH 56
Ercunotcs 29
" pusillus 29
Erismatura 19
" jamaioensis 19
Eskimo, Curlew 32
Euphagua 69
■' rarolinus 69
Evening Grosbeak 60
F.
Falconidai> ,38
Falcons, The .38. 42
Falco, columbarius 42
" islandiis 42
" p. anatum 42
" rusticolus 42
" sparverius 42
Field Sparrow 64
Finches. The 69
Finch. Acadian Sharp-tailed 62
" Pine 6]
" Purple 60
Fisb Hawk 43
Flicker 61
Florida Ciallinule 26
M
m
IXI»K.\.
3v
PACE.
Flycatcher, Creitod 54
" Least ,,[ 55
" (ilire-sidcd S5
Traills ,' gr,
Yollow-hellicd So
Forstor's Tern 12
Fox Spnrrow 65
Franklin's (!nll "^^ ."....... U
Fratorcula 9
" artica 5)
FrinRillidip jfl
Fulicinro ' 2.5
Fulictt 26
" nmoricana 0,5
FiiliRuIinm 17
Q.
Gad wall jg
Galeoscoptog 77
■' carolinensis 77
(•allinago 27
'' delicata 27
Gallinulo 25
" gakata 25
Gallinaceous birds 3;5
Gallinie ]^ 33
GallinuliniG 25
Gallinulcs '...'...'... 26
Gallinule, Florida 25
" Purple 25
Gannet 13
Gaviidip '".".. g
Gavia, imhcr g
" arctic* .'...'' g
" lurame g i
Geese. The '. 14 19 ,
Goothlypis ' 75
" SKilis '..'.'..'.'.'. 75 j
" formosa 75 •
" Philadelphia '. 76 ;
" trichas 75 ■
Glaucous Gull 11
Glossary (Sec. I.) 106
Glossy Ibis 2I
Gnatcatchers 79 go
Gnatcatcher, Bluegray ' 80 j
Goatsuckers 6| I
Godwit, Hudsonian 30 i
Marbled '.'.."'. 30
Goldfinch, American 61
Golden-crowned Kinglet .... 79
Thrush ::;;;: 74 ,
" Eagle 42 '
" eye, American 18
" " Barrows 13
UoMpr
PAOE.
Plo^'er 32
" winged Warbler 71
" Woodpecker 51
Goosander 14
Goose, Blue 20
" Canada 2O
" Greater Snow 19
" Hutchin's 20
" White-fronted 20
Goshawk 40
Crackle, Bronzed 59
" Kusty 59
Grasshopper Sparrow 62
Gray-cheekeJ Thrush gi
" Gyrfalcon 40
Great Black-backed Gull U
" Blue Heron 22
" Grey Owl 45
" Horned Owl 47
Greater Kedpoll 61
" Yellow-legs 30
Grebes 7
Grebe. Holboll's 7
" Horned g
" Pied-billed '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.[ 8
Green Heron 23
" winged Teal .,.'. 16
Greenland Redpoll 61
Grosbeak, Erening 60
Pine :::: eo
Rose-breasted 65
C>'"«"se •■ 34-35
Canada 3,5
" Pinnated 35
" Ruffed ."' .^5
" Sharp-tailed ,35
Gruidw 23
Onis 24
" americana 24
" mexioana 24
Gulls 10
Gull, American Herring H
" Bonaparte's n
" Franklin's .■...■.',■ n
" Glaucous 11
" Great Black-backed 11
" Iceland n
" Iv^ory '.'. 10
" Kittiwake 10
" Laughing n
" Ring-billed '.Z U
Gyrfalcon, Gray 42
" White '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 42
IM»E.\.
W
TAOK.
B.
