BIOLOGY J-1BRARY G Frontispiece. Painted Bunting. FIELD ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Gbarles 3, C. J. MAYNAKD WEST NEWTON MASS. COPYBIGHT BY CHA11LE8 J. MAYNARD 1916 DEDICATED TO ALL WHO LOVE TO STUDY LIVING BIRDS 377900 VALEDICTORY This book, begun six years ago, has greatly exceeded in number of pages the original intentions of the author, but this will not, he trust, prove disadvantageous to the reader. As the title indicates, all the birds, excepting perhaps a few very recently described forms, which occur between the North Pole and the Gulf of Mexico, east of the Mississippi River, are given. As the natural geographical western avifaunal boundaries are the Great Plains, most of the species which occur east of them are herein included. In its scope as an exponent of field characters it may be regarded as a com- panion to my Directory to the Birds of Eastern North America. C. J. M. West Xewton. April, 1916. PREFACE. Among the many books written on birds it will be difficult to find one which deals wholly with these 'beautiful and interesting creatures as they are seen in the field. Pro- fessional ornithologists must, of course, study external and internal characters of birds from the specimens themselves in the hand, but to- day there is another class of ornithologists, who by far outnumber the professional, and who want to know living birds as they ap- pear among the foliage of woodlands and shrubbery, on the shore, or upon the waters of lake, pond, and river, or upon the wide ocean. This class want a book that shall teach them how they can identify these birds as they perch, or fly, or swim. It is evident that such a book, in order to fulfill its mis- sion, should be written by one who has had a wide experience with living birds. 4 mEFACE. While he who now undertakes this work does not claim that he knows living birds as well as he could wish, he has had a wide field experience with them ; an experience extend- ing over half a century, for forty years of which he has been a teacher in bird study. The author's plan for this book is, to give only such points in form, flight, habits, and color which can readily be seen with an ordinary bird glass, which will serve to iden- tify the species observed, rigidly excluding all others. In short, points that he has been teaching his pupils to see when they have been with him in the field. It goes without say- ing, that those most conclusive means of iden- tification, the songs or other sounds uttered by birds will not be omitted. Breeding hab- its nests and eggs and the young will also be noticed. The figures beneath the cuts indi- cate the comparative size ; if there is none, the cut is life size. In concluding the author wishes to give credit for the idea from which this book orig- PREFACE. 3 inated to his life-long friend, Mr. T. 0. Ful- ler of Needham, and for the encouragement to begin its publication now to many other members of his bird classes, c. J. M., WEST NEWTON, NOV., 1909. WATER BIRDS. 5 WATER BIRDS. By these we mean those birds which live on or near water, both salt and fresh, and which obtain their subsistence from it. They are of diverse forms and habits as will be seen as we proceed. They also belong to widely different groups. While none are giv- en under this head which live away from wa- ter, some which do occur about it are exclud- ed in order not to break up natural group- ings. Examples of these may be found in the Kingfishers, Ospreys, Phalaropes, Coots, and Gallinules. Most of the species included in this section swim well, but exceptions to this rule may be found in the Frigate Birds which would be as helpless as swallows if they found themselves in the water. Partial ex- ceptions are seen in the Terns, but these will be mentioned later. Most of the young are covered with down when hatched, see plate I for an example. O GREBES. GREBES. Are birds which are seen upon both salt and fresh water, which when suddenly f right* ened dive instantaneously and rarely fly. They may be distinguished from most Ducks by the short form, absence of tail, shown in the rounded rump, more slender neck, and pointed bill. This last named can be seen by close observation almost as far as the bird can be distinguished. From Coots, which they somewhat resemble, they may be known by the light colors beneath; Coots are dark all over. Grebes ride lightly upon the water and carry their heads well over their backs, see figs. 1 and 3, thus differing from Loons which swim low and carry their heads forward. If approached slowly, Greb'es sink gradually, sometimes leaving the head and neck ex- posed. But when suddenly alarmed, they dive like a flash, and if much frightened, will not reappear for a long time, or will only put their bills out of water in order to breath. GREBES. 7 Occasionally when startled they patter along the water, using wings and feet. This move- ment sometimes ends in flight or a dive. On account of their rather singular behavior, these interesting birds are popularly called Water Witches, and more objectionably, Dev- il Divers and Hell Divers. The flight is swift and direct, with neck and feet outstretched. They never dive from the air, nor do they ever voluntarily appear on land, and cannot rise in flight from it, al- though they can walk and even run. Their cries, which are usually heard in spring, are weird, hollow, and quavering. The nests, which are placed among reeds on inland bodies of water, are usually float- ing. Eggs, 6 to 8, greenish, covered with a chalky incrustation which is usually much stained. Young, active when hatched, and follow their parents. They are streaked with whitish and dark brown. Although some species of Grebes are gre- garious in habit, all at times, occur singly. The males are larger than the females. 8 GREBES. 1. HOLBOELL GREBE Our largest species, 18 to 20. The bill is large, fig. 2, hence the head looks large, and when the bird is alarmed is carried well up, thus straightening the neck, fig 1. The Fig. 1. Holboell Grebe. 1-14. dark back is relieved by the whitish under parts, but the neck shows grayish in front. Fig. 2. Bill of Holboell Grebe. GREBES. 9 The cheeks and sides of head below the eyes are decidedly gray, but there is a lighter spot on either side of the back part of the head, yet this cannot be seen at any great distance. The bird must also be fairly near to see that the bill is partly yellow and that it is about as long as the head. There is a white patch on the wing that may sometimes be seen when the bird is swimming and always as it rises upright on the water to flap its wings, or flies, see fig. 1. In spring the neck shows some reddish. Not uncommon on salt water and occasionally on fresh, either singly or in small companies, from Oct. 15 to May 15 from Me. to N. J. Breeds in the Arctic. 2. HORNED GREBE. Much smaller than the Holboell, 12 to 15. Carries the head low and even when alarmed does not straighten the neck wholly, fig. 3. Is much more silvery white on breast, neck in front, and on entire cheeks below eye, extending so far on back of head as to nearly form a collar there. The bill is shorter than 10 GKEBES. the head, see fig. 4, and darker than that of the Holboell; the bird must be near, howev- er, in order to see this, yet I have known this species to be so tame that even the red Fig. 3. Fig 4. Homed Grebe. 1-14 Bill of Horned Grebe. eye could be seen. There is a white patch on the wing much as in the larger species. In diving the Horned Grebe quite often springs out of water. It occurs in large num- bers on salt water along the coast, and in bays and estuaries, seldom singly, usually in small companies, but not infrequently in flocks of twenty or more, and is sometimes seen on fresh water. It is by far our most common species, being quite abundant during the fall GREBES. 11 migration in October and early November. Some remain as far north as Mass., but the majority pass the cold season between south- ern N. E. and Fla. Horned Grebe in summer. 1-2. In May this species assumes the elonga- ted feathers of the head which gives it the name of Horned Grebe, see fig. 5. The head is then black above and below, with a broad line of chestnut on its side which passes through eye. The neck is also chestnut in front and this color extends down on the sides of body. These colors can easily be seen at some distance. Breeds chiefly north of U. S. 12 GREBES. In studying the two foregoing species of Grebes, experience will teach that while one may mistake a Horned for a Holboell, one rarely, if ever, mistakes a Holboell for a Horned. 3- PIED-BILLED GREBE. About the size of the Horned Grebe, but this is our only species that has the head and neck all around decidedly reddish brown in Fig. 6. Pied-billed Grebe in winter. 1-4. autumn and winter, and this color extends along the sides. The throat and under parts are silvery white, see fig. 6. The bill is thick and large, about the size and form of that of a domestic hen. It is brown in winter, but becomes whitish in summer with a black band (4KEBES. 13 crossing the middle which can easily be seen at some distance, see fig. 7, and which gives it the name of Pied-billed Grebe. It is also called Dabchick. The throat is then black. Fig. 7. Fig 8. Pied-billed Grebe in summer; bird 1-15. The young when fully grown retain the stripings on the head, see fig. 9, but the neck is reddish brown much as in the adult. The Pied-billed Grebe may be found on al- most any fresh water stream or pond, if a lit- tle remote from habitations and contain aquatic vegetation into which the bird may retreat when alarmed. It is very rarely found on salt water. It is very common, especial- ly in Sep. and Oct. in northern U. S. It win- ters from the Carolinas, south ward, and breeds from Fla.? northward into Canada. Migra- 14 GREBES. tion in spring takes place in April upon the breaking up of the ice. For the differences between the Pied-billed Grebe and the Rud- dy Duck, see that species. Fig. 9. Head of your % Pied-billed Grebe taken Aug. 27. LOONS. 15 LOONS. Occur on both fresh and salt water in summer, but are more common on the latter named in winter. They may be distinguished from ducks by the pointed bill, long form, and habit of sitting low on the water. This last mentioned habit, their method of carry- ing their head in advance of the body, not oft- en over it, see fig. 10, and the presence of a tail, which although short, can easily be seen, Fig. 20. Loon. 1-10. will at once distinguish them from Grebes. Loons dive instantaneously when much alarmed, and can rarely be made to fly. They slip under water with the utmost ease, leav- 16 LOONS. ing hardly a ripple behind, and occasionally may be seen with the head and neck only above the surface. The flight is swift and direct. The wings are saber-shaped and look small for the large body; but they amply serve their purpose, and a great Loon dashing through the air with the velocity of a hundred miles an hour is a fine example of gravity largely overcome by speed. The feet and neck are outstretched in flight, fig. 11. They cannot rise into air excepting from water, and then are obliged to flutter along the surface for some distance before they can start. In calm water they may often be seen paddling along the surface by using both feet and wings, "steamboating" as it is called. They do this sometimes in chasing one another, apparently in sport. Although the nests are placed on land, they are never far from water, as the birds cannot walk on land, but are obliged to drag themselves along by using wings and feet. Eggs, 2, dark greenish brown heavily spotted LOONS. * 17 with black. The young are active when hatched and covered with down, dark-brown above and whitish beneath. They dive well when quite small, but when very young are frequently carried about on the backs of their parents. Both sexes are similar. 4. LOON. Our largest species, 32. Easily recog- nized in summer by the blackhead and neck. There are white markings on the neck as giv- en ill the figure on page 15, which, Lor/ever, cannot be discerned any great distance, but the white spots on the black back are more easily seen. These are nearly square in form, and are arranged in pairs at the extremity of each feather or near it, fig 12. The bird is white beneath, which may be best seen as it rises to flap its wings or turns partly over when preening itself. In winter, when the head and neck are dusky above and white be- neath, it may be known from the Red-throat- ed Loon by the superior size and absence of 18 LOONS. spots above, fig. 11. The bill is proportion- ately heavier and the head looks larger. The neck and back also look darker, and the dusk- iness extends down on the sides of the head. Fig. 12. Feather from back of Loon in somewhat worn summer dress. The weird cries of the Loon are given throughout the year, but are more varied in summer. At night a single wailing note, like "Where" is uttered; to this sometimes added another note, "are". At early dawn a shorter sound is heard, terminating these, and given with a rising inflection; all togeth- er then become, "Where are you?" The alarm note, night or day, is, a Wa-ou-ou-ar", given nearly as one continuous cry; the flight LOONS. 19 utterance, heard frequently in summer, is, "Go-o-o-along\ Besides these cries, all of which are given in a minor tone, Loons con- verse when together by emitting low sounds. They may be often attracted toward the shore by waving anything white, like a handker- chief, and will usually answer a good mimic- ry of their cries. Fig. 11. Loon in winter dress. 1-8. Common in winter on salt water along the coast from Me. to the Carolinas. Rare in Fla. Breeds from northern U. S. northward on the borders of lakes and ponds. Occasion- ally found on fresh water during the autum- 20 nal migrations in Sep. and Oct. Returns north in April. Fig. 13. Red- thro a ted Loon in winter dress, '"steamboating". 1-6. 5. RED-THROATED LOON Smallest of our Loons, 26. Differs from the Loon in being decidedly lighter in color, especially on head and neck. In summer it has triangular red patch on the throat, and this is sometimes (though rarely) retained in autumn. In winter the white of the throat extends up on the sides of the head to the LOONS. 21 eye and a little higher behind it, fig. 13. The back is always marked with white spots ar- ranged in pairs much as in the Loon, but they are long, narrow, and placed obliquely with the vein of the feather, fig 14. In com- paring this Loon with the Holboell Grebe, Fig. 14. Back feather of Red-throated Loon in winter dress. it is well to remember that while the Grebe at first usually springs upward in diving, the Loon simply slips under water. This species is less suspicious than the Loon, and sometimes comes quite near shore. Two or three years ago, when the harbor off Winthrop, Massachusetts, was filled with them, some came so near the sea wall, the tide being high, that they could be seen un- der water as they dove in pursuit of fish, and 22 LOONS. their method of using their wings as propel- ling agents could also be seen, fig. 15. Fig. 15. Red-throated Loon flying under water The cries of the Red-throated Loon are not dissimilar to those of the Loon. It breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, chiefly along the coast; wintering from Mass. southward, when it is found off the coast, in bays, sounds, etc. Occasionally occurs on fresh water. Very common in New England in Nov. Migrates south in Sep. and Oct. ; north in April. - Common names for it are, Cape Race and Scape-grace. LOONS. 23 6. BLACK-THROATED LOON. Intermediate in size between the Loon and the Red-throated Loon, about 28. Head and neck above, grayish, but the throat and neck below are black, with longitudinal white lines down the neck between it and the gray. The back is black with small ovate spots of white. The young have the neck grayish in front and the back unspotted, but with each feather broadly margined with bluish white, giving the back a scaly appearence. Breeds in the Arctic regions ; south in winter to ex- treme northern United States only, where it is exceedingly rare. While there does not appear to be any authentic record of this un- common species having been seen in the Unit- ed States, it may be well to watch for it, es- pecially on the coast, as it could be easily ov- erlooked. 24 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. A group of birds with bills of varying forms, but all agreeing in having rather short bodies and necks, and by these characters may be distinguished from all other water birds. They all occur on the ocean and all swim and dive well. They sit upright when on land, fig. 14; some walk well, others move with a waddling gait. The wings are short. Fig. 16. Razor-billed Auk in summer dress. 1-8. but the flight is swift and direct, with very rapid wing-beats. The birds move with a AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 25 swaying motion when flying — thus differing from other water birds — and can wheel read- ily in air. The horny outer covering of the bill is moulted in some of the species, hence the bill is of a different form in winter than in summer. All assume a special winter plu- mage. They nest in cavities on cliffs or rocky islands, but some species often excavate holes for themselves. The young are hatched covered with down, but are comparatively helpless and are fed by regurgitation. 7. RAZOR-BILLED AUK. Size about that of the Ruddy Duck, 16 ; like that species it often holds its tail up when swimming. The Razor-bill? however, has a much shorter neck than that of any duck, while its singular bill will always serve to distinguish it when adult, fig. 16. This, and its manner of carrying its tail, are the only characters by which it may be known from the Murres when at any distance, for like it they also are black above and white beneath, 26 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. with the head all around black in summer, and with the throat white in winter, fig. 17. The Razor-bill also has a white wing band. Fig. 17. Razor-billed Auk in winter dress. 1-8. In regard to the habit of cocking up its tail, it will be well to remember that the Rud- dy Duck, which usually carries its tail in the same way, does not always do so in windy weather, and the Auk may follow its example. Unless the tail is always carried upright the young Razor-bills the first winter will be dif- ficult to tell from Brunnich Murres as then the bill is comparatively slender, nearly as much so as in the Murre. AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 27 In common with the Murres, these birds are apt to sit in long lines side by side on the water, and they often fly in small flocks also side by side. Although usually silent, their cries when given are loud and harsh. Razor-bills are found off the coast in win- ter, generally not far from land, sometimes so near that they may be seen from exposed sea coasts. Breeds from Grand Menan north- ward, nesting in rock cavities. Eggs, one or two, white, heavily spotted and blotched with dark brown. Winters from Mass, to N. J.; migrating north in early March. Very com- mon, but not so often seen from land. 8. MURRE. About the same size and form as the Ra- zor-bill, but it may be known by the long, pointed bill, fig. 18. If near enough when in in summer dress, the absence of the white line in front of the eye, seen in the Razor- bill may be noted. The head is soot-brown, 28 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. all around in summer, but in winter, when the throat is white, the head is quite black. Also differs from the Razor-bill when on the Fig. 18. Bill of Murre. water in not cocking up its tail. In common with the two following species it breeds on the shelves of rocky cliffs from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward. One egg only is laid. This is very large for the size of the bird, pyriform, varying in color from white to a bright blue-green, thickly spotted and lined with black. All three species when an- noyed utter a murmuring note like uMur-r~r^ AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 29 often repeated. They are all gentle, friend- ly, and unsuspicious. It is possible to ap- proach within a few yards of them at any time, and when sitting on their eggs will al- low themselves to be handled without show- ing much fear. Fig. 19. Murre in winter dress. 1-6. All of the species migrate southward in Nov. and northward in Feb. and early March. The Murre winters from northern N. E. northward off the coast. Although there does not appear to be any specimens in col- lections which have been taken as far south as Mass., it may occur here. 30 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 9. RINGED MURRE. Differs from the Murre in having a white ring around the eye and a line extend- ing back of it along the sides of the head, fig. 20. The range is the same as that of the Murre. Not very common. Fig. 20. Ringed Murre in summer dress. 1-2. 10. BRUNNICH MURRE. Differs from the Murre in having the bill shorter and thicker, with the edge of the up- per mandible swollen on the basal half and yellow in color. This may be seen at some AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 31 distance, fig. 21. For comparison with the Razor-billed Auk see that species. Some ?. 21. Bill of Brunnich Murre. birds have the throat nearly black in win- ter, but as a rule it is white, fig. 22. The un- der side of the wing is white, and this shows as the bird sways in flight. This is the spe- cies which occurs off the coast of Mass, in winter, and which may often be seen from headlands or even beaches when it is migrat- ing. Sometimes during severe storms it will seek the shelter of salt water estuaries, and is occasionally blown inland. Winters from Mass, to N. J. Summer range like that of the Murre. 32 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 11. BLACK GUILLEMOT. The Guillemots are smaller than the Murres, 13, and differ from them otherwise in being black throughout in summer with a Fig. 22. Brunnich Murre in winter dress. 