J » I U *- V I

N,\\\sCUlU of y

A^

1869
THE LIBRARY

NORTH AMERICA?^ BIRDS.

LAXD BIP.DS.

VOL. TTT.

HISTORY

OF

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS

BY

S. F. BAIRD, T. M. BKEWER, and R. RIDGWAY

LAND BIRDS

ILLUSTRATED BY €4 COLORED PLATES AXD .593 WOODCUTS

VOLUME III.

f-V^- Ij'

BOSTON

LITTLE, BROWX, AND COMPAXY

1874

Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1S7-1,

BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY,

in tile Office of tlie Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

/A

,fl(fie^ ^rif^fi^

CONTENTS

Page

Family S'liiioiDi:. The Owls 4

Family FALCoNiDi;. The Falc'ous 103

Subfamily Falconing 106

Family ('athartiii.e. Tht/ Aiiimcau Vultures 335

Family Culujibida;. The Pigeons 357

Subfamily C'olumdin.b 357

Subfamily ZENAlDlNJi 374

Family CitACiDJ;. The Curassows 397

Subfamily Pexei.opis^ 397

Family Meleagkidid.!:. The Turkeys 402

Family Tetraonid^. The Grouse 414

Family Perdicid^. The Partridges 466

Subfamily Ortyginj: 466

-APPENPI.K.

I. Additions aud Corrections . 499

II. Explanation of Terms used in describing the E.xternal Form of Birds . . 524

III. Glossary of Technical Terms 533

Indf.x ok English Names.

InDE.X of SriENTIFIC NAMES.
I.NDEX Til THE PlATES.

Plates 57-64.

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

RAPTORES.i — The Birds of Prey.

The group of birds usually known as the Raptorcs, or Rapacious Birds,
embraces three well-marked divisions, namely, the Owls, the Hawks, and tlie
Tultures. In former classifications they headed the Class of Birds, being
honored with this position in consequence of their jiowerful organizatibn,
large size, and predatory habits. But it being now known that in structure
they are less perfectly organized than tlie Passcrcs and Strisorcs, birds gener-
ally far more delicate in organization, as well as smaller in size, they occupy
a place in the more recent arrangements nearly at the end of the Terrestrial
forms.

Tlie complete definition of the order Eaptorcs, and of its subdivisions,
rerpiires the enumeration of a great many characters ; and that their distin-
guishing features may be more easily recognized by the student, I give first
a brief diagnosis, including tlieir simplest characters, to be followed by a
more detailed account hereafter.

Common CnARACTERS. Bill hooked, the upper mandible furnished at the base with a
soft skin, or '• cere," in which the nostrils are situated. Toes, three before and one behind.
Raptores.

Strigidae. Hyes directed forwards, and surrounded by radiating feathers,
whiiU are bounded, except anteriorly, by a circle or rim of differently formed,
stin'er feathers. Outer toe reversible. Claws much hooked and very sharp.
Legs and toes usually feathered, or, at least, coated with bristles. The Owls.
Falconidae. Eyes lateral, and not surrounded by radiating feathers. Outer
toe not reversible (except in Pandiun^. Claws usually hooked and sharp,
but variable. Head more or less completely feathered. The Hawhs.
Cathartidse. Eyes lateral; whole head naked. Outer toe not reversible;
claws slightly curved, bhuit. The Vultures.

The preceding characters, tliough purely artificial, may nevertheless serve
to distinguish the three families of Raptorcs belonging to tlie North American
Oniis ; a more scientific diagnosis, embracing a sufficient nundier of osteo-
logical, and accompanying anatomical characters, will be fonnd further on.

' The whole of the systematic portion of tlic article on the Raptorcs, has been prepared by Mr.
Ridgway ; the biographies, however, are furnished by Dr. Brewer, as usual. The outlines of the
skulls a-.'.d r.tema of the St.rijidx, the skulls, sterna, and heads of the Cathartidre, anil the generic
outlines of the Falconida; and Catharlida, were drawn by Mr. Ridgway. — S. F. Bauid.

VOL. III. 1

9 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

The birds of ])iey — named Accipitres by some authors, and Raptores or
Rapuccs by others, and very appropriately designated as the ^■Etoinorphcc by
Professor Huxley — I'orm one of the most strongly characterized and sharply
limited of the higher divisions of the Class of Birds. It is only recently,
however, that their place in a systematic classification and the projier num-
ber and relation of their subdivisions liave been properly understood. Pro-
fessor Ilu.xluy's views will probably form the basis for a periiianent classifi-
cation, as they certainly point tlie way to one eminently naluval. In his
important jiaper entitled "On the Classification of liirds, and on the Ta.xo-
numic \'alue of tlie Modifications of certain Cranial Pones observable in
tliat Class," ' tins gentleman lias dealt concisely upon tlie aflinities of the
order Ttaptores, and tlie distingnisliiug features of its subdivisions. In tlie
following diagnoses the ostcological cliaracters are mainly borrowed from
Professor Huxley's work referred to. Nitzsch's " Pterylography " ^ supplies
such characters as are afforded by the plumage, most of whicli confirm the
arrangement based upon tlie osteological structure ; while important sugges-
tions have been derived from McGillivray's "History of Britisli Birds."'
The [Monograplis of the Strigidw and Falconidw, by Dr. -I. .T. Kaup,'' contain
much valuable information, and were tliey not disfigured by a \'ery eccentric
system of arrangement they would apjiroacli nearer to a natural classifica-
tion of tlie subfamilies, genera, and suligenera, than any arrangement of the
lesser groups wliich I have yet seen.

The species of this group are spread over the whole world, tropical regions
having the greatest variety of forms and number of species. The Strir/idcc
are cosmopolitan, most of the genera belonging to both continents. Tlie
F(dconi(1m-A\e, also found t!ie world over, but each continent has subfamilies
peculiar to it. The C'athartidce are peculiar to America, having analogous
representatives in the Old World in the subfamily Vid/urincv belonging to
the Fulconida: The G ijpogevanidw are found only in South Africa, M'liere a
single species, Gypogcranus serpentariv.s (Gmel.), sole representative of the
family, is found.

As regards tlie comparative numlier of species of this order in the two
continents, tiie Old World is considerably ahead of the New World, which
might be expected froiii its far greater land area. 581 species are given in
Gray's Hand List,^ of which certainly not more tlian .10(1, proliably not more

• By Thomas H. Huxley, F. R. S., V. P. Z. S. ; Proceeding.s of tlic Zoblogical Society of Lou-
don, 1867, pp. J15-473.

^ By C'liailes Ludwig Nitzsch. English edition, translated from the German liy Dr. Pliilip
Lutley Sulater, and published by the Ray Society of London, 1867.

' By William JIoGillivray, A. M. ; ],ondon, 1840.

' See Jardine's Contributions to Ornithology, London, 1849, p. 68 ; 18.50, p. .'il ; 18.51, p. 110 ;
1852, p. 103 ; and Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, 1862, p. 201.

' Hand List of Genem and Sjieeies of Birds, distinguishing those contained in the British
JIuseum. By George Robert Gray, F. E. S., etc. Part I. Accipitres, Finserostrcs, Tenuiroslrcs,
and Dentiroslrcs. London, 1869.

RAPTORKS — BIRDS OF PREY. 3

than 450, are valid species, the others ranking as geographical races, or are
synonymous with others ; of this number about 350 nominal species are
accredited to the Old World. America, however, possesses the greatest
variety of forms, and the great bulk of the Old World liaptorial fauna is
made ujj chiefly hy a large array of species of a few genera whicli are repre-
sented in America by but one or two, or at most half a dozen, species. The
genera Aquila, Spi-aiiis, Accipitcr, Haliaivs, Faico, Circua, Athene, Strix, and
Bi'fco, are striking examples. As regards tlic numl)er of peculiar forms,
America is considerablv ahead.

NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

Family STRIGID^. — The Owls.

CnAH. Ej'es directed forwani, ami .siiiniinidcd by a radiating system of feathers,
which is bounded, except anteriorly, by a nill of .^till', compactly webbed, differently
lbrm<'d, and somewhat recurved feathers ; loral feathers antrorsc, long, and dense.
Plumage very soft and la.x, of a line down}' texture, the feathers destitute of an
after-shaft. Oil-gland without the usual circlet of feathers. Outer webs of the quills
with the points of the libres recurved. Feathers on the sides of the forehead frequently
elongated into ear-like tufts ; tarsus usually, and toes frequently, densely feathered. Ear-
opening very large, sometimes covered by a lappet, ffisophagus destitute of a dilated
crop ; cojca large. Maxillo-palatines thick and spongy, and encroaching upon the
intervening vallej' ; basipterygoid processes always present. Outer toe reversible ; pos-
terior toe only about half as long as the outer. Posterior margin of the sternum doubly
indented ; clavicle weak and nearly cylindrical, about equal in length to the sternum.
Anterior process of the coracoid projected forward so as to meet the clavicle, beneath the
basal process of the scapula. Eggs variable in shape, usually nearly spherical, always
immaculate, pure white.

Tlie Owls constitute a very natural and sliarply limited family, and though
the species vary almost infinitely in tlie details of their structure, they aU
seem to fall within the limits of a single subfamily.

They have never yet been satisfactorily classified, and all the arrange-
ments which have been either proposed or adojited are refuted by the facts
developed upon a close study into the true relationship of the many genera.
The divisions of " Night Owls," " Day Owls," " Horned Owls," etc., are
purely artificial. This family is much more homogeneous than that of the
Falconulw, since none of the many genera whicli I have e.x^amined seem
to depart in tlioir structure from the model of a single subfamily, though a
few of them are .somewhat aberrant as regards peculiarities in the detail of
external form, or, less often, to a slight extent, in their osteological char-
acters, tliougii 1 liave e.xamined critically only the American and Europeau
species ; and there may be some Asiatic, African, or Australian genera
wiiich depart so far from the normal standard of structure as to necessitate a
modification of this view. In the structure of the sternum there is scarcely
the least noticeable de\-iation in any genus ^ from the typical form. The
appreciable differences appear to be only of generic value, such as a different
proportionate length of the coracoid bones and tlte sternum, and width of
the sternum in proportion to its length, or the height of its keel. The crania
present a greater range of variation, and, if closely studied, may afford a
clew to a more natural arrangement than the one which is here presented.
The cliief differences in the skulls of different genera consist in the degree
of pneumaticity of the bones, in the form of the auricular bones, the com-
parative length and breadth of the palatines, and very great contrasts in the

' I have, howcvpr, ex.imini'd tlic .sterna only of Xiidca, Ditbo, Olus, Bnichijoliis, Syrnium,
Nyclale, and Glaucidium.

STRIGlDiE — THE OWLS. 5

contour. As a rule, wo find that tliose skulls which liave thu greatest
pneuniaticity (e. g. <s7/7','' and Otu^) are most depressed anteriorly, have the
orbital septum thicker, the palatines longer and narrower, and a deeper Itjn-
gitudinal median valley on the superior surface, and vice vcvm.

The following classification is based chiefly upon external characters ; hut
these are in most instances known to be accompanied by osteological pecu-
liarities, wliich point to nearly the same arrangement. It is intended merely
as an artificial table of tlie North American genera, and may be subjected
to considerable modification in its ])lan if e.Kotic genera are introduced.^

Genera and Subgenera.

A. Inner toe equal to the middle in length; inner edge of middle claw
pectinated. First quill longer than the third ; all the quills ^v•ith their inner webs
entire, or without emargination. Tail emarginated. Feathens of the posterior
face of the tarsus recurved, or pointed upwards.

1. Strix. No ear-tufts; bill light-colored ; eyes black ; tarsus
nearly twice as long as middle toe; toes scantily haired. Size
medium. Ear-oonch nearly as long as the height of the skull,
with an anterior operculum for only a portion of its length ;
symmetrical.

B. Inner toe decidedly or much shorter than the middle ; inner edge of middle
claw not pectinated. First quill shorter than the third ; one to six outer quills
with their inner webs emarginated. Tail rounded. Feathers of the posterior
face of the tarsus not recurved Ijut pointed downwards.

I. Nostril open, oval, situated in the anterior edge uf the cere, which is not
inflated.

a. Cere, on top, equal to, or exceeding, the chord of the culmen ; much
arched. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of the skull, with the
operculum extending its full length; asymmetrical

2. Otus. One or two outer quills with their inner webs
emarginated. With or without ear-tufts. Bill blackish ; iris
yellow. Size medium.

Ear-tufts well developed ; only one quill emarginated . Otus.
Ear-tufts rudimentary ; two quills emarginated . Brachyotus.

b. Cere, on top, less than the chord of the culmen; gradually ascending
basally, or level (not arched). Ear-conch nearly the height of the skull,
with the operculum extending only a part of its full length, or wanting
entirely.

t Anterior edge of the ear-conch with an operculum; the two ears
asymmetrical.

3. Syrnium. Five to six outer quills with their inner
webs emarginated. Top of cere more than half the culmen.
Without ear-tufts. Bill yellow ; iris yellow or black. Size
medium or large.

Six quills emarginated ; toes densely feathered, the ter-
minal scutellae concealed; iris yellow. Size very large Scotiaptex.

' My impublished determinations of the North American species were furnished, by request,
to Dr. Coues, for introduction into his "Key of North Aniericnn Birds"; consequently the
names used in these pages are essentially the same as those there employed.

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Five quills eniiirgiu.ited ; toes scantly foatlieied, the
tcmiinal scutella: exposed ; iris black. Size medium . Syrnium.

4. Nyctale. Two outer quills with inner webs emar-
■jinateil. Top of cere less than half the culmen, level. With-
out ear-tufts. Bill yellow or blackish; iris yellow. Size
small.

tt Anterior edge of the ear-conch without an operculum. Tlic two
ears symmetrical. Tail slightly rounded, only about half as long
as the wing.

5. Scops. Two to live quills with inner webs emarginated ;
second to lifth longest. Bill weak, light-colored. Ear-conch
elliptical, about one-third the height of the head, with a
slighll}' elevated fringed anterior margin. Size .small ; ear-
tufts usually well developed, sometimes rudimentary.

G. Bubo. Two to four outer quills with inner webs emar-
ginated; third to fourth longest. Bill robust, black. Ear-
conch elliptical, simple, from one third to one half the height
of the skull. Size large. Ear-tufts well developed or rudi-
mentary.

Ear-tufts well developed. Two to three outer quills
with inner webs emarginated ; lower tail-coverts not
reaching end of the tail. Toes covered with short feathers,
the claws exposed, and bill not concealed by the loral

feathers Bubo.

Ear-tufts rudimentary. Four outer quills with their

inner webs emarginated ; lower tail-coverts reaching end

of the tail. Toes covered with long feathers, which hide

the claws, and bill nearly concealed by the loral feathers . Kydta.

■f+t Similar to the last, but the tail graduated, nearly equal to the

wing.

7. Sumia. Four o\itcr quills with inner webs emarginated.
Third quill longest. Bill strong, yellow ; ear-conch simple,
oval, less than the diameter of the eye. Size medium ; no
ear-tufts.

II. Nostril, a small circular opening into the surrounding inflated membrane
of the cere. Ear-conch small, simple, oval, or nearly round, without an
operculum.

First quill .shorter than the tenth.

8. Glaucidiiim. Third to fourth quills longest ; four emargi-
nated on imier webs. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe,
densely feathered. Tail much more than half the wing,
roundc'il. Bill and iris yellow. Size very small.

9. Micrathene. Fourth quill longest; four emarginated on
inner webs. Tarsus a little longer than middle toe, scantily
haired. Tail less than half the wing, even. Bill light (green-
ish ?) ; iris yellow. Size very small.

First quill lonircr than sixth.

10. Speotyto. Second to fourth quills longest ; three emar-
ginated on inner webs. Tarsus more than twice as long as
middle toe, closely feathered in front to the toes, naked
behind. Tail less than half the wing, slightly rounded. Bill
yellowish ; iris yellow. Size small.

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS. 7

In their distribution, tlio Owls, as a family, aro cosmopolitan, and most of
the genera aro found on both hemispheres. All the northern genera {Njjcfca,
Surnia, Nydale, aud Scotiaptai), and the majority of their species, are cir-
cumpolar. The genus Glaucidluin is most largely developed within the
tropics, and has numerous species in both hemispheres. Otns hrach uotua
and Slrix Jlammca are the only two species which are found all over tiie
world, — the former, however, being apparently absent in Australia. Uifinno-
gJaux, Sj)eofi/fo, Micrathcnc, and Lophostrix are about tlie only well-character-
ized genera peculiar to America. Athene, Ketujxi, and F/ivdilus are peculiar
to the Old World. The approximate number of known species (see Gray's
Hand List of I5ird.s, I, 1869) is about two luindrcd, of whicli two, as stated,
are cosmopolitan ; six others {Surnia ululct, Ni/iicn scandiaea, Glaaeld'nua
passerinum, Sijnuum cinercum, Of us vulgaris, and Ngefule tengmuiini) are
found in botli halves of the Northern Hemispliere ; of the remainder there
are about an equal number peculiar to America and the Old World.

As regards the distribution of the Owls in the Nearctic Realm, a jiromi-
nent feature is the number of the species (eighteen, not including races)
belonging to it, of which six {Micratheyie xvhitneyi, Nyctede acadiea, Syrnium
nehulosum, S. oceidcntalc, Scops asio, and S.Jiammcola) are found nowhere else.
Spcotyto cunicuhiria and Bubo virginiunus are peculiarly American species
found both north and south of the equator, but in the two regions represented
by different geographical races. Glaueidium ferrugincum and G. iufascatum
(var. glioma) are tropical species whicli overreach tlie l)ounds of the Neo-
tropical Eealm, — the former extending into the United States, the latter
reaching to, and probably also within, our borders. Of the eighteen North
American species, about nine, or one half (Strix flammea var. j^^atincola,
Otus brachyotus, 0. vulgaris var. wilsonianus, Syrniuyn cincrevm, Nycfale
acadiea, Bubo virginianus, and Seops asio, with certainty, and Nyctea
scandiaea var. arctica, and Surnia uUda var. Imdsonia, in all probability),
are found entirely across the continent. Nyctale tengmuiini, var. riehardsom,
and Syrnium nehulosum, appear to be peculiar to the eastern portion, — the
former to the northern regions, the latter to the southern. Athene eunieularia
var. hypugeica, Mierathenc ivhitneyi, Glaueidium jmsserinum var. ealifornicum,
Syrnium oeeidcnialc, and Seops flam merjla, are exclusively western, all belong-
ing to the southern portion of the Middle Province and IJocky Mountain
region, and the adjacent parts of Mexico, excepting the more generally dis-
tributed Spcotyto eunieularia, var. hypuejcvct, before mentioned. Anomalies in
regard to the distribution of some of the species common to both continents,
are the restriction of the American representative of Glaueidium passerinum
to the western regions,-^ and of Strix flammea to the very southern and

1 Tliis case of the restriction of the American rejiresentative of a European or AVestern PahT-
arctic .species to the western half of tlie continent has parallel instances amonj; other birds.
The American form of Fahokinariiis (var. pohjnijnts), of C'orviis corax (var. caniivorus). Pica
caiiikda (var. hudsonim and var. nutlaUl) and of ^-EijinHth crinfinnus (var. nirosu.i), are either

g NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

maritime portions of the United States, the European representatives of both
species being generally distributed throughout that continent. On the other
hand, the northwest-coast race of our Scops asio {S. kcnnicotti) seems to be
nearly identical witli the Japanese .S'. scniitorques (Schlegel), which is un-
doubtedly referrible to the same species.

As regards their i)luinage, the Owls differ most remarkably from the
Hawks in the fact tliat the sexes are invariably colored alike, while from
the nest to perfect maturity there are no \\cll-marked progressive stages
distinguisliing the different ages of a species. Tlie nestling, or downy,
plumage, h(nvcver, of many species, has the intricate pencilling of the adult
dress rejilaced by a simple transverse barring updu tlie imperfect downy
co\ering. The downy young of Xi/dca scandiaca is plain sooty-lirown, and
that oi Strix Jlammca immaculate white.

In many species tlie adult chess is characterized by a mottling of various
shades of grayish mi.xed witli ochraceous or fulvous, this ornamented by a
^•ariabl(', often very intricate, pencilling of dusky, and more or less mixed
with wliite. As a consequence of the mixed or mottled character of the
markings, the plumage of the Owls is, as a rule, difficult to descriVje.

In the variations of plumage, size, etc., w-ith differences of habitat,
there is a wide range, the usually recognized laws ^ applying to most of
those species which are generally distributed and resident where breeding.
Of the eight species common to the Palajarctic and Xearctic Realms, all but
one {Otus hmclnjotus) are modified so as to form representative geograpliieal
races on the two continents. In each of these cases the American bird is
much darker than the European, the brown areas and markings being not oidy
more extended, but deeper in tint. The dilference in this respect is so tan-
gible that an experienced ornithologist can instantly decide to which con-
tinent any specimen belongs. Of the two cosmopolitan species one, Otus
hrach/ohis, is identical throughout ; the other is modified into geographical
races in nearly every well-marked province of its habitat. Tims in the
Pakearctic Eealm it is typical Striv flammca ; in the Nearctic Eealm it is var.
jiratincola ; while Tropical America has at least three well-marked geo-
graphical races, the species being represented in Middle America by the var.

piitiioly rpstricted to the western portion, or el.se are mueli more iilnindant there than in the
east. Tlie European genera Cinclu.i, Coccolhrauslcs, Nucifraga, and Cohimba have representa-
tives only in the western portion of North America.

Instances of a similar relation between the plants of the Western Province of North America
anil those of Europe, and more striking likeness between the flora of the Eastern Region and
that of Eastern Asia, are beautifiilly explained in Professor Gray's interesting and instructive
pa|)er entitled "Sf(|uoia, and its History," an address delivered at the meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science, at Dubuque, Iowa, August, 1S72. The poverty in the
species of tortoises, and richness in lizards, and the peculiarities of the ichthyological fauna, as well
as absence of fonnsof Western North America and Europe, coni|iared with Eastern North America
nud Eastern Asia, afford other examples of parallelism in other classes of the Animal Kingdom.

' See Baird, Am. .Tourn. Arts and Sciences, Vol. XLI, .Ian. .and March, 1866 ; Allen, Bull.
Mus. Comp. Zool. Cambridge, Vol. II, No. 3 ; and Ridgway, Am. Joum. Arts and Sciences.
Vols, IV and V, Dec., ISTi', and Jan., 1S73.

STRIOID.E — THE OWLS. 9

guatemalcc, in South America by var. lurJiitu, and in the West Indies by the
var. /areata. Tlie Old World has also numerous representative races, of
which we have, however, seen only two, namely, \m: javanica ((Jm.), of Java,
India, and Eastern Africa, and var. dcHcatula ((iouldj of Australia, both of
which we unhesitatingly refer to S. flxtmmm}

On the Xorth American continent the only widely distributed species
which do not vary perceptibly with the region are Otus hraclujotas and 0.
vuhjaris (var. wilsonianus). Baho cirijiaiuiiaa, Scops u.slo, and SyrniiDn nchu-
losum all bear tlie impress of special laws in the several regions of their
habitat. Starting with the Eastern Province, and tracing either of these three
species southward, we find it becoming gradually smaller, the colors deeper
and more rufous, and the toes more scantily feathered. Scups asiu reaches its
minimum of size and maximum depth of color in Elorida (vav. Jluridana)
and in Me.xico (var. cnaiw).

Of tlie other two I have not seen Florida specimens, but examples of
both from other Southern States and the Lower Mississippi Valley region are
much more rufous, and — the S. lubulosinn especially — smaller, with nujre
naked toes. The latter species is darkest in Eastern Mexico (var. mrtori),
and most rufescent, and smallest, in Guatemala (yav. fill cesccns). In the mid-
dle region of the United States, Sco2JS asio (var. maccalli) and Bubo xinjini-
anus (var. arctkus) are more grayish and more delicately pencilled than from
other portions. In the northwest coast region they become larger and much
more darkly colored, assuming the clove-brown or sooty tints peculiar to the
region. The var. Iccmiicofti represents S. asio in this region, and var. pacificiis
the B. virginianus. Tiie latter species also extends its range around the
Arctic Coast to Labrador, and forms a northern littoral race, the very oppo-
site extreme in color from the nearly albinescent examples of var. arcticits
found in the interior of Arctic America.

A very remarkable characteristic of the Owls is the fact that many of the
species exist in a sort of dimorphic condition, or that two ])lumages suffi-
ciently unlike to be of specific importance in other cases belong to one
species. It was long thought that these two phases represented two distinct
species; afterwards it was maintained that they depended on age, sex, or sea-
son, different authors or observers entertaining various opinions on the sub-
ject ; but it is ]iow generally believed that every indi\idual retains through
life the plumage which it first acc|uires, and that young birds of both forms
are often found in the same nest, their parents being either both of one
form, or both of the other, or the two styles paired together.^ The normal
plumage, in these instances, appears to be grayish, the pattern distinct, the
markings sharjily defined, and the general appearance much like that of spe-
cies which do not have the other plumage. The other plumage is a repla-

1 For (li.ignosps of tliese geogra{ihii;al races of SIrij: flummm, see pp. 13.39 and 1340.

2 See Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zobl., Cambriage, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 338, 339, where these
plumages are discu.ssed at length.

VOL. in. 2

IQ NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

cinj,' of the grayish tints by a bright lateritious-rnfous, the pencillings being
at the same time less well defined, and the pattern of the smaller markings
often changed. Tliis conditi(jn seems to be somewhat analogous to melanism
in certain Falconida;, and appears to be more common in the genera Scops
and Glaucklium (in which it affects mainly the tropical species), and occurs
als(i in the P2uropean Syrnium ainco. As studied with relation to our North
American species, we tind it only in Scops asio and Gluucidium fcrrugineum.
Tlie latter, being strictly tropical in its habitat, is similarly affected through-
out its range ; but in the former we find that this condition depends much
upon the region. Thus neither Dr. Cooper nor I have ever seen a red spe-
cimen fi-om the Pacific coast, nor do I find any record of such an occuiTence.
The normal gray pluniage, however, is as common throughout that region as
in the Atlantic States. In llie Xew England and Middle States tlie red plu-
mage seems to be more rare in most places than the gray one, while toward
the south the red predominates greatly. Of over twenty specimens obtained
in Southern Illinois (Mt. Carmel) in the course of one winter, only one was
of the gray plumage ; and of the total number of specimens seen and se-
cured at other times during a series of years, we can remember but one other
gray one. As a parallel example among mammals, Professor Baird suggests
the case of tlie Ked-bellied Squirrels and Foxes of the Southern States,
whose relationships to the more grayish northern and western forms appear
to be about the same as in the present instance.

Genus STRIX, Savigxy.

lilrix, Savigny, 1809 (ncc Lixx. 173,5i (Type, Slrix Jlammea, Lixx.)
Slridula, Seli.ys-Loxgch, 1842.
Eustrinx, Webb & Berth. 1S44.
Hybris, NiTzscH.

Gex. Char. Sisie mt'diiini. No ear-tufts; facial ruff entirely ''oiitinuous, very conspicu-
ous. Wing very long, tlie first or second quill longest, anil all without eniargination. Tail

short, eniaiginated. Bill
elongated, compressed, reg-
ularly curved ; top of the
cere nearly equal to the
cuhnen, straight, and some-
what depressed. Nostril
open, oval, nearly horizontal.
Eyes very small. Tareus
nearly twice as long as the
middle toe, densely clothed
with soft short feathers,
those on the posterior face
sirhc prniincoia. inclined upwards; toes

scantily bristled ; claws ex-
tremely sharp and long, the middle one with its inner edge pectinated. Ear-conch nearly

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. H

as long as the height of the head, with au anterior operculum, which does not extend its
full length ; the two ears symmetrical ?

The species of Stric are distributed over the wliole world, though only
one of them is cosmopolitan. This is the common Barn Owl (S. flammed),
the type of the genus, which is found in nearly every portion of the world,
though in different regions it has experienced modifications which constitute
geographical races. The other species, of more restricted distribution, are
peculiar to the tropical portions of the Old World, chiefly Australiii and
South Africa.

Synopsis of the Races of S. flammea.

S. flammea. Face varying from pure wliite to delicate claret-brown; facial
circle varying from pure white, through ochraceous and rufous, to deep black.
Upper parts with the feathers ochraoeous-yellow basally; this overlaid, more or
less continuously, tiy a graj-ish wash, usually finely mottled and speckled, with
dusky and white. Primaries and tail barred transversely, more or less distinctly,
with distant dusky bands, of varialjle number. Beneath, varying from pure
snowy white to tawny rufous, immaculate or speckled. Wing, 10.70 - 13.50.

Wing, 10.70-12.00; tail, 4.80-5.50; oulmen, .75-.80 ; tarsus, 2.05 -2.15;
middle toe, 1.25 - 1.30. Tail with four dark bands, and sometimes a trace
of a fifth. Hab. Europe and Mediterranean region of Africa . ■vav. flammea.''

Wing, 12.50-14.00; tail, 5.70-7.50; culmen, .90-1.00; tarsus, 2.55-
3.00. Tail with four dark bands, and sometimes a trace of a fifth. Colors
lighter than in var. flammea. Bab. Southern North America and Mexico.

var. 2' r atincola.
Wing, 11.30-13.00; tail, O..30-5.90; tar.^us, 2.55-2.95. Colors of var.
flammea, but more uniform above and more coarsely speckled below. Hab.
Central America, from Panama to Guatemala .... var. guatemala;.^

1 Strix flammea, var. flammea. Strix flammea, LiSN. S. N. I, 133, 1766, et AucT.-
Stkickl. Orn. Sjni. I, 1855, 178. Strix alba. Scop. Ann. 1st, p. 21, 1768. — Gmel. S. N.
293. — hxTH. — D.vuD. — Lf.p. and Sn.vw. Strix guttata, Br.EUM, Viig. Deutscbl. p. 106,
1831. Hab. Europe and Africa.

^ Strix flammea, var. guatcmala;, Eidgwat. Central American specimens differ very appre-
ciably from Mexican and North Amei'ican examples, in being considerably darker-colored in
the extreme phases of plumage. Eight of eleven specimens convey an impression of decided
difference in this respect at a mere casual glance. The extremes of plumage in this series are as
follows : — Darkest (No. 40,961, Chimandega, Nicaragua ; F. Hick.sl : The dusky mottling of
the upper parts is altogether darker than in an)' example from Mexico or northward, and pre-
vails, w'ith gi'cat uniformity, over the entire surface ; the white specks are linear, instead of
roundish. On the primaiies and tail, the blackish and ochi-aceous are about ci|ual in extent, the
latter color forming five bands on the quills, and four on the tail. The facial circle is bright
dark orange above the ears, and the portion below the ears continuous black ; the face is red-
dish-white, strongly tinged with wine-brown, while the spot in front of the eye is deep black.
The whole lower parts are deep orange-ochraceous, with numerous irregular specks of dusky,
which posteriorly become broken or confused into ragged zigzag transverse mottlings, while
on the lower tail-coverts they form irregular transvei'se bars. Wing-fornuda, 2, 1-3. Wing,
13.00; tail, 5.90; culmen, .85; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.50. Lightest (No. 41,252, $,
San Jose, Costa Rica, Aug. 23, 1865 ; Jose C. Zeledon) : The dark tint above, though prev-
alent, is a continuous wash of grayish, instead of a fine mottling of blackish and white ; the
white specks are nearly obsolete. The wings are superlic;ially )dain grayish, this overlaying the
ground-color of ochraccous-orange ; ami have visible spots only on the primaries, near their

22 NOKTH AilERICAX BIRDS.

Wing, 1 1.70 - 12.00 ; tail, 4.80 - 5.20 ; tarsus, 2.40 - 2.75. T.iil more even,
and lighter colored ; the dark bars nairower, and more .sharply dofniod.
Colors generally paler, and more grayish, llab. South Ami-rica (Brazil,
etc.) \-Sl\: perlataA

Wing, 12.00-13.50; tail, 5.G0 - 6.00 ; culnien, .85-.'J5; tarsus, 2.70-2.85;
middle toe, 1.45- l.GO. Colors as in var. perlala, but secondaries and tail
nearly white, m abrupt contrast to the adjacent parts; tail usually without
bars. Ilab. West Indies (Cuba and Jamaica, Mus. S. I.) . . var. /urea /a.'

Wing, 11.00; tail, 5.00; culmen, about .85; tarsus, 2.05-2.45; middle

shafts. The tail has four rather distinct grayish bands. The facial circle is ochraccous, some-
wliat darker across the foreneck ; the face white, with the ante-orbital spot claret-brown. Entire
lower parts imraaeulate pure white. Wing-formula, 2, 1 = 3. Wiug, 12.30 ; tail, 5.30 ; cul-
men, .70 ; tarsus, 2.75 ; middle toe, 1.45.

No. 24,283, Nicaragua, (Captain .1. Jl. Dow, ) is like the specimen just described, in the unifonu
dark wash of the upjKT parts, but this is deeper ; the lower parts, however, are quite different,
being ochraceous-orangc, instead of pure white.

The remaining fivit specimens (from San .Salvador, Costa liica, and Nicai-agua) are alike, and
differ from northern birds in the deeper dark mottling of the upper parts ; the white specks
very conspicuous, and usually sagittate. The facial circle deep black where it crosses the fore-
neck. The lower parts vary in color from nearly pure white to deep orange-rufous ; the dark
markings of the lower surface are larger, more angular, and more transverse than m true i>ra-
tincola. The wing measures 11.30-13.00; tai-su.s, 2.55-2.95. The northern form varies
from 12.50-13.00 (wing) and 2.50-2.85 (tarsus). It is thus seen tliat while these southern
birds average .smaller in general dimensions;, they have actually larger feet, the average length of
the tai-sus being 2. SO in the Central American series, and only 2. CO in the northern series. This
exactly coincides with the case of Sturncl/a, the S. mic{/na var. mcxicana of the same region being
smaller bodied and shorter winged than var. magna of the United States, but with much
larger feet, se<t p.

' Slrix flammea, var. pcrlaia. Strix pcrlaia, LuilT. Veiv.. Doubl. 59, 1823. — TscnuDi, Av.
Consp. Wiegm. Archiv. 267, 1844. — Haiht. Syst. Ind. Azara. p. 3. —Max. Beitr. Ill, 263
(excl. syn.). — Strickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 1855, 180 (excl. syn.). Strir flammea, U.vrwk, Zoo\.
Bciig. 34. — ScHOMB. Verz. Faun. Brit. Guian. p. 732. — Spix, Av. Bras. I, 21.

This is a .still further differentiated or more appreciably modified race. It differs in smaller
size (wing, 11.70-12.50 ; tail, 4.80-5.20 ; tai-sus, 2.40-2.75) and more square tail, while the
colore also present constant dilferences. The tail is much lighter compared with the wings, the
bands narrower and more sharply defined, though the same in number.

- St rut flammea, var. fitratla. Sln\e/ii)ratn, Te.mm. PI. Col. 432, 1S3S. — D'Okd. Hist. Nat.
Cuba Ois. p. 34. Nab. West Indies (Cuba and Jamaica).

This fiirui is the most distinctly characterized of all the races o( S. flammea which we have
examined. It has the general plumage decidedly lighter and less rufous, while the secomlarics
and tail are abruptly lighter than the adjacent parts, and usually free from bands, though there
are sometimes traces of them.

All the American races of Slrix flammea differ very decidedly fjoni the European form (var.
flammen) in much larger size. The differences in color are not so appreciable, and there is
hardly any certain difference in this respect. The extreme phases, however, appear to be darker
in the var. flnmmca than in the var. jmitincoja. The supposed differences in the character
of the feathers fringing the oiiereulum, insisted on by MacGillivray (History of British Birds,
111, 1S40, p. 473), 1 am unable to appreciate, for I cannot find that they differ in the least in
the two rares. That excellent ornitliologist states that in the American " species " the feathei-s
of the opereulum are induced to a simi)le tube, having neither filaments nor shaft, while in the
European bird they are perfect feathers, with all their parts complete. Though this may have
been the case with the one or more specimens of ]>ratmcola examined by Mr. JlacGillivray, I
have yet to see an American specimen which has not the feathers of the operculum just as per-
fectly developed as in European examples.

STRiaiD.E — THE OWLS. 13

toe, 1.30-1.40. Colors of var. praiincola, but less of the ochraceous, with
a greater prevalence of tlie gray mottling. Tail with fonr darlc bands.
Ildlt. Australia ......... var. deli cat ul a }

Wing, 11.00-11.70: tail, 5.10-5.-10; culmen, .85 -.00: tarsus, 2..30 -
2.45; middle toe, 1.35-1.45. Same colors as var. deUcalnla. Tail witli
fonr dark bands (sometimes a trace of a fifth). Huh. India and Eastern
Africa ........... xsxt. jav aiiica.'

Strix flammea, \;ii. pratincola, Boxap.

AMEKICAN BARN OWL.

Strix pratincola, Bun-.\i'. List, 1S3S, p. 7. — Dk K.^y, Zoiil. K. Y. II, 1841, 31, pi. xiii.
f. 28. — Gr.\y, Gen. B., fol. sp. 2. — C.\ssix, B. Cal. & Tex. 1854, p. 176. — Newb.
P. E. Rep. VI, IV, 1857, 76. — Heekm. do. VII, 1857, 34. —Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858,
47. _CouES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. (P. A. N. S. Philad. 1SC6), 13. —Sol. P. Z. S. 1859,
390 (Oaxaca). — Dressek, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas). — ? Brv.\nt, Pr. Host. See. 1867, 65
(Bahamas). Sti-ix pcrlata, Gu.\Y, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1848, 109 (not S. 2}crlata of
Light. !). — Ib. Hand List, I, 1869, 52. — K.vup, Monog. Strig. Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond.
IV, 1859, 247. Strix americana, AUD. Synop. 1839, 24. — Breweu, Wilson's Am.
Orn. 1852, 687. Strix flammea. Max. Reise Bras. II, 1820, 265. — WiLS. Am. Orn.
1808, pi. 1, f. 2. — .LuiES, ed. Wilson's Am. Orn. I, 1831, 111. — AuD. B. Am. 1831,
pi. clxxi. — Id. Orn. Biog. II, 1831, 403. —Snx, Av. Bras. I, 21. -Vig. Zool. Jom-.
Ill, 438. — Ib. Zoiil. Beech. Voy. p. 16. — Bo.vap. Ann. N. Y. Lye. II, 38. — Ib. Isis,
1832, 1140; Comsp. Av. p. 55. — Quay, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, 54. — Nutt.
Man. 1833, 139. Ulala flammea, Jaudine, ed. Wilson's Am. Orn. II, 1832, 264. Strix
flammea, var. amcricaiia, CoUES, Key, 1872, 201.

Char. Arernrje plumage. Grouml-cnlor of the upper parts bright orange-ochr.a-
ceous ; this overlaid in cloudings, on nearly the whole of the surface, with a delicate
mottling of blackish and white; the mottling continuous on the back and inner scapu-
lars, and on the ends of the primaries more faint, while along their edges it is more iu
the form of fine dusky dots, thickly sprinkled. Each feather of the mottled surface
(excepting the secondaries and primaries) has a medial dash of black, enclosing a
roundish or cordate .spot of white near the end of the feather ; on the secondaries and
primaries, the mottling is condensed into obsolete transverse bands, which are about four
in number on the former and five on the latter ; primary coverts deeper orange-rufous
than the other portions, the mottling principally at their ends. Tail orange-ochraceous,
finely mottled — most densely terminally — with dusky, fading into whitish at the tip,
and crossed by about five distinct bands of mottled dusky. Face white, tinged with
wine-red; an ante-orbital spot of dark claret-brown, this narrowly surrounding the eye;
facial circle, I'rom forehead down to the ears (behind which it is white for an inch or so)
soft orange-ochraceous, similar to the ground-color of tlie upper parts ; the lower half
(from ears acros-s the throat) deeper ochraceous, the tips of the feathers blackish, the
latter sometimes predominating. Lower parts snowy-white, but this more or less over-

1 Strix flammea, var. dclicntiila. Strix dclicalula, Gould, P. Z. .S. 1836, 140. — Ib. B.
Australia, I, pi. xxxi. — Stkickl. Orn. Syn. 1855, 180. Hab. Australia.

^ Strix flammea, var. javanica. Strix javanica, Gmel. S. N. I, 295, 1789. — Lath. Ind.
Orn. p. 64, and Geu. Hist. I, 357. — House. L. Trans. XIII, 139. — Ghay', Gen. B. fob sp. 5,
pi. XV. — Syke.s, p. C'omm. Zoiil. Soc. pi. ii, 81. — Stuickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, ISO. Pluidilus
javanicus, Blytit, Joiirn. As. Soc. Beng. XIX, 513. Strix flammea, Peaks. & Bi.ytu. Uab.
Java and Southern India, and Eastern Africa.

Z~ -i- t 1 -!'-'*

14

KORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

laid with a tings of fine orange-ochraceous, lighter than the tint of the upper parts ; and,
excepting on the jugulum, anal region, and crissuni, with numerous minute but distinct
specks of black; under surface of wings delicate yellowish-white, the lining sparsely
sprinkled with black dots; inner webs of primaries with transverse bars of mottled dusky
near their ends.

Extreme plumages. Darkest (No. G,884, ^, Tejon Valley, Cal.; '"R. S. W." Dr.
Heermann) : There is no white whatever on the plumage, the lower parts being con-
tinuous light ochraceons ; the tibije have numerous round spots of blackish. Lightest
(Xo. G,S85, same locality) : Face and entire lower parts immaculate snowy-white ; facial
circle white, with the tips of the feathers orange; the secondaries, primai-ies, and tail
show no bars, their surface being uniformly and finely mottled.

Measurements ((J, 6,884, Tejon Valley, Cal.; Dr. Heermann). Wing, 13.UU ; tail,
o.VO; culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.25. Wing-formula, 2, 1-3. Among the

Strix pratincola.

verv numerous specimens in the collection, there is not one marked 9 ■ The extremes
of a large series are as follows : Wing, 12.50 - 14.00 ; tail, 5.70 - 7.50 ; cuhnen, .90 - 1.10 ;
tarsus, 2.55 - 3.00.

H\B. More southern portions of North America, especially near the sea-coast, from
the Middle States southward, and along the southern border to California ; whole of
Mexico. In Central America appreciably modified into var. gitaiemala:. In South Amer-
ica replaced by var. pertain, and in the West Indies by the quite different var. furcata.

Localities: "Oaxaca (Scl. P. Z. S. 1859, 390); Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 18G5, 330);
Arizona (Coues, P. A. N. S. 1866, 49) ; ? Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 18G7, 65).
Kansas (Snow, List of B. Kansa,«) : Iowa CAllex, Iowa Geol. Report, IT, 42J).

Tlie variations of plumaiie noted above appear to lie of a ]iurely individual
nature, since they do nfit depend upon the locality ; nor, as far as we can
learn, to any considerable extent, upon age or sex.

H.viiiTS, On the Atlantic coast this bird very rarely occurs north of
Pennsylvania. It is i;iven by Mr. Lawrence as very rare in the vicinity of
New York, and in tliree instances, at least, it has been detected in New
En<;land. An individual is said, by I'ev. .T. H. Linsley, to have been
taken in 1843, in Stratford, Conn.; another was sliot at Sacliom's Head in the
same State, October 28, 1865 ; and a third was killed in May, 1868, near
Springfield, Mass.

STKIGlDvE — THE OWLS.

15

atrix JJammea.

In the vicinity of Philadelpliia the Barn Owl is not very rare, but is
more common in spring and autumn than in the summer. Its nests have
been found in hollow trees near marshy meadows. Soutliward it is more or
less common as far as South
Carolina, wliere it becomes more
alnmdant, and its range then
extends south and west as far
as tlie Pacitiu. It is qnite ])lenti-
ful in Te.xas and New lle.xico,
and is one of the most abundant
birds of California. It was not
met with by Dr. "Woodhonse in
the expedition to the Zuni IJiver,
but this may be attributed to the
desolate character of the country
through which he passed, as it is
chiefly found aliout habitations,
and is never met with in wooded
or wild regions.

Dr. Heermann and Dr. (Jambel,
wjio visited California before the present increase in population, spieak of
its favorite resort as being in the neighborhood of the Missions, and of
its nesting under the tiled roofs of the houses. Tlie latter also refers to
his finding numbers under one roof, and states that they showed no fear
when approached. The propensity of the California bird to drink the sacred
oil from tlie consecrated lamps about the altars of the Missions was fre-
quently referred to by the priests, whenever any allusion was made to this
Owl. Dr. Gambel also found it about farm-houses, and occasionally in the
prairie valleys, where it obtains an abundance of food, such as mice and
otiier small animals.

Dr. Heermann, in a subsequent visit to tlie State, mentions it as being a
very common liird in all parts of California. Tliey were once quite numer-
ous among the hollow trees in tlie vicinity of Sacramento, but liave
gradually disappeared, as tlieir old haunts were one by one destroyed to
make way for the gradual development and growth of that city. Dr. Heer-
mann found a large numlier in the winter, sheltered during the day among
the reeds of Suisun Valley. Tiiey were still abundant in the old Catholic
Missions, where they frequented the ruined walls and towers, and constructed
their nests in the crevices and nooks of those once stately buildings, now
falling to decay. These ruins were also a shelter for innumeralde bats,
reptile.s, and vermin, which formed an additional attraction to the Owls.

Dr. Cooper speaks of finding this Owl abundant throughout Southern
California, especially near the coast, and Dr. Newljerry frequently met with
it about San Francisco, San Diego, and Monterey, where it was more com-

16 XORTII AMKRICAX BIRDS.

mon than any other species. He met with it on San Pablo Bay, inhabiting
holes in tiie iierpendiciilar cliffs bordering tlie south shore. It was also
lound in tlie Klamath JJasin, but not in great numbers.

Mv. J. H. (/lark found the ]?arn Owl nesting, in May, in holes burrowed
into the bluff banks of the Rio P'rio, in Te.xas. These burrows were nearly
horizontal, with a considerable e.vcavation near the back end, where the eggs
were deposited. Tiiese were three or four in number, and of a dirty white.
The parent bird allowed the eggs to be handled without manifesting any
concern. There was no lining or nest whatever. Lieutenant Couch found
them common on the Lower l!io Grande, but rare near Monterej^ Mexico.
They were frequently met witli living in tlie sides of large deep wells.

Dr. Cones speaks of it as a common resident species in Arizona. It was
one of the most abundant Owls of the Territory, and was not unfrequently
to be observed at midday. On one occasion he found it preying upon Black-
birds, in the middle of a small open reed swamp.

It is not uncommon in the vicinity of Washington, and after the partial
destruction of the Smitlisonian Building by fire, for one or two years a jmir
nested in tlie top of the tower It is quite probable that the comparative
rarity of tlie species in the Eastern States is owing to their thoughtless
destruction, the result of a sliort-siglited and mistaken prejudice that drives
away one of our most useful birds, and one wliicli rarely does any mischief
among domesticated birds, but is, on tlie contrary, most destructive to rats,
mice, and other mischievous and injurious vermin.

.Mr. Audubon mentions two of these birds wliich had been kept in con-
finement in Charleston, S. C, where their cries in the night never failed to
attract others of the species. He regards them as altogether crepuscular in
lialiits, and states that when disturbed in broad daj^light they always fly in
an irregular and bewildered manner. ^Mr. Audubon also states that so far
as his observations go, they feed entirely on small (piadrupeds, as he has
never found the remains of any feathers or portions of birds in their
stomachs or about tlieir nests. In confinement it partakes freely of any
kind of Hesh.

The Cuban race {\a.v. fv.rcata), also found in other West India islands, is
hardly distinguishable from our own bird, and its habits may be presumed
to be es.sentially the same. Mr. Gos.se found the breeding-place of the
Jamaica Owl at the bottom of a deep limestone pit, in the middle of
October ; there was one young liinl with several eggs. There was not the
least vestige of a nest ; tlie Tiird reposed on a mass of half-digested hair min-
gled with bones. At a little distance wei-e three eggs, at least six inches apart.
On the 12tli of the next month he found in the same place the old bird
sitting on four eggs, this time placed close together. There was still no nest.
The eggs were advanced towards hatching, but in very different degrees,
and an egg ready for deposition was found in tlie oviduct of the old bird.

An egg of this Owl, taken in Louisiana by 1 )r. Trudeau, measured 1.69

STmOID.l'; — THE OAVLS.

17

inches in length by 1.38 in breadth. Another, obtained in New jMe.xico,
measnres 1.(39 by 1.2."). It.s color is a dirty yellowi.sli-wliite, its shape an
oblong oval, hardly more pointed at tlie smaller than at tlie larger end.

An egg from Monterey, California, collected by Dr. Canfield, measures 1.70
inclies in length by 1.25 in breadth, of an oblong-oval sliape, and nearly
equally obtuse at either end. It is of a uniform bluish-white. Another
from the Eio Grande is of a soiled or yellowisli wliite, and of tlie same size
and shape.

Genus OTUS, Cl'vier.

Otus, Cl-v. Reg. An. 1799. (Type, Strix oliis, Liss.)

Asia, SwAlxs. 1831 {ncc Brisson, 1760).

Brachyotus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 10. (Type, Slryx brachyohis.)

^rmUus, Kky.s. & Bl. 1840 (Tifc K.\up, 1829).

Cii.vR. Size medium. Ear-tuft.^ well developed or riuliraeiitary ; head small; eyes
small. Cere much arehed, its length more than the chord of the culmen. Bill weak,
compressed. Only tlie first, or first and second, outer primary with its inner web emar-
ginated. Tail about half the win.a;, rounded. Ear-conch very large, gill-like, about as long
as the height of the skull, with an anterior operculum, which extends its full length, and
bordered posteriorly by a raised membrane : the two ears asymmetrical.

Species and Varieties.

A. Otcs, Cuvier. Ear-tufts well developed ; outer quill only with inner web

emarginated.

Colors blackish-brown and bufify-ochraeeous, — the former predominating
above, where mottled with whitish ; the latter prevailing beneath, and
variegated with stripes or bars of dusky. Tail, primaries, and secondaries,
transversely barred (obsoletely in 0- stygiux).

1. O. vulgaris. Ends of primaries normal, broad ; toes feathered ;
face ochraceou.s.

Dusky of tlie upper parts in form of longitudinal stripes, con-
trasting conspicuously with the paler ground-coloi-. Beneath with
ochraceous prevalent ; the markings in form of longitudinal stripes,
with scarcely any transverse bars. Hnh. Europe and considerable
part of the Old World var. vulgaris}

Dusky of the upper parts in form of confused mottling, not con-
trasting con.-^picuously with the paler ground-color. Beneath with
the ochraceous overlaid by the whitish tips to the feathers ; the
markings in form of transverse bars, which are broader than the
narrow medial streak. Wing, 11.50-12.00; tail, 6.00-6.20;
culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.20-1.25; middle toe, 1.15. Wing-formula,
2, .3-4-1. JIah. North America . . . var. to ilsoni anus.

2. O. stygius.^ Ends of primaries narrow, that of the first almost
falcate ; toes entirely naked ; face du.sky, or with dusky prevailing.

1 Ohis vulgaris. Strix otus, Linn. S. N. p. 132, 1766. — Asio otus, Less. STniCKL. — .Bm6o
olus, Savign. Olula otus, Macgill. Otus vulgaris, Flem. Brit. An. p. 56, 1828, et AucT.
0. curop/Bus, Steph. 1. 0. albicoUis, Dahd. 0. italicus, Daud. 0. communis, Less. 0.
auriia, Mont. 0. asin. Leach. 0. sylvcstris, 0. arboreus, and 0. gracilis, Bp.eiim.

2 Otus stygius. Nyclalops stygius, Wagl. Isis, 1832; p. 1221. — Gr.AV, Gen. B. p. 6, ed. 2,
vnt,. in. 3

-ig XORTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

Above blackish-lirown, thinly relieved by an irregular sparse
spotting of yellowish-white. Beneath with the markings in form
of longitudinal stripes, which throw off occasional transverse
arms toward the edge of the feathers. Wing, 1.3.00 ; tail, G.80 ;
culmen, .90 ; tarsus, 1.55 ; middle toe, 1.50. Wing-formula, 2, 3 -
4, 1. Hub. South America.
B. BnAcnYOTi-s, Gould (1837). Similar to Otus, but car-tuft.s rudimentary,
and the second quill as well as the first with the inner web cmarginated.

Colors ochraceous, or white, and clear dark brown, without shadings or
middle tints. Beneath with narrow longitudinal dark stripes npon the
wliiti.-ih or ochraceous ground-color ; crown and neck longitudinally striped
with dark brown an<l ocliraccou.-;.

3. O. brachyotus. Wings and tail nearly equally .spotted and b.anded
with ochraceous and dark brown. Tail with about si.K bands, the
ochraceous terminal. Face dingy ochraceous, blackish around the eyes.
Wing, about 11.00-13.00; tail, 5.75-0.10; culmen, .60-.G5; tarsus,
1.75-1.80; middle toe, 1.20. Hab. Whole world (except Australia 'i).

Though this genus is cosmopolitan, the species are lew in mnnher; two
of them {0. miljaris and 0. brachyotus) are connnon to both North America
and P^urope, one of them (the latter) found also in nearly every country in
the world. Besides these, South Africa has a peculiar species (0. cajJcnsis)
while Tropical America alone ])ossesses the 0- stygius.

Otus vulgaris, var. wilsonianvis, Less. 2.^^Zq

LONG-EAEED OWL ; LESSER-HORNED OWL.

tSli-ix pcrcgrinator (?), B.\ut. Trav. 1702, p. 285. —Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. 1854, 196. Asia
pererjrinalor, STniCKi,. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 207. Otus u-ilsonianus, Less. Tr. Orn. 1831,
110. —Ghat, Gen. fol. sp. 2, 1844. — Ib. List Birds Brit. Mus. p. 105. — Cass. Birds
Cal. & Te.\. 1854, 81. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858, 53. — Cooi>. & Suck. 1860, 155. —
CouE.s, Prod. 1SC6, 14. Olns amcrkanus, BoxAP. List, 1838, p. 7. — In. Consp. p. 50.
— Wederb. & TitisTU. Cent. Orn. 1849, p. 81. — Kait, Mouog. Strig. Cont. Orn.
1852, 113. — In. Trans. Zoiil. Soc. IV, 18.19, 2.33. — Max. Cab. Jour. VI, 1858, 25.—
GiiAY, Hand List, I, 1869, No. 540, p. 50. Strix otiis, WiLs. Am. Orn. 1808, pi. li,
f. 1. — Rich. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 72. — Bosap. Ann. N. Y. Lye. II, 37. —In. Isis,
1832, 1140. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 572. —In. Birds Am. pi. ccclxxxiii. — Reah. Birds,
Mass. 88. U7ula olits, Jakd. ed. Wils. Am. Om. I, 1831, 104. — Buewek, ed. Wils.
Am. Orn. Sj'nop. p. 687. — Nutt. Man. 130. Otm vulgaris (not of Fleming!), .Iar-
DixE, cd. Wils. Am. Om. 1832, II, 278. —AuD. Synop. 1S31, 28. — Girai'D, Birds
Long Island, p. 25. Ottts vulgaris, vur.' vyilsmiiamis (Ridgway), CuUes, Key, 1872,
204. Bnboasio, DeKay, Zoiil. N. Y. II. 25, ).l. xii, f 25.

Sp. Char. Adtilt. Upper surface transversely mottled with lilackish-brown and gr.ay-
ish-white, the former predominating, especially on the dorsal region ; featlicrs of the nape

p. 8. — BoNAP. Consp. Av. p. 50. Otus stygius, PucH. Rev. Zobl. 1849, 29. — Gray, Gen. B.
fol. sp. 12. — Kaup, Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, p. 113. Asia strjg. > Otus siguapa,
D'Orb. Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 31, Tab. 2, 1840. — Gray', Gen. fol. sp. 9. — Bosap. Consp.
50 (Cuba). Otus communis, var., Less. Tr. Orn. p. 110. Hab. South America (Bi-azil, ?CHba,
St. rnulo, Katv).

STRTGIDiE — THE OWLS.

19

and wings (only), ochraceous beneath the surface, lower scapulars with a few obsolete
spots of white on lower webs. Primary coverts dusky, with transverse series of dark
mottled grayish spots, these becoming somewhat ochraceous basally ; ground-color of the
primaries grayish, this especially prevalent on the inner quills ; the basal third (or less)
of all are ochraceous, this decreasing in extent on inner feathers ; the grayish tint is
everywhere finely mottled transversely with dusky, but the ochraceous is plain; primaries
crossed by a series of about seven quadrate blackish-brown spots, these anteriorly about
as wide as the intervening yellowish or mottled grayish ; the interval between the
primary coverts to the first of these spots is about .80 to 1.00 inch on the fourth quill, —
the spots on the inner and outer feathers approaching the coverts, or even underlying
them; the inner primaries — or, in fact, the general exposed grayish surface — has much
narrower bars of dusky. G-round-color of the wings like the back, this growing paler on
the outer feathers, and becoming ochraceous basally; the tip approaching whitish; .secon-
daries crossed by nine or ten narrow Ijands of dusky.

Ear-tufls, with the lateral portion of each web, ochraceous; this becoming white, some-
what variegated with black, toward the end of
the inner webs, on which the ochraceous is
broadest; medial portion clear, unvariegated
black. Forehead and post-auricular disk
minutely speckled with blackish and white ;
facial circle continuous brownish-black, be-
coming broken into a variegated collar across
the throat. " Eyebrows " and lores grayish-
white ; eye surrounded with blackish, this
broadest anteriorly above and below, the pos-
terior half being like the ear-coverts. Face
plain ochi'aceous ; chin and upper part of the
throat immaculate white. Ground-color below
pale ochraceous, the exposed surface of the
feathers, however, white ; breast with broad

longitudinal blotches of clear dark brown, these medial, on the feathers ; sides and flanks,
each feather with a medial strii^e, crossed by as broad, or broader, transverse bars, of
blackish-brown ; abdomen, tibial plumes, and legs plain ochraceous, becoming nearly
white on the lower part of tarsus and on the toes ; tibial plumes with a few sagittate marks
of brownish ; lower tail-coverts each having a medial sagittate mark of dusky, this con-
tinuing along the shaft, forking toward the base. Lining of the wing jilain pale ochra-
ceous ; inuer primary coverts blackish-brown, forming a conspicuous spot.

^ (.■51,227, Carlisle, Penn. ; S. F. Baird). Wing formula, 2, 3 - 1, 4, etc. Wing, 11.50 ;
tail, C.20; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.20; middle too, 1.15.

9 (2,362, Professor Baird's collection, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing formula, 2,3-4-1.
Wing, 12.00; tail, 6.00; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, 1.1.5.

Yonng (49,508, Sacramento, Cal., June 21, 1867 ; Clarence King, Robert Ridgw.ay).
Wings and tail as in the adult; other portions transversely banded with blackish-brown
and grayish-white, the latter prevailing anteriorly ; eyebrows and loral bristles entirely
black ; legs white.

Had. Whole of temperate North America? Tobago? (J.vrdine).

Localities: Tobago (J.vrdixe, Ann. ilag. 18, 110); Arizona (Coces, P. A.
18GG, 50).

The American Long-eared Owl is quite different in coloration front the
Otus vulgaris of Europe. In the latter, ochraceous prevails over the whole
surface, even above, where the transverse dusky mottling does not approach

Otus wilsoniaittis.

N. S.

20

NORTH AMERICAiT BIRDS.

the uniformity that it does in the American Inr.l ; in tlie European bird, eacli
feather above has a conspicuous medial hjngiludinal stripe of dark brown-
ish : these markings are found everywhere except on the rump and upper
tail-coverts, where the ochraceous is deepest, and transversely clouded with
dusky mottling ; in the American bird, no longitudinal stripes are visible on
the upper surface. The ochraceous of the lower surface is, in the vulgaris,
varied only (to any considerable degree) by the sharply defined medial
longitudinal stripes to the feathei-s, the transverse bars being few aiul iu-
cons]iicuous ; in wilsonianus, white overlies the ochraceous below, and the
longiLudinal are less conspicuous than the transverse markings ; the former
on the breast are broader than in vulgaris, in wiiich, also, the ochraceous
at the bases of the ))riuiarit'S occupies a greater e.xtent. Comparing these
very appreciable dill'ereuces with the close resemblance of other leprcseuta-

tive styles of the two continents (dif-
ferences founded on shade or depth
of tints alone), we were almost inclined
to recognize in the American Long-
eared Owl a specific value to these
discrejjancies.

The Otu^ dijgiiis, "Wagl., of South
America and Mexico, is entirely dis-
tinct, as will be seen from the foregoing
synoptical table.

Habits. Tlris species appears to be
one of the most numerous of the Owls
of North America, and to be pretty
generally distributed. Its strictly
nocturnal habits have caused it to be
temporarily overlooked in localities
where it is now known to be pres-
ent and not rare. Dr. William Gambel
and Dr. Heermann both omit it from
their lists of the birds of California, though Dr. J. G. Cooper has since found
it quite common. It was once supposed not to breed farther south than
New Jersey, but it is now known to be resident in South Carolina and in
Arizona, and is probably distributed through all the intervening country.
Donald Gunn writes that to his knowledge this solitary bird limits in the
night, both summer ami winter, in the Eed Eiver region. It there takes
possession of the deserted nests of crows, and lays four white eggs. lie
found it as far as the shores of Hudson's Bay. Richardson states it to be
plentiful in the woods skirting the plains of the Saskatchewan, frequenting
the coast of the bay in the summer, and retiring into the interior in the
winter. He met with it as high as the IGth parallel of latitude, and believed
it to occur as far as the forests extend.

STRIGID^ - THE OWLS. 21

Dr. Cooper met with this species on the hanks of the Columbia, east of
the Dalles. The region was desolate and harren, and several species of Owls
appeared to have been drawn there by tiie abundance of liaves and mice.
Dr. Suckley also met witli it on a branch of ;\Iill< iJiver, in Nebraska. It
has likewise been taken in different parts of California, in New Mexico,
among tlie IJocky ilountaius, in the valley of the Kio Grande, at Fort Ben-
ton, and at Cape Florida, in the last-named place by Mr. Wtirdeniaun.

Dr. Cooper found this Owl quite common near San Diego, and in Marcli
observed them sitting in pairs in the evergreen oaks, apparently not nmcli
troubled by the light. On the 27th of March he Ibund a nest, probably that
of a Crow, Iniilt in a low evergreen oak, in which a female Owl was sitting
on five eggs, tlien partly hatched. The bird was quite bold, flew round him,
snapping her bill at him, and tried to draw him away from the nest ; the
female imitating tlie cries of wounded birds witli remarkable accuracy,
showing a power of voice not supposed to e.\ist in Owls, liut more in the
manner of a Parrot. He took one of the eggs, and on tlie 23d of April, on
revisiting the nest, he found tliat the others had hatched. Tlie egg measured
1.60 by 1.36 inches. Dr. Cooper also states that he has found this Owl
wandering into the barren treeless deserts east of the Sierra Nevada, where
it was frequently to be met with in the autumn, hiding in the thickets along
the streams. It also resorts to caves, where any are to be found.

Dr. Kennerly met with this bird in the canons west of the Aztec Moun-
tains, where they find good places for their nests, which they build, in
common with Crows and Hawks, among the precipitous cliffs, — places un-
approachable by the wolf and lynx.

On the Atlantic coast the Long-eared Owl occurs in more or less abun-
dance fruni Nova Scotia to Florida. It is found in the vicinity of Halifax,
according to Mr. Downes, and about Calais according to Mr. Boardman,
though not abundantly in either region. In Western Maine, and in the rest
of New England, it is more common. It has been known to breed at least
as far south as Maryland, Mr. \V. M. McLean tiudiug it in Eockville. Mr.
C. N. Holdeu, Jr., during his residence at Sherman, in Wyoming Territory,
met with a single specimen of this bird. A number of Magpies were in tlie
same bush, but did not seem either to molest or to be afraid of it.

The food of this bird consists chiefly of small quadrupeds, insects, and, to
some extent, of small birds of various kinds. Audubon mentions tinding
the stomach of one stuffed with featliers, hair, and bones.

The Long-eared Owl appears to nest for the most part in trees, and also
frequently to make use of the nests of other birds, such as Crows, Hawks,
or Herons. Occasionally, however, they construct nests for themselves. Au-
dubon speaks of finding such a one near the Juniata l!i\ er, in Pennsylvania.
This was composed of green twigs Avith the leaflets adhering, and lined
with fresh grass and sheep's wool, but without feathers. Mr. Kennicott
sent me from Illinois an e^g of this bird, that liad been taken from a nest on

90 NOKTir AMERICAN BIRDS.

the ground ; iuid, according to lUchardson, in the fur regions it sometimes lays
its eggs in that manner, at other times in the deserted nests of other birds, on
low busiies. IVIr. llulcliins speaks of its depositing tliem as early as Ai>ril.
Eichardson received one found in Jlay ; and another nest was observed, in
tlie same neigldjorhood, which contained three eggs on the 5th of Jul_y.
Wilson speaks of this Owl as having been abundant in his day in the vicin-
ity of Pliiladelphia, and of six or seven having been found in a single tree.
He also mentions it as there breeding among the branches of tall trees, and
in one jiarticular instance as having taken possession of the nest of a Qua
Bird {Nydiardca gardcni), where Wilson found it sitting on four eggs, while
one of tiie Herons had her own nest on the same tree. Audubon states
that it usually accommodates itself by making use of tlie abandoned nests
of other birds, whether these are built high or low. It also makes use of
the fissures of rocks, or builds on the ground.

As this Owl is known to breed early in April, and as numerous instances
are given of their eggs being taken in July, it is probable tliey liave two
broods in a season. Mr. J. S. Brandigee, of Berlin, Conn., found a nest
early in April, in a hendock-tree, situated in a thick dark evergreen woods.
Tlie nest was flat, made of coarse sticks, and contained four fresh eggs
when the parent was shot.

jMr. Itidgway found this Owl to be very abundant in the Sacramento Valley,
as well as throughout the Great Basin, in both regions inhabiting dense wil-
low copses near the streams. In the interior it generally lays its eggs in the
deserted nests of the Mag))ie.

The eggs of this Owl, when fresli, are of a brilliai>t white color, with a
slight pinkish tinge, which they preserve even after having been blown, if
kept i'rom the light. They are of a rounded-oval shape, and obtuse at either
end. They vary considerabh- in size, measuring from 1.65 to 1.50 inches in
length, and from 1.30 to 1.35 inclies in breadth. Two eggs, taken from tlie
same nest by Kev. C. M. Jones, liave the following measurements : one 1.60
by 1.34 inches, the other 1.50 by I. '■'<{) inches.

Otus (Brachyotus brachyotus, Steph.

SHORT-EARED OWL; MARSH OWL.

Slrix brachyotus, G.MEL. Syst. Nat. 289, 1789. — FousT. Pliil. Trans. LXII, 384. — "Wils.
Am. Orn. pi. x.\.\iii, f. 3. — AuD. Birds Am. pi. ecccxx.xii, 1831. — Ib. Orn. Biog. V,
273. — Rich. & Swains. F. B. A. U, 75. — Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 37. — Thomps.
N. H. Vermont, p. 66. — Peab. Birds JIass. p. 89. Ulula brachyotus, James. (AVil-s.),
Am. Orn. I, 106, 1831. — Nnr. JIan. 132. Otus brachyotus, (Steph.) Jaud. (Wils.),
Am. Orn. 11,63, 1832. — Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 75. — Kavp, Monog. Strig.
Cont. Orn. 1852, 114. — Ib. Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 236. — Hudson, P. Z. S. 1870,
799 (liabits). Asio liracliyotus, Srr.icKi,. Orn. Syn. I, 259, 1855. Otus brachyotus
amcricanus, ILvx. Cab. Jour. II, 1858, 27. Brachyotus jmlttstris, Bos'AP. List. 1838,
p. 7. — RiDGW. in CouE-s Key, 1872, 204. Otus palustris, (Dauw.) De Kay, Zool.

STRIGID^,— THE OWLS.

23

N. Y. II, 28, pi. xii, f. 27, 1844. Braclujolus 2>"Uistris amcriainus, BoxAr. Coiisp.
Av. p. 51, 1849. Brachi/ottis cassini, Brkwek, Pr. Boston Soc. N. H. — Nf.wb.
P. K. Rep't, VI, IV, 76. — Heeum. do. VII, 34, IS.i". — Cassin (in BAinn) Birds K.
Am. 1858, 54. —Coop. & Suckl. P. K. Itcp't, .\1I, ii, 155, 1860. — Coues, P. A.
N. S. (Prod. Orn. Ariz.) 1866, 14. — Gr.AY, Hand List, I, 51, 1S69. Brachyolus
galojxiijoetisis, Goui.D, P. Z. S. 1837, 10. Otiis ga'ojiagocnsis, Dai'.w. Zool. Bi-ag. pt.
iii, p. 32, pi. iii. — Gkay, Geu. fol. sp. 3 ; List Birds Brit. Mus. 108. — Bo.vap.
Consp. 51. Asia galopar/ocnsi.% Stiiickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 211.

Sp. CiiAU. Adult. Ground-color of the head, nock, Ijadc, scapiilar,', rump, and lower
parts, pale ochraceous ; each feather (except on the rump) with a medial longitudinal
stripe of blackish-brown, — these broadest on the scapulars; on the back, nape, occiput, and
jugidum, the two colors about equal ; on the lower parts, the stripes grow narrower pos-
teriorly, those on the abdomen and sides being in the form of narrow lines. The flanks,
legs, anal region, and lower tail-coverts are always perfectly immaculate ; the legs most
deeply ochraceous, the lower tail-coverts nearly
pure white. The rump has obsolete crescentic
mark.s of brownish. Tlie wings are variegated
with the general dusky and ochraceous tints, but
the markings are more irregular ; the yellowish
in form of indentations or confluent spoti;, ap-
proaching the shafts from the edge, — broadest
on the outer webs. Secondaries crossed by
about five bands of ochraceous, the last terminal ;
primary coverts plain blackish-brown, with one
or two poorly defined transverse series of ochra-
ceous spots on the basal portion. Primaries
ochraceous on the basal two-thirds, the terminal
portion clear dark brown, the tips (broadly)
pale brownish-yeUowisli, this becoming obsolete on the longest; tlie duskv extends
toward the bases, in three to five irregularly transverse series of quadrate spots on the
outer webs, leaving, however, a large basal area of plain ochraceous, — this some-
what more whiti.sh anteriorly. The ground-color of the tail is ochraceous, — this be-
coming whiti.sh exteriorly and terminally, — crossed by five broad band.s (about equal-
ling the ochraceous, but becoming narrower toward outer feathers) of blackish-brown ; on
the middle feathers, the ochraceous spots enclose smaller, central transverse spots of
blackish ; the terminal ochraceous band is broadest.

Eyebrows, lores, chin, and throat soiled wliite, the loral bristles with black shafts ;
face dingy ochraceous-white, feathers with darker shafts; eye broadly encircled with

black. Post-orbital circle mi-
nutely speckled with pale ochra-
ceous and blackish, except im-
mediately behind the ear, where
for about an inch it is uniform
dusky.

Lining of the wing immaculate
delicate yellowish- white; ter-
minal half of under primary
coverts clear blackish-brown ;
0IU3 bruchyotus. yj^^p^ g,jj.f.j^gp gf. p,.i„,aries plain

delicate ochraceous-white ; ends, and one or two very broad anterior bands, dusky.

$ (906, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing-formula, 2-1,3. Wing, ll.SO ; tail, o.SO ; cuhnen,
GO; tar.«us, 1.75; middle toe, 1.20.

Ohtx brnrhyotus.

•24

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

9 (1,059, Dr. Elliot Coues's collection, \Whington, D. C). Wing-formula, 2-3-1-4.
Wing, 13.00; tail, G.IO; piilmcn, .65; tarsus, 1.80; middle toe, 1.20.

Hab. Entire continent and adjacent i-slands of America; also Europe, Asia, Africa.
Polynesia, and Sandwich Islands.

Localities: Oaxaca (ScL. P. Z. S. 1859, 390): Cuba (C.\b. Journ. 111,465; Gixdi..
Rept. 1865, 225, west end) ; Arizona (Coues, P. A. N. S. 18G6, 50) ; Brazil (Pklz. Orn.
Rr.is. T. lOi ; Biionos Avros CSci.. & S.^LV. P. Z. S. 18GS, 143) ; Chile (PniLirpi, Mus. S. I.).

In view of tlie uiitaii^'iblo nature of tlie differences between the American
and European Short-eared Owls (sehloni at all appreciable, and when appreci-
able not constant), we cannot admit a difference even of race between
them. In fact, tiiis species seems to be the only one of the Owls common
to the two continents in which an American specimen cannot be dis-
tinguished from the European. The average plumage of tlie American
rej>resentative is a shade or two darker than tliat of European examples ;
Init tlie lightest specimens 1 have seen are several from the Yukon region
in Alaska, and one from California (No. 6,888, Suisun Valley).

Not only am I unable to appreciate any tangilile differences between
European and North .American examples, but I fail to detect characters of

the least importance whereby these
may be distinguished from Soutli
American and Sandwich Island
specimens {^' gahpagocnsis, Gould,"
and " sandtvicliensis, Blox."). Only
two specimens, among a great
many from South America (Para-
guay, Buenos Ayres, Brazil, etc.),
are at all distinguishable from
Northern American. These two
(Nos. 13,887 and 13,888, Chile)
are somewhat darker than others,
Init not so dark as No. 1G,029,9,
Irom Eort Crook, California. A
specimen from tlie Sandwich Isl-
ands (No. 13,890) is nearly identi-
cal with these Chilean birds, the
only observable difference consists
ing in a more blackish ibrehead,
and in having just noticeable dark shaft -lines on the lower tail-coverts.

In the geographical variations of this species it is seen that the average
plumage of North American specimens is just appreciably darker than
that of European, while tropical specimens have a tendency to be
still darker. I know of no bird so widely distributed whicli varies so
little in tlie different jjarts of its habitat, unless it be the Cotyle riparia,
which, however, is not found so far to the south. The difference, in this

Otus brarhyolu:^.

STRIGID^E — THE UWLS.

25

case, between tlie American and European birds, does not correspond at all
to that between the two easily distinguished races of Otus vulgaris, Nijdalc
tcngmahiii, Surnia ulula, and Si/rnium cinereum.

A specimen from Porto Rico (No. 39,G43) is somewhat remarkable on
account of the pre\-alence of the dusky of the upper parts, the unusually
few and narrow stripes of the same on the lower parts, the roundish ochra-
ceous spots on the wings, and in having the primaries barred to the base.
Sliould all other specimens from tiie same region agree in these characters,
they might form a diagnosable race. The plumage has an abnormal appear-
ance, however, and I much doubt whether others like it will ever be taken.

H.\BITS. Tlie Short-eared Owl appears to be distributed, in varying fre-
quency, throughout North America, more abundant in the Arctic regions
during the summer, and more frequently met with in the United States dur-
ing the winter months. Eichardson met with it throughout the fur coun-
tries as far to the north as the 67th parallel. Professor HolboU gives it as a
bird of Greenland, and it was met with in considerable abundance by Jlac-
Farlane in the Anderson River district. Mr. Murray mentions a specimen
received from the wooded district between Hudson's Bay and Lake Winni-
peg. Captain Blakiston met with it on the coast of Hudson's Bay, and Mr.
Bernard Ross on the Mackenzie River.

Mr. Dresser speaks of it as common at times near San Antonio during
the winter months, keeping itself in the tall weeds and grass. It is given
by Dr. Gundlach as an occasional visitant of Cuba.

Dr. Newberry met with it throughout Oregon and California, and found it
especially common in the Klamath Basin. On the level meadow-like
prairies of the Upper Pitt River it was seen associating with the Marsh
Hawk in considerable numbers. It was generally concealed in the grass,
and rose as the party approached. He afterwards met with this bird on the
shores of Klamath Lake, and in the Des Chutes Basin, among grass and
sage-bushes, in those localities associated with the Burrowing Owl [A. hi/pu-
gcva). In Washington Territory it was found by Dr. Cooper on the great
Spokane Plain, where, as elsewiiere, it was commonly found in the long
grass during the day. In I'all and winter it appeared in large numbers on
the low prairies of the coast, Init was not gregarious. Though properly
nocturnal, it was met with, hunting on cloudy days, flying low o^•er the
meadows, in the manner of the Marsh Hawk. He did not meet with it in
summer in the Territory.

Dr. Heermann found it aljundant in the Suisun and Napa valleys of Cali-
fornia, in equal numbers with the Strix pratincola. It sought shelter during
the day on the ground among the reeds, and, when startled from its hiding-
place, would fly but a few yards and alight again upon the ground. It did
not seem wild or shy. He afterwards met with the same s]iecies on the
desert between the Tejon Pass and the JMohave River, and again saw it on
the banks of the latter. Richardson gives it as a summer visitant only in

VOL. ni. 4

26 XORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the far countries, where it arrives as soon as tlic snow disappears, and de-
parts again in September. A female was killed May 20 with eggs nearly
ready for exclusion. The bird was by no means rare, and, as it frequently
hunted for its ])rey in the daytime, wiis often seen. Its principal haunts
appeared to be dense thickets of young pines, or dark and entangled willow-
clumps, where it would sit on a low bmnch, watching assiduously for mice.
Wheu disturbed, it would fly low for a short distance, and then hide itself in
a l)ush, from whence it was not easily dri\-en. Its nest was said to be on the
ground, in a dry place, and formed of withered gra.ss. Hutcliins is quoted as
giving the number of its eggs as ten or twelve, and describing them as round.
The latter is not correct, and seven appears to be theii- maximum number.

Mr. Downes speaks of it as very rare in Nova Scotia, but Elliott Cabot
gives it as breeding among the islands in the Bay of Fuudy, oft' the coast, where
he found several nests. It was not met with by Professor Verrill in West-
ern Maine, but is found in other parts of the State. It is not uncommon in
Eastern Massachusetts, where specimens are frequently killed and brought
to market for sale, and where it also breeds in favorable localities on the
coast. Mr. William Brewster met with it on Muskeget, near Nantucket,
where it had been breeding, and where it was evidently a resident, its plumage
having become bleached by exposure to the sun, and the reflected light of
tiio white sand of that treeless island. It is not so common in the interior,
tliougli ^Ir. Allen gives it as resident, and rather common, near Springfield.
Dr. AVood found it breeding in Connecticut, witliin a few miles of Hartford.

Dr. Coues gives it as a resident species in South Carolina, and Mr. Allen
also mentions it, on the authority of Mr. Boardmau, as quite common among
the marshes of Florida. Mr. Audubon also sjieaks of finding it so plenti-
ful in Florida that on one occasion he shot seven in a single morning.
Tliey were to be found in the open prairies of that country, rising from the
tall grass in a hurried manner, and moving in a zigzag manner, as if sud-
denly wakened from a soimd sleep, and then sailing to some distance in a
direct course, and dropping among the thickest herbage. Occasionally the
Owl would enter a thicket of tangled palmettoes, where with a cautious ap-
proach it could be taken alive. He never found two of these birds close
together, but always singly, at distances of from t wenty to a hundred yards ;
and win 11 two or more were started at once, they never Hew towards each
other.

]\Ir. Audubon met with a nest of this Owl on one of the mountain
ridges in the great pine forest of Pennsylvania, containing four eggs
nearly ready to be hatched. They were bluish-white, of an elongated
form, and measured 1.50 inches in length and 1.12 in breadth. The nest,
made in a slovenly manner with diy grasses, was rmder a low bush, and
covered o\'er with tall grass, through wliich the bird had made a path.
The parent bird betrayed her presence by making a clicking noise with her
bill as he passed by ; and he nearly put his hand on her before she would

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. 27

move, and then she hopped away, and would not fly, returning to her nest
as soon as lie left the spot. The pellets disgorged liy the Owl, and found
near her nest, were found to consist of the bones of small quadrupeds
mixed with hair, and the wings of se\^eral kinds of coleopterous insects.

This bird was found breeding near the coast of jS'ew Jersey by Mr. Kri-
der; and at Hamilton, Canada, on the western shore of Lake Ontario, Mr.
Mcllwraith speaks of its being more common than any other Owl.

A nest found by Mr. Cabot was in the midst of a dry peaty bog. It was
built on the ground, in a very slovenly manner, of small sticks and a few
feathers, and presented hardly any excavation. It contained four eggs on
the point of being hatched. A young bird the size of a Robin was also
found lying dead on a tussock of grass in another similar locality.

The notes of I\Ir. MacFarlane supply memoranda of twelve nests found
by him in the Anderson River country. They were all placed on the ground,
in various situations. One was in a small clump of dwarf willows, on the
ground, and composed of a few decayed leaves. Another nest was in a very
small hole, lined with a little hay and some decayed leaves. This was on a
barren plain of some extent, fifty miles east of Fort Anderson, and on the edge
of the wooded country. A third was in a clump of Labrador Tea, and was
similar to the preceding, except that the nest contained a few feathers.
This nest contained seven eggs, — the largest number found, and only in
this case. A fourtli was in an artificial depression, evidently scratched out
by the parent bird. Feathers seem to have been noticed in about half the
nests, and in all cases to have been taken by the parent from her own
breast. Nearly all the nests were in depressions made for the purpose.

Mr. Dall noticed the Short-eared Owl on the Yukon and at Nulato, and
Mr. Bannister observed it at St. Michael's, where it was a not uufrequent
visitor. In his recent Notes on the Avi-fauna of the Aleutian Islands, (Pr.
Cal. Academy, 1873,) Dall informs us that it is resident on Unalashka, and
that it excavates a hole horizontally for its nesting-place, — usually to a
distance of about two feet, the fartlier end a little the higher. The extrem-
ity is lined with dry grass and featliers. As there are no trees in the island,
the bird was often seen sitting on the "round, near the mouth of its bur-
row, even in the daytime. Mr. Ridgway found this bird in winter in Cali-
fornia, but never met with it at any season in the interior, where the
0. wilsonianus was so aljundant.

Tlie eggs of this Owl are of a uniform dull white color, which in the
unblown egg is said to have a bluish tinge ; they are in form an elliptical
ovoid. The eggs obtained by Mr. Cabot measured 1.56 inches in length
and 1.25 in breadth. The smallest egg collected by Air. MacFarlane meas-
ured 1.50 by 1.22 inches. The largest taken by Mr. B. R. Ross, at Fort
Simpson, measures 1.60 by 1.30 inclies ; their average measurement is 1.57
by 1.28 inches. An egg of the European bird measures 1.55 by 1.30
inches.

28

NORTH AMERICAN I3IRDS.

Genus SYRNIUM, Swigxy.

Si/rnium, Savigs"!', Nat. Hist. Kgypt, I, 112; 1S09. (Type, Strix aluco, L.)
Scotiaptcx, Swains., Classic. 15. II, 1837, p. 216. (Tj-pe, Strix cinerm, Gmel.)
? Ciccaba, Wagl. Isis, 1831. (Type, Slrix huhula, Daud.)
tPulsatrU, Kaui', 1849. (Slrix torqualus, Daud.)

Gen. Char. Size varying from medium to very large. No car-tufts. Head very large,

the eyes comparatively
small. Four to six outer
primaries with tlieir inner
webs sinuated. Tarsi and
upper portion, or tlic whole
of the toes, densely clothed
with hair-like feathers.
Tail considerably more
than half as long as the
wing, decidedly rounded.
Ear-orifice very high, but
not so high as the skull,
and furnished with an an-
full length ; the two cars

Syrnium ncbulostttn.

terior operculum, which docs not usually extend along the
asymmetrical. Bill yellow.

Subgenera.

Scotiaptex. Six outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Toes completely
concealed by dense long hair-like feathers. Iris yellow. (Type, S. cinereum.)

Syrnium, Swaissos. Five outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Toes not
completely concealed by feathers ; sometimes nearly naked ; terminal scutella; always (?)
exposed. Iris blackish. (Type, S. aluco.)

The typical species of this geuus are confined to tlie Xortliern Ileiui-
spliere. It is yet doubtful whether
the Tropical American species
usually referred to this genus
really belong here. The genera
Ciccaba, Wagl., and Pulsatrix.,
Kaup, have been instituted to in-
clude most of tliem ; but whether
these are generically or only sub-
generically distinct from the
typical species of Syrnium re-
mains to be decided.

Our S. ncbulosum and S. occi-
dentalc seem to be strictly con-
generic with the S. aluca, the
type of the subgenus Syrnium, since they agree in the minutest particulars
in regard to their external form, and ntlier characters not specific.

Syrnium nrbtitosum.

STfilGID.E — THE OWLS. 29

Species and Varieties.

1. S. cinereum. Iris yellow ; liill yellow. Dusky grayish-brown and gray-
ish-white, the former prevailing above, the latter predominating beneath.
The upper surface with mottlings of a transverse tendency ; the lower sur-
face with the markings in the form of ragged longitudinal stripes, which
are transformed into transverse bars on the flanks, etc. Face grayish-white,
■with concentric rings of dusky. Wing, IG.OO - 18.00 ; tail, 11.00 - 12.50.

Dark markings predominating. Ilab. Northern portions of the
Nearctic Realm var. cinereum.

Light markings predominating. Hah. Northern portions of the
Paloearctic Realm ........ var. lapponicum.

b. Si/rnium, Sat.
CoM.MON Ch.ir.hcters. Llver-brown or umber, variously spotted and barred
with whitish or ochraceous. Bill yellow ; iris brownish-black.

2. S. nebulosum. Lower parts striped longitudinally. Head and neck
with transverse bars.

Colors reddish-umber and ochraceous-white. Face with obscure con-
centric rings of darker. Wing, 13.00 - 14.00 ; tail, 9.00 - 10.00. Hab.
Eastern region of United States \ar. nebulosum.

Colors blackish-sepia and clear white. Face without any darker
concentric rings. Wing, 14.80 ; tail, 9.00. Hab. Eastern Mexico
(Mirador) var. sai-torii.^

Colors tawny-brown and bright fulvous. Face without darker con-
centric rings (?). Wing, 12.50, 12.75; tail, 7.30, 8.50. Hab. Gua-
teni.ila .......... vm: fill v esc ens .^

3. S. occidentale. Lower parts transversely barred. Head and neck
with roundish spots. Wing, 12.00-13.10; tail, 9.00. Hub. Southern
California (Fort Tejon, X.\ntcs) and Arizona (Tucson, Nov. 7, Bexdire).

' Symium nebulosum, var. sarlorii, Ridgway (Me.xican Barred Owl). Hab. Miiador,
Me.\ico. Char. Adall (9, 43,131, Mirador, near Vera Cruz, Mexico, "pine region"; Dr. C.
Sartorius). In general ajjpearance like nebulosum, but the brown very much darker, and less
reddish, — that of the markings below veiy nearly black ; the pattern, however, precisely the
same, and there is about the same proportion between the light and the dark bars as is seen in the
average of nebulosum. The face is plain dirty white w^ithout the brown bars or semicircles, — a
constant and conspicuous feature in nebulosum. There is the same number of spots on the primaries,
and of bands on the tail, as in nebulosum. The white beneath is without any ochraceous tinge ;
the primary coverts are plain dark brown. AVing-formida : 4 — 3 = 5; 1 intermediate betw'een
8 and 9. Wing, 14.80 ; tail, 9.00 ; eulmen, 1.05 ; tarsus, 2.20 ; middle toe, 1.60. This race of the
S. nebulosum presents very appreciable differences from the bird of the United States. As stated
above, the brown is much daiker and less reddish, while the face is wholly destitute of the con-
centric dusky rings seen in nebulosum proper. To Dr. Charles Sartorius, who, by the presentation
to the Smitlisonian Institution of numerous elegantly prepared specimens, has added so much to our
knowledge of the birds of the vicinity of Mirador, I take gi'eat pleasure in dedicating this new form.

^ Syrnium nebulosum, va.r. fulvcscens. Symium fuliicsecns, Salvix, P. Z. S. 1S68, 58. Ch.\r.
General appearance of var. nebulosum, but smaller and much more ochraceous. Ground-color of the
plumage ochraceous, inclining to a deep fulvous tint on the upper parts, but paler below. Feathers
of the upper surface tipped with dark umber-brown, and sometimes with an additional bar about
the middle of the feather. The fulvous bars much exposed, so as to exceed the brown in amount.
Face grayish -white, tinged outwardly with ochraceous. Beneath with the markings of nebulosum
on a deep and uniform ochraceous ground. Wing. 12.75 ; tail, 8.50 ; eulmen, .95 ; tarsus, 2.45 ;
middle toe, 1.20 (Coll. Bost. Soc, No. 367, Guatemala ; Van Patten).

3Q NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Syrnium (Scotiaptex cinereum, Audubon.

GBEAT GRAY OWL.

Strir cburea, Omel. Syst. Nat. p. 2!!], 1788. — L.\Tii. Iii.l. Oni. p. .'JS, 1790; Syn. I,
134 ; Siipp. I, 45 ; Gen. Hist. I, 337. — ViKlu,. Nouv. Diet. Hi,st. Nat. VII, 23, 1816;
Enc. Meth. Ill, 1289 ; Ois. Am. St-pt. I, 48. — Kuh. k Suains. F. B. A. II, pi. xx.\i,
1831. — BoNAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 436; Isis, 1832, p. 1140. —AuD. Biiils Am. pi.
cceli, 1831 ; Oin. Biog. IV, 364. — Nl'TT. Man. p. 128. — Tyzexhauz, Rev. Zobl. 1851,
p. 571. Stjrnimn cinereum, AuD. Synop. p. 26, 1839. — Ca.ss. Birds Cal. & Te.\. p. 184,
1854 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 56. — Bkew. (Wils.) Am. Orn. p. 687. -De Kay, Zoiil.
N. Y. II, 26, pi. xiii, f. 29, 1844. — Stkickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 188, 1855. —Newb. P. R.
R. Rept. VI, IV, 77, 1857. —Coor. & Suck. I'. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 156, 1860. —
Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 256. — Daix & Basni.ster, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, 1869,
173. — GuAV, Hand List, I, 48, 1869. — Mayxap.d. Birds I':astern Mass., 1870, 130. —
Scutiaplex cincrca. Swains. Classif. Birds, II, 217, 1837. Synuum lapponictim, var.
cinereum, CoUEs, Key, 1872, 204. Slrix acclamator, !!ai:t. Trans. 285, 1792.

Bp. Char. Adult. Ground-color of the upper surface dark vandykc-brown, but thi.s
relieved by a transverse mottling: (on the edges of the feathers) of white, the medial
portions of the feathers being scarcely variegated, causing an appearance of obsolete
longitudinal dark stripes, these most conspicuous on the scapulars and back. The anterior
portions above are more regularly Ijarred transversely ; the white bars interrupted, how-
ever, by the brown medial stripe. On the rump and upper tail-coverts the mottling is
more profuse, causing a grayish appearance. On the wing-coverts the outer webs are
most variegated by the white mottling. The alula and primary coverts have very
obsolete bands of paler ; the secondaries are eros.sed by nine (last terminal, and three
concealed by coverts) bands of pale grayish-brown, inchning to white at the borders of
the spot.s; primaries crossed by nine transverse series of quadrate spots of mottled pale
brownish-gray on the outer webs, those beyond the eniargination obscure, — the terminal
crescentic bar distinct, however; upper secondaries and middle tail-feathers with coarse
transverse mottling, almost forming bars. Tail with about nine paler bands, these merely
marked off by parallel, nearly wliite bars, enclo.sing a plain grayish-brown, sometimes
slightly mottled space, just perceptibly darker than the ground-color ; basally the feathers
become profusely mottled, so that the bands are confused ; the last band is terminal.
Beneath witli the ground-color grayish-white, each feather of the neck, breast, and
abdomen with a broad, longitudinal ragged stripe of dark brown, like the ground-color
of the upper parts ; sides, flanks, crissum, and lower tail-coverts with regular transverse
narrow l)ands ; legs with finer, more irre.gular, transverse bai's of dusky. " Eyebrows,"
lores, and chin grayish-white, a dusky space at anterior angle of the eye ; face grayish-
white, with distinct concentric semicircles of blackish-brown ; facial circle dark brown,
becoming white across the forcneek, where it is divided medially by a spot of brownish-
black, covering the throat.

^ (32,306, Moose Factory. Hudson Bay Territory ; .1. ilcKenzie). Wing-formula,
4=5, 3, 6-2, 7 -8-9, I. Wing, 16.00; tail, 11.00;" enlmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.30 ; middle
toe, 1.50.

9 (54,358, Nulato, R. Am., April 11, 186S ; W. II. Dull). Wing-formula, 4=5,
3, 6-2, 7-8-9, 1. Wing, 18.00; tail, 12.50; culmen, I.OO; tarsus, 2.20; middle
toe, 1.70.

Hab. Arctic America (resident in Canada ?). In winter extending into northern
borders of United States (Massachusetts, Mavnauh).

STRIOID.E — THE OWLS.

81

The relationship between the Syrnium cinerevm and the S. lapponicum is
exactly parallel to that l)et\veen the Otus vuhjaris, var. wilsonianus, and var.
■vulgaris, Surnia ulula, var. hudsonia, and the var. ulula, and Xijdalc tcng-
malmi, var. rkhardsoiii, and the var. icntjiiialmi. In eontbrnnty to the
general rule among the species which belong to the two continents, the
American race of the present bird is very decidedly darker than the Euro-
pean one, which has the whitish mottling much more prevalent, giving the
plumage a lighter and more grayish aspect. The white predominates on the
outer webs of the scapulars. On the head and neck the white equals

Syrnium cincrem/i.

the dusky in extent, while on the lower parts it largely prevails. The
longitudinal stripes of the dorsal region are much inore conspicuous in ^r^;-
ponicum than in cinereuvi.

A specimen in the SchlUtter collection, lal>elled as from " Nord-Europa,"
is not distinguishable from North American examples, and is so very
unlike the usual Lapland style that we doubt its being a European speci-
men at all.

Habits. The Great Gray or Cinereous Owl appears to be confined to
the more northern portions of North America. It is rarely met with in any
part of the United States, and only in winter, with the exception of Wash-

32

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

iugtou Territory, where it is presumed to be a resident. It is also said to be
a resident in Canada, and to be found in the vicinity of Montreal. Mr.
Lawrence does not include this bird in his list of the birds of New York,
but Mr. TurnljuU states that several have been taken as far south as New
Jersey. Throughout New England it is occasional in tlie winter, but com-
paratively rare. Mr. Allen did not hear of any liaving been taken near
Springfield. On the coast of Massachusetts they are of infrequent occur-
rence, and are held at high prices. A fine specimen was shot in Lynn in
the M'inter of 1872, and is now in tlie collection of my nephew, \V. S.
Brewer. On the Pacific coast it is resident as far south as the mouth of
the Columbia, and is found in winter in Northern California.

Dr. Eichardson met with tliis Owl in the fur regions, where it seemed
to be by no means rare. He mentions it as an inhabitant of all the wooded
districts which lie between Lake Superior and latitude 67° and 68°, and be-
tween Hudson's Bay and the Pacific. It was common on the borders of
Great Bear Lake, in which region, as well as in a higher parallel of latitude,
it pursues its prey during the summer months by daylight. It was observed
to keep constantly within the woods, and was not seen to frequent the barren
grounds, in the manner of tlie Snowy Owl, nt)r was it so often met with in
broad daylight as the Hawk Owl, apparently preferring to hunt when tlie
sun was low and the recesses of the woods deepl)' shadowed, when the hares
and other smaller quadrupeds, ujwu wliich it chiefly feed.s, were most
abundant.

On the 23d of May, Dr. Piicliardson discovered a nest of this Owl, built
on the top of a lofty balsam-poplar, composed of sticks, with a lining of
feathere. It contained three young birds, covered with a whitish down,
to secure which it was necessary to cut down the tree. "While this was
going on, the parent birds flew in circles around the tree, keeping out of
gun-shot, and apparently undisturbed by tlie light. Tlie young birds
were kept alive for several weeks, but finaUy escaped. They liad the
habit, wlieii any one entered the room in which they were kept, of throw-
ing themselves back and making a loud sniqiping noise with their bills.

In February, 1831, as Audubon was informed, a fine specimen of one
of these Owls was taken alive in ^larblehead, ^lass., having been seen
perched upon a woodpile early in the mornintr. It was obtained by ^Ir.
Ives, of Salem, by whom it was kept several months. It was fed on fish
and small birds, and ate its food readily. It ^^•ould at times utter a tremu-
lous cry, not unlike that of the common Screecb-Owl (Scops asio), and
manifested the greatest antipathy to cats and dogs.

Dr. Cooper found this bird near the mouth of the Columbia River, in
a brackish meadow partially covered with small spruce-trees, where they
sat concealed during the day, or made short flights from one to another.
Dr. Cooper procured a specimen there in June, and has no doubt that the
bird is resident and breeds in that neighborhood. He regards it as some-

STRIGID.E — THE OTTLS. 33

what diurnal in its haliits, and states that it is especially active toward
suuset.

Dr. Newberry speaks of this Owl as one generally distributed over the
western part of the continent, he having met with it in the Sacramento Val-
ley, in the Cascade IMouutains, in tlie Des Chutes Basin, and in Oregon, on
the Columbia River. Mr. Robert ]\IacFarlane found it in great abundance in
tlie xVnderson River region. On the 19th of July, as we find in one of his
memoranda, he met with a nest of this .species near Lockhart liiver, on the
route to Fort Good Hope. The nest was on the top of a pine-tree, twenty
feet from the ground. It contained two eggs and two young, both of wliich
were dead. The nest was composed of sticks and mosses, and was lined
thinly with down. The female was sitting on the uest, but left it at his
approach, and flew to a tree at some distance, where she was shot.

Mr. Donald Gnnn writes that the Cinereous Owl is to be found both in
summer and in winter throughout all the country commonly known as the
Hudson Bay Territor}^. He states that it hunts by night, preys upon
rabbits and mice, and nests in tall poplar-trees, usually cj^uite early in the
season.

A single specimen of this Owl was taken at Sitka by Bischoff, and on the
20th of April Mr. Dall obtained a female that had been shot at Takitesky,
about twenty miles east of the Yukon, near Nulato. He subseipieutly ob-
tained several specimens in that region. Mr. Dall describes it as very
stupid, and easy to be caught by the hand during the daytime. From its
awkward motions its Indian name of nuJil-tuhl, signifying "heavy walker,"
is derived. So far as observed by Mr. Dall, this Owl appeared to feed prin-
cipally upon small birds, and he took no less than thirteen crania and other
remains of JEijiotkus linaria from the crop of a single bird.

Specimens of tliis O^i have also been received by tlie Smithsonian Institu-
tion, collected by INIr. Kennicott, from Fort Yukon and from Nulato ; from
Mr. J. IMcKenzie, Moose Factory ; from J. Lockhart, obtained at Fort Reso-
lution and at Fort Yukon ; from J. Flett, at La Pierre House ; from B. R.
Ross, at Big Island ; and from Mr. S. Jones and ]Mr. J. JIcDougaU, at Fort
Yukon. These were all taken between February 11 and July I'.i.

One of the eggs of tliis Owl, referred to above in Jlr. !MacFarlane's note,
is iu my cabinet. It is small for the size of the bird, and is of a dull soiled-
white color, oblong in shape, and decidedly more pointed at one end tliau
at the other. It measures 2.25 inches in length by 1.7S in breadth. Tlie
drawing of an egg of this species, made by Mr. Audubon from a supposed
specimen of an egg of this species, referred to in the " North American
Oolog)'," and which measured 2.44 by 2.00 inches, was probably a sketch of
the egg of the Snowy Owl.

g^ NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Syrnium nebtilosiim, Ctrat. /'r a.^,

BARRED OWL; "HOOT OWL." ? ^l «

Slrix ncbulosa, FousT. Phil. Trans. XXII, 386 & 424, 1772. — Gmel. Syst. Nat, p. 291,
1789. — Latu. Ind. Oni. p. 58, 1790; Syn. I, 133; Gen. Hist. I, 338. — Daud. Tr.
Om. II, 191, 1800. — Shaw, Zoiil. VII, 245, 1839; Nat. Misc. pi. xxr. — Vieill.
Ois. Am. Sept. pi. .w-ii, 1807 ; Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. VII, 32 ; Enc. Meth. Ill, 1292.
— Am. Birds Am. pi. xlvi, 1831 ; Om. Biog. I, 242. — Temm. Man. Orn. pt. i, p. 88 ;
pt. iii, p. 47. — Wekx. Atl. Ois. Eur. — Meyek, Taschenb. Deutsch Vogelk. Ill, 21 ;
Zusiitze, p. 21.— WiLS. Am. Orn. pi. x.xxiii, f. 2, 1808. -Rich, k Swain.s. F. B. A.
II, 81.— BoNAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 38; Isis, 1832, p. 1140. — Jard. (Wils.) Am.
Orn. II, 57, 1832. Ulula ncbulosa, Stepii. Zool. XIII, pi. ii, p. CO, 1815. — Cuv.
Reg. An. (cd. 2), I, 342, 1829. — James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 107, 1831 ; IV, 280.—
Bt-iNAPABTE, List, page 7, 1838; Conspectus Avium, p. S3. — Gould, Birds Eur.pl.
xlvi. —Less. Man. Orn. I, 113, 1828 ; Tr. Orn. p. 108. — Gray, Gen. B. fol. (ed. 2),
p. 8, 1844. — De Kay, Zoiil. N. Y. II, 29, pi. x, f. 21, 1844. Syrnium ncbulosum,
Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 9, 1844; List Birds Brit. Mus. p. 104. — Cass. Birds Cal. &
Tex. p. 184, 1854; Birds N. Am. 1858, 56. — Giraud, Birds Long Island, p. 24,
1844. — WooDH. inSitgi-. Rept. E.xpl. Zuni & Colorad. p. 63, 1853. — Brew. (Wils.)
Am. Orn. p. 687, 1852. — Kaup, Monog. Strig. Cont. Om. 1852, p. 121. —Ib. Tr.
Zool. Soc. IV, 256. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 189, 1855. — Max. Cab. Jour. VI, 1858,
28. —Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas, resident). — Coues, Key, 1872, 204. —Gray,
Hand List, I, 48, 1869.

Sp. Char. Adult. Head, neck, breast, back, scapulars, and rump with broad regular
transverse bars of ochraceous-white and deep uraber-brown, the latter color always ter-
minal ; on the upper surface the brown somewhat exceeds the whitish in width, but on
the neck and breast the wliite rather predominates. The lower third of the breast is
somewhat differently marked from the upper portion, the brown bars being connected
along the shaft of the feather, throwing the white into pairs of spots on opposite webs.
Each feather of the abdomen, sides, flanks, and lower tail-coverts has a broad medial
longitudinal stripe of brown somowhat deeper in tint than the transverse bars on the
upper parts; the anal region is plain, more ochraceous, white; the legs have numerous,
but rather faint, transverse spots of brown. Ground-color of the wings and tail l)rown,
like the bars of the back; middle and secondary wing-coverts with roundish transverse
spots of nearly pure white on lower webs ; lesser coverts plain rich brown ; seconda-
ries crossed by six bands of pale grayish-brown, passing into paler on the edge of each
feather, — the last is terminal, passing narrowly into whitish ; primar}' coverts with four
bands of darker ochraceou.s-brown ; primaries with transverse series of quadrate pale-
brown .spots on the outer webs (growing deeper in tint on inner quills), the last tcnniual;
on the longest are about eight. Tail like the w-ings, crossed with six or seven sharply
defined bands of pale brown, the last terminal.

Face graj'ish- white, with concentric semicircular liars of brown ; eyebrows and lores
with black shafts ; a narrow crescent of black against anterior angle of the eye. Facial
circle of blackish-brown and creamy-white bars, the former prevailing along the anterior
edge, the latter more distinct posteriorly, and prevailing across the neck in front, where
the brown forms disconnected transverse spots.

9 (752, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing-formula, 4-3,5-2,6; 1=9. Wing, 13.00; tail,
9.00; culmen, 1.05; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.50.

f. A little smaller. (No specimen marked $ in the collection.)

Had. Eastern North America, west to the Missouri; Rio Grande region.

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS.

35

A female (?) from Calais, Me., (4,9G6 ; G. A. Boarclman,) is somewhat
lighter-colored than the type, owing to the clearer white of the bars. It
measures, wing, 13.50 ; tail, 9.80.

A specimen (4,357, January) from Washington, D. C, is quite remarkable
for the very dark tints of plumage and the unusual prevalence of the
brown ; this is of a more reddish cast than in all other sjiecimens, becoming
somewhat blackish on the head and neck ; anteriorly it prevails so as to
almost completely hide the pale bars of the back and nape. The tail has

Si/mutm nebulos^tm.

no bars except three or four very obsolete ones near the end ; beneath, the
ochraceous tinge is quite deep. The toes, except their first joint, are per-
fectly naked ; the middle one, however, has a narrow strip of feathering
running along the outer side as far as the last joint. The darker shades of
color, and more naked toes, seem to be distinguishing features of southern
examples.

Habits. The Barred Owl has an extended range, having been met with
nearly throughout North America, from about latitude 50° to Texas.
Minnesota is the most western point to which, so far as I am aware, it
has been traced. It is more abundant in the vSouthern States than else-
where, and in the more northern portions of North America is somewhat
rare. Eichardson did not encounter it in the more arctic portion of the fur
countries, nor has it, so far as I can learn, been observed on the Pacific coast.
It is said to be of accidental occurrence in northern Europe.

In Louisiana, as Mr. Audubon states, it is more abundant than anywhere

36 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

else ; and I )r. Woodliouse speaks of it as very common in tlie Indian Tem-
tories, aiul also in Texas and New Mexico, especially in the timbeved lands
bordering the streams and ])()nds of that rejiion. In July, 1S4G, while in
pursuit of shore birds in the island of Muskeget, near Nantucket, in the
middle of a bright day, I \\as surprised by meeting one of these bii'ds,
which, uninvited, joined us in the hunt, and when shot proved to be a fine
male adidt specimen.

The Barred Owl was found in great abundance in Florida by ilr. J. A.
Allen, the only species of Owl at all common, and where its ludicrous notes
were heard at night everywhere, and even occasionally in the daytime. At
night they not unfrequently startle the traveller by their strange utterances
from the trees directly over his head.

Mr. Dresser speaks of it as very abundant at all seasons of the year in
the wooded parts of Texas. He was not able to find its nest, but was told
by the liunters that they build iu hollow- trees, near the banks of the
rivers.

According to Mr. Downes, this Owl is common throughout Xova Scotia,
where it is resident, and never leaves its particular neighborliood. It lireeds
in the woods throughout all ]iarts of that colony, and was observed by him
to feed on hares, spruce and rufl'ed grouse, and other birds. It is said to
be a quite common event for this bird to make its appearance at midniglit
about the camp-fires of the moose-hunter and the lumberer, and to disturb
their slumbers with its cries, as with a demoniacal expression it peers into
the glare of the embers. Distending its throat and pushing its head for-
ward, it gives utterance to unearthly sounds that to the superstitious are
quite appaUiug.

Mr. "Wilson regarded this species as one of the most common of the Owls
in the lower parts of Pennsyh'ania, where it was particularly numerous in
winter, among the woods that border the extensive meadows of the Schuyl-
kill and the Delaware Eiver. He frequently observed it flying during the
day, when it seemed to be able to see quite distinctly. He met with more
than forty of these birds in one spring, either flying or sitting exposed in
the daytime, and once discovered one of its nests situated iu the crotch
of a white oak, among thick foliage, and containing three young. It
was rudely put together, made outwardly of sticks, iutermLxed \vith dry
grasses and leaves, and lined with smaller twigs. He adds that this Owl
screams in the day in the manner of a Hawk. Xuttall characterizes their
peculiar hooting as a loud guttural call, which he expresses by 'Ivk-lvh-ko-
'ko-'ho, or as '■whah-'irJiah-'whah-'vhah-aa, heard occasionally both by day and
by night. It is a note of recognition, and may be easily imitated, and can be
used as a means to decoy the birds. Nuttall received a specimen that had
been shot in November, hovering, in the daytime, over a covey of Quail.

Mr. Audubon speaks of the peculiar hooting cries of this species as
strangely ludicrous in somid, and as suggestive of an affected burst of

STRIGIDJD — THE OWLS. 37

laughter. He adds that he has frequently seen tliis nocturnal marauder
aliglit witliiu a few yards of liis camp-fire, exposing its whole body to the
glare of the light, and eying him in a very curious manner, antl witli a
noticeable liveliness and oddness of motion. In Louisiana, where lie fDuiid
them more abundant than anywhere else, Mr. Audulion states that, sliould
the weather be lowering, and indicative of the approacli of rain, their cries
are so multiplied during the day, and especially in the evening, and they
respond to each otlier in tones so strange, that one might imagine some
extraordinary /eic was about to take place among them. At this time their
gesticulations are said to be of a very extraordinary nature.

Tlie flight of this Owl is described as remarkably smooth, light, noiseless,
and capable of being greatly protracted. So very lightly do they fly, that
I\Ir. Audubon states he has frei|uently discovered one passing over him, and
only a few yards distant, by first seeing its shadow on the ground, in the
bri^lit moonlight, when not the faintest rustling of its wings could be heard.

This Owl has the reputation of being very destructive to poultry, espe-
cially to half-grown chickens. In Louisiana they are said to nest in March,
laying their eggs about the middle of the month. Audubon states that
they nest in hollow trees on the dust of the decomposed wood, and at other
times take possession of the deserted nest of a crow, or of a Eed-tailed
Hawk. In Xew England I flunk they construct their own nest. Mr. Wil-
liam Street, of Easthampton, Mass., has twice found the nest of this Owl.
On one occasion it had young, unfledged. Upon returning to get them, a
few days later, they had disappeared, and as he conjectures, had been re-
moved by their parents. Another time he found a nest in a lofty pine, and
at a height of sixty feet. He saw and shot the old bird. He has often
found them hiding themselves by day in a thick hemlock. In the winter
of 18G0, Mr. Street witnessed a singular contest between a Barred Owl and
a Goshawk over a Grouse which the latter had killed, but of wliich the
Owl contested the possession. The Hawk had decidedly the advantage in
the fight, when the contest was arrested by shooting the Owl. He has no-
ticed a pair of Barred Owls in his neighborhoocLfor the past four years, and
has never known them to hoot from the time they have reared their young
to the 14th of February. They then begin about an hour after dark, and
their hooting continues to increase until about the 8th of April, when they
mate, at which time their hooting may be heard both day and night.
There is a very great difference observable between the cries of the female
and the utterances of the male. The latter seldom hoots, and there is as
much difference between his voice and that of the female as between the
crowing of a young bird and of the old cock.

In two instances I have known well-de\'eloped eggs of this Owl taken
from the oviduct of the female in February. One of these cases occurred
near Niagara Falls in the spring of 1852. The other, in 1854, was noticed
by Professor William Hopkins, then of Auburn, N. Y., to whose kindness I

38

NORTH .UIERICAN BIRDS.

was indebted for the egg the parentage of which is so unquestionable. It is
purely white, almost globular, and, except in shape, hardly distinguishable
from the egg of the domestic Hen. It is 2.00 inches in leugtli, and 1.09 in
breadth.

Syrnium occidentale, X.vxtus.

WESTEKN BAEEED OWL; SPOTTED OWL.

Syrnium occidentale, Xantus, P. A. N. S. riiiUJ. 1S59, 193.
pi. Lwi. — COUE.S, Key, 1872, 204.

-B.vip.r), Birds N. Am. App.

Sp. Cn.\R. Adult (g, 17,200, Fort Tejon, California; J. Xantus. Type of Xantus's de-
scription). Above deep umber-brown, much iis in S. nebulosum. Whole head and neck

with circular and cordate spots of
white, one near the end of each
feather ; on the scapulars and back,
rump, wings, and tail, they are
rather sparse and more transverse,
but of very irregular form ; they
are most conspicuous on the
scapulars and larger wing-coverts.
Secondaries crossed with about
six bands of p.iler brown, each
spot growing white on tlie edge
of the feather, — the last band
terminal ; primaries with seven
transverse series of pale brown,
or brownish-white, quadrate spots
on outer webs, the last terminal ;
these spots are almost clear white
on the third, fourth, fifth, and
sixth quills. Tail with about
eight very narrow, rather obsolete,
bands of pale brown, growing
whiter and more distinct ter-
minally, the last forming a con-
spicuous terminal band. Ground-
color of the lower parts dull while,
somewhat tinged with ochraceous laterally ; everywhere with numerous transverse spots
and bars of brown like the back, — this predominating anteriorly, the white forming spots
on opposite webs ; on the lower tail-coverts the transverse spots or bars are very sharply
defined and regular, the brown rather exceeding the white. Face, eyebrows, and lores
soiled brownish-white, the former with obscure concentric semicircles of darker brownish.
Facial circle blackish-brown, spotted posteriorly with white ; across the neck in front, it is
more broken. Legs white, with sparse obsolete transverse specks. Wing-formula, 4, 3,
5-6-2; 1=9. Wing, 13.10; tail, 9.00; culmen, .85; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.30.
Length, " 18 "; extent, " 40."

Hab. Southern Middle Province of United States (Fort Tejon, California, Xantus;
and Tucson, Arizona, Bendire).

Syrnium occidentale.

H.U3ITS. Nothing is on record concerning the habits of this bird.

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS.

39

Genus NYCTALE, Brehm.
Nyclalc, Bkehm, 1828. (Type, Strix Iniymalmi, Gmel.)

G-EN. Char. Size small. Head very large, without car-tufts. Eyes moderate; iris
yellow. Two outer primaries only with their inner webs distinctly emargniated. Tarsi and
toes densely, but closely, feathered.
Ear-conch very large, nearly as
high as the skull, with an anterior
operculum ; the two ears exceed-
ingly asynuiietrioal, not only ex-
ternally, but in their osteological
structure. Furcula not anchylosed
posteriorly, but joined by a mem-
brane.

Of this

j;euus only three
as yet known ;

Nyctale acadica.

species are

two of these belong to the

Northern Hemisphere, one of

them (^V. tengmalmi) being

circiimpolar, the other {X.

acadica) peculiar to North

America. The habitat of the

remaining species (iV. harrim)

is unknown, but is supposed to be South America. If it be really from that

portion of the New World, it M'as probably obtained in a mountainous region.

Species and Races.

Co>rMON Characters. Above umber, or chocolate, brown, spotted with white
(more or less uniform in the young) ; beneath white with longitudinal stripes of
reddish-brown (adult), or ochraceous without markings (young).

A. Nostril sunken, elongate-oval, obliquely vertical, opening laterally ; cere
not inflated. Tail considerably more than half the wing. Bill yellow.

1. N. tengmalmi. Wing, 7.20 ; tail, 4..50; culmen, .60 ; tarsus, 1.00;
middle toe, .07 (average).

Legs white, almost, or quite, un.spotted ; lower tail-coverts with
narrow shaft-streaks of brown. (Light tints generally predominat-
ing.) Hab. Northern portions of Palasarctic Realm . var. tengmalmi.'

Legs ochraceous, thickly spotted with brown ; lower tail-coverts
with broad medial stripes of brown. (Dark tints generally pre-
dominating.) Hdb. Northern portions of Nearctic Realm.

var. richardsoni.

1 Nydale tengmalmi, var. tengmalmi. Stria: tcngvuilmi, Gmel. S. N. p. 291, 1789 (et AucT.
var.). Nyetale t., Boxap. et AucT. Koctua t., Cuv. et AucT. Athena t., BoiE. Ulula t.,
BoxAP. et AucT. Scotophihis t.. Swains. Strix dasypus, Bechst. (1791) et Aucr. Nydale d..
Gray. Strix passcrina, A. MEYEn, 1794. — Pallas. Nydak planiceps, Bbehm, 1831. A'.
jjijictorum, Br.EHM, 1831. X. ahielum, Breiim, 1831. N. funerea, Bo.vap. 1842 (not of
Linn., 1761, wMcli is Surnia ulula). " N. kirtlandi," Elliot, Ibis, 11, Jan., 1872, p. 48 (not
of Hoy !).

40 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

B> Nostril prominent, nearlj' circular, opening anteriorly ; cere somewhat
inllatcd. Tail scarcely more than half the wing. Bill black.

2. N. acadica. Wing, 5.25 to 5.80 ; tail, 2.60 to 3.00; culraen, .50 ;
tarsus, .80 ; middle toe, .GO. Juv. Face dark brown ; forehead and
crown brown ; occiput brown ; eyebrows and sides of chin white ;
throat and breast umber-brown. (= " albifruns" Shaw ^ " hirttandi,"
Hor.) Hnh. Cold temperate portions of Nearctic Realm.

3. N. harrisi.' Wing, 5.80 ; tail, 3.00 ; culmen, .50 ; tarsus, 1.00 ; middle
toe, .80. Juv. (?) Face and forehead and anterior half of crown and
whole nape ochraccous ; posterior half of crown and occiput black ;
eyebrows and sides of chin ochraccous; throat and breast ochraccous.
A narrow belt of black spots in ruBT across throat. Ilab. South America?

Nyctale tengmalmi, ^aI■. ricliardsoni, Bon.a.p. ^

AMERICAN SPAEKOW OWL; RICHARDSON'S OWL.

Nydale richardsoni, Bonap. List. E. & X. A. Birds, p. 7, 1838 ; Con.sp. Av. p. 54, 18.50. —
Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2, 1S44. — Cass. Buds Cal. & Tex. p. 185, 1854 ; Birds N. Am.
1S5S, p. 57. — Kaup, Monog. Strig. Cont. Oni. 1852, p. 105 (sub. tengmalmi). — In.
Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 208. — Stricki.. Orn. S\ti. I, 176, 1855. — Mayxaru, Birds
Eastern Mass. 1870, 133. — Gp.ay, Hand List, I, 51, 1S69. Shix tengmalmi, Kicii.
& Swains. F. B. A. II, 04, pi. x.x.xii, 1831. — Arn. Birds Am. pi. ccclxxx, 1831 ; Orn.
Biog. IV, 599, 1831. — Pear. Bu'ds Mass. p. 91, 1841. Xydalc tengmalmi, Dall &
Baxxister, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, 1869, 273. Nyctale tengmalmi, var. riclutrdsoni,
EiDOWAY, Am. Nat. V], May, 1872, 285. — CouES, Key, 1872, 206.

Sp. Char. Adult ( 9 , 3,886, ilontreal, Canada, September, 1853 ; Broome). L'pper
surface brownish-olive or umber-brown. Forehead and crown with numerous elliptical
(longitudinal) marks of white, feathers everywhere with large partly concealed spots of the
same ; these spots are largest on the neck and scapulars, on the latter of a roundish form,
the outer webs of those next the wing being almost wholly white, the edge only brown ;
on the nape the spots form V-shaped marks, the spots themselves being somewhat pointed ;
below this is a transverse, less distinct collar, of more concealed spots; wing-coverts toward
the edge of the wing with a few- large, nearl}- circular, white spots ; secondaries with two
transverse series of sni.aller white spots, these crossing about the middle, remote from the
end and base ; outer feathers of the alula with two white spots along the margin ;
primary coverts plain ; primaries with four or five transverse series of white spots ; tail
with the same number of narrow transverse spoti, forming incontinuous bands, the spots
not touching the shaft, — the last spot not terminal. Facial circle much darker brown
than the crown, and speckled with irregular spots of white, these either medial or upon
only one web ; across the throat the circle becomes paler brown, without the white spot-
ting. Eyebrows and face grayish-white; lores and ej'elids blackish. Lower parts white,
becoming pale ochraccous on the legs ; sides of the breast, sides, flanks, and lower tail-
coverts with daubs of brown (slightlj' lighter and more reddish than on the back), those
of the breast somewhat transverse, but posteriorly they are decidedly longitudinal ; front
of tarsus clouded with brown. Wing-formula, 3,4-2-5-6-7-1. Wing, 7.20; tail,
4.50; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, .67.

A female from Alaska (49,802, Nulato, .\pril 28, 1867 ; W. H. Dall) is considerably
darker than the specimen described above ; the occiput has numerous circular spots of

» Nyctale harrisi, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Nat. 8e. Pliilad. IV, p. 157, Feb., 1849. — Ir. Tr. A. N. S.
II, 2d series, Nov., 1850, pi. v.

STKIGIDJi: — THE OWLS.

41

white, and the tarsi are more thickly spotted ; no other dili'erenoes, however, are appreci-
able. Two specimens from Quebec (17,064 and 17,005; Wm. Cooper) are exactly similar
to the last, but the numerous white spots on the forehead are circular.

Had. Arctic America ; in winter south into northern border of United States ;
Canada (Dr. Hall) ; Wisconsin (Dr. Hov) ; Oregon (J. K. Townsend) ; Massachusetts
(Maynard).

The Nydale richardsoni, though, without doubt, specifically the same as
the N. tciKjmalmi of Euroioe, is, nevertheless, to be distinguished from it.
The colors of the Eurojjean bird are very much paler ; the legs are wliite,
scarcely variegated, instead of ochraceous, thickly spotted ; the lower tail-
coverts have merely shaft-streaks of brown, instead of broad stripes. Very
perfect specimens from luirope enable me to make a satisfactory comparison.

From an article by ]\Ir. D. G. Elliot in Ibis (1872, p. 48), it would appear
that tlie young of ^V. tcuymalmi is very
different from the adult in being darker
and without spots ; a stripe from the
eye over the nostrils, and a patch
under the eye at the base of bill,
white. It is probable, therefore, that
the American race has a similar plu-
mage, which, however, has as yet
escaped the honor of a name ; more
fortunate tlian the j'oung of i\'. acadica,
which boasts a similar plumage. This
(j.V. albifrons) j\Ir. Elliot erroneously
refers to the N. tcngmalmi, judging
from specimens examined by him from
the Alps, from Paissia, and from Nor-
way. The most striking difference,
judging from the description, apart
from tliat of size, appears to be in the whiter bill of tlie tengmahni.

Habits. Tliis race is an exclusively northern bird, peculiar to North
America, and rarely met with in the limits of the United States. A few
specimens only have been obtained in Massachusetts. Dr. Hoy mentions it
as a bird of Wisconsin, and on tlie Pacific Dr. Townsend met with it as far
south as Oregon, where it seems to be more abundant tlian on the eastern
coast.

Mr. Boardman thinks that this Owl is probably a resident in the vicinity
of Calais, where, however, it is not common. It was not taken by Professor
Verrill at Norway, Maine. Mr. J. A. Allen regards it as a very rare
winter visitant in Western Massacliusetts, but obtained a specimen near
Springfield in December, 18.59. In the same winter another was shot near
Boston, and one by Dr. Wood, near Hartford, Ciinn. 'Slv. Allen subsequently
records the capture of a specimen in Lynn, ilass., by Mr. J. Soutliwick, in

VOL. HI. 6

Ni/clale richnrflsoni.

42 XORTIt AMERICAN BIRDS.

the winter of 1863, and mentions two other specimens, also taken within
the limits of the State. It is not mentioned hy Dr. Cooper as among the
birds of California.

Specimens of this Owl w^ere taken at Fort Simpson in May, and at Fort
Eesolution hy Mr. B. K. IJoss, at Big Island by IMr. J. I'lcid, at Fort I!ae by
Mr. L. Clarke, and at Fort Yukon by Jlr. J. Lockhart and Mr. J. ilcDongall,
and at Selkirk Settlement, in February and ]\Iarch, by Mr. Donald Guini.

Mr. B. E. Eoss states that though no specimens of this Owl were received
from nortli of Fort Simpson, yet he is quite certain that it ranges to the
Arctic Circle. He says it is a fierce bird, and creates great havoc among the
flocks of Linnets and oilier small birds. Its nest is built on trees, and the
eggs are three or four in number, of a pure wliite color and nearly round
shape. It sometimes seizes on the deserted hole of a Woodpecker for a
habitation.

Mr. Dall obtained a female specimen of this Owl at Xulato, April 28,
where it was not uncommon. It was often heard crying in the evenings,
almost like a human being, and was quite fearless. It could be readily
taken in the hand without its making any attempt to fly away, but it had
a habit of biting viciousl3^ It was frequently seen in the daytime sitting
on trees. According to the Indians, it generally nests in holes in dead
trees, and lays six spherical wliite eggs. Eichardson informs us that it
inhabits all the wooded country from Great Slave Lake to the United
States, and is very common on the banks of the Saskatchewan. It was
obtained in Canada by the Countess of Dalhousie, but at what season the
bird was met with is not .stated ; the Smithsonian Institution also pos-
sesses specimens from the vicinity of JMontreal. It jirobably does not breed
so fi^r soutli as that place, or, if so, very rarely. ^Ir. Audubon procured
a specimen near Bangor, Elaine, in September, the only one he ever met
with.

This Owl, according to Mr. Hutcbins, builds a nest of grass half-way uji
a pine-tree, and lays two eggs in the month of May.

A drawing, taken by Jlr. Audubon from a specimen in an English cabinet,
represents a nearly spherical egg, the color of which is white with a slight
tinge of yellowish, and which measures ].18 inches in length by one inch in
breadth.

The only authenticated eggs of this variety which have come under my
notice are three collected at Fort Simpson, May 4, 1861, by B. E. Eoss.
One of tliese measures 1.28 by 1.06 inches.

STKIGID^ — THE OWLS. 43

Nyctale acadica, Box.vi'.

SAW-WHET OWL; WHITE-FRONTED OWL; KIRTLAND'S OWL.

Strix accidka, G.mel. Syst. Nat. p. 29G, 1789. — Davi). Tr. Din. II, 206, 1800. — ViiciLL.
Ois. Am. Sept. I, 49, 1807. — Aun. Birds Am. pi. excix, 1831 ; Oni. Biog. V, 397. —
ElCH. & Sw.iiNS. F. B. A. II, 97, 1831. — Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, pp. 38, 436 ;
Isis, 183-2, p. 1140.— Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 66. — Naum. Nat, Vbg. Deutschl.
(ed. Nov. ) I, 434, pi. xliii, figs. 1 & 2. — Pead. Bii-ds Mas.s. p. 90. — Nutt. Man. p.
137, 1833. Nycialc acadica, Bonap. List, p. 7, 1838; Consp. Ay. p. 44. — Gray,
Gen. B. fol. App. p. 3, 1844. — Kafp, Monog. Strig. Cont. Om. 1852, p. 104. — Ib.
Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 206. — Stuickl. Orn. Syn. I, 176, 1855. — Newb. P. R. R.
Eept. W, 77, 1857. — Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858, 58. —Coop, fc Suck. P. R. R. Rept.
XII, II, 156, 1860. — CouEs, Prod. B. Ariz. 14, 1866. — Gray, Hand List, I, 1869,
51. —Lord, Pr. K. A. I. IV, in (Brit. Colnmb.). — Ridg\v.4.y, Am. Nat. VI, May,
1872, 285. — CouE.s, Key, 1872, 206. — Gray, Hand List, I, 51, 1869. Scotophilus
acadicus, Swaixs. Classif. Birds II, 217, 1837. Strix passerina, Penn. Arct. Zool.
p. 236, sp. 126, 1785. — FoRsT. Phil. Transl. LXII, 385. —Wils. Am. Orn. pi. xxxiv,
f. 1, 1808. Uliila passcrina, J&MKA. (Wils.), Am. Orn. I, 159, 1831. Strix acadiensis.
Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 65, 1790. S. albifrmis, Sh.wv, Nat. Misc. V, pi. clxxi, 1794 ;
Zool. VII, 238, 1809. — L.iTii. Orn. Supp. p. 14. Btibo albifrons, ViElLL. Ois. Am.
Sept. I, 54, 1807. Scops albifrons, Stepii. Zoiil. XIII, ll, 51. Nyctale albifrons,
Cass. Birds Cal. & Tex. 187, 1854. — Bonap. Consp. Av. p. 54. — Cass. Birds N. Am.
1858, 57. — Gray, Hand List, I, 52, 1869. Strix frontalis, LiciiT. Abh. Ak. Berl.
1838, 430. A'yctalc kirtlandi. Hoy, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. VI, 210, 1852. ,5". pha-
la~iwidcs, Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 206, 1800. — Lai'H. Ind. Orn. Snpp. p. 16, 1802; Syn.
Snpp. II, 66 ; Gen. Hi.st. I, 372, 1828. Atlicne pJialainoides, Gr.iy, Gen. B. fol. sp. 43,
1844. Athene wilsoni, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 315.

Sp. CiJAR. Adult (9,120,iM4, Washington, D C, Feb., 1859; C. Drexler). Upper
surface plain soft reddisli-olive, almost exactly as in N. richardsoni ; forehead, anterior
part of the crown, and the I'acial circle, -with each feather with a sliort medial line of white ;
feathers of the neck white beneath the surface, forming a collar of blotches ; lower webs
of scapulars white bordered with brown; wing-coverts with a few rounded white spots;
alula with the outer feathers broadly edged with white. Primary coverts and secondaries
perfectly plain ; five outer primaries with semi-rounded white spots on the outer webs,
these decreasing toward the ends of the feathers, leaving but about four series well
defined. Tail crossed with three widely separated narrow bands of white, formed of
spots not touching the shaft on either web ; the last band is terminal. " Eyebrow " and
sides of the throat white ; lores with a blackish suffusion, this more concentrated around
the eye ; face dirty white, feathers indistinctly edged with brownish, causing an obsoletely
streaked appearance ; the facial circle in its extension across the throat is converted into
reddish-umber spots. Lower parts, generally, silky-white, becoming fine ochraceous on
the tibife and tarsi ; sides of the breast like the back, but of a more reddish or burnt-
sienna tint; sides and flanks with longitudinal daubs of the same; jugulum, abdomen,
lower tail-covert.s, tarsi, and tibiie, immaculate. Wing formula, 4- 3 ^5-1 = 8. Wing,
5.40 ; tail, 2.80 ; culmen, .50 ; tarsus, .80 ; middle toe, .60.

Seven specimens before me vary from, wing, 5.25 to 5.80 ; tail, 2.G0 to 3.00 ( 9 )■ The
largest specimen is 12,053 (J, Fort Tejon, California; J. Xantus). This difters from the
specimen described in whiter face, more conspicuous white streaks on forehead, smaller, less
numerous, red spots below, and in having a fourth white band on the tail ; this, however,
is very inconspicuous. 32,301 (Moose Factory; J. McKenzie), 9,1.52 (Fort Vancouver,
February; Dr. J.G. Cooper), and 11,793 (Simiahmoo, October; Dr. C. B. Kennerly) are

44

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

exactly like the type. There are no authentic males before me, though only two are
marked as females ; the extremes of the series probably represent the sexual discrepancy
in size.

Young ((J, 12,814, Racine, Wisconsin, July, 18.59; Dr. R. P. Hoy). Upper surface
continuous plain dark sepia-olive ; face darker, approaching fuliginous-vandyke, — perfectly
uniform ; around the edge of the forehead, a few shaft-lines of white ; scapulars with a
concealed .spot of pale ochraoeous on lower web ; lower feathers of wing-coverts with a
few white spots; outer feather of the alula scalloped with white; primary coverts per-
fectly plain ; five outer primaries with white spots on outer webs, these diminishing
toward the end of the feathers, leaving only two or three series well defined ; tail darker
than the wings, with three narrow bands composed of white spots, these not touching
the shaft on either web. " Eyebrows " immaculate white ; lores more dusky ; face and
eyelids dark vandyke-brown ; sides of the chin white. Throat and whole breast like the
back, but the latter paler mediall}', becoming here more fulvous ; rest of the lower parts
plain fulvous-ochraceous, growing gradually paler posteriorly, — immaculate. Lining of
the wing plain dull white ; under surface of primaries with dusky prevailing, but this
crossed by bands of large whitish spots ; the three outer feathers, however, present a
nearly uniformly dusky aspect, being varied only basally. Wing formula, 3,4-2=5
6-7, 1. Wing, 5.50; tail, 2.80; culmen, .45; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .65.

Hab. North America generally. Cold temperate portions in the breeding-season,
migrating southward in winter. Mexico (Oaxaca, Scl.^ter, P. Z. S. 1858. 295) ; Cali-
fornia (Dr. Cooper) ; Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico (Dr. Anderson) ; Washington
Territory (Dr. Kennerlv).

A specimen (15,917, 3, Dr. C. B. Kennerly, Camp Skagitt, September 29,
1859) from Washington Territory is exactly similar to the youug described

Nyctale acadka Young.

above. No. 10,702 (Fort Burgwyn, New Mexico ; Dr. Anderson) is much
like it, but tlie facial circle is quite conspicuous, the feathers having medial
white lines ; the reddisli-olive of the breast and the fulvous of tlie belly
are paler, also, than in the type. No. 12,866, United States, (Professor
Baird's collection, from Audubon,) is perfectly .similar to the last.

STRIGID^E — THE OWLS. 45

My reasons for considering the xV. nibifrons as the young of N. acadica
are the following (see American Naturalist, May, 1872) : —

1st. All specimens examined (including Hoy's type of JV. kirtlandi) are
young birds, as is unmistakably apparent from the texture of their plumage.

2d. All specimens examined of the N. acadica are adults. I have seen
no description of the young.

3d. The geographical distribution, the size and proportions, the pattern
of coloration (except that of the head and body, which in all Owls is more
or less different in the young and adult stages), and the shades of colors on
the general ujiper plumage, are the same in both. The white " scalloping "
on the outer web of the alula, the number of white spots on the primaries,
and the precise number and position of the white bars on the tail, are
features common to the two.

4th. The most extreme example of alhifrons has the facial circle uniform
brown, like the neck, has no spots on the forehead, and the face is entirely
uniform dark brown ; but,

6th. Three out of the four specimens in the collection have tlie facial
circle composed of white and brown streaks (adult feathers), precisely as in
acadica, and the forehead similarly streaked (witii adult feathers). Two of
them have new feathers ajipearing ui)on the sides of the breast (beneath the
brown patch), as well as upon the face ; these new feathers are, in the most
minute respects, Uke the common (adult) dress of N. acadica.

The above facts point conclusively to the identity of the Nyctale " cdhi-
frons " and JY. acadica. This species is easily distinguishable from the If.
tengmalvii, which belongs to both continents, though the North American
and European specimens are readily separable, and therefore should be recog-
nized as geographical races.

Since the above was published in the American Naturalist for May, 1872,
Dr. J. W. Velie, of Chicago, writing under date of November 20, 1872,
furnishes the following proof of the identity of N " albifrons " and A'', acadica :
"Inl8G8, I kept a fine specimen of " Nyctak albifrons" \\i\t\\ it moulted
and became a fine specimen of Nyctale acadica. I had, until the fire, all the
notes about tliis interesting little species, and photographs in the different
stages of moulting."

Habits. The Little Acadian or Saw-Whet Owl, as this bird is more gen-
erally denominated, appears to have a widespread distribution over temperate
North America. It is not known to be anywhere very abundant, though
its nocturnal and secluded habits tend to prevent any intimate acquaintance
either with its habits or its numbers in any particular locality. It is rarely
found in tlie daytime out of its hiditig-places. It was not met with by
Richardson in the fur regions, yet it is generally supposed to be a somewhat
northern species, occurring only in winter south of Pennsylvania, but for
this impression there does not seem to be any assignable reason or any con-
firmatory evidence. It has been said to breed near Cleveland, Ohio, and its

46 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

nest and eggs to have been secured. The taking of Kirtland's Owl, -which
is now known to be the imuuiture bird of tliis species, near that city, as
well as in Kacine, and at Hauiihon, Canada, is also suggestive that this Owl
may breed in those localities.

Dr. Towiisend is said to have found this Owl in Oregon, Dr. Gandiel met
with it in t'alifornia, Mr. Audubon lias taken it both in Kentucky and in
Louisiana, Mr. Wilson met with it in New Jersey, IMr. i\IcCullock in Nova
Scotia, and Dr. Hoy in Wisconsin. Di'. Xewbeny met with tliis bird in
Oregon, but saw none in California. Dr. Suckley obtained it at tlie Dalles, on
tlie north side of the Columbia, in December. Tliis was several miles from
the timbered region, and the bird was supposed to be living in the basaltic
cliffs of the vicinity. Dr. Cooper found one at Vancouver in February. It
was dead, and had ajiparently died of starvation. Professor Snow speaks of
it as rare in Kansas. ]\Ir. Boardman and Professor Verrill both give it as
resident and as common in JMaine. It is rather occasional and rare in East-
ern Massachusetts, and Mv. Allen did not find it common near Springfield.
On one occa,sion I found one of these birds in April, at Nahant. It was ap-
l^arently migrating, and had sought slielter in the rocky cliffs of that penin-
sula. It was greatly bewildered by the light, and was several times almost
on tlu! point of being captured by hand.

Tins Owl is not unfrequently kepit in confinement. It seems easily rec-
onciled to captivity, becomes quite tame, suffers itself to be handled by
strangers without resenting the familiarity, but is greatly excited at the sight
of mice or rats. Captain Bland had one of these birds in captivity at Hali-
fax, which he put into the same room with a rat. The bird immediately
attacked and killed the rat, but died soon after of exhaustion.

The notes of this Owl, dui-ing the breeding-season, are said to resemble
the noise made by the filing of a saw, and it is known in certain localities
as the Saw-Whet. Mr. Audubon, on one occasion, hearing these notes in a
forest, and unaware of their source, imagined he was in the vicinity of a
saw-mill.

According to Mr. Audubon, tliis Owl lireeds in liollow trees, or in the de-
serted nests of other birds; and lavs from ibur to six "lossy-white e"£is, wliidi
are almost spherical. He states, also, tliat lie found near Natchez a nest
in the broken stump of a small decayed tree not more than four feet high.
He also mentions the occasional occurrence of one of these Owls in the midst
of one of our crowded cities. One of them was thus taken in Cincinnati,
wheie it was found resting on the edge of a child's cradle. ]\Ir. McCulloch,
quoted by Audubon, gives an interesting account of the notes and the ven-
triloquial powers of this bird. On one occasion lie heard what seemed to
him to be the faint notes of a distant bell. Upon approaching the place
from which these sounds proceeded, they appeared at one time to be in
front of him, then behind him, now on his right hand, now on his left,
again at a great distance, and then close behind him. At last he dis-

STIUGID.E — THE OWLS.

47

covered the bird at the entrance of a small hole in a birch-tree, where it
was calling to its mate. As he stood at the foot of the tree, in full siglit of
the bird, he observed the singular power it possessed of altering its voice,
making it seem near or remote, — a faculty which lie liad never noticed in
any otiier bird.

An esi'"' a'iven me bv ^Ir. llufus 1!. Winshiw as one of this liird, and figured
in tlie Xorth American Oology, was undoubtedly that of a Woodpecker.
It is of a crystalline whiteness, nearly spherical, and measures 1.13 inches
in length by .87 of an inch in breadth.

A well-identified egg in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution,
taken by Mr. E. Christ at Nazareth, I'enn., (No. 14,5o8, S. I.,) measures .95
of an inch by .88. Tlie two ends are exactly similar or symmetrical. The
egg is white, and is marked as having been collected April 25, 1SG7.

Genus SCOPS, Savigny.

Scops, Savigny, 1S09. (Type, Strix scops, L. = Scops zona (Gii.) Swains.)
EpkialUis, Keys. & Bl. 1840, ncc Schuank, 1S02.
Megascops, Kaup, 1848. (Tyjn', Sfrix ctsio, L. )

Gen. CnAR. Size .small, the head provided with ear-tufts. Bill light-colored ; iris
yellow. Three to four outer quills with inner webs sinuated. Wings long (more than
twice the length of the

tail, which is short and ..^'tf^' " ' — ^':i^ /"^ '

slightly rounded) ; second
to fifth quills longest.
Toes naked, or only
scantily feathered. Ear-
conch small and simple.
Plumage exceedingly va-
riegated, the colors dif-
ferent .sliades of brown,
with rufous, black, and
white, in fine mottlings
and peucillings; feathers
above and below usually
w ith blackish shaft-streaks,
those beneath usually with
five transverse bai-s ;
primaries spotted with
whitish, and outer web?

of the lower row of scapulars the same edged terminally with blacl
banded.

Scops nsio.

Tail obscurely

The species of this genus are cosmopolitan, the greater number, however,
being found in tropical regions. All the American species differ from
;S'. zorca of Europe in having tlie fourtli and fifth ([uills longest, instead of
the second, and in having three to four, instead of only two, of the outer

48 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

quills with the inner web sinuated, as well as in having the quills shorter,
broader, and more bowed, and their under surlace more concave. They may,
perhaps, be distinguished as a se{)arate subgenus {Mcgascops, Kaup). Of the
American species all but ^S". asio (including its several races) have the toes
perfectly naked to their very bases.

Species and Races.

Common CnAR.tciERS. Plumage brown, gra)', oi- nifous, and whitish, finely
mottled above ; lower parts transversely barred, and with dark shaft-streaks.
Outer webs of lower scapulars light-colored (white or ochraceous) and with-
out markings. Tail crossed by rather obscure mottled light and dark bar.^ of
nearly equal width. Outer webs of primaries with nearly equal bands of whitish
and dusky.

1. S. asio. Toes covered (more or less densely) with bristles, or hair-like
feathers. Wing, 5..50-7.S0; tail, 3.20-4.10; culmen, .50 -."0; tarsus,
1.00-1.70; middle toe, .70 -.80. Ear-tufts well developed; facial circle
black.

Colors smoky-brown and pale fulvous, with little or none of pure
white. Outer webs of the scapulars pale ochraceous-fulvous. Wing,
6.90 - 7.30 ; tail, 3.50 - 4.50. Ilah. North Pacific region, from
Western Idaho and Washington Territory, northward to Sitka.

' var. k e n nicotti.
Colors ashy-gray and pure white, with little or none of fulvous.
Outer webs of the scapulars pure white. Varying to bright brick-red,
or lateritious-rufous.

Mottlings coarse, the blackish median streaks above not sharply
defined, and the bars beneath heavy and distinct^

Wing, 6.10-7.75; tail, 3.30-4.35. In the red plumage,
white prevailing on the lower parts, where the red markings
are not broken into transverse bars. Hob. United States;
except the Southern Middle Province, the northwest region,
and Florida ......... var. asio.

Wing, 5.50-6.00 tail, 2.75-3.10. In the red plumage,
red prevailing on the lower parts, where the markings are
much broken into transverse l)ars. Ilah. Florida and Southern
Georgia ........ \3X. florid anus.

Wing, 5.50 - 5.80 ; tail, 3.20 - 3.30. Gr,iy plumage, like
var. asio, but the mottling above much coarser, and the nape
with a strongly indicated collar of rounded white spots in
pairs, on opposite webs. Red plumage not seen. Hab.
Eastern Mexico and Guatemala ..... var. ennno}

Mottlings fine, the blackish median streaks above very sharply
defined and conspicuous ; bars beneath delicate and indistinct.

' Scops asio, var. cnano, Lawkexce, MS.S. This well-marked race is founded upon two speci-
mens, — one from Mexieo, in the cabinet of Mr. Lawrence, .ind another from Guatemala, in the
collection of tlie Boston Society of Natural History. Tliey are exactly similar in colors ; but, a-s
might be expected, the more .southern specimen is the smaller of the two. This form very closely
resembles the S. atricnjnlla (Natt.) Steph. (Teram. PI. Col. 145), but may be readily dis-
tinguished by the haired toes, they being perfectly naked in alricapilla. The latter species is
found OS far northward as Mirador.

STEIGIDiE — THE OWLS. 49

Wing, 6.20-6.50; tail, 3.3.5-3.50. Ilab. Southern Mid-
dle Province, and Southern California; Cape St. Lucas.

var. mace alii.
2. S. flammeola. Toes perfectly naked, the feathering of the tarsus ter-
minating abruptly at the lower joint. Wing, 5.40 ; tail, 2.80 ; culmen, .35 ;
tarsus, .90 ; middle toe, .55. Ear-tufts short, or rudimentary. Facial circle
rusty. Outer ^yells of the scapulars rusty-ochraceous, in striking contrast
to the gra3'ish of the wings and back. Other markings and colors much as
in asio. Hah. Mountain regions of Mexico and California, from Guatemala
to Fort Crook, Northern California.

Scops asio, TioNAP.

LITTLE EED OWL; MOTTLED OWL; "SCREECH-OWL."

Noctva aiirita minor, Catesby, Carol. I, 1754, 7, pi. vii. Asio scops carolinevsis, Bkiss. Orn.
I, 1760, 497. Strix asio, Linn. Sy.st. Nat. 1758, 92. — Gmel. S. N. 17S9, 287. —
L.VTii. Ind. Orn. 1790, 54. — Ie. Syn. \, 123. — Ib. Supp. \, 42 ; Geu. Hist. \, 314.—
Daud. Tr. Orn. H, 1800, 216.— SiiAW, Zobl. VH, 1809, 229. — Temm. PI. Col. SO.
— WiLS. Am. Orn. 1808, pi. xlii, f. 1. — Jard. (ed. WiLS.) Orn. L 1831, 307. — Bonap.
Ann. N. Y. Lye. H, 36. — Ib. Lsis, 1832, 1139. — Audubon, Birds N. A. 1831, pi.
xi-vii. — Ib. Orn. Biog. I, 486. — Bkewer (ed. WiLS.) Ora. 1852, p. 687. — Hobs. Nat.
1855, 169. Bubo asio, ViEii.L. Ois. Am., Sept., 1807, 53, pi. xxi. — Giraud, Birds Long
Island, 1844, 28. — Max. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 23. Otus asio, Stephen.s, Zoijl. XIII, pt.
ii, 1815, 57. ScoiK asio, Bonap. List, 1838, 6. — Less. Tr. Orn. 107. —Cass. Birds
Cal. & Tex. 1854, 179. — Is. Birds N. Am. 1858, 51. — Katjp, Monog. .Strig. Cont. Orn.
1852, 112. — Stkiokl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 199. — Heerm. P. E. Kept. U, 1855, 35.—
Coop. & Suckl. P. B. Kept. 155. — Maynard, Bkds Eastern Mass., 1870, 131.^
CoUES, Key, 1872, 202. — Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 46. Ephialtes asio. Gray,
Gen. B. fol. 1844, sp. 9. — Ib. List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 96. — Woodh. 1853, 62.
Strix nxvia, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 2S9. — Lath. Ind. Orn. 1790, p. 55. — Ib. Syn. I,
126; Gen. Hist. J, 321. —Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 1800, 217. —Shaw, Zobl. VII, 1809,
230. — WiLs. Am. Orn. 1808, pi. xLx, f. ]. Asio nmvia, Le.ss. Man. Orn. I, 1828, 117.
Olus nmvius, Crv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 341. Surnia juevia, James, (ed. WiLS.),
Orn., 1831, L 96 & 99.

a. Xorninl plumage.

Sp. Char. Adult. Ground-color above browni.'di-cinereous, palest on the head, purest
ashy on the wings, minutely mottled with fine zigzag transverse bars of black, each
feather with a medial ragged stripe of the same along the shaft. Inner webs of ear-tufts,
outer webs of scapulai-s, and oval spots occupying most of the outer webs of the two or
three lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts, white, forming (except on
the first) conspicuous spots, those of the scapulars bordered with black. Secondaries
crossed with about seven regular paler bands, each enclosing a more irregular dusky one ;
the ground-color, however, is so mottled with grayish, and the pale bands with dusky,
that they are by no means sharply defined or conspicuous, though they are very regular :
alula and primary coverts more sharply barred with cream-colored spots, those on the
former nearly white ; primaries with broad quadrate spots of creamy-white on outer webs,
these forming from seven (^) to eight (9) transver.«e bands, the last of which is not
terminal. Tail more irregularly mottled than the wings, and crossed by seven ( (J) to
eight ( 9 ) narrow, ob.solete, but continuous, pale bands.

Eyebrows white, the feathers bordered with dusk)' (most broadly so in ^) ; cheeks,
ear-coverts, and lower throat dull white, with transverse bars of blackish (most numerous

VOL. III. 7

50 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

in the ^); chin immaculate; upper eyelid dark brown; facial circle black; neck and
jugulum like the cheeks, but more strongly barred, and with blackish along the >;hafl.
Ground-color of the lower parts white, each feather with a medial stripe of black, this
throwing oft" distinct bars to the edge of the feather ; the medial black is largest on sides
of the breast, where it expands into very large conspicuous spot-s, having a slight rusty
exterior suffusion ; the abdomen medially, the anal region, and the lower tail-coverts, are
almost unvaried white. Tibife and tarsi in the male dull white, much barred trans-
versely with blackish ; in the female, pale ochraceous, more sparsel}' barred with dark
brownish. Lining of the wing creamy-white, varied only along the edge; light bars on
under surface of primaries very obsolete.

$ (16,027, Fort Crook, North California; John Feilner). Wing, 6.70; tail, 3.80; cul-
men, .61; tarsus, 1.35; middle toe, .'H; ear-tufts, 1.00; wing-formula, 3=4,5-2,6,
1 = 9. " Length, 9.50 ; extent, 23.75."

9 (18,299, Hellgate, Montana; Jno. Pearsall). Wing, 7.80; tail, 4.10; culnien, .70;
tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, .80; ear-tufts, 1.00.

Young <J (No. 29,738, Wood's Hole, Mass., July 25, 1863 ; S. F. Baird. " Parent
gray "). Secondaries, primaries, and tail, as in the adult, gray plumage ; but the latter
more mottled, the bands confused. Rest of the plumage everj'where grayish-white, with
numerous transverse bars of dusky-brown; eyebrows and lores scarcely variegated dull
white ; facial circle obsolete.

9 (41.891, Philadelphia, Penn. ; .1. Krider). Whole head, neck, back, rump, and en-
tire lower parts transversely barred with dark brown and grayish-white, the bands of the
former on the upper parts rather exceeding the white in width, but on the lower surface
much narrower; scapulars with large tr.ansverse spots of white on the outer webs.
Wings and tail as in the adult. Facial disk con.spicuous. (More advanced in age than

the preceding.)

6. Rufescent plumage.

Adult. General pattern of the preceding ; but the grayish tints replaced by lateritious-
rufous, very fine and bright, with a slight vinaceous cast: this is uniform, and shows'
no trace of the transverse dark mottling ; there are, however, black shaft-lines to the
feathers (these most conspicuous on the head above, and scapulars, and narrower and
more sharply defined than in the gray plumage). The inner webs of the ear-tufts, outer
webs of scapulars, and lower secondary and middle wing-coverts, are white, as in the
gray plumage; those of the scapulars arc also bordered with Ijlack. The secondaries,
primaries, and tail are less bright rufous than the other portions, the markings as in the
gray plumage, only the tints being different. The upper eyelid, and, in fact, all round the
eye, fine light rufous ; cheeks and ear-coverts paler, scarcely variegated ; black facial circle
rather narrower than in the gray plumage. Lower parts without the transverse bars of
the gr.ay plumage, but in their place an irregular clouding of fine light red, like the back ;
the lower parts medially (very broadly) immaculate snowy-white; most of the feathers
having the red spotting show black shafUstripes, but the pectoral spots are not near so
large or conspicuous as in the gray bird. Tibise fine pale ochraceous-rufous ; tarsi the
same posteriorly, in front white with cuneate specks of rufous ; lower tail-coverts each
with a medial transversely cordate spot of dilute rufous, the shaft black. Lining of the
wing with numerous rufous spots.

J (12,045, Washington, D. C, January). Wing, 6.30 ; tail, 3.00.

9 (22,512, Maryland; R. G. Campbell). Wing, 0.70; tail, 3.50.

Young (29,792, Peoria, Illinois : Ferd. Bischoff). Wings and tail as in adult ; markings
on head and body as in the young graj' bird, but white bars more reddish, and dark ones
more brown.

Hab. Temperate North America, from the South Atlantic States to Oregon, ami from
the northern United States to Texas. Replaced in the southern Middle Province and

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS.

51

Southern California by var. inaccalli, in Florida by var. floridana, and on the north-
western coast region by var. kennicotti.
Localities : (?) Cuba (Caeanis, Jourii. Ill, 465).

The above stages of plumage have caused omithologists a great deal
of perplexity; and it is only very recently that tliey have become cor-
rectly understood. Even yet
many persist in regarding the
red phimage as being that of
the young bird.

That these two very differ-
ent plumages are entirely in-
dependent of age, sex, or sea-
son, and that they are purely
individual, there can be no
doubt ; since in one nest tlicre
may often be found both red
and gray young ones, while
their parents may be either
both red or both gray, the
male red and the female gray,
or vice versa. Occasionally
specimens (such as No. 39,-
093, $ , Neosho Falls, Kansas,
April 13 ; parent of five eggs,
and captured on the nest with
a gray male) are exactly in-
termediate between these two plumages, it being difiScult to decide which
predominates ; the combination is not only of the tints, but of the markings,
of the two stages.

Habits. The habit of all the varieties of Scojjs asio in their different
localities will be foimd after their zoological description.

i^^

Scops asio.

Scops asio, var. floridana, Eidgway.

Scops asio, Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zobl. and otlier citations from Florida.

Char. Similar to var. asio, but much .smaller, and the colors deeper. The gray
stage very similar to that of var. asio, but the red phase very appreciably different, in
there being a greater amount of rufous on the lower parts, the breast being nearly uni-
formly colored, and the rufous broken elsewhere into transverse broad bars, connected
along the shaft. Wing, 5.50 - 6.00 ; tail, 2.75 - 3.10.

Had. Florida and Lower Georgia.

This extreme soutlieru form is much smaller than the more northern ones,
being about the same in size as the var. enano (see p. 1374) of Middle

':i / - •

' to

^^^

^

52 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

America, and the S. atrkapilla, Tenim., of Tropical America generally. The
colors, as may be expected, are also darker and richer.

In the collection of the Smithsonian Institution there are both red and
gray birds from Florida ; a red one (Xo. 5,857, Indian lUver ; Dr. A. W.
Wall) measures, wing, 5.50 ; tail, 2.70 ; culmen, .55 ; tarsus, 1.05 ; middle
toe, .65 ; ear-tufts, .70. The colors are nuiuli darker than those of t}^iical
asio. The rufous of the neck, all around, shows obsolete darker transverse
bars ; tlie black border to the white scapular spots is restricted to the tip, as
in the gray plumage ; the inner webs of the ear-tufts are scarcely paler tlian
the outer; the neck and face are deeper rufous, while the rufous of the
lower parts is more general, and more in transverse rays ; tibia3 and tarsi
plain rufous ; the middle of the abdomen and the anal region only are pure
white.

Scops asio, var. maccalli, Cass.

WESTERN MOTTLED OWL.

Scops maccalli, Cass. Bii-ds Cal. & Tex. p. 180, 1850 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, 52. — Steickl.

Cm. Sj-n. I, 200, 1865. — CouES, Prod. Orn. Ariz., p. 13, 1869.— ScL. k Salv. P. Z. S.,

1868, 57 (^ tricliopsis, Wagl. Isis, 1832, 276! see remarks below). — Baird, Mex.

, I, . Bound. II, 4, pi. i. — Gray, Hand List, I, 47, 1869. Scops asio, var. maccalli (Eidg-

/ way) CoHES, Key, 1872, 203. Ephiallcs clioliba (not of Vieillot !), Lawk. Ann.

N. Y. Lye. VI, 1853, p. 4.

Char. Adult (9,147, Camp 118, New Mexico, February 10, 18.54 ; Kennerly and
Mollhausen). Above cinereous, the ashy appearance being caused hy a minute trans-
verse mottling of blackish and pale ashy, on a deeper ash ground ; each feather with a
distinct medial stripe of black, these broadest on the forehead ; outer webs of only a few
scapulars white, these not bordered with black ; outer webs of two or three lower middle
and secondary coverts white. Secondaries with about seven transverse, mottled pale
bands ; primaries witli about eight transverse series of white spots ; tail with about eight
narrow pale bands.

Ear-coverts, cheeks, throat, neck, and jugulum finely and uniformly bari-ed transversely
with dusky and grayish-white ; the facial circle interrupted across the throat, where in its
place is a series of longitudinal black dashes.

Lower parts grayish-white, with numerous, very narrow transverse bars of dusky,
rather more distant from each other than those of the neck, etc. ; each feather with a
medial narrow stripe of black, those on the breast forming conspicuous spots ; tibiae and
tarsi dull soiled white, with numerous spots of dark brown ; lower tail-coverts immacu-
late. Wing-formula, 3 = 4-2, 5, 6, 7, 8-1-9. Wing, 6.50; tail, 3.30; culmen, .55;
tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .70; ear-tufts, .85.

(A specimen from California (Stockton, E. S. Holden), kindly sent by Mr. Lawrence for
examination, differs from the preceding in rather more brown ground-color above ; the
black shaft-streaks more obscure. In other respects as regards plumage it is the same,
and is typical maccalli. The size is less, it measuring, wing, 6.20; tail, 3.10.)

Young (first full, but incomplete plumage ; 10,932, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California).
Secondaries, primaries, and tail as in the gray adult. Rest of the plumage transversely
barred with grayish-white and dusky, the latter predominating on the upper parts; eye-
brows and lores white j rings finely transversely mottled with white, this forming spots

STRIGID.E — THE OAVLS.

53

on the loTver feathers ; tibipe and tarsi with numerous transverse dusky bars. Wing, 5.40;
tail, 2.G0; tarsi, 1.00; middle toe, .03. No. 16,933 (same locality, etc.) is similar, but
smaller, measuring, 5.00, 2.00, 1.00, and .60.

Hab. Southern iliddle Province of United States; Lower and Southern California.

Localities. (?) Oaxaca (Scl. 1858, 296) ; (?) Guatemala (Scl. Ibis, I, 220) ; (?) Texas
(Dresser, Ibis, 185G, 330).

While the Scops maccalli is without donbt to be distingtii.shed from S. asio,
its being specifically distinct is not a matter of so much certainty ; with a
simple statement of the diflerences between the two, I shall leave the
value of these differences to the appreciation of each one, according to his
own fancy. The species is represented in the collection by but four speci-
mens, two adult and two young. I have not seen the red plumage as
described by Cassin.

The characters of this race, as given in the diagnosis, appear to be really
constant ; and tiiere is not a specimen in the series of those from the west
which may not readily be referred to one or the other.

The gray adult maccalli differs from that of cisio in the much finer mot-
tling of the general plumage ; the laedial black stripes of the feathers above
being more sharply defined, aud more distinct from the transverse zigzags.
Below, the transverse dark bars are much finer, and nearer together. Tlie
face, neck, and jugulum more finely and uniformly barred. The white
scapular spots have not the black border seen in asio. The size is smaller.

The young of maccalli differs from that of asio in much finer bars above,
the dusky rather prevailing ; below, also, the bars are finer and nearer to-
gether.

It is not necessary to compare this bird with any other than tlie *S'. asio,
since it is not at all related to choliba, or any other southern species.

Sco2JS maccalli is entirely distinct from the S. trichopsis, Wagler, not-
withstanding the statement in the Ibis, for April, 1872 (p. 6), that " the
name " is " really synonymous with S. trichopsis of Wagler, the bird being
quite distinct from S. asio, as has been pointed out elsewhere." (P. Z. S.
1868, p. 57.)

Scops asio, var. kennicotti, Elliot.

KENNICOTT'S OWL.

Scops kennicotti, Elliot, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1867, p. 69 ; lUust. Am. Birds, pi. xi. —
Baikd, Trans. Chicago Acad. Sc. I, 11, 311, pi. xxvii, 1869. — Dall & Bannister, Tr.
Chic. Ac. I, 1869, 273. —Gray, Hand List, I, 47, 1869. — Elliot, lUust. Birds Am.
I, XXVII. — FiNSCn, Abh. Nat. HI, 28. — Scops asio, var. kennicotti, (Eidgw.vy)
CouEs, Key, 1872, 203. ? Scops asio. Coop. & Suck. P. E. R. Kept. XII. 11, 155,
1860 (all citations from northwest coast).

Sp. Char. AdiiU ( <J, .59,84", Sitka, Alaska, March. 1866 ; Ferd. Bischoff. Elhott's
type). Above umber-brown, with a reddish cast ; feathers confusedly mottled trans-

54 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

versely Avith dusky, and showing rounded spots of rufous, most conspicuous on the
nape ; each feather with a conspicuous medial broad ragged stripe of black, these stripes
most conspicuous on the forehead and scapulars; outer webs of scapulars hght rufous,
bordered terminally with Ijlack. Wings of a more grayish cast than the back, but
similarly variegated ; lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts, each
with a large oval pale rufous spot, covering most of the lower web. Secondaries crossed
by six narrow obscure bands of pale rufous ; primaries with seven somewhat rounded,
quadrate spots of the same on tlie outer webs, forming as many transverse series ; each
light spot with a central dusky mottling. Tail more finely and confusedly mottled than
the wings; the bands, though prc.^ient, are so obsolete as to be scarcely traceable, and so
irregular or badly deline'd as to be of uncertain number. The ear-tufts are lilack riml
rusty, the former along the shafts, and in transverse spots ; on the outer webs the black
predominates, on the inner the rusty.

The lores and basal half of the frontal bristles are white, the terminal half abruptly
black ; eyebrows about equally blackish and paler, the former bordering the feathers ;
eye surrounded by dark snufl-brown ; cheeks and ear-coverts pale rusty, transversely
barred with deeper rusty ; facial circle not well defined, black. Chin and lores only white.

Ground-color of the lower parts dilute-rusty, becoming white on the flanks ; each
feather of the throat, jugulum, breast, sides, and flanks with a broad medial stripe of
black, this throwing off very narrow, rather distant, bars to the edge; the spaces be-'
tween these bars are alternately paler and deeper dilute-rusty ; the black marks are
broadest on the sides of the breast, where they have an external deep rusty suffusion ;
the abdomen medially, and the anal region, are scarcely maculate rusty-white ; the lower
tail-coverts have each a central cuneate longitudinal stripe of black. Tibiaa, tarsi, and
lining of the wing, plain deep rusty. Wing-formula, 3 = 4, 5-2, C-1^9. Wing,
7.40; tail, 4.00; culmen, .05; tarsus, 1.50; middle too, .80.

No. 59,008 (Idaho ; Dr. Whitehead) is considerably darker than the type, the ground-
color above approaching to snuff-brown; it differs, however, in no other respect, as
regards coloration ; the size, however (as would be expected), is considerably smaller,
measuring as follows : Wing, G.80 ; tail, 3.50 ; culmen, .60 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe,
.80. Wing-formula the same as in type.

Hab. Northwestern coast of North America, fi-om Columbia River, northward ; Idaho
(Dr. Whitehead).

No. 4,530 (Washington Territory ; Dr. Geo. Suckley) is just iutermediate
in all respects between tj'pical hennicotti and asio, being referrible to eitlier
with equal propriety, though perhaps inclining most to the former.

This well-marked form is, according to recognized laws, properly to be
regarded as only an extremely dark northwestern form of Scops asio. There
is no deviation from the .specific pattern of coloration, the difference being
merely in the tints ; while in tliis it corresponds in every way with other
species as modified in the northwest coast region ; the somewhat greater
size, too, merely results from its more nortliern habitat.

The only characters which wo find in kennkotti which cannot be recog-
nized in asio are tire smaller, more quadrate, and more rufous spots on the
primaries, and more obsolete liands on tlie tail ; but this is merely the con-
sequence of the greater extension of the brown markings, thus necessarily
contracting the lighter spots. In these respects only does the Washington
Territory specimen differ from the two typical examples before us, ha\'ing

STRIGIDxE — THE OWLS.

55

the larger, more wliitish, spots on primaries, and more distinct tail-bands,
of asio.

The Scops kennirotti must, liowever, be recognized as a well-marked geo-
graphical race, and, not taking into consideration any natural laws which
influence changes in species, it would be very proper to recognize the valid-
ity of the present bird. If, however, the rule of which we speak will apply

Scojis asto, Tar. Icennicotti,

to others, as indeed it does to a majority of the birds of the region inhab-
ited by the Scojis kcrmicofti, the extreme conditions of some species of
whicli are even more widely different than in the present instance, and
which have been referred to their lighter representatives in consequence
of the applicability of this law, we cannot possibly do otherwise with it.

In general appearance, size, and proportions, as well as in pattern and
tints of coloration, except in their details, there is a wonderfidly close resem-
blance in this race of S. asio to the aS". semitorques, Schlegel, of Japan. In-
deed, it is probable that the latter is also a mere geographical form of the
same species. The only tangible points of difference are that in semitoi-qiies
the jagulum is distinctly white centrally, there is a quite well-defined lighter
nuchal band, with a more indistinct occipital one above it, and the pencil-
lings on the lower parts are more delicate. The size and proportions are
essentially the same ; the shades of color are identical, while the markings
differ only in minute detail, their pattern being essentially the same. In
kennicotti the liglit nuchal collars are indicated, thougli tliey do not approach
the distinctness slmwu by them in scmitorcpvcs. Should they be considered

56 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

as races of one species (S. asio), their differential characters may be ex-
pressed as follows : —

Var. semitorques} A well-defined nuchal collar, of mottled pale
ochraceous ; jugulum immaculate white centrally. Feathers of the lower
parts with tlieir transverse pencillings growing fainter towards the middle
line, which is unvariegated white, from the central jugular spot to the
anal region. ^^'ing, 6.60 - 7.10 ; tail, 3.60 - 3.70 ; culmen, .60 ; tarsus,
1.25 - 1.40 ; middle toe, .80 - .90. (Two specimens.) Hab. Japan.

Var. kennicotti. No well-defined nuchal band; jugulum closely barred
centrally ; feathers of the lower parts with their transverse pencillings not
growing fainter toward the middle line, which is unvariegated white only
on the abdominal portion ; the medial black streaks to the feathers of the
lower surface much broader, and transverse pencillings rather coarser.
Wing, 6.90-7.30; tail, 3.50-4.50; culmen, .60 -.65; tarsus, 1.35-1.45;
middle toe, .80 - .90. (Three specimens.) Hab. North Pacific coast of
North America from Sitka to Wa-shington Territory, and Western Idaho.

The zoological characters of the different varieties of the Scnps asio having
been thus indicated, we proceed to consider the species as a whole, and to
point out the more important features of its habits and history.

Habits. The common Mottled Owl lias an extended distribution tlirough-
out tlie temperate portion of North America. It is also the most numerous
of this family wherever found. It does not appear to have been detected in
any part of the Arctic regions. Although given on the authority of Fabri-
cius as a bird of Greenland, it is not retained in the list of Eeinhardt. It
was not met with by Eichardson, nor is any reference made to it in any of
tlie Arctic notes furnished T)y Mr. JlacFarlane or others. It is quite com-
mon throughout Xew England, as well as iu the Central, the Western, and
some of the Southern States. Mr. Boardmau gi^•es it as resident, tiut not
very common, near Calais, where it breeds. It is fotind near Hamilton,
Canada, according to Mcllwraith, but it is not common, although Dr. Hall
found it quite numerous in the vicinity of Montreal. Mr. Downes does not
mention its occurrence in Nova Scotia. It was found breeding by Dr. Lin-
cecum, at Long Point, Texas. It occurs in California, and as Scops kcnni-
cotti as far to the northwest as Sitka.

The Mottled Owl is nocturnal in its habits, never appearing abroad in
the daylight except when driven out by the attacks of hostile bii'ds that
have discovered it in its retreat. Its eyes cannot endure tlie light, and it
experiences great inconvenience from surli an exposure. During the day
it hides in hollow trees, in dark recesses in the forests, or iu dark corners
of barns, and comes out from its retreat just before dark. During the
niglit it utters a very peculiar wailing ciy, not unlike the half-whining,
half-barking complaints of a young puppy, alternating from high to low,

* Scojis semitorques, Sciilf.gel, Fauna .lapoiiici, t. S. For the privilege of comparinjr .speci-
mens of this bird witli S. kainicolli, I am indebted to the courtesy of the officers of tlie New
York Museum, who kimlly sent the fine specimens of that museum for ex.nmination.

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. 57

intermingled with deep guttural trills. These cries, which are sometimes
prolonged until after midnight, usually elicit an answer from its mate or
companions, and would seem to be uttered as a call soliciting a reply from
some lost associate. When kept in confinement the Mottled Owl soon
becomes familiarized to its new mode of life, and rarely attempts to injure
its captors, though it will at first snap its bill in a threatening manner
and manifest considerable irritation on being approached or handled. In the
daytime they keep secluded, appear sleepy or stujud, with half-closed eyes,
but, as night approaches, become (piite lively and eager for their food. They
utter their nocturnal cries in contiuenu'iit, the doleful sounds of which are
in singular contrast with the lively and excited air of the liirds as they utter
them. Their flight is noiseless and gliding, and they move in a manner so
nearly silent as to be hardly perceptible. They are excellent mousers, and
swallow their food whole, ejecting the indigestible parts, such as hair, liones.
feathers, etc.

^Yilson caught an adult bird, and kept it in confinement some time. At
first it was restless and attempted to escape, beating against the glass of the
window repeatedly, and several times with so mucii violence as to stun
itself. In a few days it was reconciled to its situation, and became quite
tame and familiar, and in the e\'euing was very lively, sprightly, and active.

The food of the Screech-Owl is chiefiy small quadrupeds, insects, and occa-
sionally, when they have young, small Ijirds. They destroy a vast number
of mice, beetles, and vermin, and are of great service to the agriculturist,
although their services are not appreciated, and they are everywhere perse-
cuted and hunted down without mercy or justice.

The nest of this species is usually constructed in hollow trees or stumps,
most frequently in orchards in the vicinity of farm-houses, and not more
than six or seven feet from the ground. Mr. Audubon states, however, that
he has sometimes found them at the height of thirty or forty. To show
tlie provident habits of this Owl in procuring for its young a great super-
abundance of food, Mr. Xuttall mentions finding in the hollow stump of
an apple-tree, which contained a single brood of these young Owls, several
Bluebirds, Blackbirds, and Song-Sparrows.

Dr. Cooper, on the other hand, relates an instance where one of these
Owls resided as an inmate in a dove-cot, where it was not known to do any
injury to its inmates.

The Screech-Owl can hardly be said to construct any nest, but lines the
hollow in which it rears its young with a few loose leaves, dry grasses, and
feathers. The eggs are usually five or six in number ; they are pure white,
and nearly round. Their average measurement is 1.38 inches in length by
1.19 in breadth.

In regard to the distinctive peculiarities of var. maccaUi, we are in posses-
sion of but little information. Its habits probaljly do not essentially vary
from those of the common Scops asio, which it so closely resembles in other

VOL. III. 8

58 NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

respects, and of wliicli it is to be regarded as a geographical race. It was
first taken by IMr. E. S. Holden, near Sacramento, and described by iMr.
Lawrence as tlie ^phialtcs choliba of \'icillot. It has since been found in
other parts of California, in Northern Mexico, Arizona, and on tin- itio
Grande. It was obtained in Tamaulipas — where it is evidently rather com-
mon-— by tlie late Dr. IJerlamUcr, wlio liad also ])rocured its eggs. A single
specimen of this (.)\vl was olilained by Mr. A. Schott in Texas, and ]\Ir.
Dresser also obtained two small Uwls which lie doubtfully refers to this
variety, — one near San Antonio, and the other in Bandera (,'ounty. Lieu-
tenant Bendire writes that it is quite counuun in the vicinity of Tucson,
Arizona, thougli Dr. Coues did not meet with it. Dr. Kennerly observed it on
Bill Williams Fork, in Xew Mexico. It was there found living in the large
Ccrcus giganteus so common in that region, where it occupied the deserted
holes of various kinds of Woodpeckers. It rarely made its appearance dur-
ing the day, and then only to show its head from the liole, ready at any
moment to disapjjear at the apjjroach of danger. On one occasion it was
observed among some very thick bushes near the water. It does not appear
to have lieen met with by Dr. Cooper in California, where he refers all tlie
Owls of this genus to the common nxio. A single individual, referred
doubtfully to this bird, was taken by Mr. Skinner in Guatemala. Tlie eggs
of tliis bird, taken in Tamaulijjas by Dr. Berlandier, are of nearly globular
shape, of a clear, almost crystal-white color, and measure l.lo inches in
length by (I. US of an inch in breadth. As compared with the eggs of Smps
asio they are mucli smaller, their relative capacitj^ being only as five to eight.
The eggs of the var. asio vary greatly in size according to their locality.
Those taken in Florida are so much smaller than those from Massachu-
setts as almost to be suggestive of specific differences. An egg from Hud-
son, Ma.?s., taken by ]\Ir. Jillson in April, 1870, measures 1.50 by 1.30
inches, while one from Monticello, Fla., taken by Mr. Samuel Pasco, meas-
ures 1.30 by 1.15 inches. Jlr. T. H. Jackson, of Westchester, Penn., in-
forms me that he has found a nest of this Owl containing six fresh eggs, on
the 5th of April.

Scops flammeola, Light.

FEILNEK'S OWL.

Scops flammeola, LicnT. Mils. Bcrol. Nomfiiclat. p. 7, 1854. — K.\up, Trans. Zobl. Soc.
IV, 22C. — SciiLEGEL, Mus. do Pays-Bas, Oti, p. 27. — SCLAT. Proc. Zobl. Soo. 1858,
96. — ScL. & S.\i.v. P. Z. S. 1868, 57 ; F.xot. Oni. VII, 90, jil. 1, July, 1868. — GiiAV,
Hand List, I, 47, 1869. — Elliot, lUust. Birds Am. I, pi. .x.wiii. — Coues, Kc-y,
1872, 203.

Sp. Guar. AduU (42,159, Orizaba Mountain.s "rare," February 3, 1865; Professor F.
Sumicbrast). Ground-color above pale cinereous, this overlaid on the top of the head,
nape, and back by a brownish-olive shade, tlio ash showing pure only on the boi'ders

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS,

59

of tlic crown and on tlic wing'-covcrts and scapuliu's; tlio -whole npper surface trans-
versely mottled with white and blackish, the latter in the form of fine zigzag lines and a
splash along the shalV, this expanding transversely near the end of the feather ; the
white is in the form of larger transverse spots, these largest across the nape. Onter webs
of the scapulars fine light orango-rufons (becoming white beneath the surface), bordered
terminally with black. Coverts along the lower edge of the wing spotted with pale ru-
fous ; outer webs of the several lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts
with a large conspicuous spot of white. Secondaries crossed by four well-defined narrow
pale ochraceous bands; primary coverts transversely spotted with the same; primaries
with about five transverse series of very large white spots on the outer webs, the spots
approaching oehi'aoeous next the shaft and towards the end of the feather. Tail profusely
mottled like the back, and crossed with about five ragged, badly defined pale bands, the
last of which is not terminal. Ear-tufts inconspicuous.

Eyebrow white, feathers bordered with blackish ; eye encircled with rusty rufous ;
lores strongly tinged with the same; cheeks, ear-coverts, neck, and jugulum with numer-
ous transverse dusky bars upon a grayisli-white ground. Facial circle rusty-rufous
spotted with black ; throat with a tinge of
rufous; chin white.

Lower parts, in general, white ; each feather
with a black shaft-stripe, this throwing off
bars in pairs, across the feather; the medial
stripes are very broad, forming longitudinal
spots on the breast, and have here an exter-
nal rufous suffusion ; lower tail-coverts very
sparsely marked. Tibite and tarsi white, with
very sparse transverse dusky spots. Lining
of tlie wing plain yellowish-white ; bars on
under surface of primaries very obsolete, ex-
cept basally. Wing-formula. 3 = 4; 5, 2 -
6 ; 1 = 8. Wing, .5.40 ; tail, 2.45 ; culmen,
.35 ; tarsus, .87 ; middle toe, .55.

Young (first full, but imperfect plumage;
<J, 24,172, Fort Crook, North California,
August 23, 18G0 ; John Feilner). Wings and
tail as in the adult (last pale band of latter

apparently terminal). Whole head and body with numerous, aljout equal, transverse
bands of dusky and grayish-white ; the two colors about equal, but on lower parts both
are much wider and more distinct than above the white gradually inci-easing posteriorly.
Breast and outer webs of scapulars with a rusty tinge, the latter scarcely variegated.
Eyebrow white, feathers bordered with dusky ; eye-circle and ear-eoverts bright rusty-
rufous ; lores much tinged with the same. No facial circle. Wing, 5.50 ; tail, 2.70.

Had. Guatemala and central Mexico, northward (along Sierra Nevada) to Fort Crook ;
California (breeding).

Habits. This is essentially a Mexican and Central American species,
occurring among the mountains of Mexico and thence to Ckiatemala. One
individual, however, the otdy one as yet recorded as taken in the United
States, was obtained at Fort Crook by Captain John Feilner, and is now
in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. This was a young bird,
evidently raised in that locality, and appnrently showing that the species
breeds in that vicinity. It has been taken also at Orizaba, in the State of

.Vrf)/',-; flfirtJin^ola.

P,Q NouTiT A^rK^lCA^* rtuds.

Vera Cruz, :Mexico. Nothing is known as to any peculiarities of habit.
These are not probably diflerent from those of the asio.

ctenis bubo, r>uM.

Gen. Ch.vr. Size varying from incdiura to vx-iy Uvge ; head Tvith or without ear-tufts.
Bill black ; iris yellow. Two to four outer ([uills with their inner webs emarginatod.
Third or fourth quill longest. Bill very robust, the lower mandible nearly truncated and
with a deep notch near the end ; cere gradually ascending basally (not arched) or nearly
straight, not equal to the culmeu. Tail short, a little more than half the wing, slightly
rounded. Eai-conch .«mall, simple, without operculum ; the two ears .symmetrical.

Subgenera.

Bubo. Two to three outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Ear-
tul'ts well developed; loral feathers not hiding the bill, and the claws and
terminal scutellaj of the toes exposed. Lower tail-coverts not reaching the
euil of the tail. (Type, B. maximus.)

Nyctea. Four outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Ear-tufts
i udimeutary ; loral feathers hiding the bill, and claws and entire toes con-
cealed by long hair-like feathers. Lower tail-coverts reaching to end of the
tail. (Type, N. scandiaca.)

The species of this genus are mostly of very large size, two of them
{B. maximus and A\ scandiaca) lieing the lai'gest birds of the family. They
are nearly cosmopolitan, and are most numerous in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Subgenus BUBO, Dim.

Bubo, DfMiir.ii,, 1806. (Typi', SIrix hiibci, LiNX. = i). maxinuts, SiBB.)
rjiiiiostrix, IvAUr, 1849. (Type, Slrixmcviama, G.MEL. =B. mcxicanus, KiDOW.)
lihinoplijHx, Katp, and MlicuoptiniJ-; Kaup, 1857. (S.ime type.)

Species and Eaces.

1. B. virginiaiius. Lower parts transversely barred with black, and without
longitudinal stri[)es. Above without longitudinal stripes on the anterior por-
tions.

a. A conspicuous patch of white on the jugulum ; lining of the wing im-
maculate, or only faintly barred. Wing, 14.00-16.00; tail, 8.00- 10.00;
culmen, 1.10-1.20; tarsus, 2.00 - 2.20 ; middle toe, 1.95-2.10.

Rufous tints of the plumage prevailing; face dingy rufou.s. Ilab.
Atlantic Province of Korth America . . . . \ai: v irg i n iainis.

Lighter tints of the plumage prevailing ; face dirty or fulvous white.
All the colors lighter, ffab. Western Province of United States,
and interior regions of British America. Upper Mississippi Valley in
winter (Wisconsin, TIov ; Pekiu. Illinois, Museum, Cambridge).

var. arcticus.
Dusky tints of tlie plumage prevailing; face dull grayish, barred with
dusky. .VU the colors darker, chiefly browni.sh-black and grayish-white,
with little or no rufous. Hab. Littoral recions of northern Xorth

STRIGID.K — THE OWLS. fil

America, from Oregon northward, and around the nortlicnn coast to
Labrador .......... var. pac i/icus.

b. No conspicuous patcli of white on the jugulum, wliich, with tlie lining
of the wing, is distinctly barred with Vilackish. Wing, 12.00 ; tail, 7.50 ;
culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.85.

Colors much as m var. virgin ianiis, but more densely barred beneath,
the dark bars narrower and closer together. Hab. South Amerii/a.

var. mag eUa 11 ic us}
2. B. mexicanus.° Lower parts longitudinally striped with black, and without
transver.-^o Ijars. Above with longitudinal stripes on the anterior portions.
Wing, 11.20-12.00; tail, G.OO - G.50 ; culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.00; middle toe,
1.95. Hab. Middle and South America generally.

Subgenus N Y C T E A , Stephens.

Xyctea, Stephens, Cont. Shaw's Zoul. XllI, ti2, 1S26, (Tyiiu Slrix nyctea, Linn. N. Scan-
diaca, Linn.).

Species and Races.
1. N. scandiaca. Adult. Color pure white, more or less barred trans-
versely with clear dusky, or brownish-black. Male sometimes almost pure
white. Downy )/oun,7, sooty slate-color. Wing, 16.00 -18.00 ; tail, 9.00-
10.00.

Dusky bars sparse, narrow, umbor-lirown. Hub. Northern [)arts of
Palsearctic Realm ........ var. scandiaca.^

Dusky bars more numerous, broader, and clear brownish-black. Hab.
Northern parts of Nearctic Realm var. arc tic a.

1 Bubo virginianus, var. magdlanicus. Strix (8) bubo magcUanicus, Gmel. Syst. Nut. 1789,
p. 2S6. — Dal'D. Tr. Orn. II, 210. —Less. Voy. Coq. I, 617 ; I.sis, 1833, 70. Asia mag. Less
Man. Om. I. p. 116, 1828. Bubo mag. Giiay, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 46. Siriv nacii
■nUa, ViEiLL. Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. VII, 44, 1816 ; Enc. Meth. Ill, 1281, 1823. Strix eras
siroslris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. VII, 44 (1817); Enc. Meth. Ill, 1280. Otus crass
Gr.w, Gen. B. fol. .sp. 6 (1844) ; List Birds Brit. Mus. p. 106. Bubo crass. Bonap. Consp. Av,
p. 48 (1850). — Kaup, Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 116 (mider i?. virginianus). Asia crass.
Stuickl. Orn. Syn. I, 208, 1855. Strix macrorhyncha, Temm. PI. Col. 62, 1820. Otus! macr
Stepii. Zobl. XIII, pt. ii, p. 59. Otus macr. Ctiv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 341. —Less. Tr. Orn.
p. 109. Asia macr. Less. Man. Orn. I, 117.

'■^ Bubo mcxicanus (Gmel.) Ridgw. Asio mcricanvs, Bp.iss. Orn. I, 498, 1760. — Stp.ickl.
Orn. Syn. I, 208, 1855 (excl. syn.). Strix mexicana, G.MEL. S. N. p. 288, 1789. — L.vril. Iiid.
Orn. p. 54 ; Syn. I, 123 ; Gen. Hist. I, 314, A. — Dai^d. Tr. Orn. II, 214. — Suaw, Zool. VII,
228.— Otes mcxicanus, Stepii. Zoiil. XIII, pt. ii, p. 57. — Bubo clamator, Vieill. Ois. Am.
Sept. pi. XX, 1807. Scops cl. Gray, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 45. Strix clamala, Vieill.
Enc. Meth. Ill, 1279, 1823. Strix loiujirostris, Spix, Av. Bras. pi. 9 a, 1824. Strix maculala,
Max. Beitr. Ill, 281, 1830. Hah. Middle and South Anierica generally. A very distinct
species, and a typical Btibo, although usually referred to the genus Otus.

^ Nyctea scandiaca, var. nivca (see p. 000). Strix scandiaca, Linn. S. N. (12th ed.) I, 132
(1766). A^yctca scandiaca, Y.A.WELL, Hist. Brit. B. 1872, 187. Strix nyctea, Linn. S. N. I,
1706, 132. Strix nivca, Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 1800. Nyctea nivea, Gray, Gen. fol. sp. 1, pi. xii,
f. 2.

62

XORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Bubo virginianus,

virginianus, P.ox.vp.

GEEAT HOENED OWl. / ^^ ,

Asia bubo virginianus, Biiiss. Urn. 1, 4t>4, 17, 1760. Slrix Virginian", G.mki.. Syst. Xat.
I, 287, 1788. — Lath. Iml. Oin. p. 52; Syii. I, 119; Supp. 1, 40; Gen. Hist. I,
304. _Daud. Tr. Orn. 11, 210, pi. xiii. — Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 1, f. 1. — Boxap.
Ann. Lye. N. Y. U, 37 and 435 ; Isis, 1832, p. 1139. — AuD. Birds ^Vni. jd. Ixi, 1831 ;
Orn. Biog. I, 313. — Thomi's. Nat. Hist. Vermont, id. bwT. — Pead. Birds Mass. p. 87.
Bubo virtjininnus, BoXAl'. List, p. 6, 1838; C'on.sp. Av. p. 48. — Jaud. (Wil.s.) Am.
Orn. II, p. 257. — Dk Kav, Zotil. N. Y. II, 24, pj. x, f. 2. — Nvtt. Man. Orn. p. 124. —
Max. Cab. .Tour. 1853, VI, 23. — Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 241. — CofEs, Key,
1872, 202. Bubo virginianus atlaniicxts, Cassin, Birds of Cal. & Tex. I, 178, 1854. —
Birds N. Am. 1858, 49 (under 5. virginianus). Otiis virginianus, Stepii. Zobl. XIII, ii,
57, 1836. Ululavirginiana, James. (Wils.), Am. Orn. I, 100, 1831. Slrix viryiniana,
a. Lath. Gen. Hist. I, 306, 1821. Slrix bubo, S, L.\tii. Ind. Om. p. 52, 1790. —
Shaw, Zool. VII, 215. Slrix maximus, Baut. Trar. Carol, p. 285, 1792. Bubo ludo-
vicianus, Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 210, 1800. Bubo pinicola, Vieili. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. xix,
1807 ; Ene. Metli. p. 1282.

Sp. Char. Adult $ (12,0.57, riiiladelphia ; C. Drexler). Bases of all the feathere
yellowish-rufous, this partially exposed on the liead above and nape, along the scapidars,
on the rump, and sides of the breast. On the upper surface this is overlaid by a rather
coarse transverse mottling of brownish-black upon a white ground, the former rather
predominating, particularly on the head and neck, where it forms broad ragged longitu-
dinal stripes (almost obliterating the transverse bars), becoming prevalent, or blended,
anteriorly. The lower feathers of the scapulars, and some of the lower feathers of the
middle and secondary wing-coverts, with inconspicuous transverse spots of white. On
the secondaries the mottling is finer, giving a grayish aspect, and crossed with eight

sharply defined, but incon-
spicuous, bands of mottled
dusky ; primary coverts with
the ground-color very dark,
and crossed with three or four
bands of plain blackish, the
last terminal, though fainter
than the rest; ground-color of
the primaries more yellowish,
the mottling more delicate ;
they are cro.«sed by nine trans-
Terse series of quadrate dusky
spots. The ground-color of
the tail is pale ochraceous
(transversely mottled witli
duskj'), becoming white at the
tip, crossed by seven bands
of mottled blacki.sh, these
about equalling the light bands
in width ; on the middle feath-
ers the bands arc broken and
confused, running obliquely, or, in places, longitudinally. Outer webs of car-tufts pure
black ; inner webs almost wholly ochraceous ; eyebrows and lores white, the feathers
with black shafts; face dingy rufous; eye very narrowly encircled with whitish; a

Bubo I'irsinianus.

STRIGID.E — THE (^WLS.

63

E'fbo firsinianiis.

crescent of black bordering the upper ej'elid, and confluent with the black of the ear-
tufts. Facial circle continuous black, except across the foreneck ; chin, throat, and
jugnlum pure immaculate

3_

wliite, to the roots of the
feathers. Beneath, white
prevails, but the yellowish-
rufous is prevalent on the
sides of the breast, and
shows as the base color
wherever the feathers are
disarranged. The sides of
the breast, sides, and flanks
have numerous sharply
defined narrow transverse
bars of brownish-black ;
anteriorly these are finer and more ragged, becoming coalesced so as to form conspicuous,
somewhat longitudinal, black spots. On the lower tail-coverts the bars are distant, though
not less sharply defined. The abdomen medially is scarcely maculate white. Legs and
toes plain ochraceous-white.

AVing-formula, 2,3-4-1, 5. Wing, 14..50 : tail, 8.20 ; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, 2.00;
midille toe, 2.00.

9 (12,065, Maryland ; R. J. Pollardj. General appearance same as the male. Black
blotches on head above and nape less conspicuous, the surface being mottled like the
back, etc. ; primary coverts with three well-defined narrow pure black bands ; primaries
with only six bands, these broader than in the male; secondaries with only five bands;
tail with but six dark bands, these very much narrower than the light ones. Tibite and
tarsi with sparse transverse bars of dusky. Wing-formula, 3, 2, 4 - 1 = 5. Wing, 16.00;
tail, 9.00 ; culmen, 1.20 ; tarsus, 2.20 ; middle toe, 2.10.

Young. Wings and tail as in adult. Downy plumage of head and body ochraceous,
with det.iched, rather distant, transverse bars of dusky. (12,002, Washington, D. C,
May 20, 18.59 ; C. Drexler.)

Had. Eastern North America, south of Labrador ; west to the Missouri ; south through
Atlantic region of Mexico to Costa Rica ; Jamaica (Gosse).

Localities : (?) Oaxaca (Scl. 1859, 390 ; po.ssibly var. arcticus) ; Guatemala (Sol. Ibis,
I. 222) ; Jamaica (Gosse, 23) ; Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330, breeds) ; Costa Rica
(Lawr. IX, 132).

Specimens from the regions indicated vary but little, tlie only two jiossess-
ing differences of any note being one (58,747,^ S) from Southern Illinois,
and one (.33,218, San Jose ; J. Carmiol) from Costa Ilica. The first differs
from all those from the eastern United States in much deeper and darker
shades of color, tlie rufous predominant below, the legs and crissum being
of quite a deep shade of this color ; the transverse bars beneath are also
very broad and pure black. This specimen is more like Audubon's figure
than any other, and may possibly represent the peculiar style of the Lower
Mississippi region. The Costa Eica bird is remarkable for the predomi-
nance of the rufous on all parts of the plumage ; the legs, however, are

' Ko. 559, collection of R. Uidgway (J, lit. C'armcl, Wabasli County, Southern Illinois, Oc-
tober 14, 1869). 22i-54. Weight, 3^ lbs. ; bill black ; iris gamboge-yellow ; toes ashy ; claws
horn-color, black at ends.

64 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

whitish, as in specimens fVimi tlic Atlantic coast of tiie United States.
These specimens cannot, however, he considered as anything else than
merely local styles of tiie virginianus, var. virginianiis.

Bubo virginianus, \ar. arcticus, Swains.

WESTERN GREAT HORNED OWL.

! SIrix wajxtciithu, G.MKL. Syst. Nat. 1789, p. 290. UtrU (Bubo) arclim, SwAixs. F. B. A.
II, 1831, 86. Ilclmptex arcticus, Swains. Classif. Birds, I, 1837, 328 ; 1b. II, 217.
Bubo virginianus arcticus, Cass. Bii'cls N. Am. 1858, 50 {B. virgiuiamis) . — Blakis-
TON, Ibis, III, 1861, 320. Bubo vinjiniauus, var. arcticus, CouKS, Key, 1872, 202.
Bubo subarclicus. Hoy, P. A. N. S. VI, 1852, 211. Bubo virginianus pacificus, Cass.
Birds Cal. & Te.x. 1854, and Birds X. Am. 1858 (B. vinjinianus, in part only). Bubo
magcllanicus, Cass. Birds Cal. & Te.\. 1854, 178 (not B. mugcUanicxts of Le.ssox !).
Bubo mrginianus, Heerm. 34. — Kenxehly, 20. — CorEs, Prod. (P. A. N. S. 1866,
13). — Blaki.sto.v, Ibis, III, 1861,320. ni'apacnthu Owl, Penna.vt, Art-tic Zool.
231. — Lath. Syn. Supii. I, 49.

Char. Pattern of coloration precisely like that of var. rirginiajius, bnt the general
aspect much lighter and more grayi.sh, caused by a greater prevalence of the lighter tints,
and contraction of dark pencillings. The ochraceous much lighter and less rufous. Face
soiled wliite, instead of deep dingy rufous.

^ (No. 21,581, Camp Kootenay, Washington Territory, August 2, 1860). Wing,
14.00 ; tail, 8.G0 ; culmen, l.IO ; tarsus, 2.00. Tail and primaries each with the dark
bands nine in number ; legs and feet immaculate white. Wing-formula, 3, 2 = 4-5-1.

9 (No. 10,574, Fort Tejon, California). Wing, 14.70; tail, 9.50; culmen. 1.10; tarsus,
2.10 ; middle toe, 2.00. Tail and primaries each with seven dark bands ; legs transversely
barred with dusky. Wing-fornmla, 3, 4, 2 - 5 - 1, 6.

Hah. Western region of North America, from the interior Arctic districts to the
table-lands of Mexico. Wisconsin (Hoy) ; Northern Illinois (Pekin, Mu.>;. Cambridge) :
Lower California ; ? Orizaba, Mexico.

Localities : (?) Orizaba (ScL. P. Z. S. 1860, 253) ; Arizona (CofES, P. A. N. S. ISGG, 49).

Tlie ahove de.scri]itiiiii covers the averai^e characters of a light grayish
race of the B. virginianus, which represents the other styles in tlie whole
of the western and interior regions of the continent. Farther nortliward, in
the interior of the fur countries, the plumage becomes lighter still, some
Arctic specimens being almost as white as the Nyctca scandiitca. The B.
arrficus of Swainson was founded upon a specimen of this kind, and it is
our strong opinion that tlio Wapecuthu Owl of Pennant (S/ri.r trapccuthu,
Gmel.) was nothing else tlian a similar individual, whieli had accidentally
lost the ear-tnfts, since there is no other discre])ancy in the original descri)>-
tion. The failure to mention ear-tufts, too, may have been merely a neglect
on the part of the describer.

STRIGID^E — THE OWLS. 55

Bubo virginianus, var. paciflcus, Cass.

Bubo virijinifimis 2>(ic\ficus, ('assin, Birds N. Am. 185S, 49. Bubo virginianus, vox. pacifi-
cits, CouES, Key, 1872, 202. JBubo virgiuianns. Coop. & SrcKLEY, P. R. Kept. XII,
II, 1860, 15-1. — Lop.D, Tr. R. A. S. IV, III (British Columbia). ?Dall& Bannister,
Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 272 (Alaska), — ?FiNSCii, Ahh. Nat. Ill, 26 (Alaska).

Sr. CiiAR. The opposite extreme from var. arcticus. The bhiek shades predominating
and the white mottling replaced by pale graj'ish ; the form of tlie mottling above is less
regularly transverse, being oblique or longitudinal, and more in blotches than in the
other styles. The primary coverts are plain black ; the primaries are mottled gray and
plain black. On the tail the mottling is very dark, the lighter markings on the middle
feathers being thrown into longitudinal splashes. Beneath, the black bars are nearly as
wide as the white, fully double their width in var. arcticus. The legs are always thickly
barred. The lining of the wings is heavily barred with black. Face dull grayish, liarred
with dusky ; ear-tufts almost wholly black.

^ (4.5,842, Sitka, Alaska, November, 18G6 ; Ferd. Bischoff). Wing-formula, 3, 2 = 4-
5 - 1, G. Wing, 14.00 ; tail, 8.00 ; culmen, 1.10 ; tarsus, 2.05 ; middle toe, .95.

Face with obscure bars of black ; oohraceons of the bases of the feathers is distinct.
There are seven black spots on the primaries, eight on the tail ; on the latter exceeding
the paler in width.

9 (27,075, Yukon River, mouth Porcupine, April 16, 18G1 ; R. Kennicott). Wing-
formula, 3, 2 = 4 - 5 - 1, 6. Wing, 16.00 ; tail, 9.80 ; culmen, 1.15 ; tar.sus, 2.00. Eight
black .spots on primaries, seven on tail.

Hab. Pacific coast north of the Columbia ; Lal.irador. A northern littoral form.

A .specimen from Lalirador (34,958, Fort Niscopee, H. Connolly) is an
extreme e.xample of this well-marked variety. In this the rufons is entirely
absent, the plumage consisting wholly of brownish-hlaek and white, the
former predominating ; the jugulum and the abdomen medially are con-
spicuously snowy-white ; tlie black bars beneath are broad, and towards the
end of each feather they become coalesced into a prevalent mottling, form-
ing a spotted appearance.

Another (11,792, Siraiahmoo, Dr. C. B. Kennerly) from Washington Ter-
ritory has the black even more prevalent than in the last, being almost
continuously uniform on the scapulars and lesser wing-coverts ; beneath the
black bars are much suffused. In this specimen the rufous tinge is present,
as it is in all except the Labrador .skin.

Habits. The Great Horned Owl has an extended di.stribution tlirougliout
at least the whole of North America from ocean to ocean, and from Central
America to the Arctic regions. Throughout this widely extended area it
is everywhere more or less abundant, except where it has been driven
out by the increase of population. In this wide distribution the .species
naturally assumes varying forms and exhibits considerable diversities of
coloring. These are provided with distinctive names to mark the races,
but should all be regarded as belonging to one species, as they do not pre-
sent any distinctive variation in habit,

VOL. III. 9

66

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Sir Jolm rticliardson speaks of it as not uncommon in the Arctic regions.
It is abundant in Canada, and throughout all parts of the United States.
Dr. Gambel met with it also in large numbers in the wooded regions of
Upper California. Dr. Heermann found it very common around Sacra-
mento in 1849, but afterwards, owing to the increase in population, it had
become comparatively rare. Dr. Woodhouse met with it in the Indian
Territor}', though not abundantly. Lieutenant Couch obtained specimens in
Mexico, and Mr. Schott in Texas.

In the regions ncn-thwest of the Yukon Eiver, Mr. Robert Kennicott found
a pair of these birds breeding on the 10th of April. The female was pro-

Bubo vir!:inianus.

cured, and proved to be of a dark plumage. The nest, formed of dry spruce
branches retaining their leaves, was placed near the top of a large green
spruce, in thick woods. It was large, measuring three or four feet across at
base. The eggs were placed in a shallow depression, which \^■as lined with a
few feathers. Two more eggs were found in the ovary of the female, — one
broken, the other not larger than a musket-ball. The eggs were frozen on
their way to the fort. Mr. Ross states that he found this (])wl very abun-
dant around Great Slave Lake, but that it became less common as they
proceeded farther north. It was reniarkalily plentiful in the marshes around

STRIGID,E — THE OWLS. 67

Fort Eesolution. Its food consisted of shrews and Arvicolce, which are
very abundant there. It is xevy tame and easily approached, and the
C'hipewyan Indians are said to eat with great relish the flesh, whicli is
generally fat.

Mr. Gunn writes that this Owl is found over all the woody regions of the
Hudson Bay Territory. In the summer it visits the shores of the bay,
but retires to some distance inland on the approach of winter. It hunts
in the dark, preying on ralibits, mice, muskrats, partridges, and any other
fowls that it can find. With its bill it breaks the bones of hares into small
pieces, which its stomach is able to digest. They pair in March, the only
time at which they seem to enjoy each other's society. The nest is usually
made of twigs in the fork of some large poplar, where the female lays from
three to six pale-white eggs. It is easily approached in clear sunny weather,
but sees very well when the sky is clouded. It is not mentioned by Mr.
MacFavlane as fr)und near Anderson River. Mr. Dall caught alive several
young birds not fully fledged, June 18, on the Yukon Eiver, below the fort.
He also met with it at Xulato, where it was not common, but was more
plentiful farther up tlie river.

Mr. Salvin found this species in August at Duenas and at San Geronimo,
in Guatemala. At Duenas it was said to be resident, and is so probably
throughout the whole country. It was not rmcommon, and its favorite
locality was one of the hillsides near that village, well covered with low
trees and shrubs, and with here and there a rocky precipice. They were
frec^uently to be met with on afternoons, and at aU hours of the night they
made their proximity known by their deep cry.

Dr. Kennerly found it in Texas in the canon of Devil Ifiver, and he adds
that it seemed to live indifi'erently among the trees and the high and pre-
cipitous cliffs. It was found throughout Texas and New Mexico, wherever
there are either large trees or deep canons that afforded a hiding-place during
tiie dav. Attracted by the camp-fires of Dr. Kennerly's party, this Owl
would occasionally sweep around their heads for a while, and then disap-
pear in the darkness, to resume its dismal notes. Sometimes, frightened
by tlie reverberating report of a gun, tliey ■would creep among the rocks,
attempting to conceal themselves, and be thus taken alive.

Tiiough frequently kept in captivity, the Great Horned Owl, even when
taken young, is fierce and untamaUe, resenting all attempts at famili-
arity. It has no affection for its mate, this being especially true of the
female. jMr. Downes mentions an instance within his knowledge, in
which a female of this species, in confinement, killed and ate the male.
Excepting during the brief period of mating, they are never seen in
pairs.

Its flight is rapid and graceful, and more like that of an eagle than one of
this family. It sails easily and in large circles. It is nocturnal in its habits,
and is very rarely seen abroad in the day, and then unly in cloudy weather

68 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

or late in the aftiTiiooii. W'lieu detecteil iu its hiding-place by the Jay,
Crow, or King-bird, and driven I'drth liy their annoyances, it labors under
great disadvantages, and Hies at random in a hesitating ili<;ht, until twili'jht
enables it to retaliate upon its tormentors. Tlie hooting and nocturnal cries
of the Great Horned Owl are a remarkable I'eatnre in its habits. These are
chiefly during its breeding-season, especially the peculiar loud and vociferous
cries known as its hooting. At times it will utter a single shriek, sounding
like the yell of some unearthly being, while again it barks incessantly like
a dog, and the resemblance is so natural as to provoke a rejoinder from its
canine prototype. Occasionally it utters sounds resembling the half-chok-
ing cries of a person nearly strangled, and, attracted by the watchfire of a
camp, fly over it, shrieking a cry resembling lumigh-hoo. It is not surprising
that with all these combinations and variations of unearthly cries these birds
should have been held in awe by the aborigines, theii' cries being suificiently
fearful to startle even the least timid.

It is one of the most destructive of the depredators upon the poultry-
yard, far surpassing in this respect any of our Hawks. All its mischief
is done at night, when it is almost impossible to detect and punish it.
Whole plantations are often thus stripped in a single season.

The mating of this bird appears to have little or no reference to the sea-
son. A pair has been known to select a site for their nest, and begin to con-
struct a new one, or seize upon that of a Red-tailed Hawk, and repair it, in
September or October, keeping in its vicinity through the winter, and mak-
ing their presence known by their continued hooting. ^Ir. Jillson found a
female sitting on two eggs iu February, in Hudson, Mass. ; and Mr. William
Street, of Easthampton, in the spring of 1869, found one of their nests on
the 3d of March, the eggs in which had been incubated at least a week. If
one nest is broken up, the pair immediately seek another, and make a
renewed attempt to raise a lirood. They rarely go more than a mile from
their usual abode, and then only for food. Mr. Street's observations have
led him to conclude that they mate about February 20, and deposit their
eggs from the 25th to the 28th. They cease to hoot in the vicinity' of their
nest from the time of their mating until their young have left them in
Jime. On the 19th of March, 1872, Mr. Street found two of their eggs
containing young nearly ready to hatch.

Mr. Street's observations satisfied him that the period of incubation of
this Owl is about three weeks. When they have young and are hard
pressed for food, they hunt by day as well as liy night, and at this time
they hoot a good deal. The young are ready to leave their nest about six
^^■eeks after hatching. At this time their feathers are nearly all grown, ex-
cept their head-feathers, wlncli have hardly started. In the spring of 1872
Mr. Street found a young l)ird tliat had fallen from its nest. Though very
small it was untamable, and not to be softened by any attentions. Its
savage disposition seemed to increase with age. It readily devoured all

STRICtID^E — THE OWLS. gg

kinds of animal food, and was especially fond of fish and snakes. It was re-
markable for its cowardice, being always ridiciilonsly fearful of the smallest
dog, the near approach of one always causing extravagant manifestations
of alarm. He was tlierefore led to conclude tliat it does not prey upon
quadrupeds larger than a hare, that it rarely is able to seize small birds, and
that reptiles and fish form no inconsiderable portion of its food. The young
Owl in (juestion a.'jsumed its full plumage in November, when less than
eight months old. It was of full size in all respects except in the length
of its claws, which were liardly half the usual size.

Mr. T. H. Jackson, of West Chester, Penn., has met with fresh eggs of this
Owl, February 13, 22, and 28, and has found young birds in their nests from
the 2d of March to the 28th.

Mr. Audubon states that while the Great Horned Owl usually nests in
large hollows of decayed trees, he has twice found the eggs in the fissures
of rocks. In all these cases, little prepai'ation had been made previous to
the laying of the eggs, the bed consisting of only a few grasses and
feathers. Wilson, who found them breeding in the swamps of New Jersey,
states that the nest was generally constructed in the fork of a tall tree, but
sometimes in a smaller tree. Tliey begin to build towards the close of Avin-
ter, and, even in the Arctic regions, Sir John Eichardson speaks of their
hateliing tlieir eggs as early as March. The shape of the egg is very nearly
exactly spherical, and its color is a dull white with a slightly yellowish
tinge. An egg formerly in the old Peale's Museum of Philadelphia, taken
in New Jersey by Alexander Wilson the ornithologist, and bearing his
autograph upon its shell, measures 2.31 inches in length by 2.00 in breadth.
Anotlier, obtained in the vicinity of Salem, Mass., measures 2.25 inches
in length by 1.88 in breadth. In tlie latter instance the nest was con-
structed on a tall and inaccessible tree in a somewhat exposed locality.
The female was shot on the nest, and, as she fell, she clutched one of the
eggs in a convulsive grasp, and brought it in her claws to the ground. An
egg obtained in Tamaulipas, ilexico, on the Eio Grande, by Dr. Berlandier,
measures 2.18 inches in length by 1.81 in breadth.

An egg from AVisconsin, taken by Mr. B. F. Goss, may be considered
as about the average in size and color. It is nearly spherical, of a clear
bluish-M'hite, and measures 2.30 by 2.00 inches.

Otus tvitsonianus.

70 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Nyctea scandiaca, var. arctica, Gray. \

AMEHICAN SNOWY OWL.

Strix arcticn, Bartraji, Trav. in Carolina, 17y2, p. iSS. Slrix nyctea, (not of LiNX.!) ViElLL.
Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. xviii. — Swains. & Rich. F. B. A. II, 1831, 88. — Boxap.
Ann. X. V. Lye. 11, 36. — Wii..s. Am. Orn. pi. x.x.'cii, f. 1. — Aro. Birds .\ni. pi. cxxi.
— 1b. Oni. Biog. 11, 135. — Tiiomps. Nat. Hist. Vermont, p. 64. — Pead. Birds Mass.
Ill, 84. Suriiia nyclea (Edmondst. ), Ja.ves. (ed. Wils.), Am. Orn. I, 1831, 92. —
NUTT. Man. p. 116. — Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. IV, 1859, 214. Si/rnia nyctea (Tiiomps.),
Jabdine's (ed. Was.) Am. Orn. II, 1832, 46. Xyctea nitea, (Gray) Cass. Birds Cal. &
Tex. 1854, 100. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858, 63. — Newtox, P. Z. S. 1861, 394 (eggs). —
Dkessek, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas !). — Dall & B.ixxiSTEK, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, ii,
1869, 273 (Alaska). —CoUES, Key, 1872, 205. Nyctea Candida, (Lath.) Boxap. List,
1838, 6.

Sp. Char. Adult. Ground-color entirely snow-wliite, this marked with transverse
bars of clear dusky, of varying amount in different individuals.

$ (No. 12,0.59, AVashington, D. C, December 4, 1858 ; C. Drexler). Across the top
of the head, and interspersed over the wings and scapulars, are small transversely cordate
spots of clear brownish-black, these inclining to the form of regular transverse bars on
tlie scapulars ; there is liut one on each feather. The secondaries have mottled bars of
more dilute dusky ; the primaries have spots of black at their ends ; the tail has a single
series of irregular dusky spots crossing it near the end. Abdomen, sides, and flanks
with transverse crescentic bars of clear brownish-black. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; cul-
men, 1.00; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.30. Wing-formula, 3, 2 = 4-5, 1.

9 (No. 12,058, Washington, D. C, December 4, 1S.J8). Head above and nape with
each feather blackish centrally, producing a conspicuously spotted appearance. Rest of
the plumage with regular, sharply defined transverse bars of clear brownish-black ; those
of the upper surface more crescentic, those on the lower tail-coverts narrower and more
distant. Tail crossed by five bands, composed of detached transvei-se spots. Only the
face, foreneck, middle of the breast, and feet, are immaculate ; everywhere else, except-
ing on the crissum, the dusky and white are in nearly equal amount. Wing. 18.00 ; tail,
9.80 ; culmen, 1.10. Wing-formula, 3 = 4, 2 - 1 -= 5.

Young (No. 36,434, Arctic America, August, 18G3 : ilacFarlane). Only partially
feathered. Wings and tail as in the adult female described, but the blackish bars rather
broader. Down covering the head and body dark brownish or sooty slate, becoming
paler on the legs.

Had. Northern portions of the Kearctic Realm. Breeding in the arctic and sub-
arctic regions, and migrating in winter to the verge of the tropics. Bermuda (JARorxE) ;
South Carolina (Bartram and Audobox) ; Texas (Dresser).

Localities : Texas, San Antonio (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330).

The Snowy Owls of North America, though varying greatly among them-
selves, seem to be considerably darker, both in the extremes and average
conditions of plumage, than European examples. Not only are the dusky
bars darker, but they are usually broader, and more extended over the
general surface.

FLvBiTS. This is an exclusively northeru species, and is chietiy confined
to the Arctic Circle and the adjacent portions of the temperate zone. It is
met with in the United States only iu midwinter, and is much more abun-

STRIGID.-E — THE OWLS.

71

dant in some years than in others. Individual specimens have been occa-
sionally noticed as far south as South Carolina, but very rarely. It has
also been observed in Kentucky, Ohio, the Bermuda Islands, and in nearly
every part of the United States.

In the Arctic regions of North America and in Greenland it is quite
abundant, and has been observed as far to the north as Arctic voyagers have
yet reached. Professor Eeinhardt states that it is much more numerous in the
northern than in the southern part of Greenland. Sir John Eichardson, who,
during seven years' residence in the Arctic regions, enjoyed unusual oppor-

Kyctea seandiaca.

tunities for studying the habits of this Owl, says that it hunts its prey in the
daytime. It is generally found on the Barren Grounds, but is always so wary
as to be approached with difficulty. In the wooded districts it is less cautious.

Mr. Downes states that this Owl is very alumdant in Xova Scotia in win-
ter, and tliat it is known to breed in the neighboring province of Xewfound-
land. In some years it appears to traverse the country in large flocks. In
the winter of 1861-62, he adds, these birds made their appearance in Canada
in large numbers.

Mr. Boardman states that they are present in winter in tlic vicinity of
Calais, but that they are not common. A pair was noticed in the sjiring of

72 NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

1862 as late as tlic last of May, and, in 'Sir. Boardman's opinion, were
breeding in tliat neighborhood. In the western part of Maine ^Ir. Verrill
found it also rather rare, and met with it only in winter He states that it
differs greatly in disposition Ironi tlio Ch-eat Horned Owl, being naturally
very gentle, and becoming very readily <iuite tame in confinement, differing
very much in this respect from most large licqjtoirs.

it makes its appearance in Massachusetts aliout the middle or last of
Novemljer, and in some seasons is quite common, though never present in
very large numbers. It is bold, but rather ^^■ary ; coming into thick groves
of trees in close proximity to cities, which indeed it frecpiently enters, but
keeping a sharp lookout, and never suffering a near approacli. It hunts by
dayliglit, and appears to di.stinguish objects witliout difficulty. Its flight
is noiseless, graceful, easy, and at times quite ra])id. In .some seasons it
appears to wander over the whole (jf the I'nitcd States east of the Ilocky
IVIountains. Dr. Heermann having ol)tained a specimen of it ncsar San An-
tonio, Texas, in the winter of 1857.

It is m(n-e abundant, in winter, near the coai?t, than in tlie interior, and in
the latter keeps in the neighborhood of I'ivers and streams, watching by the
open places for opportunities to catch fish. Mv. Audubon desciibes it as
very expert and cunning in fishing, crouching on the edges of air-holes in
the ice, and instantly seizing any fish that may come to the surface. It also
feeds on hares, squirrels, rats, and other small animals. It watches the traps
set for animals, especially muskrats, and devours them when caught. In the
stomacli of one Mr. Audubon found tlie wlmle of a large house-rat. Its
own flesh, j\Ir. Audubon affirms, is fine and delicate, and furnislies very
good eating. It is described as a very silent bird, and Air. Audubon has
never known it to utter a note or to make any sound.

I'lichardson states that a few remain in the Arctic regions even in mid-
winter, but usually in the more slieltered districts, whither it has followed
the Ptarmigan, on which it feeds. When seen on tlie Barren Grounds, it was
generally squatting on the earth, and, if disturbed, alighted again after a
short flight. In the more wooded districts it is said to lie bolder, and is
even known to watch the Grouse-shooters, and to share in their spoils,
skimming from its perch on a high tree, and carrying off' tlu' bird before
the sportsman can get near it.

Mr. MacFarlane writes from Fort Anderson that he did not find tliis spe-
cies abundant in tliaf ((uartov, and tliat its eggs were uidaiown to liim. Air.
B. R Ross .speaks of this Owl as widely distributed, but not common. He
found it a winter resident, and has repeatedly seen it at that season near
Fort Resolution, and it has been shot in February at Fort Norman. It is
very destructive to tlie snares set by the Indians, eating the hares and
breaking Die snares, in which they are sometimes caught. The Indians are
said to attract these birds near enough to be sliot at, by tying a mouse or a
piece of hare's skin to a line, and letting it drag behind them.

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. 73

Mr. Donald Gunii writes tluit tlio Snowy Owl is merely a visitor in tlie
districts to the west of Lake Wiunepeg, but is a constant inlialiitant of the
country surrounding Hudson Bay. There they hatch their young, from
three to five in number, making their nests in the forks of some tall poplar-
tree. They lay their eggs very early in the spring, and have hatched
their young before other birds begin to nest. This account of their
breeding differs from all other statements I have seen, and, if correct, is
jirobably exceptional.

Although a bird of great vigilance, seldom permitting the hunter to get
within range of shot, and equally careful in keeping at a distance from its
foe in its flight, it is, Mr. tUuiu states, readily deceived and decoyed with-
in easy range by tying a bundle of dark rags to a piece of stout twine,
and letting this drag from the end of the hunter's snow-shoe. The hungry
Owl pounces upon the bait, and the hunter turns and shoots it. These
birds are sometimes quite fat, and are much prized for food by the Indians.
At times they migrate from the more northern regions to the more inland
districts. An instance of this took place in the winter of 1855-56. These
birds made their appearance about the lied Eiver Settlement in October,
and before the latter end of December became very numerous, especially on
the plains, where they were to be seen flying at any time of the day. In
March all left that \'icinity and disappeared. A few pass the summer near
Lake Winnepeg, as occasional birds are seen there in the spring and fall.
These migrations are supposed to be caused by unusual snow-falls and the
scarcity of the animals on which they feed.

Mr. Dall found them rather rare in the valley of the Lower Yukon, and
he has noticed them occasionally flying over the ice in the winter season.

Mr. Hutchins, in his manuscri})t observations on the birds of Hudson Bay
Territory, speaking of this Owl as the Wiqmcuthu, states that it makes its
nest in the moss on the dry ground, and lays from five to ten eggs in ]\Iay.
Professor Alfred Newton (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1861, p. 395) thinks there can be
no doubt he refers to this Owl. Piichardson states, as the result of his owui
inquiries, that it breeds on the ground, which the observations of Mr.
Hearne confirm. Professor Lilljeborg (Naumannia, 1854, p. 78) found, June
3, 1843, on the Dovrefjeld, a nest of this species wliich contained seven
eggs. It was placed on a little shelf, on the top of a bare mountain, far
from the forest, and easy of access. Professor Nilsson was informed, on good
authority, that in East Fiarmark the Snowy Owl is said by the Lapps to lay
from eight to ten eggs in a little depression of the bare ground on the high
mountains. Mr. John Wolley received similar information, and was told
that the old birds sometimes attack persons that approach their nests. Tlie
16th to the 24th of May is said to be the time when they usually breed. I
received in 1860 an egg of this Owl from Herr Mbschler. It had been
taken near Okkak, a missionary station of the Moravians, in Labrador, and
collected by the Esciuiniau.x. Tlie accounts given by these collectors confirm

VOL. in. 10

74 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the statement that this bird always breeds on the ground in open places,
and frequently lays quite a large number of eggs. This specimen measures
2.50 inches in length and 1.S8 in breadth. It is oblong-oval in shape,
equally rounded at either end, and of a dull soiled white. Tlie egg is much
discolored, apparently by its contact witli tlie ground.

Mr. H. S. Hawkins (Ibis, 1870, p. 298) gives an account of the nest and
eggs of this species, derived from a correspondent at one of the ]\Ioravian
missionary stations on the coast of Labrador. The nest is said to consist of
only a few feathers, and to be placed generally on a ledge of rocks where .
there is a slight hollow, sufficient to prevent the eggs from rolling out, but
sometimes on the ground. The usual number of eggs is eight ; tliese are
not all laid and brooded at one time, but the first two are often hatched by
the time the last is laitl, so that you may find in one nest young birds, fresh
eggs, and others mure or less incubated.

Herr von Heuglin, in his Notes on tlie birds of Xovaja Zemlia (Ibis, 1872,
p. 61), mentions meeting with this Owl in Seal's Bay, on ^Matthew's Strait,
in the Sea of Kara, where he found three nests with two young birds covered
with down. The nest was formed of a shallow depression in the turf, without
any lining. The food of the Snowy Owl, in No\aja Zemlia, during the summer
time, consisted exclusively of a species of Mi/odes, which were very numerous.
The down of the young is plain brownish-gray. They were easilj' tamed,
and their comical gestures and vivacity are said to have been very amusing.

Captain C. R Hall, the celebrated Arctic voyager, during one of his
expeditious found a nest and four eggs of this species on the bare ground.
These were packed up in an old moccasin, and sent, without emptying, to
the Smithsonian Institution, wliere, after an interval of several months, they
were successfully emptied, and are now among the choice treasures of the
national museum.

Genus SURNIA, Dumeril.

Sumia, DuMtr.lL, Zoijl. Anal. 1S06, 34. (Type, Strix ulula, Lixx.)

Gf.x. Char. Size medium ; form elongated, and general aspect hawk-like. No ear-
tufts. Four outer quills with their inner webs sinuated, the third longest ; tail nearly as
long as the wing, graduated. Ear-conch small, simple, oval. Bill strong, yellow ; eyes
small, the iris yellow. Tarsi and toes thickly covered with soft dense feathers; tarsus
shorter than the middle toe. Plumage much more compact, and less downy, and remiges
and rectrices stiffer and straighter than in other Owls.

The single species of this genus belongs exclusively to the cold temperate
and arctic zones of the Northern Hemisphere, and is circumpolar. Though
somewhat hawk-like in its appearance, it is nevertheless a true Owl, and
possesses no affinities of structure with the Hawks, any more than other
species of Strigidm.

^■^ n. I

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. 75

Species and Races.

S. ulula. Above dark vandyke-brown, the head above dotted with
white, and the scapulars spotted with the same. Beneath transversely
barred with vandyke-brown and white, the bars regular, continuous, and
sharply defined. Head and neck with two lateral, and one posterior
medial, stripes of brownish-black, the space between them with white pre-
vaihng. Bill and iris yellow. Wing, about 9.00; tail, G.SO - 7.00.

White spotting prevailing. Hab. Patearctic Realm . . var. ulula. ^
Brown spotting prevailing. Hah. Nearctic Realm . . var. hiidsouia.

Surnia ulula, var. hudsonia (Gmelin). t^^--'

AMERICAN HAWK OWL.

Strix freti hudsonis, Beiss. Orn. I, 520, 1760. StrU hudsonia, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 295,
1789. — WiLs. Am. Orn. pi. 1, f. 6, 1808.— Shaw, Zool. VII, 274, 1809. — Vieill.
Ois. Am. Sept. I, 50. Surnia hudsonia, James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 90, 1831. Sur-
nia ulula, var. hudsonica, (IIidgway) Coues, Key, 1872, 205. Strix canadensis, Buiss.
Oni. I, 518, pi. x.x.\vii, f. 2, 1789. — Shaw, Zobl. VII, 273, 1809. Slri.c funerea
(not of LIN.V.EUS !), Rich, k Swaixs. F. B. A. II, 92, 1831.— AuD. Birds Am. pi.
ccclxxviii, 1831 ; Oni. Biog. IV. 550. — Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. York, II, 35. — Brewer
(Wils.), Am. Orn. p. 686. — Thomps. Hist. Vermont, p. 64. — Peab. Birds Mass. Ill,
83. Surnia ulula (not tdula of Linn. !), Cass. Birds Calif. & Te.x. p. 191, 1854. —
Birds N. Am. 1858, 64. — Gray, Hand List, I, 39, 1869. — Blackist. Ibis, HI, 320.

— Lord, Pr. R. A. I. IV, iii (Brit. Columb.). — Kaup, Tr. Zocil. Soc. IV, 1859, 214.

— Dall & Bannister, Tr. Chicago Acad. 1, ii, 274. — Maynaed, Birds Eastern
Mass., 1870, 133.

Sp. Chak. Adult. Above rich dark vandyke-brown, darker anteriorly, less intense and
more grayish on tail. A narrow streak of brownish-black originating over the middle of
eye, and extending backward above the upper edge of the ear-coverts, where it forms
an elbow passing downward in a broad stripe over the ends of the ear-coverts; confluent
with this, at about the middle of the vertical stripe, is another of similar tint, which
passes more broadly down the side of the nape ; between the last stripes (those of
opposite sides) is auotlier or medial one of less pure black, extending from the occiput
down the nape. Every feather of the forehead, crown, and occiput with a central ovate
dot of white ; those anterior more circular, on the occiput less numerous and more linear.
Between the lateral and posterior nuchal stripes the white prevails, the brown forming
irregular terminal and transverse or medial spots ; these grow more linear toward the
back. Interscapulars plain ; posterior scapulars variegated with partially concealed large
transverse spots of white, the lower feathers with nearly the whole outer webs white,
their confluence causing a conspicuous elongated patch above the wing. Rump with
sparse, irregular, but generally transverse, spots of white ; upper tail-coverts with broader,
more regular bars of the same, these about eqvial to the Ijrown in width. Lower feathers
of the middle and secondary wing-coverts each with an ovoid spot of white on the outer
web ; .secondaries crossed l)y about three transverse series of longitudinally ovoid white
spots (situated on the edge of the feather), and very narrowly tipped with the same ;
primary coverts with one or two less continuous transverse series of spots, these found

1 Surnia tilula, var. ttlula. Strix ulula, Linn. S. N. I, 1766, 133. Surnia ulula, BoNAP.
Cat. 1838, 22.

7(5 XORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

only on tlie outer feathers ; primaries with about seven transverse series of white spots,
these obsolete except on the five outer feathers, on which those anterior to the emargina-
tion are most conspicuous ; all the primaries are ver3' narrowly bordered with white at
the ends. Tail with seven or eight very narrow bands of white, those on the middle
feathers purely so, becoming obsolete exteriorly ; the last is terminal. Eyebrows, lores,
and face grayish-white, the grayish appearance caused by the blackish shafts of the
feathers; that of the face continues (contracting considerably) across the lower part of
the throat, separating a large space of dark brown, which covers nearly the whole throat,
from an indistinct collar of the same extending across the jugulum, — this collar uniting
the lower ends of the auricular and cervical dusky bauds, the space between which is
nearly clear white. Groinid-color of the lower parts white, but everywhere with numer-
ous very regular transverse bars of deep brown, of a tint more reddish than the back,
the brown bars rather more than half as wide as the white ones ; across the upper part
of the breast (beneath the dark gular collar) the white invades very much and reduces
the brown, forming a broad lighter belt across the jugulum ; below this the brown bars
increase in width, their aggregation tending somewhat to a suD'usion. giving the white
jugular belt better definition. On the legs and toes the bars are narrower, more distant,
and less regular.

The whole lining of the wing is barred just like the sides. The dark brown prevails on
the under surface of the primaries, etc. ; the former having transverse, irregular, elliptical
spots of white, these touching neither the shaft nor the edge : on the longest quill are
seven of these spots ; on all they are anterior to the einargination.

(J (49,808, Nulato, Alaska, April 21, 1867 ; W. H. Dall). Wing-formula, 3, 4 - 2 -5 -
G-1. Wing, 9.00; tail. 7.00; culraen, .70; tarsus (of auother specimen; wanting in
the present), .90 ; middle toe, .82.

9 (49,807, Nulato, April 20 ; W. H. Dall). Wing-formula, 3, 4-2-5-6-7=1.
Wing, 9.00; tail, G.80 ; culmen, .70; middle toe, .80.

Had. Arctic America, south in winter into northern United States ; Wisconsin (Dr.
Hoy) ; Ma-ssachusetts (Dr. Brewer ; Maynard) ; Dakota and Montana (Mus. S. I.).

Tlie Hawk Owl of North America is to be distinguished fnim that
of luirope and Siberia liy the same characters which distinguish the
American Sjjarrow Owl from the European, namely, much darker shade of
tlie brown and its greater i:)revalence. Three perfect specimens of the Old
World bird (a pair from Lapland, and a specimen from Kamtschatka, Petro-
pawloosk, W. H. Dall) agree in prevalence of the white over the head above,
the confluence of the spots on the scapulars forming a larger, more con-
spicuous patch, and very liroad and almost immaculate jugular belt ; the
brown bars beneath are very mucli narrower than in tlie American bird, and
the tint is not different from that of the back. The legs and toes are scarcely
variegated. Wliile acknowledging the identity of the two representative
forms, the differeuces are such as to entitle them to separation as races.

H.VBITS. The American form of the Hawk Owl inliabits the northern por-
tions of both continents, and is common in the Arctic portions. On the Atlan-
tic coast of this continent it has been found as far south as Philadelphia and
the State of Xew Jersey, but its presence south of latitude 45° is probably
only occasional and rather rare. The European form, according to Mr. Dresser,
has not been known to e.\ist in the Britisli Islands, but several instances are
quoted of the occuiTence of the American form in (Jreat Britain. One was

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS.

I I

taken off the coast of Connvall in March, 1830 ; another was shot near
Yatton, in Somersetshire, on a sunny afternoon in August, 1847 ; a third
had previously been taken at Mary-
hill, near Glasgow, in December, 1863.
On the Pacific coast it has not been
taken farther south than Alaska,
though it is quite probable it may yet
be found to be an occasional visitant
in Washington Territory and Oregon,
and even the nortliern ])()rtions of
California. It remains all the winter
in high northern latitudes, and the
instances of its having been taken
even in Massachusetts, so far as is
now known, are not many. Wilson
only met with two specimens. Au-
dubon and Xuttall never met with
one of these birds alive.

Mr. Downes states that the Hawk
Owl is very abundant in Xova Scotia

in the winter time in some years, but may not be seen again for four or
five seasons. It is common in Xewfoundland, where it breeds in the
Caribou districts. IMr. Downes often kept living specimens in confinement,
which had been taken on board tlie Cunard steamers off the coast.