Hairbird (J4
Hairy Woodpecker 49
Uiiliiot'tus 42
" I. ala8'^anul l-j
Harelda 18
" hyptnalis ih
Hnrloquin J)iii-k 18
Hawks ;j8
Hawk, Uroiul-wiiijjoJ 41
■' Cimpcr's 40
" Durk 42
" fish 4a
" U08 41
.Marsli a<)
" Owl, American 47
" Pigeon 42
" Ketj-Mhuuldercd 40
Ued-tniloiJ 40
" Rougli-lfg^ed 41
" Sparrow 42
" Swuiiisou's 41
Holl Diver 8
Hvlmiiithophila 71
" ct'lata 71
" rhrysoptora 71
'■ i)eregrina "1
" rubricapilla 71
Helodronias 30
" Bolitarius 30
Hcnslow's Sparrow fi2
Hermit Thrush 81
Herodias 23
" cgrotta 23
Horodionea 21
Horon, Black-crowned Night 23
" Great Blue 22
" Green 23
" Snowy 23
" Yollow-crowned Night 23
Herons 21-22
Herring Gull, American 11
Hesperiphona 60
" vespertina 60
High-holer 61
Hirundo 67
" erythrogaster 67
Hirundinido! 66
Histrionicus 18
" histrionicus 18
Hoary Redpoll 61
Holbmll's Grebe 7
" Redpoll 61
Hooded Merganser 15
Warbler 76
PA UK.
Horned Orcbo 8
" i-ark :::: m
" " I'rairic 5({
■' Owl, Great 47
House Sparrow 60
Wren 77
Hudxonian Chickadee 79
" Curlew 31
" Godwit '. 30
Humming Birds rA, 53
HumiiiiMg bird. Ruby-throated ... ' ,53
Hutchin's Goose 20
Hydrochelidon 12
'' n. Burinamonsiv 12
Hylonchla u,->
ICIJD 81
lUscescens go
g. pallasJ! 81
" mustolina 80
u. swainsonii 81
I.
Ibises
21
Ibis, Glossy '....'.".'." •>1
Icfliind Gull '......'.'..... 11
Icteria '......['..... 7")
" virens [']' 75
Irteridic , ' 57
Icterus 59
" golbula ."9
" spurius ,159
Indigo Bunting CyH
loiiornis "........'...... 25
martinica o.";
Iridoprocne 67
" bioolor 67
Ivory Gull 10
Jwgers 10
Ja>gor, Parasitic 10
" Pomarino 10
Jay, Blue ,56
" Canada .56
Jays, The .56
Juncn (54
" hyemalis 61
Kentucky Warbler 75
Killdeer 32
Kingbird .............'....'. 54
m
4 f Si ,
INDEX.
KiUR Elder jq
KiuKflithcr, UcItoiJ .... 4a
Kinufiihcra, Tho 47^H
Kinnlot, Uoldfii-crowned ............ 79
.-. ". Huby-crowned an
KinRleits, Tho ?X
KillK HhII 24
Kirtland'. Warbler rl
Kitoi '.'..['.'.'.'.'.'.'".'.'" au
Kite, Swralluw-taited 39
Kittiwake Gull ......'..'.'.'....... 10
28
I
Luons, Tho ^
l.<>|)h<Hi.vtoH cmiillatus k,
Louuiana Water Thrush ...'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.[ 74
■■••.• ..' 60
p. minor
leucoptera
Loxia
60 60
M
Knot
61
LttKOpllS " jjg
" lugopus .'.'.'...... 36
Lamcllirostral SHimmcrs 14
LaniidtD go
Laniu8 .'.'...'...'.'..'.'...'.'." 69
buroulis gp
" I- migrans '..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z 69
liBpiand Longspur 82
Maorochirei
Marrorhamphuii .""'...!!.....!'.,....',." 28
,, ,." „ griscus ■'■ ..u
.Magnolia Warbler 70
Mallard j^
Marbled Godwit in
Mareco '.'.".'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..Z 16
amerirana jg
.." 39
Mars'i Hawk
" Owl 4.