1-4. large, conspicuous white wing patch, which in the Black Guillemot is wholly, or partly, divided by a black wedge, fig. 23. In win- ter the black above is much mixed with white in irregular mottlings, and the color below is nearly or quite white, fig. 23. The white wing patch, however, is about as con- spicuous as it is in winter. The feet are crim- AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 33 son, showing in flight, or often as the bird dives, for it springs upward before plunging beneath the water. It is rather shy, even on * Fig. 23. Black Guillemot; figure ID front, summer; behind, win- ter, dress. 1-6. its breeding grounds. Although the winter dress shows considerable white, this species ma3r be distinguished from the ducks which show about as much white, like the Buffle- head and Oldsquaw, by the pointed bill and habit of carrying the head well forward when swimming. Guillemots, when at a distance, quite closely resemble floating bottles. The Black Guillemot breeds from the coast of Me. northward, nesting in rock cav- 34 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. ities; eggs 2 to 4, white or greenish, heavily marked with black and .brown. Note, when disturbed, a mournful whistle ; also gives a chuckling cry. Common in winter off the coast, not far from land, from N. E. to N. J. Migrates south in early Oct., north in April. It is often called Sea Pigeon. 12. MANDT GUILLEMOT. Differs from the Black Guillemot in having the white patch on the wing larger, and it is never divided by a black wedge. It breeds from the coast of Labrador, northward. Southward range in winter not well known. 13. DOVEKIE. The smallest of the group, 8, easily rec- ognized by its small size, short neck, and small bill. It looks tiny on the water, upon which it rides buoyantly, fig. 25. Like many of the allied species, the head is black all around in summer, but the throat is white to the bill in winter, and there is a whitish AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 35 collar around the neck, fig. 24. If near, the white tippings to the secondaries and the white stripes on the wings can be seen. The Fig. 24. Dovekie in winter dress. 1.3. wings are moved very rapidly in flight, and when the bird is going directly away or com- ing head on it resembles a winged ball. Al- though sometimes found singly, it more often occurs in flocks, from companies of four or five up to gatherings consisting of hundreds of individuals, but the large flocks are usual- ly seen far out at sea. The Dovekie dives and swims well under water. It is very unsuspicious and friendly. 36 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. If caught it is very gentle, showing no signs of fear, and may be approached quite near when on the water. It breeds in the far north, migrating south in Nov. to winter Fig. 25. Dovekie in winter dress. 1-8. from Mass, to N. J., but usually keeps well out at sea. It is sometimes blown inland du- ring severe storms which occur when it is migrating. Goes north in April. The single, greenish-white, unspotted egg is placed on the shelves of rocky cliffs. It is often called Little Auk, and is known to fishermen by the rather singular name of Pine Knot. 14. PUFFIN. These odd little birds, which are about the size of Teals, 13. are easily distinguished AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 37 by the grayish white cheeks in strong con- trast with the black collar around the neck, large head, much compressed, triangular, red, bill, and short neck. The top of the head and back are black and the under parts are Fig. 26. ' Puffin in summer dress. 1-4. white, fig. 26. The winter adults and young have the bill smaller and dark in color, but it is always triangular in form. The Puffin rides lightly on the water and is very expert in diving. Flight very 38 AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. very swift, with rapid wing beats and with a slight swaying motion. At all times it is very tame, allowing a near approach, and on its breeding grounds is even more fearless. Although peaceable, friendly birds, they resist being handled, and will bite fiercely if removed from their bur- rows, at the same time uttering a croaking sound. The Puffins are the only birds of Fig. 27. Puffin in summer dress. 1-8. this group which stand upright on their toes, without touching the tarsi to the ground, fig. 27. AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS, ETC. 39 The Puffin breeds from the Bay of Fun- day northward, nesting in holes of rocky cliffs or in burrows which it excavetes for itself in the soil on the surface of islands. The sin- gle egg is white, usually much stained, occa- sionally mottled with greenish. Migrates south in Oct. to winter from off the coast of N. E. to N. J. At this season keeps well out to sea. only occasionally approaching very near land. Goes north in April. Common. It is often called Sea Parrot and Paroquet. 15. LARGE-BILLED PUFFIN. Not to be distinguished at any distance from the Puffin, the only difference being the slightly larger size and proportionately larg- er bill. Breeds in the Arctic regions; south- ward range in winter not well known. 16. TUFTED PUFFIN. Differs from the Puffin in being sooty gray beneath, instead of white, in all stages of plumage. In the breeding season the sides 40 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. Audubon Shearwater two days old. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 41 of the head are ornamented by pendant tufts of silky, straw-colored feathers, fig. 28. It Fig. 28. Tufted Puffin. 1-2. breeds on the coasts and islands of the North Pacific ; accidental in the Bay of Funday and Kennebeck Kiver, Me. 17. ANCIENT MURRELET. A small, auk-like bird, 10 inches long, with form and color much like the Dovekie, but with a broad stripe of white on either side of the back of the head. Coasts and is- lands of the North Pacific. Accidental in Wisconsin. 42 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. These are ocean-inhabiting birds of va- rying sizes. The wings are long and narrow. The flight is strong, but the wings are moved rather slowly with a peculiar downward beat. In this group are found some of the strong- est flying birds known. The bill is hooked with the nostrils opening into tubes, figs. 30 and 32, whence the group name. All swim well, and although some species pursue their Fig. 30. Bill of Fulmar. prey beneath the water, none are expert di- vers. When annoyed, some eject an oily flu- id from the mouth, which has a strong, rath- ther disagreeable odor. Food, fishes, squid, TUBE-NOSED SW1MMEKS. 43 and oily refuse cast into the water by fisher- men and whalers. Egg, single, white ; young, downy when hatched, but are at first help, less and fed by regurgitation, fig, 29. ALBATROSSES. Very large birds which live upon the open ocean, remote from continental land. The wings are very long and narrow. The nests are mound-like structures placed on oc- eanic islands. All of the species occur in the Pacific or oceans of the southern hemi- sphere ; accidental elsewhere. 18. YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS. Size, large, 36. Grayish throughout, with the rump and upper tail coverts white. There is a dark spot before the eye and be- hind it. Bill, yellow. Occurs in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. Accidental in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 44 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. FULMARS. Birds of the open ocean, very seldom ap- proaching land in this section. Excepting in the peculiar flight, characteristic of the group, noted on page 42, they closely resem- ble gulls, but the bill is shorter and thicker, fig. 30. Our species have a light and dark phase of plumage. Fig. 31. Fulmar. 1-10. 19. FULMAR. About the size of a Ring-billed Gull, 18. The head, neck, and lower parts are white, with the back pale blue in the light phase, fig. 31, but in the dark phase the bird is sooty brown throughout. Occurs on the North TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 45 Atlantic, breeding on St. Kidda and other Scottish islands that lie far out to sea. South on the American side, in winter, as far as the Georges Banks, where it follows the fishing vessels to pick up the oily matter of fish cleanings cast overboard. Rarely ap- pears in sight of the coast. 20. LESSER FULMAR. Very similar to the Fulmar, but smaller, 16, yet would be difficult to distinguish from it at any great distance. Range and habits about the same. SHEARWATERS. Birds of the open ocean, but which oft- en approach within a few miles of the coast. They are of varying sizes but none are very small. Differ from the Fulmars in having a more slender bill, fig. 32. Graceful, easy-fly- ing species which seldom rise high above the water and often fly in small flocks close to the surface, frequently in lines side by side. 46 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. During boisterous weather they (as well as most other members of the group) fly along Fig. 32. Audubon Shearwater. the hollows of the ever-moving billows, and as they roll under them, the birds cross their crests diagonally. Thus by shearing the wa- ter, they allow the spray, which is driven violently from the wave tops b3T- the fierce ocean winds, to strike on one side of their tu- bular nostrils. They nest on islands, plac- ing the egg in rock cavities, or beneath loose slabs of stone. 21. GREATER SHEARWATER. Rather large, about the size of the Ring- billed Gull, but differs from any gull in hav- TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 47 ing the wings longer and more pointed, and in the smoother, more gliding flight. The color above is sooty brown, but this looks nearly black at a distance. The under parts are white, and this extends up on the sides Fig. 33. Greater Shearwater. 1-d. of the head, witha sharp line of demarkation between it and the black. The under part of the wing is white, with axillaries broadly banded with black. This is easily seen when the bird flies near. The bill is black, but the 48 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. feet are yellowish. The primaries and tail are black and there is a line of white crossing the upper tail coverts, fig, 33. It is very light and easy in flight, turn- ing from side to side with so little effort that it appears to float gracefully in air. Breeds in the Southern Hemisphere, but is very common off our coast from May until Decem- ber. Fig. 34. Cory Shearwater. 1-2. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 49 22. CORY SHEARWATER. Differs from Greater Shearwater in be- ing lighterabove, in fact, rather ashy brown, the bill is yellowish and the ashy marking above extend down on the sides of neck and throat without any sharp line of demarcation between it and the white below, fig. 34. The Cory Shearwater is an irregular vis- itor to our coast, but is common some years. From whence it comes or whither it goes is a mystery, for its breeding place and entire range is unknown. Occurs off the coast of Massachusetts and on Long Island Sound in Sept. and Oct. 23. AUDUBON SHEARWATER. Smaller than the Greater Shearwater, 12, but generally similar in coloration. There is an ashy patch in front of the folded wing, and a dusky space beneath the eye; otherwise the line of demarcation between the sooty brown above and white beneath is sharply defined, fig. 34*. Bill, rather slender and blue- black, fig. 32. 50 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. The downy young are dusky brown above and lighter beneath, fig. 29. The nests are placed in cavities of rocks, beneath loose slabs, in caves, and sometimes in the shelter of creeping vines. The eggs are deposited from March 15th to April loth. Flight, swift and direct in the daytime but more erratic by night, when the birds visit their breeding grounds. Cries, when the birds are annoyed, harsh and discordant; the breeding notes, given on- ly in the night, are mellow and musical. They are uttered in a minor tone when the bird is flying, like^'que-ar-a-var", accented on the second and final sylables, but mainly on the second, with the last prolonged. Excepting when nesting, occurs far out on the open ocean, and even when breeding, is seldom seen within sight of land in the day time, visiting its nest in the night only. Audubon Shearwater is found in the warmer portions of the Atlantic Ocean. Breeds on the TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 51 Bahamas and Bermudas, where it is common. Casual as far north as Long Island; rare on the Bahamas in winter. 24. MANX SHEARWATER. Similar to Audubon Shearwater, but larg- er, 14, and with the black of the head extend- ing somewhat below the eye, fig. 35. Resi- dent on the North Atlantic, but chiefly on the eastern side. Casual off our coast and on the Banks of Newfoundland. 25. SOOTY SHEARWATER. Similar in form and habits to the Great- er Shearwater but sooty brown throughout ( appearing black at a distance ), darkest on the wings and tail; palest beneath^ fig. 35. Oc- curs on the Atlantic Ocean, breeding in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring off our coast rather commonly from South Carolina north- ward from July 1st until September. 52 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. Fig. 34*. ig. 35*. Sooty Shearwater. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 53 26. BLACK-CAPPED PETREL. About the size of the Sooty Shearwater, but the tail is wedge-shaped, not rounded as in that species. The top of the head and upper parts are black with the margins of the feathers paler. There is a large white Fig. 35. Manx Shearwater. 1-8. patch on the rump and basal half of the tail. The sides of the head and neck and the lower parts are pure white. Occurs in the warmer parts of the Atlantic; stragglers have been taken in Florida, Virginia, New York, Ver- mont, and Ontario. 54 PETKELS, SHEARWATEKS, ETC. 27. SCALED PETREL. About the size and form of the black- capped Petrel. Dark bluish ash above with most of the feathers broadly margined with ashy white, giving the bird a scaly appear- ence. White beneath, irregularly and rather finely banded with grayish. Known only from a single specimen which was obtained in a plowed field, Livingston Co., New York, in April, 1880. 28. BULWER PETREL. A small bird, 10 long, with a doubly wedge-shaped tail. Sooty brown through- out, somewhat paler beneath and in a patch on wing. Occurs in Europe, Africa ; occasion- al in Greenland and accidental in Bermuda. 29. STORMY PETREL. The smallest of our Petrals, about 5.50 long. The tail is square. Sooty black throughout, including bill and feet, with a TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 55 white patch of varying size on the under side of the wing. Occurs on the North Atlantic; south to the banks of Newfoundland and west coast of Africa. Bare in summer. 30. LEACH PETREL. 8 long. Sooty black, paler beneath and in a spot on the middle wing which shows dis- tintcly at a distance. Spot on rump white. The bill is quite large, fig 36, and the wholly Bill of Leach Petrel. black feet, when outstretched, do not reach to the tip of the tail, fig. 37. This and the next species fly lightly over the water near the surface with a dancing somewhat erratic, but very graceful movment, occasionally pat- tering on the water with their feet, especially when picking up food. The Leach Petrel occurs on the north Atlantic and north Pacific Oceans, breerlinsr 56 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. on our coast from Maine northward in June, nesting usually in burrows which it digs for itself in the peaty soil of islands, or occasion- ally on the face of earthy or sandy cliffs like Bank Swallows. Common from June until October. Winters south of our limits. Fig. 37. Leach Petrel. 1-3. 31. WILSON PETREL. A little smaller than Leach Petrel, but looks much darker as it is without the light TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 57 patch in the wing. The outstretched feet reach at least as far as the tip of the tail, (fig. 38), and the webs of the toes are nearly yellow. The bill is smaller, fig. 39. Spot on rump white. Occurs on the north and Fig. 38 Wilson Petrel. 1-3. south Atlantic and Southern Oceans. Breeds on Kergulen Island in Feb. Abundant off the eastern coast of the United States from June until Sept. 58 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 32 WHITE BELLIED PETREL. 8.50. Tail emarginate. Black or dusky above and on throat. Belly and under tail coverts white. Intertropical seas, north oc- casionally to the coast of Florida. 33. WHITE-FACED PETKEL. About the size of the White-bellied Pe- trel. Dark above with the upper tail cov- erts ashy. Forhead, line over eye, and low- er parts white. Southern Seas, accidental off the coast of Massachusetts. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. This is a group of easily recognized birds. They are of somewhat varying size but none are very small, while others are quite large. The external characters possessed in common, and which bind the group togeth- er, are, hind toe connected to the anterior toes by a web, fig. 39, and a more or less well TROPIC BIRDS. 59 developed extensible pouch beneath the bill (gular sac), fig. 40, with other minor charac- ters. The young are hatched naked, fig. 41; but are soon covered with down. They are helpless, being at first fed by regurgitation and do not fly until nearly or quite fully grown; they subsist wholly upon fish. The order may be divided into well es- tablished natural groups as follows:- TROPIC BIRDS. These are perhaps the smallest of the Totiplamate Swimmers. In them the gula sac is reduced to the minimum size ; the beak is comparatively small, not hooked at the end but pointed like those of the terns, fig.. 40. In fact, the birds have a very tern- like appearence, but differ from them in having the central tail feathers greatly elon- gated and projecting from beyond the oth- ers, fig. 42. The feet are small, fig. 43. 60 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. The single egg is placed in a cavity of rocky cliffs on ocean islands. It is purplish Fig. 39. Wilson Petrel. brown spotted with darker brown. The downy young are at first wholly white then dark feathers appear on the back. Fig. 40. Bill of White Pelican. The flight is steady and direct with rapid wing-beats, but the birds can turn in air and circle with ease. They procure their prey by diving like terns. Their cries are loud and harsh. Gregarious when breeding, but solitary at other times. Tropical and sub- tropical in distribution. The sexes are sim- lar. TROPIC BIRDS. 61 Fig. 41. Young Gaimet. unfledged. 62 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 34. YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. Body about the size of that of the Laugh- ing Gull, but, including the long central tail feathers, the bird is 29 long. White through- out, well tinged with salmon-pink which be- comes deeper on the elongated central tail feathers. There is a small curved patch of black on either side of the head, two on the back, and one near the tip of either wing. Fig. 39. Fig. 43. Totipalmate foot of Cormorant. Foot of Tropic Bird. 1-2. The young are without the elongated central tail feathers, and are more or less banded with black. The bill and feet are yellow, with most of the toes and webs of the latter black, fis. 43. TROPIC BIRDS. 63 Breeds in the Bermudas, Bahamas, and West Indies in May. Occurs occasionally in Florida, and was once taken in western New York. Fig. 40. Head of Tropic Bird. 1-2. Unless feeding, or about its breeding ground, the Tropic Bird flies high over the water, moving with a direct flight. 64 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. Fig. 41*. Young Cory Garmet, partly fledged. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 65 35. RED-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. Differ from the Yellow-billed in being larger, 34, in having the bill coral red and the elongated tail feathers white. Occurs along the coasts of Tropical America. Breed- ing on the islands in the Gulf of California. Accidental on the Newfoundland Banks. GANNETS These are Ocean Birds of from moderate to large size. They are usually white with, black or brown primaries, or are sometimes wholly brown. There is a naked space in front of the eye, around it, and at the base of the bill, but the gular sac is not very well developed The bill is pointed and the tail is long. The nests are placed on the ground, on rocks or on trees. They are bulky struct- ures, composed of sticks sea-weed, and other coarse material. The eggs are one or two, white, and covered with a chalky incrusta- tion. 66 GAXNETS. The flight is steady and direct with necks outstretched and rapid wing beats, but the birds can turn in air with ease. They procure their prey by diving directly down- ward, often from a considerable height, be- coming completely submerged in the wa- ter. The feet are usually wholly concealed in flight. The birds walk well and perch on trees with ease. Sexes, similar. The young in the down are white. 36. GANNET. A large bird of a peculiar silvery white but becomming buff about the head and neck. The primaries look black and the bill whitish. Fig. 44. The young are dark- brown streaked and spotted with white, fig. 45. Length, 39. The Gannet breeds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in May, migrating south from Sep. to Nov. Some few winter off the coast of New England but more abundantly south of TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. 67 this, going as far as Florida. It returns north in March and April. It feeds quite near land and may be seen off nearly all of the exposed ocean beaches diving and flying about. It differs from all gulls in the downward plunge, often from a Fig. 44. Gannet. 1-9. considerable height, and in the silvery gleam of its plumage. Gulls sometimes dive, but never with such force as does the Gannet, which in its downward rush sends the water 68 GAXNETS. high in the air as it plunges into it. In mi- grating the Gannet moves in irregular, strag- gling lines without system. BLUE-FACED GANNET. Differs from the Gannet in being much smaller, 28, and in having the most of the wings and tail (except the central feathers Fig. 42. Tropic Bird. 1-6. and base which are white) dark-brown. The naked portions of the face are blue. Young, with the head, neck, and upper parts dark- PELICANS. 69 brown; lower parts, white. Breeds from the Bahamas southward in May; wandering to Florida. 