]\Ir. Boardman gives this species as resident, though rare, in the neighbor-
hood of Calais, being occasionally found there in the breeding-season. In
Oxford County, Maine, Professor A. E. Verrill says it is a common autumnal
and winter visitant, and that it is quite abundant from the first of November
to the middle of March, but not found there in the summer. Mr. Allen
has never met with it in Western ^lassacluisetts. Near Boston, in some
seasons, it is not uncommon, tiiough never occurring with any frequency,
and only singly. It is found throughout the State, and is probably more com-
mon late in November than at any other time ; several having been taken
in AVestfield, and also in Berkshire County, among the Green Mountains. I
am not aware that any Imve Ijeen taken farther south than Philadelphia,
near which city Mr. Edward Harris obtained one specimen, while another
was shot at Haddington in 186G. Mr. Mcllwraith calls it a rare winter
visitant near Hamilton, Canada.

Eichardson states that it is a common species throughout the fur
countries from Hudson Bay to the Pacific, where it is killed by the liunters
more frequently than any other, which may be attributed to its bold-
ness and to its diurnal habits. During tlie summer season it feeds princi-
pally upon mice and insects, but in the regions in which it is found in win-
ter, where the snow is very deep, and where this food is not procurable, it

78 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

must depend on the Ptarmigan, and, indeed, is found a constant attendant
upon the flocks of these birds in their spring inigralions. Wlieu the hunters
are slnjoting (Irouse, it is said to he occasionally attracted by the report
of the gun, and is often bold enough, when a bird has been killed, to
pounce down upon it, although it is unable, from its inferior size, to carry it
off. It is also said to occasionally hover round the fires made by the Indians
at night.

To this account of its habits liichardson adds that it builds its nest on a
tree, of sticks, grass, and feathers, and lays two white eggs. In regard to
the number of eggs, he is now known to be inaccurate. Mr. ]\racFarlane
met with this bird in considerable numbers in the region of Anderson liiver,
where he found several nests, and all of which he made any record were
built in ])ine-trees at considerable height from the ground. One nest is
said to have been on the top of a iiine about twenty feet in height, and
was composed of small sticks and twigs, lined with moss. Both parents
were obtained. This nest contained two young birds — one of which was
about ten days old, the other aljout three weeks — and an addled egg. This
nest was found on the 2Uth of June, showing that the bird began to incubate
early in ilay.

Another nest, taken on the 28th of April, was found to contain six eggs.
It was built in the top crotch of a tall pine, w^as composed of dry sticks, and
lined with hay and a few feathers. A third nest also contained six eggs,
and was lined with green mosses and deer's hair. One nest contained as
many as seven eggs, and all but one had as many as six. Mr. ^MacFarlane
speaks of it as a winter resident.

Mr. B. E, Ross states that he found this bird throughout the Great Slave
Lake district, but not plentiful. It winters in even the northernmost parts
of the wooded country. It is said to liuild its nest not only on trees, but
also on cliffs, and to lay as early as the last of March or the first of Ajjril.
He states that the eggs are usually four in nunil)er, and describes them as
of a dead white, of an oblong-oval shape, and as measuring l.o9 inches by
1.21. He received three eggs with the parent bird, taken at Lapierre's
House, and another parent, with nest and four eggs, from Salt River.

]\Ir. Dall found this the most common species of Owl aliout Xulato.
Many of both sexes were obtained, and on the 16th of April he took from
the ovary of a female an egg ready for laying. On the oth of May Mr. Dall
obtained six eggs which were laid on the top of an old birch stump, and
fifteen feet from the groiuid. There was no nest otlier than that the rotten
wood was somewhat hoUowetl out, and the eggs laid directly upon it. As
he was clindiing to the nest, the male bird which had been sitting on the
nest attacked Mr. Dall, and knocked off his cap. The female did not appear.

j\Ir. Donald (iunn states that these Owls liunt in the daytime, and leed
chiefly u])on mice ; and Mr. Dall seldom found anything but mice in their
crops, and adds that it is very fond of flying, towards dusk, from the top

STEIGID.E — THE OWLS. 79

of one tall spmce to another, apparently swinging or balancing itself, calling
to its mate at intervals, while chasing or being cliased by it.

Captain Drummond states, in " Contributions to Ornithology " (p. 37), that
he noticed a bird of tliis species, ou the wing, within a few yards of liiiii, in
the Bermudas.

Mr. Dresser, who had ample opportunities of observing the Hawk Owl in
New Brunswick, where he found it by no means uncommon, describes it as a
true day Owl. It was often seen by him hawking after prey in the strongest
sunsiiiue, or seated quietly blinking on tlie top of an old blasted tree, ap-
parently undisturbed by the glare of the sun. In its general appearance, and
])articularly in its flight, it appeared to liiiu to lia^e considerable affinity to
the Sparrow Hawk. In New Brunswick it affected the open plains or so-
called blueberry barrens, where the open country is covered with low bushes
and an occasional scathed tree. It would sit on one of these trees for hours
in an upriglit hawk-like position, occasionally hunting over the ground, like
the Kestrel of Europe, in search of small field-mice. It showed but little
fear, and could be easily approached within gun-shot. "When shot at and
missed, it would take a short flight and return to its former perch. On one
occasion Mr. Dresser, firing at one with a rifle, cut the brancli close under
the bird, wliich returned almost immediately to another branch, was a second
time missed, and finally fell under a third shot.

Its note is said to be a shrill cry, similar to the call of the European
Kestrel, and generally uttei'ed on the wing. The stomach was generally
found filled witli small field-mice, and rarely contained any remains of small
birds. Tliey appeared to hunt after food chiefly early in the forenoon and
in the evening. During the day they rested ou some elevated perch. In
the night they retired to rest like other diurnal Raptorcs.

An egg of this Owl, taken fronr the oviduct of its parent by Mr. B. E.
Ross, April 16, at Fort Simpson, measures 1.50 inclies in length by 1.20 in
breadth. It is of oval shape, and of a dull-white color. Another egg meas-
ures 1.62 by 1.3U inclies, is of a rounded oval, equally obtuse at either end,
and of a yellowish-white color. It was taken by Jlr. JIacFarlane at Fort
Anderson.

Gends GLAUCIDIUM, Boie.

(r?«!(cirfn«re, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 970. Microptrjn.c, Kaup. ^TJ•pe, Strix passcrina, Lintj.)
Microglaax, Kaup. (Tyjie, Slrix havmieiisc, Kaup, = G. siju (D'Orb.) Cab.)
} Tacnioptyiix, Kaop. (Type, N'oclua brodici, BuiiT.)

GrE>r. Char. Size very small ; head rather small ; bill and feet very strono^ and robust ;
no ear-tufts ; tail long, about three fourtlis as long as the wing, rounded. Nostrils cir-
cular, opening in the middle of the inflated cere-membrane (except in G. siju). Tarsus
about equal to the middle toe, densely feathered ; toes haired. Four outer quills with
their inner webs emarginated ; third to fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple,
rounded. Bill yellowish (excejit in G. pliakeitoides .?) ; iris yellow.

80

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

The genus is most largely developed witliiu tlie tropical regions, only one
species {G. passer inum) belonging to the cold temperate zone, and this is
found on both continents. They are the most robustly organized of all
Owls, and, for their size, are very predatory, as in the next genus {Micratliene),
though themselves liardly larger than a Sparrow, tiiey frecjuenlly feed upon

Glaiiritlitim californicum.

small birds, and, no doubt, often destroy the passerine species of nearly their
own size. Lilce the most of the group to wliich this genus belongs, they
are diurnal in their habits, and tiy about during the brightest sunshine.
They inhabit chielly dense forests, and, for this reason, are less well known
than the more easily accessible Owls.

The following synopsis includes only the North American and ]Me.xican
species of Glaucidium. In tropical America are se\eral others very distinct
from those here given.

Species and Races.

Co.MMON CnAR.\CTERS. Abovc biowu, vaiying from nearly gray to bright ferru-
ginous, in some species this color interrupted by a more or less distinct whitish
nuchal collar, with an adjacent blacki.sh spot (sometimes concealed) on each side
of the neck. Tail with narrow bands. Beneath white, the sides striped with
brown or blackish. Throat and jugulum white, with a dusky collar between.
Crown speckled or streaked with lighter ; wings more or Ic^is spotted with the
same.

A. Maikiugs on the crown circular, or dot-like.

1. G. passerinum. Tail with si.x to eight narrow white bands. Upper
parts varying from brownish-gray to chocolate-brown. Ground-color
of the lower parts pure white.

Tail, and stripes on sides, not darker than the back ; tail-bands
six, and continuous ; toes rather thickly feathered. Hab. Europe.

var. 2)0 sserinum?

^ Glaucidium passerinum, var. pnxscrinum. Strix passerina, I>INN. 1, 133, 1766. Glauci-
dium j)asscriiium, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 976. — Sii.viirr. & Dr.r.ssEU, Birds Europe, II, April, 1871.
Siirnia pnsscriiia, Keys, k Blas. Wirb. Euro]i. 32, 1840. Jl/icropttjnx passcrinn, Kavt, Contr.
Ovn. 1852, 107. Koctua passerina, ScHLEO. Mus. Pays-Bas. Slriijcs, p. 41, 1862. Sh-i.r pusilla,
Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 20,'), 1800. .'^Irix pi/rj.ncva, Bechst. Xat. Deutschl. IV, 978, t. x.\iv, 1805.
SIrix acadica, Temm. Man. d'Oni. I, p. 96, 1820 {tiec Gmel.).

STRIGIDJi — THE OWLS. gX

Tail, and stripes on sides, mucli darlcer than the back; tail-bands
" (<?)-8 (9), not continuous; toes only scantily haired. Wing,
3.50-4.00; tail, 2.50 - 2.80 ; culmen, .43 - .48 ; tarsus, .60 ; middle
toe, .55. Huh. Western Province of North America. Table-
lands of Jle.xico ...... var. call for nicum.

Bi Markings on the crown longitudinal and linear.

2. G. infuscatum. Tail dark brown, crossed by six to seven non-con-
tinuous bands of white, narrower than the dark ones Above varying
from grayish-brown to reddish-umber and sepia. Beneath white, the
stripes on the sides grayish-brown or dark Ijrown, like the back.

Above dark sepia, or blackish-brown. Tail brownish-black or
deep black. Wing, 3.70-3.90; tail, 2.50-2.90; culmen, .45;
tarsus, .65 -.80; middle toe, .05 -.70. Hub. Eastern South
America ........ var. i nfu scatum }

Above grayish, or reddish-umber. Tail clear dark bro^vn, or
grayish-umber.

Wing, 3.60-3.90; tail, 2.35 - 2.75 ; culmen, .45 - ..50 ; tarsus,
.65 -.80; middle toe, .60 -.70. Hab. Middle America, from
the Rio Grande (probably in Texas) to Panama . var. gnoma."

3. G. ferrugineum. Tail crossed by seven to nine continuous bands
of dark brown and bright rufous, of nearly equal width. Above vary-
ing from grayish-brown to bright ferruginous ; beneath varying from ■
pure white to pale rufous, the stripes on the sides like the back. AVing,
3.70-4.15; tail, 2.20-2.90; culmen, .45 - .50 ; tarsus, .70-.80; mid-
dle toe, .70 -.75. Hah. Tropical America, from southern border of
United States to Southern Brazil.

Glaiicidium passerinum, var. californicum (Sclater).

THE CALIFORNIA PIGMY OWL.

Glaucidium californicum, Sll.\ter, Proc. Zoul. Soc. Loml. 1S57, p. 4. Glaticiditim pcis-
scrinum, var. californicum (Ridgway) Coues, Key, 1S72, 206. Strix passcrinoidcs (not
of Temminck !), AuD. Orn. Biog. V, 271, 1831. Glaucidium infuscatum (not of
Temm.!), Cass. Birds of Cal. & Tex. p. 189, 1854. — Newb. P. R. R. Rept. VI, iv,
77, 1857. Glaucidium gnoma. (not o& Wagler !), C'.4.ss. Birds N. Am. 1858, 62. —
.Heeum. p. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857. —Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 158,
1860. — CouES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 14, 1866. —Cab. Jour. 1862, 336. — Lord. Int.
OKs. 1865, 409 (habits). — Gkay, Hand List, I, 42, 1869. — Cab. Ueb. Berl. Mus.
1869, 207.

Sp. Char. Adult {$, 12,0.54, Puget Sound, Washington Territory; Dr. C. B.
Kennerly). Above, including the auriculars, umber-brown, with a faint reddish oa,st ; this

1 Glaucidium infuscatum, var. infuscatum. Strix infuscata, Temm. Ind. General, 1821.
Athene i., Bonap. Consp. 37, 1850 (excl. syu.). Glaucidium i., Kaitp, Cont. Om. 1852, 103.
i Strix eluta, Ii.lig. in Mus. Berl. Cab. Azar. No. 49. Strix passcrinoidcs, Temm. PI. Col. 344.
Sumiap., Bonap. Os. Cuv. Reg. An. I, 57. Noctua p.. Less. Man. & Tr. Orn.

'^Glaucidium infuscatum, var. gnoma. Glaucidium gnotna, Wagl. Isis, 1832, 275. — K.\UP,
Monog. Strigidm, in Contr. to Orn. 1852, 103 (under G. infuscatum). — Strickl. Om. Syn. I,
163, 1855 (under G. infuscntum). Athene gnoma, Gr.AY, Gen. Birds, fol. sp. 35, 1844. Ilab.
Whole of Middle America, from Panama northward to the Rio Grande and Mazatlau. Probably
yet to be found in Texas or N(nv Mexico.

VOT,. III. 11

^^ y ]■

82 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tinge most apparent in a sharply defined band across the throat The continuity of the
brown above is interrupted by a scarcely observable collar round the nape of concealed
whitish ; this is discernible only laterally, w-here there is also an inconspicuous black space.
Whole head above, and neck behind, with numerous small circular spots of reddish-
white; back, scapulars, and wings more sparsely and more minutely marked with the
same; the two or three lower feathers of the secondary' coverts have each a terminal,
somewhat oval, larger spot of pure white. Secondaries crossed by three (exposed) bands
of pure white, and narrowly tipped with the same ; the bands formed by semicircular
spots on the outer webs. Primaries almost plain, but showing faintly defined obsolete
bands, — the tliird, fourth, and lifth with two or three conspicuous white spots on outer
webs, beyond their enuirgination ; primary coverts perfectly plain. Tail considerably
darker than the wings, and purer umber; crossed -with seven narrow bands of pure
white, the last of which is terminal and not well defined, — these bands are formed by
transverse spots, not touching the shaft on either web. Lores, sides of the forehead, sides
of the throat (beneath the cheeks and ear-coverts), and lower parts in general, pure
white ; the ante-orbital white continuing back over the eye to its middle, but not beyond
it. Lateral portion of the neck and breast (confluent with the gular belt), and sides,
umber, like the back, but more numerously, though more obsoletely, speckled, the .spots
rather larger and more longitudinal on the sides. Breast, abdomen, anal region, and
lower tail-coverts with narrow longitudinal stripes of nearly pure black. .Jugulum im-
maculate. Tarsi mottled on the outside with brown. Lining of the wing white ; a
transverse patch of blackish across the ends of the under primary coverts, formed by the
terminal deltoid spot of each feather ; a blackish stripe, formed of blended streaks
(parallel with the edge of the wing), running from the bend to the primary coverts.
Under surface of primaries dusky, with transverse spots of white anterior to the emargi-
nation ; these white spots on the longest quill are eight in number. Axillars plain white.

Wing, 3.60 ; tail, 2.60 ; culmen, .45 ; tarsus, .60 ; middle toe, .55. Wing-formula, 4, 3,
5-2, 6,' 7, 8, 9, 10, 1.

9 (36,874, Fort Whipple, near Proscott, Arizona, October 11, 1864; Dr. Coues). In
general appearance scarcely diiferent from the male. Upper surface more ashy, the specks
of whitish less numerous, being confined chiefly to the head ; those on the scapulars,
however, are large, though very sparse. The middle wing-coverts have each a conspicuous
roundish white spot near the end of the outer web ; the secondary coverts are similarly
marked, forming a band across tlie wing. The primaries and tail are as in the male,
except that the latter has eight, instead of seven, white bands. The brown of the gular
band extends upward over the throat to the recurved feathers of the chin ; the white dots
in the brown of the sides are considerably larger and (though very irregular) more circular
than in the male ; the stripes on the abdomen, etc., are rather broader and less deeply
black than in the male. Wing, 4.00 ; tail, 2.80 ; culmen, .48. (Wing-formula as in male.)

Had. Pacific Province of North America, from Vancouver Island southward ; Arizona
(Fort Whipple) ; Colorado (El Paso Co., Aiken) ; Table-lands of Mexico (Coll., G. N.
Lawrence). Perhaps whole of the W^estern Province, from the Rocky Mountains to
the Pacific.

One specimen in the collection (59,069) differs from those described in
much darker colors. Tlie original label is lost, but it was probably received
from the northwest coast, as the darker, more reddish colors bear about the
same relation to tlic paler gray tints of the southern birds that the dark
northwest coast style of Scojis asio (var. hcnnicoUi) does to the true nsio.
The stripes beneath are nearly pure black, the general tint above being a
reddish sepia-brown. Wing, 3.G.5 ; tail, 2.70.

STKKJID^E — THE OWLS.

83

GInuridium rnlif'ornicum.

The Glaucidium californicum requires comparison only witli the G.
pccsserinum of Europe, to which it is quite closely related, though easily dis-
tinguishable by the characters pointed
out in the diagnoses ; it is not at all
like gnoma, nor indeed any other
American species, with which it lias
been confounded by nearly all orni-
tliologists, even by Cabanis, in liis
excellent paper above cited.

I have seen only one Mexican speci-
men of tliis species, which is one in
Mr. Lawrence's collection ; the locality
is not given, l)ut it is prol)ably from
the higher regions of the interior. It
differs in no respect, except in size,
from North American examples ; it
measures, wing, 3.40 ; tail, 2. GO.

Habits. This species, one of the
smallest of our Xorth American Owls, was first obtained on the Columbia
liiver liy I)i-. Townsend, near Fort Vancouver; and subsequently, Dr. Merideth
Gairdner procured several others from the same locality, which were sent to
the Edinburgli Museum. Dr. Towuseud's specimen was said to have been
taken on the wing at midday.

Dr. Cooper met with a single specimen in Washington Territory early in
November, 1854. He observed it among a flock of Sparrows, that did not
seem at all disturbed by its presence. At first he mistook it for one of these
birds. Its stomach was found to contain only insects.

Dr. Suckley obtained two specimens at Puget Sound, where he found it
moderately abundant. It seemed to be diurnal in its habits, gliding about
in shady situations in pursuit of its prey. He saw one about midday in a
shady alder-swamp near Nisqually. It flitted noiselessly past him several
times, alighting near by, on a low branch, as if to examine the intruder.

Near a small lake in tlie neighborhood of Fort Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley
frequently heard the voice of a diminutive Owl, which he supposed to come
from one of tliese bird.s, as this is the only small species of the family he
ever saw in that neighborhood. The notes were subdued and clear, like the
soft, low notes of a flute.

Dr. Newberry procured specimens of the Pigmy Owl on tiie Cascade
Mountains, in Oregon, where, however, it was not common. It occurs also
in California, as he saw several individuals in San Francisco that had been
obtained in that State, hut he did not meet with any in the Sacramento
Valley. It was apparently confined to wooded districts, which is probably
the reason why it is nut more frequent in the open country of California.
He adds that it flies about with great freedom and activity by day, pursuing

84 xniiTn American birds.

the small birds ujion which it subsists, apparently as little incommoded by
the light as they are. It is, however, doubtful whether it subsists, to any
large extent, on small birds. So far as observed it appears to feed almost
e.xclusively on in.sects, although the Owl taken by Townsend is said to have
had the entire l)ody of a Rcyulus in its stomach.

Dr. Coo])er speaks of tliis Owl as not uncommon in the middle part of
California, though he did not meet with it in the southern part of the State.
It is, probable that it is occasional in Southern t'alifnrnia, as it has been
found in JMe.xico, where however, it is undnuVitedly rare, as Mr. Uidgway
informs me that only a single specimen of this Owl, among a hundred others
from Mexico, has ever been seen by him.

Dr. Heermann met with tliis beautiful little species among the mountain-
ous districts of the mining regions of California, where it was by no means
rare. It was, however, seldom captured by him, and he regarded its flying
by night as the reason ; but this view is not corroborated by the observations
of others. In 1852 be procured three specimens on the borders of the Cala-
veras Eiver, others were taken on the Cosumnes Eiver, and j\Ir. J. G. Bell,
of New York, met with it on the American Eiver, thus demonstrating its
wide and general distribution throughout the State.

Mr. John K. Lord met with a pair on Vancouver Island. He charac-
terizes the bird as of shy and solitary habits, always hiding among the thick
foliage of the oak or pine, except when feeding. Early one spring, while
collecting specimens of the smaller migrant birds, he was favored with
unusual opportunities for watching their habits. The pair had made their
home in the hollow of an oak-tree that stood in an open patch of gravelly
ground near a small lake. The remains of an Indian lodge which was close
to the place enabled Islv. Lord to watch closely the habits of this interesting
pair. In the first morning twilight the Owls were up and in motion, hungry
after a whole night's fasting. Tlieir flight was short, cpiick, and jerking,
similar to that of the Sparrow Hawk, but wholly unlike the muffled, noi.se-
less flap of the Night Owls. Their food was found to be entirely insectivo-
rous, chiefly grassho])pers and field-crickets, with an occasional beetle or
butterfly. When in jiursnit of food, they perch on a small Inanch near
the groiuid, and sit bolt n]iright in an indolent drowsy manner until their
quick eye detects an insect, when they suddenly pounce upon it, hold
it down with their small but powerful claws, and with their sharp beaks
tear it to pieces. Only the soft abdominal parts are thus eaten. As soon
as their hunger is satiated they return to the tree, cuddling close together,
and doze away the greater part of the day. In the evening twilight the
Owls again come out of tlieir hole and take erratic flights around their abode,
chasing each other uji and down the plain, and performing all kinds of inex-
plicable mannnivres. Occasionally they settle on the ground, but never long
at a time.

^Ir. Lord never observed them to capture an insect while on the wing,

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. g5

and a very small i|uaiitity of food seemed to supply their wants. As soon
as it became dark they retired to their nest, and there apparently passed the
night.

To this account Mr. Lord adds, that early in May two small eggs were
laid, white in color, round and v'ery rough on their surface, a large knot-hole
in the branch of the tree having been selected as the nesting-place. Notliing
of any kind was used as a lining, the eggs being deposited on the bare wood.
Tlie length of time occupied in incubation Mr. Lord was not able to ascer-
tain in consequence of the shortness of his stay.

Glaucidium ferrugineum, Kaup.

THE EED-TAILED OWL.

Sirix ferrufjinca, M.\x. lieis. Bras. I, 105, 1820; Trav. Bras. p. 88; Beitr. Ill, 234.—
TEM.M. Pi. Col. 199. — L.\TH. Gen. Hist. I, 373. iVoduaf., Steph. Zool. Xlll, pt. ii,
p. 69. — Lkss. Man. Orn. I, 111 ; Tr. Orn. lOi. — Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 346. —
TscHUDi, Av. Consp. Wiegm. Archiv. 1844, 267 ; Faun. Per. pp. 19, 117. Sarnia f.,
BoNAP. O.ss. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 56 ; Isis, 1833, 1053. Atliemf., GR-iY, Gen. B. I'ol. sp.
17 ; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 92. — Bon.\p. Consp. Av. p. 38. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I,
162, 1855. Glaucidium /., Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 104. — Burm. Thier.
Bras, n, 141, 146. — Caban. Ueb. Berl. Mus. 1869, 206. — CouEs, Am. Nat. VI, 370
(Arizona). — Ib. Key, 1872, 206. ? Athene nana (King), Gray, Gen. 1844, pi. xii
(normal plumage).

a. jVocmrtZ plumage.
Sp. Char. Adult (^, 23,792, Mazatlan, Me.xico; J. Xantus). Upper surface umber-
brown, more ashy anteriorly, posteriorly more brownish. Head above with a few
narrow longitudinal lines of yellowish-white, anteriorly and laterally ; a quite distinct
collar of whitish spots across the nape, the black lateral spaces rather obsolete ; scapulars
with a few conspicuous oval spots of pure white ; two lower feathers of secondary
coverts each with a similar spot on outer web. Secondaries darker brown, crossed with
five bands of dull rufous, the last not terminal; outer webs of primaries with semicircular
pale spots along the margin, these nearly white beyond the sinuation of the feathers,
anteriorly brownish. Tail bright rufous, crossed with about seven distinct bands of
dark brown, these hardly equalling the rufous in width, which is also terminal. Longi-
tudinal stripes of the sides of the same soft grayish-brown tint as the head ; tarsi sparsely
speckled with the same on outer side. Wing-formula, 4, 5, 3-6- 7, 2, 8 ; first shortest.
Wing, 3.70 ; tail, 2.20 ; culmen, .45 ; tarsus, .70 ; middle toe, .70.

6. Rufescent plumage.

Adult. Upper surface continuously deep lateritious-rufous, all the lighter markings
almost obliterated. Bars on the tail scarcely traceable. Black cervical transverse space
conspicuous. Sides of the breast and stripes of the sides duller rufous than the tint
above ; white of ground-color with yellowish tinge ; legs pale rufous, deepest on outer
side, immaculate. Gular collar blackish.

$ (43,055, La Palma, Costa Rica, January 27, 1866 ; Jose Zeledon). Wing-formula,
4 = 5, 3 - 6 - 2 ; first shortest. Wing, 3.80 ;" tail, 2.40.

9 (33,210, San Jose, Costa Rica; J. Carmiol). Wing-formula, 4, 3 = 5 - 6, 2 ; first
shortest. Wing, 4.15 ; tail, 2.90 ; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .75.

80 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

II.VB. AVhole of eastern South America, and Middle America (both coasts) north into
southern border of United States (Arizona, Bendike ; probably entire soutliern border).

The numerous specimens examined come from tlie IJio Grande of Texas
(across tlie whole breadtli of Middle America) to Paraguay, everywhere the
same species, those from tiie extremes of its range showing scarcely any dif-
ference.

A specimen of the ferruginous plumage, in tlie collection of the Phila-
delphia Academy, is remarkable fur the great intensity and uniformity of
the rufous; the entire plumage, in fact, being of this color, a fine light tint
of whicli ref)laces the white below. There is no trace of bars on either wings
or tail.

In the very large series before me I find in individuals every possible
shade between the two extremes described. Over fifty specimens have
come under my notice.

Habits. This little Owl claims a place in our fauna on the strength of
several specimens taken in Southern Arizona by Captain Bendire. It is
a soutliern bird, found throughout the whole of Mexico, and ranges thence
though the whole of South America, except the Pacific coast, as i'ar south as
Southern Urazil. In Mexico it is as abundant on the Pacific as on the
eastern coast, and is by far the most common Owl of its genus found in
that country.

Mr. E. C. Taylor states that he found this bird pretty common in Trini-
dad, where it is said to fly about in the daytime, apparently indifferent to
the blazing tropical sun, and is much smaller than any other species of
Owl he met with.

Genls MICRATHENE, Coles.

Micrathene, CoUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. ISGG, 57. (Tvije, Athene whitiieyi, CooPEK.)

Gen. Guar. Size very sru.-ill (the .sm.illcst Owl known) ; head small, and without car-
tufts. Bill and feet weak. Tail short, less than half the wing, even. Nostril small,

circular, opening in the
middle of the much in-
flated cer.ll membrane.
Tarsus a little longer
than the middle toe,
naked, scantily haired, as
are also the toes. Four
outer quills with their
inner webs sinuated ;
fourth longest. Ear-

Mirrathruf U'hitneyi.

conch very small, simple, roundisli. Bill pale greenish ; iris yellow.

This well-marked genus is represented by a single species, found in the
Colorado region of the United States, and in Western ]\Iexico. It is the

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. gy

smallest of all known Owls, and has the general aspect of a Glaucidium.
From the fact tliat feathers of birds were found in its stomach, we may
reasonahly infer tliat it is of exceedingly rapacious habits, like the species
of that genus.

Species.

M. whitueyi. Atiove grayish olive-bi-o\\'ii, sprinkled willi small, rather
obscure, spots of pale rusty, and interrupted by a whitish nuchal collar;
outer webs of the lower series of scapulars pure white. Wings spotted
with white and pale fawn-color; tail grayisliTbrown, crossed by five to six
narrow interrupted bands of pale fawn-color. Eyebrows and lores pure
white ; a cravat of the same on the chin. Beneath white, marked with large,
rather longitudinal, ragged blotches of pale rusty, mottled with dusky.
Bill pale greenish ; iris yellow. Length, 5.50 - 6.25 ; extentof wings, 14.25-
15.25 (measurements of freshly killed specimens). Wing, 4.00 - 4.40 ; tail,
1.90 - 2.30. Hab. Fort Mohave, California (April), and Socorro Island,
west coast of Mexico.

Micrathene whitneyi, Coues.

WHITNEY'S OWL.

Athene whitneyi, Coopee, Proc. t'al. Acad. So. 18(31, i>. 118. Micrathene lohitiuyi, Coues,
Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 186ti, 15. — Elliot, lUust. Am. B. I, .xxix. — Gkayson
(Lawrence), Ann. N. Y. Lye. — Coues, Key, 1872, 207.

Sp. Char. Adult {$, 208, J. G.Cooper, Fort Mohave, California, April 26, 1861).
Above nmber-brown (less pure and uniform than in Glaucidium)^ each feather with an
irregular, transversely elliptical spot of pale rufous, these largest on the forehead, border-
ing the white eyebrows ; tlie feathers everywhere minutely mottled transversely with
darker, this being most noticeable where bordering the yellowish spots. Scapulars with
their outer webs almost wholly white. Wings with the ground-color a little darker than
the back ; lesser coverts with numerous spots of light rufous, there being two on each
feather, one concealed ; middle and secondary coverts with a very large oval spot of
pui-e white terminating the outer webs, the white spot on the latter preceded by a pale
rufous one. Secondaries with five (exposed) bands of pale ochraceous (the last terminal),
these passing into white on the edge; primary coverts with three large ochraceous spots;
primaries with about six (including the terminal) conspicuous spots of the same, those an-
terior to the emargination, on the third, fourth, and fifth quills, almost white. Tad like
the wings, but more uniform ; crossed by six irregular narrow bands of pale ochraceous,
the last, or terminal, of which is not well defined ; these do not touch the shaft, and
on the inner webs they are pure white. Lores and eyebrows, cheeks, lining of the
wings, and ground-color of the lower parts, white ; ear-coverts and sub-orbital space
like the crown, but more rusty ; lateral lower parts much washed with plumbeous, this
especially prevalent on the flanks. Behind the sharply defined white of the cheeks is a
black transverse wash. Throat, jugulurn, breast, and abdomen, with each feather liaving
a medial longitudinal ragged-edged blotch of pale rufous, these blotches most clearly
defined on the abdomen, more confused anteriorly ; anal region and tibiie almost immacu-
late ; tibiae with numerous transverse narrow blackish bars, on a pale ocliraceous ground.
Lining of the wing faintly spotted at the bend, and on the primary coverts, the terminal
half of which is plain dusky; under surface of primaries blackish, with obscure tran.sverse
paler spots, — those anterior to the emargination almost white ; those beyond darker, the

88

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

last being scarcely distinguishable ; on the longest quill eight can be detected. Wing-
formula, 4, 3 = 5-2,6,7,8,9-1. Length, "6.25"; e-xtent, "15.25"; wing, 4.40:
tail, 2.30 ; culmen, .35 ; tarsus, .80 ; middle toe, .60.

A male t'roiu Socorro Island (49,678, Colonel A. J. Grayson) is less adult
than the ]iieceding. The upper plumage is more brownish and more mot-
tled ; the rufous spots, though deeper and larger, are less sharjjly defined ;
the spots on the primaries are all ochraceous; the bands on the tail are
broader, though of the same number. Beneath the longitudinal lilotches
do not appear, but the rusty rufous covers nearly the whole surface, leav-
ing the medial portion only white, and this not well defined; the rusty
shows ragged minute transverse bars of blackish. The whitish collar round
the nape is also better defined than in the type. Wing, 4.20 ; tail, 2.10.
Wing-formula, 4, 3 = 5 - 6, 2 - 7, 8, 9, 10, 1. Length, 5.20 ; extent, 14.25.

Another specimen, 50,765, from the same locality, also apparently imma-
ture, is just like the preceding in ijlumage. It measures, wing, 4.00 ; tail, 1.90.
Habits. The type specimen of this diminutive species was shot at
Fort Mohave, in the Colorado A^alley, latitude 35°, April 26, 1861, and two

others have since been taken on the
Socorro Islands, off the western coast of
Mexico, by Colonel Grayson. It is smaller
even than the little California Pygmy
Owl, and is therefore the smallest known
to inhabit Xorth America. It resembles
that species in its colors, but is thought
by Dr. Cooper to be more similar to the
burrowing Owls in its generic characters.
It was found in a dense thicket, on a
very windy morning, and where it may
have taken only a temjiorary refuge, af-
ter having been blown down from some
of the caverns in the barren mountains
surrounding the valley. In its stomach
were found the remains of insects and
the feathers of small birds. Several specimens of this Owl were taken in
Arizona by Captain Bendire, one of which is now in the collection of the
Boston Society of Xatural History. Captain Bendire also found one of their
nests, with two fully fledged young ones, in a hole of a mesquite stump.

Micralhene wlnlneyi.

Genus SPEOTYTO, Gloger.

Speolijto, '• Glogek, 1842." (Type, Slrix cunicularia, MoL.)
" Plwkoptynx, K.^rp, 1848." (Same tj-pe.)

Gex. Cn.\R. Size small ; head small, and without ear-tufts. Bill moderately strong,
pale yellowish. Tarsi more than twice as long as the middle toe, feathered in front,

STPJGID.E — THE OWLS.

89

nakeil behind ; toes scantily haired. Tail short, less than half the winj', nearly even, or
very slijjhtl)' rounded. Three outer quills with their inner webs emarginated; second
to fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple, roundish. Diurnal and terrestrial.

Tiiis geinis i.s peculiar to America, wliere it is distributed over the whole
of tlie southern and the western half of the northern continent, as well as
in some of the West India Islands. There appears to be but one well-
characterized species,^ this one modified into representative races in the
several geographical provinces over which it ranges. The species is terres-
trial, inhabiting the abandoned burrows of Armadillos and Eodents. It is

Speotifto /njpogfPa*

diurnal, possessing as much freedom of sight, hearing, and motion in the
brightest sunlight, as any species of the Fdlconidcc.

Species and Races.

S. cunicularia. Colors umber-brown and ochi'aceous-white, the former
prcdouiinating above, the latter prevailing below. Upper parts spotted with
whitish ; lower parts transversely barred with brown on the breast and
sides, and sometimes on the abdomen. A white gular patch, and jugular
collar, with a brown band between them. Legs, crissum, anal and femoral
regions, always immaculate.

A. Primaries with broad regular bars of ochraceous-white on both
webs ; primary coverts with large spots of the same.

Brown markings of the lower parts irregulai-ly transverse, and
ragged. White spots on the upper parts nearly equal in extent to
tlie bi'own.

Wing, 0.15-0.40; tail, 2.90- 3.00; culmen, ..58-.G2 ; tarsus.
1.50-1.80; middle toe, .05. Hah. Peru . . vav. yraHaria.'

1 Gray, in his " Hand List," gives in addition S. fusca, Vieill., a West Indian I" Antilles ")
species, which proves to be not congeneric with S. cunicnhiria, and also S. clomingcnsis (Gm.)
MiJLL., which 1 cannot identify as one of the races of S. cunicularia,

'^ SjKuUjto cunicularin, var. grallarial ? Slrix grallaria, Spix, Av. Braz. I, 21, IS24. • —
? Tem. pi. Col. 146. I am by no means satisfied that this form is the true grallaria, but it
seems to come nearer to it than any other described. Three specimens (two from Peru, in the
National Museum, and one, without label, in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural
History) have been examined, and agree in the characters diagnosed above.

VOL. in. 12

90 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Brown markings on the lower parts regularly transverse, and not
ragged. White spots on the upper parts much less than the brown
in extent.

Wing, 7.00-7.50; tail, 3.30 -4.00; culinen, .70 ; tarsus, 1.70-
1.85 ; middle toe, .85. Outer tail-feathers and inner webs of
primaries with the white mueh greater in amount than the
brown (sometimes continuous along outer webs of the latter).
Hab. Southern South America (Chile, Buenos Ayres, Para-
guay, etc.). ....... var. cunicularia}

Wing, G.40- 7.00; tail, 3.00 - .'J-SO ; culmen, .50-.G0 ; tarsus,
1.50-1.70; middle toe, 80. Outer tail-feathers and inner
webs of the primaries with the white less in extent than
the brown (never continuous along outer webs of the pri-
maries). Hah. Middle America, and Western Province of

North America var. hypo gee a.

B> Primaries without broad or regular bars of whitish on either web ;
primary coverts plain brown.

Brown markings on the lower parts regularly transverse, and
equal in extent to the white. White spots on the upper parts
very small, reduced to mere specks on the dorsal region.

Wing, 6.40; tail, 3.40; culmen, .GO; tarsus, 1.82; middle
toe, .85. Outer tail-feathers and inner webs of the primaries
with the light (ochraceous) bars only about one fourth as
wide as the brown (disappearing on the inner quills). Bab.
Guadeloupe ...... var. guadelonpensis}

Splieotyto cunicularia, var. hypogaea, r.oNAr. ^

BTJKEOWING OWL

Strix li'jpo'jcca, BoN'.\P. Am. Oni. I, li, l!>-2.'>. Athene hijpogoM, BoN.-vr. Consp. Av. p. 39,
1850.— WooDH. (SiTGE.) Expl. Zuni aud Colorado, p. 62, 1S53. — Cass. Birds X. Am.
1858, 59. — Newd. P. R. K. Kept. VI, 77, 1857. —Coop. & SfCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII,
n, 157, 1860. — Gray, Hand List, I, 52, 1869. Spcolijto cunicularia, var. hupogxa,
(RniGWAv) CorES, Key, 1872, 207. Slrix cunicularia (not of Molina 1), AfD. B. Am.
pi. ccccxxxii, 1831 ; Orn. Biog. V, 264; Synop. p. 22. — Nutt. Man. Orn. p. 118,
1844. — BOXAP. Am. Orn. p. 68, pi. vii, f. 2, 1825 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 36. — Jame.s.
(WiLs.), Am. Orn. IV, 30. —Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts., 11, 36, 200. Ulula cuni-
cularia, Jard. (AVils.) Am. Om. Ill, 325, 1832. Atlicne cunicularia, Bonap. List,
p. 6; Consp. Av. p. 38. Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 160, 1855. — Cassix, Birds N. Am.
1858, 60. — Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 157, 1860. — Caxfield, Am. Nat.
1860, 583 (habits). Slrix califm-nica, AuD. B. Am. pi. ccccxxxii, 1S31. Athene so-
cialis, Gamd. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. Ill, 47, 1846.

' Spcolijto cunicularia, var. cunicularia. Slrix cunicularia, Mni.ixA, St. CIul. 1782, 343.
Gmel. S. N. 292, .sp. 28, — and of other authoi-s referring to the South .\incrican bird.

^ Spcoti/lo cunicularia, var. guar!clou)>eii.<ti.i, Ridc.way. This bird is merely a very dark local
fonn of the common species, though it dilfci-s very apprpciably in the sharper dcGnition, greater
extent, and more intense tint of the brown markings of its plumage.

I have been unable to find any description of this form, and believe it to be unnamed. It
is certainly not the S. dominicensi.i. Gmki.. (S. N. 296, S. domingnisis, i\vu.. Gi'.ay's Hand
List, 43, No. 438), not S. fu.ica, Vikill. (Gray's Hand Li.st, No. 439). The type is in the
collection of the Boston Society of Natural History, and belongs to the Lafresnaye collection
(No. 787).

STIUGID.E — THE OWLS. Ql

Sp. CnAn. Adult. Abovi; earth-brown, thu whole surlace covered with numerous
spots of dull white, — those ou the scapulars roundish, and in pairs (on both webs) ; of
similar form, but larg-er and more sparse, on the wings. Anteriorly tliey become more
longitudinal (nearly linear), and medial ; on the rump and upper tail-coverts, they are
nearly oljsolete. Secondaries crossed by four distinct bands of dull white, the last termi-
nal ; primaries with five to six transverse series of semi-rounded spots of oohraceous-
white on their outer webs ; primary coverts with about three transverse series of whitish
spots. Tail with five to six bands of dull white, or pale ochraceous (the last terminal),
composed of transverse oval spots, those on the middle pair of feathers not touching
either the shaft or the edge. Ear-coverts uniform brown, becoming gradually paler
beneath the eye and on the cheeks; eyebrows, a transverse chin-patch, — covering the
whole chin and jaw and reaching back beneath the am-iculars, and another across the
jugulum, immaculate cottony-white ; shafts of the loral bristles blackish ; a broad, well-
defined collar acro.ss the throat, between the white malar and jugular bands, deep brown,
mixed with paler ?pots.

Beneath white with a foint ochraceous tinge, especially on the legs ; the breast, abdo-
men, and sides with transverse spots of brown, this often predominating on the breast;
legs, anal region, and erissum, immaculate. Whole lining of the wing immaculate
creamy-white, the primary coverts, however, with large terminal spots of dusky ; under
surface of the primaries grayish- brown, deeper terminally, and with large, transversely
ovate spots of ochraceous-white (about five in number on the longest quill), and growing
larger basally.

^. Wing, 6.40-7.00; tail, 3.00 - .O-.^O ; cuhnen, .55 - .(JO ; tarsus. 1.50 - 1.70 ; middle
toe, .80. (Smallest, No. 5,183, Fort Pierre, Nebraska; largest, No. G,881, Sacramento,
California.)

?. Wing, 6..50-6.80; tail, 3.15-3..30; cuhnen, .51 -.55 ; t.irsus, 1.50 -l.GO: middle
toe, .80. (Smallest, No. 45,020, Laredo, Texas; largest, No. 3,071, San Jose, Lower
California.)

Juv. L^pper surface earth-brown, as in the adult, but entirely uniform, except the
wings and tail ; upper tail-coverts, and a large oval patch on the wing (covering the mid-
dle coverts and the posterior half of the lesser-covert region), plain isabella-white ; the
anterior portion of the lesser-covert region darker brown than the back. Gular region
well-defined pure white ; jugular collar conspicuous and unspotted. AVhole lower parts
immaculate isabella-white.

Hab. Western Province of United States, from the Plains to the Pacific, and from the
Rio Grande to Cape St. Lucas; Mexico.

Localities: Xalapa (ScL. 1857, 290); Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 330; resident).

Specimens never vary in the pattern of coloration, and hut little in the
relative amount of the brown and white spotting ; the shade of the brown
and the depth of the ochraceous tinge vary considerably, however, in differ-
ent individuals, — but irrespective of locality, — tlie brown being paler and
the white purer in summer than in fall and winter, after tlie new dress is
freshly assumed. The brown on the breast varies considerably in quantity,
being sometimes nearly uniform, thereby abruptly contrasting witli tlie
white jugular liand, and again frequently with the brown hardly greater in
amount tlian the wdiite, the two colors being in regular bars, as on the sides
and flanks.

There is certandy but one species, or even race, of Burrowing Owl in
North America. This is represented in tlie Smithsonian collection by over

92 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

fifty specimens, including examples from all parts of its mnge. Upon a
close inspection of all the specimens in tliis extensive series, I was very
much surprised to find so little variation ; indeed, all the specimens are so
much alike that a detailed description of the colors of one would answer for
almost any individual. The siiade of color varies mainly according to the
age of the feathers, those newly acquired liaving a darkness of tint and a
softness of texture not seen in tliose more worn (as in midsummer dress),
which have a bleached or faded appearance. I fail entirely to detect the
different styles of plumage wliicli Mr. Cassin has described, and his diagnoses
of two supposed species will not at all hold good when applied to speci-
mens from eitlier of the two regions whicli they were considered to char-
acterize.

Examining critically the large series at ray command, I find tliat the
jiriucipal discrepancy among individuals is the amount of featliering on the
tarsus ; tliis extending to the toes was svipposed to characterize the A. cuni-
cularia of North America the habitat of which was considered as restricted
in North America to the west of the Eocky Mountains (see Cassin, Birds of
North America, as cited above) ; the nearly naked tarsus was believed to be
characteristic of the A. Injpugcca, as restricted, and the habitat assigned to
this was "from the ^Mississippi River to the Ilocky Mountains." Now,
dividing the series under examination into two sets, according to this fea-
ture, we have, first, nmuvluria iVom the following localities : from tlie Ilio
Grande, all specimens but one ; Tongue liiver, ilontana ; and Petaluma,
Santa Clara, and San Francisco, California. Next, hyporjtcu represents the
following localities, besides places within the range ascribed to it : Utah ;
Lower California, including Cape St. Lucas, all specimens ; San Diego, Cali-
fornia, several specimens ; Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and
Fort Tejon, California ; and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Tliough we have but one species or form in North America, the South
American bird is different : this is the true cunicularia of Jlolina, and
though not specifically distinct from our bird, is nevertheless an easily
recognized geograpliical race. It is larger, the wing measuring from 7.U0 to
7.50, instead of 6.40 to 7.00 ; the l)rown of tlie plumage is appreciably darker
than that of most specimens of lujpoycca, but less extended ; on the outer
web of the primaries tlie white spots are larger, — sometimes confluent along
the edge, — and on tlieir inner webs tlie wliite largely jm'vails, the dusky
bars appearing only towards the ends; the outer tail-feather is almost
wholly ^vliite, instead of having brown bars, broader than the white ones.
Of the var. cunimdaria there are eight specimens in the collection (chiefly
from Paraguay, Buenos Ayres, and Chile), while numerous others, in various
collections, have been examined besides. All the American forms of this
subgenus seem clearly referrible to one species, as being at the most but
geographical races.

Habits. Tlie Burrowing Owl of North America inhabits the country

STRIGID.E — THE OWLS.

U3

a^i''-

Speotyto hypogcea.

between the Pacific coast and the Mississippi Eiver, especially in the lower
plains in Nebraska and in Kansas, as well as in particular districts in Utah,
Arkansas, New Mexico, the Indian Territory, Texas, Arizona, California, and
Mexico. They are usually very abundant, congregating together in large
communities, and
diflering from most
members of their
family by living and
breeding in burrows
inthe ground. Their
liabits are peculiar
and interesting.

Thomas Say, dur-
ing Colonel Long's
expedition to the
Rocky Mountains,
was the first of
American natural-
ists to meet with
this bird. He encountered it in our trans-Mississippian Territories, where
he described it as residing exclusively in the villages of the prairie-dog,
whose excavations are so commndious as to make it unnecessary for the
bird to dig for itself, which it is able to do when occasion retj^uires. These
villages are very numerous, and variable in their extent, sometimes cover-
ing only a few acres, and at others spreading over the surface of the coun-
try for miles together. They are composed of slightly elevated mounds,
having the form of a truncated cone, about two feet in M'idth at base, and
seldom rising as high as eighteen inches above the surface. The entrance
is at the top or on the side. From the entrance the passage descends
vertically one or two feet, and thence it continues obliquely downward
until it terminates in the snug apartment where these animals enjoy their
winter's .sleep, and where they and the Owls are common, but unfriendly,
occupants.

Mr. Dresser noticed this bird at all seasons, in the prairie co\intry of
Texas. They were rather couimon near the liio Leon and Medina, and
in one place he found they had taken possession of some deserted rat-holes.
He obtained several specimens near San Antonio and at Eagle Pass. In the
latter place he found them quite common on the sand plains near the town.
The stomachs of those he shot were found to contain coleopterous insects
and field-mice.

Dr. Newberry states that he found this species in Northern California, in
several places between San Francisco and Fort Eeading, and again at the
Klamath Basin, though less frequently at tlie northward than in the Sacra-
mento Valley. There they oecupied the burrows made by the Beechey's

94 KOllTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

and the Douglass's Spermophile. He usually saw thciu standing at the en-
trance to tliese burrows, often permitting liini to approacii within gun-sliot,
and before taking to flight twisting their heads about and bowing with
many ludicrous gestures, apparently in order to aid their imperfect sight,
and to get a better view of the intruder. ^Vhen shot at or otherwise alarmed,
they fly with an irregidar jerking motion, dropjjiug down much like a Wood-
cock.

Dr. Suckley obtained a specimen near Fort Benton, on the Upper Mis-
souri, in Dakotah, and Dr. Cooper procured others thirty-five miles west
of Fort Kearney, in Nebraska, in August. He saw them in great numbers
on the plains of Nebraska, and did not observe any difference in Jiabits
between them and the birds of California.

This species was found in Te.xas, near Fort Davis, and also at El Paso, by
Mr. J. H. Clark. It was taken in Tanuuilipas, Mexico, by Lieutenant
Couch. Mr. Clark remarks that they were seen by him only in the prairie-
dog towns, and were found in conjunction with the rattlesnake, and accuses
them of feeding upon the young of the prairie-dog ; but this ungrateful
requital of the hospitality given them in the burrows of this marmot is dis-
credited by Dr. Kennerly and others, who regard the apparent harmony in
which tlie two dwell together as altogether incompatible with this habit.

This species is also found on our Pacific coast, west of the liocky JMoun-
tains, as far north as British Columbia. ^Ir. Lord met with it along the
entire course of the boundary-line. It was not by any means plentiful,
but pairs of them were occasionally seen. While in camp at the Dalles he
dug out several squirrel-holes. In one he found two eggs of this species,
the female Viird, a racer-snake, and a female ground-squirrel {S2Krmo'j.>liilii.s
douglassi). The Owl he found to be strictly of diurnal habits, feeding prin-
cipally on crickets, grasshoppers, large beetles, and larvre. He thinks it
never captures small animals or birds, and regards it as a peaceful and harm-
less bird.

Dr. Kennerly met with this species near Los Angeles, California. At any
hour of the day they might be seen seated upon the mounds erected around
the holes of the marmot, or else with head protruding from its orifice, dis-
appearing inniiediately when approached. When molested, they commence
bowing and chattering in a somewhat ludicrous manner at the intruder, or fly
swiftly away, keeping near the earth and alighting suddenly in the vicinity
of a burrow to renew these anmsiug motions. He found it very aiunidant
in the valley of the San Cabriel Biver, where it associated with the large
ground-squirrel of that region.

Dr. Heermanu, who fcnnid llieni ennimou on the extensive ojien prairies,
speaks of its sight as very clear by day, and adds that it will not allow the
hunter on foot to approach within shooting distance ; but that, if approached
on a horse or a mule, it may be easily shot. The nests he found were
formed of a few straws carelesslv thrown together at the bottom of its tor-

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS. <J;5

tuous burrow, -which is iVoui six to eight feet in length. Tiie eggs were
usually four iu number, uud are described as nearly spherical, and as pure
white.

Dr. Townsend states that this Owl resorts to the forsaken l)urrows of
marmots and badgers, but never lives on terms of intimacy with either.
The nest he describes as of line grass, and i>laced at the extreniitv of the
hole. The eggs are uniformly four in nundier, pale white, and about the
size of those of the common House Pigeon.

Dr. Ganibel, who observed this bird in California, states that he has occa-
sionally found it in solitary l)urrows, and also that it often makes use of the
holes dug by the Spcinnophilus bccchei/i. They occasionally dig their own
burrows, and live in scattered companies of four or five. Dr. Gandjel also
states that the bird is a resident of California throughout the year.

Mr. Darwin, in the Zoology of the lieagle, met with the var. cunicularia
in crossing the pampas of South America, In fJanda Oriental, he says, it
is its own workman, and excavates its liurrows on any level spot of sandy
soil; but in the pampas, or wherever the Bizcacha is found, it uses those
made by that animal. It usually preys on mice and reptiles. Lieutenant
Gilliss gives a similar account of it, from observations made in Chile.

Mr. Nathaniel H. Bishop met with cunicularia on the banks of the river
San Juan, in Bauda Oriental, where a few pairs were seen, devouring mice
and insects. After crossing the river Las Vacas, and coming upon a sandy
waste covered with scattered trees and low bushes, he again encountered it.
Upon the pampas of the Argentine Eepublic they were found in great
numbers, from a few miles west of IJosario to the vicinity of San Luis,
where the pampas end. On these immense ))lains of grass it lives in
companv witli the Bizcacha (Laffostomus trichodactijlus), dwelling with it
in perfect harmony, and during tlie day, while the animal is sleeping, a
jiair of Ow Is stand a few inches within the main entrance of the burrow,
and at the first sound, be it near or distant, leave their station and remain
outside the hole, or upon the mound that forms the roof of their domicile.
At the approach of man, both birds, with their irides dilated, mount above
liim in the air, and keep up an alarm-note until he passes. Then they
quietly settle down in the grass, or return to their former place. On the
pampas Mr. Bishop did not observe them taking their prey during the
daytime, but as soon as the sun had set, the Bizcacha and Owls both leave
their holes in searcli of food, the young of the former playing about the
birds as they alight near them. They do not associate in companies, there
being but one pair to a hole. Each couple keep separate from their neigh-
bors, and at night do not stray from their homes.

It is both diurnal and nocturnal, and feeds at all hours. Outside the town
of San Juan, which lies upon the eastern base of the Andes, Mr. Bishop
had a fine oppoitunity to watch their habits in a locality differing entirely
from the pampas. The country around San Juan is a dreary desert, cov-

06

XUUTII A.MKUICAX BIKDS.

ered with low tliorn-trees, and over tliis waste a few Owls are found, princi-
pally near the town itself, in the vicinity of the pastures that are cultivated
by irrigation. They mate in September and October. " One evening," Mr.
Bishop writes, " I was attracted by a strange sound that I supposed pro-
ceeded from a frog, but it proved to be the lo\'e-note of a little Athene cuni-
eidaria, and which was answered by its mate. It alighted upon a post, and
commenced turning around upon it, with throat dilated, and emitting a gut-
tural sound. These antics were continued for more than a minute, it oc-
casionally bowing its head in a mysterious manner. The female soon after
joined it, and they hew away. Each night it perched upon a tall flagstaff
and uttered its love-note. Close by the house was a lagoon, the borders of
wliic:h were swampy, and over this a pair often hovered in searcii of food.
1 \\alclieil one that ke[)t (.)n the wing for nearly two hours, some fifty feet
from the ground, and during tliat time did not change its position in any
other \\a,y than by rising or falling a few feet. A boy brought me a female
with five eggs, that had been taken from a burrow five feet from the mouth.
The bird was very fierce, and fought me with her wings and beak, uttering
all the while a long shrill note, resembling a file drawn across the teeth of a
saw. I supplied her with eleven full-grown mice, which she devoured dur-
ing the first thii'ty-si.x; hours (if her confinement. It is said to place a small
nest of feathers at the end of the hole, in which are deposited five white

The eggs of the var. eiinkuUtria are of a rouuLled-o\al shape, more obtuse
at one end than at the other, measure 1.30 inches in length by 1.05 in
breadth, and are of a uniform wiiite color, with a slightly bluish tinge.

The egg of the A. liiipoyaia is of a rounded-oval shape, equally obtuse at
either end, and averages 1.35 inches in length by 1.13 in breadth, and is of
a uniform clear white color. This description is taken from an egg obtained
by Mr. E. S. Holden near Stockton in California. Captain Bendire writes
that he has found as many as nine, and once even ten, eggs in the nest of
the North American species.

f/i NAT.SIZE.

Sirix jirntincu'n (Sec p.igi' 10.)

STRIGID^ — THE OWLS.

NOTE

The crania of the Owls present many features of interest, which may serve a good
purpose in the definition of the sections and the genera, and to which attention has been
occasionally called in the preceding pages. The tendency to asymmetry is especially
marked in some species, and the bettor to illustrate tliis and other features we append
several plates, in which the corresponding views are placed side by side.* The figures
and accompanying lettering tell their own story, without any necessity of a labored
description.

R. R.

Athene noctua (from KauP).

Syrnium aluco (copied from KAUP).

Nyctale richardsonL

* We give, above, three well-marked illustrations of asymmetry : two relating to the auditory

apparatus of the two sides of the huad, and one of opposite sides of the skull.
VOL. III. 13

98

NORTH AlIERICAX BIRDS.

7S97.

7449. Strix piatincola. Natural size.

4S86. Ocus wiisonianus. Natural size.

7272. Scotiaptex cinereum. Two thirds.

7899. Nyctalc richardsoni. Natural size.

414 Scops asio. Natural size.

773. Bubo Wrginianus. Two thirds.

628. Nyctca nivea. Two thirds.

7897. Surnia ulula. Natural size.

428. Glaucidiiiin ferrosrincum. Natural size.

437. Splieotyto hypugax>. Natural aze.

STiilGID^E — TIIK OWLS.

09

7449. Strix pratincola. Natural size.

4886. Otus wilso nianus. Natural size.

7272. Scotiaptex cinereiiiu. Two thirds.

7899. Nyctate ricliardsoni. Natural size.

414. Scops asio. Natural size.

773. Bubo virginianus. Two thirds.

628. Nyctea utvea. Two thirds.

7897. Surnia ulula. Natural si2e.

428. Glaucidium fcrrusineum. Natural size.

437. Sphcotyto hypgasa. Natural size.

100

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

4.S5I).

414.

7S99.

7449. Strix pnilincola. Natural size.

4886. Otus wilsonianus. Natural size.

727a. Scotiaptex cinerciim. Two thirds.

7899. Nyctalc richardsnni. Natural sUc.

414. Scops a&io. Natural uzc

773. Bubo virginianus. Two thirds.

638. Nyctca nivca. Two thirds.

7897. Sumia ululi Natural! siie.

438. Glaucidiuin fcrru^^incuin. Natural size.

437. Spheotyto liypeara. Natural size.

STKIGID^ — THE OWLS.

101

7449. Strix pratincola.

4886. Otus wilsonianus.

7272. Scotiaptex cinereum.

7899. Nyctale richardsoni.

414. Scops osio.

773. Bubo vii^nianus.

^8. Nyctea nivea.

7897. Sumia ulula.

438. Claucidium feirugincum.

437. Sphcotylo liypuga^a.

(AH natural size.)

102

NORTH AMERICAN' BIRDS.

isoSS. Nyctea nivra- |Ear copied from Sitainson. F. B. A )

504. Scotiaplex cincreunu

«8o8. Sumiaulula. (Ear copied from Sminson.!

A. Brachyolus-cassimL- (Left car and no,tril. from fresh specmcn.)

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCOXS. 103

Family FALCONID^. — The Falcons.

Char. Eves directed laterally, and eyelids provided with lashes. Toes invariably
naked, and tarsus usually naked and scutellate (feathered only in Aquila and Archihuieo).
Outer toe not reversible (except in Pandion). Head never with ear-tufts, and never
wholly naked (except in the VuUurince, of the Old World).

The above character.'? are about the only readily observable points in the
external anatomy in wliich the Falconidcc differ strikingly from the Striguhc
and CatJiiirttda; and may serve to distinguish the birds of this family from
those of the two others. The osteological characters, however, as expressed
on page 1328, are more decided and important in a taxonomic point of
view, and serve to separate the Hawk family as a well-dehned group.

In the following treatment of the North American Falconidcc, I confine
that part relating to the systematic arrangement strictly to the species
embraced within the province of our work, for the reason that in a forth-
coming monograph of all the American species I hope to present a system-
atic classification based upon the species of the whole world. All prelimi-
nary details regarding the general characteristics and distinctive peculiarities
of the family, as well as all discussions and generalizations upon the subject,
will therefore be omitted here.

The following synopsis of the North American genera is intended as an
artificial arrangement which may enable the student to identify, by simple
and readily understood characters, the forms belonging to this country.^

Genera.
A. Nasal bones almost completely ossified, the nostril being a small orifice, with
a conspicuous central bony tubercle ; its form nearly or quite circular, or linear
and oblique (in Polyborxis), with its upper end the posterior one . . . Falconince.

1. Falco. Nostril circular. Commissure with a prominent tooth
and notch ; lower mandible abruptly truncated and notched.
Primaries stiff and hard, and more or less pointed, the first to the
second longest, and the outer one or two with their inner webs
cut, the angular emargination being near the end of the quill.
Middle toe much more than half as long as the tarsus ; claws
strongly curved, very acute.

2. Polyborus. Nostril linear, oblique, the upper end the posterior
one ; commissure without prominent tooth nor notch ; lower mandi-
ble not distinctly truncated or notched. Primaries soft, obtuse,
the third longest, and the outer four or five with their inner webs
cut, the shallow sinuation being toward the middle of the quill.
Middle toe less than half the tarsus ; claws weakly curved, very
obtuse. Face and cheeks naked, and scantily haired.

1 As in the case of the Sfriyiiki; my determinations of the North American species of Fa/-
ctmida: were furnished, according to request, to Dr. Coucs, for use in his " Key to North American
Birds." (R. E.)

J04 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

B. Nasal bones very incompletely ossified, the nostril being a large, more or less
oval, opening, of oblique direction, its lower end being invariably the posterior
one ; without a bony tubercle, and never perfectly circular. (AcdpitriyicB.)
a. Sides of the head densely feathered close up to the eyelids.

3. Paudion. Outer toe reversible ; claws contracted and rounded
on their under surface, and not graduated in size.' ^Viug long,
third quill longest ; outer four with inner webs eniarginated. Tail
rather short, rounded.

4. Nauclerus. Outer toe not reversible ; claws not contracted or
rounded on under side, and graduated in size. Wing long, third
quill longest ; outer two with inner webs sinuated. Tail excessively
lengthened and forked, the lateral pair of feathers more than
twice as long as the middle pair.

6. Sides of the head with a more scantily feathered orbital space, with a

projecting superciliary " shield " covered with a naked skin.

* A well-developed membrane, or " web," between the outer and mid-
dle toes at the base,
t Tarsus about equal to the middle toe.
§ Claws short and robust ; two outer quills with their inner webs cut.

5. Ictinia. Commissure irregularly toothed and notched; front
of tarsus with transverse scutellae. Tail emarginated ; third quill
longest.

G. Elanus. Commissure without irregularities; front of tarsus
with minute roundish scales. Tail double-rounded ; second quill
longest.
§§ Claws long and slender ; five outer quills with inner webs cut.

7. Rostrhamus. End of bill bent downward, with a long pendent
hook ; inner edge of middle claw slightly pectinated, or serrated.
Tail emarginated ; third or fourth quill longest.

tt Tarsus very much longer than the middle toe.

IT Front of tarsus unfeathered, and, with the posterior face, covered

with a continuous series of broad transverse scutellae.

a. Form very long and slender, the head small, the tail and legs long and
claws excessively acute ; bill weak, compressed, very high through the
base, the culmen greatly ascending basally, and the cere much arched ;
commissure usually with a very prominent " festoon."

8. Circus. Face surrounded by a "ruff" of stiffened, differently
formed feathers, as in the Owls. Tarsus more than twice as long
as the middle toe. Wing very long, hardly concave beneath ;
third to fourth quill longest ; outer four with inner webs sinuated.

9. Nisus. Face not surrounded by a ruff. Tarsus le.^s than
twice as long as the middle toe. Wing short, very concave
beneath, the outer quill much bowed ; third to fifth quills longest ;
outer five with inner webs sinuated.

/3. Form short and heavy, the head larger, the tail shorter, the legs more
robust. Bill stronger, less compressed, lower through the base, the
upper outline less ascending basally, and the cere less arched. Com-
missure variable.

' By thi.s is meant that tlipy are all of eqvml length and thickness, and not progressively
smaller from the posterior one to the outer, as in all /V( ?<•»)! iV/tc with the sole exception of Pandion,
though there is a very near approach to this feature in one or two of the species of HaliccUts.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 105

10. Anteuor. Form heavy, the wings aud tail mocleiately long,
and feet very robust ; bill rather elongated, the commissural lobe
prominent, aud the base of the culmen somewhat depressed.
Fourth quill longest; outer five with inner webs cut. Lores
naked, and almost destitute of bristles.

11. Onychotes. Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tail;
tibial plumes short, close, not reaching below the joint. Wing
short, rounded, very concave beneath, the fourth quill longest ; outer
five with inner webs sinuated. Tail short, but little more than half
the wing, slightly rounded. Claws very long, and extremely acute.

12. Asturina. Bill and feet as in Antenor ; lores densely
bristled; wing short, rounded, concave beneath, the third to fourth
quills longest ; outer four with their inner webs cut.

13. Buteo. Form of Antenor, but primaries longer and more
pointed, the fourth usually longest, and the outer three or four with
inner webs cut. Bill and feet as in Asturina. Tail moderate, or
rather short, nearly even, or slightly rounded.

ITir Front of the tarsus densely feathered down to the base of the toes.

14. Archibuteo. Feathering of the tarsus interrupted behind
by a bare strip along the full length ; middle toe less than half as
long as the tarsus. Nostril broadly oval, obliquely horizontal ;
bill weak, the upper outline of the cere much ascending basally.
Feathers of the nape normal, blended. Third to fourth quills
longest ; outer four or five with inner webs cut.

15. Aquila. Feathering of the tarsus uninterrupted behind ; mid-
dle toe more than half as long as the tarsus. Nostril narrowly
oval, obliquel)' vertical; bill strong, the upper outline of the cere
nearly parallel with the lower. Feathers of the nape lanceolate,
distinct. Fourth quill longest ; five to six with inner webs cut.

** No trace of membrane between outer and middle toes.

IG. Haliaetus. Tarsus feathered in front one third, or more, of
the way down ; the naked ijortion with an imperfectly continuous
frontal, and less well defined posterior, series of transverse plates,
and covered elsewhere with roundish granular scales. Feathers of
the neck, all round, lanceolate, distinct. Bill very large, the chord
of the culmen more than twice as long as the cere on top ; nostril
oval, obliquely vertical. Third to fifth quills longest; outer six
with inner webs cut. Tail rounded or cuueate, sometimes con-
sisting of fourteen feathers.

The foregoing diagnoses embrace merely the more consi^icuous e.xteriial
characters whereby the genera may be most readily distinguished by the
student. The following table presents additional accompanying characters
afforded by the osteological and anatomical structure, of more importance
in defining with precision the several groups embraced in our fauna.

A. Scapular process of the coracoid produced forward so as to meet the clavicle '
(Hcxley). Nasal bones almost completely ossified, the nostril being a small,
usually circular opening, with a raised or "rimmed" margin, and conspicuous,
usually central, bony tubercle. Inferior surface of the supermaxiUary bone with

■ As in all the Sirigidoe.
VOL. III. 14

106

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

a prominent median angular ridse. Superciliary process of the lachrymal con-
sisting of a single piece. {Falconinm})

B< Scapular process of the coracoid not produced forward so as to meet the
clavicle (IIcnley). Nasal bones incompletely ossified, the nostrils being very
largo, and without bony rim or tubercle. Inferior surface of the supramaxillary
bone without a median ridge. Superciliary process of the laclirjmal variable.
(^Accipitrinx.')

a. Superciliary process of the lachrymal composed of a single, excessively
abbreviatc'd piece ;' posterior margin of the sternum with a pair of inden-
tations, and without foramina. {Pandion and Naiiclerus.)

b. Superciliary process of the lachrymal double, or composed of two piece.s,
joined by a cai'tilaginous " hinge," and reaching nearly across the orbit.
Posterior margin of the sternum without indentations, and usually with a
pair of foramina. (All except Pandion and Kauchrus.^

t Septum of the orbits and nostrils incompletely ossified (the former
always and the latter usually) and with foramina; posterior margin
of the sternum most produced backwards laterally, and incompletely
ossified, there being usually a pair of foramina. Intestinal canal short,
broad, with the duodenum simple, forming a single loop (McGillvr.w).
A well-developed "web" between the outer and middle toes. (.VII
but Halidtits.')

tt Septum of the orbits and no.^trils completely o.s:?ified, and without
any trace of foramina ; posterior margin of the sternum produced
medially into a convex lobe, and without any trace of foramina. In-
testinal canal extremely elongated, attenuated, with the duodenum
arranged in several convolutions (McG-iulvray). No trace of a web
between outer and middle toes. (Ilaliceius.)

Subfamily FALCONING.

Genus FALCO, Auct.

Gen. Cn.^R. Bill strong, its breadth at the base equalling or exceeding its height;

upper outline of cere on a level with, or rather lower than, the base of the cul-
nien ; gonys much arched, the chord of the arch equalling
about half that of the culmen. Near ihe tip of the upper
mandible is a prominent tooth on the commissure, and near
the end of the lower mandible, which is truncated, is a
deep notch corresponding : the end of the upper mandible is
compressed, giving the situation of the tooth an inflated appear-
ance when viewed from above. Nostrils circular, with a con-
spicuous central tubercle. Orbital region bare ; projecting
superciliary shield conspicuous, arched, but not very prominent.
Tail shorter than wing, the feathers hard and stiff. Primaries
very strong, elongated, tapering rapidly toward their points;
only the first or first and second with their inner webs einar-
ginated, the cutting being angular, and near the end of the

quill. Tarsus never with a single series of transverse scutellaj either in front or behind :

middle toe very long.

13077, ? .

1 Embracing besides the Falconts all the Polyborine genera, besides Herpctotlicrcs and Micraslui:
- As in the Polvhorino rnmis of the FahoniMV.

FALCONIDyE — THE FALCONS. 107

Subgenera.

One primary only with inner \vi.'b emurginated ; lirst to second longest;
first longer tlian fourth.

Tarsus longer than middle toe, and feathered Far below the knee ; first
quill shorter than third. Coloration of the sexes alike ; old and young
slightly diflferent in pattern and tints. Size large . . . Hierofnhn.

Tarsus not longer than middle toe, and searcely leathered below the
knee ; first quill equal to or longer than the third. Coloration of the
sexes alike ; old and young very different in pattern and tints. Size,

very small to large Falcn.

Two primaries with inner webs emarginated ; seconil to third longest;
first shorter than fourth.

Basal joint of toes without transverse scutelke; tarsus about equal to

middle toe.

Coloration of the sexes in adult plumage very difterent in
tints ; in the young alike, the young g resembling tlie .adult

9. Size small JLxalnn.

Basal joint of toes with transverse scutella; ; tarsus longer tlian mid-
dle toe.

Coloration of the sexes very different, in pattern and tints, at all
ages ; old and young alike. Scutelte of the toes and tarsus inter-
rupted at the digito-tarsal joint ; tarsus much longer than middle
toe. Bill small, the cere on top less than one fouith the culmeu.
Size small .......... Tiunuitcuhis.

Coloration of the sexes alike at all ages; old and young slightly
difierent in pattern and tints. Scutellfe of tarsus and toes uninter-
rupted from " knees " to claws ; tarsus but little longer than mid-
dle toe. Bill large, the cere on toj^ about one third the culmen.
Size medium; form very slender ..... Rhi/nrho/alco.

Subgenus HIEROFALCO, Cuvier.

Hierofalco, CnviEr., 1817. (Typ«> Fcdco gyrfako, Linn.)
Jerafalco, BoiE, 1822 ; Kaup, 1851. (Same type.)
Gcnnaia, Kaup, 1847. (Type, Faho jugrjer, Ghay.)

Species and Races.

1. F. gyrfalco. Wing, 13.00- 17.00 ; tail, 8.50- 11.50 ; culmon, .85- 1.05; tarsus, 2.10-
3.00 ; middle toe, 1.80 - 2.25.' Ground-color varying from entirely pure white to wholly
dusky, but generally bluish (in adult) or grayish-brown (in young) above, and white
beneath. Adult. All the markings transverse.^ No lighter nuchal band. Youncj. Mark-
ings of the lower surface longitudinal, the upper parts without transverse bars (except
on the tail').

a. Lower parts with white predominating, or wholly white.

Lower tail-coverts never with marking.?. No tinge of blue anywhere on
the plumage, the ground-color of which is entirely pure white at all ages.

1 Extremes of sixty .specimens.

- Somutime.s thure are more or less distinct linear streaks on tlii' licad and neck, or on the
pectoral region.

" Sometimes the iiTegular iiiarking.s above have a transverse tendency.

log NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

1. Adult Upper paiis, i.-M:i-|itiiiy 1r-;u1 and neck, with transverse
crescentic bars of dark pkiinbeous ; lower parts immaculate, or
else without well-de(incd markings. Young. Upper parts ■with
longitudinal stripes of dark ]iliinibeous ; lower parts usually con-
spicuously striped. Ilab. Greenland (in the breeding-season) ; in
winter, occasionally wandering into the northern portions of
Europe and North America var. candicans.

Lower tail-coverts always with markings. A tinge of ashy-blue more or
less prevalent above. Young dusky above.

Head and neck above abruptly lighter than the back. Yoimg plain
grayish-brown above, with conspicuous whitish borders to the feathers.

2. Adult. Upper parts white, passing into bluish posteriorly ;
everywhere (except on head and neck) with sharply defined,
transverse (not crescentic, but continuous) bars of dark i)lumbeous.
Abdomen and flanks with ti-ansverse spots of the same. Young
without irregular light mottling to the plumage above, and with
broad longitudinal stripes beneath. Hab. Iceland and Southern
Greenland, in the breeding-season ; in winter, south into North-
eastern United States, and Northern Europe. . var. islandicHs.

Head and neck above abruptly darker than the back. Young (of var.
sacer) variegated grayish-brown above, without light borders to the
feathers.

3. Adult. Top of the head streaked with whiti-sh; back with
sharply defined, continuous, narrow transverse bars, of creamy-
white. Hab. Interior regions of Continental Arctic America
(Slave Lake, Yukon, and McKenzie River district) . . var. .lacer.

4. Adidt. Top of head not streaked with whitish ; back without
sharply defined bars of the same. Hab. Continental Arctic Europe
(Scandinavia) and Siberia. Migrating south, in winter, to Bengal
(Hardwicke) var. rjyrfalco}

h. Lower parts with dusky predominating, or wholly dusky.

U. Adult. Almost entirely dusky, without well-defined markings
anywhere. Hab. Littoral regions of the Hudson Bay Territory
and Labrador ........ var. lab r ado r a.

2. F. lanarius. Wing, 11.50 -IG.OO; tail, G.G0-9.n0; culmen, .70-1.00;
tarsus, 1.90-2.40; middle toe, 1.65-2.00. Ground-color varying from pale
grayish-plumbeous to dark sepia-brown ; beneath white, with sparse markings,
these coalesced into a broken patch on the flanks. Adult. Above obscurely
barred transversely with pale ashy and brownish-dusky, the former prevailing
posteriorly, the latter anteriorly ; a lighter nuchal band. Spots on the sides and
flanks transverse. Young. Above brown, varying from grayish-drab to dark
sepia, the feathers usually bordered with paler (rusty in youngest individuals) ;
markings beneath all longitudinal.

a. Outer webs of tail-fealliers with large well-defined light spots; outer
webs of the primaries sometimes with light spots on the basal portion;

1 Falco gyrfalco, var. (njrfalco (LiXN.). Falco rj);r/alco, Lixx. S. N. 1 766, p. 130. — Gmel. S. N.
275. — ScHi.r.G. I!pv. Crit. II, Tr. de Fauc. p!. iii ; F. van Nederl. Vog. pis. iii and iv. —
X.4VM. Vog. )il. cccxci. Hierofdlco gijrfulco, SciiLEo. Boxap. Rev. Zool. 1854, 535. — Newton,
Ootlieca WoUeyana, I, 87, pi. c. F. gtjrftUco norvecjicits, Wolley. Falco gyrfalco nortccgicus,
SciiLEG. llus. Pays-Bas, 1862, 12. Fulco candicmui, var. y, Blas.

■\Viiig, 13.00 -14.,50 ; tail, 9.30 ; culmen, .93 ; tarsus, 2.50 ; middle toe, 1.92.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 109

secondaries without distinct spots on tlie outer webs. Lower tail-coverts
inniiaculate.

Wing, 13.65 - IG.OO ; tail, 8.40-0.50 ; culmen, .85 - 1.00 ; tarsus, 1.95 -
2.15; middle toe, 1.85-1.95. Top of the head white, with narrow-
streaks of dark brown. Ilab. Central and Eastern Europe, We.stern
Asia, and adjoining portions of Africa .... var. lanariuf:}
b. Outer webs of tail-feathers without distinct light spots, or without any at
all; outer webs of primaries with no trace of spots; secondaries with light
spots on outer webs. Lower tail-coverts sparsely spotted.

Wing, 12.00 - 14.25 ; tail, 7.60-9.00 ; culmen, .75 -.90; tarsus, 2.15-
2.40; middle toe, 1.70-2.00. Top of head brown, with narrow black
streaks. Adult. Above with obscure transverse spots of bluish.
Young. Above with feathers bordered with rusty . . \m\ p oly agr ua.
Wing, 11.50; tail, 6.60; culmen, .70; tarsu.s, 1.90; middle toe, 1.65.
Above uniform dark brown, with a faint plumbeous cast, the feathers
without trace of light or rusty edges; outer web of tail-feathers with-
out trace of light spots. Hah. Me.xico . . . var. mexicanu.i.'
Wing, 13.60-14.30; tail, 8.25-9.00; culmen, .80 -.87; tarsus, 1.85 -
1.90 ; middle toe, 1.85 - 1.90. Colors similar to the last ; entire auricu-
lars white ; mustache narrow and conspicuous. Hah. Southern Asia.

var. j u grj er .'

The only iDoiiit of difference in tlie external anatomy between the Lanner
Falcons and Gerfalcons consists in the different degree of feathering on the
upper part of the tarstts ; this is much denser and extends farther down
and more around the posterior face in the Gerfalcons, but they, being inhab-
itants of a very northern latitude, need this protection against the rigor of
the climate. These slight specific differences are illustrated by the figures on
page 1430. The same difference is observable in many birds whose habitat
extends througli a great range of latitude, as, for instance, tlie Pcdioccetes
phasianeUus, the nortliern race of whicli has the feathers covering the base of
the toes so long as to reach beyond the claws and nearly conceal them, vN'hile
in the so ithern form (v;ir. cohunhianiis) tlie toes are almost completely naked.

My determination of tlie number and character of the geographical races
of F. (jijrfako is the result of a very careful critical examinulion of over sixty

' Falco lanarius, var. lanarius (Schlegel). Falco Innarius, Schleg. Kiit. Ueh. 11, et 11. — Ib.
Tr. Fauo. 6 ; Mus. Pays-Bas, Falconen 14 ; Abh. Zool. IG ; Rev. 1844, 2 ; Nauni. 1855, 252 ; Ibi.s,
1850, 86. — BriEE, B. Eur. I, 1859, 37 (plate of adult !). — TnisTitAM, Ibis, 284. —Quay, Hand
List, I, 1869, 19, No. 171. Pelz. Ueb. der Geier und Falk. II, 1863, 20. Falco lanarius a,
ScHLEH. Tr. Faue. 23. Gcnimia lanarius, Schleg. — Bonap. Rev. 1854, 535. Falco fcldcgijii,
SciiLEG. Abh. Zool. 3-6.

^ Fa'co lanarius, var. mcxicn.nwi (Licht.). Falro mcxicanus, " Licni. Mus. Bcrol." —
.Schleg. Abh. Zool. 1841, 15. — Schleg. Falconcs, Mus. Pays-Bas, 1862, 18. — Pelz. Neb.
der Geierund Falk. II, 1863, 19. "Falco suhlanarius, N.iTTEi'.Er.." — Pelz. Ueb. der Geier und
Falk. II, 1863, 19.

^ Falco laiutrius, var. juggcr (tJii.w). Falco juggcr. Gray, Hardw. 111. Ind. Zool. II, pi. -x.wi,
1832. — BoxAP. Consp. 24. — Gould, B. Asia, jd. i. — jEr.noN, B. Indio, 30. — Stuickl. Orn.
Syn. 1855, 79, No. 129. — Schleg. Abh. pi. .\v; Mus. Pays-Ba.s. I, 17. Falco lunger, Jekd.
Aladr. Jouni. X, p. 80; 111. Ind. Oni. pi. xliv. — Blyth, Journ. -Ass. Soc. Bengal, XI, 104.
Falco flirrmophilus, Hones. Zool. Mise. 1844, 81. Falco lanarius' Blvtu, J. As. Soc. Beiig.
XIX, 318.

110

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

specimens, aided by tlie important conclusions of Mr. Hancock (Annals and
Magazine of Natural History, 2d ser., XIII, 110; London, 1834), Sclilegel
(Falconcs, Musdum d'Hi-sloire Xaturelle des Pays-Bas, 1862), Pelzeln (Ueber-
sicht der Geier and Fallvcii der Kaiserlichen omitliologischen Saiunilung,
April, I860), and Alfred Newton (History of Britisli Birds, revised ed., part 1,
June, 1871, pp. 36-52, and Proc. Acad. Nat. He. Pliiladelpliia, July, 1871,
pp. 94, 95), in tiieir important papers bearing upon this subject, which, though
they eacli express the peculiar individual views of the writer, together clear
up pretty satisfactorily the problem of the number, character, and habitats of
the several races, as well as the different phases of variation to which each is
subject.

C482,f.
Falco polyagrus.

6488,2.

Falco sacer.

In studying the F. kntarius, I have experienced most discouraging dif-
ficulties from the want of sufficient series of tlie Old World races, and from
the unsatisfactory character of most descriptions and figures of them, besides
being much perplexed by tlie contusion of their synonymy by different
authors. In conset^uence of this, my diagnoses of the four races of which
alone I liave seen examples may be ^■ery unsatisfactory as regards the
diameters by wliich they may be most readily distingui.shed. Having seen
the adult of only a single one of these four races, I am therefore compelled to
base my diflerential characters upon the immature stages.

In addition to the four races of F. lanarius characterized above, there are
several geogrnpliical ibi'ins belonging to the Old World, cliiefly intertropical
Asia and Africa. Tliese are the var. hahijlonicus, Scl. and Irliy, (Gray's Hand
List, I, p. 20, No. 173,) of Southeastern Europe and Western Asia ; var. hurha-
rus, L. (Gray's Hand List, p. 20, No. 174), of Northern Africa ; and var.
tanyptcrns, Liclit. ((Jray's Hand List, No. 175), of both tlie iireceding regions,
whicli ]\lr. Giuney writes me "is simply tlie intertropical race of F. lanarius,
from which it oiilv diflers in beiii'' of a darker shade throughout. "' The F.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. HI

saker, Schleg. (Gray's Hand List, No. 176), seems, to jiidge from the descvip-
tious and figures wliicli I have seen, to be also merely a form of the same
species, but I have seen no specimens of it.

Falco (Hierofalco) gjrrfalco, Linn.

Var. candicans, Gmeldj.

WHITE GEEFALCON.

Aa-ipifcr falco freti hrtdsonis, Bki.':. Orii. I, 356, 17()3. A. gijrfaico, Bp.iss. Orn. I, 370,
pi. XXX, f. 2, 1763. Falco rusticulus, F.iBR. Faun. Green, p. 55, 17S0. — Lath. Syu.
Supp. I, 15, 17S1. F. candkans, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 275, 1788. — Daud. Tr. Orn.
n, 101, 1800. — Bexick, Isis, 1824, 882. —Schleg. Krit. Ubers. p. 1, 1844.—
BoxAP. Eev. Zool. 1850, 484; Consp. Av. p. 33. — Ca.s.six, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil.
1855, 278 ; Bird.s N. Am. 1S58, 13. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 77, 1855. — Blasius,
Cab. Jour. 1862, 43 (thinks all boreal ones same in Europe and Ameriea). — Elliot,
Birds N. Am. pi. xii. Hierofalco candkans, Cuv. Reg. An. ed. 1, L 312, 1817 ; cd. 2, I,
323, 1829. — Less. Man. Cm. I, 80, 1828 ; Tr. Orn. p. 97, pi. xvi, p. 2. — Quay, Hand
List I, 18, 1869. Falco islandkiis. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 32, 1790; Syn. I, 71, A, B;
Gen. Hist. \, 72, A, 1821. — Steph. Zool. XIH, pt. ii, p. 39, 1826. — Gould, B. Eur.
pi. xix. — Aui). Birds Am. 1831, pi. ccclxvi. F. bicleo p, Lath. lud. Orn. p. 24, 1790 ;
Gen. Hist. I, 80, A. F. la<jopus, ^, L.iTH. Lid. Orn. p. 19, 1790 ; Syn. Supp. L 36 ;
Gen. Hist. ], 63, A. F. ijraiilandkiat, Daud. Tr. Orn. 11, 157, 1800. Hkrnfalco
grcenlandkus, Brehm. Voy. Dcutsch, I, 16, 1831. F. ijyrfako, Bonap. List, p. 4,
1838.

Sp. Char. AduU (J, 1S,.077, Greenland; Univ. Zool. Mus. Copenhagen). Ground-
color entirely pure white ; whole upper surface (posterior to the nape) with transver.se
creseentic bars of dark plunibeous-brown, generally about two on each feather, the first
concealed by the feather which overlaps. Primaries crossed at regular intervals with
quadrate spots of the same tint, these becoming fused toward ends of quills, forming a
terminal dusky space of two or three inches in extent ; tips of all the quills narrowly
white ; the black bars do not extend quite to the primary coverts, and decrease both in
extent and regularity toward the base. Middle tail-feathers crossed with seven or eight
imperfect bars of dussky, the .shafts of the feathers blackish ; rest of tail immaculate, tlie
shafts pure white. Nape with a veiy few fine shaft-streaks of dusky. Whole lower sur-
face of body and wing utterly immaculate. Wing-ibrmula, 2-3-1. Wing, 16.50;
tail, 9.00; cuhnen, 1.05; tarsus, 2.10-1.35; middle toe, 2.20; inner, 1.50; outer, 1.50;
posterior, 1.00.

(Ko. 56,1.52, 9 1 Greenland ; Schliiter Collection.) Head above, occiput, nape, and
upper half of ear-coverts, with spaise shaft-streak.s of black, these most numerous on the
latter region ; primaries barred to the coverts. Tail entirely cros.sed by eleven plum-
beous bars. Bars above clearer plumbeous. The snowy-white beneath is relieved by a
few minute vari.able flecks of dusky upon the lower part of the abdomen, becoming larger
as they approach the sides. Wing-formula, 2-3 - 1. Wing, 10.70; tail, 9.30.

Jiiv. transition stage? ( (J, 56,047, " Hoher Norden " ; Schliiter Collection). Markings
above quite different from those of the two preceding; each feather has a largo central
longitudinal .sagittate spot of dusky, leaving only the borders (of the exposed portion)
white; on the primaries the dusky is almost confined to the terminal portion ; the rump
and upper tail-coverts have each feathers with a medial longitudinal stripe of dusky. The
tail is immaculate, but the shafts of the middle feathers are dusky. The neck, breast, ab-

112

NOKTII AMEIIICAN BIRDS.

domen, and sides have numerous tuncale marks of dusky, one near the end of each feather.
The hning of the winy:, even, has a few narrow streaks. Wing:, 14.75 ; tail, 9.40.

No. 56,049 (9, Greenland, Schl. Coll.) is similar in pattern of markings, but above the
dusky is more extended, forming the predominating color; the rump, etc., has broad
sagittate spots instead of narrow stripes ; the primaries are barred to the coverts ; the
tail is crossed by about ten continuous bands of dusky. Beneath the lanceolate spots or
streaks cover the whole siufacc, e.Kcept the anal region, lower tail-coverts, and throat.
On the lining of the wing the streaks are less sparse than in the preceding, though they
are by no means numerous. Wing, 15.75 ; tail, 9.50.

Juv. first pluma(je { 9 , 56,053, Greenland ; Schliiter Coll.). AH the markings are longi-
tudinal, instead of directly the reverse. The upper parts have longitudinal tear-shaped

Falco candicans.

stripes, a medial one on each feather ; the}' are sparse, however, on the wings ; the rump
has narrow shaft-lines of dusky. The tail and upper coverts are immaculate, but the shafts
of all the feathers are nearly pure black. The bars on the primaries are found only im-
mediately next the dusky terminal space. The streaks beneath are not very numerous,
and are found only on the breast, upper part of abdomen, and on the sides ; the nape and
sides of the neck are, however, thickly streaked.

(Xo. 17,9GG, 9i Moose Factory, Hudson Bay Territory.) In character of markings
resembling the last, but the stripes are fainter and narrower; they are also less numerous.
On the under parts they are wanting. Unfortunately, the tail of this specimen, which is
the only North American one in the collection, is missing.

In all .'specimens the anal region and lower tail-eoverts are immaculate.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

113

Hab. Greenlanil, and continent of Nortli America, north of Hudson Bay (breeding- in
latter region). Of irregular occurrence in winter throughout the cirourapolar regions ;
Ui'al Mountains (Evebs.m.a.n) ; Behring"s Strait (Bannistkk).

LIST OF SPECI.MENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 7 ; Boston Societ}', 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3 ; New Yorl
Museum, 6 ; collection of R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 19.

Measuremenix.

9

Wing.

Tail.

Ciilmm.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

3

G

14.40 - 14.75
15.75-16.25

9.70 - .

10.00-11.00

.90- .
.98 - 1.00

2.15-2.45
2.20-2.50

1.95-2.00
2.05-2.15

V;ir. islaiKlicua, Sabise.

ICELAND GERFALCON.

Accipiier fako islandicus, Briss. Orn. I, 336, 1763. Falco islnndicus, S.A.B. Linn. Trans.
XII, 528, 181S. — Temm. Man. Orn. pt. x ; 17, pt. iii, p. 9 ; Tab. Meth. p. 2, 1836. —
Fabeu, Prod. Island. Orn. 1822, p. 2; Isis, 1827, 62. — KiCH. & SwAixs. F. B. A. II,
27, 1831. — Hoy, Mag. Nat. Hist. Ser. 1, VI, 107. — Hancock, Ann. Nat. Hist. II,
247 ; Rev. Zobl. 1839, 123. — Bonap. Consp. Av. p. 24. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 77,
1855. — Cassix, Birds N. Am. 1858, 13. Hicmfalco islandicus. Gray, Gen. B. p. 3
(ed. 2, p. 4), 1844 ; Hand List, I, 18, 1869. FaJco candicans islandicus, ScHLEG. Krit.
libers, p. 1, 1S44. Falco lanarius, Faber, Isis, 1827, 68. Falco gyrfalco, Keyserlino
& Blash-.s, Wirbelth. Eur. p. 135, 1840.

Sp. Char. Adall (^.Iceland; No. 12, Coll. Geo. N. Lawrence). Ground-color
of the plumage dull white, gradually becoming somewhat blui.sh posteriorly, this color
especially noticeable on the tail. Whole upper parts crossed with broad transverse
bands of dark plumbeous, these bands continuous, and more than twice as wide as
the pale ones, except on the upper tail-coverts and tail, where the bands of the two colors
are more regularly defined and about equal ; in addition to the transverse bands, the
feathers anteriorly have narrow borders of white. Tail with the dark bands twelve in
number : the terminal pale band is purer white than the others. The dusky plumbeous
prevails on the primaries, and is unvariegated beyond the middle portion ; the anterior
half, however, is marked with quadrate ragged spots, of a slightly yellowi.sli-white ; all
are margined terminally with purer white. Each feather of the head and neck with a
narrow medial streak of dusky, but the general aspect abruptly lighter than the back : the
streaks are more condensed along the upper and terminal poi'tion of the ear-coverts.
Jugulum and breast with a medial narrow streak on each feather ; abdomen with more
elliptical streaks; sides with circidar and cordate spots, and flanks and tibiie with trans-
verse spots ; lower tail-coverts with narrow shaft-streaks of dusky. Lining of the wing
with sparse narrow streaks of dusk)' ; uudcr surface of primaries with white prevailing,
this, however, crossed by narrow bars of dusky, these numbering about si.xteen on the
longest. Wing-formula, 2-3-1. Wing, 14.00; tail, 7.80; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.30 ;
middle toe, 2.00.

Juv. (No. 20,344, Iceland). Ground-color of head, neck, and lower parts, white.
Upper surface grayish umber-ljrown, becoming paler and more graj'ish on the tail ; each
feather above sharply bordered (lioth webs, all round) with dull white, producing a
somewhat squamate appearance ; in places, a few obsolete hidden spots of yellowish-
white Tail .ishy-drab (feathers somewhat paler along edges), crossed with about eleven

vol.. III. 15

114

NorxTii A>rKrjCAN birds.

transverse series of spots of ocliraceons or creamy while; these very obsolete on middle
feathers, and sharply defined only on inner webs ; the last is terminal. Primaries plain
brown, somewhat daiker than the back, and becoming insensibly darker terminally ;
skirted with white, and somewhat mottled or irregularly spotted toward their bases
with yellowish-white. Head and neck, each feather, with a medial streak of dusky, but
white the prevailing aspect ; thi-se streaks condensed and somewhat sufl'used along
upper border of ear-coverts, and from the lores along cheeks, forming an obsolete " mus-
tache"; every feather beneath (including lining of wings) with a medial broad stripe of
clear plumbeous vandyke-brown, the shaft pure black ; under surface of primaries with
transverse spaces of white, these numbering thirteen on the longest. Wing-formula,
2-3, 1. Wing, l.i.OO; tail, 9.20.

Had. Iceland and Southern Greenland. Northeastern North America in winter,
straggling accidentally south to the New England States; Rhode Island (Museum,
Cambridge); Norway, Maine " not uncommon " (VEnmLi.) ; Ma.ss.achusetts (PE.\not>y &
Jillson) ; Long Island (Cab., G. N. Lawkexce).

iSTo. 56,050, Greenland (Scliliiter Collection), is moulting, and a.ssuniiiig the
adult dress ; the adult and young stages above described being nearly equally
ctunbined. No. 56,055, from Greenland, differs from the other young in-

Frjlcn islanf/irits.

dividuals wliich T have i?een in being considerably darker. Tlie feathers of
the upper surface are not bordered with whitish, but are merely paler on
their edges, along which are specks of yellowish. On tlie head and neck

FALCON ID.E — THE FALCONS. 115

the dark streaks predominate, wliile the stripes below are A'ery broad. It
approaclies quite nearly toward the young of var. saccr.

The only speeiiiien of this race wliicli I have seen from Continental Xortli
America, is a 3'oung individual, obtained during the winter of 1864-0"),
near Providence, E. I., taken by Mr. IS^ewton De.xter, and now in the Cam-
bridge Museum, where I had the pleasure of seeing it.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.VMINED.

National Museum, 5 ; Boston Society, .3 ; Pliiladelphia Academy, 9 ; Coll. G. N. Law-
rence, 2 ; Museum Comp. Zool., 1 ; New York Museum, 5. Total, 25.

Measurements.

Sex.
J

9

Wins

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

14.35 - 14.75
16.25-16.50

8.80 - 10.00
10.00 - 11.50

.91-1.00
1.00 - 1.05

2.20-3.00
2.30-2.70

1.95-2.15
2.00-2.25

9

10

Var. sacer, Forster.

MacFARLANE'S GERFALCON.

Fnico sneer, For.STER, Pliil. Trau.s. LXII, 1772, 383 ami 423. — CouEs, Birds of New Eng-
land, 1868, 6. — B.\ii;d, Trans. Chicago Acad. Sc. I, ii, 271. ? Falco cinereus, G.mel.
Syst. Nat. p. 267, 1789.

Sp. Char. Adult (^,51,689, Yukon, mouth of Porcupine River; Strachan Jone.s).
Whole upper surface with numerous transverse bands of brownish-plumbeous and ashy-
white. Anteriorly the light bars are about half the width of the dark ones ; posteriorly
they gradually increase, the bands of the two colors being about of equal width on the
upper tail-covei'ts and tail ; with the increase of the lighter bars, they become more ashy,
and, correspondingly, the darker ones are more plumbeous : on the rump there is but
little contrast between the bands of the two, causing a prevalent bluish cast. The bands
are everywhere continuous, the light ones being interrupted only by the black shaft;
there are generally on the anterior portions about three light bars on each feather, the
last always terminal. Tail tipped with white, and crossed with equal continuous bands
of hoary-plumbeous and ashy-white ; the latter eleven in number, and finely .sprinkled
with deeper ash. Primaries brownish-plumbeous, plain past the middle portion, liut on
the anterior half with quadrate spots of creamy white on the outer web. Head above
brownish-plumbeous, this prevailing; but along the median line the feathers are edged
with buffy white ; forehead dull white, this continuing back in a streaked superciliary
stripe to the occiput ; cheeks very thinly marked with fine streaks of dusky, this pre-
vailing along the upper border of the ear-coverts; a deeper dusky suOTusion beneath the
anterior angle of the eye. Lower surface pure white; chin and throat, only, immaculate;
jugulum with very sparse, narrow longitudinal streaks of blackish ; sides with scattered
cordate or nearly circular spots, these larger and transverse on the flanks and tibise ; abdo-
men with scattered minute elliptical spots ; lower tail-coverts with minute irregular
sagittate or transverse spots of dusk}'. Under surface of the wing white ; each feather
of the lining with a medial tear-shaped streak of dusky ; primaries crossed with narrow
bars of dusky, fifteen in number on the longest. Wing-formula, 2-3-4-1-5. Wing,
13.50; tail, 8.60; culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.87.

9 (43,139, Fort Anderson, Slay 2-1, 18G4, ■' 9 and two eggs"; Pi. MacFarlanc).

116 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Generally similar to the male. Head above con.«piciiou.';l_v streaked, but the dusky pre-
vailing. Above the transverse bands are less regular and continuous, anteriorly the plum-
beous largely prevailing ; posterior portions, however, as in the male, but on the rump
the bands are more distinct. Beneath, the markings are more numerous, larger, and
broader; tho.se on the jugulum linear; those of the abdomen medially elliptical; laterally
they are transversely cordate, and on the flanks in Ibrm of broad transverse spots, or
broad bars ; on the tibiae and lower tail-coverts they form regular transverse bars, — on the
latter, quite distant. Wing-fonnula, 2-3-4,1. Wing, 15.50; tail, dStO; tarsus, 2.15
and .80; middle toe, 1.05.

Jiiv. {$, 55,400, Alaska, Nulato, February 10, 18G8 ; W. H. Dall). Above plumbeous-
umber, precisely as in young of istandicus, but on the rump having a decided ashy cast.
No white edges to the feathers, as in iilandicus, but, instead, niunerous irregular transverse
spots or obsolete ragged bars of cream-color or pale ochraceous-bufF; the whole upjier
surface is quite thickly variegated with these irregular markings. Tail crossed with
thirteen narrow bands of creamy-white, these so thickly mottled with dusky on the outer
webs as to be obscure, but on inner webs they are regular and sharply defined ; the
last is terminal. Primaries plain dusky, skirted obscm-ely with paler, and marked toward
bases with ob.solete mottled spots of cream-color. Head streaked with dusky and cre.nmy-
white, the former predominating on upper surface, along upper edge of ear-coverts, and
across the cheeks, on the latter forming a mustache ; the white prevails over the ear-cov-
erts in a broad supra-oral stripe, and on the forehead and lores. Beneath, soft dull white ;
chin and upper part of throat, only, immaculate ; each feather with a broad medial stripe
of clear dark plumbeous-brown, on the flanks and tiljias prevailing, the whitish a.ssumiiig
the form of roundish s])Ots ; lining of the wing similarly marked ; prevailing aspect of
under surface of primaries white, crossed with narrow bars of ashy, fifteen in number
on the longest. Wing-formula, 2, 3- 1 =4. Wing, 14.00 ; tail, 8.40.

Hab. Interior regions of Arctic America; Anderson River, McKenzio, Tukon, and
Severn River regions. Breeding abundantly in the former district, whence numerous
specimens of skins and eggs have been received by the Smithsonian Institution.

In the yoimg specimen described, there are one or two new leathers
appearing on the rump and upper tail-coverts, precisely as in the blue
plumage, and proving conclusively their relationship. Tlie .species is as dif-
ferent from the Iceland bird in the young stage as in the mature. The most
readily apparent differences are, lack of sharp white edges of feathers above,
and in their stead numerous ragged transverse spots of yellowish ; dark aspect
of head above, etc.

Specimens vary considerably in the shades of cohir and distribution of
the markings, but the types of the above descriptions are the lightest of the
series. The darkest example is Xo. 43,144J (" 9 and eggs "), Fort Anderson,
May 22, 1864. In this the whole head and neck (except underneath) are
continuous lilackish-plumbeoits, only the middle of the auriculars being
faintly streaked ; the back is nearly plain dusky, and even on the wings the
bars are very obscure and much reduced in width. The rump is plain ashy-
blue, the darker bars being nearly obsolete. The longitudinal markings on
the pectoral region are enlarged into conspicuous stripes, while on the sides
and Hanks the transverse bars form heavy spots. The trans^•erse bars on
the tiliia' are ashy-blue ; those on the crissum clear pluiuliecms, and regularly
transverse. Wing, l.").7.'J ; tail, 9.30. Upon comi)aring this specimen with

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

ii;

the figures of a pair of \av. (jijrfalco, by Wolf, in Xewton's Ootheca AVolle}'-
aiia, I can discover no difference at all ; tluis it would seem tliat our l)ird
occasionally closely approaches in tints and markings this race of Con-
tinental Europe, of whicii I have seen only one immature example, and no
adults.

I cannot agree witli ]Mr. Xewton in considering the Gerfalcons of the
interior of Arctic America as identical with the Iceland form, though that
distinguished ornithologist considers them so in his paper in the Proceedings
of the Philadelphia Academy' for July, 1871, basing his conclusion upon the
specimens from which the above descriptions were taken, wiiieli liad lieen
sent over to England for comparison. I liave never yet seen a specimen of
islaiulicus which could not be distinguished, by the characters given in my
synopsis, from these examples, while they can be separated from that race
by the characters which Mr. Xewtnn himself gives, in his diagnostic table in
the paper above cited, for distinguishing the adults of idandwus and gyr-
falco.

The var. sacer is evidently separable from both islandicus and gyrfalco,
and about as much related to one as to the other ; comliining the size and
proportions of the former with the colors of the latter, while in the wide
amount of individual variation of plumage its lighter extreme approaches
one, while its darkest phase approximates as closely to the average plum-
age of the other.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.VMIXED.

National Museum, 6.

Measurements.

Sex.
J
?

Wing.

TaiL

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.
1.80-1.95

2.00-2.15

Specimens.

3
3

13.35 - 14.25
15.50- IG.OO

8.50 - 9.00
10.00-10.50

.86 -.93
1.00- .

2.15-2.40
2.35-2.55

Tar. labradura. -icorBoN. (^^i ^i-

BLACE GEBFALCON.

Falco lahradora, AuD. B. Am. pi. cxcvi, 1831.

Sp. Cihr. Adult ( 9 breeding plumage ? 30,375, Rigolet, Labrador ; Mr. ConoUy).
Ground-color of the plumage uniform, very deep, clear, dark plumbeous-brown, con-
tinuously uniform above ; larger scapulars, secondaries, secondary coverts, and primaries
more dilute along edges, however, the tint palest and broadest terminally. Tail perfectly
uniform, except at the end ; the tip being narrowly whitish, and aliout half an inch
anterior to this, a transverse series of hidden irregular transverse creamy-white spots.
The head (except beneath) is unvariegated. Beneath, the dark tint inclines more to
blackish clove-brown, more dilute on the tibiaa ; feathers edged laterally with white, this
prevailing on the throat, but everywhere else far less than the dusky in amount ; on the
tibire and lower tail-coverts the white is in the form of irregular spots. Anal region un-
variegated ; lining of the wing with circular .spots of white along the outer webs of the
feathers. Under surface of primaries with plumbeous prevalent, but this crossed with

118

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

motllings of whitish, forming transverse bars ; but terminally and basally they become
confused or lost. Wing-formula, 2,3-1,4. Wing, 1G.20 ; tail, 9.50; tarsus, 2.00 - .90 ;
middle toe, 2.05; inner, 1.50; outer, 1.50; posterior, .90.

IIab. Labrador; south and westward in winter, and shores of Hudson Bay.

Nos. 17,0(i;] (9, Quebec, W. Cooper) and :')4,9C0 (2, Fort Xescopec,
Labrador) diller tVom the preceding in having ten small narrow transverse
spots of reddish-white on the tail-feathers, forming as many indistinct
bands ; these spots touch neither tlie shaft nor the edge of the feather, and
are almost concealed, uidess tlie tail is sjjread ; on the latter specimen they
are very obsolete, the subterminal one only being distinct, as in the speci-
men selected for description. The upper tail-coverts also show faintly indi-
cated spots, and the former specimen has the wing-coverts with very narrow
irregular spots on the edge of the feathers. In this specimen there is also
one feather in the scapulars which lias broader white edges; it also lias the
white below about equal to the black in amount ; the anal region, however,
in all, is unvaried blackish, and the transverse oblique bands on the lower
tail-coverts are a constant feature.

No. 41,185 ( 9 , Fort Xescopec, Labrador ; H. Conolly) is the darkest of all.
Li this the blackish plumbeous-brown is uniform over the whole surface ;
even the throat is unvariegated. Abdomen with a few of the feathers
edged with white, and sides with a few small circular spots of the .same ;
lower tail-coverts transversely spotted with white ; tibitc scarcely variegated,
showing only narrow indistinct whitish edges. Mottling on inner webs of
primaries reduced so as to be scarcely visible. Tail with the usual number
(two) of irregular whitish bars, — one terminal, the other near the end.

LIST OF SPECIMENS E.\.V.MIXED.

National Museum, 2; Boston Society, 1. Total, 3.

Measiiremeni.i.

Sex.

Wmg.

TaU.

Odmen.

Tarxm.

MiddU Toe.

Specimens.

9

14..50 - .

15.50-1.5.75

9.00 - .
0..50- 10.00

.90- .
1.00-1.05

2.12-
2.00-2..35

1.90- .

2.00-2.10

1

2

H.\Brrs. In treating of the general habits of the Gerfalcons of North
America it will not lie necessary, nor will it be possible, to give the distinc-
tive peculiarities belonging to the several forms in which these Falcons
occur. Whetlier, on account of their variations of plumage, wo consider
them as races or as specifically distinct, does not alfect their liistory in this
respect. Tliere is no good reason for presuming that tliey have any very
noticeable variations as to any of their habits, although certain writers
claim for some of them certain well-marked peculiarities of character.

Li tlie matter of geographical distribution they are all, for tlie most
]iart, rarely seen, even in midwinter, south of the .50th parallel (if north
Latitude, and are found in the sumiueras far north as tlio Arctic Ocean. The

FALCONID.K — THE FALCONS. HlJ

Gerfalcon of tlie McKenzie Eiver region, oceurrinE; from the Slave Lake to
Anderson IJiver and the Yukon, is the form elsewhere given as the F.saccr.
Along our eastern coast region occurs another form, the F. luhradora, whicii
is the bird met with in Labrador, and described by Mr. Audubon. Tlie /'".
candicans or grcenlandims is a form peculiar to Greenland, visiting also, in
the winter, the Hudson's Bay region ; while the F. islandicus, a well-known
European form, occurs in Greenland also, and occasionally farther south.

Holboll, in his account of the birds of Greenland (Isis, 1845), appears to
recognize but one species of Gerfalcon as occurring there, to which he gives
the name of islandicus. This is, he states, the most abundant Falcon in
Greenland, and is equally common in the northern and in the southern
parts. Their great variations in color he regarded as indicative of differences
in ages to only a very limited e.\tent, and as in no respect specific. These
differences in color were found among both nestlings and breeding birds,
white and dark birds being found together in both circumstances. The
white birds were more numerous in Northern Greenland, and the dark ones
oftener seen in the southern portion.

He found the young birds moulting throughout the winter. On the 4th
of January, 1840, he shot a young female that showed signs of moulting
about the liead and neck, with a striped white appearance from the sprout-
ing feathers. The ovaries were quite well developed, and it was evident that
the birds of this species breed in the first season after their birth. Hol-
boll adds that they breed in January, that their eggs are of nearly the same
color as those of the Ptarmigan, but are twice as large. They nest usually
in inaccessible clilfs. They prey chietly upon water-fowl and Ptarmigans,
and usually build near "bird rocks," from which they obtain the young
without much trouble. He mentions having once seen one with a young
Larus tridadylus in each foot, and another with two TriiKjn maritiina carried
in the same manner. Its rapidity of flight Holboll did not regard as ^■ery
great. He had for years kept pigeons, and only lost two young birds, which
were seized when at rest. Almost every day, especially in October and
Xovember, these Falcons would chase the old Pigeons unsuccessfully, and
were often shot when they followed them too near the house. They were
not particularly shy, and were occasionally decoyed and killed by throwing
a dead bird towards them.

During the summer they are most numerous along the bays, especially
where there are " bird-rocks " near. In Septemlier they go southerly along
the coast, and also in October and Xovember. At this time they are not rare,
and approach the houses of the Danes, near which they are often seen fight-
ing with the Ravens. Their spring migrations are not so regular as they
are in the autumn, or ]ierhaps at this time they do not approach the houses
so frequently. When they are near the settlements, it is noticed that in the
morning they fly towards the south, and in the evening towards the north.

Piichardson speaks of the Gerfalcon as a constant resident in the Hudson

120 NORTH AMKIUCAX BIliDS.

I'liiy territory, where it is known as the Speckled Partridge- Hawk, and also
as the "Winterer. Its southern limit he could not give, but he never met
with it south of i>'2°. He traced it northward to the coast of the Arctic
Sea, and probably to the most northern Cieorgian islands. He cites Captain
Sabine as authority for its occurring as far north as latitude 74° on the west
coast of Greenland. liichardson often met with it during his journeys over
the Barren Grounds, where its haljitual prey was the Ptarmigan, and where
it also destroyed Plover, Ducks, and Geese. He relates that in the middle
of June, 1821, a pair of these birds attacked him as he was cliniliing to the
vicinity of tlieir nest, which was built on a lofty precipice on the borders of
Point Lake, in latitude 65° 30'. The bird Hew in circles, uttering loud and
harsh screams, stooping alternately with such velocity that their motions
through tlie air produced a loud rushing noise. They .struck their claw-s
witliin an inch or two of his head. Keeping the barrel of his gun close to
his cheek, and suddenly elevating its muzzle when they were in the act of
striking, he found that they invariably rose above the obstacle with the
i-apidity of thought, showing equal power of motion. They bore consider-
able resemblance to the Snowy Owl, but their flight was much more rapid.

Mr. MacFarlane, in the memoranda of his collections in the neighborhood
of Anderson Eiver and Fort Anderson, furnishes notes of eighteen nests of
the Gerfalcon obtained by him in that region. With only two exceptions,
these were placed near the tops of pines, or other trees, at distances from
the ground \arying from ten to twenty-fi\-e feet. In some instances the nest
was jilaced on the very top of the tree, in others on a lower limb against the
trunk. They were composed of twigs and small branches, and lined with
mosses, hay, deer's hair, feathers, and other substances. The parents were al-
Avays very much excited whenever their nests were approached, making a great
noise, and not unfrequently their loud screams drew attention to nests that
would otherwise have escaped notice. In one instance a nest had been
built on a ledge of rocks thirty miles northwest of Fort Anderson. It was
composed of a few withered twigs, and lined with mosses and hay. It was
found on the 27th of Jla}-, and contained two eggs nearly fresh, and two in
a state of greater development. One nest, placed on a broad liranch of a
tree, near the trunk, was of considerable size. Another nest was on the
ground, on the side of a steep and high hill. The earliest date of finding
these nests is given as the lOth of ]May. The eggs then found were fresh.
The ground at that time was still thickly covered with snow, and the
weather was very cold. In a nest found tive days later the eggs contained
partially developed embryos. In nearly every instance the eggs seem
to have been in different stages of development in the same nest. In some,
young birds were in the same nest with eggs only partially developed,
and in another an egg perfectly fresh was in the same nest with others nearly
ready to liatch. A nest found July 3 contained young about t^vo days old;
another, on I\Iay 27, had eggs with large embryos ; and one, on June 25, had
young nearly ready to fly.

FALCONID.E — THK KALC0N8. 121

Mr. Donald Gunn claims that this Falcon is the only Hawk that is resi-
dent in the Arctic regions througliout the year. It is known to the Indians
by the name of Pepunesu, and this name is applied to it because it passes
the winter with them. It is a very poweiful bird, and commits great havoc
among the Partridges, so much so tliat ui former times the Hudson Bay
Company gave a reward of a quart of rum to every hunter who brought in
the head of one of these Falcons. All tlie otlier Hawks are only summer
visitors.

Mr. Bannister was informed by the residents of St. Michaels that a Hawk,
presumed to be this species, is not unfrecpient there, tliough he did not hap-
pen to meet with it. On his voyage home, on the 21st of October, 186(3,
when off the coast of Kamtschatka, north of Behring's Island, one alighted
in the rigging of the ship, and continued with them for se\eral hours.

Although very rare in any part of the United States, occasional individ-
uals have been taken in different localities, and in one instance a pair was
known to breed for several successive seasons in Vermont. This informa-
tion I have from Mr. Clarence King, who, when a lad at school in the town
of Dummerston, observed a pair nesting among some high cliffs, and in-
formed me of the fact at the time of the occurrence. One of these birds
is recorded by Mr. Lawrence as having been taken on Long Island in the
winter of 1856.

IMr. Boardman gives it as occurring near Calais in winter, but very rare.
Professor Yerrill found them not uncommon in O.xford County, ile., where
they were frequently seen during winter, flying about the extensive meadows
near Norway ; but tliey were very shy and watchful, and it was hardly pos-
sible to procure a specimen. It is very unusual in Eastern Massachusetts,
and only very rarely and occasionally liave specimens been taken. Mr.
Jillson obtained a specimen, in 1840, at Seekonk. One was shot, in 1864,
near Providence, K. I., by Mr. Newton Dexter.

Mr. Audubon relates that, August 6, 1833, his son, John W. Audubon,
found a nest of this Falcon among some rocky cliffs near Bras d'Or, Labra-
dor, containing four young birds ready to fly, two of which were procured.
The nest was placed among the rocks, about fifty feet from their summit
and more than a hundred from their base. It was inaccessible, but, having
been examined from above, was seen to be empty. It was composed of
sticks, sea-weeds, and mosses, was about two feet in diameter, and was almost
flat. Its edges were strewed with the remains of their food, and beneath
the nest was an accumulation of the wings of Ptarmigans, Mormons, Uria?,
etc., mingled with large pellets of fur, bones, and various substances.

Their flight is spoken of as similar to that of the Peregrine Falcon, but
more elevated, majestic, and rapid. Their cries were also like those of that
Falcon, being very loud, shrill, and piercing. Occasionally this bird was
seen to alight on one of the high stakes placed on the shore. There it
would stand, in the position of a Tern, for a few moments, and tlien would

VOL. HI. 16

122 NORTU AMERICAN BIRDS.

pounce upon a Puffin, as tlie latter bird was standing at the entrance of its
burrow, una\\'ai'e of the approach of its enemy. The weiglit of the Puffin
seemed tu form no impediment to the Hawk in its tiight.

The European Gerfalcons are said to seldom appear south of the 52d par-
allel of latitude, or north of 74°. They are nowhere numerous, and were
formerly much sought for, and purchased, at immense prices, for })urposes of
falconry. Great difTerences were supposed to exist in regard to the habits
and other peculiarities of the several races. The Iceland Falcons com-
manded the highest prices, and were regarded as a species quite distinct
from the F. (jj/rfalco. Tlie former was much the more valuable, both as
more rare, and as a bird of higher courage and of a more rapid and bolder
flight, and a bird that could, on that account, be " flown " successfuUv at
larger game.

The Gerfalcons, in Europe, build on the rocky coasts of Norway and Ice-
land, and are said to defend their young with great courage and determina-
tion. They are comparati^•ely rare in the Britisli Islands, especially the
more southern portions. Even iu the Orkneys it is only an occasional
visitor.

All the eggs of the several forms of Gerfalcon that I have seen present
common characteristics, and do not differ from each other more than eggs
known to belong to the same species of Hawk are frequently found to vary.
One from Greenland, presumed to belong to the candicans, measures 2.37
inches in length by 1.71 in breadth. The predominant color of its mark-
ings is a deep reddish-brown, very generally and nearly equally diffused
over its surface, concealing the ground-color, which is lighter and of a yel-
lowish-brown shade.

An egg of the islandicvs, from Iceland, has the same measurements, but
is so slightly yet uniformly marked with light yellowish-brown as to seem
to be of one color only, — a light brown, shaded with yellow.

An egg from Norway, of the form gyrfalco, is 2.42 inches in length, 1.71
in breadth, has a ground-color of a dirty yellowish-white, and is marked
with spots, dottiugs, and confluent blotches of yellowish-brown, more so
about the larger end.

The series of eggs of Falco sacer in the Smithsonian Collection exhibits the
following range of variation in size, color, and markings : length, from 2.30 to
2.45 inches ; breadth, 1.60 to 1.90 inches ; ground-color usually a light red-
dish-ochre, varying to pinkish on the one hand, and to rufous on the other.
They are usually .sprinkled all over with small spots, which are sometimes
not distinguishable from tlie ground-color when this is very deej), and again
larger and quite conspicuous.

An egg of the variety candicans, from Greenland (Xo. 2,606, S. I.), meas-
ures 2.25 inches by 1.80. In color and in markings it is like the average
eggs of variety sacer, namely, pale rufous, sprinkled over witli a slightly
deeper shade.

KALCONID.E — TUE FALCONS. 123

Palco lanarius.

V;ir. polyagnis, Cassin.

AMERICAN LANNEE; PRAIRIE FALCON.

Fako polyngnis, C.\s.six, V,. Cal. k Tex. 1S53, S8. — In. P. A. X. S. 185.5, 277; B. X.
Am. 1858, 12. — Heeiim. Pacific R. Rep't, II, 1855, 31. — Kennerly, P. R. R. Ill,
1856, 19. — Coop. & Suckl. P. R. R. XII, 1860, 143. — Coues, P. A. N. S. 1866, 7.
— Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 85. — Dkesser, Ibis, 1865, 323. — Gray, Hand List,
I, 1869, 20. Falco lanarius, var. mcxicanus, RinowAY in CouEs' Key, 1872.

Sp. Char. Adult (<?, No. .59,063, Wahsatch Mountain.-;, Utah, May 2.3, 18G8; parent
of egg.=; ; L. E. Ricksecker). Above cinereous-drab, becoming gradually paler and more
bluish posteriorly, barred, indistinctly, everywhere with a more dusky tint, the shafts of all
the feathers blackish ; anteriorly the dai'ker shade predominates, while posteriorly the bluish
pi'evails ; on the anterior portions the light bars are much restricted in width, and of a
more ochraceous tint. Tail plain, very pale ashy-drab, narrowh' tipped with reddish-
white, this changing to pale rusty on the middle pair; the concealed portion of the
feathers outside the shaft show obsolete, or faint traces of, darker bars, which on the
middle pair are apparently about eleven in number. On the inner webs the paler bars
become broader than the darker ones, and incline to ochraceous in tint, the lateral feather
being edged externally with this color. Primaries plain ashy-drab, with a hoary tinge,
growing insensibly darker terminally, and with a slightly paler apical margin. Head
and neck above, dark umber-brown, with conspicuous shaft-streaks of black. Lores, a
broad superciliary stripe (somewhat interrupted above the eyes), white, finely and sparsely
streaked, the two stripes confluent across the occiput ; a broad heavy "mustache" from
the lores and rictus downward and obliquely backwards, across the maxilla, and a wider
postocular stripe, like the crown. Beneath continuous white, with a faint ochraceous
tinge on the abdomen and crissum ; abdomen and sides of the breast with a few scattered,
small, ovate spots of vandyke-brown ; sides transversely spotted with vandyke-brown,
the spots coalesced into a broken patch on the flanks; outside of the tibite with trans-
verse spots of the same. Axillars plain, clear vandyke-brown, with a few nearly obsolete
rusty specks near their ends ; lining of the wing clear white, the feathers with central
spaces of dusky-brown, which toward the edge become aggregated into a longitudinal
patch ; inner webs of the primaries with broad transverse spots of white, which reach
nearly to the shaft ; they are about thirteen in number on the longest quill. Feet yellow ;
base of the bill tinged with the same. Wing-formula, 2, 3 - 1, 4. Wing, 12.00 ; tail,
7.50; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.70; outer, 1.22; inner, 1.12; posterior, .77.

9 (not a(Zu/(.? 18,2.58, Fort Buchanan, New Mexico ; Dr. Irwin). Above continuous
umVier-drab, growing gradually lighter posteriori}', the tail being pale drab ; no transverse
bars (except a few concealed obsolete ones on back and secondarie.s), but all the feathers
faintly bordered with paler rusty-brown, these edgings being on upper tail-coverts
almost white. Tail tipped with creamy-white, and with many transverse spots or broad
bars of the same on inner webs, outer feather irregularly skirted with the same, and all
decidedly paler than the ground-color along their edges. Head as in the male, but fore-
head white, and superciliary stripe more continuous. Breast and abdomen with longitudi-
nal lanceolate or cuneate streaks of dark vandyke-brown ; patch of same on flanks more
continuous than in the male ; axillars unvariegated clear dark vandyke-brown ; longest
primary with eleven transverse spots of white ; posterior outer face of tibiaj with sagittate
spots of dark brown. Wing-formula, 2, 3 - 1, 4. Wing, 14.25 ; tail, 8.00 ; tarsus, 2.10 ;
middle toe, 2.00.

124

NOKTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

Jiiv. ((J, 32,207, South Fork of the Platte River, July 19, 1S38 ; C. S. McCarthy).
Above darker umber than the last, each feather distinctly bordered terminally with rusty-
ochraceous. Beneath with a deeper cream-colored tinge, streaks blacker; flank-patch
more conspicuous and uniform ; axillars unvariegated dusky. Wing- formula. 2, 3- 1 = 4.
Wing, 13.25 ; tail, 7.25.

Had. Western division of North America, eastward to Illinois ; Oregon to Lower
California, and Texas. Localities : Texas, San Antonio and Eagle Pass (Dresser) ;
Arizona (Coues).

The different stages of pltimage are in this by no means so well defined
as in other species, there being nearly the same general appearance in all.
There is, also, very little variation in different specimens of the same age.
No. 8,504, ( 9 , Dalles, Oregon ; Dr. George Suckley) has tlie black markings
on the sides of the breast more circular, and the vandyke-black of the
axillars with a few circular white spots on the edges of tlie featliurs. Wing,
14.50 ; tail, 8.40. Nos. 17,204 ( 9 , San Jose, Lower California ; John Xantns,
January, 1860) and 18,2.58 (<? ? Fort Buchanan, N. M.) have the upper
surface almost perfectly continuous grayish-drab, the first absolutely un-
variegated by markings, thougli the feathers fade a little on edges. Beneatli,
the white is \ery pure ; tlie streaks are numerous, sliarply defined and
longitudinal. Wing, 13.25 ; tail, 7.50 (17,204).

Tlie American Lanner Falcon is so very closely related to the Lanners of
Europe and Asia (var. lanarius and var. jugyer) that it is very difficult to

indicate the differences which
separate tlieni. The two Old
World forms above named are
more unlike each other than
they are from the two Ameri-
can races ; the var. jugger differ-
ing from mc.dcanv.s ajijiarently
only in larger size ; and the var.
lanarius, more like polgagnis
than it is like either jugger or
mcxicanus, differs from ^jo/y-
agrus mainly in the greater
amount of white on the plu-
mage, this imparting a lighter
aspect to the pihami, and caus-
ing a greater development of
the light spots on tlie outer
webs of the primaries and
rectrices.

The var. poli/agrns, compared

with var. lanarius, is much

darker, having, at all ages, the crown uniformly brown, with darker streaks,

instead of having these streaks upon a white ground. The " mustache " is

Falco polyn^nu

FALCONID/E — THE FALCONS. 125

more distinct in the American l)ird, while in the European the hands on the
tail are nuu-ii more distinct, and the spots forming tliein are on tlie enter webs,
as well as on tlie inner, instead "f mi tlu' hitter alone ; tlu; <lark bars between
the light spots are in the American bird ninch narrower and more nnmerous,
and in the young tlie light ones come to the edge of tlie web, instead of
being enclosed within the dark color. Two very yonng birds (i. e. in first
peifect plumage) apjiear almost identical until closely e-xamined, the chief
differences being a lighter tint to tlie crowu in tlie European, and heavier
dark stripes on the breast, besides the peculiar character of the tail-sjiots,
which are always distinctive. In shades of color, there is not the slightest
difference.

I have seen no specimen of any of the Old World forms in the jilumage
corresponding to that transversely barred above, described here as the adult,
though figures of the adult lanarius indicate a very similar plumage. Tlie
series of the latter race at my command is unfortunately limited to a very few
immature specimens. One marked " ad." (56,051, Hungary ; Schliiter
Coll.) measures as follows : Wing, 14.50 ; tail, <S.OO ; culmen, .83 ; tarsus,
1.90 ; middle toe, 1.80. Its colors are as described in the synopsis (p. 1429)
for the young bird.

Tlie var. mexkanus and \ox.jugger, which are both much darker, and more
uniform in the coloring of the upper parts, than var. pdijmjrus, are more
nearly alike; in fact, the only tangible difference that I can find between a
specimen of the former in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural
History (No. 1,438, <?, Juv. Lafr. Collection; "Me.xico") and two exam-
ples of the latter in the New York Museum, consist in the larger size of the
var. jugger (see synopsis), besides its whiter cheeks and more isolated and
distinct " mustache." A direct comparison of these two races may show
other tangible points of distinction, or, on the contrary, may show even
these slight distinguishing features to be inconstant. The former result is,
however, most reasonably to be expected.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.UIINED.

National Museum, 9 ; Boston Society, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 4 ; Museum Comp.
Zool. 1 ; G. N. Lawreuce, 2 ; E. Ridgway, 5. Total, 2,3.

Measurement.^.

Sex.

Wins.

Ttiit.

Culmen.

Tljrjiw.

Middle Toe.

Spedmens.

G
12

<?

9

12.00 - .
13.2.^5 - 14.2.")

7.C0- .
8.00 - 9.00

. -.75
.8.5 -.90

. -2.1.5
2.05-2.40

. - 1.70
1.85-2.00

Habits. This is an exclusively western species, occurring from the valley
of the Mississippi to the Pacific coast. Specimens have been obtained as
far east as Illinois. Several others have been taken on tlie Upper Missouri
and the Yellowstone Eivers, in Nebraska, at Fort Thorne, New Mexico,
and on the Little Colorado River. A specimen was shot by Dr. Heer-

126 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

iiuinn on the Faralloiics, on tlie California coast ; but Dr. Cooper tliinks it
rarely \isits the coast border, though he .several times saw, near San Diego,
a bird wliich he sui^posod to belong to this species. At Martinez, in
December, 1863, he succeeded in shooting one as it Hew from its jierch at
the a]iiir(iach of the wagon in which he was riding.

It i.s s;ii(l to e.xtend its migrations in summer to the Up])er Culumbia,
avoiding the densely forest-clad regions. Ih-. liccrnianu saw a young un-
fledged individual at San Francisco, from which it may lie inferred that a
few may breed witliin the State.

The first individual of this species was taken by Dr. Townsend during his
trip across the continent, in 1834. It was obtained among the mountainous
regions of Oregon, near the sources of the Platte River. Mr. Cassin states
that Dr. Heermaun procured several specimens in the Sacramento Valley.

Mr. Cassin remarks that this species, except iu its greatly superior size
and strength, bears a very close resemblance to the well-known -Tugger
Falcon of India, a bird much used for the purposes of falconry.

Dr. Kennerly, who procured a single specimen of this species while his
party was encamped on the Little Colorado, found it busily engaged in seek-
ing its prey anaong the bushes that grew along the river-bank. It was shy,
and was procured with difficulty.

Dr. Suckley speaks of this Hawk as not at all rare in Oregon. He pro-
cured a specimen of it at Fort Dalles, iu the beginning of the winter of
1854-55, which had been killed in the act of carrying off a barn-yard fowl
of about its own weight, and which it had just seized near the door of a
dwelling-house, — an act demonstrative of a union of courage, ferocity, and
strength inferior to none of its congeners.

Dr. Cooper characterizes this as one of the shyest of Hawks, as it is also
one of the swiftest, flying with rapid flappings of the wings. It seems to
prefer the borders of prairies, where it catches hares, quails, and even larger
game.

Mr, Piidgway informs me that this Hawk was seen by him in Southern
Illinois, near j\It. Carmel, Se^jtember 27, 1871. It had been obtained once
before witliin the limits of Illinois, but in the northwestern part of the State,
at Eock Island, by T. Dickenson Sergeant, of Philadelphia, and presented by
him to the Academy of Natural Science.

Its nest and eggs were taken in Utah by Mr. Pucksecker. I have no
notes in regard to the former. A finely marked specimen of one of the eggs
procured by him is in my cabinet. It measures 2.15 inches in length by
1.65 in breadth. It is of a somewhat less rounded-oval shape than are the
eggs of the anatmn. The ground-color is a rich cream, with a slightly
pinkish tinge, and is beautifully marked with blotches of various sizes,
shapes, and shades of a red-brown tinged with chestnut, and with occasional
shadings of purplish. These are confluent about one end, which in the
specimen before me chances to be the smaller one. It very closely resem-
bles the eggs of the luu'ojjeau F. Iwmiriics.

FALCONID.*; — THE- FALCONS.

121

An egg in the Snuthsonian Collection (15,51)0), taken at Gilmer, Wyoming
TeiTituiy, ^lay 1^!, 1870, by Mr. H. It. Durkee, has a ground-color of pink-
ish-white, varying in two egg.s to diluted vinaceous, thickly spotted and
minutely freckled with a single shade of a purplish-ruious. In shape they
are nearly elliptical, the smaller end being scarcely more pointed than the
larger. Tiiey measure 2.27 liy l.GO to 1.65 inches. The nest was built on
the edge of a cliff. Its eggs were also taken by l)r. Ilayden while with
Captain Eaynolds, at Gros Vent Fork, June 8, ISGU.

Subgenus F A L C O , Mas n in no.

Falco, M(EiiniNG, 1752. (Type, Falco pcrajrinm, G.M. = F. communis, Gm.)
Rhynchodon, NiTZscii, 1840. (lu part only.)
Euhierax, Wnni!. & Berth., 1841. (Type, Falco — '!)
Iclhicrax, Kaup, 1844. (Type, Falco frontalis, Daud.)

The following synopsis of tlie three American species of this subgenus
may serve to distinguish them from each other, though only two of them
{F. aurantius and F. riifujularis) are very closely related. The comparative

F. aurantius.

31893, J

F. aurantius.

52814,^.

F rufi^utaris (nat. .size).

F- rufign'oris (nat size).

characters of the several geographical races of the other one {F. communis),
which is cosmopolitan in its habitat, being included under the head of that
species, may explain the rea.sons why they are separated I'rora each other.

128 NOKTII AMEKICAX BIRDS.

Species and Eaces.

A. First and second quills equal and longest; tirst wkli itnier web emarginated,
second with inner web slightly sinuated. Young with longitudinal stripes on
the lower parts, .\dult and young stages very difierent.

1. F. communis. Wing, 11. .50- 14.30 ; tail, 7.00-8.50; culmen, .T2-.9.5;
tarsus, 1.05-2.20; middle toe, 1.80-2.30.1 Second quill longest; Qrst
shorter than, equal to, or longer than third. Adnlt. Above plumbeous,
darker anteriorly, lighter and more bluish posteriorly ; anteriorly plain, pos-
teriorly with darker transverse bars, these growing more sharply defined
towards the tail. Beneath ochraceous-while, varying in tint from nearly
pure white to deep ochraceous, those portions posterior to the jugulum
transversely barred, more or less, with blackish or dark plumbeous ; anterior
lower parts (from the breast forward) without transverse bars. Young. No
transverse bars on the body, above or below. Above blackish-brown,
varying to black, the feathers usually bordered terminally with ochraceous
or rusty ; forehead usually more or less washed with the same. Beneath
ochraceous, varying in shade; the whole surface with longitudinal stripes of
blackish. luner webs of tail-feathers and primaries with numerous trans-
verse elliptical spots of ochraceous. Hah. Cosmopolitan.

a. Young dark brown above, the feathers bordered with rusty or
whitish. Beneath white or ochraceous, with narrow longitudinal
stripes of dusky. Inner webs of tail-feathers with transverse bars.
Auriculars white, cutting oft' the black of the cheeks with a prom-
inent " mustache."

Beneath pure white, the breast and middle of the abdomen
without markings. Wing, 12.75 ; tail, 7.30 ; culmen, .80 ;
tarsus, 2.00 ; middle toe, 1.80. Hab. Eastern Asia.

var. orienialis.'

Beneath pale ochraceous, the breast always with longitudinal

dashes, or elliptical spots, of dusky ; middle of abdomen

barred. Wing, 11. .50- 14.30; tail, 7.00-8.50; culmen, .72 -

.95; tarsu.s, 1.65-2.20; middle toe, 1.80-2.30. Hab. Europe.

var. co77>m un is .'
Beneath varying from deep ochraceous to nearly pure white,
the breast never with distinct longitudinal or other spots,
usually with none at all. Middle of abdomen barred, or not.
Wing, 11.30-14.75; tail, 6.00-9.00; culmen, .75-1.00;
tarsus, 1.60-2.10; middle toe, 1.75 - 2.20. Hah. America

(entire continent) var. a n a turn.

Auriculars black, nearly, or quite, as far down as the lower end of
the " mustache."

Beneath varying from deep ochraceous to white, the breast
streaked or not. Lower parts more uniformlj' and heavily

1 Extremes of more than one hundred specimens measured !

^ Falco commvnis, var. orienialis (Gmf.lix). Falco orienialis, Gmel. S. N. 17S9, 264. —
Lath. Ind. Orn. 22. — In. Gen. Hist. I, 162. — D.\un. Tr. Om. II, 76. — Stuickl. Orn. Syn.
I, 1S55, S3. Two specimens examined, from Ja])an (Nat. Mus., 1 ; Philad. Acad., 1).

' Falco communis, var. communis (Gmf.lin>. Falco communis, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 270. —
ScHLEO. Krit. iibers, p. 14. —Id. Mus. Pays-Ras, 1862, Falcones, 1. — Pelz. Uek der Geier
und Falk. 1863, 23. Falco pcrcyrintis, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 272. — Stiiicki,. Orn. Syn. I, 81, et
ArcT. Seventeen .specimens of this race have been examined. They are distributed as follows :
Kat. Mus., 5 ; Best. Soc., 6 ; Philad. Acad., 4 ; Cambridge Mus., 2. Total, 17.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 229

barred than in the other race?. Young with narrower bueaks
beneath. Wing, 1 1.1.5 - 12.G0 ; tail, G.U - 8.00 ; cuhuen, .81 -
.90; tarsus, l.GO-2.05; middle toe, 1.75-2.1.5. Hah. Aus-
tralia var. melanogenys}

b. Young unvariegated brownish-black above. Beneath brownish-
black, fointly streaked with white, or nearly unvariogated. Inner webs
of tail-feathers without transverse bar.s.

Wing, 14.90-15.09; tail, 8.50: culmen, .95-1.00; tarsus,

2.10; middle toe, 2.15-2.21. Hab. Northwest coast of

North America, from Oregon to Sitka . . . var. pea lei.

B. Second quill longest; first with inner web emarginated, the second with

inner web not sinuated. Young without longitudinal stripes on lower parts.

Adult and young stages hardly appreciably diflerent.

Above plumbeous or black; beneath black from the jugidiun to the tibise,
with transverse bars of white, ochraceous, or rufous ; throat and jugulum
white, white and rufous, or wholly ochraceous, with a semicircular outline
posteriorly; tibise, anal region, and crissum uniform deep rufous, or spotted
with black on an ochraceous or a white and rufous ground. Adult. Plum-
beous above, the feathers darker centrally, and with obscure darker bars
posteriorly ; jugulum immaculate. Young. Black above, the feathers
bordered terminally with rusty, or else dark plumbeous without transverse
bars; jugulum with longitudinal streaks.

2. F atirantius.^ Wing, 9.50 - 12.00 ; tail, 5.40 - G.25 ; culmen, .9G ;

1 Falco conimunii, var. mdanogenijs (Gould). Falco communis, L.vth. New S. Wales Dr.
II, No. i. Falco pere(jnmis, Via. Linn. Trans. XV, p. 183. —1b. Isis, 1S30, 260. — Bo.x.'VP.
Consp. 23, No. 2. Falco mclanogenys, Goui.D, P. Z. S. pt. 5, 1837, 139. — Ib. Synop. B. Austr.
pt. 3, pi. xl, fig. 2; Birds of Austr. I, pi. 8 ; Intr. B. Austr. 19. — Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 6. —
Ib. List. B. Brit. Mus. 51. — Bonap. Rev. Zobl. 1850, 484. — Kaup, Monog. Falc. in Jardiue's
Contr. Orn. 1850, 56. — Sturt, E.xp. Austr. App. 14. — Stp.ickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 84.—
Gp.ay, Hand List, 1, 1S69, 19, No. 167. Falco macropus. Swains. An. Menag. 1838, 341.
Eight speciiueus examined, including the types of Gould's figiu-es and descriptions in the Birds
of Australia.

^ Falco aurantius, Gmel. (Rufous-bellied Falcon). Falco auranfius, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p.
283, 1789. — Lath. hid. Om. p. 48, 1790, Gen. Hist. 1, 289. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 130.—
Shaw, Zoiil. VII, 194. — Steph. Zobh XIII, ii, 40. — Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), 1, 322. —Less.
Tr. Orn. p. 91. Bo.n'ap. Consp. Av. p. 25. — Stkickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 89, 1855. Hypolriorchis
aurantius, Kaup, Ueb. Falk. Mus. Seiick. p. 257, 1845. Bidens aurantius, Spix, Av. Bras. I,
17, 1824. Falco dcirolcucus, Tem.m. PI. Col. 348, 1836. — Less. Man. Orn. I, 79. — Gi:ay,
List B. Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 25; Gen. B. fol. sp. 12. — BoNAP. Rev. Zool. 1S50, 486. Falco
rufiijularis (not of Daudin !) Gray, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 54, 1844.

Sp. Char. Adult {$, Costa Rica ; Coll. G. N. Lawrence). Above bluish-plumbeous, the
feathers darker centrally ; anteriorly the black increases in extent, first leaving the plumbeous
only as a border to the feathers, and then dropping it altogether, the head and nape being plain
black ; posteriorly the plumbeous predominates, and shows a tendency to form transverse bare.
On the head and neck tlie black occupies the whole upper and lateral portions, reaching down to
tlie throat, involving th(! whole of the cheeks and maxilla;, which it covers in an angidar patch.
Primaries and tail deep black ; the former immaculate on their outer surface ; the latter crossed
by six (the last terminal) incomplete very narrow bands of pure wdiite, formed by transverse bars,
which touch neither the shaft nor edges of the feathers ; upper tail-coverts crossed by about two
bars of pure white. Immaculate area of the throat and jugulum deep rufous j)ostcriorly and
laterally, pure white anteriorly and centrally ; from the jugulum to the tibice, and including the
entire lining of the wing, continuous black, with tran.sverse bars of white ; tibi;e plain rufous;
crissum niLxed rufous and white, — the former predominating, — and thickly marked with large

VOL. III. 17

130 KORTII AMEIUCAX BIRDS.

tarsus, 1.50-1.60; middle toe, 1.75-2.10. Second quill lon5:est;
first longer than third. Crissum ochraceous, or \^-hite and rufous, with
laige transverse spots of black ; upper tail-coverts sharply barred witli
pure white or pale ash. Adult. Above plumbeous-black, the feathers
conspicuously bordered with plumbeous-blue. Throat and jufruluni
immaculate; white centrally and anteriorly, deep riilbus laterally and
posteriorly. Tibiie plain rufous. Young. Above uniform dull black,
the feathers sometimes bordered inconspicuously with rusty. Throat
and jugulum varying from white to ochraceous or rufous (this always
deepest laterally and posteriorly). Tibial soinetimes thickly spotted
transversely with lilack. Hah. Tropical America, north to Southern
Mexico.
3. F. rufigularis.' Wing, 7.20 - 9.00 ( (J, wing, 7.70 ; tail, 3.95-5.50 ;

transverse spots of black ; inner webs of primaries with transverse ovate spots of wliite, touching
neither shaft nor edge of the feather ; these number seven on the longest ijuill (seconil). Wiiig-
formida, 2-1, 3-4. Wing, 9.90 ; tail, 5.50 ; tarsus, 1.55 ; middle toe, 1.75.

Juv. {^, 51,293, Costa Kiea, La Pahna, August 25, 1S67 ; Jose C. Zeledon). Whole upper
surface black, deepest on the tail ; it occupies the whole liead (except the chin, throat, and
sides of the neck), the black cheek -patch having considerable prominence ; feathers evei-y where
(except on the head and neck) indistinctly bordered with light brownish, this becoming more
distinct posteriorly ; u]iper tail-coverts tipped and barred beneath the surface with pure white ;
secondaries, primaries, and primary coverts narrowly but sharph' tip|>ed with pure white ; tail
ci'ossed w^ith five very sharp bars of pure white, the last terminal, the iirst two concealeil by the
coverts ; these transverse spots touch the sliaft, but not tlu- edge of the feather ; on the lateral
feather they are confined to the inner web. Chin, throat, neck, and breast, abdomen, crissum,
and lower tail-coverts, deep orange (not chestnut) rufous ; in fact, this forms the ground-color of
the whole lower parts ; but the sides, flanks, and abdomen have such large transverse spots of
black (these exceeding tlie orange in amount), giving the prevailing color ; the orange of the
jugulum is sharply defined, with a semicircular outline, against the black of the belly, and has
distinct lanceolate shaft-streaks of black ; the lower part of the abdomen, and the tibise,
have cordate or broadly sagittate black spots, rather exceeding the orange ; the lower tail-
coverts liave broad transverse spots of black. (The orange is deepest on tlie jugulum and
cri.ssum, being palest where most tliickly spotted ; it is immaculate only on chin, throat, and
neck ; the markings are longitudinal only on the jugidum.) Lining of the wing like the
belly, tliat is, the black predominating ; under surface of primaries with transverse elliptical
spots of pale cream-color, seven in number on the longest. Wing-formula, 2, 1-3. Wing,
9.90 ; tail, 5.40 ; cuhnen, .72 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; middle toe, 1.75 ; outer toe, 1.20 ; inner, 1.00 ;
posterior, .80.

List of Specimens examined. — National lluseum, 1 ; 0. N. 1-awrence, 1; Boston Society,
2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3. Total, 7.

Mcasurcmenls. — ?. Wing, 10.90-11.30 ; tail, 6.00- 6.25 ; cidmen, .90 ; tarsus, 1.50-1.60;
middle toe, 1.85 - 2.10.

1 Falco nifgnlaru:, Baud. Tr. Orn. II, 131, 1800. — Stuicicl. Orn. Syn. I, 88, 1855. Hypo-
Iriorchis riifKjularis, Gray, Gen. B. fob sp. 5, 1844 ; List B. Brit. JIus. p. 54, 1848 ; Hand
List, I, 21, 1869. — P.0NAI'. Consp. Av. (sub F. aurantius.). — Gkay, Hand List, I, 21, 1809.
Fiilco aurantius, /3, Lath. Ind. Orn. I, 48, 1790. Falcn axirantius, y. Lath. Ind. Orn. I, 48,
1790. Faho aurantius, TiCM.M. I'l. Col. s\d). pi. cccxlviii, 1836. —Light. A^erz. Doubl. p. Gl,
1823. — Cass. B. N. Am. 1858, 10. — Elliot, Buds N. Am. pi. xi. Falco nlbigularis, Dald.
Tr. Orn. II, 13:, 1800. Falco' hwmorrhoidaUs, Hahn, Vbg. XV, Lief. pi. i, 1818. Falco cuculla-
tus, Swains. An. Menag. p. 340, 1838. Falco thoracicus, Doxovan, Nat. Kep. pi. -xlv, 1822.

Sp. Chau. Adult (g, 52,820, Mazatlau, Western Mexico ; Col. A. J. Grayson). Above
dark slate, with a bluish-plumlwous cast, and uniform over whole surface (wings included) from
nape to tail. Anteiiorly the tint is almost black, this covering contiiuiously the whole upper
and lateral |)Ortion of tlie lu'ad, reaching down to the throat, and furuuu^ a broad angular pro-

FALCONID.-E — THE FALCONS. 131

culmen, .45- .58; tarsus, 1.20 - 1.55 ; middle toe, 1.15-1.4U. Second
quill longest; fu-st longer tliau third. Ci-i.ssuni uniform deep reddish-
rufous, rarely barred with white and dusky. Upper tail-coverts
obsoletely barred with plumbeous.

Adult. Above plumbeous-black, the feathers lightening into plumbeous-
blue on the edges and ends, and showing oljscure bars on the posterior
portions. Throat and jugulum ochraceous-white, the ochraoeous tinge
deepest posteriorly and without any streaks. Youiifi. Above ])lLnn-
beous-black, without lighter obscure bars, or with a lirovvuish cast, and
with faint rusty edges to the feathers. Throat and jugulura deep soft

jectiou over the cheeks, wliieli are purer black. All tlie leathers above darker eentially, but the
obscure spots so formed incstly concealed ; shafts of the feathers inconspicuously black ; upper
tail-coverts eacli with two broad transverse spots of black. Secondaries, primary coverts, and
primaries uniform dull black ; the former, and inner feathers of the latter, very narrowly ashy-
whitish on terminal border, — the coverts with a bluish shade terminally. Tail black {dull light
brown at apical margin), crossed with about six obsolete narrow bauds of plumbeous, these
changing to narrower white bars on the inner webs. Chin, base of inaxilh?, throat, sides of the
neck, and jugulum, ochraccous-wdiite, the ochraceous tinge deepest posteriorly ; breast (broadly
across) and sides black, with numerous narrow transverse bars of reddish-white, becoming more
ashy posteriorly ; abdomen, anal region, tibiie, femorals, and lower tail-coverts uniform deep,
almost castancous, rufous. Lining of the wivjg dull black, with circular ochraceous-white spots,
but former predominating ; whole under sttrface of primaries and secondaries a similar blackish-
dusky, the former witli narrow transverse elliptical spots of white, of wdiich there are eight (the
first and last merely indicated) on the longest quill. Wing-formula, 2-1-3. Wing, 7.70;
tail, 3.95 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe, 1.20. Tail slightly emarginated ; sccoiul and third feathers
longest (counting from exterior).

9 (3,218, Mazatlan ; Colonel Graj'-son). Almost precisely similar to the male ; less contrast
between blackish-plumbeous of the nape, and more bluish of the back ; bands on tail five in
mimber ; bars on black beneath more reddish. Wing-formula same. Wing, 8.80; tail, 4.40;
tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe, 1.30.

Juv. (Bryant Coll. 1,531, Orizaba, Mex.). Above continuous dull black, without bluish ca.st
or concealed spots ; tail-bands narrower, purer white ; black beneath duller, transver.se bars
more obsolete, broader, and pale rusty ; chestnut-rufous of posterior lower portions lighter and
less uniform ; lower tail-coverts with broad transverse spots of plumbeous-black. Wing-fonuida
as in adult. Wing, 8.75 ; tail, 4.40.

Two young males from Tehuantepec, Mexico (Xns. 613 and 613, May 16, 1871 ; F. Sumichrast),
did'er from that described above in some remarkable respects ; the upper parts are in one black,
but without the rusty margins to the feathers ; in the other, almost exactly as in the adult plu-
mage described. The lower parts, however, are most difi"erent ; the throat and jugular are uniform
deep soft ochraeeous, with a few longitudinal streaks of black near the bhick alidonunal patch ;
the bars in this last are deep rufous, and the terminal band of the tail is also deep rufous. The
Weak bill, and soft, blended character of tlie plumage, indicate unmistakably the very young
age of these specimens, which are also marked " very young " liy M. Sumichrast.

In colors, as well as in size and form, this very handsome little Falcon closely resendjles the
F. sevcrus, Horsf., of Manilla and the neighboring East Indian Islands ; the main difference is
that in that species the lower surface is wholly deep rufous, instead of partly black.

List of Specimeiis examined. — National Mu.seum, 11; Boston Society, 6; Philadel|ihia
Academy, 7 ; New York Museum, 3 ; G. N. Lawrence, 3 ; 11. Ridgway, 2. Total, 32.

Measurements.— $. Wing, 7.20-8.80; tail, 4.20-5.10; culmen, .45 -.55; tarsus, 1.25-
1.50; middle toe, 1.15-1.30. Specimens, 13. ?. Wing, 8.50-9.00; tail, 5.00-5.50;
cidmen, .58 ; tarsus, 1.48-1.55 ; middle toe, 1.30-1.40. Specimens, 8.

Had. Tropical America, northward through Central America and Mi'xico almost to southern
border of United States.

Localities: Veragua, ScL. & S.\lv. 1869, 252.

132 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

ochraccous. deepest laterally, the posterior portion usually with a few
longitudinal streaks of dusky. Hah. Tropical America, north to Mid-
dle Mexico.

Falco communis, (!.mel.

Var aiialiliii. r-'>\.\i"-

AMERICAN PEREGRINE FALCON; DUCK HAWK.

/

! Accipiier /(dco '/naculcUus, Briss. Orn. I, 329. ? Falco ittcviiis, G.mel. S. N. 1789, 271.
Fiilco commttnis f, and F. communis rj. Lath. Ind. Om. p. 31. Falco communis,
CouES, Key, 1872, 213, f. 141. Falco pcrcgrinus, Oia). AVils. Am. Oru. 1808, pi. Ixvi. —
Sab. L. Trans. XII, 529. — KiCH. Parry's 2d Voy. App. 342. —Id. F. B. A. II, 1831,
23. — BONAP. K. Y. Lye. 11, 27. -tIb. Isis, 18-32, 1136; Consp. 1850, 23, No. 4. —
King, Voy. Beag. I, 1839, 532. —James. Wils. Am. Orn. G77, Synoi). 1852, 683.—
Weudeub. Jard. Contr. to Orn. 1849, 81. — Woouii. Sitgr. Zufii, 1853, 60. — Gihaud,
B. Long Island, 1844, 14. — Peale, U. S. Ex. Ex. 1848, 66. —Gray, Li.st B. Brit. JIus.
1841, 51. Falco anatum, Bosap. Eur. & N. Am. B. 1838, 4. — Is. Rev. Zoid. 1850;
484. — BuiDC. Proc. Zobl. Soc. pi. xi, 109. — Ib. Ann. N. H. XIII, 499. — Gosse, B.
Jam. 1847, 16. — Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. 1854, 86. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858, 7. — DeKay,
Zool. N. Y. II, 13, pi. iii, f. 8. — Nutt. Man. 1833, 53. — Peab. B. Mass. 1841, 83.
— Stp.ickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 83. — Bl.4.kist. Ibis, III, 1861, 315. — March, Pr. Ac.
N. S. 1863, 304. Falco nirjriccps, Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. I, 1853, 87. — Ib. Birds N.
Am. 1858, 8. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 8.5. — Coop. & Suckl. P. R. R. Kep't, VII, ii,
1860, 142. — Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 19, No. 166. — Shaupe, Ann. & Mag. N. H.
Falco orioilalis, (Git.) Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 19, No. 165 (in part). ? Falco
cassini, Shap.pe, Ann. & JIag. N. II.

Sp. Char. Adtdl (<?, 43,1.34, Fort Resolution, Brit. X. Am., June; J. Lockhart).
Upper part« dark bluish-plumbeous, approaching black anteriorly, but on rump and upper
tail-coverts becoming fine bluish plumbeous-ash. On the head and neck the continuous
plumbeous-black cover.s all the former except the chin and throat, and the back portion
of the latter ; an invasion or indentation of the white of lower parts up behind the ear-
coverts separatin;^ that of the cheeks from the posterior black, throwing the former into
a prominent angular patch ; forehead and lores grayish. All the feathers above (posterior
to the nape) with transverse bars of plumbeous-black, these most sharply defined
posteriorly, where the plumbeous is lightest. Tail black, more plumbeous basally, very
faintly paler at the tip, and showing ten or eleven tiausverse narrow bands of plumbeous,
these most distinct anteriorly ; the bars are clearest on inner webs. Alula, primary
and secondary covort.s, secondaries and i)rimaries, uniform plumbeous-black, narrowly
whitish on terjninal margin, most observable on secondaries and inner primaries. Lower
parts white, tinged with delicate cream-color, this deepest oh the abdomen ; sides and
tibiaj tinged with bluish. Chin, throat, and jugulum immaculate ; the breast, however,
with faint longitudinal shaft-streaks of black; sides, flank.s, and tibiae distinctly barred
transversely with black, about four bars being on each feather ; on the lower tail-coverts
they are narrower and more distant; on the abdomen the markings are in the form of
circular spots ; anal region barred transversely. Lining of the wing (including all the
under coverts) white tinged with blue, and barred like the sides ; under surface of
primaries slaty, with elliptical spots or bars of creamy-white on inner webs, twelve on
the longest. Wing-formula, 2-1-3. Wing, 12.25; tail, G.OO; tarsus, l.GO; middle toe,
1.85; outer, 1.40; inner, 1.20; posterior, .80 ; culmen, .80.

9 (13,077, Liljcrty Co., Georgia; Professor J. L. Leconte). Like the male, but
ochraceoiis tinge beneath deeper ; no ashy wash ; bands on the tail more sharply defined,
about ten dark ones being indicated ; outer surface of primaries and secondaries with

FALCONID-E — THE FALCONS. 133

bands apparent; tail distinctly tipped with ochraeeous-white. Inner web of longest
primary with thirteen, more reddish, transverse spots. White of neck extending
obliquely upward and forward toward the eye, giving the black cheek-patch more prom-
inence. Markings beneath as in the male. Wing-formula the same. Wing, 14.50 ; tail,
7.00: tareus, 1.95; middle toe, 2.10; culmcn, .95.

Jin-. ((J, 53,19.3, Truckee River, Nevada, July 24, 1867 ; R. Ridgway : first plumage).
Above plumbeous-black, tail more slaty. Every feather broadly bordered termi-
nally with dull cinnamon ; these cre.scentio bars becoming gradually broader posteriorly,
narrower and more obsolete on the head above. Tail distinctly tipped with pale cinna-
mon, the inner webs of feathers with obsolete transverse spots of the same, the.se touch-
ing neither the edge nor the shaft ; scarcely apparent indications of corresponding spots on
outer webs. Region round the eye, and broad " mustaclie " acros.s the cheeks, pure lilack,
the latter more conspicuous than in the older stages, being cut ofT posteriorly by the
extension of the cream-color of the neck nearly to the eye. A broad strri^e of pale
ochraceons running from above the ear-coverts back to the occiput, where the two of
opposite sides nearly meet. Lower parts purplish cream-color, or rosy ochraceous-white,
deepest posteriorly ; jugulum, breast, sides, flanks, and tibiae with longitudinal stripes of
plumbeous-black, these broadest on flanks and abdomen, and somewhat sagittate on the
tibiie ; lower tail-coverts with distant transverse bars. Lining of the wing like the sides,
but the markings more transverse ; inner web of longest primary with nine transverse
purplish-ochre spots. Wing-formula, 2 - 1 .3. Wing, 12.50 ; tail, 7.00. Length, 16.50 ;
expanse, 39.25. Weight, H lbs. Basal half of bill pale bluish-white, cere rather
darker; terminal half (rather abruptly) slate-color, the tip deepening into black; iris
very dark vivid vandyke-bro-nn ; naked orbital space pale bluish-white, with a slight
greenish tint ; tarsi and toes lemon-yellow, with a slight green cast ; claws jet-black.

Hab. Entire continent of America, and neighboring islands.

Localities : Guatemala (Scl. Ibis I, 219) ; Veragua (Salv. P. Z. S. 1867, 158) ; Sta. Cruz
(Newton, Ibis, I. 63) ; Trinidad (Taylor, Ibis, 18G4, 80) ; Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost.
Soc. 1859, VII) ; Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxxiii) ; (Gcxdl. Repert. 1865, 225) ; Jamaica,
(Gosse, B. Jam. 16; March, Pr. Ac. N. S. 1S63, 304, et Mus. S. I.); Ti.-rra del Fuego
(Sh.\rpe, Ann. & Mag. N. H. ; " F. cassini, Sharpe ").

The young plumage above described correspond.s e.xactly with that of
young iKirgrinus from Europe, a comparison of tlie specimen above described
with one of tjie same age from Germany (ri4,064, Schliiter Col.) showing no
differences that cau be expressed. ]\Iany American specimens in this plu-
mage (as 19,397, Fort Simpson) show a wa.sh of whitish over the forehead
and anterior part of the crown ; having before us but the one specimen, we
cannot say whether or not tliis is ever seen in the European l)ird. Speci-
mens more advanced in season — ])erhaps in second year — are colored
as follows : The black above is more brownish, the feathers margined
with pale brown, — these margins broader, and aijproaching to white, on the
upper tail-coverts ; the tail shows the ochraceous bars only on inner webs.
The supraoral stripe of the youngest ]ilumage is also quite apjiarent.

A still younger one from the same locality (Xo. 37,397) has the upi)er
jdumage similar to the last, the pale edges to the feathers, however, more
distinct ; tail with conspicuous spots. "White beneath clearer, and invading
the du.sky of the head above as far back as the middle of the crown ; the
supraoral stripe is distinct, scarcely interrupted across the nape.

134 KORTH AMERICAN lURDS.

In the adult plumage the princii)al variation is in the extent and disposi-
tion of tlie bars beneath. In most individuals they are regularly transverse
only laterally and posteriorly, those on the belly being somewhat broken
into more irregular cordate spots, though always transverse ; in no American
specimen, however, are they as continuously transverse as in a male (Xo.
18,804) from Europe, which, however, in this respect, w-e think, forms an
exception to most European examples, at least to those in tlie Smithsonian
Collection. All variations in the form, thickness, and continuity of the
markings below, and in the distinctness of the bars above, are individual.

Very old males (as 49,790, Fort Yukon ; 27,188, iloose Factory (type of
Elliott's figure of F. jxrcr/rinus, in Birds of America) ; and 42,997, Spanish-
town, Jamaica) lack almost entirely the reddish tinge l)eneath, and have
the lateral and posterior portions strongly tinged with lilue ; the latter
feature is especially noticeable in the specimen from Jamaica, in which also
tlie bars are almost utterly wanting medially. Immature birds from this
island also lack to a great degree the ochraceous tinge, leaving the whitish
everywhere purer.

A female adult Eurojiean bird differs from the average of North Ameri-
can examples in the conspicuous longitudinal streaks on the jiigidum; but
in a male these are hardly more distinct than in 1M,(I77, 9 , Liberty Co.,
Georgia; 11,983, " United States"; 3.5,456, Peel's Kiver ; 35,449, ?, and
35,445, ?, Fort Yukon, Alaska; 35,452, La Pierre's Hous., H. B. Ter. ;
35,459 3, Fort Anderson ; and 28,099 9 , Hartford, Conn. In none of
these, however, are they so numerous and conspicuous as in a European
female from the Schliiter Collection, which, however, differs in these respects
only from Xortli American specimens.

A somewhat nielanistic individual (in second year ? 32,735, Chicago, 111. ;
Eobert Kennicijtt) differs as follows : Above continuously pure lilack ; upper
tail-coverts and longer scapulars bordered terminally with rusty-whitish.
Tail distinctly tipped with wliite ; the inner webs of feathers with eight
elliptical transverse bars of pale ochraceous, and indications of correspond-
ing spots of the same on outer webs, forming as many inconspicuous band-s.
Beneath ochraceous-white ; the neck, breast, and abdomen tliickly marked
with broad longitudinal stripes of clear black,^ those on the jugulum cuneate,
and on the breast and abdomen broadly sagittate ; the tibi* with numerous
cordate spots, and sides marked more transversely ; lower tail-coverts with
narrow distant transverse bars. On the chin and throat only, the whitish is
immaculate, on the other portions being somewhat exceeded in amount by
the black. Inner web of longest primary with seven transverse elliptical
bars of cream-color. ^Ving, 12.20 ; tail, 9.40.

Whether the Xorth American and European PeregTine Falcons are or are
not distinct has been a question undecided up to the present day ; almost
every ornithologist having his own peculiar views upon tlie relationship of
the different forms which have been fiom time to time characterized. The

FALCONID.E — THE FALCOXS. 135

most favorably received opinion, however, seems to be that there are two
species ou the American continent, and that one of these, the northern one,
is identical with the European bird. Both these views I hold to be entirely
erroneous ; for after examining and comparing critically a series of more
than one hundred specimens of these birds, from every portion of America
(except eastern South America), including nearly all the West In(Ua Islands,
as well as numbers of localities throughout continental Xorth and South
America, I find tliat, with the exception of the mulauistic littoral race of tlie
northwest coast (var. jjcakf), they all fall under one race, wiiich, though itself
exceedingly variable, yet possesses characters whereby it may always be dis-
tinguished from the Peregrine of all jjortious of the Old World.

There is such a great amount of variability, in size, colors, and mark-
ings, that the F. niijriccps, Cassin, must be entirely ignored as being based
upon specimens not distinguishable in any respect from typical cmatuvi.
Judging from the characters assigned to the F. cassini by its describer (who
evidently had a very small series of American specimens at his command),
the latter name must also most probably fall into the list of synonymes of
anahim.

Slight as are the characters which separate the Peregrines of the New
and Old World, i. e. tiie immaculate juguluni of tlie former and tlie streaked
one of the latter, they are yet sufficiently constant to warrant their separa-
tion as geographical races of one species ; along with which the F. mc/a-
nogenys, Gould (Australia), F. minor, Bonap. (South Africa), F. orientalis,
Grael. (E. Asia), and F. adidus, Lath. (Southern India and East Indies), must
also rank as simple geographical races of the same species. Whether the F.
calidus is tenable, I am unable to state, for I have not seen it ; but the others
appear to be all sufficiently differentiated. The F. radama, Verreaux (Gray's
Hand List, p. 19, No. 170), Mr. Gurney writes me, is the young female of
var. minor. Whether the F. ■peregri7iator, Sundevall (Gray's Hand List, No.
169), is another of the regional forms of F. communis, or a distinct species, I
am not able at present to say, not having specimens accessible to me for
examination.

Mr. Cassin's type of " nigriccps" (1.3,856, $ , July), from Chile, is before
me, and ujton comparison with adult males from Arctic America presents no
tangible differences beyond its smaller size ; the wing is a little more tlian
half an inch, and the middle toe less than the eighth of an inch, shorter than
in the smallest of the North American series, — a discrepancy slight indeed,
and of little value as the sole specific character; the plumage being almost
precisely similar to that of the specimen selected for the type of the descrip-
tion at the head of this article. In order to show the little consequence to
be attached to the small size of the individual just mentioned, I would state
that there is before me a young bir<l, received from the National ]Museum of
Chile, and obtained in the vicinity of Santiago, which is precisely similar in
plumage to the Nevada specimen described, and in size is even considerably

;[3G NORTH AMEra(,^VN BIKDS.

larger, though it is but just to say that it is a female ; the wing measures
13.25, instead of 12.50, and the middle toe, 2.00, instead of 1.85. 'So.
37,336, Tres Marias Islands, Western Mexico, — a young male in second
year, — lias tlio wing just the same length as in the smallest North Aniei-jcaii
exauiiile, while in plumage it is ])recisely similar to 26,785, of the same age,
from Jamaica. Xo. 4,367, from I'uget's Sound, Washington Territory, — also
a young male, — has the wing of the same length as in tiu' largest northern
siiecinum, while the jilumage is as usual.

Two adult females from Connecticut (Nos. 28,099 and 32,5ll7, Talcott Mt.)
are remarkable for their very deep colors, in which tliey (Hfler from all other
Xorth American examples which I have seen, and answer in every jiarticular
to the description of F. cassini, Sharpe, above cited. The upper surface is
plumbeous-black, becomihg deep black anteriorly, the head without a single
liglit feather in the black portions ; the plumbeous bars are distinct only on
the rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, and are just perceptible on the secon-
daries. The lower parts are of a very deep reddish-ochraceous, deepest on the
breast and abdomen, wliore it approaches a cinnamon tint, — the markings,
however, as in other examples. They measure, wing, 1475 ; tail, 7.50 ; cul-
men, 1.05 - 1.15 ; tarsus, 2,00 ; middle toe, 2.30. They were obtained from
the nest, and kept in continenient three years, when tliey were .sacrificed to
science. Tlie unusual size of the bill of these specimens (see measurements)
is undoubtedly due to the influence of confinement, or the result of a modi-
fied mode of feeding. The specimens were presented by Dr. S. S. Closes, of
Hartford.

An adult male (No. 8,501) from Shoal-water ISay, Washington Territory,
is exactly of the size of the male described. In tliis specimen there is not
the sliglitest creamy tinge beneath, while the blue tinge on the lower parts
laterally and posteriorly is very strong. No. 52,818, an adult female from
jMazatlan, Western Mexico, has the wing three quarters of an inch shorter
tluin in tlie largest of four northern females, and of the same length as in the
smallest ; there is nothing unusual about its plumage, except that the bars
beneath are sparse, and the ochraceous tinge quite deep. No. 27,057, Fort
Good Hope, H. B. T., is, liowever, exactly similar, in these respects, and the
wing is but lialf an inch longer. In No. 47,588, t? ,from the Farallones Islands,
near San Francisco, CaUfornia, the wing is tlie same lengtli as in tlie average
of northern and eastern specimens, wliiie the streaks on thejugubun are
nearly as conspicuous as in a male from Eurojie.

In conclusion, I would say that tlie sole distinguishing character between
the Peregrines frnm America and tiiose from Europe, that can l)e relied on,
appears to be found in tlie markings on the breast in the adult plumage ;
in all the specimens and figures of var. comnmnis that I have seen, the
breast has the longitudinal dashes very conspicuous ; while, as a general
rule, in anatam these markings are entirely absent, though sometimes
present, and occasionally nearly as distinct as in European examples. There-

KALCUNIU.E — THE l-'ALUONS.

137

fore, if this conspicuous streakiuti- of the Inva.sl is ibuml in all iMiiopean
specimens, the American bird is entitled to separation as a variety ; lint if
the breast is ever immaculate in European examples, then uiudinib must
sink into a pure syiionynic of communis. The var. melanof/cni/s is dis-
tinguished from both iviuinunis and anaium by the black aurieulars, or by a
greater amount of bhudc on the side of the neck, and by more numerous
and narrower bars mi the under surface. In the former feature examples
of atiatum from the southern extremity of South America ajiproach quite
closely to the Australian form, as might be expected from the relative
geographical position of the two regions. The var. minor is merely tlie
smaller intertropical race of the Old World, perhaps better characterized
than the tropical American form named F. niyriccps by Cassin, the charac-
ters of which are so unimportant, and withal so inconstant, as to forbid
our recognizing it as a race of the same rank witli the others.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.\.M1XEII.

National Museum, 45 ; Boston Society, 4 ; rivihidelphia Academy, 22 ; Museum Comp.
Zool. 5 ; New York Museum, 3; G. N. Lawrence, 6; K. Ridgway, 3. Total, 8S.

Measurements.

Sex.

Wing.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

9

11.30-13.00
13.00 - 14.75

6.00-7.50
7.30 - 9.00

.75- .80
.85-1.00

1.60-1.90
1.95-2.10

1.78-2.05

1.95 - 2.20

29
28

V.'ir. pealei. Ridgu'w.

BLACK PEREGRINE FALCON.

? f Accipiter falco nu/er, Buiss. Orn. I, 3:j7. / ? Fako niger, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 270. Faho
pohjagnm, Cas.s. B. Cal. & Tex. pi. xvi (dark figure).

Sp. Ch.\r. In colors almost exactly similar to F. gyrfalco, var. labradora. Above con-
tinuous dark vandyke-brown, approaching brownish-black on the head, which is variegated
only on the gular region, and inclining to grayish-brown on the fail ; the whole surface
entirely free from spots or markings of any kind. Beneath similar in color to the upper
parts, but the feathers edged with whitish, this rather predominating on the throat; flanks
and tibice with roundish white spots ; lower tail-coverts with broad transverse bars of
white. Lining of the wing with feathers narrowly tipped with white: inner webs of
primaries with narrow, transverse elliptical spots of cream-color : inner webs of tail-
feathers with badly defined, irregular, similar spot.s, or else with these wanting, the whole
web being plain dusky-brown.

No. 12,022 (9. Oregon; T. R. Be-ak'). Wing, 15.00; tail, S..50 ; cidmen. .95; tarsus,
2.10; middle toe, 2.15. (Figured by Oa,ssin as F. pohjn(]rus, in Birds of California and
Texas, pi. xvi.)

No. 45,814 (9, Sitka, Alaska, May, 1S6G; F. Bischolf). Wing, 14.90; tail, 8.50;
tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.20. The two similar in color, but in the latter the white
streaks on the lower parts a little broader, and the middle of the aiu-iculars slightly
streaked.

Hab. Northwest coast of North America, from Oregon to Sitka.

VOL. in. 18

138 XOKTIl AMEKICAN BIRDS.

This curious race of Fulcu communis is a good illustration of the climatic
peculiarity of the northwest coast region, to which 1 have often referred
before ; the same melanistic tendency being apparent in birds of other
species from the same region, as an exam])le of which I may mention the
Black ^lerlin {Falco ccsalon, Viu:.snck/ci/i'), which is a i)erfect miiiinture of llie
present bird.

Habits. The Great-footed Hawk of North America is very closely allied
to the well-known Peregrine Falcon of Europe, and .so closely resembles it
that by many writers, even at the present day, it is regarded as identical
with it. Without doubt, the habits of the two races are very nearly the
same, though the peculiarities of the Xortli American bird are not so well
known as are tlio.se of the European. In its distribution it is somewhat
erratic, for the most part confined to the rocky sea-coast, the river-banks,
and the high ground of tlie northeastern parts of America. It is known to
breed in a few isolated rocky crags in x'arious jjarts of the country, e\'en as
far to the south as Pennsylvania, and it occurs probably both as migrant
and resident in several of the West India Islands, in Central and in South
America. A single specimen was taken by Dr. Woodhouse in the Creek
country of the Indian Territory. Two individuals are reported by Vou
Pelzeln as having been taken in Brazil. The Newtons met with it in St.
Croix. Mr. Gosse found it in Jamaica, and Dr. Gundlach gives it as a
bird of Cuba. Jardine states it to be a bird of Bermuda, and also that it
has been taken in the Straits of Magellan. A single specimen was taken
at Dueiias, Guatemala, in Feljruarv, by Mr. Salvin.

On the Pacific coast this Falcon has lieen traced as far south as the
limit of the land. Dr. Cooper met with only two pair.s, in ]\Iarcli, 1S54,
frequenting a high wooded cliff at Shoal-water Bay. Dr. Suckley procured
a single specimen from Steilacoom. Dr. Cooper states that the habits of
these corresponded with those described for the F. anaivm and F. 2}crc<irimis,
and that, like these Falcons, it is a terror to all land animals weaker than
itself It is said to breed on the rocky cliff's of the Pacific.

An individual of this bird was taken by Colonel Gi'ayson at the Tres
Marias Islands. When shot, it was endeavoring to capture a Sparrow-
hawk, indicating its indiiference as to the game it pursues. He adds that
this bird attacks with vigor everything it sees, from the size of a JNIallard
Diu:k down, and is the terror of all small birds. Its range must be very
great, as it ol'ten ventures far out to sea. On his passage from Mazatlan
to San Francisco, in 1858, on the bark Carlota, one of these Falcons came
on board more than a hundred miles off the coast of Lower California,
and took up its cpiarters on the main-top yard, wiicre it remained two
days, during which time it captured several Dusky Petrels. It ^\■ould dart
headlong upon these unsuspecting birds, seldom mi.ssing its aim. It would
then return to its resting-place and partly di>vour its prize. At other times
it dropped its victims into the sea in wanton sport. Finally, as if tired of

FALCONID/E — THE FALCONS. ^39

tliis kind of game, it made several wide circles arninid tlie ship, ascended
to a considerable height, and departed in the direction of the Mexican shore.

This Falcon is found along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the extreme
northern portion, l)reeding on the higli rocky cliffs of Grand Menan and in
various fa\"orable situations thence northward. A few breed on ilount Tom,
near the Connecticut Itiver in Massachusetts, on Talcott Mountain in
Connecticut, in Pennsylvania, and near Harper's Ferry, in Maryland.

Mr. Boardman has several times taken their eggs from the cliffs of Grand
jVIenan, where they breed in April, or early in ]\Iay. In one instance he
found the nest in close proximity to that of a pair of Ravens, the two
families being apparently on terms of amity or mutual tolerance.

For several years two or more pairs of these birds have been known to
breed regularly on Mount Tom, near JSTorthampton. The nests were placed
on the edges of precipitous rocks very early in the spring, the young having
been fully grown by the last of June. Their young and their eggs have
been taken year after year, yet at the last accounts they still continued to
nest in that locality. Dr. W. Wood has also found tliis species breeding on
Talcott Mountain, near Hartford. Four young were found, nearly fledged,
June 1. In one instance four eggs were taken from a nest on Mount Tom, by
Mr. C. W. Bennett, as early as April 19. This was in 1864. Several times
since he has taken their eggs from the same eyrie, though the Hawks have
at times deserted it and sought other retreats. In one year a pair was twice
robbed, and, as is supposed, made a third nest, and had unfledged young as
late as August. ^Ii'. Allen states that these Hawks repair to Mount Tom
very early in the spring, and carefully watch and defend their eyrie, mani-
festing even more alarm at this early period, when it is approached, than
they evince later, when it contains eggs or young. Mr, Bennett speaks of
the nest as a mere apology for one.

This Hawk formerly nested on a high cliff near the house of Professor
S. S. Haldeman, Cokunbia, Penn., who several times ]irocured young birds
whicli had fallen from the nest. The birds remained about this cliff ten or
eleven months of the year, only disappearing during the coldest weather,
and returning with the first favorable change. They bred early in spring,
the young leaving the nest perhaps in May. Professor Haldeman was of the
opinion that but a single pair remained, the young disappearing in the
course of the season.

Sir John Richardson, in his Arctic expedition in 1845, while descending
the Mackenzie River, latitude 65°, noticed what he presumed to be a nest of
this species, placed on the cliff of a sandstone rock. This Falcon was rare
on tliat river.

Mr. ]MacFarlane found this species not uncommon on the banks of Lock-
hart and Anderson liiver.s, in the Arctic regions. In one instance he men-
tions finding a nest on a cliff thirty feet from tlie ground. There were four
eggs lying on a ledge of the shale of whicli the clifl' was composed. Botli

140 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

parents were present, and kept up a continued screaming, though at too
great a distance for liim to shoot eitlier. He adds that this bird is by no
means scarce on Lockliart Eiver, and lie was informed that it also nests
along the ramparts and other steep banks of the Upper Anderson, though
he has not been able to learn that it has been found north of Fort Anderson.
In another instance the nest was on a ledge of clayey mud, — the eggs, in
fact, lying on the bare ground, and nothing resembling a nest to be seen. A
third nest was found on a ledge of crumbling shale, along the banks of the
Anderson River, near the outlet of the Lockhart. This Hawk, he remarks,
so far as lie was able to observe, constructs no nest whatever. At least, on
the Anderson Jtiver, where he found it tolerably abundant, it was found
to invariably lay its eggs on a ledge of rock or shale, without making
use of any accessory lining or protection, always availing itself of the
most inaccessible ledges. He was of the opinion tliat they do not breed to
the northward of the 68th parallel. They were also to be found nesting in
occasional pairs along the lime and sandstone banks of the Mackenzie,
where early in August, for several successive years, he noticed the young of
the season fully fledged, though still attended by the pai'ent birds.

In subsequent notes, ilr. JNIacFarlane repeats his observations that this
species constructs no nest, merely laying its eggs on a ledge of shale or
other rock. Both parents were invariably seen about the spot. In some
instances the eggs found were much larger than in others.

Mr. Dall mentions shooting a pair near Xuk'koh, on the Yukon Eiver,
that had a nest on a dead spruce. The young, on tlie 1st of June, were
nearly ready to fly. It was not a common species, but was found from
Xulato to Sitka and Kodiak.

In regard to general characteristics of this Falcon, they do not apparently
differ in any essential respects from those of the better-known Falco com-
munis of the Old World. It flies with immense rapidity, rarely sails in
the manner of other Hawks, and then only for brief periods and when dis-
appointed in some attempt upon its prey. In such cases, Sir. Audubon
states, it merely rises in a broad spiral circuit, in order to reconnoitre a space
below. It then flies swiftly off in quest of pluniler. These flights are
made in the manner of the Wild Pigeon. AVhen it perceives its object, it
increases the flappings of its wings, and pursues its victim witli a surprising
rapidity. It turns, and winds, and follows every change of motion of the
object of pursuit with instantaneous quickness. Occasionally it seizes a
bird too heavy to be managed, and if this be over the water it drops it, if
the distance to land be too great, and flies off in pursuit of another. Mr.
Audubon has known one of this species to come at the report of a guu, and
carry off a Teal not thirty steps distant from the sportsman who had killed
it. This daring conduct is a characteristic trait.

This bird is noted for its predatory attacks upon water-fowl, but it does
not confine itself to such prey. In the interior, Richardson states that it

FALCOXID^E — THE FALCONS. 141

preys upon the Wild Pigeon, and upon smaller birds. In one instance
Audubon has known one to follow a tame Pigeon to its house, enter-
ing it at one hole and instantly Hying out at tlie other. The same writer
states that he has seen this bird feeding on dead fish that had floated to
the banks of the Mississippi. Occasionally it alights on the dead brancli
of a tree in the neighborluMjd of marshy ground, and watches, apparently
surveying, piece by piece, every portion of the territory. As soon as it
perceives a suitable victim, it darts upon it like an arrow. While feeding,
it is said to be very cleanly, tearing the flesh, after removing the feathers,
into small pieces, and swallowing them one by one.

The European species, as is well known, was once largely trained for the
chase, and even to this day is occasionally used for this purpose ; its docility
in confinement, and its wonderful powers of flight, rendering it an efficient
assistant to the huntsman. We have no reason to doubt that our own bird
might be made equally serviceable.

E.Kcepting during the breeding-season, it is a solitary bird. It mates
early in February, -and even earlier in the winter. Early in the fall tlie
families separate, and each bird seems to keep to itself until tlie period of
reproduction returns.

In confinement, birds of this family Ijecome cpiite tame, can be trained to
habits of wonderful docility and obedience, and evince even an affection for
the one who cares for their wants.

This species appears to nest almost exclusively on cliffs, and rarely, if ever,
to make any nests in other situations. In a few rare and exceptional cases
this Falcon has been known to construct a nest in trees. Mr. Ord speaks
of its thus nesting among the cedar swamps of New Jersey ; but this fact
has been discredited, and there has been no recent evidence of its thus breed-
ing in that State. Mr. Dall found its nest in a tree in Alaska, but makes no
mention of its peculiarities.

The eggs of this species are of a rounded-oval shape, and range from 2.00
to 2.22 inches in length, and from l.GO to 1.90 in width. Five esfffs, from
Anderson River, have an average size of 2.09 by 1.G5 inclies. An egg from
Mount Tom, Mass., is larger tlian any other I have seen, measui'ing 2.22
inches in length by 1.70 in breadth, and differs in the brigliter coloring and
a larger proportion of red in its markings. The ground is a deep cream-
color, but is rarely visible, being generally so entirely overlaid by markings
as nowhere to appear. In many the ground-color appears to have a reddish
tinge, probably due to the brown markings which so nearly conceal it. In
others, nothing appears but a deep coating of dark ferruginous or chocolate-
brown, not homogeneous, but of varying deptli of coloring, and here and
there deepening into almost blackness. In one egg, from Anderson River,
the cream-colored ground is \-ery apparent, and only sparingly marked with
blotches of a light brown, with a shading of bronze. An egg from tlie cab-
inet of Mr. Dickinson, (jf Springfield, taken on ]\Iouut Tom, Massacliusetts,

■142 NORTH AMEi;iCAX BIRDS.

is boldly blotched with markings of a bright chestuut-browu, varying greatly

in its shadings.

Subgenus ^ S A L O N , Kaup.

^salmi, Kaim', 1829. (Tj-pe, Falco (esalon, Gmelix, = F. lUlwfalco, Gm.)
Hypotrioixhis, AucT. iiec BoiE, 1826, the tyi>e of which is Falco subbxUeo, LlSX.
Vendrofalco, Guay, 1840. (Type, F. (esalon, G.MEL. )

Tliis subgenus contains, apparently, but the single species F. Uthofo.lco,
which is found nearly throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and in different
climatic regions is modified into geographical races. Of the.se, Xorth Amer-
ica possesses three, and Europe one ; they may be distinguished as fol-
lows : —

Species and Races.

F. lithofalco. Second and third quills lonsjest; first usually shorter than,
occasionally cqiial to, or rarely longer than, the fourth. Adult female, and young
of both sexes. Above brownish, varying from pale earth-brown, or umber, to
nearly black, plain, or with obscure transverse spotting of lighter ; tail with five
to eight lighter bands, which, however, are sometimes obsolete, except the ter-
minal one. Beneath ochraceous-white, longitudinally striped with brown or
dusky over the whole surface. Adult jnale (except in var. suckleyi and richnrd-
sonif). Above plumbeous-blue, with darker shaft-streaks; tail with more or
less distinct bands of black, and paler tip. Beneath much as in the female and
young, but stripes usually narrower and more reddish. Wing, 7.20 - 9.00 ; tail,
4.90-6.30; culmen, .45 -.GO; tarsus, 1.30-1.60; middle toe, 1.1.5-1.51.

a. Adult male plumbeous-blue above; sexes very unlike in adult dress.
Female and young without transverse spotting on upper parts.

Adult male. Tail deep plumbeous, tipped with ash, with six transveree
series of dusky spots (which do not to .ch the shaft nor edge of the
feathere) anterior to the subterminal zone, the black of which extends
forward along the edge of the feather. Inner web of the longest
primary with ten transverse spots of white. Streaks on the cheeks
enlarged and blended, forming a conspicuous " mustache." Pectoral
markings linear black. The ochraceous wash deepest across the nape
and breast, and along the sides, and very pale on the tibiifi. Adult
female. Above brownish-plumbeous, the feathers becoming paler
toward their maigins, and with conspicuous black shaft-streaks. Tail
with eight (three concealed) narrow bands of pale fulvous-ashj' ; longest
primary with ten light spots on inner web. Outer webs of primaries
with a few spots of ochraceous. Young. Similar to the 9 adult, but
with a more rusty cast to the plumage, and with more or less distinct
transverse spots of paler on the upper parts. Wing, 7.G0-9.00; tail,
5.10-6.30 ; culmen, .45-.55 ; tarsus, 1.35-1.47 ; middle toe. 1.15-1.35.
Ilab. Europe var. lithofalco.'

1 Falco (.-Esalon) lUlwfalco, var. lithufalco (Gmelix). Accipiter lilhofako, Br.iss. Oni. I, 1760,
349. Falco lithofalco, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 278. ^snlmi lithnfalco, Kavp. Ueb. Talk. Mus.
Senek. 258. Falco rcguhis, Gmel. S. N. 1798, 2S.i. Accipiter (Ksrilon, Biiiss. Orn. I, 1760, 382.
Falco a^ulon, G.melix, S. N. 1789, 284. — Yarkem., Hist. Brit. B., cd. 1S71, 74. Hijpo-
Iriorchis cesalon, Guay, Gen. 1844, .Sp. 10. Falco inlcrtnixtus, D.KVn. Tr. Oni. II, 1800, 141.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS. 243

Adii!t male. Tail lijjlit ash, tipped witli white, and crossed by three or
four nearly coiUinuous narrow bands of black (extending over both
webs, and crossing the shaft), anterior to the broad subterminal zone,
the black of which does not run forward along the edge of the feathers.
Inner web of longest primary with seven to nine transverse spots of
white. Streaks on the cheeks sparse and fine, not condensed into a
"mustache." Pectoral markings broad clear brown. Ochraceous wash
weak across the nape and breast, and along sides, and very deep on the
tibiiB. Adult female. Above plumbeous-umber, without rusty margins
to the feathers, and without conspicuous black shaft-streaks. Tail with
only five (one concealed) narrow bands of pale ochraceous ; outer webs
of primaries without ochraceous spots ; inner web of outer primary
with eight spots of white. Youncj. Like the adult female, but darker.
Wing, 7.90-8.25; tail, 5.15-5.25; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, 1.25.
Hah. Entire continent of North America ; West Indies.

var. c 0 lumbar iti .5
6. Adult male not bluish ? sexes similar ? upper parts with lighter trans-
verse spots.

Adult. Above light grayish-umber, or earth-brown, with more or less
distinct lighter transverse spots : secondaries crossed by three bands of
ochraceous .spots, and outer webs of inner primaries usually with spots
of the same. Tail invariably with six complete and continuous narrow
bands of dull white. Beneath white, witli broad longitudinal markings
of liglit brown, these finer and hair-like on the tibiic and cheeks,
where they are sparse and scattered, not forming a " mustaclie." Toj)
of the head much lighter than the back. Young. Similar, but much
tinged with rusty above, all the white portir>ns inclining to pale ochra-
ceous. Wing, 7.70-9.00; tail, 5.00-6.30; culmen, ..50- .60 ; tarsus,
1.40-1.65; middle toe, 1.20-1.51. Second and third quills longest ;
first equal to fourth, slightly shorter, or sometimes slightly longer.
ffab. Interior plains of North America, between the Mississippi River
and the Rocky Mountains, from the Arctic regions to Texas.

var. (?) richa r dsoni.
c. Adult male not bluish ? sexes similar ? upper parts without transverse
spots, and tail without lighter bands, except at the tip.

Above plain brownish-black ; the tail narrowly tipped with whitish,
but without other markings; inner webs of the primaries without
lighter spots. Beneath pale ochraceous broadly striped with sooty-
black. Wing, 7.35-8.50; tail, 5.25-5.75; culraen, .50 -.55; tarsu.-;,
1.30-1. 02; middle toe, 1.25-1.35. Hab. Northwest coast region
from Oregon to Sitka ........ var. sjickleyi.

Falco envrillus, S.wigxt, Descr. Egj^it, Ft. I, 1809, 100. Falco sibiricus, Shaw, Zool. VII,
1812, 20". Falco ausius, Meter, Tasch. deutsch. Vog. I, 1810. Falco subcesalun, Br.EUM,
Vog. Deutsch. I, 1831, 67.

Hab. Europe and Western Asia ; Iceland.

List of Specimeiis examined. — National JIuseuui, 8 ; Boston Society, 4 ; C'anibridgo Museum,
3 ; New York iluseum, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3. Total, 20.

Mcamrcmcnts. — $. Wing, 7.60-8.00; tail, 5.10-5.30; culmon, .45 -.50; tarsus, 1.35-
1.45; middle toe, 1.15 : specimens, 10. ?. Wing, 8.60 - 9.00 ; tail, 6.00-6.30; culmen,
.52-. 55 ; tarsus, 1.45-1.47 ; middle toe, 1.20-1.25 : specimens, 10.

144 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Palco i^salon lithofalco (Gmelin).

\ :ir. cf>liiin1»arius, Lixx^xs.

PIGEON HAWK; AMERICAN MERLIN.

Falco columbariiis, LiXN. Syst. N.it. 17ti6, p. 128. — Gmel. .Syst. Nat. 1789, p. 281. —
Lath. Ind. Orn. I, 44, 1790; Syn. I, 101, sp. 86; Supp. 1, 27, 1802; Gen. Hist. T,
278, 1821. — D.A.un. Tr. Orn. IT, 83, 1800. —SuAW. Zoiil. VII, 188, 1812. — Wils.
Am. Orn. pi. xv, tig. 3, 1808. —Jard. (Wius.) Am. Orn. I, p. 234, 1808. — Jamks.
(Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 61. — BiiKW. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 683, 1852.— Rich. Faun. Bor.
Am. II, 35, 1831. — AuD. Syn. B. A. p. 16, 1839 ; Orn. Biog. I, 466. — Bo.nap. Ann.
Lye. N. Y. 11, 28 ; Isis, 1832, p. 1136 ; Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 4, 1838. — Xutt. Man.
I, 60, 1833. —Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 322, 1829. — Le.ss. Tr. Orn. p. 92, 1831.—
FoKST. Phil. Trans. LXII, 382, 1772. —Swains. Classif. H. II, p. 212, 1837.—
Jakd. Ann. Nat. Hist. XVllI, 118. — Gos.se, B. Jam. p. 17, 1847. — S.^gra,
Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 23. — Wedderb. Jard. Cont. Orn. 1S49, p. 81. — Hintnis,
Jard. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 6. — De Kay, Zoiil. N. Y. II, 13, pi. iv, f. 9, 1844.—
GiRAiTD, B. Long Isl. p. 17. — Blackist. Ibis, III, 315. Tinnunculus columbarium,
ViElLL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, pi. xi, 1807 ; Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. XII, 104, 1819 ; Enc.
Metli. Ill, 1236, 1823. Htjpolriorchis colutnbarius. Gray, List B. B. Mus. p. 55,
1844; Gen. B. fol. .sp. 11, 1844. — C'A.ss. B. Calif. & Te.x. p. 90, 1854. — WooDir.
(Sitg.) Exp. Zuni & Colorad. p. 60, 1853. — Heerm. P. I!. K. Rept. II, 31, 1855.—
NEwn. P. R. Rept. VI, 74, 1857.- Cass. B. N. Am. p. 9, 1858. — Cooper & Suck.
P. R. R. Rept. XII, 1860, 142. — Cour.s, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. 1866, 6.— Brewer,
Oology, 12. Lithofalco cohanbarius, BoNAP. Consp. Av. p. 26, 1850. ^-Esalon colum-
barius, Kaui', Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. p. 54, 1850. — Gray, Hand List, I, 21, 1869.
Falco obscurus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 281, 1789. — Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 44, 1790 ; Syn.
Snpp. I, 38, 1802 ; Gen. Hist. I, 272, 1821. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, p. 12.3, 1800. Falco
intermixtiis, Daud. Tr. Orn. II, p. 141, 1800. — Lath. Gen. Hist. I, 136, 1821. F.
temerarms, AuD. B. Am. pis. I.\xv, xcii, 1831 ; Orn. Biog. I, 380, 1831. F. auduboni,
Blackw. Res. Zoiil. 1840. Accipitcr pal umbarius, C.\tesb. Carol. I, pi. iii, 1754.

Sp. Char. AduU male. Above cinereous, varying in .'^hade, but generally of a slatj'-
bluish cast ; each feather with a distinct shafl-.streak of black, these lines most conspicuous
on the head above. Tail with a very broad .subterniinal band of black, about one inch in
width; there are indications of three other bands, their continuity and di.stinction vary-
ing with the individual, but generally quite conspicuou.', and each about li.ilf the width of
the terminal one ; the subterminal black band is succeeded by a terminal one of white,
of about three-sixteenths of an inch in width, sometimes broa<ler ; on the lafcr.il feathers
the black bauds are always conspicuous, being in form of transverse olilong spots, crossing
the shaft, but le.-is extended on the outer web, which is often immaculate except at the
end, the broad terminal band always extending to the edge of the feather. Primaries
dusky-black, margined terminally more or less distinctly with whitish (sometimes fading
on the edge only) ; on tlie inner web is a series of about eight transverse oval spots of
white, and generallj' corresponding to these are indications of bluish-ashy spots on the
outer web. Beneath white, tliis purest on the throat, which is immaculate : there is
generally a more or less strong tinge of fulvous beueatli, this always prevalent on the
tibias, and on a distinct collar extending round the nape, interrupting the blue above ;
the tibise frequently incline to ochraceous-rufous. Lateral portions of the head with fine
streaks of dusky, these thickest on upper edge of the ear-coverts, leaving a distinct
whitish .superciliary streak, those of opposite sides meeting on the forehead. Breast,
up]ier part of the abdomen, sides, and flanks, with longitudinal stripes of umber, each
with a shaft-streak of bhi<;k ; on the Hanks their shape is modified, here taking the form

1"A LCoy. 1 D,K — Til K V\ Lt'ON S,

145

of spots running in chain-lilco series; tibiro witii narrower and darker streaks; lower tail-
coverts with narrow central streaks like those on the tibiiB. Frequently there is a strong
bluish shade on flanks and lower tail-coverts, sometimes replacing the brown of the spots
on the former, and clouding in a similar form the latter. Length, 11.00; extent, 23.75;
wing, 7.75.

Adult female. Pattern of coloration as in the male, bnt the colors different. The blue
above replaced by dailv umber-brown with a plumbeous cast, and showing more or less
distinct darker shaft-lines; these ou the head above very broad, giving a streaked appear-
ance ; white spots oil inner webs of primaries more oohraceons than in the male. Tail
dark plumbeous-brown, shading into blackish toward end, with five rather narrow
ochraccous or soiled white bars, the first of which is concealed by the ujiper coverts, the
last terminal. White beneath, less tinged with reddish than in the male, the tibi;e not
difierent from the other portions; markings Ijeneath as in the male.

Juv. Above plumbeous-brown, tinged with fnlvous on head, and more or less washed
with the same on the rump ; frequently the feathers of the l^ack, rump, scapulars, and
wings pass into a reddish tinge at the edge; this color is, however, always prevalent on
the head, which is conspicuously .streaked witli dusky. Tail plumbeoiis-dnsky, darker
terminally, with five regular light bars, those toward the base ashy, as they approach the
end becoming more ochraceous; these bars are more continuous and regular than in the
adult female, and are even conspicuous on the middle feathers. Primaries dusky, passing
on edge (terminally) into lighter ; spots on the inner webs broader than in the female, and
pinkish-ochre ; outer webs with less conspicuous corresponding spots of the same. Beneath
soft ochraceous ; spots as in adult female, but less sharply defined ; tibi;c not darker than
abdomen.

H.\D. Entire continent of North America, south to Venezuela and Ecuador; West
India Islands.

Localities: Ecuador (high regions in winter, Sci,. P. Z. S. 1858, 451) ; Cuba (Cab.
Jour. II, Ixxxiii, Gundlaeh, Sept. 18U5, 225) ; Tobago (.Taro. Ann. Mag. 110) ; S.
Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 323, breeding ?) ; W. Arizona (Coues, Pr. A. N. S. 18G6, 42) ;
Costa Rica (Lawii. IX, 134) ; Venezuela (ScL. & Salv. 1SG9, 252).

LIST OF SPf:CIMEXS EXA.MINED.

National Muiseum, 42; Boston Society, 11; Philadelphia Academy, 10; Museum
Comp. Zool., 7 ; New York Museum, 3 ; G-. N. Lawrence, 2 ; R. Ridgway, 4. Total, 79.

Measurements.

Sex.

Wmg.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

MiMle Toe.

Specimens.

9

7.20-7.90
8.00 - 8.55

4.90-5.50
5.50 - G.OO

.48 -.50
.55 - .60

1.30-1.40
1.55-1.60

1.15-1.25

1.35-

34
32

The plumage of the adult male, which is not as often seen as that of the
younger stages and adnlt female, is represented in tlie Smithsonian Collec-
tion by fifteen specimens, from various parts of North America. Of tliese,
an example from Jamaica exliibits tlie purest shades of color, though agree-
ing closely with some specimens from the interior of the United States ; the
cinereous above being very fine, and of a liglit bluish cast. The upper tail-
coverts are tipped with white ; the tail is a quarter of an inch longer tlian
in any North American specimen, one half-inch longer than the average ;
the wing, however, is about tlie same.
19

VOL. III.

146

NORTH AMKiaCAX BIRDS.

A specimen from Ranta Clara, California (4,475, Dr. J. C.. Cooper), like
most of those from tlic Pacific coast, has the cinereous very darlc above, while
beneath the ochraceous is everywhere prevalent ; tlie ilanks are strongly
tinged with blue; tlu' black bars of the tail are nuu-li Innkcu ami irregular.
A specimen from Jamaica (24,.309, Spanish Town ; W. T. WarchJ, however,
is even darker than this one, the stripes beneath being almost pure black ;
on the tail black prevails, although the bands are very regular. Nos. 27,061,
Fort Good Hope, British America, 43,136, Fort Yukon, Alaska, and 51,305,
Mazatlan, ]\Iexico, have the streaks beneath narrow and linear ; the ochra-
ceous confined to the tibiae, which are of a deep shade of this color.

Falco columbarius-

A specimen from Nicaragua (Xo. 40,957, Chinandega) is like North
American examples, but the reddish tinge beneath is scarcely discernible,
and confined to the tibiae which are but faintly ochraceous ; the markings
beneath are broad and deep umber, the black shaft-streak distinct.

In the adult female there is as little variation as in the male in plumage,
the shade of brown aliove varying slightly, also the yellowish tinge beneath ;
the l>ars on the tail difl'er in continuity and tint in various specimens,
although they are always five in number, — the first concealed by the coverts,
the last terminal. In 19,382, Fort Simpson, British Anieiiia, and 2,706,
Yukon, B. Am. (probably very old birds), the light bars are continuous and
pale dull ashy.

The young vary about the same as adults. Xos. 19,381, Big Island, Great
Slave Lake; 5,483, Petalu ma, California ; and 3,7G0, Bacine, Wisconsin, —

FALCUMD.E — THE FALCUXS. 147

are young males mnulting, scattered feathers appearing on tlie upper parts
indicating the future blue plumage.

Vnr. Buckloyu Rn>GWAT.
BLACK MERLIN.

Sp. Cn.VR. A miniature of F. peregrinus, var. pealei. Above, uniform fuliginons-black,
the secondaries and tail-featlior.^ very narrowly lint sharply tipped with white, and the
primaries i)assing into wdiitish on their terminal margin ; nuchal region with concealed
spotting of pale rusty or dingy whitish. Beneath, longitudinally striped with fuliginous-
black, or dark sooty-brown, and pale ochraceous; tlie former predominating on the breast,
the latter prevailing on the throat and anal region. Sides and flanks nearly uniform
dusky, with roundish white spots on both webs; lower tail-coverts with a broad .sagittate
spot of dusky on each feather. Lining of the wing fuliginous-dusky, with sparse, small
roundish spots of white. Inner webs of primaries plain dusky, without spots, or else
with them only faintly indicated. Tail plain dusky-black, narrowly tipped with white,
and without any bands, or else with them only faintly indicated.

Male (No. 4,477, Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory ; J. G. Cooper). Wing, 7.35 ;
tail, .5.25 ; culmen, .50 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe, 1.25.

Female (No. 5,832, Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, September, 185G ; Dr.
George Suckley). Wing, 8.50 ; tail, 5.70 ; culmen, .55 ; tarsus, 1.G2 ; middle toe, 1.35.

Hab. Coast region of Northern Cahfornia, Oregon, and Washington Territory (prob-
ably northward to Alaska). Puget Sound, Steilacoom, Yreka, California (Oct.), and
Shoalwater Bay (^National Museum).

The plumage of this race is the chief point wlierein it differs from tlie
other forms of the species; and in its peculiarities we find just what should
be expected from the Oregon region, merely representing as it does the melan-
istic condition so frec^uently observable in birds from tlie northwest coast.

The upper parts are unicolored, being continuous blackish-plumbeous from
head to tail. The tail is tipped with white, but the bars are very faintly
indicated, being in No. 4,499 altogether wanting, while in 21,3.33 they can
scarcely be discovereil, aial only four are indicated ; in the others there is
the usual number, but they are very obsolete. In No. 4,499, the most
extreme exampli;, the sjiots on the inner webs of the primaries are also
wanting ; the sides of the head are very thickly streaked, the black predomi-
nating, leaving the superciliary stripe ill-defined ; the throat is streaked,
and the other dark markings beneath are so exaggerated that they cover aU
portions, and give the prevailing color ; the under tail-coverts have broad
central cordate black spots.

Another specimen from this region (4,476, Puget Sound) is similar, but the
spots on primaries are conspicuous, as in examples of the typical style ;
indeed, except in the most extreme cases, these spots wiU always be found
indicated, leading ns to the unavoidable conclusion that the specimens in
question represent merely the fuliginous condition of the common species ;
not the condition of melanism, hut the peculiar darkened plumage charac-
teristic of many birds of the northwest coast, the habitat of the jiresent

148

KORTII A.MKIUCAX BIRDS.

bird ; it sliould then be considered as rather a geographical race, co-equal to
the Falco gurfcilco, var. lahradora, F. pcrcgriuus, var. 2'>colci, and other forms,
and not conl'ovinded witli the individual condition of melanism, as seen in
certain species of Biitcones.

National Museum

LIST

,6.

OF SPKCIMESS F.XAMIXF.D.

Measuremerds.

Sex.
J

9

wing.

7.35 - 7.70
8.25-8.50

TaU.

Oilmen.

IhrjiM.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

5.25-5.60
5.70-5.80

.48 -.50
.55 - .60

1.30-1.45
1.50 - 1.60

1.20- .
1.35-1.40

3

3 !

Second quill longest; first quill equal to, a little .shorter than, or a little longer than,
the fourth.

Tar. ricliardsoili. liiriGwiY

RICHARDSON'S MERLIN.

Falco (ssalon, KicH. & SwAixs. F. B. \. U, pi. x.xv, 1S31. — Nutt. Man. Oin. II, 55S. —
CouE-s, P. A. N. S. Pliilad. 1866, p. 42 (hi text). Falco {Hypolriorclm) ricliardsoni,
KiDGw.w, P. A. N. S. Pliilad. Dec. 1870, 145. Falco ricliardsoni, CouEs, Key, 1872,
p. 214.

Sp. Char. Adult male like the female and young? The known stages of plumage
more like the adult female and young of var. lilhofalco (F. a:salon, AucT.) than like var.
columharius.

Adult male (Smithsonian, No. 5,171, mouth of the Vermilion River, near the Missouri,
October 25, 1856; Lieutenant Warren, Dr. Hayden). Upper plumage dull earth-brown,
each feather gravish-umber centrally, and with a conspicuous black sliaft-line. Head
above approaching ashy-white anteriorly, the black shaft-streaks being verj' conspicuous.
Secondaries, primarj' coverts, and primaries margined terminally with dull white ; the pri-
mary coverts with two transverse series of pale ochraceous spots ; outer webs of primaries
with spots of the same, corresponding with those on the inner webs. Upper tail-coverts
tipped, and spotted beneath the surface, with white. Tail clear drab, much lighter than
the primaries, but growing darker terminally, having basally a slightly ashy cast; cro.ssed
with six sharply defined, perfectly continuous bands (the last terminal) of a.shy-wliite.
Head, frontally, laterally, and beneath, — a collar around the nape (interrujiting the brown
above), — and the entire lower part«, white, somewhat ochraceous, this most perceptible
on the tibia; ; cheeks and ear-coverts with sparse, fine hair-like streaks of black ; nuchal
collar, jugulum, breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks with a medial linear strijie of clear
ochre-brown on each feather ; these stripes broadest on the Hanks ; each stripe witli a
conspicuously black sliaft-streak ; tibiie and lower tail-coverts with fine shaft-streaks of
brown, like the broader stripes of the other portions. Chin and throat, only, immaculate.
Lining of the wing spotted with ochraceous-white and brown, in about equal amount,
the former in spots approaching the shaft. Inner webs of primaries with transverse broad
bars of pale ochraceous, — eight on the longest. Wing-lbrmula, 2, 3-4, 1. Wing, 7.70 ;
tail, 5.00; culmen, .50 ; tarsu.sl.30; middle toe, 1.25 ; outer, .85 ; inner, .70; posterior, .50.

Adult female (58,983, Berthond's Pa.ss, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Territory ; Dr. F.
V. Hayden, James Stevenson). Differing in coloration from the male only in the points
of detail. Ground-color of the upper parts clear grayish-drab, the feathers with con-
spicuously black shafts; all the feathers with pairs of rather indistinct rounded ochraceous

FALCONID-E — THE FALCONS.

149

spots, these most conspicuous on the wings and scapulars. Secondaries crossed with
throe bands of deeper, more reddish ocliraceous. Bands of the tail pure white. In other
respects e.xactly as in the male. Winsr-forinula, 3, 2-i-l. Wing, 9.00; tail, 6.10;
culmen, .m; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, 1.51.

Ynunt/ male (40,510, Fort Rice, Dacotah, July 20, 18G5 ; Brig.-Ocu. AHrmI Sully, U. S. A.,
S. M. Rothammer). Diliering from the adult only in minute details. Upper surface with the
rusty borders of the feathers more wiushed over the general surface; the rusty-oehi-aceous
forms the ground-color of the head, — paler anteriorly, \\-here the black shaft-streaks are
very conspicuous ; spots on the primary coverts and primaries deep reddish- ochraceous ;
tail-bauds broader than in the adult, and more reddish ; the terminal one twice as broad
as the rest (.40 of an inch), and almost cream-color in tint. Beneath pale ocliraceous,
this deepest on the breast and sides ; markings as in the adult, but anal region and lower
tail-coverts immaculate ; the shaft-streaks on the tibiie, also, scarcely discernible. Wing,
7.00 ; tail, 4.G0.

Hab. Interior regions of North America, between the Mississippi Valley and the
Rocky Mountains, from Texas to the Arctic regions.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum. 10; Museum Comp. Zool., 2; R. Ridgway, 3. Total, 15.

M^easurements.

SeT.

Wing.

Tail. Culmen.

Tarsus.

MiMle Toe.

Specimens.

9

7-75-8.60
8.50-9.00

5.70-6.00
6.00 - 6.30

.50 -.60
.55 - .58

1.42 - 1.55

1.55 - 1.G5

1.20-1.30
1.35-1.40

8
7

Since originally describing tins bird, I have seen additional e.xamples, and
still consider it as an easily recognized race, not at all diliicidt to distingui.sh
ivom coli(mbarii(s. Xow, however, I incline strongly to the theory that it
represents merely the light form of the central prairie regions, of the common
species ; since its characters seem to be so analogous to those of tlie races
of Butco horcalis and Bubo rmjinianu-s of the same country. It is doubtful
whether some very light-colored adult males, supposed to belong to colum-
hcirius, as restricted, should not in reality be referred to this race, as the
adult plumage of the male. But having seen no adult males from the region
inliabited by the present bird obtained in the breeding-season, I am still in
doubt whether the present form ever assumes the blue plumage.

As regards tlie climatic or regional modifications experienced by the
Fulco liihufcdco on the American continent, the following summary of facts
expresses my present views upon the subject. First : examples identical in
all respects, or at least presenting no variations beyond those of an individual
character, may be found from very widely separated localities ; but the
theory of explanation is, that individuals of one race may become scattered
during their migrations, or wander off from their breeding-places. Second :
the Atlantic region, the region of the plains, and the region of the nortli-
west coast, have each a peculiar race, characterized by features wliicli are
also distinctive of races of other birds of the same region, Tiamely, very
dark — X\\o dark tints intensified, and their area extended — in tln^ nortli-

150 xoiiTii A.\ii;i:icA.\ birds.

west coast region ; verj' light — the light mavkings extended and multiplied
— in the nii(hlle region ; and intermediate in the Atlantic region.

Habits. The distribution of the well-known Pigeon Hawk is very nearly
coextensive with the wliole of North America. It is found in the breed-
ing-season :xs I'ar to tlie north as Fort Anderson, on the Anderson and JSIc-
Ivenzie rivers, ranging even to the Arctic coast. Specimens were taken l)y
Mr. Eoss at Lapierre House and at Fort Good Hope. Several specimens
were taken by Mr. Uall at Nulato, where, he states, it is found all the year
round. They were also taken by IMschoff at Kodiak. During the breeding-
season it is found as far south as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the
northern portions of Maine, and probably Vermont and New York. It is
abundant on the Pacific coast.

In the winter months it is to be met with tlirougliout the more temperate
portions of North America, in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South
America. Dr. Woodhouse mentions finding this species very abundant es-
pecially among the wooded banks of watercourses throughout Texas, New
Mexico, and the Indian Territory.

Mr. March states that tliis Hawk is a permanent resident in the island
of Jamaica, more frequently found among the hills than on the plains, and
has been known to breed there. It is a visitant of Cuba. Dr. Cooper thinks
they are not very common in Washington Territory, though, as they are
found there throughout the summer, they undoubtedly breed there. In Au-
gust, 1855, Dr. Cooper shot one of a small family of j'oung that had but
recently left their nest. They migrate southward in winter, and are abini-
dant in California in Octoljer and November.

Dr. Suckley found them abundant about Fort Steilacoom early in August.
Near Puget Sound tliis species is thought to breed in the recesses of the
Cascade Mountains, only coming down upon the open plains late in the
summer. Dr. Newberiy found it paired and nesting about the Klamath
Lakes, and states that it also occupies all the region south of tiie Columbia,
in Oregon. Mr. Dresser states that he Ibund this Falcon common about
Bexar and the adjoining counties during the entire year, and that tlie}^ occa-
sionally breed near the INIedina Eiver. I have been unable to find any
satisfactory evidence that this Hawk ever breeds in any part of Jlassachu-
setts, or any\^•he^e south of the 44tb parallel in the Eastern States, except,
perhaps, in mountainovis regions.

This Hawk is remarkable for its rapid flight, and its courage and its enter-
prise in attacking birds as large as or even larger than itself, though generally
it only preys upon smaller birds, such as Grakles, lied-winged Blackbirds,
IJobins, and Pigeons. Dr. Cooper states that having been attracted by an
unusual screaming of some bird close to the house, he was surprised to find
that one of these Ha\\ks had just seized upon a Flicker, a bird as large as
itself, the weiglit of which liad bronglit it to the ground, and which it
continued to hold in its claws even after it had been mortally wounded.

KALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 151

Dr. Heerinann once found one of these birds just preparing to fc^ed on a
large and plump California Partridge.

In Tamaulipas, ^Me.xico, where Lieutenant Couch found it quite conunon,
he speaks of it as being very quiet, tlyiug but little, and generally watching
for its (piarry from the limb of a dry tree. Mr. Audubon makes no mention
of any peculiarities of liabits. JNIr. Nuttall was evidently uufamiliar with
it, stating it to be unkuown in Xew England, and a resi<lent of the Southern
States only.

In Nova Scotia, Mr. iJownes speaks of it as conunon, breeding in all the
wooded parts of the country. It is said to lie not troublesome to the farmer,
but to feed upon the smaller birds. He mentions that once, on his voyage
to Boston, one of these birds Hew aboard and allowed itself to be captured,
and was kept alive and fed readily, but soon after escaped.

Mr. B. E. Ross, in his notes on the birds and nests obtained by him in the
country about Fort Eesolution, Lapierre House, and Good Hojie, mentions
this bird as the most common of the true Falcons iu that district, where it
ranges to the Arctic coast. Its nest is said to be composed of sticks, grass,
and moss, and to be built generally in a thick tree, at no great elevation.
'J'lie eggs, he adds, are from five to seven in number, 1.60 inches in length
by 1.20 in breadth. Their ground-color he describes as a light reddish-buff,
clouded with deep chocolate and reddish-brown blotches, more thickly
spread at tlie larger end of the egg, where the under tint is almost entirely
concealed by them. This description is given from three eggs procured with
their parent at Fort Eesolution.

From Mr. MacFarlane's notes, made from his observations in the Anderson
Eiver country, we gather tliat one nest was ibund on the ledge of a cliff of
shaly luud on the banks of the Anderson Eiver ; another nest was on a pine-
tree, eight or nine feet from the ground, and conrposed (jf a few dry willow-
twigs and some half-decayed hay, etc. It was within two lumdred yards of
the river-Viank. A third nest was in the midst of a small bushy branch of a
l)ine-tree, and was ten feet from tlie groiind. It was composed of coarse
liay, lined with some of a finer equality, but was far from being well arranged.
-Mr. 'MacFarlane was confident that it had never been used before by a Crow
or by any other bird. The oviduct of the female contained an egg ready to
be laid. It was colored like the otliers, but the shell was still soft, and ad-
liered to the fingers on being touched. In another instance the eggs were
found on a ledge of shale in a cliff on the bank, without anything under
them in the way of lining. He adds that they are even more abundant
along the lianks of the IMcKenzie than on tlie Anderson Eiver.

Mr. MacFarlane narrates that on the 25tli of May an Indian in liis em-
ploy found a nest placed in the midst of a pine branch, six feet from the
ground, loosely made of a few dry sticks and a small quantity of coarse hay.
It then contained two eggs. Both parents were seen, but wlien fired at ^\•ere
missed. On the olst he revisited the nest, which still contained only two

152 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

eggs, and again missed the birds. Tie again went to the nest, several days
after, to secure tlic parents, and was much surprised to find tiiat tlie eggs
were gone. His first supposition was tliat some other person had taken
tliem, but, after looiving carei'ully about, he perceived botli birds at a short
distance ; and tliis caused him to institute a search, which soon resulted in
his finding tliat tlie eggs had been removed by them to the face of a mudd)'
bank at least forty yards distant from tlie original nest. A few decayed
leaves had been placed uudrr them, but nothing else in the way of protec-
tion. A (bird egg had been added since his previous examination. These
facts jMr. MacFarlane carefully investigated, and vouches for their entire
accuracy.

Another nest, containing four eggs, was on the ledge of a slialy cliff, and
was comjiosed of a very few decayed leaves placed under tlie eggs.

"Mr. 11. Kennicott found a nest, June l^, 18(30, in which incubation had
already commenced. It w:is about a foot in diameter, was liuilt against the
trunk of a poplar, and its base was composed of sticks, the upper parts con-
sisting of mosses and fragments of bark.

Mr. Audubon mentions finding three nests of this bird in Labrador, in
each of which there were five eggs. These nests were placed on the top
branches of the low firs peculiar to that country, composed of sticks, and
slightly lined with moss and a few featlun-s. He describes the eggs as 1.75
inches long, and 1.1*5 broad, with a dull yellowish-brown ground-color,
thickly clouded witli irregular blotches of dark reddish-brown. One was
found in the begiiiiiiiig of July, just ready to hatch. The young are at
first covered with a yellowisli down. The old birds are saitl to evince great
concern respecting their eggs or young, remaining about them and manifest-
ing all the tokens of anger and vexation of the most courageous species.
A nest of this Hawk (S. I. 7,127) was taken at St. Stephen, N. B., by ^Ir.
AV. F. Hall ; and another (S. I. 15,546) in the Walisatch Mountains, by Mr.
Ricksecker. The latter possibly belonged to the var. richardsoni.

The nest of this bird Ibuiul in Jamaica by Air. Alarch was constructed on
a lofty tree, screened by thick foliage, and was a mere platform of sticks
and grass, matted with soft materials, such as leaves and grasses. It con-
tained four eggs, described as "round-oval or spherical" in shape, measuring
" 1..38 by l.lo inches, of a dull elnyish-white, marked with sepia and burnt
umber, confluent dashes and splashes, irregularly distributed, jirineipally
about the middle and the larger end." Four others, taken from a nest in
the St. Johns Alountains, were oblong-oval, about the same size and nearly
covered with chocolate and umber blotches. Air. March thinks they belong
to different species.

Mr. Hutchius, in his notes on the birds of Hudson's Bay, states that this
species nests on rocks or in hollow trees ; that the nest consists of sticks and
grass, lined with feathei-s ; and describes the eggs as white, thinly marked
with red spots. In the oviduct of a Hawk wliieh Dr. Bichardson gives as

FAT.Ci^XTD.T; — TTTE KA I,( ONS. 1 53

Falco (csidoii, were found "several rull-sizeil wliite eggs, clouded at one end
by a few hronze-colured spots." A nest was found by Mr. Clieney at Cfrand
Menan, from wliioli he shot wliat he iiresunied to be tlw, parent bird of tliis
species. Its four eggs agreeil with tlie descriptions given by Hutchins and
Eichardson niucli nu)re nearly than with the eggs of this species. The eggs
found by Mr. Cheney may liave been \-ery small eggs of A. coopcri, in which
case the presence of the coluvibarius on the nest cannot be so easily ex-
plained.

Three eggs, two from Aiulerson River and one from Crreat Slave Lake,
range from 1.5:) to 1.60 inches in length, and from 1.20 to 1.22 in breadth,
their average measurements being 1.5G by 1.21. They have a ground-color
of a rich reddish-cream, very generally co\-ered with blotches anil finer
markings of reddish-brown, deej^ening in ]>laces almost into blackness, and
varying greatly in the dei)th of its shading, witli a few lines of black. In
one the red-brown is largely replaced by very tine markings of a yellowish
sepia-brown, so generally diffused as to conceal the ground and give to it
the appearance of a light buff. Mr. Eidgway, after a careful analysis of the
varying markings and sizes of twenty-one eggs, has kindly given the fol-
lowing : —

" Extremes of twenty-one eggs (mainly from Forts Yukon, Anderson, Eeso-
lution, and MacKenzie rivers) : largest (10,687, Yukon, June), 1.75 X 1.28 ;
smallest (8,808, Anderson Eiver, June), 1.55 X 1.20. The ground-color varies
from creamy-white to deep piu'plish-rufous, there being one egg (4,090, Great
Slave Lake, June 6, 1860) entirely and uniforndy of the latter color ; the
lightest egg (normally marked, 2,663, Saskatchewan) is creamy-white, thickly
sprinkled with dilute and deep shades uf sepia-brown, thickly on large end,
and sparsely, as well as more finely, on the smaller end. Tlie markings vary
in color from dilute indian-red to blackish-chestnut.

" H. richardsoiii is larger than colurnbarms, and probably has a larger egg.
There are no eggs such as Eichardson describes in the series of cohimharius
in the Smithsonian Collection."

The var. rivhurdtioni was recognized by Richardson as distinct from the
more connnon columharms ; and a single specimen, killed at Carlton House,
and submitted to Swainson, was pronounced by him, beyond doubt, identical
with the common Merlin of Europe. Other specimens have since been
procured, and are now in the Smithsonian Collection. They are recognized
by Mr. Eidgway as identical with Eichardson's bird, but (juite distinct from
the j^scdon of authors. He has named the species in honor of its first dis-
coverer. Of its history ami habits little is known. A single pair were
seen by Richardson in the neighborhood of Carlton House, in May, 1827,
and the female was shot. In the oviduct there were several full-sized white
eggs, clouded at one end with a few bronze-colored spots. Another speci-
men, jirobably also a female, was shot at the Sault St. Marie, between Lakes
Huron and Superior, but this was not preserved.

vol,. III. 20

154

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Mr. Plntcliins, in lii.s notes on the Hiidson'.s Bay birds, states that the
Pigeon Hawk " makes its nest on the rocks and in liollow trees, of sticks
and grass, lined with feathers, laying from two to four white eggs, thinly
marked with red spots." As Hutchins has been found to be generally quite
accurate in his statements, and as this description does not at all apply
either to the nest or tlie eggs of the columbarhis, it is quite possible that lie
may have mistaken this sjiecies for tlie Pigeon Hawk, and tliat this descrip-
tion of eggs and nests belongs not to columharius, but to richardsoni.

Subgenus RHYNCHOFALCO, Ridgway.

Species.

F. femoralis. Wing, 9.30-11.60; tail, G..30 - 8.80 ; culmen, .60 -.80; tarsus, 1.62-
2.00; niiddle tOL', l.ljj-].70. Second and third quills longest; first equal to or shorter
than fourth. Adult (sexes similar). Above uniform plumbeous, the secondaries broadly
tipped with whitish. Tail darker terminally, crossed by about eight narrow, continuous
bands of white, and tipped with tlie same. A broad postocular stripe, middle area of

420T6,^.

c^

the anriculars, and entire throat and jugulum, white, nnvariegated ; the latter with a
semicircular outline posteriorly, and the former changing to orange-rufous on the occiput,
where the stripes of the two sides are confluent. Sides entirely uniform blackish (con-
fluent on the middle of the abdomen), with narrow bars of white ; posterior lower parts
immaculate light ochraceou.<:. Young .similar, but the jugulum with longitudinal stripes
of blackish. Hah. Whole of Tropical America, exclusive of the West Indies, north to
the southern border of the United States.

FALC0XIDJ5 — THK FALCONS. ]^55

Palco (Rhynchofalcoi femoralis, TEsnnxcK.

APLOMADO FALCON.

Falco femoralis, Temm. PI. Col. 121, 343, 1S24. — Srix, Av. Braz. I, 18 (quot. PI. CI. 121);
1S24. — ViG. Zobl. Jouin. I, 339. — Steph. Zobl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 3i), lS2t>. — Le.ss.
Man. Ora. I, 79, 1828 ; Ti-. Oin. p. 89, 1831. — Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 322, 1817.
— SW.A.IN.S. Clas.sU'. B. II, 212, 1837. — Noud.m. Erin. Eeis. urn die Eide, Atl. p. 16.—
Br.iUG. Proc. Zool. Soc. pt. 11, p. 109; Ann. Nat. Hist. XIII, 499. — D'Okb. Voy.
Am. Merid. Av. p. 116, 1835. — TscuuDi, Consp. Av. Wieg. Arch. 1844, p. 266 ;
Faun. Per. p. 108, 1844. — C.iss. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1855, p. 178. — Stkickl.
Oni. Syn. I, 88, 1855. Brewer, Oology, 1857, 14, pi. iii, f. 22. Hijjmlriorchis
femoralis, Gn.iY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 13, 1S44 ; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 56, 1844. — Hartl.
Syst. Ind. Azar. p. 3, 1847. —Cass. B. N. Am. p. 11, 1858. — CouEs, Pr. Ac. Nat.
Sc. Phil. 7, 1866. —Gray, Hand List, I, 21, 1869. Falco fuseoccerukscens, Vieill.
Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. XI, 90, 1819. Falco cijanesceiis, Vieill. Euc. Mah. Ill,
1234 (No. 40, Azara, juv. teste, Hartl.). Falco thoracicus. Light. Verz. Doubl. p.
62, 1823.

Sp. Char. Adult (sexes similar). Above uniform plumbeous, .secondaries broadly
whiti-sh at ends; tail with continuous narrow bands of white. A postocular, broad
stripe (changing to reddish on nape, where tlie two of opposite sides are confluent), mid-
dle area of auriculars, and entire throat and jugulum, white, unvariegated. Sides entirely
uniform blackish (confluent on middle of abdomen), with narrow bars of white; posterior
lower parts light ochraceous, immaculate. <J. Wing, 9.90; tail, 6.70; tarsus, 1.B2;
middle toe, L45. ?. Wing, 1L30; tail, 7.80; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1..5.5.

Young. Similar to the adult, but with broad longitudinal stripes of blackish on the
breast.

Adult mn?e (No. 30,896, Mirador, E. Mexico; Dr. C. Sartorius). Above brownish-
slate, becoming gradually darker anteriorly, the head above being pure dark plumbeous;
on the rump and upper tail-coverts the tint inclines to fine cinereous. Secondaries pass-
ing very conspicuously into white terminally ; primaries plumbeous-dusky, their inner
webs with (the longest with twelve) very regular, narrow, transverse bars of white (the
outer web plain). Lining «f the wing white (becoming more ochraceous toward the
edge) ; under coverts barred and serrated with dusky, the white, however, predominating.
Tail black, basally with a perceptible plumbeous cast; crossed with eight narrow, trans-
verse bands of white, — the first two of which are concealed by the coverts, the last
terminal and about .27 of an inch in width ; the rest are narrower, diminishing in
widtli as they approach the base. Upper tail-coverts bordered terminally with ashy-
white, the longer with one or two transverse bars of the same. Forehead (narrowly)
white, this extending down across the lores to the angle of the mouth ; a broad, con-
spicuous supraoral stripe, originating above the middle of the eye, and running back
above the ear-coverts to the occiput (where the two of opposite sides are confluent),
white, more fulvous-orange on the occiput ; a broad dark plumbeous stripe running from
the posterior angle of the eye back over upper edge of ear-coverts, and continuing
(broadly) down the side of the neck ; another, but much smaller one, of similar color,
starting at lower border of bare suborbital space, passing downward acroi;s the cheeks,
forming a " mustache," leaving the middle area of the ear-coverts, the chin, throat, and
whole breast, white, the pectoral portion defined with a semicircular outline posteriorly.
Broad area covering the sides of the breast, sides, and flanks (meeting rather narrowly
across the upper part of the abdomen), black, with narrow, rather indistinct, transverse
bars of white. Femorals, tibiae, abdomen, aual region, and lower tail-coverts fine oclira-

156 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

ceous-nifous, palest posteriorh-, th<> wliolc lefrion immaculato. Wing-formula, 3, 2- 4- 1,
5. ^^"mg, 9.90; tail, 6.70; tarsus, 1.U2 ; middle toe, 1.45.

Adult 9 (42,07C, ilirador; Sartorius). Similar to the male in almo.st every respect.
Plumbeous above rather darker and more unilbrm, although the dill'erence is scarcely
perceptible. Secondaries more broadly tipped with white, and upper tail-coverts more
conspicuously barred with the same. White bars of the black areas beneath scarcely
observable. Tail with eight white bars, as in the male longest primary with fourteen
white bars on inner web of longest. Wing-formula, 3, 2 - 4 - 5 = 1. Whig, 11.30; tail.
7.80; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.5.5.

Juv. a (intermediate stage). ^ (37,334, Mazatlan, W. Mexico ; Col. A. J. Gi-a3-son).
Plumbeous above darker and more brownish, uniform fi-om rump to head, the former
strongly tinged with rusty, this bordering the feathers. Tail darker and more brownish;
white bars ten in number, instead of eight, narrower, and tinged with brownish; longest
primary with thirteen bars of white on inner web. Lining of the wing black, leaving
only a broad ochraceous stripe along the edge ; feathers of the black portion with small
circular white spots along their edges. Breast strongly tinged with ochraceous, and with
large longitudinal blotches of black of cuneate form, and so crowded as to give almost
the predominating color; the black patches lack entirely the white bars. Wing-formula,
3=2-4-1-5. Wing, 10.00 ; tail, 7.20.

9 (55,019, Mazatlan, Grayson). Similar to the last, but lacking the rusty tinge on
the rump ; tail with eight white bars, as in the adult ; pectoral stripes narrower and less
numerous than in the preceding, and white bars distinguishable on the black areas. Wing-
formula, 3, 2 -4 - 1 - .5. Wing, 11.30 ; tail, 8.20.

6 (first 2>himage). ^ (45,693 and 49,508. Buenos Ayres, Conchitas ; William H.
Hudson). Similar to immature male (37,334). Above dull umber-drab, darker on
the head ; feathers of back, scapular, rump, and wings foding on edges ; rump much
tinged with rusty, this bordering the feathers. Tail with nine very obsolete, narrow,
dull white bars, these not touching the edge of the feather on either web. Longest
primary with ten transverse white bars on inner web. Beneath pale ochraceous, almost
as deep anteriorly as posteriorly; dark areas restricted to a large patch on each side, and
dull dark brown (very similar to the wings), instead of black, and scarcely varied ; breast
and upper part of abdomen (between the blackisli lateral patches) with large longitudinal
cune.ite blotches of the same. " Winter visitor."

Hab. Whole of South America ; northward through Central America and Mexico,
across the Rio Grande, into Texas and New Mexico.