Martin, I'urpie g-
Sand
Laridio Lark,
Horned gg
" Prairie Horned . 56
,'.' Shore : 66
I u ^P»""»- (Xi
Larks, Tho 55
Laru8
11
nrgontntiis j]
" atricijla 11
' dolawarensis n
" franklinii II
" gkucus 11
luci>j/,.orag jj
" marinus H
" Philadelphia 11
Laughinc Gull """ n
Least Flyrat«-her .56
Sandpiper oo
" Torn .".■.■.■.'.■.■.".■.■.■ 12
Loconte's Sparrow g2
Limicolis ] 25
Liniosa go
" fedoa 30
" hiipmastica 30
Lincoln's Sparrow 64
Longipennes 9
Long billed Cnrlew 31
Marsh Wren 78
" eared Owl, American 44
Longspur g2
Long-tailed Duck 18
Loon g
" Black-throated 8
" Red-throated g
67
Maryland Warbler ............'.....! '... 75
JO Mendowlark
68
Mpgascops .......'.'. .' .' . . .' ' ,' .' .' ■ 4g
M,.|
46
«'lanerpes »■
.. ■ " erythrocephaloug 61
Meleagris op
g. silrestris 3<j
' ,■•,; '...64
c. molodia g4
goorgiana 65
Melospi;
Merganser
lincolni '. ' 64
American 14
amcricanus 14
" Hooded J15
Red-brcastcd 15
" serrator y:
Mcrginip ,',
Monila ZZZZ'.'.''.'.'.] S3
" migratoria gi
Micropalama 08
w. ",.^ himantopus '..[ 28
Micropodidro 50
Migrant Shrike go
Mimidre -»
Mimus ''.ZZZ'.'.:':.'.'.'.'.Z 76
„ ." P"iyglottos 7f!
MniotiltidiB iS
Mniotilta Z.ZZZ..Z.'.'''.' 71
" varia 71
Mocking bird 7«
Molothrus Z°
" ater .■.:;;;: «
Motacillidre ZZ..'" 76
1.1:1
I
PAQB.
. 15 . 74
. eo
. 60 . 60
.. 61
.. 28 .. 28 .. 73 .. 15 .. 30 .. 16 .. 16 .. 39 .. 4-4 . 67 . »i7 . 75 . 58 . 46 . 46 . 61 . 61 . 36 . 3«i
.64 64 65 64 14 14 14 15
16
1')
14
8i
81
28
28
52
69
76
76
76
70
71
71
76
57 67
76
INt)KX.
Mourning Dove
„ •• warhier ...■:::::::":■■■
Miirrr, DrunnithN n
TU- W
Murrea, The
.Mjiiirohus
,. ■' rrinitui
Myrtle '
Warbler ZZZ'.'..'.'... 73
N.
Nashvill.' WRrbler Nelson's Spnrrow .. N'ettion
71
62 16
It;
ciirolinensia ,,,
.Nighth«nk /,!;
N'orthorn Phalarope '.'.'.'...'.'.'.'...... 26
Ifavpii j^.
" , Shrike .;;;; gf,
Numoniiis ,jj
borealig 33
hudsonicns 3]
-. ^, " , l^ncirostrin 31
Mithntoh. Red-breasted 79
.. . " White-breasted .. ro
Nuthatehes. The 70
N'l-ttallornia .. L"
horenlis ^.f;
.Vvptanassa 00
II . I ■ ■ • ■ ^' »
violarea oq
^y.'r -v :;:::::::; !?
nypten
Vyrtirorjix
n. niTrius
47 23 23
Oidemia
19 19
americana
doglandi jtj
'.' . Perspicillata if)
Olbiorchilus „
II ». ,. 'I
hiemahs 77
Ohre-backed Thrush ... g]
" sided Flycatcher ss
O'or " ■ 2)
" buccinator .........]]. 21
" colnmbianus gl
Orange-crowned Warbler 71
Oriole, Baltimore .... eo
^" Orchard 2n
Orioles, The .■.';;;;;; 57
Osprey, American A
Otocoris Tc
tt 1 i . 00
„ "'P^stns se
a. praticola ko
Oven bird ........■."..' 74
W
a;
UhI,
PAOIE.
. 4;i
8
54 'VI
Oh Is
Oxyerhiis
Atiieriittn Itiirii
Barred
C'inei'fus
(ireat (iri'v
" Uiirni'd
Hawk
l.i'nK-tarfd Amerirjiii .. i\
MhtmIi T;
ItichunNon's
.S:iu.u|ii.f .
Screech . , Short -eared . The
45 I.'. 45 47 47
Tociferui
45 46 46 44 43 32 32
P.
I'agophil
I'alti
I'ulil.lin.l,
Pandion
alba
10
*vnrbier '. Z'.. . :.::::': 74
23
h.