38. RED-FACED GANNET. Similar to the last, but with tail whol- ly white; naked space on face; red or yellow- ish. Young, brown throughout; lighter be- neath. Breeds on islands in intertropical seas, wandering to Florida. 39. BOOBY. Large, -30.50; brown throughout, ex- cepting on posterior portion beneath which is white. Young, brown throughout. Trop- ical and intertropical coasts of America; com- mon off east coast of Florida; rare north to Georgia; accidental in Mass. PELICANS. Large water birds, white or brown, with long, flattened, prominently hooked bills, and large 'iin:feathered gular sacs; tail, short. The nests, placed in trees or on the ground. Eggs 70 PELICANS. one or two, similar to those of Gannets. The downy young are grayish. Fig. 45. Brown Pelican. 1-20. Pelicans are rather awkward birds mov- ing on the ground with a wadding gate ; when the the birds are at rest, the bill is held against the breast, fig. 45. Flight, slow and direct, with alternate flapping and sail- ing, the birds often forming lines side by side or fly in V-shaped flocks ; wing beats, slow ; neck, doubled back in flight ; highly gregarious at all times. Incapable of pro- PELICANS. 71 ducing any sound, save a low grunt. Sexes, similar. 40. WHITE PELICAN. Very large, 68. White, large portion of wings black; bill and naked space about face, yellow. There is a central elevation on bill in summer, fig. 40, wrhich is absent in winter. Iris, white in summer, brown in winter. Feet, yellow. The White Pelican fishes by swimming and scooping the small fishes, upon which it subsists, into its gular sac by a side move- ment of the head. The sac is then contract- ed and the water forced out on either side of the bill and the fish swallowred at once. Aft- er feeding, many will rise together to a con- siderable height and circle about for an hour or more on nearly motionless wings, cross- ing and recrossing one another constantly. Rests on isolated sand bars by night and oft- en resorts to them by day. Breeds in the in- terior of North America from Utah north- 72 PELICANS. ward in May; common in Florida and along the Gulf coast in winter ; rare on the Atlan- tic coast of Florida, occasionally straying as far north as Mass. Goes north in April, -south in Sept. 46. BROWN PELICAN. Smaller, 50, grayish above and .black below where there are some Streaks of . Fio; 46 Brown -Pelican. 1-15. ish ; head and stripe on side of neck, white; back of neck, chestnut-brown; bill, whitish; CORMORANTS. 73 naked space about face and gular sac, green- ish; feet, bluish ; iris, white. In winter the back of the neck is white, fig. 46, right, sum- mer, left, winter. Young, grayish above and white beneath. Brown Pelicans move in a straight line side by side often flying parallel with the coast and very near it. ]n fishing, they usu- ally fly at a slight elevation over the water, then by dropping into it with partly spread wings, secure their prey. Breeds in abun- dance on islands in southern Florida, Car- ibbean Sea, and West Indies, wandering reg- ularly to N. C. and accidentally to 111. CORMORANTS. More slender water birds of from mod- erate to large size ; black or brownish ; bill, shorter than head, it is not flattened, but is prominently hooked ; gular sac, small, fig 47 ; wings, rather long ; tail long and round- ed. Nests, placed on rocky cliffs, trees and bushes, composed of sticks, seaweeds, etc; eggs, 2-5; greenish, covered with a Jky 74 CORMORANTS. incrustation. Flight, rapid, direct, often in lines or Vs, but frequently breaking into ir- regular masses; wing-beats, continuous and Fig 47 Double-crested Cormorant. 1-10. rather rapid ; neck, outstretched, fig. 47; oft- en perch on buoys, beacons, rooks, and trees; CORMORANTS. / 9 when sitting the head is held well up slight- ly in advance of the body, the neck in the form of an S, sometimes the wings are wind- ly spread for a considerable time, fig. 48. Cormorants walk quite well and dive with ease, sometimes from the wing, but more often when swimming, and can remain underwater several minutes. In alighting, they will usually pass the object on which they intend to rest, then turn and go back to it. In starting from a perch, will drop nearly to the water, then rise. If suddenly alarmed by a shout or a gun shot when fly- ing low over the water, will often drop into it, diving as soon as they reach it. The cry, seldom given, is a harsh croak. The young are hatched naked with the skin bluish or black and shining as if pol- ished. Sexes similar. There are usually white, filamentous feathers about the head during the breeding season, but these can- not be seen at any great distance. 76 CORMORANTS. 47. CORMORANT. Large, 38, blue black throughout, gray- ish above ; prominent white patch on flanks and upper throat; gular sac, orange; feet black. Young, brown above, very light be- Fig. 48. Double-crested Cormorant. 1-16. neath, but there are no white patches as in the adult. Atlantic coast of N. A., breeding from the Gulf of St Lawrence northward in May ; goes south in Nov, north in April winters from Greenland to N. J. ; common north of the U. S., uncommon in N. E. and south of it. CORMOEANTS. 77 48. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Differs from last in being smaller, 32 in having no white patches any where, and with white filamentous feathers over the eye in spring. Young, not as white beneath. Gula sac, orange ; bill and feet, black, figs. 47-48. Our common species in New Eng. land ; frequent in migration in Sept., Oct. and April, off the coast or crossing headlands. Occasionally seen on fresh waters. Winters from N. E. south through the Gulf States. Breeds from the Bay of Fundy, the Great Lakes, Minn., and Da. northward in May. 49. FLORIDA CORMORANT. Smaller, 30, seldom has white feathers over eye. Resident in South -Atlantic and Gulf States, breeding chiefly in April ; wan- dering occasionally as far north as 111. Very common ; also occurs on the Bahamas. 50. MEXICAN CORMORANT. Small, 26, browner than the others, more slaty on back, white line adjoining gu- 78 ANI1IXGA. la sac, this and naked space about face, brown- ish. Young grayish brown, lighter beneath, sometimes white on throat and under tail coverts. Breeds in Texas. Mexico, and Ba- hamas, wandering along the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi Valley tonorthern 111, Common. ANHINGAS. Large, slender birds which occur on in- land waters ; long necks, small heads, point- ed bills, long, fan-shaped tails, with central feathers corrugated, fig. 49. Flight, steady and direct, wing-beats, rapid, often soar at a considerable height in circles. 51. ANHINGA. Large, 35 ; male, greenish black, spotted and streaked above with gray ; tail, tipped with ashy. In spring there are long, ashy, filamentous feathers on head and neck, fig. 49. Young, more or less whitish on lower neck. Female differs in having lower part of neck and upper breast ashy yellow. Young brownish throughout. Resident in tropical ANHINGA. 79 and sub-tropical America, north in summer to the Carolinas, the mouth of the Ohio and Fig 49. \ Male Anhinga. 1-8. Female, in flight. southern Kansas. Breeds in Fla. in March. Nests of sticks placed in trees ; eggs, five or six, much like those of Cormorants. 80 FRIGATE BIRDS. Common on inland waters where it sits upright on trees which project over the wa- ter. When suddenly alarmed, drops into the water and instantly disappears. Has the pow- er of sinking slowly and swims beneath the surface with ease and swiftness, thus captur- ing the fishes upon which it feeds. Sometimes plunges obliquely into the water when on the wing and can emerge in flight. Often swims with the head and neck projecting above the surface, or even with the bill only in sight. Cry, seldom given, gutteral and harsh. FRIGATE BIRDS. Coast- wise birds of large size and power- ful flight ; bill, longer than head and strong- ly hooked ; head, large and somewhat crest- ed ; gula sac, rather large ; neck, short ; wings and tail long, the latter deeply forked; feet, small and weak, but although the birds perch well on trees, they are incapable of walking and swimming well. Nests and eggs, much as in the Cormorants. Young, naked at first. GULLS. 81 lead-colored, but is soon covered with long, white down. Plight, when the birds are moving from place to place, steady, strong, with slow wing beats, but when in pursuit of other birds, very rapid and exceedingly graceful. Cries, harsh, loud, and resilent. Pood is chiefly procurred by robbing other birds of fishes. Highly gregarious, even breeding in commu- nities. Sexes, not similar. Tropical and sub- tropical. 52. MANO' WARBIKD. Very large. 40; male, black throughout, back, lustrous with green and purple, fig. 50. Female with breast and sides whitish. Young, white beneath. Tropical and sub-tropical coast regions chiefly north of the equator. Breeds as far north as the Bahamas, Fla., and Texas. Accidental in Pa., 0., Kan., Tex., and Nova Scotia. Several together may frequently be seen floating high in air over harbors or islands. 82 LONG-WINGED SWIMMEKS. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Water birds of variable sizes; wings, long; toes, webbed, wholly or in part, fig. 61; col- ors, somewhat variable, but often bluish or slaty above and white beneath. Food, chief- Fig. 50. Man O' War Bird. 1-10. SKUAS AND JAEGERS. Fig. 52. 83 Parasitic Jaeger. 1-5. 84 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. ly fishes, but some species are scavengers and some subsist partly on insects. Occur in all regions of the globe on bodies of salt and fresh water. Sexes, similar. SKUAS AND JAEGERS. Gull-like birds, most species of which procure much of their food by robbing Gulls and Terns. Color, dark above and often be- Fig. 53. Parasitic Jaeger, adult in spring. 1-10' low; tail moderate, slightly rounded with the two central feathers longer and projecting beyond the others, figs 52-58. The flight is swift and the wing beats rapid. Ocean birds, breeding on the coasts of the colder waters of the world. Nests placed on ground; eggs, 2-3, brown spotted with darker. SKUAS AND JAEGERS. 85 [Note:. The Southern Skua. Megalestris antarcticus, which closely resembles our Northern Skua, and which breeds on Kurguelen Island, is said not to rob Gulls and Terns. Is has hawk-like habits and preys upon other birds, especially the young Of species that nest on the island. These hawk-like habits are shared to some extent not only by our Skua, but also by all of our Jaegers, more fre- quently, however, when on their breeding grounds. All members of the group are sometimes scavengers.] 53. SKUA. A little smaller than a Herring Gull, 24. Central tail feathers, project slightly and are very bluntly point- Fig. 54. ed terminally, fig. 54; brown streaked with pale reddish; distinct white spot at base of primari- es. Young, more distinctly streaked. Breeds on the coasts and islands of the North Atlan- tic; not common on our side; casual as far south as S. C. 54. POMARINE JAEGER. Smaller, size of Laughing Gull, 22. Pro- jecting tail feathers longer, but not sharply 86 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. pointed, flgs. 55-56. Two phases of plumage: Light phase; top of head and above dusky, sides of head and below white. Dark phase, Fig- 55. Pomarine Jaeger in autumn. 1-5. uniform dusky and all intergrades occur be- tween the two phases. Young, banded below with buff. Breeds far north. Migrates south from Aug to Oct; winters far south; north in May. 55. PARASITIC JAEGER. Similar, smaller, 20, projecting tail feath- SKUAS AND JAEGEKS. 87 ers pointed,, figs. 52, 53, 57. Breeds far north. South from July to Sept; winters from N. J. southward; north in May and early June. Fig. 56. 56. LONG-TAILED JAEGER. Size of last; central tail feathers great- ly elongated, 8 to 10 inches, fig. 58. General colors paler, espe- cially above. Breeds in the far / ^J^ north; exact winter range un- known. South in Aug.; north in May. Very rare on our coast. Pomarlne Jaeger. 1-2 GULLS. Of varying size. Adults nearly or whol- ly white beneath, sometimes rose tinted; blu- ish or slaty on back and wings — this area is called the mantle. The bill is somewhat Parasitic Jaeger. hooked, fig. 59; tail, short, square, rarely forked or wedge-shaped, fig. 60; feet, large and fitted for walking; toes, fully webbed, fig. 61. Nests, placed on Fig. 52. 88 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. the ground, sometimes in trees, composed of weeds and sticks; eggs, 2-4, brown mottled Fig. 57. Fig.^58. with darker. Food, which consists of fishes, other sea animals, and floating gar- bage, is securred by the birds swooping downward at an angle, and, although when catching living fish, gulls occasionally become submerged, I have never Jaegers 1-2; Parasitic, Lon -tailed. OUC larly. Some eat dead fishes which are cast on shore, and a few feed upon insects. Cries, Fig. 59. Ring-billed Gull. often harsh but sometimes modulated and not unmusical. Immature plumage quite unlike the adult. GULLS. 89 57. IVORY GULL. Medium, 19, Pure white; fig. 62. Young, more or less spotted with dusky. Breeds very Fig. 60. American Herring Gull. 1-8. Young in flight. far north. South regularly to Labrador and Newfoundland; casually to N. B. and Mass. 58, KITTIWAKE GULL. Medium, 17; mantle pale; whitfe below, on tail and head; bill yellow, feet black; five outer quills have the ter- minal portions black, forming a patch the in- Bonaparte Gull. 1-2. ner outline of which goes staright across the wing, fig. 63 and plate 2. Fig. 61. 90 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. In the young this black is more extended, and a line along bend of wing, a patch on hind neck, and tip of tail is black, plate 2. Fig. 62. Ivory Gull. 1-10. The Kittiwake is an ocean loving Gull oc- curring far from land in moderate weather, Fig. 63. Kittiwake Gull, adult. 1-10. but during hard storms often approaches the land and is then sometimes found associating GULLS. 91 with other gulls in bays and sounds. Flight, exceedingly graceful, easy, and tern-like and this distinguishes it from the Herring Gull when seen at a distance. Common cry in the breeding season; Kitti-wake wake wake wak- er. Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward in June, migrating southward in Oct.; winters from off the coast of New Eng- land south to the Middle States, casually al- most to the Bahamas. Nests, usually placed on rock shelves of perpendicular cliffs overhanging the ocean. They are small for the size of the birds, and are made of sea-weed. Coast Gulls. Gulls of this group are of somewhat va- riable size. Adults are white beneath* and if not white above, then the mantle is bluish of some shade. If the wing is not entirely white, the dark tips of the primaries have white spots in them called mirrors; tail, short and square. Young are at first brownish and 92 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. assume the adult dress slowly. Very social, associating in large flocks, especially at night, in winter when many hundreds gather to sleep on the water. 59. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Our largest common Gull, 30; mantle, dark slate, but it appears perfectly black in Fig. 64. Great Black-backed Gull. the distance; white elsewhere and there is a white wing band; bill yellow and feet pink- ish, fig. 64. Young for the first year, rather 93 pale brownish, darkest above. Adults are are easily distinguished; the young are pale- er than those of the Herring Gull, larger, have slower wing beats, and a more majes- tic flight. Breeds from the Bay of Funday northward; south in Sept.; winters from southern Greenland to Long Island; north in April, a few often remain as far south as Cape Ann, Mass., all summer. 60. SIBERIAN GULL. Smaller than the Black-back, 20; mantle a little paler; feet yellow. Northern Asia; ac- cidental in southern Greenland. 61. GLAUCOUS GULL. About the size of the Black-back, and the flight is similar, but the mantle is pale pearl-gray and the wings nearly or quite white. Young, pale grayish, mottled above with light brown. Bill yellow, feet pink. Breeds in the Arctic Regions; south in win- ter regularly to the Gulf of St. Lawrence; rarely to Great Lakes and along coast to L. I. 94 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. 62. HERRING GULL. Smaller than the Black-back, 24, man- tle, pearl gray; white mirror at tip of outer primary is not interrupted by a black cross bar, fig. 65; bill, yellow; feet, pinkish. Young Fig. 65. Fig. 66. European, American, Herring Gulls. the first year, nearly uniform dark brown; tail, almost black on terminal third. Second year, pale buff above, much banded and mot- GULLS. 95 tied with darker, a broad, very dark subter- minal tail band; beneath, quite uniform yel- lowish brown; no white on primary tips. Third year, although showing some of the colors of the adult, is more or less mottled throughout with dusky. Bill, brown in all immature birds. The Old World form, but also occurs not infrequently on our side of the ocean. 63. AMERICAN HERRING GULL. Differs from the last in having the white on tip of first primary divided by a black bar, fig. 66. Breeds on both salt and fresh water from southern Me. northward; constantly resident on the coast south to Cape 2 Ann, Mass.; winters in great abund- ance from Me. to the Carolinas and is rather common to the St. Johns River, Fla.; occa- ally occurs on the coast of Cuba. [Note :- Although I am, of course, aware that many or- nithologists no longer separate the Herring Gulls on eith- er side of the Atlantic, I still continue to do so for reasons which cannot well be here stated.] 96 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. 64. KUMLIEN GULL. A little smaller than the Herring Gull; much paler; back, slightly bluish; primaries, grayish, but with the mirrors distinct; the wings, however, usually appear quite white in flight; bill, yellow, feet, pinkish. Young, creamy, mottled with pale brown. Breeds about Cumberland Gulf; south in winter reg- ularly to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Mass. but is rather uncommon with us. 65. ICELAND GULL. Similar to the above, but pure white; young, pale brown mottled with a little dark- er shade. Breeds on the northern coasts of the north Atlantic; south in winter rather rarely as far as Mass. Both the Kumlien and Iceland Gulls fly with a little quicker movement of the wings than the Herring Gull with which they often associate. The Iceland Gull al- ways appears paler than the Kumlien even when seen at a distance. GULLS 97 66. RING-BILLED GULL. Smaller than the Herring Gull; similar in color, but with the mantel a little darker Fig, 63*. Kittiwake Gull. Young. 1-5. bill, green crossed by a black band, fig 59. Young much lighter than in the Herring Gull, even in the first year the head, neck, and lower parts appearing nearly white; the mantle is pearly as in the adult, but mottled 98 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. in irrigular patches with brownish; there is a conspicuous, sharply defined band of black on end of tail; bill, black yellowish at tip, fig. 67. In this first plumage much like the Her- ring Gull of the third year, but aside from the much smaller size of the Ring-bill, its black tail band is narrower and more sharp- ly defined. As in Black-backs, there is no in- termediate dress between first year and adult. Fig. 67. Young Ring-billed Gull. 1-5. GULLS 99 Breeds in northern N. A.; south in au- tumn over the whole country in Aug. and Sept.; winters from the Carolinas to Cuba and Mexico. Not uncommon in Mass, in migration, but more common elsewhere in its range. 67. MEW GULL. Similar in size and general coloration to the Ring-bill, but the bill is a little stouter. Europe and Asia, accidental in Labrador, one record. Hooded Gulls. Size medium or small; heads in summer adults black, grayish in winter; white be- neath tinged with rosy in summer; white markings on primaries variable or absent, but never like those of the Coast Gulls. 68. LAUGHING GULL: Size, medium, 16; mantle, dark bluish gray darker than in any species given ex- cepting in the Black-back; primaries, black. 100 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. slightly tipped with white; prominent white wing bands; bill, crimson-lake; iris and feet, brown; fig. 68. In winter, head white tinged Fig. 68. Adult Laughing Gull in summer. 1-8. Fig. 69. Adult Laughing Gull in winter. 1-4. UULLb, ; LJ0J with color like that of back, fig. 69. Young, brownish throughout in fall, tip of tail black; first winter, whitish beneath, bluish gray on back, fig. 70. Breeding cries like peels of de- Fig. 70. Young; Laughing Gull in winter. 14-. risive laughter; adult also gives a short call note that is answered by the fully grown young with a snarling cry. Breeds from the southern coast of Me. southward through the Bahamas; south in Sept., remaining on coast of Carolinas until Dec.; winters f rom M< 302 SWIMMERS. to S. A.; comes north in April. Not common north of Cape Cod. 69. FRANKLIN GULL. A little smaller than last, 14; differs in being darker above; primaries, bluish-gray and in all stages broadly tipped with white. Breeds from 0. north through Minn, and the interior of Canada. Often occurs far from water subsisting upon insects, and is known as the Prairie Dove. 70. BONAPARTE GULL. Smallest of our Gulls, 13; mantle pale bluish, Fig. 71. Bonaparte Gull; upper tig. summer adult; lower, young. tail and lower parts, white; primaries, white GULLS 103 narrowly margined with black outwardly and more broadly at tip; tail and beneath. Fig. 72. Bonaparte Gull, first year. 1-5. white; bill, black, feet, yellow, fig 71 upper; in winter white with dusky spot back of eye; young differs in having wing black margined all around excepting near bend, fig 72, thus differing from the young Kittiwake which has wing black margined all around fig. G3*, 104 LONG-WIXGKI) SWIMMERS. in front, but is white behind. Breeds in the Arctic and migrates over the whole U. S.; south from Aug. to middle Nov.; winters from Carolinas to Gulf of Mex- ico; north March to May. Flight, swift, easy, graceful, and tern-like. When migrating oft- en flies along shore, usually in small compa- nies. In winter occurs more scatteringly fly- ing over sounds or creeks or often far up riv- ers. Cry, seldom heard in migration, is harsh and rasping. Common. 