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» HANDBOOK OF BIRDS

OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

WITH: KEYS TO. THE SPECIES
AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR PLUMAGES, NESTS, AND EGGS
THEIR DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATIONS
AND A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THEIR HAUNTS AND HABITS
WITH INTRODUCTORY CHAPTERS ON THE
STUDY OF ORNITHOLOGY, HOW TO IDENTIFY BIRDS
AND HOW TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE BIRDS
THEIR NESTS, AND EGGS

BY
FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSISTANT CURATOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MAMMALOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY ;
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION, ETC,

WITH FULL-PAGE PLATES IN COLORS AND BLACK AND ES
AND UPWARD OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY
IN THE TEXT

SIXTH EDITION

NEW YORK oe Ne ee
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
IQOI

CopyrRicnt, 1895,
By D. APPLETON AND COMPANY.

TO MY MOTHER
WHO HAS EVER ENCOURAGED HER SON IN HIS
NATURAL HISTORY STUDIES

THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED

ry)

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PR ER ACE

Ir this book had been written in the last century it might have
been entitled “Ornithology made Simple, or How to Identify Birds
with Ease, Certainty, and Dispatch.” It may be unworthy so com-
prehensive a title, nevertheless I have made an honest endeavor to
write a book on birds so free from technicalities that it would be in-
telligible without reference to a glossary, and I have tried to do this
in a volume which could be taken afield in the pocket.

I have not addressed an imaginary audience, nor have I given my
prospective readers what, theoretically, I thought they ought to have,
but what personal experience with students of birds has led me to
believe would meet their wants.

The preparation of this work has firmly convinced me that the
poet would have been nearer the truth had he written “ One touch of
nature makes the whole world kind.” In the succeeding pages I have
attempted to express my appreciation of the assistance which natural-
ist friends and associates have generously given me, but here I desire
to especially thank Miss Florence A. Merriam, Dr. J. A. Allen, and
Mr. Ernest E. Thompson for much valuable criticism and advice.

Frank M. CHAPMAN.

AMERICAN Museum oF NATURAL HIsToRY,
New York City, January, 1895.

9
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List OF ABBREVIATIONS .

CON TRENT Si

INTRODUCTION . ; a : 4 : : , .

CHAPTER I.—THE STUDY OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Systematic Ornithology.
Philosophie Ornithology
Economie Ornithology .
Sentiment of Ornithology

CHapter I1.—TuHe Stupy or Brrps Out-or-Doors .

How to Identify Birds .
How to Find Birds
When to Find Birds
Tables of Migration

The Nesting Season
Note-books and Journals

Cuaprer III.—ConLuectine Birps, THEIR NESTS, AND EGGs

Collecting Birds

Making Birdskins.

Sexing Birds .

Cataloguing and Rateling

Care of a Collection ;
Collecting and Preserving Nets Aa (ate :

PLAN OF THE WorRK.

Nomenclature adopted .
Definition of Terms

The Key to Families
The Keys to Species
Measurements

Range

Biographies
Illustrations

Color Chart

Vii

viii CONTENTS.

GE
THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA EAST OF THE NINE-

TIETH MERIDIAN 41
KerY TO ORDERS AND FAMILIES . 41
I. OrnpER PyGopopEs: Diving Birds 56
1. Family Podicipide: Grebes 56
2. Family Urinatoride: Loons 58
3. Family Alcide: Auks, Murres, and Puffins 60
II]. OrDER LonGIPpENNES: LoNG-winGeD SwIMMERS 65
4, Family Stercorariide : Skuas and Jaegers . 65

5. Family Laride: Gulls and Terns 67°
6. Rynchopide: Skimmers : 85
Ill. OrpeR TuBINARES: TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 56
7. Family Diomedeide: Albatrosses 86
8. Procellariide: Petrels, Fulmars, and shearers 86
IV. OrDER STEGANOPODES: TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 91
9. Family Phaéthontide: Tropic Birds. 91
10. Family Sulide: Gannets 92
11. Family Anhingide: Darters : 93
12. Family Phalacrocoracide: Cormorants . PS igh < oe
13. Family Pelecanide: Pelicans : 95
14, Family Fregatide: Man-o’-War Birds 97
V. OrDER ANSERES: LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 97
15. Family Anatide: Ducks, Geese, and Swans 97
VI. OrDER OponToaLoss#: LAMELLIROSTRAL GRALLATORES . 125
16. Family Pheenicopteride : Flamingoes . 125
VII. OrpER Heroptones: Herons, Storks, IBIsEs, ETC. . . 125
17. Family Plataleide: Spoonbills . . 125
18. Family Ibidide: Ibises . 126
19. Family Ciconiide: Storks and Wood Thies . 127

20. Family Ardeide: Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns . 128 |
VIII. OrpER PatupicoLa: CRANES, RAILs, ETC. eel vg
ee Family Gruide: Cranes . As
pier Aramid: Courlans : . 138
3. Family Rallide: Rails, Gallinules, A Canis : . 139
IX. OrpdER Limtcota: SHorE Brrps SAAG
24. Family Phalaropodide : Phalasepees . 147
25. Family Recurvirostride: Stilts and Avocets . 149
26. Family Scolopacide: Snipes, Sandpipers. ete. . . 100

XII.

XIII.

SGI.

DS

XVI.

XVII.

CONTENTS.

27, Family Charadriide: Plovers
28. Family Aphrizide: Turnstones, ete. .
29. Family Hematopodide: Oyster-catchers .

. ORDER GALLINZ: GALLINACEOUS Brrps 3
30. Family Tetraonide: Grouse, Bob-whites, ete. .

31. Family Phasianide : Pheasants, etc..

. ORDER COLUMB®: PIGEONS AND Doves

32. Family Columbide: Pigeons and Doves .

OrprR Raptrores: Brrps or Prey . :
33. Family Cathartidee: American Vultures .

34. Family Falconide: Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, ete.

30. Family Strigide : Barn Owls

36. Family Bubonide: Horned Owls, Hoot OF Is’.

ORDER PsitTact: Parrots, Macaws, PARroQueEts, ETC.

37. Family Psittacide: Parrots and Paroquets

ORDER CoccyGEs: Cuckoos, KINGFISHERS, ETC.
68. Family Cuculide : Cuckoos
39. Family Alcedinide: Kingfishers

ORDER Pict: WoopDPECKERS, WRYNECKS, ETC.
40. Family Picide: Woodpeckers .

OrpER MAcROocHIRES: GOATSUCKERS, HUMMINGBIRDs,

SWIFTS, ETC.

41. Family Caprimulgide Nighthawks Whip-poor-

wills, ete.
42. Family Maeva online "Swifts
43. Family Trochilide: Hummingbirds.

ORDER PASSERES: PERCHING Birbs .
44. Family Tvrannide: Flycatchers
45. Family Alaudide: Larks .

46. Family Corvide: Crows and Jays
7. Family Sturnide: Starlings

_ 48. Family Icteride: Blackbirds, Grates 8s

49. Family Fringillide: Finches, Sparrows, ete.
50. Family Tanagride: Tanagers

51. Family Hirundinide: Swallows

52. Family Ampelide: Waxwings .

53. Family Laniide: Shrikes .

54. Family Vireonide: Vireos .

50. Family Mniotiltide: Wood We aoler

56.
of.
58.
59.
60.
61.

ApvpenDIx: A Field Key to our Commoner Eastern Land Birds

CONTENTS.

Family Motacillide : Wagtails and Pipits

Family Troglodytide: Thrashers, Wrens, ete. .

Family Certhiide: Creepers
Family Paridze: Nuthatches and Tatton

Family Sylviide: Kinglets and Gnatcatchers .

Family Turdide: Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc.

List oF PRINCIPAL WORKS REFERRED TO

INDEX

PAGE

. d75
. 376
. 385
. 386
. d91
. 094

. 404
. 411
. 415

Bos-WHITE . Frontispiece.
CoLor CHART

PIED-BILLED GREBE AND Youre

Heaps or Ducks

LittLE BLiuE HERons

CLAPPER RAIL .

Woopcock AND YOUNG

SPOTTED SANDPIPER AND YOUNG

RuFFED GROUSE AND YOUNG .

Sparrow Hawk AND YouNG .

Hatry WooppPrEcKER; YELLOW-BELLIED Sh eetowan
W HIp-POOR-WILL

LEAST FLYCATCHER ; Pager

BoBouink .

MEADOWLARK

LiST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FULL-PAGE PLATES.

TO FACE PAGE

WHITE-THROATED Seinen ee CROWNED Se arimor
Sone SPARROW; SWAMP SPARROW .

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO; WARBLING Vins
LovuIsIANA WATER-THRUSH

Woop Taurus; WILson’s THRUSH.

FIGURES IN THE TEXT.

FIGURE

is

G 3 oS CrP SH

A completed birdskin : A : , : ;

. Topography of a bird é

. (a) Spotted, (d) streaked, (c) Wad (d) ciaesined feathers
. Rule showing inches and tenths : 5
. Feet of (a) Pied-billed Grebe, (0) Loon, () Puffin : ;
. (a) Bill of Parasitic Jaeger ; 7 bill and foot of i ame Gull
. Bill of Common Tern ; ; ; : :
. Bill of Skimmer

xi

39
o7
97

. 185
. 140
. 153
. 169
2 ISt
ect
. 229
. 207
. 245
. 262
. 260
. 800
. 806
. 330
. 368
. 395

PAGE

28
do
34
a7
41
4]
42
42

Xl LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FIGURE PAGE
9. (a) Bill and foot of Black-footed Albatross; (0) bill and foot

of Fulmar . ; : ; : “ “ ; ee

10. Foot of Cormorant . : , ; : : A . 48
11. Bill of Yellow-billed Tropic Bird ‘ : : ‘ : . 43
12. Bill of Gannet . : : 4 : ; ‘ ‘ F . 48
13. Bill of Anhinga : : ; f : 4 , : ~. 40
14. Bill of Cormorant . F ; : , é : . 43
15. Bill of Man-o’-War Bird : : ; : ; : : . 438
16. Billof Merganser. , . 44
17. (a) Bill and foot of Mallard: (b) foot of Gunvasnane . . 44
18. Bill of Flamingo : ‘ : : . sr 40
19. Bill and toe-nail of Little iivean ne : ; ; : . 45
20. Bill of White Ibis. : : 4 : ; t ; ~ Ad
21. Bill of Roseate Spoonbill . : : : ; 4 ; =. 40

22. (a) Bill and foot of Clapper Rail: bills of (6) Yellow Rail,
(c) Sora, (d) Florida Gallinule; (e) bill and ‘foot of Coot . 46

23. Bill of Sandhill Crane : ; é ; ‘ : . 46
24, Bill of Limpkin. : 46
25. Bills of (a) Dowitcher, (b) Knot (c) igele bellied Ploy er,

(dq) Semipalmated Plover. 47

26. Feet of (a) Red Phalarope, (0) nee (c) io witohee: @ Black-
bellied Plover, (e) Semipalmated Plover. ; : ae,

27. Bill of Ruffed Grouse : : : : ; : : . 48
28. Bill of Wild Pigeon . : ‘ . 48
29. Feet of (a) Barred Owl, (5) Rede sagadordd Henke | <-43-
30. Head of Barn Owl . ; : ; ; ; ; : . 48
31. Head of Barred Owl . : 3 : : 5 : ; . 48
32. Head of Turkey Vulture . : ‘ : : ; : . 49
33. Head of Red-shouldered Hawk ¢ , : : : . 49
34. Bill and foot of Carolina Paroquet . ; : : : . 49
35. Bill and foot of Belted Kingfisher . : : f ; . 49
36. Bill and foot of Yellow-billed Cuckoo . ‘ 49
37. (a) Bill and foot of Hairy Woodpecker, (6) foot “ot Meotic
Three-toed Woodpecker ; : : ; : : . 50
38. Bill and foot of Nighthawk . ; : : : A)
39. Bill and tail-feather of Chimney Switt : ‘ ‘ : ee
40, Bill of Hummingbird 5 , : : : : ; 380
41. Foot of Robin . : , ; é ; ‘ é . , oe:
42. Bill and wing of Phebe . 3 : : ; : : ee)
43. Bill and hind-toe of Horned Lark . j : : Apel 8

44, (a) Bill and wing of Blue Jay, (0) bill of ote : ; wht
45. Bill and wing of Starling . : : ‘ : : : “Be

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Xiil
FIGURE PAGE
46. (a) Bill and wing of Baltimore Oriole; bills of (6) Meadow-
lark, (c) Purple Grackle : 52
47. Bills of (a) Cardinal, (0) Pine Groswebke: er Deis Finch,
(d) Red Crossbill, (e) Seaside Finch, ( is ) Goldfinch 52
48, Bill of Scarlet Tanager ; f 52
49, Bill and foot of Cliff Swallow . 53
50. Head of Cedar Waxwing . 53
51. Bill of Loggerhead Shrike 53
52. Bill of Blue-headed Vireo 53
53. (a) Bill of Tennessee Warbler; (0) bill, wing, and RIAA 606 of
Pine Warbler; bills of (c) Redstart, a Water-Thrush ;
(e) Chat . : . 53
54. Bill and hind-toe of a ican Pipit 54
55. (a) Bill of Brown Thrasher, (0) bill and wing of Gaibiba:
bills of (¢) Carolina Wren, (d) House Wren. : . o4
56. Bill and tail of Brown Creeper . 54 |
57. (a) Bill of White-breasted Nuthatch, (b) bill did wing of
Chickadee 55
58. (a) Bill and wing of Golden stowed Kinelots @) bill of Bina
Gray Gnatcatcher . : : 5 . OO
59. (a) Bill of Robin, (5) bill and wing of Bluebird 9)
60. First primaries of (a) American Herring Gull, (0) Ring: billed
Gull, (c) Laughing Gull, (d) Franklin’s Gull, (e) Bona-
parte’s Gull . : : 69
61. First primaries of (a) Caspian Ter @) Hoyal! Gh (c) a
mon Tern, (d) Arctic Tern, (e) Royal Tern . 78
62. Head of Least Sandpiper . 160
63. Head of Red-backed Sandpiper to
64. Wing of Solitary Sandpiper . 166
65. Head of Semipalmated Plover . . 174
66. Head of Wilson’s Plover . a6
67. Tail of Sharp-shinned Hawk 198
68. Tail of Cooper’s Hawk do
69. Primaries of Red-shouldered Hayle. 202
70. Primaries of Broad-winged Hawk 204
71. Foot of Golden Eagle . 206
72. Foot of Bald Eagle . . 207
73. Tail-feathers of Yellow-billed Giles . 225
74, Tail-feathers of Black-billed Cuckoo ~ 226
75. Head of Crested Flycatcher 245
76. Head of Prairie Horned Lark . 253
77. Wead of Cowbird 262

X1V

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FIGURE

78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94,
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
1601,
102.
1038.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
a &
112.
113.
114.
115.

Head of Orchard Oriole

Head of Purple Finch

Head of Redpoll

Hind-toe of Lapland locnseate
Tail-feathers of Vesper Sparrow
Tail of Grasshopper Sparrow .
Head of Seaside Sparrow .
Head of Lark Sparrow

Head of Chipping Sparrow
Head of Fox Sparrow

Head of Dickcissel

Barn, Cliff, Tree, and Bank Swallows

Section of primary of Rough-winged Swallow.

Head of Red-eyed Vireo .

Wing of Warbling Vireo . : : <b pe

Head of Black and White Warbler .
Head of Worm-eating Warbler
Head of Blue-winged Warbler .
Head of Golden-winged Warbler
Head of Parula Warbler .

Head of Myrtle Warbler .

Head of Magnolia Warbler

Head of Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler .
Head of Black-poll Warbler
Head of Prairie Warbler .

Head of Oven-bird .

Head of Kentucky Warbler
Head of Maryland Yellow-throat
Head of Wilson’s Warbler

Head of Hooded Warbler.

Head of Canadian Warbler

Head of Yellow-breasted Chat .
Head of Short-billed Marsh Wren
Head of Long-billed Marsh Wren
Head of Red-breasted Nuthatch
Head of Tufted Titmouse.

Head of Golden-crowned Kinglet

PAGE

. 267
. 281
. 285
. 289
. 290
. 293
. 297
. 299
. 802
. 809
. 315
. 318
. 3823
. 328
. 329
. dol
. dol
. dol
. dol
. ddl
: joo
. dol
. dol
. do4
. 366
. 366
. 866
. 366
. 366
. 366
. 366
. 366
. d72
. 083
. 384
. 888
. 389
. 392

A HANDBOOK OF THE
BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA.

INTRODUCTION:

CHAPTER I.

THE STUDY OF ORNITHOLOGY.

Birps, because of their beauty, the charm of their songs, and the
ease with which they may be observed, are doubtless the forms of
animal life which -first attract the young naturalist’s attention. His
interest in them gives evidence of.an inborn love of Nature. Too
often this priceless gift is lost simply through lack of encouragement
and instruction. Properly developed it should prove a never-failing
source of pleasure and inspiration, if indeed its influence does not
become the most potent factor in our lives.

Let us hope that the day is not distant when the importance of in-
troducing natural-history studies into our schools will be generally
recognized. The young student of Nature will then be helped over
the repelling technicalities which render so difficult the first steps to
a knowledge of his chosen subject. Without a guide he now either
loses his way completely or travels under disadvantages which handi-
cap him for the whole journey.

The uninstructed beginner in ornithology usually expends his en-
ergies in forming a collection, and he knows no better way of pursuing
his study of birds than to kill and stuff them! Collecting specimens
is a step in the scientific study of birds, but ornithology would have
small claim to our consideration if its possibilities ended here. Prop-
erly considered, it includes what may be termed the science of orni-
thology and the sentiment of ornithology. As a science it treats of
birds as the exponents of natural laws and seeks to determine their
place in the scale of life. In the sentiment of ornithology Nature ap-
peals to us through the most interesting and beautiful of her animate
forms,

2 1

SYSTEMATIC ORNITHOLOGY.

bo

The Science of Ornithology.—The science of ornithology may be
divided into three branches—systematic, philosophic, and economic.
The systematist aims to classify birds according to what are appar-
ently their true relationships. He is the ornithological storekeeper,
and having taken an account of stock it is his duty to keep the books
of the firm in order. The philosophic ornithologist accepts as a fact
the statement of affairs given him by his fellow-worker the systemat-
ist, and tries to explain the wherefore and why. He is a seeker of
causes. The economist is of a more practical turn of mind. He is
impressed by the incalculable influence which birds exert over our
agricultural interests, and the necessity for learning with exactness
whether this influence is for good or evil. But let us describe these
three departments of scientific ornithology more fully.

Systematic Ornithology.—The first step in the scientific study of
any group of animals is to name and classify them. Orders, families,
genera, species, and subspecies are to be described and arranged in
what appears to be the most natural manner. Thus all the Perching
Birds, for example, are placed in the order Passeres, and this order is
divided into numerous families—for instance, the Thrushes or family
Turdide. But how are we to know which are Perching Birds and
which of the Perching Birds are Thrushes? The systematist answers,
by studying a bird’s structure. Generally speaking, orders and fami-
lies are based on skeletal, muscular, and visceral characters which may
be termed internal characters. Genera are based on the form of bill,
feet, wings, and tail, or on external characters. while species and sub-
species are based mainly on color and size. Thus all the members of a
family or order agree more or less in their principal internal charac-
ters: those of a genus agree in external characters, and the individ-
uals of a species or subspecies resemble one another in color and
size.

The object of classification is to aid us in understanding not alone
the relationships of one bird to another bird, or of one family or
order of birds to another family or order, or even of living to extinct
birds, but also to assist us in explaining the relationships of all the
classes of the animal and vegetable kingdoms—mammals, birds, rep-
tiles, fishes—and thus down the scale to the lowest forms of life.

This systematic study of the relationships of birds has taught us
that they have been evolved from reptilian ancestors. There is much
evidence in support of this fact. but the most conclusive is furnished
by the discovery in the lithographic slate of Solenhofen, Bavaria, of
several specimens of a remarkable fossil, a reptilelike bird, which has
been named Archeopterux lithographica. It is the earliest known
direct progenitor of the great class Aves,

PHILOSOPHIC ORNITHOLOGY. 8

The importance of systematic classification is also shown in the ne-
cessity of naming objects before we can study them to advantage. As
the alphabet is the foundation of a written language, so this great
series of scientific names, which appears so formidable to the student,
is the groundwork for all ornithological research,

Philosophie Ornithology.—Having learned the alphabet of orni-
thology, we may pass from the systematic to the philosophic study
of birds; from the study of dead birds to that of living ones. <A
study of specimens shows their relationships through structure, but
a study of the living bird in its haunts may tell us the cause of
structure. In classifying birds we have taken note of their form and
coloration; our object now is to determine how these characters were
acquired.

As Prof. E. S. Morse has said, “There is no group of animals
which exceeds birds in varied and suggestive material for the evolu-
tionist.” Compare a Hummingbird with an Ostrich, a Swallow with
a Penguin, and the enormous variation in the structure and habits of
birds is brought very forcibly to our minds. When we remember
that these widely divergent types descended from a reptilian ancestor,
we are impressed anew with the truth of Prof. Morse’s remark.

A brief review of the more important branches of philosophic
ornithology will show how rich a field is open to the student of birds.
They are: (1) The origin of birds and their place in Nature ; * (2) their
distribution in time and space, and the influences which determine
their present ranges; + (8) the migration of birds, its origin. object, ex-
tent, and manner; { (4) the nesting of birds, including a study of the
significance of sexual differences in form, color, and voice, the location
and construction of the nest, the number and color of the eggs, together
with the habits of birds during the entire nesting season ; (5) the effect

* See Newton’s Dictionary of Birds (London : Adam and Charles Black, 1893) ;
articles, ‘‘ Anatomy of Birds” and ‘* Fossil Birds” ; Coues’s Key to N. A. Birds.

+ Read The Geographical Distribution of North American Mammals, by J. A.
Allen, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., iv, 1892, pp. 199-244; four maps. The Geo-
graphical Origin and Distribution of North American Birds, considered in Rela-
tion to Faunal Areas of North America, by J. A. Allen, The Auk, x, 1893, pp.
97-150 ; two maps. The Geographic Distribution of Life in North America with
Special Reference to the Mammalia, by C. Hart Merriam, M. D., Proc. of the
Biological Soe. of Washington, vii, 1892, pp. 1-64; one map. Laws of Tempera-
ture Control, by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Nat. Geog. Mag., vi, 1894, pp. 229-238 ;
three maps.

¢ On this subject read articles by the following authors: J. A. Allen, Scrib-
ner’s Magazine, xxii, 1881, pp. 932-938; Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, v, 1880, pp. 151-
154 ; Scott, ibid., vi, 1881, pp. 97-100 ; Brewster, Memoirs Nuttall Orn. Club (Cam-
bridge, Mass.), No. 1, pp. 22; Cooke and Merriam, Bird Migration in the
Mississippi Valley (Washington, 1888); Chapman, Auk, v, 1888, pp. 37-39 ; xi,
1894, pp. 12-17; Loomis, Auk, ix, 1892, pp. 28-39; xi, 1894, pp. 26-39, 94-117;
Stone, Birds of E. Penn. and N. J., Bird Migration, pp. 15-28.

4 GEOGRAPHICAL RACKS.

of climate upon the color and size of birds;* (6) the relation of a
bird’s color to its haunts and habits.t Besides these general subjects
which enter into our study of the life-history of every bird, we have
the special instances of intelligent adaptation to changed conditions
of life, and, most interesting of all, the relation between structure and
habits, or the part played by a bird’s habits in determining the form
of its bill, feet, wings, and tail. Thus the Crook-billed Plover of New
Zealand turns over or probes under stones and shells in search of food,
not because its crooked bill makes an excellent lever or probe, but it
has acquired a crooked bill through this habit. Again, the Gallinules of
certain islands in southern seas are flightless, not because their wings
are too small to support them, but because after having flown to these
islands they had no further use for wings, which in time, through dis-
use, became so small that the birds have lost the power of flight. In
other words, it is not because their wings are small that they do not
fly, but because they do not fly their wings are small.

But to enlarge upon these problems which confront the philo-
sophic ornithologist would require a volume. It is important, how-
ever, that the student should have in the beginning at least a general
idea of the effect of climate on the size and color of birds and the
migration of birds. The first is well illustrated by our Bob-white or
Quail. In New England, at the northern limit of its range, it is a fine,
large bird with a light-brown back and a white breast narrowly barred
with black. As we proceed southward it becomes smaller, the brown
is of a deeper shade, the black bars of greater extent. Finally, when
we have reached the humid region of southern Florida, the minimum
in size is attained, the back is dark, rich chestnut barred with black,
and the breast is almost wholly black. No one who compared this
small, dark Florida Quail with the large, pale Quail of New England
would consider them the same species. But on examining a series of
Quails from all the Atlantic States one sees how gradually this change
in color and decrease in size occurs, and that nowhere would it be
possible to draw a line separating the two extremes. They are species
in process of formation still connected by a chain of natural links.

Ornithology presents many similar cases. They illustrate two laws
in the evolution of animals—decrease in size southward and greater

* Read Part III of Dr. J. A. Allen’s Mammals and Winter Birds of East
Florida, Bull. Mus. Comp. ZodGl., vol. ii, No. 3. Cambridge, 1871.

+ Consult Poulton’s Colors of Animals (D. Appleton & Co., 1890); Bed-
dard’s Animal Coloration (Macmillan & Co.) ; Keeler’s Evolution of the Colors
of North American Land-birds (Occasional Papers of California Academy of
Sciences, iii, 1893) ; also reviews of last two works in The Auk, x, 1893, pp. 189-
199, 373-380.

MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 5

intensity of color in regions of greatest rainfall. They are thus evi-
dences of an evolution so recent that we can assign its cause.

In nomenclature these partly formed species are termed subspecies
or races. Under the trinomial system they are distinguished by a
third name: thus Colinus virginianus floridanus is a subspecies or race
of Colinus virginianus. But if through any change in the earth’s sur-
face the regions occupied by the large, light Quail and the small, dark
one should be separated, the intermediates would disappear and in-
stead of a race or subspecies we would have a full species—Colinus
jloridanus.

The Migration of Birds.—Certain insects, fishes, and mammals
migrate, but no animals compare with birds in the extent of their
migrations. Some birds nest within the Arctic Circle and winter in
the southern parts of the southern hemisphere, performing this jour-
' ney of thousands of miles year after year and returning to their sum-
mer or winter haunts with marvelous certainty and regularity.

Not only is the migration of birds an interesting subject in itself,
but the almost constant changes it causes in the bird-life of the same
region gives an interest to the study of ornithology which is ever re-
newed with the changing seasons. Indeed, to the lover of Nature
birds are a living calendar. “ What was that sound that came on the
softened air? It was the warble of the Bluebird from the scraggy
orchard yonder. When this is heard, then has spring arrived.”

A discussion of the origin of bird migration will be found in the
books and papers on this subject to which reference has been given.
Here it is possible only to outline its principal features as they exist
to-day. Generally speaking, birds migrate at the approach of winter,
in search of food. The reason why they leave a land of plenty in the
tropics and follow the footsteps of retreating winter to nest in the
comparatively barren north is as yet not satisfactorily explained.

As a rule, the extent of a bird’s migration depends upon the nature
of its food. Insect-eating birds are forced to extend their migrations
much farther than the seed-eaters, many of which are permanent
residents at their place of birth. The land-birds of the Western
States winter in Mexico. A few cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
into Central America, but practically no species cross the Isthmus of
Panama. Our Eastern birds have a longer and more perilous journey
to perform. They leave the mainland by way of Florida, and some
species find congenial winter haunts in the West Indies or Central
America, while others go as far south as the Argentine Republic.

Birds of strong flight, like Swallows, can easily escape from bird-
killing Hawks, and so migrate boldly by day. But the shy, retiring
inhabitants of woods and thickets await the coming of darkness, and

6 ; ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY.

then, mounting high in the air, pursue their journey under cover of
the night. Birds direct their flight by coast lines and river valleys
which are easily distinguishable in clear weather. On favorable nights
these natural highways of migration are thronged by a continuous
stream of aérial voyagers passing from dusk until dawn.

Looking through a telescope at the moon, one may see numbers of
birds cross its glowing surface. From such observations it is com-
puted that migrating birds fly at a height of from one to three miles.

The eyesight of birds is so far superior to ours that we do not
realize its value to them while migrating. The height at which they
fly gives them command of a wide range of country, and on clear
nights they can undoubtedly distinguish its prominent features with
ease. But when fogs or clouds obscure these landmarks, they lose
their way. It is then that lighthouses prove beacons luring them to
destruction. The Bartholdi Statue, at the mouth of the Hudson
River, is directly in the path of the great streams of migrants which
flow up and down this natural highway of migration, and for this
reason is particularly destructive to birds which travel at night. On
one occasion after a storm no less than fourteen hundred birds were
picked up at its base, having been killed by striking the statue or
pedestal upon which it rests.

But while sight is of the first importance to the older and more
experienced birds who know the way, young birds, who are making
the journey for the first time, doubtless rely on their hearing to guide
them. Birds’ ears are exceedingly acute. They readily detect sounds
which to us would be inaudible. Almost invariably they respond to
an imitation of their notes, and, when under way, frequently chirp and
call. When we consider their power of hearing and their abundance
in routes of migration, it seems probable that at no time during the
night is a bird bevond the hearing of his fellow-travelers. The line
of flight once established, therefore, by the older birds, who leave first,
it becomes a comparatively easy matter for the younger birds to join
the throng.

Economic Ornithology.—This branch of the study of ornithology
treats of the relationships of bird to man from the standpoint of
dollars and cents. Civilized man is Nature’s worst enemy. He isa
disturbing element whose presence is a constant menace to the balance
of life. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that we should
acquaint ourselves with the conditions which make a true equilibrium
and endeavor to. sustain them when it proves to our advantage to
do so.

The disastrous results which have followed man’s introduction of
the English or House Sparrow in America, the mongoose in the West

ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. ai

Indies, and the rabbit in Australia, clearly show that our attempts to
improve upon Nature must be directed, not by haphazard methods,
but by knowledge gained through a careful study of Nature’s laws.

Few persons realize the value of birds to man. They are the
natural check upon the increase of insect life. Consider the incal-
culable number of insects destroyed by the birds which pass the
greater part of each day hunting through our lawns, orchards, fields,
and woods for the pests that destroy vegetation. Of almost equal im-
portance are the birds of prey whose food consists largely of the small
rodents which are among the farmer’s worst enemies. Indeed, it is
not too much to say that without birds the earth would not long be
habitable.

As yet we are on the threshold of an exact knowledge of the value
_ of birds to man; but let us cite one easily demonstrable case where
ignorance of birds’ habits resulted in direct pecuniary loss. Quoting
from the report for 1886 of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist and
Mammalogist of the United States Department of Agriculture: “On
the 23d of June, 1885, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act
known as the ‘scalp act,’ ostensibly ‘for the benefit of agriculture,’
which provides a bounty of fifty cents each on hawks, owls, weasels,
and minks killed within the limits of the State, and a fee of twenty
cents to the notary or justice taking the affidavit.

“By virtue of this act about $90,000 has been paid in bounties
during the year and a half that has elapsed since the law went into
effect. This represents the destruction of at least 128,571 of the
above-mentioned animals, most of which were hawks and owls.

“Granting that 5,000 chickens are killed annually in Pennsylvania
by hawks and owls, and that they are worth twenty-five cents each (a
liberal estimate in view of the fact that a large proportion of them are
killed when very young), the total loss would be 1,250, and the poultry
kiiled in a year and a half would be worth $1,875. Hence it appears
that during the past eighteen months the State of Pennsylvania has
«xpended $90,000 to save its farmers a loss of $1,875. But this esti-
mate by no means represents the actual loss to the farmer and the tax-
payer of the State. It is within bounds to say that in the course of a
year every hawk and owl destroys at least a thousand mice or their
equivalent in insects, and that each mouse or its equivalent so de-
stroyed would cause the farmer a loss of two cents perannum. There-
fore, omitting all reference to the enormous increase in the numbers
of these noxious animals when Nature’s means of holding them in
check has been removed, the lowest possible estimate of the value to
the farmer of each hawk, owl, and weasel would be $20 a year, or $30
in a year and a half.

8 SENTIMENT OF ORNITHOLOGY.

“ Hence, in addition to the $90,000 actually expended by the State
in destroying 128,571 of its benefactors, it has incurred a loss to its
agricultural interests of at least $3,857,130, or a total loss of $3,947,180
in a year and a half, which is at the rate of 2,631,420 per annum. In
other words, the State has thrown away $2,105 for every dollar saved!
And even this does not represent fairly the full loss, for the slaughter
of such a vast number of predaceous birds and mammals is almost
certain to be followed by a correspondingly enormous increase in the
numbers of mice and insects formerly held in check by them, and it
will take many years to restore the balance thus blindly destroyed
through ignorance of the economic relations of our common birds and
mammals.”

To their credit be it said, the legislators of Pennsylvania were not
slow to recognize the error which a lack of proper information had
caused them to make. A State ornithologist was appointed, and
through his efforts this ruinous and absurd law was repealed.

In 1893 the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy of
the Department of Agriculture issued a report upon the food of the
Hawks and Owls of the United States based upon the examination of
the contents of 2,690 stomachs. It proves conclusively the value
of most of these misjudged birds to the agriculturist. It is need-
less to draw a comparison between legislation based upon information
derived from such reports and that based solely on ignorant preju-
dices.

The Sentiment of Ornithology.-We may accept as true Prof.
Morse’s estimate of the value of birds to the scientist; we need not
question their importance in the economics of Nature, but we are still
far from recognizing the possibilities of their influence upon our lives.
An inherent love of birds is an undeniable psychological fact which
finds its most frequent expression in the general fondness for cage-
birds. If we can learn to regard the birds of the woods and fields
with all the affection we lavish on our poorcaptives in their gilded
homes, what an inexhaustible store of enjoyment is ours!

It is not alone the beauty, power of song, or intelligence of birds
which attract us, it is their human attributes. Man exhibits hardly
a trait which he will not find reflected in the life of a bird. Love,
hate; courage, fear; anger, pleasure; vanity, modesty; virtue, vice;
constancy, fickleness; generosity, selfishness; wit, curiosity, memory,
reason—we may find them all exhibited in the lives of birds. Birds
have thus become symbolic of certain human characteristics, and the
more common species are so interwoven in our art and literature that
by name at least they are known to all of us. Shakespeare makes
over six hundred references to birds or bird-life. If we should rob

SENTIMENT OF ORNITHOLOGY. . 9

Wordsworth’s verses of their birds, how sadly mutilated what re-
mained would be!

But why leave a knowledge of birds to poets and naturalists? Go
yourself to the field and learn that birds do not exist solely in books,
but are concrete, sentient beings, whose acquaintance may bring you
more unalloyed happiness than the wealth of the Indies. John Bur-
roughs understands this when he writes of the study of birds: “ There
is a fascination about it quite overpowering. It fits so well with other
things—with fishing, hunting, farming, walking, camping out—with
all that takes one to the fields and woods. One may go a blackberry-
ing and make some rare discovery; or while driving his cow to pas-
ture, hear a new song, or make a new observation. Secrets lurk on all
sides. There is news in every bush. What no man ever saw before
may the next moment be revealed to you. What a new interest the
woods have! How you long to explore every nook and corner of
them !” .

Human friends may pass beyond our ken, but our list of acquaint-
ances in the bird world increases to the end and shows no vacancies.
The marsh the Blackbirds loved may become the site of a factory, but
no event on the calendar is more certain than that in due time and
place we shall hear the tinkling chorus of the epauleted minstrels
rising and falling on the crisp morning air.

“ |... Time may come when never more
The wilderness shall hear the lion roar ;
But, long as cock shall crow from household perch
To rouse the dawn, soft gales shall speed thy wing,
And thy erratic voice be faithful to the spring !”

The woods of our youth may disappear, but the Thrushes will
always sing for us, and their voices, endeared by cherished associa-
tions, arouse echoes of a hundred songs and awaken memories before
which the years will vanish.

CHAPTER II.

THE STUDY OF BIRDS OUT-OF-DOORS.

How to Identify Birds.—Whether your object be to study birds as
a scientist or simply as a lover of Nature, the first step is the same—
you must learn to know them. This problem of identification has
been given up in despair by many would-be ornithologists. We can
neither pick, press, net, nor impale birds; and here the botanist and
the entomologist have a distinct advantage. Even if we have the
desire to resort to a gun its use is not always possible. But with
patience and practice the identification of birds is a comparatively
easy matter, and in the end you will name them with surprising ease
and certainty. There is generally more character in the flight of a
bird than there is in the gait of a man. Both are frequently inde-
scribable but perfectly diagnostic, and you learn to recognize bird
friends as you do human ones—by experience.

If you confine your studies to one locality, probably not more than
one third of the species described in this volume will come within the
field of your observation. To aid you in learning which species should
be included in this third, the paragraphs on Range are followed by
a statement of the bird’s standing at Washington, D. C., Sing Sing,
N. Y., and Cambridge, Mass., while the water-birds of Long Island are
treated specially. Take the list of birds from the point nearest your
home as an index of those you may expect to find. This may be
abridged for a given season by considering:the times of the year at
which a bird is present.*

* It is sometimes possible to secure a list of birds of your own vicinity. These
‘“‘local lists’? are generally published in scientific journals, but one may fre-
quently secure a copy of the author’s edition. On this subject correspond with
L. 8. Foster, 35 Pine Street, New York city. Among the local lists of eastern
birds which were issued as separate publications and are now for sale are—

1. A Catalogue of the Birds of the Virginias, by Wm. C. Rives, M. A., M.D.
Proc. Newport [R. I.] Nat. Hist. Soc., Document VII, 1890, 8vo, pp. 100, one map,
805 species.

2. The Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with Introductory

10

HOW TO FIND BIRDS. 11

After this slight preparation you may take to the field with a much
clearer understanding of the situation. ‘l'wo quite different ways of
identifying birds.are open to you. Hither you may shoot them, or
study them through a field- or opera-glass. A “bird in the hand” isa
definite object whose structure and color can be studied to such ad-
‘vantage that in most cases you will afterward recognize it at sight.
Atter learning the names of its parts, its identity is simply a question
of keys and descriptions.

If you would “name the birds without a gun,” by all means first
visit a museum, and, with text-book in hand, study those species which
you have previously found are to be looked for near your home. This
preliminary introduction will serve to ripen your acquaintance in the
field. A good field- or opera-glass is absolutely indispensable. A
strong opera-glass with a large eye-piece is most useful in the woods,
while a field-glass is more serviceable in observing water-birds. Study
your bird as closely as circumstances will permit, and write on the spot
a comparative description of its size, the shape of its bill, tail, etc., and
a detailed description of its colors. In describing form take a Robin,
Chipping Sparrow, or any bird you know, which best serves the pur-
pose, as a basis for comparison. <A bird’s bill is generally its most
diagnostic external character. A sketch of it in your note-book will
frequently give you a good clew to its owner’s family. It is of the
utmost importance that this description should be written in the field.
Not only do our memories sometimes deceive us, but we really see
nothing with exactness until we attempt to describe it. Haunts, ac-
tions, and notes should also be carefully recorded. This account is
your “bird in the hand,” and while you can not hope to identify it as
easily as you could a specimen, you will rarely fail to learn its name,
and experience will render each attempt less difficult than the pre-
ceding.

flow to Find Birds.—The best: times of the day in which to look
for birds are early morning and late afternoon. After a night of
fasting and resting, birds are active and hungry. When their appe-
tites are satisfied they rest quietly until afternoon, hunger again send-
ing them forth in search of food.

Chapters on Geographical Distribution and Migration, prepared under the Direc-
tion of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, by Witmer Stone, Conservator
Ornithological Section Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 8vo, pp.
185, two diagrams, two maps, 352 species. Price, $1.

3. An Annotated List of the Birds known to occur within Fifty Miles of New
York City, by Frank M. Chapman. Published by the American Museum of Natu-
ral History, New York city. as a guide to its collection of local birds. 8vo, pp.
100, 36 cuts, 4 full-page plates, 348 species. For sale at the Museum. Price, 15
cents.

12 WHEN TO FIND BIRDS.

Experience will soon show you the places where birds are most
abundant. The more varied the nature of the country the greater
number of species you may expect to find inhabiting it. An ideal
locality would be a bit of tree-dotted meadow with a reed-bordered
pond or stream, surrounded by woods, rolling uplands, and orchards.

Common sense will tell you how to act in the field. Birds are gen-
erally shy creatures and must be approached with caution. You must
not, therefore, go observing or collecting dressed in flaming red, but
in some inconspicuous garb and as quietly as a cat. Furthermore, go
alone and keep the sun at your back—two apparently unrelated but
equally important bits of advice.

The collector generally has the instincts of a hunter, and practice
will develop them. The “squeak” is one of his most valuable aids.
It is made by placing the lips to the back of the hand or finger and
kissing vigorously. The sound produced bears some resemblance to
the cries of a wounded or young bird. In the nesting season its utter-
ance frequently creates much excitement in the bird world, and at all
times it is useful as a means of drawing bush- or reed-haunting species
from their retreats. One may enter an apparently deserted thicket,
and, after a few minutes’ squeaking, find himself surrounded by an
anxious or curious group of its feathered inhabitants.

The observer of birds will find that by far the best way to study
their habits is to take a sheltered seat in some favored locality and
become a part of the background. Your passage through the woods
is generally attended by sufficient noise to warn birds of your coming
long before you see them. They are then suspicious and ill at ease.
But secrete yourself near some spot loved by birds, and it may be your
privilege to learn the secrets of the forest.

When to Find Birds.—During the year the bird-life of temperate
and boreal regions fluctuates with the changing seasons. Birds may
thus be classed in the following groups according to the manner of
their occurrence: Permanent residents are birds found in one locality
throughout the year. Summer residents come from the south in the
spring, rear their young, and leave in the fall. Winter visitants come
from the north in the fall, pass the winter, and leave in the spring.
Transient visitants pass through a given place in migrating to and
from their summer homes north of it. Accidental visitants are birds
which have lost their way. They are generally young and inexperi-
enced, and are usually found in the fall.

The best time of the year to begin studying birds is in the winter,
when the bird population of temperate regions is at the minimum.
The problem of identification is thus reduced to its simplest terms,
and should be mastered before spring introduces new elements.

THE ORNITHOLOGICAL YEAR. 13

The commoner permanent residents of the middle Eastern States
are the following:

Bob-white. Hairy Woodpecker,
Ruffed Grouse, Flicker,

Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue Jay,

Red-tailed Hawk, Crow,

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Meadowlark,

Barred Owl, American Goldfinch,
Long-eared Owl, Purple Finch,

Sereech Owl, Song Sparrow,

Great Horned Owl, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Downy Woodpecker, Chickadee,

and occasionally the Waxwing, Bluebird, and Robin pass the winter.
To these should be added the following more or less common winter
visitant land-birds :

Saw-whet Owl, Tree Sparrow,

Horned Lark, Junco,

Snowflake, Northern Shrike,
Lapland Longspur, Winter Wren,

Redpoll, Golden-crowned Kinglet,
American Crossbill, Brown Creeper.

White-throated Sparrow,

Let us now begin with the opening of the spring migration and briefly
review the ornithological year. In the vicinity of New York city the
first birds arrive from the south late in February or early in March.
There is much variation in the coming of these early birds. Later,
when the weather is more settled, migrants arrive within a few days
of a given date. In April most of our winter visitants leave for the
north. The current of migration grows steadily stronger until about
May 12, when high-water mark is reached. Then it rapidly subsides
and the spring migration is practicallysover by June 1. The winter
visitants have gone, the great army of transients has passed us, and
our bird population is now composed of permanent residents with the
addition of about ninety summer residents.

Nesting-time has arrived, and birds which for nearly a year have
been free to go and come as inclination directed, now have homes
where, day after day, they may be found in tireless attendance upon
the nest and its treasures. Courtship, the construction of a dwelling,
the task of incubation, and eare of the young, all tend to stimulate the
characteristic traits of the bird, and at no other time can its habits
be studied to better advantage.

But resident birds begin building long before the migration is con-

14 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL YEAR.

eluded. The Great Horned Owl lays in February, other birds in
March and April; still, the height of the breeding season is not
reached until June 1.

Another period in the avian year closely connected with the spring
migration and nesting-time is the song season. Near New York city
it is inaugurated late in February by the Song Sparrow. Voice after
~ voice is added to the choir, and in June our woods and fields ring with
the chorus so dear to lovers of Nature. By the middle of July it is on
the wane, and early in August it is practically over. Some birds have
a brief second song season in the fall, but as a rule it lasts only a few
days—it is a farewell to their summer homes.*

August is a most discouraging month to the student of birds.
Birds leave their accustomed haunts and retire to secluded places to
renew their worn plumages. They are silent and inactive, and there-
fore difficult to find. Late in the month they reappear clad in travel-
ing costumes and ready for their southern journey. One by one they
leave us, and there are days late in August and early in September
when the woods are almost deserted of birds. Later the fall migra-
tion becomes continuous, and each night brings a host of new arrivals.

The spring migration is scarcely concluded before the fall migra-
tion begins. July 1, Tree Swallows, which rarely nest near New York
city, appear in numbers from the north and gather in immense flocks
in our marshes. Later in the month they are joined by Bobolinks.
Early in August the careful observer will detect occasional small
flights of Warblers passing southward, and by September 10 the
great southern march of the birds is well under way; it reaches its
height between the 20th and last of the month, when most of the win-
ter residents arrive, and from this time our bird-life rapidly decreases.
Some of the seed- and berry-eaters remain until driven southward by
the cold weather in December. When they have gone our bird popu-
lation is again reduced to the ever-present permanent residents and
hardy winter visitants.

The appended tables graphically illustrate the rise and fall of the
migrations and of the nesting season. The first is based on my own
observations at Englewood, N. J., kindly revised and supplemented by
Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell from extended observations at Riverdale, on
the opposite side of the Hudson River.

The second was compiled from data accompanying the collections
of the American Museum of Natural History.

* See a series of papers by Mr. E. P. Bicknell entitled ‘‘ A Study of the Sing-
ing of our Birds.” The Auk, i, 1884, pp. 60-71, 126-140, 209-218, 322-332 ; ii, 1885,
pp. 144-154, 249-262.

THE SPRING MIGRATION. 15

SPRING MIGRATION.

Date of arrival. Date of departure.

Hebets ware. > Purple Grackle.: 00.20. weer due bode de November 1-30.
Tursky back bind: . Soke Uy Sees Be April=May.
iked-winged, Blackbird! .3 waco. November 1-80.
POS So's 3 so 2's otal eee November 1-30.
PEMA REGS 5, of 21, «psa pati hele eee November 1-30.

March 10-20. MVoudepels y.).!'.):\.ieds haere eee ae November 1-30.
BOON 5.5 wie. arand A eens aa eet teers October 20-80.
Mondo Wlarls......)0.. deja actin ae eee eee November 1-280.
Dawored ss 24... did adnan eek eee November 1-80.
GES SPALFOW. «5 «10 a asta aces aes April 1-15.

March 20-31. MMEOM SISTINE 540.44 asa aeeeemeiye May 1-10.
Gm Be? .. 5)... daa ees ee ides November 1-30.
Mouming Dove .:.,<4s0ae eee eer November 1-30.
SHAMIL SParrows.'s tease dawns wie November 1-80.
Biglde S PALO W:.\.,.sa-cee. cera aes November 1-30.

April 1-10. Greve bine: Eeronic.4 jase een ee. oe November 1-30.
Punple Pinch, | Sus saetaswee toc ae November 1-30.
Mesper/ Sparrow .5. .07 senate tes November 1-30.
Savana SPAarrOwsea. (= 0yde deme eee May 1-15.
Chipping, Sparrow. .222. eee wees November 1-30.
BEREC SS WALLOW. 5,5 .15/scurh Mien tee ee May 15-81.
Nivartle:, Wiatt DLeL,..n.-ssieuiero! aeatidarees aie May 10-20.
PXTHICTICADY ELI josey ers oo ene ace ae at April 15-25.
ROTM TMPUSI Ea) Leki o ese eeteme oes April 25-May 10.

April 10-20. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker........... April 20-30.
Barns SwHllows.c.es nce eee October 1-10.
mellow Palm .Woarbler.: oro 2e ition April 25-May 10.
ane Wisk ber. six ook eR eens May 1-10.
Eouisiana Water Thrushs: 2.2 ss2. 492. September 20-30,
Ruby-crowned. Kinglet............... May 1-15.

April 20-30, GGG TElET ON 120 Whacdoltmt lative ae Mata dets October 10-20.
SpPUibed: SANA PIPeT.cn oh. soe nnrcie ees wes September 20-30,
WHS OGE WI Ss <i isa: ce Nod dda res October 10-20.
Chimney Swift..........: aga toma ae October 1-10.
Least-Biycateher... 595. 2 Seas October 1-10.
Towhew.. - Un ccae cscs cs 3 A sola ea» October 20-30.
Bhiesheaded Wireeiy a7 eee Feo tees May 10-20.
Purple: Martin oy a0t aoe eee ween September 20-380,
CUE Swallow: waseects te tacaaee tore: October 1-10.
Bank; Swallloiwcrcwo tes ote are canes oe October 1-10.
Rough-winged Swallow............ ... September 1-10.
Black and White Warbler............ October 1-10.
Black-throated Green Warbler........ May 15-25.
Oven: bind Sc ck enh. ceeeve. eoameces c October 1-10.
House: Wien 210 ts eee eee net Gee ees f October 10-20.

October 10-20,

16

Date of arrival.
April 20-30.

May 1-10.

May 10-20.

THE SPRING MIGRATION.

Solitary Sand piper ./: were nee nee
Yellow-billed Cuckoo... 203s. eee
Black-billed Cuckoo... 2. encase eee
INSP REHAWE:. .\. Sines sche sep ecieie nee
Ruby-throated Hummingbird.........
Crested Miyeatcher. . wile cson ek keeeee
Kime birds Ls. coke aknatexeenee ee creee
Baltimore Oriole... <. ic. cek ssecek eee
OreherdOnole... ccs tanriemies een aee
Bobolink. >. i osasse ss unetbese eeesneer
Yellow-winged Sparrow..............
INGigo BURG... kena aa eee eee
Rose-breasted Grosbeak ..............
meatlet (amareri ns... cts cenee eaten
ed eyed. Vared). 2.0.5 sete s cece eer
Wisrbling Wired’... cc sik eo seceme eee
Yellow-throated Vireo.............00:
White-eyed. Vireoss snk: ssaeeeeeeee
Nashville: Warbler <<... eer
Bine-winged. Warbler ..:.c22¢eeeeeac
Parola, Warbler ....icc.:Saeue ee eee

Marnolia Warblett io: “ieee seco a
Chestnut-sided Warbler..............
Prairie Wiarbler.c@".y et aos
Maryland Yellow-throat..............
Small-billed Water Thrush...........
Heoded! Warbler tiiteaccesenioc fo ook

Acatinn Plyeateher’, . ue. as eee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ............
White-crowned Sparrow..............
Golden-winged Warbler........./....
Tennessee Warbler: 0.05.24 user
Worm-eating Warbler................
Cape May Warblersu-2 2) teake cee
Blackburnian Warblen.., (2 ce eee
Bay-breasted Warbler................
Blackpoll Warbler: : sige oe eeseeee
Wilson's Warbler... sigh vce onto

Date of departure.
October 10-20.
October 1-10.
May 15-25. |
October 1-10.
October 1-10.
October 10-20.
September 20-30.
September 20-30.
September 20-30.
September 10-20.
September 1-10.
October 1-10.
October 1-10.
October 1-10.
September 20-30.
October 1-10.
October 10-20.
September 20-30.
September 20-30.
October 1-10.
May 20-30.
September 1-10.
May 20-30.
September 10-20.
May 15-30.

May 15-30.

May 20-30.

May 20-30.
October 10-20.
May 15-30.
September 20-30.
September 10-20.
October 1-10.
September 20-30.
September 20-30.
September 1-10.
May 20-30.

May 15-25.

May 15-25.

May 15-25.
September 1-10.
May 15-25.

May 15-25.

May 20-30.

May 25-June 5.
May 20-30.

May 25-June 5.

Date of arrival.
May. 10-20.

May 20-30.

Date of arrival.
August 1-16.

August 15-31.

September 1-10.

September 10-20,

September 20-30.

October 1-10.

THE FALL MIGRATION, “7

Date of departure,
Long-billed Marsh Wren............. October 10-20,

Short-billed Marsh Wren............. October 10-20,
Olive-backed "Thrush, . 6 oogisess seicaa- May 20-June 1,
Saye MBe eG JTRIMSH « ues cw acl eats May 25-June 5,
Pranile Diy eateler .//0.lackias aveeta rer: (?)
Magrnmes Warbler ..2,:2,.00s eacaseta ae May 30-June 5.
Biclenells "Thiruslv....h ssewecer ake (2)

FALL MIGRATION.

MIGRANTS ARRIVING FROM THE NORTH.
Date of departure,

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher............ September 20-30,
Golden-winged Warbler.............. September 1-10.
Chestnut-sided Warbier.............- Sept. 30-Oct. 10.
Canadian ‘Warbler’... syansesaacese els ore September 20-30,
Small-billed Water Thrush........... Sept. 25-Oct. 5.
Olive-sided Flycatcher ........... ,... September 10-20,
Hemodssee, War plers.,..5 scent) aaa aee tes Sept. 25-Oct. 5.
Nashvalle. Warblers 3 js454 aan sgetes as Sept. 25-Oct. 5.
Parula, Warbler: acm geeeae een October 15-25.
Wane May Warbler. 7422 sees ceca Sept. 25-Oct. 5.
Black-throated Green Warbler........ October 15-25.
Black-throated Blue Warbler......... October 15-25.
Macnolia Warbler. 2:22 a4 acter October 10-20.
Black burnian-Warbler: 4255.20: selec September 20-80,
Welsonrs Wiarblieme. s.r sie ie eee September 20-30,
Canadian Nuthateh, (2.2 /sa¢s Ale November 1-30.
Red-headed Woodpecker............. November 1-30.
Blackpool Warbler icv /.,sateiestace oi perecare October 15-25.
Connecticut Warbler . .L/tiee wesc case September 20-30,
Bilyerheaded. Vireo 2. Pées3.c)0: sos) Ae Solan October 15-25.
Peailadel hig Vitreous <x Hi) 04, sche stad tetas September 20-30.
Olive-packoed: Thrushis icc. st)si aie ses ee October 1-10.
BieknelW al Thrush yes. oi sias deans October 1-10.
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker........... October 20-30.
MUNGO gos asn ae Ses chy sweet Cals baer wee April 10—May 10.
White-throated Sparrow.............. May 1-25.
Myrtle; Warblers 5 odo ice sa ethie ee bie dots May 5-20.
Yellow: Palm, Warblet cs sc-o..0% o)scts ses October 15-30.
Brown; Creepers cd. a. a okl teat ae poses April 1-30.
Golden-crowned. Kinglet.............. April 1-20.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet............04- October 20-30,
NVinter Wine til cos Sete chtad sits Obs April 1-30.
Gray-cheeked Thrush....:........... October 15-25.
Bronzed sGvecklort ss xaues coh Moe cies! ae December 1-30,
Rusty Blackbirds. 63> Yess) smraeoslher 3 December 1-30.
American VApitigesa cipsie lols sist Gaesaee.« Oct. 25-Nov. 5.

18 THE FALL MIGRATION,

Date of arrival. Date of departure.
Oct. 1-10, Hermit Thrush?) lcs seea vee enee cts November 1-30,
October 10-20, OX SPATTOW.. 4 svat Coalnes cena . Nov. 25-Dee. 5,
October 20-31, Pine Wing hs. veh eye tev eae stalls eee Gn May 1-31.
Cree BPArrows4+'-'se tase hehe eee April 1-30.
Northern Shrike; caikecs tenn es eens March 1-81,

SUMMER RESIDENTS LEAVING FOR THE SOUTH,

Date of departure.

September 1-10. Acadian Flycatcher.................-
Orchard One nc. act prea, vance petite
Rough-winged Swallow...............
Morm-eating Warbler, 2% .,.00.: lessee
Bilte-winged Warbler... 2... 0... c+ =n

September 10-20, Baltimore Oriole...................-
urple Whartims. .|; sien geen vice
ellow Wearblion. J) 52 02 whe vets vee ae

September 20-20,' “Hitmming bird’... .J. i.scs oaee celeeeees
Go" 1g VU De AR RE Pia e once coc
Great-crested Flycatcher............--
Wrote APeWmees. iscsi eninge let eee ;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak..............-
Yellow-throated VireO..............0<-
Warbling Vire0,...:35 svveins aeeee eben
Hooded, Warbler<s,54.3..epee area
Louisiana Water, Thrushs.<k.0) acces
Wilson's Thrush, occ ae teec ck

October 1-10. Yellow-billeds@nekoow. 0.4.1 ssn0s osee
Black-billed Guckoow ii. ste etes a Ls
Chimmey sS Willies pe aceite cts sc oe
east lyicate hier ..qivtiwe aici sme Sark
Bobolink: tee geccwere wee oo ae Gee
Yellow-winged Sparrow ..............
Indien Biuntine si. <teewas.. Aoteeaees
Sdarlet Tanager ek chase cial Bee eee
Barn Swallow <2. .iisess disown eee
litt Siwalllo wise sts si. + ooeiehst ote ee
Bank Swallow, ccccicsa tc sve esee eee
White-eyed Vireo ..3, i... aloes seepeee
Black and White Warbler............

October 10-20. SWihip-poor=walls cigss oak p. ae eee elton
Nighthawk 0.015 «ssi cage pete ete

Red-eyed Vireo. 02) sin. atamiek wanteele .
Maryland Yellow-throat..............

THE NESTING SEASON. 19

Date of departure.
Oct. 10-20. Long-billed Marsh Wren....... anh

Short-billed Marsh Wren............ ;
PAGO VERGE iso cicc a cucis odoemey donee

October 20-81. MCE Oye ettcis es boone ale ocd Mabe ee a ae

Nevember 1-30." Woodcock. vo... cc. ccc cae cocaee PEGE
PEommmine Dove... isc saree a deaaste
HMI OHS INE 72 < s «s;0's Sabai Ne heli elaeeette ers
Red-winged. Blackbird (2.032. jcceececs
Purple: Grackle . ... saa deeb ete e
(CO G0v 0 SE a Gare come MOB a 5
Wesper! Sparrow 06s: aor cemtaci aesta te
Bld SPALTOW:. «,< 0s satre a occa qereet etek
Chipping Sparrow. v.06 60:5.s:6 ees cdeeas
SV AEDS PAYTOW 5-5 chee cairns seoeterse aes

DATES AT WHICH BIRDS BEGIN TO NEST IN THE VICINITY OF
NEW YORK CITY.t

Feb. 28. Great Horned Owl. ‘ May 2. Osprey.
Mar. 12. Barred Owl. 3. Cardinal,
28. Carolina Wren. . 5. Cowbird. [In Song Spar-
30. Duck Hawk. row’s nest. |
April 1. Woodcock. 6. Wood Duck.
3. Red-shouldered Hawk. 6. Green Heron.
3. Screech Owl. 7. Flicker.
6. Red-tailed Hawk. 8. Barn Swallow.
9. American Crow. 10. Clapper Rail.
9. Long-eared Owl. 10. Killdeer.
10. Bluebird. 10. Rutfed Grouse.
17. White-breasted Nuthatch. 10. Sparrow Hawk.
18. Broad-winged Hawk. 10. Savanna Sparrow.
20. Robin. 10. Vesper Sparrow.
25. Mourning Dove. 11. Louisiana Water-Thrush.
25. Purple Grackle. 12. Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
28. Phoebe. 13. Red-headed Woodpecker.
29. Song Sparrow. 14. Acadian Flycatcher.
May 1. Black-crowned Night Heron. 14. Blue Jay.
1. Cooper’s Hawk. 14. Chipping Sparrow.
1. Kingfisher. 14. Towhee.

* Should the season be an exceptionally mild one, many of these birds may
remain until late in December.

+ Based on data accompanying the odlogical collections of the American
Museum, and on the observations of Prof. Marston T. Bogert, Dr. J. Dwight, Jr.,
Dr. Evan M. Evans, Mr. W. P. Lemmon, and the author. The dates given are
those on which, with some exceptions, full sets of eggs have been taken.

20 THE NESTING SEASON,

May 15. King Rail. May 25. Maryland Yellow-throat.
15. Virginia Rail. 26. Bob-white.
15. Meadowlark. 26. Marsh Hawk.
15. Field Sparrow. 28. Grasshopper Sparrow.
15. Swamp Sparrow. 28. Red-eyed Vireo.
15. Hooded Warbler. 28. Yellow-throated Vireo.
16. Blue-winged Warbler. 29. Black-billed Cuckoo.
16. Brown Thrasher. 29. Kingbird.
17. Fish Crow. 29. Bobolink.
17. Redstart. 29. Indigo Bunting.
17. Catbird. 29. Chestnut-sided Warbler.
17. Wood Thrush. 30. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
18. Red-winged Blackbird. 30. Orchard Oriole.
18. Black and White Warbler. 30. Seaside Sparrow.
18. House Wren. 30. Sharp-tailed Sparrow.
19. Tree Swallow. 30. Rough-winged Swallow.
19. Bank Swallow. 30, Cliff Swallow.
19. Chickadee. 30. Warbling Vireo.
20. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 30. Prairie Warbler.
20. Worm-eating Warbler. 31. Long-billed Marsh Wren.
20. Oven-bird. 31. Least Bittern.
20. Veery. June 1. Bartramian Sandpiper.
21. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 1. Piping Plover.
21. Downy Woodpecker. 1. Nighthawk.
21. Least Flycatcher. 1. Kentucky Warbler.
22. Parula Warbler. 8. Whip-poor-will.
23. Hairy Woodpecker. 3. Great-crested Flycatcher.
23. Chat. 8. Scarlet Tanager.
24. Purple Finch. 5. Wood Pewee.
24. Spotted Sandpiper. 7. Short-billed Marsh Wren.
25. Chimney Swift. 8. Laughing Gull.
25. Baltimore Oriole. 12. Common Tern.
25. Purple Martin. 19. Cedar Waxwing.
25. White-eyed Vireo. 20. American Goldfinch.

Hints on keeping Note-Books and Journals.—The necessity of a
well-kept journal can not be too strongly urged. Specimens may be
duplicated, but no one can ever see with your eyes. Do not attempt
to trust to your memory—a willing servant of the mind too frequently
imposed upon. It may receive and retain one impression clearly, but
as others are added the earlier ones lose their distinctness or become
entirely effaced.

The system adopted for recording notes should be simple to keep
and easy of reference. The one here recommended has stood the test
of ten years’ experience. After returning from the field I enter in my
“roll-book,” at once, a record of the weather, temperature, direction
and force of the wind, locality visited, time of starting and returning,

NOTE-BOOKS AND JOURNALS. ih i

and incidental observations on the blooming of flowers, appearance of
certain insects, calling of frogs, ete. Then follows a statement of the
numbers of every species of birds seen, with various remarks concern-
ing them. One might suppose that much time would be required to
make a detailed record of this kind, but, on the contrary, it seldom
takes five minutes.

Almost any stationer can supply you with a “ roll-” or “ time-book ”
having a space at the left side of the left-hand page for the entry of
names, and the rest of both pages ruled in squares. The best plan is
to have sheets of paper ruled in this way. These sheets should have
holes punched in their margins for binding in covers, when new sheets
can be inserted as desired. Some idea of their appearance may be
gathered from the appended part of a left-hand page:

1 Fi) AP) 4 Peale Sr gt ae

}ESEECTG gl Ge? SAR Se ey de eh BY

29 NOTE-BOOKS AND JOURNALS.

After filling in the preliminary data I write after the name of each
bird either the exact or approximate number of individuals seen, or else
the letters “ A.,” ““C.,” or “ T. C.,” meaning abundant, common, or tol-
erably common. This is accompanied by an “s” if the bird is in song,
or “calls ” if it is simply heard calling. The possibilities of abbrevia-
tion are unlimited, but use no abbreviation which is not fully explained.

If you wish to make a record of some length concerning a certain
species, place a cross or asterisk in its square. This refers to your
journal of the same date.

Read from left to right, the roll-book gives in a graphic, condensed
form the standing of a species during the period of observation. Read
from the top to the bottom of the page, it gives in an easily comparable
way the complete record of each day, and at the same time it becomes
an index to the bird-notes in your journal.

To prevent needlessly multiplying your roll-books the series of
birds’ names should be made to last at least during an entire season.
To this end do not completely fill the right-hand page, but when you
have used all of it but a space equal in width to the space occupied
by the column of birds’ names, cut this part of the page—the ex-
treme right—off; the part remaining will, when turned over to the
left, just meet the column of names, and the lines of this column and
the new page will thus run continuously. As before remarked, the
roll-book should be attended to immediately on returning from the
field, while your impressions are fresh. The journal may wait, when
a reference to the roll-book will aid in recalling the day’s experiences.
In addition to these two books, both of which should be quarto size,
you need a small, leather-covered, pocket note-book for use in jotting
memoranda in the field.

CHAPTER ATE,

COLLECTING BIRDS, THEIR NESTS, AND EGGS.

Collecting Birds.——With few exceptions, the plumages of the birds
of the eastern United States are well known to science. You will col-
lect them, therefore, purely for the purpose of self-education. To this
end it is not necessary that you should acquire the large series of speci-
mens found in museums. From two to five specimens of each kind
are enough, and when through their medium you have become famil-
iar with the appearance of the species they represent, use the gun only
to add to your list of acquaintances. If you wish to make a detailed,
critical study of changes in the plumage of species due to age, sex, or
season, or to compare some apparently abnormal specimen, visit the
nearest museum, the collections of which should be accessible to every
earnest student.

Our eastern birds have been measured and described, their varia-
tions noted and recorded, and there is little left to learn in study-
ing their skins from a local standpoint. What we want now is knowl-
edge of the living, not the dead, bird. <A thoroughly exhaustive
account of the habits of any one of our commonest birds is still to be
written. Remember, then, that collections are a means, not the end,
of ornithological research.

When armed and ready for the field, you should have a canvas
hunting-coat, a pair of field- or opera-glasses, a fisherman’s basket or
“creel,” a discarded octavo pamphlet or catalogue of rather heavy
paper, cotton, a small bottle of corn-meal, and a 16-bore shot-gun
with a 0°32 auxiliary barrel, and the necessary complement of shells.
The auxiliary barrel can be purchased of dealers in natural history
supplies; it should not exceed ten inches in length. ‘The shells for
it should be of brass, center-fire, and strong enough to stand reloading
many times. Juoad them with a fine-grained powder and No. 12 shot
—about three fifths powder and two fifths shot. For killing birds
from the size of a Blue Jay downward they will be effective at a dis-
tance of twenty to twenty-five vards. In other words, fully three
fourths of your shooting will be done with them. Of 16-bore shells

23 ;

94 MAKING BIRDSKINS. ths
carry some loaded with two and a half drachms of powder and three
fourths of an ounce of No. 10 shot, and a few others loaded with the
same charge of powder and an ounce of No.% shot.

On killing a bird, pick it up by the bill or feet, and at once sprinkle
meal or dry earth on any blood which may be visible. When this is
saturated, scrape it off with a knife-blade and repeat the operation
until all the blood is absorbed. Sprinkle some meal at the base of the
feathers about the shot-holes from which the blood appears, or, if
necessary, plug these holes with bits of cotton. Place a large plug
of cotton in the mouth and force it well down the throat to prevent
bleeding at the mouth from an internal wound. In some cases it is
necessary to also plug the nostrils. Now make a cornucopia from a
leaf of the pamphlet, drop the bird in it head foremost, taking care
that the bill is not turned forward on to the throat, and, if the bird
is not too large, fold in the edges of the cornucopia and place the
specimen in your basket. In the case of very large specimens—
Hawks, Owls, etc.—it is advisable to skin out the body in the field,
when they can be packed in much smaller space.

Making Birdskins.—If you have fully decided to make a collection
of birds, the very best and cheapest way to begin it is to get some
one to give you two or three lessons in the-art of preparing birdskins.
With proper instruction it is not difficult to learn to skin birds. I
have known beginners who had closely watched experts at work, make
fair skins at their first attempt—better skins, indeed, than the person
who learns only from written directions may ever make. I am speak-
ing from experience. Only too clearly do I remember my own first
attempts at skinning birds and their hopelessly wretched results. In
despair I at last sought the assistance of a distant ornithological friend.
In one lesson he made the process so clear to me that I was at once
enabled to make skins twice as quickly and twice as well. However,
we unfortunately are not all blessed with ornithological friends to
whom we can turn for advice, and I therefore append the following
directions for making birdskins:

First procure a scalpel with a well-rounded end, a pair of sharp-
pointed scissors with rather long handles, a pair of blunt-ended, rather
strong scissors, and a pair of flat-ended forceps. These may be pur-
chased of any dealer in naturalists’ supplies or at a surgical instrument
maker’s. Procure also a quart or so of fine corn-meal to use as an ab-
sorbent, a pound or two of powdered arsenic and alum mixed in equal
parts, and an abundance of the best cotton batting money will buy.
Now we are ready to begin with a bird, say, the size of a Robin: 1.
Plug the bird’s throat and nostrils tightly with fresh cotton. If the
eyeball is ruptured, pull it out with the forceps and fill the cavity

MAKING BIRDSKINS. 95

with meal. 2. Lay the bird before you on its back, its bill. pointing
to the left; place your open left hand lengthwise on it, so that the
base of your first and seco id fingers rests on the middle of the breast-
bone; use these fingers and the handle of the scalpel to separate the
feathers from near the end of the breastbone to the vent, and when
the parting is made use the same fingers to hold the feathers aside.
3. With the scalpel make an incision in the skin from just in front
of the end ofthe breastbone, or at the base of the V formed by the
spread fingers, to the vent, being careful not to cut through into the
abdomen. 4. Sprinkle a pinch of meal along the cut. 5. Lift the
skin at the front end of the cut and insert the end of the scalpel handle
between it and the breastbone. If you try to do this lower down on
the cut, over the belly, you will find it difficult to separate the skin
on which the feathers grow from the immediately underlying skin
which covers the abdomen. Separate the skin from the body the whole
length of the cut and as far down toward the backbone as possible,
thus exposing the bare knee. 6. Take hold of the foot and push the
knee farther up into view, then take the blunt-ended scissors and, on
the inside of the skin, clip the leg entirely in two. 7 Repeat opera-
tions 5 and 6 on the other side of the body. 8. Press away the skin
as much as possible on either side of the rump, and place the thumb
at the left side (left, seen from above) of the base of the tail or ‘ pope’s
nose,” with the first finger on the other side (both inside the skin) and
the second finger behind (above) on the rump; now with the blunt
scissors cut through the flesh between the thumb and first finger ©
toward the second finger, which serves the purpose of a guard to pre-
vent. you from cutting through the skin. 9. Stand the bird on its
breastbone, the belly toward you, and with both thumbs press the
tail and skin of the rump over and down off the stump from which
you have just cut it. 10. When the stump is free from the skin, take
hold of it with the right hand and with the fingers of the left gently
press the skin from the body, keeping it constantly turned inside out
and using an abundance of meal. 11. Soon the wing-bones (humerus)
will appear. Clip them off at either side close to the body, and re-
sume skinning as before. 12. The skin will slip easily over the neck,
and you will then meet with an obstruction in the head. 13. Work
the skin carefully over the head, using the tips of the first two fingers
of either hand, placing the thumbs as a brace farther forward over the
eyes.* 14, Pull the ears carefully from their sockets. 15. The eyes

* In large-headed birds, like Ducks and Woodpeckers, this is impossible, and
it is necessary to slit the skin down the back of the neck and push the skull
through the opening.

26 MAKING A BIRDSKIN.

will now appear; carefully cut the membrane joining the skin and
eyeball, making the incision as far back as possible, in order to avoid
eutting the skin, which should be pulled forward until it is entirely
free of the eyeball. 16. Remove the eyes with the forceps. 17. With
the sharp-pointed scissors make an incision directly across the roof of
tne mouth, inside the branches of the lower mandible, just back of the
skin, and below the eye-sockets. 18. With the sharp-pointed scissors
make incisions from either end of this cut back along the branches of
the lower mandible through the base of the skull on either side of the
neck at its junction with the skull. 19. Connect these cuts by a fourth,
which passes through the base of the skull just above the neck, and
pull the body and neck from the skull. 20. Scoop out what brains
remain with the handle of the scalpel. 21. Pull the end of the wing-
bone (humerus) inward, skinning the feathers off the bones of the fore-
arm (radius and ulna), and remove the flesh. 22. Do the same thing
for the legs, but, after cleaning, do not in either case pull the bones
back. 23. Remove as much flesh as possible from the base of the tail,
including the oil-gland at the base of the tail above. 24, Hold the
skin over the arsenic and alum box, and with a bit of fluffy cotton at
the end of a stick, or held in the forceps, dust it thoroughly with the
poison, giving an extra allowance to the base of the tail and bones of
the skull, wings, and legs. 25. Pull the legs back into place. 26.
Place a fluff of cotton on the end of a wire and roll it into a firm, smooth
ball, placing one in each eye-socket. 27. Coax the skin back over the
head, using the first two fingers of each hand and placing the thumbs
at the base of the skull. When the tip of the bill appears through
the feathers, use the fingers outside, on the feathers, pressing the skin
back over the head, and keeping the thumbs in the same position.
When the bill is free, take it with the right hand, and use the fingers
of the left to urge the skin over the skull, being careful to get it in
its former place so that the feathers of the head will lie smoothly.
28. Dress the feathers of the head, particularly those about the
eye. 29. Take hold of the tip of the bill and shake the skin gently
but vigorously to aid in settling the plumage. 30. Lay the skin on
its back, the bill pointing from you, and turn back the feathers
about the opening on the belly. 31. See that the wing-bones lie flat
on the back of the skin, with their ends touching each other.* 32.

* The most difficult part in making a birdskin is to induce the wings to as
sume anything like their natural position when closed. This is because the arti-
ficial, cotton body is apt to force them outward on to the sides rather than on
the back, where they belong.

In the bird in the flesh the wings are held in place by being attached to the
body ; in the skin they are loose and hanging. To remedy this, after drawing

SEXING. 07

Take a bit of fluffy cotton, press it lightly together, and draw out
one end to form aneck. When released from your grasp this cotton
body should be but little larger than the body you have removed from
the skin. 383. Take the end of the neck with the forceps and insert it
gently into the neck of the skin, working the skin down on to it in
. order to avoid stretching the neck, until the points of the forceps ap-
pear in the mouth, then hold the cotton there and withdraw the for-
ceps. 34. Carefully fit the cotton body into the skin. 35. Put one or
. two stitches in the incision on the belly. 386. Ascertain the sex of the
bird (see beyond). 387. Cross the legs, and at the point of intersection
attach a label (see beyond). 38. Squeeze the wing-bones together until
you feel the tips of your fingers meet over the bird’s back. 39. Pre-
pare a sheet of cotton about five inches square and as thin as you can
make it; lay the bird on this on its right side, the bill pointing to your
right hand. 40. Put the left wing in place and dress the feathers about
it. 41. Take hold of the sheet of cotton, and turn the bird over in it in
order that you may dress the right wing. 42. Roll the bird on to its
belly, holding the wings in position with the thumb and first finger
of the left hand, and with the right hand bring the tips of the wing-
feathers into their proper place over the back. 48. Roll the bird back
on to its back, the bill pointing to your right hand; take the end of
the sheet of cotton farthest from you and draw it lightly over the
bird to the side nearest you. 44. Draw the end nearest you in the
opposite direction. 45. See that the feet, tail, and tips of the wings
are in their proper position, and place your specimen out of harm’s
way to dry.

It will doubtless take you from half an hour to an hour to mak
your first birdskin. It will probably be a sorry-looking object, per-
haps minus a head or tail or half its feathers; but do not let this dis-
courage you. An expert can make ten birdskins an hour, and you
need only practice to approach this. *

There are endless variations of the method here described. It is
not possible to go into further details here, and if you have taxider-
mic ambitions I would advise you to procure a copy of Mr. W. T.
Hornaday’s excellent Taxidermy and Zodlogical Collecting (Scribner,
$2.50).

Sexing.—A specimen without a sex mark on its label is of com-
paratively little value. The sex in many birds can of course be dis-

the wing-bones in to remove the flesh from them, they should be pushed back
only far enough to enable one to see plainly the elbow or bend of the wing out-
side of the skin. This prevents the wings from hanging, and, to further keep
them in place, it will be well at first to tie the ends of the bones (humeri) to-
gether.

98 CATALOGUING AND LABELING.

tinguished by their color, but the young male frequently resembles
the female, while in some instances the female has been known to as-
sume the plumage of the male. Dissection, therefore, is the only safe
way to determine sex. Upon reaching stage 36, in the operation of
making a birdskin, cut through the left side of the body from the
vent to the neck, taking care not to disturb the internal organs. Force
the edges of the opening apart, and, pressing the intestines gently to

Fic. 1.—A completed birdskin. (Reduced).

one side, look for the sexual organs, which will be found on the walls
of the small of the back very near to the backbone. The male organs
(testes), two in number, are usually dull-white, elongate bodies lying
side by side. The female organs (ovaries) are composed of numerous
round bodies lying in a mass or cluster. In the breeding season the
sexual organs of birds become much enlarged, and at this season the
testes of a male Chipping Sparrow are about the size of a pea, while
the ovaries of the female have been likened to a bunch of grapes, the
largest being the size of the yolk of the egg of this species. After the
breeding season the sexual organs decrease in size, and in adults in the
winter and young birds are sometimes difficult to find. The testes of
a male Chipping Sparrow at that season are about as large as a small
pinhead, while a hand-lens is required to plainly distinguish the ova-
ries of the female. The arrow of Mars (4) is used to indicate the male
sex; the mirror of Venus ( ?) the female sex.
* Cataloguing and Labeling.—Before skinning your birds you should
catalogue them. The catalogue should have columns giving (1) the
date, (2) your serial collection number, (8) name of the bird, (4) sex,
(5) place of capture, (6) name of collector, and (7) remarks. In the last
column enter any notes on the color of the eyes, or parts which will
change color when drying, contents of the stomach, and other notes.
In addition to this ‘‘ day-book ” or “blotter ” some ornithologists open
a ledger account with their collection, and devote a folio to each spe-
cies where are posted the entries made in the collection register.
Labels should be of strong bond paper, two inches and a half long
and half an inch wide. They are attached to the crossed legs of the
bird by linen thread strung through their left end. The face of the
label bears the name and sex of the_bird, place and date of capture,

CARE OF COLLECTIONS. 29

name of collector, and serial collection number. The label shown in
Fig. 1 is small, but will illustrate the appearance and manner of at-
tachment. The name of the owner of the collection is printed on the
back of the label, preceded by the words “ Collection of.”

Many collectors prefer to use as a field label a small jeweler’s tag
upon which the collection number, sex, and date are written. The
large label is added after the specimen is dry.

Care of a Collection.—The best cases in which to keep a collection
of birdskins are known as “ Cambridge cans.” They are made of tin
with covers which fit into grooves lined with rubber tubing, and are
practically air-tight. The smaller sizes cost from five dollars to seven
dollars and a half each, and can be obtained of Muller and Wood, 731
Seventh Avenue, New York city.

A wooden cabinet with tight-fitting drawers and door is less ex-
pensive, and with ordinary care will preserve specimens for a prac-
tically indefinite period. The drawers should be thirty inches long by
sixteen inches in width. For birds the size of a Robin a depth of one
inch and three quarters is sufficient, while drawers four inches deep
will take the largest Hawks or Owls. These drawers will hold about
thirty birds the size of ‘a Robin, eighty the size of a Chickadee, and
eight to ten Hawks and Owls.

Well cleaned and thoroughly poisoned specimens of small birds are
not likely to be attacked by the moth (7Z%nea) or beetles (Dermestes
and Anthrenus) which so often infest poorly prepared or nonpoisoned
skins. Naphthaline crystals or camphor gum should be placed in
each drawer of the cabinet, the door of which should not be left open
needlessly. If a specimen falls a victim to insects, the better plan is
to discard it at once. If, however, it is rare, it may be taken out-of-
doors and placed in an air-tight box with a few tablespoonfuls of
bisulphuret of carbon.

Collecting and Preserving Nests and Eggs.——No one, I think, will
venture to dispute the assertion that Captain Charles Bendire, Hon-
orary Curator of the Department of Odlogy in the United States Na-
tional Museum, is our leading authority on the study of birds’ eggs.
The following quotation, therefore, from Captain Bendire’s Instruc-
tions for Collecting, Preparing, and Preserving Birds’ Eggs and Nests *
may be taken as the opinion of one who knows whereof he speaks :
“Unless the would-be collector intends to make an especial study of
odlogy and has a higher aim than the mere desire to take and accu-
mulate as large a number of eggs as possible regardless of their proper
identification, he had better not begin at all, but leave the nests and

* Part D. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 39, 1891, pp.3-10.

30 COLLECTING NESTS AND EGGS.

eggs of our birds alone and undisturbed. They have too many ene-
mies to contend with, without adding the average egg collector to the
number. The mere accumulation of specimens is the least important
object of the true odlogist. His principal aim should be to make care-
ful observations on the habits, call notes, song, the character of the
food, mode and length of incubation, and the actions of the species
generally, from the beginning of the mating season to the time the
young are able to leave the nest. This period comprises the most in-
teresting and instructive part of the life-history of our birds.” Very
heartily do I indorse every word of this, and to the concluding sen-
tence I would add: and there can be no better way to avoid increasing
our knowledge of a bird’s domestic life than to rob it of its eggs, and
destroy its home and our own opportunities at the same time. Studied
from a local standpoint, I confess I can see only two points of interest
in a bird’s egg—one is what the egg is in, the other is what is in the
egg.

Nevertheless, I can understand the pleasure attending the legiti-
mate formation of what Captain Bendire calls “a small, thoroughly
identified, well-prepared, and neatly cared for collection,” which, as
the same author adds, “is worth far more scientifically and in every
other way than a more extensive one gained by exchange or purchase.”

An egg-collector’s outfit consists of several drills, an embryo-hook,
a blowpipe, forceps, and scissors. A fresh egg should be blown
through a hole slightly larger than the tip of the blowpipe. Drill
the hole in the side of the egg, and, after inserting the blowpipe about
one sixteenth of an inch, blow gently and steadily until the contents
have been removed. Then rinse the egg thoroughly with water and
lay it hole downward on corn-meal to drain.

In eggs containing embryos it is necessary to make a hole large
enough to permit of the use of the embryo-hook, scissors, or forceps,
as the case may be.

Each egg should be marked with the number of the species in the
Check List of the American Ornithologists’ Union, the number of the
set in your collection, and the number of eggs in the set. Thus, if I
were going to label my second set of four eggs of the Bluebird, I should
write with a lead pencil on each egg, near the hole, 7663.-

There are many ways of displaying collections of eggs. Some col-
lectors place their eggs in little boxes or partitions filled with sawdust
or cotton; Captain Bendire uses small pasteboard trays lined, bottom
and sides, with cotton wadding, and divided into partitions for each
egg by strips of cotton wadding set on edge. It is, however, very
largely a matter of taste, and collectors generally have their own ideas
on these matters.

COLLECTING NESTS AND EGGS. 31

A collection of birds’ nests is a telling object lesson in the study
of ornithology. Familiar as I am with them, I never see the nests of
some birds without feeling the most intense admiration for the mar-
velous skill which has aided them in forming a structure man would
find it difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate. <A bird’s nest in its
original site is a concrete expression of the intelligence of its maker;
for the foresight displayed in the choice of a situation, and the inge-
nuity shown in the construction of the nest, even if largely instinctive
now, originated in the intelligence of a line of ancestors.

Nests may be collected before they have been used, when the birds
will generally build again; or you may wait and take them after the
birds have left them, labeling each nest with what you have learned
of the history of its owners. For example: Time required for its con-
struction ; whether made by one or both sexes; notes on the laying of
the eggs; period of incubation; whether both sexes assisted in incu-
bation; care of the young; number of days they were in the nest, ete.

Some nests, for example the pendent “baskets” of Vireos or such
as are placed in crotches, should be taken with the crotch or branch
to which they are attached.

With others it is obviously impossible to do this. They should
therefore be placed in a frame of wire and wrapped about with fine
wire thread. To make this frame, twist two pieces of annealed wire,
painted brown, into the shape of a letter X. About midway from the
point of intersection and the end of the arm, bend the wires upward
at right angles, Now take the fine hair or thread wire and wind it
about the four horizontal arms of the frame until its bottom looks
like a spider’s web; place the nest in this half-formed basket, bend
the upright wires inward or outward as the case requires, and continue
winding until the nest is bound firmly. The size of the frame and
the wire used in its construction may be varied to suit the nest.

PLAN OF ‘THE WORE

Nomenclature.—The nomenclature of the American Ornithologists
Union’s * Check-List of North American Birds has been adopted. ‘The
number preceding the name of each species is its permanent number
in the Union’s “ Check-List.”

Definition of Terms.—The accompanying figure with its named
parts will explain the meaning of the terms used in the following de-
scriptions of birds. The words, upper parts and under parts, men-
tioned so frequently, refer respectively to the whole upper or under
surfaces of the body of the bird from the base of the bill to the root of
the tail, but are not applied to either wings or tail.

There are infinite variations in the markings of feathers, and those
figured present only the patterns most frequently met with. The
shaft of the feather is the midrib, to either side of which the vanes
or webs are attached.

The Keys.—It is of the utmost importance to thoroughly under-
stand the use of the keys. At first sight they will, no doubt, appear
confusing, but in reality they are exceedingly simple. The system
upon which they are arranged may be mastered in a few minutes, and
you will then be surprised at the ease and rapidity with which, even
in large families, you can “run a bird down.”

The Key to Families.—Strictly speaking this is not one key but a
series of keys, one under each order.

The orders are placed in a natural sequence—that is, we begin with
the oldest or lowest forms of birds, Loons, Grebes, etc., and end with

*The American Ornithologists’ Union is the leading society of its kind in
this country. Its membership includes the foremost ornithologists of the world.
and is divided into four classes: 1. Honorary members, limited to 25 in number.
2. Active members, limited to 50 in number, who must be residents of North
America. 38. Corresponding members, limited to 100 in number; and 4. Asso-
ciate members, who must be residents of North America, and are not limited as
to number. The total membership of the Union in December, 1894, was 616.
Annual meetings are held, usually in Washington, New York, or Cambridge.
The Auk, the official organ of the Union, is a quarterly journal under the editor-
ship of Dr. J. A. Allen, at the American Museum of Natural History.

52

USE OF THE KEYS. 33

the most highly developed ones, Thrushes, Bluebirds, ete. Two main
divisions are given: first, Water Birds; second, Land Birds. In no

ZA
‘OV
coverts,J'. =

SSeS SSS
ys «Lessee
lars

Soe
(Bluebird, slightly reduced).

Fia. 2.—Topography of a bird.

case will it be difficult to decide in which of these groups a bird be-

longs. Now glance over the illustrations and select the one which

you think most nearly resembles the bird you are identifying. At
4

34 USE OF THE KEYS.

each step test your decision by reading the brief diagnoses of orders
and families. In this way you may readily place your bird in its
proper family.

The Keys to Species.—If a bird always wore the same plumage it
would be a comparatively easy matter to place it in a certain section

’

of a key and keep it there. But, unfortunately, not only are the males
and females of the same species frequently quite unlike, and the young
different from either, but their plumages may vary with the season.
Thus, you see, a bird’s color is a most uncertain quantity. An individ-
ual of a given species may not only wear two very different costumes,
but, in doffing one for another, he does it gradually, and in the mean-
time appears in changing or transition plumage.

For this reason it has been customary to base keys on only adult
males. Such keys do very well in the nesting season, when birds are
in song, and when males constitute probably nine tenths of the birds
one sees. But at other times of the year young birds outnumber the
old ones, and the adults themselves may lose their breeding plumage
and wear quite a different one. I have, therefore, attempted to make
keys which will identify a bird in any plumage. To do this it was
necessary to use many more specimens than there were species. For
example, the key to our some 40 species of Warblers is based on 110
specimens representing as many phases of plumage.

With identification as the sole end in view I have, in the keys,
abandoned all attempts to follow the current system of classification,
and, taking color as the most tangible character, have to a great extent
arranged the species on this character alone. The result, from the sys-
tematist’s standpoint, is most unnatural. Species of different genera

USE OF THE KEYS. 35

are brought into the same subsections, and the more variable species
may be placed in several widely separated sections.

The maker of keys, however, should not try to serve two masters.
If the keys will identify, they will have accomplished their purpose.
The classification of our birds is shown in the body of the book, where
the species are arranged according to the system adopted by the Ameri-
can Ornithologists’ Union.

In making these keys the birds are first assorted into several major
sections or groups, according to the markings of some one part of the
body. Each one of these sections is preceded by the same kind of
number or letter. The heading of a group or section applies to all the
species included in it. Thus, if I does not apply to the bird you are
identifying, you must pass at once to II, or III, or IV, as the case may
be. Jn like manner, if the bird does not fall into sections 1, A, or a,
we go to 2, B, or b, respectively. Even should the first section describe
your bird, it is well to read the sections which are contrasted with it.

As a model to show how the keys are used, let us identify, first, a
male adult Red-winged Blackbird—a black bird with a red and buff
shoulder-patch. Turning to the key to the family Jctervde, or Black-
birds, Orioles, etc., we read :

“J, With yellow or orange in the under parts.

“JI. Under parts black, with or without metallic reflections.

“II. Under parts grayish, slate color, chestnut, or buffy.

“TV. Under parts black and white, or black tipped and margined
with rusty.”

Our bird has the under parts entirely black, so it evidently belongs
in Section II. Under this section we read: “ A. Outer tail-feather 0°75
or more shorter than middle ones; bill 1:00 or more in length.” Our
bird has all the tail-feathers of nearly equal length, the bill less than
an inch long. It can not therefore belong in A, so we go to B and
read: “ Outer tail-feather little if any shorter than middle ones; bill
less than 1:00 in length.” There is no other section, and we con-
clude that our bird belongs here. Now we find a, 0, c, d, each one
placed directly beneath the other, and each one leading to the name
of a species. This means that the statement following these letters
refers to some mark or character by which one of these species may be
known from the other, and that we should read them all. First comes
“a, Entire plumage bluish black.” That will not do. Second, “bd. A
red and buff shoulder-patch.” Evidently this refers to our bird, but
we confirm our belief by glancing at ¢ and d, neither of which can
apply to our specimen; we decide, therefore, that it is a Red-winged
Blackbird, and turning to the extended description of Agelaius pha-
niceus verify our identification.

36 USE OF THE KEYS.

Now let us take a somewhat less simple case—a male English Spar-
row. This bird, you will doubtless remember, has a black patch on
the throat and breast, a slate-colored crown, chestnut marks on the
sides of the head, and a streaked back. Turning to the key to the
family Fringillide, or Finches, Sparrows, etc., we read first the head-
ings to the main divisions which, in the larger families, are placed at
the beginning of the key in order that they may be more readily com-
pared.

“J, Under parts with red.

“TI, Under parts with no red, and without distinct streaks; throat
or breast sometimes with a patch or spot.

“TIT. Under parts without red, and with numerous streaks.”

Our bird undoubtedly belongs in Section II. Under this section
we read first: “1. Tail with white spots, bars, or patches.” Our bird
has no white in the tail, so we go to “2” and read: * Without large
white spots or patches in the tail.” There is no number 38, so we have
no hesitation in placing our bird in Section “2.” The first subsection
here is “ A. Back without distinct streaks.” Our bird is unquestion-
ably streaked, and we therefore go to “ 6, Back distinctly streaked.”
There is no Section C, and it follows that our bird belongs in “ B.”
Under B we have “a. Bend of the wing yellow” and “db. Bend of
the wing not yellow.” Our bird has no yellow on the wing, and we
therefore place it in subsection b. This subsection is subdivided
into “61, Crown bright reddish brown,” ete., “c¢!. Crown streaked or
spotted,” etc., and “d', Crown mixed grayish brown and rufous, ashy,
or slate-color, without black streaks.” Evidently our bird belongs in
the group headed d', which we find includes four species, d*, d3, d4,
and d>, After reading the characters assigned to each of these, we
have no hesitation in deciding that those under d* apply to our bird,
and.we prove our identification by turning to the description of Passer
domesticus.

I have purposely taken a comparatively complicated case. If I
have made it clear, you will have no further difficulty in using the
keys, so far as their construction goes. It might be supposed, from
this somewhat lengthy description, that the process required much
time; but as you become familiar with the use of the keys it should
never take you more than five minutes to identify a bird with them.

Descriptions of Plumage.—The descriptions, with quoted excep-
tions, are from specimens in the American Museum of Natural His-
tory, and my thanks are due the authorities of that institution for
permission to use its valuable collections. I have tried to make them
as concise and simple and, at the same time, as detailed as seemed
necessary for the purpose of identification.

MEASUREMENTS—RANGE.

Measurements.—All the measurements given are in
English inches and hundredths. Those of birds are
average measurements, taken for the most part from
specimens in the American Museum of Natural His-
tory. I have also, with the author’s permission, made
use of the excellent series of measurements in Dr. E. A.
Mearns’s Birds of the Hudson Highlands. <A variation
of about ten per cent from the figures given may be
expected.

The total length (= L.) of a bird is found by gently
stretching the specimen, laying it on its back, and
measuring the distance from the end of its bill to the
tip of its longest tail-feather. The length of the wing
(= W.) is the distance from the “bend of the wing” to
the end of the longest primary. The length of the tail
(= T-.) is the distance from the base, or insertion of the
middle feather, to the end of the longest feather. The
length of the tarsus (= Tar.) is the distance from the
base, or insertion of the toes, to the end of the tibia, or
what in reality is the heel. The “tarsus” is therefore
the true foot of the bird, while the part to which this
name is generally applied consists only of the toes.
The length of the bill (= B.), or “culmen,” is the dis-
tance from the anterior base of the feathers on the
forehead to the tip of the upper mandible. With the
exception of total length these measurements are gen-
erally taken with a pair of dividers.

Range.—The paragraphs under this heading have
been prepared with special reference to the bird’s dis-
tribution in eastern North America. They are sup-
plemented by a concise statement of the bird’s manner
of occurrence and the usual times of migration of the
nonresident species at three or four localities. This
information is the best it is possible to obtain, and has
not been previously published. Hach locality is treated
by a recognized authority on its bird-life from notes
based on observations extending over many years.

The data from Washington, D. C., were supplied by
Mr. C. W. Richmond, of the Smithsonian Institution.
Not only has Mr. Richmond given years to field work
in the District of Columbia, but he has had access to
the notes of the numerous ornithologists who have
observed in the same region.

37

Fia. 4.—Inches and tenths.

38 LOCAL BIRD-LISTS.

The water-birds of Long Island are treated by Mr. William Dutcher,
of New York city,. who has for years made our coast birds a subject of
especial investigation. Sportsmen, lighthouse-keepers, and ornitholo-
gists have all aided him in acquiring an unrivaled series of observa-
tions upon the movements of waterfowl and bay birds. \

Dr. A. K. Fisher, of the Division of Ornithology in the U. 8. De-
partment of Agriculture, has supplied the notes from Sing Sing, N. Y.
This locality formed the field of his ornithological labors for fifteen
years. Within the limits of the town of Ossining Dr. Fisher has ob-
served no less than two hundred and thirty-six species of birds. . Prob-
ably no area of similar extent in the United States has been more
carefully studied or vielded better results.

Cambridge, Mass., is historic ground in the annals of ornithology.
From the time of Nuttall it has never lacked for earnest students of
its bird-life. Nevertheless, no list of Cambridge birds has ever ap-
peared. It is with unusual pleasure, therefore, that I include annota-
tions on the birds of this region by Mr. William Brewster, who has
made a lifelong study of New England birds, and particularly of
those found in the vicinity of his home at Cambridge.*

The value of their contributions renders it evident that I am under
deep obligations to these gentlemen, and I thank them most sincerely
for their generous assistance.

Nests and Hggs.—The brief descriptions of nests and eggs are based
on the collections of the American Museum of Natural History, sup-
plemented by the use of Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway’s History of
North American Birds, Davie’s Nests and Eggs of North American
Birds, Ridgway’s Manual, and Captain Bendire’s Life Histories of
North American Birds. In describing the eggs the color chart was
used when possible; but it was designed with particular reference to
the plumages of our birds, and is of less assistance in describing their
eggs. The measurements of eggs are mostly from series of measure-
ments made by Mr. H. B. Bailey, accompanying the Bailey collection in
the American Museum, supplemented by reference to the works men-
tioned above.

Biographies.—After devoting separate paragraphs to the bird’s
general range, its manner of occurrence, comparative numbers, times
of migration at several specific points, and its nest and eggs, the space
remaining is given to a brief sketch of its haunts, notes, and disposi-
tion, with the particular object of aiding in its identification in the
field.

* Strictly maritime birds whose occurrence within five miles of Cambridge is
casual or accidental are, as a rule, excluded.

‘YOTOS 3LVI1S AHS HSINMOUN&E “SNOISNA

“NMOYE HSIAWYS AWY9 HSINMOYS ‘SNOZDYNIA

‘JING Wv3sHo ‘44NG@ SNO3IDVYHHIO ‘y3gWn

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BIOGRAPHIES—ILLUSTRATIONS, 39

In preparing these biographical sketches I have aimed to secure
the best material possible, using my own notes only when I felt they
were based on adequate observations. Not only have | carefully ex-
amined the literature relating to the habits of our birds, selecting
what seemed to be the most trustworthy accounts of their appearance
in life, but through the generous co-operation of fellow-students of
living birds Iam able to present character sketches of some of our
birds, written by observers who are everywhere known for their sym-
pathy with birds out-of-doors. Thus I have to thank Mrs. Miller,
Miss Merriam, Mr. Bicknell, Mr. Brewster, Dr. Dwight, Mr. Thomp-
son, and Mr. Torrey for pen pictures of birds with which they are
especially familiar, each sketch being signed by its author.

Illustrations.—The colored frontispiece is by Mr. Ernest E. Thomp-
son, whom I have to thank for assistance in preparing the color chart
and Key to Families. The scheme of this key, which is founded on
natural arrangement and on drawings of anatomical details, is original
with him, and that here presented is a slight modification, of the one
he completed and contributed at a time when he was expected to be a
joint author of this work. The numerous pen-and-ink drawings, which
add so largely to the value of the work, were made by Mr. Tappan
Adney from specimens in the American Museum of Natural History.
Some of the full-page half-tone plates are from photographs of groups
in the American Museum of Natural History; the larger number, how-
ever, were especially designed for this work, with the assistance of Mr.
J. Rowley, Jr.

The Color Chart.—It must not be supposed for a moment that the
colors on the Plate II. represent the colors of all the birds of eastern
North America. It does not do so any more than an artist’s palette
shows all the colors of his picture—in fact, I have called this plate
my mental palette, and have frequently used two and even three terms
to describe a given shade or tint.

It should be clearly understood, therefore, that when grayish brown,
for example, is mentioned, it does not follow that the feathers to which
the term is applied are of exactly the same color as the plate, but that
they are nearer to this color than to any other in the plate. Used even
in this general way, the plate will prove a far more definite basis for
description than if every one were left to form his own idea of the
colors named.

Ad.

AL.

Pe

B. from N.

2

Im.

ny

—
4445 ba wob

a2oR

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.

Adult; a fully matured bird.

Accidental visitant (see page 12).

Bill.

Bill from nostril.

The sign employed to designate female sex (see page 27).

Immature; the term is generally applied to birds less
than a year old, or to those which have not acquired
the plumage of the adult.

Total length.

The sign employed to designate male sex (see page 27).

Permanent resident (see page 12).

Summer resident (see page 12),

Tail.

Tarsus.

Transient visitant (see page 12).

Wing.

Winter visitant (see page 12).

40

THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA HAST OF THE
NINETIETH MERIDIAN.

KEY TO ORDERS AND FAMILIES.

THE WATER BIRDS.

Order I. Pygopodes.—Grezzs, Loons, and Auxs.
Ducklike birds with generally sharply pointed bills ; feet webbed, placed
far back near the tail; tarsus much flattened; hind toe, when present,
with a lobe or flap; bill without toothlike projections ; tail very short
and sometimes apparently wanting.

A. Toes four, tipped with a broad nail.
a. Toes with lobate webs.... Family VPodicipide:
GREBES (Fig. 5, a), p. 56.
6. Toes webbed. ... Family Urinatoridw: Loons (Fig.
5, 6), p. 58.
BL. Toes three, tipped with a sharp nail... . Family
Alcidew: AuKks, Murres, and Purrins (Fig. 5, ¢), p. 60.

Order Ii. Longipennes. — Jarcers,
GuLLs, and TERNs.
Birds with sharply pointed and frequently
hooked or hawklike bills; toes four (ex-
cept in one genus—/ssa), the front ones
webbed; wings long and pointed. Fie 6.
41

AI, KEY TO FAMILIKS.

A. Tip of the upper mandible more or less swollen, rounded, and
sharply pointed; upper parts, including wings, and sometimes the
entire plumage, dark sooty blackish, sometimes irregularly barred;
tail always dark, the middle feathers longest... . Family Stemco-
rariide: Sxuas and JAEGERs (Fig. 6, a), p. 65.

B. Upper mandible curved but not swollen at the end; tail generally
white, sometimes tipped with black ; the tail-feathers usually of about
equal length. ... Subfamily Larine: Guuts (Fig. 6, 6), p. 67.

Fia. 7. Fic. 8.

C. Bill straight, not hooked and sharply pointed; outer tail-feathers
generally longer than the middle ones. Subfamily Sternine: TERNS
(Bigs), p-0e.

D. Bill thin and bladelike, the lower mandible much longer than the

upper one... . Family Rynchopidw: Sxrmuers (Fig. 8), p. 85.

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Fie. 9.

Order III. Tubinares.— A.sarrosses, PerREts, and Furmars.
Bill hawklike, the tip of the upper mandible generally much enlarged ;

nostrils opening through tubes; hind toe reduced to a mere nail, and
sometimes entirely wanting.
A. Size very large, nostrils separated and on either side of the bill. . .

Family Diomedeide: ALBATROSSES (Fig. 9, a), p. 86.
B. Size smaller, nostrils joined and placed on top of the bill...
Family Procellariidw: Perrets, Futmars, and SHEARWATERS (Fig.

9, ), p. 86.

KEY TO FAMILIES.

43

Fig. 12. Fia. 18.

Fie. 14.
Fie. 11.

Fig. 10. Fie. 15.

Order IV.
10) e6e:
All the toes, including the hind one, connected by webs.
A. Bill generally sharply pointed, without a hawklke hook at its tip.
a. Chin, or space between the forks of the lower mandible, feath-
ered. ... Family Phaéthontidw: Tropic Birps (Fig. 11), p. 91.
6. Chin bare.
61. Billstout and slightly curved at the tip; middle tail-feathers
without “flutings”’.... Family Sulidw: Gannets (Fig. 12),
p. 92.
62. Bill straight and slender; middle tail-feathers fluted... .
Family Anhingide: Darrters (Fig. 13), p. 93.
B. Bill with a hawklike hook at the tip.
a. Lores bare.
a, Bill over 12:00, with a large pouch. .
PELIcAnNs, p. 95.
a?, Bill under 12:00, no large pouch...
cide: Cormorants (Fig. 14), p. 94.
5. Lores feathered. . . . Family Fregatide : Man-o’-war Birps (Fig.
1b) spe OT.

Steganopodes.—Gannets, Cormorants, PEticans (Fig.

.. Family Pelecanide:

. Family Phalacrocora-

44 KEY TO FAMILIES.

Order V. Anseres.—Ducks, Grrsr. and Swans.
Toes four, the front ones fully webbed; tarsus not strikingly fiattened as
in the Grebes; tail always well developed; bill with toothlike projec-
tions, fluted ridges, or gutters along its sides.
1. Bill very long, narrow, and rounded, with numerous toothlike pro-
jections along its sides. . . . Subfamily Merginw: Mrreansers (Fig.
16), p. 98.

Fia. 16.

2. Bill more or less flattened and ducklike.
A. Lores feathered.
a. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe, without nail; scales on its
front transverse, more or less square.
a, Hind toe without a flap or lobe... . Subfamily Anatine;
River Dvoxs (Fig. 17, a), p. 100.
a?, Hind toe with a flap or lobe... . Subfamily Fuliguline ;
Sea and Bay Dvuoxs (Fig. 17, 5), p. 107.

imigehy ale.

b. Tarsus generally longer than the middle toe, without nail; scales
on its front rounded. . . . Subfamily Anserinw: GEEsE, p. 119.
JS. Lores bare. . . . Subfamily Cygninew: Swans, p. 124.

KEY TO FAMILIKS. 45

Order VI. Odontoglossz.—FLamineors.
Large red or reddish
birds; bill with toothlike
ridges as in some Ducks,

the end half bent down-
ward ; tarsus 12°00 or more
in length. . . . Family

Phenicopteride: Fua-
MINGOES, p. 125. Fie. 18.

Order VII. Herodiones.— Herons, Srorks, Istszs, etc.
Toes four, all on the same level, slightly or not at all webbed; lores bare;
legs and neck generally much lengthened.

Fig. 19.

Fre. 21.

A. Bill straight and sharply pointed; inner border of the middle toe-
nail with a comblike edge. ... Family Ardeidw: Herons, Eererts,
and Birrerns (Fig. 19), p. 128.

4. Bill rounded, more or less curved downward; no comb on the mid-
dle toe-nail.

a. Size large, tarsus over 5:00.... Family Ciconiidw: Storxs and
Woop Iziszs, p. 127.

6. Size smaller, tarsus under 5:00... . Family Zocdide@: Inisxs (Fig.
20), p. 126.

C. Bill flattened and much broadened at the end... . Family Plata-
leide: Spoonsitts (Fig. 21), p. 125,

4G KEY TO FAMILIES.

Cs

ra

=,
Toy

LB

Wore

=

Hig: 22.

Order VIII. Paludicolz.—Cranrs, Rais, etc.
Toes four; middle toe without a comb, generally not webbed; hind toe
generally small, higher than the front ones, or, if on the same level (Gal-
linules and Coots only), the bill is then comparatively short and stout
and the forehead has a bare shield; lores feathered, or (Cranes) with
hairlike bristles.

Z Pd rhe S
Sa Fia. 23. Ff
2

Fria. 24.

A, Smaller, bill under 8:00... . Family Rallcde: Rats, Gartnvutezs,
and Coors (Fig. 22), p. 139.

B. Larger, bill over 8:00.
a. Tarsus over 6:00. ... Family Guide: Cranes (Fig. 23), p. 187.
6. Tarsus under 6:00.... Family Aramide: Courtans (Fig. 24),
p. 138.

KEY TO FAMILIES, AT

Order IX. Limicolee.—Puataroprts, Snipes, PLovers, ete.
Toes four, or (Plovers) three; the hind toe, when present, less than half
the length of the inner one, and always elevated above the others; legs
generally long and slender, the lower half of the tibie bare; bill, except
in the Plovers, generally long, slender, and soft, the nostrils opening
through slits or grooves; wings long and pointed, the first primary gen-
erally the longest.

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DLA awe
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Daw

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i f
Hel }
agi ict i
FEN is ia
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2 iz S|

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———)

I

Fig. 26.

I. Tarsus over 3°50. . . . Family Recurvirostride: St1its and Avocets,
p. 149.
II. Tarsus under 3°50. P
A, Sides of the toes with lobes or webs. . . . Family Phalaropodide :
PHALAROPES (Fig. 26, a), p. 147.
B. Sides of the toes without lobed webs.

a. Toes four (except in the Sanderling); front of the tarsus with
transverse, more or less square, scales. . . . Family Scolopacide :
Snipes, SANDPIPERS, etc. (Fig. 25, a, b; Fig. 26, b, c), p. 150.

6. Whole lower back white, a black band across the rump... .
Family Aphrizide: Turnstongs, etc., p. 176.

ce. Toes three (except in the Black-bellied Plover); front of the
tarsus with smail, rounded scales,

o, Bill under 2:00... . Family Charadriidew: Piovers (Fig. 25,
en Nig. 26, ds 2). ity 27a

c. Bill over 2°00.... Family Hematopodide: OxsTER-cATCHERS,
ps 17T.

48 KEY TO FAMILIES.

THE LAND BIRDS.

Order X. Gallinze.—Turxeys, Grouse, Bos-wuirss, ete.
Toes four, the hind one small and elevated
above the front ones; bill generally short, stout,
hard, and horny ; wings rather short, the outer
primaries curved and much stiffened.

A. Size very large... . Subfamily Meleag-
rine: TURKEYS, p. 186.

ZB. Size smalier. . . . Family Tetraonide:
GrovsE, Bos-wuirEs, ete. (Fig. 27), p. 178.

Order XI. Columbze.—Picrons and Doves.
Toes four, all on the same level, the hind one
about as long as the shortest front one; bill
rather slender, deeply grooved, the nostrils open-
ing in a soft, fleshy membrane or skin... .
Family Coluwmbide: Pigrons and Doves (Fig.
28), p. 187.

Fic. 29.

Order XII. Raptores.—Vvtrvures, Hawks, and Ow ts.
Toes four, three in front, the hind one, except in the Vultures, generally
as long as or longer than the shortest front one; all the toes armed with
strong, sharp, curved nails or talons; bill with a cere, or covering of
skin, at its base, through which the nostrils open, very stout and strong,
the tip of the upper mandible with a sharply pointed hook.

Fi wo:
INF W

ye
\
rit

ae
OY Tia
eo

Fie. 31.

A, Eyes set in a striking facial disk; tarsus generally feathered; plum
age soft and fluffy.

KEY TO FAMILIES. 49

a. Middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. .. . Family Strigidw: Barn
Owts (Fig. 30), p. 213.

6. Middle toe-nail without a comblike edge. . . . Family Bubonide:
Hornep Owts, Hoor Ow ts (Fig. 29, a), p. 218.

Fic. 32.

B. Eyes not set in a striking facial disk; tarsus mostly bare, plumage
firm and close.

a. Plumage, in our species, black ; hind toe small, claws blunt; bill
not sharply hooked; head generally bare. ... Family Cathartide:
AMERICAN VULTURES (Fig. 32), p. 191.

6. Hind toe generally as long as or longer than the shortest front one ;
toes armed with sharp, curved nails or talons; bill with a sharp
hook, head not bare. . ... Family Falconide: Fatcons, Kirss,
Hawks, Eacurs (Figs. 29, 6, 33), ete., p. 193.

Order XIII. Psittaci. —
Parrots, PARoQuEts, ete.
Toes four, two in front and
two behind; bill with a cere.
... Family Pvttacide: Par-
rots and ParoqueEts (Fig. 34),
p. 222.

Fic. 35.

Order XIV. Coccyges.—Cuckoos and
KINGFISHERS.
Toes four, the middle and outer ones
joined for half their length (Kingfishers),
or two in front and two behind (Cuckoos) ;
bill without a cere; tail-feathers not stiff Fig. 36.
and pointed.
4)

y,

50 KEY TO FAMILIES.

A, Middle an@ outer toes joined for half their length. . . . Family Ad-
cedinide: Kine¥FIsHERS (Fig. 35), p. 226.

B. Two toes in front and two behind. .. . Family Cuculide: CucKkoos
(Fig. 36), p. 224,

Fie, 37.

Order XV. Pici.—W ooppeckers.
Toes four, two in front and two behind, or toes three, two in front and
one behind; bill strong; tail-feathers stiff and pointed ; nostrils more or
less concealed by bristles... . Family Picide: Woopprcxkers (Fig. 37),
p. ‘227.

Fia. 38. Fie. 40.

Order XVI. Macrochires.—Goatsucxers, Swirts, and Humminesirps.
Feet very small and weak; bill short and small and mouth large, or bill
long and exceedingly slender and mouth small; wings generally long and
pointed.

A, Size comparatively large; plumage variegated, black and brown;
middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. ... Family Caprimulgide:
NicutTHawks, Wurp-poor-wIiLts, ete. (Fig. 38), p. 236.

B. Size medium; plumage sooty black; no comb on the middle toe-
nail; tips of the tail-feathers with spines. .. . Family I/icropodide:
Swirts (Fig. 39), p. 239.

C. Size very small; upper parts shining green; bill long and slender.
... Family Zrochilide: Hummin epirps (Fig. 40), p. 240.

KEY TO FAMILIES. 51

Order XVII. Passeres.—Perching Birds: Frycarcn-
ERS, BLackpirps, Jays, Orrores, Sparrows, Frycnes, Ny
Swattows, Vireos, WarBLERS, WRENs, THRUSHES, etc.
Toes four, without webs, all on the same level; hind toe
as large as the middle one, its nail generally longer than
that of the middle one; tail of twelve feathers.
[The following synoptical
table of the characters
of the eighteen families
which we have in this
order seems more satis-
factory than an artificial
key. |

Family 1. Zyrannide.—F ycatcuers (Fig. 42).

Bill wider than high at the base,
slightly hooked at the tip; base
with conspicuous bristles; wings
longer than the tail, the second to
fourth primaries longest, the first
but little shorter and generally
equal to the fifth or sixth; back of
tarsus rounded, like the front ;
plumage generally olive-green or
grayish; tail, except in the King-
bird, without white spots, p. 242.

Fic. 42.

Family 2. Alawdide.—Larks (Fig. 43).
Bill rather stout and rounded ; nos-
trils with bristly tufts; nail of hind
toe much lengthened, as long as
the middle toe without nail; back
of the tarsus rounded like the front,
p. 252.

Fia. 44.

Family 3. Corvide—Crows and Jays (Fig. 44).
Large birds, over 10-00 in length ; bill stout, the nostrils concealed by tufts
of bristly feathers; fourth to fifth primary the longest, the first about half
as long ; outer tail-feathers shortest ; feet and legs stout, p. 253.

59 KEY TO FAMILIES,

Family 4. Sturnide.—Star-
LINGS (Fig. 45).

Bill flattened, wider than
high at the base ; tail short
and square; wings long
and pointed, second pri-
mary longest, the first very
small, less than half an
inch in length, p. 259.

yy =

Fie. 46. =

Family 5. Jcteride.—Buacxkpirps, OrRI0r7.&s, ete. (Fig. 46).
Length 7:00-17:00 ; base of the bill, between the nostrils, extending back-
ward and dividing the feathers of the forehead; nostrils not concealed by
bristles; first three primaries of about equal length; outer tail-feathers
generally shortest, p. 260.

Family 6. Fringillide.—Spar-
Rows, Frncues, Gros-
BEAKS, ete. (Fig. 47).

Length 4°75-9:00, generally
under 8:00; bill short, stout,
and conical, admirably fit-
ted to crush seeds; third
and fourth primaries gen-
erally about the same length,
the first never more than
half an inch shorter than
the longest, p. 271.

Family 7. Tanagridw.—Tanacers (Fig. 48).
Length about 7:00; the males of our species mostly red ;
bill finchlike, but less conical, somewhat swollen, the
outline of the upper mandible curved, its sides with a
slight but generally evident “tooth” near the middle; ¢
tail-feathers of equal length, p. 316. Fia. 48.

KEY TO FAMILIKS. 53

Family 8. Hirundinidw.—Swauuiows (Fig. 49).
Bill short and flattened, much wider
than high at the base; no bristles at
the base of the bill; wings long and
pointed, tips, when closed, generally
reaching beyond the-end of the tail;
first primary the longest; outer tail-
feathers longest; feet small, tarsus
short, round in front, narrower and
sharper in the back, p. 318.

Family 9. Ampelide.—W axwines
(Fig. 50).

Plumage generally soft, brownish
gray or grayish brown; a black
band across the forehead and
through the eyes; tail tipped
with yellow; bill short, notched
at the tip; head conspicuously
crested, p. 323.

Family 10. Zandidew.—Surikes (Fig. 51).
Grayish birds, 8:00-9:00 in length, most of the
tail-feathers tipped with white; bill hooked and
hawklike, p. 325.

Family 11. Vireonidw.—Vireos (Fig. 52).
Small birds, 5:00-

TE 7-00 in length, with
Yes generally olive-
ee oN green backs; tail-
Sw feathers without
va ri white spots; bill
Fic. 52. rather stout, higher

than broad at the
base, the tip of the upper mandible
notched and hooked, bristles at the
base of the bill barely evident; tarsi
scaled, round in front, narrower and
sharper behind; toes united at the
base, p. 327.

Family 12. Wniotiltidea.—Woov War-
BLERS (Fig. 53).
Small birds, length generally under
6-00, but in four species 6°50-7-50,
with, as a rule, brightly colored

54. KEY TO FAMILIES.

plumage, olive-green or yellow being the most frequent; bill various, never
notched at the tip, usually slender and sharply pointed, without conspicuous
bristles, but sometimes flattened and broader than high at the base, when
the bristles are evident (thus resembling the bill of a true Flycatcher, but
the back of the tarsus is always thin and narrow, and never rounded as in
front); rarely the bill is heavier, more thrushlike or finchlike; second or
third primary longest, the first little if any shorter; tail generally square,
sometimes rounded, the outer feathers frequently blotched with white,
p- 333.

Family 13. Motacillide.—W acTaiLs
and Pipits (Fig. 54).

No bristles over the nostrils; bill
slender, much as in the preceding ;
hind toe-nail much lengthened, as
long as or longer than the toe ; first
three primaries of equal length,
p. 375.

Family 14. Troglodytide. —'Turasu-
ERS, WRENS, ete. (Fig. 55).
Subfamily Jminew. — THRASHERS,
Mocxinepirps, and CATBIRDS.
Length 8-00-12:00; tarsus scaled ;
tail rounded, the outer feathers at
least half an inch shorter than the
middle ones, third to fifth primary
longest, the first about half as long,
p- 376.

Subfamily Troglodytine.— WRENS.
Length 4:00-6:00; bill moderate,
the upper mandible slightly curved,
no bristles at its base; third to
fourth primary longest, first about
half as long; tail short and round-
ed; brown or brownish birds with
indistinctly barred wings and tail,
p. 376.

Family 15. Certhiide.—CreEPers (Fig.
56).

Bill slender and much curved; tail-

feathers pointed and slightly stiffened,
p. 8865.

KEY TO FAMILIES. 5

Family 16. Paride.—Nvtuatcues and Tirmice (Fig. 57).

Subfamily S7é¢ine.—NvruHatcues.

Bill rather long and slender, the end of the lower mandible slanting
slightly upward; wings long and
pointed, the third or fourth primary ~

the longest, the first very small, not
an inch in length; tail short and
square, the outer feathers

with white, p. 386.

Subfamily Parine.—Tirmicr.
Length 4°50-6°50; bill short, stout, and
rounded, less than half an inch in
length ; fourth or fifth primary longest,
first very short, not more than one
third as long; tail rather long, dull
ashy gray without white blotches,

p. 889.

Family 18. Turdide. —
TurusHEs, BLvEBIRDs,
ete. (Fig. 59).

Length over 5°50; bill mod-
erate, the tip of the upper
mandible notched; tarsus
smooth, the scales, if any,
fused and indistinct; tail
square: wings long and
pointed, 3°75 or over, third
primary the longest, the
first very short, less than
one inch in length, p. 394.

blotched

Family 17. Sylviidw.— Kinevets and
GNATCATCHERS (Fig. 58).
Length 3°50-5:00; bill slender, re-
sembling that of some Warblers, but
the first primary is very short, only
about one third as long as the longest,
p. 391.

56 GREBES.

ORDER PYGOPODES. DIVING BIRDS.

FAMILY PODICIPIDA. GREBES.

The Grebes, or lobe-footed divers, number about thirty species,
distributed throughout the world. Six species are found in North
America. Grebes are eminently aquatic birds, and rarely if ever ven-
ture upon land, where they are almost helpless. ‘The marvelous rapid-
ity with which Grebes dive, and the ease with which this power for-
merly enabled them to escape the shot of the fowler, have won for them
their various popular names of “ Hell-diver,” “ Water-witch,” etc. The
cartridges of the modern breech-loader do not give the warning of the
discarded flint-lock or percussion cap, and “to dive at the flash” is —
an expression which now has lost half its meaning. Grebes possess the
power of swimming with only the tip of the bill above water, a habit
which accounts for many mysterious disappearances. They feed largely
on fish, which they pursue and catch under water, progressing by aid

of the feet alone.
KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A. Depth of bill at nostril over 35.
a..Wing over G00... 6. ws 6, ee he oe we OGRE GEER.
& Wing under 600... is . +s 8 ab) (6) Pimnp-sinrEp: Gress,
ZB. Depth of bill at nostril less ie ‘35. o © @ » «7. 93, HORNED GREBE,

2. Colymbus holboellii (7einh.). Hotse@.i’s Gress. Ad. in sum-
mer.—Top of the head, small crest, and back of the neck, glossy black; back
blackish ; throat and sides of the head silvery white; front and sides of the
neck rufous, changing gradually over the breast into the silvery white belly;
sides tinged with rufous. Ad. in winter.—Upper parts blackish brown;
throat and under parts whitish; front and sides of the neck pale rufous. Jm.
—Upper parts blackish; throat and under parts silvery white; neck and
sides grayish. L., 19:00; W., 7-50; Tar., 2:20; B., 1:90.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of North America, from northern Minne-
sota northward ; in winter migrates southward as far as South Carolina and
Nebraska.

Washington, uncommon W. V., Sept. 830 to Mch. or Apl. Long Island
irregular W. YV., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. to Dec. Cam-
vridge, casual.

Nest, a mass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation floating among rushes
in a slough, generally attached to its surroundings. Zggs, two to five, dull
white, more or less soiled, 2°25 x 1°35.

“In common with others of the family, this Grebe is an expert
diver. Often it will sink into the water without any apparent effort,
though more generally it jumps forward, throwing the head into the

PIED-BILLED GREBE AND YOUNG,

GREBES. 57

water and the body into the air. It is an expert and rapid swimmer
also, and all its movements on the water are exceedingly graceful.
When pursued, these birds invariably endeavor to escape by diving,
though when on the wing they fly rapidly, their necks and feet
stretched at full length ” (Chamberlain).

8. Colymbus auritus Zinn. Hornep Grese. Ad. in summer.—
Top of the head, hind neck, and throat, glossy blackish ; lores pale chestnut ;
stripe, and plumes behind the eye, buffy ochraceous, deeper posteriorly ; back
and wings blackish; secondaries white; foreneck, upper breast, and sides
chestnut; lower breast and belly white. Ad. in winter and Im.—Upper parts
grayish black; under parts silvery white, sometimes washed with grayish on
the throat and breast. L., 13°50; W., 5°40; Tar., 1-75; B., 90.

Range.—Breeds from northern United States (northern [linois, St. Clair
Flats) northward ; winters southward to the Gulf States.

Washington, common W. V., fall to Apl. 25. Long Island, abundant
T. V., rare W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Oct. to Dec.; Mch.
Cambridge, casual.

Nest, amass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation, floating among rushes
in a slough, generally attached to its surroundings. Zyys, two to seven, dull
' white, more or less soiled, 1°74 x 1:15.

This species and the next are probably frequently mistaken for
each other in life, and the same common names are in some instances
applicable to both. Mr. Ernest E. Thompson writes of a captive in-
dividual: “ When ordinarily swimming, the feet strike out alternately,
and the progression is steady ; but sometimes both feet struck together,
and then the movement was by great bounds, and was evidently cal-
culated to force the bird over an expanse of very weedy water, or
through any tangle of weeds or rushes in which it might have found
itself. When lifted out of the water, the feet worked so fast as to be
lost to the eye in a mere haze of many shadowy feet with one attach-
ment. When placed on the ground, it was eae helpless ” (Birds
of Manitoba, p. 466).

6. Podilymbus podiceps (Zinn.). Pinp-ptttep GREBE; DaxpcnticK;
Drepaprer; Heii-piver; Warer-witcu. (See Fig. 5,a.) Ad. in swmmer.—
Upper parts glossy, brownish black; throat black; upper breast, front and
sides of the neck, and sides of the body, washed with brownish and indis-
tinctly mottled with blackish; lower breast and belly white; a black band
across the bill. Ad. in winter and Im—Much like the above, but throat
white and no black band on the bill. L. 13°50; W., 5:10; Tar., 1°45; B., 85.

Range.—Argentine Republic northward through Meries and the "West In-
dies to Hudson Bay and Great Slave Lake, breeding locally throughout its
range; winters from New Jersey southward.

Washington, common W. V., Aug. 25 to Apl. or May. Long Island, un-
common T. V., Sept. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 6 to Apl. 20;

58 LOONS.

Sept. 8 to Oct. 28; a few summer. Cambridge, T. V. in Apl.; very common
Sept. to Noy. ; breeds in one locality.

Nest, a mass of water-soaked, decaying vegetation, sometimes built up
from the bottom in shallow water, sometimes floating among rushes in a slough,
when it is generally attached to its surroundings. /ggs, four to eight, dull
white, more or less soiled or stained, 1°74 x 1:19.

This is probably the best known of our Grebes, and is the one which
most frequentl¥ tempts the shot of would-be sportsmen. Its common
names may stand as an expression of its aquatic powers. It dives
head foremost, or sinks slowly beneath the water. Like other Grebes,
it can swim easily and for an indefinite period with only its bill above
the water, and its sometimes mysterious and apparently complete dis-
appearance is explained by this habit.

FAMILY URINATORIDZ&. LOONS.

A family containing only five species, inhabiting the northern half
of the northern hemisphere. ‘The Loons are scarcely less aquatic than
the Grebes, and are their equals as divers and swimmers. They visit
the land only to nest, when their clumsy progress is assisted by the
use of bill and wings. Their food consists of fish, which they procure
by diving, progressing when under water by aid of the feet alone.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A. Throat black.

as Plead black" 2 Po § 7 AES og ee ok eens
bi Head’ashy © i) vijri> la RAE we ie Le fe 8 BEACH teROAmnaliaon
B. Throat gray, foreneck chestnut . . . . . 11. Rep-THRoATED Loon.

C. Throat white or whitish; back fuscous, margined with grayish.
a. Wing over 13:00; base of bill to anterior end of nostril -75 or over.
7. Loon (Im.).
b. Wing under 13:00; base of bill to anterior end of nostril less than *75. j
9. BLack-THROATED Loon (Im.).
D. Throat white or whitish; back fuscous, spotted with white.
11. Rep-THRoaTED Loon (Im.).

47. Urinator imber (Gunn.). Loon. (See Fig. 5,5.) Ad. im summer.
—Upper parts, wings, tail, and neck black with bluish or greenish reflections ;
spaces on the throat and sides of the neck streaked with white; back and
wings spotted and barred with white; breast and belly white; sides and a
band at the base of the under tail-coverts black spotted with white. Ad. in
winter and Im.—Upper parts, wings, and tail blackish margined with grayish
not spotted with white; under parts white; throat sometimes washed with
grayish. L., 82:00; W., 14.00; Tar., 3°40; B., 2°80.

Range.—Breeds from northern Illinois, Minnesota, and northern New Eng-
land to the Arctic Circle; winters from the southern limit of its breeding
range to the Gulf of Mexico.

LOONS. 59

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. 25. Long Island, abundant T.
V., common W. V., Sept. to June. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. and Oct.
Cambridge, not common T. V., Apl. to early May ; Sept. to Nov.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a few feet of the water.
Fqs, two, grayish olive-brown, thinly spotted with blackish, 3°50 x 2°20.

This wild inhabitant of our northern lakes and ponds possesses all
the characteristic traits of the Divers. Its remarkable notes are thus
described by Mr. J. H. Langille:

“ Beginning on the fifth note of the scale, the voice slides through
the eighth to the third of the scale above in loud, clear, sonorous tones,
which on a dismal evening before a thunderstorm, the lightning already
playing along the inky sky, are anything but musical. He has also
another rather soft and pleasing utterance, sounding like who-who-
who-who, the syllables being so rapidly pronounced as to sound almost
like a shake of the voice—a sort of weird laughter.”

Loons may be seen migrating by day singly or in small companies,
generally at a considerable height. Their flight is strong, rapid, and
direct.

9. Urinator arcticus (Zinn.). Buackx-rHroatep Loon. Ad. in
summer.—Throat, foreneck, back, wings, and tail black, with purplish and
bluish reflections; a band of white streaks on the throat; sides of the neck,
back, and wings streaked, barred, or spotted with white; top of head and
nape gray; breast and belly white; a blackish band at the base of the under
tail-coverts. Ad. in winter and Im.—Similar in color to UW. imber, not spotted
above with white. L., 27-00; W., 11:00: Tar., 2°60; B., 2°00.

Remarks.—Immature and winter birds may be distinguished from the eor-
responding stage of imber by their small size; from lumme by grayish mar-
gips Instead of white spots, bars, or margins on the upper parts.

#ange.—Breeds in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in
North America migrates southward in winter to the northern United States,
casually to Ohio and Long Island.

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a few feet of the water.
Eggs, two, grayish olive-brown, spotted or scrawled with blackish, 3-20 x 2°10.

This species is a very rare winter visitant to the northern border
of the United States. The most southern record of its occurrence is
Long Island (Dutcher, Auk, x, 1898, p. 265).

11. Urinator lumme ((Guwzin.). Rev-rnroatep Loon. Ad. in swm-
mer.—Back, wings, and tail fuscous, more or less spotted with white; head
and neck ashy gray ; foreneck chestnut ; back of the neck black, streaked with
white; breast and belly white; longer under tail-coverts and band at the base
of shorter ones fuscous. Ad. in winter and Im.—Similar to U. imber, but
back spotted with white. L., 25:00; W., 11:00; Tar., 2°60; B., 2°00.

fange.—Found throughout the northern parts of the northern hemisphere,

60 AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS.

breeding in North America from New Brunswick and Manitoba northward,
and migrating irregularly southward as far as South Carolina.

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, common T. V., rare W. V., Oct. to
May. Sing Sing, casual T. V. Cambridge, one instance, ict

Nest, a slight depression in the ground within a few feet of the water.
Eggs, two, grayish olive-brown, sometimes tinged with green and spotted
with blackish, 2°80 x 1°75.

This is a more northern species than Urinator imber, which it doubt-
less closely resembles in habits.

Famity ALGID&. AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS.

This family contains about thirty species, confined entirely to the
northern parts of the northern hemisphere. Nearly all of these are
found in North America, most of them, however, on only our Pacific
coast. Without exception they are maritime birds, passing the greater
part of their lives on the open sea. They nest in colonies, sometimes
in enormous numbers, generally upon rocky, precipitous shores. Their
progress on land is slow and awkward; but they are, as a rule, strong
fliers, and accomplished swimmers and divers. Unlike the Grebes and
Loons they use their wings in diving. Their food consists of fish,
crustacea, and other forms of sea life.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
eSB under: FO) ud) Yar des i bler ska Ge bal) Wo SR Vee ge eee
II. Bill over °75.
1. Depth of bill at nostril over °60.
a. Bill yellowish, depth at nostril over 1:00.
13. Purrin. 18a. LarcE-BILLED PurFiIN.
b. Bill black, depth at nostril under 1:00 . . 32. Razor-BiILLED AUK.
2. Depth of bill at nostril under °60.
A. Wing-coverts white or tipped with white.
a. Greater wing-coverts entirely white . 28. Manpt’s GUILLEMOT.
6. Basal half of greater wing-coverts black. 27. Biack GUILLEMOT.
B. No white on wing-coverts.
i Bi ver DeGO a cag) apd pie hey ek le 3h sa
&. Bill underi60 . . ...\. .,. « « 81, Betuaren’s Mores.

13. Fratercula arctica (Zinn.). Purrin; Sra Parrot (see Fig. 5, c).
Ad.—Upper parts, wings, tail, and foreneck blackish, browner on the head
and foreneck ; nape with a narrow grayish collar; sides of the head and throat
white, sometimes washed with grayish; breast and belly white. (Breeding
birds have the bill larger and brighter, and a horny spine over the eye.) L.,
13:00; W., 6°10; Tar., 1:05; B., 1:85; depth of B. at base (in winter), 1°50.

Range.—* Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, breeding on the North
American coast from the Bay of Fundy northward” (A. O. U.). Migrates
southward in winter, rarely to Long Island.

AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 61

Long Island, A. V. in winter.
Vest in a burrow in the ground or in crevices among rocks. gg, one, dull
white, sometimes with obscure markings, 2°49 x 1°68.

Mr. Brewster, in describing his experience with this species in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, writes: “The first report of our guns brought
dozens tumbling from their nests. Their manner of descending from
the higher portions of the cliff was peculiar. Launching into the air
with heads depressed and wings held stiffly at a sharp angle above their
backs, they would shoot down like meteors, checking their speed by an
upward turn just before reaching the water. In a few minutes scores
had collected about us. They were perfectly silent and very tame,
passing and repassing over and by us, often coming within ten or fif-
teen yards. On such occasions their flight has a curious resemblance
to that of a Woodcock, but when coming in from the fishing grounds
they skim close to the waves, and the wings are moved more in the
manner of a Duck” (Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 407).

13a. F. a. glacialis (7emm.). Larer-pirtep Purrin.—Similar to
the preceding, but larger. W., 6:80-7:40; B., 2:00-2:30 (B., B., and R.).

Range.—‘ Coast and islands of the Arctic Ocean from Spitzbergen to
Baffin’s Bay” (A. O. U.).

The Turrep Purrin (12. Lunda cirrhata) inhabits the North Pacific from
California to Alaska. The specimen figured by Audubon was said by him
to have been procured at the mouth of the Kennebec River, Maine. There is
no other record of its occurrence on the Atlantic coast.

27. Cepphus grylle (Zinn.). Brack Guittemor; Sea Piezon. Ad.
in summer.—sSooty black, lighter below and with shght greenish reflections
above; lesser wing-coverts and terminal half of the greater wing-coverts
white, the basal half of the greater coverts black ; linings of the wings white.
Ad. in winter.—Upper parts gray or black, the feathers all more or less tipped
with white; wings as in summer; under parts white /m.—Upper parts as
in winter adults; under parts white, mottled with black ; wing-coverts tipped
with black. L.,.13°00; W., 6°25; Tar., 1:25; B.,'T:20.

Range.—Breeds in North America from the Bay of Fundy (Grand Menan)
northward, and migrates southward regularly to Cape Cod, and rarely to Con-
necticut and Long Island; accidental in Pennsylvania.

Long Island, A. V. in winter.

Nest, in the crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. Zgqs, two to
three, dull white, sometimes with a greenish tinge, more or less heavily
spotted with clear and obscure dark chocolate markings, more numerous and
sometimes confluent at the larger end. 2°18 x 1:40.

“They were wary and alert, but allowed me to paddle within easy
shooting distance without displaying much alarm. When they finally
concluded I was an unsafe neighbor, they lost no time in getting out
of sight, diving with surprising suddenness. They usually swam a

62 AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS.

long distance under water with great rapidity, using their wings as
well as their feet, and coming to the surface far beyond gunshot
range.

“The Sea Pigeons are met usually in small flocks of half a dozen
or more, and generally feed in the open sea at the base of bold cliffs.
When on the wing they proceed rapidly and in a straight line, and
rarely more than a few feet from the surface of the water. On ap-
proaching their nesting-site they rise rather abruptly, and fly directly
to their nests” (Chamberlain).

28. Cepphus mandtii (Zicht.). Manpr’s GuirtEemor.—Resembles
the preceding, but the bases of the greater wing-coverts are white instead of
black.