Localities: Guatemala (Scl. Ibis, 1, 219) ; Cathagena (Cassin, Pr. An. N. S. 1800, 132) ;
La Plata (Bur.m. Reise, 437) ; Mexiana (Set. & Salv. 1867, 590) ; Brazil (Pelz. O. Bras.
I, 4J ; Buenos Ayres (Scl. & Salv. 1868, 143) ; Chile (Puilippi) ; W. Peru (Sol. &
Salv. 1858, 570; 1869, 155); A'enezuela (Scl. & S.vlv. 1809, 252).

A .specimen from Paraguay (58,738, <? ? Capt. T. J. Page, U. S. N.) has
the skty above lighter than in the Mirador male, approaching to ash. The
white bars on the l)lack side-patches are very numerous and regular ; the
^vhite of the forehead is more sharply defined, and the deep rufescent-ochre
of the posterior portion of the postocular stripe is even deeper than that of
the tibia?, etc. ; the breast has a few narrow blackish streaks. The bars on
wings and tail, however, are as in Mexican e.xamples. This specimen prob-
ably denotes greater age than any other in the series.

Another specimen (29,809, ? , Mirador), perhaps very young, is rather
different from the others in the coloration of the lowur parts ; the rufous of

FALCOXID Ji — THE FALCONS.

157

the posterior portions is very deep, and the anterior liglit places are much
tinged witii ochraceous, the supraloral stripe being tinged throughout with
the same ; across the breast is a series of small tear-shaped spots of black,
forming an imperfect band ; there are, however, no other differences.

Nos. 29,520 (?, Chile, Berlin Museum) and 29,521 (<?, Venezuela) differ
from the rest only in a deeper tinge of ochraceous anteriorly beneath, the
occipital stripes being very
red.

No. 18,497 (<?, from the
Eio Pecos, Texas) is in the
plumage described as that of
the young male, having the
rusty tinge on rump, and
more numerous bands on
tail ; the 1 ireast is almost as
deeply ochraceous as the
tibia;, and tlio l)road black
patches of the sides scarcely
meet across the abdomen,
being there broken into
streaks.

A female, nearly adult, from Buenos Ajtcs (45,692, Conchitas ; W. H.
Hudson), has the feathers of the upper parts faintly edged with white ; the
rump and upper tail-coverts conspicuously barred with the same. The head
above is decidedly more bluish than in northern e.xamples, each feather with
a shaft-line of black. The tail has only seven white bars, — these, however,
very sharply defined, and very pure white ; the longest primary has eleven
white bars. The lower plumage is similar to that of the immature male
from the llio Feces, Texas (Xo. 18,497). This specimen has the second and
third quills equal.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.MIINED.

National Museum, 14 ; Boston Society, 5 ; Philadelphia Academy, 2 ; New York
Museum, 1 ; G. N. Lawrence, 1 ; R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 25.

Fnlco femoratis.

Measurements.

9

Wmg.

Tail.

Ctthnfn.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specime7is.

9.21) - 10.70
11.00 -11. GO

6.30 - 8.00
7.80 - 8.80

.60 - .68
.71 -.80

1.70-1.85
1.80-2.00

1..'35-1..50
1.55 - 1.70

12
9

Hadits. Only two specimens of this Hawk have been taken within the
limits of the United States. One was obtained by Dr. Heermann on the
vast plains of New Mexico, near the United States boundary-line. It ap-
peared to be flying over tlie prairies in searcli of small birds and mice, at

J 58 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

times hovering in the manner of the common Sparrow Hawk (Tinnuncultis
sparcfi7-ius). It appears to be resident throughout a huge jiart of Mexico,
and in Central and Soutli America. The other is from tlie l!io Pecos of
Texas, collected by Dr. W. W. ,\^ndersou.

^Ir. Darwin, in his Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle, mentions obtain-
ing one specimen in a small valley on the plains of Patagonia, at Port
Desire, in latitude 47° 44' south. M. D'Orbigny supposed latitude 34° to be
the extreme southern limit of the species. Lieutenant Gilliss brought speci-
mens from Chile.

Mr. Darwin states that tlie F. fcvioralis nests in low bu.shes, this corre-
sponding with tlie observations of ilr. Bishop. He found the female sit-
ting on her eggs in the beginning of January. According to M. D'Orbigny,
it prefers a dr}', open country with scattered bushes, which ^Ir. Darwin con-
firms. ~Mv. Bishop informs me tliat he met with this Hawk in the greatest
abundance upon those vast plains of Soutli America known as tlie Pampas,
in which no trees except tlie ombii are found, and that it there nests exclu-
sively on the tops of low bushes, hardly more than a foot or two from the
ground. The bird was not at all sliy, like most Hawks, but was easily
approached so nearly as to be readily recognized.

]\Ir. Bridges states, in the Proceedings of the London Zoological Society
(1843, p. 109), that the H. fcmoralis is trained in some parts of South Amer-
ica for the pur.suit of smaller gallinaceous birds, and that it is highly-
esteemed by the Chilian falconers. It veiy soon becomes quite docile, and
will even follow its master within a few weeks of its capture.

I am indebted to Mr. N. H. Bishop for specimens of the eggs of this
Hawk obtained by him on the Pampas. The nes contained liut two, and
was built on tlie top of a low bush or stunted tree, hardly two feet from the
ground. It was constructed, with some ]iains and elaboration, of witliered
grasses and dry leaves.

The eggs measure, one 1.81 inches in length by 1.60 in breadth, tlie other
1.78 by 1.63. This does not materially vary from tlie measurement given
by Darwin. The ground-color of the egg is white. This, however, is so
thickly and so generally studded with fine brown markings, that the white
ground to the eye has a rusty appearance, and its real hue is hardly distin-
guishable. Over the entire surface of the egg is distributed an infinite
number of fine dottings, of a color most nearly approaching a raw terra-
sienna brown. Over this again are larger blotches, lines, and splashes of a
handsome .shade of vandyke-brown. In one egg these larger markings are
much more frequent than in the otlier. The latter is chiefly marked with
the finer rusty dottings, and has a more dingy appearance.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

159

Subgenus TINNUNCULUS, Vieii.lot.

Tinnunculus, Vikill. 1807. iTyjn', Ftiico liatianculas, Lix.s. Tbinunculus alaudarius,

G.MEL.)
7 Tichornis, Kaup, 1844. (Tj-jic, Falco cenchris, Nauji.)
Paciloriiii, Kavp, 1844. (Type, Ffih-n sparirrhi.i, LiNN.)

The character.s of tliis siibgenu.'j have been sufficiently defined in the
diagnosis on page 1427, so that it will be necessary for me only to add a
few less important ones.

The subgenus Tinnunculus is one which i.s well cliaracterized by pecu-
liarities of manners and habits as well as by features of structure. The
species are the most arboreal of the Falcons, and their curious habit of poising

5319S,5

S319S, 9

53198 .f

Tiitnunnihfs sparverius.

in a fixed position as they hover over some object of food which they are
watching is probably peculiar to them, and has been remarked of the Old
"World as well as of the American species. In their structure they are the
most aberrant members of the subfamily belonging to the Northern Hemi-
sjihere and in their weak bill and feet, lengtliened tarsi, obtusely tipped
quills, more rounded wings, and more lengthened tail, exhibit a decided step
toward II icracidea, an Australian genus which is almost exactly intermediate
in all the characters of its external structure between the true Falcons and
the South American genus Milcaijo, of the Polyborine group.

The subgenus is most largely developed in the Old World, where are
found about a dozen nominal species, of which perhaps one half must be

|i;(, NORTH A>rEIUCAX Biiins.

reduced to tlie niiik of goographical races. America possesses three species,
two of which are restricted to the West India islands, wliih- the other
extends over tlie entire continent.

There is no reason whatiiver for separating the American species from
tliose of the Okl W'orkl, and the subgenus Pcecilornis, established upon tliese
by Kaup, is not tenable.

Since tlie iniblication of my iirst paper upon the American forms of
Tinnunculm} a large amount of additional material has fallen under my
observation; the total number of examples critically e.Kamiued and compared
together amounting to over three hundred and fifty skins of which I have
kept a record, besides many others which have come casually to my notice.
This abundant material merely confirms tlie views I first expressed, in the
paper alluded to, regarding the number and definition of the forms ; their
comparatis e relation to each other being the only respect in which I have
reason to modify my arrangement.

In my first paper on the American Tinninirun, tliree distinct species were
recognized ; one (spao'verius) belonging to tlie whole of Continental America
and the Lesser Antilles, one (leuco2:ihr>js, Uidgway) to Cuba and Hayti, and
one {simrvcroidcs, Vig.) peculiar to Cuba. The first is one modified in dif-
ferent climatic regions into several geographical races, as follows: Var.
sparverius, L., North and Middle America, exclusive of the gulf and Carib-
bean coast region); var. isahcUinu&, Swains., the eastern coast region of
Tropical ^\jnerica, from Guiana to Florida ; var. dominiccmis, Gmel. (Lesser
Antilles) ; ^•ar. aust.ralis, Eidgw. (South America in general) ; and var.
cinnamominus, Swains. (Chile and Western Brazil). That each of these
races is well characterized, tlie evidence of a series abundantly sufficient to
determine this point enables me to assert without reserve ; for I iind in each
instance that the characters diagnosed in my synopsis hold good as well
with a large series as with a few specimens.

The following synopsis, essentially the same as that before puhlished,
may, to most persons, explain satisfactorily my reasons for recognizing so
many races of T. sinirvcrius, — a proceeding which, I am sorry to say, does not
meet with favor with all ornithologists.^ Though there are at the present
time three well-characterized or permanently differentiated species of
Tinnuncidus on the American continent, yet it is, to my mind, certain that
these have all descended from a common ancestral stock, for evidence in
proof of this is found in many specimens which I consider at least strongly
" suggestive " of this fact; some specimens of var. isahdl in us i'rom Florida,
having blue feathers intersjiersed over the rump, thereby showing an ap-
proximation toward the uniformly blue upper surface of the adult male of
T. aparveroidcs of the neighboring island of Cuba ; while in the latter bird
the embryonic plumage of the male is very similar to the permanent condi-
tion of the male of sparvcrius.

1 Proceedings Philadelphia .Vi'adi'iny uf Natural .Scieiice.s, Dee., 1870, pji. 147 149.
^ See l.oiulon Ibis.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCOXS. 161

Synopsis of the American Species.

A. Back ahvays entirely rutbus (with or witliout black bars.) Lower parts
white, or only ting'ed with ochraceous; front and aurioulars <listinctly whitish.

a. Inner webs of primaries barred entirely across, with white and dusky;
"mustache" across the cheeks conspicuous ; no conspicuous superciliary stripe
of white.

1. T. sparverius.' Crown bluish, with or without a patch of rufous.
(J. Wings and upper part of head slaty, or ashy-lilue ; scapulars, back,
rump, and tail reddish-rufous; primaries, basal half of the secondaries,
and a broad .subterminal zone across the tail, black. 9- The liluish,
except that of the head, replaced by rufous, whieli is everywhere barred
with blackish, and of a less reddish cast. Hah. Entire continent of
America, also Lesser Antilles, north to St. Thomas.

b. Inner webs of primaries white, merely serrated along the shaft wnth
dusky; '•mustache " obsolete or wanting; a conspicuous superciliary stripe
of white.

2. T. leucophrys.- Similar to sparverius, except as characterized
above. Huh. Cuba and Hayti.

1 A sjTiopsis of the geographical raiu's of T. sparverius comes after the remarks on that
species, page li86.

2 Falco (Tinnunculus) Icucojyhriis. Tinnunculus spai-veroides (not of A'igors 1), L.iWKEXCE,
Ann. Lye. N. Y. 18l30, p. 1 (in part ; light individuals). Falco simrverius (not of Linn.!),
D'Orb. R. Sagra, Hist. Nat. Cuba, p. 25 (probably). Vic Zool. Journ. I, 339 ; IH, 435.
Tinnunculus leucophrys, Ridgway, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Plul. 1870, 147. Hah. Cuba and Hayti.

Adult ^ (34,244, Remedies, Cuba, December 14, 1863 ; N. H. Bishop). Head above pure, fine
bluish-ash, becoming (broadly) white on forehead ; the feathers with delicate shaft-lines of black.
Nape, back, scapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail rich purpli.sli-rufous (almost e.xactly as
in S2>a)'i'crius) ; no bars on dorsal region, except a very few across ends of larger posterior scapu-
lars. Terminal band of tail lii/ht rufous, .30 in width; subterminal zone of black, very regular,
.55 in width ; latei'al feather, with outer web and end of inner, reddish-white, the black subter-
minal band crossing the inner web only ; inner web anterior to this, continuous rufous ; shafts
of tail-feathers rufous. Wings tine bluish-ash, like the crown ; middle and lower coverts with a
veiy few elliptical, lonrjiludinal specks or touches of black on the shafts ; secondaries passing
terminally into white, their exposed basal half pure black ; primaries pure black, exposed edges
of inner webs paler. Whole under surface of wings immaculate pure white, with a fiiint delicate
reddish tinge ; inner webs of primaries serrated along the shaft with dusky. Forehead and super-
ciliary stri])e (broadly and sharply defined again.st the bluish of the crown), whole side of the
head (including lores and ear-coverts), and entire lower parts, continuous, immaculaie, pure
w-hite, with a delicate orange tinge, except anteriorly. The "mustache" is but just indicated
by some blackish touches, and in some individuals it is wanting entirely, while in all it is very
restricted in width ; the other black markings of the head are, however, as in sjyarverius. Wing-
fnrmula, 2, 3-4, 1. Wing, 7.00; tail, 5.00; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .90; culmen, .46. A
specimen in Mr. Lawrence's collection, which with others he has kindly lent me for examination,
is in beautifully high plumage. It differs from the type in having the white of the lower parts
tinged, or rather stained, with a beautiful, delicate rufous, or almost a salmon-ormige. The ter-
minal band of the tail also inclines decidedly to this color, while the white of the under surface
of the wing (particularly towards ends of secondaries and primaries) is tinged with a more pinkish
shade of the same. Another of Mr. Lawrence's specimens diH'ers in the clearer white beneath
(that is, with less reddish tinge, — the pureness and continuity does not vary), which extends
entirely around the neck, giving a sharper definition to the black pattern. The " mustache,"
however, is almost entirely absent ; the black transverse spots on larger posterior seainilars are
rather more conspicuous, and the terminal band of the tail is more purely white.

5 (31,984, Cuba, J. Ackhurst). Generally similar to sparrenus, but rufous brighter, the bars

VOL. III. 21

] 62 NORTH AMKKICAN BIRDS.

B. Back rufous only in tlio 9- Lower parts deep ferruginous-rufous; front

and auriculars dusky.

3. T. sparveroides.' ^. Aliove, except the tail, entirely dark plum-
beous, with a blackish nuchal collar; primaries and edges and sub-
terminal portion of tail-feathers, black. Beneath deep lufous (like the
back of sparverius and leucophrys), with a wash of plumbeous across

narrower and less numerous ; the nape or upper part of back, and rum]), being almost immaculate.
Tail with ten black bars, these .scarcely touching the shaft ; the last is about .36 wide, the others
about .16 ; tip of tail scarcely paler than base ; lateral feather with outer web edged broadly with
paler or oehraceous white, rufous ne.\t the shaft, immaculate ; inner web with only three or four
very narro\v bars on terminal half Head as in the male, but vertex considerably tinged with ru-
fous. Whole lower parts, ineluiling frontal and lateral regions of the head, I'ontinuous pure
white ; breast with a very faint yellowish tinge ; .side of the breast and sides with a few scattered
minute elliptical longitudinal flakes of rusty, — more black on the shaft. Whole under surface
of the wing white, as in the male. Wing-formula, 2, 3-4, 1. Wing, 7.00 ; tail, 4.70; tarsus,
1.40 ; middle toe, .90 ; culmen, .51. A Cuban female belonging to Mr. Lawrence is exactly
similar. One in the S. L Collection, from Hayti (42,420, Port au Prince, June 5, 1S60 ; A. C.
Younglove), differs only in less purely black bars, and in utter absence of the mustache. A male
from the same locality (43,418) is like it in the last respect.

Juv. 9 (34,235, Remedies, Cuba, December, 1864; N. H. Bishop). Similar to the adult
described, but .jugiilum tinged with soft pinkish-rufous, and the black bars on upper parts — es-
pecially on wings — with a iihunbeous Ciist.

In regard to this form, we must either consider that it is a distinct species, or assume that it is
a light phase of a Cuban species, of which T. sparveroides may be the dark or rufescent form ;
knowing, as we do, that the differences between kucophrys and sparveroides depend on neither
sex, age, nor season, then the only way to account for the two phases is to consider that the
Cuban bird (if we denj' it the rank of a species) presents a very peculiar example of dimor-
phism. I have never yet seen a specimen which was not decidedly one or the other. An adult
male from Cuba is immaculate white beneath, the breast very strongly tinged with deep rufous,
the mustache wholly absent. Two females have narrow brown streaks on the breast, the mus-
tache nearly obsolete ; the dusky bars on primaries and tail much narrower.

List of Specimeiu examined. — Nat. Mils., 7 ; Bost. Soc, 3 ; Philad. Acad., 2 ; G. X. Law-
rence, 4. Total, 16.

Measurements. — g. Wing, 6.80- 7.30 ; tail, 4.90-5.20 ; culmen, .45 ; tarsus, 1.45 ; middle
toe, .90; specimens, 4. 9. ^^'"gi 7.10-7.60; tail, 4.90-5.60; culmen, .50-. 52; tarsus,
1.40 ; middle toe, .91 ; specimens, 6.

' Falcn (Tinnunculus) sparveroides. Fnko sparreroides. Vigors, Zobl. Jouni. Ill, 436, 1827;
Isis, 1830, p. 1166. — D'Ort). (R. de la S;igra), Hist. Cuba, 1840, p. 30, pi. i. Tinnunculus
sparveroides. Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 12, 1844. — Fraser, Zobh Typ. pi. xxx. — Bonap. Consp.
Av. p. 27. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 100, 1855.— Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1860, p. 1 (in part
dark specimens). — Ridgivay, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 149. Tinnunculus dominicensis
(not of Gmel.?), Gray, Hand List, I, 24, 1869. — Gr.NnLAcn, Repert. Cuba, I, 225, 1865.
IHiipotriorckis ferruginous, S.wss. Rev. et Mag. Zobl. 1859, p. 117, pi. iii.

Hab. Cuba (only ?).

Adidt g (31,985, Cuba ; J. Ackhurst). Above, continuously dark plumbeous, from bill to
the tail, the shafts of the feathers black (the.se streaks most noticeable on the head above), the
larger scapulars and interscapulars darker centrally, forming indistinct or obscure spots ; this
plumbeous covers the whole neck laterally, and the middle area of the ear-coverts. An obsolete
"mustache" running from the lores downward across the cheeks, a spot across ends of the car-
coverts connected with that on the nec^k, and obsolete though continuous collar round the nape,
inclining to black. Primaries wholly black, basal third of secondaries the same. (No spots on
wings.) Tail deep chestnut, shaft.s of feathers black ; torminal band dull .slate ; subterminal
black zone about .60 of an inch in width, but instead of running sharply across, as in all the
varieties of sparverius and in Uucophry.f, the black runs along the edge of each feather, bor-

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS. 163

the jugulum ; throat grayish-white. Inner webs of primaries slaty,
with transverse eloudiugs of darker. 9 • DiBering from that of the
above species in dark rufous lower parts and dusky, mottled inner
webs of primaries. Second and third quills longest ; first shorter than
or equal to fourth. Hah. Cuba (only ?).

The distingui-sliiiig characters of F. sparverius having been given in the
foregoing synojDsis, I will here consider this species in regard to the modifica-
tions it experiences in the different regions of its geographical distribution.

The wliole of continental America, from the Arctic regions to almost the
e.xtreme of South America, and from ocean to ocean, is inhabited, so far as
known, by but this one species of Timiunculus. But in different portions
of this vast extent of territory the species experiences modifications under
the influence of certain climatic and other local conditions, which are here
characterized as geographical races ; these, let me saj^ present their distinc-
tive characteristics with great unitbrmity and constancy, although the dif-
ferences from the typical or restricted s/Mrvcriit/i are not N'ery great. The
F. sparverius as restricted, or what is more properly termed var. sjKirverius,
inliabits the whole of Xorth and Middle America (both coasts included,

dering it nearly to the base ; the lateral feather has both webs continuous deep chestnut, the
tip slate, the subtenninal .spot and shaft black. Chin and throat dull ashy-white ; rest of lower
parts continuous deep chestnut-rufous, this palest on the anal region, and tinged with slate
across the jugulum as well as on the flanks, where there are a very few darker spots. (The chest-
nut beneath is unspotted.) Inner webs of primaries mottled along the edge with paler slate, this
running in pohits toward the shafts, giving an idea of bars. Wing-formula, 2, 3-4, 1. Wing,
7.00 ; tail, 4.45 ; tarsus, 1.-31 ; middle toe, .90 ; culmen, .50.

(f (29,579, Cuba, April 25 ; Charles "Wright). Head above, dark ]]lumbeous ; feathers with
darker shaft-lines ; black stripes of head more sharply defined than in the male. Above, con-
tinuously deep rafous (brighter and more ferruginous than in the different styles of sparverius),
continuously barred, as in var. sparverius, but blacker, the bars on upper part of back with
tendency to longitudinal direction. Tail with twelve narrow, sharply defined bars of black ;
but the ground-color continuous rufous to the tip, the lateral feather as deeply rufous as the
middle. Inner webs of primaries deep rusty-rufous, wdth twelve very narrow transverse bars
of dusky crossing to the edge. The middle area of the ear-coverts, with the chin and throat, is
dull white ; the rest of the lower parts (including side of the neck) and whole lining of tlie
wing are deep rusty-rufous, paler on the crissum, nearly white on the anal region ; these regions
have no spots, except on the flanks, where are a few narrow transverse bars. Wing-formula, 2,
3-4, 1. Wing,' 7.00 ; tail, 4.45 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe, .90 ; culmen, .51.

Juv. $ (39,108, Eemedios, Cuba, December 11, 1863 ; N. H. Bishop). General apjiearance
of the adult ; but back, scapulars, ramp, and upper tail-coverts chestnut-rufous, uniform with
the tail ; these parts are, however, strongly clouded with more bluish slate, and the blackish spots
are more distinct. The black zone of the tail nms more sharply across, and is narrower than in
the adult. The middle area of the ear-coverts is nearly as light as the throat. The rafous
beneath is less castaneous, as well as less continuous, becoming nearly white on abdomen and
tibia; the slaty tinge on the jugulum is wanting. 'Wing-formula, 3, 2-4,-1. Wing, ti.85 ;
tail, 4.90 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe, .90 ; culmen, .50.

? (23,540, Monte Verde, Cuba, Jidy 16, 1861 ; Charles AVright). Differing from the adult in
the same respects as does that of sparverius, the chief differences consisting in the deeper chest-
nut of the tail, and broader and blacker bars above. Kufons beneath, with numerous sagittate
spots of black ; lower tail-coverts with subterminal bars, and lining of the wing with sparse
streaks of the same. Plumage generally with a blended appearance. Wing-formula, 2, 3-4 = 1.

104 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

except those of the (liilf of IMexico .and Caribbean Sea), south to the
Isthmus of Panama. Throughout this whole region it is everywhere nearly
the same bird. This variety appears to represent the species in its greatest
purity, being a sort of central form from which the others radiate. The most
typical examples of the var. sjmrverius are the specimens in the large series
from the elevated regions or plateau of ilexico and Ciuatemala. In these
the rufous of the crown is most extended (in none is it at all restricted),
and the asliy portions are of the finest or bluest and lightest tint.

-All specimens, of quite a large series, from tlie peninsula of Lower Cali-
fornia, are considerably smaller tliau any others, the smallest (1,693 <? ad.
San Josd ; J. Xantus) measuring, wing, 6.50 ; tail, 4.20, and tarsus, 1.30 ;
the dwarfed size of these, however, is their only distinguishing feature.
Two specimens (50,199, $, Cape Florida, and 10,345, $, Indian Key) from
Florida differ from others in the unusual development of the bill, which
toward the end is more suddenly curved, and tlie point considerabh' length-
ened ; these specimens have, also, only a tinge of rufous on the crown, thus
showing a proximity to the var. imbcllimis. The large bill, however, is no
more than would be looked for in specimens from that region.

Along the Gulf border of the United States, and the Caribbean and North

Wing, 7.40; tail, 4.S5; tai-sus, 1.30; middle toe, .90. Another specimen (Xo. 23,545, Monte
Verde, July 17, 1861 ; C. Wright) is much the same, but has distinct spots of black on tlie abdo-
men, and tear-shaped marking of the same on the scapiJars. The young female of tliis species
bears a remarkably close resemblance to the young of T. punctatiis, Cuv., of Madagascar, agree-
ing almost entirely with it in colors, with the exception of those on tlic tail, the bars on which
are black and ash, instead of black and rufous. ^Vliether it be considered a distinct species or
not, the T. sparvcroidcs certaiidy grades into the T. sparvcritis, in the very near rehition of an
aberrant condition of the adult phase of the latter, noticed in .specimens from Florida and adjoin-
ing portions of the South American and Gulf coast, and tlie young normal or usual plumage of the
former. As is well known, the young ^ sparvcroides has a reddish and also more or less barred or
spotted back, as in the male of all the races of sparvcrius at all ages ; the intermediate or transi-
tion dress of the young male showing cloudings of plumbeous in the rufous, indicative of the
coming uniform plumbeous of perfect maturity. Now, knowing that a wholly ]>lunibeous doi°sal
region in the adult, and wholly or mostly rufous dorsal region in the young male, are character-
istic featuix's of T. xpurveroi'lcs, we are somewhat surprised to find in adult males of T. s]>arvcrivs
var. isahc.lHnm from Florida, a greater or less mi.\ture of plumbeous feathers in various parts of
the dorsal region, particularly in the ramp and upper tail-coverts. Many specimens from this
locality show another approach to the young male of sjmrvcroides in the deep, un.spotted rufous
of the lower parts, sometimes the throat only being white. A young male of sparvcroides from
Cuba, and an adult male of sparvcrius said to be from Cuba, are at a cursory glance not distin-
gui-shable ; a close comparison, however, will disclose the fact, that in the former, the badly
defined head-markings, nearly obsolete black markings on the wings (including basal space of the
secondaries, which is conspicuously and sharply defined in the other specimen), and the blurred
character of the bars over inner webs of primaries, remain as characters distinguishing the for-
mer. The lateral tail-feather, too, has its outer web deep rufous, while it is white, black-
spotted, in the specimen of xparvcrius.

List of Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 14 ; Bost. Soc, 3 ; Philad., 1 ; G. N. Lawrence, 4 ;
K. Ridgway, 1. Total, 23.

Mcasiircmenls. — ^. Wing, 0.00-7.10; tail, 4.80-5.10; culmen, .50: tarsus, 1.45-148;
middle toe, .90. Specimens, 4. J. Wing, 7.00-7.50; tail, 5.00-5.15; cuhneii, .50: tarsus,
1.35 - 1.40 ; middle toe, .88 - .90. Specimens. 3.

FALCOXID-E — THE FALCONS. 165

Atlantic coasts of South America (probably the whole Atlantic coast of
tropical and subtropical America), the true sparvcrius is changed into what
Swainson has called " Falco isaheUinus," which difi'ers from the former only
in having the cinereous of tlie crown and wings considerably darken- (as well
as less bluish), apiiroacliing ])lumbeous ; the rufous of the crown is totally
absent, or only present in faint touches ; the lower parts are of a deeper
ochraceous, and the black spots on the breast and sides sparse.

Allied to the last in tints of coloration, and apparently a direct offshoot
from it, is the dominiccasis of Gmelin (based upon description by Brisson),
whi(!h inhabits the Lesser Antilles, from Trinidad northward to Porto Eico.
Althougli I consider this (var. dominiccHsis) as a modihed f(jrm of the var.
isabellinus, yet it is tlie one of all the varieties referrible to sparveTius
which deviates most widely from the tyjiical or original style. The charac-
ters of this are, tints those of var. isabellinus, but, in addition, the tail has
numerous more or less complete black bands, while those of the back and
scapulars are very broad and numerous ; also, the crown has a decided rufous
patch ; the bill, too, is larger tlian in any other American member of the
genus. A style of considerable imiformity spreads over the whole of South
America, including both coasts, from Bogota to the Parana, excepting the
northeastern coast region, before mentioned as inhabited bv the var. isahcl-
limi^. It differs from all the otlier styles, except the cinnamominus of Chile,
in having the lower parts continuously dull white, any ochraceous tinge
being scarcely perceptible ; there is seldom a trace of rufous on the crown,
which has the light bluish tint seen in var. sparvcrius, and the black zone
of the tail is scarcely more than half as wide as in the northern races. In
size, also, it somewhat exceeds the others. Swainson named this " Falco
gracilis " ; but the F. (Tinmtncuhis) gracilis of Lesson being a different spe-
cies, and the name as applied to it of prior date, I have bestov\'ed upon the
present bird the name var. australis.

In Chile and Brazil (Western ?) we find a form resembling the last in some
respects, but differing in points of almost specific value. It differs from all
the other American members of the genus in having the tail continuously
rufous to the extreme tip, the black zone being considerably narrower than
the terminal rufous, the lateral tail-feather inmiaculate rufous, etc. The
grayish of the head is much darker and inoi'e slaty than in the var. australis.
This is, without doubt, the Falco cinnamominus of Swainson, the specimens
in the collection corresponding exactly with the description by that author.

The rufous patch on the ci'own must not be too much considered, as it is
of all characters perhaps the most treacherous, though its presence or
absence is in a measure characteristic of the several varieties. Xeither does
the exact number of spots on the lateral tail-feather prove sufficiently con-
stant to serve as a character in which tlie least reliance can be ]ilaced,
though Swainson attaches considerable value to it. T ha\'e found tliat,
besides varying almost witli the inilividual, in some specimens the feather.'j
of opposite sides did not correspond.

166 NORTH AMEKICAX BIRDS.

About two hundred and lilty specimens form the basis of the following
synopsis.

A. Tail tipped with white ; outer t,iil-feathers (one or more) variegated.

a. (J. Head above, and wiiigtJ, fine bluish-ash ; usually one tail-feather only
(the outer) variegated.

1. Vertex with a conspicuous patch of rufous. ^. Black zone of the
tail 1.00 in width ; breast strongly tinged with ochraceous ; spots of
black on the breast or sides circvdar. 9 • Above fulvous-rufous, the
whole breast and sides with longitudinal dashes of a lighter tint of the
same. Hab. Continent of North America north of Panama (except
Caribbean and Gulf coast) ...... var. sparv erius.

2. Vertex with only a trace of rufous, or none at all. ^. Black zone
of tail only .GO in width ; breast nearly pure white ; spots of black
usually only on the sides, elliptical. 9- Above vinaceous-rufous; longi-
tudinal markings beneath deeper brown. Hab. Continent of South
America (except North Atlantic and Caribbean coast) . var. australis.^

1 Fako sparvcru(s, var. mistralis. Faico gracilis (not of Lessok '), Sw.\ixs. An. Menag. p.
281, 1838. Fa!co sparvenus (not of Lixxiics !), TscHfDi, Fauu. Per. An. p. 110. Tinnuncuhis
sparverius (not of ViEillot!), D.\rw. Zool. Beag. pt. iii, 29. Sideiis sparverius, Spix, Av. Bras.
I, 16. Bideiis doininicensis (not F. (lominicensis of Gmelin !), Spix, Av. Bras. I, 16. Tinnun-
culics dominicciisis, Stkickl. Oru. Syn. I, 100, 18.55 (in part). T. sparverius, var. australis,
RiDGW.\Y, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 149.

Hab. Most of continental South America, except the North Atlantic and the Caribbean
coasts, where replaced by the var. isahellimcs. In Chile and Western Brazil, mixed with, but
not replaced by, var.? cinnamomimis.

Adult (f (20,937, Parana; Coll. of the U. S. Paraguay Exp.). Similar to var. sparverius.
Head above with the rufous entirely wanting ; rufous of the plumage more vinuceous ; black
bars of the .scapulars almost transversely cordate, and nearer the end of the feather ; black zone
of the tail only .60 of an inch wide. Beneath continuously white, with elliptical spots or streaks
of pure black on sides, becoming somewhat ciicular on the flanks. Wing, 7.70 ; tail, 5.30 ; tar-
sus, 1.40 ; middle toe, .92 ; culmcn, .48. In all respects, except the points described, resembling
the true spar^'crius of North America, of which it is nothing more than a geographical race, and
a not very strongly marked one, though the differences indicated are very constant.

9 (50,942, Brazil; Sr. Don Fred. Albuquerque). Very similar to .iparvcrius ; the rufous,
equally pale, is, however, more vinaceous ; the tail decidedly less rufescent. The black bars are
about the same, but on the tail there are thirteen, and the subtenninal one is scarcely broader
tluin the rest ; the lateral tail-feather has the bars only on inner web, and here almost wanting.
Head aliove as in the male, being without the rnfous tinge on the vertex. Beneath yellowish-
white, about like sporrcrius ; the whole breast and side with numerous longitudinal dashes of
deep brown, similar in form to sparverius, but of much deeper tint. Inner web of longest
]irimary with twelve transverse bars of white, these scarcely exceeding the dusky ones. AVing-
fornnda, 2, 3-4- 1. Wing. 7.80 ; tail, 5.20 ; tansus, 1.30 ; middle toe, .95 ; culmen, .55.

Jnv. g (16,570, Bogota ; W. EvansV Didcring from the adult in deeper rufous and broader
black bars ; those on the tail twelve in number, more than doubling in width those of the adult ;
markings beneath more blended, darker brown. Differs from young of var. s/Mrvcritis in much
lighter rufous above ; less purely black bars ; entire absence of rufous on crown, and narrower
shaft-streaks here ; less ochraceous-white beneath, and less blended markings.

List of Spccime}is examined. — Nat. Mus., 16 ; Bost. Soc, 3 ; Philad. Acad., 16 ; N. Y. JIus.,
4; Mus. Comp. Zool., 2; R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 42.

Measurements. — g. Wing, 6.80-7.90; tail, 4.75 -5.90 : culmen, .48- .50 : tai'sTis, 1.40-
1.50; middle toe, .90-1.00. Specimens, 17. 9. Wing, 7.20-8.15; tail, 5.10-5.80; cul-
men, .48 -.52; tarsus, 1.20-1.52; middle toe, .90. Specimens, 25.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 167

b. (J. Head above, and wings, ilark blnish-pliimbeons; several niiter tail-
feathers vari(!gated.

3. Vertex withont anj' rufous. ^. Anterior portions beneath deep
ochraceous, without spots. Tail without indication of bars anterior to
the subtenninal one ; black bars above confined to larger scapulars.
$ . Above ferruginous, with the black bars broader and blacker than
in either of the preceding. H<tb. Gulf, Caribbean, and Atlantic cojwts

of tropical continental America (Florida to Cayenne) . var. isabeUinus.

4. Vertex with a patch of rufous. (J. Black spots beneath numerous,
large and circular. Tail with more or less complete black bars anterior
to the subtermiual band, sometimes regularly bari-ed to the base ; black
bars aliove covering entire rufous surlace. 9- Similar to that of
isabeUinus, but markings beneath more numerous, and pure black
instead of brown. Hab. Lesser Antilles, north to St. Thomas.

var. d o ia i nice n s i s }

1 Falco sparverius, var. dominicensis. Accipiler (ySsalon) domimceiisis, Brissox, Orii. I, 389,
pi. .x.x.xii. f. 2, 1760. Falco dominicensis, Cmelin, Syst. Nat. p. 285, 17S9. Tinnunculus
dominiccnsis, Stkickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 100, 1855 (in part only). Tinnunculus sparverius, var.
dominicensis, Ridgw.w, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. PhilaJ. Dec. 1870, 149.

Hab. Lesser Antilles north to Porto Rico and St. Thomas.

Adult $ (52,428, St. Bartholenii ; Professor Sundevall). Eesembling var, isabeUinus in gen-
eral appearance, but darker, and more heavily barred above ; beneath much more spotted. Head
above with blackish shaft-streaks and vertex with a patch of rufous ; this, however, some-
what restricted. Rufous above, with numerous broad bars of black, tliese running continuously
across and extending anteriorly to the neck ; rump even, with a few very small, transvci-sely
sagittate .specks of the same. Tail crossed by nine perfectly regular and sharply defined narrow
bands of pure black, anterior to the subterminal zone, which is about .80 of an inch wide ; outer
feather white, tinged medially with rufous, barred with black to the base. Black spotting in
dark cinereous of the wing very exaggerated in comparison with var. sparverius. Markings
beneath very numerous, the sides being thickly marked with large cordate or nearly circular spots
of black, these gi'owing larger toward the flanks. The mfous of the breast is about as in var.
isabeUinus. Wing, 6.80; tail, 5.10; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, .94; culmen, .53. Wing-for-
mula, 3-2-4, 5, 6-1.

$ (52,429, St. Bartholeni ; Professor Sundevall). Black bands above exceeding in breadth
the nifous ones ; each feather of the head above with a sharp medial streak of black. Tail with
twelve bands of black ; outer feather approaching white. Markings beneath pure black, as in
the male ; their course longitudinal anteriorly, on the sides more circular, transverse on the
flanks. Wing, 6.70 ; tail, 5.00 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe, 1.00 ; culmen, .53. Wing-formula,
3, 2-4-1, 5.

The male selected for the type is an extreme example ; no others have the character of the
variety presented in a degree ius exaggei'ated as this specimen. Nos. 362 ((f) and 170 t9) "^ the
Bryant Collection) from Porto Rico, and No. 36,554 (jj, St. Thomas; Robert Swift), may be taken
as more perfect, or rather as average representatives of the variety. These two males are almost
exactly similar. They have the back as sti'ongly barred as in the tyjje, and the black spots on
the rump are as noticeivble ; but the tail, instead of being crossed by regidar, perfectly continuous,
sharply delined bands, has these broader and more broken, being indicated only by spots along
the edge ; they also decrease in width toward the base. The Porto Rico specimen has very much
ashy-white between the two last black bars, this being found on the four lateral feathers ; between
the next two, on three feathers, etc. The other specimen, however, is destitute of this ashy-
white, altlio\igh the outer web of the lateral feather is pure white, — spotted, however, with
black. In the Porto Rico specimen the breast is as deeply ochraceous as in the isabcllinns style ;
but the spots are larger and raoi'e numerous even than in any examples of sparvcriiis. A female
from here differs from the type only in a few unmiportant points, the principal difference being
in the markings beneath. In this there is a general ochraceous wash on the lower parts, the

1(38 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

B. Tail tipped with deep rulmis; oiuur tail-feather unvariegated.

5. Head above dark slaty-pluinbeoiis, without any rufous. ^. Tail
continuous rufous to the extreme tip, the subterminal black band
narrower than the terminal rufous one, and not continuous ; the outer
feather entirely rufous, without any black. la other respects much
like var. australis. ( J not seen.) Hal. Chile and Western Brazil.

var. c i n namominus}

markings linear only on the breast, becoming tcar-shaped and circular on the sides, and trans-
verse on the flanks ; the red patch on the crown is quite extensive. In the whole series the third
(juill is longest, and the bill is, in all, considerably longer than in any specimen o( sparvcrius ex-
cepting those from Florida. Another female from St. Thomas (36,551 ; Robert Swift) is almost
exactly like the one from Porto Fico ; the rufous of the crown covers nearly the whole top of the
head, and is quite bright. In a series of skins belonging to Mr. Newton, deposited in the S. I.
Collection, we Ihid a pair of this variety from the island of St. Croix, W. I. They are perfectly
tyjiieal examples. The male (" Jlay 2, 1857, 15. B.") has the large black spots of the side trans-
versely cordate ; the bauds on the tail are broken into spots on edges of the feathers ; the female
("s. p. 227, B. 6 ") is in nearlj' all respects like the specimen described.

List of SiiecimcHs examined. — Nat. ^lus., 7 ; Host. Soc, 3 ; A. Newton, 2. Total, 10.

Measurements. — $. Wing, 6.20-6.80; tail, 4..50-5.50; culmen, .45 -.55: tarsus, 1.50 ;
middle toe, .95. Specimens, 5. ?. Wing, 6.80 - 7.10 ; tail, 5.50 - 5.75 ; culmen, .55 ; tarsus,
1.50 ; middle toe, 1.05. Specimens, 5.

^ Falco sparmrins, var. ciunamomimis. Fa/co cinnamoininu.'i, Swaixsox, An. Jlcnag. p. 281,
1838. Peeciloniis ciniuunoininiis, K.\i;r, Monog. Falc. Cont. Oni. 1850, p. 53 (under P. spane-
riwi). Tinnunculus cinnavwmeus, Guay, Gen. B. fol. sp. 11, 18-14 ; List B. Brit. JIus. p. 62.
— BoNAP. Consp. Av. p. 27. — Stiiicki,. Orn. Syn. I, 100, 1855. Tinnunculus (sparvcrius
var.?) cimmmnminus, Eidgwat, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 149.

Hah. Chile and Western Brazil.

AduU S (48,821, Valdivia, Chile, January, 1864 ; Nat. Mus. of Chile, Dr. Philippi, Dir.).
Somewhat like var. australis ; in fact, resembling this in general appearance. Head above, how-
ever, very dark dull plumbeous, with verj' distinct shaft-streaks of black. Back and scapulars
sparsely barred with black, the bars broadest posteriorly. Tail much brighter rufous than the
back ; continuous rufous to the extreme tip ; a very narrow subterminal band of black, .30 of an
inch wide, crossing about .55 of an inch from the tip, making the terminal deep rufous, nearly
twice as wide as the black ; toward the outer feathers the black is thrown into a .spot on each
web, scarcely touching the shaft ; on the lateral fe.ither the black is lacking entirely, the inner
web being continuous rufous, the outer paler, inclining to ochraceous-white. Primaries con-
spicuously white terminally ; inner webs white, ^nth transverse bars of dusky ; there being on
the longest (second) ten spaces of white, these more than twice the width of the dusky bars ;
lining of the wing creamy-white, with minute streaks of Wack sparsely distributed. Forehead
more hoary than the crown ; lores white. Ear-coverts, neck, and entire lower parts, continuous
dull white ; breast with a few minute black streaks ; flanks with more expanded tear-shaped
dashes of the same. The "mustache" is verj' conspicuous, as are also the oral, cervical, and
nuchal markings. Wing-fornmla, 2 = 3-1, 4. Wing, 7.40; tail, 5.15; tarsus, 1.40; middle
toe, .95 ; culmen, .50. No. 50,944 (Brazil ; Sr. Don Fred. .Albuquerque) is exactly similar.

List of Specimens examined. — Nat. JIus., 2.

^fcasurcm(nl.^. — $. Wing, 7.40-7.70 ; tail, 5.50 ; culmen, .50 ; tarsus, 1.40-1.42 ; middle
toe, .95. Sjiecimeus, 2.

FALCOXIDJi; — THE FALCOXS. ]69

Falco (Tinnunculus > sparverius, Linn.

V;ir si>arverius, Linnjeos.

AMERICAN SP ARROW HAWK; AMERICAN KESTREL.

Accipitcr (jfSsalon) caroluicnsis, Briss. Om. I, 385, 1760. Accipiler minor, C.\tksb. Carol.
I, 5, 1754. Falco sparverius, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 128, 1766. — Penx, Arct. Zoiil. pp.
211, 212. — Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 284. — L.\Tii. Iiid. Orn. p. 42; Synop. I, 110, sp.
94; Gen. Hist. I, 290. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 142, pi. xii. — Shaw, Zool. VII, pi.
xxvi. — WiLS. Am. Orn. pi. xvi, f. 1, pi. x.wii, f. 2. — .Iames. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I,
56, 60. — Less. Tr. Orn. i). 95. — Bexx. gard. Zobl. Soc. II, 121. — Stepii. XIII, ii,
38. — Cuv. Reg. Anini. (ed. 2), I, 322. — Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 262 ; II, 51. —
Rich. & Swaixs. F. B. A. pi. xxiv. — Wagl. Isis, 1831, 517. — Boxap. Ann. Lye.
N. Y. II, 27 ; Isis, 1832, 1136. — Vieill. Enc. Meth. Ill, 1234 (in part). — AuD. Birds
Am. pi. cxlii ; Om. Biog. II, 246, pi. cxlii. — Brew. (Wils.) Synop. p. 684; Am.
Oology, p. 16, pi. xi, figs. 13audl5a. — De Kay, ZooI. N. Y. II, 16, pi. yii. f. 16. —
Peab. Birds Mass. Ill, 69. — Nutt. Man. I, 58. Tinnuncuhis sparverius, Vieill.
Ois. Am. Sept. pis. xii, xiii. — Bridg. Proo. Zobl. Soc. pt. xi, 109. — Gray, Gen. B.
fol. sp. 10 ; List Brit. B. Mus. p. 60. — WooDU. Sitgr. Exp. Zuni & Colorad. p. 60.—
Cass. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1855, 278. — Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 92; Birds N. Am.
1858, 13. — RiDGW. P. A. N. S. 1870, 148. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 99, 1855. Ccrch-
iicis sparverius, BoNAP. List Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 5, 1838. Pcecilornis sparverius,
Kavp, Monog. Falc. Cent. Orn. 1850, 53. Tiiinunculus p/uilamu, Lesso.v, Mam. et
d'Ois. 1847, 178 (San Bias & Acapulco).

Sp. Char. ^cZmH mn?e (12,02.5, Washington, D. C; W.Wallace). Forehead, lateral and
posterior regions of the vertex, occiput, and wings, bluish-ash. Vertex, nape, .scapulars,
interscapular.^, rump, upper tail-covert.s, and tail, fine cinnamon-rufous ; scapulars and
back barred witli black, the bars broadest and most conspicuous posteriorly. Tail tipped
with white, and with a broad sharply defined subterminal zone of black, about one inch
in width ; lateral feather, wdth outer web and terminal half of inner, ashy-white, the
latter with one or two distinct transverse spots anterior to the subterminal one. Wing-
coverts with more or less conspicuous cordate spots of black, rather sparsely distributed ;
basal two-thirds of secondaries and whole of primaries deep black ; the latter whiti.sh
around the terminal margin and with nine transverse bands of white on inner web of
longest (second), the white rather exceeding the black, th§ points of which do not reach
the edge of the feather ; lining of the wing white with conspicuous cordate spots of
black. Front and superciliary region more hoary than the forehead, almost approaching
white. Whole lateral region of the head, with chin, throat, and lower parts, white ; the
neck, breast, and sides, however, with a deep tinge of ochraceous, the tint hardly approach-
ing the depth of color seen on the nape. On the head there are (considering botli sides)
seven black spots ; the first originating in front of the bare anteorbital space (leaving the
lores white), and extending in a stripe downward across the maxilliB, forming a conspicu-
ous " mustache " ; the second crosses the tips of the ear-coverts, in form of an oblong
transverse spot; the third is smaller, situated as far behind the last as thi.s, and is posterior
to the " mustache," crossing the side of the neck ; the last is an odd nuchal spot separat-
ing the ash of the occiput from the rufous of the nape. Breast and sides with circular
or cordate spots of pure black ; these varying in size, but generally larger on the sides.
Other lower parts immaculate. Wing-formula, 2 = 3-4, 1. AVing, 7.10; tail, 4.50; tar-
sus, 1.32 ; middle toe, .98; culmen, .45.

Adult female (10,7 ol,Y Oft Bridger, Utah ; C. Drexlcr). Blue above confined to the
head, which shows the rufous patch as in the male ; entire upper parts rufous, lighter and

vol. III. 22

I'JQ NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

less purplish than in the male, everywhere barred with black. Tail with twelve sharply
defined narrow bars of black; the sublcrminal broadest, and about three eighths of an
inch in width. Longest primary with eleven transverse spaces of pale rufous, nearly
twice as wide as the dusky ones, which scarcely touch the edge. Beneath yellowish-
white, paler than in the male, breast and sides with rusty longitudinal spots. Head as in
the male. Wing-, 7.60 ; tail, 5.20 ; tarsus, l.-JO; middle toe, .90 ; bill, .50. Wing-formula,
2 == .3 - 4 - 1.

Young male (5,581, Medicine Bow Creek, Nebraska, August 7, 1856; W. S. Wood).
Exactly like the adult male, liut with the rufous darker, approaching to chestnut; spots
beneatli inclining to a tear-shaped form, and, though more numerous, are not so well
defined as in the adult; also rufescent tinge beneath more general; blue of the wings with
scarcely any spots; white terminal band of tail tinged with rufous. Sometimes the two
or three outer feathers arc cloudeil with ash, and possess indication of bars, formed of
irregular black spots.

Young female (40,520, Fort Rice, Dacota ; S. M. Rothhammer). Generally like the
adult, but with rufous above darker, approaching ferruginous ; the bars everywhere
broader, and purer black ; rufous vertical patch streaked centrally with black ; spots
beneath larger, darker, approaching reddish umber.

H.\B. Continental North America (only), across to both coasts, and from Arctic
regions to Isthmus of Panama ; not in West Indies.

This form ranges over the wliole of continental Xorth America, from
Panama northward into the British Provinces, and from the Atlantic to the
Pacific. Tiiroughout the whole of this extensive area the bird exhibits
very little \ariation, in fact, none not of an almost individual character,
consisting mainly in the varjang amount of ashy-white and black on the
lateral tail-feat Iter, and also, to a less extent, in the depth of the oehraceons
tint on the lircast, and the abundance and size of the black spots on tlie
sides or flanks. In the Gidf region of the United States it passes gradually
into var. isabcUinus tlironglt intermediate specimens. We have seen Florida
skins (kindly lent to us by Mr. J. A. Allen) from ]\Iiami ((?, January 29,
1872), Cedar Keys (<?, February 28, 1871), and Florida Keys (<?, February
14, 1871). Of these, only the first (No. 14,491) deviates noticeably from the
typical style ; it inclines toward var. isabdlinus in sparsity of black spots on
flanks and restricted rufous on the crown, but in the pure light ash of the
crown and wings, and faint ochraceous of the breast, it resembles more the
var. sparverms. Wing, 6.50 ; tail, 4.70. The two other specimens measure
as follows : No. 14,487, Florida Keys, wing, 6.90 ; tail, 5.00. No. 14,492.
Cedar Keys, wing, 6.90 ; tail, 5.00. Tlie former is peculiar in having some
of the upper tail-coverts either partly or entirely ashy.

Mexican sjiecimens represent the race in the greatest purity or exaggera-
tion of its characteristic features, in pure and light bluish-ash of wings and
crown, greatest extent of rufous on crown, etc. California specimens often
exhibit what I have not noticed in eastern examples, though possibly
occurring in them ; that is, in adult males the cere and feet are of a deep
orange-red — almost vermilion color.

F ALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

171

LIST OF SPECIMKXS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 10-1; Boston Society, 26; Philadelphia Academy, 7 ; Mus. Comp. Zool.,
G6; New York Museum, 7; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 4; Cab. E. Eidgway, i. Total, 218.

Measurements.

Sex.

W!ug.

TaO.

admen.

Tarsus.

L25 - L55
L40-1.45

Middle Toe.

Spechnens.

117
95

9

6.50 - 8.00
6.80-8.40

4..30-5.70
4.90-5.80"

.50 - .
.55 - .55

.95- .
.90-1.00

Var. Lsabellinus, Sw.unson.

Falco isabcllinus, Swainson, An. Meiiag. p. 2S1, 1S3S. Tinnunculus sparverius, vav. isa-
bcllinus, EiDGW.w, P. A. Jf. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, p. 149. Tinnuncalus dominicensis
(not of Gmel. !), Sti'.ickl. Orn. Syn. 1, 100, 1855 (in part only).

Sp. CnAR. Adult male (3,841, Prairie Mer Rouge, La., June, 1853 ; " J. F."). Much
like var. sparverhis, but considerably darker in colors; plumbeous, crown dark with
no rufous on vertex, nor darker shafl-lines. Rufous above more purplish-castaneous ;
cinereous of wings much darker ; neek, jugulum. breast, and sides deep soft ochraceous,
spots very few, and restricted to the sides. Wing, 7.00; tail, 4.70 ; tarsus, 1.25; middle
toe, .90; culraen, .50. Wing-formula, 2, 3-4, 1.

Adult female (58,339, Jacksonville, Fla., June 10, 1809 ; C. .J. Maynard). Differing
from the female of var. sparverius in much darker colors, the rufous inclining to eastaneous;
bars broader, more sharply defined, pure black. Head above pure dark plumbeous, con-
spicuously different from the fine light ash of var. sjuarverius ; vertex with touches only
of rufous ; markings beneath narrower, and nearly pure black, upon a deeper ochraceous
ground. Wing, 7.20 ; tail, 4.50 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe, .83 ; culmen, .42. Primaries,
2, 3-1,4.

Hab. North Atlantic and Caribbean coasts of South America, from Demerara north-
ward, along the Gulf coast of Mexico and L'nited States, through Texas and Louisiana to
Florida.

This form, though quite different in its extreme condition from true s^jk?'-
verius, gradually grades into it. Few, if any, other specimens possess in so
exaggerated a degree all the distinctive characters of those described, though
all from the regions indicated agree in having darker colors and less rufous on
the crown than specimens i'rom the interior of North and Middle America.

A series of six adult male Sparrow Hawks from Florida, kindly loaned me
for examination hy !Mr. J. A. Allen, includes three typical examples of this
littoral race of subtropical continental America. Tliey all agree in very deep
dark colors, entire absence or merely slight indication of rufous on the vertex,
and deeply ochraceous breast, with few markings. N"o. 1-4,499 (Miami, Fla.,
June 19, 1871) is remarkable for lacking entirely the black spots on wings
and flanks, and bars on the back or longer scapulars ; the three outer tail-
feathers are almost wholly ashy-white, with about five transverse spots of
black ; the terminal white band is strongly tinged with ash ; there is no
trace of rufous on the crown. Wing, 6.80 ; tail, 4.80.

In the unspotted wings and sides and vuibarred scapulars there is a resem-

172 NORTH AMKUICAX 13IUDS.

blaiice in this specimen to F. leiicophrys; which, however, has the ash very
much lighter, the black " mustache " obsolete or wanting, the lower breast pnre
white instead of deep ochraceous ; the under surface of the primaries plain
white, v;itli sliallow dusky serrations along the sluift, instead of being heavily
barred with dusky ; always lias a patch of rufous on the crown, a conspicuous
frontal and superciliary stripe of white, and an entirely dill'erently marked tail.
In its much barred tail it also resembles the var. dominicensis to a slight
extent ; but tlie latter has the middle feathers also barred, and always has the
scapulars, generally the entire dorsal region, heavily barred with black, and
the wings, breast, and sides heavily spotted ; the bill is larger, and there
is always more or less rufous on the crown. The other two specimens are
more like the average ; they both have a mere trace of rufous on the crown,
conspicuous bars on the scapulars, and spots on the wings. No. 5,188
(Hibernia, Fla., February 3, 1869) has only a few black specks on the flanks;
tlie outer tail-feather ashy-white, with seven transverse black spots across
inner web. Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.80. Xo. 5,373 (Hawkinsville, Fla., March
12, 1869) is similar, but has the flanks distinctly spotted witli black, and tlie
outer tail-feather with inner web plain pale rufous, with only the subter-
minal large black spot. Wing, 6.80 ; tail, 4.80.

A series of ten specimens (five males and five females) from Florida,
kindly sent me for examination by Mr. C J. Maynard, contains nothing but
var. sparverms, with a few individuals inclining slightly toward var. isabcl-
linus. The extreme are measurements of the series as follows : ^ . Wing,
6.60 - 6.90 ; tail, 4.50 - 4.70. 9 . Wing, 6.90 - 7.50 ; taU, 4.80 - 5.10. Four
out of the five males have the deeply ochraceous unspotted breast of var.
isahdlinus, but all have more or less rufous on the crown, while the asli is
of tliat light shade seen in \ar. sparverius. No. 476 has the iijiper tail-
coverts mixed with featliers which are either wholly or partially ash, while
the light bands of the outer tail-feathers are much tinged M-ith the same ;
tlie scapulars are almost wholly fine ash, like the wings, and with heavy
black bars. The females likewise all incline toward var. isahdlinus, all
ha\-ing tlie dark bars above equal to or broader than the rufous ones. No.
6,441 is transversely spotted on tlie flanks with heavy black bars, and is
scarcely distinguishable from females of var. dominicensis.

An adult male labelled as coming from Cuba, but probably from the
southeastern United States, in the collection of the Boston Society, is so
deeply colored as to strongl}' resemble tlie young male of T. sparvcroides.
There is not a trace of rufous on tlie crown, which is dark plumbeous ; the
lower parts are entirely deep rufous, except the throat, inclining more to
ochraceous on tlie tibias and crissum ; the whole lower surface entirely free
from spots of\nykind. Tlie tail is very uniformly marked, being wholly
rufous, except the usual narrow terminal band, or the outer web of lateral
feathers, which are white, — the latter with a few indications of black spots
near the shaft, — and the usual subterminal zone of black, which is very

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

173

regular and continuous. Though in these respects so closely resembling the
young (J of T. sparvcroidcs, it may be distinguished iVoni it by the sharp
definition of the black markings on the side of tlie head and on the winij-
coverts, and of the black bars on lh(! inutT web.s of tlie primaries. We have
every reason to doubt whetlier this specimen was actually collected in Cuba,
since so many of the specimens in the Lui'resuaye Collection are incorrectly
labelled as regards locality.

A young $ from Georgia, in the same collection, is somewhat similar, but
differs in the following respects. The rufous beneath is conlined to the
breast, sides, and abdomen, but is as deep (i. e. only a shade or two lighter
than that on the back) ; the two outer jiairs of tail-feathers arc mostly ashy-
white, with large spots of black.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

Natioii.al Mu.seum, 4 ; Boston Society, 2 ; Mus. Comp. Zool., 3 ; Pliiladclphia Academy,
4 ; New York Museum, 2 ; G. N. Lawrence, i. Total, 19.

Measurements.

Six.
J

9

Wing

Tail.

Culmtn.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

7.00 - 7.70
7.20-7.70

4.86-5.50
5.00 -.5.30

.50-.
.45 -..50

1.30-1.50

1.35-1.40

.90-.

.85-.

11

5

Habits. The common Sparrow Hawk of America has an extended dis-
tribution throughout the greater portion of North America, although it was
not observed by Mr.
MacFarlane, nor by
any other collectors in
the higher Arctic re-
gions, nor was it met
with by :\Ir. Dall in
Alaska. Mr. Kenni-
cott found it nesting
at Fort liesolution (lat.
62°), on Great Slave
Lake, and Mr. Clark
at Fort Kae. These
are the highest points
to whicii we have any
knowledge of its hav-
ing been traced.

Sir John Richard-
son si>caks of it as
abundant on the banks
of the Saskatchewan, in the neighborhood of Carlton House. It ])robably
breeds throughout North America, from Hudson's Bay to Mexico, and from

Tinnitnculus sparverius.

174 KORTII AMEKICAX BIRDS.

JMaine to California, though it is rare in a large portion of the New England
States. It is, however, t^uite abundant in the vicinity of Calais, Me., in
New Brunswick, and in Nova Scotia, though less abundant about Halifa.x.
It has not been taken, or if so only very rarely, in Eastern Massachusetts,
though it has been known to breed in Williamstown and Andierst, in the
western part of the State. It is equally rare in Ehode Island and in Con-
necticut. Ur. Woods, of East Hartford, knew of a pair which entered a
dove-cot in that jilace, destroyed its inmates, and laid four eggs. They
committed so many depredations ou the neighbors' chickens that they were
shot.

Mr. Tiidgway found this species exceedingly abundant in all portions of
the West. In the canons of the East Humboldt Mountains it was observed
to have nests in holes on the faces of the limestone cliffs.

The Sparrow Hawk is a bird of irregular flight, now momentarily hover-
ing over a particular spot, suspending itself in the air, and then sliooting off
in another direction. At other times it may be seen perched on the top of a
dead tree, or on a projecting branch, sitting there in an almost perpendicular
position for an hour or more at a time. It frequently jerks its tail, and
appears to be reconnoitring the ground below for small birds, mice, or liz-
ards, on which it chiefly preys. "When it alights, it closes its long wings so
suddenly that, according to AYilson, they seem to disappear. It often ap-
proaches the farm-house early in the morning, skulking about the barnyard
in pursuit of mice, and occasionally of young chickens. Frequently it
plunges into a thicket, as if at random, but always with an object in view,
and with a sure and fatal aim.

Wilson once observed one of this species perched on the highest top of a
large poplar, and, just as he was about to take aim, it swejit do\\'n with the
rapidity of an arrow into a thicket of briers, where he shot it, and found a
small Field Sparrow quivering in its grasp. It is said to be fond of watch-
ing along hedge-rows and in orchards, where small birds usually resort.
When grasshojipors are ])lentiful, they form the ])rincipal part of its food.
The young are fed with the usual food of the parents, — mice, small birds,
grasshoppers, etc. It also feeds upon small snakes, but rarely, if ever, touches
anything that it has not itself killed, and has been known to reject its prey
when, ai'ler having been killed, it proved to be in unsuitable condition for food.

Mr. ^Vudubon states that the fliglit of this species is never protracted. It
seldom flies far at a time ; a few hundred yards are all the distance it usually
goes before alighting. It rarely sails long on the wing at a time ; a half-hour
is its utmost extent. In pursuing a bird, it flies with great rapidity, but
never with the speed of the Sharp-shinned and otJier Hawks. Its cry is so
similar to that of the Kestrel of Europe that it might be readily mistaken
for it but for its stronger intonation. At times it gives out these notes as it
perches, but they are principally uttered while on the wing. Mr. Audubou
has heard them imitate the feelde cries of their offspring, when these have
left the nest and are following their parents.

FALCONID.E-TIIK FALCONS. 175

The j'oung liirds, when they first appear, are covered with a white down.
They grow witii great rapidity, and are soon able to leave their nest, and are
well provided for by their parents until they are able to take care of them-
selves. They feed at first on grasshoppers and crickets.

At Denysville, Me., these Hawks were observed to attack the Clilf Swal-
lows, while sitting on their eggs, deliberately tearing open their covered
nests, and seizing their occupants for their prey.

In winter, these birds, for the most part, desert the Northern and Middle
States, but are resident south of Virginia. They can be readily tamed, es-
pecially when reared from the nest. Mr Auduliou raised a young Hawk of
this species, which continued to keep about tlie house, and even to tiy to it
for shelter when attacked by some of its wilder kindred, and never failed to
return at night to roost on its favorite window-shutter. It was finally killed
by an enraged hen, whose chickens it attempted to seize.

This Hawk constructs no nest, but makes use of hollow trees, the deserted
hole of a Woodpecker, or even an old Crow's nest. Its eggs are usually as
many as five in number, and Mr. Audubon once even met with seven in a
single nest. The gTound of the eggs is usually a dark cream-color or a light
buff. In their markings they vary considerably. Five from a nest in
Maryland were covered throughout the entire surface with small blotches
and dottings of a light brown, at times confluent, and, except in a single
instance, not more frequent at the larger end than the smaller. The contents
of a nest obtained by Mr. Audulion on the Yellowstone Kiver had a ground-
color of a light buff, nearly unspotted, except at the larger end, with only a
few large blotches and splashes of a deep chocolate. In others, interspersed
with the light-brown markings are a few of a much deeper shade. In some,
the eggs are covered with fine markings of buff, nearly uniform in size and
color ; and others again are marked with lines and bolder dashes of brown,
of a distinctly reddish shade, over their entire surface, and often so thickly
as nearly to conceal the ground. The eggs are nearly spherical. The aver-
age length is 1.38 inches by a breadth of 1.1.3. They are subject to varia-
tion in size, but are uniform as to shape. Tliey range in length from 1.48
to 1.32 inches, and in breadth from 1.08 to 1.20 inches.

The eggs of Tinnuncidus spanrroidfft, from Cuba, and of var. cinnamomi-
nus from Chile, differ in size and markings from those of Xorth American
birds. Their ground-color is much whiter, is freer from markings which
have hardly any tinge of rufous, but are more of a yellowisli-brown. The
Cuban egg measures 1.28 by 1.08 inches ; the Chilian, 1.25 by 1.08.

176

NORTH AMERICAN UIRDS.

Genus POLYBORUS, Vieillot.

Polyboms, Vif.ii.l. ISKi. (Tj'pe, Fako brasilicnsis, Gmeli.n'. P. tluinis, Molina.)
Caracara, CuviKit, 1817. (Same type.)

Gen. Guar. (Scnicral aspect somewhat viiltiirine, but bearing and manners almcst gallina-
ceous. Neck ami legs very long. Bill very high and miiuh compressed, the commissure
very straight and regular, and nearly parallel witli the superior outline ; cere very narrow,
its anterior outline vertical and straight. Nostril very small, linear, obliquely vertical, its
upper end being the posterior one ; situated in the upper anterior corner of the cere.
Lateral and under portions of the head naked and scantily haired, the skiu bright-colored

f

37871,?. ,; ,^^- ,,^-..:^

37871,?.

Wing and tail.

Polyhorits aiultiboni.

(reddish or yellow in life). Occipital feathers elongated. Wings and tail long, the latter
rounded ; five outer quills with inner webs sinuated ; third to the fourth longest ; first
shorter than the sixth, sometimes shorter than the .seventh. Feet almost gallinaceous,
the tarsus nearly twice as long as the middle toe, but stout ; outer toe longer than the
inner; posterior toe much the shortest; claws long, but slender, weakly curved, and
obtuse. Tarsus with a frontal series of large transverse scutelte, the lower fourth to
sixth forming a single row, the others disposed in two parallel series of alternating plates ;
the other parts covered by smaller hexagonal scales.

This well-marked genus contains but a single species, the P. tharus, ]\Iol.,
which extends its range over the M-liole of tro))ical and subtropical America,

FALCOK ID.K — THE FALCONS.

177

exclusive of some of the West India Islands. North and south of the
Isthmus it is modified into geographical races, the southern of wliich is var.
tharus, Mol., and the northern var. atitluhoni, Cass.

The closely related genera Phakohcenas, Milvago, Ihyctcr, and Daptrius
are peculiar to South America and the southern portion of Middle America,
most of them being represented by two or more species. They all form
a well-marked and i^eculiarly American group, for which I shall retain
Schlegel's term Pohjhori.

Their habits are quite different in many respects from tliose of other
Falconidw, for they combine in many respects the habits of the gallinaceous
birds and those of the \'ultures. They are terrestrial, running and walking
gracefidly, with the exception of the species of Ihyctcr and Daptrius, which
are more arboreal than the others, and are said also to feed cliiefly upon
insects, instead of carrion.

Species and Races.

P. tharus. Wing-, 14.50-17.70; tail, 10.00-11.00; culraen, 1.20-1.48;
tarsus, 3.20 - 4.20 ; middle toe, 1.75 - 2.30.

AduU. Forehead, crown, occiput, back, rump, abdomen, sides, and
tibi», and terminal zone of the tail, dull black. Neck, breast, tail-
coverts, and tail, dingy whitish. Interscapulars, breast, and tail with
transverse dusky bars.

Young. Blackish areas replaced by dull brown ; region of the trans-
verse bars marked, instead, with longitudinal stripes.

Adult. Whole body, with middle wing-coverts, variegated with
transverse bars of black and white ; tail-coverts barred. Terminal
zone of the tail about 2.00 wide. Young. Longitudinal stripes
over the whole head and body, except throat, cheeks, and tail-
coverts ; tail-coverts transversely barred. Ilab. South America.

var. tharus}

1 Polybonis tharus. Falco tharus, Molina, Sp. Chil. p. 264, 343; 1782. Pohjhorus llmrus,
Strickl. Oru. Syn. 1, 19, 1855. Falco cheriway, Jacq. Beytrag. p. 17, pi. iv, 1784. Polijho-
rus cherkoay. Rich. Schomb. Vers. Faun. Brit. Guiana, p. 741, 1840. Falco plancus, Gmel.
Syst. Nat. p. 257, 1789. Falco brasiliensis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 262, 1789 (et AucT.).
Pobjbonts brasiliensis, ViG. Zool. Journ. I, 320, 1824. Cnracara mlrjaris. Less. Tr. Orn. p.
34 ; 1831. Polijborus vuhjaris, Spix. Av. Bras. I, pi. i, a.

AduU male (21,850, South Amciioa ; T. R. Peale). Forehead, crown, oucijiut, aud wings
lirownish-black ; middle wing-coverts fainter, with obscure whitish bars ; primaries white in the
middle (just beyond tlie coverts), tliis portion having obsolete washes of grayish, in form of
faintly indicated transverse bars ; basal three-fourths of the tail white, with numerous narrow,
washed bars of grayish, these becoming more faint toward the base ; tail with a terminal zone of
black, about two inches broad. Cheeks, chin, and throat soiled white, iinvariiul ; body in general
(including neck, breast, sides, abdomen, back, and scapulars) transversely barred with black and
w hite, the white prevailing anteriorly ; beneath, the black bars grow gradually wider posteriorly,
giving the tibiie and femorals a uniformly blackish aj)pearance ; on the back and scapulars also
the black bars exceed the white in width, but they are very sharply defined, regular, and con-
tinuous ; rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, white, with numerous faint bars of gniyisli. Under
side of the wing black ; outer six primaries wliite in the middle portion, beyond the coverts, this
patch extending obliquely across ; secondaries rather broadly barred on basal two-thirds with
black and wldte, leaving tlie teruiinal third unvaried. Tliird cpnll longest ; fourth scarcely
VOL. Ill, 23

178 NOKTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Adult. Transverse bars oonfinod to the breast and interscapulars;
rest of body continuous black; tail-coverts without bars; wing-
coverts unvariegated. Terminal zone of tail about 2.50 wide.
Young. Longitudinal stripes confined to the breast and inter-
scapulars ; rest of the body continuous brown. Tail-coverts with-
out bars. Hah. Middle America, and southern border of United
States, from Florida to Cape St. Lucas . . . vox. auduboni.

Polyborus tharus, vai. auduboni, Caspin.

CARACAEA EAGLE; "KING BUZZARD" OF FLORIDA.

Polyborus auduboni, Cassin, Proo. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. 1865, p. 2. Polyborus vulgaris
(" ViEiLL."), AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 350, 1834 (not of Vieillot !). Polyborus brasiliensis
(" Gmel."), Aud. Birds Am. Oct. ed. I, 21, 1840 (not of Gmelin I). Polyborus tharvi3
("MoL.") CA.SSIN, Birds of Cal. & Tex. I, 113; 1854 (not of Molina!) ; Brewer,
Oology, 1857, p. 58, pi. xi, figs. 18 & 19 ; Baihd, Birds X. Am. 1S5S, p. 45. — Heerm.
P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857. — CouE.s, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 13, 18G6. —Owen, Ibis,
III, 67. — GuRXEY, Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 17. — Dres.ser, Ibis, 1S65, 329 (Texas).

Sr. Char. Adtdt male (12,016, Texas ; Capt. McCall). Forehead, crown, occiput, and
nape, wings, scapulars, rinnp, belly, thighs, and anal I'cgion continuous deep dull black ;
chin, neck, jugulum, breast, and tail-coverts (upper and lower), soiled white. Breast
with numerous cordate spots of black, these growing larger posteriorly, and running in
transverse series ; back with transverse bars of white, which become narrower and less
distinct posteriorly. Basal two-thirds of tail white, crossed by thirteen or fourteen
narrow transverse bands of black, which become narrower and more faint basally ; outer
web of lateral feather almost entirely black ; broad terminal band of the tail uniform
black (2.40 inches in width) ; third, fourth, fifth, and sixth primaries gi-ayish just beyond
the coverts, this portion with three or four transverse bars of white. Middle portion of
primaries beneath, faintly barred with white and ashy; the barred portion extending
obliquely across. Third quill longest, fourth a little shorter, second shorter than fifth ; first
3. GO inches shorter than longest. Wing, 16.70; tail, 9.60; tarsus, 3.40; middle toe, 2.10.

Adult female. Plumage similar ; white more brownish; abdomen with indication of
bars. Wing, 15.50 ; tail, 8.70 ; tarsus, 3.30 ; middle toe, 2.20.

shorter ; second intermediate between fifth and sixth ; first a little longer than seventh. Wiug,
16.00 ; tail, 6.50 ; tarsus, 3.50 ; middle toe, 1.75.

Young (13,923, South America; T. R. Peale). Forehead, crown, occiput, nape, back, wings, and
lower pai-ts dark .sepia-brown ; feathers of the breast, sides, and abdomen marked centrally with
a broad longitudinal stripe of soiled fulvous-white ; those of nape and back more obsoletely
striped, and variegated irregularly at ends with the same ; wing-coverts passing terminally into
pale brownish ; secondaries obscurely barred with the same. Cheeks, chin, and throat unvarie-
gated soiled white ; tibial feathers with shaft-stripes of jiale fulvous. Rumj), tail-coverts, and tail
as in adult. Several specimens from Buenos Ayres (C'onchitas ; Wm. H. Hudson), and one from
Paraguay (59,236 ; T. J. Page, U. S. N.), have the black of the lower part of the abdomen and
flanks quite continuous. There is never, however, in South American specimens, an approach to
the peculiar characters of auduboni, as defined.

List of Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 7 ; Bost. Soc, 4 ; PhUad. Acad., 3 ; N. Y. JIus., 3.
Total, 17.

Measurements. — ^. Wing, 16.00-17.20; tail, 10.00 - 11.00 ; culmen, 1.20 - 1.30 ; tarsus,
3.70-3.90; middle toe, 1.75-2.15. Specimens, 2. ?. Wing, 17.70; tail, 10.00; culmen,
1.41 ; tarsus, 4.20 ; middle toe, 2.30. Specimens, 1. Sex ? Wing, 15.50 ; tail, 10.00 ; culmen,
1.30 ; tarsus, 3.65 ; middle toe, 1.90. Smallest of 4.

FALCU.XlDJi: — THK FALCONS.

"179

Young (42,130, 9, Mirador, Mexico; Dr. C. Sartorius). Black of adult replaced by
diugy dark brown, this darkest in tlie hood; white and duslcy regions gradually blended,
the feathers of the breast being whitish, edged (longitudinally) with brown. No trace of
the transverse bars, except on the tail, which is like that of the adult.

Had. Middle America north of Darien ; southern border of United States from Florida
to Lower California ; Cuba.

Localities: Guatemala (Set,. Ibis, I, 214); Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxix ; Gundl. Rapt.
ISGiJ, 221, resident) ; ? Trinidad (Tavlob, Ibis, 1864, 79) ; Texas (Dresseh, Ibis, 1865,
329, breeds); Arizona (Coues) ; Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, 132); Yucatan (Lawr. 16, 207.)

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

Xational Museum, 16 ; Boston Society, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 4 ; Museum Comp.
Z06I., 1 ; R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 25.

Measurements.

Sex.

Wing.

Tail.

Oulmen.

IhrSKS.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.
6

8

9

14.60 - 16.50
14.75-16.00

9.00 - 10.00
8.80-10.00

1.20 - 1.48
1.20-1.45

3.20-3.60

3.55 - 3.75

1.90-2.00
2.00-2.10

Habits. The Caracara Eagle, as this bird is called, though it seems to
possess, to a large degree, tlie characteristics of a Vulture, and hardly any
of the true aquiline nature, is
found in all the extreme south-
ern portions of the country, in
Florida, Texas, Southern Ari-
zona, and California. Audubon
met with it abundantly in Flor-
ida in the winter of 1831.
Mr. Boardnian has seen it quite
common at Enterprise, associ-
ating with the Vultures. Dr.
AVoodhouse, while encamped on
the liio Saltado, near San Anto-
nio, in Texas, frequently saw
the Caracaras, and always in
company with the Vultures,
which he says they greatly re-
semble in their habits, excepting
that they were much more shy. He could, however, readily approach them
when on horseback. Mr. Dresser also frequently encountered it in Texas
in the vicinity of San Antonio, and speaks of it as abundant from the
liio Ch'ande to the Guadaloupe, but never noticed any farther east. In
Arizona, Dr. Coues says, it is not a rare bird in the soutliern and western
portions of that Territory. Lieutenant Couch likewise describes them
as exceedingly abundant from the Piio Grande to the Sierra Madre. He

Polyborus tharusy var. audnboni.

180 NORTH AMKUICAX BIRDS.

speaks of killing a male bin! on the nest, which was in a low tree and
composed of sticks. He adds tliat tliis bird destroys the Texas field-rats
{Sigmudoii herl(indirri) in large numbers.

Dr. lleerniann met witli this species on the Colorado Eiver, near Fort
Yuma, in company witli the Catharks aura. lie found it so shy that it was
impossible to jirocure a specimen. He found it along the Gila liiver, and
again met with it in Texas wlierever there were settlements. At San Anto-
nio, wherever there were slaugliter-houses, he met with them in great num-
bers, twenty or thirty being often seen at a time.

Grayson gives the Garacara as quite abundant in the Tres Jlarias. Al-
though it subsists mainly ou dead animals and other offal, it is said to some-
times capture young birds, lizards, snakes, and land-crabs. It generally
carries its prey in its beak ; but Colonel Grayson states that he has seen it
also bear off its food in its claws, as Hawks do. It walks with facility
on the ground, and was often met with in the thick woods, walking about in
search of snakes. Mr. Xantus found it nesting at Cape San Lucas, placing
its nest on the top of the Cci-eiis gigantens. It occurs also in the West Indies,
especially in the island of Culia, where it is known to breed. Eggs were
obtained and identified liy tlie late Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, in North-
ern Mexico, on the Eio Grande, in considerable numbers.

Mr. Salvin (Ibis, I, 214) says the Caracara is universal in its distriljution
iu Central America, appearing equally abundant everywhere. At Duenas it
was a constant resident, breeding on the surrounding liiUs. Its food seemed
to consist largely of the ticks that infested the animals. In Honduras Mr.
G. C. Taylor found them very common, quite tame, and easily shot. They
feed on carrion and ofl'al, were often seen scratching among the half-dry
cow-dung, and are " a very low caste l>ird." Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, VI, 79)
frequently saw tliis bird ou the shores of the Orinoco. It was very tame,
and generall}' allowed a near approach, and when disturbed did not fly far.
He did not meet with it in Trinidad.

On the Eio Grande tlie popular name of this species is TotacJtc, while in
(_'hile the I', tharus is called Tram, 1jut its more common name throughout
South America is Carrancha.

According to Audubon, the flight of this bird is at great heights, is more
graceful tlian that of the A'ldture, and consists of alternate flapping and
sailing. It often sails in large circles, gliding in a very elegant manner, now
and then diving downwards and then rising again.

These liirds feed on frogs, insects, worms, young alligators, carrion, and
various other forms of animal food. IMr. Audubon states that he has seen
them walk about in tlie water in search of food, catching frogs, young alli-
gators, etc. It is harndess and inoffensive, and in the destruction of vermin
renders valuable services. It builds a coarse, flat nest, composed of flags,
reeds, and grass, usnaUv on the tops of trees, but occasionally, according to
Darwin, on a low clifi', or even on a bush.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 181

Mr. E. Owen, who fouud tliis bird breeding near San Geronimo, Guate-
mala, April 2 (Ibis, 1861, p. G7), states that the nest was built on the very
crown of a high tree in the plain. It was made of small branches twisted
together, and had a sliglit lining of coarse grass. It was shallow, and formed
a mass of considerable size. The eggs were" four in number, and are de-
scribed as measuring 2.15 inches by 1.60, having a liglit red ground-color,
and spotted and blotched all over with several shades of a darker red.

Dr. Heermann found the nest of this species on the Medina River. It
was built in an oak, and constructed of coarse twigs and lined \\ ith leaves
and roots. It was quite recently finished, and contained no eggs. Mr.
Dresser states that it breeds all over the country about San Antonio, build-
ing a large bulky nest of sticks, lined with small roots and grass, generally
placed in a low mesquite or oak tree, and laying three or four roundish eggs,
similar to those of the Honey Buzzard of Europe. He found several nests
in April and tlirough May, and was told by the ranrhcros that its eggs are
found as late as June. The nests found in the collection of Dr. Berlandier,
of Matamoras, were coarse flat structures, composed of flags, reeds, and grass.
The nests, though usually built on the tops of trees, are occasionally found,
according to Darwin, on a low cliff, or even on a bush. The number of the
eggs is rarely, if ever, more tlian three or four. Four eggs, taken Ijy Dr.
Berlandier near the Eio Grande, exhibit a maximum length of 2.44 inches ;
least length, 2.25 ; average, 2.41. The diameter of the smallest egg is 1.75
inches ; that of the largest, 1.88 ; average, 1.81. These eggs not only present
the great and unusual variation in their length of nearly eight per cent, but
very striking and anomalous deviations from uniformity are also noticeable
in their ground-colm- and markings. Tlie ground-color varies from a nearly
pure white to a very deep russet or tan-color, and the markings, though
all of sepia-brown, differ greatly in their shades. In some, the ground-
color is nearly pure white with a slight pinkish tinge, nearly unspotted at
the smaller end, and only marked by a few light blotches of a sepia-brown.
These markings increase botli in size and frequency, and become of a ileeper
shade, as they are nearer tlie larger end, until they become almost black, and
around this extremity they form a large confluent ring of blotches and
dashes of a dark sepia. Others have a ground-color of light russet, or rather
white with a very slight wash of russet, and are marked over the entire sur-
face, in about equal proportion, \\\i\\ irregular lines and Ijroad dashes of dark
sepia. Again, in others the ground is of the deepest russet or tan-coLir, and
is marked \\\i\\ deep blotcluis of a dark sepia, almost black. The eggs are
mucli more oblong than those of most birds of prey, and in this respect also
show their relation to the Vultures, rather than to the Hawks or Eagles.
They are pyiiform, the smaller end tapers quite abruptly, and varies nuich
more, in its proportions, from the larger extremity, than tlie eggs of most
true Hawks.

Lieutenant Gilliss found the South American race exceedinslv numerous

182 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tlirougliout Central and Southern Chile. It was constantly met with along
tlie roads, and wlierever there was a chance of obtaininjf a particle of ilesh
or offal. At tlie annual slau_ifhtering of cattle they congregate by hundreds,
and remain witliout the corral, awaiting their share of the rejected parts. It
was so tamo, from not being molested, that it could be taken with the lasso,
but when lluis captured, it tights desperately, and no amount of attention
or kindness can reconcile it to the loss of liberty.

Througliout South America it is one of the most abundant species, its
geographical range extending even to Cape Horn. jMr. Darwin found the
Poluhorus nowhere so common as on the grassy savannas of the La Plata,
and says that it is also found on the most desert plains of Patagonia, even
to the rocky and barren shores of the Pacific.

Genus PANDION, .S.wignt.

P(zn(ij<m, Savign. 1809. (Type, Falco halkctus, Lis.v.)
Triorchis, Leach, 1816. (Same typ«.)
Balbusardiis, Fleming, 1828. (Same type.)

Gen. Char. Bill inflatod, the cere depressed below the arched culmen ; end of bill
much developed, fomiiiig a strong, pendent hook. Anterior edge of nostril touching edge
of the cere. Whole of tarsus and toes (except terminal joint) covered with rough, some-
what imbricated, projecting scales. Outer toe versatile ; all the claws of equal length.
In their shape, also, they are peculiar ; they contract in thickness to their lower side, where
they are much narrower than on top, as well as perfectly smooth and rounded ; the middle
claw has the usual sharp lateral ridge, but it is not very distinct. All the toes perfectly
free. Tibiae not plumed, but covered compactly with short feathers, these reaching down
the front of the tarsus below the knee, and terminating in an angle. Primary coverts
hard, stifif, and acuminate, almost as much so as the quills themselves; third quill longest;
fir.=;t longer than fifth ; second, third, and fourth sinuated on outer webs ; outer three
deeply emarginated, the fourth sinuated, on inner webs.

Of this remarkable genus, there appears to be but a single species, wliich
is almost completely cosmopolitan in its liabitat. As in the case of the
Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl, different geographical regions liave each a
peculiar race, modified by some climatic or local influence. Tliese races,
however, are not well marked, and are consequently only definable with
great difficulty.

Species and Baces.

P. haliaetus. Wing, 15.20-21..50 ; tail, 7.00- 11.11 ; culmen, 1,20-1.40;
tarsus, 2.00-2.1,5; middle toe, 1.60-2.00. Second or third quills longest.
Above clear dark grayish-brown, inclining to brownish-black, plain, or
variegated with white. Tail brownish-gray (the inner webs almost entirely
white), nari'owly tipped with white, and crossed by about six or seven
nearly equal bands of dusky-black. Head, neck, and entire lower parts,
snowy-white ; the breast with or without brown spots or wash. A dusky
stripe on side of head (from lores across the ear-oovorts). and top of head
more or less spotted, or streaked, with tlie same. Adult. Upper parts plain.

FALCUNID.E — THE FALCONS. 183

You7ig. Feathers of the upper parts bordered terminally witli wliite. Sexes
alike (?).

Wing, 17.00-20.50; tail, 7.00- 10.00; eulmen, 1.20-1.45; tarsus,
1.95-3.15; middle toe, 1.50-1.90. Second or third quills longest
(in eighteen specimens from Europe and Asia). First longer than fifth.
Breast always (?) spotted with brownish, or uniformly so ; top of head
with the black streaks usually predominating. Tail with six to seven
narrow black bands, continuous across botli webs. ffab. Northern
Hemisphere of the Old World var. halicBtus}

Wing, 17.50-21.50; tail, 8.70-10.50; eulmen, 1.25-1.40; tarsus, 2.00-
2.40 ; middle toe, 1.70 - 2.00. Second and third quill longest. Breast
often entirely without spots ; top of head and nape usually with dark
streaks predominating. Tail with six to seven narrow black bands,
continuous across both webs. Hob. Northern Hemisphere of the
New World ........ var. ''carolinensis."

Wing, 17.50-19.50; tail, 9.00-10.00; eulmen, 1.25-1.40; tarsus,
2.10 ; middle toe, 1.70 - 1.9.5. Third quill longest, but second just per-
ceptibly shorter (eight specimens, including Gould's types). Breast
with the markings sometimes (in two out of the eight examples)
reduced to sparse shaft-streaks, but never (?) entirely immaculate.
Top of the head with the white streaks usually predominating, some-
times (in three out of the eight specimens) immaculate white (the
occiput, however, always with a few streaks). Tail with six to seven
white bands on the inner webs, which (according to Kaup) do not
touch the shaft. Ilab. Australia . . . var. " leucocephalu s." '

1 Pandion halioetus, var. Jialicetus (Linn.). Aquila halicctiis, Briss. Orn. 1, 440, pi. xxxiv.
Falco halicetiis, Linn. S. N. I, 1766, 129. Pandion halicetiis. Less. Man. Orn. I, 86. Fako
anindinaceus, Gmel. 1733. Pandion fluvialis, S.iViGN. Descr. Egyp. 1, 96, 1809. Pandion
alticeps and ^jtoiicc/js, Brehji, Tog. Deutschl. 33, 1831. Pandion indicus, Hodgs. Cat. Gray's
Misc. 81.

Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 3; Bost. Soc, 2; Philad. Acad., 3; other sources, 10.
Total, 18.

Measurements. — S . Wing, 18.00-18.50; tail, 8.50-8.70; eulmen, 1.20-1.30; tarsus,
1.95-2.00 ; nuddle toe, 1.50-1.80. Specimens, 4. ?. Wmg, 19.50-20.50 ; tail, 9.00-9.50 ;
eulmen, 1.35-1.45 ; tarsus, 2.00-2.10 ; middle toe, 1.85-1.90. Specimens, 4.

Five specimens from the Paliearetic Region (including one from Japan and one from Morocco)
compare with three from India as follows : —

Palsearctic specimens : Wing, 18.70- 20.40 ; tail, 9.00-10.00 ; eulmen, 1.28 - 1.35 ; tarsus,
2.15; middle toe, 1.75-1.80.

Indian specimens : Wing, 17.00-19.75; tail, 7.00-8.75; eulmen, 1.28 - 1.35 ; tarsus, 2.00;
middle toe, 1.75.

The Indian specimens are slightly darker than the northern ones. In the nortlieni series, the
smallest is one from Morocco. This has the breast as white as any Australian example, and lias
the liead and neck above as light as in many of them. The Japanese specimen is exactly like
European ones in color, but is intermediate between them and the Indian ones in size, measuring,
wing, 17.50; tail, 8.80; eulmen, 1.30; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.60. The smallest in the
series is one from Celebes, in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge (So. 12,196).
This one measures, wing, 15.20; tail, 7.50; eulmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.00; and middle toe, 1.60.
In colors it approaches very closely to var. leucoceplmlus.

'^ Pandion haliaihts, var. hucocepluilus (Gould). Pandion fluviat His, var. 1, Less. Tr. Orn.
1831, 46. Pandimi leacocepludus, Gould, Synop. B. Austr. I, 1832, 22, pi. vi. Pandion youldi,
Kaup, Isis, 1847.

Specimens examined. — Philad. Acad., 8 (Goidd's types) ; Boston Soc, 1. Total, 9,

184 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Pandion haliaetus, var. carolinensis (Gmel).

FISH-HAWK i AMEEICAN OSPEEY.

Falco carolinensis, Gmkl. Syst. Nat. p. 263, 1789. — Davd. Tr. Om. 11, 69, ISOO. Pan-
dion carolinensis, Bosap. List, pt. iii, 1838 ; Consp. Av. p. 16. — Stkickl. Om. Syn.
I, 64, 1855. — AuD. Biidii Am. pi. l.\.x.\i, 1831. —Cass. Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 112,
1854. — Bkewer, Oology, 1857, p. 53, pi. iii, fig. 33, 34. — Nevvb. P. R. R. Rept. VI,
iv, 75, 1857. — Heei:m. VII, 21, 1857. — De Kay, Zoiil. N. Y. II, 8, pi. W, fig. 18.—
Cass. Birds N.Am. 1858, p. 44. —Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 153, 1860.

— CouEs, Piod. Oni. Ariz. 1866, ji. 13. — Gray, Hand List, I, 15, 1869. — M.A.X. Cab.
Journ. VI, 1858, 11. — Loiu), Pr. R. A. 1. IV, 1864, 110 (Brit. Columb. ; nesting).
.— Fowler, Am. Nat. II, 1868, 192 (habits). Falco caycnncnsis, G.mel. Syst. Nat.
p. 263, 1789. — Datjd. Tr. Orn. II, p. 69, 1800. Falco avicricanus, G.mkl. Syst. Nat.
p. 257. — L.\TH. Index Orn. p. 13, 1790 ; Syn. I, 35, 1781 ; Gen. Hist. 1, 238, 1821.

— D.\UD. Tr. Orn. 11, 50. — Shaw, Zobl. Vll, 88. Aquila amcricana, Vieill. Ois.
Am. Sept. I, pi. iv, 1807. Pandion amcricanus, Vieill. Gal. Ois. pi. ii, 1825. —
ViG. Zoiil. Journ. I, 336. — Swains. Classif. B. II, 207, 1837. Aquila piscafrix,
Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. I, pi. iv, 1807. AccipiUr piscalorius, Catesby, Carolina, 1,
pi. ii, 1754. A. falco piscator antUlarum, Briss. Om. I, 361, 1760. A. falco piscaior
carolinensis, Briss. Orn. 1, 362. Pandion halia:tus. Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. II, 20,
1831. — J.\RD. (WiLs.) Am. Orn. II, 103, 1832. — James. (Wils.) Am. Om. I, 38,
1831. —AuD. Orn. Biog. I, 415, 1831. — Gr.\y, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 22, 1844. I Pan-
dion fasciatus, Brehm, AUgcm. deutsch. Zeitung, II, 1856, 66 (St. Domiugo).

Sp. Chau. Adult male (17,227, San Jcse, Lower California, December 15, 1859; J.
Xantus). Upper surface dark vaudyke-brown, with a famt purplish cast ; quills black.
Every feather with a conspicuous, sharply defined terminal crescent of pure white. Tail
brownish-drab, narrowly tipped with wliite, and crossed with seven (one concealed)
regular bands of dusky ; inner webs almost wholly white, the black bands sharply defined
and continuous ; shafts entirely white. Ground-color of the head, neck, and entire lower
parts, pure white ; a broad stripe from the eye back across upper edge of the ear-coverts
to the occiput brownish-black ; white head also sparsely streaked with blackish, these
streaks suffusing and predominating medially ; nape faintly tinged with ochraceous, and
sparsely streaked. Breast witli large cordate spots of brown, fainter than that of the
back, a medial spot on each feather, the shaft black ; rest of lower parts immaculate.
Lining of the wing white, strongly tinged with ochraceous ; the brown of the outer sur-
face encroaching broadly over the edge. Under primary-coverts with broad transverse
spots or bars ; under surface of primaries grayish- white anterior to the cmargination
irregularly mottled with grayish; axillars immaculate. Wing-formula, 2 = 3,4-1,5.
Wing, 20.00 ; tail, 8.80; culmen, 135; tarsus, 2.15- 1.10; middle toe, 1.90; outer, 1.75;
inner, 1.40 ; posterior, 1.15 ; posterior outer and inner claws of equal length, each
measuring 1.20 (chord); middle, 1.15. " Iris yellow ; feet greenish-yellow."

Adult female (290, S. F. Baird's Collection, Carlisle, Pa., April 17, 1841). Dark
brown of the upper surface entirely uniform, there being none of the sharply defined
white crescents so conspicuous in the m.ale.' Tail Ijrown to its tip, the dusky bands

' McGillivray describes this plumage as that of the young, and states that the sexes are col-
ored alike ; but my observations upon freshly killed specimens, as well as skins, induce me to
believe that the sexes are differently colored in their adult plumage, as described above, and the
young are not different from the adults. I may be mistaken in adopting this view, but a male
killed by myself, in the white-bordered plumage, had scarlet irides and other unmistakable char-
acteristics of perfect maturity.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

185

obscure, except on inner webs. On the top of the head, the dusky is more confined to a
medial stripe. Pectoral spots smaller, less conspicuous. Under surface of primaries more
mottled with grayish. Wing-formula, 3, 2-4- 1, 5. Wing, 20.50; tail, 9.15 ; cuhnen,
1..35 ; tarsus, 2.15 ; middle toe, 1.70.

,/j^'i-nr^^

12013, S.

12013, J.

Pandion carolinensis.

Hab. Whole of North America, south to Panama ; N. Brazil ; Trinidad. Cuba, and
other West India Islands.

Localities : Belize (Sol. Ibis, I, 215) ; Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxx, nests ; Gundl.
Repert. Sept. 1865, 1, 222) ; Bahamas (Bryant, Pr.Bost, Soc. YII, 1859) ; Panama (Lawr.
YIII, G3) ; Trinidad (Taylor, Ibis, 1866, 79) ; Arizona (Coues, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 49) ;
N. Brazil (Pelz. Orn. Bras. I, 4).

In eight out of twelve Xortli American adult specimens, there is but the
slightest amount of spotting on the breast ; in two of these (4,.36fi, Paget
Sound, and 12,014, Oregon), none whatever; in 17,228 (<?, Cape St. Lucas),
2,512 ((? S. F. B. Carlisle, Pa.), .34,065 ( 9 , Realejo, Central America), and
5,837 (Fort Steilacodm), there is just a trace of these spots.

The specimens described are those having the breast most distinctly
spotted. Specimens vary, in length of wing, from 17.50 to 20.50. There
appears to be no sexual difference in size.

vol. ul 24

186

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

The distinctness or identity of the European and Xorth American Ospreys
can only be determined by tlie comparison of a very large series ; this we
have not l)een able to do, and altlioiigh it is our belief that they should
not be separated, the impressions received iVom a close inspection of the
specimens before us (twenty-seven American and eighteen European) seem
to indicate the propriety of distinguishing them as races.

Tiie male of the pair described appears to be perfectly identical, in all
respects exce]it size, with a very perfect, finely mounted European male ;
indeed, the only discrepancy is in the size, the wing of the European bird
being only nineteen inches, instead of twenty inches as in the American.
The female, however, differs from European females in having the brown
on the breast in the form of detached faint spots, instead of a continuous
grayish-brown wash, more or less continuous.

The tyi^es of our descriptions are the only specimens of the American
series which show even an approach to the amount of spotting on the breast
constant in birds from Europe.

The American bird, as indicated by the series before us, would seem to be
rather the larger ; for tlie European specimens measure uniformly about an
inch less than tlie American in length of the wing.

In all the American specimens, of both sexes, the shafts of the tail-
feathers are continuously white, while in the European they are clear white
only at the roots or for the basal half.

While, in consideration of the above facts, I am for the present compelled
to recognize the American Pandion under the distinctive name of carolinen-
sis, I may say, that, if any European liirds occur with the breast immacu-
late,— no matter what the proportion of specimens, — I shall at once waive
all claims to distinctness for the American l>ird.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 7; Philadelphia Academy. 3; New Tork Museum. 1 (Brazil);
Boston Society, 6 ; Museum Cambridge, 9 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1 ; CoU. R. Ridgway, 1.
Total, 28.

^feasllremen.t.•l.

Skt.

Wing.

Tail.

Oilmen. 1 rai-JiM.

Middle Toe.

Specimens

9

19.00-20.50

18."5- 19.00

10.00-10.50
8.80- 9.50

1.35- . 2.25-2.40

1.25-1. .35 2.00-2.25

1.80-1.85

1.70-1.80

5

4

Second and third quills longest ; first shorter or longer than fifth.

Habits. The Fish Hawk of Xorth America, whether we regard it as a
race or a distinct species from that of the Old World fauna, is fount! through-
out the continent, from the fur regions around Hudson's Bay to Central
America. According to Mr. Hill, it is seen occasionally in Jamaica, and, as
I learn by letter from Dr. Gundlach, is also occasionally met with in the
island of Cuba ; but it is not known to breed in either place. Dr. Wood-

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

187

Pandion kalicFtus (Eurnpean speciinea).

house, in his report of the expedition to the Zuiii Eivcr, speaks of tliis Hawk
as common along the coasts of Texas and Cahfornia. Dr. Heermann men-
tions it as common on the borders of all the large rivers of California in
summer ; and Dr. Gambel also re-
fei'S to it as abundant along the
coast of that State, and on its
rocky islands, in which latter lo-
calities it breeds. I am not aware
that it has ever been found far-
ther south than Texas, on the
eastern coast. On the Pacific
coast it appears to have a more
extended distribution both north
and south, but nowhere to be so
abundant as on certain parts of
the Atlantic coast.

Mr. Bischoff obtained this spe-
cies about Sitka, where he found
it breeding, and took its eggs ;
and ilr. l)all jn'ocured several
specimens near Xulato in May,
18G7, and in 1868. They were

not uncommon, frequenting the small streams, and were summer visitors,
returning to the same nest each season. Colonel Grayson found it breeding
as far south as the islands of the Tres Marias, in latitude 31° 30' north.
The nest was on the top of a giant cactus. Mr. Xantus describes it as
breeding on the ground at Cape St. Lucas.

In tlie interior it was met with by Eichardson, but its migrations do not
appear to reach the extreme northern limits of the continent. That ob-
serving naturalist saw nothing of this bird when he was coasting along the
shores of the Arctic Sea, nor did Mr. Hearne find it on the barren grounds
north of Fort Churchill. Its eggs were collected on the Mackenzie Eiver
by Mr. Eoss, and on the Yukon by Messrs. Lockhart, Sibbiston, McDougal,
and Jones. At Fort Yukon, Mr. Lockhart found it nesting on a high tree
(S. I. 15,676).

On the Atlantic coast it is found from Labrador to Florida, with the excep-
tion of a portion of Massachusetts around Boston, where it does not breed,
and where it is very rarely met with. It is most abundant from Long
Island to the Chesapeake, and throughout this long extent of coast is very
numerous, often breeding in large communities, to the nuudier of several
hundred pairs. Away from the coast it is mucli less frequent, but is occa-
sionally met with on the banks of the larger rivers and lakes, and in such
instances usually in soEtary pairs. Dr. Hayden found it nesting in the
Wind Eiver Mountains on the top of a large cottonwood tree.

188 iNOKTU AilKlUCAX BIRDS.

Mr. Allen reports this species as abuiulant eA-erywhere in Florida, and as
especially so around the lakes of the Upper St. Johns, where it commences
nesting in January. At Lake ilonroe he counted six nests from a single
point of view. It is said by fishermen to occur on the coast of Labrador,
luit it is not cited as found there by ]Mr. Audubon, nor is it so given by L)r.
Cones. It is, liowever, very conunon on the coast oi' Nova Scotia, breeding
in the vicinity of must of tlie harbors. It is given by Mr Boardman as
conunon near Calais, where it arrives about the lOtli of April, and remains
until tlie middle of September. It is found along the whole coast more or
less abundantly, especially near tlie heads of tlie numerous estuaries.

In Central America it is cited by Salvin as occurring abundantly on both
the coast regions, and is particularly common about Belize, wliere it is be-
lieved to breed. It is said by Mr. Newton to be found on the island of St.
Croix at all times except during the breeding-season. It was also occa-
sionally seen at Trinidad by Mr. E. C. Taylor.

The Fish Hawk appears to subsist wholly on the fish which it takes by
its own active exertions, plunging for them in the open deep, or catching
them in the shallows of rivers where the depth does not jDermit a plunge.
Its abundance is measured somewhat liy its supply of food ; and in some
parts of the country it is hardly found, in others it appears in solitary pairs,
and again in a few districts it is (piite gregarious.

The American Fish Hawk is migratory in its habits, leaving our coasts
early in the fall of the year, and returning soon after the close of the winter.
Sir John Eichardson states that the time of its arri\'al in the fur regions is
as early as April, and on the coast it lias been noticed in the middle of
March. It breeds on the coast of Nova Scotia late in June, on that of
Maine earlier in the same month, in New Jersey and ilaryland in ^lay, and
still earlier in California.

It is said to arrive on the New Jersey coast with great regularity about
the 21st of March, and to be rarely seen there after the 22d of September.
It not unfrequently finds, on its first arrival, the ponds, bays, and estuaries
ice-bound, and experiences some difficulty in procuring food. Yet I can find
no instance on record where our Fish Hawk has Ijeen known to molest any
other bird or land-animal, to feed on them, though their swiftness of flight,
and their strength of wing and claws, would seem to render such attacks
quite easy. On their arrival the Fish Hawks are said to combine, and to
wage a determined war iqion tlie AVhite-headed Eagles, often succeeding by
their numbers and courage in driving them temporarily from their haunts.
But they never attack them singly.

The Fish Hawk nests almost invariably on the tops of trees, and this
habit has been noticed in all parts of the country. It is not without excep-
tions, but these are quite rare. "William H. Edwards, Esq., found one of
their nests constructed near West Point, New York, on a high cliff overhang-
ing the Hudson Eiver. The trees on which their nests are built are not un-

FALC(«ID.E — THE FALCONS. 189

frequently killed by their excrement or the saline character of their food and
tJie materials of their nest. The bird is bold and confiding, often constructing
its nest near a frequented path, or even upon a highway. Near the eastern
extremity of the Wiscasset (Me.) bridge, and directly upon the stage-road, a
nest of this Hawk was occupied several years. It was upon the top of a
low phie-tree, was readily accessible, the tree being easily climbed, and was
so near the road tliat, in passing, the young birds could frequently be heard
in their nest, uttering their usual cries for food.

The nests are usually composed externally of large sticks, often piled to
the height of five feet, with a diameter of three. In a nest described by
Wilson, he found, intermixed with a mass of sticks, corn-stalks, sea-weed,
wet turf, mullein-stalks, etc., the whole lined with dry sea-grass {Zostera
marina), and large enough to fill a cart and be no inconsiderable load for a
horse.

WTien the nest of this Hawk is visited, especially if it contain young, the
male bird will frequently make violent, and sometimes dangerous, attacks
upon the intruder. In one instance, in Maine, the talons of one of these
Hawks penetrated through a thick cloth cap, and laid bare the scalp of a lad
who had climbed to its nest, and very nearly hurled him to the ground. A
correspondent quoted by Wilson narrates a nearly similar instance of coura-
geous and desperate defence of the young. They are very devoted in their
attentions to their mates, and supply them with food while on the nest.
Wilson relates a touching instance of this devotion, where a female that
had lost one leg, and was iinable to fish for herself, was abundantly supplied
by her mate.

In some localities the Fish Hawk nests in large communities, as many
as three hundred pairs having been observed nesting on one small island.
When a new nest is to be constructed, the whole connimnity has been
known to take part in its completion. They are remarkably tolerant
towards smaller birds, and permit the Purple Grakle (Quiscalus pnrjnireus)
to construct its nests in the interstices of their own. Wilson observed no
less than four of these nests thus clustered in a single Fish Hawk's nest,
with a fifth on an adjoining branch.

The eggs of the Fish-Hawk are usually three in number, often only two,
and more rarely four. They are subject to great variations as to their
ground-color, the number, shade, and distribution of the blotches of secon-
dary coloring with which they are marked, and also as to their size and shape.
Their ground-color is most frequently a creamy-white, with a verj^ percepti-
ble tinge of red. This varies, however, from an almost pure shade of cream,
without any admixture, to so deep a shade of red that white ceases to be
noticeable. Their markings are combinations of an almost endless variation
of shades of umber-brown, a light claret-brown, an intermingling of both
these shades, with occasional intermixtures of purplish-brown. They vary
in length from 2.56 to 2.24 inches, and in breadth from 1.88 to l.C.) inches.

inO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

It would be impossible to describe with any degree of preciseiiess the innu-
merable variations in size, shape, ground-color, or shades of markings, these
eggs present. They all have a certain nameless jiha-se of resemblance, and
may be readily distinguished from any other eggs except those of their kin-
dred. There are, however, certain shades of wine-colored markings in the
eggs of the Fish Hawk of Europe, and also in that of Australia, that I have
never noticed in any eggs of the American bird ; but that this peculiarity
is univers.vl I am not able to say. The smallest egg of the carolincnsis meas-
ures 2.0I by l.Gli inches ; the largest, 2.56 by 1.88.

The European egg is smaller than the American, is often, but not always,
more spherical, and is less pointed at the smaller end. Among its varieties
is one which is quite common, and is very different from any I have ever
observed among at least five hundred specimens of the American wliich I
have examined.

An Osprey's egg in my collection, taken near Aarhuus, in Denmark, by
Eev. H. B. Tristram, of Castle Eden, England, measures only 2.12 inches in
length, — shorter by a fourth of an inch than the smallest American, — in
breadth 1.G2 inches ; its ground-color is a ricli cream, with a slight tinge of
claret, and it is marked o\-er its whole surface with large blotches of a beau-
tifully deep shade of chocolate.

In their habits the European and the American birds seem to present
other decided differences. The American is a very social bird, often living
in large communities during the breeding-season. The European is found
almost invariably in solitary pairs, and frequents fresh water almost exclu-
sively. The American, though found also on large rivers and lakes, is much
the most abundant on the sea-shore. The European bird rarely builds on
trees, tlie American almost always. The latter rarely resorts to rocky cliffs
to breed, the European almost uniformly do so. There is no instance on
record of the American species attacking smaller birds or inferior land ani-
mals with intent to feed on them. The European species is said to prey on
Ducks and other wild-fowl.

Genus NAUCLERUS, Vigors.

Navclcrus, ViG. 1825. (Type, Faico furcatm, Linn; F. forficatus, Linn.)
Elaiioidcs, Gn.w, 1848. (Siime type.)

Gek. Cii.\r. Form swallow-like, the tail excessively lencrthened and forked, and the
wings extremely long. Bill rather small, and narrow; commissurL' fiiiiitly sinuated;
upper outline of the lower mandible very convex, the depth of the mandible at the base
being only about half that through the middle ; gonys drooping terminally, nearly straight.
Side of the head densely feathered close up to the eyelids. Nostril ovoid, obliquely ver-
tical. Feet small, but roljust ; tarsus about equal to middle toe, covered with large, very
irregular scales ; toes with transverse scutellre to their base ; claws short, but strongly
curved; grooved beneath, their edges sharp. Second or third quill longest; first shorter

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

191

than, equal to, or longer than, tlie fourth ; two outer primaries with inner webs sinualcil.
Tail with the outer pair of feathers more than twice as long as the middle pair.

The gemis contains but a single species, the K forficatus, which is pecu-
liarly American, belonging to the tropical and subtropical portions on both
sides of the equator. The species is noted for the elegance of its form and
the beauty of its plumage, as well as for the unsurpassed easy gracefulness

* 52994,2.

32994, 3 .

Naucterus forficatus.

of its flight. It has no near relatives in the Old World, though the widely
distributed genus Milvus represents it in some respects, while the singular
genus Chdictinia, of Africa, resembles it more closely, but is much more
intimately related to Ictinia and Manus.

Species.
N. forficatus. Head, neck, entn-e lower surface, and band across the
rump, immaculate snowy -white ; upper surface plain polished blacki.sh. with
varying lights of dark purplish-bronze (on the back and shoulders) and
bluish-slaty, with a green reflection in some lights. Young., with dusky
shaft-streaks on the head and neck, and the feathers of the upper parts
margined with white. Wing, 15.40-17.70; tail, 12.50-14.50; culmen,
.70 -.80; tarsus, 1.00-1.30; middle toe. 1.15-1.20. Hah. The whole of
tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate America. Accidental in Eng-
land.

192 'NOKTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

Naucleriis forflcatus, (Lix>?.) IJnxiWAY.

SWALLOW-TAILED HAWK; FOEK-TAILED KITE.

AccipUcr Cauda furcata, CatksI!Y, Carolin.a, I, pi. iv, 1754. Falco forficatus, Lixs. Syst.
Nat. 1, 89, 1758. Falco furcaius, LiSN. Syst. Nat. p. 129, 1766. — Penx. Arct.
Zobl. p. 210, No. 108, pi. X. — Gmei,. Syst. Nat. p. 262. Nauchrus forficatns, Ridg-
WAY, p. A. N. S. Pliil. Dec. 1870, 144. — Daud. Tr. Oiii. II, 152. —Shaw,
Nat. Misc. pi. cciv; Zoijl. VII, 107. — WiLS. Am. Oni. pi. li, f. 3, 1808. — AuD.
Birds Am. pi. 72, 1831 ; Orii. Biog. I, 368 ; V, 371. — Boxap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II,
31; Isis, 1832, 1138. Mih-us furcatus, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. x, 1807. Ela-
noides f ureal us, Gkay, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 44, 1844. — Stkickl. Orn. Syn. I, 141,
1855. — Owen, Ibis, II, 1860, 240 (habits). Nauchrus furcntus, Vig. ZooI. Journ.
II, 387 ; Isis, 1830, p. 1043. — Less. Man. Om. I, 101 ; Tr. Orn. p. 73. — Swaixs.
Classif. B. I, 312 ; II, 210, 1837. — Boxap. List, p. 4 ; Cat. Uce. Eur. p. 20 ; Consp.
Av. p. 21. — Gould, B. Eur. pi. xxx. — Aud. Sj-nop. p. 14, 1839. — Rrcil. Schomb.
lleis. Brit. Guian. p. 735. -De Kay, Zobl. N. Y. II, p. 12, pi. vii, f. 15. — Gkay,
Gen. B. fol. sp. 1, pi. ix, f. 9; Gen. & Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 6. — BiiEW. (\Vii,s.)
Synop. Am. Orn. p. 685. — WooDll. Sitgr. Exp. Zufii & Colorado, p. 60. — Kaup,
Monog. Falconidffi, Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 57. — Breweu, Oology, I, 1857, 38. — Cas.s.
Birds N. Am. 1858, 36. — CouEs, Prod. Orn. Ariz. 1866, p. 12. — Dkesser, Ibis, 1865,
525 (Texas, nesting). — Gray, Hand List, I, 27, 1869. Elanus furcatus, Vio. Zobl.
Journ. 1, 340. — Steph. Zobl. Xlll, pi. ii, p. 49. — Cuv. Rfcg. An. (ed. 2), I, p. 334. —
James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 75. — Jakd. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 275. — Jakd. Orn.
Eur. p. 29. — NuTT. Man. p. 94. Accipiter milvus carolincnsis, Briss. Om. I, 418,
1760. Elanoides yetapa, Vieill. Enc. Meth. Ill, 1205, 1823.

Bp. C'liAit. Adult, male .ind female. Whole head and neck, lining: of Avings, broad
band acros-s the rump, and entire lower parts, pure white. Inter.scapulars and lesser
wing-covorts, rich, dark, soft, bronzed purplish-black. Rest of n]iper parts, including
lower part of rutnp, upper tail-coverts, and tail, more metallic slaty-black, feathers some-
what greenish basally, more bluish terminally, with a pecvdiar, soft milky appearance,
and with very smooth compact surface. Tertials almost entirely white, black only at tips.
White on under side of wing occupying all the coverts, and the basal half of tlic secon-
daries. Wing, 15.40 - 17.70 ; tail, 12.50 - 14.50 ; tarsus, 1.00 - 1.30 ; middle toe, 1.15 - 1.20.

Younger. Similar, but with the beautiful soft purplish-bronzed black of shoulders and
back less conspicuously difl'ei-eut fi'om the more metallic tints of other upper parts.
yottn(7 (youngest ? 18,457, Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico). The black above less
slaty, vifith a brownish cast, and with a quite decided gloss of bottle-green ; secondaries,
primary coverts, primaries, and tail-feathers finely margined terminally with white.
Feathers of the head and neck with fine .shaft-lines of black.

IIais. Whole of South and Middle America, and southern United States ; very rarely
northward on Atlantic coast to Pennsylvania ; along the Mississippi V.alley to Minnesota
and Wi.scon.sin ; breeding in Towa (Sioux City) and Illinois; exceedingly abundant in
August in southern portion of the latter State; Cuba; accidental in England.

Localities : Guatemala (Sci.. Tbis. I, 217) ; Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxxiii) ; Brazil (Cab.
Jonrn. V, 41) ; Panama (Lawu. VII, 1861, 289) ; N. Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 325,
conmion, breeding) ; Veragua (Sai.v. 1867, 158); Costa Rica (I>awr. IX, I.'U) ; Minnesota
(thirty miles north of Mille Lac, lat. 47° ; Trippe, Birds of Minn., Pr. Es.sex Inst. VI,
1871, p. 113).

A ])aiv markod as from England (.j(i,099. ?, and .30,100, i, "in Englaiid
geschosscn"; Schliiter Collection') aiv smallev tliaii \.\w avcra.ge "f .Vnierican

FALCUXID.K — THE FALCONS.

193

skins, the female measuring, wing, 15.50 ; tail, 13.00. The colors of this
female, however, are as in American examples. The male has the plumage
somewhat iliffereiit from anything we have seen in the small series of Ameri-
can specimens. The whulr u]ipor parts are a polished violaceous slaty-
black, this covering the hack and lesser wing-coverts, as well as other upper
parts. Were a large series of American specimens examined, individuals
might perhaps he found corresponding in all respects with the jjaii' in ques-
tion.

LIST OF SPECI.MENS KX.lMINEIl.

National Museum, 9 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3 ; New York Museum, 4 (Brazil) ;
Boston Soeiety, 1 ; Cambridge Mu.seum, 2 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 3 ; Coll. R. Ridgway,
1. Total, 23.

Habits. The .Swallow-tailed Hawk has an extended distribution in the
eastern portion of North America. It is irregularly distributed ; in a large

Navclmt^ fnrficatus.

part of the country it occurs only occasionally and in small lumibcrs, and
is probably nowhere abundant except in the southwestern Gulf States, or
along the rivers and inland waters. On the Atlantic coast it has been
traced, according to Mr. Lawrence, as far north as New York (.'ity. Accord-
ing to Mr. Nuttall, individuals have been seen on the Mississippi as far as
St. Anthony's Falls, in latitude 44°. It is found more or less common along
the tributaries of the Ohio and ]\Iississippi, whei'e it is essentially a ])rairie
bird, and lireeds in S<iuthern Wisconsin, in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, and
throughout Illinois. It has been taken in Cuba, and occasionally also in
Jamaica. It is found in Central America, and in Sduth America to North-
voL. ni. 2.5

194 NORTH AilKKlCAX BIRDS.

cm r>razil, Buenos Ayi-es, and, according to Yieillot, to Peru. It nests in
South Carolina and in all the States that border on the Gulf of Mexico,
frequenting the banks of rivers, but is not found near the seaboard.

Mr. Thure Kumlien noticed a pair of these Hawks in the neighborhood
of Fort Atkinson, Wis., in the summer of 1854, and had no doubt they
were breeding, though he was not able to find their nest.

jNIr. Osbert Salvin, in a letter from San Geronimo, in the Vera Paz (Ibis,
18G0, p. 11)5), states that he has positive information that this Hawk breeds
in the mountains about Coban, his chief collector having found a nest there
with young the previous year. Specimens had been before that received by
Mr. Sclater, forwarded by Mr. Skinner, from the neighborhood of Cajabon,
Guatemala. It was said to be more numerous at Belize.

Mr. Dresser informs us that he was so fortunate as to lind this graceful
bird very abundant in some parts of Te.xas, and he had a good opportunit}''
of observing and admiring it in its true home. It was occasional aliout San
Antonio de Bexar, where it w-as usually seen late in July before heavy
rains. Near the Rio Grande or in Texas he did not see it at all. At Peach
Creek and near Gonzales he found it not unfrequent ; and on the Colorado,
Brazos, and Trinity Eivers it was one of the most common birds. It only
remains there during the summer months, arriving early in April, and breed-
ing later than the other birds of prey. On the 26th of May he found them
very abundant on a creek near the Colorado, but none had commenced
breeding. They were preparing their nests ; and, from the number he saw
about one large grove, he judged that they breed in society. On his wound-
ing one of them, the rest came flying over his head in the manner of Sea-
gulls, uttering harsh cries ; and he counted forty or fifty over him at one
time. He was informed that these Kites build high up in oak, sycamore, or
Cottonwood trees, sometimes fpiite far from the creeks.

Jlr. Dresser descrilies this bird as exhibiting a singularly jjleasing appear-
ance on the Aving, gliding in large circles, without apparent effort, in very
rapid flight. Tlie tail is widely spread, and when sailing in circles the wings
are almost motionless. One was noticed as it was hunting after grasshop-
pers. It went over the ground as carefuUy as a well-trained pointer^ every
now and then .stooping to pick up a grasshopper, the feet and bill seeming
to touch the insect simultaneously. They were very fond of wasp grubs,
and would carry a nest to a high perch, hold it in one chw, and sit there
picking out the grubs. Their stomachs were found to contain beetles and
gi-asshop]K>rs.

Dr. ^^■ oodhouse speaks of this Hawk as common in Texas, and also in the
country of the Creek and Cherokee nations. He confirms the accounts
which have been received of its fondness for the neighborhood of streams,
and adds that along the Arkansas and its trilnitaries it was very abundant.

^[r. Kidgway states that this Hawk arrives in Eichland County, III,
in ilav, and lives during the summer on the small prairies, feeding there

FALCONID.E — TIIK FALCONS. 195

upon small snakes, particularly the little green snake {Leptophis testivus)
and the difl'erent species of Eutania. It builds its nest there among the oak
or hic:kory trees which border the streams intersecting the prairies. Towards
the latter part of summer it becomes very abnnchuit on the prairies, being
attracted by the abundance of food, whicli at that season consists very
largely of insects, especially Ncuroptcra. It is most almndant in August,
and in bright weather dozens of them may be seen at a time sailing round
in pursuit of insects.

Mr. Audubon speaks of tlie movements of this bird in fliglit as astonishingly
rapid, the deep curves they describe, their sudden doublings and crossings, and
the extreme ease with which they seem to cleave the air, never failing to ex-
cite admiration. In the States of Louisiana and Mississippi, where, he adds,
tliese birds are very abundant, they arrive in large companies in the begin-
ning of April, and utter a sharp and plaintix^e note. They all come from
the westward ; and he has counted upiwards of a hundred, in the space of an
hour, passing over him in an easterly direction. Tliey feed on the wing, and
tlieir principal food is said to be grasshoppers, caterpillars, small snakes,
lizards, and frogs. They sweep over the fields, and seem to aliglit for a
moment to secure a snake or some other object. They also frequent the
creeks, to jiick up water-snakes basking on the floating logs.

On the ground tlieir movements are said to be awkward in the extreme.
When wounded, they rarely strike with their talons, or offer serious resist-
ance. They never attack other birds or quadrupeds to prey upon them.

This Hawk is a great wanderer, and a number of instances are on record
of its having been taken in Europe. One of these was in Scotland, in 1772 ;
another in England, in 1805.

Mr. E. Owen (Ibis, 1860, p. 241), wliile travelling from Coban to San
Geronimo, in Guatemala, among the mountains, came suddenly upon a large
flock of two or three hundred of these Hawks, which were pursuing and
preying upon a swarm of bees. At times they passed witliin four or
five yards of him. Every now and then the neck was observed to be bent
slowly and gracefully, bringing the head quite under the body. At the same
time the foot, with the talons contracted as if grasping some object, would
be brought forward to meet the beak. The beak was then seen to open and
to close again, and then the head was again raised and the foot thrown back.
This movement was repeatedly observed, and it was quite clear to him that
the birds were preying upon the bees.

Tliis Hawk constructs its nest on tall trees, usually overhanging or near
running water. Tlie nest is like that of the Crow in its general appearance.
It is constructed externally of diy twigs and sticks, intermixed with wliieli
are great quantities of the long Spanish moss peculiar to the Southern
States, and lined witli dry grasses, leaves, and feathers. One found by Dr.
C. Kollock, of Cheraw, S. ('., in May, 1855, containing young, was on a large
tree, not near the trunk, but on one of the projecting brandies, and dilficult
of approach.

19G Nora'H American bh:ds.

The eggs are described by Mr. Audubon as from foiir to six in number,
of a greenish-white color, with a few irregular blotches of dark brown at
the larger end. The drawing of an egg, obtained by Dr. Trudeau in Lou-
isiana, and which was made by tliat gentleman, is very nearly spheroidal,
and its measurements are, length 1.75 inches, breadth 1.56. It corresponds
with Mr. Audubon's description of the egg of this Hawk.

An egg in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, taken in Iowa
by Mr. Krider, does not correspond very well with the description and figure
mentioned. It measures 1.8U in lengtli by 1.40 in breadth ; its form is very
regularly oval, botli ends being of nearly the same shape. The ground-color
is a creamy wliite, one end (the .smaller) splashed witli large confluent
blotches of ferruginous, antl the remainder of the surface more sparsely spot-
teil with the same ; these rusty blotches are relieved by smaller, sparser
spots of very dark brown.

Dr. Cooper, in a letter dated Sioux City, May 21, ISGO, mentions finding
the nest of this Hawk in a high tree in Northwestern low^a, latitude 41° 30'.
Tiie bird had not begun to lay.

Genus ELANUS, Savigny.

Elanus, Sav. 1S09. (Tj-pc, Falco mdaiwptcrus, Uaudin.)
Milans, BoiE, 1822.

G-EN. Char. Bill rather .'^mall and narrow, the tip normal ; commissure moderately
sinuated ; upper outline of lower mandible greatly arched, the height at base less than
half that through middle ; gonys almost straight, declining downward toward tip.
Nostril roundish, in middle of cere. Tarsus and toes (except terminal joint) covered with
small roundish scales ; under surface of claws just perceptibly flattened ; sharp lateral

5895.

Elanus lattnmis.

ridge on middle claw very prominent; a very slight membrane between outer and middle
toes. Second quill longest, third very slightly shorter; first just exceeding fourth; second
and third with outer webs slightly sinuated ; inner web of first emarginatod, of second
sinuated. Tail peculiar, emarginated, but the lateral feather much shorter than the
middle, the one next to it being the longest.

The species of this well-marked genus are confined to the tropical and
sulitropical portions of the world, and appear to be only Uvn in number, of
which one is cosmopolitan, and the other peculiar to the Old World.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 197

Species and Races.

Common' Ciiaractehs. Above pearly asli, hccimiing white or wliitisli on the
head and tail, with a large black patch covering the lesser-covert region. Lower
surface continuous pure white ; a black spot on front of, and partly around, the
eye.

1. E. leucurus. A large black patch on the lining of the wing, in the region
of the primary coverts. First quill very much shorter than the third ;
second quill longest.

Black patch on lining of the wing restricted to the primary coverts;
lesser coverts, on outer surface, not conspicuously bordered anteriorly
with white.

Above deep bluish-ash, with the inner webs of the secondaries
appreciably paler, sometimes abruptly white. Wing, 11. GO - 12.G5 ;
tail, 6.80-7.80; culmen, .6.5 -.80; tarsus, 1.20- 1.50; middle toe,
.94 - 1.20. Hah. Tropical and subtropical America . var. leucurus.

Above pale ash, with the inner webs of the secondaries hardly,

or not at all, appreciably paler than tlie outer. Wing, 11.00-

12..50; tail, 6.20-7.00; culmen, .70 -.77; tar.sus, 1.10-1.6G;

middle toe, 1.05- 1.08. Hah. Western Australia . var. axillaris.^

Black patch on the lining of the wing extending over the whole of

the lessor coverts ; lesser coverts, on the outside, conspicuously bordered

anteriorly with white.

Similar to var. axillaris, except as above. Wing, 11.75-12.30;
tail, 6.30-7.00; culmen, .75 -.80; tarsus, 1.10-1.40; middle toe,
1.15-1.25. Hab. Southern Australia . . . var. scrip ttts.'

2. E. cseruleus. No black on lining of the wing. First quill usually
longer than the third, never very much shorter; second longest. Colors
darker than in K leucurus.

Wing, 12.00; tail, 6.10; culmen, .75; tar.su.s, 1.25; middle toe, 1.20.
No .ashy tinge on side of breast. JIah. Soulhern Europe and North
Africa .......... var. c a; r ulcus .'

Wing, 9..50- 10.70; tail, 5.40-5.75; culmen, .65 -.70; tarsus, 1.05-
1.10; middle toe, 1.00 - 1.10. Sides of the breast strongly tinged with
ashy. Hab. Southern Africa and India .... var. minor.*

' Elaniis leucurus, var. axillaris (Latham). Falco axillaris, Lath. — N. S. Wales, Dr.aw.
I. Ko. 49, 1801. Oircus axillaris, Vieill. N. D. IV, 453. Mamis axillaris. Gray, Ann. N.
H. XI, 189. — Ib. Hand List, I, 28, No. 261. Elanus notatus, Gould, B. Aust. I, pi. xxiii.

Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 3 ; Boston See, 1.

^ Elamis leucurus, var. scriptus (Goi'Ld). Elanus scriptus, Gould, P. Z. S. pi. x, 1842, 80.
— BoxAP. Consp. 22. — Kaup, Jlonog. Falc. in Jardine's Coutr. Orn. 1850, 60. — Gray, Hand
List, I, 28, No. 262.

Specimens examined. — Mus. Comp. Zobl., Cambridge, 1.

* Elanus cayrukus, var. cmrideiis (Desfontaines). Faleo cairuleus, Desfoxt. Mem. Ac. So.
1787, 503, pi. XV. Elanus cccrulcus, Stuickl. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 137. Falco melanopterus,
Daud. Tr. Oni. II, 1800, 1.52. Elativs melanopteriis. Leach, Zool. Misc. pi. cxxii. — Gould,
li. Eur. pi. xxxi. — GiiAY, Hand List, I, 28, No. 258. Falco clamnsus, Shaw, Zotil. VII, 200.
Elanus ccesius, Savig. Deser. Kgyp. pt. i, p. 98. Elanoidcs cccsius, Vieill. Enc. -Metli. Ill, 1206.

Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 2 (Southern Europe).

* Elanus cccrulcus, var. minor (Bonap.). Falco voci/erus. Lath. Iiul. Orn. 1790, 16. ? Falco
smininensis. Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. 1801, 12. Elanus minor, Bon'ap. Consp. 1850, p. 22. —
Gray, Hand List, I, 28, No. 259.

Specimens examined. — Am. Mus., N. V., 4 (2 India, 2 Africa^ ; Boston Soc, 4 (3 Juv.) ;
Mus. Comp. Zobl., Cambridge, 2. Total, 10.

198 ^^ORTH AMERIC.AJX BIRDS.

Elanus leucurvis (\'ieillot).

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE; WHITE-TAILED KITE.

Mih-us Iciicurus, Vieill. Noiiv. Diet. Hist. Nat. XX, 556, 1816; Enc. Metli. Ill, 1205,
1823. Elanoidcs kuairus, VlEiLL. Enc. Jletli. Ill, 1205, 1823. Elanus Iciicuriis,
BdXAP. Eur. & X. Am. Binls, p. 4, 1838 ; Coiisp. Av. p. 22, 1850. — Gray, Gen. B.
fol. sp. 4, 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 46, 1844. — Hicii. Schomb. Eeis. Brit. Gui-
ana, p. 735. —Cass. B. Cal. & TeX. p. 106, 1854 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, 37. — Kait,
Monog. Fak. Cont. Om. 1850, p. 60. — Heerm. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857. —
Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XIT, ii, 149, 1860. — Coues, Prod. Orii. Ariz. p. 12,
1866. — Strickl. Om. Syn. I, 138, 1855. — Gray, Hand List, I, 28, 1869. Falco
melanoptenis, Boxap. Joum. Ac. Phil. V, 28 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. IT, 31 ; Isis, 1832,
p. 1137. Milvus dispar. Less. Man. Om. I, 99, 1828. Falco dispar, Bonap. Am. Orn.
pi. xi, f. 1, 1825 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 435. — AuD. Am. B. pis. cccli, ccclvii ; Orn.
Biog. IV, 367, 1831. — Temm. pi. cl. 319 {Jav.). —James. (Wils.) Am. Om. IV. 13,
1831. Elanus dispar, Crv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 334, 1829. — Less. Tr. Orn. p. 72,
1831. —Jard. (Wils.) Am. Om. Ill, 378, 1832. — Bridg. Proc. Zobl. Soc. pt. ii, p.
109; Ann. Nat. Hist. XIII, 500. —AcD. Sjti. B. p. 13, 1831. — Brew. (Wils.)
Synop. p. 685, 1852. — Nutt. Man. p. 93, 1833. E. leucurus. Brewer, Oologj-.

Sp. Char. Adult. Upper surface, including- occiput, nape, interscapulars, scapulars,
rump, upper tail-coverts, and wings (except lesser and middle coverts), soft, delicate,
rather light bluish-cinereous, becoming gradually white on anterior portion of the head
above. Rest of the head, with the tail, lining of the wing, and entire lower parts, pure
white, sometimes with a very faint tinge of pale pearl-blue, laterally beneath ; two middle
tail-feathers ashy, but much lighter than the rump ; shafts of tail-feathers black, except
toward ends. Bristly loral feathers (forming ante-orbital spot, extending narrowly above
the eye), a very large patch on the shoulder, covering lesser and middle wing-coverts, and
large quadrate spot on under side of wing (on first row of primary coverts), deep
black. Under side of primaries deep cinereous (darker than outer surface) ; under sur-
face of secondaries nearly white. Second quill longest ; third scarcely shorter (some-
times equal, or even longest) ; first longer than fourth. Tail slightly emarginated, the
longest feather (next to outer) being about .50 longer than the middle, and .00 (or more)
longer than the lateral, which is shortest.

Male. Wing, 12..50; tail, 7.10; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.1.5.

Female. Wing, 12.80 ; tail, 7.10 ; tarsus, 1.45 ; middle toe, 1.35.

Specimens not perfectly adult have the primary coverts, secondaries, and inner pri-
maries, slightly tipped with white.

Still younger individuals have these white tips broader, the tail more ashy, and the
upper parts with numerous feathers dull brown, tipped narrowly with white ; the breast
with sparse longitudinal touches of brownish.

Young (9, 48,826, Santiago, Chile, May, 1866; Dr. Philippi). Occiput and nape
thickly marked with broad streaks of dusky, tinged with rusty ; scapulars umber-brown,
tipped with rusty ; all the feathers of wings narrowly tipped with white ; tail-feathers with
a subterminal irregular bar of dark ashy ; breast tinged with rufous, and with badly defined
cuneate spots of deeper rusty. Wing, 12.25 ; tail, 7.50. (Perhaps not the youngest stage.)

Hab. Tropical and warm temperate America (except the West Indies), from Chile and
Buenos Ayres to Florida, South Carolina, Southern Illinois, and California ; winter resi-
dent in latter State.

Localities : Xalapa (Sol. 1857, 201) ; Guatemala (Scl. Ibis, I, 220) ; Brazil (Pelz. Orn.
Bras. I, 6) ; Buenos Ayres (Scl. & Salt. 1869, 160) ; Venezuela (Scl. & Salt. I8G9,
252).

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 199

Sjiecimens are from Santa Clara, California, Fort Arbuckle, JVIirador and
Orizaba, ^Mexico, Chile, and Buenos Ayres ; from all points the same bird.

This species presents a very close resemblance to the E. melanopteriis of
Europe, and the most evident specific difference can only be detected by
raising the wing, the under side of which is quite different in the two, there
being in the European bird no trace whatever of the black patch so con-
spicuous in the American species. The primaries, also, on both webs are
lighter ash, while the ash of the upper parts in general is darker than in
leucvrus and invades more the head alwve, the forehead merely approacliing
white. The tail is more deeply emarginated, and the proportions of the pri-
maries are tpiite ditlerent, the second being much longer than the third, and
tlie first nearly as long as the second, iar exceeding the third, instead of
being about equal to the fourth. In the melanopteriis, too, the black borders
the eye all round, extending back in a short streak from the posterior angle,
instead of being restricted to the anterior region and upper eyelid, as in
leucurus.

A specimen of " E. axillaris " from Australia (13,844, T. E. Peale) appears,
except upon close examination, to be absolutely identical in all the minutiae
of coloration, and in the wing-formula, with £. leucurus ; and differs only very
slightly in the measurements of bill and feet, having these proportionally
larger, as will be seen from the table. Another (32,577, H. j\Iactier "War-
field) has the upper parts so pale as to be nearly white.

A young specimen of E. axillaris differs from that of E. lexwurus as
follows : the occiput, nape, and dorsal region are stained or overlaid by
duU ashy-rufous, instead of dark brownish-ashy ; more blackish on the head.
No other differences are appreciable.

A very characteristic distinction between leucurus and axillaris is seen in
the coloration of the inner webs of the secondaries : in the former, they are
abruptly lighter than the outer webs, often pure wliite, in very striking
contrast to the deep ash of the outer surface ; in the latter, both webs are
of about the same shade of ash, which is much paler than in the other race.
Occasional specimens of leucurus occur, however, in which there is little
difference in tint between the two webs.

LIST OF SPECIMENS ES.AJIINED.

National Museum. 10; Philadelphia Academy, 2; New York Museum, 2; Boston
Society. 4; Cambridge Museum, 2; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2; CoU. R. Ridgway, 2.
Total, 24.

Measurements.

Sex-
's

9

Wing.

IM.

Oulmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Sptcimens.

11.80-12.50
n.fiO-12.G.5

7..30-7.60
7.20-7.80

.66 - .80

.70 -.72

1.30 - 1..50
1.2.5 - 1.40

1.00-1.15
1.10-1.20

8
8

200

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Etantis leucitrus.

Habits. The Black-sliouklered Hawk is a southern, western, and South
American species. On the Pacitic it is found to uccupy a much more nortli-

ern range of locality than in the east-
ern States, where it is not found ahove
South Caroliua and Southern lUinois.
Specimens have been taken near San
Francisco in midwinter.

Several individuals of this species,
precisely identical witli others from
the United States, were taken by
Lieutenant GiUiss, in the astronom-
ical e.xpedition to Chile. Its range
in South America does not appear to
be confined, as was supposed, to the
western coast, as specimens are re-
corded by Von Pelzeln as having been
obtained by Xatterer in Brazil, at
Ytarare, Irisanga, and San Joaquin,
on the Rio Branco, in August, Febru-
ary, and January. These were taken
on the heights. They are also found in the countries of Mexico and Cen-
tral America.

Tliis species has been met with in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ala-
Ijania, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Te.vas, and probably occurs also in New
I\Ie.\ico and Arizona. Dr. Gambel describes them as very abundant in Cali-
fornia, M'here they are said to be familiar in their habits, and breed in
clumps of oaks, in the immediate -vicinity of habitations. Dr. Heermann
also speaks of tliem as common in that State. But neither of these natu-
ralists appears to have met with tlieir nests or eggs. It is not mentioned
either as a bird of Cuba or Jamaica by Mr. Lembeye, Dr. Gundlacli, ]\Ir.
Gosse, or ]\Ir. Jlarcli.

Dr. Cooper speaks of tliis bird as a beautiful and liarmless species, quite
abundant in the middle districts of California, remaining in large mimbers,
during winter, among the extensive tule marshes of the Sacramento and
otlier valleys. He did not meet with any during winter at Fort Mohave,
nor do they seem to have been collected by any one in the dry interior of
that State, nor in the soutlieru part of California. He has met with them
as far noith as 15aulines Bay, and near M(juterey, but always about streams
or marshes. Their food consisted entirely of mice, gophers, small birds,
and snakes, and they were not known to attack the inmates of the poultry-
yard.

Bonaparte, who first introduced the species into our fauna, received his
specimen from East Florida. The late Dr. Eavenel obtained one living near
Charleston, S. C, which he kept several days without being able to induce it

FALCONID^E — THE FALCONS. 201

to eat. I\Ir. Aiulubou reccivfid another, taken forty miles west of C'luuieston
by Mr. Francis Lee. Tiiis n^'ntlenian, as <[Uoteil by Audubon, mentioned its
sailing very beautifully, and i[uito liigh in the air, over a wet meadow, in
pursuit of .snipe. it would puise' itself in the manner of the common
Sparrow Hawk, and, suddenly closing its wings, plunge towards its prey
with great \'elocity, making a peculiar sound with its wings as it passed
througli the air. Its cries on being wounded resembled those of the Mis-
sissippi Kite. It was so shy that j\Ir. Lee was only able to approacli it on
horseliack.

Audubon states that JNIr. Ward, his assistant, found this species breeding
on the Santee Iiiver early in the month of March. Their nests were said to
be placed on low trees near the margin of the river, and to be not unlike
those of the common Crow, but without the substantial lining of its nests.
Mr. Ward also mentioned seeing them flying over the cane-brakes, in pur-
suit of large insects, in the manner of the Mississippi Kite, and finding
the birds very shy.

In Southern Illinois it has been known to occur as far north as Jlount
Carmel, where Mr. Eidgway saw a pair in July, flying about among the dead
trees bordering a lagoon near the Wabash River.

Mr. Audubon, in his visit to Texas, saw several of these birds flying at a
small elevation over the large marshes, and coursing in .search of its prey in
the manner of the common JIarsh Harrier.

Dr. Heermann found the extensive marshes of Suisuu, Napa, and Sacra-
mento Valleys the favorite resorts of these birds, especially during the win-
ter, and there they seemed to find a plentiful supply of insects and mice.
They ranged over their feeding-grounds in small flocks from a single pair \vp
to six or seven. He fell iu with an isolated couple in the mountains be-
tween Elizabeth Lake and Williamson's Pass, hovering over a small fresh-
water marsh. In July and August the young were quite abundant, from
which Dr. Heermann inferred that it does ncjt migrate for the purposes of
incubation. Dr. Gambel, who procured liis specimens at the Mission of St.
John, near Monterey, describes it as flying low and circling over the plains
in the manner of a Circus, and as feeding on the small liirds. It -was easy
of api)roach when perched on trees, and uttered a loud shrill cry \\-heu
wounded, and fought viciously.

Lieutenant Gilliss, who found them in Chile, describes the nest as com-
posed of small sticks, and states that the number of the eggs is from four
to six, and that they are of a dirty yellowish-white with brownish spots.
The common name of this Hawk in Chile is Bailarin (from the verb hailar,
to dance or balance), from the graceful and easy manner in which it seems
almost to float upward or to sink in the air.

An egg of this species, in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural
History, measures 1.64 inches in length by 1.48 in breadth. In shape it is
very nearly spherical, and equally obtuse at either end. The ground-color,

VOL. m. 26

202

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

thougli nowhere very distinctly apparent, aiipeai-s to be of a tlull white,
strongly tinged with a reddish hue. Distributed over the entire egg are
broad deep Hashes of a dark niahogany-bruwn, intermingled with others of a
similar color, but lighter in shading. These cover the egg more or less com-
pletely, in the greater portion of its surface. This egg was taken near Fort
Arbuckle, Indian Toiiitory, May 9, 18G1, by .1. II. Clark, Esq., and sent to
the Smithsonian Institution.

Gexus ICTINIA, Vieii.lot.

IcHnia, Vikii.l. 1816. (Type, Fako mississipjiicnsis, Wilson.)
JVcrlus, BoiK, 1826. (Tyix', Falco pliimbca, G.melin.)
Paxiloptcryx, K.-vup, 1844. (Same type. )

Gkm. Char. Form lalcon-like; the neck .short, wiiig.s long, and pointed, the primaries
ami roctrice.s strong and stilT, and the organization robust. Bill short and deep, the com-
mis-inrc irregularly toothed, and notched ; gonys very convex, ascending terminally ; cere
narrow; nostril very small, nearly circular; feet small, but robust; tarsus about equal to

33974, f. 32974,?.

J. plumbea,

middle toe, with a distinct frontal series of broad transverse soutelhe ; claws rather short,
but strongly curved, slightly grooved beneath, their edges .sharp. Third quill longest ;
first of variable proportion with the rest. Tail moderate, the feathers wide, broader
terminally, and einarginated.

This genns is peculiar to America, the two most closely related genera
being Elanus on the one hand and Harpagus on the other. Its species be-
long to the tropical and subtropical regions, one of them (/. plumhea) gener-
ally distributed throughout the intertropical portions, the other (/. mississip-
2}icn,'ii.'i) peculiar to Mexico and the southern United States.

In their habits, they are very aerial, like the genus Nmiclerus, sailing for
the greater time in broad circles overhead, occasionally performing graceful
evolutions as they gyrate about. Like Naudcrus, they are also partially
gregarious, and, like it, feed chiefly on insects and small reptiles, which they

eat Mhile flying.

Species.
Common Characters. Adult. Uniform plumbeous, becoming lighter (whitish)
on the head, and darker (blackish) on the primaries and tail. Inner webs of

FALCUNIDyE — THE FxVLCONS. 203

primaries with more or less rufous. Younij. Beneath wliitisli, striped lougitu-
dinally witli Ijrownisli ; above inueli variegated ; tail with several narrow whitish
bantls.

1. I. mississippiensis. Adult. Wings lighter than tlie tail, the secon-
daries hoary whitish; inner webs of primaries with only obscure spots of
rufous, the outer webs witli a very obscure stripe of the same. Tail wholly
black. Young. Stripes beneath reddish-umber; lower tail-coverts with
longitudinal shaft-streaks of the same. Second to third quills longest ; first
shorter than seventh and longer tlian sixth. Wing, 10.60 - 12 30 ; tail,
6.00-7.00; culmen, .GO-.G.j; tarsus, 1.30-1.55; middle toe, 1.00-1.10.
Hab. Prairies and savannas ol' the southern United States and Northern
Mexico, from Wi.scon.sin and Georgia to Mirador.

2. I. plumbea.' Adult. Wing concolor with the tail, the secondaries
black ; inner webs of the primaries almost wholly rufous ; outer webs with
oidy a trace of rufous. Tail with about three bands of pure white, formed
by transverse spots on the inner webs. Young. Stripes beneath brownish-
black : lower tail-coverts transversely spotted with the same ; upper parts
darker. Third quill longest; first shorter or longer than the seventh. Tail
more nearly square. Wing, 10.50-12.20; tail, 5.G0 - G.80 ; culmen, .G2-
.70; tarsus, 1.15-1.50; middle toe, 1.00-1.05. Ilab. Tropical America,
from Paraguay to Southern Mexico.

Ictinia niississippiensis (Wilson). z , j

MISSISSIPPI KITE; BLUE KITE.

Falco mississij>2>iensis, Wils. Am. Oni. pi. 25, f. 1, 1808. — L.vtii. Gen. Hist. I, 275. —
Jamks. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 72, 1831. A'crtus mississippicu.'iis, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 314.
Milvus mississipincnsis, Cvv. Eeg. An. (ed. 2), I, 335, 1829. Ictinia mississippiensis,
Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2 ; List B. Brit. Miis. p. 48, 1844 ; Gen. & Sub-Gen. Brit. Mus.
p. 6, 1855. —Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. p. 10(5, 1854. — Kaup, Uob. Falk. Mus. Senck.
p. 258, 1845 ; Monog. Falc. Cent. Orn. 1850, p. 57. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 140, 1855.
— Brf.wei;, Oology, I, 1857, 41. — Cour.s, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 13, 1S66. — DiiE.ssiii!,
Ibis, 1865, 327 (Texas). — Gray, Hand List, I, 28, 1869. Falco plumbcus, AuD. Orn.
Biog. 11, 108, pi. cxvii ; V, p. 374, 1831. Ictinia plumbea, Bonap. Eur. & N. Am.
B. p. 4, 1838 ; Ann. N. Y. Lye. II, 30; Isis, 1832, p. 1137. — .Ia]:d. (Wii.s.) Am.
Orn. I, 368, pi. 25, f. 1, 1832. — Brew. (Wils.) Synop. 685, 1852. — AuD. Synop. B.
Am. p. 14, 1839. — WoODil. (Sitgr.) Exp. Zuni & Colorad. p. 61, 1853. — Nutt. Man.
92, 1833.

Sr. Char. AduU male (No. 1,486, Coll. R. Ri.lgway, Richland Co., lU., August 19,
1871). Head, neck, secondaries, and entire lower parts plumbeons-ash, becoming, by a
gradual transition, lighter on the head and secondaries, where the shade is pale cinereous;
the head anteriorly, and the tips of the secondaries, being silvery-white. Lores and eye-
lids black. Rest of tlie plumage dark plumbeous, approaching plumbcous-lilack on the

1 Ictinia plumbea (Gjiel. ). Falco jilumhcus, Gmel. S. N. 1789, 283. Ictinia plumbea,
ViElLL. 1816, 24. — Gray, Hand List, I. Nertus plumbcus, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 314. Paxilop-
tcryx plumbcus, Kaup, Ueb. Falk. Mus. Senck. 1845, 258. Milvus cenchris, Vieill. Ois. Am.
Sept. 1807, pi. X. Butco cenchris, Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 337.

Specimens anmined. — National Museum, 4 ; Philadeljihia Aeademy, 4 ; New York Museum,
4 ; Boston Society, 4 ; Museum Comp. Zool., 1 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2 ; Coll. K. Ridgway,
1. Total, 20.

204

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

lesser wing-coverts, primaries, and upper tail-coverts, the tail being nearly pure black.
Primaries with an indistinct narrow concealed stripe of chestnut-rufous on the outer
webs, and larger spots of the same on the inner webs ; feathers of the head, neck, and
lower parts aljruptly pure white beneath the surface, this showing in partially exposed spots
on the pectoral region and crissura. Scapulars also with large concealed white spot*.
Shafts of primaries and tail-feathers black on botli sides. Wing-formula, 3, 2-4- 5-6, 1.
First primary angularly, the second concavely, emarginatcd. Tail eniarginated, lateral
feather longest; depth of forlc. .40. Wing, 11.75; tail, 0.80; culmen, .63; tarsus, 1.20;
middle toe, 1.15.

Adnh female (No. 1,487. Coll. Ridgway, Richland Co., 111.. August 19, 1871).
Similar to tlie male, but head and secondaries decidedly darker, hardly approaching light
ash ; scarcely any trace of rufous on the primaries, none at all on outer webs ; shafts of
tail-feathers white on under side. Wing, 11.80; tail, 7.25. Bill, cere, eyelids, and interior
of mouth, deep black ; iris deep lake-red ; rictus orange-red ; tarsi and toes pinkish
orange-red ; lower part of tarsus and large scutellse of toes dusky. (Notes from fresh
specimens, the ones above described.)

Immatnre male (transition plumage; 1,488, Coll. Ridgway, Richland Co., III.,
August 21, 1871.) Similar to the adult female, but the white spots on basal portion of
pectoral and crissal feathers distinctly exposed ; secondaries not lighter than rest of the
wing. Tail-feathers with angular white spots extending quite acro.ss the inner webs,
producing three distinct transverse bands when viewed from below. Inner web of outer
primary mostly white anterior to the emargination. Wing, 10.50 ; tail, 6.25. Color of
bill, etc., as in the adult, but interior of mouth whitish, and the iris less pure carmine.

Immature femah (Coll. Philadephia Academy, Red Fork of the Arkansas, 1850 ; Dr.
Woodhouse). Similar to the last. Wing, 11.10; tail, 6.31.

Yoimg female (first plumage ; Coll. Philadelphia Academy, North Fork Canadian
River, September 19, 1851 ; Dr. Woodhouse). Head, neck, and lower parts white, with
a yellowish tinge; this most perceptible'on thetibias. Each feather with a medial longitu-
dinal ovate spot of blackish-brown ; more reddish on the lower parts. The chin, throat,
and a broad superciliary stripe, are immaculate white. Lower tail-coverts each with a
medial acuminate spot of rusty, the shaft black. Upper parts brownish-black; wing-
coverts, scapulars, and interscapulars, feathers of the rump, and the upper tail-coverts,
narrowly bordered with ochraceous-white, and with concealed quadrate spots of the
same ; primary coverts, secondaries, and primaries sharply bordered terminally with pure
white. Tail black (faintly whitish at the tip), with tlirce (exposed) obscure bands of a
more slaty tint ; this changing to white on the inner webs, in the form of angular .spots
forming the bands. Lining of the wing pale ochraceous, transversely spotted with rusty
rufous; under primary-coverts with transverse spots of white. Wing, 11.90; tail, 6.40.

Hab. Central Mexico and Southern United States; common as far north as Georgia
(accidental in Pennsylvania, Vin-cext B.iRSARt)), on the Atlantic coast, and Illinois, Iowa,
and Wisconsin, in the Mississippi Valley. Exceedingly abundant summer bird on the
prairies of Southern Illinois.

Localities: Coban (Salvix, Ibis, III, 1861, 355); B. and N.Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865,
327) ; Chester Co., Pa. (breeds ; Barnard.)

LIST OF SPECIMEN'S EXA.MIXED.

National Museum. 6 ; Philadelphia Academy, 4 ; New York Museum, 1 ; Cambridge
Museum, 1 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1 ; R. Ridgway, 3. Total, 16.

ifeasttrements.

Sex.
J

9

Wing.
10.60-11.85

11.30-12.30

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsia.

Midrlle Hit.

l^ecimens.

6.00-6.80
6..50-7.00

.00 - .65
.60 - .65

1.35 - 1.65
1.30-1.40

1.00-1.10
1.00 - 1.05

6
5

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

205

Habits. This Hawk appears to be confined to tliu extreme southern and
southwestern portion of the Gulf States. It- is not known to occur farther
north than South Carolina on the Atlantic, though on the Mississippi it lias
been traced mucli farther north. It is most abundant about the Mississippi.
It was first discovered by Wilson near Natchez, wliere he found it quite
abundant. ]\Ir. Say afterwards observed it far up the Alississippi, at one of
iNIajor Long's cantonments. On Captain Sitgreave's expedition to the Zuni
and Colorado i;i\-ers, it was found to be exceedingly abundant in Eastern
Texas, as well as in the Indian Territory, more particularly on the Arkansas
Ei\-er and its tributaries.

Dresser states that he found this
Hawk by no means an unfrequent bird
in Texas, and generally in the same lo-
calities with the Nauclenis forjicatns.
It w^as not very common near San An-
tonio, but was occasionally found, and
even breeds there, as he procured l)oth
the old and the young birds during tlie
summer. In travelling eastward in the
month of May, he first noticed them
near the Kio Colorado, and was told by
the negroes on one of the plantations
that they were then nesting. On the
20th of May he shot a female on the
banks of that river, from which he ex-
tracted a fully formed egg. It was al-
most round, and rather large for the
size of the bird,
often.

Though the species, no doubt, occurs in Mexico, Mr. Sclater states that all
the ]\Iexican Ictinia: which he has seen, collected by Salle, Boucard, and
others, have belonged to /. iilumhea (Ibis, 1860, p. 104). A single specimen
i'rom Coban, Central America, was obtained by Mr. Sah'in, but /. ijlumhca
was by far the most common species of Ictinia in Vera Paz.

This species was first discovered within the territory of the United States
by Wilson, in his visit to Natchez. He had noticed the bird sailing about
in easy circles, and at a considerable height in the air, generally in company
with the Turkey Buzzards, whose manner of flight it almost exactly imi-
tated, so much so as to make it appear either a miniature of that species, or
like one of them at a great distance, both being observed to soar at gTeat
heights previous to a storm. Wilson conjectures that this apparent similar-
ity of manner of flight may be attributable to their pursuit of their respective
kinds of food, — the Buzzard on the lookout for carrion, and the liirds of the
present species in search of those large beetles that are known to fly in the

Ictinia niississippieTisis,

Eastward from the Colorado he also saw this Haw)>

quite

206 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

higher regions of the air, and which, in the three individuals dissected by
hiui, were the only substances found in tlieir stomachs. For several
miles, as lie passed near Bayou Manahak, the trees were swarming with a
kind of Cicada, or locust, that made a deafening noise. He there observed a
number of these birds sweeping about among the trees in the manner of
Swallows, evidently in ]Kir.suit of the insects, wliich proved indeed, on dis-
section, to be their principal food.

One of these Hawks was slightly wounded by Wilson, and thougii disabled
and precipitated from a great height exhibited evidence of gi'eat strength
and an almost unconquerable spirit. As lie approached to pick it up, the
bird instantly gave battle, striking rapidly with its claws, wheeling round
and round, and defending itself with great vigilance and dexterity, while its
dark red eye sparkled with rage. His captor wished to preserve it alive,
but, notwithstanding all his precautions in seizing it, the Hawk struck one
of its claws into his hand with great force, and this could only be disen-
gaged by Wilson's dividing the sinew of the heel witli a pen-knife. As long
as the bird afterwards li\-ed with Wilson, it seemed to watch every move-
ment, erecting the feathers of the back of its head, and eying him with a
savage fierceness. Wilson was much struck with its great strength, its
extent of wing, its energy of character, and its ease and rapidity of flight.

Audubon regards this species as remarkable for its devotion to its young,
and narrates that in one instance he saw the female bird lift up and attempt
to carry out of his reach one of her fledglings. She carried it in her claws
the distance of thirty yards or more.

He also describes their flight as graceful, vigoi-ous, and protracted. At
times the bird seems to float in the air as if motionless, or sails in broad
and regular circles, then, suddenly closing its wings, is seen to slide along
to some distance, and then renews its curves. At other times it sweeps in
long undulations with the swiftness of an arrow, passing within touching
distance of a branch on which it seeks an insect. Sometimes it is said to
fly in hurried zigzags, and at others to turn over and over in the manner of
a Tumbler Pigeon. Audubon has often observed it make a dash at the
Turkey Buzzard, and give it chase, as if in sport, and so annoy this bird as
to drive it to a distance. It feeds on the wing with great ease and dexterity.
It rarely, if ever, alights on the earth ; and, when wounded, its movements on
the ground are very awkward. It is never known to attack birds or quad-
rupeds of any kind, though it will pursue and annoy foxes and Crows, and
drive them to seek shelter from its attacks. The Mississippi Kite is said to
be by no means a shy bird, and may be easily approached when alight, yet
it usually perches so high that it is not always easy to shoot it.

In Southern Illinois, Mr. Eidgway found this Kite to be a very abundant
summer bird on the prairies. Tliere it is found from May till near the end
of September, and always associated with the Swallowtail {Naucknis forfi-
catus.) It breeds in the timber which borders the streams intersecting the

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 207

prairies ; but it is not until tlie hottest weather of July and August that it
becomes very abundant, at this time feeding chiefly upon the large insects
whicli swarm among the rank prairie herbage. Its particular food is a very
large species of Cicada, tliough grasshoppers, and occasionally small snakes
(as the species of Eutwnia, Leptophis ccstivus, etc.), also form part of its
food. Its prey is captured by sweeping over the object and picking it up in
passing over, both tlie bill and feet being used in grasping it ; the food is
eaten as the bird sails, in broad circles, overhead. Mr. Itidgway describes
the tligiit of tliis Kite as powerful and graceful in the e.xtreme, and accompa-
nied by beautiful and unusual evolution.s.

According to J^ir. Audubon, tjie nest of tliis species is always placed in
tlie upper branches of tlie tallest trees. It resembles a dilapidated Crow's
nest, and is constructed of sticks slightly put together, Spanish moss, strips
of pine bark, and dry leaves. The eggs are three in number, nearly glolm-
lar, and are described by jMr. ^Vudubon as of a light greenish tint, blotched
thickly over with deep chocolate-brown and black ; but the eggs thus de-
scribed are those of some totally different species.

The same writer mentions that a pair of these Hawks, whose nest was
visited by a negro sailor, manifested the greatest displeasure, and continued
flying with remarkal)le velocity close to the man's head, screaming, and dis-
playing the utmost rage.

Tlie description given by Jlr. Audubon of the egg of this species, and
also tliat in my Xorth American Oology, oi' the drawing of an egg said
to be of this bird, taken in Louisiana liy Dr. Trudeau, do not correspond
with an egg in the cabinet of the Boston Society of Natural History,
formerly in that of the late Dr. Henry Bryant. This egg measures 1.50
inches in length by 1.32 in breadth, is very nearly globular, but is also
much more rounded at one end, and tapering at the other. It is entirely
unspotted and of a uniform chalky whiteness, with an underlying tinge of a
bluish green. It was Ibund by IMr. C. S. IMcCarthy in the Indian Territory,
on the north fork of the Canadian River, June 25, 1861. The nest was
made of a few stick's, and was in the fork of a horizontal branch, fifteen feet
from the ground. Tiiere were two eggs in the nest.

It was also found breeding by Mr. J. H. Clark at Trout Creek, Indian
Territory, June 21, and by Dr. E. Palmer at the Kiowa Agency (S. I.
13,534).'

Genus ROSTRHAMUS, Lesson.

Rostrharmis, Le.ss. 1831. (Type, Fako hamatus, Illig. )

GrEN. Char. Wings and tail large, the latter emarginated. Bill very narrow, the
upper mandible niuf:h elongated and bent, the tip forming a strong pendent hook ; lower
mandible drooping terminally, the gonys straight; the upper edge arched, to correspond
with the concavity of the regular commissure. Nostril elongate-oval, horizontal. Tarsus

208

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

short, iibout oqual to mirtdlo toe, with a continuous fi-ontal series of transverse scutellie;
claws extremely long and sharp, but weakly curved ; inner edge of the middle claw
slightly pectinated. Third to fourth quills longest ; outer five with inner webs sinuated.

53081,f

5308 l,f

Rostrftannis Meirthilis.

The species of this genus are two in number, and are peculiar to the
tropical portions of America, one of them being confined to the Amazon
region, the other extending to Florida in one direction and Buenos Avres on
the other. Their nearest allies are the species Circus and Elaniis, like
them inhabiting marshy localities, where their food is found, whicli consists,
in large part, of small mollusca.

Species and Baces.

Com:mon Ch.a.racters. Adult. Prevailing color plumljcous-black, or bluish-
]ilniul5eous ; the tail and primaries black. Entirely concolored, or with wliite
tail-coverts. Cere and feet orange-red. Young. Spotted with blacki.sh-browu
and ochraeeous, the former prevailing above, the latter beneath.

1. R. sociabilis. Tail-coverts, with terminal and basal zones of the tail,
white; that of the tail more or less shaded with grayish-brown. Adult.
Uniform blackish-plumbeous, darker on the bead, quills, and tail. Hab.
South America, West Indies!, and Florida.

Plumbeous of a glaucous cast, the head dark plumbeous, and the
wing-coverts lighter, inclining to grayish-brown. Wing, 13.25 - lo..50;
tail, 6.75-8.25; bill, .85-1.04; tar.?us, 1.70-2.40; middle toe, 1.40-
1.55. (2 sp. P. A. N. S.) Hab. Florida and West Indies . var. plumbe us.
Plumbeous of a blackish cast, the head deep black, and the wing-
coverts not lighter, and not inclining to brownish. Wing, 12.90 - 14.00 ;
tail, 7.60 - 7.80 ; bill, .90 - 1.25 ; tarsus, 1.50 - 1.80 ; middle toe, 1.45 -
1.65. Hab. South America ...... var. so r /(/ 6 /?/.s.'

' Eostrharmis sociabilin, var. sociahilis (Vir.iLL.). llerpcfolhercs .sociabUi.':, Vif.ii.t.. Nouv. Diet.
Hist. Nat. XVIII, 318, 1818 ; Enc, Metli. Ill, 1248. RostrJunniw! sociabiUs, D'Or.B. Voy. Am.
Merid. II. 73, 1835 ; SjTiop. Av. Mag. Zool. 1850. Or.w, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 47 ; Gen.
and Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 6. — Kavi', Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 78. — Strickl. Oru. Syn.
I, 136, 1855. Falco rostrluimus. Max. Bcitiiig. III. 182, 1830. Cymindis Icucopygus, Spix,
Av. .Bras. I, 7, pi. ii, 1824. llostrhamvs niger. Less. Tr. Orn. p. 56, 1831.

Hab. South and Middle America, from Buenos Ayres to Eastern Mexico (Mirador).

Localities : Giiateniala (Sn.. Ibis, 1, 220) ; Ecuador (Sclater, 1860, 289) ; Panama (Law-

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS. 2U9

2. R. hamatus.' Tail-covorts, with end and base of the tail, slaty-black.
Adult. L'nilbnii bhiish-plumbeous, darker on the head, wings, and tail. Tail
unitbrm black, or with two narrow, interrupted, white bands across the mid-
dle portion (^, Brazil, B. S. Coll.). Wing, 11.00-12.00; tail, 5.00-7.00;
bill, 1.02 -1.07 ; tarsus, 1.75- 1.90; middle toe, 1.45. Hab. Amazon region
of South America.

Rostrhamus sociabilis, vai plumbeus, I^idgway.

HOOK-BILL KITE; EVERGLADE KITE.

HostrJuimus sonabilis, Vieill. D'Oi;b. Hist. Nat. Cuba, av. ji. 15. — C.\ss. Birds N. Am.
1858, 38. — Maynakd, Birds Florida, Prospectus, 1872.

Sp. CiHR. Adult male (No. 61,187, Everglades, Florida; C. J. Maynard). Prevailing
color plumbeous, becoming black on the secondaries, primaries, and tail, somewhat
brownish-ashy on the wing-coverts, and with a glaucous cast on the neck, the head
becoming nearly black anteriorly. Tail-coverts (the longer of the upper and all of the
lower) and base of the tail pure white, this occupying more than the basal half of the
outer feather, and changing into grayish-brown next the black ; tail with a terminal band
of grayish-brown, about .75 wide. Inner webs of primaries marbled, anterior to their
emargination, with grayish and white. Tibire tinged with rusty fulvous. Wing-formula,
4, 3, 5 - 2 - 6 - 7, 1. Wing, 14.01 ; tail, 7.25 ; culmen, .95 ; tarsus, 1.90 ; middletoe, 1.55 ;

RESCE, VII, 1S61, 316) ; La Plata (BfRMEi.sTER, II, 1861, 435) ; Brazil (Felz. Orn. Bras. I,
6) ; Buenos Ayres (ScL. & Salv. 1869, 160).

The numerous South American specimens which have come under my notice all differ in the
respects pointed out in the synopsis from West Indian and Floridan examples. The following
descriptions of a pair of the southern race will show the average characters of var. sociabilis.

Adult male (Btirn-a<\\n\]a., Ecuador, Ceowther ; Coll. G. N.Lawrence). Differing from the
Florida male in being much darker ; general color plumbeous-black, instead of glaucous-plum-
beous ; head, wings, and tail deep black. Wing-formula, 3 = 4, 5-2, 6-7, 1. Wing, 12.90;
tail, 7.80 ; culmen, 1.05 ; tarsus, 1.65 ; middle toe, 1.45 ; hind toe, .80 ; its claw, 1.10.

Adult fenutlc, with traces of inmiature plumage (53,081, Conchitas, Buenos Ayres, September,
1867 ; William H. Hudson). Whole plumage (except tail-coverts) brownish-black, deepest
black on head and tail ; more brownish on wing-coverts and slightly glaucous on the neck. All
the feathers, except those of the head, neck, and back, bordered inconspicuously with paler ;
these edgings more distinct and rufescent on the lesser wing-coverts ; tibiae tinged with rusty.
Wing-formula, 3 = 4, 5-2-6-7, I. Wing, 14.00 ; tad, 7.60 ; culmen, 1.00 ; tarsus, 1.70 ;
middle toe, 1.60 ; hind toe, .95 ; its claw, 1.20.

A specimen from Mexico, supposed to be from Mirador (No. 44,444), is dark in color, like
South American examples ; the bill is unusually large, the chord of the culmen measuring 1.25 ;
wing, 14.25 ; tail, 8.30 ; tarsus, 1.70 ; middle toe, 1.65.

Specimens examined. — National Jluseuni, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 7 ; New York Museum,
2 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2 ; Museum, Cambridge, 1 ; Boston Society, 3. Total, 17.

1 Rostrhamus hamatus (ViElLL. ). Falco hamatus, Temm. PI. Col. 61, 231, ISpg. — Illig.
Mus. Beiol. Butco hamatus, ViEiLL. Enc. Meth. Ill, 1223. Itoslrkamus tmniurus. Cab. J. fiir.
Orn. 1854, p. Ixxx. No. 16,634 (Amazon Kiver ; Lieutenant Herndon). Entirely unifomi plum-
beous, with a glaucous cast, becoming darker on the head, and black on primaries and tail ; tail
perfectly even, with an obscurely indicated, narrow, interrupted band of dark plumbeous across
its middle portion. A specimen in the collection of the Boston Society has the bands on the
tail more conspicuous, and agrees with the E. tceniurus of Cabanis. I have seen no young speci-
mens of this species, but, judging from Temmiuck's figure, cited above, they arc very similar to
the same stage of E. sociabilis.

VOL. III. 27

210 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

hind claw, 1.10, the toe, .90. Bill deep black ; cere and naked lore bright orange-red ;
feet deep orange-red.

Young female (Cuba : Dr. Gundlach, Coll. G. N. Lawrence). Prevailing color above
brownish-black, with a glaucous cast on the dorsal region ; tail deep black, with a faint
greenish-bronze reflection, with white and grayish base and tip, as in the adult. Each
feather of the upper parts rather broadly tipped with ochraceous-rufous ; crown, occiput,
and auriculars streaked longitudinally with the same. Prevailing color of the head and
lower parts deep ochraceous, on the head forming a broad superciliary stripe from the
forehead back to the occiput; throat and cheeks streaked longitudinally with dusky;
crissum immaculate ; other lower parts, including lining of the wing, thickly covered
with large transverse spots of brownish-black. Upper tail-coverts white, with a blackish
shaft-line ; tail with the basal third white anteriorly and brownish-ashy next the black,
and with a terminal band, about 1.00 wide, of brownish-ashy, passing into white at the
tip. Under surface of primaries cream-color anterior to the emargiuation, towards the
ends grayish, with transverse spots of dusky. Wing-formula, 4,3 = 5-2-6-7,1.
Wing, 13.90; tail, 8.25; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.5.5.

An older specimen in young plumage (11,755, Florida) differs as follows: The colors
generally are lighter, the ochraceous being more prevalent and lighter in tint; the throat
is immaculate, and the markings beneath more longitudinal. The secondai-ies and prima-
ries are broadly tipped with ochraceous. Wing, 14.00 ; tail, 7.20 ; tarsus, 1.95 ; middle
toe, 1.50.

Hab. West Indies and Southern Florida.

LIST OF SPECHTESS EXAjm«ED.

National Museum, 3 ; Coll. C. J. Maynard, 7 ; Philadelphia Academy, 2 ; Museum
Comp. Zo61., 3; Coll. R. RidgAvay, 1. Total, 16.

Habits. The Black Kite is a Central and South American species, well
known in that section, but having no other claim to be regarded as a bird of
North America than its presence in a restricted portion of Florida, where it
is, in the extreme southern section, not very uncommon, and where it is
also known to breed. It was first taken in that peninsida by ilr. Edward
Harris, and subsequently by Dr. Heermann. It ^^■as supposed by Mr. Har-
ris to breed in Florida, from his meeting with young birds ; and this suppo-
sition has been confirmed by Mr. Maynard, who has since found them nest-
ing, and procured their eggs.

Mr. Salvin met with wliat he presumed to be this species in Central
America, ascribing the immense flights of Hawks seen by him in the month
of March, in the Pacific Coast region, migrating in a northwesterly direction,
to this Kite. The bird was well known to the Spaniards under the name of
Asacuani, — a term that has become proverbial for a person wlio is con-
stantly wandering from place to place. Mr. Leyland obtained a single
specimen of the EostrJiamus near the Lake of Peten. In the spring of
1870, Mr. MajTiard met with several individuals of this species among the
Florida everglades. He first observed one on Februarv' 18, but was not
able to secirre it. Visiting the same spot ten days later, with Mr. Henshaw,
three birds of this species were shot, and the nest of one was discovered. It
was at that time only partly completed, was small, flat, and composed of

FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS.

211

sticks somewhat carelessly arranged. It was built upon the top of some
tall saw-grass, by which it was supported. This grass was so luxuriant and
thick that it bore Mr. IMaynard up as he sought to reach the nest, which did
not contain any eggs. On the 24th of March, Mr. Maynard discovered an-
other ne.st of this species. It
was built iu a liush of the Mag-
nolia ghmca, and was about four
feet from the water. It con-
tained one egg. It was about
one foot in diameter, M^as quite
flat, and was composed of sticks
carelessly arranged, and lined
with a few dry heads of the
saw-grass. The female was shot,
and found to contain an egg
nearly ready for exclusion, but
as yet unspotted. Other eggs
were subsequently procured
through the aid of Seminole In-
dians, by whom this Hawk is
called So-for-funi-har.

The usual number of eggs laid
by this Kite is supposed to be
two, as iu three instances no
more were found, and this was

said to be their complement by tlie Indians. It also appeared to be some-
what irregular in the time of depositing its eggs.

This Hawk is described as very sociable in its habits, unlike, in this re-
spect, most other birds of prey. Six or eight specimens were frequently
seen flying together, at one time, over the mai-shes, or sitting in company on
the same bush. In their flight they resemble the common Marsh Hawk,
are very unsuspicious, and may be quite readily approached. The dissection
of the specimens showed that this bird feeds largely on a species of fresh-
water shell {Pomv.s dcpressa of Say).

The egg of this species taken in Florida by Mr. Maynard is of a rounded
oval shape, equally obtuse at either end, and measures 1.70 inches in length
by 1.45 in breadtli. The ground-color is a dingy white, irregularly, and in
some parts profusely, blotched with groups of markings of a yellowish brown,
shading from a light olive-brown to a much duller color, almost to a black
hue. These markings in the specimen seen are not grouped around either
end, but form a confluent belt around the central portions of the egg. The
following description is given by Mr. Maynard of the other specimens taken
by him.

Egg No. 1. Ground-color bluish-white, spotted and blotched everywhere

Rostrhamus sociabitis (young).

212

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

with brown and umber. Dimensions, 1.72 X 1.45. A^o. 2. Ground-color
same as No. 1. Two large irregular blotches of dark brown and umber on
the larger end, with smaller confluent blotches and streaks of the same,
covering nearly the entire surface of that end ; smaller end much more
sparsely spotted with the same. Dimensions, 1.76 X 1-40. No. 3. Ground-
color dirty brown. The entire egg, except the small end, covered with a
washing of dark brown, which forius dark irregidar blotches at various
points, as if the egg had been painted and then taken in the fingers before
drying. Dimensions, 1.55 X 1.55.

Genus CIRCUS, Lacepede.

Cimis, Lac£p. 1800, 1801. (Type, Falco mruginosiis, LiNX.)

Pygargits, KoCH, 1816. (Same type.)

Strigiceps, Bonap. 1S31. (Type, Falco cyaneus, LiNX.)

Glmicoptenjx, Kaup, 1844. (Type, Falco cineraccus, MoXT.)

Spilocircus, Kaup, 1847. (Type, Circus jardini, Gould.)

Pterocircus, K.\UP, 1851. (Saraetj'pe. )

Spizacireus and Spiziacircus, Kaup, 1844 and 1851. (Type, Cimis macropkrus, Vieill.)

GrEN. Char. Form very slender, the wings and tail very long, the head small, bill
weak, and feet slender. Face surrounded by a ruff of stiff, compact feathers, as in the Owls

Circits fiudsonius.

(nearly obsolete in some species). Bill weak, much compressed; the upper outline of the
cere greatly ascending basally, and arched posteriorly, the commissure with a faint lobe ;
nostril oval, horizontal. Loral bristles fine and elongated, curving upwards, their ends
reaching above the top of the cere. Superciliary shield small, but prominent. Tarsus
more tlian twice the middle toe, slender, and with perfect frontal and posterior continuous
series of regular transverse scutellie ; toes slender, the outer longer tUaa the inner ; claws

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 213

strongly curved, very acute. Wings very long, the third or fourth quills longe.st ; first
sliorter than the sixth ; outer three to five with inner webs sinuated. Tail very long,
about two thirds the wing; rounded.

The relationships of this well-marked genus are, to Accipiter on the one
hand, and Ulan us on the other; nearest the former, though it is not very in-
timately allied to either. I cannot admit the subgenera proposed by various
authors (see synonomy above), as I consider the characters upon ■which they
are based to be merely of specific importance, scarcely two species being
exactly alike in the minute details of their form.

The species are quite numerous, numbering about twenty, of which only
about four (including the climatic sub-species, or geographical races) are
American. North America possesses but one (C. hudsonius, Linn.), and this,
with the C. cincre^is, Vieill., of South America, I consider to be a geo-
graphical race of C. cyanms of Europe.

The birds of this genus frequent open, generally marshy, localities, where
they course over the meadows, moors, or marshes, with a steady, gliding
flight, seldom Happing, in pursuit of their food, which consists mainly of
mice, small birds, and reptiles. Their assault upon the latter is sudden and
determined, like the " Swift Hawks," or the species of Acciintcr.

In the following synopsis, I include only the three forms of C. cyanexis,
giving the characters of the European race along with those of the two
i^erican ones.

Species and Races.

C. cyaneus. Wing, 12.50 - 16.00 ; tail, 9.00 - 10.70 ; culmen, .60 - .80 ;
tarsus, 2.'t2- 3.25 ; middle toe, 1.10-1.55. Third to fourth quills longest ;
first shorter than sixth or seventh ; outer four with inner webs sinuated.
Adult male} Above pearly-ash, with a bluish cast in some parts ; breast
similar ; beneath white, with or without rufous markings. Adtdt female.
Above brown, variegated with ochraceous on the scapulars and wing-
coverts ; beneath yellowish- white or pale ochraceous, with a few longitudi-
nal stripes of brown. Young (of both sexes). Like the adult female, but
darker brown above, the spotting deeper ochraceous, or rufous ; beneath
pale rufous, the stripes less distinct.

Tail and secondaries without a subterminal band of dusky ; lower
parts without any markings.

Wing, 12.50 - 1.5.00 ; tail, 9.00 - 10.70 ; culmen, .60 -.75: tar.'^us,
2.70-2.85; middle toe, 1.10- 1.35. Hah. Europe . var. cyaneus?

' The females and immature males are hard to distinguish, and from the unsatisfactory charac-
ter of the material at my eommand I have not succeeded in finding reliable characters by which
these plumages of the tlnee races may be distinguished. Consequently I give only the characters
of the adult males, in defining the distinctions between them.

^ Circus cyaneus, var. cyaneus (Lix.s. ). Falco cyaneus, Linn. S. N. 1766, 126. Circus cya-
neus, Le.ss. Man. Om. 1, 105. — Gould, B. Europe, pi. xxxiii. — Bonap. List, 22. — Degl.
Om. Eur. I, 74. — Stkickl. Om. Syn. 1, 147. — Gray, Hand List, I, 37, No. 364. Falco
pygargus, Linn. S. N. 1766, 126. Circus pygargus, Steph. Zool. XIII, pi. ii, 41.

Specimens examined. — National Museum, 3 ; Philadelphia Academy, 4 ; New York Museum,
1 ; Boston Society, 5. Total, 13.

214 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Tail and secondaries with a sublerminal band of dusky ; lower parts
with rufous markings.

Wing, 12.90 - 16.00 ; tail, 9.00-10.50 ; culmen, .65-. 75; tarsus,
2.90-3.25; middle toe, 1.20-1.55. Lower parts with scattered
irregular specks, or small cordate spots, of reddish-rufous. Hah.

North and Middle America vox. hudsonius.

Wing, 12.40 - 14.50 ; tail, 8..50- 10:50; culmen, .62 - .81 ; tarsus,
2.42-3.00; middle toe, 1.20-1.50. Lower parts with numerous
regular transverse bars of veddish-rufous. Hab. South America.

var. ciner eus}

Circus cyaneus, var. hudsonius (Lix>f.).

MARSH HAWK ; AMEKICAN HAREIER.

Falco hudsonius, LiNX. Sj-st. 'SaX. p. 12S, 17tiO. — G.mel. yyst. Nat. p. 277, 1789. — Lath.
Syn. I, 91, sp. 76, 17S1 ; Gen. Hist. I, p. 97, sp. C. 1S21. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 173,
1800. — Shaw, Zool. VII, 165, 1809. Circus hudsonius, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. jjl.
ix, 1807. —Cass. B. Gal. & Te.\. p. 108, 1834 ; Birds N. Am. 1S.')8, p. 38. — Heeum.
P. R. R. Rep't, 11, 33, 1855. — Kennerly, P. R. R. Rep't, 111, 19, 1856. — Newb.
P. R. R. Rep't, VI, 74, 1857. — Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rep't, Xll, ii, 150, I860.—
Stkickl. Om. Syn. I, 150, 1855. — CouES, Prod. B. Aiiz. 13, 1866. — Blakist. Ibis,
1861, 319. — Lord, Pr. R. A. I. \Y, 1864, 110 (Brit. Coll.). Circus ojancus hudsonius,
ScHLEO. Mus. Pays-Bas, Circi, 2, 1862. Circus cyaneus, var. hudsonius, (Ridgway)
CouES, Key, 1872, 210. — Gray, Hand List, I, 37, 1869. Strigiceps hudsonius, Bonap.
Consp. Av. p. 35, 1850. FaJco spadicens, Gmel. Syst. Nat. j). 273, 1789. — Forst.
Phil. Trans. LXII, 383, 1772. Falco buffoni, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 277, 1789. — L.\th.
Gen. Hist. I, 98, D, 1821. Falco ulicjinosjis, Gmbl. Syst. Nat. p. 278, 1789. — Lath.
lud. Orn. p. 40, 179 ; Syn. I, 90, 1781 ; Gen. Hist. I, 271, 1821. — Daud. Tr. Orn.
II, 173, 1800. — WiLs. Am. Orn. pi. li, f. 2, 1808. —Sab. App. Frankl. E.-cp. p. 671.
Circus uliginos^is, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 37, 1807. — DeKay, Zool. N. Y. II, 20,
pi. iii, figs. 5, 6, 1844. —James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 88, 1831. —Max. Cab. .Toum.
VI, 1858, 20. Strigiceps uliginoszis, Boxap. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 5, 1838. — Kaup,
Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 58. Falco cyaneus & ;3. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 40, 1790 ;
Syn. I, 91, 7sp. 6 A. — Shaw, Zool. VII, 164, 1809. Falco cyaneus, AuD. B. Am. pi.
ccclvi, 1831. —James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. IV, 21, 1831. — Boxap. Am. Orn. pi. 12 ;
Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 33 ; Isis, 1832, p. 1538. — Peab. B. Mass. p. 82, 1841. Circjis
cyaneus, Boxap. .\nn. Lye. N. Y. p. 33. — Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 391. — Rich.

Measurements.— $. AVing, 12.50-13.25 ; tail, 9.00-9.30; cubnen, .60-. 70 ; tarsus, 2.75-
2.90; middle toe, 1.10-1.25. Specimens, S. 9. Wing, 13.50-15.00; tail, 9.50-10.70 ; cul-
men, .75 ; tarsus, 2.70-2.85 ; middle toe, 1.25-1.35. Specimens, 4.

Observations. — The adult female of cyaneus is distinguishable from that of hudsonius by lighter
colors and less distinct ochraceous blotches on the shoulders.

1 Circus cyaneus, var. cinereus (Vieill.). Circus cincrcus, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. H. N. IV,
1816, 454. — Darwin, Zool. Beag. pt. iii, 30. — D'Orb. Synop. Av. Mag. Zool. 1837. — Strickl.
Om. Svn. I, 156. — Gr.^y, Hand List, I, 37, No. 368. Circus campcstri':, Vieill. Enc. Mcth.
Ill, 1823, 1213. Circus frenatus, Licet. Verz. Doubl. 1823, p. 62. Circus histrionicus, QuoY,
Zool. Journ. Ill, 1826, 271.

Specimens examined. — Nation.al Museum, 7 ; riiiladiliihia Academy, 5 ; Boston Society, 3 ;
Museum Cambridge, 1 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1. Total, 17.

Measurements. — g. Wing, 12.40-13.25 ; tail, 8.50-9.00 ; culmen, .62-. 63 ; tarsus, 2.42-
2.60; middle toe, 1.20-1.25. Specimens, 11. 9. Wing, 13.75-14.50; tail, 9.30-10.50;
culmen, .75-. 80 ; tarsus, 2.80-3.00 ; middle toe, 1.40-1.50. Specimens, 5.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 215

k Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. pi. xxix, ISol. — AuD. Sjniop. p. 19, 1839. — Bkew.
(WiLS.) N. Am. Orn. Syn. 685, 1852. — Pe.\b. U. S. E.\pl. Exp. p. 63, 1848. — Woodh.
in Sitgr. Kep'l, E.\p. Zuni & Colorad. p. 61, 1853. — Nm'. JIan. Orn. U. S. & Can. p.
109, 1833. — GiRAUD. B. Long Isl'd, p. 21, 1844. — Gbay, List B. Brit. JIus. p. 78,
1844.

Sp. Char. AdttU male (10,7G4, Washington. D. C, December). Head, neck, breast,
and upper parts light cinereou.'!, palest anteriorly where it is uninterruptedly continuous;
occiput somewhat darker, with a transverse series of longitudinal dashes of white, some-
what tinged with reddish. Back, .scapulars, and terminal third of secondaries, with a
dusky wash, the latter fading at tips ; five outer primaries nearly black, somewhat hoary
on outer webs beyond their emargination ; lesser wing-coverts faintly mottled with paler,
or with obsolete dusky spots. Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail blui.sh-
cinereous, mottled with white toward base ; crossed near the end with a distinct band of
black, and with about five narrower, very obscurely indicated ones anterior to this ; tip
beyond the subterminal zone fading terminally into whitish. Whole under side of wing
(except terminal third or more of primaries) pure white ; immaculate, excepting a few
scattered transverse dusky spots on larger coverts. Rest of under parts pure white
everywhere, with rather sparse transverse cordate spots of rufous. Wing, 14.00 ; tail,
9.20; tar.sus, 2.80; middle toe, 1.30. Third and fourth ciuills equal, and longest; second
intermediate between fifth and sixth ; first 5.81 inches shorter than longest.

Another specimen differs as follows: The fine cinereous above is replaced by a darker
and more brownish shade of the same, the head and breast much tmged with rusty.
Tail much darker, the last black band twice as broad and near the tip; other bands more
numerous (seven instead of five), and although still very obscure on middle feathers are
better defined than in the one described ; inner webs of tail-feathers (especially the outer
ones) tinged with cream-color; white of lower parts tinged with rufous; the deep rufous
transverse bars on the breast and sides broader, larger, and more numerous than in No.
16,764; abdomen and tibia; with numerous smaller cordate spots of rufous; lower tail-
coverts with large cordate spots of the same, and a deep stain of paler rufous ; lining of
wings more variegated. Wing, 14.10 ; tail, 9.00 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; middle toe, 1..30.

Adult female (16,758, Hudson's Bay Territory ; Captain Blakiston). Umber-brown
above ; feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with pale rufous ; lores, and supercil-
iary and snborbital stripes dull yellowish-white, leaving a dusky stripe between them,
running back from the posterior angle of the eye. Lesser wing-coverts spattered with pale
rufous, this irregularly bordering and indenting the feathers ; feathers of the rump
bordered with dull ferruginous. Tail deep umber, fiiintl}' fading at the tip, and crossed by
six or seven very regular, sharply defined, but obscure, bands of blackish ; the alternating
light bars become paler and more rufous toward tlie edge of the tail, the lateral feathers
being almost wholly pale cream-color or ochraceous, darker terminally ; this tint is more
or less prevalent on the inner webs of nearly all the feathers. Ear-coverts dull dark
rufous, obsoletely streaked with dark brown ; the feathers of the facial disk are fine pale
cream-color, each with a middle stripe of dark brown ; throat and chin immaculate dirty-
white, like the supraorbital and suborbital stripes. Beneath dull white, with numerous
broad longitudinal stripes of umber-brown ; these broadest on the breast, growing gradu-
ally smaller posteriorly. Under .surface of primaries dull white, crossed at wide intervals
with dark-brown irregular bars, of which there are five (besides the terminal dark space)
on the longest quill.

Juv. (<J, 15,585, Bridger's Pass, Rocky Mountains, August; W. S.Wood). Upper
parts very dark rich clove-brown, approaching sepia-black ; feathers of the head bordered
with deep ferruginous, and lesser wing-coverts much spotted with the s.ime, the edges of
the feathers being broadly of this color; secondaries and inner prhnaries fading terminally

216

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

into whitish; upper tail-coverts tinged with delicate cream-color (immaculate). Tail
with four very broad bands of black, the intervening spaces being dark umber on the two
middle feathers, on the others fine ciiinamon-ochrc ; the tip also (broadly) of this color.
Ear-eoverts uniform rich dark snufl'-brown, feathers of a satiny te.Kture; feathers of facial
disk the same centrally, edged with fnie deep rufous. Entire lower parts deep reddish-
ochraceous or fulvous-rufous, growing gradually paler posteriorly ; immaculate, with the
exception of a few faint longitudinal stripes on the breast and sides. Under side of wing
as in the last, but much tinged with rufous.

Hab. Entire continent of North America, south to Panama ; Cuba, and Bahamas.

Localities: Oaxaca (Sou 1859, 390); Orizaba (Scl. 1857, 211); Guatemala, winter
(ScL. Ibis, I, 221) ; Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxxiii ; Gtu.n'dlacu, Repert. 18G5, 222, winter) ;
City of Mexico (Scl. 1864, 178) ; E. Texas (Dresseh, Ibis, 1865, 323, resident) ; W.
Arizona (Coues) ; Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. See. 1867, 65) ; Costa Rica (Lawk. IX,
134).

LIST Of SPEOLMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 53; Museum Comp. Zool., 24; Boston Society, 8; Philadelphia
Academy, 10 ; Cab. of G-. N. Lawrence, 5 ; R. Ridgway, 6. Total, 106.

Measurements.

Sex.

9

mn,.

Tait-

ClUmen.

liirstts.

MiddU Tor.

Specirnens.

12.90 - 13.85
13.00-16.00

9.90-9.80
8.80-10.50

.60 -.65
.70 -.75

2.85 - 2.90
2.85-3.25

1.20-
1.22 - 1.55

34
32

Habits. The Marsh Hawk is one of the most widely distributed birds of
North America, breeding from the fur i-egions around Hudson's Bay to Texas,
and from Nova Scotia to Oregon and Cahfornia. It is abundant every-
wliere, excepting in the southeastern portion of the United States. Sir
John Eichardson speal^s of it as so common on the plains of the Saskatche-
wan tliat seldom less than five or six are in sight at a time (in latitude 55°).
Mr. Towiisend found it on the plains of the Columbia Eiver and on the
prairies bordering on the Missouri. The Vincennes Exploring Expedition
obtained specimens in Oregon. Dr. Gambel and Dr. Heermanu found it
abundant in California. Dr. Suckley's party obtained specimens in INfinne-
sota ; Captain Beckwith's, in Utah ; Captain Pope, Lieutenant Wliipple, and
Dr. Henry, in New Mexico ; and Lieutenant Coucli, in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Dr. Woodhouse met with it abundantly from the ]klississippi River to the
Pacific Ocean, througliout the summer, showing conclusively that it breeds
in those different sections of country. De la Sagra, Lembeye, and Dr.
Gundlach, all give it as a bird of Culia, but not as breeding there.

Dall record.s it as very rare on the Yukon, and an occasional summer visitor
only at St. Michael's, where an individual was killed as late as November.
Donald Gunn states that it makes its appearance in the fur countries about
the opening of the rivers, and departs about the beginning of November.
It preys upon small birds and mice, is very slow on the wing, flies xevy low,
and in a manner very different from all otlier kinds of Hawks.

In Nova Scotia it is very abundant, and is very destructive of young

FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS.

217

game. Mr. Downes regards it as au iudiscrimiuatiiig feeder upou tisli, snakes,
and even worms. He took two green snakes from the stomach of one of
them.

Mr. Dresser found them abundant througliout the whole country east of
the Rio Nueces at all seasons of the year. They were more abundant in full
blue plumage than elsewhere. Near San Antonio he met witli them on the
prairies, where they feed on the small green lizards which abound there, and

whicli they are very expert in catching. Dr. Cones mentions them as very
abundant in Arizona. Dr. Kennerly met witli them on both sides of the
Eio Grande wherever there was a marsh of any extent. Flying near the
surface, just above the weeds and canes, they round their initiring circles
hour after hour, darting after small birds as they rise from cover. Pressed
VOL. III. 28

218 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

b}- Ijuiiger, tliey will attack even wild Ducks. Dr. Kennerly also observed
tliem equally abundant in the same localities in New Mexico. Dr. New-
berry mentions finding this Hawk abundant beyond all parallel on the plains
of Upper Pitt Eiver. He saw several hundred in a single day's march.

In Washington Territory both Dr. Suckley and Dr. Cooper found this
Hawk abundant throughout the open districts, and especially so in winter.
Dr. Coo]ier found it no less common in California, and among several hun-
dreds saw but two birds in the blue plumage. Near Fort Laramie he found
it no less common, but iliere, at least one half were in the blue plumage.
From this he infers that the older birds seek the far interior in preference to
the seaboard.

Mr. Allen mentions it as common in winter about the savannas in Flor-
ida, and Mr. Salvin states that it is a migratory species in (Guatemala. It
occurred in the Pacific Coast Region, and examples were also received from
Vera Paz.

In evidence of the nomadic character of the Marsh Hawk it may be men-
tioned that specimens asserted to be of this species are in the Leyden M\\-
seum that were received from the Philippines and from Kamtschatka.

In Wilson's time this Hawk was quite numerous in the marshes of New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, where it swept over the low grounds,
sailing near the earth, in search of a kind of mouse very common in such
situations, and was there very generally known as the Mouse Hawk. It is
also said to be very serviceable in the Southern rice-fields in interrupting
the devastations made by the swarms of Bobolinks. As it sails low and
swiftly over the fields, it keeps the flocks in perpetual fluctuation, and greatly
interrupts their depredations. Wilson states that one IMarsh Hawk was
considered by the planters equal to several negroes for alarming the Rice-
birds. Audubon, however, controverts this statement, and quotes Dr. Bach-
man to the effect that no Marsh Hawks are seen in the rice-fields until after
the Bobolinks are gone. Dr. Coues, on the other hand, gives this Hawk as
resident throughout the year in South Carolina.

According to Audubon, the Marsh Hawk rarely pursues birds on the wing,
nor does it often carry its prey to any distance before it alights and ilevours
it. While engaged in feeding, it may be readily approached, surprised, and
shot. When wounded, it endeavors to make off by long leaps ; and when
overtaken, it throws itself on the back and fights furiously. In winter its
notes while on the wing are sharp, and are said to resemble the syllables
pee-pee-pee. The love-notes are similar to those of the colttmharius.

Mr. Audubon has found this Hawk nesting not only in lowlands near
the sea-shore, but also in the barrens of Kentucky and on the cleared table-
lands of the Alleghanies, and once in the high covered pine-barrens of
Florida.

After having paired, the IMarsh Hawks invariably keep together, and labor
conjointly in the construction of the nest, in sitting upou the eggs, and in

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCOXS. 219

feeding the young. Their nests are variously constructed as to materials,
usually chietiy of hay somewhat clumsily wrought together into the form
of a nest, but never very nicely interwoven ; occasionally, in more northern
localities, they are lined with feathers, in some cases with pine-needles and
small twigs.

Eichardson states that all the nests of this Hawk observed by liim were
built on the ground by the side of small lakes, of moss, grass, feathers, and
hair, and contained from three to five eggs, of a bluish-wjnte color, and un-
spotted. The latter measured 1.75 inches in length, and were an incli across
where widest. The position and manner of constructing the nest correspond
with my own experience, but the size of the eggs does not. The nests have
been invariably on the ground, near water, built of dry grass, and lined with
softer materials.

JMr. Audubon gives a very minute account of a nest which he found on
Galveston Island, Texas. It was about a hundred yards from a pond, on a
ridge just raised above the marsh, and was made of dry grass; the internal
diameter was eight, and the external twelve inches, with the depth of two
and a half No feathers were found. This absence of a warm lining in
Texas really proves nothing. A warm lining may be required in latitude
65° north, and the same necessity not found in one of 29°. A nest observed
in Concord, Mass., by Dr. H. 11. Storer, was on the edge of a pond, and was
warmly lined with feathers and fine grasses. Many otlier instances might
be named.

The eggs found in the Galveston nest were four in number, smooth, con-
siderably rounded or broadly elliptical, bluish-white, 1.75 inches in length,
and 1.25 in breadth. Another nest, found under a low bush on the Alle-
ghanies, was constructed in a similar manner, but was more bulky ; the bed
being four inches above the earth, and the egg slightly sprinkled with small
marks of pale reddish-brown.

The prevalent impression that the eggs of this Hawk are generally un-
spotted, so far as I am aware, is not correct. All that I have ever seen,
except the eggs above referred to from Texas, and a few others, have been more
or less marked with light-brown lilotches. These markings are not always
very distinct, but, as far as my present experience goes, they are to be found,
if carefully sought. In 1856 I received from Dr. Dixon, of Damariscotta,
a nest with six eggs of a Hawk of this species. The female had been shot
as she flew from the nest. With a single exception, all the eggs Avere very
distinctly blotched and spotted. In shape they were of a rather oblong-
oval, rounded at both ends, the smaller end well defined. They varied in
length from 2.00 to 1.87 inches, and in breadth from 1.44 to 1.38 inches. Their
ground-color was a dirty liluisli-wliite, which in one was nearly unspotted, the
markings so faint as to be hardly perceptible, and only upon a close inspec-
tion. In all the others, spots and blotches of a light shade of purplish-brown
occured, in a greater or less degree, over their entire surface. In two, the

220 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

blotches were large and well marked ; iii the others, less strongly traced, but
quite distinct.

The nest was found in a tract of low land, covered with clumps of sedge,
on one of which it had been constructed. It is descriljed as about the size
of a i)eck basket, circular, and couijiosed entirely of small dry sticks, " fin-
ished off or topped out with small Ijunehes of pine boughs." There was
very little depth to the nest, or not enough to cover the eggs from view in
taking a sight across it. " No feathers were found in or about it. It was
simply made of small dry sticks, about sbc inches tliick, with about one inch
of pine boughs for finishing off the nest." The eggs were found about the
20th of jMay. They contained young at least two weeks advanced, showing
that the bird began to lay in the latter part of April, and to sit upon her
eggs early in the following month.

It will be tlms seen that the eggs of this Hawk vary greatly in size and shape,
and in the presence or absence of marking, varying in length from 1.75 to
2.00 inches, and in breadth from 1.25 to 1.50, and in shape from an almost
gobular egg to an elongated oval. Some are wholly spotless, and others are
very strongly and generally blotched with well-defined purplish-brown.

This Hawk was found breeding in the Humboldt Valley by Mr. C. S.
M'L'arthy, on the Yellowstone by ^Ir. Hayden, at Fort Benton by Lieutenant
MuUan, at Fort Eesolution by Mr. Keunicott, at Fort Eae and at Fort Simp-
son by Mr. Ross, at La Pierre House by Lockhart, and on the Lower Ander-
son by Mr. ^MacFarlane.

Genus NISUS, Cuvier.

Accipitcr, Bris.s. 1760. (Type, Falco nisus, LiXN.)

Nisus, Crv. 1799. (Same tj^ie.)

Astur, L.^CKP. 1801. (Type, Fako palumbarius, Lisx. )

Diedolion, Savig. 1809. (Same type.)

Dcedalium, Agass. (Same type.)

Sparvius, ViEiLL. 1816. (Same type.)

Jcrax, Leach, 1816. (Same type. )

Aster, Swains. 1837. (Same tj-pe.)

Micrmiisus, Gray, 1840. (Type, Falco gabar, Daud.)

Phabotypus, Glog. 1842. (Same type.)

Hicrnspiza, 1844, Jcntspiza, 1851, and Tcraspiza, 1867, Kacp. (Type, Falco Hnus,

Latham.)
Hieracospiza, Agas. (Same type.)
Nisaslur, Blas. 1844. (Same type.)
Urospiza, 1845, Urospizia, 1848, and Uraspiza, 1867, Kaup. (Type, Sparniis cirrJiocepha-

lus, ViEILL.)
Leucoapiza, Kaup, 1851. (Type, Falco iioi-cE-liollaiidim, Gmel.)
Cooperaslur, BoNAP. 1854. (Type, Accipitcr cooperi, Bosap.)
Frythrospiza, Kavp, 1867. (Type, A. trinolalus Temm.? not of Boxap. 1830 !)

Gen. Char. Form slender, the tail long, tho wings short and rounded, the feet slender,
the head small, and hill rather weak. Bill nearly as high through the base as the length

FALCONIDiB — THE FALCONS. 221

of the chord of the cuhnen, its upper outline greatly ascending basally ; commissure with
a prominent festoon. Superciliary shield very prominent. Nostril broadly ovate,
obliquely horizontal. Tarsus longer than the middle toe, the frontal and posterior series
of regular transverse scutelke very distinct, and continuous, sometimes fused into a con-
tinuous plate (as in the Turdince .'). Outer toe longer than the inner; claws strongly
curved, very acute. Wing short, much rounded, very concave beneatli ; third to fifth
quills longest; first usually shortest, never longer than the sixth; outer three to five with
inner webs cut (usually sinuated). Tail long, nearly equal to wing, usually rounded,
sometimes even, more rarely graduated {Astur macrourus) or emarginated (some species
of subgenus Xisus).

Subgenera.

Less than one third of the upper portion of the tarsus feathered in front,
the feathering widely separated behind ; frontal transverse scutellaj of the
tarsus and toes uninterrupted in the neighborhood of the digito-tarsal joint,
but continuous from knees to claws. Tarsal scutelliB sometimes fused into
a continuous plate ........... Xisns.

More than one third (about one half J of the upper portion of the tarsus
feathered in front, the feathering scarcely separated behind ; frontal trans-
verse scutelte of the tarsus and toes interrupted in the region of the digito-
tarsal joint, where replaced by irregular small scales. Tarsal scutelhB never
fused Astur.

The species of this genus are exceedingly numerous, about fifty-seven
being the number of nominal "species" recognized at the present date.
Among so many species, there is, of course, a great range of variation in the
details of form, so that many generic and subgeneric names have been pro-
posed and adopted to cover the several groups of species which agree in
certain peculiarities of external structure. That too many genera and sub-
genera have been recognized is my final conclusion, after critically examin-
ing and comparing forty of the fifty-seven species of Gray's catalogue (Hand
List of Birds, I, 1869, pp. 29-35). The variation of almost every character
ranges between great extremes ; but when all the species are compared, it is
found that, taking each character separately, they do not all correspond, and
cross and re-cross each other in the series in such a manner that it is almost
impossible to arrange the species into well-defined groups. From this genus
I exclude LopJiospiza, Kaup (type, Z. trivirgatus) ; Asturina, Vieill. (type, A.
nitida) ; Rupornis, Kaup (type, It. mcuinirostris) ; Buteola, Dubus ( = Buteo,
type, B. hrachijura, Yieill.) ; included by Gray under Astur, as subgenera,
and Tachys'piza, Kaup (type, T. soJoensis) ; and Scelospiza, Kaup (type, S.
fraiicesii) ; which are given by Gray as subgenera of Micronisus, Gray
(type, Accipitcr gdbar), the species of the typical subgenus of which, as
arranged in Gray's Hand List, I refer to Nisus. All these excluded names
I consider as representing distinct genera.

The species of this genus are noted for their very predatoiy disposition,
exceeding the Falcons in their daring, and in the quickness of their assault
upon their prey, which consists chiefly of small birds.

ooo

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Subgenus N I S U S . Cuvier.

AccipiUr, Brisson, 1760.'

Nism, Cuvier, 1799. (Type, Falco nisiis, LiNX. ; A. fringiHarius (Ray), Kaup.)

Jerax, Leach, 1816. (Same type.)

Cooperasttir, BoNAi". 1854. (Type, Accipiter cooperi, Bon.^p.)

Ilieraspua, 1844, Jcraspiza, 1851, and Teraspisa, 1867, Kait. (Type, Falco Units, Lath.)

Hkracospiza, Agass. (Same type.)

Urospiza, 1845, Urospizia, 1S4S, aiul Urcuspiza, 1867, Kai'?. (Type, Sparvins cirrhocepha-

lus, VlEILL.)

Erythrospiza, Kaup, 1867. (Type, A. triiiolalm (Temm. ?)
Micronisus, Grav, 1840. (Type, Fako gahar, Daud.)
Nisastur, Bla.s. 1844. (Same type.)

The species of this subgenus are generally of small size and slender form ;
but witli a graceful and apparently delicate structure they combine re-
markable strength and unsurpassed daring. They differ from the species

T^sus fusnts.

Nisus cooperi.

of Astur luaiuly in less robust organization. Tlie species are very numerous,
and most plentiful within the tropical regions. The Old World ])ossesses
about thirty, and America about fifteen, nominal species. Several South

• Not admissible as liaving been bestowed by a uonbincimial author, and of prior date to the
commencement of binomial nomenclature.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

223

American sjiecies are intimately related to the two North American ones,
and may prove to be only climatic races of the same species ; thus, erythroc-
nemis, Gray (Hand List, p. 32, No. 305) may be the intertropical form of
fuscics, and chilemis, Ph. and Landb. (Hand List, No. 314), that of coopcri.
But the material at my command is too meagre to decide this.

26588, f .

Nisus cooprri.

Nisus cooperi.

10T59,3.

Nisus fuscus.

In consequence of the insufficient material for working up the Soutli
American species, I shall omit them all from the following synopsis of the
North American species and races.^

Species and Races.

Common Characters. Adult Above bluish slate-color; the tail ^Yith obscure
bands of darker, and narrowly tipped with white. Beneath transversely barred
with white and pinkish-rufous ; the anal region and crissuni immaculate white.

^ In the collection of the National Museum are two specimens of coopcri, var. gundlachi, in the
young plumage. They differ from the young of var. cooperi mei-ely in darker colors, the brown
markings being larger and more numerous, as well as deeper in tint. That their character may
be better understood, I furnish the following more detailed descriptions : —

Young male (41, 129, Cuba, Dr. Gundlach). Above dark, blackish vandyke-browu, the feath-
ers bordered inconspicuously with dark rusty ; tail dull slate, narrowly tipped with ashy-white,
and crossed with four broad bands of dusky, almost equal to the slate ; beneath white, much tinged
on breast and tibite wdth reddish-ochraceous ; thickly striped with umber-brown, except on cris-
sum ; the streaks on throat narrow and cuneate, those on breast broad, and on sides changing into
broad transverse spots or bars ; tibis thickly spotted transversely with more reddish, nearly rufous,
brown ; larger lower tail-coverts with narrow shaft-streaks of black. Occiput showing nnich con-
cealed white ; the ends of the feathers deep black. Wing, 8.60 ; tail, 7.50 ; culmen, .68 ; tar-
sus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.70.

Young female. (41,128, Cuba, Di-. Gundlach). Similar, but more thickly striped beneath, the
dark markings about erpialling the white in extent ; w'hole sides with large transverse spots of
umber, cuneate along shaft. Wing, 10.50; tail, 9.50.

The synonomy of this race is as follows : Accipiter gundlachi, Lawrence, Ann. N. Y. Lye.
Vn, May, 1860, 252. — GuND. Eep't, 1865, 224. — ScL. & Salv. Ex. Orn. I, 170. —Gray,
Hand List, I, 33, No. 319. The N. fuscus, var. fringilloidcs (Vigors), of Cuba, I have not
seen. Its synonomy stands as follows : Accipiler fringilloides, ViG. Zool. Journ. Ill, 1826,534.
— Lawk. Ann. N. Y. Lye. Vll, 1860, 255 (with descriptions and synonomy). — Gundl. Eep't,
1865, 224. — Okay, Hand List, I, 32, No. 311.

224 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Young. Above grayish umber-brown, the feathers bordered more or less dis-
tinctly Willi rusty ; scapulars with large white spots, mostly concealed ; tail-
bands more distinct than in the adult. Beneath white, longitudinally striped
with dusky-brown.

1. N. fuscus. Middle toe shorter than the bare portion of the tarsus, in
front ; tarsal scutcUiB fused into a continuous plate in the adult male. Tail
nearly even. Top of head concolor with the back; tail merely fading into
wliitish at the tip. Concealed white spots of the scapulars very large and
conspicuous. Wing, G.45 - 8.80 ; tail, 5.70 - 8.20 ; culmen, .40 - .60 ; tarsus,
1.85-2.2.5; middle toe, 1.10-1.55. Hah. Whole of North America and
Mexico.

2. N. cooperi. Middle toe longer than the bare portion of the tarsus, in
front ; tarsal scutelke never fused. Tail much rounded. Top of the head
much darker than the back ; tail distinctly tipped with white ; concealed
white spots of the scapulars very small, or obsolete. Wing, 8.50 - 11.00 ;
tail, 7.50-10.50; culmen, .60-.80; tarsus, 2.10-2.75; middle toe, 1.30-1.85.
Hab. Whole of North America and Mexico.

Adult. Rufous markings Iieneath, in form of detached bars, not
exceeding the white ones in width ; dark slate of the pileum and
nape abruptly contra-sted w-ith the bluish-plumbeous of the back;
upper tail-coverts narrowly tipped with white ; scapulars with con-
cealed spots of white. Young. White beneath pure ; tibiiB with
narrow longitudinal spots of brown. Wing, 9.00-11.00; tail,
8.00-9.80; culmen, .65 -.80; tarsus, 2.45-2.75; middle toe,
1.55-1.85. Hab. Eastern region of North America; Eastern
Mexico var. cooperi.

Adult. Rufous markings beneath, in form of broader bars, con-
nected along the shaft, almost uniform on the breast ; black of the
pileum and nape fading gradually into the dusky plumbeous of the
back ; upper tail-covert.s not tipped with white, and scapulars
without concealed spots of the same. Young. White beneath
strongly tinged with ocliraceous; tibiae with broad transverse spots
of brown. Wing, 8.50 - 10.60 ; tail, 7.50 - 10.50 ; culmen, .60 -
.75; tarsus, 2.10-2.75; middle toe, 1.30-1.75. Hah. Western
region of North America ; Western Mexico . . var. mexicanus.

Nisus fuscus (Gmel.) Kaup.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.

Falco fuscus, Gmei,. Sy.st. Nat. p. 283, 1789. — L.A-TU. Ind. Orn. p. 43, 1790 ; Syn. I, 98,
1781 ; Gen. Hist. I, 283, 1821. — Mill. Cim. Phys. pi. x\'iii, 1796. — D.U'D. Tr. Om.
II, 86, 1800. —Shaw, Zool. VII, 161, 1809. — AfD. B. Am. pi. ccidxxiii, 1821 ; Oni.
Biog. IV. 522, 1831. — Brew. (Wils.) Am. Orn. 685, 18,i2.— Pe.\d. B. Mass. Ill, 78,
1841. — TnoMP. Nat. Hist. Verai. p. 61, 1842. — NuTX. Man. 87,18-33. Accipitcr
fuscus, BoXAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 5, 1838 ; Consp. Av. 32, 1850. — Giiay, List B.
Brit. Mus. 38, 1844 ; Gen. B. fol. sp. 4, 1844. —Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. 95, 1854 ; Proc.
Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1855, 279 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, 18. — Stiuckl. Orn. Syn. I, 108,
1855. — WooDH. Sitgr. Exp. Zuiii & Colorad. p. 61, 1853. — Cooper & Sucklet, P.
R. R. Eep't, VII, ii, 146, I860. — Heerm. Williamson's Rep. 33. — Nevvb. Williamson's
Rep. 74. — CouES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. .Jan. 1866, p. 7. — Blakist. Ibis, III, 1861,
317 (fresh eggs). — Gray, Hand List, I, 32, 1869. Aslur fiiscius, Be Kay, N. Y.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 225

Zobl. I], 1', pi. ii, fig. -2 (juv. ^), 1S44. — GiitAi'D, R. Long Isl'tl, p. 19, 1S44. A^Lriis
fujicus, Kaup, Moiiog. Falc. Coiit. Oni. 1S50, p. 64. Falco dubius, Gmel. Syst. Nat.
1789, p. 281. — Lath. Ind. Orii. p. 43, 1790 ; Syn. KSupp. \, 37, 1802 ; Gen. Hist. I,
279, 1821. —DAun. Tr. Orn. 1800, H, 122. Falco velox, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. xh; f. 1,
1808. — BoNAP. An. Lye. N. Y. II, 29, 1433 ; Isis, 1S32, p. 1137. Accipiler vdox,
Befxu. Voy. Zoiil. p. 15. Aslur vclox, James. (Wils.) Am. Om. I, 68, 1831. Falco
peniisyhanicus, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. xlvi, fig. 1, 1808. — Lath. Gen. Hist. I, 280,
1820. — Temm. pi. Col. 67. Accipiler petmsulvanicus, ViG. Zobl. Journ. I, 338. —
8ti:pii. Zoul. XI II, ii, 32, 1815. —Rich. Faun. Bor.- Am. II, 44, 18.31. — Jaur.
(WiL.s.) Am. Orn. II, pp. 210, 215, 1832. — Swains. Classif. B. II, 215, 1837. Astur
pennsi/hanicus, Less. Man. Orn. I, 92. — James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 70, 1831. yisus
pmnsyhanieus, Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 334, 1829. — Less. Tr. Orn. p. 59, 1831.
Falco columbariii.i, var., Shaw. Zotil. VII, 189, 1809. Accipiler ardosiacm, Vieill.
Enc. Muth. Ill, 1274, 1823. Accipiler fringilloidcs (not of Vioons !), Jakd. (Wils.)
Am. Orn. II, 215, 1832. ! Xisus pacificm, Lesson, Man. et d'Oiseau.x, 1847, 177
(Acapuluo to California. S(piare tail). Accipiler fuscus, Buewek, Oology, 1857, 18,
pi. iii, I. 23, 29 ; pi. v. f 54.

Sp. Char. Adult male (11,990, District of Columbia; A. J. Falls). Above deep
plumbeous, this covering- head above, nape, back, scapulars, wings, rump, and upper
tail-coverts ; uniform throughout, scarcely perceptibly darker anteriorly. Primaries and
tail somewhat lighter and more brownish ; the latter crossed by four sharply defined
bands of brownish-black, the last of which is subterminal, and broader than the rest, the
first concealed by the upper coverts ; tip passing very narrowly (or scarcely perceptibly)
into whitish terminally. Occipital feathers snowy-white beneath the surface; entirely
concealed, however. Scapulars, also, with concealed very large roundish spots of pure
white. Under side of primaries pale slate, becoming white toward bases, crossed by
quadrate spots of blackish, of which there are seven (besides the terminal dark space) on the
longest. Lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and lower parts in general, pure white ;
chin, throat, and cheeks with fine, rather sparse, blackish shaft-streaks ; ear-coverts with
a pale rufous wash. Jtigulum, breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, and tibise with numerous
transverse broad Ijars of delicate vinaceous-rufous, the bars medially somewhat trans-
versely cordate, and rather narrower than the white bars ; laterally, the pinkish-rufous
prevails, the bars being connected broadly along the shafts ; tibias with rufous bars much
exceeding the white one.s in width ; the whole maculate region with the shaft of each
feather finely blacki.sh. Anal region scarcely varied ; lower tail-coverts immaculate,
pure white. Lining of the wing white, with rather sparse cordate, or cuneate, small
blackish spots ; axillars barred about equally with pinkish-rufous and white. ^Ving,
6.G0; tail, 5-70; tarsus, 1.78; middle toe, 1.20. Fifth quill longest; fourth but little -
shorter; third equal to sixth; second slightly shorter than seventh. Tail perfectly
square.

^f?i(« /eHif(?e (19,116, Powder River; Captain \V. F. Raynolds, U. S. A.). Scarcely
dillerent from the male. Above rather paler slaty ; the darker shaft-streaks rather more
distinct than in the male, although they are not conspicuous. Beneath with the rufous
bars rather broader, the dark shaft-streaks le.ss distinct ; tibire about equally barred with
pinkis?h-rufous and white. Wing, 7.70 ; tail, 6.90 ; tarsus, 2.10 ; middle toe, 1.40. Fourth
and fifth quills equal and longest; third equal to sixth; second equal to seventh; first
three inches .shorter than longest.

Young male (41,890, Phil.idelphia ; J. Krider.) Above umber-brown; feathers of the
head above edged laterally with dull light ferruginous; those of the back, rump, the upper
tail-coverts, scapulars, and wing-coverts bordered with the same ; scapulars and rump
showing large, partially exposed, roundish spots of pure white. Tail as in adult. Sides
of the head and neck strongly streaked, a broad lighter supraoral stripe apparent.

VOL. III. 29

226

N()KTH AMKlilCA.X lilUDS.

Beneath white, with <a slight ocliiaceoiis tinge; clieeks, throat, and jugulum with fine
narrow strealvS of dusky-brown : breast, sides, and abdomen witli broader longitudinal
stripes of clear umber (less slaty than the back), each with a darker sliaft-liue ; on the
flanks the stripes are more oval; tibiaj more dingy, markings fainter and somewhat
transverse ; anal region and lower tail-eoverts immaculate white.

yoMH(//ema?c (12,023, Fort Tejon, California; J. Xantus). Similar in general appear-
ance to tlie young male. Markings beneath broader, and sliglitly sagittate in form,
becoming more transverse on the flanks ; paler and more reddish than in the young
male ; tibia; with brownish-rufous prevailing, this in form of broad tiansverse spots.

Hab. Entire continent of North America, south to Panama; Bahamas (but not West
Indies, where replaced by A . fringilloides, Vig.).

Localities: Oa.xaca (Sci,. 1858, 295); Central America (Scl. Ibis, I, 218); Bahamas
(Brvant, I'r. Bost. Soc. VII, 1859); City of Mexico (Scl. 18G4, 178); Texas, San
Antonio (Dkessek, Ibis, I8GCi. 32+) ; Western Arizona (CouEs) ; Mosquito Coast (Scl. &
Salv. 1867, 280) ; Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, 134).

LIST OK SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 51; Philadelphia Academy, 14; New York Museum, 7; Boston
Society, 5 ; Museum, Caniliridge, 9 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1 ; Coll. R. Ridgway, 4 ;
Museum W. S. Brewer, 1. Total, 92.

Measiirenients.

Sex.

Wing.

TaiL

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Spetimens.

9

6.45 - 7.00
7.50 - 8.80

5.70-5.90
6.90-8.20

.40-.

.50 -.60

1.85-1.95

2.20-2.25

1.10-1.20
1.45-1.55

30

40

Specimens from different regions vary l)tit little in .size. The largest are
4,198, 9 , San Francisco, Cal., winter, 16,957, 9, Hudson's Bay Territory, and
55,016, 9, Mazatlan, Me.xico, in which the wing ranges from 8.40 to 8.50,
the tail 7.00. The smallest females are 45,826, Sitka, Alaska, and 11,791,
Simiahmoo, W. T., in which the wing measures about 7.80. A female
(32,499) from Orizalia, Mexico, one (8,513) from Fort Yuma, Cal., and
one (17,210) from San Nicholas, Lower California, have tlie wing 8.00,
which is about the average. The largest males are 54,336, Nulato, Alaska,
58,137, Kodiak, Alaska, 27,067, Yukon, mouth of Porcupine, and 55,017,
Mazatlan, j\Ie.\ico, in which the wing measures 7.00, the tail 5.60. Tlie
smallest males are 5,990, Orange, N. J., 8,514, Shoahvater Bay, ^V. T.,
21,338, Siskiyou Co., Cal., 37,428, Orizaba, Mexico, and 5,584, Bridger's
Bass, Utah; in this series the wing measures 6.50-6.7(1, the tail 5.40 -
5.60. A sijeeimon from Costa Rica measures : wing 6.70, tail 5.35. Thus
the variation in size will be seen to be an individual difference, ratlier than
cliaracteristic of any region. Some immature specimens from the north-
west coast of North America (as 45,828, <?, Sitka, Pius. Am., 5,845, $, Fort
Steilacooin, W. T., 11,791, Simiahmoo, Buget Sound, and 8,514, Shoahvater
Bay, W. T.) are mucli darker than others, the bro\\n abo\e inclining to
to blackish-sepia ; no other differences, however, are observable. An adult
from the Yukon (54,337, 9) has the nilbus bars beneath remarkably faint,
altliougb well defined: another (19,384, 9, Fort Besolution), in immature

FALCONID.*; — THE FALCONS.

227

plumage, has the longitudinal markings beneath so faint that they are
scarcely discernible, and the jjlumage generally has a very worn and faded
appearance. A male in fine plumage (10,759, Fort Bridger, Utah) has the
delicate reddish-rufous beneath so extended as to prevail, and with scarcely
any variegation on the sides and tibiae ; the bars on the tail, also, are quite
obsolete.

Habits. This species is one of the most common Hawks of North Amer-
ica, and its geographical range covers the entire continent, from Hudson's
Bay to Mexico. Sir John lUchardson
mentions its lia\ing been met with as
far to the north as latitude 51°. Drs.
Gambel and Heermann, and others,
speak of it as abundant throughout
California. Audubon found it very
plentiful as far nortli as the southern
shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It
has been obtained in New llexico by
Mr. McCall, in ]\Iexico by ]\Ir. Pease,
in AVasiiington Territory by Dr. Cooper
and Dr. Suckley, in Alaska by Mr.
Dall, at Fort Piesolution by Mr. Ken-
nicott, at Fort Simpson liy Mr. B. E.
Eoss, etc. JMessrs. Sclater and Salvin
give it as a rare visitant of Guatemala.
It has been ascertained to breed in
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wiscon-
sin, California, and Pennsylvania, and
it probably does so not only in the intervening States and Territories, but
also in all, not exceiiting the most soutliern, Florida, where its nest was
found by Mr. Wurdemann.

Dr. Woodhouse, wlio freiiuently observed this bird skimming over the
prairies while in searcli of its i^rey, states that its fliglit is so peculiar tliat
there is no difficulty in recognizing it, when taken in connection witli its
form, sliort wings, and long tail, being very swift and irregular in its move-
ments, first high in the air, tlien close to tlie ground, suddenly disappearing
among the grass when it has seized the object of which it was in pursuit.

Mr. Dresser met witli this Ha\\k in Texas, l:)ut nowhere south or west of
San Antonio, where it remains through the breeding-season, nesting in the
dense cedar-tliickets.

Mr. Audubon regarded it as tlie very miniature of the Goshawk, in its
irregular, swift, vigorous, varied, and yet often undecided, manner of flight,
and on occasion greatly protracted. When in search of its prey, it is
said to pass over the country, now at a moderate height, now close over
the land, and with a surprising swiftness. It advances by sudden dashes,

Nisiis fii^rir^.

228 NORTH AMEKICAN BIRDS.

and pounces upon the object of its pursuit so suddenly as to render hope-
less any attempt to escape. It lias l're(jueutly been known to seize and kill
a bird so large that it was unable to carry it, and had to drop to the ground
\Yith it. In one instance Mr. Audubon saw it strike a Brown Thrush, which
it had darted into a thicket of briers to seize, emerging at the opposite side.
As Mr. Audubon ran up, the Hawk atteuipted twice to rise with its prey,
but was unable to carry it off. and relinquished it. The Thru.sh was quite
dead, and had evidently been killed instantly.

Mr. Downes, of Halifax, who speaks of this Hawk as common in Xova
Scotia, breeding all over that jirovince, adds that it does not molest tlie
poultry-yards, being too weak to attack large ])rey. But this is not univer-
sally the case. They are frequently destructive both to dove-cots and to the
younger inhabitants of the poultry-yard. Mr. Xuttall narrates that in the
thinly settled parts of Alabama and Georgia it seemed to abound, and was
\-ery destructive to young chickens, a single one having been known to come
regularly every day until it had carried off twenty or thirty. He was eye-
witness to one of its acts of robbery, w-here, at noonday and in the near
])resence of the farmer, the Hawk descended and carried o1!" one of the
chickens. In another instance the same writer mentions that one of these
Hawks, descending with lilind eagerness ujxjn its prey, broke through the
glass of the greenhouse at the Cambridge Botanic Garden, fearlessly
passed through a second glass partition, and was only brought up by a
third, when it was caught, thougli \-ery little injured.

At times this Hawk is seen to fly high, in a desultory manner, with quick
but irregular movements of the wings, now- moving in short and unequal
circles, pausing to examine the objects below, and then again descending
rapidly and following a course only a few feet from the ground, carefully
examining each patch of small bushes in search of small birds.

Besides the smaller birds, young chickens, and pigeons, this Hawk has
been known to occasionally feed on small reptiles and insects, as also upon
the smaller quadrupeds.

Mr. Audubon speaks of having met with three nests of this species, and
all in different situations. One was in a hole in a rock on the banks of the
Ohio Itiver ; another was in the hollow of a broken branch, near Louisville,
Ky., and tlie third in the forks of a low oak, near Henderson, Ky. In the
first case, the nest was slight, and simply constructed of a few sticks and
some grasses, carelessly interwoven, and about two feet from the entrance of
the hole. In the second instance there was no nest whatever, but in the
third the birds were engaged in the construction of an elaborate nest. The
number of the eggs was four in one instance, and five in another. He describes
them as almost equally rounded at both ends ; their ground-color white, with
a livid tinge, l)ut scarcely discernible amid the numerous markings and
blotches of reddish-chocolate with which'they w-ere irregularly covered. In
a nest which was large and elaborately constructed of sticks, and contained

FALCONID JS — THE FALCONS. 229

five efjgs, fi)und liy Dr. H. K. Storer in Concord, Mass., there was a single
egg which nearly corresponds witli this description. It is, however, the only
one among many specimens that at all agrees with it. This specimen is a
little more than usually elongate, and its ground-color, which is a puriilish-
white, is nearly concealed by its blotches of various shades of sepia-lirown.
In every other instance tlie egg is very nearly spherical, the ground-color
white, and beautifully marked with large conllucnt lilotches of sepia, vary-
ing in depth from ipiite a light to a very dark shade. In one, these conflu-
ent markings form a In-oad belt around the centre of the egg. In others,
they are chiefly distributed about the larger end. 'I'lie contrast between the
white ground and the dark confluent dashes of brown is very striking.
Except in size, the eggs of this bird bear a marked resendjlance to those of
the Sparrow Hawk of Europe. In a few instances, the l>rown markings
have an intermixture of reil and purple. The egg measures 1.35 by 1.15
inches.

In nearly every instance the nest of this Hawk has been constructed iu
trees. It is usually lai-ge in proportion to the size of the bird, and its mate-
rials are somewhat elaborately put together ; it is composed chiefly of large
sticks and twigs, and the whole jilatform is covered with a thin lining of
dry leaves, mosses, grass, etc. ]\Ir. John Krider, of Philadelphia, found a
nest in Xew Jer.sey, in the vicinity of that city, wjiich was Imilt on the
edge of a high rock.

Mr. Iiobert Kennicott met with the nest of this species at Fort Eesolu-
tion. It was composed entirely of small dry spruce twigs, with the excep-
tion of a half-dozen small flat bits of the scaly outer bark of the spruce,
laid in the bottom, and forming a sort of lining. No feathers or other softer
materials were used. Tlie nest was shallow and broad. The base was about
eighteen inches in diameter, and was about eight feet from the ground. It
was in a small spruce in a thick wood and on high ground. When dis-
turbed, tlie female flew oft' a short distance; but on Mr. Kennicott's hiding
himself returned and flew near the nest, continually uttering a harsh rapid
note. Near the nest were marks indicating the place where the male i:)assed
the nights perched on a dry stick near the ground.

]\Ir. B. E. Iioss observed these birds nesting tliiekly along the cliffs of the
Upper Slave Elver. They were more rare northward of Fort Simpson than
F. coluvibarius.

Mr. "William Street, of Easthampton, informs me that he has found this
Hawk nesting on Mount Tom, where he has known of six of their nests in
one .season. In the spring of 1872 he found three nests, on the 24th and
25th of May. They contained two eggs each. One of these, on the 27th
contained three eggs, of which he took one ; on the 3d of June two more
eggs had been laid, Two of these were taken, after wliich tlie birds deserted
the nest and resorted to an old S(iuirrers nest, wiiere they had four more
eggs, depositing one every third day. They arrive at Mount Tom about the

230 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

1st of May. Their nests :ire made entirely of sticks, larger on the outside,
and smaller within. They usually build in a hemlock-tree, selecting a thick
clump. Tiiey are very noisy when they are at work building their nest, and
often betray theii* presence by their cries. The younger the pair the more
noisy they are. This Hawk appears to live nearly altogether on small birds.
Mr. Street mentions having found ten or twelve skeletons in a single nest of
this species.

Nisus cooperi (Bonap.).

Var. cooperi, BoxAP.

COOPER'S HAWK.

Falco cooperi, Bonap. Am. Orn. pi. x, fig. 1, 182;j ; Ann. Lj-c. N. Y. II, 433 ; Isis, 1832,
1137. —James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. IV, 1831, 3. — Peab. B. Mass. Ill, 78. Acdpiter
cooperi. Gray, List B. Biit. Mus. 38, 1844 ; Gen. B. fol. sp. 6. —Cass. Birds Cal. &
Tex. p. 96, 1854 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, 16. — Sclat. Pr. Z. S. 1859, 389 (difference from
A. pilcatus, Max.). — Heerm. P. R. R. Rep't, VII, 31, 1857. — Coop. & SrcKL. P. R. R.
Rep't, XII, ii, 145, 1860. — CoUE.s, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 7, 1866. — I)he.sseb, Ibis, 1865,
323 (Te.\as). — Blakist. Ibis, III, 1861, 317. —Sci.. & Salv. E.\. Orn. I, 1869, 170.
— Gray, Hand List, I, 32, 1869. Astur cooperi, Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. IH, 363,
1832. — Bonap. List, p. 5 ; Rev. Zool. 1850, 489 ; Consp. At. 31. — De Kay, ZooL
N. Y. II, 18, pi. iv, p. 5. — Newb. P. R. R. Rep't, VI, iv, 74, 1857. —Max. Cab.
Joum. VI, 1858, 13. Falco stanlcyi, AuD. B. Am. pis. xxxvi, exli ; Oni. Biog. I, 186.
Acdpiter pileatus (not of 5Iax. !), Strickl. Oni. Syn. I, 109, 1855. Accipilcr cooperi.
Brewer, Oology, 1857, 20, pi. v, f. 55.