Pniidioninm Parasitic Ja'cer
P.irida> ...
Pa Ti ridce
:; 43
cnrolinensis 43
'■'.'■ 43
spruce Partridges. Th Parnia Pn nis
10 78 35 36 34
Warblor '■ -Z]'. ..'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 71
'I atricnpillus 7J,
hudsonictis 7()
Passer domesticus an
Pnssencer Piceon .... o-
Passerculiis .. -„
II f>2
Passcrella ...
Passe res Passorina
ilio
nivalis
savanna fio
65
'•" 65
64
61 61 31
Pavonoella
i> u'j P"gna» ..; 3}
Peabody ^'
Pectoral Sandpiper oa
PHirrcetes ...!.! ^
' phasianellus oe
I'elpcanidic VV
Pelecanus 14
." Prythrorhynchos ........'." 14
Pelican. American White . 14
Pelicans. The ... ,:
p'-'idna ■■■■■:::::::::;:::::;: ^
fl. snkhalinn 00
mikm
m i
I (Ml
I.VDKX.
fAOK.
I'urdiviuu' 34
l'«ritor«u» 50
caiiiidi'niiii Ui
Potrel, Blac'k-ciipiM'd 1^
P«tr«b, Th« la
Petrochelidoa U'
lunifroM 67
Puwei', WimkI fi£
Phaliteruc'iirucidw 13
Phalarrocorax 13
" c«rb<) 13
" diluphai 13
Phalaro, , Northern 20
Hod 86
Wilion'i at)
Phal»ropodidn> 26
PhaUropus ST.
lobatua 20
Phaiianidir .'JC
Phoatiuit.t .'JO
Philadflphia Vireo 70
Philohela 27
" minor •-'7
Phn.be .'«
Pioi 4«
Picidrp 4«
Piroidos 49
" arctims 49
" amoriranui 60
Pird-hillpd fircho 8
Pippon Hank .. 42
" PnnsfTiuiT 37
Pieeonn. The 37
Pilpiitod WondiK'rkpr SO
Pinp Fimli 61
" Oro«b«ak 60
" Hiikin 61
" Warbler 74
Pinioola 60
" e. lencuru 60
Pinnated Grouse 35
Pintail 16
I'ipilo crythropthalmus 06
Pipit, American 76
Pipits, The 70
Piransa 66
" crvthromelai 60
" rubra 66
Plegadis 21
•' iiutumnalis 21
Plover. Black-bellied 32
Golden 32
" Killdeer 32
Pipinjt a3
" Rinp .^'^
" Semi-palmated 33
••AOI.
I'loVKt, Snowy 33
Upland 31
Pliivera, The 32
Piidicipidie *
PiMJilymbu* 8
" podicpiM ri
Polioptila 80
'. rterulea 80
Poiyborua 43
" choriway i'l
Pomarine Jn->»pr 10
P<i'c«'t«» 82
" Kramini'Ui «2
PorRBHA 24
" OAroIina 24
" jiimaiocnaiit 2/5
" noTeboracenm 25
Prairie Chlrken ."W
Hen .IS
Horn.>d Urk 86
Warbler 74
Pri>relllnriidii> 12
Progne 67
" siibis 67
Pri)tonotarin 71
'" ritrea 71
Prrithonotary Warbler 71
PtarmiRBn. Willow .IB
Puffin 9
Purple Finrh 60
" Gallinnle 2«
" Martin 67
" Sandpiper 2H
Pvpopodes . . . 7
Q
Quail 31
Querquedula U;
" discon 16
QuiscaluR .W
" q. aeneoi W
R.
Kail niaok SR
" Carolina 24
" Kint: 21
" Vircinia 24
" Yellow 2."!
Rails, The 23.24
Rallus 24
" elepans 21
" Tirtdnianuii 21
Raptores .18
Raven. Northern 56
INDKS.