Range.—‘ Arctic regions of both continents” (A. O. U.); in America
breeding from Labrador and Hudson Bay northward, migrating southward
as far as Massachusetts.

Nest, in crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. “ygs, two to three,
not distinguishable trom those of C. grylle, 2°34 x 1:15.

A more northern species than the preceding, which it doubtless re-
sembles in habits.

30. Uria troile (Zinn.). Murre. Ad. in summer.—Upper parts,
wings, tail, and neck all around, dark sooty brown, blacker on the back,
wings, and tail; tips of secondaries, breast, and belly white, the sides more
or less streaked with blackish. Ad. in winter and lIm.—Upper parts, wings,
and tail much as in summer; under parts white, the throat more or less
washed with sooty brown, the flanks sometimes streaked with brownish, and
the feathers of the belly more or less lightly margined with blackish. L.,
16:00; W., 8:00; Tar., 1°40; B., 1°75; depth of B. at nostril, -50.

Remarks.—Some specimens have a white ring around the eye and a white
stripe behind it. They have been named @ ringvia (Brimn.), but it is un-
certain as to whether the species is a distinct one or is based on a mere varia-
tion of plumage.

Range.—* Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic” (A. O. U.). In North
America, breeding from Nova Scotia northward, and migrating southWard as
far as Massachusetts.

Nests in communities, side by side on the bare ledges of rocky cliffs. gq,
one, pyriform, varying from pale blue or greenish blue to whitish or butty,
singularly spotted, scrawled, or streaked with shades of chocolate, rarely un-
marked, 3°25 x 2°00.

“These birds begin to assemble on their customary cliffs in Eng-
land early in May, and crowd together in such numbers that it is not
uncommon to see hundreds sitting upon their eggs on the ledge of a
rock, all in a line, and nearly touching each other” (Nuttall).

“The bird usually sits facing the cliff, holding the egg between her
legs, with its point outward; if robbed, she will lay at least one more,

AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 63

similar in character. . . . Considerable force is exercised in diving,
and the wings are used for propulsion under water ” (Saunders).

81. Uria lomvia (Zinn.). Britnnicn’s Murre. Ad. in summer.—
Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty black, foreneck somewhat browner; tips of
secondaries, breast, and belly white; base ot the upper mandible greenish,
rounded outward beyond the edge of the lower mandible. L., 16°50; W.,
8-40; Tar., 1°30; B., 1:25; depth of B. at nostril, -47.

Remarks.— Adults are to be distinguished from adults of U7. trotle by the
darker color of the head, which in domvia is darker than the throat, by the
size of the bill and thickening of its cutting edge at the base. Winter and
immature birds can be distinguished from those of UW. trotle only by the size
of the bill, which, as the measurements show, is longer in that species.

Range.—* Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and eastern Arctic
Oceans” (A. O. U.). Breeds from the Magdalen Islands northward; in win-
ter migrates as far south as New Jersey.

Long Island, irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nests in communities, side by side on the bare ledges of rocky clitts. Zyg,
one, not distinguishable from that of /. trodle.

“During the winter it lives on the open sea, and in the breeding
season assembles in large flocks on bold cliffs and rocky headlands.
It is an expert diver, using wings and feet to get under water and to
swim through it” (Chamberlain).

32. Alea torda Linn. Razor-BittED AvK; Tinker. Ad. in sum-
mer.—Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty black; foreneck somewhat browner ;
tips of the secondaries, a line from the eye to the bill, breast, and belly white ;
bill black, crossed by a white band. Ad. im winter.—Similar to ad. in the
summer, but with the sides and front of the neck white. /m+—Similar to ad.
in winter, but with the bill smaller and without the white bar. L., 16°50;
Wee 00's ans 135 3) Boos:

Range.—“ Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic” (A. O. U.). Breeds
from the Magdalen Islands northward; in winter migrates southward regu-
larly to Long Island and rarely to Virginia and North Carolina.

Long Island, irregular W. V.

Vest, in the crevices and fissures of cliffs and rocky places. gqs, one to
two, pale bluish white or buffy, thickly spotted and speckled with chocolate
markings most numerous and sometimes confluent at the larger end, 3:00 x 1-90.

“When brooding, it crouches along, not across, the egg, its mate
often standing near; and both sexes incubate, though the male may
be seen bringing food to the sitting female. ... The young flutter
from the rocks to the sea, or are taken by the neck and carried down
by the parents. They are at first very loath to follow the old bird in
diving, and remain crying plaintively on the surface of the water.
The food consists of small fish, which are carried diagonally in the bill
—not at right angles, as by the Puffin—and crustaceans. The Razor-

64 AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS.

bill utters a peculiar grunting or groaning, especially when sitting.
On the water it may be distinguished from the Guillemot, at a dis-
tance, by its upturned tail” (Saunders).

33. Plautus impennis (Linn.). Great Aux.—Upper parts fuscous
black, a large white spot before the eye; secondaries tipped with white; sides
of the neck and throat seal-brown, rest of the under parts silvery white. L.,
28:00-30°00 ; W., 5°75; B., 3°15-3°50; greatest depth of B., 1:50 (Ridgw.).

Range.—“ Formerly the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, from
Massachusetts and Ireland northward nearly to the Arctic Circle” (A. O. U.).
Now extinct.

Egg, pyviform-ovate, pale olive buffy, variously marked with brown and
black, 4°67 x 2°91 (Ridgw.).

The Great Auk was flightless. Like other birds of this family, it
frequented certain localities in large numbers each year to breed.
Early voyagers and fishermen visited its nesting grounds, killing the
helpless birds in enormous numbers for their flesh, feathers, and oil.
The result was extinction, and no living Great Auk has been observed
since 1842. About seventy specimens are known to be preserved in
collections. (See Lucas, Rep. Smith. Inst., 1891, pp. 688-641.)

34. Alle alle (Zinn.). Dovexm; Sra Dove. Ad. in summer.—Upper
parts, wings, and tail sooty black ; es and front of the neck and upper
breast somewhat browner; secondaries tipped and scapulars streaked with
white; lower breast and pally white. Ad. in winter and /m.—Similar to the
above, but throat whiter or washed with dusky, and sometimes a gray collar
on the nape. L., 8:00; W., 450; Tar., "70; B., °50.

Range.—* ante end isles of the Norsk Atlantie and eastern Arctic
Oceans” (A. O.U.). Breeds from latitude 69° northward; in winter migrates
southward, rarely to Long Island and New Jersey ; aseilenenl in Pennsylva-
nia and Virginia.

Long Island, irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A. Vi.

Nest, on the ledges and in the crevices of rocky cliffs. Egg, one, pale
bluish white, 1°85 x 1°27.

“ On the approach of a vessel this bird has a peculiar way of splash-
ing along the surface of the water, as if unable to fly, and then diving
through the crest of an advancing wave; it swims rather deep and
very much ‘by the stern.’ . . .” (Saunders).

“Tts wings are small, ne they are moved almost as rapidly as a
Hummingbird’s, and propel the bird through the air with great rapid-
ity. This bird is an expert Be too, and, though awkward on land,
swims with ease and grace. . . .” (Chamberlain).

JAEGERS AND SKUAS. 65

YVRDER LONGIPENNES. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS.

FAMILY STERCORARIIDEH. JAEGERS AND SKUAS.

Two of the six known members of this family are found in the
antarctic regions, while the remaining four inhabit the northern parts
of the northern hemisphere. Except during the nesting season, the
Jaegers are as a rule pelagic, though they sometimes visit large bodies
of water inland. They generally obtain their food by robbing Gulls
and Terns, and have been well named the Hawks of the sea. Their
greater power of flight enables them to successfully pursue these birds
and force them to disgorge their recently captured prey.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A. Bill over 1:35; tarsus over 1°70; middle tail-feathers never pointed.
eS NOM OM a ae ae Se ia alld We eee Cen Lote SOS SUAS
Ppemiunder oO ar Sk . . . 86, PoMARINE JAEGER.
ZS. Bill under 1°35; tarsus under 1°70 ; iaaadile tail-feathers generally pointed.
a. Scaly shield on the bill longer than the distance from its end to the tip

OL auetbil sy 5275)" 5" . ls. 4! 87) PARASIPIO’ JAKEER.
6. Sealy shield on the bill ahatier ncn the distance from its end to the tip
OmimerOMl ea. it LO ee es Lo 2 088, LONG=raAreEpy JaneER:

35. Megalestris skua (Briinn.). Sxua. Ad.—Upper parts, tail, and
wings dark, dirty brown; shafts of the wing and tail-feathers white, except
at the tip; outer wing-feathers with inner vanes white at the base ; under parts
somewhat lighter; neck more or less streaked with whitish. Jm.— Similar
to adult, but more distinctly streaked with yellowish, especially on the head
aaceneck,” JL., 22:00) W;, 15°91: ‘Tar., 2°63: B., 2:06 (Ridgw.).

Range.—* Coast and islands of the North Atlantie, chiefly northward.
South to Spain and Massachusetts. Apparently rare off the coast of North
mumerica” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, on rocky cliffs. Zygqs, two, pale olive-brown or greenish gray spot-
ted with chocolate, 2°80 x 1:90.

36. Stercorarius pomarinus (7¢mm.). Pomartne JAEGER. Ad.,
light phase.—Very similgr in color to corresponding phase of S. parasiticus,
but with the upper parts darker, nearly black. Ad., dark phase and ae
Similar in color to corresponding stages of S. parasiticus. L., 22:00; W.,
13°50; T., Ad., 8:00, Im., 5:40; Tar., 2:00; B., 1:55.

Remarks. This species is to be dictino ened from the two following by
its larger size and the rounded ends of its central tail-feathers.

ange. Resident during the summer in high northern latitudes, chiefly
within the Arctic Circle, and extending from Siberia in eastern Asia entirely
around the zone” (B., B., and R.). Migrates southward along the Atlantic

6

66 JAEGERS AND SKUAS.

coast, and more rarely through the Great Lakes, and winters from Long Island
southward.

Long Island, regular from June 15 to Oct. 30. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, on the ground. £ggs, two to three, deep olive-drab sparingly spot-
ted with slate color, and light and dark raw-umber markings and black dots,
chiefly at the larger end, where they become confluent, 2°25 x 1:70 (Brewer).

37. Stercorarius parasiticus (Zinn.). Parasitic JArcEeR (see
Fie. 6a). Ad., light phase.—Back, wings, and tail slaty fuscous; top of the
lead and lores nearly black; sides of the head and back of the neck straw-
yellow, this color sometimes spreading down the sides of the neck and on
the throat; breast and belly white; sides of the breast, flanks, lower belly,
and crissum slaty fuscous; tarsi and feet (in dried specimens) black; middle
tail-feathers pointed and extending about 3:00 beyond the others. Ad., dark
phase.—Entire plumage dark, slaty brown, darker on the top of the head;
under parts slightly lighter; sometimes a trace of straw-yellow on the sides
and back of the neck; tarsi, feet, and tail as in the preceding. Jm., light
phase.—Upper parts, wings, and tail fuscous; the feathers of the back, neck,
and head more or less bordered, tipped, or barred with bufty; hind-neck and
head sometimes butfy, streaked or barred with fuscous, and varying from
this color to plain fuscous; longer, lateral upper tail-coverts barred with
buffy ; tail buify, whitish at the base; under wing-coverts barred with buffy ;
under parts white, washed with buffy, and irregularly barred with sooty
fuscous; these bars sometimes very numerous when the under parts looked
as if washed with sooty fuscous; again, they may be less numerous and con-
fined to the breast and sides, leaving the belly white; central tail-feathers
pointed, projecting more or less beyond the rest. Jm., dark phase.—Sooty fus-

cous, the feathers, particularly on the under parts, more or less marked with
ochraceous-buff. L., 17:00; W., 18°00: T., Ad., 8°60, Im., 6°40; B., 1°15.

Remarks.—This species closely resembles S. longicaudus. Adults of both
species, whether in the dark or light phase of plumage, may always be dis-
tinguished from each other by the difference in the length of their central
tail-feathers, in addition to the characters given in the key. Young birds
can not be distinguished by color, but may be identified by the differences in
relative proportions of the bill.

Range.—* Northern parts of the northern hemisphere, southward in win-
ter to South Africa and South America” (A. O. U.). In America breeds
in the Barren Grounds and Greenland; migrates southward through the Great
Lakes and along the Atlantic coasts,and winters from the Middle States
southward.

Long Island, regular from June 15 to Oct. 30.

Nest, on the moors or tundras, a slight depression in the ground scantily
lined with grasses, ete., or on rocks by the sea. Eggs, two to four, light olive-
brown, with frequently a strong greenish tinge and chocolate markings, more
numerous and sometimes confluent at the larger end, 2°25 x 1°65.

38. Stercorarius longicaudus JViei//. Lone-Tairep JAEGER.
Ad., light phase.—Back, wings, and tail slaty fuscous; top of head and lores
nearly black; sides of the head, back and sides of the neck straw-yellow;

re

GULLS. 67

throat sometimes washed with the same color; under parts white; sides,
lower belly, and crissum slaty fuscous; central tail-feathers extending about
7-00 beyond the others, the projecting ends narrow and pointed. (No dark
phase of this species has been described.) /m.—Similar in plumage to im.
ot S. parasiticus, but differing otherwise as pointed out under that species.
L., 21:00; W., 12°50; T., Ad., 12°00, Im., 5°50; B., 1-08.

Range.—Northern part of the northern hemisphere; in America nests
in Greenland and quite abundantly “along the Anderson, in the ‘ Barrens,’
and also on the arctic coast” (Macfarlane); migrates southward along the
coasts, and rarely through the Great Lakes, to the Gulf of Mexico and West
Indies.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground, sometimes scantily lined with
grasses. Hygs, two to three, similar in color to those of the preceding,
PAO x 150.

FAMILY LARIDEZ. GULLS AND TERNS.

This family contains about one hundred species divided equally
between the subfamily Larine (Gulls) arid subfamily Sternine (Terns).
They are distributed throughout the world. Some forty species in-
habit North America. With few exceptions they agree in possessing
the marked characters of their respective subfamilies, under which
they may be more conveniently treated.

Subfamily Larine. Gulls.

Generally speaking, Gulls are maritime and pelagic, though some
species are found inland. As compared with Terns, Gulls are less
graceful and active on the wing. In flight the bill points forward in
the plane of the body, not downward toward the earth, as in the Terns.
They procure their food largely by picking it from the surface of the
water or land with their strongly hooked bills, not by plunging or
darting, as do the Terns. Some of the species are true birds of prey,
and feed on small mammals and the eggs and young of other birds.
Gulls are better swimmers than Terns, and pass much time resting on
the water. They nest in colonies, generally on the ground, sometimes
on rocky ledges, and rarely in trees.

. KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. Wing over 15:00.

‘A. Back dark slaty black- . . ...«.'. . 4. BLACK-BACKED GULL.

B. Back pearl-gray.

a. Outer primaries marked with black.
5la. Am. Herrine Guiy. 51. Herrine GULL.
b. No black on primaries.
61. Bill under 2°00.

b2. Primaries light pearl-gray, fading gradually into white at their
GED Matas ruil pel ac A Soba ve Wilh Oe eal). a 43, IcELAND GULL.

68 GULLS.

63, Primaries pearl-gray, tipped with white, and with well-defined
gray spaces on the outer webs of the two outer primaries and on
both webs of the third and fourth primaries.

45. KuMLIEN’s GULL.
@. Billiover?200" Very te wie a te a 42. GLATOOUs GDET
C. Back grayish, whitish, or eotrnish: or mottled or spotted with gray-
ish or brownish.
a. Tail black or blackish, with or without irregular white markings.
a, Wing over 17°50; depth of bill at nostril over -70.
47. Buack-BAcKED GULL (Im.).
a2, Wing under 17°50; depth of bill at nostril under °70.
dla. Am. Herrine Guut (Im.). 51. Herrive Guu (Im.).
6. Tail white or whitish or grayish brown, with or without black
markings. :
61,. Bill under'200 2...) se 4 oe ee ieemaND Guiii(iny.
2. BillvOver 2000S, ss ote ea. aeons Goin, (ime):

Il. Wing under 15:00.
1. Tail pure white.
A. Head and throat slaty black.
a. Outer primary black or mostly black.
a, Outer primary entirely black . . . . 58. Laveurne Gutt.

a2. Inner half of inner webs of first primary white.
62. SABINE’s GULL.

6. Outer primary mostly white.

61. Tip of first primary white . . . . . 59. FRANKLIN’s GULL.
62, Tip of first primary black . . . . . 60. Bonaparte’s GULL.

B. Head white, sometimes washed with pearl-gray.
a. Wings white .°.” . wee Sols 960; vor Gum:

6. Primaries with more or tee lage
61. Wing over 11:00.
62, Hind toe very small, without a nail . . . 40. Krrrrwake.
63. Hind toe normal, with anail . . . 54. Rrye-BILLED GULL.
o,. Wing under 24°00 Sais ee \.) is nily yp) oontd welds SORES Monit
2. Tail marked with black.
A, Wing over 13°25.
a. Primaries mostly white ... . . . . 89. Ivory Gut (Im.).
6. Primaries black or mostly black . 54. Rine-sittep Guu (Im.).
B. Wing under 13°25.
a. Hind toe very small, without a nail . . . 40. Kirrrwaxr (Im.).
6. Hind toe normal, with a nail.
61. Tarsus 1°50 or over . . . . . . 58. Latvenre Guut (Im.).
cl, Tarsus under 1°50.
c3, Secondaries pearl color, tail square.
60. BonaparTe’s Guu (In.).
c8, Secondaries mostly white, tail rounded.
61. Ross’s Gutu (Im.).

39. Gavia alba (Gunn.). Ivory Gury. Ad—Entire plumage pure
white; bill yellow, feet black. Jm.—Similar to ad., but the wing and tail

GULLS. 69

feathers, and sometimes the wing-coverts, with a black spot at their tips. L.,
17-00; W., 13°25; T., 5°50; B., 1°35.

fange.—* Arctic seas, south in winter on the Atlantic coast of North
America to Labrador and Newfoundland, casually to New Brunswick, and on
the Pacific side to Bering Sea” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, of grass, moss, and feathers on rocky cliffs. Zyqs, light yellowish
olive, marked with small blotches of brown and larger cloudings of lilac,
2°45 x 1°70 (Brewer).

“The Ivory Gulls appear to spend most of the time amid the pack-
ice, often at a long distance from land” (Chamberlain).

comygagt TASTE Se) gS a es aes

SSS SSS SS eee
SSS SS oF ————
—, Sr “pti fits

YY. tj} PF
g 4

Uj jij tj tj jj ¢
BALL
ad
é

Fia. 60.—First primaries of adult Gulls, seen from below: (a) Am. Herring
Gull; (b) Ring-billed Gull ; (c) Laughing Gull ; (d) Franklin’s Gull; (e) Bona-
parte’s Gull.

40. Rissa tridactyla (Zinn.). Kirtiwaxr. Ad. in summer.—Head,
neck, tail, and under parts pure white; back and wings pearl-gray ; outer
web of first primary and 3:00 of the ends of first and second primaries black ;

70 GULLS.

third to fifth primaries black at the ends and with white tips; hind toe very
small, a mere knob without a nail ; bill yellowish, feet black. Ad. in winter.
—Similar to above, but the top of the head and back of the neck washed with
pearl-gray, and a dark spot about the eye. /m.—Similar to winter adults,
but with the back of the neck, lesser wing-coverts, and part of the tertials
black ; tail, except outer pair of feathers, with a black band at its tip; four
outer primaries black, except the inner half or more of their inner webs; fifth
and sixth tipped with black and white; bill black, feet yellowish. L., 16:00;
W., 12:00; T., 4:50; B., 1:30.

Remarks.—This species can always be distinguished by the small size of
the hind toe.

Range.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in America, breed-
ing commonly from the Magdalen Islands northward, and wintering as far
south as the Great Lakes in the interior, and, on the coast, commonly to Long
Island, and rarely to Virginia.

Long Island, common T. V., a few winter, Nov. to Mch.

Jest, of grass, moss, and seaweed on the ledges of rocky cliffs. Zgqs,
three to four, varying from shades of buffy to grayish brown, distinctly and
obscurely marked with chocolate, 2°25 x 1°60.

“Our bird differs but little in its habits from other oceanic Gulls.
Feeding chiefly on fish, but accepting any diet that drifts within range
of its keen sight; drinking salt water in preference to fresh; breasting
a gale with ease and grace—soaring in midair, skimming close above
the crested waves, or swooping into the trough for a coveted morsel ;
resting upon the rolling billows, and sleeping serenely as they roll,
with head tucked snugly under a wing; wandering in loose flocks,
and making comrades of other wanderers; devoted to mate and young,
and attached to all its kin—wherever seen or however employed, the
Kittiwake is revealed as a typical gleaner of the sea.

“The name is derived from the bird’s singular cry, which resembles
the syllables kitti-aa, kitti-aa” (Chamberlain).

42. Larus glaucus Brinn. Giavcous GuLt; Burcomaster. Ad.
in summer.—Back and wings pale pearl-gray ; primaries lightly tinted with
pearl, inner half of their inner webs and tips fading gradually into white ;
rest of the plumage pure white. Ad. in winter.—Similar to the above, but
with the head and neck lightly streaked with grayish. Jm.—Upper parts
varying from ashy gray to white, the feathers widely barred, mottled, or
streaked with bufty or ashy gray; primaries varying from pale smoky gray
to pure white; tail ashy or brownish gray; under parts varying from dirty
whitish to ashy gray, generally darker on the belly, sometimes mottled with
buffy or grayish. (Birds of the second year are said to be pure white.) L.,
28:00; W., 17:10; B., 2°35; depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible,
“75 to 1:00; Tar., 2°60.

Range.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in North America
breeding commonly from southern Labrador northward and migrating south-
ward to the Great Lakes and Long Island.

ee

GULLS. 71

Long Island, irregular W. V.

Nest, of grasses, moss, etc., on the ground. ygs, two to three, varying
from pale olive-brown to grayish white, spotted or speckled with shades of
chocolate, 3°10 x 2°20.

Mr. Chamberlain remarks that this species combines “ with some
gull-like traits many of the coarse characteristics of both Falcon and
Vulture.”

“Some observers have reported that flocks are at times very noisy,
particularly when settling for the night; but those I have met with in
winter have been rather silent. Their ery is harsh and at times very
loud; it sounds something like the syllables kuk-lak. I have seen it
written cut-leek.”

48. Larus leucopterus /ulber.. Icetanp Gui. Resembles the
preceding species in color, but generally is much smaller; specimens occur,
however, which appear to be intermediate. W., 15°40-16°50; B., 1:65-1:90;
depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible, 60-70; Tar., 2:05-2:20 (B.,
B., and B.).

Range—Arctic regions; in North America migrates south in winter,
rarely to Long Island.

Long Island, A. V. in winter.

West, of grasses, moss, etc.,on the ground. Zygs, clay-color with numerous
chocolate markings, 2°79 x 1°89.

“The flight of the Iceland Gull, its feeding habits, and its manners
generally, suggest a close affinity to the Herring Gull rather than to

the Burgomaster ” (Chamberlain).

45. Larus kumlieni Zrewst. Kumuren’s Gui. Very similar in gen-
eral color to the two preceding species, but differs from them in the color of
the primaries. These, instead of being uniformly pure white or but lightly
tinted with gray, are marked with sharply defined spaces of ashy gray. The
first primary is tipped with white and marked with ashy gray on the outer
web and shaft part of the inner web; the second primary is ashy gray on only
part of the outer web; the third and fourth primaries have smaller white
tips and are marked with ashy gray near their ends on both webs. W., 15°50-
17:00; B., 1:65-1:88; depth of B. at projection on the lower mandible, °60—66 ;
Tar., 2:10-2°35 (Brewster).

Range.—North Atlantic coast of North America; south in winter to
Massachusetts.

Vest, on “the shelving rocks of high cliffs.”

“Mr. Kumlien found this bird breeding in considerable numbers
near the head of Cumberland Gulf,” but, owing to the difficulty of
distinguishing immature specimens from those of Z. lewcopterus, its
status on our coast in winter is not clearly determined.

4%. Larus marinus Jinn. Great Buack-packep GuLL; SADDLE-
BACK. Ad. in summer.—Back and wings slaty black; wing-feathers tipped

10} GULLS.

with white; rest of plumage white; tail sometimes mottled with dusky. Ad.
in winter.—Similar to the above, but with the head and neck streaked with
grayish. /m.—Head and nape whitish, streaked with grayish; back and
wings, except primaries, brownish, the feathers margined and irregularly
marked with pale buffy ; primaries dark brownish black, the inner ones with
small white tips; tail mottled with black and white; under parts whitish,
more or less streaked or barred with grayish. L., 29:00; W., 18°50; T., 8:00;
B., 2°50.

Range.—North Atlantic; breeds in North America from the Bay of Fundy —

northward; migrates southward in winter regularly to the Great Lakes and
Virginia, and less frequently to South Carolina.

Long Island, common W. V., Sept. to Apl.

Vest, of grasses, seaweed, etc., on the ground. gqs, two to three, clay-
color, brownish ashy or butty, rather evenly spotted with chocolate, 3-00 x 2°15.

A more northern species than the Herring Gull. Mr. Brewster,
who observed it in numbers in the island of Anticosti in July, writes:

“The Black-backs are exceedingly noisy birds, especially when their
young are in danger, as well as toward evening. ... I identified four
distinct cries: a braying ha-ha-ha, a deep keow, keow, a short barking
note, and a long-drawn groan, very loud and decidedly impressive. ...
At all times of the year, during the breeding season as well as in win-
ter, it is by far the wariest bird that I have ever met.”

The Srpertan Guy (50. Larus afinis)—a large Gull inhabiting north-
ern Asia—is sometimes found in Greenland.

5la. Larus argentatus smithsonianus Cowes. American HER-
RING GULL. Ad. in summer.—Back and wings deep pearl-gray ; first primary
tipped with white, then crossed by a small black mark, then a much larger
white one; this is followed by a black space; the black runs down the outer
web of the feather to near its base and the shaft part of the inner web
nearly as far, leaving the inner two thirds of the web below the black mark
white (Fig. 60, a); the second primary is similar, but the second white mark
is around spot on the inner web and the black occupies a greater space near
the tip, but does not continue so far down on the feather; the third to sixth
primaries are tipped with white, which is succeeded by a gradually dimin-
ishing black band which extends farther down on the outer web of the feather
than on the inner; the rest of the plumage is pure white. Ad. in winter.—
Similar to the above, but with the head and neck streaked or spotted with
vrayish. Jm.—Upper parts ashy fuscous; head and nape more or less streaked
with pale buffy; back and wings margined or irregularly marked with the
same color: primaries brownish black; tail the same, sometimes tipped or
margined with buffy; under parts ashy fuscous, sometimes lightly barred or
streaked. L., 24:00; W., 17:50; T., 7°50; B., 2°30,

Reange.—* North America generally, breeding on the Atlantic coast from
Maine northward” (A. O. U.). In the interior breeds from Minnesota north-
ward; winters from Nova Scotia to Cuba.

GULLS. "3

Washington, common W. V., Oct. to Mch. Long Island, abundant W. V.,
Sept. to May, a few in summer. Sing Sing, common T. V., Sept. 21 to May
9; common W. Y. when river is open. Cambridge, abundant W. V., Nov.
to Apl.

Nest, of grusses, moss, seaweed, etc., on the ground, but, where the birds
have been persistently robbed, it is more compactly built and placed in trees,
sometimes fifty feet or more from the ground. Lyqs, two to three, grayish
olive-brown, rarely whitish, spotted, blotched, and scrawled with distinct and
obseure chocolate markings, 2°85 x 1:90.

This species is by far the most abundant winter Gull along the
coasts of the Middle and Southern States. Unlike the more pelagic
species, it frequents our rivers and harbors, feeding about piers and
wharves, and near the cities showing comparatively little fear of man.
Sometimes one may see them “ bedded” in flocks on the water, where
they alight to rest. It is generally this species which follows in the
wake of our coastwise vessels, sailing astern, when the wind is from
ahead, without the slightest perceptible movement of the wings. (lor
an interesting life-history of the Herring Gull see Mackay, Auk, ix,
1892, pp. 221-228.)

The Evropean Herrine Gui (51. Larus argentatus) differs from our
species in being slightly smaller and in having the two white spaces at the
tip of the first primary joined, the black spot, therefore, being broken or
entirely absent. It is of rare occurrence on the Atlantic coast of North
America.

54. Larus delawarensis Ord. Rine-pintep Gui. Ad. in sum-
mer.—Back and wings pearl-gray ; first primary black, with a white spot near
the tip, the base of the inner half of the inner web pearl-gray (Fig. 60, 5);
second primary black, the basal half of the inner web pearl-gray ; on the
third to sixth primaries the black decreases rapidly, and each one is tipped
with white; rest of the plumage pure white; bill greenish yellow with a black
band in front of the nostril. Ad. im winter.—Similar to the above, but the
head and nape streaked with grayish. /m.—Upper parts varying from ashy
fuscous, the feathers margined with whitish, to pearl-gray, the feathers more
or less mottled, spotted, or, on the head and neck, streaked with ashy fus-
cous; outer primaries black, tail varying from pearl-gray, more or less mottled
with blackish, to white, and crossed near the end by a wide band of black ;
basal half of the bill yellowish, end black. L., 18°50; W., 14:00; T., 6°00;
B27 1-60.

Range.—-North America, more common in the interior; breeds from
southern Minnesota and Newfoundland northward ; winters from Long Island
to Cuba and Mexico.

Washington, very common T. V., Feb. to Apl. 5; Oct. to Nov.; rare in
winter. Long Island, common W. V., Aug. to Apl. Sing Sing, casual T. V.

Nest, of grasses, ete., on the ground. Zygs, two to three, clay-color, buffy,
or whitish, rather evenly spotted with chocolate, 2°30 x 1:65,

74 GULLS.

The coast-inhabiting individuals of this species resemble the Her-
ring Gull in habits, and are not easily identifiable from that species
unless the two be seen together, when the smaller size of the Ring-bill
is noticeable.

In the interior, where the species is locally common, it feeds on
insects, which it catches both on the ground and in the air,

The Mew Guuu (56. Larus canus)—a European species—has been found
once in Labrador.

58. Larus atricilla Zinn. Laveuine GuLti; BLiack-HEADED GULL.
(See Fig. 6,4.) Ad. in swummer.—Back and wings dark pearl-gray ; primaries
black, the inner ones with small white tips (Fig. 60, ¢); whole head and throat
deep slate-color; rest of the plumage, including the nape, pure white, the
breast sometimes suffused by a delicate peach-blossom tint; bill dark red-
dish, brighter at the tip. Ad. in winter.—Resembles the above, but has the
head and throat white, the crown and sides of the head and sometimes the
nape spotted or streaked with grayish. /m.—Upper parts light ashy fuscous,
the feathers margined with whitish; primaries black; forehead and under
parts white, sometimes washed in places with dusky; tail dark pearl-gray,
broadly tipped with black. L., 16°50; W., 12°50; T., 4:90; B., 1°65.

Range.—Breeds from Texas and Florida to Maine; rare in the interior;
winters from South Carolina to northern South America.

Washington, irregular in fall. Long Island, rare 8. R., irregular T. V.,
Apl. to Sept.

Nest, of grasses, seaweed, ete., on the ground in grassy marshes. Hgqs,
three to five, varying from grayish olive-brown to greenish gray, spotted,
blotched, and scrawled with chocolate, 2°15 x 1:55.

“From the hoarse clatter of the Terns one could distinguish its
long-drawn, clear note on a high key, sounding not unlike the more
excited call-note of the Domestic Goose; and every now and then it
would give its prolonged, weird laughter, which has given rise to its
common name. To one who has heard it, it might be imitated by the
syllables hah-ha-ha-ha-ha, hah-hah-hah, all of which are uttered on a
high, clear tone, the last three or four syllables, and especially the last
one, being drawn out with peculiar and prolonged effect, the whole
sounding like the odd and excited laughter of an Indian squaw, and
giving marked propriety to the name of the bird” (Langille).

59. Larus franklini Sw. and Rich.. Franxutn’s Guii. Ad. in sum-
mer.—Whole head and throat sooty black, nape, sides of the neck, and under
parts, except throat, white, generally suffused (in fresh specimens) with an
exquisite peach-blossom tint; tail white; back and wings pearl-gray; first
primary white, the outer web black, except at the tip, the shaft part of the
inner web grayish on the basal half (Fig. 60, 7); second primary white, with
a black mark on the inner web and a black stripe on the outer web near the
tip, the rest of the outer web and shaft part of the inner web pearl-gray ; third

GULLS. 45

to sixth primaries tipped with white, then banded with gradually diminishing
bars of black, which are succeeded by a whitish space, while the rest of the
feather is pearl-gray ; bill dark coral-red. Ad. in winter—* Similar, but head
and neck white, the occiput, with orbital and auricular regions, grayish dusky ;
bill and feet dusky, the former tipped with orange reddish.” Young, jirst
plumage.—‘ Top and sides of the head (except forehead and lores), back and
scapulars grayish brown, the longer scapulars bordered terminally with pale
grayish buff; wing-coverts bluish gray tinged with grayish brown; seconda-
ries dusky, edged with pale grayish blue and broadly tipped with white; pri-
maries dusky, the inner more plumbeous, all broadly tipped with white.
Central portion of the rump uniform light bluish gray; lateral and posterior
portions of the rump, upper tail-coverts, entire lower parts, forehead, lores, and
eyelids white. Bill brownish, dusky terminally ; feet brown (in skin).” W.,
11°25; B., 1:30; depth through nostrils, -35; Tar., 1°60 (B., B., and R.).

Range.—* Breeds from southern Minnesota and Dakota northward; win-
ters in the Southern States, and migrates principally west of the Mississippi
River” (Cooke and Merriam). Not found on the Atlantic coast.

Nest, of grasses, ete., in reedy or bush-grown marshes. yqs, one to three,
varying from dark chocolate to creamy brown and sooty white, irregularly
marked with small spots or large blotches of umber, and with obsolete lilac
shell markings, 2°12 x 1:40 (Preston).

This inland species reaches our western limits. An excellent ac-
count of its habits, by J. W. Preston, will be found in the Ornitholo-
gist and Odlogist, xi, pp. 54, 55.

60. Larus philadelphia (077). Bonaprarte’s Guiu. Ad. in summer.
—Whole head and throat dark, sooty slate-color; nape and sides of the neck,
under parts, except throat, and tail white; back and wings pearl-gray ; first
primary, seen from above, white, the outer web and tip black (Fig. 60, e);
second and third primaries white, tipped with black; third to sixth primaries
with small whitish tips, then large black spaces, the rest of the feather white
or pearl-gray ; bill black. Ad. in winter.—Similar to the preceding, but head
and throat white, the back and sides of the head washed with grayish. Jm.
—Top of the head and nape and a spot on the auriculars more or less washed
with grayish; back varying from brownish gray to pearl-gray ; lesser wing-
coverts grayish brown, secondaries mostly pearl-gray ; first primary with the
outer web, tip, and most of the shaft part of the inner web black; inner mar-
gin of the inner web at the end of the feather narrowly bordered with black ;
second and third primaries much the same, but with slightly more black at
the ends; tail white, banded with black and narrowly tipped with white;
under parts white. L., 14:00; W., 10:30; T., 4:00; B., 1°15.

Range.—Breeds from Manitoba northward; apparently no record of its
breeding on the Atlantic coast; winters southward to the Gulf of Mexico.

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May 5; Oct. and Nov. Long Island,
common T. V., a few winter, Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, rather rare T. V., Apl.
and Oct.

Nest, of sticks lined with grasses, etc., on stumps, in bushes or trees four

6 TERNS.

to twenty feet from the ground. Z£gqs, three to four, grayish olive with a
greenish tint and small clove-brown spots, chiefly about the larger end, 1:97
x 1:40 (B., B., and R.).

“The flight is easy and graceful, each stroke of the long, pointed
wings throwing the body up a little, while the bird peers this way and
that in quest of its small prey. If it fly toward one, the white front
of its wings, added to its white breast and neck, gives it the appear-
ance of a white bird with a black head. It often has a noticeable way
of turning partly around or cutting backward as it drops in securing
some object detected on or near the surface of the water, thus making
it appear decidedly lithe and agile on the wing” (Langille),

~ The LirrLte Guuy (60:1. Larus minutus), a European species, has been
taken only once in America—on Long Island, in September, 1887 (Dutcher,
‘Auk, v, 1888, p. 171).
Ross’s Guiu (61. Rhodostethia rosea), an arctic species, is known from
Point Barrow, Alaska; Melville Peninsula; England, Faroes, and Heligoland ;
but has been found in numbers only at the first-mentioned locality. (See

Murdoch, Rep. of the Exp. to Point Barrow, p. 123.)

62. Xema sabinii (Sa/.). Sapre’s Guru. Ad. in summer.—W hole
head and throat slate-color, bordered posteriorly by black; back and sides of
the neck, under parts, except throat, and slightly forked tail pure white;
back and wings dark pearl-gray ; secondaries tipped with white ; first primary
black, the inner half of the inner web, except at the end, white; second to
fourth primaries similar, but tipped with white; bill black, the end yellow.
Ad. in winter— Similar to the summer plumage, but the head and neck
white, except occiput, nape, and auricular region, which are dull, dusky
plumbeous” (B., B., and k.). J/m.—Forehead and lores white, rest of the
upper parts ashy brown, the feathers slightly tipped with whitish ; tail white,
broadly tipped with blackish; under parts white. L., 14:00; W., 10:50; T.,
4:50; B., 95.

Range.—Arctic regions, in winter migrating only a short distance south-
ward and rarely reaching the United States.

Long Island, A. V., one record. ;

Nest, of grasses, etc.,on the ground. Lgqs, two to five, deep olive (vary-
ing in intensity, however), rather indistinctly spotted or blotched with brown,
1°78 x 1:26 (Ridgw.).

This boreal species is of rare occurrence in the northern United
States in the winter.

Subfamily Sternine. Terns.

Terns are littoral; never, I believe, pelagic. They inhabit the shores
of bodies of both fresh and salt water, but are more abundant on the
seacoast than in the interior. Their principal characters, as compared
with the Gulls, are mentioned under the subfamily Zaring. Their

TERNS. rad

power of flight has deservedly won for them the name of Sea Swal-
lows. They capture their prey of small fish by plunging into the
water, frequently disappearing and swimming a few feet beneath the
surface. They nest in colonies. The nest is usually on the ground.
Generally it is simply a slight depression in the sand, shells, or pebbles
of a beach, or in the near-by seaweed, moss, or grasses. Sometimes it
is scantily lined with bits of grass, seaweed, moss, etc., but these are
frequently wanting.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. Wing under 13:00.
1. Entire top of the head jet-black.
A. Bill black, or mostly black.
a. Feet black or blackish.
al, Under parts black or blackish . . . . . . "7. Buack Tern.
a2. Under parts white; bill black . . . . 68. GuLL-BILLEeD TERN.
a8. Under parts white; bill black, broadly tipped with yellow.
67. Casor’s TERN.
6. Feet yellowish or orange.
bt. Outer tail-feathers pure white; outer web of first primary black.
72. RosEaTE TERN.
b2, Inner web of outer tail-feather gray; outer web of first primary
VAY. peers a 2, 09h HORSTER Ss) Lnem.
B. Bill mostly or Ges Slee atc esha brownish, or orange.
a. Under parts tinged with grayish; outer web of outer tail-feather
gray ; inner web white.
a, Bill broadly tipped with blackish ; tarsus generally over °70.
70. Common TERN.
a2. Bill without a distinct black tip; tarsus generally under °70.
71. Arctic TERN.
b. Under parts pure white; inner web of outer tail-feather gray ; outer

web white... 2): : : tats. 2, 69. Forests urn.
. Forehead white; lores eee ; crown ne -black.
ay Wing under 5: 00s back"pearl-cray. . @ . |. 74. nase’ Teen.

BS. Wing over 8:00; back grayish brown or blackish.
a. Back grayish foeaee aw ee stripe from the forehead over the eye.
76. BripLep TERN.
6. Back blackish; white of forehead not reaching over the eye.
75. Soory TrErn.
8. Forehead or crown white or grayish, sometimes speckled with black;
lores not entirely black.
A, Wing pearl-gray, over 9:00.
a. Outer tail-feather entirely pure white.
a. Bill over 1°75, tipped with yellowish . . . 67. Canot’s TERN.
a2, Bill under 1°75, without a yellow tip . 72. Rosrare TERN (Im.).
b. Outer tail-feather not pure white.
1, Inner web of outer tail-feather darker than outer web ; outer web

8 TERNS.

mostly or entirely white; a black space generally on the side of

the head inclosing the eye. . - + + 69. Forstrr’s TERN (Im.).

22, Outer web of outer tail-feather darker than inner web; tarsus
OBE TO" tus oon ae peat, lb ate nea at Common TERN (Im.).

3, Outer web of outer tail-feather darker than inner web; tarsus
oO be puss al a ah uD) i Gi Cle Je Tern (Im.).

B. Wing blackish, over 9°00.

a. Under parts blackish. . - - - + e+ > 75. Soory TERN (Im.).

6: Under parts white 9.0080 8 Gis) ae 76. Briptep Tern (Im.).
4, Crown silvery gray ; lores black ; rest of plumage sooty . 79. Noppy.
O) Wane under 9°00) 05 5 eae fe sy = eee "7. Burack TERN (Im.).

II. Wing over 13°00.
A, Wing 15:00 or over; outer primary mostly gray. 64. Caspian TERN.
B. Wing under 15:00; inner half of inner web of first primary white.
65. Roya TERN.

GY:

LL

Sos it aa
SSS Set es
Bos Br tps Sal Tr SES a

d

Fic. 61.—First primaries of adult Terns, seen from below. (a) Caspian Tern ;
(b) Royal Tern ; (c) Common Tern ; (d) Arctic Tern ; (e) Roseate Tern.

63. Gelochelidon nilotica /Hasselg. GuLL-BILLED Tern; MarsH
Tern. Ad. in summer.—Top of the head and nape black; back and wings
pale pearl-gray ; outer web of outer primaries silvery; tip and shaft part of
the inner web darker; inner part of the inner web, except for a narrow mar-

TERNS. 9

gin at the end of the feather, white; tail white, slightly forked, the middle
feathers grayish; under parts white; bill and feet black, the former rather
short and stout. Ad. in winter.—Similar to the above, but top of the head
white, auriculars grayish, and a space in front of the eye blackish. L., 14°50;
W., 12:00; T., 5°50; B., 1-40; depth of B. at base, °50.

Range.—Cosmopolitan ; in North America breeds along the Gulf coast from
Mexico to Florida, and on the Atlantic coast north to Virginia, straying
northward rarely to Maine.

Washington, casual. Long Island, A. V. in summer.

Lqgqs, three to five, rather uniform butty white, with numerous distinct and
obscure chocolate markings, 1°80 x 1:30.

This is a common species on the coast of our Southern States. It
is said to prefer insects, which it catches on the wing, to fish. Its voice
is harsh and easily distinguishable from that of other Terns, while its
heavy black bill will also serve to identify it.

64. Sterna tschegrava Lepech. Casptan Tern. Ad. in spring.
—Top and back of the head shining black, the feathers lengthened to form
a crest; back of the neck, under parts, and tail white; back and wings pearl-
gray ; primaries dark slaty, silvery on the outer web (Fig. 61, a); bill coral-
red, darker near the tip; feet black. Ad. after the breeding season and in
winter.—Similar to the above, but top of the head streaked with black. Jm.
—Top of head streaked with black and white; back of neck and under parts
white; back, wing-coverts, and tertials pearl-gray, spotted or barred with
brownish black; primaries dark slaty, silvery on the outer web; tail pearl-
gray, more or less barred with brownish black; bill orange-red ; feet black-
ish brown... L., 21:00; W.. 16°20; T., 6:00; B., 2°80.

Range.—A cosmopolitan species of irregular distribution ; in North Amer-
ica, breeds locally from Texas to Great Slave Lake; migrates through the in-
terior and on the coast, and apparently does not winter within our limits.

Long Island, uncommon T. V., Aug. and Sept.

Eggs, two to three, grayish white or buffy white, with rather small, dis-
tinct, and obscure chocolate markings, 2°70 x 1°83.

This large Tern of local distribution is to be known by its size and
red bill. Unless the two were seen together, however, I do not believe
it could with certainty be distinguished in life from the Royal Tern.

65. Sterna maxima Podd. Royat Tern. Ad. in spring—Top and
back of the head shining black, the feathers lengthened to form a crest;
back of the neck, under parts, and tail white; back and wings pearl-gray ;
inner web of primaries, except at the tip, white; tip, outer web, and shaft part
of inner web dark, silvery slate-color (Fig. 61, 6). Ad. after the breeding
season and in winter.—Similar to the above, but top of the head streaked
with black and white. /m.—Resembling the young of S. tschegrava, but
smaller and with the inner half of the inner web of the primaries white. L.,
19:00; W., 14:00; T., 7:00; B., 2°50.

Hange.—Breeding in North America along the Gulf coast from Texas to

80 TERNS.

Florida, and on the Atlantic coast to Virginia; occasionally wanders north-
ward to the Great Lakes and Massachusetts.

Long Island, A. V. in summer.

Eygs, one to four, more pointed than those of the preceding, grayish white,
with rather small, distinct, and obscure chocolate markings, 2°65 x 1°75.

A common species on our southern coasts. During the winter it
is about the only Tern one sees in Florida waters. It is a strong,
active bird on the wing, and a reckless, dashing diver, frequently dis-
appearing beneath the surface in catching its prey. ‘The slow-flying
Pelicans are at its mercy, and it often deftly robs them of their well-
earned gains.

Both this species and the preceding, and indeed all the Terns, are
to be known from the Gulls by the very different manner in which
they hold their bills. A Tern points its bill directly downward, and
looks, as Coues says, like a big mosquito, while a Gull’s bill points for-
ward in the plane of its body.

67. Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida (Cabot). Casor’s TERN;
Sanpwicu Tern. Ad. in spring—Whole top of the head and crest black ;
back and wings light pearl-gray; primaries silvery gray; the shaft part of
the inner web white except at the tip; rest of the plumage white; feet and
bill black, the latter with a conspicuous yellowish tip. Ad. after the breeding
season and in winter—Similar to the above, but crown white, sometimes
spotted with black; back of the head and crest more or less streaked with
white. Jm.—Similar to the preceding, but back spotted with blackish ; tail
slaty gray and much shorter; bill slightly if at all tipped with yellow. L.,
16:00; W., 10°50; T., 5°50; B., 2°05.

Range.—Tropical America, breeding on the Gulf coast from Texas to
Florida, and on the Atlantic coast to South Carolina; accidental in Massa-
chusetts.

Eggs, two to three, buffy white, spotted, speckled, and scrawled with dis-
tinct and obscure chocolate markings, 2°05 x 1:40.

This is an abundant summer resident on the coasts of southern
Florida, and in winter is common as far north as Key West.

It is said by Audubon to somewhat resemble the Marsh Tern on
the wing, and to have a loud, sharp, grating voice, which can be heard
half a mile or more. I have never seen it alive, but I believe its
yellow-tipped, black bill would enable one to identify it at some dis-
tance.

TrupEAv’s TERN (68. Sterna trudeauz) is a South American species which
has been taken once on Long Island and once on the New Jersey coast.

69. Sterna forsteri Nuit. Forsrer’s Tern. Ad. in swmmer.—
Whole top of the head black; back and wings pearl-gray; inner border of
inner web of the outer primaries white, except at the tip; rump and entire

TERNS. 81

under parts white ; tail light pearl-gray, the outer feather darker toward the
end, where the inner web is always darker than the outer; bill dull orange,
the end third blackish; feet orange. Ad. im winter.—Similar to the above,
but head white, more or less washed with grayish or spotted with black, a
large black spot on the side of the head inclosing the eye; bill mostly black ;
feet brownish. /m.—Similar to the preceding, but the back and wings more
or less mottled or washed with light brownish, and the tail much shorter.
Meer OW. W..10°255 'T., 7°00; Tar., 90); B., 1°50:

Range.—Of more or less general distribution throughout North America,
breeding in the east locally from Texas northward through the Mississippi
Valley to St. Clair Flats and Manitoba—recorded from Lake Mistassini—ap-
parently not breeding on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia, but wandering
regularly to Massachusetts.

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, rare T. V. in fall.

Nest, of seaweed, flags, or weeds on a slight elevation in grassy marshes,
Eggs, three, very variable, olive-gray, or olive brownish ashy, more rarely
whitish or buff, heavily marked with chocolate, 1°80 x 1°30.

Dr. Brewer, writing of Mr. Ridgway’s experience with this species
on Cobb’s Island, Virginia, where it was found breeding in numbers,
says: “It was only less abundant than the Anglica [= nilotica], and
quite as numerous as the hirundo, frequenting especially grassy
marshes, in which it nests. He found it pre-eminently a marsh Tern.
It nested in company with, or in close proximity to, colonies of the
Black-headed Gull. It could be readily distinguished from the Com-
mon Tern, which it closely resembles when on the wing, by its grating
monotonous note, which very closely resembles one frequently uttered
by the Loggerhead Shrike” (B. B., and R.).

70. Sterna hirundo Jinn. Common Tern; Witson’s Tern; SEA
Swa.tow (see Fig. 7). Ad. in summer.—W hole top of the head black ; back
and wings pearl-gray ; inner border of inner web of outer primaries white,
except at the tip (Fig. 61, ¢); throat white; breast and belly pale pearl-gray
tail white, the outer webs of the outer feathers gray or pearl-gray ; bill red at
the base, the end third d/ack ; feet orange-red. Ad. in winter.—Similar to
the above, but front part of the head and under parts white: bill mostly
black. /m.—Similar to the preceding, but the back more or less washed or
mottled with light brownish; lesser wing-coverts slaty gray, and tail much
Sorce 1, 1500; W., 10:25; ‘LD. 5:50; Tar., -75 5, B., 1°40:

Remarks.—The Common Tern is closely related to Forster’s Tern and also
to the Arctic Tern. From the former it is to be distinguished by the color of
the long outer tail-feathers. In the Common Tern the outer web of these
feathers is always darker than the inner web; in Forster’s Tern the inner
web is always darker than the outer one. Adult Common Terns have the
breast and belly washed with pearl-gray, while in Forster’s Tern these parts
are pure white.

The Common Tern differs from the Arctic Tern in having the bill tipped

7

82 | TERNS.

with black instead of being entirely red; in having longer tarsi, and in the
color of the primaries.

Range.-— Greater part of the northern hemisphere and Africa; in North
America chiefly confined to the eastern province ” (A. O. U.). Breeds locally
both on the coast and in the interior from the Gulf States to the Barren
Grounds and Greenland.

Washington, irregular T. V., sometimes common. Long Island, common
S. R., May through Sept. Sing Sing, casual in late summer. Cambridge,
casual in Sept.

Eggs, three to four, not distinguishable with certainty from those ot
the preceding, but averaging paler and greener, and less heavily marked,
1°60 x 1°20,

It is five years since I visited the breeding grounds of the colony
of Common Terns on Gull Island, L. I., but I can close my eyes and
still feel the air vibrate with the harsh, half-threatening, half-pleading
chorus of nearly two thousand excited voices. There is a dull, heavy,
hopeless monotone, broken only by the scream of some half-maddened
bird who fearlessly darts downward to protect its nest at my feet. A
shot is fired; there is a moment of awe-struck silence, then, with re-
newed violence, the screaming is resumed. Pandemonium reigns:
tearr, terrrr, swish / the air is full of darting, diving, crying Terns.
It was useless to attempt to secrete myself. At no time during my
stay did the outcry cease or hovering flock disperse.

This little, barren, uninhabited, sandy island—only a few acres in
extent—and Muskeget Island, off the Massachusetts coast, are the only
localities, from New Jersey to Maine, where the once abundant Common
Tern, or Sea Swallow, can be found in any numbers. What an illus-
tration of the results of man’s greed and woman’s thoughtlessness !
The fickle fashion which indorsed the poor Tern’s spotless plumage
has long since found new favorites, and the sadly mangled pearl-gray
feathers have gone to graves in the ash-heap. Now it is the Egret’s
turn.

Even the protection afforded by an insular home was not sufficient.
Feather hunters, egg robbers, and self-styled odlogists came in boats
to drive the Sea Swallows from their last resort; but the law inter-
fered, and both Gull and Muskeget Islands now have a paid keeper
whose duty it is to protect the Terns.

71. Sterna paradiszea Sriimn. Arctic TEern.—Very similar in
color to the Common Tern, from which it differs in having less gray on the
shaft part of the inner web of the outer primaries (Fig. 61,d@) ; in having the
tail somewhat longer, the tarsi and bill shorter, while the latter, in the adult,
is generally without a black tip. L., 15°50; W., 10:25; T., 7°50; Tar., 65;
B., 1:30.

Range.— Northern hemisphere; in North America, breeding from Massa-

TERNS. 83

chusetts to the arctic regions, and wintering southward to Virginia and Cali-
fornia” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, rare in summer.

Eggs, three to four, not distinguishable with certainty from those of the
preceding, 1°62 x 1:16.

Comparing the notes of this bird with those of the Common Tern,
Mr. Brewster writes: “Their notes are similar, but several of them
can be distinguished. The usual ery of S. macrura [= paradisea] cor-
responds to the tearr of S. hirundo, but is shriller, ending in a rising
inflection, and sounding very like the squeal of a pig. The bird also
has a short, harsh note similar to that of Forster’s Tern. At any dis-
tance within fair gun-range I could usually separate it from Wilson’s
[= Common] Tern by its longer tail, and by the uniform and deeper
color of the bill. In flight and habits the two seemed to me identical ”
(Birds Observed on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat.
Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 402).

72. Sterna dougalli Montag. Rosrare Tern. Ad. in summer.—
Top of head black; back and wings pearl-gray; outer web of outer pri-
maries and shaft part of the inner web slaty black (Fig. 61, e); under parts
white, generally delicately tinted with pinkish; tail pure white, bill black,
the base reddish; feet red. Ad. in winter._Similar to the above, but front
of the head white, more or less streaked or spotted with black; under parts
pure white. /m., first plumage. Pileum and nape pale buffy grayish, finely
mottled or sprinkled with darker, and streaked, especially on the crown, with
dusky ; orbital and auricular regions dusky blackish ; remainder of the head,
extreme lower part of the nape, and entire lower parts white, the nape, and
sometimes the breast, finely mottled with butty gray ; back, scapulars, wing-
coverts, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail pale pearl-blue, the back and scapu-
lars overlaid with pale buff irregularly mottled with dusky, each feather with
a submarginal dusky V-shaped mark; primary coverts and primaries dark
bluish-gray edged with paler, the inner webs of the latter broadly edged with
white; tail-feathers marked near their ends much like the longer scapulars,
their outer webs rather dark grayish; bill brownish dusky; feet dusky.” L.,
Perso Wiwoo0s 1.750 + b:, 1°50\(B:, B;. and:R.).

Range.—Temperate and tropical regions; in America apparently confined
to the Atlantic coast, breeding from Florida northward to Maine; compara-
tively rare north of southern New Jersey ; winters south of the United States,

Long Island, uncommon but regular 8. R., May through Sept.

Eqqs, three, not distinguishable with certainty from those of S. forstert or
S. hirundo, but averaging paler and less heavily marked, 1:65 x 1:20.

This species is found associated with colonies of Common Terns,
apparently making its nest among theirs. It is a less excitable, wilder
bird than hirwndo, and its single harsh note, cack, may be distinctly
heard above the uproar of Common Terns, as it hovers somewhat in

4 TERNS.

the background. Its white breast and long outer tail-feathers also aid
in distinguishing it.

74. Sterna antillarum (JZess.). Least Tern. Ad. in summer.—
Forehead white, ores and crown black; back, tail, and wings pearl-gray ;
outer web of outer primaries and shaft part of the inner web slaty black ;
under parts white; bill yellow, generally tipped with black; feet orange.
Ad. in winter.—Top of head white, more or less spotted with black; back of
head black; bill blackish. Jm.—Upper parts and tail at the end mottled
with blackish and buffy, primaries as in the adult, under parts white, bill
blackish,; 1L.,/9°00;:W., 6°90; T., 3°50; B.. 1-10,

Range.—Northern South America northward to California, Dakota, and
Massachusetts, rarely to Labrador; breeds locally throughout its range, and
winters south of the United States.

Washington, casual T. V. Long Island, rare in summer.

Eggs, three to four, buffy white, speckled or spotted with chocolate,
1°25 x -90.

This, the smallest of our Terns, resembles its congeners in habits,
though it is said to add insects to its usual fare of fish. Its voice. is
described as “a sharp squeak, much like the ery of a very young pig
following its mother.”

75. Sterna fuliginosa Gmel. Soory Tern. Ad.—Forchead and a
line reaching to the eye white, lores and rest of the head black; nape, back,
and wings brownish black, nearly as dark as the head; outer tail-feathers
white, brownish on the end half of the inner web; rest of tail-feathers of the
same color as the back; under parts white; bill and feet black. Jm., first
plumage.—Sooty slate-color; linings of the wings and under tail-coverts
whitish ; wing-coverts, scapulars, upper tail-coverts, and tail-feathers more or
less tipped with white. L., 17-00; W., 11:50; T., 7:25; B., 1°75.

Range.—Tropical and subtropical regions ; in North America breeds rarely
as far north as North Carolina; occasionally wanders northward to Maine;
winters south of the United States.

Long Island, A. V. in summer.

Eggs, one to three, whitish or buff, speckled or spotted with chocolate,
2°00 x 1°45.

A regular summer visitant to our southern coasts and occasionally
wandering northward. It breeds in colonies in little-frequented islands
in the West Indies, and may be seen fishing in flocks, which hover
low over the water.

The Bripitep Tern (76. Sterna anethetus), a tropical species, has been
taken once in Florida, but may prove to be a regular summer visitant to some
of the Florida keys.

?'?. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis ((me/.). Brack Trry.
Ad. in summer.—Whole head and under parts, except under tail-coverts,
black; back, wings, and tail slate-color; bill and feet black. Ad. in winter.

SKIMMERS. , 85

—Forehead, nape, and under parts white: back of the head black mixed
with white; back, wings, and tail deep pearl-gray. /m.—Similar to the pre-
ceding, but upper parts more or less washed and tipped with brownish ; sides
washed with grayish. L., 10:00; W., 8°30; T., 3:30; B., 1:00.

Range.—Temperate and tropical America; breeds in the interior from
Kansas and Illinois to Alaska; not known to breed on the Atlantic coast,
where it is found from Prince Edward’s Island southward as an irregular
migrant, occurring at times in considerable numbers.

Washington, irregular T. V., Sept. Long Island, irregular T. V. in vary-
ing numbers, Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V., Sept.

Nest, of reeds, grasses, etc., rather closely woven, in grassy marshes or
vegetation floating in a slough. Zygs, two to three, grayish olive-brown,
rarely whitish, heavily spotted and blotched with chocolate markings, fre-
quently confluent about the larger end, 1:35 x 98.

This is an abundant species at favorable localities in the interior.

“Tt seems not to subsist on fish at all, but chiefly on dragon flies
and various aquatic insects. It finds both its home and its food in
the marshes usually, but its powers of flight are so great that it may
also be seen far out on the dry open plains, scouring the country for
food at a distance of miles from its nesting ground... .

“The bird may frequently be seen dashing about in a zigzag man-
ner so swiftly, the eye can offer no explanation of its motive until, on
the resumption of its ordinary flight, a large dragon fly is seen hang-
ing from its bill. . . .” (Thompson).

The Wurre-wineep Brack Tern (78. Hydrochelidon leucoptera), an Old
World species, has been taken once in Wisconsin, and is recorded as “ seen”
on a lake near Winnipeg.

79. Anous stolidus (Zinn.). Noppy. Ad.—Top of the head silvery
whitish, lores black; rest of the plumage dark sooty brown; tail rounded,
the central tail-feathers longest. /m.—Similar, but the top of the head is
like the rest of the plumage and the silvery whitish appears as a line from
the bill to above the eye. L., 15:00; W., 10:25; TY, 5:90; B., 1:70.

Range.— Tropical and subtropical regions; in America, from Brazil and
Chili north to the Gulf and South Atlantic States” (A. O. U.).

Nest, of sticks, grasses, etc., on a mangrove bush, in a tree, sometimes on
the beach or in crevices of rocks. gg, pale butty white, sparingly marked
with rufous, 2°05 x 1:35.

This is a summer visitant to our South Atlantic and Gulf coasts,
and nests on some of the Florida keys.

FAMILY RYNCHOPIDZ. SKIMMERS.

The three closely allied species constituting this small but distinct
family are found in the warmer parts of the earth. Only one species

86 ALBATROSSES.

inhabits the western hemisphere. Skimmers are unique both in the
form of the bill and in their manner of feeding. Opening the mouth,
the bladelike lower mandible is dropped just beneath the surface of
the water; then, flying rapidly, they may be said to literally “ plow the
main” in search of their food of small aquatic animals.

80. Rynchops nigra Zinn. Brack Sximmer; Scissor-Biii (see
Fig. 8). Ad.—Forehead, sides of the head, under parts, and tips of the sec-
ondaries white; upper parts and wings black ; outer tail-feathers white, inner
ones more or less brownish. L., 18°00; W., 14:50; T., 475; B., 2°60.

Range.—Coasts of the warmer parts of America, breeding regularly as far
north as southern New Jersey, and, after the breeding season, occasionally
wandering northward as far as the Bay of Fundy.

Washington, A. V. Long Island, occasional in summer.

Nest, a slight depression in the sand or shells of a beach. gs, three to
four, white or buffy white, heavily blotched with chocolate, 1°80 x 1°35.

A not uncommon species on our southern coasts, resembling other
members of this family in habits.

ORDER TUBINARES. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS.

FAMILY DIOMEDEIDZ. ALBATROSSES.

The Albatrosses, numbering eight or ten species, are confined chiefly
to the seas of the southern hemisphere. They are eminently pelagic
birds, possessed of untiring powers of flight. Four species visit our
Pacific coast, but on the Atlantic coast of North America Albatrosses
are almost unknown, and there are but few records of their occurrence.

The Wanpertne ArBarTross (80:1. Diomedea exulans), the largest of all
sea birds, with an expanse of wing which measures from twelve to fourteen
feet, inhabits antarctic seas, but sometimes wanders northward, and is said to
have been seen in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The YELLow-NosEep ALBatross (83. Thalassogeron culminatus) is also a
southern species which is said to have been taken once in Quebec (Chamber-
lain, Nuttall’s Manual, 2d ed., ii, p. 277).

FAMILY PROCELLARIIDEZ. SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS.

The seventy known species of Petrels are distributed over the seas
of the world. Some thirty species have been found in North America,
of which seven occur regularly on our Atlantic coast. Like their large
relatives, the Albatrosses, they are strictly pelagic, and visit the land
only to nest. The strong, swift flight of Shearwaters, and the gracefui
movements of the smaller “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” are familiar
sights to those who go “down to the sea in ships.”

.

SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS, 87

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Wing over 10°50.

A. Under partsdusky ..'....... . 94 Soory SuHearwarer,
B. Under parts white.
GyiswWndep 50. 5. sw wt es 98. BLACK-OAPPED Pathe,
6. Bill over 1:50.
61, Under tail-coverts white. . . . . . . 88. Cory’s SHEARWATER.
62. Under tail-coverts grayish brown . . 89. GREATER SHEARWATER.

II. Wing under 10°50.
A, Wing over 7°25.
a. Depth of bill at base over 50. . 86. Futmar. 86a. Lesser FutMAR,
6. Depth of bill at base under -50.
61. Upper parts bluish gray . .... . . . 99. Scarep Perret,
62. Upper parts sooty black . . . . . 92 AupuUBoN’s SHEARWATER.
B. Wing under 7°25.
a. Upper tail-coverts more or less white.
Moy banOEKed: oil... wi eatelak 4 4 OG, JamAon’s: Primi,
6. Tail square.
62. Webs of feet marked with yellow; upper tail-coverts not tipped
WaEMeOlEChe ae ow. (a! se ie ek ee pac, OOS WikeON Ss, Parent,
63, Webs of feet without yellow; tail-coverts tipped with black.
104. Stormy PETREL.
6. Upper tail-coverts grayish or brownish.

61. Entire under parts brownish .. . . . 101. Butwsr’s Perret,
pt reaswcrayisty. 2 .)e. so Ss 0. WHire-BELLind Pate,
68. Entire under parts white. . . . . . 111. Wuirs-Facep PETREL,

86. Fulmarus glacialis (Linn.). Furmar; Noppy (see Fig. 9, 4).
Light phase.—Head, neck, and under parts white or whitish; back, wings,
and tail slaty gray. Dark phase-——Entire plumage nearly uniform dark, slaty
gray. L., 19:00; W., 13:04; B:, 1:50; depth of B. at base, ‘75 (Ridgw.).

Range.—North Atlantic ; south in winter on the American coast to Massa-
chusetts ; accidental in northern New Jersey.

Vest, on the ledges of rocky cliffs. gq, one, dull white, 2°85 x 2°01.

“The Fulmar is a constant attendant on whalers, sealers, ete.—who
know it as the ‘ Mollimoke ’—in order to obtain fatty substances and
animal offal; but I never saw it take any while on the wing, and it
always settles on the water to feed, like an Albatross. The pinions
are often flapped slowly in an owl-like manner, but in scudding they
are held very straight—a peculiarity by which it may easily be distin-
guished from a Gull at a distance” (Saunders).

86a. F. g. minor Ajacr). Lesser Furmar; Noppy. “Similar in
color to #. glacialis, but much smaller. W., 11:80-12:00; B., 1:30-1°38 ;
depth of B. at base, ‘60-70.

Range.—* North Atlantic, south on American side to coast of New Eng-
land” (Ridgw.).

88 SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS.

88. Puffinus borealis Cory. Cory’s Suzarwarer. Ad.—Upper
parts ashy fuscous, wings and tail darker; sides of head and neck slightly
lighter; under parts white, sometimes washed with grayish on the breast ;
under wing-coverts and under tail-coverts white, the latter more or less mot-
tled with grayish ; bill yellowish. L., 21:00; W., 14:00; Tar., 2:20; B., 2°10.

Range.—Known as yet only off the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to
Long Island.

Long Island, uncommon from Aug. to Oct.

Nest and eygs unknown.

Cory’s Shearwater has been found as a not uncommon summer
visitant off the coast of Massachusetts, but its range is unknown.

GRAN.

89. Puffinus majer aber. Greater SuearwaTerR; Haapon. Ad.
—Upper parts fuscous, wings and tail slightly darker; longer upper tail-
coverts tipped with whitish ; under parts white; belly more or less ashy gray ;
under tail-coverts ashy gray ; bill blackish. L., 20:00; W.,12°25; Tar., 2°20;
B., 1:85.

Range.—* Atlantic Ocean, south to Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope”
(A. O. U.); north to Greenland.

Long Island, uncommon in summer.

Nest and eggs unknown.

“The long, narrow wings are set stiffly at right angles with the
body, and the bird frequently glides half a mile at a time without
moving them perceptibly. It usually follows a direct course, and in-
variably skims close over the waves. I know of no other sea bird
whose movements are as easy and graceful. Indeed, at times, espe-
cially during a gale, its evolutions will compare in grace and spirit
with those of the Mississippi or Swallow-tailed Kites” (Brewster).

Manx’s SHEARWATER (90. Pufinus ouffinus) resembles the next in color,
but is larger. W., 8°50-9:25; B., 1:35-1:40 ; depth of B. through base, 40-45 5
Tar., 1:70-1:80” (B., B., and R.). It is a European species of exceedingly rare
or accidental occurrence on the North Atlantic coast.

92. Puffinus auduboni /insch. Avpupon’s SHEARWATER. Ad.—
Upper parts, wings, and tail dark, sooty, brownish black ; under parts white ;
sides of the breast grayish ; a patch on the flanks and under tail-coverts sooty
brownish black ; inner side of tarsi yellowish, outer brownish; bill blackish.
Ty, 12002) W,, 800s, Tar...1°60: s., 1520,

Range.—W armer parts of the Atlantic, north rarely to Long Island ; breeds
in the Antilles and Bahamas, but not, so far as known, on our coasts.

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, of a few bits of sticks in a hole in the rocks. yg, one, chalky
white, 2:05 x 1:40. .

An abundant West Indian species which breeds in the Bahamas
ind Antilles, and is doubtless not uncommon off our southern coasts.

SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS. 89

Its flight, low over the water, is strong and swift, five or six rapid
wing-beats being followed by a short sail.

94. Puffinus stricklandi Midgw. Soory Surarwater; Brack
Hagpon. Ad,—Upper parts, wings, and tail dark, sooty, brownish black ;
under parts somewhat grayer; bill blackish. L., 17:00; W., 12-00; Tar., 2°10;
B., 1°65.

Range.—As far as known, North Atlantic; south on the American coast
to South Carolina.

Long Island, uncommon in summer.

Nest and eggs unknown.

“Tts flight and habits seem to be identical with those of major, but
its uniform dark coloring gives it a very different appearance. At a
distance it looks as black as a Crow” (Brewster).

The BiacKk-capreD Perret (98. dstrelata hasitata) is a southern species,
which has been found on Long Island, in Florida, West Virginia, and Ver-
mont. It bears a general resemblance to Pufinus major, but is much smaller
and has the upper and under tail-coverts white.

The ScaLep Perret (99. strelata scalaris) is known from one individual
which had wandered to western New York. Its true home has not been dis-
covered, but is doubtless in the Antarctic Ocean.

Butwer’s Perret (101. Bulweria bulweri) inhabits the eastern Atlantic
Ocean, including the coasts of Europe and Africa, and is of accidental occur-
rence in Greenland.

104. Procellaria pelagica Linn. Stormy Prrrer. Ad.—Upper
parts, wings, and tail sooty black ; under parts slightly browner ; upper tail-
coverts white, the longer ones broadly tipped with black ; under tail-coverts
mixed with whitish; bill and feet black. L., 5°50; W.,4:80; T., 2°50; B., -45.

Range.—* Atlantic Ocean, south on the American side to the Newfound-
land Banks, west coast of Africa and coast of Europe” (A. O. U.).

Nest, of a few bits of sticks and grasses in a burrow in the ground or be-
neath a rock. yg, one, dull white, sometimes with a wreath of minute or
obseure markings at the larger end, 1:10 x °80.

This is the common Stormy Petrel of the east side of the Atlantic.
It nests in numbers on the small islands along the coast of Great
Britain, but is only a transient visitant in our waters. It resembles
the two following species in habits.

106. Oceanodroma leucorhoa (J%ei//.).. Leacn’s Perret. Ad.
—Upper parts, wings, and tail sooty brown; under parts slightly browner;
wing-coverts grayish brown; longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones
mixed with sooty brownish ; tai/ forked, outer feathers more than °50 longer
than middle pair; bill and feet black. L., 8°00; W., 6°20; T., 3:50; B., °62.

fange.—* North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans; south on the coast
of the United States to Virginia and California; breeds from Maine and the
flebrides northward on the coasts of the Atlantic” (A. O. U.).

90 SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS.

Washington, A. V., several records. Long Island, uncommon T. V., May
and June. Cambridge, A. V., one instance, Oct.

Nest, of a few bits of sticks and grasses in a burrow in the ground, or be-
neath arock. gg, one, creamy white, sometimes with a wreath of minute or
obscure markings at the larger end, 1°34 x 1:00.

“This is a bird of the northern hemisphere, being as common on
the Pacific Ocean as on the Atlantic. Its chief breeding station on our
shores is among the islands at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy; but
the open ocean is the bird’s true home.

“ Leach’s Petrels are seldom seen about their nesting site during
the day, though in the evening they assemble there; and when flut-
tering through the twilight or under the moon’s guidance they have
the appearance of a foraging squad of bats, though the birds’ wild,
plaintive notes betray their race. The Petrels are not strictly noc-
turnal, however, for while one of a pair sits close on the nest all day-——
and this one has been generally the male, in my experience—the mate
is out at sea.

“ When handled, these birds emit from mouth and nostrils a small
quantity of oil-like fluid of a reddish color and pungent, musklike
odor. The air at the nesting site is strongly impregnated with this
odor, and it guides a searcher to the nest ” (Chamberlain).

109. Oceanites oceanicus (Awh/). Witson’s Perret. 4d.—Up-
per parts, wings, and tail sooty black; under parts somewhat lighter; under
tail-coverts mixed with whitish, longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones
marked with sooty black; wing-coverts grayish, margined with whitish ; bill
and feet black, the webs of the latter mostly yellow. L., 7:00; W., 590; T.,
9:80; B., °50.

Range.—Atlantic Ocean ; breeds in southern seas (Kerguelen Island) and
migrates northward, spending the summer off our coasts.

Washington, A. V., one record. Long Island, common from May to Sept.

Vest, in the crevices of rocks. Egg, one, white.

It is generally known that some birds which nest in the northern
parts of our continent, in the winter migrate as far south as Patago-
nia; but comparatively few are aware that during the summer we
receive several visitors from the southern parts of the southern hemi-
sphere. They are all included in the family Procellariida, and Wil-
son’s Petrel is doubtless the most common. It breeds in the islands
of the South Atlantic in February, and after the cares of the breeding
season are over migrates northward to pass its winter off our coasts.
At this season its home is the sea, and its occurrence on land is gener-
ally due to storms. For this reason, and because of its long migra-
tion, it is the Petrel most frequently observed in western Atlantic
waters during the summer.

TROPIC BIRDS. 91

Under the name of “Stormy Petrel,” or “ Mother Carey’s Chicken,”
they are familiar to most people who have made sea voyages. On
tireless wing they follow in the track of a ship, coursing ceaselessly
back and forth, now beneath the stern, now hovering over the foam-
flecked wake, reminding one of white-rumped Martins in their easy,
graceful flight. If food be thrown overboard, they are at once attracted
to it, and soon are left far behind, a little group of black, fluttering
forms on the surface of the ocean. The meal disposed of, a few rapid
wing-beats bring them to us, and again they resume their patient beat-
ing to and fro.

The WuitE-BeLiieD Perret (110. Cymodroma grallaria) is a tropical
species which has been taken once in North America—at St. Marks, Florida.

The Wuire-raceD Perret (111. Pelagodroma marina) inhabits the South
Atlantic and southern seas. It is of casual occurrence off the coast of Massa-
chusetts. It may be distinguished from any of our small Petrels by its white
under parts.

ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS.

FAMILY PHAETHONTID2. TROPIC BIRDS.

The three species composing this small but distinct family are
found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
They are littoral rather than pelagic, but make long journeys across
the open sea. Their flight when migrating is strong, rapid, and direct.
In feeding, they course over the water, beating back and forth at a
height of about forty feet. Their long, willowy tail-feathers add
greatly to the grace and beauty of their appearance when on the wing.

112. Phaeéthon flavirostris Brandt. Yxrttow-s11ep Tropic
Birp (see Fig. 11). dAd—White; a mark before and through the eye; outer
web of primaries, lesser wing-coverts, and tertials: black ; flanks streaked with
slate ; bill yellow; tail tinged with salmon, shafts of the feathers black. W.,
Wpoe L..1,9°00: B., 2°00.

Range.—Tropical coasts ; Atlantic coasts of tropical America, West Indies,
Bahamas, Bermudas ; casual in Florida and accidental in western New York
and Nova Scotia.

This species breeds abundantly in the limestone cliffs of the Ber-
mudas, but is of rare and probably accidental occurrence on our coasts.

The Rep-prttep Tropic Birp (113. Phaéthon wethereus) resembles the
preceding species, but has the bill red and the upper parts finely barred with
black. Its range inthe Atlantic is more southern than that of the Yellow-
billed Tropic Bird, and in eastern North America it is accidental. The only
record of its occurrence is off the Newfoundland Banks.

99 GANNETS.

FAMILY SULIDZ. GANNETS.

The Gannets number about eight species, of which one is northern
while the remaining seven are distributed throughout the tropical and
subtropical coasts of the world. They are strictly maritime, but, ex-
cept when migrating, do not venture far from land. Their flight is
strong and rapid, the vigorous strokes of the wing being interrupted
at intervals by a short sail. They obtain their food of fish by plung-
ing for it from the air. The northern species is migatory; the others
are roving, but all return with regularity to their nesting places, gen-
erally on some inaccessible islet, where, during the breeding season,
they may be found associated in large numbers,

115. Sula sula (Zinn.). Boosy. (See Fig. 12.) Ad.—Breast and
belly white, sometimes washed with grayish; rest of the plumage brownish
fuscous; head and neck sometimes streaked with grayish brown and white;
bill and feet yellowish. Jm.—Entire plumage brownish fuscous, lighter be-
low; bill blackish, feet yellow. L., 30:00; W., 15°50: T., 8-00; B., 3°80.

Range.—* Coasts of tropical and subtropical America, north to Georgia.”

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, on the shore of a barren islet. Eggs, two, chalky white, 2°30 x 1°55.

This inhabitant of barren shores and lonely islets is a summer
visitant to the Florida keys. It is a strong flier, and when on the
wing reminds one of both a Cormorant and a Gull.

The Buiur-FacEep Boosy (114. Sula cyanops) is found in the “South Pa-
cific, West Indies, and northward to Florida,” but there are no recent records
of its occurrence in the last-named locality.

The Rep-rootep Boosy (116. Sula piscator) inhabits the coasts and
islands of tropical and subtropical seas, north to western Mexico, and is said
to occur in Florida, but, like S. cyanops, it is of accidental occurrence within
our limits.

11'7. Sula bassana (Zinn.). Gannet. Ad.—White, head and neck
tinged with pale straw-yellow; primaries fuscous. Jm.—Throat and upper
parts, including wing-coverts, dark grayish brown, each feather with a small
white wedge-shaped spot; breast and belly white, margined with grayish
brown. .L., 35'00; W., 19:00; T., 9°50: .B.. 4-00,

Range.—* Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter to the Gulf of
Mexico and Africa; breeds from Nova Scotia and the British Islands north-
ward.”

Long Island, T. V., May; Oct. and Nov.; a few winter.

Nest, on rocky cliffs. gg, one, pale bluish white, overlaid by a chalky
deposit, more or less soiled and stained, 3°20 x 1:90.

“The birds are usually associated in small, straggling flocks, and
with outstretched necks, and eyes ever on the lookout for fish, they fly
at a height of from seventy-five to a hundred feet above the water, or

DARTERS. 93

occasionally somewhat more. The height at which the Gannet flies
above the water is proportioned to the depth at which the fish are
swimming beneath, and Captain Collins tells me that when fish are
swimming near the surface the Gannet flies very low and darts ob-
liquely instead of vertically upon his prey. Should any finny game
be seen within range, down goes the Gannet headlong, the nearly
closed wings being used to guide the living arrow in its downward
flight. Just above the surface the wings are firmly closed, and a small
splash of spray shows where the winged fisher cleaves the water to
transfix his prey. Disappearing for a few seconds, the bird reappears,
rests for a moment on the water, long enough to swallow his catch,
and then rises in pursuit of other game” (Lucas, Rep. U.S. Nat. Mus.,
1891, p. 712).

FAMILY ANHINGIDA. DARTERS.

There are four species of Darters or Snakebirds, one each in Africa,
southern Asia, Australia, and tropical and subtropical America. They
are silent birds, generally living in pairs on bodies of fresh water with
wooded shores. They select a perch over the water, and when alarmed
sometimes drop into the element below and disappear beneath its sur-
face, or fly upward to a considerable height and circle about like sail-
ing Hawks. They swim well, and when approached too closely quietly
sink backward, frequently leaving the long, thin neck and narrow,
pointed head above the surface, when one at once observes the origin
of the name “Snakebird.” They obtain their food by pursuing it
under water, and their finely serrated bill assists them in retaining
their hold upon it.

118. Anhinga anhinga (/inn.). Anuinca; Snakeprrp; WATER
Turxry. (See Fig. 13.) Ad. 4 in summer.—General plumage glossy black
with greenish reflections; back of the head and neck with scattered grayish
plumes; upper back with numerous elongated silyery white spots, which on
the scapulars become streaks; lesser wing-coverts spotted like the back; ex-
posed portion of median and greater coverts silvery gray; tail tipped with
whitish, the outer webs of the middle pair of feathers with transverse flutings.
Ad. & in winter.—Similar, but without the grayish plumes on the head and
neck. Ad. ¢.—Similar to 6, but with the whole head, neck, and breast
brownish, darker above. /m.—Similar to ?, but with the black parts of the
plumage brownish. L., 34:00; W., 18°50; T., 10°50; B., 3°25.

Range.—Tropical and subtropical America; breeds as far north as south-
ern Illinois and South Carolina; winters from the Gulf States southward.

Nest, of sticks lined with moss, rootlets, etc., over the water in a bush or
tree. Hyqs, two to four, bluish white with a chalky deposit, 2°15 x 1°35.

This singular bird is common in the Gulf States. It has the
habits of other members of this small family.

94 CORMORANTS,

FAMILY PHALACROCORACIDA. CORMORANTS.

Cormorants are found in all parts of the world. ‘Ten of the thirty
known species inhabit North America. As a rule they are maritime,
but they also frequent bodies of fresh water far from the seacoast.
They are gregarious at all times of the year and breed in large colo-
nies. Their flight is strong and ducklike, but, except when migrat-
ing, is generally not far above the surface of the water. They secure
their food of fish by pursuing it under water, their hooked bill assist-_
ing them in its capture. Unlike the Gannets, they do not dive from
the air, but from the water or a low perch.

119. Phalacrocorax carbo (linn.). Cormorant; Snag. (See
Fig. 10.) Ad. in breeding plumage.—Region about the base of the lower man-
dible white or whitish; head, upper neck, and throat glossy black, thickly
sprinkled with white; rest of the neck, under parts, and rump glossy black ;
a white patch on the flanks; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts light
olive-brown, each feather bordered by glossy black; tail black, composed of
fourteen feathers. Ad. in winter.—Similar, but without white on the head.
Jm.—Top of the head and hind neck brownish black ; upper back, scapulars,
and wing-coverts grayish brown, the feathers bordered by blackish; rump
glossy black; throat and breast grayish brown, changing to white on the
belly ; sides and under tail-coverts glossy black. L., 36:00; W., 14:00; T.,
7:00; B., 3°00.

Range.—* Coasts of the North Atlantic, south in winter on the coast of
the United States casually to the Carolinas” (A. O. U.). Breeds from the
Bay of Fundy to northern Greenland.

Long Island, regular T. V. in limited numbers.

Nest, of sticks and seaweed, in colonies generally on the ledges of rocky
cliffs. ggs, four to six, pale bluish white, more or less overlaid with a chalky
deposit, 2°50 x 1°50.

This northern species is of uncommon occurrence on our coast
south of its breeding range.

120. Phalacrocorax dilophus (Sw. and Rich.). Dovusie-crEsTED
Cormorant. Ad. in breeding plumage.—Head, neck, rump, and under parts
glossy black; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts light grayish brown,
each feather margined with glossy black ; tail black, composed of twelve feath-
ers; a tuft of black feathers on either side of the head. Ad. im winter.—
Similar, but without tufts on the head. /m.—Top of the head and back of
the neck blackish brown ; upper back, scapulars, and wing-coverts brownish
gray, each feather margined with black; rump glossy black; sides of the
head and fore neck grayish white, whiter on the breast and changing gradu-
ally to black on the lower belly. L., 30°00; W., 12°50; 'T., 6°20; B., 2°30.

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from Dakota, and the Bay of
Fundy northward ; winters from southern Illinois and Virginia southward,

Washington, casual, several records, Long Island, common T. V., Apl.

Baldpate.
Green-winged Teal.
Blue-winged Teal.
Shoveler.

Ob oo we

Wood Duck.

. Redhead.
Canvasback.

Am. Scaup Duck.

Am. Golden-eye.

. Bufflehead.

. Old Squaw.

. Greenland Hider.

. White-winged Scoter.
. Ruddy Duck.

PELICANS. 95

and May; Aug. to Nov. Sing Sing, A. V., June. Cambridge, casual, one
instance, Sept.

Nest, of sticks, seaweed, etc., on the ledges of cliffs, low bushes, bushy
trees, or on the ground. Zyys, two to four, similar in color to those of the
preceding, 2°40 x 1:40.

This is the common Cormorant of the middle Eastern States. We
see it chiefly as migrant when in flocks of varying size it passes far
overhead, or pauses to rest on our shores. In migrating the flock
is formed in a long line, comparatively few birds deep. On the wing
they bear a general resemblance to large Ducks.

120a. P. d. floridanus (4wd.). Fiortpa Cormorant. Resembles
the preceding species in color, but is smaller. W., 12°00; T., 5:50; B., 2°10.

This is an abundant bird on the Florida coast and westward along
the shores of the Gulf. Almost every buoy in the harbors of Florida
is capped by a Cormorant. They are shy birds, but may easily be se-
cured by placing traps on the buoys or snags, to which they regularly
return to roost.

The Mexican Cormorant (121. Phalacrocorax mexicanus)—a species
found on the west Gulf coast and southward—sometimes wanders up the Mis-
sissippi as far as Illinois.

FAMILY PELECANIDA. PELICANS.

The twelve known species of Pelicans are distributed throughout
the warmer parts of the world. Three species are North American,
of which two are exclusively maritime, while the third is found both
on the coast and in the interior. Pelicans are gregarious and nest in
large colonies. Their flight is strong but leisurely, six or seven wing-
strokes being followed by a short sail, all the members of a flock flap-
ping and sailing in unison. ‘They feed on fish, for which some species
plunge from the air, while others capture small fry with their scoop-
like pouches while swimming.

125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus (me/. American Wuire
Pevican. Ad. in breeding plumage.—White, primaries black, whitish at
the base; an occipital crest and a horny prominence on the bill. Ad. in
winter.—Similar, but without the crest or horny prominence. /m.—Similar,
but top of the head brownish gray. L., 60:00; W., 22:00; Tar., 4°50; B.,
14:00,

Range.—North America, now rare or accidental on the Atlantic coast ;
breeds from southern Minnesota northward ; winters along the Gulf coast.

Washington, casual, four records. Long Island, A. V.

Nest, of small sticks, on the ground. yqs, two to four, creamy or bluish
white with a chalky deposit, more or less stained, 3°45 x 2°30.

96 PELICANS.

The White Pelican winters in numbers on the Gulf coast of Florida
and westward, but rarely occurs on the Atlantic coast. Its snowy
white plumage renders it conspicuous at a great distance, and a far-
away Pelican on the water is sometimes mistaken for a distant sail.

The White Pelican catches his food while swimming. A flock of
Pelicans will sometimes surround a school of small fry and with beat-
ing wings drive them toward the shore, all the time eagerly scooping
the unfortunate fish into their great pouches. At the conclusion of a
successful “drive” they go ashore or rest quietly on the water and
devour their prey at leisure.

They migrate by day—and perhaps by night also—flying at a great
height, and sometimes pausing to sail in wide circles far up in the sky.

126. Pelecanus fuscus Zinn. Brown Penican. Ad. in breed-
ing plumage.—Top of the head and a spot on the upper breast straw-yellow ;
line down either side of the breast white ; hind head, neck, and a spot on the
fore neck seal-brown; sides and back silvery gray bordered by brownish
black ; seapulars, wing-coverts, secondaries, and tail silvery gray ; primaries
black; under parts dark blackish brown narrowly streaked with white. Ad.
after the breeding season.—Similar, but with the hind head and whole neck
white, more or less tinged with straw-yellow. JZm.—Similar to the preceding,
but the head and neck grayish and rest of the plumage duller. L., 50°00;
Wi, 19-50 Var... 2°65 3 B., 11°00. ‘

Range.—Atlantic coast of tropical and subtropical America; breeds abun-
dantly along the Gulf coast and northward to South Carolina; occasionally
strays to Illinois and Massachusetts.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, of sticks, in mangrove bushes or on the ground. Zgqs, two to five,
similar in color to those of the preceding species, 3°00 x’ 1:95.

Brown Pelicans are abundant residents on the Florida and Gulf
coast. They are generally seen in flocks of four to eight birds flying
one after the other. The leader beats time, as it were, and they all
flap in unison for a certain number of wing-beats, then sail for a short
distance, and then flap again. The coast line is their favorite high-
way to and from their roosts or nesting grounds. They fly low over
the water just outside the breakers, following the trough of the sea—
now disappearing behind the advancing wall of water, now reappear-
ing as the wave breaks on the shore.

Unlike the White Pelican, this species secures his prey by diving.
Singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, they beat back and forth, generally
about twenty feet above the water, and when opportunity offers plunge
downward with such force that the spray dashes high about them, and
the resulting splash may be heard a half a mile. They sometimes
catch fish twelve to fifteen inches in length, but as a rule feed on
smaller ones.

MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS, 97

FAMILY FREGATIDZ. MAN-0O'-WAR BIRDS.

Man-o’-war Birds, or Frigate Birds, are found throughout inter-
tropical seas. One of the two known species occurs in America. They
are strictly maritime, and, while sometimes observed at great distances
from the land, are met with in numbers only near the coasts. They
have a greater expanse of wing in proportion to the weight of their
body than any other bird, and in power of flight are unsurpassed.
They rarely alight upon the water, but, facing the wind, pass hours
resting motionless on outstretched wings, sometimes ascending to
great heights and calmly soaring far above storms. It is when feed-
ing that their marvelous aérial powers are displayed to the best advan-
tage. By swift, indescribably graceful darts they secure fish which
are near the surface or capture those which have leaped from the water
to escape some enemy below. They also pursue Gulls and Terns, and,
forcing them to disgorge their prey, catch it in midair. As a rule they
are gregarious at all seasons, and nest and roost on bushes near the
shore.

128. Fregata aquila (/inn.). Man-o’-war Brrp; Fricate Brrp.
(See Fig. 15.) Ad. 6.—Entire plumage black, more glossy above. 9 .—Simi-
lar, but browner; lesser wing-coverts grayish brown ;’ breast and upper belly
white. Jm.—Similar to the ?, but whole head and neck white. L., 40-00;
W., 25:00; T., 17:00; B., 4°50.

Range.—Tropical and subtropical coasts generally ; in America north to
Florida, Texas, and California, and casually to Kansas, Ohio, and Nova Scotia.

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, of sticks, in colonies, on bushes or rocks. gg, one, chalky white,
2-65 x 1°75. :

This species is not uncommon on the coasts of southern Florida,
but does not, so far as I know, nest there. It resembles other mem-
bers of the family in habits.

ORDER ANSERES. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS,

FaMILy ANATIDA. Ducks, GEESE, AND SWANS.

The two hundred species included in this family are placed in the
five subfamilies, Merginw or Mergansers, Anatine or River Ducks,
Fuliguline or Sea Ducks, Anserine or Geese, and Cygnine or Swans.
The characters given in the Key to Families should enable one to
easily refer a specimen to its proper group. These subfamilies are so

well defined that it seems advisable to treat of each one separately.
8

98 MERGANSERS.

Aside from the general remarks at the head of each subfamily I
can add little which will aid in the identification of the species in the
field. Ducks are shy creatures, and familiarity with their habits is
gained only by long experience. L

Subfamily Mergine. Mergansers.

The Shelldrakes or Sawbills are fish-eating Ducks. They pursue
and capture their prey under water, and their serrate bills seem espe-
cially adapted to this mode of feeding. The flesh of adult Sheldrakes
is rank and fishy; but the Hooded Merganser is an excellent table
Duck.

KEY TO SPECIES.
A. Bill under 1°75, wing 8:00 or under . . . . 181, Hoopep MERGANSER.
B. Bill over 1°75, wing over 8°00.
a. Head and throat black.
a. Breast and belly white, tinged with salmon.
129. Am. MERGANSER (6 ad.).
a2, Breast brownish, thickly streaked and spotted with black.
180. Rep-BREASTED MERGANSER ( ¢ ad.).
6. Head and sides of the neck rich rufous-brown; distance from nostril
to end of bill less than 1:50. . . . 129. Am. MerGanser (9? and im.).
c. Crown grayish brown, more or less washed with cinnamon-rufous ; sides
of the neck cinnamon-rufous; distance from nostril to end of bill over
150 . « « « « + - 130, Rep-BREAsTED MERGANSER (2 and im.).

129. Merganser americanus ((ass.). AmeErtcan MERGANSER ;
GOOSANDER; SHELLDRAKE. (See Fig. 16.) Ad. 6.—Whole head and upper
neck glossy greenish black; hind neck, secondaries, lesser wing-coverts, and
ends of greater ones white; back black, rump and tail ashy gray; breast and
belly white, delicately tinged with salmon. Ad. ? and Jm.—Chin and upper
throat white; lower throat and entire top of the head rufous-brown; rest of
upper parts and tail ashy gray; speculum* white; breast and belly white.
Li. 20008 W., 10°005 "Tar. 1:85. 5.<trom M., 1°50.

Range.—North America generally ; breeds from Minnesota and southern
New Brunswick northward; winters from Kansas, Illinois, and Maine south-
ward to South Carolina.

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, uncommon W. V., Nov. to Mch.
Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., Jan. 1 to Mch. 8. Cambridge, formerly

common T. V., Oct. to Dec.

Nest, of leaves, grasses, and moss, lined with down, in a hole in a tree or
cliff. #yqs, six to ten, creamy buff, 2°65 x 1°75.

“This bird is fond of plunging beneath rushing currents for its
food, and should it encounter a raft of floating rubbish or an ice-cake

* A patch in the wing formed by the end half of the secondaries, which in
Ducks are generally of a different color from the rest of the wing-feathers.

MERGANSERS. 99

it will readily pass underneath it. It swims so deeply as to afford the
gunner but a small mark, and dives so quickly at the snap or flash of
his gun that he stands but a small chance of killing it.

“On being surprised the Goosander may rise directly out of the
water, but more commonly pats the surface with his feet for some
yards and then rises to windward. <A whole flock thus rising from
some foaming current affords a spirited scene. Once on the wing, the
flight is straight, strong, and rapid” (Langille).

130. Merganser serrator (inn.). Rrp-BREASTED MERGANSER}
SuELLDRAKE. Ad. 6.—Whole head and throat black, more greenish above ;
a white ring around the neck; a broad cinnamon-rufous band with black
streaks on the upper breast and sides of the lower neck; lesser wing-coverts,
tips of greater ones, secondaries, breast, and belly white; rump and sides
finely barred with black sand white. Ad. 9 and Jm.—Top and back of head
grayish brown washed with cinnamon-rufous; sides of the head and throat
cinnamon-rufous, paler on the throat; rest of under parts white; back and
tail ashy gray; speculum white. L., 22°00; W., 9:00; Tar., 1:70; B. from
N., 1°80.

Remarks.—Adults of this and the preceding species may always be dis-
tinguished by the color of the breast; females and young, by the differently
colored heads, while the position of the nostril is always diagnostic.

Range.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in America breeds
from northern lilinois and New Brunswick northward to the arctic regions;
winters from near the southern limits of its breeding range southward to Cuba.

Washington, uncommon W. V. Long Island, abundant T. V., Mch. 1 to
May 1; Oct. 15 to Dec. 1, a few winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Dec. to
Apl. 30. Cambridge, casual, one instance, Oct.

Nest, of leaves, grasses, mosses, ete., lined with down, on the ground near
water, among rocks or scrubby bushes. Zgqs, six to twelve, creamy buff,
2°55, x 1°75.

This is a more common species than the preceding, which it resem-
bles in habits. Its note is described as a “ croak.”

131. Lophodytes cucullatus (Zinn.). Hooprep MerGanser. Ad. 8.
—Front part of large circular crest black ; remaining part white, bordered by
black ; rest of head, the neck, and back black; breast and belly white; sides
cinnamon-rufous, finely barred with black. Ad. 9 .—Upper throat white ; head,
neck, and upper breast grayish brown, more or less tinged with cinnamon,
especially on the small crest; lower breast and belly white; sides grayish
brown; back fuscous. Jm.—Similar, but with no crest. L., 17°50; W., 7:50;
an, 1102 B,, 1:45,

Range.—North America generally, south in winter to Cuba and Mexico;
breeds locally throughout its North American range.

Washington, uncommon W.V. Long Island, uncommon T. V., rare W. V.,
Noy. to May. Sing Sing, rare T. V.,Mch. Cambridge, formerly common T,
V., Oct. to Dee.

100 RIVER DUCKS.

Vest, of grasses, leaves, moss, ete., lined with down, in a hollow tree or
stump near water. Lygqs, eight to ten, buffy white, 2°10 x 1°75.

According to Ernest E. Thompson, both the preceding species fre-
quent chiefly “ living ” or running water, while this bird prefers “ dead ”
waters, or quiet ponds and lakes. In Florida it lives in small ponds in
the hummocks, where one expects to find Wood Ducks, and feeds on
roots, seeds, etc. It visits also the lakes frequented by Black Ducks,
Mallards, and other Anatinew. The male is a striking bird in life, and
can not be mistaken for any other species.

Subfamily Anatine. River and Pond Ducks.

The Ducks of this subfamily are distinguished by the absence of a
lobe on the hind toe. They are, for the most part, northern breeding
birds, and appear on our waters chiefly as migrahts. At this time they
differ but little in habits, and as a rule frequent sluggish streams,
shallow ponds, arms of bays, and marshes. In comparison with the
deep-water Muliguline they might be called “ dabblers” or “ tip-ups,”
and any one who has seen them dabbling along the shore, or with up-
turned tail and head immersed probing the bottom in shallow water,
like a flock of animated tenpins, will recognize the appropriateness of
these terms. ‘They feed upon mollusks, crustaceans, insects and their
larvee, seeds and roots of aquatic plants. The “gutters” on the sides
of the bill act as strainers, and, after probing the bottom, the mere act
of closing the bill forces out the mud and water taken in with the food.
As a rule, they feed more commonly by night than by day.

They do not gather in such large flocks as the Sea Ducks, and 4 in
our waters are generally found in groups of less than fifty.

They spring from the water at a bound, and on whistling wing are
soon beyond the fowler’s reach. Their speed is variously estimated for
different species at a hundred to a hundred and sixty miles an hour.
Doubtless the first-named distance is nearer the truth.

Their nest is composed of twigs, rootlets, grasses, leaves, moss,
feathers, etc., lined with down from the breast of the incubating bird.
All our species, except the Wood Duck, place their nest on the ground,
generally in grassy sloughs or marshes, but sometimes in dry places
some distance from the water.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Wing under 8°50.
a. Lesser wing-coverts gray.
. 139. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. 188. EvropEAN TEAL.
6. Lesser wing-coverts blue.
61, Cheeks slate-color, a broad white mark near the front of the face.
140. Biug-wincEep TEAL (é ad.)

RIVER DUCKS. 101

$2, Cheeks and under parts chestnut-rufous. 141. Crivnamon TEAL ( é ad.).

«1, Cheeks finely streaked with blackish.
c, Under parts whitish, sometimes washed with brownish, streaked or

spotted with blackish. . . . . . . 140. Biux-winerp TEAL 9.
c&, Under parts heavily washed with chestnut-rufous and mottled with
ilseka ct ive tlre! sg fs a se ee 2 OS TA CEN AMONY Ean 9.

{ Wing over 8°50.
al. Belly white or grayish white, not conspicuously streaked or spotted.
a. Whole head shining dark green . . . . . 182. Matuarp (6 ad.).
6. Center of head white or whitish, a large streak behind the eye.
137. BaLpPaTE (4 ad.).
ce. Throat white, crown green or grayish green, tips of primaries greenish.
144. Woop Duck.
d. Throat blackish, center of crown buffy, rest of head rufous.
136. WipeEon ( 4 ad.).
e- Throat and sides of head olive-brown, darker on the crown.
143. Prnrarn ( ? ad.).
J- Throat, crown, and sides of head more or less finely streaked with
blackish.
J). Wing-coverts with more or less chestnut . . . . 185. GAapwaLt.
g. No chestnut in wing-coverts.
g?. Axillars* and sides barred with black . . . . 148. Pintram 9.
g3. Axillars white or speckled with black, sides plain brownish.
137. BALDPATE 9.
g*. Axillars white, sides thickly spotted or barred with black.
135. GADWALL 9°.
ZB. Under parts conspicuously mottled, spotted, or streaked, or feathers
margined with chestnut-rufous.
a. With white in wing-coverts.
a1, Lesser wing-coverts ashy blue. . . . . . . 142. SHOVELER 9.
61. Lesser wing-coverts brownish gray, bordered with white or tipped
with black.
Ea epecwuuim (purple. es LS 182) Mier,
Pr Specnlum gray and-white i So... 2) 8) L188 Gapwana gr
6. No white in wing-coverts.
a. Throat fulvous or buffy without streaks. . . 184. Frorrpa Duck.
6. Throat finely streaked with black . . . . . . 188. Brack Duck.
Obecibye ChestMMt siren sla) oy tk e+ we bet DAD Somme 2:

182. Anas boschas Zinn. Matiarp (see Fig. 17, a). Ad. 6.—
Whole head and throat glossy greenish or bluish black; a white ring around
the neck ; breast rich chestnut; belly grayish white, finely marked with wavy
black lines ; under tail-coverts black ; upper back dark grayish brown ; rump
and upper tail-coverts black; longer upper tail-coverts recurved ; speculum
rich purple, bordered at the base and tip by narrow bands of black and white.
Ad. ?.—Top and sides of head streaked with fuscous and buffy ; back fuscous,

* See Fig. 64. + A colored patch in the wing.

-

102 RIVER DUCKS.

the feathers with internal rings or loops and sometimes borders of pale ochra-
ceous butfy ; speculum as in the preceding; breast and belly ochraceous butty,
mottled with dusky grayish brown. L., 23:00; W., 11:00; Tar., 1°75; B., 2°25.

Range.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere ; in America breeds
in the interior from Indiana and Iowa, and on the Atlantic coast rarely south
of Labrador, northward to the arctic regions; winters from southern Kansas
and Delaware southward to Central America and the island of Granada.

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, uncomnion T. V., Sept. to Apl.
Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct., Mch.

Lays, six to ten, pale greenish or bluish white, 2°30 x 1°70.

The Mallard is far more common in the interior than on the coasts.
Its loud, sonorous quack is not distinguishable from that of its domes-
ticated descendants.

133. Anas obscura (@me/. Buiack Duck; Dusky Duck. <Ad.—
Top of the head rich fuscous, slightly streaked with pale buffy; sides of the
head and throat pale buffy, thickly streaked with blackish ; rest of under parts
fuscous brown, the feathers all bordered by ochraceous-buif; back slightly
darker and narrowly margined with buffy; speculum rich purple, bordered
by black. L.~22°00; W., 11:00; Tar., 1-75; B., 2:20.

Remarks— Always to be distinguished from the Mallard by the lack of
white in the wing. ;

Range.—North America; breeds from Tlinois and New Jersey to Hudson
Bay and Labrador; winters southward to the Greater Antilles.

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, abundant W. V., Sept. to May ;
a few breed. Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. R., Mch. 6 to Nov. 138. Cam-
bridge, very common T. V., Mch. and Apl; late Aug. to Nov.; a few breed.

Eggs, eight to twelve, pale greenish or bluish white, or creamy buff,
2°43 x 1°75.

This species resembles the Mallard in general habits, and the voices
of the two are indistinguishable. The Black Duck, however, is com-
moner near the seacoasts, and when molested will sometimes pass the
day at sea, returning at night to feed in the marshes and ponds near
the shore.

134. Anas fulvigula Ridgw. Fuorma Duck. Ad.—Top of head
streaked with black and buffy; sides of the head and entire throat buffy,
without streaks ; rest of under parts rich buffy ochraceous, widely streaked
with black; back black, the feathers broadly margined and sometimes inter-
nally striped with ochraceous-buff; speculum rich purple bordered by black ;
bill olive-yellow, its nail black. L., 20:00; W., 10°50; Tar., 1°65; B., 2°05.

Remarks.—Fasily distinguished from A. obscura by the absence of streaks
on the throat.

Range.—Florida and Gulf coast to Louisiana.

Eggs, eight to ten, pale dull buff or pale grayish buff, 2°15 x 1:61 (Ridgw.).

This is a common resident species in Florida. Its habits and voice
are practically the same as those of the Black Duck.

RIVER DUCKS. 103

135. Anas strepera Linn. Gapwait; Gray Duck. Ad. §.—
Top of the head streaked with rufous-brown and black; sides of the head and
neck pale butfy, thickly streaked or spotted with black; breast and neck all
around black, each feather with a border and an internal ring of white, giving
the plumage a beautifully scaled appearance; belly white or grayish; rump,
upper and under tail-coverts black; lesser wing-coverts chestnut. Ad. 9.—
Head and throat as in the male; back fuscous margined with buffy; breast
and s¢des ochraceous buity, thickly spotted with blackish; belly and under
tail-coverts white, more or less thickly spotted with blackish; little or no
chestnut on wing-coverts ; speculum ashy gray and white; axillars and under
wing-coverts pure white. L., 19:50; W., 10°40; Tar., 1°55; B., 1-70.

ftange.—Northern hemisphere; in America, breeds in the interior locally
from Kansas northward to the arctic regions ; known to breed on the Atlantic
coast only at Anticosti; winters from Virginia to Florida and Texas.

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, A. V.

£g9s, eight to twelve, pale buff or buffy white, 2:09 x 1:57 (Ridgw.).

This species is common in the interior and in Florida, but is rather
rare in the other Atlantic States. Its call-note is said to resemble that
of the Mallard, “ but is rather more shrill, and frequently repeated.”

136. Anas penelope inn. Evropran Wingron. Ad. §.—Crown
creamy buff; throat blackish, rest of head and neck rufous-brown ; upper
breast vinaceous, lower breast and belly white; sides and back finely marked
with wavy black and white lines. Ad. ?.—Head and throat deep ochraceous-
buff, finely streaked and barred with black, darker above; upper breast and
sides much the same color, but without black markings; lower breast and
belly white; back grayish brown, the feathers with small ochraceous buffy
bars; tertials fuscous, bordered by deep ochraceous buffy ; greater wing-coy-
erts brownish gray, usually whiter on the outer webs and tipped with black.
W., 10°50; B., 1-40.

Remarks.—The females of the European and American Widgeons bear a
general resemblance to one another. Their distinguishing characters are
mainly in the color of the head and throat, which are brown in the European
species, and in the color of the greater wing-coverts, which are whiter in the
American bird. I have seen a caged male in the summer in a plumage closely
resembling that of the female. Probably a similar change of plumage occurs
in our A. americana.

Range.—Northern parts of the Old World; in North America breeds in
the Aleutian Islands, and occurs oceasionally in the eastern United States.

Washington, A. V., two records. Long Island, A. V.

Eyqs, five to eight, buffy white, 2°23 x 1:53.

“The call-note of the male is a shrill, whistling whéé-you, whence
the local names ‘ Whew Duck’ and ‘ Whewer’; but the female utters
a low purr-ing growl. Both sexes, however, rise in silence” (Saunders).

137. Anas americana (mel. Batppate; AMERICAN WIDGEON.
Ad. §.—Middle of the crown white or buffy ; sides of the crown, from the eye

104 RIVER DUCKS,

to the nape, glossy green, more or less sprinkled with black; lores, cheeks,
and throat buffy, finely barred with black; upper breast and sides vinaceous,
the latter more or less finely barred with wavy black lines; lower breast and
belly white; back grayish brown, more or less tinged with vinaceous and
finely barred with black. Ad. ¢.—Head and throat white or pale, creamy
buff, finely streaked and barred with black, darker above; upper breast and
sides pale vinaceous washed with grayish ; lower breast and belly white; back
grayish brown, the feathers with small creamy buff bars; tertials fuscous, bor-
dered with whitish or creamy butf; greater wing-coverts brownish gray, their
outer webs mostly or entirely wite, their ends black, sometimes tipped with
white. L:, 19-00; W., 10°50; Tar., 150; B., 1:40.

Range.—North America; breeds in the interior regularly from Minnesota
northward, and casually as far south as Texas; not known to breed on the
Atlantic coast; winters from open water south to Central America and north-
ern South America.

Washington, common W. R., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, uncommon T. V.,
Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 11 to Apl. 12; Oct. 4 to Oct. 28.

Eggs, seven to twelve, butly white, 2°05 x 1:50.

Colonel N.S. Goss writes that, as a rule, Widgeons are “not shy,
and their note, a sort of whew, whew, whew, uttered while feeding and
swimming, enables the hunter to locate them in the thickest growth
of water plants: and when in the air the whistling noise made by their
wings heralds their approach.” They are fond of wild celery, which
they procure by robbing the Canvasback and other diving Ducks,
“snatching their catch from their bills the moment their heads appear
above the water.”

139. Anas carolinensis Gmel. GreEen-winceD Tra. Ad. 4.
—Chin black, sides of the head from the eye to the nape shining green, rest
of the head and neck rutous-chestnut; breast washed with vinaceous and
spotted with black; belly white; sides finely marked with wavy black and
white lines ; middle under tail-coverts black, lateral ones creamy buff ; upper
back like the sides, lower back grayish fuscous; a white bar in front of the
bend of the wing; wing-coverts brownish gray, tipped with ochraceous buffy.
Ad. °.—Top of the head brownish fuscous, margined with cinnamon ; throat
and sides of the neck white, finely spotted with black; breast and sides
washed with cinnamon and spotted or barred with black; belly and under
tail-coverts white, sometimes spotted with black; back fuscous, the feathers
with crescent-shaped marks of ochraceous buffy, and bordered with grayish ;
wings as in the male. L., 14°50; W., 7:00; Tar., 1:10: B., 1:35.

Range.—North America; breeds from Minnesota and New Brunswick
northward ; winters from Kansas and Virginia southward to the West Indies
and Central America.

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, uncommon T. V.
and W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl.; Sept. 11 to Oct. 28.
Cambridge, uncommon T. V., Apl.; Sept. to Nov.

Eggs, six to twelve, buffy white or creamy buff, 1°80 x 1°25.

RIVER DUCKS. 108

“Tn autumn the males usually keep in separate flocks from the
females and young. Their notes are faint and piping, and their wings
make a loud whistling during flight. . . .” (B., B., and R.).

The Evropean Tra (138. Anas crecca) is of casual occurrence in North
America. The adult male resembles that of A. carolinensis, but the white
bar in front of the wing is lacking, and the inner scapulars are creamy buff,
with a sharply defined black mark on their outer webs. The female can not
be distinguished from that of A. carolinensis.

140. Anas discors Zinn. Buve-wincep Trav. Ad. 6.—Crown
fuscous, chin and sides of the base of the bill black; a broad white band
across the front of the head, its hinder margin bordered by black ; rest of the
head and throat dark ashy with purplish reflections; breast and belly cinna-
mon-rufous, thickly spotted with black ; back fuscous, the feathers with cres-
cents of ochraceous-butf; lesser and median wing-coverts grayish blue, end
half of the greater ones white; speculum green. Ad. 2? and 6 in summer.—
Crown fuscous, lightly margined with grayish; sides of the head and the
neck whitish, finely spotted with blackish, except on the throat; breast and
belly with less cinnamon wash than in the preceding ; back and wings quite
similar to the preceding. but ochraceous bars sometimes wanting; speculum
darker and greater coverts with less white. L., 16:00; W., 7-25; Tar., 1:20;
B., 1°60.

Range.—Chiefly eastern North America; breeds from Kansas, northern
Ohio, and New Brunswick northward; winters from Virginia and the Lower
Mississippi Valley to northern South America.

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, common T. V.
in Sept., rare T. V.in spring. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall, Sept. 24 to
Oct. 17. Cambridge, rare in spring; very common (at least formerly) Aug.
to Oct.

Eggs, six to twelve, buffy white or creamy buff, 1:85 x 1:30.

This generally silent species flies in densely massed, small flocks,
which move as one bird. The white face-mark can be discerned at
some distance, and, in connection with the bird’s small size, is a good
field-mark.

The Cinnamon Treat (141. Anas cyanoptera), a species of western North
America, sometimes occurs east of the Mississippi. It has been recorded from
Illinois and Florida. The male has the under parts deep cinnamon; the
female closely resembles the same sex of our Anas discors. .

142. Spatula clypeata (Zinn.). SHoveter. Ad. 6.—Head and
neck fuscous, glossed with bluish green; back and a broken line down the
back of the lower neck fuscous; rest of the lower neck and breast white ;
lower breast and belly rufous-chestnut; upper and under tail-coverts dark
greenish ; Jesser wing-coverts grayish blue, greater ones brownish gray tipped
with white; speculum green. Ad. ¢.—Throat buffy white; head and neck
streaked with buffy and black; rest of under parts more or less washed with

106 RIVER DUCKS.

buffy ochraceous, every where indistinctly spotted with fuscous except on the
middle of the belly; back fuscous, the feathers with margins and internal
crescents of whitish and buffy; wing-coverts and speculum much as in the
male. /m.—The im. 4 is intermediate between the ad. 6 and ¢; the im. 9
resemble the ad. 6, but the wing-coverts are slaty gray, the speculum with
little or no green. L., 20:00; W., 9°50; B., 2°50; greatest width of B., 1:20.

Range.—Northern hemisphere ; in America, more common in the interior;
breeds regularly from Minnesota northward and locally as far south as Texas;
not known to breed in the Atlantic States; winters from southern Illinois
and Virginia southward to northern South America.

Washington, not uncommon W. V. Long Island, rare T. V. Sing Sing,
A. ¥., Oct.

Eggs, six to ten, pale buffy white or bluish white, 2:10 x 1:50.

The Shoveler, like most of the members of this subfamily, is more
common in the Mississippi Valley than on the coast. It is generally
a silent bird, but its note in the breeding season is said to be “ took,
took.” It feeds largely by tipping in shallow water.

143. Dafila acuta (Zinn.). Prytamt; Sprieram. Ad. 6.—Head
and throat olive-brown ; back of the neck blackish, bordered by white stripes,
which pass to the breast; breast and belly white; the abdomen faintly and
the sides strongly marked with wavy lines of black and white; back some-
what darker than the sides; scapulars black, bordered or streaked with buffy
white; wing-coverts brownish gray, the greater ones tipped with rufous ;
speculum green ; central tail-feathers glossed with green and much elongated.
Ad. ?.—Throat white or whitish, crown and sides of the head streaked with
blackish and buffy ochraceous, darker above; breast washed with buffy
ochraceous and spotted with blackish; belly white; abdomen more or less
indistinctly mottled with blackish; sides with bars and lengthened black
and white crescents; under wing-coverts fuscous, bordered with whitish ;
axillars barred or mottled with black ; back fuscous, the feathers with borders,
bars, or crescents of white or buffy; speculum grayish brown bordered with
white. 4 in breeding plumage.—‘ Similar to ad. ¢, but wings as in spring
or winter plumage” (Ridgw.). /m.—The im. 6 is variously intermediate
between the ad. 46 and ¢; the im. @ resembles the ad. ¢, but the under parts
are more heavily streaked or spotted. L., 6, 28:00, 9, 22:00; W., 10:00; T.,
$, 7°50, 9, 3°60; B., 2°00.

Remarks.—The female of this species is a rather obscure-looking bird, but
may always be known by its broad, sharply pointed central tail-feathers and
dusky under wing-coverts.

Range.—Northern hemisphere ; in America, breeds from Iowa and Illinois
to the Arctic Ocean ; not known to breed on the Atlantic coast ; winters from
Virginia southward to the Greater Antilles and Central America.

Washington, W. V., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, very common T. V., Sept.
15 to Apl. 15; afew winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 15 to Apl. 10;
Sept. 26 to Dec. 4. Cambridge, casual T. V., Apl.; Sept. and Oct.

Eggs, eight to twelve, butfy white or pale bluish white, 2°20 x 1°50.

SEA DUCKS. 107

The Pintail is frequently found associated with the Black Duck
and Widgeon. Asarule it is voiceless, but is said to utter “a low-
toned quack at night.” The long neck and tail of the male make its
identification easy even at a distance.

144. Aix sponsa (inn.). Woon Duck. Ad. 6.—A line from the
bill over the eye, a similar line at the base of the side of the crest, and some
of the elongated crest-feathers white ; throat, a band from it up the side of
the head, and a wider one to the nape, white; rest of the cheeks and crown
green with purplish reflections; a white band in front of the wings; breast
end a spot at either side of the base of the tail purplish chestnut, the former
spotted with white ; belly white; sides buffy ochraceous, finely barred with
black, the longer flank feathers tipped with wider bars of black and white ;
back greenish brown; scapulars blacker; speculum steel-blue; primaries
tipped with greenish blue.—Ad. 9° .—Throat and a stripe from the eye back-
ward white; crown purplish brown; sides of the head ashy brown ; breast
and sides grayish brown streaked with bufty ; belly white; back olive-brown
glossed with greenish ; inner primaries tipped with greenish blue. J/m.—The
im. 6 resemblesthe 9. L., 18:50; W., 9°00; Tar., 1°35; B., 1°30.

Range.—North America; breeds trom Florida to Hudson Bay, and winters
southward to southern Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica.

Washington, uncommon P. R. Long Island, uncommon T. V. and W. V.,
Sept. to Apl.; rare 8. R. Sing Sing, tolerably common §8. R. Cambridge,
common T. V., Mch. and Apl.; Aug. to Nov.; a few breed.

Vest, of grasses, leaves, twigs, etc.,in a hole in a tree or stump. Zyqs,
eight to fourteen, pale buffy white, 2°05 x 1°50.

Woodland ponds and forest-bordered streams make a proper setting
for the grace and beauty of these richly attired birds. Several times
it has been my fortune to see them in the unconscious enjoyment
of their secluded homes, and I know of no sight in the bird world
which so fully satisfies the eye. Alarm them, and with a frightened,
plaintive whistle, ‘‘ 00-eek,” they spring from the water and make off
through the woods. At other times they will swim ahead of one’s
canoe, and, rounding a bend in the stream, go ashore and walk rapidly
away.

The young are brought from the nest to the ground in the bill of
the parent.

Subfamily Fuliguline. Bay and Sea Ducks,

The members of this subfamily are to be distinguished from those
of the preceding by the presence of a lobe or web on the hind toe.
They are open-water Ducks, frequenting our large lakes, bays, and sea-
coasts. Their food consists chiefly of mollusks, crustaceans, and the
seeds and roots of aquatic plants. They obtain it principally by div-
ing, sometimes descending one hundred and fifty feet or more. The

108 SEA DUCKS.

bill, as in the Anatine, acts as a sieve or strainer. As a rule they feed
by day and pass the night at a distance from the shore or at sea. Some
of the species occur in our waters in large fiocks—indeed, our most
abundant Ducks are members of this subfamily. With one exception
they are northern breeding birds, seldom nesting south of our north-
ern tier of States.

Their nest is composed of twigs, leaves, grasses, stems of aquatic
plants, seaweed, etc., lined with down from the breast of the incubat-
ing bird.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. Feathers at the base of the bill not reaching °50 forward along its sides.
A, Wing over 7:00; axillars and most if not all the linings of the wings white.
a. Head and neck black, with greenish or purplish reflections.
a, Back black; bill with a bluish band near its tip.
150. Rine-nNEcKED Duck ¢.
61. Back finely barred with black and white.
62, Back of head generally with purplish reflections ; wing generally
under 8°25; nail of bill generally under °25 in width.
149. Lesser Scaur Duck 6.
63, Back of head generally with greenish reflections; wing gener-
ally over 8°25; nail of bill over -25 in width.
148. Am. Scaupr Duck 6.
6. Head and neck rufous or rufous-brown, sharply defined from the black
breast.
61. Head dnd upper neck rich rae bill 2-00 or under; flanks finely
barred, like:the back? ')2 4° )r"*. . . . 146. RepHEap é.
b2, Head and neck rufous-brown ; crown eMinokiehe bill over 2:00; flanks
very slightly ifat all barred . ... . . . . 147. CanvasBack 6.
ce. Head and neck brownish or grayish.
a, A white patch in the wing.
2, Feathers at base of bill white; wing generally under 8°25: nail of

bill generally under 25 in width. . 149. Lesszr Scaup Duck ?.
8, Feathers at base of bill white; wing generally over 8:25; nail of
bill generally over °25in width . . . 148. Am. Scaup Duck ¢.

d!. No white in wing.
d2, An indistinct bluish band near the tip of bill; bill under 2:00.

ds, Wing under 8:00. . . . . . . 150. Rrne-neckep Duck @.
d4.-Wing over 800) 2°.) Vs) wis.0 2 Oe ee ees
é2, No band on bill; bill over 2:00 . . . . . 147%. CANVASBACK 9.

B. Wing over 7:00; axillars and most if not all the under wing-coverts
blackish.
a. Head and throat dark steel-blue or steel-green.
a, Head and throat Saba white patch at base of bill 1:00 or more
meus nG is aes . .. « 152. Barrow’s GoLDEN-EYE ¢.
a, Head and throat ee -green; white patch at base of bill less than
1°00-in height.) 24. 4. ss ee a Gonaen er ies

SEA DUCKS. 109

6. Whole head and throat brown, sharply detined from the gray or white
neck ; a white patch (speculum) in the wing.
61, Nostril nearer the tip than the base of the bill.
151. Am. GOLDEN-EYE ?.
62. Nostril in the middle of the bill . 152. BaArrow’s GoLpEN-EYE °.
ce Whole'head'and neck black « .. Jos. . « 163. AnesScormr &:
d. A white ae on the top of the head and another on the back of the
EC Ke Sari*s - « « 166. SurF Scorer ¢.
e. Middle of crown soli Hondesedi by ane serail: front half of the face
White 0) 4.3 al aay eth 155. Hariequin Duck ¢.
J. Head and neck Whitish, gray sei or brownish ; no white in the wing.
J. Bill over 1:25.
J?. Feathers on culmen reaching much farther forward than those at

the'sides of the bill . . . . ope). 4) 166. (Sur Scorer a
J. Feathers on culmen reaching tte if any beyond those at the sides
Otte oie 4s wewiae sy appre!) (Ayelet yar L638s/ Aare ScormR: 2)

g}. Bill under 1°25.
g?. Central tail-feathers Coat sharply pointed, under tail-coverts

Wte ss A 8 ; of va she) LO MOED Squaw:
g3. Central tail- feathers not hae me perngedls under tail-coverts gray-
TBM MIPOHWHDS sfdw a Gu wee se he we! a, (LBD, HapnnoumnsDwen:

C. Wing under 7:00.
a. Tail-feathers stiff and narrow ; upper tail-coverts very short.
: a, Upper parts mostly rich chestnut-rufous.
G2mCheeke whiteya seuss) a do bow . Jl6~eRuppye Ducks
ae) Cheeks) black. «2 4: woe ns 168. Masxep Duck @.
i, Upper parts grayish or ioctl with sometimes riffous markings.
62, Lining of wing blackish ; under parts grayish.
168. Maskep Duck @.
68, Lining of wing whitish; under parts grayish.
167. Ruppy Duck ¢.
b. Tail-feathers normal ; upper tail-coverts about half as long as tail.
153. BurFLEHEAD.
II. Feathers at sides or top of bill extending forward generally as far as nostril.
A. Feathers on sides of bill not reaching nostril.
a. Nostril narrow, elongate; feathers on culmen extending forward in a

narrow line, a V-shaped mark on throat . . . . 162. Kine Exper.
b. Nostril large, rounded; feathers on culmen not extending forward in a
narrow line .. . . . . « 165. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER.

B. Feathers on sides of bill ade as far as nostril.
a. Bare base of bill on top narrow, ending posteriorly in a sharp point.
159. GREENLAND EIpER.
b. Bare base of bill on top broad, the posterior end rounded.
160. Am. ErpEr.

The Rurovus-cresteD Duck (145. Netta rufina) is an Old-World species
which has been taken once in America. The record is based on an immature
male found in Fulton Market, New York city, which was supposed to have
been shot on Long Island.

110 SEA DUCKS.

146. Aythya americana (/yt.). Repueap. Ad. é.—Head and
throat bright rufous; lower neck, breast, back of the neck, and upper back
black ; rest of the back and scapulars finely barred with wavy black and white
lines of egual width ; wing-coverts brownish gray ; upper tail-coverts black ;
belly white, the lower belly more or less finely barred with black ; under tail-
coverts black; sides like the buck. Ad. ¢ —Upper parts dark grayish brown,
darker on the rump, the feathers more or less margined with buffy or ashy;
sides of the head lighter; upper throat white; neck buffy ochraceous; breast
and sides grayish brown, more or less washed or margined with buffy or buffy
ochraceous; belly white; lower belly and under tail-coverts tinged with
ochraceous ; an indistinct bluish-gray band across the end of the bill. L.,
19:00; W., 8°90; Tar., 1°55; B., 1°85.

Remarks.—This species is frequently confused with the Canvasback, from
which it may be distinguished by the characters given under that species.

The female Redhead is much like the female Ring-neck in coloration ; the
latter is generally browner, but they can be distinguished with certainty only
by the difference in their size.

Range.—North America; breeds from California and Minnesota north-
ward to the fur countries; rare on the North Atlantic coast, where it has been
found breeding only once (Calais, Me.); winters from Virginia southward to
Cuba and Jamaica.

Washington, common W. V. Long Island, T. V. in irregular numbers,
Oct. 1 to Apl. 15, few W. V. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 1 to Apl. 24;
Oct. 12 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, casual; one instance, Oct.

Nest, on the ground in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Zggs, six to
twelve, buffy white, 2°40 x 1-70.

The Ducks of the genus Aythya possess to some extent the habits
of both the River Ducks and true Sea Ducks. They are divers in deep
water, but along the shores or in shallow water they are also “ dab-
blers.” On our coasts the Redhead is a Bay Duck, and feeds in salt
and brackish water.

147. Aythya vallisneria (JWils.). Canvaspack. Ad. 6.—Head
and neck rufous-brown, the chin and crown generally blackish ; breast and
upper back black; rest of the back and generally wing-coverts finely barred
with wavy lines of black and white, the white lines the wider; belly white;
lower belly more or less finely barred with black; upper and under tail-cov-
erts black; sides white, much less lightly barred with wavy black lines than
the back, or even entirely without bars. Ad. ¢.—Head, neck, upper breast,
and upper back cinnamon, the throat lighter, and, with the front parts of the
head, more or less washed with rufous; back grayish brown, the feathers
more or less barred with wavy white lines; belly white or grayish white;
sides the same or grayish brown, generally marked like the back. L., 21:00;
W., 9°00) Tar, 1:60 B,, 2:40.

Remarks.—This species is sometimes mistaken for the Redhead, to which
it bears a general resemblance. The males of the two species may be distin-
guished (1) by the color of the head and neck, which is rufous in the Red-

SEA DUCKS. 111

head and rufous-brown in the Canvasback; (2) by the generally blackish
chin and crown of the Canvasback, these parts in the Redhead being colored
like the rest of the head; (3) by the difference in the markings of the back,
wing-coverts, and sides; and (4) by the difference in the size and shape of the
bill, as shown by the accompanying measurements. ‘The females of the two
species may be at once distinguished by the color of the back, which in the
Canvasback is tinely barred with wavy white lines, markings which do not
appear on the back of the female Redhead.

Range.—North America; breeds only in the interior, from Minnesota to
the Arctic Circle; rare on the Atlantic coast north of Delaware; winters from
‘the Chesapeake Bay to the Greater Antilles.

Washington, rare W. V. Long Island, rare T. V. Sing Sing, rare T. V.,
Oct.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. ys, six to
ten, buffy white with a bluish tinge, 2°40 x 1°70.

There’s much in aname. The reputation of the Canvasback, among
gourmands, is too firmly established to be questioned; but, given the
same chef, and half a dozen of our Ducks can be made to do duty for
this favorite of epicures. In some parts of the west, where folks have
a way of thinking for themselves, the Canvasback is frankly placed
second to his cousin the Redhead.

The Canvasback is at its best when the bird has been for some time
feeding on wild celery—a diet which equally improves the flesh of
other species.

148. Aythya marila nearctica Stejn. Am. Scaup Duck: GREATER
Scaup Duck; Broapsitt; Biuesitt; BirackuEeap. Ad. 6.—Head, neck,
breast, and upper back black, the top and sides of the head with generally
greenish reflections; back and scapulars with wavy black and white bars ;
speculum white; upper and under tail-coverts black; belly white; lower
belly strongly and sides faintly marked with wavy black bars. Ad. ?.—
Region around the base of the bill white ; head, neck, breast, and upper back
umber, margined with ochraceous on the breast; back and scapulars fuscous-
brown; sides dark grayish brown, both generally marked with fine, wavy
bars of white; speculum and belly white. 6 L., 1850; W., 8°75; Tar., 1°40;
idaho etentest: width of eB, 1:00. 9 L.,, 17°50; W., 8255 Lar, 1b, G.,
1:65; greatest width of B., 1:00.

Range.—North America; breeds in the interior rarely from Minnesota
and regularly from Manitoba northward to Alaska; reported on the Atlan-
tic from as far north as Greenland, but not known to breed and not common
north of Massachusetts; winters from Long Island to northern South America.

Washington, rather common W. V. Long Island, abundant T. V., Sept.
25 to May 1,some winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 22 to Apl. 13;
Oct. 4 to Dee. 3.*

* The presence or absence of Ducks in the winter depends upon whether the
river is frozen or open.

112 SEA DUCKS.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Zygs, six to
ten, pale olive-buff, 2°54 x 1°71.

This is one of our most common Bay Ducks. While with us it
seems to prefer salt and brackish water. It feeds largely on mollusks,
which it obtains by diving. Its note is said to be a discordant
SCHUP.

149. Aythya affinis (/yt.). Lxsser Scaup Duck; Lirtrz Brack-
HEAD; Lirrte BLUEBILL; CREEK Broappity. Ad. 6.—Similar to the pre-
ceding species but smaller, the head, as a rule, glossed with purplish instead
of greenish, and the flanks strongly instead of faintly marked with wavy
black bars. Ad. ¢.—Similar to the ? of the preceding species, but smaller.
é L., 16°50; W., 8:00; Tar., 1°35; B., 160; greatest width of B., 95. ¢ L.,
16:50; W., 7°60; Tar., 1:30; B., 155; greatest width of B., -90.

Remarks.—The Scaup Ducks resemble each other so closely that it is
sometimes impossible to tell them apart, but they may generally be distin-
guished by the characters given above.

Range.—North America; breeds only in the interior, rarely from Iowa
and commonly from Manitoba northward ; not common on the Atlantic coast
north of Massachusetts; winters from Virginia to the Greater Antilles. |

Washington, not uncommon W. R., Oct.to Apl. Long Island, common T.
V. Sing Sing, common T. V., Jan. 28 to Apl.12; Aug. 31 to Nov. Cam-
bridge, common in Oct. and Novy.; rare in spring.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs and marshy lake sides. Zggs, six
to ten, similar in color to those of the preceding, 2°25 x 1°58.

This species has much the same habits as the preceding, but is more
often found in fresh water, and I think is more southern in its distri-
bution during the winter. It is by far the most abundant Duck in
Florida waters at that season, where it occurs in enormous flocks in
the rivers and bays along the coasts.

150. Aythya collaris (Donov.). Rine-neckep Dvuox. Ad. 6.—
Chin white ; head, neck, breast, and upper back black, the head with bluish
reflections, the neck with a not sharply defined chestnut collar; back and
scapulars black, speculum gray ; upper and under tail-coverts black, belly
white, lower belly and sides finely barred with wavy black lines; bill black,
the base and a band across the end bluish gray. Ad. ?.—Upper parts fus-
cous brown, more or less margined with ochraceous; speculum gray ; sides of
the head and neck mixed grayish brown and white; breast, sides, and lower
belly grayish brown, more or less margined with ochraceous; upper belly
white or whitish; bill blackish, an indistinct band of bluish gray across its
end. L., 16°50; W., 7:°50;-Tar., 1°25; B., 1:80.

Remarks.—The male Ring-neck may be known from any of its allies by
its chestnut collar and other excellent characters; the female resembles the
female Redhead, but is smaller and generally browner.

Range.—North America, breeding only in the interior from Iowa north-
ward; not common on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia.

SEA DUCKS. 113

Washington, not rare, W. V. Long Island, A. V. Sing Sing, A. V., Apl.
Cambridge, casual ; one instance, Nov.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy sloughs or marshy lake sides. Zyqs, six to
twelve, similar in color to those of the two preceding species, 2°28 x 1°63.

This is more of a fresh-water bird than either of the preceding. It
is not common in the Atlantic States north of Florida, where during
the winter it is abundant on fresh-water lakes.

CLANGCULA

151.-Giaucionetta clangula americana (Zonap.). American
GoLDEN-EYE; WuisTLER. Ad. 6.—Head and throat dark, glossy green, a
circular white patch at the base of the bill measuring, along the bill, less
than half an inch in height; neck all around, breast, belly, exposed part of
wing-coverts, speculum, and most of the scapulars white; rest of plumage
black. Ad. ?.—Head and throat cinnamon-brown, fore neck white; upper
breast, back, and sides ashy gray bordered with grayish ; wing-coverts tipped
with white ; speculum, lower breast, and belly white. L., 20-00; W., 9:00; B.
from anterior margin of white patch to anterior margin of nostril, 1:00; from
anterior margin of nostril to tip, °75.

fange.—North America, breeding from Manitoba and Maine northward,
and wintering trom the southern limit of its breeding range to Cuba.

Washington, not rare, W. V. Long Island, common T. V. and W. V.,
Novy. 15 to Apl. 15. Sing Sing, common T. V. and W. V., Nov. to May.
Cambridge, rather common, Oct. and Novy.

Vest, in a stump or hollow tree. ygs, six to ten, pale bluish, 2°35 x 1-75.

The rapidly moving wings of most Ducks make a whistling sound,
but this species excels in wing music. Asa diver it can also claim
high rank.

CLANGULA.

152.-Glaucienetta islandica (Gmcl.). Barrow’s GoLDEN-EYE.
Ad. 6.—Head and throat dark, glossy, purplish blue, an irregular, somewhat
spread-wing-shaped white patch at the base of the bill measuring, along the
bill, about one inch in height; neck all around, breast, belly, speculum, lesser
Wing-coverts, ends of greater ones, and the shaft part of the scapulars white ;
rest of the plumage black. Ad. 9.—Resembles the 9 of the preceding species
in color; there is some difference in the size and proportions of the bill, but
the two birds can not always be distinguished with certainty. W., 9:25; B.
from Anterior margin of white patch to anterior margin of nostril, -80; from
anterior margin of nostril to tip, -66.

ftemarks.—The males of this and the preceding species may always be
distinguished by the difference in the color of the head and size and shape of
the white spot at the base of the bill.

Ftange.—Breeds in the far north—Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska—ané
southward in the Rocky Mountains; winters as far south as Illinois and Vir-
ginia.

Washington, A. V.. one record. Long Island, A. V.

Nest, in a stump or hollow tree. £ggs, six to ten, pale bluish, 2°40 x 1-70.
9

114 SEA DUCKS.

A more northern species than the preceding, which it resembles in
habits. :

1538. Charitonetta albeola (Zinn.). Burrirenzap; Burrer-Bat;
Sprrir Duck. Ad. 6.—A broad white band passes around the back of the
head from eye to eye; rest of the head, upper neck, and throat beautifully
glossed with purple, greenish, and bluish ; lower neck all around, breast, belly,
wing-coverts, speculum, and outer scapulars white; back black; upper tail-
coverts and tail ashy-grayish. Ad. ?.—A white patch on either side of the
head, throat, and entire upper parts fuscous-brown; speculum, breast, and
belly white. L., 14:75; W., 6°50; Tar., 1:25; B., 1-05.