71. LITTLE GULL. Smaller than the last, 11; little or no black on wings; in the young the tail is with- out the black tip. Old World; accidental in in Bermuda and Long Island. 72. ROSS GULL. Tail graduated, fig. 73; small, 14; white tinged with pink; pearl-gray above and on wings below; outer web of first prinia^ and collar around neck, black. In winter black collar absent, head tinged with grayish, black spot in front of eye, Young clouded with TERNS. 105 dusky above, some of inner tail / /( feathers tipped with black. j Breeds in the Arctic, south in i* winter as far as Disco Bay in Greenland. Ross Gull. 73. SABINE GULL. Small, 13.50; tail prominently forked, white, head and upper neck dark plumbeous, i&. 74. Sabine Gull: summer adult. 1-4. below this a black collar; mantle, dark blue- 106 LONG-WIXGED SWIMMERS. gray; primaries, black five inner tipped with white; bill, black yellow tipped; feet, black, figs. 74, 75. In winter, head white, spot on side and patch on occiput plumbeous. Young, Sabine Gull: summer adult. brown-gray above; tail, white with a subter- minal band of black. Arctic; south in winter very rarely as far as Mass., N. Y. and Great Lakes. TERNS. Variable in size but generally more slen- der and graceful than gulls; bills, pointed never hooked; wings, long and pointed; feet, TERNS. 107 small and rather unfitted for walking in ad- ults, yet the birds swim well in quiet water. Ocean coasts and estuaries and fresh waters. Nests placed on sand, rocks, or -bushes; eggs 1-5, similar to those of gulls. Procure their prey, which usually consists of small fishes, by diving perpendicularly downward, often becoming wholly submerged in water. The flight is swift with graceful, swallow-like movements; when the birds are searching the water beneath their bills are pointed down- ward^ After alighting, and at other times when on land, the wings are often stretched upward. When a number are flying together, frequently in response to a signal cry of a leader, all will dart obliquely downward and fly rapidly along the water. Downy young, buffy spotted above with dusky, plate, I. 74. GULL-BILLED TERN. Large, 14; bill, thick and gull-like, fig. 76; tail, slightly forked; white, head and nape, black. In winter, head white mottled 108 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. with dusky on nape and ear-coverts. Young, Fig. 76. Gull-billed Tern. similar, but buft'y above. Bill and feet, al- ways black, fig. 77. Nearly cosmopolitan; in Fig. 77. Gull- billed Tern. 1-7. N. A. breeds from southern N. J. southward to the Gulf Coast, rarely wandering in late summer and early fall to Mass. Flight, heavy and slow; Cries, harsh and rasping. 75. CASPIAN TEEN. Largest of our Terns, 21; form, robust; bill, long, thick, heavy, dull red; tail, slight- TERNS. 109 ly forked, feathers not narrowed terminally, fig. 78. White, black-capped, mantle pale. In Fig. 78. Caspian Tern. 1-2. winter back of head, streaked with white. Feet, black. Young, grayish flecked above with dusky; each tail feather has a subter- minal dusky spot. Flight, although heavy, is swift and tern-like. Cries very harsh and rasping suggesting a rapid honking of the Canada Goose. Nearly cosmopolitan, breed- ing south in N. A. to Va., Tex., Nev. and Mich. Not very common on the coast of N. E. 110 LONG-WIXGED SWIMMERS. 76. ROYAL TERN. Similar to last; tail more deeply forked, its outer feathers narrowed, fig. 79; flight, rather heavy and jerky. Cry, a harsh, rasp- FKr. 79. Caspian Tern. 1-2. ing croak. Breeds from coast of Va. south- ward in June; rare as far north as Mass, and the Great Lakes; winters from the Carolinas southward; Abundant. 77. CABOT TERN. Similar in color to last, but smaller, 14, and more slender; bill, black yellow at tip; feet, black, fig. 80. Cry, single, harsh, often repeated. Breeds on Gulf Coast and Bahamas, accidental at Chatham, Mass., one record; winters from the Fla. Keys southward. TERNS. Ill Pale=backed Terns. Smaller Terns; tails deeply forked; out- er feathers narrowed terminally, fig. 81. All of our species, excepting 79, have black caps and pale blue-gray mantles. Flight, graceful and rapid. 78. TRADEAU TERN. Size of Common Tern, but differs from this and all others of the group in having head white with dusky spot on either side extending from bill to ear coverts enclosing eye; remaining plumage, pearl-gray; bill; black, yellow at base and tip; in winter en- tire under parts white. Southern S. A., acci- dental in N. J. and Long Island (Audubon). 79. COMMON TERN. Size, 14; mantle, rather dark; tips of out- er tail feathers not extending beyond points of folded wings and their outer webs are dus- ky, fig. 81; chiefly white below; bill, red black at tip, fig. 80; in winter, cap white black on occiput only. Young with forearm 112 LONG-WINDED SWIMMERS. W K 0 O s O. -;^to| ,'/ Y I \ '/•' | -'-•'!,. ! I 'VJ^l TERNS. 113 dusky; cap, white anteriorly, dusky behind wholly across occiput, extending forward Fig. 80 Cabot Tern. 1-7. narrowly around eye; mantle, a little darker than in adult sometimes banded with dusky; bill, nearly black; wings, much as in adult - tail, shorter, ashy with outer webs dusky ; Fig. 81 Common Tern. 1-10. feet, red. Cry, " te-arr" last syllable pro- longed; alarm, " ~ki" repeated rapidly many times. Greater portion of Northern Hemis- 114 LONG-WINGED .SWIMMERS. phere ; in N. A. breeds on coast and it suit- able places in interior east of plains from Fla., Tex. and Ariz., north to the Arctic in May; south in Sept., but a few linger on Fig. 82 Young Common Tern. coast until middle Oct.; winters south of the U. S. Abundant. 80. FOSTER TERN. Differs from last in having bill black, outer webs of tail feathers white, fig. 82; in winter entire top of head and occiput white, but there is a wide black space about eye, fig. 88. Young similar to winter. Bill and feet, always black. Breeds chiefly, in the in- TEKNS. 115 terior from Va., 111., Tex. and Cal., north to Manatoba, in May. South in Sept.; winters from N. C. to Brazil; north in April; rare Fig. 83 Forster Tern. on the coast of Mass. Cries, similar to those of Common Tern but harsher. 81. ARCTIC TERN. Differs from Common Tern in having bill wholly red, fig. 85, under parts pearl- Fiff. 84 Forster Tern. gray, and feet coral-red. Young have bill black, feet yellow but the rump in all ages 116 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Fig. 85 TERNS. 117 is always abruptly white ; cries quite similar to those of common Tern but more interrupted. Northern Hemisphere, now breeding from Me. (formerly from southern Mass.) north to Arctic. Time of migration similar to that of Common Tern with which is then associates at least as far south as coast of Mass. ; winters in the Antarctic. 82. ROSEATE TERN. More slender ; tail longer than any of the preceeding, and this has the outer feather very narrow terminally and is wholly white; bill, black; feet, yellow; in summer tinged with rosy beneath, fig. 86. Young have back banded and mottled with dusky and bill and feet black, fig. 87. Cry O-ar-ar- ar, harsh and rooling, difficult to imitate. Temperate and Tropical regions ; breeds, from south shore of Mass, southward in May ; winters south of U. S., south in Aug.; north in May ; often wanders in fall north of Cape Ann. Common. 118 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Fig. 86 — Roseate Tern. TERNS. 119 83. LEAST TERN. Our smallest Tern, 9; entire upper parts including tail, pale pearl-gray; top of head (excepting lunette on forehead), and two Fig. 87 Roseate Tern Young. 1-10. outer primaries black; white beneath; bill, yellow black at extreme tip, fig. -88-89; feet, yellow; in winter, white of lunette , more ex- tended. Young with a patch of dusky on wing and V-shaped marks of dusky on back; tail not as deeply forked. Beeds from south shore of Mass, (formerly Ipswich), south- ward from late May (Bahamas) to early July (Mass.) South in Sept., north in *JLzy 120 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. and June; winters south of U. S. Cries, Tee-deel-deedle ; alarm a decidedly given Hoyt repeated irregularly, flight rather jerky. Fig. 88 Least Tern. Dusky=backed Terns. Size, rather large; mantle and head dusky or black ; bill, slender and with feet wholly black; tail deeply forked. Flight, swift with long, sweeping wing-beats, single egg lighter than in the preceding groups. TERNS. 121 84. BRIDLED TERN. Length 14; pale slate above; collar on back of neck; crown, black, of white of forehead the horns of extend over and just back of eye, beneath, pure white. Young have of forehead more extended and the graj7ish more or less streaked with white lunette which fig. 90: white back is white. Least Tern. 1-6. Cries, shrill, ordinary note "icilUck" often ^repeated: alarm a croak: signal for flock to dart downward when flying is a shrill, snar- ling cry, see page 107. Tropical sea coasts in general; breeds commonly on Bahamas in May, placing egg in cavities beneath 122 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS, rocks, comes north in April, goes south in in fall. Accidental in Fla. 85. SOOTY TERN. Larger than last: 16; not as slender; black above; horns of lunette not extending back of eye, fig. 91. Young, sooty brown throughout paler below; wing coverts and Fig. 90 Bridled Tern. 1-6. scapularies narrowly but distinctly tipped with white. Ordinary note, Quank repeated irregularly; alarm, Qu-ank rapidly repeated, signal cry for darting downward like that of last species. Flight heavier and less graceful than that of Bridled Tern. Range similar, but TERNS. 123 breeds commonly on Tortugus. Fla., and occurs regularly but rarely along the coast of S. C., casually to N. E. Short=tai!ed Terns. Small, dark above and sometimes be- low ; tail, shorter than tips of folded wings and but slightly forked. Eggs, 3-4 averaging darker than others of the family. Fig. 91 Sooty Tern, 1-6. 86. BLACK TERN. Length, 9; black throughout with under portions of wings and under tail coverts, white, fig. 92. Winter, head, excepting 124 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. occiput, neck all around and below white. Young, brown plumbeous above, white on forehead and below with sides plumbeous. Flight very light and graceful as it hovers closely over water. Breeds in interior from middle U. S., west of Alleghanies, northward Fig. 92 Black Tern. 1-4. in May. South in May and Sept. when not uncommon on coast of N. E. and near it ; rare here in June. Winters in S. A.; north in 87. WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. Differs from above in having tail and upper coverts white and wings whitish in TERNS. 125 all stages. Europe, a single one taken in Wis. a number of years ago. 88. NODDY. Large, 15; tail, much rounded; sooty brown throughout, white on top of head, fig. 93; bill and feet, black. Flight rather erratic, with long, sweeping wing-beats, Fig. 93 \i V Noddy. keeping low over water when it somewhat resembles a petrel; when sitting, unlike other terns which usually keep head on a level with body, holds head high like a dove. Gries, a series of croaks. A gentle bird which 126 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. may be taken from its nest without making an effort to defend itself. Intertropical seas; breeds on the Tortugus and Bahamas in May; rare on coasts of South Atlantic and Gulf States. Fig. 94 Black Skimmer. 1-5 SKIMMERS. Birds with a Tern - like appearance having long wings and a short slightly forked tail; bill singular, thin and knife- like with under mandible over-lapping upper, fig. 94. TERNS. 127 89. BLACK SKIMMER. Large, 18; white beneath, on tail and forehead, black elsewhere above ; bill, black with base and feet vermillion. Young whitish on head and tail tipped with brown- Fig. 95 Red Phalarope. ish. Rests in large flocks on isolated sandbars by day and when started moves with an excentric flight with long sweeping wing- beats; at nightfall separates into small com- Fig. 96 Red Phalarope panies,and forming lines, sweeps up estuaries and rivers against tides or current, keeping close to water with the elongated ^ower 128 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. mandible below surface, thus secure what food floats on surface. Cries harsh and abrupt, much like the bark of a young puppy or fox. Eggs placed on sand near sea; 2-3, white handsomely mottled with dark-brown and lilac. Coasts of warmer portions of America breeding on Atlantic Fig. 97 Auult 9 Phaiarope. 1-4. side from N. J. southward in May. Winters from Fla. Keys northward. SHORE BIRDS. Long-legged and usually long-winged with elongated tertiaries; bill variable but quite long and slender; size, also variable but never very large. Eggs, usually 4, pyraform, almost always placed on ground. TERNS. 129 Young, covered with down and active when hatched. Inhabit nearly all regions of the globe. PHALAROPES. Sandpiper-like with duck-like habits; breed far inland, but pass a greater portion Fig. 98. Wilson Phalarope. of lives on open ocean upon which their thick plumage enables them to float readily, while their lobed toes enable them to swim with ease. Sexes, disimilar the females, being brighter than males; gregarious. 130 S1IOKE B1KDS. 90. RED PHALAROPE. Median size, 8, bill short and thick, fig. 95; toes, well lobed. Summer female, purplish cinnamon beneath and on neck behind, sides of head and rump, white; top of head, dark plumbeous; back, light reddish streaked with black, fig. 97. Summer male Fig. 99 Adult ? Wilson Phalarope. 1-4. smaller and duller. Winter adult, head, neck and lower parts, white; back, pearl- gray. Young, black above and white be- neath, tinged with buff. Occurs in Northern Hemisphere, breeding far north ; south in winter in N. A. as far as off coast of N. E. in Sept., Oct., and May; rare in the interior. PHALAROPES. 131 91. WILSON PHALAROPE. Smaller than last, bill long, slender and awl-like, fig. 98; has toes less lobed, fig. 98. Summer female, white beneath, gray-white above, becoming white on upper tail coverts and a portion of tail; line of black on side of head becoming chestnut on sides of neck Fig. 100 Northern Phalatope. and broadening on back, fig. 99. Summer male, duller. Winter adult ash-gray above, white on upper tail-coverts and beneath. Young, similar but blackish above. Tem- perate N. A. breeds, from Southern 111. and and Utah north to Saskatchawan region. 132 SHORE BIRDS. Winters off coasts of Brazil and Patagonia. Rare on coast of N. E. in May and Aug. 92. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. Smaller, 7.50; bill smaller, foot more lobed,, fig. 100. Summer female, black above, white on rump; distinct way band and under parts white. Sides of neck and chest rufous, Fig. 101 Northern Phalarope. 1-4. fig. 101. Summer male, duller. Winter adult grayish above with blackish patch on sides of head, forehead, line over eye and beneath, white, young, similar, but streaked with buff above. Northern Hemisphere, breeds far north; winters, from coast of N. C. southward. Common off coast of N. E. from FHALAROPES. 133 middle Aug. to Oct.; occasionally seen on beaches and rarely on waters of interior; conies north in May. AVOCETS AND STILTS. The longest legged of any of the Shore Birds ; social and occur near fresh water ; size rather large. Fig. 102 American Avocet 1-4 93. AMERICAN AVOCET. Length, 17; bill longer than head and decidedly recurved; folded wings not quite 134 SHORE BIRDS. reaching end of tail; head, neck and chest light cinnamon, wings and two broad stripes on back, black; tail, ashy; elsewhere white, fig. 102 ; in winter cinnamon is replaced by white* Swims well and frequently alights Fig. 103 Black-necked Stilt. 1-4. on water. Cries, harsh and continuous. Breeds in the interior west of Mississippi River from Kansas north to Saskatchawan and Great Slave Lake; winters south to Guatemala; exceedingly rare in eastern U. S. 135 94. BLACK-NECKED STILT. Size. 14; bill longer than head and nearly straight; top of head to middle of back and wings, black; tail gray; spot be- hind eye and plumage not mentioned, white; bill, black; iris, red; feet, crimson; fig. 103. Female with back brownish. Young differ from last in having back banded with dull Fig. 104 American Woodcock. white and top of head finely mottled with it. Breeding note a loud put repeated many times at regular intervals as the bird either sits or flies; alarm, a series of harsh screams. Flight, steady, not swift, wing-beats rather slow and low sweeping. When on the wing, the head is held partly back, but the legs are fully extended or in short flights are held dangling. Although it often wades in 136 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. water so deeply that it nearly floats, it seldom swims. A number will sometimes sit together in the water moving the pri- maries up an down with a fan-like move- ment while the secondaries are kept motion- less. Breeds from northern U. S. west of the Mississippi southward to Fla., the Bahamas, and Antilles in late April and early May. Fig. 105 American Woodcock. 1-6. Common but rare in Eastern U. S. north of Fla. Arrives in Fla. in March, goes south in early Oct. WOODCOCK AND SNIPE. Birds of fresh water swamps and marshes. Bill much longer than head; wings and legs, WOODCOCK. 137 short; tail, short and rounded, All of the species are well-known game birds. Sexes similar. 95. AMERICAN WOODCOCK. A short-necked stout-bodied species 11 long which lives in wooded or bushy swamps. Fig. 106 Wilson SniDe.. Wings very short folding, at base of tail, with the outer primaries much narrowed, Fig. 107 i\ Wilson Snipe '. fig. 104; brown above with the buffy bars crossing top of head, elsewhere faintly 138 SHOKE BIRDS. banded with reddish buff and mottled with ashy brown; beneath, reddish-buff; bill and feet, brown, fig. 105. Downy-young, rust- buff throughout mottled and spotted above with brown. Often occurs in alder swamps. Flight direct and swift, wing beats rapid Fig. 108 Dowitcher. 1-6. often accompanied by a whistling sound. From early March to July gives the evening flight song on or near feeding ground. After giving a series of bleating cries on ground the male bird rises in a huge ever- narrowing spiral until at its apix he is directly over where he started; he then WOODCOCK. 139 discends on rocking wings to his starting point, giving a continuous melodious sub- dued whistle. The performance is often repeated many times during the evening, but great caution is necessary in approach- ing the bird as he is easily alarmed. Fig. 109 Stilt Sandpiper. 1-3 Breeds throughout eastern N. A. from Fla.. north to Canada in March and April. Often nests in birch or alder swamps. Goes south in Oct. and Nov.; north in late Feb. and March. Once common but becoming rare. 140 SHOKE B1KDS. 96. EUROPEAN WOODCOCK. Differs from last in being larger, 13, and in being distinctly banded beneath. Northern Eastern Hemisphere; occasional in Eastern N. A. Fig. 110 Knot. 1-5. 97. WILSON SNIPE. More slender than Woodcock but about the same length; grayer above, mottled and streaked with darker ; crown with a divided line of lighter; white beneath with a band of dusky streaks across breast; a subterminal band of chestnut on tail, fig. 107. Occurs in open fresh water marshes; when startled WILSON SNIPE. 141 rises quickly and flies swiftly in a zig-zag course uttering a bleating scape as it goes and showing the under wing marking which are banded with black and white, the black being as wide or wider than the white; when high in air winds are circles about, but Fig. Ill Purple Sandpiper. 1-5. is quite apt to return and alight near where it started. In spring on its breeding ground and sometimes in migration, can be heard producing the sound called winnowing; it rises high in air sometimes singly, but often three or four together and flying in a zig-zag way utters a soft bleating cry. Breeds from 142 SHOKE 13IKDS. northern U. S. northward, occasionally further south. Winters from N. C. south to northern S. A. North in April and May; south in Sept. and Oct., but sometimes re- mains in Mass, into Nov. 98. EUROPEAN SNIPE. Differs from last in having the white bandings on wing lining wider then the Fig. 112 Pectoral Sandpiper. dark interspaces. Europe, northern Asia and Africa, frequent in Greendland; accidental in Bermuda. SANDPIPERS, ETC., ETC. Occur chiefly in marshes, either salt or fresh or on sea beaches, occasionally in dry SANDPIPERS. 143 fields but never in wooded swamps. Folded wings reaching bayond tail. Highly grega- rious in habit. Summer and winter plumage different, but sexes similar. General flight swift and direct with a rapid wing-beats; turning and wheeling in air is performed Fig. 113 White-rumped Sandpiper. 1-4. with ease and grace large flocks moving with a regularity which is surprising. All species run swiftly ; although none when adult swim voluntarily when uninjured, wounded birds and young often enter the water and swim with ease. 144 SHORE BIRDS. 99. DOWITCHER. Bill very long, 2.35, nearly twice the length of the head; size, medium, 10, Sum- mer; cinnamon throughout streaked writh brown above spotted with dusky beneath; lower back, rump and tail white, banded with dusky; bill brown; feet, greenish; fig. 108. Fig. 114 Baird Sandpiper. In winter the color above is plain gray; white beneath banded on lower neck and sides with gray. Young are darker above tinged on both surfaces writh reddish buff. Note a mellow whistle uttered as the bird rises and when on the wing; this call is often followed by one or two others which are low and querulous. Occurs about muddy 146 SHORE BIRDS. spots on salt marshes and sloughs, singly or in flocks, some of which are very large. When feeding probes with bill by pushing it straight downward often putting its head under water. Tame and easily approached. Eastern N. A. breeding far north, passes Fig. 11(5 Red-backed Sandpiper. south chiefly along the coast in July and Aug. Winters from N. C. to the W. 1. and Brazil; north in May; abundant at this season in the Bahamas but not as common further north. SANDPIPERS. 147 100. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Differs from last in having bill longer, 3.10, and being deeper in color beneath where there are few or no blotches, western N. A. heeding in Alaska and near Arctic coast, south through western U. S. including the Mississippi Valley, and less commonly along Atlantic coast to winter in Mexico. Fig. 117 Curlew Sandpiper. 