101
Ka».r-l)illc>l Auk ^
UprurTir«)«tr« ■''I
" unuTtcBnii iW
ll»'<'urTiri«tridu' 2"
Kp.l-biMkfa SmulpiiMT 21'
Kixl-bfllivil W«odiM-<k»'i 61
Rod-hreantptl Nuthatch ""
l<«<d-eyfd Vir«H> ^
RKdhnad Duck {j
Ht><l-hnad<>d WimmIim i kt-r '1
»«Ml-leKK*'d Black Diuk !«
Red Phalarope W
RiK)|>flll. Common •"
" Greater 61
" rirflcnUnd «1
" Hoary 81
" Hoih«iir» 61
Ri'iUhnnk ^
Rpd-thoiildprpd Hawk 4f
Rpdntart, Ami-riran "6
R*d-tailed Hawk 40
" throated Ijoon °
' win(Cpd Blackbird f*
RrenluH
" calendula
" latrapa
Rirhardson'i Owl
Ritm-hillMl r.iill
" nocked Ducl^ 1*^
" Plorer •\«
Riparia ^^
" ripari*
Rissa
" tridartyU
River Pucks. The
Robin. American
Roue-breasted Orosbeak ^J>
Rnugh-winued S« allow •>**
Ruby-orowned Kinglet 80
"" throated Humming bird '>3
Ruddy Duck W
Ruff '"
Rustv Blackbird 59
" ■ Grackle 59
S.
Sanderlint: 29
Sandhill Crane 24
Sandpiper. Baird's '-'9
•' Bartramian 31
" Buff-breasted 31
'• Least 29
" Pectoral 28
Purple 28
" Red-backed 29
Siii.i piper,
79 80 79 4.') 1'
10 10
15 81
Scuii-palniated '-")
Solitary **
Hputtvd M
Stilt 28
NVhite-rumpvd 2»
The
46 S4
54
Sumlpipen,
Map»uck«r
Suvunna Sparrow Saw -whet Owl ....
Suyurint
" phii'i •
Saxicolu
wnaiithe 854
.■scarlet Tanjjter Wi
Screech Owl 46
Scoliipucidu' 2G
Scoter. American 19
•• Blwk 19
•• Surf 19
Wbite-winijed 19
Scotiaptex 46
" nebuloaa 46
Seiurus 74
" aurocanillluB 74
motaciila 74
" noveborucensis 74
Semi-nalmated PloTer 3^1
SetoprwiJa "6
•' ruticilla 70
Shurp-ahinm.Hl Hawk 40
tailed Finch, Acadian <i!i
Grouse 36
Shore birds, The "-0
Shore Lark -jC
Short-billed Marsh Wren 78
" eared Owl 44
Shoveller Duck 16
Shrike. Migrant 69
" Northern •i9
Shrikes. The 68
Sialia sialis 82
Siskin. Pine 61
Sitta 79
" canadensis <9
" carolinensis 79
Sittidw 79
Snipes. The 2fi
Snipe. Wilson's 27
Snow bird 61
Snow. Bunting 61
" Goose. Greater 19
Snowy Heron 2.1
" ■ Owl 47
" Plover 3.1
Solitarv Sandpiper 30
" Vireo 70
102
INDEX.
PAOK.
Somateria j^g
" dresseri 19
spectabilia I'j
Song birds 55
Sparrows 54
Sparrow Chipping ''.''' 64
■' Clay-colored 64
" Field 84
;■ Fox ::::::::;:;:: ^
drassliopper 62
" Henslow's 62
" House 60
" Lark 63
" Leconte'a C2
" Lincoln's 64
" Nelson's 62
" Savanna 62
SonK 64
Swamp 60
Tree 64
!^««per 62
White-crowned 63
_ " " throated ['. 63
Sparrows, The 59
Spatula 16
" clypeata 16
Sphyrapicns varius 50
Spinus 61
." pinus [[[ 61
Spira. americana 66
Spixolla 64
" r:?nticola 64
" pallida 64
" pusilla 64
" sorialis 64
Spotted Sandpiper 31 |
Spruce Partridge 3o
Squatarola 32
" squatarola 32
Steganopodes 13
Steganopus 2C'
" tricolor 2fl
Stelgidopteryx 68
" serripcnnis 68
Stercorariidip 10
Stercorarius 10
" parasiticus 10
" pomarinus 10
Sterna 12
" antillarum 12
" caspia 12
" fosteri 12
" hirundo 12
" 8. acufluvidiv 12 ,
Sterntinnp 12 1
Stint 29 i
I'ACK.