Sp. Char. Adidl male (No. 10,08(5). Forehead, crown, and occiput blackish-plum-
beous ; the latter snowy-white beneath the surface ; rest of upper parts slaty-plumbeous,
the nape abruptly lighter than the occiput ; feathers of the nape, back, scapulars, and
rump with darker shaft-lines ; scapulars with concealed cordate and circular spots of
white ; upper tail-coverts sharply tipped with white. Tail more brownish than the
rump, sharply tipped with pure white, and crossed with three broad, sharply defined
bands of black, the first of which is concealed, the last much broadest ; that portion of
the shaft between the two exposed black bands white. Lores grayish; checks and
throat white, with fine, hair-like shaft-streaks of blackish ; ear-coverts and sides of neck
more ashy, and more faintly streaked. Ground-color beneath pure white; but with
detached transverse bars of rich vinaceous-rufous, crossing the jugulum, breast, sides,
flanks, abdomen, and tibise; the white bars everywhere (except on sides of the breast)
rather exceeding the rufous in width ; all the feathers (except tibial plumes) with distinct
black shaft-lines ; lower tail-coverts immaculate, pure white. Lining of the wing white,
with numerous cordate spots of rufous ; coverts with transverse blackish bars; under
side of primaries silvery-white, purest basally (tips dusky), crossed with quadrate bars
of dusky, of which there are six (the first only indicated) upon the longest quill (fourth).
Wing, 9.20 ; tail, 7.80; tarsus, 2.3.5; middle toe, 1.60. Fourth quill longest; third shorter
than fifth; second intermediate between sixth and seventh; first, 2.80 shorter than
longest; graduation of tail, 1. 00.

Adult female (26,588, Washington, D. C. ; Elliott Coues). Similar to the male. Fore-
head tinged with brownish ; upper plumage much less bluish. Neck and ear-coverts
uniformly rufous, with black shaft-streaks, there being no ashy wash as in the male.
Tail decidedly less bluish than in the male, crossed with four bands, three of which are
exposed. The rufous bars beneath less vinaceous than in the male, but of about the

FALCU.XID.E— THE FALCONS.

231

same amount, rather prerlominating on the tibiae. Wing, 10.70; tail, 9.00; tarsus 2.45:
middle tdf, 1.80. Fourth and fiith quills longest and equal ; third longer than sixth ;
second intermediate between sixth and seventh ; fii'st three inches shorter than longest.

Young male (.55,498, Fort Macon, X. C, February ; Dr. Coues). Above grayish-
umber; feathers of forehead, crown, and nape faintly edged laterally with pale
rusty; occiput unvaried blackish, feathers white beneath the surHice. Wino--coverts,
scapulars, and interscapulars narrowly bordered with pale yellowish-umber; rump and
upper tail-coverts bordered with rusty. Tail paler uniber than the back, narrowly tipped
with white, and crossed by four bands of brownish-black, the first of which is only par-
tially concealed. Scapulars and upper tail-coverts showing much concealed white, in
form of rotmdish spots, on both webs. Beneath dear white, without any yellowish tinge;
throat with a medial and lateral series of clear dark-brown streaks ; jugulum, breast, sides,
flanks, and abdomen with numerous sti'ipes of clear sepia, each showing a darker shaft-
streak ; tibiaj with longitudinal streaks of paler and more rusty brown ; lower tail-coverts
immaculate.

Young female (6,876 •■ Sacramento Valley, Cal." ; Dr. Heermann — probably from Penn-
sylvania). Similar to young male ; more varied, however. The black middle streaks of
feathers of head above narrower, causing more conspicuous streaks ; white spots of
scapular region considerably exposed ; longitudinal stripe beneath narrower and more
sparse.

H.\E. North America in general, but rare in the western division ; Eastern Mexico.
Not found in West Indies, where replaced by A. gundlachi, Lawr.

Localities: Southeastern Texas (Dresser, Ibi.s, 1865, 323, breeds); Arizona (Coues,
Prod. 1866, 43) ; Costa Rica (L.\wr. IX. 134).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.\.MINED.

National Musemn, 12; Philadelphia Academy, 16; New York Museum, 3 ; Boston
Society, 2 ; Cambridge Museum. 1 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 7 ; Coll. R. Ridgway, 4 :
Museum, W. S. Brewer, 1. Total, 46.

Mea.iurements.

Sex.

T

9

mng.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsm.

MiddU Toe.

Spedmens.

9.00-9.30
10.20-11.00

8.00-8.50
9.00 - 9.80

.65-.
.75 -.80

2.45 - 2.65
2.60-2.75

1.55 - 1.60
1.65-1.85

7
12

Var inexicanus, Swainson.

MEXICAN BLUE-BACKED HAWK.

AccipHer mexicanus, Swains. F. Bor.-Am. II, 1831, 45. — Jard. (ed. WiLs.) Am. Orn. 11,
1832, 215. — BoNAP. Consp. 32 (under A. fitsciis). — Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. 96. — Ib. P.
A. N. S. 1855, 279 ; Birds N. Am. 1S58, 17. — Coop. & Suckl. P. R. R. Rep't, VII, ii,
1860, 146. — CoUE-s P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, 18. —Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 33.

Adult male (12,024, Fort Tejon, Cal. ; .7. Xantus). Forehead, crown, and occiput
plumbeous-black, feathers of the latter with basal two-thirds snowy-white, partially
e.xposed. Upper plumage deep plumbeous, darkest anteriorly, the back being scarcely
lighter than the nape ; rump fine bluLsh-plumbeous. No concealed white on the upper
parts. Tail brownish-plumbeous, narrowly tipped with pure white, and with four sharply
defined broad bands of black, — the first of which is faintest, and concealed by the coverts,
the last broadest ; shafts of tail-feathers deep brown throughout. Primaries and secon-

232 NORin AMERICAN' BIRDS.

daries much darker than the tail, more bluish ; less so. however, than the scapulars. Lores
whitish, quite in contrast with the black of the forehead : cheeks and ear-coverts dark
ashy, slightly wa^ihed with reddish, and with obscure darker streaks ; chin and throat white,
with sparse hair-like shaft-streaks of black. Breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, and tibiae
fine vinaceous-rufous ; feathers (except on tibix) with fine hair-like shaft-streaks of black
(much narrower than in cooperi) ; breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks with pairs of trans-
verse ovoid white spoUs, not touching the shaft; on the abdomen the white and rufous
bars are of about equal width ; on the tibiie the rufous is deepest, and exceeds the white;
anal region barred with rufous, more faintly than the abdomen ; lower tail-coverts snowy-
white. Sides of the neck deep reddish-ashy, this washing the whole side of the breast.
Lining of the wing reddish-white, with numerous crowded, cordate, somewhat blended
spoU of rufous ; larger coverts transversely .spotted with blackish ; under side of prima-
ries silvery-white (blackish for about the terminal inch), crossed with quadrate spots of
blackish, of which there are about seven on the longest quill (fourth) ; the basal ones are,
however, so much broken, that the number varies in different individuals.

Young male (Fort Tejon, California). Forehead, crown, occiput, and nape deep rusty-
rufous ; feathers with broad longitudinal streaks of pure black. Rest of upper parts deep
umber, darkest on the back ; feathers of back and rump, the upper tail-coverts, scapulars,
and wing-coverLs, broadly bordered with rusty ; scapulars with concealed white spots.
Tail ashy-umber, tipped (more broadly than in adult) with ashy-white, crossed by four
broad bands of brownish-black ; the last (or subterminal) of which is broadest, the first
concealed by the coverts. Secondaries and primaries similar in color to the tail, but
darker ; the first .showing five obsolete darker bands, and tipped (rather broadly) with
pale cinnamon-nifous. Ear-coverts and cheeks fulvous-white, thickly streaked with dark
brown. Lower parts white, washed with ochraceous on jugulum and breast; each
feather with a central longitudinal lanceolate stripe of clear umber, the shaft of each
black ; these streaks are very narrow on the throat, broadest on the breast and flanks.
Tibiae with transversely ovate spots, and transverse bars of reddLsh-umber ; lower tail-
coverts with narrow shaft-streaks of darker brown. Lining of wing with cordate and
ovate spots of dark brown.

Young female (jVi.lZQ, Orizaba, Mexico; M. Botteri). Similar to the young male;
feathers of back, etc., less broadly margined with rusty. Ochraceous wash on lower
parts more decided ; stripes beneath broader and less lanceolate ; on the sides broadly
ovate, and on the flanks in form of broad transverse bars ; tibiae more thickly spotted
transversely ; lower tail-coverts immaculate. Wing, 9.00 ; tail, 7.80 ; tarsus, 2.2.5 ; mid-
dle toe, 2..50. Fourth quill longest ; third shorter than fifth ; second intermediate between
sixth and seventh ; first, 2.90 shorter than longest. Graduation of tail, .90.

Hab. Western region of North America ; Mexico.

LIST OF SPECOTEXS EXAMISED.

National Museum, 22 : Boston Society, 2 ; Museum, Cambridge, 2 ; Cab. G. N. Law-
rence, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy. 2 ; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 32.

Measurements.

I&x.

Wing.

Tuit.

Oilmen.

Tarsus.

AfiddU Tot.

Specimens.

1^

9

8.50-9.85
10.20-10,60

7.50- 9.20
9.30-10..50

.60 -.70
.70 - .75

2.10-2.75
2.65-2.75

1.30-1.65
1.&5-1.75

24 1
4

Habits. This common Hawk appears to have a very general distribution
over the United States, from South Carolina to New Brunswick, on the
Atlantic ; from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, in the interior, to the

FALCOXn)^ — THE FALCOSJ

233

Saskatchewan
the Pacific, yi
Terrill cites it as
received its ^^s :

rear. Mr. Dresser :

it breeding on the Al:
erally distribmed :
it comn-'n :.'• :'at Sci„ x

m Calif
.:ions it -
in Western Maine, but :.

on

Mr.

I have

, Eivers. Dr. Cones savs it is sen-

: the Tenitorr of An:

-iaco, and exter.dir:^ "::: ..„.-. . ^.ti.

Mr. A. Schott obtained a specimen on the Colorado River in Sonthem Cali-
fornia, and Dr. Gambel and Dr. A. L. Heermann speak of it as common
throughout tliat State, while Dr. Cooper and Dr. Sucklev mention it as fre-
quent both in Oregon and in Washington Territory. A single specimen was
taken bv Mr. Salvin in Guatemala. Dr. Cooper states that this Hawk is
often killed about the farm-yards of Washington Territory, where it seizes
on chickens before the very eyes of the owner, darting down like lightning,
and disappearing again before he can see what has caused the disturbance.
It is said to be a constant resident, and to breed within the Territory.

Mr. Audubon describes the flight of this Hawk as rapid, protracted, and
even, and as performed at a short distance from the ground, or over the for-
est It is said to move aloi^ in a silent gliding manner, and with a swift-
ness even superior to that of the Wild Pigeon, rarely de\-iating from a
straight course except to seize its prey, and seldom mounting in the air in cir-
cles. It is very bold and daring, Mr. Audubon having known one to attack
and kill a cock much larger and heavier than itself. It frequently attacks
and kills the common Euffed Grouse. It breeds in especial abundance in
the Middle States, and ]-<inicularly along the banks of the Potomac Paver.
I have received reliable information of its nesting in Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Ohio, lUinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, and

roi. m. 30

234 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

probably nearly all of the States. Mr. Gosse did not meet Mrith it in
Jamaica.

Mr. Audubon states that he found its nest usually placed in the forks of
the branch of an oak-tree, towards its extremity. In general appearance it
resembles that of the common Crow, being composed externally of numer-
ous crooked sticks, and having a slight lining of grasses and a few feathers.
The eggs he describes as three or four in number, almost globular, large for the
size of the bird, of a dull wliite color, granulated and rougli to the touch.

Dr. Hoy, in a communication to the Boston Xatural History Society,
mentions finding four nests of this Hawk in a single season, and his careful
observations of the iiabits of the parent birds enabled him to ascertain that
in each instance the birds began to sit constantly upon their nest as soon as
a single egg had been deposited, and that, as a consequence, the eggs having
been deposited at varying intervals, each one was found in a different stage
of incubation from tlie other. In not a single instance did he visit a nest
witliout finding the parent bird occupying it.

These nests were all composed of sticks, rudely lined with strips of bark
and a few bunches of Usnca harhata. The nests were quite shallow and
small for a Hawk. Most of the eggs were sparingly sprinkled with umber-
brown. One set of these eggs was blotched with bluish-green, which soon
faded out. Wliile the nests were being molested, the parent Hawk would
fly from tree to tree, uttering, in rapid succession, q7ikk-qicick-quick-quick.

Dr. Hoy states that the male of this species, during the nesting-season,
may frequently be seen flying high in the air, sporting, vaulting, and turning
somersaults on the wing, wliich habit has given to it the name of Tumbler-
Hawk. No Hawk is harder to shoot, and none commits greater havoc among
barn-yard fowls than this species. He has seen one strike a large hen while
she was flying wildly for safety, and kill her on the spot, though it was
obliged to abandon the game, as it proved too lieavy to carry ofl'.

I have specimens of its eggs from South Carolina, obtained by the young
sons of Rev. M. A. Curtis, of Society Hill. Mr. Curtis, Sen., furnislied me
with the following description of its nest : " Tlie nest of the Cooper's Hawk
was built in the triple fork of a tall black gum (I^i/ssa multiflora), near the
top of the tree, whicli stood in a swamp. It was formed of a laj'er of
smaU sticks, ^ to i inch in diameter. Its external diameter varied from
IJ to 2 feet. This layer was | of an inch in thickness, with only a slight
depression in the centre, hardly enough to keep the eggs from rolling out.
A few thin pieces of pine bark formed the bed for the eggs."

Another nest, obtained in Randolph, Vt., by Charles S. Paine, Esq., is thus
described by him : " The nest was built of hemlock twigs, and lined with
small, thin pieces of hemlock bark, such as hang loosely on the tree. The
Hawk, when the nest was approached, did not whistle, as some othere of
that family do, but uttered a cry of yc I ge ! ge ! ge ! This was repeated
several times, with great rapidity, by both male and female.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 235

The average size of the eggs of this bird is 1.56 by 1.94 inches. The
color is usually a uniform dull white, but is occasionally tinged with as light
bluish shade. They are nearly spherical, though not more so than the eggs
of se\'eral .species, and are equal at either end. Their surface is slightly
granulated. The number of the eggs varies from three to four, though occa-
sionally there are five in a nest.

The maximum length of the egg of this species is 2.00 inches, the mini-
mum 1.85 ; the maximum breadth 1.60, the minimum 1.50 inches. In occa-
sional instances I have known the eggs of this species more or less distinctly
marked, especially about the larger end, with blotches of a light yellowish-
brown. Those most distinctly marked in this manner were taken and iden-
tified by Mr. Paine.

A nest of this Hawk, found by Dr. J. W. Yelie, was built on a poplar-
tree, about forty feet from the ground, and was composed of sticks and lined
with moss and leaves. There was a small cleared space of three or four
rods in extent, in the middle of which the tree stood, and aliout a quarter
of a mile from the main channel of the ilississippi Eiver, on Kock Island.

The Cooper Hawk was found on Mount Tom by Mr. William Street,
nesting for the most part in pine or hemlock trees, usually choosing one in
a tliick clump. They begin to lay about the first of May, usually depos-
iting four eggs. They are very shy, and it is almost impossible to get
within shot of them, even when they have young. They rarely molest the
poultry -yard, but seem to live chiefly on small birds and animals. They
leave tlieir nest at once whenever it is approached, and will not return until
the intruder has gone.

The var. mexicanus, originally described by Mr. Swainson from Mexican
specimens obtained near Eeal del Monte, has been ascertained to cross our
boundaries, and is found in all the territory between the Eocky Mountains
and the Pacific, as far north as Washington Territory. Dr. Cooper has never
met with this Hawk, but supposes its general habits, and esj)ecially those
regulating its migrations, closely resemble those of A. cooperi, to which the
bird itself, in all but size, is so similar. Dr. Coues speaks of it as a common
resident species in Arizona. He states that he has seen young birds of this
species, reared by the hand from the nest, become so thoroughly domesti-
cated as to come to their master on being whistled for, and perch on his
shoulder, or follow him wlieu shooting small birds for their food. They
were allowed their entire liberty. Their ordinary note was a shrill and
harsh scream. A low, plaintive, lisping whistle was indicative of hunger.

Dr. Suckley, who met with this bird on Puget Sound, where a specimen
was shot on a salt marsh, states that, while soaring about, it resembled in its
motions the common Marsh Hawk, or Hen Harrier {Circus hudsonius).

23G

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

SuBGEN'Us A S T U R , Lacepede.

Astur, LacivP. 1800. (Type, Falco 2>aluvibarias, Lisx.)

Dccdalion, Savig. 1809. Dcedalium, Agass.

Sparviits, Vieill. 1816.

Aster, Swains. 1837.

Lcucospiza, Kait, 1844. (Tirpe, Falco novm-hollandix, Gmel.)

The characters of this subgenus have been sufficiently indicated on page
221, so that it is unnecessary to repeat them here. The species of Astur
are far less numerous than those of Xisii^, only about six, including geo-

Astttr atricapiUus.

graphical races, being known. They are found in nearly all parts of the
world, except tropical America, the Sandwich Islands, and tlie East Indies.

Species and Races.

A. palumbarius. Wing, 12.00-14.50; tail, 9..50- 12.75; culmen. .80-
1.00; tar.sus, 2.70-3.15; middle toe, 1.70- 2.20. Fourth quill longest;
first shortest. Adult. Above, continuou.^ly uniform slate-color, or brown ;
the tail with several more or less distinct broad bands of darker, and
narrowly tipped with white. Beneath white, with transverse lines or bars
of the same color as the upper surface. Top of the head blackish ; a streaked
whitisli superciliary stripe. Young. Above much variegated with lirown
and pale ochraceous ; bands on the tail more sharply defined. Beneath
pale ochraceou.s, with longitudinal stripes of dark brown.

Adult. Above umber-brown, without conspicuously darker shaft-
streaks; top of the head dull dusky. Markings on the lower parts in
the form of sharply defined, broad, detached, crescentic bars, and of an
umber tint; throat barred. Tail with five broad, well-defined bands

of blackish. 'Wiuir, I'J

14.25; tail, 9.40-11.10; culmen, .80 -.95;

FALCONID J: — THE FALCONS. 237

tarsus, 2.80-3.15 ; middle too, 1.80-2.20. Huh. Northern portions

of the Old World vav. palumb arius}

Adult. Above Ijluish slate-color, with conspiouou.s darker shaft-streaks;
top of the head deep black ; markings on the lower parts in the form
of irregularly delined, narrow, zigzag bars, or fine lines, of a bluish-slaty
tint ; throat not barred. Tail with only about four indistinct bands of
blackish. Wing, 12 00-14.70: tail, 9.50-12.7.5; culmen, .80-1.00;
tarsus, 2.70-3.20; middle toe, 1.70 - 2.00. Hah. Northern portions
of North America var. atricapill us.

Astur palumbarius, var. atricapillus (Was.).

AMERICAN GOSHAWK.

Fako atricapillus, AV'iLs. Am. Orii. 1808, pi. Hi, f. 3. — Boxap. Nouv. Giom. Pisa, XXV,
pt. ii, p. 55. Astur atricapillus, Bonap. Os. Cuv. Reg. Au. p. 33. — Ib. List, 1838,
5 ; Coiisp. 31. — WiLS. Am. Orn. II, 284. — K.\up, Mouog. Falc. Jardine's Contr. Orn.
1850, 66. -De Kay, Zobl. N. Y. II, 19, pl. ii, fig. 4 (ad.), f. 5 (g juv.). — Nutt.
Man. 85. — Stkickl. Orn. Syn. I, 118.— Newb. P. R. Rep. VI, iv, 74. — Coop. &
Suck. P. R. Rep. XII, ii, 144. — Lord, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 1S60, 110. — Blaki.ston,
Ibis, III, 1861, 316. — Gkay, Hand List, I, 1869, 29. — Bp.ewek, Oologj-, 1857, 17.
Falco palumbarius. Sab. Frankl. Exp. 670. — Boxap. Ann. N. Y. Lye. 11,28. — Aud.
Edinb. J. Nat. Geog. Sc. Ill, 145. — In. B. Am, pl. cxli ; Orn. Biog. II, 241. — Gi-
eaud, B. Long Isl'd, 18. — Peab. B. Mas.s. Ill, 77. Astur palumbarius, Sw. & Rich.
F. B. a. II, pl. xxvi. — James. Wils. Am. Cm. I, 63. — Aud. Sj-n. B. Am. 18. —
Brewer, Wils. Am. Orn. 685, pl. i, fig. 5. — Gr.w, List B. Brit. Mus. 63.

Sp. Char. Adult male (44,940, Boston, Mass.; E.A.Samuels). Above continuous
bluish-slate, .shafts of the feather inconspicuously black ; tail darker and less bluish, tipped
with white (about .25 of an inch wide) and crossed by five broad, faintly defined bars of
blackish, these most distinct on inner webs (the first concealed by the upper coverts, the
second partially so ; the last, or subterminal one, which is about twice as broad as the rest,
measuring about one inch in width). Primaries darker than the tail (but not approaching
black). Forehead, crown, occiput, and ear-coverts pure plumbeous-black ; feathers snowy-
white beneath the surface, much exposed on the occiput ; a broad conspicuous supra-
oral stripe originating above the posterior angle of the e3'e, running back over the ear-
coverts to the occiput, pure white, with fine streaks of black; lores and cheeks graj'ish-
white. Lower parts white ; the whole surface (except throat and lower tail-coverts)
covered with numerous narrow transver.se bars of slate ; on the breast these are mueh
broken and irregular, forming fine transverse zigzags ; posteriorly they are more regular,
and about .10 of an inch wide, the white a very little more. Chin, throat, and cheeks
without transverse bars, but with very sharp shaft-lines of black ; breast, sides, and abdo-
men, a medial longitudinal broad streak of slate on each feather, the shaft black; on the
tibia:, where the transverse bars are narrower and more regular, the shaft-streaks are also

1 Astur paltimharius, var. palumbnrius (Linx.). Faho palumbarius, Lixx. S. N. 1766, 130.
Astur p., Cuv. R^g. An. (ed. 1), I, 320 ; et ArcT. ffab. Europe and Asia.

S/KcimcHs examined. — National Museum, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 10 ; Boston Society, 5 ;
JIuseum Comp. Zobl., Cambridge, 1 ; New York Museum, 1. Total, 19.

Measurements. — g . Wing, 12.25-13.70; t.iil, 9.40-10.00; culmen, .80 ; tarsus, 3.00;
middle toe, 1.80. ?. Wing, 13.80-14.50; tail, 10.10-10.90; culmen, .00-. 95; tarsus,
2.S0-3.15 ; middle toe, 2.05-2.20.

238 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

finer; anal region finely barred; lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Lining of the
wing barred more coarsely and irregularly than the breast ; under surface of primaries
witli white prevailing, this growing more silvery toward the ends ; longest (fourth) with
six oblique transverse patches of slate, the outlines of which are much broken. Wing-
formula, 4, 5, 3-6-2 ; 1 = 10. Wing, 13.00 ; tail, 0..50 ; tarsus, 3.70, nal<cd portion, 1.35 ;
middle toe, 2.00; inner, 1.21; outer, 1.37; posterior, 1.00.

No. 8,508 (Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound, Washington Territory ; Dr. Suckley. Var.
slriatuhts, Ridgway). Similar to No. 44,940, but the upper surface more bluish, the shafts
of the featliers more conspicuously black ; the dorsal feathers nearly black around their
borders. Tail-bands nearly obsolete. Lower parts with the ground-color line bluish-
ash, sprinkled transversely with innumerable zigzag dots of white, these gradually in-
creasing in width posteriorly, where they take the form of irregular transverse bars :
cri.ssura sparsely and coarsely sprinkled with .slaty. Each feather of the lower parU with
a very sliarply defined narrow shaft-stripe of deep black, these contrasting conspicuously
with the bluish, finely marked ground-color. Under surface of primaries uniform slaty
to their bases, the usual white spots being almost obsolete. Wing-forraula, 4 - 5, 3 - 6 -
2-7-8-9, 1. Wing, 12.50; tail, 9.10; tarsus, 2.60, the naked portion, 1.40; middle
too, 1.75.

Adult female (12,239, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; J. Ackhurst). Almost precisely similar to the
male. Slate above less bluish ; bands on tail more distinct, five dark ones (about .75 of an
inch in width) across the brownish-slate ; obscure light bands indicated on outer webs of
primaries, corresponding with those on inner webs ; lores more grayish than in male ;
bars beneath more regular ; longitudinal streaks blacker and more sharply defined. Wing,
14.25; tail, 11.25; tarsus, 1.60-1.20; middle toe, 1.95; inner, 1.40; outer, 1.45; pos-
terior, 1.30.

No. 59,892, (Colorado ; F. V. Hayden, var. striatuhts, Ridgway). Similar to male No.
8,508, described above, but dilFering as follows : interscapulars uniform with the rest of
the upper .surface; tail-bands appreciable, much broader than in 9i -^o- 12,239, the sub-
terminal one being 1.61, the rest 1.10, wide, instead of 1.10 and .70. The longest upper
tail-coverts with narrow white tips ; white spots on inner webs of primaries more dis-
tinct. Black shaft-streaks on lower surface broader and more conspicuous. Wing-
formula, 4, 3, 5-6-2-7, 1 = 10. Wing, 14.70; tail, 11..50; tarsus, 2..50; the naked
portion, 1.10 ; middle toe, 2.00.

Young male (second year, No. 26,920, Nova Scotia, June ; W. G. AVinton). Plumage
very much variegated. Head above, nape, and anterior portion of the back, ochraceous-
white, each feather with a central stripe of brownish-black, these becoming more tear-
shaped on the nape. Scapulars, back, wing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts umber-
brown ; the feathers with lighter edges, and with large, more or less concealed spots of
white, — these are largest on the scapulars, where they occupy the basal and middle thirds
of the feather.s, a band of brown narrower than the subterminal one separating the two
areas ; upper tail-coverts similarly marked, but white edges broader, forming conspicuous
terminal crescentic bars. Tail cinereous-umber, with five conspicuous bands of blackish-
brown, the last of which is subterminal, and broader than the rest ; tip of tail like the
pale bands ; the bands are most sharply defined on the inner webs, being followed along
the edges by the white of the edge, which, frequently e.xtending along the margin of the
black, crosses to the shaft, and is sometimes even apparent on the outer web ; the lateral
feather has the inner web almost entirely white, this, however, more or less finely mottled
with grayish, the mottling becoming more dense toward the end of the feather; the
bands also cross more obliquely than on the middle feathers. Secondaries gr.'13'ish-brown,
with five indistinct, but quite apparent, dark bands ; primaries marked as in the adult,
but are much lighter. Beneath pure white, all the feathers, including lower tail-coverts,
with sharp, central, longitudinal streaks of clear dark-brown, the shafts of the feathers

FALCUNID^ — THE FALCONS. 239

black; on the sides and tibiic these streaks are cxjianded into a more acuminate,
elliptical form ; the crissum only is immaculate, although the throat is only very sparsely
streaked ; on the ear-coverts the streaks are very fine and numerous, but uniformly dis-
tributed.

No. 18,404 (west of Fort Benton, on the Missouri, May IG, 18G4 ; Captain .Jas. A.
MuUan, var. siriatuliis). Similar to No. 2G,920, but colors much darker. Upper parts with
dark brown prevailing, the pale borders to the feathers very narrow, and the basal very
restricted and concealed ; upper tail-coverts deep ashy-umber, tipped narrowly with
white, and with large subterminal, transversely cordate, and other anterior bars of
dusky. Tail ashy-brown, much darker than in No. 26,920, with five broad, sharply
defined bands of blackish, without any distinct light bordering bar. White of the lower
parts entirely destitute of any yellowish tinge, the stripes much broader than in No.
2G,920, and deep brownish-lslack, the shafts not perceptibly darker ; tibire with transverse
bars of dusky ; lower tail-coverts with transverse spots of the same. Wing, 12.2.5 ; tail,
9.70.

Young female (second year. No. 26,921, Nova Scotia; W. G. Winton). Head above,
nape, rump, and upper tail-coverts, with a deep oclu-aceous tinge ; the characters of
markings, however, as in the male. Bands on the tail more sharply defined, the narrow
white bar separating the black from the grayish bauds more continuous and conspicuous;
lateral feathers more mottled ; grayish tip of tail passing terminally into white. Beneath
with a faint ochraceous wash, this most apparent on the lining of the wings and tibife ;
streaks as in the male, but rather more numerous, the throat being thickly streaked.

No. ] 1,740 fPuget Sound, October 26, 18.58 ; Dr. C. B. Kennerly. Var. striatubis).
Similar to No. 18,404, but more uniformly blackish above ; tip of tail more distinctly
whitish ; stripes beneath broader and deeper black, becoming broader and more tear-
shaped posteriorly, some of the markings on the flanks being cordate, or even transverse.
Wing-formula, 4, .5, 3 - 6, 2 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 = 1. Wing, 13.00 ; tail, 10.80 ; tarsus, 2.80 ;
middle toe, 1.80.

young femah (first year, No. 49,G62, Calais, Me. ; G. A. Boardman). Differs from
the female in the second year (No. 2G,921) as follows : On the wings and upper tail-
coverts the yellowish-white spots are less concealed, or, in fact, this forms the ground-
color ; secondary coverts ochraceous-white, with two very distant transverse spots of
dark brown, rather narrower than the white spaces ; tips of feathers broadly white ;
secondaries grayish-brown, tipped with white, more mottled with the same toward bases,
and crossed by five bands of dark brown, the first two of which are concealed by the
coverts, the last quite a distance from the end of the feathers: upper tail-coverts w-hite,
mottled on inner webs with brown, each with two transverse broad bars, and a sub-
terminal cordate spot of dark brown, the last not touching the edge of the feather, and
the anterior bars both concealed by the overlaying feather. Tail grayish-brown, tipped
with white, and with six bands of blacki,?h-brown ; these bordered with white as in the
older stage. Markings beneath as in the older stage, but those on the sides more cordate.
Wing-formula, 4, 5, s"- 6 - 7 - 2 - 8 - 9, 1, 10. Wing, 14.00 ; tail, 11.50.

In regard to the form indicated in the above description.? as " var. striatulus,
Eidgway," I am as yet undecided whether to recognize it as a geographical
race, or to merely consider the two adult plumages as representing diflerent
ages of the same form. Certain it is that there is a decided difference in
the young plumage, between the birds of tliis species from the eastern portion
of North America and those from the western regions ; these differences con-
sisting in the very nnich darker colors of the western individuals, as shown
by the above descriptions. My first impression in regard to the adult dress,

240 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

after making the first critical examination of the series at my command, was,
that the coarsely mottled specimens were confined to the east, auu cliat those
Hnelv mottled beneath were peculiar to the west ; and this view I am not
yet prepared to yield. I have never seen an adult bird from any western
locality wliich agrees with the eastern ones described above ; all partake
of the same characters as those described, in being finely and faintly mottled
beneath, with sharp Ijlack shaft-streaks, producing the effect of a nearly
uniform bluish ground, the black streaks in conspicuous contrast, tlie tail-
bauds nearly obsolete, etc. But occasional, not to say frequent, individuals
obtained in the eastern States, which agree in these respects with tlie western
style, rather disfavor the view tliat these differences are regional, unless we
consider that these troublesome individuals, being, of course, winter migrants,
have strayed eastward from the countries where they were bred. The
Colorado female described above exhibits a rather suspicious feature in hav-
ing a single feather, on the lower parts, which is coarsely barred, as in the
eastern style, while all the rest are finely waved and marbled as in the
western. If this would suggest that the differences supposed to be climatic
or geographical are in reality only dependent on age, it would also indicate
that the finely mottled individuals are the older ones.

If future investigations should substantiate this suggestion as to the
existence of an eastern and a western race of Goshawk in North America,
they would be distinguished by the following characters : —

Xm: atricapillus. Adult. Markings of the lower surface coarse and
ragged ; leathers of the pectoral region with broad medial longitudinal
streaks of the same slaty tint as the transverse bans, and with only the shafts
black. Tail-bands distinct. Young. Pale ochraceous markings prevailing
in extent over the- darker (clear grayish-umber) spotting. Stripes beneath
narrow, clear brownish ; those on the flanks linear. Wing, 12.25- 14.2.5;
tail, 10.00-12.75; cnlraen, .80- 1.00; tarsus, 2.90 -.3.15 ; middle toe, 1.70-
1.95. Iltib. Eastern region of North America.

Var. striatulus. Adnlt. Markings of the lower parts fine and delicate,
and so dense as to present the appearance of a nearly uniform bluish-ashy
surface ; feathers of the pectoral region without the medial stripes of
slaty, but with broad shaft-streaks of deep black, contrasting very con-
spicuously with the finch' mottled general surface. Tail-bands obsolete.
Young. Darker .(brownish-black) markings prevailing in e.xtent over the
lighter (nearly clear white) ones. Stripes beneath broad, brownish-black ;
those on the flanks cordate and transverse. Wing. 12.00 - 13.C0 ; tail, 9.50-
12.20; culmen, .85-1.00; tarsus, 2.70-3.15 ; middle toe, 1.70 - .185. Hab.
Western region of North America.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

Var. atrknpilhis.

National Museum, 8 ; Philadelphia Academy, 7 ; New York Museum, 3 ; Boston
Society, 2 ; G-. N. Lawrence, 4 ; W. S. Brewer, 2 ; Museum, Cambridge, 2 ; R. Ridgway,
2. Total. 30.

FALCOXID.E — Til K FALCONS.
Measurements.

211

Six.

7

wi,e.

nu.

Culmfn.

JbrjKj.

MiiMh Tat.
1.70-1.80

Si)teimena. 1

12.25- 13.00

10.00 - 10.50

.80 -.85

2.1)0 - 3.05

5

9

14.00-14.25

11.50-12.75

.90-1.00

2.90-3.15

1.80-1.95

7

11.

Vjir. striatulus.
National Museum, 9; R. Ridgway, 1 ; Mu.-ieum, Cambridge, 1 (Massachusetts!). Total,

Measurements.

Sac.

Ving.

liul.

Culmrn. Tonus.

MiMIt Toe.

Specimens.

9

12.00 - 13.25
13.50-13.60

9.50-10.00
11.80-12.20

.85 - .90
.90-1.00

2.70 -3.ai

3.00-3.15

1.70-1.80
1.85 -

8
2

Habits. The dreaded Blue Heu Hawk, as our Ciosliawk is usually called
in Xew England, is a bird of somewhat irregular occurrence south of the
44tli luirallel. It occurs in
the vicinity of Boston fmui
November to !March, but is
never very common. In other
parts of the State it is at times
not uncommon at this season.
It is common throughout
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
and Northern Maine, and
may undoubtedly be found
breeding in the northern jior-
tions of New Hampshire, Ver-
mont, and New York. In the
sunmier of 1872, Mr. George
Baxter, of l)an villa, Vt., pro-
cured a nest containing three
young birds, which were sent
to the New York Central Park.
Mr. Downes speaks of it as
" far too common " in the vicinity of Halifax, where it is very destructive to
Ducks, I'igeons, and poultry. Mr. Boardinan gives it as common near Calais,
where it breeds, and where he has taken its eggs. Air. Verrill mentions
it as resident in Western Maine, where it is one of the most common
Hawks. Mr. Allen found it usually rare near Sjjringfield, but remarkably
common during the winter of 1859 -CO. He afterwards mentions that
since then, and for the last ten winters, he has known them to be quite
common during several seasons. Ur. C. J. Maynard is confident that this
species occasionally breed in Massachusetts. Ho once observed a pair at a
vol.. m. 31

atricaptlliis.

breeding in the retired recesses of the mountains, remaining,' there mitu
their young were well able to Hy, and then all descending to the open plains,
where they obtain a more abundant supply of food.

/

National Museum, 8 ; Philadelphia Academy, 7 ; New York iluseum, 3 ; Boston
Society, 2 ; G. N. Lawrence, 4 ; W. S. Brewer, 2 ; Museum, Cambridge, 2 ; R. Ridgway,
2. Total, 30.

242 XORTH AMERICAN CIRD3.

locality iu "Weston, until the Litter i)art of I\Iay. It ^vas found hvccdinj:; in
Iowa by Mr. S. X. ^lar.-ton, Mr. Victor Brooke record.-; in tlio Ibi.s, 1S70,
p. 538, the occnrrence, in Ireland, of an example of this sjiccies. It was .sliut
iu the Galtee Mountains, in Ft-hruary, 1870. The bird was a mature fi'nude,
\vith tlie ovary somewliat enlarged. The stomach contained the remains of
a rabbit.

On the Pacific coast it is comparatively rare in California, tlmu'^h mncli
more abundant fartiier north, in Oregon and iu Wasiiingtou Territory. I)r.
Cooper noticed several in the dense si)ruce forest.s of "Washington Territory,
and regarded it as a special frequenter of dark woods, where other Hawks
are rarely seen. iJr. Suckley also obtained several sjicciracns of this lard
botli at Fort Dalles and at Fort Steilacoom.

Sir John Eicliardson met with this Hawk and procured several specimens
in tlie Arctic regions, and Cajitain lllakiston also met with it in the valley
of the Saskatchewan. He states that it ranges throagiiout tiie interior from
Hudson's Bay to the PLucky ilountains and ^Mackenzie Piver. He found it
breeding on the Saskatchewan, and one of his specimens was shot on its
nest. The Goshawk was olitained at Sitka by Bischoff ; and a pair was taken
by Mr. Dall, April 24, 18G7, witliin a few miles of Xulato Fort, on the
Yukon Piver. Tlie nest was on a large poplar, tliirty feet above tlie LTound,
and made of small sticks. Xo eggs had been laid, but several nearly mature
were found in the ovary of the female. The nest was on a small island in a
thick grove of poplars, a situation which this species seemed to jircfer. .Mr.
Dall adds that this was tlie most common Hawk in the valley of the Yukon,
where it feeds largely on the White I'tarmigan Luiiopii^ nibiis), tearing off
the skin and feathers, and eating only the ilesli. Mr. Dall received skins
from the Kuskoquim Piver, where it was said to lie a resident species.

Dr. Suckley speaks of this Hawk as bold, swift, and strong, never hesi-
tating to sweep into a poultry-yard, catch up a chicken, and make off with
it almost iu a breath. Its manner of seizing its ])rey was by a horizon-
tal approach for a short distance, elevated but a few feet from the ground,
a sudilen downward sweep, and then, without stopping its flight, making its
way to a neighboring tree with the struggling victim securely fastened in
its talons. For strength, intrepidity, and fury, Dr. Suckley adds, it cannot
be surjiassed. It seems to display great cunning, seizing very opportune
moments for its attacks. In one instance it was several days betbre he was
able to have one of these birds killed, although men were constantly on
the watch for it. So adroit was it in seizing opportunities to make its at-
tacks, that it regularly visited the poultry -yard three times a d;iy, and yet
always contrived to escape unmolested. He found these birds much mme
plentiful during some months than at other times, and attributed it to their
breeding in the retired recesses of the mountains, remaining there until
their young were well able to tiy, and then all descending to the oiien plains,
where they obtain a more abundant supply of food.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 243

Mr. Audubon states that in ^Maiae the Goshawk was said to prey upon
hares, the Canada and Euffed Grouse, and upon Wild Ducks. They were so
daring as to come to the very door of the farm-house, and carry off their
prey with such rapidity as to baffle all endeavors to shoot them. Mr. Audu-
bon found this Hawk preying upon the Wild Ducks in Canoe Creek, near
Henderson, Ky., during a severe winter ; as the banks were steep and high,
lie had them at a disadvantage, and secured a large number of tliom. They
caught the Mallards with gTcat ease, and, after killing them, tore off the
feathers witli great deliberation and neatness, eating only the flesh of the
breast.

The flight of this bird he describes as both rapid and protracted, sweep-
ing along with such speed as to enable it to seize its prey with only a slight
deviation from its course, and making great use of its long tail in regulating
both tlie direction and the rapidity of its course. It generally flies high,
with a constant beat of the wings, rarely moving iu large circles in the
manner of other Hawks. It is described as a restless bird, vigilant and
industrious, and seldom alighting except to devour its prey. When perch-
ing, it keeps itself more upright than most other Hawks.

Audubon narrates that he once observed one of these birds give chase to
a large flock of the Purple Grakles, then crossing the Ohio Eiver. The
Hawk came upon them with the swiftness of an arrow ; the Blackbirds, in
their fright, rushing together in a compact mass. On overtaldng them, it
seized first one, and tlien another and another, giving each a death-squeeze,
and then dropping it into the water. In this manner it procured five before
the poor birds could reach the shelter of a wood ; and then, giving up the
chase, swept over the waters, picking up the fruits of its industry, and car-
rying each bird singly to the shore.

Mr. Audubon, who observed these Hawks in the Great Pine Forest of
Pennsylvania, and on the banks of the Niagara Eiver, near the Falls, de-
scribes a nest as placed on the Isranches of a tree, and near the trunk.
It was of great size, and resembled that of a Crow in the manner of its
construction, but was much flatter. It was made of withered twigs and
coarse grass, witli a lining of fibrous strips of plants resembling hemp.
Another, found by Mr. Audubon in the month of April, contained three
eggs ready to be hatched. In another the number was four.

Mr. DaU states that the eggs are usually four in number, of a greenish-
white color, and were usually all laid by the first of May. An egg of this
bird, obtained by ^Mr. DaU at Xulato, April 27, 1858, measures 2.28 inches
in lengtli and 1.90 in breadth. It is of a rounded-oval shape, and is of a
vuiiform dead-white color, with hardly a tinge of green. Another, obtained
by Mr. Charles Pease near the head-waters of the Unalakleet Eiver, meas-
ures 2.32 by 1.80 inches, and the ground-color is more distinctly greenish-
white. A few small spots of a bronze-brown are scattered in isolated mark-
ing irregularly over the egg. Lieutenant Beudire writes that he has found

244

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the eggs of this Hawk in Montana ; that their munbcr in a set is usually
two, and an unspotted white.

Genus ASTURINA, Vieillot.

Astiiriiia, ViEiLL. 1816. (Tyjif, FaUo niUdus, Latham.)

Gen. Char. Somewhat similar to Astur, but ot' much heavier anci more robu.st build:
tarsi longer and stouter, tail .shorter and less rounded, wings longer, etc. Bill more
elongated than in Astur, the cere longer, and the festoon on the commissure more
developed ; nostril oval, horizontal. Wings rather short, but less concave beneath than in
Astur ; third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than eighth or ninth; four outer quills

34002,^ .

Asturina pla^ata.

34008, f.

with their inner webs sinuated. Tail considerably shorter than the wing, slightly emargi-
nated, the lateral pair of feathers longest. Feet large and robust, when outstretched
reaching almost to the end of the tail ; tarsi very robust compared to the toes, about one
and a half times as long as the middle toe, the frontal and posterior rows of transverse
scutellie very distinct and regular; outer toe longer than inner: claws strong, well curved,
but not very acute. Sexes alike in color ; old and young plumages very different.

This genus is peculiar to tropical America, and contains but a single
species, the A. nitida, with its two climatic races, nitida of South America
and plaginta of Middle America. The species of BupornK, Kaup {R. mag-
nirosiris and E. Icucorrhoa), have been associated with the species of the
present genus, but they are very distinct. The genera (or, more properly,
subgenera) most nearly related to Asturina are Leucopterinis, Kaup, of
tropical America, and Kaupifalco, Bonap., of Western Africa. The former
differs mainly in more or less rounded, instead of emarginated, tail, and in
liaving the old and young plumages similar ; the latter in ha^dng the poste-
rior face nf the tarsus M-ithout a well-defined row of transverse scutell*.

FALCOXID^K — THE FALCONS. 245

Species and Races.

A. nitida. Wing-, O.SO- 11.50; tail, G.70- 8.00; oulmen, .80 - 1.00 ; tarsus,
2..J0 -'J..'iO; middle toe, I.-IO - 1.75. Adult. Above clear sisli, paler on the
head and darker on the rump ; the general .surfaee with more or less appreci-
able transverse bars, or indications of bars, of a paler shade, and with darker
shafts. Upper tail-coverts immaculate white. Tail deep black, fading into
pale grayish-brown at the end, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed by
two to three white bands. Lower parts, including the tibiic, axillars, and
throat, regularly barreil with deep asli and white, the two colors about
equal in extent; chin and crissum immaculate white. Young. Above
blackish-brown, variegated with pinkish-oehraoeous. Tail umljcr, tipped
with pinkish-brown or dull whitish, and crossed by six to seven narrow
bauds of black. Beneath white, sometimes tinged with ochraceous; the
breast, abdomen, and sides with longitudinal tear-shaped spots of black.
Adult. Upper surface distinctly barred, the lighter bars predomi-
nating ; the top of the head as distinctly barred as the lower parts.
Young. Tibi:e immaculate white or pale ochraceous. Culmen, .80 - .90.
Hab. South America, from S. E. Brazil and "VV. Ecuador, to Panama.

var. n Hid n .'
Adult. Upper surface only obsoletely barred, or almost uniform ; the
top of the head without any bars. Young. Tibiae transversely barred
with dusky. Culmen, .75 - .80. Sab. Middle America, north to the
southern border of the United States; .straying northward in the Mis-
sissippi VaUey, to Southern Ihinois vs.r. plagiata.

1 Asturina nitida, var. nitida (Lath.). Falco nitidus. Lath. Ind. Orn. I, 40. — Daud. —
Temm. — Spix. Astur n., D'Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 95. — Bukm. Syst. Keb. II, 68. — Leotaud,
Ois. Trin. p. 46. — Gray. — Vig. — Stei'HENs. — Less. — D'Orb. Asturina n., Bonap. Cousp.
p. 30. — Cab.an. m ScHOMB. C4uian. Ill, 737. — Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 3. — ScL. & Salv. P. Z.
S. 1864, 369; 1867, 589; 1868, 173; 1860, 288; 1869, 130. — Kaup. — Lawr. Ami. N. Y.
Lye. VII, 316. Dccdalion n., Less. Tr. Orn. p. 65. Asturina. cincrea, Vieill. Anal. 24,
68 ; Nouv. Diet. Ill, 41 ; Enc. Meth. Ill, 1260 ; Gal. Ois. pi. xx. —Vig. Zool. J. I, 324, 327.
— Stepii. Zool. XIII, pt. ii. C'ymindisc, Less. Man. Orn. 1,91. Astur striolatiis, Cuv. Reg.
An. (ed. 2), I, 332.

Specimens examined. —Philadelphia Academy, 8 ; New York Museum, 1 ; Cab. 6. N. Law-
rence, 3 ; Boston Society, 4 (Brazil) ; Museum, Cambridge, 2 (Panama). Total, 18.

Meas7iremcnts.—Sex not indicated. Wing, 9.80-10.20 ; tail, 7.00-8.00 ; cuhncn, .80- .90 ;
tarsus, 2.55-2.78; middle toe, 1.60-165.

246 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Asturina nitida, vai. plagiata (Schleg.). -^j

MEXICAN HAWK.

Asturina nitida, Cass. Birds N. Am. 1S58, 35. — Scl. & Salv. Ibis, 1859, 217. — Salv.
Ibis, 1861, 68. — Scl. P. Z. S. 1857, pp. 201, 227 ; 1859, pp. 368, 389 ; 1864, 178. —
Lawk. Ann. N. Y. Lye. IX, 133. — Owen, Ibis, III, 1868 (egg white). Asturina
cincrca, Cass. P. A. N. S. 1855, 283 (not of Vieill. !). Asturina plagiata, Schleo.
Mus. Pays-Bas. Aslurinas, p. 1. — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, 173; 1869, 130.—
Gray, Hand List, I, 30, 1869. — Eidgw. Am. Nat. VI, July, 1872, 430; VII, April,
1873, 203 ; (Southern Illinois, August).

Sp. Char. Adult male (51,3-43, Mazatlan, Mexico: Ferd. Bischoff. "Length, 16.00;
extent, 38.00 "). Above deep, rather dark cinereous, becoming paler and finer on the head
above, where the feathers have the shafts (finely) black ; wings with obsolete lighter
bars ; rump almost black. Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail pure black,
tipped with pale grayish-brown (this passing terminally into white) ; about IJ inches
from the tip is a continuous band of white, half an inch in width ; and a little over an
inch anterior to this is another narrower and less perfect one. Primaries approaching
black at ends ; the tips broadly edged with dull white, as also the ends of secondaries.
Head uniform fine delicate ashy, becoming white on chin and throat, and approaching the
same on the forehead ; shafts of feathers on head above, and neck, black ; neck with obso-
lete paler transverse bars, these most distinct on jugulum ; the breast, abdomen, sides,
flanks, axillars, and tibiae are regularly barred transversely with cinereous and pure white,
the bars of each about equal, the white, however, gradually increasing, and the ashy bars
narrowing posteriorly, the tibiae being finely barred ; lower tail-coverts immaculate pure
white. Lining of the wing white, with very sparse, faint, transverse zigzag bars next the
axillars and on larger coverts ; under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargi-
nation, beyond which they are more silvery, leaving about an inch of the terminal portion
black, the end of each, however, ashy ; outer two quills crossed by narrow bars of ashy,
the rest with indications of the same, near the shaft. Fourth quill longest ; third scarcely
shorter; second shorter than fifth ; first intermediate between eighth and ninth. Wing,
10.50 ; tail, 7.00 ; tarsus, 2.60 ; middle toe, 1.50.

Adult female (34,002, Mazatlan, June ; Colonel Grayson). Cinereous above darker, the
fasciiE of the wings hardly observable ; front and throat scarcely whitish ; rump almost
pure black ; second tail-band much broken and restricted. Ashy prevailing on the jugu-
lum; ashy bars beneath rather broader. Wings, 11.00; t.iil. 7.50; tarsus, 2.80; middle
toe, 1.70.

Young male (35,060, Rio de Coahuyana, W. Mexico, October ; J. Xantus). Above,
from bill to upper tail-covert-s, dark bistre-brown, almost black; feathers of the head and
neck edged laterally with pinkish-ochraceous, or sulphuret of manganese color; scapu-
lars with nearly whole outer webs of this color, they being blackish only along edges
and at ends ; middle wing-coverts spotted with the same. Secondaries and primaries
faintly tipped with whitisli ; secondaries with indications of darker bands, and outer webs
of primaries with still more obscure ones ; upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate specks
of black, one or two on each. Tail umber-brown (considerably lighter than the wings),
tipped with pinkish-ash (this passing terminally into dull white), and crossed with six or
seven bands of black (these becoming gradually, but very considerably, narrower toward
the base). Beneath white, with vinaceous tinge (this deepest laterally) ; breast, abdomen,
and sides with large tear-shaped or cuneate spots of black ; tibiae with numerous trans-
verse bars of the same.

Young female. Similar to last, but the brown lighter, and more approaching umber.

FALCOXIDJ: — THE FALCON'S.

24^

IIab. Middle America (from coast to coast), from Costa Rica and Guatemala to
soullicrn border of United States. Arizona, breeding (Be.n'uike). Southern Illinois
(Richland (3o.) June (Ridcway).

LIST OF SPECIMENS E.\.VMIXED.

National Museum, 13; Philadeljihia Academy, 3; Boston Society, 5; Cab. G. X.
Lawrence, 1 ; R. Ridg^vay, 2. Total, 24.

Mtasuremenb.

&x.

wi-e.

na

Culmm.

Titma.

lliddU TiK.

SpieiTnina.

7

s

9.80- U.50

7.20-7.80

.85- .95

2.50-2.70

1.55-1.70

9

9.50-11.30

6.70-8.00

.80-1.00

2.75-2.70

1.40-1.75

4

o?

10.00-11.70

6.80-8.00

.90- .95

2.65-2.80

1.50-1.65

4

H^usiTS. Tliis is a Me.xican and Central American Hawk, which occa-
sionally crosses the boitlei-s of the United States, ha^'ing been seen hy ^Mr.
]iidgway in Southern Illinois,
and found breeding, bj' Captain
Bendire, in Arizona, near Tucson.
It lias l)een found in the State of
Kew Leon, one of the most north-
em provinces of ile.xico, by Lieu-
tenant Couch, who has, however,
supplied no notes as to any pecu-
liarities in its Iiabits. It was said
to Vireed in the tops of lofty
trees, and to have eggs of a
greenish-white, resembling those
of Astvr atricnpiUus. In Cen-
tral America it is said by Sal-
vin to be abundant in the hot
country on both coast regions of
the Kepublic of Guatemala, but it is not found in the temperate regions. Its
food consists of lizards, and its flesh is in consequence very rank.

>Ir. liobert Eidgway has met with this Hawk as far to the north as South-
ern Illinois. It was .seen and twice shot at on the 19th of August, 1871, on
Fox Prairie, in Itichland County. Mr. llidgway came across it while hunt-
ing Swallow-tail and Mississippi Kites. Tlie bird, while l>eing annoyed by
these Hawks, was well seen, and there cannot be the sliglitest doubt as to its
identity.

Mr. l!ol)ert Owen found this Hawk, known in Guatemala by the local
name of Gnrilan, a common name for tlie whole race of birds of jirey, breed-
in" at San Geronirao, April 3, 1800. Tlie nests are usually found in the
hinh trees which are scattered over the plain, and not unfrequently witliin
a few yards of tlie Indian ranchos. Two eggs seemed to be tlie comple-
ment laid bv one bird. Tliese eggs are described by :^rr. (3 wen as all

Asturina ptagiata.

■vnoTT-i AArvk'THAM UTRDS

248

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

white, without any natural coloring. The inner coating of the shell is sea-
green, seeming to coulirni the ajiparently close connection hetueen tlie
genera of Astur and Asturina.

Mr. G. C. Taylor met what he presumed to he this Hawk in great ahun-
dauce at Comayagua, Honduras, in January. He saw a [lair making their
nest on the top of a lofty cottou-tree.

Captain Bendire found this species not uncommon and breeding in the
vicinity of Tucson, in Arizona. He found two nests, one of which was
taken June G, tlie other a few days later. They were very sliglitly built
of sticks and strips of bark, and placed in low trees on tlie banks of Ihdedo
Creek. Tlie nest contained two eggs. These are of a rounded oval shape,
are quite tapering at one end and rounded at the other. They are of a uni-
form bluish-white color and unspotted, and measure 2.00 inches in length
by 1.60 inches in breadth.

Ge.nls ANTENOR, Ridgway.

Jnicnnr,'Rvnr,v,-.\.Y. (Type, Foko hnrrisi, AcD.)
Cruxircx, AcTHOK.s, not of Goci.d.'

Gln". Cn.iR. Similar to Asturina, bat form heavier, tlie bill and witrgs more elonc:ateil,
the tail slightly rounded, and the lores almost naked. Bill very much as in Asturina, but

*s:

43559, 1

Parabrtteo ftarrisi.

42550,?.

more elongated, the top of the cere longer in proportion to the cnlnicn, and the eoniniis-
sural lobe more anterior; the upper and lower outlines more nearly parallel. No.stril

1 The t\-pe of Craxircx, Gould (Voyage of Beagle, 1S3S, 22), is the Ihitco galapagocnsis,
Gould, a spooies strictly coiigeneiic with Buteo lorcalis. *

FALCOXID.E- THE FALCONS. 249

oval, liorizontal, with an exposed cartilaginous tubercle. Lores nearly naked, with scant
bristles. Wing long (much as iu Duteo) ; the fourth or lifth quill longest, and the first
shorter than the eighth to the tenth ; outer four with inner wBbs sinuated. Tail long,
more than two thirds the wing; even or slightly rounded. Feet robust, when outstretched
reaching nearly to the eud of the tail ; tarsus nearly twice the length of the middle, very
robust, the frontal and jiosterior rows of scutelke very distinct; outer toe longer than the
inner ; claws strong, well curved, and acute. Sexes alike ; young and old plumages very
diflerent.

This genus includes a single species, tlie /•'. unicinctus, with its two climatic
races, unicinvtus of South America and harrisi of Mitldle America. -It is
most nearly related to the genus Uruhitiivja, of tropical America, the species
of wliicli are sluggish and almost Caracara-like in their habits, though they
are hardly more so than our own Butconcs. The genus Craonvex of Gould
having been tbuuded upon Butco galajiagoensis, a species strictly congeneric
with B. horealis, it is necessary that a new generic name should be instituted
for the present species, since it so well merits separation to that rank. I
accordingly propose the name given at the head of this chapter.

Species and Races.
P. unicmctus. Wiug, 11.U5- U.liO : tail, 9.UU - ll.UU; culmen, .82 - 1.10;
tarsus, 2.78- 3.75; middle toe, 1.52 - 2.00. Adult. General color brownish-
black or blackish-brown, uniform, or slightly variegated by liglit spotting ;
the lesser wing-coverts and tibiaj deep rufous, or chestnut. Tail black ; the
end and base white, as are also the tail-coverts. Young. Plumage greatly
variegated. Above blackish-brown, the feathers edged with rusty ; head
and neck streaked with pale ochraceous. Lower parts pale ochraceous or
yellowish- white, the breast and abdomen with longitudinal ovoid spots of
blackish ; tibi<e with transverse bars of dark rusty ; lower tail-coverts with
black shaft-streaks. Lesser wing-covert region only washed with rufous.
Tail grayish-brown, whitish at the tip, and crossed by narrow bands of
dusky.

Adult with the blackish much broken up by lighter spotting. Wing,
11.65-14.60; tail, 9.00 - 10.50 ; culmen, .82- 1.02 ; tarsus, 2.78-3.40;
middle toe, 1.52-1.85. Hah. South America . . \ar. unicinctiis}

1 Falco unicinctus, Te.mm. PI. Col. 313, 1820. MorpUnus uniciitclii.':. Less. Man. Orn. I, 1828,
90. Jslur unicinctus, Cuv. Keg. An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 332. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 221.—
Kaup, Monog. Falc. 1850, p. 66. Buleo unicinctus, Gr.\y, List B. Brit. Mus. 18. — Ib. Hand
List, 1, 7, No. 55. Nisus unicinctus, Less. Tr. Orn. p. 61. Hi/pomoi-phmis unicinctus, Tsciium,
Fauna Per. pp. 17, 85. Spizagcranus unicinctus, Kaitp, Ueb. Senck. 1845, 260. Urubitinga
unicinda, Lafr. Rev. Zobl. 1849, 99. — Pelz. Om. Bras. 1, 1868, 3, No. 10. — 1b. IV, 1871,
394. Polybwrus tccniurus, TscHUDi, Av. Consp. Wiegm. Arch. .1844, 264. — 1b. Fauna Per. pi.
ii, Juv. It seems that the South American birds of this species never attaiu the simple tricolored
plumage as.sumed by the adult of the North American form, Temminck's figure (PI. Col. 313)
representing the nearest approach to it that 1 liave seen, in a large series of adult specimens.
The following descriptions show the average adult of var. unicinctus: —

Adult male (No. 13,908, Chile ; Lieutenant Gilliss). Resembling the innuature of var. harrisi,
as described on p. 1569 (No. 56,763). Primaries edged terminally with whitish ; inner webs
of tail-feathers mottled whitisli for their basal half, not showing the regular transverse bars seen
in the immature of var. harrisi ; under' surface of primaries almost wholly white, becoming
ashy, barred with dusky, towards their ends. Wing, 12.00 ; tail, 8.30 ; tarsus, 2.90 : middle

VOL. III. 32

250 NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

Adult with the blackish continuous and uniform. Wing, 12.35 - 14.50 ;
tail, 9.80 -U.OO; cuhncn, .90-1.10; tarsus, 3.15-3.75; middle toe,
1.65-2.00. Hab. Middle America, north into southern border of
United States tav. harrisi.

Parabuteo unicinctus, \;n. harrisi (Kidgway). /

HAEKISS BUZZARD.

Falcoliarrisi, Al'D. B. Am. pi. cicxcii, 1831. — Ib. Oni. Biog. V, 30. Buko liarrisi, AUD.
Synop. 1839, 5. — Bokap. List, 3. — De K.vy, Zoiil. N. Y. II, 11. — Craxircx unicinc-
tus, var. harrisi, Ridgway, P. A. N. S. Philad. Dec. 1870, p. 142. Biitco unicinctus,
var. liarrisi, CouEs, Key, 1872, 215. " Craxirex unicinctus, Temm." Cass. Birds N.
Am. 1858, 46. — Dresseh, Ibis, 1865, 329 (Te.xas). — CoUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 13
(Arizona).

Sp. Char. ylrfwZi maZe (17,230, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California; J. Xantus). General
jilumage uniform sooty-black, purest on the tail, somewhat tinged with chestnut on the
rump. Lesser wing-coverts and lateral half of each web of middle coverts, also the
tibiaj, rich deep chestnut, perfectly uniform. Upper and lower tail-coverts, and broad
basal and terminal zones of tail, pure white, the anterior band concealed (except on outer
feather.s) by the upper coverts, and about twice the width of the last, which is about 1
inch wide. Tail-coverts with a few irregular narrow shaft-streaks of blackish. Lining
of wing deep chestnut, like the shoulders ; each greater covert with a black shafl-streak;
primaries beneath plain black. Wing, 14.50 ; tail, 10.00 ; tarsus, 3.25 ; middle toe, 2.00.
Fourth and fifth quills longest and equal ; third considerably shorter ; second intermediate
between sixth and seventh ; first 3.40 shorter than longest.

Adult female (42,559, Iztlan, Mexico ; Colonel Crayson). Generally similar to the male ;
the black, however, less pure and more brownish, the chestnut more extended, the whole
rump being of this color, the last feathers merely being blackish in the middle. White of
tail-coverts without blackish streaks. Wing, 14.60 ; tail, 10.30 ; tarsus, 3.25 ; middle toe,
1.95.

Immature male (second year, 50,763, Tepic, Mexico; Colonel Grayson). Upper parts
similar to adult, but less uniform ; the nape and back with feathers edged with rusty ;
sides of head and neck very much streaked. Breast and abdomen light ochraceous, with
large longitudinal oval spots of black ; tibise light ochraceous, with rather distant trans-
verse bars of dark rusty-brown ; lower tail-coverts ochraceous-white, with black shaft-
lines. Rufous on the wings more extended and more broken ; none on the rump. Ter-
minal band of tail narrower and less sharply defined than in adult ; inner welis of primaries
with basal two-thirds white, irregularly mottled with dusky. "Iris chestnut-brown; cere,
chin, and space round the eyes yellow."

Immatnre female (second year, 15,260, Fort Buchanan, New Mexico ; Dr. Irwin).
Black spots beneath larger and more irregularly defined ; tibias strongly barred with
dark rufous: posterior edge of basal band of tail much broken.

Hab. Middle, or northern tropical, America, from the Isthmus of Panan)a northward

toe, 1.60. Jdalt female (No. 13,907, Chile ; Lieutenant Gilliss). Similar to No. 13,908, but
the tibise more strongly barred. Wing, 12.50 ; tail, 8.30.

Specimens examined. — National Museum, 9 ; Philadelphia Academy, 9 ; Boston Society, 4 ;
New Y'ork Museum, 1. Total, 23.

Measurements. — S . Wing, 11.65-13.15; tail, 9.00-10.10; culmen, .82-1.00; tarsus,
2.78-3.40 ; niiddk toe, 1.52-1.75. Specimens, 8. ?. Wing, 12.50-14.60 ; tail, 9.20-10.50 ;
culmeu, .90 - 1.02 ; tarsus, 3.10-3.40 ; middle toe, 1.60-1.85. Specimens, 6.

FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS.

251

into the southern United States ; Mississippi (Audubon) ; Texas (Mus. S. I. ; Dresser) ;
Arizona (Coi:es).

Locahties : Guatemala (Sri,. Ibis, I, 216).

LIST OK SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 13 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2 ; Coll. R.
Ridgway, 1. Total, 19.

Measurements.

Se..

Wing.

Tail.

Culmen. Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

9

12.35 - 13.7.5
14.25-14.50

9.80-10.20
10.80- 11.00

.90 -.95 3.15-3.20
1.08-1.10 1 3.40-3.75

1.G5-1.70
1.90-2.00

8
6

Habits. Tliis Hawk has a very limited range witliin the United States,
and Mr. Auduliou, wlio wa.s tlie first to meet with it tliere, obtained only a
single specimen from Lonisiana.
Supposing it to be an undescribed
species, he named it in honor of
his friend, Mr. Edward Harris.

This species is occasionally
found in the lower portions of
tlie States of ' Mississippi and
Louisiana, but becomes much
more abundant in the southwest-
ern section.? of tlie latter State,
and in Texas is common, espe-
cially about the mouth of the
lUo Grande. In one variety or
the other it is frequently met
wdth throughout Mexico, and
Central America, and is also said
to be an occasional visitant of
Cuba and Jamaica.

!Mr. Dresser found this Hawk
common througliout Texas to the Colorado River, beyond which be noticed
but few. It was the only Hawk he noticed at Matamoras in the summer.
He describes it as a heavy, sluggish bird, seldom seen on the wing, and sub-
sisting, so far as he could see, entirely on carrion. All along the I'oad from
Brownsville to San Antonio, he noticed it either perched on some tree by
the roadside, or busy, in company with Vultures and Caracaras, regaling on
some offensive carrion. He fotind it breeding in the neighborhood of San
Antonio, Medina, and Altascosa Rivers, having eggs in the month of May.
A nest found on the 4th of May, near the Medina River, was built of sticks,
very slightly lined, and was placed in a low hackberry-tree. The eggs were
four in number, and described as white, with a faint bluish tinge, very spar-
ingly spotted and blotched with red.

Parabuteo harrisi.

252

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Other writers also agree in representing this Hawk as heavy and sluggish
in habit, and as frequenting streams of water, and its food as consisting
chiefly of the rejjtiles and smaller animals which frequent the banks of
rivers and creeks. It builds its nests on low trees, in the immediate vicinity
of its hunting-ground, and often over tlie water, constructing them of coarse
ilags and water-i)lants. The nests are usually not very large for the birds,
are flattened or with xary slight depressions, and the materials are very
loosely put together. The eggs are from three to five in number, usually
white and unspotted, occasionally with more or less of a yellowish or tawny
tinge. In some instances they arc faintly marked with light dashes or
stains of a yellowish-brown, and, more rarely, are also niarketl with small
blotches of sepia-brown, and with smaller dottings of purplish-drab. Their
average measurement is, length 2.13, breadth 1.69 inches.

Our knowledge of the eggs of these Hawks is derived from the collection
of the late Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, in the Province of Tamaulipas,
Mexico. In the cabinet of that gentleman were several varieties, now in
the possession of the Smithsonian Institution, and presented to it by Lieu-
tenant Couch.

Genus ONYCHOTES, Ridgw.vt.
Onyclwtes, Eidgway, P. A. N. S. Philad. Dec. 1S70, 142. (Type, 0. gruberi, nov. sp.)
G-EN. Char. Bill short, the tip remarkably short and obtuse, and only gradually bent ;

Onyehotes ^uberi.

cere on top about equal to the culmen. very liroad basally in its transverse diameter, and
ascending, in its lateral outline, on a line with the cuhnen ; connnissure only faintly lubed.

FALCONID.-E — TFIE FALCONS. 253

Nostril neai-Iy circular, with a conspicuous (but not central or bony) tubercle ; core
densely bristled below the nostril, almost to its anterior edge ; orbital region linely bristled.
Tarsus very long anil slender, nearly twice the length of the middle toe ; toes moderate,
the outer one decidedly longer than the inner; claws very long, strong, and sharp, and
curved in about one quarter the circumference of a circle. Tibial feathers short and close,
the plumes scarcely reaching below the joint. Feathers of the forehead, gular region,
sides, and tibiic, with white filamentous attachments to the end of the shafts. Wing
very short, much rounded, and very concave beneath; fourth quill longest; first shorter
than ninth ; four primaries emarginated, and one sinuated, on inner webs ; five sinuated
on outer webs. Tail about two thirds as long as wing, rounded. Outstretched feet
reaching beyond end of tail.

This genus has no very near relatives among the American Fnkonidce,
nor, indeed, among tliose of other portions of the world. It is, perhaps, most
closely related to the genus Riipornis, of South America, from which, how-
ever, it is very distinct. It is represented by a single species, the type of
which, supposed to have come from California, still remains unique.

The elongated legs, reaching considerahly beyond the rather short tail, the
close thigh-plumes, tlie long and extremely acute claws (somewhat like those
oi Rostrltamua), with the short, rounded, and very concave wing, are its most
striking peculiarities. Besides these distinguishing features, the short, thick
bill, \Q.ry deep through the base, and the filamentous attachments to the
shafts of the feathers of certain parts of the body, are also very characteris-
tic. The latter feature may possibly be a mark of immaturity, but I have
seen nothing like it in other Raptores, and it seems to be more analogous to
the nuptial ornaments seen in the Cormorants {Phahcrocoracidai).

Species.

O. gruberi. Wing, 10.10; tail, G.oO ; culmen, about .80; tarsus, 2.70;
middle toe, 1.4.5; posterior claw, 1.00, its digit .80. Immature (?). Uniform
grayish-umber, tinged with dull rufous on the neck ; lining of the wing and
tibiae dull grayi.sh-oinnamon. Primaries inclining to black, and showing
just discernible, obscure hoary bars on their basal half. Tail brownish-
gray, with a hoary cast nearer the shaft (not paler at the tip), and crossed
with nine or ten narrow bars of dusky, these becoming hardly distinguish-
able basally and terminally. Inner webs of the primaries plain white an-
terior to their emargination. Head laterally and beneath obsolctely streaked
with whitish. Hub. " California."

IjU-/ :^ (tl -i-vjrx A*

254

NOUTII AMiililCAN BIRDS.

Onyctiotes gruberi, Eidgav.vy.

GKTJBER'S HAWK.
Onycliotes gruberi, Ridgw.w, Pr. Ac Nat. Sc. Phil. Dec. 1S70, p. ]49.

Sp. Cn,

llllique.
labelled
habits.

\R. Immature? (-tl,703, "Calilbrnia" ; F. Gruber). Outetretohcd feet reaching

beyond tail. General plumage dull dark-bistre,
with a gray ish-umber cast in some lights, darkest
on the head above and back; the posterior
lower parts paler and more reddish ; throat
and neck much tinged with pale rusty (this
obsoletely bordering the feathers, which here
have fine whitish filaments attached to the
shafts) ; primaries uniform black. Tail like
the rump, but with a more hoary tinge (not
paler at the tip), and crossed with seven or
eight very narrow obscure bars of darker, the
last of which is distant an inch or more from
- the end. Lining of wing dark bistre, much
L tinged with rusty, this prevalent toward the
edge ; under surface of primaries white an-
terior to their emargination, beyond which
they are ashy, approaching black at ends;
ashy portion with distant, very obsolete, dusky
bars, but the cheeks and throat streaked obso-
letely with this color. No distinct white any-
where about the head or neck. Wing, 10.00;
tail, 5.80; tarsus, 2.70; middle toe, 1.40; inner,
.90 ; outer, 1.10 ; posterior, .80 ; liind claw,
1.00 (chord) ; inner claw, .91 ; on front of
tarsus, twelve exposed large transverse scu-
tellae ; only 1.70 of the tarsus exposed.

Onychotes ^uheri.

The type of this species still remains

It was sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr. Gruber, who

it as bavins; been obtained in California. Nothinsj is known of its

Gex\us BUTEO, Cuvier.

Buteo, Cuv. 1799. (Type, Faico buteo, LiXN. = Biiico vulgaris, Bechstein.)
Craxircr, Gortn, 1838. (Type, Buteo galajmyocnsis, GorLC.)
Pcecihptcniis, K.\up, 1847. (Tj-jie, Falco borcalis, 0.\i.)
Tachijtriorchis, Kaup, 1844. (Type, Falco ptcroclcs, Tem.m.)

Gen. Char. Form robust and heavy, the wings long, and rather pointed, the tail
moderate and rounded, the bill and feet strong. Bill intermediate between that of Astur
and that of Parahuteo. Wing long and rather pointed, the third to fifth quill longest, the
first shorter than eighth; three to four with inner webs emargiuated. Tail moderate,
slightly rounded.

FALCON'ID.E— THE FALCONS.

255

The species of this genus are very numerons, especially within the tropics,
and are found all over the world, except in Australia. About thirty
nominal species are known, of which about fifteen distinct species, not

Butco zonocercus (52763).

Buteo sivainsoni (58505).

including geographical races, belong to America. A single species, B. soli-
tarius {Pandion solitarius, Peale), (Gray's Hand List, I, 15, No. 136,) be-
longs to the Sandwich Islands. The genus seems to be wanting in the
Australian and East Indian regions.

The following species and races belong to the North American fauna.

256 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Species and Races.

A. Three outer primaries with their inner webs cut or einarginated.

1. B. pennsylvanicus. Wing, 9.85- 11.40; tail, G.30- 8.00 ; cuhnen, .70-
.80; tarsus, 2.15-2.80; middle toe, 1.20-1,40. Tliird to fourth quill
longest ; first shorter than seventh. Adult. Tail dull black, paler at the tip,
crossed by two to four bands of dilute umber, or brownish-white, varying in
width, but the last always broadest. Upper tail-coverts tipped and barred
with white. Lower parts dull rufous-brown, nearly unbroken on the breast,
but posteriorly much variegated with roundish transverse spots of white,
forming broad transverse bars, interrupted by the dusky shaft. Upper
parts dark umber, darker on the back. Young. Tail dull grayish-umber,
gi-owing darker terminally, narrowly tipped with whitish, and crossed by
about six narrow and indistinct bands of dusky ; these gradually becoming
obsolete basally, the last much broader. Lower parts white, or light ochra-
ceous, with longitudinal spots of dark brown or blackish on the sides of the
breast and abdomen, and roundish or transversely cordate ones on the sides,
flanks, and tibife. A conspicuous " mustache " on the cheeks, from the rictus
down. Upper parts much as in the adult. Hab. Eastern North America,
and Mid'llf America, south to Bogota and Caraccas.

2. B. swainsoni. Wing, 12.00-17.00; tail, G.50-9.00; cuhnen, .80-95;
tarsus, 2.95 - 2.70 ; middle toe, 1.50 - 1.70. Third to fourth (usually third)
quills longest ; first usually longer than seventh. Adult. Tail dark grayish-
brown, sometimes with a hoary cast, crossed by five to seven, or more,
narrow bands of dusky, usually very obscure, and becoming obsolete
basally. Colors of other portions extremely variable ; the upper parts,
however, continuous, unvariegated, dark brown, or blackish ; the lower
parts sometimes also entirely dusky, except the tail-coverts, which are
always (?) barred with white. Normal plumage. A dark area covering the
jugulum and breast, dull rufous in the $, and dark grayish-brown in the 9-
Other lower parts whitish, sometimes pure, and nearly immaculate, but
usually more or less tinged with ochraceous and rufous, and transversely
barred with various shades of brown. Young. Tail hoary brownish-gray,
crossed by numerous, very indistinct, narrow bands of darker, and faintly
tipped with whitish. Grround-color of the head, neck, and lower parts, light
ochraceous, or cream-color (sometimes nearly white), the anterior upper
parts with large longitudinally ovate spots of black ;' these assuming the form
of streaks on the head and neck. Sides of the breast with an aggregation
of larger spots of the same, and sides with sparser hastate or deltoid spots.
Upper parts purplish-black, more or less variegated with ochraceous ; the
relative proportion of the two colors varying with the individual.

Wing, 14.40-17.00; tail, 8.00 - 9..50 ; culmen, .80 -.95; tarsus, 2.30-
2.70; middle toe, 1.50-1.70. Weight U-3ilb.s. Hah. Western
Province of North America, from the Mississippi Valley, and the region
of the Great Lakes (Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, to Arkansas, also
Canada and Massachusetts) to the Pacific . . . var. stvainsoni.

Wing, 12.00 - 15.30 ; tail, 6.50 - 9.00 ; culmen, .85 - .90 ; tarsus, 1.95 -
2.60; middle toe, 1.50- 1.60. Colors similar, b\it the young paler than
that of var. swaiyisoni. Adult unknown. ITab. Middle and .South
America, and southern border of the western United States, from New
Mexico to Buenos Ayres (two sijecimens, Costa Rica, and Buenos
Ayres, Mus. S. I.) var. oxypterux.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 257

B. Four outer primaries with their inner webs cut.

a. Form light, the legs slender; tail of adult without a .subterminal liand
of black more distinct than the others.

3. B. zonocerciis. Wing, 15.50-17.40; tail, 8.50-10.75; culmen,
.90; tansus, l'..JU -2.80 ; middle toe, 1.60-1.85. Entirely deep black,
with more or less concealed pure white spotting. Adult. Tail car-
bonaceous-black, with three very broad zones, of pure white on inner
webs and asli on the outer webs. Young. Tail dark brown, the inner
webs more or less, sometimes entirely, white, crossed by numerous
oblique bands of black. Hah. Mexico (chiefly western ?) and adjacent
southwestern portions of the United States (Arizona, Coues ; Southern
California, San Diego, Cooper).

4. B. lineatus. Wing, 11.25-14.25; tail, 8.00-10.00; culmen, .75-
.90; tarsus, 2.70-3.25; middle toe, 1.30-1.50. Fourth to fifth quill
longest ; first shorter than seventh. Outer webs of the primaries with
quadrate spots of whitish ; lesser wing-coverts dark rufous ; lower
parts rufous more or less barred with whitish, or whitish spotted longi-
tudinally with dusky. Adult. Head, neck, lesser wing-coverts, and
lower parts deep rufous, the lower parts more or less barred posteriorly
with whitish. Primaries and tail black ; the former with quadrate spots
of pure white on the outer webs, and the latter crossed by six narrow
bands of pure white, and tipped with the same. Young. Head, neck,
and lower parts whitish, usually more or less tinged with ochraceous,
and with longitudinal markings of dusky. Primaries and tail dusky ;
the former mostly ochraceous anterior to the sinuation of their outer
webs, the latter crossed by numerous narrow bands of pale grayish-
brown, these becoming paler and more ochraceous toward the base.
Lesser wing-coverts more or less tinged with dark rufous.

Adult. Lower parts light rufous barred with white. Young.
White prevailing on the lower parts. Hah. Eastern Province of

the United States var. lineatus.

Adult Lower parts deep dark rufous, almost free from bars, except
posteriorly. Young. Dark spotting on the lower parts pre-
dominating. Hah. Pacific Province, and southern Western Prov-
ince, of the United States var. elegans.

h. Form robust and heavy, the tarsus stout ; tail of the adult with a sub-
terminal band of black broader than the other.

5. B. borealis. Wing, 13.25-17.75; tail, 8.50-11.30; culmen, .90-
1.15 ; tarsus, 2.70 - 3.40 ; middle toe, 1.60 - 1.9.5. Weight, 2^^ to 4 lbs.
Third to fifth quill longest ; first shorter than seventh and shorter than
tenth. Colors extremely variable, ranging from entirely pure white
beneath, through various shades of ochraceous and rusty, and greater
or less amount of darker spots and bars, to an entirely uniform brownish-
black. Adult. Tail deep rufous, generally paler at the tip ; with or
without black bars. Young. Tail grayish-brown, crossed by nine or
ten bands of black, much narrower than the gray ones. Lower parts
always with white predominating.

Tibise and lower tail-coverts without transverse bars, at any age.
Lower parts with white always predominating. Tail never with
more than one bar of black.

Feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with rutbus ;
scapulars and wing-covcrts much variegated with whitish;
vol.. III. 33

258 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

upper tail-coverts white, barred with rufous. Throat with
blended streaks of blackish, this usually predominating ; tibisc
and lower tail-coverts plain yellowish-white. Hab. Eastern
Province of North America, to the Missouri plains . var. borealis.

Similar, but colors much paler, the lower parts entirely pure
white, with little or no spotting on the abdomen. Tail usually
destitute of the black subterminal band. Hab. Plains, from
Texas to Minnesota var. h- rider i.

Similar to the last, but lower parts strongly tinged with
rufous on the tibiae, and upper parts much darker. Tail
always destitute of the subterminal black band. Young not
distinguishable from that of var. calurus. Hab. Cape St.
Luc.is ........ var. lucasanus.

Whole head, neck (except the throat), and upper parts, con-
tinuously miiform unvariegated brownish-black ; that of the
neck meeting narrowly across the lower part of the throat,
leaving the whole throat almost immaculate white. Posterior
lower parts fine, deep pinkish-ochraceous ; tibia; deep reddish-
ochraceous; upper tail-coverts plain rufous. Hab. Central
America (from Tres Marias, Western Mexico, to Costa Rica
and Veragu.i) ...... var. costaricensis.

Tibiae and lower tail-coverts always with distinct transverse bars.
Tail often with more or less complete transverse bars of black to
the base. Lower parts with an excess of ochraceous and darker
markings, frequently wholly blacki.sh.

Varying, from individuals distinguishable from the darker
examples of var. borealis only by the presence of bars on the
tibia; and crissum, through others with various degrees of
rufous tinge and dusky spotting and barring beneath, to a per-
fectly melanistic condition, in which the bird is almost uni-
formly black, and the tail with continuous, regular bars of
black to the base. Hab. Western Province of North America,
from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific . . vav. calurus.

6. B. harlani. Wing, 1.5.00-16.20; tail, 8.80-10.50; culmen, 1.00;
tarsus, 2.75 - 2.90 ; middle toe, 1.50-1.70. Lateral toes nearly equal;
tibial plumes much developed, reaching below the bases of the toes.
Entirely brownish-black (except the tail), the concealed bases of the
feathers snowy-white. Adult. Tail confiisedly mottled with dusky
and wliite, upon a grayish ground; sometimes more or less tinged
with rufous. Young. Tail grayish-brown, with nine very regular,
sharply defined bands of brownish-bl.ack, about equal in width to the
gray ones. Lower parts wholly dusky. Hab. Southwestern United
States, east of the Rocky Mountains, from Kansas to Texas.

7. B. cooperi. Wing, 15.75; tail, 9.10; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, 3.25;
middle toe, 1.70. Adult. Head, neck, and beneath, pure white, the
head above and nape streaked with dusky ; lining of the wing white,
with a large black patch. Above nearly uniform dusky, the primaries
plumbeous. Tail longitudinally mottled with light rufous, cinereous,
and dusky; the former prevailing. Hab. Santa Clara County, Cali-
fornia.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 259

Biiteo pennsylvanicus rwiLs),

BROAD-WINGED HAWK.

Falco pcnnsylvankus, Wils. Am. Oni. VI, 92, pi. liv, f. 1, 1812. — L.A.TH. Gen. Hist. 1,
263, 1S21. — AuD. B.Am. pi. .xci, 1831 ; Oru. Biog. I, 461, 1831. — Bon.\p. Ann.
Lye. N. Y. II, 29, 434 ; Isis, p. 1137, 1S32. — Nutt. Man. I, 105, 1833. —Temm.
PI. Col. 67, 1836. Butco pennsylvanicus, BoNAP. Ois. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 35, 1830 ;
Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838 ; Consp. Av. p. 19, 1850. — AuD. Syn. p. 7, 1839.—
Bkew. (Wils). Am. Om. Syn. p. 648, 1852. — Gray, Gen. sp. 8, 1844 ; List B. Brit.
Mus. p. 16, 1844. — Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. Syn. p. 100, 1854. — Stiuckl. Orn. Syn. I,
32, 1855. -De Kay, Zool. N. Y. II, 11, pi. v, fig. 11, 1844. — Cass. Birds N. Am.
29, 1858. — GiiAY, Hand List, B. 7, 1869. — Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas). Astur
pennsyh-aiiicits, Cvv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 332, 1829. — James. (Wils.) Orn. I, 65.
Falco latissimus, Wils. Am. Orn. (last ed.) VI, 92, pi. liv, f. 1, 1812. A. ? latissinms,
Jaed. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 294. Falco wilsoni, Bonap. Obs. Wils. Nouv. Journ. Ac.
■ Sc. N. Y. Ill, 348. Ficeiloptertm ivilsmii, Kaup, Mon. Fal. Cont. Orn. p. 75, 1850.
Sparvius plalijptcrus, Vieill. Enc. Muth. Ill, 1273 (rpiot. Wils. pi. liv, fig. 1), 1823.

Sp. Char. Adult. Upper surface dark umber-brown, the feathers gradually paler
toward edges ; on the liaek, the feathers more uniformly dusky, causing a prevalent
blackish appearance. Rump and upper tail-coverts blackish vandyke-brown ; the latter
tipped witli pure white, and with a concealed bar of same, about the middle of each
feather. Tail dull black, with an obscure terminal band of dull brown, tliis fading ter-
minally into whitish ; across the middle of the tail a broad band of dull light umlier
(in some individuals approaching dull white) about f of an inch in width ; about as far
anterior to the main band as this is from the tip is another much narrower and more
obscure band of the same color, crossing just beyond the ends of the coverts, or con-
cealed by them. Primaries uniform brownish-black, fading on terminal edge into pale
brown. Head above, and broad but inconspicuous " mustache," running from beneath
the lore downward across the cheek, dull black ; the crown posteriorly, with the occiput
and nape, having the dull black much broken, caused by the lateral streaks of dull rufous
on all the feathers ; this dull rufous tint prevails on the rest of the head and neck, as well
as the breast, leaving the lores and chin and Literal , portion of frontlet alone whitish ;
throat streaked with bl.ickish. Beneath dull Ijrownish-rufous ; that of the breast almost
unvaried ; medially, however, are roundish spots of white on opposite webs, but these are
not confluent ; posteriorly these spots become gradually more numerous and more trans-
verse, forming on the flanks transverse bands, almost continuous; on the tibisB the white
prevails, the rufous bars being more distant, and connected only by a brown shaft-line;
lower tail-coverts le.«s numerous, transverse spots of dull rufous. Lining of the wing
ochraceous-white, with sparse, rather small, irregularly deltoid spots of dull rufous; under
surface of the primaries unvaried white, as far as their emargination, beyond which they
are black. Fourth quill longest; third a little shorter ; second intermediate between fifth
and sixth ; first about equal to the ninth. Female (extremes 30,969, Brookline, Mass.,
and 30,89-5, Mirador, Mexico ; the latter the larger.) Wing, 11.00-11..30; tail, 6.80-7.10
tarsus, 2.30 ; middle toe, 1.30. Male (32,309, Moose Factory, Hudson's Bay Territory).
Wing, 10..50; tail, 6.30; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.20.

Joiwijr ma?c, second year ? (39,106, Remedies, Cuba, June ; N. H. Bishop). Upper parts
similar to adult, but a reddish tint appreciably washing the edges of the interscapulars and
(less noticeably so) the scapulars. Bands on tail nearly as in adult ; but very near the
base is a fourth, very narrow and faintly defined, pale band, while the bases of all the
feathers are much mottled with white. Dull rufous of the breast not continuous, but in

260

NORTH A.\[K1UCAN BIRDS.

the form of largo longitudinal broad spots, occupying the greater middle portion of each
feather; abdomen, sides, and tibiie with smaller and more cordate spots of dull rufous ;
the lower tail-coverts immaculate ; the decided ochraceous tinge beneath, deepest pos-
teriorly.

Young, first year (11,984, Washington, D. C). The blackish above is much variegated,
being broken by the narrow rusty borders to interscapulars, rump, and lesser wing-
coverts ■ the broader and more ochraceous borders to scapulars and greater wing-coverts,
and partially concealed whitish sjjotting on the former. Upper tail-coverts while, with
broad bars of blackish-brown ; secondaries and primaries edged terminally with whitish.
Tail dull umber-brown, growing darker terminally ; narrowly tipped with white, and
crossed with six obscure, narrow bands of dusky, the (concealed) bases of all the
feathers white. Superciliary region, cheeks, chin, throat, and entire lower parts, delicate
pale ochraceous, or whitish cream-color ; a conspicuous " mustache," a medial longitudinal
series of streaks on the throat, with large longitudinal ovate spots on sides of breast,
cordate spots on sides and flanks, and sagittate spots on tibiie, clear blackish-brown.
The ochraceous deepest on the abdomen and crissum. Wing beneath as in adult.

A very young bird, scarcely fledged (3.3,.'J98, Milltown, Me. ; G. A. Boardman), differs
from the last in a much more continuous black shade above, the deeper ochraceous
beneath, and larger, as well as more numerous, blackish spots beneath.

In the adult plumage of this species, the principal variation is in the continuity or
distinctness of the anterior light band on the tail, and the extent and depth of shade of
the brown beneath. The first feature is characteristic of most specimens, only one
(55,980, ^, Costa Rica) being without it; it is broadest and most conspicuous, as well as
less concealed by the coverts, in the females, and this appears to be the principal sexual
difference. The dull brownish-rufous of the under parts is most prevalent in a specimen
from Mirador, Mexico (30,895, ? ? September ; Dr. Sartorius), in which specimen the
breast is almost continuously of this color, and the lower tail-coverts are strongly barred
(or transversely spotted) with the same ; the ground-color beneath is also more ochra-
ceous than in any other individual. In the Costa-Rican specimen (the one lacking the
anterior tail-band), the brown beneath is quite different from that of the others, being of
a much more ashy shade ; the lower tail-coverts are also immaculate. The brown mark-
ings beneath are most sparse in 20,389, from Coban, Vera Paz (January ; O. Salvin) ;
in this, also, the tail-bands are very distinct, and almost white.

A young bird fiom Costa Rica (30,412 ; Dr. Frantzius) is exactly similar to No. 27,048,
from Fort Garry, Selkirk Settlement.

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 18 ; Philadelphia Academy, 6 ; Boston Society, 3 ; New York
Museum, 2 (Caraccas) ; Museum, Cambridge, 2 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 5 ; Coll. R. Ridg-
way, 2. Total, 38.

Measurements.

9

Wing.

Tail.

Citlmen.

Tarsus.

MiMIe Toe. ] Specimens.

9.85 - 10.70
11.00-11.40

6.50 - 7.00
7.00-8.00

.70-.
.70 -.78

2.15-2.80

2.20-2.70

1.20-1.38 11

1.30-1.40 14

Hab. Eastern North America southward along Gulf coast through Louisian.i, into
Mexico and Central America ; Cuba, Ecuador, Upper Amazon, Caraccas (X. Y. Museum).

Localities: Ecuador, winter (Scl. 1858, 451) ; Orizaba (Scl. 1857, 211) ; Upper Am-
azon (ScL. 1857, 261) ; Cuba (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxxii ; GuNDLAcn, Rept. 186.5, 223 ;
resident); Panama (Lawr. VII, 1861, 288); S. E.Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 325;
breeds) ; Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, !.■:!.:).

FALCON ID Ji — TUK FALCONS.

261

Buteo pennsylvanints.

Habits. The Broad-winged Hawk appears to be distributed over eastern
North America, somewhat irregularly, as far north as the British Provinces,
and as far west at least as the Mis-
sissippi. It has been found in Flor-
ida by Mr. Wurdemaun, where it
was said to be not uncommon. It
is a resident in C'ul)a, where it
breeds; but it has not been taken
in Jamaica. It has also been de-
tected in Guatemala by Sir. Skin-
ner. Audubon states that he never
met with it in Louisiana, but Air.
Dresser found it not uncommon
from the Nueces eastward. In Sep-
tendjer he noticed several near the
Mission of San Patricio, and during
the winter obtained several speci-
mens near San Antonio. In May
he shot a young l)ird on the Medina
Eiver, and early in June he found
a nest containing young on the
Colorado. It was on a high cot-
touwood-tree, and in an almost inaccessible position.

It is not mentioned by j\Ir. Downes as occurring in Nova Scotia, though I
think it tj^uite probable it may be found there ; but it is quite common near
Calais, both in Eastern Maine and in New Brimswick. Professor Verrill
gives it as a common summer visitant in Oxford County, Me., near Norway,
and as stiU more abundant near the Umbagog Lakes, and apparently the
most common Hawk in that vicinity. He found its nest, June 12, contain-
ing two eggs nearly hatched. It is to be met with throughout Massachusetts,
having been found breeding near Williamstown, Springfield, and also in the
vicinity of Boston. Its nest was also met with in Middlebury, Vt., by the
late Professor Adams. iNlr. ]\lcllwraith, of Hamilton, Canada, has noted
extensive migrations of this Hawk in March of diflerent years, as many as
twenty or thirty being in view at one time, passing at a considerable height,
and moving in circles towards the northwest. Others, that appeared to
be stragglers from the main body, were met with in the woods. Dr. Hoy
states it to be rather common near Racine, and Mr. Kumlien has ob-
tained it in the vicinity of Lake Koskonong. From all these data it may
naturally be infeiTed that this Hawk has a pretty general distribution from
Florida to Texas, and from New Brunswick to the Mississippi Valley, prob-
ably extending northward into the Saskatchewan Valley and south-westerly
to Central America.

The Broad-winged Hawk was first described by Wilson, who shot a single

262 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

specimen that had been feeding on a meadow-mouse. On his approach it
uttered a whining whistle and flew to anotlier tree. Another of the same
species was observed, and its movements were in wide circles, with unmoving
wings. Nuttall never met with it, and regarded it as very rare.

Audubon characterizes this Hawk as spiritless, inactive, and deficient in
courage, seldom chasing other birds of prey, but itself frer|uently annoyed
by the little Sparrow-Hawk, the Kingbird, and the Martin. It only attacks
birds of a weak nature, young chickens, and ducklings, and feeds on small
animals and insects. It is usually found singly, is easily a])proac]ied, and
when wounded throws itself on its back, erects its top feathers, utters a
hissing sound, and attempts to defend itself with its talons.

A nest of this bird, found by Mr. Audubon, is said to have been about
the size of that of the Crow, and to have been placed in the larger branches
of a tree, near the trunk. It w^as composed externally of dry sticks and
briers ; internally, of small roots, and lined with numerous large feathers.
The nest found by Professor Adams, near Middlebury, "N't., was quite large,
and was coarsely constructed of sticks, and lined only with fibrous roots and
fine grass. In this instance the eggs were three. Tliis is the more usual
number, though occasionally four or five are found.

Mr. Boardman informs me that Mr. Audubon's account of the spiritless
manner in which one of these Hawks suffered him to capture it on its nest
does not at all correspond with his o\vn experience. He has, on the con-
trary, found it one of the most courageous and spirited of its family. On
one occasion, when a man employed by him was ascending to a nest, a
parent bird assailed the disturber with great fury, tore his cap from his head,
and would have done the man serious injury had it not been shot. In
another instance one of these birds attacked a boy climbing to its nest, and
fastened its talons in his arm, and could not be removed until it was beaten
off and killed with a club.

The eggs of this Hawk have an average length of 2.09 inches, and an
average breadth of 1.61. The smallest egg measures 1.94 by 1.50 inches,
and the largest 2.11 by 1.72 inches, showing considerable variation in their
relative capacity, but not so much as is found among the eggs of other spe-
cies. In shape, the eggs are of a slightly rounded oval, one end a little
less obtuse than the other. The ground-color is of a grayish or dirty white,
occasionally with a slightly silvery shading. Tliese are marked, usually
over the entire egg, in irregular distribution, with varying shades of brown.
The more common is a light tawny or reddish-liro-wn. Intermingled with
these Ijlotches are often found a peculiar faint purplish-brown, dull shading
of a light yellowish-brown, and a deep rich shade of purplish-brown,
approaching occasionally almost in intensity to black. These may occur
separately, or they may all be found Ijlended in the same egg. The size,
shape, and peculiar coloring of the eggs of this Hawk make them readily
recognizable, though not readily permitting a satisfactory description.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 263

A nest of this Hawk, taken by Mr. J. 1*. Ititchie, May 18, 18G3, — the
parent female of which was secured also, — is described as having been
made of large sticks, very loosely put together, lined with a few pieces of
bark. It was placed in the crotch of a tree, close to tlie trunk, and twenty
feet from the ground, and contained two eggs.

Buteo swainsoni, Boxap. / ?

7

Var. .s^vaitlsoni, Bonap.

SWAINSON'S HAWK; BAIED'S HAWK.

Buteo swainsoni, Bonap. Comp. List, p. 3, 1S38 ; C'oiisp. Av. p. 19, 1850 ; Proc. Ac. Is. S.
PhU. 11. 280, 1855 ; Birds N. Am. 19, 1858. — Heerm. P. E. R. Rep't, II, 32, 1855.—
Strickl. Om. Syn. I, 30, 1855. — Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 324 (Texas). -Game. Journ.
Ac. N. S. Phil. n. S. I, 27. — Coves, Prod. B. Ariz. 9, 1866. — Blakist. Ibis, III,
1861, 317 (fresh eggs). — Gr.\y, Hand List, I, 7, 1869. Falco buteo, Pexn. Arct. Zool.
II, 207, sp. 103 (? Juv.), 1785. — Aud. B. Am. pi. ccclxxii, 1831 ; Orn. Biog. IV,
508, 1831. Falco obmlctus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 268, 1789. — Kerb, Trans. Gmel. II,
501, 1792. — L.\TH. lud. Om. p. 28, sp. 61, 1790 ; Synop. Supp. I, p. 30 ; Gen. Hist.
I, p. 254, 1821.— Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 104, 1800. —Shaw, Zobl. YII, 152, 1812.
Suleo ciiiereus, Vieill. Ois. Am. 1807. Buteo vu/ijaris, Rich, k Swains. F. B. Am.
p. 5, 1831. —Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 56, 1808. —Brew. (Wils.) Am. Orn. p. 303 ;
Synop. p. 684, 1852. Buteo montanus, Nutt. Man. Om. U. S. & Cauad. I, 112, 1833.
Buteo bairdi, Hoy, Proc. Ac. Sc. Phil. VI, 451, 1853. — Cassix, B. of Cal. & Tex. pi.
xli, 1854 ; Birds N. Am. 21, 1858. —Strickl. Orn. Syn. L 37, 1855. Buteo insicjna-
tus, Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. p. 102, pi. xxxi, 1854 ; Birds N. Am. 23, 1858. — Heeiim.
P. B. R. Rep't, Vll, 31, 1857. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 38, 1855. — Coues, Prod. B.
Ariz. 9, 1866. — Bryant, Proc. Bost. Soc. X, 1865, 90 (= swainsoni). 1 Buteo gultu-
Talis, Max. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 17 (and eggs).

Sp. Char. Form robust and strong, like B. borealis ; wings long and pointed ; only
three outer primaries with their inner webs cut. Feet robust, the tarsi strong. Dimen-
sions: Wing, 14.40-17.00; tail, 8.00-9.50; culmen, .80 -.95; tarsus, 2.30-2.70; mid-
dle toe, 1.50- 1.70. Weight, li-3|^ lbs. Colors : Tail dark grayish-brown with a hoary
cast, crossed by numerous obscure narrow bands of a darker shade. Adult, uniform
blackish-brown above ; upper tail-coverts barred with white. Throat and lower parts
posterior to the breast white or pale ochraceous ; a broad patch across the breast uniform
brown, — reddish-rufous in the male, and grayish-umber in the female, — the whole
lower surface varying to entirely uniform dull brownish-black, though intermediate shades.
Young, with the ground-color of the plumage soft ochraceous, or cream-color; the head,
neck, dorsal region, and sides of the breast, with tear-.shaped spots of brownish-black, with
a faint purple reflection. Upper parts purplish-lilack, variegated with ochraceous, some-
times almost wholly black. Tail as in the adult, but more hoary.

a. Normal plumage.
Adult male (.53,105, Truckee River, Nevada, .July; C. King, E. Ridgway). Head,
neck, and upper parts blackish-brown ; scapulars slightly variegated with a rufous
mottling ; upper tail-coverts white tinged with rufous, and with transverse bars of
blackish-brown, about six on each feather. Tail dark brown like the back, approaching
black terminally, basally with a slight hoary cast ; crossed by about ten narrow, very
obscure bands of nearly black. Front and whole throat clear white, immaculate, and

264

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

sharply defined against the surroumlinn; bhickish ; lores dusky. Whole breast, cinnamon-
rufous (forming a wide, sharply defined band), marked laterally with the brown of the
neck ; each feather with a shaft-line of black ; rest of lower parts, including whole lining
of the wing, continuous ochraceous white, the latter region unvariegated ; sides with
sparse, faint, transverse bars of rufous, and shaft-lines of darker. Under side of primaries
light slate anterior to emargination, beyond which they are black ;. slaty portion crossed
by very obscure bars of darker. Fourth quill longest, third scarcely shorter ; second equal
to fifth; first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Length, 19.75; extent, 48.00;
wing, 15.40 ; tail, 8.00 ; tarsus, 2.32 ; middle toe, l.GO. (Weight H lbs.) Bill slate-black,
bluish basally; cere, and angle of mouth, light dull lemon yellow; iris deep hazel; tarsi
and toes deep chrome yellow, claws black.

58503, f

Buteo swai7ismti (Nevada).

Adult female (58,507, Great Salt Lake City, Utah, May; G. King, R. Ridgway). Sim-
ilar to the male, but pectoral area blackish-brown, hke the back; blackish-brown of upper
surface untinged with rufous, all the feathers, however, fading on edges ; bands of the tail
scarcely distinguishable on outer webs; white of forehead very restricted; Uning of the
wing barred with small cordate or deltoid spots of black ; under siirface of primaries
plain deep slate. Abdomen and sides variegated with a few irregular longitudinal spots,
and on the latter, transverse bars of dark brown ; tibise with faint bars of rufous. Fourth
quill longest; third scarcely shorter; second very sUghtly shorter than fifth; first inter-
mediate between seventh and eighth. Length, 21.50 ; extent, 54.00 ; wing, 16.50 ; tail,
8..50; tarsus, 2.70; middle toe, 1.70. (Weight, 2f lbs.)

Young (10,7G1, Rocky Mountains, September; C. Drexler). Head, neck, and entire
lower parts fine delicate light ochraceous, or cream-color ; feathers of the crown, occiput,
and neck, each with a medial stripe of black, of less amount, however, than the ochra-
ceous ; forehead, supraoral region, and ear-coverts, with only a few very fine hair-like
shaft-streaks ; on the chin, and across the cheeks, are longitudinal spaces of blended
streaks of black, the latter forming a conspicuous " mustache " ; sides of the brea.?t with
large ovate spots of black ; middle of the breast with less numerous, smaller, and more
longitudinal ones of the same ; sides, flanks, and abdomen, with broad hastate spots,
more irregular and transverse on the former ; throat, tibije, anal region, and lower tail-
coverts immaculate. Upper surface generally, deep black; feathers bordered with pale
ochraceous, the scapulars and middle wing-coverts much variegated with the same. Sec-
ondary coverts, secondaries, and primaries narrowly tipped with white. Upper tail-
coverts pale ochraceous, barred with black. Tail ashy-brown, very much lighter than
the rump (more hoary than in the adult), narrowly, but clearly, tipped with white, and
crossed by ten or twelve narrow bands of black, more distinct than in the adult. Under
surface of primaries more whitish than in the adult.

(b. Melanisiic condition ; = B. iiisignaius of Cassin,)
Adult male (22,567, Onion River ; R. McFarlane). Entirely brownish black, whole under
surface of wings included ; lower tail-coverts equally barred with white and black. Tail

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 265

blackisli slate, narrowly paler at the tip, aiul crossed with numerous oblique bars of
dusk)- black ; upper tail-coverts barred obsoletcly with lighter slaty-brown. Wing, 15.00;
tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.20; middle toe, 1.50. Fourth quill longest; third, next; second,
shorter than fifth ; iirst, slightly shorter than eighth.

Adttlt female (12,927, Utah Valley, July; C. S. McCarthy). Hiniilar ; lower tail-cov-
erts white, tinged with rusty, and barred with l)rown ; tibiie tinged with chestnut. Wing,
16.50; tail, 8.80; tarsus, 2.G0 ; middle toe, 1.G5. Third and fourth quills equal and long-
est ; third shorter than fifth ; first equal to eighth.

LIST OF SPEOIMEXS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 27 ; Philadelphia Academy, 2 ; Boston Society, 1 ; Museum, Cam-
bridge, 1 ; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2 ; W. Brewster, 1 ; R. Ridgway, 5. Total, .'i'J.

Measurements.

Sac.

Wing.

Tail.

admen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

SpeciTnens.

14.40-15.25
14.75 - 10.50

8.25 - 9.00
9.00-

.80 - .90
.80 -.95

2.30-2.65

2.50-2.70

1.50-1.60
1.55 - 1.65

11
11

Hab. Western regions of North America, east to the Mississippi Valley, north to the
Arctic regions ; Wisconsin ; Arkansas ; Canada ; Massacliusetts.

Localities: S. Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865. 324); Arizona (Coues?) ; Guatemala (Scl.
Ibis, I, 216, ^^ insignatus").

Tlie young plumage described above is the Buteo hairdi, Hoy, of authors.
The melaiiistic phiniage is B. insignatiis, Cassin.

The young birds of this species are as variable as the adidts ; thus, No.
53,210, $, has the fine ochraceous of the lower parts entirely free from
spots, except across the breast ; on the upper parts the ochraceous spotting
is so extended as to almost prevail, while another, from the same nest, has the
black beneath exceeding the ochraceous, the tibia; being thickly spotted, and
the lower tail-coverts barred. Both these specimens belong to a brood of
four, which were hardly able to fly, and \\<ive. shot, with their parents, the
male of which is the one described, while the female (Xo. 53,206) is a very
dark example of inisignatus, Cassin.

Tlie type of hairdi, and anotlier Wisconsin specimen, are in the collection
of the Philadelphia Academy. In plumage, they are unlike any others I
have seen, though there is as little resemblance between these two as be-
tween any I liave compared. Dr. Hoy's type (Racine, Wise, January, 1854)
differs from others, in exceedingly pale colors ; the cream-color beneath is
scarcely spotted, there being only a few triangular spots and shaft-lines of
black on the sides ; the lining of the wing is entirely immaculate. Above,
the black is unusually continuous ; the under surface of tlie primaries is
unusually white. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.00.

The other specimen (Menonomee Marsh, IMilwaukee, Wise, spring of 1851)
is just the opposite extreme in plumage, being unusuall}' dark, for a young
bird. Beneath, the black spots are so large as to nearly cover the whole
surface, while the continuity of the black of the upper part is almost un-
broken. The head above, and nape, and broad "mustache" stripe from

VOL. III. 34

266 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

angle of moiitli down to the jui;uluni, witli nearly the wJiole pectm-al area,
luibrokeu black, lea\ing the gular region and side of the head pale, but
thickly streaked. "Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.80; tar-sus, 2.35; middle toe, 1.50.
These specimens may be said to ibrin about the extremes of the young plu-
mage. An Iowa skin (No. 59,052 ; Kicksecker) is like the average of far-
western examples.

The melanistic condition bears to the normal [duniage of sioainsoni pre-
cisely the same relation that the black calurus, Cassin, does to the usual
style of the western variety of borcalis (borcalis var. calurus = montanus,
(^rssin) ; the variable series, connecting these two extremes, and designated
by the name horca/is var. calurus, which covers tlie whole, finds an exact
parallel in the present species.

A specimen from the Platte (5,570, c? , August; W. S. Wood) is entirely
dark rufous-brown beneath (excepting the lower tail-coverts), with the shafts
of the feathers black.

This species is entirely distinct specifically from the B. vulgaris oi Europe.
Tlie latter has four, instead of only three, outer primaries deeply emarginated,
and is very dissimilar in every stage of plumage.

Var. uxyptei'us, Cassin.
SHAKP-WINGED HAWK.

{Xonna! ijounr/ pliiiaaife.)

Butco oxtjptcncs, C.\s.>^. P. X. N. S. VII, 185.5, 282. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858, 30.—
Stkickl. Oin. Syn. 1, 18.55, 28. — CouEs, P. A. N. S. 1866, 9. — Ge.\y, Hand List,
I, 8. — Cooper, Birds Cal. 1870, 480. Butco albicaudatus, "Vieill.," Sclater, P. Z. S.
1869, 634, No. 22.

{Melanistic plumage. )
Bufrn fiiliqim.ius, ScL.iTER, P. Z. S. I-ond. 1858, 356. — In. Trans. Z. S., .July, 1858, 267,
pi. l.xii. — KiDow.vY, P. A. N. S. Dec. 1870, 142.

Sp. Cii.\r. Adult : melanistic plumage (Xo. 12,117, Mazatlan. Moxico; Colonel Abert).
Entirely fiiliginous-blaek, darkest on head and l)ack ; no white on forehead. Tail cine-
reous-umber, cro.'j.sed with .seven very regular and continuous bands of black, the subter-
minal one of which is broadest. Lower tail-coverts, and larger under wing-coverts, with
transverse bands of dull white ; lining of the wing unvaried black ; under surface of pri-
maries silvery-white, that portioti beyond their en:iargination black, the whitish portion
crossed by distant, very obsolete, transverse bars. Third quill longest; fourth and fifth
scarcely shorter, and nearly equal ; second equal to sixth ; first shorter than eighth. Tail
square; ,scutella3 of the tarsus very faintly defined, or, in fact, scarcely detectable (proba-
bly acoidental). Wing, 13.00; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 1.95; middle toe, 1.55.

Young male ; normal plumage (No. 8,550, Fort Fillmore, New Mexico ; Dr. T. C.
Henry, U. S. A.). Head, neck, and lower part*, soiled ochraceous-white. Feathers of
the head above, and neck laterally and behind, with medial stripes of l)lackish-brown ;
juguluni, breast, sides, flanks, and abdomen, with large rounded spots of blackish-brown;
tiliiie with transverse liars of the same ; lower tail-coverts almost immaculate. A con-
spicuous " mustache " of blended dusky streaks, from angle of the mouth across the cheeks,

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONE.

267

tlie dusky snfriisiiig: the lores. Whole oi-al region scaix-ely variegated pale yellowish ;
whole chill and throat immaculate.

Prevailing tint above, blackish-brown, becoming purplisli-black on primaries; whole
outer surface of wing plain, but intehseapular region somewhat variegated with partially
concealed, irregular blotches of deeper ochraceons than the lower parts; upper tail-cov-
erts with pairs of indistinct white spots. Tail grayish-brown (white at extreme base),
crossed with about ten narrow, indistinct, but regular bands ol' dusky. Lining of the
wings yellowish-white, with si.arse cordate spots of blackish, this tint prevailing over the
under primary coverts ; under surface of the primaries pure purplish-black after their
emargination, Ijiit anteriorly plain hoary brown, growing paler basally. On inner webs

Butfo oxijpurus (Mazatlan).

are ver}' indistinct transverse spots of dusky, touching neither the edge nor sliaft of the
feather, and entirely concealed when the wing is closed. Shafts of primaries pure wliite
on under side ; on outer, dark brown. Wing-formula, 3-4-2-5-6-7-1, 8. Three
outer primaries emarginated on inner webs; second, third, and fourth, sinuated on outer.
Wing, 13.70; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.35. Primaries project beyond sec-
ondaries, 5.50. (Cassin's type.)

Young female (33,508, San Jose, Costa Rica; J. Carmiol). Differs from the type chiefly
in lighter colors. The whole forehead very broadly immaculate dull white, this continu-
ing back to the occiput in a broad unstreaked superciliary stripe ; along the upper edge
of the ear-coverts is a rusty suffusion, with condensed, fine dusky streaks, forming an
indistinct stripe separating the wholly white ear-coverts from the supraoral stripe ; the
" mustache " is very conspicuous ; the breast has a few large tear-shaped spots of clear
blackish-brown, and the sides have very sparse, irregular, and more sagittate spots of the
same ; the whole posterior parts are immaculate. The upper parts are more variegated with
paler, the wing-coverts and rump having the feathers irregularl_y bordered with whitish.
The upper tail-coverts are white, barred with dark brown. Tail, hoary brown, crossed
by nine or ten nearly obsolete, narrow bands of dusky. Whole lining of the wings im-
maculate, except the conspicuous patch on the primary coverts. The whole under surface
of the primaries is uniform slaty, gradually deepening into black towards ends. Wing-
formula, 3-4-2-5-6-7, 1. Wing, 1.5.00; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.45 ; middle toe, 1.55.
Primaries project beyond secondaries, 6.00.

H.\B. Tropical America, from the southern border of the United States to Buenos Aj'res.

The nielanistic .specimen described above agrees perfectly with j\Ir. Scla-
ter's excellent fioure of his B. fidiginosus above cited, and the only discre-
pancy in the description is in the measurements, — those given for the £.
fulirjinosus being, wing 12.00, tail 6.50, and tarsus 2.60. This difference —
certainly not great — very likely indicates tlie proportions of tlie se.xes,
while the discrepancy as regards the lengtli of the tarsus, it is probable,
results from a different mode of measurement.

268 NORTH AMERICAN JJIKD.S.

The present form is very nearly related to the true B. sivainsoni, and,
though distinguishable, we find it difficult to express points of absolute dif-
ference. The essential distinctions, however, are the longer primaries and
lighter colors of the present bird, there being in tlie immature plumage of
o.qjpterus no api)roach to the deep, fine oehraceous, the characteristic and
prevalent tint of the young B. swainsoni. The spots beneath are more
sparse, and there does not appear to be that tendency to their aggregation
on the sides of the breast as generally seen in swainsoni.

Both agree, however, — and difl'er from all other species, — in the unbarred
slate-color of the under surface of primaries, the plain black of the outer
surface, conspicuous " mustache," obscurely barred gray tail, etc. In fact,
the general pattern is almost exactly the same, while there is little differ-
ence in relative proportions.

In view of the very appreciable, though rather indefinite, differences
above indicated, and the oljscure history of the present bird, we prefer, at
least until more familiar with its different stages, to recognize it under the
above name.

A third specimen, from Buenos Ayres (Couchitas ; William H. Hudson),
— exactly similar, in all particulars, to the two specimens described, • — was
labelled by Mr. Sclater, B. albicatulatns, Vieill., which is usually placed as a
syuonyme under B. pterodcs, an exclusively South American species ; though
belonging strictly to the same section of the genus with the present bird and
B. swainsoni, it is quite distinct, the Smithsonian Collection containing
numerous examples illustrating the several stages of plumage.

Habits. Taking the two varieties together, this species appears to range
over the entire continent of America, from the Arctic regions to the cold-tem-
perate portion of South America. In Arctic America it appears to have a
western distribution, though extending far to the north during the breeding-
season, and being more or less nomadic during the winter. A single well-
marked specimen was taken by Mr. Brewster, in the winter of 1871-72, in the
eastern part of ilassachusetts. It was first noticed by Dr. Eichardson, and
was by him supposed to be identical with the common Buzzard of Europe.
It was met with in the fur country, where it was migratory, arriving there
early in April, and departing again about the end of September. It frequented
the low alluvial points of land which stretch out under the high banks
of rivers, where it might be observed sitting for a long while motionless on
the bough of a tree, waiting patiently for some small birds or quadrupeds to
pass within its reach. As soon as it perceived anything of the kind, it would
glide silently into the air and sweep easily but rapidly down upon its pre}'.
One of Dr. Richardson's specimens was found to have two whole toads in its
stomach.

Dr. Eichardson states that this Buzzard liuilds its nest on a tree, of short
sticks, lining it sparingly with deer's hair. The eggs, from three to five in
number, are described as equalling in size those of the domestic fowl, and

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

269

as having a greenish-white color, with a few large dark brown blotches at
the larger end. It was seen by the doctor as far to the north as the 57th
j)arallel.

^Ir. xVudubon's drawing and description of tliis bird were taken i'rom a
specimen obtained by Dr. Townsend from the Cokunbia lliver. A number
of specimens have been obtained
by the various government ex-
ploring expeditions. A single
specimen was taken by ilr. Dres-
ser near San Antonio, in Texas.

Captain Blakiston (Ibis, 18G1,
p. 317) obtained several speci-
mens of this Buzzard at the forks
of the Saskatchewan Eiver, in the
stomach of one of which he found
three toads. He states that it
was quite abundant in that neigli-
borhood. He adds that Mr. Bour-
geau procured se\eral specimens
of the eggs, identified by also ob-
taining tlie parents. These eggs
are said to have been white, more
or less blotched with red. Mr.
Bernard Ross also obtained this
bird on the Mackenzie Eiver,
where it was rare.

This Hawk was observed by Mr. Dall, in Alaska, a skin having been
obtained at Koyukuk, May 26, from an Indian. Jlr. Dall states that
it prefers the thickets and woody places, is not so often seen as some
of tlie other species. It generally builds a very large nest of sticks, and
begins to lay about the last of April. The young are hatched out about the
30tli of May. It was only a summer visitor. He found not only the bones
of rabbits, squirrels, and mice about its nest, but also those of ducks, and in
one instance part of a white-fish.

Dr. Heermann obtained an egg of this species in Northern California,
which had a yellowish-white ground-color, marked with obscure cloudings
of a purplish-gray, and irregular patches of a light tone of umber lirown.
It measured 2.31 inches in length, and 1.84 in breadth.

We are indebted to Dr. W. J. Hoftiuann for the following interesting note
in relation to the nesting of this species : " On the 28th of May, 1871, we en-
camped on Antelope Creek, forty miles north of the Central Pacific Railroad
Station, Argunta, Xevada. The stream of water, which is small, is fringed
with willows, averaging about twelve feet in height. Strolling along the
underbrush, I came to the nest of the Biitco swainsoni, which was built on

Buteo swainsoni (adult).

270

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the top of a willow, and in its construction took in several distinct limbs, so
as to give better support. The nest, about two feet across and one foot
in thickness, was constructed of thin sticks and fragments of roots. The
inside was lined with leaves of tule and grass. The nest contained two eggs.
Only eight feet from this nest, on the same bush, and at the same height, a
female of Icterus liullocl-i was on her nest. These birds appeared to be liv-
ing together in harmon}-, having been in constant sight of each other for
several weeks, as the condition of the eggs pro\ed. I deem this remark-
able only as showing a rapacious and an insectivorous bird living so closely
togetlier that one might at any time have been made the prey of the other
by a single spread of the wings."

Dr. Gideon Lincecum, of Wasliington County, Texas, speaks of this spe-
cies as one of the common Hawks of the Texan prairies. He states that it

Bitteo sioainsoni (young).

nests on the ground in the prairie ; lays six eggs, sometimes on tall trees,
— when it chooses to rear its young in tlie forest. It is apt to pounce on a
brood of young poultry when it sees them, but being rather timid does not
like to go about the houses. Its principal food is grasshoppers, prairie rats
and mice, and small birds. Dr. Lincecum has often seen it when the
grass on the prairie was burning, in the spring of the year, constantly on
the wing, in front of the fire, catching the grasshoppers, rats, mice, and
any small game that is driven out of the grass by the crackling fire ; and
it will keep in the smoke so close to the fire that it soon becomes almost
as black as soot. He further remarks that, " when any one approaches their
nest on the prairie, they will make a pretty bold attempt to frighten or decoy
him away from it. It first tries to lead the intruder off, by alighting in the

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

271

grass pear liy, and screeching loudly as if something was greatly the matter ;
vou ai)proacli liiiu, and with much seeming difficulty it make out to move off
a little farther, still screeching louder than before, and this piece of deception
it will repeat time after time, improving a little in its jjowers of locomotion
as it gets you fartlier from the nest, until it jvulges it is far enough, —
that you liave lost the place in the unmarked sea of grass, ^ — when it seems
to fly as well as ever ; it circles round once or twice, going still fartlier off,
and settles silently down in the deep grass. This last performance is to
induce the belief that it has returned to the nest. But if you refuse to be
led astray by these manoeuvres, and remain about its nest, it will make a
good fight. One came very near knocking off my hat one day when I did
not know I was intruding on its premises."

The Buteo hairdi of Ho)^ is now ascertained to be only an immature form.
It was first met with in AViscousin, and since then has been taken in vari-
ous western localities.

A pair of these birds was found by J\lr. Eicksecker, breeding in this plu-
mage, in Utah. The nest was built in a young aspen-tree. The egg is
marked with larger and more deeply marked l:)lotches than usual, aud is
nearly of an exact oval shape, measuring 2.30 inches in length by 1.75 in
breadth. The ground-color is wliite, with a slight tinge of rufous, over
which are diffused, over the whole surface, fine markings of a reddish, rust-
tinged brown. Besides these the larger end, and some other portions of the
surface, are boldly dashed with large blotches of the same color, but of a
deeper shade.

A black Buzzard, originally described as Butco insir/natus, is now known
to be only an individual melanistic
condition of the species. It was
first met with in the vicinity of
Montreal, and the specimen belong-
ing to the Natural Histoiy Society
of that city was described as new
by Mr. John Cassin. A similar
specimen was taken by Mr. Macfar-
lane at Fort Anderson, where it was
breeding. It was met with rather
abundantly by Dr. Heermann on the
San Jcia([uiu River, in California,
and seen along his route for a con-
siderable distance. He described it
as sluggish in its habits, perching for
hours in a quiescent state on some
tall tree, and permitting the hunter
to approach witliout sliowing any
signs of fear.

BuUo m'ainsoni, var. oxyptrru-^ (roung).

Ifoii^ 8 . ax4i'c^.c.

272

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Dr. Cooper found tlii.s bird pretty comnion in the vicinit}- of San Diego, in
Miircli, 1862, when they were apparently migrating northward. In their
habits they appeared to resemble the larger varieties of Buzzards. Mr. Salviu
obtained a single specimen of a Hawk at Dueuas, which is referred by Mr.
Gurney to this variety (Ibis, I, 216).

The variety oxijptcrus, of this species, was first described trom an imma-
ture specimen obtained at Fort Fillmore, New Mexico. It ranges southward
throughout tropical America to Buenos Ayres.

Buteo zonocercus, sclati:r. ^/r?^"

BAND-TAIL HAWK.

n Buffo alhonotatus, G. E. Gr.\t, Isis, 1847, p. 329. Suico zonocercus, Scl.\ter, Trans.
Zobl. Soc. Lond. IV, pt. vi, 263, 1858.— CouES, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 46.— Elliot, Birds
N. A. pi. xxsiii. — Gray, Hand List I, 8, 1869. — Cooper, Birds Cal. 1870, 479.

Sp. Ch.ir. Adult (36,872, Hassayampa River, Arizona Territory, August ; Dr. Coues).
Entirely carbonaceous black ; forehead pure white, and feathers of occiput, neck, and breast
the same beneath the surface ; this on under parts, showing as transverse, ovate spots on

52763, J.

BuUo zonocercus.

webs of feathers, partially exposed. Tail black, faintly tipped with pale ashy, crossed
(;ibout If inches from the end) by a band of hoary plumbeous, nearly an inch in width;
about half an inch anterior to this is another plumbeous band, about as broad as the black
one which separates it from the last ; and about the same distance, near the base, is another,
much narrower, and less continuous ashy band. The outlines of these bands are rather
irregular ; and on the inner webs the plumbeous is replaced by snowy white, which, not
exactly corresponding to the plumbeous of outer webs, is rather more extended, as well
as more sharply defined, forming three very conspicuous transverse zones (decreasing in
width towards the base like those on outer webs), observable only when the tail is spread,
or from below. On the two middle feathers both webs are plumbeous and black ; and
on the lateral feathers, the white prevails on the inner web, the black bands being broken
up into narrow zigzags. Primaries less intensely black than the back, and showing ob-
scure transverse bands of deeper black ; lining of the wing unvariegated black ; under
surface of primaries pale plumbeous, passing into hoary white on edges, and crossed from
base to ends with very irregular, transverse bars of blackish, these breaking up into a
mottling, or blended speckling, along the edges of the feathers. Owing to moulting stage.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS. 273

the wing-fornmla cannot be ascertained. Winy, 15.50; tail, 8.50; tarsii-s, 2.50 ; middle
toe, l.(iO. Length, I'Ji ; extent, 47^.

Young male (52,7(i.'3, Mazatlan, Mox. ; Colonel A. J. Grayson). Generally similar to
the preceding ; feathers of neck, back, and under parts more conspicuously spotted with
■white beneath the s\n-face, these spots considerably exposed on the breast and upper tail-
coverts. Tail deep dark vandyke-brown, faintly tipped with paler, and cro.s.sod with
numerous narrow oblique bands of black; subtcrminal one broadest, being about three
fourths of an inch in width; the next one is not a fourth as wide, and crosses about an
inch anterior to the last ; the distance between the black banils diminishes towards the
base of the tail, so that after the seventh of these, no more can be distinguished. Inner
webs passing into whitish towards edges, this prevailing on lateral feathers. Fourth quill
longest; third scarcely shorter; fifth but little .shorter than third; second intermediate
between fifth and sixth ; first equal to eighth. Wing, 15.30 ; tail, 8.80 ; tarsus, 2.40 ;
middle toe, 1.60. Length, loj; alar extent, 48. Bill black at tip, bluish-brown at base ;
iris dark brown.

Hab. Guatemala, Mexico, and adjoining parts of United States ; Arizona (CofEs) ;
Santa Clara Co., Cal. (Cooper).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EX.\MIXED.

National iluseum, 2 ; Philadelphia Academy, 2. Total. 4.

There can be but little doubt tliat this ijluma^e denotes a younger stage
of the same sjiecies as the £. zonoccrcus of Sclater. The adult Ijird described
above is ntoultiug, and two tail-feathers of the old plumage, which have
not yet been cast, are precisely like those of this specimen, the new ones l^eing
entirely different, as will be seen by the description. Taking with this the
exact similarity of the pattern of under side of primaries, as well as the
plumage in general, and the sameness of proportions, one cannot l)ut be con-
vinced of their identity. The localities of the two .specimens are also so
near tliat it is scarcely possible they are distinct.

The plumage of this stage is parallel, in its relation to the adult, with
that of the yoitng of B. albi/roriH var. miniitus, both differing from the mature
stage in nearly the same particulars, the more inimerous bands on the tail
distinguishing the young of nearly all Butcos from adidts of the same
specis.

An adult specimen from Mexico, in the collection of the Pliiladelijhia
Academy (without number or other indications on the label), though resem-
bling the two specimens described, in all essential points, differs from them
in regard to the coloration of the tail. The main differences are as follows :
Tail deep black liasally and subterminally, the tip (very narrowly) and a
middle zone about 2.()(t inches broad, and 1.80 from the tip, being duller
and more brownish-black, this irregularly defined anteriorly, but of sharp
regular definition ahmg the posterior liorder; tlie subterminal black band
is very precisely defined on the inner webs, and anterior to this nearly the
whole inner web is white, irregularly blotched witli Ijlack towards tlie base,
however ; the markings of somewhat longitudinal direction ; tlie outer webs
are black to the very base. Wing, 16.50 ; tail, 9.00 ; tarsus, 2.70 ; middle
toe, 1.80. Wing-formula, 4, 3 - .5 -2 - 6 - 7, 1.

VOL. IIL ."^S

274

KORTII A.MKUICAN BIRDS.

Whether this is a progressive stiij^c of pUunage or a mere individual
peculiarity, I do not feel certain, but am inclined to llie latter opinion.
Both this specimen and tlie immature one described are labelled IJ. nlhuauta-
tes, Gray ; I have been unable to refer to (Iray's original description; if
there is no doubt of its being pertinent to the immature stage described,
then this will be the name of the si^ecies, as it has jiriority ; I shouhl much
regret, however, to discard tlie very appropriate and cliaracteristic name
zonocercus, for the other, as ^Ir. Sclater's species is so satisfactorily described
and accui-ately figured, while the original description of albunotatus is very
meagre and diitieult of reference.

Habits. This Hawk is a ^Mexican and Guatemalan species which occa-

Buteo zonocercus (adult).

sionally strays into our borders in Arizona and in Southern California. Dr.
Cooper was the first of our naturalists to meet with this species within the
United States, shooting an imlividual on the 23d of February, 1862, thirty
miles north of San Diego, and within five of tlie coast. It was associating
with siiecimens of B. insigiudus and otlier Hawks wintering there, and seemed
rather sluggish and tame. He saw no other Black Hawks in tliat neighbor-
hood. Two years afterwards, September 24, 1864, Dr. Coues also procured
a single specimen on the Gila River. He regards the species as restricted,

FALCONID J:; — THE FALCONS. 275

within our borders, to the warm valley of the Gila and the Lower Colorado.
We possess no information in regard to any distinctive speciliu hahits it
may possess. This species ^vas first described by Dr. Sclater from a Guate-
malan specimen.

The bird described as B. alhonota/us is presumed to be identical with this
species. It was observed by Mr. .Sah'in on the southern slope of the Cor-
dillera, in ( niatemala, \^•hil•ll appears to be the true habitat of this species,
but even there it cannot be said to be common. He states that, like many
others of its class, it is a feeder on beetles and locusts.

, Buteo lineatus, (Jjielix.

V:ir. liiieatiis. (J-Mflin
EED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

Falco lineatus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. ii. 208, 1781). — Laiii. Ind. Orn. p. 27, 1790 ; Syn. I, 56,
sp. 36, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 268, 1S21. — D.iUD. Tr. Orn. II, 158, 1800. — Shaw[
Zool. VII, 153, 1812. —WiLS. Am. Orn. pi. liii, f. 3, 1808. — AuD. Orn. Biog. I,
296, 1831 ; Syn. p. 7, 1839. Cfvier, Reg. Anim. ed. 2, I, 334, 1829. Bufeo lineatm,
J.VKii. (WiLs.) Am. Orn. II, 290, 1832. — Aun. Syn. p. 7, 1839. — Brkwek, (AVils.)
Am. Orn. 684, 1852. — C.\.ssi.\, Birds Cal. & Tex. Syn. 99, 1854 ; Birds N. Am. 1858,
28.— BoNAr. Comp. Av. p. 19, 1850.— Kaup, Web. Falk. Mus. Senck. 1845, p. 261.—
Stkickl. Orn. Syn. I, 30, 1855. — Brewer, Oology, 1857, 28, pi. iii, f. 25. — Max. Cab.
Journ. VI, 1858, 19. — 6kat, Hand List, I, 7, 1869. Poeciloptcmis lineatus, Kaup
Men. Fal. Cont. Orn. p. 76, 1850. Falco hyemalis, Gmel. Syst. Jfat. 274, 1789. —
L.ATH. Ind. Orn. 35, 1790 ; Syn. I, 79, sp. 62, 1781 ; Gen. Hist. I, p. 91. — Daud.
Tr. Orn. II, 110, 1800. — Shaw, Zoiil. VII, 153, 1812. — Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 35,
fig. 1, 1808. — BoNAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 33 ; Isis, p. 1138, 1832. — AuD. B. Am. pi.
Ivi, 71, 1831 ; Orn. Biog. I, 364, 1831. F. hycmalis, var. Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. p.
8, 1801 ; Syn. Snpp. II, 39, 1802. Circus hycmalis, ViElLL. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. vii,
1807. —James. Wils. Am. Orn. I, 88 & 87, 1808. B. hycmalis. Less. Tr. Orn. p. 81,
1831. — BoNAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838. Jstur hyemalis, Jard. Wils. Orn. II,
72, 1808. — ViEiLL. Enc. Meth. Ill, 127-3, 1823. Nims kyemalis, Cuv. Reg. An. ed. 2,
I, 334, 1829. Bulco fuscus, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. v, 1807. Astur fuscics,
Boxap. Oss. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 37, 1830. Falco buleoides, Nutt. Man. I, 100, 1832.
Bulco cooperi (not of Cassin), Allen, Am. Nat. Ill, 1869, 518 (young of 5. lineatus I)

Sp. Char. Adult male (32,.509, Washington, D. C, January). Head, neck, and inter-
scapulars deep rufous (above becoming darker posteriorly), each feather with a medial
stripe of blackish-brown. Throat and cheeks almost destitute of rufous tinge, the ground
being dull white, — the dusky forming an indistinct "mustache," and an imperfect, obso-
lete collar (formed by confluent, or suflused .streaks), across the throat. Breast, sides,
abdomen, and tibite rather light rufous, becoming paler posteriorly ; breast with shaft-
streaks of blackish ; the rufous of sides of breast almost unvaried ; abdomen, sides, and
middle of the breast, with transverse bars of ochraceous white; tibise uniform pale ochra-
ceous ; anal region and lower tail-coverts, immaculate white. Lesser wing-coverts chest-
nut-rufous, feathers with black shaft-streaks, these becoming larger posteriorly ; scapulars
and middle wing-coverts edged broadly with rufous, and obsoletely spotted on inner webs
W'ith white. — this somewhat e.xpo.scd; .secondaries dark clear brown, tipped and crossed
with two (exposed) bands of white; primaries black, fading at tips into dilute grayish-

^irG

J

276 NORTH AMKiilCAX BIRDS.

brown, and with quadrate spots of white on outer webs. Rump uniform blackish-brown ;
upper tail-coverts tipped and banded with black. Tail clear brownish-black, crossed with
six sharply defined narrow bands of white, the last of which is terminal, and the first two
concealed by tiie upper coverts. Lining of the wing nearly uniform pale rufous, with very
sparse, deeper rufous, somewhat transverse spots; under surface of primaries silvery white,
crossed by broad bands, these where the white is clearest being pale ruibus, bordered with
dusky, but as the white grows more silvery they darken into black; the longest (fourth)
has eight of these spots, including the subterminal, very broad one. Fourth quill longest;
fifth, just perceptibly shorter; third, a little shorter; second, considerably longer than
sixth; first equal to ninth. Wing, 13.00; tail, 8.50; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.33.

Adult female (11.991 Washington, D. C. ; Dr. W. Wallace). Generally similar to the
male, but rufous more extended, this tinging the outer webs of secondaries and primaries.
On the under parts the rufous is rather deeper, and the tibiae are strongly barred, and even
the lower tail-coverts have obsolete spots of the same. Wing, 13.75; tail, 9.00; tarsus,
2.90 ; middle toe, 1.50.

Younger (41,083, Washington, D. C. ; Dr. Coues). Upper plumage precisely as in
adult, but the black prevailing on head above, and nape. Beneath ochraceous-white,
deepest on the tibiae; breast, abdomen, sides, and tibias, with diamond-shaped spots of
dark rufous-brown, connected along the shaft of the feathers, running thus, in a peculiar,
longitudinal, chain-hke series (19.50; 42.50; cere, legs, and feet bright chrome-yellow;
anterior scales of tarsus with greenish tinge).

Young male (No. 1,210). Ground-color of heaii, neck, and under parts white; feathers
of head and neck, with medi.il stripes of dark clear vandyke-brown, leaving a superciliary
space, and the ear-coverts scarcely striped ; a blackish suffusion over cheeks, forming a
" mustache," and large longitudinal spot of the same on middle of throat ; breast, abdo-
men, sides, and flanks, with rather sparse, irregularly sagittate spots of clear vandyke-
brown, those on the sides of breast more longitudinal ; tibise, with a faint ochraceous tinge,
and with sjjarse, small, and irregular specks of brown ; lower tail-coverts with a very few
distant isolated bars of the same. Upper parts generally, clear dark vandyke-brown ;
interscapulars and wing-coverts edged (most broadly beneath the surface) with pale rufous;
middle wing-coverts with much white spotting on upper webs, partially exposed ; wing-
coverts generally, and scapulars, narrowly bordered with white; secondaries narrowly
tipped with white, and cro.ssed w-ith about four (exposed) bands of paler grayish-brown;
primaries inclining to black; faintly margined at ends, with whitish; outer webs anterior
to the emargination, rufous-white, with distant, narrow bars of blackish, these widening
on inner quills; upper tail-coverts white with transverse spots of blackish. Tail dark
vandyke-brown, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with numerous narrow bands
of pale grayish-brown, these obsolete towards the base. Lining of the wing pale ochra-
ceous, with a few irregularly cordate spots of dark brown toward edge of wing; under
surface of primaries mostly white, the dusky bars not extending acro.ss the web, except
on inner quills. Wing, 13.25 ; tail, 9.30 ; tarsus, 2.85 ; middle toe, 1.40.

Young female (11,994, Washington, D. C, January ; C. Drexler). Almost precisely sim-
ilar; tibise unspotted ; light bands of the tail more sharply defined basally, and pale mottled
rufous, instead of pale ashy brown. Wing, 14.50 ; tail, 9.60 ; tarsus, 3.10 ; middle toe, 1.45.

Hab. Eastern N. Am. ; south to Florida ; w-est to Texas and the tributaries of the
Missouri.

Localities: Orizaba, Scl. 1857, 211; S. E. Texas, Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 325 (breeds);
Iverness Shore, England (Feb. 26, 1863), Newcome, Ibis, 1865, 549.

LIST or SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 19; Philadelphia Academy, 14; Boston Society, 8; Mus. Cambridge,
16: Cab. G. N. Lawrencr. 4; Coll. R. Ridarwav. 4. Total, 05.

F.\LCONII).E — THE FALCO^"S.

277

Measttrements.

Sex.

Wing.

mi.

aUmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

11.25-13.50

8.00- 9.70

.75 -.90

2.70-3.25

1.30-1. .50

20 Northern.

9

13.35-14.25

9.(10 - 10.00

.80 - .90

3.10-3.20

1.35-1.50

7

This specimen may possilily indicate a mere individual variation, rather
than a progi'essive stage of plumage.

A male (25,198, "Washington, D. C, February) is as strongly barred be-
neath as described in tlie female ; thus it would appear that any differences
in plumage in the sexes are nothing more tlian individual discrepancies.

The yellowish outer webs of the primaries constitute a feature which wiU
serve to distinguish the young of the JJntco lineatus from that of every
other North American species.

A series of twelve specimens from Florida, in the ^Museum of Compara-
tive Zoology, at Cambridge, shows that the birds of this species from that
peninsula are very much smaller than nortliern ones ; and tliough that of
the adults does not differ api)i-eciably, the plumage of the young birds is
considerably darker than in northern specimens, and occasionally approaches
quite nearly to that of the young of var. degans, the markings on the lower
parts, including the tibiae, being often in the form of transverse spots.

The extreme measurements of this series are as follows: Wing, 10.90-
12.75; tail, 7.70-8.50; culmen, .80 -.90; tar.sus, 2.90-3.20; middle toe,
1.25 - 1.45. Specimens, 12.

Var. elesnns, Cassin.
BED-BELLIED HAWK.

/ ciA-

BxiUo elegans, Cass. P. A. N. S. 1855, 281. — Ib. B. N. Am. 1858, 28, plate. — Heerm.
P. R. Rep. II, 32. — Kexxerly, P. R. Rep. Ill, 19. — Nf.wb. VII, 75. — Coop. &
SucKL. XII, ii, 147. — Stkickl. Oni. Syn. I, 38. — ? Duessek, Ibis, 1865, 325
(Texas). — Coues, P. A. N. S. 1866, 9 (Arizona). — Gkay, Hand List, I, 7. — Cooper,
Birds Cal. 1870, 477.

Sp. Char. AduH male (10,573, Ft. Tejon, California, "Oct. 22, 1857"; J. Xantus).
Head, neck, interscapulars, anterior scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, lining of the wing,
and entire lower parts, dark lateritious-rufous, inclining to chestnut on the shoulders.
The upper parts so colored have each feathers with a medial-ovate space of dull black,
giving a striped appearance; the lesser wing-coverts, however, have each only a narrow
shaft-line of black, these growing larger as they approach the middle coverts. There is a
.strong black suffu.sion over the cheeks, forming an obscure "mustache"; orbit blackish,
throat streaked with- the same. The dark lateritious-rufous of the jugulum and breast is
perfectly continuous and uniform, varied only by the obsoletely darker sliafts of the
feathers; .sides and flanks transverselj' barred with white; lining of the wing, and tibiae,
with very ill-defined bars of paler rufous; anal region and lower tail-covcrts with broader
and more sharply defined bars of the same. Scapulars and middle wing-coverts brownish-
black, narrowly tipped, and irregularly spotted transversely, with pure white; secondaries

278 XORTH A^[ERI(•AX lilliDS.

and greater covert.? brownish-black, tinged with rufous, and broadly tipped and crossed,
with sharply defined bands of pure white, of which lliere are on secondaries about six
exposed (including the terminal band) ; primaries and their coverts deep black (tinged
anterior to their einargination with rufous), tipped with pure white, and having spots of
white on outer webs. Rump and upper tail-coverts brownish-black, with indistinct trans-
verse bands of white, the latter sharply tipped with the same. Tail clear brownish-black
sharply tipped with wliitc, and with about five sharply defined bands of the same, about
.30 of an inch in width. Under surface of secondaries and primaries white to near the
ends, where they are black ; the tips, however, again white ; the white portion crossed
by regular transverse bands, those where the white is purest being light rufous, but as
the white shades toward the black thoy liecome dusky ; the rufous bars are, however, bor-
dered with dusky. Fifth quill longest; third and fourth longer than sixth; second a little
shorter than sLxlh; first intermediate between ninth and tenth. Wing, 12.50; tail, 8.00;
tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.40.

Young. Predominating color, blackish-brown ; this existing on under parts in large,
confluent sagittate spots, which are longitudinal on throat and jugulum, and more tran.s-
verse on sides, abdomen, tibiae, and lower tail-coverts, the ground-color of lower parts
being dull oohraceous. The head and neck, all around, presenting a uniform, streaked
appearance, the edges of the feathers being ochraceous, but the black far exceed-
ing this in amount. Interscapulars and scapulars bordered with rusty rufous; wing-
coverts more broadly bordered with ochraceous, and with much concealed dull white
spotting; lesser wing-coverts, with a strong wa.sh of rich dark rufous; secondaries tipped
with white, and crossed by two or three (exposed) broad bands of dull ashy ; primaries
brownish-black, narrowly tipped with white, and with ill-defined restricted spots of the
same on outer webs. Rump uniform blackish-brown, feathers faintly bordered with rusty ;
upper tail-coverts tipped and barred with white. Tail brownish-black tipped with white,
and crossed with five narrow bands of dull light ashy. Lining of wing dull, dingy ochra-
ceous, with numerous transverse bars of brown ; fourth quill longest ; third shorter than
fifth ; second longer than sixth ; first equal to ninth. TVing (male, 10,572, Fort Tejon),
12.00 ; tail, 8.40 ; tarsus, 2.82 ; middle toe. 1.35. Female (4,520, Santa Clara, Cal. ; Dr.
Cooper), wing, 13.00 ; tail, 9.00 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; middle toe. 1.52.

Hab. Pacific, and southern portion of the middle Provinces of the United States;
Mexico.

Localities quoted : Texas (San Antonio, winter), (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 325) ; Arizona
(CouES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 9) ; city of Mexico (Scl. & S.\lv. P. Z. S. 18C9, 364).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMIKED.

National Museum, 4; Philadelphia Academy, 4; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1; R. Kidg-
way, 2. Total, 11.

Measurements.

Wing, 12.00-13.00; tail, 8.75-9.50; culmen, .78-.90; tarsus, 3.00-3.12; middle toe,
1.40 - 1.50.

The young of tlie Butco chgatis differs most remarkably Ircjni that of B.
lineatiis ; the pattern of coloration appears scarcely the same, lor the ochra-
ceous on outer webs of primaries, anterior to their emargination, — wliich is
a feature distinguishing the immature Nneafus from all other Buteos, — is in
the present bird almost obliterated by the extension of tlie dusky.

Habits. The Eed-shouldered Hawk has an e.xteuded distribution, being
found more or less abundant from Florida to Nova Scotia, and from the

FALCOXID.E — THE KALUONS. 279

Atlantic to the Pacific coast it is replaced by the Buteo ehgans. Mr. J. A.
Allen found it by far the most abundant of this family in Florida. In Texas
the two races, lineatus and elcgmis, appear to occur togethei', Mr. Dresser
having met with both near San Antonio. The Eed-shouldered Hawk
was noticed by this writer from the river Neuces eastward. He found
it breeding in the heavily wooded river bottoms of the Medina, and
several others of the rivers of Texas, but did nut succeed in ])ro(uring tiie
eggs. It breeds abundantly in Florida, and thence throughout the United
States as far north as Northern Vermont, Xova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Lieutenant Bland notices it as a common and migratory species in Nova
Scotia, but Mr. Downes speaks of it as rare near Halifax, where he only
met with two specimens. Mr. Boardman gives it as quite common near
Calais, breeding there and proljably resident. In Western Maine Mr. \ex-
rill regarded the species as a not very common summer resident, where it
was also known to lu'eed, as he met with its nest and eggs May 24, 1860.
It is quite common in Eastern Massachusetts, where it is found all the year,
but where it is more abundant in the fall, from the addition of northern
migrants, than at any other time. A few are found throughout tlie win-
ter, keeping about open springs and in sheltered situations. Mr. Allen also
speaks of it as not uncommon in the western ])art of the same State. It
was not taken or seen by Iiichanlson in northern regions, nor does it appear
to have been observed in any of the West India Islands.

The history and habits of this very common Hawk seem to have been
in\'olved, among earlier writers, in a confusion that seems hardly explicable.
Wilson described and always regarded the young and old as two distinct
species, calling the former liyemalis, giving to it a northern residence, and the
mature bird Hneatus. Mr. Audubon repeated this error at first, and sought to
demonstrate its correctness by giving to the two forms very dissimilar hal)its.
Bonaparte believed these forms to be identical, and Nuttall did the same, but
was altogetlier in error as to its distribution. He was not aware of its pres-
ence in Massachusetts, where it is at times the most abundant of the rapto-
rial bii'ds. This writer only met with it in the Southern States, where
he found it very common in swampy situations. He speaks of its
having a quailing cry of mutual recognition, which is a plaintive echoing
note, like kce-uu, which is continued with little intermission for nearly
twenty minutes. He describes the species as not shy, and as very easily
approached. These Hawks remain mated throughout the year, and their
affectionate treatment of each other is in striking contrast witli the selfish
indifference of the Ked-tail species when their breeding-season is ended.

Nuttall observed it feeding on frogs, cray-fisli, and even insects, and
rarely troubling larger game. In only one instance did he see one descend
upon a Plover. Wilson saw them attack Plover, Sand-pipers, Larks, and
e^•en Hawks ; but the last is very rare and exceptional. I have never
known one of this species to molest the i)oultry-yard. From 1828 to 1838,

280 KORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

during my stay iu lioxbury, a pair of these Hawks were residents within a
few hundred yards of the house, where, as they never molested tlie tenants
of the barn-yard, they were not allowed to he disturbed. Their breeding-
place we could not liud, but tliey kept about an open spring during the
winter, feeding upon small game, and were not at all sliy. One of them
unfortiuuitely was wounded, and was kept in coulinement several days.
It was the male liinl, iu full adult plumage, and was by no means wild,
feeding readily upon what was given to it, even willi our near presence. It
would not tolerate a too great familiarity, but manifested great irritation if
we attempted to approach it. Its wing had been badly shattered, and it
finally died from mortificatiou of the wound. It would never submit to
be handled, and fought desperately when we sought to have its limb
bound up. After we gave up this attempt as impossible it became rather
more familiar, and would even at last greet me with a welcome cry of recog-
nition, and take its food from my hand.

Wilson, in speaking of the adult bird, states that this Hawk has a high
and very irregular flight, and is (piite different from that of species witli
longer wings. In his account of the immature plumage, he notes its
arrival in Pennsylvania early in November, and its departure in ilarch.
He speaks of it as a dexterous catcher of frogs, and adds tliat it sometimes
so stuffs itself that it can fly with difticulty. He has found the remains of
ten frogs in the stomach of a single individual.

The Eed-shouldered Hawk constructs a large nest, not unlike that of the
Crow, in the forked branches of a high tree. It is composed externally of
sticks, and is lined with moss and soft leaves. The eggs are four in number,
and occasionally three or two. When the nest is approached, the bird utters
loud, frequent, and peculiar cries of alarm and resentment, net unlike kee-
00 ! rapidly repeated, but makes no attempt at resistance. The pair return
year after year to the same nest, even wdien it has been rolibed the previous
season.

The eggs of this Hawk are of a very uniform spheroidal-oval sliajie, but
sliglitly pointed at one end, and exhibit certain very general characteristics
in the colors of their markings, but vary greatly in their size. The length
varies from 2.20 to 2.00, and the breadth from 1.81 to 1.5G. The ground-
color is usually a dingy white, rarely pure white, and frequently with de-
cidedly brownish tinge. The blotches are most frequently of a yellowish
umber color; sometimes blotches of sienna-brown, slate-drab, and more ob-
scure shades of brown are present, and these colors are not unfrequently
confusedly mingled. An egg from Cheraw, S. C, has a ground-color of a
light drab, tinged ^vith slate and without any blotches whatever. It is not
uncommon to find tliese nearly unspotted eggs in the same nest with others
very boldly and profusely blotclied. The Cheraw egg measures 2.00 by 1.56
inches ; an egg from Massachusetts, 2.20 by 1.81 : their relative capacity
being nearly as three to four. Tliey average about 2.10 by 1.68 inches.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

281

Mr. L. Heiligbrodt foiiud the nest of this Hawk near Austin, Texas. One
egg was taken from the nest, and in a few days after a second was found to
have been deposited (S. I. 15,894).

The handsome variety known as B. degans is generally spoken of Ly all
familiar with its habits, as well
as with its appearance, as the
almost exact counterpart of
the Eed-shouldered Hawk, re-
placing that form on the west
coast.

In regard to its distinctive
specific habits but little is as
yet known, but it is probable
they are not essentially differ-
ent from those of the lineatus,
Dr. Cooper bearing positive
testimony to this fact. He
found this Hawk common in
the southern part of the State,
especially near San Diego, but
he did not meet ^^•ith any in
the Colorado Valley. On his
approach to one of them, it
would always fly off from its
usual perch, circling up high
into the air, and uttering short
shrill screams in rapid succession in the manner of the lineatus. He no-
ticed a pair constantly at one place near a ranch, and supposed they were
about building there, but was not able to fiud the nest.

Among the memoranda of Mr. Xantus, made at Fort Tejon, Cal., is one
dated May 9, mentioning the finding the nest of this species. It contained
ibur eggs, was built in an old decayed tree, in a swamp, and was about
fifteen feet from the ground. The nest was large and made of sticks.

S

Buteo elegans.

Buteo borealis (Gmel.).

BED-TAILED HAWK.

Sp. Char. Form heavy and robust; wings moderate, the third to fifth quill longest;
the first shorter than the seventh ; outer four with inner webs cut. Feet strong, the tarsi
and toes robust, and claws not very acute. Dimensions: Wing, 13..50- 17.25; tail,
8.50-11.30; culmen, 90-1.15; tarsus, 2.70-3.40; middle toe, 1.60-1.95; weight, 2^ to
4 lbs. Oolors: Adult: tail, deep lateritious-rufous, paler at the tip, and usually with
a subterminal bar of black (sometimes without any bar, and sometimes with numer-
ous bars to the base). Above blackish-brown, more or less variegated with whitish on

VOL. HI. 36

fr.

282 NORTH AMKRICAN BIRDS.

the scapulars and wing-coverts; beneath wliite, usually with a belt of blackish spots
across the abdomen ; sometimes wholly dusky or blackish beneath, but the pectoral region
always appreciably lighter than the abdomen ; under surface of primaries plain white
anterior to their emargination. Young. Tail grayish-brown, with nine or ton narrow,
sharply defined bands of blackish. Pattern of other parts as in the adult, but the white
purer, and the plumage generally with less rufous.

Hab. Entire continent of Nortli America ; West Indies.

The plumage varies from wholly dusky Ijlackisli, with a paler, more
brownish, pectoral area, aud the tail of the adult with numerous black
bars, or indications of bars, to the very base (var. calurus), through va-
rious proportionate degrees of rufous aud dusky, to entirely pure white
beneath, without any spotting ; the tail of the adidt without a single
black bar (vars. krideri and liicasanus).

Var. borealis, GjnxiN.
EASTERN KED-TAIL.

4

Falco barcalis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. jj. 266, 1789. — Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 25, 1790 ; S>ti. I, p.
50, 1780 ; Supp. II, 34, 1787 ; Gen. Hist. I, p. 265, 1821. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 157,
1800. —Shaw, Zobl. VII, 112, 1812. —WiLS. Am. Orn. pi. Hi, fig. 1, 1808. —Sab.
Frankl. Exp. p. 670. — Wagl. Isis, p. 517, 1831. — Bonap. Ann. N. Y. Lye. II, pp.
32, 434 ; Isis, p. 1138, 1832. —AvD. Birds Am. pi. U, 1831 ; Cm. Biog. I, p. 265,
1831; Syn. VI. — Gray, Genera, 1840. — Rich. F. B. A. II, 50, 1831. — Nutt.
Man. I, 102, 1840. — GossE, Buds Jam. II, 1847. — Doron. Cab. I, 229, pi. xxx,
1830. Buteo borealis, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat. IT, p. 478, 1819 ; Enc. Sleth.

III, p. 1222, 1823. — ViG. Zobl. Journ. I, p. 340 ; Zobl. Beech. Voy. p. 15. — Steph.
Zobl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 47, 1826. — Less. Tr. Orn. ji. 79, 1831. — Ja.mes. (Wils.) Am.
Orn. I, pp. 82, 84, 1808. — Jakd. (Wils.) Am. Oni. II, pp. 280, 282, 1808.- Brew.
(Wils.) Am. Orn. p. 450; Syuop. p. 684. — Bosap. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838;
Consp. .A.V. p. 19. -Arc. Sjiiop. p. 6, 1839. — Gk.\v, Gen. B. fol. sp. 6, 1844 ; List
B. Brit. Mus. p. 34, 1844. — PucHEit. Rev. Zobl. p. 214, 1850. — GossE, B. Jam. p.
11, pi. ii, 1847. — Ca.ss. B. Cal. & Tex. Syn. p. 97, 1854; Proc. Ac. Sc. Philad. p.
279, 1855. — Gamb. Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. N. S. I, p. 26. — Nittt. Man. Orn.
U. S. & Canad. p. 102, 1833. — De Kay, Zobl. N. Y. II, p. 9, pi. viii, f. 17 (Juv.),
1844. — Peab. Bo.st. Journ. Nat. Hist. Ill, p. 80, 1837. — Tho.mp. Hist. Verm. App.
p. 63, 1853. — Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 62, 1848. — Towxs. Sit. Exp. Zuni & Color,
p. 59. — Kaup, TJeb. Falk. Mus. Senck. p. 261, 1845. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 29,
1855. —Max. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 17. — Blaki.st. Ibis, III, 1861, 318. — Wood,
Am. Nat. Ill, 1869, 393. —Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 7. Ast ur boreal is, Cw. Ekg.
An. (ed. 2), I, 332, 1829. — Swains. Class. B. I, 316 ; II, 215, 1837. Paxi/optenm
borealis, Kaup, Isis, Mon. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 76. Falco Icvcrianus, Gmel.
Syst. Nat. 266, 1789. — Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 181, 1790 ; Syn. Supp. I, 31, 1787 ; Gen.
Hist. I, 620, 1821.- Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 126, 1800. —Shaw, ZobL VII, 151, 1812.—
Wils. Am. Orn. pi. lii (Juv.), 1808. — Arc. Oru. Biog. I, 265. fiuteo Icverianus,
ViG. Zobl. Journ. I, 340. — Steph. Zobl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 47, 1815. Falco aquilinus,
Bartr. Tran. p. 390, 1791. Accipiicr rujicaudus, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. xiv, bis.
1807 Buleo fulvus, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. p, 34 ; Nouv. Diet. Hist. IV, p. 468
(qnot. F. jamaiccnsis], 1819. Buico ferrugineocaudns, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. vi,
1807. — Cuv. R^g. An. (ed. 2), I, 337. Buteo ameriamxis, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. Nat.

IV, 477 ((luot.), Ois. Am. Merid. pi. vi, Enc. Meth. Ill, 1224, 1823. 'i Buteo galli-
nivorus, Vieill. Ois. Buteo borealis, Brewek, N. A. Oblog^', 1857.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 283

Sp. Char. Adult. Upper parts rich bhmkisli-brown, approaching black on the back ;
scapulars and miiblle wing-coverts edged and barred beneath the surface with dull white,
and tinged along edges with ochraccons. Wings generally of a paler shade than the
back ; secondaries fading into nearly white at tips, and. with the greater coverts, obscurely
barred with darker; primaries nearly black, tips edged with pale brown, this passing into
whitish. Rump unilbrm blackish-brown, feathers obscurely bordered with rusty. Upper
tail-coverts ochraceous-white, nearly pure terminally, and with about two distinct
transverse bars of deep rutbus. Tail rich uniform lateriUous-rufous, passing narrowly
into white at the tip, and about an inch (or less) from the end crossed by a narrow band
of black. Head and neck with the feathers medially blaoki.sh-brown, their edges rusty-
rufous, causing a streaked appearance; the rufous prevailing on the sides of the occiput,
the ear-coverts, and neck. The l)lackish almost uniform on the forehead and on the
cheeks, over which it forms a broad ■' mustache " ; lores and sides of frontlet whitish.
Throat white, with broad stripes of pure slaty-brown ; lower parts in general ochraceous-
white ; tibisB and lower tail-coverts immaculate; across the abdomen aj.d flanks (imme-
diately in front of the tibiM) is a broad intei-rupted belt of longitudinal black blotches,
those on the abdomen tear-shaped, on the flanks larger and more irregular, throwing oft'
bars toward the edge of the feathers ; whole pectoral area variegated only with a few
shaft-streaks of black (these growing broader laterally), and sometimes washed with
rusty. Lining of the wing ochraceous-white, with sparse diamond-shaped spots of pale
rufous, and shaft-streaks of darker ; under surface of primaries white anterior to their
emargination, beyond which they gradually deepen into Ijlack ; the innermost ones are
finely mottled with slaty, and with imperfect transverse bars of the same.

Male. Wing, 13.50-16.50; tail, 8..50- 10.00; culmen, .95-1.08: tarsus, 1.40-3.20;
middle toe, 1. GO -1.70. Weight, 2J - 3 lbs.

Female. Wing, 15.25-17.75; tail, 9..50-10..30 ; cuhnen, 1.00-1.15; tarsus, 3.15-3.40;
middle toe, 1.70 - 1.80. Weight, 3-4 lbs.

Young (28,154, Philailelphia; J. Krider). Above similar to the adult, but lacking
entirely any rufous tinge, the scapulars and wing-coverts more variegated with whitish.
Tail light grayish-brown (very much lighter than the rump), tinged, especially basally,
with rufous, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with nine or ten narrow, curved
bands of black ; upper tail-coverts white, with broad bars of black. Head as in the
adult, but the rufous wanting, leaving the streaks black and white ; forehead more broadly
white ; chin and throat wholly white, the latter with a collar of dusky streaks across the
lower part ; whole pectoral region entire!}' immaculate, pure white ; abdominal band as
in the adult ; tibire somewhat tinged with ochraceous, unvariegated.

Hab. Eastern North America ; not in West Indies, nor west of the Missouri.

Localities: (?) Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 64).

LIST OF SPECIMEKS EXASflXED.

National Museum, 9; Philadelphia Academy, 13; Boston Society, 8; Museum, Cam-
bridge, 15 ; Cab. a. N. Lawrence, 3 ; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 50.

The true Butco horcalis, a.s restricted, may always be distinguislied from
the var. caluri's, its western representative, by its having the posterior lower
parts (tibiae and lower tail-coverts) entirely free from transverse bars, and
by lacking indications of transverse bars on the tail, anterior to the con-
spicuons subterminal one. It differs from the var. casta rkcnsk, in having
the head and neck conspicuously striped witli rufous, and the tliroat thickly
striped witli black, almost obliterating the white ; in the conspicuous alidoin-

284 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

inal belt of large black spots, and in having the tibiae lighter ochraceous
than the breast ; from the var. hicasanvs and var. krideri, it is distinguished
by having the black tail-baud, more spotted under parts, and in the upper
tail-coverts being white, banded witli rufous, instead of plain white, or
deep rufous, uniform with the tail.

A specimen (No. 1,750, Carlisle, Pa. ; S. F. Baird) appears at first sight
much like the var. calurus, being very dark ; the tibite, anal region, and
the lower tail-coverts are, however, not barred as in this, and the tail
[)ossesses but the subtermiual band.

An immature specimen (No. 21,488 ; John Krider) from Philadelphia has
the tibiaj quite distinctly barred, but less conspicuously so than in young of
var. calurus.

Var. krideri, HooPES.
WHITE-BELLIED RED-TAIL.
Btdeo krideri, HoorEs, P. A. X. S. Philad. 1873, p. —

Sr. Cu.\R. Adult. Similar to var. borealis^ but beneath continuous pure white, without
rufous tinge, and without distinct spots across the abdomen, or lacl^ing them entirely ;
above much lighter, the brown, light rufous, and white being about equal in amount.
Upper tail-coverts immaculate white ; tail pale rufous, the shafts pure white, and the
webs mixed with white along their edges, its amount increasing toward the base ; no
trace of a dusky subtermiual bar, or else only indicated by badly defined spots.

Young. Differing from that of var. borealis in the immaculate, snowy-white lower
parts, nearly equal extent of the white and dusky on the upper parts, and whitish cast
of the tail.

Two females (one shot from nest of two eggs, near Alexandria, Minn., May 8, 1872,'
and the other, also shot from nest of two eggs, near Pelican Lake, Minn., May 21, 1872')
are entirely absolutely pure white beneath, there being but the faintest indications of mark-
ings in the region of the usual abdominal belt ; even the whole under side of the wing is
almost immaculate. The ground-color of the upper parts is pale grayish-brown, about
equally variegated transversely, on the .scapulars and tertials, with white. In one of them,
the sides of the head and neck are pale fawn-color, the " mustache " from the rictus
brownish-black in conspicuous contrast ; the upper parts are nearly equally variegated
with brown, light rufous, and white, the latter predominatin,? posteriorly. The upper
tail-coverts are immaculate white. The tail-feathers are light rufous, with pure white
shafts, considerably mixed with white along the edges of the feathers, the white consid-
erably increasing towards the base of the tail. Of the subtermiual dusky band there is
no trace in one specimen, while in the other it is indicated by transverse spots, while the
inner webs along the shafts are much variegated with transverse dusky spots. The male
specimen (shot at Chippewa Lake, Minn,, from nest (!) of two eggs May 19, 1872') is
considerably darker, nearly like the average plumage of eastern var. borealis. Still the
white of tlie lower parts is remarkably pure, being of an almost snowy clearness, with-
out any trace whatever of an ochraceous tinge.

No. 8,532, Devil's River, Texas (Nov. 1855; Dr. C. B. Kennerly), differs only in being a

' " Nest in oak-tree, in edge of wood, by lake."

- " Nest twenty-five feet high, in oak-tree."

' " Nest at top of broken poplar-tree near lake."

FALCONID^ — THE FALCOXS. 285

little less pure white beneath, the lower parts being very appreciably tinged with rufous
posteriorly.

Hab. Plains of the United States, from Minnesota to Texas (Devil's River, M. S. I.).

Var. lucasanns, Kidgwat.

ST. LUCAS EED TAIL.

" Buieo bormlis var. htcasaniis, RiDow.iy," CouKs, Key, 1872, 21C (under .B. horcalis).

Sp. Guar. Adult. General appearance of the normal plumage of var. calurvs, but the
upper parts more uniformly blackish, and the upper tail-coverts and tail uniform rufous,
the latter without a trace of a black bar. Beneath nearly uniform reddish ochraceous, or
light rufous, the usual abdominal belt merely indicated by a few inconspicuous spots ; no
trace of transverse bars on the lower parts Female ? (No. 16,925, Cape St. Luca.s Sept.
1.5, 18.59; J. Xantus). Wing. 16.00; tail. 9..50 ; tarsu.s, .3.00: middle toe, l.GO. Wing-
formula 5, 4, 3, 2 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9, 1, 10.

Young. Not distinguishable, by positive characters, from that of var. calurus.

Hab. Peninsula of Lower California.

All adult specimens from the peninsula of Lower California agree with
that described above, in the peculiar features which I consider as character-
izing a well-marked local race. The present form is most nearly related, in
its adult dress, to the var. h-ideri of the plains, in its unbarred tail and im-
maculate lower plumage, but differs from this, in having the upper parts
nearly black instead of almost white, tlie upper tail-coverts deep rufous, like
the tail, instead of white, and the lower parts rufous instead of white ; in
the rufous lower plumage and very dark upper parts, it closely resembles
var. costaricensis^ of Central America and Southern Mexico, but the latter has

1 Butco borealis, var. costarkensis, Ridgway. Biitco borcalis (all citations from Central
America).

Sp. Char. Adult (No. 30,409, Costa Eica ; Dr. A. von Frantzius). Head, neck, and upper
parts continuous, unvariegated brownish-black ; whole throat white, with a few cuneate spots
of black ; black of the neck meeting narrowly across the jugulum ; pectoral area immaculate pure
white ; upper part of abdomen with an imperfect belt of distinct narrow lanceolate strips of black ;
whole posterior lower jiarts fine pinkish ochraceous, unvariegated ; tibiae deepest, inclining to
delicate ochraceous-nifous ; upper tail-coverts innnaculate rufous. Tail as in var. borealis. Wing,
16.00; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 3,20; middle toe, 1.80. Bill very high, abruptly curved. Wing-
formula, 4, .5, 3, 6, 2 ; first, shoi'test.

This veiT curious variety is tliat which departs furthest from the tine borcalis ; not only the
details, but in a measure the pattern, of coloration, being greatly modified. The perfectly con-
tinuous pure brownish-black of the whole head and neck, sharply contrasted with the white throat-
patch, are features which distinguish it from every other variety of this group ; while the deep
rufous tibiae, and almost utter absence of transverse bars beneath, are also very distinctive char-
acters.

The .second of the two Costa Rican specimens before me (No. 33, .507 ; J. Canniol) differs from
the type in havine the white of the peetoral area clouded by an encroachment of the blackish of
the neck ; and acrcss the abdomen is a deep wash of the same. The tail-feathers exhibit indica-
tions of spots along the shafts, as in var. calurus; while the upper tail-coverts have a very few
bars of blackish.

Yoiing (37,338, Tres Marias Islands, January ; Col. A. .1. Grayson). Similar to the adult

230 NORTTI AMERICAN BIRDS.

a barred tail, entirely continuous black above, plain white throat patcli, and
other minor differences, besides having a quite difl'erent young plumage. As
to the young plumage of var. lucasamis, I cannot find any character by
■which it can with certainty be distinguished from that of \ar. calurus.

Var. caluruB, Cassin.

WESTERN RED-TAIL; BLACK RED-TAIL.

Buteo calurus, Cassin, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. VII, 281, 1855 ; Birds N. Am. 1858, 22.
— Steickl. Oin. iiyn. I, 38, 1855. — Coue.s, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 8, 1866. — Gr.\y,
Hand List, I, 7, 1869. Buteo montamis (not of NuTTALL !), Cassin, Birds N. Am.
1858, 26. — Newb. P. R. R. Rept. VI, iv, 1857. — Heerm. P. R. R. Rcpt. VII, 31,
1857. —Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 147, 1860. — CouES, Prod. Orn. Ariz,
p. 7, 1866. — Buteo swainsoni (not of Bonap !), Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. p. 98, 1854.

Sp. Char. Adult. Similar to v.ir. bore.alis, but darker, with more rufous and blackish
in the plumage : tibiie always, and flanks and crissum usually, barred with rufous ; throat
with the dark streaks suffused and widened, so as to form the prevailing color. Tail with
indications of transverse bars anterior to the usual subterminal one, these varying in num-
ber and distinctness with the individual. Whole plumage sometimes sooty black, the
breast, however, covere'd by an appreciably paler patch, usually of a somewhat rufous hue.
Tail sometimes with regular and continuous narrow bands to the very base.

Young. Very much darker than that of var. horealis, the pattern being similar, but the
dark markings much expanded and more numerous ; tibia? with heavy transverse spots of
dusky.

Hab. Western region of North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific ;
south into Mexico ; West Indies (Jamaica and Cuba, Mus. S. I.).

Localities quoted : (?) Xalapa (Sci.ateb, P. Z. S. 1859, 368) ; Oaxaca (Scl. P. Z. S. 1859,
.389) ; (?) Cuba (Cab. Journ. II. Ixxxii ; GvsDu Rep. 18G5, 223 ; resident. - B. borealis ") ;
S. E. Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865. 324).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 44 ; Philadelphia Academy, 18 ; Boston Society, 6 ; Coll. G. N. Law-
rence, 2 : R. Ridgway, 5. Total, 75.

in general appearance, liut (lill'ering in the follnwing particulars : Tail deep umber, with about
twelve or thirteen narrow bands of black, and very narrowly tipped with whitish ; lateral lower
parts tliickly spotted with blackish, and tibi.'e spotted transversely with the same ; lower tail-
coverts with distant bars of blackish. Upper tail-coverts blackish-bro^ni barred with wdiite, this
not touching the shaft.

Hab. Central America and Southw^estern Mexico ; Costa Rica. Ver.i^ua, and Tres Marias
Islands (Mus. S. I.).

Localities : (?) Guatemala (Sci,. Ibis, I, 217, B. borealis) ; Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, 133, "var.
jnontantis").

List of Specimens Examined. — National Museum, 4.

Measurements much tlie same as in the other varieties.

FALCON] D.E — THE FALCONS.
Measurements.

28

r^t

Stx.

Wing.

Tail.

Citimen.

Tar.ms.

Middte Toe.

Specivtens.

13.50-16.00
16.00-17.25

9.50-10.00
9.50-11.30

.90-1.10
1.00-1.08

2.90-3.30
3.30-3.40

1.70 -l.SO

1.80-1.95

30 N. Am.
16 "

9

13.25-14.00
14.50 -

9.00 -
9.00-

1.00-
1.10-

3.30-
3.25 -

1.80-
1.75-

2 Jiimaiuan.
1 "

i

15.50 -

9.50-

1.15-

3.10-

1.85-

1 Ciiljan.

A large collection nt' specimens of tliis race presents a series connecting
horcalis with the black form known as " calurus " ; e\ery possible condition
between the two being indicated in the range of individual variation. The
lightest styles as distinguished from var. horealis always have the tibiae
barred with rufous ; the crissum, also, is generally liarred, on the throat
the blackish-brown predominates, and the tail has more or less perfect Ijars
to the roots of the feathers ; generally, however, tliese are merely indicated
by projections from the shafts.

The extreme condition of this is the melanistic form which Mr. Cassin
described as " Buho calurus" ; the darkest exami)le of wiiicli (5,481, Peta-
luma, Cal. ; E. Samuels) is entirely lilackish-lirown, wings and scapulars
with feathers somewhat paler at tips ; breast inclining to dark sepia-l)rown,
the feathers with black shaft-streaks ; tibial feathers faintly tipped with pale
grayish-brown ; lower tail-coverts tipped and barred with rufous ; upper tail-
coverts deep rufous barred with black ; tail deep chestnut-rufous, the sub-
terminal black band ^^ery broad, and anterior to this are nine or ten imperfect
narrower black bands.

These fuliginous examples have always a more or less appreciably lighter
pectoral area, corresponding to the white of this region seen in the lighter
styles.

Of this race, almost each individual has its own cliaracteristic markings,
and scarcely two are to be found alike in a very large series from AVestern
North America. All the specimens from the liocky ^Mountains to the
Pacific, and from the table-lands of Mexico, as well as from t'aba and
Jamaica, are referriljle to this variety, although we are not aware that in
the latter region the bird ever becomes black. In the latter island this
species (as is also the case with many other birds) seems to be remarkably
subject to albinism. In the peninsula of Lower California it is reiilaced
by the var. lucasanux, and in Central America by the very different var.
costaricensis ; from both of which it may be distinguished by the numerous
transverse rufous bars crossing the posterior under parts, which character
serves also to distinguish the lightest examples from the eastern typical
ior calls.

A specimen (50,761 ; Colonel Grayson) from the Socorro Lsland, S. W.
Mexico, is like some Fort Tejon specimens.

288

NORTH AMKKR'AN BIRDS.

No. 41,759 (immature), MeriJa, Yucatan (Dr. Scliott), is remarkably light
colored, or, rather, is unusually variegated with whitish above ; the tail, also,
is almost white ; the bands, however, very conspicuous. The lower parts are
as thickly spotted as in specimens from Washington Territory.

The young bird of this western style is as different from that of the
eastern as is the adult, and the essential difterences are about the same, —
i. e. darker colors, or a predominance, or, rather, increase in size, of the dark
markings. The numerous heavy transverse spots on the tibia constitute a
persistent feature of the young of the var. cnlurus, as compared with the
almost, or perfectly, immaculate white of those in var. borealis.

It being certain that the Bufro montamis of Nuttall is really the B. swain-
soni, and not the variety of borealis so called by ilr. Cassin, it becomes
necessary to drop this name in connection with the present bird, and transfer
it as a synonyme to su-ainsoni. In its place, Mr. Cassin's name cahtrus must
be substituted, under which was described the melanistic condition of the
present variety of borealis.

In describing his B. montanus, Nuttall cites Audubon's plate of "Falco
biUeo," which, of course, is a name by which the B. swainsoiii was first desig-
nated before it was distinguished from the B. vulgaris of Europe. Audu-
bon's plate represents, unmistakably, the adult female of the Buteo sioainsoni.
H.VBiT.s. The well-known Eed-tailed Hawk is widely distributed through-
out North America from tiie West Indies and Central America to the Arctic

regions, and from the Atlantic
to the Pacific.

According to Sir John Eich-
ardson, it is common in the fur
countries, which it visits in
summer, and where a few are
known to breed. Specimens
W'cre taken In* Iiis party on the
Eocky Mountains, the plains
of the Saskatchewan, and at the
York factory. These were all
between the 53d and the 57th
parallels of latitude.

Mr. Salvin cites it as gen-
erally and plentifully distrib-
uted throughout Guatemala,
from whence numerous ex-
amples in all stages of plu-
mage, from the young to the
adult, were transmitted by Mr. Skinner. It was also found at Dueiias by
him. Mr. Swainson states that this Hawk was taken on the plains of
Mexico by Mr. Taylor. A single specimen was received by Mr. Lawrence

Buteo borealis (adult).

FALCUNID.E — THE FALCONS. 289

from Panama. Mr. Gosse states that it is tlie most common bird of this
family in Jamaica, where it is a resident, and where it breeds. Mr. Lem-
beye and Dr. Guudhich botli include it in their lists of the birds of Cuba,
and the latter marks it as breeding in that island. It has been observed in
Florida by ilr. Allen, and is not uncommon in all the New England States,
where it is resident throughout the year. In the Southern States it is most
abundant in the winter months.

Specimens of this bird are recorded in the government reports as obtained
from the Yellowstone, from the Pecos Ri^-er in Texas, and from Fort Fill-
more in New Mexico. Mr. Dresser Ibund it common throughout all of Texas
in all seasons of the year, breeding in all parts, Init preferring the heavily
timbered country. He obtained its eggs from Systerdale and from the Me-
dina Eiver.

This Hawk is a strong and powerful bird, with a firm, steady, and pro-
tracted flight, frequently at a great elevation, and often moving quite a
distance without any apparent motion of the wings. It is said to gen-
erally descend upon its ijrey from some fixed position, as the branch of a
tree, and rarely to dart upon it when flying. It is a cautious bird, and
iiirely ventures near a house for poultry excej)t when the dwelling is isolated
and near its own haunts. It jireys chiefly upon small quadrupeds, small
birds, and reptiles. It usually darts upon a snake from the branch of a tree,
and seizing it near the head bears it writhing through the air. In the val-
ley of the Saskatchewan, Eichardson states that it watches for the marmots,
and when one imprudently ventures from its burrow, darts upon it, bears it
a short distance off, and tears it to pieces.

As they fly, these birds utter a very peculiar and unpleasantly harsh cry
or scream, which they repeat very frequently. Capt. Blakiston observed
this at the Eed Tdxer settlement, and speaks of it as the Squealing Hawk.

Though said to be thus generally cautious in exposing itself to danger in
approaching a poultry-yard, it is not always thus cautious. ]\lr. Downes
mentions an instance where one of these birds entered a garden in Halifax
to pounce upon a tame Crow, and was captured alive by the owner.

Mr. Audubon states that after rearing their young they no longer remain
mated, but separate and evince rather jealous hostility to each other than
good-M'ill. When one has taken any prey in sight of another, the latter will
pursue and struggle with it for possession of the plunder. In these fights
they scream vociferously while struggling for possession.

In the Southern States these Hawks begin to build in February ; in the
IVIiddle States, from March the 24th to April loth; and in New England
usually from April to ]\Iay. They construct a large nest, composed exter-
nally of coarse sticks and twigs, and lined with dried grasses, moss, and
leaves, built for the most part in the fork of a lofty tree. The eggs are
usually four in numlier.

Mr. Augustus Fowler of i:)anvers, who is familiar with the habits of this

VOL. in. 37

290 NUKTll A.MKKICAN BIRDS.

bird, writes me that in Massacluisetts they usually lH'j,nii to build their
nests about the first of April, selecting some tall tree near the middle of the
woods, the branches of wliicli form a crotch near its trunk. To lliis chosen
spot the female carries a sufUcient quantity of sticks for its outside (the
male taking no very active part in the matter), and for its inside she uses
the bark fnnu the dead branches of the chestnut, which she beats and pecks
to pieces with her bill, making it soft and pliable, or gathers the fallen
leaves of the pine, or some other soft material, which she finds conveniently,
as a lining, which is about one inch in thickness. It is thirteen inches in
diameter from outside to outside, and seven inches in diameter on the inside,
while its depth is two and a half inches. The female usually lays five eggs,
which are spherical, of a dirty-white color, and marked with large blotches
of lirowu ; on some they cover almost the whole egg, while others are
marked mostly on the large end, and some even of the same nest are so
faintly marked as to appear almost wholly white. They are 2.11' inches in
length and 1.95 in diameter.

In Jamaica, according to Mr. March, these Hawks do not confine them-
selves to any particular mode or place for breeding, height seeming to be
their chief object. He has found their nest in a quite accessible tree, not
more than twenty feet from the ground, and near a frequented path. In
another instance a pair nested for several years on the roof of the turret of
the belfrvof the Spanishtown Cathedral church. The nest he describes as a
platform of dry sticks, more than a loot across and two or three inches thick.
The bed of the nest is about si.x inches across and two deep, of fine inner
bark, grass, and leaves, containing four or five eggs, nearly splierical, meas-
uring 2.25 by 2.75 inches, of a dirty or clayish white, dashed with blotches
and spots of vandyke-brown and umber, often running with a light shade
into the ground-color.

The eggs of the Eed-tail exhibit great variations in nearly every respect
except their shape, which is pretty uniformly a spheroidal-oval. Their ground-
color varies from white to a dingy rusty drab, their markings vary greatly
in colors, shades, size, frequency, and distribution. In some the markings
are small, few, and light, and the egg appears to l;>e of an almost homoge-
neous brownish-white. In others the ground is completely concealed by
large and confiuent blotches of deej) and dark purplish-brown, l)urnt umber,
and a peculiar shade known as Dutch umber. In some the markings are
distributed in fine and frequent granulations, diffused over tlie entire surface
of the egg, producing the effect of a color of uniform umber brown, through
which'the ground of yellowish -white can only be traced by a niagnifying-
glass. Four eggs in my cabinet average 2.22 inches in length by 1.72 in
breadth. The largest egg measures 2.55 by 1.90 inches ; the smallest, 2.10
by 1.70. The capacity of the largest to the smallest is nearly as five to
four.

The season in which this Ha^^■k deposits its eggs varies considerably.

FALCONIDJi: — THE FALCONS.

291

Mr. Jackson of West Chester, Penn., gives March 24 the earliest, and April
15 the hxtest, in which lie has met with its fresh e<J!>s.

Mr. Ilidgway obtained two eggs of this Hawk at IMonnt Carniel, 111., on
the 6th of March, the nest having been commenced early in February. It
M-as placed on the summit of a black-gum tree (JVi/ssa rmdtiflora), and rested
upon tlie topmost branches, about ninety feet from the ground. It was lined
with corn-husks, gathered frona a field close by. The eggs (No. 12,740, S. I.
Collection) measure, respectively, 2.45 and 2.50 in lengtli, by 1.95 and 2.00
in breadth. Tlieir color is plain bluish-white, entirely free from markings
of any kiuil.

In Calif(jrnia, the var. calurus is stated to be common in all parts of the
State not destitute of trees, and to reside permanently wherever found, pair-
ing only during the breeding-season. They prey upon hares and other
small quadrupeds, upon smaller birds, and upon reptiles. Dr. Cooper
states that at times, when food is plenty, they become e.xcessively fat. They
are known to occasionally seize a fowl from tlie iarin-yard. During the
middle of the day, in the cold weather, they are said to soar very Iiigli in
tlie air, and occasionally to disappear also in the manner of their eastern
relatives, the Butco horcalin. They are said to be abundant and resident
species in Washington Territory, having been found by Dr. Suckley quite
numerous at Puget Sound, but scarcer on the Upper Columbia, east of tlie
Cascade jMountains. It seems to be more daring than is common with the
borealis, for Dr. Suckley states that while he was stationed at Fort Steila-
coom he noticed that the poultry-yards were as much harassed by this
Hawk as by the Goshawk, not hesitating to seize poultry from the very
doors of the dwelling-houses.

Dr. Kennerly states that this Hawk was met with by him between the
coast of Texas at Indianola, and the Eio Grande at El Paso del Norte. It
seemed to feed indifferently upon reptiles, particularly lizards, and the
smaller quadrupeds and birds.

Dr. Cooper states that the nests of this species are numerous in the val-
leys and on the lower mountains of California. They are generally built in
the forks of a sycamore or other large trees, and formed of twigs pretty
finely constructed, and with a very distinct cavity. Eggs, taken by Dr.
Cooper near San Diego, were laid about the 20th of March, and were three
in number. They measured 2.28 by 1.76 inches, were of a dull yeUowish-
wdiite, with faint brown spots. While Dr. Cooper was climbing to the nest,
the old birds darted towards him from a neighboring bluff, but wdien within
a few feet of his head they turned away and did not attempt to make an
assault.

Two eggs belonging to the variety calurics were obtained by Mr. E. Samuels
near Petaluma, Cal., in 1856 ; measure 2.31 inches in length by 1.87 in
breadth. The shape of one egg is an almost exact ovoid, slightly tending to
a spheroid, one end being hardly perceptibly larger than tlie other. Its

292 NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

grouud-color is a ven^ lijjbt buff, tlie spottings and markings giving to it
the eflect of a yello\\isli-whit«. It is marked over tiie entire surface with
blotches, dashes, and lines of a light tint of a brown tending to Vandyke.
These are mixed with markings of a lighter purplish-brown. The markings,
of both shades, are chiefly oblong in shape, and run with the length of the
egg. They bear no resemblance to any eggs of the B. borcalis that I have
ever seen, and are unlike those of other Hawks so far as I am aware. It
was built on tlie top of a large e\-ergreen-oak, at least seve'nty feet from the
ground, and was constructed entirely of large, coarse sticks, lined witli a few
stray feathers. The male liird was shot as it fiew from the nest, which was
so hidden bj' the thick branches that it would ha\e escaped detection.

The black form of tliis species was first described by ilr. Cassin as Buieo
calurus, in 1855, from a specimen procured by Dr. Henry near Fort Web-
ster, New Jlexico. In this plumage it was afterwards met with" by ilr.
Emanuel Samuels, near Petaluma, in California, who found it breeding, and
was fortunate enough to secure the parent bird on its nest.

The nest was built near the top of an evergreen-oak, at the height of
about sbcty feet from the ground, and contained two eggs just on the point
of hatching. It was constructed of sticks, and was lined with moss. Both
birds were about the spot. The male bird, manifesting much more courage
than his mate in resistance to tlie intruders, was shot. The female was
wounded, but escaped.

One of these eggs measures 2.25 inches in length by 1.79 in breadth. Its
capacity is considerably less than that of the specimens just described ; its
shape is a much more oblong-oval; one end is evidently more pointed than the
other. Its ground-color is a dirty cream-white, covered, chiefly at the larger
end, with blotches and smaller markings of a dark shade of a brown almost
exactly corresponding with that known as vandyke-brown, with smaller
markings and spottings of a lighter shade of the same. The latter are dis-
tributed at inter\^als over its entire surface.

A nest, foimd by Mr. Xantus near Fort Tejon, is stated by him to have
been found in a swamp. It was built in a water-oak, was about fifteen feet
from the ground. The nest was very large and was built of coarse sticks.
It contained four eggs.

Buteo harlani (AupUBoy).

HAKLAN'S HAWK; "BLACK WABBIOB."

Fako harlani, ArD. B. Am. 1S31, pi. xxxri ; Ib. Om. Biog. I, 441. — Brewee ('W'n.s.),
Am. Orn. Synop. 1852, 684. Buico harlani, Bonap. List, 1838, 3. — AuD. Synop.
1839, 6. — Gk.\t, List B. Brit. Mus. 18.— De K.\y, Zobl. K. Y. 11, 11. — Stricki..
Om. Spi. I, 30. — Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858, 24 (adult, but not the description of
young, which is that of B. borcalis, rar. calurus). — Coi'E.s, P. A. If. S. 1866, 43. —
Gray, Hand List, I, 7 (under 5. iwrw/w). — Ridgway, P. A. N. S. Dec. 1870, 142.—
CouES, Key, 1872, 216.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS.

293

Sp. Char. Form strong and heavy, like li. boreaJis, but still more robust; tibial plumes
unusually developed, long and loose, their ends reaching to or beyond the base of the
toes; lateral toes nearly equal. Four outer primaries with inner webs cut. Dimensions:
Wing, 14.25-15.75; tail, 8.80-10.00; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.75-3.25; middle toe,
1.50-1.70. Colors: Nearly unilbrm black, varying from a sooty to a carbonaceous tint,
with more or less of concealed pure white. Adult Tail confusedly mottled longitudi-
nally, with grayish, dusky, and white, often tinged or mixed with rufous, the difierent
shades varying in relative amount in diU'erent individuals; a subterminal band of black.
Young. Tail grayish-brown, crossed by about nine very regular and sharply defined,
broad bands of black, about equal in width to the gray ones.

Adult male (Lawrence, Kansas, Oct., 1871 ; in Col-
lection of Kansas University). General color deep,
almost carbonaceous, black, showing much exposed
white on the head, neck, and breast, all the feathers
of which are snowy white beneath the surface, the
black being merely in the form of tear-shaped spots
on the terminal portion of the feather ; chin, lores,
and front pure white ; upper parts in general, the
posterior lower parts and the lining of the wing, with
tlie black unbroken, but all the feathers — except the
under wing-coverts — more or less spotted with white
beneath the surface, on a grayLsh ground ; these spots
being usually arranged in pairs on each side of the
shaft, on the flanks ; tail-coverts, above and below,
spotted irregularly with bright rufous, in nearly equal
amount with the black and white. Alute, primary
coverts, and primaries, with quadrate spots of plumbe-
ous on their outer webs, forming transverse bands:
under surface of primaries plumbeous-gray except at
ends, but much broken by coarse marbling of white,
this prevailing anteriorly, where it is much confused,
but posteriorly about equal with the grayish, and ex-
hibiting a tendency to form quadrate spots. Tail, with the gi-ound-color white, but this
nearly hidden on the upper surface by a longitudinal mottling of dark and light ashy, this
growing more uniform terminally, where it becomes .slightly suffused •sA-ith reddish and
crossed by a subterminal, broad but broken and irregular, band of black, the tip again
very narrowly grayish and reddish.

Wing-formula, 4,3,5-2,6; 1 = 10. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.80; culmen, 1.00; tarsus,
2.75; middle toe, 1..50; lateral toes equal. Plumage of the flank.s, abdomen, tibi«, and
cris,sum remarkably lengthened and lax, the latter reaching within two inches of the tip
of the tail, and the tibial plumes reaching to the base of the toes.

Adult female (6,851, Rio Grande, lat. 32° ; Dr. T. G. Henry, U. S. A.). Whole plumage
purplish black, or chocolate-black, with a purplish lustre ; feathers everywhere pure white
at bases, this exposed, however, only on the occiput, or where the feathers are disarranged.
Forehead, lores, and chin white. Secondaries and primaries more brown than other por-
tions, crossed by distinct bands of black, — about six on the secondaries. Whole lining
of the wing and upper tail-coverts continuous, unvariegated black. Under surface of the
primaries ashy-white, more slaty terminally; ends with distinct, and other portions with
obsolete mottled, bars of du.sky. Tail ashy-brown on outer webs, white on inner ; both
with a confused, rather longitudinal mottling of blackish; terminally, there is a broad
nearly continuous subterminal band indicated by blotches, these mixed very slightly with
a rufous tinge. Primaries injured by shot, therefore proportions of the quills cannot be

G851.

Buten hartani-

294 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

determined. Wing 15.75; tail, !).!(); ciilinen, 1.00; tarsuit, 2.90; middle toe, 1.60; outer,
1.15; inner, 1.15.

Young (Phil. Acad. Coll. ; San Antonio, Texas, I860 ; Dr. A. L. Heermann). Like the
preceding, but basal white rather more exposed, and somewhat fulvous on tlie breast ; the
sides, axillars, lining of the wing, and lower tail-coverts have ver}' obsolete transverse
spots of the same. Under surface of primaries unvariegated silvery white anterior to
their emargination, beyond which they are more hoary, along the edge black, this portion
with about five transverse spots of black. Tail grayish ashy-brown to the tip, crossed
with about nine very sharply defined bands of black, of equal width with the gray ones.
Lore.'! grayish-white. Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5-2-6-7-8=1. Wing, 14.25; tail, 10.00;
tarsus, 3.25; rai<ldIo toe, 1.70.

Had. Southern Mi.ssissippi Valley, from Louisiana (Aud.) and Texas (Mus. S. I.) ;
north to Eastern Kansas (Coll. Kansas Univ.).

Localities quoted: Guatemala (Sclater, Ibis I, 216 (?)) ; Arizona (Coces, P. A. N. S.
1866, 43).

There is not a doubt in my mind as to the pvo])riety of separating this
l)inl from any close relationship to the i>. horculis, nor of the correctness of
considering it the B. hurlani of Audnbon. It only can be referred to Audu-
bon's plate and description, both of which agree perfectly with the younger
l)luniage described.

The specimens Mr. Cassin describes as the "adult" B. luuiani are really
such ; biit those which he describes as the " young " are the young of the
Western Eed-tail {B. borealis var. calurus). The California specimens to
which Mr. Cassin refers, as identified by Mr. Lawrence as B. hnrJani, are in
reality tlie melanistic condition of B. sivainsoni, or the " insignatus" of Cassin.
The present bird appears to he restricted to Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico,
and adjacent jxirtions, north to Kansas, and probaldy Eastern Mexico.

-Habit.s. This Hawk was first described by .Vudubon from a pair obtained
by liim near St. Franinsville, T^ouisiana. Tliey liad Vired in tliat neighbor-
hood for two seasons, were sliy and difficult of approach, and for a long
while eluded his pursuit. The female was .shot while sailing over his head,
and wounded in the wing. He endeavored to preserve it alive and to carry
it as a present to the Zoological Society, but it refused all food and died in
a few days. This specimen is now in the British Museum. The male bird
was also obtained a few days later, and this too was brought to him yet alive
but also wounded. It was even more fierce and wilder than the female,
would erect the feathers on its head, open its bill, and prepare to strike with
its talons when any object was brought near to it.

This species, though smaller than the Red-tail, to whicli lie regarded it as
allied, Audubon thougjit greatly superior to it in fliglit and daring. Its flight
is described as rajiid, greatly protracted, and so poweri'ul as to enable it to
seize the prey with apparent ease, or effect its escape from its stronger
antagonist, the Red-tail, which pursued it on all occasions. It had been seen
to pounce upon a fowl, kill it almost instantly, and afterwards drag it along
the ground several hundred yards. It was not seen to prey on hares or
squirrels, but seemed to evince a marked preference for poultry, partridges.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

295

and the smaller species of wild duck. He saw none of the young, but was

told that they appeared to be of a leaden-gray color at a distance, and at the
approacii of winter became as dark as their i)arents.

]\Ir. Dresser states that he noticed this liird on several occasions near
San Antonio but was not fortunate enough to slioot one. He received one
specimen that liad been shot by a lad on the Medina River. He was in-
formed l)y a man living near there, wiio was a good sportsman and a careful
observer, that he had several times found their nests, and Dr. Heermann is
said to luue olitaiued the eggs there se\eral years before. Dr. Coues did not
meet with it in Arizona, where it probably, however, will }et be found.
Specimens have been received from Mexico, as is stated by Cassin, and a
Buzzard, which Mr. Salvin referred to this species, was seen by him near
Dueiias, where it was by no means common.

A specimen of this species has recently been taken in Kansas, near Law-
rence, as recorded by Professor Snow, and fully identiiied at the Smith-
sonian Institution.

Buteo cooperi, Cassin.

COOPER'S RED-TAILED HAWK.

BaUo cooperi, Cass. P. A. N. S. Philad. VllI, 1856, 253. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858, 31, pi.
xvi.— Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 1860, 148. —Gray, Hand List, I, 8. —
RiDGWAV, p. A. N. S. Dec. 1870, 142. — Coues, Key, 1872, 43.

Sp. Citar. Adult (8,.52.5, Santa Clara, California, Oct. 18.56; Dr. J. G. Cooper). Head,
neck, and whole lower parts white ; feathers of the head
and neck with medial longitudinal streaks of black, the
white prevailing on the occiput and superciliary region,
— the black predominating over the cheeks, forming a
" mustache " ; throat with fine lanceolate blackish streaks ;
sides of the breast with broader, more cuneate mark-
ings of the same ; flanks with narrow, lanceolate stripes,
these extending sparsely across the abdomen ; tibise, and
lower tail-coverts immaculate, the inner face of the for-
mer, however, with faint specks. Upper plumage in
general dark plunibeous-brown, inclining to black on the
back; plumbeous clearest on primaries, which are uni-
formly of this color, the inner ones inclining to fine cine-
reous. Scapulars and wing-coverts spattered with white
beneath the surface. Rump black; upper tail-coverts
white tinged with rufous, and with irregular, distant trans-
verse bars of blackish. Tail with light rufous prevailing,
but this broken up by longitudinal daubs and washes of
cinereous, and darker mottlings running longitudinally on
both webs; basally. the ground-color approaches white;
tips white, and a distinct, but very irregular, subterminal
band of black, into which the longitudinal motthngs melt ;
outer webs of lateral feathers entirely cinereous, and witli-
out th(; black band. Under side of the wing white, with a large black space on the

296

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

lining near the edge; under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargination,
finely mottled with ashy, and witli indistiiiot transverse l>ands terminally. Fourth quill
longest; third shorter than fifth; second equal to sixth; first equal to tenth. Wing,
15.75 ; tail, 9.10 ; tarsus, 3.25 ; middle toe, 1.70.

This remarkable Hawk is certainly not to be referred to llie IS. borealis, as has been
suggested, the proportions of the two being quite dififerent, while tliecc is no similarity of
plumage. In plumage, Buteo cooperi very closely resembles the adult of Archibuleo fer-
rugineus, and the suggestion has been made that it is a hybrid between this and the Red-
tail. The markings of the head, and the general tint of the upper parts, are almost
precisely as in the former bird, while the tail is exactly similar in character of markings,
the only difference being the more reddish tinge and black subterminal band, which are,
in fact, the only characters approximating it to the Buteo borealis. The feet are, however,

Buteo cooperi (adult).

very much stronger than in the A. /errugineus, while the tarsus is very much longer than
in boreali.t. scarcely more so, however, than in the former. The black patch on the lining
of the wing, however, is a feature shared by neither of these birds, being one entirely
peculiar to the Buteo cooperi. But one specimen — the one described above — is known
to have been obtained. Mr. .1. A. Allen, in his " Notes on some of the Rarer Birds of
Massachu.setts " (.see "American Naturalist," Vol. Ill, p. 518, and a separate paper, p. 14),
mentions the capture of this species near Cambridge, Mass., but probably did not actually
see it. The specimen in question being in the posse.s.sion of Mr. C. J. Maynard, he kindly
sent it to the Smithsonian Institution. On examination, it proved to be a young Buteo
lineatus, differing from the average in somewhat lighter colors.
Hab. Santa Clara County, California.

FALCOXID.E — THE FALCONS, 297

The nearest ally of this species is the B. ferox, of the Palifearctic Realm
(Northen Asia and Africa and jjortions of Europe), which has exactly tlie
size and jirupurlions of the present bird, and in certain stages a very
similar iilumage. T liavu not seen an unLpiestioual >le adult of B. ferox, but
specimens almost adult, in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural
Histcny, from the Himalaya Mountains, come remarkably close to B. cooperi
in plumage, having like it a black spot ou the under side of the wing, but
apparently on the under primary-coverts, instead of on the lining, near the
edge ; the tail is also very similarly colored. Upon the whole, I consider
the B. cooperi to be a good species, with B. ferox, Gmelin, of Asia, etc., as its
nearest relative, unless it proves to be a hybrid between BtiUo horcalis and
Archihutco firrvjjincus, which I think is less likely to be the ease.

Habits. A single indi\idual of this bird was shot by Dr. Cooper near
Momitain View in Santa Clara Valley, California, in November, 1855. It still
remains unique in collections, and during his mure recent explorations Dr.
Cooper has not been alile to obtain any additional sjiecimens or see any like
it. Those he mistook for this bird and to which he refers in his report on
the birds of Washington Territory, he' is satisfied were only the Archiliutco
ferrugincus. The suggestion of Sclater, that the bird is not distinct from
Buteo erythronotus, is negatived, according to Mr. Ridgway, by the fact of
then- actually belonging to diflereut sections of the genus.

Genus ARCHIBUTEO, Brehm.

Archihuteo, Beehm, 1828. (Type, Falco lagopus, Gmelin.)
Triorchis, Kafp, 1829 (nee. Le.^ch, 1816). (Same type.)
Butaetcs, Le.s.s. 1831. (Same type.)

1 Butaquila, Hodgs. 1844. (Type, ButaquUa strophiata, HoDGS.)
? Hemiaetus, HoDGs. 1844. (Same type.)

Char. Similar to Buteo, but bill and feet weaker, wings longer, and tarsi feathers in
front, to the toes. Bill small, compressed anteriorly, but very broad through the gape;
upper outline of the cere ascending basally ; nostril Ijroadly oval, nearly horizontal. Tar-
sus densely feathered in front and on the sides down to the base of the toes ; naked be-
hind, where covered with irregular scales. Tarsus more than twice as long as the middle
toe ; basal half of the toes covered with small scales ; outer toe longer than the inner ;
claws long, strongly curved, acute. Feathering of the head and neck normal. Wing
very long; the third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh ; outer four or five
with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail moderate, rounded. Plumage full and soft.

The relationship of this well-marked genus appears to be nearest to Buteo
and Circus, with an approach to Circcetus in character of the plumage, espe-
cially the wing. The Old World species, belonging to the subgenus (?) Buta-
qidla, numbering two or three, according to different authors, I have not
seen, and consequently cannot say whether they are really congeneric with
the American species or not. Exclusive of these, two species are known,

VOL. ui. 38

298

NUUTJl AMKIUCAN BIRDS.

both of which belong to North America, one of them (A. lafjopva) being
found also in Euroiie iuul Africa. These differ very considerably from each
other, in the details of external structure, probably quite as niucli as they do

54338,^.

illu ,ial^S';^

54338, ^.

54338, f

54338,? ««««4-

54338, Arcliibuteo fagopus.

41720, A. ffrruginrn^.

from the Asiatic forms above mentioned. Tlie following synopsis will ex-
press the differences between the two North American species, and lietweeu
the American and European races of the one common to both continents.

Species and Races.

Common Cn.VRAOTERS. Tail more or less white basally ; inner wobs of the pri-
maries white, without bars, anterior to their emargination. Head and neck
with longitudinal streaks of whitish and dusky (except in tnelanistic individuals
of lagopvs var- sancti-johannis).

1. A. ferrugineus. Winfr, 15.90-17.00: tail, 9.50-11.00: ciilmen, 1.00-
1.20; tarsus, ..!. 10 -3,45; middle toe, 1.40-1.65. Bill wide, the ba,se very
broad and depressed. Beneath, continuous pure white, without r-onspicuous
spots, except soraetimes a few scattered ones along the sides and across the
abdomen ; breast immaculate, or with only narrow shaft-streaks. Upper
part-s always with more or less rufous. Adult. Upper parts and tibije

FALCUNID/E — THE FALCONS. 200

fine rufous, the former with longitudinal spots, the latter with transverse
bars, of blaukish. Secondaries and primaries plumbeous, the latter with
a hoary cast. Tail wliite, washed with pale sish, and more or less stained
along the edges of the feathers (longitudinally) with light rufous; some-
times with a badly defined indication of a dusky subterminal bar. Youikj.
Above dark grayisli-brown, vvitli only the borders of the feathers rufous
or ochraceous; tibia; white, with sparse transverse spots of dark brown.
Tail white only on basal third, and on inner webs, the remaining por-
tion brownish-ashy, with several more or less distinct darker bands. Ilah.
Western North America, from Arizona, California, and Oregon, east to the
Great Plains.

2. A. lagopus. Wing, 1.J.7.J- 1S.20 ; tail, 8.70 - 10..')0 ; culmen, .80-1.00;
tarsu.s, 2.30-2.S0; middle toe, 1.30-1.50. Bill narrow, compressed ; be-
neath more or less spotted with dusky, which usually predominates; breast
with large spots of dusky: no rufous on upper parts, nor on tibiic. Adult.
Whitish, with transverse dusky spots. On the lower parts, the dusky spots or
clouding.s largest and most siiff'used anteriorly (on tlie jugulum and Ijreast).
Terminal portion of the tail with several irregular dusky bands. (Sometimes
almost entirely black, varying in shade from a brownisli to a carbonaceous
tint!) Young. Above grayish-brown, longitudinally spotted with dusky,
and more or less edged with pale ochraceous, or rusty whitish. Beneath
ochraceous-white, with the spots largest and most suffused posteriorly, form-
ing a wide, more or less continuous belt across the aljdomen ; markings on
the jugulum and breast longitudinal. Terminal portion of the tail without
transverse bars.

Spots on tlic jugulum, in the adult, sufl'used into a nearly uniform
patch. Never melanistic (?). Hah. Europe . . . var. Jurjopus.^

Spots on the jugulum, in the adult, scattered. Frequently melanistic.
Hab. North America ...... var. .<ian rti-johannis.

1 Archlhutco lagopus (Bkukn.), Gray. Falco layopus, Bhunn. Oru. Bur. p. 4, sp. 15 (1764) ;
Penn., Gmel., Lath., Siemss., Baud., Shaw, Naum., Meyeu. Butco lagopus, Steph. et
AucT. Bulaeles lagopus, Bonap., Giiay', Bailly, Morr., Reich. Archibuteo lagopus. Gray',
Gen. B. (ed. 2), p. 3 ; 1841, et AucT. (Not of American writers, nor when used for the Ameri-
can bird !) Ilab. North and Central Europe ; Northern Africa.

A comparison of the American birds with series of sixteen European specimens shows constant
differences in the birds of the two continents, — quite enough to establish a difference of race,
although not of specific value. Tlie European bird is much the darker beneath, the blackish-
brown spots on juguhnu and breast being blended, or suffused, so as to give the predominating
tint to this region.

These differences, though constant and quite appreciable on comparison, are very slight, while
the proportions are about the same. A young specimen of the European style differs from Ameri-
can in entire absence of rufous tinge to wliite of head, neck, and lower parts, less complete band
aero.ss the abdomen, immaculate white ear-coverts, cheeks, and throat ; the tibiie and tarsi are
also much more thickly spotted than in the American young ; there is also more wdiite on base
of outer surface of primaries.

List of Specimens cvamincd. — Nat. Mus., (5; Pliilad. Acad., 8; Bost. Soc, 2. Total, 16.

Measurements. — $. Wing, 16.00 ; tail, 8.70 ; culmen, .80 ; tarsus, 2.30 ; middle toe, 1.30.
Specimens, 1. 9- ^^'i"g. 18.20; tail, 9.75; culmen, .95; tarsus, 2.60; middle toe, 1.50.
Specimens, 1.

3Q0 NORTH AMKRICAN BIRDS.

Archibutco ferruginous Liriir).

CALIFORNIA SQUIB££L HAWE.

Falco ferrugineus, Licii r, licrl. Trans. 1838, p. 42U. Latjojms ferruginciis, Fkaskr, Proc.
Zobl. Soc. Loud. 1844, p. 37. Archibulen ferrugineus, Gray, Gen. }i. fol. sp. 3, 1844.

— Cass. B. of Cal. & lux. 1854, p. 104; Birds N. Am. 1858, 34. — Bo.nap. C'oiisp.
Av. p. 18. — SntlOKL. Orn. Syn. I, 41, 1855. — Heek.m. P. K. K. Kept. VII, 31, 1857.

— Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 149, 1860. — Coues, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 10,
1866 (anatomical notes). — Blaklst. Ibis, III, 1861, 318 (Saskatchewan; eggs). —
Fraseu, Pr. Z. S. 1844, 37. — Guay, Hand Li.st, I, 10, 1869. Archibutco regalis,
Gray, List B. Brit. Mu.s. p. 39, 1844 ; Gen. B. fol. pi. vi.

Sp. CiiAR. Adnlt )7!a?e (4-1,71!), Fort Whipple, Arizona, Deo. 2, 1804; Dr. Coues). Ground-
color of head and neck white ; each feather with a medial streak of black, these growing
broader po.sterioi-ly, and along the upper border of the ear-coverts are so Ijlended as to
form an indistinct stripe back from the eye. Entire lower parts (except tibia) and whole
under surface of the wing continuous pure white ; breast with a faint tinge of delicate
oohraceous ; tibia and tarsus reddish-white, tinged with or inclining to deep ferruginous
on upper portion, and wiili nunierous transverse bars of darker ferruginous and blackish;
sides of the breast with a very few hair-like shaft-streaks of black; flanks with a few dis-
tant, dark ferruginous bars; axillars with two or three cordate spots of ferruginous near
ends; feathers of the lining ne.\-t the body, with blended irregularly hastate spots of
rufous; under primary coverts shading into cinereous on terminal half, and with obscure
broadly hastate spots of a darker shade of the same ; primaries slaty beyond their emargina-
tion, deepening gradually toward tlieir tips. Back, scapulars, and lesser and middle wing-
coverts fine rufous, each feather with a broad median, longitudinal spot of brownish
plumbeous-blaek, these on the back rather exceeding the rufous; longer wing-coverts and
secondaries ashy-umber, with very obsolete transverse bands of darker; primary coverts
more ashy, and more distinctly banded ; primaries fine chalky cinereous, this lightest on
outer four; shafts pure white. Rump nearly uniform brownish-black, — posterior feathers
rufous with medial black blotches ; upper tail-coverts snowy white on outer webs, inner
webs more rufous; a few concealed blackish transverse spots. Tail pale pearly ash, be-
coming white basally, and witli a wash of dilute rufous along the edge of outer webs;
inner webs white, with an ashy tinge thrown in longitudinal washes ; outer feathers
nearly white, with faint pale ashy longitudinal mottlings ; shafts of tail-feathers pure white.
Fourth quill longest; third but little shorter; second very much shorter than fifth; first
intermediate between .seventh and eiglith. Wing, 1G.7.T; tail, 9.20; tarsus, 2.95; middle
toe, I.3.J.

"Length, 22.50; extent, 54.50. Iris clear light yellow; cere, edges of commissure, and
feet bright yellow ; bill very dark liluish hoi'n ; mouth, purplish flesh-color, livid bluish
along edges."

Adult female (41,720, Fort Whipple; Dr. Coues). .Almost exactly like the male, but
black spots on rufous portions of upper parts much restricted, forming oblong spots in
the middle of each feather; rump almost entirely rufous, variegated, however, with black.
Longitudinal lines on breast more distinct; transverse bars on flanks and alidomcn more
numerous; tiliial and tarsal feathers wholly deep rufous or ferruginous, the bars more
blackish. Third and fourth quills equal and longest ; second intermediate between fifth
and sixth ; first equal to eighth. Wing, 17.25 ; tail, 9.75 ; tarsus, 2.95 ; middle toe, 1.40.
"Length, 23.25; extent, 56.50. Iris light ochraceous-brown."

Yunng femnle (G,883, Los An'gelos, California; Dr. Heermann). General plumage above,
grayish-brown ; interscapulars, scapulars, lesser and middh; wing-coverts, and feathers of'

l/V

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

301

head and neck, ed<;ed laterally with ligjht nilbiis; sccondai-ies passing: broadly into pale
ashy at ends; primaries slaty-brown, with obscure darker bands; no appearance of these,
however, on secondaries; rump entirely blackish-brown; upper tail-coverts wholly white.
Tail hoary slate, basal third (or more) white, the junction of the two colors irregular and
broken ; tip obscurely paler ; feathers obscurely blackish along edges, and with obsolete
transverse spots of the same; white prevailing on inner webs. Beneath entirely pure
white, scarcely variegated; tibia; and tarsi with a few scattered small transverse siiots of
blackish ; flanks with larger, more cordate spots of the same. (Breeds in this plumage.)

Hab. Western North America from California to the Missouri, and from the Sas-
katchewan to Texas.

Localities: Texas (Fort Stockton), (DRESSKn, Ibis, 1865, 325); Western Arizona (Corns.
Pr. A. N. S., 1866, 40).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

Nat. Mus., 10; Philad. Acad., 2; Boston Soc, 2; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, IG.

Measurements.

wing.

Sex.'

$ 15.90-17.00

Tail.

9.50-10.50

17.00-17.60 10.50-11.00

1.00-1.18

1.08-1.20

Tarsus.

3.10-3.45

3.20 - 3.40

1.40- 1.50

1.60 - 1.65

Specimens,
6

The variations in tlii.s species are very slight, and never sufficient to mis-
lead the student. One specimen (26,590, <J ; Fort Tejon, Cal. ; J. Xantus)
differs from tlie adults described in liaving the abdomen quite closely barred,
the streaks on the breast distinct, the rufous above tinging tlie secondary
coverts, and spreading over the ujiper tail-coverts, wliile the tibise and tarsi
are of a very deep ferruginous, — the bars black.

In a specimen from tlie Platte (5,577, i ; W. S. Wood) white prevails on
the tibiae, the bars being dark ferruginous upon a white ground ; the flanks
are similarly marked, the other lower parts, however, immaculate ; there is
much concealed white on the scapulars. The rufous tinge of the tail is very
deep, while there is a transverse series of black blotches, iudicatmg the
course of a transverse band near the end.

Habits. The California Squirrel Hawk appears to be an e.xclusively
western species, occurring as far to the east as Nebraska and Kansas, and as
far to the nortli as the Plains of the Saskatchewan and Washington Terri-
tory. It occurs as far to the southeast as Texas, and has been found also
in New Mexico and in Arizona.

This species was first noticed and described in a paper on the natural his-
torj'- of California published in the Transactions of the Pioyal Academy of Ber-
lin, in 1838, by Professor Liclitenstein, a Prussian naturalist. It was fir.st
brought to the notice of American naturalists by Mr. Edward M. Kern, of
Philadelphia, who accompanied Colonel Fremont in his expedition of 1846,
and who brought home specimens.

Dr. Coues found it quite abundant about Fort Whipple, where it was
especially numerous in the winter, and where also he thinks it probable that
it is a permanent resident. He found it more generally frequenting mead-

302

NORTH AMEKICAN BIRDS.

ows, plains, and the more open woods. He usually found their stomachs
filled with arvicolaj and otiier small quadrupeds pecuhar to that country.
It could always be readily recognized by its conspicuously white under

parts, contrasted with
its dark chesnut tibiie
and reddish back.

At San Pedro, on the
southern coast of Cali-
fornia, he again found
this Hawk very com-
mon, it there alights
very freely on the
ground, where he often
ol)ser\ed it. At Fort
Whipple he only saw it
on trees. At San Pedro

■^-V^L\/fci^^'2> '^^^^^^''^i'iV^ 'ts choosing tlius the

liare plam may have
been a matter of neces-
sity.

Dr. Kennerly ob-
served a single individ-
ual of this species in a
" prairie-dog-town " of
large extent, near Fort
Davis. It was intently
watching at the hole of one of tiiese animals. While in this position, it was
observed to strike at the prairie-dog with its claw, when one of these ani-
mals protruded its head. As it was very intently watching its prey, it was
easily approached and shot.

Dr. Heermann observed this Hawk in the valley of the Sacramento, where
he thought it rather rare, but afterwards, during his connection with the
government surveying party under Lieutenant Williamson, in the southern
part of the State, he found it very abundant. On one occasion five or six
individuals were in view at the same moment, among the mountains, sixty
miles east of San Diego. It was there mucli more abundant than any other
species. As large tracts of that ciamtry frequented by these birds are en-
tirely without trees, they alight on the ground or on some slightly elevated
tuft of grass, or a stone, where they sit patiently for hours watching for
their prey, which was always found to consist of mice and other small
quadrupeds. In one instance the crop was found filled with the remains of
a ground squirrel.

Dr. Heermann states that he found the nest and eggs of this bird on the
Consumnes River. The nest was in the fork of an oak, and was composed of

Archibuteo /erru^neus.

FALCON" ID.E — THE FALCOJSS. 303

coarse twigs and lined with grasses ; tlie eggs were two iu nuniber, white
with faint brown dashes. The nest was placed in the centre of a large
bunch of mistletoe, and would iiave escaped notice had not the Hawk, in fly-
ing, betrayed her retreat.

The eggs, however, differ essentially in size from those mentioned Ijy Capt.
Ulakiston, and it is quite possible that Dr. Heermaun was mistaken in his
identification. One of these eggs 'was figured in the North American
Oology, and resembles much more an egg of Swainson's Buzzard than any
egg I have since seen of this species.

The specimens procured by Mr. Kerr were taken in the Tulare A'alley,
in January, 1846, and are stated in his notes to have been remarkably fat,
and in excellent condition generally, so that some of his party shot these
birds whenever opportunity offered, for the mess-kettle, and considered them
very good eating.

Dr. Cooper states that in the spring and fall these Hawks abound in
Southern California, migrating iu summer through the interior plains of the
Columliia and the Platte Rivers, at least as far north as the Dalles. He found
it in winter at Martinez, and is of tlie opinion that few migrate beyond the
State. It was usually to be seen slowly sailing over tlie plains, sometimes
in circles, and occasionally iiouncing down obliquely on its prey, which con-
sists principally of the large ground squirrel. It rarely, if ever, attacks
poultry, and limits its prey to wild animals, and is therefore a decided friend
to the farmer.

Capt. Blakiston met with this bird breeding between the north and the
south branches of the Saskatchewan River, April 30, 1858. The nest was
placed in an aspen-tree, twenty feet from the ground, was composed of sticks,
two and a half feet across, and lined with buffalo wool. The eggs were four
in number. Those taken from another nest near the same locality were five
in number. This nest was in a tree, and was oidy ten I'eet above a lake.
Two eggs were taken by JMr. Bourgeau on the Saskatchewan Plains, July 9.
These differences in seasons, from April to July, are suggestive either of great
variations in the time of nesting, or of there being two broods in a season.
The eggs obtained by Capt. Blakiston measured, one 2.60 by 2.00 inches, the
other 2.50 by 1.95 inches, and are described as having been white with large
distinct blotches and smaller specks of two shades of brown. Tlie other was
more obscurely blotched with a paler brown, and at the same time freckled
all over.

An egg of this species taken by H. R. Durkee near Gilmer in Wyoming
Territory, May 9, 1870, measures 2.43 inches in length by 1.95 in breadth.
The ground-color is a creamy white, over which are very uniformly distrib-
uted on eveiy part of the egg, in nearly equal proportions, blotches, plashes,
and smaller markings of a dark burnt umber. The nest from which this egg
was taken \\'as composed of sticks, and M'as placed among rocks. The nest
contained but one egg. The parent bird was secured, and there was no
question as to identification.

304 NUilTU AMLiaCAN BIRDS.

Archibuteo lagopiis, \;ii. sancti-johannis (^Pexx.).

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK; BLACK HAWK.

Falco sancti-johauuis, I'l.ss. Aiut. Zoul. [A. i.x, 17bj. — Umel. .S.v.st. Xat. p. 273, 1789. —
Lath. Index Orn. p. 34, 1790 ; Syn. 1, 77 ; Gen. Hist. I, 276. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II,
10.0, 1800. —Shaw, Zoijl. VII, 150, 1809. — Busap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 32. — Aud.
Orn. Biog. II, 381, 1831. — Giuavd, 15. Long Island, p. ti, 1844. — Keuk, Trans.
Gmel. II, 507, 1792. Stilco sancU-jolmnuis, Jaud. (Wils.) Am. Orn. 11, 287, 288,
1832. — NUTT. Man. Orn. U. S. & Canad. p. 98, 1833. — De Kay, Zool. N. Y. II, 7,
pi. ii, iig. 3, 1844. Butaetcs sancti-johannLi, Cvv. Reg. An. (ed. 1), i, 323, 1829. —
BoXAP. List, p. 3, 1838. Archibuteo sancti-johannis. Gray, Gen. B. f'ol. sp. 2, 1844 ;
List B. Brit. Mus. p. 39, 1844. — Bo.nap. Consp. Av. p. IS, 1850. — Cass. Birds Calif.
& Tex. p. 103, 1854. — Blakist. Ibis, III, 1861, 318 (eggs). — Kaup, Monog. Falc.
Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 75. — Stiuckl. Orn. Syn. 1, 40, 1855. — Bkewek, Oology, 1857,
34, pi. iii, f. 28. —Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858, 33. — Gr.a.y, Hand List, I, 10, 1869.
Falco spadiceus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 273, 1789. — L.-uii. Ind. Orn. p. 27, 1790 ; Gen.
Hist. I, 279. — Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 109, 1800. Butco spadiceus, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sejjt.
I, 34, 1807. Fcdco iagoptis, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. xxxiii, f. 1, 1808. — Brew. (Wils.)
Am. Orn. Syn. 648, 1852.- Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 32; Isis, 1852, 1138. — Aro.
Birds Am. pi. clxvi, 422, 1831 ; Orn. Biog. II, 377 ; V, 217. Butco lagopus. Rich.
Faun. Bor. Am. II, pi. xxviii, 1831. — Arii. Synop. p. 8, 1839. — James. (Wils.) Am.
Orn. I, 77, 1831. — Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, p. 54, 1832. — Nutt. Man. Orn. p. 97,
1833. — Peab. B. Mass. p. 79, 1841. Archibuteo lagopus, Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858,
p. 32. — Brewer, Oology, 1857, 36, pi. iii, f. 29. — Coop. & Suck. P. R. R. Rept. VII,
ii, 148, 1860. — Coues, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 16, 1866. Falco nigcr, Wils. Am. Orn.
pi. liii, figs. 1 and 2, 1808. — Lath. Gen. Hist. pp. 256, 257, 1821. Buteo nigcr,
Steph. Zool. XIII, pt. ii, p. 47, 1815. — ViG. Zobl. Journ. I, 340. —James. (Wils.)
Am. Orn. I, pp. 79, 80, 1831.— Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), i, 326, 1829. Buteo atcr,
ViEiLL. NouT. Diet. Nat. Hist. IV, 482, 1866 ; Ene. Meth. Ill, 1227.

a. N'ormal plumage.
Sp. Char. Adult male (43,073, Fort Resolution, June ; J. Lockhart). Ground-color
of the upper parts dull umber-cinereous, this more rufous on the shoulders, and dull white
on nape, scapulars, inner secondaries, and upper tail-coverts ; rump entirely black, feath-
ers bordered with whitish. All the feathers above with central oblong or irregular spots
of black, this color predominating on top of head, and forming transverse bands across
the wing-coverts and secondaries ; upper tail-coverts pure white, each marked with an
exceedingly irregular transverse spot of black. Tail white on basal two thirds, and nar-
rowly, but sharply, tipped with the same; subterminal portion pale mottled cinereous,
with a very broad zone of black next the terminal white, and anterior to this three nar-
rower and more irregular bands of the same. Primaries blackish-cinereous, with obsolete
darker bands. G-rouud-color of head and lower parts dull white ; cheeks thickly streaked
with black ; ear-coverts and throat more sparsely streaked ; forehead and sub-orbital re-
gion plain whitish. Breast witli large, longitudinal but very irregular, oblong spots of
dark brown, these largest and somewhat confluent laterally ; lower part of breast with
much less numerous and less longitudinal spots; tibiie strongly tinged with rusty, and
with tarsus, abdomen, crissum, and flanks having irregular transverse spots of blackish-
brown ; lower tail-coverts unvariegated. Lining of wing white, with numerous spots of
black, these becoming more rusty towards the axillars ; a large space of continuous clear
black, covering the under primary coverts and the coverts immediately .^nterio^ ; under
surface of primaries and secondaries pure white, the former becoming black at ends, the
latter ashy; no bar.s, except toward shafts, of the latter. Fourth quill longest; third

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 3O5

equal to fifth ; second intermediate between fifth and sixth; first equal to eighth. Win<',
16.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.30; bill, 1.30 and .90.

Adult female (28,15G, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. Krider). Generally similar to the male.
On head and nape, however, the yellowish-white predominates, the central Ijlack bein^
much reduced; on the other hand, there is less white on the upper parts, the ilull ciue-
reous-drab being much more evenly spread ; darker markings less conspicuous. Tail
white only at the base, the remaining portion being pale cinereous-drab crossed with
four or five distinct, very regular bands of black, the tip being very broadly ashy.
Flanks with ground-color light umber-drab, and marked with transverse bands of black.
Lower surface generally as in the male ; tail-coverts with two or three blackish spots,
apparently out of place. Fourth quill longest; fifth much shorter than third; second
intermediate between fifth and sixth; first intermediate between seventh and eighth.
Wing, 17.00; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.40; middle toe, 1.30; bill, 1.30 and .85.

Young (25,934, United States). Upper surface generally light umber, becoming lighter
on scapulars and middle wing-coverts, but showing nowhere any trace of spots or bands ;
wings, scapulars, and back with blackish shaft-streaks ; primaries approaching black toward
ends, becoming white basally; upper tail-coverts white, with a hastate stripe of brown
along shaft ; tail, basal half white, terminal half plain drab, becoming darker terminally,
the tip narrowly white. Head, neck, and lower plumage in general, white stained with
ochraceous, this deepest on tibiae and tarsi ; head and neck streaked with dark brown, ear-
coverts almost immaculate; breast with oblong spots of clear brown; flanks, abdomen,
and anal region continuous uniform rich purplish vandyke-brown, forming conspicuous
transverse belt ; tibioe and tarsi scarcely varied, the few markings longitudinal ; lower tail-
coverts immaculate. Under side of wing much as in adult ; black area, however, more
extended ; lining much tinged with rufous, and with longitudinal streaks of dark brown.

b. Melanistic condition.

Adult male (28,153. Philadelphia; J. Krider). General plumage blackish-brown, the
head streaked by whitish edges of the feathers; wing-coverts, secondaries, primaries,
and tibial plumes paler terminally ; tarsi mottled with whitish ; upper and lower tail-
coverts tipped obscurely with white. Tail narrowly tipped with dull white, and with
about five very obsolete pale ash}' bands. Lining of wing black, spotted with white near
edge; whole under surfece of the primaries pure white anterior to their emargination,
beyond which they are black. Third and fourth quills equal and longest ; second inter-
mediate between fifth and sixth; fii'st shorter than seventh. Wing, IG.OO; tail, 8.85;
tarsus, 2.45 ; middle toe, 1.25.

Adult female (12,008, Philadelphia; C. Drexler). Continuous pure carbonaceous black;
forehead white ; occiput same beneath surface. Tail paler at tip, and crossed with four
ill-defined though continuous bands of ashy white, the last of which is distant over two
and a half inches from the tip ; lower tail-coverts with a few white spots. Whole lining
of wing glossy coal black ; under surface of primaries, anterior to their emargination, white
mottled with ashy. Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest ; third only a little shorter ;
second a little longer than sixth; first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Wing,
1G.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.20.

Young. Similar, but the tail dusky, growing whitish toward the base, .and without any
bars.

Hab. Whole of North America north of Mexico, but breeding northward of the United
States.

Localities : Western Arizona (Coues, Pr. A. N. S., 1866, 48).

LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 44; Philadelphia Academy, 17; Boston Society, 1; Museum Com-
voL. III. 39

306

NORTH AMEUICAN BIRDS.

liarative Zoology, Cambridge, 10; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 6; Coll. W. S. Brewor, 3; R.
Ridgway, 4. Total, 85.

Afeasuremenis.

Sex.

T

Wing.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

18

15.80- 16.80

9.80 - 10.00

.85- .90

2.75 - 2.80

1.35

9

16.15-17.70

9.00 - 10.50

.90-1.00

2.80-

1.30-1.40

8

15.75 - 18.00

9.00-11.00

.80 - 1.00

2.15-3.00

1.20-1.50

40

That all the North Ainericau Eough-legged Hawks, whether light or dark
(e.xcepting of course the A. fcrrugineus), are one species, aud also one race,
there appears to be but little doubt ; a critical comparison and minute e.x-
amination of about one hundred specimens also proves that the dark plu-
mage, usually separated as " A. sanrti-johannis" has nothing to do with age,
sex, season, or locality, but that, as in Bidco borcalis var. calurus and B.
smdtisoni, it is a purely individual condition, lilack birds being black, and
light birds being light, from the first plumage till death. Each phase has its
young and adult stages distinctly marked, as the above diagnoses point out.
It however appears to he the fact that certain regions are frequented more
by birds of one color than another, aud of the many hundreds of specimens
sent from the Arctic regions to the Smithsonian Institution by oSicers of the
Hudson's Bay Company, none exhibited the blackish plumage which, on the
other hand, appears most abundant about Hudson's Bay.

The North American birds are distinguishable from European ones (var.
lagopus) by the characters given in the synopsis on p. IGIO, and description,
on p. 1624.

Habits. The Eough-legged Hawk of North America bears so close a
resemblance to the European species, in all respects, — plumage, habits, and
eggs, — that the two are generally considered to be identical. The distribu-
tion of tlie American variety appears to be nearly throughout the entire
Union, irom the Atlantic to the coast of the Pacific, and from New Mexico
to the Arctic regions. It was taken at Fort Steilacoom, and at Shoal-water
Bay in Washington Territory, by Drs. Buckley and Cooper. It was not seen
by Mr. Dresser in Texas nor by Dr. Woodhouse in New Mexico, but it was
taken near Zuni by Dr. Kennerly, was found from Mimbres to the Rio
Grande by Dr. Henry, and obtained near Fort Fillmore by Captain Pope,
and at Fort Massachusetts by Dr. Peters.

The Rough-legged Hawk is quite abundant in spring and fall in the
neii'hborhood of Niagara Falls. In tlie fall of 1872, Mr. James Booth met
with a pair of this species, accompanied by their young. The latter were
fully grown. The male bird was in very black plumage, while the female
was unusually light, tlie pair thus presenting well-marked illustrations of
the two types, the black sanrti-johannis and the common lagoptis. The
parents were secured, and are now in the museum of the Boston Society of
Natural History. One of the young was also shot, but I did not see it.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS.