101. STILT SANDPIPER. Slender, 9; bill, > longer than head; summer, tail, white; remaining upper parts dusky brown streaked and banded with dusky; patch on side of head, reddish; white beneath, banded with dusky. Winter gray- ish above, no redish spot on side of head, beneath, white unbanded, fig. 101. Young, more buffy above than last and with a buff tinging on breast. Note, a chuckling whistle. SANDPIPERS. 149 Flight, swift and direct with rapid wing- beats. Occurs often with Dowitcher in similar places. In feeding, habitually puts head wholly beneath water. For comparisons with Lesser Yellowlegs, see that species.. Eastern N. A. breeding north of the U. S. Winters in S. A., south in July when Fig. 119 Western Sandpiper. it is not uncommon on coast of Mass. ; north in April when common in Fla. but rare further north on the coast. 102. KNOT. Rather stout, 10.50, with rather short, quite thick bill. Summer, ashy-gray'above, mottled with dusky and reddish; upper tail 150 SHOKE BIRDS. coverts, white banded with dusky; pale cin- namon beneath narrowly streaked on breast and banded on sides with dusky, fig. Ill; bill, brown; feet, greenish. Winter silvery gray above ; white beneath tinged with yellowish. Young differs from winter in Fig. 120 Sanderlin^. 1-4. being without the yellowship tinge below. Note, a clear, double whistle not loud nor often given in migration. Occurs on sandy beaches in small flocks, by itself or singly in company with other beach birds. North- ern Hemisphere, breeding far north; goes SANDPIPERS. 151 south on the Atlantic coast- of N. A. from middle July until Nov. Winters from N. C. southward,, but is not found on the Bahamas and is rare in the W. I.; north in May, when not uncommon on south shore of N. E. but rare north of Cape Ann. Fig. 121 Lesser Yellow-legs. 1-5. 103. PURPLE SANDPIPER. Stout, short-legged, 8.50; bill about as long as head; summer appearing nearly black above and white below; with breast and sides strongly overwashed with gray- 152 SHORE BIRDS. ish; bill dark brown, orange at base; feet, greenish yellow, fig. 109; winter and young with dark upper parts obscured with gray- ish which is more extended below; upper tail coverts and rump black in all stages. Note, a feeble whistle. Northern portion Fig. 122 Solitary Sandpiper. 1-4. of Northern Hemisphere, breeding far north; migrating south in N. A. in Oct.; appearing on the coast of N. E. about Nov. 1. Winters from Canada, south to the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi Valley and on the Atlantic coast locally from Grand Menan to the south shore of N. E., more rarely to N. J. and SANDPIPERS, 153 casually to Fla. Occurs most frequently on rocky islands; ^oes north in April but occa- sionally remains until May. 104 PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Rather stout, 8.50, bill about as long as head; summer, dark bro\\n above with Fig Willet. 1-4. feathers margined with brownish buff; white beneath; foreneck and breast clouded with buff streaked with dusky; bill, brown; feet, greenish, fig. 113. Winter more obscured 154 SHORE BIRDS. with buff above. Young more rusty above and more buff below; rump and upper tail coverts always dark. For comparison see White-rumped Sandpiper. Note, a rolling whistle, often given harshly and gratingly. Flight, when startled swift and erratic, Fig. 124 Ruff. 1-5. something like that of Wilson Snipe. Occurs with other Sandpipers about sloughs and among the grass of salt marshes where it has the habit of squatting to hide when approached. Breeds in the Arctic of N. A. SANDPIPERS. 155 south from the middle of July until the first of Nov. when abundant on coast and rather common in interior, not common on Atlantic coast south of N. J. Winters far south in S. A., north in May when rare on coast and common in interior. Fte. 125 Bartramian Sandpiper. 1-8. 105. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPKR. Smaller than last, 7, more slender; sum- mer, rump and upper tail-coverts white, grayer above, tinged with reddish; no de- cided clouding across breast, fig. 113, as in the last. Winter with no reddish tinge above. Young more reddish above and buffy 156 SHORE BIRDS. below. Note a short, sharp whistle. Flight, ordinary. Occurs on beach, salt marsh and margins of pounds near sea. Occasionally occurs in small flocks but are usually found with other sandpipers. Eastern N. A. breed- ing far north; winters in southern S. A. Fig. 126 Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 1-4. casually as far north as Fla. This is the Bull Peep of sportsmen. 106. COOPER SANDPIPER. Differs from last in being larger, 9.50, in having only a trace of reddish above, and in having conspicuous V-shaped marks of black on upper tail coverts. Only a single SANDPIPERS. 157 specimen known, obtained on Long Island, N. Y., May 24, 1833. 107. BAIRD SANDPIPER. Similar to Pectoral but smaller, 7.25, and with weaker bill, fig. 114, is much paler below and there are fewer streakings on Fig. 127 Spotted Sandpiper. 1-4. breasts. Young have all of the feathers above narrowly and abruptly margined with pale grayish buff which is conspicuous enough to give the back a sealed appearance. Note not unlike that of Pectoral but weaker. Breeds in Alaska and on the Barren Grounds; 158 SHORE BIRDS. goes south in Aug. and Sept., but chiefly through the interior of the Western States; rare on the Atlantic coast from N. E. south- ward; north in April, but always through the interior. Fig. 128 Marbled Godwit. 108. LEAST SANDPIPER. Smallest of our Sandpipers, 6.15; in spring much like a small edition of the Pectoral, but not as much clouded nor streaked on breast, fig. 115; winter, grayish above but with dark markings prominent and with buffy clouding on breast. Young SANDPIPEKS. 159 with much rufous above and the breast decidely buff. Bill always brown and feet greenish yellow. Ordinary call a trilling whistle; also gives a low piping note when feeding, besides these gives sweet tremulo calls as a flight song. This is the Peep or Fig. 129 Hudsoman Godwit. 1-6. Mud Peep of gunners and is very abundant, occurring most frequently about ponds on the marshes and in sloughs; less seldom on fresh waters and sea beaches. While it sometimes occurs singly or in small com- panies, it also occurs in flocks from 100 to 500 or more. Breeds north of the U. S. ; 160 SIIOKE BIRDS. passes south in July and Aug.; winters from N. C. southward into S. A.; comes north in May. 109. RED-BACKED SANDPIPER. Larger, 8.25; bill longer than head and curved, fig. 116. Summer, above red dis- Longbilled Curlew. 1-8. tinctly spotted with black; wings, gray; white beneath, with large patch of black on belly. Winter, ashy above, white beneath SANDPIPERS. 161 with breast tinged with ashy. Young show traces of rufous. Upper tail coverts, bill and feet always black. A very unsuspicious species that occurs on sandy beaches more often than elsewhere, sometimes singly but more often in flocks or in company with Fig. 131 Hudsonian Curlew. 1-8. ' other Shore Birds, call, a rather plaintive, melodious Purre; when alarmed utters a short cackling cry. N. A. breeding far north; goes south from Sept. to Nov.; winters from N.C. southward; north in May. Abund- ant on Atlantic coast in fall but rather un- common in spring north of N. C. 162 SHORE BIRDS. 110. DUNLIN. Differs from the Red-back in having less red above, the black markings predomi- nating, is more heavily streaked with black below, but black of belly is less conspicuous. Northern parts of Old World; accidental in eastern N. A.; one record for Mass. Fig. 132 Esquimo Curlew. 1-8. 111. CURLEW SANDPIPER. About size and form of last with bill slightly curved, fig. 117; summer, upper tail coverts white; tail gray, lower parts reddish chestnut; upper parts varied with blackish and rusty. Winter, not dissimilar SANDPIPERS. 163 to Red-blacked at this season but the upper tail coverts are white, not black as in that species. Old World, occasional in eastern N. A. and Alaska. There are a number of N. E. records. Fisr. 133 Black-bellied Plover. 1-8. (Adult, youn£ in flight.) 112. SEMIPALMATED SANDIPER. Differs from the Least Sandpiper in being larger, 6.75, bill, 75; grayer above with only a slight tinge of reddish on sides of head in spring and with no clouding below, but a few streakings on breast, 164 SHORE BIRDS. fig. 118. Winter there is no buff or reddish anywhere. Young, slightly marked with reddish above; the breast is slightly clouded with no streakings; bill and feet, black. Are abundant species both spring and fall Fig. 134 Golden Plover, 1-8. all along our coast and often on fresh water of interior frequently occurring in flocks of hundreds. Ordinary note not unlike the peep of the Least Sandpiper and a low roll- ing note given both when sitting and in flight; in spring gives a series of musical SANDPIPEKS. 165 notes, a kind of love song as the bird ad- vances with down-curved pinions and rapid wing-heats. Occurs throughout eastern N. A. breeding north of the U. S.; comes south from middle of July until Nov.; winters from N. C. through the Bahamas and W. I. Fig. 135 Killdeer. 1-3. to S. A.; north in May. Stragglers of this species and of a number of other sandpipers that usually go north of us are often found in Mass, all summer. Sportsmen cnll this species. Peep, Black-legged Peep and Sand Peep. 166 SHORE BIRDS. 113. WESTERN SANDPIPER. Similar to the Semipalmated but bill longer and stouter, and in spring upper parts and head marked with bright cinna- mon and distinct streaks and triangular spots of dusky which extend along sides, fig. 119, in fall distinguished by a longer and Fig. 136 Semipalmated Plover. larger bill. Breeds far north in western N. A., goes south about the same time as the Semipalmated and winters in the same sections; common in Fla. in winter and spring but uncommon further north; a few occur along the coast in fall as far north as N. E., but not in spring. SANDPIPERS. 167 114. SANDERLING. A medium sized, 7.50. stoutish three- toed Sandpiper with a rather short bill. Summer, light rusty above and anteriorly below, spotted and blotched on hack and breast with dusky; white wing band and 137 Piping Plover. 1-3. conspicuous patch of black on bend of wing. Winter, the whitest of our Sandpipers; pale gray above, under parts pure white then dark patch on wing is very conspicuous, fig. 120. Young differ from winter adult in being slight mottled with black above but are pure white below; bill and feet, 168 SHORE BIRDS. always black. Common on sand beaches from middle July to middle Nov. often occurring in large but straggling flocks. Winters from N. C. to Patagonia; goes north in May when it is less common. An un- rig. 138 Wilson Plover. usually silent bird, the sounds emitted being a squeeky whistle and low conversa- tional notes when feeding. 115. GREATER YELLOWLEGS. One of our largest Shore Birds, 14; bill longer than head, 2.25; neck and legs long; SANDPIPERS. 169 summer, upper tail coverts white banded with dusky; dark gray above spotted with yellowish white; white beneath, streaked and spotted on lower neck and banded on sides, axillaris and under wing coverts with Fig. 139 Wilson Plover, Young. dusky; winter and young not noticeably different. Bill, black; feet and legs, yellow. Occurs on marshes and mud flats, where it makes itself conspicuous, especially in flight, by its loud, clear whistle which consists of three or four notes and is frequently uttered; 170 SHOEE BIRDS. beside this call it gives a kind of scream in spring, something like put of the common Tern, and a rolling or scolding note. Common on the coast and not unfrequent in the in- terior near water. Flight, steady with long wing beats varied with intervals of sailing. Fig. 140 Turnstone. 1-5. In settling, the bird sails then suddenly alights by dropping its long legs; when down it often raises its long wings over its back. Breeds in northern N. A., goes south from July 15 to Aug. 15; winters from N. C. southward, north in April and May. SANDPIPERS. 171 116. LESSER FELLOWLEGS. Smaller than last, 10.25, color very similar; fig. 121. Calls not very different but the whistle usually consists of two notes and these and the roll are not as loud; the whistle is sometimes given as continuous Fig. 141 Oyster-catcher. 1-10. repetitions as bird sits. Breeds far north in N. A.; comes south from July 1 to Sept. 15, when it is common along the coast and not infrequent in the interior; winters in south- ern S. A.; rare in Fla. at this season; north 172 SHORE BIRDS. in April and May, when uncommon on Atlantic coast but abundant in Mississippi Valley. 117. GREENSHANK. Differs from Greater Yellow legs in having the lower back and rump pure white without markings. Eastern Hemisphere, breeding far north ; accidental in Fla. Fig. 142 White Ibis. 1-20. 118. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Slender, small, 8.50, bill, slender; sum- mer, upper tail coverts, dark but tail is broadly branded with white; dark above finely marked with white, white below dis- tinctly streaked on lower neck, breast and sides with dusky; bill, black; feet, dark greenish, fig. 122; winter but slightly differ- SANDPIPERS. 173 ent, young rather lighter. Note, a whistling peat repeated four or five times when the bird is on the wing; flight rather rapid, not very direct with wings kept high and thus beats are strong. Teters somewhat when sitting but not as much as does the Spotted Sandpiper. Breeds occasionally in northern Fig. 143 Koseate {Spoonbill. 1-4. IT. S. but more commonly further north; goes south in Aug., Sept. and Oct. Winters in extreme southern states, the W. I. and northern S. A., north in April (Bahamas, rare) and May. Occurs on fresh waters, usually ponds and pools, in pairs or at best in small companies of five or six, never in large flocks. 174 SHORE BIRDS. 119. GREEN SANDPIPER. Differs from the last in being a little longer, 10, and in having the middle tail Fig. 144 Glossy Ibis. 1-1(5. feathers broadly banded with white and the upper tail coverts pure white. Places its eggs in the abandoned nest of some tree- building bird, and our closely allied Solitary probably has the same habit. Northern parts of Old World; accidental in eastern N. A. SANDPIPEKS. 175 120. WILLET. Large, 14, stout with long, thick bill and large feet. Summer, brownish buff varied with dark brown. There is a large white patch on wing and the axillaries and wing linings are black, best seen in flight, Fig. 145 Bittern. 1-20. fig. 123; white beneath, head and sides streaked and banded with dusky; bill, brown; feet, bluish. Winter, without bands or spots above or below. Young more yellowish above and on sides. A noisy bird constantly crying Pillie-willie-willet in loud, shrill tones, 176 SHORE BIRDS. also gives a loud rasping cry and a chuckling note when alighting. Occurs singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, on mud flats or sandy beaches. Occasionally perches on dead branches of trees. Flight rather slow and direct; wing-beats strong and well down, not rapid. Breeds from N. J. to Fla. and Fig. 146 Least Bittern. 1-6. irregularly north to N. E. Resident from N. C. southward and in the Bahamas, un- common on the coast of Mass, in fall and rare in spring. 121. WESTERN WILLET. Larger than last with a longer more slender bill, and with fewer and paler band- SANDPIPERS. 177 ings in summer. Interior of N. A. from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains. Winters on south Atlantic and Gulf coast. 122. RUFF. A large, 11, stout Sandpiper, males of which are remarkable in having a cape of elongated feathers about neck and a ruff above it, fig. 124; face naked. Color variable, ruff and cape, either chestnut, buff, black or white, plain, streaked or barred; beneath and on sides of rump, white. . Female, with- out ruff or cape; plumage, barred with black, white a,nd rusty; white beneath. Northern parts of eastern Hemisphere, occa- sional in eastern U. S. but chiefly on coast. 123. BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. Rather large, 12, with short slender bill; neck long; buffy throughout, darker above spotted and barred with black, fig. 125. Call note, a clear, rather shrill whistle. Flight strong and direct, with comparatively slow wing-beats. Breeds in the far north in N. A.; goes south in Aug. at which time it is not 178 SHORE BIRDS. uncommon on the coast of Mass., frequent- ing hills near the sea. The upland Plover, the popular name of this species, frequents hill tops near the coast, especially in Autumn, both in N.E. Fig. 147 Ward's Heron. 1-12. and further South, but when breeding is found in fields. 124. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Rather small and slender, 8, with a short bill; buffy mixed with black above and SANDPIPERS. 179 spotted with it below, fig. 126, axillaries and wing lining white, showing in flight. Young have feathers bordered with wrhite. Flight rapid, but rather flitting. Call, a clear whistle given when on the wing. Breeds in the far northern interior of N. A. where it is abundant; goes south in Aug. and Sept., but in fall appears to be nowhere common; winters in S. A., north in May when seldom if ever found on Atlantic coast. An in- conspicuous species. 126. SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Rather small, 7.50; short lesrged; bill, medium; white beneath, marked with rounded spots of dusky; broad band through wing, white; greenish brown above streaked and spotted with dusky, fig. 127; tail tipped with white and outer feathers are banded with same; in winter is without handings above or spots below, fig. 127. Young with buff bandings on wings and tail. Dowrny young yellowish gray above, with narrow black line down back and on either side of 180 SHORE BIRDS. head; white beneath. Flight direct but slow, the wing tips being held below the level of the body and vibrated quite rapidly. In passing over water flies close to surface and if attacked by a hawk dives into it out of sight, to afterwards emerge flying. Occurs singly or in small companies in late summer or autumn, never in large flocks on both salt and fresh water. Goes south in late Oct., stragglers remaining into Nov. as far north as Mass., winters sparingly from N. C. to Fla., common from this point, and on the Bahamas, southward to southern Brazil; north in Apffl. 126. MARBLED GODWIT. Large 18.50, with a very long, 4, some- what recurved bill; pale cinnamon, through- out, streaked on head and neck and irreg- ularly banded elsewhere with dusky, fig. 128. Young, without markings beneath. Cries in spring a series of shivering notes; in winter when alarmed, harsh and discordant. Breeds in interior from Iowa and Neb. SANDPIPERS. 181 northward to Manitoba and Saskatchewan where it occurs on dry prairies. Goes south in Aug. and Sept. when accidental or very rare on the Atlantic coast from Mass, to N. C.; formerly wintered commonly in northern and middle Fla. on both coasts, now rarely Fig. 148 White Heron. 1-30. found on the east coast, but occurs on the west coast and in Guatemala and Yucatan; north in April. Is found on the borders of pools of both salt and fresh water and on mud flats in flocks as in eastern Fla. up to 1877 and probably somewhat later. 182 SHORE BIRDS. 127. HUDSONIAN GODWIT. Smaller, 15, upper tail coverts always pure white; tail black; otherwise chestnut spotted with dusky; axillaries, black, fig. 129. In winter chestnut replaced by gray. Young more buffy. Breeds far north in eastern Fig. 149 Snowy Egret. 1-8. N. A. ; south in Aug. and Sept., when un- common on coast of N.E.; winters in extreme southern S. A.; north in April and May. Frequents mud flats, sloughs and beaches. Flight, swift and direct. Note, low and double. SANDPIPERS. 183 128. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. Differs from last chiefly in having axil- laries white. Europe, accidental in Green- land. 129. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Larger, 24; bill, strongly curved varying in length from 3 to 8; cinnamon throughout but more reddish below, marked above and streaked below on neck, breast and sides with dusky; fig. 130. Breeds through the interior of temperate N. A; south in Sept. when formerly not uncommon on coast of N. E. now seldom, if ever, found here; winters chiefly in Guatemala; formerly, up to 1877 and somewhat later was common at this season from N. C. to middle Fla. now none occur over this section; north in April. Note, a shrill, scream-like whistle. Flight, slow with long sweeping wing-beats. 130. HUDSONIAN CURLEW. Smaller, 17, paler. There is a super- cilliary and central line on head, axillaries banded with dusky. Breeds in far northern 184 SHOKE BIRDS. N. A.; south in Aug. when not uncomnon on coast of N. E. and southward, sometimes remaining until Oct.; winters all over S. A, call note, a clear whistle, fig. 131. Flight, strong and direct with rather slow wing- beats. Fig. 150 Green Heron. 1-5. 131. ESQUIMO CURLEW. Smaller, 13.50, bill 2.25; differs from last in color in absence of buff on crown and in having markings on side arrow- shaped, fig. 132. Call note, a soft, mellow whistle given in flight. Moves in large, dense flocks, sweeping about much as sand- SANDPIPERS. 185 pipers do. Breeds far north in eastern N. A. ? south in Aug.; when it was once abundant on coasts of Labrador and south to N. E.. now exceedingly rare and on the verge of extinction; winters in southern S. A., north in April when it avoids the Atlantic coast, passing through the Mississippi Valley and westward to the plains. 132. WHIMBREL. Differs from the Hudsonian Curlew in having the rump and axillaries white, the latter banded with black. Northern parts of Old World, occasional in Greenland. PLOVER. Difiers from other Shore Birds in having shorter bills and necks, and larger heads; toes, three. 133. LAPWING. About the size of the Black-bellied Plover, 13; wings round, head crested, top of head and forehead, throat and breast, blue-black; back, metallic green, bluish and 186 SHORE BIRDS. purple; upper and lower tail coverts, rufous; tail, black with basal half and tip, sides of head, neck and belly, white; in winter the throat is black. Active and noisy. Northern parts of Eastern Hemisphere; occasional in Greenland and on Long Inland. Fig. 151 Louisiana Heron. 1-6. 134. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Our largest Plover, 12. Summer, lower parts and sides of head, black; forehead, sides of breast, upper and under tail coverts, white; above irregularly spotted with dusky and white, fig. 133; bill and feet, black; in winter gray above, white beneath. Young, like last but have the back spotted with SANDPIPEKS. 187 yellow.; in all stages the axillaries are black. Breed* in the northern portion of northern Hemisphere, south from middle July to Nov. 1; winters from N. C. and Bahamas south through the West Indies into S. A. Common on coast, rare in interior. Frequents beaches, but is sometimes seen on mud flats. Notes, a wild, sweet whistle, also gives a chuckling sound when alighting. Flight, swift and strong with rapid wing-beats. Occurs singly or in small flocks. 135. GOLDEN PLOT ER, Smaller, 10.50, bill, more slender, the axillaries are always gray and the back spotted writh golden yellow; in winter and young, grayish beneath, fig. 134. Breeds in Arctic America; south in Aug. and Sept. when common on coast of Labrador, rare in in N. E. when up to the early 70s it was common, frequenting the hills on the shore. Now the greater number fly directly south from Newfoundland to West Indies on their way to winter quarters in southern S. A.; 188 SHORE BIRDS. north in May, parsing through interior of N.A. Note, a single, mellow whistle. Flight, as in the last. 136. EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER. Differs from the last in having the axillaries and under wing coverts white. Northern Europe and Eastern Greenland. 137. KILLDEER. A slender Plover, 10 long; tail, long, rounded; double black ring on neck. Ashy- brown above; lower back, rump, upper tail coverts and tail pale cinnamon, the lattter tipped with white, preceded by a black band; band on wing, forehead, and under parts, white; eyelids, red; fig. 135. Young, a little more reddish above. Bill, black; feet, yellow in all stages. Downy young, with a single band on neck.. Noisy, con- stantly crying, killdee, in loud and shrill tones as it flies. Flight, rapid, not direct for the bird twists and turns; wing-beats quick, but long and decided. Frequents moist places either on the coast or in the in- SANDPIPERS. 189 terior, sometimes on the sea beaches or on bodies of fresh water. Often squats to hide when approached then rises suddenly with loud cries. Somewhat nocturnal, flying readily by night. Breeds throughout tem- perate N. A. but although it nests in Mass., Fig. 152 Little Blue Heron. it is not common here at any time. Goes south in Oct. and Nov.; .winters from N. C. (rarely from Mass.) south to. northern S. A.; not common in the Bahamas and Greater Antilles; north in March and April. 138. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Smaller, 7, and not as slender; single black ring completely surrounding neck, 190 SHORE BIRDS. paler brown above than last; lunette on forehead, outer tail feathers, tips of all but central pair, and beneath, white; bill, black orange at base; feet, yellow, fig. 136. Young, with black less bright and more buffy above. Breeds in Arctic and Sub- Arctic N. A. ; south from middle July to middle Oct., when Fig. 153 Black-crowned Night Heron. abundant on coast and somewhat common in suitable places in interior; winters from southern Fla. and Bahamas through the W. 1. to Brazil. Occurs on beaches, sloughs, and mud flats. North in April and May when less common on Atlantic coast. Move inx compact flocks but when feeding scatter SANDPIPEKS. 191 much, running about in all directions, keep- ing head well up. (These two latter named habits characterize all of the Plovers). Flight, swift and direct with rather long wing- beats. Call note, quite a plaintive whistle; also gives a single prolonged note when sitting. 139. RING PLOVER. Differs from the last in having the ring much broader. Breeds in northern parts of Old World and on west shore of Cumberland Gulf in N. A. 140. PIPING PLOVER. Palest of our Plovers, size of last, but differs in being yellowish brown above, in having no black on side of head, and the ring is represented by two spots, one on either side of neck, fig. 137. Young with often no trace of ring. Breeds from coast of Va., north to Newfoundland, in June, south in Sept., winters on the Fla. keys and in the Greater Antilles; north from middle April through May when it is rare on 192 SUCRE BIRDS. Bahamas. Note, a long, sweet mournful whistle. Common but rare on the coast of Mass., north of Cape Ann in Summer. 141. BELTED PIPING PLOVER. Differs from last in having the black band crossing the breast. Mississippi valley, Fig. 154 Black-crowned Night Heron. 1-8. breeding from northern 111., north to Lake Winnipeg. Occasional on the Atlantic coast. 142. WILSON'S PLOVER. Larger, 8, bill thicker and longer; sexes not similar. Male, with forehead, stripe SANDPIPERS. 193 over eye and beneath, white. Fore part of crown, streak from bill to eye and con- tinuous band on breast, black; above but little darker than Piping Plover, fig. 138. Female, with neck ring brown. Young, more reddish above. Breeds from Long Island southward through the Bahamas, W. I. and along the Gulf coast, in May; casual as far north as Nova Scotia in summer. Winters from the Fla. Keys, south, through the W. I. to S. A. Flight, rather heavy. Call note, a single short, but loud, whistle; daring the breeding season utters a series of rattling notes. 143. MOUNTAIN PLOVER. Larger, 8.50; similar in general color to the last, but the black on head is replaced by a more or less continuous tinging of brown. Breeds on the western plains from Kansas northward to Canada, in May. Occurs on dry plains and feeds chiefly on insects; goes south in late fall to winter in Southern Cal., Lower Cal., Tex. and Mex.; 194 SHORE BIRDS. accidental on Key West, Fla. Note, a plea- sing whistle. 144. TURNSTONE. Medium, 9.50, forehead, middle and lower back, wing band, upper tail coverts, tail and below, white; large patch on breast, Fig. 155 Yellow-crowned Night Heron, adult and young. 1-8. extending on side of head, V-shaped mark on rump, subterminal band on tail, black; above varied with black and red, fig. 140; winter, with less reddish above; young, wholly without it, but the black V on rump is always present. Breeds far north, comes south from Aug. to Oct. Winters, from N. SANDPIPERS. 195 C. south through S. A. to the Straits of Magellan; goes north in April and May. Frequents sandy and stony beaches where it turns over small stones, seaweed, etc., in search of food, whence its name. Call, a clear, melodious whistle, consisting of two or three notes; also gives a chuckling sound. Flight, moderately swift and direct with strong wing-beats. Less common on our coast, north of N. C. in spring than in fall. 145. OYSTER-CATCHER. Large, 19; above, head and neck black- ish; patch on wing and beneath, white. Bill and eyelids, crimson; feet, pale pink, fig. 141. Young, marked with buff above. Breeds on the Atlantic coast from N. J. southward; formerly wintered from N. C. to Patagonia, now rare on our coast at this season, ac-^ cidental north to Grand Menan. Frequents sandy shores and mud flats, feeding chiefly upon oysters. Flight slow but direct, with strong wing-beats. Alarm note when start- led, a harsh discordant scream, but gives a 196 SPOONBILLS AND IBISES. series of more mellow, yodeling cries. Now not very common in eastern U. S. 146. EUROPEAN OYSTER-CATCHER. Differs from last in being smaller, 16, and the white of the upper tail coverts ex- tended on to the lower-back. Europe, oc- casional in Greenland. SPOONBILLS AND IBISES. Large birds with long necks, bills and legs; wings, broad; tails, short. Aquatic, frequenting mud-flats and muddy shores of both salt and fresh water. Food, small crustaceans and fishes. Flight, direct and rapid with quick wing-beats, the neck is extended and the feet held straight out be- hind. Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks. Social, often gathering in large flocks. Sexes, similar. 147. ROSEATE SPOONBILL. Large, 30; bill, flattened and spoon- shaped. Rose pink, patch of crimson on lower neck in front, on wing, on upper and IBIS. 197 lower tail coverts; naked head, green; bill, bluish; feet, pink, fig. 143. Young have head feathered, and color pale without crim- son markings. Resident in southern Atlan- tic Gulf States. Bahamas and southward to Fig. 156 Wood Ibis. 1-10. Patagonia. Eggs, ashy white spotted with brown. 148. WHITE IBIS. Smaller, 24; bill, curved; white; tips of four outer primaries, black; bill, naked 198 SHORE BIRDS. space about head, and legs, yellow, fig. 142. Young, head, neck and above slate-brown; lower back, rump, upper tail coverts and beneath, white. Resident in Fla. and other Gulf States, Greater Antilles and northern S. A.; north in summer to N. C. and III., casually to L. I. and Conn. Fig. 157 Sandhill Crane. 1-4. 149. SCARLET IBIS. Larger, 29; scarlet throughout, tips of outer primaries, black. Young, brown; belly, white. Resident on eastern coast of Tropical America; accidental in Fla., La. and Tex. SANDPIPERS. 199 150. GLOSSY IBIS. Smaller, 23; head, neck, lesser wing coverts and beneath, dark chestnut; above metallic green, bronze and purple; space in front of eye, greenish; bill and feet, brown, fig. 144. Young, gray-brown, head and neck streaked with white. Warmer parts of Eastern Hemisphere; not uncommon in ex- treme southern portion of eastern U. S. wandering casually north to N. E. and 111. 151. WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS. Differs from last in having a narrow line of white at base of bill, and space in front of eye, lake-red. Western U. S., south to the Argentine Republic; occasionally breeding in Fla. Herons. Wading birds with long neck and legs and long, pointed bills; wings, broad; tail, short; flight, strong with comparatively slow wing-beats; the neck is doubled back- ward, but the legs are extended out behind. Food chiefly fishes, occasionally crustaceans, 200 SHORE BIKDS. frogs or even small mammals. Cries harsh. Young, at first naked, helpless and fed by regurgitation, but are soon covered with down, unless otherwise stated; nests are made of sticks and are placed in trees or bushes; eggs 3-5, greenish blue. Fig. 158 Limpkin. 1-8. 152. AMERICAN BITTERN. Large, 29, dark-brown streaked and spotted with yellow-buff; triangular patch on side of neck, black; bill and feet, greenish, fig. 145. Young, similar but paler. Nest- lings covered with long yellowish down. Breeds throughout temperate N. A. ; south BITTERNS. 201 in Oct., winters from Fla. southward to Guatemala; north in April. Common, breed- ing habits solitary. Nests, placed on ground in iriaccessable fresh water bogs or occasion- ally in salt marshes; eggs 3-6 green-ash or brown, when alarmed the bittern often squats in grass or will even enter water leaving the bill only exposed; at other times will stand motionless with neck perpen- dicular and bill pointing upward, then re- sembles a stake. Cries, when startled, harsh and sharp. In May and June the singular punk-a-pog notes are given. Flight, direct and rather swift with quick wing-beats. 153. LEAST BITTERN. Small, 13; male; top of head, back and tail greenish black; sides of head, sides of neck, upper wing coverts, and beneath, yellow-buff, fig. 146. Female, with back brown. Bill and feet always yellow. Tem- perate N. A. breeding from Mass, (where it uncommon) to Fla.; winters from Fla. to Brazil. Eggs 3-4, pale greenish 202 HERONS. 154. CORY LEAST BITTERN. Differs from last in being darker above and uniform reddish chestnut beneath. Rare, has been taken in Fla., Mich., Mass., Wis., 0., N. Y., Toronto. 155. GREAT WHITE HERON. Large, 47. Pure white; bill, yellow; feet, greenish. Occurs on low, mud-bordered Fig. 159 King-Rail. 1-6. Fla. Keys. Not common; rare .in Fla. as far north as Ormond and Lake George. Flight, heavy with slow wing-beats. 156. WURDEMAN HERON. Differs from last in being darker, ash above, in having streaks of black and rufous BITTERNS. 203 on neck in front, bend of wing and tibia chestnut and top of head white, streaked with black. Resident on Fla. Keys; rare; possibly a color phase of last. ]57. WARD HERON. A little smaller than last, differs in having lower parts more broadly streaked with black, a lar^e black patch on sides of breast, and the occiput with its plume and sides of head, black, leaving middle crown and forehead, white. Neck, yellow gray, fig. 147. Young, with top of head dull slate; neck, darker and back marked with reddish. Resident in Fla., breeding in March. 158. GREAT BLUE HERON. Smaller, 45, bill smaller, usually has more black below. Breeds throughout entire N. A. from the Arctic southward, excepting at least middle and southern Fla., Bahamas and W. I. nesting in high trees; goes south from Sept. to Nov.; winters from N. C. to northern S. A. ; occasionally as far north as Mass.; north in March and April. 204 HERONS. 159. EUROPEAN BLUE HERON. Smal ler, 37, with tibia and bend of wing, white. Northern portions of Eastern Hemis- phere; accidental in southern Greenland. 160. WHITE HERON. 38; back with greatly elongated plumes, stiffened, with barbs separated ; white throughout; fig. 148. Winter and young without plumes; bill, orange; feet, black. Breeds through temperate and tropical America, from N. J., Minn, and Ore. south to Patagonia; casual on Atlantic coast as far north as Nova Scotia. Now not common anywhere in U. S. 161. SNOWY EGRET. Smaller, 24, head, breast with egret plumes which are more or less recurved at tips; white throughout, fig. 149; winter and young without plumes; bill and legs, black; feet and space at base of bill, orange. Tem- perate and tropical America from N. J. south to the Argentine Republic and Chili; casual as far north as Nova Scotia. EGRETS. 205 152. REDDISH EGRET. Medium size, 80, back plumes present; head and neck, reddish; bill, black, purple at base; feet, black. Young, plain gray. Resident in southern Fla., chiefly on the extreme southern and western coasts, west along the Gulf coast to Texas and both Fig. 160 Clapper Rail. 1-4. coasts of Mexico and Guatemala; in summer wandering north to southern 111.; recorded from Cuba and Jamaica; now rare in U. S. 163. CHANGING EGRET. Differs from last in having the plumage irregularly mixed with white. Young, 2*06 HERONS. similar but frequently without white mot- tlings. Not rare on west coast of Andros, Bahamas, casual in Fla. Fig. 161 Sora. 1-3. 164. PEALE EGRET. Differs from the two last in being white throughout in all stages. Resident in Fla. ; chiefly the east coast, west along the Gulf coast to Texas, south to Honduras; Andros and Inagua, Bahamas. HERONS. 207 165. LOUISIANA HERON. Medium, 25; neck and bill long and slender. Head, neck and back plumes preser&t; above, ash-blue; line down neck in front, reddish and white; beneath, white; bill, black, blue at base; feet, gray, fig. 151. In winter, bill and feet greenish, changing to yellow towards spring. Young, much tinged with reddish. Wing-beats, rapid. Solitary when not mating. Resident in Gulf States, Mex., C. A., Bahamas and W. L, casual northward to N. J. and Ind. 166. LITTLE BLUE HERON. Smaller, 22; dark slaty blue; head and neck, maroon, fig. 152; this is the usual dress but specimens occur which have the plumage much mixed with white. Young, always white with the tips of primaries bluish at base, and feet greenish. Very agile; springs quickly into air to fly with rapid wing-beats. Eastern U. S., from N. J., 111. and Kan. south to Bahamas, W. I. to northern S. A., casually north along coast to Mass, and Me.; winters, from N. C., south. 208 HERONS. 167. GREEN HERON. Small, 17.50; above, greenish, looking dark in the distance; neck, chestnut-redvline down front black and white, beneath brown, bill and feet yellow, fig. 150. Young, mot- tled with reddish above. Agile running on Fig. 162 Florida Gallinule. 1-5 ground and springing quickly into air and flying with rapid wing-beats. Note, a shrill cry often repeated several times. Common, frequenting swampy margins of rivers, ponds and lagoons. Nests in low trees and bushes. Breeds throughout temperate N. A. south to Key West Fla. and southern S. A. Winters, from N. C. southward. EGRETS. 209 168. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Larger, 26, and stouter; ash-white; top of head and back black; bill, dark; feet, yellow; slender plume on back of head, white. Young, brown, white streaked, figs. 153 and 154, small fig., young. Very com- mon, breeding in large heronry. Flight and wing-beats, slow. Cry a harsh, abruptly given quack uttered in flight \ and other gutteral sounds best heard on the breeding grounds. Social at all time. Although noc- turnal, frequently feed by day, especially in breeding season. Nests from March (Fla.) to June (northern N. E.) 169. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Smaller than last, 23; bill, thicker; head and back plumed, darker above strekaed with black especially on crown and sides of head. Young, darker brown, narrowly streaked with lighter. Cry. similar but not as harsh and i« less seldom given. Often 210 STORKS. feeds by day; a large portion of its food consists of crabs. Rather solitary but nests in small communities. Flight, rapid with rather quick wing-beats. America from N. C. and the lower Ohio Valley, south to Brazil and Peru, casually north to Mass., fig. 155. Fig. 163 X Purple Gallinule. 1-5. , 'STORKS. Large birds with stout bodies, long necks, legs and bills, head and a portion of neck destitute of feathers. Young, helpless; sexes, similar. CRANES. 211 170. WOOD IBIS. Large, 43; bill, strongly curved; white, primaries tail, bill and legs, black; feet, yellow; naked head and upper neck, blackish covered with whitish scales. Young, head and neck feathered, dull brown throughout. Cries, harsh and discordant. Head, neck and legs outstretched in flight, fig. 156; wing-beats slow, frequently rises high in air to cricle about. Social, nesting in com- munities in high trees; nests composed of sticks; eggs, 1-2, chalky-white. Frequents ponds in swamps and pine woods, in summer; in winter more in thick swamps, southern U. S., north to the Ohio Valley, south to the Argentine Republic. CRANES. Our species differ from last in having hind toe elevated, thus cannot perch on trees; front of head only destitute of feathers. Nests placed on ground in fresh marshes, eggs 1-3, yellowish-brown. Young leave 212 CRANES. nest early and follow parents. Not very social; sexes, similar. 171. SANDHILL CRANE. Medium, 41; slaty -blue throughout, primaries brown, naked space in front of head lake; bill and feet, black, fig. 157. Young, somewhat yellowish above. Give loud, harsh gobbling cries. Sometimes dan- ces with half-raised wings. Frequents ponds in pine woods. Shy and difficult to approach. Southern N. A.; rather common in unset- tled portions of Fla. 172. LITTLE BROWN CRANE. Smaller than last, 35. Northern N. A. from Alaska to Hudson Bay ; accidental east of Mississippi. 173. WHOOPING CRANE. Larger, 52; white, primaries, black. Young, yellowish, otherwise as in the Sandhill Crane. All the species have slow wing-beats and hold neck and legs out- stretched, fig. 157, and sometimes soar high CRYING BIRDS. 213 in air. Interior of N. A. from the Fur Country to Fla., Tex., Mex. and from 0. to Col. Not now found in Fla. CRYING BIRDS. Bill longer than head; neck and legs, long; wings of medium length but broad; tail, short. Color, dull. Sexes, similar. Fig. 164 Coot. 174. LIMPKIN. Length, 26. brown streaked very dis- tinctly with white; throat, white; bill and feet, brown, fig. 158. Partly nocturnal, occurring on the borders of swamps. Cries, harsh and discordant; when alarmed gives chickling notes, the head in jerked back and forward and the tail held erect; runs among bushes with swiftness. Food chiefly the animals of fresh water mollusks. Nests 214 RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS. composed of sticks placed in bushes near water; eggs, 5-7, dull buff spotted with brown. Flight, heavy with slow wing-beats, the head outstreatched and the feet dang- ling, fig. 158. Fla., Greater Antilles and Central America. Fig. 165 Coot, 1-5. RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS. Medium size or small, legs long, bodies compressed and thin; wings short and rounded, all of the species run well but are poor flyers, moving in a straight line with rapid wing-beats and dangling legs; in alighting will drop from a little height upon RAILS. 215 ground or water. Food, insects, aquatic animals and vegetable substance. Young, covered with down when hatched and active; black. 175. KING RAIL. Large, 18; ash-red above, distinctly streaked with dark-brown, chestnut red on wing-coverts and beneath; flanks banded with white; throat, line from bill over eye, and abdomen, white; bill and feet, brown, fig. 159. Usually occurs on fresh-water marshes, but occasionally found on salt marshes. Breeds in May. Nests, placed on grounds, eggs, 5-7, buff spotted with brown. Cries, harsh and craking. Eastern U. S., north to the middle states; casually to Mass., Me. and Ontario. 176. VIRGINIA RAIL. Similar to last in color but smaller, 10. Young, nearly black. Besides the harsh, rail-like craking, rapidly given, it utters a chuckling note when slightly alarmed and a 216 HERONS. sharp squeak when much annoyed. The downy young keep up a constant peeping when running about in the marshes. N. A. from Canada south in early Oct.; winters from N. C. to Guatemala; north in early April. 177. CLAPPER RAIL Differs from the King Rail in being smaller, 14, and in being overwashed with Fiff. 166 Merganser. ashy above and below; streakings not as distinct, Notes fig. 160. The usual rail-like crake and a harsh scream when annoyed. Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U. S. north to Conn.; casual in Mass.; resident from the Potomac southward. Breeds in March and April. KAILS. 217 178. LOUISIANA CLAPPER RAIL. Paler than last above, but more dis- tinctly streaked, and red below deeper. Coast of Louisiana. 