Range.—North America; breeds from lowa and Maine northward; win-
ters from near the southern limit of its breeding range to the West Indies and
Mexico,

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Apl. Long Island, common T. V.
and W, V., Oct.1 to Apl. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V. Cambridge,
common in Oct. and Nov.

Nest, in a stump or hollow tree. ggs, six to twelve, dull light buff,
1:98 x 1:46 (Ridgw.).

This small Duck has won deserved distinction through its powers
asa diver, Like the Grebes, it “dives at the flash,” though this well-
worn expression has lost half its meaning since flintlocks and percus-
sion caps have become things of the past. The Bufflehead feeds to
some extent on small fish, which it pursues and catches under water.

HARELDA.

154.-Claneula hyemalis (Zinn.). Orv Squaw; Op Wire; Sourn
Soutnerty. 4d, 4 in winter.—Sides of the front of the head washed with
grayish brown; sides of the back of the head and sides of the upper neck
black, more or less margined with ochraceous; rest of the head, neck all
around, upper back, scapulars, and lower belly white; back, breast, and
upper belly black; tail pointed, the middle feathers very long and narrow ;
band across the end of the bill yellowish orange. Ad. 4 in swmmer.—Sides
‘of the front of the head white; crest of the head, neck, throat, breast, and
upper belly black; back and scapulars black, the latter margined with dark
buffy ochraceous ; lower belly white; tail and bill as in the preceding. 9 7m
winter.—Upper parts black or fuscous; scapulars and upper back more or
less margined with grayish or grayish brown; sides of the head and neck
and sometimes the back of the neck white or whitish; breast grayish; belly
white; tail pointed, but without the long feathers of the male; under wing-
coverts dark. Ad. 9 in summer.—Generally similar to the above, but the
sides of the head and throat mostly blackish, and the feathers of the upper
parts more or less margined with ochraceous. L., é, 21:00, 9, 16°00; W., 8°60;
T., 4, 8°00, 9, 2:50; B., 1:05.

Remarks,—The male Old Squaw is too distinct to he confused with any
other species, its long tail-feathers being its most striking character; the
female bears some resemblance to the female of the Harlequin Duck, but has
the belly pure white instead of grayish dusky,

SEA DUCKS. 15

Range.—Northern hemisphere; breeds in the far north, and, in America,
winters as far south as the upper Mississippi Valley and Virginia.

Washington, rare W. V., Nov. to Apl. Long Island, abundant W. V.,
Nov. 1 to Apl. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common W. V., Dec. 4 to Apl. 6.
Cambridge, rather common in Oct. and Novy.

Nest, on the ground near water, under low bushes or tall grasses. Zyqs,
six to twelve, pale bluish tinged with olive, 2°05 x 1:49.

In The Auk for 1892, pp. 880-337, Mr. George H. Mackay gives a
capital account of the habits of this species in our waters. He speaks
of them as the swiftest flying as well as the noisiest (in the spring) of
all the sea fowl which tarry with us, and gives their curious scolding or
talking notes as 0-onc-o-onc-ough, egh-ough-egh. Their flight is gen-
erally near the water, and when shot at while flying they sometimes
dive from the wing. He also mentions their habit of towering, “ usually
in the afternoon, collecting in mild weather in large flocks if undis-
turbed, and going up in circles so high as to be scarcely discernible,
often coming down with a rush and great velocity, a portion of the
flock scattering and coming down in a zigzag course similar to the
Scoters when whistled down.”

155. Histrionicus histrionicus (/inn.). Hartequin Duck. Ad.é.
—Center of the crown black, margined by white and rufous; front of the sides
of the head, a spot on the ear, a stripe back of it, and a collar around the back
and sides of the neck white; rest of the head and throat rich slaty blue; a
band in front of the wing white, margined with black ; inner scapulars white ;
back and breast bluish slate ; belly fuscous; sides rufous-chestnut. Ad. ?.—
Front of the head whitish ; a white spot on the ears; upper parts brownish
fuscous ; throat, breast, and sides lighter; belly grayish brown, margined with
whitish. L., 17:00; W., 7°80; Tar., 1:50; B., 1:05.

Range. kK ie Nor th Minden, br aca from New foundianel the
northern Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada, northward; south in
winter to the Middle States and California” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, rare W. V.

Nest, on the ground or in hollow stumps near water. Eggs, six to eight,
yellowish buff or greenish yellow, 2°30 x 162 (Davie).

Unlike other members of this subfamily, this species passes the
breeding season on rapid dashing streams, but during the winter it
occurs as a Sea Duck off our more northern coasts.

156. Camptolaimus labradorius ((mc/.). Lasravor Duck;
Prep Duck, Ad. 6.—Center of crown black; rest of head, throat, and upper
neck white; a black band around the lower neck connected behind with the
black pike: primaries fuscous, rest of wing white; front and sides of the
upper — white, lower breast and belly black. Adi 9.—Brownish gray,
the speculum white. Jm. 6.—Like the 9, but with the throat and ends of
the greater wing-coverts white. L., 20:00; W., 8:40; Tar., 1:50; B., 1°58.

116 SHA DUCKS.

Range.—Formerly, North Atlantic coast, breeding from Labrador north-
ward, and in winter migrating southward to Long Island; doubtless now
extinct.

In a recent paper* on this species Mr. William Dutcher quotes
the late Mr. George N. Lawrence, as follows: “I recollect that
about forty or more years ago it was not unusual to see them in
Fulton Market, and without doubt killed on Long Island; at one
time I remember seeing six fine males, which hung in the market
until spoiled for want of a purchaser; they were not considered de-
sirable for the table, and collectors had a sufficient number, at that
time a pair being considered enough to represent a species in a coil-
lection.”

The cause of this Duck’s extinction is unknown. The last speci-
men, so far as known, was taken at Grand Menan in 1871.t Forty-two
specimens have been recorded as existing in collections.

SrELLER’s Duck (157. Eniconetta stelleri), an arctic species, was observed
by Kumlien in Greenland.

159. Somateria mollissima borealis (/rehm). GREENLAND
Ewer. Ad. 6.—Top of the head black, a greenish white line on the crown ;
rest of the head, throat, neck, upper breast, back, scapulars, and lesser wing-
coverts white, tinged with greenish on the sides and back of the head, and
with vinaceous on the breast; middle of the rump, upper and under tail-*
coverts, lower breast, and belly black. Ad. ? .—Head, throat, and neck buffy
ochraceous, darker above and streaked with black; back black, the feathers
all widely margined and sometimes partly barred with buffy ochraceous ;
breast buffy ochraceous, barred with black; belly grayish brown or olive-
brown, indistinctly margined or barred with buffy. /m.—Similar, but dis-
tinctly marked with buify. L., 23:00; W., 11:00; Tar., 1:80; B., 2°10.

Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward ; winters southward to Maine.

Nest, on the ground, amid coarse herbage and rocks. Zgqs, five to eight,
pale bluish or greenish, tinged with olive, 2°95 x 2°00.

This is the American representative of the Eider Duck of north-
ern Europe, from which it differs only slightly. The highly prized
Hider down is taken from the nest of this bird and its allies. As in-
cubation progresses the sitting bird plucks the down from her breast
to serve as a nest lining. In Iceland, according to Saunders, the aver-
age yield from each nest is about one sixth of a pound. When the
females begin to sit the males leave them and, gathering in small
flocks, live at sea.

160. Somateria dresseri Sharpe. American Emrr. Resembles
the preceding in color, but differs in the feathering of the base of the cul-

* The Auk, vol. viii, 1891, pp. 201-216. + Ibid., vol. xi, 1894, pp. 4-12.

SEA DUCKS. 17

men. In both species the culmen is divided by a wedge of feathers reaching
forward from the forehead. Looked at from the tip of the bill, the base of
the culmen is thus V-shaped. In dresseri the arms of the V are very broad
and rounded at the ends, while in borealis they are much narrower and gen-
erally pointed at the ends. L., 23:00; W., 11:30; Tar., 1-70; B., 2°10.

Range.—Breeds from the Bay of Fundy to Labrador ; winters southward
to Delaware ; occasional in winter on the Great Lakes,

Long Island, rare W. V. Sing Sing, A. V., Dec.

Nest, on the ground, generally sheltered by rocks. Zggs, five to eight,
pale bluish or greenish, tinged with olive, 3:00 x 2°00.

This species is of more southern distribution than the preceding,
which it resembles in habits. During their visits to the coasts of the
United States the Eiders are true Sea Ducks, living some distance off
shore, generally over a bed of mussels, which they secure by diving,
and which constitute their chief food.

162. Somateria spectabilis (/inn.). Kine Ermer. Ad. §.—
Region about the base of the upper mandible and a large V-shaped mark on
the throat black; top of the head bluish gray; cheeks greenish ; neck all
around white; front and sides of the breast creamy buff; upper back, sides
of the rump, and wing-coverts white; rest of the plumage black. Ad. ?.—
Head and throat butfy ochraceous, the former streaked with black; back
black, the feathers widely margined with ochraceous or rufous; under parts
_ Varying from brownish gray to fuscous, more or less washed, especially on

the breast, with ochraceous or rufous. Jm.—Paler and with less ochraceous.
L., 23°00; W., 10°80; Tar., 1:80; B., 1°30.

Remarks.—The adult male of this species may at once be known by its
bluish-gray head and the V-shaped mark on its throat. Females and young
birds resemble those of the two preceding species, but are to be distinguished
by the generally unstreaked throat and the feathering of the side of the base
of the bill, which in this species does not, as in the two preceding, reach to
the nostril.

Range.—Breeds from Gulf of St. Lawrence northward, and winters south-
ward more or less regularly to Long Island and the Great Lakes ; casually as
far as Virginia, and on one occasion Georgia.

Long Island, regular W. V. i

Nest, on the ground, among rocks orfierbage. ZHyqs, six to ten, light olive-
gray to grayish green, 3°12 x 1:92 (Davie).

While in our waters this species does not differ from the preceding
in habits.

168. Oidemia americana Sw. and Rich. American Scorer;
Buack Coor. Ad. 6.—Entire plumage black, feathers on the side of the bill
extending little if any forward beyond the corner of the mouth; bill black ;
upper mandible orange or yellowish at the base. L., 19:00; W., 9:00; Tar.,
1:70; B. along culmen, 1°75; B. along side, 1°85.

Range.—Coasts and larger lakes of northern North America; breeds in

118 SEA DUCKS.

Labrador and the northern interior; south in winter to Virginia, the ‘Great
Lakes, and California.

Washington, casual W. V. Long Island, common W. V., Oct. through
Apl. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. Caminntes occasional in fall.

Nest, on the ground, near water. gs, “six to ten, pale dull buff or pale
brownish buff, 2°55 x 1:80” (Ridgw.).

All three species of Surf Scoters, or ‘‘ Coots,” are abundant winter
residents off the coasts of the New England and northern Middle
States. At this time their habits are practically alike—indeed, they
are often found associated. As a rule, they frequent only the sea
and its estuaries, where they live over beds of mussels, clams, or
scallops, which they obtain by diving; but they are sometimes found
in ponds near the coast, where food of this nature is abundant.

In The Auk for 1891, pp. 279-290, Mr. George H. Mackay gives the
results of a long-continued study of Scoters on the Massachusetts
coast.

The Vetiver Scorer (164. Oidemia fusca) is an Old-World species which
has been recorded from Greenland.

165. Oidemia deglandi Zonap. Warrr-wineep Scorer; WuirE-
WINGED Coot. Ad. 6.—A spot below the eye and the speculum white, rest
of the plumage black; bill orange-black at the base, the feathers on it reach-
ing forward far beyond the corners of the mouth. Jm. é.—Grayish or fus-
cous-brown, lighter below ; speculum white, feathers at the base of the upper
bill and a spot on the ears whitish. Ad. in winter and Im. 9 .—Similar to
the preceding, but generally without whitish spots on the head. L., 22-00;
W., 11:00; Tar., 2:00; B. along culmen, 1°50; B. along side, 1°55.

Remarks.—The white speculum and feathering of the bill will always
serve to distinguish this species from its allies.

Range.—Northern North America, breeding in Labrador and the fur
countries ; south in winter to Virginia, southern Illinois, and California.

aastaneton casual W. V., Oct. to Apl. Long Island, abundant W. V.,
Sept. 15 to May 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common TT. V. Cambridge, occa-
sional in fall. -

Nest, on the ground, beneath bushes, frequently some distance from water.
Eqs, “six to ten, pale dull buff, varying to cream-color, 2°68 x 1:83” (Ridgw.).

166. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). Surr Scorer; SEA Coor.
Ad. 6.—A square mark on the crown and a triangular one on the nape white,
rest of the plumage black ; bill orange-yellow, a large circular black spot on
its side at the base; feathers on the culmen extending nearly to a level with
the nostril, eiitien on the side of the bill not extending forward. Ad. ?
and Im.—A whitish spot at the base of the bill and on the ears; upper parts
fuscous brown ; throat, breast, sides, and lower belly grayer, belly white. Lay
20°00. 5 Ws 9s 30: Tar., 1:60; B. along culmen, 1:55; B. along side, 2°30.

Poa at —The for w ard extension of the feathers on the culmen will

GEESE. 119

always distinguish this species from 0. americana, while it may be known
from deglandi by the absence of white in the wings.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward ; winters south-
ward to the Great Lakes and Virginia, and casually to Florida.

Washington, casual W. V. Long Island, common W. V., Oct. through
Apl. Sing Sing, common T. V., Oct. 7 to Oct. 22. Cambridge, occasional
in fall.

Nest, in tall grasses near water. Lggs, “five to eight, pale buff or pale
creamy buff, 2°47 x 170” (hidgw.).

167. Erismatura rubida (Wi/s.). Ruppy Duck. Ad. 4.—Top or
the head black, cheeks and chin white, throat and back rufous-chestnut,
lower back blackish ; breast and belly silvery white; upper tail-coverts very
short, tail-feathers stif’ and pointed. Ad. and /m.—Upper parts dark gray-
ish brown, the feathers marked with fine wavy bars of bufty; sides of the
head and upper throat whitish, lower throat grayish, rest of the under parts
silvery white. L., 15°00; W.,.5°90; Tar., 1°15; B., 1°55.

Remarks.—The short upper tail-coverts and stitf, pointed tail-feathers will
always serve to identify this species.

Range.—Of general distribution from northern South America tothe fur
countries, breeding largely northward, but locally throughout its range
(Granada, Wells ; Guatemala, Salvin; Cuba, Gundlach ; Cape Cod, Miller).

Washington, common W. V., Sept. to Ap]. Long Island, irregular T. V.
Sing Sing, common T. V., Mch. 14 to Apl. 6; Oct. 5 to Oct. 28. Cambridge,
very common in Oct. and Nov.

Nest, in a slough or marshy place, gentrally on a mass of floating vegeta-
tion. Lgqs, six to ten, creamy or butty white, 2°50 x 1:80.

“ When rising from the water, it runs on the surface for some dis
tance, and generally against the wind. If it can not command a fair
open space for flight, it will dive, using its tail either as a rudder or as
a paddle in a vertical motion, and will hide itself away among the
grass and sedges. When on the wing, it flies low along the surface of
the water, with a rapid beat of its broad wings, making a short, plump
figure quite uncommon for a Duck; and it generally flies quite a dis-
tance before alighting” (Langille). In swimming, the tail is sometimes
heid erect at right angles to the body.

The Maskep Duck (168. Nomonyx dominicus) is a tropical species of
rare occurrence in North America. Single specimens have been taken in
Wisconsin, New York, and near Cambridge, Mass.

Subfamily Anserine. Geese.

Geese are vegetarians. When on the water, they feed largely by
tipping, as with head and neck immersed and tail pointing skyward
they search for the roots or seeds of aquatic plants. They are far
more terrestrial than Ducks, and visit the land to nip the herbage,

120 GEESE.

young corn, or cereals. When wounded, they dive readily and, with
their body just below the surface of the water and only the bill ex-
posed, head for the shore, where they attempt to hide in the vegetation.

In migrating, the flock is formed in a V-shaped wedge, the lead, it
is said, being taken by an old gander.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. Whole head or forehead white.
A. Bill yellowish.
a. Forehead and feathers at the base of bill white.
171a. Am. WHITE-FRONTED Goosk (Ad.).
b. Head and neck white or grayish, sometimes tinged with rusty.
61, Primaries black, rest of plumage white.
169. Lesser Snow GoosE. 169a. GREATER SNow Goose.
02. Back grayish brown, rump and belly whitish, wing-coverts and
tertials widely margined with white. . . . 169. Lesser SNow
Goosk (Im.). 169a. GREATER SNow Goose (Im.).
68. Back grayish brown, rump, belly, and wing-coverts gray, the lat-
ter not conspicuously margined with white.
169.1. Brur Gooss (Ad.).
B. Bill black, throat and sides of the head white, lores black.

175. BARNACLE Goose.
II. Head and neck brown, bill yellow or yellowish.

A. Nail of bill black, rump fuscous.
171la. Am. WuirE-FRONTED Gooss (Im.).

B. Nail of bill yellow, rump gMy. . . . . 169.1. Brug Goosx (Im.).
III. Head black or brownish black, bill black.
A. Throat white . . . 172. Canapa Goose. 172a. Hurcuins’s Goose,
ZB. Throat black or brownish black, neck speckled with white.
a. Belly white... . A eee rT ar To One
6. Belly brownish Be cn eee el ww GS EE Boe eee

169. Chen hyperborea (/a//.). Lesser Snow Goosk. Ad.—En-
tire plumage, except the primaries with their coverts, white; primaries black,
their bases and coverts ashy. /m.—' Head, neck, and upper parts pale gray-
ish,.the feathers of the latter with whitish edges and (especially wing-coverts
and tertials) striped medially with darker; rump, upper tail-coverts, tail, and
lower parts plain white. L., 2300-28-00; W., 14:50-17:00; B., 1:95-2°30;
Tar., 2°80-3'25 ” (Ridgw.).

Range.— Western North America, breeding in Alaska and migrating south-
ward to the Gulf; rarely found east of the Mississippi.

£ggs, uniform dirty, chalky white, 8°40 x 2°20 (B., B., and R.).

169a. C. h. nivalis (/orst.). Greater Snow Goosr.—Resembles the
preceding in color, but is larger. L., 80-00-88-00; W., 17°35-17°50; B., 2°55-
2°70; Tar., 3°15-3'50 (Ridgw.).

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding in the far north (exact breed-
ing range unknown); winters from Chesapeake Bay to Cuba; rare on the
Atlantic coast north of Virginia.

GEESE. 191

Long Island, irregular from Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, A. V., Apl.
Nest and eggs unknown.

The Snow Goose does not appear to be a common bird on any part
ef the Atlantic coast. It migrates both by night and day, and when
on the wing its white plumage and black-tipped primaries render it
easily identifiable. It is a noisier bird than the Canada Goose, and its
voice is higher and more cackling.

169.1. Chen czerulescens (Zinn.). Biur Goosr. Ad—Head and
upper neck white ; middle of the hind neck sometimes blackish, lower neck all
around fuscous, rest of under parts brownish gray edged with buffy ; the lower
belly generally paler, sometimes white; upper back and scapulars like the
breast ; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts gray ; tail fuscous gray edged
with whitish; wing-coverts like the rump or slightly darker, with little or
no whitish margins; wing-quills and tertials fuscous, the latter more or less
margined with whitish. /m.—* Similar to adult, but head and neck uniform
deep grayish brown, only the chin being white. L., 26°50-30:00; W., 15°00-
17:00; B., 2°10-2°30; Tar., 3:00-3'30” (Ridgw.).

Range.—North America; breeds in the Hudson Bay region and migrates
southward, chiefiy through the interior, to Texas.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest and eggs unknown.

The Blue Goose is apparently nowhere a common bird, and on the
Atlantic coast it.is even less common than in the interior. It was at
one time supposed to be the young of fhe Snow Goose, which it doubt-
less resembles in habits,

17la. Anser albifrons gambeli (//vt/.). American Wutrte-
FRONTED Goosr. Ad.—Forehead and region bordering the base of the bill
white; upper parts and foreneck grayish brown, more or less margined on
the back with lighter; longer and lateral upper tail-coverts white; breast
somewhat lighter than the throat, more or less irregularly marked with black,
and fading gradually into pure white on the lower belly ; sides like the back.
/m.—Similar, but no white at the base of the bill or black marks on the
breast; nail of the bill black. “L., 27-:00-30:00; W., 14:25-17°50; B., 1°80-2'35 ;
depth of mandible at base, ‘90-1:20; width, -85-1:05 ; Tar., 2°60-3:20” (Ridgw.).

Range.—* North America, breeding far northward; in winter south to
Mexico and Cuba” (A. O. U.); rare on the Atlantic coast.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, on the ground, of grasses lined with down. Zyqs, six to seven, dull
greenish yellow with obscure darker tints, 3°10 x 2:07 (Davie).

“These birds are rarely met with on the Atlantic coast, but are
quite common in the Mississippi Valley and abundant on the Pacific
slope. They prefer low, wet grounds in the vicinity of timber, or
where the prairie is dotted here and there with bushes; and, while
they occasionally forage off the wheat fields and other grains on the

122 GEESE.

bottom lands, they seldom visit the high, dry prairies like the Snow
and Canada Geese” (Goss),

The EvropEAN WHITE-FRONTED Goose (171. Anser albifrons) resembles
its American representative in color, but averages smaller. It is American
only as it occurs in Greenland, where gambeli is apparently unknown.

172. Branta canadensis (Zinn.). Canava Goosr. Ad—Throat
and a large patch on the side of the head behind the eye white or whitish ;
chin and rest of the head and neck black ; back and wings grayish brown, more
or less edged with lighter; tail and shorter upper tail-coverts black, longer
and lateral ones white ; breast and belly grayish, fading to white on the lower
belly ; sides like the back. /m.—Similar, but throat and cheeks sometimes
mixed with blackish. ‘ L., 85°00-43:00; W., 15°60-21:00; Tar., 2°45-3°70; B.,
1:55-2°70” (Ridgw.).

Range.—Temperate North America; breeds in the northern United States
and British provinces; south in winter to Mexico.

Washington, W. V. and rather common T. V., Oct. to Apl. Long Island,
common T. V., Mch. and Apl.; Oct., some W. V. Sing Sing, tolerably com-
mon T. V., Mch.11 to May 21; Oct. Cambridge, common T. V., Mch. and
Apl.; Oct. to Dee.

JVest, of sticks lined with down, on the ground in the open prairie, on
the shores of streams, on tree stumps and sometimes in trees, when a de-
serted nest of the Osprey is generally used. gs, four to five, butfy white,
8°00 x 2°35.

Probably the migration of no bird attracts more universal interest
than that of the Wild Goose. Ornithologists talk of ‘“ waves” and
“flights” of migrants passing in the night, but the biannual pilgrim-
age of the Canada Goose appeals to us all with the directness of a per-
sonal experience. We see the living wedge of long-necked birds pass-
ing high overhead; the unbroken sound-waves bring the sonorous
“honks” with unexpected distinctness to our ears; and we receive an
impressive lesson in the migration of birds. They are embarked on a
journey of several thousand miles, but they come and go as surely as
though they carried chart and compass.

1'72a. B. c. hutchinsii (Sw. & Rich.). Hurcnts’s Goosr.—Resem-
bles the preceding in color, but averages smaller. L., 25°00-34:00; W., 14°75-
17°75; Tar., 2°25-3'20; B., 1:20-1:90 (Ridgw.).

Range.—* North America, breeding in the arctic regions, and migrating
south in winter chiefly through the western United States and Mississippi
Valley; eastern Asia” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, A. V.

172c. B.c. minima Pidgw. Cackiine Goost.—To be distinguished
from the two preceding by its smaller size and the much darker brownish-
gray color of the breast and upper belly. “ W., 18°60-14'50; Tar., 2'40-2°753
B., *95-1:15” (Ridgw.).

GEESE. 123

Range.—Pacific coast of North America, breeding chiefly about the shores
of Norton Sound and the lower Yukon; south in winter to California, and,
more rarely, to upper Mississippi Valley (Wisconsin, etc.) (Ridgw.).

173. Branta bernicla (Zinn.). Brant. Ad.—Head, neck, throat,
and upper breast black ; s¢des of the neck speckled with white; back brown-
ish gray, margined with grayish brown; longer and lateral upper tail-coverts
white; lower breast ashy gray fading to white on the lower belly; sides
darker. /m.—Similar, but with less white on the sides of the neck and
wing-coverts, and secondaries tipped with white. L., 26:00; W., 13°20; Tar.,
2:20; B., 1:35.

Range.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; breeds within the
Arctie Circle ; in America, migrates southward along the Atlantic coast, reach-
ing the Carolinas in winter; rare in the interior.

Washington, rare W. V. Long Isiand, common T. V., Nov. 1 to May 15;
afew winter. Sing Sing, A. V.

Jest, of grasses, moss, etc., lined with down, on the ground. yqs, four,
smooth and creamy white in color, 2°70 x 1:80 (Saunders).

“Its manner of flying is different from that of the Canada Goose—
moving in more compact bodies, less rapidly, and without seeming te
have a chosen leader—that marked characteristic in the flight of the
latter.

“ While in our bays it appears inactive, seldom taking to wing un-
less disturbed by a passing boat or the near report of a gun.

“The Brent rises slowly, and when on the wing moves sluggishly
for a short distance, and, if not attracted by a distant flock, frequently
returns to the place it had left. Its food consists of a marine plant
(Zostera marina), commonly called ‘eel grass.’ At low water it is
seen industriously at work tearing up its favorite plant. After the
tide has risen to such a height as to compel it to relinquish its voca-
tion, it is seen drifting with the current, feeding sumptuously on the
fruits of its labor” (Giraud).

174. Branta nigricans (Zow7.). Buack Brant.—Bears a general
resemblance to the preceding species, but may be readily distinguished by its
much darker lower breast and upper belly, which are nearly as dark as the
back, and by having white markings on the front as well as on the sides of
the neck.

Range. Arctic and western North America; rare or casual on the At-
lantic coast” (A. O. U.j. “ Breeds in abundance on the arctic eoast of Liver-
pool Bay ” (Macfarlane).

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, of grasses, moss, ete., lined with down, on the ground. Zggs, tive to
seven, dull ivory-white or grayish white, 2°85 x 1:82 (B., B., and R.).

This is the western representative of the preceding species. It is
of casual occurrence on the Atlantic coust,

194 SWANS.

The Barnacié Goose (175. Branta leucopsis) is an Old-World species
which visits Greenland regularly in the fall, and is sometimes found on our
coasts. It differs from any of the preceding in having the forehead, sides of
the head, throat, and chin white, the lores being black.

Subfamily Cygnine. Swans.

Swans feed from the surface, either by “tipping” or by simply
immersing the long neck and head. Their food consists largely of
vegetable matter, but they eat also small mollusks. They migrate in
V-shaped flocks. When on the wing, and also when feeding, they utter
at times loud, trumpeting notes. When pursued they do not at once
take flight, but swim rapidly away, and in this manner easily distance
a strong rower.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A, With yellow on the lores; distance from the eye to the nostril greater than
the distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill. 180. Wuistrtine Swan.
B. No yellow on the lores; distance from the eye to the nostril not greater
than from the nostril to the end of the bill . . . 181. TRumMPETER Swan.

180. Olor columbianus (0rd). Wuistiine Swan. Ad.—White;
bill and feet black; a small yellow spot on the lores. J/m.—Head and neck
brownish and rest of plumage more or less washed with grayish; bill and
feet light. L., 55:00; W., 22:00; Tar, 4:00. Eye to N., 240; N. to tip of
B., 2°25.

Range—North America; breeds on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, and
migrates south to the Gulf of Mexico; rare on the Atlantic coast north of
Chesapeake Bay.

Washington, rare W. V., Oct. Long Island, A. V.

Nest, of grasses, moss, ete., lined with down, on the ground near water.
Eggs, two to five, soiled whitish, 4°25 x 2°70.

This is a rare bird on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia. “When
feeding, or dressing their plumage, this Swan is usually very noisy,
and at night these clamors may be heard to the distance of several
miles. Their notes are varied, some resembling the lower ones made
by the common tin horn, others running through the various modula-
tions of the notes of the clarionet. These differences are presumed to
be dependent upon age” (B., B., and R.).

181. Olor buccinator (Rich.). Trumprrrr Swan. Ad.—White,
bill and feet black, no yellow on the lores. Jm.—Head and neck brownish,
rest of plumage more or less washed with grayish. L., 65°00; W., 23:00; Tar.,
4:25; Eye to N., 2°70; N. to tip of B., 2°20.

Range.—* Chiefly the interior of North America, from the Gulf coast to
the fur countries, breeding from Iowa and Dakota northward; west to the
Pacific, but rare or casual on the Atlantic” (A. O. U.).

Nest, of grasses and down, on the ground. Zyys, two to six, soiled whitish,
4:40 x 2°80.

SPOONBILLS. 195

This species rarely occurs east of the Mississippi Valley. Its habits
are said to resemble those of the preceding species, “but its cry is
very different, resembling the notes of a French horn and being very
sonorous.”

The Wuoopine Swan (179. Olor cygnus) is an Old World species which
sometimes is found in Greenland. it differs from either of our Swans in
having the “ basal portion of the bill and entire lores yellow in the adult.”

ORDER ODONTOGLOSSZA. LAMELLIROSTRAL
GRALLATORES.

FAMILY PHC@NICOPTERIDA. FLAMINGOES.

The seven species included in this family are distributed through-
out the tropics. Five species are American, of which one reaches our
southern border in Florida. Flamingoes are gregarious at all seasons.
They are rarely found far from the seacoasts, and their favorite re-
sorts are shallow bays or vast mud flats which are flooded at high
water. In feeding, the bill is pressed downward into the mud, its pe-
culiar shape making the point then turn upward. The ridges along
its sides, as in the bills of Ducks, serve as strainers through which are
forced the sand and mud taken in with the food.

182. Phenicopterus ruber (Zinn.). Fuamineo. (See Fig. 18.)
Ad.—Beautiful rosy vermilion, scapulars and under parts somewhat paler,
flanks carmine, primaries and secondaries black; bill yellowish black at the
tip. Jm.— Grayish white, the wings varied with grayish and dusky”
(Ridgw.). L., 45:00; W., 1625; Tar., 12°50; B., 5°50.

Range.— Atlantic coasts of tropical and subtropical America; resident in
southwestern Florida (Monroe County) ; casual along the Gulf coast to Texas;
accidental in South Carolina.

Nest, in mud flats, a truncate cone of mud ten to twenty inches in height,
hollowed on top. gs, two, soiled whitish with a chalky deposit, 3°55 x 2°90.

The Flamingo is resident in the United States only in the vicinity
of Cape Sable, Fla., where in 1890 Mr. W. E. D. Scott observed a flock
of about a thousand birds (‘The Auk, vii, 1890, pp. 221-226).

ORDER HERODIONES. HERONS, STORKS, IBISES,
ETC.
FAMILY PLATALEID2. SPOONBILLS.

The Spoonbills inhabit the warmer parts of the world. Only one
of the five or six species is found in America. They frequent the

126 IBISES.

shores both on the seacoast and in the interior. They are generally
found in flocks and they nest in colonies. Spoonbills have the gen-
eral habits of Herons, but feed by immersing the bill and swinging it
from side to side in their search for food.

1838. Ajaja ajaja (Zinn.). Rosrare Spoonsiri; Pink Curiew.
- (See Fig. 21.) Ad.—Head and throat bare, neck and upper back white, some-
times tinged with pink; sides of the breast in front of the wings and end half
of tail ochraceous-buif; rest of plumage pink ; lengthened feathers at the base
of the neck darker; lesser wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts car-
mine. Jm.—Similar, but head and throat feathered, ochraceous-buff and car-
mine of the adult replaced by pink. L., 32°00; W., 14°50; Tar., 4:00; B., 6°25.

Range—tTropical and subtropical America north to the Gulf States.

Nest, a platform of sticks in mangrove bushes or small trees. Zygs, three
to five, white, spotted and speckled with shades of olive-brown, 2°57 x 1°73.

This was formerly a common species in Florida, but continued
persecution has so reduced its numbers that during four winters
passed in different parts of the State I did not observe it. It nests in
January and February in the extreme southern part of the State, and
after the nesting season wanders northward. On the Texas coast it is
more numerous.

FAMILY IBIDIDZ. IBISES.

Ibises are distributed throughout the warmer parts of the globe;
they number about thirty species, of which four occur in North Amer-
ica. They are silent birds, and live in flocks during the entire year.
They feed along the shores of lakes, bays, and salt-water lagoons, and
on mud flats over which the tide rises and falls. Their food consists
principally of crustaceans, frogs, and small fish.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A. Plumage deep chestnut ... 5.5. + + *, sie. a. a) ») ou See somber
BS. Plumare scarlet. ... . « » « « 5.» « » 185, SeMmoers ( Ae
C. Plumage white .. . ee ee ws ww wg DRE ere mers (cae
D. Back brown, belly w ide! .

a. Rump white. 0. 2. 5 2. a a OS eee ee

b. Rump like the back . . .,. .). ss. ./s IJSSS0ARLED Eisen

184. Guara alba (Zinn.). Write Isis; Spanisn CurtEw (see Fig. 20).
Ad.— White, the tips of the four outer primaries black; bare parts of the head
orange-red. /m.—Head and neck white, streaked with grayish brown; upper
back and wings grayish brown; rump, breast, and belly white. L., 25:00;
W., 11:00; Tar., 3:40; B. from N., 4°60.

Range.—Tropical America; breeds ‘as far north as southern Indiana,
southern Illinois, and South Carolina; winters from the Gulf southward,

Long Island, A. V.

STORKS, 127

Nest, of reeds and weed stalks, in trees, bushes, and reedy marshes. Lygs,
three to five, pale greenish white, with chocolate markings generally most
numerous at the larger end, 2°25 x 1-5v.

This locally abundant species is generally found in flocks of five or
six to as many hundred birds which frequent mud flats, marshes, or
the borders of lagoons. They fly in close rank, and when in large
flocks, with their snowy plumage glistening in the sunlight and their
wing-strokes accented by the black-tipped primaries, form a strikingly
beautiful picture.

The Scartet Inis (185. Guara rubra), a South American species, has been
recorded from Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico. (See Brewster, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 1883, p. 185; also Scott, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 15.)

186. Plegadis autumnalis (//asse/qg.).. Guossy Ipis. Ad.—Rich
chestnut, upper and under tail-coverts, back, wings, and front of the head
with greenish and purplish reflections; lores (in skins) blackish. Jm.—Head
and neck fuscous-brown, the feathers laterally margined with white; rest of
under parts dull fuscous-brown; back with greenish reflections. L., 24:00;
Wet iad Lar.3'10 B., 5°00.

fange.—Tropical and subtropical regions generally ; rare and of local dis-
tribution in the southeastern United States and West Indies.

Washington, A. V., two records. Long Island, A. V., two records. Cam-
bridge, A. V., one record, May.

Nest, of rushes, plant stems, etc., in reedy swamps or low bushes. Lggs,
three, rather deep, dull blue, 2°01 x 1°47.

This is a rare species in the eastern United States. Its haunts are
of much the same nature as those of the preceding species.

‘The Waitrr-racep Grossy Insts (187. Plegadis guarauna), a locally com-
mon species from Texas westward and southward, has been recorded but once
from east of the Mississippi, viz., at or near Lake Washington, Florida, where
a female was shot on a nest containing three eggs (Brewster, Auk, iii, 1886,
p. 482). This species resembles the Glossy [bis, but adults have the region
about the base of the bill white.

FAMILY CICONIIDA. STORKS.

Only two of the twenty-five known species included in this family
are found in North America. Storks are both gregarious and solitary.
Our species, the so-called Wood Ibis, is as a rule found in flocks and
nests in colonies, It feeds in swamps and on the shores of bayous,
where it is said to “rake” the bottom with its foot in searching for
food. It is a strong flier, a certain number of wing-strokes being fol-
lowed by ashort sail. At times it mounts high in the air and sails
about like a Vulture. Sometimes it perches upon trees. Its voice is
described as a rough, guttural croak,

198 HERONS AND BITTERNS.

188. Tantalus loculator Zinn. Woop lpis. Ad.—Head and neck
bare; primaries, secondaries, and tail glossy greenish black, rest of plumage
white. Jm.—Head more or less feathered; head and neck grayish brown,
blacker on the nape; rest of plumage as in the adult, but more or less marked
with grayish; wings and tail less greenish. L., 40°00; W., 18-00; Tar., 7°60;
B. from N., 8°00.

Range. rape and subtropical America; breeds in the Gulf States, and,
after the breeding season, wanders irregularly northw ard, sometimes veactnde
Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Washington, A. V., two specimens. Long Island, A. V.

Nest, a platform of sticks in trees. Lys, two to three, dull w hite with a
soft calcareous deposit, 2°75 x 1°75.

This is a locally common species in Florida.

FAMILY ARDEIDZ. HERONS AND BITTERNS.

This family contains about seventy-five species distributed in most
parts of the globe, but more numerously in the intertropical regions.
Generally speaking, Herons are gregarious, nesting and roosting in
flocks. While feeding they are more solitary, but each night they
regularly return to roost with their kind in a “rookery.” Bitterns do
not associate in flocks, and are generally found singly or in pairs. As
a rule, they feed in grassy marshes, while Herons more commonly
resort to the shores of lakes, rivers, bays, or salt-water lagoons. Some
species secure their food of frogs, fish, small reptiles, ete., by standing
rigidly motionless and waiting for it to come within striking distance,
or by wading for it with the utmost caution. Others run rapidly and
noisily through the water, trusting to their agility and the rapidity of
their spearlike thrusts to supply their wants. Herons, unlike our
Ibises and Cranes, fly with their folded neck drawn in between their
shoulders. Their voice is a hoarse squawk.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Wing over 13°00.
A. Plumage pure white.
a. Wing 17-00 or over; feathers on the lower neck long, narrow.
192. Great WuitTE Heron.
b. Wing under 17:00; neck-feathers not lengthened. 196. Am. EGRer.
B. Upper parts generally slaty or grayish blue.
193. Warp’s Heron. 194, Great Bur HERon.
II. Wing under 13:00.
1. Crown without streaks.
A. Crown white or whitish.
a. Wing over 11:00.
a, Plumage entirely or mostly white . . . 198. Reppisn Eerer.
a, Plumage gray streaked with black; throat and sides of neck
black . . . . . . . « 208. YELLOW-cRowNED Nicut HERON.

4

NERONS AND BITTERNS. 129

6. Wing under 11°00.
61. Plumage pure white; legs and bill black; feet yellow.
197. Snowy Heron.
62, Tips of primaries slate-color; plumage white, sometimes irregu-
larly marked with slaty blue. . 200. LirrLe BLuE Heron (Im.).
B. Crown umber or reddish brown.
a. Head and neck reddish brown; body slate-color.
198. ReppisH EGRet.
b. Neck conspicuously streaked ; body variegated. 190. Am. Birrern.
C. Crown slaty or slate-blue with sometimes a purplish cast.
a. Wing-coverts more or less margined with rufous.
199. Louistana HERon,
6. Wing-coverts without rufous. . . . . 200. Lirrte Biur Heron.
D. Crown greenish or bluish black.
a. Wing over 10:00; entire under parts pure white.
202. BLack-cRowNED Nieut Heron.
6. Wing under 10:00.
61. Wing-coverts green . . . . . . 201. LirrLe Green Heron.
cl, Wing-coverts rufous-chestnut and buff.
c?, Under parts buffy, more or less streaked. 191. Least Birrern.
c3. Under parts rufous-chestnut . 191.1. Cory’s Leasr BirrErn.
2. Crown streaked.
A. Wing under 10:00; upper parts greenish 201. Lirrte Green Heron.
B. Wing over 10:00; upper parts brownish or blackish brown streaked
with white.
a. Upper parts light brown; outer edge of primaries reddish.
202. BLack-cRowNED Nieut Heron (Im.).
6. Back dark brown; crown nearly black with white streaks ; prima-
ries dark slate-color . 203. YELLow-cRowNED Niecut Heron (Im.).

190. Botaurus lentiginosus (Jontag.). American Birrern;
Marsu Hen. Ad.—A glossy black streak on either side of the upper neck;
top of the head and back of the neck bluish slate, more or less washed with
buffy ; back brown, bordered and irregularly mottled with buffy, and buffy
vehraceous, wing-coverts similarly marked, but the ground color grayer; un-
der parts creamy buff, the feathers all widely streaked with buffy brown,
which is finely speckled with buffy aud narrowly margined by brownish
gray. J/m.—Similar, but the buffy everywhere deeper and more ochraceous.
ii 28-00; W., 10:50; Tar., 3°50: B., 3°00.

fange.—Temperate North America; breeds but rarely south of Virginia ;
winters from Virginia southward.

Washington, rather common W. V., Aug. to Apl. Long Island, common ~
T. V., Apl. and Sept. to Nov. Sing Sing, rare 8. R., Apl. 11 to Oct. 5. Cam-
bridge, not common 8. R., Apl. 15 to Noy.

Nest, of grasses, ete., on the ground in marshes. Zgqs, three to five, pale
olive-buff, 1:90 x 1:45.

The Bittern makes its home in extensive grassy meadows with
plenty of water, but in the season of migration may be found and

10

130 HERONS AND BITTERNS.

heard “ booming” in smaller and more accessible swampy places. Like
the other members of its family, it excels in standing still, and will hold
its head erect and motionless amid the tall grass till the watcher tires
of looking and pronounces the suspicious object nothing but a stick
after all. The Bittern’s fame rests upon its vocal performance, or
“boom.” This is sometimes exactly like the working of an old-fash-
ioned wooden pump, and sometimes—even with the same bird—like
the driving of a stake ina bog. It can be heard for a long distance.
The performance is best witnessed in spring, while the grass is still
low. That it is not so very difficult at that season to steal a march
upon the bird may perhaps be considered as established on the testi-
mony of a man who has never lived near a Bittern meadow, and yet
has watched the performance at much length and at near range on
several occasions. His first experience of this kind is described some-
what fully in The Auk, vol. vi, page 1. The strange notes are deliv-
ered with equally strange contortions, as if the bird were horribly
nauseated, and are preceded by a succession of quick snapping or
gulping sounds—* hiccoughs,” one observer has called them. No
water is employed in the operation, in spite of the circumstantial as-
sertions of several persons who profess to have seen the bird swallow-
ing and then ejecting it—BrADForD TORREY.

191. Ardetta exilis (Gmel.). Least Birtern. Ad. 6.—Top of the
head, back, and tail shining black; back of the neck chestnut-rufous ; most
of the greater wing-coverts and outer vanes of the secondaries darker; lesser
wing-coverts and part of the greater ones buffy ; under parts, ¢ncluding under
tail-coverts, washed with buffy; a blackish patch at either side of the breast.
Ad. @.—Similar, but head browner and back light, glossy umber; under
parts darker and more or less streaked with brownish. Jm. é.—Similar to
ad. ¢, but the back washed and tipped with chestnut; under parts darker
and lightly streaked with black. Jm. ¢.—similar toad. ¢ , but the back rufous,
margined with butfy ochraceous. L., 13°00; W., 4:60; Tar., 1:60; B., 1:80.

Range.—Temperate and tropical America; breeds in North America as
far north as Maine, Ontario, and Manitoba; winters from southern Florida
southward.

Washington, not very numerous 8. R., May 5 to Sept. 25. Long Island,
common 8. R., May to Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. R., to Aug. 10.
Cambridge, rather common 8. R., May 15 to Aug.

Nest, of grasses, plant stems, ete. in marshes among rushes, sometimes in
asmall bush. £ggqs, three to six, pale bluish white, 1:20 x -92.

Wet, grassy marshes such as Rail love, or reed-grown ponds that
Gallinules frequent, are the resorts of these retiring, secretive little
birds. With outstretched necks and lowered heads they make their
way without difficulty through the jungle of roots and stalks. Some-
times they climb up a slender reed, and, hanging on like Marsh Wrens,

HERONS AND BITTERNS, 131

survey their surroundings. They take wing almost from beneath one’s
feet, and, with a low, frightened qua, fly slowly for a short distance
and then drop back into the grass. During the breeding season one
may hear what presumably is the voice of only the male—a soft, slowly
repeated, dovelike coo, coo, coo, coo, coo. It floats over the marsh like
the voice of a spirit bird. :

191.1. Ardetta neoxena (ory. Cory’s Birtern. Ad. §.—“ Top of
the head, back, and tail dark greenish black, showing a green gloss when held
in the light. Sides of the head and throat rufous-chestnut, the feathers on the
back of the neck showing greenish-black tips; breast and under parts nearly
uniform rufous-chestnut, shading into dull black on the sides; wing-coverts
dark rufous-chestnut, all the remiges entirely slaty plumbeous; under tail-
coverts uniform dull black. W., 4:30; Tar., 1:40; B., 1:80” (Cory, orig. deser.,
Auk, ili, 1886, p. 262).

This small Bittern was described from a specimen taken in the
Everglades of Florida. Five additional specimens have since been
secured in the same region, to which, until recently, the species was
supposed to be confined. Within the past few years, however, seven
specimens have been taken in the Toronto marshes, where A. exilis is
common, and one is recorded from Michigan. It seems to me not un-
likely that, as Mr. W. H. D. Scott suggests, neovena may prove to be a
color phase of A. eailis. (Cf. Scott, Auk, vill, 1891, p. 309; ix, 1892,
p. 141; and Chapman, 7d7d., xiii, 1896, p. 11.)

192. Ardea occidentalis 4u/. Great Wuire Heron. Ad.—En-
tirely white; in breeding plumage, with long, narrow, stiffened feathers on the
_back and lower foreneck, and two narrow plumes on the back of the crown.
“T., 4500-5400; W., 17-00-2100; B., 6:00-7:00; Tar, 8-00-8°75” (hidgw.).

Range.—Jamaica and Cuba north to the coasts of southern Florida, casu-
ally to Anclote River and Micco.

Nest, a platform of sticks in colonies in mangrove bushes. qs, three te
four, pale, dull blue, 2°50 x 1°80.

This is a common species on the coasts of southern Florida, par-
ticularly in the vicinity of Cape Sable. Rarely it is found as far north
as the Anclote River on the west coast and Micco on the east coast.
This bird is as large as the Great Blue Heron, and must not be con-
fused with Ardea egretta, to which the name Great White Heron is
frequently applied.

Ardea wuerdmanni Baird has been considered to be a color phase
of this species, but its true standing is unknown. It is described by
Coues as follows:

“ Head, with the crest, white, the forehead streaked with black edges of the

feathers; under parts white, the sides streaked with black; lower plumes of
neck white, mostly streaked with black edges of the feathers ; neck purplish

132 HERONS AND BITTERNS.

gray, darker than in A. erodias, with a similar throat line of white, black,
and rufous. Under wing-coverts streaked with white; rufous of edge of wing
less extensive than in A. herodias, that of tibie paler. Tibise and soles of feet
yellow; tarsi and top of toes yellowish green. /m.—Like young 4A. herodias;
top of head dusky, the feathers with whitish shaft lines and bases. Lesser
wing-coverts speckled with rusty, the under ones pure white” (Coues). “L.,
48-00-50-00; W., 2000-21-00; B., 5°95-6°50; Tar., 7-95-8:25” (Ridgw.). _

193. Ardea wardi Ridgw. Warv’s Heron.—This is the Florida rep-
resentative of A. herodias. It is believed by some ornithologists to be a dis-
tinct species, but in my opinion is a peninsular race. The average differences
in color between it and A. herodias consist in its whiter lower parts, darker
neck, and olive instead of black legs. These differences, however, can not
always be relied upon, and size is the character by which the two birds can
best be distinguished, wardz being the larger, as the following measurements
show: L., 52:00; W., 19°75-20°50; B., 6-40-6°80; Tar., 8:00-8°50.

Range.—F lorida, from Alachua County southward.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, generally in cypress trees. LZggs,
three to four, pale, dull blue, 2°65 x 1°85.

This is the Florida form of the following, which it resembles in
habits. It is more common than the Great Blue Heron, and is gener-
ally distributed throughout the peninsula from Gainesville southward.

194. Ardea herodias Zinn. Great Brut Heron; Brive Crane;
SanpHILL CRANE. Ad. in breeding plumage.—Center of the crown and throat
white, sides of the crown black, this color meeting on the back of the head,
where the feathers are lengthened to form an occipital crest: neck pale gray-
ish brown, a narrow black, white, and ochraceous line down the middle of
the foreneck ; feathers of the lower foreneck narrow and much lengthened,
whitish with sometimes black streaks; back, wing-coverts, and tail slaty
gray, the scapulars paler, narrow, and much lengthened; bend of the wing
chestnut-rufous; a patch of black and white feathers on the side of the
breast; breast and belly streaked with black and white and sometimes pale
rufous ; feathers on legs dull rufous, legs and feet black, upper mandible olive-
yellow, the culmen blackish; lower mandible yellow; lores blue. Jm.—
Similar, but entire crown black, throat white, neck brownish gray washed
with buffy ochraceous ; no black at the sides of the breast or plumes on the
lower neck; under parts streaked with black, slaty, white, and ochraceous ;
bend of wings and feathers on legs paler; back slaty grayish brown without
lengthened plumes. “L., 42°00-50:00; W., 17°90-19°85; B., 4:80-6:25; Tar.,
6:00-8:00” (Ridew.).

Range.—Northern South America northward to the arctic regions; breeds
locally throughout most of its North American range and winters from the
Middle States southward.

Washington, rather common, absent only in midwinter. Long Island,
common T. V., Apl. and May; Aug. to Dee. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl.
4to Apl. 18; Aug. 16 to Oct. 6. Cambridge, common T, V., Apl. and May;
Sept. to Noy.; occasional in summer,

HERONS AND BITTERNS. 132

Nest, a platform of sticks, generally in colonies, in trees. Zggs, three to
four, pale, dull blue, 2°50 x 1°50.

Is it due to the influence of the artists of the Orient that these
long-legged, long-necked birds are so frequently miscalled “ Cranes”?
With head drawn in and legs trailing on behind, they flap slowly over
the water, resembling, no doubt, the * Cranes” of fans, screens, and
bronzes ; nevertheless, they are Herons. With all a Heron’s immovable
alertness they watch patiently for passing fish, sometimes wading with
extreme caution, placing one foot slowly after the other. They feed
both by day and night. Tishes, frogs, reptiles, even small mice, all
are welcome; and all are powerless to escape the lightning thrust of
the spearlike bill. Their voice is harsh and rasping. When alarmed
they utter a croak which is sometimes prolonged into a series of squawks,
They nest and roost in colonies, but at other times are solitary birds.

The European Great Bivur Heron (195. Ardea cinerea) is accidental in
southern Greenland. It may be distinguished from our species by the white
instead of rufous feathers on the legs.

196. Ardea egretta (mel. American Earer. Ad. in breeding
plumage.—Entire plumage pure white; about fifty straight “ aigrette” plumes
grow from the interscapular region and reach beyond the tail; legs and feet
black ; bill yellow; lores orange, bordered below by greenish. Ad. after the
breeding season and Im.—Without the interscapular plumes. L., 41:00; W.,
15:00; Tar., 5°60; B., 4°50.

Range.—Tropical and temperate America; breeds as far north as southern
Illinois and Virginia; after the breeding season sometimes strays northward
as far as Manitoba, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

Washington, not common and irregular 8. R., May to August. Long
Island, rare from July to Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. Zyqs, three
to five, dull blue, of a rather deeper shade than those of the preceding,
Peep 1:60.

Tourists who went to Florida thirty years ago have told me of
prairies white with Egrets, of bushy islands glistening in the sun like
snow banks. Now you may look for miles along a lake shore and per-
haps in the distance see a solitary Egret, which, as you approach, with
a frightened squawk takes wing a rifle-shot away. The rapid exter-
mination of these plume-bearing birds is startling evidence of man’s
power in the animal world. At his word a species is almost imme-
diately wiped out of existence. I have heard a “ plume-hunter” boast
of killing three hundred Herons in a “rookery” in one afternoon.
Another proudly stated that he and his companions had killed one
hundred and thirty thousand birds—Herons, Egrets, and Terns—dur-
ing one winter. But the destruction of these birds is an unpleasant

134 HERONS AND BITTERNS.

subject. It isa blot on Florida’s history. The subject will be found
fully treated by W. HE. D. Scott in The Auk, iv, 1887, p. 185.

197. Ardea candidissima Gmel. Snowy Heron; Snowy Ecret
Ad, in breeding plumage.—Entire plumage pure white; about fifty recurved
“aigrette” plumes grow from the interscapular region and reach to or just
beyond the end of the tail; legs black, feet yellow, bill black, yellow at the
base; lores orange-yellow. Ad. after the breeding season and [n.—W ithout
the interscapular plumes. L., 24:00; W., 9°75; Tar., 3°80; B., 8:20.

Range.—Tropical and temperate America; breeds as far north as southern
Illinois and Long Island; after the breeding season sometimes strays north-
ward as far as Ontario and Maine.

Washington, casual; irregular in fall. Long Island, rare 8S. R., Apl. to
Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. ygs, three
to five, pale, dull blue, 1:80 x 1.20.

The “curse of beauty” has numbered the days of this the most
dainty and graceful of Herons. Twenty years ago it was abundant in
the South, now it is the rarest of its family. The delicate “aigrettes”
which it donned as a nuptial dress were its death warrant. Woman
demanded from the bird its wedding plumes, and man has supplied
the demand. The Florida Herons have gone, and now he is pursuing
the helpless birds to the uttermost parts of the earth. Mercilessly
they are shot down at their roosts or nesting grounds, the coveted
feathers are stripped from their backs, the carcasses are left to rot,
while the young in the nest above are starving. But then, you know,
the little bunch of aigrettes in yonder jaunty bonnet is “so pretty,”
“so becoming! ”

198. Ardea rufescens Gmel. Reppisu Eerer. Ad., dark phase—
Head and neck rufous-chestnut, glossed with vinaceous; rest of the plumage
dark bluish slate-color; about thirty “‘aigrette” plumes grow from the inter-
scapular region and reach beyond the tail; legs and feet black. Jm.—Simi-
lar, but without the “aigrette” plumes. White phase.—Similar in size and
form, but entire plumage white, except the tips of the primaries, which are
sometimes very finely speckled with grayish. /m.—Sumilar, but without the
“aiorette” plumes. L., 29:00; W., 12°50; Tar., 5°40; B., 3°60.

Remarks.—The two color phases of this bird were supposed to represent
two species, the white phase being called Ardea pealei Bonap. They have,
however, been found mated together, and intermediates or party-colored
specimens are known.

Range.—West Indies and Central America north to coasts of the Gulf
States; casually southern Illinois.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes generally over water.
Eggs, two to four, pale, dull blue, 1°95 x 1:45.

This is, or was a few years ago, a‘not uncommon species on the
coasts of southern Florida, but it is unknown in the interior. It is

‘AUNLVWNI GNV LINGV ‘NOUAF, ANT ALLLIT

HERONS AND BITTERNS. 135

generally seen in flocks. With A. candidissima they lack the patience
of the larger Herons and pursue their prey in shallow water.

199. Ardea tricolor ruficollis (Gosse). Lovistana Heron. Ad.
—Upper parts dark bluish slate-color; back of the head and upper neck with
elongated chestuut-rufous and white feathers; back with pale brownish gray
“aigrette” plumes reaching to the tail; lower back, rump, and belly white;
neck bluish slate-color; throat white, an indistinct rufous line down the mid-
dle of the foreneck ; legs blackish; base of the bill and lores bluish. Jn.—
Throat, and an indistinct line down the foreneck, white ; rest of the head and
neck brownish rufous; upper back and wings bluish slate-color, more or less
washed with brownish rutous ; no plumes ; lower back, rump, and belly white;
breast with more or less slaty streaks; legs yellow behind, blackish before;
lower mandible and lores orange; upper mandible black. L., 26-00; W., 10:00;
Par. 370); B.,:3°90.

Range.—Central America and West Indies northward to the Gulf States;
casually to Long Island.

Long Island, A. V., one record.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. Zyqgs, four
to five, pale, dull blue, 1:75 x 1:35.

A common species in Florida, where it is found both singly and in
flocks. It is sometimes a slow, stealthy feeder, and at others dashes
for its prey.

200. Ardea ceerulea Zinn. Lirrie Bivr Heron. Ad.—Head and
neck maroon-chestnut; rest of. the plumage dark bluish slate-color; inter-
seapulars and lower neck feathers lengthened and narrowly pointed; lores
blue; legs and feet black. /m—White, the plumage sometimes more or less
washed with slaty ; the tips of the primaries always bluish slate-color } legs,
feet, and lores greenieh yellow. L., 22:00; W., 10°25; Tar., 3°70; B., 3:00. d

Remarks.—Between the young and adult there is every stage of inter-
gradation of color, some specimens being irregularly marked with blue and
white in about equal proportions. Young birds are sometimes mistaken for
Snowy Herons, but can always be distinguished by the greenish yellow legs
and slaty tips of the primaries.

Range.—Tropical and temperate America, breeding as far north as south-
ern Illinois and Virginia; after the breeding season wanders northward, some-
times reaching Nova Scotia.

Washington, casual in July and August; sometimes quite common. Long
Island, rare from Apl. to Sept.

West, a platform of sticks, in colonies, in bushes over water. yqs, three
to four, pale, dull blue, 1°70 x 1:30.

Thanks to their lack of “aigrette” plumes Little Blue Herons are
probably the most common Herons in Florida to-day. They are gen-
erally found in flocks, sometimes composed entirely of blue adults,
sometimes of white, immature birds, and at others both young and old
are associated. The white birds resemble A. candidissima, but the

136 HERONS AND BITTERNS.

color of their legs and feet serves as a distinguishing character at some
distance. They are silent when feeding, but when undisturbed in their
rookeries each bird seems to have something to say, and the result is a
strange chorus of croaking voices. They feed by day, and generally
wait for their prey to come within striking distance.

201. Ardea virescens Zinn. Lirrte Green Heron; PoxeE (see
Fig. 19). -4d.—Crown and a short line below the eye glossy greenish black ;
throat buffy white, this color extending down the foreneck as a narrow line
mixed with blackish, widening on the breast; rest of the head and neck
rufous-chestnut glossed with vinaceous ; back, with lengthened interscapulars,
green, more or less washed with bluish gray; wing-coverts green, margined
with white or butfy ; belly ashy gray, more or less washed with bufty. Jm.—
Similar, but with the neck and under parts streaked with blackish; back
without lengthened feathers or wash of blue-gray ; wing-coverts widely mar-
gined with butty ochraceous. L., 17:00; W., 7°25; Tar., 1:90; B., 2°50.

Range.—Tropical and temperate America; breeds as far north as Mani-
toba, Ontario, and the Bay of Fundy ; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, very common 8. k., Apl. 15 to Sept. Long Island, common
S. R., Apl. to Oct. Sing Sing, common 8. k., Apl. 6 to Sept. 26. Cambridge,
common 8. R., May 5 to Sept. :

Nest, a platform of sticks in a bush or low branch of a tree. Zggs, three
to six, pale, dull blue, 1°50 x 114.

The shores of wooded streams or ponds are frequented by this small
Heron in preference to more exposed situations. It is most active in
the early morning or at nightfall, and during the day rests quietly in
some sheltered situation. When startled, it springs into the air with a
frightened squawk, and, alighting at a safe distance on a tree or on
some elevated perch, with upstretched neck watches the intruder, be-
traying its apprehension by nervous twitchings of the tail. It is a
solitary bird, and, unlike most Herons, is never found in flocks.

202. Nycticorax nycticorax nzvius (/odd.). BLAck-cROWNED
Nieut Heron; Quawk. Ad.—Forehead, lores, neck, and under parts white
or whitish ; crown, upper back, and scapulars glossy, greenish black; lower
back, wings, and tail ashy gray; legs and feet yellow; lores greenish ; two or
three white rounded occipital plumes about 8:00 in length. /m.—Upper parts
grayish brown, the feathers streaked or with wedge-shaped spots of white or
buffy ; outer web of primaries pale rufous; under parts white, streaked with
blackish. L., 24:00; W., 12°00; Tar., 3°20; B., 3°00.

Range.—Breeds from Manitoba and New Brunswick southward through
South America; winters from the Gulf States southward.

Washington, not uncommon §. R., oceasional in winter. Long Island,
common 8. R., Apl. to Oct., a few winter. Sing Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 6
to Oct. 20. Cambridge, P. R., most common in Aug. and Sept.

Nest, of sticks, in colonies, generally in the upper parts of tall trees, some-
times in bushes or on the ground. £gqs, four to six, pale, dull blue, 2°00 x 1°40.

CRANES. 137

These birds live in colonies composed sometimes of thousands of
pairs. Their day begins after sunset, when they leave their roosts and
start for their feeding grounds. Occasionally they utter a loud, hoarse
quawk, the origin of their common name; and looking up we may
eatch a glimpse of them hurrying through the gloom. During the
nesting season the demands of the young force them to feed both by
day and night.

203. Nycticorax violaceus (/inn.). YrELLow-crownep Nienr
Heron. Ad.—Crown white, generally washed with butty ; ear-coverts white ;
rest of the head and throat black; neck, breast, and belly blue-gray; back
the same; the lengthened interscapulars, seapulars, and wing-coverts streaked
with black; two or three black und white rounded occipital plumes; lores
greenish yellow; legs greenish. /m.—Crown béack, the feathers streaked with
white or buffy ; rest of the upper parts, including wing-coverts, fuscous-brown
with wedge-shaped butfy or white spots; primaries dark bluish slate-color
without rufous ; under parts white or buffy streaked with blackish. L., 23-00;
Me 00s Lars 3:75. 53:00:

Remarks.—Young birds bear a general resemblarice to those of the pre~
ceding species, but differ in being darker, in having the head darker than the
back, and the primarios without rufous.

Range—Breeds from southern I]linois and South Carolina southward to
South America, and occasionally strays north as far as Massachusetts.

Long Island, A. V. Cambridge, A. V., one record, July.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in pairs, generally in a low branch overhanging
water. /ggqs, four to five, pale, dull blue, 1:95 x 1°45.

Unlike the preceding, this is a rather solitary species, and is found
singly or in pairs along the borders of wooded streams, and never in
colonies. It is also, I think, more diurnal in habits.

cf

ORDER PALUDICOLZE. CRANES, RAILS, ETC.

FAMILY GRUID&. CRANES.

The Cranes number about eighteen species, of which three are North
American, while the remaining fifteen inhabit the Old World. They
frequent plains and marshes, and are omnivorous feeders, eating frogs,
lizards, field-mice, snakes, etc., and various kinds of vegetable food.
Our species migrate in flocks, but are solitary rather. than gregarious
at other times of the year. Their voice is loud and resonant.

204. Grus americana (/inn.). Wroortnc Crane; Wuite CRANE.
Ad.—Top of the head, lores, and sides of the throat dull red, with a thin
growth of black “hairs”; primaries black, rest of the plumage white. Jm.—
Similar, but whole head feathered, and the plumage more or less washed with
buffy ochraceous. L., 50:00; W., 25:00; Tar., 11°50; B., 5:00.

138 COURLANS.

Range.—Interior of North America; breeds from Illinois northward ; win~
ters in the Gulf States.

Washington, A. V., one record.

West, of grasses and weed stalks, on the ground in marshy places. Zgqs,
two, olive-gray, spotted and blotched with distinct and obscure cinnamon-
brown markings, 4:00 x 2°50.

A rather rare species east of the Mississippi. “In flight their long
necks and stiltlike legs are stretched out in a line with the body to
the full extent, moving strongly with slowly beating wings, but not
swiftly, ... often circling spiral-like to a great height. They occa-
sionally bunch up, and I have seen them in triangular form; but as a
rule they travel in single file, following their leader in a wavy line,
croaking as they go, like hounds upon a cold trail” (Goss).

The Litrte Brown CRANE (205. Grus canadensis) breeds from Hudson
Bay to Alaska, and winters in Texas and Mexico. There are but two in-
stances of its occurrence east of the Mississippi (Rhode Island and South
Carolina). It resembles mexicana, but is smaller; W. 18°50; B., 4:10.

206. Grus mexicana (WMiill.). Sannnitn Crane; Brown Crane.
Ad.—Whole top of the head to below the eyes covered with rough, minutely
warty, dull reddish skin thinly grown with short, black “hairs”; plumage
brownish gray, with more or less silvery gray and buffy ochraceous. Jm.—
Similar, but whole head feathered, and with more buffy ochraceous in the
plumage. “L., 40:00-48:00; W., 21°83; Tar., 10 25; B., 5:47” (Ridgw.).

Range.—F lorida, Georgia, and northward through the Mississippi Valley
to Manitoba; breeds locally throughout its range; winters in the Gulf States
from Florida to Texas.

Nest, of roots, rushes, weed stulks, ete.,on the ground in marshy places.
Eggs, two, olive-gray, spotted and blotched with distinct and obscure cinna-
mon+brown markings, 3°90 x 2°40.

“These birds in their habits are similar to the Whooping [Crane],
but much more numerous. Their loud, modulating, sonorous croak
announces their presence, and is often heard during the night as well
as the day.

_ “During courtship and the early breeding season their actions and
antics at times are ludicrous in the extreme, bowing and leaping high
in the air, hopping, skipping, and circling about with drooping wings
and croaking whoop, an almost indescribable dance and din, in which
the females (an exception to the rule) join, all working themselves up
into a fever of excitement only equaled by an Indian war dance, and,
Jike the same, it only stops when the last one is exhausted ” (Goss).

FAMILY ARAMIDZ. COURLANS.

Courlans might be called large Rails with some of the habits of
Herons. Two species are known, Aramus scolopaceus of South America,

RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 139

and A. giganteus of Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, and
Florida. They frequent the borders of wooded streams and swamps,
and at times the uplands. Their flight is short, and when on the wing
their legs dangle below them. Like the Herons, they perch in trees.
Their prolonged, melancholy call has won for them the name “ Crying-
bird.” Their usual note is a loud, rather high wah-ree-ow; the last
syllable is drawn out into a wail, and the effect is most grewsome.
Courlans feed to a large extent on land shells (Ampullaria), and, as
Prof. W. B. Barrows has shown, the tip of the Courlan’s bill is some-
times turned slightly to one side. an evident result of forcing it into
the spiral opening of the shell to extract the animal.

207. Aramus giganteus (Lonap.). Lipkin; Cryine-sirp ; Cour-
LAN. (See Fig. 24.) -4d.—Glossy olive-brown, the feathers of the head and
neck narrowly, those of the body broadly, striped with white; wings and tail
more bronzy. /m.—Similar, but paler and duller. L., 28°00; W., 13:00; Tar.,
4°50; B., 4°25.

Range.—Central America and West Indies north to Rio Grande Valley
and Florida.

Nest, of leaves, twigs, etc.,in a bush or small tree. Zgqs, four to seven,
pale buffy white, blotched, stained, and speckled with light cinnamon-brown,
2°30 x 1°70.

This is a locally distributed species in Florida. Its general habits
are described in the remarks on the family Aramide.

FAMILY RALLIDZ. RaAILs, GALLINULES, AND Coots.

The one hundred and eighty species contained in this family are
distributed throughout the greater part of the world, fifteen species
inhabiting North America. Rails and Gallinules are not strictly gre-
garious, but are generally associated through a community of inter-
ests ; Coots, however, are usually found in flocks. Rails inhabit grassy
marshes, in which they seek safety by running or hiding, taking to
wing when pursued only as a last resort. Their flight is then short
and labored, and with dangling legs they soon drop back into cover.
Nevertheless, they perform extended migrations, traveling hundreds of
miles without resting. Gallinules live near the marshy borders of bodies
of water, while the more aquatic Coots resemble some Ducks in habits,

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Bill over 1°75.

A. Cheeks below the eye cinnamon-rufous, like the breast; flanks black

barred with white; upper parts rich olive-brown streaked with black.
208. Kine Rat.
B. Cheek below the eye gray; flanks generally gray or brownish, barred

with white; upper parts generally grayish, streaked with black.

211. CLaprerR Ratt and races,

140 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS.

1f. Bill under 1-75.
A. Wing over 6:00.
a. General color blue, feet yellow . . . . . 218. PuRPLE GALLINULE.
6. General color slaty, feet dark greenish.
1. Toes with large scalloped webs or flaps at the side. 221. Am. Coor.
22, Toes without flaps or webs . . .-. . 219. FLoripa GALLINULE.
SL. Wing under 6:00.
a: Wing under 3°50.
a, Back blackish, with small round, white spots . 216. Brack RaiL.
a2, Back blackish, barred with white and margined with buffy.
215. YELLow Ratt.
b. Wing over 3°50.
B. Bill over 100. 2 ee oe + oe oy ee eee, VER GTN Ag eee
@, Bill under 1:00.
c2, Wing over 4°50, lesser wing-coverts rufous . 217. Corn CRAKE.
c8, Wing under 4°50, lesser wing-coverts olive . . . . 214. Sora.

208. Rallus elegans 4wd. Kine Ratt; Marsu Hen. Ad.—Upper
parts varying from olive-brown to black, the back and scapulars widely mar-
gined with olive-gray; wings and tail olive-brown; wing-coverts rufous ;
throat white; neck and breast cinnamon-rufous ; belly and sides fuscous,
sharply barred with white. Downy Young—Glossy black. L., 15°00; W.,
6:50; Tar., 2:20; B., 2°40. ‘

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds as far north as Missouri and
southern Connecticut, and occasionally strays as far as Wisconsin, Ontario,
and Maine; winters from Virginia southward.

Washington, uncommon §. R., almost a P. R. Long Island, rare 8. R.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in fresh-water marshes. Zygs, seven to
twelve, buffy white, more heavily spotted and speckled with rufous-brown
than those of the next species, 1°68 x 1°20.

The King Rail is the fresh-water representative of the Clapper Rail.
It is, however, a much less common bird, and less is known of its
habits. Like other Rails, it is a skulker, and never flies when it can
escape by running or hiding in the dense grass of its home. On three
occasions I have heard what I am quite sure was the King Rail’s call,
a loud, startling biip, biip, biip, biip, bip, uttered with increasing ra-
pidity until the syllables were barely distinguishable, then ending some-
what as it began. The whole performance occupied about five seconds.

211. Rallus longirostris crepitanms ((me/.). Ciaprper Ratr;
Marsu Hen. (See Fig. 22, a.) -Ad—Upper parts very pale greenish olive,
the feathers widely margined with gray; wings and tail grayish brown;
wing-coverts pale cinnamon, much washed with gray; throat white; neck
and breast pule, between ochraceous and cream-buff, more or less washed
with grayish; belly and sides gray or brownish gray, barred with white.
Downy Young—Glossy black. L., 14°50; W., 5°00; Tar., 2°00; B., 2°50.

Remarks.—The Clapper Rail may always be known from the King Rail

CLAPPER RAIL.

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“ovens oe ‘hes yo
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pe
m hes

RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 141

by its generally grayish instead of brownish or blackish upper parts, by its
much paler breast and flanks and paler wing-coverts.

Range—Breeds in salt-water marshes of eastern North America from
Connecticut to the Gulf of Mexico; winters in small numbers from near the
northern limit of its range southward.

Washington, A. V., one record. Long Island, common 8. R., Apl. to Oct.,
afew winter. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground, in grass-grown, salt-water marshes. Lyqs,
eight totwelve, buffy white, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1-72 x 1°20.

The Clapper Rail is an inhabitant of grassy, salt-water marshes, and,
in the southern parts of its range, of mangrove swamps. It is almost
impossible to flush these birds unless their haunts are invaded by an
unusually high tide, when a boat may be pushed through the meadows
and the birds forced to take wing. I have heard birds calling in the
tall grass within a few feet of me, and have made a wild rush in their
direction, only to be mocked a moment later by apparently the same
bird calling from a point almost within reach. They dodge about over
well-traveled pathways like children in a game of blindman’s buff.

While not strictly gregarious, they live in colonies, and the long,
rolling call of one bird is sometimes taken up and repeated by others
until there is a general outcry through the marsh.

21ia. R. 1. saturatus /ensh. Lovistana Cuaprer Rait.—A local
race of the Clapper Rail found in the marshes of Louisiana. Its characters
appear not to be well understood. It is much darker than crvepitans, but not
so dark as scottzi. “ W., 5°65; Tar., 1:97; B., 2°27” (Ridgw.).

Range.—Coast of Louisiana.

211b. R. 1. scottii (Senn.). Froripa Crapper Raiw.—Difters from
erepitans in being black, fuscous, or olive-brown above, with olive-gray mar-
gins to the feathers; in having the neck and breast cinnamon-rufous washed
with brownish, and in having the belly and flanks black instead of gray. In
fact, the general color of scottii suggests a King Rail, but the latter may always
be known by its rufous wing-coverts and clear cinnamon-rufous neck and
breast. W=.,.5°50; Tar., 1°90; B., 2:40.

Range.—Gulf coast of Florida,

212. Rallus virginianus Jinn. Viratnia Ratt. Ad.—Upper parts
fuscous or black, the feathers bordered by pale grayish brown; wings and
tail dark grayish brown; wing-coverts rufous, lores whitish, cheeks gray,
throat white, rest of the under parts cinnamon-rufous ; flanks and under tail-
coverts barred or spotted with black and white. Downy Young.—Glossy
plack. 1..9°50; W., 4:30 Tar., 1°30+ B., 1°50.

Range.—Breeds from northern Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Long Island to
Manitoba and Labrador; winters from near the southern limit of its breeding
range southward.

Washington, probably P. Rk. Long Island, common 8. R., Apl. to Oct.; a

142 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS.

few winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common S. R. to Sept. 29. Cambridge,
common 8. R., Apl. 20 to Oct. 15.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in marshes. “Zygs, six to twelve, pale buffy
white, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1:26 x 96.

In almost any extensive fresh or brackish marsh, especially if it
has beds of cat-tail flags or scattered thickets of low bushes and briers,
one may hear in May and June, particularly in the early morning, late
afternoon, or during cloudy weather, a succession of grunting sounds
not unlike those of a hungry pig. Although by no means loud, they
have a penetrating quality which makes them carry to a considerable
distance ; and they are apt to attract attention even when, as is usually
the case, they mingle with the songs of innumerable Red-winged
Blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, and other swamp-loving birds. It is no
easy matter to trace them to their author, but if you are persevering
and at the same time fortunate, you may at length discover him skulk-
ing under a bush or behind a tuft of grass. He is the Virginia Rail,
an odd-looking bird about the size of a Snipe. If you remain motion-
less, he may presently come out into fairer view and walk slowly around
the edge of some pool, lifting and putting down his large feet with
curious deliberation, cocking up his absurdly short tail at each step,
and every now and then stopping to thrust his bill deep into the ooze
in search of food. As he pauses to look at you, you are struck by his
half-quizzical, half-sinister expression, due, no doubt, to the fact that
his eyes are blood-red and deeply sunk in their long, narrow head.
Startle him by some sudden movement, and he will do one of three
things—dart back into cover as swiftly as a frightened mouse, skip
across the pool over the floating leaves of the water plants, using both
wings and feet, or rise with feebly fluttering wings and hanging legs
to fly only a few rods before dropping beyond some intervening screen
of grass or bushes. In any case you are not likely to find him again
on this occasion.

Besides the grunting sound, the Virginia Rail utters during the
breeding season, especially at night and in lowering weather, a gut-
tural cut, cutta-cutta-cutta, often repeated at brief intervals for hours
in succession. This cry appears to be peculiar to the male, and is, no
doubt, his love song. When heard at a distance of only a few yards it
has a vibrating, almost unearthly quality, and seems to issue from the
ground directly beneath one’s feet. The female, when anxious about
her eggs or young, calls ki-ki-ki in low tones, and kiw much like a
Flicker. The young of both sexes in autumn give, when startled, a
short, explosive kep or kik, closely similar to that of the Carolina Rail,

; WILLIAM BREWSTER.

RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 143

214. Porzana carolina (/inn.). Sora; Carorina Rait. (See Fig.
992, c.) Ad.—Region about the base of the bill, center of crown, and a line
down the middle of the neck black; rest of the breast and throat, sides of
the head, and front part of the crown pale blue-gray ; rest of the upper parts
olive-brown, most of the feathers with black centers, the scapulars and back
streaked on either side with white; wings fuscous-brown, their ecoverts gray-
ish cinnamon, outer edge of first primary white; lower belly white, flanks
barred with black and white. /m.—NSimilar, but without black at the base
of the bill or on the throat; breast washed with cinnamon and upper parts
darker. Ui, 800; W., 4°30;.Tar., 1:30; B.,°80.

Range.—Breeds from Kansas, Hlinois, and Long Island northward to
Hudson Bay ; winters from South Carolina to northern South America.

Washington, common T. V., Mch.; July to Nov. Long Island, com-
mon T. V., Apl. and May; Aug. to Oct.; rare 8. R. Sing Sing, common
T. V., May; Aug. 19 to Oct. 24. Cambridge, very common 8. R., Apl. 20 to
Oct. 20.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in marshes. £gqs, eight to fifteen, buffy
white or ochraceous-buff, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1°24 x *90.

The Soras’ summer home is in fresh-water marshes, where, if it
were not for their notes, the reeds and grasses would long keep the
secret of their presence. But knowing their calls, you have only to
pass a May or June evening near a marsh to learn whether they in-
habit it. If there, they will greet you late in the afternoon with a
clear whistled ker-wee, which soon comes from dozens of invisible
birds about you, and long after night has fallen it continues like a
springtime chorus of piping hylas. Now and again it is interrupted
by a high-voiced, rolling whinny which, like a call of alarm, is taken
up and repeated by different birds all over the marsh.

They seem so absorbed by their musical devotions that even when
calling continuously it requires endless patience and keen eyes to see
the dull-colored, motionless forms in places where one would not sup-
pose there was sufficient growth to conceal them.

Floating silently near the shore on my back in a canoe, I have seen
them venture out to feed. With tails erect they step gingerly along,
evidently aware of their exposed position, for.on the least alarm they
dart back to cover. Sometimes they cross small streams by swim-
ming, and they are expert divers.

In the fall they gather in the wild-rice or wild-oat (Zizania aquat-
ica) marshes, and a well-directed stone or unusual noise may bring a
series of protesting interrogative kuks or peeps from the apparently
deserted reeds. At this season “gunners” in small flat-bottomed
boats are poled through the flooded meadows, and the Soras, waiting
until the last moment, rise on feeble wing—a mark which few can
miss. Numerous puffs of smoke float over the tall grasses, and the
dull reports come booming across the marsh with fateful frequency.

144 RALLS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS.

The Sporren Crake (213. Porzana porzana)—an Old World representa-
tive of our Sora—is recorded as “ occasional] in Greeniand.”

215. Porzana noveboracensis (@me/.). YELLow Rar. (See Fig.
22,6.) Ad.—Upper parts black, the feathers bordered with ochraceous-buff
and with from one to three narrow white bars; breast ochraceous-butf; mid-
dle of the belly white ; sides and lower belly black or brownish, barred with
white. L., 7:00; W., 3°40; Tar., 95; B., 52.

Range.—* Eastern North America from Nova Scotia and Hudson Bay
west to Utah and Nevada; no extralimital record except Cuba and the Ber-
mudas ” (A. O..U.).

Washington, rare T. V., Mch. and Oct. Long Island, uncommon T. V.
Cambridge, rare T. V., Apl. and May; Oct. and Nov.

Nest, on the ground in grassy marshes. gs, six or more, creamy buff,
densely sprinkled and speckled on larger end with rusty brown, 1:12 x ‘83
(Ridgw.).

This little Rail inhabits marshes with others of its family. With
them it seems to know that it can escape its enemies much more easily
by hiding in the tangled grasses of its home than by taking wing, and
“it flies only to avoid actual capture. It can be hunted successfully,
therefore, only with dogs.

Nuttall describes its notes as “an abrupt and cackling ery, ’krék,
’krék, ’krék, ’krek, *kuk, ’k’kh,”’ and compares them to the croaking of
the tree frog.

216. Porzana jamaicensis ((mel.). Lirrte Brack Ratt. Ad.—
Ilead, breast, and upper belly slate-color; lower belly, back, and wings
brownish black. barred or spotted with white; nape dark reddish brown.
Dir 00: W., 2:80; Tar, “80 Bs, -60.

Range.—* Temperate North America, north to Massachusetts, northern
Illinois, and Oregon; south to West Indies and in western South America to
Chili” (A. O. U.). Probably breeds throughout its North America range.

Washington, rare T. V., several in Sept. Long Island, rare T. V.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground in marshes Zygqs, ten, white, thinly sprin-
kled with reddish brown dots, more numerous at the larger end, 1:00 x ‘80
(Nelson, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 1876, p. 48).

This bird is about as difficult to observe as a field mouse. It is
said to prefer grassy meadows, where, like others of its family, it never
flies when it can escape by running or hiding. It is apparently not
common. The only description of its notes I know of is given by Mr.
March, of Jamaica, who, as quoted by Dr. Brewer, writes its call as
* chi-chi-cro-croo-croo, several times repeated in sharp, high-toned
notes, so as to be audible to a considerable distance.”

The Corn Crakk (217. Crex crex), a bird of Europe and northern Asia, is

casual in Greenland, Bermudas, and eastern North America. It is about the
size of a Clapper Rail, but has a bill no larger than that of the Sora. The

RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS. 145

general color of the upper parts is between ochraceous-buff and cream-buff,
the feathers with black centers; the wing-coverts and most of the quills are
pale rufous; the breast is pale ochraceous-buff ; the sides are the same, barred
with white; the middle of the belly is white.

218. Ionornis martinica (Zinn.). PureLreGALuinuLe. Ad.—Front
of the crown with a bare bluish plumbeous plate; rest of the head and under
parts rich dark purplish blue; under tail-coverts white; back shining olive-
green; wings light blue, tinged with greenish; bill carmine, tipped with pale
greenish (in skins, reddish orange, tipped with yellowish); legs yellow. Jm.
—Upper parts more or less washed with brownish; under parts more or less
mottled with white; plate on the head smaller; bill without orange-red.
Downy young.—Glossy black, head with numerous white, hairlike feathers;
base of the bill yellowish, end black. L., 18°00; W., 7:10; Tar., 2°40; B.
from posterior margin of nostril, 80.

Range.—Tropical America; breeds as far north as southern Illinois and
South Carolina, and rarely strays northward to Wisconsin and Maine; win-
ters from southern Florida southward.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, a platform of reed stalks built in rushes over the water or in grassy
marshes. £ygs, eight to ten, buffy white, finely speckled with rufous-brown,
1:60 x 1:16.

This is a common bird in the Southern States. It winters from
southern Florida southward and migrates northward in April. It is
generally found associated with the Florida Gallinule, which it resem-
bles in habits, but its much brighter color is apparent at a distance.

219. Gallinula galeata (Zicht.). Froripa Gatinuie. (See Fig.
22,d:) Ad.—Dark bluish slate-color; back and scapulars washed with olive-
brown; belly whitish; flanks with a few conspicuous white streaks ; under
tail-coverts white; crown with a bare, bright-red plate; bill the same color
tipped with yellowish ; legs greenish, reddish at the tibiee. /m.—Similar, but
under parts grayish white; crown plate much smaller and with the bill
brownish; no red on the legs. Downy young“ Glossy black, the lower
parts sooty along the median line: throat and cheeks interspersed with sil-
very white hairs” (Ridgw.). L., 13°50; W., 7:00; Tar., 2:15; B. from poste-
rior margin of nostril, *80.

Range.—Temperate and tropical America; breeds locally as far north as
Minnesota and southern Maine; winters from the Gulf States southward.

Washington, rare T. V., Apl.; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, uncommon
T. V., May; Sept. and Oct. Sing Sing, rare 8. R., June 5 to Nov. 5. Cam-
bridge, uncommon 8. R., May 10 to Oct. 1.

Nest, of rushes on a bed of rushes or similar slight elevation in marshes,
lagoons, or swampy lake sides. #gqs, eight to thirteen, buffy white or ochra-
ceous-buff, spotted and speckled with rufous-brown, 1°80 « 1:25.

There is something about the appearance and habits of Gallinules
which always suggests to me the thought that they are chickens who
11

146 RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS.

for unknown reasons have been forced to adopt the ways of both Coots
and Rails. Indeed, now I think of it, the names Water-hen and Moor-
hen are applied to near relatives of our bird.

They frequent marshy, reed- or bush-grown shores of ponds and
lakes, walking gracefully through the tangled vegetation. Their flight
is short and, like a Rail, with dangling legs they drop awkwardly to the
ground. They swim readily, and when on the water resemble a Coot,
though they are by no means so aquatic. Their notes are loud and
varied, and during the nesting season they are unusually noisy. Their
common note is a loud, explosive chuck; other calls are suggestive of
the barnyard, and remind one of the protest of a disturbed brooding
hen or even the squawking of a struggling fowl. In The Auk, vol.
viii, pages 1-7, Mr. Brewster gives a detailed account of his study of a
pair of Gallinules.

221. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coor; Mup-HEn; Crow
Duck; Buiur Perer. (See Fig. 22,e.) Ad—Head and neck blackish; rest of
the plumage dark, bluish slate-color, paler below; edge of the wing, tips of
the secondaries, and under tail-coverts white; bill whitish, two spots near its
tip and crown plate brownish; legs and feet greenish ; toes with scalloped
flaps. Jm.—Similar, but much whiter below, a slight brownish wash above ;
crown plate much smaller. Downy young.—Blackish, white below ; throat and
upper parts with numerous bright orange hairlike feathers; lores red ; bill red,
tipped with black. L., 15:00; W., 7°50; Tar., 2°25; B. from posterior margin
of nostril, *80.

Remarks.—The Coot bears a general resemblance to the Florida Gallinule,
but, aside from the differences in color, the scalloped webbed feet of the Coot
will always serve to distinguish them,

Range.—North America as far north as Alaska and New Brunswick, and
casually Greenland; breeds locally throughout its range; rather rare on the
Atlantic coast during the nesting season.

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May; Sept. to Oct. 15. Long Island,
uncommon T. V., Apl.; not uncommon, Sept. to Nov. Sing Sing, common
T. V., Apl. 28 to May 16; Sept. 22 to Nov. 13. Cambridge, T. V., rare in
Apl.; common Sept. to Nov.

Nest, of reeds, grasses, etc., among reeds in fresh-water marshes. Zgqs,
eight to fifteen, pale, buffy white, finely and uniformly speckled with choco-
late or black, 1°85 x 1°25.

As one might imagine after seeing their lobed feet, Coots are more
aquatic than either of the Gallinules. In the Middle States they are
found in creeks and rivers ‘with marshy and reed-grown shores, while
in Florida they resort in enormous numbers to lakes covered with the |
yellow lilies locally known as “bonnets” (Vuphar); and in some of
the large, shallow rivers, like Indian River, they may be found in
myriads, associated with Lesser Scaup Ducks.

In my experience they are as a rule quite shy; but near the long

PHALAROPES. 147

railway pier at Titusville, Florida, where shooting is prohibited, they
are as tame as domestic Ducks. They evidently know the boundary
line between safety and danger, however, and when beyond the pro-
tected limits show their usual caution.

Coots swim easily, with a peculiar bobbing motion of the head and
neck. When alarmed they patter over the water, using their feet as
much as their wings. The sound produced is a characteristic one.

They are noisy birds, and when alarmed break out into a great
chorus of high, cackling notes which I have heard at a distance of half
a mile. Their ivory-white bill is an excellent field mark, and readily
serves to distinguish Coots from Gallinules.

The European Coot (220. Fulica atra) inhabits the northern parts of the
Old World, and sometimes occurs in Greenland. It closely resembles the
American Coot, but lacks the white markings on the edge of the wing and
under tail-coverts. ‘

ORDER LIMICOLZ. SHORE BIRDS.

FAMILY PHALAROPODIDE. PHALAROPES.

There are three known members of this family: one is confined to
the interior of North America, the other two may be called Sea Snipe,
and are found in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. The
webbed feet of these pelagic species enable them to swim with ease,
and during their migrations they may be found in flocks resting upon
the sea far from land. Their presence on our shores is largely de-
pendent upon the weather, and during severe storms many are some-
times found upon our coasts. Contrary to the usual rule, the female
in this family is the larger and more brightly colored—indeed, in the
domestic economy of the Phalarope household the female is male, ex-
cept in the prime essentials of sex. She does the wooing, takes the
lead in selecting the nesting site, and, although she lays the eggs, the
duties of incubation fall upon the male.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

PeisE OVER TO. ss icy ens te te 294. WILSON'S PHATAROPE,
4. Bill under 1°10.
a. Bill very slender; wing under 4°75. . . 223. NortHERN PHALAROPE.
Ppl stout swing over 4-75 "7. 6. as) 0 220 Rep Prananopr}

222. Crymophilus fulicarius (Zinn.). Rep PHaLaropr; Gray
PHALARoPE. (See Fig. 26, a.) Ad. in summer.—Crown and chin fuscous;
cheeks white; back black, the feathers bordered with cream-butf; wings
gray ; some of the secondaries and tips of greater coverts white; upper tail-

148 PHALAROPES.

coverts rufous ; under parts dull, reddish brown. Ad. in winter.—Top of the
head and under parts white; region about the eye and back of the neck fus-
cous; back and seapulars dark pearl-gray ; wings grayish fuscous, the coverts
and secondaries tipped with white; rump and tail fuscous. /m.—‘'lop of the
head, hind neck, back, and scapulars dull black, the feathers edged with ochra-
ceous; Wwing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts plumbeous, the middle
coverts bordered with pale buff, the tail-coverts with ochraceous; head and
neck (except as described above) and lower parts white, the throat and chest
tinged with brownish buff. L., 8:12; W., 5°37; B., 87; Tar., 82” (Ridgw.).
ftange-—* Northern parts of northern hemisphere, breeding in the arctic
regions and migrating south in winter: in the United States, south to the
Middle States, Ohio Valley, and Cape St. Lucas; chiefly maritime” (A. O. U.).
Washington, casual, one record, Oct. Long Island, not uncommon T. V.,
May; Aug. to Nov.
Nest, a slight hollow in the ground lined with a few bits of moss and
grasses. Lygs, three to four, similar to those of the following species, 1°25 x -90.
This pelagic species is found in numbers some distance off our
coasts; it Occurs on land rarely, and generally only after storms.

223. Phalaropus lobatus (Zinn.). Nortuern Puararopr. Ad. 9? in
summer.—Upper parts slaty gray; back and scapulars edged with ochraceous-
butf; sides and front of the neck rufous, more or less mixed with slaty gray ;
rest of under parts white. Ad. 6 in summer.—Similar, but upper parts black,
and with more ochraceous; sides and front of the neck mixed with fuscous.
Ads. in winter.—Upper parts grayish, more or less mixed with white ; tips of
greater wing-coverts and sometimes part of the secondaries white, occasion-
ally with traces of rufous on the sides of the neck; under parts white, more
or less mottled with grayish on the breast. /m.—Upper parts black, edged
with straw-color; forehead white; under parts white, breast sometimes lightly
washed with buffy. L., 7-75; W., 4:50; Tar., ‘80; B., °85.

Range.—* Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding in
arctic latitudes; south in winter to the tropies” (A. O. U.).

Washington, casual, one record, Sept. Long Island, common T. V., Aug.
to Nov.; May.

Nest, a slight hollow in the ground lined with grass and mosses. Lgqs,
three to four, pale olive-gray heavily blotched with deep chocolate, 1:18 x °83.

During its presence off-our coasts this species resembles the pre-
ceding in habits. It is, however, more common, and under proper
conditions sometimes occurs in larger flights. I have seen it in great
numbers about one hundred miles off Barnegat, New Jersey, in May.
For several hours the steamer passed through flocks of these Sea
Snipe, which were swimming on the ocean. They arose in a body at
our approach, and in close rank whirled away to the right or left in
search of new feeding grounds.

224. Phalaropus tricolor (Vicil/.). Witson’s PHataropr. Ad.
@ in summer.—Top of the head and middle of the back pearl-gray, nape

AVOCETS AND STILTS. 149

white; a black streak passes through the eye to the side of the neck and,
changing to rufous-chestnut, continues down the sides of the back and on the
scapulars; neck and upper breast washed with pale, brownish rufous; rest of
the under parts and upper tail-coverts white. Ad. 6 in swummer.—Upper parts
fuscous-brown, bordered with grayish brown; upper tail-coverts, nape, and a
line over the eye white or whitish; sides of the neck and breast washed with
rufous; rest of the under parts white. Ads. in winter—Upper parts gray,
margined with white; upper tail-coverts white; wings fuscous, their coverts
margined with butfy; under parts white. /m—'Top of head, back, and
scapulars dusky blackish, the feathers distinctly bordered with buff; wing-
coverts also bordered with pale buff or whitish ; upper tail-coverts, superciliary
stripe, and lower parts white, the neck tinged with buff” (Ridgw.). 6 L.,
omar tas lar, t20 6B 1-20. 9 Li, 9505 Wi 525: Tar... 1380s Be 30!

Range.‘ Temperate North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding from
northern [llinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region; south in
winter to Brazil and Patagonia” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, casual, Aug., Sept., and Oct.

Nest, a shallow depression in soft earth lined with a thin layer of frag-
ments of grass. Zggs, three to four, cream-buff or bufty white, heavily
blotched with deep chocolate, 1:28 x -94. (See Nelson, Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, 11, 1879, pp. 38-43.)

“These birds are rare in the Eastern States, abundant in the Mis-
sissippi Valley, and quite common westward within their range. They
inhabit the marshes, swales, and edges of shallow ponds, feeding upon
minute snails and other small forms of life that abound in their aquatic
haunts, procuring the same chiefly by running over the moist ground
or wading in the short growths of water grasses. They swim buoy-
antly, but seldom long at a time or far from the shore, and I never
saw one dive or make an attempt to do so, but, when frightened, pre-
fer to escape by flight, which is strong, but at such times in a zigzag
and wavy manner, dropping back as soon as out of danger. Asa rule
they are not timid, and are easily approached. Their motions, whether
upon the land or water, are easy and pleasing, gracefully nodding the
head or picking from side to side as they go” (Goss).

FAMILY RECURVIROSTRIDA. AVOCETS AND STILTS.

The eleven species comprising this family are distributed through-
out the warmer parts of the world. They are generally found in
flocks, and may be called Wading Snipe. They feed in shallow water,
wading to their heels, and when necessary swimming with ease.

225. Recurvirostra americana Gmc]. American Avocet. Ad.
in summer.—Head and neck cinnamon-rufous, back and tail white, scapulars
and primaries black ; middle coverts, tips of the greater ones, and part of sec-
ondaries white; belly white, bill turned upwarf. Ad. in winter and Im.—

150 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

Generally similar, but head and neck white or pearl-gray. L., 16:50; W.,
9:00; Tar., 3°75; B., 3°75.

Range.—Temperate North America; rare or accidental on the Atlantic
coast; breeds from Illinois, and rarely Texas, northward to the Saskatche-
wan; winters along the Gulf coast and southward.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground in marshy places. Zggs, three to
four, pale olive or buffy clay-color, thickly spotted with chocolate, 195 x 1°36.

Avocets are common birds in parts of the interior, but are rare on
the Atlantic coast. They frequent shores and shallow pools, and in
searching for shells, crustaceans, etc., their peculiar recurved bill is
used in a most interesting manner. Dropping it beneath the surface
of the water until its convexity touches the bottom, they move rap-
idly forward, and with every step swing their bill from side to side, as
a mower does his scythe. In this way they secure food which the
muddy water would prevent them from seeing.

226. Himantopus mexicanus (Jii//.). Buack-neckep Sri1r.
Ad. 6.—A white spot above and another below the eye; front of the head,
front of the neck, lower back, rump, and under parts white ; tail grayish ; rest
of the plumage glossy, greenish black. dd. ¢.—Similar, but with the back
fuscous-brown. Jm.—Similar to the preceding, but head and neck more or
less marked with white; back and scapulars bordered with white or whitish.
E1500" W., 9:005 Tar., 47155) B.) 200.

Range.—Tropical America, breeding northward to the Gulf coast and
“locally and rarely” up the Mississippi Valley as far as Minnesota; rare on
the Atlantic coast north of Florida, but straying sometimes as far as Maine.

Long Island, A. V.

Nest, a slight depression in the ground lined with grasses. Zgqs, three
to four, olive or buffy clay-color, thickly spotted with chocolate, 1°70 x 1:25.

Stilts are fond of wading in shallow ponds in salt marshes, and are
graceful and alert in their movements. During the nesting season
they become very noisy, and at nightfall I have heard them utter their
froglike croak as they darted erratically about over the marshes.

FAMILY SCOLOPACIDA. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

About one hundred species are considered as belonging to this
family. They are distributed throughout the world, but during the
breeding season are mostly confined to the northern parts of the north-
ern hemisphere. Some forty-five species are found in North America.
With the Plovers they constitute the great group known as Shore
Birds or Bay Birds, and with few exceptions they are rarely found far
from the vicinity of water. Generally speaking, they are more abun-
dant on the coast than in the interior, but many species are quite as
numerous inland as they*are near the sea. As a rule, they migrate

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 151

and pass the winter in flocks, but they are not gregarious during the
nesting season.

Their long bills serve the purpose of both probes and forceps.
Most of the species probe the soft mud for food, while some are known
to have the power of moving the upper mandible independently of
the lower one, curving it at the tip as one would a finger.

Snipes are not supposed to be song birds, but during the breeding
season many species are highly and peculiarly musical, and at other
times of the year they utter characteristic whistles. These are sus-
ceptible of imitation, and the birds are quick to respond to an imita-
tion of their notes. The sportsman concealed in his “ blind,” there-
fore, calls to passing birds, and with the aid of wooden decoys easily
draws them within gunshot.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Bill 2:00 or over.
A, Axillars* barred with black.
a. Bill curved downward.

a1, Bill over 3:00, under 450. . . . . . 265. Hupsonran CurLew.
ae hillemder 3:00; © <.0. . . & % ¢ « (2660 Esemo Cunrewy
a) Bill over4:50) . . =. . . . 264. Lone-BILLED CURLEW.

6. Bill straight or curved slightly upward.
61. Tail-feathers with numerous black bars.
62, Wing over 7:00, primaries black or fuscous.
254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS.
68, Wing over 7:00, inner web of primaries buff or rufous.
249. MARBLED GopwIrt.
64, Wing under 7:00, bill widened and pitted at the tip.
231. DowitrcHER. 232. LonG-BILLED DowiTcHER.
el. Tail black with a broad rufous tip or marked with rufous.
c?, Outer web of primary with rufous bars.
227. EvropEAN Woopcock.
ea prmares notbarred . . .. . . = » 280, Wirson Ss SNiem
B. Axillars not barred.
a. Axillars rufous or ochraceous-buff.
a, Bill over 5:00, much curved downward.
264. Lone-BILLED CURLEW.
a2, Bill nearly straight, between 3°50 and 5:00.
249. MARBLED GopwiTr,
a’, Bill straight, under 3°50 . . . . . 228. AmERicAN Woopcock.
6. Axillars black.
61. Under parts chestnut-rufous, barred with black.
251. Hupsontan Gopwir.
62. Under parts white, with or without blackish bars.
258. WILLET. 258a. WESTERN WILLET.

* See Fig. 64.

152 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

II. Bill under 2-00.
A. Tail with cross-bars.
a. ie over 5°75.
. Outer tail-feathers hata more or less barred; outer primary with-
CULIOREST SAL nh te . . . 255. YELLOW-LEGs.
a2, Outer primary wal numerous Uineke fare
261. BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER.
b. Wing under 5°75.
61. Under parts white, with numerous round blackish spots; upper parts
brownish gray, barred with blackish . . 263. SporrED SANDPIPER.
62, Under parts white, breast streaked with blackish; upper parts fus-
cous, spotted with white . . . . . . 256. SotiTary- SANDPIPER.
68, Under parts tinged with buffy, inner web of outer primary speckled
with blackish. . . . . . . . 262. BurF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
64. Under parts white, breast washed with grayish, inner primaries and
secondaries with a concealed white patch.
263, SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Im.).
B. Tail without cross-bars, toes 4.
a. Bill over 1:10.
al, see upper tail-coverts aie cross-bars or streaks.

farses Over WD! oi ay sr) 4 . . . 2383. Stitt SANDPIPER.

. Tarsus under 1°50, wing ee 6° 00. . 244, CURLEW SANDPIPER.

a; Tarsus under 1:50, wing over 600... . sp.) a, ee eon

61. Middle upper tail-coverts black or fuscous, without bars; bill
straight.

62, ‘Tarsus under ped upper ne blackish, more or less margined

WIG OFRYs oo. a. . . . . 285. PURPLE SANDPIPER.

b3, Tarsus under 1:50; upper parts more or less margined with rufous.

239. PEcToRAL SANDPIPER.

ate Tarsus-over 1°50 ..°.. = «. « « ses 260) shruiare
. Middle upper tail-coverts gr sah bill eur ad slightly downward.

243a. RED-BACKED SANDPIPER.

6. Bill under 1°10.
61. Wing under 4:00.
62. Toes partly webbed.
246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. 247. WESTERN SANDPIPER.
ts Toes not webbed... . .- . . . 242. Least SANDPIPER.
. Wing over 4:00, inner webs of primaries plain.
oye Breast white or whitish, streaked or spotted with blackish ; mid-
dle upper tail-coverts white . . 240. WuHirk-RUMPED SANDPIPER.
3, Breast buffy, heavily spotted or streaked with blackish; middle
upper tail-coverts black, slightly margined with rufous.
239. PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
ct. Breast buffy lightly spotted or streaked with black ; middle upper
tail-coverts fuscous, lightly margined with buffy.
241. Barrp’s SANDPIPER.
d1, Wing over 4:00, inner webs of primaries speckled.
262. BurF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

C. Tail without cross-bars, toes3 . .. . . . =. . 248. SANDERLING.
»

“ONQOA GNV MOOIGOO AM

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 5S

228. Philohela minor ((me/.).. American Woopcock. Ad.—Front
of the crown slaty, washed with buff, an indistinct blackish line in its center,
and another from the eye to the bill; back of the head black, with two or
_ three bars of ochraceous-butf; rest of the upper parts black, margined with
slaty and barred and mottled with rufous or ochraceous-butf; tip of the tail
ashy gray above, silvery beneath; under parts between ochraceous-butf and
rufous; three outer primaries very narrow and much stiffened. L., 11-00;
W., 5°40; Tar., 1:25; B., 2°90.

Range.—Eastern North America north to Labrador and Manitoba, breed-
ing nearly throughout its range, but not commonly in the southern part of it ;
winters from southern Illinois and Virginia southward.

Washington, rather common from Feb. to Nov.; a few winter. Long
Island, common §. R.; a few winter. Sing Sing, common 8. k., Feb. 19 to
Dee. 2. Cambridge, 8. R., formerly common, fast becoming rare ; Mch. to Nov.

Nest, of a few dry leaves, on the ground in the woods. Lyqs, four, butty,
distinctly and obscurely spotted with shades of rufous, 1°60 x 1:23.

During the spring and early sammer this Owl among Snipe haunts
low, wooded bottom-lands; in August, while molting, it resorts to corn-
fields near woods, and in the fall migrating birds frequent wooded up-
lands. But at all times it requires a soft, moist earth in which it may
easily probe with its long bill for its fare of earthworms. The holes
it makes are known as “borings.” They are generally found in little
groups, and are, of course, certain evidence of the presence of Wood-
cock. It has recently been discovered by Mr. Gurdon Trumbull that
the Woodcock can move the tip of its upper mandible independently
of the lower one, and this organ is made to act as a finger to assist the
bird in drawing its food from the ground,

The flight of the Woodcock is sometimes accompanied by a high,
whistling sound produced by its narrow, stiffened primaries in beating
the air. When flushed near its nest or young, the parent bird gen-
erally feigns lameness or a broken wing, and leads the intruder some
distance from its treasures before taking wing.

The cloak of night always lends a certain mystery to the doings of
nocturnal birds, and more often than not their habits justify our un-
usual interest in them. How many evenings have I tempted the ma-
laria germs of Jersey lowlands to watch the Woodcock perform his
strange sky dance! He begins on the ground with a formal, periodic
peent, peent, an incongruous preparation for the wild rush that follows.
It is repeated several times before he springs from the ground and on
whistling wings sweeps out on the first loop of a spiral which may
take him 300 feet from the ground. Faster and faster he goes, louder
and shriller sounds his wing-song; then, after a moment’s pause, with
darting, headlong flight, he pitches in zigzags to the earth, uttering as
he falls a clear, twittering whistle. He generally returns to near the

154 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

place from which he arose, and the peent is at once resumed as a pre-
liminary to another round in the sky.

The Evrorpran Woopcock (227. Scolopax rusticola) bears a general re-
semblance to our Woodcock, but is much larger; the under parts are barred
with black, the wings are barred with rufous, and the outer primaries are not
emarginate. It is of accidental occurrence in eastern North America.

230. Gallinago delicata (Ord). Wui.son’s Snipz; EnG.isu SNIPE.
Ad.—Upper parts black, barred, bordered, and mottled with different shades
of cream-buff; wings fuscous; outer edge of outer primary and tips of greater
coverts white; throat white; neck and breast ochraceous-buff, indistinctly
streaked with blackish; belly white, sides barred with black; under tail-
coverts buffy, barred with black ; outer tail-feathers barred with black and
white, inner ones black, barred with rufous at their ends and tipped with
wiitish, Jy., 11°25;, W:, 5700s ‘Tar, 1°20% 1B: 2:50.

Range.—North America, breeding from southern Minnesota, northern Ili-
nois, northwestern Pennsylvania, and Connecticut northward to Hudson Bay
and Labrador, and wintering from southern Illinois and South Carolina to
northern South America.

Washington, common T. V., Mch. to May 5; fall; occasional in winter.
Long Island, common T. V., Mch. and Apl.; Aug. to Oct. Sing Sing, tol-
erably common T. V., Mch. 20 to May 6; Oct. 6 to Nov. 20. Cambridge, com-
mon T. V., Apl. 5 to May 5; Sept. and Oct.

Eggs, three to four, olive, clay-color, or brownish ashy, heavily marked
with chocolate, principally at the larger end, 1°60 x 1:17.

Wilson’s Snipe frequents fresh-water meadows and swamps, and
in spring is often found in low-lying swales in meadows or mowing
fields, but, excepting in very dry seasons, it seldom alights on salt
marshes. At times, especially in winter or early spring, when the
meadows are covered with snow or ice, it resorts to springy runs
wooded with alders, birches, and maples, but as a rule it prefers open
places. Two things are essential to its requirements—ground so
thoroughly water-soaked as to afford slight resistance to its long and
highly sensitive bill when probing, and such concealment as tussocks,
hillocks, or long grass afford, for, unlike the Sandpipers, the Snipe
rarely ventures out on bare mud flats, save under cover of darkness.
Although less strictly nocturnal than the Woodcock, it feeds and mi-
grates chiefly by night or in “thick” weather. Its migratory move-
ments are notoriously erratic, and meadows which one day are alive
with birds may be quite deserted the next, or the reverse.

Dear to our sportsmen is Wilson’s Snipe, partly because of the ex-
cellence of its flesh, but chiefly from the fact that it furnishes a mark
which taxes their skill to the utmost, and which no mere novice need
hope to hit, unless by accident; for the bird’s flight is swift and tortu-
ous, and it springs from the grass as if thrown by a catapult, uttering

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 155

a succession of hoarse, rasping scatpes which have a peculiarly start-
ling effect on inexperienced nerves.

In the springtime—and occasionally in autumn also—Wilson’s
Snipe mounts to a considerable height above his favorite meadows and
darts downward with great velocity, making at each descent a low yet
penetrating, tremulous sound which suggests the winnowing of a domes-
tic Pigeon’s wings, or, if heard at a distance, the bleating of a goat, and
which is thought to be produced by the rushing of the air through the
_ wings of the Snipe. This performance may be sometimes witnessed in
broad daylight when the weather is stormy, but ordinarily it is re-
served for the morning and evening twilight and for moonlight nights,
when it is often kept up for hours in succession.

Besides this “drumming” or “ bleating,” as it is called, the Snipe,
while mating, sometimes makes another peculiar sound, a kik-kiik-
kuk-kik-kip, evidently vocal and occasionally accompanying a slow,
labored, and perfectly direct flight, at the end of which the bird alights
on a tree or fence post for a few moments.— WILLIAM BREWSTER.

The European Snipe (229. Gallinago gallinago) inhabits the northern
parts of the Old World, is of frequent occurrence in Greenland, and accidental
in the Bermudas.

231. Macrorhamphus griseus (('me/.). Dowircurr. (See Figs.
25, a, 26,¢.) Ad. in summer.—Upper parts, tertials, and wing-coverts black, the
feathers edged or barred with ochraceous-buff or rufous; rump, upper tail-
coverts, and tail barred with black and more or less ochraceous-buff ; prima-
ries fuscous ; under parts dull, pale rufous, whitish on the belly, more or less
spotted and barred with black. Ad. in winter—Upper parts brownish gray ;
rump and tail barred with black and white; throat and breast washed with
ashy, belly white, sides and under tail-coverts barred with black. Jm.—Upper
parts black, the feathers edged with rufous; rump and tail barred with black
and white, and sometimes washed with rufous ; secondaries widely edged with
white; under parts more or less washed with ochraceous-butt and obscurely
spotted with blackish. L., 10°50; W., 5-75; Tar., 1°30; B., 2:05-2:50.

Remarks.—The barred tail and tail-coverts, with the peculiar flattened,
pitted tip of the bill, are characteristic of this and the next species.

fange.—Kastern North America, breeding within the Arctie Circle, and
wintering from Florida to South America. |

Washington, casual, one specimen, Sept. Long Island, common T. V.,
May; July to Sept. 15.

£qs, tour, light buffy olive, distinctly spotted and speckled, especially

about the larger end, with deep brown, 1°65 x 1:13 (Ridgw.).

The Dowitchers are among our best-known Bay Birds. They
migrate in compact flocks which are easily attracted to decoys by an
imitation of their call. Mud-flats and bars exposed by the falling tide
are their chosen feeding grounds. On the Gulf coast of Florida I have

156 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

seen several hundred gathered in such close rank that they entirely
concealed the sandbar on which they were resting.

232. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say). Lone-simLep Dow-
ITcHER; WeEsTERN DowrrcuER. Ad. in summer.—Similar to the preceding,
but averaging larger; the bill especially is longer, the under parts are more
uniformly rufous, and the sides are more heavily barred with black. Ad. in
winter and Im.—To be distinguished from the corresponding stages of JZ. gri-
seus only by their larger size. W., 6:00; Tar., 1°50; B., 2:10-2:90.

Range.—* Mississippi Valley and western province of North America from
Mexico to Alaska; less common, but of regular occurrence along the Atlantic
coast of the United States” (A. O. U.).

Washington, casual, seven shot in Apl. Long Island, casual, July to Oct.

Eqs, four, not distinguishable from those of the preceding species.

This is a bird of the interior and Western States, and occurs on our
coasts as a rare but regular late fall migrant. It resembles the pre-
ceding species in habits, but the baymen who “gun” for Snipe say
they can recognize it by its somewhat different notes. Like the Wood-
cock, Wilson’s Snipe, and its near ally, JZ. griseus, the male utters a
flight song in the nesting season. It is well described by Mr, E. W.
Nelson in his Report on Collections made in Alaska, p. 101.

233. Micropalama himantopus (Sonap.). Stirr SAnppiper.
Ad. in summer.—Upper parts black, bordered with grayish and buffy; ear-
coverts and an indistinct line around the back of the head rufous ; second-
aries grayish, edged with white; primaries fuscous; rump ashy; upper tail-
coverts barred with black and white; outer tail-feathers with broken dusky
bars, inner ones with central streaks or margins of brownish gray or white ;
under parts white, heavily barred with fuscous. Ad. in winter.—Upper parts
brownish gray ; upper tail-coverts white; tail white, margined with brownish
gray; under parts white; the throat, neck, and sides indistinctly streaked or
washed with grayish. /m.—NSimilar to the preceding, but the upper parts black-
ish, margined with ochraceous-buff. L., 8:25; W., 5°00; Tar., 1°60; B., 1°55.

Remarks.—The distinguishing characters of this species are the flattened,
pitted tip of the bill, in connection with the very long tarsi.

Range—Eastern North America, breeding within the Arctic Cirele, and
wintering as far south as South Amervea.

Washington, casual, one record. Long Island, not uncommon T. V., May ;
July to Oct. 10.

Eygqs, three to four, pale grayish buff, or grayish buffy white, boldly spotted
with rich vandyke-brown and purplish gray, 1°42 x 1:00 (Ridgw.).

Colonel N. 8. Goss, in his admirable Birds of Kansas, writes that
he has observed this species along the edges of old channels of rivers
or muddy pools of water, in which it wades while feeding; immersing
the head and feeling with its sensitive bill in the thin mud for food.
It moves about rather slowly as compared with the true Sandpipers,
and at times will try and avoid detection by squatting close to the

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 157

ground, flying only as a last resort, and then darting swiftly away
with a sharp tweet, tweet.

234. Tringa canutus Zinn. Kyor; Rosin Snipe; Gray Syipz,
(See Figs. 25, b, 26,6.) Ad. in summer.—Upper parts barred and streaked with
black and white and rufous; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with whitish ;
under parts dull rufous; lower belly white or whitish, sides sometimes with
black pars. (According to George H. Mackay, it requires about four years
for birds to acquire this plumage. See Auk, x, 1893, p. 25.) /m.—Upper parts
plain brownish gray; upper tail-coverts barred with black and white, tail
brownish gray ; breast and sides barred with black, belly white. Young.—
Upper parts pale brownish gray; head streaked with blackish ; back, wing-
coverts, and scapulars with distinct black and white borders; upper tail-cov-
erts barred with blackish; tail ashy gray, narrowly margined with white ;
under parts white; breast finely streaked or spotted with blackish ; flanks
barred or streaked with blackish. L., 10°50; W., 6°75; ‘Tar., 1:20; B., 1:30.

Range.—Northern hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, and in
America wintering from Florida to South America.

Long Island, not uncommon T. V., May 15 to June 10; July 15 to Nov.

Eygys, known from only one specimen collected in the vicinity of Fort
Conger by General Greely, and described as “ light pea-green, closely spotted
with brown in small specks about the size of a pinhead,” 1:10 x 1:00 (see
Merriam, Auk, ii, 1885, p. 313).

Knots feed along the beaches on the small crustaceans and mol-
lusea brought in by the waves, and they also frequent muddy places,
where, like the true Snipe, they probe the ground for food. They
decoy with ease, “bunching” so closely as they wheel into the stools
that the entire flock is sometimes killed by a single discharge. Mr.
George H. Mackay, in one of his careful and detailed studies of our
Shore Birds, describes their notes as a soft wah-quott and a little honk.
The first is particularly noticeable when flocks are coming to the de-
coys (see Auk, x, 1893, pp. 25-35).

235. Tringa maritima Brinn. Purrre Sanpprper. Ad. in swm-
mer.—Upper parts black, margined with ochraceous-buff and cream-buff;
wings fuscous-gray, greater coverts margined with white and some seconda-
ries entirely white; upper tail-coverts fuscous, outer tail-feathers ashy gray,
inner ones fuscous; throat and breast brownish gray, streaked with black ;
belly white, sides and under tail-coverts streaked with brownish gray. Win-
ter plumage.—Head, neck. breast, and sides ashy, the two latter margined
with white; back fuscous, margined with ashy; wings fuscous, the coverts,
secondaries, and tertials distinctly bordered with white; upper tail-coverts
and middle tail-feathers black or fuscous, outer tail-feathers ashy ; belly and
linings of the wings white. L., 9:00; W., 5:00; Tar., 9:00; B., 1:40.

Remarks.—The brownish gray or ashy breast of this species is a good
distinguishing character.

Range.—* Northern portions of the northern hemisphere; in North Amer-

158 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC,

ica chiefly in the northeastern portion, breeding in the high north,” south in
winter to the Great Lakes and Long Island, and casually to Florida.

Long Island, uncommon W. V., Nov. 1 to Mech. 1. Cambridge, casual, one
instance, Oct.

Eggs, three to four, olive clay-color or brownish ashy, heavily marked
with rufous-brown, 1°45 x 1:08.

This bird might be called Winter Snipe or Rock Snipe. Indeed, I
find the latter name has been applied to it from its habit of frequent-
ing rocky coasts, where it secures its food in the alge attached to rocks
exposed by the falling tide.

239. Tringa maculata Viei/l. Prcrorat Sanpprper; KRieKER.
Ad. in summer.—Upper parts black, the feathers all heavily bordered with
pale ochraceous-buff; rump and upper tail-coverts black, lightly tipped with
ochraceous-buff; middle tail-feathers longest, pointed and margined with
butty ; outer tail-feathers brownish gray, narrowly margined with white ;
throat white, neck and breast heavily streaked with black and buffy; rest of
under parts white. Winter plumage.—Similar, but ochraceous-buff of upper
parts replaced by rufous, and breast heavily washed with buffy. L., 9.00; W.,
540; Tar., 1:10; B., 1:15.

Remarks.—This bird somewhat resembles both 7.,fuscicollis and T. bairdii,
but it differs from them in its larger size, black instead of white or fuscous
upper tail-coverts, and longer, more pointed middle tail-feathers.

Range.—North America; breeds in the arctic regions and winters in the
West Indies and South America.

Washington, common T. V., Apl.; Aug. to Nov. Long Island, T. V.,
rare in spring, common from July 15 to Nov.1. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Sept,
10 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, irregular and uncommon in Sept. and Oct.

Eggs, four, drab, sometimes with a greenish tinge, blotched with clear
amber-brown markings, more numerous at the larger end, 1°50 x 1:09 (Mur-
doch).

The names Grass Snipe and Krieker describe with equal truth and
conciseness the haunts and notes of this Snipe. It frequents wet,
grassy meadows rather than beaches, and, although it flies in flocks,
the birds scatter while feeding and take wing one or more at a time.
They thus remind one of Wilson’s Snipe. Their note is a squeaky,
grating whistle. They will respond to an imitation of it, but do not
decoy so readily as the larger Bay Birds. Mr. E. W. Nelson writes *
that during the breeding season the male inflates its breast and throat
until they are double their normal size, arid utters a deep, hollow, reso-
nant note.

240. Tringa fuscicollis Micil/. Wuirn-rumpep Sanppiprr. Ad.

in summer.—Upper parts black, edged with rufous; rump grayish fuscous,
margined with ashy ; longer upper tail-coverts white, with sometimes brownish-

* Rep. on Nat. Hist. Colls. made in Alaska, p. 108.

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 159

gray markings ; central tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones brownish gray ; upper
throat white; neck, breast, and s¢des distinctly streaked and spotted with
black and more or less washed with ochraceous-butf. Winter plumage.—
“ Upper parts plain brownish gray, with indistinct, narrowed, mesial streaks
of dusky; otherwise as in summer, but streaks on chest, etc., less distinct”
(Ridgw.). /m.—Similar to summer examples, but the feathers of the upper
parts with vownded whitish or ochraceous-buff tips; breast less distinctly
streaked. 14.) 7:D0 WW s,4°90;. Tar., “90; B., :95.

Remarks.—The white upper tail-coverts distinguish this species.

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding in the arctic regions and win-
tering as far south as the Falkland Islands.

Long Island, not uncommon T. V., July 20 to Oct 10. Sing Sing, casual
Lf. Vi Sept:

Eggs, three to four, light olive, or olive brownish, spotted (usually rather
finely) with deep brown and duil, purplish gray, 1°37 x -94 (Ridgw.).

“They frequent the sandy beach as well as the marshy shores
upon the coast, but inland seem to prefer the edges of pools of
water upon the uplands. They move in small flocks, are very social,
often associating with other waders, are not as a rule shy or timid,
and, when startled, usually fly but a short distance, drop back, and
run about in an unconcerned and heedless manner, picking up the
minute forms of life that usually abound in such places, occasionally
uttering a rather sharp, piping weet, weet. Their flight is swift and
well sustained ” (Goss).

241. Tringa bairdii (Cowes). Barrp’s Sanppirer. Ad. in summer.—
Upper parts fuscous; feathers of the crown and nape margined laterally with
pale buffy; back and scapulars tipped with pale buffy or brownish gray ;
middle upper tail-coverts fuscous, sometimes tipped with buffy; central tail-—
feathers fuscous, margined with whitish, outer ones pale brownish gray ; throat
white; breast washed with buffy and /ightly spotted or streaked with fuscous ;
sides and belly white. /m.—Similar, but the back, scapulars, and wing-cov-
erts with rounded white tips. (In the winter these tips are more or less worn
Gin) iprta., 7240% W 94°90. Tar, 903 B., °85.

Remarks.—This bird most closely resembles 7. fuscicollis. In any plum-
age it may be known from that species by the fuscous instead of white middle
upper tail-coverts. In summer it differs also in the absence of rufous above,
the less heavily spotted throat, and the white instead of spotted sides. In
winter the chief distinguishing marks of the two species, aside from the dif-
ferently colored upper tail-coverts, are the buffy breast and generally paler
upper parts of bairdii.

Range.—Interior of North America, breeding in the arctic regions and
migrating southward to South America; rare on the Atlantic coast.

Washington, casual, one record. Long Island, casual, Aug.

Eggs, three to four, light, creamy buff, sometimes tinged with rusty,
thickly speckled and spotted with deep reddish brown or chestnut, 1°30 x -93
(Ridgw.).

160 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

“In habits they are similar to the White-rumped (which they so
closely resemble), but are more inclined. to wander from the water’s
edge. J have flushed the birds on high prairie lands, at least a mile
from the water” (Goss). .

242. Tringa minutilla Vieil/. Least Sanppirer; MEApow OXxeEyYE;
Perr. Ad. in summer.-—Upper parts black or fuscous, edged and tipped
with buffy or rufous; rump and middle upper tail-coverts plain black or fus-
cous ; central tail-feathers black or fuscous, outer ones ashy gray ; upper throat
white; neck and breast white or buffy,
streaked with fuscous; belly and sides
white. /m.—Similar, but feathers of
the back with rownded rufous or butty
tips; breast not distinctly streaked.
Winter plumage.—v pper parts brown-
ish gray, sometimes with more or less
black in the centers of the feathers;
breast white or ashy, not distinctly
streaked. L., 6°00; W., 3°50; Tar.,
Os ag NOs

Fie. 62.—Least Sandpiper. Remarks.—This is the smallest of
(Natural size.) ; :
our Sandpipers, and can be confused
only with Hrewnetes pusillus, from which, however, it may always be distin-
guished by the absence of webs between the bases of the toes.

Range.—North America, breeding in the arctic regions and wintering from
the Gulf States to South America.

Washington, uncommon T. V., May; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, abun-
dant T. V., Apl. 25 through May; July through Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably
common T. V., May 9 to May 22; Oct. 8. Cambridge, very common T. V.,
May 25 to May 31; July 20 to Aug. 31.

Eggs, three to four, pale, grayish buffy, varying to pale brownish, thickly
spotted, speckled, or sprinkled with deep chestnut and dull, purplish gray,
115 x °83 (Ridgw.).

This, the smallest of our Sandpipers, is frequently associated with
its larger cousin the Semipalmated Sandpiper on the shores and
beaches, but it also visits the grassy meadows, and for this reason is
known by baymen as the “ Meadow Oxeye.”

243a. Tringa alpina pacifica (Cowes). Rep-Backrep SANDPIPER;
Leapsack. Ad. in summer.—Upper parts broadly margined with rufous, the
centers of the feathers black, wings brownish gray; breast whitish, lightly
streaked with blackish; middle of the belly with a large black patch, lower
beliy white. Jm.—Upper parts blackish, the feathers with rounded tips of
rufous or buffy; breast washed with buffy and indistinctly streaked with
blackish ; belly spotted with black. Winter plumage.—Upper parts brown-
ish gray; middle upper tail-coverts fuscous; wing-coverts brownish gray
margined with buffy; throat white; breast ashy, indistinctly streaked ; belly

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 161

white, the sides sometimes spotted with black. L., 8:00; W., 4°75; Tar., 1:00;
B., 1:50. ‘

Remarks.—There is, of course, every degree of intergradation between
summer and winter plumage, but the species may always be known by its
slightly curved bill.

Range.—North America, breeding in the arctic regions and wintering from
Florida southward ; rare in the interior.

Washington, rare T. V., Apl.; Oct. Long Island, T. V., uncommon in

Fie. 63.—Red-backed Sandpiper. (Natural size.)

spring, Apl. 1 to May 15; common in fall, Aug. 31 through Oct. Sing Sing,
tolerably common T. V. in fall, Oct. 3 to Oct. 24. Cambridge, casual, one
instance, Oct.

Eggs, three to four, varying from pale, bluish white to ochraceous-buff,
heavily marked with chocolate, chiefly at the larger end, 1:43 x 1°01.

Generally speaking, this is a shore or beach bird, though it also
visits grassy marshes. It flies and feeds in flocks, and is an unsus-
picious, rather stupid little Snipe, less active than most members of
this family. The gray-plumaged fall birds are known as “ Leadbacks,”
while in the spring they go by the names “ Blackbreast ” or “ Redback.”

The Dunurn (243. Tringa alpina) is the Old-World representative of our
Red-backed Sandpiper, trom which it differs only in being less brightly
eolored and somewhat smaller. L., about 7:40; W., 4:12-4:50; Tar., "78-90 ;
B., 1:05-1:25. It is of casual occurrence in North America.

The Curtew Sanppreer (244. Tringa ferruginea) inhabits the eastern
hemisphere, and occurs casually in eastern North America. It has been re-
corded from Ontario, Nova Scotia, Maine, Massachusetts, and Long Island.

246. Ereunetes pusillus (Zinn.). Sremratmarep SAnppireR; SAND
OxEYE; Perr. Ad. in swmmer.—Upper parts black or fuscous, margined with
brownish gray and a smald amount of rufous; rump grayish brown; upper
tail-coverts blackish ; tail-feathers brownish gray, central ones darkest ; breast
streaked or spotted with blackish. /m.—Similar, but upper parts and wing-
coverts blackish, with rounded rufous or buffy tips to the feathers; breast un-

12

162 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

streaked, tinted with buffy. Winter plumage.—Upper parts brownish gray,
with darker shaft streaks ; upper tail-coverts darker; under parts white, some-
times with faint streaks on the breast. L., 6°30; W., 3°75; Tar., °75; B., 65-80.

Remarks.—The small size of this and the next species prevents their be-
ing confused with any other except 7ringa minutilia, from which they may
always be known by their partially webbed toes.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds in the arctic regions, and winters
from the Gulf States southward through Brazil.

Washington, rare T. V., May; Aug. to Oct. Long Island, abundant T. V.,
May; July through Sept. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall, Aug. 14 to Oct.
20. Cambridge, very common in Aug. and Sept.

Eggs, three to four, pale, dull grayish buff, sprinkled, speckled, or spotted
with dark brown and purplish gray, 1°21 x °85 (Ridgw.).

The thought of these little Sandpipers always creates a mental pic-
ture of a long stretch of dazzling beach with its ever-changing surf-
line. I hear the oft-repeated booming of the rolling, tumbling break-
ers, and in the distance see a group of tiny forms hurrying to and fro
over the sand smoothed by the frothy waves. With what nimble grace-
fulness they follow the receding waves, searching for treasures cast up
by the sea! What contentment and good-fellowship are expressed by
their cheery, conversational twitterings! Up and down the beach they
run, now advancing, now retreating, sometimes, in their eagerness, ven-
turing too far, when the waters threaten to ingulf them, and in momen-
tary confusion they take wing and hover back to a place of safety.
Suddenly, as though at a signal, they are off; a compact flock moving
as one bird, twisting and turning to right and left, now gleaming white
as the sun strikes their snowy bodies, now dark again like a wisp of
sunless cloud flying before the wind.

247. Ereunetes occidentalis Zawr. Western SEemrPaLMATED
SanppipeR.—This bird closely resembles the preceding, from which, in sum-
mer plumage, it differs in having the upper parts conspicuously margined
with rufous and the breast more heavily streaked. In fall and winter plum-
age the differences in coloration are not so apparent, but the birds are to be
distinguished at any season by the size of the bill, which in the western spe-
cies always averages longer. W., 3°80; Tar., 80; B., -85-1:20.

Range.—Western North America; breeds in the arctic regions, and win-
ters from the Gulf States to South America; occasional on the Atlantic coast.

Long Island, uncommon T. V., occurring with 7. pusillus.

Eggs, three to four, deep cinnamon buffy, sprinkled, speckled, or thickly
spotted with bright rusty brown or chestnut, the general aspect decidedly
rusty, 1:24 x ‘87 (Ridgw.).

This western representative of the preceding species is sometimes
found on our coasts associated with its eastern relative. In Florida,
particularly on the Gulf coast, it occurs in numbers during the winter.

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 163

248. Calidris arenaria (Zinn.). Sanperiinc; Surr Snipe. Ad.
in summer.—Feathers of the upper parts with generally black centers, bor-
dered and sometimes barred with pale rufous and tipped with ashy white ;
wings fuscous, the basal half of the outer web of the inner primaries white ;
wing-coverts grayish fuscous, the greater one broadly tipped with white ; tail
brownish gray, narrowly margined with white; throat and upper breast
washed with pale rufous and spotted with blackish ; rest of the under parts
pure white. Im. im fall—Similar, but upper parts without rufous, glossy
black, the feathers sometimes bordered with white, but generally with two
white spots at their tips separated by the black of the central part of the
feather; nape grayish white, lightly streaked with blackish; under parts
pure white, with occasionally a few spots on the breast. Winter plumage.—
Upper parts pale brownish gray, wings as in the preceding ; under parts pure
white. L., 8:00; W., 5:00; Tar., 1:00; B., 1:00.

feemarks.—The Sanderling is the only one of our Snipes or Sandpipers
having three toes, and it may always be known by this character in combi-
nation with its booted or transversely scaled tarsi.

| ftange.—* Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in arctic and subarctic regions;
migrating, in America, south to Chili and Patagonia” (A. O. U.).

Washington, casual T. V., two records. Long Island, common T. V., Mch.
15 through May; Aug. 1 through Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V.,
to June 5; Sept. 9 to Oct. 5. Cambridge, casual, one instance, Sept.

Eggs, three to four, light olive-brown, finely spotted or speckled with
darker, the markings larger and more blended on the larger end, 1°41 x -91
(Ridgw.).

This is a true beach bird, and is usually found on shores washed
by the sea. It frequently associates with the Semipalmated Sandpiper
or Oxeye, which it resembles in habits, but its larger size and lighter
colors distinguish it from that species.

249. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). Marsiep Gopwit; Brown Martin.
Ad.—Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked with buffy, the back
barred or the feathers spotted on the sides and sometimes tipped with buffy
or ochraceous-buff; inner web of the outer primaries and both webs of the
inner ones ochraceous-buff or pale buffy, speckled with black ; tail ochraceous-
buff barred with black ; throat white, rest of the under parts pale buffy, spotted
or barred with black; bill curved slightly upward, yellowish at the base,
black atthe end. Jm.—Similar, but the under parts with few or no bars except
on the flanks and under tail-coverts. L., 18:00; W.,8°75; Tar., 2°75; B., 4:00.

Range.—North America, breeding chiefly in the interior, from western
Minnesota, and rarely Iowa and Nebraska, northward, and migrating south-
ward to Central America and Cuba; rare on the Atlantic coast.

Long Island, rare T. V., Aug. and Sept.

ggs, three to four, clay-color or brownish ashy, blotched, spotted, and
scrawled with grayish brown, 2°15 x 1-60.

Colonel Goss writes that this species “inhabits the salt- and fresh-
water shores, marshes, and moist ground upon the prairies. It feeds

164 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

upon crustacea, insects, worms, larve, etc., moving about in a horizontal
position, picking and probing as it goes. Its flight is easy and well
sustained, though not very rapid; in alighting, raises the wings over
the back as it touches the ground. These birds as a rule are shy, and
keep well out of reach... .”

251. Limosa hzemastica (Linn.). Hupsonian Gopwir; Rive-
TAILED Maruin. Ad.—Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked and
the back spotted or barred with ochraceous-butf ; primaries black or fuscous ;
upper tail-coverts white, the lateral ones tipped or barred with black; tail
black, with a broad base and a narrow tip of white ; throat buffy, streaked with
blackish ; under parts chestnut-rufous, barred with black and -sometimes
tipped with whitish ; axillars black. L., 15:00; W., 8:25; Tar., 2°25; B., 3°20.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds in the arctic regions and mi-
grates southward, chiefly through the interior, as far as Patagonia.

Long Island, rare T. V., Aug. and Sept.

Eggs, three to four, deep olive, hair-brown, or broccoli-brown (sometimes
paler), usually more or less spotted with darker brown, but sometimes nearly
uniform, 2°20 x 1:42 (Ridgw.).

This bird resembles the preceding in habits, and like it is rare on
the Atlantic coast.

The Buiack-TaitED Gopwit (252. Limosa limosa) inhabits the northern
parts of the Old-World and is of accidental occurrence in Greenland.

254. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). GREATER YELLOW-LEGS.
Ad. in summer.—Upper parts black, the head and neck streaked and the
back spotted or barred with white or ashy; upper tail-coverts white, more or
less barred with black ; tail white or ashy, barred with black; breast heavily
spotted with black; sides barred with black; middle of the belly white.
Winter plumage.—Similar, but upper parts brownish gray, edged with whit-
ish; sides of the scapulars, tertials, and wing-coverts with blackish and
whitish spots; breast only lightly streaked with blackish, and sides slightly
barred. L., 14:00; W., 7-70; Tar., 2-40; B., 2°20.

Range.—North America; breeds from Minnesota and rarely northern Ili-
nois and Anticosti northward ; winters from the Gulf States to Patagonia.

Washington, rather common T. V., Apl. and May; July 25 to Nov. Long
Island, common T. V., Apl. 10 through May; July 15 through Oct. Sing
Sing, common T. V., to June 5 ;—to Oct. 28. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl.
15 to May 25; Sept. and Oct. ’

Egqs, three to four, brownish buffy, distinctly but very irregularly spotted
with rich vandyke- or madder-brown, 1°43 x 1:20 (Ridgw.).

It needs only the musical notes of the Yellow-leg to recall memo-
ries of many days passed along the shore and in the marshes. Half
reclining in my blind, I see in fancy the staring decoys, pointing like
weathercocks with the wind, and hear the dull booming of surf be-
hind the brown sand dunes.

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 165

Few birds are flying; lulled by the ldap, lap of the water, I have
almost fallen asleep, when from far up in the gray sky comes a soft,
flutelike whistle, whew, wheu-wheu-wheu-wheu, wheu, wheu-wheu. I re-
spond quickly, and, lying on my back, look eagerly upward. Not a
bird can be seen, but the questioning call grows stronger and is re-
peated more frequently. Finally I distinguish five or six black points
sailing in narrow circles so high that I can scarcely believe they are the
birds I hear. But no bar or shoal breaks the sound waves, The birds
grown larger and on widening circles sweep earthward. Their soft
whistle has a plaintive tone; their long bills turn inquiringly from
side to side. The stolid decoys give no response, they repel rather
than encourage, but the whistling continues, and with murmured
notes of interrogation the deluded birds wheel over them, to find too
late that they have blundered.