Striges 43
Strigidie 4.j
**"•« '..'.'.'.'.'..''.'. 43
" pratiiicolu 4;}
Sturnella 53
" magna '.'-'.'.''.'.'.'. 58
m. neglocta 59
Sula 13
" bassana 13
Sulidir 13
Summer Tanager 66
Surf Scoter 19
Surnia 47
u. caparoch 4"
Swainson's Hawk 41
Swallow, Bank 67
" Barn 67
" Cliff .;;.::; e?
" Rough-winged 68
" tailed Kite 39
;; Tree 67
white-breasted 67
Swallows. The 66
Swamp Sparrow 65
Swan Trumpeter 21
" Whistling 21
Swans, The 14. 2I
Swifts 5i[ .52
Swift. Chimney ' p^
Svmphemia 30
" semipalmata !V)
Syrnium 4.5;
" varium 4.';
T.
Tanaeer. Scarlet 66
" Summer 66
Tanaeers. The 66
T.Tnaeridrr 66
Teal, Blue-winged 16
" Green-winged 16
Telmatodytes 78
" palustris 78
Tennessee Warbler 71
Tern. Black 12
Cahofs '...[[' 12
" Caspian 12
" Comon 12
" Forster's .. 12
" Least 12
Terns. The 12
Tetraonidfp .34
Thrasher, Brown 77
The 76
Thrush. Brown 77
" Oolden-crown'^d 71
jV'-:
IXKKX.
ln:i
a!
%
I'AOE.
Thrush, Gruy-cheeked 81
Hermit 81
Olive-backed 81
Water . 74
•' Wilson's HI)
Wood Sii
Thryomanes "i"
■' bcwickii ''
Thryothorus 77
ludovicianus 7"
Tits, The 78. 79
Totanus 30
flavipes 30
" mclanuleucus 'iO
Totlipalmati' Swimmers 13
Towhee 65
Toxostonui 77
" rufum 77
Traill's Flycatcher So
Tree Sparrow 64
'• Swallow 67
TrinRa S,^
" canutus 28
Trochilid.T SS
Trochilus 53
" colubris 53
Troclodytes 77
" acdon 77
Troglodytidic 76
Trumpeter Swan 21
Tryngites 31
" suhruficollis 31
Tnrdidio 80
Turkevs, The 36
Turkey, Vulture 38
" Wild 36
Turnstone 33
Turnstones. The 33
Tympanuchus 3-)
" americanus 35
Tyrannidic 54
Tyrannus 54
" tyrannus 54
Tyrant Flycatchers 54
U.
I'pland Plover 31
Uria 0
" Inmvia 0
V.
Vesper Sparrow 62
Vireo 63
" Blue-he.nded 70
V.Mii:.
Vireo, Huvitrons 70
" gilvus 70
" Movelioriicensis 7H
" olivaceus 6!'
■ Philadelphia 70
■' philadi-lphicus 7!)
" Red-eyed 6i
" solitarins 70
" solitary 70
" warblinc 70
" white-eyed 70
" yellow-throated 70
Virginia Rail 2)
Vulture Turkey 38
Viiltures, American 38
W.
Wnrbler. Rav-hreasted 73
Black and White 71
" Blackhurnian 7-1
" Blackpoll 73
Black-throated Blue 72
" Black-throated Green 73
" Canadian 76
Cape May 72
" CVrulean 73
Chestnut-sided 73
" Connecticut 7"
•' Oolden-winged 71
" Hooded 7.'>
" Kentucky 7-"
" Kirtlflnd's 74
" Magnolia 73
" Maryland 75
" Mourning 75
Mvrtle 73
Nashville 71
" Orange-crowned 71
Palm 74
Parula 71
Pine 74
" Prairie 74
" Prothonotary 71
" Tennessee .". 71
" Wilson's 75
Yellow 72
" Vellow-rumped 73
Warblers. The 70
Warbling Vireo 70
Water Thrush 74
" " Louisiana 7'
Wavey 13
Waxwing. Bohemian 68
Cedar 68
Waxwing. The 68
B
KM
IXDKX.
PACK.