307

It was said to liuve been only a little less dark pluuiai,'ed than the male
parent.

It is very aljundant throughout the Arctic regions, where it was found
breeding in the Anderson Paver country by Mr. MacFarlane, from wluun were
received valuable notes and a large number of specimens of birds and eggs.
It was observed generally by Dr.
Richardson's party, but owing to
its extreme wariness only a single
specimen was obtained. Itichard-
sou noted its arrival in the fur
countries in April or May, and
gives the time of its departure as
early in October.

Dr. Kennerly mentions finding
this Hawk quite abundant in the
vicinity of the Pueblo Zuni, where
it confined itself in the neighbor-
hood of the stream, watching eager-
ly for ducks, which seemed to be
its favorite prey.

Dr. Cooper found a large num-
ber of these Buzzards on a low
point near the sea-coasts, at Shoal-
^^■ater Bay, Washington Territory,
in October. This point was cov-
ered with small pines, on the dead tops of which they were observed sitting
in the manner of owls. Occasionally one would dart down after a mouse,
and alight a short distance off. At times they would call to each other
with a loud scream, but they usually sat motionless and silent for hours
together. Some remained there throughout the winter, and he had no doubt
that a few build near tlie mouth of the Columbia, where he saw young
birds in July. In California, the same writer states, this species is only
a winter visitor, and has never been observed by him south of Santa Clara
Valley.

Dr. Coues mentions the taking of a single specimen of this bird in the
Territory of Arizona in the winter, but no others were observed.

Audubon never met with this species south of North Carolina nor west of
the Allecjhanies. He regarded it as a slusgish bird, confining itself to the
meadows and low grounds bordering the rivers and salt marshes, where its
principal food appeared to be moles, mice, and other small quadrupeds. He
has never known it to attack a duck on the wing, although it will occasion-
ally ptirsue a wounded one. E.xcept when alarmed, it files low and sedately,
and manifests none of the ilaring courage or vigor so conspicuous in most
Hawks. They are also described as somewhat crepuscular in habit, watching

Arrhibuteo ta^opus (Europe).

308

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tor tlieir food long after sunset, and Mr. Kicliardson speaks of their hunting
for their prey " by the subdued dayhght which illuminates even tlie niid-
niglit liours in the high parallels of latitude." For these nocturnal hunts it
is well fitted by the softness of its plumage, wliicli renders its fliglit noiseless,
like tliat of the more nocturnal birds.

Tliese birds were once quite abundant in tlie low lands and marshes in the
vicinity of Boston, l)ut are now comparatively rare. They were abundant
durinij- October and November, and again in April, They usually kept on or

Archibuteo sancti-johannts (black plumage).

near the ground, appeared to feed chiefly on small quadrupeds or reptiles,
were never known to molest the poultry-yard, or even to destroy otlier
birds.

They were very wary, and wlien approached with a gun would slowly and
deliberately move off to a safer distance. "Wilson found them quite abun-
dant, during tlie winter months, in the meadows on tlie Delaware and Schuyl-
kill liivers, near Philadelphia, where tliey are still common. Though ren-
dered very sliy by tlie frequent attempts made to shoot them, they would
never fly far at a time, usually from one tree to another, making a loud
squealing noise as they arose. They all disappeared early in April.

He also speaks of them as common during winter in the lower parts
of INIaryland, as well as in the extensi^x meadows below Newark, N. J.
He mentions having often seen this Hawk coursing over tlie surface of
meadows long after sunset, and many times in pairs. They roost near these
low grounds, and take their station at daybreak near a ditch, watching with
patient vigilance for their prey.

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 309

Wilson, Audubon, and Nnttall appear to liave known nothing in regard
to the breeding of the Rough-legged Hawk. A pair was seen by Eichardson
at their nest, which was built of sticks, and on a lofty tree standing on
a low moist alluvial point of land, in a bend of the Saskatchewan ; but they
were too wary to be shot, and he makes no mention of their eggs.

My nephews, H. II. and F. H. Storer, found a pair of Rough-legged Hawks
nesting on a rocky cliff on the coast of Labrador, near the harbor of Bras
d'Or. The nest was very rudely constructed of sticks, and placed on a high
rock directly over the water, inaccessible from below, but readily approached
from above. It contained three young birds and an egg. The young
Hawks were just ready to liy, and all scrambled out as the nest was ap-
proached, and rolled the egg to the bottom of the cliff, but without injuring
it. The nest contained four or five large rats peculiar to that region, col-
lected by the old birds ibr their young. The old birds wore in the light
plumage. At the same time a young bird was taken alive from another
nest by one of the sailors of their party, which was i[uite lilack even in its
immature dress, and strikingly different from the young just mentioned.

Mr. MacFarlane's very complete and careful notes mention, in detail, no
less than fifty-eight nests of this species as procured and identified by his
party. Of these, forty-six were built on trees, generally spoken of as being
large pines, and usually about twenty feet from the ground. Twelve nests
were found built on the edge of steep cliffs of shaly mud on the banks of
creeks, rivers, and lakes.

The nests that were taken from trees are described as having been built
in a crotch, not far from the top, and to have been formed externally of dry
twigs, sticks, and small branches, warmly lined with down, feathers, and fine
hay. Those fouufl upon cliffs and high river-banks were made of similar
materials, but usually with a smaller base of sticks, and a greater supply of
hay, moss, and other soft materials. The number of eggs \-aried from three
to five, never more than the latter, and ^^'ere at times in differing stages
of incubation in tiie same nest. Wlienever the nest was approached, the
parent birds always manifested great uneasiness, and uttered vociferous
screams of distress. The eggs were generally found from the 27th of May
to the 25th of June. Those taken after the 20th of June usually con-
tained well-developed embryos. The species was met with by JMr. Mac-
Farlane in great abundance in various localities, — near Fort Anderson,
lower down on the Anderson River, near the Arctic coast, and in the vicinity
of Rendezvous Lake.

One of the Indians collecting for Mr. MacFarlane informed him that on the
9th of June he discovered the nest of one of these Hawks on a ledge of
shaly mud. As he could not kill the parents, he set a snare about the nest.
Going to it later in the day, he was disappointed at finding his snare set
aside, the eggs gone, and the birds not to be seen. He presumed the parents
had removed the eggs, of which there had been three, to a safer place.

310 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Several nests were also taken on the shores and among the islets of the
Arctic coast, west of Liverpool Bay.

The egg of the Hough-legged Hawk taken hy the Storers in Labrador
measures 2.06 inches in length by 1.88 in breadth, and is nearly spherical.
Tlie ground-color is a soiled white or a light drab, and is marked with. a few
faint^ ill-delined spots of light umber, distributed at intervals over the entire

surface.

Two European specimens in my collection are so nearly like the American
tliat the same description would answer for both. They are a trifle larger,
but tlieir color and markings are exactly the same. These eggs vary from
2.25 to 2.12 inches in length, and the breadth of each is 1.75 inches. In one
specimen the ground-color is of a deeper shade of dingy-white, with larger
blotches, and its purplish-slate markings are intermingled \\ith those of
umber. A fourth, from Switzerland, varies from most others of this species,
and is marked over a cream-colored ground with very numerous and quite
large blotches of different shades of umber and sepia-brown. It measures
2.25 by 1.93 inches.

Six eggs taken by Mr. IMacFarlane have an average length of 2.18 and an
average breadth of 1.79 inches. Their greatest length is 2.24, and their least
2.12 inches. There is but very little variation in their breadth, or only
from 1.76 to 1.80 inches. Occasionally these eggs are of a nearly uniform
dingy-white, nearly unmarked, and only by very faint cloudings. These
cases are rare. Generally they have a creamy-white ground and are Ijoldly
marked with blotches of a varying intensity of umber or sepia-brown. In-
termingled with these are obscure markings of a purplish-slate.

The dark variety of the Eough-legged Falcon, recognized by some as the
A. sancti-johannis, Mr. Eidgway is disposed to regard as rather an individual
melanism of the common species, rather than as a distinctive race. In this
form it appears to be quite generally distributed over the continent, rather
in isolated pairs than as a common bird. It was not taken on the Anderson
Piixer by Mr. ilacFarlane, where the lagopvs style was extremely common,
liundreds of skins having been sent by him to the Smithsonian Institution.

The dark-colored birds are seen occasionally in Massachusetts in the win-
ter season, and are usually found frequenting low alluvial tracts in search
of small quadrupeds and frogs, and occasionally well-marked sj)ecimens have
been secured in the neighborhood of Boston. A iiaiv was found breeding
near tlie mouth of the Kennebec liiver in Elaine, and the eggs were secured.
They were not readily distinguishable from those of the common Eough-
legged Hawk. It is also said, on the authority of Mr. John Krider of
Philadelphia, to have been found breeding in Xew Jersey, and the eggs
taken. The parent bird was not secured. These eggs resembled well-marked
eggs of the lagopu-s. "Wilson, who observed birds in this plumage on the
mai-shy banks of the Delaware, describes them as remarkably shj' and wary,
frequenting river-banks, and feeding on mice, moles, and other small game.

FALCUNID.E — TUE FALCONS. 311

sailing a good deal and at a great height, ■which is not tlie habit of the
layopus, and was seen by him to kill a Duck wliile on the wing. It has
been seen to sit for an liour at a time on a stake by the side of marshes,
in an almost perpendicular position, as if dozing. It flies with great ease,
and occasionally with great swiftness, and rarely with any Happing of the
wings; was most numerous on the Delaware in the winter, but was occasion-
ally to be seen there in tlie summer. Such is Wilson's account of its habits
as observed by him, and these are partially confirmed by Xuttall from his
own observations. It is, however, cpiite probable that they are mistaken in
claiming an essential or specific difference iu the habits of the two former.
Mr. Audubon regarded it as the adult of the lagopm, and appears not to have
been familiar with its habits.

Captain Blakiston mentions the occurrence of the dark bird on the Sas-
katchewan Plains, where the parent bird and three eggs were obtained by
M. Bourgeau, a French collector, in tlie summer of 1858, and where it is
spoken of as not uncommon. Mr. Andrew Murray, in his Contributions to
the Natural Histor}- of the Hudson Bay Territories, records specimens from
Hudson Bay and the country lying between its western shore and Lake
Winnipeg. Dr. Gambel speaks of this bird as common iu California. Dr.
Cooper refers to one obtained by Mr. Lorcpiin at San Francisco. Mr. Law-
rence cites it among the birds of New York. Mr. Boardman gives it as rare
near Calais. Mr. Yerrill also gives it among the birds of Western Maine,
where the lagopus was not observed, but where this form was a regular
winter visitant.

The Storers found tlie Black Hawk not uncommon on the cliffs near Bras
d'Or, and their observations of its habits, as contrasted with those of the still
more common Bough-legged Hawk, left no doubt in their mind of their
specific distinction. While the Black Hawk was observed to be a bold,
vigorous, and spirited liird, easy and swift in its motions, and jireying upon
other birds while on the wing, the Eough-legged was comparatively sluggish,
inoffensive, and subsisted only upon rats, mice, moles, frogs, and other small
game. A nest containing young birds was found, and one of the latter
caught alive. Both old and young were in the same black plumage. The
young Hawk was fierce and intractable, and its whole air and manner were
utterly unlike the conduct of the young of the other species. Lhifortunately,
it broke from its confinement and escaped.

The eggs from New Jersey, attributed to this bird by ]\Ir. Krider, vary in
the number and depth of coloring of their markings, the blotches in one
being darker and less generally di.stributed. They measure 2.06 by 1.G9 in-
ches. Their ground-color is a yellowisli white, intermingled with which are
faint markings and blotches of a brownish-i)urple. Over these are diffused
confluent blotches of russet-brown.

An egg from near Wiscasset, taken by Edmund Smith, Esq., the parent of
which was secured, measures 2.22 by 1.75 inches, has a white ground, and is

312

NOKTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

marked and blotched witli deep uinber-brown. These markings are chiefly
at one end and only vary in their depth, and are unmixed with any otiier

shading or colors.

Genus AQUILA, Auctorum.

AquUa, Mffiiin. 1752. (Type, Falco chrijsmlos, Linn.)

Aetns, NiTZSCH, 1840. (Siiine type.)

Ilicroaiitux, 1841, and llicraiitus, 1845, Kaup. (Type, Falco pennatus, Giiel.)

Ptcroaetiis, Kaup, 1844. (Type, Falco imlluriniL% Uaud.)

i/'roaetus, Kaup, 1844. (Type, VuUur audaj; Laih.)

Pscudai'tus, HoDGS. 1844. (Type, Falco biniMi, Te.mm.)

Tolmaetiis, Bla.s. 1845. (Same type.)

EutolmaiUvs, Blas. 1848. (Same type.)

Gen. CnAR. Form robu.st and ftnicturc powerful ; the bearing and general aspcet that

9128,?.

'^\ <i=^'~' ' j 41901,

I :■

iS

19124

9128. Haliaclus leiicouplialus^ 41901:12006:19124. Afmla chrysa,lus, var. rnjwfi.iisis.

54338. Anhibuteo lagopus (tarsus from beliinii).

of liiiicn and ArchibiUeo. Wing long, the primaries long and .strong, with thuir oniarnina-

FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 313

tions very deep. Tail rather short, slightly rounded or wedge-shaped. Bill stronger than
in the preceding genera, its outlines nearly parallel, and the tip somewhat inclined back-
ward at the point ; commissure with a more or less prominent festoon ; nostril narrowly
oval, vertical; skin of the cere very hard and firm. Superciliary shield very prominent.
Feet very strong, the membrane between the outer and middle toes very well developed ;
tarsus less than twice as long as the middle too ; outer toe equal to, or longer than, the
inner ; claws very long and strong, very mucli graduated in size ; seutellaj of the toes
small except on the terminal joint, where they form l)road transverse plates; -tarsi densely
feathered all round down to the base of the toes; tibial plumes well developed, loose-
webbed, their ends reaching down to or lieyond the base of the toes. Feathers of the
nape and occiput lanceolate, acute, and distinct, forming a nuchal "cape" of differently
formed feathers. Third to fifth quill longest; first shorter than the seventh; outer five or
six with their inner webs deeply emarginated.

This genus is almost peculiar to the Old World, where about seventeen
so-called species are known, while America has no member of the genus
exclusively its own, the single Nortli American species being the same as
the European one. Though the details of external structure vary somewhat,
and the size ranges from that of a Bidco to that of a sea-eagle (Haliaetns),
the generic characters given in the above diagnosis apply well to all the
species. The species of Ifcferopus, Hodgson, 1842 {A. malayensis, Eein. and
H. f/urnci/i, Gray), I remove entirely from Aquila, since they differ so strik-
ingly in many important respects. Witli the general aspect of Aquila,
Hcterojms has the outer toe disproportionately shorter tlian the inner (in-
stead of equal to it, or longer), which curious feature it shares only with
Gcranosinza of tropical America, and Polyhoroidcs of South Africa, — both
terrestrial Buteonine forms of specialized structin-e. An entirely peculiar
feature of Hetcroinis is the great length and straightness of the claws. Its
bill is more like that of Archihutco than like that of Aquila.

The North American and European races of the single species which oc-
curs on tlie former continent may be distinguished as follows : —

Species and Races.

A. chrysaettTS. Wiiip' 2:!.00 - 27.00 ; tail, U.OO - 16.00 ; culmen, 1.50-
l.'JO ; tarsus, 3.40 - 4.20 ; middle toe, 2.40 -3.10. Third to fifth quill longest
first shorter than seventh or eighth. Color blackish-brown, or umber-brown,
nearly uniform, except on the tail; nuchal cape of lanceolate feathers, and
tarsi of a paler and more tawny tint. Adult. Tail transversely clouded with
ashy, and not white at the base ; feathers of the body not distinctly white
Ijeneath the surface. Yomig. Tail with the basal half plain white, the ter-
minal portion plain blackish ; feathers of the body distinctly white beneath
the surface. Hah. Noarctic and Pal^arct.ic Realms.

Tarsi of adult p.ale umber; of young, dirty whitish. H<ih. Patearctio

Re.ilm \M-.chrysattH!:}

Tarsi of adult deep umber; of young light brown. Hah. Nearctic

Realm . . . . • . • • • \av. cav ad en sis.

1 Af{iiila chrt/sae/n.% var. ckrij.mehis (Lixx.). Aquila Valeria, Alhin, B, II. pi. ii. Aquila
chi-ysaetus, Bkiss. Orn. I, 431, et Aucr. Falco dmjsaelus, Lixx. S. N. 1760, 125. Aquila
vol.. HI. 40

314 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Aquila chrysaetus, var. canadensis Linx.}.

GOLDEN EAGLE ; RING-TAILED EAGLE.

Aquila chrysaetus (not of LiNN !), Rich. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1S31, 12. — Jakp. (Wils.) Am.
Orn. 11, 1832, 304. — Bonap. List, 1838, 2. — Aud. Synop. 1839, 9. — DeIC-^y, Zobl.
N. Y. 11, 4, pi. vi, f. 14 (./««.). —Cass. B. Cal. & Te.x. 109. — Stuickl. Orn. Syn. I,
55 (in part).— BuEWEit, Oology, 1857, 45. — CouEs, Key, 1872, 219. Falco chrysae-
tus, (Li.NX.) Max. Cab. J. 1858, VI, 9. — Blas. Ber. XVI, Vers. Deutsch. Om. 1862,
83 ("absolutely identical with European" ). Falco caiiadcnsis, Linn. S. N. (ed. 10),
1766, 88. Aquila canadensis, WiLs. Am. Orn. 1808, pi. Iv, f. 1. — Heeum. P. R. R.
Rept. II, 1855, 30. — Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858, 41. — Coues, P. A. N. S. 1866, 13.
— Gray, Hand List, I, 40. Falco nitjcr, G.mel S. N. 359. Aquila nobilis. Pall.
Zoiig. Ros. As. 1811. Aquila fulva (not of LiNN !), NuTT. Man. Orn. 1833, 62. —
Peab. B. Ma.ss. 1841, 71.

Sp. Char. Adult male (24,167, Fort Crook, North California, Dec. 25; D. F. P.-irkin-
son). General plumage fuliginous-black, this deepest on the head, throat, lower surface
in general, under surface of the wnigs, back, scapulars, shoulders, secondaries, primaries,
and rump; middle and secondary wing-coverts, upper and under tail-covert,«, tarsi and
inside of tibise, considerably paler, inclining to light umber. Lanceolate feathei-s of occi-
put and nape with the exposed portions light fulvous, the shafts black ; dusky beneath the
surface. Tail black, somewhat paler on basal half, and with about three irregular, obso-
lete zigzag bands of pale brown (on two middle feathers ashy) ; no concealed white on
breast. Fifth quill longest; third and fourth intermediate between fifth and sixth; second
considerabl}' shorter than sixth ; first intermediate between eighth and ninth. Length,
31.60; extent, 78.30. Wing, 24.50; tail, 13.40; culmen, 1.60; from base of cere, 2.15;
tarsus, 3.85; middle toe, 2.40; hind claw (chord) 1.90.

Adult female (12,006, Washington, D. C, March 7, 1869 ; C. Drexler). Almost exactly
like the male. Black covering forehead, ear-coverts, cheeks, chin, throat, foreneck, and
under parts generally (except the tarsi, inside and front of tibiic, and lower tail-coverts,
which are light fulvous, the tarsi palest), more tawny than in the male. The lanceolate,
pale, tawny feathers, which in the male cover only the occiput and neck, in the female ex-
tend forward over the top of the head, leaving the forehead only blackish. Upper parts
and tail as in the male. Fourth quill longest; third slightly shorter than fifth; second
intermediate between sixth and seventh; first intermediate between eighth and ninth.
Wing, 26.00; tail, 14.25; culmen, 1.70; tarsus, 3.80; middle toe, 2.70; hind claw, 2.15;
inner toe, 1.90; outer, 2.00; inner claw, 1.80; middle, 1.35; outer, 1.10.

Young male (49,684, Camp Grant, near Tucson, Arizona, July 10, 1867 ; Dr. E. Palmer).
Continuous deep sepia-black, with a purplish lustre ; breast and scapulars with large con-
cealed spots of pure white; lanceolate feathers of the "mane" dull brown, not conspicu-
ously different from the throat; under surface of primaries showing much white basally,
this most extended on inner feathers. Upper and under tail-covorts more brownii;h than
the rump, the basal portion white. Basal half or more of tail white (more ashy on outer

melanoMiis, Briss. Orn. T, 434. Falco melnnaelxis, Linn. S. N. 124. Aquila regia, Less. Tr.
Orn. Falco fulvus, Linn. S. N. 1760, 125 (younci).

List of Specimens examined. — Nat. Mus., 4 ; Philad. Acad., 14 ; Bost. Soc., 2 ; JIus. Cam-
bridge, 1 ; Mus. J. C. Sharp, Jr., 1. Total, 22.

Measurements. — S . Wing, 23.80 - 24.,30 ; tail, 14.00-14.50; culmen, 1.68-1.70; tar,sns,
3.40; middle toe, 2.40-2.45. Specimens, 2. ?. Wing, 25.00-25.50: tail, 14.00-14.50;
culmen, 1.80-1.85 ; tarsus, 3.80-4.10; middle toe, 2.85-3.10. Specimens, 3.

FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS.

315

feathers), distinctly defined against the broad, pure black, terminal zone; tarsi dull wliite,
clouded with dilute brownish; inside of tibiie with feathers tipped with white.

Young female (older?) (9,121, Washington, D. C, Dec, 185G; B. Cross). Similar, but
black more brown; "mane" as in adult; tarsi dull whitish brown; tail-coverts deep
umber-brown ; tail as in young male, but terminal band narrower, the white occupying
nearly the basal two thirds. Wing, 25.70: tail, 14.75; culmen, 1.65; middle toe, 2.80;
hind claw, 2.20.

Hab. Whole of North America north of Mexico ; most common in mountainous re-
gions.

LIST OF SPKCIMEXS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 8 ; Philadelphia Academy, 2 ; Boston Society, 2 ; Cambridge Muse-
um, 2 ; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, IG.

Measurements.

Sex.

9

Wing.

Tail.

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

Specimens.

23.00-24.50

25.00 - 27.00

14.00-15.00
15.00-16.00

1.50-1.62
1.68-1.85

3.65 - 3.80

4.15 - 4.20

2.40 - 2.80

2.55 - 2.80

5

7

A young male i'roin Massachusetts (N"o. 39, Lexington ; Dr. S. Kneeland),
in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History, has tlie tail plain
black, the extreme base and tip white.

Though the Golden Eagles of North America can be distinguished by the
characters given in the diagnosis on p. 312 from those of Europe, the dif-
ferences are appreciable only on direct comparison. The American bird is
darker in all its shades of color, the difference being most marked in the
young plumage, which in var. chrrisattiis has the tarsal features nearly white,
and in var. canadensis light In-own, the brown of otlier portions being also
considerably darker. The American bird appears to be rather the larger.

Habit.s. The l!ino--tailed or Golden Eagle of North America is found
throughout the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from New
Mexico to the higher Arctic regions.

In its geographical distribution, the Golden Eagle of North America ap-
pears to be chiefly confined to the mountainous regions, and the more north-
ern portions, but to be nowhere abundant. Sir John Eichardson saw but
few individuals in the Arctic regions, nor does he appear ever to have met
with its nest. Individual birds on the Atlantic coast have been occasionally
obtained, — once as far south as Philadelphia, twice at Washington, — but
very rarely. Several specimens appear to have been obtained among the
mountains of New Mexico by Dr. Henry's party.

Although not mentioned by either Dr. Heermann or Dr. Gambel in their
lists of the birds of California, it was found in Oregon by Dr. Townsend, and
is said by Dr. Cooper to be quite common in almost all parts of California
during the colder months. It is, however, much less numerous than the
White-headed Eagle. It is very much more a mountain bird, and its de-
scent into the plains or to the sea-coast is said to be quite rare. Dr. Adol-

316

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

phusHeeniiaim, in his Report of the survey between Fort Yuma and San
Francisco, speaks of seeing one of these birds near Liverniore I'ass, and of
meeting others in Northern California, and of an indiviihial killed in the

mountains near Mokelum-
ne River. He regarded it,
both in that state and else-
where, as a rare and wild
bird. It is not mentioned
as occurring in Greenland.
It was found breeding in
Napa Valley, Cal., by Mr.
F. Gruber.

A bird was secured alive
in Brighton, near Boston,
in 1837, by being taken in
a trap which had been set
liir another purpose. Its
(iccurrence, however, near
tlie sea-coast, is very rare,
and even among the monn-
tuius it is never found ex-
cept in occasional pairs.
It breeds in the mountain-
ous portions of Maine, New
Hampshire, Vermont, and
New York, and was for-
merly not imfrequent
among the cUfls of tlie Hudson I!iver. Steamboats and railroads have,
however, driven this wild bird from its romantic retreats in that quarter.
In Franconia, N. H., for quite a number of years, a pair occupied a nest on
an inaccessible rock, near the to}) of a mountain, known as Eagle Cliff, in
sight of, and opposite, the Profile House. . Repeated efforts have been made
to reach its nest, but thus far without success. In the summer of 1855 a
renewed attempt was made to scale the precipice over which the .shelving
rock, on which the nest stands, projects. A party was formed, and although
they succeeded in ascending the mountain, which had never been achieved
before, they could reach only a point beyond and above, not the nest itself.
The attempt to pass to it was abandoned as too perilous. The party re-
ported a large collection of bones in its immediate vicinity, with other
evidences of the accumulated plunder of many yeai-s, as well as a plentiful
supply of fresh food at the time visited.

Without here seeking to affect the question of identity of species, it is
interesting to note certain peculiarities in the European Golden Eagle so far
not noticed or of rare occurrence in the American birds. Mi\ I. W. P. Orde

FALCONIDiE — THE FALCONS.

317

12006,

A'l'iila catiattensis.

in the Ibis of 1861 (p. 112), gives a very interesting account of a pair of
Golden Eagles, which the previous season built then- nc.'St in a large Scotch
fir-tree, in a wood on the southern bank of Glen Lyon, in Perthshire, within
a few hundred yards of ]\Ieggerine
Castle. Four eggs were laid, two
of which were hatched. The nest
was one of the Eagles' own con-
struction, and is specially interest-
ing from being in such near prox-
imity to liuraan liabitations. Mr.
Tristram (Ibis, 1859, p. 283, in
his valuable note on the birds of
North Africa), while he never ob-
served this Eagle in any of the cliffs
among the mountain ranges of the
desert, found it almost gregarious,
so abundant was it among the Day-
ets. In one wood he saw no less
than seven pairs of the Eagles, each
pair with a nest. There were, be-
sides, many unoccupied nests, and, indeed, very few terebinths of any size
were without a huge platform of sticks on the topmost boughs. The birds
were undisturbed, and consequently very fearless. On the other hand Mr.
Salvin, in the same volume (p. 180) among the mountains of Eastern Atlas,
describes very different manner of life in the same birds. "Wiiatever rock a
pair may choose for their eyrie, there they reign alone in dignified solitude, nor
do they allow a single Vulture, Kite, or indeed any other species of rapacious
bird, to occupy with their nest a single spot in the same rock, however eligible
for the purpose ; nor are these other species ever to be seen in the haunts of
their exclusive majesties. The whole southern precipice at Djebel Dekma
was thus tenanted by a single pair of this Eagle, as also several other rocks
that came iinder our notice. Instances of the Golden Eagle building in
trees were by no means of uufrecpient occurrence."

The extreme southern range of the European bird, its gregarious habit,
and the frequency of its building in trees, are all peculiarities not observed
in the American form. They are not necessarily conclusive, but are at least
suggestive.

The Golden Eagle in this country usually constructs its nest on the sides
of steep, rocky crags, where its materials are coarsely heaped together on a
projecting shelf of rock. These consist of large sticks, loosely arranged, and
lined with other softer materials. In rare instances they are said to build
on trees, where rocky cliffs are not to be met with. The eggs are usually
three in number ; sometimes two, or only one. Mr. Audubon describes them
as measuring 3.50 inches in length by 2.50 in breadth ; the shell thick and

318 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

smooth, dull wliite, bruslied over with undefined patches of lirown, which are
most numerous at the larger end. This deseiiptiou is not quite accurate in
regard to size. The European egg is presumed to be larger than the American,
yet the largest I have ever seen measures but 3.19 inches in length by 2.31
in breadth. An egg of the European bird in tlie ]]ritish Museum, and
another represented in Hewitsou's British Oology, which closely resembled
it, were marked over the entire surface with small but distinct lilotehes of
reddish-brown on a white ground. One in my collection, taken in Scotland,
is nearh^ unmarked. A distinctly bluish-white ground is faintly stained
with a few very obscure markings of slate and purplish-brown.

Mr. MacFarlane furnishes very full and interesting notes and observations
on the habits of our canadensis, as attentively studied by him in the neigh-
borhood of Anderson Kiver, near the Arctic Ocean. Our limits will only
permit us to give a summary of his valuable memoranda. In a large
majority of instances the nests were built against the face of a steep bank,
some sixty or seventy feet from the ground, and about tliirty from tlie sum-
rait. They were very strongly constructed with dry sticks, usually of willow,
and formed a plati'orm on the top, in the centre of which the eggs w^ere
found on a bed composed of moss, hay, and feathers. These platforms were
usually about six by seven feet, and ranged from lour to six in height. It is
said to be " not very scarce in that quarter," and to be " a resident, in the
summer, of the entire Arctic coast and rivers." Mention is made of ten
nests observed by him, and eggs taken therefrom. In several instances these
eggs were white and unspotted, exciting his doubts whether they might be-
long to the Icvcocejyiialus.

According to Mr. MacFarlane they feed on ducks, mice, and other small
animals, partridges, and the fawn of the reindeer. In confinement they are
fierce and nearly untamable, though they readily eat the food that is given
them, whether fish or meat. Even wlien taken young from the nest they
evince the same fearless and intractable disiiosition. In one instance a
young female killed its older companion by piercing it with her talons.
When first observed, she was standing on and plucking the feathers from
the body of the slain bird. This was the second bird tliis same ferocious,
but comparatively tame. Eagle had thus destroyed. When the cage was
removed outside, though the weather was very cold, the Eagles did not seem
to mind it much, but exercised themselves with jumping off and on their
roosting-pole, and seemed very nuich interested in all that was taking place
within the Fort square. They kept their plumage in a cleanly condition,
and were generally a very clean bird in all respects. During the fine weather
the Eagles were more lively than on other occasions. When feeding they
drooped botli wings, and, if disturbed, arched their necks and moved their
heads in a threatening manner, spreading out their tails like a fan. They
grasped the meat or fish in the talons of either leg, and tore it with their
beaks. After feeding, they invariably removed any blood or other impurities

FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS. 3;^9

that may have adliered to the beak by scratching it with their talons or
rubbing it against tlie bars of their cage. Several of these birds, in confine-
ment, especially the female referred to, wlien their cage was approached,
wonld endeavor to attack ^Ir. MacFarlane, descending from their sleeping-jiole
and making a rusii at the front bars of the cage, spreading the wings and
flapping them with great force, and making active demonstrations with beak
and talons. Occasionally they wonld get out of their cages ; then it was no
easy matter to get them back again, as, when approached, they would throw
themselves on their backs and thrust out their talons in the most formida-
ble manner. They nest as early as the last of April or early in May, as
largely developed embryos were found on the 27th of May. When their
nests were jjillaged they generally deserted tiaem ; but in one instance, where
the female liad been snared upon lier nest, and the eggs taken, the same
nest was occupied the following season by the male witli another mate. Tlie
new mate was shot, and proved to be a mature bird. Almost invariably the
male birds were too wary to be either sh(5t or taken in a snare. Two of
the nests of this bird, pointed out by tlie Indians, appeared to have been used
for several years, and had been known to tlieir discoverers for si.x or seven
years previous. The nests taken were in about latitude 69° 30'.

In one particular case a nest had been discovered two years previously by
MacFarlane's Esquimo interpreter. It had been occupied that season, and
a pair of Eagles had been recognized as its inmates. In 1863 the nest was
known to have been reoccupied, though he did not visit it. On the 17th
of May, 1864, he went to it and found both Eagles engaged in repairing it.
The female appeared to act as the builder, and the male as the carrier of the
materials, as well as the provider of provisions. The nest was not complete,
and contained two half-eaten Ptarmigans, but no egcrs. It was built aiiainst
the face of a steep bank of a small stream, and was of considerable bulk.
When first constructed, the nest of this Eagle is comparatively small, but as
it is renovated every season, it ultimately becomes large and bulky. A
quantity of dry sticks and twigs are laid lengthways over the greater portion
of tlie platform of tlie previous season, and the spaces between are filled up
by smaller twigs, mosses, and hay, and the centre is then covered with the
two latter ingredients, intermixed with deer's hair, etc. This annual addition
varies in thickness from three to eighteen inches. In no instance did Mr.
MacFarlane find or hear of any accumulation of bones or other debris of food
either on or in the neighborhood of tlie nests. In three instances the nests
were constructed in the tops of tall pines. In these cases the sandy nature
of the soil did not favor their building on the sides of cliffs.

The " Mountain Eagle," as this species is called throughout the western
regions of the United States, was found by Mr. Eidgway to be a common
species throughout the Great Basin along the line of the 40th parallel. It
was daily seen soaring about the mountains, and nested on inaccessible cliffs.
A pair — the female leading — were observed to give chase to a Sage Hen

320 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

{Ccntroccrcus urophasianm), cliasing her on the wing nntil the fugitive
dropped down to the ground from exhaustion, when she was picked up by
tlie foremost of tlie Eagles, who then flew off together to the summit of the
mountain range (the East JrlumlKjldt) near by, where tiiey probably had
their nest.

An egg of tliis Ijird, taken by Mr. li. ilacDonald among the mountains
west of the Lower ^Mackenzie Kiver, measures 2.60 inches in length by 2.18
in breadth. The ground-color is of a rich pinkish cream-color, boldly dashed
with large blotches of three or four varying shades of umber-brown, inter-
mingled with a few finer markings of a lighter shade of brown, and a few
clouded markings of a purplish-slate. These markings are grouped and
confluent about the smaller end. Other specimens vary to whitish, with
faint obsolete blotches.

Genu.s HALIAiJTUS, S.wigxy.

Haliaetus, Savio. 1809. (Type, Falcu albkilla, Lixs.)

Thalassoaetus, K.\rp, 1844. (Type, Falco pelagicits, Pallas.)

Cuncuma, Hodgson, 1837. (Type, Falco mncci, Temm.)

Pontoaetus, K.wp, 1844. (Same type. )

Blagrus, Blas. 1849. (Same type.)

Polioaetus, Kaup, 1847. (Type, Falco icthyaehin, Hop.sf. )

Icthi/iaetus, Lafr. 1839 (nee Kaup, 1829). (.Sume type.)

Gen. Char. Form robust, and orjranization powerful, as in Aquila ; size large. Bill
very large, usually somewhat inflated, the chord of the arch of the culraen more than
twice the length of the cere on top ; commissure with a more or less distinct festoon and
sinuation behind it. Nostril oval, obliquely vertical. Feet robust and strong, the tarsus
less than one and a half times the middle toe ; tarsus feathered in front and on the sides
for about one half its length ; front of the tarsus and top of the toes with an imperfectly
continuous series of transverse scutellae, entirely interrupted in the region of the digito-
tarsal joint; the other portions covered with roundish, -somewhat granular, scales, these
larger on the posterior face. Claws large, strongly curved, and more obtuse, and le.ss
graduated in size, than in Aquila. No trace of a web between outer and middle toes.
Wing very large, the primaries well developed and strong; third to fifth quill longest;
first longer than the ninth; outer five to si.x with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail
variable in length and shape, usually short and rounded, cuneate and with fourteen
feathers in H. pelagicus. and nearly even, and with twelve feathers, in //. macei, the rest
all having twelve feathers, varying in form with the .species. Feathers of the neck, all
round, lanceolate.

The species of this very strongly marked genus vary between great ex-
tremes in the details of their external structure ; but these variations I con-
sider to be mainly specific, though two well-defined subgeneric divisions
should be made, one to include the Old World Jl. kvcogastcr, H. vocifer,
and H. icthycvtus, which have five, instead of six, outer quills, with their
inner webs cut, and tlie tarsus with the frontal and posterior rows of broad
transverse scutellas nearly as well developed and continuous as in Butio.
The last of these species has the claws nearly uniform in size, and contracted

FALCOJXIDiE — THE FALCONS.

321

and rounded underneath almost as much as in Pandion ; but the other spe-
cies are less so, eacli diflering in this respect, so that I consider this as only
indicating the greatest perfection in the specialization of the piscatorial type
of modiiied structure. In the jiossession of fourteen tail-fcatliers, its very
large bill, naked lores, and general aspect, the H. j^elaijkus shows an ap-
proach to the Old World Vultures.

About nine species are known, of which only two belong to North Amer-
ica, one of them [H. Icucocrphalus) being peculiar to that continent. Tropical

525U9 : 9128. Haliaetus leucocephalus.

28100. H. jitlagicus.

America is without a single representation of the genus. The majority of
the species belong to the Indian region, only the IT. alhicilla and H. pelagicus
belonging to the Palajarctic Realm, the former representing the western, and
the latter peculiar to the eastern, district of that zocigeographical division ; it
is the former whicli straggles into the N"earctic fauna. The habits of the
Sea Eagles differ considerably from those of the true Eagles {Aquila) in very
important respects ; they frequent the shores of the sea, lakes, or large rivers,
instead of mountainous portions, and feed chiefly — some of the species
entirely — on fisli. Tliuse of the subgenus Polioaetus are almost precisely
like Pandion in their habits.

VOT,. III. 41

322

NORTH AMEPJCAX BIRDS.

The three closely allied species belonging to the northern portions of the
Xortliern Hemisphere may be distinguished by the characters given in the
ibllowing synopsis.

Species and Races.

Common CiiAUACTiiRS. Adult. JJill, cere, and iris yellow. Tail, and .some-
time.s the head and neck, white. Young. Bill and cere black ; iris dark brown.
Tail, head, and neck, blacki.'^h.

A. Tail of fourteen feathers, cuneate, or graduated, for nearly half its length.

Kostril with its lower end acute, bevelled gradually to the level of the cere;

upper outline of the cere very convex ; lore naked.

I IfaliaMus pclacjicus (Pall.). Fako pelagicus, Pallas, Zoog. Ros. As. 1, 343, pi. ix. Jquila
21., KrrTL., BoiK. Haliaetus p., SlEB., GitAY, Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. I, pp. 31, 110, pi. vi (?) ;

Hadiaitus pdagicus.

In. P.ird.s N. Am. 1S58, 42. Tha!assoaetu.i, Kalt, .Iakd. Fidco Icucopterus, Tkm.ai. Faico
imjicrator, Kittl. Ilab. Northeastern Asia, Japan (Sif.boldI ; Kauischatka.

FALCOKID.E — THE FALCONS. 323

1. H. pelagicus.' Wing, 24.50-20.00; tail, 13.50-16.00; culmen,
2.00; ilri>ili ul' bill, 1.80; cere, on top, 1.10; tarsus, 3.50; micUlle too,
2.95. Adult. Forehead, greater wing-coverts, abdomen, and tail, white;
other portions blackish-brown (Auct.). Young. Dark umber or black-
ish-brown, the feathers of the head and neck with lighter shaft-streaks;
tertials (except at ends) and basal third, or more, of iimei- webs of tail-
feathers, white; tail-coverts much mixed with the same. Hub. North-
eastern Asia.

B. Tail of twelve feathers, only .sliglitlj- rounded. Lower end of the nostrd
rounded, opening more abruptly inward ; upper outline of the cere nearly
straight; lores scantily feathered.

2. H. albicilla. Wing, 23.00-28.00 ; tad, 11.50-10.00; culmen, 2.05-
2.20; tarsu-s 3.30 - 3.80 ; middle toe, 2.50-2.95; depth of bill about
1.45 ; cere, on top, .85. Adidf. Head and neck pale grayish-fulvous,
or dirty yellowish-gray, not abruptly lighter than the body. Tail,
onlv, pure white. Rest of the plumage, including the tail-coverts,
dark grayish-brown, inclining to blackish on the primaries. Young.
Prevailing tint of the upper parts light isabella-color, or pale grayish-
cinnamon, each feather having a terminal triangular spot of blackish-
brown. Breast soiled white, with broad stripes of brownish-black;
rest of the lower parts nearly uniform fulvous-brown, the tibise darker.

. Hah. Europe ; Egypt ; Greenland.

3. H. leucocephalus. Wing, 20.00-20.00; tail, 10.50-15.50; cul-
men, 1.85-2.21): tarsus, 2.05-3.70; middle toe, 2.35-3.10; depth
of bill about 1.30; cere, on the top, .80. Adult. Head and neck,
tail and tail-coverts, p\u'e white, immaculate (except in transition
dress). Rest of the plumage brownish-black. Young. Brownish-black,
showing much concealed white at the bases of the feathers; ground-
color inclining to umber-brown on the upper surface ; on the lower
part.s, the basal white much exposed and predominating, the blackish
forming longitudinal, tear-shaped spots. Head and neck brownish-
black, the penicillated feathers of the nape seldom with whitish points.
Tail-feathers and primaries black, the inner webs usually more or loss
marked, longitudinally, with bufFy-whitish. Hab. The whole of North
America.

Sp. Chak. Yomui female (T) (28,100, Amoor River ; Mr. Burlingame). Form: very similar
to H. albieitla and H. Icucoccphala, but bill altogether more robust, and feet rather less so, than
in these. Tail, of fourteen leathers ! graduated for about one half its length. Dimensions :
About the size of the female of the two other species. Color : Generally dusky vandyke-browii,
a medial line on the lanceolate feathers of the neck, and the border of the si^uamate ones of the
tibire, decidedly lighter. Entire plumage white at the base, this exposed wherever the feathers
are disarranged, and prevailing on the crissum. Tertials, basal half of inner webs of primaries,
the whole tail, and upper tail-coverts, ndiite with a yellowish tinge. Tertials; upper tail-coverts,
and tail-feathers, with a large terminal spot of clear grayi.sh-black ; on the tail these form a rather
irregular terminal zone, being on the middle feather narrower, and broken into fine blotches.
Bill, cere, lore, and feet, yellow ; end of upper mandible, and the claws, bla(?k. Wing-formula,
3, 4, 2, 5-6-7 = 1. Wing, 24.50 ; tail, 13.50 ; culmen, 2.G0 ; depth of bill, l.SO ; cere, ou
top, 1.10 ; tarsus, 3.50 ; middle toe, 2.95.

324 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Haliaetus albicilla (Lixx).

GBAY S£A-EAGL£.

Aquila albiciHa, Briss. Orii. I, i27, 17o0. — Pall. Zoog. Koss. As. I, 345, ISU. — Ben-
ICK. Isis, 1824, pp. 878, 8S)2. — SwAix.s. Classif. B. II, 207, 1837. — Kuhl. Beitiiig.
Zool. pt. i, p. 76 (anat.), 1820. — Tyzeshauz, Rev. Zobl. 1848, p. 23.5.— Bailly,
Orn. Sav. I, 110, 1853. — S. Longch. Faun. Belg. p. 53, 1842. Vultur albicilla,
Liss. Syst. Nat. p. 123, 1766. Falco albiciHa, Penn. Brit. Zoiil. p. 61, pi. A, 1812;
ed. 8vo, 1812, I, 209, pi. xviii. — Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 253, 1789. — Lath. Ind. Orii.
I, 9, 1790 ; Syn. I, 33, 1781 ; Supp. I, 11, 1802 ; Gen. Hist. I, 46 A, 1821. — Opmann',
Nor. Act. Soc. Up.s, IV, 225. — Shaw, Zobl. VII, 79, 1812. — Tkm.m. Man. Orn. pt.
i, 49 ; pt. iii, 26, 1820 ; Tab. Meth. p. 3, 1836. — KlTTL. Kupf. Vog. pi. ii, f. 2, 1832.

— Bruxn. Om. Bor. p. 3, 1764. — F.^bei;, Prod. Island, Orn. p. 1, 1822. —Naum. Nat.
Vog. Deutschl. ed. nov. I, 224, pis. .\ii, xiii, xiv, 1822 ; Naclitr. p. 330, pi. ix, f. 17.

— Frisch, Vog. Deutschl. pi. Ixix, 70, 1739. Haliaetus albicilla, Ccv. Reg. Anim.
(cd. 1), I, 315, 1817 ; (ed. 2), I, 336, 1829. — Benn. Card. Zobl. Soc. II, 33, 1831.—
Werx. Atl. Ois. Eur. 1826. —Less. Man. Orn. I, 85, 1828. — Vie. Raffl. Life, p. 648.
Selbt, Brit. Om. I, 18, pi. iii, iii% 1833. — Gould, B. Eur. pl. x, 1837. — Boxap.
Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838 ; Gat. Uce. Eur. p. 19, 1842 ; Consp. Av. p. 15, 1850 ;
Rev. et Mag. Zobl. p. 531, 1854. — Cass. B. Calif. & Tex. I, p. Ill, 1854. — Gray,
Gen. B. p. 3 ; ed. 2, p. 4 ; fol. sp. 1, pl. vii, fig. 8. — Brehm. Vog. Deutschl. I, 14,
pl. iii, f. 1, 1831.— Cass. Birds N. Am. 43, 1858.- Sclat. Pr. Z. S. 1863, 257 (found in
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia — this disproven !). — Elliot, Birds N. A. I. Jlaliai'ttts
albicilla. Gray, Hand List, I, 16, 1869. Aquila ossifraga, Briss. Om. I, p. 437 (Juv.),
1760. — Kuhl, Beitriig. Zobl. pt. i, p. 60, pl. iv, figs. 1, 3, 3 ; pl. v, f. 1. Falco ossi-
fragjis, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 124, 1766. —Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 255, 1789. —Lath.
Ind. Orn. p. 12, 1790 ; Syn. I, 30, 1781 ; Supp. I, 9, 1802 ; Gen. Hist. I, 48 {Juv.),
1821. — Daud. Tr. Om. II, 64, 1800. -Shaw, Zobl. VII, pl. xviii, 1809. — Raffl.
Linn. Tr. VIII, 277 (var.). Aquila ImcoceplmUt, Meyer, Tascheub. Deutsch. Vbgelk.
p. 16, 1810. Falco mclaiwtus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 254, 1789. Falco albicaudus,
Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 258, 1789. Falco hinulnrius, L.\th. Ind. Orn. p. 15, 1790; Syn.
I, 39, sp. 16, 1781 ; Gen. Hist. I, 47 B, 1821.— Shaw, Zobl. VII, 80, 1809. Falco
pyijargiis, Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 62, 1800. Falco albicilla borculis, Faber, Isis, 1827, p.
56 ; Prod. Island, Om. p. 1, 1822. Haliwtus nisus, Savig. Descr. Egyp. pt. i, 86,
1809. — ViEiLL. Faun. Fran?, p. 10, pl. v, figs. 1, 2. — Degl. Mem. Soc. Sc. Lille,
1831, p. 213. — Less. Tr. Orn. p. 40, pl. viii, fig. 2, 1831. — Rorx, Om. Prod. I, 16,
pl. ix, X, 1825.

Sp. Guar. Adult male (56,034, Europe; SclilUter Collection). Plumage almost con-
tinuously umber-brown, becoming black on the primaries ; on the head and neck approach-
ing pale grayish-brown. Tail (but not the coverts) white, much mottled with dusky at
base ; shafts of the quills white. Wing-formula, 3-2=4-5-6, 1. Wing, 23.00 ; tail,
11.50 ; culmen, 2.20; depth of bill, 1.45 ; cere, above, .85 ; tarsus, 3.30 ; middle toe, 2.50 ;
outer, 2.00; inner, 1.70; posterior, 1.40. Bill and feet yellow.

Young. Head and neck blackish-brown, feathers whitish beneath the surface, the long
pencillate feathers of the nape tipped inconspicuou.sly with the same ; prevailing color of
the upper surface isabella-color (much more reddish than in corresponding age of leuco-
cephalus) each featlier with a terminal triangular spot of blackish-brown; tertials more
whitish. Secondaries rich dark brown: primaries deep black, their shafts dark brown.
Tail brownish-black much spotted with isabella-color, or soiled creamy-white, this occu-
pying most of the inner webs. Breast soiled w-hite, each feather with a conspicuous
broad medial stripe of brownish-black ; abdomen more fulvous ; tibiiE nearly uniform dark
brown. Rump nearly uniform vinaceous-fulvous. Bill black. Feet yellow.

FALCOXID^ — THE FALCONS.

325

Male (.56,037, North Europe; Schluttfr Coll.). Wing, 2G.0(); tail, 12..50; culmen, 2. '20.
Female (50,039, North of Europe ; Schlutter Coll.). Wing, 28.00; tail, 16.00; culmen,
2.45 ; depth of bill, 1.55 ; cere above, .70 ; tarsus, 3.65 ; middle toe, 3.50.
Hab. Europe and in Greenland.

LIST OF SPECI.MENS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 3 ; Philadelphia Academy, 3 ; New York Museum, 2 ; Boston So-
ciety, 2: Cambridge Museum, 1. Total, 11.

Measurements.

Sex. Wing.

TaiL
11.50-

Culmen.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

2.50-2.85

Specimens.

i Ad.

23.00 - 24.00

2.10-2.20

3.30 - 3.70

2

(?JUV.

24.75 - 26.00

12.50 -

2.05 - 2.20

.3.80 -

2.70-

•J

9 Juv.

27.80 - 28.00

14.00 - 16.00

2.20 - 2.45

3.50 - 3.65

2.95-3.50

2

Habits. The Wiite-tuiled or Gray Sea Eagle is common to the sea-coast
of Europe, where it inhabits only the parts of the country adjacent to the
sea, and rears its young on
the cliffs. It occurs in Green-
land, and is on that ground
included in the fauna of
North America. It has not
yet been traced south of
Greenland, nor has it been
found in any part of our
continent.

The Sea Eagle in Europe
is rarely found inland. It
builds its nest on rocky cliffs
projecting over the watei', on
the shores of Scotland, the
Orkney and Shetland Isl-
ands, Norway, Eussia, etc.
The nest is constructed of
sticks, or, %\-]iere these are
not convenient, of seaweed.
The eggs are two or three in
number. Their ground-color
is a clear white, usually unmarked, but occasionally stained with small, faint
spots of light brown. Tlie measurements of two in my collection, both
from Scotland, but obtained at different times by H. F. Walter, Esq., of
London, are as follows : Length 2.69 inches, breadth 2.1'.1 inches ; length 2.13
inches, breadth 2.25 inches.

The following, in relation to their breeding and distribution, is taken from
Mr. Yarrell's excellent work on the Birds of Great Britain : —

"The Wliite-tailed Eagle builds its nest on high rocks, and lays two eggs.

Haliatuf alhiriUn (Europe).

326 NOPJ'H AMERICAN BIRDS.

about the same size of those of the Golden Eagle, but with very little or no
red color on the white ground. The j'ouug are at first covered with a soiled
white down, and even at this age the beaks and claws of the eaglets are of
very large size. A pair of Golden Eagles have been known to rear their
young in the same sj)0t for eight seasons in succession ; and Mr. Mudie has
mentioned that, being tlius attaclied to a particular locality, their young,
wlien able to provide i'or themselves, are driven away by the parent birds to
get their living elsewhere; but the more erratic White-tailed Eagles, quitting
the breeding station wiien the season is ended, leave their young to forage
over the district in which they have been raised. In confinement, the

White-tailed Eagle sometimes becomes sociable One kept by Mr. Hoy

laid three eggs in the same season ; and a female in the possession of Mr.

Selby laid an egg after having been kept in confinement twenty years

The "White-tailed Eagle breeds in the Hebrides, in Orkney and Shetland.
Mr. Dunn, in his useful Guide to these latter islands, names the particular
localities in which they may be found, but states that they are much more
numerous in winter tlian in summer. Tliis accords with the opinion of Mr.
Temminck and others that this species returns to the southward from high
northern latitudes as the season advances. . . . Tliis Eagle frequents Den-
mark, Sweden, the west coast of Norway, and from thence as far north as
Iceland and Greenland, l3ut is not found in North America. Mr. Temminck
believes that this Eagle follows the flocks of geese that annually resort to
the Arctic regions in summer to rear their young. It is found in Siberia, at
Lake Baikal, and inhabits Eussia, from whence to the southward it is spread
over the European continent generally."

Haliaetus leucocephalus (Linn.).

BALD EAGLE; AMERICAN EAGLE.

Aquila Jcucocephala, Bius.s. Orn. 1, 422, 1760. — Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. jil. iii, 1807.

— Pallas, Zoog. Boss. As. I, 347, 1811. — Swainsox, Clnssif. B. II, 207, 1S37 ;
Anim. Menag. 106, 1838. — S. Longch. Faun. Belg. 53, 1842. Falco leucocephalus,
LixN. Syst. Nat. 124, 1766. — Gmel. Syst. Nat, 255, 1789. — Lath. Ind. Orn. 11,
1790; Syn. I, 29, 1781; Supp. p. 9, 1802; Gen. Hist. I, 45, 1S21. — Penn. Arct.
Zocil. pp. 194 and 196, 1785. — WiLS. Am. Orn. pi. xxxvi, 1808. — Tem.m. Man. Orn.
pt. i, 52; pt. ii, 27, 1820; Tab. Meth. 3, 1836. — SuAw, Zobl. VII, 78, 1809.

— BoNAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 26. — Greex, Silliman's Am. .louni. IV, 89; Isis,
1832, p. 1136. — ArD. Orn. Biog. 1, 160, 1831 ; Birds Am. pi. -xxxi, 1831. — Bhewer,
(■\Vn„';.) Am. Oni. Synop. 683, 1852. Haliaelus Jeucoceplialiis, Savig. — Cuv. Reg.
An. (ed. 2), I, 326. — Less. Tr. Orn. p. 40, 1831. — Stepii. Zobl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 13,
1826. — James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 21, 33, 1808. — Jauh. (Wils.) Orn. II, 89, 307.

— Rich. F. B. A. II, 15, 18.31. — Bexxett, Card. Zobl. Soc. II, 37, 1831. — Boxap.
Eur. & N. Am. B. 3, 1838 ; Cat. Ucc. Eur. 19. 1S42 ; Consp. At. 15, 1850 ; Rev.
et Mag. Zobl. 1854, p. 531. — Max. Cab. ,Tourn. A'l. 1858, 3.— Blakiston, Ibis,
III, 1861, 320. — Dre-sser, Ibis, 1865, 328 (Tex.i-s broodinc). — Gould, B. Eur. pi.
xi, 1837. —Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 3, 1844 ; List Birds Brit. Mus. 2, 1844. — AuD.
Synopsis Birds Am. 10, 1839. — Nuttall, Man. Orn. U. S. & Canad. 72, 1833. —

FALUONID JD — THE FALCONS. 397

Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. n, 1848. — Pe.\b. Birds Ma.ss. 73, 1841. — Giraud, Birds
Long Island, 9, 1844. — WooDH. Sit. ExijI. Zun. & Colorad. 59, 1853. — Cassix, B.
Calif. & Tex. I, 111, 1854. -De Kay, Zoiil. N. Y. H, 5, pi. i, f. 1, 1844. — Heekm.
P. E. K. Kept. Vn, 30, 1857. — Newb. P. K. K. Kept. VI, 75, 1857. — Wern. AtL
Ois. Eur. 1826. — Brehm, Vogel Deutschl. 17, 1831. — Cass. Birds N. Am. 1858,
43. — Coop. & Suck. P. E. E. Kept. XII, ii, 151, 1860. — Coues, Prod. B. Ariz. 13,
1866. Ualiaetus Icucocephalus, Gll.w, Hand List, I, 16 (1S69). Falco candidus,
Gjiel. Syst. Nat. 258, 1789. — Lath. hid. Oru. 14, 1790; Syn. I, 36, 1781 ; Gen.
Hist. I, 240, 1821. —Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 51, 1800. — Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. I,
30, 1807. Falco 'pygargus, Daud. Tr. Oru. II, 62, 1800. Fako ossi/rngtcs, WiLS. Am.
Orn. pi. Iv, f. 2 (Jtiv.), 1808. Falco kuco^aslcr. La™. Gen. Hist. I, 242, 1821.
Vultur albicilla, F.ABEK, Faun. Groenl. 53, 1780. Falco itmshbujloiii, Auu. Mag.
Nat. Hist. ser. 1, I, 1828, 115. — Ib. Orn. Biog. I, 58 ; Birds Am. pi. xi. — Brewer,
(WiLS.) Am. Orn. 683. — James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. IV, 261. Haliaelus washingtoni,
Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. II, 92. — Bonap. List, 1838, 3. — Gray, Gen. foL sp. 4. —
Add. Synop. Birds Am. 10. — Cass. B. Cal. & Tex. 110. — Ib. Birds N. Am. 1858,
42. — Strickl. Orn. Syn. I, 51, No. 82. Falco washingtonianus, Nutt. Man. pl.
Ixvii. Haliaelus Icucocephalus, Brewer, Oology, 1851, 48, pL iv, f. 37.

Sp. Char. Adult. Entire head and neck, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail, im-
maculate pure white. Rest of the plumage brownish-black, the feathers fading toward
the edges, these paler borders being most conspicuous on the upper surface. Primaries
uniform deep black. Bill, cere, superciliary shield, and feet, deep chrome-yellow ; iris
Naples-yellow. Male (12,017, Philadelpliia; C. Drexler). Wing, 22.00; tail, 10.50; cul-
men, 1.90; top of cere, .80; depth of bill, I..30; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 2.G0; outer,
2.00; inner, 1.50; posterior, 1.30. Wing-formula, 3 = 4-5, 2-6; 1=7. Female
(11,986, Philadelphia; C. Drexler). Wing, 25.00; tail, 12.75; culmen, 2.20; top of cere,
.80; tarsus, 3.10; middle toe, 2.85. Wing-formula, 3 = 4,5-2-6-7-1, 8. Young.
Second year (?) (No. 58,977, Mount Carrael, Wabash County, Illinois, Dec. ; D. Ridgway).
Head and neck brownish-black, white beneath the surface, the penicillate ones of the nape
tipped with pale brown. Prevailing color of other portions blackish-brown, inclining to
umber on the dorsal region, wing-coverts, and lower parts ; all the feathers white at their
roots, this much exposed on the lower parts, where the brown forms teav-shaped terminal
spots; axillars and lining of the wing white, each feather of the latter region with a
medial lanceolate stripe of blackish- brown. Primaries and tail brownish-black; inner
webs of secondaries and tail-feathers spattered longitudinally with crearay-white. Bill
and cere black ; iris brown ; feet yellow. Wing, 25.50; tail, 15.00; culmen, 2.10; tarsus,
3.10; middle toe, 2.60.

Young, first year (No. 41,595, Eastern United States?). Whole plumage nearly uni-
formly black, this very continuous above ; beneath, the basal white is much exposed, pro-
ducing a somewhat spotted appearance. Primaries and tail deep black, the inner webs
of the latter sprinkled with cream-color.

Young in down (W.ishington, D. C). Downy covering uniform deep sooty-gray ; the
sprouting feathers on wings, etc., all brownish-black.

Specimens from the Pacific Coast have the plumage rather deeper black; but scarcely
any other differences are appreciable. Measurements of specimens are as follows : —

"Male" (?) (45,838, Sitka; Bischoff). Wing, 24.50; tail, 12..50; culmen, 2.00.

Female (45,835, " " ). " 25.00 ; " 12.50 : '^ 2.20.

Of these, the male is continuous deep black, the head, neck, tail, and tail-coverts pure
white in sharp contrast; the female is less continuously black, — more so, however, than
in eastern specimens; the white portions are as pure as in the male.

An immature bird (9,130, Shoalwater Bay, W. T., Feb.; Dr. Cooper) is almost like the
Illinois specimen described, but is somewhat larger, measuring, wing, 26.00; tail, 15.00;

328

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

culmen, 2.20. It differs pomewhat in phimajre also, the lower parts being nearly uni-
formly light isabella-color, not variegated by the black spots ; the whole wing (except the
quills) is pale isabella-browii, the wing-coverts with terminal triangular spots of black ;
the back is also light-colored, Uke the wings.

Hatiaitus Itucocephalus.

Uah. Entire continent of North America, north of Mexico.
Localities quoted: Upper Te.xas; breeds (Dresser, Ibis, 1S65, 65).
(CouEs, P. A. N. S., 1866, 49).

Western Arizona

FALCONIDJ<: — THE FALCONS.

329

LIST OF SPECIMKNS EXAMINED.

National Museum, 17; Philadelphia Academy, 14; Boston Society, 3; Museum Com-
pai-ativo Zoology, 3; Coll. K. Ridgway, 2; CoU. J. C. Sharp, Ji'., 1; W. S. Brewer, 1.
Total, 41.

Meaanrements.

Sex.

Wing.

Tail.

Cidmen.

Tarsvs.

Middle Toe.

2.35 - 2.65

Specimens.
10

c?Ad.

20.00-23.00

11.00-13.00

1.85-2.00

2.65 - 3.40

^Juv.

23.50-25.00

12.00-15.25

1.95-2.20

3.20 - 3.30

2.70-2.90

5

9 Ad.

23.50 - 25.00

12.50- 13.50

1.90 - 2.20

3.40 - 3.60

2.55 - 2.80

7

9 Juv.

25.50-26.00

15.00-15.50

2.10-2.20

3.25-3.70

2.55-3.10

2

The " Bird of Washington " of Audubon was, without tlie least doubt, a
very large immature female, in about the second year : the discrepancies be-
tween Audubon's figure and description, and the I'eal characters of the young
Bald Eagle, are very probably the result of carelessness and faulty memory ;
the stretch of wing of " 10 feet 2 inches" is, no doubt, an exaggeration; and
the peculiar scutellation of the tarsus, as exhibited in his plate, was as cer-
tainly caused by this portion of the figure being worked up from memory.
The probability is also tluit the description was made up, or at least very
much added to, from this plate, as tliere is no record of Mr. Audubon's speci-
mens having been preserved. It is by no means strange that persons should
consider these large grayish Eagles a different species from the smaller
white-headed ones, since their proportions are as different as their colors ;
and throughout the country, unscientific people, and among them experienced
hunters, distinguish the three stages described above as the " bald," " big
gray," and " black " Eagles. Nothing is more certain, however, than that all
are only different stages of one and the same bird.

In the preceding table of measurements the old and immature specimens
are given separately, in order to prove the remarkable fact that the latter
have longer wings and tails than the former. This feature is not confined to
tlie j)resent liird, however, Inxt applies as a general rule to all Falconida'.

Habits. The White-headed Eagle is widely diffused throughout the
North American continent, from about latitude 58° north to the Gulf of
Mexico and Central America.

Sir John Eichardson, in Fauna Borcali- Americana (Vol. II, p. 15), states
that he did not meet with this species north of 62°, although he found it
common between that point and Lake Superior. He also states that they
leave the fur-countries in October, when the rivers are frozen. Subseqixently,
in his expedition overland to the Arctic Seas, in 1848, lie found occasion to
change his first impressions quite materially. He gives it as abundant at
Half-Moon Lake, in latitude 56° north. He also speaks of finding both the
Osprey and Wliite-headed Eagle liuilding their nests on the banks of Bear
Lake Eiver, in about 60° north. We find in his notes, that White-headed
Eagles made their appearance at Fort Confidence, latitude 66° 54', as early

VOL. IIL 42

330

NORTH AMEPaCAN BIRDS.

as May 17, before the ice had given way in the rivers ; and in his tables
of phenomena observed at the Cumberland House, in latitude 54", we also
observe that a White-headed Eagle was seen as early as the 24th of March,
" being almost always the first of the summer birds which arrives."

Mr. MacFarlaue found these Eagles breeding ou Lockhart Eiver, latitude

67° 30', but does not
regard it as abundant
in that lucalily, and
from the information
he has received from
the Indians, he pre-
sumes latitude 68° to
be its extreme north-
ern range. In the fol-
lowing year, 1862, this
su])position Wiis in pai"t
confirmed by his find-
ing a pair breeding on
the same river, near its
junction with the An-
derson, ill latitude 68°
north. Mr. B. I!. I!oss
states that it ranges to
the Arctic Circle, and
is numerous around
Great Slave and Bear
Lakes. It proved to
very common at Sitka, where Bischoff obtained a number of specimens.

Dr. Cooper, during his journey northward to the 49th degree, found this
one of the most abundant birds of the Falcon tribe in Washington Terri-
tory, particularly along the Columbia Eiver. It is a constant resident in
the Territory, and is said to lay its eggs as early as February. He saw large
numbers along the Columbia, sitting on some log or cliff over the water.
He never met with it aboiit high mountain tops nor on the jilains east of
the Eocky Mountains.

Dr. Newberry met with this Eagle in the interior of Northern California,
along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Eivers. He found it very common at
the Cascades of the Columbia, at the Falls of the Willamette, and still more
abundant about the chain of lakes in the Klamath basin, and also in the
Cascade Range, among the mountain lakes, and wherever fish was attainable.
They exhibited little shyness, and were easily brought within rifle range.

In Florida, Mr. Allen found this liird very common, breeding as early as
January. It was very abundant on the upper St. John's, and especially so at
Lake Monroe. It is also equally common in Texas, according to Dresser,

Hediactus leiicocepkan

FALCON I D^ — THE FALCONS. 331

especially near the headwaters of some of the rivers. He was told Ly his
guide, Westfall, that in passing a distance of forty miles he had noticed
eight nests. It also breeds on the Altaco.sa. Dr. Woodhouse found these
birds, but nowhere very abundant, from the (!ulf of Mexico to the I'acific,
along his entire route, and Dr. Cones observed tliem near Fort Whipple.

The statements of Temniinck tliat this Eagle has been taken accidentally
in Central Europe, Switzerland, and Germany, and also that it breeds in
Xorthwestern Europe, are not now credited ; and more recent scrutiny of
these supposed facts cast discredit upon them, and show tiiat there is no
well-authenticated instance of its having been detected in Europe.

The "White-headed Eagle appears to be equally well adapted by nature for
the endurance of heat or cold, and is apparently indifferent to either. Its
residence is influenced only by its abundance of food, especially that of fish ;
and it seems to matter very little whether that plenty is procurable within
the Arctic Circle or on the coast and rivers of Florida and Texas. In places
like tlie Falls of Niagara, where the stream is ever liable to contribute the
remains of animals destroyed Ijy the descent of the torrent, this Eagle is espe-
cially abundant. Unscrupulous, greedy, voracious, not select in its choice
of food, and capable of providing for itself when necessity compels, we find
this not altogether unsuitable emblem of our country now enacting the
tyrant and robber and plundering the Fishhawk of the fruits of its in-
dustry, now sharing with the Kaven and the Vulture the dead salmon of
the Columbia, and in other places diving for and catching its own fish. The
impetuosity and skill with which it pursues, overtakes, and robs the Fish-
hawk, bearing off a fish it has just taken, must be witnessed to be appreci-
ated ; and the swiftness with which the Eagle can dart down upon and seize
the booty, which the Hawk has been compelled to let fall, before it reaches
the water, is not the least wonderful feature of this striking performance.
On the banks of the Columbia, where there are no Fishhawks to depend
upon, this bird finds an easy subsistence on the vast numbers of dead and
dying salmon which abound ; and in Florida Mr. Allen has observed it
dive and catch its own fish. This is, also confirmed by the statements of
other naturalists. Wilson also accuses this Eagle of destroying great num-
bers of young pigs in the Southern States, young lambs, and even sickly
sheep ; and in one instance it attempted to carry off a child, which was only
saved by its dress giving way.

The White-headed Eagle breeds along the Atlantic coast from the St. Law-
rence to Florida, and thence westward to Mexico along the coast and among
the tributaries of the Gulf In the interior it breeds as far north as the
Arctic Circle.

Richardson states that it abounds in the watery districts of Rupert's Land,
and a nest may be looked for within every twenty or thirty miles. Each
pair appropriates a certain range of country, on which they are said to suffer
no intruders of their own species to encroach ; but the nest of the Osprey is

332 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

often placed at no great distance from that of the Eagle. Some of the
voyagers had the curiosity to visit an Eagle's nest, whicli was built on the
cleft summit of a balsam poplar, of sticks, many of them as tliick as a man's
wrist. It contained two young birds, well fledged, with a good store of fish
in a very odoriferous condition. While tlie men were climbing the tree, the
female parent hovered close around, and threatened an attack on the in-
vaders ; but the male kept aloof, making circles high in the air.

In Calilbrnia, where tlie rocky coast is destitute of convenient trees, the
\Vhite-headed Eagle resorts to rocky clifts as the safest and most convenient
jjlaces for nesting. We have the authority of Eichardson for tlie same de-
viatiou from its usual resort to trees in parts of the fur-countries where the
latter are wanting. The climate apparently exerts a certain influence, though
not so much as might be supposed. In the Southern States it nests seven
weeks earlier than in Maine, in both of which regions it is resident through-
out the year. Farther north, where tlie severity of the cold, by closing
the ponds and rivers with solid ice, places their food lieyond their reach,
and where they are only visitants in the warmer season, they, of course, nest
still later, for the reason tliat they do not reach tliese regions until after the
breeding season of more southern birds of the species.

In the extreme Southern States, as in California, the Wliite-headed Eagle
breeds as early as Februaiy. In Maine, the general imjiression has been
that the eggs are not deposited before ^lay, and at a still later period in the
more northern portions of the United States. JMore recent observations
show this to be incorrect, and that these birds breed at a much earlier
season of the year. Mr. Audubon speaks of having once shot a female on
her eggs, near the Mississippi, as early as tlie 17th of January. Dr. Gambel
found "Wliite-headed Eagles nesting on the cliffs along the shores of the
Pacific in Feliruary and March.

Having occasion to visit the State of Maine in April, 1856, near the Dama-
riscotta Eiver, the banks of which stream are frequented by these birds on
account of the abundance of fish, I was informed that a pair had con-
structed a nest in a neighboring wood, wliicli they had occupied for several
successive years. The previous season (1855). late in May, my informant
had climbed a tree in the immediate neigliborhood, commanding a full view
of tlie nest. It then contained young nearly grown. From this statement
I was led to conclude that there was no time to be lost if we would secure
the eggs before hatching. We accordingly visited the nest on the 27th
of April, and found it situated on a tall pine, at least sixty feet from the
ground. The tree stood in a swamjiy wood, within a few rods of the
stage road, and not more tliaii half a mile from the village of Damariscotta.
It contained no limbs or brandies to facilitate ascent for at least the distance
of thirty feet, and the trunk at the base was from six to nine feet in circum-
ference, rendering it impossible to mount the tree by the aid only of the
hands and feet. My assistant was, liowever, drawn up, by means of a rope

FALCOxXID^ — TUE FALCONS.

333

fastened roiind his body, to a lieight where the branches of the tree rendered
the remainder of the ascent comparatively easy. While he was ascending,
we observed several Eagles Hying over our heads, but at a great height. One
only approached us ; but, as soon as we were noticed, the bird made a precip-
itate retreat. It was apparently conveying food to the nest, and was not at
first aware of our presence ; after which it hovered at a distance, uttering
hoarse, disagi-eeable cries of displeasure, not unlike the imperfect harking of a
dog. Ko attempt was made to molest or interru])t the man as he ascended
to, or after he had reached, the nest. We found, when he had climbed to
the nest, that the female had been sitting upon it all the while, and only left
when the unwelcome caller was near enough to luive reached her with his
hands. She too Hew over tlie man's head in somewhat close proximity, utter-
ing frequent cries of distress, but made no eli'ort whatever to attack him.

The nest was found to contain no egg, and but a single bird, apparently
abo\it a fortnight old. It was some six or seven inches in length, its weight
between one and two pounds, and its head and claws disproportionately
large. It was covered uniformly with a thick, close, and soft downy plum-
age, which was of a clean deep straw-color. There was not the least admix-
ture of gray or brown. The young bird was completely helpless, and uttered
almost constant cries for tbod. It ate readily whenever fish or meat was
offered it, but was unable to support itself upon its legs. It was taken to
my host's house, where it was well cared for, and for a while, with careful
attention, it did well and grew apace, manifesting a most inordinate and
insatiable appetite.

The nest was described tci me by my assistant as a platform between five
and six feet in diameter, and at least four in thickness. It w-as constructed
of regular layers of large sticks, each several feet in length, and from an inch
to an inch and a half in thickness. Its surface was perfectly flat, and was
" finished off," to use his expression, with tufts of grass, dry leaves, mosses,
lichens, small twigs, etc., etc. He found in it, liy the side of the young
Eagle, four or five large eels, each of which was about two feet in length,
showing that the parent birds provide liberally for their own wants and
those of their young.

■ Estimating the age of the young Eagle at ten days, and allowing four
wrecks for incubation, and at least one week's interval between the deposition
and the commencement of the parent bird's sitting upon it, we have very
nearly the exact period at which the egg was laid, March 13.

This occurred at the coldest period of the season, when the ground was
covered with snow to an unusual depth, and when the thermometer indi-
cated a temperature at that time frequently as low as 15° below zero.

The nest is iisually of great size, composed of sticks from three to five feet
in length, pieces of turf, weeds, and moss. Its diameter is about five feet,
and its depth is not unfrequently as great. In the warmer localities, where
it breeds, the pair usually frequent the same nest throughout the year, and

234 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

make it their permauent place of resort. This is also true, probaljly, wher-
ever this Eagle remains lliroughout the year. Mr. T. H. Jacksuii, of West
Chester, Pa., informs me that he met with three fresh eggs of this species in
Maryland, on llie Uth of February, 1871.

The e"us are usually two, sometimes three or four, in mimber ; they are
nearly spherical, equally rounded at either end, and more or less granulated
on their surface. Their color is a dull while, unspotted, but often stained by
incubation to a dirty white or a light soiled drab. Two eggs in my collection
present the following measurements : Length 3 inches, breadth 2.75 ; length
2.88 inches, breadth 2.80. The fir.st was obtained in New Jersey by Alex-
ander Wilson, the ornithologist ; the latter by Dr. Trudeau, in Louisiana.

Another, taken from a nest in Texas by Dr. Heermann, measured 2.80 by
2.20 inches. A fourth, from Sitka, measures 2.75 by 2.25 inches. These
measurements, so far as they may Tjc taken as typical, exhibit but little varia-
tion in .size between the most northern and the most southern S]jecimens.

Several nests were met with and the eggs taken by Mr. MacFarlane near
Anderson Eiver. They were generally built in high trees not far from river-
banks. In a few instances the parents made hostile demonstrations when
their nests were robbed, but generally kept at a safe distance, uttering loud
and discordant sounds. Tlie nests were built of dry sticks and decayed
branches, and lined with deer's hair, mosses, hay, and other similar soft mate-
rials.

Mr. Dall was informed by the Indians that this species breeds among the
Alaska.n mountains on inaccessible cliffs. This statement, however, may
have had reference to the Golden Eagle.

' I 'J V '>;>..'SP9

i0''

s*

F W i

^^^

' , M

I i

w -|

^¥t^ ^'^

^ 1

^ ^

Faico comnwnis

: (Kiiroro), p. l-Sfl,

iv.

CATHARTIDJi: — THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 335

Family CATHARTID^. — The American Vultures.

Catharlida:. Gn.iV, 1S42. — Hl'XLEY, P. Z. S. 1S67, p. 4G3. CaUuiiiiiue, L.\fr. 1839.
Sarcorlutmphidcc, Gkay, 18-lS. Gryjihituc, Kkich. 1850.

The characters of this family have been given in sufficient detail (III, 1),
so that a short diagnosis, showing its most readily observable peculiarities,
■will here be sufficient.

Ch.vr. Whole head, and sometimes the neck, naked ; eyes prominent, and not shaded
by a supercihary shield. Cere much elongated, much depressed anteriorly below the very
arched culmen ; nostrils longitudinal, horizontal, the two confluent or perforate. Middle
toe very long, and the hind one much alibreviated. A web between the base of the inner
and middle toes.

The family Vulturidcc} as long recognized, included all the naked-headed,
carrion-feeding Ewptores of both the Old and the New World. The later
researches of science, however, have shown the necessity of separating the
Vultures of the latter continent from those of the former, and ranking
them as a distinct family, while at the same time the Old World "N'ultures
are found to be merely moditied Falconidcv. The resemblance between the
Cathartidm and the vulturine Falconidcc is merely a superficial one of anal-
ogy, and not one of affinity. Being the scavengers of the countries they
inhabit, the latter thus perforui the same office in nature as the former, and for
adaptation to a similar mode of life their external characters are modified to
correspond. Close, however, as is tlie e.xternal reseml dance between the two
groups, their osteological structure and internal anatomy is entirely different.

The C'ff//(«r^/(7«' differ from the Vu/fnrincc^ as to their e.xternal structure
in the following particulars, the osteological structure being entirely different
in the two groups, the latter being like the Falconidce in all the characters
which separate the latter family from the Catlmrtida:.

Cathartidae. Nostrils horizontal, perforate ; a well-developed web between the inner
and middlij tor;;, at the base.

Vulturinae. XostrLls vertical, not perforate ; no trace of welj between inner and middle
toes.

In habits, the Cathnrtido: resemble the vulturine Falconidcc of the Old
World. " They lack the strength and spirit of typical Raptorcs, and rarely
attack animals capable of offering resistance ; they are voracious and indis-
criminate gormandizers of carrion and animal refuse of all sorts, — efficient
and almost indisjjensable scavengers in the warm comitries where they
abound. They are uncleanly in their mode of feeding ; the nature of their
food renders them ill-scented, and when disturbed they eject the fetid contents

1 Established by Vigors, in 1S25.

^ From the Vullurime are excluded the genera GypcBtus and Neojjhran, each of wliioh [iroba-
bly constitutes a subfamily by itself.

336

NOUTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

of tlie crop. Although not truly gregarious, they assemble in multitudes
where food is plenty, and some species breed in communities. When gorged,
they appear heavy and indisposed to exertion, usually passing the period of
digestion motionless, in a listless attitude, with their wings half spread. But
they spend most of the time on wing, circling high in tlie air ; their flight is
easy and graceful in the extreme, and capable of being indefinitely pro-
tracted. On the ground, they habitually walk instead of progressing by
leai)s. Possessing no \ocal apparatus, the Vultures are almost mute, emitting
only a weak hissing sound." (CouES.)

The Cathartidte all belong to the tropical and warm temperate portions of
tlie continent, only one species {Rhinogryphus aura) e.xtending its range as
far as the border of the colder regions. The famous Condor {Sarcorhamphus
gryplms) of the Andes and the equally large California species {Pscudognj-
p)lms cnliforniuaus) are among the largest birds of flight m the world, being

exceeded in size by none, and rivalled
but by one or two of the Vultures
of the Eastern Hemisphere.

The following diagnoses based upon
the external structure are suflficieut
to cliaracterize the very well-marked
genera and subgenera of this family.
The distinctive osteological characters
which accompany these external fea-
tures afford still more decided differ-
ences, and are illustrated by the fig-
ures.

S. gryphuSj (^, Chile. ^ nat. size.

S. papa, 9 , Mazatlan. >^ nat.

Genera and Subgenera.

A. Crop naked. Male with a flu.shy crest, or lobe, attached to the top of the
cere. Bill very robust and strong, its outlines very convex; cere much shorter
than the head.

1. Sarcorhamphus. Entire neck bare; nasal cavity entirely open ; pos-
terior claw very thick and stroncly curved. Tail even.

Sexes different, the female lacking any fleshy caruncles, or appendages,
on the head and neck. Frontal lobe, or fleshy crest of male, extending
from the anterior border of the cere to the middle of the crown ; throat
with a median wattle, or " dewlap " ; side of the neck with a somewhat
convoluted or twisted caruncle, extending from the side of the occiput

CATHAIITID^ — THE AMERICAN VULTfRES. 337

obliquely downward, across the neck to near tlie lower extremity of the
gular wattle ; lower part of the foreneck with a pendent fleshy appen-
dage. Plumage beginning below the neck by a crescentic ruff of soft
white down, or cottony feathers, around the posterior portion. Pri-
maries longer than the secondaries; front of the tibio-tarsal joint

feathered Sarcorhamphus}

Sexes alike, the female possessing the caruncular appendages of the
head as well as the male. Frontal lobe attached to only the middle
portion of the cere, above the nostril ; throat without a median wattle ;
side of the neck without any caruncles ; no appendage on the foreneck ;
auricular region with longitudinal corrugations, and occiput densely
haired. Plumage beginning below the neck by a nift' of broad, well-
developed, normal feathers. Primaries not longer than the secondaries.

Front of the tibio-tarsal joint naked Cathartes}

B. I "rop feathered. Male without a fleshy crest, or other appendages, on the
head. Bill less robust, variable as to strength, its outlines only moderately con-
vex; cere nearly equal to the head in length. Sexes alike.

a. Entire neck bare ; plumage commencing abruptly in a ruft' of lanceolate,
or penicillate feathers, these continued on the breast and abdomen. Head
much elongated, the upper outline a slightly convex plane, the forehead
depressed below the level of the very elevated dorsal outline of the cere.
Posterior claw very thick and strongly curved.

2. Pseudogryphus. Xostril occupying only the posterior third of the
nasal orilice, its anterior end acute. Bill weak, the terminal hook only
slightly developed, the mandibles broader than deep, the lower as deep
as the upper. Head and neck without corrugations or caruncles.
Tarsus slightly longer than the middle toe ; fourth or fifth quill longest ;
extremities of the quills reaching to or beyond the end of the tail. Tail
even. (P. californianus.)

b. Only the upper half, or less, of the neck bare ; plumage commencing
gradually with normal, broad feathers ; feathers of breast and abdomen
broad and normal. Head only moderately elongated, the upper outline
irregular, the forehead elevated above the dorsal outline of the cere. Bill
strong, the terminal hook well developed. Posterior claw weaker, less
curved.

3. Rhinogiyphus. Nostril occupying the whole of the nasal cavity,
its anterior end broadly rounded ; cere as deep as broad, the upper and
lower outhnes divergent posteriorly, the former considerably arched ;
lower mandible much less deep than the upper. Skin of the neck with-
out corrugations ; a semicircular tuft of antrorse radiating bristles in
front of the eye. Wing very long, the primaries reaching to or beyond
the end of the tail. Tail much rounded. {R. aura and R. hurrovianus.)

4. Catbarista. Nostril occupying only the po.sterior half of the nasal
cavity, its anterior end contracted and acute ; cere depressed, much
wider than deep, its upper and lower outlines parallel, the former not
perceptibly arched; lower mandible as deep as the upper; .skin of the
neck transversely corrugated ; no tuft of bristles in fi-ont of the eye.
Wing short, the primaries reaching scarcel3' to the middle of the tail.
Tail even, or sUghtly emarginate. (C atratus.)

^ Sarcorhamphus, DuMfeRiL, 1806. (Type, Vultur gryphvs, Ll?oi.)

2 Catharlcs, Illiger, 1811. (Type, Fnltnr papa, Llvn.) Gypagiui, ViF.iLi.. ISlti. (Sann-
type.) Gyparchus, Glog. 1842. (Same type.) Sarcorhamphvs, AucT. (in part).
VOL. III. 43

338

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Genus PSEUDOGRYPHUS, Ridgway.

Calhartes, AucT. (in part.)

Gen. Char.

Size very large, and aspect vulturine. Head much elongated, with regular

outlines ; the entire head and neck bare
of feathers, the skin faintly wrinkled, but
free from corrugations or caruncles. Nos-
tril small, occupying only the posterior
third, or less, of the nasal oridce, its an-
terior end acute. Plumage beginning at
the bottom of the neck in a rufi" of lan-
ceolate, acuminate feathers, these con-
tinued over the breast and abdomen.
Wings very large, the primaries and sec-
ondaries well developed, the former lon-
gest, and reaching to, or beyond, the end
of the tail ; fourth or fifth quill longest ;
outer five with inner webs appreciably
Pseudogryphus caUforniamis. ;., nat. size. sinuated. Tail even. Sexes alike.

The single species conqiosiiig this very tlistiiict genus belongs to Western
North America, and, so far as known, has the most restricted distribution of
any large raptorial bird in the world. It is remarkable for its very large
size, all its dimensions nearly, if not quite, ec^ualling those of the famed
Condor of the Andes (Sarcorhamphus gryphiis).

Pseudogryphus californianus TSuaw).

CALIFORNIA CONDOR, OR VULTURE.

Vultur californianus, Sh.a.w, Nat. Jlisc. IV, pi. ccci, 1797 ; Zoul. VII, 10, 1809. — Lath.
Syn. Supp. II, 3, 1802 ; lud. Orn. Supp. 2 ; Gen. Hist. I, 7. —James. (Wils.) Am.
Orn. IV, 259, 1831. — Dot:GL. Zobl. Joum. IV, 328; Isis, 1831, 110. —Reich. Prakt.
Nat. Vbg. p. 18. Catlmrtcs californianus, Cuv. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 316,1829.—
BoxAPAUTE, Ann. Lye. N. Y. H, 221 ; Isi.s, 1832, 1135 ; List, 1 ; Consp. Av. 9. —
Swains. Classif. B. 11, 206, 1837. — Ranz. Elem. di Zool. Ill, 23. — Gkay, Gen. B.
sp. 3, pi. ii. — De Kay, Zool. N. Y. II, 3, 1844. — Nutt. Man. I, 39, 1833. — Aun.
Birds Am. pi. ccccxxvi, 1831; Orn. Biog. V, 240; Synop. p. 2, 1839. —Brew.
(Wils.) Synop. p. 832, 18.52. — Peale, U. S. ExpL Exp. VIII, 58. — Strickl. Orn.
Syn. I, 3, 1S55. — Kaup, Thien-. p. 229. — Cassix, Birds N. Am. 1858, 5. — Heeum.
P. R. R. Rept. II, 29, 1855. — Newb. P. R. R. Rept. VI, 73, 1857. —Coop. & SrcK.
XII, ii, 141, 1860. — CouES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 6, 1866. — Gray, Hand List, I, 3,
1869. — Taylor, Hntchins's Gala. Mag. HI, 1859, 537 (fig. of egg and young). — GuR-
NEY, Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 39. — ScLAT. P. Z. S. 1866, 366 (with fig. from life) ; 1868,
183 (fig. of young from life, same specimen). — CouE.s, Key, 1872, 222. CatharisUt cali-
fornianus. Gray, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 4, 1844. Sarcorhamphus californicus, Steph.
Zool. XIlI, 6, 1815. — Vio. Zoiil. .lourn. H, 375. — Rich. & Swaixs. F. B. A. II, 1,
1831. — LioHT. Orn. Calif, p. 8, pi. i. Calhartes vulturinus, Temm. PI. Col. 31, 1820.
— Less. Man. Orn. VII, 10, 1828.

Sp. Char. Wing, 30.00-3.5.00; tail. 1.5.00-18.00; cnlmen, about 1..50; length of
head, 6.50-7.00; tarsus, about 4.50 - 5.00 ; middle toe, 4.00-4.50; outer, 3.10; inner,

CATHAKTID.E — THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 339

3.60; posterior, 1.10; middle claw (longest), 1.50; posterior (shortest), 1.90. Total
leiigtli, .45 - .50 ; extent of wingt:, about 9 or 10 feet.

Adult. Bill yellowish white ; naked skin of the head and neck orange and red ; iris
carmine (authors). General plumage dull black, the upper surface with a faint bluisli
lustre, the feathers (excepting the primary covert^s secondary coverts, and remiges) pass-
ing into dull brownish on their margins, producing a squamate appearance. Scapulars
and (more appreciably) the secondaries and their coverts with a hoary grayish cast, the
latter white for most of their exposed portions (producing a band across the wing), the
white following the edges of the secondaries nearly to their ends ; primaries and tail-
feathers, with their shafts, uniform deep black. Whole lining of the wing (except the
outer border) and axillars pure white. Lower parts continuous dull carbonaceous-black,
the tips of the penicillate feathers with a hoary or chalky tinge. (No. 41,649, Monterey,
California; Dr. C. A. Canfield. Wiug, 32.00; tail, 1.5.00; culmen, 1.50; depth of bill,
1.20 ; length of head, 7.00 ; cere, on top, 2.90 ; point of bill to anterior end of nostril, 2.50 ;
tarsus, 5.00 ; middle toe, 4.20.)

Young. Bill dusky ; naked skin of the head and neck dusky, and more or less covered
with soft, grayish down. Plumage duller black, with the white wholly absent. (No.
41,707, Monterey ; C. A. Canfield. Measurements as in the last.)

Localities: Fort Yuma (Coues, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. 1866, 42).

Had. Pacific Coast region from moutli of the Colorado to the Columbia ? Southern
Utah (Hr.Nsn.vw).

Habits. This large Vitlture, .so far as is known, is restricted to the area
on the Pacific Coast from the Columbia Eiver to the Colorado, and extending
as far to the east as the Sierra Nevada. None are known to have been taken
in Me.xico, and it \-ery rarely goes north of the Columbia It is said to
be most common in the hot interior valleys of California, where are large
herds of cattle, upon wliich it, to a large e.xtent, depends for its food. Dr.
Cooper saw none on the Colorado, and met with none east of the San Ber-
nardino Mountains. Even at Fort Mohave the cattle killed during the five
months he resided there did not attract one of these Vultures.

Dr. Cooper did not see these birds in any number along the sea-coast, and
has noticed none on the islands or in the highest Sierra Nevada. Yet they
are said, when other food is scarce, to feed on dead seals and whales ; but
this fact he has never witnessed.

Dr. Newberry states that it was to him a pleasant portion of every day's
experience, in his march through the Sacramento Valley, to watch the grace-
ful evolutions of this Vulture. In its colors the combination was a pleasing
one, while its flight was easy and effortless beyond that of any other bird.
Though a common bird in California, he found it much more shy and diffi-
cult to shoot than its associate, the Turkey-Ruzzard ; and it was never seen
in such numbers or exhibiting such familiarity as the smaller species which
swarm, and are such efficient scavengers, in our southern cities. After his
party left the .Sacramento Valley, he saw very few in the Klamath Basin,
and met with none within the limits of Oregon. It is occasionally found
there, but much more rarely than in California.

Dr. Newberry states that a fine specimen presented to Dr. Sterling on his
return to San Francisco ate freely of the meat given him, and was for some

340

.NUKTII A.MKIUCAN BIKDS.

time kept alive. It was, however, impatient of coufinement, and succeeded

in tearing the cord that confined liim from his legs, and in making his escape.
Dr. Cooper also saw one of these Vultures in coutinenient, at Monterey, in
the possession of Dr. C'anfield. This was a full-grown individual wiiicli he
had raised from the nest. It liad been fed exclusi\ely on fresh meat, had
no offensive smeU, and was clean and shining. It was gentle and familiar,

P.^iudoi;ryphus cali/omianus.

but seemed stupid, and dozed most of the time on a fence. This was subse-
Cjuently presented to the Zoological Society of London, and formed the sub-
ject of our figure. The figure of the young bird on the next page is taken
from a photograpli of the same specimen at an early age.

Dr. Heermann, in his Report on Lieutenant Williamson's Survey, mentions
having observed this Yidture sailing majestically in wide circles at a great
height, and ranging by its powers of Hight over an immense space of coun-

CATHAETID^ — THE AMERICAN VULTURES.

341

try in search of food. Often wlien hunting in the Tejon Valley, if unsuccess-
ful, they would be several liour.s without seeing one of this species ; but as
soon as they succeeded in bringing down any large game, these birds
would be seen rising above the liorizon before the body had grown cold, and
sliiwly sweeping towards tliem, intent upon their share of the game. In the
absence of the hunter, unless well protected, these marauders will be sure
to drag out from its concealment the slain animal, even though carefully cov-
• ered with branches. Dr. Heermann states that he has known them to dra"
out and devour a deer within an hour. This Vulture possesses immense
muscular power. Dr. Heermann has known four of them to drag the body
of a young grizzly bear,
that weighed over a hun-
dred pounds, the distance
of two hundred yards.
Dr. Cooper states that it
visits tlie Columbia River
in autuuni, when its
shores are lined with great
numbers of dead salmon,
on which, in company ^
with other birds and va- jr.
rious animals, it feasts for ^
a couple of months. He
considered it, however,
only a visitor at certain
seasons, and not a resi-
dent even through the
summer. He did not see
it, nor did he hear of its presence at Puget Sound.

It is stated by Douglas that these Vultures will in no instance attack any
living animal unless it be so severely wounded as to be unable to walk.
Their senses of sight and smell are very acute, especially the former ; and
when searching for prey they soar to a very great height, and if they
chance to disco\-er a wounded animal they immediately follow and attack it
whenever it sinks down. The first comers are soon followed by others, and
it is not long before the carcass is reduced to a skeleton. After thus feed-
ing, they remain for a while sluggish and reluctant to move. At these times
they perch on dead trees, witli their heads drawn down, and their wings
drooping over their feet. Except after feeding, or when protecting their
nests, they are said to be very wary, and are with great difficulty shot by the
hunter. Their flight is descril)ed as slow, steady, and graceful, and they
glide along with little or no perceptible motion of the wings, the tips of
which are curved upward in flying, in the manner of the Tui-key-Buzzard.
They are said to appear most numerous and to soar the highest preceding
thunder-storms and tempests.

PsPltflo^njiilttis cnlifomianus.

342 NORTH ^UIERICAN BIRDS.

Dr. Townsend states that in their walk they resemble a Turkey strutting
over the ground witli great dignity, but are clumsy and awkward when
tliey endeavor to hasten their movements. When they attempt to rise from
the ground they always hop several yards, in order to give an impetus to
their heavy body. Dr. Cooper discredits tlie statement of ilr. Taylor, that
tliis \'ulture has been known to kill and carry off a hare in its claws. These
are straight and weak, and not adapted for such uses.

Dr. Ileermann states that a nest of this bird with young was discovered
in a thicket on the Tuolumne Iliver. It was about eight feet back from the
entrance of a crevice in the rocks, completely surrounded and masked by
thick underbrush and trees, and composed of a few loose sticks tlirown neg-
ligently together. He found two other nests, of a like construction and
similarly situated, at the head of Merced River and in the mountains. From
the latter the Indians were in the habit of yearly robbing the young, to kill
at one of their festivals.

Mr. Ale.xander S. Taylor, of Monterey, published a series of papers in a
California journal relati\e to this Vulture. In one of these he mentions that
a ]\Ie.\ican ranckero, in hunting among the highest peaks of the Santa Lucia
range, disturbed two pairs of them from their nesting-places, and brought
away from one a young bird a few days old, and from the other an egg. There
was no nest, the eggs having been laid in the hollow of a tall old robles-oak,
in a steep barranca, near the summit of one of the highest peaks. These
birds are said by some hunters to make no nest, but simply lay their eggs
on tlie ground at the foot of old trees or on the bare rocks of solitary peaks.
Others affirm that the}' sometimes lay their eggs in old nests of Eagles and
Buzzards, ilr. Taylor states that the egg weighed 10.50 ounces, the con-
tents weighing 8.75. The egg was of a dead duU white color, the surface of
the shell slightly roughened. It was nearly a perfect ellipse in shape, and
measured 4.50 inches in length by 2.38 in diameter. The egg-shell held
nine fluid ounces of water. The young Vulture weighed ten ounces. His
skin was of an ocreous-yellow, covered with a fine down of a dull wliite.

Dr. Canfield informed Dr. Cooper that he lias seen as many as one hun-
dred and fifty of these birds at one time and place in the vicinity of ante-
lopes he had killed, and noticed that they invariably sighted tlieir prey. They
are often killed by feeding on animals tliat have been poisoned with strych-
nine. They are not feared by the rancheros, yet Dr. Canfield has known a
number to attack a 3"oung calf, separate it from its mother, and kill it. A
vaqucro having killed a large grizzly bear, left it on the plains near the sea-
shore, to return to the house, about three miles distant, for assistance. On
his return, after an absence of about two liours, a flock of tliese Vultures
had cleaned the entire carcass, leaving only the skin and the skeleton. This
Vulture and the Turkey-Buzzard often feed together over tlie same carcass,
and generally do some fighting together. Many of them nest in the high
mountains east and south of the Carmelo Valley, and also near Santa Cruz,

CATHARTID^ — THE AMERICAN VULTURES.

6'\

43

as well as in the .Santa Lucia range, and are found there throughout the
year, but in greater numbers from July to iSIovember.

An egg of this species, in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution
(9,983), from San Eafael, California, obtained by Dr. C. A. Caniield, measures
4.40 inches in length by 2.50 in breadth. It is of an elongate-oval shape, but
is decidedly more pointed at the smaller than at the larger end. In color it
is of a uniform pale greenish-blue, almost an ashy greenish-white, and with-
out spots.

Genus RHINOGRYPHUS, Ridgway.

Catluirtes, Arcx. (iu part). (Type, Vultur aura, L.)

Gen. Char. Size medium (about equal to Neophron), the wings and tail well devel-
oped, the remiges very long and large. Head and upper portion of the neck naked ; the
skin smooth, or merely wrinkled ; a semicircular patch of antrorse bristles before the eye.
Nostril very large, with both ends broadly rounded, occupying the whole of the nasal
orifice. Cere contracted anteriorly, ami as deep as broad ; lower mandible not so deep as
the upper. Plumage beginning gradually on the neck, with broad, rounded, normal feath-
ers. Ends of primaries reaching beyond the end of the tail; third or fourth quill longest;
outer five with inner webs appreciably sinuated. Tail much rounded; middle toe slightly
longer than the tarsus. Sexes alike.

A. aitra. l^ oat size.

R. burTovianits. (>^,)

R. aura, ('j-.j

Neophron pemiapterus. (}i.) Rhimgryplms aura ('4.)

The species of this genus are only two in number, one of them (aura) ex-

344

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tending over the whole of America, with the exception of tlie colder
portions ; the other {bunvvumus) confined to the eastern tropical region.
They may be distinguished as follows : —

Species.

CosniON Characters. General plumage nearly uniform blackish ; no -wliitx;.
Adult. Bill wliite ; head reddish. Young. Bill and head dusky, or blackish.

1. R. aura. Upper half of the neck bare all round. Feathers of the upper
surface with brown borders. Wing, 20.00-23.00 ; tail about 12.00. ffab.
Entire continent and islands of America, except the colder portions.

2. R. burrovianus.' Only the head and throat naked, the feathers of the
neck extending up to the occiput. Feathers of the upper surface without
brown borders. Wing, 18.00-18.50; tail, 9.00. Hab. Eastern Tropical
America (Brazil; Eastern Mexico??).

Rhinogryphus aura ^Linn.).

TUEKEY-BTJZZARD; KED-HEADED VtrLTUBE.

Vultur aura, Linn. Syst. Xat. 122, 1766. — Gmel. Syst. Xat. 246, 1789. — Lath. Sjti.

I, 9 ; SjTi. Supp. I, 2 ; Ind. Orn. 4. — Gen. Hist. I, 12, pi. iii. — Penx. Arct.
Zool. I, 221. — Bart. Trav. Carol, p. 285. — Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. ii. — Ord
(WiLS.) Am. Orn. pi. Ixxv, f. 1. — AuD. Edin. New. Phil. Journ. II, 172. — Darw.
Joum. Res. p. 68. — Wagl. Isis, 1831, 517. —Shaw, Zobl. VII, 36. — Sells, Proc.
Zobl. Soc. pt. V, p. 33 ; Mag. Nat. Ser. 2, I, 638. — Ledru, Voy. Tenerif. Trinit. etc.

II, 264. Cathartes aura, Illigs. Prod. Syst. 236, 1811.— Ciiv. Rfeg. An. (ed. 1),
308; (ed. 2) 1, 317. — Spix, Av. Bras. I, 2. — ViG. Zobl. Joum. — Less. Man. Orn.
I, 73 ; Tr. Orn. p. 28. — Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 23 ; Isis, 1832, p. 1135 ; List
Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 1. — Rich. & Swains. F. B. A. II, 4. — Jard. (Wils.) Am. Om.

1, 3 ; IV, 245. — Brewer (Wils.) Synop. p. 682. — Ib. N. A. Oblogy. — AvD. Birds Am.
pi. cli ; Orn. Biog. II, 339 ; Synop. Birds Am. p. 2. — NuTT. Man. I, 43. — Swains.
Classif. B. II, 20o. — Darw. ZooI. Beag. pt. iii, p. 8. — Gray, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2 ; List
B. Brit. Mas. p. 3 : List Gen. & Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 2. -De Kay, Zobl. N. Y. II,

2, pi. V, f. 12. — GossE, BirdsJam. 1. — Peale, V. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 58. — Rekhenb.
Prakt. Nat. Vbg. p. 26. —Kerr, Transl. Gmel. II, 472. — Max. Beit. Ill, 64. — Rich.
(Schomb.) Faun. Brit. Guiana, p. 742. — C.\B. (Tschudi) Av. Consp. Wieg. Arcliiv,
1844, 262 ; Faun. Per. Om. p. 71. — D'Orb. Sjmop. Ar. Mag. Zobl. p. 2; Voy. Am.
Merid. Ois. p. 38 (R. Sagra) ; Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 4. — Light. Verz. Doubl. p. 63.
— Hartl. Syst. Ind. Azar. Pax. p. 1. — Max. Cab. Joum. VI, 1858, 2. — Gurnet,
Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 42. — Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 322 (Texas). — Coues, Key, 1872,

1 Uliinognjphu,'! burroviamis (C'assin). Cathartes burrovianus, Cass. P. A. N. S. II, 1845,
212. — Ib. Birds Am. 1858, 1. — Gray, Hand List, I, 1869, 3, No. 19. — Cofes, Key, 1872,
222. Cathartes urubUingn, Natt. von Pelzeln, Sitz-ber. Wien. Ak. 1861, 7. — Gurney, Cat.
Rapt. B. 1864, 46. — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1867, 589 (Amazon). — Pei.z. Om. Bras. I, 1868, 1
(Brazil). — Elliot, Ilhustr. Birds X. Am. II. — Gray. Hand List, I, 1869, 3, No. 20.

Sp. Char. Very similar to Ji. <iura, but neck feathere<l behind up to the occiput, and the
plumage uniformly black, the featliers of the hack and wings without bro\ra borders. Adnlt
(34,984, Brazil ; Natterer). Bill white ; naked skin of the head and throat reddish. Wing-
formula, 3, 2, 4 = 1. Wing, 18.50 ; tail, 9.00 ; culmen, .90 ; cere above, 1.20 ; tarsus, 2.10 ;
middle toe, 2.25 ; outer, 1.35 ; inner, 1.10 : posterior, .80. Hab. Eastern Tropical America.
Brazil (Pelzeln & Natterer) ; Amazon (ScL. & Salv.) ; ?? Jamaica (Sharpe) ; ?? Vera Cruz,
Mexico (Cassix).

CATHARTID.E— THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 345

222. Percnoplerus aura, Stepii. ZoiJl. XIII, pt. ii, p. 7, 1826. Vultur iota, MoLiN.
St. Chil. p. 265, 1782. — G.MEL. Sysi. Nat. p. 247. — DArri. Tr. Orii. II, 20. — Lath.
Gen. Hist. I, 15. Calliartes iota, Br.iDO. Proc. Zo6\. Soc. pi. ii, p. 108 ; Ann. Nat.
Hist. XIII, 498. Cat/mrtcs ruficollis, Si-ix, Av. Bras. I, 2, 1824 (c^uote Catcsby, pi.
vi). Cathartes fall-landicns, Siiai;pe, Ann. & Mag- N. H.

Sp. Char. Length, about 27.00-30.00; e.xtent of wings, about 6 feet; weight, 4-5
pounds. Wing, 20.00-23.00 ; tail, 11.00-12.00. Culmen, about 1.00 ; tarsu,=, 2.25-2.30 ;
middle toe, 2.50; outer, 1.55; inner, 1.25; posterior, .80. Iris umber; tarsi and toes
dirty whitish, tinged with yellow or fle.sh-color.

Adult. Bill chalk-whitf ; naked skin of the head and neck livid crimson, approaching
dilute carmine on the cere, and sometimes with whitish papilhe on the crown and before
the eye. General plumage black, this deepest and uniform on the lower parts ; upper
parts with a violet lustre, changing to greenish posteriorly, all the feathers of the dorsal
region and the wing-coverts passing into brown on its borders. Primaries and tail-feath-
ers dull black, their shafts clear pale brown. $ {'So. 12,015, Maryland; M. F. Force).
Wing, 22.00 ; tail, 12.00 ; culmen, .95 ; tarsus, 2.30 ; middle toe, 2.50 ; outer, 1.55 ; inner,
1.25; posterior, .30. 9 (Xo. 49,G81, Camp Grant, Arizona; Dr. E. Palmer). Wing, 20.00 ;
tail, 11.50.

Young. Bill, and naked skin of the head and neck, livid blackish, the occiput and nape
with more or less of whitish down. Plumage more uniformly blackish, the brownish
borders above less distinct ; the reflections of the plumage rather green than violaceous.

Hab. Whole of Temperate America ; resident to lat. 38° north.

Localities: Guatemala fScL. Ibis, I, 213); Cuba? (Cab. Journ. II, Ixxi.x ; Guxdlach,
resident) ; Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1859) ; Jamaica (Gosse) ; Ecuador (Scl. Pr.
Z. S. 1860, 287) ; Honduras (Scl. Ibis, II, 222) ; Trinidad (Taylor, Ibis, 18G4, 78) ; S.
Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 322, breeding) ; Arizona (Coues, Prod. 1866, 42) ; Para
(Scl. & Salv. 1867, 589).

After having compared numerous .specimens of this species from all parts
of its range, including Chile, Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, the West India
Islands, and all portions of Middle America and the United States, I am
unable to appreciate differences according to locality, and cannot recognize
any geographical races. As a rule, the specimens from intertropical regions,
as might be expected, are the smallest and most brightly colored. Tlie
smallest in the series are those from Lower California.

Habit.s. Probably none of the birds of America have so extended a dis-
tribution as this Ytilture, occurring, as it does, in greater or less abundance
from high northern latitudes at the Saskatchewan, throughout Xorth America
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in all portions of South America, even
to the Straits of Magellan. On the Atlantic coast it is not common north
of Central New Jersey, though occasionally individuals have been seen as
far north as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Several specimens have been
taken in various parts of New England, from Calais, Me., to Connecticut,
ilr. Lawrence cites it as of rare and irregular occurrence near New York. In
one instance he noticed a company of nine individuals at Eockaway, Long
Island. West of the Alleghanies it has a mucli less restricted distrilmtion,
from Central America almost to the Arctic regions. It is found more or less
frequently in all the jMiddle, tlie Southern, Western, and Northwestern
States, without an exception. It is met with in large numbers throughout the

vol. m. 44

346

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

entire Pacific coast of North America, from Lower California to Washington
Territory, ilr. Douglas saw vast, numbers of this species in Canada, near
Sandwich and Lake St. Clair, during their breeding-season. Dr. Kichardson
speaks of tlieir liaving higher sunnner migrations in the interior of tlie conti-
nent than on the Pacific coast, finding it along the banks of the Saskatche-
wan, in latitude 5.i)°, late in the mouth of Jime. Mr. Say met with them
in latitude 59°, and Lewis and Clarke noticed them near the Falls of tlie
Columliia Purer, in latitude 48°. Mr. Blakiston states that an indivi(Uial
was shot at the Red River Settlement as early as April 27, while the winter's
snow was still covering the ground to the depth of a foot and the rivers were
ice-bound. He also observed it at Fort Carlton, in latitude 53°, on the Ttli
of May, and again, on the 2d of September, in latitude 49°.

Mr. T. H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa., informs me that this Vulture has

Rfiino^rirphvx aitrn.

been known to breed at Parkersburg, fifteen miles west of the former place,
in the summer of 1870, and that they also breed rather plentifully on the
banks of the Susquehanna, laying their eggs, two in number, in caves among
the rocks, as early as the 10th of A]iril, and that some remain in that
vicinity all ^vinter.

Dr. Cooper mentions their great abundance during the summer in aU parts
of Washington Territory, frequenting the vicinity of prairies and river-banks,
but never appearing along the coast. Tliey amve at Puget Sound about
the middle of May, and undoubtedly breed in the Territory. Dr. Suckley

CATHARTID J-: — THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 347

met with them at Fort Dalles, in Oregon, and also ou I'uget Sound. He
also met with them not far from Pembina. Dr. Newberry also observed them
in Caliibrnia and Oregon, quite common in the vicinity of the towns and
about the great rivers. In the lOamath Basin it was more rare, and on the
Des Chutes he scarcely saw any ; but on the Uolumbia, especially below the
Cascades, they were very plentiful.

Dr. Heermann found tliis bird ranging over the wIkjIc extent of California,
meeting them in great numbers in the vicinity of Fort Yuma, at the junction
of the Colorado and Gila llivers.

In the West India Islands these birds occur in Cuba, Jamaica, and
Trinidad ; but according to Mr. E. C. Taylor, neither this nor any other spe-
cies of Vulture occurs in any of tlie islands between Trinidad and St. Thomas,
not even in Tobago or Porto Piico. At Trinidad they are very abundant.

Mr. G. C. Taylor found this Vulture common in Honduras, where, how-
ever, it does not go much into the towns and villages, but is usually seen
on the outskirts and in the forests. In Guatemala, JMr. Salvin tbund it
not nearly so abundant as U. otratus, and there also, as in Honduras, it
frequented the more uncultivated and forest districts, leaving to the latter
all the duties of the scavengei'. Captain C. C. Abbott found this Vulture
very common in the Falkland Islands, remaining the whole year round, and
breeding.

The Hight of the Turkey-Buzzard is graceful, dignified, and easy. It sails
with a steady, even motion, with wings just above the horizontal position,
with their tips slightly raised. They rise from the ground with a single
bound, give a few Haps to their wings, and then proceed with their peculiar,
soaring Hight. They rise very high in the air, moving round in large circles.
They are of gregarious habits, and usually associate in companies of from ten
to a much larger number. They feed \\\)on all kinds of animal food, and are
accused by Audubon of sucking eggs and devouring tlie young of Herons and
other birds. Yet in Trinidad they were observed by Mr. E. C. Taylor associat-
ing with the poultry apparently upon the most amicable terms, and, altliough
surrounded with chickens of all sizes, the)' were never known to molest
them. Mr. Audubon also states that they devour birds of their own species
when dead. They are said to walk well on the ground and on the roofs of
houses, and associate and even roost in company witli the Black Vidtui-e.
Dr. Heermann, who observed them on the desert between the Colorado and
Carissa Greek, where they find an ample supply of food from numerous
animals that there perish from want of grass and water, states that they
seemed to be on terms of amity both with the Ravens and the California
Vultures, but retire on the approach of the prairie wolf. He adds that
when a company of these Vultures have once commenced upon a carcass, a
scene of plunder, noise, confusion, and dispute ensues, battling all description.
Each one strives, as best he may, to bolt the morsel he has seized, or to rob
his neighbor whose booty is too voluminous to be despatched at once. As

348 NORTH AilERICAN BIRDS.

illustrating the peculiar flight of this species, Dr. XewbeiTy mentions that,
having occasion to shoot one tor the purpose of determining its identity, the
wounded bird made no motion indicating it had been struck by the shot, but
sailed on with widely expanded and motionless wings as before ; gradually it
" began to descend in wide and regular circles, till finally, without a wing-
flap, it settled as lightly as a feather on the prairie, and remained motion-
less." Upon going to the bird. Dr. Newberry found it resting in the grass,
the wings still widely and evenly expanded, but the head drooping and life
extinct.

In the Southern States this Vulture is found equally in cities and large
villages, and near the coast, as well as in the interior, in company with the
Black Vulture [C. atratus), although the latter species is chiefly confined to
the coast, and is rare in the interior. It is noticeable that in Guatemala and
Honduras its habits are somewhat different in these respects, being only
found in wild places, leaving the cities and sea-coast to the exclusive occu-
pancy of the Black Vulture. Mr. G. C. Taylor, who observed these birds in
Kingston, Jamaica, states that they were the only species seen, and that they
were always to be found either on the roofs of the houses or feeding on the
carrion in the streets. They made great noise with their feet as they clat-
tered over the shingles of the roofs.

In Trinidad, where Mr. E. C. Taylor found this bird much less numerous
than the atratus, it kept to the open country, and was not found in the
towns. He could always readily distinguish it by its more graceful flight
and its aquiline appearance. They were generally to be seen skimming
over the tree-tops, as if trying how near they could go without touching.
On the Orinoco, though more numerous than in Trinidad, they did not
frequent the towns in the same familiar manner witli the Black Vulture.

The Turkey-Buzzards, as well as the Black Vultures, are evidently aided by
a very powerful sight in distinguishing their food at a great distance. They
are frequently known to collect in large numbers, from great distances,
around the dead bodies of animals, where none were in sight before. But it
seems equally certain that they are also assisted by an only less powerful
sense of smell. Mr. Hill, cited by Mr. Gosse, mentions a remarkable instance
where these Vultures were attracted by a strong smell of carrion to the
house of a German emigrant, lying sick of a fever, and where his neglected
food had become offensive. In this instance the sense of smeU, unaided by
that of sight, must have guided these birds.

Mr. G. Q. Taylor, while residing at Kingston, often used to puzzle the
Vultures by throwing dried bird-skins stuffed with cotton out upon an
adjacent roof. Few seconds would elapse before a Vulture would pounce
upon them, and manifest a great disappointment in finding nothing to eat in
skins of so promising an appearance. He once wrapped the carcass of a bird
in a piece of paper, and threw it into the top of a tliickly leaved tree near
his window. There it remained for a long while, the Vultures sweeping

CATHARTID^E — THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 349

within a few feet of it, almost brushing the leaves with their wings, their
sense of smell informing them lliat there was something eatable close by,
but tlieir sight failing to solve the problem, owing to the enclosure of the
object in an envelope.

Tlie Turkey-Buzzard breeds on or near the ground, usually in hcjUow trees,
stumps, or decaying logs. It generally constructs no nest, depo.siting the
eggs witli little or no preparatory pains lor their shelter. Mr. Ord found
them breeding as early as the month of May in the deep recesses of the
solitary swamps of New Jersey. He describes the nest as formed, without
any painstaking, in a truncated hollow tree, and in excavated stumps or logs,
and mentions the number of eggs as from two to four. Except in regard to
the number of eggs, which is probably never more than two, these observa-
tions substantially correspond with other accounts of their breeding. In
Jamaica, Mr. Gosse mentions that the situations usually selected by the
Turkey-Buzzard of that island for laying and hatching its eggs are hollows
and ledges of rocks in secluded places or inaccessible crags and cliffs. A
little dry trasii, he adds, or decaying leaves, are all the apology for a nest.
On the island of Galveston, where this Vulture was plentiful, ilr. Audubon
several times found its nest on a level part of the salt marshes, either undei-
the widespread branches of cactuses, or among tall grass growing beneath
low bushes. Mr. T. H. Jackscm found this Vulture nesting in Maryland,
with fresh eggs, from April 10 to May 1.

Dr. C. Kollock, of Cheraw, S. C, informs me that in his neighborhood
both this species and the Black Vulture fre<pieut places in the interior
of swamps and thick woods, generally called Buzzards' roosts. They con-
gregate there through the year in large numbers, and usually breed in
the immediate vicinity. Mr. Audubon visited one of these roosts, near
Charleston, S. C, which extended over two acres of ground, and was entirely
destitute of vegetation.

Mr. Dresser, who found this species one of the most common birds of
Southern Texas, gives a somewhat different account of their nesting. He
found them breeding all through the country on the banks of streams where
the timber afforded a secure shelter. He saw many nests on the banks of
tlie Medina, Altacosta, and San Antonio Rivers ; and these, lie states, were
large and bulky, composed of sticks, and generally placed at some height on
a cypress or an oak near the river-bank.

Captain C. C. Abbott states (Ibis, 1861, p. 149) that in the Falkland
Islands they lay their eggs, two in number, but sometimes three, under a
higli bank amongst bushes, or on the top of a dead balsam log, without con-
structing any nest. The time of their laying was the first week of Novem-
ber. The young birds have the bare space of the head and neck of a blui.sh
color, as also the feet. The old birds go in pairs tlie wliolo year.

The egLjs exhibit slight deviations in size, and occasionallv the nature
of their markings, yet for the most part preserve specific characteristics.

350

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Tlie following are the proportions of four specimens, which will represent
their usual variations : 2.81 inches by 1.94 ; 2.75 by 1.87 ; 2.94 by 1.87 ;
2.(32 by 1.94. These were from New Jersey, South Carolina, Louisiana, and
Tamaulipas (Mexico). The more conuiKin varieties liave a ground of a
light cream-color, marked with large continent spots of reddi-sh-brown or
chocolate, chiefly predominating at the larger end, but also sjiarsely scattered
over tlie entire egg. Intermixed with these are less frequent markings of a
liglit purplish or lilac shade of drab. These are oiten so faint as only to be
perceptible on a close examination. An egg taken some j^ears since in Xew
Jersey, by Alexander Wilson, and somewhat faded, is marked over the en-
tire shell with confluent spots of a dark greenish-brown, with no perceptilile
shades of red or purple. Another variety from Cheraw, S. C, has a ground
of nearly pure white, is very nearly unspotted, and is only niarked with a
few small dots and lines of red and indistinct purple at the larger end.

Genus CATHARISTA, \'ieillot.

Catharistn, Vieill. 1816. (Type, Vultar atralus, B.mxu.i.M. )
Corarjiipys, I. Geoffeoy, 18,54.
Catliarles, AucT. (in part).

GrEN. CnAR. Size of Rhinogryphus, but more robust, with shorter wings, and very dif-
ferent flight. Wings witli the remiges abbreviated, the primaries .scarcely reaching to the
middle of the tail. Tail even, or faintly emarginated. Head
and upper portion of the neck naked, the feathers extending
farther up heliind than in front ; naked skin of the side of
tlie neck transversely corrugated ; no bristles before the eye.
Nostril narrow, occupying only about the posterior half of
tlie nasal orifice, its anterior end contracted and acute. Cere
not contracted anteriorly, but the upper and lower outline
parallel : much depressed, or broader than deep. Plumage
beginning gradually on the neck with normal, or broad and
rounded, feathers. Fourth or fifth quill longest ; outer five
with inner webs sinuated. Tarsus longer than middle toe.

Cntharhtfi atrata. }^ nat. size.

This well-marked genus is composed of a single .species, which is confined
to the tropical and warm temperate portions of America. The ditterence
from the other Vultures which this bird exhibits in its habits, and especially
in its flight, is very striking, and furnishes additional characters distinctive
of the genus.

CATIIAKTIDjE — THE xUIEKICAN VULTUKES. 351

Catharista atrata (IUrtram).

CAKKION CEOW; BLACK VtTLTTTEE.

I'lMur atratus, Bartuam, Trav. i.'arul. 285, 1792. — MicYKit, Zool. Ann. I, 290. — Ord
(WiLS.) Am. Orn. pi. Ix.w, f. 2. — AuD. Birds Am. pi. cvi. — Brewst. Ed. Jouru. Sc.
Ser. 1, VI, 156. Catharles atratm, Les.s. Man. Oru. I, 73, 1S2S. — Rich. & Swains.
F. B. A. II, 6, 1831. — Darw. Journ. Res. p. 68 ; Zool. Beag. pt. iii, p. 7. —Swains.
Classif. B. II, 206. — James. (Wils.) Am. Orn. I, 10.— Brewer (Wils.) Am. Orn.
Synop. Birds Am. p. 682. — Ib. N. A. Oology. — AuD. Syuop. Birds Am. p. 3.
— Bkidg. Proc. Zotil. Soc. pt. xi, p. 108; Am. Nat. Hist. XIII, 498. — BoNAr.
Consp. p. 9. — De Kay, Zool. N. Y. II, 3. — Reich. Prakt. Kat. Vog. p. 27. — Cass.
Bird N. Am. 1858, 5. — Coues, Key, 1872, 222. Catharista alratus, Gray, Hand
List, I, 1869, 3, No. 16. P^ulltir aura nvjcr /3, Kerr, Transl. Gmel. 473, 1792
VuUur aura (not of Linn !), Daud. Tr. Orn. II, 19 (quotes PI. Enl. 187, 1800).
Vultur urubu, Vieill. Ois. Am. Sept. pi. ii, 1807. — Lath. Gen. Hist. I, 14.
Cathartes urulni, Less. Tr. Oru. p. 27, 1831. — D'Orb. Voy. Am. Merid. Ois. p. 31,
pi. i. Percnopterus urubu, Steph. Zoiil. Xlll, 7, Jjl. xxxi, 1826. Vultur iota,
Jard. (Wils.) Am. Orn. Ill, 226, 1832. —Ord (Wils.) Am. Orn. (ed. 2). Keo-
phron iota, Cuv. R^g. An. (ed. 2), I, 317, 1829. Catharles iota, Bonap. Ann. Lye.
N. B. p. 23 ; Isis, 1832, p. 1135 ; List, p. 1. —King, Voy. Beag. I, 532. — Nutt.
jMax. I, 46. — Peale, U. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 59. Catharles fa:lens, Illig. Mus.
Berol. — LicuT. Verz. Doubl. p. 63, 1823. — Gray, Gen. B. sp. 1, pi. i, f. 3. — Max.
Beitr. Ill, 58. — Ricn. Schomb. Eauu. Brit. Guian. p. 742. — Cab. Av. Consp. Wieg.
Archiv, 1844, 262 ; Fauu. Per. Orn. p. 71. — Hartl. Syst. Ind. Azar. p. 1.

Sp. Char. Form heavy ; the wings and tail short, the latter square ; the remiges and
rectrices very hard and .stifl". Bill strong, the mandibles broader than deep, and of about
equal depth, the terminal hook w-ell developed ; upper and lower outlines of the cere paral-
lel, and nearly straight. Nostril narrow, its anterior end contracted and pointed. Wing,
17.00- 17.50 j tail, 7.00 - 8.50 ; cuhneu, .90 - .05 ; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 2.90; outer,
1.90 ; inner, 1.50 ; posterior, .75.

Adult. Bill blackish, the point horny white ; naked skin of the head and upper part of
the neck blackish. Entire plumage continuous, perfectly uniform dull black ; primaries
becoming grayish basally (more hoary whitish on their under surface), their shafts pure
white for their whole length.

$ (11933, St. Simon's Island, Georgia; Dr. Wilson). Wing, 17.50; tail, 8.25.

Hab. Tropical and wanner portions of America, especially near the sea-coast.

Habits. Tlie Black Vulture or Carrion Crow of the Southern States,
though found in a much less extended area than the Turkey Vulture, has yet
a very wide distribution. It is quite common along our Atlantic and Gulf
coasts from North Carolina to Mexico. It does not occur on the Pacific
coast of the United States, though given by Douglas as being abundant on
the Columbia River ; indeed, it has not, that I am aware of, been detected
west of the Eocky i\Iouutains. It is, however, as Dr. Gambel states, very
common about the Gulf of California, and at Mazatlan, particularly, he saw it
around the town in large companies. On the Atlantic coast it is not often
met with farther north than "Wilmington, N. C. I could not detect it near
Norfolk, Va., nor could I ascertain that it was known ever to occur
there. Accidental specimens have been taken, two on the coast of Massa-

352

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

chusetts and one in the Bay of Fundy; but such occurrences are very rare.
Along the coast of all the Southern States, from North Carolina to Texas, it
is much more abundant than il.s kindred species, even where, in the interior
of the same State, it is far less fre(iuent. Along the banks of the Mississippi
and its tributaries, as far as Oliio to the east and Illinois to the north, it is
found more or less abundantly at certain seasons. It is met with in several
of the West India Islands, tliough rare in Jamaica. It is abundant through-
out Central America, and occurs in nearly all parts of Soutli America. Speci-
mens were brought from Chile by Lieutenant Gilliss, obtained near Santiago,
where it was not common, and only found in the mountainous regions of the
interior. Darwin fixes its extreme southern limit in latitude 41° south, near
the Eio Negro, and he did not meet with any in Chile or Patagonia.

Mr. E. C. Taylor, in his paper on the Bii-ds of tlie West Indies, mentions

Catharista atrala.

the great abundance of Black Vultures at Port of Spain, in Trinidad. They
swarmed over the town, covered tlie roofs of the houses, and lived on the
best terms with the poultry. So tame and familiar were they that he often
poked them witii his stick or umbrella as he walked through the streets. At
night they roosted in the trees in the gardens and squares of the town. They
were very abundant all over Trinidad and in the parts of Venezuela he
visited, but he found none in any of the islands from Trinidad to St. Thomas.
This species was not found in Jamaica by Mr. Gosse, but Mr. March after-
wards reported it as a " recent settler."

Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860, p. 22) found the Black Vulture very
abundant in Honduras, where it is always to be seen in the villages,
sitting on the roofs of the houses, wheeling in flocks high in the air, or
feeding on the oflal in the streets. They were very tame and very nu-

CATllAUTID.E — TUB AMERICAN VULTURES. 353

inerous, forty or fifty being fretiuently seen in a single company. They
abounded in all jiarts of Central America that he visited.

With the exception of Quisealus macrurus, Mr. Salvin regards this species
as the most familiar bird in Guatemala. Ai night they retired to the
forests, and in the early morning trooped back to their posts in the streets
and lanes, and about the tops of the houses and churches. They generally
nested in the forests, though in Antigua Guatemala lliey were said to use
the ruins of the old churches for that purpose.

Mr. Dresser found this Vulture about equally common with theit. flwrn on
the Lower Ilio Grande, but mucli less couimou near San Antonio. He usu-
ally found the two species in company, attended also by the Pohjhorus audit-
honi and Cmxircx Imrriai They were found breeding among the rocks at
Systerdale, where they were said to be the only species ibund.

Dr. Coues did not meet with any in Arizona, nor were any taken on the
survey of the Mexican boundary. In South Carolina he considered it
chiefly confined to the lower country, while the C. aura is more generally
distributed over the State. The two meet together freely, and as they circle
about hi each other's company they aftbrd an excellent opportunity of no-
ticing the great differences in their mode of lliglit and in the outline of their
bodies and wings. On the other hand, Wilson, Ord, and others deny that
the two kinds live together.

In the Southern Atlantic cities, especially Charleston and Savannah, the
Black Vulture is a semi-domestic bird, and is very abundant. It is also to
be found in the interior, but is neither so common nor so tame.

The Catliarista atratus is said to be much more sensitive to cold than the
aura, and when the weather is at all unfavorable tliey cower around the tops
of chimneys to enjoy the heat. Though tolerated and even protected by
law, their filthy habits render them a source of annoyance to those whose
houses they frecpient. Their value as scavengers and the services they render
in the removal of offal i-eiider them almost a necessity in Southern cities.

Both in their mode of flight and in their movements upon the ground
this species differs materially from the Turkey-Buzzard. The latter walks
steadily while on the ground, and when it mounts does so by a single up-
ward spring. The Black Vulture is ill at ease on the ground, moves awk-
wardly, and when it essays to fly upward takes several lea])S in a shuffling
sidelong manner before it can rise. Their flight is more labonnl, and is con-
tinued by flapping several times, alternating with sailing a limited distance.
Their wings are held at right angles, and their feet protrude beyond their
tail-feathers. In all these respects the differences between the two birds are
very noticeable, and plainly mark the species.

Mr. Audubon states tliat at the commencement of the mating-season, early
in February, the gesticulations of the males are very conspicuous. They
strut in the manner of a Turkey-cock, open their wings, lower their heads,
and utter a jnifling sound that is anything l.nit musical.

vni,. in. 45

354 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Alexander Wilson describes with great niiuiueuess a scene he witnessed
near Charleston, where the carcass of a horse was devoured by these birds,
the ground for hundreds of yards around being black with them. He
counted at one time two hundred and thirty-seven, while others were in tlie
air Hying around. He ventured within a few yards of the horse without
their heeding his presence. They frequently attacked one another, fighting
with tlieir claws and striking with their ojjen wings, fixing their claws in
each other's head. They made a hissing sound with ojjen mouths, resem-
bling that produced by thrusting a red-hot poker into water, and occasionally
a snuffling noise, as if clearing their nostrils. At times one would emerge
M-ith a large fragment, and in a moment would be surrounded liy several
others, who would tear it in pieces and soon cause it to disapjiear.

The Black Vulture breeds on or near the ground in the same manner as
the Turkey-Buzzard, in hollow logs, decayed trunks of trees, and stumps,
and also without this protection, the liare earth only being made use of. It
is said to make no nest. The eggs seldom, if ever, exceed two in number.
These are greater, both in their length and capacit)', than tliose of the Turkey-
Buzzard, although the measurements of the birds themselves would seem to
show the latter to be apparently tlie larger bird. The average weight of the
Black Vulture's egg, however, is about one pound, or fifteen per cent greater
than that of the Buzzard. Three from Charleston, Galveston, and the liio
Grande furnish the following measurements : 3.81 inches by 1.94 ; 3 by 2.06 ;
3.06 by 1.94. The principal difierence between the eggs of this and the pre-
ceding species is in regard to their size. Their ground-color is the same, or
nearly the same, — a yellowish-white or cream-color, almost never a pure
white, and only in exceptional cases. The eggs are more elongate in their
shajto, and tlie blotches are usually larger. Tliese are of a dark reddish-
brown, confluent, and chiefly distributed around the larger end. There are
also markings, smaller and less frequent, of lilac and jnirplish-drab, similar
to those noticed in the eggs of C. aura. An egg from the l!io Grande is
marked with small spots of reddish-brown and obscure lilac, equally dis-
tributed over the whole surface on a ground of cream-color.

Mr. Audubon is positive that this ^'ulture never breeds in trees, and that
they never build any nest, but deposit their eggs on the ground, on a dead
log, or in a hollow tree. Twenty-one days are required for hatching their
eggs, on wliieh the male and female sit by turns and feed each other. The
young are covered with a light cream-colored down, and are fed with regur-
gitated food, in the manner of Pigeons. As soon as they are able, they
follow tlieir ]iarents through the woods, at which jieriod their entire head
and neck, which afterwards become bare, are covered with featheis.

CATHARTID^ — THE AMERICAN VULTURES.

355

N^OTE.

The following figures are given to illustrate some of the cranial and sternal peculiarities
of the Cathartidce.

14. Sarcorhaiophus gryphus One half natural size.

3369. Pseudogryphus californianus. " "

7260. Rhinogryphus aura. One half natural size.
1588. Catharista atrata. " "

NORTH A.\[EiaCAN BIRDS.

3369

9007.

9007.

3369-

14. Satcochamphus gryphus. Skull and p^tinc bones. One liilf natural size

1588. Catharista atrata. *' "

3369. Pseudogryphus californianus " "

260. Rliinoijryplius aura.

9007. Sarcorhaniphus papa.

Sternum. 3369. One fourtlt n.itural size
9007.

COLlTMmD.E — THE l'ir.KO\S. 357

Family COLUMBID-ffi. — Tin; I'ujkuns.

Char. The basal portion of tho bill covered by a soft skin, ia which arc situated the
nostrils, overhung by an incumbent fleshy valve, the apical portion hard and convex.
The hind toe on the same level with the rest; the anterior toes without membrane at the
base. Tarsi more or less naked; covered laterally and behind with he.xajjonal scales.

The lull of the Columbidcc is alway.s shorter than the head, thinnest in tlie
middle ; the basal halt' covered by a soft skiu ; the aj^ical portion of both jaws
hard ; the upper one very convex, blunt, and broad at the tip, where it is
also somewhat deciirved. Tiiere is a long nasal groove, the posterior portion
occupied by a cartilaginous scale, covered by a soft cere-like skin. The nos-
trils constitute an elongated slit in the lower Ijorder of the scale. The cul-
men is always depressed and convex. The bill is never notched in the true
Doves, though Didunculus shows well-deBned serrations. The tongue is
small, soft, and somewhat fleshy.

The wing has ten primaries, and eleven or twelve, rarely fifteen, seconda-
ries ; the latter broad, truncate, and of nearly ecpial length. The tail is
rounded or cuneate, never forked.

The tarsus is usually short, rarely longer than the middle toe, scutellate
anteriorly, and with hexagonal plates laterally and behind ; sometimes
naked. xVn inter-digital membrane is either wanting entirely, or else is
very sliglitly indicated between the middle and outer toes.

The valuable monograiih of Bonaparte in the second part of Cu)ispccfus
Avium renders the task of arranging the American Cohimhida: in proper
sequence and of determining their synonomy comparatively easy. He
divides the family into Lupholamiiue, Golunibiiue, Tartu riiuv, Zeiiaidinm, and
Phapince, the second and fourth alone occurring in Xortli America. Tliey
may be briefly distinguished as follows : —

Columbinse. Tarsus shorter tlian the lateral toe ; feathered above.
Zeaaidiuae. Tarsus longer than the lateral toes ; entirely bare of feathers.

Subfamily COLUMBINE.

Char. Tarsi stout, short, with ti-ansverse scutella; anteriorly; feathered for the ba.^al
third above, but not at all bi^hind. Toes lengthened, the lateral decidedly longer than
the tarsus. Wings lengtheneil and pointed. Size large. Tail-feathers twelve.

This section of doves embraces the largest Xorth American species, and
among them the more arboreal ones. The genera are as follows : —

Columba. Head large; tail sliort. broad, and rounded.

Outer toe much longer than the iiuier; bill rather shorl, stout . Onliimha.

Outer toe .scarcely longer than the inner ; bill lengthened, compressed Patmjmnas.
Ectopibtes. 1 bud very small ; tail nnieli lengthened, cuneate.

358

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Genus COLUMBA, Lisnjius.

Cohimba, hvamscs, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Type, Columba liria, L.)

Ges. Ch.\r. Bill stout and rather short ; culmen from the base of the feathers about
two fifths the head. Lateral toes and claws about equal, reaching nearly to the base of
tlie middle claw ; the claws rather long, and not much curved. Tail rather short, rounded,
or nearly even ; as long as from the carpal joint to the end of secondaries in tlic closed
wing. Second and third quills longest.

The geuus Colmnha, as characterized ab()\e, includes the C. livia, or domestic

Pigeon, the ditierences be-
tween it and the American
forms being very slight.
Eeichenbach and Bona-
parte separate the North
American birds from Co-
lmnha, under the name of
Chlorcenas, while C. leuco--
ccphala and a near ally
of the West Indies (C
corensis) have been placed
in the subgenus Patagi-
anas, Eeichenbach.

The variations of form
among the numerous
co,u,nia fa,da,a. Amcricau members of

Columha are more with the species, however, than with groups, and withal
axe so exceedingly slight that an attempt at subdividing the genus is scarcely
justifiable. They may be arranged by the style of coloration as follows.
None of the American species have the forepart of the neck metallic, as in
the European species, or Columba proper, as restricted, and in wliich tliese
metallic feathers have the fibres loose and blended, instead of being com-
pact ; the feathers also have a well-defined squamate arrangement in nearly
or qmte all the American Columhce.

Species and Varieties.

A. Tail with a broad terminal band abruptly lighter in color than the basal
portion, and with a more or less well-defined blackish band across the middle.
Nape with metallic reflections.

a. A narrow nuchal band of white ; the metallic feathers beneath this, with
their outlines distinct, producing a squamate appearance.

1. C. fasciata. Blackish band across the middle of the tail narrow,
and badly defined, and concealed by the coverts ; terminal portion of
the tail much lighter than the basal part. Bill jellow; crissum whitish;

COLUMBID.E — THE PIGEONS. 359

hood and anterior lower parts ashy vinaceous-purplc ; dorsal region

ashy.

Bill tipped with black ; wing-coverts conspicuously edged with
white; back with an olivaceous cast. Wing, 8.80; tail, G.IO;
culmen, .75 ; tarsus, 1.13 ; middle toe, 1.37 ; outer, 1.05 ; inner,
.94. Ilab. Pacific Province of the United States, south to Guate-
mala var. fa sciata.

Bill entirely yellow ; wing-coverts not distinctly edged with
white; back with a bluish cast. Wing, 8.30 ; tail, 6.20; culmen,
.80 ; tarsus, 1.04 ; middle toe, 1.27 ; outer, 1.00 ; inner, .88. Hab.
Costa Rica ........ var. albilinea}

2. C. araucana.- Black band across the middle of the tail as broad
as the terminal lighter one, and wholly exposed ; terminal portion not
lighter than the base. Bill black ; crissum deep slate ; hood and lower
parts deep purplish-vinaceous ; dorsal region like the breast. Wing,
8.35; tail, 6.20; culmen, .58 ; tarsus, 1.13 ; middle toe, 1.2G; outer, .90;
inner, .77. Hab. Chile.

6. No nuchal bar of white ; metallic feathers of tlie nape with their fibres
blended, producing a soft even surface.

3. C. caribsea.^ Tail much as in C. fasciata, but with a much greater
contrast between the nearly equal dark basal and light terminal por-
tions ; the former more uniformly dusky, not showing any distinct
darker intermediate band. Bill black ; hood and lower parts light
ashy-pinkish vinaceous ; crissum white ; dorsal region ashy. Wing,
8.70 ; tail, 6.90 ; culmen, .81 ; tarsus, 1.05 ; middle toe, 1.2S ; outer,
.90; inner, .88. Hab. Jamaica.

4. C. rufina.' Terminal light band of the tail narrow, badly defined.
Bill black. Forehead, dorsal region, lesser wing-coverts, neck and
breast, deep chocolate-purple ; forepart of the back with a violet
reflection. Other portions mainly ashy. Wing, 7.50; tail, 5.00; cul-
men, .68 ; tarsus, .97 ; middle toe, 1.13 ; outer, .89 ; inner, 78. Hab.
Brazil, north to Guatemala.

B. Tail of a uniform shade throughout.

o. A metallic "cape" on the nape, each feather bordered with black, pro-
ducing a conspicuously squamate appearance ; above this, a broad, trans-
verse, crescentic patch of dark maroon color. No vjtiaceous tints on the
body.

5. C. leucocephala. Hood white ; metallic cape brassy-green ; throat,
cheeks, etc., dark plumbeous-slate, like the rest of the plumage. Bill
yellow only at the tip. Wing, 7.70; tail, 5.50; culmen, .66 ; tarsus, 1.00 ;
middle toe, 1.25 ; outer, .85 ; inner, .83. Hab. Cuba, and south Florida.

1 Columba fasciata, var. albilinea. Cohnnba alHHnea, "Gray," Boxap. Consp. VI, 185<,
51. Chlorcenas a. Cab. J. 1869, 211.

2 Columba araucana. Less. Voy. de la Coq. Ois. t. 40. Columba denisca, Temii. PI. Col.
502. C. meridionalis. King.

' Columba caribcm, Gmelin, S. N. 1788, 773. — GossE. B. Jam. 291. — Maiicu, P. A. N. S.
Philad. 1863, 301. Patagiamas c. ScL. P. Z. S. 1861, 80. —Reich. Handb. 65, tab. 230, b, f.
3362.

* Columba rufina, (Temm.) Reich. Handb. 62, tab. 222, f. 2583, 2584. — Lawi;. Ann. N. Y.
Lye. 1861, VII, 333, No. 281 (Panama). — ScL. k Salv. P. Z. S. 1866, 198 (Amazon). — Ib.
1867, 590. — ScL. Ibis, I, 222 (Guatemala). —Salv. P. Z. S. 1867, 159 (Veragua). — Ib. 1870,
115 (Costa Rica). — Reixh. Vid. Med. Nat. For. 1870, 59 (Brazil).

360 NOUTII AMKlilCAX r.IKD.S.

0. C. corensis.' Ilood, with remaining portions of licad and neck,
piirplisli-viiiuccoiis; metallic capo vinaceous-puri)lc. Bill wholly 3'ello\v.
Wing, 8.00; tail, 5.70; culnien, .03; tarsus, 1.05; middle toe, 1.25;
outer, .80 ; inner, .83. Ilab. Porto Eico ; St. Thomas ; Santo Domingo ;
Santa Cruz.
b. No metallic reflections on the nape.

Head and neck, all round, lower parts to the anal region, and a patch
on the lesser wing-coverts, niddish cliocolate-purple. Kest oi' plumage
slaty-blue, darker on tail and primaries, and more olivaceous on the
dorsal region.

7. C. flavirostris. Feathers of the forehead reaching forward to the
anterior end of the nasal lobe, and wholly covering the cere on top.
Culmen much arched. Bill and claws yellow. Wing, 7.80 ; tail, 5.40 ;
culmen, .52 ; tarsus, 1.03 ; middle toe, 1.15 ; outer, .82 ; inner, .75.
Hab. Middle America, and southern borders of Middle Province of
United States, from Arizona and the Rio Grande; south to Costa Rica.

8. C. inornata.' Feathers of the forehead reaching forward to only
about the middle of the nasal lobe, leaving the top of the cere naked;
culmen only moderately arched. Bill and claws black. AVing, 9.20 ;
tail, G.GO ; culmen, .75; tarsus, I.IG ; middle toe, 1.47; outer, 1.18;
inner, .97. Hab. Jamaica.

Columba fasciata, Say.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON.

/^

Columba fasciata, Say, Long's Expcd. E. Mts. II, 1823, 10. — Box. Amer. Oni. I, 1S2.5,
77, pi. ™i. — Waclbu, Syst. Av. 1S27, Columba, No. 47. — Nitttall, Man. I, 1S32,
624. —AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 479, pi. ccclxvii. — Ib. Syn. 1839, 191. — 1b. Birds
Amer. IV, 1842, 312, pi. cclx.\i.\. — TsciiUDi, Fauna Peruana, 1844-46, No. 261.—
Newbeuuy, Zool. Cal. & Or. Koute, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 92. — Haiiid, Birds N. Am.
1858, 597. — C'oorER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 50C. Chloneiius fasciata, Bosap. Consp. II,
1854, 51. Columba monilis, Vigors, ZoiJl. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 26, pi. x.
CIdorcenas monilis, Reich. Icones Av. ccxxvii, fig. 2481.

Sp. CnAR. Above ash, inclining to olivaceous on the back, and with a fine bluish cast
on the rump, under surface of wings, and sides. The primaries and basal portion of
the tail dusky. Larger wing-coverts and secondaries, with primaries, distinctly edged
with white; terminal thii-d of tail of nearly the same tint as the wing-coverts, but the
basal portion much darker, with a rather indistinct, narrow dusky band between the two
shades, a little beyond the tips of the upper coverts. Whole head, lateral and front part of
neck, and lower parts to the anal region, ashy vinaceous-purple, lighter, and more pinkish
on the abdomen ; chin considerably lighter; anal region and crissum white. A narrow
half-collar of white across the upp(!r portion of the nape ; feathers beneath this dull

1 Columha corensis, Gmei- S. N. I, 1878, 7S3. — Sai.i.i^:, P. Z. S. 1857, 235 (Santo Domingo).
— Newtox, Ibis I, 252 (Santa Cruz). — Cab. J. IV, 108 (Cuba). — Taylor, Ibis, 1804, 171 (St.
Thomas). Patagiaenas c. KElCilUNli. Handb. tab. 222, f. 2581.

^ Columba iuornaia, ViGoit.s, Pr. Zobl. Soc. 1847, 37. — De la Sagra, Voy. I'lle dc Cuba,
Gis. t. 28. —Cab. J. IV, 106 (Cuba). — Sci,. P. Z. S. 1861, 80. — Reich ex B. Handb. 62, tab.
222, f. 2582. — Gt'XDL. Repert. Cub. I, 1S66, 298. — Mauch, P. A. N. S. 1863, 301 (Jamaica).
C. rufina, Go.sse, B. Jam. (not C. rufiiia of Temmixck !).

COLrMBID.E — THE PIGEONS.

30]

Columba fasciata.

variation in the
this varies from

metallic golden-green, with an occasional bronzy reflection, the feathers somewhat

squamate. Bill and Ibct yellow, the former blacU at the end ; iris red. Leng-th, abont

15.00; wing, 8.80; tail, 6.10. Female smaller, and less deeply colored, the purplish tint

more ashy ; sometimes with the

nuchal white band obsolete or

wanting ; the abdomen whitish,

etc.

Hab. Pacific Province of
United States, and table-lands
of Mexico, to Guatemala. Oax-
aca (Sol. 1858, 304) ; Xalapa,
1859, 369 (Cordova, 1856, 359) ;
Guatemala (Salvin, Ibis, II,
276) ; Fort Whipple, Arizona
(CouES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 93);
Vera Cruz, alpine region (Sum.
M. Bost. Soc. I, 562).

Specimens — even those
from the same locality —
vary a great deal in size,

particularly as to the bill, and tliere is also cousiderablt
shade and depth as well as the extent of the purplisli tint
a purplish-chocolate tint to nearly violaceous, and sometimes tinges the ends
of the lower tail-coverts ; sometimes the back lias faint Ijronzy retiections.
Guatemalan skins liave tlie white edgings to the wing-coverts less conspicu-
ous than in uortliern ones, showing an approximation to the features of var.
alhUinca of Costa liica ; they also have a shorter bill than California speci-
mens. Oregon birds, on the other hand, have longer bills than the Califor-
nia, and are considerably darker in color.

Habits. The Band-tailed Pigeon was first met with in Long's expedition
to the Eocky Mountains, and descrilied by Say in 1823. It is found from
tlie northern Eocky Mountains westward to the Pacific, and from Central
America northward along the whole of the Pacific Coast as far to tlte nortli
as Wasliingtun Territory, and probably portions of British Columbia.

Mr. Townsend, quoted by Audubon, noticed this Pigeon from the eastern
spurs of the Eocky Mountains across to the Columliia Eiver, wltere it was
very abundant. He noticed their arrival in very great numbers on the 17th of
April, and they continued in large flocks even wliile breeding. Their lireeding-
places were on the banks of the river, the eggs were placed on tlie ground,
under small bushes without any nest, where numbers congregated togetlier.
The eggs were two in number, and are described as of a yellowish-white color,
some inclining to a bluisli-white with minute white dots at the larger end.

These birds feed on the berries of the black-elder and the buds of the
balsam poplar. When sitting on tlie trees, they Iniddle close together in the
manner of the Carolina Parrot, and many may Ik; killed at a single discharge.
Their flesh is said to be tender, juicy, and fine eating.

VOL. in. 46

362 NORTH AMEUICAN BIRDS.

Mr. Nuttall states tliat this Pigeon is always in flocks, and in Oregon keeps
only in the tliick forests of the Cohuubia and the Wuhhiniet, and during the
summer is more particularly abundant in the alluvial grov-es of the latter
river, where he constantly heard its cooing, and saw it in large flocks,
feeding on the berries of the elder, the Gorims niUtaUi, and tlie seed-germs
and young pods of the balsam poplar. Its call is somewhat similar to that
of the Carolina l)o\e, but is readily distinguishable, is uttered at the usual
intervals, and is repeated an hour or two at a time, chiefly in the morning
and evening. It remains on the lower part of the Columbia nearly the
wliole year, feeding on the berries of the tree cornel, moving south only in
the severity of winter.

Mr. Salvin found this Pigeon at A'olcan de Fuego, in Guatemala, at an ele-
vation of six thousand feet, and at Coban. It was quite common in tiie high
forests of the Volcano.

Dr. "Woodhouse met with small flocks of these Pigeons in different parts
of New Mexico, and especially in the San Fi-ancisco ^Mountains, now in-
cluded within the limits of Arizona.

This species was found at Los Nogales, in Mexico, July, 1855, by Dr.
Kennerly, and at New Leon by Lieutenant Couch. Dr. Kennerly states
that these beautiful birds \vere often observed in the valleys of the Santa
Cruz and Los Nogales Rivers, as well as among the oaks on the adjacent
hills. In the month of June they were found in small flocks of four or five,
rarely more. When flying, the wings often caused a flapping noise, sinii-
lar to that made by the domestic Pigeon.

Dr. Newberry, in his Eejjort on the zoology of Colonel Williamson's route,
states that he met with this Pigeon at several points of his journey. He
speaks of it as an attractive bird, about the size and with many of the habits
of the domestic Pigeon. At McCumbers, northeast of Fort Eeading, the
first individual was seen and killed by one of his party. In that region they
were not rare, and during the season of acorns they subsist on those of the
scrub-oak, which abounds in that vicinity. On the Columbia they were seen
in pairs, and near the Dalles might readily be mistaken for domestic doves.

Dr. Suckley found this Pigeon a very common bird in Washington Terri-
tory, especially west of the Cascade Mountains. He saw Init a single flock
containing five individuals east of those mountains. In 1856, the first birds
of this species that arrived in the spring made their appearance about the
15t.h of May, which he found to bo their customary time of arrival. One or
two individuals were first seen, and within two or three days thereafter the
main body of the migration followed. A small number remained through-
out the summer to breed, the rest proceeded farther north. Those that
remained generally made their nests in the thick fir forests near water. Dur-
ing the summer they subsisted on wild cherries and other berries, and later
in the season, in the settled parts of the country, on grain. About the first
week in September large flocks congregated on the stubble-fields in the

COLUMBID^ — THE PiaEONS. 3g3

vicinity of Fort Rtcilacoom, and for two or three weeks thereafter their num-
bers were daily augmented by arrivals from the north. Some of the Hocks
that he saw in September, he states, must liave contained at least a thou-
sand indi\'iduals. He was told that on the cultivated districts on Cowlitz
River, at the same season, they were in still greater numbers. By the 5th
of October all had suddenly disappeared, except a few stragglers, generally
young birds. In tlieir flights, Dr. Suckley states, they are not quite as com-
pactly crowded as in the case of the Passenger Pigeon. During the summer,
while they were breeding, their cooing and calls could be heard quite a long
distance. The name of this bird in the Nisqually language is " Hub boh," in
imitation of their call. In the autumn these liirds are said to be excellent
eating.

According to Dr. Cooper, these Pigeons arri\-e at the L'olumbia lliver in
April, and frequent all the forests of the Territory until the end of October,
when they retire south. They keep about the borders of prairies and clear-
ings, and frequently do much damage to fields of grain, though never found in
such immense numbers as the common Passenger Pigeon east of the Missis-
sippi. In June they lay two white eggs about the size of those of the
House Pigeon, on the ground near streams or openings, and without con-
structing any nests. I)uring the summer they were observed to feed upon
wild peas, wild clierries, and other wild fruits and berries, which are very
abundant. Later in the season they seem to depend upon acorns and other
nuts. Their cooing is very much like that of the common Pigeon. He saw
none east of the Cascade Eange.

Mr. liidgway did not meet with this Pigeon in his route from the Sierra
Nevada eastward to the Rocky Mountains, along the line of the 40th paral-
lel, and it is supposed not to occur in that latitude except near the Pacific
Coast.

An egg of this Pigeon, given me by Dr. Holden, of Stockton, and ob-
tained in the Coast Range, is oval in shape, equally rounded at either end,
and of a dull white. It measures 1.49 inches in length by 1.15 in breadth.
Another, in the Smithsonian collection, measures 1.55 by 1.20 inches.

Columba leucocephala, Linn.

WHITE-HEADED PIGEON.

Columla IcucocepJmht, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 164. — Bonap. J. A. N. S. Ph. V, 1825,
30; Syn. 119; Am. Om. II, 1828, 11, pi. xv. — NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 625. — AuD.
Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 443 ; V, 557, pi. clxxvii ; Birds Am. IV, 1842, 315, pi. cclxxx. —
Te.mm. Pig. et Gallin. I, 459. — GossE, Birds Jam. 1847, 299. — Baiiid, Birds N. Am.
1858, 599. — March, P. A. N. S. 1.S63, 301 (says there are two species). Patagicenas
leiicoccphalus, Reichenb. S3'st. Av. 1851, xxv ; Ic. Av. tab. 223 and 255. — Bonap.
Con.sp. 11, 1854, 54. — Gundl. Caban. Journ. 1856, 107. — Keicii. Handb. 64, tab.
223. f. 1257, 1258, 255, 2863, 2864.

564

NUHTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

Sr,
head,

CiiAii. General color very (lark slate-blue, primariesaud tail darker. Upper half of the
from the hill to the nape, pui-e white, not reaching the edge of the eyelids ; a triangular

patch of dark maroon-purple
on the occiput, and below it a
semicircular " cape " covering
the nape, of metallic brassy-
green, each feather distinctly
bordered e.xternally with velvety-
black, producing a squamate ap-
pearance. Bill deep purple, the
end light blue ; iris white ; legs
deep lake-red. In skins the bill
dusky tipped with yellowish, the
feet yellow. Sexes similar.
Length, 1:3.50 ; wins, 7.00 ; tail,
5.80.

Hab. Southern Keys of Florida
(including Indian Key) and West
Indies generally. Honduras
(MooRK, p. Z. S. 18.59, 61);
Santa Cruz (Newton, Ibis, I,
253) ; Cuba (Cab. .J. IV, 107) ;

CoiiiTTtba hitcocephala.

Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. VII, 1859) ; Jamaica (GossE, B. J. 299; ; Porto Rico
(Tavlor, Ibis, 1864, 171) ; Cuba (Gcndl. Repert. I, 18GG, 298); Santa Bartholemy (Sund.
Ofv. 1809, 585).

Habits. The "VNTiite-headed Pigeon occurs in the more southern of the
keys of Florichi, but, so iar as I am aware, lias never been taken on any part
of the mainland. It is au abundant species in (.'uba, Jamaica, and iu most
of the other West India Islands.

This Dove, according to Audubon, arrives on the southern keys of Florida
about the 20th of April, sometimes not until the first of May. On the 30th
of April he shot several just after their arrival from across the Gulf Stream.
He noticed them as tliey approached the shore, skimming along the surface
of the water, and flying with great rapidity, iu the manner of the House
Pigeon. As they approached the land the}'' rose to about a hundred yards,
flying in circles as if to survey the country. To procure specimens, it was
necessary to force them out from the dark retreats in which they had
alighted. They M-ere at all times exceedingly shy and wary, probably on
account of the war that is incessantly waged against them, their flesh lieiuL;'
very juicy and finely flavored. This sliyness is only ]iartially abated even
during the breeding-season, as they will silently slide from their nest when
sitting, if it is approached, and retreat to tbe dark shade of the mangroves, and
do not return for an interval to their charge. They were more abundant iu
the more southern keys, except the sterile Tortugas.

According to Mr. March, there are two varieties of tliis Pigeon, known as
the Baldpate in Jamaica, distinguished as the Mountain and the Mangrove
BaldjDate. The latter he has never met with iu the mountains, but both

COLUMBID.E - THE PIOtEONS. 3(55

kinds resort at all times to the lowlaiuls and uiaiigrove-swamps along the
coasts, and to the neighboring islands and keys (Pigeon Island and the two
Goat Islands in particular), where they breed in numbers, making their nests in
trees, some at high elevations, otliers so low as to be within reach of a person
standing, according to the convenience of the site. Large numbers of squabs
are often taken from these places and brought into the towns for sale. They
feed in company in the morning and afternoon, and as they often feed at a
distance from their roosting-places, large flocks are sometimes seen in tlie
early morning and evening passing and repassing overhead, sometimes in
high, at other times in low flight, going to and returning from the feeding-
ground or convenient watering-place. Their food is grain, fruit, and berries,
nuts and seeds ; and they commit serious depredations on the Guinea-corn
fields, not only by the quantity they devour, Ijut by breaking down the
brittle cornstalks with the weight of their Ijodies. They are easily kept
in confinement, and often breed and become quiet and contented, but take
the earliest opportunity of emancipation. The nest is a platform of sticks
and twigs loosely put together, and bedded with softer materials, with a
slight hoUow in the centre. The eggs are two, glarish- white in color, vary-
ing in form and dimensions, but usually long oval, measuring 1.63 inches in
length by 1.13 in breadth.

According to Mr. Leyland (Ibis, I, p. 222) this Pigeon inhabits the keys or
small islands on the coast of Honduras.

It was found at St. Croix by Professor Alfred Newton, frequenting the hills
in the north of the island, and occasionally in the brush-land on the south
side. It was not very common, and was said to be a visitor from Porto Eico ;
but it undoubtedly breeds on the island of St. Croix, as Professor Newton
obtained a young bird, shot July 28, which could not have left the nest
many days. A caged specimen of this bird, that had been in the possession
of Dr. Garden of St. Croix several years, was given to Professor Newton by
that gentleman, and presented to the Zoological Society of London.

Mr. Audubon found tlie nests placed high or low according to circum-
stances, but never saw two on the same tree. He has met with them on
the top of a cactus, only a few feet from the ground, or on a low branch of
a mangrove almost touching the water. They are said to resemble that of
the common Passenger Pigeon, but are more compact and better lined ; the
outer part being composed of small di-y twigs, the inner of fibrous roots and
grasses. The eggs are two, of an opaque white, roundish, and as large as
those of the common Pigeon. Mr. Audubon thinks that these birds may
have several broods in a season. None were known liy him to ^'isit the
mainland of Florida.

In captivity these birds may be easily managed, and breed readily, as Mr.
Audubon witnessed in the aviaries of Dr. Wilson and Ilev. Dr. Bachman of
Charleston, S. C.

In confinement they are said never tn lay more tlian a single egg. The

ogQ jS'OUTH AilEiUCAN BIRDS.

measurement of their eggs, as given by Mr. Audubon, is 1.31 inches in length
by 1.06 in breadth. Eggs in my cabinet from Cuba measure 1.40 by 1.03
inches. They are of a pure but not a brilliant white color, equal at either
end and oval in shape.

Columba flavirostris, Wagler.

EED-BILLED DOVE.

Columba flavirostris, Wagi.er, Isis, 1831, 519. — Lawrence, Annals N. Y. Lye. V. May,
1851, 116. — Bauid, Birds N. Am. 1858, 598, pi. Ixi. —1b. Me.\. B. 11, Birds 21,
pi. xxiii. — Cooper, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 508. Chlormtias flavirostris, Bonap. Consp.
Av. II, 1854, 52. — Eeicuenb. Handb. 61. f Columba soUtaria, McCall, Pr. A. N.
Sc. Phila. Ill, July, 1847, 233 (Kio Giande, Texas. Description reft-rring probably
to this species).

Sp. Char. Second and third quills equal, and decidedly longer than the first and
fourth, also nearly equal. Tail ti'uncate, slightly rounded. Head and neck all round,
breast, and a large patch on the middle and lesser wing-coverts, light chocolate-red, the
latter deeper and more opaque red ; the middle of the back, scapulars, and tertials olive ;
the rest of body, wings, and tail very dark slaty-blue ; the inferior and concealed surfaces of
the latter black. Bill and legs yellow in the dried skin, said to be purple in life ; eyes
purple. Length, 14.00; wing, 8.00; tail, 5.70.

Hab. Lower Rio Grande, and Mexico, south to Costa Rica. Oaxaca (Scl. 1859, 391) ;
Cordova, 1856, 309) ; Honduras (Taylor, Ibis, II, 226 ; Salv. Ibis, III, 3.55) ; City of
Mexico (Scl. P. Z. S. 1864, 178) ; Southeastern Texas, breeding (Dresser, Ibis, 1866, 23) ;
Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, 134).

There is no trace of any metallic scale-like featliers on the neck of tliis
species. The wing-feathers, including the greater co^'erts, are whitish on
their external border. There is sometimes a tinge of the red on the inside
of the wing.

The C inornata of Jamaica (see synopsis) is wonderfully similar, except
in the form and color of the bill ; the plumage of the two does not differ in
the minutest particular. The ^Yest ludian bird is much the larger, however,
the bill black, and very differently shaped.

The Columba solitaria of McCall appears to be closely related to this
species, but, judging from the description, seems to differ in having the
head and neck bluish rather than red. It may possibly be the female of C.
flavirostris, as this sex usually has a bluish tinge instead of red ; the smaller
size, too, would favor this supposition.^

1 Columba sol Uaria, McC.ill, Pr. A. K. Sc. Phila. Ill, July, 1847, 233. "Length, 13 inches
9 lines, etc. Alar extent, 23 inches. Wing, from the flexure, 7 inches 5 lines. Tarsus, 1 inch ;
middle toe, 1 inch 2 lines ; first toe, 9 lines, and longer than the tliird ; nails light flesh-color ;
feet and legs deep red. Iris dark orange. Bill above, 1 inch 1 line, but feathered to within 5
lines of tlic tip ; reddish near the base, whitish near the tip. Head chocolate-blue. Tliroat
chocolate-white. Neck and breast bluish-chocolate with brilliant reflections. Back, belly,
flanks, under wing-coverts, and greater exterior wing-coverts, light red color, the last faintly

COLUMBID.E— THE PIGEONS. 367

Habits. The Red-billed Dove claim.? a place in the Xorth American fauna
only as a resident in the valley of the Lower lUo Grande Eiver. It appears
also to be found on and near the gulf-coast of Mexico and Central America.

It was taken at New Leon, Mexico, iu March, 1853, by Lieutenant Couch,
and on the Eio Grande by Mr. A. Schott. It was first seen by the former
in the thick woody bottoms of the San Juan, Xew Leon. The birds were
quite common, but remained very secluded. Tliey are said to be of very
rapid fliglit.

Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860, p. 226) mention>; finding these birds not un-
common on Tigre Island, in Honduras, but did not meet with them in the
interior. He speaks of them as very iiandsomc birds, but gives no account
of their habits.

Mr. Henry E. Dresser found the Eed-liilled Dove quite common near
Matamoras, and breeding there. During the autumn great quantities, as
well as of the leucoptcra and the carolincnsis, are brought to the market for
sale. At Brownsville, also, these birds were not uncommon, but were found
for only a short distance towards tlie interior of Texas, and none were seen
higher up the Rio Grande tliau Roma. A Mexican, who shot doves for the
market, informed Mr. Dresser that he had found this species breeding near
the town of Matamoras, and that it builds a nest somewhat similar to that
of Z. caro/incnsis, but that its two eggs are somewhat larger. Their stomachs
were found filled with a kind of blueberry.

Eggs in the Berlandier collection are oval in shape, equal and slightly
tapering at either end, and of a creamy-white color. They measure 1.18
inches in length by .90 of an inch in breadth.

Gexur ECTOPISTES, Swainson.

Ectopistes, SWAIXSOK, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1S27, 362. (Type, Cohcmba migratoria, L.)

G-EN. Guar. Head very small. Bill short, black ; culmen one third the rest of the
head ; feathers of the chin running very far forward ; gonys very short. Tarsi very short,
half covered anteriorly by feathers. Inner lateral claw much larger than outer, reaching
to the base of the middle one. Tail very long and excessively cuneate ; above as long as
the wings. First primary longest. Black spots on scapulars; a black and a rufous spot
on inner webs of tail-feathers.

This genus is readily distinguished from the other Columbincc by the
excessively lengtliened and acute middle feathers. It formerly included the
Columha carolincnsis, bttt this, with more propriety, has been erected into a
different genus, and will be found in the next section.

bordered with white. Lesser wing-coverts chocolate-red, forming a bright shouliler-spot of
elliptical shape. Quill-feathers dusky, tinged with lead-color on the outer vanes. Third primary
longest. Upper and under tail-coverts bluish lead-color. Tail, 5 inches, slightly rounded, of
twelve feathers ; dusky."

368

XORTII AMERICAX BIRDS.

The Edopislcs mi/jratoria is blue above, the male piir]ilisli-red beneath,
the female brownish -ashy, passing into whitish behind. Tlie wing above

Ectopistes rHigraxoria.

and scapulars are spotted with bluish-black, the sides of the neck with
metallic gloss of solfei-ino-purple ; the inner webs of tail-feathers have each
a rufous and a black spot.

Ectopistes migratoria, Sw.\ixson.

WILD PIGEON; PASSENGEE-PIGEON.

Cohimba migratoria, LiXN. Sj'st. Nat. 1, 1766, 285. — Gil. I, 389. — FoitsTF.R, Phil. Trans.
LXII, 1772, 398.— Wilson, Am. Om. I, 1808, 102, pi. xliv. — Wagler, Syst. Av. 1827,
No. 91. — Attd. Oni. Biog. I, 1831, 319 ; V, 561, pi. Ixii. Ectopistes migratoria,
SWAINSOX, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 355. — In. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 363. — Bos.
Consp. At. II, 1854, 59. — AuD. Syn. 1839, 194. —Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 25, pi.
cclx.xxv. — " Reich. Icones Av. tab. 249, figs. 1377, 1379." — Baikd, Birds N. Am.
1858, 600. —Max. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 424. — Lord, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 122 (British
Columbia, from coast ; nest on ground). — Cooper & Sucklev, 218. — Cooper, Orn.
Cal. I, 1870, 509. Columba canadensis, Li.NT;.Brs, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 284. — Gm. I,
1788, 785. Female or j'oung. (Prior name?) Cohimba amcricana, "Kaiji, It. II,
527." Passenger Pigeon, Pennant, II, 322. — Lath. Syn. II, ii, 661.

Sp. Char. Tail with twelve feathers. Upper parts generally, including sides of body,
head, and neck, and the chin, blue. Beneath, purple brownish-red, fading behind into a
violet tint. Anal region and under tail-coverts bluish-white. Scapulars, inner tertials,
and middle of back with an olive-brown tinge ; the wing-covert,'!, scapulars, and inner
tertials with large oval spots of blue-black on the outer webs, mostly concealed, except
on the latter. Primaries blackish, with a border of pale bluish tinged internally with red.
iliddle tail-feather brown ; the rest pale blue on the outer web, white internally ; each
with a patch of reddish-brown at the base of the inner web, followed by another of
black. Sides and back of neck richly glos.sed with metiUic golden-violet or reddish-

COLL'MBID.E — THE PIGEONS.

369

purple. Tibiaj bluish-violet. Bill black. Feet lake-red. The female is smaller, much
duller in color, more olivaceous above ; beneath, pale ash instead of red, except a tinge
on the neck; the jugulum tinged with olive, the throat whitish. Length of niak', 17.00;
wing, 8.50; tail, 8.40.

H.iB. North America to high Central Plains; West Humboldt Mountains, Nevada
(September; Ridgway). Cuba (Gd.vdl. Rep. I, 1866, 302 ; Cab. J. IX, 112).

to the throat and cliiu. The

Ectopiste.

Tlie blue of tlie side of the head extends
iijjper part of tlie back and lesser
coverts are of a darker lilue than
the head and rump. The inner
primaries are more broadly mar-
gined with light blue, which tapers
off to the end. The axillars and
under surface of the wing are light
blue. The longest scapulars have
the black on both webs. There is
no blue on the outer web of the
first tail-feather, which is white,
as is the inferior surface of the tail
generally.

In some specimens the entire
head all round is blue.

The immature male varies in
having most of the feathers of the head and body margined with whitish.

Habits. The common Passenger Pigeon of North America is found
throughout the continent in great abundance, from the Atlantic to the great
Central Plains, and from the Southern States, in which it only occasionally
occurs, to at least the 62d parallel of northern latitude, in the interior.

Eichardson states that this Pigeon arrives in the fur countries in tlie lat-
ter part of May and leaves in October. On the coast of Hudson's Bay it
reaches no farther than the 58th parallel, and only in very fine summers, but
in the interior or in the warmer central districts it attains to the 62d degree.
Mr. llutcliins mentions, as a remarkable occurrence, that a fiock of these
Pigeons visited York Factory and remained two days.

It is not found on the Pacific coast. Dr. Suckley only met with a single
bird in immature plumage on a branch of Milk Eiver, in Nebraska, about
one hundred and seventy-five miles east of the Eocky Mountains ; he thinks
the eastern base may be considered tlieir western limit. Dr. Cooper has
seen it at Fort Laramie, but has never seen nor heard of it in Oregon, though
Townsend mentions it as found there.

Dr. Woodhouse found these Pigeons common throughout the Indian Ter-
ritory in the spring and fall, during their migrations.

Captain Blakiston noticed tlie first arrival of the Passenger Pigeons at
Fort Carlton, on tlie 23d of ^lay. P>y the middle of June numerous flocks

VOL. ui. 47

370 NOKTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

were moving northward. These could, at a long distance, be readily distin-
guished from flocks of water-fowl or waders, by their flight being in no par-
ticular order. On the ^Mackenzie, ^Ir. Koss observed these birds as far north
as Fort Norman in latitude Go°, whik; on the coast of Hudson's Bay they
are only found as far as 58°, even in warm summers.

The ^Vild Pigeon appears to be almost entirely influenced in its migra-
tions by the abundance of its food, excepting in those parts of the country
in which it has not been known to remain during winter. E\'en in these
movements it is largely influenced by instinctive considerations of food.
E\idently the temperature has but little to do with their migrations, as they
not unfrequeutly move northward in large columns as early as the 7th
of March, with a thermometer twenty degrees below the freezing-point. In
the sirring of 1872 a large accumulation of tliese birds took place early in
March, in the eastern portion of Xew York. The}' were present in the
forests about Albany, and were taken in such inmiense numbers that tlie
markets of New York and Boston were very largely supplied with tliem.

As early as the 10th of Marcli they were ascertained to have in their ova-
ries full-grown eggs, ready for exclusion. In Kentuclcy they have been
known, according to Audubon, to remain summer and winter in the same
districts for several successive years, in consequence of the great abundance
of food, while in other parts of the State none were to be met with. Tliey
suddenly disappeared as soon as the beech-mast had l^ecome exhausted, and
did not return for a long period.

The Wild Pigeons are capable of propelling themselves in long-continued
flights, and are known to move with an almost incredible ra]ndity, passing
over a great extent of country in a very short time. It is quite a common
and well-ascertained fact that Pigeons are captured in the State of New York
with their crops still filled with the undigested grains of rice that must have
lieen taken in the distant fields of Georgia or South Carolina, apparently
proving that they must have passed o^er the intervening space within a
very few bonis. Audubon estimates the rapidity of their flight as at least
a mile a minute.

The Wild Pigeons are said to move, in their flight, by quickly repeated flaps
of tlie wings, wliich are brouglit more or less near to the body, according to
the degree of velocity required. During the love-season they often fly in a
circling manner, supporting themselves with both wings angularly elevated.
Before alighting, they break the force of their flight by repeated flappings.

Their great powers of flight, and the ability thus given to change at will
their residence, and their means of renewing a supply of food, are also thought
to be seconded by a remarkable power of vision, enabling them to discover
their food with great readiness. Mr. Audubon states that he has observed
flocks of these birds, in passing over a sterile part of the country, fly high in
the air, with an extended front, enabling them to surve}' hundreds of acres
at once. Wlien the land is ricldy covered with food, or the trees well sup-

COLUMBID.E — THE PIGEOXS. 371

plied with mast, tliey tiy low in order to discover the purt most pleutil'ully
supjilied.

Several writers, who have witnessed the occasionally enormous flights ol'
these Pigeons, have given very full and graphic accounts of their immense
numbers that seem hardly credible to those who have not seen them.
Mr. Audubon relates that in 1813, on his way from Henderson to Louisville,
in crossing the barrens near Hardensburg, he observed these birds flying to
the southwest in greater numbers than he had ever known before. He
attempted to count the different flocks as they successively passed, but after
counting one hundred and sixty-three in twenty-one minutes he gave it uj)
as impracticable. As he journeyed on, their numbers seemed to increase.
The air seemed filled with Pigeons, and the light of noonday to be okscured
as by an eclipse. Xot a .single bird aliglited, as the woods were destitute of
mast, and all flew so high that he failed to reach any witli a rille. He speaks
of their aerial evolutions as beautiful in the extreme, especially when a Hawk
pressed upon the rear of a flock. All at once, like a torrent, and \\ith a
noise like that of thunder, they rushed together into a comjiact mass, and
darted forward in undulating lines, descending and sweeping near the earth
with marvellous velocity, then mounting almost perpendicularly in a vast
column, wheeling and twisting so that their continued lines seemed to re-
semble the coils of a gigantic serjjent. During the whole of his journey
from Hardensburg to Louisville, fifty-fi\'e miles, tliey continued to pass in
undiminished numbers, and also did so during the tliree following days. At
times they flew so low lliat multitudes were destroyed, and for many days
the entire population seemed to eat nothing else but Pigeons.

"When a flight of Pigeons discovers an abundant supply of food, sufficient
to induce them to alight, they are said to pass around in circles over the
place, making various evolutions, after a while passing lower over the woods,
and at length alighting ; then, as if suddenly alarmed, taking to flight, only
to return immediately. These manoeuvres ai-e repeated with various indica-
tions of indecision iu their movements, or as if apprehensive of unseen
dangers. During these manceuvres the flapping of their many thousand
wings causes a reverberation suggestive of distant thunder. When at last
settled upon the ground, they industriously search among the fallen leaves
for the acorns and the beech-mast, the rear flocks continually rising, passing
over the main body, and realighting. These changes are so frequent that at
times tlie whole collection appears to be in motion. A large extent of
ground is thus cleared in a surprisingly short space of time, and cleared with
a completeness that is described as incredible. They are usually satiated by
the middle of the day, and ascend to the trees to rest and digest their food.
On these occasions the Pigeons are destroyed in immense numbers, and
their abundance in large extents of the country has been very sensibly
reduced.

In its movements on the ground, as also when alighted on the branches

372 NORTH AMKIIICAX BIRDS.

of trees, the AVild Pigeon is remarkable for its ease and grace. It walks on
the grDUud and also on the limbs of trees with an easy, j,'raceful motion,
frequently jerking its tail and moving its neck Ijackward and forward.

]\Ir. Audubon states that in Kentucky he has repeatedly visited one of
the remarkable roostiug-places to which these birds resort at night. This
one was on tlie banks of Green liiver, and to this place the birds came every
night at sunset, arriving from all directions, some of them from tlie dis-
tance of several hundred miles, as was conjectured from certain observations.
This roost was in a portion of the forest wliere tiie trees were of great mag-
nitude. It was more than forty miles in length, and averaged three in
breadth. It had been occupied as a roost about a fortnight when he visited
it. Tlieir dung was several inches deep on the ground, covering the whole
extent of the roostiug-place. Many trees, two feet in diameter, liad been
broken down by their weight, as well as many branches of the largest and
tallest trees. The forest seemed as if it had been swept by a tornado.
Everything gave evidence that the number of birds resorting to that part
of the forest must be immense. A large number of persons collected before
sunset to destroy them, provided with torches of pine-knots, and armed
with long poles and guns. The Pigeons began to collect after sunset,
their approach preceded, even when they were at a distance, by a noise
like that of a liard gale at sea sounding in the rigging of a vessel. As
the birds passed over him, they created a strong current of air. The
birds arrived by thousands, fires were lighted, and the work of destruc-
tion commenced. Many were knocke<l down by the pole-men. In many
cases they collected in such solid masses on the branches that several of
their perches gave way and fell to the ground, in this way destroying hun-
dreds of the birds beneath them. It was a scene of great confusion and
continued until past midnight, the Pigeons still continuing to arrive. The
sound made by the birds at the roost could be heard at the distance of three
miles. As day approached, the noise in some measure subsided ; and long
before objects were distinguishable the Pigeons began to move off, and before
dayliglit all that were able to fly had disappeared. The dead and wounded
birds were then collected and piled into lieaj^s by those who had assembled
for the purpose.

Though for the most part living, moving, and feeding together in large
companies, the \yild Pigeon mates in ]iairs for purposes of breeding. They
have several broods in the season, and commence nesting very early in
the spring, the time being considerably affected liy the amount of food.
In the spring of 1849 an immense number of these birds collected on Fays-
ton Mountain, near Montpelier, Vt., although at the time of their coming
the weather was very cold and the ground covered with snow. There
they seemed to find a great abundance of food, berries of the mountain-ash
and such other fruit as they could procure, and there they remained, breed-
ing in great numbers, until late in the summer. They were still collected in

COLUMBID^ — TUE PIGEONS. 373

June, although the whole neighborhood was warring upon tliem for many
miles around, and the markets of Boston and other places were largely
supplied with them.

In the extensive forests of Kentucky, 'Mr. Audubon found tliem usually
collecting and breeding in trees of great height, and always at a convenient
distance from water, resorting tliither in countless myriads. Their note, dur-
ing breeding, is described as a short coo-coo, mucli briefer than in the domes-
tic Pigeon, while their usual call-uote is a reijetition of the monosyllables
kee-kcc-kec, the first note being louder and the last fainter than the rest. In
the love-season the male puts on the pompous manners peculiar to all Pigeons,
and follows the female with droo2:)ing wings and expanded tail, the body be-
ing held in an elevated attitude and the throat swollen. Occasionally they
caress one another in the same manner in which they feed their young, by
introducing the bill of one into that of the other and disgorging the contents
of their crops.

Their nests are composed of a few dry twigs laid crosswise, and liuilt
upon the branches of trees. From fifty to a hundred were seen by Audubon
in the same tree, and were said to be frequently at a considerable height.
Tlie few I have seen were in low trees, and not more than ten feet from the
ground. The eggs are ue\'er more than two in number, pure white, and of a
broadly elliptical form. During incubation the male bird feeds the mate and
afterwards assists in supplying the young birds, and both birds are conspicu-
ous in their demonstrations of affection, both to each other and to their off-
spring. The young brood, usually both sexes in one nest, leave their parents
as soon as tliey are able to shift for themselves.

In the Xew England States and in the more cultivated part of the country
these birds no longer breed in large connnunities. The instance near Mont-
pelier, in 1849, is the only marked exception that has come within my
knowledge. They now breed in isolated pairs, their nests being scattered
through the woods and seldom near one another.

The Wild Pigeon has been successfully kept in aviaries, and has occasion-
ally bred in confinement.

Wilson's account of the habits of these Pigeons is substantially corrobora-
tive of that of Audubon. He witnessed their migrations in vast numbers,
in various parts of the country, — in Western jSTew York, in Pennsylvania,
in various parts of Virginia, where he beheld their immense flocks with
amazement, but where they were mere straggling- parties compared witli the
congregated millions he saw in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He also
noted their habit of frequenting the same roosting-place night after night,
even when they were compelled to fly sixty or eighty miles each day to their
feeding-places. His account of their roosting-places is similar to that of
Audubon, corroborating the accumulation of the dung covering the surface
of the ground and destroying all the grass and underbrush, the breaking
down of large limbs, and even of small trees, by the weiglit of the birds

374 NORTH AMKRJCAN BIRDS.

clustering one above another, and the trees themselves at last killed as com-
pletely as if ginlled by an axe.

One of the breeding-places visited by Wilson, not far from .Shelby\ille,
Ky., stretched through the forest in nearly a north and south direction.
This was several miles in breadth, and up\\ards of forty miles in e.xtent.
In this immense tract nearly every tree was furnished with nests wherever
there were branches to accommodate them, lit; was iufnruied by those who
had sought to plunder the nests of the squabs, that the noise in the woods
was so great as to terrify their horses, and that it was ditiicult ibr one per-
son to hear another speak. The ground was strewed with liroken limbs, eggs,
and young Pigeons. Hawks were sailing about in great nuuiber.?, while from
twenty feet upwards to the tops of the trees there was a perpetual tumult
of crowding and fluttering multitudes of Pigeons, their wings resounding
like thunder, and mingled with the fretjuent crash of falling trees. In one
instance he counted ninety nests in a single tree.

When on his way from Shelbyville to Frankfort, Wilson witnessed an im-
mense Higlit of these birds, and was astonished at their appearance. They
were Hying with great steadiness and rapidity in several strata deep and very
close together. From right to left, as far as the eye could reach, this vast
procession extended its immense breadth, seeming everywhere equally
crowded. For more than an hour by the watch he stood and observed
this jDrodigious jjrocession, which, instead of diminishing, seemed rather to
increase both in numbers and rapidity. Three hours later, as he was enter-
ing Frankfort, tlie living torrent above his head was as numerous and ex-
tended as when first observed. Wilson computed the number of Pigeons in
this flight at over two thousand two hundred millions.

The most southern point at which this Pigeon is known to breed, as given
by Wilson, was in the Choctaw country, in Mississippi, in latitude 32°.

Mr. Eidgway obtained a single sj)ecimen of this species in the West Hum-
boldt Mountains, in September, 1867. It was a young bud, and had been
feeding on the berries of a species of Cornus.

The eggs of the Wild Pigeon vary considerably in length, and also some-
what in breadth. Tliey average about 1.45 inches in length and 1.05 in
breadth. They are white in color, have an oval shape, and are ecjually
rounded at both ends.

Subfamily ZENAIDIN^.

Cn.\R. Tarsi stout, lengthened ; always longer than the lateral toes, and entirely
without feathers ; the tibial joint usually denuded. Tarsus sometimes with hexagonal
scales anteriorlj'. Tail-feathers sometimes fourteen.

This subfamily is readily distinguished from the preceding by the longer
and more denuded tarsi, the feet being much better fitted for a terrestrial
life. The following sections belong to it : —

COLUMBIDJI — THE PIGEONS. 375

Zenaidese. Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute, the primaries much
loiigtr than the secondaries. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. A blackish spot
beneath the aurioulars ; tail-feathers tipped with white, and with a blackish
subterrainal bar. Sides of the neck with a metallic gloss.

Bill lengthened, much depressed. A white patch on the wing ; no
black spots on the scapulars ; plumage ashy, lighter beneath. Tail of

twelve feathers, rounded Melopelia.

Bill smaller, more compressed. No white patch on the wing;
scapulars with black spot,s. Above olivaceous, beneath vinaeeous.

Tail of twelve feathers rounded Zenakla.

Tail of fourteen feathers, graduated or cuneate . . . Zenaidura.
Chamsepelieae. Size very small. Wings rounded, the primaries scarcely
longer than the tertials. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. No blackish spot
beneath the auriculars ; no metallic gloss on sides of the neck.

Tail of twelve feathers, lengthened (much longer than wings), doubly
rounded, the lateral feathers much shorter; the three outer pairs with

white terminally ScardafeUa.

Tail of twelve feathers, short (much less than wings), simply rounded,
the lateral feathers only slightly shorter ; outer feathers without white
terminally, or with only a slight edging. Wing-coverts with oblique
black spots, and body without transverse blackish bars.

Outside of the tarsus with a narrow feathered strip; lining of the
wing blackish . ' . . . . . . . . . Talpacoia.

Outside of the tarsus without a feathered strip ; lining of the

wing wholly rufous Chamcepelia.

Starnceuadese. Size moderate (generally a little larger than Zenaida) ;
form robust, or quail-like. Legs very stout ; tarsi decidedly longer than
the middle toe, variously scaled anteriorly. Wings short, very broad, and
much rounded, but the primaries decidedly longer than the secondaries.

Legs very stout ; tarsi covered with hexagonal scales ; crown blue ; a
black gular patch, bordered below by white .... Starnmnas.
Legs moderate ; tarsi covered anteriorly with transverse scutellte.
Crown never blue, and throat without black or white markings . Geotrijgon.

The genera characterized aljove are all more or less nearly related to others
belonging to South America, and many of these apparently form connecting
links between the several North American ones. Thus, '■' Coluvibina " jncui,
Gray (of Chili), and C.streiyitans (of Paraguay), are almost exactly intermedi-
ate between ScardafeUa and Chammpdia, botli in form and colors. " Lcp-
toptila " is in reality scarcely more than a very large Chama'pclia with an ap-
proach to Zenaida in more lengthened primaries, and to Geotrygon in the
lengthened tarsus.

" Feristera " cincrca is again a slightly enlarged reproduction of Chama; ■
pelia, with the same pattern of coloration, but without rufous on the inside
of the wing.

Starnmnas and Geotrygon are nearly connected by the G. chiriqucnsis, which
agrees with the genus to which it is referred in the scutellate tarsi, and with
Starncenas in the pecidiar structure of tlie feathers of the neck, which have,
as in tliat "genus," a stiff, compact structure, ami rather rayliki; arrangement.

376

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Genus MELOPELIA, Boxap.

Mdopelia, Bonap. Consp. II, Dec. 1854, Si. (Type, Columba leucoptcra, L.)

Gex. Char. Similar to Zenaida; the orbital region and lore more naked; the bill
longer ; the middle toe longer ; the hinder .shorter. Tarsal .■^cutelliB in a single series
anteriorly. First quill nearly as long a.s the second and third. A large ■white patch on
wing-coverts, lower parts light ashy.

This genus, like nearly all the North American ones, is rei^resented by
but a single species in the United States.

Melopelia leucoptera, Lixx.) Bonap.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE.

Columba leucoptcra, Lixx. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 164 (Jamaica). — Gii. Syst. Xat. I, 1788,
773. _ Wagl. Syst. Av. 1827, Columba, No. 71. — McCall, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. IV,
1848, 64. Zenaida leucoptcra, Guay, Gen. B. Turtur hutopUnis, GossE, B. Jam.
1847, 304. Melopelia leucoptcra, Boxap. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 81. — Baikd, Birds N.
Am. 1858, 603. — Keichexb. Handb. Tank 22, tab. 254, f. 1417; 255, f. 2869.—
Map.ch, p. a. N. S. 1863, 302. —Cooper, Ora. Cal. I, 1870, 515. .' Columba koilotl,
Gm. S. N. I, 1788, 777. Columba Irudcaui, AuD. Birds Am. VII, 1843, 352, pi.
ccccxcvi.

Sp. CnAE. General color fine ashy, with an olivaceous cast on upper surface, the middle
tail-feathers being decidedly brownish ; secondaries and primaries blackish. Beneath paler

a.shy, with alight drab cast anteriorly
(lightest on the throat), the abdomen
and sides with a fine light-bluish cast;
anal region white, cris.sum more
bluish. Occiput with a purplish
tinge. A .spot of black, with steel-
blue reflection below the ears ; a
large patch of white on the wing,
covering the lower coverts from the
elbow to the secondaries ; secondaries
margined terminally with white.
Terminal fourth of tail-feathers,
except the two medial, ashy-white,
preceded by a subterminal blackish
band. Male with faint purplish-
golden reflections on the sides of
the neck, and the throat and jugu-
lum inclining to ochrey-vinaceous ;
the occiput and nape decided purplish. Female with this scarcely apparent. Male:
wing, G.80; tail, 5.10; cuhnen, .8-i ; tarsus, LOG; middle toe, 1.10. Female slightly
smaller.

Hab. Southern border of United States, from Texas to Arizona and Lower California ;
Mexico, south to Costa Rica, Cuba and Jamaica, Oaxaca, highlands (Sol. 1853, 305) ;
Cordova (1856, 309) ; Jamaica (Gosse, B. J. 304) ; Honduras (Taylor, Ibis, II, 227) ;

Mdopdia leucoptcra, Bonap.

COLUMBID.K — THE PIGKOXS.

377

Melopdia leucoptera.

City of ifexico (Scl. P. Z. S. 1864, 17S) ; Southeastern Texas, breeding (Dresser, Ibis,
1S66, 24) ; Cuba (GrxDL. Rep. I, 186(i, :i()l) ; Fort Whipple, Arizona (CouEs, P. A. N. S.
1866, 93); Costa Ric.i (Lawr. IX. i:3!l) ; Yucatan (Lawr. IX, 207).

However reiiiai-kalilo and exccptidiial the distribution oF this species may
appear in occurring in Cuba and Jamaica and in IVIexico, from tiie Atlantic
coast to Cape St. Lucas, and north
to Santa F^, New Mexico, we
have yet been unable to find any
tangible dift'erences in specimens
from these extreme localities.
The Jamaica bird has rather a
more decided wash of brown on
the neck and forehead, the toes
apparently shorter ; but as speci-
mens from the .same locality vary
in this respect, it is probable that
in a large series such differences
will disappear in the average.

Habits. This species is found on the Lower Ilio Grande, in Arizona, and,
according to Dr. Cooper, in California. It also occurs in Mexico, and was
taken in Tamaulipas by Lieutenant Couch, March, 1858. It has also been
met with in several of the West India Islands and in Central America.

This species is abundant in Jamaica, where, according to Mr. March, it is
more a lowland than a mountain Dove. They are said to be gregarious,
usually keeping in flocks of from ten to twenty, but in January and in Feb-
ruary, in the Guinea-corn season, and at other tiiues when the Ccrci are in
fruit, they congTegate in large flocks, often of several hundreds. Their food
is principally grain and seeds, but they are ec|ually fond of the ripe fruit of
the different species of Ccirtis abounding on the savannas and salines dur-
ing tbe summer. Inland, the White-wings, in the same manner as the
Baldpate, breed in solitary pairs ; but in the mangrove swamps, and in the
islands along the coast, they breed in company, many in the same tree. The
nest is a frail platform of sticks, with a slight hollow lined with leaves and
bark, and sometimes a few feathers. The eggs are two, of an oblong-oval shape,
glarish-white in color, measuring 1.31 inches in length by .94 of an inch in
breadth. ]Mr. March adds that the AYhite-wing is often kept in confinement,
where it occasionally breeds. It is at first quite wild, fluttering in alarm at
the approach of any person, but afterwards becomes i[uite docile if attended
with care. It has been known to cross and mate with the Turtur risorius, a
bird which has been introduced into Jamaica. Mr. JMarch had, at the time
his paper appeared, a male White-wing mated with a female Eingdove.

This species was found at Omoa, Honduras, by Mr. Leyland, and by Mr.
Salvin about Dueiias, Guatemala, where it was one of the common Doves.
It was found on the ground, in the open savannas.

VOL. III. 48

378 XORTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860) found this liinl abundant in Central America,
especially on the Pacific coast and in the environs of Comayagua. He adds
that he found this species most plentiful in the vicinity of houses and corn-
fields, while the Z. carolincnsis seem to prefer the woods and open plains.
Both were easily shot, and were found to be excellent eating.

Jlr. Dresser found this sjiecies very common near ilatamoras and Browus-
ville, and as far int(i the interior of Texas as Sal Colorado, after which it
becomes rare, and he never saw any fartlier east or north than the Itio Nueces.
It is not uncommon at Eagle Pass, where he saw many in cages in the huts
(if tlie Mexicans. Their stomachs were found to contain maize and cater-
piHars.

Jlr. Xautus, iu his notes upon the birds of Cape St. Lucas, mentions find-
ing several of the nests and eggs of this Dove. All the nests mentioned
contained two eggs. One was in the fork of a leafless tree, about ten feet
from the ground ; another was about six feet high and placed on a small
dwarf-oak ; and a third, found May 20, was in a thorn-bush, about ten feet
from the ground. In one instance a single egg, already incubated, was found
on the top of a large cactus trunk, but witliout any indication of a nest.

The eggs of this species are oval in shape, white, of equal size at either
end, and measure 1.35 inches bv .1)2.

Genus ZENAIDA, Boxap.

Zenaida, Bonaparte, Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Tj^pe, Columha zenaida, Bp.)

Gex. Char. Bill black ; the culmen about two fifths the rest of the head. Tarsi a
little shorter than the middle toe and claw, but considerably- longer than the lateral toes.
Tarsus with broad scutelliB anteriorly, those on the lower half bifid, making two hexago-
nal series. Inner lateral toe a little the longer. Hind toe and claw as long as the inner
lateral without claw. Wings lengthened ; second and third quills longest. Tail short,
about two fifths the wings, i-ounded or a little graduated. Orbits feathered, especially
anterior to the eye ; the lids bare.

But one species of this genus belongs to our fauna, and this is probably
but an occasional visitor.

COLI'MBID-E— THE PIGEON'S.

379

Zenaida amabilis, Box.vp.

ZENAIDA DOVE.

/

Columba zenaida, Bokap. J. A. N. Sc. V, 1S25, 30. — Ib. Am. Om. 11, 1828, pi. xv. —
Wagleb, Isis, 1829, 744. — Nuttall, Man. I, 1832, 625. — ArD. Orn. Biog. 11, 1834,
354; V, 558, pi. clxii. — Ib. Birds Am. V, 1842, 1, pi. cclxxxi. Zenaida amabilis. Box.
List, 1838. — Ib. Consp. II, 1854, 82. — GossE, Birds Jam. 1847, 307. — REiCHEXB.iCH,
Icones Av. " tab. 255." — Guxdlach, Cabauis's Journ. 1856, 111. — Baird, Birds N.
Am. 1858, 602. — Reich. Handb. Taiib. 21, tab. 255, f. 2867, 2868 ; 254, f. 1412. —
March, P. A. N. S. 1863, 352. Zenaida aurita. Gray, not Columba aurita of
Lichtensteiu (Z. maculala), nor of Temiuinck (Z. martinicana), fide Bonaparte.

Sp. Char. Wings very long, reacliing to tlie terminal third of the tail. Above reddish-
olive, variously glossed with gray ; the
top of the head and the under parts
violet-purphsh red, paler on the chin
and throat. Inside of wings, and sides
of body, blue ; greater wing-coverts
tinged with the same. Quills dark
brown ; the secondaries tipped with
white. Inner tail-feathers like the
back ; the others blue above ; all with a
subterrainal bar of black, beyond which
the blue is lighter, assuming a whitish
tint on the exterior feathers. Wing-
coverts with concealed spots of black,
which are more visible on the tertials ;
a spot of the same below the ear. Bill
black. Feet yellowish. Length, 10.00 ;
wing, 6.00 ; tail, 4.00.

Hab. Florida Keys. Chiefly on or near Indian Key and the West Indies. Santa Cruz
(Newtox. Ibi.s I, 2.53, eggs); Cuba (Cab. J. IV, III; GrsoL. Rep. I, 1866, 301);
Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. B. TII, 18.59) ; Jamaica (Gosse, B. J. 317) ; Sombrero (Lawr. Till,
99) ; Porto Rico (Bryaxt, B. P. 1866).

Among many specimens of this species before us is one from Mr. Audu-
bon's collection, probably procured in Florida. It must be much rarer now
than formerly on the keys, as several collections of bhds made on Indian
Key do not include any specimens.

The Z. hypoleuca, Gray,^ of South America, is very similar, but lacks any
trace of the broad white bar at the end of the secondaries. There is more
white on the tail, the feathers of which are narrower at the ends ; besides,
the colors generally are lighter, the crissum being creamy-white.

Habits. The Zenaida Dove was found by Mr. Audubon to be a transient
visitor of the keys of East Florida, where, according to liis observations,
they made their first appearance among the islands aroimd Indian Key
about the 15th of April. There they continued to increase in numbers until

Z'-n'iida amabilis.

' Zenaida hypolevca, "Gv.w," Bosap. Consp. II, 1857, 83.

380 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

October, when they all returned to the West India Islands, whence they
came, and where they are most mimerous. Tlie males were observed to reach
the keys in which they passed the siuumer to breed lielbre the females, and
were heard cooing, as if in search of their mates, at least a week before the
arrival of the latter. They begin to lay their eggs about the first of IVlay.
AVheu they leave, in their autumnal migrations, they depart in small groups
by families.

These birds are said by Mr. Audubon to be Ground Doves in Imbit.
Their llight resembles that of the so-called Ground Dove, and is seldom
higher tlian the tops of the mangroves, and never to any considerable dis-
tance except during their migrations. Though they alight on trees with
ease, and can walk well among their branches, they spend the greater portion
of their time on the ground, and walk well there, walking or running in
search of food with lightness and celerity, and invariably roost on the ground.

Tlieir flight is similar to that of the Carolina Dove in the firm movements
of the wings, though they do not produce the same whistling sounds. In
flying over the water they keep near its surface ; nud when started from tlie
ground they only fly to a short distance, and realight in tlie grass or a thicket.
They are extremely gentle, so much so that Air. Audubon has occasionally
approached so near as to almost touch them with his gun as they stood gaz-
ing at him, apparently devoid of all fear.

They breed in the few keys that are covered with grass and low shrubs.
They always place their nest on the ground, often with so little concealment
that it may be easily discovered by any one searching for it. Occasionally
it is placed between tufts of grass, the tops of which bend over and conceal
it. A small hole is scooped in the sand in which a slight nest, composed of
matted blades of dry grasses, is placed, circular in form, and embedded in an
outer collection of dry leaves and twigs. The whole fabric is said to be
more compact than the nest of any other Pigeon. The eggs, always two,
are described as pure white and translucent.

When sitting on her eggs or on her young, the female rarely moved from
them except when an attempt was made to catch her, which she always
evaded with great dexterity, gliding with gi-eat quickness to a short distance,
and watching the movements of the intruder with drooping wings and an
air of deep sorrow, her whole frame trembling as if with intense cold.

Mr. Audubon took alive two of the young birds, which he fed from his
mouth with Indian-corn meal. Tliis tliey ate with avidity, until jilaced
under the care of a common tame Pigeon, that at once fostered them. Tlicy
lived, and were taken to Dr. Bachman in Charleston.

Their notes are said to closely resemble the cooing of the Carolina Dove,
but are somewhat more soft and tender. During midday, when the heat in
the central ]iarts of tlie keys is intense, these birds are silent.

Tlieir flesli was found to be excellent, and they were generally very fat.
They fed on grass seeds, on the leaves of certain aromatic plants, and on

COLrMBID.E — THE PIOEOXS. ^gj

various kinds of burrios, — umoug others, one highly poisonous to man, —
and mingle with their I'ood particles of shells and gravel. They have two
broods in a season.

Accoi'diug to Mr. Audulidn, tlieir eggs measure 1.2;") inclies in length by
.87 of an inch in breadth, and are abruptly pointed at one end. He states
that they propagated readily in the aviary of tlie Earl of Derby, some being
let loose in the hope of introducing them into England.

This species, known in Jamaica as the Pea Dove, is not, according to
ilarch, gregarious, and, although terrestrial in habits, is often seen and lieard
on trees, and also roosts there. It nests indiscriminately on the ground or
in trees, making a slight platlorni of sticks and twigs, loosely put together.
The eggs are two, oval or roundish-oval in shape, and white. They measure
from 1.20 to \.?>2 inches in length by an inch in breadth. It is a favorite
cage-bird, and tliough app)arently very timid and restless, becomes very tame
and docile, and will take grain from the hand or lips of its feeder.

In Santa Cruz it is known as the Mountain Dove, and was there found
very common by Mr. Newton. It afforded excellent sport and was very
good eating. It was not only numerous on the hills, but was likewise plen-
tiful in all parts of the island sufficiently overgrown with brush. Mr. Newton
did not find it so terrestrial in its habits as it is stated to be by some writers.
Its flight is said to be remarkably rapid. It breeds from April to the end of
July, and is said to build the ordinary Pigeon's nest, — a mere platform of
twigs in a bush or tree at any height from a few feet to twenty. It lays two
eggs, which, in Santa Cruz, Nvere found by Mr. Newton to be perfectly white,
and not of a drab hue, as stated by ]\Ir. Gosse. The young birds are often taken
from the nest and brought uj) witliout much difficulty. The cooing of this
Dove is stated to much resemble the noise made by sounding a conch-shell.

The eggs of the Zenaida Dove are more rounded in their shape than those
of most of our Pigeons, are white, equally obtuse at each end, and measure
1.30 inches in length by .90 in breadth.

Genus ZENAIDURA, Boxap.

Zcnaidiim, Bonap. Consp. Avium, II, 1854, 84. (Type, C'olumba carolmensis, L.)
PerL'i.iiira, Cau. .Join', fiir Orn. IV, 1856, 111. (Same type.)

GrEN. Char. Bill weak, black ; culraen from frontal feathers about one third the head
above. Tarsus not quite as long as middle toe and claw, but considerably longer than
the lateral ones ; covered anteriorly by a single series of scutellre. Inner lateral claw
considerably longer than outer, and reaching to the base of middle. Wings pointed ;
second quill longest ; first and third nearly equal. Tail very long, equal to the wings;
excessively graduated and cuneate, of fourteen feathers.

The fourteen tail-feathers render tliis genus very conspicuous among the
North American doves. It was formerly placed with the Passenger-Pigeon
in Edopistcs, liut has nothing in common with it but the lengthened tail,

h2L ' /

382

XORTII AlIERICAN BIRDS.

as it belongs to a diff'erent subfamily. At present three species are known,
two of them recently described. Unless Z. yucalancnsis proves to be a

Zenaidura carolineiisis.

hybrid between Zcnaida amabilis and Zcnaidiira carolineiisis, it may be
expedient to merge Zcnaida and Zenaidura into one, since, if yucatensis
prove to be a permanent form, the additional pair of tail-feathers is all that
is left to characterize Zenaidura ; and when we consider that the wedge-tailed
Halicetus pelagicus has fourteen tail-feathers, while the round-tailed species
have only twelve, it seems reasonable to consider the difference as merely
specific in this case also.

A. Secondaries ln-oadly tipped with white.

Z. yucatanensis.' Beneath entirely deep purplish-vinaceous. Wing, 6.00 ;
tail, 4.ii0; culmen, .58; tarsus, .85; middle toe, .90. IToh. Yucatan.

B> Secondaries not tipped with white.

Z. carolinensis. Beneath light purplish-vinaceous anteriorly ; crissum
nearly white. Wing, 5.90; tail, 6.00; culmen, ..50; tarsus, .86; middle toe,
.82. Hab. Whole of North America, south to Panama; West Indies.
Z. graysoni.- Beneath entirely uniform deep reddish-cinnamon. Wing,
6.U0 ; tuil, 5.15 ; culmen, .84 ; tarsus, 1.08 ; middle toe, .97. Hab. Socorro
Island, western coast of Mexico.

1 Zenaidura yucatanensis, Lawk. Ann. K. Y. IX, 1869. This bird is so exactly intermediate
between the Z. carolineiisis and Zenaida amabilis, as to lead us to strongly suspect it is a
hybrid between the two. With the Z. carolinensis it agrees only in possessing foiutecn tail-
feathers ; the coloration and size and shape of the bill being exactly those of Z. amabilis,
while the tail-feathers are intermediate in length and shape between those of the two species.
Tlic colors difler from those of Z. amabilis only in being of a just appreciably lighter sluide, there
being the same broad white tip to the secondaries, brilliant steel-blue sub-auricular spot, and
deep reddish crissum, characterizing the Z. amabilis, as distinguished from Z. carolinensis.

" Zenaidura graysoni, Lawk. Ann. N. Y. Lye. February, 1871, 17. A veiy distinct siiecies,
remarkable for its large, very long, and much depressed bill, and deep femiginous, instead of
pinkish-yinaceous, lower paits. The specimens are unfortunately all young birds, though they
.ire fully grown.

CDI.lMlilD.K

TIIK PiaKOXS.

383

Zenaidura carolinensis, Roxap.

CAKOLINA OR COMMON DOVE.

Columba carolinensis, Linx^eus, Syst. Xat. I, 1766, 286, No. 37. — Lath.\m, Ind II, 1790,
613. — WlLso.v, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 91, pi. .\liii. — Aud. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 91 ; V,
1839, 555, pi. xvii. — NuTTALL, Man. 1,1832,626. Turlur carolinensis, BuissoN,
I, 110, pi. viii. Edopistcs carolinensis. Rich. List, 1837. — Bon. Birds Amer. V,
1842, 36, pi. cclxxxvi. Zenaidura carolinensis, Bonap. C'onsp. Av. II, 1834, 84 (type).
— Baiud, Bmls N. Am. 1858, 604. — Keichenb. Haudli. Taub. 19, tab. 249, f. 1380-
82. — Coop. & SucKL. 218. —Coop. Orn. Cal. I, 1870,512. Fcrissura carolinensis.
Cab. Cab. Jour. 1856, 111, 112 (type). Columba marginata, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766,
286, No. 40 (best description). — AVagler, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 91. — Ib. Isis, 1831,
519. Ectopistcs marguuUa, Gp.at, List, Br. Mus. ? Ednpistcs nmnjincllus, "WooD-
HOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, .Imie, 1852, 104. — Ib. Expl. Zuni & Color. 1853, 93 ; Birds,
pi. V (Canadian river. Ark. Inimatiin' bird). ? Zenaidura riuinjincUa, Bonap. Consp.
Av. II, 1854, 85.

Above bluish, although this is overlaid with light

Zennitlura carolinensis.

Sp. Char. Tail-feathers fourtoeu.
brownish-olivo, leaving the blue pure
only on the top of the head, the
exterior of the wings, and the upper
surface of the tail, which i.s even
slightly tinged with this color. The
entire head, except the vertex, the
sides of the neck, and the under parts
generally, light brownish-vinaceous,
strongly tinged with purple on the
breast, becoming lighter behind, and
passing into brownish-yellow or
creamy-ochraceous on the anal
region, tibiaj, aud under tail-coverts.
Sides of the neck with a patch of
metallic purplish-red. Sides of body
and inside of wings clear light blue. Wing-coverts- and scapulars spotted with black,
mostly concealed, and a small oblong patch of the same, with a steel-blue reflection,
below the ear. Tail-feathers seen from below blackish, the outer web of outermost
white, the others tipped with the same, the color becoming more and more bluish to the
innermost, which is brown. Seen from above there is the same gradation from white to
light blue in the tips; the rest of the feather, however, is Iilue, with a bar of black
anterior to the light tip, which runs a little forward along the margin and shaft of the
feather. In the sixth feather the color is uniform bluish, with this bar ; the seventh is
without a bar. Bill black, the angle of the mouth carmine. Female smaller, and with less
red beneath. Length of male, 12.85; wing, .5.75; tail, 6.70. Bare orbits pale blue, with
a green tint ; iris dark brown; feet lake-red. yo«n// with the feathers of upper parts
and jugulum margined with paler ; the tints more brownish.

Has. Throughout United States from Atlantic to Pacific. Cuba; Middle America to
Panama. Locahties: Oaxaca (Scl. 1859, 391); Cordova (1856,3.59); Guatemala (Ibis,
1,222); Cuba (Cab. J. IV, III; Gcndl. Rep. I, 1866,301); Hondur.is (Taylor, Ibis,
II, 227) ; Southeastern Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1866, 24, breeds) ; Fort Whipple, Arizona
(CouEs, P. A. N. S. 1866, 93) ; Costa Rica (Lawr. IX, 139) ; Yucatan (IX, 207).

3g4 NOKTII AMERICAN" BTRDS.

Specimens from the whole of Xorth America, soutli to Costa Rica and
the West India Islands, are identical in colors and proportions.

Specimens from Cuba, Jamaica, and other West India Islands, resemble
examples from the eastern United States, but are considerably smaller, the
win" measnrinLt less than 5.50 inches. The dark blotches on the wings
appear of unusual size, the rufous tinge on the back is more decided, and
the under parts are more deeply colored. In these respects they resemble
somewhat skins from Cape St. Lucas, ci)llected by Mr. Xantus.

Habits. The Carolina Dove is found tlironghout the United States, in
nearly all parts, from llie Gulf of Me.\ico to Canada, and from the Atlantic
coast to the Pacific. It occurs also in the West Indies, in Mexico, and in
Central America. It is found in the southern part of Maine as far to the
eastward as Calais, but was not collected Ijy 'Sh: A'errill at Norway, and is
not known to occur in the northern part of that State. Farther west, it is met
with to the Canada line ; a few being known to breed near Hamilton, and
others to pass the winter near Salt Sjjrings, according to Mr. jMcIlwraith.
They occur with more or less abundance in different parts of Massachusetts,
but are generally quite rare except in one or two localities. In nearly all
the rest of the United States they are widely and generally distributed, and
often abundant. In some parts of the country they are cherished for their
confiding trust in the protection of man ; while in others they are hunted
on account of their delicacy as food, and are very shy and difficult of ap-
proach. In Carlisle, Penn., I found them one of tlie most conunon birds,
frequenting the gardens and orchards, and breeding often in close proximity
to tlie houses. In Western Massachusetts, on the other hand, where they
were once quite abundant, they have been so persistently hunted that they
are very shy, and have become quite rare.

In Kansas and in Colorado they were frequently found by ^Ir. Allen, and
in the latter region also by Messrs. Aiken and Holden. On the Plains, in
the absence of any trees in which to build, they were in tlie habit of con-
structing their nests on the ground, in some instances depositing their eggs
in a mere depression in the sand, with hardly any pretence for a nest.

This l)ird was obtained in Tamaulipas, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch ; at
Piinggold Barracks, Texas, by Mr. J. H. Clark; near San Elizario, liy Dr.
Kennerly ; and on the Colorado, by Mr. Schott. Mr. Clark found tlie vicinity
of Einggold Barracks a great resort for manv birds of this iamilv for the
purpose of nesting ; the luxuriant development of the Opinitia, and other
vegetation equally impassable, affording the means of defence. Hundreds
of at least half a dozen species were to be seen every evening on the
banks of the river after water. Lieutenant Couch found it in great numbers
from the Eio (Jrande to beyond the Sierra j\Iadre, generally near tlie ranches,
though often in the forests. It seemed inclined to court the society of
man for protection and food. It was also very abundant, according to Dr.
Kennerly, in the vicinity of San Elizario, banding in large flocks, and

COLUMBID^ — THE PIGEONS. 335

feeding in the wheat iuul corn fields. It was also observed as far west as
Santa Cruz, in Sonora.

Dr. NewbeiTy met with this Dove in all parts of California and Oregon
visited by him. Dr. Suckley mentions it as very abundant through-
out "Washington Territory and Oregon. At Fort Steilacoom it arrives and
departs at about the same time as the Columha fasciaia. Dr. Cooper states
it to be common about prairies and farms of the interior, and probably some
remain all winter in the Territory, though they rarely appear at any time
near the coast border.

Dr. Kennerly found this species aliout liill Williams Fork, in New
Mexico, and also in the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, and along the Gulf
coast ; but travelling west about two hundred miles from the former place,
they seemed suddenly to disappear.

According to Mr. Salvin, this Dove was very abundant about Duenas, in-
habiting only the open districts. It congregated in flocks, and was resident.
Mr. G. C. Taylor frequently met with it in Honduras, where they were
generally seen in small flocks of from six to ten.

Dr. Woodliiiuse mentions that the mournful notes of these birds were to
be heard continually throughout the Indian Territory and the gi-eater part
of Texas and Xew Mexico, in all of which countries it breeds.

Mr. Dresser found this Dove a familiar resident in every part of Texas
and ilexico that he visited. He saw many of their nests, all slightly
built of sticks placed on the branch of a mesquite tree or bush, containing
two pure-white eggs. In two instances the nests were on the ground. He
met M-ith one nest with fresh eggs as late as September 7.

These birds are migratory in the Northern States, and partially so in the
Middle States, their movements being irregular, and evidently dependent
upon the abundance of their food. In North and South Carolina, and in
other parts of the country south of Pennsylvania, they collect together in
the winter months in considerable numbers. Wilson states that on the 2d
of February he saw a flock of many hundreds of these birds near Newbern,
N. C. ; and near the Savannah Eiver, in Georgia, the woods were swarming
with them. Tliey return to tlie North in March or early in April, and dis-
perse very generally over the country in pairs, rarely more than two or
three of these being seen together. They are then occasionally to be seen
in roads, dusting themselves or procuring gravel. Where not molested, they
often visit the farm-yards, and even occasionally feed with the poultry, take
water from the driuking-places of the cattle, and become partially domesti-
cated.

When their breeding-season is over, usually early in August, they again
collect in small flocks, wliich unite in larger collections when they move
southward in their migrations.

Their flight is rapid, vigorous, and strong, and the flapping of their wings
is accompanied by a peculiar whistling sound. They can fly with great

vol,, in. 49

386 NORTH AMKIUCAX BIRDS.

swiftness, can readily alight on trees, and move with facility among the
branches.

Their love-notes, which commence in the early spring, are celebrated for
their peculiarly sad and touching plaintiveness of sound, though the birds
themselves exhibit in their appearance and manners at this time anything
but an ajjpuarauce of grief or mourning, being exceedingly lively and sport-
ive in their endearments. These notes are repeated almost continually,
in a succession of four or five notes sounding like ah-coo-roo-coo or ah-coo-

ruo-cuu-roo.

Tliis Pigeon feeds on seeds, grain, buckwheat, Indian corn, the ben-ies of
various shrubs and plants, and the smaller acorns of the live-oak and other
oaks. They are also accused of visiting the gardens and consuming peas.
They swallow great quantities of gravel.

In Pennsyhania they are said to uest as early as the firet of May. They
probably have more than one brood in a season, as the nests found at Carlisle
about the middle of June were found to contain perfectly fresh eggs. Their
nest is a rudely constructed fabric of small twigs laid together in an inartis-
tic manner, and lined with a few finer stems and rootlets, and is placed on
the horizontal branch of a tree, in a vine or evergi-een, or even on the ground.
The last was the general position of their nests on the Plains, and occasionally
is noticed at the East. Wilson found nests thus placed in Pennsylvania
and elsewhere.

Dr. Cones mentions this bird as an abundant summer resident in Arizona,
•where it arrives the last week in April and remains into October. The
presence of this bird on the dry sandy wastes of that Territory always
proved a sure indication of the presence of water, the nature of its food, con-
sisting ordinarily of dry hard seeds, rendering an abundant supply of water
necessary to its existence.

Mr. Audubon states that these birds breed in Louisiana in April, and
sometimes as early as March, and have there two broods. They roost at
night on the ground, among the long grasses found growing in abandoned
fields ; and occasionally they resort to the dead foliage of trees, and to various
kinds of evergreens. Their flesh is said to be remarkably fine, tender and
juicy, especially when the birds are fat, and by some is regarded as supe-
rior to that of either the Snipe or the Woodcock.

This Dove can easily be induced to breed in aviaries, even though caught
when old, and will have several broods in a season.

In Southern Illinois they have been observed by Mr. Piidgway to breed in
various situations, either on the ground in grain-fields, on the tops of stumps,
or the toi5 of a rail fence, as well as in trees and bushes. They nest from
the beginning of April to the middle of September. They were also
remarkably abundant along the line of the 40th parallel, according to Mr.
Eidgway, even in the most desert tracts.

Tiie eggs of this species measure 1.15 inches in length by .86 in breadth;

COLUMBIDjE — THE PIGEONS.

387

they are of an oblong-oval shape, white in color, and nearly equal at either
extreuiity.

Genus SCARDAFELLA, RoXAr.

ScardafeUa, Box. Cousppctus, II, 1854, 8a. (Type, Columba squamosa, Temm.)

Ges. Cn.\R. Bill lengthened ; culmen more than half the length of the head measured
from frontal feather.s. Feet as in Chamcepelia.
.Wing with the tcrtials nearly as long as the
primaries : shorter, however, than the first
primary. Tail consiileraljly longer than the
wing, of twelve feathers, of peculiar shape ; the
ten middle feathers nearly even, or very slightly
decreasing toward the sides, but the intermediie
eonsiderably shorter, while the lateral pair are
much the shortest ; the feathers are narrow,
especially toward the end, Init the tip is obtuse.

33C58

ScardafeUa inca.

Two species are known ; one North American, the other confined to South
America.

Species and Varieties.

C0.M.M0N Characters. Brownish-gray above, paler, and with a vinaceous
cast anteriorly, beneath. Each feather with a terminal dusky crescentic bar,
producing a squamate appearance ; inner webs of quills chestnut ; axillars black ;
about terminal half of tliree outer tail-feathers white.

S. squamosa.' A white patch on the wing-coverts and secondaries;

abdomen and crissum white. Black crescentic bars very heavy. Wing,

3.90; tail, 4.10. Hab. Brazil, Ecuador.

S. inca. No white patch on wings ; abdomen and crisjsum pale ochraceous.

Black bars very faint on breast, obsolete on throat. Wing, 3.75; tail, 4.40.

Hab. ilexico and Guatemala ; Rio Grande of Texas.

ScardafeUa inca, Bonap.

SCALY DOVE.

ScardafeUa inca, (Boxap.) Sol. P. Z. S. 1859, 391. — Reichene. Handb. 19, tab. 250,
f. 1393 ; tab. 253, f. 1410. —Elliot, lUust. II, pi. xxxvii. — Coop. Orn. Cal. I, 1870,
519. ScardafeUa squamosa ("Temm.") Wagl. Isis, 1831, 519 (not of Terammck !). —
Baird, Birds N. .A.m. 1858, 605.

Sp. Char. Above ashy-brown, becoming purer and lighter ashy on the wings. Beneath
pale ashy-lilaocous, with a pinkish tinge anteriorly, becoming pale ochraceous on the
abdomen, tibias, and crissum. Outer webs and ends of primaries, and tail-feathers (except
the intermedin), dusky. Every feather (except rectrices and primaries) terminated with a
crescentic bar of dusky ; these bars heaviest on the mantle, upper tail-coverts, and on

1 ScardafeUa squamosa. Columha squamosa, Temm. Pig. ot Gal. 1, 59. A s)iociiiu>ii of this
species from Venezuela has the black bars everywhere twice as broad as in Brazilian examples.

388

NORTH AMKKICAN BIRDS.

the sides and flanks, faintest on tlie jugulum, obsolete on throat. Primaries and lining
of wing mostly deep chestnut ; axillars blaok ; lateral tail-feather with tlie terminal half

•wliite, on both webs ; second and third feathers with
a gradually decreasing amount of white. Sexes similar.
Young similar, but feathers faintly mottled, and mark-
ings less sharply defined. Wing, 3.75 ; tail, 4.40 ;
culmcn, .47 ; tarsus, .57 ; middle toe, .58. Female a
Utile smaller.

Had. Rio Grande Valley, south to Guatemala.
Arizona (Tucson, Bendire); Oaxaca (Sol. 1859, 391,
eggs); Cordova (185G, 300); Guatemala (Ibis I, 223)';
Honduras (Taylor, Ibis, II, 227); City of Mexico (Scl.
P. Z. S. 18G4, 178.)

ScdTdafella inca.

Specimens from Nicaragua to Texas and
Mazutlaii do not vary ajipreciably.

Habits. Our iul'onuation in regard to the distribution and habits of this
species is quite incomplete. It was met with near Cadereita, in the State
of New Leon, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch, who procured a specimen April
18, 1853.

It was also found in flocks in company witli Chamwpclia rufipennis, near
San Pedro and Peten, Honduras, by Leyland. Mr. Salvin met with only a
single specimen at Duenas. On the coast it was more numerous, resembling
in its habits the common species of the district, Chamccpdia passerina.

The " Long-tailed Ciroiind Dove " is said by Mr. G. C. Taylor to be very
common in Honduras, wliere it is generally seen in pairs. They were found
to be very good eating, Init too small to repay their cost where ammunition
was so scarce.

It was found breeding near Laredo, Texas, by Dr. H. B. Butcher, July 1,
1866. The nest (S. I. 12,896) is said to have been built in the fork of a
small mesqnite-tree, and to have contained two eggs. The eggs are similar
to those of the Chamcvpidia jMSserina, white, of an o\-al shape, nearly equally
obtuse at either end.

Mr. Xantus found this Dove breeding abundantly at Cape St. Lucas. The
maximum number of eggs was invarialily two. One nest was found in a
leafless acacia about six feet from the ground ; another, found May 26, was
about five feet high, in a small thorn-bush ; a third was at the height of eight
feet, and also placed in a Intsh ; others were jdaced in small oaks, in cacti, in
opuntia, and other situations, all above the ground at heights varying from
five to eight feet.

The eggs of this Dove are of a white color, are oval in their shape, of
about equal size at either end, and measure .91 of an inch in length by .70
in breadth.

COLUMBID^ — THE PIGEONS.

389

Genis CHAM^PELIA, Swainson.
CliamcepeUa, Swaixsox, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1S27, 3ijl. (Type, Columba passerina, L.)

Gen. Char. Size very small. Bill slender, elongated,
head measured from frontal feathers. Legs stout.
Tarsi longer than lateral toes : equal to the
middle -without its claw ; covered anteriorly by a
single series of .scutellK. Wings broad ; the
tertials excessively lengthened, nearly as long as
the primaries, quite equal to the first primary.
Tail nearly as long as the wings ; roiuided
laterally.

This gronjD embraces the most diminu-
tive Doves known to naturalists. A single
species is found abundantly in the southern
United States ; another is found in north-
ern South America. They may be distinguished as follows

Culmen more than haU' the

C/iamtppfrlia passerina.

C. passeriua. Feathers of jugulum with a duslfy central spot ; occiput and
najie squaniated with dusky. Hab. Southern Atlantic and Gulf States,
whole of Mexico (including Lower California), Central America, New
Granada, Venezuela, and West Indies.

C. griaeola.' No central dusky spot to feathers of jugulum, and no scale-
like markings on occiput or nape. Hab. Brazil and New Granada.

Chamaepelia passerina, Swaixson.

GROUND DOVE.

Columba passerina, LlNK^rs, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 285. — Latham, Ind. Orn. U, 1790, 611.

— WiLSOX, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 15, pi. xlvi. — AVaglee, Syst. Av. Columba, No. 88.

— AtTB. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 471 ; V, 1839, 558, pi. clxxxii. — Ib. Birds Amer. V,
1842, 19, pi. cclxxxiii. — SuND. Ofv. 1869, 586 (St. Bartholem.y.) Columia (Goura)
passerina, Bonap. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 181. — Nuttall, Man. I, 1832, 635. Chcc-
mepelia passerina, Swaixson, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 358. Cliavuvpclia passerimi,
BoNAP. List, 1838. —Ib. Conspectus, II, 1854, 77. — GossE, Birds .Tamaica, 1847,
311.— Baied, Birds N. Am. 1858, 606. — Sol. P. Z. S. 1859, 391 (Oaxaca) ; 1857,
205 (Xalapa) ; Ibis, I, 223 (Guatemala) ; P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (City of Mexico). —Cab. J.
IV, HI (Cuba). — Beyaxt, B. Pr. 1866 (Porto Kico). — Lawr. Ann. Lye. IX, 134
(Costa Rica), 207 (Yucatan). —March, P. A. N. S. 1863, 302 (Jamaica). -Coopee,
Cm. Cal. I, 1870, 516. Pyrgitcenas passerinus, Reichexh. Handb. Taub. 13 (1861 ?),
tab. 266, f. 2875-78 ; tab. 256, f. 1419, 1420. Chamoepelia graiudina, Boxav. Consp.
II, 77 (Bogota). Chamcepelia albivitla, Boxap. Consp. II, 77 (Carthagena). Cluima:-
pdia var. pal.lcscens, Baird, P. A. N. S. Pliilad. 1859 (Cape St. Lucas). — Cooper
Orn. Cal. \, 1870, 517.

1 Cluivxccpdia (jriseoln, Spix, Av. Bras. t. 75, a, f. 2. •
56 (Brazil).

- Keixh, Vid. Med. Nat. For. 1870,

390

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Chnwirpdia pfjssfrina.

Si'. Char. Back, rump, u.xpo.'seil surface of tertials, and tail above, uniform grayish-
olive ; neck above and occiput tinged with bluish ; forehead, sides of head, and neck,

under parts generally, and lesser upper wing-
coverts, light puiplish-red, tinged with dusky
towards the tail. Feathers of the head,
neck, and fore-breast, margined with a
darker shade of the ground-color ; the fore-
liead and chin, only, nearly uniform. Feath-
ers of the breast dusky-brown in the centre,
.^^^„. , this most conspicuous on the jugulum.

r^\^ ^^ ''^. } Under iving-coverts, axillars, and quills,

brownish-orange; the latter margined ex-
ternally and tipped with dusk3'-brovvn, the
tertials almost entirely of this color. Middle
tail-feathers like the back ; the others mostly
black, the outer one edged towards the tip
with white. The exposed surface of the wing
variously marked with blotclies exhibiting black, steel-blue, and violet. Bill and feet
yellow ; the former tipped with brown. Female with little or none of the purplish-red.
Young duller than the adult female, the feathers of upper parts with a narrow terminal
bar of white. Length, 6.30 ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, 2.80.

II.\B. South Atlantic and Gulf coasts; very rarely as far north as Washington.
Southern and Lower California ; whole of Middle America, to New Granada and
Venezuela ; West Indies.

. Specimens vary considerably in the deptli of the vinaceous tints, but the
variation is nearly as much with the individual as with the locality. As a
rule, Florida and AVest India skins are most deeply colored, those from
Mexico (particularly from Cape St. Lucas and Orizaba) being much paler in
all the tints (var. paUesce7is, Baird) ; but specimens from Guatemala and
Costa Rica are undistinguishable from the average of the Florida series.
Specimens from New Granada (labelled C granatina, Bonap.), Venezuela
(lalielled C albhifta), and the Amazons, are more like Cape St. Lucas speci-
mens, differing from them only in slightly smaller size, the colors being the
same in the minutest particulars, except that the crissum is perhaps more
whitish, the dusky centres of the feathers lieing more concealed. These
generalizations are based on fifty-six specimens in the Smithsonian iluseum.

Habits. According to ^Tr. Audubon, this Dove is found from the lower
parts of Louisiana to Cape Hatteras, following the coast quite round Florida,
but is seen very seldom to any distance in the interior. He met with none in
the State of ^Mississippi. They were more abundant among the sea-islands
of Georgia and the middle portions of the coast of East Florida than any-
where else.

This bird has also been taken at Monterey, California, by W. Hutton, and
a single accidental specimen has been obtained near Washington, D. C.

Specimens were obtained near Matamoras, in Tamaulipas, by Dr. Berlan-
dier, and subsequently by Lieutenant Couch, who generally found them in
the forests or open fields at a distance from dwellings. They were observed

COLUMBID.E — THE PIGEONS. 391

to fly low, and only for short distauces, and to spend most of their time ou
the gronnd.

In Jamaica, according to ilr. ]\Iarch, the Ground Dove sometimes perches,
and always roosts, on low trees ; but is otherwise generally found in pairs,
feeding ou the ground on small grain and seeds. Several pairs may be seen
feeding together, but they do not associate. It is said to be very tame, and
to be found about homesteads and in streets and roads. It also breeds in
low trees, the cashew and tlie dogwood seeming to be preferred. It is very
rarely kept as a cage-bird, as its note is a plaintive mournful coo, and there
is a Creole superstition that misfortune will happen to any one so treating
it. The nest is .slightly made of twigs, lined witli grass, and built in a
fork or hoUow. The eggs are two, of a rounded oval, white, .87 of an inch
by -.69.

According to Mr. Salvin, tliis Dove is one of the most familiar birds of
the central region of Guatemala, where it is the only small Ground Dove
found. In the coast region its place was sujjplied by at least two other
species. It is abundant at Duenas, residing all the year, and breeding in the
cochineal plantations, where it deposits its eggs, two in number, on the ground
under the rows of " nopal." It is called Tortolita by the inhabitants. He
found its nests both on the "round and elevated a few feet above it.

Mr. Dresser found these birds common near Matamoras, and generally
noticed them ou tlie road between ^Matamoras and Brownsville, as well as on
a sand-plain close to Fort Brown, on tlie Texan side of the ri\'er. In the
interior of Texas he did not meet with any, except once, in April, on the
Medina near San Antonio.

Mr. Audubon describes the flight of this Dove as low, easy, and accom-
panied ])y a whistling sound, produced by the action of the wings when
the bird is surprised and forced to fly. it is less protracted than that of
most other species, and seldom extends more than a hundred yards at a time.
It seems much attached to its chosen locality, and almost immediately re-
turns to it after having been driven awav. While it ali^'hts on trees and
moves with ease among the branches, and mostly nests in low trees or
bushes, the ground is its usual place of resort, where it runs with facility, and
in moving always keeps its tail considerably elevated. It appeared to be fond
of alighting on fences, where it can be heard cooing for half an heur at a
time.

These Pigeons are met with in groups of four or five, and seldom more than
ten or twelve are seen together. They appear to prefer the thinly grassed
sandy portions of cotton-fields, pea-patches, and similar places. In East
Florida tliey may even be seen in tlie villages, resorting to the orange-groves
and breeding in them. At St. Augustine they are often found within the inner
court of the old Spanish fort, rising almost perpendicvdarly in order to escape
above the parapets. They are easily caught, and readily become domesticated.
A pair taken wlien their young were quite small, and placed in an aviary, con-

392 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tinned to nourish tlicin until full-grown, and afterwards raised a second brood
from the Sinne nest. Tiiey were fed on rice and other small grain.

The nest of this sjjecies is described as compact, and as large i'or the size
of the bird. It is composetl (jf dry twigs externally, and within is made of
dry grasses disposed in a circular form. This is usually built in hedges or
low bushes, and among the branches of orange-trees. Tiie eggs are two, pure
white, and with one end usuuUy much more obtuse than the other. They
are two in number, but, as Mr. Audubon states, occasionally the nest con-
tains three. Two broods are raised in a season.

In the vicinity of Charleston these birds were observed to remain all the
year, though the greater proportion retired south or to the sea-islands.

In the Florida Keys Mr. Audubon met with them among the islands re-
sorted to by the Zenaida Doves, and also on Sandy Island, near Cape Sable.
In the latter place they were so gentle that he approached to within two
yards of them. Their nest was on the top of a cactus, not more than two
feet from the ground.

Their food, in a wild state, consists of grass-seeds and various small ber-
ries, with which they swaUow a large proportion of gravel to assist digestion.
They are extremely fond of dusting themselves in the sand, lying down in
it in the manner of various gallinaceous birds.

The eggs of this species are of a uniform bright white color, are slightly
more pointed at one end than at the other, and measure .85 of an inch in
length by .63 in breadth.

This species was found in abundance at Cape St. Lucas by Mr. Xantus.
They were nesting from April 15 until August 29, and evidently had two or
Djore broods in a season. Their nests were usually placed in low cactuses,
near the ground, or in small shrubs. Their nests, eggs, and general habits, so
far as we can gather them from the meaorre notes of 'Mr. Xantus, are in no
wise ditferent from those of the more eastern birds.

Genus OREOPELEIA, Keichenbach.

Orcopelcia, Reichenbacii, Haiulbucli der speciellen Ornithol. I, i, 1851, page xxiv. (Type,
Cglumhu marlinica, L.)

Gen. Char. Bill lengthoncd, slender ; culmen half the rest of the head from the
frontal feathers. Feet large, stout; tarsi longer than the middle toe and claw, covered
anteriorly by transver-se scutelte. Inner lateral claw longer than outer; reaching beyond
the base of the middle one, the outer falling short of it. Hind toe and claw more than
half the middle. Quills and tail-feathers very broad ; the wings rounded ; second and
third quills longest, the first intermediate between the fourth and fifth. Tail suborbicular,
the shafts convex outwardly ; the feathers rounded, and a little graduated.

Of this genus, whieh is peculiar to America, two well-marked species
may be distinguished.

COLUBID.E — THE PIGEONS.

393

O. martinica. Above chestnut-rufous, tlic crown and nape with purplish-
gieen, the lower part of nape with goklon-green, the back with violet, the
other upper parts with bright purplish-red retlections ; beneath pinkish-
white, more purplish on the juguUnu. A distinctly marked light stripe on
the cheek, bordered below by one of purplish-red. Length, 10.70; wing,
6.20 ; tail, 5.75. Hah. Key West, Florida (?) Cuba, and Martinique.
O. montana.' Above deep orange-rufous, without bright reflections, but
with an opaque gloss of reddish-purple on the back and nape. Beneath
ochraceous, inehning to vinaceous on the jugulum. Cheeks without distinct
whitish bar bordered below by reddish. Wing, 5.70. Ilab. Atlantic region
of Middle America from Xalapa to Brazil ; West Indies.

Oreopeleia martinica, Reich.

KEY WEST PIGEON.

/ —

Columba martinica, Gmelin, I, 17SS, 7S1 inot of Tcmniinck). Gcotrycjon martinica,
BoxAP. Coiisp. Av. II, 1854, 74. — C.A.B. Jour. IV, 1S56, 108. Oreopeleia marlinicana,
Reich. Syst. Av. 1851, page xxv. — Ib. "Icones Avunn, tab. 257, fig. 1431." Columba
monlnna, AuD. Oru. Biog. II, 1834, 382, pi. clxvii. — Ib. Syii. 1839, 191. — Ib.
Bhxls Am. V, 1842, 14, pi. cckxxii. — Nutiwll, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 756 (not
of Liniioeuii). Zcnaida 7nontana, Boxap. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. " Cohimbirjallina
5no?rffflM«, Temmixck." "Columba mystacea, Lembeye;" Box.\p. (not of Teminiuck).
Oreopeleia mxirtinica, B.iiRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 607. — Cab. .7. IV, 109 (Cuba). —
GuNDL. Eepert. Cub. I, 1866, 299 (Cuba). — Reich. Handb. Taub. 31, tab. 257, fig. 1432.

Sp. Cuar. Ground-color of the upper parts, including wing (both surfaces), and tail-
feathers, chestnut-rufous; the up-
per part of head and neck with
metallic reflections of green and
purple ; the backj rump, and
wing-coverts, with reflections of
metallic light-purplish or violet.
There is a white band from the
lower mandible along side of the
head, bordered below by purplish-
red, like the forehead, and a
similar band through the eyes,
which are without metallic lustre.
The breast is very light purpli-sh-
red, fading to white towards the
tail and chin. The feathers of
the under tail-coverts are dusky-
brown at the base. Length, 10.70 ; wing, 0.00 ; tail, 5.75.

Hab. Key West, Florida ; Cuba and Martinique, perhaps elsewhere in the West Indies.

H.VBITS. The Key West Pigeon is fouiirl within the fauna of the United
States only in the extreme southern portion of Florida, and, so far as known,
only on the island of Key West, where Mr. Audubon met with them, and
eiajoyed a limited opportunity of observing their habits. He describes the

Oreopeleia martinica.

Oreopeleia montana. Colmnba viontana, Lixx. S. N. 1758.
50

394

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Oreopeleia martinica.

flight as low, swift, and protracted, as he saw them passing from Cuba to
Key West. They moved in loose flocks of from five or six to a dozen, and

so veiy low as to almost seem to
touch the surface. They were fond
of going out early in the morning
from tlieir thickets to cleanse tiieir
plumage in the shelly sand, but on
the least ajiproach of danger would
fly back to the thickest part of the
woods, throw themselves on the
ground, and run 'off with great
rapidity. Their movements of the
tail and neck are similar to those
of the Carolina Dove. Their coo
is said to be neither so soft nor
so prolonged as tliat of the common Dove, and may be represented by the
syllable wJioe-whoc-oh-oh-oh. When suddenly approached, they utter a
guttural gasjoing sound. They are said to alight on the lower branches of
shrubby trees, and to delight in the neighborhood of shady ponds, always
inhabiting by preference the darkest solitudes. Whatever may have been
their abundance on Key West, in Mr. Audubon's time, it is certain that they
are very rare there now, as I am not aware of their having been taken of
late years by any of the numerous collectors who liave visited South Florida
since Mr. Audubon's time.

The nest is described as formed of light dry twigs, in shape much
resembling that of the Carolina Dove. Occasionally it is placed on the
ground, and is then less elaborate. Some are placed on large branches near
the ground, while others are built among slender twigs.

Towards the middle of Jidy, according to ^Ir. Audubon, they become so
abundant that sportsmen are able to shoot a score or more in a day. Tliey
feed on berries and the seeds of various plants, and are especially fond of
the fruit of the sea-grape.

Genus STARNCENAS, Bonapahte.

Stanuenas, BoxAPAnTE, Geog. & Comp. List, 1S38. (Type, Columba ctjanocephala, L.)

Gen. Char. Bill short; culmen about one third the rest of head, measured from the
frontal feathers. Leg.s very stout and large ; tarsus bare on the entire tibial joint, and
covered with hexagonal scales, largest anteriorly, longer than the middle toe and claw.
Inner lateral daw the larger, reachuig the base of the middle claw ; all the claws short,
thick, and blunt. Hind toe and claw short; half the middle. Wings short, broad, and
concave ; much roundoil. Tail short, broad, nearly even, but slightly vaulted.

The single species of Dove composing the genus in many respects resem-
bles the Partridges or Quails, both in external appearance and in manners.

COLUMBIDJ': — THE PIS-EONS.

395

Starncenas cyanocephala, Box.

BUTE-HEADED PIGEON.

Columba eyanocejthala, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1, ITilfi, 2S2. — Gmelin, Syst. I, 1783, 778. —
Waglkii, Syst. Avium, 1827, Columba, No. 112. — AuD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 441;
V. 1839, 557, pi. clxxii. Slamwnas cyanoccphula, Bonap. List, 1838. — Id. Cousp.
II, 1854, 69. — Aiii). Syn. 1839, 193. — In. Biicls Amer. V, 1842, 23, pi. ccLx.xxiv. —
GuNDLACH, Cab. Journ. IV, 1856, 108. — BAinn, Birds N. Am. 1858, 608. —Cab. J.
IV, 108 (Cuba). — GUNDL. Repert. Cub. I, 18C6, 299. — Eeichf.nb. Hamlb. Taub. 30,
tab. 257, f. 1431 ; 266, f. 2879 - 81. Slarnainas ojanocep/mla, Eeichenbach, Systcma Av.
1851, p. XXV, pi. xxiii. — Ib. Icoues Av. tab. 260 and 266. Gcnphilus ? cyanoccpluila,
Selby, Pigeons, Jard. Nat. Lib. V, 216, pi. xxvii. Coluviba {Lophyrus) cyanocephala,
NuTTALL, Man. I, (2d. ed.,) 1840, 769. Columba telraoidcs, (Scopoi.i,) G.mei.in, I, 772.
Blue-headed Turtle, Latham, Syn. II, ii, 651.

Sp. Char. Bill blue, the fleshy part at the base carmine. Iris brown, scales of feet
carmine, the interspaces white. Above and on sides glossy dark chooolate-ohvaoeous ;
beneath brownish-red, lighter
centrally. Chin and throat
black, with a narrow border
of white below. A white
line begins in the chin, and
passes under the eye to the
occiput. Sides of head above
this and forehead black ;
crown blue. Length, 10.70;
wing, 5.40; tail, 4.35.

Hab. West India Islands ;
according to Audubon found
occa.sionally at Key West,
Florida, and other southern
keys.

The axillars and under
surface of the wings are
like the belly. The crissum is most like the back. The outer tail-feathers
have a bluish tinge above.

Tlie hind toe in this species is not strictly in the same plane with the
others, but placed a little above their point of insertion.

Habits. This liandsome Pigeon belongs to the fauna of the West India
Islands, and is only an occasional visitant of Key West and other southern
keys of Florida. They are a common species in Cuba, from which island a
lew are stated by Mr. Audubon to migrate each year to certain of tlie keys of
Florida, where, however, they are rarely seen on account of their living only
in the most tangled thickets. Mr. Audubon saw a pair on the western side
of Key West. They were near the water picking gravel, but they would not
suffer a near approach. He saw a pair, also, that had been taken, when
young, on " Mule Keys." These fed well on cracked corn and rice, but he
was unable to obtain any further iuforniatiou in respect to them.

Starnanas cjanQcepliata.

396

NORTU AMERICAN BIRDS.

Though abundant in Cuba this species does not appear to have been found
in Jamaica, except as an imported bird from tlie former island, contrary to

the assertions of various writei-s, as
Temminck, Brisson, and others. Mr.
Gosse was not aljle to trace its presence,
lliough its existence among the pre-
cipitous woods on the north side of
tliiit island he regards as quite possible.
Lii<e Orcopclcia martinica and Zc-
naida amabilis, tliis species, though de-
scribed by Audubon as not being rare
on the keys of South Florida, has not
been met with in that State by later
explorers.

An egg of tliis species laid in con-
finement in the aviary of Dr. Caclnnan, in Charleston, S. C, is of a rounded-
oval shape, and of a uniform creamy-white color; it nieasm'es 1.43 inches
in length liv 1.10 in breadth.

Stamtxnas cyanocfphala.

CEACID.E — THE CURASSOWS. 397

Family CRACID^. — The Curassows.

Char. Body large, but rather slender ; bill more or less arched ; tail lengthened ; legs
long, robust, without any spur. Toes moderate, slender, the hinder scarcely elevated.
Naked spaces frequently occurring on the head and throat.

Messrs. Sclater and Salx'iu, in their masterly and model monograph of
Cracklce (Pr. Zool. Soc. 1870, 504), define the subfamilies as follows: —

A. Post-acetabular area narrow; upper mandil)le higher than broad; culmen
compressed I. Cracince.

B. Post-acetabular area broad ; upper maudible broader than high ; culmen
depressed.

Top of head covered with feathers ; space between the nostrils naked ;
nostjils exposed II. Penelopince.

Top of head with a bony tubercle ; internasal space densely feathered ;
nostrils concealed III. Oreophasinoe.

By the term "post-acetabular area" is understood that portion of the
dorsal aspect of the pelvis which is bounded in front by a line drawn through
the acetabida.

The Cracince, or Curassows, are found in Mexico, in Central and in South
America; the Orcophasince are represented by a single species, Orcopliasis
dcrhianus, a bird nearly as large as a Turkey, occiu-ring in the wooded region
of the Yolcan de Fuego, Guatemala, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Of the
PenclopincB one species only is found in the United States.

Subfamily PENELOPIN^.

This is the most extensive section of Gracidce, embracing, according to
Sclater and Salvin, no less than thirty-nine species. The genera indicated
are as follows : —

A. A central fold of skin on the throat.

Outer quills narrow, but entire.

Throat feathered 1 . Stegnolsema.

Throat naked.

Sexes similar '1. Penelope.

Sexes diflerent 3. Penelopina.

Outer quills emarginated.

Gular fold short 4. Pipile.

Gular fold lengthened ; linear ■">. Aburria.

B. No central gular fold.

Throat feathered ; outer qtiills emarginated . . . .6. Chameepetes.
Throat naked; with a central line of bristly feathers ; outer quills entire.

7. Ortalida.

398

NUKTII AMKKICAN I3IKDS.

Genus ORTALIDA, Merrem.

Orialida, Mehrem, Av. rar. Icoiies et Uesc. II, 1786, 40 (Gkay). (Type, Pltasianus
molmot, L.)

Of Ortalida, as characterized above, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin enumerate
eigliteen species ; like the rest of the family, all American. Of these only

3T9r7 Z

Ortalida maccaUi.

one has so far been detected within our limits, although it is by no means
improljable tliat the 0. jwlwcqiJiala, Wagler (Sclater and Salvin, I*r. Zool.
See. 1870, 537), may yet be detected in New Mexico or Arizona.^

Ortalida vetula, var. maccalU, r..viRD.

THE TEXAS CHACALACCA.

Ortalida vdula, Lawrence, Aun. N. Y. Lye. V, 1S51, 116. (Xot Pcndopc vetula, Wagler,
Isis, 1830, 1112, and 1831, 517.) — ScL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, 538. (Considers it the
same as P. vetula, Wagler). Ortalida imlioccplwla, Cassin, Ilhist. I, ix, 1855, 267,
pi. xliv. (Not PenelojK poliocephala, Wagler, Isis, 1830, 1112.) Ortalida iiuiccalli,
Baird, Birds N.Am. 1858, 611. — Ib. M. Bound. II, Birds, 22. — Dresser, Ibis,
1866, 24 (S. E. Texas, breeding). — La WR. Ann. N. Y. IX, 209 (Yucatan). — ScL. &
Salv. P. Z. S. 1870, 538 (Honduras, Vera Cruz, Guatemala). — Reichenb. Haudb.
der Rp. Orn. Lief, viii, 145. (Describes more adult specimens.)

Sp. Char. Body above dark greenish-olive; beneath browni.sh-yellow, tinged with
olive. Head and upper part of neck plumbeous. Tail-feathers lustrous green, all tipped

1 Messrs. Sclater and Snlvin distiuguisli the allied species as follows : —

0. polioccplmla, Wagler. Brownisli-olive ; the head plumbeous, lighter beneath ; the feathers
of the throat dai'ker, and marked with gray ; middle of belly milky-white ; the flanks and
crissum tinged with rafous ; tail bronzed-gi-een, the five lateral feathers broadly tijiped with
bull'. Length, 24.00 ; wing, 10.50 ; tail, 11.50 ; tarsus, 3.20T Eab. Tabledand of Mexico to
west coast (Manzauillo, etc.).

0. vetula, W^agler. Brownish-olive ; the he.'id ]iliuubeous, lighter beneath ; the middle of

/( /J

CRACID.E — THE CrUASSOW'S.

399

with white, except the middle one. Foathcrs along the midille of the throat black;
outer edge of primaries tinged with gray. Eyes brown. Bill luid fi,Tt lead-colored.
Length, 23.50; wing, 8.50; tail, 11.00.

Had. Valley of the Rio Grande, and southward to Guatemala.

This form is distinguishable from 0. vctula, as restricted, of which it is
the northern representativi;, by the paler and less fulvous colors, and lighter
— often nearly white — tips to the tail-feathers, besides other minor dif-
ferences in coloration. The two cannot be separated specifically, ho\\e\-er,
since they undoubtedly grade into each other.

Habits. This very remarkalile bird, belonging as it does to a form pecu-
liar to this continent, is
the only sjiecies found
within the limits of the
United States, and only
within a quite restricted
area in the vaUey of the
Eio Grande. Numerous
species of this family
are found in the warmer
countries of America,
especially Mexico and
Central America, all or
nearly all of %\hiL]i ap-
pear to be capable of
domestication, and some of whicii, including the present species, have, in
repeated instances, been quite as completely domesticated as our common
Turkey.

Birds of the family to wliich tlie Texan species belongs differ in a very
marked manner, in habits, from most Gallinacem, inasmuch as they not only
live almost exclusively in deep forests, but are also remarkable for habitually
frequenting trees, feeding upon their foliage, and building their nests within
their branches, more in the manner of the smaller birds. They are all said
to have loud and discordant voices, and are generally of a black or dark
plumage.

Specimens of tliis bird \vere taken at Boquillo, in New Leon, in the
spring of 18.53, by Lieutenant Couch, who speaks of them as gregarious and
as seeking their food wholly or in part on trees. According to Mr. Clark,
they do not occur liigher up the Eio Grande than the vicinity of Ringgold
Barracks, inhabiting the deepest chaparrals, which they never qiut. They

the belly thiged with ochraceous or nisty ; tail, bronzed green ; the five lateral feather.s tipped
with white or buff. Length, 21.00 ; wing, 7.70 ; tail, 9.00 ; tarsu.s, 2.50. Ilab. Te.xas to
Honduras, on cast .side of Mexico.

A near ally to 0. rctida is the 0. Icucorjnslra, Gould (S. & S. p. 539) from Pacific coa.st of
Central America. This dill'.-rs in jmrc white of under parts. The size also is considerably less.

Ortnlida mncrnlli.

400 XORTII AMKHICAN BIRDS.

are inactive, and for the most of the time sit about in flocks in these thickets,
feeding on leaves. The Mexican name of Chacalacca is supposed to be de-
rived from the noise with which at times they make tlie valleys ring,
and wliieli may be well iiiiitateil iu kind, liut not in strength, by putting the
most stress upon the last two .syllables. No sooner does one take up the
song than others chime in from all ([uarters, till, apparently exhausted, the
noise gradually dies oft' into an interlude, only to be again renewed. These
concerts take place in the morning and evening. The liirds are ([uite gen-
tle, are easily tamed, and are said to cross with the common domestic fowl.

Mr. Dresser states that the Chacalacca is very common near Matamoras
and BrownsviUe, and that in the autumn great numbers are exposed for
sale in the market of the latter place. The ]\Iexicans are said to hold it
in high esteem for its fighting (qualities, and often keep it in a domesticated
state and cross it with the common fowl, making use of the hybrid for cock-
fighting. Mr. Dresser was so informed by many ]\Iexicans, upon whose word
he placed reliance, and was an eyewitness of a fight in wliich one of tliese
hybrids was engaged. Mr. Dresser had a tame one, when at Matamoras,
that became so familiar that he could hardly keep it out of his room.
This bird would occasionally go away for a day or two, and pay a visit to
the poultry belonging to a neighbor ; whenever he missed it, he had only to
go to a poultry-A^ard near the house, where it could generally be found.

This species was first taken within the United States by Colonel ]McCall,
who obtained it in Texas, and who enjoyed and improved unusually good
opportunities to observe the habits and manners of this lurd. From his
notes, quoted by Mr. Cassin, we give the following : —

" This very gallant-looking and spirited bird I saw for the first time
within our territory in the extensive forests of chaparral which envelop the
Eesaca de la Palma. Here, and for miles along the Lower Eio Grande, it
was abundant ; and throughout this region the remarkable and sonorous
cry of the male liird could not fail to attract and fix the attention of the
most obtuse or listless wanderer who might chance to approach its abode.
By the Mexicans it is called Chiac-chia-Iacca, an Indian name, with-
out doubt derived from the peculiar cry of the bird, which strikingly resem-
bles a repetition of these .syllaljles. And when I assure you that its voice,
in compass, is equal to that of the Guinea-fowl, and in harslmess but little
inferior, you may form some idea of the chorus with wldch the forest is
made to ring at the hour of sunrise. At that hour, in tlie month of April, I
have observed a proud and stately fellow descend from the tree on which he
had roosted, and, mounting upon an old log or stump, commence his clear,
shrill cry. Tliis was soon responded to in a lower tone by the female, the
latter always taking up the strain as soon as the importunate call of her
mate had ceased. Thus alternating, one pair after another would join in
the matutinal chorus, and, Ijefore the rising sun had lighted up their close re-
treat, the woods would ring with the din of a huudred voices, as the happy

CRAOID^ — THE CURASSOWS. 4Q]

couples met after the period of separation and repcise. "SMien at length all
this clatter had terminated, the parties quietly betuok themselves to their
morning meal. If surprised while thus employed, they would fly into the
trees above, and, peering down with stretched necks, and heads turned side-
ways to the ground, they would challenge the intruder with a singiUar and
oft-repeated croaking note, of which it would be difficult to give any adequate
idea with words alone."

Colonel IMcC'all adds that the volubility and singularity of its voice is its
most striking and remarkable trait. While on his march from Matamoras to
Tampico he had encamped, on the 30th of December, at the spring of Eucinal,
whence, a short time before sunset, he rode out in search of game. Passing
through a woodland near the stream, his ears were saluted with a strange
sound that resembled somewhat the cry of the panther {Felis onca). He
was at a loss to what animal to ascribe it, and, dismounting, crawled cau-
tiously through the thicket for some distance, until he came upon an opening
where tliere were some larger trees, from the lower branches of one of which
he ascertained that the sound proceeded. There he discovered a large male
l>ird of this species, ascending towards the top of the tree, and uttering this
hitherto unheard sound, as lie sprang from branch to branch in mounting to
his roost. In a few moments his call was answered from a distance, and soon
after he was joined by a bird of the year. Others followed, coming in from
different quarters, and there were in a little while five or six upon the tree.
One of these discovered the intruder and gave the alarm. The singular cry
of the old bird ceased, and they all Ijegan to e.xhibit uneasiness and a dis-
position to fly, whereupon Colonel McCall shot the old bird.

Colonel ilcCall also states that the eye is a remarkal)le feature in the liv-
ing birds of this species, being full of courage and animation, equal, in fact,
in brilliancy to that of the finest gamecock. He frequently noticed this
bird domesticated by the Mexicans at Matamoras, Monterey, etc., and going
at large about their gardens. He was assured that in that condition it not
unfrequently crossed with the common fowl.

In the wild state the eggs are said to be from six to eight, never exceeding
the last number. They are white, without spots, and ratlier smaller than a
pullet's egg. The nest is usually on the ground, at the root of a large tree
or at the side of an old log, where a hole se\'eral inches deep is scratched in
the ground ; this is lined with leaves, and the eggs are always carefully cov-
ered with the same when the female leaves them for the purpose of feeding.
If disturbed while on her nest, she flies at the intruder with great spirit and
determination.

Eggs of this species, from ]\fatamoras, are of an oblong-oval shape,
equally pointed at either end, and measure 2.35 inches in length by 1.65 in
breadth. They are of a dirty-white color with a light tint of buff, and have
a sliglitly roughened or granulated surface.
VOL. ni. 51

402 NORTH AilLKICAX BIKDS.

Faotly MELEAGRID^. — The Tukkeys.

Char. Bill moderate ; the nasal fo:>sii; bare. Head and neck without feathers, but
with scattered hairs, and more or less caruuculated. An extensible fleshy process on the
forehead, but no development of the bone. Tarsus armed with spurs in the male. Hind
toe elevated. Tail nearly as long as the wing, truncate, of moi-e than twelve feathers.

The family Meleagridce, or Turkeys, as at present known, is entirely con-
fined to North and Middle America, and represented only li\- tlie genus
iMcleagris. It forms, in combination with the Guinea-fowls {XumiiUda:),ihe.
Pheasants and common fowls {Phnsianidcv), and the Grouse and Partridges
{Tctraonidai), a peculiar group, to which the name Alcderopodcs has been
given by Professor Huxley ; this group is well distinguished from tlie
Cracidcc and the Mcgajwdida- (whicli form together an opposed group, called
Peristeropodes), in addition to the characters enumerated under the family
names, by salient characters developed in the sternum. In the present
family and its relations, as aU may recall from experience at the dinner-
table, the sternum, or breast-bone, is divided into a long narrow keel (lophos-
teon) extending far backwards ; while towards the front, from each side, and
separated by a very deep notch from tlie median portion, a wing (pleuros-
teon) originates obliquely, and, soon splitting in two, extends also far Ijack-
wards ; in front, two processes (called costal) project well forwards. In the
Cracidcc and Mcgajiodidce, on the contrary, the sternum is not so split, the
keel and wing, as above, being more continuous and the notch compara-
tively shallow ; the costal processes are also comparatively small and obtuse.

Externally the Turkeys have considerable resemblance to the Guinea-
fowls (Numididw), but they differ from them in having a backward process
of the second metacarpal bone, and in the form of the costal processes of
the sternum and of the acromial process of the scapular ; \ihile they are dis-
tinguished from the Guinea-fowls and all others by the form of the pelvis
(the post-acetabular area is greater than the pre-acetabular, and is also longer
than broad), and by the furcula (wish-bone), which is very weak and
straight, with its point (liypocleidium) straight and rod-like. To Professor
Huxley we are indebted for ha\-ing first pointed out most of these characters.

Although the number of known species of Meleagridcc as we understand
them, is limited to two now living, the family was apparently well repre-
sented in former geological periods, no less than three having been already
described from more or less perfect remains ; of these, two have been found
in the post-pleiocene of New Jersey, one of ■which {Mcleagris alius, ]\Iarsh,
or M. siqicrliis, Cope) was taller than the common Turke}', while the other
{Melcagris celer, Marsh) was much .smaller. The third species {Mcleagris
antiquus, ]Marsli) lived at a still earlier date, its remains having been
obtained in the miocene beds of Colorado.

MELEAGRID.E — THE TURKEYS.

403

Genus MELEAGRIS, I.inn^us.

Mdeagris, Linn^us, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Type, Melaujris ijallopavo, Linn.)

Gen. Ch.^r. Legs with transverse scutellse before and behind ; reticulated laterally.
Tarsi with spurs. Tail rounded, rather long, usually of eighteen feathers. Forehead

MeUa^is ^allopavo.

with a depending fleshy cone. Head and the upper half of the neck without feathers.
Breast of male in most species with a long tuft of bristles.

Species and Varieties.

M. gallopavo. Uead livid blue, legs red, general color copper-bronze, with
copper and green reflections, each feather with a velvet-black margin ; all the
quills brown, closely barred with white. Tail-feathers chestnut, narrowly
barred with black ; the tip with a very broad, subterminal black liar.

Tail-coverts dark purplish-chestnut throughout, with the tips not lighter.
Tip of tail-feathers scarcely paler chestnut than the ground-color. Hab.

Eastern Province of United States vslt. gallopavo.

Tail-coverts chestnut, the tips much paler, sometimes almost white. Tip
of tail-feathers light brownish-yellow or white ; sometimes with the coverts
broadly whitish. Bah. Southern portion of Western Province of United
States, from Texas to Arizona. Table-lands of Mexico, south to Orizaba,
Mirador, etc ~ var. mexicanus.

404

NORTH AMKiaCAX BIRDS.

The M. oceUatus^ of Honduras and Yucatan is a very distinct species, and
one which vies witli the Fkasianidcc of Asia in tlie brilliancy of its coloring.
It is very rare in collections, and has a very restricted distribution.

Meleagris gallopavo,

gallopavo, Lix.v.

■WILD TURKEY.

f

'^

Meleagris gallopavo, Lixxirs, Sy»t. Xat. I, 1758, 156. — Gmelix, I, 1788, 732. —
L.\THAM, Iiid. Orn. II, 1790, 618. — Stepiikns, in Shaw's Zool. XI, i, 1819, 156
(domestic bird).— BoXAP. Am. Oni. I, 1825, 79, pi. ix. — Avi). Om. Biog. I, 1831,
1 and 33 ; V, 1839, 559, pi. i. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 42, pi. ccLxxxrii, cclxxx\iii.
— NuTTALL, Man. 1, 1832, 630. — Eeichexbach, Systema Av. 1851, pi. xxvi. — Ib.
Icones Av. tab. 289. — Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 615. — Dkesseu, Ibis, 1866, 25
(Southeastern Texas, breeds). — M.\x. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 426. Meleagris umcricana, Bap.-
ti:am, Travels, 1791, 290. Mclengris sylvcstris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. IX, 447. Gallopavo
sijlveslris, Lecoxte, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. 1857, 179. Meleagris /era, Vieillot, Galerie
Ois. II, 1824, 10, pi. X. —Gray. Cat. Gall. V, 42, 1867.— IFild Turkey, Clayton,
Philos. Trans. XVII, 1693, 992. -Pennant, Philos. Trans. LXXI, 1781, 67. — Ib.
Arctic Zobl. No. 178. American Turkey, Latham, Syn. II, ii, 676. Gallopavo
syUestris, Novm Anglia;, Ray, Syn. 51. Gallopavo sylvestris, Catesby, Carol. I, 1730,
App. J), xliv. — Buisson, Orn. V, 1760, 162.

Sp. Char. The naked skin of the head and neck is blue ; the excrescences purpli.sh-
red. The legs are red. The feathers of the neck and body generally are very broad,
abruptly truncate, and each one well defined and scale-like; the exposed portion coppery-

Meteagris gallopavo.

bronze, with a bright coppery reflection in some lights, in the specimens before us chiefly
on the under parts. Each feather is abruptly margined with velvet-black, the bronze
assuming a greenish or purpli.sh .shade near the line of junction, and the bronze itself
sometimes with a greenish reflection in some lights. The black is opaque, except along

1 Meleagris ocellatus, Temm., Cabot, Pr. Host. Soc. Nat. Hist. I, 73.

MELEAGRID.E — THE TURKEYS.

405

the extreme tip, where there is a metallic gloss. The feathers of the lower back and
rump are black, with little or no copper gloss. The feathers of the sides behind, and
the coverts, npper and under, are of a very dark purplish-chestnut, with purplish-
metallic reflections near the end, and a subterminal bar of black ; the tips are of the
opaque purplish-chestnut referred to. The concealed portion of the coverts is dark chestnut
barred rather finely with black ; the black wider than the interspaces. The tail-feathers
are dark brownish-chestnut, with numerous transverse bars of black, which, when most
distinct, are about a quarter of an inch wide and about double their interspaces ; the
extreme tip for about half an inch is plain chestnut, lighter than the ground-color; and
there is a broad subterminal bar of black about two inches wide on the outer feathers,
and narrowing to about three quarters of an inch to the central ones. The innermost
pair scarcely shows this band, and the others are all much broken and confused. In
addition to the black bars on each feather, the chestnut interspaces are sprinkled with
black. The black bands are all most distinct on the inner webs; the interspaces are con-
siderably lighter below than above.

There are no whitish tips whatever to the tail or it,« coverts. The feathers on the
middle of the belly are downy, opaque, and tipped obscurely with rusty whitish.

The wing-coverts are like the back ; the quills, however, are blackish-brown, with
numerous transverse bars of white, half the width of the interspaces. The exposed sur-
faces of the wing, however, and most of the inner secondaries, are tinged with brownish-
rusty, the uppermost ones with a dull copper or greenish gloss.

The female differs in smaller size, less brilliant colors, absence generally of bristles on
the breast and of spur, and a much smaller fleshy process above the base of the bill.

Male. Length, 48.00 to 50.00 ; extent, 60.00 ; wing, 21.00 ; tail, 18.50. Weight, 16 to
35 lbs. Female. Weight about 12 lbs. ; measurements smaller in proportion.

H.\B. Eastern Province of the United States, and Canada. West along the timbered
river-valleys towards the Rocky Mountains ; south to the Gulf coast.

There is some qtiestion as to the names to be applied to the two races of
Northern Mdccujris, and especially as to which is entitled to bear the name
of gallopavo. The original description of 31. gallopavo quotes the New Eng-
land Turkey as described by Eay, but as far as the characters given go
refers rather to the domestic form, which is equivalent to M. mexicana of
Gould. In this state of the case we therefore think it as well to use
gallopavo for the eastern race, although the arguments of Major Leconte and
others in favor of applying it to the wild Mexican, and its derivative the
domestic variety, are not without much weiglit.

H.VBiT.s. The Wild Turkey is found throughout eastern North America,
from South Carolina northward, and from the Atlantic to Texas and Arkan-
sas. It has probably become an extinct species in New England, thou,L,'h
witliin a few years individuals have been shot in Montague, Mass., and in
other towns in Franklin County. The construction of railroads, however,
and the settlement of the country, have probably led to their final extermina-
tion ; at least, I have known of none being taken within tlie limits of Massa-
chusetts for several years.

In the unsettled portions of the Southern and Western States, and in tlie
country watered by the ilississippi and the Missouri liivers and their afflu-
ents, these birds are comparatively plentiful, though the question of their

406 NORTH AMEniCAX BIRDS.

final extinction is probably only one of time, and that not very distant. In
Audubon's day they were to be found along the whole line of the Allegha-
nies, where they still occur, but have become very wary and to be approaclied
only with the greatest difficulty. In Louisiana and in Kentucky, Audubon
found them most aljundant, and in these States he enjoyed the most favor-
able opportunities for observing their very remarkable habits in regions then
comparatively undisturbed by the intrusion of civilized man. They are said
to be not uncommon in Virginia, and are not unfrequently met with even in
the vicinity of Washington.

Dr. Woodhouse found this species abimdant throughout the wooded por-
tions of the Indian Territory and Texas. While in the Creek country liis party
killed numbers of them daily. JMany of them were very large, and weighed
upwards of nineteen pounds each, although at that time they were in poor con-
dition. They were quite abundant along the Eio San Pedro in Texas.

Mr. Dresser found the AVild Turkey common in all the portions of Texas
and Mexico that he visited, and particularly so on the rivers between San
Antonio and the Eio Grande. His first Turkey hunt was on the Upper
Medina Eiver, about forty miles from San Antonio. It proved to be wary
and difficult to approach in the daytime ; but by watching to see where
they roosted, and visiting them by moonlight, one or two could generally be
secured. Tliey generally preferred roosting in high cottonwood-trees, on
the banks of a stream, perching as high up as possible. He once saw eleven
Turkeys on one large bough of a cottonwood-tree on the ^ledina. When
tlie pecan-nuts are ripe the Turkeys become very fat, as they are extremely
fond of these nuts, which are very oily. One very plump bird was found,
after it had been dressed, to weigh sixteen pounds. Mr. Dresser was in-
formed by the hunters, that, for a nest, the Turkeys scratch a hole in the
ground, or make a sort of nest in the grass under a bush, and that the eggs
resemble those of the tame Turkey, except in being smaller and more elon-
gated in form. The Mexicans, on the Upper Eio Grande, sometimes domes-
ticate the Wild Turkey, and at Piedras Negras IVIr. Dresser saw two tliat
had been caught when quite young and had become very tame. The female
was then sitting, and the eggs, when examined, were found to agree with
the account given him by the hunters.

Mr. Audubon, in his very fuU and minute account of their habits, speaks
of them as irregularly migratory and gregarious, their migrations ha\ing
reference only to the abundance of food, and the meeting together in the
same localities being to a large degree caused by the same source of attrac-
tion, — the supply of mast iu certain regions. In this way they desert
sections where the supply is exhausted, and advance towards those where
it is more plentiful.

Late in October these birds assemble in flocks iu the rich bottom-lands of
the Western rivers, the male birds associating in parties of from ten to a
hundred, and keeping apart from the females. The latter are simultane-

MELEAGRID^ — THE TURKEYS. 407

ously moving iuto the same regions, but onl)- in small family groups, each
leading its own tlock, then nearly gTown. Gradually they unite with other
families, forming at length parties of seventy or eighty. They are said to
avoid very carefully the old males, who have the very unparental disposition
to destroy the young birds even when nearly grown. These migrations are
made on foot except when they are compelled to cross a stream. On their
first coming to the banks of a river they are said to make a pause there of
one or two days before they attempt to cross, the old males strutting about
up and down the banks, making a loud gobbling, and calling to one another
as if to raise their courage to a befitting point. Even the females and the
young assume something of the same pompous demeanor, spreading out their
tails, running round one another, and making a loud purring noise. At length,
after this prolonged preparation for the passage, they all mount to the top
of a high tree, and, at a signal given by their leader, take flight for the
opposite shore. Occasionally some i'all into the water, when these bring
the wings close to the body, spread out the tail, and plying their legs
with great vigor move rapidly towards the shore, where, by a violent effort,
they extricate themselves from the water. After thus crossing a stream of
any magnitude, they are often found in a bewildered state, and fall an easy
prey to the hunter.

WTiere their food occurs abundantly they separate into smaller flocks, com-
posed of birds of all ages and sexes. At times they are known to approach
farmhouses, associate with the domesticated fowl, and enter the corn-cribs in
quest of food, passing the fall and the winter in this manner.

Early in February the love-season is said to commence, the first demon-
strations being made by the males, but for some time persistently avoided
by the females. At this period the sexes roost apart. When a female utters
a call-note, the male birds within hearing return the cry, uttering notes simi-
lar to those with which the domestic Turkey greets any very imusual sound.
If the call-note has been uttered by a female on the ground, the males fly to
the place, spreading and erecting their tails, drawing their heads back on
their shoulders, depressing their wings with a quivering motion, and strutting
pompously about. At the same time they emit from their lungs a succession
of very peculiar puffs. On these occasions the males often encounter each
other, and desperate contests ensue, which frequently have a fatal termina-
tion, caused by furious blows inflicted on the head. When one Cock-Turkey
has thus destroyed its rival, it is said to caress the dead body in an appar-
ently affectionate manner.

When the Turkeys have mated, the connection is supposed to last for that
season, though a male Turkey is often known to have more than a single mate;
and the hens are said also to keep apart from the males while they are laying
their eggs, for the cock would inevitably destroy them. At the end of the
love-season the males become emaciated, and cease to gobble. They then
separate entirely from the females, and keep apart by themselves until they
recover their strength, when they reunite in small flock.s.

408 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

T1k3 female is said to begin to deposit her eggs about the middle of April,
selecting for that purpose a place as much concealed as possible from her
many enemies. Tlie nest, always on the ground, consists of a few with-
ered leaves in a hollow scratched out by the side of a fallen log, or the top
of a prostrate tree, or under a thicket, or within the edge of a cane-brake,
but always in a dry place. The eggs sometinres amount to twenty in
number, thougli tliere are usually from ten to fifteen. They are described
as of a dull cream-color, sprinkled with reddish dots. When the female
leaves her nest, she is said to bo very careful to cover them \\-ith leaves, so
tliat it is always difficult for any one to faid them. Mr. Audubon observed
tliat Turkey-hens not unfrequently selected small islands in wliich to deposit
tlieir eggs, apparently on account of the great masses of drift-timber which
accumulated at their heads, in wliich they could seek protection and shelter.

If a female is approaclied while sitting on her eggs, she rarely mo\'es un-
less she is discovered. Mr. Audubon lias frequently approached within a
few paces of a nest, the female remaining undisturbed. They seldom aban-
don their nest when it has been discovered by man, but forsake it if any of
tlie eggs have been destroyed by any kind of animal. If tlie eggs are taken
or destroyed, tlie female prepares for another nest, but otherwise has only one
brood in a season. Audubon also states tliat lie has known several liens
associate together, deposit tlieir eggs in the same nest, and rear their broods
together, Iiaving once found three hens sitting on fortv-two esgs in a single
nest, one female at least being always present to protect it. When the eggs
are near hatching, the female will not leave her eggs under any circumstances,
and will suffer herself to be made a prisoner rather than al:)andon tliem.
The mother assists the young birds to extricate themselves from the egg-
shell, caresses and dries them with her bill, and aids them in tlieir first
efforts to totter out of the nest. As the brood follow her, she is very watch-
ful against Hawks or other enemies, spreads her wings a little to protect
them, and calls tliem close to her side, keeping them on dry ground and care-
fully guarding them from wet, which is very injurious to them when A'oung.
When two weeks old, they begin to be able to follow their mother, at night
to roost in tlie low limb of some tree, and to leave the woods in the daytime
in quest of berries and other food. The young usually feed on various kinds
of small berries and insects. The full-grown Turkeys prefer the pecan-nuts
and wild grapes to any other kind of food.

Tliey are also said to feed on grass, various kinds of plants, corn, and
other grain, seeds, fruit, and also upon beetles, small lizards, tadpoles, etc.
In feeding in the woods, they turn over the dry leaves with their feet, and
seem instinctively to know the presence of suitable food. They not unfre-
quently betray their presence in the neighborhood by the bare places they
thus leave behind them in the woods where they have been feeding.

After hea^•v falls of snow and the formation of a hard crust, the Turkeys
are said to be conijielled to remain several days on their roosts without food
thus proving their capaliility of enduring a continueil abstinence.

MELEAGEID^ — THE TURKEYS. 409

Turkeys are luinted in various ways and by different expedients to facili-
tate their destruction. In the spring they are attracted by drawing the air, in
a peculiar manner, through one of tlie second joint-bones of a wing. The
sound thus produced resembles the voice of the female, on hearing which
the male comes up and is shot. The cry of the Barred Owl is also imitated
at night where Turkeys are at roost, who betray the jilace by their rolling
gobble, uttered when alarmed. One of the most common methods of captur-
ing Wild Turkeys is by means of a trap known as a Turkey-pen. A cov-
ered enclosure is made, constructed of trees, about four feet high and of vari-
ous sizes, closed everywhere e.xcept at one end, where a small opening is left
through which a small trench is dug, sloping very gradually at both ends,
into and from the pen. The portion nearest the enclosure is covered. This
passage-way, the interior of the pen, and the vicinity of the opening, to
some distance into the forest, are strewn with corn. The Turkeys, attracted
by the corn, follow it into the pen, and when they wish to leave endeavor
to get out by the sides, but have not intelligence enough to escape by the
opening through which they entered. In this manner they are sometimes
entrapped in great numbers.

In unsettled parts of the country, "Wild Turkeys are often known to
associate w-ith tame ones, sometimes to fight with them and to drive them
from their food.

Mr. Audubon supjjosed our common tame Turkey to have originated in
these birds, yet in his accounts of the habits of the latter he mentions sev-
eral indications of divergence. A Wild Turkey which he had reared almost
from the shell, and which had become very tame, would never roo.st with the
domesticated bird.s, but always betook itself at night to the roof of the house,
where it remained until dawn.

ISIr. Bachman states that Wild Turkey's kept in confinement, in a condi-
tion of partial domestication, but separate from the domestic birds, lose the
brilliancy of their plumage in the third generation, become of a pale brown,
and have here and there an intermi.xture of white feathers. On the other
hand. Major Leconte states, most positively, that the Wild Turkey has never
been known to become so nearly domesticated as to propagate its race in
confinement, notwithstanding the many efforts made to accomplish this re-
sult. This statement is, however, negative, and must be taken with reserva-
tion. In 1852, in Mr. Barnum's "rounds, near Niaiiara Falls, 1 saw Wild
Turkeys with broods of young birds, though how far successful this attempt
proved in the sequel I do not know, and Dr. Bachman's statement seems to
be quite positive evidence that they can be thus reared.

Mr. Audubon describes the eggs of the Wild Turkey as measuring 2.87
inches in length and 2.00 in breadth, and rather pointed at one end ; their
ground-color is given as of a uniform pale-yellowish tint, marked all over
with pale rusty-brown spots.

Specimens in my collection vary from 2.55 to 2.35 inches in length, and

VOL. in. 52

410 NORTH AMERICAX BIRDS.

in breadth from 1.85 to 1.75 inches. They are of an elongate-oval shape,
are pointed at one end, quite obtuse at the other. The ground is a rich dark
cream-color, very generally spotted with rounded blotches of a rare umber-
brown.

Meleagris gallopavo, var. mexicana, Gould.

MEXICAN TirBKEY.

MeUagris mexicana, Gould, Pr. Zobl. Soc. 1856, 61. — B.\ird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 618. —
CouES, p. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, 93 (Fort Whipple, Arizona). —Elliot, lUust. II.
pi. xxxviii. - - Baird, Kept. Agricultural Dtpt. for 1S66 (1867) 288. — Cooper, Orn.
Cal. 1, 1870, 523. Mckagris gallopavo, Gkav, Cat. Galling, Brit. Mus. \, 1867, 42.

Sp. Char. Similar to var. gallopavo, but feathers of tlie rump, the tail-coverts, and
tail-feathers, tipped with whitish, instead of dark rusty ; gloss more greenish. ^ (44,731,
Mirador) : Wing, 20.50 ; tail, 18.50 ; culmen, 1.00 ; tarsus, 6.50 ; middle toe, 3.50.

Had. Rocky Mountains, from Western Texas to Arizona, and south along the table
land of Mexico.

Wild Turkeys from the vicinity of the Eocky Mountains differ strikingly
from those east of the Mississippi in the feathers of the sides of the body
behind, and in the upper and under tail-coverts. These are all tipped with
light brownish-yellow for about half an inch, more or less with the region,
and the tail is tipped with the same. The chestnut ground of the tail and
coverts is also considerably lighter. The gloss on the feathers of the rump
is green, not purple. The coverts, too, lack in a measure the purple shade
in the chestnut. The metallic reflections generally have rather more green
than in the eastern bird.

In one specimen (?, 10,030, from Fort Thorn) the light edgings are
almost white, and so much extended as to conceal the entire rump. AU the
feathers of the under parts of the body are edged broadly with white, and
the tail is tipped with the same for more than an inch. This specimen also
has the head considerably more hairy than in the eastern skins, but the
others from the same region do not differ so much in this respect from
eastern ones.

Two specimens from the Llano Estacado of Texas are exactly intermediate
between New Mexican skins and examples from Arkansas, the former being
typical mexicana, and the latter slightly different from ivwe. gallo2Mw. These
Texan specimens have the tips of the upper tail-coverts pale ochraceous,
instead of pure white ; in the Arkansas skins these tips are rufous-chestnut,
instead of dark maroon-chestnut, as in typical gallopavo from Pennsylvania
and Virginia.

Many, or indeed most, specimens of mexicana have the black subter-
minal zone of the tail witli a more or less distinct metallic bronzing, which
we have never seen in any specimens of gallopavo.

MELEAGRID^ — THE TURKEYS. 411

It is to tliis race that we are indebted for the origin of our domestic
Turkey, and not to that of tlie eastern parts of North America.

Habits. There is very little on record as to the possession of distinctive
peculiarities by this race of North American Turkeys. If, as is now generally
supposed, it be the original source whence the domestic fowl was derived, we
are all sufficiently conversant with its performances in the barnyard, and
its excellences for the table.

Specimens of its eggs collected in Arizona exhibit no noteworthy dif-
ferences from the galloparo.

In the accompanying foot-note we reproduce an article on the origin of
the domestic Turkey, by Professor Baird, published in the Report of the
Agricultural Department for 1866, wliich contains some points of interest,
bearing on the origin of the domestic Turkey and the habits of the Mexican
variety.^

1 As witli nearly all the animals which have heen hrought under domestication by man, the
true origin of the common barnyard Turkey was for a long time a matter of uncertainty. As a
well-known writer (Martin) observes: "So involved in obscurity is the early hi.story of the
Turkey, and so ignorant do the writers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries appear to have
been about it, that they have regarded it as a bird known to the ancients by the name of
Meleagris (really the Guinea-fowl or Pintado), a mistake which was not cleared up till the middle
of the eighteenth century. The appellation of "turkey," which this bird bears in England,
arose from the supposition that it came originally from the country of that name, — an idea
entirely erroneous, as it owes its origin to the New World. Mexico was first discovered by
Grigalva in 1518. Oviedo speaks of the Turkey as a kind of Peacock abounding in New Spain,
which had already in 1526 been transported in a domestic state to the West India Islands and
the Spanish Main, where it was kept by the Christian colonists.

It is reported to have been introduced into England in 1541. In 1573 it had become the
Christmas fare of the farmer.

Among the luxuries belonging to the high condition of civilization exhibited by the Mexican
nation at the time of the Spanish conquest was the possession by Montezuma of one of the most
extensive zoological gardens on record, numbering nearly all the animals of that country, with
others brought at much expense from great distances, and it is stated that Turkeys were supplied
as food in large numbers daily to the beasts of prey in the menagerie of the Mexican emperor.
No idea can be formed at the present day of the date when this bird was first reclaimed in Mexico
from its wild condition, although probably it had been known in a domestic state for many
centuries. There can, however, be no question of the fact that it was habitually reared by the
Mexicans at the time of the conquest, and introduced from Mexico or New Spain into Europe
early in the sixteenth century, either directly or from the West India Islands, into which it had
been previously carried.

It has, however, always been a matter of surprise that the Wild Turkey of eastern North
America did not assimilate more closely to the domestic bird in color, habits, and by interbreed-
ing, although until recently no suspicion was entertained that they might belong to different
species. Such, however, now appears to be the fact, as I will endeavor to show.

The proposition I present is, that there are two species, or at least races, of Wild Turkey in
North America, — one confined to the more eastern and southern United States, the other to the
southern Eocky Mountains and adjacent part of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona ;
that the latter extends along Eastern Mexico as far south at least as Orizaba, and that it is from
this Mexican species, and not from that of eastern North America, that this domestic Turkey is
derived.

In the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London for 1856 (page 61), ilr. Gould charac-
terizes a,'; new a Wild Turkey from the mines of Rtal del Norte, in Mexico, under the name of

^12 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Meleagris mexifayia, and is tlie first to suggest that it is derived from tlie domesticated bird, and
not from tlie common Wild Turkey of eastern North America, on which he retains the name of
M. (jallopavn, of Linuffius. }le stated that the jieculiarities of the new species consist chiefly in
the creamy-white tips of the tail-feathers and of the upper tail-coverts, with some other points of
minor iiuportance. 1 suggest that the Wild Turkey of New Mexico, as refen'ed to by various
writers, belongs to this new species, and not to the M. gallopavo.

In 1858, in the Ke]iort on the birds collected by the Pacific Kailroad Expedition (Vol. IX, p.
618, of the series of Pacilic Kailroad Reports), I referred to this subject, and established the
existence in North America of two species of Wild Turkey, — one belonging to eastern, the
other to middle. North America. JIuch additional material has since corroborated this view, and
while the M. gallopavo is found along the Missouri River and eastward, and extends into Eastern
Texas, the other is now known to belong to the Llano Estacado and other parts of Western Texas,
to New Mexico, and to Arizona.

The recent acquisition of a fine male Turkey by the Smithsonian Institution from the vicinity
of Mount Orizaba, in Mexico, and its comparison with a skin from Santa Fe, enables me to assert
the positive identity of our Western and the Mexican species, and one readily separable from the
better known wild bird of the eastern United States. There is now little reason to doubt that
the tnie origin of the barnyard Turkey is to be sought for in the Mexican species, and not in
the North American, — an hypothesis which explains the fact of the difficulty in establishing a
cross between our wild and tame birds.

The presumed diflferences between the two species may be briefly indicated as consisting
principally in the creamy or fulvous white of the tips of the tail-feathers and of the feathers
overlying the base of the tail and of the hinder part of the back of the Mexican and typical
bamyard birds, as compared with the decided chestnut-brown of the same parts in the eastern
Wild Turkey. There are other differences, but they are less evident, and those indicated will
readil}' serve to distinguish the two species.

The true wild bird of eastern North America always has the tips of the tail-feathers and
upper tail-covert of a chestnut -brown color ; the Mexican species and its descendant of the
bamyard never exhibit this feature.

Sometimes this domesticated bird is exactly like its wild original, differing only in rather
greater development of the fatty lobes of the head and neck ; and of this an example may be
seen in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

There is a variety of the domestic bird which is entirely black, sometimes even including the
larger quills, which in both species are naturally banded with white, and in this there ma)' be
little or no trace of any bauds at the end of the tail and of its upper coverts ; but whatever
may be the asseverations of the sportsman, the poultry-dealer, or the farmer, as to the " wild-
ness " of any particular bird, or what the circumstances attendant upon its capture or death by
trapping, shooting, or otherwise, implicit confidence may be placed in the test above indicated,
namely : if the tips of tail and tail-covert are chestnut-brown, the specimen belongs to the J/.
gallopavo or " Wild Turkey "; if the same part is either entirely black or any shade of whitish or
light fulvous, then it is a " bamyard " fowl.

The following extract from a letter written by Dr. Sartorius, the accomplished naturalist, to
whom the Smithsonian Institution owes the specimen of the wild Mexican bird referred to above,
will be read with interest.

" MiRASOR, State op Vera Crc7,
January 20, 186T.

"I am entirelj' of your opinion in regard to the origin of the domestic Turkey, as our wild
bird difl'ers from the tame only in the less amount of development of the fatt)' lobes of the head
and neck.

" Mclcogris mcxicana is tolerably abundant in this neighborhood, belonging more especially
to the sparsely overgrown savannas between the region of the oaks and the coast, the Tierra
C'aliente or ' warm region ' proper. It is a very shy bird, living in families like the wild Geese,
and keeping sentinels on the watch whenever the flock is feeding in the vicinity of threatened
danger. It derives its nourishment from plants and insects on the gi-ound, and scratches with
its feet to aid in the sean-h for food. In running, the swiftest dog cannot overtake it. It is not

MELEAGRID.E — THE TURKEYS. 413

very fond of taking to flight, but its powers in this respect are not behind tliose of any of the allied
forms. Its breeding-season is in March or April, when the hens separate from tlie males to
reunite into families again in September. Their general habits during this season are much as
with the domestic bird, although I cannot say whether they inflate and swell themselves out in
the same manner. I am, however, inclined to doubt it, as the specimen 1 have handled did not
have the tips of the wing-feathers worn away as in the bai-n-yard breed. Tlie female lays from
three to twelve brownish-red, spotted eggs in the high grain, and hatches them out in thirty days,
as is the case witli the tame Turkey. The flesh of the wild bird is dry, but very sweet, like the
tame fowl, and like the latter is dark on the back and legs, and white on the breast and wings.

"The white meat of the flesh on the breast of the Jle.xicau and tlie tame Turkey, as compared
witli the darker meat of the common North American wild bird, is a fact of importance to be
taken into consideration.

" The exact distribution of the Mexican Wild Turkey southward and westward is not ascer-
tained, nor is it known that it occupies the western portion of the Jlexican country. In Yuca-
tan and Northern Guatemala it is replaced by a third species, the Ocellated Turkey (Mdcagris
ocellala), rather less In size, but far more striking in appearance, being marked in the tail with
spots somewhat like the ' eyes' of the tail of the Peacock. The three species thus belong to
Mexico and northern parts of Central America.

" Very truly yours,

"C. SARTORIUS."

414 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Family TETRAONID^. — The Grouse.

As already stated, the Tetraonidce are pre-eminently characterized among
gallinaceous hinls by their densely feathered tarsi, and by the feathers of
the nasal fossa or groove, wliich fill it completely, and conceal the nostrils.
Tlie toes are usually naked (feathered to the claws in the Ptarmigans), and
with pectinations of scales along the edges. The tail-feathers vary from
SLxteen to eigliteen and even twenty in number ; the tail is rounded, acute,
or forked. The orbital region is generally somewhat bare, with a naked
stripe above the upper eyelid, beset by short fringe-like processes, while
many genera have an inflatable air-sac on the side of the neck.

The following synoptical table will give a general view of the Xorth
American Tetraonida:, although the arrangement is more artificial than
natural. The species of Tetrao and Bonasa inhabit wooded regions ;
Lago'pus belongs to the more arctic portions of the continent and the snowy
ridges of the Kocky Mountains ; the others are found in the great prairies of
the West, Centroccnus being confined to the sterile plains covered with sage
or wormwood.

The following synopsis is intended to aid in defining the genera, but does
not profess to constitute a natural arrangement.

Genera.

A. Legs feathered to and on the basal membrane of tlie toes, which are bare.
No ruff on the side of the neck, which, however, has an extensible bare space.

Canace. Tail broad, nearly even, or truncate, and rounded laterally, two

thirds the wing. Nasal fossie scarcely half the culmen.

Centrocercus. Tail e.^cessively lengthened and cuneate ; longer than the

wings. Nasal fosssje two thirds tlie culmen. Shafts of feathers on the

lower throat very spinous-

PedicEcetes. Tail very short, but graduated, and with the two middle

feathers (perhaps tail-coverts) lengthened beyond the rest, and two thirds

as long as the wing ; the next longest half the wing. Nasal fossae not half

the length of culmen. Shafts of throat-feathers normal.

B. Legs feathered to the lower end of tarsus.

Cupidonia. Tail very short, truncate, but laterally graduated ; half the

wings. Sides of neck with long, pointed, or lanceolate, stiff feathers. Nasal

fossae scarcely one third the culmen.
C Legs feathered to the claws.

Lagopus. Tail about two thirds the wing, truncate ; of sixteen to eighteen

feathers. Most species becoming white in winter ; none of the other genera

exhibiting this peculiarity.
I>. Lower half of tarsi bare, with two rows of scutelte anteriorly.

Bonasa. Sides of neck with a ruff of broad, truncate, soft, feathers. Tail

very broad, square, as long as the wings.

TETRAONID^ — THE GROUSE. 4^5

Genus CANACE, Rkichesbach.

Gen. Char. Bill smooth, with no lateral groove, depressed, or broader than high.
Feathers of the head and neck all normal, i.e. no crest, nor lengthened plumes of any
kind. Tail lengthened (i.e. nearly equal to wing), rounded, the feathers broad to the
end ; consisting of from sixteen to twenty feathers. Toes naked.

Subgenera.

Canace. Tail of si.xteen feathers ; no air-sac on side of the neck. Size small. (Type,
T. canadensis, L.)

Dendragapus. Tail of twenty feathers ; an inflatable air-sac on side of the neck.
Size large. (Type, T. ohscurus. Say.)

The American species of Wood Grouse appear, on comparison, to be
generically distinct fvnm Tdrao, of the Old World, (type, Tdrao urogallus,)
and, moreover, are themselves comprised under two definable subgenera.
Canace proper has a near relative in Falcipciinis, Elliot, (type, Tdrao
falcipennis, Hartlaub,) of Siberia, which differs merely in the attenuation
of tlie primaries, and seems to us not separable from Canace. There is
no European genus nearly related to our birds. T. urogallus differs very
essentially in high, compressed, and light-colored bill, elongated and stiffened
feathers of the whole head and neck, metallic colors, etc. T. {Lyrurus)
tctrix approaches nearer in the bill, but also has metallic colors and a very
peculiarly formed tail. Thus it seems absolutely necessary to adopt the
name Canace, of Eeichenbach, as a generic term Ijy whicli to designate the
American Wood Grouse.

Subgenus CANACE, Reichenbach.

Canace, Reichexbach, At. Syst. Kat. 1851. (Type, Tetrao canadensis, L.)

Gen. Char. Tail of sixteen feathers, rounded, the feathers broad to the end. A colored
(red or yellow) " comb " of naked skin over the eye. No inflatable air-sac on side of the
neck. No crest, nor unusual plumes, about the head or neck.

Species and Varieties.

T. canadensis. Above distinctly barred with plumbeous and black ; beneath
black, with a white border to the throat, a white pectoral band, and white
markings on the sides. Female barred with ochraceous, gray and black
above, and with orange-ochraceous and black on the lower parts.

Tail rounded, tipped with rufous ; upper tail-coverts tipped narrowly
with deep ash. Hab. British America, east of the Rocky Mountains,
from Alaska (Yukon region) to northern border of United States.

van canadensis.
Tail nearly even, black to tlie tip, or else with a narrow white termi-
nal bar ; upper tail-coverts broadly tipped with pure white. Hab.
Northern Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. . . \a,r. /r a nkl i n i .

416 KORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Canace canadensis, var. canadensis, Linn. ^ ^ a^5

SPKUCE PAETBIDGE; CANADA GEOtJSE. 0 c?

-r

Telrao canacknsis, Ljnx. Syst. Nat. I, 175S, Ijli. — Fok-stek, I'hil. Trans. l.XII, 1772,
3S9. — Sabixe, ZooI. App. Franklin's E-\ped. 683. — Boxap. Anier. Orn. Ill, 1830,
pi. xxi, f. 2, ?. — Ib. Am. Phil. Trans. Ill, N. S. 1830, 391. — KicH. F. Bor. Amer.
II, 1831, 346, pi. Ixii, ?. — NuTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 667. - AuD. Orn. Biog.
II, 1S34, 437 ; V, 1839, 5C3, pi. clxxvi. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, S3, pi. cclxeiv. .
— Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 622. — Maynard, B. E. Mass. 1870, 138 (Massachu.
setts). — CoiTES, P. A. N. S. 1861, 226. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. 1867, 86. — Dau,
& Bannister, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287. — Finsch, Abh. Nat. Verz. Ill, 1872, 61.
Canace caua<Unsis, Keich. Av. Syst. Nat. 1851, p. xxix. (Type, Boxap. Comptes
Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428. — Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864, 23. — Ib" Jlonog. Tetraon. pi.
Tetrao canace, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 275. Black Spotted ffcat/tcock, Edwards,
Glean, pi. cxviii. Spotted Grotise, Pexxant.

Sp. Char. Tail of sixteen feathers. Above black. Feathers above distinctly banded
with plumbeous; beneath uniform black, with a pectoral band of white, and white on the
sides of the belly. Chin and throat above, black. Tail with a broad brownish-orange
terminal band. Length, 1G.20 ; wing, 6.70; tail. 5.44.

Female smaller, but somewhat similar ; the black bars above broader, the inner gray bars
of each feather, including the tail, replaced by broader ones of brownish-orange. The
under parts have the feathers black, barred with the brownish-orange, wliich, on the tips
of the belly-feather.s, is pure white. The clear continuous black of the head and breast
is wanting. The scapulars, greater coverts, and sides are streaked as in the male.

A female (No. 39,136, G. A. Boardinan) from Maine differs from the above description
in having the ground of the plumage a bright orange-rufous, the distinct bars of which
are broader than the black ones ; this is probably an autumnal bird, and represents the
peculiar plumage of that season.

Mahs vary, individually, in the extent or uniformity of the black of the breast.

Specimens from Alaska (Nulato, Kodiak, etc.). Red River, Liard's River and Fort Liai-d,
Hudson's Bay Territorj', Canada, and Maine, appear to be absolutely identical.

The young in downy state are pale buff-yellow ; the head above, with the back and
wings, pale fulvous; a black stripe on side of head (from bill to end of auriculars), two
spots on crown, and transverse crescentic spots on back and wings, black.

Hab. Spruce forests and swamps of the Northern United Slates to the Arctic seas ;
west nearly to Rocky Mountains.

Habits. This bird, variously known as the Spruce or Wood Partridge,
Canada, Black, or Spotted Grouse, is found, in favorable localities, from the
Nortliern United States as for north as the woods extend, to the Arctic
Ocean, being found, even in midwinter, nearly to tlie 70t]i parallel. Sir John
Eichardson found all the thick and swampy black-spruce forests between
Canada and the Arctic Sea abounding with this species. In winter it de-
scends into ]\Iaine, Northern New York, and Michigan. Its migrations are,
however, only partial, as it is found in the severest weather of midwinter, in
considerable numbers, as far north as latitude 07°. According to Mr. Doug-
las, west of the Eocky Mountains it is replaced by the T. frankiini. This
bird is said to percli in trees, in flocks of eight or ten, and is so stupid that

TETRAUNlDx-E — THE GROUSE. 417

it may be taken by slipping a noose, fastened to tlic end of a stick, over its
head. When disturbed, it flies heavily a short distance, and tiien aliglits
again among the interior liranches of a tree. Itichardson invariably Ibund
its crop filled with the buds of the spruce-trees in the winter, and at that
time its flesh was very dark and had a strong resinous taste. In districts
where the Pinus hanlisiana grows it is said to prefer the buds of that tree.
In the summer it feeds on berries, which render its flesh more palatable.

Captain Blakiston states that he has found tliis species as far west as Fort
Carlton, and Mr. Eoss has traced it northward on the Mackenzie to the
Arctic coast.

Mr. Audubon met with it in Maine, in the vicinity of Eastport, where
they were only to be met with in tlie thick and tangled forests of spruce and
laackmatack. They were lireeding in the inner recesses of almost impene-
trable woods of hackmatack or larclies. He was informed that they breed
in that neigliborhood about the middle of May, a full month .sooner tlian
they do in Labrador. In their love-season the males are said to exhibit
many of the smgular manners also noticeable in the other members of this
family. They strut before the female on the ground, something in the man-
ner of the common domestic Turkey-cock, occasionally rising in a spiral
manner above her in the air ; at the same time, botli \\\\q\\ on the ground and
in the air, they beat their wings violently against their body, thereby pro-
ducing a peculiar drumming sound, which is said to be much clearer than
the well-known drumming of the Euffed Grouse. These sounds can be
heard at a considerable distance from the place where they are made.

The female constructs a nest of a bed of dry twigs, leaves, and mosses,
which is usually carefully concealed, on the ground and under low horizontal
branches of hr-trees. The number of eggs is said to vary from eight to
eighteen in number. It is imagined by the common people that where
more than ten eggs are found in the same nest they are the product of two
females, who aid each other in their charge. The eggs are described by
Audubon as of a deep fawn-color, irregularly splashed with different tints
of brown. They have Ijut a single brood in a season, and the young follow
the mother as soon as they leave the shell.

As soon as incubation commences, the males desert the females and keep
in small flocks by themselves, removing to different woods, where they
usually become much more shy and wary than at any other season of the
year.

In their movements on the ground these birds are said to resendjle our
common Quail, rather than the Euffed Grouse. They do not jerk their tails
in the manner of the latter bird, as they walk, nor are they known to burrow
in the snow ; but wlien they are pursued they invariably take refuge in trees,
from which they cannot be readily made to fly. When dri\en from one
place of refuge to another, they accompany their fliglit with a fev.- clucks, and
those sounds they repeat when they alight. When a flock thus alights, it

VOL. in. 53

418 Norrrii American birds.

may all be readily secured by a little precaution and pains. It is said that
they are so unwary and regardless of the near presence of man, that when
thus in the .imagined siielter of a tree they will permit themselves to be ap-
proached, tiie whole flock shot, or even knocked down with a stick. Some-
times they may all be taken alive, one after the other, by means of a noose
affixed to tlie end of a long pole.

According to Audubon, tlie Canada Grouse indicate the approach of rainy
weather by retiring to roost at an unusual time in the day, whenever a storm
is imiiending. If ob.served to fly up to tlieir roost at midday, it rarely fails
to rain or snow before the evening ; and if, on the contrary, they remain busily
engaged in search of food until sunset, the uiglit and the following morning
are pretty sure to be fresh and clear.

The young of this Grouse are very strong and active from the moment they
are hatched, and are able to fly at a very early age. When in Labrador, Mr.
Audubon almost walked, by accident, upon a female Canada Grouse, sui--
rounded by her young brood. This was about the middle of July. Tiie
affrighted mother, upon perceiving him, rutfled up all her feathers in the
manner of the common Hen, and advanced close to liim as if determined to
defend her offspring. Her distressed condition claimed his forbearance, and
she was allowed to remain in safety. As soon as he retired she smoothed
down her plumage and uttered a tender maternal chuck, when the little ones
took to their wings with ease, though they appeared to be not more than one
week old.

Mr. Audubon found this Grouse moulting as early as the 20tli of July.
At that period the young were generally already able to fly fully a hundred
yards in a single flight. They alighted on low trees and were easily taken
alive.

This Grouse feeds, in the summer, on berries of various kinds, as well as
upon the buds and leaves of several different kinds of plants and shrubs.
In the autunni they gorge themselves witli the berries of the Solomon's Seal.
At this season their flesh is much the best. In the winter, when they
feed on the buds of the hackmatack and the spruce and firs, and also
upon the leaves of the spruces, as stated by Eichardson, tliey have a bitter,
disagreeable taste, and are hardh' fit to eat.

This Grouse may be readily kept in confinement, and even made to breed
there. Mr. Tliomas Lincoln, of Dennysville, fed some of them on oats, on
which food they appeared to thrive very well.

The eggs of this food vary in length from 1.75 inches to 1.G8, and in
breadth from 1.22 to 1.20 inches. Eggs taken at Fort Resolution, by 'Sir.
Kennicott, have a ground of a deep duU cream-color, shaded with ochre.
They are of an oblong-oval shape, speckled and marked with spots of a dark
chestnut-color. In these specimens the spots are larger towards the smaller
end.

TETKAU^IIJJ

TliK (JUUUSE.

419

Canace canadensis, \ai. franklini, Douglas.

FRANKLIN'S GKOUSE.

Titrao franklini, Douglas, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1S-2H, 139. — Rimi. F. lior. Am. 11,
1831, 348, pi. Ixi. — Baiui), Birds N. Am. 1858, 623. — Loud, Pr. K. A. In.st. IV,
1864, 123 (between Kocky Mountains and Cascades). — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. 1867,
86. — Cooper & Suckley, 261. — Coop. Orn. Cal. 1, 1870, 529. Tetrao miuuknsis, var.
BoNAP. Am. Orn. Ill, 1830, 47, pi. xx. ? Tdrao fusca, Oiu). Guthrie's Geog. (2d
Am. ed.) II, 1815, 317. (Based on smaU brown Pheasant of Lewis & Clark, II, 182,
which very probably is this species.) Canaci: franklim, Ei.luit, P. A. N. S. 1S64.
— Ib. Mouog. Tetraon. pi.

Sp. Char. Similar to C. canadensis, but with the tail-leathers entirely black, without
orange-brown terminal band ; the upper tail-coverts broadly tipped with white. The tail
less rounded. Wing, 7.35 ; tail, 5.G2.

Hah. Northern Rocky Mountains, near the United States boundary, and west to Coast
Range.

The difference from ranadensis is very appreciable, though we cannot con-
sider it as of specific importance. This consists cliietly in the rather longer,
more even tail, with liroader feathers, wliieh are pure black instead of very
dark brown, and entirely without the orniige terminal band. The white streaks
on the scapulars are larger terminally, and much more conspicuous, and the
upper tail-coverts are conspicuously barred terminally with white, not seen
in the other. The female differs from that of canadensis in the white bars
at the ends of tlie tail-coverts, and in having the tail-feathers tipped with
whitish instead of orange-brown.

'f-

C. ffankliiit.

C. canadensis.

Habits. From the Itocky Mountains to the Pacific, and from Oregon to
high northern latitudes, this variety replaces tlie common Spruce Partridge
of the Eastern Continent. Sir John Piichardson, as well as Mr. Drummond,
regarded these birds as only a western variety of the cavademis. The latter,
who had ample opportunities for studying the manners of both, was uiialile
to perceive any difference between them. Mr. Douglas took a different
view, though he admitted that their habits were essentially the same.
Swainson also regarded the two birds as distinct species. This variety is

420 XORTII AMERICAN BIRDS.

stilted by Kic'luirdsou to inhabit the valleys oi' the liocky ilountains, from
the sources of the IMissouri to those of the Mackeuzie ; and on the authority
of Mr. Uouglas, it is also to be seen sparingly on the elevated platforms
that skirt the snowy peaks of Mount Hood, I\Iount St. Helens, and of Mount
Baker, where it is said to run over the shattered rocks and among the brusli-
wood with amazing speed, only using its wings as a last effort to escape.
Mr. iJouglas also states that it makes its nest on the ground, of dried leaves
and grass, not unfi-e(]uently at the foot of decayed stumps, or by the side of
fallen timlier in the mountain woods. The eggs are incorrectly described as
of a dingy whiteness and as smaller than those of the European Columha
palumbus.

Dr. Suckley found this Grouse abundant in the Eocky as well as in the
Bitterroot and the Cascade jMountains, and in Washington Territory, near
the Yakima Passes. It is known to the Indians as the Tijec-kulla-kvlla,
meaning the gentleman-bird. It was only found plentiful in the eastern
portion of Washington Territory. Specimens of this species, sent by Dr.
Suckley to the Smithsonian Institution, were procured by Mullan in St.
Mary's Valley, in the Eocky ilountains. They were quite common in that
region, and were readily obtainable, as they were very tame and uoisuspicious.
Mr. George Gibbs informed Dr. Suckley that in Jiovember, 1847, he obtained
in the AVillamette Valley a small Grouse that may probably he referred to
this species.

Mr. Lord thinks that this species is rarely found west of the Cascades ; but
on the eastern side and along the whole district lying between the Cascades
and the Eocky Mountains it is common, always keeping among the moun-
tains, to the height of seven thousand feet. He regards them as one of the
most stupid of birds. When several are flushed together, they fly up into
the nearest pine-tree, from which you cannot frighten them with sticks and
stones. He has often shot several in a tree where there were others without
the latter attempting to fly away. During the winter they remain in the
deep woods and sheltered places, and feed on the buds of the pines. They
nest in early jMay, and have chickens in June and July. He was of the
opinion that these birds do not pair ; but from the large number of females,
as compared with the males, he thinks the}- are polygamists.

Captain Blakiston considers this variety to be confined to the Rocky
Mountains and the country between that range and the Pacific. He met
with it for the first time while following an Indian trail through a thick pine
woods, from the summit of the Kootenay Pass into the valley of the Flathead
Eiver. The bird arose and perched itself on a projecting branch, when he
was at once struck with the dissimilarity to the Canada Grouse, which was
made still more apparent by the whiteness of its flesh. Afterwards he
procured other specimens. He describes them as being quite as unsuspicious
and stupid as the Canada Grouse, allowing themselves to be shot on the
trees without making an}- attempt to escape.

TETRAONIDjE — THE GROUSE.

421

Subgenus DENDRAGAPUS, Elliot.

Dcndrayapus, Elliot, P. A. X. S. Philail. 1S64. iTyiic, Tdnw obscunui, Sw.)

Gex. Cn.vR. Tail of twenty leathers, rounJeti, rather larfie (about two thiriLs the
wing) ; the feathers broad to the tips, which are almost truncated. A colored (orange or

Tetrao obscurus.

yellow) " comb" of naked skin over the eye, and an inflatable air-sac on side of the neck.
No crest or other unusual plumes about the head or neck.

Species and Varieties.

C. obscurus. Above nearly unilbrrn plumbeous-dusky, minutely mottled
on the wings. Tail uniform black, with or without a lighter terminal band,
and sometimes finely and obscurely mottled above. Lower parts nearly
uniform clear plumbeous, or blackish-dusky ; a dusky half-collar on the
throat; chin and throat white, variegated with dusky. Length, about
20.50 ; wing, 9.40 ; tail, 7.45. Female smaller, the colors more variegated,
with the dusky less continuous, and less in amount.
A. Tail rounded, with a distinct terminal band of clear plumbeous.

Above browni.sh-ashy, minutely mottled (transversely) with dusky
and, to a less extent, with yellowish-brown. Beneath fine pure ashy.
Hab. Sierra Nevada (from Fort Crook southwards) and Rocky
Mountains, from the Hellgate region to New Mexico . var. obscurus.

Above browni.sh-black, minutely and sparsely mottled with
slate and rusty-brown. Beneath dark plumbeous. (In northern
specimens, especially in females from Sitka, much washed with
dark castaneous-rusty.) Hah. Northwest coast mountains, from
Oregon to Sitka \ai. fnli^tiiosus.

422

NURTU AMEKICAX BIRDS.

B. Tail nearly even, and without any terminal lighter band, or else having it

badly defined.

Colors, in other respects, of var. ohscurus, but cheeks, etc., less
dusky. Hab. Rocky Mountains of British America, south to the
Yellowstone and Hcllgate region of United States (\vhere grading
into var. oJ.scMri/i) ...... var. richardsoni.

Canace obscurus, y.n: obscurus, Say.

DUSKY GEOTJSE.

Telrao obscuriis. Sat, Long's Exped. R. Jits. 11, lt.23, 14. — Box. Mon. Tclrno, Am. Phil.
Trans. HI, 1830, 391. — Ib. Am. Orn. 111,1830, pi. xviii. — B.\ird, Birds X. Am.
1858, 620. —ScL. P. Z. S. 1858, 1. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 86. — Coop.
Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 526 (in part). Canace obscura, BoxAP. Comptes Kindus, XLV,
1857, 428. Dcndragapus obscurus, Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864, 23. — Ib. Monog.
Tetraon. pi.

Sp. Char. Male (19,l(iL Deer Creek, Neb., Feb. 13 ; G. H. Trook.) Ground-color
above slaty-black, but this almost completely overlaid by a minute, transverse mottling

Cnnace obscurus.

of bluish-a.sh, — pale brown on scapulars and secondaries, — mostly on terminal portion
of the feathers. Scapulars with a conspicuous .shaft-streak and terminal spot of white.
Terminal band of tail sharply and abruptly defined, pure pale bluish-ash, and 1.50 inches
in width. Tail slightly rounded (about .80). Lower parts fine bluish-ashy, becoming
lighter posteriorly, more plumbeous anteriorly. On the sides of the jugulum the feathers
snowy-white beneath the surface, and this much exposed, producing a somewhat broken
but conspicuous patch. Throat white, with transverse crescentic bars of dusky ; this
barred white curving upward to the auriculars, behind a uniformly blackish malar patch ;
lores and post-ocular region with di.>tinct white spots, producing an inconspicuous stripe
from the bill through the eye. All the feathers of the lower parts margined terminally
with white, this growing broader on the flanks and crissum, the former of which have a
more brownish and mottled ground, and broad white shaft-stripes. Lining of wing
almost wholly white. Tarsi ashy-white. Length, 21.00; wing, 10.00 ; tail, 8.00; tarsus,
L80 ; middle toe, 1.80.

TETRAONID.E — TOE GROUSE.

423

Female (58,036, Uintah Mountains, July o, 1S()S ; R. RIdgvvay). Somewhat similar to
male in pattern. Dusky-black above, nuiuh broken by narrow transverse bars of yellowish-
brown ; these broad, regular, and sharply defined anteriorly, posteriorly broken and
mottled. Middle tail-feathers much mottled, obscuring the ashy tip : ash beneath un-
broken only on the abdomen ; the jugulum, sides, etc., having transverse bars of yellowish-
brown. Wing, 8.70 ; tail, G.OO.

Young (.58,Go8, Uintah Mountain.?, July b, ISG8; R. Ridgway). Above yellowish-
l)rown, the feathers with conspicuous shaft-streaks and deltoid terminal spots of vi-hite;
lioth webs with large, transverse, roundish spots of black ; secondaries with six bands of
black and white, both broken, however, by coarse mottlings ; tail like the secondaries.
Beneath dull whitish ; jugulum and sides with rounded spots of black, those on opposite
webs not joining. Head yellowish-white, crown spotted with black; an indistinct dusky
stripe over lores and upper edge of auriculars.

H.\B. Rocky Mountain region of the United States, principally south of South Pass,
and Sierra Nevada, north to Oregon and south to San Francisco Mountains, New Mexico.

The " Dusky Grouse " figured and described by 'Sh: Audubon of this spe-
cies, is not the bird of Say, nor based on .specimens collected by Town-
send. The figures were probably taken from the skins in possession of IMr.
Sabine, referred to by Bonaparte in American Ornithology (Vol. Ill, 1828,
36), whicli Sabine proposed to name after Richardson. Douglas, in describing
his Tctrao richardsoni, quotes " Sabine ilSS.," but does not describe his speci-
mens, and, as far as his iucomi)lete description goes, seems to have had the
true T. obscurus before him. Eichardson's description and figure belong to
the second species, the same with Audubon's. Wilson's figures, in Illustra-
tions of Zoology, 1831 (plates xxx, xxxi), are taken from specimens received
from Mr. Sabine, of the same species, but in different and less perfect
plumage than Mr. Audubon's. *

H.\BiTs. Tliis species was first discovered and described by Say in 1820,
though its existence had previously been known to tlie fur-trappers. Its
food consists of various berries, and the flesh is said to be very palatable.

Dr. Newberry pronounces this Grouse decidedly the handsomest of all the
American birds of this family ; its flesh white, and fully equal to that of the
eastern Eufted Grouse or Quail. It is said to inhabit the evergreen forests
exclusively, and to be found not uncommonly in the Sierra Nevada, as well
as in the wooded districts of the country lying between the Sacramento Val-
ley and tlie Columliia. In the Cascade Mountains Dr. Newberry found it
associated witli tlie I'lufled Grouse, which it resembles in hal>its more than
any other species. When on the ground they lie very close, flying up from
your very feet as you approach them, and, wlien flushed, always take to a
tree, from whicli they cannot be dislodged except by shooting them. In the
spring the male sits motionless on a brancli of a pine or a spruce, and utters
a booming call, which, by its remarkable ventriloquial powers, seems rather
to mislead than to direct the sportsman, unless he is experienced in shooting
this kind of Grouse.

jMr. George Gibbs informed Dr. Suckley that he has met with the Dusky
Grouse as far south as the Russian Eiver Mountains, in California, and foiuid

424 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

it also common on the cast side of the Cascades, as i'ar north as the 49th
parallel.

Dr. Cooper's accmmt ol' these birds is substantially similar to the account
given by Dr. Suckley of the fidiginoms. He found it common in most of
the forests, esiiecially in the dense s])ruce woods near the coast. It was
rarely seen on tlie open prairie. In llir dense woods it was exceedingly
difficult to detect. During JVIay, near the coast, and till August, on the
mountains, the low looting of tliis Grouse was heard everywhere, sounding
something like the cooing of a Pigeon, but iu the same deep tone as the
drumming of the Rull'ed Grouse. Dr. Cooper also mentions its remarkable
powers of ^■entrilocplism, so that while the bird may be sitting on a tree
directly over your head the sound seems to come from places quite remote.

1 )r Woodhouse states that the Dusky Grouse is found among the moun-
tains about Santa Fe, in New Mexico.

This Grouse was first met with by Jlr. Ridgway on the Sierra Xevada, in
the vicinity of Carson City, where it was seen in the possession of Indians
who had been hunting on I he mountains. It was found on the East Hum-
boldt iMountains, in the month of September, and at that time occurred iu
small liocks, consisting chietly of ynuug birds, and probably comjiosed of
single families. Afterwards, in the summer of 18G9, it was found in consider-
able abundance in Parley's Park, a few miles from Salt Lake City. It there
chieily inhabited the copses of scrub-oaks along the lower border of conifer-
ous woods. In July it was found in the Uintah Mountains in very great
abundance, and for a while formed the chief subsistence of the party.
It was there known as the IMountain Grouse. Nothing very distinctive was
ascertained in regard to its habits, except that it was said to resemble veiy
closely, in manners, the Ruffed Grouse. Its flesh was excellent eating.

Dr. Suckley, in a series of papers on the Grouse of the United States
which were read before the Xew York Lyceum in 1S60, states that this spe-
cies proljably extend their range to quite a distance south of latitude 40°
along the line of the Rocky ]\Iountains, in New ^Mexico. This writer claim-
ed to have met with them near Pike's Peak, in the Cheyenne Pass, and in
1853 he found them in great nundsers in Lewis and Clarke's I'ass, west of
Fort Benton. He also found them abundantly in Oregon and on tlie slopes
of the Cascade and Coast Ranges, extending wherever pine or iir timber
occurs, to the very borders of the ocean. The Black Hills, in Nebraska, he
gives as their most eastern limit.

The same author corrects the statements of Douglas as to certain habits
of this species. The males are said not to be particrdarly pugnacious, and
very rarely forsake the boughs of the pine or fir trees for a rock}- eminence.
Tliey feed on berries only during a brief season in autumn, at all other times
of the year subsisting upon tlie leaves of the pine and fir, especially
those of the Douglas Fir. This food imparts a strong resinous flavor to the
flesh of this Grouse, which, however, is not unpleasant, and after a while be-

TETRAONID.E — THE GEULSK. 425

comes quite attracitive to the epicure. The love-notes of this bird are said
to be deep, soft, plaintive, but unmusical, and resemble the whirring sounds
made by a rattan, swung rapidly and in jerks through the air. Tliese uot(!S
usually begin the first week in March. The young are able to Hy feebly by
the first of Jidy. By the last of August they have attained their full size,
lu the winter they retire to the tops of the loftiest firs, where they pass
the season in an almost immovable state of hibernation. Between July and
winter they may be readily shot. Once raised, they invariably fly to trees.
They heed but little the report of a gun unless they have been wounded.
Their flesh is said to be midway between the color of the Pinuated
and the Eufl'ed Grouse, partaking of their good equalities, but surpassing
either.

The eggs of this species are oval in shape ; one end is a little more obtuse
than the other. Tlie ground is of a pale cream-color, and is marked with
small rounded spots of reddish-brown. These are more numerous and larger
towards the larger end. They measure 1.95 inches in length and 1.45 in
breadth.

Canace obscurus, \ar. fuliginosus, Pjdgway.

OREGON DUSKY GKOUSE.

.' Tdrao obscurus, Newbekry, P. l\. K. Kept. VI, iv, 1S57, 93. —Coop. & Suckl. 219. —
LoED, Pr. K. A. Inst. IV, 122 (British Columbia). — Dall & Bannister, Trans.
Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287 (Alaska). — FixsoH, Ab. Nat. Ill, 1872, 61 (Alaska).

Sp. Char. Beneath plain dark phimbeous, without whitish border.'; to the feathers
except on flanks and crissum ; whole head almost uniformly plain dusky-black. Tarsi
dark plumbeous. Winff, 9.50; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe, 1.80.

Female (11,826, Chiloweyuck Depot, Washington Territory, Aug. G, 1858 ; C. B.
Kennerly). Above black, broken by transverse mottlings of bright reddish-brown or
rufous; these confused posteriorly, but in form of regular transverse bars anteriorly.
Below du.sky-plumbeous, plain on abdomen, with sagittate spots on jugulum, and deltoid
ones on the flanks, etc., of reddish-white. Length, 20.00 ; wing, 8.50 ; tail, 6.30.

Adult male (4,505, Cascade Mountains, Dr. ISIewljerry). Above plain fuliginous-blaek,
the mottlings scarcely apparent. No white markings on scapulars ; tail-band deep
plumbeous, only .60 wide, but well defined.

Young (11,827, Chiloweyuck Depot). Similar to, but much more reddish than, young
of var. ohncnrii.i.

Hab. Xorthwest coast region, from Oregon to Sitka.

A male (46,070, May, 1866 ; Bischoif ) from Sitka is much mottled witli
bright reddish-rusty on the dorsal region, and washed with the same on the
forehead. (Tail-band .60 of an inch wide). A female (46,073, Sept., 1866)
from same locality is so strongly washed with dark, almost castaneous, ferru-
ginous as to appear mostly of this color above, tliis being very bright on
the crown and forehead.

Habits. This race is the more northern and nortli western coast form of

VOL. HI. 54

A

/

426 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the Dusky Grouse, and is found from the Columbia Paver and Eritish Colum-
bia to Alaska. According- to Dr. Sucklev, it i.s nenerally known as the Blue
Grouse in Oregon, and is also called tlie Tine Grouse, as well as the
Dusky Grouse. He met with it for tlie first time wlien his jjarty had
reached tlie main chain of the Eocky ^Mountains, and where they found it
exceedingly abundant, as afterwards in the Blue Mountains of Oregon, the
Cascade Mountains, and in all the timljered country between the Coast
Eange and the Pacific Ocean. About the middle of November these birds
are said to entirely disappear, and it is very rare to meet with even a single
indi\idunl between tliat period and the 20th of the following ^farch. As to
tlieir whereabouts during this period there is a great difl'erence of ojiinion
among the settlers. Some maintain that they are migratory and retire to
the south. Others are of the opinion that they retire to the tops of the
highest evergreen trees, where they pa.ss the cold season in a state of partial
torpor among the thickest foliage of the branches. As these birds are known
to subsist on the leaves of tlie Conifcrw, and can always obtain sufficient
water from the snow and rain-drops to supply their wants. Dr. Suckley was
inclined to favor the latter e.xplanation of their absence. He saw one of
these birds on the ground during a fall of snow, in January, near the N'is-
qually Elver, in Washington Territory, and he was informed that a hunter
near Olympia, whose eyesight was remarkably excellent, was able, any
day during the winter, to obtain several birds by searching carefully for them
among the tree-tops of the tallest and most thickly leaved firs. This requires
much better eyesight than most men possess, for these birds are of a sombre
hue, crowd very closely to the limb, and sit there immovable. They are
therefore very difficult to find among the dense branches.

The first indication of their presence in spring is the courting call of the
male. This is a prolonged sound, resembling the whir of a rattan cane
moved rapidly through the air. This is repeated several times with consid-
erable rapidity, and then stops for a brief interval. This is said to be pro-
duced by the alternate inflation and contraction of sacs, one on each side
of the throat, which are usually concealed by the feathers, and are covered
by ail orange-colored, thick, corrugated skin. At Fort Steilacoom these birds
were very abundant during the spring and early summer, and were mostly
confined to the forests of firs. Later in the season, and after liatching, tliey
are more generally found on tlie ground in search of berries and seeds.
When alarmed, they seek safety among the dense foliage of the trees, seem-
ing instinctively tn imderstand tlie advantage of thus hiding. He has known
an entire flock of five, conceak^d anicnig the ferns and grass, to be shot one by
one, without an attempt being made by a single individual to flj-. This
Grouse is said to be a very fine table bird, its pine taste only adding to its
game-flavor. Their full weight is from 2f to 3 J pounds.

Dr. Cooper never met with the nest of eggs of either of the races of the
Dusky Grouse, but in June flocks of half-grown young were killed by the

T ET R A OX I D .E — T I r K G ROUS E. 427

Inilians near Puget Sound, hi winter they wci-e so rarely seen west of the
mountains that they are lielicveil to keej) entirely in the trees. lu ()ctol)er,
1853, he saw a Hock running through the snow near the Spokane Plains,
one of which was shot ; but he never afterwards met with any in the
winter.

Air. J. K. Lord found this tirouse almo.st exclusively on the western side
of the Eocliy Mountains. It appeared at Vancouver, at Nisqually, and
along the banks of the Fraser Eiver, about the end of March, the male bird
announcing his coming by a kind of love-song. This is a booming noise,
repeated at short intervals, and so deceptive that Mr. Lord has often stood
under the tree where the bird was perched and imagined the sound came
from a distance.

]Mr. Xuttall found this Grouse breeding in the .shady forests of the region
of the Columbia, where he saw or heard them throughout the summer. He
describes the tooting made by the male as resembling the sound caused by
blowing into the bung-hole of a barrel. They breed on the ground, and are
said to keep the brood together all winter.

Townsend describes the eggs as numerous, of a cinereous-brown color, blunt
at both ends, and small for the bird. The actions of the female, when the
young are following her, are said to be exactly similar to those of the Euffed
Grouse, employing all the artifices of that bird in feigning lameness, etc., to
draw off intruders.

Canace obscurus, var. richardsoni, Douglas. B '^ ^"^ '

EICHAEDSON'S DUSKY GROUSE.

TilTou obscurus, Avp. Orn. Biog. IV, 1S38, 446, pi. occlxv. — Ib. Syn. 1839, 283. — Ib.
B. Am. I, 1842, 89. — Nutt. Orn. I, 1840, 609. — Swains. F. B. A. II, 1831, 344, pi.
lix, Lx. Tetmo richardsmii, Dougl. Linn. Trans. XVI, 141. — Lord, Pr. R. A. I.
IV, 122 (laetween Cascade and Kocky Mountains). — Gr.iy, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. V, 1867,
86. Dcndragapus richardsoni, Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864, 23. — Ib. Monog. Tetraon.
pi. — W1L.S0X, Illust. 1831, pi. -Kx-x, xxxi.

, Sp. Char. Tail-feather,*; broail and nearly truncated ; tail almost perfectly square, and
black to the tip, with the terminal band either only faintly indicated or entirely wanting;
in all othei' respects exactly like var. ohscurus. Male (18,397, Browns Cut off. N.
Rocky Mountains; Lieutenant Mullan). Length, about 20.00; wing, 9.00; tail, 7.30;
taisu.s, 1.70; middle toe, 1.85. Female (18,398, forty miles west of Fort Benton;
Lieutenant Mullan). Wing, 8.60; tail, 6.00; tarsus, 1.60; middle toe, 1.60.

Had. Rocky Mountains of British America, south to the Yellowstone and Hellgate
region of the United States.

No. 18,377, Hellgate, and others from localities where this form and var.
ohscurus approach each other, have the terminal zone of the tail of tlie usual
width, and even shai'iily defined ; but it is so dark as to be scarcely dis-
tinguishaljle from the ground-color.

49g iXoin'H A^riCKICAX BIRDS.

IIadits. In logaril to distinctive peculiarities in habits and manners,
of tliis form of Grouse, if it possesses any, our information is quite limited.
In its e.xternal markings and in size it apjiears to be readily distinguishable
from tlie T. obscurus either specifically or as a well-marked interior race.
'Sh: J. K. Lord refers to it in his account of tlie obscurus, where he states
tliat lietween the Cascades and the Eocky Mountains the Dusk}^ Grouse
appears to lie rejilaced by a well-marked variety, if not a distinct species. In
size it is a trifle smaller, but the great mark of distinction is the entire
absence of the white band at the end of the tail. In their habits, in their
periods of arrival and departure, or rather of appearance and disappearance,
the t\\'o varieties are pronounced to be, in every respect, similar. In regard
to tiieir unexplained disappearance and reappearance, Mr. Lord is of the
opinion that these birds do not migrate, but only retire into the tliickest
trees, and, living on the buds, pass the winter thus sheltereil in the tree-
tops.

Captain BlakLston thinks tliat this species is the form that inliabits the
interior of British North America, and refers the figure of the male in
Eichardson's Fauna to the ricJiardsoiii, — the Black-tailed and smaller species.
In his wanderings he met with these Ijirds only in or near the pine woods
on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains ; but, having killed only i'emales, he
could not feel certain of the species. These Grouse range towards the
Pacific as far as the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and British Columbia,
and along the Rocky ]\Iountains from the head-waters of the Platte to the
Liard Eiver, a tributary of the Mackenzie. When the ranges of the two
species are fully defined, he tliinks the T. richardsoni will be found the
more northern bird.

The eggs of Tetrao richardsoni are very similar, except in size, to those of
the o?wt'«?v<s, resembling them closely in their ground-color, as well as in their
markings. In the specimens in the cabinet of the Boston Natural History
Society the spots are smaller, a little less distinct, and less numerous.
The eggs are 1.75 inches in length, and from 1.35 to 1.36 inches in breadth.

Genus CENTROCERCUS, Swainson.

Ccntrnccrcus, SwAlxsox, F. B. A. II, 1831, 496. (Type, Tetrao urophasianns, BoN.)

Gen. Char. Tail excessively lengthened (longer than the wings), cuneate, the feathers
all lanceolate and attenuate. Lower throat and sides of the neck with stiffened, apparently
abraded, spinous feathers. Nasal fossie extending very far forward, or along about two
thii'ds of the culmcn. Color mottled yellowish-grayish and dusky above ; beneath
whitish with black abdominal patch. Stomach not muscular, but soft, as in the Raptorial
birds !

TETRAONID.E — THE aROUSE. 429

Centrocerciis urophasianus, (Box.) Sw.

SAGE-COCK; COCK OF THE PLAINS. / i'

Tclrao uroplmsianus, Box.iP. Zool. Jour. Ill, Jan. 1S28, 214. — hi. Am. Oni. Ill, 1830,
pi. .xxi, f. 1. — 1b. Jlon. Tclrao, in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. N. S. Ill, 1S30, 390.—
DoUGL.\.s, Traii.s. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 133. — Nuttall, Man. I, 1832, 666. — AuD.
Orn. I3iog. IV, 1838, 503, \t\. ccclx.vi. —lis. Birtl.s Anier. V, 1842, 106, pl. ccxcrii. —
NEwniiRiiY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Koute, Rep. P. K. K. Surv. VI, iv, 18.57, 95. — Max.
Cab. J. VI, 1858, 431. — Wii.sox, Illust. 1831, pl. .x.vvi, xxvii. Telmo (t'enlrocemis)
urophasiaiiits, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 358, pl. Iviii. — Gray, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
Ill, 46, 1844. — Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 624. — Coop. & Suckl. 222. — Jai;d.
Game Birds, Nat. Lib. IV, 140, pl. xvii. — Elliot, P. A. N. S, 1864, . — 1b.
Monog. Tetraon. pl. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 87. — Coop. & SircK. 222. —
Coop. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 536. Cctilroccrcus uro2>hujsiunus, Jakdixe, Game Birds, Nat.
Lib. Birds, IV, 140, pl. xrii. ?l Tdmo phasiaiwl/iis, Okd, Guthrie's Geog. (2d Am.
ed.) II, 1815, 317, based ou Lewis & Clark, II, 181. Cock of t/u: Plains, Lewis &
Clark, 11, ISO, sp. 2.

Sp. Char Tail-feathers twenty. Above varied with black, gravish-brown, and
brownish-yellow ; coverts havino; all the feathers streaked with the latter. Beneath
black ; the breast white ; the upper feathers with spiny shafts ; the lower streaked with
black; tail-coverts with white tips; the sides also with much white. Male. Length, 33.00 ;
wing, 13.00; tail, 13.00. Female. Length, 21.50; wing, 10.75; tail, 7.50. Chick
Upper surface brownish-gray, lower grayish-white. Above irregularly and coarsely
marbled with black, the markings most conspicuous on the head. Bill black.

Hab. Artemisia, or sage, plains of the Northwest.

Habit.s. The Cock of tlie Plains apjiears to be confined to dry and
sterile regions, from the Black Hills to California and Oregon, and from
British Columbia nearly to Arizona, but only in those portions of the plains
in which the Artemisia, or sage, abounds. It was met with by Townseud
for the fir.st time about fifty miles west of the Black Hills. He did not find
them in the valley of the Snake liiver, but saw them again at Wallah-Wal-
lah, on the banks of the Columbia, and near the mouth of tlie Lewis Biver.
He only found it on the plains that produce the wormwood, on which plant
it feeds, and in consequence of whicli the flesh becomes so bitter that it is
unfit for food. It was \-ery unsuspicious and easily approached, rarely flying
unless hard pressed, and running ahead at the distance of a few feet, cluck-
ing like the common Hen. When disturbed, it would often run under the
horse's feet. According to his account it rises very clumsily, but, when
once started, flies witli great rapidity and also to a great distance. It is said
to have the sailing motion of the Pinnated Grouse. They are abundant in
autumn on the brandies of the Columbia, at wdiich time they are regarded
as good food by the natives, and are taken in great cpiantities in nets.

Ml'. N'uttall met with this Grotise in considerable numbers on the north
branch of the Platte. They were always ou the ground in small flocks or
pairs, liy no means shy ; but when too nearly a]iproac]ied, uttering a rather
loud liut short guttural cackle, and rising with a strong whirring sound.

430

NOIlTir A.MEKICAN BIRDS.

Their notes, at times, strongly resembled those of the common Hen. He
never met with them in any forest, nor have they been taken near the coast
of California.

This species was first obtained by Lewis and ( 'lark's jjarly in their expe-

Ceiitrocrrriis iirophmtianjtx.

dition to the IJocky Mountains. It was afterwards met with by Douglas,
who published in tlie Linniean Transactions (XVI, p. 133) an account of its
habits. He described its flight as slow, unsteady, and as affording but little
amusement to the sportsman ; being a succession of tlutterings, rather than
anything else. They rise hurriedly, giving two or three flaps of tlio wing,
swinging from side to side in tlieir movement, and gradually falling, making
a whirring sound, at tlie same time uttering a cry of cuel--ci(cl-cHck, like the
common PJieasant. They jiair in March and April.

At the mating-season the male is said to select some small eminence on
the banks of streams for the very singidar performances it goes through with
at that period in the presence of its mate. The wings are lowered and
dragged on the ground, making a buzzing sound ; the tail, somewhat erect, is

TETRAONID.E — THE T, ROUSE.

431

spread like a fan ; the liare and yellow cesopliagus is inflated to a i)rodij,dous
size, and said to become nearly half as large as its l)ody, wliilo the silky
flexile feathers on the neck are erected. A.ssmnhig this grotesc^ue form, llie
bird j>roceeds to display a singular variety of attitudes, at the same time
chanting a love-song in a confused and grating, but not an offensively dis-
agreeable tone, represented as resembling Imrr-hurr-hurr-r-r-r-hoo, ending
in a deep and hollow utterance.

Centrocerclis uropkasiamis.

Their nests were found, by Douglas, on tlie ground, under the shade of
Artemisia, or when near streams, among Phalaris arundinacea, and were care-
fully constructed of dry grass and slender twigs. The eggs are said to be as
many as from thirteen to seventeen in number, and the period of incubation
to be twenty-one or twenty-two days. The young leave the nest soon after
they are hatched.

In the winter these birds are said to be found in large flocks of several
hundreds, in the spring in pairs, and later in the summer and fall in small
family groups. They were abundant tliroughout the barren aritl plains of
the Columbia and in Xorthern California, Init were not met with east of
the Eocky Mountains.

Dr. Newberry regards this Grouse, when in full plumage, as rather a hand-
some bird, and much better looking than any figure he has seen of it. It is
much the largest of American Grouse, weighing from five to six pounds.
The female is much smaller than the male, and is of a uniform sober-bruwn
color. The male bird has a distinctive character in the spaces of bare
orange-colored skin which occujiy the sides of the neck, and are usually con-
cealed by the feathers, but may be inflated to a great size. The species was
not found in the valleys of California, but belongs both to the fauna of the
interior basin and to that of the Eocky ]\Iountains, the dry desert country
lying on both flanks of this chain. He first found it high up on Pit Ixiver,
and once came suddenly upon a male in an oasis near a warm spring, which
started up with a great flutter and rush, and, uttering a hoarse hek-hck,

432 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Hew off with an irregular but remarkal)ly well-sustained flight, which was
continued until the Itird was out of sight. In searching around he soon
found its mate, which rose i'roni under a sage-bush with a noise like a whirl-
wind. This specimen was secured, and these birds were afterwards found to
be quite abundant, but very strong-winged and difficult to kill. It was no
uncommon tiling, Dr. Kennerly states, for him to pour a full charge of shot
into them at a short distance, dislodging a quantity of feathers, and yet to
have them fly off to so great a distance before they dropped that he could not
follow them. He found them only in the vicinity of the sage-bushes, under
whieli they were usually concealed. He afterwards saw them very abun-
dant on the shores of Wright and Ehett Lakes. In one instance he observed
a male bird to sink down on the ground, as the train aiiproached, depressing
its head, and lying as motionless as a stick, which it greatly resembled. As
he moved towards it, the bird lowered its head until it resteil on the ground,
and made itself as small as possible, and did not rise until lie had arrived
within fifteen feet of it. West of the Cascade Range it did not occur,
and all its preferences and habits seemed to fit it for the occupancy of the
sterile region of the central desert. Its flesh is dark and highly flavored
with the wormwood. Tiie young, if parboiled and stewed, are said to be
quite good ; but, on the whole, this Grouse is inferior for the table to any
other American species.

Dr. Cooper gives this bird as common in Washington Territory, on tlie
high barren hills and deserts east of the Cascade Mountains, and limited in
its range by the growth of the Artemisia tridenUda, the leaves of which
shrub seem to be the principal part of its food ; the flesh tasting so strongly
of it as to be unpalatable. He saw none north of the Spokane Plains, the
country being apparently too w^oody. On those plains they were very com-
mon. He describes its flight as more heavy and less noisy than that of
most Grouse, and when they are started, it commonly extends a long dis-
tance before alighting.

Dr. Suckley found the Sage-Cock abundant on the plains of Oregon, near
Snake River, on both sides of the Blue ilountains, as also along the line of
the Columbia, on the open plains, and on the sage barrens of the Yakima
and Simcoe Valleys, — in fact, wherever the artemisia was found. The leaves
of this shrub either are preferred or are necessary to its existence, for no
other food was found in their full stomachs, even in localities where abun-
dance of grass-seed, wild grain, gi-asshoppers, and other kinds of food, might
be found. This species has apparently the power of going a long while
without water. Lieutenant Fleming informed Dr. Suckley that he found
them about twelve miles west of Fort Laramie, but they were not seen
east of that point so far south. In August, 18.53, one was procured about
two hundred miles east of the Rocky IMountains. He also observed a small
flock on the plains bordering on llilk River, in Nebraska. Near Soda Lake,
the sink of the IMohave River, Dr. Cooper met with it, which is without

TETRAOXID-E — THE GROUSE.

433

(loul)t the most southern pouil at which it has been ehscovered. Dr. Coues
has never met with it in ^Viizona.

Mr. liidgway encountered it everyw'here in the Cn-eat Basin where there
was a thrifty growth of the artemisia, which ajjpears everywhere to regu-
hite its e.xistence. He corroborates the accounts given of its heavy, himber-
ing flight ; and when it has once escaped, it tiies so far that the sportsman
rarely has a second oppcnt unity to flush it. It rises apparently with great
effort. He was told bv the settlers of Xevada and Utah that tlie Sasre-Heu
was never known to touch grain of any kind, even wlien found in the
vicinity of grain-fields. This is attributed to a very curious anatomical
peculiarity of the species, — the entire absence of a gizzard ; having instead
a soft membranous stomach, rendermg it impossible to digest any hard food.
In a large number of specimens dissected, nothing was found but grass-
hoppers and lea^-es of the artemisia.

Two eggs in my cabinet, from Utah, measure, one 2.20 l)y l..")0 inches, and
the other 2.15 by 1.45. They are of an elongate-oval shape, slightly pointed
at one end. Tlieir ground-color varies from a light-greenish drab to a drab
shaded with buft'. They are thickly freckled with small rounded spots of
reddish-brown and dark chestnut.

Genus PEDIGECETES, B.vird.

Pedicecetes, B.\ird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 625. (Type, Tctrao 2>!uisiavellus, Li!fN.)

GrKN. Ch.\r. Tail short, graduated ; exclusive of the much lengthened middle part,
where are two feathers (perhaps tail-coverts) with parallel edges and truncated ends

Pediaretes phasiandlrts.

half the full rounded wing. Tarsi densely feathered to the toes and between their bases.
Neck without peculiar feathers. Culmen between the nasal fossae not half the total length.
VOL. in. 55

434

NORTH A.MKiaCAN BIKDS.

Species and Varieties.

P. phasianellus. Above varii'givteii with traiisvurse spots of yellowish-
l>ro\vu and black ; wing-covi-'i-ts with large, roundish white spots ; outer
WL'bs of primaries with quadrate white spots. Beneath wdiite anteriorly
and along the sides, with V-shaped marks of brown or dusky. Sexes alike
in color and size.

Above blackish-dusky, variegated transversely witli yellowisli-l>i-own ;
scapulars with broad white medial longitudinal streaks of white.
Markings below cle.ir, uniform blackish-dusky. Toes entirely hidden
by the long hair-like feathers of the tarsus. Head and neck with the
ground-color white, the throat heavily spotted with dusky. Hah.
British America to Arctic regions .... \:u: ph a s ianellus.

Above yellowish-brown, mixed with reddish, and variegated trans-
versely with black ; scapulars without white longitudinal spots. Mark-
ings beneath clear pale brown, with duskj' borders. Toes entirely
bare. Head and neck deep buff, the throat not spotted. Hab. Prairies
and plains of northern U. S., from Wisconsin and Illinois to Oregon.

var. col umbi anus.

Pedicecetes phasianellus, vai. phasianellus, Elliot.

/ilu

SHAEP-TAILED GROUSE.

Teirao plui.nanellus, Linn. S. N. I, (ed. 10,) 1758, p. 160. — Fokst. Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772,
394, 495. — Gmel. — Lath. — Bon. Comp. List. — Sabine. — Edwards. — Richard-
son. Ccntrocercusj). G. K. Gray, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. — Bon. Compt. Rend. — ? Swains.
F. B. A. (in part ?). Pedlascctcs i>. (not of Baiud, Birds N. Am.)— Elliot, P. A. N. S.
Philad. 1862, 402-404. — Id. Moiiog. Tetraoninfe, jd. — Murray, Eduib. Phil. J. 1859
(Trout Lake Station). —Dall & Bannister, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287. — Gray,
Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 88. Tetrao urogallus, var. ^, Linn. S. N. I, (ed. 12,) 273.
Pedicecetes kemiicotti, SucKLEY, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1861.

Sp. Char. Prevailing colors, clear dusky-black above, and pure white beneath ; no
buff about the head. Upper parts variegated with transverse, rather zigzag, spots of

yellowish-brown ; scapu-
lars with broad, elliptical,
longitudinal medial spots
of pure white ; wing-cov-
erts with large rounded,
and outer webs of primaries
with smaller and more
quadrate, spots of pure
white. Breast thickly
covered \\\\.\i broad V-
.shaped, and the sides with
less numerous sagittate, marks of uniform clear .sl.aty or dusk}'. Legs densely feathered,
the long hair-like feathers reaching beyond the claws, and completely hiding the toes.
Throat thickly spotted with dusky. No appreciable differences in plumage between the
sexes. Male (31,C16, Fort Res^olution, Dec. 1862; J. Lockhart). Wing, 8.60; tail, 4.50,
the two middle feathers one inch longer.

Hab. British America, from Hudson's Bay Territory, south to northern shore of Lake
Superior, and west to Alaska and British Columbia.

Pedicecetes phasianellus.

TETRAONID^ — THE GROUSE. 435

Habits. The Arctic form of the Sharp-tailed Grouse is fouud throughout
the Arctic regions, from Alaska southward and eastward to an extent not
fully ascertained. Mr. Dall states that this variety is not uncommon at
Fort Yukon, where Mr. Lockhart found it breeding and obtained its eggs.
It has also been seen some two hundred miles down the river, but it is said
not to be found below the caiion known as the Ramparts. Captain Ketch-
um, in his adventurous winter trip from Nulato to Fort Yukon, is said to
have killed several of these birds. Specimens are in the Smithsonian
Museum from Moose Factory and elsewhere along the southern part of
Hudson's Bay, and it is said to be abundant about Nipigon Lake, north of
Lake Superior.

J\Ir. Kennicott found the nest of this bird at Fort Yukon, at the foot of
a clump of dwarf willows. It was in dry ground, and in a region in which
these willows abounded and were quite thickly interspersed with other trees,
especially small spruces, but no large growth. The nest is said to have been
similar to that of Cupidonia ciipido. Mr. Lockhart also fouud it breeding
in the same region. The nests seen by him were likewise built on a rising
ground under a few small willows.

Eichardson assigns as the northern limit of this species the region of the
Great Slave Lake, latitude 61°, and as its most southern point latitude 41°.
It was found in abundance on the outskirts of the Saskatcliewan plains and
througliout the wooded districts of the fur countries, frequenting the open
glades or low thickets on the borders of lakes, especially where the forests
have been partially cleared ; percliing on trees in the winter, but keeping to
the ground in the summer ; and, at all seasons, met with in small flocks of
from ten to sixteen. They are said, early in spring, to select some level
place, where a covey meets every morning and runs round in a circle of about
twenty feet in diameter, so that the grass is worn quite bare. If any one ap-
proaches this circle, the birds squat close to the ground ; but if not alarmed
by a too near approach, tliey soon stretch out their necks to survey the in-
truder, and resume their circular course, sonie running to the right and others
to tlie left, meeting and crossing each other. These " partridge-dances " are
said to last a month or more, or until the female begins to incubate. This
Grouse rises from tlie ground with the usual wliirring noise, and alights again
at a distance of a few hundred yards, sometimes on the ground or on the
branches of a tree. In winter they hide in the snow, and make their way
with ease through the loose drifts, feeding on the buds of the willows,
larches, aspens, etc. In summer and autumn their food is principally ber-
ries. They are said to lay about thirteen eggs early in June ; the nest being
on the ground, formed of grasses lined with feathers.

The eggs of this variety closely resemble those of the columhianus, but are
generally of a decidedly darker ground. They average 1.75 inches in lengtli
by 1.28 in breadth. Their ground is a dark tawny-brown minutely dotted
with darker spots of brown.

436 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

PedicEcetes phasianellus, var. columbianus, Baird. y ^

COLUMBIA SHAEP-TAIL.

Tetrao phasianellus, (not of Link.,) Ord, Guthr. Geog. (2d Amer. ed.) II, 317, 1815.

NuTT. — AUD. — Newb. — Bon. Syn. and Am. Orn. — Coop. & Suckl. — Max. Cab. J.
VJ, 1858, 435. CoUrocercus p. Swains. F. B. A. — Bonap. Comp. Rend. PcdUzccUs
p. Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 626. Phasianus columbianus, Orp, Guthr. Gee. (2d.
Am. ed.) II, 317, 1815. Peditecetcs columbianus, Elliot, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1862,
403. — ]b. Mouog. Tetraoniuae. — Coopek, Oru. Cal. I, 1870, 532. Tclrao urophasia-
nellus, DouGL. Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 13o, 1829.

Sp. Cbar. Prevailing colors yellowish-brown and white ; ground-color of head and
neck deep bnft". L'pper parts variegated with transverse spots of black, and more or less
tinged with rusty; scapulars without longitudinal spots of white; wing-coverts and
outer webs of primaries with large conspicuous spots of pure white, the former roundish,
the latter more quadrate. Breast and sides with V-shaped markings of pale yellowish-
brown, bordered with dusky. Throat immaculate, or only minutely speckled ; feathers
of tarsus short, the toes completely bare. No appreciable difference between the sexes.
Male (22,011 Simiahmoo, Washington Territory; Dr. Kennerly). Wing, 8.00; tail,
4.40, two middle feathers one inch longer. Female (19,173, Rose Brier Creek ; F. V.
Hayden) ! Wing, 8.80 ; tail, 4.00.

Hab. Plains and prairies of the United States, from Illinois and Wisconsin, west to
Oregon, Nevada, etc. ; south to Colorado, New Mexico, etc.

Habits. This species is the more southern of the two varieties of Sharp-
tailed Grouse found in North America. Owing to the confusion which has
existed until recently, in which both the northern and soutliern races have
been considered as one, the geographical distribution of each may not be
defined with complete exactness. The present form is found in Illinois and
Wisconsin, and westward to Oregon and Wasliington Territory, and as far to
the north as British Columbia and the southern portions of the Saskatche-
wan Valley.

Dr. Newberry found this Grouse associated with the Prairie C'liicken on
the prairies bordering on the Mississippi and the Missouri, and fre(]^uently
confounded with that bird, though readily distinguisliable by its lighter plu-
mage, its speckled breast, and smaller size. It is always the least abundant
of the two species, when found together. The range of this Grouse extends
much farther westward ; the eupido being limited to the valley of the Mis-
sissippi, while the former is found as far west as the valleys of California.
North of San Francisco his party first found it on a prairie near Canoe
Creek, fifty miles northeast of Fort Beading ; subsequently, on a level grass-
covered plain in the upper caiion of Pit Eiver, these birds were met with in
great abundance. They were also found about the Klamath Lakes and in the
Des Cliutes Basin, as far as the Dalles. The fiesh was very much like that
of the Prairie Chicken. This bird is saiil tn lie close, and when flushed to
fly off, uttering a constantly repeated Jcuck-kuch-kuck, moving with steadi-
ness and considerable swiftness. It is, however, easily killed. The young

TETRAOXID.E — THE GROUSE. 437

birds are fat and tender, and as they fall on the grassy prairie scatter
their feathers, as if torn to pieces.

According to Dr. Sucivley, the Sharp-tailed Grouse entirely replaces the
Pinnated Grouse in Washington Territory. He first noticed it near old Fort
Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone Eiver. From that point to the
Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington Territory it was exceedingly
abundant wherever there was open country and a sufficiency of food. In
certain places they were in great numbers in the autumn, congregating in
large flocks, especially in the vicinity of patches of wild rye, and more re-
cently near settlements where tliere were wheat-stixbbles. They resemble the
Pinnated Grouse in habits. Where they are numerous, they may frequently
be found, on cold mornings in the autumn or early winter, perched on fences
or on leafless trees, sunning themselves in the early sunliglit. At Fort Dalles
a young bird, scarcely two days old, was found on the first of April. This
early incubation seems to prove that they must have more than one brood
in a season. The young Grouse was confided to the cliarge of a Hen with a
brood of young chickens; but it refused to associate with them, and escaped,
probably to perish of cold. Dr. C'ooi)er adds that this Grouse is found in
Washington Territory only in the low alluvial prairies of the streams empty-
ing into the Columbia east of tlie ("ascade Mountains, where it was
found in flocks of several hundreds. Tiiey slum high grounds and forests
entirely. Tlie only cry he ever heard them utter was a cackle when sud-
denly started from the ground. Their wings make a loud whirring, as among
others of this family.

Mr. J. K. Lord found this species abundantly distributed on the western
slope of the Piocky Mountains, ranging right and left of the 49th parallel.
It was particularly numerous on the plains near the Kootanie Eiver, round
the Osoyoos Lakes, and in the valley of the Columbia. He did not meet
with any on the western side of the Cascade Eange. It is also found in the
Ked Eiver settlements and in Northern Minnesota.

Mr. Elliot is quite in error in stating tliat this Grouse does not occur east
of the ^Mississippi as it is found nearly throughout Xorthern Illinois and
Southern Wisconsin. I have seen a flock within thirty miles of Chicago,
and have from time to time had their eggs from Dane County, Wisconsin.

Mr. Lord regards this Grouse as remarkable iDotli for its field cpialities — •
such as lying well to a dog, rising with a loud rattling whir, frequenting open
grassy prairie.s, and flying as straight as an arrow • — and for its excellence as
a table dainty. For delicacy of flavor its flesh is unequalled. With the fur-
traders this species is known as the Spotted Chicken, and is, furthermore, the
Skis-kin of the Kootanie Indians. Its singular combination of colors — white,
black, and brownish-yellow — makes it exactly resemble the ground on which
it lives, and admirably harmonizes with the dead twigs and leaves of the ar-
temisia, the dry and sandy soil, the brown of the withered bunch-grass, and
the sombre-colored lichens of tlie rocks. It often requires a keen and prac-

438 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tisc'd eye to distinmiish oue of these birds from the ground ou which it has
fallen, even though the eye be kept on the spot where it w'as seen to fall.
This similarity of colors with those of the prairie no doubt effectually con-
ceals theui from the hawks and owls.

Its favorite haunt is ou open grassy plains in tlie morniug, keeping con-
cealed in the long thick grass, coming about midday to the stream to drink,
and to dust itself in the sandy banks. It seldom goes into the timber, al-
ways remains close to the prairie, and never retires into the depth of the
forests. It lays its eggs on the open prairie in a tuft of grass, or near the
foot of a small hillock, nesting early in spring, and depositing from twelve
to fourteen eggs. The nest is a mere hole scratched iu the earth, with a few
grass-stalks and root-fibres laid carelessly and loosely over the bottom. Mr.
Lortl describes the eggs as of a dark rusty-brown, with small splashes or
speckles of darker brown thickly spattered over them.

After nesting-time they appear in broods about tlie middle of August, the
young birds being about two thirds grown. At this time they frequent the
margins of small streams where there is thiu timber and underbrush. After
the middle of September they begin to pack, two or three coveys getting to-
gether, and flock after flock joining until they accumulate into hundreds. On
the first appearance of snow they begin to perch on the dead branches of
a pine or on the tops of fences. Near Fort Colville, after snow fell, they
assembled in vast numbers in the large wheat-stubbles. They became wary
and shy, the snow rendering every moving thing so conspicuous that it was
next to impossible for dogs to hunt them.

The food of this Grouse consists principally of berries in the summer
months, such as the snowberry, the beai'berry, tlie haws of the wild rose,
and the whortleberry, grain, the larva of insects, grass-seeds, etc. In the
winter tliey run over the snow with ease and celerity, dig holes in it, and
burrow underneath in the manner of a Ptarmigan. During the two win-
ters Mr. Lord spent at Colville, flocks of these birds congregated around the
hayricks at their mule-camp. In a temperature often 30° and more below
zero, and the snow several feet deep, they were strong, fat, and wild, and did
not appear to suffer at all from the intense cold. Indeed, they are said to
pair very early in the spring, long before the snow has gone off tlie ground,
and their meeting is preceded by some very singular performances, which
are called by the fur-traders chicken-dances, to several of which Mr. Lord
was an eyewitness. Groups of these birds assemble for their dances either
about sunrise or late in the afternoon, selecting for the purpose a high round-
topped mound, which in the course of their evolutions becomes worn quite
bare. At one of the dances witnessed by Mr. Lord there were about twenty
birds present ; the birds nearest him were head to head, like gamecocks in
fighting attitude, — the neck-feathers ruffed up, tlie little sharp tail elevated
straight on end, the wings dropped close to the ground, but keeping up a
rapid vibration or continued drumming sound. They circled round and

TETEAOXID.E — THE GROUSE. 439

round each other in slow waltzing time, always maintaining the same atti-
tude, hut never striking at each other. Sometimes the pace increased, and
one pursued the other until the latter faced ahout. Otliers jumped ahout
two feet in tlie air until out of hreath, and then strutted ahout in a peculiar
manner ; and others \\ent marcliing about with tails and heads as high up
as they could get them.

Captain Blakistou states that on the Saskatchewan this species was very
generally distriliuted throughout the interior. He met with it just below
the forks of the Saskatchewan, and traced it to the western base of the
Rocky Mountains. He found it breeding at Fort Carlton. He regards these
birds as of polygamous habits. In tlie fall they are found in families, in
the semi-wooded country bordering on the prairies. They perch on trees,
frequently at the very top, and their crops are found stuffed out with berries.
These are chiefly the fruit of the liearberry, the ground juniper, the snow-
lierry, the small prairie roses, the buffalo-berry, and several kinds of buds.
They have also been known to feed on caterpillars and other insects baked
and crisped by prairie tires. Captain Blakiston was also an eyewitness
of one of the singular love-performances of tlie.se birds, known as dances.
His account of it, which is very full, is almost exactly in correspondence
with the account referred to as given by Mr. Lord.

Mr. Eidgway met with this Grouse at one locality only, encountering them
late in September in the Upper Humboldt Valley. There it was found in con-
siderable numbers in the rye-grass meadows on the foot-slopes of the Clover
Mountains. They were startled from the ground, where they were hidden in
the grass, and when surprised frequently took refuge in the willow-thickets
along the streams near by. Their Hesh was found to be most excellent.

The eggs of this species vary considerably in size, but average about 1.80
inches in length and 1.30 in breadth. They are oval in shape, slightly
pointed at one end. Their ground varies from a light clay to a dark rusty-
brown, generally plain, but frequently speckled minutely with fine dottings
<if a darker brown.

Genus CUPIDONIA, Reichendach.

Cupidonia, Eeichenbach, Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix. (Type, Tctrao cupido, L.)

G-EN. CnAR. Tail of eighteen feathers, short, half the lengthened wings ; the feathers
stiffened and more or less graduated. Bare inflatable air-sac of the neck concealed by a
tuft of long, stiff lanceolate feathers ; an incon.spicuous crest on the vertex. Tarsi
feathered only to near the base, the lower joint scutellate. Culincn liotween the nasal
fossie scarcely one tliird the total length.

This genus, as far as known, is entirely peculiar to North America, where
but one species, with two races, is known.

440 NORTH AMKKK'AX UlllDS.

Species and Varieties.

C. cupido. Ground-color above yellowish-lirown, tinged with grayish and
reddish ; beneath white ; whole upper and lower parts variegated with
transverse bands, — those beneath regular, broad, sharply defined, and plain
dusky-brown, those above more broken, broader, and deep black. Head
bull', with a broad vertical stripe, a broad one beneath the eye from bill to
ears, and a patch on lower side of auriculars, brownish-black.

Tarsi clothed with long hair-like feathers, the bare posterior face
entirely hidden. Dark bars above, .30 or more in width, deep black;
those beneath, about .20 wide, and dark brown. Top of head nearly
uniformly blackish ; face-stripes dusky-black. Bill, .40 deep, ..50 long ;
wing, 9.00. Hub. Prairies of the Mississippi Valley ; south to Louisi-
ana; formerly eastward to Long Island and Pennsylvania . . var. cupido.
Tai-si clothed with short feathers, the bare posterior face conspicuously
exposed. Dark bars above less than .20 in width, dark grayish-brown ; •
those beneath about .10 wide, and pale grayish-brown. Top of head
with only a slight spotting of blackish ; face-markings reddish-brown.
Bill, .35 deep, .5.5 long, from nostril ; wing, 8.30. Hah. Southwestern
Prairies (Texas ?) var. pallidicinctus.

Cupidonia cupido, var. cupido, Baied.

PEAIEIE HEN; PRAIEIE CHICKEN; PINNATED GROUSE.

Tetrao cupido, Lis.v. Syst. Nat. \, 1758, 160. — Gm. I, 751. — L.\tu. Ind. Orn. H, 1790.

— Wilson, Am. Om. Ill, 1811, 104, pi. xx\-ii. — Bos. Mon. Tetrao, Am. Phil. Trans.
\\\, 1830, 392. — NUTT.4LL, Man. I, 662. —AuD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 490; V, 1839,
559, pi. cbcxxvi. — Ib. Buds Araer. V, 1842, 93, pi. cexcx^i. — KocH, Wiegmanu's
Archiv, 1836, i, 159. — Max. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 439. Bontuta cupido, Stephens,
Shaw's Gen. Zobl. XI, 299. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 88. Cupidonia ameri-
cana, Reich. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix. — Boxav. Comptes Eeudus, XLV, 1857,
428. Cupidonia cupido, Baikd, Birds N. Am. 1858, 628. — Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864.

— Ib. Monog. Tetraon. pi. — Dresser, Ibis, 1866, 26 (Brownsville, Te.xas). — Mat-
NARD, B. E. Mass. 1870, 138 (Martha's Vineyard, and Naushon Island, Mass.)

Sp. Char. Male (10,006, Tremont, Illinois; W. I. Shaw). Gro\md-color above
ochraceou.s-brown, tinged with gr.ayish ; beneath white, the feathers of the jugulum dark
rusty-chestnut beneath the surface. Head mostly deep buff. Upper parts much broken
by broad transverse spots, or irregular bars, of deep black, this color predominating large-
ly over the lighter tints. Primaries and tail plain dusky ; the former with roundish spots
of pale ochraceous on outer webs, the latter ver}' narrowly tipped with white. Lower
parts with regular, continuous, sharpl}' defined broad bars, or narrow bands, of clear
dusky-brown. A broad stripe of plain brownish-black on side of head, beneath the
eye, from rictus to end of auriculars ; a blotch of the same beneath the middle of the
auriculars, and the top of the head mostly blackish, leaving a broad superciliary and
maxillary stripe, and the whole throat immaculate buff. Neck-tufts 3..50 inches long, deep
black ; the longer ones uniform, the shorter with only the edge black, the whole middle
portion pale bufl', shading info deep reddish-rusty next to the black. Wing, 9.00 ; tail,
4.50 ; bill, .40 deep by .50 long, from nostril ; tarsus, 2.10 ; middle toe, 1.85. Female
similar, but with shorter and inconspicuous cervical tufts. Young (25,998, Rockford,
Illinois ; Blackman). Above, including t^il, yellowish-brown ; feathers with conspicuous
white shaft^streaks and large blotches of deep black. Outer webs of primaries with

TETRAONID.E — THE GROUSE.

441

whitish spots. Top of head rusty-brown with a blaclv vertical and a dusl<y auricular
patch. Lower parts yellowish-wliite, with irregularly defined, transverse, grajish-brown
broad bar.< ; anteriorly
more spotted, the jugulum
tinged with brown.

Chick (2-5,989, Rock-
ford, 111.). Bright lemon-
buff, tinged on sides and
jugulum with reddish ;
upper parts much washed
with rusty. A narrow
auricular streak, Ijlotches
on the vertex and occiput,
a stripe across the shoul-
der, and blotches down
the middle of the back
and rump, deep black.

Hab. Prairies of the Mis-
sissippi Valley, from Lou-
isiana, northward. East
to Pocono Mountains,
Pennsylvania. Formerly
along the eastern coast of
the United States from Long Island
Naushon (?) and Martha's Vineyard.

Cupitlonia rtipiilo

to Cape Cod, or farther.

A few still left on

A pair from Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana, most resemble IDiuois specimens,
but are smaller (wing, 8.60, instead of 9.00), and tliere is rather more reddish,
witli less black, in the plumage,

H.U3ITS. The Pinnated Grouse, more generally known tln-ough the country
as the Prairie Chicken or Prairie Hen, once occurred as far to the east as
Massachusetts, a few still remaining on tlie island of j\Iartha's Vineyard,

and where it was, in
tlie early settlement of
the coitntrj', a very
abundant bird ; and to
the southwest to Texas
anil throughout the
Indian Territory, where
it appears to be extend-
ing with the areas de-
veloped by civilization.
While at the East this
liird has almost entirely
disappeared, in consequence of the increase of population, and except here
and tliere in a few small and distant districts has disappeared from the
Middle and Eastern States, at tlie West and Southwest it has greatly
extended its distribution, appearing in considerable numbers, and constantly

VOL. HI. 56

Cupidonia cupido.

442 KORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

increasing as the eonntry is settled and tlie land cultivated with grain.
Even in Illinois, where tiiere has been a large increase of population during
the past ten yeare, these liirds are known to have become nuuh more
numerous. It is, howe\er, probable that they will again be dri\en from
this region when the population becomes quite dense. Mr. Allen met
with this species in several points in Kansas and in Colorado, where they
had either just made their a])i)earance, or where they had recently l)een
noticed, and were observed to be on the increase. The small remnants
left in Massachusetts are protected by law, which may preserve them a few
years longer ; and in Illinois and other Western States stringent provisions
seek to prevent their wanton destruction. In Michigan, according to ^Ir.
I). D. Hughe.s, this Grouse is common in the two southern tiers of counties,
but is rarely met with in that State farther north, — an absence attributable to
the want of open country and suitable food, as west of Lake IMichigau it is
found in great abundance much farther north. In the more southern portion
of the State it is already very rare, and in localities completely exterminated.

Dr. Woodhouse found this bird quite abundant throtighout the Indian
Territory ; more numerous, however, in the vicinity of settlements. During
the fall of 1849, as he was passing down the Arkansas Eiver, along the road
leading from Fort Gibson to Fort Smith, these liirds were in large flocks,
feeding among the oaks upon the acorns ; hundreds were to be seen at the
same time. It was also very common throughout Eastern Texas.

Mr. Dresser fonnd the Pinnated Grouse very common in travelling from
Brownsville to Victoria, after leaA'ing the chaparral and entering the prairie
country. Throughont the whole of the prair-ie country' of Texas it is
abundant.

They were found Ijy Mr. Audulton especially alnindant in the States of
Kentucky, IMissouri, Illinois, and Indiana, where his observations date back
more than half a century, and when the country was comparatively unset-
tled. It was there, he states, in what was then known as the Barrens of
Kentucky, that before sunrise, or at the close of the day, he " heard its curi-
ous boomings, witnessed its obstinate battles, watched it during the progress
of its courtships, noted its nest and eggs, and followed its young until, fully
grown, they betook themselves to winter quarters."

"\Ylien he first removed to Kentucky the Pinnated Grouse were so plen-
tiful, and were held in such low estimation, that no hunter deigned to shoot
them. They were, moreover, looked upon with ill-favor by the inhabitants
on account of the mischief they committed among the fruit-trees of the or-
chards during winter, when they fed upon the buds, or in the spring, when they
consumed the grain in the fields. In those days, in the winter, this Grouse
woidd enter the farm-yard and feed among the poultry, would even alight on
the house-tops or \\ alk in the streets of the villages. On one occasion he
caught several alive in a stable at Henderson, where they had followed some
Wild Turkeys. Twenty-five years later, :Mr. Audubon adds, in the same coun-

TETUAUMD.E — THE GRUUSE. 443

try where they had been so very abuiKlant, scarcely one could be found. Mr.
Audubon speaks of their selling in Eastern markets, in IS-iU, at from five to
ten dollars per pair. This is so no longer, facilities in i-ailroad transportation
and their continued abundance at the West renderiug them a comparatively
plentiful and cheap article of food.

Mi: Audubon mentions that at the .same period they were still to be met
with in some portions of Xew Jersey, in the " brushy " plains of Long Island,
on Mount Desert Island in the State of ^Nlaine, and also in another tract of
barren country near Mar's Hill in the same State. In regard to the two last-
named localities he may have been misinformed.

]Mr. Lawrence mentions this species as still occurring in the vicinity of New
York City. IMr. Turnbull mentioned it as now very rare, l.nit occasionally met
with, in the counties of Monroe and Northampton in Pennsylvania, and ou
the plains in New Jersey. It is not referred to by either Professor Verrill
or Mr. Pmardman as occurring in any part of Maine. It is, however, gi\eu
by Mr. Mcllwraitli as an occasional visitor near Hamiltou, in Canada, on the
western frontier, a few individuals being occasionally observed along the banks
of the St. Clair Paver, but not known to occur farther east.

^Ir. Audubon also mentions having found these birds abundant in all the
vast plains bordering on the prairies of tlie Arkansas Paver, and on those of
the Opelousas in Louisiana.

In the earliest days of spring, even before tlie snows have all been melted,
these birds no longer keep in large flocks, but separate into smaller parties,
and the mating-seasou commences, during which their manners, especially
those of the male, are very peculiar and striking. A particular locality is
selected, to which they resort until incubation has commenced. The males
meet in this place, and engage in furious battle with one another. At this
season they are especially conspicuous for their great pomposity of bearing ;
with tails outspread and inclined forward to meet the expanded feathers of
their neck, and with the globular, orange-colored, bladder-like receptacles of
air ou their necks distended to their utmost capacity, and issuing a peculiar
sound, spoken of as hooming, these birds strut about in the presence of one
another with various manifestations of jealous dislike and animosity, soon
ending in furious contests. Their wings are declined, in the manner of the
Cock-Turkey, and rustle on the ground as the birds pass and repass in a rapid
manner ; their bodies are depressed, and their notes indicate their intense ex-
citement. Upon the appearance of a female answering to their calls, they at
once engage in their desperate encounters. They rise in the air and strike
at one another in the manner of a gamecock, and several engage in a mis-
cellaneous scrimmage, until the weaker give way, and, one after another, seek
refuge in the neighboring bushes, the few renuriniug victors discontinuing
their contests as if from sheer exhaustion.

The " booming " or " tooting " sounds made by these birds is heard before
daybreak, and also at all hours before sunset, in places where they are

444 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

abundant and tame ; but where tliey are rare and wild tliey are seldom heard
aller sunrise, and their meetings then are in silence. Even in the fall the
young males evince their natural pugnacity by engaging in short battles,
whidi tlicir jiareuts usually interrupt and ]nit a stop to.

This bird nests, according to the locality in which it is met with, from the
begiiming of April to the last of JIay. In Kentucky, ^Ir. Audubon has found
their nests with eggs early in April, Imt the average period there was the first
of May. Their nests lie describes as somewhat carelessly lormed of dry
leaves and grasses, interwoven in a tolerably ueat manner, and always very
carefully placed among the tall grass of some large tuft in the open ground
of the prairies, oi-, in barren lands, at the foot of a small bush.

The eggs are said to be from eight to twelve in number, never more ; they
are larger and more spherical than those of the common umhelhis, and are of
a darker shade. The female sits upou them about twenty days, and as soon
as the young can extricate themselves from the shell the mother leads them
away, the male having previously left her.

Early in the fall the various broods begin again to associate togcsther, and
at the approach of winter it is not uncommon to see them in flocks of several
hundred individuals.

The young broods, when come upon suddenly and taken by surprise, in-
stantly scatter and scj^uat close to the ground, so that, without a dog, it is im-
possible to find them. The mother gives a single loud chuck as a signal of
danger, and the young birds rise on the wing and fly a few yards in different
directions, and theu keep themselves perfectly still and quiet until the mother
recalls them by a signal indicating tliat the peril has passed. In the mean
while she resorts to various devices to draw the intruder away from the
place.

This Grouse raises but a single brood in a season ; and if the first laying has
been destroyed or taken, the female seeks out her mate, makes another nest,
and produces anotlier set of eggs. These are usually smaller in size and less
in number than those of her first laying.

The Pinnated Grouse is said to be easily tamed, and may be readily
domesticated, though I do not know that the experiment has been thoroughly
tried. Mr. Audubon once kept sixty of them in a garden near Henderson,
Ky. "Within a week they became tame enough to allow him to approach
them without being frightened. He supplied them with abimdance of corn
and other food. In the course of the winter they became so gentle as to feed
from the hand, and walked about his garden like so many tame fowl, minghng
occasionally with the poultry. In the sjiring they stnitted, " tooted," and
fought as if in their wild state. Many eggs were dejiosited, and a number of
young birds were hatched out ; but they proved so destructive to the vegetables
that the experiment was given up and the Grouse were killed. The male birds
were conspicuous for their courage, and would engage in contest with the Tur-
key-cocks, and even with the dunghill cock, rather than yield the ground.

TETRAONID.E — THE GROUSE. 445

In severe weather these birds have been known to roost in trees, but they
generally prefer to rest on the ground. Advantage is sometimes taken to se-
cure them by visiting their resting-places in the night with nets. On the
ground they walk somewhat in the manner uf the common Hen, but in a
more erect attitude. When surprised, they rise with a whirring sound ; but
if they perceive the approach of any one at a sufficient distance, they run
off with considerable speed, and hide by sipiatting in the grass or among
bushes. They are fond of dusting themselves in ploughed fields or in dusty
roads, rearranging their feathers in the manner of the Wild Turkey.

When tlie female, with her young brood, is surprised, she instantly
ruffles up her feathers, and acts as if she contemplated tlying in your face ;
this she rarely, if ever, attempts, but resorts to various artifices to decoy the
intruder away.

Their flight is said to be strong, regular, and swift, and may be protracted
to the distance of several miles. It is less rapid than that of the umhdlus,
and the whirring, as they rise from the ground, less conspicuous. As they
rise, they utter four or five very distinct clucks, but at times fly in silence.

Their flesh is dark, and the flavor is very distinctly gamy, and is generally
regarded as excellent.

In the love-season the males inflate the two remarkable air-bladders,
which, in color and shape, resemble small oranges, lower their heads to the
ground, open their bills, and give utterance to very singular and distinctly
separated notes, by means of the air contained in these receptacles, roUiug
somewhat in the manner of the beatings of a muffled drum. The air-reser-
voirs are alternately filled and emptied as they make these sounds. Their
notes may be heard to the distance of nearly a mile. When these skins are
punctured, they are no longer resonant.

The late Mr. David Eckljy, of Boston, furnished ^Ir. Audubon with a full
account of their habits, as observed by him in Martha's Vineyard, and also
on the island of Nashawena, where they were then kept in a preserve. They
were observed never to settle d(jwn where the woods were thick or the bushes
tangled, but invariably in the open spaces ; and as they never start up from the
thick foliage, but always seek to disengage themselves from all embarrassment
in their flight by reaching the nearest open space, they offer to the sportsman
a very fair mark. The sound they utter in rising, when hard pressed, is said to
resemble the syllables coo-coo-coo. They were observed to feed on the berries of
the barberry, which aljound on tliose islands, boxberries, cranberries, the buds
of roses, pines, and alders, and on the mits of the post-oaks, and in the sum-
mer upon the more esculent berries. At the West they frequently feed on
the seeds of the sumach. Tliey are also very destructive to the buds of the
apple, and are \ery fond of the fruit of the fox-grape and the leaves and
berries of the mistletoe. During the planting-season their visits to the wheat
and corn fields are often productive of great damage.

Three eggs in my collection, taken from a nest near Osage Village, in In-

446 NORTH AMKUICAN BIRDS.

dian Territory, which contained sixteen eggs, measure, one 1.65 by 1.20
inches, another 1.63 by 1.28, and tiie third 1.75 by 1.28 iuclies. Tliey are
of a rounded-oval shape, more obtuse at one end than the other, and of a
uniform color, which varies from a liglit clay-color to a dark tawny-brown.
Tlie eug-s are sometimes, but not always, minutely sprinkled witli l.)rown.

Cupidonia cupido, \nr. pallidicinctus, Eidgway.

THE TEXAS PRAIRIE HEN.

Cupidonia cupido, vnr. 2iullidii:iitcliis, liiUGVVAY.

Sp. CiHR. Similar to var. cupido, but above uearly equally barred with pale grayish-
ochraceous and dusky or blackish-brown. Beneath white, with faint, but .sharply defined,
uariow bars of pale grayish-brown. Top of head with light bars prevailing ; head-stripes
reddish-brown. Male (10,007, Prairies of Texas, Staked Plains? ; Capt J. Pope, U. S. A.).
Wing, 8.30; tail, 4.20; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.50. Female (10,005, same locality,
etc.). Wing, 8.20.

Hab. Southwestern Prairies (Staked I'lains, Te.xasV^

In its relations with the C. cupido. this race bears a direct analogy to
Pcdia'.cctes columbicmus, as compared with P. jjhasiancllus, and to Oriyx texa-
nus, as distinguished from 0. virginianus. Tlius in a much less develop-
ment of tlie tarsal feathers it agrees with the southern Pcdiardrs, wliile in
paler, grayer colors, and smaller size, it is like the soutliwesteru Oiii/x.

Gexus BONASA, Stephens.

Boncisn, Stephexs, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 1S19. (Type, Tctrao honasia, L.)
Tctrastcs, Keys. & Blas. Wirb. Europ. 1840, p. l.\iv.

Gen. Char. Tail widening to the end, its feathers very broad, as long as the wings;
the feathers soft, and eighteen in number. Tarsi naked in the lower half; covered with
two rows of he.xagonal scales anteriorly, as in the OrtygincE. Sides of toes strongly
pectinated. Naked space on the side of throat covered by a tuft of broad soft feathers.
Portion of culmen between the nasal fos.sM about one third the total length. Top of head
with a soft crest.

This genus, in its partly ualvcd tarsi, with two rows of scutella- anteriorly,
indicates a close approach to the American Partridges, or Quads. It lias a
single European representative, the B. t^i/lvcstris, Steph.

Species and Varieties.

B. umbellus. Rump with cordate light .spots ; sides with transverse dark
spots. Tail with two gray bands (one terminal), with a broad blackish zone
between them. Cervical tufts glossy black or dark brown, with a semi-
metallic steel-blue or green border.

TETRAONID^E — THE GROUSE. 447

Prevailing color brigiit ocliraceous-rufous ; tail always rufous in the
Middle and Soutlicrn States, occasionally gray on the Alleghany Moun-
tains, and in New England States ; usually gray in Eastern British
America. Hah. Eastern Province of North America . var. umb ellus.

Prevailing color bluish-ashy : tail always pale ash. flab. Rocky
Mountains of United Slates, and intei'ior regions of British America,
to the Yukon var. umb ello ides.

Prevailing color dark ferruginous ; tail always dark ferruginous near
the coast, occasionally dark gray in mountainous regions. Hub. North-
west coast region (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, etc.) var. sahini.

Tlie alidve .synopsis is intended to present in the simplest form the charac-
teristic features of the three definable races of this exceedingly variable
species, as exhibited in a light rusty rufous-tailed form of the Atlantic
States, a pale gray ashy-tailed form of the Rocky Mountains of the United
States and British America, and a dark rusty rufous-tailed form of the
northwest coast region. These three, when based on specimens from the
regions where their characters are most exaggerated and uniform, appear
sufficiently distinct : 1 nit when we find that specimens from the New Eng-
land States have the ruf(.)us bodies of umbrHus and gray tails of uinhclloidcs,
and that examples from Eastern Oregon and Washington Territory have the
dark rusty bodies of mhini and gray tails of umhcllnidcs, and continue to
see that the transition between any two of the three forms is gradual with
the locality, we are unavoidably led to the conclusion that they are merely
geographical modifications of one species. The continuity of the dark sub-
terminal tail-band in mnhellus, and its interruption in umbeUoidcs, — charac-
ters on which great stress is laid by Mr. Elliot in his monograph, above cited,
— -we find to he contradicted by the large series which we have examined ;
neither condition seems to be the rule in either race, but the character
pro\"es to be utterly tmrelialile.

In the less elevated and more southern portions of the Eastern Province
of the United States, as in the Mississippi Valley and the States bordering
the Gulf and South Atlantic, the rufous type is prevalent ; the tail being
always, so far as the specimens we have seen indicate, of an ochraceous-
rufous tint. Specimens with gray tails first occur on the Alleghany Moun-
tains, and become more common in the New England States, the specimens
from Maine having nearly all gray tails. Specimens from Labrador approach
still nearer the var. umheUoulci, — the extreme gray condition, — and agree
with Alaskan specimens in having more brown tlian those from the interior
portions of British America or the Eocky ilountains of the United States.
More northern specimens of the inland form have, again, a greater amount
of white than those from the south or coastward. Passing southward from
Alaska toward Oregon, specimens become darker, until, in the dense humid
forests of the region of the Columbia, a very dark plumage, with little or no
gray, prevails, most similar to, but even more reddish and much darker, than
the style of the Southern States of the Eastern Pro\'ince. Passing from the

448

NUUTU AMKKICAX BIRDS.

low coast forests to tliose of the mountains, we find a^ain equally dark
specimens, but with grayish tails ; the amount of gray increasing, and its
shade lightening, as we approach the central Eocky Mountains.

The American species of Bonasa possesses a quite near analogue in the
B. stjlvcstris, Bonap. {Tctrao bonasia, Linn.), or Hazel Grouse, of Europe.
This species has almost exactly the same pattern of coloration (including
tail-markings), but is very much smaller, has the neck-tufts rudimentary
and white, aud the throat black, instead of just the reverse.

Bonasa umbellus, var. umbellus, Stephexs.

BUFFED GKOUSE; PAKTRIDGE ; PHEASANT.

Tetrao umbellus, Li.xx. Syst. Xat. 1, 1700, 270, 6. — Wilson, Ain. Orn. VI, 1S12, 46, pi.
xlLx. — DovGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1S30, 13, pi. ii. — Arc. Orn. Biog. I, 1S31, 211 ;
V, 560, pi. xli. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 72, pi. ccxciii. Tetrao (Bonasia) um-
bclhis, Bo.NAi'. S)T). 1828, 126. —Ib. Mou. Tetrao, Am. Phil. Trans. Ill, 1830, 389.
— KuTT.\LL, Man. I, 1832, 657. Bonasa umbelhcs, Stephens, Shaw, Gen. Zobl.
XI, 1824, 300. — Bo.NAP. Comptes Keudus, XLV, 1857, 428. — Baikd, Birds N. Am.
1858, 630. — Elliot, Monog. Tetr. pi. — Gray, Cat. Brit. SIus. V, 1867, 89. Telrao
togatus, Lixx. I, 1766, 275, 8. — Forster, Pliilos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 393. Tctrao
tympanus, Bartram, Travels in E. Florida, 1791, 290. Ruffed Grouse, and ShouUkr-
knot Grouse, Pennaxt & Latha.m.

Sp. Guar. Above ochraceous-brown, finely mottled with grayi,<;h ; the scapulars and
wing-coverts with pale shaft-streaks, the rump and upper tail-coverts with medial cordate

spots of pale grayish. Tail

32312

ochraceous-rufous, narrow-
ly barred with black, crossed
terminally with a narrow
band of pale ash, then a
broader one of black, this
preceded by another ashy
one. (In specimens from
the Alleghany Mountains
and New England States,
the tail usually more or less
grayish to the base, some-
times entirely destitute of
rufous tinge) Tliroat aud
foreneck ochraceous. Low-
er parts white (ochraceous
beneath the surface), with
broad transverse bars of
dilute brown, these mostly
concealed on the abdomen.
Lower tail-coverts pale
ochraceous, each with a terminal deltoid spot of white, bordered with dusky. Neok-tufts
brownish-black. Length, 18.00 ; wing, 7.20 ; tail, 7.00. Female sm.iller, and with the
neck-tufts less developed, but colors similar. Young (.39,161, St. Stephen's, N. B.;
G. A. Boardman). Brown above, and dingy-white beneath ; a rufous tinge on the scap-

Bonasa umbellus.

TETRAUNID.E — THE aRUUSE.

449

ulars. Feathers of the jugulum, back, scapulars, and wing-coverts with broad medial
streaks of light ochraceous, and black spots on the webs ; jugulum with a strong
buff tinge. Secondaries and wing-coverts strongly mottled transversel}'. Head dingy
buff, the upper part more rusty ; a post-ocular or auricular dusky patch, and a tuft of
dusky feathers on the vertex. Chick. Above light rufous, beneath rusty-white; uniform
above and below ; a dusky post-ocular streak, inclining downwards across the auricular?.
Bill whitish.

Hae. Eastern Province of North America ; in the northeastern portions (New Eng-
land, Labrador) and Alleghany Mountains inclining toward var. %imhellus in having a
gray tail.

Habits. This well-known bird — the common Birch Partridge of the
British Provinces, the Partridge of New England and the West, and the
Pheasant of the Middle States — is found tlu'oughout the wooded portions of
eastern North America, from Georgia to Nova Scotia, and from the Atlantic
to the Eocky Mountains. Richardson, in his description of its habits in the
Fauna Boreali-Americana, states that lie met with it as far north as the 56th
parallel of latitude, and mentions, in a note, that Mr. Drunimond procured
specimens ou the sources of the Peace Eiver, in the valley of the Eocky
Mountains, in no wise different from those taken on the Saskatchewan. On

Eonasa umhellus.

the banks of the latter river it was found very plentiful, frequenting the horse-
paths and the cleared spaces about the forts. In winter, when the grotmd was
covered w'ith snow% it occurred in flocks of ten or twelve, perching on trees.
These flocks could be approached without difficulty, and several birds succes-
sively shot from the same tree without exciting the alarm of the survivors, if
the lowest were shot first. When disturbed, like most Grouse they flew off
very swiftly, with a loud whirring sound, and to a considerable distance before
alighting. The male in spring makes a very singular loud noise, resem-
bling the quick roll of a drum, which is produced by rapid strokes of the
vol.. ni. 57

450 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

wings, and wliicli may lie heard to quite a distance. In the mating-season
the male struts about in tlie jiresence of the female, in the manner of a
Turkey-cock, its wings drooping, its tail erected, and its ruffs displayed.

This Grouse is a constant resident in the district in which it occurs, and,
as a general rule, is in no sense migratory, though it is slated hy Aiiduhon
that in some regions wliere they are very abundant they perform partial
sorties at the apjiroach of autumn. These only occur in mountainous regions
in which during tlie winter months there is an insutiicienc)' of food. These
movements have been noticed on the banks of the Ohio and the Susquehanna
Rivers. Their journeys occur in the month of October, wlien they are in
the best condition for the table, and they are much sought after. In the
spring, those which have escaped return to the regions from which they
migrated. Mr. Audubon states that in October, 1820, he observed a large
number moving from the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois into Keutuckj',
many of which were shot, and taken to the Cincinnati market.

This Grouse is found wherever wooded eountrj' is to be met with, and is
especially fond of the craggy sides of mountains and liiUs, and tlie bordere
of rivers and small streams. Thej^ also often occur in considerable num-
bers in low lands, and were discovered by Jlr. Audubon breeding in the
thickest cane-ljrakes of Indiana and Kentucky.

They find in these wooded regions at once the means of food and shelter.
In these localities they breed, and there they may usually be seen at all
seasons of the year. They are thus to be met with in nearly all the Southern
States; being abundant in the Carolinas, in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missis-
sippi, as far to the southwest as Xatchez. They are not known to occur in
any part of Louisiana. Dr. Newberry did not encounter this bird within
the limits of California, but found them very abundant in the wooded por-
tions of the Cascade ^fountains and in the Willamette Valley. The Oregon
specimens were generally darker than the eastern varieties, but the habits
were apparently everywhere the same.

In many important respects the habits of this bird appear to be essentially
different from those of the Pinnated Grouse. Uidike that species, it is rarely
met with on open plains. Though the food of the two species ajipears
to be very similar, this peculiarity and difference of abode is quite striking.
This is more noticeable at the South than in the more northern and
western portions of the country, where, however, this species seems to seek,
and the cupido to avoid, the wooded sections.

They differ, also, in their more solitary disposition, being never seen in
groups of more than four or five, and rarely other than singly or in pairs.
Wilson observed, while travelling among the mountains of Pennsylvania,
that these birds left the woods early in the morning to seek the ojien path
or road to ]iick up gravel or to glean among the droppings of the horses,
and he was thus enabled to sujiply himself without leaving the path. On
the ground they were observed to move with great stateliness, spreading out
their broad fan-like tails.

TETRAONID.E— THE GROUSE. 451

The flight of tliis Grouse is low, straightforward, and rarely protracted
more tliau a few hundred yards at a time. It is somewhat stiff, and per-
formed with frequent, almost continual, beatings of its wings. When it is
flushed from its nest, or is suddenly startled from the ground by a dog, it
rises with a loud whirring sound, whicli noise, however, is not made when
tlic bii'd rises of its own accord. Its movements on the ground are very
stately and graceful, except when it is approached too near, wlieu it runs in
a rapid manner, lowers its head, and spreads its tail, and either seelvs siielter
or takes to flight. When it hides in tiie bushes, it usually squats and
remains close. They are difficult birds to shoot on the wing, the more so that
they malve sudden and unexpected changes in the direction of their flight.
When they light on a tree, they are more readily followed and shot. The
prevalent notion that, where several of these birds are in tlie same tree,
several may be procured if you are careful to shoot the lowest one each
time, was not verified by Mr. Audubon's experience.

The love-season of the Partridge commences early in Marcli, and is
indicated by the drumming of male birds. This sound is produced by the
male bird only, who, standing on a fallen log or on an elevated rock in the
most retired portion of the woods, lowers his wings, expands his tail, con-
tracts his neck, and seems to inflate his whole Ijody. The tufts of feathers
on either side of the neck are elevated, and the bird struts and wlieels
about in the most pompous manner possible to imagine. After manceu-
vring in this manner ibr some time, he begins to strike the sides of his own
body with his stiftened wings with short and rapid strokes. These become
more and more rapid, until the noise they produce seems continuous. These
sounds may l)e heard at all hours of the day, but more generally early in
the morning. The sound thus produced has generally been compared to
that produced by beating together two distended bladders. But this gives
one a very inadequate idea of the rolling, reverberating, ventriloquistic
noise which these binls thus occasion. It is more like the distant and
closing reverberations caused by remote thunder, and seems to the listener
rnucli nearer than it really is. It may be imitated in several ways, so as
even to deceive the bird, and to bring him, in a fatal impulse of jealousy, to
the shot of tlie sportsman.

In the spring these birds feed on the buds of several kinds of trees,
especially the birches. In Maine they are particularly fond of the buds of
the black birch, which gives to their flesh a peculiar and very agreeable
flavor, and from this in certain localities they are known as the Birch
Partridge. They also feed largely on the esculent berries of the summer,
as raspberries, blueberries, and huckleberries, and in tlie fall become plump
and fat, and are esteemed a great delicacy.

^Ir. Audubon states tliat, as this bird rises trom the ground, it utters a
caclding note, which it repeats six or seven times, and then emits a lisping
whistle, like the cry of some young bird, wliich is rather remarkable. When

452 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

the ground is covered by a fall of lii^ht snow, these birds dive into it and
conceal themselves, sometimes burrowing tlirmigh it to the depth of several
feet. ^VlK'n i)ursued, they frequently escajDe in this manner. Many are
taken under the snow; others are snared l)y nooses, or by means of figure
of four traps.

This Grouse is more or less polygamous, and Iwth sexes are somewhat
promiscuous in their intercourse. Tlie males only remain with the females
until incubation has commenced, and then keep by themselves, unless re-
called by the females when their eggs have been taken or destroyed. The
males occasionally indulge in severe contests for the possession of the
female, but not to the same extent as with the Pinnated Grouse.

The female places her nest in some retired sj^ot, usually on the edge of
the woods, or near an opening in it, always on the ground, and often under
the shelter of a projecting rock or a fallen log. The nest is very rude and
simple, consisting of only a few leaves laid in a depression and not woven
together. The eggs are from seven to twelve in number, and are generally
of a uniform yellowish-ljro\\'n color, and are very rarely mottled or sjiotted.
During incubation the Parti'idge sits very closely, and permits a near
approach before she will leave her charge. The young Partridges leave the
nest as soon as they are hatched, following their mother, who calls to them
with a clucking sound not unlike that of the common domestic Hen. The
mother is very devoted, courageous, and wily in defending them. Coming
suddenly upon a young brood of Partridges squatted with their mother near
the roadside in a woods, my first knowledge of their presence was received
i'rom the old bird flying directly at my face, and then tumbling about at my
feet with frantic manifestations of distress and imitated lameness. In the
mean while the little ones scattered in every direction, and were not to be
found. As soon as she was satisfied of their safety, the parent flew to a
short distance, and I soon heard her clucking call to them to come to lier
again. Altogether, it was one of the most striking scenes of parental devo-
tion and well-managed intervention I ever witnessed. AVhen I came upon
the mother, she had squatted upon the ground, and the young had taken
refuge under her wings.

The males keep apart from the females and the young until the approach
of winter, when they reasseml^le in their search for food. In severe seasons,
when the snow lies very deep, especially in Pennsylvania, they are said to
feed on the buds of the Mountain Lam-el, or some other poisonous shrub
which imj)arts a poisonous character to their flesh. In ]\Iaine they have
been accused of resorting to n]iple-orchards and destroying the fruit-buds,
thus occasionally causing a serious injury to the prospective harvest. We
apprehend there is some foundation for these charges.

Mr. AViUiam Street, of Easthampton, who resides on ^Nldunt Tom, writes
me that he has found this Grouse very numerous in that vicinity. Having
lived in a secluded place ten years, and liaving met with these birds con-

TETraONID^E — THE GROUSE. 453

stantly by day and by night, lie has been able to note some interesting
peculiarities in theii- habits. The drumming by the male is often made on a
stone as well as a log, the same perch being resorted to, when once chosen by
a male bird, as long as it lives. In one instance he knew one of these Par-
tridges persistently adhere to its drumming-place, even though the woods had
all been cut away and a new road made close by its post. They roost on
the ground as well as on trees, when near their home, and just where night
overtakes them. They can fly by night as well as by day, when disturbed,
as he has often had occasion to notice, having started them up at all hours
of the night. They are very local in tlieir habits, and never wander more
than a hundred rods from the drumming-place of the male. This spot
seems to be the central point around which tliey live. The young keep
with the old birds throughout the fall and winter, and select their own
homes in the spring, not far from those of their parents. When a hock is
started up, they separate and fly in every direction ; but if one sits quietly
down and keeps perfectly still, in less than an hour he will see them all
coming back, on foot, and all at al^out the same time.

The eggs of this species measure 1.60 inches in length by 1.15 in breadth.
They are usually unspotted and of a uniform dark cream-color, occasionally
marked with darker blotches of the same. They are of an elongated oval,
pointed at one end.

Bonasa umbellus, var. umbelloides, Douglas.

THE MOUNTAIN PAETBIDGE.

Tetrao umbelloides, Dougl. Linu. Trans. XVI, 1S29, 148. Bonasa umbellus, var. umbelloicUs,
B.4.IRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 925 (appendLx). Bonasa winbelloides, Elliot, P. A. N. S.
1864. Bonasa umbelhis, AuD. — D.\LL k B.a.nnister, Tr. Chicago, Ac. I, 1869, 287
(Alaska, interior).

Sp. Char. In pattern of coloration exactly similar to umbellus, but colors different.
Rufous tints almost wholl}' replaced by gray, the ground-color of the tail always fine
light ash. Neck-tut'ts deep glo.s.sj'-blaok.

Hab. Rocky Mountains of the United States, and interior of British America, from
Alaska (on the YukonJ to Canada, where grading into var. umbelhis.

Habits. In regard to the habits of this variety we have no information.
It was found by Jlr. Drummond among the Eocky Mountains, near the
sources of the tributaries of tlie Saskatchewan. He states that those he
met with were at least one third smaller than the umbellus, had a much
grayer plumage and a shorter ruffle. He regarded it as a distinct species
from the common Partridge, which he also encountered in the same locality.

Mr. Eidgway met witli this variety on the Wahsatch Mountains in Octo-
ber and during the summer. It was known in that locality as the Pine
Hen, in distinction from the T. ohsciirus, which was known as the Mountain
Grouse.

/ "2

454 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Tlie eggs of this variety measure 1.62 inches iu length by 1.20 in breadth.
Their groimd-color is a ileej) uuiform cream, darker than iu the umbcllns.
They are occasionally marked with dark tints of the same.

Bonasa umbellus, \ai. sabini, Douglas. Jl

THE OREGON GROUSE.

Tetrao sabini, DorGL.\s, Trans. Linn. .Sue. XVI, ISili, 1.37. — Ricii. F. Bor. Am. II, 1S31,
343. ? Tetrao umbclhis. Rich. F. Bor. Am. II, 18.31, 342. — Newberry, Zobl. Cal.
& Or. Route, Rep. P. R. K. Surv. VI, iv, 1S57, 94. Bonasa sabini, Baird, Birds
N. Am. 1S5S, 631. —Cooper & SuCKLEY, 224. — Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864. — In.
Monog. Tetraon. — Lord, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 123 (Br. Col). — Gk.\y, Cat, Brit.
Mus. V, 1867, 89. — Dall & Bannister, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287 (Alaska coast).
— Cooper, Om. CaL I, 1870, 540.

Sp. Char. Similar to var. uinbellus, but much darker. The rufous tints almost
castaneous, and the dusky markings larger. Length, about 18.00 ; wing, 7.30 ; tail, 6.70.
Hab. Coa.*t Mountains of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Tlie specimens of Euffed Grouse from the Pacific coast differ very greatly
from others in much darker tints of coloration, although the pattern is
precisely the same. The upper parts are dark orange-cliestnut, mottled with
black, the cordate light spots very distinct. The feathers of the breast are
strongly tinged with reddish-yellow ; those of the sides marked with broad
and conspicuous bars of black, instead of the obsolete Ijrown. The under
tail-coverts are orange-chestnut, with indistinct bars of black, and an angular
terminal blotch of white. All tlie light lirown blotches and edgings of the
eastern variety are here dark brown or bbtek. The jugidar band between
the ruffles is very conspicuously black. Specimens from Eastern Oregon and
Washington have dark gray tails, and thus incline toward var. umhclloidcs.

Habits. The Western Euffed Grouse was found abundant by Dr. Suck-
ley in the timbered districts throughout Oregon and Washington Territory.
Its habits seemed to be identical w-ith those of the eastern birds. Owing
to the mildness of the season in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, the males
commence drumming as early as January, and in February they are heard
to drum throughout the night. In the autumn they collect in great num-
bers in the crab-apple thickets near the salt marshes at the mouths of the
rivers emptying into Paget Sound. There they feed for about si.x weeks
on the ripe fruit of the northwestern crab-apple, the Pyrus rivularis of
NuttaU.

Dr. Cooper also speaks of this Grouse as very abundant everywhere about
the borders of woods and clearings. It was common near the forests east of
the Cascade Mountains up to the 49th degree. These birds vary in jilu-
mage there, a pale-grayish hue jiredominating. West of the mountains they
are all of a very dark brown. There w'as, however, no perceptible difference
in their habits or cries from those of the same bird elsewhere.

TETRAOXID^E — THE GROUSE. 455

Mr. J. K. Lord assigns to this species an extended geographical range
west of the Eocky Mountains, — from the borders of California, throughout
Oregon and Washington Territories, extending high up on the slopes of the
Rocky Mountains, plentiful in all the timbered lands between the Cascades
and the rocky ruts along the banks of the Columbia, over the ridge of the
Cascades, and down their western slopes to Frazer's Kiver, in all the islands
of the Gulf of Georgia, and e\eryw]iere on Vancouver Island to its extreme
northern end, and on the mainland as far north as latitude 53°. The habits
of this Grouse are described as singularly erratic, and its food as varied in
its character. In the spring their favorite haunt is in the vicinity of stag-
nant pools, or in the brush arorrnd a marsh in which the wild swamp-crab,
the black birch, and the alder grow. In sucli places they mate, and during
the breeding-season are said to be very constant and devoted. During the
time of pairing, and at intervals after their young are hatched, the male pro-
duces the sound known as drumming. The bird is said to squat on a log or
a fallen tree, motionless as though it had no life. Suddenly all the feathers
appear as if reversed, tlie tail is erected, the ruif round its neck stands out
stiff and rigid, and the wings droop as if broken. These slowly vilirate, and
then produce a sound loud and clear, like tlie thrum of a double-bass string.
Then the wings move with increased rapidity, and the sound becomes a con-
tinuous throbbing lium. It then suddenly ceases, and after a few minutes
the same performance is repeated.

Mr. Lord also states that he has seen the males of this species fighting
furiously during the pairing season. Rutfiug up their necks, with their
heads and backs almost in a straight line, and with wings dropped, they circle
round and round each other, striking and pecking until tlie vampushed gives
in, and the victor mounts upon a log and proceeds to drum furiously.

Their nest is completed about the end of ]May, and is always placed under
a log on the ground, or at the foot of a Ijush. It is composed of a quantity
of dead leaves, lined with drj"- grasses, bits of moss, and a few feathers.

Mr. Lord adds that lie found at least ten nests of this bird in one swamp
near the Spokane Prairies. From ten to fourteen eggs was about the average
number ; they are described as in' color of a dirtj' white, and without any
spots or freckles of a darker shade. The chickens at once leave the nest
and follow their mother, who calls them with a clucking sound, in the man-
uer of a Hen, covers them when resting, and uses all kinds of feints and
stratagems to lure an intruder from her young, fluttering along close to his
feet as if her wings were entirely disabled, and then, when her chickens have
had time to conceal themselves, suddenly darting off. When frightened, this
Grouse rises with a loud rattling souiul ; but its natural upward movement
is noiseless.

After the chickens are old enough, the flock removes to open hillsides
where grass-seed, berries, and insects are in abundance. This Grouse never
packs, but remains in broods. In the fall, before they begin to feed on the

456 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

spruce buds, tlioir flesh is said to be delirious ; but after the snow shuts them
oil' from other food tliey feed on the hr buds, aud then their flesh acijuu-es
a strong flavor of turpentine.

In the tree this Grouse is not an easy bird to discover ; so closely does its
plumage resemble the lichen-covered bark that it is difficult to distinguish
them, especially as, when alarmed, they crouch down lengthwise with the
limb, and thus become concealed.

Genus LAGOPUS, Yieii.lot.

Lagopus, Yieillot, Analyse, 181t!. (Tyi^e, Telrao hujopus, L.)

Gen. Ch.\r. Nasal groo\e densely clothed -witli featbers!. Tail of sixteen or eighteen
feathers. Legs closely feathered to the claws. The northern species snow white in
winter.

The Ptarmigans inhabit the northern regions of both hemispheres, and
with the Arctic fox and hares, the lemmings, and a few other species, charac-
terize the Arctic zone. They are of rare occurrence within the limits
of the United States, though farther north they become abundant. The
species all change to white in winter, except L. scoticus, which appears to be
merely a permanently dark, southern, insular form of L. albus. (See Alfred
iS'ewton in Proceedings of the I'hiladelphia Academy, July, 1871, pp. 96, 97.)

Species and Varieties.

A. Tail-feathers always with more or less black.

1. L. mutus. Bill small, slender, the length from the nasal groove to the tip
decidedly more than the height through the base. Male in winter with a
black stripe on the lores.

^ in summer with uniform black feathers on the breast; autumnal

plumage bluish-gray, mottled. Hab. Northern Europe . . yaw mutus.
J in summer without uniform lilack feathers on the breast. Autumnal

plumage orange-rufous. Hah. Northern North America ; Greenland ;

Iceland var. rupeslris.

1. L. albus. Bill large, stout ; the length from the nasal groove less, or not
more, than the height through the base. Male in winter without black
stripe on lores. Hah. Northern Europe and northern North America.

B. Tail-feathers entirely pure white.

3. L. leucurus. Winter plumage wholly white. Hah. Alpine summits of
the Western mountain-ranges, from Colorado to Oregon aud Washington,
and north into British America.

TETRAUNIDJi — THE GROUSE.

457

Lagopus albus, Aup.

WUIOW GROUSE; WHITE PTABMIGAN.

Tctrao albus, Gmelin, I, 17S8, 750 (Hudson's Baj-)- — Latu. IuJ. Orii. II, 639. Lago-
pus albus, AuD. Syn. 1839, 207. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 114, pi. ccxcix. — Bon.\p.
Am. Phil. Ill, new ser. p. 393, sp. 313. — Gray, Gen. B. HI. — B.aird, Birds N.
Am. 1858, 633. — BoiE, Isis, 1822, 558. —Gray, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. Ill, 47, 1844.—
Box.AP. Geog. & Comp. List. B. p. 44, No. 288. — Elliot, Monog. Tetraon. pi. —
CoL-Es, P.A.N. S. 1861, 227. — GU.4.Y, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 80. — Dall &
Banxlster, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287. — Finsch, Abh. Nat. Ill, 1872, 62
(.Alaska). Telrao (Lagopus) albus, Nuttall, Man. I, (2ded.,) 1840, 816. ? Telrao
lagopus, FoRSTEK, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 390. Telrao saliccti, Sabine, App.
Franklin's Narr. 681. — Rich. App. Pan-y's 2J Voyage, 347. — Aui). Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 528, pi. cxci. — Sab. App. Frank. Narr. p. 681. Tctrao (Lagopus) saliceti,
SwAiNsox, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 351. — Lagopus s. Gould. B. Eur. pi. IFhite
Grouse, Pexxast. Telrao lapponicus, G.mel. Sy.st. Nat. I, 751, sp. 25. — Lath. Ind.
Orn. II, 640, sp. 12. Tetrao rehusal; Temm. Pig. et Gall. Ill, 225. Lagopus subal-
pimis. Nils. Orn. Suec. I, 307, sp. 139. Lagoptcs irackijdactylus, Temm. Man. Orn.
Ill, 328. — Gould, B. Eur. pi. cclvi. — Gray, Gen. B. III. — Bonap. Consp. List.
44, No. 300.

Sp. Char. Bill very stout. Bill .is high as the distance from the nasal groove to its
tip. Tail always black, narrowly tipped with white ; wing (except upper coverts) pure
white.

Summer. Male (43,505, Fort Anderson, September 8 ; MacFarlane). Head, neck, and
jugulum deep cinnamon-rufous; whole upper parts (except wings) paler, more fulvous

Lasnpits albus

brown, broadly and closely barred with black. Top of head spotted with black, and the
jugulum and neck with scattered bars of the same. Wing, 7.50 ; bill, .40 from nostril,
and .35 deep. Female (.53,.52G, Fort Anderson, June, 1865; MacFarlanej. Entire plu-
TOL. III. 58

458

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

mage (except wings, tail, and legs) fulvous-buff, heavily spotted and barred above, and
regularly barred beneath, with black. Wing, 7.20 ; bill, .40 by .40.

Wintei: Entire plumage, except the tail (which is black with a white tip), immacu-
late snowy-white; shafts of primaries black. Male (.34,968, Northwest R., Labrador;
D. Smith). Wing, 7.50 ; bill, .42 by .45. Female (50,060, Nulato, Lower Yukon, April 12,
1867 ; W. H. Dall). Wing, 7.50; bill, .42 by .42.

Chick (2,648, Fort Anderson, July, 1864). Prevailing color greenish-buff, tinged with
sulphur-yellow on the throat and abdomen, and washeil with fulvous on the upper parts.
A large oval vertical patch of chestnut-rufous, bordered all round by a black line, which,
from the occiput, is continued down the nape in a broad distinct stripe of black. On the
upper part of the back this stripe bifurcates, and continues in two broad parallel stripes
to the lower part of rump, where they again unite. A black stripe across the wing and
one through the eye and auriculars.

H.\B. Arctic America from Newfoundland to Sitka.

Habits. Eichardson regarded this species as an inhabitant of the fur
countries from the 50th to the 70th parallel of latitude, being jjartially
migratory within those limits. It was found to breed among the valleys of

the Eocky Mountains,
S= on the barren grotmds,
and along the Arctic
coasts. On tlie ap-
j proach of winter it
J collects in flocks, and
( retires southward as the
severity of the weather
increases. They re-
main, however, in con-
siderable numbers as
far north as latitude 67°
even in the coldest win-
ters. It was found to
be tolerably abundant
at the 65th parallel all
the year, assembling
the winter time. Mr.

Lagopus albus.

in vast flocks on the shores of Hudson Bay in
Hutchins states that ten thousand of these birds have been captured in a
single season at Severn Eiver. Eichardson adds that in 1819 these birds
made their first appearance at Cumberland House, latitude 54°, in the second
week of Xovember, and that they returned to the northward again before
the beginning of spring. In the winter tjiey are said to shelter themselves
in tliickets of willows and dwarf birches, on the banks of marshes and
lakes, the buds of the smaller shrubs being the principal part of their food
at that season. Denuded sandy spots were their favorite resorts in the day-
time, but they ]"iassed tlieir nights in holes in the snow. When pursued by
sportsmen or birds of prey, they often terminate their flight by hastily div-

TETRAONID^ — THE GROUSE. 459

ing into the loose snow, working their way beneath its surface witli con-
siderable celerity. In thick, windy, or snowy weather they were very shy,
perching on the taller willows, where it required a sharp eye to di.stiaguish
them from flakes of snow. In the summer season they feed chiefly on the
berries of the alpine arbutus and other shrubs and plants, which are laid
bare by the thaw, and which do not disappear until they are replaced by a
new crop. They incubate about the beginning of June, at which time the
females moult. The males assume their red-colored plumage as soon as tlie
rocks and eminences become bare, at whicli time they are in the habit of
standing upon large stoues, calling in a loud and croaking voice to their
mates, which, still in their white wintry garb, are hidden in the snows be-
low. These birds are more usually in motion in tlie milder light of night
tlian in the broad glare of day.

Captain Blakiston traced this Grouse across the interior from Hudson's Bay
to near the Uocky Mountains, and obtained a single specimen near Fort
Carlton. It does not come down every winter, however, so far south on the
Upper Saskatchewan. Near Lake Winnipeg, at Fort Cumberland, and to the
eastward, they are common every winter, and numbers are obtained from
the shores of Hudson's Bay. Mr. Eoss gives this species as common on the
Mackenzie. Mr. Eobert MacFarlane found it around Fort Anderson, where,
he writes, it was always very numerous in that quaiter at all seasons,
and generally not difficult of approach. During the lireeding-season the
males were to be found perched upon trees and stumps in tlie vicinity of
the nest, ^v\n\e the female would rarely leave the latter until almost trodden
on. They are also said, by ]\Ir. ]\IacFarlane, to assume their summer plu-
mage earlier than the males, differing in this statement from Dr. Eichard-
son's. Their nest is always on the ground, and consists only of a few de-
cayed leaves placed in a depression. Sometimes other materials, sucli as
hay, moss, feathers, etc., are found. While incubating, the female occa-
sionally sits so close as to allow herself to l>e caught, rather than leave the
nest.

They begin to nest early in June, varying a little with the season, not
commencing so soon where the ground at that period was still covered with
snow. Eggs taken from the oviduct were almost iavarialily pure white in
color. In one instance an egg taken from the oviduct of a female, June 5,
that had previously deposited eight eggs the same season, was covered with
coloring matter or marking so soft as to adhere to the fingers when touched.
After the i'emale has once begun to lay, Mr. MacFarlane observed that she
deposits one egg each day until the whole number has been reached. This
varies from eight to ten.

The males were always observed in the immediate vicinity of the nest,
and began to assume their summer moult about the 6th of June, most of
their necks at that time being already of a reddish-brown color. The nests
were always on the ground, and were mere depressions lined with a few soft

460 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

materials, generally leaves, Dceasiunally mingled with feathers, hay, etc., the
featliers often being their own. The same nest \v;is often made use of in
successive seasons. Eggs were found as late as tiie 24th of June, and the
female is supposed to sit about three weeks before hatcliing. Occasionally
eggs were found dropped on the bare ground without any signs of a nest.
In one instance the egg was pure white, like one taken from the oviduct.
It was found lying on the bare ground, without the least appearance of a
nest in its vicinity.

Tn one instance where a nest was met with, on the l)anks of Swan River,
by Mr. ^lacFarlane's party, en route, the female was almost trodden under
foot before she fluttered of!', when she at once turned about to face her ene-
mies, spreading her wings and ruffling her feathers as if to attack or frighten
them away. In another case a nest containing only one fresh egg, in which
the female had but just begun to deposit, was found as late as June 25.
Other eggs found June 27 contained very large embryos. Another nest,
examined a fortnight later (July 10), had iu it ten perfectly fresh eggs.
Mr. MacFarlane inferred that this nest had been roblwil at an earh' period
of the season. This time slie apparently made no attempt at another
laying.

In several instances where botli birds were present near a nest that was
taken, the male bird would make his presence known by giving utterance to
very peculiar rough notes, indicative of alarm and of distress at the pro-
ceedings. In one instance a nest was found iu the midst of a clump of very
small stunted willows, within thirty feet of the spot where ilr. MacFarlane's
tent was pitched. This was on the 21st of June, but the nest escajied
notice until the 22d of July, when the female was almost trodden on as she
was sitting on her eggs, where she had probably had her nest during tlieir
entii'e stay. The eggs were warm when taken, and their contents were
slightly developed. During the night the male Ptarmigan disturbed the
encampment by keeping up a constant utterance of his rough and rather
unpleasant notes. In another instance the female iluttered otf, calling, and
pretending to be badly wounded ; while the male bird, in the vicinity, made
his near presence known by the loud manner in wliich he expressed his
disapprobation of such proceedings.

In one instance where an Indian had found a nest of this Ptarmigan,
which then contained seven eggs, the female was seen, and the notes of the
male bird were heard. He placed a snare about the eggs, but on returning to
the nest a few hours afterwards, he was surprised to find that si.x of tlie eggs
had disappeared during his brief absence. He supposed a fox had taken
them ; but as no egg-shells were left behind, ]Mr. ^MacFarlane has no doubt
they were removed by the parent birds.

When the young are hatched they follow the parents, both of whom keep
about them, and display great courage and devotion whenever there is any
occasion, suflering themselves to be very closely approached, and utterly re-

TKTliAOXID-E— THE GROUSE. 4Q2

gardless of consequences in their desire to save their young. The latter
are ^^ery hard to recognize, owing to their close resemblance to the grass, in
which they sqiuit, and remain jierfectly still.

In September and October uf each season these Ptarmigans assemlile in
large flocks, but during winter seldom more than two or tliree dozen were
ever noticed in single companies. They would often aliglit and feed in the
immediate presence of the men, and would e\en permit a very near ajiproach.
During the winter they were frequently to be met with between Fort An-
derson and Fort Good Hope, in especial abundance about the last-mentioned
post. As tlie spring approached, they began to migrate to the north; so that
in the summer scarcely a Ptarmigan was to be seen south of Lockhart Piiver,
on their usual line of march to that post. In February, 1859, Mr. MacFar-
lane found them numerous to the very borders of the wooded country, along
the banks of the Lower Anderson.

Mv. Donald Gunn states that this Ptarmigan is very seldom to be seen
south or west of Lake Winnipeg, Init is found in all the country nortli and
east of that lake during tlie winter season. In the summer they are said to
breed around Htulson's Bay, and during the winter to be found along the
whole extent of that bay, especially if the winter is mild. During severe
winters they go more inland. The males of this species are said by Mr.
Gunn to crow morning and evening in the same manner as the Moor-fowl
in Scotland, the tone and notes being very similar. Tiie female is said to lay
from ten to si.xteen eggs, but the largest number taken by Mr. MacFarlane
appears to have been ten. These birds are of great service to the Indians,
serving as food when larger game fails ; and their featliers are also a con-
siderable article of trade, several hundredweight of them being annually
sent to London.

Mr. Dall found this Ptarmigan abundant in Alaska, from Fort Yukon to
the sea. In winter they feed exclusi\ely on willow Ijuds, a double-handful
having often been found in their crops. As soon as the ground was well
covered with snow they appeared on the river in coveys among the wiUow-
thickets. They were rather shy, and on an alarm flew immediately, but
without noise. They made regular paths along the banks of tlie river
among the willows, along which they always ran. The Indians took advan-
tage of these to snare them, and cauglit them by hundreds. They were
abundant in tlie fall and midwinter. In February they gathered in im-
mense flocks, and disappeared, no one could tell where, returning aliout the
middle of ilarch as suddenly as they had gone away, remaining a few
" weeks, then resorting to the mountains and open country to breed. In
1867 they disappeared February 15 and returned April 1, leaving for the
mountains May 3. Tlie following year they left February 10, returned
March 21, and left for the mountains April 28, going and coming in large
flocks. They begin to moult about the middle of April, the feathers of the
head, edges of wings, and upper tail-coverts, changing first. At this time

4r.2 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

tlie capillaries in the skin of the abdomen heconie enjvorged with serons fluid,
and give to the bird a disgusting ajipearanee. ilr. Dall obtained eggs in an
ojien tundra near the mouth of tlie Yukon in the latter part of June.
The female defended her nest bravely, and rather than desert licr eggs
allowed herself to be torn to pieces by a dog.

Mr. Bannister was also struck with the strong attachment shown to each
other by both se.xes during the breeding-season. He has known the male
bird to sacrifice his own life, rather than desert his wounded mate. He
mentions them as common at St. Michaels and the adjoining mainland
during the greater part of the year, but especially abundant in the spiing,
when tliey are found singly or in ]iairs all over the country. In the fall
and winter they kept more to the tluckets of willows. The greater part
of tlieni were supposed to have gone into tiie wooded district of the interior
for better shelter and more abundant food.

The eggs of this species vary consideraljly in lengtii and breadth ; they
average about 1.85 inciies in length and l.liO in breadth, and are oval in
shape, one end a little less obtuse than the other. They are all beautifully
variegated and marked with bold confluent l:>lotches of a dark claret color,
upon a ground of a deep cream tinged with a reddish shading.

Lagopus mutus, var. riipestris, Leach. ^' ^'.

ROCK PTAEMIGAN. / ■% ?-

Tetrao rupcstris, GsiELiK, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 751 (haacA on Rock Grouse of Pennant). — ,i .
L.VTHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 312. — S.\bine, Supplcm. Parry's First Voyage, page ' /. /
cxcv. — Richardson, Append. Parry's Second Voyage, .348. — Aud. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 483, pi. ccclxviii. Lagopus rupcstris, Le.\c'H, Zoiil. Misc. II, 290. — Bii.v. List,
1838. — Aud. Syn. 208. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 122, pi. ccci. — Baird, Birds N.
Am. 1858, 635. —Elliot, Monog. Tetraon. pi. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 18C7, 92.
— Uall & Bakxister, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287. Tetrao {Lagopus) rttjicslris.
Swains. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 354, pi. Ixiv. Attagen rupcstris, Reich. Av. Syst. Nat.
1851, page xxix. Rock Grouse, Pennant, Arctic Zobl. II, 312. Lagopus islandorum.
Fab. Prod, der Island. Orn. page 6. — Gray, Gen. — Ib. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. HI, 47,
1844. Tetrao lagopus islandicus, SoHLEG. Rev. Crit. des Ois. d'Eur. p. 76. Tetrao
islandicus, Breh.m, Eur. Vog. II, 448. Lagopus reinJuirdti, BuEHM. Lagopus
groenlandicus, Bueiim, Vcigelfang, p. cclxiv, note. 1 Tetrao lagopus, Sabine, E. Suppl.
Parry's First Voyage, p. cxcvii. — Sabine, J. Franklin's Jour. 682. — Rich. App. Parry's
Second Voyage, 350. Tetrao {Lagopus) mutus. Rich. F. B. A. II, 1831, 350. Tetrao
mutus, Aud. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 196. Lagopus mutus. Gray, Cat. B. Brit. Mu.s.
1867, 91 (Ft. Resolution and Ft. Simpson). Lagopus avicricanus, AuD. Syn. 1839,
207, B. Am. V, 1842, 119, ])I. ccc. — Baird, Birds N. .Am. 1858, 637.

Sp. Char. Bill slender ; distance from the nasal groove to tip (.35) greater than height
at base (.27). In summer tlie feather.s of back black, banded distinctly with yellowish-
brown and tipped with white. In winter white, the tail black ; the male with a black
bar from bill through eye. Size considerably less than that of L. albus. Length, about
14.50; wing, 7.50: tail. 4..50.

TETRAOXID.K — THE rrROUSE. 403

Female in summer (44,582, Barren Grounds, Juno 29, 1864 ; R. MacFarlano). Wings
(except upper covert?) and legs wliite; tail (except intermediie), black, narrowly tipped
with white. Rest of plumage light ochraceous or buff, some feathers tipped with white,
and all with broad transverse bars of black, this color prevailing on the dorsal region.
On the lower surface the buff bars exceed the black ones in width. Wing, 7.20 ; tarsus,
1.15 ; middle toe, .90 ; bill, .35 by .27.

Hab. Arctic America.

The L. rnutus of Europe appears to differ only in its summer niid au-
tumnal plumages from the present form, and is then only distinguished
by the uniformly black feathers on the breast in tlie former, and the bluish
cast in the latter stage. Those in the winter plumage that we have exam-
ined are absolutely identical in size, proportions, and color with the Ameri-
can birds.

Habits. According to Hutchins, this Ptarmigan is numerous at the two
extremes of Hudson's Bay, but does not appear at the middle settlements of
York and Severn except in very severe seasons, when the Willow Grouse
are scarce ; and Captain Saljine informed Eichardson that they abounded on
Melville Island, latitude 75°, in the summer. They arrived there in their
snow-white winter dress about the 12th of May. By the end of the month
the females had begun to assume their colored plumage, which was com-
pleted by the first week in June, wlien the change in the plumage had only
just commenced in the males. Some of the latter were found as late as the
middle of June in their unaltered winter plumage. This (irouse was also
found on the IMeh'ille peninsula and the Barren Grounds, rarely going farther
south, even in the winter, than latitude 53° in the interior, but, on the coast
of Hudson's Bay, descending to latitude 58°, and in severe seasons still
fiirther to tlie southward. In its general manners and mode of living it is
said to resemble the alhus, but does not retire so far into the wooded coun-
try in the winter. At that season it frequents the more open woods on the
borders of lakes, especially in the 65th parallel, but the bulk of tliis species
remains on the skirts of the Barren Grounds. They incubate in June.

Mr. ^lacFarlane found this species breeding about Fort Anderson, and on
the Barren Grounds east of the Horton Eiver. They nest, in a similar man-
ner to L. alhus, on the ground, placing the materials in a depression on the
ground, and using hay, withered leaves, and a few feathers, and making a
rather loose, ill-arranged nest. This is usually placed on an open common,
sometimes near the banks of a small stream. Tliey were more early in their
breeding than the alhus, as young Ptarmigans of a goodly size are mentioned
as having been seen June .30. The eggs ranged from four to eight in number.

The female sits very close, and rather than leave will sometimes suffer
herself to be taken by the hand. In one instance when a nest was ap-
proached, the female crouched as much as possible, in the hope that she
might not be noticed, which would have happened had not one of the party
observed her eye. Her summer plumage was almost exactly of the same

464 NORTH AiMEKlCAN BIRDS.

color with tlio soil, and luudly (listin_u;insliable from it. The man was within
three feet, and, making a .swoop, caught her on tiie nest.

Excepting in 1862, Jlr. MacFarlane did not meet with any of this species
west of the Swan River, on his various journeys to Franklin Bay. Every
season, almost immediately on leaving the woods fringing Swan liiver, birds
began to be seen as far as and all along the Arctic coast. Although con-
stantly found feeding in large numbers on the Barrens, it was always diffi-
cult to find tlieir nests. They were most numerous between Horton liiver
and Franklin Bay, and were frequently seen standing singly, or feeding on
the ground, or an occasional pair might be seen, but it was seldom any num-
ber were observed in company.

Mr. Dall states that this species was not uncommon in the Romanzoff
Mountains, northwest of Fort Yukon, but did not know of its being found
farther south or west. It was olitained by S. Weston at Fort Yukon, and
among tlie mountains by Mr. McDougal.

. The eggs of this species closely resemble those of L. alhm, but are some-
what smaller in size. They measure 1.63 inches in length liy 1.18 in
breadth, varying slightly in size. Their ground is a deep reddish cream-
color, nearly covered by large blotches of a reddish-chestnut, giving a beauti-
I'ully variegated effect to the whole.

Lagopus leucurus, Swainsox & Richardson.

WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN.

Tarao (Lagopus) leucurus, Sw. & Rich. F. B. A. II, 1831, 356, pi. Ixiii. — XrTT. Man.
Om. II, 1834, 612. —In. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, S20. — DorcL. Tr. Linn. Soc. XVI, 146.
Tctrao leucurus, AcD. Om. Biog. V, 1839, 200, pi. ccccxviii. Lagopus hucurus, Aud.
Syn. 1839. — Ib. B. Am. V, 1842, 125, pi. cccii. — Gray, Gen. HI. — Baird, Birds
N. Am. 1858, 637. —Bon. Comp. List. 441, No. 291. — Elliot, P. A. N. S. 1864. —
Ib. Monog. Tetraon. pi. — Ge.\y, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 93. — Cooper, Om. Cal. I,
1870, 542.

Sp. Char. Male ? u-inter (4,578, Fort Halkett, Liard's River). Entirely pure white,
including the tail. Wing, 6.70; tar.*n.=, 1.00; middle toe, 1.00; bill, 3.5 by .29.

Summer. AVings, tail, abdomen, crissum, and leg.^ immaculate snowy-white. Ground-
color of rest of plumage grayish-white on head and neck and ashy-buff on other portions,
finely and rather sparsely sprinkled with black, — more in form of ragged transverse
bars anteriorly and on sides. (?. 1(5,002, Camp Skagitt, N. W. B., August 16; C. B.
Kenncrly.)

Hab. Alpine summits of the Western mountains, from lat. 39° in the Rocky Moun-
tains north into British .\meriea, and west to the Cascades of Oregon, Washington,
and British Columbia.

Habits. This sjjecies was first procured by Mr. Drummond, and described
by Swainson in tlie "Fauna Borealis." Five specimens were taken on the
Eocky Jlountains in the 54th jiarallel, and another, by Mr. MacPlierson, on
the same chain, nine degrees farther nortli. They were said to have all the

TETRAONID.K - THE GROUSE. 465

haliits of the other rtanuigaus, and to inhabit the snowy peaks near the
mouth of the Columbia, as well as the lofty ridges of the Kocky Moun-
tains.

We have but little reliable information in regard to the habits and dis-
tribution of this species. It seems to be confined entirely to the range of
the Rocky ]\Iountains, and to be found only among their highest points, oc-
curring at least as far to the south as Cochetope Pass, in latitude 39°, and ex-
tending north to an undetermined e.xtent. Specimens were procured in 1858
by Captain R. B. Marcy, on his march from Fort Bridger, in Utah, across the
Rocky Mountains to Santa Fe. They were met with near the summit of the
mountains not far from Cochetope Pass.

Mr. Charles E. Aiken writes me that he has been inl'ovmcd that this bird
is common on Snowy Range, in (_'olorado Territory. He was iutbrnied by
an old miner, wlio claimed to have met witli these birds breeding near the
top of the range in June, that their nest, composed of leaves and grass, is
placed on the ground among bushes on hillsides ; that the eggs are fourteen
in number, of a light bluish-brown, marked and spotted with a darker shade
of brown.

Mr. J. A. Allen (Am. ^at., June, 1872) mentions finding, among the
snow-fields of the luglier jiarts of the mountains of Colorado, this Grouse
as one of the essentially Arctic species that were not met with below the
region of snow. The Ptarmigans were (^uite common, and in tlie winter
descend into the timbered land, where a great numlicr are killed liy the
miners for ibod.

An egg, given to Mr. Allen as a genuine egg of this species, was taken on
Mount Lincoln, Colorado, by Mr. Arthur j\Ieade. It is of an oblong-oval
shape, and measures, as well as its imperfect condition permitted its length
to be estimated, about 1.80 inches by 1.20 in breadth. Its ground is a deep
ochraceous cream-color, marked with small rounded spots of a deep chest-
nut. These are pretty uniformly sprinkled over the surface. Except in
size, it bears a close resemblance to the eggs of the European Tetrao uro-
fjalius.

09

466 Noimi A.\ii;iacA2^ uiiiDS.

Family PERDICID^. — Tin; pAnTKiDGES.

CnAH. Nostrils protectod liy a naked scale. The tarsi bare and scutellate.

The J'crdicu/a- dilliT rrmii the Crroiise in the bare le^s and naked nasal
fossae. They are nnieli smaller in size and more abundant in species. They
are widely distributed over the surface of the globe, a large number belong-
ing to America, where the subfamilies have no Old World re])resentati\es
whatever. The head seldom, if ever, shows the naked space around and
above the eye, so common in the Tdraonidcc ; and the sides of the toes
scarcely exhibit the peculiar pectination formed by a succession of small
scales or plates.

Subfamily ORTYGIN^.

Char. Bill stout, the lower inandilile more or less bideiitato on each side near the
end.

The Oiiijijinw of Bouai)arte, or Odontophorina: of other authors, are
characterized as a group by the bidentation on either side of the edge of
lower mandible, usually concealed in the closed mouth, and sometimes
scarcely appreciable. The bill is short, and rather high at base ; stouter and
shorter than what is usually seen in Old ^^'orld Partridges. The culmen is
curved from the base ; the tip of the bill broad, and overlapping the end of
the lower mandible. The nasal groove is short. The tail is rather broad
and long.

Synopsis of Genera found in the United States.
a. Head without crest.
Ortyx. Tail not much more than half the wings ; outstretched feet reach-
ing beyond the tail.

b. Head with a crest of a few long narroir. keel-shaped feathers.
Oreortyx. Crest-feathers very long, linear ; tail scarcely more than half
tlir wiiiys; bill stout; claws blunt, the lateral not reaching the ba.se of the
niidille claw. Toes of the outstretched foot reaching beyond the tail.
Lophortyx. Crest-feathers widening much terminally, and recurved at the
ends. Tail nearly or quite as long as wing.s. Bill rather small. Claws
acute, the lateral reaching to the base of middle one. Toes not reaching the
tip of tail.

r. Crest soft, full, and tufted ; composed of short, broad, depressed feathers.
Callipepla. Crest springing from the crown. Wing-coverts normal. Tail
stiH'ciii'd. nearly as long as the wing.s. Claws small, acute; outstretched
lei't lint reaching the tip of tail.

Cyrtonyx. Crest occipital. Wing-coverts greatly developed. Tail verj'
small and soft. ; half as long as the wings. Toes short ; claws very long,
blunted ; outstretched feet reaching much beyond the tip of the tail.

PERDICID^ — THE PAHTKIDGES.

467

All the North American Quails, except Carton if /• mnftsuiia, have tlie inner
tertiaries edged internally with whitish or buil', I'ormiug a conspicuous line
on each side of the rump when the wings are closed.

Genus ORTYX, Stephens.

Orf.i/x, Stephens, Shaw's Oeii. Zoul. XI, 1S19. (Type, Titrao vin/inianus, L.)

Gen. Char. Bill stout. Head entirely without any crest. Tail short, scarcely more
than half the wing, composed of moderately soft feathers. Wings normal. Legs devel-
oped, the toes reaching consideralily
beyond the tip of the tail ; the lateral
toes short, equal, their claws falling
decidedly short of the base of the mid-
dle claw.

The genus Orfi/.r embraces
numerous species, more or less
resembling the well-known Bolv
white of the United States. They
are chieHy confined to IMexico,
Central America, aud the West
India Islands. North America
and the West India Islands con-
tain but one species, and this is

Ortyx virgininntis.

SO exceedingly variable in plumage that it is only at extreme points of its
range that differences acquire sufficient constancy to be considered worthy
of especial notice. The regions of its extremes of variation are the north-
eastern, soutlieastern, and southwestern limits of its range ; the modifica-
tions attaining in Culia and in Texas sufficient value to have been deemed
of sjiecific importance. But comparing even the three extremes of plumage,
the differences are found to consist only in a varying amount of the several
colors, specimens from intervening regions forming the connecting links.

Species and Varieties.

O. virginianus. Head longitudinally striped, with a dark superior and
lateral stripe, a light superciliary stripe (continuing down the side of the
neck), and a light gular patch ; these stripes blackish and pure white in the
male, and rusty and oehraceous in the female. Above mottled with rusty
andgrayi.sh; the latter prevailing posteriorly, the former anteriorly. Upper
part of the rump, scapulars, and upper wing-coverts more or less blotched
with black. Beneath white, with transverse, somewhat V-shaped bars of
black ; sides striped with rufous ; lower tail-coverts rufous, with black
medial arrow-head, an<l both webs tipped with roundish spots of rusty
white.

468 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Black gular collar of the male .50, or less, in width.

Reddish tints prevailing ; these nearly continuous on the upper
parts, where the mottlings are minute. Distinct black blotches on
the scapulars, tertials, and upper part of rump. Wing, 4.25 (Florida,
Southern Illinois, Missouri, etc.) to 4.80 (northeastern United
States). Hab. Eastern Province of the United States; Jamaica?

var. virgin ia n ris.
Grayish tints prevailing; no continuous color on the upper parts,
where the mottlings are coarse and general. No distinct black
blotches on the scapulars, etc. Gular black collar narrower. Wing, .
4.10 to 4.50. Hab. Plains, from Texas to Kansas (where it grades

into virginianus) var. texanus.

Black gular collar much more than .50 in width.

Black markings predominating in the male. Female hardly dis-
tinguishable from that of var. texamis. Wing, 4.10. Hab. Cuba.

var. cuhanensis.^

Ortyx virginianus, var virginianus, Bonap. ^ ^

QUAIL; PARTRIDGE; BOB-WHITE.

Tetrao virginianus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, ITtiG, 277, 16 (female ?). — Gmelin, 1, 1788, 761.
Perdix virginiana, L.vth. Ind. Oni. II, 1790, 650. — Wilson, Am. Orn. VI, 1812,
21, pi. .\lvii. — Doi-GUTY's Cab. I, 1830, 37, pi. iv. — Arn. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 388 ;
V, 1839, 564, pi. bixvi. Fcrdic {Orty.r) virginiana, Bosap. Obs. Wils. 1S25, No. 203.
Ortyx virginiana., Jakdine, Nat. Library Birds, IV, Game Birds, 101, pi. x. — BoN.
List, 1838. —AuD. S)-n. 1839, 199. — Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 59, pi. eclxsxix. —
Gould, Mon. Odont. pi. i. — Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 640. — Newton, Ibis, I,
255 (Santa Cruz ; Introduced .'). — Bky.a.xt, B. Pr. VII, 1859 (Bahamas ; introduced I).

— ScLATEK, p. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica). — March, V. A. N. S. 1863, 303 (Jamaica).

— Max. Cab. J. VII, 1858, 444. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 75. — Fowler,
Am. Nat. Ill, Dec. 1869, 535 (habits). Pcrdix (Coliuia) virginiana, Ncttall, Man.
I, 1832, 646. Tetrao marilandicus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 277, 18. — Gmelin, I,
1788, 761, 17. Pcrdix marilandica, Latham, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 650. Tetrao minor,
Bartram, Ti-avels, 1791, 290 bis. Perdix borealis, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. — In.
Galcrie, II, 44, pi. ccxiv. Orltjx borealis, Steph., Shaw's Zobl. XI, 1819, 377.
Virginia Partridge, Latham, Syn. II, ii, 777. Ortyx castaneus, Gould, P. Z. S. X,
182. — Ib. Mon. Odont. (A somewhat melanistic plumage, occasionally seen in speci-
mens from Iowa, Illinois, etc. ?)

Sp. Char. Forehead, and line through the eye and along the side of the neck, with
chin and throat, white. A band of black across the vertex, and extending backwards on
the sides, within the white, and another from the maxilla beneath the eye, and crossing
on the lower part of the throat. The under parts are white, tinged with brown anteriorly ;
each feather with several narrow, obtusely V-shaped bands of black. The forepart of
back, the side of the breast, and in front just below the black collar, of a dull pinkish-
red. The sides of body and wing-coverts brownish-red ; the latter almost uniform, with-
out indication of mottling. Scapulars and upper tertials coarsely blotched with black,
and edged internally with brownish-yellow. Top of head reddish ; the lower part of
neck, except anteriorly, streaked with white and black. Primary quills unspotted brown.
Tail ash. Female with the white markings of the head replaced by brownish-yellow ; the
black ones with brownish.

1 Ortyx virginianus, var. cubanensis. Ortyx cubancnsis, "Gould." — Gray & JIitcu. Gen.
Ill, 514. Ortyx, sp. 2. — GoULD, Mon. Odont.

/ -tt

3'

PERDICIDvE — THE rAKTiaDUES.

469

Young. Head ashy, with a narrow post-ocular white stripe, and the crown spotted
with black ; throat whitish. Beneath pale dingy-ashy, with whitish shaft-streaks, and
without black bars or other markings. Al30ve reddish or olivaceous drab, the feathers
with whitish shaft-streaks, and a large black spot, mostly on upper web.

Chick. Head dingy buiF; an auricular dusky elongated spot, and a vertical patch ol'
chestnut-rufous, widening on the occiput.

Length, 10.00 ; wing, 4.70 ; tail, 2.8.5.

Hab. Eastern United States to the high Central Plains; Devil's River, Texas?

Specimens from Missouri ami Soutlierii Illiuois are intermediate between
the typical virfjinianus of tlie Northeastern States and Florida examples,^ which
approach in every respect, except the broad jugular collar, the var. cuhanensis.
The size is scarcely greater, —
the range in Florida birds be-
ing wing 4.10 to 4.30, while
the average of ^Nlissotiri and
Southern Illinois series is
about 4.25 ; again, in northern
and eastern .specimens the wing
is 4.70 to 4.80. In colors.
Southern Illinois and Florida
birds are also very similar ;
but in Florida there is less
tendency to black blotches on
scapiilars, etc., while in speci-
mens from the southern part of
the peninsula the bill is appre-
ciably larger. From the plains
of Kansas specimens are inter-
mediate between these Illinois
birds and the var. tcxanas.

A pair of Quails from Jamaica, probably derived from Continental
parents, are less different from United States specimens than are those from
Cuba or Texas. In size they are like the former, and have also an
equally large bill ; the male, however, is not darker beneath than Southern
specimens of virginianus, while the female is absolutely undistinguishable
in color from examples of that race from the Middle States.

H.VBiTS. The present species, known in Xew England and in certain
other parts of the country as the Quail, and in the iliddle and Southern
States as the Partridge, — either of which names, belonging to other and quite
different birds, is inappropriate, — is found throughout the eastern portion of
North America from Florida to IMaine, and from the Atlantic to Texas on
the south and to the Central Plains. Partially successful attempts have been

Orlyx virginianus.

1 The Florid.a bird has been lately characterized as var. floridanus by Dr. Coues, m his Key to
North American Birds.

470 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

made to introduce it in Utali, and its area promises to extend mucli fartlier
west than its original limits. This s])ycies has also been acclimated in
Jamaica, and now abounds in all parts of that island. There they are said,
by Mr. March, to make uo nest, liut to lay on the grouml, in tufts of grass-
roots or under clumps of bushes, usually from twelve to twenty eggs. These
are smaller than with us, measuring 1.25 inches by an inch. Mr. March
adds that, during incubation, the male may usually be found sitting on a
low branch in the vicinity of the nest, but does not assist in incubation.

The Quail has also been introduced into the island of St. Groix, and is
now very common in almost every part of it, being especiall}' abundant in
the grass lands of the southwestern i)art. Their habits appear to be some-
what modified by their place of abode, as Mr. Newton has several times
seen birds of this species fly up from the ground when flushed, and percli
upon trees. He also states that, so far as he could find, their nest is never
covered over, as described by some writers, but cousists merely of a shallow
hole scraped in the ground, in which is deposited a little dried gi-ass or
" trash," the leaves of the sugar-cane. It is often placed to leeward of a
protecting cane " stool."

This bird is probably found in all the Xew England States, though its
presence in Maine is not certain, and, if found there at all, is only met with
in the extreme southwestern portion. It is also rare in Vermont and Xew
Hampshire, and only found in the southern portions. It is not given by ilr.
Boardmau, nor by Professor Verrill. Farther west it has a more northern
distribution, being found in Xorthern Xew York and in Southern Canada.
Mr. Mcllwraith gives it as resident in the neighborhood of Hamilton.

In many parts of Massachusetts the Quail has become a very rare bird,
owing to the ravages caused by sportsmen and the severity of winters, heavy
falls of snow being fre(piently particularly fatal to them.

The Quails are not migratory, rarely moving to any extent from the spot
where they were hatched, even in cpiest of food, and are easily affected by
scarcity of food or by the severity of the winter season. In hea\y falls of
snow they frequently huddle together on the ground, and allow themselves
to be buried in the drifts. If the snow is light, they can easily extricate
themselves, and run over its surface in quest of berries and the seeds of
shrubs ; but if the faU be followed by a partial thaw, and a crust forms,
the birds are made prisoners within its impenetrable cover, and miserably
perish of hunger. In the severe winter of 1866 and 1867, large numbers
of Quails thus perished throughout all pai'ts of iliissachusetts. When the
snow melted, they were found, in numerous instances, crowded close together
and embedded in the frozen drifts.

Unlike most birds of this family, the American Quail never collects in
large flocks, but usually moves in small family groups, varying in number
from ten to thirty, but too often reduced to a mere remnant by the inroads
of the sportsman. Wlien there are two broods in a season, the second brood

PERDICID.E — THK PARTRIDGKS. 471

unites witli the fii'st, and, if iminolested, they keep together until the spring,
under tlie guidance of the jiarents. In the niating-season tiiey usually sepa-
rate into pairs, though (iccasionally a male will associate witli more than a
single female, in wiiich case their joint product is united iii the same nest.
In the spring of 185() I found one of the nests which contained no less than
thirty-two eggs. The nest was placed on the side of a liill, in an open pas-
ture, within a few rods of the main street, and in the midst of the principal
village in Hingliam. It was comparatively small, composed of coarse stems
of grass, arched at the top, with the entrance on one side, and tlie eggs
were promiscuously j)iled one upon another. Tiie latter were removed for
the purpose of ascertaining the e.\act uunibei', but very carefully replaced ;
yet the parent birds deserted them, as they are said always to do if their
eggs are handled. An attempt was made to liatcli the eggs under a common
Hen, but it proved unsuccessful. As the nest was in so exposed a place, it
is quite possible that its abandonment by the parent may have been occa-
sioned by otlier causes than our touching the eggs.

Tiiese birds are always found in grounds more or less open, preferring those
in wliicli there is abundance of low trees and clusters of slirubs in which
they can shelter themselves, on the edges of woods, where they occasionally
hide or roost on low branches near the ground. Their favorite food is seeds
of various plants, and berries ; and in the fall of the year, or late in summer,
they feed largely on grasshoppers, and on this food they thrive and become
very fat. They are also very fond of Ijuckwlieat, corn, and all the kinds of
grain. In confinement tliey eat l)eechnuts, acorns, and other kinds of nuts, if
broken for them. In A'illages where they are not molested they become very
tame, freely approach the barnyards to feed with the poultry, and will even
come at the call of their friends and pick up food thrown to them. This is
especially noticeable in Florida, where the re^jresentatives of the small race
of the species found there are very numerous and remarkably confiding.

The Quail is esteemed a great delicacy as an article of food, and is sought
for the market by means of traps, nets, and various kinds of snares, and by
sportsmen with the gun and dogs. It is naturally unsuspicious, is easily
approached, and in the thickly settled parts of the country its ranks are al-
ready greatly thinned. It is gradually disappearing from New England, and
is now very rare in large tracts where it was once Cjuite abundant. In some
localities they have only been retained by tlie importations of others from a
distance. They are of gentle disposition, are apparently much attached to
each other both in the conjugal and in the parental relations, and always
keep closely together in the small flocks associating together. In the fall
the old birds remain with their offspring of the season, and direct the move-
ments of their family. They always keep close together, by day as well
as by night, roost on tlie grotmd under the shelter of bushes in a circle, their
bodies closely impacted, and their heads forming the exterior. This con-
duces alike to tlieir safety and to their warmth.

472 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Late in Ai)iil or early in May they construct their nests, always on tlie
ground, usually under the protection of some cluster of huslies, in a dejjres-
sion. It is often on the slope of a small liiiinciirc It is very simple, the
materials loosely put together, and wholly of coarse stuhhle or straw. All
that I have seen have been arclied over at the top, and with a partially
covered entrance ; but I am told tliat it is as often open as covered. The
eggs are spoken of in the books as from fifteen to twenty. I have never
found less than twenty-four, and from that number to thirty-two. I think
that each female lays but about eight, and that several females make use of
the same nest, — never less than two, nor more than four. But this opinion is
conjectural rather than ascertained. They have two broods in a season, the
second in August, at which time the male is engaged in leading the first
brood, of which he takes charge when they are hardly half grown. He is a
courageous, watchful, and devoted guardian. Once as I was rapidly descend-
ing a path on tlie side of a hill, among a low growth of scrub-oak I came
suddenly upon a co\ey of young Quail, feeding on blueberries, and directly
iu the path. They did not see me until I was close upon them, when the
old Ijird, a fine old male, fiew directly towards me and tumbled at my feet as
if in a dying condition, giving at the same time a shrill whistle, expressive of
intense alarm. I stoojJed and put my hand upon his extended wings, and could
easily have caught him. The young birds, at the cry of the parent, fiew in all
directions; and their devoted father soon followed them, and began calling to
them iu a low cluck, like the cry of the Brown Threslier. The young at
this time were hardly more than a week old, and seemed to fly perfectly
well to a short distance. Tlie female was nowhere to lie seen, but may
have been previously killed, or may have been alreaily in her second incuba-
tion at that early stage. The young run as soon as they are hatched, and
from the first aid their flight with their wings ; when pursued, I have never
known them to squat in the manner of the Euffed Grouse, but rather to
hide themselves in thick bushes or tufts of grass, running from these if dis-
covered.

The male bird has a loud, clear, and very distinctive whistle, which in
New England is interpreted as No more wet, or, if his utterance is more
hurried and excited, as Mure nxt ; and there are those who still attach to
these utterances a meteorological significance. In other parts of the country
this cry is supposed to be Ah Bob-vjhite., or Boh-vjhitc, and tlie birds are not
unfrequently called Bob-Whites, a name suggested by Professor Ixiird as a
good .specific designation. Their note when calling their young brood is very
different, and is a low twitter, suggestive of affection, caution, and gentle care.
It is soft and subdued, and would readily escape notice.

They make a loud whirring sound when they take to flight, but tiiey
rarely fly to any distance, even when most alarmed, as their flight is some-
what laborious. They often esca])e by running on the ground, especially
when they are not suddenly startled.

PEKDICID^ — THE PAKTHIDGES. 473

Mr. Aiulubou states that at tlie West this bird performs occasional mi-
grations towards the southeast iu October, in the manner ol' the Wild Tur-
key; but 1 cannot find that others have noticed this occurrence. In the
Southern and Western States, where this species is very plentiful, they are
taken in immense numbers in large nets, into which they are cautiously and
slowly dri\'en by a party of hunters.

This species, with proper pains, may be easily raised in confinement, in-
duced to breed, and trained into a condition of partial domestication. Kev.
Dr. Bachman, of Charleston, S. C, succeeded in obtaining, by liatcliing
under a Bantam Hen, a brood of young Quails. Confining them with their
foster-mother for a lew days, they were soon taught to follow her like young
chickens. They were fed at first on curds, but soon began to eat cracked
Indian-corn and millet. They were permitted to stray at large in the
garden, one wing of each having been shortened. They became very
gentle, and were in the liabit of following Dr. Bachman tln-ough his house,
seating themselves on the table at which he was writing, occasionally, in
play, pecking at his hands or running off with his pen. At night they
nestled in a coop in the garden. Although these pets had no opportunity
of hearing any other sounds than those of the poultry, the male birds com-
menced in the spring their not unmusical note of Boh-white, at first low, but
increasing in loudness, until they were heard through the whole neighbor-
hood. Their notes were precisely like those of the wild liirds. As the
spring advanced tlie males Ijecame very pugnacious, and continued contests
took place among tliemselves, as well as with the Pigeons and the poultry
that intruded on tlieir premises. Their eggs were placed under a Hen and
hatched out. The experiment went no further, but was quite sufficient to
demonstrate the possibility of their domestication.

Wilson relates that in one instance a female of this species set upon and
hatched out the eggs of the common Hen. For several weeks after, his in-
formant occasionally surprised her in various parts of tlie plantation witli
her brood of chickens, on which occasion she exhibited every indication of
distress and alarm, and practised her usual mauceuvres for their preservation.
She continued to lead them about until they were larger tluin lierself, and
their manners had all the shyness and timidity and alarm of young (Quails.

Mr. Allen states (Am. ISTat., July, 1872) that this species has been recently
introduced into the Great Salt Lake Valley, and in 1871 was giving promise
of multiplying rapidly and becoming thoroughly naturalized, young birds
having been raised in the summer of 1871.

The eggs of this species are of a pure, brilliant wliite color, sharply pointed
at one end, and obtusely rounded at the other. They average about 1.35
inches in length by one inch in breadth.

60

474 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Ortyx virginianus, \ar. texanus, LA^^•KE^•CE.

Ortyx tcxanm, Lawrenxe, Ann. N. Y. Lye. VI, April, 1853, 1. — Baird, Birds N. Am.
1858, 641, pi. bcii. — iB. Mex. B. 11, Birds, 22, pi. .\.\iv. — Dresskk, Ibis, 1866, 27
(S. E. Texas; breeds). — Gr.\y, Cat. Brit. Mus. V. 1867, 75. — Heerm. X, c. 18.

Sp. Char. General appearance that of 0. virgimamis. Chin, throat, forehead, and
stripe over the eye, white. Stripe behind the eye, continuous with a collar across the
lower part of the throat, black. Under parts white, with zigzag transverse bars of black.
Above pale brownish-red, strongly tinged with ash, the feathers all faintly though dis-
tinctly mottled with black ; the lower back, scapulars, and tertials much blotched with
black, the latter edged on both sides, and, to some extent, transversely barred with
brownish-white. Secondaries with transverse bars of the same on the outer web. Wing-
coverts coarsely and conspicuously barred with blackish. Lower part of neck, except
before, streaked with black and white.

Female with the wliite of the head changed to brownish-yellow ; the black of the head
wanting. Length, 9.00 ; wing, 4.3.5; tail, 2.8-5.

Hab. Southern Texas and Valley of the Rio Grande; Republican River, Kansas;
Washita River, Indian Territory.

Habits. This form, which appears to be confined to the southern portion
of Te.xas and to the valley of the Eio Grande River, was first described by
Mr. Lawrence in 185.3. It has been taken in the neighborhood of San
Antonio and on the Nueces Eiver by Captain Pope ; on Devil's River by
Major William H. Emory ; at Fort Clark, on the Pecos River, near Laredo,
Texas, at Matamoras, and near New Leon, Me.xico, and in other localities,
by Lieutenant Couch. According to ilr. Clark, tliey \\-ere very abundant in
the valley of the Pecos, as well as in all Southwestern Texas. They were
much like the common Virginia Quail in habits as well as in appearance,
and to bis ear the note of this bird was absolutely identical with that of
the common Quail. He has often been a spectator oi' fights among the males
of this variety. To this account Dr. Kennerly adds that he obser\'-ed them
everywhere in considerable numbers from the coast to the headwaters of
Devil's River, and also along the Pecos River ; but farther west than this
none were seen. In the open prairie lands great numbers were ah\ays
found early in the morning in the road. Tlie close resemblance of its
habits to those of the common Partridge was also noticed.

This Quail was first observed by Dr. Heermaun in abundance on the Pecos
River, although seen some days previous to reaching that point. Their
numbers increased as they neared civilization, and near San Antonio they
became very plentiful. The call of the male bird is said to consist of two
notes repeated at intervals, which are less loud, clear, and ringing than those
of the common Orfi/x I'irf/in.ianus. They feed on the open prairies on grass-
seeds, grains, berries, and insects, and, if alarmed, take refuge among the
scattered mesquite-trees and clumps of bushes. When hunted, they lie to
the dog in the manner of the common species, and, if flushed, fly in a direct
line, with a loud whiiTJng noise, caused by the shortness and rapid motions of

PERDICID Ji — THE PARTRIDGES. 475

the wings. An egg of this bird, found liy Dr. Ileermann dropped upon the
road, was in form and color like that of the common Quail, but smaller.

Mr. Dresser states that in Texas this bird is known as the " Common
Partridge " of the country. He found it abundant everywhere in localities
suitable to its habits. Near Matamoras it was very common, and \\^as the
only species of Quail he noticed there. At Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras,
where the soil is sandy, the grass scanty, and cacti abundant, he saw only
one bevy, but plenty of the CaUipe])la squamata. Near San Antonio only
this Quail is found, nor did he observe any other species in travelling to-
wards the nortlieast. Amongst the Baudara Hills, where he met \\it\i tlie
Massena Partridge, he also found the Texan Quail in the valley and near the
maize-fields. In travelling from Brownsville to San Antonio the Texan
Quail was everywhere abundant except in the sand-deserts. This species
was found to lie rather irregular as to its breeding-season, as he found young
birds near ^latamoras early in July, and in September again met with quite
young birds near the Nueces Eiver, and Dr. Heermann informed liim that
he had likewise procured eggs near San Antonio late in September. He ob-
tained a set of their eggs taken near San Antonio, which are very similar to
those of the Ortyx virginianus, but are slightly smaller.

Genus OREORTYX, B.vird.

Oreortyx, Baird, Birds of N". Am. 1858. (T_vx)e, Ortyj; jiida, Douglas.)

Gen. Char. Body stout, broad ; bill large; a crest of two or three much elongated
linear feathers, springing from the middle of the vertex ; tail short, broad, scarcely more
than half the wing, rounded, the longest feathers not much exceeding the coverts. Legs
developed, the claws extending beyond the tip of the tail ; the lateral toes short, the outer
claw falling considerably short of the base of the middle. Very similar to Ortyx, except
in the crest. Sexes similar.

Oreortyx pictus, B.iied.

PLUMED FABTKIDGE; MOUNTAIN QUAIL.

Ortyx picta, Douglas, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 143. Cal/ijicpla picta, Gould, Mon.
Odont. pi. XV. — Newberry, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 93. — Heerm. X, s. 61.
Ortyx 2>liimi/cra, Gould, Pr. Zobl. Soc. V, 1837, 42. — AuD. Syn. 1839, 200. — Is.
Bird.s Amer. V. 1842, 69, pi. cexei. Perdix plumifera, AuD. Om. Biog. V, 1839,
220, pi. ccccxxii. Lophortyx plumifera, Nuttall, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 791. Oreor-
tyx pidus, Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 642. — Cooper & Suckley, 225. — Cooper, Om.
Cal. I, 1870, 546.

Sp. Char. Head with a crest of two straight feathers, much longer than the bill and
head. Anterior half of the body grayish-plumbeous ; the upper parts generally oliva-
ceous-brown with a slight shade of rufous, this extending narrowly along the nape to the
crest. Head beneath the eyes and throat orange-chestnut, bordered along the orbits and

476

NORTH A]iIERICAN BIRDS.

OreoTtyx pictus.

a sliort distance behind by black, bounded anteriorly and superiorly by white, of which
color is a short line behind the eye. Posterior half of the body beneath white ; a large

central patch anteriorly (bifurcat-
ing behind), with the flanks and
tiljial feathers, orange chestnut-
brown ; the sides of body showing
black and white bands, the former
color tinged with chestnut. Un-
der tail-coverts black, streaked
with orange-chestnut. Upper
tertials margined internally with
whitish. Female differing only
in slightly shorter crest. Length,
10..50 ; wing, 5.00 ; tail, 3.25. Juv.
Body, generally, pale brown, the feathers of the upper parts minutely barred with darker,
and with medial shail-streaks of blackish ; lower plumage plain brown. Breast clear
ashy, presenting a well-defined area. Head pale brown, similar to, but lighter than, the
body, with a conspicuous vertical and lateral (auricular) broad stripe of dark umber-
brown. Feathers of the flanks blackish, broadly bordered with dingy whitish. A short
truncated tuft of hair-like feathers on the crown. (Described from figures in Grayson's
plate.)

Hab. Mountain-ranges of California and Oregon towards the coast. Nevada (eastern
slope and foot-hills of the Sierra Nev.ada: Ridgway).

There are two quite difierent race.s of this specie.s, but which, however,
pass gradually into each other, and must be considered as merely the
extremes of one species. They may be defined as follows : —

1. Var. pictus. Pure ash confined to the pectoral region; the russet-
brown or rusty-olivaceous of the upper parts covering whole neck and
crown ; forehead entirely ashy. (J. Wing, 5.25 ; tarsus shorter than middle
toe (1.27; middle toe, 1..30). Hah. Washington Territory, Oregon, and
upper coast region of California.

2. Var. plumi/erus. Pure ash covering whole pectoral region, and
crown, nape, and upper part of back ; the grayish-olivaceous above confined
to the posterior parts. Forehead distinctly whitish. Wing, 5.25 ; tarsus
longer than middle toe (1.27 ; middle toe, 1.25). Hab. Sierra Nevada,
and Southern California to Cape St. Lucas.

H.\BITH. The Mountain Quail of California is said by Dr. Xewberry to
be similar in some respects to the common Partridge of Europe. It is no-
where very common, but occurs sparingly throughout the entire length of
California and Oregon to at least the Columbia, and probably beyond it,
having much the same range with the californicus, though everyT\'here a
rarer bird, and always confined to the hills and mountains. Its habits are
similar to those of the other species of this family, but it is less gregarious,
and is more shy. It is usually found in the chaparral, where it is put up
with difficulty, as it seeks safety by running on the ground rather than by
flight. On tlio first of August, at the base of Lassen's Butte, Dr. NewbeiTy
found a solitary hen with a brood of very young chicks. The brood scattered
like young Partridges, uttering a piping note like that of youug chickens,

PERDICID.B — THE PAJRTRIDGES.

477

^

Orevrh/^ picliis.

and when all was still again were recalled l)y the mother with a cluck, much
like the call of the common Hen. The party frei£uently saw coveys and
broods uf these birds, the
young of which were about
half grown, until they reached
the plains of Pit River.
None were seen in the Kla-
math Lake basin, the country
being too bare and flat. They
were again met with among
the hills bordering the Wil-
lamette Valley, and were
found from the Columliia, al-
most uninterruptedly through
the Siskiyou, C'alapooza, and
Trinity Mountains to Cali-
fornia. They are favorite pets with the miners, by whom they are frequently
kept in confinement, and not unfrequently command a high price. Their
flesh is said to be white and excellent, and fully equal to that of any of the
family.

According to Dr. Cooper, this Quail is very rare in Washington Territory, a
few small coveys having been met with about Vancouver, as he was informed
by the oflicers in the garrison. He never succeeded in finding any, though
he hunted for them several times with a dog. They became quite common
south of the Columbia, towards tlie prairies of the Willamette. He inquired
especially for them in other parts of the Territory, l)ut never heard of them.
In California, south of San Francisco, this bird is said to be a rare curiosity
to the market-hunters, one or two sometimes occurring among flocks of the
California Quad. It is known to them as the Mountain Quail. Dr.
Suckley states that the birds in the Willamette Valley were introduced there,
and that they are now multiplying rapidly upon the prairies back of Fort
Vancouver. With a very little care it is thought the whole of the Territory
may become well stocked with them, as the absence of foxes west of the
Cascade ^Mountains and the mild o})en winters are favorable for their in-
crease.

Dr. Heermann found the birds of this species wild and difficult to procure,
flying and scattering at the least symptom of danger, and again calling each
other together with a note expressive of great solicitude, much resembling
that of a Hen-Turkey gathering her brood around her. During the survey
he observed these birds only once, and then but for a few minutes, as they
were passing through a deep canon leading down to Elizabeth Lake. They
were seen by the hunters on the mountains surrounding Tejon Valley ; but
though lie went several times in search of them, he obtained none.

Mr. Eidgway met with the Mountain Quail on the foot-hills of the Sierra

478

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Nevada, iu the vicinity of Geuoa and Carson City, and also in tliu mountain-
ranges lying immediately to the eastward of the Sierra. It was quite rare
and very difficult to discover, and when found was generally met with acci-
dentally. He obtained it in November in the thick chaparral at the eastern
base of the Sierra Nevada. In May he secured a pair in the cedar woods a
little to the eastward of Carson City, and in December a flock was met with
on the Comstock Mountains near Pyramid Lake. Its call-note when a
flock is scattered is almost exactly like that of a Hen-Turkey, only propor-
tionally weaker. Wlien a flock is startled, they utter a confused chuckling
note, something like that of the common ea.stern Quail. The male has a
very pleasant crowing-note, which sounds some like koo-koo-kuoe. Tlie
settlers in Nevada say that, pre^^ous to the settlement of tliat coimtry by
the wliites, this Qunil was not found east of the Sierra Nevada, and affirm
that they followed the wagon-roads over the mountains, iu the rear of trains
and wagons, for the purpose of picking up the grain scattered along the
road. Mr. Ridgway does not give full credit to the truth of these state-
ments, as he was informed by the Indians at Pyramid Lake, that, within
the memory of the oldest members of their tribe, it had always been found
in that vicinity.

An egg of this species taken by Dr. Canfield, near Monterey, California,
measures 1.45 inches iu length by 1.10 in breadth. It is oval in shape ; one
end is considerably more pointed than the other. It is of a very rich cream-
color, with a reddish shading, and unspotted.

Genus LOPHORTYX, Bo.\ap.\hte.

9.'i90 S

Lophortyx, BoSxvr. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Type, Tdrao californicus, Sh.\w.)

Gen. Guar. Head with a crest of lengthened feathers springing from the vertex, the
shafts in the same vertical plane, and the webs roof-shaped and' overlapping each other;

the number varies from two to six
or more ; they widen to the tip,
where they are .slightly recurved.
Tail lengthened and graduated, nearly
as long as the wing, composed of
twelve stiff feathers. Wings with the
tertials not as long as the prima-
ries ; the coverts without any unusual
development. Claws rather short; the
lateral reaching to, but scarcely
beyond the base of the middle ; the

Lophortyx cali/omicus.

outstretched toe not reaching the tip of the tail. Sexes very different.

The two North American species of the genus have the anterior half of
the body, and the upper parts generally, plumbeous ; the feathers of neck
above, and on the sides, pointed and margined with black. There is a white
bar across the head above, between the eyes, which, passing backwards, is

PERDICIDyE — THE TAUTRIDGES.

471)

bordered behind siiid iuteriuilly by black; a second commences at the pos-
terior border of the eye, and then Ixjrders tlio black of the chin and throat
laterally and bcliind, tlie lilack rfarhin;4 u|i to the eye and Inirdered anterinrly
by a white line iruni eye to bill ; belly pale bnlf, with a large spot in the
centre ; the llanks streaked with white. The diagnoses of the species are as
follows : —

\'ei'tex and occiput light smoky olive-brown ; forehead whitish ; patch in
llio middle of the belly orange-chestnut ; feathers of breast, with narrow
black edges ; sides of body olivaceous-plumbeous . . . . L. mli/nrnicns.

Vertex and occiput clear chestnut-brown ; forehead blackish ; patch in
middle of belly black ; none of the belly-feathers with black edges; sides
of body bright chestnut ... ..'... L. ijamheli.

Lophortyx californicus, lioNAr.

CALIFORNIA QUAIL.

Tctrao californicus, SiiAW, Nat. Misc. pi. ccc xlv (prior to LSlll). Pcrdix californica,
L.\Tii.\M, Suppl. liul. Orn. II, App. 1801, ]>. Ixii. — Arn. Orn. Biog, V. 1839, 152,
pi. ccccxiii. — UuTCHlXG.s, Cal. Mag. II, 1857, 24 {woodcut of bird and its egfjs).
Orlyx caK/ornica, Stei'iie.ss in Shaw'.s Zool. XI, 1819, 384. — .I.vuniNK, Game Birds,
Nat. Libr. IV, 104, pi. .\i. — Crv. R. An. lUust. ed. Oiseaux, pi. Ixiv. — Bknnktt,
Gavden.s & Menag. Zool. So.-. II, 29 (woodcut). — Am. Syn. 1839, 199. — lb. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 67, pi. ccxc. Perdix (Ortyx) californica, Bon.\p. Syn. 1828, 125.
Lophm-tyx californica, BoNAP. List, 1838. — Niittall, Man. I, (2d mI.,) 1840, 789. —
Baiud, Birds N. Am. IS.iS, 644. — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 78. —Cooper &
SucKi.KY, 226 (to Columbia River). — Cooper, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 549. Callipepla
californica, Goui.n, Mon. Odoiit. pi. xvi. — RmcniCNnAcn, Av. Syst. 1S50, jil. xxvii.
— Newberry, Kep. 1>. K. 1!. VI, iv, 1857, 92.

Sp. Char. Crest black. Anterior IkiU'oI' liody nml upper jiarts ])lumbeous ; the wings
and back glossed with olive-brown. Anterior lialf of head above brownish-yellow, the
shafts of the stiff feathers black; behind
this is a white transverse band winch
passes back along the side of the crown ;
within this white, anteriorly and laterally,
is a black sntl'nsion. Thi- vertex and
occiput are light brown. Chin ami
tliroat black, margined laterally and
behind by a white band, beginning
behind the eye. Belly pale buff an-
teriorly (an orange-brown rounded
patch in the middle) and white laterally,
the feathers all margined abruptly with
black. The feathers on the sides of
body like the back, streaked centrally
with white. Feathers of top and sides
of neck with the margins and shafts
black. Under tail-coverts bufl', broadly
streaked centrally with brown.

Female similar, without tlie white and Idack of the liead ; the feathers of the throat
brownish-yellow, streaked with brown. The buff and orange-brown of the belly want-
ing. The crest short. Length, 9..50 ; wing, 4..'52 ; tail, 4.12.

.f'^^-jj'jy^

%

t

Lophortyx calif omints.

4 so NORTH AMERICAN iJiKDS.

Younij. Head as in the adult female. Upper parts pale brown, finely mottled trans-
versely with black; scapulars and feathers of the back with yellowish-white shaft-streaks,
widening at the end of the feather, and with a large black spot on each web.

Chick. Ground-color dingy white, tinged on the head, wings, and upper parts with
pale rusty. A broad stripe on occiput and nape umbcr-brown ; upper parts with rather
confused and rather elongated mottliugs; an indistinct auricular spot. Beneath plain dull
white.

Hab. Valley portions and foot-hills of the Pacific Province of the United States, south
to Cape St. Lucas.

II.VBiT.s. TIii.s beautiful species, according to Dr. Newberry, is called the
Valley Quail in California, to distiuguLsh it from the Plumed Quail, which
inhabits the hilLs and the highland.s, and is called the Mountain Quail.
The common Valley Quail of (,'alit'ornia inhabits the prairies and the grain-
fields of the cttltivated districts, and frequents the thickets which border
the streams, usually in coveys of from a dozen to a hundred individuals,
e.xcept during the breeding-season, when it is found only in pairs. Like the
eastern Quail, the male l)ird is very fond of sitting on some stump or log
projecting above the grass and weeds which conceal his mate and nest or
brood, and, especially in the early morning, uttering his peculiar cry, —
whistle it can hardly be called. This note is spoken of as being rather
harsh and disagreeable than otherwise, and somewhat resembling that of
some of the Woodpeckers. Dr. Newberry adds that it may be represented
by the syllables Mck-Mck-Mck-kd, the first three notes being rapidly re-
peated, the last prolonged with a falling inflection. As a game bird he
regards this Quail as inferior to the eastern one, though of equal excellence
for the table. It does not he so well to the dog, does not afford as good
sport, and takes to a tree much more readily than the eastern Quail. It
is fotind in all the valleys of Calil'ornia and Oregon, both those in the interior
and those that ojjen on the coast. It is not found in the deep forests, nor
on the mountains at any considerable elevation, nor in the interior basin
where water and vegetation are scarce. Specimens were taken Ijy his party
in different parts of the Sacramento Valley, at Fort Jones, and in the Wil-
lamette Valley, near the Columbia. In all these there was no appreciable
difference. This bird is said to make no elaborate nest, but to lay a large
number of eggs on the ground, which are generally hatched in June. This
bird is susceptible of domestication, and forms quite an ornament for parks,
in whicli they thrive with proper care.

Dr. Suckley states that this Quail was successfully introduced into
Washington Territory, on the prairies near Puget Sound, in the spring of
1857, by Governor Charles H. ]\Iason and Mr. Goldsborough. Two lots
were introduced, and by the following winter had increased largely. Mr.
Gibl)s mentions having met with great numbers of these l)irds on Ilussian
Piver in 1851, and again on the Klamath in 1852 They were very tame,
but took to the buslies when disturbed, perching on the limbs. Like the
Sharp-tailed Grouse, they gathered in large flocks. This was the case even

PERDICID Ji — THE FAKTKIDGES. 482

when young, and it has been thence inferred that several females belong to
one male, and with their broods all run together.

Dr. Kennerly states that his pai-ty first met with this beautiful Partridge
upon reaching the waters of the Mohave Eiver, and during the march up the
stream he foimd it very abundant, as well as among the settlements along
the coast. He could perceive no difference in its habits from those of
Lophoi'tyx gambeli.

Dr. Heerinann states that he found the California Quail very numerous as
far south as N'allecita, where commences the desert that extends to the
Colorado, forming an apparently impassable barrier between it and the close-
ly allied species, Gambel's Partridge. When flushed from tlie ground, it in-
variably flies to the trees, if in a wooded country, where it squats so closely
lengthwise on a branch that it can rarely be seen when thus hidden. It
wiU not lie to a dog, but runs until it is forced to fly. It may be readily
tamed, and in California is often domesticated with the poultry. Several
years since, according to Dr. Heermauu, an attempt was made to introduce
these birds into Long Island, which at first promised to be successful ; but
unfortunately, after the first season, they were all exterminated by the gun-
ners for the Xew York market.

Mr. Kidgway met with this species only on the west slope of the Sierra
Nevada, and at an altitude of not more than four or five thousand feet. He
had no opportunity to learn anything in regard to its habits, but was enabled
to listen to its notes. The call-note of the male is very peculiar, and re-
sembles somewhat the syllables kack-kuck-kee, the accent being on the last
syllable. The common note of the male bird, when disturbed with its mate
in the bushes, and probably having a brood of young in the vicinity, was a
sharp 2nt, precisely like the common note of the Cardinal Grosbeak.

The nest of this bird is made in the open field, or at the foot of a bush,
and is composed of loose grasses arranged without much care. The eggs are
said to be twelve or sixteen in number, and are yellowish or grayish white,
spotted and dashed with dark brown or liurnt-umber.

Mr. Titian Pi, Peale, in his Notes on the Wilkes expedition, mentions ob-
serving this species in the mountainous regions of Southern Oregon, near the
43d degree of north latitude, which he regarded as their farthest northern
range. He frequently observed them collecting at night to roost in trees.
At such times their call-note was plaintive, and had a slight resemblance to
the words ciit-cut-cut-me-too. Specimens of this bird were taken alive, kept
by members of the expedition, and brought to the city of Washington by a
route equal to the circumference of the globe, where they produced one brood
of young.

Soda Lake, the " sink " of the Mohave Eiver, the bed of which is usually
quite dry, except in spots, for many miles, is said by Dr. Cones to be just
where this species and the L. f/nmbcli find a neutral ground, the western
bird following the watercourses until arrested by the desert.
VOL. ni. 61

482 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Mr. Xautus found this Quail breeding in gi'eat abundance at Cape St.
Lucas. In one instance he found four eggs on the bare sand, under a pile
of driftwood, without any trace of a nest. In auother, three eggs were
found on tlie bare ground, under a fallen cactus. In a third case there were
nine eggs, also laid on the bare ground, but in the shade of a jasiuiue-bush.
They were frequently found sheltered under piles of driftwood.

The eggs of this Quail are subject to great variations in marking, and also
differ somewliat in size. They are sharply pointed at one end and rounded
at the otlier. One egg, measuring 1.30 in length by 1.00 in bj-eadth, has a
ground-color of a creamy white, freckled with markings of a uniform shad-
ing of an olivaceous-drab. Another, measuring 1.22 by .91 iuciies, has the
ground-color of the same, but the markings are larger and more confiueut,
and their color is a rusty drab. A third is 1.18 by .95 inches ; ground-color
a creamy white marked by large scattered spots of a chestnut-brown.

Lophortyx gambeli, Gambel.

GAMBEL'S QTTAIL.

LophoHyx gambeli, " Nuttall," G.vmbel, P. A. N. S. Philad. I, 1843, 260. — McC.4LL,
P. A. N. S. V, June, 1851, 221. — Baiud, Birds N. Am. 1858, 645. — Ib. Mex. B. II,
Birds, 22. — Dresser, Ibis, 1866, 28 (Rio Grande to Nueces ; breeds). — CouES, P. A.
N. S. 1866, 94 (Fort ^Vbipple, Arizona). — Ib. Ibis, 1866, 46 (habits). — Gray, Cat.
Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 79. — Heerm. P. E. R. R. X, C, 19. — Ib. X, S, 60. —Cooper,
Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 553. Callipepla gamhcli, Gould, Mod. Odont. pi. xvii. — Cass.
lUust. I, 11, 1853, 45, ]A. ix. Callipepla venusta, Gould, P. Z. S. XIV, 1S46, 70.

Sp. Char. General color cinereous ; abdomen plain whitish ; inner or upper webs of
tertials broadly edged with white. Elongated feathers of the sides bright chestnut with
a medial streak of white.

Male. The ash on the breast of a bluish cast, and the whitish of the belly strongly
tinged with yellowish-buff, especially anteriorly ; abdomen with a black patch. Anterior
half of the head, and whole throat, deep black, bordered posteriorly with two broad, well-
defined stripes of white, — the upper of these crossing the middle of the vertex and run-
ning backward above the auriculars to the occiput ; the other beginning at the posterior
angle of the eye and running downward. Vertex and occiput 1:iright rufous, bounded
anteriorly and laterally with black. Crest of black elongated, club-shaped, and con-
siderably recurved feathers, springing from the vertex just behmd the black bar, one and
a half inches long. Wing, 4.70; tail, 4.30; bill, .50 long, and .25 deep; tarsus, 1.15;
middle toe, 1.15.

Female. Head plain grayish, without white, black, or rufous; no black on abdomen,
which also lacks a decided buff tinge ; the cinereous of breast without bluish cast. Crest
dusky, less than one inch long. Wing, 4.55 ; tail, 4.20.

Young. Upper parts ashy brown, minutely and indistinctly mottled transversely with
dusky ; scapulars and wing-coverts with white shaft-streaks, the former with pairs of
dusky spots. Breast and sides with obsolete whitish bars on an ashy ground.

Chick. Dull sulphur-yellowish ; a vertical patch, and two parallel stripes along each
side of the back (four altogether), black. (Described from Grayson's plate.)

IIab. Colorado Valley of the United States; north to Southern Utah, and east to
Western Texas.

PERDICID.E — THE PARTRIDGES. 483

An adult male collected in Southern Utah by Mr. Henshaw of Lieu-
tenant Wheeler's Expedition differe from all others which we have seen,
including a large series from the same locality, in having the abdomen
cliiefly plumbeous, with a few cloudings of black, in the place of a uni-
formly black patch. Except in this respect, however, it does not differ at
all from other adult male specimens.

Habits. Gambel's Partridge was obtained by Dr. Kennerly, near San
Elizario, Texas, and on Colorado Eiver, California, by ilr. A. Schott, and also
by Dr. Kennerly. It was not observed by Dr. Kennerly until he reached
the vaUey of the Eio Grande, nor did he meet with any farther west, in any
part of Mexico, than San Bernardino, in Sonora. Tliough closely resembling
in its habits the Scaly Partridge (CaUipeiJla squamata), and in some instances
occupying the same districts, he never found tlie two species together.

According to ilr. J. H. Clark, tliis species was not met with east of the
Eio Grande, nor farther south than Presidio del Xorte. I'nlike the squamata,
it is very common for this species to sit on the brandies of trees and buslies,
particularly the male, where the latter is said to utter the most sad and
wailing notes. They are so very tame as to come about the Mexican
towns, the inhabitants of which, however, never make any effort to cap-
ture them. They only inhabit wooded and well- watered regions, and are
said to feed indifferently on insects or on berries ; in summer they make
the patches of Sohmuin their home, feeding on its quite palatable fruit.
When flushed, this Quail always seeks the trees, and hides successfully
among the branches.

Dr. Kennerly found this beautiful species in great numbers during the
march of liis party up the Eio Grande. Large flocks were continually
crossing the road before them, or were seen huddled together under a bush.
After passing the river he met with thein again so abundantly along Par-
tridge Creek as to give rise to the name of that stream. Tlience to the
Great Colorado he occasionally saw them, but after leaving that river they
were not again seen. They are said to become quite tame and half do-
mesticated where they are not molested. When pursued, they can seldom
be made to fly, depending more upon their feet as a mode of escape than
upon their wings. They run very rapidly, but seldom, if ever, hide, and
remain close in tlie grass or bushes in the manner of the eastern Quail.

From Fort Yuma, on the Colorado Eiver, to Eagle Springs, between El
Paso and San Antonio, where he last saw a flock of these birds. Dr. Heer-
mann states he found them more or less abundant %^'henever the party fol-
lowed the course of the Gila, or met with water-holes or streams of any
kind. Altliough they frequent the most arid portions of the country, where
they find a scanty subsistence of grass-seed, mesquite leaves, and insects,
they yet manifest a marked preference for the habitations of man, and were
much more numerous in the cultivated fields of Tucson, Mesilla Valley, and
El Paso. Towards evening, in tlie vicinity of the Mexican villages, the loud

484 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

call-notes of the male birds ina}' be lieard, gathering the scattered members
of the tlocks, pre\ious to issuing from the cover where they have been con-
cealed during the day. Resorting to the trails and the roads in search of
subsistence, while thus engaged they utter a low soft note which keeps the
flock together. They ai-e not of a wild nature, often permit a near approach,
seldom fly unless suddenly flushed, and seem to prefer to escape from danger
by retreating to dense thickets. In another report Dr. Heermann men-
tions finding this species in California on the Mohave desert, at the point
wliere tlie river empties into a large salt lake forming its terminus. The
llcnk was wild, and could not be approached. Afterwards he observed
theui on the Big Lagoon of Xew River. At Fort Yuma tliey were ([uite
abundant, congregating iu large coveys, frequenting the thick underwood in
the vicinity of the mesquite-trees. Tiieir stomachs were found to be filled
with the seeds of the mesquite, a few grass-seeds, and the berries of a
parasitic plant. On being suddenly flushed these birds separate very widely,
but immediately upon alighting commence their call-note, resembling the
soft chirp of a youug chicken, wliich is kept up for some time. The alarm
over, and the flock once more reunited, they relapse into silence, only
broken by an occasional cluck of the male bird. Once scattered the)' can-
not be readily started again, as they lie close in their thick, bushy, and im-
penetrable co\'erts. Near Fort Yuma the Indians catch them in snares,
and bring them in great numbers for sale.

Dr. Samuel ^V. Woodhouse first met with this species on the Rio Grande,
about fifty miles below El Paso, up to which place it was extremely abundant.
It was by no means a shy bird, frequently coming about the houses ; and he
very often observed the males perched on the top of a high bush, uttering
their peculiarly mournful calls. He found it in quite large flocks, feed-
ing principally on seeds and berries. It became scarce as he approached
Dona Ana, above which place he did not meet with it again. He again
encountered it, however, near the head of Bill WiUiams River, and after-
wards on the Tampia Creek, and it was exceedingly abundant all along
the Great Colorado. He was informed that they are ne\-er found west
of the Coast Range, in California. Aliout Camp Yuma, below the mouth
of the Gila River, they were very abundant and very tame, coming quite
near the men, and picking up tlie grain wasted by the mules. They are
trapped in great numbers by the Indians.

Tliis Quail is given by Mr. Dresser as occurring in Texas, but not as a
common bird, and only found in certain localities. At JIuddy Creek, near
Fort Clark, they were not uncommon, and were also found near the Nueces
River.

Dr. Coues (Ibis, 18G6), in a monograjih upon this species, describes its
carriage upon the ground as being firm and erect, and at the same time light
and easy, and with colors no less pleasing than its form. He found them
to be exceedinglv abundant iu .'Vrizona, and sooti after his arrival in the

PERDICID.E — THE PARTRIDaBS. 485

Territory he came upon a brood that was just out of the egg. They were
however, so active, and hid tliemselves so dexterously, that he could not
catch one. This was late in July, and tliroughout the following month he
met broods only a few days old. The following spring he found the old
birds mated by April 25, and met with the first chick on the first of June.
He infers that this species is in incubation during the wliole of May, June,
July, and a part of August, and that they raise two, and even three, broods
in a season.

A single brood sometimes embraces from fifteen to twenty young, wliich
by October are nearly as large as their parents. While under tlie care of
the latter they keep very close together, and when alarmed either run away
rapidly or squat so closely as to be difficult to flush, and, when forced up,
they soon alight again. They often take to low limbs of trees, huddle
closely together, and permit a close approach. The first intimation that a
bevy is near is a single note repeated two or three times, ibllowed by the
rustling of leaves as the flock start to run.

These birds are said to be found iu almost every locality except thick
pine-woods without undergrowth, and are particularly fond of thick willow
copses, heavy cliaparral, and briery undergrowth. They prefer seeds and
fruit, but insects also form a large part of their food. In tlie early spring
they feed extensively on the tender fresli buds of young willows, which
give to tlieir flesh a bitter taste.

This Quail is said to have three distinct notes, — the common cry uttered
on all occasions of alarm or to call the bevy togetlier, which is a single mel-
low clear " chink," with a metallic resonance, repeated an indefinite number
of times ; then a clear, loiid, energetic whistle, resembling the syllables
kill i Ilk-kill i III , chiefly lieard during the j^airing-season, and is analogous to
the boh-ivhitc of the common Quail ; the third is its love-song, than which,
Dr. Cones adds, uotliing more unmusical can well be imagined. It is
uttered by the male, and only when the female is incubating. This song is
poured forth both at sunrise and at sunset, from some topmost twig near
the spot where his mate is sitting on her treasures ; and with outstretched
neck, drooping wings, and plume negligently dangling, he gives utterance to
his odd, guttural, energetic notes.

The flight of these birds is exceedingly rapid and vigorous, and is always
even and direct, and in shooting only requires a quick liand and eye.

In his journey froTu ^Vrizona to the I'acific, Dr. Coues found these Ijirds
singularly abundant along the valley of the Colorado ; and he was again
struck with its indifference as to its place of residence, being equally at
home in scorched mesquite thickets, dusting itself in sand that would blis-
ter tlie naked feet, the thermometer at 117° Fah. in the shade, and in the
mountains of Northern Arizona, when the pine boughs were bending under
the weight of the snow. He also states that Dr. Coojier, while at Fort
Mohave, brought up some young Gambel's Quails by placing the eggs under

486 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

a coiiiinon Hen, imd found no (lilliculty in iloniesticating them, sn that thoy
associated freely with the barnyard iViwls. The eggs, he adds, are white, or
yellowish-white, witli brown spots, and were hatched out in twenty-four
days. The nest is said to be a rather rude structure, about eight inches
wide, and is usually hidden in the grass. The eggs number from twelve to
seventeen.

Captain S. G. French, (pioted by Mr. Cassin, writes that he met with this
species on the Eio Grande, seventy miles below El Paso, and from that
point to the place named their numbers constantly increased. They ap-
peared to l)e partial to the abodes of man, and were very numerous about
tlie old and decayed buildings, gardens, fields, and vineyards around Pre-
sidio, Isoleta, and El Paso. During his stay there in the summer of 1851,
every morning and evening their welcome call was heard all around ; and at
early and late hours they were constantly to be found in the sandy roads
and paths near the villages and farms. In the middle of the hot summer
days, however, they rested in the sand, under the shade and protection of
the thick chaparral. When disturbed, they glided through the bushes very
swiftly, seldom resorting to flight, uttering a peculiar chirping note. The
parents would utter the same cliirping cry whenever an attempt was made
to capture their young. The male and female bird were always found with
the young, showing much affection for them, and even endeavoring to attract
attention away from them by their actions and cries.

Colonel McCall (Proc. Phil. Ac, June, 18.51) also gives an account of this
bird, as met with by him in Westei'n Te.xas, between San Antonio and the
Eio Grande Kiver, as well as in New Mexico. He did not fall in with it
until he had reached the Limpia Piiver, a hundred miles west of the Pecos,
in Texas, where the Acacia rjlandulosa was more or less common, and the
mesquite grasses and other plants bearing nutritious seeds were abundant.
There they were very numerous and very fat, and much disposed to seek
the farms and cultivate the acquaintance of man. About the rancho of
Mr. White, near El Paso, he found them very numerous, and, in flocks of
fifty or a hundred, resorting morning and evening to the barnyard, feeding
around the grain-stacks in company with the poultry, and receiving their
portion from the hand of the owner. He found them distributed through
the country from the Limpia to the Piio Grande, and along tlie latter river
from Eagle Spring Pass to Doiia Ana.

The same careful observer, in a communication to ^Ir. Cassin, gives the
western limit of this species. He thinks it is confined to a narrow belt of
country between the 31st and 34th parallels of latitude, from the Pecos
Eiver, in Texas, to the Sierra Xevada and the contiguous desert in Califor-
nia. Tt has not been found on the western side of these mountains. Colonel
McCall met with it at Alamo JMucho, forty-four miles west of the Colorado
Eiver. AVest of this stretches a desolate waste of sand, — a barrier which
effectually separates this species from its allj', the California Quail.

PERDICID^— THE PARTRIDGES. 487

This species is known to be abundant in the country around the sources
of the Gihx Eiver, and has also been found along that river from the Pinio
villages to its mouth, and there is no doubt that it inhabits the entire valley
of the Gila. It was also common along the Colorado lliver, as far as the
mouth of the Gila, and has been met with in that valley as high up as Tam-
pia Creek, latitude 34°.

Colonel McCall regards this species as less wild and vigilant than the
California species. It is later in breeding, as coveys of young California
Quails were seen, one fourth grown, June 4, while all the birds of Gambel's
were without their young as late as June 16. The voice of the male at this
season is described as strikingly rich and full. The cry may be imitated by
slowly pronouncing in a low tone the syllables kaa-wale, kaa-walc. When
the day is calm and still, these notes may be heard to a surprising distance.
This song is continued, at short intervals, in the e^■ening, for about an hour.
Later in the season when a covey is dispersed, the cry for reassembling is
said to resemble qua-el qua-cl. The ^'oice of this bird at all seasons bears a
great resemblance to that of the California Quail, but has no resemblance to
that of the eastern Ort!/x virginiuna. In their crops were found the leaves
of the niesquite, coleopterous insects, wild gooseberries, etc.

An egg of this sjiecies, taken by Dr. Palmer at Camp Grant, measures
1.25 inches in length by 1.00 in breadth. The ground-color is a cream
white, beautifully marked with ragged .spots of a deep chestnut. In shape
it closely corresponds with the egg of the California Partridge.

Genus CALLIPEPLA, Wagleb.

Caliipepla, W.vgler, Isis, 1832. (Type, Ordjx squnmala, ViG.)

Gen. CnAR. Plead with a broad, short, depressed tufted crest of soft, thick feathers
springing from the vertex. Otlier character, as in Lophortyx. Sexes similar.

The single United States species is of a bluish tint, without any marked
contrast of color. The feathers of the neck, breast, and belly have a narrow
edging of black.

Callipepla squamata, Gray.

SCALED OR BLUE PARTRIDGE.

Ortyx sqtiamatus, Vigors, Zool. Journ. V, 1830, 275. — Abert, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ill, 1847,
221. Callipepla squamata. Gray, Gen. Ill, 1846, 514. — M'Call, Pr. A. N. Sc. V,
1851, 222. — Cassin, 111. I, v, 1854, 129 ; pi. xix. —Gould, Mon. Odont. pi. xix. —
Baird, Birds N. .\m. 1858, 646. — Ib. Mex. B. II, Birds, 23. —Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus.
V, 1867, 78. — Hf.erm. X, C, 19. —Coop. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 556. Callipepla stroma,
Wagler, Isis, XXV, 1832, 278. Tetrao eristata, De la Ll.vve, Eegistro trimestre,
I, 1832, 144.

488

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Sp. Char. Head with a full, broad, llattened crest of soft olonjrated feathers. Prevail-
ing color plumbeous-gray, with a fine bluish cast on juguhnn and nape, whitish on the
belly, the central portion of which is more or less tinged witli brownish ; sometimes a
conspicuous abdominal patch of dark rusty, the exposed surface of the wings tinged with
light yellowish-brown, and very finely and almost imperceptibly mottled. Head and
throat without markings, light grayish-plumbeous ; throat tinged with yellowish-brown.
Feathers of neck, upper part of back, and under parts generally, except on the sides and
behind, with a narrow but well-defined margin of blackish, producing the effect of im-

liricated scales. Feathers on the sides

9385 i

Callipppln squamata.

streaked centrally with white. Inner
edge of inner tertials, and tips of long
feathers of the crest, whitish. Crissum
rusty-white, streaked with rusty. Fe-
male similar. Length, 9.50 ; wing,
4.80; tail, 4.10.

Hab. Table-lands of Mexico and
valley of Rio Grande of Texas. Most
abundant on the high broken table-
lands and mesquite plains.

"^^i/M

Habits. This bird was fir.st described as a Mexican species in 183U by Mr.
Vigors. For a long while it has been an extremely rare species in col-
lections, and its history, habits, and distribution remained unknown until the
explorations of the naturalists
made in the surveys under the
direction of the national gov-
ernment. It was first noticed
within tlie territory of the
United States by Lieutenant
Abert, Topographical Engi-
neer, who, in his Eeport of the
examination of New Mexico,
furnishes several notes in rela-
tion to tliis species. In No-
vember, 1846, he mentions
that, after having passed caiup^pia .mamata.

through Las Casas, while descending tln-ough a crooked ravine strewed with
fragments of rocks, he saw several flocks of this species. They were running
along with great velocity among the clumps of the kreosote plant. At the
report of the gun only three or four rose up, the rest seeming to depend
chiefly on their fleetness of foot. Tlieir stomachs were found to be filled
with grass-seeds and hemipterous insects.

Captain S. G. French, in notes quoted by Mr. Cassin, mentions meeting
witli these birds, in the same year, near Camargo, on tlie Rio Grande. At
Monterey none were seen ; liut on the plains of Agua Nueva, a few miles
south of Saltillo, tliey were observed in considerable numbers. He after-
wards met with them on the Upper Rio Grande, in the vicinity of El Paso.

o

l'Ki;i)iril).E — THE PARTRIDGES. 489

Though found in tlie same section of country with Ganibel's Quail, they were
not observed to associate together in the same tiock. Their favorite resorts
were sandy chaparral and mesquite bushes. Tlirough these they ran with
great swiftness, resorting only, ^\■lleu greatly alarmed by a sudden approach,
to their wings. They were very shy, and were seldom found near habita-
tions, though once a large covey ran tlirough his camp in the suburbs of
El Paso.

Colonel McCall (Proc. Phil. Ac. V, )>. 222) mentions meeting with this
species throughout an extended region, from Camargo, on the Lower Eio
Grande, to Santa Fe. They were most ntiuierous between the latter place and
Doiia Ana, preferring the vicinity of watercourses to interior tracts. They
were wild, exceedingly watchful, and swift of foot, eluding pui-suit with sur-
prising skill, scarcely ever resorting to flight even on the open sandy ground.
For the table they are said to possess, in a high degree, the requisites of
plump muscle and delicate flavor.

In a subsequent sketch of this species, quoted liy Mr. Cassin, the same
writer gives as the habitat the entire valley of the Pio Grande, — a terri-
tory of great extent from north to south, and embracing in its stretch
between the Pocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico every variety of
climate. This entire region, not excepting even the mountain valleys cov-
ered in winter with deep snow, is inhabited by it. It was found by liim
from the 25tli to the 38th degree of north latitude, or from below Monterey,
in Mexico, along the borders of the San Juan Elver, as high up as the Taos
and other nortliern branches of the Rio Grande. He also found it near the
head of the Eiado Creek, which rises in the Eocky Mountains and runs east-
wardly to the Canadian.

Wherever found, they are always resident, proving their ability to endure
great extremes of heat and cold. In swiftness of foot, no species of this
family can compete with them. When running, they hold tlieir heads high
and keep the body erect, and seem to skim over the surface of the ground,
their white ]>lume erected and spread out like a fan.

On the Mexican side of the Eio Grande this species is Ibund farther south
than on the western bank, owing to the rugged character of the country. In
Texas its extreme southern point is a little above Eeinosa, on the first high-
lands on the bank.

Don Pablo de la Llave, a Mexican naturalist, states, in an account of tins
species (Registro Trimestre, I, p. 144, Mexico, 1832), that he attempted its
domestication in vain. In confinement it was very timid, all its movements
were rapid, and, altliough he fed Iiis specimens for a long time each day,
they seemed to become more wild and intractable. It was found by him
in all the mesquite regions of Northern Mexico.

Specimens of tliis Partridge were taken near San Pedro, Texas, by Mr. J. H.
Clark, and in Xew Leon, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch. According to Mr.
Clark, they are not found on the grassy prairies near the coast. He met with

vol.. III. (;2

490 NORTU AMERICAN BIRDS.

them on Devil's Eiver, in Texas, where his attention was at first directed
to them by their very peculiar note, which, when first heard, suggested
to him the cry of some species of squirrel. In the valley of the Lower liio
Grande he also met with these birds in companies of a dozen or more. Their
food, on the prairies, api)eared to be entirely insectivorous ; while on the
Lower Eio (irande all the si)ecimens that were procured had their bills
stained with the berries of tlie opuntia. They were not shy, and would
rather get out of the way by running than by flying. At no time, and uiuler
no circumstances, were they known to alight in bushes or in trees. They
were only known to make mere scratches in the ground for nests, and their
situations were very carelessly selected. Young birds were found in June
and in July.

Lieutenant Couch first met with this species about sixty leagues west of
Matamoras, and not until I'ree from the prairies and bottom-land. It was
occasionally noticed, apparently associating with the Ortyx texana, to which
it is very similar in habit.

Dr. Kennerly found them everywhere where there was a permanent supply
of fresh water, from Limpia Creek, in Te.xas, to San Bernardino, in Sonora.
They were met with on the mountain-sides, or on the hiUs among the low
mesquite-bushes and ban-ea. They apparently rely more upon their legs
than upon their wings, ascending the most precipitous cliffs or disappearing
among the bushes with great rapidity.

The most western point at which Dr. Heermanu observed this species was
the San Pedro River, a branch of the Gila, east of Tucson. There a flock of
these birds ran before him at a quick pace, with outstretched necks, heads
elevated, crests erect and expanded, and soon disappeared among the thick
bushes that surrounded them on all sides. After that they were seen occasion-
ally until they arrived at Lympia Springs. Lieutenant Barton informed Dr.
Heermann that he had procured this species near Fort Clark, one hundred
and twenty miles west of San Antonio, where, however, it was quite rare.
It was found abundantly on the open plains, often starting up before the
party when passing over the most arid portions of the route. They also
seemed partial to the prairie-dog villages. These, covering large tracts of
ground destitute of vegetation, probably offered the attraction of some
favorite insect.

Dr. Woodhouse met with this species on only one occasion, as the party
was passing up the Rio Grande, at the upper end of YaUeverde, on the west
side of the river, on the edge of the sand-hills, feeding among the low bushes.
They were exceedingly shy and quick-footed. He tried in vain to make
them fly, and they evidently preferred their feet to their wings as a means
of escape. He was told that they were found above Santa Fe.

Mr. Dresser found this species on the Rio Grande above Roma, and be-
tween the Rio Grande and the Nueces they were quite abundant ; wherever
foTind, they seemed to have the country to themselves to the exclusion of

PERDICID.E — THE PARTRIDGES.

491

other species. He reports them as very difficult to shoot, for the reason
that, whenever a bevy is disturbed, the birds scatter, and, running witli
outstretched necks and erected crests, dodge through the bushes like ral)-
bits, so as soon to be out of reach. He has thus seen a tiock of ten or
fifteen disajjpear so entirely as to render it impossible to obtain a siugle
one. If left undisturbed, they commence their call-note, which is not unlike
the chirp of a chicken, and soon reunite. It was utterly out of the question
to get them to rise, and the only way to procure specimens was to shoot
them on the ground. Xear the small villages in Mexico he found them
very tame ; and at Presidio, on the Eio Grande, he noticed them in a corral,
feeding with some poultry. He did not meet with their eggs, l>ut they were
described to him, by the Mexicans, as dull white, with minute reddish spots.
The egg of the Callipepla squamata is regularly oval, being much more
elongated than with any other species of this family. It measures 1.35
inches in length by .95 in breadth. Its gTound-color is a creamy white, and
its suiface is minutely freckled with specks of a pale drab.

Genus CYRTONYX, Gould.

Cyrtonyx, Gould, Mon. Odontojih. ? 1845. (Type, Ortfix massena. Lesson.)

Ges. Ch.ir. Bill very stout and robust. Head with a broad, soft occipital crest of
short decumbent feathers. Tail very short, half the length of the wings, composed of
soft feathers, the longest scarcely
longer than the coverts ; much gradu-
ated. Wings long and broad, the
coverts and tertials so much enlarged
as to conceal the quills. Feet robust,
extending considerably beyond the tip
of the tail. Claws very large, the
outer lateral reaching nearly to the
middle of the central anterior. The
toes without the claws, however, are
very short. Sexes very difierent.

This genus differs very nuich
from its North American allies in
the great development of the
feathers composing the wing-
coverts, the very short and soft tail, and the very short toes and long claws.
It is almost worthy of forming the type of a distinct subfamily, so many
and great are its jieculiarities. The single North American representative is
the only one of our species with round white spots on the lower surface and
black ones above. A second species, C. ocdlatvs, is found in Southern Mexico.
They may be distinguished as follows : —

Cyrtonyx massena.

492 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

Species.
C. massena. Shafl-streaks of wing-featliurs yellowish-white ; sides with
small round while spots, medial lower parts dark inaroou-chestnut. Ilab.
Northern Mexico, and adjacent portions of the United States, from the
Upper Rio Grande and Colorado Valleys, south to Mazatlan.
C. ocellatus.' Shaft-streaks of wing-feathers chestnut-rufous. Sides with
large rufous spots, medial lower parts bright rufous, lighter anteriorly.
Hah. Southern Mexico, antl Guatemala.

Cyrtonyx massena, (Iould.

ilASSENA PARTRIDGE.

Ortijx massena. Lesson, Cent. Zool. 1830, 189. — Fixscu, .\lili. Xat. 1870, 357 (Guadela-
jara). Cyrtonyx massena, Gould, Mou. Oclont. 1850, 14; tab. vii. — JI'Call, I'r.
A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 221. — C.4.SSIN-, lUust. I, i, 1853, 21, pi. xxi. — Reichexb. Syst.
Av. 1850, pi. x.\vii. — Bairii, Birds N. A. 1858, C47. — Ib. Mc.x. B. II, Birds, 23. —
DnESSEit, Ibis, 1866, 29 (Bandera Co., Texas ; breeds). — CouEs, P. A. N. S. 1866, 95
(Fort Whipple, Arizona). — Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 74. —Coop. Om. Cal. I,
1870, 558. Ortyx nwnkzuma;, Vigous, Zobl. Jour. V, 1830, 275. Odontoplwrus mclea-
gris, Waglek, Isis, XXV, 1832, 279. Tctrao guttata, De la Llave, Eegistro Triniestre,
I, 1832, 145 (C.vssiN).

Sp. Char. Male. Head striped with white, black, and lead-color; chin black. Feathers
above streaked centrally with whitish, those on the outer surface of the wings with two

series of rounded black spots. Central line of
breast and belly dark chestnut ; the abdomen,
thighs, and crissum black ; the sides of breast
and body lead-color, with round white spots.
Legs blue. Length, 8.75 ; wing, 7.00 ; tail, 2.50.
Female. Prevailing color light viuaceons-cin-
namon, the upper parts barred and streaked as
in the male. Head without white or black
stripes. Sides with a few narrow, irregular
streaks of black.

Yoitn<j. Somewhat similar to the adult female,

but lower parts whitish, the feathers, especially

Cijrionys ma^senn. qj, tlic lircast, with transverse blackish spots on

both webs.

Chich. Head dingy white, with a broad occijiital elliptical patch of chestnut-brown,

and a blackish streak behind the eye. Above rusty-brown, obscurely spotted with black ;

a white stripe on each side of the rump. Beneath almost uniform dull white.

Hab. Chiefly on the Upper Rio Grande from the high plains of the Pecos. Fort
Whipple, Arizona; Northern Mexico, southward, on the west coast, to Mazatlan.

Habits. This Quail was first met with liy Lieutenant Conch in the canon
Guyapuco, about twelve leagues south of Monterey. Though rather shy, they
seemed quite at home in the cultivated fields and stubbles of the ranches.
IMr. Clark first noticed tlie species among a flock of the Ortjix tcxana.
Once, on flushing a covey of the latter, a bird was seen to remain liebind, and
showed no inclination to follow the rest. Tt attempted to hide in the grass,

• Cyrtonyx occllatus, Gould, P. Z. S. IV, p. 78. — Ib. Monog. Odont.

PERDICID.E — THE PARTRIDGES. 493

but did not fly, and, wlien shot, proved to be a Massena Quail. He says they
occur either in pairs or in flocks, and when once Hushed fly farther than
the Virginia Quail, but do not lie so close. Tliey may be approached
within a few feet, and followed up, particularly when in pairs, running
along before one like so many domestic fowl. Tliey are of cpiiet as well
as of retired habits, and a subdued though sharp note is the only noise that
Mr. Clark ever heard them make, and tliat only when frightened. He has
known them to be pursued, and all the barrels of a six-shooter fired one after
another without alarming them ; and they were forced to fly at last only by
an attack of stones and clubs. He first met with them in the neighborhood
of San Antonio, and found tliera thence sparsely distributed as an inhabitant
both of prairies and mountains as far westward as Sonora. They are wilder
than the Scaled Partridge, are less conspicuous and noifsy, and are never seen
in flocks, or, like the latter, living about old camps. Their haunts are gen-
erally far remoN'ed from the habitations of man, and the indifference they
sometimes manifest to his presence seems to lie due to ignorance of the
danger from tlie power of that enemy. Though distributed over the same
country as the C. squaviata, they are never found in such barren regions,
always seeming to prefer the districts most luxuriantly covered with vege-
tation.

Dr. C. B. E. Kennerly states that this bird was never seen farther south in
Texas than Turkey Creek. In that vicinity it was very common, and it also
occurred at various points thence to the Eio Grande. In the valley of this
river it was very rarely seen, giving way apparently to the Scaly and to
Gambel's Partridge. "West of the river it was very common, as far as the party
travelled, wherever there was a permanent supply of i'resh water. In the
valley of the Santa Cruz Elver and among the adjacent hills it was ex-
tremely abundant. In the months of June and July it was observed there
always in pairs, while in Texas, in the months of October and November, it
was found in very large flocks, sometimes of various ages, from the very
small and partly fledged to the full-grown liird. When hunted, they
hide very closely in the grass, and Dr. Kennerly has often known the
Mexican soldiers in Sonora kill them with their lances by striking them
either while on the ground or just as they rise. Some of these men were
very expert in the business, and obtained a good many in the course of a
day's travel.

Dr. Woodhouse met with this species a few miles above the head of the
Rio San Pedro, where he secured a single specimen. He was informed by
Captain S. G. French that when he first passed over exactly the same route in
1849, he met with a number of them in different localities, — at the head of
San Pedro, Howard Springs, and also at Eagle Springs, — showing evidently
that they have a range over the country lying between tlie Eio Grande and
the San Pedro Eivers. He also stated that he had never met with any near
the settlements, but always among the wild, rocky, and almost barren hills of

494 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

that country. They are more sociable and not so shy as the other species
of tliis i'ainily. Their food appears to be principally insects.

^Ir. Dresser states that this bird is locally known as the Black Partridge.
For some time he sought for it near San Antonio without success, but ulti-
mately found it, in No\emljer, among the Bandera Hills. In its liabits he
states it is more like the Texan Quail than any other ; but on the wing it is
easily distinguished, it flies so heavily, though very swiftly. ^Yhen dis-
turbed, they squat very close, and will not move until approached very
closely, when they generally rise up from under one's feet. He did not
meet with this Quail in an)' other part of Texas than Bandera County, but
was told that it is abundant in the hilly country at the head of the Leona,
and that it is also found near Laredo.

In some remarks on the birds of Western Texas, published in the Proceed-
ings of the Philadelphia Academy in 1851, Colonel McCall gives the first
information to the public touchuig the habits of this interesting species.
We learn from his narrative tliat it was not met with by him before cross-
ing the San Pedro Piiver, but that it was soon after seen in the rocky re-
gions into which he then entered ; and thence as far as the llio Pecos,
a distance of one hundred and forty miles westwardly, it was frequently
seen, though it was not anywhere very common. This entire region is a
desert of great extent, north and south; the general face of the country is
level, and produces nothing but a sparse growth of sand-plants. Water was
found only at long intervals, and except at sucli pouits there was apparently
neither food nor cover. There, among projecting rocks or the borders of dry
gullies, or in loose scrub, tliis bird was met with by Colonel ilcCall.

The habits of this species appeared to him to be different from those of
any other kind of Partridge he had ever met with. They were in coveys
of from eight to twelve individuals, and appeared to be simple and affection-
ate in disposition. In feeding they separated but little, keeping up all the
while a social rhmk. They were so gentle as to e\"ince little or no alarm on
the approach of man, hardly moving out of the way as they passed, and
only running off or flying a few yards, even when half their number had
been shot. Colonel ilcCall was of the opinion that tliey might, with very
little difficulty, be domesticated, though naturally inhabiting a barren waste
nowhere near the habitation of man. The call-note is spoken of as very
peculiar. The bird was not seen by his party after crossing the Pecos River.
Mr. Gould, without any information in regard to the habits or economy of
this species, in his ^Monograph of American Partridges, judging from the
comparative shortness of the toes and the great development of the claws,
ventured the opinion that the habits would be found verj- different from
those of other membere of the family, which opinion is thus confirmed. Mr.
Cassin thought he could trace in the circidar spots, numerous in the lower
part of the body, an analogy in character to the Guinea-fowls, which is fur-
ther shown Vij- their habit of continually uttering their notes as they feed,
and by other similarity in their manners.

PERDICID.E — THE PARTRIDGES. 495

Captain S. d. French, cited by Mr. Cassin, mentions meeting with this
Partridge in the siunmer of 1846, when crossing the table-lands that extend
westwardly from San Antonio, in Texas, to New Mexico. On the sides
of a high rocky mountain near the summit, he observed several of them
only a few feet in advance of him. Tliey were running along over the
fragments of rocks and througli the dwarf bushes which grew wherever
there was sufficient soil. He was attracted by their handsome plumage and
their extreme gentleness. A few days after, when encamped on the head-
waters of the river, he again met with a covey, and from that point occa-
sionally encountered them on the route tu the Pecos River, a distance of
over a hundred miles. Ho did not meet witii them again until lie came to
Eagle Springs, in a mountainous region about twent}--hve miles from the
Eio Grande. In the spring of 1851, on the same route, he saw only two of
these birds, and was led to the belief that they are not at all numerous.
They appeared to inhabit the rocky sides of the mountains and hills, in the
desolate region of elevated plains west of the fertile portions of Texas. In
no instance did he meet with any of these birds near the settlements.
Wild and rocky hillsides seemed to be tlieir favorite resort, where trees
were almost unknown and all vegetation was very scant. The coveys
showed but little ahirm on lieing approached, and ran along over the rocks,
occasionally attempting to secrete themselves beneath them. In this case
tliey could lie approached to within a few feet. When startled by the firing
of a gun, they fly but a few yards before again alighting, and exhibit but
little of that wildiiess peculiar to all the other species of Partridge. The
contents of the crop in Captain French's specimens consisted exclusively of
fragments of insects, principally grasshoppers. No trace whatever of food
of a vegetable character was found.

Don Pablo de la Llave, quoted by Mr. Cassin, furnishes the following ac-
count of the habits of this Partridge, observed by him in specimens taken
near the city of Mexico.

" It is only a few days since the tliird species has been brought to me. It
is rather smaller than the former (C. squamata), and its deportment is en-
tirely different. It carries its head habitually resting on its shoulders, the
neck lieing excessively small and deflexed, and in everything it shows an
amiability, and, so to speak, kindness of character (una bondad de cavader),
which is not found in any other species of this genus, and it is naturally so
tame and domestic as to permit itself to be caught with the hand. These
birds are always united, forming a covey, and whenever one is separated the
others follow it. They do not, like others, wish to sleep on elevated places,
but sit on the ground, drawing very near together. Their notes, which are
not varied, are very low and soft, and I have never heard loud cries from
the male. Wlien they are frightened tliey show much activity and swift-
ness ; at other times their gait and movement are habitually slow and delib-
erate, carrying the crest puffed up (espayada)."

APPENDIX.

VOL. in.

63

I.

\

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIOXS.

DuRlXG the considerable interval of time since the printing of this "work
was commenced, many additional i'aets have come to light in regard to the
habits and geographical distribution of the land birds of North America ;
and while several so-called species liave proved to be mere races, or even
of less rank, some others have been added to the list. The more important
of these are herewith subjoined.

Most of the new facts here announced are the results of the more recent
labors of Captain Charles Bendire, First Cavalry, U. S. A., and of Messrs.
J. A. Allen, C. E Aiken, Dr. E. Coues, H. W. Henshaw, Mr. C. J. Maynard,
and others, whose names are mentioned in their appropriate jilaces.

Turdus pallasi, vai-. nanus (I, 20). Dr. Cooper has sent to the Smithsonian
Institution skins of his T. jiann.% and they prove to be T. nstulatus. The surmise
expressed on page 21, that the nest and eggs described by Dr. Cooper as those of
the former in reahty belonged to the latter species, is thus undoubtedly correct.

Turdus pallasi, van auduboni (I, 21). A nest with the eggs (S. I. 16,320)
of this species was taken near Fort Ellis, Montana, July IG, 1872, by C. H. Mer-
riam, attached to Dr. Hayden's party. The nest is large and bulky for the size
of the bird, is deeply saucer-shaped in form, measuring 6 inches in external
diameter by 3 in depth. The cavity of the nest is 3 inches in diameter by about
1.75 deep. It is composed entirely of green mosses and lined with fine grass
leaves.

The eggs were three in number, in shape broadly ovate and obtusely rounded
at either end. They measure .8.5 of an inch in length by .72 in breadth ; their
color is a rather deep greeni.sh-libie, almost exactly like those of Turdus migratorius.

The nest was built in a small pine-tree, about eight feet from the ground, in the
pine regions of the mountains. In its position it differs from any now known
of the Tin-Jus i^aUasi, which, so far as known, builds invariably on the ground.

Harporhynchus ocellatus (I, 3G). This is jirobably a Mexican form of
II. cinereus.

500 APPENDIX.

Harporhynchus rufus (I, 37). According to Mr. Alleu (Bull. Mus. Comp.
Zocil., \ul. Ill, No. (J, \>. 134) this species is found on the eastern slope of the
Rock}' Mountains in Colorado. It is not included in the " Birds of California/'
but Dr. Cooper states that in September, 1870, he found a straggler at Clear
Lake, close to the lower town. It was in a thicket with its western cousins, but
possessed unmistakably all the characteristics of the eastern bird. Unfortunately,
it was not secured. As this species is short-winged and nearly resident in many
localities, its occurrence so far from its usual resort is somewhat remarkable. It
had none of the appearance of a cage-bird.

Harporhynchus curvirostris, var. palmeri (I, 43). Four specimens from

Tucsi.iii, .\ii/,uiia, wfiv rLCL'utly forwarded fur examination by Dr. Coucs, collected
by the indefatigable Captain Bendire, U. S. A., when stationed at that post. The
specimens are all true palmeri in the characters which definitely separate it from
curvirostris, its nearest ally, and show the seasonal discrepancies in the shades of
color. A male and female, collected in November, differ from the types, which are
summer birds, in being of a brownish-plumbeous above, even more ashy than in
any specimens of curvirostris which we have seen. In all other respects, however,
they are typical examples of var. palmeri, and substantiate the validity of this
well-marked form. The measurements of these two specimens are as follows : —
i} . Wing, 4. .50 ; tail, 4.90 ; culnien, I.4.T ; tarsus, 1.2.5 ; middle toe, 1.00.
?. " 4.20 " 4.80 " 1.40 " 1.20 " .90.

The description of this form was first published Iw Dr. Cones in " Key to
North American Birds" (October, 1872), p. 3.51, the type being specimen No.
61,589, Mus. S. I.

Harporhynchus bendirei, Coues (Am. Nat. Vol. VII, June, 1873, p. 330,
fig. O'J).

Cn.^R. Nearly similar to FT. palmeri in color, but ■v\-hiter on the breast, and apparently
more ocUraceous on the flanks, llucli .smaller than H. palmeri, with smaller and very
diflerontly shaped bill, ifale (not adult), No. 2,686, Mus. E. C. AVing, 4.10 ; tail, 4.50 ;
culmen, 1.15; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .88. Female (adult), No. 2,688, Mus. E. C.
Winp;, 3.80; tail, 4.40; culmen, 1.15; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .88.

Hub. Tucson, Arizona.

This new form Dr. Coues considers to be most nearly related to the H. cinereus
of Cape St. Lucas ; and judging from its eggs, lately sent to the Smithsonian In-
stitution by Captain Bendire, such appear to be really its affinities.

The eggs sent by Captain Bendire (No. 16,486, Mus. S. I.) measure 1.00 in
length by .80 in breadth, and are three in number. Their ground-color is a dull
bluish-white, spotted with a very faint shade of reddish-brown, the spots thickest
round the larger end.

Harporhynchus crissalis (I, 47). Captain Bendire found this species
breeding abundantly near Tucson, Arizona (See Codes, Am. Nat. VI, June, 1872,
370). The eggs in all instances were similai' to those described as found by Dr.
Palmer, unspotted, and in size, shape, and color, hardly distinguishable from the
eggs of the common Robin (T. migratorius). They are of an oblong-oval shape,
rounded and nearly equal at either end, and measure 1.10 inches in length by .75
in breadth.

APPENDIX.

501

Harporhynchtus redivivus.

Harporhynchus redivivus (I, iS). The accompauving cut, showing the
extreme anatomy of the species, was omitted in its proper place.

Mimus polyglottus (I, 49). Mr. C. E. Aiken has obtained this species in
El I'lisu Ci unity, t'lilnrado.

Saxicola cenanthe (I, GO). Mr. C. J. Hampton obtained a specimen of this
bird at Junius, Seneca Coimty, N. Y., on the 9th of September, 1872. Professor
Newton suggests, by letter, as an interesting problem, the route by which this
species reaches Alaska in its migi-ations. It is not known to occur near the Sea of
Ochotsk, has not been found on the Lower Amoor, and probably does not occur
farther eastward than the Baikal Mountains. It has never been noticed in Japan
or on the coast of China. It must therefore be very nearly certain that it can-
not take that way to Alaska. Sundeval states that it is found in Kamtschatka,
but this Mr. Newton questions, as no authority is given for this statement. The
only alternative is to assume a route via
Greenland, in this, perhaps, in a measure in-
dorsing Petermann's suggestion that Green-
land extends across the pole nearly to the
Asiatic coast and to Alaska.

Sialia mexicana (I, 65). This species
has l)ecn obtained in Western Iowa by Mr.
Atkinson.

Regulus calendula (I, 75). We pre-
sent the outlines of bill, feet, wings, and tail,
omitted in their proper place.

Polioptila caerulea (1, 78). Mr. Aiken has taken this species in El Paso
County, Colorado. Dr. Cooper informs me that he found it quite nmuerous
near Auburn, Placer County, Cal., May 11, 1870, apparently migrating north-
ward. In the following December he saw one near San Francisco. From this
he infers that it winters much farther to the north in that State than it does
east of the Rocky Mountains, and that the individuals occurring in Guatemala are
eastern birds. He also states that it is the prevailing and probably the only form

Regulus calendula.

502 APPENDIX.

in all the northern and western parts of the State of California. About September
20, 1872, this species came in great numbers to the vicinity of San Buena-
ventura and remained there all winter, going to the mountains northward by

March 20,

Folioptila melauura (I, 81). Dr. Cooper informs me that while he found
P. c'lru/ra conuDon in September, he saw none of this species near San Buena-
ventura until ^'ovembcr 12, when small parties aijjieared moving westward from
the colder desert regions east of the mountains. They kept entirely in the arte-
misia thickets among the sandy and dryest tracts, never going into the high trees
like r. cd'rulea. In form, color, restless habits, and scolding mew, this species is
said to be a perfect miniature and mimic of the Catbird.

According to Captain Bendirc the species is not common in Arizona, where he
met with three nests. "One before me, found July 25, 1872, fastened in a bunch
of mistletoe, or rather suspended in it, is composed of a s])ccies of wild hemp fibres
nicely woven together, and lined with a few feathers and exceedingly fine grass.
The nest is very neatly made : Outer diameter, 2 inches ; inner, l.GO; depth, 1.50.
The number of eggs is five, ground-color pale green, with spots of light reddish-
brown color scattered over the egg. Measurement, .50 by .40 of an inch. Their
notes are a rather harsh twitter, kept up for some time. They are active little
birds, and are veiy restless.

Chamaea fasciata (I, 84). Mr. Allen thinks that he saw this species in Col-
orado Territory. See Am. Nat. VI, June, 1872, and Bull. ilus. Comp. Zool. Ill,
No. fi, p. 184.

Lophophanes inornatus (1, 91). Mr. Aiken has obtained this species in
El Paso County, Colorado, where it is common, while Mr. Henshaw, the naturalist
of Lieutenant Wheeler's expedition, found it abundant in Southern Utah. These
Rocky Mountain specimens are much grayer and somewhat larger than those from
California.

Fanis rufescens (1, 104). Nests and eggs of a P<irHs which undoubtedly
belong to this sijoeies were found by Mr. William A. Cooper, at Santa ('ruz, Cal.
One of these nests, sent to the Smithsonian Institution, was found about four
miles from Santa Cruz, April 22, 1873. The nest was composed of moss and fine
bark, largely intermingled with the fur of rabbits and other small quadrupeds. It
was built in a hole in the branch of a tree about ten feet from the gi'ound. The
branch was about half a foot in diameter and was partially decaj-ed. The cavity
was about a foot in length from the nest to the place where the bird gained an
entrance, which was a small hole about an inch and a quarter in diameter. The
eggs were seven in niuuber and contained partially formed embryos. They
measure .64 of an inch in length by .52 in breadth, resemble the e^s of the
atrimpitlus, but arc more sparingly mai-ked with spots, rather more minute and
of a lighter shade of reddish-brown, on a white gi-ound.

Sitta pygmaea (1, 120). This bird is probably a geographical form of -S'. pu-
silla, as suggested by Mr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Conip. Zolil., Vol. Ill, No. G,
p. 115).

Sitta pusilla (\. 122). Young specimens collected at Aiken, S. C, by Mr.

APPENDIX.

503

C. H. Merriam, are quite different in color from the adtilt plumage. The head i.s
pale dull ashy, instead of light hair-brown, and tlie colors are duller generally'.
There is a near approach to iS. pygmcea in their ajipearauce.

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus (I, 132). This species has been col-
lected at ToijultviUl', .Southern L'tali, liy .Mr. Heushaw, and in Southern Nevada
by Mr. Bischoff, naturalists to Lieutenant Wheeler's expedition.

Salpinctes obsoletus (1, l.'io). The range of this species has been remari;-
ably extended by the caiiture of a specimen in Decatur County, Southern Iowa,
where others were seen, by Mr. T. ^I. Trippe. See Proc. Boston Soc. N. H.,
December, 1872, p. 23G.

Catherpes mexicanus, vur. conspersus (I, 139). Xnmerous specimens
obtained in Colorado liy Mr. Allrn and Mr. Aiken, and in Southern Utah by Mr.
Henshaw, establish the fact of great uniformity in the characters of this race, and
its distinctness from var. mexicanus. C»u page 139 "it is noticed that it is a re-
markable fact that this northern race shoidd be so much smaller than the Mexican
one, especially in view of the fact that it is a resident Iiinl in even the most
northern parts of its ascertained habitat." As we find this peculiarity exactly
paralleled in the Tliryotliorux ludovicianus of the Atlantic States (see below), may
not these facts point out a law to the effect that in species which belong to essen-
tially tropical families, with only outlying genera or species in the temperate zone,
the increase in size with latitude is toivard the region of the highest development of the
group ?

Dr. Cooper met with two specimens of this species in California in 1872 ; one
about twelve miles back of San Diego, the otiier the same distance back of San
Buenaventura, and both at the foot of lofty, rugged mountains. Tlieir song he
compares to loud ringing laughter ; it is so shrill as to be heard at quite a distance,
and seems as if it mnst be produced by a much larger bird.

Thiyothorus ludovicianus (I, 142). Specimens of this species from Miami,
Fla., are nuieh darker colored than those ft-om the Middle States (Maryland, Illi-
nois, and southward), as might be expected ; but very strangely, they are also
much larger. In colors tliey very nearly resemble var. berlandieri, from the Lower
Kio Grande.

A specimen in Mr. liidgway's collection (No. 1,864, January 9), from Miami,
Fla., compares with one from Southern Illinois (No. 1,052, Mt. Carmel, Januai-y,
1871) as follows : —

No.

Locality.

Sex.

Wing.

Tail

Cithncn.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe.

1,864
1,652

Miami, Fla.
Mt. Carmel, 111.

2.75
2.45

2.60
2.30

.90
.80

.95

.80

.60
.55

In coloration they are more nearly alike, the Florida specimen being hardly
appreciably darker on the upper surface, though the lower parts are much deeper
ochraceous, almost rufous. The Illinois specimen is deep ochraceons beneath,
just about intermediate between Maryland and Florida specimens. Another
Florida specimen (No. 02,733, Mus. S. I. ; C. J. Maynard) measures : wing, 2. .50 ;
tail, 2.4-0 : culmen, .8-5.

504

APPENDIX.

Cistothorus steUaris.

Thryothorus bewicki, var. leucogaster (I,

147). .S])L'CuiiL'iis of tliis form were olitiiiiied at
Toqucrville, Southern Utah, in October, 1872, by
Mr. Henshaw, attached to Lieutenant Wheeler's ex-
pedition.

Troglodytes parvulus, var. hyemalis (I,

15aj. i)i'. Cooper has noticed a few of these Wrens

Tro^iodytts parvulus. Tar. hyemalis. jjgaj- Sau Buenaventura in winter, after November

10. They probably reside in the suunner in the high coast mountains lying east

as well as in the Sierra Nevada. Outlines, omitted before, are hei'e given.

Cistothorus steUaris (I, 159). Mr. Henshaw obtained good evidence of this

bird's breeilinp; at Utah Lake. Nests and eggs were

found in a farm-house, unquestionably those of this
species, and said to liave been obtained among the
tul^s or sedges along the shore of the lake. Outlines
of this species arc here i;iven.

Anthus ludovicianus (f, 171). Mr. Allen
found this species breeding in the summer of 1871 on
the summit of Mt. Lincoln, Colorado Territory, above
the timber-line, at an altitude of over 13,000 feet.

Helmitherus vermivorus (I, 187). Professor Frank H. Snow procured a
specimen of this species near Lawrence, Kansas, May 6, 1873.

Helmitherus swainsoni (I, 190). 'Was obtained in Florida by Mr. W.
Thaxter.

Helminthophaga virginice (1, 199). Very common in El Paso County,
Colorado, where it was obtained by Mr. Aiken.

Helminthophaga lucis (1, 200). We are indebted to Captain Bendire for
the discovery of the nest and eggs of this comparatively new Warbler. He first
met with its nest near Tucson, Arizona, May 19, 1872. Unlike all the rest of
this genus, which, so far as is known, build their nests on the ground, this species
was found nesting something after the manner of the common Cray Creepei-, be-
tween the loose bark and the trunk of a dead tree, a few feet from the ground.
Except in their smaller size the eggs also bear a great resemblance to those of the
Creeper. lu shape they are nearly spherical, their groimd is of a crystal white-
ness, spotted, chiefly around the larger end, with fine dottings of a purplish-red.
They measure Jyi of an indi in length by .-l-'i in breadth.

Helminthophaga celata, var. lutescens (1, 204). See Am. Nat. Vol. Vll,
October, 1873, p. 60(5.

Helminthophaga peregrina (1, 205). Obtained in El Paso Coimty, Colo-
rado, in Seiiteiiilur, |S7:;, \,\ \\y, Aiken.

Farula americana (1, 208). Obtained in ilay in El Paso County, Colorado,
by Mr. Aiken.

Dendroica vieilloti, var. bryanti (I, 218). See Am. Nat. Vll, October,
1873, p. (iOr,.

APPEXDIX. 505

Dendroica auduboni (I, 229). In July, 1870, Dr. Cooper found families of
this species t'uliy Hedged, wandering through the woods, at the summit pass of the
Central Pacific Railroad, 7,000 feet altitude, confirming his supposition that they
breed in the high Sierra Nevada. There they are vei-y numerous in summer,
following the retreating snow to this elevation about May 1, when the males are
in full plimiage, retaining it till August. Their song is always faint, and similar
to that of D. itsth'a.

Dendroica caenilea (1, 235). A nest, containing one egg, of the Cserulean War-
bler, was obtained in June, 1873, by Frank S. Booth, the son of James Booth, Esq.,
the well-known taxidermist of Drummondville, Ontario, near Niagara Falls. The
nest was built in a large oak-tree at the height of fifty feet or more from the ground.
It was placed horizontally on the upper surface of a slender limb, between two small
twigs, and the branch on which it was thus saddled was only an inch and a half in
thickness. Being nine feet from the trunk of the tree, it was secured with great
difficulty. The nest is a rather slender fabric, somewhat similar to the nest of the
Redstart, and quite small for the bird. It has a diameter of 2J inches, and is 1^
inches in depth. Its cavity is 2 inches wide at the rim, and 1 inch in depth. The
nest chief!}' consists of a strong rim firmly woven of strips of fine bark, stems of
grasses, and fine pine-needles, bound round with flaxen fibres of plants and wool.
Around the base a few bits of hornets' nests, mosses, and lichens are loosely fastened.
The nest within is furnished with fine stems and needles, and the flooring is very
thin and slight. The egg is somewhat similar in its general appearance to that
of D. cestiva, but is smaller and with a ground-color of a difiereut shade of green-
ish-white. It is oblong-oval in shape, and measures .70 of an inch in length by
.50 in breadth. It is thinly marked over the greater portion of its surface with
minute dottings of reddish-brown. A ring of confluent blotches of purple and
reddish-brown surrounds the larger end.

Dendroica blackburniae (I, 237). Obtained at Ogdeu, Utah, in Septem-
ber, 1,S71, by My. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoiil. Ill, No. 5, p. 160).

Dendroica dominica (I, 2-10). A superb nest of the Yellow-throated War-
bler was taken by Mr. Giles, near Wilmington, N. C, in the spring of 1872.
The nest was enclosed in a pendent tuft of Spanish moss (Ti/landsiu usneoides),
and completely hidden within it. Its form is cup-shaped, and it is made of fine
roots, mixed with much downy material and a few soft feathers, and, except in its
situation, does not differ much from other nests of this genus. Other nests have
since been received from Mr. Giles ; also a nest of Panda americana similarly
situated. Mr. Ridgway, from an examination of the nests, infers that this situation
is not constant, but that iu other localities where the moss is not found this War-
bler may build in thick tufts of leaves near the extremity of drooping branches, or
in other similar situations.

Dendroica dominica, var. albilora (I, 241). See Am. Nat. VII, October,
1873, ]i. nor,.

Dendi'oica graciae, var. decora (1, 244). See Am. Nat. Yll, October,
1873, p. COS.

Dendroica castanea (I, 2.51). This Warbler is cited by us as exceedingly

Vol. 111. 04

506 APPENDIX.

rare in Eastern Massachusetts, though not unknown. A remarkable exception to
this otherwise general rule occurred in the spring of 1872. For several daj-s, in
the latter part of Maj', they were found in great abundance in the vicinity of
Boston. As the same unusual occurrence of this species in large numbers was
noticed by Mr. Kumlieu in Southern Wisconsin, it is probable that along the 42d
parallel something occurred to cause a deviation from their usual migrations.
The long pause of this species in its spring migrations, and its appearance in
large numbers, are not known to have occurred before.

Mr. Salvin (Ibis, April, 1872) expresses the opinion that this Warbler, in its
southern migration, does not pause in its flight from the Southern United States to
stop in any of the West India Islands, nor in any point of Central America north
of Costa Rica. It is by no means rare at Panama during the winter. We may
therefore infer that in both its southern and its northern migrations long flights
are made, at certain periods, over sections of coiuitr\- in which they do not appear
at all, or where only a straggling few are ever seen, and that their abundance in
1872 was exceptional and due to causes not understood.

Dendroica nigi-escens (I, 258). Obtained in El Paso Coimty, Colorado ;
Aiken.

Dendroica occidentalis, D. to^Tisendi, and D. nigrescens (I, 258, 265,
266). While travelling over tlio Cuyaiuaca ^luuutains I'a.^t o[' Sau Diego, in
April, 1872, Dr. Cooper found 1). occidentalis, for the first time, quite common.
They seemed to be still migrating during the last week of April, but perhaps were
onh' moving upwards, being numerous between the elevation of 1,500 and 4,000
feet, while heavy frosts still occuiTed at the latter height. They probably go in
May as high as 6,200 feet, the summits of the highest peaks, which are densely
covered by coniferous trees. D. townsendi and D. niffrescens were in company
with occidentalis in small flocks, among the oaks, and all seemed to be following an
elevated route northward. In 1862, Dr. Cooper found them among the chapaiTal
along the coast, but he regards this as exceptional and probably occasioned by a
severe storm in the mountains, as he saw none in 1872 in a spring of average
mildness. They o^-cur about Petaluma as earl\- as April 1.

Seiurus ludovicianus (I, 287). Mr. E. lugersoll met with tiie nest and
eggs of the Large-billed Thrush near Norwich, Conn. The nest was sunk in tiie
ground, in some moss and in the rotten wood underneath the roots of a large tree
on the banks of the Vautic River. It was covered over, except just in front, by
the roots. The nest was 2| inches in internal diameter and rather shallow, and
was somewhat loosely constructed of fine dry gi'asses and little dead fibrous
mosses. About the nest, but forming no part of it, were several loose leaves.
These were chiefly' in front of the nest, and served as a screen to conceal it and its
occupant. The nest itself was placed under the edge of the bank, about ten feet
above the water. The eggs were four in number and were quite fresh. Unblown,
they have a beautiful rosy tint, the ground-color is a lustrous white, the egg hav-
ing a polished surface. They are more or less profusely spotted all over with dots
and specks, and a few obscure zigzag markings of reddish-brown of two shades,
and umber, with faint touches of lilac and very pale washing of red. These mark-
ings are much more thickly distributed about the larger end, but nowhere form a

APPEXDIX. 507

ring. They resemble the eggs of S. aurocapillus, but differ in their somewhat
rounder shape, the brilHant polish of their ground, and the greater distinctness
of the markings. They varied from .7o to .80 of an inch in length, and from .60
to .62 in breadth.

Geothlypis (I, 295). For a new synopsis of all the species of this genus, see
Am. Jcurn. ^Icienee and Arts, Vol. X, December, 1872.

Geothlypis trichas (I, 297). Dr. Cooper fomid this species wintering in
large numbers near San Buenaventura. They frequented the driest as well as
the wettest spots.

Geothlypis macgillivrayi (I, 30:5). We now consider this f(u-m a geo-
graphical race of S. philaddphla. (See Am. Jom-n. Science and Arts, Vol. X, De-
cember, IS 72.)

Mjriodioctes pusillus, var. pileolatus (I, 319). See Am. Nat. VII, Octo-
ber, 1873, p. 608.

Setophaga picta (I, 322). This species, not included in the preceding
pages among Xorth American Birds, was noticed on only two occasions by Captain
Charles Bendire in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona. This was on the 4th of
April, and again ou the 12th of September, 1872. He thinks that they un-
qiiestionably breed in the mountains to the northward of Tucson. When seen
in September thej' appeared to be moving southward, on their way to their winter
quarters. He saw none throughout the summer. (See Am. Nat. ^'11.) By letter
from Mr. Henshaw, we Icaru that he has obtained this species at Apache, Arizona.

Vireosylvia olivacea (I, 369). Obtained at Ogden, Utah, in September,
1871, by Mr. Allen.

Lanivireo solitarius (I, 373). Dr. Cooper found, April 30, 1870, a male
of this species in full jilumage and singing delightfully on a ridge above Emigrant
Gap ou the west slope of the Sierra, about 5,500 feet altitude, and where the snow
was still lying in deep drifts. He is confident that he saw the same species at
Copperopolis in February, 18C4. He thinks there is no doubt that to some extent
they winter in the State.

Lanivireo solitarius, var. plumbeus (I, 378). El Paso County, Colorado ;

AlKEN".

Vireo pusillus (I, 391). Dr. Cooper found this species near Sau Buenaven-
tura as early as March 26, 1872, where it was quite common. On the 22d of
April he found a nest pendent between the forks of a dead willow branch. This
was five feet from the ground, built on the edge of a dense marshy thicket,
of flat strips and fibres of bark, and lined with fine gi-ass, hair, and feathers.
There were a few feathers of the Barn Owl, also, on the outside. The nest meas-
ured three inches each way. The eggs were laid about tlie 28th, were four in
number, white, with a few small black specks mostly near the larger ends, and
measured .69 of an inch in length by .51 in breadth.

Fhcenopepla nitens (I, 40)). Captain Bendire writes me that he found this
species conmion in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, during the summer, a few only re-

508 APPENDIX.

mainiiig during the winter; most of these had white edgings on all their feathers,
and were probably young of the year. Their flight is described as wavering, some-
thing like that of Colaptes mexicanus. While flying they utter a high note, resembl-
ing ivkuif-whuij, repeated several times. He never heard them sing, as they are said
to do, although he has watched them frequently. They are very restless, and are
always found about the mistletoe, on the berries of which they feed almost exclu-
sively. The nest is saddled on a horizontal branch, generally of a mesquite-tree.
It is a shallow structure, about 4 inches across; its inner diameter is 2 J inches,
depth J an inch. It is comiiosed of fine sticks, fibres of plants, and lined with a
little Cottonwood diuvu and a stray feather. The first uest was found May 16.
This was ])rinci pallj- lined with the shells of empty cocoons. The number of eggs
was two. Though ho found more than a dozen nests with eggs and young, he
never found more than two in a nest. Their gromid-color varies from a greenish-
white to a lavender and a grayish-white, spotted all over with difiereut shades of
brown. The spots are all small, and most abundant about the larger eud, and vary
gi-eatly in their distributions. In size they range from .97 of an inch to .84 in
length, and in breadth from .6(1 to .'iO.

Collurio ludovicianus, var. robustus (I, 420). See Am. Xat. VII, Octo-
ber. IS 7;!, p. Cid'.l.

Certhiola newtoni (I, 427). See Am. Xat. VII, October, 187:5, p. Gil.-
Certhiola caboti (I, 427). See Am. Xat. VII, October, 1873, p. G12.

Certhiola barbadensis | (I, 427). See Am. Xat. VII, October, 1873,

Certhiola frontalis J p- 612.

Pyranga hepatica (I, 440). Cajitain Bendire found wliat he identified as
this species breeding near Tucson, Arizona. Its nests and eggs resembled those of
P. ctstiva. The latter vary in length from 1.02 inches to .95, and in breadth
ii'om .70 to .07 of an inch. Their ground-color is a pale light gi-eeu. Some are
sparingly marked over the entire egg with very distinctive and conspicuous blotches
of purplish-brown ; others are covered more generally with finer dottings of the
same hue, and these are so numerous as partly to obscure the ground. In shape
the eggs are oblong oval, and are of nearly equal size at either end. This species
was also obtained by .Mr. Henshaw, at Apache, Arizona.

As no skins of the pareut appear to have been preserved, it is not improbable
that the liird in question may be really P. a'stiva, var. con-peri.

Hesperiphona vespertina, var. montana (T, 450). Two adult males
obtained at \\'aukogan, Illinois, in January, 1873, by Mr. Charles Douglass, are
typical examples of the Rocky I*Iountain form.

Pinicola enucleator (I. 4.5.3). Dr. Cooper mentions having shot a fine male
of this species near tlie summit of the Central Railroad Pass at an elevation of
about 7,000 feet. It was in a fine orange-red plumage. It was moulting, and
appeared to be a straggler.

P3m'hula cassini (I, 4.")7). Since the publication of the article on this spe-
cies we Icaru from Calianis {Journal fiir Ornitbologie, 1871, 318, 1872, 315) that
the species is not uncommon in the vicinity of Lake Baikal, in Siberia, and that it

APPENDIX. 509

has even been observed in Belgium (Crommelin, Archives Neerlandaises). The
bird, tlierefore, like the Fhyltojmeuste borealis (P. Iceimicolti, Baird) and Motacilla
flava, is to be considered as Siberian, straggling to continental Alaska in the sum-
mer season.

Chrysomitris psaltria (1, 47-1). See Am. Juum. of Science and Arts, Vol.
IV, December, 1S7j!, for a special paper upon the races of this species and their
relation to climatic regions.

Chrysomitris psaltria, var. arizonae (I. 470). On the 7th of May, 1872,
Dr. Cooper saw a .siiiLile .spueiujcn (iiiak'). uhirh he had no doubt was of this bird,
at Euciuetos Ranch, thirty miles north of San Diego. It was feeding with other
species among dry sunflowers. He also saw another near San Buenaventura in
January, 1873.

Loxia "leucoptera, var." bifasciata (1, 483). At the time when the
synopsis of the species of this genus was prepared, we had not seen any specimens
of the European White-winged Crossbill. A recent examination of specimens from
Sweden has convinced us, however, that the species is entirely distinct from leucop-
tera, and more nearly related to nirvirosira, with the several forms of which it
agrees quite closely in the details of form and proportions, as well as in tints, with
the excejjtiou of the markings of the wing.

Leucosticte tephrocotis (I, 504). The specimens collected by Mr. Allen
in Colorado, mentioned in the foot-note on page 505, and there said to be the sum-
mer dress of L. tephrocotis, we now believe to be a distinct form, which may be
named var. australis, Allen, characterized as follows : —

Leucosticte tephrocotis, var. australis, Allen, MSS. Leucosticte tephrocotis, Allen, Am. Nat.
VI, No. 5, May, 1S72. — Ib. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zo6l. Vol. Ill, No. 6, pp. 121, 162.

Char. Similar to var. tephrocotis, but vrithout any gray on the head, the red of the ab-
domen and wing-coverts bright carmine, instead of dilute rose-color, and the bill deep black,
instead of yellow tipped with dusky. Prevailing color raw-umber (more earthy than in
var. tephrocotis), becoming darker on the head and approaching to black on the forehead.
Nasal tufts white. Wings and tail dusky, the secondaries and primaries skirted witli
paler; lesser and middle wing-coverts and tail-coverts, above and below, broadly tipped
with rosy carmine, producing nearly uniform patches; abdominal region with the feathers
broadly tipped with deep carmine or intense crimson, this covering nearly uniformly the
whole surface. Bill and feet deep black.

Male (No. 15,724, Mus. C. Z., Mt. Lincoln, Colorado, July 25, 1871 ; J. A. Allen). Wing,
4.20; tail, 3.10; oulmen, .45; tarsus, .70; middle toe, .GO.

Female (Mt. Lincoln, July 25; J. A. Allen). Wing, 4.00 ; tail, 3.00. Colors paler and
duller, the red almost obsolete.

Hab. Breeding on Mt. Lincoln, Colorado, above the timber-hne, at an altitude of about
12,000 feet. (July, 1872, J. A. Allen.)

Since the descriptions of the several stages of L. tephrocotis were cast, we have
received from Mr. H. W. Elliott — Assistant Agent of the United States Treasury
Department, stationed at St. Paul's Island, Alaska, an accomplished and energetic
collector — numerous specimens of L. griseinucha in the breeding plumage. The
fact that these specimens have the gray of the head as well defined as do examples in

510 APPENDIX.

the winter plumage, while the red is at the same time much intensified, induces us
to modify our views expressed ou pages 504, 505, in regard to Mr. Allen's Colorado
specimens, and to regard them as representing a race which must have the head
duskv at all seasons, and not a scasouiil jihase of var. tcphrocntis. The winter
plumage probably differs IVoni that described above only in the red being of a soft,
ratlier dilute, ros}* tint, instead of a harsh bright carmine ; the bill is also proba-
blv vellow in winter, since in the breeding specimens of (jriseiuucha from Alaska
the bill is black, while in winter examples it is yellow, with only the point dusky.
A scries of seven fine specimens sent in by Mr. J. H. Batty, the naturalist of
Dr. Hayden's expedition, confirm the validity of this form, and even so much as
suggest to us the possibility of its eventually proving a distinct species, more
nearly related to L. brunneinuclui tiian to L. tephrocotis. They were collected on
some one of the high peaks of Colorado, but as Mr. Batty's notes have not come
to hand we cannot tell which. The specimens are all males, and resemble Mr.
Allen's specimens, except that they are perhaps more highly colored. They all
have the throat tinged with carmine, and in some the tinge is very deep, — on one
extending over the whole breast and throat, up to the cheeks and bill. We hope
to learn soon from ilr. Batty some interesting details regarding this series.

Centronyx bairdi (I, 531). The past year has been a remarkably fortunate
one fur our knowledge of this species, and, owing to the investigations of Mr. C.
E. Aiken, Dr. Coues, and Mr. H. W. Henshaw, it cannot now be classed among the
rare birds of our country ; the total number of specimens collected by these gentle-
men amounting to more than one hundred. The first example — the second one
then known — was collected by Mr. Aiken in El Paso County, Colorado, October 9,
1872, and, being in the soft autumnal plumage, appeared to be so distinct from the
type that, after a careful comparison of the two specimens, Mr. Ridgway wrote Mr.
Aiken that it was in his opinion difterent, and accompanied his letter by a com-
parative diagnosis of the two supposed species. The Colorado specimen was then
described in the American Naturalist (Vol. VII, April, 1873, p. 236) as Centronyx
ochrocepltalus, AlKEX. On the Gth of May, 1873, Mr. Aiken obtained another
specimen at the same locality ; and this one, being forwarded to Mr. Ridgway for
comparison, proved to be so decidedly intermediate between the types of C. bairdi
and C. " ochrocephahis " that they immediately suggested the probability of their
being seasonal stages of one species, — C. bairdi representing tiie very faded and
much abraded midsunmier dress ; C. ochrocephalus being the autumnal dress,
probably of a young bird, with the pattern of coloration distinct, and tlie colors
soft and deep ; and the May specimen the spring plumage, just intermediate be-
tween the two others.

During the past summer (1873) Dr. Coues collected about seventy specimens along
the northern border of Dakota, from just west of tlie Pembina Mountains to the
second crossing of the Mouse River. They frequented the open prairie exclusively,
associating in vast numbers with ICeocoi-i/s spra;iuei and Plectrophanes ornatus, these
three being the most abundant and characteristic birds of the prairie. By the
middle of July young birds were already observed ; and, equally young ones being
taken in the middle of August, it is presumed that two broods were raised. The
splendid suite of specimens brought in by Dr. Coues comprises both adult and

APPENDIX.

511

young birds. Of the former, many examples exactly match Audubon's type, while
others approach veiy closely Mr. Aiken's specimen in the spring plumage. The
young, however, are in a plumage entirely new. We give below descriptions of the
several stages of plumage : —

Adult male in spring (No. 2,141, Mus. R. R., El Paso County, Colorado, May 6, 1873 ;
C. E. Ailccn). Ground-color of the head deep buff, growing paler toward the throat, which
is white; crown sharply streaked with deep l)lack, the streaks aggregated laterally so as to
form two broken stripes ; a cuneate speck of black at the post-superior corner of the au-
riculars; ma.xillary stripe deep buff, bounded above and below by continuous stripes of
black, — one from the rictus along lower edge of cheeks, the other from side of chin down
side of throat. Above pale hair-brown, the feathers paler, or brownish-white, externally,
and brownish-black centrally. Beneath white, tinged with buff across the juguhim, where
thickly marked with cuneate streaks of deep black ; sides sparsely streaked, the streaks
more brown. "Legs and lower mandible flesh-color; upper mandible horn-color; toPs
and claws dusky. Length, 5.62; extent, 9.04." Wing, 2.80; tail, 2.15; culmen, .45;
tarsus, .80 ; middle toe, .60.

Adult female in summer, exactly similar, but rather smaller, and the culurs duller and
paler.

Young, in first plumage. Similar in general appearance to the adult in fall plumage, but
the markings more suffused. All the contour feathers of the dorsal surface sharply bor-
dered terminally and laterally with white; streaks on the breast heavier and shorter.

Adult male in autumn (No. 1,113, Mus. C. E. A., El Paso County, Colorado, October 9,
1872).' Ground-color of the head deep ochraceous, deepest on the middle of the crown,
and gradually fading to buffy-whito on the throat; feathers of the crown with broad, deep
black medial streaks, these narrower toward the middle, forming two lateral broadly black-
streaked areas, 'witli an intervening, badly defined, deep-ochraceous, narrowly streaked
stripe. A distinct black spot behind the upper posterior corner of the auriculars; a
smaller one at the middle of their posterior edge, and two black streaks bordering the light-
ochraceous maxillary stripe, — a narrow one from the rictus along the lower edge of
the deeply ochraceous ear-coverts and suborbital region, and a heavy "bridle" on each
side of the throat. Lower parts buffy-white, fading into nearly pure white posteriorly ;
jugulum crossed by a series of heavy cuneate deep-black streaks, these continuing back-
ward along the sides, but becoming reddish on the flanks; tibise brownish-gray. Neck,
laterally and postpi-iorly, light ochraceous-yellow, each feather with a sharply defined
medial streak of black. Dorsal feathers deep black centrally, then hair-brown (not red-
dish), and broadly bordered with white, both laterally and terminally. Rump and upper
tail-coverts reddish hair-brown, each feather broadly bordered with buffy-white and with
a black shaft-streak. General aspect of the wings grayish-pinkish ochraceous, the feathers
all blackish centrally ; outer web of outer primary pure white. Tail-feathers black, skirted
with whiti.sh ashy-ochraceous, this becoming pure white on the lateral pair of feathers,
the exterior of which is pale gray centrally. Lining of wing immaculate pure white.

Wing, 3.00 ; tail, 2.40 ; culmen, .45 ; depth of bill, .23 ; tarsus, .85 ; middle toe, .63 ;
lateral toes, .20 shorter ; hind toe, .35. End of the wing formed by the four outer quills,
of which the second and third are equal and longest, the first and fourth equal and just
appreciably shorter ; tertials considerably longer than the secondaries, and only .20 shorter
than the longest primaries. Tail deeply eniarginated (fork .20 deep), the lateral feathers
longest.

The following measurements of about thirty fresh specimens, kindly fui-nishcd
us by Dr. Coues, indicate the normal variation in size : " The males range from

' This specimen is the type of C. ochrocephaliis, Aiken, Am. Xat. VII, April, 1873, p. 236.

512 APPENDIX.

5.10 to 5.85 in length, by 9.10 to 9.85 in extent, averaging about 5.65 by 9.50.
The shortest-winged specimen was a female, expanding 8.85, though measuring
5.50 in length ; the wing ordinarily ranged from 2.75 to 3.00."

Dr. Coues also furnishes the following account of the habits of this species, which
we print verbatim : —

" Out of thirty-one specimens collected July 14 and 15, twenty-nine were males,
one female, and one young. Tliis remarkable preponderance of males collected
was owing to the fact that these attracted my attention as they sat singing on the
tops of the weeds and low bushes ; the females being probably down in the gi-ass,
incubating, or attending to their young, — at any rate not singing. In general
appearance and manners they were so similar to Savanna Sparrows {Passercidus
sai'/nuiri) with which they were here associated, that they could only be distiu-
guished at gunshot range after several days' close observation. The song resembles
that of the Savanna Sparrow, but may soon be learned ; it consists of two or three
chirps .and an indefinite trill — 2*)), zip, zip, ziirrrrn-r — in a mellow tinkling tone.
The birds rise from the grass with a quick flickering flight, seldom going far before
re-alighting. They remain in this ])ortiiin of the country at least until October.
Though scattered over the prairie, they tend to gather in little colonies ; that is to
say, one might ride a mile or so without seeing any, and then find numbers in the
same spot. After leaving the prairie included in the bend of the Souris River,
none were seen on the Coteau de ^Missouri ; though this may have been owing to
the lateness of tlie season. Late in July I scared a female off her nest on the
prairie : the bird ran slj^ly through the grass, like a mouse, for some distance, be-
fore taking wing ; her actions being like those of Plectrophnnes oniatus imdcr simi-
lar circumstances. Unfortunately, however, the nest was not found ; but it will
almost certainly be found to be built upon the ground, like that of Pooavfes, Pas-
serculus, and other allies."

We learn by letter (dated October 7, 1873) fi-om Mr. H. W. Henshaw, the natu-
ralist of Lieutenant Wheeler's expedition, that he has obtained (somewhere along
the line of their route, apparently in Xew Mexico, but the locality is not mentioned)
about thirty specimens of what he supposes to be this bird in the fall plumage. In
regard to their habits, Mr. Henshaw writes as follows : " It is essentially a plain
bird, with habits about half-way between those of the Savanna and Yellow-winged
Sparrows, l)oth of which were abundant in the same locality."

Plectrophanes ornatus (I, 520). The abundant material brought in by re-
csnt collectcirs, among wliom we may mention pai'ticulai-ly ilr. Allen (see Bull. Mus.
Comp. ZoLil. Ill, No. 6, p. 135) and Dr. Cones, throws additional light upon the
relationship of this species and P. " me/anomus" (I, 521), and aftbrds conclusive
evidence of their identity. The latter is merely a high stage of plimiage, witli the
lesser coverts deep black, instead of brown as in midsummer, and rufous borders
to the black feathers of the lower parts, which become worn off in midsummer.

Fasserculus alaudinus (I, 537). Dr. Cooper informs me that in July,
1873, he t'lPiuid yuiui;/ lint fully fledged birds of this species quite common along
the beach near Santa Barbara, and wliere, possibly, they may have been mistaken
by Dr. Heermann for P. roslratus. One he shot closely resembled in plumage the
young Meloitpiza heermanni. They had been, without doubt, hatched on the

APPENDIX. 513

grassy hills near by, and may breed farther south on the mountains. P. anthinns
was numerous all summer iu the neighboring marshes, but not away from salt
water.

Passerculus princeps (I, 5-10). Additional specimens collected at Ipswich,
Mass., by .Mr. -Mayuard, tiud on Long Island by Mr. Lawrence, confirm the validity
of this form, and likewise considerably extend its known range.

Coturniculus passerinus, var. perpallidus (I, 556). First described in
Cnues's Ki.y, Octcln-r, If^Tl', p. 137.

Coturniculus lecontei (I, 558). Seven specimens of this interesting species
were collected iu August, 1873, by Dr. Coues, while attached to the Northern
Boundary Survey. Five of them were obtained August 9, at the head- waters of the
Souris River, on a boundless prairie. They inhabited the low portions of the
prairie, where the grass was tall, recalling to mind the sea-shore marshes inhabited
by the Ammodromi of the Atlantic coast. In habits they entirely resembled the
seaside Buntings (A. caiidaaitus and A. maritimus).

These specimens reveal the fact that Leconte's Bunting is quite as much an
Ammodromus as a Coturniculns, being, in fact, just intermediate between A. caiida-
cutus and C. henslowi, agreeing most nearly with the latter in style of coloration,
and exactly resembling the former in form, the rectrioes being even longer, stifTer,
and more acute. This renders it necessary to unite Ammodronius and Coturnicid us
into one genus, recognizing them as subgenera, definable chiefly by the different
style of coloration of the superior surface in the two groups. The name Ammo-
dromus stands as the proper designation of the genus, being of earlier date.

Several stages of plumage are repi-esented in the series obtained by Dr. Coues ;
and, the diagnosis of the species given on p. 552 being taken from a vcr^' defective
specimen, we give here short descriptions taken from the elegant skins before us.

Adult male (No. 3,442, Coll. E. C). Ground-color of the head white, tinged with buff
on the maxillje, and with ash on the auriculars ; crown with two broad black stripes,
separated by a narrow medial one of wliitisli ; nuchal feathers bright rufous, edged with
ashy-white, and shafted with black ; dorsal feathers black, broadly edged exteriorly with
white, and interiorly narrowly skirted with rufous. Beneath entirely white, tinged on
the throat with buff, and streaked on the sides — from the breast to the flanks — with
black. Length, 5.00; extent, 7.10; wing, 2.10; tail, 2.00; culmen, .42; tarsus, 68.

Adult female (No. 3,44.3, E. C). Resembling the male, but, being in less abraded plu-
mage, the colors more pronounced. The head is deep buff (just as in Ammodromus cau-
dacutus), the auriculars and lores distinct^ grayish-white, and the medial stripe of the
crown ashy-white, except the anterior third, which is buff. On the lower parts, the whole
lower side of the head, the entire breast, sides, flanks, and tibiae, are deep buff, the sides
sharply streaked with black. The abdomen, anal region, and crissum are pure white, in
marked contrast. Length, 5.00 ; e.xtent, 7.00 ; wing, 2.00 ; tail, 2.10 ; culmen, .45 ;
tarsus, .70.

Young (Nos. 3,444, 3,445, and 3,446, E. C). Ground-color above dull buff, below white ;
the pattern of the old birds seen in the markings, wdiich, however, are pure black, all red
and brown tints being absent, — except on the wings and tail, which are nearly as in the
adult.

Ammodromus maritimus (I, 5G0). Mr. Maynard has discovered a very
remarkable new local form of this species in Florida, which he has named var.
nigrescens, possessing the following characters : —

VOL. ni. 65

514 APPENDIX.

AmmodTomus maritimus, var. nigrescens, Kiijcwav.

Char. Above black, nearly uniform, and wiili a faint brownish cast; dorsal feathers
with their outer edges narrowly grayish-white ; remiges and tail-feathers edged with
olive-brown : edge ol' the wing bright gamboge-yellow ; supra-loral stripe deep yellow to
above tlie middle of the eye; an obscure supra-auricular stripe of olive-grayish. Lores,
auriculars, and cheeks nearly uniform black ; lower parts pure white, covered with broad
streaks of black, the anal region and middle line of the throat only unstrcaked. Wing,
2.40; tail, 2..50; culmen, .55; tarsus, .95; middle toe, .5.5. (18.5.3, Coll. R. R.)

Specimens of var. viariiimus from Fort Macon, North Cai-oliua, are much darker
than Connecticut examples.

Zonotrichia leucophrys, var. gambeli (1, 569). Specimens from the
Pacific Coast, which are true (jdinbt-li, are uniformly different from Middle Prov
ince examples in several important particulars ; the colors are all darker, the
ash more sombre, and the dorsal streaks sooty-black instead of chestnut-brown.
In everj-thino; except the coloration of the head they closely resemble Z. coro-
nata. The Middle Province form may be named Zonutrichia leucophrys, var.
intermedia, Ridgway.

Junco (I, 578). For a new synopsis of the genus, see Am. Nat. YII, October,
187:'.. ]). ci;"!.

Junco hyemalis, var. aikeni (I, 58i). First described in Am. Nat. YII,

October, 1873, p. 615.

Junco oregonus (I, 584). Dr. Cooper writes that the Oregon Snowbird fre-
quent.s the Sierra Nevada, lat. 39°, up to an elevation of 9,000 feet. He found a
nest with three eggs at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, July 28, 1870.

Poospiza belli (I, 593). A fall specimen fiom Dr. Cooper, collected at
Saticuy, California, October 8, 1872, shows a new plumage of this form, and sub-
stantiates the remarkable difference, in every stage of plumage, from var. uevadeiisis
(I, 594). It differs from specimens of the latter in the corresponding dress, in the
following particulars : —

Sub-maxillary bridle deep black, very broad, and reaching to the bill ; pectoral spot con-
spicuous, black ; sides strongly washed with ochraceous ; above dark plumbeous instead
of light ash; no trace of streaks on the back. Wing, 2.80; tail, 3.00; culmen, .40; tar-
sus, .80. (No. G.3,652, Mus. S. I.)

Spizella mouticola (II, 3). Collected by Henshaw in Southern Utah, in
October, 1872. Probably found throughout the Middle Province region.

Spizella socialis (II, 7). Dr. Coo])er informs us that the Chipping Sparrow
frequents the Sierra Nevada, near latitude 39°, up to 9,000 feet elevation, in sum-
mer, and is the only species of Spizella to be seen there at that season.

Spizella pallida, var. bre'weri (II, 13). Dr. Cooper met with this species
arriving from the South, in small flocks, April, 1873, frequenting bushy grounds
ten miles inland. They had the song and habits as described, but were not seen
in the low country in summer.

Melospiza lincolni (II, 31). Dr Cooper writes that in July, 1870, he
found this species numerous at and near the summit of the Central Railroad in an

APPENDIX. 515

elevation of from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. They were always about marshy thickets,
ofteu close to fields of perpetiuil snow. They had there raised their j"oung, which
were mostly fledged. He found a nest with one egg on the ground. As he found
this July 27, he thinks that without doubt it raises two broods in a season even
in that subalpine region. The song ho found quite different from that of the other
Melospkae, being fainter, more lively and continuous, like that of some Wren or
Warl.k'r.

Melospiza palustris (II, 34). Collected in Southern Utah (Washington),
October 23, 1872, by Mr. Henshaw. (Mus. S. I., Xo. 63,.500.)

Peuceea aestivalis, var. arizonae (II, 41). First described in Am. Nat.
Vil, Octnlicr. is;:',, p. (ilii.

Peucaea carpalis. An additional species of Ptuaxa has been discovered in
Arizona by that diligent collector, Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles Bendire,
U. S. A. It has been described (Am. Nat. VII, June, 1873, p. 322) by Dr. Coues
as Peuccea carpalis. Its characters are as follows : —

Peuccea carpalis, CouES. Kufoas-shouldered Sparrow.

Sp. Cn.\R. Resembling in general appearance a large SpizeUa pusilla. but with rufous
lesser wing-covert.«, and blackish rictal and infra-maxillary streaks. Above grayi.sh earth-
brown, each feather with the medial portion dusky, fbrraing conspicuous black streaks on
the dorsal region, and dusky centres to the wing-coverts and tertials. Nape and rump
plain, and more ashy. Crown and lesser wing-coverts plain rufous, the former divided
anteriorly with a whitish medial line. Beneath ashy-white, including a well-defined
superciliary and maxillary stripe, which have a slight buffy tinge. Throat nearly pure
white, bordered on each side by a conspicuous narrow streak of black ; whitish maxillary
stripe bordered above by a dusky rictal streak. Bill reddish, darker on the culmen. Tarsi
dilute brown ; toes born-brown. Wing, 2.50; tail, 2.7.5; culmen, .45; tarsus, .80; middle
toe, .55.

Hah. Tucson, Arizona. (No. 62,372. September, 1872, Captain C. Bendire, I". S. A.)

Another specimen, supposed to be a female, in winter plumage (Tucson, January
10, 1873) differs quite appreciably in its markings and colors. The crown is more
streaked, every feather being edged laterally with ashy-gray ; the blackish streaks
on the back and scapulars are more distinct, and the inner web of the lateral tail-
feather is broadly bordered with white terminally. It measures, wing, 2.50 ; tail,
2.90; culmen, .45; tarsus, .70. "Length, 5.7-5; stretch, 7.80."

Captain Bendire informs me that he found this species rather common in the
vicinity of Tucson. It was generally seen in company with Poospiza hilineata.
Its usual call-note resemliled the syllables zih-zih-zib. He believed it to be a resi-
dent of Arizona througliout the year. It commences nesting early in J>me, gen-
erally building in the small mesquite bushes, sometimes not over six inches, seldom
more than four feet, from the gi'ound. The nests are composed of fine dry gi'asses
and rootlets, and lined with the fine, slender seed-tops of the secatow or rye-grass,
and sometimes with a few hairs. The nest is very deep, and is firmlj' fixed into a
fork of the bush in which it is built. The eggs, when fresh, are of a pale green
color, and average .73 of an incli in lengtli by .58 in breadth, are unspotted, are
generally four, seldom five, in a nest. One nest with four eggs was foimd Septem-
ber II, 1872.

516 APPENDIX.

Fasserella (II, 49). The capture of a specimen exactly intermediate between
F. i/i'n-a and P. lownstndii, at Saticoy, California, December 14, 1872, by Dr.
Cooper, renders it extremely probable that all the known forms of this genus are
but geographical races of one species. The characters of this specimen (No. 63,05 1 )
are as follows : Most lilie iliaca in reddish tints and coloration of the head, with
occasional nearly pure ashy lights, but with the suffused pattern of townseiulii.
Win;:. .'IGO : tail, :^.M ; cnlmeii, ..50; tarsus, 1.00.

Fasserella megarhynchus (II. 57). Dr. Cooper found this species common
between .5,000 and 7,000 feet elevation, on the Central Pacific Railroad line,
where most of the coiuitry was still covered with snow. One or two were to be
found in ever}- thicket at distances of a quarter of a mile, already paired and
having selected their summer residence, having remained in close proximity to the
snowy region all winter. In July, on a second visit to the mountains, he observed
them still singing occasionally, at Truckee, near 6,000 feet altitude, on the east
slope.

Euspiza americana (II, 65). According to Mr. Allen this species is abun-
dant at Denver, Colorado, being found entirely across the Plains to the eastern
slope of the Rocky Mountains.

Guiraca caerulea (II, 77). Has been obtained in El Paso County, Colorado,
by Mr. .\iken.

Cardinalis Virginian us, var. igneus (II, 103). Has been found in El Paso
County, Colorado. Specimens from Eastern Kansas, collected by Mr. Allen, seem
also to be referrible tn this firm.

Pipilo erjrthropthalmus (II, 109). Specimens collected by Dr. Coues at
Pembina, Minnesota, in June, 1873, have (both males and females) a gi-eater or less
number of minute white specks more or less distinctly indicated on the portion
where the large white spots of the western forms are located. This points to the
probability that all the black races ranged in the synopsis under maculatus (includ-
ing the latter itself) must be referred to erythroptha/mus.

Pipilo mesoleucus (II, 125). Captain Bendire found this species breeding
in Southern -Vrizona, in the neighborhood of Tucson. One nest was found August
2, another September 4, 1872. Both were built in mesquite-trees, and were six
feet from the ground, — an unusual position in birds of this family. The eggs are
also peculiar, and difiFer from any of this genus I have ever met with, having more
resemblance to eggs of Sturndiy, especially to the militarh of South America. The
eggs from one nest are one inch in length by .73 in breadth, have a briglit white
ground, with a slight tinge of bluish, and are boldly plashed, especially around the
larger end, with distinct deep dashes of reddish and purplish brown. A few of
these blotches are skittered irregularly over the entire egg, but the greater portion
are grouped around the more obtuse end. The eggs are of oval shape, both ends
rounded, one slightly less than the other. The eggs in another nest are more
nearlj- spherical, with less difference in the ends ; the ground-color is more dis-
tinctly white ; the spots, of reddish-brown, are finer and more concentrated about
the larger end ; and the faint markings of purplish are much more numerous.
These measure .74 bv .90 of an inch.

APPENDIX. 517

This species has also been found resident in El Paso County, Colorado, by ilr.
Aiken.

Fipilo aberti (II, 128). Captain Bendire found this species breeding abun-
dantly in the vicinity of Tucson, in Southern Arizona. The nests were not on the
ground, as is usual among the more northern forms of Pipilos, but in trees and in
bushes at the height of several feet from the ground. One nest was taken July
28, in a small ash-tree, and another was found on the same day in a willow-tree,
more than eight feet from the ground. Tlie eggs bear a close resemblance to those
of Pipilo fuscics and to those of P. alhir/ula, having a ground-color of very light
blue, marked almost exclusively aroinid the larger eud with a wreath of irregidar
blotches of dark purplish-browu. They are of a rouuded oval shape, are quite
obtuse at one end, and vary in length from .97 of an inch to .88, and in breadth
from .70 to .7:).

Pipilo chlorurus (II, 131). Dr. Cooper met with none of this species in the
Sierra Nevada lietwecn 3,000 and 7,000 feet elevation in April, 1870, when they
were leisurely working their way up from the lower country ; but in Jtdy he found
them from Truckee, 6,000 feet on the east slope, up to the summit, 7,000 feet,
but not higher. They were then feeding half-grown young. Dr. Albert Kellogg
found a nest on the ground, with four eggs, spotted near the larger end on a bluish
ground. The males were still singing occasionally and very melodiously, and had
the same cry of alarm or anger as the Pipilo eri/tliropthaimiis. Dr. Cooper also
met with this species at Clear Lake, near the end of September, showing that they
probably breed in the northern Coast Range.

Dolichon]^ oryzivorus (II, 149). Specimens from every portion of the
Plains, and west to the Great Basin, have the Vilack intenser and more continuous,
the nuchal patch clear ochraceous-white, the scapulars and rump unshaded white,
and the white of the back confined to a median line. The bill and feet are also
jet-black, instead of horn-color. They constitute var. albinucha, Ridgway.

Icterus CUCUllatUS (II, 193). Except in the materials, which dift'ereuce may
be more local tlian specific, the nests of this species are hardly distinguishable
from those of/, spurixs. A nest from Cape St. Lucas (S. I. No. 4,954:), collected
May, 1860, by Mr. X.antus, is basket-shaped and pendulous, suspended on two sides
to the numerous twigs of each fork of a drooping branch. In structure it is
exactly like that of I. spnrius, and is composed of dry wiry grasses, lined scan-
tily with vegetable down. The length is six inches, lower side of aperture only
two and a half inches from the bottom. Another (S. I. No. 1,940) taken May 20,
1859, at San Jose, Lower California, by ilr. Xautus, is a very elaborately wrought
basket-shaped nest. The circumference of the circular rim is much less than the
greatest girth of the nest. The lower walls and base of the nest are very thick.
The whole is composed of fine wiry grasses and scantily lined with vegetable down
and soft flaxy fibres. The external diameter is 5.00 inches, the internal 2.10,
height about 3.00, and the depth of the cavity 2.80.

Captain Charles Bendire met with this species in Southern Arizona. It was
first noticed by him on the 15th of April, but he thinks they had arrived nearly
ten days previously, and that the date of their coming may be given as during the

518 APPENDIX.

fii-st week of April, lie describes it as a shy, active, and restless bird, generally
frequenting the extreme tops of the tallest cottonwood-trees near the borJei's
of the watercourses, which, however, arc usually dry. 'i'here the bird flutters
through the dense foliage in search of insects, and is scarcely ever seen for more
than an instant at a time. It commences building about the first of June. The
nest is suspended from the extremities of the lower branches of an ash, walnut,
mesquite, or Cottonwood tree, and is exclusively composed of fine wire-like grasses,
which are made use of while green and plial)lc, and sparsely lined with the silky
fibres of a species oi Asdepias. These grasses arc interlaced in such a complicated
manner as to form, oven when dry, a very strong structure. The dimensions
of a nest are : luucr diameter, three inches ; inside depth the same ; outside
from five and a half to four inches wide and about four deep. The eggs are
from two to four in number, usually three, are of a pale bluish-white ground,
spotted with dark lilac and umber-brown about the larger end. The largest eggs
measure one inch by .04. Captain Bendire adds that he cannot regard this Oriole
as a fine singer. Besides a usual chattering note resembling the syllables char-
char-char, frequently repeated, it has a call-note something like hut-wit, which is
also several times repeated.

Icterus baltimore (II, 195). Extends its range westward to the Rocky
fountains. Collected in El Paso County, Colorado, by Mr. Aiken.

Icterus bullockii (II, 199). Extends eastward to Eastern Kansas, where it
is not uueoiumou. (.See .Snow's Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas, 1873.)

Corvus cryptoleucus (II, 242). According to Mr. Aiken this species is
abundant, and nearly i-ejilaccs C. carnivorus along the eastern base of tlie Rocky
Mountains, as for north as Cheyenne.

Captain Bendire found this a resident species in Southern Arizona, and met
with two nests at the base of the St. Catharine Mountains, near Tucson. One of
these contained three, the other four eggs. These he described as very light col-
ored, so pale that if mixed with hundreds of others of this family they could be
picked out without difficulty. Their ground-color is said to be a very pale green,
with darker markings running more into lines than spots ; in fact, very few spots
were found on either set. The size of the largest was \M inches by 1.33, that
of the largest 1.70 by 1.19. They were not common in the vicinity of Tucson.

Cyanura (II, 271). For a special treatment of the races of C. stelleri, see Am.

Jiiurn. Science and Arts, .Tanuarv, 1873.

Cyanocitta californica (II, 298). Dr. Cooper has ascertained that this
species does occur on the castera slope of the Sierra Nevada, but lower down than
the region he visited iu 1803. Ho found a few at Verdi, close to the eastern boun-
dary-line of California, at about 4,.50() feet elevation, in July, 1870. He saw none
elsewhere.

' Tsrrannus vociferans (U. 327). Captain Bendire writes that this species

arrives in the nciglilH.rl 1 uf Tucson about the middle of April, but does not

commence nesting until the middle of June. All the nests he found were difficult
to get at, being generally placed on a branch of a large cottonWogd-tree, and at a
distance from the trunk. The nest is described as very large for ttie size of the

APPENDIX.

519

bird, composed of sticks, ^ecds, diy grasses, and lined with hair, wool, and the inner
soft hbres-of bark of the cottouwood. The nsual complement of eggs is three,
seldom four. Thoy measm-o from l.t)() by .75 to 1.10 by .80 of an inch, are of a
creamy-white color, with large isolated spots of a reddish-brown, scattered priuci-
pallv about the larger end.

Myiarchus (II, 329). For a discussion of the races of M. hnvrencii considered
in then' relation to climatic color-variation, see Am. Journ. Science and Arts,
December, 1872.

Sayornis (11, 339). The outlines of species of Sayomis given below are addi-
tional to tliusc already published.

Empidonax brunneus (II, 363). Specimens in the collection of the Boston
Society bear the .MSS. name of E. olivus. But we cannot find a reference to this
name.

Empidonax minimus (11, 372). Has been collected in El Paso County,
Colorado, by Mr. Aiken.

Sayornis saytts.

Sayornis fuscus.

520

APPENDIX.

Sat/ornti niip-icajis.

Empidonax obscums (II, 381). Dr. Cooper found a few of this species
wiuteriiiiT in a large grove of balsam, poplars, and willows, which retained most of
their old leaves till spring, near San Buenaventura. Those shot were remarkably
gray, and were supposed to have been blown down from the borders of the desert
by the violent northeast-wind.

Pyrocephalus mexicanus (II, 387). Captain Bendire found the Red
Flvcatcher quite abundant in Southern Arizona, where they breed as early as
April. They were most common in the neighborhood of Reledo Creek, near
Tucson, and were generally found in the neighborhood of water. Their nests were
in various situations, in one instance in a cottonwood-tree thirty feet from the
ground, in another in the forks of a mesquite not more than ten feet from the
ground. The nests were small, slight, and loosely made, and not readily preserved.
They were made externally of twigs, fine bark, stems of plants, etc., and lined with
hair and feathers. The usual number of eggs was three, and never more. Except
in size these bear a close resemblance to the eggs of Mitvulus forficatus. Their
ground is a rich cream-color, to which the deep purplish-brown markings with
which they are lilotchcd imparts a slight tinge of red. These markings are few,
bold, and conspicuous, and encircle the larger end with an almost continuous ring.
In shape they are of a roundish oval, and measure .66 of an inch in length by .55
in breadth. The nest and eggs of this species were also obtained at Cape St. Lucas
by Mr. John Xautus, and the eggs correspond. Dr. Cooper found two male birds of
this species in a grove near the month of the Santa Clara River, six miles from San
Buenaventura, in October, 1872. They had obtained their perfect pltmiage, but
seemed to be young birds. They hunted insects much like a Sayornis, and uttered
only a faint chirp.

Chordeiles popetue, var. minor (II, 400). Specimens from Miami, Florida,
collected by Mr. Maynard, agree very nearly with typical examples of var. minor
from Cuba, both in size and color, and should possibly be referred to that race.
A male (7,414, Mus. C. J. M.) measures: wing, 7.00; tail, 4.15. The colors are
those of var. popefue, with less rufous than in the single specimen of minor with
which it has been compared.

APPENDIX. 521

Chordeiles texensis (II, 406). Dr. Cooper shot a single specimen of this
species near Sau Buenuventura, April 18, 1873.

Antrostomus carolinensis (II, 410). This species has been detected by
Mr. Kidgway in Southern Illinois (Wabash County), where it is a rare summer
sojourner.

Panyptila melanoleuca (II, 424). Dr. Cooper saw many of this species in
the caiion of iSauta Anna, flying about inaccessible cliffs of sandstone, where they
doubtless had nests, Maj' 20. He saw also them near San Buenaventura, August
25, when they came down to the valley from the sandstone cliffs ten miles dis-
tant. The}' afterwards hunted insects almost daily near the coast, flying high
during the calm morning, but when there were sea-breezes flying low and against
it. After a month they disappeared, and none were seen until December 14,
when thej^ were again seen until the 20th. None were seen during the rains,
or until February 2C, when they reappeared, and after April 5 they retired to the
mountains.

Nephoecetes niger (II, 429). Dr. Cooper informs us that a fine specimen
of this rare bird was taken at San Francisco in the spring of 1870, and brought
to Mr. F. Gruber. It had, from some cause, been driven to alight on the gi'ound,
from which it was not able to rise, and was talien alive. The exact date was not
noted.

Chaetura vauxi (II, 435). Dr. Cooper states that in the spring of 1873
this Swift appeared as early as April 22 near San Buenaventura. The year before
he first saw them near San Diego on the 26th.

Geococcjrx califomianus (II, 472). Has been found in £1 Paso County,
Colorado, by Mr. Ail^cu.

Ficus gairdnei'i (II, 512). Four eggs of this Woodpecker were taken by
Mr. William A. Cooper near Santa Cruz, Cal., from a hole in a tree, one side of
which was much decayed. Four is said to be the usual number of their eggs,
although five were found in one instance. The eggs resemble those of P. pubescens,
and measure .75 of an inch in length by .57 in breadth.

Sphjrropicus varius (II, 539). Collected in El Paso Comity, Colorado, by
Mr. Aiken.

Centurus uropygialis (II, 558). Captain Bendire found this Woodpecker
the most common of the family in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, where it was
resident throughout the year. Like nearly all of its kindred, it is an exceedingly
noisy bird. It appears to be a resident species throughout the year in all the south-
ern portions of the Territory. Its favorite localities for nesting appear to be in the
gigantic trunks of the large Cereiis giganteus, which plants are called by the na-
tives Suwarrows. These are easily excavated, and form a remarkably safe place in
which to rear their young ones, on account of the many thorns with which these
cacti are protected. Their eggs are usually four in number, but sometimes are
only two, and resemble those of all the other kinds of AVoodpeckers in their color
and in their rounded oval shape. They average .98 of an inch in length and .76
in breadth. Usually two, and occasionally even three, broods are raised in a season.

VOL. III. 66

522

APPENDIX.

Strix pratincola (III, l-'5). Dr. Cooper infoi-ms us tliat, though most of
these Owls are resident in California south of latitude 35°, there is a migration
southward in fall from the north. Great numbers of them appeared near Sau
Buenaventura about October 20, 1872, for a few days, and most of them went still
farther southward. They return north about the first of April. On the 12th of
April ho foinid a nest built fom- feet up in a pejjpcr-tree {Schhnis motle), fonning
pai-t of a hedge, composed of coai-se sticks, straws, and dry horse-dung inside, shal-
low but strongly built, and containing two eggs.

Falconid^ (III, 103). The following outlines of the Falconidce were omitted
in their proper places.

43139,2. -

4S139. Fa2co gyr/aUo^ Tar. sacer.

5482. FaJco lanarius^ var. polyagrus.

Chamsepelia passerina (III, 389). Dr. Coojjer states that an individual of
this speL-ies was killed by Mr. Lorquin at Sau Francisco, in May, 1870. Mr. Lor-
quin also obtained several at San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, several yeai"s pre-
vious.

Tetrao obscurus (III, 421). Dr. Cooper found this species in April, 1870,
at the edge of the melting snow, near Cisco, about 6,000 feet altitude. They were
still more nimicrous at Emigrant Gap, .'ijSOO feet altitude, where snow lay only
in patches, and at Truckee, on the east slope, where there was no snow, and where
he found two of their eggs in a deserted nest within sight of the town. In July
he found them near Verdi, near the State line. This is the limit of their range.
They also frequent the edge of perpetual snow, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, more
numerously than below.

Oi-tyx virginianus, var. floridanus (III, 469, footnote). Specimens from
Jlianii, Fla., exhibit the peninsular extreme of this species. They are altogether
more like var. cubanensis than like vin/iHirnins proper, j'et they differ uniformly in

APPENDIX. 523

such esseiitiiil respects from the Cubau form that they merit a distinctive name.
The characteristic features of this form are the following : —

Char. Above, with dark bluish-gray prevailing, only the anterior part of the back being
washed, or mixed, with reddish; scapulars and tertials quite consfiicuously Iwrdered with
whitish. The whole gray surface more or le.^s mottled or barred with black. The head-
stripes are nearly uniformly black, with only a little rusty mixed in the occiput; the black
gular collar is much extended, encroaching on the throat anteriorly, so as to leave only an
inch, or less, of white, and posteriorly invades the jugulum, so that there is more than an
inch of continuous black, and over this distance where black predominates. The entire
abdomen, anal region, and breast are heavily barred with black, the black bars on the breast
almost equalling the white ones in width. The sides, flanks, and crissum are nearly uni-
form rufous, the feathers of the former with white edges, broken by the extensions of
the black streak which runs inside the white, wliile the latter have heavy black medial
streaks and white terminal spaces.

The female is similar, except in the color of the head, which is exactly that of var.
tKnanus.

Wing, (J, 4.30-4.40; ?, 4.35. Culmen, .60 -.6.5; tarsus, 1.15-1.20; middle toe,
1.05-1.10.

Oreoilyx pictus (III, 475). Dr. Cooper founrl these birds already paired
near the summit of the Sierra Nevada, where the snow was but half melted off,
and they scarcely descended below the limits of the snow in the coldest weather.
In Jiily he saw young birds just hatched near Truckee, at an elevation of 6,000
feet. This was on the 24th. On the 28th another brood, a little older, was
seen at the foot of Mt. Stanford, about 8,000 feet above the sea. Most of the
broods, however, were nearly fledged at that time. Dr. Cooper also mentions
that he found this Quail not rare in the mountains east of San Diego above an
elevation of 3,800 feet. He thought, also, that he heard this bird in the Santa
Anna range east of Annaheim. It also exists in the Santa Inez Mountains, six-
teen miles east of San Buenaventura, at an altitude of fi-om .3,000 to 4,000 feet.
It seems to be confined to the zone of coniferous trees, rarely if over coming below
them. Ml-. Henshaw has obtained this species at Apache, in Arizona.

Lophortys gambeli (III, 482). Captain Bendire found this Quail breeding
in the vicinity of Tucson, in Arizona, near Uillito Creek, occasionally nesting in
situations above the ground. One nest, seen .June 7, 1872, contained three fresh
eggs. It was two feet above the gi-ound, on a willow stump, and in an exposed
place, near the creek. The nest was composed of the leaves of the cottonwood-
tree. In some instances he found as many as eighteen eggs in one nest. These
closely resemble the eggs of the California Quail, so much so as to be hardly dis-
tinguishable fi-om them. They are all of a rounded oval shape, sharply tapering
at one end, and quite obtuse at the other. They measure 1.24 inches in length
by one inch in their largest breadth. Their ground-color varies from a deep cream
to a light drab. Some ai-e sparingly marked with large and well-defined spots,
most of them circular in shape, and of a rich purplish-brown color. In others the
whole surface is closely sprinkled with minute spots of yellowish-brown, inter-
mingled with which are larger spots of a dai-k purple. This species was obtained
in Southern Utah bv Mr. Henshaw.

n.

EXPLANATIOX OF TEEMS USED IX BESCEIBIXG THE
EXTERNAL FORM OF BUtDS.

Tardus migratorius, L.

REFERENCES TO THE FIGURE.

N. B. In tlic figure the adjacent regions are separated by a double bar, with the letters be-
longing to eacli affixed.

A. The body in ponorfil.

B. Tlie region of tlie lienil.
C " " " nccl«.
D. " " " trunk.

E. The region of the tail.

F. " " " wings.

G. " " " legs.
H. The feathers.

Note. — I am under obtigntions to Professor Sundcvall of Stockholm and Dr. Sclatcr of London for asRlstanrc
In correcting and improving the present article.— S. F. Baird.

APPENDIX.

525

B. Head

9.

Bill in general.

10.

M;i.\illa.

11.

Jhiiidibic.

20.

Ridge.

21.

Tip ol' mnxilla.

22.

Keel.

23.

Angle of chin.

27.

Angle of mouth.

28.

Commissure.

281.

Nostrils.

30.

Cap (pileus), includes 32, 33.

31.

Crown (vertex).

C.

48.

Hind neck (includes 49, 50).

49.

Nape.

60.

Scruff.

61.

Fore neck (includes 02, 53).

Neck.

82.

Front head (sinciput).

33.

Hind head (occiput).

34.

Forehead.

36.

Frontal points.

89.

Lores.

40.

Ophthalmic region.

41.

Orbits.

42.

Cheeks.

43.

Eyebrows.

44.

Temples.

45.

Parotics.

46.

Chin.

52.

Throat.

63.

Jugulum.

54.

Side ucck.

D. Trunk or Body.

67.

Back (includes 58, 5U).

G2.

Breast.

68.

L'ppcr back.

63.

Abdomen (includes 64, 65)

69.

Lower back.

64.

Ejiigastrium.

60.

Rump.

65.

Belly.

61.

Mantle (back and wings together).

66.

Crissum.

E. Tail.

70.

Tail feathers (or rectriccs).

73.

Lower tail coverts.

72.

Upper tail coverts.

F.

Wingg.

75.

Primary quills.

89.

Secondary coverts (include 92,

76.

Secondary quills.

93, 94).

77.

Bend of wing.

92.

Greater wing coverts.

79.

False wing (alula).

93.

Lesser wing coverts.

80.

Scapulars.

94.

Middle wing coverts.

86.

Primary coverts.

95.

Edge of wing.

G. Legs.

97. Thigh (concealed under skin).

98. Shin (tibia).
103. Heel joint.
103i. Tarsus.
112. Foot.

110. Toes.

126. Outer toe.

127. Imier toe.

128. Middle toe.

129. Hind toe.

For the pur[)cise of ik'Tiiiiiiy; tlio form, markiiiL^s, coloi-atiuii, and ullicr iicculiari-
ties of birds, tlio different roj^ious of the body have received names bv wliicli intel-
ligible reference can be made to any portion. It is, perhaps, hardly necessary to
say that all livini^ birds have a head supported on a neck, with jaws e.^tended
into a biU covered with a horny sheath, or with skin, tlie two jaws situated one

526 APPENDIX.

above the other, and always destitute of teeth. The anterior pair of hmbs is
developed into wings which, however, are not always capable of use in flight ;
the posterior serve as legs for the support of tlie liody in an oblique or nearly
erect position. Tlie body is covered with fcathei-s of variable structure and charac-
ter, both in the young bird and the old. (Tlic wings are apparently wanting in
some fossil species.)

The following terras, English and Latin, ;u-e those most general!}- employed in
describing the cxteraal form of birds, and are jirincipally as defined by Illiger.
In cases where there is no suitable Englisli word in use, the Latin ccjuivalcnt only
is given. The figure selected for illustration, drawn by Mr. 1!. llidgway, is that
of the common American robin (Turdus migratorius, L.), and will be familiar to
most students of ornithology.

A. Body in General (Corpus).

1. Feathers {Plnma). A dry clastic oliject, with a central stem at one end forminjj a liol-

low horny tube implanted in the skin at its tip, the other i'catheicd on opposite sides.

2. Quills {Pemia). The large stitF feathers implanted in the posterior edge of the win^ and

in the tail.

3. Plumage {Plilosis). The general feathery covering of the body.

4. Unfeathered {Implumts). A portion of skin in which no feathers are inserted.

5. Upper parts {Xolaum). The entire upper surface of the animal. (Sometimes restricted

to the trunk.)

6. Lovrer parts ( Gos^cffum). The entire lower surface of the animal. (Sometimes restricted

to the trunk.)

7. Anterior portion {SteJhimim). Tlie forward part of the body (about half), both upper

and under surfaces, including tlie chest.

8. Posterior portion [Urmim]. The hinder portion of the body (about half), including the

abdominal cavity.

B. The Head (Cajmt).

9. Bill {Rostrum). The projecting jaws, one above the other, united by a hinge joint behind,

and lovored bv a horny sheath, or a skin, and enclosing the mouth.

10. Maxilla, or upper jaw {Manila].

11. Mandible, or lower jaw {Manflibida).

12. Ramphotheca. The horny covering, or sheath of the jaws.

13. Rhiuotheca. The covering of the upper jaw.

14. Gnathotheca. The covering of the lower jaw.

15. Cere {Cera, or Ciroma). A skin at the base of the maxilla, in certain birds.

(In birds without a horny sheath to the bill, the cere may be considered as
extending to its very tip.)
IG. Edges of bill {Tomia). The margins of upper and lower jaws where they come in

contact. We have thus a

17. Maxillary tomium, and a

18. Mandibular tomium.

19. Gape or Commissure {Commissurn). The junction of the tomia, or of the two hills.

APPENDIX. 527

Head ( Continued).

20. Ridge {Ctilmen). The upper outline of the tiiU when viewed laterally ; extending from

base of bill to the

21. Tip {Dertrum).

22. Keel [Cioni/s). The lower outline of the bill viewed laterally; extending from the

angle of the chin to the tip.

23. Angle of the chin {Ant/uUis i«e7i(n//.s). The point where the two branches, or rami,

of the lower jaw

24. (Gnathidia, Rami) unite, thence to be continued to its ti]) as the

25. Myxa (Si/mphi/sis).

26. Malar region (Rrgio malaris). The outside of the base of lower jaw ; usually covered

with feathers.

27. Angle of the mouth (yln/7»/«s oris). The angle formed by the mandible and maxilla;

the posterior boundary of the gape or commissure, the tip of bill being the anterior.

28. Nostrils (Nares).

29. Head, as restricted (Caput). The head, exclusive of the bill.

30 Cap ( Pileiis). The whole top of head from the base of bill to nape.

31. Crown ( Vertex). The highest central portion of the top of head (between the cars).

32. Sinciput [Sinciput). The anterior half of cap (from bill to middle of crown).

33. Occiput (Oeciput). The posterior half of cap, (from middle of crown to the nape).

34. Forehead (Frons). From base of bill to crown (usually anterior to line of eyej.

35. Nape (.VhcA(i). See 49.

36. Frontal points {Antite). The two projecting feathered angles of the forehead embra-

cing the base of the culmen, or included between the frontal angle of the ma.xilla and
the angle of the mouth (not always present).

37. Mastas (.lAis'a.r). The side of the fore part of the head, adjacent to the base of the

miixilla, and distinguished by its feaihers or its color.

38. Capister [Capistrum). The anterior portion of the head all round the base of the

bill.

39. Lore (Loiuni). Narrow space between the bill and the eye, on each side.

40. Ophthalmic region (/?ej/oo;)A(Aa/;nica). Space round the eye.

41. Orbits (Oibita). The innermost portion of the ophthalmic region immediately adj.tcent

to the eye.

42. Cheeks ( G'ciia). See Malar region.

43. Eyebrow [Supaxilia). A longitudinal stripe immediately above the eye.

44. Temples ( Temponi). Whole side of the head behind the eye or between the eye, top of

head, and the ear.

45. Parotic region (Rerjio parotica). Space around the ears.

46. Chin [Maiiuin). Space embraced between the branches of lower jaw.

C. The Neck {Collnm).

47. Neck (CoUum). The part connecting the head and trunk, enclosing the neck vertebrae.

48. Hind-neck (Cenix). The upper or posterior portion of the neck, from occiput to

back.

49. Nape (.Vro/ia). The jiortion of hind neck nearest the head.

528 APPENDIX.

ITeck {Contmiie<l).

50. Auchenium {Aiicheniimi). The portion of hind neck nearest the tack, the " scruff"

of till; neck.

51. Fore-neck (Guttur). The inferior or anterior portion of neck, from the chiu to the

breast.

52: Throat ( Gula), The upper part of fore neck, or that nearest the chin.

53. Jugnlum (Jugulnm). The lower part of fore neck, between tlie tliroat and the

breast. (Divided into upper, middle, and lower.)

54. Side neck (Parauchenium). The sides of the iicek, between the front and the hind

ncik.

55. Collar (Jbryiies). A ring of any kind eucinling the neck.

D. The Trunk (Truncus).

56. Trunk (Tninnix). That portion of tlie body enclo.'^ins the viscera ,ind inte.=tines, and carry-

inf; the neek and head at cue end, the tail at the other, as also the four limbs.

57. Back {Dorsum). The portion of the upper surface of the trnnk, from the neck to the

rump, and corresponding to the dorsal and sacral vertebra;.

58. Upper back (hUcrscapuHum). The upper portion of the back, or along the dorsal

vertebra;; between the shoulder-blades, and 0|'posite the breast, sometimes called
dorsum anticum.

59. Lower back (JCTv/Mm). The lower portion of the bark .-'ong the sacral region,

from the upper back to the rmnp, and opposite the belly, someiimes called dorsum

posticum.

60. Rump (Uropy(jium). The portion of tlie ujiper side of the trunk corresponding to the

cauilal vertebra;.

61. Mantle [Stragulum ; Pallium). The back and the outside of the folded wings taken

tOL^ethcr.
6Ii. Ventral region (Reijio vcntralis). Under side of body, ineluding breast and abdnmen.

62. Breast {Pfrius). The most .interior portion of tlic lower surface of trunk, representing

the region of the sternum or brea.st bone (between thejugulum .and the abdomen).
6.3. Abdomen {Abdomen). The under side of body, between the breast and the amtl region.

64. Epigaster {Epi(/astrvim). The anterior portion of abdomen, next to the breast

65. Belly ( ]'enter). The hinder portion of the abdomen, next to the anal region or

erissum.
6G. Anal region {Crissum). The region around the anus, below the tiiil, and ojiposlie to

the rnmp. Frequently includes under tail coverts.

67. Flanks {ITiiporhondria). The sides of the soft parts of the body.

68. Humeral region {Rcgio humeralis). The anterior portion of the sides; th.at in which

the wing is implanted.

E. The Tail {Cnnda).

69. Tail (Cauda). The feathers forming ihe posterior extremity of the body, implanted on the

OS coeeygis, or rump bone.

70. Tail feathers {hrctrices). The Umg individual feathers belonging to the tail.

XoTE. — Teipninn (73i) are coverts in general, whether of wing or tail. Gilyplerio are tail coverts.
7'tc(/*ice^(83), wing coverts.

APPENDIX. 529

Tail {Continued).

71. Tail coverts (Ca!i/ptma). The feathers overlying and covering the base of the tail

feathers ; the

72. Upper {suiieriores) being those above, and

73. Lower (in/eriores) those below ; sometimes concealing or projecting beyond the tail.

F. The Wings (A/a).

74. Wings {AUr}. The anteriur pair uf limbs nf tlie bird, used in flight.

75. Primary quills, or quills of the first series; Hand-quills {Rtmiges primarim).

The (usually) ten stiff feathers inserted on the hand or first joint (metacarpus and
digit), or from the bend of the wing to the tip.

76. Secondary quills or quills of the second series; Arm-quills (Rnnirjis xecun-

darii ; Pentuc ciibill). The inner ijuills, or those inserted along the posterior edge-of
the forearm or ciihitiis. The innermost of these quills, sometimes longer or different
from the rest, arc frequently called tertials. (Penmc tcrtiuriu .)

77. Bend of the ■wing (Flexuru, Plica). The angle of junction of ihc hand-joint and that

of the forearm.
7S. Armpit {Axilla). The under side of the insertion of the wing into the body.

79. False or Bastard wing {Alulu). A series of several stiffened feathers on the edge of

the wing, overlying and exterior to the primary quills, and inserted on the thumb joint
of the hand.

80. Scapulars {Penn<B scapulares). Stiffened feathers inserted on the shoulder-blade or the

insertion of arm {Imineriis), and filling up the interval between the secondary quills
and the body.

81. Axillars {Pennce axillures). Similar feathers connecting the under surface of the wing

and the body, and concealed in the closed wing.

82. Speculum, or Mirror {Speculmii alw). A brilliantly colored portion of the wing

especially in the ducks, over the extremities of the secondary quills, and framed in on
one side (in the closed wing) by the primary quills, or the other by the scapulars.

83. Wing coverts (jTccinccs). The smaller feathers of the wing. The

84. Upper (su/je7W£s), side above or outer. The

85. Lower {inferiore.'s) , below, or inside, and overlying the bases of the quills. These

and the quills form the surfaces of the wings.

86. Primary coverts (recd-icespn'mancE). The feathers, which either

87. Upper or

88. Under overlie the bases of the primary qnills. These are on the upper or

under surface of the wing ; not often distinguished in descriptions.

89. Secondary coverts ( Tectrlces secundaria). The feathers which, as

90. Upper and

91. Under, cover the bases of the secondary quills, on the upper or under surface of

the wini;s, being generally those referred to as " coverts."

92. Greater coverts {Tutrices majore.':). The longest coverts projecting beyond the

rest, and resting directly upon the bases of the secondary quills.

93. Lesser coverts ( Tectrlas minores). The succession of many series of small

featliers beginning at and covering the anterior edge of the wing, very small at
first and increasing in size behind.

94. Middle coverts {Teclrices medics). One or more rows of coverts, intermediate

in size as well as position, between the lesser and greater coverts,
vol.. III. 67

530 APPENDIX.

Wings (Ccmlinued).

95. Edge of the wing ( Campterium ; ^Targo carpi). The small featliers covering the an-

tc'iiur ucl^'u of the wing, both along the forearm and the hand or tirst joint, including

the bend of the wing.

G. The Legs (/'c/o).

96. Legs (Pnles). The posterior pair of limbs inserted in the pelvis, and used in walking or

running.

97. Thigh (FfHmr). The basal joint of the leg, its head articulating with the pelvis. This

is generally inihed<led in the fle.<h, and covered l)v- the skin so as not to be appreci-
able, csi)eci;dly in the prepared specimen.

98. Shin (Tibia). The second or middle joint of the log, articulated above to the thigh,

below to the tarsus. The up|)er part, sometimes the whole, is enveloped in 0esh,
and covered by skin and feathers ; sometimes the lower extremity is covered by horny
plates, the

99. (Cnemidium).

100. Foot joint (Pocliirfliriim). The junction of the tarsus below with the foot.

101. Podotheca [Podotheca). The horny or skinny covering of lower tibia, tarsus, and feet.

102. Knee (Genu). The junction of the thigh with the leg, usually concealed by the skin.

103. Heel joint (Suffi'ayo). The junction of the leg with the tarsus.

103.^,. Tarsus (Tarsus). The third joint of the leg and next to the tibia; covered generally
with horn, sometimes with naked skin or feathers, never with Hesh ; the toes are ar-
ticulated to its lower extremity. Thi* joint corresjionds to the ankle joint of the luiinan
body.

104. Instep, or Front of tarsus (.icrotarsium). The anterior face of the tarsus,

usually covered by small plaies, which in the higher groups are united into one;
sometimes covered by skin.

105. Side of tarsus (Panilarsiuiii).

106. Back of tarsus (P/'iHta (a;si). Homologically the Sole (P/anta).

107. Seel ( Calcaneus ; Ta/us). The upper posterior extremity of the tarsus.

108. Spur (Co/car). Any bony sharp process or spine imjilanted on the tarsus, as

in the rooster.

109. Bcutellae (Scutelh). The succession of small, usually rectangular plates, applied

against the anterior face of the tarsus, and the upper surface of toes. These
sometimes encircle the tarsus completely, meeting on the inner side; sometimes
reach half round with similar half rings on the back side of the tarsus ; are some-
times divided into polygonal plates ; are sometimes fused into a continuous plate,
cither anteriorly or laterally. Modifications of structure in this respect indicate
difti'ronces in rank and systematic ])osition of the highest value.

110. Scutellate tarsus. When the tarsus is covered witli transverse or polygonal

scales, as de-eribed above.

111. Booted tarsus. Where the anterior face is covered with a continuous horny

plate not divided into scntclhu.

112. Foot (Pc). The toes and tarsus taken together.

113. Top of foot {Acwiiodinm). The entire upper surface of the foot.

114. The track (Pc/nia). The entire lower surface of the foot.

115. Heel pad (Pta-na; Tubfr). The posterior portion of the /w/mu, immediately under

the joint of the foot, and fre(|nently prominent.

APPKNUIX. 531

Legs ( Cmitintieil).

UG Toes (Dlgki). The, usually fcnir, sometimes three, very rarely two, articulated portions

of the leg hinged on the lower extremity of the tarsus. When all four are present, one

is usually behind, sometimes two before, and two behind.

117. Top of toes (Acrodacliilum). The upper surface of the toes individually.

118. Soles of toes {Ili/ijodacli/lum). The lower or plantar surface of the toes indi-

vidually.

119. Side of toes {Paraclacti/lum). The sides, in any way distinguished from the

solos.

120. Phalanges. The several bones composing a toe.

121. Claw ( f 'iii]ues). The horny tips sheathing the last joint of the toes.

122. Claw joint {Ii/ua)nijchiuiii). The terminal bono of the toe, carrying or armed

with the claws.

123. Pads ( Ti/lnri). The swellings or bulbs ou the under side of the phalanges.
Those Toes are

124. Anterior which are directed forwards ;

125. Posterior, directed backwards ;

126. Exterior, on the outer side of the foot ;

127. Interior, on the inner side of the foot ; the

128. Middle toe is the central of three toes directed forwards.

129. Hind toe (//a/Au-). The single toe directed backwards. This is homologically

the first or great toe directed backward. It is

130. Insistent ((HsisteJis), when the tip at least touches the ground, but the base raised

above the level of the rest ;

131. Incumbent {inciimbens], when its whole under sni-facc touches the ground ; and

132. Elevated {elemtus ; amotus), when raised so high that the tip does not touch the

ground at all.

133. Unarmed toe {Digitus miiliais). Toe without a claw. The tarsus is unarmed

when without a spur.

134. Fringed toe (W^//Hs foma(inus). A lateral membranous margin to the toes. This

135. Fringe {Dma) may be

136. Continuous {rnntiuunin), or

137. Lobed or Scolloped {/obutinii).

133. Membrane (Pahiina). A skin either soft or covered with scales or feathers con-

necting two adjacent toes together at the base, and sometimes extending to or
beyond their tips. The foot so constructed is called
139. Palmate (puhnatus) when the anterior toes only are so connected and

141. Ociied {-iter/atiopits), where all the toes, includir)g the hinder, are so connected in

the cormorants, etc. The feet may be half, or semipalmate ; entirely or toti-
palmate.

Note. In the usual arrangement of the toes, of three before and one behind, the hinder corresponds
to the great toe of man, or the first; the inner anterior is the second; the middle is the third; and the
outer is the fourth. When the toes are in pairs or two before and two behind, it is the outer or fourth
toe that is turned backwards, as is the woodpeckers. In the Trogons, however, the inner toe is revered.
With scarcely an exception in birds, the hinder or first toe has two joints; the inner (2d) has three; the
middle (3d) has four ; and the outer (4th) has five, or a formula of 2.3.4.5. In the typical Capri-
mulgidce the outer toe has only four phalanges the formula being 2.3.4.4. Finally, in some Cypseliclce
C Q/pselus and Panytita), we have the middle and outer toes witli three joints only each, the fonnula be-
ing 2.3.3.3. When there are but three toes, the hinder or first is wanting; the ostrich (.Struihio) has but
two toes, lacking the first and second.

532

API'KNDIX.

H. The Outer Covering (Indumentum).

142. Outer covering (Indmuenlum ; Ptilosis). The exterior of the bird in detail.

143. Feathers (/^/iirair). Composed of ihes^ewi and the wefcs.

144. Steva (Saiptis). The eatire central axis of the feather.

145. Quill (Cnlamus). The hollow horny hasal portion of the feather.

146. Shaft [liUu-liis). The solid terminal portion of the stem in nliith the fibres

are implanted.

147. "Webs (Pogonia). The series of fibres implanted on Ciicli side the shaft, generally

stift', and having little

148. Hooks or barbules along the edges, by which adjacent ones interlock ; sometimes

soft, with the barbules not interlocking, the barbules sometimes wanting. The

149. Inner ■web (Pogonium inunuim) is situated on the inner side of the shaft ; the

150. Outer {externum), on the outer side.

151. Vane ( Vexillum). The shaft and webs taken together, or the portion of llie feather

left when tlie barrel or quill is cut away.

GLOSSARY.

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN
DESCRIPTIVE ORNITHOLOGY.

Including a number of proiaincnt Anatomical and Physiological Terms.

(Prepared by Dr. Coues.)

Note. — The number in parenthesis refers to the foregoing " KspIan.ition of Terms," etr. The sign (') marks
accent ; n., noun ; a , adjective ; pL, plural ; gen., genitive.

Abdo'men or Ab'domex, n. Belly ; part of
gastrseum between sternum anil anus. (63.)

Abdom'ix.il, a. Pertaining to the belly.

Addl-c'tion, n. Act of carrying a limb away
from the a.xis of the body. Oppos(;il to ad-
ducfivn. Slu.scles so acting are abductors.

Aber'eant, a. Deviating from ordinary char-
acter.

Abxor'mal, a. Of highly unusual, extraor-
dinary character ; deformed ; monstrous.

Abor'tive, a. Suppressed ; remaining or be-
coming imperfect. The nostrils of the cormo-
rant are abortive.

Acar'ides, n. pi. Certain external parasites.

Accip'itrine, a. Hawk-like ; belonging to Ac-
cipitrcs.

AccLiM-vriZA'Tios, n. Naturalization, with
reference to the effect of a new country upon
the economy.

Aoetab'ulum, 11. Pelvic cavity for reception
of head of femur.

Achil'lis (tcndo), n. Tendon of principal ex-
tensor muscle of foot.

Acic'uLAR, a. Needle-shaped; sharp and very
slender.

Acrod.a.c'tyi,um, n. Top of toes collectively.
(117.) (Little used.)

Acro'.mion', n. Process of the scapula.

Acropo'dium, a. Entire upper surface of foot.
(113.) (Little used.)

Acrotar'sium, 7!. J'ront of tarsus, correspond-
ing to the human instep. (lOi.) (Little used).

Acu'.MlXATE, a. Tapering gradually to a point.

Acute', a. Sharjj-pointed.

Ad- (in composition). To ; towards.

Adduc'tiox, n. Act of drawing a limb toward
a.xis of body. Muscles so acting are adduc-
tors. Compare Abdittiox.

Ad'enoid, a. Glandular ; glandiform.

Ad'ipose (tewitc), a. for n. Cellular tissue hold-
ing fat in special vesicles.

Adoles'cexce, n. Youth.

ADEE'x.iL (body), a. for n. A small organ cap-
ping the kidney.

Adult', a. or n. Grown to full size ; mature.

/EiJiTHOOX.ATH'ous, «. Having the palate
bones disposed as in a sparrow or other pas-
seiine bird.

Af'ferent, a. Bringing tu or towards. Op-
poseil to efferent.

Affixed', a. Joined or related by affinity.

Affin'itv, n. Quality of direct relation ; con-
formity ; agreement. Morpliologioal affinity
implies relationship by genetic descent ; tele-
ological affinity cannot be properly predi-
cated.

Af'ter-sh.\ft, n. Scape or stem of the sup-
plementary plume springing from many feath-
ers, or, oftener, such plume itself.

Al'a, 71. ; pi. alai. Wing; the anterior limb of
birds. (73.)

A'LAR, a. Pertaining to the wings.

Alat'us, a. Winged.

Al'binism, n. State of whiteness, complete or
partial, resulting from deficiency or entire
lack of pigment in the skin and its appendages.

Alpi'xo, n. An animal att'ected with albinism.

Albixot'ic, a. Affected with albinism.

Albu'.mex, n. Transparent glairy fluid of w-hich
white of egg mainly consists.

Albu'minous, a. Containing or consisting of
albumen.

Alimex't.ary, a. Pertaining to the digestive
oi'gans or nutiitive function.

AuspnE'xoin, ». " Wing," or expanded part of
sphenoid bone.

Allaxto'is, n. A certain organ of the embryo.

Al'lex, n. Same as H.allux (which see).

Al'trices, n. pi. Birds reared in the nest and
fed by the parents.

Altric'ial, a. Having the nature of Altrkes.

Al'ula, n. Literally, little wing. The bas-
tard wing, composed of the feathers that are
set on the so-called thumb.

Al'ular, a. Pertaining to the bastard wing.

Alve'olus, n. Socket, particularly of a tooth.

Al'vixe, a. Pertaining to the lower belly (said
chiefly of intestinal discharges).

Am'bulatoby, a. Same as Gradiext (which
see).

536

GLOSSARY.

jIm'xio.n, n. A certain organ of the embryo.
Amo'tis, a. Denoting the hind toe so elevated
and sliort that the tip does not toiicli the
ground. (l.'S^.)
AJlPiii.^RTHito'uiAL, a. Denoting a slidiii'r
joint, or one capable of mixed movement. °
Aiini K-ffii.'n X, a. Said of a vertebra when both
ends of its centrum are cup])ed. C'orresiKind-
ing tenns ixrv proaelian, cupped in front, and
opi.it/ioae/ian, cupped l>i-liiiid.
Ampil'la, k. A certain cavity of the inner ear.
Anal, «. Pertaining to tlie anus; situated

about the anus.
A.NALiii-.'icAL, rt. Having analogy ; related bv
analogy. ■'

AXAI.'OGY, n. Quality of likeness in certain
(generally superficial or inconsiderable) re- 1
spects, between things essentiallv unlike.
There may be analogy entirely without homol-
ogy, as between the wing of a bird and of a
butterfly.
Axastomd'sis, n. Inosculation or intercom-
munication of two or more vessels
An'atine, a. Duck-like.
A.N'cHYLo'.sis or A.NKyLo'.sis, n. Restriction or
loss of motion in a naturally movable joint
also, any coiissification.

An-'co.\al, a. Pertaining to the elbow.

Before; as, antcocu-

in front of.

See Stethleum.

AxGLE OF Chin = Anguu-s Menti. (23.)
Ancle of Moi-th = Angi'lus Orls. (o? )
AN'orn-s O'KLs, 11. Comer of the mouth ;

equivalent to commissural point.
An'notine, n. A bird one year old, or which

has once moulted.
An'nular, a. Einged.
An'nulus, n. King.

A.xom'alou.s, a. E.\tremelr irregular; very-
strange or unusual ; contrary to natural order
(nearly synonymous with ahwrmal).
An'seri.ne, a. Pertaining to the Anseres ;

goose-like.
An'te- (ill composition).

lar, anteorbital, etc.
Antekior, a. Forward ;
Anterior Portio.v. (7.)
Anterior Toe.s. (124.)
An'ti- (in composition). .Against.
An'ti^, n. pi. Frontal points ; projections of !
feathers on either side of base of cmlmen (36 )
Antibeach'ium, n. Cubit or forearm.
A'Nr.s, n. Outlet of refuse of digestion. In '
birds, the same orifice discharges the products
of the genito-urinarj' organs.
AOR'TA, n. The firstgreat artery, immediately

issuing from the left ventricle of the heart
Aon'Tic, a. Pertaining to the aorta.
Apertu'ra, n. An opening ; as, apertura auris,

ear-opening.
A'PE.x, n. ; pi. apices. Tip or point of anvthinf.
Apohy al, a. A portion of the "horn " of the

hyoid bone.
Aponeuro'.sis, „. Broad, strong, flbrons mem-
brane or band ; fascia.
Apoph'y.si.s, n. Any natural bony prominence

ot notable size.
Apposed', a. JIutually fitted, adapted; .set
over against; meeting closely and exactly. The
tonna of the bill are usually apposed.
AWE'RinM, -a. ; pi. apteria. Tract of skin where
no feathers grow. Compare Pteryla.

Aqcat'ic, a. Pertaining to the water; said of

birds frequenting water, and thence drawing

sulxsistence. °

A'QUEors,a Watery. Said of the fluid in the

antenor chamber of the eye. See Vitpkous

Ay'LML.XE, a. Eagle-like ;" belonging to the

Aqm/ina:.
Aracii'xoii), n. One of the three enveloping
membranes of the brain, between the dura
maier and the pia mater.
Arbok'icole, «. Tree-inhabiting
ARCH'ETYPt^ n. Original plan or idea of struc-
ture, modified or lost by subsenuent special-
ization. '
Archetyp'ical, a. Having the i.rimitive pat-

tern or original plan of structure.
Arc'iate, a. Bow-shaped ; bent regiUarly and

gradually. ° ■'

Are'ola, n. ■ pi. areolcc. Small naked space on

the leet between scales.
Are'olar Tlssi-e. The light cellular connec-
tive tissue of the body.
Ap..mil'la n. liing of color, like a bracelet,

around lower eml of crus.
Arm'pit, -h. (78.) See Axilla.
Akte'ri AL, n. Pertaining to arteries ; as, arte-
rial .system, arterial blood.
Ar'tery, n. Vessel conveying blood from the

heart.
Artici-la'tion, n. A joining together ; joint.
Artic'1-lu.s, n. .Joint of a finger or toe (com-
monly used to signify the hinge itself, but
better to designate any one of the segments
joined by articulation).
Artifi'ciai, a. Elaborate ; skilfully or art-
fully contrived. Some birds build highly ar-
tifcial nests. Also, arbitraiT ; as, an arlificial
classification, more or less at variance with
that which a nnlural system may be.
Ar'tus, n. ; pi. arlxis. Any member, limb.
Aryt'enoid, a. Denoting" certain ossicles of

the larynx.
AscAR'iDEs, n. pi. Certain intestinal parasites.
Ash or A.SH'y, a. Pale gray.
AsTER'NAL(n7M),a. Denoting "floating" ribs-
those not joining the sternum '

Astrag'alis, n. One of two proximal tarsal
bones of birds, eariy conHuent with the tibia
A.SYM.MET'RicAl, a. Uneven ; disproportion-
ate as to opposite, as right and left, parts
A,sy.m'.metry, u. Disprojiortion of duplicate
parts or organs, or of those which are repeated
on opposite sides of a plane or axis.
At'avism, n. Keversion, or tendency to revert,

to characters of ancestral stock.
At'l.\s, n. First cervical vertebra, articulating

with the occipital bone.
Atres'ia, ». Closure.
At'rophy, n. See Hypertrophy.
-\ttex'uate, a. Growing gradually .slenderer
toward an extremity; or, narrowly produced
for a long distance; in neither ease neces-
sarily sharp-p,iinted, which would be rather
acuniintilc.
Attyp'ical, a. Of pardcular character acquired

in specialization from a common type.
AucHE'xn-M, n. Lower back part of neck ; the

scrutr. (50.) (Little used.)
Ai-'RAL or At-Ric'iLAR, a. Pertaining to the
ear. "

GLOSSARY.

537

Av'kicle, n. The external ear ; wanting or
imperfect in birds. Also, cavity (right and
left) of tlie heart receiving lilood from the
system and lungs ; also called atrium.

AuRlc'uL.\ns, n. pi. Peculiar feathers overly-
ing the ear-opening.

Autoch'thoxocs, a. Indigenous.

Autog'exous, a. Literally, self-producing.
In homology, developing from distinct and
independent centres. Opposed to cxuijcnous.

Au'TOPSY, n. Personal observation or exami-
nation.

AfTOp'Tic.-VL, a. Personally inspected.

AfT[:M'N AL Pli'm'age. That ensuing from the
first moult, if any, or prior to the spring
moult, from wliich it is dilferent in many
birds.

A'vi.iUT, n. Place where birds are kept cap-
tive.

Avie'ULA, 11. Little bird ; hence, nestling,
fledgling, or any ungrown binl.

Avicul'tube, n. Care of birds.

A'vis, «. ; pi. aves. Bird.

Axil'la, m. Armpit ; hollow beneath the
shoulder. (7S.)

Ax'iLLAii or Ax'illakt, a. Pertaining to the
armpit.

Ax'iLi.ARlEs, n. pi. Lengthened or otherwise
distinguished feathers gi'owing from the axil-
lary region. (81.)

Ax'is, n. Second cervical vertebi'a. Also, an
imaginary line passing along the middle of
any one of the three mutually perpendicular
planes of the body, the longitudinal, vertical,
and transverse. Also, a pivot.

A'ZYGOS, a. Single, in the sense of not paired.

B.

Back, n. Upper surface of body proper, cor-
responding to dorsal and sacral vertebrae. Li-
cludes Interscapilipm and Tergum (which
see). (57.)

Back of Neck. Cervical region. Includes
Ni'CHA and Cervix (which see). Equivalent
to hind-neck. (48.)

Back of Tar'sus. Hinder edge and hinder
half, on each side, of tarsus. See Plant.a.
Homologically the sole. (106.)

Band or B.4.R. Any crosswise lolor-raai'k, trans-
verse to long axis of the body.

Band'ed or Barred, a. Marked crosswise.

B.ARB, n. Any one of the laminae composing
the vane of a feather.

P.Ali'BA, n. Beard. Lengthened or otherwise
distinguished feathers of chin or throat.

Barbat'cs, a. Bearded.

B.^r'bicel, n. Barb of a barbule, not hooked.
Compare Hamulus.

Bar'bule, a. Baib of a barb. (148.)

Ba'sal, a. Pertaining to the base ; situate at
thi; base.

g * ', \ "■ Bottom; root; origin.

B.isiHY'oiD, n. Central tongue-bone.

Basiikcip'ital, n. Basal element of the oc-
cipital bone ; centrum of hindermost cranial
vertebra.

B.ashter'ygoid, 71. A boss or protuberance

VOL. III. 6S

of the base of the sphenoid bone, often mova-
bly abutting against the pterygoid bone.

B-\sisphi;'xoiu, n. Ba,sal element of .sphenoid
bone ; centrum of second cranial vertebra.

Beak, n. Bill. See Uo.strum. (9.)

Bel'ly, h. See Abdomen. (65.)

Belt, n. Bar or haml of color more or less
completely encircling the body.

Bend of Wixcj. Angle or prominence formed
at carpus in the folded wing.

Bev'elled, a. Having two plane surfaces
meeting obli(iuely.

Bev'y, n. Flock of quail.

Bi- (in composition). Twice ; double.

Biblioc'rapiiy', n. History or other account
of the literature of the subject.

Bi'ceps, II. Principal flexor muscle of fore-
ami.

Bi'naky, a. Double, in sense of compounded
of two.

Bi.N<i'jii.\L, a. Of two terms. Also, noting a
system of nomenclature in which each object
has two names, generic and specific. This is
the generally adopted system at present.

Biol'ogy, n. The stuily of living beings, as to
the laws and results of organization. It is
more comprehensive than physiology.

Biotax'y, n. Equivalent to taxonomj'.

Biven'ter, n. Name of a double-bellied muscle
of the neck.

Blas'todeum, n. Superficies of the early em-
bryo.

Bo.4T-sHaped {tail), a. Having plane of each
side of tail meeting the other obliquely,
making a re-entrance above and keel below.

Boot, n. The tarsal envelope when entire.

Buot'ed (tarsus), a. Having the tarsal enve-
lope entire, i. e. undivided in most or all of
its extent, by fusion of the usual scales or
plates. (111.)

Bo'real, a. NortheiTi.

Boss, n. Stud ; knob ; protuberance ; short
stout process.

Brach'ial, a. Pertaining to the w-ing.

Braciiyp'terous, a. Short-winged.

Brachyu'rous, a. Short-tailed.

Breast, n. (62.) See Pectus.

Bris'tle, n. Small .stiff hair-like feather, es-
pecially about the mouth or eyes. Compare

VlBRISS.\.

Brox'chial, a. Pertaining to the bronchi.

Bron'chus, n. ; pi. bronchi. Fork or branch
of the windpipe below, leading to either lung.

Buc'cal, a. Pertaining to the cheeks inter-
nally.

Buff, Buffy' ; a. Pale brownish-yeUow ; color
of yellow buck.skin.

c.

CADn'cons, a. Falling off early.

Cii'CAL, a. Pertaining to the cseca.

Cj:'cu.m, «.; pi. coxa. (Pronounced see'cum.)
Intestinal cul-de-sac at junction of smaller
and larger intestines, usually present paired
in birds ; sometimes a foot long. (.\lso writ-
ten ccecum, cceca.)

Cal'amus, 71. Quill ; the dry, hard, homy
portion of the stem of a feather below the

538

GLOSSARY.

web, hollow or luirtly pithy, and translucent.
Calamus + rhachis = scapus. (145.)

Calca'nkai., a. Pertaining to the back upper
portion of the tai-so-nietatarsus (tarsus of or-
diuary language).

Calca'-neum, n. Heel ; back upper part of
tarso-inetatarsus. Samea.s^«/i(,s-. (107.) One
of th(! tibial condyles is by some regarded as
the homologue of the ealcaneum.

Cal'cai!, n. Spur ; sharp horn-corered bone-
cored process on the shank of many birds ; al.so,
siniilai' horny process on the metacarpal bone.

Cai.cakat'ps, a. Spurred.

CaU'a'ueiU's, a. Chalky. A connorant's egg
is covered with ctilcnrcous substance.

CALClF'ic, a. Calcifying ; an epithet of that
portion of the oviduct where the egg-shell is
formed.

Calig'ula, re. Same as Boot (whieli see).

Cal'lus, 11. New bony matter joining a fi'acture.

Calypte'kia, 11. p/. Tail-coverts; the smaller
feathers underlying or overlying the base of
the tail. (Little used.) See Crissxjm and
Tectku'es Caud.e. (71.)

Ca'lyx, n. Pedicellated ovarian capsule of two
membranes with lax tis.sue and vessels, nip-
turing at a point called the stigma to dis-
charge the ovum, then coUajising and becom-
ing absorbed.

Campte'rium, n. Front and outer border of
wing as far as the bone extends. (Little
used.) (95.)

Canalic'i'lum, 11. Little groove.

Can'cellated, a. Denoting bony network.

Can'thus, n.; pi. canlhi. Corner of eye
where the lids meet ; commissural point of
eyelids. Canthi are anterior and posterior.

Cap, n. Pilei"s (which see). (30.)

Cap'illary, a. or n. Of hair-like slendemess.
The smallest bloodvessels are the capillaries.

Capis'trate, a. Hooded or cowled.

Capis'tkusi, n. Hood or cowl ; front of liead
all around bill. (38.)

Cap'itate, a. Said of a feather having en-
larged extremity.

Capit'ulum, n. Head of a rib.

Cap'sulab, a. Denoting certain ligaments that
completely invest a joint.

Ca'put, re. ; gen. capitis, pi. capita. Head.
(9, 29.)

Car'diac, a. Pertaining to the heart.

C.\Ri'x.\, re. Keel ; under ridge, as if a keel.

Cae'inate, a. Keeled ; ridged beneath as if
keeled ; having a keel, as the sternum of most
birds.

Car'inate (birds), n. Those possessing a keeled
sternum ; the group Cnrinatce as contrasted
with Ralil(K.

Car'neous, a. Fleshy.

Carniv'oroi-.s, a. Flesh-eating.

Carot'id (arter>i), a. for n. The primipal blood-
vessel of the neck, single in most birds, some-
times jiaired as in mammalia.

Car'pal, n. Pertaining to the wrist.

Car'pai, Ax'ci.e, h. Prominence formed at the
wrist-joint when the wing is closed. It is
practically an important ]>oint regionally,
since the universally useil measurement,
"length of wing," is from this point to the
end of the longest ijuill.

Car'pus, re. The w rist ; especially its bones.

CAR'TILAG^;, re. A whitish, hard, and solid, but
ela.stic, flexible, and soluble, substance of the
body, permanent, or becoming osseous by de-
position of bone-earth. It occurs in the
windpipe, in many joints, and el.sewhere.

CAUTll.Ao'ixors, a. Like, containing, or con-
sisting of, cartilage.

Car'uncle, «. Small fleshy excrescence, par-
ticularly about the hea<l, usually naked, and
wrinkled, warty, or brightly colored.

C.\ucx'crLATE, a. Having caruncles.

Cai-'ha, re. The tail. (09.) In descriptive
ornithology, generally only the tail-feathers
are meant. (V(Hrf«ji«n«<Zam = 15oAT-siiAPED
Tau, (which see).

Cau'dad. Backwards ; toward the tail.

Cau'pal, o. Pertaining to the tail ; as, caudnl
vertebra.', or caudal extremity ; but we hardly
say caudal feathers.

Cell, re. Any closed sac containing fluid or
other substance.

Cel'lular, o. Having cells ; composed of cells.

Cen'tre of Gr.Av'iTV, re. Point of a body about
which the whole is balanced, and whidi, if
supported, supports the whole. In a flying
bird the centre of gravity is below the mid-
dle of the bodv, so that the bird is naturally
ballasted.

Cen'tkum, re. ; pi. centra. Body of a vertebra.

Ceph'al.4D. Forwards ; towards the head.

Cephal'ic, a. Pertaining to the head.

Cephalo-cer'cal (axis), a. Denoting the long
axis of the body.

Ce'ra, ] n. Fleshy, cutaneous or mcnibra-

Cep.e, [• nous, often featherecl, covering of

Cerii'.ma, 1 base of bill of many birds, a.s ]iar-
rots, hawks, and owls ; ditfering thus in texture
from the rest of the rhampliotheai, and usu-
ally also showing an evident line of demarca-
tion. When present, the nostiils are always
]]ierccd in its substance, — at least at its edge.

Ceratiihy'al, n. A portion of the " horn " of
the hyoid bone.

Cer'cal, a. Pertaining to the tail. (Little
used. )

Cerebel'lar, a. Pertaining to the cerebellum.

Cerebel'lum, re. Little brain ; the hinder,
lower, smaller mass of the brain, in birds
striate transversely.

Cer'ebral, a. Pertaining to the brain.

Ceu'ebro-spin.il (axi.i or column). The whole
neural a.xis, or column of nerve-substance en-
closed in the spinal canal and cranium.

Cep.'ebri'm, re. Brain |>ropei-, or larger brain,
as distinguished from the cerebellum.

Cere'siex, re. Ear-wax.

Cer'vical, rt. Pertaining to the hind-neck ;
as, a cervical collar. Also, pertaining to the
whole neck ; as, ccrrical vertcbi'se.

Cer'vix, re. Hind-neck ; from occiiiut to in-
terscapulium, including nape and scrufl'. (48).

Chala/,'.!, re. pi. Twisted filaments of con-
densed albuuicn forming a thread at each jude
of the yolk, steadying it by attachment to the
lining membrane of the egg, and balancing it
in such manner that the "tread" stays up-
permost.

Chalazif'eroi's, n. Denoting the layers of
condensed albumen which form the chalazae.

GLOSSARY.

539

Char'acter, n. Any material attribute sus-
ceptible of detinitiuii ibr use in descrijition
aud olassiticatiou. Also, a sum of such attri-
butes ; as, of passerine character.

Chas'ma, n. Decussation of the optie nerve.

Cheek, n. Outside of base of lower jaw ; also,
the correspondiuf,' region of upper jaw. Com-
pare Gen.e and JIalak Region. (26.) (The
term is differently c'm[)Ioyed by various writers,
and is at best not delinite. )

C'HIX, n. Space between forks of lower jaw ;
upper throat. See MEN--nT.M. (46.)

Cho'koid, n. Vascular black membrane of the
eye, between retina and sclerotic. Choroid
plexus, a certain fold of the pia mater.

Chyle, n. A certain intestinal fluid resulting
from digestion.

CilY.ME, n. A certain product of incompleted
digestion.

ClCATKlc'fi.A, 11. Dark spot on the surface of
a fecundated yolk. See Yolk.

Cil'iated, a. Bristly; furnished with bri.stles,
or small bristle-like leathers ; fringed.

Cil'iu.m, n. ; pi. cilia. Bristly or hair-like feath-
er, about the mouth and eyes especially. See
Vibrissa and Seta.

Cixe'reous, re. Of an ashy color.

C'iRCUM- {in compositimi). Around ; about ;
as, circumanal, circuinwhital, circumaural,
— aroiiiul the aims, orbit, ear, etc.

ClRruMDfc'rioN, 71. Movement of a limb by
wliirh, if completed, a cone is described.

Cirrh'ous, II. Tufted.

Class, n. Fundamental division of animals :
the class of Birds; the class Avcs.

Classifica'tion, n. Systematic arrangement.

Cl.\v'icle, 11. Collar-bone. In birds, the two
clavicles usually unite to form the fureulum,
merry-thought or wish-bone.

Clavic'ulab, a. Pei-taining to the clavicles.

Claw, n, (121.)

CLAW-.JOIST, ?i. (122.) See Ehizonychifm.

Clit'oris, 11. Erectile venereal organ of the
female, homologue of the male penis, present
in some birds.

Cloa'oa, n. Enlarged lower end of straight
gut, receptacle of products of genito-iirinary
system aud refuse of digestion.

Clbtch, 11. Nest-complement of eggs.

Cxe'jh.al, a. Pertaining to the cms or shin.
Equivalent to crural.

Cnemid'ium, n. End of crus, naked in most
wading birds.

Cocctoe'.^l, a. Pertaining to the tail, espe-
cially to its bones ; synonymous with caudal.

Coc'CY.x, n. The tail, as to its bones collec-
tively. Os coccygis. Any one of the tail-
bones, or coccygeal vertebne.

Couh'lea, n. A certain portion of the inner ear.

Cce'cum, re.; pi. casca. See CiECl'M.

Cffi'LiAn, n. Pertaining to certain of the ab-
dominal viscera. Little used, excepting as
the name of a certain artery, the cceliac axU.

Coi'tus, 71. Sexual intercourse.

Col'l.\r, 7). Ring of color around neck. See
Torques. (.55.)

Col'lum, n. Neck ; part of body between and
connecting head and trunk. (47.)

Colora'tion', n. Coloring : pattern or mode of
coloring, or the colors collectively.

Columel'la, n. Bone or cartilage of the inner
ear of Sauropsida, answering to the stapes of
mammalia.

Comb, n. Erect fleshy lengthwise ]irocess, or
caruncle, on top of head, a.s in the domestic
cock.

CoMMls'suRAL Point. Point where the ap-
posed edges of the mandililes meet and join ;
corner of the mouth. Ecpiivalent to angle of
the mouth, aiujulus oris.

Com'mlssure, n. (Lat. con and initio, to put
or lay together.) Line of closure of the two
mandibles ; track or trace of their ajiposed
edges when the jaws are closed. Often im-
properly used to signify the opcniiu] between
the mandibles ; but this is apertara oris,
giipc, rictus. Commissure is the whole rirrui
oris, outline of the mouth, when sucli outline
of upper and under jaw is made one in closure
of the mouth.

CoMPLEx'us, n. Name of a certain cervical
umscle.

Compressed', 11. Narrowed .sidewise ; higher
than wide. The opposite of depressed.

Compressed' {tail), a. Folded together, as in
the barnyard cock. = Cauda compressa.

Cona'rium, 71. Same a,s Pineal Body (which
see).

Cox'cAVE, a. Hollowed, as the inner side of a
curved line or inner face of a curved surface.
Opposite of convex.

Con'dyle, 11. Articular eminence of bone in
hinge-joints.

Con'fluent, re. Run together ; gi-own together ;
coalesced.

Coniros'tral, re. Having a conical bill, like a
sparrow's.

CoNJrxcTi'v.4, n. Vascular membrane lining
the eyelids and reflected over the front of the
eyeball.

Con'nate, a. Bom or produced together ; orig-
inally united ; joined from the beginning.
Connation is earlier and more intimate or
complete union than confluence.

CoNTiNu'iTY, 71. Part of a thing between its
ends in any way distinguished.

Con'tour Feath'ers, n. The general plumage
of perfect feathers, lying external and deter-
mining the superficial shape of a bird. Dis-
tinguished from down feathers.

Cor'acoid (hmie),n. Large stout bone connect-
ing shoulder wth sternum.

Cor'date, ) TT ■- 1 J

CoR'DiFORM, ! "• H<^art-shaped.

Coria'ceoits, a. Denoting integument of dense,
tough, leathery texture.

Co'rium, 71. Same as Cutis (which see).

Cor'nea, 11. Transparent portion of the eye-
ball.

Cor'neous, n. Homy.

Cor'niplume, re. Tuft of feathers on head,
erected like a horn.

Cor'nu, 7s. Horn.

CoRO'.VA, 71. Top of head. Ecpiivalent to cap
or pileus. Vertex is the highest point of
corona.

Cor'onate, re. Having coronal feathers length-
ened or otherwise distinguished.

Cor'pus, 71. Body, as a whole.

Cor'pus Callo'sum, n. Mass of transverse

540

GLOSSARY.

white fibres, connecting tlie cerebral liemi-
spheres ; wanting in birds.
Co^R'TiCAL, a. External, as opposed to meduh

Cos'TAL, a. Pertaining to the rilis.
CosTiF'EROus, a. Rib-bearing, as the dorsal

vcrtebi-ae.
(.'ot'yle, n. Same as Acetabulum.
C'ox'a, n. Hip.

<]RA'NiAL, a. Pcrt^iining to the skulL
( RA'NirM, n. Skull.

rRE.sT, I n. Any lengthened feathers of top
t Ris'ta, j or sides of liead. ^

CRIB'riform, n. Sieve-like.

'^'"mlf' "" ■^™'' "^ " ""^^ larj-ngeal car-

Ckis'sitm, n Properly, the under tail-coverts

collectively. Oltener used to designate the

circumanal plumage. (66.)
Cko't.u>hyte (dej,r(^,sim). A concavity on the

outside of the skull on each side behind, filled

with muscle ; temporal fossa.
Crown, n. Pileus; top of head, especiallv the

vertex.
Crit'cai,, )a. In the shape of a cross. The
Uii-riFORM ( crucial IrM is one expenmeu-

taliy conclnsive.
Critk.e'us, h. Name of a certain muscle of the

thigh.

r«,'?«'tf' \^ P'-rt'?"'™? to the cms, or shin.
LRUS, n The shin; segment of the leg be-

thi tibia ° "■""' ""''''' ■■'■P'-f«''"t^d by

Crts'tallixe Qcns), a. See Lens.
Cu'bit, n. Tlie forearm.
Cu'bital, a. Pertaining to the forearm.
tu'cuLLATE, a. Hooded
Cul-de-sac, «. "Bottom of a bag"; closed

end of a cavity.
CuL'MEN, ,,. Eidge of upper mandible ; highest

median lengthwise line of the bill. (20 )
< ul'minal, n. Pertaining to the culmen
Cl-LTRiRos'TRAL, a. Having the bill shape,!

like a heron s.
CUN'EATE, ) a. Wedge-shaped. A cuneate
CrN'ElFOR.M, ( t^il has the middle feathers
en"efr '''^^* successively regularly short-

CUN'EIFORM (bmi^), n. One of the wrist-bones.
CuR.so'RiAL, a. Running; pertaining or be-
Jonging to an obsolete group, Ciirsm-es or
runners.
Ct's'PiDATE, a. Pointed as a spear-head. I

ifcSZ:""- ^''■■*-''-St°t'-skin. Samel

Cf'TicLE « Scarf-skin; outeimost layer of!
skm, which continually exfoliates.
2,'!L^-f '^"^'■"vtl'-'tnie skin, as distin '
ffiiLshed from cuticle and subcutaneous tis
sue. Conuni and ckrma are synonymous.

i-TST, n. bac holding pathological products.

act of

(4.)
Oppo-

D.

Pac'ttl,™. Finger or toe. Equivalent to *W
Dactvlothe'ca, n. Covering of the toes.
Uasyp^'dic, a. Synonymous with pHlnpocdic
DFriD'rou.s a. Temporal^; falling early.
The doi-sal plumes of the egret are dcciduM^.

Df^omtosei.', a. Separate; stan,iing apart
A decomposed crest lias the feathers standine
away from each other

Decum'bent, a. Lying or hanging downward.

DFCURyED' a. Gra.lually curved downward.
Opposed to recurved.

Decits'sate, a. Crossed ; intersected.

''s^:^"?i:;iact"''^^'^''"^"«*^''-

Degluti'tion, n. Act of swallowing.
DEjEt^TlON, n Same as defecation. ^Also, tlie

matters so discharged
Del'toid, a. Triangular. A muscle over the

shouhier is so named
Demi- (in compomon). Half ; same as semi-.
Uen'iary, a. An epithet of the foremost ele-

ment of the compound mandibular bone

n^v^w'"'"' *"• Toothed ; notched 'as if

Dentic'ulate, \ toothed.
Dentig'erous, a. Bearing teeth. The Ich-
t/n/mviis, Apatomis, and Odmilmtenix (>) are
drni if/crmis hhds.
Dfxtiros'tral, a HaWng the bill notched as
It toothed. Belonging to a certain obsolete
order, Dcntirostre.i.
Denti'tiox, n. Act of cutting teeth
Uen-uda'tiox, n. State of nakedness ;

laying bare.
Dexit'ded, n. Naked; laid bare.
Deor'sum. Below.
Derlu'-mate, )

Depluma'tus, ( "• '^*i'<' of feathers.
DEI-RES.SED', a. Flattened vertically.

site ot cmnpressed.
Dera-'um, n. Bottom or lower part of the

neck. (Little u,sed.)
Der'mal, a. Pertaining to the skin ; made of

skin ; cutaneous.
^^^J^lf'^^^^^^'-P^^'DAGE. Any outgrowth from

Dertrothe'ca, a. Covering of end of bill
Der'trum, n. End of maxilla, in any way'dis-
tinguished. (21.) ■'

Desmogxath'ois, a. Having the palate bones

united.
Des'moid, a. Ligamentous.
Desquama'tiox, n. Peeling off
De.x'trad, a. Toward the right side.
Dex'tral, a. Of or on the right side
Ul- ()7( ccmposititm). Twice ; double
DiAGxo'sis, n. Distinctive knowledge. Also
j charai-terization, or a brief, precise, and exclu-
sively pertinent definition. Z)ia,(7no.«:s is nearly
I .<jynonymous in this sense with dr.finilion ■ both
diffei- trom descriptimi in omitting non-essen-
tial jiarticulars ; but definition may include
points equally applicable to some otlier object
DiAGxos'Tic, a. Distinctively and exclusively
characteristic. Feathers are diamwslic of
birds.
Diaph'axops, a. Transparent.
Dl'APiiRAGM, n. Midriff; musculo-tendinous
partition between thorax and abdomen, rudi-
mentary or wanting in birds.
DiAPHRAGMAT'ic, a. Pertaining to the dia-
phragm.

DiAPOPH'Tsis, n. Transverse process of a ver-
tebra.

DiARTHBo'sis, n. Movable articulation of
bones in genei-al.

GLOSSARY.

541

Dias'tasis, ) n. A separation of bones, par-

Dias'tema, \ ticularly the cranial ones, or of
teeth, from each other.

Dias'tole, n. Dilatation of the heart, alter-
nating with the systole or contraction, occa-
sioning pulsation.

Dichot'omous, a. Divided into pairs.

Dichromatic, a. Of two colors, as the "red"
and "gray " plumages of Scops asio.

Didac'ttlous, a. Two-toed, as the ostrich.

Digas'teic, a. Double-bellied ; name of a
certain muscle.

Digit'igrade, a. Walking on the toes. Op-
posed to planligrmlc.

Digitu.s, h.; pi. digiti. Digit. Finger or toe.
(116.)

Di.MORpiiic, «. Of two forms.

DiPLo'ii, n. Light spongy network of bone be-
tween inner and outer surface of the skull.

Disc or Disk, ». Set of radiating feathers of
peculiar shape or texture around the eye of
owls.

Dissepimen'tum Nak'ium, n. Same as sep-
tum narium, which see.

Dis'tad, a. Toward an extremity.

Dis'tal, a. Remote ; situate at or near an ex-
tremity ; ojiposed to jn-o.rimal.

Dls'iicHors, fi. Two-rowed ; spread apart on
either side of a middle line, as the hairs of a
squirrel's tail, or the tail-feathers of the Ar-
rfuropteryx.

Dituk'ous, a. Producing but two eggs, as the
pigeon and lunnuiing-bird.

Diur'n.il, a. Pertaining to the daytime.

Div.iR'iCATE, a. Branching off ; spreading
apart ; curving away.

DivEETic'uLUJi, n. An offshoot of the small
intestine.

Dor'sad, a. Toward the back. Opposite of
ventrad.

Dor'sal, a. Pertaining to the back.

DoR'suit, n. Back ; upper surface of tnmk
from neck to rump. (57.)

Down, n. Small soft feathers of plumulaceous
structure, generally growing about the roots
of phimcr, and concealed by them. See

PLUMULiE.

Down'y, a. Of plumulaceous structure. A
part of the plumage is of down-feathers, and
the bases of the contour feathers usually also
are of downy structure.

Duct, a. Any tube for convey.ince of an ani-
mal product ; as oviduct., sperm-rf(«:<, lachry-
mal duct.

Duod'enal, a. Pertaining to the duodenum.

Duod'exum, n. A short portion of the upper
intestine next to the gizzard, receiving the
pancreatic and hepatic secretions.

Du'ra Ma'ter, n. Outer membranous invest-
ment of the brain.

Dusk't, a. Of any undefined dark color.

K

Eared, a. Having lengthened or highly col-
ored auricular or other feathers on the side of
the head. Eared grebe ; \onf!,-eared owl.

Ec'DTSis, n. Moult ; the shedding and renewal
of plumage.

Econ'omy (also written fKcoiwmy), n. Physical
or physiological disposition. (Literally, regu-
lation of a household.)

EcTO- (Ml composition). Outer.

ECTOZO'ON, n. External parasite, as a louse ;
same as epizoon. Opposed to aUo:odn.

Edex'tate, ( a. Tootliless, as nearly all

Eden'tuloits, ( birds are.

Edge OF Wing. (95.) See Campterium.

Ef'ferent, a. Conveying outward or away ;
opposed to afferent.

El'ement, ». A simple ultimate constituent
part of a compound organ. The centrum is
an element of a vertebra.

El'evated, n. Said of the liind toe when in-
.serted above the level of the otliers.

Ei.on'g.\te, a. Lengthened beyond usual ratio.

Em.\R'gixate, ". Notched at the end ; slightly
forked, especially in case of a tail so shaped ;
also notched, or abru])tly narrowed along the
edge, in its continuity, as the border of many
a wing-quill.

Embonpoint, n. State of perfect health, as in-
dicated by condition of fatness not amounting
to corpulence or obesity.

Em'bryo, n. Fecundated germ or rudiment of
an animal ; said of a bird until hatched, and
tlierefore corresponding to fmtus in mammal-
ogy-

Embryoi/ogy, n. Science or study of the de-
velopment of animals before birth or hatching.

Emrryon'ic, re. Pertaining to an embryo; be-
ing an embryo ; not yet hatched.

Enam'el, n. The hard white substance cover-
ing the teeth.

Enarthro'sis, n. Ball-and-socket joint.

Enceph'alon, 71.. Contents of the cranium,
especially the brain.

Endocar'dium, )!. Lining membrane of the
heart.

Endog'enoits, a. Of internal growth or forma-
tion ; interstitially deposited. Compare au-
togenous. Opposed to exogenous.

Endoskel'eton, n. The skeleton proper, or
skeleton as conimoidy understood ; the inner
bony framework of the body. (Used in dis-
tinction from cxoskeleton or derm^oskelctmi,
such as some animals possess.)

Enter'ic, a. Belonging or relating to the in-
testines ; intestinal.

Ento- (in composition). Inner.

Epenceph'alon, n. Hindmost segment of the
brain.

Epi- (in com.posUioii). On ; upon ; over. Op-
posed to hypo-.

Epider'mis, n. Cuticle or scarf-skin.

Epidid'yjiis, 11. An associate organ of the tes-
tis, in birds apparently a remnant of the pri-
mordial kidney.

Epigas'trium, '/I. Pit of stomach ; upper belly,
next to brea-st. (A region not well distin-
guished in birds. The term is scarcely used. )
(6i.)

Epiglot'tis, n. Gristly flap on top of wind-
pipe, rudimentary or wanting in birds.

Epi(;xath'ocs, a. Hook-billed.

Epiot'ic, a. for n. A certain element of the
auditory capsule.

Epiph'ysis, n. Gristly cap on the end of a
bone, afterward becoming bony and united.

542

aLOSSARY.

Epipleu'ra, n. An obliquely backward bony
process of a vertebral rib.

Epithe'lum, 11. Superficial layer of mucous
meiuliranc. Sometiiiics also the thick tough
inenibrane liniiif; tlie gizzard.

EPrniK'.MA, n. Honiy excrescence upon the bill.

Epizo'on, n. An external parasite.

Epizout'ic, a. Parasitic among animals.

Erec'tile, a. Susceptible of being rai.sed, as
a crest ; or capable of swelling and stiffening,
as a penis.

ER'vTHia.'^M, ((. A particular state of plumage
cluiractc'rized by excess of red pigment ; it is
well shown in Scops asio and other owls. (Com-
pare alhinism and melanism.)

Eth'moid, n. One of the cranial bones, in the
n;isal region.

ErYr'icAL, rt. Of exceptional character. Tend-
ing away from a particular type. Opposed to
attijpical.

Eu.sta'chian" (lube), a. forn. The air-tube from
the fauces to the inner ear.

Even {tail), a. Having all the feathers of equal
length. Also called cauda aijuaHs or inteyra.

Ex- (in comjmsilioH). Out ; out of ; away from.

ExcREs'cEXCE, ». Outgrowth, fleshy or cuta-
neous.

Excre'ta, n. pi. Excrement, or other animal
refuse.

Ex'cRETORT or Ex'cRETiVE, a. HaWng power
or quality of excreting. Excreting differs from
secreting, in that the substance resulting is
to be eliminated from the economy, not used ;
e. g. saliva is secreted ; urea is excreted.

Exoccip'iTAL, a. or n. One of the lateral ele-
ments of the occipital bone.

Exog'enous, a. Produced by outgrowth.

ExosTO'sis, n. Any morbid bony outgrowth oi
enlargement.

Exten'sor, n. Generic name of muscles that
extend or straighten a limb or any of its seg-
ments.

Exte'rior Toes. (126.)

Extrem'itv, n. Any limb, member ; equal to
wembrurn, artus.

Ey'as, n. An unfledged hawk.

Eye'brow, n. (43.) See Sitpeecilium.

Et'ry or Ey"'rie, n. Nest of a V>ird of prey.

F.

Fabei^la, n. A certain sesamoid bone.

Fa'cet, n. Smooth, flattened articulating sur-
face.

Fa'cial, a. Pertaining to the face.

F.i'ciES, n. Face ; whole front of head, ex-
cepting the biU.

F^'cai., a. Pertaining to excrement ; excre-
mentitious.

F^'cES, n. pi. Excrement ; dung.

Fai'^ifopm ( "' Sickle-shaped; scythe-shaped.
Fal'conixe, o. Like a hawk ; belonging to the

Falconidfi;.
False Wing. (79.) See Alula.
Falx Cerebri, n. A certain fold of the dura

mater.
Family, n. Systematic group of the. grade

between order and genu.s, generally distin-

guished or denoted by the termination -ixioe,
as falcoti-idoc.

Fas'cia, n. Broad band of color. Also, equiva-
lent to Apokei'Rosls (which see).

Fas'ciated, a. liroadly banded with color.

Fas'cicle, 71. Bundle.

Fas'CICLED, ) r. 11 J

Fasciculate, j »• ^'''"^'^-

Fa.stig'iate, a. Bundled together into conical
shape, or with enlarged head, like a wheat-
sheaf.

Fau'ces, n. The jaws, internally ; back of the
mouth. Compare Pharynx.

Feather, n. (1 ; 143.) See Pluma, Penna.
Any one of the objects which collectively con-
stitute the peculiar covering of birds.

Fec'ulent, a. Excrementitious.

Fecun'd.ated, a. Impregnated ; made fi-uit-
ful ; said of the germ of an egg n liich has re-
ceived the male eleniimt.

Fecunda'tios, n. Impregnation ; the usual
consequence of the completed joint act of the
ovarian and speimatic organs.

Fecux'dity, ». Fruitfulnes.s.

Fkm'oral, a. Pertaining to the thigh, or part
of leg from hip to knee.

Fe'mi'R, 71. Thigh-bone. Also used synonym-
ously with thi(jh. (fl(.)

Fenes'trate, a. Furnished with openings
(from/c)K-«(r«, a w'indow).

Fe'ral, «. Wild ; not tamed. Opposed to
domestic. The mallard is the feral stock of
the tame duck.

Ferrugix'eous or Ferrc'ginous, a. Rusty-
red.

Fe'tus or Fce'tus, n. Unborn young. (But the
unhatched young of birds are oftcner called
embryos.)

Fibril'la, 71. ; pi. fihrillee. Little fibre.

Fib'rix, a. Certain animal substance of fibrous
composition, found in the blood and else-
where.

Fi'bro-car'tilage, 7!. A kind of cartilage of
fibrous structure, such as that between verte-
br* and many other joints.

Fib'ula, ?(. Smaller outer leg-bone, lying along-
side the tibia.

Fil'a.ment, iu Thread or slender fibre.

Filament'ou.s, ) a. Threadlike ; composed of

Fil'iform, \ filaments ; oftener, very nar-

rowly linear.

Filopluma'ceous, a. Having the structure of
a filoplume.

Fil'oplume, n. Thread-like or hair-like feath-
er ; one with slender scape, and without web
in most or all of its length.

Fim'briated, a. Fringed.

Fissipal'mate, a. Lobiped and semipalmate,
as a grebe's foot is.

Fis'siped, a. Having cleft toes. Opposed to
palmiped.

Fissiros'tral, a. Having the lull cleft far be-
yond the base of its horny part.

Fissiros'tres, n. An obsolete order of cleft-
billed birds,

Flam'mulated, a. Per^'aded with reddish color.

Flank, 78. Hinder part of side of trunk. (67.)

Flap, ti. See Loma.

Flex'ion, 71. Bending (of a limb). Opposed to
e^rtevsion.

GLOSSARY.

Ml

Flex'or, 71. Generic name of a muscle that
bends a limb or any of its segments.

Flexc'ra ('»/<'■), n. Bend of the wing ; carpal
angle ; salient angle or jirominence Ibnncd at
the wrist when the wing is folded. (77.)

Flex'ure, n. See Flexura.

Floc'culext, a. Pertaining to the peculiar
down of newly hatched or unfledged young
birds. (Xot used in ornithology in its com-
mon sense of /f</A'i/. )

Floc'ci's, n. A peculiar kind of plumage of
simple structure (generally downy), found in
unfledged birds, at first growing directly from
the skin, afterwards for tlie most part affixed
to the tip of the true feather, of which it is
the precursor, or rather the first-formed part ;
and finally falling ott'. In psilop.T!die biids
the floccus is only associated with the true
plumage, sprouting from the future pteryhu
alone ; in ptilopasdic birds it also sprouts
from the apteria, and in so fiir is unconnected
with future plumage ; the whole body is in
snch cases densely clothed. (Sundi'vall.)

F(E'ti's, n. Same as Fetus (which see).

Fol'lu'LE, «. Minute secretory sac.

Folmc'ular, ) rr. Having follicles ; composed

Follic'ulate, ( of follicles.

Foot, 71. (112.) See Pes.

FuoT-joiXT, n. Junction of toes collectively
with the metatarsus. (100.) See Pod.\r-
THi:rM.

Fora'men-, ?(. ; p\. foram'ina. Hole; opening;
perforation. Foranifn jiwgnuni, the large
hole in the occipital bone transmitting tlie
neural axis. Foramen lacerum, irregular va-
cuity between certain bones at base of skull.
The foramen rolundiim transmits the optic
nerve ; foranU'n ovate, the trig<'minal nerve ;
the latter is also a name of the opening be-
tween right and left sides of the heart.

Foue'head, n. Front of head from bill to
crown. (3+.) See Fltoss.

FoRE-XEC'K, a. Wliole front of collum, from chin
to breast ; whole throat. (51.) See GuTTUH.

For'fr'ate, a. Deeply forked.

Forked (tail), n. Having the outer feathers
longest, the rest gradually successively short-
ened to the middle pair ; when these are
again lengthened somewhat, the tail is said
to be doubly forked.

Fos's.\, n. ; pi. fossa;. Ditch ; excavated place.
Used chiefly in the plural to denote the pits
or grooves in whiih most birds' nostrils
open.

Fos'siL, a. or a. Dug out of the ground. Par-
ticula?-ly, any organized body, or renuiins,
trace, or mould of such body, naturally buried
in past time by geologic agencies. The Archm-
opteryx macrurus, of the .Jurassic formation
of Solenhofen, a niesozoic bird, is the oldest
known ornithic fo.<isit.

Fosso'niAL, a. Digging into the earth for a
habitation.

Fos'TER. This word and its various compounds
are used in their common senses in treating
of the relations of young cowbirds and young
cuckoos with the birds upon which they are
parasitic.

Fo'vea, n. A slight depression.

Free, a. Said of the leg when not enclosed to

the knee in the common integument of the
body.

Fre'nu.m, a. Bridle; hence, any cheek-stripe.

Fringe, n. Marginal membrane ; also, marginal
row of feathers. (135.) See LoMA.

Frin-oed Toe. (134.)

Fron's, n. Foreliead. (34.)

Fron'tal, a. Pertaining to the forehead.

Frox'tal Bone, n. Principal bone of the fore-
head.

Fron'tal P01XT.S. See Anti.h. (36.)

Front ok Tarsus. Instep. (104.)

Frugiv'orous, u. Fruit-eating.

Fui.ig'inous, (I. Sooty-brown ; dark smoky
blown.

Fui/vous, a. Of a brownish-yellow color.

Fur'cate, a. Forked ; forficate.

FuR'c-ULAorFuR'cuLUM, n. The merry -thought
or wish-bone ; the two clavicles or collar-bones
taken together. Also called os furcatuni.

Fus'roi'S, a. Of a dark-brown color.

Fu'siFORM, a. Spindle-shaped ; tapering at
each end.

G.

Gal'eate, a. Covered as with a helmet ; said
of certain gallinules, coots, etc.

Gall, n. Bile ; the secretion of the liver.

Gall-blad'der, n. Membranous sac attached
to liver for holding bile.

Gall-duct, n. Tube for conveyance of bile into
the intestine ; the ductus ciMlcdochiis.

G.iLLiXA'CEOUS, a. Belonging to the Gallince;
having the nature of the domestic fowl.

Gaxg'lion, n.; pi. giii,()lki. Natural knot-like
eidargement of a nerve.

Gape, ?;.. Opening of the mouth ; area of the
opened mouth. (28.) Compare Rictus and
Commissure.

Gastr.e'usi, n. The whole under part of a
bird. (16.)

G.is'TRlc, a. Pertaining to the stomach or
belly. The gastric juice of birds is the secre-
tion of the jn'orentricnlus, or follicular stom-
ach, not of the gizzard or gi'inding muscular
stomach.

Gastrocne'mius, n. A muscle of the back of
the leg.

Gemel'li, n. jil. The twins ; certain muscles
of the pelvis.

Ge'xa, m. Cheek; feathered .side of under man-
dible. (43.) See Mal.\r Reoion.

Gex'er.\tive Or'oaxs, n. Organs of reproduc-
tion in either sex.

Gexer'ic, n. Pertaining to a genus ; as, ge-
neric character, generic description.

Gen'esis, n. Act, mode, or conditions of repro-
duction. In science, genesis notes rather the
laws and results of origination of individuals
or species. The "genesis of .species" is a
term equivalent to the evolution of species
from antecedent forms, with some ; with oth-
ers, their origination by creative fiat.

Gexet'ic, a. Pertaining to genesis. Genetic
descent, or genetic succession in species, is
maintained by those who hold the theory of
evolution.

Ge'xu, «. Knee ; joint of femur with tibia.

Ge'xu.s, u. ; pi. gen'era. An assemblage of

544

GLOSSARY.

species, or a single species, constituting a
taxonomic group of value next below that of
the family.

Gen'ys, n. See GoXTS.

Geb'minal Vks'icle, n. Cell in the vitellus
having a diirk spot.

Gidbose', I a. Swollen ; inotuberant ; humped ;

Gib'bol's, j hunched.

GiBBo.s'iTY, n. A swelling or protuberance.

Gige'kh-m, n. Gizzard.

Gin'glymus, 11. Iliuge-joiiit. The knee and
elbow are i/uujli/nurid, or hinged joints.

Glab'kuus, a. Smooth.

Gland, n. A soft Hesliy organ, in wliich fluids
of the body are modified to form new pro-
duets, to be u.sed in, or eliminated from, the
economy. But some organs without ducts,
and the function of which is unknown, are
called glmuls, as the thymus, thyroid, and
pineal. The liver is the largest (jland of the
body. The proventriculus is ay land iilar organ.

Gl.a.x'duL-4R, a. Pertaining to glands ; having
glands ; consisting of glands.

Glans, n. Head of the penis.

Glos'sa or Glot'ta, n. Tongue.

Glos'so-hv'al, n. Principal lione of the tongue.

Glo.s'.so-ph.\iivn'geal, a. Pertaining to the
tongue and jaws. A certain nerve is so called.

Glu't.eal, a. Pertaining to the buttocks ;
certain muscles are so called.

Glu't.eus, n. A nmscle of the side of the rump.

Gnathid'U'M, n.; pi. giiathidin. Branch of
the lower jaw as far as it is naked. (Oftener
used in the plural.) (24.)

Gnathotiie'ca, n. Coveriug of the lower man-
dible. (14.)

Goxyde'ai., a. Pertaining to the mandibular
symphysis.

Go'ny.s, n. Keel or lower outline of the bill as
far as the mandibular rami are united. (The
word is commonly but erroneously so written,
as if from the Greek (jonii, knee, or protu-
berance of the bill ; it is rather from the Greek
genus (gcnys), signifying chin. — Sundcvall.)

Gob'get, n. Thioat-patcli, distinguished by
color or texture of the featlieis.

Gra'diext, a. Walking or running by steps.
Opposed to saltatory^ or leaping.

Gr.AD'rATED, a. (^hanging length at regular
intervals, in regular succession ; said chiefly
of the tail when its feathei's regularly sliorten
successively by more and more from the mid-
dle to the outer.

GE.4MiNiv'onors, a. Gra.ss-eating.

Gran'iv'(iK(ii".s, a. Seed-eating.

Gban'ilate, a. Roughened with numerous
small elevations, like siiagreeu. (Said chiefly
of the tarsus.)

Greater Wimj-cov'ekts, n. The single, lon-
gest, most posterior series of the secondary
set. (92.)

GBorND-coi.'oR (in oologi/), n. The color of the
general surface of the egg-shell, as distin-
guished from its markings.

GuYPAN'if.M, a. Noting a particular form of
bill, in which the culnien is nearly straight,
but bent down at the tip.

Gu'la, h. Upper foreneck, adjoining chin ;
upper throat. {.'j2.)

Gu'lar, a. Pertaining to the upper foreneck.

Gut'tate, «. Having drop-shaped spots.

GtT'ilKOK.M, a. Drop-shapecL

Gur'TLK, n. The whole foreneck. (51.) (But
guttural is rarely used in this connection.)

Gymnopje'dic, n. Synonymous with ^miVo-
ptedic.

Gymnobui'NjU, a. Having unfeathered nos-
trils.

Hab'itat, n. Locality or region frequented by
a species ; its geographical distribution.

PL\B'lTrs, n. Habitude ; mode of life.

H.tfK'LE, n. Long cervical feather of the do-
mestic cock.

Hi'siAL Arch, ?!. The lower ring of a (ideal-
ly or actually) complete vertebra, enclosing a
section of the principal va-scular and visceral
systems, as the neural arch does a section of
the principal nervous system. In birds thu
hajnial arcii is comjilete only in the thoracie
region.

H.e'.mal Spine, n. An ideal transverse section
of the stenium corresponding to any one pair
of ribs, completing the ha;mal arch inleri-
orly.

HjEmapoph'ysis, 11. Segment, actual or poten-
tial, of the hffimal arch between the pleura-
pophysis and liiemal spine. In birds it ac-
tually exists in the thoracic region, as the
stenial rib, movably aiticulated with the
sternum and the vertebral rib, wliich latter
is the jileurapophysis.

H^.MATlT'ir, a. Of a bloody -red color.

H.e.matother'.ma, n. AVarm-blooded animals
collectively ; the antithesis is hamatocrya.

HAL'Lfc.iL, a. Pertaining to the hallux.

Hal'lux, n. The hind toe. The name is re-
tained, even when the hind toe is brought
round to the front. When the toe„s are in
pail's, it is the inner of the two hind ones,
exeeptiug in Trogonidcc. In the genus Pi-
coides the actual single hind toe is not the
hallux, but the fourth toe reversed, there be-
ing no hallux. This toe may always be
recognized by presence of not more than two
joints. It is the one usually wanting in three-
toed birds, and is frequently rudimentary or
functionless, even when present. Its large
size, with largest claw, and specialization of
its flexor muscle, marks the pas-serine or
highest group of birds. (129.) (Sometimes
written liallcT or allcx. )

H.vlo'nes, )i. pi. Certain appearances of the
yolk, probably due to the margins of its suc-
cessive layers.

Ham'i'late, a. Hooked.

HAM'fLfs, H. ; pi. hamuli. Hooked fringe ot
a barbule ; hooked barbicel.

Hand-qvills, h. Primary ivmiges. (75.)

Has'tate, a. Spear-head shaped.

Head, h. (9, 29.)

Heel, «. (107.) See Calcanei's and Talcs.
Tpper back part of tarso-metatarsus (tarsu.'i
or shank I, rarely resting ou the ground in
birds when standing erect. (Commonly, but
most improperly, called irnfe..)

Heel-J(iixt, «. (103.) See Suffrago. The
tibio-tarsal articulation, as it is called : that

GLOSSARY.

545

between tlie leg (cms), niij tlie tarso-metatar-
sus (sliaiik). With lew excejitions among cer-
tain Jiiiptorcs, it always bcnils backwaul ; the
knee always has its convexity forwanl.

Heel-pao, )i. (115.) Pterna; tuber (which see).
The posterior ])ortioa of pclina, iinnieJiately
under the foot-joint, and freciuently pronii-
nent. (But heel-pad should not lie used
in this connection, since tlie heel {calcaneus)
is at the top of the tarsus, and not at the
bottom where the hccl-pnd lies.) (115.)

Hf.mi- {in composilioii). Semi- ; demi- ; half.

Hepat'ic, a. Pertaining to the liver ; as, lie-
patic artery, hepatic secretion.

Heteroge'xeous, a. Of difterent or dissimilar
nature ; of mixed or miscellaneous character.

He.k'A(Jon, ». Figure of six sides and six
edges.

HEXAO'oN.iL, a. Having six sides and edges.

HlBEii'x.\L, a. Pertaining to the winter time.
(Neither this nor ccstival are much used, al-
though vernal and autumnctl are continually
employed.)

HiND-NECK, n. (48.) See Cervix.

Hind-toe, ». (129.) See Hallux.

Hinder Parts. (8.) See Ur.eu.m.

Hip, n. Joint of femur with pelvis ; projec-
tion formed by femoral trochanter over the
joint.

Hirsute', a. Hairy ; rather shaggy, as the
feet of a grouse.

Histog'env, 11. Formation of tissue.

Histol'ogy, n. Minute anatomy ; history of
tissue.

Histon'omt, n. Laws of formation of tissue.

Hoar'y', a. Of a pale silvery-gr.ay.

Holurhi'nal, a. Having the nasal bones con-
tiguous.

Homogene'ity, n. Sameness ; structural simi-
larity.

Ho.moge'neous, a. Of the same kind or na-
ture. Opposed to hettTOCjeneous. A homo-
geneous group contains only structurally re-
lated forms.

Ho.molog'ical, ) a. Structurally related ; hav-

Ho.MOL'ooors, i ing structural affinitj'. Op-
posed to analogous, which implies similarity
of appearance, purpose, or use without corre-
sponding affinity.

Homol'ooy, n. Structural affinity, generally
implying genetic relationship. Ojiposed to
analogy, or mere I'esemblance.

HoMOTYP'iCAL, a. Of the same type of struc-
ture.

Homot'ypy, n. A particular kind of homol-
ogy-

Hor'sotixe, a. or n. Yearling ; a bird of the
year.

Hu'meral, a. Pertaining to the humerus, or,
more generally, to the ujiper arm.

Hu'merus, n. The u]>per arm bone ; sometimes
the whole upper-arm, from shf)ulder to elbow.

Hy'aline, j rt. Tran.sparent, like glass ; said

Hy'aloid. \ chieHy of the vitreous humor of
the eye, and of certain appurtenances of the
back chamber of the eye.

Hy'brid, a. or n. Cross-born between two spe-
cies ; mongrel.

Hybkidiza'tiuN, n. Cross-fertilization. Pro-
duction of hybrids.

VOL. III. GO

Hy'bridize. To cross and bear mongrel off-
spring.

Hy'oID, I a. Pertaining to the OS Aj/oi(^c« or

Hyoid'eak, ( tongue-bone, or, more gener-
ally, to the tongue itself.

Hyp.\1'opii'ysis, n. Bony process from the
underside of a vertebra, sometimes very laige,
as in the loon.

Hyper- (in compoHlion). Same as super- (which
see).

Hyperbo'rean, a. Northern ; boreal.

Hyperchkom'atism, n. State of unusually in-
creased or intensified coloration.

Hyper'trophy, n. Inordinate enlargement of
a part or organ, due to excessive nutrition.
The opposite of atrophy, or tiie wasting away
of au organ through deficient nutrition.

Hypo- (in composition). Same as sub- (which
see).

Hypociiox'drium, n. The flank. (Oftener vised
in the plural, hypoclwiulria, flanks.) ((J7.)

Hypodac'tylum, )i. Soles of the toes. (118.)

Hypog.\s'tric, a. Under or behind the belly.
(Little used).

Hypognath'ous, a. Having the nnder man-
dible longer than the upjier, as the black
skimmer.

HYPOFri'LUM, n. Supplementary plume, or
accessory plume, springing from the same
barrel of the main feather. Generally found,
but wanting in many families, and always on
the quills of the wungs and tail. Synony-
mous with hyporrhachis as generally used.

Hypou.a.'dii, n. pi. Barbs of the hypoptilum.

Hyporrha'chis, n. Aftershaft ; stem or scape
of the supplementary plume. Generally used
for the whole of stich accessory feather, but
best thus restricted.

Hyputh'esis, n. A reasonable presumption or
supposition taken as premise of an argument,
or as probably true, to account for what is not
nnderstood. As it does not necessarily rest
upon fact, it has not the weight or dignity of
theory.

Hypothet'ical, a. Eeasonably presumptive :
logically sufiposititious ; conditional ; as-
sumed without proof but with fair jirobability.

Identifica'tion, n. Act or process of deter-
mining to what species a specimen or a name
belongs ; the determination so made.

Iden'tify. To determine the name of a speci-
men or of a species ; to ascertain the identity
of a certain specimen with a name, or name
with a certain species.

Igxo'ble, a. Said of liawks lacking the special
qualities of those used in falconry.

Il'eum, n. Lower portion of snjall intestine.

Il'iac, a. Relating to the iliutn, or haunch-
bone ; also, to the ileum.

Il'ium, 11. Haunch-bone ; priiu'ipal bone of the
jielvis, forming with the ischium and pubis
the OS innominatum.

Im'bricated, a. Fixed shingle-wise with over-
lapping edge or end.

Immac'i'late, a. Unspotted; not marked
with difl'ereut colors.

546

GLOSSARY.

Immature', a. Not having yet assumed final
size, shape, color, or other couditions of the
adult.

Imper'forate, a. Not pieiced through ; also
closed up (said chieHy of the nostrils).

Implacen'ial, a. Having uo placenta. Birds
are implacental.

Incised', a. Cut out ; cut away.

iNCPBA'Tiox, n. Act of setting on eggs to hatch
them.

I.NUUM'BENT, a. Depressed or bending down
upon something ; laid at full length ; chiefly
Siiid of the hmd-toe when its whole length
rests on the ground or oIIkt support, owing
to Its low insertion on the level of the rest
(IA\.)

iN'cus, a A l>one of the inner ear of mam-
malia, held by high authority to be homolo-
gous with the OS quadratum of birds (which
see). See also Malleu.s.
In'dex, n. The i)rin.-ii,al digit of the wing is
often so called, but is really homologous with
the third or middle linger of mammals ; the
polle.x or so-called thumb of birds being the
homologiie of the mammalian index.
IN'0OLES, n. Natural disposition.
iNDtJMEX'TUM, n. Covering of bh-ds ; the pti-

losis or plumage. (142.)
In'fra- (in composUimi). Below ; under • op-
posite of supra-. It is in part sjTionvmoiis
with s-«6-, but refers only to position,' whUe
sub- IS of more extensive application
Inframax'illary, n. The under jaw bone,

or mandible.
Infraor'bital, a. Below the eve-socket.
Ixfcndieu'lifokm, a. Funnel-shaped.
I.\PUNniB'uLrM, n. Funnel; name of several

ditferent organs.
Inges'ta, n. pi. Things eaten ; contents of crop

or stomach. Opposed to eyi^sta.
IXGLu'viEs, n. Crop or craw. Also used sy-
nonymously with chin.
1-N'guex, n. The groin : whence the adj. in-
guinal. (Little used.)
Ix'guixal, a. Pertaining to the groin.
IN-.VER Toe, n. (127.) In most birds the sec-
ond IS the inner anterior toe ; in the trogons,
the third or middle toe becomes inner anterior
by reversion of the second, which is then in-
ner posterior. In a few exotic kingfishers,
the second or inner anteiior is rudimentary
or wanting. In several birds the hallux or
hrst or hinder toe is reversed, and becomes
inner autenor. But in any position the inner
«o«, pioperly speaking, is the second, that one
Willi only three joints.
I-N-xom'ina"te (hone), n. The pelvic bone, com-
posed of ilium, ischium, and pubis
IxoscuLA'Tio.N, n. Same as Ana.stomosis

(which see).
I.xsEcnv'oRoi-s, a. Insect-eating.

IN-TEG/L-MENT, n. A covering or enveloDe •
commonly, the skin. envelope ,

Inter- (in composUion). Between : among
iNTERARTic'fLAR, a. Between the joint!; in

a joint ; as, xnlcrarticular cartilage
iNTERCos'TAL a. Between two rib?;' as, inter-
costal muscle, artery vein
I.NTERMA.x'.Li.ARY (bSne), n. ' Same as Premax-

li.LARV (which see).
I.N'TERNoi,E, n. Any bone of a finger or toe.
NTEiioR BITAI, o. 15etween the eve-sockets.
I l.NTERRA MAL, a. Between the forks or rami
ot the lower jaw.
iNTERKUM-'ED, a. Discontinuous ; broken up
INTEKSCAPIL'H-M or Intersoar'llim, n. Re<non
of the U|)per back between the shoulders (lig )
I.NTERscAi-'ULAR, a. Between the shoulders,
itie plural, lulcrscnpulars or interscapula-
nes, IS used to denote the feathers of such
region collectively.
LwAG'iXATE, a. Sheathed.
I-NVER'TEBRATE, a. or 11. Having no back-
bone ; an animal without a backbone. Op-
posed to vcrlebrate.
I'RIAN Irid'ia-N, a. Pertaining to the iris.
IRIDES'CE.VT, a. Glittering witli many colors,

which change in diflTerent lights.
I'ris, n. Circular muscular curtain suspended
perpendicularly in the eye between the aque-
ous and vitreous chambers, having a hole in
the centre (the pupil). It is of all colors in
birds.
IscHiAT'ic, a. Pertaining to the ischium.
I.s'cuirM, n. One of the pehic bones, the hin-

demiost.
-I.SH. A .suffix, forming an adjective, usimUij
denoting possession of a quality in less de-
gree ; especiaUy used for colors ; as, blackish
not quite black, etc. '

Isth'mis, n. Neck or narrow strip connecting
tw-o larger portions of same region, patch of
color, etc.

J.

Jaw, n. See Maxili.a, JLixdible.
Jeju'nl-m, n. Portion of intestine between

duodenum and ileum (not definite, and little

used).
Ju'gal, a. Pertaining to the zygoma.
Ju'gal (bone), n. Same as malar bone.
Jr'dLAR, a. Pertaining to the jugulum.
Ju'Grr.UM, n. Lower throat ; lower foreneck

(53.)
JuNCTl-'RA, n. Articulation ; joint.

IxsEsso'RES, n. pi. Perching-birds ; an order

now becoming obsolete.
IXSESSO'RIAL, a. lielating to i)erching-bir,is.
1-Nsis'TE.NT, «. Said of the hind toe, when its

base IS .so elevated that the tin only touches

the giound. (130.)
Ix'sT.xcT, n. Imperfect reason; the faculty

of^ doing the right thing without knowing

K.

Keei,, ?i. Same as GuXYs (which see). (22.)
KxKE, )(. Femoro-tibial articulation. (N. B.
The heel-joint, siiffmqo, or tibio-mctatarsal
articulation, is often improperly called hiee.)
(102.) I r . ,

L.

La'bfi., n. Card, ticket, or similar slip of
paper, parchment, etc., aliixed to an object,
giving written information respecting it.

GLOSSARY.

547

Lac'ichate, i a. Cut or slashed on the edgp
Laci>'iaik, 1 or end into a fringe or brusli.
Lach'kvmal ihotie), a. A large stout bone

foitning part of tlie orbit.
Laci'.n'a, )i. Small pit or depression ; oftener,

an open space or vacuity, as in the palate,
IjAcr'x.E, ». fl. Ceilain small excavations in

bone and in mucous membrane.
Lacus'tuixe, a. Lake-inhabiting.
Lamb'doid, a. L-.shaped.
Lamel'la, «. ; pi. lamcUcE, ) A thin plate or
Lam'ix.-v, m. ; pi. lamina;, j scale; a jilate-

like process. The (u-ocesses inside a duck's

bill are lamelLe ; the individual barbs of a

feather are lamiuiv.
Lam'ellate, j o. Having, or composed of, 1am-
L.AM'lx.iTE, ( in;e, or series of plates.
liAMELi.iRos'rr.AL, a. Having a lamellate bill.
LAMELi.ir.ns'xi'.Es, ». pi. A group of lamel-
late-hilled birds (the duck tribe).
L.4n'ceoi,ate, a. Lance-head shaped ; ta])er-

ing narrowly at one end, less so at the

other.
Larvxce'ai., a. Pertaining to the laryn.-c.
Lar'vxx, n. Adam's-apple, hollow cartilagi-
nous organ, a modification of the windpipe

either at the top or bottom, but especially

the former ; the lower laryn.x being called

Syrinx (which see).
Lat'eral, a. To or towards the side ; on either

hand from the middle line.
L.it'erali.y, a. Sidewise.
Latis'simus, a. for n. A certain muscle of the

back.
Legs. (96.)
Lexs (crystalline), n. A circular biconvex

transparent body in the eye wliich brings rays

of light to a focus.
Lesser Wixg-covert.s, n. pi. The smaller an-
terior set of secondai-y coverts in several series

upon the plica alaris.
Leva'tor, n. Generic name of muscles that

elevate ; as, levator palpcbrce, lifter of the

eyelid.
Lio'amext, n. Fibrous band or sheet binding

bones or other structures together.
LiGAMEx'rrM Nu'cH^, 11. A particular strong

ela.stic ligament along the nape and cervix of

many animals.
Ligamex'tu.m Te'res, n. A particular strong

fibrous cord holding the head of the femur in

its socket.
Lim'bate, a. Having edging of one color against

another.
Li'mes Facia'lis, n. Facial outline; line of the

feathers all around the bill.
Limicu'l.e, n. pi. A group of shore-waders,

as plover, snipe, etc.
Llmic'dlixe, a. Shore-inhabiting.
Lix'e.\r, a. Nan'ow, with straight paralhd

sides ; uniformly narrow for a long distance.
I<1n'gua, 11. Tongue.
Lixis'ci, 71. pi. Reticulations of the podotheca.

( Little used. )
Liv'er, n. See Olaxd.

Lo'bate, ) a. Funiished with membranous flaps
LoBED, i (said chieflv of toe*)- SeeLoMAXi-

xus. (137.)
Lobe, n. Membranous Hap (generally curved,

but may be straight-edged). See LoMA.

Lo'.NtA, n. Lobe ; membranous fringe or flap.
(135.)

LoMAT'iNtTs, a. Furnished with lobes or flaps.
(134.)

Long-exsert'ed, a. Said of tail-feathers ab-
ruptly much longer than the rest.

LoNGiPEx'xEs, n. pi. A group of long-winged
swimming-birds, the gulls, terns, and petrels.

Longipex'nixe, a. Having long wings (reach-
ing, when folded, beycnid the tail).

Longiros'tral, a. Having a long bill (longer
than the head).

Longiros'tres, II. pi. An obsolete group of
long-billed wading bird.s.

Loxgis'simus, a. for n. A certain muscle of
the back.

Loxgitu'dinal, a. Running lengthwise, or
in direction of the antero-posterior axis of the
body.

Lon'gus Col'li. a certain muscle of the neck.

Lo'ral, a. Pertaining to the lore.

T n'Rinr I "' ^P**^^ between eye and bill. (39.)

Lower B.-vck. (59.) See Tergum.

Lower Jaw. Lower Mandible. (11.) See

JIandible.
Lower Part.s. (6.) See Gastr^um.
Lower AVing-coverts. (85.) See Tecteicrs.
Lower Tail-coverts. See Calypteria, Cris-

suM, Tectrices.
Litm'bar, a. Pertaining to, or situate in, the

louis. In birds, a inmhar region or lumbar

vertebra; are not well distinguished, if at all ;

and in many, rih-bearing vertebrte continue

into the sacral region.
LvMBRic'iFORM, a. Same as Vermiform

(which see).
Lu'.xcLATE, a. Narrowly crescentic.
Lu'teous, a. Clay-colored.
Lymphat'ic, a. or n. Pertaining to lymph ;

an absorbent vessel.
Ly''rate, a. Lyre-shaped, as the tail of Afe-

nura supcrha or Tctrao tetrioe.

H.

Mac'erated, a. Soaked to softness.

Mac'ula, n. A spot.

Mac'ulate, a. Spotted.

Mag'num, a. for n. One of the carpal bones.

Ma'la, n. Basal portion of outsicle of lower
jaw, usually feathered. (Sometimes used for
corresponding portion of upper jaw ; the site
and boundary' of ?iuila and grna are not well
determined, and vaiy with writers. Both lie
on side of head, back of bill, and under lore,
eye, and ear.) (26.)

Ma'lar Re'giox. Same as mala.

Malleo'lus, n. ; pi. malleoli. The enlarged
articular surface of the bottom of the tibia ;
in birds formed by confluence of the two prox-
imal tarsal ossicles.

Mal'i.eus, 11. A bone of the inner ear of mam-
malia, held by high authority as probably
homologous with the Os Quadkatum (which
see).

Mam',\ia, )'. Teat.

Mam'.mary, a. Pertaining to the teats, or func-
tion of lactation.

548

GLOSSARY.

Man'diblk, ) n. Jaw. Propuily the under

JlANiiiii'ui.A, i jaw, the upper jivw being 7naa;.
ilia. (11.)

Mandib'i;Iu\.r, a. Pertaining to the under jaw.
(Muxillarij relates to the upper jaw.)

Manduca'tion, 71. Mastieation.

Wandu'catoby, a. Pertaining to mastica-
tion.

Mantle, n. (61.) See Stragulum anil Pal-
lium.

Manu'brium Stek'ni, n. (Literally "handle.")
Process of breast-bone on front border at root
of l<eel.

Man'u.s, 7!. Hand ; all of the wing, excepting
tlie feathers, wliieh lies beyond the wrist ; the
metacarpus and digits, with a.ssociate soft
parts, it corresponds with pes.

Mau'iilim;, n. Fine spotting and streaking
intermi.\ed ; variegation lilic marble. The
marliings are more distinct than in clouding
or ncbulation.

Mak'oinal Fringe, ii. See Loma. (135.)

Mar'go, n. Margin. Margo mcntalis, inner
boundary of tlie forlis of the mandible. Mar-
go malaris, boundary of the ba.se of the
mala.

Mak.su'pium, n. Vascular, erectile, menibra-
uous organ in the back chamber of the eye of
birds, supposed to aid in accommodation of
vision. Also called ^jcc/oi.

SIasse'ter, 11. One of the muscles that effect
mastication.

Mas'ta.x, n. "Side of the forepart of head,
adjacent to the base of the bill." (37.) (Lit-
tle used, and undistinguished from lore.)

Mas'toid, (I. Name of a process of the tem-
poral bone.

Ma'tiiix, )), Mould. Tissue or organ contain-
ing something and determining its form or
other condition.

Maxil'la, n. Jaw, especially the upper jaw,
or maxilla superior ; the maxilla inferior be-
ing especially called mandihuln. (10.)

Max'illar, Max'illary, a. Pertaining to the
upper jaW'. Maxillary bone, the cheek-bone ;
in birds an inconsiderable bone of the bill it-
self, not of the cheek.

Max'illo-pal'atine (bone), n. Certain paired
bone of the upper jaw in the palate.

Mea'tus, n. Passage or canal. Meatus audi-
torius, ear-passage.

Me'dian, a. Lying in the middle line. Opposed
to lateral.

Mediasti'num, n. One of the thoracic par-
titions.

Medul'la, n. Marrow. Medulla spinalis, spi-
nal cord. Medulla oblomjata, tract of nerve
matter between cerebellum and spinal cord
proper.

Mel'anism, n. State of coloration resulting
from excess of black or dark jiigment ; a fre-
quent condition of hawks.

Melanis'tic, )

Mela not' ic, (

MEiM'CRANA Putam'inls, «. The lining mem-
brane of the egg-shell, formed of dense modi-
fied albumen.

Mem'ukane, n. Thin soft sheet of various
stiucture covering a part or organ. Cerebral
or spinal nic'iiOirwM. See Meninges. Nidi-

AlTected with melanism.

toting membrane, the third or inner eyelid
of birds, which sweeps acro.ss the ball. •" Soft
skinny covering of the bill of many birds is
said to be membranous. Webbing of the toes
is the interdigital mrmlrrane. Loma is a
fringed membrane.

Mem'brum, n. ; pi. membra. Any limb, or
other peripheral part, as a bill, as distin-
guished from body proper or truneus.

Menin'ges, 71. pi. Envelopes of the brain or
spinal cord ; especially the dura mater and
jna mater. (The singular, meiiinx, is scarcely
used. )

Men'tal, a. Pertaining to the chin.

Men'tum, n. Chin ; soft parts between the
branches of the lower jaw.

Mesencepii'aldn, 71. A certain brain-tract, the
second from behind.

Mesenter'ic, a. Pertaining to the mesentery.

Mes'enteuy, n. A fold of the peritoneum
binding the intestines in place.

Mesera'ic, a. Same as Mesentekic (which
see).

Me'.sial, a. In the middle ; same as median.

Meso- {in eomposition). Middle ; median.

Meso.\iet'rii-m, n. Partially muscular perito-
neal fold supporting the oviduct.

Me.sorhi'nium, 11. Poition of bill between the
nostrils. (Little used.)

Mesoster'ncm, n. Middle segment of the
breast-bone.

Metacar'pal, a. or n. Pertaining to the me-
tacarpus ; jiarticularly the rnetaearpal bone.

Metacar'pijs, 7!. Hand, exclusive of the fin-
gers ; segment of the wing between the carpus
and the digit.s.

Metagxath'ous, a. Cross-billed ; liaving the
points of the mandibles passing each other on
the right and left.

Metatar'sal, a. Pertaining to the metatar-
sus ; particularly the metatarsal bone.

META'rAii'.svs, 11. Foot, exclusive of the toes ;
segment of the leg between the tarsus and the
digits, commonly called tlie sJiank, and in de-
scriptive ornithology usually known as the
tarsus. The metatarsus, however, has a distal
tareal ossicle confluent with it, so that it is
actually tarso-metatarsus. In birds, the me-
tatarsus proper (exclusive of the confluent
tarsal bone) consists of three parallel meta-
tarsal bones, more or less completely conflu-
ent, and of the associated accessory metatarsal
bone which bears the hallux. Compare
Tarsi'.s.

Metatar'sus Hal'lucis, 71. The accessory me-
tatarsal bone, as just said.

MiD'nLE Toe, n. The third toe in order of reck-
oning, with few exceptionsfour-jointcd. When
the fourth toe is reversed, as in all zygodac-
tyle birds except trogons, it becomes the
outer anterior toe ; in trogons, and a few
birds in which the true inner or second toe is
wanting, it becomes the inner anterior toe.
It is never versatile. It rarely has only three
joints, like the .second toe. (128.)

Min'DLE Wing-cov'erts, or Me'dian Cov'erts.
The series of upper covert.s of the secondary
set, situate in one or more lows between the
greater and lesser coverts. They are usuiiUy
recognized by their overlapping each other

GLOSSARY.

549

in the revei'se direction (i. e. inner border of
one overlapping outer border of the next one)
from tlie others, wlience tliey are sometimes
called tcclriccs perversiT. (94.)

Mior.4.'tion, ?!.. Periodical (but sometimes ir-
regular) joiirneyings, or change of abode, of
birds at certain seasons, to secure food, cli-
mate, or other physical conditions of environ-
ment best suited to their wants. Wigi-ation
is generally meridional (north-.south), and
believed by some to be mainly acconiplisheil
along a magnetic nieridian ; but it is often
quite otherwise, intluenced by topography,
etc., or altogether capricious. In the North-
ern Hemisphere, the vernal migration is
northward, the autumnal in the opposite di-
rection.

Mime'sis, n. Mimicry ; mocking ; simulated
resemblance in voice, shape, color, etc.

Mimet'ic, a. Imitative ; given to mimicry.
Mimetic analotjij, simulated resemblance in
superficial respects, such as many insects
be.n r to the twigs or leaves they rest upon.

Mir'ror, 11. See Speculum. (S-2.)

Moi/ecule, n. Embryo part of the impreg-
nated ovum. See Cicatp.icui.um.

Mol'lipilose, a. Softly downy.

Mon-og'.\mous, a. Pairing ; mating with a
single one of the opposite sex. Birds of which
the male assists in incubation and care of the
young are called doubly monngammis.

Mdnog'amy, n. The paired state.

Moxomor'phic, a. Of the same or essentially
similar type of structure. Opposed to poly-
mnrphic.

Monoto'kous, a. Uniparous ; laying a single

Mon'stek, n. Any malformed animal.

Morphol'ogy, n. Tlie science of form. The
doctrine of the laws of form. Structure it-
self, considered as to its principles ; e. g. the
tnorpfwlotjy of the odontoid jirocess of the axis
is centrum of the atlas, the morpholorjiaU
interpretation of the tibial condyles is tarsal
ossicles. The segment called metatarsus is,
morpholorjiccdly, tarso-metatarsus. Homology
rests upon morphology ; analogy is generally
predicable u|)on teleology.

MoR'sus Di.ibol'icus, n. An epithet of the in-
fundibuliform orifice of the oviduct which
takes in the ova.

Mucip'arou.s, a. Producing mucus.

Mu'cous Mem'erane, n. Lining of the ali-
mentary and other interior tracts of the body,
secreting mucus.

Mu'cro, 11. A sharp spine.

Mu'cp.onate, a. S|iine-tipped, as the tail of a
swift.

Mu'cu.s, n. Peculiar secretion of the mucous
membrane.

Multif'iuus, a. forn. A certain spinal muscle.

MuLTip'.\ROUS, a. Producing many young.

Mus'cLE, n. {musculiis, pi. mitsciili). Organ of
animal motion, consisting of contractile fibre,
the shortening of which draws upon attached
parts. With the muscular tissue is usually
associated a fibrous ligament, the tendon or
"leader." Voluntary muscles have striped
fibre, contracting at will of the animal ; such
are all those of the general system, moving

the bones, effecting locomotion, mastication,
etc. Involuntary muscles mostly have plain
fibre contractile under special stimuli without
obedience to the will ; such are those of the
intestines, etc.

Mus'cuLAR, a. Pertaining to muscle ; having
muscle or composed of muscle ; ifsulting from
muscle : as, muscular fibre, muscular organ,
muscular exertion. Also, strong, vigorous :
the falcon is a muscular bird.

Mu'tr'Us, a. Unarmed ; as, a toe without a
claw, an un.spurred tarsus. (1.33.)

Myelenceph'alon, 11. Whole cerebi-o-spinal
column.

My'elon, n. The spinal cord.

Myoi.em'ma, n. Sheath of muscidar fibre.

My'ol'ogy-, n. Doctrine or description of the
muscles.

My'x'.a, n. End of the mandible, as far as the
.symphysis, corresponding to the dertrum of
the maxilla. (25).

N.

Nan'us, a. or n. Dwarf ; pigmy.

Nape, n. (49.) See Nucha.

Nar'is, n.; pi. narcs. Nostril (always paired).
(28 J.) The external narcs open upon the bill,
or its cere, in very various shape and position;
the intci-nal narcs open slit-wise upon the
back part of the palate.

Na'sai., n. Pertaining to the nostrils. Nasal
bones, a pair at the root of the upper mandi-
ble.

Nas'cext, a. About being born ; beginning to
grow or exist.

N.ata'tion, 11. Act of swimming.

NATATO'itES, 11. pi. A group of swimming-
birds.

Natato'rial, a. Capable of swimming ; be-
longing to swimming- birds.

Ne.arc'tic, a. Indigenous to the northern por-
tion of the Western Hemispbere.

Nebula'ted, a. Clouded with various indis-
tinct colors.

Neck, n. (47.) See Collum.

NEoGiE'AN, n. Indigenous to the Western Hemi-
sphere or "New World."

Neo.s'sine, n. Substance of the "edible birds'-
nests."

Neossol'ogy, n. Study of young birds.

Neotrop'icat., a. Indigenous to the tropical
portion of the Western Hemisphere.

Nep.'vixe, n. Nerve .substance.

Neu'r..\.l, a. Pertaining to nerves. Neural
canal, the tube of the backbone. Neural
spine, the so-called s)iinous process of a verte-
bra. Neural axis, cerebro-spinal axis. Neu-
ral arch, see Neiirapophysis.

Neurapoph'y.sis, n. The laminate process of
a vertebra, which, meeting its fellow at the
neural spine, closes the canal for transmission
of the spinal cord.

Neurilkm'.ma, n. Sheath of nerve fibre.

Neurol'ogy, 7!. Study of the nerves.

Nic'TTTATiNG Mem'erane, ?!. Tile third or
inner eyelid of birds.

Nidifica'tiox, n. Nest-builJing ; mode of
nesting.

550

GLOSSARY.

Ni'dus, h. Nest.

Ni'sus FoRMATi'vus, n. The formative ten-
dency ; tlic unknown law which determines
the rudiment of an animal to take its proper
shape, "each alter its kind." " Plastic force. "

N(»I)K, j Ti. A swelling ; hence, a Joint, as

No'iirs, t bones usually enlarge at their ar-
ticulating extremities. Compare Intern'ode.

No.men'clati'RE, n. The sum of tlie words or
terms peculiar to any department of knowl-
edge; as, ornithological nottienc/alure; m this
sense equivalent to terminology. Also, the
naming of objects according to some fi.\ed
jjrinciple ; as, the binomial nomrnclature.. It
is essential to the integrity of nomenclature
that it should rest upon classification, or tax-
onomy.

NoN-. Not. A frequent prefix in scientific
literature, denoting negation, used much like
dis-^ un-f 2/1-, etc.

Nos'tril, ». ('28i.) See Nari.'s.

NoT.E'fM,?i. The entire upper part of a bird. (5.)

No'tha, a. Spurious. By aln nolha has been
meant the scapular, axillar, and tertiary feath-
ers collectively, which are also called parap-
tenim.

No'tochord, 11. Primitive condition of the
backbone.

Nu'cHA, ?;. Nape ; upper part of cervix, next
to occiput. (49.)

Nu'cHAL, n. Pei-taining to the nape.

Nu'cLEATEii, a. Containing a special cell or
cells.

NrcLF.o'LUS, n. Cell or point within a nucleus.

Nu'rLEUS, n. Special cell within another.

Nu'triext, a. Nourishing; nutritious.

Ni'TRi'Tiox, n. Repair of waste that ensues by
decomposition in animal life, and promotion
of gi'owth, with supply of new assimilable
material. Alimentation is the act of supply ;
aliment or nutriment the supply ; nutrition
the result of its assimilation.

O.

Oared (foot), a. Having the hind toe, a.s well
as the others, full-webbed. See STEfiANOPO-
Dors. (140.)

Obcor'd.a.te, <i. Inversely heart-shaped.

Obliqi-e', a. Indirect; a.slant. Also, name
of certain abdominal muscles.

Ob'i.onij, a. Longer than broad.

Obo'vate, a. Inversely ovate.

Obscure', a. Dark ; not evident ; little known ;
faintly marked.

Ob'solete, a. Disused ; little u.se<l. Also,
synonymous with obsct/rc, as obsolete spots ;
also, .synonjTiious with imperfect or rudimen-
tiiry : the hind toe of the petrel is obsolete.

Obtura'tcir, n. A muscle, Tiiembranc, and fora-
men of the pelvis are respectively so called.

Obtuse', a. Blunt. Opposed to acute.

OcciP'iTAL, a. or n. Pertaining to the hind-
head ; as, occipitoi bone, oeeipi/nl region.

Oc'uifUT, u. The hind head. (3.3.)

Ocei,'i.us, n. (Literally "little eye.") Dis;-
tinct rounded spot of color, like the "eyes"
of a peacock's tail.

Ocii'KKV, Och'reous, a. Color of yellow ochre.

Oc'reatk, a. Booted. See Boor and Caligula.

Oc'ulo-mo'tor, n. A nerve of the eye-muscles.

Oc'uLUs, ». Eye. (The adjective ocwfar Ijeing
a]iplied chiefly to proces,ses and results of
sight, much like %yi.siial, rather than to physi-
cal attributes, the word orbital is used for the
latter instead.)

Odon'toid (proccvi), a. A part of the axis
(second cervi<:al vertebra) is so called.

a!:.soPH'AGU.s, n. Gullet ; tube convej-ing food
from mouth to stomach.

Olec'ranon, 71. Upper back part of the ulna,
not jirominent in birds.

Olfac'tory, a. Pertaining to the sense of
smell.

Olioomy'oid, a. Having few or imperfect
syringeal muscles among Pnsseres.

Oligoto'kous, a. Protlucino; few young.

Oliva'ceous, a. Of a niLxcd green and brown
color.

O.MSiv'oRou.s, a. Eating anything ; feeding
indiscriminately.

O'moplate, n. Shoulder-blade. {Omn-, in com-
po.sition, is a prefix referring to the shoul-
der.)

0m'ph.\los, n. Same as umbilicus, naveL

Oolog'ical, a. Pertaining to oolog)'.

Ool'ogt, n. Science of birds' eggs.

Oper'culum, n. Lid or cover ; flap. The
nasal scale, or roofing of the e.xtenial nostrils,
is the operculum narls.

Ophthal'mic, a. Pertaining to the eye. Oph-
thalmic region is equivalent to orbital region.

Op'tic, a. Peitaining to the eye, or to the
sight. The optic nen'e issues from the brain
and spreads into the retina.

O'ral, a. Pertaining to the mouth.

Orbic'ular, a. Circular.

Or'bit, n. Eye-socket. Also, synonymous
with orbita.

Or'bita, n. Circumorliital region taken imme-
diately around the eye-opening. (41.)

Or'eit.\l, a. Pertaining to the orbit.

ORBi'To-srHE'NoiD, n. Part of the sphenoid
bone, fonning a portion of the orViit.

Or'der, \n. Incla.s.sification,agroup

Oh'do, pi. ordines, \ between family and class.

Or'di-NAL, a. Having the taxonomie rank or
value of an order.

Or'gan, 71. Any individual part, or system of
parts, of the body having a specific physio-
logical function, considered with reference to
its action, processes, or results. Eye, organ
of sight ; wing, organ of flight ; .stomach,
liver, organ.'! of digestion ; muscles collec-
tively, organs of locomotion.

Or'ganism, n. Any living body capable of
separate existence.

Or'gasm, n. Immoderate excitement ; said
chiefly of sexual excitement, of which the
orgasm is the height. Erethism.

Ornii'h'ic, a. Pertaining to birds.

Orxithocop'rolite, n. Fossil bird-dung.

Ornithol'ogv, 71. Science of birds.

Okxithot'omy, 71. Anatomy of birds.

Os, )(. ; gen. m-is : pi. ora. Mouth. Cauum
oris, cavity of the mouth.

Os, 71.; gen. ossis : pi. ossa. Bone. Many or
most names of individual bones are adjectives,
u.sed substantively, os or brme being under-

GLOSSARY.

551

stood ; as, hyoid or hi/cndes, hyoid (bone) or |
{os) hi/oidcSy etc. Tlie qiuidratc bone or os I
quadratufii is, as to its physical characters
and office, not found in animals above birds ;
it hinges the lower jaw, jiteiygoid, and malar
bones to the rest of the skull. It is regarded as
the homologue of the njanunaliun iiicus by
some, by others as ])r()bably homologous with
the mammalian malleus.

Os'ciXE, a. Musical ; capable of singing.

Os'oiXES, n. pi. A group of singiug-birds, pos-
sessing a complex vocal organ of numerous
syringeal muscles, conferring musical ability.
These are regarded as the highest or most
perfectly developed of their class.

Os'sEOU.s, a. Bony.

A small bone.

Bony ; rather, having power to

Os'siCLE, n.
Ossif'ic, a.

ossify.

Os'SIFIED, a.

Become bony ; vmited by bone.

Os'siFY. To form bone ; to change into bone.

0.steolog'ical, a. Pertaining to osteology.

Osteol'ogy, 71. A description of bones. Also
tised to denote the osseous system, as myol-
ogy, neurology, splanchnology, likewise are
for their respective systems.

Os'tium, n. Doorway ; entrance.

O'tic, a. Pertaining to the ear.

O'tociune, n. "Skull of the ear"; cavity
containing essential organs of hearing.

Ol'tek Covering. (U2.) See Isdumextum
and Ptilosis.

Ol'ter Web (of a feather). (150.) See PoGO-
NIUM Exterxum.

O'vAL, \a. Egg-shaped ; in a general sense,

O'vate, f oblong and eiu-vilincar. Distinc-

O'voiD, ( tions which may subsist between

Ovoid'al, ) these words are practically ig-
noredamong oblogical writers, who use them in-
terchangeably for the oblong curvilinear shape
when the curve is unequal at the opposite
ends ; the terms elliptical, ellipsoidal, being
generally used to denote a curve equal at
both ends. The tranverse contour-line of an
egg being always circuhar, the descriptive
terms refer to the lengthwise contour, con-
sidered either as of a surface or a solid.

Ova'rium, 11. ; pi. ovaria, i Organ or tissue

O'VARY, n. ; pi. ovaries, \ in which eggs

originate ; they subsequently acquire albumi-
nous deposit, and, in birds, a calcareous shell,
in the oviduct.

O'vinrcT, ». Tube conveying eggs from ovary
to cloaca.

Ovir'ARous, a. Producing eggs which are de-
veloped after exclusion from the body. Op-
posed to I'ififiarous.

Oviposi'tiox, n. Act of laying eggs.

O'visAC, u. Ovarian ea-vity in which an egg"
originates. Graafian vesicle.

Ovula'tion, h. Formation of eggs in, and
discharge from, the ovary.

O'VUM, n. ; pi. ova. Egg. Sometimes synony-
mous with embryo.

Pab'uli-m, n.
Pads. (123.)

Food ; nourishment ; aliment.
See Tylari.

PALiEARc'Tic, a. Indigenous to the northern

parts of the Eastern Hemisphere.
PALJiOGi'AX, a. Indigenous to the Eastern

Hemisphere, or "Old World."
Pal^orxithol'ogy, n. Science of fossil birds.
Pal'ama, 7i. Webbing between the toes. (138.)
Pal'atal, I a. Pertaining to the palate ; palci-
Pal'atine, ) tine is said especially of certain

bones.
Pal' ate, n. Eoof of inoutlx.
Pal'atum, n. l\u: palate.
Pa'lea, n. Fleshy pendulous skin of the chin

or throat ; dewlap.
Pal'lium, 11. Same as Straguli'M (which see).
Pal'mar, a. Pertaining to the under surface

of the pinion.
Pal'mate, 1 a. Web-footed ; having the an-
Palma'ted, > terior toes full-webbed. Com-
Pal'mii'ED, ) pare Semipalmate and ToTl-

PALMATE.

Pal'mate Foot. (139.)

Pal'pebra, h. Eyelid.

Pal'pebral, a. Pertaining to the eyelids.

Pal'pebrate, a. Having eyelids.

Pali'dicole, a. Marsh-inhabiting.

Pan'creas, n. A lohulated gland near the
stomach, the secretion of which poured into
the duodenum aids digestion by making an
emulsion of fat.

Pan"creat'ic, a. Pertaining to the pancreas ;
as, 2^(t.iicrcalic fluid.

Papil'la, n. Small fleshy nipple-like promi-
nence.

Pap'ILLATE, ) tt ■ .,7

Pap'illose, r- Having ;;ni««a;.

Pap'ul^, n. pi. Pimples.

Pap'ulous, a. Pimply.

Paradal'tylum, n. Side of the toes, in any

way distinguished from top or sole. (119.)

(Little used.)
Paragnath'ou.s, a. Having both mandibles

of equal length, their tips meeting.
Par.\poph'ysis, it. Certain lateral process of a

vertebra.
Parap'terum, 11. Of uncertain meaning, but

has been applied to the scapular region or its

feathers. (Little used.)
Parasit'ic, a. Habitually making use of other

birds' nests.
Paratar'sium, n. Side of the tarsus, in any

way distinguished. (105.) (Little used.)
Parato'xi'M, n. Side of upper mandible when

distinguished from the culmen. (Little used.)
Parai-che'xium, m. Side of neck. (54.) (Lit-
tle used.)
Parex'ciiyma, n. Essential substance of a

t-iscus.
Pari'etal (bo)u:s), a. for n. Expanded boties

forming part of the cranium.
Pari'ete.s, n. Wall.

Paroccip'ital, a. for n. Certain lateral ele-
ments of the occipital bone.
Parot'ic, a. About the ear. (45.)
Parot'ip, a. or «. Pertaining to the ear. JEs-

peciaUy, a sidivary gland situate near the

ear.
Pas'seres, 11. pi. A group of birds including

sparrows and all the higher birds.
Pas'serixe, o. Sparrow-like. Belonging to

the group of Pcuisercs.

552

GLOSSARY.

Patel'la, n. Knee-pan ; knee-cap. Sesamoid
bone of knee-joint.

Pat'ent, a. Open.

Pathol'ogy, h. Physiology of disease.

Pec'ten, n. Same as JIahsui'R'M (which see).

Pec'tixate, j a. Having tooth-like projec-

Pec'tinated, j tion.s, like those of a comb.

Peci'IXa'tion, n. Comb-like toothinj,.

Pec'touai, a. Pertaining to the breast. The
pectoral mnscles of birds, three in number,
are the pnncipal ones in point of bulk in
most birds ; tliey move the wing as a whole.

Pec'tus, 71. Breast. (ti2. ) Anterior portion
of lower part of trunk, between jugulum and
abdomen ; propui-ly, the region overlying and
containing the breast-bone, but generally re-
stricted to the more forward swelling portion
of such region.

Pe'des, ». ; pi. of/ws. Feet. ('JtJ.) Leg beyond
the end of the tibia.

Pek'icel, ii. Narrow foot-stalk or stem by which
an organ is attached. Same as peduncle.

Pelag'ic, a. Frequenting the high seas.

Pel'licle, n. Any very delicate membrane.

Pel'ma, ti. The track ; entire lower surface
of the toes. (114.)

Pel'vic, a. Pertaining to the pelvis.

Pel'vis, 91. Cavity of the body formed by the
ossa imtominata, sacrum, and coccyx; also,
these bones collectively.

Pe'.n'I.\l, a. Pertaining to the penis.

Pesicil'late, a. Brushy-tipped.

Pe'.vis, n. The male intromittent organ.

Pex'xa, n. A feather. Generally a contour-
feather (pluma), as distinguished from a
down-feather {plumula) ; particularly, a large
stilV feather of the wing or tail, cue of the
rcmi/fes or rcctriccs.

PEXX.4.'CEors, a. Denoting a perfect feather
complete in all the parts a feather can have ;
distinguished from plumulaccous.

PEx'xiFor.M, a. Noting a muscle whose fibres
are arranged alongside of a central tendon,
like the w'eb of a feather.

PElt'FORjVTE, a. Pierced through. (Said espe-
cially of the nostrils when without a septum.)

Pericau'dium, n. Bag holding the heart.

PekicI'.a'xil'm, n. Soft parts enclosing the
skull ; especially tlie periosteum of the bones.

Perios'tei'M, n. Membranous investment of
bone.

Periph'ekal Part.s, n. pi. Superficial, as op-
posed to intcnor, parts.

Peuiph'ery, 71. Superficies ; contour.

Peuistal'tic, a. Denoting the peculiar motion
of the intestines by which their contents are
urged onward ; the peristole.

Peritoxe'im, 11. Thin smooth serous membrane
lining the belly, and investing most of the
contained organs.

Peroxe'al, a. Pei-taining to the fibula.

Peroxe'us, a. for «. Name of a fibular muscle.

PER'viot:s, a. Open. Used synonymously
with perforate in respect of the nostrils, but
better restricted to the opjiosite of impervious
or closed (as to an ej^tcrnal opening).

Pes, 11. ; pi. pedes (w hich see). Foot. (96. )

Pes'suli's, Ti. Cross-bone of the .syriu.x ; bony
bar across lower end of windinpe, at point of
Ibiking into the bronchL

Petro'sal, a. (Used substantively.) Same as
petrous.

Pe'trous, a. Stony ; lience, hard. The petrous
bone is an element of the temporal bone.

Pha'i,ax.\, 7i. ; \i\. phalan'yes. Commonly any
bone of a linger or toe. Equivalent to inter-
node or joint (not arliculution). Pro]>erly
in sucli application lacking the singular num-
ber, pimlanges being the row or series of the
small digital bones, taken collectively. (120.)

Phakyxge'al, a. Pertaining to the pharynx.

Phar'yxx, n. Back compartment of the mouth,
leading directly into the tesophagus.

Phrex'ic, «. Pertaining to the diaphragm.

PuYS'lCAL, a. Bodily ; material. Opposed to
■nuntal or psychical.

Puysiog'xoiiy, n. Countenance, in rts])ect to
temper of mind ; general appearance, in re-
spect to habits.

Physiol'ogy, n. Science of animal or vegetable
economy ; .science of bodily functions, pro-
cesses, operations. It is less com])rehensive
than biology, or the science of life, as it takes
aicount only of material or physical, not
psychical, offices.

Pi'a Ma'ter, 7!. Soft vascular membrane im-
mediately investing the brain.

Pl'ciXE, a. Woodpecker-like.

Pictu'ka, «. Pattern of coloring.

Pig'ment, 11. Coloring-matter.

Pil'eis (also written pilciim), n. The cap ;
top of head from base of bill to nape. (30.)

Pix'eal Body, n. A small organ associated
with the brain.

Pix'lON, n. Part of the wing beyond the WTist
exclusive of the feathei-s ; usually'the meta-
cai'pus and phalanges : the hand bone. Not
technically u.sed synonymously with quill or
vHiig.

Pix'xated, a. Having little wing-like tufts of
feathers on the neck.

Plx'xiFORM, a. An epithet of the penguin's
wing ; fin-like.

Pisciv'oEous, a. Fish-eating.

PlTl'lTARY, a. That secretes mucus. PituHary
membrane, the mucous membrane of the nasal
passages. Pituitary gland, a certain appen-
dage of the brain.

Pla'ga, 11. Stripe of color.

Plax'ta, a. Back of tarsus, homologically the
sole. (106.)

Plan'tar, a. Pertaining to the sole. A cer-
tain muscle is the plantaris.

Plan'tigrade, a. Walking on the back of the
tarsus as well as on the soles of the toes.
Many pygopodous birds are plantigrade.

Plas'ma, n. Colorless fluid of the blood.

Plas'tic, a. That ni.'^y be moulded. Forming
or serving to form ; histogenctic. Plastic force.
See NiSl'S FOKMATIVUS.

Pleu'r.v, n. Membrane lining the thorax and
investing the lungs.

Pleurapopu'ysis, n. Segment of the bsemal
arch next to the centrum. The vertebral rib
of a bird is a pleurapophysis.

Plex'i'S, n. Union in network of nerves, ves-
sels, or fibres. Said especially of the anasto-
mosis of nerve.'!.

Pli'ca Ala'ris, or Pli'ia Pkeala'ris, n. The
feathered fold of skin on the front border of

GLOSSARY.

553

the wing stretchpd by an elastic tendon from
the shoulder to tlie wrist, rendering tlie
smooth straight anterior border of the wing.
{Plica alaris is rarely used for the fold or
bend of the wing. )

Pli'ca Intei;digit.\'li.s, n. Webbing between
tlie toes. Same as palama.

Pli'ce Peimiti'V-e, n. pi. Primitive folds ;
certain parallel lines obserred in the early
embryonal trace.

Pn'.M.\, n. A feather in general. Compare
Pensa and Plumfla. (1.) A feather of
which the two webs are equal and alike is
called isopoyonous : otherwise anisopof/onous.

Plu'mage, ?i. The feathers, collectively ; Pti-
LOSis (which see).

PLrM'BEOus, II. Having the color of tarnished
lead ; dull bluish-gray.

Pli'm'iped, o. Having the feet feathered.

Plu'mose, j a. Featheiy ; in general, having

Pli!'>[OUS, j feathers ; feathered. Compare
Penn'aceous and Pi.r.MrLACEOrs.

Plu'mvla, n. A down feather, lacking certain
qualities and parts of a pcnna.

Plumul.Vceous, «. Downy. Compare Penna-
CEors.

Pneiwat'ic, a. Relating to the respiratory
system ; permeated with air.

PxErMOGAs'TRic, a. Pertaining to lungs and
belly ; a name of the most extensive cranial
nerve.

Podarth'rfm, m. Foot-joint ; the articulation
of the toes collectively with the metatarsus.
(100.)

Po'dium, n. Foot. (Same as pes.) Generally
used, however, for the toes collectively with-
out the shank. (112.)

Podothe'ca, n. Whole envelope of tarsus and
toe.s. (101.)

PoGo'xiTM, n. ; pi. pngmiia. Web or vanes of a
feather. (1-17.) Poijonium cxternitin, outer
web (farthest from middle line of the boily).
Pogoiiium inlcnnon, inner web. See Pluma.

Pol'lex, 71. Thumb. The joint which bears
the alula is so called, though it is homologous
with the inde.t or second finger. Spina polli-
caris, or Tiibcrcuhtm poUicare, the homy
spur on the wing of some birds.

PoLYG'.i.Mors, a. Mating with more than one
female, like the domestic cock.

Poltmor'phic, n. Of many forms ; consisting
of, or containing, several different types of
structure : as, a. pohmorphic gro\v(>.

PnLYMY'oiD, a. Having numerous syringeal
muscles ; noting a group equivalent to Oscincs.

Poltno'mial, n. or a. Name of more than two
words. Consisting of several words. The
pobjnomial nomenclature is obsolete.

PuLYTo'KOUS, a. Multiparous ; producing many
young.

Pons, n. Bridge. Certain parts of the brain.

Poplite'al, a. Pertaining to the back of the
knee.

Por'tai. Circula'tiox. Passage of blood from
the capillaries of one organ to those of an-
other, as is conspicuous in certain of the di-
gestive viscera.

Postax'i.\l, a. Situate on the external or pos-
terior (ulnar or fibular) side of a limb.

Poste'kior Portiox. (8.) See Ur^eum.

VOL. III. 70

Posterior Toe. (125.) The hind-toe, or that
one directed backward, is generally the hal-
lux ; often also the fourth or outer ; rarely
the second or inner. The hallux is generally
meant by posterior toe.

Postoe'bital, a. Situate behind the eye.

Pow'der-dowx Featu'er.s, n. pi. Peculiar
imperfect feathers, in a matted patch, which
grow continually, and as constantly break
down, with a scurfy exfoliation, and pervaded
with a grea.sy substance ; they are especially
conspicuous in the heron tribe, but are also
found elsewhere.

Pr^.\x'ial, a. Situate on the internal or ante-
rior (radial or tibnil) side of a limb.

PPijECo'cES, n. pi. An obsolete group of bird.s,
able to run about and feed themselves at
birth.

Pr^eio'cial, n. Belonging to the Proeeoccs ;
having the nature of Praxoees.

Pe^pec'tus, 11. Fore-breast ; region of the
craw. Not well distinguished from jugulum.

Premax'ill.\r\" ihonf), a. The foremost and
principal bone of the upper jaw. Inlcnnax-
■illary is synonymous.

Peep'uce, n. Foreskin. The homologous struc-
ture occurs in some birds. Preputial, per-
taining to the foreskin.

Pr.EssiRos'TRAL, a. Having a bill like that of
a plover. (Obsolete.)

Pre.ster'xi"M, n. Anterior segment of the
breast-bone.

Pri'ii-iry', n. ; pi. primaries. Any one of the
(usually ten, often nine, rarely eleven) large
stiff quills growing upon the pinion or hand-
bone, as distinguished from the secondaries
•wliich grow upon the forearm. They form
the tip of the wing, and much of its surface.

Piii'm.4.r\- AVixg-covekt.s, )!. pi. Those over-
lying the bases of the primaries.

Proce'res or Pro'ceri, n.pl. Same as E.\titj:
(which see).

Prolio'eeous, a. See Yolk.

Prona'tiox, n. A particular movement of the
radius upon the ulna, by which the hand
turns over, — in binls it is very slight, if it
occur at all. The reverse movement is termed
supination. The muscles effecting it are pro-
nators and supinator.^.

Proot'ic, a. for n. An element of the audi-
tory capsule.

Prosenceph'alox, n. A certain tract of the
brain, the third from behind.

Peo'toplas.m, n. Primitive common embryonic
tissue, out of which different organs and parts
are formed.

Protover'tebe^, ?^. pi. First trace of the
backbones.

Protr.ic'tile, I a. Susceptible of being thrust

Protru'sile, ( forward or out, as the tongue
of most woodpeckers.

Peovextric'uli-s, n. Part of gullet, usually
enlarged, next to gizzard, having solvent
glands for digestion. It is the true stomach
of a bird, as distinguished from the gizzard or
grinding stomach.

Prox'imal, a. Proximate ; nearest or next to
any centre or axis. Opposed to distal or ter-
minal.

PsiLOPi:'DEs, n. pi. A group of psilopasdic

554

GLOSSARY.

Innis, further distingiiished by being born
weak and heljiless, fed and reared in the nest.
The teiTn gymnopfrdes is synonymous.

Psilop.e'I)IC, a. Having down growing only
from the future ptcryla;, as the i)recursor of
tlie future ];i!um.ige, to wliich it is subsequently
afli.\ed for a wl)ile and then falls olf.

P.so'as, m. Name of certain pelvic muscles.

Pteuapoph'tsis, n. Certain process of cranial
bones.

Ptek'na, n. Heel-pad. (115.)

Pteko'mata, 11. pi. (This word is of uncertain
meaning.) (89 ?)

Ptep.'ygoid (hone), n. A slender bone connect-
ing the quadrate with the palatine.

Ptkp.'yla, 71. ; pi. ptcri/lm. Area or tract on
the skin where feathers grow.

Ptekylog'raphy, n. A description of the
plumage, especially with reference to the dis-
tribution of the feathers on the skin.

Ptep.ylo'sis, n. Plumage, considered with
reference to its distribution on the skin.

Pti'la, n. (This word is of uncertain mean-
ing.) (86?)

Pth.op.€;'des, n. pi. Ptilopsdic birds. Such
are generally able to run about at birth, or
at least to feed themselves. Dasypcedes is
synonymous.

Ptilopj:'dic, a. Clothed at birth with floccus,
which sprouts not only from the future ptery-
lae, but also from apteria.

Ptilo'-sis, 71. Plumage. (.3.)

Pu'iiic, a. Pertaining to the pubis.

Pu'bis, n. The most anterior bone of the pel-
vis. In birds the ossa jmMs or pubcs are
separate, there being no pubic symphysis, and
directed more or less backward.

Pui/i.us, )!. A chick ; young bird, before its
first complete pluniiige.

Pul'mon"af.Y', a. Pertaining to the lungs ; re-
lating to respiration.

Pul'sus, Pi:lse, n. Beating of the arteries.

PuNC'r.\TE, a. Dotted ; pitted; studded with
points.

PuNc'rfM Sa'liexs, n. First trace of the em-
bryonic heart.

Pupil'la, n. Central black disc circumscribed
by the iris ; the pupil (a hoh, not a substance).

Pupil'laky", a. Pertaining to the pupil.

Pygop'ode.'s, n. pi. A group of birds distin-
guished by the far backward position, and
deep burial, in common integument, of the legs.

Pygop'odous, a. Belonging to Pygopodcs, or
having the character of that group.

Py"'gostyle, n. Last coccygeal vertebra, of
peculiar size and shape in recent birds ; also
called the vomer.

Pylor'ic, a. Pertaining to the pylorus.

Py'lo'p.vs, n. Opening from gizzard into duo-
denum ; cupccialhj, valve guarding this orifice.

Pyp.'ifobm, a. Pear-shaped.

Quadras'gulae, a. Four-edged or four-angled.

Quad'p.ate, a. Squared.

Quad'rate Bone, n. See Os QcADRATni. A
peculiai'ly shaped bone interposed between
the lower jaw aud the rest of the skull.

QuADr.iLAT'ERAL, a. Four-sided.

QtiADRiLoc'tLAn, a. Four-chambered, as the
heart of higher vertebrates is.

Quar'ry, n. Prey of raptorial birds.

Quri.i,, 11. See Pexna. (2, 75, 76, 145.)

QiTi'-swRY, a. Noting a certain absurd sy.stem
of classification which presumes that there
are ftve types, or sets of objects, in every nat-
ural group.

Quis'cuN.x, 71. Set of five, arranged thus, *•*

R.

R.\'Dr.\L, a. Pertaining to the radius.

Ka'dii, 71. pi. Barbs of a main feather.

Ra'dii Accesso'rii, n. pi. Barbs of the sup-
plementary feather.

Radio'li, n. pi. Barbi'les (which see).

Radio'li Accesso'rii, n. pi. Barbules of the
supplementar}' feather, aftershaft or hypop-
tilum.

Ra'dius, n. Outer bone of forearm.

Ra'mus, n. ; pi. rami. Branch or fork. Gna-
thidea.

Raph'e, n. Line of separation of two parts of
an organ when prominent or otherwise dis-
tinguished.

Rapto'kial, a. Pertaining to birds of prey.

Rati't.e, n. pi. Birds with flat sternum, as
ostriches, emus or cassowarie-s, and the ap-
teryx.

Rau'cous, a. Hoarse-voiced. ~

Rec'ti'.ix, 71. ; pi. rcdricrs. Quill* of the tail.
(70.) (The singular is little used.)

REc'xrM, 71. Lower straight gut.

Rec'ti's, n. Name of certain muscles.

Recurved', a. Bent regulaily and gradually
upward.

Reflect'ed, a. Turned backward.

Reflec'tios, 71. Play of color changing in
diflTerent lights.

Reg'imen, 71. Diet.

Re'gio, Re'giox, n,. Portion of the body in
any way distinguished ; doi-sal region; cervical
region.

Re'mex, 11. ; pi. remiges. QuiU of the wing.
(75, 76.) (Little used in the singular.)

Re'n.\l, a. Pertaining to the kidneys.

Re'te, 71. Same as /i/gtk*.

Retic'ulate, a. Marked with network of
lines.

Reticula'tion, 71. Network ; mosaic.

Ret'ina, 71. Expansion of the optic nerve
within the eye, upon which images of ob-
jects are impressed.

Eetrac'tile, a. Susceptible of being drawn
back and driven forward as a hawk's claw.

Retrorse', a. Directed backward.

RuACn'ls, ji.; pi. rluichides. Scapus exclusive
of calamus ; shaft of a feather, bearing the
webs, without the hollow horny bartel.
(146.) Also, the spinal column.

Rhamphothe'ca, 71. Covering of the whole
bill. (12.)

Rhi'nai, a. Pertaining to the nose.

Rhinenceph'alox, 71. Foremost ti-act of the
brain, the fourth from behind.

Rhixothe'ca, n. Covering of the upper man-
dible. (13.)

GLOSSARY.

DUO

Rhizonych'ium, n. Terminal bone of a toe
bearing a claw. (122.) (Little used. )

Rhosi'bdid, a. Lozenge-shaped. Name of a
muscle of the shoulder-blade.

Eic'tus, n. Gape of the mouth.

ElDGE, n. CuLMEX (wlueh see). (20.)

Ri'.MA, n. Outline of a slit-like opening.

Ei'M.i Glot'tidis, n. Opening of the glottis.

Ri'MA Oris, n. Equivalent to Commissuke
(which see).

Ros'trum, n. Bill ; beak ; projecting forepart
of head of birds ; of two jaws, upper and
lower, consisting of a frame of certain bones
over which is stretched unfeathered skinny
or horuy membrane, the rhamphotheca. (9.)

Rouxd'ed {tail), a. Having the central feathers
longest, the rest successively gradually and
slightly shorter. A tail is doublc-rounded
when, with central feathers shorter than the
next, the rest are graduated as before.

Rr'DiMENT, 7!. A beginning.

Ri'dimen't.\i;y, a. Undeveloped ; imperfectly
elaborated ; existing only in its beginnings.

Ri"FF, 11. Set of lengthened or otherwise modi-
fied or peculiarly colored feathers around the
throat or whole neck.

Ru'g.\, n. Ridge or raised fold ; wrinkle.

Rugose' ot Ru'gous, a. Wrinkled.

Rump, n. Ueopygium (which see). (60.)

Sac'ral, a. Pertaining to the sacrum.

S.\c'Rr.M, n. A compound bone of the spine,
composed of several ancliylosed vertebriB of
the pelvic region, with which the iliac bones
are sutured.

S.\c'ro-coccyge'.\l, a. Pertaining to the sa-
crum considered as comprising also several
coccygeal vertebi'se.

Sag'itt.a.te, a. Arrow-head shaped ; an elon-
gated cordate figure with pointed lobes.

Sali'va, n. Spittle.

S.\L'IV.\UY Gl.W'us. Organs secreting saliva.

Sal'tatory, a. Progressing by leaps. Op-
posed to ambulatory or gradient.

Sas'guis, n. Blood.

S.\phe'xa, n. Principal vein of the leg.

S.\rcole>i'ma, n. Same as mtjolemma.

Sartor'ius, a. Name of a certain muscle of
the leg.

S-iURop'siDA, n. A primarj' group of vertebrata,
comprising birds and reptiles.

Sauru'r.e, n. pi. Name of a certain primal^
group ot Aves formed for the reception of the
Archceopteryx.

Scab'kous, a. Scabby ; scurfy ; scaly. Said of
a surface roughened as if in such manner.

Scaxso'rial, a. Capable of climbing, as a wood-
pecker.

Sc.\pholus'ar, n. One of the carpals or wrist-
bones.

Scap'ula, n. Shoulder-blade.

Scap'ul.\r, a. Pertainiug to the shoulder-
blade ; as, scapular region.

ScAP'ULAR, n. Any feather of a series growing
on the pterj'la humeralis, in an oblinue line
across the humerus. Scapulars is generally
said, the plural designating these feathers

collectively ; they are also called scapularies.
(SO.) The scapulars fill up what would other-
wise be an interval between the inner border
of the wing and the body. lUiger's word,
paraplcrum, seems to designate them, but is
also used in an entirely ditl'erent sense.

Sca'pus, n. Entire stem of a feather ; calamus
-hrhachis. (144.)

Schizogxath'ous, a. Having the palate bones
separated.

ScHizoRHi'xAL, a. Having the nasal bones
separated.

Sci'atic, n. Same as ischiatic ; pertaining to
the ischia.

Scis'siox, n. A cutting apart ; fissuration.

Scis'sOR-SHAPED (tail), a. Deeply forficate.

Scleeot'ic, n. Dense opac^ue fibrous mem-
brane forming most of the eyeball.

Scol'loped, a. Lobed. (137.)

Si'OLo'PACINE, a. Snipe-like.

Scro'tum, n. Bag holding testicles.

Scutel'late, a. Provided with scutella.

Scutel'i.ate Tarsus. (110.)

Scutel'lum, 71. ; pi. s«;/cWa. Scale. Anyone of
the divisions into which the podotheca may
be broken up by regular lines of impression ;
especially such divisions when large and in
regular vertical series ; various smaller divis-
ions being called reticulations. Scutella oc-
cur especially on the anterior face of the tar-
sus and top of the toes ; often also on the
back of the tarsus ; sometimes they completely
encircle the tarsus. When thus large, some
ornithologists call them scuta; then using
scutella for the smaller irregular reticula-
tions. Scutella are sometimes ob.solete. (Com-
monlv, but eiToneouslv, written scutellai.)
(109.)

Scu'tiform, a. Scalelike.

Scu'tum, n. ; pi. scuta. See ScuTELLtril.

Sec'o.vdary Cov'erts. The smaller wing-
feathers growing from the forearm and its re-
gion, overlving the bases of the secondary
cjuills. (89".)

Sec'oxdary Quills or Seg'ondaries. Quills
growing upon the forearm.

SEa'.M EXT, n. A portion specially distinguished.
The tarsus is a seyment of the leg.

Segmext.\'tiox, 71. Division into parts. Par-
ticularly applied to a process which takes place
in the vitellus or yolk during incubation.

Sel'la Tur'cica, n. A certain part of the sphe-
noid bone.

Se'.\iex, n. The male fluid, containing sper-
matozoa.

Semi- {in composition). Half.

Semilu'nar, a. Crescentic.

Semimembraxo'sus, n. A certain muscle of
the thigh.

Sem'ixal, a. Pertaining to the male genera-
tive fluid.

Semi.xif'erous, a. Secreting or convepng se-
men.

Semipal'mate, a. Half webbed ; having a
basal membrane between the front toes not
reaching to their ends.

Sem'iph^me, 7!. Feather with penuaceous stem
and plumulaceous web.

Semitexdixo'sus, n. A certain muscle of the
thigh.

556

GLOSSARY.

Se'nile, a. Aged ; pertaining to old age.

Sense, n. Faculty of apprcrhending external
impressions ; as, sense of sight, hearing.

Sen'sokY, a. Kelatiug to tin- senses.

Sep'tum, n. A partition. Same as Dissepi-
ment.

Se'iious, a. Thin, wati^rj- (of lluids).

Ser/rate, a. Toothed, like a saw.

Seuka'tus, a. for n. A muscle of the trunk.

Se'kitm, n. Watery portion of animal fluids,
especially of the blood.

Ses'a.moid {bone), n. A small rotund bone sit-
uate in the substance of a tendon about a
joint.

Ses'sile, a. Seated ; i. e. without a stem or
peduncle.

Seta'ceous, a. Bristly ; bristled.

Se'tj;, n. pi. Bristle.s.

Se'tifoum, a. Bristle-like.

Sex'ual, a. Pertaining to sex.

Sex'us, n. Sex.

Shaft, n. (146.)

Shank, n. Properly, the shin or tibial segment
of the leg. In case of birds oftener used, but
incoiTectlv, for the tarsus (tarso-metatarsus).

Shin, n. (98.)

Shoulder, n. (68.)

SiB'iLANT, a. Hissing.

Side-neck, w. (64.)

Side of Tarsus, n. (105.)

Side of Toes, m. (119.)

Sic'.MOiD, a. S-shaped. Several parts are so
called.

Sign, j n. Ki\'j character or other arbitraiy

Sig'num, ( abbreviation of a word or term.
Prominent among those used in ornithology
are : (J, inalc : 9> fiiiviU ; Q, juv. young,
juvenis; ad., adult ;\ioniot., homotinc; pull.,
pulhis, chick; sen. or sr., senior, senex, old;
pt. , pluvuic/e ; nupt. temp. , in the breading
season; lest., summer: hyem., winfcr; vern.,
spring ; axit., autumnal ; mns., museum ; coll. ,
collection, cabinet; &y\\., synonym; =, equal
'" / !>> more than ; <^, less than ; + , plus ;
X , ill a different sense ; v. , vide, see ; cf. , cmi-
fer, consult; i. e. or h. e., that is; 1. c. , loco
citato, in the place just cited; op. cit., the work
cited; h. 1., hoc loen, here ; auct., auctt., a«-
tlutr, authors ; .script. , writer ; p. , /mge ; vol.
or t., rolume, tome. ; pi. or tb., plate, tabula ;
{., or fig., figure; infra, bcloic (reference) ;
supra, above; qu., query; ?, query; !, cer-
tainty, from autopsy ; err., errerr ; con*., cor-
rigetida : add., addenda ; descr., description;
id., tfie same (person) ; ib. or ibid., there (in
the same place) ; quid ? lehat (may it lie) '!
se. , scilicet, to wit ; viz. , videlicet, namely ;
excl., excbunre of; n., nena, novum, new;
var.,va7'ieti/ ; sfi., species ; gen., getius; fam.,
family; ord., order; n. sp., n. g., itew s/)ecies,
genus. Autliors' names are constantly abbre-
viated, with the first one, two, or three, or
other most characteristic letters.

SlNnWiTAL, a. Pertaining to the sinciput.

SiN'ripuT, ». Anterior half of pileus, from
bill to vertex. (32.)

Sinls'trad, a. Toward the hit.

Sinistral, a. On the left side.

Si'nus, n. Name of numerous and various
cavities of the body.

Skel'eto.v, n. Sum of the bones of a body.

It generally means only the endoskcleton.
jiroper, or internal bony framework of the
body, as distinguished from cxoskeleton or
dermoskeleion.

Sole, n. (106.)

Soles of Toes, n. (ITS.)

So'leus, n. A muscle of the leg.

Spat'ulate, a. Spoon-shaped; contracted near
the end, where enlarged.

Spe'ciics, )(. Aggregate of individuals related
by genetic suci:ession without notable change
of physical characters.

Specif'ic, a. Of, or relating to, a species ; as,
specific name, specific character.

Spec'ulum, n. Mirror ; brightly colored area
on the secondaries, especially of ducks.

Sperm, n. The secretion of the testicles ; same
as semen.

Speem.\t'ic, re. Pertaining to semen, or to the
organs concerned in its production and emis-
sion.

Spermatozo'a, m. pi. Essence of the male
seed.

Sphe'noii) (bo7ie), n. A compound bone of
the skull, constituting much of the second
cranial segment.

Sphenoid'al, n. Relating to the sphenoid.

Sphinc'ter, n. An annular muscle constrict-
ing or closing a natural oriiice ; especially,
sphincter ani.

Spi'nal, a. Relating to the backbone.

Spina'lis, a. for n. Name of a certain muscle
of the back.

Spine, «. Backbone. Also, any sharp project-
ing point of bone or horn.

Spinose' or Spi'nous, a. Sometimes said of a
mucronate feather.

Spl.4.nch'nic, a. Visceral.

SPL.4.NCHNOL'oaY, n. Science or study of the
viscera.

Spleen, h. A deep red, soft, spongy, ductless
and extremely vascular, abdominal organ of
uncertain function.

Sple'nial, re. Name of a certain element of
the mandible.

Sple'nu's, re. for n. A certain cerrical muscle.

Spi-R, n. (108.)

Spr'RKn-s, a. False ; bastard ; imperfect ; ru-
dimentaiy.

Spu'rious Quill, n. The first primary, when
rudimentary or very short.

Spr'Riors WiNo, n. Feathers growing on the
so-called thumb of birds.

Squam'oI's, re. Scaly.

Sta'pes, n. One of the auditory ossicles ; the
stirrup-bone, becoming the columella in Sau-
Topsida.

Steo.\nop'odoi's, a. Having all four toes full-
webbed. (141.)

Stel'late, re. Starred.

Stem, )i.. (144.) See Scapus.

Steii'ile, a. rnfrnitful ; infecund ; barren ;
noting the condition of the female correspond-
ing to impotence tif tlie male.

Sikr'nal, re. Relating to the breast-bone.

Ster'ni'm, «. Breast-bone.

Stkthi.e'i'm, n. Entire anterior half of a bird.
(7.) (Little used.)

Stig'.ma, n. See Calyx.

GLOSSARY.

557

Stip'ula, n. Newly sprouted feather.

Sto'ma, n. Mouth.

Strag'ulum, n. Mantle ; back aud folded
wings taken together. Same as palliiim.
(61.) (Little used.)

Stka'tum, n. Laj-er.

Stre.vk, n. Lengthwise color-mark ; not so
strong, firm, or large as stripe.

Stui'a, n. ; pi. slrUe. Stripe ; streak.

Stki'.vte, a. Striped ; streaked.

Stiu'dent, a. Shrill.

Stkic'i.ve, a. Owl-like ; belonging to the
Strigida:.

Stkipe, 11. A long, strong, sharp streak.

Stko'.ma, J^. Essential texture of any organ.

Sruu'TuiofS, a. Ostrich-like.

Sty'loid or Sty'liform, a. Shaped like a peg
or }iin.

Sub- (in composition). Under ; less than ; not
quite ; somewhat ; slightly so. Sub- dimin-
ishes tlie force, point, or e-xtenc uf application
of a term.

SuB-B.i'sAL, a. Near the base.

Sub-class, )^. -An intermediate group often rec-
ognized between class and order, of less ta.x-
onomic value than the former.

Subc-la'vian, a. Beneath the clavicle.

Subfam'ily", n. A group betw'een a family and
a genus.

Subge'nus, n. A group between a genus and a
species. (Often used ; of extremely iiidelinite
value.)

Subm.a.x'illary, «. orii. Under the jaw. Also,
equivalent to inferior maxillary or mnndiblc.

Subscap'ular, a. or n. Under the shoidder-
blade ; name of a muscle.

SUBTYP'iC-4.L, a. Not quite true to the type ;
deviating somewhat ; slightly aberrant. It
expresses a condition between typical and
ahcrntnt.

Sub'ulate, a. Awl-shaped.

Suffr.y'go, 11. The tibio-tarsal joint ; the heel-
joint. (103.)

SuFFU'siON', n. A "running" shade of color.

Sul'cate, a. Grooved or channelled.

Sul'cus, n. A groove or channel.

^\:'vzB.-{inconiposition). Over; above; beyond;
more than. The opposite qualification of sub-.

SuPEECiL'iARY', a. Pertaining to region of eye-
brow, as a streak of color over the eye.

Supercil'ut.m, n. Eyebrow. (43.)

Sl'per-f.vm'ilt, n. A group containing one or
more families, yet not of ordinal rank.

Si'PEP.Fir'iES, /!. The exterior in general.

Supe'iucju, <(. Lying over, above, or upper-
most.

SuPEROCClP'iTAL, a. for n. The superior ele-
ment of the occii)ital bone.

Supeu-or'der, n. A group containing one or
more order-s, yet not of the taxonomic rank of
a class. (N. li. Super-genus is a word not
yet used. )

SuPlXA'roR, n. Name of a muscle that effects,
or tends to effect, the reverse movement of
pronation (wliich see).

SupR.i- (in composition). Same as super-.

Supracil'iary, a. See Supraorbital.

SuPR.4-occip'lT.\L, a. for h. Superior element
of the occipital bone.

Supr.\op,'bitai., a. Situate over the orbit.

Supra-renal (body), a. for n. See Adrenal.

Suiian'oular, a. Name of a certain element
of the mandible.

Sur'sum. Over ; above.

Su'ture, n. A kind of immovable articulation.

Sym'bol, n. See Sign.

Sympathetic System (o/ jicracs). That por-
tion of the nervous system not belonging to
the cerebro-spinal axis.

Sy.m'piiysis, n. A growing together ; as, sym-
jyhysis pubis, symphysis mcnii.

Synarthro'sis, n. Same as suture.

Synchondro'.sis, n. Cartilaginous union or
articulation.

Syndac'tyle or Syndac'tylous, a. Having
two toes immovably coherent for a consider-
able distance.

Syngne'sious (foot), a. Same as syndaclyla
foot.

Syn'oxym, n. ; pi. syn'cniyms ov synon'ynui. A
dilferent word of the same or similar mean-
ing. Archcvoptcryx macrurus, Owen, is a .??/»-
onym of Arch. Hthorjraphico, Meyer. Syno-
nym is the converse of Jiohionym, which is
the same word, of diifercnt meanings. Thus,
Sylvicola, Swainsou, a bird, is a homonym of
Syhncola, Humphreys, a mollusk. (Also writ-
ten synonymc, )

Si'NON'y'MOUS, a. Expressing the same mean-
ing in different terms. (Synonymical is also
written, but rarely.) (.Also written synono-
moif.s. )

Synon'y.my, n. A collection of synonyms. In
this sense, synonymy is a burden and a dis-
grace to ornithology. .41so, in the abstract,
expression of the same meaning by different
words. (Also written synonomy.)

Syno'via, n. The peculiar glairy fluid which
lubricates joints. So, synovial fluid ; syno-
vial membrane.

Syx'thesis, n. Act of putting together this
and that fact or observation, whence to de-
duce a generalization ; opposed to analysis.
Also, merely composition.

Syringe'al, a. Pei'taining to the lower larynx.

Sy'rinx, n. The lower larynx, situate at the
bottom of the trachea, at the fork of the
bronchi. The vocal organ of birds.

Sys'tole, n. Contraction of the heart, urging
on the blood. Opposed to diastole (which
see).

Tac'tile, a. Pertaining to the sense of touch.

Tail, n. (69.) See Cauda.

Tail-cov'erts, n. pi. (71.) See Calypteria.

Tail-feathers, n. }}l. (70.) See Rectrices.

Ta'lus, n. Same as Calcaneus (w'hich see).

Tar'sal, a. Kelating to the tarsus, or tarso-
metatarsus.

Tar'so-met.war'sus, n. The morphologically
correct term for the segment, commonly called
the tarsus in descrijitive ornithology, — that
bone reaching from the tibia to the toes, and
which is really nearly all metatarsus, but has
at its top one of the small tarsal bones con-
fluent with it, so that in itself it coni])rehends
part of tarsus as well as all of metatarsus.

Tar'sus, n. The ankle-bones, collectively. In

558

GLOSSARY.

birds, there are no persistently separate tarsal
bones, since the two proximal ones are con-
fluent with the extrenjity of the tibia, form-
ing its so-called malleoli, and the distal one
anchyloses with the metatarsus, leavin<T the
tarsal joint between them, as in reptile?, not
between the tarsal bones and the tibia, as in
mammalia. But, in descripti%-e ornitlioloerv
the whole segment between the tibia and The
toes, commonly called the shank, is usually
called tarsus. See, also, Taiiso-met^iaiisis
and ilKTATARsus. (I03i.) (N. B. In the
loregoing " Kxplanation, " etc., the word tar-
sus IS detined as used iu descriptions, not in its
morphologically correct sense.)

Tar's L's, Back of. (106.) See Plajjta Tarsi

fAR'sus, Booted. (111.) See Boot.

Taxider'mv, a. Art of preparing and preserr-
ing skins so as to represent the appearance of
the h\ang animal.

Taxoxom'ic, a. Classifieatory.

Taxon'omy, n. Classification ; rational ar-
rangement according to some scientilic prin-
ciple. Biotaxy. '

Tec'trices, «, -^j/. Coverts; the smaller
feathei-s either of wing or tail, but especially
?-o 4 oTf'"' t^il-coverts being calypteria.

Tec^trices A-L£, n. pi. Wing-coverts,

Tec'trices Q.kvuje, n.' pi. Tail-corerts.

I EC'TRICES I.NFERto'RKS, n. pi. Under coyerts.

\i O.)

Tec;trices PERyER's*, n. pi. Median upper

wing-coverts, of the secondary set
Tec^trices SfPERio'REs, n. pi. Upper coy-

erts. </2.)
Tec'.mixa, n. pi. Same as tcclrices.
lEG'f.ME.XT, n. Same as integumnt
Teleoloc'ical, a. Relating to teleology.
rELEOL'oGY, n. Doctrine of final cauJjs ; sci-

ence of adaptation of means to ends
Tem'ples, n. pi. (44.) See Tempoka.
TE.M'roKA ». pi. Temples ; portion of sides

ot head between eyes and ears. (Scarcely

used. )

TEN'no or Ten'dox, n. Fibrous cord or band
ot attachment of muscle to bone or other
parts; a "leader." Tendo achilUs, ham-
stnng.

Tentiros'tral, a. Slender-billed.

Teratol'ogv, 11. Science of monsters

Te'res or Te'rete, a. Cylindrical and taper-
ing ; fusiform. Also, name of a muscle

rER'(;rM n. Lower back, between interscainli-
um and uropygium. (Xot well distinguished,
and httle used.) (59.) '

Ter'mixal, a. At the end.

Termixoloo'ical, a. Relating to tenninology.

Tekmixol'ogy, n. Science of calling things
by their nght names according to some deter-
mined principle. Xomenclatuie

n^,'7i'"'f' ^'"'■■"'"•^':'>'S "• /'/• Large inner
quills of wing gro« ing from humerus or elbow
1 lie two or three longer inner true secondaries
(which see) .arc often incorrectly .•ailed tertials
especially when distinguished" by size, shape
or color from the rest of the •secondaries.
(76.)

Tes'tis, n.; j)l. testes. Testicles ; male oiKans
secreting spermatozoa.

Tetradac'tyie, a. Four-toed.

iHAL'AMi-.s n. A certain tract of the brain,

The'ca, n. Sheath.

The'xar, a. I'almar ; plantar

The'ory, „. Scientific siieculation. Philo-
sophical explanation. Result of inference
from established principles '"'erente

T.iER.Mor;'Exous, a. Heat-producing, as all
vital processes are. s> "

^"kne'e. "(97.^°"""' "^ '"^ *"*"'''° ^^. ''"''
TiioRAc'ic, a. Pertaining to the chest.

IncSo^V'h ^-l" ^'"•'' ■ ^^Sn>ent of the body
enclosed by nbs, sternum, and certain vcrte-
biffi, containing heart and lungs.
Throat, n. See Gi-la. (52 )
Thoib « ]„ birds, the so-called thumb, upon
which the alula or bastard wing, grows, is
homoogically the index-finger. ^ Penguins
lack this segment. °

Thyrohy'al, n Anelement of thehyoidbone.
Thyroid, «. Shield-shaped. Xame of princi-

pal larj-ngeal cartilage.
Thy'roid Car'til-vge. One of tho.se forming
the larynx. °

TiB'iA, 11 Principal and inner bone of W be-

tween knee and heel ; the shin-bone.
liB lAL, a. Pertaining to the tibia
Toe, Toes, n. (116.)

TOMIUM ™.; pi. tomia. The cutting edge of
the biU. There is a superior or ma.xniary
tointum, and an inferior or mandibular ti-
imum; each is double (i. e. right and left) •
together they are the toima, mutuaUy apposed
when the mouth is shnt
Top OF Toes, (ll".) See AcEODACTYLrji.
Tor QL-ATE, a. Ringed ; collared.
loK'QUEs, n. Ring or collar of color or of
leathers otherwise distinguished. Lewis's
woodpecker has a cei-vical torques both in
color and texture of the feathers
TOTIPAL'MATE, «. Having all four toes webbed.

Same as stcganopodotis.
Tracii'ea, n. Windpipe.

Traxsverse', a. Crosswise ; in direction at
right ange with longitu.linal axis of the body.
1 HEAD (0/ the cod:), n. Cicatriculum ; molecule

bee Y OLK.
Tri- (in composUion). Thrice ; treble
Tki'ceps, n. A certain extensor muscle of wine
and leg. °

Tridac'tyle, a. Three-toed
TRiGE.M'iMrs, a. for n. A certain cranial nerve.
Trihe'dral, a. Three-sided.
Triv'ial, a. Said of a sjjccj^c name. Opposed

to generic.
Trochax'teb, n. Prominence at top of femur.
Troch'lf.a, n. A pulley ; smooth bony surface

over which a tendon plays.
Tru.x'cate, a. Cut squarely off.
Trux'ci-s, n. Trunk ; body without its mem-
bers. (56.)
TuBER'crLu.M, n. Tubercle ; a little lump or
elevation.

i Tl'xic, n. Enveloping membrane of various

organs.
j TiT'xiCA Ai.BUGix'EA, n. Dense whitish mem-
I bi-anous investment of the testicles
TCR'BI.NAL a. Scroll-like ; name of certain

bones of nasal passages.

GLOSSARY.

559

Tylar' I, n. pi. Pads under the toes. (123.)

TyM'p.A.Nlf: (6OTi«), a. forii. Same as Os Quad r.\-
TUM (which see).

TYM'PAsrM, n. Ear-drum. Also, the naked
inflatable air-sacs ou the sides of the neck
of gi-ouse, an enlargement of the ordinary
cervical reservoirs of air which communicate
with the bronchi.

Type, n. Way ; plan ; mode. Also, sign or
symbol. The lijpc, ov typical form, of a group
is that which exhibits a given set of charac-
ters most perfectly. But the type of a genus
is usually the species, if any, from which the
generic characters were especially drawn up,
without reference to such qualification ; while,
furthermore, the type of a species, in cuirent
acceptation, is merely the specimen from which
the species was originally described, even
though it may ver^' inadequately represent
such species.

Typ'ical, a. Of most usual structure ; adher-
ing strictly to a given plan of structure. (But
compare Type.)

U.

Ul'x.a., n. Inner or posterior bone of forearm.

Ul'xab, a. Pertaining to the ulna.

Umbii.'ic.\l, a. Kelating to the umbilicus.

U-MEIl'ic.\TE, a. Pitted, as if with an umbilicus.

L'MBlLi'ctTS, 11. Navel. Pitted scar, indicating
point of entrance of placental vessels into the
foetus. Also, any similar pit or depression,
as that on the scape of a feather at junction
of rhachis and calamus.

Unap.med Toe. Toe bearing no claw. See
DiGrru.s JIuticus. (133.)

Ux'ciFORM, a. Hooked.

Cndep. .Iaw. See JIandibulum.

Un'dep. Pap.ts. See G.\str.eum.

Under Tail-coveuts. (13.) See Crissum.

Under Wixg-coveuts. (84.) See Tectrices.

Uxdul.^'tiox, j;. Wavy color-marks.

Unguic'ulate, a. Clawed.

Unguis, n.; pi. ungues. Claw.

Unip'arous, a. Producing but one young.
Same as inonotokous.

Upper B.\ck. (58.) See Interscapilium.

Upper Jaw. (10.) See Maxill.v

Upper P.\.rts. (5.) See Not^u.m.

Upper Tail-coverts. (72.) See Calypteria.

Upper Wing-coverts. (84.) See Tectrices.

UR-t'fM, )i. Hinder half of a bird. (S.) (Lit-
tle used.)

Ure'a, n. A certain component of urine.

Ure'ter, h. Tube conveying urine from kid-
ney to cloaca.

Ure'thr.\, 11. Groove in penis for direction of
the discharge.

U'rinary Bl.\ddeu, n. A certain compart-
ment of the cloaca, in some birds, is so named.

U'rine, n. Liquid excretion of the kidneys, in
birds voided more or less nuxed with the faeces.

Uro-gen'it.\l or Gen'ito-u'rinary', a. Said
of organs common to the two offices implied
in tlie words, or of such organs regarded as
associate parts.

Ubohy'al, n. Median backward process of the
hyoid bone.

Uroptg'iitm, n. Rump. (60.)

U'terus, m. Womb. Wanting in birds; but a
lower tract of the oviduct where the eggshell
is formed has been loosely so called.

Vact'ity, n. Deficiency in a part ; as, a vacu-
ity in the bony jialate.

V.^gi'na, n. Any sheath, in general. Particu-
larly, the female sexual passage. In birds the
lowermost tract of the oviduct is sometimes
loosely so called.

Vane, n. (151.) See Vexillum.

Variety, n. A nascent species. Practically,
the tenn designates a set of objects incom-
pletely distinguished from others of the same
species, by reason of slightness of the differ-
ence, or presence of connecting links.

Vas'culak, a. Permeated with bloodvessels.
Also equivalent to circulatory; as, the vascu-
lar system.

Vas Def'eren's, n. Tube conveying semen from
testes to cloaca.

V.A.s'Trs, a. for n. A certain muscle of the thigh.

Vein, n. Vessel conveying blood from the
capillaries to the heart. Artery carries blood
from the heart.

Ve'n^ C.\'v.e, n. pi. Large veins pouiing blood
from the system into the heart.

Ve'nous, a. Pertaining to a vein ; as, veiious
blood, the venous system.

Ven'ter, n. Lower belly. (Not well distin-
guished from abdomen, and little used.) (65.)

Ven'trad, a. Towards the belly.

Ven'tral, a. Pertaining to the belly.

Vex'tricle, 11. Chamber of the heart, right or
left, whence issue the pulmonary arteries and
the aorta. Compare Auricle. Also, a cavity
of the cerebrum.

Ven'tricous, a. Swollen ; bulbous.

Ventric'ulus Bulbo'sus, 11. Sa.me sis gigerium.

Ventric'ulus Succenturi.Vtus, n. Same as
proventriculus.

Vermicula'tion, n. A^ery fine crosswise mark-
ing.

Ver'miform, a. Shaped like a worm ; as, a
woodpecker's tongue. Lumbriciform is the
same.

Ver'n.il, a. Relating to the spring.

Verru'cous, a. Warty.

Ver'satile, to. Reversible ; susceptible of
turning either way.

Vertebra, to. ; pi. vertebra;. Any bone of the
spine ; any one of the backbones.

Ver'tebral, a. Pertaining to the backbone.

Vertebr.^rte'rial (canal), a. for n. Passage for
an artery through several cervical vertebrffi.

Ver'tebbate, a. Having a backbone ; also,
used substantively for an animal with a back-
bone.

Ver'tex, to. Crown ; highest central portion
of pileus.

Vescic'ula Semina'li.?, to. A .structure, im-
perfect or wanting in birds, for storage of se-
men.

Vesti'ttts, a. or to. Clothed, i. e. feathered.
Clothing, i. e. plumage ; as, vestitus nujitialis,
breeding plumage.

560

GLOSSARY.

VEXiL'LfM, n. Rliachis and web of a feather
taken together ; all of a feather excepting
calavnis.

VlBRis'sA, n. ; pi. inbrissm. Bristly or bristle-
tipped feather about the mouth of a bird.

Vic'Tus, n. i'ood ; diet.

Vil'li, m. pi. Soft papulous projections of
membrane.

Vis'CERAL, a. Pertaining to the viscera.

Vis'ciTS, ?!.; pi. viscera. Any interior organ of
the body, but especially of the digestive sys-
tem. Tlie stomach is a viscus ; the intestines
are viscera.

Vl'.si s, n. Vision ; eyesight.

Vi'telline, a. Pertaining to the vitcUus.

Vi'TELLixE Mem'braxe, 11. An envelope of the
vitellus.

Vitel'lus, n. Yolk (which see).

Vit'keous, a. Glassy ; said of the humor in
the back chamber of the eye.

Vit't.\, n. Broad band of color.

Vo'mer, n. A bone of the skull, lying at the
base, in the median Uue, in advance of the
sphenoid. Also, the peculiarly shaped and
enlarged last bone of the tail, or pygostyle.

W.

Washed, a. As if overlaid with a thin layer

of different color.
Wat'ti.e, 11. A naked, fleshy, and usually

wrinkled and highly colored skin hanging

from the chin or throat, as in the cock and

turkey.
Web, n. The vane of a feather, on either side

of tlie rhachis.
Wedge-shaped, a. See Cuneate.

Wiiis'kered, a. Having lengthened or bristly

feathers on the cheek.s.
WiNO, ?i. (73.) See Al.4.
Wing, Bend of. (77.) See Flexura.
WiNG-covERTs, n. pi. (83.) See Tectrices.
Wolff'ian Bodies, n. Certain organs of the

embryo associated with the uro-genitals.

Xl'PHOlD, a. or 71. Sword-shaped,
prolongation of the sternum.

Posterior

Yolk or Telk, n. "Yellow" of an egg; a
soft, opaque, yellow globular mass, enveloped
in a proper membrane (the vitelline) and sus-
pended in the white by the chalaza:. It has a
central cavity full of a clear substance, fur-
nished with a duct leading to a mass of cells
XermcA proKyerous disc ; adliering to its surface
is the cicatriciilum, or " tread," which becomes
the embryo.

Zo'n.\ Pellv'cida, n. Consolidated membra-
nous envelope of the primitive ovum.

Zoology, «. Natural history of animals, of
which ornitbologj- is one department.

ZYG.\roPH'Ysis, a. Articular process of a ver-
tebra.

Zttgodac'tyle, or. Yoke-toed ; having the toes
in pairs, two before and two beliind.

Zy'go'.ma, v. JIalar bone and its connections.

Zygo.m.vt'ic, a. Pertaining to the malar bone.

INDEXES.

71

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Ani, II. 488.

Bee Martin, II. 316.

Bird of Paradise (Texas), II. 311.

Birds of Prev, III. 1.

Blackbird, Brewer's, II. 206.

Cow, II. 154.

Crimson - shouldered, II.
163.

Crow, II. 214.

Ked ami White shouldered,
II. 16.5.

Redwing, II. 159.

Rusty, II. 203.

Savanna, II. 488.

Swamp, II. 159.

White-winged, II. 61.

Yellow-headed, 11. 167.
Black Warrior, III. 292.
Bluebird, Eastern, I. 62.

California, I. 65.

Rockv Mountain, I. 67.
Bobolink,' II. 149.
Bob-White, III. 468.
Bull-Bat, II. 401.
Bullfinch, Cassin's, I. 457.
Bunting, Arctic, II. 119.

Baivd's, I. 531.

Bay-winged, I. 545.

Black-crowned, I. 573.

Black-throated, 11. 65.

Blue, II. 82.

Canon, II. 125.

Chestnut-collared, I. 520.

Green-tailed, II. 131.

Henslow's, I. 550.

Indigo, II. 82.

Lark, II. 61.

Leconte's, I. 552.

Long-clawed, II. 113.

Maccown's, I. 523.

Painted, II. 87.

Seaside, I. 560.

Sharp-tailed, I. 557.

Smith's, I. 518.

Townsend's, II. 68.

Varied, II. 86.

Western Yellow- winged, I.
556.

Yellow-winged, I. 553.
Burion, I. 465, 466, 468.
Bush-Titmouse, Black-eared, I.
108.

Lead-colored, I. 110.

Least, I. 109.

Yellow-headed, I. 112.
Butcher- Bird, I. 415.
Buzzanl, Hanis's, III. 250.

Buzzard, Turkey, III.
Cardinal, Cape, "l I. 103.

Grosbeak, II. 100.

Texas, II. 95.
Catbird, I. 52.
Cedar-Bird, 1. 401.
Chacalacca, Texas, III. 398.
ChapaiTal Cock, 11. 472.
Chat, Long-tailed, I. 309.

Yellow-breasted, I. 390.
Chatterer, Bohemian, I. 396.
Chewink, IL 109.

Florida, II. 112.

AVhite-eyed, II. 112.
Chickadee, Brown-capped, I.
105.

Chestnut-backed, I. 104.

Eastern, I. 96.

Hudson's Bay, I. 105.

Long-tailed, I. 99.

Mountain, I. 95.

Southern, I. 102.

Western, 1. 101.

White-browed, I. 95.
Chippy, II. 7.

Chuck- Will's Widow, II. 410.
Coek of the Plains, III. 429.
Condor, California, III. 338.
Cowbird, U. 154.
Creepers, I. 124, 425.
Creeper, Bahama, I. 428.

Brown, I. 125.

Mexican, I. 128.
Ci-ossbill, Mexican, I. 488.

Red, I. 484.

White-winged, I. 488.
Crow, Carrion, III. 351.

Clarke's, II. 255.

Common, II. 243.

Fish, IL 251.

Florida, II. 247.

Northwestern Fish, II.
248.

White-necked, II. 242.
Cuckoos, II. 470.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, II. 484.

Mangrove, II. 482.

Yellow-billed, II. 477.
Curassows, III. 397.
Dipper, American, I. 56.
Dove, Carolina, or Common,
III. 383.

Ground, III. 389.

Ked-billed, III. 363.

Scaly, III. 387.

White-winged, III. 376.

Zenaida, III. 379.

Eagle, American, III. 326.

Bald, III. 326.

Caracara, III. 178.

Golden, III. 314.

Ring-tailed, III. 314.

Emerald, Linnaeus's, II.
468.
Falcons, IH. 103.
Falcon, American Peregrine,
III. 132.

Aplomado. III. 155.

Black Peregrine, III. 137.

Prairie, III. 123.
Finches, I. 466.
Finch, Black-faced, II. 93.

Blanding's, II. 131.

California Purple, I. 465.

Canon, II. 122.

Cassin's Purple, I. 460.

Crimson-fronted, I. 465,
466.

Eastern Purple, I. 462.

Gray-cheeked, I. 507.

Gray-crowned, I. 504.

Gray-eared, I. 508.

Hepburn's, I. 507.

Lazuli, II. 84.

Lincoln's, II. 31.

Mountain, II. 3.

Painted, II. 87.

Summer, II. 39.

Yellow-throated, II. 65.
Flicker, H. 575.

Cape, II. 583.

Hybrid, II. 582.

Red-shafted, II. 578.
Flycatcher, Arkansas, II. 324.

A,sh-throated, II. 337.

Butf -breasted Least, II.
386.

Canada, I. 320.

Cassin's, II. 327.

Crested, II. 334.

Fork-tailed, II. 309.

Great-crested, IL 334.

Green Black-capped, I. 317.

Hammond's, II. 383.

Least, II. 372.

Little, II. 366.

Mexican Olive-sided, II.
356.

Olive-sided, II. 353.

Red, II. 387.

Shining-crested, I. 405.

Small-headed, I. 316.

Small Green-crested, 1 1.
374.

u

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Flycatcher, Swallow-tail, 1 1.
311.

Traill's, II. SG'J.

Western Yellow-bellieii, II.
380.

■Wright's, 11. 381.

Yellow-bellied, II. 378.
Gerfalcon, Black, 111. 117.

Iceliind, HI. 113.

McFarlane's, III. 115.

White, III. 111.
Gnatcatcher, Arizoua, I. 80.

lilack-capiied, 1. 81.

Blue-gray, I. 78.

Easteru, I. 78.

Lead-colored, I. 80.
Goatsuckers, II. 398.
Goatsucker, Long-winged, II.
401.

.Short-winged, II. 410.
Goldfinch, Arizona, I. 476.

Arkansas, I. 474.

Black, I. 478.

Lawrence's, I. 478.

Mexican, I. 478.

Pine, I. 480.

Kocky Mountain, I. 474.
Goshawk, .\merican. III. 237.
Grakle, Boat-tailed, II. 222.

Bronzed, II. 218.

Florida, II. 221.

Great-tailed, II. 225.

Purple, II. 215.
Greenlet, Florida, I. 360.

Philadelphia, I. 367.

Red-eved, I. 363.

Warbling, I. 368.

Western Warbling, I. 371.
Grosbeak, Black-headed, II. 73.

Blue, II. 77.

Evening, I. 449.

Pine, I. 453.

Ro.se-breasted, II. 70.
Ground-Tits, I. 83, 84.
Grouse, III. 414.

Canada, III. 416.

Duskv, III. 422.

Franklin's, III. 419.

Oregon. III. 454.

Oregon Duskv, III. 425.

Pinnated, III. 440.

Richardson's Dusky, III.
427.

Ruffled, in. 448.

Sharp-tailed, 111. 434.

Shoulder-knot, III. 448.

Spotted, III. 416.

Willow, III. 457.
Gvrfalcon. See Gerfalcon.
Hang-Nest, II. 195.
Harrier, American, III. 214.
Hawk, .\iuericau Sparrow, III.
169.

Baird's, III. 263.

Band-tail, III. 272.

Black, III. 304.

Broad-winged, III. 259.

California Squirrel, III.
300.

Cooper's, III. 230.

Hawk, Cooper's Ked-tailed, III.
295.

Duck, III. 132.

Fish, III. 184.

Gruber's, III. 254.

Harlan's, III. 292.

Mai-sh, in. 214.

Mexican, III. 246.

Mexican Blue^backed, III.
231.

Pigeon, III. 144.

Red-bellied, III. 277.

Red-shouldered, III. 275.

Ked-tailed, III. 281.

Rough-legged, III. 304.

Sharp-shinnecl, HI. 224.

Shaip-wiuged, III. 266.

Swaiuson's, III. 263.

Swallow-tailed, III. 192.
Heathcock, Black-spotted, III.

416.
High-Holder, II. 575.
Hoot-Owl, III. 34.
House-Finch, ('alifornia, I. 468.
Hummer, Kutfed, II. 457.
Huniming-Birds, II. 437.
Humming-Bird, Anna, II. 454.

Blaek-chiuned, II. 450.

Broad-tailed, II. 462.

Calliope, II. 445.

Costa's, II. 457.

Heloisa's, II. 465.

Ruby-throated, II. 448.

Rufous-backed, II. 459.

Xantus's, II. 467.
Indigo-Bird, II. 82.
Jackdaw, II. 222.
Jay, Alaskan Grav, II. 302.

Blue. II. 273.

Brown, II. 304.

California, II. 288.

Canada, II. 299.

Florida, II. 285.

Green, II. 295.

Long-crested, II. 281.

Maximilian's, II. 260.

Rocky Mountain Gray, II.
302.

Sierra, II. 279.

Steller's, II. 277.

Ultramarine, II. 293.

Woodhouse's, II. 291.
Kestrel, American, III. 169.
Kingbird. II. 316.

Couch'.s, II. 329.

Gray, II. 319.
King-Buzzard, III. 178.
Kingfishers, II. 391.
Kingfisher, Belteii, II. 392.

Green, II. 39ii.

Texas, II. 396.
Kinglet, Cuvier's, I. 75.

Golden-ei-owned, 1. 73.

Ruby-crowned, I. 75.
Kite, Black - shouldered, III.
198.

Blue, III. 203.

Everglade, III. 203.

Fork-tailed. III. 192.

Hook-bQl, III. 203.

Kite, Mississippi, III. 203.

White-tailed, III. 198.

Lanner, American, III. 123.
Lark, Meadow, II. 174.

Old Field, II. 174.

Western, II. 176.
Linnet, Brewster's, I. 501.

House, 1. 465.

Red-headed, 1. 468.
Log-Cock, 11. 550.
Loggerhead, I. 418.

Western, I. 421.
Longspur, Bhack-bellied, I. 520.

Black-.shouldere(l, I. 521.

Chestnut -shouldered, I.
523.

Lapland, I. 515.

Painted, I. 618.
Mag|iie, II. 266.

Yellow-billed, II. 270.
Martin, Cuban, I. 332.

Puri>lc, I. 329.

San.l, I. 353.
JIarsh-Wren, Long-billed, I.
161.

Short -billed, I. 159.
Merlin, American, III. 144.

Black, III. 147.

Richardson's, III. 148.
Mocking-Bird, I. 49.
Moose-Bird, II. 299.
Night-Hawk, II. 401.

Texas, II. 406.

Western, 11. 404.
Nonpareil, II. 87.
Nuthatch, Brown - headed, I.
122.

Pvgmv, I. 120.

Ked-bellied, I. 118.

Slender-billed, I. 117.

White-bellied, I. 114.
Orioles, 11. 147.
Oriole, Audubon'.s, II. 186.

Baltimore, II. 195.

Bullock's, II. 199.

Hooded, II. 193.

Orchard, II. 190.

Red-winged, II. 159.

Scott's, II. 188.
Osprev, American, III. 184.
Owls," 1 1 1. 4.
Owl, American Bam, III. 13.

American Hawk, III. 75.

American .Snowy, III. 70.

American Sparrow, III. 40.

Barred, III. 34.

Burrowing. III. 90.

California'^ Pvgmy, III. 81.

FeUner's, III. 58.

Great Grav, III. 30.

Great Horned, III. 62.

Keuuicott's, III. 53.

Kilt lands. III. 4.3.

Lesser-horned, III. 18.

Little Red, III. 49.

Long-eared. III. 18.

Marsh, III. 22.

Mottled. III. 49.

Red-tailed. III. 85.

Richardson's, III. 40.

INDEX OF EXGLISH NAMES.

Ul

Owl, Saw-wht-t, III. 43.

Short-earcil, 111. ■22.

Spotted, 111. 3S.

Westem-banx-J, III. :3S.

Western Gi-eat-horned, 111.
64.

Western-mottled, III. .5 "2.

White-fronted, 111. 43.

Whitney's, III. 87.
Paisano, II. 472.
Parakeet, II. 587.
Parrots, II. ."iSS.
Parrot, Carolina, II. 587.

Illinois, II. 587.

Orani,'i'-lieaded, II. 587.
Partri.lge; III. 448, 460, 468.

Massena, III. 492.

Mountain, III. 45.3.

Plumed, III. 475.

Scaled or Blur, 111. 487.

Spruce, III. 410.
Pewee, II. 34-3.

Black, II. 340.

Say's, II. 347.

Short-legged, II. 3G0.

Western Wood, II. 360.

Wood, II. 357.
Pheasant, III. 448.
Phcebe-Bird, II. 343.
Pigeons, III. 357.
Pigeon, Band-tailed, III. 360.

Blue-headed, III. 395.

Key West, III. 393.

Passenger, III. 368.

AVhite-headed, III. 363.

Wild, III. 308.
Pipit, American, I. 171.

European, I. 173.

Sprague's, I. 175.
Poor-Will, II. 417.
Prairie-chicken, III. 440.
Prairie-Heu, 111. 440.

Texas, III. 446.
Ptannic;an, White, III. 457.

Pork, 111. 462.

White-tailed, III. 464.
Quail, 111. 463.

California, III. 479.

Gambel's, III. 482.

Mountain, III. 475.
Raven, American, II. 234.
Red bird, 11. 100.

Summer, I. 441.
Redbreast, American, I. 25.
Red-Poll, Lesser, I. 493.

Mealy, I. 498.
Redstart, American, I. 322.
Red-Tail, Eastern, III. 282.

St. Lucas, III. 285.

White-bellied, III. 284.
Reedbird, II. 149.
Ricebird, II. 149.
Road-Runner, II. 472.
Robins, I. 25.
Robin, Cape St. Luc:is, I. 27.

Golden, 11. 195.

Ground, 11. 109.

Oregon, I. 29.

Oregon Ground, II. 116.
Sage-Cock, III. 429.

Sapsucker, Larger, II. 503.

Lesser, II. 509.
Scissor-Tail, II. 311.
Screech-Owl, III, 49.
Sea- Eagle, Grav, III. 324.
Seed-Eater, Little, II. 91.
Sharp-Tail, Columbia, III. 436.
Shore-Lark, II. 141.
Shrikes, 1. 412.
Shrike, Great Northern, I. 415.

Southern, I. 418.

White-rumi)ed, I. 421.

Whiti-winged, I. 420.
Skylark, II. 136.

Missouri, I. 175.
Snowbirds, I. 580.
Snowbird, Oregon, I. 584.

Red-backed, I. 587.

Wliite-winged, I. 584.
Snow-Bunting, I. 512.
i Solitaire, Townsend's, I. 409.
Sparrows, I. 528.
Sparrow, Arizona, II. 41.

Artemisia, I. 594.

Baehman's, II. 39.

Bell's, I. 593.

Black-chinned, II. 1.5.

Black-hooded, I. 577.

Black-throated, I. 590.

Brewer's, II. 13.

California Shore, I. 539.

Cas-sin's, II. 42.

Chipping, II. 7.

Clay-colored, II. 11.

Field, II. 5.

Fo.\-colored, II. 50.

Golden-crowned, I. 573.

Grass, I. 545.

Harris's, I. 577.

Heermann's Song, II. 24.

House, I. 525.

Ipswich, I. 540.

Kodiak Song, II. 30.

Lark, I. 562.

Little Brown, II. 5.

Noi-thwest Savanna, I. 538.

Oregon Song, 11. 27.

Rufous-crowned, II. 45.

Rustv Song, 11. 29.

St. Lucas, I. 544.

Samuel's Song, II. 26.

San Diego, 1. 542.

Savanna, I. 534.

Song, II. 19.

Swanip, II. 34.

Texas, II. 47.

Thick-billed, 11. 57.

Townsend's, II. 53.

Tree, 11. .3.

Western Chipping, II. 11.

Western Savanna, I. 537.

Western Song, II. 22.

Western White-crowned, I.
569.

AVhite-erowned, I. 566.

White-throated, I. 574.
Starlings, II. 228.
Stariing, II. 229.
Swallows, 1. 326.
Swallow, Aculeated, II. 432.

Swallow, Bank, I. 353.

Bam, I. 339.

Chimney, II. 432.

Clitr, 1. 334.

Eave, 1. 334.

Rough-winged, I. 350.

Violet-green, 1. 347.

White-bellied, 1. 344.
Swifts, II. 421.
Swift, Black, II. 429.

Oregon Cliimnev, II. 435.

White-throated," II. 424.
Tanagers, I. 431.
Tanager, Louisiana, I. 437.

Scarlet, I. 435.
Thistle-Bird, I. 471.
Thrasher, Brown, I. 37.

California, I. 45.

Cape St. Lucas, I. 40.

Gray Curve- Bill, I. 41.

Leconte's, I. 44.

Palmer's, I. 43.

Ked-veuted, I. 47.

Sage, I. 32.

Te.\a.s, I. 39.
Thrushes, I. 1.
Thrush, Alice's, I. 11.

Dwarf Hermit, I. 20.

Golden-crowned, I. 280.

Gray-cheeked, I. 11.

Hermit, 1. 18.

Louisiana Water, I. 287.

Rocky Mountain Hermit,
I. 21.

Olive-backed, I. 14.

Oregon, I. 16.

Red-wing, I. 23.

Rufous-tailed, I. 18.

Small-billed Water, I. 283.

Swainson's, I. 14.

Tawnv, 1. 9.

Varied, I. 29.

Wilson's, I. 9.

Wood, I. 7.
Titlark, I. 171.
Titmice, I. 86.
Titmouse, Black-napped, I. 96.

Black-fronted, I. 87.

Black-tufted, I. 90.

California, 1. 91.

Grav-tufted, I. 91.

Striped-headed, I. 93.

Texas, I. 90.

Tufted, I. 87.

WoUweber's, I. 93.
Towhees, II. 109.
Towhec, Abert's, II. 128.

Brown, II. 122.

Cape, II. 127.
Troupial, II. 184.
Turkey-Buzzard, III. 344.
Turkcvs, III. 402.
Turkev, Mexican, III. 410.

Wild, III. 404.
Tyrant Flycatchei-s, II. 306.
Vireo, Arizona, I. 393.

Bell's, I. 389.

Black -cajiped, I. 383.

Blue-headed, I. 373.

Cassin's, I. 376.

IV

INDEX OF E^'GHriU XAMES.

Vireo, Hutton's, 1. 38".

Lead-L'oloreil, I. 377.

Least, 1. 3<.»1.

AVliito-cy.'J, I. 385.

Ycllow-grt'en, I. 366.

Yellow-tliroatc'cJ, 1. 379.
Vultures, III. 33.5, 338.
Vulture, Blaek, 111. 351.

lit-d-heailed, 111. 344.
AVagler, I. 578.
■\Vai,'tails, 1. 164.
Wagtail, Wliite, I. 165.

Yellow, 1. 167.
\Vai'blers, 1. 177.
Warbler, jUaska Willow, 1. 70.

Aiizona, 1. 243.

Audubon'-s, 1. 229.

Bailiuian's, I. 194.

Bay-bnasted, 1. 251.

Black and Wldte, I. ISO.

Black and Yellow, I. 232.

Blackburnian, I. 237.

Black-uiasked Ground, I.
297.

Black-Poll, I. 248.

Black - throated Blue, I.
254.

Black-throated Gray, I.
258.

Blaek-tliroated Green, I.
261.

Blue Mountain, I. 271.

Blue-winged Yellow, 1. 195.

Blue Yellow -backed, I.
208.

Cieralean, I. 235.

Cape May, I. 212.

Carbonated, I. 214.

Chestnut-sided, 1. 245.

Connecticut, I. 290.

Creeping, 1. 180.

Golden Swamp, I. 184.

Golden-winged, 1. 192.

Hooded, I. 314.

Kentucky, I. 293.

Warbler, Kirtland's, I. 272.

Lucy's, 1. 200.

JIacgillivray's Ground, L
303.

Maryland Yellow-throat. I.
297.

Mourning, I. 301.

Myrtle, 1. 227.

Ni\sliville, 1. 196.

Oliye-headed, 1. 258.

Oiangc-i-rowncd, I. 202.

Orange-throated, L 237.

Pacific Orange-crowned, L
204.

Pine-creeping, L 268.

Prairie, 1. 276.

Prothonotary, I. 184.

Kocky Mountain, I. 199.

Swainson'b Swamp, I. 190.

Tennessee, I. 205.

Townsend's, 1. 265.

Virginia's, I. 199.

Western, L 266.

Western Yellow-rump, I.
229.

White-throated Blue, L
235.

Worm-eating Swamp, L
187.

Yellow Eed-poll, L 273.

Yellow-rnnip, I. 227.

Yellow - throated Gray, L
240.
AVater Ouzel, 1. 56.
Wa.xwiug, Northem, I. 396.

Southern, I. 401.
Wheat-Ear, I. 60.
Whippoorwill, II. 413.

Kuttall's, II. 417.
AVhiskey-.lack, II. 299.
Woodcock, Black, II. 550.
Woodpecker, Black - backed
Three-toed, II. 530.

Brown-headed, II. 547.

California, II. 566.

Woodpecker, Cape, II. 519.

Downy, 11. 509.

Gairdner's, II. 512.

Gila, II. 558.

Hairy, II. 50.3.

Hanis's, II. 507.

lyory-billed, II. 496.

Ladder-backed, II. 515.

Lewis's, II. 561.

Nanow-frontcil, 11. 573.

Nuttall's, IL 521.

Pileated, II. 550.

Eed-bellied, II. 554.

Red-breasted, II. 544.

Ked-cockaded. II. 524.

Kcd-headed, II. 564.

Ked-naped, 11. 542.

White-backed, Three-toed,
II. 532.

AVhite-headed, II. 526.

AVhite-runiped, II. 564.

Williamson's, II. 645.

Yellow-bellied, II. 539,
557.

Yellow-shafted, II. 575.
Wrens, I. 130.
Wren, Alaska, I. 157.

Berlandier's, I. 144.

Bewick's, I. 145.

Cactus, I. 132.

Caiion, I. 139.

Cape Cactus, I. 133.

Great Carolina, I. 142.

House, I. 149.

Long-tailed House, I. 145.

Parkman's, I. 153.

Rock, I. 135.

Western AVood, I. 153.

White-throated Rock, I.
139.

AVinter, I. 155.

AVood, I. 149.

Tit, I. 84.
Yellow-Bird, I. 471.

Summer, I. 222.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Aburria, III. 397.
Acanthis, I. 491.

canescens, I. 498.

holboUi, I. 493.
Acanthylis, II. 431.

pelagiea, II. 432.

vauxi, II. 435.
Accipiter, III. 220, 222.

ffisalon, III. 142.

ardosiacus, III. 225.

caroliueiisi.s, III. 169.

Cauda furcata, III. 192.

cooped, III. 220, 222, 2:30.

doniiniccn.si.s. III. 107.

falco I'leti hudsoiii.s, III.
111.

falco islandicu.s. III. 113.

falco maculatu.s. III. 132.

falco niger, III. 137.

falco piscator autillaruni,
III. 184.

falco piscator carolmensi.s,
III. 184.

fringiUarius, III. 222.

friugilloides. III. 225.

fuscu.s. III. 224, 225.

g>'rfalco. III. 111.

lithofolco. III. 142.

nie.yicanus, III, 231.

milvus caroUnensis, III.
192.

minor. III. 169.

palumbariii.?, III. 144.

pcnnsylvanicus. III. 225.

pileatus, III. 230.

piscatorius. III. 184.

ruficaudus. 111. 282.

trinotatus, III. 220, 222.

Telo.\, III. 225.
Aetos, III. 312.
Jl^iothus, I. 448, 491.

brewsteri, I. 493, 501.

canescens, I. 493, 498.

exilipes, I. 493.

flavirostiis, I. 493.

fuscescens, I. 493.

holbiiUi, I. 493.

linarius, I. 493.

rostratus, I. 493.
.Sgithalisciis, I. 107.

nielanotis, I. 108.

flaviceps, I. Ill, 112.
.aigoliiis. 111. 17.
iEsalon, III. 107, 142.

coluTnbarius, III. 144.

lithofalco. 111. 142.
Agelainsi, II. 147, 148.

Agelaius, II. 148, 158.

a.ssiniili<, II. 159.

buUocki, II. 199.

gubernator, II. 159, 163.

icterocephalus, II. 167.

longipes, II. 167.

pluuniceus, II. 158, 159.

tricolor, II. 159, 165.

xanthocephalu.s, II. 167.
Agroiloina spragnci, I. 175.
Alauda, II. 135 ; III. 519.

agrcstis, II. 136.

alpcstris, II. 139, 143.

arrcusis, II. 136.

c;elipeta, II. 136.

chrysolaema, II. 144.

cornuta, II. 143.

italica, II. 136.

ludoviciana, I. 171.

magna, II. 171, 174.

minor, II. 144.

montaiia, II. 136.

penn.sylvanica, I. 171.

praten.sis, I. 173.

rubra, I. 171.

rufa, I. 164, 170, 171 ; II.
144.

segetum, II. 136.

spraguei, I. 174, 175.

vulgaris, II. 136.
Alaudida;, I. 164, 431 ; 11.

135.
Alcedinidffi, II. 391.
Alcedo alcyon, II. 391, 392.

americana, II. 396.

cabanisi, II. 396.

guacu, II. 392.

jaguacatc, II. 392.

radi.s, 11. 391.

viridis, II. 396.
Araazilia xantusi, II. 467.
Ammodronius, I. 529, 556.
Ammodronms bacbniani, II.
39.

caudacutus, I. 557.

macgillivrayi, I. 560.

maritimus, I. 560 ; III.
515.

pahi.stris, II. 34.

rostratus, I. 542.

ruiii'p]is, II. 45.

sanuiclis, II. 26.
Amijelidse, I. 3, 356, 395,

431.
Ampclinffi, I. 395.
Anjpclis, I. 395.

americana, I. 401.

Amj)elis ccdrorum, I. 396, 401.

g»rrulus, I. 396, 401.

phffiuicopterum, I. 396.

sialis, I. 63.
xVngu.sticoUes, II. 492.
Anorthura, I. 131, 149.
Antenor, III. 105.
AjitliiniB, I. 164, 169.
Anthus, I. 149, 170.

aijuaticus, I. 171.

bogotensis, I. 164, 170.

rhermiuieri, I. 284.

liulovicianus, I. 170, 171,
175, 280 ; 111. 509.

pennsylvanica, I. 171.

pipiens, I. 171.

pratensis, I. 170, 173.

veinbardti, I. 171.

rubens, I. 171.

rufus, I. 170.

sjiinoletta, I. 171.

spraguei, I. 175.
Autrostomus, II. 399, 400,

408.
Autrostomus carolinensis, II.
409, 410 ; III. 523.

cubanensis, II. 409.

macromystax, II. 409.

mittalli, II. 409, 417.

vociferus, II. 4ii9, 413.
Aphelocoma, II. 282.

californica, II. 288.

crissoleucus, II. 529.

floridana, II. 285.
Apternus, II. 528.

amcricanus, II. 532.

arcticu.s, II. 530.

birsutus, II. 532.

kaintcbatkensis, II. 529.

trid,actvlus, II. 529.
Aijuila, III'. 105, 312.

albicill.a. III. 324.

americana, III. 184.

canadensis, III. 313, 314.

cbrysaetus, III. 313.

fulva. III. 314.

haliajtus. III. 183.

leucocepbala. III. 324, 326.

melanaetus. III. 314.

nobilis. III. 314.

ossifraga. III. 324.

pisc.atrix, III. 184.

regia. III. 314.

Valeria, III. 313.
Archibuteo, III. 105, 297.

ferrugineus. III. 298,
300.

VI

IKDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Archibuteo lagopus, III. 298.

regalis. III. 300.

sancti-johamiis, III. 299,
304.
Argj'rtria mauulata, 11. 468.
Asio, III. 17.

bi-acliyotus, III. 22.

bubo virginiaims, III. 62.

crassiro-stiis, HI. 61.

galopagoen.sis, III. 2.3.

hypogsa, HI. 25.

macroihyncba. III. 61.

mexicana, III. 61.

naivia, III. UK

otus, III. 17.

peregi'inator, III. 18.

scops caroUuensis, III.
49.
Astragalinus me.xicanus, I.
478.

ti'istis, I. 471.
Astur, III. 220, 236.

atricapillus, III. 237.

borealis, HI. 282.

ciucrea, 111.245, 246.

cooperi, HI. 230.

fuscus, III. 224, 275.

hyemalis, III. 275.

latissimus, HI. 259.

palumbai-ius, HI. 236, 237.

peniisylvanicu.s, III. 225,
259.

plagiata. III. 245, 246.

striolatus. III. 245.

unicinctus, III. 249.

velox. III. 225.
AsUirina, HI. 105, 244.

nitiaa. III. 245.
Asyndesmus, II. 559.

torquatus, II. 561.
Athene cunicularia, III. 90.

ferrugiiica. III. 85.

gnoma, HI. 81.

hypogaia, HI. 90.

nana, HI. 85.

noftuii. III. 97.

phalsnoides, HI. 43.

socialis, HI. 90.

whitaeyi, HI. 86, 87.

wilsoni', III. 43.
Attagen rupestris, HI. 462.
AtthLs II. 438. 439, 464.

anna, II. 454.

beloisse, II. 445.
Aulanax, II. 339.

fuscus, II. 343.

nigricans, II. 340.

sayus, H. 347.
Anriparas, I. 86, 111.

flaviceps, I. 112.
Balbusardus, III. 182.
BasUeuterus belli, I. 313.

culicironis, I. 312.
Bathmidunis major. II. 306.
Bidens aurantius. III. 129.

dominicensis, III. 166.

sparverius, HI. 166.
Blncicus pallidus, H. 351.
BlagTus, III. 320.
Bceolophus, I. 86, 87.

Boeolophus bicolor, I. 87.
Bomby cilia americana, I. 401.

carolinensis, 1. 401.

cedroram, I. 401.

phajnicopteruni, I. 396.
Bouaia, HI. 414, 446.

cupido. III. 440.

.sabini, 111. 447, 454.

sylve.stris, HI. 446.

umbelloidus. 111. 447, 453.

unibellus, HI. 446, 448.
Brachyotus, III. 5, 17, 18.

aniericanus, HI. 23.

cassini (plate.), III. 23,
102.

galopagoensis. III. 23.

palustris. III. 22.
Bubo, III. 6, 60.

albifions. III. 43.

arcticus. III. 60, 64.

asio. III. 49.

clainator. III. 61.

crassirostris, III. 61.

ludovicianus, HI. 62.

magellanicus. III. 61, 64.

maximus, III. 60.

mexicanus, 111. 60, 61.

otus. III. 17.

pacilicus, HI. 61, 65.

pinicola, HI. 62.

subarcticus, III. 64.

virginianus (plaU), III.
60, 62, 64, 65, 98, 99,
100, 101.

virginianus arcticus, III.
64.

virginianus atlanticus. III.
62.

virginianus paci6cus. III.
64, 65.
Budjtes, I. 164, 167.

flava, I. 167, 168.
Butaetes, III. 297.

lagopus, III. 299.

sancti-johannis. HI. 304.
Butaiiuila, HI. 297.

stropbiata, 111. 297.
Buteo, HI. 105, 254.

albicaudatu.s HI. 266.

albonotatus, HI. 272.

americanus. III. 282.

ater, HI. 304.

bairdi, HI. 263.

boreali.s. III. 257, 281, 282.

calurus, HI. 258, 292.

cenchris, HI. 203.

cinereus. III. 263.

cooperi,. III. 258, 275, 295.

costaricen.sis, HI. 285.

elegans, HI. 2.")7, 277.

ferrugineocaudus, HI. 282.

fuliginosiis, HI. 266.

fulvus, III. 282.

fuscus, HI. 275.

gallinivorns. III. 282.

galapagoensis, HI. 254.

gutturalis, III. 263.

hamatns, HI. 209.

harlani. III. 25S, 292.

harrisi. III. 250.

Buteo hyemalis, III. 275.

insiguatus. III. 263.

kriiieri. III. 258, 284.

lagopus, HI. 299, 304.

leverianus, HI. 282.

Hneatus, III. 257, 275.

}ucasanu.s. III. 285.

montanus, III. 263.

nigcr. 111. 304.

cxyptcnis. III. 256, 266.

pennsylvanicus, HI. 256,
259.

sancti-johannis. III. 304.

spadiccus, HI. 304.

swainsoni. III. 256, 263.

unicinctus, III. 249, 250.

vulgaris. III. 263.

zonocercus, HI. 257, 272.
Cacicus alaudarius, II. 174.
Ca;reba cyanea, I. 425.
CairebidiB, I. 163, 425, 431.
Calamospiza, II. 59, 60.

bicolor, II. 61.
Calandritiu.-e, II. 135.
Callichelidon, I. 327, 338.

cyaneoviridis, I. 338.
Callipepla, III. 466, 487.

californica, HI. 479.

gambeli, III. 482.

picta. III. 475.

squaniata. III. 487.

strenua. III. 487.

venusta. III. 482.
Calliphlox anna, II. 454.
Calocitta, II. 264.
Calothorax calliope, II. 445.

cvanopogon, II. 445.
Calypte, II. 438, 439, 453.

anna, II. 453, 454.

costie, II. 453, 457.

fioresi, II. 453.

helenre, II. 453.
Campephilu.s, II. 493, 494

bairdi, H. 496.

iniperialis, H. 496.

prinripalis, II. 494, 496.
Campylorlivnclius, I. 130, 131.

affinis,"l. 131, 133.

brunneicapillus, I. 131,
132; III. 508.

scolopaceus, I. 131.
Canace, HI. 415.

canadensis. III. 416.

franklini. III. 419.

fuliginosus. III. 421, 425.

obscums, HI. 421, 422.

richardsoni, HI. 422, 427.
Caprimulgidie, II. 398.
Caprimulginie, II. 398.
Caprimulgus albicoUis, II. 399.

acutipennis, II. 400.

aciitus, II. 400.

americanus, II. 401.

brachj^pterus, II. 410.

carolinensis, H. 408, 410.

clamator, II. 413.

exilis, II. 400.

macromystax, 11. 409.

nuttalli,"ll. 417.

popetue, II. 401.

IXDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Vll

Caprimulgus pruiiiosus, II. 100.

rufus, II. 410.

semitornuatus, II. 400.

te.vensis, II. 406.

virgiiiianus, II. 400, 401,
413.

Tociferans, II. 413.

vociferus, II. 413.
Caraeara, III. 176.

vul<;aris, III. 177.
Cardellina, I. 179, 312.

rubra, I. 312.
Cardellinea:, I. 179.
Cardinalis, II. 60, 99.

carneus, II. 99.

coceineus, II. 99.

igneus, II. 99, 103 ; III.
518.

phoeniceus, II. 99.

siuuatus, II. 95.

virgiiiianus, I. 295 ; 11.
99-101.
Carduelis lawrenei, I. 478.

luxuosus, II. 86.

mexicamis, I. 478.

spinoides, I. 470.

psaltria, I. 474.

tristi.s, I. 471.
C'aipodacus, I. 447, 459.

califoriiicus, I. 460, 465.

cassiiii, I. 459, 460.

familiaris, I. 466, 468.

frontalis, I. 460, 465, 466.

hseniorrlious, I. 460.

obscunis, I. 466.

purpureas, I. 459, 462.

rhodocolpus, I. 460, 468.
Catharista, III. 337, 350.

atrata. III. 355, 356.

californianus, ill. 338.
Cathartes, III. 337, 339, 343,
350.

atratus. III. 351.

aura. III. 344.

burrovianus. III. 344.

californianus. III. 338.

falklandic?us, III. 345.

fcetens. 111. 351.

iota. III. 345, 351.

rutii'oUis, III. 345.

unibu. III. 351.

vulturinus. III. 338.
Cathartidfe, III. 1, 335.
Cathartina;, III. 335.
Catharus melpomene, I. 3.

occidentalis, I. 3.
Catherpes, I. 130, 137.

conspersus, I. 139 ; III.
508.

mexicanus, I. 137-139.
Centrocercus, III. 414, 428.

phasianellus, III. 436.

urophasianus, III. 429.
Centroplianes, I. 510.

caloaratus, I. 515.

lapponicus, I. 515.

ornatus, I. 520.
Centronvx, I. 529, 530.

baifdi, I. 531, 540 ; III.
514.

VOL. III. 72

Centureje, II. 492, 553.
Ceutuius, II. 553.

aurilroiis, II. 554, 557.

caroliiius, II. 553, 554.

caroliiiensis, II. 587.

ek-gaiis, II. 557.

Ilavivt'iitris, II. 557.

liotl'manni, II. 554.

hypopolius, II. 558.

santacruzi, II. 557.

subelegans, II. 554.

sulfureiveiiter, 11. 558.

tricolor, II. 554.

uiojivgialis, II. 554, 558 ;
111. 523.
Ceophloeus pileatus, IT. 550,
('iMThiiei.s sparverius. III. 169.
On-thia, I. 124.

aniericana, I. 125, 128.

caroliniaua, I. 142.

co.sta3, I. 124, 125.

familiaris, I. 124, 125.

Haveola, I. 425, 428.

fusea, I. 125.

maculata, I. 180.

niexicana, I. 125, 128.

palustris, I. 158, 161.

pinus, 1. 195.
Certliiada;, I. 124.
Certhiida;, I. 431.
Certhiola, I. 425.

bahaniensis, I. 427, 428.

bairdi, I. 428.

banaiiivora, I. 427.

barbadensis, I. 428 ; III.
512.

bartholeniica, I. 428.

caboti, I. 427 ; III. 512.

chloropyga, I. 428.

doniinicana, I. 428.

Haveola, I. 427, 42S.

frontalis, I. 428 ; III. 512.

luteola, I. 427.

major, I. 427.

inaritima, 1. 212.

martiuicana, I. 428.

mexitaiia, I. 428.

minor, 1. 427.

newtoni, I. 427 ; III. 512.

peruviana, I. 428.

portoricensis, I. 427.
Ceryle, II. 391.
" alcyon, II. 392.

aniericana, II. 396.

cabanisi, II. 396.
Chretura, II. 422, 427, 431.

cinerciventris, II. 431.

pelagica, II. 431, 432.

lielasgia. 11. 432.

poliura, II. 431.

sclateri, II. 431.

spinicauda, II. 432.

vauxi, II. 431, 435 ; III.
523.
Chffiturinffi, II. 422, 427.
Chalcoplianes macrurus, II. 225.

major, II. 222.

quisealus, II. 215.

virescens, II. 203.
Chamaa, I. 83.

ChamaBa fasciata, I. 83, 84 ;

III. 507.
Chamieaihe, I. 83.
ChamiEpelia, III. 375, 389.

albivitta. 111. 389.

granatina. III. 3S9.

pallesccns, III.3S9.

passerina. III. 389.
(.'liamiepelieae. III. 375.
(lianiiepetes, III. 397.
Cliclidou tbala.ssiiia, I. 347.
Chloris, I. 207.
( hloroceryle, II. 391.
Chlorrenas fasciata. III. 360.

flavirostris. III. 366.

nionilis. III. 360.
Chondesti's, 1. 529, 502.

granimaca, I. 562.

strigatus, I. 562.
Chordeiles, II. 399, 400.

aeutipciinis, 11. 400, 406.

brasiliiuius, II. 406.

henryi, II. 400, 404.

labeculatus, II. 400.

minor, II. 400; III. 523.

peruvianus, II. 400.

popetue, II. 400, 401.

saptii, II. 406.

te.xensis, II. 400, 406 ; III.
523.

virginiaiius, II. 401.
Chrysomitris, I. 447, 470.

arizonse, 1. 471, 476 ; III.
513.

Columbiana, I. 471.

lawrenei, I. 471, 478.

macroptera, I. 480.

niexicana, I. 471, 476, 478.

notata, 1. 471.

pinus, I. 471, 480.

psaltria, 470, 474; III.
513.

tristis, I. 470, 471.
Ciccaba, III. 28.
C'iclilopsis nitens, I. 405.
Cinclida;, I. 1, 2, 55.
Cinclu.s, I. 55.

americanus, I. 56.

aquaticus, I. 58.

ardesiacu-s, I. 56.

mexicanus, I. 55, 56.

mortoni, I. 56.

pallasi, I. 56.

townsendi, I. 56.

unicolor, I. 56.
Circus, III. 104, 212.

axillaris, III. 197.

cainpestiis, HI. 214.

cinereus. III. 214.

cyaneus. III. 213.

cvaneus hud.sonius. III.
'214.

frenatus. III. 214.

liistrionicus, III. 214.

hudsonius. III. 214.

hvemalis. III. 275.

jaVdini, III. 212.

macropterus, III. 212.

pygargus, III. 213.

uliginosus. III. 214.

vm

IXDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Cistothorus, 1. 131, 158.

elegans, 1. 159.

paludii'ola, I. 161.

pahistris, I. 160, 161.

stellaris, I. 159, 162 ; III.
509.
Cladoscopus, II. 535.

nuehalis, II. 542.

ruber, II. 544.

v.iriu.s, II. 539.
Cleptes, II. 264.

hudsonieus, II. 266.

mittalli, II. 270.
Coccoborus, II. 76.

Cieruleus, II. 77.

ludovicianus, II. 70.

melanocephalus, II. 73.
Coccothraustes abeillii, I. 449.

canaden.sis, I. 453.

cardinalis, II. 100.

ludoviciana, II. 70.

nielanocephala, 11. 73.

rubrieollis, II. 70.

vespertina, I. 449.

virginiaua, II. 100.

vulgaiis, I. 448.
Coccothraustinffi, 1. 446.
Coccyginie, II. 470.
Coccygus, II. 470, 475.

americanus, 11. 476, 477.

bairdi, II. 477.

doniinicus, 11. 472, 477,
484.

erythrophthalmus, II. 477,
484.

julieni, II. 477.

melanocoryphus, II. 476.

minor, 1 1.' 476, 482.

pyrrhopterus, II. 477.

seniculus, II. 482.
Colaptes, II. 492, 573.

auratus, 11. 575.

ayresii, II. 582.

obrysocaulosus, II. 575.

chrysoides, II. 575, 583.

coUaris, II. 578.

hybridus, II. 582.

luexicanoides, II. 574.

mexicanus, II. 574, 578,
582.

rubricatiis, II. 574, 578.
Collocallia, II. 422.
Collurio, I. 412.

boreali-s, I. 413-415.

elegans, I. 414, 420.

excubitor, I. 412, 414.

excubitoroides, I. 413, 415,
421.

ludovieianus, I. 413, 414,
418.

robustus, I. 413, 420 ; III.
512.
Columba, III. 357, 358.

albilinea. III. 359.

americana. III. 368.

araucana. 111. 359.

canadensis, 111. 368.

cariboea, HI. 359.

carolinensis. III. 381, 383.

corensis. III. 360.

Columba cyanocephala. 111.
394, 395.

denisea. III. 359.

fasciata. III. 358, 360.

flavirostris. 111. 360, 366.

griseola. 111. 389.

hoilotl. 111. 376.

inornata. III. 360, 366.

leucocephala, 111. 359,
364.

Icucojjtera, 111. 376.

livia. 111. 358.

marginata. 111. 3S3.

martiiiiea. III. 392.

meridioualis. 111. 359.

migratoria. 111. 367, 368.

monilis. 111. 360.

niontana. 111. 393.

raystaoea. III. 393.

passerina. III. 389.

rufina. 111. 359, 360.

solitaria. III. 366.

squamosa. III. 387.

trudiaui. 111. 376.

zenaida, III. 378.
Columbida;, III. 357.
Columbigallina montana. III.

393.
Columbinse, III. 357.
Compsotlilypis, I. 207.

americanus, I. 208.

gutturalis, 1. 208.
Conirostrum oniatum, I. 112.

superuiliosum, I. 208.
Contopus, II. 30S, 350.

bahamensi.s, 11. 352.

bogotensis, II. 360.

borealis, II. 350, 353,
356.

bi-achytarsus, II. 351.

caribajus, II. 351.

cooperi, II. 353.

hispaniolensis, II. 351.

lugubris, II. 351.

mesoleucus, II. 353.

ochraceus, 11. 352.

pallidus, II. 351.

pertinax, II. 351, 356.

plebeius, II. 360.

punensis, II. 352.

richardsoni, II. 352, 360.

schotti, II. 351.

sordidulus, II. 360.

Tirens, I. 249 ; II. 352,
356, 357.
Conunis, II. 585, 586.

carolinensis, II. 587.

ludovicianus, II. 587.
Coopei-astur, 111. 220, 222.
Coracias, II. 264.
' mexicanus, II. 299.

; CoRBogiiatlue, I. 4.'!1.
Coragvpvs, III. 350.
Corthytio, I. 72.

calendula, 1. 75.
Corveffi, II. 231.
Corvidie, 1. 431 ; 11. 231.
CorWnffl, II. 231.
Corvus, 11. 231, 232.

americanus, II. 243-247.

Corvus cacaloti, II. 234.

canadensis, II. 297, 299.

carnivorus, II. 233, 234.

caurinus, II. 233, 248.

columbianus, II. 254, 255.

corax, II. 232.

corone, II. 243.

cristatus, 11. 271, 273.

cryptoleucus, II. 233, 242 ;
111. 520.

floridanus, II. 233, 247,
285.

hudsonieus, 11. 266.

jamaicensis, II. 234.

leucognaphalus, II. 234.

littorali.s, II. 234.

lugubris, II. 234.

megonyx, II. 255.

mexicanus, II. 233.

miuutus, II. 234.

uasicus, II. 234.

ossifragus, 11. 233, 251.

palliatus, 11. 288.

peruviauus, II. 294.

pica, II. 264-266.

stelleri, II. 277.

ultramarinus, II. 288.
Corydalina, II. 60.
"bicolor, 11. 61.
Corythus, I. 452.

canadensis, I. 453.

enucleator, I. 453.
Cotuiniculus, 1. 529, 548.

bairdi, I. 531.

dorsalis, I. 549.

henslowi, I. 549, 550.

lecontei, I. 549, 552.

manimbe, I. 549.

mexicanus, II. 38.
j pa-sserinus, I. 195, 549,

553.

perpaUidus, I. 549, 556 ;
III. 51.5.

ti.xicrus, I. 553.
Cotvle, 1. 327, 353.

ripaiia, 1. 347, 353.
Cracida', 111. 397.
f racing, 111. 397.
Cra.xirex, 111. 248, 254.

unicinctus. III. 250.
Crotophaga, II. 470, 486.

ani, 11. 486-488.

Isvirostra, 11. 488.

major, II. 487.

minor, II. 4>S.

nigirostra, II. 488.

sulcirostris, II. 487.
Cnieirostra leueoptera, I. 488.
Cuculida;, II. 469, 470.
Cuculus americanus, II. 475,
477.

auratus, II. 573, 575.

carolinensis, II. 477.

cinerosus, II. 477.

dominicensis, 11. 477.

dominicus, 11. 477.

erythrophthalmus, II. 484.

minor, II. 482.

seniculus, II. 482.
Culicivora atricapilla, I. 81.

INDEX OF SCIEXTIFIC NAMES.

IX

CuUcivora cceralea, I. 78.

mexicana, I. 78, 81.

townsendi, I. 409.
Cuncunia, III. 320.
Cupidoiiia, III. 414, 439.

americana, III. 440.

cupuio. III. 440.

pallidicinotus, III. 440,
44(5.
Cureus americanus, II. 477.
Cunirostra, I. 44S.

americana, I. 4S4.

leueoptera, I. 488.
Cyanocephalus, II. 259.
Cyanocitta, II. 2ti4, 271, 282.

arizona.', II. 2S4, 292.

califoruica, II. 283, 288 ;
III. 521.

couchi, II. 2S4, 293.

cristata, II. 273.

floridana, II. 283, 285.

niacrolopha, II. 2S1.

sordida, U. 284, 292.

stelleri, II. 2/7.

suniichrasti, II. 283.

supereOiosa, II. 288.

ultramarina, II. 284.

unicolor, II. 2S4.

woodhousei, II. 2S-3, 291.
Cyanocoi'a.\ californicus, II.
2SS.

cassini, II. 260.

cristatus, II. 273.

cyanicapillus, II. 295.

floridanus, II. 285.

luxuosus, II. 295.

stelleri, II. 277.

unicolor, II. 284.

ynca.s, IL 295.
Cyanogairulus cristatus, II.
273.

stelleri, II. 277.

ultramarinus, II. 293.
Cyanoloxia cajiulea, II. 77.
Cyanospiza, II. 59, 81.

amoena, II. 81, 84.

ciris, II. 81, S7.

cyanea, 11. 81, 82.

leclancheri, II. 82.

versicolor, II. 81, 86.
Cyanura, U. 264, 271 ; III.
521.

coronata, II. 272.

cristata, II. 271, 273.

diademata, II. 272.

frontaUs, II. 272, 279.

galeata, II. 272.

macrolopha, II. 272, 281.

stelleri, II. 272, 277.
Cyanurus cristatus, II. 273.

Horidanus, II. 2S5.

stelleri, II. 277.
Cyinindis cinerea. III. 245.

leucopvgus, III. 208.
CypseUdoe, 'l. 326; II. 421.
Cypselinffi, II. 422, 423.
Cypseloides, II. 422.
Cypselus, II. 422.

borealis, II. 429.

melanoleucus, II. 424.

Cypselus niger, II. 429.
pela.sgius, II. 432.
poliiu'us, II. 431.
spinicauda, II. 431.
spinicaudus, II. 432.
vau.xi, II. 435.
Cyrtonyx, III. 466, 491.
uiassena. III. 492.
ocellatus, III. 492.
Dajdalion, III. 220, 236.

iiitidum. III. 245.
Da;dalium, III. 220, 236.
Dendragapus, III. 421.
obscunis, III. 422.
richard.soni, III. 427.
Dendrochelidon, II. 422.
Deudrocopus prmcipalis,

496.
pubescens, II. 509.
varius, II. 539.
villosus, II. 50.3.
Dendrofalco, III. 142.
Dendroiea, I. 178, 215.
adelaida;, I. 220, 241.
iEstiva, I. 70, 200,.

216, 222, 234, 237,

277, 318, 324, 825.
albilora, I. 220, 241 ;

510.
atricapilla, 1. 248.
auduboni, I. 215, 219,

260, 272; III. 509.
aureola, I. 217.
blackburnise, I. 220,

III. 510.
brvanti, I. 218, 223 ;

"509.
ccerulea, I. 219, 235 ;

510.
cierulescens, I. 218,

267.
canadensis, I. 254.
capitalis, I. 217.
carbonata, I. 214.
castanea, I. 215, 219,

251, 271, 313 ; III.
chrysopareia, I. 221,

262, 266, 268.
coronata, I. 215, 219,

230, 231, 254, 260,
decora, I. 220, 244;

510.
discolor, I. 222, 276.
doiuiuica, I. 215, 220,

241 ; III. 510.
eoa, I. 218.
graci:e, I. 220, 241,

244, 260.
gundlachi, I. 216.
kirtlandi, I. 215, 221,
maculosa, I. 219, 232,
montana, I. 222, 271.
uigrescens, I. 221,

III. 511.
niveiventris, I. 266.
occidentalis, I. 221,

262, 266, 268 ; III.
olivacea, I. 218, 258.
palmarum, I. 215,

269, 273.

Dendroiea pcnnsvlvanica, I.
215, 219, 245.
petechia, 1. 216, 217.
pharetra, I. 220.
pin us, I. 222, 268, 271,

274.
pityophila, I. 221.
rulicapiUa, I. 217.
rulicep.s, I. 217.
ruligula, I. 217.
striata, I. 215, 219, 248.
superciliosa, I. 240.
tigiina, I. 212.
townsendi, I. 221, 261,

262, 265; III. 511.
rieilloti, I. 217.
vireiis, I. 221, 239, 261,
262.
Despot es tyrannus, II. 309.
Dijilopterus viaticus, II. 472.
Dolichonyx, II. 148.
agripennis, II. 149.
bicolor, II. 61.
orvzivorus, II. 149 ; III.
215, 519.

246, Dryobates, II. .500, 502.

harrisi, II. 507.
III. homorus, II. 512.

leuconielas, II. 503.
pubescens, II. 509.
229. turati, II. 512.

villosus, II. 503.
Dryocopus pileatus, II. 550.
237 ; principalis, II. 496.

Dn'opicus, II. 548.
III. " pileatus, II. 550.

Dryotoinus, II. 548.
III. " pileatus, II. 550.

principalis, II. 496.
254, Dyctiopicus, II. 501, 514.
scalaris, II. 515.
Dyctiopipo, II. 514.
scalaris, II. 515.
Dysornithia, II. 297.
248, canadensis, II. 299.

510. Eetopistes, III. 357, 367.

260, carolinensis. III. 383.
niarginata. III. 383.

227, marginellus. III. 383.

272. migratoria, III. 368.

III. Elanoides, III. 190.

csesius. III. 197.

furcatus, III. 192.
240, yetapa. III. 192.

Elaniis, III. 104, 196.

axillaris, III. 197.
24.3, caisius, III. 197.

cieruleus. III. 197.

dis|iar, III. 198.
272. furcatus, III. 192.

257. ' leucnrus, III. 197, 198.

' minor, IIL 197.
258 ; I notatus. III. 197.

soriptus. III. 197.
j Eraberiza americana, II. 65.

261, amoena, II. 84.

511. \ arctica, I. 538.

I atricai]illa, 1. 573.

222, 1 bairdi, !. 530, 531.

belli, I. 593.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Emberiza bilineata, I. 590.
CiiTulca, 11. 82.
canaden.sis, 11. 3.
chn'.sops, I. 538.
cincrea, II. 30.
oiris, II. 87.
coronata, I. 573.
cyauea, II. 82.
cyanella, II. 82.
erythrophthalma, II. 109.
glacialis, I. 512.
grammaoa, I. 562.
henslowi, 1. 550.
liycmalis, I. 578, 580.
lapponica, 1. 510, 515.
lateialis, II. 106.
lecoiitei, I. 552.
leucophrys, 1. 565, 566.
mexicana, 11. 65.
montana, I. 512.
niusteliiia, I. 512.
iiigro-rula, 1. 589.
nivalis, 1. 510, 512.
olivacea, II. 93.
ornata, 1. 520.
oryzivora, II. 148, 149.
pallida, II. 11, 1-3.
pa.sseiina, 1. 553.
pecoris, II. 154.
picta, I. 518.
pratensis, II. 50.
pusilla, II. 5.
rostrata, I. 542.
nifina, II. 29, 53.
sandwichensia, I. 538.
savanna, I. 534.
shattucld, II. 11.
townsendi, II. 68.
unala.schkensis, 11. 53.
Emliernagra, 1. 530 ; II. 46.
blandingiana, II. 131.
clilorura, II. 131.
rufivirgata, II. 47.
Empidias fuscus, II. 344.
Empidonax, II. 308, 362.
albisularis, II. 365.
acadicus, II. 365, 374.
axillaris, II. 363, 365.
bahamensi.s, II. 352.
bairdi, II. 363.
bratliytarsus, II. 351.
bninneus, II. 363 ; III.

521.
difficilis, 11. 364, 378, 380.
flavescens, II. 363.
flavipectus, II. 364.
ilaviventris, II. 363, 378.
fulvifrons, II. 385.
griscigulaiis, II. 365.
griscipectus, II. 365.
hammondi, II. 3G4, 383.
liypoxanthus, II. 378.
niagnirostris, 11. 365.
minimus, II. 364, 372 :

III. 521.
obscurus, II. 364, 381 :

III. 521.
pectoralis, II. 364.
pu.sillus, II. 365, 366.
rabicundus, 11. 385.

Empidonax trailli, II. 365, 366,
369.
wrighti, II. 381.
Ephialitis, III. 47.
Ejjhialtps asio. III. 49.

choliba, III. .52.
Ereniopbila, II. 135, 139.
alpcstris, II. 140, 141.
thrysoloima, II. 140, 144.
cornuta, II. 143.
occidentalis, II. 140.
peregiina, 11. 142, 144.
Ergatifus, I. 179, 312.
Erytliraca arctica, I. 67.

wilsoni, I. 63.
Erythiopliiys, II. 475.
ameriranus, II. 477.
erythrophthalmus, II. 484.
seniculus, II. 482.
Erythrospiza, I. 459 ; III. 220,
222.
frontalis, I. 466.
puipuiea, 1. 462.
teplirocotis, I. 504.
Euhierax, III. 127.
Euspiiia, II. 65.

anierieana, II. 65 ; III.
518.
Eu,spiza, II. 59, 65.
anieiicana, II. 65.
town.sendi, II. 65, 69.
Eustrinx, II. 10.
Euthlypis, I. 312.

canadensis, I. 320.
Eutolmaetus, 111. 312.
Falco, III. 103, 106, 107, 127.
aruginosus, 111. 212.
a!saion, III. 142, 148.
albicaudus, 111. 324.
albicilla. III. 320.
albicilla boicalis. III. 324.
albigulaiis. III. 130.
americauus. 111. 184.
anatum. III. 128, 132.
aiiuilinus, III. 282.
arundiiiaceus. III. 183.
ati'ieapilhis. III. 237.
auduboni. III. 144.
aurantiiis, 111. 129.
axillari.s HI. 197.
bonelli. III. 312.
borealis, III. 254, 282.
brasiliensis. III. 176, 177.
butfoni, III. 214.
buteo. III. 254, 263.
buteo, A III. 111.
buteoides, 111. 275.
cajsius. III. 143.
canadensis. III. 314.
candicans. III. 108, 111,

112.
candicans islaudicus, III.

11.3.
candidiis. III. 327.
carolineiisis. III. 184.
cassini. III. 132.
cayennensis. III. 184.
cenchris. III. 159.
chrysffitos. III. 312.
chrysaetus, III. 313.

Falco cineracens, III. 212.

cinereu.s. 111. 115.

cinnanioninus. III, 168.

clamosus. III. 197.

ccEruleus, III. 197.

columbarius, III. 143, 144,
225.

communis. III. 127, 128,
132.

communis, f, j;, III. 132.

cooperi, III. 230.

cucullatu.s. III. 130.

cyanescens, III. 155.

cyancu.s. III. 212, 214.

dcirolcucus. III. 129.

dispar, III. 198.

doniinicensis, III. 167.

dubius, III. 225.

emerillus. III. 143.

feldeggii, III. 109.

femoralis. III. 154, 155.

fen'ugineus. 111. 300.

forficatus. III. 190, 192.

frontalis, III. 127.

fulvus. III. 314.

furcatus, III. 190, 192.

fuscoci.erulcscen.s. III. 155.

fuscus. III. 224.

gabar. III. 220, 222.

gracilis, III. 166.

gi'cenlandicus. III. 111.

gyrfalco. III. 107, 108,
113.

gyrfalco norvegicus, III.
108.

haliietus. III. 182, 183.

hamatus. III. 207, 209.

harlani. 111. 292.

harrisi, III. 248, 250.
hinulariu.s, III. 324.
hcemorrhoidalis. III. 130.
liudsonius. III. 214.
hvemalis. III. 275.
icthvaetu.s. III. 320.
imperator. III. 322.
intermixtus, 111. 142, 144.
isabellinus. III. 171.
islandieus, III. 108, 111,

113, 114.
jugger, III. 107, 109.
labradora. III. 108, 117.
lagoptis, 111. Ill, 297,

299 304.
lanarius, Ili.lOS, 109, 113.
latissimus. III. 259.
leucocephalus. III. 326.
leucogaster. III. 327.
leucophrys. III. 161.
leucopterus. III. 322.
leveriauus, 111. 282.
lineatus. III. 275.
litbofalco. III. 142.
lugger. III. 109.
macei, III. 320.
macropus. III. 129.
melanaetus. III. 314.
melanogenys. III. 129.
melanopterus. III. 196 -

198.
melanotus, III. 324.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

XI

Faico mexicanus, III. 109, 123.
mississipiiieusis. III. '20'2,

203.
nfevius, III. 132.
niger, III. 137, 304, 314.
nigiiceps, III. 132.
nisus, 111. 220, 222.
nitiJus, III. 244, 245.
novaihollandios, III. 220,

236.
obscurus. III. 144.
obsoletus. III. 263.
orientalis. III. 12S, 132.
ossifragus. III. 324, 327.
palumbarius. III. 220, 236,

237.
pealei. III. 129, 137.
pelagicus. III. 320, 322.
peiinatus. III. 312.
pennsylvauicu.s. III. 225,

259.
pei-egrinus, III. 127, 128,

132.
plancus. III. 177.
plumbca. III. 202.
plumbeus. III. 203.
polyagi-us. III. 109, 110,

123, 137.
pteroules. III. 254.
pygargus. III. 213, 324,

327.
regiilus. III. 142.
richardsoui. III. 148.
rostrhaniu.s. III. 208.
rufigiilaris. III. 129, 130.
rusticolus. III. 111.
sacer. III. lOS, 110, 115.
sancti-johannis, III. 304.
sibiricus. III. 14.3.
spadicens. III. 214.
spadiceus, III. 304.
sparverius, III. 159, 166,

169.
.subjesalon. III. 143.
subbuteo, III. 142.
sublanarius. III. 109.
suckleyi. III. 143, 147.
temerarius. III. 144.
tharus. 111. 177.
thermophihis. III. 109.
thoraeicus. III. 130, 155.
tinnunculus. III. 159.
tinus. III. 220, 222.
uliginosus. III. 214.
unicinctus. III. 249.
veIo.x, III. 225.
vulturinus. III. 312.
wilsoni, III. 259.
Falcon idie. III. 1, 103.
Falconina;, III. 103, 106.
Ficedula canadensis cinerea, I.

227.
dominica cinerea, I. 240.
jamaicensis, I. 283.
ludoviciana, I. 208.
Fringilla sestiva, II. 39.
sestivalis, II. 37, 39.
albicollis, I. 574.
ambigua, II. 154.
amerioAna, II. 65.

Fringilla amoena, II. 84.
arborea, II. 3.
arctica, 11. 116.
atrata, I. 585.
atricapilla, I. 573.
auroeapilla, I. 573.
bachinani, II. 39.
bicolor, II. 60, 61, 93.
blaudingiana, II. 131.
borealis, 1. 498.
brunneinucha, I. 504.
cserulea, II. 77.
calcarata, I. 515.
canadensis, II. 1, 3.
cardinalis, II. 100.
catatol, I. 478.
caudaciita, I. 553, 557.
chlorura, II. 131.
cinerea, I. 578 ; II. 27, 30.
comata, I. 577.
crissalis, II. 122.
cyanea, II. 82.
domestica, I. 525.
ervthrophtlialma, II. 104,

'l09.
fasciata, II. 19.
ferniginea, II. 50.
flavicollis, II. 6,5.
frontalis, I. 465, 466.
garabeli, 1. 569.
georgiana, II. 34.
granunea, I. 544, 545.
graniinaca, I. 562.
gi-iseiuucha, I. 508.
henslowi, I. 550.
hiidsonia, I. 580, 585.
hyemalis, I. 534, 580 ;

"II. 19.
hypoleuca, II. 90.
iliaca, II. 49, 50.
juneorum, II. a, 580.
lapponica, I. 515.
leucophrys, I. 566.
linaria, 1. 493, 501.
lineolni, II. 31.
littoralis, I. 557.
ludoviciana, II. 70.
niacgillivrayi, I. 560.
mariposa, II. 87.
maritima, I. 560.
melanocephala, II. 73.
melanoxantlia, I. 478.
nielodia, II. 16, 19.
nieruloides, II. 53.
monticola, II. 3.
nivalis, I. 580.
oregona, I. 584.
palu.stris, II. 34.
passerina, I. 548, 553.
pecoris, II. 153, 154.
pennsylvanica, I. 574.
pinus, I. 480.
psaltria, I. 474.
purpurea, I. 459, 462.
pusilla, II. 5.
querula, I. 577.
rufa, II. 50.
rufescens, I. 501.
rufidorsis, I. 580.
savanna, I. 532, 584.

Fringilla savanarum , I. 553.

socialis, II. 1, 7.

spiuu.s, I. 470.

tephrocotis, I. 504.

te.xensis, I. 478.

tri.stis, I. 470, 471.

townsendi, II. 53.

xantoniaschali.'i, II. 73.

vespertina, I. 448, 449.

zena, II. 93.
FringillidiB, I. 431, 446 ; II. 1.
Galeoscoptes, I. 3, 51.

cai'olinensis, I. 52.
Gallopavo sylvcstris. III. 404.
GarruliniE, "ll. 231, 263.
Garrulus carulcsceus, II. 285.

californiciis, II. 282, 288.

canadensis, II. 299.

cristatus, II. 273.

cyancus, II. 2S5.

floridanus, II. 285.

fuscus, II. 299.

luxuosus, II. 295.

sordidus, II. 284.

.stelleri, II. 277, 281.

trachvrrliyncluis, II. 299.

ultramarinus, II. 288, 293.
Gennaia, III. 107.

lanarius. III. 109.
Geococcvx, II. 470.

affini.S II. 471.

californianus, II. 471, 472 ;
III. 523.

mexicanus, II. 472.

variegata, II. 472.

velox, II. 471.

viaticus, II. 472.
Gcophilus cyauocephalus. III.

395.
Geopicus, II. 573.

campestris, II. 573.

clirysoides, II. 583.

rubricatus, II. 574.
Geotblypea;, I. 179, 295.
Geothlvpinffi, I. 178, 279.
Geotblvpis, I. 179, 295 ; III.
511.

aeijuinoctiali.s, I. 296.

caninucha, I. 296.

niacgillivrayi, I. 297, 303 ;
III. 512."

nielanops, I. 296, 298.

Philadelphia, I. 296, 297,
301, 303.

poliocephala, I. 296.

rostratus, I. 296.

semiflavus, I. 296.

speciosa, I. 296.

trichas, I. 296 - 298 ; III.
512.

volatus, I. 296.
Geotrygon, III. 375.

martinica. III. 393.
Glabirostres, II. 399.
Glaucidium, III. 6, 79.

californicuni. III. 81, 83.

ferrugineum (p/rUc), III.
81, 85, 98-101.

gnoma. III. 81.

infuscatum, III. 81.

xu

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Glauciiliimi passerinum, III. 80.

siju, 111. 79.
GlauL-oineiy.x, III. 212.
Goniajjhea, II. 69.

cserulca, II. 77.

ludoviciaua, II. 70.

• melanoccphala, II. 73.

Graeula tiarita, II. 215, 222.

fernigiuca, 11. 2iJ3.

purimrt-a, II. 215.

qniscala, II. 212, 215,
222.
Granatcllus, I. 179.

vemistus, I. 306.
Giypliiiiie, III. 335.
Ouiraca, II. 59, 76.

abcillii, I. 449.

csenilea, II. 77 ; III. 518.

ludoviciana, II. 70.

melanocephala, II. 73.

tricolor, II. 73.
Gymnokitta, II. 232, 259.

cyanofepliala, II. 259, 260.
Gymnorhimis, II. 259.

cyanoceplialus, II. 260.
Gvpagus, III. 337.
.Gyparclms, III. 337.
Gyjiogcranida;, III. 2.
Hadro.stonms affinis, II. 306.

aglaire, II. 306.
HiemorrliiHis, I. 459.

purpurea, I. 462.
Haliaetu.s III. 105, 320.

albicilla,III. 320, .323, 324.

icthyaetus, III. 320.

leucocephalus. III. 323,
326.

leucogaster, III. 320.

nisus, III. 324.

pelagicu.s, II. 323.

vocifer. III. 320.

washingtoni. III. 327.
Harpes rpdlvi\'n.s, I. 35, 45.
Harjiorliynclius, I. 3, 35.

ciuereus, I. 35, 36, 40.

crissalis, I. 35, 37, 40, 47 ;
III. 505.

cur\'irostris, I. 35, 36, 41 ;
III. 505.

lecontei, I. 44, 47.

longiro.stris, I. 39, 41,
144.

ocellatus, I. 35, 36 ; III.
504.

palmeri, I. 43 ; III. 505.

redivivu.s, I. 35, 37, 40, 45,
48 ; III. 505.

rufus, I. 33-37, 40, 46,
58 ; III. .505.
Hedymek's, II. 59, 69.

capitalis, II. 70.

ludovicianus, 11. 70.

melanocephalus, II. 70, 73.
Heleothreptus, II. 399.
Heliajitcx arcticus, III. 64.
Heliiiaia, I. 178, 186.

bachmani, I. 194.

carbonata, I. 211, 214.

celata, I. 202.

chrysoptera, I. 192.

Helinaia pcrtgrina, I. 205.

protoiiotaria, 1. 184.

rubricapilla, I. 196.

solitaria, I. 195.

swainsoiii, I. 190.

vermivora, I. 187.
Heliopaidica, II. 438, 440, 466.

castaneocauda, II. 467.

inelauotis, 11. 466.

xantusi, II. 466, 467.
Helmintbophaga, I. 178, 191.

badimauui, I. 191, 194.

celata, I. 192, 200, 202,
204, 205, 317.

chrysoptera, 1. 191, 192.

citrea, I. 184.

guttui-alis, I. 191.

lueia;, I. 192, 200 ; III.
509.

lutescens, 1.192,204; III.
509.

obscura, I. 192.

ocularis, I. 191.

peregrina, I. 191, 192, 205.

pinns, 1, 191, 195.

rubricapilla, I. 191, 196,
199, 201, 203, 206, 310.

solitaria, I. 195.

Virginia, I. 192, 199 ; III.
509.
Hehuithcrus, I. 178, 186.

bachmani, I. 194.

chrysopterus, I. 192.

migratorius, I. 187.

peregrinus, I. 205.

protonotarius, I. 184.

rubricapilla, I. 196.

solitarius, I. 195.

swainsoni, 1. 186, 187,190;
III. 509.

vemiirorus, I. 186, 187 ;
III. 509.
Hemiaetus, III. 297.
Hemiprocne, II. 427.

pelasgia, II. 432.
Henicociohla, I. 279.

aurocapilla, I. 280.

ludoviciana, I. 287.

major, I. 287.

motacUla, I. 287.

noveboracensis, I. 283.
Herpetotheres sociabilLs, III.

208.
He.sperijihona, I. 447, 448.

abeillii, I. 449.

niontana, I. 449 ; III. 513.

vespertina, I. 449.
Hespcrocichla, I. 3, 4, 28.
Hieracospiza, III. 220, 222.
Hieraetus, 111. 312.
Hieraspiza, III. 220, 222.
Hieroaetu.s, III. 312.
Hierofalco, III. 107.

candicans, III. 111.

gyrfalco. III. 108.

gradandicus. III. 111.

isUandicus, 111. 113.
Hirundinidffl, I. 326, 431.
Hirundo, I. 327, 338.

anie.ricana, I. 339.

Hirundo dominicensis, II. 429.

bicolor, I. 185, 331, 344.

casrulea canadensis, I. 329.

cayanensis, II. 423.

cinerea, I. 353.

cyancoviridis, I. 327.

fulva, I. 334.

liorreorum, I. 339.

leucogaster, I. 344.

ludoviciana, I. 329.

lunifrons, I. 66, 334.

nielanogaster, I. 334.

nigra, II. 428, 429.

opife.\, I. 334.

pelagica, II. 432.

pcla.sgia, II. 432.

purpurea, I. 327, 329, 332.

re.spublicaua, I. 334.

riparia, I. 353.

riparia aniericana, I. 353.

rufa, I. 339.

nistica, I. 339.

sernpennis, I. 350.

subis, I. 329.

thalassina, I. 344, 347.

versicolor, I. 329.

violacea, I. 329.

viridis, I. 344.
Holoquiscalus, II. 213.
Hvbris, HI. 10.
Hydrobata, I. 55.

me.xicana, I. 56.
Ilydropsalis, II. 399.
Hylematlirous ffidon, I. 149.
Hvlociehla, I. 4, 22, 28.
Hylotomus, II. 494, 548.

pileatus, II. 550.
Hypacanthus, I. 470.
Hyphantes abeillei, II. 184.

baltimore, II. 195.

bullocki, II. 199.

solitaria, II. 190.
Hypomorjibnus uuicinctus, III.

249.
Hypotriorchis, III. 142.

a;.salon. III. 142.

aurantius, III. 129.

colunibarius. III. 144.

feraoralis, III. 155.
Icteria, I. 179, 306.

auricollis, I. 309.

dumei'ula, I. 307.

longicauda, I. 307, 309,
310.

velasquezi, I. 307.

Tirens, I. 307.

viridis, I. 307.
IcterianiB, I. 178, 179, 306.
Icterida;, I. 431 ; II. 147.
Icteriea;, I. 179, 306.
Icterin.-e, II. 147, 179.
Icterus, II. 179.

abeillei, II. 184.

agripennis, II. 149.

auduboni, II. 182, 186.

auricapillus, II. 183.

baltimore, II. 183, 195;
III. 520.

bullocki, 11.183,199; III.
520.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

XUl

Icterus cucullatus, II. 183, 193 ;
III. 519.

dominicensis, II. 182.

eniberizoides, II. 154.

frenatus, II. 167.

graduacauda, II. 186.

gubernutor, II. 163.

hypomi'lus, II. 182.

icterocephalus, II. 167.

melanoceplialus, II. 182.

melanodirysura, II. 188.

parisorum, II. 183, 188.

pecoris, II. 154.

perspicillatus, II. 167.

phoeniceus, II. 15U.

portoricensis, II. 182.

prosthenielas, II. 182.

scotti, II. 188.

spurius, II. 183, 190.

tiicolor, II. 165.

vulgaris, II. 181, 184.

wagleri, II. 1S2, 188.

xanthocL'phalus, II. 167.
Icthierax, III. 127.
Icthv;etn.s, III. 320.
Ictiiiia, III. 104, 202.

mississippi(insi.s. III. 203.

plumbr-a, III. 203.
Idiotes, I. 312.
Ispida, II. 391.

Iiidoviciana, II. 392.
Jerafalco, III. 107.
Jeraspiza, III. 220, 222.
Jerax, III. 220, 222.
Juiico, I. 530, 578 ; III. 516.

aikeni, I. 579, 584; III.
516.

alticola, I. 580, 584.

caniceps, I. 579, 587.

cinereus, I. 580, 584.

hyemalis, I. 137, 274, 282,
579, 580.

oregonus, I. 579, 584 ; III.
516.

phaenotus, I. 080.
Kieueria aberti, II. 128.

fiisca, II. 121, 122.

rutipilea, II. 131.
Lagopus, II. 690 ; III. 414,
456.

albus. III. 456, 457.

araericanus. III. 462.

brachydactvlus, III. 457.

ferrugiiiL-iis", III. 300.

groenlandicus. III. 462.

islandonim, III. 462.

leucurus. III. 456, 464.

mutus, III. 456, 462.

reinliardti, 111. 402.

rupestris. III. 456, 462

subalpinus. III. 457.
Lampoini.s, II. 43S, 440.

aunilentus, II. 440.

mango, 11. 440.

porphyrurus, II. 440.

virginalis, II. 440.
Laniidie, I. 356, 412, 431.
Laiiius agilis, I. 359.

ardosiaceus, I. 418.

borealis, I. 415.

Lanius caroliuensis, I, 418.

cristatus, I. 412.

elegans, I. 420.

exi'ubitor, I. 412, 415.

cxcubitoioides, I. 421.

garniliis, I. 395, 396.

lalitoni, I. 420.

liulovirianus, I. 418, 421.

olivaceus, I. 363.

septentrioualis, I. 415.

tyraimus, II. 316, 319.
Lanivireo, I. 358, 372.

cassini, I. 373, 376.

flavifrons, I. 358, 373, 379,

pluiiibca, I. 358 ; III. 512,

jiliunbeus, I. 373, 377.

propinqmis, I. 373.

solitaria, I. 358.

solitarius, I. 373 ; 111. 512
Laphvctes, II. 315.

veiticalis, II. 324.

voi;iferans, II. 327.
Leptostoma, II. 470.

longicauda, II. 472.
Lepturus galeatus, I. 405.
Leuconerpes albolarvatus,

526.
Lencospiza, III. 220, 236.
Leucostiete, I. 448, 502.

brunneiiiucha, I. 504.

cainpestri.s, I. 504, 507.

griseigeiiys, I. 508.

griseinuclia, I. 504
508.

littoralis, I. 504, 507.

tephvocotis, I. 504 ;
513.
Ligonirostres, II. 492.
Linaria americana, I. 493.

borealis, I. 498.

canesccns, I. 498.

Havirostiis, I. 501.

liolboUi, I. 493.

homfmanni, I. 498.

lincolni, II. 31.

minor, I. 493.

savanna, I. 534.

topliroootis, I. 504.
Linota canescen.s, I. 498.

montiuni, I. 501.
Litliofaico columbarius,

144.
Lophoplianes, I. 86.

atricdstatus, I. 87, 90,

liieolor, I. 87, 92.

cristatus, I. 93.

galeatus, I. 93.

inornatus, I. 87, 88,
III. 507.

missouriensis, I. 87.

\v.,lhveln-ri, I. 87, 93.
Lophurtyx, III. 466, 478.

ualitornica. III. 479.

ganibeli, III. 479, 482.

plumifera, III. 475.
Lo.\ia, I. 483.

americana, I. 483, 484.

bifasciata, 1.483; III. 513.

cserulea, II. 76, 77.

canora, II. 92, 93.

II.

507,

III.

III.

91

Loxia eardiualis, II. 99, 100.

curvirostra, 1. 483.

einicleator, I. 453.

erytlirina, I. 459.

fusea, I. 484.

liimalayana, I. 484.

Iciu'optera, I. 483, 488.

Iiidoviciana, II. 69, 70.

iiifxitaua, I. 483, 488.

obscura, II. 70.

pusilla, I. 484.

pityopsittacus, I. 484.

rosea, II. 70.

violaeea, I. 462.

virginica, I. 441.
Lurocalis, II. 399.
Macrocercus pachyi'hynchus,

II. 586.
Megaceryle alcyon, II. 392.
Megapicus, II. 494.
Megaquiscalus, II. 214.
Jlegascops, III. 47.
Melampicus, II. 559.
Melanerpes, II. 553, 559.

albolarvatus, II. 526.

aiigustifron.s, II. 561, 573.

erytlu'ocepbalus, II. 560,
564.

flavignla, II. 561.

formicivorus, II. 560, 566.

ruber, II. 544.

rubrigularis, II. 545.

.striatipcetus, II. 561.

thyroideus, II. 547.

toiiiuatus, II. 560, 561.

Avilliainsoni, II. 545.
Meleagrid.'E, III. 402.
Meleagris, III. 403.

americana. III. 404.

fera. III. 404.

gallopavo, III. 403, 404.

me-xicana, III. 410.

mexicanns. III. 403.

ocellatus, III. 404.

sylvestris. III. 404.
Melittarchus dominicensis, II.

319.
MelUsuga heloisa, II. 465.
Melopelia, III. 375, 376.

leucoptera. III. 376.
Melospiza, I. 530 ; II. 16.

cinerea, 11. 29.

fallax, II. 18, 22.

gouldi, II. 26.

guttata, II. 19, 27, 29.

heermanui, II. IS, 24.

insignis, II. 19, 30.

lincolni, II. 19, 31 ; III.
516.

melodia, I. 146, 158; II.
18, 19.

mexicana, II. 18.

palustris, II. 19, 34; III.
517.

pectoralis, II. 18.

nitina, I. 158 ; II. 19, 27,
29.

sanmelis, II. 18, 26.

unalashkensis, I. 158.
Melospizese, I. 530.

XIV

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Merula, I. 4.
lIethrioi)terus, I. 35.
ilicratheiie, 111. 6, 86.
wliitiK-yi, 111. 87.
Microglaiix, III. 79.
Jlicrouisiis, 111. 220, 222.
Jlicroptynx, III. 79.

passerina, 111. SO.
Milaiis, 111. 196.
Milvulus, II. 307, 308.

foHicatus, II. 309, 311.
iiavanus, II. 309.
tyraiiuus, II. 309.
violi'iitus, II. 309.
Milvus cciichris. III. 203.
dispar. III. 198.
furcatus, III. 192.
Ip.ucurus, III. 198.
mississippieiisis, III. 203.
Miniima!, I. 2, 31, 34.
Miiiius, 1. 3, 48.

carolinensis, I. 52.
cunniostris, I. 41.
lougirostris, I. 39.
montanus, I. 32.
orpheus, I. 49.
polyglottus, I. 33, 46, 49,
52 : III. 506.
Mitrephorus, 11. 308, 385.
fuMfrons, II. 385.
pallpscens, II. 385, 386.
phseoeercus, II. 385.
Mniotilta, I. 17S, 180.
torealis, 1. 180.
lougirostris, I. 180.
noveboraeen.sis, I. 283.
nibricapilla, 1. 196.
striata, 1. 248.
varia, 1. 180, 181, 216,

243, 249.
virens, 1. 261.
Mniotiltea?, 1. 178, 179.
Mniotiltida;, I. 298, 431.
Molothrus, I. 182, 310 ; II.
148, 153.
obscunis, 11. 154.
pecoris, II. 154.
Monedula purpurea, II. 215.
Montifringilla brunneinucha, I.
504.
griseinncha, I. 508.
Morphnus unicinctus, III. 249.
Motacilla, I. 164, 165.
fequinoctialls, 1. 296.
iEstiva, I. 222.
alba, I. 165.
aniericaua, I. 208.
aurocapilla, I. 279, 280.
auricollis, I. 184.
banauivora, I. 427.
blackburiiia;, I. 237.
casrulca, 1. 77, 78.
Cieruleseens, I. 254.
calendula, 1. 72, 75.
calidris, 1. 359.
cana, 1. 78.

canadensis, 1. 227, 254.
chrysocephala, I. 237.
chrysoptera, I. 192.
cincta, I. 227.

Motacilla citrea, 1. 183, 184.

coronata, I. 227.

dotniniea, I. 240.

e<jues, 1. 208.

llava, I. 167.

fiavicauda, I. 322.

flavicollis, I. 240.

flavifrous, I. 192.

fuscescens, I. 283.

hudsonica, I. 171.

ineana, I. 237.

juncoruiu, II. 5.

ludoviciana, 1. 208.

maculosa, I. 232.

mitrata, I. 313, 314.

noveboi-acensis, I. 283.

cenanthe, I. 60.

palmarum, I. 273.

pennsylvanica, I. 245.

pensilis, I. 240.

pileolata, I. 319.

pinguis, 1. 227.

protonotaria, I. 184.

regulus, I. 72.

rubiginosa, 1. 222.

ruticilla, 1. 322.

.sialis, I. 62.

striata, I. 248.

superciliosa, 1. 240.

tigriua, 1. 211, 212.

umbria, I. 227.

varia, I. 180.

vermivoia, I. 186, 187.

rirens, I. 261.

yarrelli, 1. 165.
Motacillidaj, I. 163, 164,

431.
Motacillina;, I. 164, 165.
Mubcieapa, I. 4.

acadica, II. 374.

auimosa, II. 316.

atra, II. 343.

belli, I. 31.3.

bonapartei, I. 320.

brasieri, 1. 312.
canadensis, I. 320.
cantatrix, I. 385.
carolinensis, 1. 51, 52 ; II.

344.
cooperi, II. 353.
crinita, II. 334.
cucullata, I. 314.
derhami, I. 322.
dominicehsis, II. 319.
forfieata, II. 311.
fulvifrons, II. .385.
fusra, 11. 343.
gilva, I. 368.
guttata, I. 18, 20.
inornata, 11. 353.
ludoviciana, II. 334.
melodia, I. 368.
miniita, 1. 316.
nigricans, 11. 340.
noveboracensis, 1. 357, 382,

385.
nunciola, 11. 343.
olivacea, 1. 358, 363.
phabe, II. 343, 360.
pusilla, I. 317 ; II. 366.

Muscicapa querula, II. 357,
374.

rapax, II. 357.

rex, II. 316.

ricliardsoni, II. 360.

rubra, I. 441.

ruticilla, 1. 322.

savaua, II. 309.

saya, II. 347.

seibyi, I. 314.

seniiatra, II. 340.

solitaria, I. 373.

.striata, I. 248.

sylvicola, I. 379.

tiailli, II. 369.

tyrannu.s, II. 309, 316.

verticalis, II. 324.

virens, II. 350, 357.

virginiauaci-istata, II. 334.

viridis, 1. 306, 307.

wilsoni, 1. 317.
Mnscicaj>ids, 1. 326.
Myiadestese, I. 408.
Myiadestes, I. 3, 408.

genibarbis, I. 408.

obscurus, I. 409.

towiisendi, I. 22, 409.

unicolor, I. 409.
Myianluis, II. 307, 329 ; III.
521.
antillarum, II. 332.
cinerascens, II. 332, 337.
cooperi, II. 331.
crinitus, 11. 331. 334.
ervtlirocercus, II. 331.
irritabilis, II. 331.
lawrencei, II. 333.
mexicauus, II. 331, 337.
nigiicans, 11. 340.
nigricapillus, II. 333.
nigriceps, 11. 333.
pertinax, II. 337.
plineocepbalus, 11. 330.
l)h(;ebe, II. 332.
stolidus, II. 331, 332.
tristis, II. 332, 333.
tvrannulus, II. 330.
v'alidus, 11. 331.
yucatanensis, II. 331.
Myiobius borealis, II. 353.
crinitus, II. 334.
nunciola, II. 343.
pallidu.s, II. 351.
savus, II. 347.
stolidus, II. 332.
riiens, 11. 357.
Myiobonis, I. 179, 312.
Myioctonus, I. 313.
niitmtus, 1. 314.
pusillus, I. 317.
Myiodioctea;, I. 179.
Myiodioctes, 1. 179, 312,
313.
canadensis, I. 313, 320.
formosus, I. 293.
niinutus, 1. 313, 316.
mitratus, I. 313, 314.
pardalina, 1. 320.
pileolata, I. 313, 319 ; III.
512.

INDEX OF SCIEXTIFIC XAMES.

XV

Mjriodioctes pusillus, I. 313,
314, 317, 319.

wilsoni, 1. 317.
Myioiiax ciinitus, II. 334.
Mviothlvpis, I. 312.
Nauclerii.s, III. U)4, 190.

IbrKciitus, III. I'Jl, iy2.

fiiroatus, III. mi, li)2.
Neocorys, I. 164, 170, 174.

spraguei, 1. 175.
Neophron iota. III. 351.
Nephcecetes, II. 427, 428.

niger, II. 429 ; III. 523.
Nertus, III. 202.

mississippiensis. III. 203.

plumbeus. III. 203.
BTipliiEa hycmalis, I. 580.

oregona, I. 584.
Nisa.stur, III. 220, 222.
Nisus cooperi, III. 224, 230.

fuscus. III. 224, 225.

hyemalis, HI. 275.

mexicanus. III. 224, 231.

pacilicus. III. 225.

pennsylvanicui. III. 225.

uniciuctus, III. 249.
Xoctua aurita minor, III. 41).

brodiei. III. 79.

ferruginea. III. 85.

passerina. III. 80.
Notiocorys, I. 164, 170.
Nucifraga columbiaiia, II. 255.
Nucifragea;, II. 232.
Nudinare.s, II. 492.
Nyctale, III. 6, 39.

abietum. III. 39.

aeadica, III. 40, 43.

albifrons. III. 43.

funerea. III. 39.

hanisi. III. 40.

kirtlaudi. III. 39, 43.

piuetorum. III. 39.

planiceps. III. 39.

richardsoni (plate), III.
39-41, 97-101.

tengmalmi. III. 39.
Nyctalops stvgius. III. 17.
Nyctea, III."6, 60, 61.

arctica. III. 61, 70.

Candida, III. 70.

nivea {jilaie). III. 61, 70,
98-102.

seandiaca, III. 61.
Nvctibius, II. 398.
Nyctidromus, II. 399, 400.

affini.s, il. 399.

albicolli-s, II. 399.

ainericanns, 11. 399.

deibyanus, II. 399.

grallarius, II. 399.

gviianensis, II. 399.
Oehtha:ca sayi, 11. 347.
Odontophoru.s uialeagris, III.

492.
Onvchotes gruberi, III. 252 -

254.
Opororais, I. 178, 279, 290.

agilis, I. 290, 291, 301.

fonnosu.s, I. 290, 293.
Oreopelcia, III. 392.

VOL. III. 73

Oreopuleia martinica. III. 393.

montana. 111. 393.
Oreoplia.sina;, 111. 397.
Oreophasis Jcrbianus, III. 397.
Oreoityx, III. 466, 475.

pictus. 111. 475.
Oreo.scopt(^s, I. 2, 31.

raoutauus, I. 32, 33, 40,
41.
Oriolus baltimori', II. 195.

ca.staueus, II. 190.

candacutus, I. 550, 557.

oostototl, II. 184.

Jominicensis, II. 182.

ferrugineus, II. 202, 203.

fuscus, II. 154.

ictenis, II. 184.

ludovicianus, II. 215.

mutatus, II. 190.

niger, II. 203, 215.

plueniceus, II. 158, 159.

spurius, 11. 190.

varius, II. 190.
Oriturus wrangeli, II. 122.
Oruisraya anna, II. 454.

arsenni, II. 466.

coste, II. 453, 457.

heloisa, II. 464, 465.

montana, II. 462.

tricolor, II. 462.

viridis.sima, II. 468.
Orpheus carolinensis, I. 52.

curvirostris, I. 41.

leucopterus, I. 49.

longirostris, I. 39.

nieruloides, I. 29.

niontanus, I. 31, 32.
Ortalida, III. 3a7, 398.

raaccalli. III. 398.

poliocephala. III. 398.
Ortyginae, III. 406.
Ortyx, III. 466, 467.

californica. III. 479.

castaneus. III. 468.

cnbanensis, III. 468.

floridanus, III. 469.

massena. III. 491, 492.

montezuniE, III. 492.

picta. III. 475.

plumifera. III. 475.

scjuaniata. III. 487.

texanus. III. 468, 474.

virgiidanus. III. 467, 468.
Oscines, I. 1, 163, 326.
Otocoris, II. 139.

rufa, II. 144.
Otocorys a]]iestris, II. 143.

chrysolcema, II. 144.

comuta, II. 143.

occidentali.s II. 143.

peregrina, II. 142, 144.
Otus, III. .<), 17.

albicollis. III. 17.

aniericanus, 111. IS.

arborens. III. 17.

asio, III. 17, 52.

■anrita. III. 17.

brachyotus. III. 18, 22,
24."

communis, III. 17, 18.

Otns cra-ssirostris. III. 61.

europieus. III. 17.

galopagiensis. III. 23.

gracilis. III. 17.

italicus. III. 17.

macrorhynchus. III. 61.

mexicanus. III. 61.

me\-ius. III. 49.

palnstris. III. 22.

siguapa. III. 18.

stygius. III. 17, 18.

sylvestris, III. 17.

virginianu.s. III. 62.

vulgaris, III. 17.

vvilsonianus {plate). III.
17, 18, 98-101.
Pachvi-amphus aglaise, 1 1. 306.

major, 11. 306.
Pandiou, III. 104, 182.

altn-eps. III. 183.

aniericanus, HI. 184.

carolinensis, HI. 183, 184.

fasciatus, III. 184.

lluvialis, HI. 183.

haliajtus, HI. 182, 183.

inilicus. III. 183.

leucocephalus. III. 183.

planiceps, III. 183.
Panyptila, II. 422, 423.

cayanensis, II. 424.

melanoleuca, II. 424 ; III.
523.

saucti-Iiieronymi, II. 424.
Paridffi, I. 69, 86," 431.
Parime, I. 86.
Paroides Baviceps, I. 112.
Parula, I. 178, 207.

americana, I. 207 - 209,
259 ; HI. 509.

inornata, I. 208.

insularis, I. 207.

pitiayumi, I. 207.

supi'Toiliosa, I. 208.
Parus, I. 86, 93.

albescens, I. 99.

americanus, I. 207, 208.

annexus, I. 93.

atricapillus, I. 91 - 96,

100, 102, 103, 105, 128,
157.

atricapillus canadensis, I.

96.
atricristatus, I. 90.
bicolor, I. 86, 87.
carolinensis, I. 88, 94, 97,

102, 185.
cristatus, 1. 86, 87.
ervthrocephalus, I. 107.
iksciatus, I. 83, 84.
hudsonicus, I. 94, 97, 105.
inornatus, I. 91.
leucotis, I. 312.
littoralis, I. 105.
major, I. 93.
nieridionalis, I. 94, 102.
minimus, I. 109.
montanus, I. 92-95, 118.
occidentalis, I. 94, 100,

101, 104.
palustris, I. 96, 103.

XVI

INDEX OF SCIEXTIFTC NAMES.

Parus rufescens, I. 94, 104 ;
111. 507.

septentrionalis, 1. 94, 97,
99, 101, 107.

sibiricus, I. 95, 105.

virginiauus, 1. 227.
Passer, 1. 525.

arc-tous, I. 508.

bicolor baliainensis, II. 93.

canadensis, II. 3.

domesticus, I. 525.

pennsylvanicus, I. 574.
Passerouleae, I. 529.
Passerculus, I. 520, 532.

alaudinus, I. 533, 537 ; III.
515.

anthinus, I. 533, 537, 539.

cassini, II. 42.

guttatus, I. 533, 544.

lincolni, II. 31.

princeps, I. 533, 540 ; III.
515.

ro.stratus, I. 533, 542.

sandwichensis, I. 533, 538.

savanna, I. 533, 534.

zonarius, 11. 31.
Passerella, II. 49 ; III. 518.

cinerea, II. 27.

iliaca, II. 50.

megavhvnelius, II. 49, 57;
III. 518.

obscura, II. 50.

rufina, II. 29.

schistacea, II. 49, 56.

townsendi, II. 29, 49, 53.

unalashkeusis, II. 53.
Passerellinffi, 1. 446 ; II. 48.
Passerina, II. 81.

eaudacuta, I. 557.

ciris, II. 87.

cyanea, II. 82.

nigricollis, II. 65.

oryzivora, II. 149.

pecoris, II. 154.

pratensis, I. 553.
Patagiffinas, III. 357.

leucocephalus, III. 363.
Pedioca;te.s, III. 414, 433.

columljiamis, III. 434,
436, 446.

kennikotti. III. 434.

phasianellus. III. 434.
Pediocorys, I. 164.
Pendulinus, II. 179.

affinis, II. 190.

ater, II. 203.

cucullatus, II. 193.

dominicen.sis, II. 188.

flaWgaster, II. 182.

hvpomelas, II. 182.

Wsoni, II. 182.

nigricollis, II. 190.

portoricensis, II. 182.

spurius, II. 190.

viridis, II. 1S2.
Penclopf, III. 397.
IViK-lopina, III. 397.
lVnelopin;e, III. 397.
Percnopteriis auni, III. 345.

urubu. III. 351.

Perdicidfc, III. 466.
Perdix borealis, III. 468.

californica. III. 479.

marilandiea. III. 468.

pluinifcra. III. 475.

virginiana. III. 468.
Perisoreu.s, II. 264, 297.

L'anaden.sis, II. 298, 299.

capitalis, II. 298, 302.

infaustus, II. 298.

obscurus, II. 298, 302.
Peris-soglossa, I. 178, 211.

carbonata, I. 212, 214.

tigrina, I. 211. 212.
Perissura, III. 381.

caroliniinsis. III. 383.
Petrochelidon, I. 327, 334.

bicolor, I. 344.

lunil'roiis, I. 334.

swainsoni, I. 334.

tbala.ssiiia, I. 347.
Peuc-ea, I. 530 ; II. 37.

lestivalis, II. 34, 38, 39.

arizona;, II. 38, 41 ; III.
517.

bacbniani, II. 39.

bottprii, II. 38.

boucardi, II. 38.

carpalis. III. 517.

cassini, II. 41, 42.

lincolni, II. 31.

notosticta, II. 38.

ruficeps, II. 38, 45.
Phabotii^us, III. 220.
Phainicosoma sestiva, I. 441.

hepatioa, I. 437.

rubra, I. 435.
Phsenisoma, I. 432.

a;stiva, I. 441.

mbi-a, I. 435.
PhiEnopcpla, I. 405.

nitens, I. 405.
Phfethornithina', II. 438.
Phasianus columbianus, III.
436.

motmot. III. 398.
Philerenios, II. 139.
Pbloeotomus, II. 548.
Pholeoptvnx, III. 88.
Pboniptira, II. 60, 92.

bicolor, II. 93.

canora, II. 9.3.

nianlii, II. 93.

oliracea, II. 9.3.

omissa, II. 93.

pusilla, II. 93.

zena, II. 93.
Phrenopicus, II. 501, 523.
Phrenopipo, II. 523.

borealis, II. 524.
Phrllobiisileus, I. 72.
Phyllomanes, I. 358.

barbatula, I. 360.

flavoviridis, I. 366.

oliv.acea. I. 363.
Phyllopnoiste, I. 69, 70.

borealis, I. 70, 71.

kennicotti, I. 70, 71.

sylvicultrix, 1. 71.

trocliilus, I. 71, 72.

Pica, II. 264.

albiventris, II. 265.

ca;nilesccus, II. 285.

caudata, II. 265.

chloronota, II. 295.

cristata, II. 273.

europca, II. 265.

hudsonica, II. 205, 266.

melauolcuca, II. 265, 266.

morio, II. 303, 304.

nuttalli, II. 265, 270.

rusticonim, II. 265.

stelleri, II. 277.
Pice;e, II. 492, 49.3.
Picicorvus, II. 232, 254.

columbianus, II. 255.
Picidffi, II. 469, 491.
Picinie, II. 491, 492.
Pico cnizado, I. 488.
Picoidcs, II. 494, 529.

ameriranus, II. 529, 532.

arcticus, II. 52S, 530.

crissoleucus, 11. 529.

dorsalis, II. 529, 532.

europa-us, II. 529.

birsutns, II. 532.

tiidactyius, II. 529.
Picolaptes bruiincicapillus, I.

132, 134.
Picumnina;, II. 491.
Picus, II. 493, 500.

albolarvatus, II. 502, 526.

aniericanus, II. 532.

arcticus, II. 530.

atrotborax, II. 539.

auduboni, II. 503.

auratus, II. 575.

aurifrons, II. 557.

bairdi, II. 515, 517.

bogotns, II. 515.

borealis, II. 501, 523, 524.

cafer, II. 578.

canadensis, II. 503.

carolinus, II. 554.

cbrvsoides, II. 583.

dorsalis, II. 532.

erythrauchen, II. 554.

erytbrocephalus, II. 559,
564.

gairdneri, II. 501, 512 ;
III. 523.

gracilis, II. 515.

graysoni, II. 501, 515, 517.

griseus, II. 554.

harrisi, II. 501, 507.

birsutus, II. 532.

hudsonica, II. 266.

hybridus aurato-mexica-
nus, II. 582.

hylocopus, II. 507.

inornatus, II. 507.

jardini, II. 507.

lathami, II. 578.

leconti, II. 509.

leueomelanii.s, II. 503.

leuconiela.s, II. 503.

leucotis, II. 524.

lewisii, II. 561.

lucasaniis, II. 501, 517,
519, 520.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

XVU

Picus maitiiiiE, II. 503.

martins, II. .oOO.

meiliaims, II. 509.

mclanopogon, 11. 566.

mendioiialis, II. 509, 512.

me.\icauus, II. 578.

inoiitanus, 11. 561.

natalia', II. 547.

mittalli, II. 501, 517, 520,
521.

obscuius, II. 564.

Orizaba;, II. 515.

ornatus, II. 557.

parvu.s, II. 515.

phillipsi, II. 503.

pileatus, II. 550.

principalis, II. 496.

pubescens, I. 10.3, 185 ; II.
501, 502, 509.

qiicruhis, II. 524.

ruber, II. 544.

rubricapillus, II. 503.

rubicatus, II. 578.

scalaris, II. 501, 514, 515,
520.

septentrionalis, 11. 503.

subme.xicauus, 11. 574.

thyroiileus, II. 535, 547.

torijuatus, II. 559, 561.

tridaetvhis, 11. 528, 530.

turati,"ll. 512.

undatus, II. 532.

undosus, II. 5.32.

undulatus, II. 532.

varius, 11. 535, 539.

^•icilloti, II. 524.

villo.sns, II. 500, 503, 520.

williamsoiii, II. 545.

wilsoiii, II. 521.

zebra, II. 554.
Pilumnus, II. 535.

ruber, II. 544.

thyroiJeus, II. 547.

varius, II. 539.
Pinicola, I. 447, 452.

americaiia, I. 453.

canadensis, I. 453.

enucleator, I. 453 ; III.
513.-
Pipile, III. 397.
Pipilo, 1. 34 ; II. 60, 104.

aberti, II. 106, 126, 128;
III. 519.

albiroUis, II. 121, 122.

alhinula, II. 121, 122, 127.

alleni, 11. loS, 112.

arctieus, II. 109, 116, 119.

ater, U. 109.

carniani, II. 109.

chlorosoma, II. 105.

chlorurus. 11. 106, 131 ;
III. 519.

cri.s.salis. II. 121, 122.

ervtlirophthabnus, II. 105,
"106, 103, 109 ; 111. 518.

fuscus, 11. 106, 121.

lateralis, II. 106.

niacrouv.';, 11. 105.

maculatus, II. 105, 108.

megalony.'c, II. 108, 113.

Pipilo mesoleucus, II. 121, 122,
125 ; III. 51S.

oregouus, II. 108, 116.

persouata, 1. 5S9.

superciliosa, II. 106.

vire.seens, II. 105.
Pipi-a polyglotta, I. 307.
Pitylus ciudiualis, II. 100.

guttatus, II. 73.
Plancsticus, I. 4, 22, 24, 28.
Platypsaris affinis, II. 306.
Platyrhvncbus pusillus, II.
366.

vireseens, I. 374.
Plectrophanes, I. 448, 510.

lapponicus, I. 511, 515.

maeeowni, I. 511, 523.

nielanoniu.s, I. 511, 521.

nivalis, I. 511, 512.

ornatu.s, I. 511, 520.

pictus, I. 511, 518.

smithi, I. 518.
PloceidiB, I. 431.
Plyctolopbiuie, II. 585.
Podager, II. 399.
Podagrin*, II. 398.
Puicile atricapilla, I. 96.

carolinensis, I. 102.

melanotis, I. 108.

minima, I. 109.

rut'escens, I. 104.
Pcecilopternis, III. 254.

borealis. III. 282.

lineatus. III. 275.

wilsoni. III. 259.
Poecilornis, 111. 159.

cinnaniominus, III. 168.

sparverius. III. 169.
PcEciloptervx, III. 202.

plumbeus, III. 203.
Polioaetus, 111. 320.
Polioptila, I. 77, 201.

Ciierulea, I. 78 ; III. 506.

lenibeyi, I. 78.

melanura, I. 78, 79, 81 ;
III. 507.

me.icicana, I. 78.

plumbea, I. 78, 80.
Polioptilins, 1. 69, 77.
Polyborus, III. 103, 176.

auduboni, III. 178.

brasiliensis, 111. 177, 178.

cheriway. III. 177.

touiurus, III. 249.

tharus. III. 176-178.

vulgaris, III. 177, 178.
Pomatorhinus turdinus, 1. 41.
Pontoaijtus, III. 320.
Pooca!tes, I. 529, 544.

gramineus, I. 545.
Poospiza, I. 530, 589.

belli, I. 33, 590, 593 ; III.
516.

bilineata, I. 589, 590.

lateralis, II. 106.

mystacalis, II. 589.

nevadensLs, 1. 590, 594.
PsittacidiB, II. 469.
Progne, I. 326, 327.

eoncolor, I. 328.

Progne cryptoleuca, I. 328, 329,
332.

domestica, I. 32S.

dominieeusis, I. 328, 329.

elegans, 1. 328, 330.

I'uri'ata, 1. 328.

leucogaster, I. 329, 333.

niodesta, I. 328.

purpurea, I. 328, 332.

subis, I. 328, 329, 332.
Protonotaria, I. 178, 183.

citrea, 1. 183, 184, 289.
Psaltria, I. 107.

flaviccps, I. 112.

melanotis, I. 108.

plumbea, I. 110.
Psaltriparus, I. 86, 107.

melanotis, I. 107, 108.

minimus, I. 108, 109, 120.

personatus, I. lOS.

plumbeus, I. 108, 110.
Psaroeolius auricollis, II. 199.

baltimore, II. 195.

caudaeutus, II. 149.

cyanocepbalus, II. 206.

gubernator, II. 163.

melanocephalus, II. 186.

pecoris, U. 154.

perspieillatus, II. 167.

phteniceus, II. 159.
Pseudaetus, II. 312.
Pseudogryphus, III. 337, 338.

californianus {plate). III.
338, 355, 356.
Pseudoprocne, II. 423.
Psilorhinus, II. 264, 303.

cyanocephalus, II. 260.

mexicanus, II. 304.

niorio, II. 304.
Psittaea carolinensis, II. 587.
Psittacid;e, II. 585.
Psittaeiuffi, II. 585.
Psittacus carolinieusis, II. 587.

ludovicianus, II. 587.

militaris, II. 586.

pascha, II. 586.

strenuus, II. 586.

tlialassinus, II. 587.
Pteroaetus, 111. 312.
Pterocircus, III. 212.
Ptilogonateoe, I. 404.
Ptilogonatina;, I. 395, 404.
Ptilogonus cinereus, 1. 405.
Ptilogonys, I. 405.

nitens, I. 405.

townsendi, I. 409.
Pipilo rufi]>ileus, II. 131.
Pulsatrix, III. 28.
Pygargus, 111. 212.
Pyranga, 1. 432.

.estiva, I. 434, 441.

aniens, I. 433.

azariB, 1. 434, 440.

bidentata, I. 433.

cooperi, I. 434, 444.

erythrocephala, I. 433.

erythromeliena, I. 433, 435.

ervtliropis, I. 437.

bepatica, 1. 433, 440 ; III.
512.

xvm

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Pyranga liuioviuiuna, I. 433,
435, 437.
mis.sissip])iL'n.sis, I. 441.
roscigulaiis, I. 434.
rubra, I. 34, 432, 435.
nil)riccp.s, I. 433.
saii-a, 1. 434.

tcstai'ea, 1. 434.
P3Tgita, 1. 525.

arctica, II. 119.

tloinestica, I. 525.
PvrgitiPiias i)as.serinus. III. 389.
P>rgitin;c, I. 446, 524.
Pyrocephahus, II. 308, 386.

me.\iiamis, II. 387; III.
522.

nanus, II. 387.

<jl)scuru.s, II. 387.

nibincu.s, II. 387.
Pyrrhula, 1. 447, 456.

ca.ssini, I. 457 ; III. 513.

coccinea, I. 457.

cruentata, I. 468.

enucleator, I. 45.3.

falcirostris, II. 90.

frontalis, I. 466.

ludoviiiana, II. 70.
Pyrrhuloxia, U. 60, 95.

sinuata, II. 95.
Quiscalina?, II. 147, 202.
Quiscalus, II. 202, 212.

ajneus, II. 213, 218.

tenius, II. 218.

aglaius, II. 213, 221.

assiinilis, II. 214.

baiitus, II. 213, 221.

brachypterus, II. 21.3.

brevveri, 11. 206.

ferrugineus, II. 203.

gundlaclii, II. 213.

inflexirostris, II. 214.

maorunis, II. 214, 225.

major, II. 214, 222.

raexicanus, II. 214.

niger, II. 213.

nitens, II. 215.

palustris, II. 214.

peruvianu.s, II. 214.

purpinatus, II. 215.

purpnri'us, II. 213-215.

tenuirostris, II. 214.

versicolor, II. 215, 218.
Raptores, III. 1.
Kegulina;, I. 69, 72.
Reguloides proregulus, I. 72.
Kegulus, I. 72.

Rpgula calendula, I. 34, 75 ;
III. 506.

cuvieri, I. 75.

my.staceus, I. 297.

rubineus, I. 75.

.satrapa, I. 75, 104.
Rliiuianipbus, I. 215.

festivus, I. 222.

blacklnimiie, I. 237.

canadensis, I. 254.

ca.staneus, I. 251.

chry.scolus, I. 222.

eoronatus, I. 227.

discolor, I. 276.

Rliiniani|iliusinacul».sus, I. 232.

maritimu.s, I. 212.

olivaceus, I. 258.

pensUis, I. 240.

pinus, I. 268.

rufus, I. 273.

stiiatus, I. 248.

tigriiia, I. 273.

virens, I. 261.
Rhinogryphus, III. 337, 343.

aura {i)!(Uc), III. 344, 355,
356.

burrovianu.s. III. 344.
Rliinoptvnx, III. 60.
Rliinostrix, III. 60.
Hhynehodon, III. 127.
Rhyncliofalco, III. 107, 154.
Rhyncliopsitta pacbyrhynclia,

II. 586.
Rostrhamus, III. 104, 207.

hamatus. III. 209.

niger, III. 208.

plunibeus, III. 208, 209.

sociabilis. III. 208.

tfeniunis. III. 209.
Sagi'ce, II. 332.
Salpinctes, I. 130, 134.

obsoletus, I. 135, 140 ;

III. 508.
Saltator viridis, II. 46.
Sarcorhanipbidtc, III. 335.
Sarcorhaniphus, III. 336, 337.

ealifornicus, HI. 338.

gr\'phus [plate]. III. 355,
356.

papa (plate). III. 356.
Saurothera bott*, II. 472.

californiana, II. 472.

marginata, II. 472.
Saxicola, I. 59.

ojnanthe, I. 59, 60 ; III.
506.

oenantboides, I. 60.
Saxicolidffi, I. 1, 2, 59, 69.
Sayornis, II. 307, 339 ; III.
521.

ariuaticus, II. 340.

cineiuscens, II. 340.

fuscus, I. 295 ; II. 343.

latirostris, II. 340.

nigrican.s, II. 340.

pallidus, II. 347.

.Sams, II. 347.
Seapliiilurus palustris, II. 214.
Scardafella, III. 375, 387.

inca, in. 387.

si^uaraosa. III. 387.
Scolecophagus, II. 202.

cyanoceplialus. III. 203,
"206.

fernigineuii, I. 77 ; II. 20.3.

niexicanus, II. 206.

niger, II. 203.
Scops, III. 6, 47.

albifrons. III. 43.

a-sio (/)?<(/<•), III. 48,49,51,
98-101.

enano. III. 48.

Ilaninieola, III. 58.

tloridanus, III. 48, 51.

Scops kennicotti. III. 48, 53,
55.

maccalli. III. 49, 52.

seniitonpics. III. 56.
trichojisis. III. 53.

zorca. III. 47.
Scotiaptex, III. 5, 28, 29.

ciuereum (plate), III. 29,
30, 98-102.

lapponicuni. III. 29, 30.
Scotophilus acadicus, III. 43.
Sccurirostres, II. 492.
Seinirea;, I. 178, 279.
Seiunis, I. 178, 279.

aun)ca|iillus, I. 279, 280,
29,"), 304.

gosse, I. 284.

ludovicianus, I. 280, 285,
287, 295 ; III. 511.

uiotaiilla, I. 287.

noveboracensis, I. 280, 281 ,
283, 289.

sulfurasi-ens, I. 284.

tenuirostris, I. 283.
Selasphonis, II. 438, 439, 458.

costfe, II. 457.

flammula, II. 459.

heloisie, II. 465.

platvccreus, II. 458, 462.

rufus, II. 459.

scintilla, II. 459.
Setircstres, II. 399.
Setophaga, I. 179, 312, 322.

bonapartei, I. 320.

canadensis, I. 320.

niiniata, I. 322.

nigiicincta, I. 320.

picta, I. 322 ; III. 512.

rubra, I. 312.

ruticillii, I. 322, 323.

wilsoui, I. 317.
Setopliageo3, I. 179.
Setophagina>, I. 178, 179, 311.
Sialia, I. 59, 62.

arctica, I. 62, 66 - 08.

azurea, I. 62, 63.

ea-ruleocollis, I. 65.

niacrojjtera, I. 67.

mexicana, 1. 62, 65, 66,
68; III. 506.'

occidentalis, I. 65.

sialis, I. 62, 66, 68.

wilsoni, I. 62.
Siphonorliis, II. 399.
Sltta, 1. 114.

aculeata, I. 92, 114, 115,
117.

canadensis, I. 114. 117,
118, 121, 122.

carolinensis, I. Ill, 117.
122.

nielanocepbala, I. 114.

pusUla, I. 114, 120, 122;
III. 507.

pvgm.-Ea, I. 92, 114, 120 ;
" III. 507.

varia, I. 118.
Sittace, II. 58,5.

luilitari.s, II. 586.

pachyrliyncha, II. 586.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

XIX

Sittacinai, II. 585.
Sittimu, I. S6, 113.
Sparvius, ill. 220.

ciiThoot-phiilus, III. 220,
222.

platviitenis, III. 259.
Speotyto", in. 6, 8S.

cuiiicularia, 111. HO.

domiiigensis. III. S9, 90.

fusca, III. 89, 90.

grallaria. III. 89.

Kuadeloupeusis, III. 90.

liypoga;a {plate), III. 90,
"9;i, 98-101.
Spermoiihila, II. 60, 90.

albigiilaris, II. 91.

moreletti, II. 91.
Spliviopiciis, II. 494, 535.
"nuchalis, II. 538, 542.

ruber, II. 538, 54,4.

thyroideus, II. 538, 547.

varius. III. 537, 539 ; III.
523.

williamsoni, II. 538, 545.
Spilooircus, III. 212.
Spinites, II. 1.

atrigulari.s, II. 15.

monticoUis, II. 3.

pusillus, II. 5.

socialis, II. 7.
Spiza, II. 81.

amiena, II. 84.

ciris, I. 315 ; II. 87.

cyanea, I. 315 ; II. 82.

versicolor, II. 86.
Spizacircus, III. 212.
Spizageranus unkuictus, III.

249.
Spizella, I. 530 ; II. 1.

arizoiiiB, II. 2, 11.

atrigiilaris, II. 3, 15.

brewed, II. 13; III. 516.

canadensis, II. 3.

maxima, I. 566.

monticola, II. 2, 3 ; III.
516.

pallida, n. 2. 11.

pinetoruin, II. 2.

piusilla, II. 2, 5.

shattncki, 11. 11.

socialis, II. 2,7; III. 516.
Spizelleie, I. 529.
Spizellinic, I. 446, 528.
Spiziacircus, III. 212.
Spizime, I. 446 ; II. 58.
Spizognath*, I. 431.
Sporoi)hila, II. 90.

moreletti, II. 91.
Stamcenadew, III. 375.
Starnccnas, III. 375, 394.

cyanocephala. III. 395.
Steatomis, II. 398.
Steatornithinffi, II. 398.
Stegnoliema, III. 397.
Stelgidoptery.x, I. 327, 350.

senipennis, I. 350.
Stellula, II. 438, 439, 445.

calliope, II. 445.
Stenopsis, II. 399.
Stoliila lucavsiensis, II. 332.

Stolidus domiuicensis, II. 332.
iStreptoeervle, II. 391.

alcyon, II. 392.
Stridula, III. 10.
Strigi.-eps, HI. 212.

hndsoiiius. 111. 214.

uligiuosus. III. 214.
Strigidw, III. 1, 4.
.Stringopina;, II. 585.
Stii\, HI. 5, 10.

acadica. III. 43, 80.

acadiensis. 111. 43.

acelaniator, HI. 30.

albifrons. 111. 43.

ahico. III. 28.

americana, HI. 1.3.

arctica, HI. 64, 70.

asio. III. 47, 49.

brachvotus, HI. 17, 22.

bubo,' III. 60, 62.

californica, III. 90.

canadensis. III. 75.

ciucrea. III. 28, 30.

clamata, HI. 61.

crassirostris, HI. 61.

cunicularia, HI. 88, 90.

delicatula. III. 13.

eluta. III. 81.

feiTugiuea, HI. 85.

flammea. III. 10, 11.

freti Inulsonius, IH. 75.

frontalis, HI. 43.

funerea, HI. 75.

furcata, HI. 12.

gaatemal.Ti, III. 11.

havanense, HI. 79.

luidsonia, HI. 75.

hulmla, HI. 28.

hyjioga^a, HI. 90.

javaiiica, HI. 13.

macrorhyncha, HI. 61.

macnlata. 111. 61.

niaximiis, IH. 62.

mexieana, HI. 60, Gl.

niBvia, IH. 49.

nacurutu, HI. 61.

nebulosa. III. 34.

nivea, HI. 61.

nyctea, HI. 61, 70.

otus, HI. 17.

passerina, HI. 39, 43, 79.

passi'rinoides, HI. 81.

peregrinator. III. 18.

perlata, IH. 12, 13.

phalrenoides. III. 43.

pratinco'.a (plate), HI. 11,
13, 98-101.

pusilla, HI. 80.

pygiiia-a, III. 80.

.scops, HI. 47.

tengmalmi, HI. 39, 40.

torquatus, HI. 28.

ulula. III. 74.

virginiana, HI. 62.

wapacuthu, HI. 64.
Strobilopliaga, I. 452.
Struthus atrimentalis, II. 15.

caniceps, 1. 587.

oregonus, I. 584.
Stumella, II. 148, 171.

Stumella collaris, 11. 174.

liipjiocrepis, II. 172, 176.

liidoviciaiia, II. 174.

magna, 11. 172, 174.

meridionalis, H. 172.

mexieana, II. 172.

ncglerta, I. 33; II. 173,
176.
Sturnida;, II. 228.
.Sturnns, II. 228.

cinclus, I. 55, 56.

collaris, II. 174.

junceti, 11. 154.

Indovicianus, II. 174.

nove-hispania;, H. 154.

obscurius, H. 154.

pnedatorius, II. 159.

vulgaris, II. 228, 229.
Sumia, III. 6, 74.

ferrngiuea, HI. 85.

liudsonia, IH. 75.

na!via, IH. 49.

passerina. III. 80.

uluIa {jihiic), HI. 39, 75,
98-102.
Sylvania bouapartei, I. 320.

mitrata, I. 314.

pumilia, I. 316.

pusilla, I. 317.

ruticilla, I. 322.
Sylvia wquiuoctialis, I. 293.

festiva, I. 222.

agilis, I. 290.

americana, I. 208.

antlioides, I. 283.

auduboni, I. 229.

auricoUis, I. 184.

autumnalis, I. 251.

azurea, I. 235.

baclimani, I. 194.

bifasciata, I. 235.

blackburniffi, I. 237.

Ciierulea, I. 235.

canadensis, I. 254.

carbonata, I. 214.

carolinensis, I. 222.

castanea, I. 251.

celata, I. 202.

cbildreni, I. 222.

chivi, I. 359.

chrysojitera, I. 192.

citrinella, I. 222.

coronata, I. 227.

culicivora, I. 312.

discolor, I. 276.

dome*tica, I. 149.

ilava, I. 222.

flavicollis, I. 240.

flavifrons, 1. 192.

formosa, I. 293.

halseii, I. 258.

icterocephala, I. 245.

incaua, I. 237.

juncoruni, II. 5.

lateralis, I. 237.

leucogastra, I. 196.

leucuptei-a, I. 254.

huloviciana, I. 141, 142.

macgillivrayi, I. 303.

macropus, I. 254.

XX

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Sylvia maculosa, 1. 232.
niagnulia, 1. 2.'i2.

Iiiai'ilaiiilii'a, 1. 297.

inantima, 1. 212.

mi-.\ii'ana, I. I!i6.

iniiiuta, 1. 27(;; 316.

iiiissomieiisis, 1. 205.

iiiitnUa, 1. 314.

molilalia, I. 271.

iiaslivillci, I. 196.

nigicsccns, 1. 258.

novcboraceu.sis, I. 283.

oi-cidi'iitalis, I. 266.

olivacea, 1. 258.

]>almanim, I. 273.

pahi.stris, I. 254.

jiai-daliiia, 1. 320.

parus, I. 237.

penusylvaiiica, 1. 245.

pensills, I. 240.

peregrina, I. 205.

peta.so(lfs, I. 317.

Philadelphia, I. 301.

piiuis, I. 195, 268.

populorum, 1. 235.

protoiiotaria, I. 183, 184.

pusilla, I. 208, 254.

rathbonia, I. 222, 223.

nificapilla, I. 191, 196.

siali,s, 1. 63.

solitaria, I. 195.

sphagiiosa, I. 254.
triata, I. 248.

svvainsoni, I. 186, 190.

beniata, I. 258.

ti'Tina, I. 212, 271.

tolmia-i, I. 303.

tori|uata, I. 208.

towiiseudi, I. 265.

triuha-s, I. 239, 297.

troglodytes, I..--155.
vel.ata, "I. 296.
vermivora, I. 187.

vigorsii, I. 268.

\-irciis, I. 261.
wilsoni, I. 317.
xantliopygia, 1. 227.
xanthocoa, I. 227.
Sylvicola, I. 207, 215.
sestiya, I. 222.
agilis, I. 290.
amcricana, I. 208.
auduboni, I. 229.
baclimaui, I. 194.
blackbumi.Te, I. 287.
ciienilea, I. 235.
canadensis, I. 254.
castanea, I. 251.
celata, I. 202?
chrysoptora, I. 192.
eoronata, I. 227.
discolor, I. 276.
fonnosa, I. 293.
ictcroccphala, 1. 245.
kirtlaiidi, I. 272.
niacgillivniyi, I. 303.
maculosa, I. 232.
niaritima, I. 212.
mitrata, I. 314.
montana, I. 271.

Sylvicola nigrcscens, I. 258.
occidentalis, I. 266.
olivacra, I. 258.
jialiiianiiii, I. 273.
])aiiiiosa, 1. 254.
jiardaliiia, I. 320.
jianis, I. 237.
peusilis, I. 240.
percgrina, I. 205.
■ petechia, I. 273.
pin lis, 1. 268.
pusilla, 1. 208.
rathlmnia, I. 222.
lubricapilla, 1. 196.
nificapilla, 1. 273.
.solitaria, 1. 195.
.striata, 1. 248.
swainsoiii, I. 190.
taiuiata, I. 258.
townseiuli, 1. 265.
vermivom, I. 187.
\irens, I. 261.
.Sylvicolese, I. 178, 211.
Sylvicolidie, I. 1, 69, 163, 164.

177.
SylvicoUnffi, I. 178, 179.
Sylviidffi, I. 2, 69, 431.
SylviiniB, I. 69.
Syriiia nyctea. III. 70.
.Svniium, III. 5, 28.

aluco {plair), III. 28, 97.
cinereum. III. 28, 30, 31.
fulvescens. III. 29.
lapponicuni. III. 30.
nebulosum. III. 28, 29, 34.
occidentale. III. 28, 29, 38.
sartorii, III. 29.
Tachycincta, I. 327, 338, 344.
bicolor, I. 344.
thalas.siua, I. 344, 347.
Tacliytriorchis, III. 254.
T;enioptynx, III. 79.
Talpacot^, III. 375.
Tanagra iestiva, I. 441.
Columbiana, 1. 437.
cyanea, II. 81, 82.
ludoyiciana, 1. 437.
mississippiensis, I. 441.
nibra, I. 435.
variegata, 1. 441.
TanagiidiE, 1. 431.
Telmatodytes, I. 131, 141, 158.
arundiuacpus, I. 161.
bewidcii, I. 141.
leucogaster, I. 141.
spiluras, I. 141.
Tcraspiza, III. 220, 222.
Terestristea;, I. 179.
Terc.stiisli.s, I. 179.
Tetrao albii.s. III. 457.
bonasia. III. 446.
• californicus, III. 478, 479.
canadensis. 111. 415, 416,

419.
cristata. III. 487.
cupido. III. 439, 440.
franklini. III. 415, 419.
fusca. III. 419.
guttata, III. 492.
islandicus. III. 462.

Tetrao lagopus, III. 456, 457,
462.
lagopus islandicus. III.

462.
lajiponicus. III. 457.
leucuiu.s. III. 464.
marilandieus, III. 468.
minor, 111. 468.
nmtus. 111. 462.
ob.S(Hinis, III. 415, 421,

423, 425.
phasianellus. III. 429, 433,

436.
rehusak. III. 457.
richardsoni. III. 427.
nipestris. III. 462.
sabiiii, III. 454. ■
saliceti. 111. 457.
togatus. 111. 448.
tympaiuis. III. 448.
nmbelloides. 111. 453.
uinbellus. 111. 448, 454.
urogiilhis. III. 434.
urophasiaiicUus, III. 436.
uropliasiaiius. 111. 428.
virginiaiius, 111. 467, 468.
Tetraouidic, HI. 414.
Tetrastes, HI. 446.
Thalassoaetu.s, HI. 320, 322.
Thaumatia.s, 11. 440, 468.

linnwi, II. 468.
Thcromyias .saya, II. 347.
Thryomancs, ]". 130, 144.
Thryothorus, I. 130, 141, 142,
148, 158.
anindiiiaceus, I. 161.
bewickii, 1. 142, 145.
berlandim, I. 39, 141, 144.
leucoga.ster, I. 147 ; III.

508.
littoralis, I. 142.
louisianre, I. 142.
ludoyicianns, I. 39, 137,

141, 142; HI. 508.
mexicainis, I. 137.
jiiiius, 1. 268.
s[iiluiu.s, I. 147, 154.
torquatus, I. 208.
Tiaris oinissa, II. 93.

])usilla, II. 93.
Tichoriiis, 111. 159.
Tinnuncuhis, HI. 107, 159.
alaudariu.s, HI. 159.
australi.s, HI. 166.
cinnamominus, 111. 168.
cclumbarius. III. 144.
dominicensis. III. 166, 167,

171.
isabellinu.s, HI. 166, 167.
leucojilirys, HI. 161.
phakeiia,' HI. 169.
span-eroides, III. 161, 162.
sparverius. III. 161, 166,
167, 169, 171. ■
Tolmaetus, III. 312.
Toxostoma curvirostris, I. 41.
lecontei, I. 44.
longirostre, I. 39.
rediviva, I. 45.
vetula, I. 35, 41.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

XXI

Trichas, I. 295.

agili.s, I. 290.

bnicliydactylu.s, I. 297.

margillivrayi, 1. ;i03.

maiilaniUmis, 1. 297.

pei-soiiatus, I. 297.

philadclpliia, I. 301.

tephrocotis, I. 290.

tolmiaji, I. 303.

vegata, I. 303.
Triehoglossina!, II. .585.
Tricliopicus, II. 502.
Tiichopipo, II. 502.
Tridaetylia, II. 509, 528.

arctica, I. 530.

dors,alis, II. 532.

undulata, II. 532.
Ti-ioruliis, III. 182, 297.
Troi-hilidic, II. 437, 466.
Trocliilin.-B, II. 438.
Trofliilus, II. 438, 439, 447.

alfxaiidii, II. 450.

anna, II. 454.

anreigastcr, II. 448.

calliopi', II. 445.

colubiis, II. 448.

icterocephalus, II. 454.

leucotis, II. 466.

maculatus, 11. 468.

mango, II. 440.

melanotus, II. 466.

platycercus, II. 462.

rufus, 11. 458.

tobaci, II. 468.

tobagensis, 11. 468.

tobago, II. 468.
Troglodytes, I. 1.31, 148.

a;d6n, 1.146, 148, 149,162.

alascensis, I. 149, 157.

ameiicanus, I. 136, 149,
151, 153.

anmdinaceiis, I. 141, 142.

aztecus, I. 148.

bewickii, I. 144, 145, 147.

brevirostris, I. 159.

fulvus, I. 149.

hyemali.s, I. 149, 155, 158;
III. 508.

latisfa.sciatus, I. 135.

leucogaster, I. 147.

ludovioianus, I. 142, 146.

niexiciinvis, I. 138.

obsoU-tus, I. 134, 135.

pacificus, I. 149, 155, 158.

palustris, I. 161.

parknianni, I. 148, 153,
162.

spilunis, I. 147.

sU-Ilaiis, I. 158, 159.

sylvestris, I. 153.
Troglodvtida!, I. 130, 431.
Tmpialis, 11. 148.
Trvpbajna heloisa, II. 465.
TurdidLE, I. 1, 2, 59, 69, 130,

4.31.
Turdinai, I. 2, 3, 31.
Turdus (suhijp.nas), I. 2, 4, 22,
59.

aliciaj, I. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12,
13, 16.

Turdu.s aonalasLlikfc, I. 20.
atpr, II. 182, 190.
auduboni, I. 5, 7, 15, 16,

21 ; III. 504.
aurocapillus, I. 280, 2S6.
carolini'nsis, I. 52.
continis, I. 24, 27.
coronatus, I. 280.
densus, I. S.
fu.scescens, I. 4, 6, 9, 15-

21.
giUtatu.s, I. 18.
hudsonius, II. 20.3.
iliacus, I. 22, 23.
janiaii'ensis, I. 24.
jugularis, II. 182, 190.
labiadorius, II. 203.
ludovirianus, II. 287.
niplodus, I. 8.
nicrula, I. 27.
mignitorius, I. 13, 23-25,

27, 28, 30, 48.
niininiHS, I. 14.
minor, I. 3, 14, 18.
montanus, I. 32.
motacilla, II. 287.
musicus, I. 30.
mustelinus, I. 1, 4, 6, 7,

9, 10, 15, 19.
n<i;vius, I. 28, 29.
nanu.s, I. 5, 7, 16, 20, 21 ;

III. 504.
noveboracensis, II. 203.
No. 22, II. 203.
olivaceus, I. 14.
pallasi, 11. 4-7, 11, 12,

14-16, 18, 282.
pilaris, I. 23.
polvglottus, I. 48, 49.
rufiis, I. 37, 144.
silens, I. 9, 21.
swainsoni, I. 4, 5, 7, 11-

13, 14, 16-18, 282.
trichas, I. 297.
ustulatu.s, I. 5, 7, 13, 15,

16, 20, 46.
variegatus, I. 131.
virens, I. 306, 307.
viscivorus, I. 3, 22.
wilsonii, I. 9.
Turtur carolinensis. III. 383.

leucopterus. III. 376.
Tvranni, II. 307.
Tyrannidie, II. 306.
Tyrannula acadica, 11. 374.
caribiea, II. 351.
cinerascens, II. 337.
eoronata, II. 387.
crinita, II. 334.
flaviventrii?, II. 378.
fiisca, II. 343.
hammondi, II. 383.
minima, II. 372.
nigiicans, II. 340.
obsc-nra, II. 381.
jialliila, fl. 347.
pbu/bi>, II. 360.
]>usiUa, II. 362, .366, 378.
richardsoni, II. 360.
Siiya, II. 347.

Tyrannula trailli, II. 369.

virens, II. 357.
Tyrannuli, II. 3il7.
Tyrannus, II. 307, •'iU.

acadi(-u.s, II. 374.

antillarum, II. 332.

atricejw, II. 360.

borcalis, II. 353.

carolinensis, II. 315, 316.

cassini, II. 327.

coo peri, II. 353.

coucbi, II. 315, 329.

crinitus, II. 334.

dominicensis, II. 315, 319.

lorlicatus, II. 311.

fiiscus, II. 343.

gri.seus, 11. 319.

intrej.idus, II. 316.

li-ucogasU-r, II. 316.

ludovicianiis, II. 334.

matutinns, II. 319.

mclaniliolieu.s, II. 315,
329.

mexicanus, II. 311.

nigiicans, II. 340, 353.

phcebc, II. 332, 360.

pipiri, II. 316.

pusillus, 11. .366.

savana, II. 309.

savus, II. 347.

trailli, II. 369.

vcrticalis, II. 315, 324.

virens, II. 357.

vociferans, 11. 31.5, 327 ;
m. 521.
Ulula braebyotus, III. 22.

cunicularia. III. 90.

flammea. III. 13.

nebulosa. III. 34.

otus. III. 17, 18.

passerina, III. 43.

virginiana, III. 62.
Uraspiza, III. 220, 222.
Uroaetus, III. 312.
Urospiza, III. 220, 222.
Urospizia, III. 220, 222.
Urubitinga unicincta. III. 249.
Vermivora baclimani, I. 194.

celata, I. 202.

fulvicapilla, I. 187.

nigrescens, I. 258.

penn.sylvanica, I. 187.

peregrina, I. 205.

protonotaria, I. 184.

nibricapilla, I. 196.

solitaria, I. 195.

swainsoni, I. 190.
Vei-mivoreai, I. 178, 183.
Virco. I. 357, 358. 382.

atricapillus, I. 358, 382,
383.

belli, I. 81, 358, 383, 389.

bogotensis, I. 363.

carmioli, I. 383.

ca.ssini, I. 376.

Ilavifrons, I. 357, 379.

flavoviridi.s, I. 366.

gilvus, 1. 368.

huttoni, I. 358, 383, 387.

mubicus, I. 385.

xxu

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Viieo uuveboraccnsis, I. 357,

358, 383, 385.
olivaceus, 1. 357, 363.
philadeljihicus, I. 359,

367.
pusilhis, I. 358, 383, 391 ;

III. 512.
solitaiius, I. 357.
swaiiisoni, I. 371.
Ticinior, I. 35S, 383, 393.
vigorsii, I. 268.
virc'sceus, I. 363.
VirooiicIIa, 1. 382.

«un(llaclii, I. 382.
Vii-foniiia', I. 70, 306, 356, 357.
Vircosylvia, I. 357, 358.
agilis, I. 359.
altiloqua, I. 360.
barbadense, I. 359.
barbatula, 1. 357, 359,

360.
calidra.s, I. 358, 359.
chivi, I. 359.
cobanensis, I. 367.
liavifrons, I. 379.
flavoviridis, 1. 357, 359,

366.
gilva, I. 359, 360, 368,

371.
gilviis, I. 357.
Josephs!, I. 360.
raagister, I. 359.
olivacea, I. 357, 359, 363 ;

III. 512.
pliiladelphica, I. 357, 367.
plumbea, I. 377.
propiuquua, I. 373.

Vireosylvia solitaria, I. 373.

swaiiisoni, 1. 360, 371.
Vultur albicilla, 111. 324, 327.

atratiis, 111. 350, 351.

audax. III. 312.

auia, III. 343, 344, 351.

aura iiigfr, fi, III. 351.

califoniiaiius, 111. 338.

grypliiLs, 111. 337.

iota, 111. 345, 351.

papa. 111. 337.

uiiibu. 111. 351.
VulturinaJ, HI. 335.
Wilsonia, I. 313.

liiiuuta, I. 316.

pusilla, I. 317.
Xanthocephalus, II. 148, 167.

icteiocephalus, II. 167.

perspiciilatus, II. 167.
Xanthornus, I. 179, 182.

abeillei, II. 184.

buUocki, II. 199.

gubeiTiator, II. 163.

melanocephalu.s, II. 186.

parisorum, II. 188.

phoeniceu.s, II. 159.
Xantboura, II. 264, 294.

guatemalen.sis, II. 295.

iiica.s, II. 295.

luxuosa, II. 295.
Xenocraugus, III. 526.

albolarvatu.s, II. 526.
Xenopicu.s, II. 502, 526.

albolarvatus, II. 526.
Yuiigiiiffi, II. 491.
Yphantes, II. 179, 183.
Zebrapicus, II. 553.

ZebrapiciLs kaupii, II. 558.
Zenaida, 111. 375, 378.

amabilis, 111. 379.

aurita. 111. 379.

hypolciica. III. 379.

leucoptt-ra. 111. 376.

maculata. 111. 379.

niartiiiican.a, III. 379.

inontana, III. 393.
Zeuaidf'ie, 111. 375.
Zuiiaidiiiii!, 111. 357, 374.
Zonaidura, 111. 375, 381.

caroliiu'iisis. III. 382, 383.

graysoni. III. 382.

niaigiiiflla, III. 383.

yucatrnsis. 111. 382.
Zonotrichia, I. 530, 565.

albiooULs, II. 186, 574.

aiirooapilla, I. 573.

belli, I. 593.

bouuaidi, II. 38.

cassiiii, II. 42.

cblonii-a, II. 131.

coniata, I. 577.

coronata, I. 573.

faUa.\. II. 22.

fa-Kc-iata, II. 22.

gambeU, I. 566, 569 : III.
516.

graiiiinea, I. 54.5.

leuooplirys, I. 566.

liielodia, II. 19.

niontirola, II. 3.

pcnii.sylvaiiioa, I. 574.

plebeja, II. 47.

quciula, I. 577.
Zygodactyli, II. 469.

INDEX TO PLATES OF LAND BIRDS.

^giothus lirewsteri.

I. 501, pi. 22, fig

6 Calamospiza bicolor,

9 11.

61, pi. 29, fig.

3

e.xilipes,
fusceseeiis,

cf " 498, "

2

Callipepla ajuamata.

cf III.

487, pi. 63, "

6

cf " 493, "

3

Calyptc anua.

cf II.

454, pl. 47, "

7
8

*t ,( t* *(

5

costa;.

cf "

457, " "

Agelaius gubernator (sk

nithl''r)y
J II. pi. 33, "

4

Campephilus principal

cf "

496, pi. 49, "

1

gubernator,
phoeniceus,

9 " 163, " "
d " 159, "

8
1

V "
Campylorhynclius ailinis, I.

133, pl. 8, "

2
6

9 " "

2 ]

brunncicapillus,

132, " "

5

" (shoulder)

cT " "

3'

Canace canadensis.

III.

9 "
cT "

416, pi. 61, "

5
6
5

tricolor (shoulder).

d- " 165, "
cf " "
9 " "

5

((

" i^'-;^'"' [[

tt

7

franklini.

<f "

419, "

o

Alauda arvensis.

" 136, pi. 32, "

3

f\iIiginosu.s,

"

495.

1

2
4
8
0
9
6
7

Ammoclromus caudaeiitus, I. 557, \A. 25, "

7

obscurus.

cf "
9 "
<f "

cf 11.

422, " "

raaritimus,
Ampelis uedrorum,
gaiTuIus,

" 560, "
<; " 401, pi. IS, "
<} " 396, "

8
2

1

ricliardsoni,
Cardiniilis coccineu.s.

427, "

pi. 30, "

Anteiior unicinctus.

III. 250.

igneus.

d "

103, "

Antlius ludovicianus,

I. 171, pi. 10, "

3

phoeniceus.

9 "
cf "

100,

pratensis,

" 173, "

4

virginiauus.

Antrostomus caroliuen

iis.

uuttalli.

cf II. 410, pi. 46, "
S •' 417, "

1
3

Carpodacus caliibrnicus,

cf I
it (. n n

465, pi. 21, ''^

10
11
4
5
3
6

vociferus.

cf " 413, "

2

?

Aqiiila canadensis,

III. 314.

cassiui.

cf "

9 ■'
cf "
9 "
cf "
cf "

460,

Archibuteo ferrugiueus
sancti-johaunis,

, " 300.
" 304.

frontalis,

465, "

Astur atricapillus,
Asturina plagiata,
Atthis heloisa.

" 237.
" 246.
cf II. 465, pi. 47. "

6

hcemoi-rhous,
rhodocolpus.

468, "
462, "

12
9
7
8

Auriparus flaviceps.

I. pi. 7, "

11

purpureus.

cf "

? "

Catharista atrata.

III

. 351.

Bonasa s.abiupi,

III. 454.

Cathcrpes mexicanus.

1

139, pi. 8, '

4

unibelloides,

" 4.53, pi. Gl, "

10

Centrocercus urophas

anus,

umbellus.

" 448, " ;'

3
9

J,

cf III
cf "

pl. 60, '

2
4

Bubo arcticu.s,

" 64.

"

429, pi. 61, '

6

pacificus.

" 65.

Centronyx bairdi.

I

. 531, pi. 25, '

3

virgiuianus,

" 62.

Centurus aurifrons,

cf II

. 557, pi. 52, '

' 3

Budytes flava,

I, 167, pi. 10, '

2

9 "

" *' '

' 6

Buteo borcalis.

III. 281.

caroUnus,

cf "

554, •' " 1

calurus,

" 286.

'<

9 "

" " '

' 4

cooperi.

" 295.

uropygialis.

cf "

558, "

' 2

elegans,

" 277.

''*

9 "

** *'

' 5

harlani,

" 292.

Certhia americana.

. 125, pi. 8, '

' 11

krideri.

" 284.

mexicana,

(

128.

lineatus.

" 275.

Certhiola baharaensis

, <f '

' 428, pl. 19, '

' 5

luca.sanus.

" 285.

Ceryle alcyon.

cf n. 392, pi. 45,

' 6

oxypterus.

" 266.

cabanisi.

cf '

396,

' 9

pennsylvanicus,

" 259.

Chcetura pelagica.

cf '

432, pi. 45,

' 7
' 8

swainsoni.

" 263.

vauxi,

9 '

435,

zonocercus.

" 272.

Ohamaea fasciata.

I. 84, pl. 6,

' 8

Chamiepelia passcrina, cf III. 38.9, pi. .58,

' 6
' 1

Calanio.spiza bicolor,

cf II. 61, pi. 29,

' 2

1 Chondestes graramac

a, cf U. 562, pi. 3Jl,

VOL. HI.

74

XXIV

INDEX TO PLATES OF LAND BIKDS.

Chordeiles henryi.

cf

popetue,
tcxcnsis,
Chrysomitris lawrenci.

9

arizonae,

<f

mexicana.

?

piniis,
psaltria,

40-4, pi. 46, fi;
4(J7.

4(16, "
478, pi. 22,

tristis {summer),
" {winter),
Cinolus mexicaniLs,
Circus hudsonius,
Cistothorus palustris,

stellaris,
Coccygus americanus,

eiythrophtbalmiis,

minor,
Colaptes auratus,

chrysoides.

111
I.

<f II.

hybridus,
iue.xicanus,

Collurio tiorealis,

" (Juv.)

excubitoioides, cf ' '

ludovicianus, <f "

robust us, "

Coluniba fasciata, cf 11

Havirostris, cf ' '

leucocephala, cf ' '

Contopus borealis, <f "

pertinax, cf "

richardsonii, cf ' '

vireiLS, cf "

Conuruscarolinensis, {Ad. ) "
{Juv.)"

Corvus americanus, cf "

carnivorus, 9 "

caurinvis, <f ' '

cryptoleucus, "

floridanus, "

mexicanus, cf "

ossifragus, ' '

Cotumiculus benslowi, ? 1

leconti, 9 ' '

ochroccpbalus, 1 1

passeriuus, I

perpalli<lus, "

Cotyle riparia, cf "

Crotopbaga ani, 9 11

Cupidonia cupido, 1 1 1

476,

480, '
474,

471,

56, pi.
, 214.
161, pi.

477, pi.
" 484,
" 482,
' 575, pi.

It ti

'■' 583, pi.

it (( <

" 582,
' 578, pi.

I. 415, pi.

H H

" 421,

" 418,
" 420.
II. 360, pi.
" 366,
" 363,
" 353, pi.
" 356,
" 360,
" 357,
587, pi.

243, pi.

234,

248,

242,

247,

233,

251,

553, pi.

552, '
pi.

553, pi.
556.
353, pi.
4S8, pi.
440, pi.

5,

It

48,
55,

55,

9,

pallidicincta,
Cyauocitta arizoiuB,

califoniica,

coucbi,

floridana,

sordida,

suinicbrasti,

woodboust'i,
Cyanospiza anuena.

cyanea.

cf

cf

cf
cf
cf

9

cf

9
cf

446.
, 292, pi.
288, pi.
203.
285,
292, pi.
pi.
291,
84, pi.

82,

44,

56,
37.

25,
46,

16,

48,
61,

41,
40,

41,

40,

29.

Cyanospiza cyanea.

9 JI

82, pl. 29,

fig. 14

parellina.

cf "

<.

" 6

versicolor,

cf "

86, "

" 9

((

9 "

it tt

" 10

Cyanura coronata.

cf "

pl. 39,

" i

cristata.

cf "

273, pl. 42,

" 3

frontalis,

cf "

279, pl. 39,

" 2

macrolopba.

cf "

281, "

" 3

stelleri.

cf "

277, "

" 1

Cyrtonyx masscua.

111

492, pl. 61,

" 2

"

<f "

" pl. 64,

" 3

tt

9 "

it tt

" 6

Dendroica asstiva,

I

222, pl. 14,

" 1

albilora.

cf "

240, "

" 7

auduboni,

"

229, pl. 1.3,

" 1

black buruiae.

cf "

237, "

" 2

"

9 "

it tt

" 3

caerulea.

cf "

235, "

" 10

"

9 "

" "

" 11

cieralescens.

cf "

254, pl. 12,

" 10

"

9 "

" "

" 11

castanea.

cf "

251, pl. 13,

" 4

"

9 "

" "

" 5

chri-sopareia.

cf "

260, pl. 12,

" 6

coronata.

cf "

227, "

" 9

"

9 "

it tt

" 12

discolor.

d- "

276, pl. 14,

" 9

dominica,

cf "

240, "

" 5

graci.-e.

cf "

243, "

" 10

kirtlandi.

<f "

272, "

" 5

maculosa.

cf "

232, "

" 2

montana,

tt

271, "

" 3

nigrcscpns.

<f "

258, pl. 12,

" 8

oecidentalis.

cf "

266, "

" 5

olivacea.

<f "

I'l.H,

" 4

palmaruni,

cf "

273, "

" 8

pennsylvanica.

cf "

245, pl. 13,

" 7

(Juv.

)<f "

tt tt

" 8

pinus,

cf "

268, "

" 6

striata.

cf "

248, "

" 9

"

9 "

tt (t

" 12

townsendi,

cf "

265, pl. 12,

" 7

virens,

cf "

261, "

" 4

Dolichonyx orizp'oms

,cf 11

149, pl. 32,

" i

'*

9 "

t( l(

" 5

Ectopistes migratoria.

cf "

368, pl. 57,

" 5

Elanus leucuras,

III

198.

Embernagra rufirirgata, II

47, pl. 28,

" 3

Empidonax acadicus,

cf "

374, pl. 44,

" 11

difficilis.

380.

llaviventris.

cf "

378, '•

" 12

liammondii,

cf "

383, "

" 7

minimus,

cf "

372, "

" 10

obscurus.

cf "

381, "

" 6

pusillus.

cf "

366, "

" 9

traillii,

cf "

369, "

" 8

Eremopbila comuta.

a "

141, pl. 32,

" 1

" {Jur.)"

tt (1

" 2

Euspiza americana.

cf '•

65, pl. 28,

" 11

"

9 "

" "

" 12

townsciidi.

9 "

68, "

" 13

Falco analuni.

III

132.

candican.s,

"

111.

coluniba riu.s.

"

144.

femor,alis.

"

155.

isabellinus.

"

171.

INDEX TO PT.ATES OF LAND BIRDS.

XXV

Falco islandicus,
labradora,
pealei,
polyagrus,
richardsoui,
sacer,
sparverius,
suckleyi.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis, I.
Geococcyx califoiniauus,

(f II.
Geothlypis macgillivrayi,
\ d" I.

philadelpliia, tf

trichas, ^ "

Glaucidium califomicum, Hi

ferrugiiKnmi,
Guiraca cfenilea, <} II

" ?

Gyninokitta cyauocejihala,^ ^

113.
117.
137.
123.
148.
115.
169.
147.

5-2, pi. 3,

492, pi. 48,

303, pi. 15,

Ci (<

301, "

297, "

81.
S.'i.

fig. 5

" 1

" 4

" 5

" fi

" 9

Icterus bullocki,
cuoullatiis,
parisoium,
spuiius,

{Juv.)

wagleri

9 II. 199, pi. 34, fig.
e " 193, pi. 35, "

188, "
190, pi. 34, "

<f
9

Ictiuia mississippiensis, III. 203.

pi. 35,

Junco aikcni,
canicejis,
hyeinalis,
oreiromis.

cf I. 584, pi. 26, " 6

d- " 587, " " 3

cf " 580, " " 5

e " 584, " " 2

III

III.
I.

II.

Haliaiitus albic-illa,

leucoceplialus,
Harporhynchus cinereus,

crissalis,

curvirostris,

lecontci,

longirostiis,

palmcri,

redivivus,

rufiis,
Hedymeles ludovicianus,
S
(( 9 "

melanocephalus, cf

Heliopjedica xantusi, cf
Helminthophaga bachmani,
<f I
celata {var. Cape Luca,s)

" (var. Florida), "
" {yar. Rocky Mt.s.),

chrysoptera, <?

lucise, _^

peregrina (in. spring),

" linaulumn),"

J* **
pinus, "

ruficapilla,

" (wr. Calif.),"

■nrgiiiiffi,
Helmitlieius swainsoni,

vennivorus,
Hesperiphona montana,

vespertiiia, <f

Hirundo horreoram, cT
Hvlotomus pileaUis, 9 II

77, pi. 29, '

(t tt *

260, pi. 38, '

324.
320.

40, pi. 4,
47, "

41, pi. 3,

44, pi. 4,
39, pi. 3,
43.

45, pi. 4,
37, pi. 3,

70, pi. 30,

73, "

467, pi. 47,

194, pi. 11,

, 204, "

I.

202, "

192, "
200,

205, "

195, "

196, "

199, "
190, pi. 10,

187, "
449, pi. 22,

339, pi. 16,
. 550, pi. 56,

4
6

5

2

9

10

11

• 1

" 12
" 9
" 10
" 4
" 1
" 9
" 4

Lagopus albus,

" [summer), tf
" {lointer), tf
" (summer), 9
ieuc\inis (summer), J
rupe.stris (u-inter), i
" (summer), 9
LaiiiTireo cassini, d

lla\'ifrons, <f

plumbea, <f

solitaria, <?

Lcucosticte arctous,
australls,
campestris,
giiseiuuclia, <?

littoralis,
tephrocotis,
Lopbophanes atricristatus, "
bicolov,
iiioriiatus,
wollweberi,
Lophorty'X californicus, III.
d" "

457, pi. 61,
" pi. 62,

gambeli,
Loxia americana,

leucoptera,
niexicana,

Melanerpes angustifons^ „. 573, pi. 53,

9
<f
9
(f
9

c?

9

464, "
462, "

376, pi. 17,
379, "

377, "
373, "

pi. 23,

507, "

508, "
507, "
504, "

90, pi. 6,
87, "

91, "
93, "

470, pi. 61,
" pi. 64,
(( ((

482, "

. 484, pi. 23,

488, "

" 1

" 3

" 2

" 6

" 4

" 5

" 9

" 5
" 10

•' 8
" 10

" 9

" 7

" 5
" 6
" 8

Icteria longicauda,

virens,
Icterus auduboni,

baltimore,

bullocki.

I

<? "
cf II

d' "

309.

307, pi. 15,
186, pi. 35,
19.5, "
199, pi. 34,

12
1

erythrocepbalus,

formicivorus,
(i

torquatus,
Meleagris gallopavo,

niexicana,
Melopeleia leucoptera,
Melospiza fallax,

guttata,

heeniianni,

insignis,

lincolni,

melodia,

palustris,

r'ufina,

saniucli.s,
Micratbene whitneyi,
Mihndus forficatus,

tyrannus,
Mimus polyglottus.

II.

<f
9

in
d II

564, pi. 54,
566, pi. 53,

561, pi. 54,
.404.

410.

376, pi. 58,

22, pi. 27,

27, "

24, "

30, "

31, "
19, "
34, pi. 28,

t( (*

29, pi. 27,
26, "

. 87.

. 311, pi. 43,
309.

. 49, pi. 3,

1
3
4
4
1
2
4
5
1
4
2
3

" 4
" 10
" 12
" 9
" 8
" 13
" 6
" 1
" 2
" 11
" 7

" 1

XXVI

INDEX TO PLATES OF LAND BIRDS.

Mitreplionispallescens

J

386, pi. 44, fig. 13

Perisoreus capitalis.

cf

11.

302, pi. 41, fig. 4

SIniotilta vaiia.

cf

180, pi. 10, '

' 6

obscurus.

"

*'

Molothrus pecoi-is.

?

154, pi. 32, '

' 6

Perissoglossa carbouata.

I

214, pi. 12, '

' 3

"

9

t( ({ «

' 7

tigrina,

cf

*'

212, "

' 1

obscui-us.

d

" '

' 8

"

9

((

(( H

' 2

Motacilla alba.

1C5, pi. 10, '

' 1

Petrochelidonlunifrons, d"

((

334, pi. 16,

' 13

Mviadestes townsendi,

cf

409, pi. 18, '

' 5

Peucoea ffistivalis,

11

39, pi. 28,

' 4

" (J

IV.)

it (( (

' 6

arizonse,

'*

41.

Jlyiarchus cinerasceiis

cf

337, pi. 43, '

' 8

cai-palis,

"

pi. 46,

' 8

ciinitns.

cf

" '

' 7

ca-ssini.

"

42, pi. 28, '

' 5

lawrencii,

cf

" '

' 9

ruficeps.

((

4.5, "

' 6

Jlyiodioctcs canadensis, cf

320, pi. 16, '

' 6

Phtenopepla nilens,

cf

I

405, pi. 18, '

' 3

minutus.

316, "

' 2

"

cf

"

(( *

' 4

mitratus.

cf

314, pi. 15, '

' 10

Phonipara zcna.

cf

II.

93, pi. 29, '

' 15

"

9

" '

' 11

i(

9

*'

" "

' 16

pilcolatus,

319.

Phyllopnenste boreali

I

pi. 5, '

' 5

pusillus.

cf

317, pi. 16, '

' 3

Pica hudsonica,

cf

II

266, pi. 38,

' 1

((

9

'• " '

' 4

nuttalli,

cf

"

270, "

' 3

Picicomis columbianus.

"

25.5, "

' 4

Nauclerus forficatus.

III

192.

Picoides americanus.

cf

((

532, pi. 50,

' 2

Neocorys spragiu'i.

9

175, pi. 10, '

' 5

arcticus.

cf

t(

530, "

' 1

Nephcecetes niger.

9

429, pi. 45, " 4

Picus albolaivatus.

d'

'*

526, "

' 7

Nisus cooperi.

HI

230.

t(

9

**

** (i

' 8

fuscus.

224.

borealis.

cf

"

524, pi. 49,

' 8

mexicanus.

231.

gairdneri.

it

512.

Nyctale ricliardsoni.

40.

liarri.si.

((

507.

acadica,

43.

lucasanus.

ft

519.

Nyctea scandiaca,

70.

nuttalli.

cf
9

cf

**

521, pi. 50, '

' 3
' 6
' 6

Onychotes gruberi.

254.

pubescens,

((

509, pi. 49, '

Opororuis agilis,

cf

290, pi. 15, '

' 1

*'

9

"

" *'

' 7

"

9

it a t

' 2

scalaris,

cf

"

515, pi. 50, '

' 4

foi-mosa.

cf

29.3, " '

' 3

((

9

**

(( t

' 5

Oreopeleia martinica,

cf III.

393, pi. 58, '

' 1

villosus,

cf

((

503, pi. 49,

' 3

Oreorty.x pictus,

cf

"

475, pi. 63, '

' 5

"

9

**

(t K

' 4

Orcoscoptes montanus.

I

32, pi. 3, '

' 6

(./«».)

cf

*'

'* **

' 5

Ortalida macalli.

11

398, pi. 57, '

' 1

Pinicola enucleator.

cf

I

453, pi. 21,

' 1

Ortyx texamis.

9 111.

474, 1)1. 63, '

' 4

"

9

'*

tt tt

' 2

"

cf

"

t( (( t

' 3

Pipilo abcrti.

cf

II

128, pi. 31,

' 7

virginiaims.

cf
9

it

468, " '

' 1

' 2

albigula,
alleni.

cf

<.

127, " '

112.

' 11

Otus brachyotus.

"

22.

arcticus,

cf

"

119, "

' 5

wilsonianus.

18.

chlorura.

9

<f

i{

131, " '

' 6
' 4

Pandion cardlinensis,

((

184.

crissalis.

cf

"

122, "

' 8

Panyptila melanoleuca, cf

11.

424, pi. 4.1, '

' 5

erythrophthalmus

,<f

'*

109, "

' 2

Panila americana,

cf

I.

208, pi. 10, '

' 7

*'

cf

tl

<t tt i

' 3

Parus atricapillus.

"

96, pi. 7, '

' 1

megdionyx.

9

**

113, "

' 9

carolincnsis.

t(

102, " '

' 4

mesoleucus,

cf

*'

125, "

' 10

hudsonicus.

"

105, "

' 7

oregonus.

9

'*

116, "

' 12

montanus.

a

95, " '

' 5

Plectrophanes lapponicus.

occidentalis.

it

101, " '

' 3

cf

1.

515, pi. 24, '

' 7

nifescens.

"

104, "

' 6

niaccowni,

cf

**

523, "

' 1

septentrionalis.

"

99, "

' 2

melanomus.

cf

'*

521, "

' 6

PassercuUis alaudinus.

"

537, pi. 24, '

' 11

nivalis.

cf

((

512, " '

' 2

anthinus.

"

539, "

' 10

oi-natus.

cf

it

520, " '

' 3

caboti.

11.

pi. 46, '

' 9

pictus.

cf

ft

518, " '

' 4

guttatiis,

I.

544, pi. 25, '

' 1

"

9

'*

<( (t (

' 5

princeps,

"

540, "

' 2

Polioptila c!Er«lea,

"

78, pi. 6, '

' 5

rostratus.

"

542, pi. 24, '

' 12

nii'lanura.

((

81, " '

' 7

sandwichensis.

"

538, "

' 9

plumbea.

tt

80, " '

' 6

savanna.

it

534, " '

' 8

Polybonis auduboni.

[II

178.

Passerella iliaca.

11.

50, pi. 28, '

' 7

Poocastes gramineus.

II.

545, pi. 29, '

' 1

megarihyncha,
schistacea.

"

57, " '

' 10

Poospiza belli.

I.

593, pi. 26, '

' 9

"

56.

biiiueata.

cf

*'

590, " '

' 8

townsendi.

9

"

.53, "

' 8

nevadensis.

(1

594.

Pediftcetes columbianus.

11.

434, pi. 60, '

' 1

Progne ciyptoleuca,

'*

332.

phasianellus.

"

436,

' 3

subis.

9

*'

329, pi. 16, '

' 7

Perisoreus canadensis.

cf

11.

299, pi. 41, '

' 3

It

cf

"

tt (( (

' 10

" (Juv.)

(<

pi. 42, '

' 4

Protonotaria citrea.

"

184. pi. 10, '

' 8

lyCEX TO PLATES OF LA^'D BIRDS.

XXVll

Psaltriparns melanotis.

I

108, pL 7,

fig

8

Spheotyto hypogaea.

III

90.

minimus.

*'

109, "

9

Spennophila moreleti.

e

II

91, pL 29,

fig.

17

plnmbeus.

"

110, "

*'

10

Sphyropieus nuchalis.

cf

t(

542, pi. 51,

3

Pseudogn-phus califomiaims

<«

9

CC

" >'

"

4

III

333.

ruber.

rf

((

544, "

"

6

Psflorhiniis mono,

9

11

304. pL 42,

"

2

thyroideus.

■3

"

547, pL 56,

"

6

Pyxanga aestiva.

d

I

441, pL 20,

((

5

varius.

cf

"

539, pL 51,

(i

1

**

?

'■

if. (C

t(

6

"

9

"

Ct t(

"

2

cooperi.

<f
9

"

444, "

1
2

williamsoni,
SpizeUa arizonoe.

9

545, "
11.

"

5

hepatica.

J

<(

440, "

"

9

atrigularis.

cf

I

15, pL 26,

"

11

*'

9

*■'

" "

**

10

*'

<f

"

** *»

(£

12

ludoTiciana,

cf

*'

437, "

(C

3

breweri.

11

13, pL 27,

"

4

"

2

"

" "

(£

4

monticola.

"

3, "

It

5

rubra.

<f

((

435, "

"

7

pallida.

"

11, "

"

3

"

9

<t

<( <t

"

8

posilla.

9

"

5, "

"

2

Pjrgita domestica.

*•'

525, pL 23,

*'

12

socialis,

"

7, "

"

1

PjTocephalus mexieanus.

Stamcenas cyanocephala.

<f

II.

387, pi. 44,

(£

5

rflU.

395, pL 58,

"

5

Pyrrhula cassini.

cT

1

457, pL 23,

*'

11

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

>

Pyrrhnloxia sinoata.

d

II

95, pL 30,

((

3

Stellula calliope.

d-

I
II

350. pL 16,
445. pi. 47,

!!

12
9

Quiscalus aeneus.

"

218.

Strix pratincoia.

111

13.

aglieu-s

e

((

221, pi. 37,

"

2

StomeUa magna.

3

II

174, pi. 34,

"

2

macrourus.

tf

ti

225, pL 36,

"

1

neglecta.

cf

"

176, "

"

1

"

9

"

" "

((

2

Stumns vulgaris.

e

"

229, pi. 35,

i(

8

major.

9

»

222 "

((

3
4

Sumia ulula,
Syrcinm cinereum.

III

75.
30.

pnrpureus.

cf

t(

214, pL 37,

"

1

i-ebulosum,
occi-'i^ntale,

t(

34.
38.

Eegnlus calendula.

1.

75, pL 5,

cc

9

cuvieri.

"

if ((

(t

7

Tachycineta bicoi>.

e

I.

344, pL 16,

((

8

satrapa.

ti.

73, "

"

S

thalassina,

J

it

347, "

**

11

RhiDogrypLus aura.

[II.

344.

Thaumatias linnaei.

'

468.

Kostrl^us sociabilis.

cc

209.

Tliryothorus berlandieri.

1.

•4. pL 9,

"

2

bewicki.

<f

*'

145, '

C(

3

Salpinctes obsoletus.

I.

135, pi. 8,

"

3

"

(f

(C

4

Saxicola oenanthe.

"

60, pL 5,

c«

6

leucogaster.

"

147.

Sayomis fuscus.

e

11.

343, pi. 45,

£(

2

ludovicianus.

"

142, "

"

1

nigricans.

d

'*

340, "

((

1

spilurus.

((

147.

sa)-us.

c?

"

347, "

"

3

Trochilns alexandri.

tf

11.

450, pi. 47,

(C

1

Scardaiella inca.

cflll.

387, pL 58,

"

7

colubris.

cf

"

448, "

"

2

Scolecephalus cyanocephalus.

Troglodytes ffidon.

I.

149, pL 9,

(£

5

9

11.

206, pL 35,

(t

3

alascensis.

**

157, "

"

8

ferruginens.

<f

"

20.3, "

*'

4

hyemalis.

"

155, "

'*

9

Scops asio.

III

49.

pacificus.

"

"

"

10

flanimeola.

((

58.

parkmanni.

((

153.

floridana,

"

57.

Turdus alicite.

(C

11, pL 1,

it

3

kenniootti.

"

53.

auduboni.

*'

21, "

"

8

maecalli.

*'

52.

confinis.

"

27, pL 2,

"

1

Seiuras aurocapillns.

I.

280, pL 14,

((

11

fuscescens.

"

9, pi. 1,

•*

5

ludoTicianus,

<f

"

287, "

"

13

iliacus.

it

23, pi. 2,

(C

4

noveboracensis,

d

"

283, "

tc

12

migratorius.

"

25, "

(<

3

Selasphoms platycercus.

mustelinns.

"

7, pL 1,

((

1

(T

II.

462, pL 47,

t(

5

nsevius.

"

29, pi. 2,

"

2

nifiis.

(f

"

459, "

"

4

nanus.

"

20, pi. 1,

**

7

Setophaga picta.

<f

"

pL46,

C(

7

pallasi.

tt

18, "

"

6

"

<f

'*

pi. 56,

C(

3

swainsoni.

((

14, "

t(

4

ruticiUa,

i

I.

322, pi. 16,

((

1

usUilatus,

it

Ct

((

2

"

9

<t

(< t<

"

5

Tyrannus carolinensis,

tf

II.

316, pi. 43,

((

2

Sialia arctica.

"

67, pi. 5,

"

4

eouchi,

tf

"

329, "

**

6

me.xicana.

tt

65, "

((

2

dominicensis.

tf

**

319, "

*'

3

sialis.

"

62, "

"

3

verticalis.

tf

((

324, "

(t

4

Sitta acnleata.

"

117.

Tociferans,

<f

(t

327, "

it.

5

canaden.si.s.

e

"

113, pi. 8,

**

7

"

9

"

(t (fc

*'

8

Vireo atricapillus.

tf

I.

383, pL 17,

it

6

carolinensis,

d

"

114, "

**

1

belli.

tf

**

339, "

**

13

((

9

"

it ((

((

2

hurtoni.

tf

"

387, "

**

12

pnsilla.

"

122, "

((

9

noveboracensis.

<f

"

385, "

"

11

pygmiea.

**

120, "

((

10

pusillus.

(f

''

391, "

"

14

xxviii

INDEX TO

PLATES OF LAND BIRDS.

Vireo vidnior.

<! I. sas, pi

_17, fif;

7

Zc'iuiiila amabilis, cf III

379,

Pl

58,

fig. 3

Viieosylvia barbatul;

, (f " 3<>0,

1

Zenaiihira carolineiisis, cf **

383,

" 2

tlavoriridis,

" 366.

Zonotrichia alblcollis, tf I

574,

pl

26,

" 10

gilva,

d- " 368,

(( ((

3

coioiiata, (f "

573,

"

" 1

olivacea,

d" " 363,

" "

2

gambeli, cf "

569,

pl

25,

" 11

pliiladelpliica,

" 367,

4

{JllV.)

"

" 12

swainsoni,

" 371.

leucojihrys, (Juv.) i "
(f "

566,

:;

" 9
" 10

XantliotTplialus ictei

ocoj)halu.s.

quemla, {Ad.) tS "

577,

pl

26,

" 4

<i 11. 167, pi.

32, "

9

" {fiutumn) "

"

"

" 7

" ? " " pi.

33, "

9

Xantboura luxuosa,

" 29r,, pi.

42, "

1

PLATE LV^I.

6 Ss
= 6

■f -1.

3 O

s

•a

PLATE LVm.

f^ H rt

J) u w

15

PLATE LIX.

Mm

Y. r.

PLATE LX.

5'^

■So*

= «

3 Z

I 2

o =

PLATE LXI

PLATE LXn.

%^^>\>?:

m

o»^3

it

PLATE LXm.

I Ortyx virginianus. ^ Pa.. 1715.
, ■• ■■ ? Pa • •/'•I-

■, •■ tcxanus. d Texas. 4«19-

4. Ortjx lcx.anus. 9 Texas, 9347-
5 Orcorlyx piclus. <^ Ca>.. 3935-
6. Canipc:plas<iunmala. rf New Mcx.. 9386

PLATE LXrV.

vk M^Sk

4*^' _

®

'1).^

<u^

f/^^^Z^

o —

iJ "^^^^

AMNH LIBRARY

100

02976