255. Totanus flavipes (@mel.). YeLrtow-1ecs; Summer YELLow-
LEGS. Ad. in summer.—Upper parts generally brownish gray, the head and
neck streaked with black and white, the back, secapulars, and wing-coverts
with sometimes black centers, spotted or tipped with whitish or brownish
gray ; upper tail-coverts white, more or less barred with black, tail varying
from white to brownish gray, with numerous black or blackish cross-bars ;
breast heavily spotted or streaked and sides barred with black; belly white,
legs yellow. Winter plumage.—Similar, but upper parts brownish gray, the
sides of the feathers with whitish spots; tail-bars grayish; breast lightly
streaked with ashy. L., 10°75; W., 6:40; Tar., 2:05; B., 1-40.

Remarks.—This bird closely resembles the Greater Yellow-legs in color,
but may always be distinguished by its smaller size.

ange.—North America, breeding chiefly in the interior from Minnesota,
northern Illinois, Ontario County, N. Y., northward to the arctic regions ;
winters from the Gulf States to Patagonia.

Washington, rather common T. V., Apl. to May 15; Aug. to Nov. Long
Island, T. V., very rare in spring, abundant in fall; July 15 to Oct.1. Sing
Sing, tolerably common T. V. in fall; Aug. 25 toWct. 5. Cambridge, rare in
May ; sometimes ‘common in Aug. and early Sept.

Fggs, three to four, buffy (variable as to shade), distinctly (sometimes
broadly) spotted or blotched with dark madder- or vandyke-brown and _pur-
plish gray, 1°69 x 1°15 (Ridgw.).

This species closely resembles the preceding in notes, habits, and
choice of haunts. It decoys, however, more easily, and, generally
speaking, is more common.

The GREEN-SHANK (253. Totanus nebularius) is an Old-World species, of
which three specimens were taken by Audubon, May 28, 1832, near Cape
Sable, Florida. It resembles our Greater Yellow-legs, but differs chiefly in
having the lower back and rump white.

The GREEN SanppipER (257. Totanus ochropus) is an Old-World species
which has been recorded once from Nova Scotia. It resembles our Solitary

166 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

Sandpiper, but is larger (W., 5°75), and has the upper tail-coverts pure
white. ;

256. Totanus solitarius (Wils.). Sorirary Sanppiper. Ad. in
summer.—Upper parts olive-fuscous, with a slight greenish tinge, the head
and neck streaked and the back spotted with white; upper tail-coverts fus-
cous, with fine whitish spots on their sides, the lateral ones sometimes barred ;
central pair of tail-feathers fuscous, the others white, barred with black;

NSS
NS SN SS Ws ——

Fig. 64.—Inner view of wing of Solitary Sandpiper, showing barred axillars.

breast streaked, and sides sometimes barred with black; belly white; axillars
barred with black and white; legs greenish fuscous. Wénter plumage—Simi-
lar, but upper parts grayish brown; head and neck generally unstreaked, and
the back only lightly spotted with buffy white; breast streaked with brown-
ish pray. L., 840; W.,.5°25; Tar., 1-20; B., 1:15.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds locally and rarely from northern
Illinois, western Pennsylvania, and Maine northward; winters in South
America.

Washington, common T. V., Apl. to May 25; July 25 to Nov. Long
Island, common T. V., May: July 15 to Oct. 1. Sing Sing, common T. V.,
May 8 to 30; Aug. 27 to Oct 2, Cambridge, common T. V., May 15 to 25;
July 20 to Oct.

Eggs, known from only one example taken by Jenness Richardson, near
Lake Bombazine, Vermont, May 28, 1878, and described by Dr. Brewer as
light drab, with small, rounded, brown markings, some quite dark, nowhere
confluent, and at the larger end a few faint purplish shell-marks, 1°39 x *95.

This is a wood Sandpiper. It is rarely found on the beaches or salt
marshes near the sea, but frequents fresh-water ponds, or lakes and
woodland streams, both in the lowlands and mountains. It is gener-
erally observed during the migrations, and although it occasionally
breeds in the Middle States its skill in concealing its nest has defied
the search of odlogists. It is a quieter, more dignified bird than the
Spotted Sandpiper, and as a rule only utters its “low, whistling notes”
when flushed.

258. Symphemia semipalmata ((me/.). Witter. Ad. in sum-
mer.—Upper parts brownish gray, the head and neck streaked, and the back
barred with black, and sometimes buffy, the centers of the feathers being oc-
easionally wholly black; basal half of the primaries and greater part of sec-
ondaries white; upper tail-coverts white with a few blackish bars; central
tail-feathers ashy, indistinctly barred with blackish ; outer ones whitish, lightly

SNIPHS, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 167

mottled with grayish; foreneck heavily streaked; breast and sides heavily
barred with dark brownish gray and more or less washed with buffy; belly
generally white, with sometimes a few bars. Winter plumage—Upper parts
brownish gray, unmarked ; tail without bars ; rump and wings as in the adult;
breast washed with grayish ; belly white; axdllars black. L., 15:00; W.. 8-00;
Par., 2°30 +B. 215:

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from Florida to southern New
Jersey, and locally and rarely to Maine,

Washington, rare T. V., Aug. Long Island, T. V., rare in May; uncom-
mon in Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

£ygs, three to four, clay-color or buffy, thickly spotted with chocolate,
chiefly at the larger end, 2°10 x 1°55.

Willets frequent both fresh- and salt-water marshes, shores, and
beaches. If you visit their haunts during the nesting season, on flut-
tering wings they will hover above your head or fly low over the
marsh to draw you away from their home, uttering, with scarce a mo-
ment’s cessation, their loudly whistled call of pilly-will-willet, pilly-
will-willet. All day long, and even at night, I have heard them repeat
these notes until, wearied by their persistence, one is thankful to leave
them in undisturbed possession of the ground.

258a. S. s. inornata ZJrewst. Western Witier—Slightly larger
than the preceding, and, in summer plumage, the upper parts are paler and
less heavily marked with black ; the breast is less heavily streaked and more
suffused with buffy, and the middle tail-feathers are without black bars. In
winter plumage the two forms can be distinguished only by the slight and
inconstant character of size. W., 8°50; Tar., 2°50; B., 2°40,

Range.—Western United States, breeding from Texas to Manitoba; win-
ters on the Gulf coast from Florida to Texas.

The Rurr (260. Pavoncella pugnax) is an Old-World species which ocea-
sionally wanders to eastern North America. It has been taken in Maine,
Massachusetts, Ontario, Ohio, Long Island, and New Jersey. The adult male
may be known by its enlarged ruff, which varies in color from black, chest-
nut, and rufous to buffy and whitish. The female is without a ruff, and is
otherwise very different from the male. The upper parts are grayish brown,
the back, scapulars, and tertials are broadly barred with black, the outer
‘tail-feathers are ashy, the inner ones are barred with buffy and black, the
breast is ashy, with concealed black bars, the belly is white. In winter the
upper parts are light grayish brown with few or no bars. 6 L., 12°50; W.,
aoe ear, 1-90 B., 150. 9 G:, 10005 W., 6:00; Tar., 1403"B.; 1-15.

261. Bartramia longicauda ( Pechst.). Barrramtan SANDPIPER;
Uprann Prover; Fretp Prover. Ad.—Head and neck streaked with black
and ochraceous-buff; back and wing-coverts ochraceous-buff, barred with
black; tertials olive, barred with black and margined with ochraceous-buff ;
primaries fuscous, the outer one barred with white ; inner tail-feathers brown-
ish gray, outer ones varying from ochraceous-butf to white, all more or less

168 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

barred with black ; breast and sides washed with buffy and streaked or barred
with black; belly white or whitish. /m.—Similar, but the ochraceous-butf
is deeper. L., 11°50; W., 6°50; Tar., 1:90; B., 1°16.

Remarks.—The white bars on the outer primary will always serve to iden-
tify this species.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds locally from Kansas and Vir-
ginia to Alaska and Nova Scotia; winters over most of South America.

Washington, common T. V., Apl.; Aug. to Sept. Long Island, uncommon
S. R., Apl. to Sept. Cambridge, not common 'T. V., Apl. 25 to May 5; July
30 to Sept. 15.

Eggs, four to tive, creamy buff or white, spotted with reddish brown or
chocolate, chiefly at the larger end, 1°80 x 1°30.

The Upland “Plover” is at home on grassy plains and pastures.
It is usually a shy bird, and can rarely be successfully approached on
foot. It shows no fear, however, of a man who is riding or driving,
and when on horseback I have passed within a few yards of birds
which regarded me with some interest but no alarm. They so closely
resemble dried grass in color that it is sometimes exceedingly diffi-
cult to distinguish them from their surroundings. One may ride over
a prairie upon which, at first glance, not a Plover is visible, and find,
after careful scrutiny, that dozens of birds are scattered about him
feeding.

In alighting they stretch their wings to the utmost, high over their
backs, as if to get the wrinkles out before gently folding them. When
flushed they utter a soft, bubbling whistle. During their migra-
tions one may clearly hear these sweet notes from birds traveling be-
yond the limits of human vision. Mr. Langille describes their alarm
note as a spirited and rapidly uttered guip-ip-ip-ip, quip-ip-ip-ip, and
their song, given from the ground, a fence, or even a tree, as chr-r-r-r-r-
ee-e-e-e-e-€-00-0-0-0-0-00. Heremarks: * This prolonged, mournful, mel-
low whistle, more like the whistling of wind than a bird’s voice, may
be heard even in the night, and is one of the most weird and never-to-
be-forgotten sounds in Nature.”

262. Tryngites subruficollis (Vicill.). Burr-preastep Sanp-
piper. .d4d.—Upper parts pale grayish brown, the feathers with olive cen-
ters ; primaries fugcous, the inner half of their inner webs speckled with black
longer inner wing-coverts conspicuously marked and tipped with black, then
white; central tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming buffy, irregularly
marked and tipped with black and bufty; under parts pale ochraceous-buff,
tipped with whitish, and with generally concealed black markings. J/m.—
Similar, but the upper parts and breast paler. L., 8°50; W., 5°25; B., 80.

Remarks.—In any plumage this bird may be known by the peculiar speck-
ling on the inner webs of a/d the primaries, and also the markings of the under
wing-coverts.

Range.—* North America, especially in the interior; breeds in the Yukon

pe

im

4
wad

1
Be rari

“ONNOA GNV UAdIdGNVS GALLOdS

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 169

district and interior of British America; northward to the arctic coast; South
America in winter; of frequent occurrence in Europe” (A. O. U.).

Long Island, rare T. V., Aug. and Sept.

Eggs, three to four, buffy grayish white, varying to pale olive-buff, boldly
spotted longitudinally (and somewhat spirally) with dark vandyke- or mad-
der-brown and purplish gray, 1°53 x 1-04 (Ridgw.).

This is a rare species on the Atlantic coast. Dr. Hatch writes of
it as observed by him in Minnesota: “They are an extremely active
species when on the wing, and essentially ploverine in all respects,
seeking sandy, barren prairies, where they live upon grasshoppers,
crickets, and insects generally, and ants and their eggs specially. I
have found them repasting upon minute mollusks on the sandy shores
of small and shallow ponds, where they were apparently little more
suspicious than the Solitary Sandpipers are notably. The flight is in
rather compact form, dipping and rising alternately, and with a dis-
position to return again to the neighborhood of their former feeding
places.”

263. Actitis macularia (Zinn.). Sprorren Sanppirer. Ad. in sum-
gmer.—Upper parts brownish gray with a faint greenish luster, the head and
neck more or less streaked, and the back barred or spotted with black ; inner
tail-feathers like the back, outer ones with blackish bars; under parts white,
everywhere spotted with black. /m.—Upper parts brownish gray, with a
greenish tinge, the back faintly and wing-coverts conspicuously barred with
black and buffy ; under parts pure white, unspotted, but slightly washed with
grayish on the breast. Winter plumage.—Similar, but back browner and
without bars. L., 7°50; W., 420; Tar., 90; B., 95
' — Range.—North America north to Hudson Bay; breeds throughout its
range; winters southward to Brazil.

Washington, common T. V., not common §. R., Apl. 5 to Sept. 80. Long
Island, abundant 8. R., Apl. oe to Oct. Sing Sing, common S. R., Apl. 29 to
Oct. 23. Cambridge, common 8S. R., Apl. 26 to Sept.

Eggs, four, creamy buff or white. thickly spotted and speckled with choco-
late, chiefly at the larger end, 1°25 x +95.

Few Shore Birds are more generally known than this widely dis-
tributed little Sandpiper. It frequents the margins of bodies of both
fresh and salt water, but is more common inland on the shores of our
rivers, ponds, and lakes. During the summer it is practically our only
fresh-water Sandpiper, and is familiar to most of us under its common
names. It runs rapidly along the beach, then pausing bobs, bows, and
“teters” in a most energetic manner. When flushed it takes wing
with a sharp weet-weet weet-weet, and after a few wing-strokes scales
over the water to the beach beyond. It apparently dislikes to go be-
yond certain limits, and,after several flights makes a wide circle and
returns to the starting point.

170 SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC.

264. Numenius longirostris Wils. Lone-Bittep CuRLEWw ;
SickLE-BILL. Ad.—Head and neck streaked, and back barred with buffy
and black ; wing-coverts, inner webs of primaries, secondaries, and tail vary-
ing from buffy to pale rufous, barred or mottled with blackish; under parts
ochraceous-buff, breast more or less streaked and sides sometimes barred
with black; axillars rufous, generally unbarred. L., 24:00; W., 10°50; Tar.,
3:10; B., 6°00.

Range.— United States, breeding in the interior as far north as Manitoba
and on the Atlantic coast to North Carolina; casual northward to New Eng-
land; winters from Florida and Texas southward to the West Indies.

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, casual from July to
Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Eqgqs, three to four, olive clay-color or brownish ashy, spotted or blotched
with chocolate, 2°58 x 1°85.

“ These birds, as a rule, inhabit the muddy shores and moist grassy
flats and plains, but often frequent and breed upon the uplands re-
mote from water. Their food consists of worms, crickets, beetles,
grasshoppers, small snails, crabs, and crawfish; the latter they reach
for with their long bills and pull them out of their holes; and I have
seen them probe for and unearth the larve of the beetles and other
forms of life that in the spring come to or near the surface prepara-
tory to transformation. While feeding they move about with an easy
carriage.

“Their flight is not rapid but well sustained, with regular strokes
of the wings, and when going a distance usually high and in a trian-
gular form, uttering now and then their loud, prolonged whistling
note, so often heard during the breeding season; before alighting, sud-
denly drop nearly to the ground, then gather, and with a rising sweep
gracefully alight ” (Goss).

265. Numenius hudsonicus ath. Uvpsontan Curtew; Jack
Curtew. Ad.—Upper parts grayish brown, the sides of the feathers with
whitish spots; rump and tail barred with butfy and blackish ; inner web of
outer primaries and both webs of inner ones barred with buffy or whitish and
black; under parts butfy or whitish, the neck and breast streaked and the
sides and under wing-coverts barred with black. L., 17-00; W., 9°50; 'Tar.,
2°20: B., 3°75.

Range.—Breeds in the arctic regions and winters from the Gulf States to
Patagonia.

Long Island, T. V., rare trom May 20 to 830; common from July to Oct. 1.

Eggs, three to four, pale olive, spotted with dull brown, 2°27 x 167
(Ridgw.).

This is a much commoner bird on our coasts than the preceding,
which it resembles in habits but not in notes.

266. Numenius borealis (/orst.). Eskimo Curtew; Furr;
Doveu-Birp. Ad.—Upper parts black, margined and tipped with buffy or

PLOVERS. 171

whitish ; upper tail-coverts barred with buffy and black ; tail brownish gray,
edged with buffy and barred with black; primaries fuscous without bars ;
under parts buffy or whitish, the breast streaked, the sides and under wing-
coverts barred with black L., 13°50; W., 8:40; Tar., 1:75; B., 2°40.

Range.—Breeds in the arctic regions and migrates southward, chiefly
through the interior, to Patagonia.

Long Island, rare T. V., Sept.

Eggs, three to four, pale olive-greenish, olive, or olive-brownish, dis-
tinctly spotted, chiefly on the larger end, with deep or dark brown, 2°04 x 1:43
(Ridgw.).

This Curlew is far more common in the interior than on the At-
lantic coast. It is more of a field bird than either of the two pre-
ceding species, and frequents the dry uplands to feed on seeds and
insects. Mr. G. H. Mackay, in his biography of this species,* writes:
“Most of their habits closely resemble those of the Golden Plover.
In migration they fly in much the same manner, with extended and
broadside and triangular lines and clusters similar to those of Ducks
and Geese at such times. They usually fly low after landing, sweeping
slowly over the ground, apparently looking it over, generally standing
motionless for quite a while after alighting, which, owing to their
general color approximating so closely to the withered grass, renders
it difficult at times to perceive them. . . . The only note I ever heard
them make is a kind of squeak, very much like one of the cries of
Wilson’s Tern (Sterna hirundo), only finer in tone.”

The Wumesret (267. Numenius pheopus), an Old-World species, is of
accidental occurrence in Greenland.

FAMILY CHARADRIIDH. PLOVERS.

The one hundred species contained in this family are, as a whole, of
less boreal distribution than the Snipes, and during the nesting season
are distributed throughout the world. Only eight species are found
in North America. Their habits in a general way resemble those of
the true Snipes, but their much shorter, stouter bills are not fitted for
probing, and they obtain their food from the surface. Probably for
this reason several species are as frequently found on the uplands as

near the shores.
KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Toes three.

A. Back spotted or streaked with black and white, rufous, or golden yellow.

272. Am. GoLDEN PLOVER.
&. Back ashy, gray, brown, or brownish gray.

pect MOUs Mase geet hal gy sw eo oboe el fece LOT. KILL DERE
6. Rump not rufous.

* The Auk, vol. ix, 1892, pp. 16-21.

179 PLOVERS.

61, Bill over ‘50.
62, A black or brownish band on the breast. 280. W1tson’s Plover.
68, No band on the breast ; back grayish brown, margined with rufous.
281. Mountain PLover.
ec, Bill under ‘50.
c3, A black line from the eye to the bill.
274. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.
«. No line from the eye to the bill.
277. Pipine PLover. 277a. BeLTep Piping PLover.
My Woes four. 6 4s) eee SS 8 OY 0, aor ero peer

The Lapwine (269. Vanellus vanellus) is an Old-World species of acci-
dental occurrence in America. The only record for eastern North America
south of Greenland is based on a specimen shot at Merrick, L. L, in Decem-
ber, 1883 (Dutcher, Auk, iii, 1886, p. 488).

270. Charadrius squatarola (/inn.). Biack-Betiep PLover;
BEETLE-HEAD. (See Fig. 25, c, 26, d.) Ad. in summer.—Upper parts black,
bordered with white; tail white, barred with black; basal half of the inner
web of the primaries white; sides of the head and neck and entire under parts,
except the white lower belly and under tail-coverts, black. Jm.—Upper parts
black, the head and neck streaked, the back spotted with buffy yellow; tail
and wings as in the adult; under parts white, the breast and sides streaked
with brownish gray. Winter plumage.—Similar to the preceding, but upper
parts brownish gray, lightly margined with whitish. L., 11:00; W., 7°50;
Tar., 1:90; B., 1:10.

Remarks.—The rounded scales on the front of the tarsus and the presence
of a fourth, although very small, toe distinguish this bird.

Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan; breeds in the arctic regions, and in Amer-
ica winters from Florida to Brazil.

Long Island, common T. V., May 5 to June 5; Aug. 1 to Oct. 15. Sing
Sing, A. V.

Eggs, three to four, light buffy olive, spotted and speckled with dark
brown and brownish black or deep black, 2:04 x 1:43 (Ridgw.).

The following notes are abridged from Mr. Mackay’s extended ac-
count of the habits of this species (Auk, ix, 1892, pp. 143-152). They
are in a great degree tide birds, and seek a large part of their food on
sand-flats left by the receding water. As the tide rises they resort to
adjoining marshes or uplands, beaches, or the exposed crests of sand-
bars. In migrating they fly in lines and also in ranks, like Ducks and
Geese. When on the ground they usually run very fast for four or five
yards, then stop, elevate the head, and look around. They strike at
the object they are going to pick up and eat with a very quick motion.
They have two calls: one of several notes, with the accent on the sec-
ond one, is mellow, clear, and far reaching; the other is low, and is
uttered when they are at ease and contented.

PLOVERS. 178

2'72. Charadrius dominicus Mili. American GoLpEN PLOVER;
GREENBACK. Ad. in summer.—Upper parts black, spotted and margined
with golden yellow; tail brownish gray, indistinctly barred with whitish ;
sides of the breast white; rest of the under parts, including sides of the head,
black; under wing-coverts ashy. Winter plumage.—Upper parts and tail
fuscous, spotted or barred with whitish or yellow; under parts whitish, more
or less streaked or barred with brownish gray. L., 10°50; W., 7:00; Tar.,
1:60; B., -90.

Remarks.—Immature birds are sometimes confused with those of the Black-
bellied Plover, but, aside from differences of size and color, the absence of the
fourth toe in the present species will always distinguish it.

Range.—Breeds in the arctic regions; winters from Florida to Patagonia.

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, 'T. V., very rare in
May; common from Aug. 15 to Nov. 10.

Eggs, three to four, ochraceous-buff or buffy white, heavily marked with
chocolate, 1:85 x 1°28.

Golden Plovers frequent marshes, sandy hills, old fields, sand-flats
exposed by the falling tide, plowed fields, and burned tracts which are
free of trees and bushes. When on the ground they run rapidly and
gracefully, and after alighting soon scatter. All their movements are
quick, and after running a few yards they suddenly stop, hold their
head erect, and look about them. In feeding they seem to strike at
an object with a motion that reminds one of a Loon or Grebe begin-
ning to dive.

When a flock is approaching decoys, every bird seems to be whis-
tling, uttering a note like coodle, coodle, coodle. Unlike the Black-
bellied Plover, the young birds are wary and more difficult to decoy
than the old ones. When driven from a favorite resting or feeding
ground they generally return in a short time. (Abridged from Mr,
George H. Mackay’s account of the habits of this species in The Auk,
viii, 1891, pp. 17-24.)

The EvropEaAN GoipEN Piover (271. Charadrius apricarius) occurs in
eastern Greenland. It resembles our species, but has the under wing-coverts
white instead of gray.

273. Zegialitis vocifera (Linn.). Kiriperr. Ad.—Forehead, a
spot behind the eye, throat, and a ring around the neck, a band on the breast,
lower breast, and belly white; front of the crown, lores, a ring around the
neck, and a band on the breast black ; crown and back grayish brown tipped
with rufous; rump and upper tail-coverts rufous; inner tail-feathers grayish
brown, outer ones becoming rufous and white, all tipped with black and white.
L., 10°50; W., 6°50; Tar., 1:35; B., °75.

Range.—North America north to Newfoundland and Manitoba, breeding
throughout its range; winters from the lower Mississippi Valley and Vir-
ginia to northern South America.

174 - PLOVERS.

Washington, P. R., most abundant in migrations. Long Island, not com
mon T. V., recorded in every month but Jan. Sing Sing, rare T. V. in fall
Sept. 28 to Oct. 25. Cambridge, A. V., two instances, Sept.

Eggs, three to four, buffy white, spotted and scrawled with chocolate
chiefly at the larger end, 1°50 x 1°10.

In localities where this bird is common it is difficult to get beyond
- the reach of its notes. Lakesides, meadows, pastures, and cultivated
fields all attract it, but it is more numerous in the vicinity of water.
It is a noisy, restless bird, running rapidly when on the ground, and
when on the wing flying swiftly and sometimes pursuing a most
irregular course. As a rule it is found in flocks, which scatter when
feeding but unite when taking wing. At the first sign of danger it
utters its half-plaintive, half-petulant A7l/-dee, kall-dee, and when thor-
oughly alarmed its outcry increases until, beside itself with fear, it
reaches the limit of its vocal powers. Although by no means shy, the
Killdeer never seems to gain confidence in man, and at his approach
always gives voice to its fear. Even at night I have heard it cry out
at some real or fancied danger.

274. Agialitis semipalmata Lonap: Semrpatmatep Piover; Rine-
NECK. (See Fig. 25, d, 26, ¢.) Ad. in swmmer.—Feathers at the base of the
upper mandible, front of the
crown, sides of the head be-
low the eye, and a band
on the breast, which gener-
ally encircles the neck all
around, black ; rest of under
parts and a ring around the
neck white; back of head
and back brownish gray ;
inner tail-feathers brownish
gray, outer ones becoming
gradually white; toes webbed
at the base. Winter plum-
age.—Similar, but the black
replaced by brownish gray.
; Li, "6°75 WS ab0e Pars oe:
Fie. 65.—Semipalmated Plover. (Natural size.) B., 50.

Range.—Breeds from Lab-
rador to the shores of the Arctic Sea; winters from the Gulf States to Brazil.
Washington, casual, three specimens, May; Aug. Long Island, common
T. V., May; Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, common T. V. in fall; Aug. 23 to
Sept. 20. Cambridge, rare in spring; sometimes common in Aug. and
Sept. i
Eggs, three to four, buffy white or creamy buff, spotted with chocolate,
1°30 x "90,

PLOVERS,. 175

This species frequents sandy beaches, mud-flats, and marshes. It
is found generally in small flocks of five or ten individuals, which,
unlike the Sand Oxeyes, do not feed in a compact body, but run rap-
idly about, independently of one another. When they take wing,
however, they close ranks at once and move as though governed by
one desire.

Their simple, sweet, plaintive call is one of the most characteristic
notes heard on our shores. At noonday, when the heat waves are
dancing over the marshes and even the twittering Oxeyes are silent,
one may hear the cool, pure notes of this little Plover. They may be

written —— —. A third, shorter note is sometimes added.

Even a whistled imitation of them takes me to the beaches.

The Rina Purover (275. digialitis hiaticula), an Old-World species, is
found in Greenland. It is similar to the preceding but slightly larger, the
black band on the breast is wider, and there is no web between the inner and
middle toes.

277. Zgialitis meloda (Ord). Pirtne Piover. Ad. in summer.
—Upper parts pale whitish ashy; forehead, under parts, and a ring around
the neck white; front of the crown and a band on either side of the breast
black ; inner tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones becoming white. Winter plum-
age.—Similar, but the black replaced by brownish gray. L., 7-00; W., 4°75;
Mar, 804, B.,-°50,

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from Virginia to Newfound-
land; winters from Florida southward.

Long Island, not uncommon 8. R., Mch. through Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Eggs, three to four, creamy white, finely spotted or speckled with choco-
late, 1°24 x ‘95.

The Piping Plover resembles the Ring-neck in habits but not in
notes. Mr. J. H. Langille writes that it can not be called a‘ whistler,’
nor even a ‘piper,’ in an ordinary sense. Its tone has a particularly
striking and musical quality. Qweep, queep, queep-o, or peep, peep,
peep-lo, each syllable being uttered with a separate, distinct, and some-
what long-drawn enunciation, may imitate its peculiar melody, the
tone of which is round, full, and sweet, reminding one of a high key
on an Italian hand organ or the hauwtboy in a church organ. It is
always pleasing to the lover of Nature’s melodies, and in the still air
of the evening it is very impressive.”

277a. . m. circumcincta idgw. Beittep Pirine PLover.—
Closely resembles the preceding, from which it differs in having the bands
on either side of the breast joined, forming a continuous breastband.

Range.—Breeds from “ northern Illinois and Nebraska northward to Lake

176 PLOVERS.

Winnepeg,” and eastward to the Magdalen and Sable Islands; winters from
the Gulf southward. Casual on the Atlantic coast during the migrations.
Long Island, A. V. in summer.

280. Zigialitis wilsonia (0rd). Witson’s Piover. Ad. 6.—
Lores, front of crown, and a band on the breast black ; rest of under parts,
forehead, and an indistinct ring on
the nape white; sides of the head
and nape sometimes with rufous
markings; cheeks,
erown, and back
brownish — gray ;
inner tail-feathers
fuscous, outer ones becoming white.
Ad. ¢ .—Similar, but black replaced
by brownish gray. /m.—Similar to
9, but upper parts margined with
grayish. “Ii: 77505 WG, 450% ar;
1:10; B., ‘80.

Range.—America, breeding from
- Virginia to Central America; win-
ters southward to Brazil; casual
northward to Nova Scotia.

ie Long Island, .A. V., in sum-
Fig. 66.—Wilson’s Plover. (Natural size.) ™er.
Lgqs, three, creamy white, even-
ly and rather finely spotted and speckled with chocolate, 1.42 x 1-03.

This is a more strictly maritime species than the other representa-
tives of this genus. Sandy beaches are its favorite resorts, but it is
also found on mud-flats exposed by the falling tide. Dr. Coues de-
scribes its note as half a whistle, half a chirp, quite different from that
of the preceding species. It is a gentle, unsuspicious bird, and when
its nest is approached it runs about the intruder and begs as plainly
as a bird can that he will not disturb its treasures.

The Mountain Prover (281. “gialitis montana), a western species, is of
accidental occurrence in Florida. The upper parts are grayish brown margined
with rufous, the under parts are white tinged with buffy on the breast; in
adults the front of the crown and lores are black. L., about 8°75; W., 5°75;
Mar, d50% 2, 85;

Famity APHRIZIDZ. SuRF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES.

A small family of four species, three of which are found in North
America, though but one of these visits our Eastern States. They are
strictly maritime birds, frequenting only the seacoasts, where they
prefer the outer beaches,

TURNSTONES, OYSTER-CATCHERS. ges

283. Arenaria interpres (/inn.). Turnstonr; Brant Brrp;
Caico-Back. Ad. in summer.—Upper parts, including wings, strikingly
variegated with rufous, black, and white; tail white at the base, a black band
near its end, and tipped with white; throat and breast black and white ; belly
white. Winter plumage.——Upper parts blackish, bordered with brownish
gray or ashy; lower back white ; longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones
black; tail as in the adult; throat white, breast black margined with white,
belly white. L., 9°50; W., 6:00; Tar., -95; B., 1-00.

Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan ; breeds in the aretic regions, and in Amer-
ica migrates southward to Patagonia.

Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, common T. V. May;
Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Eggs, three to four, clay-color, blotched and scrawled with grayish brown,
1°60 x 1°15. |

This strictly maritime species is found singly or in small flocks,

generally on the outer beaches, where it obtains its food by turning
over shells and pebbles in search of insects, crustaceans, etc.

FAMILY HE®MATOPODIDA. OYSTER-CATCHERS.

The Oyster-catchers number ten species, represented in most of the
warmer parts of the globe. But three species are found in North
America, and only one of these occurs in the Kastern States. They are
strictly maritime birds, and resort to the outer bars and beaches in
search of clams, mussels, etc., exposed by the tide. Their strong bill
is used as an oyster-knife to force open the shells of these bivalves.

286. Hzematopus palliatus Zemm. American OystER-CATCHER.
Ad.—Head, neck, and upper breast glossy black, back and wing-coverts olive-
brown, secondaries white, primaries fuscous, upper tail-coverts white, base of
the tail white, end fuscous, lower breast and belly white. Jm.—Similar, but
head and neck blackish and upper parts more or less margined with buffy.
L., 19°00; W., 10°50; Tar., 2-40; B., 3-40.

fange.—Seacoasts of temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey
and Lower California to Patagonia; occasional or accidental on the Atlantic
coast north to Massachusetts and Grand Menan.

Long Island, A. V.

_ £gqs, three to four, buffy white or creamy buff, rather evenly spotted and
blotched with chocolate, 2°20 x 1:55.

A not uncommon species from southern New Jersey southward;
confined exclusively to the coast. It agrees in habits with other mem-
bers of this small family.

The EvropEan OysTEeR-cATcHER (285. Hamatopus ostralegus) is of acci-
dental occurrence in Greenland.

13

178 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC.

ORDER GALLINZ. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS.

FAMILY TETRAONIDA. GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETO.

Of the two hundred species contained in this family, one hundred
belong in the subfamily Perdicine or Old-World Partridges and
Quails, sixty in the subfamily Odontophorinw or New-World Par-
tridges and Bob-whites, and twenty-five in the subfamily Zetraonine
or Grouse, inhabiting the northern parts of the northern hemisphere.
Generally speaking, these birds are non-migratory, though there are
some striking exceptions among the Perdicine. After the nesting
season they commonly gather in “coveys” or bevies, usually composed
of the members of but one family. In some species these bevies unite
or “pack,” forming large flocks. As a rule, they are terrestrial, but
may take to trees when flushed, while some species habitually call and
feed in trees. They are game birds par excellence, and, trusting to
the concealment afforded by their dull colors, attempt to avoid detec-
tion by hiding rather than by flying, or, in sportsman’s phraseology,
“lie well toa dog.” Their flight is rapid and accompanied by a start-
ling whirr, caused by the quick strokes of their small, concave, stiff-
feathered wings.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A. Tarsibare . . . . . . 289. Bos-wnirz. 289a. FLoripa Bos-walte.
4. Upper third or half of tarsi feathered.
300. RurFFED Grouse. 3800a. CANADA RUFFED GROUSE.
C. Tarsi entirely feathered, toes bare.
a. With bunches of elongated, stiffened feathers springing from either side
oftheneck ... . . . . . 805. Prargme Hen. 306. Heata Hen.
6, Feathers of neck normal.

61. Outer web of primaries spotted with white.

308). PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE.

62, Primaries not spotted with white . . . . . 298. Canapa GRovuss.
D. Tarsi and toes entirely feathered . . . . . 301. Prarmiean and races.

289. Colinus virginianus (Zinn.). Bos-wnire; QuaiL; PArTRineE.
Ad. 8 in winter.—Upper parts varying from reddish brown to chestnut; in-
terscapulars with broken and sometimes complete black bars; inner vane
of tertials widely margined with cream-buff; rump grayish brown, finely
mottled, and with a few streaks of blackish; tail ashy gray, the inner feath-
ers finely mottled with buffy; front of the crown, a band from the bill to be-
neath the eye, and a band on the upper breast black; throat and a broad line
from the bill over the eye white; sides rufous-chestnut, margined with black
and white; lower breast and belly white barred with black. Ad. 9 in win-
ter,—Similar, but the throat and Jine over the eye, forehead, and lores pale
ochraceous-buff; little or no black on the upper breast. Swmmer examples

GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 179

of both sexes have the crown blacker, the buffy markings generally paler.
ny, 10005 W., 4505 05.2750; B. from N., -35.

Range.—Eastern North America, from southern Maine and Minnesota
southward to the Gulf of Mexico; resident wherever found.

Washington, common P. Rk. Sing Sing,common P. R. Cambridge, com-
mon P. R.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy fields. Eggs, ten to eighteen, white,
1°20 x “95.

Taking the Old-World species of the genera Coturnix and Caccabis
as the types respectively of Quails and Partridges, neither of these lat-
ter names can properly be applied to our Colinus, which should there-
fore be known under the distinctive title Bob-white.

During the nesting season Bob-whites are distributed in pairs
through clearings and cultivated fields. The members of a brood
constitute a bevy or covey, though occasionally two families or broods
are found in one bevy. In the fall they frequent grain fields, but as
winter approaches draw in toward thickets and wooded bottom-lands,
sometimes passing the coldest weather in boggy alder swamps. They
roost on the ground, tail to tail, with heads pointing outward : a bunch
of closely huddled forms—a living bomb whose explosion is scarcely
less startling than that of dynamite manufacture.

Like most grass-inhabiting birds whose colors harmonize with their
surroundings, Bob-whites rely on this protective resemblance to escape
detection, and take wing only asa last resort. Sometimes they take
refuge in trees, but usually they head for wooded cover, where they
remain if the growth is dense, but if it is open they generally run the
moment they touch the ground.

About May 1 they begin to pair, and rival males may then be seen
battling for mates like diminutive gamecocks.

The name “ Bob-white” originated in the spring call of the male.
Mounting a fence or ascending to the lower branches of a tree, he
whistles the two clear musical, ringing notes bob-white/ Sometimes
they are preceded by a lower one which can be heard only when one
is near the singer.

After the breeding season, when the birds are in bevies, their notes
are changed to what sportsmen term “scatter calls.” Not long after
a bevy has been flushed and perhaps widely scattered, the members of
the disunited family may be heard signaling to one another in sweet
minor calls of two and three notes. When excited they also utter low,
twittering notes.

289a. C. v. floridanus ((ov¢s)._ Frorma Bos-wnite; Quart; Par-
TRIDGE.—Similar to the preceding, but smaller, the plumage throughout darker,
the black of the back more extensive, the rump and upper tail-coverts grayer,

180 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC.

the black throat-band wider and sometimes reaching down upon the breast,
the rufous-chestnut of the sides more extensive, the black bars of the presen
and belly much wider. L., 8°50; W., 4:40; T., 2°50.

Range.—F lorida, except the northern border of the State.

A common bird throughout the pine-grown portions of the Florida
peninsula, It is especially numerous on old plantations, where it fre-
quents patches of “cow peas.” It resembles the northern Bob-white
in habits, but is, I think, more inclined to take to the trees when
flushed. I have seen a whole covey fly up into the lofty pine trees,
where, squatting close to the limbs, they became almost invisible,

They begin to pair early in March.

The European or Micratory Quatt ( Coturnix coturnix) has been intro-
duced into this country on several occasions, but does not appear to have sur-
v:ved.

298. Dendragapus canadensis (/inn.). Canapa Grouse ; SPRUCE
Parrriver. Ad. 6.—Upper parts barred with black, ashy, gray, and grayish
brown; tertials and wing-coverts irregularly marked with fuscous and grayish
brown; tail black, tipped with rufous; the black throat separated from the
black breast by a broken circular band of black and white and a band of the
same color as the back of the neck; sides mottled with black and grayish
brown, the ends of the feathers with white shaft streaks; rest of the under
parts black, broadly tipped with white, except on the middle of the lower
breast; bare skin above the eye bright red in life. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts
barred with black and pale rufous and tipped with ashy gray; tail black,
mottled and tipped with rufous; throat and upper breast barred with pale
rufous and black; sides mottled with black and pale rufous, the ends of the
feathers with white shaft streaks; rest of the under parts black, broadly
mpped with white and more or less washed with pale rufous. L., 15°00; W.,

650: T., 475; B. from N.,

Range—From northern New England, northern New York, and northern
Minnesota northwestward to Alaska.

Nest, on the ground. Zyqs, nine to sixteen, buffy or pale brownish, more
or less speckled or spotted with deep brown, 171 x 122 (Ridgw.).

This species is a common inhabitant of coniferous forests, and is
generally resident wherever found. An excellent account of its habits
is given in Captain Bendire’s Life Histories of North American Birds,
Ok.

300. Bonasa umbellus (/inn.). Rurrep Grouse; Parrriner;
Preasant. Ad. &.—Prevailing color of the upper parts rufous, much varie-
gated with black, ochraceous, huffy, gray, and whitish ; sides of the neck with
large tufts of broad, glossy black feathers; tail varying from gray to rufous,
irregularly barred and mottled with black, a broad black or brownish band
near the end; tip gray; throat and breast ochraceous-buff, a broken blackish
band on the breast; rest of the under parts white, tinged with buffy and

f J v we
Pee
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har * cee" ot
ng es say * ie
ap ere ae

‘ONNOA GNV asnoUury) dadany

GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 181

barred with blackish or dark grayish brown, the bars indistinct on the breast
and belly, stronger on the sides. Ad. ?.—Similar, but with the neck tufts
very small. Lj 1700; W., 7-25; T., 6:25; B. from N., °52.

Range.—Eastern United States, from Vermont to Virginia, and along the

Alleghanies to northern Georgia.
Washington, not common P. Rk. Sing Sing, common P. k. Cambridge,

common P. R.
Nest, on the ground, at the base of a stump or tree, or beneath brush.

Eygs, cight to fourteen, pale ochraceous-buff, 1°52 x 1:13.

Of all the characteristics of this superb game bird, its habit of
drumming is perhaps the most remarkable. This loud tattoo begins
with the measured thump of the big drum, then gradually changes
and dies away in the rumble of the kettle-drum. It may be briefly rep-
resented thus: Thuwmp—thump thump—thump, thump ; thump,
thump-rup rup rup rup r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r.._ The sound is produced by
the male bird beating the air with his wings as he stands firmly brac@d
on some favorite low perch; and it is now quite well known to be the
call of the male to the female; an announcement that he is at the old
rendezvous—a rendezvous that has perhaps served them for more than
one season, and a place that in time becomes so fraught with delight-
ful associations that even in autumn or winter the male, when he finds
himself in the vicinity, can not resist the temptation to mount his
wonted perch and vent his feelings in the rolling drum-beat that was
in springtime his song of love. But now, alas! there is no lady Grouse
to come, shy but responsive, at the sound of his reverberating sum-
mons.

There is good reason for supposing that the Ruffed Grouse is po-
lygamous, and that the male, if he drums in vain at one place, will
fly to another retreat and there seek the society of some more compli-
ant female.

The voung Grouse can run about as soon as they are hatched, and
ean fly well when about a week old. Their mother is celebrated for the
variety of expedients she puts in practice to save her brood from threat-
ened danger, and their father has frequently been known to divide the
charge with her. The young usually continue with their parents till
the following spring, though it is rare at this time to see more’ than
three or four surviving out of the original twelve or fourteen.

The food of this Grouse is largely insects and berries during the
summer; in the autumn it adds seeds to the list, and when the ground
is covered with snow the staples are catkins, leaves, and buds.

Its toes are provided during the winter with a curious fringe of
strong, horny points which act as snowshoes. In the northern part
of its range this bird commonly burrows into a snowdrift to pass the
night during the season of intense cold; but in the summer and in

182 | GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC.

the warmer region of its range it roosts habitually among the thickets
of evergreen.—ERNeEst EH, THompson.

300a. B. u. togata (Linn.). Canapvian Rurrep Grouse; Par-
TripGE.—To be distinguished from the preceding by the prevailing color of
the upper parts, which are gray instead of rufous, and the more distinctly
barred under parts, the bars on the breast and belly being nearly as well de-
tined as those on the side; the tail is generally gray.

Range.—Nova Scotia, northern half of Maine, northern Vermont, New
Hampshire, and New York northward and westward to Hudson Bay and
Oregon.

301. Lagopus lagopus (Linn.). Wittow Prarmiean. Ad. 6 in
summer.—Prevailing color above rufous, or black thickly barred or mottled
with rufous and bufty or whitish; tail fuscous, tipped with white; middle
tail-feathers like the back; throat, breast, and sides like the head and neck;
belly white. Ad. @ in summer.—Similar to the male, but the bars both above
and below broader and more numerous. Winter plumage.—Outer tail-feathers
as in summer, rest of the plumage white. L., 15°00; W., 7°50; T., 4:40; B.
from N., ‘42; depth of B. at N., °44.

kemarks.—Both this species and its subspecies ad/eni may be distinguished
from our other Ptarmigans by their more rufous color and larger bills.

Range.—* Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, south in winter;
in America to Sitka, Alaska, the British Provinces, and_occasionally within
the northern border of the United States” (Bendire).

Nest, on the ground. #ggs, seven to eleven, varying from cream-buff to
rufous, heavily spotted and blotched with blackish, 1°75 x 1:20.

This abundant and characteristic arctic bird does not nest south of
central Labrador, but migrates southward in winter to the St. Law-
rence, and has once been taken in northern New York and once in
New Brunswick. An extended account of its habits will be found in
Nelson’s Report on Natural History Collections made in Alaska, p. 131.
It is quoted by Captain Bendire in his Life Histories of American
Birds (p. 70), where will be found practically all we know concerning
the habits of this and the following members of this genus.

301a. L. 1. alleni Stejn. Atien’s Prarmican.—Differs from the pre-
ceding in having the “shafts of secondaries black, and quills (sometimes a
few of the wing-coverts also) more or less blotched or mottled with dusky.
Summer plumages and young unknown” (Ridgw.).

Range.—Newfoundland.

“It frequents rocky barrens, feeding on seeds and berries of the
stunted plants that thrive in these exposed situations” (Merriam,
Orn. and O61., viii, 1883, p. 43).

302. Lagopus rupestris (@me/.). Rock Prarmican; Rooker. Ad.
8 in summer.—General color above grayish, the feathers black basally ; head

GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 183

and neck barred, and back marked with numerous fine wavy lines of gray
and white or bufty; central tail-feathers like the back, outer ones fuscous,
generally tipped with white; breast and sides like the head and neck; belly
white. Ad. ° in summer—Above black, barred with ochraceous-buff and
margined with grayish; middle tail-feathers the same, outer ones as in the
male; middle of the belly white, rest of the under parts like the back, but
with more ochraceous-butl. Winter plumage.—Lores black, outer tail-feathers
as in summer, rest of the plumage white. W., 7:25; B. from N., °35; depth
of B. at N., °82.

Range—* Arctic America in general, southeastward to the Gulf of St.
Lawrence (Anticosti), except the northern extremity of the peninsula of
Labrador, and region thence northward, Greenland and Aleutian Islands”
(Bendire).

Nest, usually placed among the dwarf brush or sedge-covered patches of
the tundras. Zggs, six to ten, pale cream or yellowish buff, sometimes with
a vinaceous-rufous suffusion, spotted and blotched with clove-brown or dark
elaret-red, 1°65 x 1:18 (Bendire).

“Tn its general manners and mode of living it is said to resemble
albus { = L. lagopus], but does not retire so far into the wooded coun-
try in the winter” (B., B., and R.).

o02a. L. r. reinhardti (Brehm). Greentanp Prarmican. “ Sum-
mer male.—Similar to corresponding stage of Z. rupestris, but less regu-
larly and coarsely barred above. Summer female.—Above chiefly black, this
varied irregularly with pale grayish buff, mostly in form of borders to the
feathers and spots along their edges, or occasionally imperfect bars, these lat-
ter most distinct on wings, where the two colors are in about equal propor-
tion; lower parts light grayish buff, everywhere coarsely barred with black”
(Ridgw.).

Range.—Northern parts of Labrador northward to Greenland.

“They prefer more open ground, and rarely straggle even into the
skirts of the wooded tracts. The hilltops and barrens (hence often
called the.Barren Ground Bird) are their favorite resorts” (Turner).

303. Lagopus welchi Brewst. Wetcn’s Prarmican. Ad. & in
summer.—Upper parts black, the head and neck barred with white and cchra-
ceous-buff, the back and wing-coverts finely and irregularly marked with
wavy lines of buffy and white; tail grayish fuscous, the middle feathers
tipped with white; throat white, foreneck like the hind neck, breast and
sides like the back: rest of the under parts white. ¢.—Upper parts black,
finely and irregularly barred with ochraceous-buff, grayish, and white; cen-
tral tail-feathers like the back, others fuscous; foreneck, breast, and sides
like the hind neck; belly white. Winter plumage.—White, tail fuscous, the
central feathers tipped with white; lores black. W., 7:25; B. from N., °353
depth of B. at N., °32.

Remarks.—This species with Z. rupestris is to be distinguished from
Lagopus lagopus by the ochraceous-buff instead of rufous markings, the fine

184 GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC.

grayish wavy bars on the upper parts, and the smaller bill. For a comparison
of welchi with rupestris see Auk, 11, 1885, p. 198.

Range.—Newfoundland.

Nest and eggs unknown.

« According to Mr. Welch, these Ptarmigan are numerous in New-
foundland, where they are strictly confined to the bleak sides and sum-
mits of rocky hills and mountains of the interior” (Brewster, /. ¢.).

805. Tympanuchus americanus (/eich.). Prarie Hen. Ad.
6.—Upper parts barred with rufous and black and spotted with rufous ; sides
of the neck with tufts generally composed of ten or more narrow, stiffened
black feathers marked with buffy and rufous, their ends rownded, the skin
beneath these tufts bare; tail rownded, fuscous, the inner feathers somewhat
mottled with ochraceous-butt, tip white; throat buffy; breast and belly
white, evenly barred with black. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but the neck tufts much
smaller and the tail barred with ochraceous-buit or rufous. L., 18°00; W.,
9:00; T.,.4:00; B. from N., °52.

Range.—Prairies of Mississippi Valley, south to Louisiana, west to north-
ern Indian Territory, middle Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern North and South
Dakota; east to Kentucky, Indiana, northwestern Ohio, southwestern Michi-
gan, and southwestern Ontario; north to southern Manitoba (Bendire).

Nest,on the ground. Eygs, eleven to fourteen, buffy olive, sometimes finely
speckled with brownish, 1°70 x 1°25.

“This familiar game bird inhabits our fertile prairies, seldom fre-
quenting the timbered lands except during sleety storms or when the
ground is covered with snow. Its flesh is dark, and it is not very
highly esteemed as a table bird.

“During the early breeding season they feed largely upon grass-
hoppers, crickets, and other forms of insect life, but afterward chiefly
upon our cultivated grains, gleaned from the stubble in autumn and
the cornfields in winter; they are also fond of tender buds, berries, and
fruits. They run about much like our domestic fowls, but with a more
stately carriage. When flushed they rise from the ground with a less
whirring sound than the Ruffed Grouse or Bob-white, and their flight
is not as swift, but more protracted and with less apparent effort, flap-
ping and sailing along, often to the distance of a mile or more. In
the fall the birds collect together and remain in flocks until the warmth
of spring quickens their blood and awakes the passions of love; then,
as with a view to fairness and the survival of the fittest, they select a
smooth open courtship ground (usually ealled a ‘scratching ground’),
where the males assemble at the early dawn to vie with each other in
courage and pompous display, uttering at the same time their love
call, a loud booming noise; as soon as this is heard by the hen birds
desirous of mating they quictly put in an appearance, squat upon the

GROUSE, BOB-WHITES, ETC. 185

ground, apparently indifferent observers, until claimed by victorious
rivals, which they gladly accept, and receive their caresses ” (Goss),

806. Tympanuchus cupido (Zinn.). Hears Hen.—Similar to the
preceding, but the scapulars broadly tipped with buffy ; the neck tufts of ess
than ten feathers; these feathers pointed, not rounded, at the ends.

Range.—Island of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

Nest, “in oak woods, among sprouts at the base of a large stump” (Brew-
ster). ggs, six to thirteen, “creamy buff in color, with a slight greenish
tinge,” 1:73 x 1:29.

In the early part of this century the Heath Hen was found locally
throughout the Middle States, where, unlike its western representative,
the Prairie Hen, it lived in wooded districts. It is now restricted to
the island of Martha's Vineyard, an excellent illustration of the pro-
tection afforded by an insular habitat.

Mr. William Brewster, writing in 1890 (Forest and Stream, p. 188;
see also p. 207), estimated that there were from one hundred and
twenty te two hundred Heath Hens then on the island, but he has
recently informed me that since then, owing to insufficient protection,
they have been nearly exterminated.

308b. Pedioczetes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. Prarie
SHARP-TAILED GrousE. Ad. 6.—Prevailing color of the upper parts ochra-
ceous-buff, barred and irregularly marked with black; no neck tufts; outer
web of the primaries spotted with white; middle tail-feathers projecting
about an inch beyond the others, ochraceous-buff and black; throat buffy ;
breast with V-shaped marks of black; sides irregularly barred or spotted with
black or buffy; middle of the belly white. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but smaller;
the middle tail-feathers shorter. L., 17:50; W., 8°50; T.. 4:50; B. from N., ‘50.

Range.— Western United States from New Mexico northward to Manitoba,
east to Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Nest, on the ground. yqs, eleven to fourteen, creamy buff or pale olive-
brown, generally slightly spotted with fine, reddish brown markings, 1°65 x
1:22 (Bendire).

This partially migratory species lives on the prairies during the
gummer and in wooded regions in the winter. <A capital account of
its habits is given by Ernest E. Thompson in his Birds of Manitoba.

FAMILY PHASIANIDA. PHEASANTS, ETC.

With the exception of the Yucatan Turkey and the four races of
our Wild Turkey, the some ninety species included in this family are
inhabitants of the Old World, and are most numerously represented
in southern Asia, where are found the Peacock, many of the Pheasants,
and the Jungle Fowl, from which the varieties of our domesticated
fowls have descended,

186 WILD TURKEYS.

310. Meleagris gallopavo Zinn. Witp Turxey.—The Wild
Turkey may be distinguished from the common domestic race chiefly by the
chestnut instead of white tips to the upper tail-coverts and tail. “¢ ad. L.,
about 48-00-50; W., 21:00; T., 1850; Weight 16-40 lbs.” (Ridgw.).

Range.—Eastern United States from Pennsylvania southward to Flonda,
west to Wisconsin, the Indian Territory, and Texas.

Washington, rare P. R.

Nest, on the ground, at the base of a bush or tree. gqs, ten to fourteen,
pale cream-buif, finely and evenly speckled with grayish brown, 2°45 x 1:95.

This noble game bird is rapidly decreasing in numbers, and in
comparatively few years will doubtless be found only in the parts of
its range which are unfit for the habitation of man.

Except during the breeding season, Wild Turkeys are found in
small flocks of six to twelve or fifteen individuals of both sexes. They
roost preferably in the trees in wooded bottom-lands, returning each
night to the same locality.

At the opening of the breeding season in March the male begins to
gobble. As a rule, he calls only early in the morning, before leaving
his roost. Later he sails to the ground and at once begins his search
for breakfast, or, attracted by the plaintive piping of some female, he
struts and displays his charms before her. It is at this time that bat-
tles between the males occur. They are polygamists, and the victor
becomes sultan of the harem. During the period of incubation, and
while the young require their mother’s care, the females do not associ-
ate with the males, who then flock together.

The calls of both sexes so closely resemble those of the domestic
birds that it requires a practiced ear to distinguish them. In locali-
ties where both birds might be expected to occur, 1 could never be
sure whether I[ was listening:to the challenge of some defiant gobbler
perched in a cypress in the valley below, or to the vainglorious effort
of the lord of the poultry yard.

The Wild Turkey is divided by ornithologists into four closely re-
lated races. Meleagris gallopavo is the bird of the Eastern States;
M. g. osceola, as stated below, is found in southern Florida; J. g.
elliott inhabits southeastern Texas and northeastern Mexico; WZ. @
mexicana ranges from western Texas to Arizona, and south over the
table lands of Mexico to Vera Cruz. It is this race, with white-tipped
upper tail-coverts, which was first introduced into Europe, where it
had become established as early as 1530.

310b. M. g. osceola Scott. Fiorina Witp Turrry.—Resembles
M. gallopavo, but is smaller, and the primaries, instead of being regularly and
widely barred with white, as in that bird, have much smaller, broken white *
markings. Weight, 4 12-22 lbs.; ¢ 475-9 lbs. (Scott, Auk, ix, 1892, p. 115).
Range.—Southern Florida, ;

PIGEONS AND DOVES. 187

ORDER COLUMBZ. PIGEONS AND DOVES.

FAMILY COLUMBID&. PIGEONS AND DOVES.

About one third of the three hundred known species of Pigeons
and Doves are found in the New World, but of this number only twelve
species occur in North America. The birds of this family differ widely
in their choice of haunts. Some are strictly arboreal, others as strictly
terrestrial. Some seek the forests and others prefer fields and clear-
ings. Some nest in colonies, others in isolated pairs, but most species
are found in flocks of greater or less size after the breeding season.
When drinking, they do not raise the head as other birds do to swal-
low, but keep the bill immersed until the draught is finished. The
young are born naked and are fed by regurgitation.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A. Tail widely tipped with white or grayish white.
a. Tail pointed. y

a, Back orrump bluish slate-color. . . . . 315. Passenerr Pigeon.
a2. Back olive grayish brown. . . . . . . . 816. Mournine Dove.
bel ailsquare) 2° a). mip atid alte ws lah ah “sry | stich fie.) aN ACID) Aca oncvrane
B. Tail not tipped with aihites
a. Upper parts dark slate-color . . . . . 314. WuiTe-crownep PicEon.
6. Upper parts rufous with purplish reflections.
i1. Line below the eye and belly white or whitish . 322. Quatt Dove.

62, Line under the eye and belly butfy ochraceous.

322.1. Ruopy Quart Dove.
c. Upper parts grayish olive-brown.

cl, Crown blue, a white line below the eye.
323. BLUE-HEADED QuaiL Dove.
c2, Crown pinkish or like the back ... . . . 3820. Grounp Dove.

314. Columba leucocephala Linn. WuitTE-crownep PicEon.
Ad. é.—Rich slate-color; crown white; back of the head purplish chestnut ;
back of'the neck with greenish reflections, each feather with a black border.
Ad. ?.—Similar, but paler; crown ashy, less purplish chestnut: back and
sides of the neck brownish ash with metallic reflections and black margins.
L., 13:50; W., 7°50; T., 5°10; B., °70.

Range.—F lor ide Keys, West Indies, and coast of Central America.

Nest, in low bushes. “gqs, two, glossy white, 1°41 x 1:02.

This Pigeon is locally common in some of the keys off southern
Florida, and has been knownsto occur on the mainland. According
to Mr. J. W. Atkins (Auk, vi, 1889, p. 246), it arrives at Key West early
in May and remains until November.

315. Ectopistes migratorius (Z/n7.). Passrncer Picton. (See
Fig. 28.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts rich bluish slate-color; back and sides of the

188 PIGEONS AND DOVES.

neck with metallic reflections; middle of the back and scapulars more or less
washed with olive-brown; middle tail-feathers fuscous, outer ones black at
the base, then slaty blue, fading into a broad, white tip; under parts deep,
rich vinaceous ; lower belly white; throat bluish slate-color. Ad. ¢.—Simi-
lar, but upper parts with less iridescence and more olive-brown; breast pale
grayish brown; belly whitish. /m.—Generally similar to the ¢, but the
feathers of the upper parts and breast tipped with whitish, the primaries edged
and tipped with rufous. L., 16:29; W., 7°82; T., 7°53; B., 7°10.

Range.—Eastern North America, northward in the interior to Hudson Bay,
breeding locally throughout the more northern part of its range.

Washington, rare and irregular ‘fT. V. or W. V. Sing Sing, formerly rare
S. R. and common T. V., Apl. 15 to May 17; Aug. 21 to Oct. 11; last seen
Oct. 11, 1888. Cambridge, rare and irregular T. V.

Nest, a platform of' sticks, in a tree. Aygs, one to two, white, 145 x 1:09.

Wilson, writing about 1808, estimated that a flock of Wild Pigeons
observed by him near Frankfort, Kentucky, contained at least 2,230,-
272,000 individuals. Captain Bendire, writing in 1892, says: “ ... It
looks now as if their total extermination might be accomplished within
the present century. The only thing which retards their complete ex-
tinction is that it no longer pays to net these birds, they being too
scarce for this now, at least in the more settled portions of the coun-
try, and also, perhaps, that from constant and unremitting persecution
on their breeding grounds they have changed their habits somewhat,
the majority no longer breeding in colonies, but scattering over the
country and breeding in isolated pairs” (Life Histories of North
American Birds, p. 183).

An article by William Brewster on The Present Status of the Wild
Pigeon as a Bird of the United States, with some Notes on its Habits
(Auk, vi, 1889, pp. 285-291), gives much information concerning the
recent history of the bird in Michigan, one of its last strongholds.
According to an informant of Mr. Brewster’s, the last nesting in Michi-
gan of any importance was in 1881. “It was of only moderate size—
perhaps eight miles long.” The largest known Michigan nesting oc-
curred in 1876 or 1877. It was twenty-eight miles long and averaged
three or four miles in width.

In the Atlantic States the Wild Pigeon is now so rare a bird that
during the past sixteen years I have seen only one pair.

816. Zenaidura macroura (Zinn.). Movurnine Dove. Ad. 6.—
Upper parts olive grayish brown; foreheag vinaceous: crown bluish slate-
color; sides of the neck with metallic reflections, a small black mark below the
ear; middle tail-feathers like the back, the others, seen from above, slaty
gray for the basal half, then banded with black and broadly tipped with ashy
end white; breast vinaceous; belly cream-buff. Ad. ?.—Similar, but with
less iridescence; breast and forehead washed with grayish brown. Jm.—

a

PIGEONS AND DOVES. 189

Much like the ?, but the feathers tipped with whitish. L., 11°85; W., 5°72;
T., 5°50; B., °53.

Remarks.—The Dove is sometimes mistaken for the Wild Pigeon, but,
aside from the differences in size, may always be distinguished by its olive
grayish brown instead of bluish slate-color rump, the black mark below the
ear, and other characters.

Range.—North America, breeding from Cuba north to Ontario, Quebec,
and southern Maine, and wintering from southern Illinois and New York to
the Greater Antilles and Panama.

Washington, P. R.; common, except in winter. Sing Sing, common S$. R.,
Mch. 3 to Nov. 27; a few winter. Cambridge, occasional during summer in
the immediate vicinity of Cambridge.

Nest, a flat structure of small twigs rather loosely put together, on the
lower branches of a tree, gencrally within ten feet of the ground; rarely on
the ground in the Eastern States. Zyqs, two, white, 1-07 x °83.

Doves resemble Wild Pigeons, but are much smaller, and their rapid
flight is accompanied by the whistling sound of wings, while the flight
of the Wild Pigeon is said to be noiseless.

During the nesting season they may be found in pairs, generally
in open woodlands or tree-bordered fields. They also visit roads and
lanes to dust themselves. The sweet, sad call of the male has won for
this species its common name; it consists of several soft coos, which
may be written: Coo-0-0, ah-coo-0-0 —— coo-0-0 — coo-o-0. Under favor-
able circumstances these notes may be heard at a distance of at least
two hundred and fifty yards; they are uttered slowly and tenderly,
and with such apparent depth of feeling that one might easily imagine
the bird was mourning the loss of his mate, instead of singing a love-
song to her.

At this season one or both birds may be seen performing a peculiar
aérial evolution. Ascending toa height of about thirty feet. they fly
for some distance in an unnatural manner, and then, after a short sail,
return to their perch. When engaged in this performance they very
closely resemble a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

After the nesting season Doves gather in flocks of varying size and
frequent grain and corn fields. During the day they visit the near-
est supply of fine gravel, which they eat in large quantities as an aid
to digestion. In some localities, soon after sunset, they regularly re-
pair in numbers to some favorite place to drink, and then retire to

their roosts.
.
317. Zenaida zenaida (Bonap.). Zenaiwa Dove. Ad.—Bears a

general resemblance to Zenaidura macroura. but the tail is square and tipped
with ashy, and the under parts are deep, rich vinaceous. L., 10°00; W., 6°10;
‘'., 3:50; B., °66.
Range.—F lorida Keys, West Indies, and coast of Yucatan.
Vest, on or near the ground. Lgqs, two, glossy white, 1°22 x -92.
*.

ro)

190 PIGEONS AND DOVES.

This is a common West Indian species. Audubon found it in
numbers in the keys off southern Florida, where he records it as a
summer resident, arriving in April and departing in October. The
few naturalists who have visited these keys since Audubon’s time have
not been there in the summer, and we do not therefore know whether
this species still occurs there at that season. It is more terrestrial in
habits than the Mourning Dove, and its notes are deeper, louder, and
more solemn than the notes of that species.

The Wuite-wineED Dove (319. Melopelia leucoptera) is a species of gen-
eral distribution from the Mexican border of the United States south to Costa
Rica, and it has been recorded from Cuba, Jamaica, and San Domingo. It is
of accidental occurrence at Key West, Florida.

320. Columbigallina passerina terrestris Chapm. Grovunp
Dove; Mournine Dove. Ad. ¢.—Forehead and under parts vinaceous, the
centers of the breast-feathers blackish ; top and back of the head bluish slate-
color; back brownish gray ; tail blackish, the outer feathers with small white
tips; base of the bill coral-red, tip black. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but the forehead
and under parts pale brownish gray. /m.—Resembles the ¢ , but the feathers
are tipped with whitish. L., 6°75; W., 3°60; T., 2°50; B., °50.

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States north to North Carolina, west to
Texas; more common near the coast than inland.

Washington, accidental ; two records.

Nest, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. “ygs, two, white, °85 x °67.

This diminutive Pigeon frequents both pines and “hummocks,”
lake-shores and old fields, and in some southern towns is a familiar
bird of the quieter streets. It is by no means shy, and runs before
one with quick, short steps and a graceful movement of the head. Oc-
ceasionally it holds its tail upright, giving it a peculiar bantamlike ap-
pearance. Its flight is short, and when on the wing it bears an odd
resemblance to a short-tailed Japanese kite.

Its favorite roosting places are densely foliaged orange trees, and
frequently when the bird is hidden in their depths one may hear its
mellow, crooning coos uttered so softly that they float on the air as
though born of murmuring winds.

322. Geotrygon martinica (@mel.). Quart, Dove.—Upper parts
rufous, with brilliant metallic reflections ; wings rufous; a white line beneath
the eye; breast vinaceous ; belly white. L.,11-:00; W., 620; T., 5-00; B., °50.

Range.—Florida Keys and West Indies,

Nest, in trees. Eggs, two, ochraceous-white, 1°22 x ‘94 (Bendire),

A West Indian species which occurs during the summer regularly,
_ but, so far as known, only in small numbers in the Florida Keys.

The Quail Doves inhabit wooded districts, where they live on the
ground. Their flight is low and noiseless, and, according to my ex-

VULTURES. 191

perience with them in Cuba, they are difficult birds to observe unless
one can find some tree on the fallen fruits of which they are feeding.

The Ruppy Quai Dove (322.1. Geotrygon montana) is a West Indian
and Central American species, which has been once recorded from Key West
(Atkins, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 160). It bears a general resemblance to the pre-
ceding, but the back is more rufous and the belly is deep cream-butf.

The Brvur-HEADED Quaint Dove (323, Starnenas cyanocephala), a Cuban
species, is of accidental occurrence in the Florida Keys. ‘The back is olive-
brown, the crow and sides of the throat are deep grayish blue, throat black,
line beneath the eye white.

ORDER RAPTORES. BIRDS OF PREY.

FAMILY CATHARTID2Z. AMERICAN VULTURES.

A New World family of eight species, of which three are North
American. Within their range Vultures are found wherever there is
food. Far above the earth on firm wing they sail in broad circles, and
from this outlook in the sky descend to feast upon the stricken deer
in the forest or the cur lying in the gutters of a thoroughfare. Except
during the nesting season, they are generally found in flocks, which
each night return to a regularly frequented roost. When alarmed,
they utter low, grunting sounds, but at other times are voiceless.

325. Cathartes aura (Linn.). Turkey Vutture. (See Fig. 32.)
Ad.—Head and neck naked, the skin and base of the bill bright red ; plum-
age glossy black, edged with grayish brown. J/m.—Similar, but the head
covered with grayish-brown furlike feathers. L., about 30:00; W., 22°00;
T., 11:00; B., 2°30.

Range——Temperate North America, from New Jersey southward to Pata-
gonia. Of more or less regular occurrence in New Jersey as far north as
Princeton in the interior and Sandy Hook on the coast.

Washington, abundant P. R. Sing Sing, A. V.

Vest, in hollow stumps or logs, or on the ground beneath bushes or pal-
mettos. gqs, one to three, dull white, generally spotted and blotched with
distinct and obscure chocolate marking, but sometimes plain or but slightly
spotted, 2°80. x 2°00.

Doubtless one of the first things that attract the attention of a
stranger in our Southern States is the Turkey Buzzard. Indeed, there
are few moments between sunrise and sunset when these birds are
not in sight. On outstretched, immovable wings they soar overhead
in graceful circles, perfect pictures of “repose in motion.” Without
once flapping their broad pinions, they sail in spirals up the sky until
they are hidden by the storm-clouds they have purposely avoided,

199 VULTURES.

Again, one sees them winging their way low over fields or through the
streets of a town in search of food, which their powers of both sight
and smell assist them in finding.

Their services as scavengers are invaluable. The thought of bury-
ing a dead horse or cow never occurs to the southern planter. He
simply drags the animal to a more or less retired place and leaves it
for the Buzzards, who never fail to do justice to the repast.

In some southern towns’ they make a self-constituted street-clean-
ing department, and if their efforts were seconded by a corps of goats,
to dispose of the more indigestible materials, they would form an ad-
mirable branch of the public service.

After a rain it is a common sight to see Buzzards perching with
wings held in spread-eagle fashion as they dry their water-soaked
plumage. Frequently they stand on the top of a chimney to take ad-
vantage of the heat arising with the smoke.

Their only note is a low, hissing sound uttered when they are dis-
turbed. Just after sunset Buzzards may be seen sailing to their
roosting place, generally in the upper branches of a dead tree.

326. Catharista atrata (Zartr.). Buack Vurturr. Ad.—Head
and neck bare, the skin and base of the bill blackish ; plumage glossy black ;
under surface of the wings silvery. L., about 24:00; W., 17:00; T., 8:00; B.,
2°20.

Range.—Breeds from North Carolina southward, through Mexico to South
America, and occasionally strays as far north as Maine.

Nest, on the ground, under logs, bushes, palmettos, ete. Zyqs, one to three,
_ pale bluish white, generally more or less spotted with distinct and obscure
chocolate markings, 2°95 x 2°00.

This species is more abundant near the seacoast and Jess common
in the interior than the preceding. It is also more often found living
in towns or cities. Any one who has visited the vicinity of the market
in Charleston, 8. C., will testify to its abundance and semi-domestica-
tion there. Indeed, the birds have become so tame that when engaged
in devouring some savory morsel they are in frequent danger of being
trodden under foot.

Black Vultures are heavier birds than Turkey Buzzards, and when-
ever the ownership of food is in question the dispute is invariably
settled in the Vulture’s favor. Their stretch of wing, however, is not
so great, and for this reason their flight is far less easy and graceful
than that of the Buzzard» They flap their wings oftener, and this
habit, in connection with their black heads, grayish primaries, and
comparatively short tails, serves to identify them in the field. The only
note I have ever heard from them is a low grunt uttered when they
are disturbed.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 193

FamILy Fatconipa. Fatcons, HAwkKs, EAGLES, ETC.

The three hundred and fifty species included in this family are
distributed throughout the world. One tenth of the number are found
in North America. During the migratory seasons they may some-
times be seen traveling in scattered flocks, which may take hours to
pass a given point. At other times of the year, with few exceptions,
they are solitary birds, having no intercourse with their kind. During
the breeding season many species have definitely bounded haunts, upon
which intrusion by individuals of the same species is not permitted.
With much regularity they return to the same locality and even the
same nest year after year, and some species are known to mate for life.
Their days are an unceasing vigil. At all times they are on the alert
for food. This consists to a large extent of small mammals and in-
sects, birds and poultry forming a comparatively insignificant part of
the diet of most species. Hawks are thus of great value to the agri-
eulturist as the natural check upon the increase of the myriads of
small rodents so destructive to crops.

The cries of Hawks are generally loud, startling, and characteristic
of their fierce natures. They strike their prey with their feet, and use
the bill to tear it into fragments.

_ Hawks’ nests are generally bulky affairs, composed of coarse twigs
and sticks. The presence of downy feathers gives evidence that they
are or have been recently occupied.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. Wing over 19-00.

A. Upper half of tarsus feathered.

a. Whole head and neck white . . . . . . 852. Baup Eacte (Ad.).
6. Head and neck brown or brownish.

61, Bill mostly yellow (Greenland) . . 351. Gray Sea Eacte (Ad.).

62, Bill black or blackish. . . . . @. . 352. Batp Eaate (Im.).

i Whole tarsus feathered. 6. 2... 19. -. . . « 849. GOLDEN HAGE:

II. Wing under 19:00.
1. Feathers of under parts more or less streaked and
spotted, without cross-bars.
A. Outer primary with numerous black or blackish bars.
a. Wing under 10:00.
@, Back bright rufous, with or without black bars.
360. Am. Sparrow Hawk.
a2, Back bluish slate-color. . . . . . 357. Pieron Hawk (Ad.).
a3, Back fuscous, second primary longest.
357. Pigeon Hawk (Im.).
at, Back fuscous, fourth primary longest, tail-feathers of nearly equal
length; wing under 9°00. . . . . 332. SHARP-SHINNED Hawk.

14

194 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

a’, Back fuscous, fourth ‘primary longest, outer tail-feathers half an
inch or more shorter than the middle ones; wing over 9-00.
333. CoopER’s Hawn.
b. Wing over 10°00.
b1. Second primary longest, tail generally over 9-00.
62. “ Lower tail-coverts immaculate white.” 353. WuitE GyRFALCON,
63. “ Lower tail-coverts always more or less marked with dusky.”
354. Gray GyrraLcon and Races.
cl. Second primary longest, tail under 9-00.
c2, Tarsus shorter than middle toe without nail, upper parts blackish.
356. Duck Hawk.
c3, Tarsus longer than middle toe without nail, upper parts
brownish. . . s ).a/% 855. Prarie Bancem:
d}, Third or fourth primary ieee
d2, Upper tail-coverts white. . . . . . . 3831. Marsa Hawk.
d3, Upper tail-coverts brownish . . .334. Am. GosHawxk (Im.).
B. Outer primary generally one color, base sometimes whitish or with
a few imperfect bars.
a. Tarsus entirely bare, scales on its front large, rounded.
362. AUDUBON’s CARACARA.
6, Tarsus entirel# feathered . . . . 848. Ferrucinovs Rovucu-Lee.
c. Tarsus partly feathered, scales on its front small, rounded.
364. Am. OspPREY.
d. Tarsus partly feathered, scales on its front transverse, more or less
square.
d', Three outer primaries emarginate or “ notched.” *
d?, Wing under 12:00 . . . . 9348. Broap-wincEep Hawk (Im.).
d3, Wing over 12:00. . . . . . 342. Swarnson’s Hawx (Im.).
é1, Four outer primaries emarginate or “ notched.” +
2, Upper tail-coverts pure white . . . . . 331. Marsa Hawk.
é3. Upper tail-coverts not pure white; wing under 13°50; lesser
wing-coverts conspicuously margined with rufous.
339. Rep-sHOULDERED Hawk (Im.).
e+, Upper tail-coverts not pure white; wing over 13°50; lesser wing-
coverts not conspicuously margined with rufous.
387. RED-TAILED Hawk AND Races.
2, Feathers of under parts with more or less numerous

cross-bars.
A. Scales on front of the tarsus numerous, rounded.
a, Wing under 15°00: 5 220) S728 2 See ote arc
0. Wing over 1500 3° 2... . . . . 862, AupDUBON’s CARACARA.
B, Scales on front of the fee shanty defined, transverse, more or less
square.

a. Four or five outer primaries emarginate or “ notched.” t
at, Tail white at the base and tipped with whitish.
330. EverGLapE KITE.

* See Fig, 70. + See Fig. 69.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 195

o%, Tail rufous, with sometimes a black band near the end.
337. Rep-raitep Hawx (Ad.) and Races.
a3, Tail black or blackish, with four to six white or grayish cross-
bars . 339. Rep-sHouLDERED Hawk (Ad.).
339a. FLorma Rep-sHouLpERED Hawk (Ad.).
a4, Tail 10:00 long, gray, with several indistinct blackish bands.
334. Am. GosHAWK,
b. Three outer primaries emarginate or “ notched.” *
i. Tail with two or three broad whitish bars.
3438. Broap-wincEp Hawk (Ad.).
62, Tail with numerous narrow, indistinct blackish bars.
342. Swainson’s Hawk (Ad.).
C. Front of the tarsus smooth, or with the scales not sharply defined ;

outer primary barred.
a. Wing under 9:00, tail-feathers of nearly equal length.
332. SHARP-SHINNED Hawk (Ad.).
6. Wing over 9-00, outer tail-feathers half an inch shorter than the mid-
dle ones; upper tail-coverts not white. 333. Cooprr’s Hawk (Ad.).
c. Wing over 9:00; upper tail-coverts white, 331. Marsa Hawk (Ad.).
D. Tarsus entirely feathered.
a. Legs rich rufous, heavily barred . 848. Ferrucinous Roven-iee.
b. Legs ochraceous-buff, more or less barred.
347a. Am. RoveH-LEGGED Hawk.
3. Under parts without streaks or bars.
A, Under parts white.
a. Scales on front of tarsus transverse, more or less square.
334, SuHortT-TAILED Hawk.
b. Seales on front of tarsus numerous, rounded.

61. Tail barred.
i. Upper parts not barred ... . 3 =)... ., 864. Am Osprmy,

68. Upper parts barred. . . . . . . 3853. WuHiTE GyRFALCON.
ci, Tail not barred.
«2, Tailsquare, white. . . . . . . 828. Wurre-Taitep Kire.
ce, Tail forked, bluish black . . , 327. SwaLLow-TaILED Kure.
ZB. Under parts dark brown, slate, gray, or black.
a. Tarsus entirely feathered . . . 347a. Am. Rovucu-LEGcEp Hawk.

b. Tarsus partly feathered, scales transverse, more or less square.
61. Wing over 13:00.
b2, Upper tail-coverts, base and tip of the tail white; two outer
primaries slightly “notched” . . . . 3830. EvEReLADE KirE.
63, Three outer primaries “notched”* , 342. Swarnson’s Hawk.
64. Four outer primaries “notched” . . 338. Harian’s Hawk.
et. Wing under 13-00.
c?, Primaries more or less distinctly barred; general plumage sooty
Vat ted am meaiane ts . . . . 844, SHorT-TAILED Hawk.

c8, Primaries not barred; general plumage slaty blue.
329. Misstssrpp1 Kir.

* See Fig. 70.

196 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

327. Elanoides forficatus (Zinn.). Swattow-TaILep Kite. Ad.
—Head, neck, linings of the wings, rump, part of tertials, and under parts
white; rest of the plumage glossy bluish black; tail deeply forked, the outer
feathers about 8:00 longer than the middle ones. L., 24:00; W., 16°50; T.,
13°50; B. from N., -80.

Range—Southern United States north to Pennsylvania and casually to
Massachusetts; south to South America; breeding locally throughout its
range, and wintering in Central and South America.

Vest, in the upper branches of tall trees. Zyqs, two to four, white or buffy
white, boldly spotted or blotched, chiefly round the larger end, with hazel-
brown, chestnut, or rich madder-brown, 1°87 x 1:49 (Ridgw.).

The Swallow-tailed Kite winters in Central and South America,
and appears in the United States in March. Its home is the air, and
it is far more frequently seen on the wing than at rest. It captures
its prey, devours it, and drinks while under way. Its flight possesses
all the marvelous ease and grace of a Swallow’s, made more evident,
and consequently more impressive, by the bird’s much greater size.

328. Elanus leucurus ( Vici//.).. Wrirs-rattep Kire. Ad—Upper
parts ashy gray, whiter on the head ; wing-coverts black ; tail and under parts
white. 1.,15°50; W., 12°50; T., 7-00; B. from N,, “70.

Range.—Breeds from South Carolina, southern Illinois, and Indian Terri-
tory southward through Mexico to the Argentine Republic; rare east of the
Mississippi.

Nest, in trees. Eggs, three to four, “handsomely marbled or clouded with
various shades of rich madder-brown on a paler (sometimes whitish) ground,
i7i.x 138i (Ridgw.).

This species is not often found east of the Mississippi. It frequents
open, marshy situations. A pair which I observed in Texas hunted
by hovering over the reeds, sustaining a position facing the wind, and
about forty feet from the ground, by a gentle movement of the wings.

329. Ictinia mississippiensis (W7%/s.). Mississrepr Kitz. Ad.—
Head, neck, exposed margins of the secondaries, and under parts gray; back
bluish slate-color; primaries streaked or spotted with rufous-chestnut; tail
black, without bars. Jm.—Head streaked with black and white; back black-
ish, tipped with rufous or white, the concealed parts of the feathers white and
with generally one blackish bar; primaries without rufous; tail with three
or four broken white bars; below buffy, streaked with rufous and grayish
brown, L:,14:00- W., 11°25: 7., 6:50: 3B. from N,.'-60.

Range.—Breeds from South Carolina, southern Illinois, and Kansas south-
ward to Central America; winters in the tropics.

Jest, in tall trees. Zggs, two, dull white, sometimes with a bluish tinge,
DOs ana 2.

This bird, like the preceding, is only a summer resident in the
United States, arriving from the south in April. It is not common

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 197

east of Louisiana. It migrates in flocks, sometimes flying within gun-
shot, and at others so far above the earth as to be almost beyond the
bounds of vision.

330. Rostrhamus sociabilis (Viei//.). Everatapr Kite; Snatt-
Hawk. Ad. 6.—Dark slate-color; under, and longer upper tail-coverts, and
base of the tail white, tip of the tail whitish; upper mandible much length-
ened and hooked. ¢? and im.—Upper parts black, tipped with rufous: under
parts barred and mottled with rufous, black, and buify; tail as in the dd. 6.
L., 18:00; W., 14:00; T., 7°75; B., 1:20.

Range.—Breeds from middle Florida southward to the Argentine Republic.

Nest, in bushes, among reeds or tall grasses. yqs, two to three, pale blu-
ish white, heavily spotted, blotched, or washed with cinnamon or chocolate,
1°85 x 1:47.

This species is a summer resident in southern Florida. It arrives
from the south in February. Mr. W. E. D. Scott writes of it as ob-
served at Lake Panasofkee, Florida: ‘ Their food at this point appar-
ently consists of a kind of large, fresh-water snail, which is very abun-
dant, and the local name of ‘Snail-Hawk’ is particularly applicable
to this bird as I have met with it. They fish over the shallow water,
reminding one of Gulls in their motions; and having secured a snail
by diving, they immediately carry it to the nearest available perch,
where the animal is dexterously taken from the shell without injury
to the latter” (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 1881, p. 16).

331. Circus hudsonius (Zin7n.). Marsn Hawk; Harrier. Ad. 6.—
Upper parts gray or ashy ; upper tail-coverts white ; tail silvery gray, irregu-
larly barred or marked with blackish; upper breast pearl-gray; the lower
breast and belly white, spotted or barred with rufous. Ad. 9.—Upper parts
fuscous, the head and neck streaked, and the wing-coverts spotted or margined
with rufous ; longer upper tail-coverts white ; middle tail-feathers barred with
ashy and black, others barred with ochraceous-buff and black; under parts
ochraceous-buft, widely streaked on the breast and narrowly streaked on the
belly with fuscous or light umber. /m.—Similar to the ?, but somewhat
darker above; the under parts darker, almost rufous; the belly without
poreaca,, 4) Lig 19003 Wi. 13755, T.,.9:00 B. from N.,.°60. 9 Li 22002 W.,
15:00; T., 10-00.

Range.—North America in general, south to Panama.

Washington, common W. V., July to Apl.. Sing Sing, tolerably common
S. R., Mch. 6 to Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, common T. V., Mch. 15
to Apl. 15; Sept. and Oct.; a few breed.

Nest, on the ground, in marshes. Zgqs, four to six, dull white or pale
bluish white, 1:75 x 1:40.

This Hawk is essentially a bird of the unwooded country, and we
might as well look for a Grouse in the open marsh as for a Harrier in
the thick woods. It flies low, and may be easily identified by the large

198 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

white patch on itsrump. Quartering the country with slow, vacillating
flight, it usually captures its living prey by surprising it away from
its retreats.

The Harrier is a low-perching Hawk, and most frequently will
be seen alighting on a slight elevation or in the grass. During the
nesting season the male may be seen endeavoring to win the admira-
tion of the principal spectator by performing a number of extraor-
dinary aérial evolutions. Sometimes he soars to a great height,
then falls straight downward nearly to the ground, turning several
somersaults during the descent, and uttering at the same time a re-
iterated screeching. At other times he flies across the marsh in a
course which would outline a gigantic saw, each of the descending
parts being done ina somersault and accompanied by the screeching
notes, which form the only love song within the range of his limited
vocal powers.—Ernest EH. THompson.

“Of 124 stomachs examined, 7 contained poultry, or game birds;
84, other birds; 57, mice; 22, other mammals; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs;
14, insects; 1, indeterminate matter, and 8 were empty ” (Fisher).

832. Accipiter velox ( Wils.). Suarp-sHrynep Hawk. Ad.—Upper
parts slaty gray; primaries barred with blackish ; tail nearly square, ashy
‘gray, with blackish cross-bars and a whit-

ish tip; throat white, streaked with black-
ish; rest of under parts barred with white
and ochraceous-buff or pale rufous. Zm.—
Upper parts fuscous, margined with rufous ;
primaries and tail much as in the ad.; un-
der parts white or buffy white, streaked or
spotted with blackish or pale rufous-brown.
é L., 11°25; W., 6603 T:, 550s Be ironman
‘40. 9 L., 13°50; W., 8:00; T., 7-00.

Remarks.—This species very closely re-
sembles Cooper’s Hawk. In adult plumage
Fig. 67.—Square tail of Sharp- the black cap characterizes that species, but
shinned Hawk. immature birds may be distinguished only
by size and the difference in the shape of

the tail, which in velox is nearly square, and in cooperi decidedly rounded.

Range.—Breeds throughout the United States, and winters from Massa-
chusetts to Central America.

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com-
mon T. V., Apl. 15 to Apl. 80; Sept. and Oct.; rare S. R., uncommon W. V.

Nest, in trees, fifteen to forty feet from the ground. Zgqs, three to six,
varying from bluish white to pale cream-buff, distinctly spotted, heavily
blotched, or even washed with chocolate or cinnamon-rufous, 1:55 x 1:20.

The generally misapplied names “Hen Hawk” and “Chicken
Hawk” should be restricted to the birds of this genus, for they de-

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 199

serve the reputation commonly attributed to the large Hawks of the
genus Buteo.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk differs decidedly in habits from the
mouse- or insect-eating species, which watch for their prey from a
lookout and capture it on the ground. It is a fearless, daring, ag-
gressive bird, and flying swiftly, rather low, either in the open or
through woods, it makes sudden dashes at the frightened birds, which
hurry to cover to escape its talons. One hears a commotion among
the birds; calls of alarm, and a dark form darts through the foliage
in close pursuit, or, missing its aim, alights in the center of some
thickly leaved tree, there to await in silence a fresh opportunity.
Sometimes it may be seen soaring in narrow circles, when its dispro-
portionately long tail forms a good field character.

It is usually a voiceless bird except during the nesting season, when
a too close approach to its nest causes it to utter its peculiar notes.

“Of 159 stomachs examined, 6 contained poultry or game birds;
99, other birds; 6, mice; 5, insects; and 52 were empty ” (Fisher).

333. Accipiter cooperi (Zonap.). Coorrr’s Hawx. Ad.—Similar
to adults of the preceding, but larger and with the crown blackish. Jm.—
Similar in color to young of A.
velox, but larger. 6 L., 15°50;
Weet502 L. (003°. trom. IN. "po.
@ L., 19:00; W., 10°50; T., 9:00.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf
of Mexico to Newfoundland, and
winters from Massachusetts to
Mexico.

Washington, common P. R.
Sing Sing, tolerably common P. R.
Cambridge, common T. V., Apl.;
Sept. and Oct.; not uncommon
Sect... rare, Wi Vi:

Nest, in trees, twenty-five to
fifty feet from the ground. £9gs,
three to six, pale bluish white,
sometimes lightly spotted with
brownish, 1:90 x 1°55.

Fic. 68.—Rounded taii of Cooper’s Hawk.

This species resembles the preceding in habits, but because of its
larger size is more destructive to poultry.

“Of 133 stomachs examined, 34 contained poultry or game birds;
52, other birds; 11, mammals; 1, frog; 3, lizards; 2, insects; and 39
were empty ” (Iisher).

834. Accipiter atricapillus (W7/s.).. Amertcan Gosuawrk. Ad.—
Upper parts bluish slate-color; head blackish, a white line over and behind

200 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES. ETC.

the eye; inner tail-feathers like the back, outer ones more fuscous, and slightly
marked with blackish; tip whitish; entire under parts evenly marked with
irregular, wavy bars of gray and white, the feathers of the throat and breast
with darker shaft streaks. Jm.—Upper parts fuscous, margined with rufous;
primaries barred with black; tail brownish gray, barred with black; under
parts white or butly, streaked with black. 6 L., 22:00; W., 13:00, T.A0°005
B. from N.,°65. ¢ L., 24:00; W., 13°40; T., 11°50.

Range.—Breeds from the northern United States northward, and winters
as far south as Virginia.

Washington, casual in winter. Sing Sing, rare W. V., Oct. 10 to Jan. 14,
Cambridge, irregular and uncommon W. V.

Nest, in trees. Eggs, two to five, “white, or glaucous-white, sometimes
very faintly marked with pale brownish, 2°31 x 174” (Ridgw.).

With the general habits of the two preceding species this larger
bird is much bolder than either. Dr. Fisher remarks: “ This species
is one of the most daring of all the Hawks, and while in pursuit of
its prey is apparently less concerned by the presence of man than any
other. It will dart down unexpectedly at the very feet of the farmer
and carry off a fowl.”

“Of 28 stomachs examined, 9 contained poultry or game birds; 2,
other birds; 10, mammals; 3, insects; 1, centiped; and 8 were empty aa
(Fisher).

33'7. Buteo borealis (Gmel.). Rep-rairep Hawk; Hen Hawk;
Cuicxen Hawk. Ad.—Upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous-brown,
more or less edged with rufous, ochraceous-buft, and whitish ; fowr outer pri-
maries “ notched,” the outer one not regularly barred; wing-coverts not edged
with rufous; tail rich rufous, with a narrow black band near its end and a
white tip; upper breast heavily streaked with grayish brown and ochraceous-
_ buff, lower breast lightly streaked and sometimes without streaks; upper
belly streaked, spotted, or barred with black or blackish, forming a kind of
broken band across the belly; lower belly generally white without streaks.
Im.—Similar, but the tail of about the same color as the back, crossed by
numerous more or less distinet blackish bands; no rufous in the markings of
the under parts. 6 L., 20:00; W., 15°50; T., 9°25; B. from N.,-95. ¢ L., 23:00;
W., 16°50; T., 9°75.

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding throughout most of its range.

Washington, common W. V., rare S. R. Sing Sing, common P. R.; less
common in winter. Cambridge, common W. V., Nov. to Apl.; a few S. R.

Nest, in trees, thirty to seventy feet from the ground. Zygs, two to four,
dull white, generally scantily and irregularly marked with shades of cinna-
mon-brown, 2°40 x 1°85.

The Red-tailed Hawk resembles its near relative, the Red-shoul-
dered Hawk, in the selection of its haunts, and, to a large extent, in
habits. It is to be distinguished in life from that species by its larger
size, which, even in the field, is noticeable, and by its call. The usual

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 201

note of the Red-tail is a long-drawn “squealing” whistle, which to
my ear suggests the sound produced by escaping steam,

“Of 562 stomachs examined, 54 contained poultry or game birds;
51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 87, batrachians or
reptiles; 47. insects; 8, crawfish; 1, centiped ; 13, offal; and 89 were
empty ” (Fisher).

33%7a. B. b. kriderii Hoopes. Kriver’s Hawx.—Similar to Buteo
borealis, but with much more white in the plumage; the head sometimes
almost entirely white; the under parts only lightly streaked, and with the
band on the belly sometimes obsolete; the tail in the ad. pale rufous, gen-
erally without a terminal black band; in the im., pale rufous, or white washed
with rufous, and with numerous blackish bars. 6 W., 15:00; T., 9°50.

Range.—* Great plains of the United States, from Minnesota to Texas;
east irregularly or casually to lowa and northern Illinois” (Bendire),

337d. B. b. harlani (4wd.). Harian’s Hawk. Ad.—Upper parts
dark sooty fuscous, the bases of the feathers more or less barred with gray-
ish; tail closely mottled with black, fuscous, rufous, and whitish ; under parts
varying from white more or less spotted across the belly to sooty fuscous.
Jm.—Simiilar, but the tail barred with blackish, grayish, rufous, or whitish,
tipped with white. ¢ L., about 19:00; W., 15°50; T., 8:25. ¢ L., about 21.00;
Wieel700:.- 0. 9°25.

ace vs Gulf States and lower Mississippi Valley; north (casually) to
Kansas, Iowa, Hlinois, and Pennsy lvania; east to Georgia and Florida” (Ben-
dire).

Dr. William L. Ralph, in Captain Bendire’s Life Histories of North
American Birds (p. 218), reports this species as not uncommon during
the winter in St. John’s and Putnam Counties, Florida. He writes:
“'They are exactly like the Red-tailed Hawks except in color, and their

call-note is the same, only being longer drawn out. The call of the
latter bird, as already stated, sounds like the squealing of a Uoeat or
‘kee-ee-e, and that of Harlan’s Hawk like ‘ kee-ee-ee-e-e-ee.’’

The Western Repratt (337). B. b. calurus) has been recorded from Illi-
nois, and one specimen of the European Buzzarp (836. Buteo buteo) is said to
have been taken in Michigan.

339. Buteo lineatus (@me/.).. Ren-snoutperep Hawk; Hen Hawk;
Cuicken Hawk. Ad.—Upper parts dark grayish fuscous-brown, more or less
edged with rufous, ochraceous - buff, and whitish; four outer primaries
“notched,” all barred with black and white; lesser wing-coverts rufous,
forming a conspicuous “shoulder” patch; tail black or fuscous, with four or
five white cross-bars and a white tip; throat streaked with blackish; rest of
under parts rufous or ochraceous-buff, everywhere barred with white or
whitish. /m.—Upper parts much as in the adult; basal part of the primaries
mostly ochraceous-buff, fading to whitish on the inner web, with broken bars
of fuscous ; lesser wing-coverts conspicuously margined with rufous or rufous-
chestnut: tail dark grayish brown, indistinctly barred with fuscous, and on

202 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

the basal half with more or less rufous, the inner webs of the feathers with
sometimes white bars; under parts white or whitish, streaked or spotted with
black or blackish, the legs sometimes barred with rufous. 6 L., 18°30; W.,
i250. T., 6:00: B. from NN. *fo.. 9, 20aoe Wel); LT. aoe.

Fic. 69.—Four-notched primaries of Red-shouldered Hawk. (Reduced.)

Remarks.— A dults of this species may always be known by the rich rufous
lesser wing-coverts. Immature birds are sometimes confused with the young
of the Red-tailed or Broad-winged Hawks. From the former they may be
distinguished by their small size, rufous margins of the lesser wing-coverts
ochraceous-buff markings on the primaries, and the continuously streaked
under parts; from the latter they differ in having four instead of three outer
primaries “ notched,” in being larger, and in having ochraceous-butf on the
primaries.

Range.—Fastern North America, north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba; resi-
dent nearly throughout its range.

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com-
mon P. R., less common in winter.

Nest, in trees, thirty to sixty feet from the ground. ggs, three to six,
dull white, generally more or less sprinkled, spotted, or blotched with cinna-
mon-brown or chocolate, 2°15 x 1°65.

The present species and the Red-tailed Hawk are the birds to which
the names Chicken Hawk and Hen Hawk are most frequently misap-
plied. Being both common species whose habits render them easily
observed, they are oftert unjustly made to suffer for the sins of their
bird-killing relatives of the genus Accipiter.

The farmer sees a Hawk sailing in wide circles above him, uttering
its fierce, screaming cry of keé-you, keé-you. While he is watching it
a sly, low-flying Acczpiter slips by him and makes a sudden dash into
the poultry yard. The farmer does not discriminate; a Hawk is a
Hawk, and, shaking his fist at the bird in the air, he vows vengeance
at the first opportunity.

The Red-shouldered Hawk is at most times of the year a bird of
the woods. Particularly does it like low woods watered with small
streams from which it can obtain its favorite food of frogs. Its note
is one of the common sounds of summer, and can be heard when the
bird is almost lost to sight far up in the sky, It is frequently imi-
tated by the Blue Jay.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 203

“ Of 220 stomachs examined, 3 contained poultry; 12, other birds;
102, mice; 40, other mammals; 20, reptiles; 39, batrachians; 92, in-
sects; 16, spiders; 7, crawfish; 1, earthworms; 2, offal; 3, fish; and
14 were empty ” (Fisher).

339a. B.1. alleni Ridgw. Frioripa Repv-sHouLtpERED Hawx.—Adults
of this species may easily be distinguished from those of B. lineatus by their
smaller size, grayish white head, with black shaft streaks and no rufous, the
smaller fuscous tips on the scapulars and interscapulars, which do not con-
ceal the ashy gray bases of the feathers, by the whitish or grayish cheeks
and throat, and the ochraceous-buff, indistinctly barred under parts. Im-
mature birds are very similar to those of B. lineatus, and can be distin-
guished only by their smaller size and darker color. ¢ W., 11:00; T., 7°50;
B., 1°20.

Range.—F orida, north along the Atlantic coast to South Carolina, west
along the Gulf coast to eastern Texas.

342. Buteo swainsoni Zonap. Swainson’s Hawk. Ad. 6.—Upper
parts fuscous-brown, more or less margined with rufous or buffy ; primaries
unbarred, three outer ones “notched”; tail slightly grayer than the back,
with numerous indistinct, blackish bars showing more plainly on the under
surface; breast covered by a large, cinnamon-rufous patch ; belly white or
ochraceous-buff, streaked, spotted, or barred with blackish, rufous, or buff.
Ad. 2 .—Similar, but larger, the breast patch of the same color as the back.
6 and 2 in dark or melanistic plumage.—Entire plumage fuscous, the under
tail- and under wing-coverts and the tail sometimes spotted or barred. Jm.—
Upper parts fuscous-brown, widely margined with buffy and rufous; base of
the primaries grayish, and sometimes with a few broken bars; tail much as in
the ad. ; under parts ochraceous-buff, spotted and streaked with blackish. 4 L.,
20°00; Ws, to-005 T..8°50; B. from N., :75.

Remarks.—Between the light and dark phases of coloration there is every
degree of intergradation, but in any plumage this Hawk may be distinguished
from our other species by having only three outer primaries notched. In this
respect it agrees with B. latissimus, from which, however, it differs decidedly
both in size and color.

Range.—Western North America, eastward to the Mississippi; breeds
from Texas to the arctic regions, and occasionally strays eastward to the At-
lantic States.

Vest, in trees, thirty to eighty feet from the ground. Zygs, two to three,
varying from dull bluish white to creamy white, sometimes unmarked, but
generally more or less spotted or blotched with shades of cinnamon-brown,
230 «1°72.

Swainson’s Hawk is of rare occurrence east of the Mississippi. Dr.
Fisher writes: ‘‘ By preference it frequents the timber in the vicinity
of streams, though often it is found far out on the prairie, where its

only perch is the earth mound of some mammal, or some other
slightly elevated knoll.”

204 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

343. Buteo latissimus (Wi/s.). Broap-winerp Hawk. Ad.—
Upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous, more or less margined with buffy
and rufous; ¢iree outer primaries “ notched” and without ochraceous-butf
markings; tail fus-
cous, with two bars
and the tip grayish
white ; under parts
heavily barred with
: brownish ochraceous-
Fic. 70.—Three-notched primaries of Broad-wingea Pufl. — /m.— Upper

Hawk. (Reduced.) parts like the pre-

ceding ; tail grayish

brown, with three to five indistinct black bars and a narrow whitish tip;
under parts white or butty white, streaked and spotted with fuscous. ¢ L.,
15:89; W., 10°68; T., 6°75; B. from N.,°70. ¢ L., 1676; W., 11°41; T., 7-09.

Remarks.—Compared with the other members of this genus, the three
“notched” primaries and small size are the principal characters of this
Hawk.

Range.—Breeds throughout eastern North America, from New Brunswick
southward.

Washington, not common W. V., rare 8. R. Sing Sing, tolerably common
S. h., Mch. 15 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, T. V., sometimes common in Sept.;
rare in spring.

Jest, in trees, twenty-tive to fifty feet from the ground. Zyqs, two to four,
dull white or buffy white spotted, blotched, or washed with ochraceous-buff
or cinnamon-brown, 2°10 x 1°60.

“Of all our Hawks, this species seems to be the most unsuspicious,
often allowing a person to approach within a few yards of it, and
when startled flies but a short distance before it alights again. Dur-
ing the early summer the Broad-winged Hawk often may be seen sit-
ting for hours on the dead top of some high tree. At other times it
is found on the smaller trees in the deep woods, along streams, or on
the ground, where its food is more often procured. Although slug-
gish and unusually heavy in its flight, it is capable of rapid motion,
and sometimes soars high in the air. One of its notes resembles quite
closely that of the Wood Pewee... .

“Of 65 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 15, mice; 13,
other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batrachians; 30, insects; 2, earth-
worms; 4, crawfish; and 7 were empty ” (Fisher).

344. Buteo brachyurus Vieil/. Snorr-ramen Hawk. Ad.—
Upper parts slaty gray or fuscous grayish brown; forehead whitish; tail
barred with black and narrowly tipped with white, its under surface grayish ;
sides of the breast with some rufous-brown markings; rest of the under parts
pure white. Im—Similar, but upper parts browner and margined with

-cream-buff; under parts washed with cream-buff; no rufous-brown on the
breast. Dark phase—Fuscous-black, with a slight metallic luster; forehead

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 205

whitish ; tail lighter than back, barred with black, its under surface and the
under surface of the primaries grayish. L., 17:00; W., 12°50; T., 7:00; Tar.,
2°35» from (N70:

Range.—F lorida and Mexico southward through South America.

Nest, in trees. Lggs (?}, dull white, spotted at the larger end with small
spots and blotches of reddish brown over about one fourth the surface, 2°16 x
161 (Pennock).

A rare resident in Florida. According to Mr. C. J. Pennock, who
found its nest at St. Marks on April 3, its call somewhat resembles
the scream of the Red-shouldered Hawk, but is finer and more pro-
longed (Auk, vii, 1890, p. 56; see also Scott, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 243).

The Mexican Gosnawk (346. Asturina plagiata) is a tropical species
which reaches the southwestern border of the United States. An individual
seen by Mr. Robert Ridgway in southern Illinois, August 19, 1871, is the only
known instance of its occurrence east of the Mississippi.

34a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis ((/me/.). AmeErti-
cAN RovuGu-Leccep Hawk. Ad., light phase.-—Upper parts fuscous-brown,
margined with whitish and ochraceous-buff; inner vanes of the primaries
white at the base; basal half of the tail white or buffy, end with two or three
grayish or whitish bars; under parts varying from white to ochraceous-buft,
streaked and spotted with black, these marks uniting to form a broken band
across the belly ; front of tars entirely feathered. Im., normal phase.—Simi-
lar to the ad., but the end half of the tail without bars except for the white
tip, the under parts more heavily marked with black, the belly band being
broad and continuous. Black phase.-—Plumage more or less entirely black,
the primaries and tail barred with whitish and grayish. L., 22:00; W., 16°00;
oh Osa 5%

Remarks.—\ts feathered tarsi and heavily marked under parts characterize
this species.

Range.—North America, breeding north of the United States and winter-
ing as far south as Virginia.

a Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Sing Sing, A.V. Cambridge, not
uncommon T. V., Nov.; Mch.; a few winter.

Nest, on rocky ledges or in trees. Lggs, two to five, dull white, sometimes
unmarked, but generally more or less spotted, blotched, or scrawled with cin-
namon-brown or chocolate, 2°20 x 1°75.

“The Rough-leg is one of the most nocturnal of our Hawks, and
may be seen in the fading twilight watching from some low perch or
beating with measured, noiseless flight over its hunting ground. It
follows two very different methods in securing its food—one by sitting
on some stub or low tree and watching the ground for the appearance
of its prey, as the Red-tail does; the other by beating back and forth
just above the tops of the grass or bushes and dropping upon its vic-
tim, after the manner of the Marsh Hawk... .

“The flight of the Rough-leg is seldom rapid and often appears

206 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

labored, and when on the wing this Hawk resembles the Osprey more
than any other bird of prey... .

“ Of 49 stomachs examined, 40 contained mice; 5, other mammals;
1, lizards; 1, insects; and 4 were empty ” (Fisher).

348. Archibuteo ferrugineus (JZicht.). Frerrucinous Roucu-.eze.
- Ad., light phase-—Upper parts mostly rufous, the centers of the feathers fus-
cous; tail grayish white, margined with rufous; legs rufous, barred with black ;
rest of under parts white, more or less barred with rufous on the sides and
belly ; tarsi fully feathered in front. /m.—Upper parts dark grayish brown,
slightly varied with ochraceous-buff; tail silvery grayish brown, without bars,
the base white; under parts white, lightly spotted and streaked with fuscous.
Dark phase.—Dark fuscous-brown, more or less varied with rufous; prima-
ries and tail asin the ad. L., 23:00; W., 17-00; T., 10°50.

Remarks.—This species is to be distinguished from the preceding prin-
cipally by its much larger bill and differently colored tail and under parts.

Range.— Western United States; east to and across the great plains (oc-
easionally to Illinois); north to the Saskatchewan; south into Mexico” (Ben-
dire).

Jest, in trees or on the ground in rocky places. LZyqs, two to four, “ white,
or buffy white, usually more or less spotted, blotched, or clouded with brown
or grayish purple (or both), 2°42 x 1:88” (Ridgw.).

This bird is rarely found east of the Mississippi. Dr. Fisher re-
marks: “The Squirrel Hawk is pre-eminently a bird of the prairie,
and, unlike the common Rough-leg,
shows little partiality to the vicinity
of water, though in other respects it
closely resembles the latter bird in
habits.”

349. Aquila chrysaétos (Linn.).
GotpEn Eacir. Ad.—Back of the head
and nape pale, buffy ochraceous; basal
two thirds of the tail white; tarsus white,
entirely feathered » rest of the plumage
fuscous- brown ; quills fuscous. Jm.—
Similar, but base of the tail with broken
grayish bars; tarsus and under tail-
coverts ochraceous-buff. ¢ L., 30°00-
35°00; Ex., 78-00-8400; W., 23:00-24'70; T.,
1400-15-00; Tar., 3°65-3:80. ¢ L., 35-00-

Fie. 71.—Foot of Golden Eagle. 40:00; Ex., 84:00-90:00; W., 25:00-27:00;
T., 15:00-16-00; Tar., 4°15-4-25 (Ridgw.).

Range.—North America; of rare occurrence east of the Mississippi.

Washington, rare W. V. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, on cliffs or rocky ledges. Zggs, two to three, dull white, obscurely
or distinctly blotched or speckled with shades of cinnamon-brown, 2°93 x 2°34.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC, 207

“ It seems to be nowhere a common species in the east, but it is
much more numerous in the mountainous parts of the far west. It is
confined chiefly to the mountains and more northern latitudes, where
it breeds. It is able to endure intense cold, and sometimes remains
far north in winter. In fact, its movements at that season are more
in the form of wandering for food than regular migration to the south.

“The food consists mainly of mammals and birds, of which sper-
mophiles, rabbits, fawns, lambs, turkeys, grouse, waterfowl, and other
large birds form the principal part, though offal and carrion are some-
times taken... . Of 6 stomachs examined, 1 contained feathers; 2,
mammals; 2, carrion; and 1 was empty” (Fisher).

351. Halizetus albicilla (Zinn.). Gray Sra Eacix. Ad—Tail
white, rest of plumage varying from grayish brown to fuscous. Jm.—* With
plumage largely light cinnamon-brown or isabella-color. 6 L., 3100-34-00;
W., 23°00-26°00; T., 11°50-12:00” (Ridgw.).

Range.—Northern parts of the Old World; Greenland.

Nest, on cliffs or in trees. ggs, two to three, dull white, “ occasionally
with small, faint spots of light brown” (Davie), 3°00 x 2°35.

This is a common species in Greenland.

352. Halizetus leucocephalus (/inn.). Bato Eacir. Ad—
Head, neck, and tail white, rest of the plumage fuscous; bill yellow; tarsus
not fully feathered. /m.—Fuscous, more
or less varied with white; tail fuscous,
more or less mottled with white, particu-
larly on the inner vanes of the feathers ;
bill black. 6 L., 32°85; Ex., 84:10; W.,
22:00; T., 11:90; B., 2:48. 9 L., 35°50;
Ex., 89°00 ;, W., 24:00; T., 12°25; Weight,
12 lbs.

Range.—North America, breeding
throughout its range.

Washington, not common P. kR. Sing
Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, of ir-
regular occurrence at all seasons.

Nest, generally in tall trees. gqs,
two to three, dull white, 2°85 x 2°20.

Bald Eagles are seldom found
far from the water. Here they may
be seen- soaring overhead, winging
their way to and from their feeding
ground, or occupying some favorite Fic., 72.—Foot of Bald Eagle.
perch, generally in an exposed posi-
tion. They subsist principally upon fish. As a last resort they some-
times capture these themselves, but dead fish cast up on the shore

208 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

are eagerly taken, and their habit of robbing the Fish Hawk of his
well-earned booty is too well known to be commented upon. In some
localities, particular ly in the south during the winter, they live ee
upon water- -fowl which they capture themselves.

The voice of the Bald Eagle has a weird, human quality. Dr.
Fisher says: “ At a distance the note of the Bald Eagle is not alto-
gether unpleasant, resembling somewhat that of Sea Gulls, but near
by it is grating and suggests a maniacal laugh.” Dr. William L. Ralph
writes in Captain Bendire’s Life Histories of North American Birds,
p. 277: “The ery of the male is a loud and clear cac-cac-cac, quite dif-
ferent from that of the female—so much so that I could always recog-
nize the sex of the bird by it; the call of the latter is more harsh and
often broken.”

The conspicuous white head and tail of adults of this species render
it easy of identification even at a considerable distance. Young birds
too closely resemble Golden Eagles to be distinguished with certainty,
but the rarity of that species in the east makes it probable that any
Eagle observed is a Bald Eagle.

353. Falco islandus Brinn. Wirt Gyrratcon. Ad.—Head white,
finely streaked with black ; scapulars, interscapulars, and wing-coverts brown-
ish gray, widely margined with white; tail white, the central feathers with
sometimes broken bars; under parts white, lightly streaked with grayish
brown; under tail-coverts white. /m.—NSimilar, but upper parts with nar-
rower white margins; tail barred with brownish gray, under parts heavily
streaked with the same color. L., 22:00; W., 16°00; T., 10-00; B. from N., -95

Range. Arctic regions ; casually south in winter to Maine.

Nest, on rocky cliffs. #ygs, three to four, varying from creamy white,
spotted or blotched with cinnamon-brown, to uniform pale reddish brown,
spotted or blotched with shades of the same color, 2°30 y 1°85.

“The food consists of water-fowl and other birds—largely of vari-
ous arctic species of Grouse which are captured on the wing. All
these northern Falcons were formerly esteemed for hawking, as they
still are by the Mongol races; their style of flight is magnificent—much
swifter than that of the Peregrine—and both are deadly ‘ footers’
(i. e., tenacious of grip), but they lack spirit and dash ” (Saunders).

354. Falco rusticolus Zinn. Gray Gyrratcon. Ad.—Upper parts
grayish fuscous, barred and margined with buffy white; tail with numerous
bars of the same colors; under parts white, streaked and spotted with black-
ish; legs and under tail-coverts barred with brownish gray. L., 20:00; W.,
15°50; T., 9°50; B. from N., -90.

etre: Ss aotie TEBIOOR in America, south in winter to the northern
United States.

Nest, on cliffs or in trees.” £ggs, three to four, not distinguishable from
those of the preceding, 2°37 x 1°72.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC, 209

354a. F. r. gyrfalco (Linn.). Gyrratcon.—Head streaked with
buffy white and fuscous or black ; back varying from brownish gray to slaty
fuscous, without complete bars and sometimes entirely unbarred; tail of the
same color as the back, with indistinct or incomplete lighter bars; under
parts heavily streaked with whitish and fuscous.

Range.—* Northern Europe and arctic America, from northern Labrador
and coasts of Hudson Bay to Alaska”; casually south in winter to R, I.

354b. F. r. obsoletus (Gmcl.). Brack Gyrratcon.—Upper parts
uniform slaty fuscous, without bars; tail the same, without or with only
broken bars; under parts of the same color as the back; the feathers with
partly concealed buffy spots. ‘

Range.—Labrador ; southward in winter, casually to Lone“fsland.

Remarks.—Gyrfalcons are so rare in collections that the descriptions here
given can not be considered as applying to the species as a whole, but rather
to the individuals from which the descriptions were taken. /. ¢slandus is the
‘lightest colored, and /. 7. obsoletus is the darkest of our supposed four forms,
while the others are intermediate between these two.

355. Falco mexicanus Schleg. Prarrm Farcon. Ad.—Above,
grayish brown; primaries and inner webs of all but the middle tail-feathers
with numerous buffy bars or spots; below, white, streaked and spotted with
dark grayish brown. /m.—Similar, but with the upper parts margined with
ochraceous-buff or buffy. ¢ L., 17:00; W., 12:20; T., 7:00.

Range.— Western United States, eastward casually to Illinois.

Nest, on cliffs, sometimes in hollow trees. Zggs, two to five, “creamy
white, vinaceous-white, or pale vinaceous-buffy, sprinkled, speckled, or
irregularly spotted with madder-brown, 2°06 x 1:60” (Ridgw.).

“The Prairie Falcon, as the name implies, is a typical plains bird,
and inhabits the dry interior... . ‘

“The flight of this Hawk is swift and graceful, though in most
cases it is carried on at no great distance from'the ground. It is not
a shy bird, except in sections where it has been persecuted and has
learned that man is its worst enemy” (Fisher).

356. Falco peregrinus anatum (ZPonap.). Duck Hawk. Ad.—
Upper parts dark bluish slate-color; primaries barred with ochraceous; tail
indistinctly barred with blackish and tipped with white; under parts cream-
buff, barred and spotted with black, except on the breast. m.—Upper parts
fuscous, more or less margined with ochraceous or rufous; region below the
eye black ; ear-coverts buffy ; wings as in the ad.; upper surface of the tail
barred with grayish, under surface barred with ochraceous-buff; under parts
cream-buff or ochraceous-buff, streaked, spotted, or barred with black. ¢ L.,
600s We te25: 'T., 6°50 5.8. trom N:, 68. 9 L.,.19°00- W.,14:00%. T., 7:50:

Range.—North America and the greater part of South America, breeding
xocally from our Southern States northward.

Washington, rare and irregular W. V. Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge,
rare 'T. V., casual in winter.

10

210 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

Nest, on rocky cliffs and in the hollow limbs of tall trees. Zyqs, three to
four, varying from creamy white, heavily marked with cinnamon-brown, to
pale reddish brown, more or less marked with shades of the same color,
2°05 x 1°68.

This species is the “ Noble Peregrine” of falconry. It would be
difficult to imagine a bird more highly endowed with qualities which
make the ideal bird of prey. Its strength of wing and talon is
equaled by its courage. No bird flies more swiftly than the Duck
Hawk. Even Teal—those winged bullets—can not escape it. No
bird is more daring. I have had Duck Hawks dart down to rob me
of wounded Snipe lying almost at my feet, nor did my ineffective
shots prevent them from returning.

Duck Hawks are generally found near water, where they prey
largely on water birds.

“Of 20 stomachs examined, 7 contained poultry or game birds; 9,
other birds; 1, mice; 2, insects; and 4 were empty ” (Fisher).

857. Falco columbarius Zinn. Picron Hawk. Ad.—Upper parts
slaty blue, a broken butty or rusty collar on the neck ; primaries barred with
white; tail with three or four distinct grayish white bars and a white tip;
under parts varying from cream-buff to deep ochraceous, streaked with black-
ish, except on the throat. /m.—lUpper parts fuscous or brownish fuscous, a
broken buffy collar on the nape; primaries barred with ochraceous; tail with
three or four incomplete buffy bars and a whitish tip; under parts much as
in the ad. L., 10:00-13:00; W., 8:00; T., 5°50; B. from N., -45.

ey eae Falcon bears some resemblance to a Duck Hawk,
but is much smalle

Range.—Breeds from the northern United States northward ; winters from
the Southern States southward to South America.

Washington, not uncommon T. V. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V.,
Apl. 1 to May 11; Aug. 10 to Oct. 15. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl. 10 to
May 5; Sept. and Oct. ; occasional in winter.

Nest, in trees, in hollow limbs, or on cliffs. ygs, four to five, varying
from creamy white, more or less heavily marked with reddish brown or choco-
late, to reddish brown marked with shades of the same color, 1°65 x 1:20.

“This Falcon, with the exception possibly of the Broad-winged
Hawk, is the least shy of all our diurnal birds of prey, and often
may be approached within a few rods. It frequents the more open
country and edges of woods, and is common along the shores of large
bodies of water... .

“The flight is very rapid and resembles that of the Wild Pigeon
quite closely; nor does the similarity end here, for while sitting on a
tree the general poise is that of a Pigeon in repose, and specimens
have been mistaken and shot for the latter bird... .

SPARROW HAWK AND YOUNG.

FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 911

“Of 56 stomachs examined, 2 contained poultry; 41, small birds;
2, mice; 16, insects; and 5 were empty” (Hisher).

The Meruin (358.1. Falco regulus) and the Kesrret (359.1. Falco tinnun-
culus), both Old- World species, have each been recorded once from this side
of the Atlantic, the Merlin from Greenland, the Kestrel from Massachusetts
(Cory, Auk, v, 1888, pp. 110, 205).

360. Falco sparverius Jinn. American Sparrow Hawk. Ad. 6.
—Back rufous, more or less barred with black; tail rufous, a black band near
its end, the tip white; head slaty blue, with generally a rufous spot on the
crown; wing-coverts slaty blue, primaries barred with white; a black mark
before and behind the white ear-coverts ; under parts varying from cream-
buff to ochraceous-bulf; belly and sides spotted with black. dd. ¢.—Back,
tail, and wing-coverts rufous, barred with black; head as in the male; under
parts more or less heavily streaked with dark ochraceous-butf. /im.—Closely
resemble the adults. L., 10:00; W., 7°30; T., 4°80; B. from N., -45.

Range.—Breeds from Florida to Hudson Bay, and winters from New Jer-
sey southward.

Washington, common W. V., rare 8. R. Sing Sing, rather rare P. R.
Cambridge, rather common 8. R., Feb. to Nov.

Nest, in a hole in a tree, frequently in a Woodpecker’s deserted nest.
iggs, three to seven, varying from creamy white to rufous, generally finely

5

and evenly marked with shades of the ground color, 1:40 x 1:12.

An old stub or branchless trunk of a dead tree standing well out
in a field is the kind of perch the Sparrow Hawk most frequently
chooses. From this lookout, like a Loggerhead Shrike, he awaits the
appearance of game below. Generally it is a grasshopper which falls
his victim. When he detects one, he flies directly over it and poises
on hovering wings until the right opportunity offers, when he drops
lightly downward, clutches his prey in his talons, and then returns to
his perch to devour it at leisure.

The Sparrow Hawk’s call is a rather high, quickly repeated £illy-
killy-killy-kully, which in some sections gives it the name of “ Killy
Hawk.” |

“Of 320 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 53, other
birds; 89, mice: 12, other mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 215,
insects ; 29, spiders; and 29 were empty” (Fisher).

The Cusan Sparrow Hawg (861. Falco sparverioides) is of accidental oc-
currence in the Florida Keys. It has two color phases; in one, the under
parts, including the under wing-coverts, are white; in the other, these parts
are rufous.

362. Polyborus cheriway (-Jacg.)..§ Avpupon’s Caracara. Ad.—
Face bare; crown, lower back, wings, and belly black; throat buffy ; nape,
interscapulars, and breast barred with black and buffy; tail white, barred

912 FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.

and tipped with black. Jm.—Similar, but browner, and with few or no bars
on the intersecapulars and breast. L., 22°00; W., 16:00; B. from N., 1:25.
Range.—Southern Florida and Mexican border of the United States south
to the Amazon.
Vest, in a cabbage palmetto or on the tops of dense bushes. LZqs, two to
three, varying from cream-butf to rufous, heavily marked with shades of red-
dish brown and chocolate, 2°35 x 1°55.

Caracaras frequently associate with Vultures and feed on carrion,
but they also capture their own food. This consists largely of frogs,
lizards, and small snakes, which the birds find while walking about
on the ground in search of them. Their flight is strong, rapid, and
direct, and bears no resemblance to that of a Vulture’s.

364. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis (@mec/.). American Os-
PREY; Fish Hawk. Ad. 6.—Upper parts fuscous, the head and nape varied
with white; tail with six to eight obscure bands, more distinct on the inner
web; under parts white, breast sometimes slightly spotted with grayish brown,
Ad. 2 .—Similar, but the breast always spotted with grayish brown. I., 23°10;
W., 18°25; T., 8°40.

Range.—North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador: winters from
South Carolina to northern South America.

Washington, uncommon 8. R., Mch. 25 to Oct. Sing Sing, common T. V.,
rare 8. R., Apl. 3 to May 26; Sept. 29 to Oct. 20. Cambridge, common T. V.,
Apl.; Sept.

Nest, generally in a tree, thirty to fifty feet from the ground, rarely on
the ground. Zyqgs,two to four, extremely variable, sometimes dull white, un-
marked, sometimes almost solid chocolate, but generally buffy white, heavily
marked with chocolate, chiefly at the larger end, 2°45 x 1°80.

This species lives in colonies, and also in pairs, along our coasts, re-
turning year after year to the same nesting ground. Its food consists
solely of fish, which as a rule it captures alive. Winging its way
slowly over the water, it keeps a keen watch for fish which may appear
near the surface. When one is observed it pauses, hovers a moment,
and then closing its wings descends with a speed and directness of
aim that generally insure success. It strikes the water with great
force, making a loud splash, and frequently disappears for a moment
before rising with its prey grasped in its powerful talons. As a rule,
it carries its food to some favorite perch, there to devour it. It is said
that Fish Hawks have been known to strike fish so large that, unable
to release their hold, they were drawn under water and drowned.

When protected, Fish Hawks, like many other birds, to a large de-
gree lose their fear of man. In The Auk, for October, 1892, will be
found a valuable article by Dr. C.S. Allen. on the habits of this species
as observed by him on Plum Island, N. Y., where for forty years the
birds had been protected by the owner of the island.

OWLS. 213

The note of the Fish Hawk is a high, rapidly repeated, plaintive
whistle.

FAMILY STRIGIDA. BARN OWLS.

The Barn Owls, numbering some eight or ten species, are found
nearly throughout the temperate and tropical regions. They differ
from other Owls in structure, but share with them the characteristic
habits of the suborder Striges.

365. Strix pratincola ZDonap. American Barn Owr; Monxey-
FACED Owl. (See Fig. 30.) Ad.—Upper parts mixed gray and ochraceous-
buff, finely speckled with black and white; tail varying from white to ochra-
ceous-buti, generally mottled with black, and sometimes with three or four
narrow black bars; under parts and facial disk varying from pure white to
deep ochraceous-butf, the former generally with numerous small, black, round
spots, the facial disk narrowly margined by ochraceous-buff or rufous; eyes
black. L., 18-00; W., 13:25; T., 5:50; B., 1:30.

Range.—North America; occasionally found as far north as Massachu-
setts, and breeds from Long Island southward through Mexico.

Washington, not rare P. R. Sing Sing, A. V.

Nest, in a tower or steeple, a hole in a tree or bank. qs, five to nine,
Leese 1-30.

The Barn Owl conceals itself so well during the day that, in my
experience, it is a difficult bird to observe, even in localities where it is
common. For this reason the capture of one of these odd-visaged
birds is frequently the cause of much excitement over the supposed
discovery of an animal entirely new to science, and which, by the local
press, is generally considered half bird, half monkey!

The only notes I have ever heard from the Barn Owl are a sudden
wild, startling scream, a high, rapidly repeated cr-r-ree, cr-r-ree,
cr-r-ree, and, in captive birds, a hissing sound; but Captain Bendire
mentions “a feeble, querulous note like qudehk-quidek, or dek-dek,
sounding somewhat like the eall of the Night Hawk (Chordeiles vir-
ginianus), frequently repeated, only not so loud.”

“Of 29 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 3, other birds;
17, mice; 17, other mammals; 4, insects; and 7 were empty ” (Fisher).

FAMILY BUBONIDZ. HORNED OWLS, HooT OWLS, ETC.

Owls are found in all parts of the world. About two hundred spe-
cies are known, of which some twenty inhabit North America. With
few exceptions Owls are woodland birds, but some species live in
grassy marshes or dry plains, while others make their home in towers,
steeples, or outbuildings. Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, and for

914 OWLS.

this reason feed more largely on small mammals—most of which are
nocturnal—than the diurnal birds of prey. They are therefore of
even greater value to the agriculturist than Hawks.

Their prey is captured with their talons, and, unless too large, is
swallowed entire. The bones and hair are afterward ejected at the
mouth in matted pellets.

Owls’ eyes are so fixed in their sockets that they can not look from
one point to another by simply “ rolling” the eyeball, but are obliged
to turn their head. The weird, almost human, voices of Owls add not
a little to the superstitious fear with which they are frequently re-
garded. The eggs of Owls are uniformly white, unmarked.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Wing over 10:00.
A. Belly without bars, striped longitudinally.
a. ee parts with cross-bars.
) Voes feathered, s. 6% 6 “at fet sD” ot 1 opt ee mse ed eee eee
ef Woes sbare 6s 6 . . . 868a. Froripa BarReD OwL.
6. Upper parts striped ianeieuelenanly . ... . 867. SHORT-EARED OWL.
B. Belly with cross-bars.
a. With conspicuous horns or ears.
a, Wing over 13°00. . . . . 875. Great Hornep Ow1t and races.
a, Wing under 13:00. . ... . . © . 866. Am. LonG-EARED OWL.
6. Without horns or ears.
1. Plumage white, more or less barred with black. 3876. Snowy Owt.
62, Plumage fuscous, mottled and barred with whitish.
370. GREAT Gray OWL.
Il. Wing under 10-00.
A. Toes heavily feathered.
a. Wing more than 6-00.

a. Tail more than 6:00 2700503 24. ls. Oe 8897, Ace Biwi
a7. Tail less than 6°00)... . +s...) w 3). 4 O71 RiowARDSON ew
b. Wing less than 6:00 ... . sf ec! ohote Sw Seu Do, PS AWE WHET Oivyalie

B. Toes thinly, if at all, fancied.
a. 'Tarsi heavily feathered ; with conspicuous horns.
378. SCREECH OwL. 3873a. Firormpa ScreEecH Owt.
b. Tarsi partly bare; no horns . . . 3878a. Firorrpa Burrowine Ow1..

366. Asio wilsonianus (JZess.).. Amertcan LonG-BARED Own. Ad.
—KEar-tufts conspicuous, an inch or more in length, black bordered by white
and butty ; upper parts fuscous-brown mottled with white, the bases of the
feathers ochraceous-buff; tail with six to eight fuscous cross-bars: facial disk
butfy bordered by black; under parts mixed white and ochraceous-buff, the
breast broadly streaked, the sides and belly irregularly barred with fuscous;
eyes yellow. L., 14:80; W., 11:90; T., 6°00; B., 1:06.

Range.—North America; breeds from Nova Scotia and Manitoba south-
ward to the Gulf States.

OWLS. 915

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, not
common P. R.

Nest, generally in an old Crow’s, Hawk’s, or Squirrel’s nest. Zggs, three
fo six, 1°65 x 1°30.

“This species, ike the Screech Owl, is nocturnal in its habits, and
differs from the Short-eared Owl in never hunting during the day-
time. It usually spends the day in some evergreen woods, thick wil-
low copse, or alder swamp, although rarely it may be found in open
places...

“The bird is not wild, and will allow itself to be closely approached.
When conscious that its presence is recognized, it sits upright, draws
the feathers close to the body, and erects the ear-tufts, resembling in
appearance a piece of weather-beaten bark more than a bird... .

** Like the other Owls, its flight is slow and wavering, but in com-
mon with them it is buoyant and devoid of any appearance of heavi-
ness. The note of this Owl is said by some to resemble the noise made
by kittens, while others state it is like the barking of small dogs.

“Of 107 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 15, other
birds; 84, mice; 5, other mammals; 1, insects; and 15 were empty ”
(Fisher).

367. Asio accipitrinus (/7//.). Suort-rarep Own. Ad.—Ear-tufts
very short, difficult to distinguish in a dried skin; upper parts fuscous, the
feathers margined with cream-butf or ochraceous-buft, not mottled with white ;
tail with ochraceous-buff and fuscous bands of about equal width ; under
parts varying from whitish to ochraceous-buff, the breast broadly and the
belly more finely streaked with fuscous; eyes yellow. L., 15°50; W., 12°75;
T., 6-05; B., 1:20.

Range.—Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding in the United States locally from
Virginia northward.

_ Washington, common W.V. Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge, uncommon
T. V., Apl.; Oct. and Nov.

Nest, on the ground, in grassy marshes. Lgqs, four to seven, 1°60 x 1:25.

This species might well be named*Marsh Owl, for, unlike most of
our Owls, it does not frequent the woods, but lives in grassy marshes.
It is not shy and does not take wing until almost stepped upon, when
it arises noiselessly and flies low over the marsh. Sometimes it alights
on a knoll or slight elevation and watches the intruder in the intent,
half-human manner of Owls.

During the migrations and in the winter this bird is occasionally
found in flocks or colonies containing one or two hundred individuals.

“Of 101 stomachs examined, 11 contained small birds; 77, mice ;
7, other mammals; 7, insects; and 14 were empty ” (Fisher).

368. Syrnium nebulosum (/0rs7.). Barren OwL; Hoor Own. (Seo
Fig. 31.) Ad.—No ear-tufts; upper parts grayish brown, each feather with

216 OWLS.

two or three white or buffy white bars; tail with six to eight similar bars;
facial disk gray, finely barred or mottled with fuscous; under parts white,
more or less tinged with butty, the breast barred, the sides and belly broadly
streaked with fuscous; bill yellow; legs and feet feathered to or near the bases
of the nails; eyes brownish black. L., 20:00; W., 13°50; T., 9°50; B., 1°50.

Range.—Kastern North America, northward to Nova Scotia and Manitoba;
resident, except at the northern limit of its range.

Washington, not common P. R. Sing Sing, rare P. R. Cambridge, rare
P. R., sometimes common in Nov. and Dee.

Vest, in a hollow tree; sometimes in an old Crow’s or Hawk’s nest. gags,
two to four, 2°00 x 1°65.

The deep-toned, questioning voice, the absence of “horns,” and the
dark-brown, nearly black eyes, combine to make Barred Owls appear
among the most human of these strangely human birds. They inhabit
large tracts of woodland, and are generally resident in certain localities.
Their notes are uttered more or less throughout the year, but are more
frequently heard during the nesting reason. Asa rule they call only
during the first part of the night and again before sunrise, but on
moonlight nights they call throughout the night, and occasionally
they may be heard during the day. They readily respond to an imi-
tation of their cries, and even at midday I have drawn them from
their nesting place to meet a supposed intruder on their domain. Un-
der favorable circumstances they may be heard at a distance of at
least half a mile.

Their usual call is a sonorous whd6-wh6d6-whdd, whd-whod, t6-wkod0-
ah. This is varied, both as to relative position and length of the
syllables, by the same individuals, and is apparently the ery of ques-
tion and response. When two birds, perhaps rival males, come to-
gether, there ensues a striking medley of whd-whds mingled with roll-
ing whdd-dhs, the whole reminding one of deep-voiced, mirthless
laughter. Sometimes two birds give a concerted performance. One
utters about ten rapid hoots, while the other, in a slightly higher tone,
hoots half as fast, both performers ending together with a whd0-ah.
At times they utter a single, prolonged whdd-ah, and more rarely a
weird, gasping shriek emphasized at its conclusion like a ery of dis-
tress.

“Of 109 stomachs examined, 5 contained poultry or game; 13,
other birds: 46, mice; 18, other mammals; 4, frogs; 1, a lizard; 2,
fish; 14, insects; 2, spiders; 9, crawfish; and 20 were empty a
(Fisher).

368a. S. n. alleni Aidgw. Frorta Barren Owr,—Similar to the
preceding, but averaging somewhat darker, and with the toes nearly naked.
W., 12:50; T., 8°50.

Range.—Florida, and region of the Gulf coast to Texas.

OWLS. vl de

370. Scotiaptex cinereum ((me/.). Great Gray Owr. Ad.—No
ear-tufts, size very large; upper parts fuscous, everywhere mottled with white,
and with little or no buffy; facial disk gray, barred with black; under parts
white, the breast broadly streaked, the belly and sides irregularly barred
and streaked with fuscous; legs and feet heavily feathered; bill and eyes
yellow. L., 27°00; W., 17°50; T., 12-00.

Range.—Breeds from Hudson Bay northward, and wanders southward in
winter to the northern border of the United States.

Cambridge, very rare and irregular W. V.

Nest, in coniferous trees. Lays, two to four, 2°16 x 1°71.

“Dr. Dall considers it a stupid bird, and states that sometimes it
may be caught in the hands. Its great predilection for thick woods,
in which it dwells doubtless to the very limit of trees, prevents it from
being an inhabitant of the barren grounds or other open country in
the north. ...

“The note of this Owl is said to be a tremulous, vibrating sound,
somewhat resembling that of the Screech Owl... .

‘Of 9 stomachs examined, 1 contained a small bird; 7, mice; and
4 other mammals” (Fisher).

371. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni (/oncp.). Riciarpson’s
Owxi. Ad.—Upper parts grayish brown and the head and back spotted with
white; tail with four or five imperfect white bars; under parts white, heavily —
streaked with grayish brown; legs and feet heavily feathered, whitish, barred
with grayish brown; eyes yellow. /m.—Upper parts dark cinnamon-brown,
with a few more or less concealed white spots; tail as in the ad.; breast
like the back ; belly ochraceous-buff. L., 10:00; W., 6°75; T., 4°40.

Range.—Northern North America; south in winter to the northern United
States.

Nest, in holes in trees or in old nests of other birds (?). Zyqs, three to
seven, 1°35 x 1°14.

“ Richardson’s Owl is nocturnal in its habits, remaining quiet dur-
ing the day in the thick foliage of the trees or bushes. In fact, its
vision is apparently so affected by bright light that many specimens
have been captured alive by persons walking up and taking them in
their hands. On this account the Eskimo in Alaska have given it the
name of ‘blind one.’

“The song of this Owl, according to Dr. Merriam (Bull. Nuttall
Ornith. Club, vol. vii, 1882, p. 287), is a low, liquid note that resem-
bles the sound produced by water slowly dropping from a height”
(Fisher).

372. Nyctala acadica ((mel.) Saw-wuer Own; Acapian Owt.
Ad.—Upper parts dark cinnamon-brown, the head finely streaked, the back
spotted with white ; tail with three or four imperfect white bars; under parts
white, heavily streaked with cinnamon-brown or dark rufous; legs and feet

218 OWLS.

feathered, buffy white, unbarred; eyes yellow. /m.—Upper parts as in the
ad., but head and back with little or no white; breast like the back ; belly
ochraceous-butf. L., 8:00; W., 5°40; T., 2°80; B., °60.

Remarks.—Its small size and absence of ears at once distinguish this
species from any Owl of eastern North America except WV. t. richardsoni, from
which it may be known by its lighter color, streaked instead of spotted head,
and unbarred legs and feet. .

Range.—North America; breeds from northern New York northward, and
migrates southward in winter as far as Virginia.

Washington, rare W. V., Oct. to Mch. Sing Sing, rather rare W. V., Oct.
28 to Jan. 13. Cambridge, not uncommon W. V., Nov. to Mch.

Nest, in a hole in a tree; frequently a Woodpecker’s, sometimes a Squir-
rel’s deserted nest. ggs, three to five, 1:19 x 1-00.

“The species is not migratory, but is more or less of an irregular
wanderer in its search for food during the fall and winter. It may
be quite common in a locality and then not. be seen again for several
years. It is nocturnal, seldom moving about in the daytime, but pass-
ing the time in sleeping in some dark retreat. So soundly does it sleep
that oftentimes it may be captured alive... .

“During the day it frequents the thick evergreen woods, though
sometimes it is found in comparatively open groves, but always in
dense trees. ...

“The note of this species is peculiar and has a rasping character,
resembling the sound made when a large-toothed saw is being filed ;
hence the name. It is more often heard during March and early April,
though occasionally it is heard at other times of the year.

“The flight resembles that of the Woodcock very closely—so much
so, in fact, that the writer once killed a specimen .as it was flying over
the alders. and not until the dog pointed the dead bird was he aware
of his mistake. ...

“Of 22 stomachs examined, 17 contained mice; 1, a bird; 1, an
insect; and 3 were empty ” (Fisher).

’

373. Megascops asio (/inn.). Scrreecn Ow1. Ad., rufous phase.—
Size small; ear-tufts conspicuous, about an inch in length; upper parts bright
rufous, finely streaked with black ; under parts white, the feathers centrally
streaked with black and irregularly barred with rufous; toes rather scantily
feathered; eyes yellow. Gray phase-——Upper parts generally brownish gray,
streaked with black and finely mottled with ochraceous-buff; under parts
white, finely streaked and more finely and irregularly barred with black,
more or less bordered by rufous. Young.—Entire plumage regularly barred
with grayish or rufous and white. L., 9-40: W., 6:40; T., 3:09; B., °63.

Remarks.—This bird may be known by its small size and ear-tufts. Its
color phases are not dependent upon age, sex, or season, and both phases are
sometimes represented in the same brood. Between the two there is a com-
plete intergradation.

OWLS. 919°

Fange.—Eastern North America, northward to New Brunswick and Min-
nesota; generally resident throughout its range.

Washington, common P. Rk. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com-
mon P. k.

Vest, generally in a hollow tree. Zgqs, four to six, 1:55 x 1°22.

The Screech Owl frequently makes its home near our dwellings,
and sometimes selects a convenient nook in them in which to lay its
eggs. But its favorite retreat is an old apple orchard, where the hollow
limbs offer it a secure refuge from the mobs of small birds which are
ever ready toattack it. A search in the trees of an orchard of this kind
rarely fails to result in the discovery of one or more of these feathered
inhabitants who may have resided there for years. They attempt to
escape capture by a show of resistance and a castanetlike cracking of
the bill, but when brought from their hiding place sit quietly, dazzled
for a moment by the sudden light. They then elongate themselves
and almost close their eyes, thus rendering themselves as inconspicuous
as possible. How differently they appear when the western sky fades
and their day begins! Is any bird more thoroughly awake than a
hungry Screech Owl? With ear-tufts erected and his great, round eyes
opened to the utmost, he is the picture of alertness.

When night comes one may hear the Screech Owl’s tremulous,
wailing whistle. It is a weird, melancholy call, welcomed only by
those who love Nature’s voice whatever be the medium through which
she speaks.

“ Of 255 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 38, other birds;
91, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards: 4, batrachians; 1, fish; 100,
insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 2, scorpions; 2,
earthworms; and 45 were empty ” (Fisher).

373a. M. a. floridanus (fidgw.). Fuortpa Screecn Owr.—Much
like the preceding, but smaller, with the colors deeper and markings of the
under parts heavier. W., 595; T., 2°80.

Range.—Florida and Gulf coast region to Louisiana.

375. Bubo virginianus ((7¢/.).. Great Hornep Own, Ad.—Size
large ; ear-tufts conspicuous, nearly two inches in length ; upper parts mottled
with varying shades of ochraceous-buft and black; facial disk ochraceous-
buff; ear-tufts black and ochraceous-buff; a white patch on the throat, rest
of the under parts ochraceous-buff, barred with black; legs and feet feath-
ered; eyes yellow. 6 L., 22:00; W., 15:00; T., 8:50; B., 1°60.

Range.—Kastern North America; northward to Labrador and southward
to Costa Rica; resident throughout its range.

Washington, rare P. R. Sing Sing, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge,
oceasional at all seasons.

Nest, generally in an old Crow’s, Hawk’s, or Squirrel’s nest. Zygs, two to
three, 2°20 x 1°80.

920) . OWLS.

This “tiger among birds” is an inhabitant of heavily forested re-
gions, and is common therefore only in the wilder, less settled portions
of our country. It is the only one of our resident Owls which destroys
poultry and birds in any numbers, but, in spite of its frequent visits
to the farmyard, Dr. Fisher considers that in many localities it is a
“beneficial species ” because of its great fondness for rabbits.

Its usual call is a loud, deep-toned whdd, hoo-hoo-hoo, whd00, whdd0.
The syllables are all on the same note, and bear some resemblance to
a bass-voiced dog barking in the distance.

A much rarer call is a loud, piercing scream, one of the most blood-
eurdling sounds I have ever heard in the woods,

“Of 127 stomachs examined, 31 contained poultry or game birds;
8, other birds: 158, mice; 65, other mammals; 1, a scorpion; 1, fish;
10, insects, and 17 were empty ” (Fisher).

o75a. B. v. subarcticus (//ov). Western Hornep Owx.—Similar
to the preceding, but much lighter in color, the ochraceous-buff markings
largely replaced by gray or white.

Range.— Western United States, east casually to Wisconsin and Illinois.

375c. B. v. saturatus Ridgw. Dusky Hornep Owr.—Similar to
B. virginianus, but much darker, the prevailing color fuscous or dusky.

Range.—* From Labrador and Hudson Bay; west through the interior to
Alaska, and south probably through all the higher regions of the Rocky
and Sierra Nevada Mountains; south to Arizona (San Francisco Mountain) ”
(Bendire).

376. Nyctea nyctea (Zinn.). Snowy Own. Ad. 6.—Size large;
no ear-tufts; white, more or less barred with dark grayish brown or fuscous 5
legs and feet heavily feathered; eyes yellow. dd. ?.—Similar, but more
heavily barred, L., 25:00; W.,17°00; T., 9°50; B., 1°50.

Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward and wanders southward in
winter regularly to the northern United States and occasionally to Texas.

Washington, casual W. V. Sing Sing, A.V. Cambridge, rare and irregu-
Jar WV.

Nest on the ground. Zgqs, three to ten, 2°24 x 1°76.

“The Snowy Owl is diurnal in its habits, but like most birds is
more active in search of prey during the early morning and again
toward dusk. Like muny of the Hawks, it occupies a commanding
perch for hours, watching what is going on about it, occasionally
varying the monotony by dropping on a mouse or launching out over
the broad country, soon to return to its perch. During its southern
wanderings it is very partial to localities in the vicinity of water,
especially the barren sand wastes along the seashore or extensive
marshy fiats bordering the bays and rivers. .. .

“The flight is firm, smooth, and noiseless, and may be long pro-

OWLS, 291
tracted. It is capable of rapid flight, and, according to Audubon, is
able to capture Ducks, Pigeons, and even Grouse on the wing, striking
them down after the manner of the Duck Hawk.

“Of 88 stomachs examined, 2 contained game birds; 9, other
birds; 18, mice; 2, other mammals; and 12 were empty ” (Fisher).

377. Surnia ulula caparoch (J/ii/l.). American Hawk Owt.
Ad.—Size medium; no ear-tufts; upper parts dark grayish brown or fuscous ;
head and hind neck spotted with white; back, and especially tertials, barred
with white; tail with broken whitish bars, long and rounded, the outer
feathers more than an inch shorter than the middle ones; middle of the
throat with a fuscous spot and below it a white one; sides of the neck and
upper breast streaked with fuscous, rest of the under parts barred with fuscous
and white; legs and feet fully feathered. L., 15°00; W., 8°75; T., 7-25.

Range.—Breeds from Newfoundland northward, and occasionally wanders
southward in winter as far as Pennsylvania.

Vest, in coniferous trees or in the holes of dead trees or stubs. yqs, three
to seven, 1°50 x 1°23.

“The Hawk Owl is strictly diurnal, as much so as any of the
Hawks, and like some of them often selects a tall stub or dead-topped
tree in a comparatively open place for a perch, where it sits in the
bright sunlight watching for its prey.

“ Although the flight is swift and hawklike. it has nevertheless
the soft, noiseless character common to the other Owls; when starting
from any high place, such as the top of a tree, it usually pitches down
nearly to the ground, and flies off rapidly above the tops of the bushes
or high grass, abruptly arising again as it seeks another perch.

“The note is a shrill cry, which is uttered generally while the bird
is on the wing ” (Fisher).

378a. Speotyto cunicularia floridana Ridgw. Friorimwa Bur-
ROWING OwL. Ad.—Size small; no ear-tufts; legs and feet nearly naked ;
upper parts grayish brown, spotted and barredewith white; throat white, rest
of the under parts barred with grayish brown and white in about equal
amounts. L., 9:00; W.., 6°50: T., 3:00: Tar., 1°75.

Range.—Southern Florida, chiefly in the Kissimmee “ prairie” region of
Osceola, Polk, and De Soto Counties, and also Manatee County.

Nest, in a hole in the ground excavated by the bird. gqs, five to seven,
1:23 x 1:03.

This diurnal Owl is locally abundant in its restricted range. Ex-
cellent accounts of its habits will be found under the following refer-
ences: Rhoads, Auk, ix, 1892, pp. 1-8; Scott, ibid., 216-218; Bendire,
Life Histories North American Birds, pp. 400-402.

The Burrowine Own (378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogewa), well known
in our Western States, has been taken once in Massachusetts,

229 PAROQUETS.

ORDER PSITTACI. PARROTS, MACAWS, PAROQUETS,
ETC.

FAMILY PSITTACIDA. PARROTS AND PAROQUETS.

The order Psittact is divided into six families containing in all
about five hundred species. The American species, some one hundred
and fifty in number, are included in the present family. Only one
species inhabits the United States, and it is not found south of our
boundaries. Parrots'and Paroquets—the dividing line between the
two can not be sharply drawn—are forest-inhabiting, fruit- and seed-
eating birds. They are poor walkers, good climbers, and strong fliers,
making extended flights in search of food. Their voices in Nature
are harsh and discordant; nevertheless, almost all the species possess
the power of speech. Some, however, rarely learn to talk, while others
invariably do. The red-tailed, gray African Parrot (Psittacus erytha-
cus) takes first rank for ability in this direction, while the Mexican
Double Yellow-head (Amazona levaillantt) is usually accorded second
place.

3882. Conurus carolinensis (Zinn.). Carormyna Paroquet. (See
Fig. 84.) 4d.—Head and neck all around yellow; forehead and cheeks deep
orange ; bend of the wing and tibix orange; rest of the plumage bright green ;
the inner vanes of the wing-feathers fuscous ; the under surface of the tail yel-
lowish. Jm.—Similar, but the head and neck green like the back; forehead
and region in front of the eye orange; tibiae and bend of the wing without
orange. L., 12°50; W., 7:40; T., 6°50.

Range.—Formerly eastern United States north to Maryland, the Great
Lakes, and Iowa; west to Colorado, the Indian Territory, and eastern Texas ;
now restricted to a few localities in the wilder parts of Indian Territory and
Florida. (On the extermination of the Paroquet, see Hasbrouck, Auk, viii,
1891, pp. 369-879, with map; and Butler, ibid., ix, 1892, pp. 49-56.)

Nest, said to be in a hollow cypress or sycamore tree, but no exact, de-
tailed account of the nidification of this species has been published. Zgqs,
two, white, 1°44 x 1:12.

The complete extermination of the Paroquet throughout the greater
part of its range is due chiefly to four causes: first, it was destructive
to fruit orchards, and for this reason was killed by agriculturists ;
second, it has been trapped and bagged in enormous numbers by pro-
fessional bird-catchers; third, it has been killed in myriads for its
plumage; and, fourth, it has been wantonly slaughtered by so-called
sportsmen. In short, in the present century the Paroquet has always
disappeared soon after its haunts were invaded by civilized man.

I made three visits to Florida before learning of a locality where
Paroquets could be found, Finally, in March, 1889, while collecting

PAROQUETS. 993

in eastern Florida, information was received of their presence near the
head waters of the Sebastian River, a small stream flowing into the
Indian River near Micco, and I at once started for this locality. The
following notes made on this trip are from the Abstract of the Pro-
ceedings of the Linnan Society of New York city, No. 2, 1890, pp. 5, 6.
Since they were written the Paroquet has been found to be a locally
common bird in the unsettled parts of Brevard, Osceola, Polk, De Soto,
and Dade Counties.

Late on the afternoon of our arrival we started a flock of seven
Paroquets from a productive patch of the thistles (Cirsiwm leconter)
which proved to be their favorite food. Evidently their meal was
finished and they were ready to retire, for they darted like startled
Doves through the pines, twisting and turning in every direction, and
flying with such rapidity they were soon lost to view, the ring of their
sharp, rolling call alone furnishing proof it was not all a vision, Two
days passed before I again met Conurus, and this time to better ad-
vantage. It was a wet and drizzling morning when we found a flock
of six birds feeding on thistles at the edge of a “prairie.” Perched on
the leafless branches of the tree before us, their brilliant green plum-
age showed to the best advantage. Several were skillfully dissecting
the thistles they held in their feet, biting out the milky seed while the
released fluffy down floated away beneath them. There was a sound
of suppressed conversation ; half-articulate calls. We were only par-
tially concealed behind a neighboring tree, still they showed no great,
alarm at our presence; curiosity was apparently the dominant feeling.
One of the three birds which fell at our fire was but slightly wounded,
a single shot passing through the elbow, and his loud outecries soon
recalled his companions—a habit which has cost thousands of them
their lives, and in part, at least, accounts for the rapidity of their ex-
termination—and one alone of this flock escaped.

There was evident regularity in the habits of the birds we after-
ward observed—in all about fifty, in flocks of from six to twenty. At
an early hour they left their roost in the “ hummock ” bordering the
river and passed out into the pines to feed, always, so far as I ob-
served, selecting thistle patches, and eating the seeds only when in the
milky stage. At about ten o’clock they returned to the “ hummock ”
and apparently to some favorite tree, here to pass the rest of the morn-
ing and early afternoon, when they again started out to feed, return-
ing to the roost just before sunset. A flock of these birds feeding
among the thistles is a most beautiful and animated sight; one is
almost persuaded not to disturb them. There is constant movement
as they fly from plant to plant, or, when securing thistles, they fly with
them in their bills to a neighboring tree, there to dissect them at their

994 CUCKOOS.

leisure. The loud rolling call was apparently uttered only when on
the wing, but when at rest, or feeding, there was a low conversational
murmur of half-articulate, querulous notes and calls.

Of their roosting habits I can say little or nothing. Late one
morning (March 15th) we found a flock of eight birds resting on a tall,
dead cypress near the center of the *hummock” on the river’s bank.
On a previous expedition my guide had observed them in this same
tree, which was evidently a favorite midday haunt, and it is not impos-
sible they may have roosted in the hole we discovered near its top.

ORDER COCCYGES. CUCKOOS, KINGFISHERS, ETC.

Famity CucuLip&. Cuckoos, ANIs, ETc.

Only thirty-five of the some one hundred and seventy-five known
species of Cuckoos are found in the New World, and they are largely
confined to the tropics.

Cuckoos as a rule are rather solitary birds inhabiting wooded areas.
The Anis, however, are always gregarious and live in open places.
Their flight is weak, generally from tree to tree, and their feet are
largely used as a means of progression. Some species hop, others
walk, and one is celebrated for his speed asa runner. They are pos-
sessed of peculiar vocal powers, and their strange calls are frequently
the origin of their popular names. Many species are remarkable for
the irregularity of their breeding habits. The Old-World Cuckoo (Cu-
culus canorus), like our Cowbird, deposits its eggs in the nests of other
birds, and leaves to them the duties of incubation and rearing of the
young. The Anis are communistic, and build but one nest, in which
several females lay and share the task of incubation. The smaller
species are insectivorous, but the larger ones add. small reptiles and
batrachians to their fare.

386. Coccyzus minor ((cl.). Mancrove Cuckoo, Ad.—Upper
parts brownish gray, grayer on the head, with glossy reflections ; wings and
middle pair of tail-feathers like the back; outer tail-feathers black, broadly
tipped with white; ear-coverts lack, bill black, the lower mandible yellow
except at the tip; under parts ochraceous-buff. L., 12°50; W., 5-40; T., 6°50;
B. from N., 80.

Range.—Greater Antilles, west coast of Central America, northward to
coast of Gulf States (?); west coast of Florida.

Nest, a platform of sticks, in low trees and bushes. Zyqs, three to four
greenish blue.

This bird is apparently a rare summer resident on the Gulf coast

of Florida, but its relationships in this region to the following race
are not known.

CUCKOOS, 995

od

386a. C. m. maynardi (fidgw.). Maynarp’s Cuckoo.—Similar to
the preceding, but with a slightly smaller bill and much paler under parts,
the throat and breast being grayish white, very faintly washed with ochra-
ceous, Which becomes stronger on the belly. B. from N., ‘75.
ftange.—Bahamas and Florida Keys.

This bird is a regular summer resident in the Florida Keys and
probably adjoining Atlantic mainland (see Scott, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 250).

387. Coccyzus americanus (linn.). YELLoOw-BILLED Cuckoo.
(See Fig. 36.) ad.—Upper parts brownish gray with slight greenish gloss;
most of the wing-feathers rufous, except at the tip; outer tail-feathers black,
conspicuously tipped
with white, which ex-
tends down the outer
vane of the outer
feather; under parts :
dull whitish; — bill Fig. 73.—-Tail-feathers of Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
black, the lower man-
dible yellow, except at the tip. L., 12:20; W., 5°70; T., 6-20; B. from N., :76.

kemarks.—This species bears a general resemblance to the Black-billed
Cuckoo, but may always be known from that species by its yellow lower
mandible, rufous wing-feathers, and black, white-tipped tail-feathers.

ftange.—North America; breeds from Florida to New Brunswick, and
winters in Central and South America.

Washington, common §. R., May 2 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
May 4 to Oct. 31. Cambridge, common S. R., May 12 to Aug.

Nest, a platform of small sticks, with a few grasses or catkins, generally in
low trees or vine-covered bushes, four to ten feet from the ground. Zoggs,
three to five, pale greenish blue, 1°22 x -92.

A long, slim, dovelike bird slips noiselessly by and disappears in
the depths of a neighboring tree. If you can mark his position you
will find him perched motionless, and apparently slightly dazed. After
a moment he recovers and begins to hop about the tree in an active
search for his favorite fare of caterpillars. He is especially fond of
the kind which make nests in trees, commonly known as “ tent cater-
pillars,” and if you examine the conspicuous homes of these pests you
will frequently find them punctured with many holes made by the
Cuckoo’s bill. A Cuckoo I shot at six o’clock one September morning
had the partially digested remains of forty-three of these caterpillars
in his stomach.

The notes of the Cuckoo are strikingly characteristic, and while
subject to much variation may be fairly represented by the syllables
tut-tut, tut-tut, tut-tut, tut-tut, cl-uck-cl-uck-cl-uck, cl-uck-cl-uck, cl-uck,
cow, cow, cow, cow, cow, cow. It is not usual, however, to hear the
whole song given at once.

16

226 KINGFISHERS.

4

888. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (W*%/s.). Buack-sBiLLEp
Cuckoo. Ad.—Upper parts grayish brown with a slight green gloss; wings
and tail the same, the
latter narrowly tipped
with white; under
parts dull white; bill

; ae . black.” Tilia =e
Fic. 74.—Tail-feathers of Black-billed Cuckoo. 5°50; T., 6°26; B. from

N., 4,
Remarks.—This species is to be distinguished from the Yellow-billed

Cuckoo chiefly by the absence of rufous in the wings, black in the tail, and
yellow in the lower mandible.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds as far north as Labrador, and
winters in Central and South America.

Washington, rather rare 8. R., May 2 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common 8.
R., May 3 to Oct. 7 Cambridge, common 8. R., May 15 to Sept. 20.

Nest, similar to that of the preceding, but more compactly built; location
the same. Zyqs, two to five, greenish blue, of a deeper shade than those of
the preceding species, 1°14 x °85.

This species resembles the preceding in habits, The two birds may
be distinguished in life by the differences in the color of their bills and
tails. Mr. William Brewster has called my attention to an easily rec-
ognizable difference in their calls. The present species has a much
softer voice, and the cow, cow notes are connected.

The Ant (383. Crotophaga ani), a common species in the Bahamas and
Greater Antilles, is of accidental occurrence in Pennsylvania, Florida, and
Louisiana. Its plumage is black with bluish reflections, the tail is rounded,
the bill high and thin, the depth at the nostril equaling or exceeding the
distance from the nostril to the tip of the bill.

FamMILy ALCEDINIDA. KINGFISHERS.

Kingfishers are most numerous in the Malay Archipelago, and the
majority of the one hundred and eighty known species are found there.
Only eight are American, and seven of these are confined to the tropics.
They are solitary birds of somewhat local habit. All the American
species are, as their name implies, fish-eaters, and are rarely found far
from the water. Some of the Old-World species, however, are forest-
inhabiting and feed on small insects, mollusks, ete.

890. Ceryle alcyon (Zinn.). Bettep Kryerisner. (See Fig. 35.)
Ad. 6.—Upper parts bluish gray ; wings with small white spots, most of the
feathers tipped with white, the inner web of the primaries white at the base ;
tail-feathers with numerous spots and broken bands of white: a white spot
before the eye; throat white, this color passing on to the sides of the neck
and nearly meeting on the back of the neck; a band across the breast, and

WOODPECKERS. 997

the sides bluish gray—in immature specimens tinged with rufous—lower
breast and belly white. Ad. ¢.—Similar to the male, but the sides and a
band on the belly rufous. L., 13:02; W., 617; T., 3°60; B., 2:00. -

Range.—North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador, and winters
from Virginia to South America.

Washington, common P. k. Sing Sing, common §. kR., Apl. 1 to Nov. 23;
casual in winter. Cambridge, common 8. k., Apl. 10 to Oct.

Nest, in a hole in a bank, about six feet from the entrance. yqs, five
to eight, white, 1°34 x 1:05.

The shores of wooded streams or ponds are the chosen haunts of
the Kingfisher. Silently he perches on some limb overhanging the
water, ever on the alert for food or foe. Paddle toward him as quietly
as you please, just as you reach his danger line he drops from his
perch and with loud, rattling call flies on ahead. This may be re-
peated several times, until finally the limits of his wanderings are
reached, when he makes a wide detour and returns to the starting point.

The Kingfisher hunts after the manner of the Fish Hawk. In
passing over the water it needs only the glint of a shining fin or scale
just beneath the surface to catch his watchful eye. On quickly mov-
ing wings he hovers over the place, waiting only a fair chance to
plunge on the unsuspecting fish below. Emerging from the water
with his prey in his bill, he shakes the spray from his plumage, and,
with an exultant rattle, flies away to some favorite perch.

ORDER PICI. WOODPECKERS, WRYNECKS, ETC.

FAMILY PICIDa. WOODPECKERS.

Woodpeckers occur in all wooded parts of the world except in the
Australian region and Madagascar. About three hundred and fifty
species are known, of which nearly one half are confined to the
New World. Some twenty-five of this number are found in North
America. Woodpeckers are rather solitary birds, but are sometimes
found associated in scattered companies during their migrations.
Above all other birds they are especially adapted to creep or climb.
The peculiar structure of the foot, with its two toes directed for-
ward and two backward (except in one genus), assists them in cling-
ing to an upright surface, while the pointed, stiffened tail-feathers
serve as a prop when the bird is resting. The stout, chisel-like bill is
used to cut away wood and expose the hiding places of grubs, etc.,
when the long, distensible tongue with its horny, spearlike tip is
thrust in, the food impaled and drawn out. The vocal powers of
Woodpeckers are limited, and the bill is also used to beat the long,
rolling call which is their love-song. The eggs of Woodpeckers are

228 WOODPECKERS.

uniformly white, and are placed in a hole, generally in a dead tree or
limb, hollowed out by the bird.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. No red on the head or nape.
A. Entire under parts black.
a. Wing about 10-00, bill ivory-white.
392, Ivory-BILLED WooppECKER 9.
B. Under parts white, without black spots or streaks.
a. Wing under 4:00; outer tail-feathers barred with black.
394. Downy WoopPECKER @.
6. Wing over 4:00; outer tail-feathers white, without black bars.
393. Hairy WoopPECKER 9.
393). SouTHERN Harry WooppPEcKER 9°.
C. Under parts with black spots, bars, or streaks.
a. Back entirely black . . 400
6. Back black and white.

61. Outer tail-feathers entirely white, crown yellow or spotted with

. Arctic THREE-TOED WoOoODPECKER.

white... ..: . . . 401. Am. THREE-TOED WOoOODPECKER.
62, Outer tail- ferthers barred with black, no black patch on the
breast, ear-coverts white . 395. Rep-cocKADED WoopPECKER @.
68. Outer tail-feathers black, with generally a narrow white margin ;
rump white. . . . . . . 406. Rep-HEADED WoopPEcKER ¢.
64. Outer tail-feathers black and white, a large black patch on the
breast

4 . 402. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 2.
II. hee top of the hess Las

A. Throat red.
a. Primaries spotted with white, belly yellowish.

402. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER ¢@.
6. Primaries black, ramp and belly white.

406. Rep-HEADED WoOopPECKER ¢.
B. Throat white.
a. Breast and belly black . . . . 405. PrtEaATED WooppEcKER 6.

b. Breast black or blackish, sides streaked, belly yellowish white.
402. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 9.

c. Under parts tinged with red, without streaks or spots.

409. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER 6.
II. Crown black, brown, or gray, a red band across the nape, a red crest on
the back of the head, or small patches of red on either side of the

nape.

A. Under parts black, wing over 8-00.
a. Billivory-white . . . . . 892. Ivory-BILLED WoopPECKER. 6.
b. Bill blackish . . . .. . . . 405. Prrearep WooDPECKER 9.

B. Under parts more or less spotted or streaked with black.
a. A black patch on the breast, throat brown, rump white.

412. FLICKER.
b. Head black, ear-coverts white, a few red feathers on either side of

thenape. . . .. . . . 9895. Rep-cockaADED WooDPECKER 6.

Harry WoopPEcKER.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.

WOODPECKERS. 299

C. Under parts white, or whitish without black streaks or spots.
a. Crown gray, a reddish tinge on the belly.
409. RED-BELLIED WoOODPECKER 9°.
6. Crown black.
61, Outer tail-feathers barred with black.
394. Downy WoopPECKER ¢.
62, Outer tail-feathers white. . . . 893. Harry WoopPreEckeEnr ¢.
3936. SouTHERN Harry WoopprckER 6.

392. Campephilus principalis (/inn.). Ivory-sittEp Woop-
PECKER. Ad. 6.—Upper parts shining black, a large scarlet crest; a white
stripe begins below the eye and, passing down the side of the neck, meets its
fellow in the middle of the back; ends of the inner primaries and the end
half or two thirds of the secondaries white; outer tail-feathers very short,
the central ones elongated and much stiffened; bristles over the nostrils
white; bill ivory-white; under parts shining black. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but
with the crest black. L., 20°00; W., 10-00; T., 6°50; B., 2°75

Range.—* Formerly South Atlantic and Gulf States, from North Carolina
to Texas; north in the Mississippi Valley to Missour1, southern Illinois, and
southern Indiana. Now restricted to the Gulf States and the lower Mississippi
Valley, where only locally distributed” (A. O. U.). (See Hasbrouck, Auk,
Viil, 1891, pp. 174-186, with map.)

Vest, in the higher part of a tree. Egqs, ‘‘1:31 x 86” (Ridgw.). (See
also Maurice Thompson’s A Red-headed Family.)

The home of this magnificent Woodpecker is in the almost. limit-
less cypress forests of our southern coasts and river valleys. Even
there it is common in but few localities. In Florida it is found chiefly
in the western part of the peninsula, and doubtless occurs in greatest
numbers in the region between the Suwanee River and the Gulf.

The Ivory-bill is a wild, shy bird. It does not remain long in one
place, and during the day ranges over an extended territory. Its call
is a high, rather nasal, yap, yap-yap, cope in the distance like the
note of a penny trumpet.

393. Dryobates villosus (Zinn.). Hairy Wooprrcker. (See Fig.
37, a.) Ad, 6.—Upper parts black; a scarlet band on the nape; middle of
the back white; wing-feathers and their coverts spotted with white; middle
tail-feathers black, the outer ones white a white stripe above and another
below the eye; under parts white. Ad. 9.—Similar, but without scarlet on
mie pack of the neck .7.9:40 > W., 4°78 'P:, 3°30: B., 1-29.

Range.—Kastern United States, from the northern border south to North
Carolina.

Washington, rare P. Rk. Sing Sing, rare P. R. Cambridge, uncommon
WV.

Nest, generally ina dead tree. Zygs, four to six, °95 x ‘75.

This species resembles the Downy Woodpecker in habits, but is less
frequently observed out of the woods. Its notes are noticeably louder

230 WOODPECKERS.

than the Downy’s, and when one is familiar with both there is no diffi-
culty in distinguishing the two by their voices.

In speaking of the difference which exists between the rolling tattoo
of some Woodpeckers Mr. Brewster says: “Thus, P. pubescens has a
long, unbroken roll, P. ved/osus a shorter and louder one with a greater
interval between each stroke; while S. varius, commencing with a short
roll, ends very emphatically with five or six distinct disconnected taps.
In this latter species I am convinced it is literally a call of recognition,
as I have repeatedly seen the bird, after producing it, listen a moment
when it would be answered from a distance, and its mate would shortly
appear and join it” (Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist., xi, 1875, p. 144).

393b. D. v. audubonii (Swains.). Sournern Harry Woopprecker.
—Sinilar to the preceding, but smaller, and with somewhat less white in the
plumage. L., 8°10; W., 4°50; T., 2°80; B., 1°15.

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States north to South Carolina.

This is simply a small southern race of the preceding species. It
resembles the northern form in habits, but is much more common, be-
ing nearly as numerous as the Downy Woodpecker.

In the northwestern United States and adjoining British provinces
the Hairy Woodpecker reaches its maximum size, and is known as the
Northern Hairy Woodpecker (D. v. lewcomelas), a form which may
oceur within our limits.

394. Dryobates pubescens (Zinn.). Downy Wooprrcxer. Ad.
é.—Upper parts black, a scarlet band on the nape; middle of the back
white; wing-feathers and their coverts spotted with white; middle tail-
feathers black, the outer ones white, barred with black ; a white stripe above.
and another below the eye; under parts white. dd. ¢.—Similar, but with-
out scarlet on the nape. L., 6°83; W., 3°70; T., 2°53; B., °68.

Remarks.—The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers differ in coloration only
in the markings of the outer tail-feathers, which are white, barred with black
in the former, and white w7thouwt bars in the latter; the difference in size be-
tween the two, however, is always diagnostic.

Range.—Eastern North America, from Labrador to Florida; resident
throughout its range. ;

Washington, common P.R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com-
mon P. R.

Nest, generally in a dead tree. Zgqs, four to six, ‘75 x °60,

Woodland, orchards, and the shade trees of lawns are alike fre-
quented by this, the smallest and most familiar of our Woodpeckers.
Sometimes he tells of his presence by an industrious tap, tap—tapping
as he patiently digs out the grubs and larve which form his bill of
fare. Again he hails us with a businesslike peek, peek—a note closely
resembling the sound produced by a marble quarrier’s chisel, and which

WOODPECKERS. 931

sometimes is prolonged into a rattling call. Like other Woodpeckers,
in the spring he beats a rolling tattoo on a resonant limb, sounding a
reveille which is a credit to so small a drummer.

The Downy is a sociable Woodpecker, and when the gay summer
visitors have returned to their southern homes and the wind whistles
drearily through the leafless trees, he joins the Chickadees and Nut-
hatches, and during the winter they are inseparable companions. Per-
haps they share with him the snug quarters in some old trunk which
he has hollowed out for a winter home.

395. Dryobates borealis (Vicil/.).. Rep-cockapep WoopprckeEr.
Ad. 6.—Crown black, a small tuft of scarlet feathers on either side of the back
of the head ; back barred with black and white; wings spotted with black
and white; middle tail-feathers black, outer ones with broken black bars; ear
region white, separated from the white throat by a black stripe running from
the bill to the shoulder; sides and under tail-coverts spotted and streaked
with black; rest of the under parts white. 4d. 9.—Similar, but without
scarlet on the head. L., 8:40; W., 4°65; T., 3:10: B., -80.

Range.—Southern United States, westward to Indian Territory, and north-
ward to Tennessee and Virginia.

Vest, in the higher part of a pine tree. Zygs, four to six, ‘91 x °68.

This species is a common inhabitant of the “ piny woods.” It pre-
fers the higher branches of the trees, and frequently hangs head down-
ward while feeding on a cone at the extremity of a branch. Its eall-
note suggests the yank, yank, of the White-bellied Nuthatch, but is
louder, hoarser, and not so distinctly enunciated.

400. Picoides arcticus (Swains.). Arctic HREE-roEp Woop-
PECKER. (See Fig. 37,0.) Ad. 6.—Toes three, two in front; middle of the
crown with a bright orange-yellow patch; rest of the upper parts shining
black ; wing-feathers spotted with white; middle tail-feathers black, outer
ones white, except at the base; a white line from the nostril passes below the
eye; sides barred with black and white; rest of the under parts white. Ad.
¢.—Similar, but without orange-yellow on the crown. L., 9°50; W., 5:10;
ibe 0°40 =" B. from N., 798.

Range.—Northern North America, south to the northern United States.

Nest, within ten feet of the ground. £yqs, four to six, 1:05 x °78,

“Tt is a restless, active bird. spending its time generally on the
topmost branches of the tallest trees, without, however, confining itself
to pines. Although it can not be called shy, its habitual restlessness
renders it difficult of approach. Its movements resemble those of the
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, but it is still more petulant than that
bird. . . . Its cries also somewhat resemble those of the species above
mentioned, but are louder and more shrill, like those of some small
quadruped suffering great pain... .

“Tts flight is rapid, gliding, and deeply undulating. . . . Now and

932 WOODPECKERS.

then it will fly from a detached tree of a field to a considerable dis-
tance before it alights, emitting at every glide a loud, shrill note”
(Audubon).

401. Picoides americanus /reim. American THREE-TOED Woop-
PECKER. Ad. 6.—Toes three, two in front; head spotted with white and with
an orange-yellow patch on the crown; back barred with black and white ;
wing-feathers spotted with black and white; middle tail-feathers black,
outer ones black and white; region below the eye mixed black and white;
sides more or less barred with black and white; rest of the under parts
white. Ad.¢.—Similar, but crown spotted with black and white, and with-
out yellow. L., 875; W., 4:55; T.,3:10; B. from N., -95.

Range.—Northern North America, south to the northern United States.

Nest, in the lower part of a tree. Zygs, white, 92 x ‘70 (Merriam, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club., iii, 1878, p. 200).

“Tt is said to greatly resemble P. villosus in habits, except that it
seeks its food principally upon decaying trees of the pine tribe, in
which it frequently makes holes large enough to bury itself. It is
not migratory” (B., B., and R.).

402. Sphyrapicus varius (Linn.). YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.
Ad. é6.—Crown deep scarlet, back irregularly barred with black and yellow-
ish white; wing-feathers spotted with white, their coverts mostly white ;
tail black, the middle feathers with broken black bars, the outer ones with
white margins ; a white line from the bill passes below the eye; throat car-
dinal; breast black; sides streaked with black; belly pale yellow. Ad. ¢.—
Similar, but throat white; crown sometimes black; outer tail-feathers with
broken white bars. Jm.—Similar to ads., but with the crown dull blackish,
the breast brownish gray barred with black, the throat whitish. L., 8°56;
W., 4:87; T., 3°20; B., 92.

Range.—FEastern North America; breeds from Massachusetts northward,
and winters from Virginia to Central America.

Washington, common T. V., Mch. and Apl.; Oct., occasional in winter.
Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 5 to May 18; Sept. 18 to Oct. 28; casual in
winter. Cambridge, not uncommon T. V., Apl. and Oct.

Nest, about forty feet from the ground. Zygqs, five to seven, ‘87 x °67.

As migrants, Sapsuckers are rather inconspicuous. They frequent
living trees, where they are concealed by the foliage and their weak
call-note is not likely to attract attention.

On reaching their summer homes in the spring their character
changes, and Dr. Merriam speaks of them as “noisy, rollicking fel-
lows; they are always chasing one another among the trees, screaming
meanwhile at the tops of their voices” (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879,
p. 2). Mr. Brewster describes the note of the adults at this season as
“a clear, ringing clewr, repeated five or six times in succession ” ;
while young and old utter ‘a low, snarling cry that bears no very dis-

WOODPECKERS. 933

tant resemblance to the mew of the Catbird” (Bull. Nutt. Orn, Club,
i, 1876, p. 69).

The Sapsucker feeds largely on the juices of trees, which it obtains
by perforating the bark. (See Bolles, Auk, viii, 1891, p. 206; ix, 1892,
p. 110.)

405. Ceophleeus pileatus (Zinn.). PireareD Wooprecker. Ad. 6.
—Upper parts blackish fuscous; whole top of the head scarlet, the feathers
lengthened to form a crest; a narrow white stripe bordering this crest sepa-
rates it from the fuscous ear-coverts; a stripe beginning at the nostril and
passing down the sides of the neck to the shoulders is tinged with yellow
before the eye and is white back of the eye; it is separated from the white
throat by a scarlet stripe at the base of the lower mandible; basal half of the
wing-feathers white; under parts fuscous, the feathers sometimes lightly
margined with white; bill horn-color. Ad. 9.—Similar, but without red on
the fore part of the crown or at the base of the lower mandible. L., 17:00;
W., 8:90; T., 6°20; B., 1:85.

Range.—* Formerly whole wooded region of North America; now rare or
extirpated in the more thickly settled parts of the Eastern States.”

Washington, rare P. R.

Nest, twenty-five to eighty feet from the ground. Zygs, four to six, 1:30
x *94.

This species is common only in the wilder parts of its range. In
the hummocks and cypress swamps of Florida it occurs in numbers.
There, contrary to the experience of Audubon, I found it by no means
a wild bird. Indeed, Flickers were more difficult to approach. On
the Suwanee River. in March, I have called these birds to me by sim-
ply clapping my slightly closed palms, making a sound in imitation
of their tapping on a resonant limb.

The flight of this species is rather slow, but usually direct, not
undulating, as in most Woodpeckers. When under way the white
markings of the wings show conspicuously. Their usual call-note is a
sonorous cow-cow-cow, repeated rather slowly many times, suggesting
a somewhat similar call of the Flicker’s. Like the Flicker, they have
also a wichew note uttered when two birds come together.

406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Zi/7.). Rep-1Eapep Woop-
PECKER. Ad.—Head, neck, throat, and upper breast deep red; upper back,
primaries, bases of the secondaries, and wing-coverts bluish black ; end half
of the secondaries, rump, and upper tail-coverts white; tail black, the feath-
ers more or less tipped or margined with white; lower breast and belly white,
the middle of the latter generally tinged with reddish. /m.—Red head and
neck of the adult replaced by mixed grayish brown and fuscous; upper back
bluish black, barred with ashy; primaries and wing-coverts black ; end half
of the secondaries irregularly barred with black ; tail black, generally tipped
with white; lower breast and belly white, more or less streaked or spotted
Witm tuscous, L., 97iae W., ao2% T.; 3°80; B.,. 1-17.

234 WOODPECKERS.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to northern New
York and Manitoba; winters from Virginia, and occasionally from northern
New York southward.

Washington, rather common 8. R., rare W. V. Sing Sing, rare P. R.,
common in fall, Aug. 27 to Oct. 12. Cambridge, irregular at all seasons;
sometimes common in fall.

Nest, generally in a dead tree. Eggs, four to six, 1:00 x ‘75.

Give a bird an abundance of its favorite food, and its movements
no longer seem to be governed by the calendar. Red-headed Wood-
peckers were supposed to migrate southward in the fall and pass the
winter south of Maryland until Dr. Merriam, in his interesting ac-
count * of the habits of this species, told us that in Lewis County,
northern New York, their abundance in winter was in no way affected
by the severity of the weather, but was entirely dependent upon the
success of the crop of beechnuts which constitute their food.

Indeed, few birds seem better able to adapt themselves to their
surroundings. They change their fare and habits with the season,
and to the accomplishments of Woodpeckers add those of Flycatchers
and fruit-eaters. We should expect, therefore, to find them very gen-
erally distributed, but in the Northern States they show an evident
choice for certain localities, and may be wanting over wide stretches
of intervening territory.

They are noisy, active birds, and their loud, rolling, tree-toadlike
call, ker-r-ruck, ker-r-ruck, and bright colors combine to render them
conspicuous. When on the wing the white secondaries of both adult
and immature birds make a striking field mark. :

409. Melanerpes carolinus (Zinn.). Rep-BELiiep WoopPEcKER.
Ad. &.—Whole top of the head and back of the neck bright scarlet; back
regularly barred with black and white; primaries black at the end, white,
irregularly barred with black, at the base ; secondaries black, regularly spotted
and barred with white; upper tail-coverts white, with streaks or arrowheads
of black; outer tail-feathers and inner vanes of the middle ones irregularly
marked with broken black and white bars; cheeks and under parts dull ashy
white, the region about the base of’ the bill, the middle of the belly, and some-
times the breast more or less tinged with red. Ad. 9 .—Similar, but with the
crown grayish ashy, the scarlet confined to the nape and nostrils. m.—Simi-
lar, but with the belly sometimes tinged with butty instead of red. L., 9°50;
W., 5:00; T., 3:40; B., 1:10.

Range.—¥Eastern United States, breeding from Florida to Maryland, and
in the interior to Ontario and southern Dakota; occasionally strays to Massa-
chusetts; winters from Virginia and southern Ohio southward.

Washington, locally common P. R. Cambridge, A. V., one record.

Nest, in. trees, about twenty feet from the ground. Lygs, four to six,
1:05 x °75.

* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, 1878, pp. 123-128.

WOODPECKERS. 235

This is a common bird in our Southern States. It inhabits alike
coniferous and deciduous growths, but prefers the latter. It ascends
a tree in a curious, jerky fashion, accompanying each upward move
by a hoarse chith-chith.

412. Colaptes auratus (/inn.). Fricker; Hign-nore; CLapr;
YELLOW-HAMMER; GOLDEN-WINGED WooppecKER. Ad. é.—Top of the head
ashy gray, a bright scarlet band across the back of the neck; back, wing-
coverts, and exposed part of secondaries brownish gray, barred with black ;
rump white; primaries black externally, the inner surface of the wing and
the shafts of the feathers yellow; upper tail-coverts barred or streaked with
black and white; tail black above, yellow tipped with black below, the outer
edges of the feathers slightly margined or barred with white; sides of the
head, throat, and upper breast vinaceous; a broad black stripe on either side
of the throat from the base of the bill, and a broad black crescent across the
breast ; rest of the under parts white, more or less tinged with vinaceous, and
thickly spotted with black. Ad. 9.—Similar, but without the black streaks
on the side of the throat. L., 12:00; W., 6:00; T., 400; B., 1-40.

eemarks.—Exceptional specimens have a few red feathers in the throat
stripes. A male from Louisiana has this mark entirely red and the head gray-
ish brown, while another specimen from Toronto has half the tail orange-red.
These unusual markings are supposed to be due to hybridization of our Flicker
with the western or Red-shafted Flicker, which resembles the eastern species
in pattern of coloration, but has the crown brownish gray or grayish brown,
the throat stripes scarlet, the throat and breast gray, the under surface of
wings and tail dull red, and lacks the red nuchal band. (See an important
paper on the relationships of these birds by Dr. J. A. Allen, in the Bull. Am.
Mus. Nat. Hist., iv, 1892, pp. 21-44).

Range.—North America, west to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains
and Alaska; breeds throughout its range, and winters from Illinois and Massa-
chusetts southward.

Washington, common S. R., rare W. V. Sing Sing, common §. R., Mch.
25 to Oct. 830; a few winter. Cambridge, very common 8S. R.,. common W. V.

Vest, in trees, about ten feet from the ground, frequently in orchards.
Eggs, five to nine, 1:10 x °86.

The habits, notes, and colors of this well-known bird are reflected
in the popular names which have been applied to it throughout its
wide range. No less than thirty-six of these aliases have been re-
corded, and many have doubtless escaped the compiler.

The Flicker is a bird of character. Although a Woodpecker, he
is too original to follow in the footsteps of others of his tribe. They
do not frequent the ground, but that is no reason why he should not
humor his own terrestrial propensities, and we may therefore fre-
quently flush him from the earth, when, with a low chuckle, he goes
bounding off through the air, his white ramp showing conspicuously
as he flies,

936 NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC.

The Flicker, like other Woodpeckers, beats a rolling tattoo in the
spring, but his vocal song proper is a rapidly-repeated, mellow ciih-
ctth-ctth-ctih-cth, etc., as springlike a sound as the peeping of frogs.
His usual note is a vigorous, nasal kée-yer. It recalls frosty fall morn-
ings when the High-holes are gathering to feed on the woodbine and
pepperidge berries. Approaching their feeding grounds, one may hear
the “ Flicker” note. It can be closely imitated by the swishing of a
willow wand: weéchew, weéchew, weéchew. I never remember hearing
a bird utter this note when alone. It is accompanied by the oddest
gestures, as with tails stiffly spread the birds bob and bow to each
other.

ORDER MACROCHIRES. GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS,
HUMMINGBIRDS, ETC.

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDA. NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS,
ETC.

Goatsuckers are found in most parts of the world, but are more
numerously represented in the tropics. Some eighty-five species are
known, of which about one half are American, though only seven
reach North America. Most of the American species are forest-inhab-
iting, passing the day upon the leaves or perched lengthwise upon the
branches of trees, where their dull, blended colors harmonize with
their surroundings. The Nighthawks, however, are equally at home
in treeless countries. Nighthawks feed high in the air, like Swifts,
while other species frequent the borders of forests or clearings, where
they feed nearer the ground. All the species capture their food of
insects on the wing, their enormous mouths and the long, stiffened
bristles, which in some species beset its base, especially adapting them
to this mode of feeding. Many of the species are possessed of remark-
able vocal powers, and their cries are among the most striking of bird
notes.

; KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A, A white spot in the wing. 420. NianrHawK. 420c. FLrorrpa NIiGHTHAWK.
BL. No white spot in the wing; primaries spotted with rufous.
a. Wing under 7:50!) 4060 .s),5 6 sale WORD Aor wine
b. Wing over 7:50... cis. a sa 2 a.) S16 MORO eeme—w iow.

416. Antrostomus carolinensis ((me/.).. CHucK-WILl’s-wibow.
Ad. &.—Upper parts streaked with black and finely mottled with ochraceous-
buff and black ; primaries black, with broken rufous bars; tail mottled with
black and ochraceous-buff, the end half of all but the two middle feathers
white, more or less washed with buffy on the émner vane, under parts mot-

NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC. 237

tled with black, ochraceous, and cream-buff; an imperfect whitish band
across the upper breast; base of the bill beset with long, stiffened bristles,
the basal half of these bristles grown with hairlike branches. Ad. 9 .—Similar,
but with no white patches in the tail, the upper breast with an ochraceous-
buff instead of white band. L., 12:00: W., 8°50; T., 6:00; B., -40.

Range.—Kastern United States; breeds from North Carolina and Illinois
southward; winters from our southern borders southward; accidental in
Massachusetts.

Cambridge, A. V., one record, Dee.

Eggs, two, laid on the ground or leaves, in woods or thickets, dull white,
with delicate, obscure pale lilac markings, and a few distinct brownish-gray
spots, 140 x °98.

Generally speaking, this species resembles the Whip-poor-will in
habits. Its notes are quite similar to those of that species, but are
louder, less rapidly uttered, and each call has an additional syllable.
Its gape is enormous. the wide-open mouth of an adult measuring
about two inches from corner to corner. For this reason it can swal-
low large objects with ease, and both Hummingbirds and Sparrows
have been found in Chuck-will’s-widow’s stomach. Perhaps they were
mistaken for large moths.

41°77. Antrostomus vociferus ( Wils.).. Wuip-poor-wiLi. Ad. 6.
—Upper parts streaked with black, the head finely mottled with black and
white, the back mottled with ochraceous-buff and black; primaries black,
with broken rufous bars; tail irregularly barred with black and mottled with
whitish or cream-buff; end half of three outer feathers white; black on the
outer vane of the outer feather extending farther down than on the others;
throat and breast blackish, finely mottled with cream-buff or ochraceous-buff ;
a narrow white band across the upper breast; belly cream-buff, irregularly
barred with blackish; base of the bill beset with long, stiffened bristles,
which are without hairlike branches. Ad. ?.—Similar, but three outer tail-
feathers narrowly tipped with ochraceous-buff; band on the throat cream-
buff instead of white. L., 9°75; W., 6°08; T., 4,65; B., °387.

Range.—Eastern North America, north to New Brunswick and Manitoba,
winters from Florida southward.

Washington, common §. R., Apl. 15 to Oct. Sing Sing, common S$. R.,
Apl. 19 to Oct. 17. Cambridge, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. 20.

Eggs, two, laid on the ground or leaves, in woods or thickets ; dull white,
with delicate, obscure lilac markings and a few distinct brownish gray spots,
1°18 x °84.

In walking through rather densely grown woods I have sometimes
been surprised by having a Whip-poor-will fly up from beneath my
feet and disappear in the surrounding growth. I say surprised, be-
cause the bird’s flight is as noiseless as a moth’s, and this unusual,
ghostly silence is almost as startling as the whor of a Grouse.

The Whip-poor-will’s day begins when the sun goes down, Then

938 NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, ETC.

he passes out into bushy fields near his home, and, flying low, catches
his supper on the wing. Between courses he rests on some low perch,
and gives utterance to the notes familiar to many who have never
seen their author. Whip'-poor-will', whip'-poor-will’ he calls, rapidly
and with unexpected snap and vigor. If one is quite near the singer,
a preliminary chuck may be heard before each call. These notes are
given for about two hours after sunset and for a short time before
sunrise.

It is a singular fact that, in spite of the marked difference in their
habits and notes, the Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will are frequently
considered to be the same species. It is not the only case, however,
where the notes of some species difficult of observation have been
attributed to a species whose habits render it conspicuous.

420. Chordeiles virginianus ((mc/.). NigutHawKk; BuLti-sat.
(See Fig. 88.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts black, irregularly marked with whitish,
cream-butt, or ochraceous-butf; primaries fuscous, crossed in the middle by a
conspicuous white bar which rarely reaches the outer vane of the first pri-
mary ; tail fuscous or black, with broken bars of cream-buft and a white band
near the end on all but the middle feathers; throat with a broad white band;
chin and upper breast black, the feathers tipped with ochraceous-buff, cream-
buff, or white ; the rest of the under parts barred with black and white, some-
times tinged with buff. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but with no white on the tail,
throat-patch ochraceous-buff, under parts more or less washed with ochra-
ceous-buff. L., 10-00; W., 7°85; 'T.,4°60; B., °25.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Labra-
dor; winters in South America.

Washington, not common 8. R.; abundant T. V., Apl. 20 to Oct. Sing
Sing, common 8. R., May 9 to Oct.11. Cambridge, not uncommon 8. R., May
15 to Sept. 25.

Egqs, two, laid on the bare ground or a flat rock in open fields, rarely on
the roof of a house, dull white, evenly marked with small, irrecularly shaped
blotches or fine specklings of grayish brown or brownish gray, 1°20 x °86.

In wooded regions the Nighthawk passes the day perched length-
wise on a limb, but on the plains he roosts upon the ground, where his
colors harmonize with his surroundings.

Soon after sunset he mounts high in the air to course for insects.
Batlike he flies erratically about, and at more or less regular intervals
utters a loud nasal peent, this call being followed by two or three un-
usually quick, flitting wing-beats. Long after the light has faded
from the western horizon we may hear this voice from the starlit
heavens, for the Nighthawk is one of our few truly nocturnal birds.

Occasionally the peents are given more rapidly, and after calling
several times in close succession the bird on half-closed wings dives
earthward with such speed that one fears for his safety; but just

SWIFTS. 239

before the ground is reached he checks his rapid descent by an abrupt
turn, and on leisurely wing again mounts upward to repeat this game
of sky-coasting. At the moment the turn is made one may hear a
rushing, booming sound, which, as writers have remarked, can be imi-
tated in tone by blowing across the bung-hole of any empty barrel. It
is made by the passage of the air through the bird’s primaries.

In late summer Nighthawks gather in large flocks and begin their
southward migrations. When flying the white mark on their primaries
is a conspicuous character, and has the appearance of being a hole in
the bird’s wing.

420b. C. v. chapmani ((owes). Fiorma NienutHawK; Buit-par.
—Similar to the preceding, but smaller, and with the white and cream-butf
markings of the upper parts more numerous. L., 8°60; W., 7:10; T., 4:10.

Range.—Breeds in Florida and westward on the Gulf coast; south in win-
ter to South America.

The Western NigutTuawk (420a. C. v. henry), a near relative of our spe-
cies, has been recorded from Waukegan, Il.

FAMILY MICROPODIDE. SWIFTS.

The seventy-five known species of Swifts are distributed through-
out the greater part of the world. About one half this number are
American, but only four are found in North America. Swifts are
generally found associated in scattered companies, and when roosting
or nesting are eminently gregarious. Hollow trees and caves are their
natural retreats, but in some parts of the world chimneys are now used
exclusively.

They feed entirely while flying, and with their unusually long
wings and small, compactly feathered bodies possess unrivaled powers
of flight. Swifts are popularly confused with Swallows, but the re-
semblance is only superficial and exists chiefly in the similarity of
their feeding habits, while the structural differences between the two
are numerous and important.

423. Chetura pelagica (Linn.). Cummney Swirt; CHIMNEY
“Swattow.” (See Fig. 39.) A4d.—Entire plumage fuscous, more grayish on
the throat; a’sooty black spot before the eye; shafts of the tail-feathers ex-
tending beyond the vanes. L., 5:48; W., 494; T., 1:90; B. from N., 15.

Range.—Fastern North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador; win-
ters in Central America.

Washington, abundant S. R., Apl. 15 to Oct. 10. Sing Sing, common
S. R., Apl. 19 to Oct. 23. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Apl. 25 to Sept. 20.

Nest, a bracketlike basket of dead twigs glued together with saliva; at-
tached to the wall of a chimney, generally about ten feet from the top, by

240 HUMMINGBIRDS.

the gummy secretion of the bird’s salivary glands. £ggs, four to six, white,
‘80 x *50.

It is unnecessary to give any aids to the identification of a bird as
well known as the Chimney Swift, or, as it is more frequently called,
“Chimney Swallow.” It is not, however, a Swallow, but a Swift, and
its structural relations are with the Hummingbirds and not with the
Passerine Swallows.

Few sights in the bird-world are more familiar than the bow-and-
arrow-like forms of these rapidly flying birds silhoueted against the sky.
They are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon,
when one may hear their rolling twitter as they course about overhead.
Sometimes they sail with wings held aloft over their backs, and some-
times, it is said, they use their wings alternately. It is a common
thing to see a trio of birds flying together, but it has never been ascer-
tained that the Chimney Swift is polygamous.

In some localities Chimney Swifts congregate in large flocks, mak-
ing their headquarters in a disused chimney which morning and even-
ing they leave and return to in a body. In perching they cling to the
side of the chimney, using the spine-pointed tails, as Woodpeckers do,
for a support. The habit of frequenting chimneys is, of course, a
recent one, and the substitution of this modern, artificial home for
hollow trees, illustrates the readiness with which a bird may take ad-
vantage of a favoring change in its environment.

FAMILY TROCHILIDA. HUMMINGBIRDS.

Hummingbirds are found only in the New World. About five
hundred species are known. They range from Alaska to Patagonia,
but are most numerous in the Andean regions of Colombia and Ecua-
dor. Seventeen species are found in the United States; only eight of
these advance beyond our Mexican border States, and but one species
occurs east of the Mississippi.

Several species inhabit the depths of dark tropical forests, but as
a rule they are found with the flowers which bloom in the clearings,
or far overhead in the sunlight. They are not gregarious, but an
abundance of food sometimes brings large numbers of them together,
when the air becomes animated with their rapidly moving forms.
The smaller species fly so swiftly that their wings are lost in hazy cir-
cles, and it is difficult for the human eye to follow their course. The
flight of the larger species is less insectlike, and each wing-beat can
be detected. As arule their voice is a weak squeak or excited chip-
pering, but some of the tropical species have songs of decided charac-
ter which they sing with much energy.

Hummingbirds feed largely on insects, which they generally cap-

HUMMINGBIRDS. A el

ture in flowers, but many species catch insects on the wing or pick
them from beneath leaves. They also feed on the juices of flowers.
All the species whose nesting habits are known lay two white eggs.

Strangely enough, these beautiful little creatures are possessed of a
most unfortunate disposition which frequently leads them to attack
any bird they fancy is trespassing on their domain. ‘They know no
fear, and with equal courage rush at one of their kind or a passing
Hawk.

428. Trochilus colubris (/inn.).. Rusy-roroatep Humurncpirp.
(See Fig. 40.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts bright, shining green; wings and tail
fuscous, with purplish reflections; throat beautiful metallic ruby-red, bor-
dered on the breast by whitish; rest of the under parts dusky, washed with
greenish on the sides. Ad. ?.—Similar, but without raby-red on the throat.
/m.—Similar to the female, but with the upper parts more bronzy. L., 3°74;
W., 1:54; T., 115; B., 67.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador ; win-
ters from southern Florida to Central America.

Washington, common 8. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
Apl. 30 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, uncommon 8. R., May 12 to Sept.

Nest, of plant down, covered externally with lichens and firmly wound
with almost invisible plant fibers; generally fifteen to twenty-five feet from
the ground, saddled ona limb. Zyqs, two, white, 50 x °35.

The Ruby-throat needs no song. Its beauty gives it distinction,
and its wings make music. Its only note, so far as I know, is a
squeak, expressive of distrust or excitement. It has no rival in eastern
North America, and is to be confounded with nothing but sphinx (hum-
mingbird) moths. One hears of “ Hummingbirds” seen in the evening
about flower beds. The mistake is not unnatural, and a correction is
sometimes received with incredulity. The birds spend but a com-
paratively smali part of the time upon the wing. Whoever watches a
female busy about her nest will see her constantly perching here and
there in certain branches of the tree, preening her plumage and look-
ing about her. The male, at the same season, forgetful, to all appear-
ance, of his conjugal and parental duties, may be found at home day
after day on a dead twig in some tall tree, where he sits so constantly
as to make the observer wonder what he can be about, and when, if
ever, he takes his food. Further investigation, however, will show
that he makes frequent and regular rounds of favorite feeding places.
A tall blueberry bush, for example, will be visited at short intervals
as long as the observer has patience to stand beside it. The Hum-
mingbird is curiously fearless. Sometimes one will probe a flower
held in the hand, and when they fly into houses, as they pretty often
do, they manifest but the smallest degree of suspicion, and will feed
almost at once upon sugar held between the lips. The old bird feeds

1

949 FLYCATCHERS.

the young by regurgitation—a frightful-looking act—the food consist-

ing largely of minute insects. The young remain in the nest for some

three weeks, and on leaving it are at once at home on the wing.
BRADFORD ToRREY,

ORDER PASSERES. PERCHING BIRDS.

FAMILY TYRANNIDAZ, HLYCATCHERS.

From the systematist’s standpoint Flycatchers are songless Perch-
ing. Birds. It does not follow that they are voiceless, or even truly
songless, but that, having the voice-organ or syrinx less highly devel-
oped than other Passeres, they are possessed of comparatively limited
vocal powers. This family is peculiar to America. The Old-World
Flycatchers belong to the family Muscicapide and are true Oscines.
Some three hundred and fifty species are known. They are most abun-
dant in the tropics, where their services as insect-catchers are in great-
est demand, About thirty-five species reach the United States.

Flycatchers are found wherever there are trees. As a rule they are
of sedentary and solitary disposition. Their manner of feeding is
characteristic. From a favorable perch, hawklike, they await passing
insects, and with an aim that rarely misses launch forth into the air;
there is a sharp, suggestive click of the broad bill, and, completing
their aérial circle, they return to their perch and are again en garde.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Wing over 3-00.

A, Tail black or blackish, sometimes tipped with white, a concealed orange-

red crown patch.

a. Under wing-coverts yellowish, no white tip on the tail.

445. Gray Kineprrp.

6. Under wing-coverts blackish, tail tipped with white . 444. Kivegrrp.

Z. Inner vane of tail-feathers pale rufous; throat and breast grayish ;

belly sulphur-yellow. . . . . . . . 452. Crestep FiycaTcner.

C. Tail fuscous, not tipped with white ; no crown patch.

a. Entire bill black ; tail rarely more than ‘50 longer than wing; tarsus
decidedly longer than bill; under tail-coverts always pale, yellowish
white . ib aifaee lee ane tee AMerateae Sls 456. PHm@se.

6. Under mandible generally in whole or part pale brownish; wing
always more than *50 longer than tail; tarsus about equal to bill;
some of under tail-coverts frequently with darker centers.

61. Wing over 3°50; sides and breast, except a narrow whitish line
through its center, of the same color as the back.
459. OLIVE-sIDED FLycaTcHER.
62, Wing under 3°50; breast and sides washed with olive-gray.
461. Woop PEWEE.

FLYCATCHERS. 9438 ©

II. Wing under 3:00.
A, Upper parts between olive-brown and dark olive-green, but with an
evident brownish tinge, or lower mandible brownish.
a. Wing over 2°60; lower mandible flesh-color or whitish; under parts
with only a very slight tinge of yellow . 466a. ‘TRaILL’s FLycaTcuER,
6. Wing under 2°60; lower mandible rarely clear flesh-color; generally
strongly tinged with brownish . . . . . 467. Least Frycarcuer.
ZL. Upper parts olive-green without a brownish tinge; iower mandible
straw-color.
a. First primary about equal to fifth ; under parts white, slightly washed
with yellowish on the breast and belly ; throat white.
465. Acapian FLYCATCHER.
b. First primary shorter than fifth; under parts sulphur-yellow; the
throat and breast more or less washed with olive-green.
463. YELLOW-BELLIED FLycaTcHER.

The Forx-raiLtep Frycatcuer (442. Milvulus tyrannus), a South Amer-
ican species rarely found north of southern Mexico and the southern Lesser
Antilles, has been recorded from Mississippi, Kentucky, and New Jersey.

The Sctssor-TaILED FiycarcuHer (443. Milvulus forficatus) is found in
the summer as fur north as southern Kansas and western Louisiana. It has
occurred accidentally near Hudson Bay, in Manitoba, Ontario, Connecticut,
New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida. lt may be known by its long, deeply
“forked tail and scarlet sides.

444, Tyrannus tyrannus (/in7n.). Kixesirp. Ad.—Upper parts
grayish slate-color, darker on the head and upper tail-coverts; head with a
concealed orange-red crest; tail black, tipped with white; under parts white,
washed with grayish on the breast. /m.—Similar, but without the crown
patch, and with the plumage more or less tinged with ochraceous-buff. L.,
8:51; W., 4°64; T., 3°55; B. from N., *55.

Range.—North America north to New Brunswick and Manitoba; rare
west of the Rocky Mountains ; winters in Central and South America.

Washington, common 8. R., Apl. 20 to Sept.. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
Apl. 29 to Sept. 10. Cambridge, abundant 8S. R., May 5 to Sept. 1.

Nest, compact and symmetrical, of weed-stalks, grasses, and moss lined
with plant-down, fine grasses, and rootlets, generally at the extremity of a
branch fifteen to twenty-five feet up. qs, three to five, white, spotted with
umber, 1:00 x *73.

The Kingbird is most frequently seen on a fence or a dead twig on
a tree, where leaves do not come in the way of his sight. He stands
very upright, like a Hawk or an Owl, and, though as quiet as if he
had nothing to do, he is keenly awake to every movement about him,
and every few minutes he dashes into the air, seizes a passing insect,
and returns to the spot from which he started. While his mate is
sitting he usually establishes himself near the nesting tree, and spends
hour after hour in this apparently monotonous way, varying it only to

Q44 FLYCATCHERS.

relieve her by watching the nest, and thus give her an opportunity to
seek food for herself. I never saw a Kingbird either assist in brooding
or carry food to his mate, but his manners to her are most affection-
ate, and he is untiring in his labors in the feeding of the young.

This bird is accused of being quarrelsome and aggressive to other
birds, and his scientific name means Tyrant Flycatcher, but in my
study of his ways I have found him less aggressive than are most birds
in the neighborhood of their nest. With the exception of the Crow,
against whom he seems to have a special grudge, | have never seen a
Kingbird take notice of any bird unless he alighted near his nest, and
the meekest creature that wears feathers will try to drive away stran-
gers who approach that sacred spot.

The calls and cries of the Kingbird are generally loud and attract-
ive, if not particularly musical, but while his mate is sitting—and pos-
sibly at other times—he indulges in a soft and very pleasing song,
which I have heard only in the very early morning.

OxuivE THORNE MILLER.

445. Tyrannus dominicensis ((me/.). Gray Kinesirp. Ad.—
Upper parts ashy gray; a concealed orange-red crown patch ; wings and tail
fuscous ; under wing-coverts pale sulphur-yellow; under parts white, tinged
with grayish on the breast. L., 9°00; W., 4°60; T., 3°50; B. from N., *80.

Range.—Breeds from the coast of South Carolina southward through
Florida and the Greater Antilles; winters in the Lesser Antilles, Mexico, and
Central America; accidental in Massachusetts.

Nest, of grass and weeds, lined with fine grass and rootlets, in bushes.
Eggs, four, deep salmon, irregularly spotted and blotched with umber and
lilac, 1:00 x -75 (Maynard).

The Gray Kingbird is a common summer resident of parts of our
South Atlantic States, arriving early in May. It resembles the King-
bird in appearance, but lacks the white band at the end of the tail,
and has quite different notes. Its usual call is a vigorous pitirra,
pitirrt, which in Cuba gives it its common name.

The Arkansas Kinesrrp (447. Tyrannus verticalis), a western species,
has been taken in Iowa, District of Columbia, Maine, New Jersey, and New
York.

452. Myiarchus crinitus (Zinn.). Crestep FrycarcHer; GREAT
Crestep Fiycatrcuer. -Ad.—Upper parts grayish brown, washed with olive-
green ; outer vane of primaries margined with pale rufous; czner vane of all
but the middle tail-feathers pale rufous ; throat and breast pearl-gray ; belly
sulphur-yellow. L., 9:01; W., 414; T., 3°75; B. from N., *62.

Range.—Breeds from Florida to New Brunswick; winters from southern
Florida to Central America.

Washington, very common 8. R., Apl. 25 to Sept. Sing Sing, common
S. R., May 7 to Sept. 12. Cambridge, uncommon 8. R., May 15 to Aug.

T FLYCATCHER.
PHBE,

LEA

FLYCATCHERS. 945

Nest, of grasses, twigs, and rootlets, with generally a piece of a cast snake
skin, in a hole in a tree, generally less than twenty feet up. Zyqs, three to
six, creamy white, streaked longitudinally with chocolate, *90 x °68,

During the spring migration each day brings its own surprise and
pleasure. The bare, silent woods where I walked alone before are
now astir with flitting wings and ringing with glad music. Each
morning I hurry out, full
of eager anticipation, to be
thrilled by the greeting of
some old friend come home
again.

There are red-letter days,
however, even in this calen-
dar. Hark! from the woods
a loud whistle pierces far
through the clearing. The g
Great-crest has come! Fig. 7%5.—Crested Flycatcher. (Natural size.)

I break away from the
confusing chorus of small voices and hurry off to the woods for the
first sight of the distinguished bird. Full of life and vigor, he flies
about in the green tree tops, chattering to himself or calling loudly
as he goes.

Not many days pass, however, before he is so taken up with do-
mestic matters that his voice is rarely heard outside the woods. Is he
engaged in his famous pursuit—hunting snake skins to line his nest ?
Absorbed in my daily round of nest calls, I cherish the memory of
each passing glimpse of him. Now I see him launch from a bass-
wood top, with wings and tail spread, to sail down through the air,
his tail glowing red against the light. Again, when looking for a rare
Warbler, his calls arrest me. In the dead top of the highest tree in
sight I find him with his mate. With crests raised, the handsome
birds chase each other about the bare branches. Tired of that, they
explore the old Woodpecker’s holes in the trunk, and one of them
walks out of sight down a hollow limb. <A Blackbird lights in the
tree, and the Great-crest above becomes so agitated that I am con-
vinced his mate has gone to her nest, when lo! both Flycatchers are
off and away to another of the great trees that overtop the forest.

FLoRENcE A. MERRIAM.

456. Sayornis phoebe (/ath.). Pumaren. (See Fig. 42.) Ad.—uUp-
per parts grayish brown with an olive-green cast; crown distinctly darker,
fuscous ; wings and tail fuscous, wing-bars not conspicuous; outer vane of
outer tail-feather white or yellowish white, except at the tip; under parts
white, more or less washed with yellowish, and tinged with brownish gray

246 FLYCATCHERS.

on the breast and sides; bill black. /m.—Similar, but upper parts more olive,
under parts more yellow, and wing-bars more distinct. L., 6:99; W., 3°38;
T., 295; B. from N., “41.

Remarks.—The Pheebe’s principal distinguishing characters are its fus-
cous crown-cap, white outer vane of the outer tail-feather, and blackish lower
mandible.

Range.—Fastern North America; breeds from South Carolina to New-
foundland and Manitoba, and winters from North Carolina to Cuba and
Mexico.

Washington, common 8. R., Mch. 5 to Oct.; occasionally winters. Sing
Sing, common 8. R., Mch. 14 to Oct. 29. Cambridge, common 8. R., Mch. 25
to Oct. 10.

Nest, bulky, largely moss and mud lined with grasses and long hairs, on
a beam or rafter, under a bridge or bank. Zygs, four to six, white, rarely
with a few cinnamon-brown spots, ‘78 x *59.

There is something familiar, trustful, and homelike in the Phcebe’s
ways which has won him an undisputed place in our affections. With
an assurance born of many welcomes he returns each year to his perch
on the bridge-rail, barnyard gate, or piazza, and contentedly sings his
humble, monotonous pewit phebe, pewtt phobe—a hopelessly tune-
less performance, but who that has heard it in early spring when the
“pussy willow” seems almost to purr with soft blossoms, will not
affirm that Phoebe touches chords dumb to more ambitious songsters !

Sometimes Pheebe is inspired to greater effort, and, springing into
the air on fluttering wings, he utters more phebes in a few seconds
than he would sing ordinarily in an hour.

Pheebe is a devoted parent, and is rarely found far from home.
His nest seems to be the favorite abode of an innumerable swarm of
parasites which sometimes cause the death of his offspring, and when
rearing a second family he changes his quarters.

No other Flycatcher winters in numbers in our Southern States,
and Phcoebes’ notes heard in January in the heart of a Florida “ hum-
mock” seem strangely out of place.

Say’s Pua@sr (457. Sayornis saya), a western species, is of accidental
occurrence east of the Mississippi. It has been found in northern Ilinoi.,
Wisconsin, Iowa, and, more recently, on Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Miller,
Auk, vii, 1890, p. 228).

459. Contopus borealis (Swains.). Oxive-stpep Frycatcuer. Ad.
—Upper parts between fuscous and dark olive; wings and tail fuscous ; throat,
middle of the belly, and generally a narrow line on the center of the breast
white or yellowish white; rest of the under parts of nearly the same color as
the back ; under tail-coverts marked with dusky; a tuft of fluffy, yellowish-
white feathers on either flank; upper mandible black, lower mandible yel-
lowish or pale grayish brown, the tip darker. Zm.—Similar, but with rather

FLYCATCHERS. 247

more olive above, more yellow below, and with the wing-coverts edged with
ochraceous-buff. L., 7°39; W., 405; 'T., 2°70; B. from N., °54.

Remarks.—This species may always be known trom our other Flycatchers
by the comparatively little white on the under parts, and by the tuft of yel-
lowish-white feathers on the flanks. Like the Wood Pewee, it has the wing
50 or more longer than the tail.

Range.—Breeds from Massachusetts and Minnesota northward, and south-
ward in Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters in tropics.

Washington, casual T. V., one instance, Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably com-
mon T. V., May 20; Aug. 15 to Sept. 16. Cambridge, T. V., May 20 to May
30; Aug.; formerly not uncommon 38. kh.

Nest, of twigs and moss, in coniferous trees, about twenty-five feet up, near
the extremity of a limb. Zyqs, three to five, vinaceous-white, spotted, chiefly
about the larger end, with distinct and obscure rufous markings, ‘85 x °62.

I have seen the Olive-sided Flycatcher only during the migrations,
when I look for it on the topmost limb of some high, dead, woodland
tree—a commanding position from which it may view its surround-
ings. Even at a distance it impresses one as being a stout, stocky bird,
with a head too large for its body.

During the summer they live among pines or cedars, and are de-
scribed by Colonel Goss as “bold, quarrelsome, and tyrannical, zeal-
ously guarding any chosen locality, where they will be found perched
upon the tops of the tallest trees, from which they swoop down upon
the passing insects, and often repeat their plaintive pu-pw or pu-pip,
the males occasionally uttering a loud, whistling call-note.”

461. Contopus virens (/inn.). “Woop Pewxr. Ad.—Upper parts
very dark, between olive and fuscous, with sometimes a tinge of dark olive-
green; wings and tail fuscous; wing-coverts tipped with whitish, forming
two more or less distinct wing-bars ; under parts white or yellowish white,
washed with olive-gray on the sides of the throat and breast, and, to a less
extent, on the center of breast; upper mandible black; lower mandible yel-
lowish or brownish, the tip frequently darker. /m.—Similar, but yellower
below, the wing-coverts edged with cream-buff. L., 653; W., 3:34; T., 2°62:
B. from N., °42.

feemarks.—The Wood Pewee and the Olive-sided Flycatcher differ from
our other Flycatchers in having the wings decidedly longer than the tail,
and in their short tarsi. From the species of the genus Empidonax they may
be known by these characters and their darker, more fuscous coloration.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland ;
winters. in Central America.

Washington, common 8. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common §. R.,
May 10 to Oct. 2. Cambridge, common S. R., May 18 to Sept. 10.

Nest, compact and symmetrical, of fine grasses, rootlets, moss, ete., thickly
covered with lichens, saddled on a limb, twenty to forty feet up. ygs, three
to four, white, with a wreath of distinct and obscure umber markings about
the larger end, *68 x ‘54,

248 FLYCATCHERS.

To thoroughly appreciate how well the Pewee’s disposition is
suited to his haunts and notes, we have only to imagine him taking
the Phoebe’s place and singing the Phcebe’s song. He was not in-
tended to adorn a bridge or barn, but in the darkened woods, high up
in the trees, he finds a congenial home.

His pensive, gentle ways are voiced by his sad, sweet call:
The notes are as musical and restful, as much a part

a
see Ayre of Nature’s hymn, as the soft humming of a brook.
= a All day long the Pewee sings; even when the heat
—__--—— of summer silences more vigorous birds and the
Pee-a - wee midday sun sends light-shafts to the ferns, the

clear, sympathetic notes ofjthe retiring songster come from the green
canopy overhead, in perfect harmony with the peace and stillness of
the hour.

463. Empidonax flaviventris Baird. Yx.tow-setuep Fry-
CATCHER. Ad.—Upper parts rather dark olive-green; wings and tail fus-
cous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tipped with white or yellowish white ;
under parts sulphur-yellow, the belly pure, the throat, breast, and sides more
or less washed with olive-green; upper mandible black, lower mandible
whitish or flesh-color; second to fourth primaries of equal length, the first
shorter than the fifth. /m.—yYellow of the under parts brighter, wing-bars
more yellow, and sometimes tinged with pale ochraceous-buff. L., 563; W.
obo. Ts, 2-165 B. from IN, “39.

Remarks.—This is the most yellow of our small Flyeatchers. In any plum-
age the entire under parts, including the throat, are sulphur-yellow or dusky
yellowish. In the other eastern species of this genus the throat is white.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Berkshire County, Mass.,
to Labrador ; winters in Central America.

Washington, rather common T. V., May 1 to May 31; Aug. 1 to Oct. 1.
Sing Sing, common T. V., May 17 to June 4; Aug. 8 to Sept. 20. Cambridge,
T. V., sometimes rather common, May 24 to June 5; Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

Nest, of moss, lined with grasses, on the ground, beneath the roots of a
tree or imbedded in moss. £yqs, four, creamy white, with numerous pale cin-
namon-brown markings, chiefly about the larger end, ‘68 x ‘54.

To see this little Flycatcher at his best, one must seek the northern
evergreen forest, where, far from human habitation, its mournful
notes blend with the murmur of some icy brook tumbling over mossy
stones or gushing beneath the still mossier decayed logs that threaten
to bar its way. Where all is green and dark and cool, in some glen
overarched by crowding spruces and firs, birches and maples, there it is
we find him, and in the beds of damp moss he skillfully conceals his
nest. He sits erect on some low twig, and, like other Flycatchers, the
snap of his bill tells of a sally after his winged prey. He glides
quietly away when approached, and his occasional note of complaint

FLYCATCHERS. 249

may be heard as long as one remains in his vicinity. During the mi-
gration this species is silent and its several distinctive notes are not
available for its identification, and the same thing may be said of our
other small Flycatchers. Great similarity in plumage exists between
them all, and without the bird in hand identifications are at best
questionable.

The song is more suggestive of a sneeze on the bird’s part than of
any other sound with which it may be compared. It is an abrupt
psé-ék', almost in one explosive syllable, harsh like the deeper tones
of a House Wren, and less musical than the similar but longer songs
of Traill’s or the Acadian Flycatcher. It is hardly surprising that the
birds sing very little when we see with what a convulsive jerk of the
head the notes are produced, Its plaintive call is far more melodious
—a soft, mournful whistle consisting of two notes, the second higher
pitched and prolonged, with rising inflection, resembling in a measure
chi-é-é'-p. J. Dwieut, JR.

465. Empidonax virescens (JVici//.).* Acapian Frycatcuer.
Ad.—Upper parts between olive-green and dark olive-green; wings and tail
fuscous ; greater and lesser wing-coverts yellowish white, forming two con-
spicuous wing-bars; under parts white, washed with pale yellowish and
slightly tinged with greenish on the breast; the throat, and frequently the
middle of the belly, pure white; upper mandible black, lower mandible whit-
ish or flesh-color; second to fourth primaries of about equal length, the first
and fifth shorter and also of equal length. /m.—Upper parts greener; under
parts more tinged with yellow; wing-bars and outer edges of the tips of the
secondaries ochraceous-buff. L., 5°75; W., 2°85; T., 2°35; B. from N., ‘36.

Remarks.—This species has the upper parts fully as olive-green as the
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, but the under parts are never entirely yellow, and
the throat is always white.

Range.—Kastern United States ; breeds from Florida to southern Connect-
icut and Manitoba; winters in Central America.

Washington, common 8. R., May 5 to Sept 15. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
May 10 to Aug. 27.

Nest, shallow, of plant stems, grasses, and blossoms, generally on a fork
of a beech about eight feet up. ggs, two to three, creamy white, with a few
cinnamon-brown spots about the larger end, ‘74 x *56.

Look for the Acadian Flycatcher in woodlands watered by small
streams. It selects a low rather than a high perch, and is rarely seen
more than twenty feet from the ground. The frequently uttered calis
of this bird are characteristic and will enable you to identify it with
more ease in the field than in the study. The most common is a sin-
gle spee or peet, repeated at short intervals and accompanied by a

* Equivalent to Empidonax acadicus of authors; see Brewster, Auk, Xii,.
April, 1895.

950 FLYCATCHERS.

rapid twitching of the tail. A more peculiar note is a louder pee-e-
yuk. The bird seems to articulate this note with difficulty, with bill
pointed upward and wings trembling like a fledgling begging for food.

Sometimes you may hear only the first call, sometimes only the
second, while on other occasions the two may be uttered alternately.
A rarer note may be heard when the bird makes a short, fluttering
flight. It resembles the soft murmuring of whistling wings.

466a. Empidonax traillii (4vd.). Trat’s Frycarcner. 4d.—
Upper parts between olive-green and olive or olive-brown ; wings and tail
fuscous; greater and lesser wing-coverts tipped with brownish ashy; under
parts whitish, washed with dusky grayish on the breast and sides and pale
yellowish on the belly; throat pure white; upper mandible black, lower
mandible whitish or flesh-color. /m.—Similar, but wing-bars ochraceous-
buff and under parts slightly yellower. L., 6°09; W., 2°87; T.; 2°33; B. from
IN. "30;

Remarks.—This is the brownest of our small Flycatchers. The upper
parts have an evident tinge of brown or olive-brown, a color entirely want-
ing in the Acadian and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. In this respect it resem-
bles the much smaller Least Flycatcher.

Range.—North America; breeds from Arizona, Missouri, southern Illinois,
northern New England, and casually Connecticut, north to New Brunswick
and Alaska; winters in Central America.

Washington, irregularly common T. V., May 10 to May 28; Aug. 15 to
Sept. 25. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 19 to May 31; Aug. 29. Cambridge,
rare T. V., May 25 to May 31; Aug.

Nest, of coarse grasses, plant down, and plant fibers, lined with fine grasses,
in the crotch of a small bush or sapling near the ground. Zgqs, three to
four, creamy white, with cinnamon-brown markings about the larger end,
“73 x 54,

While the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is distinctively a bird cf the
deep woods, this more abundant Flycatcher in its summer home re-
sorts to the alder patches of the open country and is seldom found far
from their protecting shade. It flits restlessly about, keeping well out
of sight below the waving tops of the bushes, and its presence is be-
trayed only by a single pép of alarm that in no way resembles the
mournful wail of the species just mentioned. It, too, is silent when
migrating, and on its breeding grounds sings but little, so that if it
did not take pains to call out to every one who passes it would not be
noticed among the rustling alders. The song most resembles that of
the Acadian Flycatcher, an éé-2éé'-é-iip, with stress on the rasping
zéé, the latter part more musical. The performer jerks out the notes
rapidly, doubling himself up and fairly vibrating with the explosive
effort. J. Dwicut, JR.

Notr.—In The Auk for April, 1895, Mr. William Brewster shows that the spe-
cific name pusillus (Swains.), hitherto applied to the western form of this Fly-

FLYCATCHERS. 951

catcher, is not identifiable. Muscicapa traillii was described by Audubon from
Arkansas, and Mr. Brewster considers specimens from Arkansas and the Mis-
sissippi Valley south of latitude 42° as inseparable from those inhabiting the
region westward to the Pacific, to which he would therefore apply the name
Empidonac traillii. In brief, the form previously known as E. pusilluws becomes
E. traillii, and the Mississippi Valley birds south of latitude 42°, which formerly
were considered the same as those from the Atlantic States, are placed with the
western rather than the eastern bird. This course leaves the eastern bird with-
out a name, and Mr. Brewster proposes to call it Empidonax traillii alnorum;:
Alder Flycatcher.

Western specimens average somewhat browner than eastern ones, and have
slightly larger bills, but, in my opinion, the differences are too slight to warrant
their continued separation, and I would apply the name traillii to both.

467. Empidonax minimus ZBuaird. Least Frycatcuer; Cuxsec.
Ad.—Upper parts between olive-green and olive or olive-brown; wings and
tail fuscous ; greater and lesser wing-coverts tinged with ashy white; under
parts whitish, washed with dusky grayish on the breast and sides and gen-
erally with a slight tinge of yellowish on the belly ; lower mandible generally
horn-color. Jm.—Under parts slightly more yellow. L., 5-41; W., 2°51; T.,
oleh. trom. N., ‘31.

Remarks.—This is the smallest of our Flycatchers. Its size, the compara-
tive absence of yellow on the under parts, and the generally horn-colored or
brown lower mandible are its chief distinguishing characters.

Range.— Eastern United States; breeds from Pennsylvania to Quebec, and
southward in Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters in tropics.

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 25; Aug. 28 to Sept. 25. Sing
Sing, tolerably common 8. kR., Apl. 25 to Aug. 26. Cambridge, abundant
S. R., May 1 to Aug. 25.

Nest, of plant down, plant fibers, rootlets, fine strips of bark, and long
hairs, generally in a crotch five to fifteen feet up. Aggs, three to five, white,
unmarked, *63 x 51.

When music was distributed, I believe most of our Flycatchers had
back seats. It was an unfortunate circumstance, for their sedentary
habits and apparently thoughtful, serious, even poetic dispositions
make one believe that with proper training they might have taken
high rank as musicians.

Instead of the simple melody we might expect to hear from the
modest Least Flycatcher, he salutes us with a singularly inappropriate,
business-like chebéc, chebéc, varying the performance by murderous
sallies after passing insects. In crescendo passages he literally rises to
the occasion, and on trembling wings sings an absurd “ chebéc, tooral-
ooral, chebéc, tooral-ooral,” with an earnestness deserving better results.

The Chebec, however, possesses originality ; we can not confuse his
voice with that of any other bird, and young ornithologists should
give him a vote of thanks for his clear enunciation.

He prefers fruit and shade trees to those of forest growth, and is
therefore an inhabitant of our lawns and orchards.

952 LARKS,

FAMILY ALAUDIDA. LARKS.

The Horned Larks are the only representatives of this family found
in America. About one hundred species, of which the Skylark is the
best known, are found in the Old-World.

They are terrestrial birds, generally colored in harmony with their
haunts, and, except during the nesting season, are usually found in
flocks.

474. Otocoris alpestris* (Zinn.). Hornep Lark; Suore Lark.
Ad. 6.—Forehead, line over the eye, ear region, and throat sulphur-yellow;
fore part of the crown, a tuft of elongated feathers on either side of the head,
a mark from the bill below the eye and then downward to the side of the
throat, and a patch on the breast black; back of the head and neck and rump
vinaceous, more or less washed with grayish brown; back grayish brown, edged
with brownish ash and tinged with vinaceous; wing-coverts deep vinaceous ;
tail black, the outer vanes of the outer feathers margined with white, the middle
feathers broadly margined with brownish and vinaceous; lower breast and belly
white, the former more or less soiled with dusky spots; sides vinaceous. Ad.?.
—Similar, but the markings, especially those of the head, less sharply defined,
neck less vinaceous, ete. all and winter specimens.—Similar, but with the
black markings veiled by yellowish or whitish tips to the feathers. L., 7°75;
OW., £27: 1., 284; B. from N., 40” (Dwight).

fange.—Breeds in “northern Europe, Greenland, Newfoundland, Labra-
dor, and Hudson Bay region ; southward in winter into eastern United States
to about lat. 35°” (Dwight).

Washington, common W, V., Nov. to Mch. or Apl. Sing Sing, casual
W.V. Cambridge, common T. V., Oct. 25 to Nov. 25; Mch. 25 to Apl. 5.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground. £'yqs, three to four, pale bluish or greenish
white, minutely and evenly speckled with pale grayish brown, ‘84 x 60.

These hardy birds visit us in flocks in the winter. They frequent
the vicinity of the seacoast or large, flat, open tracts in the interior,
and are rarely found in well-wooded regions. They are terrestrial,
and may be seen running over the snow or barren ground in scattered
companies. They take wing with a sharp, whistled note, and seek
fresh fields or, hesitating, finally swing about and return to near the
spot from which they were flushed. They are sometimes found asso-
ciated with Snowflakes, and flocks may contain numbers of our resi-
dent Shore Lark, O. a. praticola.

4'7/4b. O. a. praticola Hersh. Pratrm Hornep Lark.—Similar
to the preceding species, but smaller and somewhat paler, with the forehead
and line over the eye white instead of yellow, the throat but slightly tinged

* See an important paper on the relationships and distribution of the Ameri-
can representatives of this genus, by Dr. J. Dwight, Jr., in The Auk, vii, 1890,
pp. 138-158.

CROWS, JAYS, ETC. 253

with yellow, and sometimes entirely white. L., 7:25; “W., 4:08; T., 2°86; B.
from N., 37” (Dwight).

Range.—Breeds in the upper Mississippi Valley eastward through New
York to western Massachusetts and Long Island.

Washington, common W., V., Oct. 25 to Apl.

This is one of the birds that has changed its range since the settle-
ment of America. It is properly a species of the prairies and open
barrens, but since the once-continuous forest of the older States and
provinces has been broken up, it
has made its appearance in the east,
wherever the country is suited to
its requirements.

It is strictly a ground bird, never
perching on trees, though it com-
monly alights on the top of a fence
post or other low, level surface.
When encountered on a pathway it
often runs before the pedestrian,
after the manner of the Vesper
Sparrow, from which bird, however,
it may be distinguished by the
black feathers in its tail, by its chocolate back, and by the black marks
on its face; also by the fact that it runs, but does not hop, and when
it flies it usually utters a whistle, whereas the Vesper Sparrow invari-
ably flies off in silence.

Its chief song is poured forth in the air as it soars aloft, like a Sky-
lark; but it often utters this same song while perched on some clod or
stone, especially just before dawn and after sunset, as well as in the
springtime, while the snow is yet on the ground.—ErRneEst EH. THompson.

Fic. 76.—Prairie Horned Lark. (Nat-
ural size.)

Evropran Sxyzarks (473. Alauda arvensis) have been introduced several
times in this country. In 1887 a small colony had become established near
Flatbush, Long Island, where a nest with young was found. (See Dutcher,
Auk, v, 1888, p. 180.) After a supposed extinction a singing bird and nest
were observed in July, 1895. (See Proctor, Auk, xii, Oct., 189.)

FAMILY CORVIDH. CROWS, JAYS, ETC.

The Corvide are represented in all parts of the world except New
Zealand. They number about two hundred species, of which twenty-
five are found in North America.

Our Crows and Jays inhabit wooded regions, and, although migra-
tory to a limited extent, are resident throughout the year, except at
the northern limits of their range. They are omnivorous feeders,
taking fruits, seeds, insects, eggs, nestlings, ete.

954 CROWS, JAYS, ETC.

Crows and Jays exhibit marked traits of character and are possessed
of unusual intelligence. Some systematists place them at the top of
the Avian tree, and, if their mental development be taken into con-
sideration, they have undoubted claims to this high rank.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A, Plumage black.

a, Wing about 15:00; billover 2°50... .... . + « 486a. Raveun.
b. Wing about 13°00; bill about 2-00.
488. Am. Crow. 488a. FLoripa Crow.
c. Wing about 11:00; bill about 150. . . . . . . . . 490. Fish Crow.
B. Plumage bluish or grayish.
a. Back blue; tail tipped with white ; a black breast-patch.
477. Buug Jay. 477a. Firoripa Buve Jay.
b. Back bluish gray; tail not tipped with white; throat and breast indis-
tinetly streaked with whitish. . . «a. » 479, PLoRipy dawg,
c. Back gray ; back of head and nape tilapieigue forehead whitish.
484. CANADA shee 484c. LABRADOR JAY.

477. Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). Brive Jay. (See Fig. 44, a.)
Ad.—Upper parts grayish blue; under parts dusky whitish, whiter on the
throat and belly ; forehead, and a band passing across the back of the head
down the sides of the neck and across the breast, black ; head crested; ex-
posed surface of wings blue, the greater wing-coverts and secondaries barred
with black and tipped with white; tail blue, all but the outer feathers barred
with black, and all but the middle pair broadly tipped with white, this white
tip rarely less than 1:00 in width on the outer feather. L., 11-74; W., 5:14;
T., 5°19; B., 1:04.

Range.—Fastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland ;
generally resident throughout its range.

Washington, rather rare P. R., common T. V., Apl. 28 to May 15; Sept. 15
to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably common P. R. Cambridge, common P. R.,
abundant T. V., Apl. and May; Sept. and Oct.

Nest, of rootlets, compactly interwoven, generally in a tree crotch fifteen
to twenty feet up. yqs, four to six, pale olive-green or brownish ashy, rather
thickly marked with distinct or obscure spots of varying shades of cinnamon-
brown, 1:10 x °85.

The Blue Jay. I fear, is a reprobate, but, notwithstanding his fond-
ness for eggs and nestlings, and his evident joy in worrying other
birds, there is a dashing, reckless air about him which makes us par-
don his faults and like him in spite of ourselves.

Like many men, he needs the inspiration of congenial company to
bring out the social side of his disposition. Household duties may
perhaps absorb him, but certain it is that when at home he is very dif-
ferent from the noisy fellow who, with equally noisy comrades, roams
the woods in the fall.

How his jay, jay rings out on the frosty morning air! It is a sig-

CROWS, JAYS, ETC. oan

nal to his companions, breakfasting in a near-by oak or chestnut,
‘“jTere, here, here’s some fun!” and the poor, blinking Owl he has
discovered looks helplessly at the blue-coated mob, whose uproar alone
is terrifying. Suddenly there is absolute silence; every Jay has dis-
appeared. Some one of them has seen you, and not until your silence
reassures the band will they return to the sport of teasing their victim.

The Blue Jay is both a mimic and a ventriloquist. Besides an in-
exhaustible stock of whistles and calls of his own, he imitates the notes
of other species, notably those of the Red-shouldered, Red-tail, and
Sparrow Hawks.

477a. C. c. florincola Cowes. Fiorma Brivur Jay.—Similar to the
preceding species, but smaller, the upper parts somewhat grayer, the white
tips to the feathers narrower, those on the outer pair of tail-feathers generally
dess than 1:00 in width. L., 10°75; W., 5:15; T., 4°80; B., -96.

Range.—Florida and Gulf coast region to Texas.

Blue Jays in Florida are much more familiar than our Jays at the
north. They are common inhabitants of towns with live-oaks, and
hop about the fences and gardens with all the domesticity of the
Robins on our lawns. It has always seemed to me that the Florida
birds were possessed of greater vocabularies than their northern
brethren.

The Maepie (475. Pica pica hudsonica) inhabits western North America;
stragglers have been recorded from as far east as Montreal and Illinois.

479. Aphelocoma floridana (Bartr.). Fioria Jay. Ad.—Top
and sides of the head and neck, wings and tail, grayish blue; back pale
brownish gray ; under parts dirty white, obscurely streaked on the throat and
breast; sides of the breast and faint breast-band grayish blue. L., 11:50;
W, 4:45: T5402 Bo. 98:

Range.—F lorida; of local distribution, chiefly along the coasts, between
lat. 27° and 30°.

est, of sticks and roots lined with weeds and rootlets, in bushes. Eggs,
four, olive-green spotted and blotched with black, 1:17 x -75 (Maynard).

“The Florida Jays are noisy birds at all times, and the first inti-
mation which one receives of their presence is a harsh scream which is
given as a note of alarm. As they usually move in flocks, this cry is
taken up by others, and soon the scrub for many rods around will be
resounding with these peculiar sounds. When undisturbed they feed
on the ground or in bushes, but, upon the approach of an intruder,
they will mount the highest point available, where they remain until
driven away. They are not usually shy, and will allow one to ap-
proach them quite closely, but when one or two are shot the survivors
usually disappear. . . . They will glide through the bushes with re-
markable rapidity, never once showing themselves, or, if they have an

256 CROWS, JAYS, ETC.

open space to cross, dart over it, not in flocks, but singly, and, plung-—
ing into the next thicket, they will at once be lost to view ” (Maynard).

484. Perisoreus canadensis (/inn.). Canapa Jay; Wnuisky
Jack; Moosr-nirp. Ad.—Fore part of the head white, back of the head and
nape sooty black, back gray ; wings and tail gray, most of the feathers nar-
rowly tipped with white; throat and sides of the neck white, rest of the un-
der parts ashy gray. L., 12:00; W., 5°85; T., 5°80; B., 82.

Range.—Nova Scotia, northern New England, and northern New York;
west to northern Minnesota; north, in the interior, to the arctic regions.

Cambridge, A. V., one record, Oct.

Vest, of coarse twigs and strips of bark, in coniferous trees. Zygs, four to
five, white, distinctly and obscurely spotted with light olive-brown, 1:12 x °81.

While studying the habits of birds in the great coniferous forest of
the north, I soon found that I was very safe in attributing any new
strange shrieks or wails, whose origin I was otherwise unable to trace,
to the Canada Jay. Many of the notes resemble those of the Blue
Jay, but it has a number that are distinctly its own. Some of these
are musical, but most of them are harsh and discordant.

In its habits it is much like its blue cousin, but it is less shy, and
becomes almost tame if allowed to come unmolested about the camp
for a few days in succession. In form it is ike a magnified Chickadee,
clad in singularly furlike, thick, puffy gray feathers; on its forehead
is a white spot, the size of a dime, and its wings and tail are of a
much darker gray than the other parts. This description, remem-
bered in conjunction with the habits, will at once identify the species.

It nests early in March—that is, while deep snow still covers the
ground and hard frost reigns supreme; and no satisfactory explana-
tion of this strange habit has yet been brought forward. No doubt
one or other of the parents always remains with the eggs, but still it
is difficult to see how they can keep them from freezing when the sur-
rounding air is chilled to 30° below zero.

It isa non-migratory species, and it is said that in autumn it pro-
vides against the annual famine of winter by laying up a store of nuts
and other food. Ernest E. THompson.

484c. P. c. nigricapillus Ridgw.) Lasravor Jay.—Similar to
the preceding, but darker, the black of the head and neck extending forward
and surrounding the eye.

Range.—Coast region of Labrador.

486a. Corvus corax principalis fidgw. Nortnern Raven;
American Raven. Ad.—Entire plumage black with steel-blue reflections ;
feathers on the throat narrow, lengthened, and pointed. “ L., about 22°00-
26°50; W., 16:99; T., 9°86; B., 3:03; depth of B. at N., 1:04” (Ridgw.).

Remarks.—The Raven differs from the Crow in its much greater size and

CROWS, JAYS, ETC. O57

in having long, pointed, instead of the usual short, rounded feathers on the
throat.

Range.—Northern North America from Greenland to Alaska, south on
the Pacitie coast to British Columbia, and on the Atlantic coast to North
Carolina; of local distribution in the eastern United States.

Nest, compact and symmetrical, of sticks lined with grasses, wool, ete., add-
ed from year to year, in trees or on cliffs. “ Hggs, two to seven, pale bluish
green, pale olive, or olive spotted or dashed (or both) with olive-brown (some-
times nearly uniform olive from density of markings), 2°02 x 1:38” (Ridgw.).

“The usual note of the Raven is a hoarse, rolling er-r-r-cruck, but
he has other cries... .

“ Despite their difference in size and habits, I must confess that I
often had difficulty in distinguishing Ravens from Crows. Every one
must have noticed how the apparent size of a Crow will vary under
different conditions of the atmosphere; it is the same with the Raven.
At times he looks as big as an Eagle; at others scarcefy larger than a
Fish Crow. But when actually in company with Crows he can not
be possibly mistaken, for he then appears, as he is, nearly double the
size of any of them. His flight did not seem to me as characteristic
as it has been described. ‘True, he sails more than does the Crow, and
there is something peculiar in his wing strokes, but the difference is
not always appreciable unless there is an opportunity for direct com-
parison ” (Brewster, Birds Observed on Gulf of St. Lawrence. Proe.
Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xxii, 1883, p. 378).

488. Corvus americanus 4vd. American Crow. (See Fig. 44, 6.)
Ad.—Entire plumage black, with steel-blue or deep purplish reflections; the
under parts duller than the upper parts; feathers on the neck normal, short,
and roundedsorL, 19302 Wi 1218: T., '7:52* B., 2-00.

Range.—*‘ North America from the fur countries to Mexico”; winters from
the northern United States southward.

Washington, abundant P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge,
abundant P. R. :

Nest, buiky, of sticks lined with strips of grapevine bark, grasses, moss,
etc., in trees, generally about thirty feet up. ays, four to six, generally blu-
ish green, thickly marked with shades of brown, but sometimes light blue or
even white with almost no markings, 1°65 x 1:19.

Throughout his wide range the size, color, voice, habits, and abun-
dance of the Crow combine to make him the most conspicuous and
consequently the best known of our birds. But in spite of his great
circle of acquaintances he has few friends. An unfortunate fondness
for corn has placed him under the ban of the agriculturist ; there is a
price on his head; every man’s hand is against him.

Apparently he does not mind this in the least; in fact, he seems

to rejoice in being an outlaw. As for fear, I doubt if he knows what
18

958 CROWS, JAYS, ETC.

it means; he has far too much confidence in his undoubted ability to
escape his human persecutors. He laughs at their attempts to entrap
him; his insolent assurance is admirable. For several centuries man
has been his sworn enemy, nevertheless he appears to. have held his
own, accepting and adjusting himself to every new condition.

Afraid of no one, he migrates boldly by day, and in March and
October we may see him with his comrades high in the air, returning
to or leaving their summer homes. In winter the Crows are exceed-
ingly abundant along our seacoasts, where they congregate to feed on
mollusks, fish, and other sea food.

At this season they roost in colonies. It has been estimated that
some roosts contain upward of three hundred thousand birds.* Early
in the morning, with regularly executed manceuvres, they start on the
day’s foraging, flying low, on the lookout for food. Late in the after-
noon they return at a much greater height—“ as the Crow flies ”—and,
alighting at some point near the roost, wait the coming of the last —
stragglers. Then, at a given signal, they all rise and retire for the
night.

No one who has listened to Crows will doubt that they have a lan-
guage. But who can translate it?

488a. C. a. floridanus Baird. Frioriwa Crow.—Similar to the pre-
ceding, but wings and tail somewhat shorter, and bill and feet slightly larger. |
L., 20:00; W., 11-50-12:30; T., 7:00-7:70; B., 2:00-2:20; depth of B. at base,
‘75-85; Tar., 2:40-2:50 (Ridew.).

Range.—F lorida; confined largely to the pine-woods.

490. Corvus ossifragus Wils. Fish Crow. Ad.—Entire plumage
black, with stcel-blue or deep purplish reflections, generally more greenish on
the under parts. L., 16:00; W., 11:00; T., 6-40; B., 1°50.

Remarks.—The Fish Crow may be distinguished from the common Crow
(1) by its much smaller size. (2) By the uniform and somewhat richer color
of the back. In americanus the feathers of the back have dull tips; when
the freshly-plumaged bird is held between the observer and the light these
tips give the back a ringed or slightly scaled appearance. In ossifragus these
tips are wanting, and the back is uniformly colored. (3) By the brighter color
of the under parts. In americanus the under parts are generally much duller
than the upper parts; in oss/fragus they are nearly as bright.

fange.—Gulf and Atlantic coast, as far north as southern Connecticut;
resident except at the extreme northern part of its range.

Washington, rather common P. R. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Mch.

Nest, of sticks, lined with strips of grapevine bark, moss, grasses, etc.,
generally in pines or cedars, twenty to fifty feet up. Hygs, four to six, simi-
lar in color to those of C. americanus, 1°52 x 1:06.

* Rhoads, Crow Roosts and Roosting Crows, Am. Nat., 1886. pp. 691-700, 777-787.

STARLINGS. 959

The Fish Crow can ‘be distinguished from the common Crow in
life only by its call. Its voice is cracked and reedy, and its notes re-
semble those of a young common Crow. Instead of the loud, clear,
open caw of adults of that species, it utters a hoarser car, as if it
talked through its nose! The difference is perhaps not appreciable
upon paper, but one who is familiar with their calls need never con-
fuse these two birds in the field.

The Fish Crow, while not confined to the coast or even the vicinity
of water, is not found far inland.

.

FAMILY STURNIDZ. STARLINGS.

An Old-World family containing some two hundred species. It is
represented in America only by the Starling, which has been recently
introduced.

493. Sturnus vulgaris Jinn. Startine. (See Fig. 45.) Ad.,swmmer
plumage.—Metallic purplish or greenish ; feathers of the upper parts all tipped
with cream-buff spots, feathers of the under parts marked only on the sides ;
lower belly and under tail-coverts, wings, and tail dark brownish gray, edged
with cream-buff; bill yellow. Ad., winter plumage.—Similar, but the upper
parts heavily spotted with brownish cream-buff; the entire under parts heavily
spotted with white; bill blackish brown. L., 8°50; W., 5:10; T., 2°50.

Range.—Europe and northern Asia; accidental in Greenland ; introduced
in New York city.

Nest, of grasses, twigs, ete., in a crevice in a building or hollow tree.
Eggs, four to six, pale bluish, 1:20 x °86.

This Old-World species has been introduced in eastern North Amer-
ica on several occasions, but only the last importation appears to have
been successful. The birds included in this lot, about sixty in number,
were released in Central Park, New York city, in 1890, under the direc-
tion of Mr. Eugene Schieffelin. They seerm to have left the park and
have established themselves in various favorable places in the upper
part of the city. They have bred for three successive years in the
roof of the Museum of Natural History and at other points in the
vicinity. In the suburbs about the northern end of the city they are
frequently observed in flocks containing as many as fifty individuals.
‘These birds are resident throughout the year, and, as they have already
endured our most severe winters, we may doubtless regard the species
as thoroughly naturalized. Starlings are walkers, not hoppers, and
this fact, in connection with the spotted plumage and yellow bill
of the adults, makes their identification an easy matter.

260 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

FAMILY ICTERIDZ. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

This distinctively American family is most abundantly represented
in the tropics, where the majority of the one hundred and fifty known
species are found. With the exception of the Orioles, they are gre-
garious after the nesting season, while some of the species nest in col-
onies and are found in flocks throughout the year.

They differ markedly in habits, and are found living in ground of
every nature, from dry plains and wet marshes to the densest forest
growth. Some species possess marked vocal ability, while the voices
of others are harsh and unmusical. They feed on fruit, seeds, and

insects.
KEY TO THE SPECIES.

I. With yellow or orange in the under parts.
A, Throat black. |
a. Back black 25.0 os) %. oye) oo ee DO. LER AOR LE,
b. Back greenish . . . . . . . 506. ORcHARD ORIOLE ( 6 im.).
B. A black or blackish crescent on the breast ; outer tail-feathers white.
501. MeEapowrark. 50la. WESTERN MEADOWLARK.
C. Entire under parts yellow, yellowish, or orange.
a. Rump and tail orange. . . 507. BaLtimorE ORIOLE ( ¢ and im.).
b. Upper parts yellowish green . 506. ORCHARD ORIOLE ( @ and im.),
c. Upper parts brownish, streaked and spotted with black ; tail-feath-
ers pointed ... . . . . 494. Bosoxtinxk (¢? and im.).
D. Throat and breast Mee or oleae belly black or dark grayish
brown. . - ape eek Us Niaaoe -HEADED BLACKBIRD.
II. Under parts black, with or without metallic refiec-
tions.
A. Outer tail-feathers ‘75 or more shorter than middle ones; bill 1:00 or
more in length.
a. Tailover600 .... . . . . 4518. Boat-TaILED GRACKLE 6.
b. Tail under 6:00.
61. Back bronzy purple or shining, brassy bluish green, the feathers
with iridescent bars . .. . . . 511. Purple GRACKLE (6).
b2. Back bronze, without iridescent bars.
5110. BronzED GRACKLE ¢4.
bs. Back bottle-green, the feathers more purple at their base, and
with a narrow iridescent bar near the middle.
5lla. FrortpaA GRACKLE an
b4, Back bluish black, with or without iridescent bars.
511. Purrte Grackie (¢?). 5lla. FroripA GRACKLE 9°.
B. Outer tail-feathers little if any shorter than middle ones; bill less
than 1:00 in length.
a. Entire plumage bluish black, the feathers sometimes tipped with
buffy,or rufous. ~ . «te oo», 008) Thusty BuackeiEp,
b. Aredand bitten paidereanane . 498. Rep-winGED BLackBirp ( ¢ ).

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 261

c. Head and neck all around seal-brown . . . . 495. Cowsirp 6.
d. Nape buffy, rump whitish. . . . . » . 494. Bosoxink 6.
III. Under parts grayish, Blate-calor, enestante or buffy.
A, Under parts grayish or slate-color.
a. Under parts grayish ; bill finchlike; wing under 4:00.
495. COWBIRD °.
b. Under parts and upper parts slate-color, the feathers sometimes
tipped with brownish . . . . . . . 509. Rusry BLacxkszirp ¢.
B. Under parts buffy or chestnut.
a. Under parts buffy, generally with a few black streaks.
494. BoBoLINK ?.
6. Under parts buffy, without black streaks ; tail about 5:00.
513. Boat-TAILED GRACKLE 9.
c. Under parts chestnut; throat black.
506. ORCHARD ORIOLE ( ¢ ad.).
IV. Under parts black and white, or black tipped or mar-
gined with rusty.
a. Under parts streaked black and white, or black tipped with white ;
shoulder generally red or reddish.
498. Rep-winecEp Briacksirp ( 2? and im.).
4986. FLoripa Repwine ( ? and im.).
b. Upper parts and under parts tipped with rusty.
509. Rusty Biacksrrp (im.).
c. Nape. buffy, rumpswhitish—--. . . . . . . » 494, Bosonin« ¢.

494. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Zinn.), Bosotink; Rexpsirp ;
Ricesirp. Ad. 4, breeding plumage.—Top and sides of the head and under
parts black, the feathers more or less tipped with a narrow whitish or cream-
buff fringe, which wears off as the season advances; back of the neck with a
large yellowish cream-butf patch; middle of back generally streaked with
eream-buff; scapulars, lower back, and upper tail-coverts soiled grayish
_ white; wings and tail black; tail-feathers with pointed tips ; bill blue-black.
Ad. 9 .—Upper parts olive-buff, streaked with black ; crown blackish, with a
central stripe of olive buff; nape finely spotted and back broadly streaked
with black ; wings and tail brownish fuscous; tail-feathers with pointed tips ;
under parts yellowish or buffy white. Ad. in fall and Im.—Similar to
female, but buffier and more olivaceous throughout. L., 7:25; W., 3°76; T.,
Beto, | Bs

eemarks.—The young and adults in fall plumage are known as Reed-
birds. Adults acquire this plumage by a complete molt after the breeding
season. The breeding plumage is regained by a complete molt in the spring,
and not, as has been supposed, by a change in the color of the feathers with-
out molting. Freshly plumaged males have the black veiled by yellow tips
to the feathers; these gradually wear off, and by June have almost entirely
disappeared (cf. Chapman, Auk, x, 1893, p. 309).

ftange——Breeds from southern New Jersey northward to Nova Scotia,
westward to Utah and northern Montana; leaves the United States by way of
Florida, and winters in South America.

262 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

Washington, T. V.,common in spring, abundant in fall; May 1 to May 27;
Aug. 5 to Oct. 1. Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. R., May 1 to Oct. 5. Cam-
bridge, very common 8. R., May 8 to Sept. 10.

Vest, of grasses, on the ground. Zygs, four to seven, grayish white, fre-
quently tinged with the color of the numerous irregular spots and blotches of
olive-brown or umber, *$5 x °62.

In June our fields and meadows echo with the Bobolink’s “mad
music ” as, on quivering wing, he sings in ecstasy to his mate on her
nest in the grasses below. What a wonderful song it is! An irre-
pressible outburst; a flood of melody from a heart overflowing with
the joy of early summer.

But this glad season is soon over. Even before the tide of the year
is full, the Bobolink begins to prepare for the long journey to his win-
ter resorts. Doffing his jaunty costume of black, white, and buff, he
dons the less conspicuous dress of his mate, and travels in disguise
under the assumed name of Reedbird or Ricebird. His voice is hushed,
save for a single call-note—a metallic chink. He travels both by day
and night, and from the sky we hear his watchword as he signals his
companions.

The wild-rice marshes of our coasts and rivers are the rendezvous
of the countless flocks of Bobolinks, which later will invade South
America, stopping en route to visit the rice fields of South Carolina
and Georgia. They pass the winter south of the Amazon, and in
March or April begin their northward journey. The males, in flocks
of two or three hundred, precede the females by several days. They
reach Florida about April 25, and are then in full song. Only one
who has heard the Bobolink sing can form an idea of the effect pro-
duced by a flock of three hundred singing in chorus.

495. Molothrus ater (Zodd.). Cowsmp. Ad. 6.—Head, neck, and
breast coffee-brown; rest of the plumage glossy black, with metallic bluish
and greenish reflections. Ad. ?.—
Dark brownish gray, lighter below,
especially on the throat. Young in
Jirst plumage.—Similar to the female,
but whiter below, all the feathers
edged with buffy. This plumage is
worn but a short time, and is then
changed for that of the adult. 4 L.,
92> Wi, 2:04" "Tieie ais 07:

Range.—Breeds from 'Texas to New
Brunswick and Manitoba; winters from southern Illinois southward.

Washington, rather rare P. R., common T. V. Sing Sing, common &. R.,
Mch. 22 to Nov. 11. Cambridge, very common 8. R., Mch. 25 to Oct. 155 oc-
casional in winter.

Fig. 77.—Cowbird. (Natural size.)

BoBOLINE, MALE AND FEMALE.

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 263

Nest, none, the eggs being laid in the nests of other species. ygs, white,
evenly and distinctly speckled with cinnamon-brown or umber, ‘86 x °65.

The Cowbird is an acknowled:red villain,,and has no standing in
the bird world. English Sparrows, either because they are not aware
of the customs of New-World bird life, or because of a possible and
not unlikely affinity, associate with him; but no self-respecting Ameri-
ean bird will be found in his company.

As an outcast he makes the best of things, and gathers about him
a band of kindred spirits who know no law. There is an air about the
group which at once tells the critical observer that their deeds -are
evil. No joyous song swells the throat of the male. His chief con-
tribution to the chorus of springtime is a guttural bubbling produced
with apparently nauseous effort. In small flocks they visit both
pasture and woodland, and are given to following cattle, clustering
about the feet of the herd, presumably to feed on the insects found
there. They build no nest, and the females, lacking every moral and
maternal instinct, leave their companions only long enough to deposit
their eggs in the nests of other and smaller birds. I can imagine no
sight more strongly suggestive of a thoroughly despicable nature than
a female Cowbird sneaking through the trees or bushes in search of a
victim upon whom to shift the duties of motherhood.

The ill-gotten offspring are born with the Cowbird character fully
developed. They demand by far the greater share of the food, and
through gluttony or mere size alone starve or crowd out the rightful
occupants of the nest. They accept the attention of their foster-par-
ents long after they could care for themselves; and when nothing
more is to be gained desert them and join the growing flocks of their
kind in the grainfields.

497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Jonap.). YELiow-
HEADED Biackpirp. Ad. 6.—Head, neck, throat, and breast orange-yellow ;
region before the eye and chin black; outer wing-coverts white, rest of the
plumage black. Ad. ¢.—Forehead, line over the eye, sides of the head, throat,
and upper breast pale, dirty yellow, more or less mixed with white; lower
breast generally more or less marked with white ; rest of the plumage grayish
brown. L., 10°00; W., 5°50; T., 4:05; B., °85.

Range.—W estern North America, north to Manitoba, east to Illinois; win-
ters from the Southern States southward; accidental in Massachusetts, Dis-
trict of Columbia, South Carolina, and Florida. .

Washington, A. V., one instance, Aug. Cambridge, A. V., one record, Oct.

Nest, bulky, of coarse reeds, grasses, ete., in marshes. yqgs, four to five,
grayish white, evenly and rather obscurely speckled with pale cinnamon-
brown, 1:00 x ‘72.

“ These hirds are largely terrestrial in their habits, and during the
fall and winter months are generally distributed over the prairies and

264 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

plains, often following and running about with the cattle, in company
with Cowbirds; but their natural home is on or about the marshy,
weedy grounds, and duging the breeding season [they are] seldom to
be met with far away... .

“Their notes are harsh, and their attempt at song a laborious,
whistling, squeaky, chuckling sound ” (Goss).

498. Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). Rep-wineep Bracksrrp.
Ad. 6 —Lesser wing-coverts—* shoulders ”—bright scarlet; middle wing-
coverts varying from ochraceous-buff to buffy white; rest of the plumage
black—in fall and winter specimens more or less tipped with rusty. Jm. 4 .—
Upper parts margined with rusty and buffy ; under parts tipped with whitish ;
lesser wing-coverts dull orange-red mixed with black. Ad. ¢.—Head and
back blackish, streaked with rusty and buffy ; ramp and upper tail-coverts
fuscous, more or less edged with ashy,; wings fuscous, edged with buffy, the
lesser coverts sometimes tinged with reddish; under parts conspicuously
streaked with black and white; the throat tinged with orange or yellow.
é L., 9:51; W., 4°72; T., 3°77; B., 88.

Range.—“astern North America; breeds from the Gulf of Mexico to New
Brunswick and Manitoba, and winters from Virginia southward.

Washington, common P. R., abundant in migrations. Sing Sing, common
S. R., Feb. 25 to Nov. 11. Cambridge, abundant 8S. R., Mch. to Aug.; a few
winter.

Vest, of coarse grasses, weed stalks, etc., lined with finer grasses and root-
lets, attached to low bushes or reeds. “ys, three to five, pale blue, singularly
streaked, spotted, or scrawled with dark purple or black, chiefly at the larger
end, 1:04 x 72.

A swiftly moving, compact band of silent birds, passing low through
the brown orchard, suddenly wheels and, alighting among the bare
branches, with the precision of a trained choir breaks into a wild,
tinkling glee. It is quite possible that in the summer this rude chorus
might fail to awaken enthusiasm, but in the spring it is as weleome
and inspiring a promise of the new year as the peeping of frogs or
blooming of the first wild flower.

Plain, streaked Mrs. Redwing, who has been spending the winter in
flocks composed only of others of her sex, soon appears, but mating is
delayed until late April or early May. Then we find the old homes in
the wet meadows and marshes occupied by apparently the same birds
which have dwelt there for years. ;

Mounting the topmost branch of a tree not far from the nest, the male
becomes an ever-vigilant sentinel. His rich “‘ kong-quér-réé,” which by
association is so strongly suggestive of reedy marshes, is a signal that
“‘all’s well.” He challenges all suspicious characters by an inquiring
chit, chuck, and with a long, shrill alarm-note, chee-e-e-e-e, circles out on
fluttering wings, his gorgeous crimson epaulets showing conspicuously.

es
PAL ye? Sue

cbt Np AMS ao
dehy De Eas ee

MEADOWLARK.

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. 965

The nesting season is a short one, and in July young and old begin
to gather in flocks in the marshes, where later they will be found, in
countless numbers, feeding on the wild rice.

498b. A. p. bryanti Ridgw. Froripa Repwine.—Similar to the
preceding, but smaller, the bill much more slender; ? with the under parts
less broadly streaked with black. W., 3°70; T., 3°50; B.,-90; depth of bill
at nostril, °35.

Range.—F lorida and the Bahamas.

501. Sturnella magna (Zinn.). MreapowtarK; Fietp Lark. Ad.
in summer.—Prevailing color of the upper parts black, the crown with a buffy
line through the center, the back bordered and tipped with rufous and buffy ;
outer tail-feathers mostly white, middle ones with imperfect, connected bars,
not reaching the outer edge of the feather; line from the bill over the eye
yellow; sides of the throat and ear-coverts whitish; throat, between the
lower branch of the under mandible, breast, and middle of the upper belly
bright yellow; a black crescent on the breast; sides and lower belly whitish,
spotted or streaked with black. Winter plumage.—Feathers all much more
widely margined, the prevailing color of the upper parts rufous-brown ; black
breast crescent veiled with bufty; yellow of under parts duller. L., 10°75;
Witenes, 3°16 2 By, 1-30,

Remarks.—This bird is to be distinguished from the western species by
its much darker upper parts, by the imperfect, confluent tail-bars, and more
especially by the absence of yellow on the s¢des of the throat,

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf to New Brunswick
and Minnesota; winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward.

Washington, common P. R., less common in winter. Sing Sing, tolerably
common 8S. R., Feb. 20 to Nov. 27; a few winter. Cambridge, common 8. R.,
not common W. V.

West, of grasses, frequently arched, on the ground. Zqqs, four to six,
white, spotted or speckled with cinnamon or reddish brown, 1°15 x °80.

In walking through grassy fields, meadows, or marshes, we some-
times flush rather large, brownish birds. which, alternately flapping
and sailing, scale away with a flight that suggests a Quail’s. Their
white outer tail-feathers show conspicuously, and if, instead of return-
ing to the ground, they alight on a fence or the outer branch of a tree,
as they utter a nasal peent, they will nervously flit their tails, display-
ing the same white feathers.

When in an exposed position they are wary and difficult to ap-
proach, but when walking about on the ground they trust to the long
grasses for protection, and sometimes do not take wing until one is
within a few feet of them.

In Cuba I noticed that a Meadowlark, closely related to ours, was
very careful to conceal its brightly colored breast, with its distinctly
marked crescent, and, although even perching birds were not shy, they

266 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

would invariably turn their backs upon me as I drew near. Do our
Meadowlarks practice the same impolite habit ?

The Meadowlark’s song is a clear, plaintive whistle of unusual
sweetness. It is subject to much variation, both individually and
geographically. The birds near my home at Englewood, N. J., gen-

ven Sneee ae a ee
ae SE OL, SY aes
erally sing: See eimcarea oe But the

songs of Florida ies are so different, I hardly recognized them by
their notes.

In the fall, Meadowlarks at the north gather in flocks and resort to
large marshes.

501la. S. m. neglecta (Awd.). WrstERN MEADOWLARK; PRAIRIE
Larx.—Prevailing color of the upper parts grayish brown, crown with a cen-
tral buffy stripe; back black, feathers widely margined with grayish brown ;
rump and upper tail-coverts with narrow black bars; outer tail-feathers
mostly white; middle ones brownish gray, barred with black, the bars gen-
erally not connected, and as a rule reaching the margins of the feathers;
line from the bill over the eye yellow;: ear-coverts grayish white; throat
yellow, this color reaching up on the szdes of the throat and touching the ear-
coverts; breast and upper belly yellow, a black crescent on the breast ; sides
and Jower belly whitish, spotted or streaked with black. Wénter plumage.—
Upper parts more widely margined with grayish brown, these grayish brown
tips with small, broken black bars; yellow of under parts duller, the black
crescent veiled with whitish. W., 460; T., 3°00; B., 1:25.

Range.— Western North America, north to British Columbia and Mani-
toba; east regularly to Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, sparingly to
Illinois and Wisconsin; south through western Mexico” (Ridgw.).

The Western Meadowlark resembles the eastern bird in habits but
differs from it so decidedly in song that some ornithologists consider
it a distinct species and not a geographical race. In his charming
biography of the Prairie Lark, Ernest EK. Thompson writes: “ In rich-
ness of voice and modulation it equals or excels both Wood Thrush
and Nightingale, and in the power and beauty of its articulation it
has no superior in the whole world of feathered choristers with which
I am acquainted ” (Birds of Manitoba).

The Trovupray (502. Icterus icterus), a South American species, was re-
corded by Audubon as accidental at Charleston, South Carolina.

506. Icterus spurius (Zinn.). Orcnarp Ortore. Ad. 6.—Head,
neck, throat, and upper back black; breast, belly, lower. back, and lesser
wing-coverts chestnut; wings and tail fuscous, more or less edged or tipped
with whitish. 4d. ¢.—Upper parts grayish olive-green, brighter on the
head and rump; wings fuscous, middle and greater coverts tipped with whit-
ish; tail bright olive-green; under parts dull yellow. Jm. ¢, jirst year.—

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. oa DOT

Similar to the ad. ¢, but with the back browner. Jm. 4, second year.—Simi-
lar to the ad. ¢, but with the throat black and occasionally patches of chest-
nut on the under parts. L., 7°32;
W., 3:18; T., 2:92; B., °65.

Range.—Eastern North Amer-
ica; breeds from the Gulf States
to Massachusetts and Ontario,
and winters in Central America.

Washington, common 8. R.,
Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, com-
mon 8. R., May 2 to Aug. 6. Cam-
bridge, 8S. R., sometimes rather
common, May 15 to July.

Jest, pensile, of grasses inter-
woven, near the extremity of a
limb, ten to fifteen feet up. Zyqs,
three to five, bluish white, dis-
tinctly and obscurely spotted, blotched, and scrawled with fuscous or black,
oT x “DB.

Although the Orchard Oriole generally frequents apple orchards,
he is entirely at home among the shade trees of our lawns.

There is an air of refinement about this bird which seems to per-
vade his whole life history. He dresses quietly but with excellent
taste, his nest is of the choicest materials, while his song suggests the
finished effort of a perfectly trained performer. His voice is indeed
unusually rich and flexible, and he uses it with rare skill and expres-
sion. Words can not describe his song, but no lover of bird-music
will be long in the vicinity of a singing Orchard Oriole without learn-
ing the distinguished songster’s name.

Fie. 78.—Orchard Oriole. (Im., ¢, second
year.) (Natural size.)

507. icterus galbula (Zinn.). Batrimore OrtoLe; Friresirp;
Go.pEN Rosin; Hane-nest. Ad. 6.—Head, neck, throat, and upper back
black ; breast, belly, lower back, and lesser wing-coverts deep, rich, reddish
orange ; wings black, the outer margin of the greater coverts and quills edged
with white ; end half of middle tail-feathers black, base orange ; all the others
orange, crossed bya black band in the middle. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts brown-
ish or grayish orange, brighter on the rump; head and back mottled with
black; wings fuscous, greater and middle coverts tipped with white; tail
like the rump, the middle feathers stained with black; under parts dull
orange, throat sometimes spotted with black. L., 7°53; W., 8°52; T., 2°84;
5.70,

fange.—Kastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to New
Brunswick ; winters in Central America.

Washington, rather common 8. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, common
S. R., May 2 to Sept. 1. Cambridge, very common S. R., May 8 through Aug.

Nest, pensile, of grasses, bark, plant fibers, hair, strings, ete., firmly inter-
woven, in fruit or shade trees, near the extremity of a limb twenty to forty

268 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

fzet up. LZggs, four to six, white, singularly scrawled with fine, distinct or
obscure black or fuscous lines, and with a few spots or blotches, *94 x °63.

Sometimes Nature, as if to remind us of the richness of her stores,
sends from the tropics a gayly attired bird who seems quite out of
place among the more soberly clad inhabitants of northern climes.
The genus Jcteruws contains nearly forty species, all more or less
brightly dressed in orange, yellow, and black, but not one is more
beautiful than our Baltimore Oriole.

There is reason to believe that he is not unaware of his own
charms; indeed, we may almost suspect him of intentionally display-
ing them. His splendor is not to be lost in the forest, and, whistling
loudly, he flashes through our fruit and shade trees.

He generally leaves to the female the task of constructing their
wonderfully made nest, but he seems quite as deeply interested in the
performance as if he were a skilled weaver himself; indeed, he would
probably assist if he were permitted.

Young Orioles have been well named by Mrs. Olive Thorne Miller
the cry-babies of the bird world. Their ceaseless call for food is
almost as much a midsummer voice as the song of cicadas. Long
after they have left the nest we may find them in the different trees
about. our lawn calling out monotonously and persistently dee-dee-
dee-dee, until one of the parents arrives and momentarily stops their
mouths.

Buttocx’s OrtoxeE (508. Icterus bullocki), a species of our Western States,
has been taken at Bangor, Maine.

509. Scolecophagzus carolinus (JVii//.). Rusry Buacxsirp. Ad.
4, breeding plumage.—Entire plumage uniform glossy bluish black ; tail-
feathers of nearly equal length. Ad. 8 in fall and winter plumage.—Simi-
lar, but the upper parts widely tipped with rufous or rusty, the under parts
similarly tipped with ochraceous- or cream-buff; a buffy line over the eye.
Ad. 9 in breeding plumage.—S\ate-color, glossy above, duller below ; wings
and tail darker and more glossy. Ad. ° in fall and winter—Similar, but
somewhat lighter, the upper parts widely tipped with rufous or rusty, the
under parts similarly tipped with ochraceous- or cream-buff. L., 9°55; W.,
Ae ID BORO eye Behl).

Range.—Breeds from New Brunswick and Manitoba northward to Labra-
dor and Alaska; winters from Virginia southward.

Washington, common W. V., Oct. 25 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing, common T.
V., Mch. 26 to May 8; Sept. 28 to Nov. 27. Cambridge, very common T., V.,
Meh. to May 5; Sept. and Oct.

Nest, of twigs and coarse grasses lined with finer passes in coniferous
trees or on the ground. Zyys, four to seven, grayish green to pale green,
thickly blotched with light and dark brown and purple, 1:00 x -76 (Cham-
berlain).

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, . ETC. 269

This bird is found during the migrations in small flocks on fresh-
water meadows or about open, bushy swamps, feeding on the ground
in alder thickets or along the edges of swampy woods. It resembles,
more or less, the Red-winged Blackbird in size, flight, and notes, but
unlike this species, with which it sometimes associates, it is compara-
tively quiet and retiring. Only at times, in the spring, do we find the
flocks musical centers, whence issues a confused medley of whistles,
sweeter and higher-pitched than the best efforts of the Redwings.
Little is known of this Blackbird in its northern home. It gathers
into flocks early in the summer, and the most frequently heard note
is a “eluck,” not in the least characteristic. Its quiet demeanor, pale-
yellow eye, and uniform color are its chief distinguishing characters
in the field, where it may be mistaken for the Bronzed or Purple
Grackle. The gray female is unlike the streaked female Redwing.

J. Dwicut, JR.

Brewer’s Briacksirp (510. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) inhabits west-
ern North America, and is of casual occurrence as far east as Llinois and
Louisiana, and has been once recorded from South Carolina. It may be dis-
tinguished from S. carolinus by its deep violet-purple head and the compara-
tive absence of rusty tips to the feathers.

511. Quiscalus quiscula (Zinn.). Purrpre GrackLEe; Crow Biack-
BIRD. (See Fig. 46, ¢.) Ad. 6.—Head, neck, throat, and upper breast all
around varying from brilliant metallic purple to bluish green or steel-blue;
back and rump varying from bottle-green to metallic purple or shining brassy
green, the feathers with iridescent bars ; wings and tail externally metallic
purple or bluish black ; lower breast and belly resembling the back but duller.
Ad. 2? .—Much duller than the male, but the feathers of the back generally show-
ing at least traces ofiridescence. 6 L., 12:00-13°50; W., 5-66; T., 518; B.,1:18.

Remarks.—Intermediates between this and the Bronzed Grackle are found
where their ranges adjoin, but typical guiscula always has iridescent bars on
the feathers of the back, rump, and belly, while in enews these bars are want-
ing. (On the relationships of this group see Chapman, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat.
Hist., iv, 1892, pp. 1-20.)

kange.—Breeds in the lower Mississippi Valley and east of the Allegha-
nies from Georgia to Massachusetts ; winters in the Southern States.

Washington, common T. V. and 8. R., Feb. 20; a few winter. Sing Sing,
tolerably common 8. R., Feb. 15 to Nov. 8.

Nest, bulky and compact, of mud and coarse grasses lined with finer
grasses, in colonies, generally in coniferous trees about thirty feet up, some-
times in bushes or holes in trees. Hygs, three to six, very variable, generally
pale bluish or bluish green, singularly spotted, blotched, or scrawled with
cinnamon-brown, umber, or black, but sometimes evenly speckled with brown-
ish, and rarely almost solid cinnamon- or rufous-brown, 1°15 x 82.

When winter gives signs of retreating there comes from the south
in sable array the tried advance guard of the feathered army which is

270 BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC.

impatiently awaiting the order to advance. In close rank they come,
phalanx after phalanx, to retake the land which winter—once conquer-
ing, now defeated—yields tothem. The airresounds to marshal music ;
their harsh voices, united, rise in an inspiring chorus.

The campaign over, they settle in colonies on their recently acquired
possessions, and these careless rovers become so attached to their homes
and families that they are rarely seen far from their vicinity. Some-
times we may see them walking sedately over the lawns near their
home, their glossy plumage gleaming in the light, and their yellow
eyes giving them a peculiar, unbirdlike expression. But when their
young are old enough to care for themselves the old habits return,
and, leading their offspring into the world, they teach them the ways
of wanderers. Meeting others of their kind, they join forces, and in
the fall we find them in hordes ravaging the country.

The Grackle’s disposition is as gloomy as his plumage is dark.
Life with him is a serious affair. He seems to utterly lack the Blue
Jay’s sense of humor. Asa parent he is beyond reproach, and every
moment is devoted to the care of his young, but it is all done in a joy-
less way. Eggs and nestlings form part of his fare, and I can imagine
bird-mothers frightening their young into obedience by theatened visits
from that ogre, the Grackle.

5lla. Q. q. aglzeus (Baird). Frorma Grackie. Ad. 6.—Head,
neck, throat and upper breast all around metallic violet-purple; back and
rump rich bottle green, the feathers with more or less concealed iridescent
bars ; wings and tail externally metallic purple or bluish black; the wing-
coverts generally with iridescent tips; lower breast and belly similar to the
back but duller. Ad. ¢.—Not distinguishable in color from the @ of Q. quwis-
cula, but differing in size. W., 5°38; T., 4:90; B., 1:25.

Range.—Coast of South Carolina westward through central Georgia to
the Mississippi; south through Florida to Key West.

This is a locally abundant bird, and is found in flocks throughout
the year. In Florida it sometimes lives in the towns in which live-
oaks grow, and it also makes its headquarters in cypress “bays,” but
its favorite resort is among the cabbage palmettos, upon the berries
of which it feeds.

511b. Q. q. seneus (Ridgw.). Bronzep GrackLtE; Crow Brack-
BirD. Ad. é.—Head, neck, throat, and upper breast all around varying from
brilliant metallic purple to bluish green or steel-blue; back metallic seal-
bronze, the feathers without iridescent bars ; wings and tail metallic pur-
plish or bluish black; lower breast and belly similar to the back but duller.
Ad. ¢.—Much duller, the back and belly brownish, sometimes without me-
tallic reflections and never with iridescent bars. W., 5°62; T., 5°04; B., 1°21.

ftange.—Breeds from Texas to Great Slave Lake, east to the Alleghanies

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 271.

as far north as Pennsylvania, and north of this eastward to Connecticut and
northward to Labrador ; winters in the lower Mississippi Valley.

Washington, rare T. V., between Feb. 20 and Apl. 15. Sing Sing, tolera-
bly common T. V., Apl.; Nov. Cambridge, abundant S. R., Mch. to Oct. ;
occasional in winter.

“The general habits of the Bronzed Grackle are in all respects
identical with those of the Purple Grackle....

* From an almost equal familiarity with the two birds we are able
to say that their notes differ decidedly, especially those of the male
during the breeding season, the ‘song’ of the western birds being very
much louder and more musical or metallic than those of its eastern
relative” (Ridgway).

513. Quiscalus major Jici//. Boar-ratep Grackie. Ad. §.—
Glossy bluish black; head, throat, and breast more purplish, wings and tail
more blackish. -4d. ?.—Much smaller, upper parts blackish brown, under
parts soiled ochraceous-butf. 4 L., 16:00; W., 7°50; T., 7-00; B., 1°55.

Range.—F lorida; north along the Atlantic coast to Virginia; west along
the Gulf coast to Texas.

Nest, bulky and compact, of grasses, seaweed, ete., with a median layer of
mud or partially decayed vegetation, in colonies in bushes. ygs, three to
tive, pale bluish white, frequently tinged with vinaceous-brown, singularly
spotted, blotched, and scrawled with purplish or blackish, 1°32 x 90.

Boat-tail Grackles are rarely if ever found far from water. Shal-
low lakes or marshy lagoons grown with aquatic plants are their fa-
vorite resorts. Here they may be seen in small groups, which usually
contain more males than females, walking or jumping from plant to
plant, sometimes springing into the air to catch a passing insect, or
wading along the shore in search of food.

Their usual notes are hoarse, rather forced whistles; more rarely
they utter a singular rolling call, which bears a close resemblance to
the sound produced by a Coot in pattering over the water.

FAMILY FRINGILLIDA. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

This, the largest family of birds, contains some five hundred and
fifty species, which are represented in all parts of the world except
the Australian region. Its members present wide diversity of form
and habit. but generally agree in possessing stout, conical bills, which
are admirably adapted to crush seeds. They are thus chief among
seed-eaters, and for this reason are not so migratory as insect-eating
species.

The brown, streaked Sparrows are, to a large extent, field- or plain-
inhabiting, and their neutral colors are therefore a means of protec-
tion in the exposed situations they inhabit. The brighter Grosbeaks

y

272 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

and Finches are more arboreal. Many species take high rank as song-
sters, and some of our favorite cage-birds belong to this family.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
I. Under parts with red.
IJ. Under parts with no red and without distinct streaks; throat or breast
sometimes with a patch or spot.
Ill. Under parts without red and with numerous streaks.

I. Under parts with red.
#, A. Wing-coverts plainly tipped with white or whitish, or with a white
or yellow band in the wing. hab eA
2- a. No red in the upper parts. — 3%
a, Back black, rump whitish, throat black, breast and under wing-
coverts rosy red . . . 595. RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (6 ad.).
34 a. Back and under parts streaked with black ; under wing-coverts
rosyred . . . . . . 595. RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (6 im.).
2 0, Red on upper parts confined to crown or forehead, and sometimes a
tinge on the rump; wing under 3°25. —4
$78 1. Rump and flanks generally without blackish streaks; feathers
of back generally with whitish borders.
527. GREENLAND Reppoty. 527a. Hoary REDPOLL.
4~ 62 Rump and flanks always streaked ; feathers of back with little
if any white and generally with brownish borders.
528. REpPo.y and races.
63, Back cinnamon-brown, unstreaked ; crown, nape, and sides of
the neck black; a yellow band in the wing. — 5~
Evropean Go.princn.
6 ¢. Red or pink spread more or less over entire upper parts; wing over
3°25.
cl, Tips of mandibles crossed.
522. WHITE-WINGED CRossBILL (4 ad.).
©, Bill stout; mandibles not crossed. 515. Pine GrosBpeEax (é ad.).
/7 B. Wing-coverts not tipped with white. i
a. Throat black or blackish; wings and tail red; body red or olive.
593. CARDINAL.
6. Throat and more or less of under parts red or greenish red.
61. Plumage blood-red, brownish red, or greenish red; tips of the
mandibles crossed. . . . .., 521,;Am.,CRrossBILL 6.
62. Plumage dull reddish ; ally wien ; back indistinetly streaked,
with bristly feathers over the nostrils.
517. PurpLe Frvcu (6 ad.).
63. Head blue; back green; rump red.
601. Parntep Buntine (é ad.).
II. Under parts with no red and without distinct streaks;
throat or breast sometimes with a patch or spot.
1. Tail with white spots, bars, or patches.
A. Back plain, without streaks.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. (3

a. Throat and breast black, brown, or slate-color, sharply defined
from the white belly.
a}. Breast black or brown; sidesrufous . . . . 587. TowHEE.
a2, Breast slate-color; sides the same, or brownish.
567. Junco. 567e. CAROLINA JUNCO.
}. Throat and belly more or less yellow or ashy.
b1. Wing over 4:00; bill stout, greenish yellow.
514, Eventne GRosBEAK.
62, Bill small and sharp: back brown; throat yellowish.
529. GoLpFINcH ( ? and im.).
63. Body bright yellow, cap black . . 529. GotprFincH (6 ad.).
c. Under parts pure white, middle of back black.
534. SNOWFLAKE.
B. Back streaked with black, brown, or white.
a. Bend of the wing yellow; tail under 2°20.
546. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
6. Breast black or blackish; lesser wing-coverts reddish brown.
: 539. McoCown’s Lonespur é.
c. Breast buffy; belly whitish; outer tail-feathers white, next three
or four more or less white with a black band at the end; seconda-
ries not entirely white. . . . . 539. McCown’s Lonespur ?.
d. Under parts entirely light brown or buffy, only two outer tail-
feathers white; no yellow on the bend of the wing.
5387. SmitH’s Lonespur.
e. Under parts pure white, with a blackish spot on the center of the
breast, a black stripe on the sides of the throat; sides of the
crown and ear-coverts chestnut . . . . 552. Lark Sparrow.
J. Wing slightly over 4:00; under parts pure white or washed with
rusty ; head and rump white or rusty ; most of secondaries white.
5384. SNOWFLAKE.
2. Tail without large white spots or patches.
A. Back plain, without distinct streaks.
a. vee blue, bluish, or brownish blue.
. Wing over 3:00; lesser ter. chestnut or with broad

Bice VS a . 4... / 50%; Brum GROSEHAK
a2, Wing under 3°00; eee wing-coverts blue or bluish, tipped
with light brown. . . ios OVS INoTED BuneENe,

6. Back green or greenish, or ap sveilow or greenish yellow.
41. Mandibles not crossed.
63. Back greenish . . . . . . . 601. Parnrep Buntine 9.
63, Back and under parts slaty gray; bill black.
515. Pine GrosBEAK (@ and im.).
64. Forehead, rump, under parts, and seapulars yellow or brown-
ish yellow; secondaries white; bill yellow.
514. EveniInG GrospzAk 6.
1, Mandibles crossed.
c2, Wing-bars white. . . . 522. Wuire-wIncEp CRossBILL.
c3, Without white wing-bars. . . . . 521. Am. CrossBILL,

19

OTA FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

c. Back brown or brownish, ashy, or slate-color.
co, Head and rump yellowish or reddish ; wing-bars white; wing
over 400 . .. . . . 515. Pine GrospeEax (¢? and im.).
c4, Under parts brownish cream-buff; wing-coverts with broad
chestnut tips; wing over 3:00 . . . 597. BLuE GrosBEak 9.
c3, Under parts whitish; wing without yellow and under 3-00.

598. Inpico Buntine ¢.

ct, Back ashy ; spot before the eye and on bend of wing yellow.

550. SEASIDE SPARROW.
B. Back distinctly streaked.

a. Bend of the wing yellow.
a, Tail over 2°20.
a’, A white throat-patch; breast gray; a yellowish line over
the eye< ioe . . . 558. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
a3, A black spot on ae throat; breast yellow, or both.

~

604. DicKclssEL. ;

a4, No yellow over the eye; breast ashy or bufiy ; outer tail-
feathers much the shortest.

575. Pinr-woops Sparrow. 575a. BacHMAN’s SpaRRow.
6. Tail under 2°20, the feathers narrow and sharply pointed.

63, Crown olive-brown, a blue-gray line through its center;

cheeks and breast ochraceous-buftf.
549a. NELson’s Sparrow.
63. Crown blackish, a cream-buff line through its center.
546. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
b. Bend of the wing not yellow.
61. Crown bright reddish brown, the feathers sometimes tipped
with ashy or brownish, but without black streaks.

62. No white or whitish wing-bars; outer tail-feathers much
shorter than middle ones; lesser wing-coverts, upper tail-
coverts, and margins of most of the tail-feathers rufous; wing
under 250 “. cr . we. S84 Syne Spungen

63, Cheeks and throat gshiy. a narrow reddish brown line from
back of the eye to the nape, an indistinct black spot in the
center of the breast ... . . . . . 559. TREE SPARROW.

64, Eye-ring whitish, entire bill brownish flesh-color.

563. FieLp Sparrow.

65. Rump slaty gray; under parts generally all grayish white;
forehead black, with a narrow grayish line in its middle, a
narrow black line from back of the eye to the nape.

560. Curepine Sparrow.
cl. Crown streaked or spotted with black or black and white.

c?. Crown with chestnut streaks, and sometimes a slight ashy
line through its center; no white or whitish wing-bars ; outer
tail-feathers much shorter than middle ones.

- 584, Swame Sparrow (Im.).
c8, Crown with reddish brown; rump ashy; wing-bars buffy ;
middle tail-feathers shortest. 560, Cupping Sparrow (Im.).

the ae et ree Ser ee A

Ai

ay
ei

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. on5

c+, Center of crown white; the sides black ; wing-bars white.
554. WHITE-CROWNED Sparrow.
c&, Crown grayish; mandibles crossed . 521. Am. CrossBruu.
d}, Crown mixed grayish brown and rufous, ashy, or slate-color,

without black streaks.

d?, Wing 2°50; bill brownish flesh-color; back rufous, streaked
WHUMMDHACK 5. Ss . . . . 563. Fretp Sparrow.
ds, Wing 3:00; center of crown grayish brown, bordered by
Paeal -rafans: back grayish brown, spotted with olive-

BEOWAL, 5...) « of hay hasty ap evoke Wane" CROWNED SPARROW.
d+, Crown slate- Ralots a chestnut patch behind the eye; throat
Blvelo eri.) 3) 4 a 0k ee eee INGEISH SPARROW?
ds, Crown entirely dull brown; lesser wing-coverts broadly
tipped with buffy. . . . . P. 282. Enexisn Sparrow 9°.

III. Under parts without red and with numerous streaks.
1. Tail-feathers without white or yellow spots or patches, the outer ones
little if any shorter than the middle pair.
A. Head of about the same color as the back; no yellow over the eye, or
on the bend of the wing, or under wing-coverts.
a. Rump yellowish or yellowish green; mandibles crossed.
a, Wing-coverts tipped with white.
522. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL 9.
a2, Wing-coverts not tipped with white . . 521. Am. CrosspiLu ?.
6. Mandibles not crossed; rump brown or brownish or sandy like the
back ; wing under 3°25.

61. Back pale brownish ashy, streaked with brownish; a whitish
streak over the eye; legs flesh-color; first primary as long or longer
than thesecondys m0 60" - . . . 541. Ipswich Sparrow.

62. Back and most of under patie streaked with black and reddish
brown ; upper and under tail-coverts streaked ; first primary shorter
than eronds: outer tail-feathers shorter than middle ones.

581. Sona Sparrow.

68. Back distinetly streaked ; a cream-buff band across the breast.

583. Lincouin’s Frvcn.

b4. Back grayish brown, the feathers with or without distinct

streaks; first primaries nearly as long or longer than second;

outer tail-feathers longer than middle pair; legs and feet black-
ish ; with bristly feathers over the nostrils.

517. Purpie Fincn ¢.

65. Back without streaks; no bristly feathers over the nostrils.

598. Inpico Buntine ¢.

e. Mandibles not crossed; upper tail-feathers and tail bright reddish

brown, without black streaks; rump brighter; wing about 3°50.

585. Fox Sparrow.

B. Head of about tae) same color as the back; a yellow mark before the
eye, or on the bend of the wing, or under wing-coverts.

a. Wing about 4:00; under wing-coverts deep yellow.
595. Rosk-BREASTED GROSBEAK 9.

976 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

b. Wing generally under 2°90; feathers of the crown black, bordered
by chestnut-brown; a buffy line through the center of crown.
542a. SAVANNA SPARROW.
c. Wing generally over 2°90; feathers of crown with small black cen-
ters bordered with cinnamon-brown and pale brownish gray.
541. Ipswich Sparrow.
d. Wing about 3:00; breast washed with yellow . . 604 DicKctssEL.
e. Wing about 3:00; sides brownish ; throat white, quite different from
the grayish breast . . . . . . 558.° WuITE-THROATED SPARROW.
C. A bright red crown-cap; no yellow before the eye or on the bend of
the wing.
a. Rump and flanks always heavily streaked with blackish.
528. Reppo.y and races.
b. Rump white, generally without streaks; flanks lightly streaked;
more or less white in the feathers of the back.
527. GREENLAND Reppoui. 527a. Hoary REDPOLL.

2. Tail-feathers without white or yellow patches, narrow and generally -

sharply pointed, the outer feathers always much shorter than the middle
pair.
A. Crown of a different color from the back, or a buffy line over the eye.
a. Center of crown with a more or jess distinct brownish or buffy line.
a, Nape dull, pale olive-green, of the same color as the line over the
eye, but finely streaked with black; back rufous-brown, streaked
with black. ¢°. . . . . . 547. HensLow’s Sparrow.
a2. Nape bright iiss oe n, the feathers bordered by gray; the
feathers of the back black, bordered by butfy whitish.
548. Leconte’s Sparrow.
b. Center of crown with a more or less distinct stripe of ashy blue.
d1. Breast and sides distinctly streaked with black or blackish.
549. SHARP-TAILED SPARROW.
b2, Breast and sides buffy or brownish, the former generally without
distinct black streaks . 549a. Netson’s SHARP-TAILED SPARROW.
_ 549). AcaptiaAn SHARP-TAILED SPARROW.
B. Crown of the same color as the back; no buffy line over the eye.
a. A yellow spot before the eye and on the bend of wing.
al. Upper parts very dark brown or black; the feathers edged with
olive-gray or ashy, breast generally with black streaks. (Florida.)
550a. Scort’s SEASIDE Sparrow. 551. Dusky SEAsiDE SPARROW.
a. Back olive-gray ; breast with grayish brown streaks.
550. SEASIDE SPARROW.
b. No yellow before the eye; bend of the wing yellow.
575. Prnr-woops Sparrow. 575a. Bacuman’s SPARROW.
c. No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing.
cl, A broad cream-buff band across the breast.
583. Lincotn’s SPARROW.
c3, No cream-buff band on the breast; streaks on the breast tending
to form a spot inits middle. . . . . . . 581. Sona Sparrow.
8. Tail with white patches or base of tail yellow.

nan Pe

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. Oar

A, Base of the tail yellow. . . . Siieulsiys » Poss EINE Siskin,
B. Outer tail-feathers with white pavehes.
a. Hind toe-nail shorter than the bill from the nostril.
a, Lesser wing-coverts rufous; breast streaked with black.
540. VESPER SPARROW.
a2, Sides of crown and ear-coverts chestnut; a black spot on the cen-
ter of the breast. ....-. . . . « 552. Lark SPARROW.
b. Hind toe-nail longer than bill foal nostril.
61, Under parts cream-buff; two outer tail-feathers mostly white.
537. Surry’s Lonespur.
b2, Under parts whitish; breast streaked or spotted with black or
entirely black; second outer tail-feather with but little white.
536, LarpLanp Lonespur.

A FIELD KEY TO THE
ADULT MALE FINCHES AND SPARROWS OF THE MIDDLE STATES
(VIRGINIA TO MASSACHUSETTS) IN BREEDING PLUMAGE.

I. Breast with more or less yellow.
Il. Breast blue.
II. Breast or throat red.
IV. Breast without either yellow, blue, or red.

I. Breast with more or less yellow.

A, Chin white, throat¥black; haunts grassy fields; song an unmusical
effort of six or seven notes delivered with great earnestness from a
low perch (rare east of the Alleghanies). . . . . 604, DroxotssEL.

B. Under parts and breast pure yellow, crown and wings black; song a
sweet canarylike warble; flight undulating, frequently accompanied
by the notes chic-o-ree, per-chic-o-ree. . . « « « 529, GOLDFINCH.

II. Breast blue.

A. Length over 6:00; plumage deep blue, a chestnut bar across the wings
(not found north of Virginia). . . .% . . 597. Biur GrospEax.

B. Length under 6:00; plumage indigo-blue; haunts woody fields, scrub
or second growth; song clear and musical, generally delivered from a
tree-top. . US ye ts 2 b's: innies Beare.

II. Breast or throat red.

A, Length 8-00; throat and region about the base of the bill black, rest
of the plumage bright vermilion-red ; head with a conspicuous crest ;
song a rich, musical whistle; call-note an insignificant cheep ; haunts
thickets and bushy woodland (rare north of New York city).

593. CARDINAL.

B. Length 7:50; breast rose-red ; belly, tip of the tail, ramp, and a band
in the wings white; rest of the plumage black; haunts wooded growths ;
song loud, clear, and highly musical; call-note a metallic peek.

595. RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

C. Length under 6°50; plumage more or less heavily washed with dull

278 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

reddish ; haunts orchards and wooded growths; song a liquid warble;
call-note a metallic chink, frequently uttered while on the wing.
517. PureLe Fincu.
D. Length about 6:00; plumage dull blood-red; mandibles crossed at
the tips; generally found in small flocks in coniferous woods; utters
a clicking or whistled note when on the wing (rarely found south of
New England after May 1) . . . . . . . . 521. Rep Crosssi11.
E. Breast white, tinged with brown; region about the bill red, a yellow
band in the wings (rare except in the vicinity of New York city).
EurRoPEAN GOLDFINCH.
IV. Breast without either yellow, red, or blue.
1. Under parts distinctly streaked or spotted.

A. Outer tail-feathers white, showing conspicuously when the bird
flies; haunts dry fields and roadsides; song loud and musical.

540. VESPER SPARROW.

ZB. Outer tail-feathers not white.

a. Song loud and musical; an abundant and familiar bird of gen-
eral distribution ; spots on the breast tending to form one larger
spot in the center; crown umber, a whitish line over the eye.

581. Sone Sparrow.

b. Song not loud and musical; short and generally unattractive ;
haunts wet meadows or marshes; passes most of the time on the
ground, rarely perching far from it, and when flushed generally
returning to it.
b1. A buffy line over the eye and at the side of the throat, breast

generally washed with buffy ; haynts only salt marshes (rarely
found far from the vicinity of the seashore.)
549. SHARP-TAILED SPARROW.
b2. No buff on the sides of the head or breast; upper parts black-
ish; song tsip-tsip-tsip’se-e-e-s'r-r-r ; rarely breeds south of
New York city ; haunts both salt- and fresh-water marshes.
542a. Savanna Sparrow.
63. Back reddish, head and neck buffy olive; haunts generally
wet pastures ; song an inconspicuous see-wéck (rather rare, liv-
ing in small colonies of local distribution).
547. HensLow’s Sparrow.
2. Under parts not distinctly streaked or spotted.

A. Throat pure white, sharply defined from the grayish breast, a
yellow spot over the eye; crown black, with a central stripe of
white; haunts thickets or bushy woodlands; song a high, clear,
musical whistle; call-note a sharp chink.

558. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.

ZB. Throat and breast black.

a. Sides of the throat and belly white, crown ash, sides of the
head chestnut . . . . . PP. 282. Housz Sparrow.

6. Length 8:00; sides of fag hada light rufous, outer tail-feathers
tipped with white; haunts thickets and bushy woodlands; call-
note a vigorous sowie or chee-wink . . . . . 58%. TowHEE.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 279

_@. Throat and breast slate-color, like the back; belly and outer tail-
feathers white ; bill flesh-color (nests in the Middle States only on
the higher parts of the Alleghanies) . . Y hatte a OO Ged UNCO.

D. Under parts white or whitish, practically all one color.
a. same wet marshes.
. Haunts always salt marshes, generally near the sea; back
iad 5 Siena . . . . 600. SEASIDE SPARROW.
a2, Haunts both salt- anid ‘fresh: water marshes; back brown,
streaked with black; cap and wings chestnut; song a loud,
sharp, rapidly repeated weet-weet-weet, ete.
584. Swamp SPARROW.
6. Haunts dry fields, pastures, roadsides, lawns, thickets, ete.
6. Outer tail-feathers white, middle of the breast with a small
black spot (not found east of the Alleghanies).
552. LARK Finca.
cl. Outer tail-feathers not white.
c2, Upper parts reddish-brown, bill pinkish flesh-color; haunts
bushy fields and pastures; song a musical, plaintive cher-
wee, cher-wee, cher-wee, cheeo-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee.
563. Frrtp Sparrow.
c3, Bill dark brown, a buffy line through the center of the
ground ; song an insect-like pit-twh, zee-zee-zee-zee-zee.
546, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
ec, Back streaked with black, cap chestnut, a white line
over the eye, bill black ; song a monotonous chippy-chippy-
chippymete. . . . .. . . . 560. Cureprine SPARROW.
c, Larger, length about 7:00; crown black, with a white
eentral stripe: throat not noticeably different from the
breast; no yellow over the eye (rare; nests north of New
England). . . . . . 554. WuirE-crowNnED SPpaRRow.

514. Cocothraustes vespertinus ((oop.). Eventne GrosBear.
Ad. é.—¥orechead yellow, crown black ; sides of head olive-brown, becoming
dull yellow on rump; belly and scapulars yellow, wings and tail black;
end half of the secondaries and their coverts white. Ad. ¢.—Brownish gray,
lighter on the under parts, more or less tinged with yellow, especially on the
nape; wings black, inner primaries white at the base, secondaries edged with
white; tail black, the feathers tipped with white on the inner web; upper
tail-coverts black tipped with white. L., 8:00; W., 4:50; T., 3:50; B., 72.

Range.—Interior of North America, from Manitoba northward ; southeast-
ward in winter to the upper Mississippi Valley and casually to the northern
Atlantic States.

Cambridge, known to have occurred only in-winter of 1889-90.

Nest, known but from few specimens, composed of small twigs lined with
bark, hair, or rootlets, placed within twenty feet of the ground. Zygs, three
to four, greenish, blotched with pale brown (see Davie).

This distinguished inhabitant of the far northwest is a common
winter visitant in Manitoba and the contiguous parts of the bordering

280 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

States. At irregular intervals it invades the northern Mississippi
Valley in numbers, while still more rarely it extends its wanderings
to the north Atlantic States. It travels in flocks of from six or eight
to sixty individuals which by their tameness show their ignorance of
man and his ways. They feed largely on the buds or seeds of trees—
maple, elder, and box elder. Their notes are described by different
observers as a shrill “ cheepy-teet,” and a “ frog-like peep,” while one
writer remarks that “the males have a single metallic cry like the
note of a trumpet, and the females a loud chattering like the large
Cherry Birds (Ampelts garrulus).” Their song is given as a wander-
ing, jerky warble, beginning low, suddenly increasing in power, and
as suddenly ceasing, as though the singer were out of breath.

During the winter and early spring of 1890 there was a phenom-
enal incursion of Evening Grosbeaks into the Northern States, ac-
counts of which, by Amos W. Butler, will be found in The Auk, ix,
1892, pp. 238-247; x, 18938, pp. 190-157.

515. Pinicola enucleator (Zinn.). Pine Grospeax. Ad. 6 .—
Slaty gray, more or less strongly washed with rose-red, strongest on the
crown, rump, upper tail-coverts, and breast; wings fuscous, their coverts
edged with white; tail fuscous. Ad. 9.—Slaty gray, crown, upper tail-cov-
erts, and breast more or less strongly washed with olive-yellow; wings and
tailasinthe 6. Jm.—Resembles the 9. L., 9°08; W., 4°36; T., 3°67; B., °54.

Range.— Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding far
north ; in winter south, in North America, irregularly to the northern United
States.”

Washington, casual in winter. Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Dec. 18 to
Apl. 12. Cambridge, irregular W. V., frequently common, sometimes abun-
dant, Nov. to Mch.

Nest, of twigs and rootlets lined with finer materials, in coniferous trees a
few feet up. Eggs, “pale greenish blue, spotted and blotched with dark brown
surface markings and lilac shell-spots, 1°05 x “74.”

The Pine Grosbeak, like the Spruce Partridge and Canada Jay, may
be said to find its true home in the coniferous forest or Canadian belt,
which crosses the continent diagonally from Maine to Alaska.

Like many of its congeners in this inhospitable region, it nests so
early in the springtime that the winter’s frost and snow are still
dominant amorfg the evergreens when the eggs come to claim the at-
tention of the pair.

Its habits at this season are but little known, as very few natural-
ists have had the opportunity of seeing it in its native pine wood.
But in midwinter, when it comes southward in search of food, it is a
well-known frequenter, in flocks, of plantations of mountain-ash trees,
or groups of sumach bushes, whose unfallen berries provide it with a
bountiful supply of nourishing diet.

neha

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 281

It is said to make an admirable cage-bird, as it readily takes to
confinement, and during the springtime has a prolonged and melo-
dious song.

Its form has a general resemblance to that of the common Robin,
but its very short, thick beak and its forked tail are striking differ-
ences. It is rather slow and inactive when in a tree, and when on the
wing it has a loud whistle which is very characteristic; at all times
its colors, as above described, should distinguish the bird at a very
considerable distance. Ernest E. Tompson.

517. Carpodacus purpureus ((/me/.). Purrie Fincn. Ad. 6.
—Entire body suffused with rose-red, strongest on the head, rump, and breast,
more brownish on the back ; whiter, gen-
erally white,on the belly ; wings and tail
brownish fuscous, the outer webs of the
feathers finely edged with rose-red; a
small tuft of bristly feathers over the -
nostrils; outer tail-feathers longest.
Ad. ?.—Very different, sparrowlike in
appearance; upper parts dark grayish
brown, finely streaked with black ; wings
and tail dark grayish brown; under
parts white, streaked, or with wedge-
shaped spots of fuscous. L., 6°22; W.,
3:94; T., 2:29; B., -45. y d

hee Females bear a decided oa DE Eee Satur)
resemblance to some Sparrows, but the
rounded bill, tufts of feathers over the nostrils, and forked tail are distin-
guishing characters.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and
Long Island northward; winters from the northern States to the Gulf.

Washington, common W. V., Sept. 15 to May 15, largely a migrant. Sing
Sing, rare P. R., common T. V. Cambridge, P. R., very common from Mch. to
Oct.; irregular¢but sometimes abundant, in winter.

Nest, of twigs, grasses, and rootlets, thickly lined with long hairs, in conif-
erous trees, five to thirty feet up. Zygs, four to six, blue, spotted about the
larger end with fuscous, ‘79 x °56.

During the nesting season the Purple Finch frequently takes up
its abode in private grounds, even becoming a familiar garden bird,
while others of its race find a congenial home in wild mountain forests,
far away from the society of man. The rosy plumage of the males
makes it attractively noticeable as a garden bird; but a serious offense
must be charged against it—it has far too ready a taste for the blos-
soms of fruit trees, and is perhaps the most confirmed bud-eater of
all our birds. It has naturally a roving disposition, and, in the autumn
especially, seems ever to be impelled by some restless impulse. At this

282 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

season it may often be seen descending with airy, sweeping flight into
some leafless treetop, as if from a far avérial journey, its identity made
known by its very characteristic utterance, a short, rather dull-sound-
ing note, scarcely metallic—the metal pressed the instant the bell is
struck.

Although the Purple Finch often essays to sing in the autumn
and earliest spring, its full powers of voice belong alone to the nuptial
season. ‘Then it easily takes its place among our noteworthy song
birds. Its full song is a sweet-toned, carelessly flowing warble—not
too brief to miss definite character as a song, and positive enough in
modulation and delivery to find ready place in the memory. At times,
indeed, its singing is of a character not to be easily forgotten. The
song bursts forth as if from some uncontrollable stress of gladness,
and is repeated uninterruptedly over and over again, while the ecstatic
bird rises high into the air, and, still singing, descends into the trees.

EuceneE P. BIcKNELL.

Passer domesticus (inn.). Housz Sparrow; Enexisn Sparrow.
Ad. 6.—Crown gray, bordered from the eye backward and on the nape by
chestnut; lesser wing-coverts chestnut, middle coverts tipped with white ;
back streaked with black and chestnut; rump ashy; middle of the throat and
breast black; sides of the throat white; belly whitish. 4d. 9.—Head and
rump grayish brown; back streaked with black and deep ochraceous-butf;
under parts dirty whitish, the breast and sides washed with pale grayish
brown. L., 6:33; W., 3°01; T., 2°30; B., °48.

Range.—“ Nearly the whole of Europe, but replaced in Italy by P. ctalie,
extending eastward to Persia and Central Asia, India, and Ceylon” (Sharpe).
Introduced and naturalized in America, Australia, New Zealand, ete.

Nest, of any available material in any available place. Zygs, varying from
plain white to almost uniform olive-brown, generally white, finely and evenly
marked with olive, 1°86 x *62.

We learn from Bulletin No. 1 of the Division of Economic Orni-
thology and Mammalogy of the United States Department of Agri-
culture * that this pest was first introduced into the United States at
Brooklyn, New York, in 1851 and 1852. As late as 1870 it was largely
confined to the cities of the Atlantic States, but since that date, partly
through man’s agency and partly through the bird’s rapid increase in
numbers and adaptability, it has spread over most of the United States
and Canada east of the great plains, and isolated colonies are estab-
lished throughout the west.

* The English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in North America, especially in
its Relations to Agriculture. Prepared under the Direction of Dr. C. Hart Mer-
riam, Ornithologist, by Walter B. Barrows, Assistant Ornithologist, Washington,
1889.

* saith en ABE a

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 983

This report shows that in ten years the progeny of a single pair of
Sparrows might amount to 275,716,983,698! It also states that during
the year 1886 the Sparrow added approximately 516,500 square miles
to the territory occupied by it. The day is evidently near at hand,
therefore, when the English Sparrow will be in complete possession of
the country.

The Evropean TREE Sparrow (Jasser montanus) has become naturalized
in and about St. Louis, Missouri.

521. Loxia curvirostra minor (/rejim). AMERICAN CROSSBILL ;
Rep Crosspitt. Ad. 6.—Tips of the mandibles crossed ; body dull red,
brighter on the rump, browner on the back; wings and tail fuscous. Ad. ¢.
Dull olive-green, yellower on the rump, indistinctly mottled with blackish on
the head and back, mixed with whitish on the under parts. /m. 6.—Similar
to the ¢, or mixed red and green. L., 6:19; W., 340; T., 2°13; B., °66.

Range.—Breeds from the Northern States northward, and, in the Allegha-
nies, southward to the Carolinas; in winter wanders irregularly southward,
sometimes reaching the Gulf States.

Washington, irregular W. V., sometimes abundant. Sing Sing, irregu-
lar; noted in almost every month. Cambridge, of irregular occurrence at all
seasons.

Nest, of twigs and grasses, lined with bits of moss and rootlets, in conifer-
ous trees, fifteen to thirty feet up. Zygs, three to four, “ pale greenish, spotted
and dotted about the larger end with various shades of brown and lavender
shell-markings, 1°75 x °57.”

These parrotlike Finches are famous for their erratic wanderings.
They seem to have no regard for the laws of migration which regu-
late the journeys of most birds, and, having no home ties, may linger
in regions which offer them abundant fare without much regard to
season. They nest early in the spring, sometimes when they are far
south of their breeding range, but they seem quite unconcerned by
their unusual surroundings, and their young are born and raised in
a foreign land.

Coniferous forests form their natural surroundings, and their bills
are especially adapted to aid them in forcing off the scales from the
cones of these trees to obtain the seed within.

They live in flocks, and when in the trees climb about like Parrots,
sometimes exhibiting as little fear of man as Polly on her pedestal.
When feeding, they have a short, whistled call-note; they take wing in
a body, and their undulating flight is accompanied by a sharp click-
ing or whistled note. Their song is described as “varied and pleas-
ing, but not powerful or in any respect remarkable.”

522. Loxia leucoptera (mel. Wuitre-wincrep CrossBitt. Ad. 6.
—Tips of the mandibles crossed ; body dull pink, brighter on the ramp, more

284 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

*s less marked with black on the back; belly whitish; wings and tail black,
the greater and middle wing-coverts, and sometimes tertials, tipped with
white. Ad. 9.—Dull olive-green, yellow on the rump, grayer on the under
parts, mottled with blackish on the head and back; wings and tail as in
the 6. Jm. 6.—Similar to ?, but passes through a party-colored plumage
while becoming mature, and, as in the preceding species, is subject to much
variation. + 1, 605;°W., e271; T., 241: Babu

Range.—Breeds from the Northern States northward; in winter wanders
irregularly southward, sometimes reaching I]linois and Virginia.

Washington, casual. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. 29 to Dec. 6. Cambridge,
irregular W. V.

Nest, of twigs and strips of birch bark, covered exteriorly with moss
(Usnea), and lined with soft moss and hair, on the fork of an evergreen in
deep forests. ggs, three (?), pale blue, spotted and streaked near larger end
with reddish brown and lilac, °80 x ‘55 (Chamberlain).

Colonel Goss writes that in general habits these birds resemble the
American Crossbill. Their flight is swift and undulating. While
feeding and moving about they are quite noisy, almost constantly
uttering a plaintive wheep or cheeping note. Their song is low, soft,
and sweet, much like that of the American Goldfinch.

527. Acanthis hornemannii (//0/).).. Greentanp Reppoii.—Simi-
lar to the next, but “larger (length about 5:50-6°50), with proportionally
thicker and less acute bill. 4 W., 3°37; 'T., 2°75; exposed culmen, °35; depth
of B. at base, °31.”

Range.—* Northern Greenland (breeding from 69°-73° N. latitude) and
eastern arctic America, south to Labrador in winter” (Ridgw.).

52%a. A. h. exilipes (Cowes). Hoary Reproty. Ad. 6 .—Bill very
sharply pointed, a small tuft.of bristly feathers over the nostrils; crown-cap
bright red; back dark grayish brown, the feathers more or less margined with
white; rump white, generally unstreaked, and tinged with pink; wings and
tail brownish fuscous, the feathers all more or less edged with white; middle
of the throat blackish, breast tinged with pink, belly white, a few streaks on
the side. Ad. 9.—Similar, but with no pink on the rump or breast. Jm.—
Similar to the ¢, but without the red crown-cap. L., 5°00; W., 3°00; T.,
2:30; B., °30.

Remarks.—This species is to be distinguished from Acanthis linaria and
its races by the greater amount of white in its plumage, its unstreaked rump,
and comparatively unstreaked under parts.

Range.—Arctic regions; south in winter rarely to the northern United
States.

Cambridge, casual“W. V.

Nest, of grass and twigs lined with feathers, in a low tree or on the
ground. Lygs, three to five, white, tinged with blue or green, spotted with
reddish brown, *65 x ‘50 (Chamberlain).

528. Acanthis linaria (Zinn.). Repport. Ad. 6.—Bill very
sharply pointed, a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils; crown-cap

ee ae

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 985

bright red; back fuscous grayish brown, the feathers margined with ochra-
ceous-buff; rump tinged with pink ; wings and tail fuscous, the feathers more
or less edged with whitish ; middle of the throat blackish, breast suffused with
pink, belly white, sides streaked with fuscous.
Ad. ?.—Similar, but without pink on the rump
or breast, the sides more heavily streaked. Jm.
—Similar to the ¢, but without a red crown-
eap. L., 5-32; W., 2°80; T., 2°32; B.,-36; depth
of B. at base, °22.

Range.—Breeds in the northern parts of
the northern hemisphere; in winter migrates
irregularly southward, in America, to Illinois
and Virginia. ‘

Washington, very rare and irregular W. V. Fie. 80.—R
Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Nov. 25 to Mch.

26. Cambridge, irregular W. V., often very abundant, Oct. 25 to Apl. 10.

Nest, of dry grass and moss lined with hair, feathers, or plant down, in a
low tree or tuft of grass. Lygs, four to six, white, tinged with green or blue,
spotted with reddish brown, °65 x *50 (Chamberlain).

edpoll. (Natural
size.)

The little Redpoll is one of those birds that are best known as win-
ter visitors. Sometimes it comes from the north in flocks when driven
from home by the annual failure of the food supply, and speedily at-
tracts attention by frequenting the gardens and orchards, even when
these are within the limits of a town. In general habits it resembles
a Goldfinch, and while with us it finds its wants supplied chiefly by
the various grasses and herbs which project through the snow and—
still retain their seed in spite of wind and weather. It is noted for its
affectionate and confiding disposition, and although it is not known
to breed in captivity it has always proved an easily tamed and inter-
esting pet. Ernest E. THompson.

528a. A. 1. holbcellii (Brehm). Horseri’s Reppoiy.—Similar to
A. linaria, but larger, the bill longer. W., 3-20; I’, 2°35; B., -38; depth of
B. at base, °22.

Range.—‘ Northern coasts of Europe and Asia (Norway to Japan), and
portions of Alaska”; casual in eastern North America.

This is an intermediate between A. linaria and A. 1. rostrata, most
closely approaching the former, from which it sometimes can with
difficulty be distinguished. It is an exceedingly rare bird in eastern
North America, where there are but two records of its occurrence:
Quebec (Ridgway) and Massachusetts (Brewster).

523b. A. 1. rostrata (Cowes). Greater Repport.—Similar to A.
linaria, but larger, the margin to the feathers of the upper parts averaging
darker, the bill shorter and stouter. L., 5°50; W., 3°20; T., 2o03) Bs °353
depth of B. at base, -28.

286 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETO.

Range.—* Southern Greenland in summer, migrating south, in winter,
through Labrador to (sparingly) the northern border of the United States
(New England, lower Hudson Valley, northern Illinois, ete.), and west to
Manitoba” (Ridgw.).

Sing Sing, A. V. Cambridge, irregular W. V., Nov. to Feb.

“The Greater Redpoll is often rather common, and in February,
- 1883, it occurred along the seacoast near Boston in positive abundance.
On the 19th of this month Mr. Spelman and I took thirteen specimens
at Revere Beach in about two hours; and on the 22d, at Nantasket
Beach, two young collectors, by a few random shots into an excep-
tionally large, mixed flock of Redpolls, secured forty specimens, of
which six proved to be A. linarva and thirty-four rostrata.

“ As one sees them in winter in New England, the forms just men-
tioned, with A. hornemanniit exilipes, do not differ appreciably in
notes, habits, or general appearance. It is true that A. /. rostrata
may be often recognized by its superior size, but the birds as a rule
are so nervous and restless, and when in large flocks so constantly in
motion and so likely to depart altogether at any moment, that a free
use of the gun is ordinarily indispensable to positive identification ”
(Brewster, Minot’s Land Birds and Game Birds, 2d ed., App., p. 472).

529. Spinus tristis (Zinn.). American Gotprinch; YELLOW-
BIRD; THIsTLE-BiRD. Ad. 6.—Crown-cap black; back and under parts
bright yellow; wings black, the coverts and secondaries tipped with white;
tail black, the feathers with white on their inner webs. Ad. 9.—Upper
parts grayish brown with an olive tinge; wings and tail as in the ¢, but
somewhat more dusky and the white markings less distinct; under parts
whitish, washed with buffy brown and more or less tinged with yellow, espe-
cially on the throat. Ad. in winter.—Similar to the ad. ?, but with the
wings and tail asin summer. L., 5°10; W., 2°82; T., 1:95; B., -40.

Range.—FEastern North America; breeds from South Carolina to southern
Labrador; winters from the northern United States to the Gulf.

Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, very
common P. R.

Nest, externally of fine grasses, strips of bark, and moss, thickly lined
with thistle down, in trees or bushes, five to thirty feet up. Zygs, three to
six, pale bluish white, °65 x °48.

Except when nesting, Goldfinches are generally found in small
flocks. Few birds seem to enjoy life more than these merry rovers.
Every month brings them a change of fare, and in pursuit of fresh
dainties the nesting-time is delayed almost until summer begins to wane.

Seed-bearing plants, whether in field or garden, form their larder;
the old sunflowers rattle before their vigorous attack; the thistles
spring into sudden blossom of black and gold as they swing from the
nodding heads.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC, IST

Their flight is expressive of their joyous nature, and as they bound
through the air they hum a gay

Their love song is delivered with an ecstasy and abandon which ecar-
ries them off their feet, and they circle over the fields sowing the air
with music. The song has a canarylike character, and while it is less
varied it possesses a wild, ringing quality wanting in the cage-bound
bird’s best efforts.

The Biack-HEADED GoLprincu (532. Spinus notatus), a Mexican species,
is recorded by Audubon from Kentucky, where its occurrence is, of course,
purely accidental.

533. Spinus pinus (Wi/s.).. Pine Siskin; Pine Frncnw. Ad.—Bill
sharply pointed, a small tuft of bristly feathers over the nostrils; upper parts
streaked with black, the feathers margined with buftv ; wings fuscous, most
of the feathers margined with yellow, and yellow at the base ; tail fuscous,
all but the middle feathers yellow at the base ; under parts white, tinged with
buffy and heavily streaked with black. L., 5:00; W., 2°76; T., 1:90; B., -40.

ktemarks.—The yellow markings in the wings and tail of this species will
always serve to distinguish it.

_ Range.—North America generally; breeds mostly north of the United
States; winters as far south as the Gulf.

Washington, irregularly abundant W. V., Oct. to Apl. Sing Sing, irregu-
lar P. R. Cambridge, irregular W. V., Sept. to May; sometimes very abun-
dant.

Nest, of twigs and rootlets, lined with plant down and long hairs, in conif-
erous trees. yqs, four, pale bluish white, thinly spotted with reddish brown,
"67 x °46.

Like the American Crossbill, this bird is rather erratic in its move-
ments, and its presence or absence at any season can never be predicted
with certainty. It resembles the American Goldfinch in habits, but is
more often found about coniferous trees, and its notes and song are
less musical. It has been found nesting in May at Sing Sing, N. Y.
(Fisher), and at Cornwall-on-Hudson (Allen).

Carduelis carduelis (/inn.). Evropran Gouprinon. +: Ad.—Region
about the base of the bill bright red; crown, and a stripe extending from it
on to the sides of the neck, black; back cinnamon-brown; wings black,
crossed by a broad yellow band; tail black, the inner webs of the feathers
tipped with white; under parts white, the sides tinged with the color of the
Baeicn« 15;75°50s: W..,.5°00 sy 04-295)" B;, 50:

288 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

Range.—‘ Europe generally, except extreme northern part” (Sharpe). In-
troduced near New York city and Boston.

Nest, externally, of grasses and plant down, lined with plant down, in
coniferous trees. yqs, four to five, white, with purplish spots, ‘72 x °50.

This European species was introduced into this country at Ho-
boken, N. J., in 1878. ‘The following year it appeared in Central
Park, New York city. It has since spread over the northern parts
of the city, and in favorable places is a not uncommon permanent
resident. It has also been introduced in the vicinity of Boston, Mass.,
where it is to be found in small numbers. In general habits it resem-
bles its American cousin, with which it sometimes associates.

534. Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.). SnowrLake; Snow Bunt-
inc. Ad. in summer.—Whole head and neck, rump, and under parts white ;
back and scapulars black; wings white, the end half of the primaries and
inner secondaries black; outer tail-feathers white, inner ones black. Ad. 2
in summer.—Similar, but entire upper parts streaked with black; primaries
all fuscous; secondaries more or less tipped with fuscous. 6 dv winter.—
Upper parts a kind of rusty brown, almost umber on the center of the crown;
back streaked with black, caused by the black bases of the feathers showing
through their rusty tips; wings and tail much as in summer, but more or less
edged with rusty ; under parts white, the breast and sides washed with rusty.
9 in winter.—Similar to 6, but the primaries all fuscous. L., 6°88; W., 4:07;
270s) 5. 242.

Range.—‘ Northern parts of the northern hemisphere, breeding in the
arctic regions; in North America, south in winter into the northern United
States, irregularly to Georgia, southern Illinois, and Kansas.”

Washington, W. V., casual, one instance. Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Oct.
25 to Mch. 22. Cambridge, common W. V., Oct. 25 to Mch. 25; abundant in
migrations.

Nest, of grasses, rootlets, and moss, lined with finer grasses and feathers,
on the ground. Zgqs, four to seven, pale bluish white, thinly marked with
umber or heavily spotted or washed with rufous-brown, °85 x 64.

The Snowflake may readily be known by the fact that it is the only
one of our sparrowlike birds that has white predominating on its
wings and tail, as well as on its body. It feeds exclusively on seeds,
and is so much like the Shorelark in habits that the two species occa- _
sionally associate. The Snowflake is also strictly a ground bird, never
perching on a tree, though it often does so on a house or fence. It
always progresses by walking, not by hopping. _

Throughout Canada and the northern tier of States this is the
familiar little white bird of winter. As soon as the chill season comes
on in icy rigors, the merry Snowflakes appear in great flocks, and come
foraging about the barnyards when there is no bare ground left in the
adjacent fields. Apparently they get but little to eat, but in reality
they always find enough to keep them in health and spirits, and are as

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 989

fat as butter balls. In midwinter, in the far north, when the ther-
mometer showed thirty degrees below zero, and the chill blizzard was
blowing on the plains, I have seen this brave little bird gleefully
chasing his fellows, and pouring out as he flew his sweet, voluble song
with as much spirit as ever Skylark has in the sunniest days of June,
As long as the snow lasts the Snowflake stays, and as soon as the
ground grows bare and there is promise of better days, this bird of
winter betakes himself again to the north, as far as ever human foot
has been, and there builds his nest. Ernest EK. THomMpson.

536. Calcarius lapponicus (Zinn.). Lartanp Lonespur. Ad. 6
in summer.—Hind toe-nail as long as or longer than toe; head, neck, throat,
and breast black; a buffy line behind the eye; nape rufous; back streaked
with black and ochraceous- and cream-buff; tail
fuscous, the two outer feathers with more or less
white; belly white; sides streaked with black.
Ad. 2 in summer.—Upper parts streaked with
black, rufous, ochraceous- and cream-butf; nape
ochraceous-buifl, the color sometimes concealed
by the tips of the feathers; tail fuscous, the outer
one or two feathers marked with white; under
parts white, the breast and sides punealced with Fig. 8i.Hind) too ooeate
black and ochraceous-buff. 6 én winter—Simi- land Longspur.
lar to ¢ in summer, but upper parts blacker, nape
more rufous, breast more heavily marked with black, most of the feathers
black at the base. 9 in winter.—Similar to 2 in summer, but upper parts duller,
nape with little or no ochraceous. L., 6°25: W., 3°75; T., 2°55; B., °40.

Remarks.—In some plumages this bird bears a general resemblance to cer-
tain Sparrows, but differs from them in having the hind toe-nail as long as or
longer than the toe.

Range.—“ Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding far
north; in North America, south in winter to the northern United States,
irregularly to the Middle States, accidentally to South Carolina.”

Washington, W. V., casual, one instance, Dee. Sing Sing, W. V., casual.

Nest, of grasses and moss lined with grasses, on the ground. gs, four
to six, bluish white, almost obscured by a uniform grayish brown, °82 x °60.

In the east Lapland Longspurs are generally found among flocks
-of Shorelarks or Snowflakes, but on the western plains they occur in
great numbers. “ High in the air they fly in long, straggling flocks,
all singing together; a thousand voices, a tornado of whistling. . .
When in the fields they have a curious habit of squatting just behind
some clod, and, as their colors are nearly matched to the soil, they are
not easily observed, nor will they move until you are within a few
feet; they then run a few feet and squat again. . . .”” (Thompson).

537. Calcarius pictus (Swains.). Smirn’s Lonespur. Ad. 4 in sum-
mer.—Top and sides of the head black, a line over the eye and the ear-coverts

20

290 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

white; back and rump streaked with black and ochraceous-buff; lesser wing-
coverts black, broadly tipped with white; tail fuscons, the two outer feathers
mostiy white; nape and under parts ochraceous-butf. Ad. 9 in summer—
Upper parts black, the feathers margined and tipped with pale cream-buff;
two outer tail-feathers mostly white; under parts pale cream-buff; breast and
sides sometimes lightly streaked with blackish. 4 im winter.—Similar to 2
in summer, but with the lesser wing-coverts black, tipped with white. L.,
6°60; W., 3°75; T., 2°50; B., -42.

fange.—Interior of arctic America (chiefly Mackenzie River Valley) in
summer, breeding north to the arctic coast and upper Yukon Valley; south,
in winter, over the Great Plains and prairies to Illinois, Texas, ete.

Nesting, similar to that of the preceding.

“Their habits are quite similar to those of P. lapponicus while
upon the ground. ... When flushed they invariably uttered a sharp
clicking note, rapidly repeated several times. When driven from their
feeding place by my approach they would rise in a loose flock, and,
after wheeling about a few times, start off in a direct line, gradually
rising higher until they disappeared. After a short time their pecul-
iar note would be heard, and, darting down from a considerable height,
they would alight near the place from which they were driven”
(Nelson).

The CHESTNUT-COLLARED LonespuR (538. Calcarius ornatus), a species of
the Great Plains, has been recorded from Massachusetts and Long Island.

McCown’s Lonespur (539. Rhynchovhanes mecownii), a species of the
Great Plains of the interior, is of casual occurrence in Illinois.

540. Poocetes gramineus ((mel.). Vesper Sparrow; Bay-
WINGED Buntine; Grass Frycu. Ad.—Upper parts brownish gray, streaked
with black and a little ochraceous-butf: wings fuscous, greater and middle
coverts tipped with white,
lesser coverts bright rufous ;
tail fuscous, the outer feather
mostly white, the next one
with much less white ; under
parts white; the breast and
sides streaked with black and
ochraceous-buff. L., 612; W.,
3-06: T., 2°38; B., -41.

Remarks.—The white tail-
feathers and rufous lesser
wing-coverts will always distinguish this species from any of our Sparrows.

Range—North America; breeds from southern Illinois and Virginia
northward to New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters on the Atlantic coast |
from Virginia southward.

Washington, P. R., very common in migrations, less so in summer and

Fic. 82.—Tail-feathers of Vesper Sparrow.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 291

winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. R., Apl. 2 to Nov. 4. Cambridge,
very common 8. k., Apl. 5 to Oct. 15.

Nest, of rather coarse grass, lined with finer grasses, rootlets, and long
hairs, on the ground. Zygs, four to five, bluish white or pinkish white,
speckled and spotted with rufous-brown or umber, 1°83 x ‘61.

In walking through dry upland fields or along dusty roadsides a
rather pale, streaked Sparrow will sometimes run rapidly ahead of
you, wait for you to catch up, then run ahead again. It is best to be
content with what measure of his confidence and society he voluntarily
grants you, for, if you quicken your steps and try to overtake him, he
will rise and bound on before you or swing off to one side, showing, as
he flies, the white feathers on either side of his tail.

Frequently he will alight on a fence rail or even the higher branch
of a tree, for, although a field Sparrow, he is by no means a purely ter-
restrial one. When singing, he generally selects an elevated perch and
gives himself entirely to his musical devotions. Early morning and
late afternoon are his favorite hours, but he can be heard at other
times. His song, which is loud, clear, and ringing, may be heard at
a distance of several hundred yards. It resembles that of the Song
Sparrow, but is sweeter and more plaintive. When heard in the even-
ing it is a truly inspired and inspiring melody.

541. Ammodramus princeps (J/ayn.). Irpswict Sparrow. Ad.—
Generally with a spot of sulphur-yellow before the eye and on the bend of
the wing; upper parts paic brownish ashy, streaked on the head, back, and
upper tail-coverts with black and cinnamon-brown; the nape and rump with
few or no streaks; a white line over the eye; wings grayish brown, outer
webs of greater coverts and tertials margined with pale ochraceous-buff; tail
grayish brown, the outer webs of the feathers margined with brownish ashy ;
under parts white; breast and sides lightly streaked with blackish and
ochraceous-buff. L., 6°25; W., 3°00; T., 2-25; B., °40.

feange.—Breeds on Sable Island; winters southward along the coast regu-
larly to Virginia and rarely to Georgia.

Cambridge, casual, one instance, Oct.

Those who care to visit in winter the bleak, wind-swept sand
hillocks of our Atlantic coast will find this bird much less rare than
it was once supposed to be. It never strays far from the waving tufts
of coarse beach-grass that scantily cover the sand drifts, and single in-
dividuals may be found skulking among such surroundings. They
seldom allow a near approach, but fly wildly away to considerable dis-
tances, and on alighting run off so rapidly that they are difficult to
find a second time. The flight is rapid and irregular, and the birds
may easily be mistaken for Savanna Sparrows, with which, during the
migrations, they are sometimes associated. On rare occasions a sharp
chirp is heard, but as a rule they are silent.

999, FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

It is an interesting species, discovered in 1868, and at first mistaken
for Baird’s Sparrow of the far west, a species, by the way, that it re-
sembles very little. For many years nothing was known of its breed-
ing range. In 1884 some large eggs from Sable Island, Nova Scotia,
supposed to be of the Savanna Sparrow, were unearthed at the National
Museum, Washington, and later a summer specimen of the Ipswich
Sparrow was obtained from this island. Ten years later I had the
pleasure of visiting Sable Island and solving all the conjectures that
had become current regarding the Ipswich Sparrow’s summer home.
The bird proved to much resemble the Savanna Sparrow in breeding
habits, song, nest, and eggs. J. Dwicut, JR.

542a. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna (JWils.). Sa-
vANNA Sparrow. Ad.—A pale yellow mark over or before the eye and on
the bend of the wing; general tone of the upper parts brownish black, the
ceaters of the feathers black, margined first by rufous or ochraceous-buff, then
by ashy; wings fuscous, the outer webs of the feathers margined with ochra-
ceous-butf; tail fuscous, the outer web of the feathers margined with whit-
ish; under parts white, heavily streaked with blackish and rufous, the breast
feathers tipped with wedge-shaped marks. L.,5-68; W., 2°62; T., 2°09; B.,-40,

Remarks.—Fall specimens are more or less suffused with ochraceous.

Range.—FEastern North America; breeds from Missouri and northern
New Jersey north to Labrador and Hudson Bay ; and winters from southern
Illinois and Virginia southward to Cuba and Mexico.

Washington, abundant T. V., Mch. 20 to May 5; Oct. 14 to Nov. 15; a
few winter. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 8 to May 13; Aug. 28 to Oct. 28.
Cambridge, abundant T. V., Apl.; Oct.; breeds sparingly.

Nest, of grasses and sometimes moss, lined with finer grasses or hair, on
the ground. Zygs, four to five, bluish white, thickly marked, sometimes
heavily washed, with reddish brown or cinnamon, ‘78 x *56.

This is essentially a bird of the fields and one of the most abun-
dant species of the Maritime Provinces of Canada—in fact, character-
istic of them. The roadsides abound with the birds bobbing up and
down on the fence posts and chipping vigorously at every passer-
by. Their boldness is tempered with a certain timidity that becomes
apparent when they are followed, for, dropping into the grass, they will
slip away with surprising rapidity. They have a startling way. some-
times, of springing up with a whirr of wings almost from under your
very feet as you cross the fields where they have been feeding. At
the southern limits of their breeding range they gather into irregularly
distributed, isolated colonies frequenting wet, boggy meadows, and ex-
hibit a shyness that is not shared by their northern brethren. In the
fall, young and old gather into bands and, joining with other species,
form an important part of the large flocks of migrating Sparrows that
fill the fields and hedgerows.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 293

The song is insignificant—a weak, musical little trill following a
grasshopperlike introduction is of such small volume that it can be
heard but a few rods. It usually resembles tsip-tsip-tsip’ sé'é-é-s’r-r-r.
More singing is heard toward sunset, when of a quiet evening the
trills are audible at greater distances. Each male seems to have a
number of favorite perches, weeds or fence posts, which are visited as
inclination dictates, but he is of too restless a disposition to remain
long on any of them. The most familiar note is a sharp ¢stp of alarm
or expostulation heard during migration, but so constantly employed
by both sexes in the breeding season, even on slight provocation, that
one gets to think of them as veritable scolds.

They are more likely to be mistaken for the Vesper Sparrow, which
they resemble even in flight, than for any other except perhaps the
Ipswich and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. J. Dwicut, JR.

546. Ammodramus savannarum passerinus ( Wi/s.). Grass-
HOPPER SPARROW; YELLOW-WINGED Sparrow. Ad.—Upper parts mixed
black, rufous-brown, ashy, and cream-buff; crown blackish, a cream-butf
line through its center ; nape rufous-brown,
each feather with a small black central
spot and bordered by ashy; back black,
the feathers bordered by cream-buff and
with a small central tip of rufous-brown;
rump rufous-brown and ashy; an orange
mark before the eye; bend of the wing
yellow, lesser wing-coverts yellowish olive-
green; greater coverts tipped with whit-
ish; tail-feathers pointed, of about equal length, dark grayish brown, the
centers of the feathers darker, the end half of the outer feather generally
dusky whitish ; under parts generally not streaked; breast and sides butty ;
belly white. Young in first plumage have the breast spotted with blackish.
L., 5°38; W., 2°38; T., 1:79; 'B., 48.

Remarks.—The yellow on the wing, unstreaked under parts, eyen, pointed
tail, and grayish mark on the outer tail-feather are the principal characters of

Fic. 83.—Tail of Grasshopper
Sparrow.

this species.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States northward
to Massachusetts and Minnesota; winters from North Carolina to Cuba.

Washington, very common 8. R., Apl. 15 to Oct. 25. Sing Sing, common
S. R., Apl. 27 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, rare S. R., May 15 to (2).

Nest, of grasses, sometimes lined with hairs, on the ground. Zggs, four to
five, white, distinctly spotted and speckled with rufous, ‘73 x *54.

Few common birds may be more easily overlooked than the Yellow-
winged Sparrow. Its terrestrial habits and weak notes place it among
the birds that you are not likely to find unless you know how and
where to look for them. I remember once introducing this bird and
its song to a visiting ornithological friend. On returning to his home,

294 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

greatly to his surprise, he found it a common resident of the fields
about his house, where, owing to his unfamiliarity with its notes and
habits, its presence had been before unsuspected.

In the north you will generally find it in old, dry daisy or sorrel
fields; in the south it inhabits the broom sedge. It will not take
wing until almost stepped upon; then, if bushes are near, it takes
refuge in or under them, but out in the open field it flies rapidly
some distance and drops to the ground.

Its usual perch, when singing, is a fence rail; and it does not
often seek a more elevated position. Its fine, insectlike notes give
it the name of Grasshopper Sparrow. They may be written pot-tick,
zee-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e, Under favorable circumstances they can be heard
by an attentive listener at a distance of two hundred and fifty feet,
but the casual observer would pass within ten feet of a singing bird
and be none the wiser.

547. Ammodramus henslowii (4wd.).. HensLtow’s Sparrow. Ad.
—Top and sides of the head and the nape dull, pale olive-green, more buffy
in the fall; side of the crown black; nape finely streaked with black; back
rufous-browh, the feathers with narrow, central, wedge-shaped black streaks,
and narrow ashy margins; bend of the wing pale yellow; wing-coverts much
like the back; tail-feathers very narrow and sharply pointed; middle feath-
ers rufous-brown; the outer ones much the shortest; under parts white, more
or less washed with buffy and streaked with black on the breast and sides.
Young in first plumage have no spots on the breast. L., 5-00; W., 2:20; T.,
2:00; B., 42.

Remarks.—The peculiar olivaceous color of the head and nape, and the
bright rufous-brown color of the back, wing-coverts, and middle tail-feathers
are the best distinguishing marks of this species.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds locally from Missouri and Vir-
ginia northward to New Hampshire and southern Ontario; winters from about
the southern limit of its breeding range to the Gulf.

Washin#ton, common 8. R., Apl. 12 to Oct. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Oct. 5
to Oct. 10. Cambridge, very rare 8S. R.

Nest, of grasses, sometimes lined with hairs, on the ground. £gqs, four to
five, grayish white, thickly and evenly speckled with pale rufous-brown,
Te x57.

During the summer this species seems to prefer wet meadows, but
in the winter it inhabits the dry “old fields” grown with broom sedge,
which are so common in the south. It has the secretive habits of
the Grasshopper and Leconte’s Sparrows, and takes wing only when
forced to.

Mr. P. L. Jouy writes of its song: “ Besides the characteristic notes
of tee-wick, they have quite a song which may be fairly represented by
the syllables sis-r-r-rit-srit-srit, with the accent on the first and last

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 295

parts. This song is often uttered while the bird takes a short flight
upward ; it then drops down again into the tangled weeds and grasses,
where it is almost impossible to follow it” (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi,
1881, p. 57).

548. Ammodramus lecontei (4u/.). Leconrr’s Sparrow. Ad.—
No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing; a broad ochraceous-butf
line over the eye, and a cream-butf line through the center of the blackish
crown; nape rufous-brown, each feather with a small black central spot and
an ashy border; back black, the feathers margined first by rufous, then cream-
buff and whitish; tail grayish brown, with a slight rufous tinge, darker along
the shaft: the feathers narrow and sharply pointed, the outer ones much the
shortest; breast and sides tinged with butfy, and more or less streaked with
black; belly white. L., 5:00; W., 2°00; T., 2°05; B., °35.

Range.—* Great Plains and more western prairies, breeding from Dakota,
Minnesota, ete., to Manitoba, migrating southward and eastward, in winter,
through Illinois, lowa, Kansas, etc., to South Carolina, and Gulf States from
Florida to Texas” (Ridgw.).

Nest, of fine grasses, on the ground. Zygs, three, delicate pink, lightly
spotted with brownish and black near the larger end, ‘75 x 50 (Thompson).

My experience on the coast of Texas with this elusive little Spar-
row conforms with that of most observers, and the few specimens I
found were in wet marshes. Mr. L. M. Loomis, however, tells us that
at Chester, South Carolina, where Leconte’s Sparrow is a locally com-
mon winter visitant, it shows a marked preference for dry “old fields”
of broom sedge (Auk, ii, 1885, p. 190).

Few birds are more difficult to flush. It exhibits a rail-like disin-
clination to take wing, and, flying low and feebly, makes for the nearest
cover. Ernest E. Thompson records it as an abundant summer resi-
dent in the willow sloughs and grassy flats of Manitoba, and describes
its call-notes as a thin, sharp, ventriloquial ‘weet, and a single, long-
drawn bizz; while its song, which is delivered from some low perch a
little above the grass, is a tiny, husky, double-noted reese reese, ‘so
thin a sound and so creaky, that I believe it is usually attributed to a
grasshopper.”

549. Ammodramus caudacutus ((mel.). Suarp-TAILED Spar-
row. Ad.—General color of the upper parts a brownish olive-green; crown
olive-brown, with a blue-gray line through its center; gray ear-coverts, in-
closed by ochraceous-buff lines, one of which passes over the eye and one
down the side of the throat; feathers of the back margined with grayish and
sometimes whitish; bend of the wing yellow; tail-feathers narrow and
sharply pointed, the outer feathers much the shortest; breast and sides
washed with buffy, paler in summer, and distinctly streaked with black ;
middle of the throat and belly white or whitish. “L., 5°85; W., 2°30; T., 1°90;
B., 50” (Dwight).

296 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

Remarks.—The chief points of difference between this and the two fol-
lowing birds are found in the markings of the breast and sides. In the pres-
ent species these parts are pale ochraceous-butf, distinctly streaked with
blackish ; in nelsonz they are deep ochraceous-butf, lightly if at all streaked ;

, in subvirgatus they are cream-buff, indistinctly streaked with grayish.

Range.—Atlantic coast; breeds from South Carolina to New Hampshire,
and winters from North Carolina to Florida.

Cambridge, common 8. R., May to Sept.

Nest, of grasses and seaweed, lined with fine grasses, on the ground. Zggs,
three to four, white or grayish white, finely speckled with cinnamon-brown,
especially at the larger end, ‘78 x °57.

This species is confined exclusively to the salt-water marshes of our
coast, where it may be found in large numbers. It runs about among
the reeds and grasses with the celerity of a mouse, and is not apt to
take wing unless closely pressed. Mixed flocks of the several varieties
of the Sharp-tail, together with the Seaside Sparrow, gather in the fall
among the sedges, and may be observed hiding in the grass or cling-
ing to the tall stalks of the cat-tails. In the breeding season it is
usually associated with the Seaside Sparrow on the same marsh, but
it prefers the drier parts, and builds its nest in the tussocks on the
bank of a ditch or in the drift left by the tide, rather than in the
grassier sites chosen by its neighbor.

From some bit of driftwood or a convenient stake its infrequent
song may be heard morning and evening. It is short and gasping,
and only less husky than the somewhat similar performance of the
Seaside Sparrow. J. Dwicut, JR.

549a. A. c. nelsoni Allen. Netson’s SuARP-TAILED SPARROW.—Sim-
ilar to A. caudacutus, but smaller, the upper parts darker, the feathers of
the back more olive-brown and more broadly margined with whitish ; the
throat, breast, and sides deeper ochraceous-buff, very slightly if at all streaked
with blackish. “L., 5°50; W., 2°25; T., 1:90; B., 43” (Dwight).

Range.—Breeds in the marshes of the interior from northern Illinois
northward to Dakota and Manitoba; occurs as a migrant on the Atlantic coast,

gand winters from South Carolina to Texas.

Washington, rare T. V., two instances, Sept. Sing Sing, tolerably com-
mon T. V., Sept. 28 to Oct. 17.

This interior representative of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow occurs on
our coasts only as a migrant and winter visitant. It associates with
the Sharp-tailed and Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

549b. A. c. subvirgatus Dwight. Acaptan SHarp-TaILeD Spar-
row.—Similar to A. caudacutus, but with the throat, breast, and sides washed
with cream-buff and indistinctly streaked with ashy. “ L., 5:55; W., 2°30;
T.,:3:00*B., +46” (Dwight):

Range.—* Marshes of southern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island,

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 29%

and probably Nova Scotia, and southward in migration along the Atlantic
coast ” (Dwight).

Sing Sing, rare T. V., Sept. 29 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, very common T.
V., May; Sept. and Oct.

Since this race was separated by me in 1887 few new facts have been
developed regarding it, except that, as I anticipated, it has been found
in other parts of the Maritime Provinces, and never far from salt water.
While frequenting brackish or fresh-water marshes, where the grasses
grow more luxuriantly than in the haunts of its southern relative, it
prefers the more open spots or those where damp ditches make high-
ways of escape for it afoot. It is locally abundant, particularly in the
great marshes that border the Bay of Fundy, but so retiring that, save
for its little song, its presence might be easily overlooked. Swaying
on a tall stalk of meadow rue or squatting on a convenient fence, the
males may be found at all hours of the day repeating their song a few
times and then flying to some new perch or burying themselves in the
grass. Occasionally toward nightfall one will mount into the air and
with set wings float down, fairly gushing with song, a habit shared by
the ordinary Sharp-tail and by the Seaside Sparrow as well.

With these birds they associate in autumn, and may be flushed one
or two at a time from the strips of grass or reeds that are left on the
salt marshes along the ditches after the hay has been cut.

The song is a husky, gasping effort, not very loud, and executed
with a nod of the head. It is sung in less than a second, and resem-
bles Ash-sh-sh-ddlp, the last syllable occupying one fifth of the time
and rather musical compared with the harsh lisp that precedes it.
They aiso have a tchép of alarm, but it is the exception for them to
show much anxiety about their nests or young. The nest has never
been taken. J. DwicHt, JR.

550. Ammodramus maritimus (WW7/s.).. Srasipe Sparrow. Ad.
—A yellow line before the eye and on the bend of the wing; upper parts
grayish olive-green; tail grayish brown,
the outer webs of the feathers mar-
gined with clive-greenish; a dusky ,
line from the base of the lower mandi- 4yy@
ble passes down the sides of the throat;

breast more or less suffused with buffy 2, yt /

(wanting in summer specimens), and Wig jyg!

Sea ES x ; eee we) 4 A

indistinctly streaked with grayish; yyy )'
Ly

throat and middle of the belly white;
sides grayish. L., 6:00; W., 2:50; 'T., Fic. 84.—Seaside Sparrow. (Natural
2:20; B., *60. a
Range.—Atlantic coast; breeds from Georgia to Massachusetts, and win-
ters from Virginia to Georgia.
Sing Sing, A. V.

298 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

West, of coarse grasses and reed stalks, lined with grasses, on the ground.
Eggs, three to four, white or bluish white, clouded or finely speckled with
cinnamon-brown, especially at the larger end, ‘80 x 63.

Like most marsh-loving birds, Seaside Sparrows are so consistent
in their choice of a home that it would be quite useless to look for
them anywhere but in a marsh, and that a salt one, generally within
sound or at least sight of the sea. The baymen call them ‘ Meadow
Chippies,” and often when Snipe and Plover shooting I have drawn
numbers to me by simply squeaking. 'They tipped all the reeds about
my blind, chirping excitedly at the peculiar sound which aroused
their curiosity. ‘They pass much of their time on the ground among
the reeds and grasses, but mount a stalk to sing their short, unattract-
ive song of four or five notes. Sometimes they flutter into the air a
few feet above the reeds and deliver their song while on the wing.

The absence of distinct streaks on the breast and lack of rufous
in their olivaceous or grayish plumage will distinguish them from the
Sharp-tailed, Swamp, Savanna, or Song Sparrows, the only ones which
are likely to be found in their haunts. —

550a. A. m. peninsulz dllen. Scort’s Szastpe Sparrow.—Similar
to the preceding, but much darker ; prevailing color of the upper parts brown-
ish black, the feathers margined with grayish olive-green; under parts more
heavily streaked, the breast and sides streaked with black or blackish. W.,
9:30; T., 2:00; B., -52.

Range.—Atlantic coast from northern Florida to South Carolina; Gulf
coast from Florida to Texas.

A common southern representative of the Seaside Sparrow.

551. Ammodramus nigrescens fidgw. Dusky SrasivE Sparrow.
Ad.—Upper parts black, narrowly margined with grayish and grayish olive-
green; under parts sharply streaked with black and white in about equal
proportions. “1L., 5°95; W., 2°25-2:40; T.,; 2:10-2:50; B., 50-60” (Ridgw.).

Remarks.—This species is very distinct, and can be at once distinguished
from A. m. peninsula, its nearest known ally, by its much darker upper parts
and conspicuously streaked under parts.

Range.—Marshes at the northern end of Indian River, Florida.

Nest and eggs unknown.

Mr. C. J. Maynard, the only collector who has ever met with this
species, found a single individual, March 17, 1872, at Salt Lake, near
Titusville, while in April it was “quite common on the marshes of
Indian River just below Dummett’s Grove,” and “ very abundant on
the upper end of Merritt’s Island.” I have searched for it most care-
fully, but without success, during February and March in the marshes
of the east peninsula of Indian River opposite Micco, and for a species
which is not rare, the Dusky Seaside Sparrow apparently has a more

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 995

restricted range than any other North American bird. Mr. Maynard
considers it migratory, and states that it is not found in Florida during
the winter. In flight as well as in habits, he says, it resembles the
Sharp-tailed rather than the Seaside Sparrow (A. maritimus). Its song
of low, sputtering notes is given while the bird hovers in the air, after
which it drops quickly into the grass.

552. Chondestes grammacus (Say). Lark Sparrow; Lark
Fincuw. <Ad.—Sides of the crown and ear-coverts chestnut, a whitish line
over the eye and through the center of the crown; a black streak on the sides
of the throat; upper parts brownish ash; back streaked with blackish; tail
fuscous or black, the outer feathers tipped
with white; under parts white, a small
black spot in the middle of the breast.
L., 6°25; W., 3°50; T., 2-75; B., °45.

Range.—Interior of North America,
eastward to Illinois; breeds from Texas
to Manitoba; accidental on the Atlantic
coast (Massachusetts, Long Island, New
Jersey, District of Columbia, Florida).

Washington, A. V., July, Aug., two
captures.

Nest, of grasses, lined with rootlets,
fine grasses, and long hairs, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Lygqs,
three to five, white or pinkish white, spotted, blotched, or scrawled with pur-
plish or black, chiefly at the larger end, ‘78 x °60.

Fic. 85.—Lark Sparrow. (Natural
size.)

This is an exceedingly common bird in the west. It frequents
localities of much the same nature as those selected by the Grass
Finch, and in its general habits and song reminds one of that species.

554. Zonotrichia leucophrys (/orst.).. Wuitr-crownep Spar-
row. Ad.—No yellow before the eye or on the bend of the wing; center of
the crown with a white stripe bordered on either side by black stripes, add of
about equal width; no white before the eye; a white line from over the eye
passes backward along the side of the head; nape gray; back dark grayish
brown, margined with gray; rump dark brownish ash; greater and middle
wing-coverts tipped with white; tail fuscous; under parts grayish white on
the belly, flanks and under tail-coverts cream-buif. /m.—Generally similar,
but sides of the crown rufous-brown, center of the crown pale grayish brown;
nape brownish ash; back margined with the same color. L., 6°88; W., 3°03;
T., 2°88: B., °43.

Range.—* Breeding from higher mountain ranges of western United
States, Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, and eastward. north of the Great
Lakes, to Labrador; in winter, over whole of United States, and south into
Mexico” (Ridgw.).

Washington, irregularly common W. V. and T. V., Apl. 15 to May 15;
Oct. 15 to Nov. 30. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 9 to 26; Oct. 3 to 30. Cam-
bridge, uncommon T. V., May 12 to 22; Oct. 1 to 20.

300 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

est, of grasses, on the ground or in bushes. “gqs, four to five, pale green-
ish blue, speckled and spotted with bay, especially at the larger end, ‘90 x 62
(Davie). :

This is one of the aristocrats of the family. Its size and its hand-
some markings at once distinguish it from its congeners, and are sure
to attract attention. Though its season of love and music is spent in
the far north, it often favors us with selections of its melodies as it
rests in thickets and hedgerows while slowly passing through our
country on its northward pilgrimage. Its usual song is like the latter
half of the White-throat’s familiar refrain, repeated a number of times
with a peculiar sad cadence and in a clear, soft whistle that is charac-
teristic of the group. It resembles its relatives also in singing its
sweetest songs in the woods, sometimes during the darkest hours of
the night. Ernest E. THompson,

558. Zonotrichia albicollis (@me/.).. Wuirre-THRoATED Sparrow ;
PrEasopy-BirD. Ad.—A yellow line before the eye; bend of the wing yellow;
center of the crown with a white stripe bounded on either side by much wider
black stripes; a white stripe from the eye passes backward along the side of
the head; back rufous or rufous-brown, streaked with black and slightly
margined with whitish; rump grayish brown; greater and middle wing-cov-
erts tipped with white; tail grayish brown; under parts grayish, more so on
the breast; throat with a square white patch; belly whitish; flanks and
under tail-coverts tinged with grayish brown. /m.—Yellow before the eye,
and on the bend of the wing duller; crown streaks brownish ashy and mixed
chestnut and black, instead of white and black; throat patch less sharply
defined. L., 6°74; W., 2°89; P., 2°86; B., -44.

fange.—Eastern North America: breeds from northern Michigan, and
occasionally Massachusetts, northward to Labrador; winters from Massachu-
setts to Florida.

Washington, very common W. V., Sept. 28 to May 20. Sing Sing, com-
mon T. V., Apl. 10 to May 21; Sept. 20 to Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge,
very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 15; Oct. 1 to Nov. 10; a few winter.

Nest, of coarse grasses, rootlets, moss, strips of bark, ete., lined with finer
grasses, on the ground or in bushes. £yqs, four to five, bluish white, finely
and evenly speckled or heavily and irregularly blotched with pale rufous-
brown, ‘82 x *60.

In September, when the hedgerows and woodland undergrowths
begin to rustle with Sparrows, Juncos, and Towhees, I watch eagerly
for the arrival of these welcome fall songsters.

There is little in their modest appearance to tell one, as they feed
on the ground near their haunts, of their vocal powers, and one might
be pardoned for believing that a feeble ¢seep was their only note. I
whistle a bar or two of greeting in their own language. They are evi-
dently puzzled, but make no reply, for it has apparently been agreed
among themselves that singing shall not begin for at least a week after

——

+. a

ee me

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
W HITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

17

a Re Re:
Pi: ” “ye Nas el
ape ce eras
My j - ly y ot .

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 301

their arrival. Then there are a few sweet, tremulous trials before the
plaintive, sympathetic whistle brings cheer to the browning woods:

_—_#@___@__#_@_@__@_#_@ _@_@ @ _
oe ——— a

—};——_ 0 —__0—__0-9-0— 9 0-¢— 0-0-9 —
= — Spi eee EEE a nes

Few birds are more sociable than the White-throats. At this season
they are always in little companies, and they frequently roost together
in large numbers in the depths of dense thickets or clumps of ever-
greens, After they have retired one may hear the sharp chink of their
“quarrier ” chorus, and when darkness comes, with low, brooding notes
of cozy companionship they are hushed for the night.

559. Spizella monticola ((mel.). Tree Sparrow; Winter
Curppy. Ad.—No black on the forehead; an indistinct black spot on the
center of the breast ; top of the head rufous-brown, sometimes edged with
ashy; a grayish line over the eye and a rufous-brown line behind it; back
streaked with rufous-brown, black, and pale ochraceous-buff; rump pale
grayish brown; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white; outer
web of the outer tail-feather whitish; breast grayish white; middle of the
belly white; sides tinged with pale grayish brown; upper mandible black,
lower, yellow at the base, the tip black. L., 6°36; W., 2°99; T., 2°82; B., °41.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds in Labrador and the region
about Hudson Bay; south in winter, through eastern United States; west to
the edge of the Great Plains.

Washington, abundant W. V., Nov. 1 to Apl. 5. Sing Sing, common
W. V., Oct. 10 to Apl. 27. Cambridge, common W. V., abundant T. V., Oct.
25 to Nov. 25; Mch. 20 to Apl. 20.

Nest, of grasses, rootlets, and hair, on or near the ground. “ Hgqs, four to
five. pale green or greenish blue, spotted with reddish brown, ‘75 x °60”
(Chamberlain).

Tree Sparrows wear a small black dot on the center of their other-
wise unmarked breasts, a badge which will aid in their identification.
They come in flocks when the fields are beginning to look brown and
dreary, but seem contented with the surroundings from which other
birds have fled.

They feed on the seeds of weeds and grasses, and even when the
snow is deepest always find an abundance of food. I like to see them
feasting on the seed stalks above the crust, and to hear their chorus of
merry, tinkling notes, like sparkling frost crystals turned to music.

Winter Chippies they are sometimes called, but at this season there

805 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

is little of the Chippy’s nature about them. In February or March
they begin to sing a song which has been compared to that of a Ca-
nary, but is “finer, sweeter, and not so loud.”

560. Spizella socialis ( Wi/s.). Cutrpine Sparrow; Curppy. Ad.
—Forchead black, a short grayish line in its middle; top of the head rufous;
the nape generally with a few black streaks: a
grayish line over the eye and a black line behind
it; back of the neck grayish, separating the rufous
crown from the back; back streaked with black, a
little rufous, and more pale butfy ochraceous ; rump
slaty gray ; wing-bars not conspicuous ; under parts
grayish white, whiter on the throat and belly; bill
Fic. 86.—Chipping Spar- entirely black. Jm.—Similar, but no rufous crown-

row. (Natural size.) cap or black on the forehead; top of the head

streaked like the back; bill brownish. Young in

jirst plumage have the breast streaked with black. L., 5-37; W., 2°74; T.,
2:29; B., °36.

Remarks.—In adults the rufous crown, black forehead, gray rump, and
' black bill are characteristic; in the young the gray rump is a good distin-
guishing mark.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to New-
foundland and Great Slave Lake; winters in the Gulf States and Mexico.

Washington, common 8. R., abundant T. V., Mch. 15 to Nov. 1, occasion-
ally winters. Sing Sing, common 8. k., Apl. 9 to Nov. 7. Cambridge, abun-
dant S. R., Apl. 15 to Oct. 25.

Nest, of grasses, fine twigs, or rootlets, thickly lined with long hairs, in
trees or bushes, five to twenty feet up. Zggs, four to five, blue or greenish
blue, with cinnamon-brown or blackish markings, chiefly at the larger end,
eR COL

The Chippy is among Sparrows what the Phoebe is among Fly-
eatchers—the humblest, most unassuming member of its family. Both
show trustfulness, which, in spite of their unattractive appearance and
far from pleasing voices, wins our affection.

Chippy makes his nest in the vines on our piazza, and feeds on the
crumbs at our doorstep, quite as though he were a member of the
family; and he needs only a little encouragement to give evidence of
his entire confidence in our good will by feeding from our hands.

His song is a monotonous chippy-chippy-chippy-chippy, rather high
and wiry and frequently running into an insectlike trill—by no means
a musical performance.

In the fall Chippy changes his dress, dons a streaked cap for the
one of bright bay, and, with others of his kind, goes to the fields to
feast on the year’s harvest of seeds. He is generally found near trees
and hedgerows, into which, when alarmed, he flies with his com-
panions.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. a0a

561. Spizella pallida (Swains.). Cray-coLorep Sparrow. Ad.—
With a general resemblance to immature S. socialis, but less rufous above,
whiter below, the line over the eye white, and the rump pale grayish brown
instead of slaty gray. W., 2°40; T., 2°35; B., 34.

Range.—Interior of North America; breeds from northern Nebraska, cen-
tral Iowa, and northern Illinois northward; winters from southern Texas
southward; accidental in North Carolina.

Nest, of grasses, lined with hairs, on the ground or in bushes. Z£yggs, three
to five, similar to those of 8. soczalis. ;

“ This pale Sparrow of the plains is very similar in actions to the
Chipping Sparrow, but less familiar and confiding in habits” (Goss).

Brewer’s Sparrow (562. Spizella brewert), a western species, has been
recorded once from Massachusetts.

563. Spizella pusilla (Wils.). Frey Sparrow. Ad.—Bill reddish
brown ; top of the head rufous, a gray line over the eye; nape slightly gray ;
back like the crown, but finely streaked with black and narrowly edged with
brownish ashy; rump brownish ashy; middle and greater wing-coverts
tipped with white; under parts white, tinged with ochraceous - buff on the
breast and sides. /m.—Similar, but the colors duller, the crown edged with
grayish and sometimes a faint grayish line through its center. Young in first
plumage have the breast streaked with black. L., 5°68; W., 2°50; T., 2°55;
Beeb ;

Remarks.—This bird may be known by its brightly colored back, buffy
breast, and especially by its reddish bill.

Fange.—Kastern North America; breeds from southern Illinois and South
Carolina to Quebec and Manitoba; winters from Illinois and Virginia south-
ward.

Washington, very common P.R. Sing Sing, common S.R., Apl. 2 to Nov.
7. Cambridge, common 8. R., Apl. 15 to Nov. 1.

Nest, of rather coarse grasses, weed stalks, rootlets, etc., lined with fine
grasses and long hairs, on the ground or in low bushes. Zgqs, three to five,
white or bluish white, with numerous rufous markings, chiefly about the
larger end, “70 x °52.

Its bright rufous color, the absence of spots on its breast, and espe-
cially its flesh-colored bill, are the best field-marks of this misnamed
Sparrow. He is not a true Field Sparrow, but prefers old pastures
dotted with clumps of bushes or young cedars. There is something
winning in his appearance; he seems such a gentle, innocent, dove-
like little bird. His song is in keeping with his character, being an
unusually clear, plaintive whistle, sweeter to the lover of birds’ songs
than the voice of the most_ gifted songstress. It is subject to much
variation. Not only do the same individuals sing several different
songs, but two individuals in the same locality rarely sing alike.
There is also much variation in the songs of birds from different
regions. Jor this reason it is quite impossible to give a description

%

304 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

of the song which will apply throughout the bird’s range. However,
an average song consists of the syllables chér-wéé, chér-wéé, chér-wéé,
chér-wée, chéé-o, de-de-de-de-de, the last notes joined in a trill.

This gives, of course, no idea of the quality of the Field Sparrow's
song, but to be convinced of its rare beauty one need only hear it as
the sun goes down and the hush of early evening is quieting the earth.

The WesTERN Fie_p Sparrow (563a. Spizella pues arenacea) has been
recorded from the vicinity of New Orleans.

567. Junco hyemalis (Zinn.). Junco; Snowsirp. Ad. 6.—Upper
parts, throat, and breast grayish slate-color; upper parts more or less washed
with grayish brown; belly white, sides grayish; no wing-bars; tail fuscous,
the two outer feathers and part of the third white; bill flesh-color. Ad. ?.—
Similar, but the upper parts browner, throat and breast paler. Young in
jirst plumage resemble the adults, but have the upper parts, throat, and
breast streaked with black. L., 6:27; W., 3:08; T., 2°71; B., -41.

Range.—North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and northern
New York northward and southward along the summits of the Alleghanies
to Virginia; winters southward to the Gulf States.

Washington, abundant W. V., Oct. 5 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing, common W.
V., Sept. 19 to May 4. Cambridge, rather common W. V., abundant T. V.,
Sept. 20 to Nov. 25; Mch. 20 to Apl. 20.

est, of grasses, moss, and rootlets, lined with fine grasses and long hairs,
on or near the ground. ggs, four to five, white or bluish white, finely and
evenly speckled or spotted, sometimes heavily blotched, at the larger end
with rufous-brown, ‘76 x °58.

When the snow begins to fly you will look out some gray morning
to find a flock of small, plump, slate-colored birds hopping about the
dooryard, picking up what they can find, or sitting in the bushes with
an air of contentment that it is pleasant to see.

Coming, as they do, when most of the home birds have left for the
south, they bring their own welcome, and soon seem like old friends.
But if you would really know your gentle winter visitors, you must
go back into the woods when summer comes and find them in their
own homes.

Look for them ina tangle of fallen tree-tops, logs, and upturned
roots. A pair I once surprised in such a place at first sat and chirped
at me—with bills full of food—but soon they were flying freely back
and forth to the upturned root where they had hidden their nest.

I noticed with surprise that their gray,plumage toned in so well
with the dark earth that they were hard to see. The sharp horizontal
line across the breast where the gray turns abruptly to white added
to the disguise, the straight line breaking the round form of the bird.

The ’¢stp of the Junco is unmistakable and more often heard than

Ea

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 305

his song, but he has both a trill and a low, sweet song as unpreten-
tious and cheery as the friendly bird himself.
FLorEeNcE A. MERRIAM.

567e. J. h. carolinensis Brewst. Caroiina Junco.—Similar to the
preceding species, but slightly larger, the upper parts, throat, and breast uni-
form grayish slate-color without a brownish wash, bill horn-color. W., 8°26:
T., 2°85; B., °48.

Range.—Mountains of Virginia, North and South Carolina.

This is a common and apparently permanent resident species in the
higher parts of the southern Alleghanies.

SHuFELpT’s Junco (567). Junco hyemalis shufeldti),a western species, has
been recorded from Illinois, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Massachu-
setts. It resembles /. hyemalis, but has the back browner and the sides
brownish vinaceous.

575. Peucza estivalis (licht.). Prxe-woops Sparrow. Ad.—
Upper parts light chestnut, more or less streaked with black and margined
with gray, a grayish line over the eye; bend of the wing yellow; tail-
feathers narrow, grayish fuscous, the outer ones much the shortest; breast
and sides washed with pale brownish ash; breast sometimes with a few
black spots; middle of the belly white. L., 5°80; W., 2°50; T., 2.50; B., 45.

Range.—F lorida and southern Georgia.

Nest, of fine grasses, on the ground, beneath scrub palmetto. ygs, three
to four, pure white, °72 x °61.

This is a common bird in Florida. It winters in the southern part
of the State and migrates northward in March. It is found only in
pine woods having an undergrowth of scrub palmetto. Here it passes
most of its time on the ground, and is difficult to flush.

When singing, it seeks an elevated perch. In my opinion its song
is more beautiful than that of any other of our Sparrows. It is very
simple, but it possesses all the exquisite tenderness and pathos of the
melody of the Hermit Thrush; indeed, in pufity of tone and in execu-
tion I should consider the Sparrow the superior songster. It sings most
freely very early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the
world is hushed and the pine trees breathe a soft accompaniment to
its divine music.

575a. P. «2. bachmanii (47/.). Bacuman’s Sparrow.—Similar to
the preceding species, but the upper parts rufous, black streaks generally
confined to the back, or absent; line over the eye buffy ; breast and sides
brownish cream-buff without streaks.

Range.—Lower Mississippi Valley north to southern Indiana and southern
Illinois; west to northern Texas ; east to Georgia, South and North Carolina;
south in winter, in the Atlantic States, to southern Florida.

Nest, of grasses, domed and cylindrical, on the ground. £ggs, three to
four, pure white, ‘74 x °60 (Bendire, Auk, v, 1888, p. 356).

21

306 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

In Florida, where this bird is not uncommon during the winter, I
have found it in pine woods undergrown with turkey oaks, and not in
localities frequented by P. estivalis. Mr. Ridgway writes that in
Illinois this is “emphatically a bird of open oak woods, where large
white and post oaks prevail, with grass land immediately adjoining,
or where the intervals between the trees consist of sward rather than
undergrowth; but neglected fields, grown up to weeds, and in which
dead trees are left standing, are also its favorite haunts.”

He speaks of its song as reminding one somewhat of the plaintive
chant of the Field Sparrow, but as far sweeter and louder; *‘ the modu-
lation, as nearly as can be expressed in words, resembling the syllables
thééééééé-thut, lut, lut, lut, the first being a rich silvery trill, pitched in
a high musical key, the other syllables also metallic, but abrupt, and
lower in tone.”

581. Melospiza fasciata (Gmel.). Sone Sparrow. Ad.—Crown
rufous-brown, with a grayish line through its center; a grayish line over the
eye; arufous-brown line from behind the eye to the nape; feathers of the
back streaked with black and margined with rufous-brown and grayish ;
greater wing-coverts with black spots at their tips; no white wing-bars or
yellow on the wing; tail rufous grayish brown, the middle feathers darker
along their shafts; outer feathers shortest; sides of the throat with black or
blackish streaks; breast with wedge-shaped streaks of black and rufous-
brown which tend to form one larger blotch on the center; sides washed
with brownish and streaked with black and rufous-brown; middle of the
belly white. L., 6°30; W., 2:52: T., 2°62; B., -49.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Tlinois and Vir-
ginia north to Quebec and Manitoba; winters from southern Illinois and
Massachusetts to the Gulf States.

Washington, common P. k., abundant T. V., Mch. and Oct. Sing Sing,
common P. Rk. Cambridge, very abundant 8. R., Mch. 10 to Nov. 1; locally
common W., V.

Vest, of coarse grasses, rootlets, dead leaves, strips of bark, ete., lined with
finer grasses and sometimes long hairs, on the ground, sometimes in bushes.
Fgqs, four to five, white or bluish white, with numerous rufous-brown mark-
ings which sometimes nearly conceal the ground color, ‘76 x °60.

The Song Sparrow’s vast range in a dozen varying climates, its
readiness to adapt itself to the different conditions in each of the re-
gions it inhabits, its numerical abundance and steady increase while
some of its family are dying out, its freedom from disease and vermin,
and its perennial good spirits evidenced by its never-failing music—
all proclaim that it is indeed one of Nature’s successes,

Its irrepressible vivacity and good spirits in spite of all cireum-
stances are aptly illustrated by the fact that its song may be heard in
every month of the year and in all weathers; also by night as well as
by day—for nothing is more common in the darkest nights than to

SONG SPARROW.
SWAMP SPARROW.

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FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 307

hear its sweet chant in half-conscious answer to the hooting of the
Owl or even the report of a gun.

It is never seen far from water, and when it is alarmed it flies
downward or along—never upward—into some low thicket, pumping
its tail as it flies.

Its alarm note is a simple metallic chip, which is very distinctive
when once learned. But its merry chant—which has won for it the
name of “Song Sparrow ”’—is its best-known note. It is a voluble
and uninterrupted but short refrain, and is perhaps the sweetest of
the familiar voices of the meadow lands. The song that it occasion-
ally utters while on the wing is of quite a different character, being
more prolonged and varied.

Though so abundant, it can not be styled a sociable species. Even
during the migrations it is never seen in compact flocks like the Red-
poll or Snowflake ; at most it will be found forming a part of a long,
scattered migrating train that usually includes a number of different
but nearly related species. Ernest EK, THompson.

583. Melospiza lincolni (4wd.). Linconn’s Sparrow. Ad—
Upper parts streaked with black, brownish gray, and grayish brown; tail-
feathers narrow and rather pointed, the outer ones shortest; under parts
white, rather finely streaked with black, a broad cream-buff band across the
breast, a cream-buff stripe on either side of the throat; sides tinged with
eream-buil. L., 5°75; W., 2:50; T.,.2°40; B., °41.

Remarks.—The cream - buff band on the breast is distinctive of this
species.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern Tinois and north-
ern New York northward; winters from southern Illinois to Mexico; rare
east of the Alleghanies.

Washington, rare T. V., several records, May and Oct. Sing Sing, rare
T. V., Sept. 29 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, uncommon T. V., May 15 to May 25;
Sept. 15 to Oct. 5.

Nest, generally similar to that of M. fasciata, on the ground. “ Eggs, four
to five, pale green or buftish, sometimes almost white, thickly spotted and
blotched with reddish brown and lilac, -80 x 60” (Chamberlain).

The most striking characteristic about the Lincoln’s Sparrow is its
shyness, whether migrating in the lavish abundance of the west, stray-
ing casually through the States of the Atlantic seaboard, or settled
for the summer in a chosen spot of the northern evergreen woods.
Scampering like a mouse along some tumble-down stone wall half
buried in poison ivy, sumach, and all the tangled growth that goes
to make up an old hedgerow, or peering out from a clump of low-
spreading bushes, this little bird may sometimes be detected; but as
he hurries northward late in the migration, when all the woods and
fields are ringing with bird music, our attention is seldom directed

3808 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

toward the silent straggler, while in the autumn he is lost in the waves
of Sparrows that flood the country.

If we follow him northward, we find him irregularly distributed in
small colonies or single pairs in damp clearings, perhaps along brooks
or ponds, but avoiding almost entirely the wetter, more open localities,
where the Swamp Sparrow is at home. Attracted by a sharp chirp
which, at times reduplicated, resembles that of a young Chipping
Sparrow, we may succeed in catching a glimpse of him as he lurks
beneath a little spruce perhaps no bigger than an umbrella.

Sometimes venturing timidly to the outer boughs of a spruce, he
surprises the hearer with a most unsparrowlike song. It is not loud,
and suggests the bubbling, guttural notes of the House Wren, com-
bined with the sweet rippling music of the Purple Finch, and when
you think the song is done there is an unexpected aftermath. The
birds sing very little and at long intervals, and are seldom heard dur-
ing the later hours of the day, ceasing at once if anybody approaches.

J. Dwicut, JR.

584. Melospiza georgiana (Luth.). Swamp Sparrow. Ad. in
summer.—Crown chestnut-rufous; forehead black; a grayish line over the
eye; a blackish line behind the eye; nape slaty gray with a few black
streaks; feathers of the back broadly streaked with black and margined
with rufous and cream-buff or ashy buff; wing-coverts rufous, the greater
ones with black spots at their tips; ip, rufous grayish brown, sometimes
streaked with black; tail rufous grayish brown, the middle feathiers darker
along their shafts; throat and middle of the belly white, breast grayish, sides
washed with pale grayish brown. Ad. in winter and Jm.—Similar, but the
top of the head streaked with black, rufous-brown, and grayish; nape less
gray ; breast washed with brownish., L., 5°89; W., 2:34; T., 2°32; B., -46.

Range.—F*astern North America; breeds from northern Ilinois and Penn-
sylvania northward to Labrador; winters from southern Hlinois and Massa-
chusetts to the Gulf.

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. to May 15; Sept. 25 to Oct. 30; a
few winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common §. k., Apl. 4 to Dee. 2; a few
winter. Cambridge, abundant 8. R., Apl. 12 to Nov. 10; a few winter.

Nest, generally similar to that of MZ. fasciata, on the ground. ygs, four
to tive, similar in color to those of IZ fasciata, but the markings are generally
more confluent, "76 x 57.

While wintering in the south, Swamp Sparrows frequently belie
their name, and I have often found numbers of them in dry “old
fields” of broom sedge; but at the north they are more consistent,
and one rarely sees them beyond the confines of a wet meadow, or,
more preferably, a large grassy marsh with reed-bordered streams.

Swamp Sparrows may be distinguished from their cousins, the Song
Sparrows, by their unstreaked breasts and totally different notes. Their

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 309

usual call-note is a sharp cheep, not unlike that of the White-throated
Sparrow, and quite different from the rather nasal chimp of the Song
Sparrow. Their song is a simple, sweet, but somewhat monotonous
tweet-tweet-tweet, repeated many times, all on one note, and sometimes
running into a trill.

585. Passerella iliaca (Merr.). Fox Sparrow. Ad.—Upper parts
rufous-brown, the feathers margined by cinnamon-brown ; upper tail-coverts
and tail bright rufous , wings mar-
gined with rufous; under parts heavi-
ly streaked and spotted with rufous-
brown and blackish; middle of the
belly white; lower mandible yellow-
Rien Gene Wy Soo: L.; 2°85; B.,
00.

Range.—Breeds from the Magda- 4
len Islands and Manitoba to Alaska; Za
winters from Virginia southward. 2G Bay
5 if Co p PA

Washington, very abundant T. V.,
Feb. to Apl. 5; Oct. 25 to Nov.; afew Fie. 87.—Fox-Sparrow. (Natural size.)
winter. Sing Sing, tolerably common
T. V., Mch. 4 to Apl. 20; Oct. 14 to Nov. 28. Cambridge, abundant T. V.,
Mch. 15 to Apl. 20; Oct. 20 to Nov. 15.

Nest, of coarse grasses, lined with finer grasses, hair, moss, and feathers, on
the ground, and in low trees and bushes. qs, four to five, pale bluish, evenly
speckled or heavily blotched with umber or vinaceous-brown, ‘80 x °63 (see
Bendire, Auk, vi, 1889, p. 108).

In the early spring the Fox Sparrow is seen mostly about damp
thickets and roadside shrubbery; later it takes more to woodsides,
foraging on leaf-strewn slopes where there is little or no undergrowth,
often associated with small parties of Juncos. On its return in the
autumn it again becomes a common denizen of hedgerows and thickets,
and also invades the weedy grainfields, rarely, however, straying far
from some thickety cover. Sometimes large numbers congregate
among withered growths of tall weeds, whence they emerge with a
loud whirring of wings as their retreat is invaded, and hie away in
tawny clouds, flock after flock. It is a great scratcher among dead
leaves, and can make the wood rubbish fly in a way which, in propor-
tion to its size, a barnyard fowl could scarcely excel.

The usual note of the Fox Sparrow is a feeble tseep. A note of
excitement is louder and sharper in tone. Its song is not surpassed
by that of any of our Sparrows. It is a revelation to hear it at sun-
down+*on some vernally softened evening of early springtime; little
swarms of gnats hover in the balmy air; from the twilight meadows
comes the welcome, half-doubtful piping of the first hylas—no other

310 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

sound. Then perhaps from some dusky thicket a bird’s song! An
emotional outburst rising full-toned and clear, and passing all too
quickly to a closing cadence, which seems to linger in the silent air.
It is the song of the Fox Sparrow with that fuller power and richness _
of tone which come into it, or seem to, at the sunset hour. It breaks
forth as if inspired from pure joy in the awakened season, though with
some vague undertone, scarcely of sadness, rather of some lower tone
of joy. KuGENE P. BICKNELL.

587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.). Towner; CuEwink;
JorEr. Ad. 6.—Upper parts black, sometimes margined with rufous; throat
and breast black, belly white, sides rufous; outer web of primaries mostly
white; tail black, the three outer feathers tipped with white; outer web of
the outer feather entirely white; dris red. Ad. ¢ .—Upper parts, wings, throat,
and breast bright grayish brown; tail fuscous, the three outer feathers tipped
with white; sides rufous, middle of the belly white. Young in first plum-
age have the back and under parts streaked with black. L., 8°35; W., 3°34;
T., 3°68; B., °55.

Rangé.—“astern North America; breeds from the lower Mississippi Val-
ley and Georgia northward to Maine, Ontario, and Manitoba; winters from
Virginia to Florida.

Washington, common 8. R., very common T. V., Apl. 15 to May 15; Sept.
to Oct. 15; a few winter. Sing Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 21 to Oct. 31.
Cambridge, common 8. R., Apl. 25 to Oct. 15.

Nest, externally of dead leaves and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses,
on or near the ground. gqs, four to five, white, finely and evenly speckled
with shades of rufous, sometimes blotched at the larger end, °96 x °71.

There is a vigorousness about the Towhee’s notes and actions which
suggests both a bustling, energetic disposition and a good constitu-
tion. He entirely dominates the thicket or bushy undergrowth in
which he makes his home. The dead leaves fly before his attack; his
white-tipped tail-feathers flash in the gloom of his haunts. He greets
all passers with a brisk, inquiring chewink, towhee, and if you pause
to reply, with a fluff-fluff of his short, rounded wings he flies to a near-
by limb to better inspect you.

It is only when singing that the Towhee is fully at rest. Then a
change comes over him; he is in love, and, mounting a low branch.
he gives voice to his passion in song. I have long tried to express
the Towhee’s song in words, but never succeeded as well as Ernest
Thompson when he wrote it chuck-burr, pill-a-will-a-will-a.

58%a. P. e. alleni Cowes. Wuitr-ryep TowHEE ; JorEE.—Similar to
the preceding, but with less white on the wings and tail; only éo outer tail-
feathers tipped with white; iris yellowish or white. L., 8:00; W., 3:20; T.,
3°60; B., °52.

Range.—Florida; northward along the coast to southern South Carolina.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 311

This southern race of the Towhee does not associate with the
northern bird, which is abundant in the south in the winter.

The latter selects haunts of much the same nature as those in
which it passes the summer, while the southern bird lives in heavy
growths of scrub palmetto. The notes of alleni differ from those of
erythrophthalmus ; its towhee is much higher, and its song, as Dr.
Allen pointed. out years ago, is shorter. It is also a shyer bird than
its northern cousin.

593. Cardinalis cardinalis (Zinn.). Carpinar. Ad. 4.—Throat
and region about the base of the bill black; rest of the plumage bright rosy
red, the upper parts tipped with grayish; a conspicuous crest; bill red. Ad.
¢.—Throat and region about the base of bill grayish black; crest, wings,
and tail dull red ; upper parts olive brownish ash; under parts buffy ochra-
ceous, lighter on the belly, and sometimes tinged with red on the breast. L
Spe W501. 4:00: B:, “64.

Range.—Kastern United States; breeds from Florida to Iowa and south-
ern New York ; resident throughout its range.

Washington, common P. R.; less common than formerly. Sing Sing,
A. V. Cambridge, casual, two instances.

Nest, of twigs, rootlets, and strips of bark, lined with grasses and rootlets,
in bushes. gs, three to four, white or bluish white, speckled or spotted
with grayish brown, cinnamon-brown, cr umber, 1:00 x -70.

7

One’s first impression of the Cardinal Grosbeak will usually be that
he is rather a clumsy fellow. His body appears to be stiff, as if it
were made of wood, different in every way from the pliant, lithe body
of the Catbird, for example. He hops about on the ground with tail
held well up out of harm’s way, and comes heavily down upon his
feet, as if his body were really very solid. In fact, he is not at alla
graceful bird.

He is a famous singer, his song being a loud, clear whistle, into
which usually enters quite frequently the sound of g/ q/q/ and a
peculiar long-drawn-out e-é / sometimes syllabled as “three chéérs! ”
He is a favorite cage-bird. The female Cardinal is herself a charming
singer, more pleasing to many than her mate, her music being softer
in tone and otherwise different from his. The common call-note of
both is a sharp, abrupt fsep/ easily recognized after being once
heard.

As the head of a family the Cardinal is admirable, not only in his
attentions to his lovely dove-colored mate, but in singing to her by the
hour, and in protecting her from intrusion or danger. ‘To the young in
the nest he is an untiring provider of worms and grubs, and thus most
useful in a garden. Nothing can be more comical than his behavior
when he first conducts his young family out into the world while his
mate is engaged with her second sitting. He is as fussy as any young

312 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

mother, hopping about in great excitement, and appearing to think
the whole world thirsting for the life of his pretty little ones.

The Cardinal mother shows the restless manners and anxious spirit
of her mate, taking one’s intrusion upon her domestic affairs greatly
to heart, and being so much disturbed that there is more pain than
pleasure in making acquaintance with her nestlings.

% OLIVE THORNE MILLER.

595. Habia ludoviciana (Zinn.). Rosk-BreasTep GRrosBEAK. Ad.
é.—Head, throat, and back black; breast and under wing-coverts bright
rose-red, this color sometimes extending down the center of the white belly ;
rump white, tipped with black; wings black; primaries white at the base;
tail black, the outer feathers tipped with white on the inner web. Ad. ?.—
Upper parts grayish brown, margined with cream-buff and pale grayish
brown; a buffy line through the center of the crown, and a conspicuous
whitish line over the eye; wings and tail dark grayish brown; wing-coverts
tipped with white; under wing-coverts orange ; under parts buffy, streaked
with dark grayish brown. Jm. 4.—Resembles the ¢, but has the under
wing-coverts rose-red. L., 8:12; W., 4:02; T., 2°99; B., -69.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from eastern Kansas and the
higher altitudes of Virginia and North Carolina northward to Maine and
Manitoba; winters in Central and South America.

Washington, rather common T. V., May 1 to 20; Aug. 25 to Oct. 1. Sing
Sing, tolerably common 8. R., May 3 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, common &. R.,
May 10 to Sept. 10.

West, of fine twigs, weed stalks, and rootlets, in bashes or trees, five to
twenty feet up. Lygqs, four to five, pale blue, with numerous olive-brown or
rufous-brown markings, ‘90 x ‘69.

Sometimes in passing through young second growths, and more
rarely densely undergrown woodland, I hear a singular kind of ques-
tioning call-note, not loud, but distinct—a steely peek, peek. It is a
signal to me to pause and look for its author; even a glimpse of him
is worth several minutes’ waiting and watching. There is no mistak-
ing his black, white, and rose costume; but the identity of his more
modestly attired mate may long remain an open question. So little
does she resemble him that she might pass for an overgrown Sparrow
with a rather conspicuous whitish stripe over her eye.

The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is generally compared to
that of the Robin, and musical annotation would doubtless show that
the comparison is not misleading. But the similarity is largely one of
form; in expression there is no more resemblance in their voices than
there is between the birds themselves. There is an exquisite purity in
the joyous carol of the Grosbeak; his song tells of all the gladness of
a May morning; I have heard few happier strains of bird music.
With those who are deaf to its message of good cheer I can only sym-

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 313

pathize, pitying the man whose heart does not leap with enthusiasm
at the sight of rival males dashing through the woods like winged
meteors, leaving in their wake a train of sparkling notes.

The Brack-HEADED GROSBEAK (596. Habia melanocephala), a western
species, has been recorded from Michigan.

597. Guiraca czrulea (inn.). Buiur Grospeax. Ad. 6.—Deep
blue; lores and chin black; back blackish; wings and tail black, slightly
edged with blue; middle wing-coverts widely, and greater coverts narrowly
tipped with chestnut-rufous. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts grayish brown; in some
specimens more or less blue about the head and rump and lesser wing-coy-
erts; rump inclined to ashy; wings fuscous, the greater and middle coverts
tipped with ochraceous-buff; tail fuscous, slightly margined with bluish gray ;
under parts brownish cream-but!, the feathers of the breast sometimes blue at
the base. Jm. 6.—Resembles the 9. L., 7:00; W., 3°50; T., 2°75; B., °65.

Range.—United States; breeds from about latitude 38° southward into
Mexico; winters south of our limits.

Washington, very uncommon 8. R., May 1 to Sept. 80. Cambridge, A. V.,
one instance, May.

West, of grasses, in bushes or high weedy growths. Zyqs, three to four,
pale bluish white, -84 x °65.

“Unless seen under the most favorable circumstances the adult

male does not appear to be blue, but of an ill-defined, dusky color, and
may easily be mistaken for a Cow Blackbird (Molothrus ater), unless
most carefully watched; besides, they usually sit motionless, in a
watchful attitude, for a considerable length of time, and thus easily
escape observation.
_ “The Blue Grosbeak frequents much the same localities as those
selected by the Indigo Bird and Field Sparrow—viz., the thickets of
shrubs, briers, and tall weeds lining a stream flowing across a meadow
or bordering a field, or the similar growth which has sprung up in an
old clearing. The usual note is a strong, harsh ptchick, and the song
of the male is a very beautiful though rather feeble warble, somewhat
like that of the Purple Finch, but bearing a slight resemblance also to
that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak ” (Ridgway).

598. Passerina cyanea (Zinn.). Ixpico Buntine ; INpIGo-srrD.
Ad. 6.—Rich blue, deeper on the head, brighter on the back; lores blackish ;
wings and tail black, margined with blue. 4d. ¢.—Upper parts uniform
grayish brown without streaks; wings and tail fuscous, sometimes lightly
margined with bluish; wing-coverts margined with grayish brown; under
parts whitish, washed with grayish brown and indistinctly streaked with
darker; belly whiter. Jm.—Resembles the 9, but is darker. Ad. 8 in win-
ter.—Resembles the ¢, but has more or less blue in the plumage. L., 5°59;
W., 2°58; T., 211; B., +41.

314 FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

. Feemarks.—The female of this species is rather a puzzling bird, and may be
mistaken for a Sparrow. Its unstreaked back and the slight tinge of blue
generally present on the outer web of the wing- and tail-feathers should serve
to distinguish it.

Hange.—Kastern United States; breeds as far north as Minnesota and
Nova Scotia; winters in Central America.

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
May 4 to Oct. 17. Cambridge, rather common 8. R., May 15 to Sept. 25.

West, of grasses, bits of dead leaves, and strips of bark, lined with fine
grasses, rootlets, and long hairs, generally in the crotch of a bush near the
ground. gqs, three to four, pale bluish white, -73 x °57.

In walking among clumps of bushes in clearings or old pastures.
look sharp if a small brown bird flies before you, especially if she calls
cheep and twitches her tail nervously from side to side. Though she
be a sparrowy-looking bird, look well to her shoulders and tail. If you
discover a glint of blue and her cries call her mate, you will ever after
be a more trustworthy observer—for his brilliant coat is unmistakable.

Having made sure of your birds, watch them to their nest—a com-
pactly made cup—too cleverly hidden in the dense green thicket to be
easily discovered. 'The color of the eggs will again test your accuracy
of observation; in varying lights they look green, blue, and white.

The female Indigo is so suspicious that it is hard not to be vexed
with her, but the primary virtues of an observer are conscientiousness
and patience ; so take your hard cases as a means of grace.

However distrustful the poor mother bird is, her mate’s cheery song
makes up for it all. After most birds have stopped singing for the
year, his merry voice still gladdens the long August days.

I well remember watching one Indigo-bird who, day after day, used
to fly to the lowest limb of a high tree and sing his way up from
branch to branch, bursting into jubilant song when he reached tho
topmost bough. J watched him climb as high into the air as he could,
when, against a background of blue sky and rolling white clouds, the
blessed little songster broke out into the blithest round that ever bub-
bled up from a glad heart. FLORENCE A. MERRIAM.

5

The Vartep Buntine (600. Passerina versicolor), a species of our Mexican
border, has been once recorded from Michigan.

601. Passerina ciris (/inn.). Patnrep Buntine; Nonparett.
Ad. 6.—Head and sides of the neck indigo-blue; back golden green; rump
dull red; under parts bright red; wings and tail tinged with dull red; greater
wing-coverts green. Ad. 9.—Upper parts bright olive-green; under parts
white, washed with greenish yellow; wings and tail fuscous, margined with
olive-green. L., 5°25; W., 2:70; T.,.2°15:«B., *42.

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf States northward to Kansas, southern IIli-
nois, and North Carolina; winters in the tropics.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 315

Nest, similar to that of P. cyanea, in bushes or low trees. Lyqs, three to
four, white or bluish white, with numerous chestnut or rufous-brown mark-
ings, "78 x 56.

Mr. Maynard found this species in southern Florida in January, but
it does not migrate northward until about May 1. He writes that it
“is always shy and retiring, seldom appearing in the open, but remain-
ing in the dense, thorny undergrowth which covers all waste places in
Florida, especially if the soil has been cultivated. Whenever the birds
perceive an intruder they retire into the depths of these fastnesses, and
it requires considerable beating to drive them out, when they at once
dart into the nearest cover. The adult males are especially shy, and
seldom show themselves. Even while singing they remained concealed,
and, although we were thus furnished with a clew to their whereabouts,
it was with the utmost difficulty that we caught sight of the authors
of the harmonious strains which nearly always greeted our ears when
we were in the vicinity of their homes” (Birds of Eastern North
America.)

“'Their notes very much resemble those of the Indigo-bird, but
lack their energy and are more feeble and concise” (B., B., and R.).

The Grassquit (603. Euetheia bicolor) and the Mrtopious GRAssqQuiT
(608.1. FE. canora), West Indian species, have each been recorded once from
the Florida Keys.

604. Spiza americana ((mel.). DickctsseL; BLack-THROATED
Buntine. Ad. 6.—Head and sides of the neck ashy gray; forehead tinged
with yellow; a yellow line over the
eye and one on the side of the
throat; a black patch on the throat ;
chin white; breast yellow, spread-
ing down on to the white belly;
back streaked with black and pale
grayish brown; rump _ brownish
ash; lesser wing-coverts rufous;
wings and tail fuscous. Ad. 9.—
Similar, but the head grayish
brown, streaked with blackish, and Kia. 63-_Dicleciscel, (Natural size.)
with no black patch on the throat
and less yellow on the breast, which is sometimes lightly streaked with
black. Ad. in fall—Much brighter, and with some rufous in the back. L.,
6-00; W., 3:20; T., 2°35; B., -55.

ftange.—Kastern United States, mostly in the Mississippi Valley; breeds
from Texas to Minnesota; winters in Central and South America; breeds
east of the Alleghanies now only rarely and locally.

Washington, very rare S. R., a few seen each year; formerly “ very abun-
dant.” Cambridge, casual, found nesting at Medford, June 9, 1877, where

316 TANAGERS.

several birds were observed ; not uncommon in 1833-34 (see Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, iii, 1878, pp. 45, 190).

Vest, bulky, of coarse grasses and pee lined with finer grasses and
sometimes long hairs, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Zygs, four
to five, pale blue, ‘80 x °60.

Thirty to forty years ago these birds were more or less common in
the middle Atlantic States, but they are now of rare occurrence east
of the Alleghanies. In Texas I have seen them migrating in closely
massed flocks of several hundred individuals, all silent, except for an
occasional cack. They alight on the prairie to feed ; birds in the rear
are constantly arising and passing to the front; there is ceaseless mo-
tion.

In the summer Dickcissel makes his home in grassy fields and
pastures, and from a weed stalk or bordering fence, with uplifted head,
he announces his presence as though life itself depended on his vocal
exertions, It is a poor song from a eel eee but pleasing

because of the singer’s earnestness : =: ae se a J

The Lark Buntine (605. Calamospiza melanocorys), a western species,
has been recorded from Massachusetts, Long Island, and South Carolina.

FAMILY TANAGRIDA. TANAGERS.

The Tanagers form a distinctively American family, and are most
abundant in the tropics. About three hundred and fifty species are
known, of which only five reach the United States. They are re-
markable, as a whole, for the brilliancy of their plumage, and our
Scarlet Tanager is therefore no exception to the rule.

They are arboreal and for the most part forest-inhabiting, feeding
on flowers, fruit,and insects. The tropical species are of a roving dis-
position, and wander through the forests in search of certain trees
bearing ripe fruit, near which they may always be found in num-
bers.

As a rule they are not Minsical A few species have more or less
pleasing songs, but the voices of the majority are weak and squeaky.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A, With red in the plumage.
a. Wings and tail black. . .... . . . 608. Scarzer TaNnacEr’é.
6. Wings and tail like the body. . . . . . 610. SummeR TaNaGER ¢.
£&. Without red in the plumage.
a. Under parts, including under wing-coverts, dull buffy yellow.
610. Summer TANAGER 9°.
6. Under parts greenish yellow, under wing-coverts white.
608. ScaRLeT TANAGER 9.

TANAGERS. 317

608. Piranga erythromelas JV‘ei//. Scarter Tanacer. (See
Fig. 48.) Ad. 6.—Bright scarlet, wings and tail black, under wing-coverts
white. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts light olive-green; wings and tail fuscous, lightly
margined with olive-green ; under parts greenish yellow. Jm. 6 and Ad. 6
in winter.-Similar to the ?, but wings and tail black. L., 7:25; W., 3°75;
T., 2:09; B. from N., °46.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from southern Illinois and Vir-
ginia to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central and northern
South America.

Washington, common T. V., rare 8. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, com-
mon 8. R., May 4 to Oct. 9. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12 to Oct. 1.

Nest, of fine twigs and weed stalks, lined with vine tendrils and blossom
stems, generally near the end of a horizontal limb, seven to twenty feet up.
£yqs, three to four, pale bluish white or greenish blue, with numerous rufous
or rufous-brown markings, *88 x °68.

In watching birds, there are certain sights and sounds that make a
day memorable much as a beautiful sunset does. I say to myself,
“T have seen a Scarlet Tanager to-day!” or, “I have listened toa
Hermit Thrush this evening.” .

High among the tree tops of the cool green woods the Tanager
sings through the summer days. Hidden by the network of leaves
above us, we often pass him by; but once discovered he seems to
illuminate the forest. We marvel at his color. He is like a Bird of
Paradise in our northern landscape.

We are first guided to him by his call and song. They are pecul-
iar, and both have a rare woods flavor. The call is a distinctly uttered
chip-chirr. The song is a loud, cheery, rhythmical carol, suggesting
the song of the Robin.

Inside the green woods the Tanager spends the summer, flying
down to visit his nest in the fresh young undergrowth or to bathe in
the still forest pools, and hunting and singing in the tree tops high
overhead. FLORENCE A. MERRIAM.

610. Piranga rubra (Linn.). Summer Tanacer. Ad. é.—Rose-
red, brighter below ; wings fuscous, margined with rose-red. Ad. ¢.—Upper
parts orange olive-green; under parts yellowish orange. Jm. 6.—Resembles
theso . i... 7502 Wi aioe k.. 290s GB. from: N., *55.

Range.—*astern United States; breeds from Florida to southern New
Jersey, wandering casually to Nova Scotia; winters in Central and South
America.

Washington, uncommon §. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. 15.

Nest, of leaves, strips of bark, ete., generally near the extremity of a limb,
about twenty feet up. Zygs, three to four, bluish white or greenish blue, with
numerous cinnamon- or olive-brown markings, 96 x 68.

This is a common summer resident of our Southern States, arriving
in Florida early in April. It frequents open, rather than dense woods,

318 SWALLOWS.

and is particularly numerous in pineries having an undergrowth of
oaks. It may be easily identified, not alone by its color but by its
unique call-note—a clearly enunciated chicky-tucky-tuck. Its song
bears a general resemblance to that of the Scarlet Tanager, but to
my ear is much sweeter and less forced.

The Lourstana TANAGER (607. Piranga ludoviciana), a species of our
’ Western States, has been recorded from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New
York.

FAMILY HIRUNDINIDA. SWALLOWS.

About eighty species of Swallows are known. They are distributed
throughout the world. In their long, powerful wings and small, weak
feet SwalloWs present an excellent illustration of the effects of use and
disuse. The greater part of their day is passed on the wing, and in
alighting they select a perch which they can grasp with ease.

Fic. 89.—Barn Swallow. Cliff Swallow. Tree Swallow.
Bank Swallow.

Swallows live almost exclusively upon insects, which they capture
on the wing, their large mouths, as in the case of the Swifts and Goat-
suckers, being especially adapted to this mode of feeding.

They nest both in pairs and colonies, and during their migrations.
associate in countless numbers at regularly frequented roosting places
or migration stations, which are sometimes in trees, but more often in
marshes, and to which they regularly return each night. They mi-
grate, as far as known, entirely by day, their wonderful power of flight
enabling them to escape the dangers which beset less rapid fliers.

SWALLOWS. 319

KEY TO THE SPECIES,

A. Upper parts with metallic reflections.
a. Under parts steel-blue.
a, Feathers on the belly fuscous at the base . 611. Purpre MARTIN @.
a2, Feathers on the belly white at the base. . 611.1. Cusan Martin ¢.
6. Throat chestnut, rufous, or brownish.
61. Upper tail-coverts the same as the back ; tail with white spots.
613. Barn Swallow.
62. Upper tail-coverts rufous or buffy ; no white in the tail.

612. CLirr SwWALLow.
ce. Throat gray or white.

ct. Entire under parte white. .-. . ... =. . 614. Tre SwaLtow.
_ @, Throat and breast brownish gray . . . . 611. PurPLe Martin 9.
8. Throat, breast, and sides sooty brownish gray.
611.1. Cusan Martin 9.
4. Upper parts without metallic reflections.

ewmeemparts entirely white. ©. 477 V0... 2.5 614. Tren SwAtrow.
6. Throat and breast brownish gray . . 617. Rougu-wincEp SwaLiow.

c. Throat and belly white; a brownish gray band across the breast.
616. Bank Swa.iow.

611. Progne subis (inn.). Purpre Martin. Ad. 8.—Shining
blue-black ; wings and tail duller. 4d. ¢.—Upper parts glossy: bluish black,
duller than in the 6; wings and tail black ; throat, breast, and sides brownish
gray, more or less tipped with white; belly white. /.—Resembles the ¢.
1577/6005 W580) T., 2:90): B. fromy N., +39,

_ Range.—North America, north to Newfoundland and the Saskatchewan ;
breeds throughout its range; winters in Central and South America.

Washington, rather common 8. R., Ap]. 12 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing, tolerably
common 8. k., Apl. 27 to Sept. 11. Cambridge, locally common S. R., Apl. 20
to Aug. 25.

Nest, of straws, twigs, etc.,in houses or gourds erected for the purpose.
Eggs, four to five, white, 1:00 x °73.

The Purple Martin is very common throughout the south, and
breeds wherever gourds or boxes are erected for its occupation. In
the Northern States it is a comparatively rare bird of local distribu-
tion, and is apparently decreasing in numbers each year. .

In Forest and Stream, vol. xxii, 1884, p. 484, Mr. Otto Widmann,
of Old Orchard. Missouri, presents an interesting table showing how
often young Martins are fed. He watched a colony of sixteen pairs
of birds from 4 A.M. to 8 p.m., during which time the parents visited
their offspring 8,277 times, or an average of 205 times for each pair.
The males made 1,454, the females 1,823 visits.

611.1. Progne cryptoleuca Baird. Cusan Martin. Ad. 6.—
“Similar to P. swbhis, but feathers of ventral region marked beneath surface,
with a broad spot or bar of white.” Ad. 9 and im. 6.—Similar to those of

320 SWALLOWS.

P. subis, but “ whole under portion and sides of head and neck, chest, sides,
and flanks uniform sooty grayish brown, in marked contrast with pure white
of belly, anal region, and under tail-coverts. L., 7°60; W., 550; T., 3:10”
( Ridqu.).
Range.—Southern Florida south to Cuba and probably Central America.
Nesting similar to that of P. sudis.

A common summer resident in Florida from Pasco County south-
ward, arriving in March. It resembles P. sudis in habits.

612. Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say). Curr Swattow; Eaver
SwaLttow. Ad.—Forehead whitish, crown steel-blue, throat and sides of
the head chestnut; a brownish gray ring around the neck ; breast brownish
gray, tinged with rufous and with a steel-blue patch in its center; belly
white; back steel-blue, lightly streaked with white; shorter upper tail-
coverts pale rufous ; tail fuscous, the feathers of nearly equal length. Jm.—
Similar, but upper parts duller; throat black, sometimes mottled with white.
1.601. W..,.4°34 7, 2:01; B. from N., *20.

Remarks.—The Clitf Swallow may be known from our other Swallows
by its rufous upper tail-coverts. .

Range.—North, America, north to Labrador, and, in the interior, to the
Arctic Ocean ; breeds throughout its range; winters in the tropics.

Washington, rare 8. R., Apl. to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. R., May 1 to
Sept. 12. Cambridge, 8. R., much less common than formerly, Apl. 28 to
Sept. 1.

Nest, of mud, generally retort- or pocket-shaped, beneath cliffs or the eaves
of a barn or other building. ygs, four to five, white, with numerous spots
of cinnamon-, olive-, or rutous-brown, °81 x °55.

During the nesting season these Swallows are of very local distri-
bution. They will return year after year to their rows of mud tene-
ments beneath the eaves of some barn or outbuilding, and, although
familiar birds to residents of the immediate vicinity, they may be
entire strangers to those who have never had a colony of these birds
settled near them.

Like Barn Swallows, they are masons, and they may be seen on
muddy shores rolling the little pellets of clay which enter into the
construction of their nest.

In the fall they are found in flocks with other Swallows, but at all
times they may be readily identified by their pale rufous upper tail-
coverts, which make a conspicuous field-mark.

The Cupan CriirF Swatiow (612.1. Petrochelidon fulva) has been once
recorded from the Dry Tortugas, Florida (Scott, Auk, vii, 1890, p. 265),

613. Chelidon erythrogaster (Zodd.). Barn Swatitow. Ad.—
Forehead, throat, and upper breast ehestnut-rufous; rest of the under parts
washed with the same color; upper parts steel-blue; tail deeply forked, all
but the middle feathers with white spots on their inner webs. /m.—Upper

SWALLOWS. 391

parts mixed with dusky, forehead and ae paler; outer tail-feathers shorter.
L., 6°95; W., 4:67; T., 3°30; B. from N.,

Teanee. __North joaetiies north to Behe and Alaska; breeds through-
out the greater part of its range; winters as far south as ones Brazil.

Washington, common 8. R., more abundant T. V., Mch. 28 to Sept. Sing
Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 15 to Sept. 22. Cambridge, common 8. R., but fast
decreasing, Apl. 20 to Sept. 10.

Nest, of mud and grasses, lined with grasses and feathers, generally on the
rafter of a barn or other building. Zygs, four to six, white, with numerous.
spots of cinnamon-, olive-, or rufous-brown, generally smaller than those on
the eggs of P. lunifrons, “TT x °54.

Barn Swallows nest both in pairs and colonies, and during the
breeding season are more generally distributed than any of our Swal-
lows. Almost every old-fashioned barn with its great doors hospita-
bly opened is cheered by their sweet call-notes and happy twittering
song as they dart in and out on their errands of love.

Barn Swallows take first rank among a family of birds famous for
their power of flight. While their relatives are circling about feeding
on insects in the air above, they capture their prey nearer the ground,
skimming low over the fields, turning quickly to right or left, up or
down, and pursuing their erratic course with marvelous ease and grace.

614. Tachycineta bicolor (Vieii/.). Trem Swartow; Wuarrte-
BELLIED SwALLow. Ad.—Upper parts steel-blue or steel-green ; under parts
pure white ; outer tail-feathers somewhat longer than the middle ones. Jn.
—Upper parts brownish gray; under parts pure white. L., 5-90; W., 4:70;
1., 2°35; B. from N., 22:

Range.—North America, north to Labrador and Alaska; breeds locally
throughout its range; winters from South Carolina southward.

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 1 to May 25; July 10 to Sept. Sing
Sing, common T. V., Apl. 4 to May 26; Aug. 4 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, S. R.,
formerly common, now common only as a migrant, Apl. 5 to Oct. 12.

Nest, of coarse grasses and feathers, in a hollow tree or bird-box. Eggs,
four to seven, white, °74 x °55.

While our eastern Barn and Eave Swallows have abandoned their
primitive methods of nesting in caves or beneath cliffs, and the Bank
Swallows still adhere to the customs of their ancestors, Tree Swallows
are passing through a transition period in their history. Some accept
the houses or boxes erected by man as substitutes for the holes in trees
or stumps which others still use.

Near New York city they are the first birds to flock after the nest-
ing season, and they begin to gather in our marshes as early as July
1. Their numbers rapidly increase, and the maximum of abundance
is reached about August 15, when they outnumber all other Swallows

together by at least three to one. They return to their roosts in the
22

399 SWALLOWS.

reeds with great regularity every night, and early in the morning fly
out over the country to feed. Their flight in the evening is com-
paratively low, at an average height of thirty to forty feet. They sail
about in circles more than other Swallows, and many pause to rest
on telegraph wires, where their pure white breasts easily distinguish
them from the Swallows which may be associated with them. In the
morning their flight is much higher and more direct. They migrate
by day, leaving their roosting ground in flocks, which sometimes con-
tain myriads, and, after attaining a great height, pursue their journey
to the south. When migrating along the coast they sometimes collect
in large numbers in bayberry bushes (Myrica cerifera) and feed on
their fruit.

The Banama Swa.Low (615.1. Callichelidon cyaneoviridis) has been once
recorded from the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and may occur more or less regularly
in the keys off southeastern Florida (Scott, Auk, vii, 1890, p. 265).

616. Clivicola riparia (Linn.). Bank Swattow. Ad.—Upper
parts brownish gray; throat white; a brownish gray band on the *breast;
outer vane of first primary without recurved hooklets; a small tuft of feathers
above the hind toe. L., 5:20; W., 3°95; T., 2:00; B. from N,., 18.

Range.—North America, north to Labrador and Alaska; breeds locally
throughout its range; winters as far south as Brazil.

Washington, common 8. R., more common T. V., Apl. 15 to Sept. 25.
Sing Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 18 to Oct, 1, Cambridge, common S. R., Apl.
28 to Sept. 1.

Nest, of grasses and feathers, in a hole in a sand bank, two to three feet
from the entrance. gqs, four to six, white, ‘68 x °48.

This is a locally distributed species breeding in colonies only where
sand banks offer it a favorable nesting site. Probably for the reason
that such banks are more frequently found bordering streams than
inland, the birds are more numerous in the vicinity of water.

Bank Swallows may be readily known from other Swallows, except-
ing the Rough-winged, by their nesting habits, small size, and absence
of metallic coloring.

From the Rough-wing they differ in having the under parts white,
with a conspicuous band across the breast, and in their somewhat
quicker movements,

617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (4vd.). RougH-wincep Swat-
Low. Ad.— Upper parts brownish gray; throat and breast pale brownish
gray; belly white; outer web of first primary with a series of recurved
hooklets ; no tuft of feathers above the hind toe. /m.—Similar, but without
recurved hooklets on the first primary; throat and breast more or less washed
and wing-coverts edged with rufous. L., 5°75; W., 4:35; T., 2°10: B. from
Digelos

WAXWINGS. 293

Range.—North America; breeds as far north as British Columbia, Minne-
sota, and Connecticut ; winters in the tropics.

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 5 to Sept. Sing Sing, common S. R.,
Apl. 17 to Aug. 12.

Vest, of coarse grasses and feathers, under bridges, in stone walls, or a hole
ina bank. £gqs, four to eight, white, °72 x ‘41.

Rough-winged Swallows resemble Bank Swallows both in habits
and appearance. They do not, however, always nest in holes in banks,
but are sometimes found nesting about
bridges, railway trestles and their abut-
ments. ;

With the Bank Swallow this bird dif-

fers from our other Swallows in the ab- Fic. 90.—Section of outer pri-
f ors mary of adult Rough-winged

sence of metallic colors, while from the Swallow. (Enlarged.)

Bank Swallow it is to be distinguished

by its plain, pale brownish gray, uniformly colored throat and breast,

and somewhat slower, less erratic flight.

FaMILy AMPELIDAZ. WAXWINGS.

This small family contains the two known species of Waxwings,
with which some ornithologists class several peculiar American tropical
species whose exact relationships are not thoroughly understood.

618. Ampelis garrulus (Zinn.). Bonemian Waxwine. Ad.—
Forehead, chin, and line through the eye velvety black; a conspicuous crest ;
front of crown chestnut-rufous ; upper parts rich grayish brown; upper tail-
coverts, wings, and tail grayish; primary coverts and secondaries tipped with
white, the latter with small, red, seed-shaped sealing-wax-like tips; all but
the outer primaries tipped with yellow or white on the outer web; end of tail
with a yellow band; breast like the back, grayer on the belly ; under tail-
coverts chestnut-rufous. I.., 8:00; W., 4:60; Ts, 2°60: B. from N., -29.

fange.—Northern parts of the northern hemisphere; in North America
south in winter, irregularly, to the northern United States; recorded from as
far south as Kansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Nest, of twigs, roots, moss, ete., in trees. Hygs, similar in color to those of
A. cedrorum, ‘92 x °65.

The distribution of this bird in the United States is not unlike that
of the Evening Grosbeak. It is exceedingly rare and irregular in the
Atlantic States, but occurs with some frequency in the northern Mis-
sissippi Valley. In notes and habits it is said to resemble its small
cousin, the Cedar Waxwing.

619. Ampelis cedrorum (Vi¢il/.). Cepar Waxwine; Cepar-nirp;
CuErRRyY-BirD. (See Fig. 50.) dAd.—Forehead, chin, and a line through the
eye velvety black ; a conspicuous crest ; upper parts rich grayish brown ; upper

324 WAXWINGS.

tail-coverts, wings, and tail gray ; secondaries, and sometimes tail, with small,
red, seed-shaped, sealing-wax-like tips; tail with a yellow band at its end;
breast like the back, changing gradually into yellowish on the belly; under
tail-coverts white. L., 7°19; W., 8°70; T., 2°37; B. from N., °26.

Range.—North America; breeds from Virginia and the highlands of
South Carolina north to Labrador; winters from the northern United States
to Central America.

Washington, very common P. R., less so in winter. Sing Sing, common
P. Rk. Cambridge, not common P. R., common 8. R., abundant T. V. in spring,
Feb. 1 to Apl. 25.

Nest, bulky, of strips of bark, leaves, grasses, twigs, rootlets, moss, and
sometimes mud, lined with finer materials of the same nature, in fruit or
shade trees, five to twenty feet up. Zygs, three to five, pale bluish gray or
putty color, distinctly and obscurely spotted with black or umber, ‘88 x °62.

When the spring migration is over and the home birds have gone
to nest-building, small flocks of Goldfinches and Waxwings—two
peculiarly gentle, attractive birds—may still be seen wandering about
the country. The squads of Cedar-birds fly evenly, on a level with the
tree tops, in close ranks, often of five, seven, or nine. Frequently,
when under full headway, they suddenly wheel and dive down to an
apple tree for a meal of canker worms.

In following the beautiful Waxwings about one listens in vain for
a song, but soon comes to relish their two peculiar calls—a hushed
whistle and the subdued call Thoreau describes as their “ beady note,”
a succession of short notes strung together—for they both seem to
harmonize with the quiet reserve of the delicately tinted birds.

In July, when the wandering flocks are no longer seen, a walk
through the neighboring orchards may show where both tardy build-
ers have at last gone to nesting, and few bird homes afford pictures of
such human tenderness and devotion. If there is an evergreen in the
vicinity, the Cedar-bird mounts guard upon its tip, but occasionally
relieves the monotony of his watch by flying up in the air for light
luncheons of passing insects.

The strong individuality of the Waxwings make them interesting
birds to the field student. The use of their crests in expressing emo-
tion, and the protective attitudes they assume when watched at their
nests, throw much light upon bird psychology.

To the bird-lover, however, the Cedar-birds have their own attrac-
tion; their proverbially gentle, refined ways make them seem superior
creatures of the air to whom he can but yield his affection.

I shall never forget a pair that I once found by a clear mountain
lake. They were perched upon two evergreen spires that guarded a
silent bay, whose dark water was gilded by the lingering light of the
setting sun. FLORENCE A. MERRIAM.

SHRIKES. 395

FAMILY LANIID2. SHRIKES.

The Shrikes, numbering about two hundred species, are largely
confined to the Old World. Only two species are found in America,
both members of the subfamily Zaniine or true Shrikes. Their char-
acteristic habits are described under their respective names.

621. Lanius borealis Veil]. Norruern Surixe; Burcner-pirp.
Ad.—Upper parts gray; wings and tail black; primaries white at the base,
secondaries tipped with white or grayish; outer, sometimes all, the tail-
feathers tipped with white, the outer feather mostly white ; forehead whitish
lores grayish black; ear-coverts black ; under parts white, generally finely
barred with biack; bill hooked and hawklike. /m.—Similar, but entire
plumage more or less heavily barred or washed with grayish brown. L.,
10°32; W., 4:55; T., 4:00; B. from N., °55.

Rangé.—Breeds in the interior in the far north (Fort Anderson, MacFar-
lane), and migrates southward in winter as far as Kansas and Virginia.

Washington, rare and irregular W. V., Noy. to Feb. Sing Sing, tolerably
common W. V., Oct. 26 to Apl. 17. Cambridge, common W. V., Nov. 1 to
Apl. 1.

_ Nest, of twigs, grasses, etc., in low trees or bushes. £ggs, similar in color
to those of L. ludovicianus, 1:05 x “76.

This bird may be known at once by his colors—gray, black, and
white—by the consternation his appearance causes among the Spar-
rows, and by his peculiar “light, which is steady and straightforward,
with much flapping, and close to the ground till he nears his in-
tended perch, which is reached at the last moment by a sudden up-
ward turn.

He is so well known as a bird of hawklike, sanguinary character
that most students are astonished when they find out that toward
springtime he develops into a vocalist of no mean powers. Often in
the warm days of March he may be heard’ singing on the top of some
tail tree, a song that would do credit to a Catbird—indeed, it recalls
strongly that loquacious songster. He is, I think, a better singer than
his southern cousin, but resembles him in habitually impaling his
prey on a thorn, a fence barb, or a forked twig. His food consists
chiefly of mice, noxious insects, and the equally noxious English Spar-
row, so that the Shrike is a bird worthy of all protection.

Ernest E. THompson.

622. Lanius ludovicianus Jinn. Loccrrneap Surixe. (See
Fig. 51.) Add—Upper parts gray, wings and tail black, primaries white at
the base, secondaries tipped with white; outer, sometimes all, the tail-
feathers tipped with white; the outer feather mostly white; lores black,
connected by a narrow b/ack line on the forehead at the base of the bill;
ear-coverts black ; under parts white, sometimes tinged with gray. L., 9:00;

396 SHRIKES.

W., 3°82; 'I’., 3:87; B. from N., -48; depth of B. at N., 35 (average of nine
¥ feritte idectmensh.

Remarks.—Specimens from the ees aS Valley, western Pennsylvania,
New York, and northern New England average lighter in color and have, as
arule, smaller bills than specimens from the south Atlantic States. They
are thus intermediate between /udovicianus and excubitorides, but the differ-
ences between them are too slight and inconstant to warrant me in including
excubitorides on the basis of specimens which are quite as near ludovicianus
as they are to typical examples of the western form,

Range.—Kastern North America west to the edge of the plains; breeds,
east of the Alleghanies, as far north as Virginia; west of the Alleghanies
breeds northward to the Great Lakes and eastward through central New
York to Vermont and Maine.

Washington, rare W. V.,.Aug. 11 to Apl. 6. Sing Sing, A. V. Cam-
bridge, rare in fall and winter.

Nest, of strips of bark, small twigs, and vegetable fibers, lined with
grasses, in thorny hedges or low trees, about seven feet up. Zygs, three to
five, dull white or creamy white, thickly marked with cinnamon-brown and
lavender, °98 x °78.

Like some of the Hawks and Flycatchers, the Loggerhead does
not search for his prey, but waits for it to come within striking dis-
tance. It is of importance, therefore, that his perch should command
an uninterrupted view of his surroundings. For this reason one
rarely or never sees a Shrike 77 a tree, but always on its outermost or
highest branches. He will fly directly toward its center, but just as
he reaches it swing up and light on its top. He also selects telegraph
wires, peaks of houses, and especially the apex of a lightning rod or
weather vane.

From his point of vantage he maintains a constant outlook for any
unsuspecting grasshopper, small snake, or lizard which may appear
below. ‘The distance at which he can detect these gives evidence of
his power of sight. I have seen Shrikes fly fifty yards with the evi-
dent object of capturing a grasshopper which they undoubtedly saw
before starting.

Like the Butcher-bird, the Loggerhead frequently impales its prey
on a convenient thorn or spike. Doubtless this habit aids him in dis-
secting his food, but I do not think that he does it for this reason alone.
The bird’s vigilance, like that of the waiting Hawk, is probably at-
tended by varying results. One hour may yield excellent returns, the
next may be fruitless. But under any circumstances he can not resist
taking advantage of an opportunity to secure food. Sometimes the
opportunities exceed the demands of his stomach, and then, after cap-
turing his unfortunate victim, he simply impales and leaves it.

If perseverance deserved success, the Loggerhead would take high
rank as a songster. But his.notes are harsh and unmusical. They

VIREOS, 39%

consist of aseries of guttural gurgles, squeaky whistles, and shrill pipes,
some of which might be attributed to the creaking weather vanes he
so often chooses as a perch.

FAMILY VIREONIDA. VIREOS.

The Virecs, numbering about fifty species, are peculiar to America,
most of them being confined to Central and South America. Some
fifteen species, all belonging to the genus Vireo, reach the United
States.

Vireos are for the most part arboreal, though several species haunt
the lower, rather than the higher growth. For small, insect-eating
birds they are rather slow in their movements. We do not see them
darting out after insects as do the Flycatchers, nor do they flit through
the foliage after the manner of many Warblers, but patiently glean
their food from the under surfaces of leaves, crevices in the bark, ete.
They are more musical than the small Warblers; all our species have
pleasing songs, and some of them are especially gifted.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A, With distinct white or yellowish white wing-bars.
a, Eye-ring, or line from eye to bill, yellow.
a, Throat and breast bright yellow ; rump gray.
628, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO,
a2, Under parts white or whitish; sides and sometimes breast washed
with greenish yellow; rump olive-green.
631. WuHITE-EYED Vireo. 63la. Key West Vireo.
6. Eye-ring and line from eye to bill white.

61. Head lead-blue; wing over 2°50.

629. BLUE-HEADED Vireo. 629a. Mounrarn Vireo.
63. Head grayish, nearly like back; wing under 2°50.
633. BELL’s Vireo (Illinois).
ZB. Without white wing-bars.

a. Under parts yellowish; first primary as long as fifth.
, 626. PHILADELPHIA VIREO,
6. Under parts white ; sides washed with yellowish; first primary ‘75 long.
627. WARBLING VIREO.
ce. Under parts white. with little if any yellowish on sides; head with a

lead-gray cap, bordered by narrow black lines over the eye.

624, Rep-EYED VrREO. 623. BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO.

623. Vireo calidris barbatulus ((a).). Buack-wuiskerep
Vireo. Ad.—Similar to the next species, but somewhat duller above and
with a fuscous streak on either side of the throat.

fange.—Cuba, Bahamas, and southern Florida; southward to Central
America in winter.

: West, pensile, of dry grasses, shreds of bark, cotton, lichens, and spiders’
web, lined with soft, cottonlike fibers, suspended from a forked branch, five

398 VIREOS.

to twenty feet up. gs, three to four, white, with a pinkish hue, speckled
and spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish brown, ‘78 x °55.

This is a not uncommon summer resident in southern Florida, ar-
riving from its winter home in Central America early in May. Its
song resembles that of the Red-eyed Vireo, but is somewhat more hesi-
tating and emphatic.

624. Vireo olivaceus (/inn.). Rep-ryep Vireo. Ad.— Crown
slaty gray, bordered on either side by blackish ; a conspicuous white line over
the eye; rest of the upper parts, wings, and tail light olive-green; no wing-
bars; under parts pure white. L., 6°23;
W.5 820: T's, 2:20: B. from aN 4G:

Remarks.—The well-defined slaty-
gray cap, bordered by narrow black
lines, are the best distinguishing marks
of this species.

Range.—Eastern North America;
westward to British Columbia; breeds
from the Gulf States to Labrador and
Manitoba; winters in Central and
South America. |

Washington, very common &. R.,
Apl. 25 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 29 to Oct. 19. Cambridge,
abundant 8S. R., May 10 to Sept. 10.

Nest, pensile, of strips of bark, bits of dead wood, paper, and plant down,
firmly and smoothly interwoven, lined with finer strips of bark and vine ten-
drils, suspended from a forked branch, five to forty feet up. Eggs, three to
four, white, with a few black or umber specks or spots about the larger end,
*85 x °55. ;

This, the most common and generally distributed of our Vireos, is
found alike in the shade trees of our lawns, in orchards, or woodlands.
The conspicuous white line over the eye, with its black border, and the
bird’s red eye, are good characters by which to distinguish it from its
relatives.

Wilson Flagg’s description of the Red-eye to my mind exactly re-
flects the character of the bird and its song: “The Preacher is more
generally known by his note, because he is incessant in his song, and
particularly vocal during the heat of our long summer days, when only
afew birds are singing. His style of preaching is not declamation.
Though constantly talking, he takes the part of a deliberative orator,
who explains his subject in a few words and then makes a pause for
his hearers to reflect upon it. We might suppose him to be repeating
moderately, with a pause between each sentence, ‘You see it—you
know it—do you hear me?—do you believe it?’ All these strains are
delivered with a rising inflection at the close, and with a pause, as if
waiting for an answer.”

Fic. 91.—Red-eyed Vireo. (Natural
size.)

VIREOS. 399

The YELLOW-GREEN ViRxEO (625. V. flavoviridis), a Mexican and Central
American species, has been once recorded from Godbout, Province of Quebec.

626. Vireo philadelphicus ((ass.).. Pumaprtpnta Vireo. Ad.—
Upper parts light olive-green; the crown sometimes grayish; a whitish line
over the eye; wings and tail edged with olive-green; no wing-bars; first
primary nearly as long as second; entire under parts nearly uniform pale,
greenish yellow. L., 4°75; W., 2°60; T., 1:95; B. from N., -26.

Remarks.—Vhe pale, greenish-yellow color spread almost uniformly over
the entire under parts distinguishes this bird from our other Vireos.

Feange.—Eastern North America; breeds in Manitoba, Maine, and proba-
bly north to Labrador; and winters in the tropics.

Washington, very rare T. V., May 17. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Sept. 20 to
Oct. 20. Cambridge, very rare T. V. in Sept.

Vest, pensile, of fine grass and birch bark, suspended from a forked branch
about eight feet from the ground. ygs, four, similar in color to those of V.
olwvaceus (Thompson).

This species resembles the Red-eyed Vireo in habits, and Mr. Brew-
ster writes that its song is so nearly identical with the song of that spe-
cies “that the most critical ear will, in many eases, find great difficulty
in distinguishing between the two. The notes of philadelphicus are
generally pitched a little higher in the scale, while many of the utter-
ances are feebler and the whole strain is a trifle more disconnected.
But these differences are of a very subtile character, and, like most
comparative ones, they are not to be depended upon unless the two
species can be heard together. The Philadelphia Vireo has, however,
one note which seems to be peculiarly its own, a very abrupt, double-
syllabled utterance with a rising inflection, which comes in with the
general song at irregular but not infrequent intervals. I have also on
one or two occasions heard the male when in pursuit of his mate utter
a soft psewo, similar to that sometimes used by Vireo olivaceus, and
both sexes when excited or angry have a harsh, petulant note exactly
like that of V. gilvus” (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1881, p. 5).

627. Vireo gilvus (Vieill.). Warsirine Vireo. Ad.—Upper parts
ashy olive-green; no wing-bars; wings and tail edged with the color of the
back; first primary very
short, not more than 1:00
in length; under parts
white slightly washed
with yellowish. L., 5°80;
W., 2°85; T., 2°14; B. from

N.. -30. Fig. 92.—Wing of Warbling Vireo, to show short first
) primary.

Range.—North Amer-
ica; breeds as far north as the Hudson Bay region; winters in the tropics.
Washington, rather common S. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. 10. Sing Sing, tolera-

330 VIREOS.

bly common S. R., May 3 to Sept. 18. Cambridge, common 8. R., May 10 to
Sept. 26. '

Nest, pensile, of grasses and plant fibers, firmly and smoothly interwoven,
lined with fine grasses, suspended from a forked branch eight to forty feet
up. Zggs,three to four, white, with a few specks or spots of black, umber,
or rufous-brown, chiefly about the larger end, “76 x *00.

Unlike its cousin, the Preacher, the Warbling Vireo is not gen-
erally distributed, but shows a decided preference for rows of shade
trees, particularly rows of elms. It passes the greater part of its time
in the upper branches, and is more often heard than seen.

Although resembling the Red-eye in general appearance, its song
is so different that singing birds need never be mistaken for that spe-
cies. Instead of the Red-eye’s broken, rambling recitative, the song
of the Warbling Vireo is a firm, rich, continuous warble with a singu-
lar alto undertone.

628. Vireo flavifrons Viei/]. Ye.iow-Turoatep Vireo. Ad.—
Upper parts bright olive-green, changing to gray on the rump and upper tail-
coverts ; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white, forming two
distinct wing-bars; outer web of inner secondaries white; eye-ring, throat,
and breast bright yellow; belly white. L., 5-95; W., 3:05; T., 2:10; B. from
N:, 36:

Range.—Fastern North America; breeds from Florida to Newfoundland
and Manitoba; winters in the tropics.

Washington, common 8. R., Apl. 20 to Sept. 15. Sing Sing, tolerably
common S$. R., Apl. 30 to Sept. 7. Cambridge, common 8. R., May 8 to Sept. 1.

Nest, pensile, of strips of bark, plant fibers, etc., interwoven, lined with
fine grasses and covered externally with lichens, suspended from a forked
branch ten to thirty feet up. Zgqs, three to four, white, with a few specks
or spots of black, umber, or rufous-brown, chiefly about the larger ends,
"80 x *60.

The Yellow-throated Vireo is a dweller in tree tops, and whether
in woodland, orchard, or lawn, he seldom comes below the upper story
of his home. But even at a distance his bright yellow breast is a con-
spicuous mark, at once distinguishing him from other members of his
family.

If the Red-eyed Vireo is a soprano, the Yellow-throat is a con-
tralto. He sings much the same tune, but his notes are deeper and
richer, while they are uttered more deliberately and with greater ex-
pression than those of his somewhat too voluble cousin. “See me;
I’m here; where are you?” he calls, and at intervals repeats his ques-
tion in varying forms. Sometimes he astonishes us by an intricate
liquid trill which suggests the wonderful song of the Ruby Kinglet,
_ but which unfortunately is sometimes marred by the scolding notes
that precede or follow it.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO.
WARBLING VIREO.

i Fen
ieee x
BD PG a
Pare

: VIREOS. ool

629. Vireo solitarius ( Wi/s.). Buuz-HeapEp Vireo. (See Fig. 52.)
Ad.—Top and sides of the head bluish gray ; eye-ring and lores white ; back
olive-green; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white, forming
two distinct wing-bars; outer web of inner secondaries white; under parts
white; sides washed with greenish yellow. L., 5°61; W., 2°96; T., 2°15; B.
from N., °28.

Remarks.—This species may be known by its white lores and eye-ring, and
bluish-gray cheeks and crown.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from Connecticut (and south-
ward along the crest of the Alleghanies) northward to New Brunswick and
Manitoba; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, common T. V., Api. 10 to May 10; Sept. to Oct. 26. Sing
Sing, tolerably common 'T. V., Apl. 23 to May 14; Sept. 8 to Oct. 20. Cam-
bridge, common T. V., rather rare 8. R., Apl. 25 to Oct. 5.

Nest, pensile, of pine needles, plant down, ete., firmly interwoven, sus-
pended from a forked branch five to ten feet up. ggs, three to four, white,
with a few specks or spots of black, umber, or rufous-brown, chiefly at the
larger end, ‘80 x °53.

This large and handsome Vireo—a bird of the woods—is the first
of its family to reach the Northern States in the spring and the last
to depart in the autumn. Like its congeners, but unlike birds in gen-
eral, it sings at its work. In form its music resembles the Ked-eye’s,
the Philadelphia’s, and the Yellow-throat’s ; but to me it is more varied
and beautiful than any of these, though some listeners may prefer the
Yellow-throat for the richness and fullness of its “organ tone.” The
Solitary’s song is matchless for the tenderness of its cadence, while in
peculiarly happy moments the bird indulges in a continuous warble
that is really enchanting. It ‘has, too, in common with the Yellow-
throat, a musical chatter—suggestive of the Baltimore Oriole’s—and a
pretty trilled whistle. Its most winning trait is its tameness. Wood
bird as it is, it will sometimes permit the greatest familiarities. Two
birds I have seen which allowed themselves to be stroked in the freest
manner while sitting on the eggs, and which ate from my hand as
readily as any pet canary; but I have seen others that complained
loudly whenever I approached their tree. Perhaps they had had sad
experiences. BRADFORD TORREY.

A single specimen of the PLumpBrous Vireo (629). V. s. plumbeus), a west-
ern species, has been taken at Peterboro, N. Y. (Miller, Auk, xi, 1894, p. 79).

629c. V. s. alticola Prewst. Mountain Sorirary Vireo.—Similar
to the preceding, but with a much larger bill, and the back generally with
more or less slaty blue. W., 3:15; T., 2:25; B. from N., °35; depth of B.: at
N., ‘20.

Range.—lligher portions of the Alleghanies in North and South Carolina ;
southward in winter to Florida,

332 VIREOS.

This race of the Blue-headed Vireo is a common summer resident
in the southern Alleghanies (see Loomis, Auk, viii, 1891, p. 329).

631. Vireo noveboracensis (@mel.). Wuirz-ryep VirEo. Ad.—
Upper parts, including upper tad/-coverts, bright olive-green, more or less
washed with grayish; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with yellowish
white, forming two distinct wing-bars ; outer web of inner secondaries whitish ;
lores and eye-ring yellow; throat white or whitish ; belly white; breast and
sides washed with greenish yellow; iris white, hazel in the young. L., 5:27;
Wo 27s in. oe Bo. from AN. “29:

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds from Florida to New Hampshire
and Minnesota; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, common 8. R., Ap]. 20 to Oct. 7. Sing Sing, common §. R.,
Apl. 29 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, rather rare 8. R., May 8 to Sept. 20; formerly
common.

Jest, generally similar to that of V. olivaceus, suspended from a forked
branch in thickets. gys, three to four, white, with a few specks of black,
umber, or rufous-brown at the larger end, °75 x °55.

If birds are ever impertinent, I believe this term might with truth
be applied to that most original, independent dweller in thickety un-
dergrowths, the White-eyed Vireo. Both his voice and manner say
that he doesn’t in the least care what you think of him; and, if
attracted by his peculiar notes or actions, you pause near his haunts,
he jerks out an abrupt “ Who are you, eh?” in a way which plainly
indicates that your presence can be dispensed with. If this hint is
insufficient, he follows it by a harsh scolding, and one can fancy that
in his singular white eye there is an unmistakable gleam of disap-
proval.

I have always regretted that the manners of this Vireo have been a
bar to our better acquaintance, for he is a bird of marked character
and with unusual vocal talents. He is a capital mimic, and in the
retirement of his home sometimes amuses himself by combining the
songs of other birds in an intricate potpourri.

63la. V. n. maynardi Brewst. Ky Wesr Vireo.—Scarcely dis-
tinguishable in color from the preceding, but averaging somewhat paler and
less yellow below, and with a larger bill. L., 512; W., 240; T., 2°12; B.
from JN... ‘35:

Range.—Southern Florida.

This closely related race of the White-eyed Vireo is a common per-
manent resident in southern Florida.

633. Vireo belli 4vd. Bexrw’s Vireo. Ad.— Crown ashy gray,
changing to olive-green on the rump; greater and middle wing-coverts nar-
rowly tipped with white; lores and eye-ring whitish; under parts white,
breast and sides washed with greenish yellow. L., 4°75; W., 2°20; T., 1°80;
B. from N., °28.

WOOD WARBLERS. 333

Range.—Interior of North America, from Texas north to Minnesota, east
to Illinois. .

Nest, pensile, of strips of bark and plant fibers firmly and smoothly inter-
woven, lined with finer grasses, etc., in bushes or low trees. ygs, four to
six, white, with a few specks of black, umber, or rufous-brown at the larger
end, °66 x *50.

This is a common bird in its range, and is locally not. uncommon
as far east as Illinois. “In their food, habits, and actions they are
very similar to the White-eyed. Their call- and alarm-notes are not
quite so harsh, and their song is delivered in a less emphatic manner ;
an indescribable sputtering, that does not rank it high in the musical
scale ” (Goss).

The Banama Honey CREEPER (635. Cereba bahamensis) was found by
Dr. Wiirdemann in January, 1858, on Indian Key, southeastern Florida, but
has not, to my knowledge, been taken by subsequent observers. The upper
parts are sooty black, the ramp and middle of the under parts yellow, and a line
over the eye, the throat, and the lower belly are white or whitish; length
about 4°50.

FAMILY MNIOTILTIDA. WoobdD WARBLERS.

The Wood Warblers are found only in America, and are most numer-
ously represented in eastern North America. About one hundred spe-
cies are known, of which seventy visit the United States, while the
remaining thirty are tropical.

With three or four exceptions they are inhabitants of woodland,
but during their migrations may be found in the trees of lawns or
orchards. They feed almost exclusively upon insects, and are thus
highly migratory, thousands of miles frequently separating their sum-
mer and winter homes.

The majority are among the last of the spring arrivals; their com-
ing caps the climax of the migration, and the first severe frost leaves
but few with us. They migrate by night, and are chief among the
victims of lighthouses and electric-light towers. When migrating,
they are generally found in straggling companies composed of a num-
ber of species, which during the day travel slowly through the woods
from tree to tree.

They capture their insect food in a variety of ways. Some species
flit actively from branch to branch, taking their prey from the more
exposed parts of the twigs and leaves; others are gleaners, and care-
fully explore the under surfaces of leaves or crevices in the bark;
while several, like Flycatchers, capture a large part of their food on
the wing. As a rule, they are arboreal, but many ere thicket-haunt-
ing, and some are terrestrial.

304 WOOD WARBLERS,

Several species have remarkable vocal ability, but, generally speak-
ing, they have rather weak voices, and take low rank as songsters.

Warblers are at once the delight and the despair of field students.
To the uninitiated their existence is unknown, and when search reveals
the before unsuspected fact that our woods are thronged with birds as
exquisitely colored as the daintiest tropical forms, we feel as though a
new world were opened to us.

Absent to-day, present to-morrow, the Warblers come and go under
cover of the night, and we may give a lifetime to their study, and then
know we have not mastered the laws which govern their movements.

Entering an apparently deserted bit of woods, we hear faint voices,
lisping tseeps, and soon discover that the tree tops are animated with
flitting forms. What limitless possibilities there are in a flock of
Warblers! Who can say what rare species may be among them ?—per-
haps the bird we have long vainly looked for; perhaps a stranger from

another clime!
KEY TO THE SPECIES.
First Group.—Throat yellow, yellowish, or orange.
I. Under parts without streaks or spots.

Il. With black or brown streaks on the breast or sides, or (in one species) a
blackish brown band across the throat, or (in one species) a black patch
on the breast.

Second Group.—Throat black, gray, ashy, white, whitish, brown, or buffy.
I. Throat and upper breast one color, black, gray, ashy, or brown, very dif-
ferent from the white or yellow belly.

IJ. Throat white or whitish, with or without streaks or spots; rest of under
parts streaked or spotted with black, bluish, chestnut, or yellow.

III. Under parts white, whitish, or buffy, without streaks, spots, or patches.

First Group.

I. Under parts without streaks or spots.
1. Tail with conspicuous white spots or patches.
A. Wings with white wing-bars.
a. Under parts entirely pure yellow.
a. Forehead yellow; a black line through the eye; rump same as

back. o.'. 0. 6 6 42> 6d Brpowinenp: Waneeme,

a2, Crown ashy; rump yellow . 657. Maenor1a WarBLER (Im.).
b. Throat bright yéllow ; belly white or whitish.

61. Back olive-greenish ... . .°>.. .'. 671. Pure WaRrsier,

62. Back bluish, with a yellowish patch in the middle.
648. ParutaA WARBLER (Im.),
c. Under parts pale yellowish white or buffy ; throat not brighter than
belly.
cl. Back olive-green, slightly streaked with black.
c?, Under parts pale cream-buff, stronger on the flanks.
660, BAy-BREASTED WARBLER (Im.),

WOOD WARBLERS. 339d

c8, Under parts pale yellowish white.
661. BLack-poLL WARBLER (Im.).
d}, Back olive-green, without streaks. . 671. Pins WARBLER 9.
e’. Back with a bluish tinge and without streaks.
658. CERULEAN WARBLER (Im.).
B. Without white wing-bars.
a. Under parts bright orange or orange-yellow; wings, tail-coverts,
and tail bluish gray. . . . . . 687. ProrHonoTary WARBLER.
b. Under parts pure yellow; wings, rump, and tail greenish; head
sometimes blackish ; inner web of outer tail-feathers white.
684. HoopEp WARBLER (¢ and im.).
ec. Under parts pale yellowish; head ashy: rump olive-green; small
white tail-spots, not reaching to ends of feathers.
640. BaAcuMAN’s WARBLER (? and im.).
d. Under parts pale yellowish; entire upper parts olive-green; a
white spot at the base of the primaries.
654. BLAcK-THROATED BLuE WARBLER 9.
2. Tail without white spots or patches ; -wings without white wing-bars.
A, Cap, or forehead, or cheeks black or blackish.
a. Cap black; forehead and cheeks yellow.
685. Witson’s WARBLER.
6. Band on the forehead and cheeks black or blackish; no yellow
line overtheeye. . . . . 681. MaryLanp YELLOW-THROAT 6.
6816. FLorrpA YELLOW-THROAT @.
c. Forehead or crown and cheeks black or blackish; a clear yellow
line over the eye. . . ow oo LY S677. Kenrooky) WaRELER:
B. No black on forehead; crown ashy, of a very different color from
the olive-green back, or with the bases of the crown feathers rufous-
brown or chocolate.
a. Crown plain ashy; under tail-coverts white.
640. BacuMAn’s WARBLER.
b. Crown ashy; bases of feathers chestnut ; eye-ring distinctly white ;
most of under parts and under tail-coverts bright yellow.
645. NasHviLLE WARBLER.
ce. Crown of nearly the same color as the back; the feathers with
rufous-brown bases; under parts dull greenish yellow.
646. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
C. Crown of the same color as the back ; forehead the same, or yellow-
ish, or brownish.
a. Under parts bright yellow.
a, Upper parts bright olive-green; forehead yellowish; short
_ bristles at base of bill; tail greenish brown.
685. Wiison’s WARBLER (Im.),
a*. Upper parts btcial greenish yellow; inner web of tail-feathers
je te Anais uke o\) 6O2,0VEriow WARBLER 9,
8, Upper parts nue Precast: eye-ring white.
645. NasHvitLE WARBLER (Im.).
6. Throat and breast yellow; belly white or whitish.

336 WOOD WARBLERS.

61. A black spot before the eye and a white line over it; wing 3:00.
683. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT,
b3. Legs flesh-color; outer tail-feathers shortest; forehead some-
times brownish . . . . 681. MaryLanp YELLOW-THROAT ?.
6816. FLor1ipA YELLOW-THROAT 9°.
63, Legs blackish ; tail-feathers even; wing under 3:00.
645. NasHVILLE WARBLER (Im.),
e. Under parts uniform yellow or yellowish.
a, Under parts dull greenish yellow, obscurely streaked with
dusky ; back ashy greenish.
646. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Im.).
ec, Under parts yellowish or buffy yellowish; outer tail-feathers
decidedly shortest; legs flesh-color.
681. MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT @.
6816. FLortpA YELLOW-THROAT 2;
c8, Breast somewhat yellower than rest of under parts; flanks
brownish ; legs blackish; tail-feathers of same length.
645. NasHvVILLE WARBLER (1m.).
c+. Inner margins of tail-feathers yellow.
652. YELLoOw WARBLER 9.
e, Back bright olive-green; under tail-coverts white.
647. TENNESSEE WARBLER (Im.).
c6, A small white spot at the base of the primaries.
654, BLAcK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER 9.
II. With black or brown streaks on the breast or sides,
or (in one species) a blackish brown band across the
throat, or (in one species) a black patch on the breast.
1. Under parts streaked with rufous-brown.
A, Crown chestnut.
a. Entire under parts rich yellow . 672a. YeLLow Patm WARBLER.
b. Throat and breast bright yellow; belly yellowish white.
672. Patm WARBLER.
B. No chestnut crown-cap.
a. Under parts yellowish white ; eye-ring yellowish.
672. Patm WARBLER (Im.).
b. Under parts yellow, washed with brownish; eye-ring yellowish.
672a. YELLoOw Patm WARBLER (Im.).
c. Under parts bright yellow; forehead yellow; inner webs of tail-
feathers yellow. . .. . . . 652. YeLLow WaRBLER (Ad.).
2. Under parts streaked or spotted with black.
A, Back unspotted, the same as the head, olive-green or olive-brown.
a. Under parts pale sulphur-yellow, streaked with black; no wing-
bars; wing 3:00 or over.
675. WATER TurusH. 675a. GRINNELL’s WATER THRUSH.
6. Under parts bright ee no black streaks on the flanks; wing
nearly B00 isn Ses o Levit!) we V Sa peers ees
c. Under parts bright matinee oe streaked with black; wing about
900. ss ee oie Ue 0G 678) UPB W oeeeE ean am):

WOOD WARBLERS. 397

d. Throat pale yellow, indistinctly spotted or streaked ; belly
whitish; cheeks bright yellow; outer web of outer tail-feather
white aé the base.

667. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Im.).

e. Throat and breast yellow, distinctly spotted; median wing-coverts
Winte es. els |. 60) Cape May Wanrsier (9 and ini.).

B. Back black or streaked with black, or center of crown orange.

a. Under parts pale yellow; black spots confined to sides; no white
wing-bars . . : - . . 670. KirtLanp’s WARBLER.

6. Under parts aii pallens creamed streaked with blackish ;
two white or whitish wing-bars.

661. Buack-poLL WARBLER (Im.).

¢. Throat orange or yellow, without streaks; ear-coverts gray or
black ; center of crown yellowish or orange.

662. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.

d. Under parts streaked with black; ear-coverts rufous ; cap black.

650. Cape May WARBLER.

e. Head bluish gray or ashy; rump bright yellow; eye-ring white;

white tail-spots not reaching to ends of feathers.
657. Macnot1a WARBLER.
C. Back ashy gray.
a. Throat yellow; belly white; wing-bars and tail-spots white.
a, A yellow line from the bill to the eye.
663. YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.
a*. A white line from the bill to and over the eve.
663a. SycaAMoRE WARBLER.
6. Entire under parts yellow; breast with a necklace of black spots ;

no wing-bars or tail-spots . . . . . 686. Canapran WARBLER.
D. Center of back ay under paris yellow ; sides streaked with
nlncle sees Heya: “{-) 2 Ofes PRAIRIE WARBEBR.

3. Throat yellow ; Brome ih? a pind of copper or blackish chestnut ;

upper parts pines center of back greenish yellow.
648. ParuLaA WARBLER.

4. Throat and forehead yellow; breast and crown-cap black.
640. BacuMAN’s WARBLER.

Second Group.

xk. Throat and upper breast one color, black, gray, ashy,
or brown, very different from the white or yellow
belly.
A. Belly white or whitish.
a. Back gray or greenish gray, crown yellow, cheeks black or gray,

wing-bars yellow . . ... . .. 642. GoLDEN-wINGED WARBLER.
6. Back and crown bright olive-green, cheeks yellow, wing-bars
white. . ... . . . 667. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER,

¢. Back and crown dark blue, a white spot at the base of the primaries,
654. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER 6,

23

338 WOOD WARBLERS.

d. Back streaked with gray and black ; cap, throat, and sides chestnut.
660. Bay-BREASTED WARBLER 6.
e. Back streaked with black and white, a white line through the cen-
ter of the crown. . . . . 636. BLaAck AND WHITE WARBLER ¢.
jf. Back black; sides, center of wings, and base of tail salmon-red.
687. RepstTarT 6.
B. Belly yellow.
a. Throat black.
a, Cheeks bright yellow, black crown-cap connected with black
throat by a black line, end half of inner web of outer tail-feathers
Wihltele gs + . . . . 684. HooprEp WaRBLER.
a?. Cheeks dull Sreehieh yellow: black crown-cap not connected
with black throat, white tail-spots not reaching to the ends of
feathers ... . . . . . 640. BacuMan’s WARBLER.
a3. A black streak juroupl ‘he eye, wing-bars white.
641 + 642. Lawrencre’s WARBLER.
b. Throat bluish gray, ashy, or brownish.
bt. A white eye-ring . . . . . . 678. Connecticut WARBLER.
62. No white eye-ring. . . . . . . 679. Mourninea WARBLER.
II. Throat white or whitish, with or without streaks or
spots; rest of the under parts spotted or streaked
with black, bluish, chestnut, or yellow.
A. Back streaked with black.
a. With chestnut streaks on the sides, under tail-coverts white.
a, Wing over 2°50, head with chestnut or black streaks or spots,
wing-bars white. . . . . 660. Bay-BrEasTeD WARBLER 9.
a2, Wing under 2°50, head and wing-bars yellow or yellowish.
659. CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
b. With black or bluish streaks on the sides or entire under parts.
b1. Cap solid black . . . . . . 661. BLAcK-pPoLL WaRBLER ¢.
62. Crown, rump, and sides of the breast with a yellow patch or spot.
655. Myrtte WaRBLER.
63, Cap black, with a white streak through the center.
636. BLack AND WHITE WARBLER ?.
64. Crown olive-green, with small black streaks.
661. BLAcK-PoLL WARBLER 9.
b5, Crown blue, a bluish-black band across the br east.
658. CERULEAN WARBLER @.
48, Crown brownish, under tail-coverts yellow.
672. Patm WarBLER (Im.).
B. Back without streaks or spots.
a. With white or yellow spots in the tail.
ai, Wing-bars white, cheeks yellow, back greenish.
667. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Im.).
a2, Wing-bars, cheeks, and back grayish, under tail-coverts white.
650. Cape May WaRBLER (9? and im.).
a3, Back brownish, under tail-coverts yellow.
672. Patm WarBLer (Im.).

WOOD WARBLERS. 339

a‘. Sides of breast, band in wings, and base of tail yellow.
687. Repsrart( ¢ and im.).
6. Without white or yellow spots in the tail.
61, A pale rufous streak bordered by black through the center of

(ave) (CAKON\AN, | ela doi 2. 674s OVEN-BIRD:
62, A white line over che eye, icntont zener ally without spots, wing
over 3:00, billover ‘50. . . . 676. Lourstana Water-THRusn.

63. A buffy line over the eye, throat with small black spots, wing
under 3:00, bill under -50.. . . .-. ... 675. Water-Turousn.
675a. GRINNELL’s WaATER-THRUSH.
III. Under parts white, whitish, or buify, without streaks,
spots, or patches.
A. Tail with white or yellow spots or patches.
a. Wing-bars white or grayish.
a, Under parts pure white, back greenish yellow, cheeks gray,
wing under 2°50. . . . 659. CHESTNUT-sIDED WARBLER (Im.).
a2, Under parts tinged with buffy, back and cheeks olive-green,
with generally distinct black streaks, wing over 2°50.
660. Bay-BREASTED WARBLER (Im.).
a8, Under parts soiled whitish, back brownish or grayish green, eye-
ring white, wing-bars grayish, wing over 2°50.
671. Pine Warster (9 and im.).
a4, Under parts white, back streaked with pure black and white.
636. BLack AnD WuirE WARBLER 9°.
6. Wing-bars yellowish, greenish, or absent.
61, Back and head bright greenish yellow, cheeks gray, under
parts pure white. . . . 659. CuEesrnut-stpep Wareuer (Im.).
63. Back, head, and cheeks yellowish green, under parts yellowish,
inner margins of tail-feathers yellow.
652. YELLOw WARBLER (Im.).
63. Back gray or grayish, a black line through the eye.
641 + 642. BREwsTER’s WARBLER.
64. Back and head aa wings and base of tail with a yellow

Baia peytree . . . . #687. Repstrart (¢ and im.).
65. Back eate green, Weed and cheeks grayish, a small black spot
in front of theeye . . . . . . 647. TENNESSEE WARBLER 6.

B. Tail without white or yellow spots or patches.
a. Undér¥ tail-coverts yellow.
a@. Back olive-green, outer tail-feathers shortest, legs flesh-color.
681. MaryLanp YELLOW-THROAT (9 and im.).
6816. FLroripA YELLOW-THROAT.
a*. Back grayish olive-green, tail-feathers of equal length, legs
blackish. . . . . . . . 646. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
6. Under tail-coverts white or whitish.
61. Head plain brown, a whitish line from the bill over the eye.
638, Swarnson’s WARBLER.
62. Center of crown and line from the bill over the eye buffy, bor-
dered by black stripes . . . . 639. Worm-EaTING WARBLER,

340 WOOD WARBLERS.

28, Crown greenish, a small white spot at the base of the primaries
almost concealed by wing-coverts.
654. BLACcK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (@ and im.).
64. Crown grayish, bend of the wing yellow.
640. BacumMan’s WARBLER 9°.

A FIELD KEY TO THE
ADULT MALE WARBLERS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA IN
SPRING AND SUMMER PLUMAGE.

I. Throat yellow, white, or whitish ; under parts without streaks or patches.
Il. Throat black, brown, or slate-color.
Ill. Throat yellow or orange, under parts with streaks. (In one species a
blackish-brown band across the breast.)
IV. Throat white or whitish, with streaks or spots on the under parts. (In
two species a yellow patch on the sides of the breast.)

I. Throat yellow, white, or whitish; under parts without
streaks or patches.
1. Throat yellow.

A. Length over 6:00, the largest of the Warblers; haunts dense thick-
ets in second growth; song, a peculiar mixture of whistles, chucks,
and crow-calls, delivered from the undergrowth, from the trees
above, or on the wing, when the bird resembles a bunch of falling
leaves: .°).40)hs0s ho say dela! 683, (YELROW-BREAS@ED (mam

BS. Length under 6°00.

a. Head and neck bright golden yellow like the breast; tail-feath-
ers white, except at the tip; haunts near the water, especially
low bushes and willows hanging over streams and ponds; call, a
sharp peek ; range, from Virginia southward.

637. ProrHonoTARY WARBLER.

6. Forehead and cheeks black, a yellow line over the eye; song, a
low whistled call of five to seven notes; haunts near the ground ;
range from lower Hudson Valley southward.

677. Kentucky WARBLER.

c. Forehead and cheeks black, bordered by grayish; no line over
the eye; haunts undergrowth; call, a frequently ‘ttepeated chack ;
song, a loud, rapid J bescech you, I beseech you, I beseech you, or
witch-e-wee-o, witch-e-wee-0, witch-e-wec-o ; movements restless ;
abundant. . .. .. . . 681. Maryitanp YELLOW-THROAT.

681b. FrorrpA YELLow-THROAT (Fla.).

d. Head and back olive-green; wings with two white bars; outer
tail-feathers white; haunts pine woods; song, a musical trill.

671. Prine WaRBLER.

e. Crown bluish ash, eye-ring white; call-note sometimes like the
sound produced by striking two pebbles together.

645. NASHVILLE WARBLER.

WOOD WARBLERS. 341

J. Forehead yellow, a small black mark in front of the eye; wings
with two white bars; outer tail-feathers white ; song, swéé-chee,
the first note higher, and also wéé, chi-chi-chi-chi, chiur, chéé-chiur.

641. BLuE-wineeD WARBLER.

g. Forehead yellow; crown-cap black; cheeks yellow; wings and

tail unmarked; rather rare .. . . 685. Wiz~son’s WARBLER.
2. Throat white or whitish.
A. Length 5:00; crown brown or with blackish and buffy stripes.

a. A conspicuous whitish line through the center of the crown, bor-
dered by black lines; not common.

639. Worm-EATING WARBLER.

6. Crown plain brown; range, North Carolina and southward.

638. Swatnson’s WARBLER.
&. Length 4:50; crown ashy or forehead yellow.

a. Forehead yellow.

a1, Breast white, with a barely perceptible tinge of yellow; wing-
bars white or yellow, a black mark in front of the eye; rare.
641 + 642. BRewsTER’s WARBLER.
b. Forehead not yellow.
61, Breast white, crown plain bluish ashy, clearly defined from
the bright olive-green back. . . 647. TENNESSEE WARBLER.
62. Breast whitish, tinged with yellow and indistinctly streaked
with dusky ; crown dull ashy, not clearly defined from the back
and with a partly concealed patch of rufous-brown; very rare
in the Atlantic States north of South Carolina.
646. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
II. Throat black, brown, or slate-color.
1. Belly white.
a. Back blue, a white spot near the outer edge of the wing; common.
654. BLAcK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER.
b. Back green, cheeks yellow; song, a buzzlike zee repeated five or
six times, the next to last note the highest ; common.
667. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
c. Back grayish, forehead yellow, a black mark through the eye and

a white line below it; a large patch of yellow on the wings; song,

zee-zec-zee-zce, all on the same note; not common.

& 642. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER.

d. Back black; sides of the breast, middle of the wing, and base of

the tail-feathers reddish orange ; movements active, tail frequently
spread, the reddish color showing conspicuously ; abundant.

687. REpsTART.

e. Back streaked with black and white; song fine and wiry; move-

ments like those of a Creeper; common.

636. Brack AND WHITE WARBLER.

J. Back streaked with buffy and black; forehead and cheeks black ;

crown-cap, throat, upper part of the breast, and sides chestnut;

rather rare «a Us ar as) 660) Bay-sridsten, WARBLER:

349 WOOD WARBLERS.

2. Belly yellow.
A. Throat slate-color; haunts near the ground.
a. Breast showing traces of black, no white eye-ring: rare in most

placesie, a pe tia,/ ay - . « - 679. Mourninc WARBLER.
b. Breast with no ee of black, a i eye-ring; call a sharp
peek y very rareinthe spring . . 8. ConnEcTICUT WARBLER.

B. Throat black.
a. Forehead and crown yellow, wings with white bars, a black
line through the eye; very rare.
641 + 642. LAWRENCE’s WARBLER.
b. Forehead and cheeks yellow, rest of the head and sides of the
neck black ; outer tail-feathers almost entirely white; haunts near
the ground, generally in wet woods; movements active, the white
tail-feathers showing conspicuously in flight; lower Hudson Val-
ley southward; common. . .. . . 684. Hoop—ep WARBLER.
c. Forehead yellow, a small black patch on the crown, white patches ~
on the tail not reaching to the ends of the feathers; range, South
Carolina southward .. . . . . 640. Bacuman’s WARBLER.
IIL. Throat yellow or orange, under parts with streaks.
(In one species a blackish brown band across the
breast. )
A. bac white, with or without black streaks.
. Throat rich orange; back, black streaked with white; tolerably

COMMON! say) 3) 4 . . . . 662. BLackBURNIAN WARBLER.
6. Throat bright voller: fvacke grayish; range, Virginia southward ;
abundant . ... . . . . 663. YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.

663a. SYCAMORE WARBLER.
c. Throat yellow, with a blackish band crossing the upper part of the
breast; abundant’... . . . . 648. ParuLa WARBLER.
2. Belly yellow with streaks or can on the breast or sides.
A. With black streaks or spots on the under parts.

a. Back grayish, unstreaked ; a necklace of black spots on the breast ;

no streaks on the sides or white on the wings or tail; common.
686. CANADIAN WARBLER.
6. Back black, crown grayish, a black stripe through the eye; breast
and sides streaked with black; end of tail black, a white band

across its middle; common . . . . 657. MagcnottA WARBLER.
c. Back streaked with white, center of the crown and line over the
eye orange .. . . . 662. BLAcKBURNIAN WARBLER.

d. Back greenish, strea skad with black ; crown black, a rufous ear-
patch, a white patch on the wings, rump yellow; rare.
650. Cape May WARBLER.
e. Back greenish, with a patch of rufous-brown; haunts second
growths and old bush-grown pastures ; common in some places.
673. Prarriz WARBLER.
J. Back grayish, streaked with black ; crown bluish ; no conspicuous
white marking on the wings; very rare in the United States.
670. KirTLAND’s WARBLER.

WOOD WARBLERS. 343

B. Under parts with rufous-brown streaks.

a. Crown yellow, back greenish, inner border of tail-feathers yel-
low; general appearance that of a yellow bird; haunts lawns,
orchards, and second growths; rarely seen in deep woods; abun-
Gant. 3 se ps oer ste. COL EEL ON Teens

6. Crown chestnut, eae Seananiel outer tail-feathers tipped with
white; haunts near the ground, eoduenine seen along roadsides
and. i: old fields; movements leisurely, constantly wags its tail;
common . 672, PatmM WaRBLER. 672a. YELLOw Patm WARBLER.

IV. Throat white or whitish, with streaks or spots on the
under parts. (In two species a yellow patch on the
sides of the breast.)

1. A patch of yellow on the sides of the breast.

a. Back grayish, streaked with black; rump and a partly concealed
crown-patch yellow; note, a loud tchip, generally uttered during
flight; abundant .... 2s . « God) Myrrie W ArerEert

6. Back brown, breast more or fess spotted with black; a yellow band
across the middle of wings and tail; movements active, tail fre-
quently spread, the yellow band showing conspicuously ; abundant.

687. Repsrart (Im.).
2. No yellow patch on the sides of the breast.

A, With wing-bars; back streaked with black; haunts in trees.

a. Back bright blue; very rare near the Atlantic coast.

658. CERULEAN WARBLER.

b. Back grayish, crown black; movements slow; abundant.

661. BLack-poLL WARBLER.
ce. Back greenish os crown bright yellow, sides chestnut; com-
TORY st. . . . . 659. CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.

BL. Without ne Dae owes not streaked; haunts on or near the
ground ; walkers, not eee
a. Crown pale rufous, bordered by black streaks ; song, aloud teacher,

repeated eight or nine times and increasing in volume ; common.
674, OVENBIRD.

6. Crown like the back, breast with a tinge of sulphur-yellow, an
inconspicuous buffy line over the eye; bill less than °50 in length;
common. . . - « . . 675. Water Turusn.

c. Crown like the Gace teat md particularly flanks tinged with
buffy, a conspicuous white line over the eye; bill nearly -75 in
length ; a far shyer bird than the preceding; song loud and ring-
ing; notcommon , .. . . 676. Louistana Water ‘l'HRUSH.

636. Mniotilta varia (Zinn.). Brack anp Waite WARBLER; Biack
AND Waiter Creeper. (Fig. 93.) Ad. 6.—No yellow anywhere; upper parts
streaked with black and white; ear-coverts black; inner webs of outer tail-
feathers with white patches; wing-coverts black, tipped with white; throat
and upper breast black or black and white; sides streaked with black and
white; middle of the belly white. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but the under parts
with fewer black streaks; sides washed with brownish. Jm. 6.—Similar to

o44 WOOD WARBLERS.

the ¢, but with more streaks on the under parts. L., 5°30; W., 2°73; T., 2:02;
B. from N., :37.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Southern States north
to Fort Simpson ; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, abundant T. V., less common 8. R., Apl. 12 to Oct. 15. Sing
Sing, common 8. k., Apl. 18 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, very common S§. R., Apl.
25 to Sept. 5.

Nest, of strips of bark, grasses, etc., lined with rootlets or long hairs, on the
ground at the base of a stump, log, or rock. ggqs, four to five, white, spotted
and speckled with cinnamon-brown to umber, chiefly in a wreath at the larger
end, °68 x *d4.

None of our Warblers can be more readily identified than this con-
spicuously marked creeper. It is generally distributed throughout
woodland, and climbs with even more agility than a true Creeper,
hanging from the under surface of branches and twigs, and flitting
actively from tree to tree after apparently the most superficial exami-
nation.

It is a generally silent: bird, intent on food-getting, and its thin,
wiry notes, see-see-see-see, are not frequently uttered.

637. Protonotaria citrea (Jodd.). Protuonotary WaRBLER.
Ad. 6.—Whole head, neck, and under parts rich orange, lighter on the belly ;
back greenish yellow, changing to bluish gray on the rump; wings and tail
ashy ; inner webs of all but the middle tail-feathers white, except at the tip;
no wing-bars. Ad. ?.—Similar, but the yellow is paler, the belly with more
white. L., 5°50; W., 2:90; T., 1:85; B. from N., 42.

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States to southern
Illinois and Virginia; wanders casually to Maine; winters in the tropics.

Washington, of irregular occurrence in summer.

Nest, of rootlets, fine twigs, and moss, plant down or feathers, in a hole in
a stub or stump, generally of a willow tree. gs, four to six, white, thickly
and rather coarsely marked distinctly and obscurely with cinnamon-brown,
chestnut, or rufous-brown, *69 x *56.

This exquisite Warbler frequents bushes and low trees—particu-
larly willow trees—hanging over the water. Its call-note so closely
resembles that of a Water Thrush (Sezurus), I have sometimes mis-
taken it for that species. Its usual song, as Mr. Brewster remarks in
his admirable biography* of this species, “sounds at a distance like
the call of the Solitary Sandpiper, with a syllable or two added—a
simple peet, tweet, tweet, tweet, given on the same key throughout... .
Nearer at hand, however, the resemblance is lost, and a ringing, pene-
trating quality becomes apparent in the Warbler’s sorg.”

To thoroughly appreciate the Prothonotary’s radiant beauty, one

* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, 1878, pp. 1538-162.

WOOD WARBLERS. 345

should float quietly in a canoe past its haunts. Its color shows to best
advantage against the dark background of its home, and its every
movement is a delight to the eye.

638. Helinaia swainsonii Avd. Swarnson’s Warsier. Ad.—
Crown cinnamon-brown ; a whitish line over the eye; back, rump, wings, and
tail olive grayish brown without white; under parts soiled yellowish white,
grayer on the sides. L., 5-00; W., 2°75; T., 1:90; B. from N., -46.

Range.—Southern United States, north to North Carolina and Missouri;
south in winter to the tropics.

Nest, externally of leaves, lined with pine needles and rootlets, in bushes,
canes, palmettos, and clumps of vines, from three to ten feet above the ground
or surface of the water. Zggs, three to four, white, with a faint bluish tinge,
‘75 x ‘54 (Davie).

The history of Swainson’s Warbler is very similar to that of Bach-
man’s Warbler. It was discovered by Dr. Bachman near Charleston,
South Carolina, in 1832, and for somewhat over fifty years was prac-
tically a lost species, but proves now to be a common bird in some
parts of its range. Its rediscovery near Charleston by Mr. A. T. Wayne
and Mr. Brewster is recounted by the latter in an article * which ade-
quately portrays the bird, its habits and haunts. It lives on and near
the ground, and, according to Mr. Brewster’s experience, four things
seem indispensable to its existence—“ water, tangled thickets, patches
of cane, and a rank growth of semi-aquatic plants.” Its song, which
is highly ventriloquial, is described by the same author as “a series of
clear, ringing whistles, the first four uttered rather slowly and in the
same key, the remaining five or six given more rapidly, and in an
evenly descending scale... . In general effect it recalls the song of
the Water Thrush (Sevwrus noveboracensis). It is very loud, very rich,
very beautiful, while it has an indescribable tender quality that thrills
the senses after the sound has ceased.”

639. Helmitherus vermivorus ((@mc/.). Worm-Eatinc WARBLER.
(Fig. 94.) -Ad.—A black line from the eye to the nape, and two on the crown
from either nostril; an olive-buffy line over either eye, and a third through
the center of the crown; back, wings, and tail olive-green without white;
under parts whitish cream-buff, whiter on the throat and belly. L., 551; W.,
2°78; T., 2:05; B. from N., 39.

Range.—Kastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States north to
southern Illinois and southern Connecticut; winters in the tropics.

Washington, quite common §. R., Apl. 28 to Sept. Sing Sing, common
S. h., May 7 to Aug. 23. Cambridge, A. V., one instance, Sept.

Nest, of rootlets, leaves, and bark, on the ground. Zygs, four to six, white,
speckled, spotted, or blotched with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, *68 x *54.

* The Auk, ii. 1885, pp. 65-80; see also ibid., pp. 346-348, and also Perry, Orn.
and O51., xi, 1886, p. 188 ; xii, 1887, p. 141.

346 WOOD WARBLERS,.
This comparatively rare, retiring Warbler may be found on dry
wooded slopes, hillsides, and ravines, generally where there is a rather
dense undergrowth, but occasiqnally where the ground is quite clear
and open. ~It lives on or near the ground, and in its slow, deliberate
actions resembles a Vireo more than the usually active Warblers. Its
call-note is a sharp chip, while its song, as all observers agree, closely
resembles that of the Chipping Sparrow, but is somewhat weaker.

640. Helminthophila bachmani (4vd.). Bacuman’s Warsier.
Ad. 6.—Forehead yellow, bordered by a black patch on the crown; back of
the head bluish gray ; back and rump bright olive-green ; lesser wing-coverts
yellow ; tail grayish, all but the middle feathers with white patches on their
inner web near the tips; throat and belly yellow, a large black patch on the
breast. Ad. @.—Crown grayish; forehead yellowish; back, wings, and tail
as inthe 4; under parts whitish, washed with yellow on the throat and breast ;
bend of the wing yellow. L., 425; W., 2°40; ‘I., 1:80; B. from N., °82.

Range—Southeastern United States, west to New Orleans, north to South
Carolina; south in winter to Cuba, and probably Central America; accidental
in Virginia.

“ West, in low trees. Zggs, four,’ dull grayish white, heavily blotched
with umber in the form of a broken band about the larger end, a few spots
and specks of the same color, and numerous irregular, obscure lavender mark-
ings are distributed over the remaining surface, ‘74 x ‘60. (Described from
only known specimen, collected by Dr. 8. W. Wilson on St. Simon’s Island,
Georgia, April 30, 1854; see Bailey, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 1883, p. 38.)

Bachman’s Warbler was described by Audubon from a pair of birds
taken by Dr. Bachman at Charleston, South Carolina, in July, 1833.
Several specimens were subsequently taken in the West Indies during
the winter, but over fifty years passed before the species was again
found in the United States. It proves now to be a common bird in
parts of its range, and has been found in large numbers near New
Orleans, and on the Suwanee River in Florida in March and April,
and at Key West in late July and August. At each of these places,
however, it has. been observed only as a migrant, and its breeding
home is still unknown.

Mr. Brewster and myself had excellent opportunities to study its
habits on the Suwanee River, and in The Auk for 1891, pp. 149-1957,
will be found a detailed account of our observations written by Mr.
Brewster. It was migrating with other Warblers, and kept to the
tops of the highest trees. It is not improbable, however, that when
in its breeding haunts it may prove to be a low-ranging bird like most
of the members of this genus. Its movements were rather leisurely,
and resembled those of H. pinus or H. celata. Its song, which only
Mr. Brewster was fortunate enough to hear, is described by him as
resembling the song of the Parula Warbler.

~WOOD WARBLERS. 347

641. Helminthophila pinus (Zinn.). Buve-wincep Wars er.
(Fig. 95.) Ad. 6.—Crown and entire under parts bright yellow, a black line
through the eye; back and rump bright olive-green; wings and tail bluish
gray; greater and middle wing-coverts tipped with white or yellowish white ;
outer three tail-feathers with large white patches on their inner webs, fourth
feather with a much-smaller patch. Ad. ?.—Similar, but yellow on the head
confined to the forehead ; under parts duller. L., 4:80; W., 2-40; T., 1:80; B.
from N., °33.

Remarks.—The only variation of note in the plumage of otherwise typical
specimens of this species occurs in the color of the wing-bars, which in some
specimens are tinged with yellow. <A specimen in Mr. Brewster’s collection
(No. 25,511, Seymour, Conn., June 11, 1889, E. A. Eames) shows this variation
carried to an extreme, and has the wing-bars as broadly yellow as in H. chrys-
optera, though in every other respect it is typical pinus. Between this spe-
cies and /Z. chrysoptera there exists a complete set of intergrades, which are
variously called H. leucobronchialis and H. lawrencei. They are generally
considered to be hybrids, and it has also been suggested that dichromatism
may aid in producing their coloration. Their relationships will be found dis-
cussed under the following references: Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi,
1881, p. 218; Ridgway, Auk, ii, 1885, p. 359; Manual N. A. Birds, 1887,
p. 486. :

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds as far north as southern Minnesota
and Connecticut; winters in the tropics.

Washington, rather uncommon T. V., Apl. 28 to May 25; Aug. 5 to Sept.;
afew breed. Sing Sing, common 8. R., May 4 to Sept. 7.

West, of bark and leaves, lined with fine strips of bark and tendrils, and
firmly wrapped with numerous leaves, whose stems point upward, on the
ground, generally in or at the border of second growth. Zyqgs, four to six,
white, thinly speckled with rufous, cinnamon-brown, or rufous-brown,
"62 x *50.

This species may be found. in scrubby second growths, woodland
borders, or even the lower trees of dense woods. Its movements are
rather slow and leisurely, and, like a Chickadee, it may sometimes be
seen hanging head downward while searching for food.

It is at times a rather persistent songster, and its peculiar song is
not likely to be mistaken for that of any other Warbler. As a rule,
it consists of the two drawled, wheezy notes swéé-chee ; the first inhaled,
the second exhaled. A less common song, uttered later in the season,
is wéé, chi-chi-chi-chi, chur, chéé-chiir, and is sometimes accompanied
by peculiar vk notes.

Helminthephila leucobronchialis (2rews?.).. Brewster's War-
BLER. Ad. §.—Forehead and fore part of the crown yellow, a black line
from the bill through the eye: rest of the upper parts bluish gray; wing-
bars broadly yellow; tail like the back, three to four outer feathers marked
with white; under parts pure white, faintly washed with yellow on the
breast. Fall specimens are more heavily washed with yellow, and the upper

348 WOOD WARBLERS.

parts are margined with olive-green. Ad. ?.—Similar, but wing-bars white,
and crown not so bright.

Remarks.—The descriptions are from typical specimens of the puzzling
bird known as Helminthophila leucobronchialis. Between it and H. pinus
there are specimens showing every degree of intergradation. Typical exam-
ples are comparatively rare, and the most common form has the breast heavily
washed with yellow, the back tinged with olive-green, and the white wing-
bars washed with yellow; in other words, about intermediate between typ-
ical lewcobronchialis and typical pinus.

This hybrid, color phase, or species—I do not presume to say what |
it is, for I think some day we may understand its relationships more
fully—has been found in Louisiana, from Virginia northward to Con-
necticut, and as far west as Michigan. Its breeding range appar-
ently coincides with that of H. pinus. Upward of one hundred speci-
mens, representing typical lewcobronchialis and various phases of its
intergradation with pimus are known, and in the Connecticut River
Valley the bird is stated to be more frequent than H. chrysoptera.
In general habits it resembles both pinus and chrysoptera, Some in-
dividuals sing like the former, some like the latter, while others have
notes of their own. (See Fisher, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, p.
234: vi, 1881, p. 245; Auk, ii, 1885, p. 878; Chapman, ibid., iv, 1887,
p. 848; ix, 1892, p. 802; Eames, ibid., v, 1888, p. 427; vi, 1889, p. 300;
Bishop, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 192; Sage, ibid., vi, 1889, p. 279; x, 18938,
p. 208.)

Helminthophila lawrencei (//rrici:). Lawrencr’s WarBsLEer.—
Ad. 6.—Forehead and fore part of the crown yellow, rest of the upper parts
bright olive-green ; wing-bars white; tail bluish gray, the three to four outer
feathers marked with white; a black patch on the cheek divided by a yellow
line from the black patch on the throat and upper breast; lower breast and
belly yellow, under tail-coverts white. Ad. ¢.—Forehead dingy yellow,
rest of the upper parts bright olive-green; wing-bars white, tinged with yel-
low; tail as in the 6, black patches of the ¢ replaced by dusky olive-green.

Remarks.—This bird combines the characters of pinus and chrysoptera ;
it has the black cheek-patches and breast-patch of the latter, but in other
respects resembles the former, and is doubtless a hybrid between the two.
Its history and a discussion of its relationships will be found under the refer-
ences given above. It is a much rarer bird than Brewster’s Warbler, and
less than a dozen specimens have been recorded.

642. Helminthophila chrysoptera (Linn.). GoLpEN-wINGED
Warsier. (Fig. 96.) Ad. 6.—Crown bright yellow; rest of the upper parts
bluish gray, sometimes washed with greenish; a Zarge black patch about the
eye, separated from another on the throat by a white stripe; a white line over
the eye; wings and tail bluish gray; tips of middle wing-coverts and outer
webs of greater ones bright yellow, forming a large yellow patch on the wing;
outer three tail-feathers with large white patches on their inner webs at the

WOOD WARBLERS. 349

tip, fourth feather with a smaller patch; lower breast and belly white; sides
grayish. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but the crown duller, the patch on the sides of
the head and throat grayish instead of black. L., 5-10; W., 2°46; T., 1°94;
B. from N., *34.

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds from Indiana and northern New
Jersey north to Michigan, southern Ontario, and Vermont; south along the
Alleghanies to South Carolina; winters in Central America.

Washington, uncommon T. V., May 1 to 28; Aug. Sing Sing, rare S. R.,
May 8 to Aug. 25. Cambridge, not uncommon 8. R., May 12 to Aug. 26.

Nest, much like that of H. pinus, on or near the ground, in second
growths or bushy fields. Z£yggs, four to six, white, speckled and spotted,
chiefly about the larger end, with cinnamon-brown, chestnut, or umber,
"62 x °50.

In their actions and choice of haunts the Golden-winged resemble
the Blue-winged Warblers. Their song is of much the same quality,
but the notes are all of the same kind and length, and the bird utters
a rather lazy zee-zee-zee-zee, at once distinguishable from the song of
pinus,

645. Helminthophila ruficapilla (Wiéls.). Nasuvirte War-
BLER. -4d.—Top and sides of the head bluish gray, a partially concealed
chestnut patch in the center of the crown; back and rump bright olive-green ;
wings and tail edged with the same and without white; under parts bright
yellow, whiter on the belly. /m.—Upper parts dull olive-green, more or less
washed with brownish; rump brighter; wings and tail as in the ad.; sides
of the head brownish ashy, eye-ring white; under parts yellowish, brighter
on the breast; sides brownish. L., 477; W., 2°33; T., 1°81; B. from
N., -28.

Range.—“Kastern North America; breeds from northern Illinois and
Connecticut northward to Labrador and the fur countries; winters in the
tropics. .

Washington, uncommon T. V., May 5 to 20; Sept. 5 to 20. Sing Sing,
tolerably common T. V., May 7 to 27; Aug. 1l¥to Oct. 4; may breed. Cam-
bridge, rather common 8. R., May 5 to Oct. 1, more common T. V.

Nest, of grasses and moss, lined with finer grasses and fine, hairlike root-
lets, on the ground, in partial clearings or tree-grown pastures. gqgs, four
to five, white, thickly speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with rufous or cin-
namon-brown, ‘61 x °48.

This Warbler is an inhabitant of rather open woodland, young
second growth, or tree-bordered fields. In addition to the usual chip,
it has a sharp, characteristic call-note, while its song is about as likely
to attract attention as that of the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Minot
writes it “ weé'-see-weé'-see, wit'-a-wit'-a-wit',” while Langille gives it
as ‘ ke-tsee-ke-tsee-ke-tsee-chip-ee-chip-ee-chip-ee-chip,” and compares
the first half to the penetrating notes of the Black and White Warbler,
and the last half to the twitter of the Chipping Sparrow.

350 WOOD WARBLERS.

646. Helminthophila celata (Say). Orance-crowNED WARBLER.
Ad.—Upper parts rather ashy olive-green; feathers of the crown orange-
rufous at the base; wings and tail edged with olive-green and without white ;
eye-ring yellow: under parts greenish yellow, obscurely streaked with dusky
on the breast. /m.—Similar, but without orange-rufous in the crown; upper
parts more ashy; under parts duller; eye-ring white. L., 5-00; W., 2°50;
‘a, “05:>) B viromninge eal:

Range.—Breeds in the interior of British Columbia, and as far north as
the “Yukon and Mackenzie River districts, and southward through the
Rocky Mountains; winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States and
Mexico.”

Washington, casual T. V., one instance, Oct. Sing Sing, A. V. Cam-
bridge, rare T. V.,in fall, Sept. 830; Oct. 2.

Vest, of leaves and fine grasses, on or near the ground. qs, four to five,
white, with specks or spots of cinnamon-brown or rufous, more numerous at
the larger end, *63 x 49.

Orange-crowned Warblers are rare in the North Atlantic States.
In Florida, where they are common in the winter, they evidently pre-
fer the densely foliaged live and water oaks. Their sharp chzp is suffi-
ciently characteristic to be recognized after one has become thoroughly
familiar with it. Their song, which I have never heard, is described
by Colonel Goss as consisting of ‘a few sweet trills uttered in a spir-
ited manner, and abruptly ending on a rising scale.”

647. Helminthophila peregrina ( Wi/s.). TrnnessrEE WARBLER.
(See Fig.53, a.) Ad. 6.—Top and sides of the head bluish gray, sharply de-
fined from the bright olive-green back and rump; wings and tail edged with
olive-green ; no white wing-bars; inner margin of inner vane of outer tail-
feathers generally white at the tip; under parts white, sometimes tinged with
yellow. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but crown tinged with greenish and under parts
washed with yellowish. /m.—Upper parts uniform olive-green ; under parts
washed with yellowish; under tail-coverts white. L., 5-00; W., 2°68; T., 1°69;
B. from N., °32.

Remarks.—The adults of this and the two preceding species may be dis-
tinguished with ease; immature birds, however, are frequently confused.
The Nashville is distinctly ye2Zow on the breast and under tail-coverts; the
Orange-crowned is pale greenish yellow, with dusky streaks and yellow
under tail-coverts; the Tennessee is pale greenish yellow, without streaks,
and with the under tail-coverts white.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Minnesota, northern New
York, and New Brunswick northward; winters in Central America.

Washington, T. V., not observed in spring; occasionally common in fall,
Aug. 25 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, rare T. V., May 22 to 27; Aug. 22 to Oct. 2.
Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15 to 28; Sept.

Nest, of fine hempen fibers, grasses, and moss, lined with hair, in low
bushes near the ground. ygs, pearly white, with a circle of brown and pur.
plish spots about the larger end, °60 x 50 (B., B., and R.).

WOOD WARBLERS. 3d

Fie. 93.—Black and White Warbler. Fic. 97.—Parula Warbler.

1

fic. 95.—Blue-winged Warbler. Fic. 99.—Magnolia Warbler.

Fic. 96.—Golden-winged Warbler. Fia. 100.—Chestnut-sided Warbler,

Fiaes. 93-100.—Heads of Warblers. (Natural size.)

352 WOOD WARBLERS.

This bird has the general habits of the Orange-crowned or Nashville
Warblers. Ernest Thompson describes its song as beginning with a
note like chipitt, chipitr, repeated a dozen or more times, with increas-
ing rapidity, then suddenly changed into a mere twitter. Bradford
Torrey says the Tennessee’s song “is more suggestive of the Nash-
ville’s than of any other, but so decidedly different as never for a mo-
ment to be confounded with it,” and adds a detailed description (‘The
Footpath Way, p. 8).

648. Compsothlypis americana (Zinn.). Parva WarsLer;
Buurt YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER. (Fig. 97.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts grayish
blue; a greenish-yellow patch in the middle of the back ; greater and lesser
wing-coverts tipped with white; outer tail-feathers with a white patch near
the end; throat and breast yellow, more or less marked with pale rufous, a
black, or bluish black, or rufous band across the breast ; belly white; sides
sometimes marked with rufous. Ad. ?.—Similar, but the rufous color and
band on the breast sometimes absent. Jm.—Like the 9. L., 473; W., 2:40;
L765 B. trom ING 332.

Range.—“Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States northward
to Anticosti; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, abundant T. V., Apl. 20 to May 20; Aug. 20 to Oct. 15; a
few breed. Sing Sing, common T. V., May 2 to 28; Sept. 21 to Oct. 7. Cam-
bridge, common T. V., May 1 to 28; Sept. 10 to 30.

West, generally in bunches of Usnea “moss.” Eggs, four to tive, white,
with rufous markings, chiefly in a wreath about the larger end, -66 x °47.

During its migrations the Parula is very generally distributed, but
when nesting it selects localities in which there is an abundance of
Spanish or Usnea * moss.”

In Florida the Parula’s notes mark the beginning of a new ornitho-
logical year, and its song is so associated in my mind with the beauties
of a southern spring that in describing it as a short, insectlike buzz
I realize how largely its charm is borrowed from its surroundings.
When the cypresses are enveloped in a haze of lacelike blossoms, and
the woods are fragrant with the delicious odor of yellow jasmine, the
dreamy softness of the air is voiced by the Parula’s drowsy song.

650. Dendroica tigrina (G@mecl.). Carr May Wars.er. (See
Fig. 1.) Ad. 6.—Crown black, slightly tipped with greenish; ea7-coverts
rufous, bounded behind by a large yellow patch on the side of the neck;
back olive-green, broadly streaked with black; rump yellow or greenish
yellow; a large white patch on the wing-coverts ; outer tail-feathers with a
large white patch on their inner webs, near the tip ; under parts yellow, heavily
streaked with black; lower belly and under tail-coverts whitish. Ad. ¢.—
Upper parts grayish olive-green; rump yellowish ; a yellow line over the eye;
middle wing-coverts with narrow white tips; outer tail-feathers with a white
patch on their inner webs near the tip; under parts yellow, streaked with

WOOD WARBLERS. 353

black; belly and under tail-coverts whiter. Jm. §.—Resembles the ¢, but
the wing-coverts have more white. Jm. ?.—Similar to ad. ¢, but with little
or no yellow on the under parts. L., 5:00; W., 2°61; T., 1:88; B. from N., -30.

tange.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern New England
north to Hudson Bay; winters in the tropics.

Washington, sometimes very common, usually uncommon T. V., May 5 to
20; Aug. 25 to Oct.7. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., Aug. 20 to Oct. 1.
Cambridge, rare T. V., May 15 to 25; Aug. 25 to Sept. 15.

Nest, partially pensile, of twigs and grass fastened with spiders’ webbing,
lined with horsehair, on a low branch of a small tree in pasture or open
woodland. Zggs, three to four, dull white or butfy, slightly specked, and
wreathed around the larger end with spots of brown and lilac, -70 x -50
(Chamberlain).

During its migrations this generally rare Warbler may be found
associated with its wood-inhabiting congeners. In the summer it
haunts the higher branches of coniferous trees. Mr. Chamberlain
describes its song as somewhat resembling “the simple lay of the
Nashville, though its voice is neither so full nor so sweet, recalling the
thin, wiry tones of the Black and White Creeper.”

652. Dendroica zstiva (Gmel.). Yrettow Warsier. Ad. 6.—
Upper parts bright greenish yellow, brighter on the crown; wings edged with
yellow ; tail fuscous, the ¢nner vanes of the feathers yellow ; under parts bright
yellow, streaked with rufous. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts uniform yellowish olive-
green; tad as in the 6; wings fuscous, edged with yellow ; under parts bright
yellow, slightly, if at all, streaked with rufous on the breast and sides. Jm. 4.
—Similar to the 9. Jm. @.—Upper parts light olive-green; tail fuscous, the
inner margins of the ¢nner vanes of the tail-feathers yellow ; under parts uni-
form dusky yellowish. L., 5-10; W., 2°40; T., 1:89; B. from N., -33.

Remarks.—In any plumage this bird may be known by the yellow on the
inner vanes of the tail-feathers.

Range.—North America, except Southwestern States; breeds northward
to the arctic regions; winters as far south as northern South America.

Washington, common 8. R., abundant T. V., Apl. 18 to Sept. 30. Sing
Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 380 to Sept. 27. Cambridge, abundant 8. R., May 1
to Sept 30.

Nest, of fine grasses and hempen fibers, with a conspicuous amount of plant
down, lined with plant down, fine grasses, and sometimes long hairs, in the
shrubs or trees of lawns or orchards. qs, four to five, bluish white, thickly
marked with cinnamon- and olive-brown, with frequently a wreath about the
larger end, “70 x ‘50.

When any one tells me he has seen a “ Wild Canary,” I feel rea-
sonably sure he refers to the Yellow Warbler, for the casual observer
at once betrays his inexperience by entirely overlooking the bird's
streaked breast and slender bill.

It has, it is true, the general appearance of a yellow bird, and its
24

Bh 4 WOOD WARBLERS.

bright colors and preference for gardens, orchards, the shrubbery of
our lawns or bushy brooksides, instead of the woods, frequently brings
it to the attention of those to whom most birds are strangers.

It is an active bird, and its song—wee-chee, chee, chee, cher-wee—
though simple, has a pleasing, happy ring.

654. Dendroica czerulescens ((mel.). Buiack-TuroaTep BuivuE
Warsier. Ad. 6.—Upper parts grayish blue, back sometimes blackish ;
wings and tail edged with blue ; base of the primaries white, forming a white
spot on the wing at the end of the primary coverts; inner vanes of outer tail-

Fia. 101.—Black-throated Blue Warbler. (Reduced.)

feathers with a white patch near their tips; sides of the head and throat black ;
sides mixed black and white; breast and belly white. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts
uniform olive-green ; tail generally with a faint bluish tinge, the white patch
on the outer feathers scarcely distinguishable; white at the base of the prima-
ries much reduced and sometimes concealed by the primary coverts; ear-cov-
erts dusky gray; under parts soiled butty yellowish. ' /m. 6.—Similar to ad.
8, but the upper parts washed with greenish, the throat tipped with white,
and less black on the sides. Jm. 9.—Similar to ad. ¢, but somewhat yellower.
L., 5°28; W., 2°52; T., 2:06; B. from N.., +29.

Remarks.—The white spot at the base of the primaries is the distinguish-
ing mark of this species.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern Minnesota (prob-

WOOD WARBLERS, 355

ably) and Connecticut (rarely) northward to Labrador, and south along the
erest of the Alleghanies to Georgia; winters in the tropics.

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 25; Aug. 27 to Oct. 18.
Sing Sing, common 'T. V., Apl. 25 to May 28; Aug. 26 to Oct. 10. Cambridge,
rather common T. V., May 10 to 25; Sept. 20 to Oct. 10.

Nest, of strips of bark, fine grasses, and pine needles, lined with hairlike
black rootlets, in the heavier undergrowth of dense woods, usually within
two feet of the ground. Zygs, three to tive, grayish white, with distinct and
obscure olive-brown markings, chiefly about the larger ends, -68 x °50.

The male Black-throated Blue Warbler can be identified at sight,
but his obscurely colored mate has been the cause of many a field
student’s neckache. When flitting about with other Warblers it is
difficult to observe any positive character by which to distinguish her ;
but the white spot at the base of the primaries is an unmistakable
mark, if one can see it clearly.

When nesting, the birds seem to require woods with rather heavy
undergrowth. Their call-note is a sharp, recognizable chip. The
song of the male is generally written zwee-zwee-zwee, but both call-
notes and song are subject to variation.

655. Dendroica coronata (/inn.). Myrrie Warsier; YELLow-
RUMPED WarsBiER. (Fig. 98.) Ad. 6.—A yellow patch on the crown, rump,
and either side of the breast ; upper parts bluish gray, streaked with black ;
two white wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white spots on their inner
vanes near the tip; throat white; breast and upper belly heavily marked
with black ; lower belly white. dd. ¢.—Similar, but with less black below ;
breast simply streaked with black; upper parts browner. Jm. and ads. in
winter.—Y ellow crown patch more or less concealed by brownish tips to the
feathers; rump bright yellow; yellow on the sides of the breast much re-
duced ; upper parts grayish brown, streaked with black; wing-bars grayish ;
tail with white patches; under parts soiled white, streaked with black. L.,
b653 W., 280297. 2°25" B. trom IN., +29,

noma _The eae patches on the crown, rump, and sides of the breast
are characteristic of this species.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Minnesota and
northern New England northward; winters from the Middle States south-
ward.

Washington, abundant W. V., Sept. 28 to May 20. Sing Sing, common
T. V., Apl. 13 to May 28; Aug. 16 to Nov. 11; a few winter. Cambridge,
abundant T..V., Apl. 18 to May 20; Sept. 20 to Nov. 3; a few winter.

Nest, of vegetable fibers lined with grasses, in coniferous trees five to ten
feet up. ygs, four or five, white or grayish white, distinctly and obscurely
spotted and speckled or blotched with olive-brown or rufous-brown, 1°70 x °52.

These strong, hardy Warblers leave their cousins of the woods
and in loose companies forage in old fields and scrubby growths
among the bayberry or myrtle (Myrica cerifera) bushes, which bear

356 WOOD WARBLERS.

their favorite food. So fond are they of these berries that their move-
ments are largely governed by the success or failure of the bayberry
crop. Near my home at Englewood, N. J., Myrtle Warblers are always
common during the winter if there is an abundance of bayberries and
always absent when the berries are wanting.

No Warbler is more easily identified than this bird with its four
distinct patches of yellow. The yellow rump is conspicuous in life,
and, in connection with the bird's characteristic tehip, son an excel- |
lent field-mark.

Avupuspon’s WARBLER (656. Dendroica auduboni), a species of the Western
States, has been once recorded from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

657. Dendroica maculosa ((mel.). Magnoria WarsLer; Biack
AND YELLOW WarBLER. (Fig. 99.) Ad. 6.—Crown bluish gray, cheeks and
forehead black, a white line behind the eye; back black, bordered with olive-
green, a large white patch on the wing-coverts; rump yellow, tail black, in-
ner vanes of all but the central feathers with white patches on their middle,
the end third of the feather being entirely black ; throat yellow, breast and
sides heavily streaked with black. Ad. 9.—Similar, but with the colors
duller and less sharply defined; back greener. Jm.—Top and sides of the
head ashy; back olive-green, with nearly concealed black spots ; two narrow
wing-bars; rump yellow; tad/ as in the adults; under parts yellow; whiter
on the belly ; sides with a few black streaks. L., 512; W., 2:30; T., 200; B.
from N., :30.

Remarks.—In any plumage this bird may be known by the white patches
on the tail being near the middle instead of at the tip of the feathers.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and
northern New England to Hudson Bay and southward along the crests of the
Alleghanies to Pennsylvania; winters in Central America.

Washington, common T. V., Apl. 28 to May 30; Aug. 15 to Oct. 10. Sing
Sing, common T. V., May 9 to 28; Aug. 13 to Oct. 11. Cambridge, common
T. V., May 12 to 25; Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.

Nest, of fine vies leaf stems, ete., lined with hairlike rootlets, in conti
erous trees, usually three to six feet up. Zygs, three to five, white, marked
with cinnamon- and olive-brown, chiefly in a wreath about the larger end,
“66 x °48.

Adult Magnolia Warblers are so distinctly marked that ordinarily
they may be identified at sight. Immature birds are less strikingly
colored, but in any plumage the species may be known by having the
white tail-spots nearer the middle than the ends of the-feathers. Seen
from below, the birds thus appear to have a white tail broadly banded
with black.

The Magnolia’s summer home is among the spruces and hemlocks.
Its song, which is of somewhat the same character as that of the Yel-
low Warbler, is described by Mr. Langille as “a loud, clear whistle,

WOOD WARBLERS. BOT

which may be imitated by the syllables chee-to, chee-to, chee-tee-ee,
uttered rapidly and ending in the falling inflection.

658. Dendroica czrulea (Wils.). Cerutean Warsier. Ad. 6.
—Upper parts bright blue, the sides of head and back streaked with black;
wings and tail edged with blue; two white wing-bars; inner vanes of all but
the central tail-feathers with white patches at their tips; under parts white,
a bluish black band across the breast; sides streaked with bluish black.
Ad. 9.—Upper parts bluish olive-green: wings and tail as in the 6; under
parts white, generally more or less tinged with pale yellow. /m.—Similar to
ad. ¢, but yellower. L., 4:50; W., 2°65; B. from N., ‘31.

fange.—Breeds in the Mississippi Valley as far north as Minnesota, and
eastward as far as Lockport, N. Y. (Davison); winters in the tropics.

Washington, very rare 'T. V., two instances, May.

Vest, of fine grasses bound with spiders’ silk, lined with strips of bark
and fine grasses and with a few lichens attached to its outer surface, in a tree,
twenty-tive to fifty feet from the ground. gqs, four, creamy white, thickly
covered with rather heavy blotches of reddish brown, ‘60 x 47 (Allen, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, p. 26).

In writing of this species as observed by him in Ritchie County,
West Virginia, Mr. Brewster says:

“ Decidedly the most abundant of the genus here. The first speci-
men taken May 5. ‘They inhabit exclusively the tops of the highest
forest trees, in this respect showing an affinity with D. blackburnia.
In actions they most resemble D. pensylvanica, carrying the tail
rather high and having the same ‘smart. bantamlike appearance.’
Were it not for these prominent characteristics they would be very
difficult to distinguish in the tree tops from Parula [= Compsothlypis]
americana, the songs are so precisely alike. That of the latter bird
has, however, at least two regular variations: in one, beginning low
down, he rolls his guttural little trill quickly and evenly up the scale,
ending apparently only when he can get no higher: in the other the
commencement of this trill is broken or divided into syllables, like zee,
Zee, zee, ze-ee-ee-eep. This latter variation is the one used by D. cwrulea,
and I could detect little or no difference in the songs of dozens of in-
dividuals. At best it is a modest little strain and far from deserving
the encomium bestowed upon it by Audubon, who describes it as ‘ ex-
tremely sweet and mellow’; decidedly it is neither of these, and he
must have confounded with it some other species. In addition to the
song they utter the almost universal Dendroicine lisp and also the
characteristic tehep of D. coronata, which I had previously supposed
entirely peculiar to that bird.”

659. Dendroica pensylvanica (JZinn.). Curstnvut-siep War-
BLER. (Fig. 100.) Ad. 6.—Crown bright yellow, a black line behind the
eye; front part of the cheeks black; ear-coverts white; back streaked with

358 WOOD WARBLERS.

black and margined with bright olive-green; wing-bars yellowish white;
tuil black, the outer feathers with white patches on their inner vanes at the
tip; under parts white, the sédes chestnut. Ad. 9 .—Similar, but somewhat
duller in color. Jm.—Very different; upper parts bright yellowish olive-
green, back sometimes streaked with black; wing-bars yellowish white;
under parts pure, silky white, the sides sometimes with spots or patches of
chestnut. L., 5:14; °W., 2°45: 'T., 2°00; B.from N,, *29.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from central Illinois and north-
ern New Jersey north to Manitoba and Newfoundland, and southward along
the Alleghanies to South Carolina; winters in the tropics.

Washington, abundant T. V., Apl. 28 to May 30; Aug. 10 to Sept. 30.
Sing Sing, tolerably common 8. k., May 2 to Sept. 24. Cambridge, common
S. R., May 5 to Sept. 10.

Nest, of strips of bark, leaf stems, etc., lined with tendrils and rootlets, in
bushes, about three feet up. Zggs, four to five, white, with numerous distinct
and obscure cinnamon- and olive-brown markings, chiefly in a wreath about
the larger end, *69 x ‘50.

When settled for the summer, Chestnut-sided Warblers may be
found in second growths, scrubby clearings, or the bushy borders of
woodlands. ‘here is a suggestion in their movements of the restless
activity of the Redstart, as with drooped wings and slightly raised
tail they flit among the lower growth. They have two songs, both of
which closely resemble that of the Yellow Warbler, though a practiced
ear can at once recognize the song of either.

Adults of this species are too conspicuously marked to be mistaken
for any other Warbler, but in the fall have a care in identifying the
very differently colored young.

660. Dendroica castanea (JWils.). Bay-BREASTED WARBLER.
Ad. §.—Forehead and cheeks black, a cream-buff patch on the sides of the
neck ; crown chestnut ; throat, upper breast, and sides chestnut-rufous ; back
brownish ashy, streaked with black; two white wing-bars; inner vanes of
outer tail-feathers with white patches at their tips; lower breast and belly
buffy white. Ad. ¢.—Crown olive-green, streaked with black and with gen-
erally some chestnut; rest of upper parts as in the 4; under parts buffy white ;
breast and sides more or less stained with rufous. Jm.—Upper parts bright
olive-green, indistinctly streaked with black; wings and tail much as in the
ads.: under parts white, tinged with cream-buff, especially on the flanks.
Tie aoa. hy 205s e212: Be from: Ns 30)

Range.—Fastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and
northern New England northward to Hudson Bay and Labrador; winters in
Central America.

Washington, sometimes abundant, usually uncommon T. V., May 10 to
20; Aug. 28 to Oct. 20. Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 14 to 28;
Aug. 5 to Sept. 26. Cambridge, rather rare T. V., May 15 to 25; Sept. 12 to 28.

Nest. of grasses and plant fibers, lined with plant down and long hairs,
in coniferous trees, five to twenty fect up. Zggs, four to five, white, finely

WOOD WARBLERS. 309

marked, chiefly at the larger end, distinctly and obscurely with cinnamon-,
olive-, or rufous-brown, °72 x *52.

During its migrations this tastefully marked Warbler is generally
uncommon enough to be considered somewhat of a prize, though at
irregular intervals it becomes comparatively common. It is said to
be much rarer in fall than in spring, but the immature Bay-breasts so
closely resemble the usually abundant young Black-polls that it is
sometimes difficult to determine specimens, while living birds could
not possibly be distinguished.

In the summer the Bay-breasts inhabit the northern coniferous for-
ests, living, it is said, in the tree tops. Mr. Langille writes: “ Their
song, said to begin like that of the Black-poll and end like that of the
Redstart, bears to my ear no resemblance whatever to either, but is a
very soft warble, somewhat resembling the syllables tse-chee, tse-chee,
ise-chee, tse-chee, tse-chee, but far too liquid to admit of exact spelling.”

661. Dendroica striata (/orst.). Brack-rorn Warsrer. (Fig.
102.) Ad. 6.—Crown black; ear-coverts white; nape streaked, black and
white; back and rump ashy, streaked with black; two white wing-bars;
inner vanes of outer tail-feathers with white patches at their tips: under
parts white, streaked with black, the streaks most numerous on the sides,
and wanting on the middle of the breast and belly. Ad. ¢.—Upper parts
olive-green, distinctly streaked with black; wings and tail as inthe 6; under
parts white, tinged with yellow, the breast and sides distinctly streaked with
black. Jm.—Similar to ?, but the upper parts brighter and not distinctly
streaked, the under parts yellower and not distinctly streaked. L., 5°56; W.,
2°99): T'., 2:05 > 1. from: N:, “30:

Renata ee two of our Warblers more closely nasemaisle each other than
do immature examples of this and the preceding species. There is no differ-
ence in the color of the upper parts, but castanea has the under parts tinged
with delicate cream-buff, strongest on the flanks, while strzata is distinctly
yellowish below.

Range.— Eastern North America to the Baer Mountains, north to Green-
land, the Barren Grounds, and Alaska, breeding from northern New England
northward: south in winter to northern South America” (A. O. U.).

Washington, abundant T. V., May 1 to June 5; Sept. 5 to Oct. 20. Sing
Sing, common T. V., May 7 to flare 6; Aug. 30 to Oct. 16. Cambridge, abun-
dant T. V., May 12 to June 5; Sept. 8 to Oct. 15.

Nest, of twigs, moss, rootlets, ete., lined with fine grasses and tendrils, gen-
erally in spruce trees, about six feet up. gqs, four to five, white, more o7
less speckled and spotted, and generally heavily blotched at the larger end
with cinnamon-, olive-, or rufous-brown, °70 x °54.

Black-polls are rather more leisurely in their movements than most
of their congeners. Adults should be identified without difficulty, but
the immature birds, which are generally abundant in the fall, may oc-
casion some trouble. Mr. Langille describes their song as one of the

360 WOOD WARBLERS.

most slender and wiry in all our forests, and as distinguishable as the
hum of the cicada or the shrilling of the katydid. ‘“ T’ree-tree-tree-tree-
tree-tree-tree-tree, rapidly uttered, the monotonous notes of equal length,
beginning very softly, gradually increasing to the middle of the strain,
and then as gradually diminishing, thus forming a fine musical swell,
may convey a fair idea of the song. There is a peculiar soft and
tinkling sweetness in this melody, suggestive of the quiet mysteries of
the forest, and sedative as an anodyne to the nerves.”

662. Dendroica blackburniz ((@mel.). Biacksurnian War-
BLER. Ad. 6.—Center of the black crown, a line over the eye, patch behind
the black ear-coverts, throat, and breast beautiful rich orange; back black,
streaked with whitish; wing-coverts white, forming a large white patch on
the wing; inner vane of most of the tail-feathers almost entirely white, ex-
cept at the tip; the outer vane of the outer feather white at the base; belly
tinged with orange, sides streaked with black. Ad. ¢.—Resembles the ¢,
but the orange markings are duller, the upper parts are ashy olive-green
streaked with black and whitish; the white on the wings anJ tail is less ex-
tensive. Jm. 6.—Resembles the ?, but has the orange markings dull yellow,
the crown-patch nearly absent. /m. ¢.—Similar to the im. ¢, but the yel-
low markings much paler, nearly butty, the back browner. L., 5°25; W.,
Tr ek 96% B. trom Ws sol:

Remarks.—In connection with other markings the large amount of white
in the tail, appearing on even the owter vane of the outer feather, is charac-
teristic of this species.

Range.—Eastern North America: breeds from northern Minnesota and
southern Maine northward to Labrador and southward along the Alleghanies
to South Carolina; winters in the tropics.

Washington, common T. V., May 5 to 20; Aug. 20 to Oct. 5. Sing Sing,
common T. V., May 10 to 29; Aug. 15 to Oct. 15. Cambridge, uncommon
T. V., May 12 to 22; Sept. 15 to 30.

Nest, of fine twigs and grasses, lined with grasses and tendrils, in conifer-
ous trees, ten to forty feet up. “qs, four, grayish white or bluish white, dis-
tinetly and obscurely spotted, speckled, and blotched with cinnamon-brown
or olive-brown, °68 x *d0.

The Blackburnian is uncommon enough to make us appreciate his
unusual beauty. Coming in May, before the woods are fully clad, he
seems like some bright-plumaged tropical bird who has lost his way
and wandered to northern climes. The summer is passed among the
higher branches in coniferous forests, and in the early fall the bird
returns to surroundings which seem more in keeping with its attire.

Mr. Minot describes its summer song as resembling the syllables
wee-seé-wee-seé-wee-seé (wee-seé-rck), while in the spring its notes may
be likened to wee-see-wee-see, tsee-tsee, tsee, tsee, “tsee-tsee, tsee, tsee,
the latter syllables being on ascending scale, the very last shrill and
fine.

WOOD WARBLERS. 361

6638. Dendroica dominica (JZinn.). Yu tvow-THROATED WARBLER.
Ad.—aA yellow line in front of the eye and a white line over it; upper parts
gray, forehead blackish ; wings and tail edged with grayish, two white wing-
bars; outer tail-feathers with white patches near their tips; cheeks and sides
of the throat black; a white patch on the side of the neck; throat and breast
yellow, belly white, sides streaked with black. L., 5°25; W., 2°60; T., 2:01;
B., °49.

Range.—Southern United States; breeds as far north as Virginia; winters
from Florida southward; accidental in New York and Massachusetts.

Washington, rare 8S. R., rather common in late July ; may breed.

Nest, of twigs, strips of bark, and 7Zillandsia “ moss,” lined with vege-
table down, thirty to forty feet from the ground, in pines or live-oaks, some-
times in a bunch of 7illandsia “moss.” gs, four to five, white or grayish
white, with numerous distinct and obscure cinnamon- or olive-brown mark-
ings, sometimes evenly distributed, sometimes in a wreath at the larger end,
TA x ‘52.

Some birds are so characteristic of certain places that wherever
heard or seen they recall their accustomed haunts. I have only to re-
member the song of the Yellow-throated Warbler to give form to a
mental picture of some tree-bordered stream or bayou in thesouth. The
song bears some resemblance to that of the Indigo Bunting, but has a
wilder, more ringing quality. It is to some extent ventriloquial, and
this in connection with the rather deliberate movements of the birds,
and the fact that they resort to the upper branches, makes it some-
times difficult to locate the singer.

663a. D. d. albilora Ridgw. Sycamore Warster.—Similar to the
preceding, but with a smaller bill and the line in front of the eye white in-
stead of yellow. W., 2°60; T., 2:00; B., -45.

Range.—Breeds in the Mississippi Valley north to Kansas, southern In-
diana, and southern Illinois; east to western South Carolina; migrates south -

ward, chiefly along the west Gulf coast, to Mexico and Central America.

“The Sycamore Warbler is a common summer resident in the bot-
tom-lands [of Illinois], where, according to the writer’s experience, it
lives chiefly in the large sycamore trees along or near the water courses.
On this account it is a difficult bird to obtain during the breeding
season, the male usually keeping in the topmost branches of the tallest
{rees, out of gunshot and often, practically, out of sight, although its
* presence is betrayed by its loud, very unwarblerlike song” (Ridgway).

667. Dendroica virens ((@me/.). Brack-rHRoaTED GrEEN War-
BLER. Ad. 6.—Upper parts bright olive-green. back sometimes spotted with
black; line over the eye and cheeks bright yellow, ear-coverts dusky ; two
white wing-bars; inner vanes of outer tail-feathers entirely white, outer web
white at the base; throat and breast black; belly white, sometimes tinged
with yellow; sides streaked with black. 4d. 9 .—Similar, but the black of

362 WOOD WARBLERS.

throat and breast more or less mixed with yellowish. Jm.—Similar to the
?, but with more yellow on the throat, the black sometimes being almost
entirely hidden or wanting. L., 5:10; W., 2:46; T., 1°99; B. from N., -25.

Remarks.—The bright yellow cheeks of this species, in connection with
the large amount of white in the tail, will serve to distinguish it in any
plumage.

fange.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Illinois and Con-
necticut northward to Hudson Bay and southward along the Alleghanies to
South Carolina; winters in the tropics.

Washington, very common T. V., Apl. 25 to May 28; Aug. 28 to Oct. 21.
Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 80 to June 8; Sept. 1 to Oct. 26; a few breed.
Cambridge, very common 8. R., May 1 to Oct. 15.

Nest, of small twigs and moss, lined with rootlets, fine grasses, and ten-
drils, in coniferous trees, fifteen to fifty feet from the ground. £yqs, four,
white, distinctly and obscurely spotted and speckled with olive-brown or
umber, chiefly at the larger end, °65 x 46.

When migrating this species joins the ranks of the Warbler army
and visits wooded land of almost any kind. When nesting it prefers
coniferous forests, where it is a dweller among the tree tops.

While resembling its congeners in general habits, the song of the
Black-throated Green is so unlike their generally humble ditties that
the bird seems possessed of more character than they impress us with
having. Mr. Burroughs graphically represents its notes by straight
lines: —— V ; a novel method of musical annotation, but
which nevertheless will aid one in recognizing the bird’s song. There
is a quality about it like the droning of bees; it seems to voice the
restfulness of a midsummer day.

TownsEND’s WARBLER (668. Dendroica townsendi), a species of western
North America, has been once recorded from Pennsylvania.

670. Dendroica kirtlandi Laird. Kirrianp’s WarsrEer. Ad.—
Head bluish gray, sometimes spotted with black; lores and sides of the throat
black: back brownish ashy, spotted with black; no white wing-bars; outer
tail-feathers with white patches on their inner webs at the tips; under parts
pale yellow; sides streaked and spotted with black... du 575s Ws, 2b se
2°30: B. from N., °32.

Range.—Migrates through southeastern United States and Mississippi
Valley (South Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illi-
nois, Minnesota); summer home unknown; winters in the Bahamas.

Washington, casual T. V., one record, Sept. 25, 1887.

The dozen or more specimens of this rare Warbler which have been
taken in the United States were captured in late April and May and
late September and October. Six specimens have been recorded from
Michigan, all taken in May, and it is possible these birds were en route
to a nesting ground in the Hudson Bay region. It is not uncommon
in winter in the Bahamas.

WOOD WARBLERS. 363

671. Dendroica vigorsii (Avd.). Prive Warster. (See Fig. 53, 4).
Ad. é.—Upper parts bright olive-green, sometimes washed with ashy; two
whitish wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white patches on their inner
vanes near the tip; under parts bright yellow, more or less washed with ashy,
turning to white on the lower belly and under tail-coveris; sides sometimes
with a few black streaks. Ad. ?.—Similar, but upper parts brownish olive-
green ; under parts soiled whitish ; breast tinged with yellow. L., 552; W.,
2°81; T., 2°25; B. from N., °33.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from Hayti (?), the Bahamas,
and Florida north to Manitoba and Maine ; winters from southern Illinois and
North Carolina southward.

Washington, quite uncommon 8. R., Mch. 25 to Oct. 25; abundant in fall.
Sing Sing, casual. Cambridge, common 8. R., Apl. 10 to Oct. 20.

Nest, of strips of bark, leaves, plant fibers, etc., in pines. or cedars, thirty
to fifty feet up. ggs, four to five, white or grayish white, with numerous
distinct and obscure cinnamon-brown to umber markings, chiefly in a wreath
or band at the larger end, ‘70 x °52.

True to its name, the Pine Warbler is rarely found outside of pine
woods. In the south, where pineries may extend over half a State, it
is an abundant and generally distributed bird; in the more northern
part of its range it is, from force of circumstances, a local species,
occurring only with the pines.

In the winter it is found in small flocks, which may contain a few
Myrtle or Palm Warblers, and at this season it lives on or near the
ground. In the summer it is more arboreal. Its habit of clinging to
the trunk of a tree, or hopping along a limb while searching for insects
in crevices in the bark, has given it the misnomer of Pine Creeping
Warbler.

Its song is a clear, sweet trill. Southern birds, in my experience,
have more musical voices, and their notes suggest those of the Field
Sparrow, while the song of northern birds has more the quality of the
Chipping Sparrow’s.

672. Dendroica palmarum ((mc/.). Patm Warsier; REpD-PoLn
Warsier. Ad.—Crown chestnut; back olive grayish brown, indistinctly
streaked ; rump olive-green ; no wing-bars; tail black, the outer feathers with
white patches on their inner vanes at the tips; a yellow line over the eye;
throat and breast bright yellow; belly soiled whitish, tinged with yellow;
sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with chestnut-rufous; under
tail-coverts yellow. Ad. in winter and Im.—Crown-cap partly concealed by
brownish tips to the feathers and sometimes wanting; line over the eye and
eye-ring white ; under parts soiled whitish, more or less tinged with yellow;
breast streaked with dusky. IL., 5:25; W., 2°64; T., 2:10; B. from N., -32.

Range.—Breeds in the interior of British America north of Manitoba and
west of Hudson Bay ; migrates southward through the Mississippi Valley and
winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, West Indies, and Mexico; rare
in the North Atlantic States.

364 WOOD WARBLERS.

Washington, rare T. V., Apl. 29 to May 18; Sept. Sing Sing, rare T. V.,
Apl. 29; Sept. 80 to Oct. 12, Cambridge, uncommon T. V., in fall, Sept. 25
to Oct. 10.

This interior race of the Yellow Palm Warbler is occasionally met
with in the North Atlantic States, while in Florida it is much more
common than the eastern form. Sometimes the two birds may be seen
in the same flock, when the brighter colors of hypochrysea are at once
apparent.

672a. D. p. hypochrysea fidgw. Yrrtow Parm WARBLER;
YeLLow Rep-pott. Ad.—Crown chestnut; back brownish olive-green;
rump olive-green ; no white wing-bars; secondaries sometimes tinged with
chestnut; tail edged with olive-green, the outer feathers with white spots on
their inner vanes near the tips; line over the eye and eye-ring yellow; under
parts entirely bright yellow; sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked
with chestnut-rufous. Ad. in winter and [m.—Crown-cap partly concealed
by the brownish tips to the feathers and sometimes wanting; line over the
eye and eye-ring yellowish ; entire under parts uniform yellow, washed with
ashy ; the sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with chestnut-
rufous or dusky. L., 5°43; W., 2°61; T., 2°10; B. from N., -81.

Remarks.—In any plumage this bird may be distinguished from the pre-
ceding species by its uniform yellow under parts.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Nova Scotia northward east
of Hudson Bay ; migrates southward through the Atlantic States, and winters
in the Gulf States.

Washington, common T. V., Mch. 28 to Apl. 29; Oct. Sing Sing, tolerably
common T. V., Apl. 11 to May 5; Sept. 20 to Nov. 8. Cambridge, abundant
T.V., Apl. 15 to May 5; Oct. 1 to 15.

Nest, of rather coarse grasses lined with finer grasses, on or near the
ground. Lgqs, four to five, white or buffy white, with some distinct and ob-
scure cinnamon- or olive-brown markings, chiefly at the larger end, *65 x °51.

The Red-poll is a renegade Dendroica. He has no liking for the
wood, and even trees in the open do not seem to attract him. His
tastes bring him to fields and roadsides, where he lives on or near the
ground, but is ever active and much on the move. During the winter
in the south he is a common bird in the streets and gardens of towns,
and like a Chippy hops familiarly about piazzas.

He has the same nervous peculiarity which, irrespective of family,
seems to affect some birds, and, as though life were a matter of beat-
ing time, never ceases to wag his tail. His fine chip is recognizable
after one has become familiar with it, while his song is described as a
simple trill.

673. Dendroica discolor (Vieill.). Pratrim Warster. (Fig. 103.)
Ad. 6.—Upper parts bright olive-green; back spotted with chestnut-rufous ;
wing-bars yellowish ; outer tail-feathers with large white patches at their tips,

WOOD WARBLERS, 365

the outer vane of the outer feather white at the base; a yellow line over the
eye; lores and a crescent below the eye black; under parts bright yellow;
sides heavily streaked with black. Ad. ? .—Similar, but with less, and some-
times no chestnut-rufous in the back. /m.—Upper parts uniform ashy olive-
green; no apparent wing-bars; outer tail-feathers with white on their inner
webs at the tips; ear-coverts ashy; under parts yellow; sides indistinctly
streaked with blackish. L., 4°75; W., 2:20; T., 1:95; B. from N., -28.

Remarks.—The chestnut-rufous patch in the back at once identifies the
adults; but the young are puzzling birds, to be known chiefly by their small
size, absence of wing-bars and streaks on the sides.

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds from Florida to Michigan and
Massachusetts ; winters from southern Florida southward.

Washington, very common 8. R., Apl. 20 to Sept. Sing Sing, rare S. R.,
May 2 to Sept. 14. Cambridge, locally common 8. R., May 8 to Sept. 15.

Nest, of plant fibers and plant down, lined with rootlets and long hairs, in
briary bushes. /ggs, four to five, white, spotted distinctly and obscurely with
cinnamon- or olive-brown, or chestnut, chiefly in a wreath at the larger end,
64 x °48,

The Yellow, Palm, and Prairie Warblers are the three “ Wood
Warblers” that are rarely found in the woods. The latter, however,
differs decidedly in habits from either of the former. It is a rather
retiring inhabitant of scrubby clearings, bushy fields, and pastures, or
thickets of young pines and cedars. But while the Prairie, if silent,
might readily escape observation, no one with an ear for bird music
will pass within sound of a singing bird without at least trying to
solve the mystery of its peculiar notes, a series of six or seven quickly
repeated zees, the next to the last one the highest.

674. Seiurus aurocapillus (Zinn.). Oven-2irp; GoLDEN-cROWNED
Turusu. (Fig. 104.) Ad.—Center of the crown pale rufous or ochraceous-
butt, bordered on either side by black lines; rest of the upper parts, wings,
and tail brownish olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches; under parts
white; the sides of the throat, the breast, and sides streaked with black. L.,
C17 2 Wer s00e Te 2:15> be trom: N., 735.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from Kansas and Virginia north-
ward to Manitoba and Labrador, southward along the Alleghanies to South
Carolina; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, very common §. R., Apl. 20 to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, common
S. R., Apl. 27 to Oct. 10. Cambridge, abundant 8. h., May 6 to Sept. 15.

Nest, bulky, covered, the entrance at one side, of coarse grasses, weed
stalks, leaves, and rootlets, on the ground. qs, four to five, white, speckled
or spotted with cinnamon- or rufous-brown markings, sometimes finely dis-
tributed, sometimes confluent about the larger end, ‘80 x °60.

During the nesting season Oven-birds are among our cgmmonest
woodland birds. We hear them everywhere; one singer scarcely ceases
before another begins. But when the song period has passed how

366 WOOD WARBLERS.

\ Fie. 102.—Black-poll Warbler. Fie. 106.—Maryland Yellow-throat,

Fig. 105.—Kentucky Warbler. Fria. 109.—Canadian Warbler.

Fias. 102-109.—Heads of Warblers. (Natural size.)

LOUISIANA WATER-T'HRUSH.

oe
re K al ae
4 > a

WOOD WARBLERS. 367

comparatively rare they become! The reason is not hard to find. At
most times the Oven-bird is somewhat of a recluse. He passes much
of his time on or near the ground, generally where the woods are more
or less undergrown. Only the practiced ear will detect his sharp, weak
cheep.

If there be such a thing as inspiration, I believe the Oven-bird sings
under its influence. Not that his usual song is in the least remark-
able, but because the bird is so obviously moved by a spirit which de-
mands utterance. Watch him now as he is about to sing. Flying up
from the ground, how cautiously he hops from branch to branch, and,
with crest slightly erect, wa/ks carefully along a limb, when, suddenly
overcome by the music in his soul, he throws fear to the winds and
lifts up his voice in a crescendo chant which vibrates through the
woods. ‘Teacher, teacher, TEAcHER, THACHER, THACHER, Mr.
Burroughs writes it, and the description is difficult to improve upon.

The bird fairly quivers with the violence of his effort. The result
seems inadequate; we feel that he is striving for something better,
and, in truth, as Mr. Bicknell says, he sometimes breaks the bonds
that ordinarily beset his expression, and “ bursts forth with a wild out-
pouring of intricate and melodious song,” the very force of which
carries him up into the air among the tree tops.

675. Seiurus noveboracensis (@me/.). Warrer-Turusu. Ad.—
Upper parts, wings, and tail uniform olive; no wing-bars or tail-patches; a
butfy line over the eye; under parts white, tinged with pale sulphur-yellow,
and every where—including throat—streaked with black. L., 6:04; W., 2:99;
© 211; 45. from N.,-36.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from northern TIlinois and north-
ern New England northward ; winters from the Gulf States to northern South
America.

Washington, common T. V., Apl.-25 to May 25; July 20 to Sept. Sing
Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 11 to 21; July 28 to Oct. 3. Cambridge,
very common T. V., May 8 to 25; Aug. 10 to Oct. 10.

Nest, of moss, lined with tendrils and fine rootlets, in a mossy bank or
under the roots of a fallen tree. ygs, four to five, white or buffy white, with
numerous cinnamon-brown markings, chiefly about the larger end, -76 x °59.

In general habits this bird resembles its southern relative, the
Louisiana Water-Thrush, but during its migrations it is frequently
found some distance from water, and I have known birds spend sev-
eral days beneath evergreen trees on a lawn a quarter of a mile from
the woods. Jt is, too, much less shy than motacilla, and one can gen-
erally approach closely enough to take note of the characters which dis-
tinguish it from that species—a smaller bill and yellower under parts.

T have heard it sing only as a migrant, when its song lacked the
wildness of that of S. motacilla.

368 WOOD WARBLERS.

675a. S.n. notabilis (Ridgw.). Grinnevy’s Water-Turvusu.—Simi-
lar to the preceding, but slightly larger, upper parts darker, under parts and
line over the eye whiter. W., 3°10; T., 2°20; B. from N., 37.

Range.—* United States, from Illinois westward to California, and north
into British America”; eastward during the migrations to Virginia and the
South Atlantic States, casually to New Jersey; winters from the Gulf States
to northern South America.

Washington, casual, two instances, May.

676. Seiurus motacilla (Vicil/.). Lovistana Water-Tarusn. Ad.
—A conspicuous white line over the eyg; upper parts, wings, and tail olive.
no wing-bars or tail-patches ; under parf$ white, tinged with cream-buff, espe-
cially on the flanks, and streaked with black, except on the throat and middle
of the belly. L., 6°28; W., 3°23; T., 2°14; B. from N., -40.

Remarks.—Aside from its larger size, this bird may be known from the
two preceding by the whiter, more conspicuous line over the eye, butty instead
of yellowish tinge on the under parts, and absence of spots on the throat.

Range.—FEastern United States; breeds as far north as’ Minnesota and
Connecticut; winters in the tropics.

Washington, rare 8. R., Apl. 14 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing, common §. R., Apl.
9 to Aug. 24.

Nest, of leaves, twigs, and rootlets, under a bank or the upturned roots of
a fallen tree. Hygs, four to six, white, evenly speckled or spotted, distinctly
and obscurely, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, °75 x °60.

Few birds are more particular in their choice of homes than the
Water-Thrush. He lives where dashing brooks leap down wooded
hillsides, or, more rarely, where quieter streams flow through the low-
land forests. He is a wild, shy bird, and his never-ceasing alertness
suggests the watchfulness of the savage. Approach as quietly as you
will, the Water-Thrush knows of your coming. With a tilting motion
he walks on ahead, springs from rock to rock, or with a sharp, metallic
chink of alarm takes wing and darts through the woods so low you
seareely get a glimpse of him. From a distant limb near the ground
he watches you, constantly teetering his body as though even when
resting he must find some outlet for his surplus nervous energy.

As a songster the Water-Thrush is without a rival. His song is
not to be compared with the clear-voiced carol of the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, the plaintive chant of the Field Sparrow, or the hymnlike
melody of the true Thrushes; it is of a different kind. It is the un-
tamable spirit of the bird rendered in music. There is an almost fierce
wildness in its ringing notes. On rare occasions he is inspired to voice
his passion in a flight-song, which so far exceeds his usual performance
that even the memory of it is thrilling.

67'7. Geothlypis formosa ( Wils.). Kentucky Warster. Ad. 6 .—
(Fig. 105.) A yellow line from the bill passes over and around the back of

WOOD WARBLERS, 369

the eye; crown, region below the eye, and the side of the throat black ; rest
of the upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches ;
under parts bright yellow. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but the black areas more gray-
ish and less clearly defined. L., 5°40; W., 2°60; T., 1:90; B. from N., -82.

Range.—Kastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States to lowa and
Connecticut; winters in Central America.

Washington, not very uncommon 8. R., May 38 to Sept. 5. Sing Sing,
common 8. k., May 2 to Aug. 27.

Nest, bulky, of twigs and rootlets, firmly wrapped with several thicknesses
of leaves, lined with fine rootlets, on or near the ground. qs, four to five.
white or grayish white, finely and evenly speckled or coarsely blotched with
rufous to umber, °72 x °58.

The Kentucky Warbler frequents rather densely grown, well#
watered woods. Here he may be found, on or near the ground, hop-
ping from limb to limb or walking about searching for food. When
singing, he generally mounts to the lower branches of the higher trees.
His song is entirely unlike that of any other Warbler. It is a loud,
clearly whistled performance of five, six, or seven notes—tur-dle, tur-
dle, tur-dle—resembling in tone some of the calls of the Carolina Wren.
Even in the woods it may be heard at a distance of about one hundred
and fifty yards.

In the height of the breeding season this Warbler is a most per-
sistent singer. On one occasion, at Englewood, N.J., I watched a
male for three hours. During this period, with the exception of five
interruptions of less than forty-five seconds each, he sang with the
greatest regularity once every twelve seconds. Thus, allowing for the
brief intervals of silence, he sang about 875 times, or some 5,250 notes.
1 found him singing, and when I departed he showed no signs of
ceasing.

678. Geothlypis agilis (Wi/s.). Connecricur Warsirr. Ad. 6.
—Head, neck, and breast bluish gray, lighter on the throat; crown in the fall
tipped with olive-green ; eye-ring white ; rest of upper parts, wings, and tail
olive-green; no wing-bars or tail-patches ; belly yellow; sides washed with
olive-green. Ad. 9 and JIm.—Similar to the 4, but upper parts uniform olive-
eveen ; throat and breast pale grayish brown; belly pale yellow. L., 5:40;
W., 2°90: T., 1:90; B. from N., °32.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds, as far as known, in Manitoba;
winters in northern South America.

Washington, T. V., very rare in spring, late May ; common from Aug. 28
to Oct. 15. Sing Sing, rare T. V., Aug. 26 to Oct. 9. Cambridge, fall T. V.,
sometimes locally abundant, Sept. 10 to 30.

Nest, of dry grasses, on the ground. £ygs, four, white, with a few spots of
lilac-purple, brown, and black about the larger end, ‘75 x °60 (Thompson,
Auk, i, 1884, p. 192).

“Connecticut Warbler” is an unfortunate misnomer for this spe-

20

370) WOOD WARBLERS.

cies. “Swamp” or “Tamarac Warbler,” or “ Bog Black-throat,”
would have been much more truly descriptive.

In the cold, boggy tamarac swamps of Manitoba, where I found it
breeding, it was the only one of the family, and almost the only bird,
whose voice broke the silence of those gray wastes. Its loud song was
much like the “teacher, teacher” chant of the Oven-bird, but it also
uttered another, which I can recall to mind by the aid of the syllables
» free-chapple, free-chapple, free-chapple, wHoIT.”

The nest was placed on the ground, or, rather, in the moss which
everywhere covered the ground to a depth of a foot or two, and was
composed of fine vegetable fibers.

* This species has somewhat the manners of the Vireos. but is much
more active and sprightly in its movements. During the migrations
it is generally found on or near the ground, in the undergrowth of
low, damp woods, and also in bordering, weedy fields, where it some-
times announces its presence by a sharp peek. Ernest HK, THompson.

679. Geothlypis philadelphia (W7/s.). Mournrne Warsier.
Ad. 6.—Head, neck, and throat bluish gray, changing to black on the breast ;
no white eye-ring; rest of upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; no wing-
bars or tail-patches; belly yellow. - Ad. @ and Jm.—Similar, but upper parts
olive-green, slightly grayer on the head; breast grayish, throat whiter. L.,
5°63; W., 2°56: ‘'T;, 2-13; B. from N., 32

Remarks.—This species bears a general resemblance to the preceding, but
may always be distinguished from it by the absence of a white eye-ring.

Range.—“Eastern North America; breeds from eastern Nebraska, northern
New York, and Nova Scotia northward, and southward along the Alleghanies
to Pennsylvania; winters in the tropics.

Washington, very rare T. V., May 15 to 30; Aug. Sing Sing, rare T. V.,
May 28 to 29; Aug. 18 to Oct. 1. Cambridge, rare ‘T. V., May 22 to June 6;
Sept. 12 to 30.

est, of strips of bark and other fibrous materials, lined with hair, on or
near the ground. Zyqs, four, white, sprinkled with reddish dots near the
larger end, ‘71 x ‘54 (Davie).

The Mourning Warbler inhabits the undergrowth, choosing situ-
ations not unlike those selected by the Maryland Yellow-throat.

“Its common song consists of a simple, clear, warbling whistle, re-
sembling the syllables ’trié, ’trvé, ’truié, ’tré, ’tod, the voice rising on
the first three syllables and falling on the last two.

“Sometimes, when otherwise occupied, the first, or first two, syl-
lables are omitted. All through the breeding season, and till late in
July, they have a very characteristic habit of perching, at frequent in-
tervals during the day, on some branch, generally a dead one, and
commonly ten or fifteen feet from the ground, and singing for half an
hour at a time” (Merriam, Birds of Connecticut, p. 24).

WOOD WARBLERS. oun

681. Geothlypis trichas (/inn.). Maryianp YELLow-THROAT.
(Fig. 106.) Ad. é.—A broad band across the forehead, and on the cheeks and
ear-coverts black, bordered behind by grayish; rest of the upper parts, wings,
and tail olive-green, sometimes tinged with brownish ; no wing-bars or tail-
patches; throat and breast bright yellow, changing to whitish on the belly;
sides washed with brownish; under tail-coverts yellow. Ad. 6 in fall.—
Similar, but browner above; black mask tipped with grayish ; belly more
yellow; sides browner. Jm. 6.—Similar, but the black mask more concealed,
sometimes merely indicated by a dusky area. Ad. ?.—No black mask; up-
per parts, wings, and tail olive-green, the forehead sometimes tinged with
rufous; throat and breast yellowish, changing to whitish on the belly ; under
tail-coverts yellow; sides brownish. L., 5°33; W., 2°20; T., 2°04; B42. ,

Range.—Eastern North America, west to the Plains; breeds from the Gulf
States to Manitoba and Labrador; winters from the Gulf States southward.

Washington, abundant 8. R., Apl. 18 to Oct. 20. Sing Sing, common
S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, abundant 8. R., May 5 to Oct. 20.

Nest, bulky, of strips of bark, coarse grasses, and dead leaves, lined with
fine grasses, tendrils, and rootlets, on or near the ground. Lggs, three to five,
white, rather thinly speckled and spotted with rufous to umber, chiefly—
sometimes entirely—at the larger end, ‘70 x °53.

One of the first acquaintances you will make, when you begin to
look for birds, will be this black-masked inhabitant of thickets and
bushes. Indeed, you have only to pause near his home, when he
will meet you halfway. He announces his coming by an impatient,
quickly repeated chack, varying to chit, pit, quit, as, hopping from
twig to twig, he finally appears for a moment and then darts back
into the cover of his haunts.

His song is characteristic of his active, nervous nature, and is de-
livered with much force and energy. It varies greatly with locality. a
fact which may account for the quite different descriptions given of
it by authors. Sometimes it is written wichity, wichity, urichity,
uichity ; again, rapity, rapity, etc.: but the birds near New York city
seem to me to say I beseech you, I beseech you, I beseech you, I beseech
you ; though, to be sure, the tone is far from pleading.

They sing throughout the summer, and in August add a flight
song to their repertoire. This is usually uttered toward evening, when
the bird springs several feet into the air, hovers for a second, and then
drops back to the bushes.

681b. G. t. ignota Chapm. Frorma Yetiow-THroat; PALMETTO
Birrp.—Similar to the preceding, but with longer tarsus, tail, and bill; yellow
of under parts of a deeper shade and of greater extent; flanks of a much
darker color; upper parts browner; black mask wider, its ashy border (in
summer specimens) slightly paler and of greater extent; first primary shorter,
equaling the eighth instead of the sixth. W., 217; T., 2°18; B., 47.
' Range.—F lorida and southern Georgia.

a12 WOOD WARBLERS.

This southern representative of the Maryland Yellow-throat is
usually found in dense growths of scrub palmetto. Its song is quite
unlike that of the northern bird.

6838. Icteria virens (Zinn.). YrELLow-BreAsteD Cuat. Ad.—
Largest of the Warblers; upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; line from
the eye to the bill, one on the side of the throat, and eye-ring white; throat,
breast, and upper belly bright yellow;
lower belly white; sides grayish. L.,
744; W., 3:00; T., 3:07; B. from N., °41.

Range.— Eastern United States;
breeds as far north as southern Minne-
sota and Massachusetts; and winters in
Central America.

Washington, common S. R., Apl. 29
to Sept. Sing Sing, common §. R.,
Apl. 28 to Aug. 29. Cambridge, rather

Fie. 110.—Yellow-breasted Chat. i
(Natural size.) rare S. R., May 15 to (2).

est, rather bulky, of coarse grasses,
leaves, and strips of bark well interwoven, lined with finer grasses, in a crotch
near the ground. Zggs, three to five, white, rather evenly speckled and
spotted with rufous-brown, °90 x °66.

Bushy undergrowths or thickets in partial clearings form the
home of the Chat. After an acquaintance of many years | frankly
confess that his true character is a mystery to me. While listening to
his strange medley and watching his peculiar actions, we are cer-
tainly justified in calling him eccentric, but that there is method in
his madness no one who studies him closely can doubt.

Is the odd jumble of whistles, chucks, and caws uttered by one
bird in that copse yonder, or by half a dozen different birds in as many
places? Approach cautiously, and perhaps you may see him in the
air—a bunch of feathers twitched downward by the queer, jerky notes
which animate it. One might suppose so peculiar a performance
would occupy his entire attention, but nevertheless he has seen you;
in an instant his manner changes, and the happy-go-lucky clown, who
a moment before was turning aérial somersaults, has become a shy,
suspicious haunter of the depths of the thicket, whence will come his
querulous chit, chit as long as your presence annoys him.

684. Sylvania mitrata (G@mel.). Hoopep Warsier. (Fig. 108.)
Ad. §.—¥orehead and cheeks bright yellow; crown black, connected behind
with the black throat; upper parts, wings, and tail olive-green; outer tail-
feathers with inner vane mostly white; breast and belly yellow; bill with
evident bristles at its base. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but with the black on head
and breast somewhat restricted and less sharply defined. Jm. é.—Similar to
ad. 6, but the black feathers with yellow tips. /m. ?.—Similar to ad. ?, but

WOOD WARBLERS. 373

with no black on the head or breast. L., 5°67; W., 2°58; T., 2°30; B. from
N., ‘31.

Range.—Kastern United States ; breeds as far north as southern Michigan
and southern Connecticut, and winters in Central America.

Washington, rare T. V., may breed; May 1 to 30; Aug. 15 to Sept. 15.
Sing Sing, rare S. R., to Sept. 1.

Nest, of leaves, strips of bark, and rootlets, lined with fine grasses and
rootlets, in the crotch of a bush or sapling, about four feet up. Zyqs, four to
tive, white or creamy white, rather thinly speckled or spotted with rufous or
rufous-brown, generally in a wreath at the larger end, ‘71 x ‘53.

This beautiful bird is a lover of well-watered, rather densely grown
woods. It isa bird of the lower growth rather than the trees, but is
not a thicket-haunter, and its habit of flitting restlessly from bush to
bush renders it easily observed. When on the wing its white outer
tail-feathers are conspicuously displayed. and, with the striking mark-
ings of the head, make an excellent field mark.

The song of the Hooded Warbler is sweet and graceful. It is sub-
ject to much variation, but as a rule consists of eight or nine notes.
To my ear the bird seems to say, “ You must come to the woods, or
you won’t see me.”

Its call-note is a sharp, characteristic cheep, frequently uttered when
the bird is anxious for the safety of its nest or young, and accompanied
by a flit of the tail, which reveals the white outer tail-feathers.

685. Sylvania pusilla (WVi/s.). Wuitson’s Warsier (Fig. 107.)
Ad. 6.—Forehead yellow, crown black; rest of the upper parts, wings, and
tail bright olive-green ; no wing-bars or tail-patches ; under parts bright yel-
low; bill with bristles at its base. Ad. 9.—Similar, but generally without
the black cap. /m.—Similar, but without black cap. L., 5-00; W., 221; 'T.,
2:03; B. from N., :25.

Range.—North America; breeds from British Columbia, Minnesota, and
Nova Scotia northward ; winters in Central America.

Washington, rather common T. V., May 8 i9 23; Aug. 28 to Sept. 15.
Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 9 to 80; Aug. 10 to Sept. 9. Cam-
bridge, common T. V., May 12 to 25; Sept. 1 to 20.

Nest, of leaves and grasses, lined with fine grasses and hairs, on the ground.
Eggs, tour to five, white, speckled with cinnamon-rufous and lavender-gray,
“59 x *48 (Davie).

The Black-cap frequents the lower woodland growth, and is gen-
erally found near water. Like other members of this genus, it has
decided talents as a flycatcher, and captures much of its prey on the
wing, darting out into the air, but does not, like a true Flycatcher,
return to the same perch.

Its song is compared by Minot to that of the Redstart or Yellow
Warbler, while Nuttall writes it “’tsh-’tsh-’tsh-’tshea,” and to Goss it
sounds like “ zee-zee-zee-zee-e.””

374 WOUD WARBLERS.

686. Sylvania canadensis (Zinn.). Canapvtan Warsier. (Fig.
109.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts, wings, and tail gray ; no wing-bars or tail-patches ;
crown spotted with black; line from the bill to the eye and under parts
yellow; sides of the neck black; a necklace of black spots across the breast ;
under tail-coverts white; bill with evident bristle at its base. Ad. ? and
/m.—Similar, but with no black on the head or sides of the throat; necklace
indicated by dusky spots. L., 5°61; W., 2°53; T., 2°23; B. from N., 31.

Fange.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and
Massachusetts to Manitoba and Labrador, and southward in Alleghanies to
North Carolina; winters in tropics.

Washington, very common T. V., May 5 to 27; Aug. 7 to Sept. 25. Sing
Sing, common T. V., May 6 to June 2; Aug. 10 to Oct. 11. Cambridge, com-
mon T. V., May 18 to 28; Sept. 1 to 20.

Jest, of strips of bark, bits of dead wood, and moss wrapped in leaves, and
lined with fine rootlets, in mossy banks or under roots. £gqs, four to five,
white, speckled and spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with rufous or rufous-
brown, 66 x ‘dl.

Although when associated with other migrating Warblers this bird
may be found in woodland of varied character, it prefers low, wet
woods, in which, like Wilson’s Black-cap, it frequents the lower growth.
Like that bird also it is an expert flycatcher.

Its song is sweet, loud, and spirited. Thompson writes it “rup-it-
che, rup-it-che, rup-tt-chitt-it lit.”

687. Setophaga ruticilla (Zinn.). American Repstart. (See
Fig. 53, ¢.) Ad. .—Upper parts, throat, and breast sining black ; basal half
of the wing-feathers salmon, end half and wing-coverts black; basal two
thirds of all but the middle tail-feathers salmon, end third and middle feath-
ers black; sides of the breast and flanks deep reddish salmon; belly white,
tinged with salmon; bill with prominent bristles at its base. Ad. ¢.—Salmon
of the é replaced by dull yellow; head grayish; back ashy, with a greenish
tinge; under parts, except where marked with yellow, white. Jm.—Resemble
the ¢ ; the 4 acquires his full plumage the third year, and the second year
has the plumage mottled with black. L., 5-41; W., 2°57; T., 2:27; B. from
Nee:

Range.—North America; breeds from Kansas and North Carolina north
to Labrador and Fort Simpson ; winters in the tropics.

Washington, very abundant T. V., Apl. 18 to May 28; Aug. 19 to Sept. 25;
a few pre Sing Sing, common S. R., May 1 to Oct. 3. Cambridge, very
common 8. R., May 5 to Sept. 20.

Nest, of fine strips of bark, leaf stalks, and plant down, firmly interwoven,
lined with tendrils and fine rootlets, in the crotch of a sapling, five to twenty
feet up. Eggs, four to five, grayish white or bluish white, spotted and blotched,
chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or olive-brown, *68 x °50.

If this active, brilliantly colored inhabitant of woodlands was as
rare as he is beautiful, we would consider a meeting with him an event

WAGTAILS AND PIPITS. 35

demanding at least a page in our journals. In Cuba most of our
- Wood Warblers are known simply as “ Mariposas”—butterflies; but
the Redstart’s bright plumage has won for him the name “ Candelita”
—the little torch that flashes in the gloomy depths of tropical forests.

Ching, ching, chee ; ser-wee, swee, swee-e-e he sings, and with wings
and tail outspread whirls about, dancing from limb to limb, darting
upward, floating downward, blown hither and thither like a leaf in the
breeze. But the gnats dancing in the sunlight and the caterpillars
feeding in the shade of the leaves know to their sorrow that his erratic
course is guided by a purpose.

FAMILY MOTACILLIDAZ. WaAGTAILS AND PIPITS.

Only three of the sixty odd species in this family inhabit North
America, and but one is found in the Eastern States. They are all
terrestrial birds, and have been named from their habit of wagging
their tails.

697. Anthus pensilvanicus (Zit/.). American Piprr: Tirtark.
(See Fig. 54.) Ad.—Upper parts dark brownish gray ; wings and tail fuscous;
wing-coverts tipped with whitish or buffy; end half of outer tail-feather
white, next one tipped with white; a white or buffy line over the eye; under
parts white or buffy, streaked with fuscous, except on the throat and middle
of the belly ; hind toe-nail the longest, as long as or longer than its toe. L.,
6°38; W., 3°50; T., 2-69.@B., °47.

Range.—* North America at large, breeding in the higher parts of the
Rocky Mountains and subarctic districts, and wintering in the Gulf States,
Mexico, and Central America” (A. O. U.).

Washington, W. V., sometimes abundant, Oct. 15 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing,
common T. V., March 26 to (?); Sept. 24 to Nov. 16. Cambridge, T. V.,
abundant Sept. 20 to Nov. 10; less common Apl. 10 to May 20.

Nest, of grasses, on the ground. gqs, four to six, bluish white or grayish
white, thickly and evenly speckled with cinnamon- or vinaceous-brown,
78x “Di.

Large, open tracts in the vicinity of the coast are the localities in
which Titlarks are most common, but they are also found in numbers
in old fields, meadows, and pastures inland. A recently burned or
newly plowed field is a good place in which to look for them. Once
seen, there is little difficulty in identifying these graceful walkers, as
they run on before you, or with constantly wagging tail await your
approach. The individuals of a flock are generally scattered over a
varying space while feeding, but when flushed they rise together and,
with a soft dee-dee, dee-dee, mount high in the air as though bound
for parts unknown, but often, after hovering above you for several

376 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

seconds in an undecided way, they will return to or near the place .

from which they rose.

Their flight is light and airy, and in loose companies they undulate
gently through the air without apparent effort, uttering their faint
dee-dee as they fly.

SpraGue’s Pipit (700. Anthus spragueiz), a species of the Great Plains, has
been once recorded from near Charleston, 8. C. (Wayne, Auk, xi, 1894, p. 80).

The Evrorpran Waitt Waerait (694. Motacilla alba) and Evropran
Meapow Prrir (698. Anthus pratensis) have been recorded as of accidental
occurrence in Greenland.

FAMILY TROGLODYTIDZ. 'THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

Two quite different subfamilies are included under this head, the
Thrashers and Mockingbirds, numbering some fifty species, and com-
prising the subfamily Mimine, and the subfamily Troglodytine, which
includes the one hundred and fifty known species of Wrens. The
former is a distinctively American group, most numerously represented
in the tropical and subtropical parts of the continent, only a dozen spe-
cies reaching the United States. Generally speaking, they are inhab-
itants of scrubby growths and bushy borders of woods. They are pos-
sessed of remarkable vocal ability, and the Mockingbirds, of which
there are sixteen species, are universally conceded first rank among
cur song birds so far as powers of execution are concerned.

The Wrens have a few representatives in the Old World, but by
far the greater number inhabit America, where they are most abundant
in the tropics. Wrens, as a rule, are thicket haunters. They are
active, nervous, excitable birds, and most of the species have charac-
teristic scolding notes with which they express displeasure or alarm.
The majority are highly musical.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.
A, Wing over 3°50; tail without black bars.
a. Back slate-color; cap black; under tail-coverts rufous-brown.
704. CATBIRD.
6. Back and crown grayish; under parts whitish ; outer tail-feathers white.
703. MocKINGBIRD.

e. Back rufous; under parts spotted with black . 705. Brown THRASHER. |

B. Wing less than 3°00; tail with numerous small bars.
a. Upper parts rufous, a long, conspicuous whitish line over the eye; under
parts cream-buft or ochraceous-buff; wing 2°25 or over.
718. CAROLINA WREN. 718a. FirortpA WREN.
4. Upper parts uniform dark, reddish olive-brown; back without white
streaks.

ne

THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. Swine

61. Under parts whitish ; primaries finely barred; no white line over the
eye... .. . . 721. Houszk Wren. 7216. Western Housrt Wren.
62, Under parts whitish ; primaries not barred ; a white line over the eye.
719. Bewick’s WREN.
63. Under parts brownish, finely barred with black. 722. Winrer Wren.
c. Back with white streaks.

c!, White streaks confined to the center of the back; a white line over
the.eye “ : -: . . . 725. Lone-BILLED MarsH WREN and races.

c2, Crown, back, saad wing-coverts streaked with white.
724, SHort-BILLED MAarsH WReEN.

703. Mimus polyglottos (Zinn.). Mocxinezirv. Ad.—Upper parts
ashy; wings and tail fuscous; basal half of the primaries white; outer tail-
feather white, next mostly white, third about half white; under parts soiled
white. L., 10°50; W., 4:50; T., 490; B., -70.

Remarks.—The sexes can not be distinguished in color.

Range.—Breeds from the Bahamas and Mexico to southern Illinois and
northern New Jersey, and rarely to Massachusetts; winters from Virginia
southward.

Washington, uncommon P. k., less numerous in winter. Cambridge, rare
S. R., Mch. to Nov.

Nest, of coarse twigs, weed stalks, etc., lined with rootlets, cotton, ete., in
thickets, orange trees, ete. ygqgs, four to six, pale greenish blue or bluish
white, sometimes with a brownish tinge, rather heavily spotted and blotched,
chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown, 1:00 x °72.

The Mockingbird might be called our national song-bird ; his re-
markable vocal powers have made him famous the world over, while
our more retiring Thrushes are scarcely to be found mentioned outside
the literature of ornithology. He isa good citizen, and courting rather
than shunning public life, shows an evident interest in the affairs of
the day. He lives in our gardens, parks, and squares, and even in the
streets of the town, and is always alert and on the qua vive; a self-
appointed guardian, whose sharp alarm note is passed from bird to
bird like the signals of watchmen.

In Florida, Mockingbirds begin to sing in February, and by March
1 the air rings with music. The heat of midday is insufficient torquell
their ardor, and on moonlight nights many birds sing throughout the
night.

It is customary to consider the Mockingbird a musician possessed
of marvelous technique, but with comparatively little depth of feel-
ing. He is said to create intense admiration without reaching the
soul. But listen to him when the world is hushed, when the air is
heavy with the rich fragrance of orange blossoms and the dewy leaves
glisten in the moonlight, and if his song does not thrill you then con-
fess yourself deaf to Nature’s voices.

Writers have compared the Mockingbird’s song with that of other

Eig THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

renowned songsters—the Nightingale, for instance—but Dr. R. W.
Shufeldt, writing in Prof. Newton’s Dictionary of Birds, puts it very
- nicely when he says: “I believe, were he successfully troduced into

those countries where the Nightingale flourishes, that princely per-

former might some day wince as he was obliged to listen to his own
most powerful strains poured forth with all their native purity by this
king of feathered mockers. ... ”

Nevertheless, it must not be supposed that every Mockingbird is a
mocker; there is much variation in their imitative gifts. Mr. L. M.
Loomis tells me of a Mockingbird he once heard singing in South
Carolina who imitated the notes of no less than thirty-two different
species of birds found in the same locality, and this during ten min-
utes’ continuous singing! This was a phenomenal performance, one I
have never heard approached, for in my experience many Mockingbirds
have no notes besides their own, and good mockers are exceptional.

704. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (/inn.). Carsirv. (See Fig.
55, 6.) Ad.—Crown and tail black; wnder taal-coverts chestnut, sometimes
spotted with slaty, and rarely largely slaty; rest of the plumage slaty gray.
L., 8:94; W., 3°54; T., 3°65; B., -60.

Range.—North America ; breeds in the eastern United States from the
Gulf States to New Brunswick and northwestward to the Saskatchewan and
British Columbia; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, abundant 8S. R., Apl. 20 to Oct.; occasionally winters. Sing
Sing, common S. R., Apl. 28 to Oct. 25. Cambridge, abundant 8. R., May 6
to Sept. 50.

Nest, of twigs, grasses, and leaves, lined with rootlets, in thickets or
densely foliaged trees. Zygs, three to five, rich greenish blue, *94 x -67.

The Catbird is one of the most intelligent birds in North America.
He is inclined to be very friendly to man, and where he is well treated
and his confidence won he likes to nest near our homes, showing him-
self delightfully familiar, coming around the door steps, answering
one’s calls and talk, and singing by the hour for our entertainment.
In the garden and orchard he is as useful as he is enchanting, for he
is an untiring devourer of insects, and his value in preserving our
fruits can hardly be overrated. In this way he earns his full share of
the fruit protected, and it should not be grudged to him when he pro-
ceeds to take it, as he surely will.

It is not generally known that the Catbird is a charming singer,
for the reason, probably, that his song is rarely loud, and is preferably
given from the depths of the thickest shrub he can find. One more
often hears than sees him sing, and will miss even the hearing unless
quite near, and gifted with a listening ear, ever open to bird notes.

The Catbird mother is one of the most anxious and devoted. If

THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 379

her nest is discovered, she exhibits so much distress that one sympa-
thetic to bird griets has no heart to pursue investigations.

The Catbird*is generous and helpful to others of his kind in trouble
of any sort, feeding and caring for deserted or orphaned young ones
of any species, and always ready to aid distracted parents in the de-
fense of their home and little ones.

He is of a lively and restless temperament, entirely lacking the
serene repose of his near relatives, the Thrushes. He is always toss-
ing upward or spreading his tail, jerking his lithe body about, now
crouching like a cat ready to spring, then straightening himself up
very tall; one moment puffing his feathers out till he looks like a
ball, and the next holding them closely against his body. He is very
playful, full of droll pranks and quaint performances. I know of
no bird better worth cherishing and cultivating than the Catbird.

OLIVE THORNE MILLER.

705. Harporhynchus rufus (Zinn.). Brown Turasuer; Brown
Turusu. (See Fig. 55, a.) -dd.—Upper parts, wings, and tail rufous; wing-
coverts tipped with whitish ; under parts white, heavily streaked with black,
except on the throat and middle of the belly. L., 11:42; W., 4:06; T., 5:03;
B., °96.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Mani-
toba, Maine, and Montreal: winters from Virginia southward.

Washington, very common 8. R., Apl. 5 to Oct. 15; occasionally winters.
Sing Sing, common 8. h., Apl. 22 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, very common §. R.,
Apl. 25 to Oct. 15.

yest, of twigs, coarse rootlets, and leaves, lined with finer rootlets, in
bushes, thickets, or on the ground. “ggs, three to six, bluish white or grayish
white, thickly, evenly, and minutely speckled with cinnamon- or rufous-
brown, 1°08 x 80.

Hedgerows, shrubbery about the borders of woods, scrubby growth,
or thickets in dry fields, are alike frequented by the Thrasher. Gen-
erally speaking he is an inhabitant of the undergrowth, where he passes
much time on the ground foraging among the fallen leaves. He is an
active, suspicious bird, who does not like to be watched, and expresses
his annoyance with an unpleasant kissing note or sharply whistled
wheeu.

Like many thicket-haunting birds, who ordinarily shun observa-
tion, he seeks an exposed position when singing. Morning and even-
ing he mounts to a favorite perch—generally in the upper branches of
a tree—and deliberately gives his entire attention to his song. This
is repeated many times, the bird singing almost continuously for an
extended interval. He is a finished musician, and, although his reper-
toire is limited to one air, he rivals the Mockingbird in the richness
of his tones and execution. I never listen to the Thrasher’s song with-

380 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

out involuntarily exclaiming, “ What a magnificent performance!”
Nevertheless, there is a certain consciousness and lack of spontaneity
about it which makes it appeal to the mind rather than to the
heart.

718. Thryothorus ludovicianus (uth.). Carorina Wren. (See
Fig. 55,¢.) Ad—Upper parts rufous-brown; feathers of the ramp with con-
cealed downy white spots; a long, conspicuous whitish line over the eye;
wings and tail rufous-brown, finely barred with black; under parts ochra-
ceous-buif or cream-buff, whiter on the throat; flanks sometimes with a few
blackish bars. L., 5°50; W., 2°30; T., 2:00; B., -60.

Range.—Kastern United States ; breeds from the Gulf States to southern
lowa, northern Illinois, and southern Connecticut; resident, except at the
northern limit of its range.

Washington, common P. R.

Nest, bulky, of grasses, feathers, leaves, etc., lined with finer grasses, long
hairs, etc., in holes in trees or stumps, nooks and crevices about buildings,
ete. Eggs, four to six, white or creamy white, with numerous cinnamon-,
rufous-brown, and lavender markings, sometimes wreathed about the larger
end, ‘75 x °58.

The cozy nooks and corners about the home of man which prove
so attractive to the House Wren have no charms for this bird. His
wild nature demands the freedom of the forests, and he shows no dis-
position to adapt himself to new conditions. Undergrowths near
water, fallen tree tops, brush heaps, and rocky places in the woods
where he can dodge in and out and in a twinkling appear or disap-
pear, like a feathered Jack-in-the-box, are the resorts he chooses.

The nervous activity so characteristic of all Wrens reaches in him
its highest development. Whatever he may be when alone, he is never
at rest so long as he imagines himself observed. Now he is on this
side of us, now on that: a moment later, on a stump before us, bob-
bing up and down and _ gesticulating wildly with his expressive
tail; but as a rule he is seldom in sight more than a second at a
time.

Of course, so excitable a nature must find other than physical out-
let for his irrepressible energy, and he accompanies his movements by
more or less appropriate notes: scolding cacks, clinking, metallic rat-
tles, musical trills, tree-toadlike krrrings—in fact, he possesses an
almost endless vocabulary. He is sometimes called Mocking Wren,
but the hundreds of birds I have heard were all too original to borrow
from others. In addition to his peculiar calls he possesses a variety of
loud, ringing whistles, somewhat similar in tone to those of the Tufted
Titmouse or Cardinal, and fully as loud as if not louder than the notes
of the latter. The more common ones resemble the syllables whee-udel,
whee-udel, whee-udel, and tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle.

THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 381

718a. T. 1. miamensis Pidgw., Frorma Wren.—Similar to the
preceding, but larger; upper parts darker; under parts more deeply colored.
Ws 2-46; T.,.2°19; B., -70,

Range.—F lorida, from Pasco and Brevard Counties southward.

719. Thryothorus bewickii (4ud.). Bewick’s Wren. Ad—
Upper parts dark cinnamon-brown; feathers of the rump with concealed,
downy white spots; primaries not barred , central tail-feathers barred ; outer
ones black, tipped with grayish; a white line over the eye; under parts
grayish white; flanks brownish. L., 5-00; W., 2°30; 'T., 2:10; B., °50.

Range.—* Eastern United States, rare and local east of Alleghanies and
north of 40°; west to edge of Great Plains; winters in more southern dis-
tricts (Georgia to eastern Texas) ” (Ridgw.).

Washington, rare T. V., may winter, Apl. 4 to 22; Nov. 24 to Dee. 22,

Nest, resembles that of 7. aédon ; location the same. Zggs, four to six,
white, speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-brown, or lavender, evenly, or in a
wreath at the larger end, 66 x °50.

“No bird more deserves the protection of man than Bewick’s
Wren. He does not need man’s encouragement, for he comes of his
own accord and installs himself as a member of the community wher-
ever it suits his taste. He is found about the cow-shed and barn
along with the Pewee and Barn Swallow; he investigates the pig-sty,
then explores the garden fence, and finally mounts to the roof and
pours forth one of the sweetest songs that ever was heard. Not...
like the House Wren’s merry roundelay, but a fine, clear, bold song,
uttered as the singer sits with head thrown back and long tail pend-
ent—a song which may be heard a quarter of a mile or more, and in
comparison with which the faint chant of the Song Sparrow sinks
into insignificance. The ordinary note is a soft, low plit, uttered as
the bird hops about, its long tail carried erect or even leaning for-
ward, and jerked to one side at short intervals. In its movements it
is altogether more deliberate than either 7. ludovicianus or T. aédon,
but nothing can excel it in quickness when itis pursued ” (Ridgway).

721. Troglodytes aédon Jiei/l. Housk Wren. Ad—Upper
parts cinnamon olive-brown, more rufous on the rump and tail; back gener-
ally with indistinct bars; feathers of the rump with concealed, downy white
spots; wings and tail finely barred; under parts whitish, sides or flanks with
numerous blackish bars. L., 5:00; W., 1:97; T., 1:71; B., -50.

eange.—Kastern North America; breeds as far north as Manitoba, Mont-
real, and Maine; and winters from South Carolina southward.

Washington, common 8. R., Apl. 15 to Sept. Sing Sing, common §. R.,
Apl. 23 to Oct. 14. Cambridge, locally common §. R., May 1 to Sept. 25.

Nest, of twigs lined with grasses, generally filling the hole in a tree, bird-
box, crevice, ete.,in which it is placed. Zygs, six to eight, vinaceous, uni-
form, or minutely speckled, with generally a wreath of a deeper shade at the
larger end, °65 x ‘51,

389 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

It has been claimed.that the name House Wren is a misnomer, be-
cause in the south during the winter these birds are found in the for-
ests miles from the nearest habitation. This, however, is owing to
circumstances over which the House Wren has no control. He is just
as much of a House Wren in the south as he is in the north; you will
find a pair in possession of every suitable dwelling. The difficulty is
that in the winter there are more House Wrens than there are houses,
and, being of a somewhat irritable disposition, the House Wren will
not share his quarters with others of his kind. Late comers, there-
fore, who can not get a snug nook about a house or outbuilding, are
forced to resort to the woods.

In the summer, when they are spread over a much greater area,
House Wrens are very particular in their choice of haunts, and for
this reason are locally distributed. Having selected a nesting site,
they become much attached to it, and return to the same place year
after year. It may be a bird-box, a crevice in a building, a hollow in
an apple tree, or hole in a fence rail; wherever it is, it is theirs, and
they will fight for it against all comers.

The song of the House Wren is delivered with characteristic en-
ergy—a sudden outpouring of music which completely dominates the
singer, who with raised head and drooped tail trembles with the vio-
lence of his effort. .

721b. T. a. aztecus (Baird). Western Hovusz Wren.—Similar to
the preceding, but upper parts lighter and less rufous, the back and rump
generally distinctly barred with blackish.

Range.—Interior of North America, east to the Mississippi Valley; Min-
nesota, Illinois.

722. Troglodytes hiemalis Vici//. Wiyrrr Wren. Ad.—Upper
parts dark cinnamon-brown; feathers of the rump with concealed, downy
white spots; wings and tail barred ; under parts washed with pale cinnamon-
brown, the lower breast, sides, and belly more or less heavily barred with
black.L., 4065 W... 1°89 To 124 Be 25.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Northern States north-
ward, and southward along the Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from
Massachusetts and Illinois to Florida.

Washington, rather common W. V., Sept. 25 to May 1. Sing Sing, tolera-
bly common W. V., Sept. 18 to Apl. 27. Cambridge, T. V., rather common,
Sept. 20 to Nov. 25; rare, Apl. 10 to May 1; a very few winter.

Nest, of small twigs and moss, lined with feathers, in the roots of a tree,
brush-heap, or similar place. “ Zggs, five to seven, white or creamy white,
finely but rather sparingly speckled with reddish brown, sometimes nearly
immaculate, *69 x 50” (Ridgw.).

When looking for a Winter Wren during the fall migration I go
to an old raspberry patch, and in the woods watch the stumps and

—_-eeo

THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 383

fallen trees. In the shadow of the woods it is easy to overlook the
small dark bird creeping under a log or clambering over an old stump.
But often, when sitting alone in the deserted patch, my heart has been
warmed by the sudden apparition of the plump little Wren atilt of a
dry golden-rod stalk close beside me, his tail standing straight over
his back and his head cocked on one side. He would bow to me with
a droll bobbing motion, but his hearty quip-quap and the frank look
of interest in his bright eyes showed that he was quite ready to make
friends. Many a dull morning has been gladdened by such an en-
counter.

Perhaps my choicest memories, however, are of a Wren who left
his usual home in the dark coniferous forest for our brighter wood-
lands of maple and beech. He built his nest in an upturned root on
the edge of a bit of marshy land, helping himself to some feathers the
Scarlet Tanager had left at his bath in the swamp behind.

I had never before had a chance to listen to his famous song, and
it was the event of the summer inthe woods. Full of trills, runs, and
grace notes, it was a tinkling, rippling roundelay. It made me think
of the song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the volume and ringing
quality of both being startling from birds of their size. But while
the Kinglet’s may be less hampered by considerations of tune, the
Wren’s song has a more appealing human character. It is like the bird
himself. The dark swamps are made glad by the joyous, wonderful
song. FLoRENCE A. MERRIAM.

724. Cistothorus stellaris (Zicht.). Snorr-sirteEp Marsu Wren.
dAd.—Entire upper parts streaked with white, black, and ochraceous-buff ;
wings and tail barred; under parts white, washed
with ochraceous-buff on the breast, sides, and
under tail-coverts. L., 4:00; W., 1:75; T., 1:41;
B., *42,

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds as far
north as Manitoba and Massachusetts; winters
from the Gulf States southward.

Washington, very rare T. V., two instances, oe TW
May. Sing Sing, rare 8. R., to Oct. 16. Caim- ral size.)
bridge, locally common 8. R., May 15 to Oct. 1.

Nest, globular, the entrance on one side, of grasses, lined with plant down,
on or near the ground, in a tussock of tall grass. Zyggs, six to eight, pure
white, rarely with a few lavender spots, *62 x °47.

This bustling, energetic little creature will much more often be
heard than seen. Its ordinary call-note, like the sound of two pebbles
struck together, may be heard in a dozen directions for a quarter of
an hour before one of the birds comes in view. so careful are they to
keep concealed among the protecting sedge. The ordinary song of

\

384 THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC.

the species has much the same timbre as the call-note; it resembles the
syllables chap——chap—chap-chap, chap chap-chap-chap-p-p-rrrr ;
but during the height of the love season it vents its feelings in a much
more ambitious refrain, one which, while it is everywhere varied and in
parts very musical, is still conspicuous for the amount of chappering
that enters into its composition. While singing, it is usually seen
clinging to the side of some tall swaying reed with its tail bent for-
ward so far as almost to touch the head, thus exhibiting in an exag-
_ gerated manner a characteristic attitude of all the Wrens.

This is less a species of the deep-water marshes than is the long-
billed member of the genus, and often it will be found in places
that are little more than damp meadows. It is remarkably mouselike
in its habits and movements, and can be flushed only with extreme
difficulty. Ernest EK. THOMPSON.

725. Cistothorus palustris ( Wils.). Lone-BiLLEp Marsu WRen.
Ad.—Crown olive-brown, blacker on the sides, a white line over the eye;
back black, streaked with white; rump cin-
namon-brown; wings and tail barred; un-
der parts white; sides washed with grayish
brown. Li, 5205. W., 195215 £68 5°B a2

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds
from the Gulf States to Manitoba and Massa-
chusetts; winters from the Gulf States, and

Rie 18/2 ene hiliede Marsh locally farther north, southward to Mexico.
Wren. (Natural size.) Washington, very numerous §S. R., Apl.
30 to Oct. 30. Sing Sing, common &. R.,
May 10 to Oct. 28. Cambridge, locally abundant 8. R., May 15 to Oct.;
sometimes a few winter.

Nest, globular, the entrance at one side, of coarse grasses, reed stalks, etc.,
lined with fine grasses, attached to reeds or bushes. Zggs, five to nine, uni-
form, minutely speckled or thickly marked with cinnamon- or olive-brown,
"65 x °49.

If you would make the acquaintance of this Marsh Wren, you have
only to visit his home in the cat-tails and tall, reedy grasses bordering
rivers, creeks, and sloughs. It will be unnecessary to announce your-
self; he will know of your presence long before you know of his, and

from the inner chambers of his dwelling will proceed certain scolding, —

cacking notes before this nervous, excitable bit of feathered life ap-
pears on his threshold. With many flourishes of the tail and much
bobbing and attitudinizing, he inquires your business, but before you
have had time enough to inspect him he has darted back into his
damp retreats, and you can tell of his frequently changing position
only by his scolding, grumbling notes.

All this time his neighbors—and he generally has numbers of

CREEPERS. 385

’
them—have doubtless been charming you with their rippling, bub-
bling, gurgling song. It is quite beyond their control; they seem
filled to overflowing with an inexhaustible supply of music. Some-
times, like a mine of melody, it explodes within them and lifts them
from the dark recesses of the flags up into the air above.

725b. C. p. griseus Lrewst. Wortuineron’s Marsh Wren.—
“ Black of upper parts much duller and less extended than in palustris, usu-
ally confined to the extreme sides of the crown and a short, narrow area in °
the middle of the back, and in extreme specimens almost wholly absent.
Brown of sides, flanks, and upper parts pale and grayish. Dark markings of
the under tail-coverts, flanks, sides, and breast taint, confused, and incon-
spicuous, sometimes practically wanting.” W., 1:80; T., 1:53; B., °50 (Brew-
ster, Auk, x, 1893, p. 218).

Range.—Coast of South Carolina and Georgia.

725.1. C. p. marianz (Scott). Marian’s Marsh Wren.—Similar
to C. palustris, but with the upper parts darker, the sides and flanks of about
the same color as the rump; the under tail-coverts, and sometimes the breast,
barred or spotted with black. W., 1:85; T., 1°75; B., -59.

Lange.—Gulf coast of Florida, and probably westward to Louisiana.

FAMILY CERTHIIDA. CREEPERS.

This is an Old-World family, numbering about twelve species, of
which only one is found in America. Our bird and its several races
belong to the northern group containing the species with stiffened
tails. It is a true tree-creeper, and, like a Woodpecker. uses its tail
as a prop in climbing.

726. Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.). Brown CREEPER.
(See Fig. 56.) .4d.—Upper parts mixed white, fuscous, and ochraceous-buff ;
rump pale rufous; wings with a band of cream-buff; tail pale grayish
brown, the feathers stiffened and sharply pointed ; under parts white; bill
slightly curved. L.. 5°66; W., 2°56: T., 2°65; B., 63.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from Minnesota and Maine north-
ward, and southward in Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from Canada
to Gulf States.

Washington, common W. V., Sept. 25 to Apl. 25. Sing Sing. tolerably
common W. V., Sept. 20 to May 7. Cambridge, common T. V., rather com-
mon W. V., Sept. 25 to Mav 1.

Nest, of twigs, strips of bark, bits of dead wood, moss, etc.. placed behind
the loose bark of a tree. Eggs, five to eight, white, spotted and speckled
with cinnamon- or rufous-brown and lavender, chiefly in a wreath at the
larger end, ‘62 x -47 (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iV, 1879, p: 199).

The facts in the case will doubtless show. that the patient, plod-
ding Brown Creeper is searching for the insects, eggs, and larvee which
are hidden in crevices in the bark ; but after watching him for several

minutes one becomes impressed with the thought that he has lost the
26

386 NUTHATCHES AND TITS.

only thing in the world he ever cared for, and that his cf object: in
life is to find it. Ignoring you completely, with scarcely a pause, he
winds his way in a preoccupied, near-sighted manner up a tree trunk.
Having finally reached the top of his spiral staircase, one might sup-
pose he would rest long enough to survey his surroundings, but like a
bit of loosened bark he drops off to the base of the nearest tree and
resumes his never-ending task.

He has no time to waste in words, but occasionally, without stop-
ping in his rounds, he utters a few screeping, squeaky notes, which
are about as likely to attract attention as he is himself. As for song,
one would say it was quite out of the question; but Mr. Brewster,* in
his biography of this bird, tells us that in its summer home, amid
the northern spruces and firs, it has an exquisitely pure, tender song
of four notes, “the first of moderate pitch, the second lower and less
emphatic, the third rising again, and the last abruptly falling, but
dying away in an indescribably plaintive cadence, like the soft sigh of
the wind among the pine boughs.”

FAMILY PARIDA. NUTHATCHES AND TITS.

Two well-marked subfamilies are included here, the Sittine, or
Nuthatches, and Parine, or Chickadees. They are distributed through-
out the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. About twenty
species of Nuthatches are known, of which four are American. They
are all climbers, but, unlike the Woodpeckers and Creepers, climb
downward as well as upward, and do not use their tails as a support.
Their name is derived from their habit of wedging nuts (with our
species, usually beechnuts) in a crevice in the bark and then hatching
them by repeated strokes with their bill.

The subfamily Parine contains some seventy-five species, of which
no less than fifty, including the thirteen North American species, be-
long in the genus Parws. Both our Nuthatches and Chickadees are
migratory at the northern parts of their range. After the migration
they are generally found in small groups, composed probably of the
members of a family, which wander through the woods within certain
definite limits.

A, Throat black.
a, Crown brown: sides chestnut. . . . . 740. Hupsontan CHICKADEE.
b. Crown black; outer margin of greater wing-coverts distinctly whitish ;
wing generally over. 2°50 9.0.0.0. 4. 2's) 2s 2) o feo, COBICKADEE,
e. Crown black; greater wing-coverts without white margins; wing under
BBO bel fie a velo ee ee a VI in bol BG. Cao mina ena ee

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

* Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 1879, pp. 199-209.

——— ee TF Oe

NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 387

e

B. Throat not black.
a. Under parts more or less washed with rufous; a black or gray streak
through theeye .. . . . . 728. Rep-BREASTED NuTHATCH.
b. Under parts white or Sines anges tail-coverts more or less rufous ; tail

with white spots.
727. WHITE-BREASTED Nutuatcu. 7276. Ftoripa NuTuarcu.
c. Under parts white or whitish; flanks with rufous; no white in the tail;
head crested: . . . oe GR 4) Sy Duprey Livxouse:
ad. Whole top of the head Sam . . . . 729. BRowN-HEADED NuTHATCH.

727. Sitta carolinensis Zath. Wuire-BreasteD Nuruatcnu. Ad.
é.—Top of the head and front part of the back shining black; rest of the
upper parts bluish gray; inner secondaries bluish gray, marked with black ;
wing-coverts and quills tipped with whitish; outer tail-feathers black, with
white patches near their tips; middle ones bluish gray ; sides of the head and
under parts white; lower belly and under tail-coverts mixed with rufous.
Ad. 2.—Similar, but the black of the head and back veiled by bluish gray.
Eero? 2 W..a40: "L., 1°92; B:, “76,

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from the Gulf States to Minne-
sota and New Brunswick ; generally resident throughout its range.

Washington, common T. V. and W. V., less common 8. R. Sing Sing,
common P. Rk. Cambridge, P. R., rare in summer, uncommon in winter, com-
mon in migrations; most numerous in Oct. and Nov.

Nest, of feathers, leaves, ete., in a hole in a tree or stump. Lgqs, five to
eight, white or creamy white, thickly and rather evenly spotted and speckled
with rufous and lavender, ‘75 x °57.

When the cares of a family devolve upon him, the Nuthatch
eschews all society and rarely ventures far from his forest home. But
in the winter I believe even the birds are affected by the oppressive
loneliness; the strangers of summer become for a time boon compan-
ions, and we find Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees, and Nuthatches
wandering about the woods or visiting the orchards on apparently the
best of terms.

Few birds are easier to identify: the Woodpecker pecks, the
Chickadee calls “ chickadee,” while the Nuthatch, running up and
down the tree trunks, assumes attitudes no bird outside his family
would think of attempting. His powers of speech are in no wise
disturbed by his often inverted position, and he accompanies his
erratic clamberings by a conversational twitter or occasionally a loud,
nasal yank, yank, which frequently tells us of his presence before we
see him.

He is not too absorbed in his business to have a mild interest in
yours, and he may pause a moment to look you over in a calm kind of
way, which somehow makes one feel that perhaps, after all, Nuthatches
are of as much importance as we. But his curiosity is soon satisfied ;
affairs are evidently pressing, and with a yank, yank, he resumes his

388 NUTHATCHES AND TITS.
2

search for certain tidbits in the shape of grubs or insects’ eggs hidden
in the bark.

There is such a lack of sentiment in sthe Nuthatch’s character, he
seems so matter-of-fact in all his ways, that it is difficult to imagine
him indulging in anything like song. But even he can not withstand
the all-conquering influences of spring, and at that season he raises
his voice in a peculiar monotone—a tenor hah-hah-hah-hah-hah—
sounding strangely like mirthless laughter.

72'7b. S. c. atkinsi Scott. Froria Wuire-sreastep Nurnatcu.—
Similar to the preceding, but somewhat smaller, the wing-coverts and quills
but slightly or not at all tipped with whitish, the ¢ with the top of the head
and nape black, asin the 6. W., 3°32; T., 1:80; B., °70.

Range.—F lorida, northward on the Atlantic coast to southern South Caro-
lina.

728. Sitta canadensis Zinn. Rerp-preastep Nutuatcn. Ad. §.—
Top of the head and a wide stripe through the eye to the nape shining black ;
a white line over the eye; upper parts
bluish gray; no black marks on the
secondaries ; outer tail-feathers black,
with white patches near their tips;
middle ones bluish gray ; throat white ;
rest of the under parts ochraceous-buff or rufous.
Ad. ¢ .—Similar, but the top of the head and stripe
through the eye bluish gray, like the back ; under

parts paler. L., 4:62; W., 2°66; T.,1°58; B., ‘50.
poesia’ Range-—North America; breeds from Mani-
toba and Maine northward, and southward along
the Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters from about the southern limit of
its breeding range to the Gulf States.

Washington, irregularly abundant W. V., sometimes rare, Sept. 15 to May
10. Sing Sing, irregular W. V., Aug. 8 to May 8. Cambridge, irregular T. V.
and W. V., Sept. 15 to Nov. 25; Nov. 25 to Apl. 1, or rarely May 5.

Vest, of grasses, in a hole in a tree or stump. Zgqs, four to six, white or
creamy white, speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-brown, and lavender, °60 x °47.

While resembling the White-breasted Nuthatch, this more northern
species differs from it sufficiently both in notes and appearance to be
easily distinguished. Its black face-stripe is a noticeable character,
while to the trained ear its higher, finer, more nasal, slightly drawled
yna, yna is quite unlike the White-breast’s vigorous yank, yank. The
Red-breast has an evident partiality for pine trees, and may be seen
hovering about the cones while looking for a foothold from which to
extract their seeds.

729. Sitta pusilla (Zath.). Brown-Heapep Nutuatcu. Ad.—Top
and back of the head dark grayish brown ; a whitish patch on the nape ; no

NUTHATCHES AND TITS. 389
*

white over the eye; rest of upper parts bluish gray ; outer tail-feathers black,
tipped with grayish, midaie ones bluish gray; under parts grayish white.
L., 450; W., 2°60; T., 1:25; B., °52.

fange.—South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Virginia; accidentally
to Missouri and New York.

Jest, of feathers, grasses, etc., generally near the ground, in a hole in a tree
or stump. ygs, five to six, white or creamy white, heavily spotted or blotched
with cinnamon- or olive-brown, 56 x °46.

This little Nuthatch, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and Pine
Warbler, are characteristic birds of the great. pineries in our Southern
States. Frequently they are found associated. The Woodpeckers
generally keep to the tree tops, the Warblers live on or near the ground,
while the Nuthatches scramble actively about from the base of the
trunk to the terminal twigs. The only note I have heard them utter
is a conversational tnee, tnee. They are talkative sprites, and, like a
group of school children, each one chatters away without paying the
slightest attention to what his companions are saying.

731. Parus bicolor (Zinn.). Turren Tirmovuse. Ad.—Forehead
black; rest of the upper parts, wings, and tail gray; under parts whitish ;
sides washed with rufous; a conspicu-
ous crest. L., 6:00; W., 3°10; T., 2°70;
- B., 42.

Range.— Eastern United States;
breeds from the Gulf States to southern
lowa and northern New Jersey; resi-
dent throughout its breeding range.

Washington, very common P. R.,
more so in winter.

Nest, of leaves, moss, strips of bark,
feathers, ete., in Woodpeckers’ deserted
holes, stumps, ete. gqs, five to eight,
white or creamy white, rather coarsely
and evenly marked with rufous-brown, Fie. ae ee eae: (Natural
spe ta: tn cont

The Tufted Titmouse is a bird of very general distribution in wood-
lands, where its presence is always made known by its notes. Its com-
mon call is a loud, clearly whistled peto, peto, peto, peto, which may be
repeated by the same individual for hours at a time. Occasionally the
key is changed, and at first the notes are decidedly pleasing, but the
bird finally wearies one by its monotonous repetition.

It utters also other whistled calls, and a de-de-de-de, much like the
notes of the Chickadee, though somewhat louder and hoarser.

The Tufted Tit is not a shy bird and may be approached with ease.
Its conspicuous crest is an excellent field mark.

390 NUTHATCHES AND TITS.

735. Parus atricapillus (linn.). Cuickaprr. (See Fig. 57, 6.)
Ad.—Top of the head, nape, and throat shining black ; sides of the head and
neck white; back ashy; outer vanes of greater wing-coverts distinctly mar-
gined with white; wing and tail-feathers margined with whitish ; breast
white; belly and sides washed with cream-butf. L., 5:27; W., 2°53; 'T., 2°43;
B., °37.

Range.—Eastern North America; breeds from southern Hlinois and Penn-
sylvania northward to Labrador, and southward along the Alleghanies to
North Carolina; in winter migrates a short distance below the southern limit
of its breeding range.

Washington, rare and irregular W. V., Dec. to Apl. 15. Sing Sing, toler-
ably common P. R. Cambridge, very common P. R., more numerous in fall
and winter.

Nest, of moss, grasses, feathers, and plant down, in old stumps, holes in
trees, ete., not more than fifteen feet up. £yqs, five to eight, white, spotted
and speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- or rufous-brown,
“60 x 48.

When most birds were strangers to me, I remember thinking what
a blessing it would be if every one spoke his name as plainly as does
this animated bunch of black and white feathers. No need of a text-
book to discover his name; with winning confidence he introduced
himself, and probably for this reason he has always been my best
friend among birds. I never +

= + a
hear his voice in the woods 2S or == =
without answering him: ——— ee
Soon he comes to me, mildly inquisitive at first, looking about for the
friend or foe whose call has attracted him. In an unconcerned way
he hops from limb to limb, whistling softly the while, picking an in-
sect’s egg from beneath a leaf here or larva from a crevice in the bark
there, all the time performing acrobatic feats of which an accom-
plished gymnast might be proud. Finally his curiosity becomes
aroused, he ceases feeding, and gives his entire attention to the dis-
covery of the bird who so regularly replies to him. Hopping down to
a limb within three feet of my head, he regards me with puzzled in-
tentness; his little black eyes twinkle with intelligence, he changes
his call, and questions me with a series of chick-d-dees, liquid gurgles.
and odd chuckling notes which it is beyond my power to answer, and
finally, becoming discouraged, he refuses to renew our whistled ecn-
versation and retreats to the woods.

On two occasions Chickadees have flown down and perched upon
my hand. During the few seconds they remained there I became rigid
with the emotion of this novel experience. It was a mark of con-
fidence which seemed to initiate me into the ranks of woodland
dwellers.

KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS. 391

736. Parus carolinensis 4d. Caro.ina CuicKaprer.—Similar to
the preceding species, but smaller; greater wing-coverts not margined with
whitish; wing and tail-feathers with less white on their outer vanes. L.,
4:06-4:75 ; W., 2:20-2°48; T., 1:88-2°12; B., 30-32.

Range.—Southeastern United States, north to middle New Jersey and
Illinois; resident from southern New Jersey southward.

Washington, very common P. R., particularly in winter.

Vest, of grasses, fine strips of bark, feathers, hair, etc.,in holes in trees,
stumps, etc. gqs, five to eight, similar in color to those of P. atricapillus.

My experience with this southern Chickadee has been confined
largely to Florida. There I found it a comparatively shy bird, with
notes quite unlike those of P. atricapillus. Instead of the two clear
whistles which atricapillus in New Jersey utters, the Florida bird re-
peats four rather tremulous notes, and there is also a substantial differ-
ence in its other calls, one of which resembles the words my watcher
key, my watcher key.

Mr. C. W. Richmond writes me that at Washington the chick-d-déé
eall of carolinensis is higher pitched and more hurriedly given than
that of atricapillus, and that the whistle consists of three notes.

Writing from the mountains of North Carolina, where both spe-
cies occur together, Mr. Brewster says: “In one place a male of each
species was singing in the same tree, the low, plaintive tswee-dee-twsee-
dee of the P. carolinensis, contrasting sharply with the ringing te-derry
of its more northern cousin” (The Auk, vol. iii, 1886, p. 177).

740. Parus hudsonicus /orst. Hvupsonian CuickapEr. Ad.—
Crown dull, dark brownish gray; back brownish ashy; wings and tail gray-
ish; throat black; ear-coverts, sides of the neck, breast, and belly white;
sides rufous.

Range.—Northern North America, from Nova Scotia, northern New Eng-
land, and northern Michigan northward; south in winter rarely to Massa-
chusetts.

Cambridge, rare, perhaps only casual, W. V., Nov. 1 to Apl. 1.

Vest, of moss and felted fur, in holes in trees and stumps. Zggs, six to
seven, not distinguishable from those of P. atricapillus, *61 x 50.

This northern Chickadee is frequently found associated with P.
atricaptllus, which it resembles in habits, though its notes are quite
unlike the notes of that species.

FaMILy SYLvuDz. OLD-WoORLD WARBLERS, KINGLETS, AND
GNATCATCHERS.

This family is divided into three subfamilies: (1) The Sylvtine, or
Old-World Warblers, numbering one hundred species, confined exclu-
sively to the Old World, with the exception of one species found in
Alaska; (2) the Regulinw, or Kinglets, of which three of the seven

399 KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS.

known species are found in the New World; (8) the Polioptilina, or
Gnatcatchers, an American group containing about fifteen species,
three of which are found in the United States.

The Kinglets and Gnatcatchers are active little birds, and con-
stantly flit from limb to limb in their search for food. They are pos-
sessed of decided character, build remarkably beautiful nests, and some
species are noteworthy songsters.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A, With a bright-colored crest.
a. Crest ruby, without black . . 749. Rupy-crownep Kinewet (Ad. ¢).
b. Crest yellow, or orange and yellow, bordered by black.
748. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.
B. Without a colored crest.
a. Back ashy blue; outer tail-feathers white.
751. BLuE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.
b. Back olive-green; no white in tail. Rusy-crownrep KineLet ( ? and im.).

748. Regulus satrapa Licht. GoipEn-crownep Kineer. Ad. 6.
—Center of crown bright reddish orange, bordered by yellow and black; a
whitish line over the eye; rest of upper parts olive-green; wings and tail
fuscous, margined with olive-green ; tail slightly
forked ; under parts soiled whitish. Ad. ¢.—Sim-
ilar, but crown without orange, its center bright
yellow, bordered on either side by black. L., 4:07 ;
Wj, 244: 1. 4°75 5 Bx 28,

Range.—North America; breeds from the
northern United States northward, and southward
along the Rockies into Mexico, and in the Alle-
Pak Hab = DearS eae a ghanies to North Cena winters from the

Kinglet. (Natural size.) Southern limit of its breeding range to the Gulf
States.

Washington, abundant W. V., Oct. 5to Apl. 27. Sing Sing, common
W. V., Sept. 20 to Apl. 28. Cambridge, very common T. V., common W. V.,
Sept. 20 to Apl. 25.

Lest, generally pensile, of green mosses, lined with fine strips of soft inner
bark, fine black rootlets, and feathers, in coniferous trees, six to sixty feet
from the ground. Zggs, nine to ten, creamy white to muddy cream-color,
speckled and blotched with pale wood-brown, and, rarely, faint lavender,
55 x *44. (See Brewster, Auk, v, 1888, p. 337.)

This Kinglet resembles in habits its Ruby-crowned cousin, with
which during the migrations it is frequently associated. Its notes,
however, are quite unlike those of that species, its usual call-note being
a fine, high ¢-¢7, audible only to practiced ears. In his extended ac-
count of the nesting habits of this species, as observed by him in
Worcester County, Mass. (Auk, 7. c.), Mr. Brewster writes that its song
“begins with a succession of five or six fine, shrill, high-pitched, some-

KINGLETS AND GNATCATCHERS. 393

what faltering notes, and ends with a short, rapid, rather explosive
warble. The opening notes are given in a rising key, but the song
falls rapidly at the end. The whole may be expressed as follows: tzee,
tzee, tzee, tzee, tr, tr, ter, ti-tr-tr-tr.”

Muffled in its thick coat of feathers, the diminutive Goldecrest
braves our severest winters, living evidence that, given an abundance
of food, temperature is a secondary factor in a bird’s existence.

749. Regulus calendula (Linn.). Rusy-crownep Kinewzrt. (See
Fig. 58,4.) Ad. 6.—Crown with a partly concealed crest of bright red; rest
of upper parts grayish olive-green, brighter on the ramp; wings and tail fus-
cous, edged with olive-green; two whitish wing-bars; tail slightly forked,
the middle feathers shortest ; under parts soiled whitish, more or less tinged
with buffy. Ad. ¢ and Jm.—Similar, but without the red crown-patch. L.,
4:41; W., 2:94; T., 1°73; B., -29.

Remarks.—Females and young are warblerlike in general appearance, but
note the short first primary, barely one inch in length.

Range.—North America; breeds from the northern border of the United
States northward ; winters from South Carolina southward into Mexico.

Washington, abundant T. V., Api. 5 to May 10; Sept. 25 to Nov. 1; ocea-
sionally winters. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 8 to May 13; Sept. 16 to
Nov. 3. Cambridge, rather common T. V., Apl. 10 to May 5; Oct. 10 to
Nov. 5.

Nest, usually semipensile, of moss, fine strips of bark, neatly interwoven,
lined with feathers, in coniferous trees, twelve to thirty feet from the ground.
£qqs, five to nine, dull whitish or pale buffy, faintly speckled or spotted with
pale brown, chiefly at the larger end, 55 x :43 (Davie).

When the leaves begin to turn you will notice numerous very
small, olive-green birds flitting about the terminal twigs of the trees
and lower growth, in the woods, orchards, or hedgerows. They re-
semble Warblers, but are much tamer—you can almost touch them—
and have a habit of nervously flitting theirewings every few seconds,
perhaps accompanying the action by a wrenlike scolding note. You
will not often hear them sing at this season, and there is little in their
voice or appearance to tell you that they are among the most famous
of feathered songsters.

The May morning when first I heard this Kinglet’s song is among
the most memorable of my early ornithological experiences. The
bird was in the tree tops in the most impassable bit of woods near my
home, The longer and more eagerly I followed the unseen singer the
greater the mystery became. It seemed impossible that a bird which
I supposed was at least as large as a Bluebird could escape observation
in the partly leaved trees. The song was mellow and flutelike, and
loud enough to be heard several hundred yards; an intricate warble
past imitation or description, and rendered so admirably that I never

394 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

hear it now without feeling an impulse to applaud. The bird is so
small, the song so rich and full, that one is reminded of a chorister
with the voice of an adult soprano. To extend the comparison, one
watches this gifted but unconscious musician flitting about the trees
with somewhat the feeling that one observes the choir-boy doffing his
surplice and joining his comrades for a gaine of tag.

751. Polioptila czerulea (Zinn.). Buun-cray Gyatcatcuer. (See
Fig. 58, 6.) Ad. 6.—Upper parts bluish gray ; forehead and front of the head
narrowly bordered by black; wings edged with grayish, the secondaries bor-
dered with whitish; outer tail-feathers white, changing gradually until the
middle ones are black; under parts dull grayish white. Ad. ¢.—Similar,
but without the black on the head. L., 4:50; W., 2°05; T., 2°00; B., °40.

Range.—Eastern United States; breeds from the Gulf States to northern
Illinois, southern Ontario, and New Jersey, and wanders rarely to Minnesota
and Maine; winters from Florida southward.

Washington, rather common S$. R., Apl. 5 to Sept.

West, of tendrils, fine strips of bark, and fine grasses firmly interwoven
and covered externally with lichens, on a horizontal branch or in a crotch,
ten to sixty, usually thirty feet up. ygs, four to five, bluish white, thickly
spotted and speckled with cinnamon-, rufous-brown, or umber, ‘56 x °46.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher frequents rather densely foliaged trees,
generally in the woods, showing a preference for the upper branches.
He is a bird of strong character, and always seems to me like a minia-
ture Mockingbird with some of the habits of Kinglets.

His exquisitely finished song is quite as remarkable as the ordinary
performance of his large prototype, but is possessed of so little volume
as to be inaudible unless one is quite near the singer. His character-
istic call-note—a rather sudden ting, like the twang of a banjo string
—can be heard at a greater distance.

FAMILY TURDIDA. 'THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

The three hundred species included in this large family are placed
by systematists in several subfamilies. About one hundred and fifty
are true Thrushes belonging in the subfamily TZurdine. These are
distributed throughout the world, some twelve species inhabiting the
United States. Asa rule, they inhabit wooded regions, are migratory,
and gregarious or sociable to a greater or less extent during their mi-
grations and in winter.

As songsters they are inferior to some of our birds in power of
execution, but their voices are possessed of greater sweetness and
expression, and they are conceded first rank among song-birds by all
true lovers of bird music.

Woop THRUSH.
WIxLson’s THRUSH.

THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 395

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A. Tail mite: back blue or bluish . . . titan 2 9 00s EO LURBIRD,
£. Tail black or blackish, tipped with leis Si pavuret elt west sete TOE MROBLN.
C. Tail white, tipped with black. . ; |. 4 ee) ee POs, WWHEATHAR,

D. Tail olive-brown or rufous, without white pate
a. Upper parts cinnamon-brown; tail not brighter than the back.
ai, Entire under parts, feebadine sides, more or less heavily marked with
round, black spots; back brighter than tail . . 755. Woop Tnurusn.
a?, Throat and upper breast pale buffy, with small, cinnamon-brown,
wedge-shaped spots; belly pure white; sides with a barely perceptible
grayish, wash. 7.6. - . . 756. W1iison’s THRusH.
b. Upper parts olive; back ne tail nears the same color.
61, Throat, breast, cheeks, eye-ring, and lores deep cream-buff.
768a. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.
63, Throat, breast, cheeks, eye, and space before the eye white, with only
avery slight buffy tinge.
757. GRAY-CHEEKED TurusH. 757a. BickNELL’s THRUvsH.
ce. Upper parts olive-brown, sometimes inclining to cinnamon; upper tail-
coverts and tail rufous . . ..... . . . 7596. Hermit Tarusn.

755. Turdus mustelinus Gmel. Woop Turvusu. Ad.—Upper parts —
bright cinnamon-brown, brightest on the head, and changing gradually to pale
olive-brown on the upper tail-coverts and tail; under parts white, thickly
marked with large, rownd black spots except on the throat and middle of the
belly.? L., 8:29; W., 4:44; °T., 2°92: B., -65.

Remarks—The Wood Thrush may be distinguished from our other
Thrushes (1) by its larger size; (2) by its brighter, more rufous color above;
and (3) especially by the numerous large, round black spots on its under
parts. These cover not only the breast, but are equally numerous on the
sides, where they extend well up under the wings.

Range.—Kastern United States; breeds as far north as Minnesota, Ver-
mont, and Quebec; winters in Central America.

Washington, common S$. R., Apl. 20 to Oct. 15., Sing Sing, common &. R.,
Apl. 80 to Oct. 2. Cambridge, rather common S. R., May 12 to Sept. 15.

Nest, of leaves, rootlets, fine twigs, and weed stalks, firmly interwoven,
with an inner wall of mud and lining of fine rootlets, generally in saplings,
about eight feet up. Zygs, three to five, greenish blue, lighter and with less
green than those of the Catbird, averaging lighter, but not certainly distin-
guishable in color from those of the Robin, 1:05 x -76.

The Wood Thrush is not so distinctively a bird of the woods as the
Veery. Well-shaded lawns are sometimes graced by his presence, and
at all times he is more familiar and easier to observe than his retiring
relative. His large size, bright cinnamon upper parts, and especially
his conspicuously spotted breast and s¢des, are his most striking field
characters.

When excited, his usual call-note, pit-pit, is rapidly repeated until

396 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

it resembles the sound produced by striking large pebbles together,
quite unlike the whistled whéew of the Veery. The Wood Thrush is a
lovable bird, with a voice suited to his gentle disposition, but when his
young are in real or fancied danger his sharp alarm-note gives painful
evidence of his fear and anxiety.

The songs of the Wood and Hermit Thrushes are of the same char-
acter, but, while the Hermit is the more gifted performer, the Wood
Thrush does not suffer by the comparison. His calm, restful song
rings through the woods like a hymn of praise rising pure and clear
from a thankful heart. It is a message of hope and good cheer in
the morning, a benediction at the close of day :

The flutelike opening notes are an invitation [= a4
to his haunts; a call from Nature to yield our-
selves to the ennobling influences of the forest. Come to me.

756. Turdus fuscescens Steph. Witson’s Turusn; VeEry. Ad.
—Upper parts, wings, and tail nearly uniform cinnamon-brown, not so bright
as in the Wood Thrush; center of the throat white; sides of the throat and
breast with a delicate tinge of cream-buff, spotted with small wedge-shaped
spots of nearly the same color as the back ; belly white; sides white, with only
a faint tinge of grayish. L., 7:52; W., 3°84; T., 2°87; B., °53.

Remarks.—The Veery’s distinguishing characters are (1) its uniform cin-
namon-brown upper parts; (2) its delicately marked breast; and (3) particu-
larly its almost white sides. The Wood Thrush has the sides heavily spotted,
and the other Thrushes have this part more or less strongly washed with
grayish or brownish.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Illinois and Penn-
sylvania to Manitoba and Newfoundland, and southward along the Allegha-
nies to North Carolina; winters in Central America.

Washington, common 'T. V., Apl. 26 to May 28; Aug. 20 to Sept. 80. Sing
Sing, common 8. R., Apl. 29 to Sept. 5. Cambridge, very common 8. R., May
10 to Sept. 8.

Nest, of strips of bark, rootlets, and leaves, wrapped with leaves and lined
with rootlets, on or near the ground. Zgqs, three to five, greenish blue, of the
same shade as those of the Wood Thrush, ‘88 x °65.

The Veery’s home is in low, wet, rather densely undergrown wood-
lands. He isa shyer, more retiring bird than the Wood Thrush; he
lives nearer the ground and is less likely to leave the cover of his
haunts. For this reason, even in localities where both are equally
eommon, the Wood Thrush is more frequently observed. |

The Veery’s usual call-note is a clearly whistled whéew, which can
be closely imitated ; his song is a weird, ringing monotone of blended
alto and soprano tones. Neither notes nor letters can tell one of its
peculiar quality; it has neither break nor pause, and seems to emanate
from no one place. If you can imagine the syllables vee-r-r-hw re-

THRUSHES, BLUERBIRDS, ETC. 397

‘

peated eight or nine times around a series of intertwining circles, the
description may enable you to recognize the Veery’s song.

The Veery has a double personality, or he may repeat the notes of
some less vocally developed ancestor, for on occasions he gives utter-
ance to an entirely uncharacteristic series of cacking notes, and even
mounts high in the tree to sing a hesitating medley of the same un-
musical cacks, broken whistled calls, and attempted trills. Fortu-
nately, this performance is comparatively uncommon, and to most of
us the Veery is known only by his own strange, unearthly song. His
notes touch chords which no other bird’s song reaches. The Water-
Thrush is inspiring, the Wood and Hermit Thrushes “serenely exalt
the spirit,” but the Veery appeals to even higher feelings; all the
wondrous mysteries of the woods find a voice in his song; he thrills
us with emotiong we can not express.

756a. T. f. salicicolus ( Ridgw.). Wittow Turvusu.—Similar to the
preceding, but with the upper parts slightly darker.

Range.—Rocky Mountains, north to British Columbia; south in winter to
the tropics; migrates as far east as Llinois and, casually, South Carolina.

757. Turdus aliciz Baird. Gray-curexep Turusn. Ad.—Upper
parts uniform olive, practically no difference between the colors of the back
and tail; eye-ring whitish, lores grayish ; middle of the throat and middle
of the belly white; sides of the throat and breast with a very faint tinge of
cream-buff; the feathers of the sides of the throat spotted with wedge-shaped
marks, those of the breast with half-round black marks; sides brownish gray
or brownish ashy. L., 7°58; W., 4:09; T., 2°96; B., -55.

ftemarks.—The uniform olive of the upper parts of this species at once
separates it from our eastern Thrushes except its subspecies dicknelli and the
Olive-backed Thrush. From the latter it may be known by the comparative
absence of buff on the breast and sides of the throat, by its whitish eye-ring
and grayish lores.

Range.—North America; breeds in Labrador and northwestward to Alas-
ka; migrates through eastern North America to Central America.

Washington, rather common T. V., May 10 to June 5: Sept. 10 to Oct. 10.
Sing Sing, tolerably common T. V., May 15 to June 1; Sept. 20 to Oct. 17.
Cambridge, uncommon T. V., May 15 to 25; Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.

Nest, of grasses, leaves, strips of fine bark, ete., lined with fine grasses, in
low trees or bushes. ygs, four, greenish blue, spotted with rusty brown,
"O2'% “67.

During its migrations Alice’s Thrush may be found associated with
the Olive-backed Thrush, from which it can be distinguished in life
only by an expert. It is a rather shy bird, and is apt to fly up from
the ground to some low limb, and, after a moment’s pause, seek a more
distant perch before one reaches fair opera-glass range.

This species has been so long confused with Bicknell’s Thrush that

398 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

in many cases it is impossible to say to which birds certain records
apply. Doubtless there is little difference in their notes or habits, but
our knowledge of alice in its summer home is too limited for us to
say much about it (see, however, Nelson, Rep. on Nat. Hist. Collec-
tions made in Alaska, p. 216).

757a. T. a. bicknelli Ridgw. Bickne.y’s Turusn.—Similar to the
preceding, but averaging somewhat brighter and constantly smaller. L.,
6-25-7:25; W., 3°40-3'80; T., 2°60-2'70; B., 50-52 (Ridgw.).

Range.—Breeds in the higher parts of the Catskills and northward to the
White Mountains and Nova Scotia; winters in the tropics.

Washington, apparently rare T. V., two instances, May. Cambridge, ©

rather common T. V., May 15 to May 25; Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.

Nest, essentially like that of 7. swainsonii, both in construction and posi-
tion. ggs, greener and more finely spotted than those of swainsonii (Brew-
ster, Minot’s Land Birds and Game Birds, 2d ed., appendi¥ p. 468).

“Tn northern New England Bicknell’s Thrush breeds from an alti-
tude of about three thousand feet (scattered pairs may be found lower
than this) to the extreme upper limits of tree growth, but most abun-
dantly among the dwarfed, densely matted spruces and balsams which
cover such extensive areas on the upper slopes and ridges of our higher
mountains. Here, in an atmosphere always cool and ordinarily satu-
rated with moisture from passing clouds, it spends the summer in
company with such birds as Swainson’s Thrushes, Winter Wrens,
Yellow-rumped and Black-poll Warblers, Juncos, White-throated
Sparrows, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. In many places it is quite
as numerous as any of these species, and in certain favored localities
it probably outnumbers them all put together. Nevertheless one may
spend hours in its chosen haunts without getting a fair view of a sin-
gle individual, for, despite (or perhaps really because of) the fact that
these solitudes are rarely invaded by man, Bicknell’s Thrush is, while
breeding, one of the very shyest of our smaller birds... .

“The song is exceedingly like that of the Veery, having the same
ringing, flutelike quality; but it is more interrupted, and it ends dif-
ferently,—the next to the last note dropping a half tone, and the final
one rising abruptly and having a sharp emphasis. The ordinary calls
are a whistled phew practically identical with that of 7. fuscescens, a
harsh note which recalls the ery of the Night Hawk, a low cluck much
like that of the Hermit Thrush, and a pip or peenk similar to that of
Swainson’s Thrush. The last is rarely heard” (Brewster, 1. ¢., p. 467).

758a. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii (Cad.). OLIvE-BACKED
Turusu ; Swainson’s Turusn. Ad.—Upper parts uniform olive ; back and
tail practically the same color; eye-ring deep, cream-buff, lores the same ;
whole throat and breast with a strong tinge of deep cream-buff or even ochra-

Te ee ae

THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 399

ceous-buff; the feathers of the sides of the throat with wedge-shaped black
spots at their tips, those of the breast with rounded black spots at their tips ;
middle of the belly white; sides brownish gray or brownish ashy. Ls 7:17;
W098.5) 1 2163.85, 750.

Remarks.—This bird will be confused only with the Gray-cheeked and
Bicknell’s Thrushes, from which it differs in the much stronger suffusion of
butf on the throat and breast, its buff eye-ring and lores.

Range.—Breeds from Manitoba, northern New England, and New Bruns-
wick to Alaska and Labrador, and southward in the Rocky Mountains, and
along the Alleghanies to Pennsylvania; winters in the tropics.

Washington, common T. V., May 4 to 28; Sept. 22 to Oct. 25. Sing Sing,
tolerably common T. V., May 2 to 30; Sept. 19 to Oct. 22. Cambridge, com-
mon T. V., May 12 to June 3; Sept. 10 to Oct. 5.

Vest, of coarse grasses, moss, rootlets, leaves, and bark, lined with rootlets
and grasses, in bushes or small trees, about four feet up. £gqs, three to four,
greenish blue, more or less spotted and speckled with cinnamon-brown or
rufous, *90 x 64.

Passing northward in the spring, in small, silent bands, scattered
through the woodland undergrowth, whence they quietly slip away, if
disturbed, often to the higher branches of the trees, these birds easily
escape observation.. In late September or early October their loud,
metallic call-notes may be recognized overhead at night, and during
the day the birds themselves may be found on the edges of the woods
or along tangled hedgerows, associated with Sparrows and other mi-
grants. Their summer home is in the coniferous forest of the north,
although they do not confine themselves strictly to the evergreen
woods, and, avoiding its depths, seek rather the vicinity of clearings
well grown up with firs and spruces. Here, day after day, the same
musician may be seen pouring forth his ringing song from some com-
manding elevation—preferably a dead tree top. If approached, he
promptly dives down into the underbrush, where he is very likely
joined by his mate, and both proceed to scold, in a mild way, the
chance intruder. Little is ever seen of these shy birds, but fortunately
their notes are quite characteristic, and the sole obstacle in distinguish-
ing them from those of the Hermit Thrush, a bird frequenting the
same localities, lies in the difficulty of tracing them to their source.

The effect of its loud and beautiful song is much enhanced by the
evening hush in which it is most often heard. It lacks the leisurely
sweetness of the Hermit Thrush’s outpourings, nor is there pause, but
in lower key and with greater energy it bubbles on rapidly to a close
rather than fading out with the soft melody of its renowned rival.
There are also a variety of other notes, the most frequent being a
pik of alarm, pitched higher than a corresponding cluck of the Hermit
Thrush. J. Dwicut, JR.

400 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

759b. Turdus aonalaschke pallasii (Ca).). Hermir Turvsn.
Ad.—U pper parts olive-brown, sometimes cinnamon-brown ; tail pale rufous,
of a distinctly different color from the back; throat and breast with a slight
buffy tinge: feathers of the sides of the throat with wedge-shaped black spots
at their tips; those of the breast with large, rounded spots; middle of the
belly white; sides brownish gray or brownish ashy. L., 717; W., 3°56; T.,
2-74: B., ‘51.

Remarks.—The Hermit Thrush may always be easily identified by its
rufous tail. It is the only one of our Thrushes which has the tail brighter
than the back.

Range.—Kastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and
Massachusetts northward, and southward along the Alleghanies to Pennsyl-
vania; winters from southern Illinois and New Jersey to the Gulf States.

Washington, very common T. V., sometimes not uncommon W. V., Apl.
4to May 15; Oct. 15 to Nov. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 5 to May 9;
Oct. 18 to Nov. 26. Cambridge,.very common T. V., Apl. 16 to May 5; Oct.
5 to Nov. 15; oceasionally one or two may winter.

Nest, of moss, coarse grasses, and leaves, lined with rootlets and pine
needles, on the ground. Zygs, three to four, greenish blue, of a slighily
lighter tint than those of the Wood Thrush, °88 x °69.

This Thrush comes to us in the spring, when the woods are still

bare, and lingers in the autumn until they are again leafless—the °

earliest as it is the latest of our Thrushes. It is common on its mi-
grations, but attracts little notice, for, though not really a shy bird,
its disposition is retiring, and it is most at home in secluded wood-
land and thickety retreats. Still, it often finds seclusion enongh along
shrubby roadsides, and may so far doff its hermit traits as to approach
dwellings, where its attractive lightness of motion and ease of manner
may be observed from indoors. It frequently descends to the ground,
but is soon back again in the branches, making short flights from
perch to perch, often with long, quiet pauses in the intervals. It may
be known at sight by its habit of lifting its tail slightly, especially
after alighting. This action is usually accompanied by the bird’s
customary note—a low chuck, which sounds scarcely thrushlike.

The Hermit Thrush bears high distinction among our song birds.
Its notes are not remarkable for variety or volume, but in purity
and sweetness of tone and exquisite modulation they are unequaled.
Some, indeed, have deemed the Wood Thrush not inferior; but though
the Wood Thrush at its best seems sometimes to*touch the very highest
chords of bird music, the strains of its wilder cousin, in tranquil clear-
ness of tone and exalted serenity of expression, go beyond any woods
music we ever hear.

While traveling, the Hermit Thrush is not in full voice, and he
who would know its song must follow it to the mossy forests, which
are its summer home. Eugene P. BICKNELL.

ee

ee

a BD

THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 401
The Rep-wincep Turusu (760. Turdus iliacus), a European species, is of
accidental occurrence in Greenland.

761. Merula migratoria (Zinn.). American Rostn. (See Fig.
59, a.) Ad. 6.—Top and sides of the head black, a white spot above the eye;
rest of the upper parts grayish slate-color; margins of wings slightly lighter;
tail black, the outer feathers with white spots at their tips; throat white,
spotted with black; rest of the under parts rufous (tipped with white in the
fall), becoming white on the middle of the lower belly. _Ad. ¢.—Similar, but
back of head tipped with grayish ; back, tail, and under parts lighter. Young
in nestling plumage.—Back and under parts spotted with black. L., 10-00;
W., 496; T., 3°87; B., 84.

ftange.—* Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains, including east-
ern Mexico and Alaska. Breeds from near the southern border of the United
States northward to the arctic coast; winters from southern Canada and the
Northern States (irregularly) southward” (A. O. U.).

Washington, rather common 8S. R., abundant T. V., from Feb. to Apl.;
irregularly common W. V. Sing Sing, common 8. R., Mch. 4 to Oct. 30; a few
winter. Cambridge, very abundant 8. R., common but irregular W. V.

Vest, of coarse grasses, leaves, rootlets, etc., with an inner wall of mud and
lining of fine grasses, most frequently in fruit or shade trees, five to thirty feet
up. Lgqs, three to five, greenish blue, very rarely with brownish markings,
1:14 x 50.

While the few Robins that. have the courage to winter with us are
seeking protection from chilling winds in the depths of friendly ever-
greens, their comrades who extended their journey to the south are
holding carnival under sunny skies. In Florida, during the winter,
Robins may be found in enormous flocks, feeding on the berries of the
China tree, holly, and mistletoe. Occasionally they give voice to a
half-suppressed chorus, as though rehearsing for the approaching
season of song.

Robins migrate in flocks, and the arrival of the advance guard
makes the dreariest March day seem bright. «It is a question whether
these pioneers are summer residents or transients en route to a more
northern summer home, but in my experience they make the sunny
side of some woods their headquarters and remain there until paired.
They are then in full song, and we see them in their accustomed haunts
about our lawns and orchards.

Toward the last of June the young of the first brood, with the old
males, resort in numbers nightly to a roosting place. These roosts are
generally in deciduous second growths, usually in low, but sometimes
on high ground. The females are now occupied with the cares of a
second family, and the males are said to return each day to assist them
in their duties,*

* See studies of Robins’ roosts, by William Brewster, in Auk. x, 1890, pp.
360-373, and Bradford Torrey in The Foot-path Way, 1892, pp. 153-175.
oO”

402 THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC.

Early in September, when the nesting season is over, Robins gather
in large flocks, and from this time until their departure for the south
roam about the country in search of food, taking in turn wild cher-
ries, dogwood and cedar berries.

The songs and call-notes of the Robin, while well known to every
one, are in reality understood by no one, and offer excellent subjects
for the student of bird language. Its notes express interrogation, sus-
picion, alarm, caution, and it signals to its companions to take wing;
indeed, few of our birds have a more extended vocabulary.

The Varrep Turusu (7638. Hesperocichla nevia), a species of western
North America, has been recorded from Massachusetts, Long Island, and
New Jersey.

765. Saxicola cenanthe (Zinn.). WueEatear; Srone-cnat. Ad. 8.
—Upper parts light gray ; forehead and upper tail-coverts white; cheeks and
wings black; the basal two thirds of the tail white, the end black; under
parts whitish, more or less washed with buffy. Ad. ¢.—Similar, but duller,
the black grayer, the white parts more buffy. Ad. in winter and /m.—Upper
parts cinnamon-brown, wings edged with lighter; upper tail-coverts and base
of the tail white ; end of the tail black, tipped with buffy ; under parts ochra-
ceous-buff. L., 6°25; W., 400; T., 2°20; B., °50.

Range.—“ Europe, North Africa, Asia, Alaska, Greenland, and Labrador,
straggling south to Nova Scotia, Maine, Long Island, and the Bermudas”
(A. O. U.).

Nest, of moss and grasses, usually in crevices among rocks. £yqs, four to
seven, bluish white, *81 x °59.

This European species is a common summer resident in Greenland.
It has been found nesting in Labrador, and there is evidence of its
having bred at Godbout, Province of Quebec (see Merriam, Auk, ii,
1885, p. 305; Comeau, ibid., vii, 1890, p. 294). South of these points
it is of accidental occurrence.

Mr. Saunders writes: “ From early spring onward the Wheatear
is to be seen, jerking its white tail as it flits along, uttering its sharp
chack, chack, on open downs, warrens, and the poorer land; ascending
the mountains almost to the highest summits. .. .

“The song of the male is rather pretty, and the bird also displays

considerable powers of imitating other species.”

"66. Sialia sialis (Zinn.). Buiurpirp. (See Figs. 2 and 59, a.)
Ad. &.—Upper parts, wings, and tail bright blue, tipped with rusty in the
fall; throat, breast, and sides dull cinnamon-rufous ; belly white. Ad. ¢.—
Upper parts with a grayish tinge ; throat, breast, and sides paler. Young in
nestling plumage.—Back spotted with whitish ; the breast feathers margined
with fuscous. L., 7-01 ; W., 8°93; T., 2°58; B., 47.

Range.—United States; breeds from the Gulf States to Manitoba and

a EGE AGE PCPA

THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 403

Nova Scotia; winters from southern Illinois and southern New York south-

ward.
Washington, common P. R. Sing Sing, common P. R. Cambridge, com-

mon S. R., Mch. 6 to Nov. 1; more numerous during migrations, in Mch. and

Nov.
Nest, of grasses, in hollow trees or bird-houses. Eggs, four to six, bluish

white, sometimes plain white, 85 x 65.

A bird so familiar as the Bluebird needs no introduction; in fact,
he seems so at home in our orchards and gardens or about our dwell-
ings that one wonders what he did for a home before the white man
came.

In the winter, it is true, Bluebirds are greater rovers, and one may
see them in the Southern States whirling through the woods in great
flocks or feeding on the berries of the mistletoe. But the warmth of
returning spring reminds them of cozy bird-boxes or hospitable pear
or apple trees, and soon we see them inspecting last summer’s home,
evidently planning repairs and alterations.

The Bluebird’s disposition is typical of all that is sweet and amia-
ble. His song breathes of love; even his fall call-note—twr-wee, tur-
wee—is soft and gentle. So associated is his voice with the birth and
death of the seasons that to me his song is freighted with all the glad-.
ness of springtime, while the sad notes of the birds passing southward
tell me more plainly than the falling leaves that the year is dying.

APPENDIX I.

A FIELD KEY TO OUR
CoMMONER EASTERN LAND BIRDS.

AcTING upon a suggestion, I have prepared as an Appendix to the
Handbook the following field key to those birds which, either because
of their abundance or conspicuous colors, most frequently attract our
attention. With the object of making it as brief, and consequently as
simple, as possible, I have omitted species which can be referred to
their respective families without difficulty—for example, Hawks, Owls,
Woodpeckers, and Swallows. It is designed simply as an aid to the
first steps of the beginner, who will soon graduate from it to the more
detailed keys in the body of the book. Like the field keys to Finches
and Sparrows, and Warblers, after which it is modeled, it is based
largely upon adult males. Its use will be found fully explained on
page 34.

First Group.—With yellow or orange in the plumage.

Second Group.—With red in the plumage.

Third Group.—With blue in the plumage.

Fourth Group.—Plumage conspicuously black, or black and white.

Fifth Group.—Without either yellow, orange, red, or blue in the plumage;
not conspicuously black, or black and white.

First Group.—With yellow or orange in the plumage.

I. Throat yellow.
A. Throat and breast pure yellow, without streaks or spots.

a. Length 5:00; cap, wings, and tail black; back yellow: song canary-
like, sometimes uttered on the wing: flight undulating, frequently
accompanied by the notes chic-o-ree, per-chic-o-ree.

529. Am. GoLDFINCH.
Length 5:50; lower belly and wing-bars white; back olive-green ;

=

frequents the upper branches, generally in woodland; actions delib-

erate; song loud and musical, uttered slowly, often with pauses: “See
me? I’m here; where are you?” . . 628. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO.
. Length 5:25; cheeks and forehead black bordered by ashy; upper
parts olive-green; no wing-bars; haunts thickets and undergrowth;
movements nervous and active; call-note, p7t or chack ; song, a vigor-
ous, rapid witch-e-wée-0, witch-e-wée-0, witch-e-wee-o.

681. MaryLAND YELLOW-THROAT,

S

404

Sede DR et AO lg ee was At? ee eee

ae
3 ee.

sie. oe

APPENDIX I. 405

d. Length 7:25; upper parts olive-green; no Wing-bars; a white line
before the'eye; haunts thickets and undergrowth; song, a striking
mixture of whistles, chucks, and caws, sometimes uttered on the wing.

683. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.
ZB. Under parts streaked with rufous-brown; length 5:00: general appear-
ance of a yellow bird; haunts shrubbery of lawns, orchards, second
growths, and particularly willows near water; song, rather loud, wéé, cheé-
chéé-chéé, cher-wee, or chéé-chée-chéée-chée, way-o . 652. YELLOW WARBLER.
C. Breast yellow, with a conspicuous black crescent ; length 10:00 ; haunts
fields and meadows, largely terrestrial; flight quail-like, outer white tail-
feathers showing when on the wing; song, a loud, musical whistle.

501. MEADOWLARK.
II. Throat white. :

A. With yellow on the sides.
a. Length 5°50; rump yellow: breast streaked or spotted with black;
taii-feathers marked with white; note, a characteristic tchip ; Sept. to
May, usually rare or local in winter. . . . 655. MyrTLeE WARBLER.
b. Length 5:00; no streaks on under parts or white in the tail; yellow
extending along the whole sides; back olive-green, iris white; haunts
thickets ; call, an emphatic “ Wik are you, eh?”
631. WuirE-EYED VIREo.
ce. Length 5°25; tail and wings banded with yellow, showing conspicu-
ously in flight; haunts woodland; movements active, much in the
SMe iol PregMentl VSPread 24 5 dees 5 nos on iol up n'y, «OSs, SORDSTART:
B. No yellow on sides.
a. Length 6°75; a yellow line from the bill to the eye; crown black, with
a white stripe through its center; haunts in and about thickets and
bushy woodlands ; song, a high, clear, musical whistle ; call-note, chink.
558. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
b. Length 4:00; a yellow or yellow and orange crown-patch, bordered
by black; flits restlessly about outer limbs of trees and bushes; note,
a fine t-t7 Oct.to Apl. . . . . .748. GoLDEN-cRowNED KINGLET.
II. Throat vinaceous; length 12:00; a black breast-patch; belly white,
spotted with black; ramp white, showing comspicuously in flight; linings
of wings yellow; call-note, a loud kee-yer . . . . . . . 412. Fricker.
IV. Throat and head black; length 7:50; breast, belly, and lower back deep
orange ; an active inhabitant of fruit and shade trees; song, a loud, ringing
whistle i044. oo ee hal MEO Busan ORIOLE.
V. Throat and upper st ere eT 9:00; crested; belly yellow, tail-
feathers largely pale rufous; haunts upper tonite: in woodland; note, a
loud questioning, or grating whistle . . . . 452. CResTED FLycaTcHEr.
VI. Grayish brown; length 7:00; crested ; tip of tail yellow.
619. WAXxwINe.

Second Group.—With red in the plumage.
1. With red on the under parts.
A. Throat red.
a. Length 7:00; wings and tail black; rest of plumage bright scarlet ;
eall-note, chip-chirr . . 1 7. . 6s. 608) SoaRtET TaNnaceEr.

406 APPENDIX I.

6. Length 6:00; dufll, pinkish red, wings and tail brownish ; frequently
seen feeding on buds or blossoms; call-note, a sharp chink, often ut-
tered during flight; song, a sweet, flowing warble.

517. Puree Finca.
ce. Length 6:00; dull red or green tinged with red; mandibles crossed ;
generally seen in flocks feeding on pine cones . 521. Am. Crossprt.

d, Length 5-00; ared crown-cap; back streaked black and brown; breast
rosy ; feeds on seeds or catkins; Nov. to Mch. . . . 528. Reppotu.

B. Throat black.

a. Length 8-00; breast rose-red, rest of plumage black and white; song
loud and musical; call-note, peek. . 595. Rose-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

6. Length 8:00; a conspicuous crest; region about the base of the bill
black ; rest of the plumage and bill red; song, a clear whistle.

593. CARDINAL.

c. Length 5°50; wings and tail banded with orange-red, showing con-
spicuously in flight; movements active; much in the air; tail fre-
quently spread; haunts woodland. . . .. . . . 68%. Repsrart.

II. No red on the under parts.

A. Length 9-00; black ; shoulders red ; haunts marshes ; migrates in flocks.
498. REeD-WINGED BLACKBIRD.
B. Length 5:25; crown-cap red; chin black; rest of under parts streaked

with blackish ; feeds on seeds and catkins; Nov. to Mch.
528. Reppo.t (Im.).
C. Length 4:00; under parts whitish; back olive-green; a ruby crown-
patch ; eye-ring white ; movements restless, wings flitted nervously ; call-

note, cack ; song remarkably loud and musical; Sept. and Oct.; Apl. and
May. 2 ee SS” 6, (40. By CRO Winn DUMENG Ie

Third Group.—With blue in the plumage.

I. Length 11:50; a conspicuous crest; upper parts dull blue, under parts
whitish ; a black patch on the breast 477. BLUE JAY.

II. Length 7:00; upper parts bright blue; under parts cinnamon-rufous.
766. BLUEBIRD.

III. Length 5:50; entire plumage indigo-blue 598. Inpico Buntinea.
Fourth Group.—Plumage conspicuously black, or black
and white.

I. Black and white birds.
A. Throat black.
a. Length over 6:00.
a. Entire under parts black; nape buffy; rump white; a musical
dweller of fields and meadows; frequently sings on the wing.
494. BospoLink.
a?. Breast rose-red; rest of the plumage black and white: song rapid,

loud, and musical; call-note, peek; a tree dweller in rather open

woodland . 595. RosE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

a’. Sides rufous; rest of the plumage black and white; call-note,
chewink or towhee ; inhabits the undergrowth . . . 587. TOWHEE.

APPENDIX I. 407

6. Length under 6:00. °
41, Crown black: cheeks white; back ashy; unstreaked; call, chick-a-
dee, or a musical, double-noted whistle. . . . . 735. CHICKADEE.
62, Conspicuously streaked with black and white; a tree creeper.
636. BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER.
B. Under parts white or whitish.
a. Length 800; upper parts grayish slate-color; tail tipped with white;
a bird of the air, catching its insect food on ie wing, and pecans,
sallying forth from its exposed perch in pursuit of a passing Crow;

note, an unmusical, steely chatter. . . . . . . 444. Kinepirp.
6. Length 5°75; crown black; back bluish gray; a tree creeper ; call-note,
YORK, YORE...» - . . . 727, Wuirx-BREasTeD NuTHatcH.
ce. Length 6°50; upper par ts washed with rusty ; generally seen in flocks;
terrestrial ; Nov. to Meche rsh sec See or ce ro4. Howard,

Il. No white in the plumage.
A. Length 19°00; jet black. . . F -)2 0 » (488 An. Crow.

B. Length 12°00; black with Seer ecteeionne iris yellowish ; migrates
in flocks; nests usually in colonies in coniferous trees; voice cracked and
reedy ; a “ keeled ” in short flights; a walker.

511. PurpLe Grackie. 5116. BronzEp GRACKLE.

C. Length 9:50; shoulders red; haunts marshes; call, hong-quér-réé.

498. RED-wINGED BLACKBIRD

D. Length 7:50; head and neck coffee-brown; frequently seen on the
Bround near cattle... gem. as oh ott Gy 4958 Cowen.

Fifth Group.—Without either yellow, orange, red, or blue
in the plumage; not conspicuously black, or black
and white.

I. Under parts all one color, without streaks or spots.

1. Back without streaks or spots.
A. Under parts white or whitish; length wnder 7-50.
a. Back olive, olive-green, or dee fuscous.

a’. No white line over the eye; flycatchers, capturing their prey on
the wing and returning to their perch, where they sit quietly until
making a fresh sally.

a, Crown blackish; frequently found nesting under bridges or
about buildings; tail wagged nervously ; note, pewit-phabe.

456. PH@BE.

a’, Wing-bars whitish ; haunts orchards, lawns, and open woodland ;

note, chebéc, chebec. . . . . . . . 467. Least Frycarcuer.

a4, Haunts woodlands; generally frequents the upper branches;

note, a plaintive pee-a-wee . . . . . . .461. Woop PEewer.

61. A white line over the eye, or wing-bars white ; gleaners ; patiently
exploring the foliage for food or flitting about the outer branches.
ha, White line over the eye bordered by a narrow black one; cap

gray; iris red; song, a rambling recitative: “You see it—you
know it—do you hear me?” ete. . . . 624. Rep-EYED Vireo.
b8. White line over the eye not bordered by black ; prefers the

408 APPENDIX I,

upper brafiches of rows of elms and other shade trees; song, a
rich, unbroken warble with an alto undertone.

627. WaARBLING VIREO.

b4. No white line over the eye; eye-ring and wing-bars white;

length 4:00; a tiny, unsuspicious bird; flits about the outer

branches of trees and shrubs; wings twitched nervously ; note,
cack; song, a remarkably loud, musical whistle.

749. Rupy-cRowNED KINGLET.

6. Back gray or bluish gray. ;
b1, Crown black ; cheeks white; a tree creeper; note, yank, yank.

727. WHITE-BREASTED NuTHATCH.
6, A gray, crested bird; forehead black; no white in the tail; note,
a whistled peto, peto, or hoarse de-de-de-de . . 731. Curren Tr.

c. Back cinnamon-brown; length 4°75; a nervous, restless, excitable
bird ; tail carried erect; song sweet, rapid and rippling, delivered
OME OAM OM VE oy TF CI CTE IY Sy oS a es a eee

B. Under parts white or whitish; length over 7-50.

a. Upper parts grayish slate-color; a white band at the end of the
tail; a concealed orange-red crest; a bird of the air, catching its
insect food on the wing, and occasionally sallying forth from its
exposed perch in pursuit of a passing Crow; note, an unmusical,
steely chatter . en ye ek acter) 444, KInGBIRD.

6. Length 12:00; slim, brownish birds with long tails; flight short and
noiseless; perch 77 a tree, not in an exposed position; note, twt-
tut, cluck-cluck, and cow-cow. j

387. YELLOW-BILLED Cuckoo. 388. BLAcK-BILLED Cuckoo.
C. Under parts not white.

a. Slate-color; cap and tail black ; inhabits the lower growth ; call-note,
nasal; song highly musical and varied; length 8°50 . 704. Carsirp.

6. Grayish brown; conspicuously crested; a black line through the
eye; tail tipped with yellow; generally seen in small flocks; note
thin and weak; length 700 . .. . . . 619. CepAaR Waxwine.

c. Under parts cream-buff; a conspicuous whitish line over the eye;
upper parts rufous-brown; movements active; tail carried erect;
haunts lower growth; notes loud and striking ; length 5°50.

718. CaroLina WREN.
2. Back streaked.
A. Crown rufous or chestnut without streaks.

a. Length 5:25; bill black ; a whitish line over the eye; a familiar bird

of lawns and door-yards ; song, a monotonous chippy-chippy-chippy.
560. CuippIne SPARROW.

6. Length 5:50; bill reddish brown, back rufous, or rufous-brown ;
wing-bars and eye-ring whitish; haunts dry, bushy fields and pas-
tures; song, a musical, plaintive cher-wee, cher-wee, cher-wee, cheeo,
dee-dee-dee-dee. . . . . « « « . «. « « 563. Fim~p SPARROW.

ec. Length 5:50; forehead black; crown and wings chestnut-rufous ;
flanks pale grayish brown; haunts marshes; song, a rapidly repeated
weet-weet-weet, etc... . . . . . . . . . 584. Swamp SPARROW.

ee ee aa

APPENDIX I. 409

B. Crown not rufous or chestnut.

a. Length 6°75; crown, blackish with a central whitish stripe; throat
white; breast gray; a yellow spot before the eye; haunts in and
about thickets and bushy woodlands; song, a high, clear, musical
whistle; call-note, chink. . . . 558. WuitE-THROATED SPARROW.

6. Length 5°50; crown finely streaked ; a tree climber, winding patiently
up tree trunks in search of tood ; tail-feathers pointed.

726. Brown CREEPER.

e. Length 5:50; bill slender; a white line over the eye; tail carried
erect; haunts reedy marshes; call-note scolding; song rippling.

725. Lone-BitLtep Marsu WReEn.
II. Under parts white or whitish, streaked or spotted.
1. Back streaked. °
A. Crown streaked ; under parts conspicuously streaked.

a. Outer tail-feathers white, showing conspicuously when the bird flies ;

length 6:00; haunts dry fields and roadsides; song loud and musical.
540. VESPER SPARROW.

b. Outer tail-feathers not white.

61. Length 6:00; plumage with a rufous-brown cast; spots on the
breast tending to form one large spot in its center; haunts on or
near the ground, generally in the vicinity of bushes ; call-note, a
characteristic cha; song musical. . . . . 581. Sone Sparrow.

6, Length 6:00; no rufous in the plumage; spots on the under parts
evenly distributed ; frequently seen feeding on buds or blossoms ;
ceall-note, a sharp chink, often uttered during flight; song, a sweet,
flowing warble . ... = 2 jee OL%s Punern Fino, (im));

B. Crown not streaked, rufous- renin under parts whitish with an in-
distinct blackish spot in the center of the breast; Oct. to Apl.
559. TREE SPARROW.
2. Back not streaked.
A. Upper parts rufous, olive-brown, or cinnamon-brown,

a. Bill slender and thrushlike ; breast spotted with blackish.

a, Length 11:00; tail 5-00; wing-bars white ; upper parts, wings, and
tail uniform rufous; haunts undergrowth; sings from an exposed
and generally elevated position ; song loud, striking, and continuous.

705. Brown ‘THRASHER.
6. Length under 9:00; tail under 3:00; no wing-bars.
62. Breast and sides heey marked with large, rownd, black spots ;
head and upper back brighter than lower back and tail ; call-note,
a sharp pit or liquid gquirt . . . . . . 755. Woop Turusu.
43. Breast with wedge-shaped black spots; sides wnspotted, washed
with brownish ashy ; tail rufous, brighter than back ; call-note, a
owpth wel oy) /2 wells 3 d Sih anos neeae THRUSH.
b4. Upper breast lightly paeten with small, wedge-shaped, black-
ish spots; tail the same color as the baal: sides white; call-
note, a clearly whistled wheew. . . . 756. Witson’s Torus.

b. Bill short and stout; breast and sides heavily spotted with

rufous; length 7:00; haunts on or near the ground, generally in

410 APPENDIX I.

or about shrubbery; call-note, tseep; song loud, ringing, and
mIVSIOALS: VM Te : » Mes ale Poo. Bus SPARROW.

B. Back olive-green ; poaier of | crown neat rufous, bordered by black;
length 6°00; haunts on or near the ground in woodland ; a walker ; song,

a ringing Goober teacher, TEACHER, TEACHER, TEA CHER.

674. OVEN-BIRD.
{II. Throat and upper breast black or slate-color, very different from the
white or chestnut belly.
A. Throat black.

a. Belly and rump chestnut; head, wings, and tail black; haunts
orchards, shade trees, etc.; song highly musical.

506. ORCHARD ORIOLE.

6. Belly white; sides rufous; tail black and white; haunts under-
growths; call-note, chewink or towhee. . . . . « 587. TowHER.

B. Throat slate-color. ;

a. Back and wings slate-color; outer tail-feathers and belly white;
haunts generally on or near the ground about shrubbery; Oct.
va 0) Gaile We a ie « Suhe Aes GG. Shomee:

IV. Throat streaked vite Wieck al wiiites ae s under parts rufous ; upper
parts grayish slate-color; length 10:00 . . ..... . . 76i. ‘Roar

APPENDS.

SrvcE the publication, in May, 1895, of the first edition of the
Handbook, three additional species have been recorded from eastern
North America, six new races have been described, and seventeen
changes have been made in nomenclature. These additions and
emendations are presented below, each one being preceded by its
number in the Check-List of North American Birds, published by
the American Ornithologists’ Union, thus showing its proper place
in the body of the Handbook, where the same system of enumeration
has been adopted.

89. Change Puffinus major /oler to Puffinus gravis (0 Reilly),
the latter name having four years’ priority. (See Salvin, Cat. Birds, Brit. Mus.,
xxv, 1896, p. 373.)

102. Add Daption capensis (Zinn.). Prntapo Perret.—A species
of the oceans of the southern hemisphere which has been recorded from Casco
Bay, Maine. (See Coues apud Purdie, New England Bird Life, ii, p. 386.)
Omitted from previous editions in error.

131.1. Add Mergus albellus Zinn. Smew.—An Old World species
which has been once recorded from “northern North America.” (Salvadori,
Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., xxvii, 1896, pp. 467, 468.)

141.1. Add Casarca casarca (Linn.). Ruppy Suerpraxre.—An
Old World species which has been once recorded from Greenland. (See
Allen apud Schalow, The Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 243.)

151. Change Glaucionetta clangula americana (Jonap.) to
Clangula clangula americana Jonap., the generic name @lawcio-
netta having been wrongly applied. (See Eighth Supplement A. 0. U. Check-
List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 125.)

152. Change Glaucionetta islandica ((mcl.) to Clangula
islandica (me/., for the reason given under the preceding species.

154. Change Clangula hyemalis Zinn. to Harelda hyemalis
(Linn.), the generic name Clangula having been wrongly applied. (See
Eighth Supplement to A. O. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv, 1897,
p. 125.)

411

419 APPENDIX IL

167. Change Erismatura rubida (Wils.) to Erismatura ja-
maicensis ((me/.), the latter name having twenty-six years’ priority. (See
Salvadori, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., xxvii, 1896, p. 445.)

171.1. Add Anser fabalis (Zath.). Bran Goosr.—An Old World

species which has been once recorded from Greenland. (See Allen apud

Schalow, The Auk, xili, 1896, p. 244.)

224. Change Phalaropus tricolor ( Vici/l.) to Steganopus tri-
color Viecill., the subgenus Steganopus having been accorded generic rank.
(See Eighth Supplement A. O. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk, xiv,
1897, p. 126.)

270. Change Charadrius squatarola (Zinn.) to Squatarola
squatarola (Linn.), the subgenus Squatarola having been accorded generic
rank. (See Eighth Supplement A. O. U. Check-List N. A. Birds, The Auk,
xiv, 1897, p. 126.)

322. Change Geotrygon martinica (Linn.) to Geotrygon
chrysia Bonap. The former inhabits the Lesser Antilles, the latter Cuba,
Haiti, the Bahamas, and Florida Keys. (See Salvadori, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus.,
xxi, 1898, pp. 570-572.)

394c. Add Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.)—The
Downy Woodpeckers of eastern North America have been separated by Mr.
H. C. Oberholser into two races: Dryobates pubescens, the Southern Downy
Woodpecker, inhabiting the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and Dryo-
bates pubescens medianus, the Downy Woodpecker, inhabiting the
region from North Carolina northward. The former is described as similar
to D. P. medianus, “ but smaller, the lower parts more brownish, the white
markings of wings and tail averaging of less extent.” (See Oberholser, Proc.
U.S. Nat. Mus., xviii, p. 547; also Brewster, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 80.)

466a. Change Empidonax traillii (4vd.), Tratti’s Frycarcuer,
to Empidonax traillii alnorum (/rewst.), ALper Frycarcnrr.—The
change proposed by Mr. Brewster, and mentioned in a note under this species,
has been adopted by the A. O. U. Committee.

498b. Change Agelaius pheniceus bryanti Ridgw., Banaman
Repwine, to Agelaius phoeniceus fioridanus Maynard, Frorwa Rep-
wine, the Florida bird having proved separable from the former, inhabiting
the Bahamas. (See Maynard, Birds E. N. A., part 40, 1896, p. 689.)

550c. Add Ammodramus maritimus macgillivrayi 417.
Lovurstana SraAsipre Frncu.—The dark Seaside Finch of the west Gulf coast
(Louisiana, southward in winter to Corpus Christi, Texas) has been separated
by Mr. Ridgway under the above name. tt is described as “similar to A. m.
peninsule, but still darker, with dusky streaks on back, broader and blacker,
and margined externally (except along median line) with broad streaks of
pale ash gray or grayish white: pileum and hind neck more strongly tinged
with brown; post-auricular space and chest strongly tinged with butf (some-

0

APPENDIX. IL. 413

times wholly deep buff), the latter distinctly streaked with black or grayish
dusky.” (Ridgway, Manual N. A. Birds, 2 ed., p. 602.)

56%7%b. Change Junco hyemalis shufeldti Coale, Suuretpr's
Junco, to Junco hyemalis connectens Cowes, Hyzrip Junco, the
name shufeldti being antedated by that of connectens.

593d. Add Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus Pidgw. Fiorma
CarpinaL.—The Cardinal of Florida has been described, under the above
name, by Mr. Ridgway, as “smaller and darker colored than C. cardinalis;
adult male with the terminal margins of feathers of back, etc., olivaceous
instead of gray; adult female with more red in crest and on tail, the chest
frequently much tinged or intermixed with red.” (Manual N. A. Birds,
2 ed., p. 606.)

595. Change Habia ludoviciana (Linn.) to Zamelodia ludo-
viciana (Linn.), the generic name Habia having been wrongly applied.
(See Coues, The Auk, xiv, 1897, p. 39.)

596. Change Habia melanocephala (Swains.) to Zamelodia
melanocephala (Swains.) for reasons given under the preceding species.

645. Change Helminthophila ruficapilla (Vils.) to Helmin-
thophila rubricapilla (W<is.), the former name being preoccupied.
(See Faxon, The Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 264.)

648a. Add Compsothlypis americana usnexz Brewster.
Nortuern Paruta Warsier.—The Parula Warbler, breeding from Mary-
land and southern Illinois northward, has been described under the above
name by Mr. Brewster as similar to the southern C. americana but “ averag-
ing slightly larger but with a shorter bill. Adult male with less yellow on
the under parts and more black or blackish on the lores and malar region ;
the dark collar across the jugulum black or blackish, broad and conspicuous ;
the chest mottled or spotted with rich brownish chestnut.” (Brewster, The
Auk, xiii, 1896, p. 45.)

654a. Add Dendroica czrulescens cairnsi Cowes. Carrns’s
Warsier.—-The Black-throated Blue Warbler breeding in the “ higher parts
of the Alleghanies, from Virginia to Georgia,” has been described under the
above name by Dr. Coues as similar to Dendroica cwrulescens but somewhat
smaller and with “the middle of the back nearly or quite black, instead of
blue, or blue with only a few black touches.” (Coues, The Auk, xiv, 1897,
p. 96.)

658. Change Dendroica czrulea (W7/s.) to Dendroica rara
( Wils.), the former name being preoccupied. (See Ridgway, The Auk, xiv,
1897, p. 97.)

684. Change Sylvania mitrata ((@mel.) to Wilsonia mitrata
(Gmel.), the generic name Sylvania having been wrongly applied. (See
Coues, The Auk, xiv, April, 1897.)

414 APPENDIX IL.

685. Change Sylvania pusilla (Wi/s.) to Wilsonia pusilla
( Wils.) for the reason given under the preceding species.

686. Change Sylvania canadensis (Zinn.) to Wilsonia cana-
densis (Zinz.) for the reason given under No. 684.

754. Add Myadestes townsendi Aud. Townsenn’s Soiirarre.—
A species of the western United States which has been once recorded from

Illinois. (See Ridgway, Birds Ills., p. 71.) Omitted in error from previous
editions.

cad

ee

LIST OF WORKS TO WHICH REFERENCE IS
MOST FREQUENTLY MADE IN THIS VOLUME.

The Auk, a Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Editor, J. A. Allen;
Associate Editor, Frank M. Chapman. Published for the American
Ornithologists’ Union. New York [35 Pine Street]: L. 5S. Foster.

As the official organ of the American Ornithologists’ Union The
Auk is the leading ornithological journal of this country. Volumes
I to VIII, 1876-83, were published as the Bulletin of the Nuttall Or-
nithological Club (Cambridge, Mass.), the present name being adopted
upon the founding of the Union. Each volume of The Auk contains
about four hundred octavo pages and four colored plates; price per
volume, $3; per number, 75 cents.

Barrp, 8S. F., Brewer, T. M., and Ripaway, R. <A History of
North American Birds. ... Land Birds [Vols. I to III]. Llustrated
by sixty-four colored plates and five hundred and ninety-three wood-
cuts. Boston: Little, Brown & Company. 3 vols., 4to, 1874, Vol. I.
Turdide-Fringillide, pp. 1-596; Vol. I. Fringillide-Picide, pp. 1-
590; Vol. III, Strigide—Perdicide, pp. 1-560. (Issued also with un-
colored plates.) Water Birds [Vols. I and II]. Published as Vols. XII
and XIII of the Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy
(Cambridge). Issued in continuation of the»publications of the Geo-
logical Survey of California. Boston: Little, Brown & Company. 2
vols., 4to, numerous woodcuts, mostly colored, 1884. Vol. I, Ardetdae-
Anatine, pp. 1-587; Vol. Il, Anatine-Alcide, pp. 1-552.

BENDIRE, CHARLES. Life Histories of North American Birds, with
Special Reference to their Breeding Habits and Eggs. With twelve
lithographic plates. 4to, pp. i-vili; 1-414. Washington, 1892. Pub-
lished as Vol. XXVIII of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowl-
edge, and as Special Bulletin No. 1 of the United States National
Museum.

The authority upon the groups of which it treats.

Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. A Quarterly Journal
of Ornithology. Editor, J. A. Allen. Associate Editors, S. F'. Baird
415

416 LIST OF WORKS.

and Elliott Coues. Cambridge, Mass.: Published by the Club. Vols.
I to VIL, 1876-83. (Address C. F. Batchelder, Treasurer, Cambridge,
Mass.)

Continued as The Auk, which see.

CHAMBERLAIN, Montacur. A Popular Handbook of the Orni-
thology of the [Eastern] United States and Canada, based on Nuttall’s
Manual. ... Vol. I, The Land Birds, pp. i-xlviii, 1-478; Vol. II,
Game and Water Birds, pp. i-vii, 1-481. 8vo, numerous illustrations.

The Code of Nomenclature and Check-List of North American
Birds, adopted by the American Ornithologists’ Union. Being the
Report of the Committee of the Union on Classification and Nomen-
clature. .. . New York: American Ornithologists’ Union, 1886. 8vo,
pp. i-vili, 1-892.

This edition is now out of print; a revised edition, without the
Code of Nomenclature, will appear during the present year. An
abridged edition, giving only the systematic and English names, was
published in 1889.

Cours, Etuiotr. Key to North American Birds, ... with which
are incorporated General Ornithology, an Outline of the Structure and
Classification of Birds; and Field Ornithology, a Manual of Collect-
ing, Preparing, and Preserving Birds. Profusely illustrated. Boston:
Estes & Lauriat, 1884. Royal 8vo, pp. i-xxx, 1-862. )

This is issued as the second edition of the ‘“ Key” published in 1872,
but is really the first edition of the new “ Key.” Several reprints, with
an appendix giving newly described birds, recent changes in nomencla-
ture, etc., have appeared. The influence of this work in promoting
ornithological research in America can not be overestimated. To one
intending to enter upon the scientific study of birds it is indispensable.

Davigz, OttverR. Nest and Eggs of North American Birds. Third
edition, revised and augmented. Introduction by J. Parker Norris.
Columbus [Ohio]: Hann & Adair, 1889, 8vo, pp. i-xii, 1-465. Thir-
teen plates.

Fisner, A. K. The Hawks and Owls of the United States in their
Relation to Agriculture. Prepared under the Direction of Dr. C. Hart
Merriam, Chief of Division. Bulletin No. 3, Division of Ornithology
and Mammalogy, United States Department of Agriculture: Wash-
ington, 1893. 8vo, pp. 1-210. Twenty-five colored plates.

Viewed from whatever standpoint, this is a model work.

Goss, N. S. History of the Birds of Kansas. Illustrating Five
Hundred and Twenty-nine Birds. Topeka, Kansas: George W. Crane
& Co., 1891.. Royal 8vo, pp. 1-692. Thirty-five plates.

LIST OF WORKS. 417

A work of far wider interest than the title implies. Colonel Goss
studied birds in many lands, and his pages testify to the keenness of
his observation.

LANGILLE, J. Hippert. Our Birds in their Haunts: A Popular
Treatise on the Birds of Eastern Nerth America. Boston: S. E. Cas-
sino & Co., 1884. 12mo, pp. 1-624.

Maynarpb, C. J. The Birds of Eastern North America. With
Original Descriptions of all the Species which occur East of the
Mississippi River between the Arctic Circle and the Gulf of Mexico,
with Full Notes on their Habits, etc. Containing thirty-two plates
drawn on stone by the author. Newtonville, Mass.: C. J. Maynard
& Co. 4to, pp. 1-582.

This is the final title-page; the first three parts (i-iii, 1872—’74)
were issued as The Birds of Florida, ete.; the next six (iv-ix, 1878) as
The Birds of Florida with the Water and Game Birds of Eastern North
America; and the concluding seven (x—xvi, 1879-82) with the title as
quoted in full above.

Mivot, H. D. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England.
with Descriptions of the Birds, their Nests and Eggs, their Habits and
Notes. With Illustrations. Salem, Mass., Naturalists’ Agency., Bos-
ton: Estes & Lauriat, 1877. 8vo, pp. i-xvi, 1-456.

A second edition, edited by William Brewster, published by Hough-
ton, Mifflin & Co., of which I have seen advance sheets of the Editor’s
Appendix, is issued as these pages go to press.

Netson, Epwarp W. Report upon Natural History Collections
made in Alaska between the Years 1877 and 1881. ... Edited by
Henry W. Henshaw. . . . No. III. Arctic Series of Publications, issued
in Connection with the Signal Service, United States Army. With
twenty-one Plates. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1887.
4to. Birds, pp. 35-226, twelve colored plates.

Ripeway, Roserr. A Manual of North American Birds. Illus-
trated by Four Hundred and Sixty-four Drawings of the Generic Char-
acters. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1887. Royal 8vo,
pp. 1-xi, 1-631. One hundred and twenty-four plates.

Our standard systematic work.

Ripeway, Roserr. The Ornithology of Illinois. Part I. De-
scriptive Catalogue. Vol. I [Land Birds exclusive of the Gallina}.
Published by authority of the State Legislature. Springfield, IIL:
H. W. Rokker, Printer and Binder, 1889. Royal 8vo, pp. i-viii,
1-520. Colored frontispiece. Thirty-two plates.

28

418 LIST OF WORKS.

SAUNDERS, Howarp. An Illustrated Manual of British Birds... .
With Illustrations of nearly Every Species. London: Gurney &
Jackson, 1 Paternoster Row, 1889. 8vo, pp. i-xl, 1-754.

Tompson, Ernest HE. The Birds of Manitoba. Proceedings of
the United States National Museum, xiii, 1891, pp. 457-643.

END HX

ABBREVIATIONS, list of, 40.

Acanthis hornemannii, 254.
hornemannii exilipes, 254.
linaria, 284.
linaria holbeellii, 285.
linaria rostrata, 285.

Accidental visitants defined, 12.

Accipiter atricapillus, 199.
cooperi, 199.
velox, 198.

Actitis macularia, 169.

Aégialitis hiaticula, 175.
meloda, 175.
meloda cireumeincta, 175.
montana, 176.
semipalmata, 174.
vocitera, 173.
wilsonia, 176.

Estrelata hasitata, 89.
sealaris, 89.

Agelaius phoeniceus, 264.
phoeniceus bryanti, 265.

Aix sponsa, 107.

Ajaja ajaja, 126.

Alauda arvensis, 253.

Alaudide, 252.

Albatross, Wandering, 86.
Yellow-nosed, 86.

Alea torda, 32.

Alcedinidee, 226.

Alcide, 60.

Alle alle, 64.

American Ornithologists’ Union, 32.

Ammodramus caudacutus, 295.
eaudacutus nelsoni, 296.
caudacutus subvirgatus, 296.
henslowii, 294.
lecontei, 295.
maritimus, 29
maritimus peninsule, 298.
nigrescens, 298.
princeps, 291.
sandwichensis savanna,
savannarum passerinus,

Ampelidee, 323.

Ampelis cedrorum, 323.
garrulus, 323.

Anas americana, 103.

ad
i.

292.

293.

! Anas boschas, 101.
carolinensis, 104.
crecca, 105.
eyanoptera, 108.
discors, 105.
fulvigula, 102.
obscura, 102.
penelope, 103.
strepera, 103.
Anatide, 97.
Anatinee, 100.
Anhinga anhinga, 93.
Anhingidee, 93.
Ani, 226.
Anous stolidus, 85.
Anser albifrons, 122.
albifrons gambeli, 121.
Anseres, 97.
Anserine, 119.
Anthus pensilvanicus, 375.
pratensis, 376.
spraguei, 376.
Antrostomus carolinensis, 236.
vociferus, 237.
Aphelocoma floridana, 255.
Aphrizidee, 176.
Aquila chrysaétos, 206.
Aramidee, 1388.
Aramus giganteus, 139.
Archibuteo ferrugineus, 206.
lagopus sancti-johannis, 205.
Ardea candidissima, 134.
cinerea, 133.
coerulea, 135.
egretta, 133.
herodias, 132.
occidentalis, 131.
pealei, 134.
rufescens, 134.
tricolor ruficollis, 135.
virescens, 136.
wardi, 132.
wuerdemanni, 131.
Ardeide, 128.
Ardetta exilis, 130.
neoxena, 131.
Arenaria interpres, 1
Asio accipitrinus, 215.

419

ard
(ie

420

Asio wilsonianus, 214.

Asturina plagiata, 205.

Auk, Great, 64.
Razor-billed, 63.
The, 32.

Avocet, American, 149.

Aythya affinis, 112.
americana, 110.
collaris, 112.
marila nearctica, 111,
vallisneria, 110.

Bappats, 103.
Bartramia longicauda, 167.
Beetlehead, 172.
Bittern, American, 129.
Cory’s, 131.
Least, 130.
Bicknell, Eugene P., biographical
sketches by, 281, 809, 400.
observations by, 14.
Biographies, plan of, 38.
Birds, collecting, 22.
color of, 4.
distribution of, 3.
how to identify, 10.
migration of, 5, 15.
nesting of, 3, 19.
origin of, 3.
sexing, 27.
skinning, 24,
study of, out-of-doors, 10.
when to find, 12.
Blackbird, Brewer’s, 269.
Crow, 269, 270.
Florida Red-wing, 265.
Red-winged, 264.
Rusty, 268.
Yellow-headed, 268.
Blackbreast, 161.
Blackhead, 111.
Little, 112.
Bluebill, 111.
Little, 112.
Bluebird, 402.
Blue Peter, 146.
Bobolink, 261.
Bob-white, 178.
Florida, 179.
Bonasa umbellus, 180.
umbellus togata, 182.
Booby, 92.
Blue-faced, 92.
Red-footed, 92.
Botaurus lentiginosus, 129.
Brant, 123.
Black, 123.
Branta bernicla, 123.
canadensis, 122.
Branta canadensis hutchinsii, 122.
canadensis minima, 122.

INDEX.

Branta leucopsis, 124.
nigricans, 123.

Brant-bird, 177.

Brewster, _ William, biographical

sketches by, 142, 155.

observations by, 88.
Broadbill, 111.

Creek, 112.

Bubo virginianus, 219.
virginianus saturatus, 220.
virginianus subarcticus, 220.

Bubonide, 213.

Bufflehead, 114.

Bull-bat, 238, 239.

Bulweria bulweri, 89.

Bunting, Bay-winged, 290.
Black-throated, 815.
Indigo, 313.

Lark, 316.

Painted, 314.

Snow, 288.

Varied, 314.
Burgomaster, 70.
Butcher-bird, 325.

Buteo borealis, 200.
borealis calurus, 201.
borealis harlani, 201.
borealis kriderii, 201.
brachyurus, 204,
buteo, 201.
latissimus, 204.
lineatus, 201.
lineatus alleni, 208.
swainsoni, 203.

Butter-ball, 114.

Buzzard, European, 201.
Turkey, 191.

CALAMOSPIZA MELANOCORYS, 316.
Calearius lapponicus, 289.
ornatus, 290.
pictus, 289.
Calico-back, 177.
Calidris arenaria, 163.
Callichelidon cyaneoviridis, 322,
Campephilus principalis, 229.
Camptolaimus labradorius, 115.
Canary, Wild, 353.
Canvasback, 110.
Caprimulgide, 236.
Caracara, Audubon’s, 211.
Cardinal, 311.
Cardinalis cardinalis, 311.
Carduelis carduelis, 287.
Carpodacus purpureus, 281.
Cataloguing birds, 28.
Catbird, 378.
Catharista atrata, 192.
Cathartes aura, 191.
Cathartide, 191.
Cedar-bird, 323.

oe Ss

Ceophleeus pileatus, 233.
Cepphus grylle, 61.
mandtil, 62.

Certhia familiaris americana, 385.

Certhiide, 385.
Ceryle aleyon, 226.
Cheetura pelagica, 239.
Charadriide, 171.
Charadrius apricarius, 173.
dominicus, 173.
squatarola, 172.
Charitonetta albeola, 114.
Chat, Yellow-breasted, 372.
Chebec, 251.
Chelidon er ythrogaster, 320.
Chen ceerulescens, 121.
hyperborea, 120,
nivalis, 120.
Cherry-bird, 328.
Chewink, 310.
Chickadee, 390.
Carolina, 391.
Hudsonian, 391.
Chippy, 802.
Winter, 301.
Chondestes grammacus, 299.
Chordeiles virginianus, 238.
virginianus chapmani, 239,
Virginianus henryi, 239.
Chuck-will’s-widow, 236.
Ciconiide, 127.
Circus hudsonius, ue
Cistothorus palustris, 384.
palustris griseus, 385.
palustris mariane, 385.
stellaris, 383.
Clangula hyemalis, 114.
Clape, 235.
Clivicola riparia, 322.

Cocothraustes vespertinus, 279.

Coccyges, 224.

Coceyzus americanus, 225,
erythropthalmus, 226.
minor, 224,
minor maynardi, 225.

Coereba bahamensis, 333.

Colaptes auratus, 235.

Colinus virginianus, 178.
virginianus floridanus, 179.

Collecting birds, 23.

eggs, 29,
nests, 29.

Collections, care of, 29.

Color chart, 39.

Columba leucocephala, 187.

Columbe, 187.

Columbide, 187.

Columbigallina passerina terrestris,

190.
Colymbus auritus, 3.
holboellii, 56.

INDEX.

Compsothlypis americana, 352.

Contopus borealis, 246.
virens, 247.

Conurus carolinensis, 222.

Coot, American, 146,
Black, Ly
European, 147.

Sea, 118.

White- winged, 118.
Cormorant, 94,

Double- crested, 94,

Florida, 95.

Mexican, 95.

Corvidae, 253.

Corvus americanus, 257,
americanus floridanus, 258,
corax principalis, 256.
ossifragus, 258.

Coturnix coturnix, 180.

Courlan, 139.

Cowbird, 262.

Crake, Corn, 144,
Spotted, 144.

Crane, Blue, 182.

Brown, 138.

Little Brown, 138.

Sandhill, 132, 138.

White, 137.

Whooping, 137.

Creeper, Ba lama Honey, 338.

Black and White, 343.

Brown, 385.

Crex crex, 144,

Crossbill, American, 2838.
Red, 283.

White- -winged, 283.
Crotophaga ani, 226.
Crow, American, 257.

Fish, 258.

Florida, 258.
Crying-bird, 139.
Crymophilus fulicarius, 147.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 226.

Mangrove, 224.

Maynard’s, 225.

Yellow-billed, 225.
Cuculidee, 224.

Curlew, Eskimo, 170.
Hudsonian, 170.

Jack, 170.

Long- billed, 170.

Pink, 126.

Spanish, 126.
Oyanocitta cristata, 254,

cristata florincola, 255
Cygnine, 124.
Cymodroma grallaria, 91.

Dascnick, 57.
Dafila acuta, 106.
Definition of terms, 32.

421

422

Dendragapus canadensis, 180.

Dendroica eestiva, 353.
auduboni, 356.
blackburniz, 360.
ecerulea, 357.
cerulescens, 354.
castanea, 308.
coronata, 359.
discolor, 364.
dominica, 361.
dominica albilora, 361.
kirtlandi, 362.
niaculosa, 356.
palmarum, 363.

palmarum hypochrysea, 364.

pensylvanica, 357.

striata, 359.

tigrina, 352.

townsendi, 362.

vigorsl, 363.

virens, 361.
Dickcissel, 315.
Diedapper, 57.
Diomedea exulans, 86.
Diomedeida, 86.
Diving birds, 56.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 261.
Doughbird, 170.

Dove, Blue-headed Quail, 191.

Ground, 190.
Mourning, 188, 190.
Quail, 190.
Ruddy Quail, 191.
Sea, 64.
White-winged, 190.
Zenaida, 189.
Dovekie, 64.
Dowitcher, 155.
Long-billed, 156.
Western, 156.
Dryobates borealis, 231.
pubescens, 230.
villosus, 229.
villosus audubonii, 230.
villosus leucomelas, 230.
Duck, American Scaup, 111.
Black, 102
Broad-bill, 111.
Crow, 146.
Dusky, 102.
Florida, 102.
Gray, 103.
Greater Scaup, 111.
Harlequin, 115.
Labrador, 115.
Lesser Scaup, 112.
Masked, 119.
Pied, 115.
Ring-necked, 112.
Ruddy, 119.
Rufous-crested, 109.

INDEX.

Duck, Scaup, 111.
Spirit, 114.
Steller’s, 116.
Wood, 107.
Dunlin, 161.
Dutcher, William, observations by,
38.
Dwight, J., Jr., biographical sketches
Y, 248, 250, 268, 290, 293, 296, 207,
308, 399.

Eac re, Bap, 207.

Golden, 206.

Gray Sea, 207.
Ectopistes migratorius, 187.
Eggs, collecting, 29.

descriptions of, 38 ;

preserving, 30.

Egret, American, 133.

Peale’s, 134.

Reddish, 184.

Snowy, 134.

Eider, American, 116.

Greenland, 116.

King, 116.

Elanoides forficatus, 196.
Elanus leucurus, 196.
Empidonax acadicus, 249.

flaviventris, 248.

minimus, 251.

pusillus, 251.

traillii, 250.

traillii alnorum, 251.

‘virescens, 249.
Eniconetta stelleri, 116.
Ereunetes pusillus, 161.

occidentalis, 162.
Frismatura rubida, 119.
Euetheia bicolor, 315.

canora, 310.

FaLco CoLUMBARIUS, 210.
islandus, 208.
mexicanus, 209.
peregrinus anatum, 209.
regulus, 211.
rusticolus, 208.
rusticolus gyrfalco, 209.
rusticolus obsoletus, 209.
sparverioides, 211.
sparverius, 211.
tinnunculus, 211.

Falcon, Peregrine, 210.
Prairie, 209.

Falconide, 193.

Feathers, markings of, 32.

Field-glass, use of, 11.

Finch, Grass, 290.

Lark, 299.
Pine, 287.
Purple, 281.

« <q s

SS

——

INDEX.

Firebird, 267.
Fisher, Dr. A. K., observations by,
38

Flamingo, 125.
Flicker, 235. ”
Florida Yellow-throat, 371.
Flycatcher, Acadian, 249.
Alder, 251.
Crested, 244.
Fork-tailed, 243.
Great-crested, 244,
Least, 251.
Olive-sided, 246.
Scissor-tailed, 243.
Traill’s, 250.
Yellow-bellied, 248.
Fratercula arctica, 60.
arctica glacialis, 61.
Fregata aquila, 97.
Fregatidee, 97.
Frigate-bird, 97.
Fringillide, 271.
Fulica americana, 146.
atra, 147.
Fuliguline, 107.
Fulmar, 87.

Lesser, 87.
Fulmarus glacialis, 87.
glacialis minor, 87.

Fute, 170.

GADWALL, 103.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 378.
Galline, 178.
Gallinago delicata, 154.
gallinago, 155.
Gallinula galeata, 145.
Gallinule, Florida, 145.
Purple, 145.
Gannet, 92.
Gavia alba, 68.
Gelochelidon nilotica, 78.
Geothlypis agilis, 369.
formosa, 368.
philadelphia, 370.
trichas, 371.
trichas ignota, 371.
Geotrygon martinica, 190.
montana, 191.
Glaucionetta clangula americana, 113.
islandica, 113.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 394.
Goatsuckers, 236.
Godwit, Black-tailed, 164.
Hudsonian, 164.
Marbled, 163.
Golden-eye, American, 113.
Barrow’s, 113.
Goldtinch, American, 286.
Black-headed, 287.
European, 287.

423

Goosander, 98.

Goose, American White-fronted, 121.
Barnacle, 124.

Blue, 120.

Cackling, 122.

Canada, 122.

European White-fronted, 122.

Greater Snow, 120.

Hutchins’s, 122.

Lesser Snow, 120.
Goshawk, American, 199.
Grackle, Mexican, 205.

Boat-tailed, 271.

Bronze, 270.

Florida, 270.

Purple, 269.

Grassquit, 315.
Melodious, 315.

Greenback, 173.

Greenshank, 165.

Grebe, Holbeell’s, 56.
Horned, 57.
Pied-billed, 57.

Grosbeak, Black-headed, 313.
Blue, 313.

Evening, 279.

Pine, 280.

Rose-breasted, 312.
Grouse, Canada, 180.

Canadian Ruffed, 182.

Prairie Sharp-tailed, 185.

Ruffed, 180.

Gruidee, 137.

Grus americana, 137.
canadensis, 138.
mexicana, 138.

Guara alba, 126.
rubra, 127.

Guillemot, Black, 61.
Mandt’s, 62. °

Guiraca cerulea, 313.

Gull, American Herring, 72.
Blaek-headed, 74.
Bonaparte’s, 75.
European, 73.
Franklin’s, 74.
Glaucous, 70.

Great Black-backed, 71.

Iceland, 71.

Herring, 72.

Ivory, 68.

Kumilien’s, 71.

Laughing, 74.

Little, 76.

Mew, 74.

Ring-billed, 73.

Ross’s, 76.

Sabine’s, 76.

Siberian, 72.

Gun, kind of, 23.
load for, 24.

. 4
494 INDEX.
Gyrfalcon, 209. Heron, Little Blue, 135.
Black, 209. Little Green, 136.
Gray, 208. Louisiana, 135.
White, 208. Snowy, 134.
Ward’s, 132. |
HABIA LUDOVICIANA, 312. Wiirdemann’s, 131. |
melanocephala, 313. Yellow-crowned Night, 187. |
Hematopodide, 177. Hesperocichla neevia, 402. |
Heematopus ostralegus, 177. . High-hole, 235. i
palliatus, 177. Himantopus mexicanus, 150. :
_Hagdon, 88. Hirundinide, 318. ‘ ;
Black, 89. Histrionicus histrionicus, 115, i
Halizetus albicilla; 207. Honey Creeper, Bahama, 333. 4
leucocephalus, 207. Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 241, ;
Hang-nest, 267. Hydrochelidon leucoptera, 85. af
Harporhynchus rufus, 379. nigra surinamensis, 84. %

Harrier, 197.
Hawk, American Rough-legged, 205. | Isrpip#, 126.

American Sparrow, 211. Ibis, Glossy, 127.
Broad-winged, 204. Scarlet, 127.
Chicken, 200, 201. White, 126. ‘ :
Cooper’s, 199. White-faced Glossy, 127.
Cuban Sparrow, 211. Wood, 128.
Duck, 209. Icteria virens, 372.
Ferruginous Rough-leg, 206. Icteridee, 260.
Fish, 212. Iecterus bullocki, 268.
Florida Red-shouldered, 203. galbula, 267.
Harlan’s, 201. icterus, 266.
Hen, 200, .201. spurius, 266.
Killy, 211. Ictina mississippiensis, 196.
Krider’s, 201. Illustrations, 39. —
Marsh, 197. Indigo-bird, 313.
Pigeon, 210. Ionornis martinica, 145.
Red-shouldered, 201.
Red-tailed, 200. JAEGER, LONG-TAILED, 66.
Rough-legged, 205. Parasitic, 66.
Sharp-shinned, 198. Pomarine, 65.
Short-tailed, 204. Jay, Blue, 254.
Snail, 197. : Canada, 256.
Sparrow, 211. Florida, 255.
Swainson’s, 203. Florida Blue, 255.

Heath Hen, 185. Labrador, 256.

Helinaia swainsonii, 345. Joree, 310.

Hell Diver, 57. Journals, 21.

Helminthophila bachmani, 346. Junco, 304.
celata, 350. Carolina, 305.
chrysoptera, 348. hyemalis, 304.
lawrencei, 348. hyemalis carolinensis, 305.
leucobronchialis, 347. hyemalis shufeldti, 305.
peregrina, 350. Shufeldt’s, 805.
pinus, 347. Slate-colored, 304.
ruficapilla, 349.

Helmitherus vermivorus, 346. KeEsTREL, 211.

Hlen, Heath, 185. Keys, use of, 32.

Hen, Prairie, 184. Killdeer, 173.

Herodiones, 125. Kingbird, 243.

Heron, Black-crowned Night, 136. Arkansas, 244.
European Great Blue, 1383. Gray, 244.
Great Blue, 132. Kingfisher, Belted, 226.
Great White, 131. Kinglet, Ruby-crowned, 398.

Green, 136. Golden-crowned, 392.

INDEX. | 495

Kite, Everglade, 197. Loxia curvirostra minor, 283.
Mississippi, 196. leucoptera, 283.
Swallow-tailed, 196.

White-tailed, 196. MAcRORHAMPUS GRISEUS, 155.
Kittiwake, 69. scolopaceus, 156.

Knot, 157. Macrochires, 286.

Krieker, 158. Magpie, 255.

Mallard, 101.

LABELING BIRDS, 28. Man-of- War Bird, 97.

Labels, 28. Marsh Hen, 129, 140.

Lagopus lagopus, 182. : Marlin, Brown, 163.
lagopus alleni, 182. Ring-tailed, 164.
rupestris, 182. Martin, Cuban, 319.
rupestris reinhardti, 183. > Purple, 309.
welchi, 183. | Maryland Yellow-throat, 371.

Lamellirostral Grallatores, 128. Meadowlark, 265,

Swimmers, 97. ~ Western, 266.

Lanius borealis, 325. Measurements of birds, 87.
ludovicianus, 325. Megalestris skua, 65.
ludovicianus excubitorides, 326. Megascops asio, 218.

Laniide,- 325. asio floridanus, 219.

Lapwing, 172. Melanerpes carolinus, 234.

Lark, Field, 265. erythrocephalus, 233.
Horned, 252. Meleagris gallopavo, 186.
Meadow, 265. gallopavo osceola, 186.
Prairie, 266. Melopelia leucoptera, 190.
Prairie Horned, 252. Melospiza fasciata, 306.
Shore, 252. eorgiana, 308.

Western Meadow, 266. incolni, 307.

Laride, 67. Merganser americanus, 98.

Larine, 67. serrator, 99.

Larus affinis, 72. Merganser, American, 98.
argentatus, 73. Hooded, 99.
argentatus smithsonianus, 72. Red-breasted, 99.
atricilla, 74. Merging, 98.
canus, 74. Merlin, 211.
delawarensis, 73. Merriam, Florence A., biographical
franklini, 74. sketches by, 245, 304, 314, 317, 324,

laucus, 70. 382.
umlieni, 71. Merula migratoria, 401.

leucopterus, 71. Micropalama himantopus, 156.

marinus, 71, Micropodidee, 239.

minutus, 76. Migration of birds, 5.

philadelphia, 75. tablesvof, 15.

Leadback, 160. Milvulus forficatus, 243.

Limicole, 147. tyrannus, 243.

Limosa fedoa, 163. Miller, Olive Thorne, biographical
heemastica, 164. sketches by, 248, 311, 379.
limosa, 164. Mimus polyglottos, 377.

Limpkin, 1389. Mniotilta varia, 343.

Loggerhead, 325. Mniotiltide, 333.

Longipennes, 65. Mockingbird, 377.

Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 290. Molothrus ater, 262.
Lapland, 289. Moose-bird, 256.

McCown’s, 290. Motacilla alba, 376.

Smith’s, 289. Motacillidee, 375.
Long-winged Swimmers, 65. Mother Carey’s Chicken, 91.
Loon, 58. Mud Hen, 146.

Black-throated, 59. Murre, 62.

Red-throated, 59. Briinnich’s, 63.

Lophodytes cucullatus, 99. Myiarchus crinitus, 244.

426

NEsTING SEASON, 13, 19, 20.

Nests, collecting, 29.
descriptions of, 38.
preserving, 31.

Netta rutina, 109.

Night Hawk, 238.

Florida, 239.
Western, 2389.

Noddy, 84, 87.

Nomenclature, 5, 32.

Nomonyx dominicus, 119.

Nonpareil, 314.

Note-books, 21.

Numenius borealis, 170.
hudsonicus, 170.
longirostris, 170.
pheopus, 171.

Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 388.
Florida W hite-breasted, 388.
Red-breasted, 388.

W hite-breasted, 387.

Nyctala acadica, 217.
tengmalmi richardsoni, 217.

Nyctea nyctea, 220.

Nycticorax nycticorax neevius, 136.

violaceus, 137.

OcCEANITES OCEANICUS, 90.
Oceanodroma leucorhoa, 89.
Odontoglosse, 125.
Oidemia americana, 117.

deglandi, 118.

fusca, 118.

perspicillata, 118.
Old Squaw, 114.

Wife, 114.

Olor buccinator, 124.
columbianus, 124.
evenus, 125.

Opera-glass, use of, 11.

Oriole, Baltimore, 267.
Bullock’s, 268.
Orchard, 266.

Ornithology, economic, 6.
philosophic, 3.
sentiment of, 8.
study of, 1.
systematic, 2.

Osprey, American, 212.

Otocoris alpestris, 252.
alpestris praticola, 252.

Oven-bird, 365.

Owl, Acadian, 217.
American Barn, 213.
American Hawk, 221.
American Long-eared, 214.
Barn, 213.

Barred, 215.
Burrowing, 221.
Dusky-horned, 220.
Florida Barred, 216.

INDEX.

Owl, Florida Burrowing, 221.
Florida Screech, 218.
Great Gray, 217.
Great Horned, 219.
Hawk, 221.
Hoot, 215.
Long-eared, 214.
Monkey-faced, 213.
Richardson’s, 217.
Saw-whet, 217.
Screech, 218.
Short-eared, 215.
Snowy, 220.
Western Horned, 220.
Oxeye, Meadow, 160.
Sand, 161.
Oyster-catcher, American, 177.
European, 177.

PALMETTO Brrp, 871.
Paludicole, 137.
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis, 212.
Paride, 386. :
Paroquet, Carolina, 222.
Parrot, Sea, 60.
Partridge, 178, 179, 180, 182.
Spruce, 180.
Parus atricapillus, 390.
bicolor, 389.
carolinensis, 391.
hudsonicus, 391.
Passer domesticus, 282.
montanus, 283.
Passerella iliaca, 309.
Passeres, 242.
Passerina ciris, 814.
eyanea, 313.
versicolor, 314.
Pavoncella pugnax, 167.
Peabody-bird, 300.
Pediocetes phasianellus campestris,
185.
Peep, 160, 161.
Pelagodroma marina, 91.
Pelecanidee, 95.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, 95.
fuscus, 96.
Pelican, Brown, 96.
White, 95.
Perisoreus canadensis, 256.
canadensis nigricapillus, 256.
Permanent residents defined, 12.
list of, 13.
Petrel, Black-capped, 89.
Bulwer’s, 89.
Leach’s, 89.
Sealed, 89.
Stormy, 89.
White-bellied, 91.
White-faced, 91.
Wilson’s, 90.

aaa aia ara i

Petrochelidon fulva, 320.
lunifrons, 320.
Peuc:ea vestivalis, 305.

zstivalis bachmanil, 305,

Pewee, Wood, 247.

Phaéthon ethereus, 91.
flavirostris, 91.

Phaéthontide, 91.

Phalacrocoracide, 94.

Phalacrocorax carbo, 94.
dilophus, 94.
dilophus floridanus, 95,
mexicanus, 965.

Phalarope, Gray, 147.
Northern, 148.

Red, 147.

Wilson’s, 148.
Phalaropodide, 147.
Phalaropus lobatus, 148.

tricolor, 148.
Phasianidee, 185.
Philohela minor, 153.
Phoebe, 245.

Say’s, 246.
Pheenicopteride, 125.
Pheenicopterus ruber, 125.
Pica pica hudsonica, 255.
Pier, 227.

Picide, 227.

Picoides americanus, 232.
arcticus, 231.

Pigeon, Passenger, 187.
Sea, 61.
White-crowned, 187.
Wild, 187.

Pinicola enucleator, 280.

Pintail, 106.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 310.
erythrophthalmus alleni, 310.

Pipit, American, 375.
Meadow, 3876.
Sprague’s, 376.
Piranga erythromelas, 317.
ludoviciana, 318.
rubra, 317.
Plataleidee, 125.
Plautus impennis, 64.
Plectrophenax nivalis, 288.
Plegadis autumnalis, 127.
guarauna, 127.

Plover, American Golden, 173.

Belted Piping, 175.
Black-bellied, 172.
European Golden, 178.
Field, 167.

Golden, 173.
Mountain, 176.
Piping, 175.

Ring, 175.
Semipalmated, 174.
Upland, 167.

INDEX.

Plover, Wilson's, 176.
Podicipide, 56.
Podilymbus podiceps, 57.
Poke, 136.
Polioptila ceerulea, 394.
Polyborus cheriway, 211.
Poocetes gramineus, 290.
Porzana carolina, 143.
jamaicensis, 144,
noveboracensis, 144.
porzana, 144.
Prairie Hen, 184.
Procellaria pelagica, 89.
Procellariida, 86.
Progne eryptoleuca, 319.
subis, 319.
Protonotaria citrea, 344,
Psittaci, 222.
Psittacidee, 222.
Ptarmigan, Allen’s, 182.
Greenland, 183.
Reinhardt’s, 183.
Rock, 182.
Welch’s, 183.
Willow, 182.
Puftin, 60.
Large-billed, 61.
Puttinus auduboni, 88,
borealis, 88.
major, 88.
puttinus, 88.
stricklandi, 89.
Pygopodes, 56.

QuvalIL, 178, 179.
European, 180.
Migratory, 180.

Quawk, 136.

Quiscalus major, 271.
quiscula, 269.
quiscula eneus, 270.
quiscula agleus, 270.

Racks, GEOGRAPHICAL, 4,

Rail, Black, 144.
Carolina, 1438.
Clapper, 140.
Florida Clapper, 141.
King, 140.
Little Black, 144.
Louisiana Clapper, 141.
Virginia, 141,
Yellow, 144.

Rallide, 139.

Rallus elegans, 140.

longirostris crepitans, 140.
longirostris saturatus, 141.

longirostris scottii, 141.

virginianus, 141.
Range of birds, 37.
Raptores, 191.

427

428 INDEX.

Raven, Northern, 256.
Recurvirostra americana, 149.
Recurvirostride, 149.
Redback, 161.
Redhead, 110.
Redpoll, 284.
Greater, 285.
Greenland, 284.
Hoary, 284.
Holbeell’s, 285.
Redstart, 374.
Redtail, Western, 201.
Reedbird, 261.
Regulus calendula, 393.
satrapa, 392.
Rhodostethia rosea, 76.
Rhyncophanes mecownii, 290.
Rice-bird, 261.

Richmond, C. W., observations by, 37.

Ring-neck, 174.

Rissa tridactyla, 69.

Robin, American, 401.
Golden, 267.

Rostrhamus sociabilis, 197.

Ruff, 167.

Rynchopide, 85.

Rynchops nigra, 86.

SADDLEBACK, 71.

Sanderling, 163.

Sandpiper, Baird’s, 159.
Bartramian, 167.
Buft-breasted, 168.
Curlew, 161.

Green, 165.

Least, 160.
Pectoral, 158.
Purple, 157.
Red-backed, 160.
Semipalmated, 161.
Solitary, 166.
Spotted, 169.

Stilt, 156.

Western Semipalmated, 162.
White-rumped, 158.

Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 232.

Saxicola cenanthe, 402.

Sayornis pheebe, 245.
saya, 246.

Scissor-bill, 86.

Scolecophagus carolinus, 268.
eyanocephalus, 269.

Scolopacidee, 150.

Scolopax rusticola, 154.

Scoter, American, 117.

Surf, 118.

Velvet, 118.
White-winged, 118.
Scotiaptex cinereum, 217.
Sea Parrot, 60.
Sea Pigeon, 61.

Sea Swallow, 80.

Seiurus aurocapillus, 365.
motacilla, 368.
noveboracensis, 367.
noveboracensis notabilis, 368.

Setophaga ruticilla, 374.

Sexing birds, 27.

Sexual organs, 28.

Shag, 94.

Shearwater, Audubon’s, 88.
Cory’s, 88.

Greater, 88.

Manx, 88.

Sooty, 88.

Shelldrake, 98, 99.

Shore Birds, 147.

Shoveler, 105.

Shrike, Loggerhead, 325.
Northern, 325.

Sialis sialis, 402.

Sickle-bill, 170.

Siskin, Pine, 287.

Sitta canadensis, 388.
carolinensis, 387.
carolinensis atkinsi, 388.
pusilla, 388.

Skimmer, Black, 86.

Skinning birds, 24.

Skua, 65.

Skylark, 258.

Snakebird, 98.

Snipe, English, 154.
European, 155.

Grass, 158.

Gray, 157.

Robin, 157.

Rock, 158.

Surf, 163.

Wilson’s, 154.

Winter, 158.
Snowflake, 288.
Somateria dresseri, 116.

mollissima borealis, 116.

spectabilis, 116.

Song season, 14.

Sora, 143.

South Southerly, 114.

Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-tailed, 296.

Bachman’s, 305.
Brewer’s, 303.
Chipping, 302.
Glen uolived. 3038.
Dusky Seaside, 298.
English, 282.
European Tree, 283.
Field, 303.

Fox, 309.
Grasshopper, 298.
Henslow’s, 294.
House, 282.
Ipswich, 291.

=e

Sparrow, Lark, 299.
Leconte’s, 295.
Lincoln’s, 307.
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed, 296.
Pine-woods, 305.
Savanna, 292.
Scott’s Seaside, 298.
Seaside, 297.
Sharp-tailed, 295.
Song, 306.

Swamp, 308.

Tree, 3801.

Vesper, 290.

Western Field, 304.

White-crowned, 299.

White-throated, 300.

Yellow-winged, 293.
Spatula clypeata, 105.

Speotyto cunicularia floridana, 221.

eunicularia hy pogeea, 221.
Sphyrapicus varius, 232.
Spinus notatus, 287.

pinus, 287.

tristis, 286.

Spiza americana, 315.
Spizella breweri, 303.

monticola, 301.

pallida, 303.

pusilla, 303.

pusilla arenacea, 304.

socialis, 302.

Spoonbill, Roseate, 126.
Sprigtail, 106.

Spring migration, 15.
Starling, 259.

Starncenas cyanocephala, 191.
Steganopodes, 91.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 322.

Stercorariide, 65.

Stercorarius longicaudus, 66.
parasiticus, 66.
pomarinus, 66.

Sterna anethetus, 84.
antillarum, 84.
dougalli, 83.
forsteri, ‘80.
fuliginosa, 84.
hirundo, 81.
maxima, 79.
paradiseea, 82.
sandvicensis acuflavida, 80.
trudeaui, 80.
tschegrava, 79.

Sternine, 76.

Stilt, Black-necked, 150.

Stone-chat, 402.

Strigide, 213.

Strix pratincola, 213.

Sturnella magna, 265.
magna neglecta, 266.

Sturnidee, 259.

INDEX.

Sturnus vulgaris, 259.
Sula bassana, 92.
eyanops, 92.
sula, 92.
piscator, 92.
Sulide, 92.
Summer residents defined, 12.
list of, 18.
Surnia ulula eaparoch, 221.
Swallow, Bahama, 322.
Bank, 822.
Barn, 320.
Chimney, 289.
Cliff, 320.
Cuban Cliff, 320.
Eave, 320.
Rough-winged, 322.
Tree, 321.
White-bellied, 321.
Swan, Trumpeter, 124.
Whistling, 124.
Whooping, 125.
Swift, Chimney, 239.
Sylvania canadensis, 374.
mitrata, 372.
pusilla, 373.
Sylviidee, 391.

Symphemia semipalmata, 166.

semipalmata inornata, 167.
Syrnium nebulosum, 215.
nebulosum alleni, 216.

TACHYCINETA BICOLOR, 321.

Tanager, Louisiana, 318.
Searlet, 317.

Summer, 317.

Tanagride, 316.

Tantalus loculator, 128.

Taxidermy, 27.

Teal, Blue-winged, 105.
Cinnamon, 105.
European, 105.
Green-winged, 104.

Terms used in description, 32.

Tern, Arctic, 82.

Black, 84.
Bridled, 84.
Cabot’s, 80.
Caspian, 79.
Common, 81.
Forster’s, 80.
Gull-billed, 78.
Least, 84.
Marsh, 78.
Roseate, 83.
Royal, 79.
Sooty, 84.
Trudeau’s, 80.
White-winged Black, 85.
Wilson’s, 81.
Tetraonidee, 178.

430 INDEX.

Thalassogeron culminatus, 86.

Thistle-bird, 286.

Thompson, Ernest E., biographical

sketches by, 181, 197, 253, 256,
_ 280, 285, 289, 300, 306, 325, 369,
383.

Thrasher, Brown, 379.
Thrush, Alice’s, 397.

- Bicknell’s, 398.

Brown, 379.
Golden-crowned, 365.
Gray-cheeked, 397.
Grinnell’s Water, 368.
Hermit, 400.
Louisiana Water, 368.
Olive-backed, 398.
Red-winged, 401.
Varied, 402.

Water, 367.

Willow, 397.
Wilson’s, 396.

Wood, 395.

Thryothorus bewickii, 381.
ludovicianus, 380.
ludovicianus miamensis, 381.

Tinker, 63.

Titlark, 375.

‘Titmouse, Tufted, 389.

Torrey, Bradford, biographical sketch-

es by, 129, 243, 331.

Totanus flavipes, 165.
melanoleucus, 164.
nebularius, 165.
ochropus, 165.
solitarius, 166.

Totipalmate Swimmers, 91.

Towhee, 310.

White-eyed, 310.

Transient visitants defined, 12.

Tringa alpina, 161.
alpina pacifica, 160.
bairdii, 159.
canutus, 157.
ferruginea, 161.
fuscicollis, 158.
maritima, 157.
maculata, 158.
minutilla, 160.

Trochilidee, 240.

Trochilus colubris, 241.

Troglodytes aédon, 381.
aédon aztecus, 382.
hiemalis, 382.

Troglodytidee, 376.

‘Tropie-bird, Red-billed, 91.
Yellow-billed, 91.

Troupial, 266.

Tryngites subruficollis, 168.

Tube-nosed Swimmers, 86.

Tubinares, 86.

Turdidee, 394.

Turdus alicia, 397.
alicie bicknelli, 398.
aonalaschkee pallasii, 400.
fuscescens, 396. .
fuscescens salicicolus, 397.
iliacus, 401.
mustelinus, 395,
ustulatus swainsonii, 398.
Turkey, Water, 93.
Florida Wild, 186.
Wild, 186.
Turnstone, 177.
Tympanuchus americanus, 184,
eupido, 185.
Tyrannide, 242.
Tyrannus dominicensis, 244.
tyrannus, 2438.
verticalis, 244.

UriIA LomviA, 63.
troile, 62.

Urinator arcticus, 59.
imber, 58.
lumme, 59.

Urinatoride, 58.

VANELLUS VANELLUS, 172.
Veery, 396.
Vireo belli, 332.
ealidris barbatulus, 327.
flavifrons, 330.
flavoviridis, 329.
gilvus, 329.

‘ noveboracensis, 332.
noveboracensis maynardi, 332,
olivaceus, 328.
philadelphicus, 329.
solitarius, 331.
solitarius alticola, 331.
solitarius plumbeus, 331.

Vireo, Bell’s, 332.
Black-whiskered, 327.
Blue-headed, 331.
Key West, 332.
Mountain Solitary, 331.
Philadelphia, 329.
Plumbeous, 331.
Red-eyed, 328.
Warbling, 329.
White-eyed, 332.
Yellow-green, 329.
Yellow-throated, 330.

Vireonide, 327.

Vulture, Black, 192.
Turkey, 191.

WacrTait, WuHirTE, 376.

Warbler, Audubon’s, 356.
Bachman’s, 346.
Bay-breasted, 358.
Black and White, 348.

Warbler, Black and Yellow, 356.
Blackburnian, 360.
Blackpoll, 359.
Black-throated Blue, 354.
Black-throated Green, 361.
Blue-winged, 347.

Blue Yellow-backed, 352.
Brewster’s, 347.
Canadian, 374.

Cape May, 352.
Cerulean, 357.
Chestnut-sided, 357.
Connecticut, 369.
Golden-winged, 348.
Hooded, 372.
Kentucky, 368.
Kirtland’s, 362.
Lawrence’s, 348.
Magnolia, 356.
Mourning, 370.
Myrtle, 355.
Nashville, 349.
Orange-crowned, 350.
Palm, 363.

Parula, 352.

Pine, 363.

Prairie, 364.
Prothonotary, 344.
Redpoll, 363.
Summer Yellow, 353.
Swainson’s, 345.
Sycamore, 361.
Tennessee, 350.
Townsend’s, 362.
Wilson’s, 373.
Worm-eating, 345.
Yellow, 353.
Yellow-palm, 364.
Yellow Redpoll, 364.
Yellow-rumped, 355.
Yellow-throated, 361.

Water Witch, 57.

Waxwing, Bohemian, 323.
Cedar, 323.

Wheatear, 402.

Whimbrel, 171.

Whip-poor-will, 237.

Whisky Jack, 256.

Whistler, 118.

INDEX.

THE

431

Widgeon, American, 103.
European, 103.

Willet, 166.
Western, 167.

Winter visitants defined, 12.
list of, 13.

Woodcock, American, 153.
European, 154.

Woodpecker, American Three-toed,
Arctic Three-toed, 231.
Downy, 230.
Golden-winged, 235.
Hairy, 229.
Ivory-billed, 229.
Pileated, 233.
Red-bellied, 234.
Red-cockaded, 231.
Red-headed, 233.
Southern Hairy, 230.

Wren, Bewick’s, 381.
Carolina, 380.
Florida, 381.
House, 381.
Long-billed Marsh, 384.
Marian’s Marsh, 385.
Mocking, 380.
Short-billed Marsh, 383.
Western House, 382.
Winter, 382.
Worthington’s Marsh, 385.

XANTHOCEPHALUS
2638.
Xema sabinil, 76.

XANTHOCEPHALUS,

YELLOW-BIRD, 286.
Yellow-hammer, 235.
Yellow-legs, 165.

Greater, 164.

Lesser, 165.

Summer, 165.
Yellow-throat, Florida, 371.

Maryland, 371.

ZENAIDA ZENAIDA, 189.

Zenaidura macroura, 188.

Zonotrichia albicollis, 300.
leucophrys, 299.

END.

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