U'hoatoar 82
Whip-poor Will 52
Whistlor Durk 18
Whistlinc Swan 21
White-broasted Xuthatdi 79
" " Swallow 67
" rrownprl Sparrow 63
" pyed Vireo 70
" fronted Goose 20
" Oyrfaloon 42
" Pelican 14
" rumped Sandpiper 28
•' throated Sparrow dS
" wintied Crossbill 60
_" " Scoter 19
Whooping Crane 24
Wild Turkev 36
wiiict ; :,.;:: 30
Willow Ptarmigan 35
Wilsonia 70
" canadensis 76
" mitrata 75
^ " pusilla 75
Wilson's Phaiarope 26
" Snipe 27
" Thrush 80
" Warbler 75
Winter Wren 77
Woodcock 27
Wood Duck 17
Woodpecker, Am. three-toed 50
" Arctic 49
" Downy 49
" Golden-winged 51
" Hairy 49
" "ileated 50
" Red-bellied 51
" Red-headed 51
Yellow-bellied 50
Woodpeckers. The 48
P.\OE.
Wood Pewce 55
" Thrush 80
" Warblers 70
Wren, Bewick's 77
" Carolina 77
" House 77
■' Long-billed Marsh 78
" Short-billed Marsh 78
" Winter 77
Wrens. The 76. 77
Xanthocephalus 58
" xanthocephalus 58
Vcllow-licilitHl Woodpecker 50
" Flycatcher 48
" billed Cuckoo 48
" breasted Chat 75
crowned Night Heron 23
" headed Blackbird 58
legs 30
" ■■ Greali r Jo
Kail 25
throated Vireo 70
Warbler 72
Z.
Zamelodia 65
liiiloviciana 65
Zenaidura 37
" macroura .'17
Zonotrichia 63
" albicollis 63
" leucophrys 6:1
Tt-:^:
INDKX.
105
3.1
80 70
77 77 77 78 78 77
58 58
48 48 7o 23 W 3IJ
ao
25 70 72
SECTION IV. MAMMALS.
A.
Alces 29
" amoriranus 29
American Beaver 24
Otter .30
I'anthor .32
Ileindeer 29
Arrtomys 24
" niorwix 24
Rats, Bat.
B.
Thf 27
Brown 27
Dtiskv 27
" Ho.iry 28
Little Brown 27
" Red 28
" Silver Black 27
Bears, The 29
Bear. Black 29
29
29
24
29
Brown
" Cinnamon . Beaver. .Vmerican
Black Bear
" Sfpiirrel
Blarina 26
" brcvicanda 26
Brewer's Mole 26
Brown Bat 27
" Little 27
" Bear 2'f
" Rat 21
Canada F.ynx 32
Canida' .31
Canis 31
" nubilus 31
Caribou, Woodland 29
Carnivora 29
Castoridfp 24
Castor 24
" canadensis 24
Cats. The 32
Cat, Wild |
I'.VCK. |
Ccrvida> |
•'8 |
Cervus |
28 |
" can.'idensis |
28 |
Chipmunk |
24 |
24 |
|
Chiroptera |
.)- |
Cinnamon Bear |
29 |
Common Flvin^ Squirrel |
25 |
" Hotise Mouse *' Haccof)n |
24 20 |
Skunk Cnndvlnni |
.30 |
" cristnta |
06 |
Cottiin-tail |
19 |
Couear |
.32 |
D.
Di'j'r Mouse •>.!
•' Red 28
The 28
" Vircinia 28
Dipodidie 21
DoL's. The 31
T)uskv Bat 27
V.
Kik 28
" True 29
Krethizon 20
'" dursalis 20
Krethizontidre 20
Ermine 31
Fnt.'imias 21
" quadrivittatus 24
Evotomys '. 23
" gapperi 23
Kelid.-e .32
Felis .32
" concolor .32
Fen- 29
Fib«'r zibethicus 21
KXi
INDK.X.
T ' t:-.'; i f
PAOK.
Fip](l Vole '.'•-'
I'isher 30
Klrsh eaters 2!'
l-'Ivirifi Si|iiirrcl. Cointiioi I'A
Northern 2.-
Fox :ii
" Red 3!
G
(Hires 1!'
(Jlossary (Sec. It IOC
(Jnaners. The 10
Cray Rahhit V>
" Squirrel -•"
r.rnnndho..' 21
(Ironnd Sijiiirro' "'
Oulo 30
hwn< ."^n
H.
Hairv-tniled ^folo 2fi
Hares. The 10
Hare, Varvinc 20
" White 10
" Wood 10
Hoary Bat 28
House Mon«e 24
I.
Tnsort. oflters. The 25
Tnseetivora 2'
J
Jumping Mouse 21
L
Lasionyct^ris 27
" noctiTagar<< 27
Lasiuru^ -^
" borealis 28
" cinereua 28
Lemmini; Mouse 21
LeporidiP 19
Lepus 10
" american 20
ti •"■.lliinis 10
Little Brown Bat 27
Lutra 30
" canadensis 30
Lutreok 30
visnii 30
I'AGi:
Lynx 32
'' canadensis 82
■■ ('iiHii.lii , .'t;
" rufus 32
M.
Mammalia 19
Mammals. The 19
" The hoofed 28
Marten. Pine 30
Masked Shrew 26
Mephitis 30
Mephitica 30
Mice, The 21
Microtus 21
" pinetorum 21
" pennsvlvanicus 22
Mink 30
Mule HrevviT^ 26
" Hairy-tailed L()
■' Shrow 26
Star-nosed 26
Moles, The 26
Moose 20
Mountain Chiprntink -0
Mouse. Deer 23
" House 2t
'' .Tnmpinc 21
" Lemming 21
" Meadow 22
" Pine 21
" White-footed 23
MuridiP 21
Mus 24
" decumanus 24
" mnscnlus 24
Afuskrat 21
Mustela 30
" americana 30
" pennantii 30
Mustelida; 29
Myotis 27
" luv-ifugus 27
" subulatus 27
N.
N'orthern FIving Squirrel 25
Norway Rat 24
0.
Odopoilus 28
" americanus 28
Otter. American 30
:m)K\.
In7
PACK. P.
I'anther, Antprican 32
Parascalops 26
brewpri 26
Pt'kan ;jO
Poromysrus 2.'<
" leucopus -JM
Phonaromys . '2'A
" latimAnus 23
Pino Martin 30
" Mouse 21
Porrupine. Canada 20
Prooyon 29
" lotor 29
ProoyomidiB 29
Putorins 31
'' oidnoni 31
■' novolxiracpnsis 31
R.
Rabbit. Gray 19
Rarpoon, Common 29
Rangifer 29
■' c'lriliiu! 20
Rat. Brown 24
" >ti";k 21
" \ornay 24
Rpfl-linckpd VoIp 23
Rp;l Rat »8
" Dppr 08
Fox .31
" Squirrel 25
Rpindppr. Ameripan 29
Podents If)
S.
Sabk> \ 30
SoiurcintiTiis 2.")
" sabrinus 2.')
" yolans 2.5
Soiurus 25
" parolinpnsis 2-')
" hndsonicus 2.')
f^rinrid.T 2>1
Shrew, Masked -Jfi
" MoIp 26
" S,.otv 9f,
Shrews. The 2.5
Silver black Bat 27
Skunk. Common .30
Small Brown Weasel 31
Sooty Shrew 26
.Sori'x
flllill'lls
pcl'soliiltlls
Soririda;
Squirrel, Black
Klyiii!; (Vnimion
Ni>rthern
" Gray
" (iround
Red
S<niirrp|s, The
Star-nosed Mole
>itl>llt
Sy na ptoiiiys
" cooperi
Talpidw
Tamiaa
" striatU8
Timber Wolf
Trill. Elk
AG I
2»;
2.5 24 2.5 24 2ti 31 21 21
26 24 21 31 29
I'nuulata Trsidse .. Ursus ....
2H
29
-20
americanus 20
Ve.spprtilio 27
" fuscus 27
Vespertilionida' 27
Virginia Deer 2H
Volf, Field ■J2
" Red-baeked 22
X'lilpcs pcniisylvjinicus 31
w.
Wapiti -28
Weasel, small brown 31
Weasels. The 29
White-footed Mouse 23
Wild Cat 32
Wolf 31
Wilverene .30
Woodchuck 21
Woodland Caribou 29
/apus 21
" hudsonius 21