179. FLORIDA CLAPPER RAIL. Bill more slender, much darker, nearly black above, ashy-gray below, mixed with cinnamon. Salt marshes of Western Fla. 180. SORA. Smaller, 9, bill shorter than head; face and throat black; bill, yellow; feet, green; brownish-yellow above broadly streaked with brown, dotted and short-lined with white; breast and sides of neck, bluish; re- maining under parts, white; sides and flanks banded with black. Young are over washed with reddish below and black markings are absent. Notes not as rapid as with the Virginia Rail; gives a whistling cry like cur-we and some short chuckles. When a gun is discharged or a stone thrown into the water of the marsh that it inhabits, will 218 RAILS. respond by giving explosive cries. Tem- perate N. A. breeding from the middle states northward; goes south in early Oct.; north in April, fig. 161. 181. SPOTTED CRAKE. A little smaller than last, head neck and breast thickly spotted with white. Northern parts of Old World; occasional in Greenland. ^Merganser. 1-10. 182. YELLOW RAIL. Small, 7; yellow-buff, broadly streaked on flanks with dark brown, secondaries white-tipped, conspicuous in flight. Occurs in marshes but sometimes in weedy upland fields. RAILS. 219 183. BLACK RAIL. Our smallest Rail, 5.50, very dark- brown above, spotted and transversly banded with white; back and neck chestnut-red; sides of head and under portions, blue-ash, banded on abdomen and under tail coverts with white. Breeds throughout temperate N. A., north to Mass., northern 111. and Ore.; winters from Fla., south through the W. I. to Guatemala. South in Sept.; north in April. Very rare everywhere. 184. CORN CRAKE. Larger, 10.50; dark-brown above, mot- tled with yellowish; upper and under tail coverts, rusty-red; beneath, blue-gray; flanks barred with reddish. Europe and northern Asia; casual in Greenland, Bermuda and eastern N. A. GALLINULES. Rather larger, rail-like, but with stouter bodies; toes, long and narrow; bill, shorter than head with a frontal shield on fore- 220 GALLIXULES. head; sexes, similar. Inhabit borders of reed-inargined streams or ponds. 185. FLORIDA GALLINULE. 14 long; bluish slate; back, bronzy, under tail coverts and streaks on flanks, Fig\ 168 Red-breasted Merganser. 1-10. white: head, dusky; bill, yellow at tip re- mainder and frontal plate sealing-wax red; fig. 162. Young, duller with bill and frontal plate greenish. Rather social. Swims well and dives with ease; clings to aquatic vegeta- GALLINULES. 221 tion beneath water; when swimming the feet are moved as in walking and the head is moved backwards and forward with them. Notes, a harsh. Rail-like kea repeated several times and given more often at night-fall and a metallic chuck when annoyed. Flight, direct with rapid wing-beats and dangling legs. Temperate and tropical America from Brazil and Chili north to Canada; rare in N. E. and middle States; resident in Fla., migra- tory further north. 186. PURPLE GALLINULE. Smaller, 12.50; bright brown-green above; blue-purple beneath; sides, greenish; under tail coverts, white; bill, red tipped with yellow; frontal plate, larger and blue; fig. 163. Young, duller above, reddish mixed with white below. South Atlantic and Gulf States south through the W. I., Mex., C. A. and northern S. A.; rare or casual north to Me., N. Y. and Wis.. migra- tory in the U. S., going south in Sept., north in May. Habits, similar to those of last. 222 COOTS. COOTS. Differs from Gallinules in having toes widely lobated. fig. 164. 187. COOT. Larger than last, 16, differs from it in having bill white and white tips to secondaries, conspicuous in flight; fig. 165. Fig. 169 Fig. 170 Hooded Merganser. 1-8 Smew. 1-8. Young, duller with feathers more or less tipped with white. Notes, half melancholy whistles followed by a gutteral chuckle. Flight, direct with rapid wing-beats with neck outstretched and legs held straight out behind; in raising from water, swims rapidly then runs with flapping wings, swims well, COOTS. 223 but head is moved as in the last; dives but does not use wings under water. Breeds chiefly in northern U. S. and southern Canada; occurring more rarely north to Greenland and Alaska; goes south, largely through the interior (but occurring in immense, compact flocks at this season on fresh and brackish waters in Fla.); north in May when less common along Atlantic border. 188. EUROPEAN COOT. Differs from last in having edge of wing and first primary white, and there is no white on under tail coverts. Northern Eastern Hemisphere; accidental in Green- land. DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS. Water birds which swim readily. They occur upon both salt and fresh water. Usually social, frequently assembling in large flocks. Sexes, dissimilar. 224 MERGANSERS. MERGANSERS. Long-bodied, long-necked Ducks with slender bills, fig. 166. Males appear in the eclipse or female plumage in summer. 189. MERGANSER. Large, 24; heeid upper neck and anterior back, black; remainder of back, ashy; white Fig. 171 Fig. 172 Mallard. 1-12. Black Duck. 1-2. beneath, strongly tinged with salmon; bill and feet, orange. Large white wing-patch, fig. 167. Female and summer male; head and neck reddish with a well defined line of demarkation between it and the white beneath; throat, white; back, wholly ashy. Young, similar to female. Breeds from Pa. MERGANSERS. 225 northward; goes south in Sept. and Oct.; north in April. Winters, from the Middle States southward to the Gulf of Mexico. More scatteringly north to Mass. Common on fresh w-inter; occasionally seen on salt water. Nests placed in holes of trees; eggs, 6-10 pale buff. Cry harsh, but duck like. 190. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Smaller, 22. males with a well defined crest, breast and sides of neck, buff, streaked with black, creamy white beneath, fig. 168; female and summer and fall male, throat* less white and red of head and neck not separated from white beneath by a well de- fined line of demarkation. Young, similar but duller. Nests, on ground; eggs, 6-10, greenish-brown. Breeds chiefly north of the U. S.: winters from N. E. to Fla. when it occur off our coast in flocks of thousands which sit on the water in compact masses or rise and fly about in a disorderly manner; south in Oct., north in April. 226 MERGANSERS. 191. HOODED MERGANSER. Smaller, 19, head prominently crested; male, head, neck and collar on lower neck, black; patch on head and crest, streaking above; patch on wing and beneath, white; sides chestnut, finely banded with black; bill, black; feet, dusky-orange, fig. 169. Fig. 178 Red-legged Black Duck. 1-2. Female and young brown on head, neck and back; white beneath. Occurs more often on fresh than salt water; sits low when swim- ming and does not associate in large flocks; is apt to turn quickly about on water and back again. Nests in cavities of trees; eggs, 6-10, white. N. A. south to Mexico and RIVER DUCKS. 227 Cuba, breeding throughout most of its range; resident from N. C. southward. 192. SMEW. Smaller, 17; patch in front of eye, back and two crescent-shaped bars on side of breast, black; otherwise, white. Female, top of head, brown, rest of head and beneath, white; back, pale brown. Northern Europe and Asia; accidental in eastern N. A. RIVER DUCKS. Bill, wide and flattened; legs, short, but the birds walk well and often feed on land. Terminal portion of inner secondaries, irri- descent, forming a shining surface, the spec- ulum. Do not dive but reach down into shallow water sometimes tipping the body forward. Nests, on ground; eggs, 6-12, greenish. 193. MALLARD. Large, 24; head and neck, green; lower neck in front and breast, chestnut; lower neck behiftd and back, reddish-brown, finely -28 1MVEK DUCKS. banded with white, but becoming black on upper tail coverts, the tips of which are up- turned; beneath, back of breast, creamy- white. Speculum, dark blue bordered by black, which is margined before and behind with white; bill, greenish; feet, orange. Female and young, dark-brown, banded and Fig. 174 Fig. 175 1-12. Gadwall. 1-12. Baldpate. spotted with yellowish red; speculum as in male. Northern parts of Northern Hemis- phere; in N. A. breeding south to southern U. S.; most common in northeastern U. S. during migration in April, Sept. and Oct., a few remain all winter as far north as Mass. but the greater portion winter in the south. In starting from water, rises obliquely. RIVER DUCKS. 229 Easily tamed and is the origin of many of our domestic ducks, fig. 171. 194. BLACK DUCK. A little smaller, 23; dark brown streaked with reddish-yellow; speculum, green, bor- dered by black only; fig. 172. Female and young rather more yellowish; in all stages the throat is yellowish with few or no spots; feet, brownish; bill, green. In rising from water springs into air nearly perpendicularly to the height of ten feet before darting away in swift flight. More often occurs on fresh than salt water. Breeds from Mass. northward, most abundant during migra- tion, in April and Sept. Winters from Mass, to S. C. 195. RED-LEGGED BLACK DUCK. Larger than last, darker; throat, thickly spotted, fig. 173; bill, yellow; feet, red. Breeds north of IT. S. ; goes south in Oct. to winter in great numbers from Mass, to the Chesapeake; north in April. Occurs more often on salt water than on fresh; sometimes 230 DUCKS. congregating along the coast in flocks of hundreds. 196. FLORIDA BLACK DUCK. Smaller, much more yellowish than Black Duck and more broadly streaked; bill. Fig. 176 Fig. 177 Greeo-wing Teal. 1-8. Blue-winged Teal. 1-8. greenish; feet, reddish-orange. Central and southern Fla. Not seen in large flocks. 197. GADWALL. Smaller, 21 ; speculum, white bordered in front with black, grayish above, reddish on top of head; bill, black; feet, greenish, fig. 174. Female, brown throughout, spe- culum as in male. Nearly cosmopolitan; in N. A. breeds in western U. S. where com- RIVER DUCKS. 231 mon; rare on Atlantic coast. Goes south in Nov. to winter in Central America, north in May. Nests, on ground; eggs, 6-10, pale brown-buff. 198. BALDPATE. Size of last; speculum, black; top of head, white; grayish above, breast and sides ashy -red; dark stripe behind eye. fig. 175. Female, duller, crown spotted with dusky. Breeds in interior of N. A., chiefly north of U. S. Winters from southern border of U. S. to Central America; south in Sept. and Oct., north in April; rather rare on Atlantic border north of Fla. Fre- quents fresh and brakish waters. 199. WIDGEON. Differs from last in having crown yel- lowish and remainder of head and neck chestnut- red. Female, speculum, gray bordered with white, excepting below. Northern parts of Old World; occurs fre- quently in eastern U. S. 232 TEALS. 200. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Small, 16; speculum, green above, black below, narrowly bordered by white behind; head and neck, chestnut- red, green patch behind eye; grayish brown above; crescent shaped mark in front of wing, ring around neck and beneath, white; breast Fig. 178 Fig. 179. Shoveller. 1-10. Pin Tail. 1-10. purplish with rounded spots of black; bill and feet, brown, fig. 176. Female, brown above, white beneath, slightly spotted with dusky on breast; young similar to female with all stages occurring between this dress and that of adult male, speculum always as in male. Breeds chiefly north of U. S., TEALS. 233 winters along southern border of U. S. southward, goes south in Sept. and Oct., comes north in March and April. On Atlantic border occurs more frequently on salt than fresh water. Nests on ground, eggs, 6-10, pale buff. 201. EUROPEAN TEAL. Differs from last chiefly in absence of white crescent in front of wing and in having a whitish border to green patch on head. Female and young, scarcely different from last. 202. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Larger than Green-winged, 16; patch on wing, blue, speculum, black bordered with white behind. Head and neck gray; white crescent in front of eye; top of head, black; back, brown; outer webs of scapularies, blue, black and green; beneath, pale purplish spotted with black; bill, black; feet, yellow, fig. 177. Female, brown marked with white; wings as in male. Young, similar to fe- male with intermediate stages in males. 234 DUCKS. Breeds chiefly in the interior of N. A. from Kan. and southern 111., north to the Saskat- chewan; winters from N. C. south to north- ern S. A.; south in Sept., north in April. Frequents small ponds or even pools usually of fresh or brackish water, but occasionally Fig. 180 Wood Duck. 1-9. is found on salt water creeks. When alarmed and in flocks on water gathers into a com- pact mass. Flight exceedingly swift. 203. CINNAMON TEAL. Differs from last in having speculum green, head, neck and lower parts rich pur- plish chestnut and feet orange. Female SHOVELLER. 235 differs in being more heavily marked with darker. Western America; in N. A. west of the Rocky Mountains; rare east of the Mis- sissippi River. 204. SHOVELLER. Larger, 20; bill greatly widened at tip; speculum, violet-green, blue patch on wing Fig. 181 ^ivis*. Redhead. 1-15. as in last; head and neck, dark -green; breast, sides of back and wing-band, white; belly, chestnut; bill, black; feet, orange, fig. 178. Female, mottled and streaked with pale brown, dark brown and black; wing like male. Young male with intermediate plum- age. Northern Hemisphere; in N. A., breeds 236 DUCKS. from Tex. to Alaska. Winters, commonly from N. C. through Gulf States; south in Sept. and Oct., north in April. Uncommon in Atlantic coast states north of N. C. Occurs in small ponds both salt and fresh in small flocks. Nests, on ground; eggs, 6-10, greenish. Note of male, a short, gutteral ihuck\ female, quack. 205. PINTAIL. Larger, 25, neck, long and thin; central tail feathers, long, narrow, bill not widened at tip; speculum, violet-green; head, neck and back, brown; two lines of white extend down sides of neck with a patch of black between and join the of lower parts; wing coverts ashy, greater tipped with reddish; bill blue, line on top black, feet bluish, fig. 179. Female, speculum gray; dark- brown above marked with lighter; yellow- ish-white beneath; white wing-band in both sexes. Northern Hemisphere, in N. A. breeds north of U. S.; south in Sept.-Nov. to winter from Gulf States to Pamama, when WOOD DUCKS. 237 very abundant in Fla., frequenting salt estuaries of coast and fresh waters of in- terior; north in March. Not common on Atlantic coast, north of Ga. Male, whistles; female, quacks. 206. WOOD DUCK. Our most beautiful species, 18; head, crested, green; line over eye, one behind it, Fig. 182 Canvasback. 1-16. triangular throat patch, ring around neck and belly white; breast, chestnut; back, brown; sides buff finely banded with black with coarser black and white bandings on flanks; iris, red; bill, pink; feet brown, fig. 180. Female, young, and eclipse plumage of 238 DUCKS. adult male (occurring in mid-summer) duller; head, brown; line at base of bill and space about eye, white, this being larger in adult males; breast, streaked. Breeds throughout temperate N. A., south in Oct.; winters in Gulf States; north in April. Nests, placed Fig. 183 Lesser Scaup. 1-10. in holes of trees; eggs, 6-10, pale brown. Frequents wooded streams and small ponds often hiding in thickets; rises suddenly and flies swiftly away usually following the stream. Breeding note, given by both sexes, a clear, long-drawn, plaintive whistle, re- peated rapidly. BEDHEAD. 239 SEA DUCKS. Sea-inhabiting in winter, but some species breed in the interior. All dive well. 207. RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK. Of medium size, 21; head, conspicuously crested; speculum, white; head and neck, reddish; back, brown; below and rump, 184 Scaup. $. 1-3. black; large patch on flanks, white; bill and feet, bright red. Female, brown; speculum, gray; crest, small. Eastern Hemisphere; accidental in eastern U. S. 208. REDHEAD. A little smaller, 20; bill, low at base and not projected back on forehead; spec- 240 REDHEAD. culum, gray, black margined above; head and upper half of neck, brown-red; remain- der of neck and body in front of wings, and lower back, black; canvassing on back and sides, dark; feet, bluish, fig. 181. Female, brown with canvasing of back showing faintly. Breeds from northern Mich, and northern Me., northward; south, in Oct. to. winter from Mass, (where it is rare north of Cape Cod) southward of Fla. ; common in the middle sections of winter range; north in April. Nests, on ground; eggs, 8-12, brownish. 209. CANVASBACK. Differs from last in having a longer bill, higher at base, and back much whiter, fig. 182. Breeds from northwestern states, northward, migration, winter range, and nesting habits similar to last. 210. SCAUP. Smaller, 19; speculum, white; head, neck and upper breast, black, the former glossed with green and violet ;^back, sides LESSEE SCAUP. 241 and beneath, appearing white, fig. 183. Female with black of male replaced with brown, white space at base of upper man- dible; bill, blue; feet, black, fig. 184. Young male similar with intermediate stages. Breeds from northern North Dacota, north- ward through northwestern N. A.; south in Fig. 185 Golden-eye. 1-10. Oct.; north in April. Winters from Mass, south to Ga.. usually found on salt water, often in large close -flock or rafts and in rising flies in a close body. Nesting habits and eggs, similar to last. 211. LESSER SCAUP. Smaller than last, IT, head without greenish gloss. Breeds a little further. 242 DUCKS. south and more in the interior of Canada away from coast; south in Oct. to winter from N. C. south to W. L, north in April, 212. RING-NECKED DUCK. Differs from last in having speculum gray, a distinct reddish ring around neck, Fisj: 186 Barrow Goiden-eye. 1-8. and a black bill. Breeding, winter range and time of migration similar. Occurs singly or in small flocks on fresh or brackish waters. 213. GOLDEN-EYE. Larger, 20; head, upper neck and back, black; lower neck, under parts, and wing BARROW GOLDEN-EYE. 243 patch white; bill, black; feet, yellow, fig. 185. Female and young male, black, re- placed by brown with intermediate stages. Breeds from northern U. S., northward to tree limit; south in Oct. to winter from Mass, to S. C.; north in April. Place snest in cavity trees; eggs, 8-10, as'hy-green. Fig. 187 Buffle-head. 1-10. 214. BARROW GOLDEN-EYE. Differs from last in having bill higher at base and the white spot at its base more triangular, fig, 186. Breeds from northern U.S. northward; uncommon in northern U. S. in winter; south in Oct.; north in April. Nesting habits and eggs similar to last. 244 SQUAWS. 215. BUFFLE-HEAD. Small, 14; feathers of head elongated; head and back, black; triangular patch, back of eye, broad line through wing and beneath, white; fig. 187. Female, brown above, white below; white patch on wing and a small one back of eye and below it. Fig. 188 Fig. 189 Harlequin. 1-15. Old Squaw. 1-15. Breeds chiefly north of the U. S.; south in Oct. to winter from Mass, to Fla.; north in March. 216. OLD SQUAW. 18, neck short; central tail feathers elongated and narrow; summer, head, neck, breast, upper parts and middle tail, black ; sides of head and body, ashy; patch behind SQUAWS. 245 eye, longitudinal streak on side of occiput, under parts and side of tail, white; bill, black; feet, bluish. Winter differs in having head, neck, upper breast and back, white; patch of brown on side of head below one of ashy, fig. 189. Female differs in lacking long central tail feathers; head and neck, Fig. 191 Fig. 190 Northern Eider. 1-3. American Eider. 1-3. dusky with whitish patch around eye and on neck behind. Breeds in the Arctic, south in Oct., wintering from coast of N. E. to S. C.; north in late April. Frequents bays along coast in close flocks from a few pairs to hundreds. In feeding all of the flock are apt to dive at one time and reappear simultaneously; sometimes rise in air a-nd-by 246 DUCKS. circling about to a considerable hight. Cries musical and frequently given both when on the water and in flight, they are: Er-lit ali- er-lit, varied by Ah-ah oh-er-lit. Nests placed on ground; eggs, 7-1^, ashy. 217. LABRADOR DUCK. Shorter, 19; head, breast and large wing patch,white; top of head, collar, around Fig. 192 King Eider. ]-3. neck and body, black; bill, black, orange at base; feet, bluish. Female, ash-brown; wing- coverts and secondaries, white. Former breeding range, north of the U. S.; in winter as far south as N. J. Now extinct; last specimen captured was at Grand Menan, N. DUCKS. 247 B., in 1871, but I saw one living in the mouth of Ipswich River in 1872. 218. HARLEQUIN DUCK. Smaller, 17, appearing black; triangle in front of eye. spot on back of head, two crescents on sides, and markings on back, white, fig. 188. Female, ash-brown; face 'Fig. 193 Scoter. 1-3. and spot on sides of occiput, white. Breeds in N. A. from Newfoundland northward chiefly in interior, placing nests in holes of trees, stumps, etc.; eggs. 6-8, pale-brown. Winters, from Gulf of St. Lawrence to N. J., but uncommon from Mass, southward. South in Nov.; north in Feb. 248 EIDERS. 219. AMERICAN EIDER. Large, 25; head, neck and above, white; forehead, line through eye and beneath, black; portion of head, pale green; naked space at base of bill, white, fig. 190. Female, reddish-brown, transversely banded with dark-brown. Breeds of Atlantic coast from Fig. 194 Fig. 195 Surf Scoter. 1.10. White winged Scoter, 1.10. Me. to Labrador, south in late Oct. to winter from Mass, to Del.; on coast of Mass, keeps well out to sea feeding about remote islands. 220. NORTHERN EIDER. Differs from last in having naked space at base of bill narrow, fig. 191. Breeds in north-eastern N. A. and Greenland, south m winter to Mass. DUCKS. 249 221. KING EIDER. Size of last, differs from it in having base of bill considerably swollen and naked process widened; black of head reduced to a narrow line about process and there is a V of black on throat, fig. 192. Female differs in having swollen process at base of bill. Fig. 196 Ruddy Duck. 1-2. Breeds in the Arctic, south in winter as Jar as northern N. E. and rarely to Ga. 222. STELLER DUCK. Smaller, 15; greater portion of head, patch on wing and breast, white, remainder of plumage appearing black. Female, head, neck and breast, brown the last barred and spotted with black; head and neck, light 250 GEESE. brown; elsewhere appearing black. Breeds on Arctic coast of Siberia; winters on coast of Alaska. Accidental in Greenland and Quebec. 223. SCOTER. 19; base of bill, slightly swollen and orange; wholly black, fig. 193. Female, Fie. 197 Masked Duck. 1-2. brown whitish on sides of head. Breeds in Labrador and northward; south in Oct. to winter from N. E. to Fla. ; north in April. 224. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Larger, 21; base of bill, swollen; black with small spot beneath eye and patch on wing, white, fig. 195. Female, differs from last in having white patch on wing. Breeds DUCKS. 251 north of U. S. in Canada; winters, from N. E. to S. C.; time of migration as in last. Nests placed on ground; eggs, 5-8, pale brown. 225. VELVET SCOTER. So similar the last as to be indistin- guishible in field. Northern Old World, accidental in Greenland. Fig. 198 Blue Goose. 1-6. 226. SURF SCOTER. Bill considerably swollen at base and brightly colored. Black, with spot on front of head and another on occiput white, fig. 194. Female, brown with light spot at base of bill and on side of head. Breedins; 252 DUCKS. range and migration similar to last.. In swimming all Scoters frequently hold tail upright, as does the Ruddy Duck. They often associate together in great flocks; when a small number are together they fly in line one behind the other close to the water, but when in large flocks will some- Fig. 199 Lesser Snow Goose. 1-J8. times fly higher and in a more confused manner; all are apt to fly into the months of estuaries at low tide to feed upon mussels. 227. RUDDY DUCK. Smaller, 15; neck and upper parts, chestnut. Top of head, black, spot on its DUCKS. 253 side, white; beneath, grayish; bill and feet, bluish, fig. 196. Female and winter male, chestnut replaced by reddish-brown; throat, lighter. Breeds locally throughout N. A. south to Guatemala; south in Oct. to winter from N. C. to the W. I.; north in April. Occurs singly or in small flocks on both Fig. 200 American White-fronted Goose. 1-4. fresh and salt water, but seldom on the ocean, often in small ponds and pools. Very unsuspicous. Often holds tail erect when swimming. Dives well. When startled flies swiftly, but is apt to circle and return to the place from which it started. Nests placed on ground; eggs, 6-10, dull white. 254 GEESE. 228. MASKED DUCK. Smaller, 13; front of head, black; body, reddish brown, lighter beneath; white wing patch, fig. 197. Female, duller; top of head and two stripes on its side, black. Tropical America, accidental in Wis. N. Y. and Mass. Fig. 201 Canada Goose. 1-4. GEESE. Large with long necks, quite long legs well fitted for walking. Bill, short and high at base. Sexes, similar; nests on ground; eggs, 6-10, dirty white or yellowish. 229. BLUE GOOSE. Large, 28; appearing brown; head and neck, white, fig. 198. Young, dark all over. % Breeds on eastern shore of Hudson Bay; goes GEESE. 255 south through interior to winter on coast of Gulf of Mexico, west of La.; rare on Atlantic coast. 230. LESSER SNOW GOOSE. Smaller, 25; white; primaries, black, fig. 199. Young, appearing dark brown. Breeds in Alaska, south in Oct. and Nov. to 202 Barnacle Goose. 1-4. winter to southern 111. and southern CaL; casual in N. E. Flight and cries much as in Brant. 231. GREATER SNOW GOOSE. Differs from above in being larger, 35. Breeds on eastern coast of Hudson Bay; south in winter, very rarely to N. E. and southward as far as Cuba. Rare in U. S. 256 GEESE. 232. AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Smaller, 30; gray above, forehead and beneath white mottled with black on breast, fig. 200. Breeds far north in N. A.; goes Fig. 203 Brant. 1-4 south in Oct. to winter in the south west; north in March; rare in Atlantic coast. 233. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Smaller, with a considerably smaller bill. Northern parts of Eastern Hemisphere; accidental in Greenland. GEESE. 257 235. CANADA GOOSE. Larger, 40; brown above and on head and neck; patch on cheeks usually meeting on throat, and beneath white; head and neck, black, fig. 201. Breeds in northern U. S. and Canada; south in Nov. to winter from Md. to Fla. and Mex.; north in March. Flight rather rapid but with slow wing- beats; moves in lines or Vs but never masses in front. Cries loud and sonorous. The Canada Goose is frequently domes- ticated and breeds readily if kept in suffi- ciently large enclosures. In order to keep it from migrating, however, after the first year one wing should be clipped. It asso- ciates with the common domesticated Geese and the ganders sometimes take charge of their young, but it does not appear to hy- bredize with other geese. The cries, given continuously in flight, as a call to keep members of the flock to straggling; are also uttered when the birds are on the ground. 258 Fulvous Tree Duck. GEESE. 259 236. HUTCHINGS GOOSE. Much smaller than last, 32; otherwise similar. Breeds in Arctic N. A.; south in Oct. through western U. S. and Mississippi Valley to winter from Kansas southward; north in March. 237. CACKLING GOOSE. Smaller, 24; distinct white collar on lower neck; nearly as dark below as above. Breeds on northern Pacific coast; south in winter into western U. S.; rarely east to Wis. 238. BARNACLE GOOSE. 26; fore part of head and beneath, white- back of head, neck and breast, black, fig. 202. Northern parts of Old World; casual in eastern N. A. 239. BRANT. 25; no while on head, but streaked with it in patch on side of neck; gray above; white beneath, fig. 203. Breeds in Arctic, in N. A., chiefly on Atlantic coast; south in 260 FLAMINGOES Oct. and Nov. to winter in southern U. S.; north in April, occurs chiefly on coast over Fig. 205 Flamingo. 1-16. 9 the sea seldom crossing land. Flight, swift; wing-beats, rather rapid; moves in lines, but frequently breaks into irregulur masses SWAXS. 261 in front. Cries more shrill and less sonorous than in Canada Goose. 240. BLACK BRANT. Differs from last in having white of neck clear and meeting beneath. Breeds in Arctic N. A.; south through West to winter as far as lower Cal.; casual on Atlantic coast. Fi OOO 611. AMERICAN ROBIN. Larger, 10, gray above; top of head, black; golden brown beneath; throat, white, streaked with black; bill, .yellow, fig. 422. Female, duller. Nestlings, spotted with black above and below. Breeds in eastern Wilson Thrush. N. A. from Atlantic to Rockies north of N. C.; winters from Canada to Gulf States, south in Oct. and Nov., north in March and April. Found everywhere. Song, loud and hurridly given; variable, but a usual form is chip cherry chip, with other notes, a single 534 THRUSHES. sharp whistle of inquirey. Young, when fully fledged, give a practicing song similar to adult; uttered with closed bill, and thus low and muffled. Nests in trees and bushes. Fiff. 422 American Robin. sometimes within buildings or about them- eggs, unspotted. 612. CAROLINA ROBIN. Similar to last, but smaller, paler and duller. Young, less heavily spotted. Breeds WllKATEAK. 535 in S. C. and northern Mich., north to Md. and southern 111. 613. TOWNSEND SOLITAIRE. Smaller than last, plain brown-gray, two red-buff patches on wing with a darker intervening space; tail with small white spots, at tip. Mountains of western N. A., accidental in 111. 614. GREENLAND WHEATEAR. Smaller, 6.50, ashy-gray above; term- inal third of tail, black; remainder with tail coverts, forehead, line over eye, and lower parts behind, \vhite; otherwise, plain buff below; patch on side of head, black. Breeds in Iceland, Greenland and Labrador, strag- gling south to Nova Scotia, Me., Mass., N. Y. and Bermuda, accidental in La.; winters in northern Africa, Labrador birds reaching winter quarters via Greenland and the British Isles. 536 BLUEBIRDS. 615. BLUEBIRD. Larger, 7, blue above; breast and sides, cinnamon-brown; remaining lower parts, white, fig. 423. Female, duller. Nestlings spotted above wTith white and wholy white Fig. 4^3 Bluebird. below, streaked writh red-browrn. Breeds from Ga. north to British Provinces, west to Rockies; winters from Middle States to Gulf Coast; south in Oct. and Nov., north in Feb. and March. Frequents open country. Call song of three notes, often repeated, BLUEBIRDS. 537 cheer~e-ly, given by both sexes and young; song by male, a low, sweet warble, uttered sometimes in flight or when perched with fluttering wings. Catches insects on ground, but flies to perch to eat them. Flight, rather indirect and wabbly. Nests in holes of trees or in boxes; eggs, pale blue, usually unspotted. 616. FLORIDA BLUEBIRD. Deeper in color above and below than last. Resident in Fla. 538 APPENDIX. Appendix The following species, chiefly accidental visitors, should be included as birds of our section. EARED GREBE. About the .size of Horned Grebe, but bill smaller. Conspicuous cinnamon ear tufts in adult. Young and winter plumage, scarcely different. Western U. 8. ; casual in Indiana. SHORT-BILLED GULL. Differs from Ring-billed Gull in being darker above; no band on bill, which is green, with tip yellow, and shorter. Difficult to distinguish in field in young stages. PINTADO PETREL. Large, 15; head, wings, tip of tail and mottlings on back, black; otherwise, including patch on wing, white. Southern Oceans, accidental off coast of Me. ALLIED SHEARWATER. Smaller than Audubon Shearwater, with black of head not extending below eye. Australian seas; acci- dental on Sable Island, N. S. APPENDIX. 539 HAWAIIAN PETREL. Similar to Leach Petral, but with tail less forked. Pacific Ocean ; accidental in Ind. and District of Columbia. RUDDY SHELDRAKE. Size and general color of Mallard, but with a knob at base of bill. Old world; accidental in Greenland. BEAN GOOSE. Size of white-fronted Goose, but differs in having an orange band on middle of bin. in being darker without white on face, or black spots on breast; legs and feet, orange. Old World; accidental in Greenland. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. Differs from last in being: smaller. 28: patch on bend of wing, gray: upper mandible, pink in center. Old world; accidental in Greenland. WAYNE CLAPPER RAIL. Scarcely to be distinguished from Clapper Rail in the field. Salt marshes of Atlantic coast from N. C. to Fla. HUDSONIAN SPRUCE PARTRIDGE. Similar to Spruce Grouse, but darker. Labrador and westward in same latitude. BERMUDA GROUND DOVE. Similar to Bahama Ground Dove, but smaller and with bill wholly black. Bermuda. 540 APPENDIX. GROOVED-BILLED ANI Bill grooved, scarcely different in field from Ani, S. A. , north to Tex; casual in Fla. FLORIDA CROW. Bill larger than in Crow, difference in Held almost inperceptable. Florida. HOODED CROW. Differs from Crow in being gray on back and under parts. Europe: casual in Greenland. ROOK. Resembles Crow, but differs in having no feathers about base of bill, where skin is whitish. Europe; accidental in Greenland. CLARK NUTCRACKER. Size of Blue Jay; bill, longer and pointed; gray wings, and tail black: patch on former and outer feathers of latter, white. Western N. A. ; accidental in Wisconsin. INDEX. 541 Index Albatrosses 43 Albatross, yellow-nosed 43 Anhinga 78 Anhingas 78 Ani 310 grooved- billed 540 Auk, razor-billed 25 Auks, murres, puffins, etc. 24 Avocet. american 133 Avocets and stilts 133 Baldpate231 Bananaquit, bahama 428 Bittern, american 200 cory 202 least 201 Brant 259 black 261 Blackbird, brewer 366 red-winged 359 rusty 366 yellow-headed 365 Bobolink 371 Bobwhite 265 florida 266 Bufflehead 244 Bunting, black-throated 372 lark 404 painted 425 snow 404 varied 426 Buzzard, european 293 Canvas-back 240 Caracara, audubon 299 Catbird 504 Key West 505 Chat, yellow-breasted 476 Chats 474 Chickadee, acadian 353 black-capped 351 Carolina 352 florida 353 hudsonian 353 townsend 354 Chuck-will's-widow 326 Coot 222 european 223 Coots 222 Cormorant, 76 double-crested 77 florida 77 mexican 77 542 INDEX. Cormorants 73 Cowbird 369 Crake, corn 219 spoiled 218 Crane, little brown 212 sand-hill 212 whooping 212 Cranes 211 Creeper, brown 514 Crossbill, american 417 white-winged 418 Crow 355 florida 540 fish 356 hooded 540 Crows 355 Cuckoo, black-billed, 312 mangrove 312 maynard 312 yellow-billed 311 Cuckoos 310 Curlew, esquimo 184 hudsonian 183 long-billed 183 Dove, bahama ground 275 bermuda ground 539 blue-headed partridge 276 ground 275 mourning 273 ruddy quail 276 zanaida 274 Dovekie 34 Dowitcher 144 long-billed 147 Duck, black 229 florida black 230 fulvous tree 261 harlequin 247 Iabrador246 Duck, masked 254 red-legged black 229 ruddy 252 rinjrneck 242 steller249 wood 237 Ducks, geese, and swans 223 Ducks, river 227 sea 239 Dunlin 162 Eagle, bald 297 golden 296 gray sea 298 northern bald 298 Egret, changing 205 peal 205 reddish 205 snowy 204 Eider, american 248 King 249 northern 248 Falcon, prairie 289 Finch, purple 408 Flamingo, american 263 Flamingos 262 Flicker 225 boreal 225 northern 225 Flycatcher, alder 342 crested 336 fork-tailed 333 green-crested 342 least 340 olive-sided 340 sissor-tailed 334 trail 342 yellow-bellied 343 vermillion 344 Frigate birds 80 Fulmar. 44 INDEX. 543 Fulmar, lesser 45 Fulmars 44 Gadwall 230 Galinule, florida 220 purple 221 Gallinules219 Gannet 66 blue-faced 66 booby 69 red-faced 69 Gannets 65 Geese 254 Gnatcatcher, blue gray 523 Goatsuckers 326 God wit, black -tailed 183 hudsonian 182 marbled 180 Golden-eye 242 barrow 243 Goldfinch, american 414 european 416 Goose, am. white-fronted 256 barnacle 259 bean 535 blue 254 cackling 259 canada 257 greater snow 255 hutchinefs 259 lesser snow 255 pink-footed 535 white-fronted 256 Goshawk 291 mexican 291 Grackle, boat-tailed 368 bronzed 366 florida 368 purple 367 Grassquit. bahama 427 melodious 427 Grebe, eared 538 holboel!8 horned 9 pied billed 12 Grebes 6 Greenshanks 172 Grosbeak, black-headed 422 blue 424 Canadian pine 410 cardinal 423 evening 419 Florida cardinal 423 rose-breasted 420 Grouse, quail, etc. 265 Grouse, canada 266 Canadian ruffed 267 prairie sharp-tailed 271 ruffed 267 thayer ruffed 267 Guillemot, black 32 mandt 34 Gull, american herring 95 bonaparte 102 franklin 102 glaucous 93 £reat black-backed 92 herring 94 iceiand 96 ivory 89 kittewake 89 kumlein 96 laughing 99 little 104 meu99 ring-billed 97 ross 104 sabine 105 short-billed 538 Siberian 93 Gulls. 87 544 INDEX. Gulls, coast 91 hooded 99 Gyrfalcon 284 black 285 gray 284 white 283 Hawk, broad-winged 295 cooper 290 cuban sparrow 289 duck 286 ferrugineous 296 florid ared-shouldered 294 harland 293 krider 292 little sparrow 289 marsh 282 pigeon 286 red-shouldered 293 red-tailed 291 rough-leerged 296 sharp-shinned 290 short-tailed 295 sparrow 288 swainson 295 western red-tailed 293 Hawks, Eagles, etc. 280 Hen. heath 271 prairie 270 Heron, black-crowned night 209 european blue 204 great blue 203 great white 202 green 208 little blue 207 louisiana 207 wurdeman 202 ward 203 white 204 yellow-crowned night 209 Herons 199 Hummingbird, ruby-throat- ed 330 Hummingbirds 330 Ibis, glossy 199 scarlet 198 white 197 white-faced glossy 199 wood 211 Indigo bird 424 Jaeger, long-tailed 87 parasitic 86 pomerine 85 Jay. blue 348 canada 350 rlorida 349 florida. blue 349 labrador 350 J unco 387 Carolina 388 gray-headed 389 montana 389 Kestrel 289 Kingbird 334 arkansas 336 gray 335 Kingfisher, belted 330 Kingfishers 330 Kinglet, golden-crowned 521 ruby-crowned 521 Kinglets 519 Kite, everglade 282 mississippi 281 swallow-tailed 281 white-tailed 282 Knot 149 Lapwing 185 Land birds 264 Lark, florida meadow 359 horned 345 1XDEX. 545 Lark, meadow 358 hoyt horned 347 prairie horned 346 sky 345 western meadow 359 Larks 345 Limpkin 213 Linnet, brewster 413 Lougspur, chestnut-collared 407 lapland 406 mccown 408 smith 406 Loon 17 black-throated 23 red-throated 20 Loons 15 Magpie, american 348 Magpies and Jays 347 Mallard 227 Man o'war bird 81 Martin, cuban 484 floiida 483 purple 483 Merganser, american 224 hooded 226 red-breasted 225 Mergansers 224 Merlin 287 richardson 287 Mockingbird 5U3 Mockingbirds and Thrash- ers 503 Murre 27 brunnich 30 ringed 30 Murrelet. ancient 41 Nighthawk 328 rlorida 328 howell 329 Noddie 125 Nutcracker, clark 540 Nuthatch, brown-headed 519 llorida white breasted 517 Carolina white-breast- ed 517 red-breasted 517 white-breasted 515 Nuthatches 515 Old Squaw 244 Oriole, baltimore 362 bullock 363 orchard 364 Orioles 357 Osprey 298 Owl, arctic horned 306 barn 302 barred 303 burrowing 309 dusky horned 306 rlorida barred 3U2 florida burrowing 308 rlorida screech 307 great gray 304 great horned 305 hawk 308 long-eared 304 labrador horned 306 richardson, addenda 550 saw whet 305 screech 307 short-eared 305 snowy 309 Owls 302 Ovenbird 477 Oystercatcher 195 european 196 Paroquet, norida 300 546 INDEX. Paroquet, western 301 Parrots, etc. 300 Partridge, hudsonian spruce 539 Pelican, brown 72 white 71 Pelicans 69 Perchers, singing 344 song less 333 Petrel, black-capped 53 bulwer 54 hawaiian 535 leach 55 pintado 535 scaled 54 stormy 54 white-beilied 58 white-faced 58 wilson 56 Pewee. wood 339 Phalarope. northern 132 red 130 wilson 131 Phoebe 337 say 339 Pigeon, passenger 272 white-crowned 272 Pigeons 272 Pintail 236 Pipit 481 meadow 481 sprague 482 Plover, belted piping 192 black-bellied 186 european golden 188 golden 187 killdeer 188 mountain 193 piping 191 ring 191 Plover, semipalmated 189 wilson 192 Ptarmigan, alien 269 reinhart 270 rock 269 welch 270 willow 269 Puffin 36 large-billed 39 tufted 39 Kail, black 219 clapper 216 rlorida clapper 217 king 215 louisiana clapper 217 sora 217 Virginia 215 wayne clapper 536 yellow 218 Rails, gallinules and coots 314 Raven, northern 356 Redhead 239 Redpoll 410 greenland 412 hoary 412 holboell 412 Redwing, bahama 360 florida 360 northern 361 Redstart 474 Robin 533 Carolina 534 Rook 540 Ruff 177 Sanderling 167 Sandpipers, baird 157 bartramian 177 buff-breasted 178 cooper 156 INDEX. 547 Sandpipers, curlew 162 green 174 least 158 pecroral 153 purple 151 red-backed 160 semipalmated 163 solitary 172 sported 179 stilr 147 western 166 white-rumped 155 Sandpipers, etc . etc. 142 Sapsucker. yellow-bellied " 314 Scaup 240 lesser 241 Scotor 250 surf 251 velvet 251 white-winded 250 Shearwater, allied 538 audubon 49 cory 49 greater 45 manx 51 sooty 51 Shearwaters 45 Sheldrake, ruddy 539 Shore birds 128 Shoveller 235 Shrike, loggerhead 494 northern 493 northern loggerhead 495 Shrikes 493 Siskin, pine 414 Skimmer, black 127 Skimmers 126 Skua 85 Skuas and jaegers 84 Smew 227 Snipe, european 142 wiison 140 Sora2l7 Sparrow, acadian sharp- tail 400 bach man 390 brewer 378 chipping 373 clay-colored 377 dusky seaside 398 field 376 fisher seaside 398 florida grasshopper 392 fox 384 golden-crowned 380 grasshopper 392 harris 380 henslow 393 ipswich 401 lark 403 leconte 395 lincoln 381 macgiliiverys seaside 397 nelson 399 pine wood 389 savannah 400 scotts seaside 397 seaside 395 sharp-tailed 399 song* 381 southern grasshopper 392 swamp 383 tree 374 western field 376 white crowned 379 white-throated 378 vesper 402 548 INDEX. Sparrows and finches 372 Spoonbill, roseate 196 Spoonbills and ibises 196 Starling 357 Stilt, black-necked 135 Swallow, barn 488 bahama 488 bank 485 cliff 484 cuban cliff 485 european 489 rough-winged 486 tree 487 Swallows 482 Swan, trumpeter 262 whistling 262 whooping 2€2 Swans 261 Swimmers, tube-nosed 42 long-winged 82 Swift, chimney 329 Swifts 329 Tanager, louisiana 492 scarlet 491 summer 492 Tartaorers 491 Teal, blue-winged 233 cinnamon 234 european 233 green-winced 232 Tern, arctic 115 black 123 bridled 121 cabot 110 Caspian 108 common 111 forster 114. gull-billed 107 least 119 noddy 125 Tern, roseate 117 royal 110 sooty 122 trudean 111 white winged black 124 Terns, dusky backed 120 pale backed 111 short tailed 121 Thrasher, brown 505 Thrush, bickneil. 529 gray-cheeked 529 grinnel water 479 hermit 526 louisiana water 478 newfoundland 531 olive-backed 528 red-winged 532 water 478 willow 530 wilson 532 wood 524 varied, addenda 550 Thrushes 524 Titmice 351 Titmouse, tufted 353 Totipalmate. swimmers 58 Towhee. arctic 387 green-railed 387 red-eyed 385 white-eyed 386 Tropic bird, red-billed 65 yellow-billed 62 Tropic birds 59 Troupial 362 Turkey, florida 278 wild 277 Turkeys 277 Turnstone 194 Vireo. bell 502 black-whiskered 496 IXDEX. •549 Vireo, burmudan 502 key west 502 mountain 500 philadelpia 497 plumbeous 500 red-eyed 496 solitary 500 warbling 497 white-eyed 501 yellow-green 498 yellow-throated 499 Vireos 495 Vulture, black 279 turkey 279 Vultures 278 Wagtail, white 480 Wagtails, wood 477 Warbler, audubon 433 bachman 459 bay-breasted 441 black and white 429 blackburnean 442 black-polled 440 black throated blue 431 black-throated green 443 blue winged 457 brewster 455 Canadian 472 cape may 434 cairn 432 cerulean 436 chestnut-sided 438 Connecticut 466 iiorida pine 447 golden-winged 455 hooded 470 kentucky 464 kirtland 446 lawrence 457 Warbler, magnolia 435 mourn in or 467 myrtle 432 nashville 459 northern parula 453 orange-crowned 459 palm -i48 paruia 453 pine 457 prairie 450 prothonotary 461 swainson 4(J4 sycamore 431 tennessee 461 townsend 445 western parula 455 wilson 471 worm-eating 463 yellow 451 yellow palm 449 yellow-throated 430 Warblers, american 429 Water birds 5 Waxwing, bohemian 490 cedar 489 Wheatear, green land 535 Whip-poor-will 327 Whiinbrell 185 Widgeon 231 Willet 175 western 176 Woodcock, american 137 european 140 Woodcock and Snipe 136 Woodpecker, american three-toed 321 arctic three-toed 320 cockaded 319 downy 319 florida piieated 323 530 INDEX. Woodpecker, hairy 317 ivory- hi lied 321 newfounaland 318 northern downy 319 northern hairy 317 northern pileated 323 pileated 322 red-bellied 315 red-headed 316 southern downy 318 southern hairy 318 Woodpeckers 313 Wood wagtails 477 Wren, bewick 508 carolioa 507 llorida 507 Wren, h^use 508 long-billed marsh 510 louisiana marsh 512 raarian marsh 511 prairie marsh 512 short-billed marsh 513 western house 509 winter 510 wonhington marsh 512 Wrens 506 Yellow legs, greater 168 lesser 171 Yellow throat, maryland 468 northern 469 southern 470 ADDENDA. RICHARDSON OWL— Larger than Saw-whet Owl, 9, and differs in color in being darker and in having five lines of white spots on tail. Breeds from Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, rarely wandering South in winter into northern U. S. VARIED THRUSH— Differs from Robin in absence of black on crown and streak on throat with wing bands, line over and behind eye. and beneath brownish yellow; band across breast, patch on sides of head, black. Pacific coast, accidental in N.J.,N. Y. and Mass. CORRECTIONS: page 307. 3rd line from bottom, for FLOUDA, read FLORIDA. Page 362, first line, for TROPICAL read TROUPIAL. T HE END. THIS WIL THIS WILL . DAY AJ OVERDUE. BlOc ST 377900 nit ho logy . NOV 19 t;;J (&*&' UIN 17 19*2 CL681 SEP 27 193J V 377900 BIOLOGY . UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY